#Danny: Do you even remember the oath you took?!

[piece-of-pierce]

Danny picked up some traits from his parents. He got his mom’s flexibility and reflexes, his dad’s love of anything chocolate flavored and abnormally great cardiovascular health. The trait they both passed on (to Danny AND Jazz) is an intense need to learn everything they can about what they don’t like.

Jazz remembers what it was like when Uncle Hammond passed and Aunt Alicia got different. She’s terrified of her own emotions effecting her like that some day, so studies psychology like there’s no tomorrow.

Jack and Maddie bonded over their shared fear and death and resulting desire to learn everything they could about it.

Danny can’t stand clowns. They’re dishonest and hide who they are behind heavy makeup and outlandish costumes. Freak show kicks that dislike into a full-on phobia though, so he goes all in on learning everything he can. How does clown school work? What are the requirements to be a clown? What rules do they have to follow? If he knows their limitations, he knows their weaknesses. He will not be caught off guard again.

That knowledge sits in the back of his mind like a comfort blanket. Every so often he’ll dip back in and research if there’s anything that’s changed. He wants to keep on top of any information about his greatest enemies.

Finally, he manages to graduate high school with a 2.7 GPA and 31 on the ACT thanks to his Math and Science scores (and a carefully managed brawling schedule with his rogues). Thanks to those, he managed to get a partial scholarship to Gotham U for Physics and Engineering. He still isn’t sure how he managed that, but he’ll happily take it.

What he won’t take is this FALSE Clown trying to cause trouble right before finals! He’d kept on top of his shit all semester and wasn’t gonna let anyone kidnapping him and some other people off the street get in his way.

Later, the Bats manage to find where the hostages were held because one of them waved down Robin. As in, all the captives had gotten free and when they found the right warehouse, it was to one young man berating the Joker.

“You’re nothing but a modern rendition of the town fool!”

[starlitangels]

Inside-Outside Perspective

I was having some Pups AU brain rot, to no one’s surprise, and a couple people who have left comments are quite supportive of Natalie/Danny so... yeah 2.5k words (Not entirely sure if this is 100% canon to my AU but... I wanted to write it, so I did)

—

“Hello?” Danny’s voice greeted as the call connected.

Natalie almost sagged with relief. “Hey Danny.”

“What’s wrong, Natty?”

“Who says anything’s wrong?”

“Natalie. You never call if you can text. Unless something’s wrong. So, what’s up?”

“Wanna swing by Granny’s with me? Grab a milkshake or something?”

“Sure. You gonna tell me what this is about?”

“When we get there.”

Danny sighed. “Okay. I’ll grab my jacket.”

“Great. I’ll come pick you up in five minutes.”

“See you then.”

—

Danny and Natalie plopped into either side of the corner booth at Granny’s that usually was barely big enough to fit them, their siblings, Evelyn, and Micah. The staff here knew the Shaw pack pups by name.

“Okay. Tell me what’s up,” Danny said.

Ever Milo’s son. No beating around the bush. Natalie smiled and took a drink of her milkshake through the long green straw. Remembering when Gabriel brought her here to tell her he was bisexual, and ask her how to tell their parents. She’d been in Danny’s position then—the one not in-the-know and confused, demanding to know what was going on.

Natalie sighed. “I need a non-shifter who knows about shifters to give me some advice.”

Danny raised a brow. “You? Need advice?”

“Yes, you little snot. Me. I need advice,” Natalie retorted playfully. “I don’t... you know I don’t do this lightly. I hate asking for help. Dad always taught me that the pack leans on each other and supports each other with the alpha and beta at the head to support them all and lead them. The alpha and beta... we’re the ones they lean on. We’re not supposed to do the leaning.”

“And you’re trusting me?”

“Yeah. Like I said, you’re not a shifter, but you know everything about shifters. We were raised in the same damn pack, for heaven’s sake. I need an inside-outside perspective, I think, here.”

“For what?”

Natalie set her milkshake to the side and rested her forehead on folded arms on the table with a sigh. Then she looked up at Danny. “Am I doing this right?”

“Doing what?”

“This.” She gestured vaguely to herself, sitting up properly again. “This whole beta thing. I mean, it’s only been a couple months and I know there are bound to be some... growing pains, I guess—but I feel like... I don’t know! Like I’m going to fail the pack and disappoint my dad and my friends.”

Danny reached across the table and put his hand on Natalie’s arm. “Natalie,” he interrupted. “You’re still new to the job. You have leeway. The pack doesn’t expect you to be perfect right off the bat. They all know your dad raised Gabriel to be the next alpha, not you. And, honestly? I think that makes you even more qualified for the job than your brother. Gabriel stepped down from being the beta because he didn’t want to be in the leadership position. You do. You’ve wanted to serve the pack since we were kids. I heard how much you meant it when you took that oath in the clearing a couple months ago. You want this.”

“But am I ready? I mean, I’m eighteen. Was I too young?”

“No. I mean, if something happened to your dad that left you the alpha at eighteen, then yeah, probably. Not gonna mince words there. But if that happened, Uncle Ash would probably serve as acting alpha for a while until you were old enough to properly take up the position. But you’re plenty old enough to be the beta. You’re learning to be alpha directly under your dad. And he already broke the record for longest-serving alpha in Dahlia, like, three years ago. So you’ll have the most experienced alpha in the city teaching you how to be a good leader.”

Natalie took a deep breath and sighed. “Thanks Danny,” she said softly. She dragged her styrofoam milkshake cup closer to her and took another long drink through the straw, staring into the middle distance at the table.

“Natalie, look at me,” Danny entreated gently, squeezing her arm. Her eyes flicked up to meet his. “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’ve had a crush on you for four years. You’ve known that I have feelings for you since we were fourteen. I mean, that day when you protected me from the fireball from Jacob Keller—I was never going to be the same. 

“So I’m telling you what I’m telling you as someone who loves you. You’re my best friend. I want to see you do well. I’m not telling you that you’re doing fine just because I’m blindly supporting you or whatever. I’m telling you that you’re not failing the pack because I believe that.

“You’re a natural leader. You always have been. Micah doesn’t listen to anyone if it doesn’t suit her but she always listens to you.”

Natalie couldn’t help but chuckle. “Gabriel told me that same thing almost word-for-word when he told Dad he should make me beta in his stead.”

“It’s true. I mean, even my sister obeys you, and she’s the oldest. You’d think she’d be the least-likely to listen to someone so much younger than her. But we respect you and we trust you. We want to see you be the best damn beta this pack has ever seen. You’re our friend. I... I want to see you become the best damn alpha this city has ever seen. And... I know you’re... struggling—”

“I’m not struggling,” Natalie put in immediately.

Danny sighed. “Knew you were gonna say that,” he muttered.

“Daniel, if I was struggling, I would have called Micah and we would have hashed it out in the woods with claws and teeth. But I called you. Because I want advice.”

Danny visibly winced when she used his full first name. No one but David ever called him Daniel—and even then, David only called him that when he was being especially grumpy. “Don’t call me that, Natty, please,” he said around a gag. “Every time someone calls me Daniel I feel like I take three-D-six psychic damage.”

“I know. But I needed you to know that I’m serious when I say I’m not struggling. I’m just... adjusting. And I need some advice on how I can do that better. I need that advice from someone who’s not a shifter.” She took another long drink from her milkshake while Danny did the same.

He huffed out a sigh. “Well,” he said. “I think the best thing you can do is keep trying your best. And know that that doesn’t look the same every single day. Some days you’ll be able to walk through Hell and back for the pack, and other days your best is just getting out of bed in the morning.” He took another drink from his milkshake as he thought. “And, honestly? Listen to your dad. He’s been leading this pack for decades. He knows what he’s doing. And he wants to see you succeed. Your success is his success—and your dad doesn’t lose.”

Natalie nodded slighly, drinking slowly from her straw while staring back at the table again. “Thanks, Danny. I really appreciate that.”

He squeezed her arm again. “C’mon. Let’s go get back in the car. Drive to the trailhead. Maybe hike to the clearing. Some real fresh air, y’know? You and Micah always perk up when we’re outside.”

“Yeah, because we’ve got wolves lurking just beneath our skin.” She made a goofy face at him and got to her feet. “Sure. Let’s get out of here.”

—

“Wow. There are so many memories in this clearing,” Natalie said, leaning back against the fallen log covered in claw marks. “I shifted here for the first time. With my whole family here supporting me. Gabriel was sworn in as beta here. I was sworn in as beta here. I reamed that other alpha we invited to the ceremony right between those trees,” she pointed off to the side. “Micah and I come here all the time to roughhouse. Gabriel beat the hell outta me one time so bad we had to call Sam. Oh man, Dad was mad.”

Danny chuckled. “I remember you telling me about that. You still have the scar on your leg?”

Natalie pulled up her shorts’ leg just enough to reveal a two-inch scar on the top of her thigh. “Yep. Doubt it’ll ever go away.”

Danny resisted the urge to reach out and touch the scar. It was thin and not noticeable if someone didn’t know it was there, but in the summer sunlight it glistened. Instead, he threaded his fingers together. She was sitting so close to him. Even without being a shifter, when the breeze blew just right, he could smell her. The coconut scent of her shampoo was quite distracting.

She’d always sat close to him, long before he had a crush on her, and that hadn’t changed when she realized he had feelings for her. His entire shifter family seemed to have a different definition of personal space than other people he knew.

But Danny didn’t mind, if it meant Natalie was sitting so close that their legs were touching.

“So, you gonna take over the security business from your dad too, someday?” he asked.

Natalie snorted. “Probably. When he retires as alpha. For now, I’m fine running jobs with him and learning how the company works.”

Danny grunted and nodded. “The pack keeps getting bigger. You think you can handle all of us?”

“I will handle all of you,” Natalie declared, a fierce glint in her eye. “And when I’m alpha, whoever my beta is can help me.”

“You thought about who you want as beta? It can’t be me—I’m not a shifter. Micah?”

Natalie snorted again. “Nooo. Micah doesn’t want that kind of responsibility. I’d give it to Gabriel in a heartbeat but he already gave up the position once. He wouldn’t take it if I offered. Right now I’m thinking your sister or Evelyn.”

“Evelyn?”

“Yeah. Asher’s dad was beta before Grampa Gabe made Dad the beta. Then when Dad became alpha, he made Ash beta. Seems like a member of my family and a member of Evelyn’s is the dream team for the Shaw pack. But, honestly, Lily is older, and she’s pretty smart. I’d trust her to have my back too.” Natalie cleared her throat. “Not that it matters yet. I’m not gonna be alpha for, like, eight more years at least. If not more. Dad’s not gonna trust me to be the alpha when I’m twenty-six.”

“He was made alpha at twenty-five.”

“That was different,” Natalie said quickly.

The two lapsed into silence. Danny started twiddling his thumbs. Natalie bounced her foot back and forth, like she’d be tapping it if it was flat on the ground.

Danny turned to look at her. “Are we gonna be okay?” he asked.

Natalie’s eyebrows lowered. She met his gaze. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re the pack beta now, Natalie. You’re the first female beta in the city. I’ve known you my entire life and you’re my best friend. But now that you’re beta, first and foremost I am your subordinate. So is Micah—hell, so is Gabriel. We’re your friends second. Are we gonna be okay?”

“I’m not going to lose myself, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not going to just snap and one day start treating everyone like they’re inferior. This pack is my family. It’s my honor to serve the pack, not rule them. We’ll be fine, Danny. There might be times where I’ll have to step up and act in an official capacity as the beta, and later alpha, regarding my friends, but I’m still me. Does that make sen—Danny, you’re staring at me.”

Danny blinked, realizing he’d been watching her mouth move with her words, absolutely transfixed. He met her gaze. “You’re beautiful.” The words left his mouth before he could stop them.

Natalie looked down and away from him, shoulders curling up toward her ears.

“I-I-I—I didn’t mean to offend you,” Danny stammered. “Honestly I didn’t mean to say that out loud. Just pretend I didn’t. I was just thinking how good you look out here in the soft shade lighting and the way your smile lights up the whole damn clearing and—”

“Can I kiss you?” Natalie interrupted.

Danny cloaked. It was a habit that his body developed more than his mind. Whenever he was surprised or scared, his magic reacted before he did, and he vanished from sight.

“I’ll take that as a no, then,” Natalie said, moving to get to her feet. “Forget I brought it—”

Danny forced himself to become visible again. “No, no!” he protested, putting a hand on her arm to stop her from leaving, but not grabbing. “Sorry. My magic did that before I could think about it. You took me by surprise, is all. I’ve always been jumpy.” He cleared his throat. “If you want to, I’m sure as hell not going to say no. I’ve been daydreaming about kissing you for years.”

Natalie met his gaze again. The smile that lifted her face was small, but her eyes shone bright.

Danny reached up and carefully brushed the baby hairs that escaped her ponytail out of her face. 

 She copied his movements, brushing his wavy, shaggy overlong bangs from his eyes where they usually hung. Her smile widened.

Danny’s heart was beating in his damn throat as she leaned closer.

He closed the gap between them and kissed her.

His daydreams hadn’t been anywhere close to doing it justice.

The kiss was chaste. It lasted only a few seconds.

But it left Danny wanting more. So much more. All it took was one simple, clean kiss—and he was addicted.

Natalie was smiling again. Danny wanted to see that smile every single day for the rest of his life.

“My dad said I’d get over you,” he said quietly. “When I first started crushing on you. He said it was probably just teenage hormones and I’d get over it in a couple months and we’d go back to being nothing more than best friends. I never did. I never hid it, but I never wanted it to get in the way of being your friend. I tried going on dates with other girls at school, and every single time, I told my parents afterward, ‘Well, she was no Natalie, but she was nice.’ I wanted you, but I didn’t want to ruin everything we already had.”

“Oh God, shut up and ruin it already,” Natalie said breathlessly.

“Gladly.” Danny took her face in both his hands and brought her close. Her hands wrapped around the back of his head and neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. Their faces crashed together. Danny’s heart was pounding so hard he wondered if he’d cloaked again.

Natalie could feel her wolf reeling. Why did it take you so long, Shaw? it seemed to ask. She ignored it. The taste of Danny was on her tongue and she wasn’t letting him go any time soon.

[sunnyie-eve]

3 || Treasure Hunt

Series: Treasure Hunt | Without a Paddle

Word count: 1.4k

PREVIOUS

Once he was up they head inside taking in everything again. The four find their treasure chest and open it up since Dan remember the code. "The oath. We swear that these things will remain in this box until we find D.B. Cooper's treasure. Signed, a bunch of kids." Jerry reads.

"Remember we pricked our fingers, took a blood oath? Dan, what's that next to your signature? That's not blood." Tom looks at the paper.

"It was earwax." Dan answers.

"Ugh!" Tom makes a face.

"I was afraid needles." Tom fakes gags.

The things they put in back then they get back to look at. Dan got his C-3PO, Jerry had his Brian Bosworth rookie card, Tom had his first rubber, and for Parker it was bracelet her favorite teacher got her for her birthday. They end up seeing that Billy put the compass back in then plotted out a whole trip to find the treasure.

"This is the camping trip he wanted up to take last summer." Jerry points out.

"I couldn't go. I was detained in Mexico." Tom tells the group.

"I couldn't because there was no way Rick would let me go in a trip with four guys." Parker adds.

"And he wouldn't do it unless we were all together." Dan says.

"I swear to god, I think he figured it out. I mean, look at all this research. He reconstructed the jump. He pinpointed D.B.'s landing. I'm sorry, you guys, we made an oath. It all goes back in the box. It all goes back in the box until we find the treasure. So let's go find it. Let's... let's take Billy's trip. Come on, guys, what do you say?" Jerry takes everything standing up.

"I say, hell, yes." Tom agrees.

"Hell, yes! Right?" Jerry gets excited.

"We'll get a canoe." Parker joins them agreeing.

"No. No, I'm... No." Dan shakes his head.

"Oh, we're all going. Listen, I wanna get a lot of rope." Tom ignores him,

"A rope's good. Like in D&D?" Jerry does the same.

"I know you guys won't grasp this concept, but I have patients and... I am a doctor now. I am Dr. Mott now! I have responsibilities!" Dan has to yell because they were ignoring him.

"You responsibility is to come treasure hunting with us. We're 30. I mean, this might be the last chance we have to do something incredibly stupid together." Jerry tells him.

"I... I agree." Tom tells him.

"For one, I turn 30 next month. But I agree too and I need this. For Billy, Dano." Parker gives him a look.

"Not fair." He crosses his arms.

"I think it's fair. All right. Time to re-up on our oath, boys. Fingers up." Tom pulls out his pocket knife.

"Hey, put that away. Tom..." Dan gets scared.

"I love the way you work." Jerry laughs.

"And you know who I'm taking to." Tom tells him.

"There is no way I'm going. No, chance." The three wait a second before jumping up to grab him.

"No! You guys, no! Hey. Let go of me! Your being... Hey! No, no. No!" Dan screams as they hold him so Tom can cut his finger some.

"Now you have to go, Danny boy." Parker smiles pinching his cheeks.

"Dickless next?" Tom wipes the blade off eyeing her.

"God it's been ten years since I've been called that." She smirks putting her finger out to him.

"See she's man enough to do it." Jerry laughs as Dan complains about his finger.

"Well do it, babe." She tell Tom so he does it. She doesn't even hiss because she's been cut buy flying glass so many times at home. Jerry then does it then Tom. "For Billy!" She shouts and both of them holler while Dan just shakes his head.

~

The next day the four get in Duke to drive for our trip. "Just remember my rules while I drive." Dan says as they all pile into the car.

"You are the best for the driving because you are the safest."

"What are you going to tell your dick Rick? You said last night you said you would be back after the funeral." Jerry asks looking back at Parker.

"Hey, let's not talk about negative things on the trip. It's just us for going on a treasure hurt. No talk about our lives outside of this adventure." She says as Tom wraps an arm around her shoulder drinking his beer.

"I agree with this dick here." He says as she take his beer drinking it.

"Get your own drink babe. This is mine." He takes it back from her.

"The beer is in the back and Dan won't let me turn around to get any nor will he pull over." She reach for the beer.

"Jerry, get your girl. She listens to you." Tom slaps her hand away.

"Parker." Jerry looks back at her.

"I just want to sip." She leans forward closer to him giving him a look.

"Don't fall for the look! It's always been your weakness!" Tom shouts making her lean back to hit him. "Never worked on me though." He makes a face so a lightbulb go off in her head.

"No, but..." She smiles placing her hand on his knee squeezing it making him pass her the beer.

"What did you do?" Jerry looks back at them.

"Tommy here has a different weakness I found out about accidentally Junior year." Parker smiles handing him back the beer.

"It makes me uncomfortable!" He shouts.

"Lies, you're just embarrassed because how it makes you feel." She laughs and he looks out the window knowing she was right.

"Inside thing?" Jerry asks.

"A personal thing that we should not be talking about." Tom speaks up so they drop it.

Parker looks at Tom making him stare at her annoyed she brought it up. During junior year Tom thought it would be funny to play are you nervous yet, and when he did it to her it never bugged her... Well he didn't know she was nervous at some point but she held it back. So when it was her turn to do it to him he got nervous right away. He knew why but never wanted to admit to himself he like her like that.

"I hate you guys." Dan says while driving.

"Oh, we hate you, too, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." Tom leans forward kissing Dan's cheek.

"Hey! Hey! I agreed to come. You said I could drive. We drive by my rules. No kissing me." Dan tells him.

"I cannot believe that Billy kept the Duke in running shape all these years." Jerry sighs.

"318 V8, man. They're bulletproof." Tom tells him.

"How about a lite Fort Cooper classic?" Jerry shows the mixtape before putting it in.

"This is rocking Billy Newwood. I'm here with my fellow DJs, Jazzy Jerry..." A young Billy says.

"Yeah!" A young Jerry yells.

"Gonzo Tommy." Tom them repeats a younger him.

"Disco Dan." Billy says and Dan goes burn, baby, burn.

"And Dickless Parker." She laugh as she cheers on the tape.

"And we have a special dedication by Dan's Mom, entitled, I've had sex with Tom." A young Tom says.

"I totally did, though." Tom says as the song starts.

You see it all around you Good lovin' gone bad And usually it's too late when you, realize what you had And my mind goes back to a girl I left some years ago (Who told me) Just hold on loosely But don't let go

They all sing along to the song then go down a long road of memory lane.

"But I'm never off, always on the break of dawn, C-O-N-P-T-O-N. And the city they call Long Beach, Putting the shit together." They all rap.

"And if it's good enough to take them off a proper chunk, I'll take a small piece of some of that funky stuff, It's like this and like that and like this and..." Dan keeps rapping.

"How do you know all these words?" Jerry asks so Dan says doctors study other doctors work making them laugh before rapping again.

NEXT

[danny-chase]

Big Brother instinct, Dick and either Cass, Gar, Danny Chase, Steph, Kara, Rose, or anyone else u want

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman (Comics), Nightwing (Comics), Batgirl (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dick Grayson & Cassandra Cain, Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne Characters: Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, Bruce Wayne Additional Tags: Dick grayson centric, Fire, Burns, hair styling, Ice Cream, Hurt/Comfort, Late Nights, Fluff and Angst, Batfamily (DCU), Batfamily (DCU) Feels, Batfamily Dynamics (DCU), Missions Gone Wrong, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain is bad at feelings, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings Series: Part 11 of Bad Things Happen Bingo Summary:

Dick talks with Cass after a mission doesn't go as planned.

Fic under cut

“Argh!” Dick snaps back to attention as Bruce’s angry grunt rattles through the cave. The few bats still in for the night stir, their wings rustling in the distance. An avalanche of papers fly off of Bruce’s desk, and his grizzled form slumps forward, hands firmly planted on the table. His shoulders sag under some unknown strain; as if he’s carrying the weight of the sky.

“Hmm.” Dick blinks back another wave of exhaustion, he’s not working on a case – but Bruce is – and company always makes working more fun. Besides, Bruce is on a time limit and Alfred can’t stop him from escaping his room. So. Here he is. He took an oath - it’s his job to help.

Dick’s eleven and Bruce’s a pillar of reassurance – a precariously stacked pile of rocks constantly on the verge of crumbling. He has no idea how to pick up the pieces. No idea how to seal the cracks. “Bruce?” He mumbles, swinging his legs off his spinny chair. Bruce doesn’t look up, his mouth drawn in a tight line. The ghost of tears well in his eyes. Not good.

Dick scoots off the chair, lightheaded for a moment. He shakes the stars out of his eyes, nodding back and forth, up and down, like Bruce does when he’s sleepy. It’s late. He has school tomorrow. Not that it matters. Bruce will let him skip if he asks the right way. He jogs in place for a few seconds, readying himself, warming up his muscles.

There’s not much he can do to help, but he can at least put on a little show. He runs forward launching into a cartwheel, picking up the papers as he goes – Bruce likes his tricks, sometimes they even make him laugh, sometimes –

Bruce snags his ankle out of the air, his quick reflexes saving Dick from crashing into the edge of a counter. He finds himself hanging, the world stuck upside down as his hands dangle inches from the floor. “Thanks.” He looks up at Bruce’s weary face.

A yawn escapes his lips, and the corners of Bruce’s mouth twitch. “I’m going to have to child-proof the cave at this rate.” He tries for humor but it falls flat, his hearts not in it all.

He stares up, sticking his tongue out. Bruce’s frown doesn’t fade. “Are you okay?” He asks. Bruce’s hands fumble, and Dick swings dangerously low to the floor before he’s recovered. Not willing to take the chance again, he curls up, grabbing Bruce’s forearms and pulls himself up through his arms, settling himself on sturdy shoulders.

Bruce drops his feet. “I’m fine. Why would ask that?” He sounds almost hurt and Dick’s too tired to figure out why.

He slides down easily, Bruce gently deposits him on the floor. “You looked sad.” A yawn leaves his mouth without permission, he stumbles slightly, and a hand clamps down on his shoulder. He reaches back up, and Bruce throws him up against his shoulder, wrapping him in a hug.

Dick yawns contently, his eyelids fluttering without his permission, as Bruce starts walking towards the stairs. “I’m sorry…” The arm around his back pulls him a bit tighter. “I’m just not enough.” A shaking hand combs through his hair and Dick squeezes back because he doesn’t know what to say.

Bruce grunts as he takes a step up the stairs. “Sleep on it?” Dick suggests, resting his eyes for just a moment.

“Mmhmm. It’s bedtime.” Dick’s half asleep by the time they reach the top. He’s not sure he hears Bruce whisper, “You’re a great kid, chum.”

It took Dick years before he really understood the feeling. And even more years before he made the connection that that was how Bruce had felt on late nights spent scouring for clues that just didn’t seem to exist, having worked for days straight on three hours of sleep, and watching Gotham send all of it up in flames setting you back months on an investigation.

He’s learned there’s nights it’s impossible to save everyone – hell, he’s seen Clark get his ass kicked, and Clark’s damn near close to god. Dick would know – the Titans have fought their namesake. But the Titans have fought humans and lost despite half their members being godlike, and besides that most days now he’s alone. It doesn’t matter how hard he tries, how much he plans, how prepared he is; sometimes things just go to hell and a handbasket and there’s nothing he can physically do to prevent it.

Most of the time, he’s fine with that. It’s fine he has limits. Logically, he knows he can’t be expected to everything. Logically, he knows it’s a waste of time to worry about it. Logically, he knows it’s okay to take a night off, watch a nature documentary, invite a friend over, stay in and spend the night simply existing.

But it feels like he could be doing more – should be doing more. He feels that restlessness overtake him, and springs to his feet “Bruce I-”

Bruce gives him his patented bat-glare from where he’s sitting, looking up from a familiar pile of papers. Once it would have intimidated him into sitting back down. Now he just returns it with a patented one of his own. “-I think I’ll suit up and head out for the night, Tim could probably use some back up with-”

“Dick.” There’s this exasperated tone that Bruce can only ever seem to muster when saying his name. He pauses for a just a second, his eyes flickering down to Bruce’s clenched fists and tight shoulders. “Let me handle it.” It comes out as an order, but reading between the lines, it’s a plea.

Bruce would never admit it out loud, worry practically bleeds out of the man. Guilt gnaws on the inside of his chest, though, he’s not sure what it’s even from; the guilt of making Bruce worry or the guilt of being a useless sack of broken and bruised ribs while people need Nightwing’s help. Being benched sucks, but he knows enough to compromise. “Let me run the comms? Babs could use a night off.” She sleeps less than him and Bruce knows it.

The gray streaks in Bruce’s hair stand out all the more as he lets out a bone deep sigh. Dick rolls his eyes – he doesn’t get to do this right now. “You literally let me go out last night I don’t understand why-”

“Last night was an emergency. I didn’t have a choice.” His frown widens, his face etched in an eternal look of pain, mixed with disproval. “Two nights ago… you almost…” His mouth seals itself shut, unspoken words hanging in the air between them. It’s Bruce that breaks the gaze first. “Run the comms, don’t overexert yourself. It should be a quiet night…” He stands, hesitates before walking off “And get to bed early.”

Dick bites back a laugh, Bruce hasn’t talked to him like that since he was thirteen. “Alright.” He resists the urge to poke fun, and follows Bruce through the passage behind the grandfather clock.

“So Ives was talking about the Pirates of the Caribbean movie with me the other day, and we might go see it this weekend if I have the time. Gee- I can’t remember the last time I saw movie in theaters or even really hung out with him.” Tim’s endless chatter helps him stay awake in the dimly lit cave. His throbbing ribs help too, maybe he shouldn’t have tried doing push-ups. “Dad and Dana want to drop me off, but Ives has a car now, though dad’s still worried cuz of the time some wacko tried to stop us at a traffic light.”

Dick hums, a smile creeping its way up his face. “I can drop you off if it’s an issue.”

“Really?! That’d be awesome, you could stay for the movie if you wanted to, but I don’t know if you’d like it, I mean are pirates really your thing? I always figured you’d be more into Vikings or probably aliens actually, or something like-” A red light flashes on the screen, and Dick snaps to attention.

“Hold that thought.” Tim’s chatter ceases immediately as Dick furiously types on the terminal. He punches into the main line. “Batgirl how fast can you get to the corner of 16th and Murphy’s Ave, there’s a building on fire and you’re the only one anywhere near the Upper East Side.” A 911 operator calms down a hysterical woman in his left ear, Cass asking direction in the right.

He pulls up a map. “I-I can’t find a way out!” The woman shrieks. “I don’t know what happened, I was sleeping and-” she breaks off into raspy hacks.

“Go straight, turn right after three blocks down.” Dick winces, as the lady continues chocking on smoke. “C’mon Cass. Get there.” He mutters off the line. He eyes his cycle sitting idly in the bay – he’s twenty minutes out; Cass needs backup. He opens up another line. “Batman I need you to follow Batgirl, what’s your eta?”

Bruce grunts back, he hears thudding over the line. “Fifteen minutes.” The woman screams in his other ear, he yanks the earbud out as a massive bang nearly blows out his eardrum. Picking it back up, he can’t hear the woman anymore, only the roar of flames and falling debris.

“Shit.” He pulls up video from a street camera. “Shit.” The building’s collapsing in on itself. “Permission to call the league?” He clicks through to their line of communications, his finger hovering over the button.

“Here.” Cass scrambles into view, bursting through a window. Shit.

Bruce learned his limits long ago. Dick’s finally settling into his. Cass? They simply don’t register on her radar. The buildings coming down in mere minutes; she’s going to get killed.

“What’s the situation?” Bruce yells in his ear.

“Batgirl get out of there!” He screams at Cass. She’s going to die – the building’s not stable, and he’s the one that sent her there. “Make it five minutes – the building’s coming down.” He yells to Bruce. “Batgirl!” He watches a few windows blow out. A firetruck careens down the street.

“Permission granted.” Bruce huffs and Dick can’t click the button fast enough.

A couple more windows blow out, and the building seems to lean to the side. Finally he sees Cass climb back out a window, holding a couple kids in her arms as she leaps to the ground. “BATGIRL GET THEM CLEAR!” His heart pounds in his throat as she runs forwards, the building groaning behind her, crumbling to the side. Chaos erupts, chunks of flaming debris cascading from the top of the building, as the second floor merges with the first.

Dick blinks, his mouth dry. “There’s more people-” he can’t hear Cass over the ensuing cacophony as he watches the building topple to the ground. “NO!” He faintly hears her scream as the screen erupts in static.

Dick slams his fists on the desk. His chest constricts painfully. “Nightwing. Report.” Bruce’s steady voice reminds him to breathe. His chest spasms. Shit. “Nightwing!” Bruce demands as he tries to catch his breath.

“Building collapsed.” He manages to get out. “One sec.” He takes a few deep breaths, leaning back in the chair for support. “Batgirl report.” He’s greeted with silence. “Batgirl, please, if you’re there I need you to respond.”

“I…” Cass trials off. Dick sighs in relief. “I’m sorry.” The line cuts off. Well. Shit.

“Nightwing! I’m headed to the location.” Bruce squawks. Dick sighs.

“It’s going to be a long night. Search and rescue, I’ll call in backup.” Shit. So much for an early bedtime.

“Hey.” Someone shakes his shoulder. He makes a grab for their wrist and misses, his mind processing where the hell he is. He blinks a few times.

“Cass?” Her hair’s plastered to the side of her head and she’s covered in soot. Nicks, rips, and tears decorate her costume. Dick wipes his eyes as the ashy smell of smoke overwhelms his senses. Cass takes a few steps back, heading towards the locker room. “Wait.” He had something to say to her, his mind racing to catch up.

She hops up onto a counter. His mind shuffles through the events earlier in the night. “Bruce sent you back?” Cass nods glumly. The rescue efforts weren’t going well when he dozed off. The JLA sent in everyone they could spare; there’s nothing they can do anymore. Not that Bruce won’t try.

Cass’s lips are sealed. There’s a haunting expression in her eyes, her shoulders slump forward, her hands firmly plant themselves on the counter for support.

And his friends think he’s too much like Bruce.

“Hey.” He starts. She gives him a weary look, tears welling in her eyes. Well, maybe not exactly like Bruce. “Look, I’m sorry I put you in that position.” Cass shakes her head. “Sometimes things like this happen. I should have-”

“Stop.” Cass pulls her feet up on the counter, getting dust everywhere. “I should have been faster.” She swallows, refusing to let the tears spill over. “My fault.”

Dick watches as she glides off the counter, yanking off her gloves and dropping them on the floor. Burn marks dot her hands and the edges of her hair are singed. “You did everything you could.” She hesitates, before taking a step towards the showers.

“Not enough.” She mutters before storming off, leaving a trail of soot in her wake.

He stands up. “Cass.” The lock snaps shut with a click as she slips into the bathroom. Leaving Dick in an empty cave once more.

By the time he returns downstairs, Cass is already out of the shower, looking displeased. “You took my clothes.” She notes unhappily, a pale pink towel tucked tightly around her shoulders.

Dick watches water drip down from her hair, pattering on the floor. The trail leading back to the bathroom is now mixed with water and soot. Alfred’s going to be pissed. “I took your costume.” He clarifies. “And I brought you clothes.” He gestures towards the open door.

Cass scowls, planting her feet defiantly. “I’m going out.” She reaches out a hand. Dick shrugs – there’s no way she can find where he hid her filthy suit before they get a chance to wash it.

It’s all too familiar, reading the lines across her brow, watching her shoulders slump when she stills, and scanning red rimmed eyes. “What are you going to do like that?” He points out, Cass angrily storming towards him. “You’re tired, you’ll just end up being in the way.” He dodges left as a fist flies past his face. “You would have hit if I wasn’t right.” She’s faster than him on his best days.

She glares at him with pursed lips, staring before turning on her heel and storming off towards the bathroom. The door slams behind her, triggering the rustling of far away wings.

Dick sighs – he hopes he wasn’t this temperamental when he lived with Bruce. “Come up to the kitchen when you’re done, I need your help with something.” The lie rolls easily off his tongue, though he feels a twinge of guilt as Cass groans behind closed doors.

Cass’s eyes widen as she enters the room. Dick offers a smile as she edges closer to the table. He tosses a spoon, she snags it out of the air. “Dig in.” There’s a carton of chocolate ice cream – double chocolate chunk brownie sundae with hot fudge and chocolate sprinkles to be precise – and tons of candy. It’s not stuff Bruce keeps around, but Dick’s has a stash at Tim’s house reserved for movie nights. He’ll restock later.

Cass vigorously stabs the ice cream with her spoon, a smile dancing across her face as she takes a few bites. She pauses, sticking the spoon back in the cartoon, looking up with a confused expression. “Why?” She’s wearing fluffy pajama bottoms, fuzzy socks, and an old worn college sweatshirt that’s frayed at the hems. Dick can almost pretend he’s back, talking to Donna after she broke up with Roy their sophomore year of high school.

She’s watching Dick carefully. He hums casually. “You had a rough night.” This is what the Titans always did. She shrugs.

“Things happen.” She shovels a few more bites into her mouth. “I want to go out.” It’s hard for Dick to find her tough and grizzled when she’s guzzling gummi worms, kicking her feet back and forth on the stool.

“Consider this a reason to stay in.” She gives him a sideways glance. “You did as much as you can, that’s enough.” Cass looks pointedly at her ice cream, not hesitating before diving back into it.

“Spar with me?” She licks a skittle before sticking it in her mouth.

Dick snorts. “If I don’t have a heart attack, I think Bruce would.” She snaps up to attention, grabbing his wrist and quickly finding his pulse point. “I’m fine, Cass.” Her hands are freezing. He places one of his on top of hers. “If you weren’t there I wouldn’t have been.” He says quietly, catching her eye. “Thank you.” She pulls back as if burned, quickly busying herself with the candy. He waits a moment before adding, “I think those kids you saved are grateful too.”

Cass throws a bag of M&M’s at him, he’s a second too slow and it pelts him in the face. “Noted.” He grins. “Uh, also, I’m going to have to do something with your hair.”

“What.”

“Cass, hold still.” She immediately stops squirming under his hands. “Thanks.” She hums back, tucked under an old blanket that never seems to leave the back of the couch. Bruce still isn’t here, but Tim checked in after his stakeout, and headed home a half an hour ago. He snips away another lock of burnt hair, tossing it into a trash can next to him.

He rests his forearms on the back of the sofa, contemplating which section of her hair to start with next. “You find one you like yet?” He asks, peeking over her shoulder at the images of hairstyles.

“Uhh.” She scrolls a bit more. “I don’t care.” She tosses the phone up to the top of the couch.

“Mmm.” He didn’t expect much else. Donna texted him a picture earlier to copy – something easy to pull back but still stylish. He attacks the next section, carefully brushing out the tangles, starting bottom to the top. He’s oddly grateful for all those times he did Donna and Kory’s hair.

‘Practice for when Bruce finally adopts a girl.’ They used to tease. ‘You’ll have a real sister, and if his track record holds she’ll have black hair and blue eyes.’ He’s never lived the irony down. Though, Cass’s eyes are a beautiful warm brown, so Donna and Kory can take that.

“You know.” He keeps his tone light. “Most hairdressers and their clients talk.” Cass remains set in stony silence. “Though I guess most people go to a salon to get their hair cut.” He just visits Joey. “Some people say it’s like free therapy.”

“You talk a lot.” Cass notes. He pulls up doodle jump on his phone and passes it back to her. She plays a couple rounds before the phone’s placed back beside him.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He already knows the answer, but still asks all the same.

“No.” Bruce never wanted to either. Barbara used to talk to him… before he left for the Titans and took years to look back. Though he likes to dream otherwise, he knows there’ll come a day when Tim won’t want to talk to him anymore either.

It doesn’t get any easier being shut out. “That’s alright. If you change your mind I’m here.” He grabs the shears, snipping away another dead end.

“Thanks.”

“Dick.” A hiss awakes him, light following soon after. He squints, turning away to bury his face in a cushion. “Where’s Cassandra?”

He turns, eyes snapping open as he quickly scans the sofa. The blanket hangs off the edge, Cass nowhere to be seen. One of her custom batarangs sticks out of his armchair’s armrest, a few inches from his hand. “She must have found her costume.” He notes, glancing towards the pajamas crumpled in the doorway. His eyes meet Bruce’s as he lets out a tired sigh.

His hair’s dripping, fresh from a shower, and it’s singed at the edges. Dick nods towards the sheers on the coffee table. “Tomorrow.” Bruce decides, crossing the room, picking up the blanket as he goes. Dick pushes down the footrest, slowly rising to his feet. His ribs twinge at every move, in hindsight, falling asleep hanging off the side of an armchair wasn’t his best idea. Bruce hovers closer than normal, watching carefully, worry lines set in concern. “Bed.”

Dick’s too tired to argue. “Bed.” He agrees. And though Bruce doesn’t carry him, he accompanies him up the stairs.

[mytastessuck]

Gorillaz: Humanz

SHere it is, the comeback tour! I was so excited for this album, I sucked all the singles that came out before I could download the album. This album basically reminded me of the reasons I love Gorillaz. All of them. One particular reason a little too well...

Okay, let's get the elephant out of the room. This album is a bit controversial among the community for playing a little too hard to one of Gorillaz' strengths: showcasing cool artists. There are more than a few tracks where Damon doesn't even show up. Hell, my favorite track doesn't even have it on him. Me, I honestly don't care about that as long as I get to hear good music but for the rest of you die hard Gorillaz fans? Just think of this as a compilation album like NOW That's What I Call Alternative/Indie Hip-Hop/R&B/Electronica/Pop.

See? Rolls off the tongue. Now let's get started.

1. Intro: I Switched My Robot Off

Nice. Real ominous. Gorillaz really know how to build up a presentation. Feels like you're walking through the doors of the doors to the Shrine of the Silver Monkey. Anybody remember Legends of the Hidden Temple? Were there doors on that stage? Anyway, awesome.

10/10

2. Ascension

Holy hell, Vince really knocks it out of the park on this one. Different beat, nice flow, social commentary...He was not fucking around on this track. Damon's barely on the track but Vince makes up for it with his existential rhymes and chorus back-up. Man, Gorillaz has gotta take advantage of gospel more often.

9/10

3. Strobelite

That didn't take long, did it? Anyway, this is my favorite song on the album. Peven has an incredible voice, the music psychically compels you to dance and...that's it. Sometimes, well usually with me, you just need to go with Simple Yet Awesome. Have a good voice and a good beat. This song has both and I'm pretty sure that one day, a scientist will hear this song and will be inspired by it to cure diabetes.

100/10

4. Saturn Barz

Ah, the lead single from the album. Remember the 360 house, everyone? Yeah, you remember. Glad to have Gorillaz welcome back Reggae into their line-up with Popcaan manning the helms. He and Damon tag-team the eardrums with the power of dread as the instrumentation makes you feel like you're in a haunted house. Welcome back, guys.

25/10

5. Momentz

WELCOME BACK, GUYS! De La Soul returns to say some real shit about time and how you should, respect and stuff. Seriously, awesome track. Kicks so much ass and you can even dance to it as you wonder if this MOMENT will be one of the last times when you feel really happy. Nice...

9/10

6. Interlude: The Non-Conformist Oath

Hey, Steve Martin! I like to imagine a bunch of assholes listening to this and...just not getting it. Not us though. We get it. We're smart. Smarter than those guys...

10/10

7. Submission

This song had to grow on me but years after I got the album and after I learned to appreciate Danny Brown a little more like all humans should, this song became one of my favorites off the album. Don't worry Kelela, he doesn't carry the whole song. Her voice is so beautiful that it can calm a charging rhino or a coked-up Connor McGregor. These make the song a lot classier than it had any right being.

90/10

8. Charger

She's beauty, she's Grace...she's also Jones. Man, I haven't heard from this woman since Corporate Cannibal and she has clearly been keeping up practice. God, how can a woman's laughter both scare and arouse me? Damon's no slouch on this track either, singing about the monster that keeps us all tethered: the charger. I kid, I kid. Hey, did Damon really get a boner on stage when he sung this or are you guys messing with me? Message me if you know.

9/10

9. Interlude: Elevator Going Up

On a recent trip, I tried to go up the elevator but it was card-activated so a desk lady had to help me. That's it.

8/10

10. Andromeda

Damon has to do the heavy lifting here and his muscles have not completely wasted away from lack of use. He tells us to take in our heart and you know what? I did. I took this song directly in my heart...and my playlist.

50/10

11. Busted And Blue

Yeah, this song is a bummer. A good bummer. It's Broken's younger brother who joined the army to make his parents proud after he couldn't get into university like his older brother who managed to form a separate family with his squad and began to think that maybe he was good enough after all before his squad gets bombed and, as he lies legless dying painfully on the ground, a blue butterfly land directly on his outstretched busted hand...

Directed by Mervyn LeRoy

10/10

12. Interlude: Talk Radio

You ever wonder how we get voices in machines? I know you think it's a complicated process but I know a dude who picked up the radio in his electric fan once. Think about it.

8/10

13. Carnival

Again, this song had to grow on me but one day, while I was thinking about Gamzee for a godforsaken reason, I thought "Geez, he talks about the Dark Carnival and the Dark Carnival isn't even some of ICP's best days. What's a good song about a carnival?" Anyway, Anthony can spin a person's mind and mind around just by singing. He's wild.

80/10

14. Let Me Out

Hey, wouldn't it be funny if Mavis was Vince's mother? She's not but that would be funny as well as cool. Her and Pusha T bang on the walls of this track as they rant about the politics at the time of this song. Yeah, they're talking about Trump. That car horn can't protect you forever, you orange bastard.

9/10

15. Interlude: Penthouse

Dear Penthouse: Hi. Does anyone check in on you, just you? I'm here to say I think you're important and you provide a necessary outlet for men to brag about being perverts. At least before the Youtube comment section existed.

Thanks for everything,

mytastessuck

8/10

16. Sex Murder Party

Ooooo, this track puts me in a funky mood. Like, there's a part but there's sex there...and MURDER. So you know it's an awesome party. Kick-ass, right? I know it's kick-ass. Keep dancing, people.

11/10

17. She's My Collar

Pretty sexy song. Gotta love people vauging about being used in a song. That's why we love Offspring, that's why we love Damon on his knees onstage. Hey, there was a post that said Noodle wrote this song about her girlfriend. That was an excellent post. Well done.

9/10

18. Interlude: The Elephant

I SAID GET OUT OF HERE, YOU BASTARD!

8/10

19. Hallelujah Money

Ah, the technical first single. Remember when they said that they weren't going to put this song on the album? Anyway, this is exactly the song we needed after The Incident occurred. Benjamin manages to calm down an entire populace while Damon just fearfully wonders what our future will be like...and he's in the UK. This song is one long terrifying lullaby to an entire country...until the end, anyway.

75/10

20. We Got The Power

A great way to remind listeners that no matter what's happening, no matter who's in charge, we have the power change everything. An excellent message for people who were still recovering from The Incident.

10/10

21. Interlude: New World

Okay, the bonus tracks. Should be nothing special here, right? Just some B-sides and I've never shown favoritism towards B-sides, right?

8/10

22. The Apprentice

A nice song from the same Rag n' Bone Man who brought us "Human". Zebra manages to lay down some nice rhymes as Ray BLK backs them both up with the force of her voice. These guys should form a team with how well they work together. Oh, they should make a virtual band! All they need to do is find an artist...

9/10

23. Halfway To The Halfway House

A very nice song if a bit overshadowed by the others on the album. Still, Peven can't be beat when it comes to crooning and he raises a song from a solid C to a B.

8/10

24. Out of Body

This song had to grow on me also but when it did...lord, this song is weird. Hypnotic suggestions, telephone tones, the song starts then Zebra jumps in to help then who is this person?! Why are people applauding?! Who are you people?! Why are there so many crows gathering outside my house?!

60/10

25. Ticker Tape

Well well well, look who's back. Damon returns with his old friend Kali to join the accuser of the vain Carly Simon to beg us to stay on the album. Sorry Damon, but I got places to do and people to go. There's nothing you can do to convince me to stick around after how long this album already is.

9/10

26. Circle of Friendz

Huh. Seems like a riot is going on. Weird for Gorillaz to get this real. What, this guy is just going to keep saying Circle of Friendz again and again? Is this supposed to affect me? Get real. It'll take a lot more than a nice voice and implications to...

To...

...

...Maybe I should listen to the album again.

11/10

Album score: 25/10

Damn, that took a while. Shouldn't be the case next week when we cover The Now Now. See you then!

[poptod]

The Dead Heed No Lies (Ch. 17)

Description: The Duat holds a great many rooms and a fair amount of Gods, and there is never a way of telling which will kill you and which will help you.

Notes: I am SO SORRY about not updating this for several days!! i spent some time with my friend danny and things sort of got out of control and she spent a couple days over at my house. I’ll be spending some time at her house starting tomorrow since my parents are headed out of town (business). Anyway, welcome to the Duat. Word Count: 4k

Chapter Seventeen: A Guide in Death’s Valley

A force blew through you, as though some creature were looking straight into your soul, an examination that burnt into your skin. You shut your eyes tight, trying to steady your grip on Ahk. The experience lasted only a matter of seconds, but by the time you reached the other side of the door, both of you were exhausted, panting and lying on the ground. Coughing, you made a weak effort to stand, only to fall back down on your knees. When you looked up, your eyes burning with tears, you saw a black sky above you, black earth beneath you, and a black valley ahead of you. Strangely, there were no metallic scents in the air – only lavender, and a distant honey.

"Remember," Ahk said with a grunt, rolling onto his back and staring at the sky, "we aren't dead. I don't think we'll have to... to go through all the, uh, trials, and things."

"You're helpful," you mumbled sarcastically, slowly standing up, and helping Ahk when you accomplished that.

The both of you stood there for a moment longer, watching the way the landscape seemed to breathe with a life of its own. Dark hills rolled down to make a shallow valley, where a thin stream ran beside you, its darkness an indicator of your presence. Palming at your waist, you grabbed your notebook. You opened it up to the map you'd drawn of Duat, the majority of it a graphite mess, but the replica of the Book of Two Ways' map would be of great use to you.

"So where are we?" Ahk asked, coming to stand beside you and look at the map in your hands.

"I'd say we're here," you said, pointing to a blank space, "meaning the first trial and tribulation would be snake chambers and squatting gods. Any idea what squatting gods are?"

"Absolutely no clue," he said.

What a comfort, you thought dully, snapping the book shut and hiding it back in your shirt. Stretching out your aching arms, the two of you began forward, the dull light of a clouded sky leading the way. He kept one hand intertwined with yours and the other on the hilt of his dagger, wary eyes glancing in every direction of the cavernous valley.

It took only a few minutes to reach the first room of what you knew to be a long hallway. Your map, though probably more incorrect than correct, predicted there to be rooms on either side of the valley, caves and homes where monsters and Gods sit with their trials and hardships for the ahk, or spirit, to pass. But you didn't belong here. Ahkmenrah might have belonged there, what with him not actually being alive, but you did not – you were flesh and bone through every day and night, and you weren't hoping to change that any time soon. That difference in you, that set you apart from everything else. Of course, you didn't notice this until Ahk pointed it out, stopping your trek to inform you.

"You're kind of... glowing," he told you, tilting his head curiously as he looked at you.

"I am the only living thing in the Duat. Probably not helpful, but there's not much we can do now," you said with a shrug. He agreed, nodding, and the two of you continued on your way, watching the hills for any sign of movement.

When the hills began to grow around you, reaching higher and higher into the sky, you heard whispers. Promises of a better life, murmurs of knowing something better than yourself. There you paused, as Ahk did, looking in every direction for the source of the voices. No movement, no falling pebbles, nothing at all, nothing but you and him.

"What are they telling you?" You asked in a hushed voice, your back pressed against his.

"They say I can be with my brothers, and my people," he answered, a breath caught in his throat. "What can you hear?"

You didn't want to say, as the moment he asked the whispers turned from general to oddly specific. At first it had been whispering grants of power, ways to a fruitful life, luring you into the life of a gold-starved Pharaoh. But when you spoke the tone changed, from hissing to hums. They murmured in your ear, close enough you could feel the heat of their words, telling you love is easy, you can take what you want, do not feel stricken with duty, it is all a lie, take what you want.

"They're telling me I can use the tablet to bring back the people I study," you lied.

"Should we keep moving?"

"I don't think there's much else we can do," you mumbled, and as he grasped your hand once more, you came to, and left with him.

As you walked forward the voices grew louder, louder and louder until you couldn't hear your footsteps over them. Trying your hardest to keep an even breath, you willfully ignored them, till Ahk pulled at your arm, stopping you in your tracks. Turning to him, you followed his line of vision to a large cavern in the side of the mountain. Inside you found the first room – the snake chambers, home of squatting Gods, and the paths of Rostau. At least, that's what it was according to Sepi's tomb.

Watching you with slit eyes, the snakes approached you in a mass of writhing scales, forked tongues diving out of their mouths to taste your scent in the air. You stumbled backwards, dumbfounded at their presence just as Ahk was.

"What do they fear? What do you fear, we will ssssee," a black serpent hissed out, wrapping its body around your leg as emerald scaled snakes approached. They swirled up your body, restraining your arms till you couldn't move, the black snake curling up your torso till it came to your neck, its fangs teasing at your skin. You didn't dare move.

It was only then, crowded over with snakes tasting your flesh, choking the air out of you and cutting off your blood flow, you saw what lay behind the snake den. The Gods, none of which you could recognize, and each carrying an instrument and humming low. You struggled, trying to pull at your arms and raise your head. Your efforts remained futile, even as you looked to Ahk, who was in the same mortifying situation. Black and white spots crowded your vision as your breath cut off, the snakes still whispering into your ear, lean into it, forget what you claim you need, you need nothing but yourself.

“Aren’t you a pretty thing,” a violent snake hummed in your ear, its tail curling around your neck. “Oh, haven’t you got beautiful, delicious memories, decadent, ssssucculent little thing, don’t you worry, we will take good, good care of you.”

Fear began to seep away from you, a warmth coating you as they began to overtake your body. It was far too easy to give in, to let them control you, to let go of your responsibilities and oaths to belong somewhere. Adrenaline left your veins, leaving only the exhaustion built from trekking through the pyramid and the Duat.

A bright shiing sounded from beside you, followed by frantic hissing and the splatter of cold blood. In sudden clarity you ripped away from the black snake's grip, turning your head and neck, gasping for breath as you tried to see where Ahk was. In one moment he was beside you and in the next he stood above you, ripping his dagger through scaled flesh. Caught in the moment he payed little attention to where he cut, simply ripping at everything that tied you down, leaving several tiny cuts across your skin, but it wasn't the first time you'd been hurt on this venture. The second you could feel your limbs again you clawed at the snakes wrapped round your torso, digging your nails into their flesh till they released, screaming and writhing in your hold. You stood as soon as possible, throwing the snakes in another direction, their cold blood still staining yours and Ahk's bodies.

"See? Not too bad," he said with a grin, brushing the dirt off your shirt. You almost chuckled breathlessly, before looking over his shoulder, seeing the sitting Gods stand, their instruments on the floor and their humming no more.

"Behind you," you whispered, never tearing your gaze from their menacing positions. He turned, frozen as the Gods stepped down from their pedestals, moving towards you.

"Do we run?" He asked, his grip on his dagger tightening.

"What else are we gonna do? Fight Gods?" You mumbled anxiously, looking around desperately for somewhere to run, somewhere you could hide.

"Well it's not entirely unheard of -"

The instant you found a respite up the mountain, a tunnel the dug deep into the earth, you grabbed his hand and ran. Stumbling, he followed after you, his pace quickening when the Gods began chasing after you. Approaching the small hole you practically dived into it, Ahk coming soon after till the both of you crunched into the tiny space. Their hands came after you, grey and green skin reaching to try and grasp you, one of them managing to get a grip on your hair and pull you.

Letting out a sharp yelp of pain you clawed at the hand, kicking your feet desperately to avoid being pulled out. Ahk grabbed at you, pulling you by your feet till the God’s grasp weakened, ending with you sliding back down the cave and curling up beside Ahk. Shaking with adrenaline and fear you kept close to him, hugging him close and watching with wide eyes as the hands kept reaching for you. They seceded a moment later as the earth moved. You looked to Ahk for an explanation, but as usual the both of you had level intelligence as to the happenings around you.

Crammed into that tight place, rocks surrounding you as the earth  began to shake, you tried to catch your breath. Ahk did the same, the two of you staring at each other as you panted.

"Earthquake," you noted softly as a large tremor ran through the ground.

"I didn't think the Duat had earthquakes," he mumbled, staring up at the obsidian ceiling.

"I, uh," you shifted in the small space, "I think it's probably Ra."

"Ra? Why - oh, yeah, the uh... the serpent battle. I don't know why I didn't remember that," he said, hitting his head with his palm. You reached for his hand, pulling it away from him and holding it tight in yours.

"You've been detached from your world for a long while. No one faults you for that, but we should probably not be around Ra, he's kind of a dick," you said, your breath catching in your throat with a particularly harsh rumble of the earth.

"Oh yeah, total agreement there," he grunted, moving on his elbows and knees to crawl out of the tunnel, reaching the light of the sky before it was overshadowed. You came up behind him, peeking over his shoulder.

The shadow cast upon the small opening was made by none other than Ra himself, standing at the size of a five floor building and towering above the valley hills. In his grasp lay the snake Apep, Ra's vice grip tight around his neck as he writhed, his fangs begging to be sunk into Ra's flesh. Apep wrapped his tail around Ra's free hand, squeezing till the blood cut off and bruises began to form. You winced when Ra cried out, both pained and determined as the fight continued, Ra stumbling back till he fell backwards. He rolled over, pinning the serpent beneath him. Letting out an uproarious cry, he freed himself from Apep's grasp, pulling out a dagger and pressing it into the serpent's mouth. Blood splattered across Ra's face, and in a rush Ahk grabbed your hand.

Pulling you out of the tunnel, Ahk lead you down the valley, never stopping his affrighted running till Ra was out of sight. Gasping for breath you fell to your knees, exhausted from the bolting speed Ahk had taken. He stopped beside you, panting as he rested his hands on his knees, looking off in the distance to see if Ra had noticed either of you.

"I think," he said, still trying to catch his breath, "he's big enough and we're small enough, I don't think he saw us."

"Oh God," you mumbled, coughing. "I really hope we don't need to sleep cause we're gonna have a hell of a time trying to find somewhere safe."

"Don't worry," he said in a sigh, sitting down next to you. "What danger comes next?"

"I'm not sure. If we were on the route of a dead person, we would've had to pass through the tunnel directly beside the squatting Gods, but we're not dead, so we can't go there. It looks like it's just a straight line, but I don't know where it'll lead," you said, pulling out your notebook and pointing to the various landmarks on your simple map, connected to an outlined list of all the dangers of the Duat.

"I really wish we could summon Ma'at right now n' ask her some questions," he mumbled, leaning his head against your shoulder.

"She said we could only ask one question," you reminded him. "Otherwise she'd kill us."

"I know, just hypothetical wishing. Can I see the map again?"

You dug the notebook out of your shirt and handed it to him. Opening it up to the right page, he held it so the both of you could see it, trying to pinpoint where you were. The two of you had just passed the snakes and ran a great ways, meaning you were somewhere near the lake of fire, most likely separated from that by the hills surrounding you.

"My theory is that we're walking down the middle, see this section," you said, running your finger down the thin middle of the map separating the trials from the Gods' homes. "That means that all the trials are either within the mountain or on the other side of it -"

"Meaning that on the other side of that range," he pointed to the right side of the valley, "is where Osiris and all them live."

"I believe so. Let's hope that everyone else is as big as Ra was, it'll be really hard to navigate that area if we're all the same size," you said, shutting your book and putting it back in your shirt as you stood.

Ahk stood with you, the both of you looking up at the tall mountainside, wondering how long it would take to scale that height. There were no more tunnels, no holes or caverns in the mountainside.

"How long do you suppose we've been here?" He asked, still looking up at the cliffs.

"Half a day maybe?"

He let out a whine of discontentment, which you couldn't blame him for – you'd been there less than a day and you'd already almost died three times. First was the snakes, second was the miscellaneous gods, and third was your mystery encounter with none other than Ra. The ravine, though, it stretched out endlessly; you would be walking it for days if you let yourself do so. You couldn't even see the portal behind you anymore. Out of all things that made you the most anxious, leaving you constantly wondering if the portal would stay open. There were a great deal of other things to be anxious about rather than that, so you kept your eyes open, and your thoughts clear.

Reaching for the nearest grip, you began your ascent up the mountainside, breathing deeply in hopes of avoiding serious exhaustion. Ahk came up beside you, but about five minutes into it the earth began to rumble again. Both of you looked to each other in a snap, the color draining from your faces as another tremor shook the earth, weakening your grasp on the rocks. You fell, sliding a short way down the mountain till you landed on steady ground. Looking to the sky and all around, you watched for Ra, as Ahk instinctively began searching for a hiding place. The silent communication you and Ahk had would come in handy once again, ending with him finding another small tunnel and forcing you inside.

"I feel like a rat," he said, following after you, sliding down the smooth rock of the too-circular tunnel. He slammed into you, apologizing softly as he situated himself to sit beside you.

"Better than looking like Ra's dinner at least," you mumbled, your eyes stuck on the entrance to the hole.

Trying to even out your breath, you ignored the tight space, hoping your mild claustrophobia would leave you alone – neither you nor Ahk needed an anxiety attack on your hands. The heat from both of you began warming up the small tunnel, a pleasant experience if you weren't already sweating from fear. A bitter scent invaded you, the smell of pools of blood from either within the mountain or from outside. You weren't sure which one terrified you more. With each thundering footstep the tremors grew worse, the giant approaching you slowly. Gripping Ahk you shut your eyes tight, willing for it to pass by you, pleading for safety within the mountain.

A shadow came over the tunnel entrance, an indicator you recognized too easily, and one that sent sheer terror down your spine. While you kept your eyes shut, Ahk looked on in a much braver act than you were willing to do. Instead you kept him close, as he kept you close, and the both of you waited for it all to be over. Peeking open a single eye, you watched as a foot stopped by the entrance. Both of you stopped breathing, petrified by the nearness. The giant, which you assumed was most likely a God, leant down there, knees pressed into the earth as they looked into the tunnel with a single, massive eye.

Immediately it saw you, watching as both of you clenched in fear, grasping each other tight as you tried to cram as far down the one-way tunnel as you could. Panic coursed through your veins in painfully harsh heartbeats. Long eyelashes blinked over the giant eye, a black and grey pupil following you and your frantic movements.

In a loud snap the eye left, in its' place a young woman with long black and blue hair, the dreads lined with expensive beads and a crimson and gold crown atop her head. She smiled a brilliant and kind smile, one that almost had you relaxing.

"Hello!" She said rather brightly, still smiling wide as she waved. "You aren't supposed to be here. How'd you get here?"

Her word choice made you want to think that she was hostile, but her tone said something else entirely, as she still remained as friendly as ever. The dress she wore, starting right below her breasts and running down to her ankles fitted her nicely, the red material tight around her waist and loose at her feet, allowing you to see the golden anklets she bore. When you saw the green beads gracing her collarbones, the cow horns in her crown, and the thin staff she held, her identity clicked in your head.

"Wait - are you Hathor?" You asked incredulously, your eyes wide as you spoke. Now Hathor, she was a God you could get behind, unlike Zeus and Ra. Osiris was okay but he was on thin ice in your books.

"Yes! I'm honoured you recognized me," she said with a laugh, her cheeks turning a soft pink as tiny creases appeared beside her eyes. "What are your names?"

"Uh, I - I'm (Y/N), this is Ahkmenrah, but usually we just call him Ahk," you introduced yourselves, almost stuttering in her presence, but you managed to hold together well enough.

Hathor, you hadn't thought about meeting her (or really any God besides Anubis), but that certainly didn't mean you weren't elated to see her. She was a kind Goddess, a protector of women and a patron of beauty. Not only that, but she appeared to live up to her titles with much integrity, helping you and Ahk out of the hole you'd sunk into.

"Ahkmenrah, you're quite the story around here," she said when you both stood on your feet before you. She brushed at his clothes, clearing the dust and blood off him before giving you the same treatment. Only when you stood directly in front of her did you notice her height, which was still notable, as she stood probably two or three feet taller than you.

"Really?" Ahk said, looking unsure if that was a good or bad thing.

"Oh yes," she said, nodding sagely. "Not everyone cheats death every night."

Ahk turned to you, an expression that begged the question, does this woman hate us or not? Unfortunately you did not know the answer, but you'd bet she in the very least wouldn't hurt you. You shrugged in unison with him, and the two of you followed her down the valley, keeping a faster pace to match her long strides.

"So, um - weird question, but are you going to kill us?" Ahk asked when you caught up with her.

"What he means is that most of the things and people we've met here so far have been, well..." you looked to Ahk, "um, let's say less than hospitable. We're just wondering what you plan on doing with us, if anything at all."

"Depends on where you're headed and what your aim is," she answered, and you prayed that she didn't know what you were actually doing. If she did, her phrasing definitely meant she was going to kill you. There was, however, the chance that Anubis wasn't telling each and every person the whole situation, and that left a little hope for you.

You spent the next hour or so walking with her and explaining to her the particulates of your predicament, the bulk of the story told by Ahk since he was there during the tablet's creation. Fortunately she took your word, believing that Khonshu blessed his family, and that you were there only to help. Of course, she was intelligent, and asked many questions, all of which the two of you were happy to answer. It was rare to find a God who acted kind and, in a way human, in all the best ways.

"It shouldn't be too hard to find your tablet. I know where it is, it's like a siren here – Khonshu doesn't live here, so when his magic appears, it's not in the ordinary for any of us," she told you as you walked.

"So you're going to help us?!" Ahk asked in an astounded voice, his mouth hanging open. You didn't blame him for that either, considering practically no one you'd met so far had been willing to help and guide you.

"That'd be wonderful," you added. "You don't have to, though."

"No, there's really very little to do here, and we can't do much on earth, so... it's fun to play with Anubis anyway," she said with a shrug, and in that moment you remembered that this was nothing but drama for Gods. Your life, magic on earth, Ahk's existence was all just drama and politics for them.

Ahk doubled back, his pace slowing to match yours. Standing beside you, he kept an eye on Hathor as he spoke in a hushed voice, leaning closer to you.

"Is this a good idea?" He whispered, his shoulder brushing yours.

"Can't be worse than our original idea," you mumbled back. He bit his lip uncertainly, glancing Hathor up and down before slowly agreeing with a tentative nod. Perhaps you couldn't trust her, but she was your best bet, and both you and Ahk had experience with cautious trust. Hathor would have to do.

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

Shades of Night (closed)

@killtool​

They’d left that place---they left it together, just as they’d promised, but all the pair had done was trade one shadow for another. And shadows; as both Rachel and Zack knew from their respective lives, had a way of clinging when you didn’t want them to.

Rachel hadn’t slept when she was alone in the hospital and now; even with Zack at her side again, she still couldn’t sleep. Rachel dreamed. She was haunted and hunted in those dreams---and even forcing herself to wakefulness brought no relief. Zack being at her side brought no relief.

Rachel remembered Danny. His words and piercing gaze followed her down into her worst nightmares and managed to catch her no matter how fast she ran.

‘And so---you tried to die, assuming the guise of someone normal, pure and innocent! But Rachel--you already knew, didn’t you? No matter how much one reads the bible or realizes one’s mistakes one can never deceive one’s true self!’

‘Because her soul consumes others, without mercy or remorse. A soul that buries and steals whatever it can---’

---and on and on, each reminder a knife jabbing into her already weak heart. She could go no farther---escaping hadn’t done anything; that chain was still wrapped around her throat, that hand was still around her peepers! eyes. She was cruel, selfish, she was g u i l t y...!

But hadn’t she let Zack go---? She had released him from the shackles of ‘God’ shackles she’d placed with her own hands, she had called him human. She had realized then that the oath they shared didn’t need to be fulfilled in only one way so why did she feel so guilty? She’d done the right thing! He wasn’t hers---Zack belonged to himself and no one else, he’d never be ‘hers’, not like her parents or---

‘But that’s w r o n g isn’t it my dear? You haven’t changed one bit. I told you that I was the only one who understood the real you---the only one who accepted you. If you’ll just listen---’ That voice was right in her ear, teasing, saturated with a barely contained laugh, meanwhile the hands on her shoulders dug in painfully, meaning to wrench her backwards---back towards the darkness, that horrible, horrible floor. he meant to maim her, blind her, strip her of anything that one could consider will until she couldn’t escape again. She’d be trapped---she’d...

Rachel awoke with a violent start, her hands clawing the air in front of her almost frantically even as she rose into a sitting position. Her eyes were squeezed tightly shut, her trembling fingers expecting to find resistance---a body, a weight---

Nothing.

Blue eyes crept open and immediately she twisted around---the motion fast and violent enough in its execution to make her dizzy--and then back again just as fast. Nothing. Nothing even though her shoulders and ears burned, even though her eyes probed the darkness surrounding the cramped, dilapidated room they’d crept into. Waiting, watching, knowing.....

“Go away...please...go...away....” Her voice was wispy and muddled, it’s tenor broken by fear. The hitching in her chest wouldn’t stop, nor would the shivering of the heart that lay inside her chest.

He was dead. He had to be dead. Zack had told her so---and Zack  h a t e d liars above all else---Zack would never, ever lie to her....would he?

Burdened gaze slips to the other living person in the room but even Zack sleeping nearby gave no relief, his presence did nothing to alleviate her stress. Moving quietly Rachel, without thinking about it at all, snatched up the chipped knife Zack had given her during their time in the tower, the handle fitting neatly in her palm. Knife in hand the girl got up from her haphazard pallet on the floor and ventured outside. The night overhead was cold---winter hadn’t arrived yet, but it would soon, very, very soon. The frost on the cracked pavement and the biting chill in the air could mean nothing else. What were they going to do?

“......” The young girl stepped further into the night, the street she found herself on eerily reminiscent of the floor Zack had called ‘home’ within the tower; but unlike B6 this place was much, much larger, not to mention largely unknown to the two of them.

She wouldn’t go far---she just had to check---she just had to make sure it was s a f e. She had to make sure h e hadn’t followed them here. How could a corpse follow anyone?

She trusted Zack. Did she? Do you really, my dear? Did she r e a l l y? Zack wouldn’t lie to her. If Zack said that Danny was dead then he was dead...right? Right?

But what if they were wrong? Yes indeed my dear, sweet girl. What if you are? What then?

The blonde haired girl gulped in a mouthful of air, the chill of it seeming to burn her lungs like acid, like fire, and it did nothing to alleviate her fears.

If they w e r e wrong....what would she do...?

Try as she might she couldn’t think of an answer; she felt like she’d regressed--that she had, somehow, returned to the girl from before. The one that Danny had so coveted and sought after. The girl from the sterile interview room. The stricken girl from B1. The girl at the bottom of the tower---adrift and desperate to remain that way, with eyes closed forever and ever. Danny could’ve given her t h a t. Danny would’ve given her that darkness. He would’ve been all too gleeful to rip her eyes out and---

A sound---harsh and jarring, made the girl practically leap out of her skin, the only reason why she didn’t drop the knife she was holding against her chest was because she held it with both hands...but even then it was a near thing. Glass crunching on asphalt not a second later made her heart suddenly move from pulsing inside her chest to pulsing inside her throat, the hot lump of it far too large to swallow down. Her dilating gaze caught a shadow in the alley from which she had emerged, a glint in the darkness---

Rachel took a step backwards, the knife in her hands feeling about as useful as a toothpick, the salvation it had brought her once before when in Gray’s thrall long since passed. She was useless, forsaken, abandoned.

Her ‘God’ was not here, the only person here was...

“St---s--ta y.....” Stay back---! She willed her voice to say those words--to shout them at the top of her lungs but nothing came out but a hot, watery gasp. She took another step back, running out of options with each, faltering step. “St a y aw...wa...y---” The thump of her heart was now a deafening roar---she couldn’t even hear her own words, couldn’t hear her own frantic hyperventilating. She’d dropped the knife and hadn’t even felt it, her hands having gone completely numb. She couldn’t feel her own lips moving between those fast, shallow breaths, she couldn’t feel them forming Zack’s name over and over and over again---trying to call him to her. Zack, Zack Zack--help, Zack!!

The little girl from the bottom of the tower trembled as if in a gale, her steadily mending spirit once more enshrouded in darkness. As if she’d never left. And really, had she?

“...!......!!......!!!” Stay away stay away stay away----! Zack HELP!!!

[lisinfleur]

EBMK - Chapter 2: Each other’s backs

Author’s Notes | It took me some time this time because I was suffering a small block after so many works for Ivar in a row, but here it is! Second chapter coming along with the hurricane… Words | 3456 ⁑ Warnings: Lots of cursing, mentions to violence, blood, alcohol.

It was supposed to be a normal day - despite the fact that Mads was spending almost no time with Adrian since his buddy came back from prison. The guy was working the shit out of himself to sustain that chick Mads was already getting sick of seeing mistreating his pal. And he was sure he saw the chick rolling strands of her hair while talking with some other dude in her college. Mads swore an oath he would find a way to fuck that girl's life if he ever knew she was cheating on Adrian again.

"Welcome, Frederik. It's straight down to the right. Next..."

There he was, working the hell out. Adrian had sunk dark circles around his eyes and Mads knew it was from sleeping too few and sometimes out of his bed because of the girl's belly. Adrian told him sometimes the baby was too agitated and then Victoria would send him to the couch so she could roll alone with her whole bed to herself. Shit of a woman... Joy never did it to him...

But he couldn't say his life was any better than his friend's. Adrian was walking around like a zombie, but he wasn't that different, working like hell to cover the idiot that quit and CC's place, now that his "brother" was wearing the club colors he wanted so hard - before him.

Fucking shit of a life Mads was intending to forget getting some fight around or using his free time to get a beer with Adrian after his turn was over. He had chosen the second option, but it seems the fight would come anyway...

Mads had to hold back his fists when that drunken bastard crossed the line, breaking the queue and passing forward, but since the guys in front of him were laughing and it was Adrian's turn as the door security, Mads decided not to cause any troubles - he didn't want to make his friend's turn any more shitty than that guy was already doing by stumbling over him...

"Wild night, huh? You won't get in acting like that," Adrian warned, helping the man to find his balance with a slight push.

"I tripped, dude. Chill," the guy tried, and Mads sighed.

He wouldn't be ok for that job. For sure that man would be already with some teeth missing speaking to him like he was doing to Adrian.

"Show me some ID," Adrian insisted.

"Yeah, Sure." the guy answered and Mads sighed again, annoyed this time, sure he would have kicked that guy's face for trying to go in that way.

What the fuck! If there is a damn security guard, just show your fucking ID and shut up...

"Hey, HEY! What did I just say? ID, please," Adrian pulled the guy back, trying to deal with the situation and Mads observed, already feeling his fists clenching inside his pockets.

He was crazy to hit someone and that guy's mouth was begging for some punches...

"Yo, chill. I'm on my way."

Just one more "chill" and Mads would lose control...

"Don't touch me. I think you need to find a bed for this guy," Adrian said, pushing the drunken towards his laughing friends, worried about keeping them out of the club.

Too worried to notice the drunk guy preparing a punch that hit his face right on the corner of his mouth.

That was enough for Mads' wildness and he just pushed the guy's friends away, pulling the asshole from the club's door by his collar, preventing him to come in and starting to hit the guy before he could say anything.

"You like to fucking punch people? What does it feel like, uh, asshole?" he cursed, hitting the guy as many times as he could before his friends could come against him.

"There are punches for everyone," Mads thought, hitting whoever he could, trying to keep himself standing - which he couldn't do for too long.

Adrian called for backup as soon as he recovered from the punch's dizziness, kicking the face of the man that mounted over Mads and trying to keep them back with some punches before the other security guards came to shove them all away and close the club's door for the night.

The day was dawning and Adrian was still sitting near the lake with Mads by his side. Both of them holding beers and spitting blood sometimes from their injured mouths. Mads was bleeding more: his eyebrow was cut such as his lips. Adrian only had the big punch he got in his mouth that cost him a tooth Mads helped him to get rid of.

"You should take a look at this," Adrian said about Mads' eyebrow but he just giggled.

"It's fine, nothing I'm not used to. We have this fight nights at the club... Joy's kinda used to give me some stitches from time to time," Mads answered, taking some water from the lake to wash his face. "You will have to see a dentist, bro."

"Why?" Adrian asked, before spitting blood one more time. "That asshole already made me a huge favor: I won't have to pay for a canal in a while..." he tried to joke. "I was expecting this shit to stop bleeding, but I have to go..."

"The butchery job is still on?" Mads asked, curious.

"Yeah," Adrian answered, taking one more sip of his beer, noticing Mads' face frowned and he dropped the beer can. "What?"

"You're fucking late, man! Get up! I'll take you home so you can change, go, go!"

"Shit!" Adrian cursed, getting rid of the can and getting up to follow Mads.

Even with his friend riding like crazy through the streets of Copenhagen, with his fight with Victoria during the time he was exchanging clothes and trying to stop the bleeding in his mouth, Adrian ended up arriving too late for his work.

And the boss kicked him out.

"Fucking great!" he came out where Mads was still stopped with his bike, lighting a cigarette he intended to smoke before going home.

"What? Dude, what happened?" he asked, and Adrian came closer to him, angry.

"I'm out. He fucking kicked my ass out! Fuck!"

Mads sighed.

His friend's life was really going wrong.

"Look, go back home and..." Mads tried.

"Victoria will fuck up my mind if I go back now. I'll go to the club. The Monk must have something I can do to keep up the money income..."

Adrian was nervous, not thinking straight. And Mads knew that name very well - The Monk was one of the guys the Wolves were trying to swallow around. He wouldn't want his pal working full time for that guy. But he could understand his friend's needs.

"I have a chance to get more time on the club or some driver shit. Anything."

Mads gave his cigarette for Adrian to smoke and patted his shoulder.

"Dude, look... Take a breath, ok? Go talk to your guy and I'll talk to my troupe. With some luck, we'll get a full job for you with my guys and then you won't have to be worried. I talked to Tom about you, he got interested. Now that CC isn't working at the warehouse anymore and I'm alone, maybe he'll get you. I'll remember him today, ok? Chill, brother. You're not alone," Mads insisted and Adrian took a deep breath of his cigarette, sighing the smoke out.

"Fine. Fine... I have to go."

"I drop you at the club, come."

Mads took a longer route to give his friend some time to chill and Adrian noticed this when the bike started riding closer to the sea - Mads was kinda taking a whole round around the city fringe and at some point, Adrian just took off his helmet, feeling the sea breeze touching his face. Mads smiled losing one more entry to the city. Some more meters on the seafront and Adrian lifted his voice, yelling, causing Mads to laugh when his friend lifted both of his hands, smiling at him, enjoying the trip.

The two friends rode as if they had nothing to lose for a while, but they knew things should be done and Mads took the way into the town to drop Adrian near the club as they combined. Another friend of his was near the door and came to compliment when Adrian was giving the helmet back to Mads.

"Hey, Danny... What's up?" Adrian asked before shaking the boy's hand.  "This is Mads," Adrian smiled. "My brother."

"I didn't know you had a brother," Danny said, smiling when shaking Mads' hand.

"Well, now he has," Mads smiled back at Adrian, "I have to go. Stay up with your phone, bro. I'll take a look at Joy and go to the warehouse. I can call you at any moment, ok?"

"Great, bro," Adrian answered.

They hit their hands and Mads took his way, leaving Adrian with a curious Danny.

"I think I know your brother, dude," Danny said. "I don't know... I think I already saw him somewhere."

"Maybe you did... Maybe not. Let's go. I have to speak to The Monk."

Danny still looked back at the street after Adrian came into the club, but Mads' bike was already gone down the road, so, he just followed his friend inside.

  Adrian knew Danny was pissed off. He knew he stabbed his friend's back by telling The Monk Danny's license was taken. But he needed that job. He needed that money! Even with Mads' promise of getting him a full job with the Wolves, he knew his friend couldn't force his way in and also, Mads was promising this in a while and he couldn't wait for him to get it: Victoria's baby would come in some few months and he had to buy the stuff for the baby's room and prepare everything. Mads was a nice guy, but Adrian knew he couldn't simply rest on his brother's back. So, he did what was necessary and now Danny was frowning at him inside that car - The Monk got him an "office boy" position that was paying way less than he was used to earning as a driver, but was keeping the boy on the track to teach Adrian about the usual destinations and routes he had to learn for the job and Danny was already used to taking.

That day wouldn't be too harsh: carrying some stuff from here to there in some destinations and things would be ok. At least it was what Adrian thought until Danny jumped into the car.

"Now we're going to see Cuz," he said as if it was nothing.

As if Adrian didn't know who Cuz was... The boy felt his blood cold into his veins on spot.

He could get arrested again just for walking beside the house of that old jerk!

"Cuz Cuz?" Adrian asked, confirming his suspicions when Danny nodded effusively.

"Yeah, Cuz, Adrian. We're bringing him the folder."

"What's in it?" Adrian asked, feeling his hands starting to sweat on the wheel.

"Fresh meat," Danny answered, giggling at the obvious dry gulp his friend just got down through his throat. "Come on!"

Adrian turned the car on, but his phone started ringing and he turned it off again to answer.

"C'mon, Adrian! We'll be late, man," Danny complained and Adrian looked at him.

"You don't speak and drive, Danny. That's why I have a license and you don't, man. Now shut."

Danny grunted, annoyed, as Adrian answered to the call, hearing Mads' voice on the other side of the line.

"Adrian?"

"Hey bro, speak..."

Mads didn't even wait for his salutation.

"Drop whatever you're doing now and come to the warehouse, bro! I got you a chance, but you have to come right now! Full-time job, days on the fabric, nights at the warehouse, double what you're earning. Drop this shit and tell me where I pick you up, bro!" he said, fully happy.

Adrian's eyes became larger and he got silent for a second. A full-time job paying twice what he was earning? Man! "Mads just saved my life!"

"Bro? Did you hear me?" Mads called him back to reality and Adrian giggled out of nervousness.

"Mads... Dude, are you serious?"

"I wouldn't fucking play with something like this, bro! Come on! Where are you?" Mads asked and Adrian got out of the car, for Danny's annoyance that followed his friend out of the red van.

"You gonna get us in trouble, Adrian, turn off this fucking phone, habibi! You can talk to your little girlfriend another time," Danny tried.

But Adrian just waved his hand for Danny to shut up and kept talking to Mads, still impressed his life was really taking a turn, finally.

"I'm near the docks, ahn..." Adrian looked around, spotting the bakery from where Danny just had brought their lunch. "Near the bakery, the..."

"The one with those cookies you like? Gotcha! I pick you up in five minutes, bro!" Mads answered and Adrian could hear the sound of his motorcycle turning on before he dropped the call.

"What the fuck, Adrian!?" Danny came closer, fully pissed off. "The Monk will fuck our ass if we get late, man!"

"You go," Adrian said, giving the keys to a shocked Danny.

"What? Adrian, I can't drive, habibi. Did you forget you fucking opened your big mouth about my license? Did I buy you the alcoholic cookies?" Danny said, checking on the note from the bakery to ensure Adrian wasn't drunk.

"I'm not high, dude. Mads will pick me up, I... I have some stuff to solve."

Adrian's eyes were already on the corner of the road, spotting Mads' bike turning into the street.

"Are you fucking crazy, Adrian? You drop this way and The Monk will never get you back, dude! You gonna get yourself fucked!"

"That's fine... Then you can have your job back, right?" Adrian smiled when Mads stopped right beside him, giving him a helmet and not even taking his own off. "Tell The Monk I can't drive for him... Tell him... I... I quit!" he said, putting the helmet on and getting on the bike right before Mads could start driving towards the Wolves' warehouse, living Danny behind with a full shocked face.

"Fuck, bro! Twice what I was earning? That's fucking amazing, dude!" Adrian celebrated, punching Mads' ribs in a playful way, hearing his friend laughing into his own helmet through the interphone.

"Yeah... Tom just wants to know you," Mads said. "But the job is already yours. Now... Do you have guts, Adrian? I mean... Tom may ask you for some extra jobs if you're up to use your skills as a butcher. Ya know what I'm talking about, right?"

Adrian knew it could be a situation. The Monk had used his skills once and he knew he could get really fucked for doing those shit, but what choice did he have? And also, The Monk used his skills only once... Maybe Tom wouldn't want him to do that disgusting thing more than once or twice.

People weren't killing people all the time to need a butcher so many times like this...

"Yeah. I did it once... I think I can do it again if he needs," Adrian answered.

"Yeah. That's good, bro. That's good."

None of them was comfortable with that little detail about Adrian's new job, but well, both knew some sacrifices were necessary.

It was for his son. For his little Patrick, as Adrian told Mads he would call the boy Victoria was waiting for. Mads could understand. He would also do anything for his little Kyle. Joy and he had just decided the name and he was so happy things were adjusting well, finally.

They stopped by the club and the two of them were brought to Tom's office. Adrian had to say his balls just kinda found a way to shrink around themselves when that man looked him in the eyes.

"You're too skinny for a butcher," Tom said, coming closer, sticking Adrian's chest with the back of his pen. "Can you ride a bike, butcher boy?"

"Yeah," Adrian answered.

"So, I suggest you get one soon. Mads will teach you the job, now get the fuck outta my face. The warehouse won't watch itself, go," Tom said, waving his hand for them to leave.

Adrian went out confused as Mads was silly smiling by his side.

"What was that?"

"I told ya he just wanted to know you. The job is yours already, bro. Now come! Let's take a beer on the bar before we go," Mads answered, bringing Adrian with him to the bar, ignoring the surprise that was making his friend dizzy.

Adrian's eyes were looking all over the enormous place where Mads seemed to know so well how to walk. For a moment, he thought he could easily get lost into that place and never find a way out.

Some people passed around, some looking at Adrian, some just passing and ignoring the two of them. Adrian could understand why Tom thought he was skinny: half of the men inside that club would easily weight more than him and mads together! However, a man in specific caught Adrian's eyes and he frowned at the sight of that man walking around, drinking with some other Wolves. A bald bearded man, with lightly darkened skin... He could bet he saw that man before... Where?

"Here!" Mads pushed him the beer cutting his line of thought for a moment. "Cheers, brother!"

He was so happy! Finally, Adrian would be closer, they could share the nights in the warehouse - which would make his work utterly easier - and his friend wouldn't be so fucked as he was since he came back from prison.

However, Adrian's face wasn't this happy. In fact, he was surprised and kinda shocked. That bald man started walking towards them and with the proximity, Adrian was able to recognize him, causing the blood to run cold inside his veins once again: he could remember where he saw that guy now...

At the police station, inside one of the offices, speaking freely with one of the officers. He could remember her talking to him, giving stuff to him and taking his cellphone to read something on it... He remembers they sat him on a chair beside them and he could hear something about she wanting that man to avoid going too deep in his infiltration or she wouldn't be able to keep him safe when everything was blown up.

Adrian's head started making some bad math as that man came closer, but everything exploded into his head when Mads smiled towards that man.

"Hey, CC! Come here, man! Come meet my bro!"

Fuck.

Now everything was making sense! If that one was CC, then he was infiltrated there! At the club! At the Wolves!

And he used Mads to get into the gang...

"This is CC, Adrian. And this is Adrian, the guy I told you, CC. He'll be a father soon as well... Patrick, isn't it right?"

Mads was such a nice guy... Such an innocent guy. He had no idea of what that man smiling beside him was doing... He would get so fucked if everything ended up blowing up the way they were planning! By Adrian's knowledge of that world, he had just stepped into a time bomb and Mads would end up blown if he couldn't do anything.

However, he had just stepped into that place. It wasn't as if someone would believe the word of a total newbie against a man who won his colors in a pair of weeks, as Mads had told him.

"Hey... Earth to Adrian... Are you high, bro?" Mads clicked his fingers in front of Adrian's eyes, calling him back from his thoughts and Adrian giggled, shaking his head.

It wasn't the right time to burst the whole thing.

"Sorry... This place is so big, I'm... I'm impressed," he tried to disguise his affliction, smiling and shaking CC's hand. "Sorry, man. Nice jacket, by the way. You guys have a beautiful symbol."

"One day I'll dress it as well. It's closer than never!" Mads said and CC smiled at him, patting his back, causing Adrian to cringe inside seeing that snake so close to someone so dear for him.

"Yeah. Soon, brother. Soon."

"He's not your brother," Adrian wanted to say.

But he swallowed down the words and smiled.

At the right time, he would tell Mads everything and maybe save his brother's skin from the catastrophe that was about to come...

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[ask-thetravellerandgiant]

Happy birthday to Lewis, Pt II!

I posted the first part of the story where Lewis, Gautier, and I met up for Lewis’ birthday, and decided to ease a bit of your suspense.  In this part of the story, we chat and have cake (red velvet, yum!), and I bring a souvenir from Brobdingnag.  Here is Part 2 for your enjoyment!

     Lewis turned to his cousin, “Sounds alright to me.  How big of a piece of cake do you want?”  He asked as he carefully placed his hand on the table to let Gautier step off, before going to collect plates and silverware.  “Gautier, you can have some of mine, if that’s alright?”

     “Certainly, Lewis,” the Prince responded.  “But what about cutlery?”

     “Oh, I have a few small forks here in the drawer for you.  How big of a piece did you want, Danny?”

     Danny simply shrugged as he hung his backpack and poster tube on the back of his chair.  “Dealer’s choice, I’m not picky.”

     Lewis returned and quickly went to work cutting cake and doling it out.  “...And there’s mine and Gautier’s piece,” he muttered as he slid the second piece of cake on to the plate.  “Thank you for bringing this, it’s been a while since I’ve had red velvet.  I can’t believe you actually remembered, though.”

     “You think I’d forget what kind of cake my favorite cousin likes?  You wound me,” Danny joked, falsely offended, before smiling again as he took his first bite of the cake.  “Mm, this is good!  That bakery did an excellent job!  I’ll have to take some back to Brobdingnag with me.  Think they’d make a cake big enough for Grilden?”  He mused, imagining a red velvet cake the size of a tractor tire.

     Lewis chuckled.  “Maybe, you never know.  How are you liking the cake, hun?”  He turned to look down at Gautier, who was in the middle of taking another miniature forkful of cake.

     “Quite delicious, I must say.  Very moist and rich,” Gautier nodded in approval.

     Danny turned to Gautier as well.  “You could do an endorsement for the bakery,” he jokingly suggested.  “Wouldn’t that be something?  ‘The Prince of Lilliput says our cakes are ‘Quite delicious!’,” he chuckled at the thought.

     Gautier paused in thought for a moment.  “Perhaps someday, I will do just that, Danny,” he returned the giant’s smile.  “Once Lilliput and Blefuscu are recognized as sovereign nations, then I will personally appear at the bakery and give them a royal endorsement.”

     The trio laughed, and continued to chat, even after the cake was put away.  They regaled each other with tales of happenings in their lives, catching the others up to speed.  From Lewis and his discovery of Lilliput (a story which had Danny fuming over the idea of “worthless ship’s rats” attacking his cousin), and various adventures between Lewis and Gautier, to Danny’s seafaring voyage and his subsequent escapades with Grilden in Brobdingnag.  

     At one point, Danny asked if he might be able to see the Lilliputian settlement in Lewis’ basement.  Gautier declined, stating that the appearance of another giant might cause his father to have a heart attack. “The last thing I need is more stress and paperwork,” Gautier groaned.  “With my duties, and then taking care of his work as well, I would go prematurely gray from it all.  Plus, I’d never have time to see my Quin, which is not something I wish to think about,” he stated as he sidled close to Lewis, who in turn moved to cuddle him appreciatively.

     The mood was punctuated by a soft “Aww, so cute!” and the sound of a camera shutter.  The pair looked up to see Danny with his phone out, smiling.  “You two are adorable,” he cooed.

     “You realize you can’t show that to anyone except Grilden, right?”  Lewis asked flatly.  

     Stashing the phone back in his pocket, Danny waved dismissively.  “Wouldn’t dream of showing it to anyone else.  You both have my word as a Gulliver,” he pledged as he held up his right hand solemnly.

     Lewis and Gautier looked at each other for a moment, a wordless conversation happening between them, before Gautier nodded.  “Very well, we accept your oath,” he declared.

     “Thank you,” Danny respectfully nodded in return.  “Now, I do believe that I said I had something for you two.”  He turned and retrieved his poster tube from the back of his chair, unscrewing the top and pulling out something rolled up.  “It’s not much, just a postcard.  Tried to get it small as I could so it was manageable,” he explained as he unrolled the item, laying it flat on the table.  The postcard, proudly proclaiming ‘Welcome to Lorbrulgrud!’ in swirling gold letters, showed a picture of what might have been the Capital Building on a bright sunny day.  “Um, I think it said somewhere in Grandpa Lemuel’s writing, but this is the capital city of Brobdingnag,” he explained to the other two as they marvelled at the large card spread out before them.  It was easily the size of an unfolded road map, and took up most of the table.

     Lewis stared at it as he held Gautier in his hand so the Prince could see the entire card as well.  “Wow, this is great!  Thank you for bringing this!  I think I’ll hang it up in my room,” he turned to his cousin, “if that’s alright?”

     “Well, it’s yours, Lewis.  Do what you want with it,” Danny responded patiently.

     “Maybe I will,” Lewis responded childishly and playfully stuck out his tongue.  “What do you think, hun…” he trailed off as he turned to look down at Gautier, who had been rather quiet the entire time.

     The Lilliputian was standing in Lewis’ palm, hugging his arms close to his body.  He was giving the postcard a thousand-yard stare, almost like he was looking through it, and his face was nearly as pale as his jacket.

     “Gautier, hun?  Are you alright?”

     Danny piped up, concerned.  “What’s going on?  Something wrong?”

     The two cousins nearly missed what Gautier said.  “If that’s…  If that’s a postcard,” he muttered.  “They… they must be huge…” he trailed off, attempting to wrap his head around the scale of the Brobdingnagians and only making his head spin.

     Danny looked over at Lewis with a concerned expression and mouthed, “Did I break him?”

     Lewis responded with an uncertain look that said, “Maybe?”  He gently nudged Gautier with his thumb.  “Hun?  We can put the postcard away if it bothers you.”

     “Yeah, no sweat,” Danny agreed, already beginning to roll the card up again.  “Besides, I have Lewis’ birthday present, and I need your help with it.  Would you be able to assist me?”

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

Well folks, there’s part 2 for you!  Lewis will be getting his actual present in part 3, with a bit of assistance from Gautier!  Stay tuned, send in some questions/comments, and remember to Boldly Go!

[pixelpolaroid]

Oath by the Blood- Chapter 6

Sitting back into the Past

When Jackie returned back to the ground level of the Google’s hideout, they had apprehended the three other intruders. Two of them were tied up and Google Green was taking care of their injuries so they didn’t bleed out. The third however, the one that Jackie already knocked out, they didn’t bother tying up, Red was doing what he could to wrap his injuries. The androids all turned to face Jackie when he stepped in the back doorway.

There was a moment of tension in the air, but Jackie didn’t seem to care about it as he walked in and casually approached Blue. “So what do we do with them?” He asked.

The main google’s eyes remained emotionless and unchanged. “That is for us to decide and you not to worry about,” He sternly told him. Jackie didn’t seem to mind that. One less thing for him to concern about, and the Googles seemed to capable enough to handle it. “Thank you for the assistance, but I believe it would be wise for you to leave now.”

The red sporting ego looked crossly at the android. “Why? I helped take care of half these guys,” He suddenly felt very angry again. Did they not think he was capable enough? He could take out them if he really wanted. “I’m the one that pointed out the damn tacker in the first place!” His voice unknowingly growing louder.

“Be-ecause yo- you’re re- e-eckles-ss,” The egos turned towards the hallway to see the still fairly injured yellow android now standing there.

Red rushed to his brother’s side. Oliver only had half of his face plate, his leg was reattached now, but he still limped and his one arm had been completely removed. The red android held him up with his side. “You should be charging.”

Yellow smirked at his brother. “I co-could fe-el all you’re col-collective an-guish,” the android’s speech was still clearly not up to proper working conditions, but he was dealing. He turned to Jackie now, his half covered bringing a shiver down his spine. “They are co-conflicted. You assist-ted them in di-disabling their thr-threat, bu-ut they do not know-know-know-know-,” Yellow’s voice began trailing off. His voice box finally giving in.

Yet it was enough for Jackie to get the picture. Blue stepped in as Red took Oliver back down the basement to rest and repair his still damaged parts. “You’re adrenaline levels were far too high for a normal person, and even now I sense that you may not be safe to be around,” The android was being blunt, clearly not one to beat around the brush.

Jackie however just huffed out in disbelief. He looked around the room, Green, being the only android still there, seemed to have the same expression as Prime. “Fine,” He spat, behind him though, Jameson was now entering through the back. “I know when to catch a hint,” The hero turned, pushing past Jameson who was holding the fourth attacker with his hands behind his back. Jackie didn’t look twice at the mute as he just made his way out of the alley.

The heroic ego didn’t initially go home, he was too caught up in his own head. So instead he went to the first bar he passed. It was fairly empty there, so he took a seat and ordered a beer, pulling his hood up and just staring down at the table. He could hear the other patrons in the bar interact, coming in and out, he just kept his head down. That was until he heard someone calling him out.

“Well well well. Look who it is., you son of a bitch,” Jackie smirked, immediately recognizing the voice coming from behind him, yet he kept his head down. “Thought I heard that you finally bit the dust Jackieboy man? Too stubborn to stay dead?”

The hero just chuckled, turning finally in his seat and leaning back against the counter top. “I’m not that easy to get rid of, sorry to disappoint you Danny,” The man standing before him wore a black leather coat that seemed a little too big for him and had wild curly hair. Jackie noted that even after all those years, he still hadn’t learned how to properly apply eyeliner without looking like a raccoon. The two stared each other down, before snickering and Jackie stood to give his old friend a hug.

When they pulled away, Danny looked the hero up and down, leaving a hand on his shoulder. “It’s been too long mate, mind if I take a seat?”

“Not at all,” Jackie stepped aside and the two sat together at the bar. “What the hell are you doing here?” Jackie questioned. “Shouldn’t you be fucking some chick 4900 years in the future?”

“Uh, check your math man. It was 4950 year,” the leather baring man corrected.

He rolled his eyes, calling the bartender for another drink. “Yeah whatever,’ He responded with a snicker. He still kept his eyes down though.

Danny’s gaze narrowed as he observed his long time friend, unable to ignore the distinct changes in him. Sure it had been a long time since the two had spoken, but something had changed behind his eyes. “Dude what have you been up to?” He abruptly asked. “You look like someone dragged you through mug and now you’re just laying in it.”

Jackie smirked, eyes remaining down. “You know me too well Dan,” Jackie took a breath, thinking through his words carefully. “You know my friends? The other septic egos?”

“I’ve heard whispers of groups of figments starting to grow, yes. Not really up to date with it all though,” He responded.

“Well it’s about them. Some shit went down a while back and… it’s just hard being around them with who I am now,” He simply said. Jackie knew how vague he was being, but he didn’t know how to explain everything to his friend.

The singer nodded however, having to put some things together on his own though. “Well just sitting down I can tell you’ve changed,” He gave him a suspicious side eye. “You haven’t gone evil on me now have you?” His voice was surprisingly serious with a hint of threatening as well.

“No. No no no. I just,” the ego ran his hand through his long bangs. “i feel like I keep hurting the people close to me. I don’t mean for this to happen but I just don’t feel like myself any more. Nothing feels right anymore,” Jackie shoved his shivering hands deep into the front pocket of his hoodie

“Family’s rough buddy. But I feel like you should know exactly who you are,” Jackie turned to him with a confused expression. “You’re a hero. Remember that oath you took? I’m sure you do. You used to recite it every day until you had it memorized. What did that say again?” He gave his friend a knowing smirk.

Jackie closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “May my senses, my strength and my heart guide me. To protect the innocent, and bring justice to the guilty. I swear one my life and on my mask, may I remain just. To the end of my days, till the light fades away, and by this oath that I take. I will always be,” Jackie opened his eyes, cutting himself off when he felt a breeze flow past him, a saw the seat next to him was empty and money left on the counter.

Jackie just sighed, taking one last swig of his drink before leaving the bar, he should head back home. As he was walking out in the cold night air though, he paused, looking up at tall apartment building. The sight of it sent a chill through his already cold body. He tried to turn away from it, to just keep walking, but everything about it just just spelled dread. As he was looking up at the very top however, his lips began to move. “I will always be a hero,” He muttered. The small sentence seemed to warm his legs enough to urge him to start moving again. He speed walked the entire rest of the way back, repeating his oath over and over to himself as he did.

[gokailyger84]

Here’s a way too long drabble based loosely off of this headcanon by @sin-grumps

Danny looked up from his spot, laid out on the couch.  Turning his attention from the tv, he stared at his partner/roommate.  Nin/ja Brian was standing at the bottom of the stairs. He was in full nin/ja gear.  

“Headed out, Bri?” Danny asked with a frown.  

It was pretty late. Nin/ja Brian usually finished everything he needed at a reasonable time in order to get a good night’s rest.  

Nin/ja Brian stared at Danny for a few moments before shrugging.

“Need to meditate. I’ll be back.”  He signed, walking towards the front door.

Danny stared at the closing door.  He turned his head back towards the tv.  He could feel a nagging feeling in the back of his mind.  

Nin/ja Brian needed to meditate?  On what? And this late?  Again?  

Danny felt like he was missing something.  

For a few months, Nin/ja Brian hadn’t been behaving like his usual psychopathic murderous self.  

Which in a way, was great for Danny.  Dying so much was really starting to cramp his style, especially when it happened when he was trying to court a pretty lady.  

Now that he thought about it…when was the last time Nin/ja Brian had killed him?  

Or even injured him?  

Danny couldn’t remember.

And Nin/ja Brian didn’t seem as annoyed with Danny as he used to be.  He had even created a mental connection with him, so he could communicate more.  

Odd for a nin/ja who swore an oath of silence before his neck injury.  

Strange.  

Maybe he was missing something.

—————————————–

The following morning, Danny awoke to the smell of something delicious.  

Dragging himself out of his bed and down the stairs, he found a wonderful breakfast spread on the kitchen table.  

Nin/ja Brian was at the sink, washing dishes.  Danny walked over to the table and sat down.  Everything looked amazing.  Several of his favorites amongst the spread.

Nin/ja Brian made all of this?  Danny knew he could cook but had never seen him go all out before.  It was way more food than the two of them could eat.  

“Bri, you really outdid yourself.”  Danny said, helping himself and filling his plate.  

As Danny scooped some eggs onto his plate, he felt the tingle of their mental connection linking.

“Just felt like cooking this morning.”  He said.  

“Well, I’m glad you did. This is great.”  Danny said, in between bites.  “But why so much?”

“Mornin’!”  A voice called from the foyer.

Danny looked up to see Ego/raptor walking into the kitchen.  

“Sorry, I’m a bit late, Brian.”  He said, patting the nin/ja on the back.  Danny’s eye twitched.  

Ego walked over to the table and took a seat, greeting Danny.  

“Hey, Danny.”  

“Mornin’, Ego.”  Danny greeted, watching the younger man fill two plates with food.  

Danny couldn’t help but realize that Ego was at their house a lot, lately.  

What for?

Nin/ja Brian finished the dishes and joined them at the table.  Danny watched in shock, as he took off his mask and began eating from the plate, Ego offered him.

Danny stared at the two.

Had he missed something?

Since when did Nin/ja Brian show his face to anyone but Danny and from Ego’s lack of reaction, this wasn’t the first time he had seen him unmasked.  

And Nin/ja Brian making enough food for Ego and Ego fixing his plate.  

When did they become friends?  

Sure, they made music together and sometimes Ego helped out with missions.  At most, he and Nin/ja Brian should have just been acquaintances.

Listening to Ego seemingly talking to himself, Danny could tell it was more than a one sided conversation. Nin/ja Brian was mentally linked to him too.  

Danny had thought Nin/ja Brian was only connected to him.

Nin/ja Brian and Ego were having a conversation…without him.

“What’s up, Danny?” Ego suddenly asked, having noticed the staring.

Danny shook his head.

“Um, nothing. It was…nothing.”  He said, quickly returning to eating his food.  Nin/ja Brian looked at him curiously.  

“So, got any plans today?” Danny asked, changing the subject. Ego raised an eyebrow, having noticed the diversion.

“Uh, yeah.  Brian and I have training today.”

Danny frowned.  

“Training?  What kind of training?”  

Ego rolled his eyes.  

“Just the training we have been doing for the past three weeks.  Really, Danny?”

Danny just looked at Nin/ja Brian.  He was feeling something and Ego seemed to be making it worse.

“What training?”  He asked.

Nin/ja Brian shrugged.

“Some basic ninjitsu.  If he’s to keep joining our missions, he needs to be able to defend himself.”  

Danny sat back with a smile. That made sense and it was probably the reason Nin/ja Brian created a mental link with him.  

“Well, we better get going.” Ego said, standing up and grabbing his and Nin/ja Brian’s empty plates and placing them in the sink.

“I’ll be back later, Danny.”  

Danny just nodded, watching the two exit the kitchen and hearing the front door close.

There was something still bothering him, though.  

Sure, it made sense why Nin/ja Brian was training Ego but why did he reveal his face to him?  Why did Nin/ja Brian cook for him?  Why did they behave like old friends?  Like Nin/ja Brian trusted him.

And most of all, why was this bothering Danny?

——————————————————————-

Later on in the day, Danny was walking around town.  He was doing some shopping for N/S/P videos.  

He and Nin/ja Brian usually did the shopping together but Nin/ja Brian hadn’t returned home yet and Danny had gotten tired of waiting.

It wasn’t out of the ordinary that Nin/ja Brian got caught up in whatever he was doing.  Hell, Danny did it all the time, so he wasn’t going to fault his partner for the few times he did.  

Turning down another block, Danny saw a large crowd gathering at the nearby park.  He could hear music playing.  

Curiosity getting the better him, Danny headed towards the park.  As he reached the edge of the crowd, he could see that there was a small stage set up.  Must be a mini concert going on.  Danny couldn’t help but think the music sounded familiar.  

Carefully moving through the crowd, Danny was finally able to get a good look.  His eyes widened.  

It was T/W/R/P.  

The futuristic band were playing their 80s type jams and they weren’t alone.

There in front, playing on a keyboard, was Nin/ja Brian.  

Danny continued to stare as Nin/ja Brian’s body rocked to the music.  The music seemed to flow out of him.  Nin/ja Brian looked like he was in his element.  Like he wasn’t even a nin/ja, despite his clothing.  

Danny had never seen Nin/ja Brian look like that.  He told himself it was because, he was always out front singing but looking at the members of T/W/R/P, he could clearly remember seeing how into the music they were.

Why hadn’t he noticed before with Nin/ja Brian?

After the song ended and the applause died down, Doc/tor Sung announced the next song, saying it was written by their buddy Nin/ja Brian and was a favorite of his.  The crowd cheered in anticipation.  

Danny was curious.  

Nin/ja Brian had a favorite song?

The music began, Nin/ja Brian’s fingers gliding across the keys.  Danny’s eyes widened.

It was a variation of Nin/ja Brian’s Bloopy Reggae Jams.  

That was right.  He did like those, didn’t he?  That music had always annoyed Danny.  A strange feeling was arising within him.

Danny watched as T/W/R/P joined in, expanding the music into a full blown classical Reggae ballad.

Nin/ja Brian had wrote this.

And was playing it with a different band.  

A band that didn’t include Danny.

That feeling was increasing.

It didn’t fade, even when Danny, backed out of the crowd.  

Unable to listen anymore and not entirely sure why.

———————————————————————————-

Danny walked through the halls of his home, scratching his head, grumbling at his fingers getting caught in the tangle of curls.  

He was still in his kimono, having just woke up.  It was mid-afternoon.

Normally, Danny wouldn’t sleep in so late but he had been feeling some kind of way lately and didn’t feel up to facing the world.  

Passing by Nin/ja Brian’s room, Danny could see that his partner was gone.  His door was open, which was odd, he usually kept it closed.

Danny could also see his ninja gi, folded on the edge of the bed.  

That was odd too.

Coming down the stairs, Danny came to a sudden stop.  

There pacing back and forth with his arms crossed, was Nin/ja Brian.  

He was dressed in a dark blue button down shirt and black jeans.  His greyish hair was neatly combed and his face freshly shaved.  

Nin/ja Brian looked amazing.

Danny couldn’t help but stare.  He didn’t even notice when Nin/ja Brian looked up, noticing his presence.  Nor the familiar tingle of the mental link.

“Danny?”  

Danny didn’t answer, staring into Nin/ja Brian’s eyes.

Were they always such a sparkling blue?

Danny felt like he could drown in them.  

Nin/ja Brian looked so fucking good!

How had he not noticed before?

“Danny!”

Danny shook his head, snapping out of his shock induced haze.

“Oh. Uh, hey Bri. What’cha up to?”

“Ego is taking me out.”

Danny felt something shoot through his chest.  

“Um, where you guys going?”

Nin/ja Brian leaned against the wall, arms still crossed.  And wasn’t that just a strange but satisfying stance

“He didn’t say.  Just that we were meeting up with some of his friends.”  

Danny frowned.  Nin/ja Brian was going out with Ego, dressed, normally and meeting new people?  He’d never done that with Danny, no matter how many times he asked.  Though he had given up years ago.  

What had changed?

“You’ve been hanging with Ego a lot, haven’t you?”  Danny muttered, mostly to himself.  Why did he feel so strange?

Nin/ja Brian shrugged.

“In exchange for training, he’s been helping me with some stuff.”

Danny looked up with interest.  Some stuff? What kind of stuff?  Could he not help?

“You could’ve just come to me, man.  I can help you out. I don’t mind.”  

And he didn’t.  Danny was starting to realize that he and Nin/ja Brian were no longer hanging out like they used to.  

Maybe it was the dry spell he was going through with the ladies.  Not that he had been trying lately.  Chasing after women hadn’t appealed to him for some time now.  

Danny couldn’t help the fact that he was feeling lonely.  And the one person who was usually there, able to fill that hole, no longer was.

Nin/ja Brian just stared at him, a light blush dusting his cheeks.  He shook his head.

“No.  You couldn’t.”  Nin/ja Brian said.  A note of resignation in his ‘tone’.

He then looked up, as if listening to something.

“Ego’s here. I’ll see you later.”  

With that, Nin/ja Brian walked out the door, Danny watching him go.

“I’ll see you later.” “I’ll be back.”

Phrases that were becoming all too frequent between Danny’s exchanges with Nin/ja Brian.  And to think, it used to be the other way around.

Danny rubbed his hand down over his face.  

That feeling again. As if something was lodged in his chest. Always present when Nin/ja Brian was around.  

What the hell was wrong with him?

————————————————————————–

“Hey, Ego?”  

Ego/raptor looked up from where he was seated, cross-legged on the floor, cleaning his sword.  He watched Danny enter the room and sit on the bed.  

They were currently in Nin/ja Brian’s room.  Ego had just finished a training session and was cleaning off the dirt and grime from their blades.  Nin/ja Brian was out with T/W/R/P for another mini concert.

Ego placed the blade down onto the cloth in front of him.  Danny sounded off.

“What’s up, man?”  Ego asked, giving Danny his full attention.

Danny leaned forward on his knees, holding his head up with one hand.  His fingers digging into his hair.  Ego couldn’t help but notice the dark bags under his eyes.  The lines in his brow from frowning. 

He looked upset.

Danny inhaled slowly, letting the air out through his nostrils.

“I have a question for you.” He began.  Ego nodded, showing he was listening.

“You’ve been hanging with Brian a lot.  Haven’t you?” He asked, glancing at Ego out of the corner of his eye.

Ego nodded, having noticed the almost accusatory tone in Danny’s voice.  He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

“So has T/W/R/P.” Danny stated.  Again Ego nodded.  

He and T/W/R/P had been helping Nin/ja Brian, at his request, come out of his Danny shaped shell. Learn to be around others who weren’t Danny, and try to branch out from his nin/ja life and try to be at least semi-normal.

It had been months ago, when Nin/ja Brian had confessed his feelings for Danny to Ego.  Ego couldn’t say he was surprised.  He had seen the lingering looks.  The change in behavior.  The lack of senseless murders. T/W/R/P had noticed too.  

The only one who hadn’t noticed was Danny.  

Nin/ja Brian had felt his feelings were hindering him, especially since he knew that Danny would never reciprocate.  He was afraid of him finding out and wanted to try to get over them.  

Nin/ja Brian had asked Ego and T/W/R/P for help and they had all agreed.

It seemed Danny was finally catching on to the changes around him and he didn’t seem to be handling them well.  

Which was very revealing in itself.

“This is so fucking stupid.” Danny said, muttering under his breath.

“What’s stupid?”  Ego asked.  

“Why it’s bothering me.” Danny answered.  

Ego stayed silent a few seconds.  Yeah, this was definitely going the way he thought.

“Danny.  What’s bothering you?”

Danny didn’t respond. He continued to glare at the floor.

“Does it have to do with Brian?”  

Danny’s hand twitched.

“Does it have to do with Brian and me?”

A slow inhale.

“Brian and T/W/R/P?”

A bottom lip bite.

Ego shifted to his knees. He wanted to be in a better position, just in case. After all he was treading new territory with Danny.

“Danny.”  Ego began.  “Are you…jealous?”

The seconds ticked by in silence, until Danny slowly turned his head towards him.

“Jealous?  What the fuck do I have to be jealous about?”  

Ego shrugged, putting on a nonchalant front.

“I don’t know.  You tell me.”  

Danny huffed out a breath.

“I-I don’t know, man. Fuck!  You and Brian training, I can get.  But going out to meet new people?  Dressing like a normal person?  Like, why didn’t he come to me?”

Danny took a breath, lowering his head.

“He’s even playing music…without me…”  Danny shook his head.  “I fucking hate it!”

“Why?”  Ego asked.

Danny looked up, meeting Ego’s hardened gaze.  His expression one of confusion.

“Why what?”  

Ego held his gaze.

“Why do you fucking hate it? Why does Brian hanging out with me and T/W/R/P bother you so much?  Why are you jealous, Danny?”

Danny looked away.

Why was that? 

It was simple wasn’t it? 

He missed his best friend.  He missed his partner.  

He should be the one to train with Nin/ja Brian.  The one to help him integrate into society.  The one to play music with him.

Nin/ja Brian was his, dammit!

Danny froze

His?  

Where did that come from?

Was it more than just jealously?

Did he really want Nin/ja Brian all to himself?

Did Danny…have feelings for him?

Danny thought about it.

How for some time now, going out on dates didn’t appeal to him.  How it was fine to just stay in and hang out with Nin/ja Brian and chill on the couch or brainstorm new songs.  

How he felt an overwhelming sense of happiness when Nin/ja Brian woke up early just to fix them breakfast.  Always making Danny’s favorites.  

How Danny could always count on him to be there when he was having a bad day, supporting him with his silent presence.  

Not to mention, the way Danny’s pulse would quicken whenever Nin/ja Brian smiled at him.  Or how nice he looked when he was wearing regular clothing.

How cute it was when he blushed from a throw away compliment Danny would give him.  

How upset Danny felt, that Ego and T/W/R/P were going to take him away.

Danny ran both of his hands through his hair.

How had he not noticed?

He had feelings for Nin/ja Brian.  

Ego watched the different emotions flicker across Danny’s face.  

It looked like he finally got it.  

Standing up, Ego placed a hand on Danny’s shoulder.  

“Now that you know, maybe you should talk to him.”  He said, picking up the blades and placing them back on the training racks.  He then headed for the door.  

“”I’ll see you later. Call if you need anything.”  

Danny didn’t reply, still in shock over his revelation.

————————————————————————————

Nin/ja Brian unlocked the front door and entered the dark house.  

It was late.  

He had stayed out longer than he intended but T/W/R/P had invited him out for drinks after the concert. And well, he had accepted. 

He was trying to be more outgoing, more normal and that meant doing some things he didn’t really care for.

Walking through the darkened hall and up the stairs, he saw that Danny’s bedroom door was closed.  He was most likely already asleep.

Opening the door to his own room, Nin/ja Brian pulled off his mask and walked over to his nightstand, turning on the asian inspired lantern.  

He blinked a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the lighting change.  He turned towards his bed only to freeze in place.

Danny was lying on top of the covers, hands behind his head, eyebrows creased, staring up at the ceiling.

The seconds ticked by, Nin/ja Brian too stunned to move.

Why was Danny in his room, on his bed?

Eventually, Danny let out a sigh before sitting up.  He brought his legs into a crossed position and leaned his elbows on his knees, his hands hanging between his legs.  

“Danny?”  Nin/ja Brian said after a few more moments.

“It’s funny, isn’t it?” Danny said.  “The way things turn out.”

Nin/ja Brian tilted his head in confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

Danny just laughed.

“I’ve spent years chasing after all those women.  Searching. Having sex with as many as I could.  Looking. Never committing to any of them.  Longing. For someone to fill the craving I thought I felt.”  

Danny looked up, meeting Nin/ja Brian’s eyes.  

“The craving to love.”

Nin/ja Brian’s breath caught in his throat.  

What was going on?

What was Danny saying?

Danny scooted to the edge of the bed and stood up.  He faced away from Nin/ja Brian and looked out the window into the night sky.  The full moon shining in the distance.

“Some people would say that I was just lonely.  Trying to fill the void in my heart.  But that’s not true.”  Danny looked over his shoulder at Nin/ja Brian.

“It wasn’t true because I had you.  I never felt lonely because you were always there, Brian.”  

Nin/ja Brian just continued to stare.  He didn’t know what to say.  He still didn’t understand what was going on.  He’d never seen Danny like this before.

“But then you weren’t there.”  Danny said continuing on.  “Hanging out with Ego.  Making music with T/W/R/P.  Going out and doing things…without me.”

Danny shook his head.

“I didn’t even notice. Not at first.  How the more you drifted out, the more I was sucked back in. It was like we had switched roles. You leaving the house and me waiting at home.  Pretty fucking funny.”

“Danny…”   Nin/ja Brian started.  Danny held up his hand, halting his words.

“No, Brian.  Let me finish.”  Danny turned around, fully facing Nin/ja Brian, a soft smile on his face. “I wasted so much time, trying to find what was right in front of me for years.”  

Danny walked across the room until he was directly in front of Nin/ja Brian.  

“I wish I had figured this out sooner but of course I was completely oblivious.”  Danny chuckled, humorously.  “It took me being fucking jealous to realize the truth.”

Nin/ja Brian swallowed, thickly.

“What truth is that, Danny?”  

Danny smiled, reaching up a hand and cupping Nin/ja Brian’s cheek.  

“That I’m in love with you.”

Nin/ja Brian inhaled sharply.

Danny dropped his hand, averting his gaze.

“I don’t expect you to feel the same way, especially with the way I usually treat you but this isn’t something I think I could keep from you for long.”  

Danny took a step back, moving towards the door, his eyes beginning to glisten.  

“I understand if you hate me or want to leave.  I mean you and Ego are close and then there’s T/W/R/P.  If you want to-to…”

Danny covered his mouth, his chest tightening, holding back a sob.  He could feel the unshed tears spilling over, sliding down his cheeks.  

He had no doubt that Nin/ja Brian would leave him and then he really would be all alone.

Alone with his many regrets.

Danny wiped at his face, continuing towards the door.  

This was for the best. Nin/ja Brian was better off without him.

As he was about to step through the doorway, Danny’s body came to a sudden stop.  

Danny gasped in surprise, feeling muscular arms wrap around his waist.

“Danny, wait.  Don’t leave.”

“B-Brian?”

“You said your part, now let me say mine.”  Nin/ja Brian began.

“It wasn’t my intention to make you feel jealous.  The only reason I started hanging out with Ego and T/W/R/P, the reason my behavior has changed…”  Nin/ja Brian took a breath, his hold on Danny tightening.

“I was trying to cope…with my feelings for you.”

“What?”  Danny said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, Danny. But I just knew you were straight and would never feel the same way.  I wanted to get over the way I felt for you.  Ego and T/W/R/P were helping me with that.”

Danny turned around in Nin/ja Brian’s grip, gently raising his head so their eyes can meet.

“You really had feelings for me?”

“Have. Have feelings for you.”  Nin/ja Brian corrected with a nod.

“I-I love you, Danny.”  

A wide smile spread across Danny’s face.  

“We really are a couple of idiots, aren’t we?”

Nin/ja Brian smiled, nuzzling against Danny’s chest.

“I don’t disagree.”

Danny raised his hand, gently lifting Nin/ja Brian’s head by his chin. Chocolate brown eyes stared into piercing blue.  

“Brian.  Can-can I kiss you?”

Nin/ja Brian nodded, his smile widening.  

“I think that’s par for the course, don’t you think?”

Danny laughed.

“Shut the fuck up.” He said as he leaned down, covering Nin/ja Brian’s lips with his own.

“I love you, Brian.”  

“I love you too, Danny.”

[lordofpinecrest-blog]

SEASON 8 EPISODE 5 BELLS

In my opinion, Episode 5 was a great one and one of the best ever. Drogon was all WOW! Some of the best televisions cinematography ever. How fitting was it that on Mother’s Day, that we saw the Mother of Dragons get her revenge for the death of her two children? And then we saw the other mother die as she wept in her lover’s arms? Happy Mother’s Day to them!!

We began with what the Game of Thrones always gets back to: treachery. The Spider talking to Jon Snow, saying “every time a Targaryen is born, the Gods flip a coin.” Do you remember Cersei saying that to Tyrion back in Season 2? The reference is to children born from adultery. But Varys is talking treason and Jon will have nothing to do with it. Was Jon being just loyal or just being naive again? And I guess I was wrong about Sansa as she clearly broke her oath to Jon as it does appear that Sansa told the Imp who Jon really was. But could he have been lying to Daenerys? Still not sure. Our Queen uses the word “TRUST” with Tyrian, and we know that never works out.

Did anyone see Tyrion turning on Lord Varys” I didn’t. As it turns out, Tyrion is the clever one. Good bye old friend” are the Master of Whispers last words before Drogon toasts him. How cool did Drogon look when we first saw him behind his mother? And so the madness begins. Or perhaps, it already had. I thought Daenerys started to lose control when she found out Sansa broke her oath to Jon and told Tyrion who Jon really was. The Mother of Dragons feeling alone with fear as her only weapon. This despite Jon saying he loved her and wanted no part of the Iron Throne.  One thing is for sure, Danny looks like she has aged 10 years over the last few weeks. Hey Jon,  a little TLC might have saved the day! But Jon never seems to get it right.

In Dragonstone, Daenerys looks as if she is already sitting on the Iron Throne as she rejects Tyrion’s plea for mercy. She points out quite correctly, that Cersei equates mercy with weakness. I agree with that 100%. Tyrion begs the Queen to hold off the attack if the bells are rung in King’s Landing, and we see Daenerys nod a “yes” to Greyworm. Did you think when she nodded, it was a yes to call off the attack or a “yes” to go full Dracarys? Love the way the show does the double meanings,

More news. Danny tells the Imp that Jamie was captured trying to get to Cersei. And then a threat that may come back to haunt us “The next time you fail me, will be the last time you fail me.” And we know that Tyrion helped Jamie escape. Will that come back to haunt him? How can it not.

People are pouring into King’s Landing. Troops assembling for the attack. The Hound and Arya riding to King’s Landing.  And to know one’s surprise, family wins out again as Tyrion saves his brother. And for those who thought Jamie still had some good in him, what did you think when he echoed his sisters’ feelings, that he didn’t’ care for the millions who were going to die, whether innocents or not? Tyrion tells Jamie how he can escape with Cersei to Pintos and begs him to do sp. Tyrion, despite all that Cersei has done to him, Tyrion still loves her as she is family. A tear jerker goodbye but a genuine one for these brothers. And when Tyrion tells Jamie to ring the bells, we know that he took Daenerys’s nod as a good sign. OOPS!

Next-BATTLE STATIONS! RED ALERT! Euron readying the Iron Fleet with his men loading the dragon catapults. Thousands of innocents running for “safety” behind the walls of King’s Landing, and two not so innocent, the Hound and Arya. And wasn’t the commander of the Golden Company an IDIOT for having his troops line up outside the gates? What was he thinking? That the better dressed army would win!

And then we have our first look at Cersei. This time dressed in red-cold as ice as she stares out as thousands are trapped when the gates are ordered closed. One of the soldiers feels a breeze as dust blows by and Euron feels it to. He shields his eyes and looks high into the sky. At first he smiles when he spots Drogon. But not for long uUnlike his siblings, Drogon has a TRUSTED pilot flying him as The Mother of Dragons skillfully dodges the incoming bolts. And then Drogon is launched in a full DRACARYS attack mode. First Daenerys burns the Iron Fleet and then she toast the Scorpions dragon killing machines outside the walls of King’s Landing. The Golden Army knows something smells afoot and the next thing we see are the gates of King’s Landing exploding in fire as Drogon continues with his carnage. The commander runs but cannot escape the galloping Dothraki army. How fitting was it that Grey Worm was the one who put him down? The Lannister army is no match against them and Drogon as the Mother of Dragons shows no mercy.

Cersei watches on, same cold face as her city burns. Doesn’t seem to care. But her brother does as we walks through the death. Cersei cannot accept defeat, even when Qyburn tells her the Iron Fleet is burning and that all the Scorpions have been destroyed. And despite Her Grace’s claim that her troops will die for her, they see what they are up against and they drop their swords and surrender. As Jamie runs to join his sister, Tyrion is looking and hoping for the bells to be rung. A brief standoff and the bells rings. Battle over-right? Nope.

Next we see the shadow of Drogon’s wings flying over King’s Landing. Do you remember back in Season 2 when Daenerys saw that vision when she was in the House of the Undying? She also saw King’s Landing reduced to ashes. Prophecy coming true. Despite the bells, our Mother of Dragons goes full Mad Queen and literally burns them all. Innocents and armies alike. And then Grey Worm does the same. And  now we know what the “nod” really meant. Not mercy, just killing. Grey Worm is getting his revenge as he is just as unhinged as Danny. Meanwhile, Tyrion can only look on in shock. Even Jon is shaken as he kills on his own soldiers to save an innocent woman.

And what looks like the same spot where Tyrion sailed away from King’s Landing, Euron washes up and fights Jamie. I didn’t think much of the fight between Euron and Jamie, but I guess it was fitting for the Kingslayer to kill another “king.” And while dying, Euron smiles as he thinks he killed Jamie Lannister. But Euron should have known,  what is dead can never die.

All the while, The Mother of Dragons turns her attention to the Red Keep as she has Drogon slowly torch it. I think she wanted to keep Her Grace alive to see all her people die. And as Qyburn finally convinces a crying Cersei to retreat for safety, did you notice that Drogon’s fire was setting off wild fire in King’s Landing? So who is to say that Cersei wasn’t planning the same thing for her people? After all, I don’t think she was crying for her dead people; she was crying only because she lost. Next we have the Hound with Arya standing on the Lannister map. The Red Keep is all but gone, but the Hound has some wisdom left in him when he convinces Arya to leave and to save her life. He has known revenge all his life and tells her to “Look at me. Do want to be like me?” And what a reply “Sandor, thank you.” as they go their separate ways. Touching end to their relationship. The Hound is off to face his brother. I did like that in the end, the Mountain refused to obey his Queen and killed Qyburn, swatting him away like the mosquito that he was. As for the Glegane Bowl itself, it was just okay.  As the Hound said, the Mountain just wouldn’t die. We see the Mountain start to gauge out the Hound’s eyes in the same way he did to the Red Viper. But the Mountain gets a second life;  he stabs his brother in the head, but still can’t kill him. So what does he do? He lock a hold of him as he pushes himself and the Mountain off the ledge as they plunged to their deaths in fire. The way they dies, in fire, was a very symbolic way for them to die and it fit perfectly.

And while this was going on, what was going through Arya’s mind as she ties to leave the city? She knows what a monster the Dragon Queen become.

Did anybody besides me think that when Jamie showed up by Cersei’s side that he was dead and that it was Arya ready to kill Cersei? I really thought that. But no, this brother and sister also die in each others’ arms. Cersei crying she doesn’t want their baby to die, that she doesn’t want to die. And Jamie, with his last breath, repeating what Cersei said to Jaime seasons ago “Nothing matters but us.” A fitting last line as the rest of the Red Keep crushes down on them. Some don’t think they died, but I do.

We end with Arya covered in blood and ash.  Silence as nobody around her is alive. She stares a burned mother and child Only to spot a white horse-could it have been Tywin Lannister’s horse? She touches the horse  gently and then rides out of a completely destroyed King’s Landing. No words. But where is she going?

Again, I thought it was a terrific episode. The dragon scenes were amazing. And while I was in full dragon mode, could anybody have been in a dinosaur mode and watched a Raptor? NO WAY! And just like earlier in the Season, a lot of it came down to relationships. This time, many really ended. But what of the living? What will be Jon’s relationship with Daenerys?  What about Tyrion, who in the words of Bruce Springsteen, looked out over his city in ruins. Does the Imp realize he backed the wrong person to sit on the Iron Throne? Could he become a Queen Slayer as his brother was a King Slayer? Or will it be another kill for Arya? Have we seen the last of Sansa? Hope not. Some say Daenerys was right to do what she did, that she was driven to it by her foes? Do you agree?

Well only one episode left and we still do not know who will sit on the Iron Throne. Most think the Jon as Aegon Targaryen will become the King. But to do so, he will need help from others as Danny seems to be in full control. And she still has Drogon. Or will somebody kill Drogon? Doesn’t that have to happen to end the reign of Daenerys? I think so. Lot’s to think about as we are around the stretch and headed for the finish line.

Let me know what you think.

The Lord of Pinecrest

[agirlofwinterfell]

Hear you now the sad lament Of Brave Young Arya Stark Danny Flint Whose parents died of betrayal sickness  When she was not but ten. 

Arya supposed she had a lot in common with Danny Flint. Both of their parents had been dead by the time either girl was ten, and it was the reason she hummed this song, as she stared down at her brother’s body. The betrayed Lord Commander, Jon Snow. She felt so numb, all she had done to get here... 

So off Young Arya Danny went to live With her wicked new husband uncle Who one night stole her maidenhead So into the North, she fled.

They’d snatched her at the Red Wedding. The Boltons. Knocked flat on her face after witnessing... her mouth dried at the memory, Robb, with Greywind’s head on his shoulders. Her eyes closed and teardrops fell. They’d waited only long enough for her moon blood to come before she’d been rushed through her wedding to Ramsay Snow Bolton. They’d sung this song at her wedding feast after Theon had given her away. She’d shown no fear to him the entire ceremony, but she couldn’t help but cry out at the pain between her legs when he ripped her nightgown. She’d been left crying and shaking when he’d left her with his seed in her belly. She’d prayed it didn’t take hold. Theon had stolen her away a few weeks later when all she’d wanted to do was lay in bed and cry from the roughness that her husband took with her despite her shouts for him to stop, that she’d run him through.  They’d left behind the singer at her wedding, who’d sung her the song, and the women that had come with him, to trek towards the wall. ‘Jon,’ had been all she could tell Theon where she wanted to go, when he ask.  

Oh Arya Stark Danny Flint you'll never escape  The Fate the Gods have written And life must seem the cruelest jape Oh Brave Young Arya Stark Danny Flint

She’d been sick so often in their trek. Horseback, then on foot, she’d been so nauseous from the travel, throwing up whenever they stopped. The undercooked food made her sick, and she couldn’t bare to have Theon even look at her, let alone take her hand or arm. It had been near... Arya could not remember, but the whispers of the 998th Lord Commander’s death had struck her harder than Ramsay ever could, and her tears had frozen upon her cheeks. Theon had warned her, not all men on the Wall were like her brother and uncle. That if Jon could not protect her, there was only one thing to do. So they’d shed her dress, and dressed her in spare clothes of Ramsay’s that they’d brought, and shorn her hair again, before he helped her bind her breasts. She’d cried at that too, before the smell of rotting flesh made her throw up. 

North she fled to take the Black And leave her troubles past She cut her hair and changed her name To Arry Snow Danny Flint the Brave.

Arry had been easy enough to take the black, where Arya had not. She’d trembled through the vows clumsily that Alister Thorne gave her when she and Theon had been brought to Castle Black. 

At the Castle of Black NightFort Arya Danny took the oath Thought a boy by all And she hoped to live forever As a Brother upon the Wall.

It wasn’t the first time she’d pretended to be a boy, but she’d been good to stay out of the way. A helper to whoever could be use of Arry, they made her, so here she was now, taking care of Jon’s body as tears flooded her eyes. She pressed a kiss to each of his scars and wounds, pressed her head against his chest for the heartbeat that was not there. He was cold, but he’d never been before. She kissed his forehead, then both his closed eye lids, his nose, and his cheeks, like she’d done the day they’d parted ways, feeling her sobs trying to push up before she pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. She’d read a story once. Where the pretty princess was awoken by a kiss from the one who loved her the most, and perhaps, it was a childish hope in her... Before her stomach was churning again like it was so prone to these days. 

Oh Arya Stark Danny Flint you'll never escape The Fate the Gods have written And life must seem the cruellest jape Oh, Brave Young Arya Stark Danny Flint.  Now Arya Danny was so diligent To keep from watchful stares But one night as she bathed Her Brothers saw her body bare. 

She wondered, how long she could hide... and how long it would be before they discovered her where she was? She hadn’t been bathing. What similarities she had with Danny Flint, for Arya had been seen changing by a boy her own age, and they’d both made the same surprised face before both went running. Arya knew what came next, when the door pounded. The red woman had been in here earlier, and Arya’d hid from her too, but she walked in as she pleased, even when Arya’d locked the door. 

These men were quick to break their vows As they threw her to the ground They took her honor then her life While Arya Danny made not a sound.

She sang softly, replacing Danny’s name with her own as the door opened. She would not cry, like she had with Ramsay. He’d liked her cries, Arya would not give these dishonourable men the same satisfaction as she held out Needle.  There were three, all bigger than her, and stronger too.

“Stop, no wrong I have done will be remedied this way!” She near screamed as Needle was pulled from her hand, thrown across the room with the same care that Arya was thrown to the ground with. She kicked, she screamed, but one held her hands above her head, and the other knelt upon her thighs, his right hand around her throat. The third kept watch at the door, but Arya pleaded with her eyes, but he merely watched.

“I think much will be remedied this way, Arry Snow. The dead Lord Commander cannot protect you, just like he couldn’t protect his wildlings! It’s been too long...” 

Oh Arya Stark Danny Flint there's no escape The Fate the Gods have written And life does seem the cruellest jape Oh Brave Young Arya Stark Danny Flint.

She tugged, and fought, but it only got her a slap, stinging as blood drew in her mouth, panic setting in once more. “Please, don’t!” She gave up after her shout, shutting her eyes, and praying for death. Not Today, she used to say, but this once... Today, please, let it be Today.. so that I may join Jon in death. 

It is said Young Arya Danny still yet walks  The Black Castle’s NightFort's shadowy halls  A pale form singing sorrowfully  The loneliest, saddest song.

@thedragoninthesnow got a starter for the thing we talked baout, but it’s honestly so long, please you don’t have to match length at all, don’t feel pressured. I just wanted the song in.

[artificialqueens]

The Parent Trap (Biadore) [Prologue] - Henny

A/N:  This is my very first fanfiction ever about RPDR. Be gentle with me. Thankssss and Enjoy

Much love! xx

Being a Drag Queen, it was fairly easy to hide things from the rest of the world. If you wanted to hide things from your family, you can play it off as your character. If you wanted to hide it from your fans, don’t post it on social media. But, even nowadays, if you want to keep something –anything- a secret, just don’t post or tweet about it.

This is how Bianca Del Rio (Roy Haylock) and Adore Delano (Danny Noriega) hid everything about their relationships, more importantly with each other. After Season 6, they remained good friends which eventually developed into something more; they decided to elope six months after. Surprisingly, it was Roy who decided to leave their apartment (formerly Danny’s) in West Hollywood to get married in Las Vegas.

5:36 AM

“Let’s get married right now.”

Danny laughed and cuddled closer to Roy, who pressed his cheek to his boyfriend’s forehead as he looked at the ceiling.

“Okay, sure.” Danny answered, voice dripping with sarcasm. He felt Roy shuffle a bit before opening his eyes. Roy moved lower, so he can talk to Danny face-to-face.

“I’m serious. I have the craziest urge to go to Vegas and make you mine forever.” Roy said, stroking Danny’s cheek lovingly. Danny gasped softly at Roy’s words, still not believing what he was hearing.

“You? You want to get married in Vegas out of the blue; without any plans?”

“Yes.” Roy rolled his eyes which went unnoticed by Danny in the darkness of their bedroom.

“You couldn’t even hold my hand the first week we were dating because you felt bad for ‘not courting me properly’ and now you want to get in a car and drive to Vegas now?”

“Drive to Vegas… Really, Queen? You think that I won that competition and paid for Delta Diamond Membership to drive our asses all the way to Vegas?” Even with the softest voice (if that’s even possible), it amused Danny that Roy can instantly switch into Bianca while he needed more a few hours for makeup and a smoke session to bring out Adore.

“Okay, I get it! You’re probably just tired from all the sex and booze. We’ll talk about it in the morning. Deal?” Danny said against the pillow. To his surprise, Roy sat up a bit and hovered over him, his arms snaking around Danny’s waist to press their bodies closer together.

“No, I mean it. Let’s go right now.”

“What has gotten into you?” One thing Danny will never know was the fact that Roy did have a proposal prepared. It was all well planned and everything was going to take place a month from that night, that was before Roy saw all of the fans raving about Danny as Adore and some guy she had posted on her stupid snapchat. It was all he could see on his feed, and jealousy wasn’t a good color on Roy.

“Danny, I love you and everything about you; I love Adore, your voice, your passion, your music, and I just want to spend my entire life with you in my arms. Please, Baby. Marry me.”

The smile on Danny’s face was blinding as he pressed a kiss on Roy’s lips.

“Okay, I’m down. Let’s go.”

2 hours of packing, 5 hours in the airport due to the delay, 1 hour and 30 minutes flying later…

The time they arrived, a swarm of Drag Race fans who recognized them caught up with them and asked for pictures, which they happily obliged. Roy took a few more pictures before excusing himself and went inside the hotel to check them in. After settling everything, he felt Danny’s chin resting on his shoulder.

“Finally, what took you so long?” Roy asked, slipping his credit card inside his wallet.

“I was talking to this Queen. Her name was Farrah–something. She was just asking tips on how to win Drag Race.” Danny smiled as he helped Roy with their luggage.

“Ha! She asked the wrong queen, didn’t she?” Roy laughed, throwing his head back in mirth. Danny weakly punches the older Queen’s arm, but laughed nonetheless.

When they got to their room, their lack of sleep took over and the two fell asleep faster than Adore gets a joke.

They decided to get married in the morning. Mainly because of the fact that not a lot of people who watch the show or Drag Queens are awake in the morning or are sober enough to remember anything that happens around that time.

They stood outside the small wedding hall in their hotel, both buzzing with excitement.

“God, my dreams are coming true!” Danny giggled, grasping Roy’s hand firmly.

“Aww, getting married to me?” Roy asked in mock giddy, batting his eyelashes at Danny.

“No, have a Fat Elvis officiate my wedding.” Danny rolled his eyes, yet still feeling a sense of pride when he hears Roy laugh.

“Well, that’s one step to forever right?” Roy whispered, bringing the back of Danny’s hand to his lips.

“Forever, Baby.”

After their reception in Pizza Hut, Roy and Danny made a series of calls to their friends and family. Of course, their first calls were made to Aida Haylock and Bonnie Noriega.

“Finally got your ass married, huh?”

“Just remember to use protection!”

After 30 minute phone calls and 13 eye rolls, they made a list of a few friends they were going to tell. Shane (Courtney), Greg (Darienne), Ben (Bendelacreme), Jerick (Jinx), Aaron (Sharon), Justin (Alaska), Brian (Katya), Michelle, Rupaul via Michelle, and a few more personal friends; they all took an oath of secrecy afterwards. All of them had positive reactions upon finding out, even Rupaul sent in a gift basket two weeks later. But, let’s just say Shane wasn’t very happy with the fact he wasn’t invited.

A year later…

Due to Bianca’s tour and Adore’s music, years sped up fast which was huge blessing to the couple. But, for Danny, things have gotten a bit redundant in their lives. He has been scrolling through his Facebook which only showed him pictures of his friends’ babies. With the big eyes and pouty lips,  Danny was hooked on babies. Secretly, he has been doing research about adoption, but the thought of having a baby that looked like him or Roy was too tempting to pass. So, his research shifted from adoption to vitro fertilization.

The hardest part was convincing Roy to have kids, or so Danny thought. Unbeknownst to Danny, Roy has been doing his own research, looking for compatible surrogates online and even called a few clinics who were more than happy to help out. Roy wanted nothing more than to start a family with Danny, he only hopes the younger Queen feels the same.

“I guess I’ll find out tonight…”

3 months later…

Danny was anxious the whole morning. Sandra just called him, telling him that she had news for the couple. Roy finished cooking lunch and set up the tables just in time for Sandra to arrive after her appointment with her doctor.

The doorbell rang and both their hearts sped up at the sound.

“Fuck!” Danny cursed, running to the door to let the woman inside the room.

“Hello!” Sandra beamed sweetly before following Danny to the living room and sat down. She waited for the two men to sit down in front of her before she told them the news that could change their lives forever.

“So, as you all know, this was my first ultrasound after the whole process. And, a while ago, I’m glad to tell you that it’s a success! You’re going to be Fathers!”

Danny didn’t know what to feel but he could feel the scream that ripped out of his throat in happiness. Everything was blur and all he could feel was Roy wiping the tears on Danny’s cheeks, not caring about his own. Sandra was just smiling as she watched the couple in front of her.

“But, there’s one small thing?” She piped up. The two immediately stopped their celebration and looked at her worriedly. She took out the copies of the ultrasound and presented it to the couple in front of her.

“I’m carrying twins. My body accepted both eggs, so these are both yours!” She announced joyfully as Roy and Danny stared at the two little white blobs in the picture with tears in their eyes.

“Yanx, did you hear that? TWINS! We’re going to have twins!”

Without a doubt, this was the happiest day of Roy and Danny’s lives.

Until, it wasn’t.

[brokensoulstory]

Broken Soul: Eleven

It was a quiet evening at the hotel. The hours were passing slowly as Dannie sat on her bed with the TV on, staring at her phone that was lying on the table instead of the screen. She went through this almost every night. Sleep was hard to achieve since all she wanted to do was see if Evan would call her back.

A knock at her door made her gasp and turn her head toward it. She hesitated, wondering who it could be this late at night. Then she slid out of the bed, turned the TV off and then approached the door, her bare feet creeping across the white, carpeted floor. Dannie opened the door and saw someone she hadn’t seen in months. “You…” she uttered in confusion. “What are you-...How did you find me?” Those fiery orange eyes were all too familiar to her.

"'Ello, dearie!" the strange man greeted with a cheeky smile. “I can explain everything, no worries!" He was leaning against the doorway, propping himself up with an elbow. And in his other hand was hidden behind his back. “May I come inside?”

"Are you drunk?" she asked.

He raised a large bottle of alcohol that was more than half empty and smirked at her. "I'm on my way..." He took a long drink from the bottle and then asked, "Care to join me?"

"I don't really drink..."

"Never too late to start!"

Dannie was unamused. "If you still have something to tell me, then put down that bottle and come inside."

"Hey, listen up, princess..." he taunted after taking a long drink, "I've known you for maybe two minutes total my whole life and I've been best friends with alcohol for most of my cursed existence. If you think I'm gonna betray my best friend for you, then you're incorrect."

Dannie reluctantly let him in with his bottle in hand and closed the door shut. “What did you do to Evan?”

"You're gonna have to be more specific, dah'ling, I've done a lot of things to a lot of people so-"

Dannie interrupted him. "Wait, what? I-...I don't even know what you're talking about but you turned him into a vampire! Why did you do that? We had to leave him behind because of you!”

“I know,” the man replied drunkenly. “It was the only way I could save him.”

“Bull shit, I know you vampires have healing powers! Why didn’t you just heal him?”

“Excuse you, missy, first of all, his injury was too strong,” he explained moving right in front of her face and waving a long finger at her. “He was dying. When someone is too close to death, there’s no way we can reverse it. Turning him was the last thing I wanted to do. But I did it for you. And second of all, I'm not even a full vampire tech-in-i-cally, so there's that.”

“Who are you anyway?” Dannie asked and then felt immense heat emitting from him.

“People call me Ashes."

"Why are you so hot?"

Ashes snickered and then said, "Why, thank you for the compliment, dearie. You're not so bad yourself." He noticed that Dannie wasn't amused. "Okay, in all seriousness, I’m a fire elemental and a half vampire. Dusk, the first vampire, is my maker. That top hat stealing dickcheese has been exterminating vampires that are not part of his clan. And he knows about Evan. And you.”

“So, are you saying this guy is coming after me?”

Ashes nodded. “Yes. He knows of your knowledge about us. He wants you dead.”

“Oh, god, are you going to kill me?-”

“Pshhh, nooo!” Ashes swore. “I came to help you, I did. I'm Evan's maker so that makes him important to me.”

“How many people have you turned?” Dannie asked.

“Maybe....two. One decided to be a murderous dick and Evan's the other one.”

“So… How are you going to help me?”

“I know where Evan is,” he sang in reply.

Dannie’s heartbeat almost doubled up on hearing those words. “What?? Where is he? Is he alive?”

“Calm down,” Ashes suggested and put his hand on her shoulder for a moment. “I don't usually tell people this but, chill out, dearie. Yes, he is alive. Well, at least as alive as a vampire can be. He’s in Rome.”

“Why hasn’t he contacted me? I’ve been trying to reach him for months! Have you talked to him? Is he mad at us? Where is he exactly? I’m going to try to find him.”

“Danielle,” Ashes began understandably, “you can’t just contact him.”

She felt her heart shatter. “Why not?”

Ashes didn’t want to tell her but he had to. He sat down on one of the room's nice chairs and then propped his feet up onto the table beside it. “Hate to break it to you but he doesn’t remember who you are or any of his life prior to leaving you. If you saw him, he wouldn’t know you. That’s why he never contacted you. That or there's trouble in paradise...” He winked at her and it just confused her.

Dannie remembered how Evan left his phone behind and realized he probably had forgotten where he lived and never went home. He hadn’t heard any of her messages or contacted any of his family or friends. Because he had no idea who they were. “I don’t understand,” Dannie said sadly. “How could he just forget us?”

"Did he trade a memory with you?" Ashes wondered.

"I don't know..." Dannie tried to remember. "All I know is I dream in his point of view every single night. And it's always so real."

"You two must have traded memories," Ashes said. "And once you separated, it took full effect. You're dreaming his memories. And he's probably dreaming the one he took from you."

"How come I can remember him but he can't remember me?"

Ashes began to explain. “There is a reason why I remain close to Dusk even though I despise his very existence and cruel actions. It’s because we are connected. When you gave me verbal permission to change Evan, you took an oath of responsibility. Because he was moments from death, only a piece of his soul remained inside of him. Your oath connected you together. Both of you are sharing a soul. Since you possess the majority, almost everything stays with you. You are the only thing keeping him alive. And the further apart you are, the more empty you both feel inside. Have you noticed your mood changes lately?”

Dannie nodded solemnly. “I thought it would just fade away but it’s just growing worse every day.”

“It’s because you both need the other,” Ashes said. “He literally needs you to survive.”

“Why didn’t you tell me all this before?” Dannie asked. “It would have been nice to know this before the rest of my band voted to leave him stranded on the side of the road.”

“I had to save him and didn’t have time,” Ashes answered. “I couldn’t let your friends see me and I had to get back to Dusk before he would find any of you. It took a long time to track you down and to be able to get away long enough to see you.”

“Did you tell him about us? Is that why he’s after us?”

“No,” he assured her. “Another vampire discovered Evan in Rome. I was able to locate him and keep Dusk from him until now. He wants to return and kill him.”

“How can you kill a vampire?” Dannie inquired. “The whole stake through the heart routine? Holy water and cross? Or fire or the sunlight or something?”

“It depends on the vampire,” Ashes replied. “And how powerful they are.”

“Okay,” Dannie sighed with dread, “to be more specific, what would kill Evan?”

“If he’s weak, the slightest stab or rays from the sun could gravely harm him,” Ashes said. “But he’s far from weak now. Probably the only effective way to kill him would be…to kill you.”

Fear grew inside of Dannie’s eyes. Her throat was clogged with so many words, she didn’t know what to say.

“I am going to make sure Dusky-boi does not hurt you or Evan,” Ashes promised.

“Wouldn’t he hurt you if you help us?” Dannie inquired.

“I’ll be all right as long as he doesn’t find out my intentions,” Ashes answered. “He can’t kill me anyway. Our souls are connected just like yours.”

Dannie looked at him with curiosity. She let Ashes explain. “Dusk is an elder; the very first vampire. His soul was whole when he was changed. He fell in love with me centuries ago and decided to turn me after I was attacked by one of his family members after they went on a murderous rampage. Dusk gave me the majority of his soul. Unfortunately, over time, he grew more evil and selfish and drunk on his own power. Most vampires want to rule the world. But he wants to wipe out all who aren’t part of his small clan. He believes his kind are superior to all others or some bullshit like that, I don't know...”

“But if you turned Evan, shouldn’t he be safe?” Dannie wondered. “He is part of your kind if he’s your creation. Right?”

“Not exactly,” Ashes replied. “Vampires are not allowed to turn a human without permission from all the elders. I was not supposed to turn him. Dusk would kill him even if I told him he was my responsibility. And he would probably punish me and kill the rest of you.”

“Why Evan?” Dannie asked. “Why did you turn him? Did you know what would happen to him?”

“I thought he would be able to control the evil within him,” Ashes replied. “I saw how unselfishly he saved your life and I could see how much he meant to you. I thought you’d want to keep him in your life even as one of us. And usually, good-hearted humans who are turned remain good as vampires. I figured he would just feed and live in secret and no one would discover him. But somehow, it leaked.”

“He turned evil,” Dannie remembered, picturing the sight of Katie’s dead body on the bus floor. “He killed an innocent girl because he refused to eat. And who knows how bad he’s gotten now.”

Ashes didn’t want to tell her but he had to. “He’s not the way he used to be. He’s...different.”

“How so?”

“He makes a living stealing money,” Ashes confessed. “He keeps people in his home to feed from them like prisoners. He tortures people for information. He’s manipulative and uses his powers for all the wrong reasons. He is not the sweet, adorable boy you used to know.”

“How am I supposed to help him if he doesn’t remember me?”

“He’s looking for a human donor,” Ashes told her. “You should find him and apply.”

“All right,” Dannie understood. She grabbed her suitcase and started fumbling her belongings back inside of it. “Maybe if I tell him who I am and remind him of his past life, he’ll remember me and come back to us…”

Ashes sprung up from the chair he was sitting on and stood next to her. “Danielle, no,” he protested and continued delivering bad news. Dannie stopped packing and looked at him again. “I know you want to, but you cannot tell him you know him. He might think you’re lying since he has no memory of you. Evan is merciless now and may hurt you or try to kill you if he thinks you’re trying to fool him so you can do him wrong. Vampires do not trust easily. You have to let him figure it out on his own. Once he remembers you, he’ll protect you. And with you close to him, he’ll grow even stronger and can keep both of you alive.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. What if he doesn’t remember? I have to at least try.”

“You can’t,” Ashes said. “You cannot greet him as you would an old friend. He is not your friend. He is dangerous and can hurt you.”

“Evan would never hurt me,” Dannie declared.

“The Evan you remember wouldn’t." Dannie noticed his voice became lower and his accent dropped. “But this one wouldn’t hesitate to hurt you if you were a threat to his immortal existence. He has powers you haven’t seen yet. His eyes—they can see right through you. He can see lies in your eyes. He can hear your pulse speed up if you are afraid. He could smell the slightest drop of nervous sweat drip from your skin. He can feel you breathing. His instincts can read deceit and vampires like him are not usually forgiving and understanding. Facing him is not going to be easy. Unless you want both of you to be acquainted with death, you cannot give yourself away.”

His change of tone slightly worried her. But she still needed answers. “How do I get him to trust me then?”

“I’m going to have to help you," Ashes said, his voice back to normal and his accent suddenly returning.

“Tell me how!” Dannie was frightened and impatient and just wanted to put an end to all of this. Ashes didn’t respond to her. Instead, his glowing eyes locked onto hers. Dannie froze and couldn’t move or look away. It felt like some force was gripping on to her tightly. Ashes said a few sentences in a language Dannie hadn’t heard before and then released her from the trance. Dannie sighed and blinked several times and felt the restraint leave her. “What did you just do?” Dannie inquired, wondering if she could still trust this strange man. “What happened to me?”

“Now you cannot tell him or anyone he’s from your past,” Ashes replied. “He won’t suspect anything now. Here is the address where he resides. Tell his bitch of an assistant you are applying as a donor. But you must not let him drink from you.” He handed Dannie a piece of paper with Evan's address on it written in beautifully drawn cursive. Dannie laid it in her suitcase and had even more questions.

"Oh, hey, you might need some money to get there," Ashes said, handing her a wallet with a wide grin on his face. "Here you go, gorgeous!"

Dannie took the wallet from him and opened it and saw a couple of hundred dollar bills. "Did you steal this?" she asked and then found the ID card inside. The name said Philip Maxwell.

Ashes smirked mischievously. "Well, you can't steal from a thief..."

Dannie recognized the man in the ID's photo. "Hey...This is the guy who tried to rob me and stabbed Evan...Where did you get this?"

"Well, I got it from him," Ashes sassed, still smirking. "Duh."

"Okay, but how did you-"

Ashes interrupted her question and then lightly pushed her shoulder so she sat down on the bed and said, "Sit down, it's storytime!" Before Dannie could even figure out what was happening, Ashes pulled a pitch pipe out of one of his pockets and blew into while throwing confetti into the air with his other hand. "So, once upon a time, I found a douchebag who tried to rob a pretty lady and attempted to murder a handsome lad. I cornered him in an alley since that seemed to be his favorite way to intimidate people and I was like, "You know what I don't like? Thieves!" and then I took his feet out from under him and swiped his wallet and that bastard actually tried to hurt me so I broke some of his bones! Then I lectured him about why it's wrong to rob struggling musicians, because I know the feeling, believe me, and I laughed at his suffering and then left him as a mess. Gold star for me, question mark??" He took a bow and then smiled at Dannie, seemingly awaiting her approval. She was unsure of how to feel about all of this. "Did you....kill him?" she asked.

"He was alive last time I saw him so....no," Ashes replied.

"Okay, then," Dannie sighed. "Gold star...?"

Ashes seemed happy to hear that. "Yayyy!" He exclaimed and clapped excitedly. "I did another good!"

Dannie wanted to back to the original topic. “Oh, by the way, I've been wondering, how do I apply as a donor and expect Evan not to feed from me? It makes absolutely no sense. He’ll think I’m lying and might kill both of us.”

“He might, or he might not,” Ashes said. “We can only hope he trusts you. The longer you’re with him, the deeper your souls will reconnect and his memories might return. Oh, and go easy on Erick.” He winked at her before taking another drink of alcohol.

Dannie almost asked what he had to do with any of this but didn't. She picked up the paper with the address on it and asked, “How do I contact you if I need help?” She expected to hear a reply but heard nothing. Once she looked up to see Ashes, she realized the room was empty and she was alone. She still felt lost and confused and no closer to getting Evan back, despite the fact she held his location in her hand. He seemed even more distant to her now.

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

The hearing's over, but people still aren't buying Kavanaugh's discredited argument

Brett Kavanaugh's seemingly tenuous relationship with the truth is still haunting those who watched him testify on Thursday.

At times, the prospective Supreme Court justice abandoned composure to shed tears and scream, but at his most jarring he straight-up refused to answer questions directly, was unwilling to request an FBI investigation, and, as further research revealed, apparently lied under oath.

In the days since the hearing, people have replayed his testimony in their minds and on their screens. They've turned Kavanaugh's words around over and over again to really let them simmer. And it seems the more thought that's given to his responses, the more discussions about his dishonesty rage on social media.

SEE ALSO: No matter what happens now, history's judgment on Kavanaugh is already clear

One of the major, most general causes of concern about Kavanaugh's testimony is the simple fact that a federal judge, who quite literally navigates the law for a living, refused to answer so many key questions.

call your senators and tell them to vote no for Kavanaugh - the future of our country deserves more than a privileged white boy who’s Spent his whole life over-drinking and can’t answer a simple question without acting more immature about it than a 4 year old.

— Emma González (@Emma4Change) September 28, 2018

Following the hearing and testimonies of both Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford — who accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault in an incident that occurred more than 30 years ago, when the two were in high school — Vox created a visually striking chart to compare the times Ford and Kavanaugh each answered or dodged a question. 

Ford's portion is covered in blue, which signifies she did her best to answer each question presented to her in her testimony, while Kavanaugh's chart is sprinkled with pink lines, a representation of the numerous times he dodged questions.

Both Ford and Kavanaugh fielded questions from lawmakers and prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. But only Ford made an effort to actually answer every question. https://t.co/2XqtspgekR #KavanaughConfirmation pic.twitter.com/jhUVqpu1NJ

— Vox (@voxdotcom) September 28, 2018

When Kavanaugh did make an effort to answer basic questions, like those pertaining to his controversial senior yearbook writeup and personal calendar, it wasn't satisfactory. Again and again he wholeheartedly failed to provide accurate explanations and definitions for terms like "Devil’s Triangle," "boof," "ralph," and more — terms that any person with access to the internet could look up for themselves and fact check. And you'd better believe they did.

During the Whitehouse questions about the yearbook, he's literally almost sneering with contempt while launching into a series of wildly implausible explanations on ralphing, devil's triangle, Renate Dolphin, "boofed", etc.https://t.co/lAowwKhkcz https://t.co/Hj6VmMbufS

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) September 29, 2018

Keep going back this morning to Kavanaugh lying to the committee about “Ralphing” and other yearbook items. With a straight face. Spicy food? Come on.

— Nick Confessore (@nickconfessore) September 28, 2018

I need help understanding something. Why would Kavanaugh lie about such inconsequential things as the definition of ralphing, booting, devil’s triangle- things so easily disproved. Why risk it?

— Jill (@jhgurf) September 29, 2018

Kavanaugh also stated that 18-year-olds could legally drink in Maryland in 1982, which was true if you turned 18 before July 1. However, a simple search reveals Kavanaugh didn't turn 18 until Feb. 12, 1983 which means he wasn't legally allowed to drink until age 21 in Maryland. C'mon, dude.

Legal drinking age in Maryland changed to 21 when Brett Kavanaugh was 17 years old: pic.twitter.com/0MDUGrZ9CX

— Alice Crites (@alice_crites) September 25, 2018

And then, of course, beyond questions surrounding whether it was legal for him to drink at all, there's his deep, deep love of beer itself.

Kavanaugh sounded like a broken record throughout his testimony, passionately declaring his love for beer whenever the opportunity presented itself. Yet, at the same time, the man giving beer such rave reviews also wanted the world to believe the following:

He never drank on weekdays, despite his beloved teenage calendar — an argued symbol of absolute truth — implying otherwise.

He never drank in excess to the point of blacking out, despite saying "sometimes I had too many beers," in his opening statement; embarrassingly refusing to answer a question about drinking in excess; and that questionable section from his pal Mark Judge’s memoir, Wasted: Tales of a GenX Drunk, that describes a character Bart O’Kavanaugh "vomiting on someone’s car during Beach Week and then passing out."

He has a "weak stomach with beer or with spicy food or anything."

With all the conflicting beer-related information presented that day, it's no wonder people are still left with some serious questions and concerns. Some are even gathering evidence from trustworthy sources to create Twitter threads that prove Kavanaugh was far more than a light drinker in the past.

For a guy who has never been blackout drunk in his life, man he loves his beer and drinking stories.

— Bryan Wood (@itsWoodrow) September 27, 2018

Kavanaugh says being president of the Ralph Club is cause he had a weak stomach — why he likes ketchup on spaghetti — Whitehouse says: so the vomiting had to do with alcohol? K refuses to answer reciting his sports and academic record.

— Philip Gourevitch (@PGourevitch) September 27, 2018

For those of you who haven't listened to Kavanaugh's testamony I'm going to sum it up: "Man I love beer. I drink it all the time. Never got black out drunk though. I keep a diary of all of my movements all the time and it says I wasn't there, don't get the FBI involved. Bye."

— Danny Muir (@DannyDocileASMR) September 28, 2018

Lastly, because I’m tired...Kavanaugh was asked by Corey Booker if he: A) drank beer on the weekdays B) If skis meant brewskis What stands out is that Kavanaugh cause this “rare” to drink on the weekday but he literally had it scheduled... pic.twitter.com/vvdVqpnuvT

— Kava-hell-f*ck-naugh (@julian_moffit) September 28, 2018

One of the most widely called out points Kavanaugh used to strengthen his own argument was that the possible witnesses Ford mentioned in her testimony — including Mark Judge, Patrick "P.J." Smyth, Leland Ingraham Keyser, and another unnamed boy — all denied the sexual assault ever took place.

Kavanaugh leaned on the argument several times on Thursday, prompting many — including Senator Richard Blumenthal — to note that the claim was completely inaccurate. Blumenthal even took the time to publicly state that a person having "no recollection" of the event or not knowing the answer to a question is not the same as denying the event took place.

Blumenthal, like Booker, is pointing out that Kavanaugh yesterday had said that four witnesses had denied Dr. Ford's account, where what they actually have said is that they do not remember / do not know.

— Nicky Woolf (@NickyWoolf) September 28, 2018

On Friday, after pleas from Democratic senators and support from outside parties like the American Bar Association and Dean of Yale Law School, Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation vote was delayed to accommodate a requested week-long FBI investigation.

President Trump granted a short investigation that will remain limited in scope, and while it's unclear exactly how the FBI will approach Ford's accusations or examine the claims of other Kavanaugh accusers Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez, here's hoping the country gains some additional sense of clarity on Ford's accusations and Kavanaugh's high school years beyond the vague, often confusing statements he made to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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