#Explorer is just gone now. Hunter is still there but when i go back to CT im only gonna have one kitty cat to smother with kisses

[atatfortatzelwurm]

how is grieving one of my 16 year old family cats supposed to work when i live and work 3 hours from home

[crusty-chronicles]

A Mistake (Ging x Gon's Mom)

Chapter One: The Before

Synopsis: There was only ever one thing Ging regretted in his life, and that was what happened with you. You didn't think you had it in yourself to forgive what he did. Yet despite it all, you always end up finding your way back to each other.

It wasn't well known you'd ever had a husband. Just like it wasn't well known he'd ever had a wife. Only people in your closet circle knew about it. And even then, fewer knew you had a kid with him. It wasn't your doing, God no. If things had gone your way, your family wouldn't have been broken up. But as fate would have it, things were always complicated when it came to Ging.

—------------------------------

The two of you had grown up on Whale Island together. You were the only other kid besides Mito around. Yet despite that, you and Ging were never really friends. In fact, to most it looked like you hated each other. To a certain extent, you did.

Ging was standoff-ish, even as a kid. He never wanted you or Mito to hang around him. Often shooing the two of you away. His dismissive attitude sparking your hostility towards him. If he'd climb a mountain, you'd climb it in half the time. If he caught a monster in a lake, you'd catch two. 

Ging noticed your attempts to one up him, striving to get under your skin just a little more. If you discovered a new plant on the island, he'd undermine it with an even bigger discovery. If you made friends with some of the crew from a visiting ship, he'd connect with the captain.

Everything you two did was to spite the other. 

But somehow you'd ended up together anyway. 

—-------------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D: J U S T  B E F O R E        G O N ‘ S  A R R I V A L

Another letter had come in. Just in time for Gon’s 12th birthday. It was signed with your signature. Mito eyed it with dread. A sinking feeling in her stomach. Sooner or later, she'd have to give them to him. She promised you, after all. But what if he decided he didn't want her as his mom anymore? Wanting instead to chase after you like his father. How would he react knowing his real mother wanted to see him all this time?

With a heavy sigh, she stored it away with the others. The sound of knocking quickly catching her attention. And when she saw it was Gon on the other side, her worries temporarily melted away. He'd brought a friend this time. ‘They’ll probably be out the whole day,’ she thought with a fond smile.

With that in mind, she quickly put both boys to work. Making sure they were all cleaned up before letting them explore the island. Yet something unexpected had happened. Gon presented her with his own hunter license. The very same her cousin had gotten. The type you'd gotten.

She tried not to let her dismay show. Playfully bending the license, though she knew it was practically indestructible. A part of her still hoping it would tear. These things had taken enough of her family. She returned it back at Gon’s protests. Laughing at his pouty expression. 

One very reminiscent of yours.

Both boys left soon after they ate. All the while, Mito was eyeing the drawer she put your letters in. She knew it was time. Gon was an official pro hunter. There was nothing stopping her now from giving those letters, and yet… Yet she was still stalling. 

She was stalling on giving out a few things. Ging's included. She tried to get rid of Ging’s box. Tried everything to destroy it. And when she couldn't, she gave up. But she never tried to get rid of your letters. Never anything that was yours. 

It was getting late. The sun had barely finished setting. She decided she'd bring some food to the two boys. They must've been hungry being out for so long. 

It must have been a natural talent in the family. To always be able to find the person they were searching for. You and Ging would always find her when she would hide away. And he'd always go out of his way to find you when you didn't want to be found. Here Mito was some decades later, somehow knowing just where Gon ended up.

The two boys were near the edge of a cliff. A small fire burning to keep them warm. She went to take a step forward, stopping when she heard one of them talk. 

“You never told me what your mom does.” 

She could hear Gon let out a heavy sigh. Unknowing his mother had fallen into the exact same occupation as him. 

“It's hard to ask about my dad, but asking about my mom's even harder,” he responded.

As much as Mito resented Ging, she loved you. She would have answered a thousand questions about you.

“It's just that since Aunt Mito raised me all by herself, it feels weird y’know? Like it's wrong or something.” Gon continued.

He was ashamed to ask about you? She never wanted him to be scared to ask her anything. Especially if it was about you.

“When I was little, Aunt Mito told me that both my parents died in a traffic accident. She thought if I learned my dad was alive and a hunter, that I might end up just like he did. So…”

“She didn't know how right she was, huh?” His friend commented.

“When I found out about my dad, I dunno? I guess I kind of decided that if he was still alive somewhere, my mom must've been the one who died.”

Wrong. You were perfectly fine. And maybe a small part of her regretted telling that lie. But how could she possibly explain what happened? Tell him his dad had lost custody of him on purpose during court? That it was his fault his own mother couldn't get to see him? 

“Ever since then, I've thought of Aunt Mito as my mom. The only one I've got.”

She didn't know she was crying until her tears dripped down. 

“So there's nothing for me to ask. And I don't need to.”

Such a beautiful moment she was blessed with, and yet… it was tainted by guilt. 

You'd wanted Gon.

You never wanted to give him up.

You tried to get him back.

It wasn't fair.

Not to you.

All she could think of was how badly Ging had fucked up.

She made a decision the next day. To finally tell him the truth about everything. And if he still didn't want to learn about you after, then truly she'd done everything she could. The only one to blame would be her idiot cousin.

She started off with the easier stuff. Things she knew Gon wanted answers to. That wouldn't hold as much weight to recount. Everything pertaining to Ging. That stupid box he left which she had no idea how to open. Stories of their childhood. How she was always chasing after him. How she yelled and fussed after him, only for him to essentially brush her off. How as much as she resented Ging for leaving, couldn't help but feel like things fell apart as soon as he was gone.

She left it at that for a while. Giving Gon time to process everything while she psyched herself up to talk about you. He'd gone back to his room with his friend, and Mito found herself back at the drawer that contained your letters. Twelve of them perfectly sealed and unopened. Her hands were shaking as she picked them up. 

—----------------------------------

The two boys sat excitedly around the tape recorder, triumphant smiles at finally getting that damn box open. And as the tape started to play, Gon could feel his heart stop. Was that really what his dad sounded like? After all this time, it was Ging talking to him. Despite his crude words, Gon was brimming with fire. Wanting more than ever to find him now. 

“About your mother-”

He shut off the tape just as Mito entered. She was clutching something close to her chest. A regretful expression on her face.

“What are those?” He questioned.

“I told you everything I knew about your father. It's only fair I tell you everything about your mother, too.” She explained.

And before Gon could protest, she finally handed over your letters.

“I don't even know where to begin, but make no mistake, she never wanted to give you up.”

He looked up at her in shock.

“My mom's alive?”

Maybe it wouldn't have been enough by itself to make him care. But the letters in his hand and the way Mito spoke about you did. 

“I promised her I would give these to you. She sent one for every birthday. I think that if you ever wrote her back, she'd waste no time responding.” It was said with a bittersweet smile.

If she'd given them sooner, you probably would have.

Gon opened the first letter, he and his friend skimming over the text.

To Gon, 

Happy First Birthday!!!! (Or well, second, but I'll write that one after this.) I'm your mom, and although you can't read yet, let me tell you a little about myself. For starters, I'm a hunter. Just like your clown of a father and maybe someday you. No pressure, I'll be proud of you no matter what you become. Anyways- I’m an underwater ruins hunter. I study civilizations lost to the sea, recover sunken vessels, and occasionally discover some pretty gnarly sea creatures. (Unwillingly if I might add.) I was born on Whale Island and spent most of my childhood there. When I was twelve, I left to take my own hunter exam. Now for the elephant in the room…. I'm obviously not there with you. I wish I could be. But I trust Mito will raise you well. For now, I'll be writing you every year. You don't have to respond, but just know I love you very much.

Your Mom, Y/n.

He didn't know what to expect. Surely not for you to be the complete opposite of Ging. You wanted to see him? You didn't expect him to be a hunter? You encouraged him to reach out to you?

With every letter he read, he became more fascinated. Your words were gentle, often telling him to chase his own dreams. Sometimes you'd write about what you did. Things you discovered and what you hoped to find next time. He thought he'd be okay without knowing anything about you. Perhaps Mito being the one to bring it up changed that.

“My mom was a hunter too, huh? But she seems so different from Ging,” he commented, looking up when he finished the last letter.

Mito let out a drained sigh before speaking. 

“I don't know exactly what happened between them, but I do know your dad did something to stop your mom from seeing you.”

A curse, she thinks you called it. 

“She asked me to take care of you. I would have done it anyway, but something about her trusting me…”

She remembers hearing a knock at the door. Opening it only to see your broken expression. She wanted to be mad at you. Not only had you gone and gotten knocked up, you did it with Ging of all people. The man who she wanted nothing to do with at the moment. That wasn't what sparked this feeling of betrayal. This hurt. You didn't even bother to tell her anything.

You'd been absent from her life for at least two years. You used to visit every few months. And you never hid things from her. But this? A relationship with her stupid cousin and a two year old kid? She wanted to slam the door in your face. Then the feeling disappeared at the sight of you crying.

“Please,” you sobbed. The only person who'd ever made you cry was Ging.

“Please take care of my boy!”

She knew it wasn't your idea to give him up. Not when Ging left the boy without looking back, and you were right in front of her pleading to take him in.

“Raise him like he's your own. I … I wish more than anything things were different. But I can't fix it this time. So please, please love him. Make sure he grows big and strong. Teach him right from wrong-”

“I promise.” She cut off. Her own eyes tearing up as she watched you fall apart.

“My first memory of your dad was his back. My first with your mom was of her face. Smiling so sweetly at me,” Mito started.

“She was my best friend, and I loved her like a sister. She was always butting heads with Ging. Your dad thought she was a pain, and your mom thought he was a jerk. To anybody with eyes it looked like they hated each other. Even I was convinced.”

She could see both boys listening intently. Waiting for her to continue.

“But despite all their petty arguments, they really did care about each other. There was this one time…”

—-------------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

You didn't know how many times you'd found her like this. Hysterically crying her eyes out because she'd lost sight of Ging. But you did know you were sick and tired of him leaving her to fend for herself. He didn't have a shred of sympathy for anyone but himself. You'd put him in his place one day. For now…

“Ging left you again, huh?” You asked.

Mito looked up at you tearfully. Little hiccups escaping her from her place on the ground.

“Yeah.”

You crouched down to swipe the tears off her face. Flashing a soft smile and offering up your hand.

“Well who needs him? C'mon, let's have our own adventure.”

She took your hand without hesitation, letting you pull her up and clinging tightly to your arm. She could always count on you to make her feel better. A smile of her own making its way to her face as you pulled her along. 

“Where are we gonna go?” She questioned.

“Mmmm. Oh, I know! But I can't tell you.” You put a finger to your lips. Eyes filled with amusement watching Mito pout.

“Why not!” She gave a small stamp of her foot.

Deciding you wouldn't tease her further, you responded truthfully.

“Cuz, it'll be a surprise.”

Something special for her. So maybe the person she wanted to spend time with could care less about her. That didn't matter now that you were here. You were absolutely right. She didn't need him.

You led her deeper into the forest. Stopping just short of a clearing with what had to be the prettiest flowers she's ever seen. Blues and reds sprouting from every which way. A small pond in the center with frogs sitting by the edge. Her eyes widened in awe at the sight. 

“How did you find this place?” She asked.

You plopped down on the grass. Laying back and spreading out your limbs.

“Well, you discover something new everyday if you look hard enough.”

You gestured for her to join you. And without fail she did. Laying contently besides you while looking up at the clouds. Her senses flooded by the sweet smell of flowers. You stayed like that for a while. Basking in the serenity of the clearing. An idea came to you then. You nudged her shoulder lightly.

“Hey…Let's come back here tomorrow and have a picnic.”

“Really!?!”

You laughed at her excited tone.

“Yeah! I'm getting better at cooking. How about I bring the food, and you bring the blanket?”

You looked over to see her beaming at you. Your bright grin matching hers.

“Sounds good to me. If I tried to bring any snacks, Ging would find them and eat them.” 

You sat up at that. Raising your fist to the sky with a shake.

“That jerkface. I'd give him a wallop if he tried that.” 

She sat up with you, not bothering to hide her giggles when she spoke.

“Are you gonna give him one today?”

“For making you cry? I'll give him two!”

Your conversation was soon interrupted by a loud growl. The two of you froze. You turned your head to see a foxbear stalking forward. Instinctively you stood in front of Mito. Trying your best to figure out a way to make a break for it. The girl behind you still on the floor unmoving.

It took another step forward. Teeth bared in warning. You could outrun it, you were sure you could. But Mito couldn't. And if you carried her, you wouldn't be fast enough. You had to get its attention long enough for her to escape. It lunged forward before you got a chance to speak.

You’d grabbed Mito and rolled as fast as you could out of the way. The foxbear slamming its head on a tree. You grabbed the younger girl by her shoulders.

“Mito, get out of here! I'll distract it!” 

She seemed to snap out of her fear for just a brief moment. Looking fast between you and the animal that regained its bearings.

“I can't leave you!” She cried.

You didn't have any time to argue, so you said something you hoped would get her moving.

“Then go get Ging! Hurry!”

You shoved her before she could argue. Watching as she broke out into a sprint. You let out a sigh of relief. It was gone as soon as it came, feeling the looming presence behind you.

Mito ran as fast as she could through the forest. Shouting for Ging as loud as she could. Once again crying hysterically the longer she looked. She bumped into something hard. Falling backwards and looking up to see what it was.

“I thought you gave up for the day? Well, whaddya want?” 

She sobbed harder at the sight of Ging. Doing her best to speak coherently through her tears. But all he could make out was ‘Y/n’ and ‘Help.’

He rolled his eyes at the mention of your name. Cutting off Mito from her panicked rambling.

“Look, whatever happened to Y/n is her problem. Besides, she's always running her mouth about how much better she is than me. She can deal with it herself.”

Right at that moment your scream reverberated through the forest. For the first time since Mito could remember, Ging went pale. His eyes widening as the blood in his veins froze. Then all at once he started running. Sprinting as fast as he could in the direction of your cry.

Mito did her best to follow after him. She'd never known Ging to be scared. And she never would have known if it weren't for the slight tremble in his hand as he aimed his fishing pole. His body stuttering upon seeing your crumpled up form. The foxbear looking up at him with a growl.

He ran to the side opposite of you, using the tip of his fishing pole to smack the back of its head. He signaled for Mito to grab you. Continuing his onslaught as the foxbear grew more frustrated. It made a lunge for him. Ging dodged at the last second and made a run towards you and Mito. Picking up both of you and sprinting back towards the village.

Your body felt light, and he tried not to notice the limpness of it. He tried to ignore the warmth seeping into his clothes. The houses were barely in sight when he started shouting for a doctor. For anyone to help.

And he internally cursed you. Just what the hell did you get yourself into. You were gonna die. You couldn't die. You were supposed to be here. For him. 

It wasn't long before you were taken in by a doctor. You were rushed in for surgery. The medical professionals stopping both Ging and Mito from entering the room. So they waited outside instead.

Mito eyed him from her peripheral. His shirt was soaked with your blood. She half expected him to yell at her for your condition. For being reckless. He was oddly quiet instead. She also thought he would have left by now, thinking you were the healer’s problem. But he was right outside your room.

The hospital wasn't really one. Not like Whale Island had much technology to begin with. It was a five room house with basic first aid. An old man with some medical experience and a few helpers. Still, it was better than nothing. The doctor came out after a few hours. The two of them looked at him expectantly.

“She lost too much blood. It's a gamble if she'll pull through. But as of right now, it doesn't seem likely. You two should go home and get some rest.”

With no other choice they left. Or rather, Mito left and Ging said he'd be right behind her. She didn't expect to see him the next day in your room, having cracked open the door silently.

He stood by the side of your bed. Watching the rise and fall of your chest unmoving. His hand clasped in yours.

She was sure what he said next wasn't for another soul to hear.

"If you die…I'll never forgive you.”

His hand tightening ever so slightly around yours.

“So get better. Don't be a wimp and just bleed out."

He didn't bring it up. Not even to rub it in when you made a full recovery. In fact, it was as if that moment of softness never happened.

—---------------------------

P R E S E N T

“So they still fought after that?” Gon questioned. 

He thought his dad would have been a little nicer to you after that. Seems he was wrong.

“Ooh yeah. A lot. I never told your mom about that either. So naturally they continued on as usual. That didn't mean she didn't have her own soft spot for him as well.”

—--------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

Another day, another spat with you and Ging at each other's throats. He tried to walk away at first, not in the mood to be scolded right now. But you followed persistently behind him. 

“You can't just disappear for a day! Everybody was worried about you!” You shouted.

Everyone huh? He shot you a glare over his shoulder.

“Even you?”

He watched smugly as your cheeks puffed out in irritation.

“Oh yes. Totally worried and not at all annoyed by your reckless behavior! Can't you stop being stupid for one minute.”

His amusement disappearing at your insult. He turned around to face you.

“Then why are you here? Quit nagging me and just go away!”

“It's not like I found you first on purpose! You think I like wasting my time!”

His head started to hurt. Maybe staying in that cave overnight had been a bad idea. Not like he'd ever admit it, and surely not to you of all people. You'd never let him live it down.

“Funny. Considering your entire life is a waste of time!” He taunted.

“Real original. At least I'm not the one who doesn't know what a shower is!”

But the longer Ging continued to argue with you, the worse he started to feel. The ache in his head became a ruthless pounding. His vision going in and out. He doubted an animal bite was the cause. He must've been exposed to something.

“Another thing- hey. Are you okay?” Your tone immediately shifting upon seeing him struggle to stand.

You reached to put a hand on his forehead. He quickly slapped it away. Trying to create space between you two.

“M fine. Maybe if you shut up for once…. World wouldn't…be.. spinning.” 

He collapsed onto the ground. The last thing he heard was your concerned cry.

“GING!”

You rushed over to his side, panicking at his rapid breathing. You quickly hauled him over your shoulder and ran back towards the village. They stared at you in shock as you hauled around the unconscious boy.

You'd brought him to the same doctor you'd been at. And like you, the chance of recovery was slim. They didn't know what he'd been exposed to. You did your best to recall where you'd found him. Listing off whatever you thought would help. With nothing to do but wait, they'd sent him home on bed rest.

Mito would check up on him everyday. Surprisingly, you joined her. She'd never seen you so downcast. Especially over Ging. If anything, she expected you to brag about how you were right. How Ging was stupid enough to somehow get infected by a new sickness. Not you being the one to give him his medicine. (His own dad having been gone for some time now.)

He hadn't been getting better the past few days. And as she silently opened his bedroom door, she couldn't help but freeze in her tracks. 

Ging's hand was clasped tightly between yours. You were looking down at him with a frustrated expression.

"You're pathetic if you let this sickness win. Aren't you supposed to be strong?”

She was sure she wasn't supposed to be hearing this. But you didn't seem to notice her.

“Then beat this thing and get better! If you die…I'll hate you forever."

And when he made a miraculous recovery, you didn't bother bringing it up either.

—---------------------------------

P R E S E N T

She continued sharing stories about you and Ging. It felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. With every new fact about you, Gon’s eyes brightened. There was still a part of her that was worried he'd start chasing after you next. That he'd stop thinking of her as his mother. She knew it was selfish, but she'd raised him all on her own.

“I'd like to meet her one day. But she wouldn't be able to replace you.” Gon admitted.

She had nothing to fear after all.

—-----------------------------------

You don't know why you were thinking about him. About your childhood. You supposed the setting had something to do with it. You were currently traveling on a boat to get to your next sighting. Then you'd spend about a week doing dives. Truly you loved the sea. You could never get enough of it as a kid. Wanting more than anything to leave that island to explore it.

For so long you'd only ever stare across the horizon. You'd pick up whatever washed ashore and observe it. Try to figure out where it came from or what it was. You were able to spread your wings as a hunter. 

A damn shame the man who encouraged you to do it was a dickhead.

—---------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

You remembered hearing the announcement and not believing it. Ging's dad was gone, lost somewhere out at sea. They weren't close, but it affected him all the same. You saw the way his eyes widened in disbelief. The way his hands clenched as people offered their condolences. How he started distancing himself from everybody. 

He'd go into the forest and wouldn't come out for days. You knew he wasn't taking care of himself. Seeing his disheveled appearance and sunken in cheeks. You don't know why you felt bad for him. All you two did was yell at each other. But you just couldn't stand to see him so dejected. 

Maybe it was because you could relate to him to some extent. You'd lost both of your parents when you were four. And although every family friend offered to take you in, you opted to stay by yourself in your home. The last thing you'd wanted was to be pitied.

You had a feeling Ging was similar. Too proud to accept any help or admit he needed it. He wouldn't want your sympathy. But you at least wanted him to eat. To stop neglecting his health. 

It wasn't hard to find him. Somehow you always managed to do it. He was slumped over up against a tree. You don't think you've ever seen him so…so upset. You approached him slowly, watching the way his head shot up at the sound of your footsteps.

“You've been roughing it up like a caveman for days. Don't you think it's time to go back home?” You asked.

He took note of the softness of your voice. You've never spoken to him like that before. 

“I'm fine.” He brushed off.

‘You don't look like it,’ you wanted to say. But you didn't want to push him. So instead you'd said-

“Well if you're going to be stubborn. Here.”

You extended out the basket you'd brought. A pleasant smell emitting from it. You could see the cogs turn in his head as he tried to figure out what was in there.

“Don’t go getting the wrong idea. I had leftovers is all,” you justified. 

He snapped out of whatever daze he was in and turned his head away.

“I'm not hungry.”

You frowned at his words. You always hated how stubborn he could be. Two could play at that game. 

“You look like garbage. You know you can't lie to me. And if you're gonna stay up here, at least feed yourself.”

The thought occurred to you that maybe he came up here because he didn't want anyone to see him grieve. 

“Or if you don't want anyone to see you, you could crash at my place.” You added.

Your hospitality didn't sit right with him. You of all people were being nice. Why? Because you felt bad? You were the last person he wanted to be pitied by. 

“Are you gonna tell me you're sorry too? That you're here if I need somebody to talk to? How you can't possibly imagine what I'm going through?” Frustration evident in his tone.

“I'm not-” You tired to argue, but everything had been too much for him.

“Well save it.” He snapped, eyes boring into yours. 

“I don't need your damn help and I don't need your sympathy. But you can never leave me alone, can you?”

You two were no strangers to arguing. But something about this one felt different. It felt more heated. More weighted. The venom of his words making you tremble.

“You're just an annoying thorn in my side that I can't get rid of. I hate you. I hate your voice. I hate the way you look. The way that you walk. I hate everything you stand for.”

He didn't know why he was so angry at you. But he couldn't stop. 

“Make yourself useful for once and get the hell away from me!”

You stood silently taking it. Nails pressing hard into your palms. For a second he thought you would cry. Instead you'd dropped the basket you were holding. Voice eerily quiet as you finally spoke.

“I can't wait until I get off this island. I'll have the pleasure of never seeing you again.”

You left after that, leaving him once again in silence. He thought he would've felt better after you were gone. He didn't. For some reason, he couldn't shake the look on your face. The hurt. You'd never let anything he said get to you before. So why this time?

He shook his head to rid the thought. But he just couldn't escape you. The smell of the food you'd brought wafted tantalizingly in his face. He could feel a small pang of hunger in his stomach. 

Damn you and your persistence.

The more he tried to ignore it, the more prominent his hunger became. Inevitably, he gave into the rumbling of his stomach. Not wanting to admit he was somewhat thankful you'd left the basket. Or that you'd been right. He froze when he saw what was inside it.

These were all his favorite foods. Packaged with care and enough to last him for the day. You didn't have leftovers, you'd actually gone out of your way to cook for him. A twinge of guilt coursed through him. 

He'd been awful to you, and yet you still made sure he was taken care of. Hadn't you lost both of your parents too? More than anyone, you probably did know what he was going through. But you didn't want it to seem like some charity case, so you tried to play it off instead.

And he'd thrown it back in your face.

Man, he really owed you one, didn't he?

Just like that his grief, his frustration was gone. In its place the want to make things right with you. So he spent the whole night trying to figure out how to make it up to you. You loved the shoreline, so he started there. Picking up things he thought you would like. Fossilized parts of starfishes, a few janky shells, pieces of coral. He overheard you talking about sand dollars once, so he found a few of those too. Maybe he'd even catch you a new pet. Everything he collected placed haphazardly into your basket.

He knocked on your door first thing in the morning. It was still early enough that nobody would see him give it to you. Why did it matter if people saw him?

He half debated just leaving the basket at your door. But he decided against it, figuring you'd just think it was Mito who left it. The silence stretched out before him. You sure were taking your time, weren't you? He knocked again.

He felt like an idiot standing out here. People would see him at this rate. How humiliating it was to apologize to you. He twisted your doorknob next, surprised to see it unlocked. He'd scold you for that later. For now, he let himself in. 

“Hey, you awake yet?” He asked softly.

Once again he was greeted by silence. He decided to just get it over with. No point in stalling.

“Look, maybe I went too far yesterday. I don't…I don't hate you…And uh- thank you for the food.” He quickly added.

Silence. He walked further into your home. Face burning a bright red. You were really gonna make him say it, weren't you? 

“You're really that mad, huh? Fine. I didn't mean to snap at you, okay?!? I don't even care about my dad that much. He's never here. Not like you. So just come out already!” 

And when you still didn't respond, his heart dropped. Something wasn't right. You'd never skip out on a chance to tease him. Something on your table caught his eye. A note. It shouldn't have shocked him to see it addressed to Mito. Though he never should have expected you to write him anything in the first place. 

‘I'm gonna be out for a while, so don't panic when you can't find me. I'll be fine. Take care until then.’

Okay. So he'd just have to wait until you came back. No big deal. He could wait here for you.

You didn't come back.

You'd been gone the whole day. Mito came by to see you. And when he showed her the note, she tried to wait for you too. But when it got dark out, she started crying. She always did when something happened to you. She loved you like family. It wasn't like you to be gone for so long. Still, he wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt.

By the third day, the entire island was searching for you. No stone left unturned, every nook and cranny you could possibly fit into was searched. There was no sign of you.

You left.

He was sure you did.

You always talked about getting off the island. Then there was what you said before you walked away from him. That you couldn't wait to leave. He asked all the crew members by the dock if they'd seen you. He checked every shore he could find at least twice. Asked if any boats had left recently. No luck. You'd made sure there was no trace of you.

How was he supposed to explain to everyone it was his fault you were gone?

He was scouting on the edge of a cliff when he saw something. A stone skipping in the water below. He tried not to get his hopes up. Tried to stop the pounding of his heart as he made his way down. Hugging the base of the mountain while scooting a few inches at a time. Finally, there was an opening. He never would have seen it if it weren't for the rock you tossed.

You hadn't seen him yet. Holding yet another small rock and throwing it across the surface of the water. You looked…fine. A canister of water by your side with a small fire going. He had no reason to be worried about you. 

You knew he was there. Even without seeing him you knew. You weren't mad at him, per se, but you were hurt. You could tell he was just lashing out. Taking everything negative and aiming it at you because it was easier that way. That didn't excuse what he said. It didn't mean you wanted to see him. Or anyone for that matter. 

You wanted to be alone for a while. Just to collect your thoughts. But since he was here, you couldn't help but be snippy with him. He had no right to bother you when he'd been so cruel earlier. 

“I thought you wanted me to leave you alone?” Sarcasm dripping from your tone. 

He stood shocked at your words. Regaining his composure only to scold you right after.

“Don't start with me! You've been missing for three days! What the hell is wrong with you!?!”

Had you been more observant, you would have noticed the worry in his voice. 

“Me? Says the idiot who leaves for weeks at a time! You can't get after me for doing the exact same as you!”

“Like hell I can't! The entire island’s been in a frenzy since you left!”

“Well you found me! Now go away!”

He was getting nowhere with you. So he tried someone who could.

“Mito thought you were hurt or worse!”

At that you went quiet. A guilty expression crossing your face. He knew you loved her just as much as she loved you. He took your silence as a sign to continue. 

“Look, when I do it, it's expected! When you do it, it's like her entire world ended. Damnit, you have people who care about you!” He cared about you.

“And you don't!?!” You snapped.

It was like his brain short-circuited at that moment. You cared about him? Was everything he had been feeling what you'd felt too? Worried about how the other was doing. If they were okay. 

“Why are you here Ging?” You asked.

You sounded drained. He couldn't blame you. He'd felt drained too.

“It should be obvious shouldn't it?” He rebuttaled. 

But as always you saw right through him.

“No. Why are you here?”

He didn't know how to answer you, so he didn't. You curled into yourself at his silence.

“I don't want to see you right now.” You said quietly.

He sat down next to you stubbornly.

“Too bad. I'm not leaving until I take you with me.”

You scooted away from him.

“Then we're stuck here because I'm never going anywhere with you again.”

You let out a scoff, directing your attention to the fire in front of you. It was an awkward sort of silence that filled the cave. You didn't want to speak to him, and he didn't know what to say. He looked at you from the corner of his eye. He had no idea how to fix this. He was never the best with people. He knew how to get on your nerves. Not how to soothe them.

So he sat there for an hour or two, trying to formulate a sentence in his head. He eventually gave up. Maybe being honest would help. And if it didn't, then you two would be stuck down here a long time.

“It was off putting, you know?” He started.

“Hmm?” You gave a small hum, still refusing to look at him.

“To have you be nice to me.”

He could see the way your hands clenched. Okay so maybe those weren't the right words.

“Well, it'll never happen again.”

Definitely not the right words.

“Not like that. Ugh!” He tried to diffuse. Face starting to burn with embarrassment. And when you finally turned to stare at him, it only worsened.

“Like what then?”

He took a second to collect his thoughts. Letting out a heavy sigh before speaking.

“I don't want to be the boy who was pitied.”

Your face scrunched up at his words.

“Who's father died so everybody better step on eggshells around him. All the ‘sorries’ and ‘we’re here's.’ I can't stand any of it.” He confessed.

You had a feeling that was the case. It was why you tried to be subtle about your kindness. Look how far that got you.

“Then for you to show up with food, to offer me your place to stay…It didn't feel like you. It felt like everyone else.”

At last, your features softened.

“I just don't want you to change. You don't tell me what I want to hear. So having you care about me just felt off.”

He turned his head towards you when he was finished. He was surprised to see you move closer to him. You didn't look mad anymore. You were trying to figure out how to respond.

“I just…” 

And he waited for you. Just as you'd waited for him.

“You're so strong, you know? So stubborn and determined. I thought nothing could shake you.”

You thought that highly of him, huh? It had him feeling a little worse for what he said to you.

“Seeing you so dejected….It was hard. You're always full of energy. The boy who can never resist a challenge. The sulking kid who sits in one place? That's not Ging Freecs.”

You met his gaze with a small smile.

“I don't want you to change either. And I know you didn't mean all that stuff. You don't have to say you're sorry.”

A feeling of relief washed over him. He decided he hated it when you were mad. Really mad at him. The silence was more comfortable this time. The tension in the cave not as thick. He'd almost say it was nice.

“I thought you'd run off the island. I don't know why, but it scared me. The thought of you not being here anymore.” He admitted.

You gave a playful nudge to his shoulder.

“I would have loved to see the look on your face.”

And once again he was embarrassed. He'd never tell you he was worried. He'd rather have his eyes gouged out than admit that.

“What look? The look of relief.” He taunted, but you only laughed the remark off.

He pouted and turned away from you. Through your giggles you could tell he was flustered. You knew he didn't like being vulnerable. Hell it was a miracle he'd told you as much as he did. You decided to humor him a bit.

“I was scared too. I thought you'd kill yourself up there. That's why I brought you food in the first place.” You explained.

He was grateful you'd somewhat changed the subject. Taking attention off him for a moment. But something in the atmosphere changed. Your amused expression was replaced by something more somber.

“I'm gonna leave this island eventually. I don't wanna be stuck here all my life.”

Eventually. Not yet. It was comforting to hear. He nodded at you to continue, sharing in your sentiment.

“There's something I want to do. Something I want to find.”

“What is it?” He asked.

“You're gonna laugh if I tell you.”

“Promise I won't.” Because truthfully, he wanted to be here with you. A part of him beaming at the fact you were telling him something personal.

“You know about the legend of Atlantis right? The lost sunken city? I'm gonna find it. Or a city like it. Most myths are based in some truth, right? At the very least I can discover lost pieces of civilizations.” 

You spoke excitedly, but when you met his gaze, you shied away. Preparing for him to poke fun at you.

Had it been coming from anyone else, he would have thought they were crazy. But something about it being you made him believe it. It made him want to root for you. Before he could say as much, you continued. This time with more determination.

“In two years, I can take the hunter exam. I'll be able to get the funds I need for dives. Maybe grants for research. I'll be able to start my life. But…I know people will probably think I'm crazy. I'll be underestimated for being so young. It'll be hard.”

He could see you were on the fence about it. Wanting to chase your dreams, but at the same time worried about what everybody else would think. He doesn't think he's ever seen you self-conscious before. You were always so sure with everything you did.

“If anyone can do it, it's you.” He encouraged.

Your eyes widened. Then all at once you beamed at him. 

“So you think I should go for it?” You asked hopefully. 

“Yeah. Besides, I'll be the one to leave first. If I'm going after what I want, why shouldn't you?” 

You were temporarily shocked hearing he'd wanted to be a hunter too. Then again it was Ging. He was always chasing something new. He fit the role perfectly.

“And what is it that you want?” You asked.

He couldn't believe what he was about to tell you. Something he'd never confided in anyone about before. He supposed it was only fair since you did it first.

“There are these ruins. I want to restore them. Well, not quite. I want to find out what's inside them. Nobody's been able to get in there before. Something about it being too dangerous and the ruins themselves being too fragile. I'll start up a nonprofit to get things going. It won't be easy either. But it's what I want.”

He looked at you with an unshakable resolve. The same one reflected in your eyes.

“Then you better make sure to get it.” You said.

He remembered what you said the day he snapped at you. Asking him to go back to the village. Back home. After being away for so long, no thanks to his own behavior and worry for you, he wanted nothing more. He stood up and offered his hand to you.

“I'm ready to go home now.” He prompted.

You smiled and took his hand.

“Then let's get going.”

You got back to the village by nighttime. Staring up at the stars as you made your way to your house. Ging followed right behind you. When you got there, you offered for him to come inside. Initially, he accepted your offer. That was until you found your basket on the table.

“What's this?” You asked.

Ging actively avoided your gaze while you looked through the contents of the basket.

“Mito thought you were sick and made you a basket.” He quickly lied. Face burning a bright red. 

You raised a brow at his flustered expression. 

“Well tell Mito I said thank you.” You already knew it was him who left it.

“I will.”

He went to leave, trying to escape what'd made him so embarrassed. And just before he opened the door, he hesitated.

“Don't ever do that again.” He lectured one last time. 

You gave a roll of your eyes.

“I didn't need you to find me. I was perfectly fine. And besides, I left a note.”

“Just don't do it, okay!?!”

Eventually the time came when he was supposed to leave for his hunter exam. He of course rubbed it in how he got to become one first. Very much enjoying how it got under your skin.

“Being a year older than me doesn't make you better! You know damn well I'd ace it on my first try!”

“Sucks to suck. It doesn't change the fact I'll be a hunter before you. Maybe I'll even get a head start on your search.” He teased.

“Don’t you dare! I'll kick your ass!”

“Oooh. I'm so scared. How's it feel to be in second place?”

“I hope you fail and have to take it next year with me! Then I hope you fail again!”

Your angry expression disappearing when he started staring point blank at you. It felt like he was observing you. You fidgeted under his gaze.

“What? Is there something on my face?”

At that, he continued his way towards the boat that would take him to the exam site. He flashed you a cheeky smirk over his shoulder before speaking once more.

“You're such a nag. You know, no man's ever gonna wanna marry you if you keep at it?”

You could feel your face burn. Chasing persistently at him while yelling.

“Oh yeah? Well you're a lazy bum! No woman's gonna wanna put up with you and clean up after your messes!”

“Psh! I could bag any woman I wanted.”

“Bag this!”

You put him in a headlock. Grip unrelenting as he pleaded for you to let go. Ultimately giving up and letting you rough him up. It'd be the last time he'd see you for a long while. He could feel it.

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

P R E S E N T:  S O M E W H E R E  O N  T H E A Z I A N  C O N T I N E N T

Gon didn't know what he was expecting, he should have figured it wouldn't be that easy to find Ging. Still he couldn't help but feel disappointed his father had sent him on another chase. On the bright side, he'd been able to meet Kite again. The man who'd inspired him to become a hunter in the first place.

It was a hectic reunion to say the least. And after a small scuffle with some ants, the three of them situated themselves around a fire. The conversation centered on Ging for a bit. What he was like, how Kite met him, small things that only piqued Gon’s interest more.

“Do you want me to tell you where Ging is right now?” Kite asked.

Gon knew he was testing him. Already knowing what he'd say without hesitation. He was sure of it now. He was right where he was meant to be. Ging had his reason for sending him here, and he'd do his best to see it through.

"No thanks. I'll find him myself.”

Kite seemed content with his response.

"That's a good answer.”

Gon’s determined look reminded him of someone. He just couldn't put his finger on it at the moment. Yet as the conversation continued, the image became clearer. It wasn't until Gon asked about you did he realize it.

“Do you know anything about my mom?”

That's right. He had your unwavering optimism and determination. He should've known from the start it was you. He may have looked like Ging, but his mannerisms were yours. It really should have clicked he was your son too. 

“Yeah, I know your mom. She's one of my closest friends.”

The way Gon’s eyes lit up, it was definitely you.

“Really!?! What's she like?”

He let out a small laugh at the boy’s enthusiasm. Oh where to start with you. There were so many things to say. More than he could about Ging because unlike him, you two had actually kept in frequent touch with each other. He knew the general vicinity Ging was in, but he knew the exact hotel you were staying at. That was one way to put it.

“She's the complete opposite of your father, for starters. Your dad struggles socially most of the time and he's extremely stubborn. He doesn't give up until he gets exactly what he wants. Your mom makes friends just about everywhere she goes. She compromises a lot when it comes to what she's looking for. But she'll always manage to find a way to get it anyways.”

Gon noticed his tone was a lot softer when he talked about you. Very similar to the way Mito reminisced about your shared childhood. 

“She's always going out of her way for others. I remember the first time I met her…”

—---------------------------------

S O M E W H E R E : 1 6 Y E A R S A G O

The situation wasn't ideal. The two of them needed a place to stay for the moment, and for whatever reason Ging led them here. A small house just outside of York New. 

Normally they'd take their chances with the elements, but the impending blizzard changed their plans. There was no way in hell they would be able to withstand it. Ging seemed pretty adamant about coming here, too. An almost excited look in his eye when the opportunity presented itself. 

When you heard knocking on your door, you couldn't have expected who'd be on the other side. Opening it up and staring dumbfounded. A sixteen year old Ging stood with a ten year old kid in the cold. 

“It’s been what? Four years? Nice to see you again,” he greeted.

“Die.” You quickly slammed the door in his face. 

Now from what Ging had been telling Kite, you were his friend. He said you would greet him with wide arms or something. Be more than willing to open your home. Clearly he'd been misled. 

“Wh-hey! It's freezing out here! Have a heart will ya! At least take in the kid!” Ging pleaded through the door. 

And his motives may or may not have been selfish. Staying here for a night would give him the opportunity to dump Kite off at your place. But you didn't need to know that.

“Stop trying to guilt trip me!” He heard you faintly through the door.

“One night? C'mon. All the hotels are booked up. Look I'll even pay you.”

You looked out through the peephole just in time to see him wave a five dollar bill. And just when you were about to shoo him away once and for all, you saw the little boy shiver. Clutching his arms tightly to himself to keep warm. 

Damnit. 

You hastily unlocked the door. A hand on your hip while you moved to let them in.

“You better clean up after yourselves. Got it?”

Ging gave a salute.

“Yes ma'am. Let's go.” He gestured for Kite to follow him.

The kid followed behind him obediently. Hanging up his coat and looking at your home in awe. Ging leaned down to whisper something in his ear. He gave a small nod when he finished, walking further into your home to explore. Perhaps if you'd been a little closer you would have heard Ging say-

“Told you she'd let us in. Now don't go causing trouble. She's scary when she's mad.”

You let the duo situate themselves in your kitchen. You eyed the smaller boy with curiosity. He'd been dead silent since he walked in. Looking everywhere but you. He seemed to curl in on himself, as if to look smaller. Nerves perhaps. 

“So who's poor kid did you abduct?” You questioned. 

Ging gave a roll of his eyes before answering.

“I didn't abduct him. He just started following me around. I figured it wouldn't hurt to keep him as a student.”

“You? A teacher? That poor boy.” 

“Hey! He's coming along nicely. He's already got the basics down. It's only a matter of time before I teach him nen.” He defended, crossing his arms at your jab.

You scoffed and continued on with cooking. You could see Ging enter your peripheral, a cheeky smirk on his face.

“Speaking of, how's yours coming along?” He asked.

“Like I'd ever tell you my ability. It's humiliating enough you recovered those ruins first.”

You knew those words were a mistake the second they left your mouth. Watching as he beamed before a smug expression replaced it. He used an arm to lean on your counter.

“So you were keeping up with me? If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush.” And to your horror, he wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

“Ha! Don't delude yourself. My department covers ruins too. It'd be weird if I didn't hear about it.”

He'd deny the slight disappointment at your words. 

“Besides, how'd you know where I lived?” You continued.

“I asked around.” He said matter of factly. And as he realized what he said, his face flushed.

“Stalker much. If I didn't know any better, I’d say you had a crush on me.” You mimicked.

“Tch. It's not like that! I just…”

“Just what?”

He internally cursed you out for throwing his taunt back in his face.

“We'll probably be colleagues one day, so it helps to know where you are,” he justified. 

You didn't believe him, but still you decided to give him a break.

“Sure. Now, go get cleaned up. Leave your clothes to thaw out. I'm sure I have something that'll fit you.”

“And him.” He gestured to Kite behind himself.

“Oh he can definitely fit in my clothes. Poor thing is so scrawny.”

You walked over to the smaller boy. Kite froze when you cupped his cheeks. Cooing softly at him. Your movements very much exaggerated.

“He's been starving you, hasn't he? C'mon, let's take care of you. It couldn't be easy living with such a brute.”

“Hey!” Ging called out.

You guided Kite to sit at the dining table. He didn't really trust you. And your overly friendly tone didn't help. But as soon as Ging left, he could tell it was for show. You smiled a little more genuinely at him.

“Hope you like soup, because that's what we're working with. Luckily, I should have enough for all of us.”

You didn't know whether to take his silence as a good thing or not. Who knows what Ging told him. Probably that you were a witch who'd put him in the oven.

“I don't bite, you know?”

He eyed you with a shy expression. 

“I've got plenty of food, so you can eat to your heart's content. And don't worry about the dishes. I'll make Ging do them. It's the least he can do for showing up unannounced.” You tried to sway, yet he stayed quiet. Although you noticed he started fidgeting under your gaze.

“Not much of a talker huh? That's fine. If you need anything just let me know.”

The difference between you and Ging was night and day. Your presence was warm and inviting. You didn't try to pry into his personal life or poke fun of him. Serving him a bowl of whatever you'd been cooking with an encouraging smile. 

He took his first spoonful. It was the first time you'd seen him show emotion since he'd been here. Eyes lighting up as he eagerly downed the entire bowl. You did your best to stifle your laughter, pouring him another serving when he was finished.

“You can sleep in my room, if you want.” You offered.

He momentarily looked up from his food. He was weighing the option in his head when Ging came out from your bathroom.

“And where am I gonna sleep?”

Your soft expression shifting into an annoyed one. Looking away from Kite to address him.

“The couch.”

“What!?! Shouldn't the host take the couch?” Ging argued.

“You should be glad I'm letting you stay in the first place. I get the spare room. My house, my rules.”

He huffed something under his breath. You gave a glare and pointed towards the sink.

“Dish duty. Go.”

“I haven't eaten had a chance to eat yet!” He complained.

“Well eat and then do them. I'm not your damn mother."

“No but you'll be a hag in a few years.” He mumbled.

“What did you say?!?”

“Nothing!”

He'd never seen his mentor so compliant. There was hardly any pushback before he was scrubbing the dishes. Ging liked to march to the beat of his own drum. So to see him do whatever you told him, it was shocking. Maybe he didn't want to piss you off. Though he had a feeling it was something else entirely.

Kite followed you to your room. You urged him forward, grabbing a few comforters and pillows from a closet. How long had it been since he slept in a bed? Too long. He practically sunk into the mattress. Smiling contently as he spread out. 

“Getting comfortable?” You asked.

“Mhm.”

“I got you some extra blankets just in case. Here, let me set things up for you.”

He watched mutely as you organized the pillows you'd brought in. Reaching over the side of the bed to swipe a small stuffed bear. You put a finger to your lips.

“Don't tell Ging. I kept this from home. If he found out he'd be a jerk about it.”

It'd been a gift from Mito when you were little kids. You couldn't take a lot with you when you left Whale Island. But you’d wanted some reminder of home. No matter how small it was.

Kite nodded in understanding. Knowing just as well as you how insufferable Ging could be. You were in the doorway when he stopped you. Building up his confidence to speak at last.

“Kite.”

His voice was quiet. Quiet enough that you weren't even sure you heard it.

“Huh?”

“My name is Kite.” He wanted to say thank you, but the words died on his tongue. You smiled brightly at him anyways.

“Well it's nice to meet you Kite. If you need anything, I'm here.”

He could see now why Ging chose this place. Why he chose you. Kite decided he liked you after all.

And while he slept soundly through the night, a certain ruins hunter found that he couldn't. Tossing and turning before getting up to use the restroom. He opened up the door and stopped in his tracks. 

You were snoring away inside the tub. His eyes softened at the sight. You'd taken care of them before yourself. It was just like you to be so stupid. So selfless. 

You never had a spare bedroom to begin with.

—--------------------------------

P R E S E N T

“I didn't find out until a few days later what happened.” Kite continued on.

“And when I did, Ging told me not to bring it up to her.”

“Why not?” Gon questioned.

“He said she didn't do it to be thanked, but because she could. And if she wanted to make a big deal out of it, she would've.”

“I get it.” Killua said.

“If you're friends, then there's no reason to be thanking each other. It goes without saying to help when the other person needs it.” He explained.

“I still don't really get it. Isn't it nice to show appreciation?” 

At the very least, Gon figured his father would have tried to do something nice for you in return.

“Think of it like this: I didn't ask you to come after me when Illumi showed up, but you did it anyways.”

“Well it was the right thing to do.” He said as if it were a matter of fact.

One thing was for sure, he was definitely your kid.

The sound of footsteps quickly caught their attention. Eyes trained to where the noise was coming from. They could see a figure emerge from the underbrush. A woman.

“I thought I'd find you out here. Not that I couldn't sense you, buuuut still.” You greeted the silver haired hunter, not yet noticing the two boys. 

“Hey.” He offered you a wave.

And while he was perfectly calm, he could sense the shock from the boy in green. The disbelief. 

“I figured I'd stop by to see how you were doing. I've got some spare time before my next job.” You explained.

As you came closer, you finally took in your surroundings. The grin wiped off your face when your eyes landed on Gon. You could feel your heart start to race. Stepping back instinctively and pointing at him.

“What's that?” You asked Kite. 

“I think you know.” He responded.

You shook your head rapidly. There was no way. Your nen was still intact so it couldn't be him. Unless…

“No. No I don't. I'm just. Hallucinating! That's it! Oxygen deprivation is finally kicking in!” Your attempts to find any excuse not going unnoticed.

“Why is your mom freaking out so much? I thought she'd be happy to see you.” Killua whispered to the boy in green.

Though he didn't respond. Still in shock to finally see one of his parents. He watched as you continued to panic. His own nerves in complete overdrive.

“Ha, this has gotta be a prank right?” You continued to question the silver haired hunter. But everything came to a head at one singular word.

“Mom?”

Oh shit.

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

AN: They could never make me hate you Ging 😞😞😞. Anyways, this'll probably be a three to four part mini-series. I underestimated how much I had to write. We will now return to our regularly scheduled program, i.e. Moon and Sun. Thank y'all for your patience!!!

[brokenpieces-72]

Recover-

CoD Hybrid AU | Navigation

Note: This is a continuation from Sick Day and a spin-off, so none of this actually happens, but it does include @diejager ‘s reader character Hunter and is inspired by the AU created by @bluegiragi

You eventually do recover, your hunger returning to normal. Johnny is relieved and hugs you when you come shuffling out of your room.

However you’re still tired and weak. Hunter had given you your flu shot which basically put you out of commission for almost a whole day. The rest of the team is leaving for a mission, and finishing with gearing up. Hunter would stay behind to help keep watch over you. They aren’t taking any chances with your safety. You find Johnny in his tact gear. You’re wearing one of his hoodies so it’s oversized, but warm.

“Johnny?” You say, your voice returned somewhat. He turns and big brother mode kicks in again.

“Aye, back to bed.” He orders.

“Are you leaving soon?” You ask, not obeying. Not the first time he’s gone on a mission without you. You try to occupy your mind with helping on base or doing your hobbies. This time is different and you don’t know why. Seeing your big brother off feels important. Johnny sighs and picks you up in a bear hug making you giggle before setting you back down.

“Yeah I am.” He says.

“Do you want help with your collar?” You say before yawning. The collar he uses for coms. Usually he lets Simon do it but if it puts you at ease he doesn’t mind. You do your best and make sure it isn’t too tight. Once you finish you wrap your arms around him tightly. You make a small noise

“Aye… I’ll come back I always do.” He says trying to soothe you.

“I love you.” You say.

“I love you too. Keep the hoodie on, it’ll help.” He says. He gives you a tight hug, before carrying you back to your room. “Be back soon.”

Your door shuts and you wait, text Macho a bit, and continue to wait. The mission is going to be a few days or so. Hunter keeps you company, and you keep them company as well. You're patient. You don't have a choice.

Hunter does some training of their own with you, providing you with more insights into each of the hybrids. You’re feeling plenty better by now, just tired. You’re eating much better too. Hunter gives you some free time, running time to go to explore the wilds around base. It’s freeing, and seeing the spirits of other animals roaming around brought an odd sense of peace.

One day you go out and find a few rabbits hopping around each other. You giggle as they hop over each other, and chase around trees. You start to sketch them when you hear something overhead. Your head flicks up at the sound of propellers, and you saw two choppers overhead. You don’t hesitate to take off running as fast as you can, startling the rabbit spirits. You’re in full tilt, vaulting and leaping over any obstacle in the way.

Once you get close to the landing pad your excitement changes to something else. There are medics moving quickly and stretchers being laid out. No. No it can’t be. You run harder, crying out for your team, seeing damaged wings, and roughly bandaged limbs. Ghost hears you crying out, and acts fast. He’s quick to catch you, moving through the other soldiers and reaching you first.

As you reach out Ghost catches you, getting to your level. You can smell the blood on him, hear him trying to give you orders but you don’t listen. You’re fighting him as much as possible, desperate to reach your team. What the hell happened?! You’re calling for Johnny and König, but Ghost is just trying to keep you from running in. You’re tough, and you don’t make it easy, as you try to shove him away. It’s useless though as he just puts his arms around you, and holds tightly as you start crying. You keep calling their names, waiting for someone to respond with something, anything. Your fight weakens as emotions take over. You can’t lose them now. You just can’t.

Ghost doesn’t let go until everyone is back inside, and even then he lets you cry it out. Your face buries into his shoulder. He’s worried about Johnny too, and everyone else. Crying and running in isn’t gonna solve anything. He doesn’t need to be with them if you’re out here sobbing and fretting over what you have no control over.

“It’s gonna be okay.” He says. “They’ll pull through.”

You continue to soak the fabric of his uniform with your tears. Simon isn’t the most tender of people. Never has been really. But you’re hurting and afraid. He lets you settle down for a bit before letting you go.

“Deep breaths.” He reminds you, holding your head to focus on him. You sniffle and nod, taking deep unsteady breaths.

“They’ll be in post op soon. Price’ll tell you what happened when he can.”

“Yes sir.” You said, swallowing the lump in your throat. Ghost gives a half smile under his mask. He stands and walks with you inside. Your tears are still visible, and he thinks for a moment.

“Hey. You ever try to catch fog?” He asks.

“N…no.” You reply, confused.

“I tried to but I mist.” He says. It takes you a second but you smile at him.

The mission had fucked up in many ways. Price nearly got his tail torn off. Rudy would have been a thrall himself if Alejandro hadn’t taken most of the bites. König had to fight a blood rage, with Horangi getting caught in the crossfire. Gaz got tangled up with some sirens which didn’t go nice with the number of feathers that had been ripped out. Soap wasn’t fairing much good himself, having plenty of injuries from silver bullets. Plenty of bite marks amongst them. You watch from the doorway with Ghost behind you, hands on your shoulders.

Ghost feels a sense of guilt. He was there, and should’ve done more. Right now he knows you feel the same sort of guilt, wishing you had been there.

Hunter is tending to Rudy when a couple other medics shout for them. You hear growls from both Johnny and Alejandro. Ghost holds your shoulders a little tighter, as you try to take a step forward. You can’t see much, but there’s definitely some struggling, you can hear the bed rattling and creaking from the two men trying to fight something. The noises you hear shift and change from human to beast, mixed with panicked and commanding shouts.

“Come on kid.” Ghost says, having to pull you away from the scene. You don’t fight this time, only lean forward to see as much as you can before more soldiers file in to help. You finally look away once Ghost starts leading you down the hall. The noise is muffled as you walk away. It gets quieter and quieter an until you can only hear the sound of boots on the floor.

You sit in the locker room while Ghost gets out of his tactical gear. You sit on the bench where you can’t see him, and thankfully no other soldiers were walking around. Once Ghost finishes his shower and gets changed he comes out with the balaclava on. You’re quiet, more quiet than usual. He sits down next to you.

“Don’t fault yourself for not being there.” Ghost reminds you.

“I’m not… but… what happened?” You ask.

“Shit hit the ceiling. We thought it was only supposed to be thralls and instead we were faced with far more than we could account for. There were creatures in blood rages, which threw us off. König got out of hand as well, I think someone stuck him with something. Thankfully he calmed, but keeping him from destroying everything and everyone wasn’t fun. Honestly kid, if you were there it would have been more difficult.”

“I could’ve helped König.” You argue. Ghost sighs.

“Yeah you could’ve… or you could’ve passed out from sickness.” Ghost says. You know he’s right. You don’t want him to be but he is. Without asking you lean against his arm.

“Do you like him?” You ask, not looking at Ghost. Ghost takes a moment to process the question.

“Yes. I do.” He says. You look at him, and you can see he’s struggling as well. It’s not as obvious.

“You did everything you could.” You tell him. The way you say it almost sounds like a question, even if you don’t mean it to be. He doesn’t have anything to say in response.

“You hungry?” He asks instead. You nod and he takes you to get something.

“Is it quiet?” You ask from the counter, looking around the kitchen. Ghost hadn’t taken much notice, focused on making you some food. Simple sandwich would do fine. Now that you mention it, it was strangely quiet. He was aware of some leave from other soldier but not that many. Surely not all of them were needed at the infirmary.

He offers you the plate, saying it was probably nothing.

Ghost joins you on the counter knowing the cooks would give him a hard time later on about it. You see his scarred face under the balaclava, and stare until he turns his head towards you.

“You can look I don’t mind. The mask is just a comfort thing.” He says.

You eat your food, trying to focus on Ghost than what was going on. It would be okay. You suspect Ghost is trying to distract himself the same way. The two of you sit at the counter and you kick your legs a little. You hear a message over the PA system.

“Attention! We have an emergency in the medical wing. Rouge Hybrids! Repeat! Emergency in the medical wing! Rouge Hybri-fuck!” You and Ghost share a single look before getting up and rushing to medical wing. You half expect it to be Soap or König, but you are soon proven wrong. At least partially.

After shoving through doors with Ghost close behind you, you come across the bodies of two soldiers. You rush to them checking for a pulse, asking if they can hear you. No pulse, and even worse, there were blades stuck in their vest. Ghost approaches the other body, which looks like it’s been clawed into and torn apart. He suspects König or Horangi, until you speak up.

“Ghost… are these…” you hold up one of the blades and something drops in Ghost’s stomach. They weren’t blades, they were feathers. Kyle’s feathers.

“Take their vests.” He orders. You don’t question it, and work quickly to remove the soldier’s vest. Ghost keeps watch, but doesn’t for long, when he sees what cut off the announcer. Price stood at the end of the hall, eyes vacant, and body slouched. In his hand was a charred corpse, or rather his claws were inside of it. Ghost’s eyes widen as he steps back in shock. You freeze in place your focus on your captain’s bizarre state. His head turns towards the two of you, as he lets go of the body. When it doesn’t fall from his hand being so deep he slams it down on the ground. The sound is enough to make you snap back into focus. You had to go, and now. You get up and grab for Ghost’s arm, tugging.

Simon steps back, taking a quick glance at you. He makes sure you’re behind him as Price moves closer towards you. His eyes once vacant were now very focused, and on you and Simon.

“Price? Price!” Simon yells at the captain. Price doesn’t say anything, just keeps moving closer. His wing stretches out, still ragged from the mission. It’s a threat, a warning. You start to smell smoke.

“Ghost!” You shout, and Ghost is moving quicker, turning and shielding you, shadows forming around you and his as fire is blasted at the both of you. Ghost looks towards the door, ready to pick you up and run. He notices something in the small window, that makes him look for another way.

“Close your eyes.” He orders, and you obey. You feel yourself being picked up and rushed out of the room. You feel something sharp drag across your arm and Ghost grunt in some pain as he keeps running. You don’t let go, and you keep your eyes squeezed shut. You hear Ghost muttering names, and you even hear some familiar noises. You hear voices you should recognize but something is wrong. Something that makes your blood freeze and your body stiff. You hear some sounds of a struggle from Ghost, keeping you close with one arm, and fighting with the other. You hear some squelching noises before he continues, having to stop a few times.

It feels like an hour of the horrible noises and sounds, concealed by the darkness of your own eyelids. He finally reaches a room where he shuts the door tight and is able to lock it. You recognize the scent of tobacco and smoke as he sets you down on the desk. He checks the door again, ensuring it was locked tight. You’re trembling when Simon looks back at you.

His clothes are torn in places, and you look down to see your arm was scratched. He checks it thoroughly, unbothered by his own state. Nothing serious, a simple cut, with some blood. Blood.

Something pounds on the door to Price’s office. Fucking hell, there’s no other exit. You look at Ghost awaiting orders but he honestly doesn’t know what to tell you. Ghost points to you and then points under the desk. You know what to do. Ghost makes his way slowly to the door, before he opens it. He’s ready for anything, but relieved it’s Rudy falling through. Ghost tenses shutting the door and summoning shadows, ready if Rudy tries something. Rudy is coughing and panting, looking exhausted. He still has bandages on. Slowly he turns and moves backwards seeing Ghost ready to strike.

“What did you say about my mask in Las Almas?” He asks. Rudy takes a minute to steady himself, and Ghost is nice enough to give him a chance to breathe.

“You would fit in well.” He answers, and Ghost offers his hand to help him up. “I came to help when the announcement came on. When I saw the damage…”

“What happened?” Ghost asks.

“I’m not entirely sure. Alejandro started having these seizures, and then Soap started having them too. They got me out of there so they could focus on them. As for the rest… as soon as I saw Gaz on my way back there, I made a run for it. The cadejos have taken a lot out of me already, seemed the safest option.”

“Whats wrong with Gaz?” You ask popping up from your hiding spot, making Rodolfo nearly have a heart attack.

“We’re not sure. I have a feeling those bullets were more than just silver.” Rudy explained, once he steadied his heart rate.

“I got shot, and I’m fine though.” Ghost comments.

“Maybe cause you’re not alive?” You suggest. Simon considers it as a possibility. Then you look at Rudy. “But why doesn’t it bother you?”

“Still mostly human. The cadejos are ghosts.” Rudy tells you. That makes some sense. Your mind then goes to the rest of the team.

“What about Johnny?” You ask. Rudy’s face looks unsure and grim.

“I don’t know Mija.” Rudy admits. The room is eerily quiet, and there’s no sound outside. Even you can't pick up much.

“What of the human soldiers?” Ghost asks. Rudy shakes his head. That’s all Ghost needs. If there were any still around they were either fighting for their lives or hunkering down the same as the three of you. You come out from behind the desk, and sit on top of it while Rudy and Ghost wander and pace around the room. The burning question among the three of you.

Now what?

Taglist: @yourlovely-moon @kaoyamamegami @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @sans-chara @1mommyrose4ever29 @smitten-haematite-quartz @talia-the-gemini @yuki2129 @whitetiger846 @graystorm444 @chibiduck @reaperxxxxzz @danielle143 @sobbingnshtting @cringeycookies @cryingpages @dcnocap207 @reaper-chan666 @bestbookfriends @thriving-n-jiving @cutiecusp

[a-french-coconut]

Drew Tanaka

I think we can all agree that Drew Tanaka only purpose was to highlight Piper and making her look the good guy (well, girl).

She's mean, bullies her siblings and other campers and yet we don't have a single explanation about her actions. This my explanation for her behaviour that slowly turned into a headcanon

From the books she understand that she is still hurt and bitter by Silena's betrayal and hey way to cope is to be mean with everyone. Since she's mean nobody likes her and everyone at camp treats Silena as a hero, leaving Drew alone in her grief. She has every right to despise Silena for what she did, her sister turned her back to camp and her, helped the Titan Army by sabotaging the quests : Percy and Beckendorf but also the hunters' quest (the skeletons soldiers were only able to track the questers because they something belonging to Zoe and it was probably thanks to Silena). So yeah, in the Lost Hero, a year after the battle, Drew is still mad and since nobody will accept her point of view, it only worsens.

As of why she's mean to her siblings, I figured it was some kind of defence mechanism : if they don't get close to her as Silena did, they can't hurt her. It's definitely not healthy but she's a fifteen year old girl who fought a war and lost people : she copes as she can.

Drew dislikes Piper at first sight. Now I don't really have an explanation for that because she doesn't know that Piper is her sister but maybe she judged from her appearance that they were going to dislike each other : one with chopped brown hair, doesn't wear makeup and has ragged clothes vs long and wavy hair, perfect makeup, impeccable clothes. It's a stretch and a bad one at that but it is all I can come up with. Cabin 10 is regarded as a bunch of pretty guys and girls who don't fight. Drew must have thought that Piper fit the profile of those mocking her cabin and disliked her on the spot.

And when Piper refuses to do the Rite of Passage ? Just like Silena ? Drew can't see Piper without seeing the ghost of her deceased sister. It is infuriating because everyone is on Piper's side, just like they are on Silena's. They choose her over Drew for going on a quest when she literally arrived in the morning ?? And then Piper has the audacity of challenging her for the position of head counsellor because she went on a quest and now she thinks she can do a better job than Drew ? She begins preaching about how Silena was right when she never met the girl and doesn't know a single thing about Silena and how she was like. Piper might have gone a quest but Drew has been a demigod for years, have fought for Camp Half-Blood and Olympus twice and maybe she never went on a quest but she fought a war and survived. In her book that's all she needs to accept Piper's duel and beat her swiftly. She wins but still gives her position to Piper. Let's see how she manages running a cabin full of children. But Piper leaves again and the mantle falls on her again. But Drew is tired of pushing everyone away, she wants to gossip with Lacy and Mitchell about who they like, wants to teach to properly shoot an arrow and grab a sword. She is tired of being hated by the whole camp for not forgiving her sister. Most of all she is tired of the mix of anger and sorrow she feels every time she thinks of Silena.

When Piper comes back, Drew offers a smile with the promise of trying to open up to other people. She won't forgive Silena, not yet, but she can stop comparing her sister to a ghost from her past.

Oh wow, I'm definitely going to write something about Drew, she is an amazing canvas to explore.

[avesque]

Hi can I request a Neteyam with his female mate where she goes off to explore the forest alone for ages and forgets to tell him and he can’t find her for a long time and when he does he pulls her to him in a tight hug not wanting to let go and she asks him what’s wrong, he is reluctant to tell her that he was worried about her so she comforts him by rubbing his back and cheeks and pressing her forehead against his. When they go back to their home together he doesn’t let go of her and his protective nature comes out and just wants comforting touches and soft kisses? Thanks 😊

in these arms — neteyam

INCLUDES fem!reader, omatikaya!reader. established relationship, fluff. 1.5k words.

NOTE my first request omg 🥺 i added a lil detail to emphasize neteyam’s worry for reader, i hope you don’t mind! i may have gone a lil overboard haha this was so fun to write. thank you for requesting! <3

sunlight dawns upon the tent you share with neteyam, carving shadows into corners. your eyes flutter open as light settles on your eyelids, immediately reaching over for your mate’s warmth. to your disappointment, you’re met with only his blanket.

the day has barely started yet your lover is already out and about. he probably joined the hunters for their early morning hunts. groaning, you get up and ready yourself for the day, getting giddy at the thought of greeting neteyam the moment he comes back.

you’re in the middle of weaving another bracelet for neteyam when the party arrives. you hear them first before you see them — a group of direhorses galloping, stomping across the forest floor. your beads rattle lightly in its container.

“that’s them,” neytiri says, not taking her eyes off her beadwork. a smile graces your face as you eagerly stuff your unfinished accessory in a pouch to greet neteyam.

you smother him in a hug the moment his feet hit the ground. neteyam huffs out a startled breath before wrapping an arm around your waist.

“you weren’t there when i woke up,” you complain lightly against his skin. his hold on you tightens.

neteyam pulls back slightly to look at you. soiled hands brush away stray braids on the side of your face but you let him do it anyway.

“i’m sorry, my love,” he whispers. his gaze is so soft you might melt right on the spot. “duty called.”

you let out a laugh. “i know.” then you pout, thumbing away the dirt smeared over his cheekbones. “would have liked it better if you woke me up and bid me goodbye.”

he hums. “you’d like that?”

“i’d love that.”

“okay,” he says, dropping a kiss on your forehead. “i will from now on.”

your smile is nearly blinding and neteyam thinks you have never been more beautiful. his chest floods with warmth at the light in your eyes, the bounce in your movements. he did mean to wake you up earlier but decided against it. you had looked so peaceful he did not have the heart to disrupt your much needed rest.

it has been a week of recovery for you, after all. he aches just thinking about how you’ve been bedridden the week before that due to the virus you miraculously caught. it was so severe that his father had to call his friends at the lab to help you.

neteyam had never been so helpless as he watched you moan and cry, your appetite gone and energy so depleted you cannot even sit up without support.

he opens his mouth to say something but gets interrupted by another hunter. he squeezes your waist once before letting go though still keeping you close.

“did we catch enough?” ray’ui, an omatikaya boy the same age as him, asks.

neteyam looks around. they didn’t have the usual men come for hunting this morning; some preferred to hunt in the afternoon for supper. “i think so. until for lunch, at least.”

“will you join this afternoon?”

“yes,” he nods thoughtfully. he plans to make some good dinner especially just for you to gain back the health and weight you’ve lost the past two weeks.

neteyam is called again by another na’vi before getting caught in a conversation with an elder. it’s nearing midday when kiri comes up to him with scrunched eyebrows, her hands irritatingly placed on her hips.

“have you seen y/n?”

the question makes neteyam stagger a little. he’s seen you, yes, but that was hours before. the sun is so high up in the sky now, the weather bordering on sweltering hot.

“i did… earlier, after we got back.” his eyebrows furrow. “why?”

“mother is looking for her.” kiri looks around. “you sure you haven’t seen her?”

neteyam shakes his head. an irrational fear stabs at his chest but he tries to shut it down, convincing himself you’re around here somewhere. he makes an excuse of looking for you since it’s nearing lunch. when afternoon comes and he has not seen even your shadow, he goes running to his father.

“what is it?” jake asks, eyes trained on the branch he’s buffing.

“i haven’t seen y/n since this morning.” the worry and fear bleeds into his every word, enough so that jake puts away his things. neteyam can only wonder how distressed he looks.

“i’m sure she’s—”

“neteyam!”

neteyam looks over to see ra’yui. he greets the olo’eykran before turning to him. “i’ve been looking for you. we are preparing for the hunt.”

he runs an aggravated palm over his face before sighing. “i’m sorry, i won’t be able to join you today.”

though his friend senses his frustration, he doesn’t press any further. once he’s gone, neteyam once again face his father.

“i’ve searched everywhere and i have not seen her. not even a trace. dad, please.”

he watches as his father’s resolve crumbles. he doesn’t even care how despe he looks right now as long as he can find you and make sure you’re alright.

his father has already arranged a search party for you, including the sully boys and other men. neteyam’s heartbeat seems to bleed through his eardrums the deeper they reach in the forest and still not getting a sight of you.

it’s nearing eclipse when they reach the old shack, a place his father always warned them to stay away from. his hold on his bow tightens at the realization: you aren’t here, which means you’re somewhere farther and more dangerous.

“how certain are you that she could have gone this far along?” lo’ak asks.

neteyam has no idea. his brother’s question was so stupid it made him want to lay a punch on his face.

something snaps and ruffles. the party stills. the chief raises a hand before readying his bow, aiming in the direction of the noise. the sound of leaves crunching grows closer until the bushes spit out… you.

the party simultaneously releases a big, heaving sigh of relief. neteyam almost drops down to his knees. instead, he drops his bow, surging forward and immediately cupping your face in his hands. the group slowly walks back to give you both some privacy.

“where have you been?” his question comes out much harsher than he intended. your ears fall back in your hair and it’s then he notices you’re dripping wet. your braids are drenched and rivulets of water are still caught in your skin. one slides down your temple and into his thumbs.

“what—?”

“i’m sorry, ‘teyam, i fell asleep.” your admission has him further confused.

“fell asleep?”

you nod, unable to meet his eyes. he feels you grip his arms, fingers cold against his skin.

“in the pond…”

he has so much questions but decides it can wait at home. he needs to get you warmed up fast. your company makes it back to the village just as the people are setting up the bonfire. neteyam excuses you both, heading to your shared shut.

he is quiet as he gingerly gestures for you to undress, fetching you a new top and loincloth. he helps you put them on, warm fingers leaving behind goosebumps on their wake. he then takes both of your blankets and drapes it over your shoulders.

“are you mad?” you ask meekly. it almost breaks his heart.

“i am not mad, tìyawn.” he cups your face again and your eyes flutter closed, melting into his touch. “could never be mad at you.”

“why aren’t you saying anything then?”

neteyam tries to say it, tries to articulate his thoughts. his worry, his fear. he thought of the worst things that could have happened to you. what if they weren’t able to find you? the idea alone makes his stomach curdle.

two weeks ago, you were nearly unconscious in the laboratory. and now, this?

sensing his distress, you make your way over and climb in his lap. it’s a little awkward with the blankets weighing you down but you manage to settle just right, sighing happily at the warmth emanating from neteyam’s body.

you hook your arms around his shoulders and bury your face in his neck. his body relaxes under your touch.

your palm takes its time feeling every ridge of muscle on his back. you absentmindedly rub circles on his skin while the other caresses the back of his head.

“i am sorry for making you worry.”

lately, it seems all you do is make neteyam worry. aside from his duty to the clan, he has to deal with you on the side. the guilt makes your stomach turn.

“some kids were running,” you start explaining. “i followed them to the forest. there were these helicoradian plants and i got distracted… and then i walked some more until i got to the pond.”

“where you fell asleep?”

you nod against his shoulder. neteyam sighs.

“you were gone all day.”

“i know, my love. i must have worried you to death,” you laugh lightly. when neteyam doesn’t say anything, you try to pull him closer; to etch your apology on your skin to his. your love has never been good at expressing himself but you know him like that back of your hand.

when his arms around you tightens in answer and a delicate kiss is placed on the side of your neck, you know you’re forgiven.

[jesatria]

Jenna Reads LoD: Gauntlgrym

It's been quite a while since I did one of these posts. A bit of background to this: I actually started reading Legend of Drizzt back in high school, which was, um, 20 years ago. I quickly became very attached to a certain assassin, enjoying him as a character much more than Drizzt. I lost interest in the series after Road of the Patriarch came out, since that was supposed to be Artemis' last appearance. I thought I was done with this series & stopped paying attention to it.

So what got me interested in this series again? Well, part is definitely nostalgia. That, & I learned that Artemis is back.

With all that said, here are my thoughts on Gauntlgrym!

Spoilers Ahead

-Before starting, I did some catching up by reading the wiki summaries of the Hunter's Blades & Transitions books (I just wanted to get to a book w/ Artemis in it, ok?), so I knew going into this that the tone of the series had changed from the lighthearted fantasy adventures of the earlier books. Personally I don't mind this at all. This book could definitely be considered dark fantasy & I do enjoy some dark fantasy.

-Speaking of the darker tone, Drizzt isn't dealing w/ this very well. 2 of the Companions of the Hall are dead & Wulfgar dies during 1 of the time skips. It's been decades since Catti-brie & Regis died & he's still grieving for them. Even though he had to know that he would outlive all of them, it doesn't make it easier for him. There's a strong sense of nostalgic loss throughout this book.

-I like Dahlia. I do enjoy some femme fatale characters from time to time. She's a very messy character, which I appreciate because female characters are often not allowed to be messy & complicated.

-Jarlaxle's still hanging out w/ Athrogate! Tbh I'm not sure how he managed to tolerate him this long. I know the rhymes & puns would've made me snap ages ago. Looks like Jarlaxle's still paling around on the surface, too. I have to assume Kimmuriel's running Bregan d'Aerthe on a permanent basis now.

-I loved the "the heritage, the fate" exchange between Jarlaxle & Drizzt. Super interesting to get some insight into what other drow males think about Drizzt. He's an object of envy & admiration because he was the one who escaped. I've always wondered if there were others who were sympathetic to him in Bregan d'Aerthe. It makes sense, since he's a rogue male who rejected Lolth & got out. & Drizzt is so disconnected from anything relating to Menzo that he has no idea of any of this. I know he goes back to Menzo in some of the later books so I'm hoping this will be explored further.

-Bruenor's death was suitably epic & a fitting end for his character. Going out after defeating a powerful demon, fighting in the ancient dwarven homeland he spent decades trying to find is a pretty awesome way to go.

-Last but certainly not least, Artemis (I know Barrabus=Artemis so I'm just gonna call him Artemis here). Let me elaborate on my love for him by stating he's 1 of my favorite characters of all time. I actually got giddy when I got to his 1st appearance. 18 years since I last read new Artemis content. Once that initial giddiness wore off, ouch. Seeing him enslaved, to a petty rapist asshole no less, really fucking hurts. Like, this really cuts to his deepest darkest fears: the loss of control & independence.

-He knows Drizzt is alive. He's in a position now where he can handle that news & not feel the urge to rush off & challenge him. He isn't even mad about it!

-Interesting that we get to see Artemis doing some unarmed (or lightly armed w/ his belt knife) combat here. I don't think we've really seen that before.

-I really want to know what exactly he's been doing since the end of RotP. Before reading this, I reread that to give myself a little refresher. He goes back to Calimport after the Jartemis breakup scene & we're told here that he was living in Memnon. So it seems he's spent most of his time in Calimshan. He's gone back to working as an assassin in some capacity, considering he has a poison supplier & powerful street families give him expensive gifts. Idk why this is so interesting to me, I've just always found his life in Calimport fascinating.

That's all for this one. I've actually finished the next 2 books & I've got quite a lot of thoughts to share on those!

[dindjarindiaries]

"So, Hunter frees himself, too. He walks away from Crosshair, and he makes peace with the fact that Crosshair is never coming back.”

Taking a look at the lyrics to Taylor Swift's "So Long, London" through Hunter's perspective on his sibling relationship with Crosshair, from The Bad Batch season 1 until season 3, episode 5.

A gentle reminder that this is through Hunter's lens, not the audience's. There are things we know that Hunter didn't. This analysis is in no way to slight any characters, but rather to explore this sibling relationship that has since developed beautifully.

Now, hit play and enjoy.

I saw in my mind fairy lights through the mist I kept calm and carried the weight of the rift Pulled him in tighter each time he was drifting away

When The Bad Batch season 1 starts, Hunter and his brothers are thrust into the chaos of Order 66. None of them know what's happening or why. They're hearing a directive they don't understand, the clones nearest to them have killed their Jedi general, and the Padawan has run away scared and unprotected. Hunter and his squad have never failed a mission, and he doesn't intend for this to be the first.

But as their leader and, more importantly, as their eldest brother, Hunter can tell something is off with Crosshair. He's quieter than usual, with no witty commentary to offer at all of this. So, Hunter takes Crosshair with him to help the Padawan. He pulls him in tighter. He witnesses up close his brother not only ignoring his orders not to harm the scared Padawan, but also actively trying to kill him, until that leads to Crosshair himself being hurt.

Yet Hunter keeps calm, the best way he can. Even though he has to lie to Crosshair in the process, he saves the Padawan and his brother - for now. That has to be enough.

And even as Crosshair keeps questioning Hunter's orders and his leadership, which is painful to hear from someone Hunter has considered to be such a close confidante for so long, Hunter still keeps him close, as close as he can. But Crosshair keeps slipping away, and there's nothing Hunter could do about it.

My spine split from carrying us up the hill Wet through my clothes, weary bones caught the chill I stopped trying to make him laugh Stopped trying to drill the safe Thinkin, how much sad did you think I had Did you think I had in me? Oh, the tragedy ...

Hunter slowly starts to give up. Crosshair is questioning him, he's becoming more aggressive, and he's buying into whatever this questionable Empire is trying to sell them. He can't understand why, but at some point, he stops trying to. He just lets Crosshair do and say what he wants and gives him the freedom to question Hunter's choices, even if Hunter still follows through on them anyway.

So long, London You'll find someone ...

Hunter doesn't fully realize it yet, but he's losing his brother to the inhibitor chip and the Empire. Hunter's just hoping that, if Crosshair decides to leave or go his own way, that he'll find someone better suited to lead him - someone who will care even a shred as much as Hunter has all these years.

I didn't opt in to be your odd man out I founded the club she's heard great things about I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath I stopped CPR, after all it's no use The spirit was gone, we would never come to And I'm pissed off you let me give you all that youth for free

Crosshair is taken from their cell, and once they're freed, Hunter intends on going back for them, but he finds them first.

And this is when Hunter realizes he's lost him.

Hunter stops trying to get through to him. He still doesn't understand what's going on, but Crosshair has made his choice. Hunter is going to continue making his own, too.

There's no doubt in this moment, when Crosshair is staring down Hunter across the hangar on Kamino, that Hunter is wondering where he went wrong. How all those years they spent in their youth together could have possibly led to this, Crosshair not only leaving their squad, but also leading the attempt to stop them at all costs from seeking their own freedom. Where did Hunter go wrong? Was there something he could have done to stop it?

Hunter can't ask himself those questions yet. Instead, he's feeling his rage and his frustration. This betrayal doesn't make sense to him, and he's not sticking around to find out how he can fix it. Crosshair was lost.

For so long, London Stitches undone Two graves, one gun I'll find someone ...

So many years. That's all Hunter can mull over after the fact. All those years spent close together, surviving together, and Crosshair has just given up on them so easily.

Not only that, but he had fired lethal bolts. Crosshair willingly put an end to their brotherhood.

But with the departure of one squad member comes the arrival of another: Omega, a light in all this darkness. Hunter has found someone to invest himself in, but it's a different kind of relationship. That void of Crosshair cannot be filled.

Hunter knows this, so he puts everything he can into caring for Omega and the rest of his squad. He can't bear to think about this any longer.

And you say I abandoned the ship But I was going down with it My white knuckle dying grip Holding tight to your quiet resentment and

Fast forward, and Crosshair has tried to capture or kill the squad more than once. Hunter knows about the chip, and he's desperate to help his brother, to save him. He's seen it activate on Wrecker, and he's hoping - no, praying - that this is what happened to Crosshair. It had to be that. It had to be.

But Crosshair's honesty hurts even worse than that. When Hunter is captured by Crosshair and brought to Kamino, Hunter is hearing that it's his fault, that he was the one who abandoned Crosshair and not vice versa.

Didn't Crosshair see it? How Hunter was trying that whole time, from Kaller to Bracca, to get through to Crosshair? To keep him in their squad, their family? To prove that they were more than this Empire?

Hunter had held on the entire time, until he had to come to terms with the fact that Crosshair could not and would not be saved. Yet Crosshair was still insisting that it was Hunter's fault. Hunter is angry, frustrated, and utterly lost.

My friends said it isn't right to be scared Every day of a love affair Every breath feels like rarest air When you're not sure if he wants to be there

Then comes the reveal that Crosshair removed his chip, but he won't say when. Hunter must know. It would change everything.

Which Crosshair tried to kill them on Kamino and Bracca? Was it chipped Crosshair, or his Crosshair, his little brother?

Hunter can barely breathe. His brother has chosen a side now, of his own accord, and even when he's surrounded by his brothers alone... Crosshair still doesn't want to be with them.

So how much sad did you think I had, Did you think I had in me? How much tragedy? Just how low did you think I'd go? Before I'd self-implode Before I'd have to go be free

They're running out of time. Hunter's aware that something's going on - Kamino is too quiet - but he can't pinpoint what it is. He can't read Crosshair like he could before, and with Crosshair's refusal to be honest about his chip, Hunter snaps. He stuns his brother, but still insists on taking him with them. Maybe he'll change his mind again later.

Hunter leads his squad to freedom, now that Crosshair has been put out of commission for the time being. They barely make it out, and even after that, after they save his life... Crosshair wants nothing to do with them.

So, Hunter frees himself, too. He walks away from Crosshair, and he makes peace with the fact that Crosshair is never coming back.

You swore that you loved me but where were the clues? I died on the altar waiting for the proof You sacrificed us to the gods of your bluest days

Then, months and months later, Crosshair's name suddenly emerges on that prisoner registry. His distress signal is heard, and Hunter has to decide if Crosshair is trustworthy again. How can he, though, when he still doesn't even know whether it was chipped or normal Crosshair who had tried to kill them before?

But Tech urges them to go anyway, and Hunter listens, because Tech is Crosshair's other half, anyway. That's when Hunter loses Tech. A part of Hunter dies with Tech, all in the name of trying to save Crosshair - and even worse, he loses Omega, too.

This wasn't Crosshair's fault, nor his intention. They made their own decisions. But Hunter can't help wondering what would have happened if he had stuck to his instincts and stayed away from Eriadu, even if it was the right thing to do to try to save him.

And I'm just getting color back into my face I'm just mad as hell cause I loved this place For so long, London

Then, Hunter gets Omega back. Finally, after agonizing months of endless searching, he's saved the family member he knew he could save. His daughter is safe and back in his arms.

But who's with her? Crosshair.

Hunter is just starting to feel like himself again, and Crosshair is suddenly back, after Hunter had long since made peace with the fact that he never would. All that pain, all that regret, guilt, remorse, comes rushing back like a tidal wave.

No matter what, it would never be the same, because Tech didn't come back. Crosshair had given up what they had before they could all be together again.

Hunter loved his family his whole life, and because Crosshair had left, they never got to be back together again.

Had a good run A moment of warm sun But I'm not the one So long, London Stitches undone Two graves, one gun You'll find someone ...

Hunter can't forgive him easily, not with all this fresh pain still stinging at the source of the wound. All Hunter can do is remember what they used to have, back when it was all of them. Compared to now, and what they forever will be if all goes well for them, that will be such a short amount of time.

But at least it had been so amazing while it had lasted.

Hunter still knows it won't be him who fully saves Crosshair. It has to be someone else, because Hunter couldn't do it before after Kaller, and he certainly can't do it now.

Thankfully, this story has a happy ending. It's Omega who saves Crosshair, and Hunter gets his brother back. They forgive each other.

And so, for many, many years, Hunter can have so much of that warm sun back.

[bella-goths-wife]

A plan set in motion

Evil trio x reader, yandere cullens x reader

You sat with Victorias head on your lap in your room as the tv played. The four of you had gone further into Seattle and changed motels but Vicky still wanted you to room with her.

You had come to find that the group was pretty nomadic. They preferred to travel than to stay in one place. This was a lifestyle you could see yourself liking, you had always wanted to explore.

“(N/n) which of these guys would you date?” Victoria questioned out of no where while pointing at the tv the two of you were watching

“Why?” You questioned with a puzzled look

“Well if I’m gonna help you find a mate, I need to know your type of guy” she said nonchalantly

“Who says I need a mate” you asked confused

“I do” she announces “having a mate will bring out your happiest self, it’s like you’ve finally found a piece of yourself you always needed. I want that for you”

“I’m pretty happy here” you reassured as you went to play with her hair admiringly

“Just humour me” she says playfully

“Fine” you sigh out “I guess id go with joey”

You pointed to the darkly dressed boy on the tv screen. He was a bounty hunter who tested the limits of his team and questioned authority.

“Oo someone likes a bad boy” Vicky giggled out

“Shut up” you throw a pillow at her face

She pulls an offended look before hitting you back. The attack only stopped when the door opened and James with Laurent walked in

“Sorry to bother you ladies” James said as he sat down, Victoria instantly joined him and he put his arm around her

Laurent came to sit next to you, he ruffled your hair affectionately and you laughed gently.

“What’s up” Victoria asked with a kiss to James’s cheek

“We wanted to discuss you, y/n” Laurent said as he turned to look at you with a serious look

“What about me?” You asked before a panicked thought crossed your mind “your not sending me back are you?!”

“Of course not” Victoria reassured while Laurent gently stroked your hand

“We wanted to talk about what the cullens did to you” James clarified

“I’ve told you everything, I promise” you say quickly

“We know, but there’s some stuff they’ve done to you that you don’t know is wrong” Victoria said “we just want to make sure you know what they did”

“What do you mean?” You asked fearfully

“They shouldn’t have binded your chest” Victoria says with disgust in her eyes “they were trying to keep you younger, if you were a human it could have seriously hurt you with how tight they wrapped the bandages”

“It’s fucking disgusting” James scoffs out angrily

There’s a moment of silence as you contemplate what they said, you knew the cullens were abusive but some things they did to you went completely over you head.

“We want to help you” Laurent breaks the silence

“You’ve already helped me, I’m away from them” you said with relief on your face

“But they will never stop looking for you” James said and you felt an anxious feeling build up “even now they have connections looking for you”

“What do we do then?” You asked and James and Victoria share a look

“We kill them” Victoria states

“Impossible” you dismiss the idea “many clans have tried and failed”

“But many clans don’t have they’re prized possession with them” James corrects

“And with the human pet they have, they’re vulnerable” Victoria says with excitement

“How would we even do this?” You question doubtfully

“We make the cullens think James is after the human” Victoria explains “they’ll rush her off and prepare for a fight which gets her away from lover boy and has the family separated”

“I’ll then lure the human away with threats of killing you, that gets her to a location away from the other vampires where I will drink her blood and kill her” James carried on “this puts Edward in a vulnerable spot but also while the others are on a wild goose chase looking for the girl, we pick them off one by one”

“We start with Alice, so she can’t see the rest of our plans” Laurent pipes up “then Victoria will target Rosalie and I will take on esme”

“With the women gone, it puts the men in vulnerable positions because of the mate bond” you say as the plan pieces itself together

“Exactly” James says with a proud smile “I will take on Edward and Victoria will handle Emmett all while Laurent kills off Jasper”

“What about Carlisle?” You ask fearfully

“We leave him for you” Vicky says with a smirk

“I won’t be able to take him on alone, I’m too weak I was never taught to fight like the rest” you confessed

“We will be there to help, we just need his precious daughter to distract him until we get there” Laurent explains “but you will kill him, it’s your right”

“We’ll train you to fight” Victoria reassured “and we’ll make sure you get to be the one to kill him”

“I don’t know if I can” you say sadly, not because you cared for Carlisle but because your fear of the patriarch paralysed you

“Aren’t you angry?” James questioned with confusion “these people humiliated you, abused you and exploited you and you don’t feel rage over it?”

“Of course I’m angry” you defended yourself “I’m furious, but anger doesn’t make me a better fighter”

“But we will” Victoria jumps in “we will teach you to use your anger, to make it your power”

“Take this revenge and know for the rest of eternity that you won against those sick bastards” James encourages “know that you fought back and won after they disgraced you over and over again”

You feel motivation and rage fill every pore. You see they’re eyes on you and feel happiness come to you. They want to help you, to protect you

“Are you in?” James asked expectingly

You imagined tearing Carlisle head from his shoulders, lighting ablaze his pot like body and watching it burn.

“Yes” you nod your head “I’m in”

And with that, your revenge had formed into a plan

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (11/7/2024) Episode: Friendly Encounters

Skye had been worried that once Elyse aged up she’d be too busy with high school freinds to see him anymore, but she quickly proved him wrong.

Besides shooting up in height, she also decided to totally change her sense of style. It was a little intimidating, but Skye did his best to be supportive of the sim who had always been his best friend. “You look so pretty” he enthused, “like you’re going to win first prize at a Spooky Day party.”

“Thanks!” she replied “I guess. I’m trying out some goth looks and found this online. Do I look like I would fit in at Forgotten Hollow?”

Skye frowned. “I’m not sure. I know my Great Grandpa Vlad lives there, but for some reason we’ve never visited him.”

She looked disappointed. “Well I haven’t been there myself either, but I found a lot of cool pictures and stories. One day I’ll move there and never have to deal with sunny days and early mornings again. Maybe I’ll be a vampire or take one of the huge spiders in the trees as my witch’s familiar.”

Skye listened, rapt. It all sounded more scary than fun, but Elyse always knew better than him, so if she said it was awesome then it must be true. “Neat! Do you want to make pancakes? We can use some chocolate syrup and strawberries to make them spooky spider pancakes!”

The Sulani crew come visit anytime, living just down the boardwalk, but Noemi got to see her non-island friends much less often.

Chestnut Ridge was only a teleporter away, but she was still excited for the excuse to visit when Amaya called to announce she had adopted a baby.

“Miguel and I had only gone on a couple dates when I found out I was pregnant. Shotgun wedding anyone?” Amaya said with a laugh. “Now that we’ve really settled in as a family, we decided that raising little Graysen has gone so well that we should do it again… So come over and meet Julissa!”

“Ok sure, this project is at a good breaking point, we’ll be over soon to see your new daughter.” Noemi replied, earning herself a surprised look from Lu.

The Lawbournes decided to bring Roach too. Their four-legged friend could run around the ranch with Silver, like he had during their honeymoon.

While the parents were cooing over the new baby inside, Grayson was trying to convince Skye to go for a ride together on the two horses.

Skye looked up at Roach, towering above him and easily ten times his weight, and shook his head. “I don’t think so. I don’t want Roach to buck me off – I could get hurt! I’ll take some pictures of you riding Silver, or we could go exploring together.”

Grayson was disappointed not to be able to race his friend, but thoroughly enjoyed posing for pictures on his faithful steed. After picking out the best shots to keep and which to post online the two boys left the stables and set off to dig up hibernating toads along the creek bed.

Inside Noemi was snuggling the incredibly soft and warm Julissa, who was happily chewing her fist as her mother talked about deciding to adopt.

“…so I told Miguel that I’ve got enough back pain these days without adding 30 pounds of bulbous baby belly into the mix!” Amaya chuckled “I carried the first one, and it was clearly his turn, but the chicken decided to see what was available on the second-hand market instead of doing it himself.”

The "chicken" in question shot his wife a scandalized look at her description but resisted being pulled away from his conversation with Luigi.

“Hunter said that The Collective found this little sweet pea left all alone in their front garden. No idea if she’ll be “hungry like the wolf” yet, but  we’ve got plenty of room to run around out here, whether she wants to do it in fur or track gear.” Amaya continued, stroking her daughter’s cheek.

When they got back home to their own campfire that evening Luigi remarked “We all got really lucky in the friend department at the end of the day.”

“No thanks to you, Mr. you can't be Amaya's friend” she reminded her husband with a mock serious expression.

Luigi chuckled “I never meant to say exactly that, and anyway you were quick to put me in my place, as always. Skye, you’ve got a nice group of playmates already and a good head on your shoulders to know when what they are asking of you is unwise…” thank goodness he finished silently. “I just hope you have as much luck in the future as your mom and I have.”

With that they rose and headed inside to get Skye off to bed, looking forward to what new adventures awaited them with the sims they were lucky enough to count among their close companions.

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[cherrymoonvol6]

ok nvm i'll elaborate right now

i think one of the many weird choices in the finale was to make belos possess raine out of all people. one, because it really comes out of the blue. when has belos ever shown any interest of raine? like, i'm sure he must be aware of raine's record of plotting against the establishment, but he never deals with them himself. instead he sends a plethora of other people to do it for him (darius, eberwolf, kikimora, terra). if anything, it is terra that has a bone to pick with them. and in a parallel work where raine got more to do, i believe terra and raine's dynamic would've been something really interesting to explore. kinda like the relationship between atreus and odin in GOW ragnarok, like this "okay i know you hate me and all that i stand for, but i see potential in you so i'll take you under my wing and prove to you that i am worth of your time and loyalty" kinda thing, which is a banger dynamic btw.

but the second part is that there are two way more attractive options. the first one, immediately on demand, is darius. ofc it would take some canon time of developing that dynamic between belos and darius (it pains me that it doesn't exist), but it would make sense that belos would keep a close eye on darius. after all, he was mentored and was a good friend of the previous golden guard, and it's implied in various scenes (mostly ASIAS) that he knows enough about hunter's "ancestors" to praise him when he doesn't follow orders, and ultimately play the long-con to betray belos. he may even be aware in some sense of belos killing the previous golden guard, or even the existence of the grimwalkers. in that case, it would make sense that belos would have built some resentment towards him that ultimately shows in the choice to possess, corrupt and kill his puppeteer-ed body. but then, there's an even better option here, and a character that belos has hide a long-time resentment against: lilith.

look, if belos remembers luz from all those years ago, then he abso-fucking-lutely remembers lilith as well. and in a sense you can interpret the actions in canon as him trying to exert his personal vendetta against her: keep her close in the emperor's coven, trying to get her sister to join and get branded with a sigil with the promise that he'll cure her from her curse, all this while knowing that she would eventually betray him and join luz's side. we know belos kept her close for a reason and he knows the extent of her abilities, her history and relationship with eda, and her weaknesses as well. belos possessing lilith, then, would not only be the definitive "fuck you" to her, but could've also been an effective way to provoke eda emotionally and lead her to abandon her hideout to confront him. and honestly, from the way belos acts in that scene in FTF, his reaction to finding the best candidate to possess would make so much more sense if it was lilith and not raine.

but like, aren't lilith and raine just... insanely similar characters in the show's narrative? both are figures of eda's past, who loved each other sincerely back in simpler times, and through plot-related actions (raine's reason is much better narratively though, IMO) abandoned eda and joined the opposing side, climbing the ranks through their powerful abilities until becoming important figures in the coven circle. trying to think about the things i'd change in canon to make raeda a better couple involve making them go through similar plot beats that eda and lilith have gone through: an emotional, powerful moment where raine has to choose between their position of power and eda's wellbeing, actual tension between them (resentment and guilt from eda's side, frustration and confusion from raine's side), situations where they are forced to colaborate and their chemistry can still come through but still their dynamic is permeated by those lingering wounds... like, all of those things are stuff that already happened in canon, between eda and lilith. there's even that moment in king's tide where eda has the same somber moment with raine and lilith before executing their sabotage:

to me, it event seems like lilith got a lot of attention and development with eda in S1 and early S2 and then her character got sidelined when raine started to appear, and simultaneously: how raine's backstory and conflict of interest with eda are pretty much an afterthought but they still get to be a key player in the plot through late S2 and S3. i'm really sorry that economic character construction has to work this way, but that's how it is: you don't get to give eda a sister and a significant other and then make those two characters the same one. you have to commit to just one and integrate all aspects onto them.

[mcnuggyy]

✨ Rainbow Factory TTRPG! ✨

HIII!!!! As promised here is my silly little reskin of KOB (kids on bikes/brooms)!!! :o] <3

EDIT: This post got a bit long eek!! sorry!! if you just wanna see the silly stuff I did then just check out the links! You can ignore all the other text on this post jajaja!

Mini Rule Book  ( for GMs & Players!)

PDF Version!  

Here is the document I gave all my players beforehand! This is a simplification of all the KOB rules, character creation process, and the worldbuilding for Unicopia! Please feel free to use as much or as little of it as you like for your game! It goes step by step through the character creation process and has a wide variety of examples and references. I try to be as thorough as possible but ofc I may have missed something! Please feel free to make up what i miss or shoot me a message if you're really curious jaja!

Here is a jpg of the Player Character Sheet of needed! :o]

RFTTRPG: NPC Stats & BG Characters! (For GMs!)

This is what I used while GMing! Feel free to use these as you like! I tried to keep it simple and loose for the big characters like Hev and Trixie! And even simpler for the background characters. I didn't give the BG chars any stats as I knew I wouldn't need them for the one-shot I was running but please feel free to make your own BG chars, and stats, and all of that good stuff!

I also have a rough RF building chart for exploration! Our campaign was set inside the Rainbow Factory so it felt like a good idea to make this for my players! However please feel free to set your one-shot anywhere else in Unicopia! I hope to make a map of  the districts one day to add to the mini rule book later on! :o] You can also set it at another Happiness Factory such as the Tear Factory or Heart Factory! You could even have your unicorns visit Earth! The world is your oysta! ♡ 

Overall I tried to keep everything super simple and clear for both myself and my friends! I imagine other Factories in smaller districts would be much smaller than this but this is a rough idea of what I think most of them would sort of be like!

RFFTTRPG: One-shot Ideas & More! (For GM's)

I love love loved using the KOB system and reskinning it for my silly little world! and I love when a TTRPG gives you nice sort of rules to follow while still being super free and open in other aspects! It made it  easy for me to just come up with a simple problem/plot for my players! However I know coming up with something from scratch is also super intimidating and overwhelming! So here is the idea I did, along with some others I've thought of for fun! (and might even do in future games jejeje)

Kid on the Run!  This is super Monsters Inc inspired. Have the party over at a Factory for any reason you choose. I chose a tour/ted talk hosted by the lovely Trixie! It can also be a company party, or breaking and entering, or they already work there, etc.! Have one of the portals go haywire allowing a child to enter Unicopia! It's now up to the party to not only capture the child but return them back home safe and sound to the human world! All while keeping the child secret from the rest of unicornkind! RF: Happiness Special Forces The Counsel has decided to create a special task team in charge of going down to earth! Go undercover and stop those who cause great risk to Unicornkind! This could be stopping a huge evil corporation that is creating an excess amount of unhappiness, reducing the magic of Unicopia. Or having to go in and save multiple children in danger such as a field trip gone wrong! Or making an adult human who remembered their childhood unicorn forget about them again before things get dicey! Your players will have to keep their existence as unicorns a secret, all while saving their world, and exploring Earth as characters who may be unfamiliar with humans and their ways! Unicorn Hunters & the End of Unicopia What if unicorns biggest threat finally found out where they had been hiding all this time? and not just knew but had access to a portal? It's up to the players to stop them at all costs and save their world.  A high stakes adventure full of lore, magic, and potential unexpected allies!  The Daily Life of a Field Op/Happy Tech This is more of a slice of life concept! This would work well for smaller parties of 1-4 Players! Have your Players form teams and deal with the daily troubles a helping a kid/teen/pre-teen  as a Field op or Happy Tech! (You could even have one of your Players play one of the kids themselves!) While still balancing their social lives, self needs, etc.! A look inside what it's like for Unicopias most essential workers, their interpersonal dramas, relationships, etc. Great for those who love character centric collaboritive storytelling!

ANYWAYS!!! Sorry for the ridiculously long post </3 I just wanted to cover all my bases in case someone decides they wanna play this reskin!! If you do end up playing pleaseee let me know eeek!! very very exciting!!! <3 regardless i hope you have fun looking at all this silly stuff I did to make my friends smile and laugh :o]

You can check out our one-shot over on my Patreon yahoo!

[castieldelamancha]

3 days later.

The sound of the empty beer bottle he just sent rolling across the bedroom's floor knocking against the doorframe fills the silence around him.

It's almost a living thing this silence, Dean tiredly thinks to himself, it's pressing down on him, sucking out all the air in the room, asphyxiating him.

It's outside, but, to what would be Dean's horror if it wasn't because of the numbness that has taken over him, it's also inside of him, in his head, in his very soul. His own melody, a jumble mess of chords, a mix of gloom notes and bright tunes, seems to be over, now that what had felt for years as its companion piece is gone.

He must be going insane with this grief he feels, he has started to wonder if the darkness might had taken him too.

He lets his head fall backwards, resting it against Castiel's perfectly made bed. The emptiness of this space only seems to add to the silence around him. Don't get him wrong, there is furniture here, but no life, no soul, like Cas never existed, like he was a product of his imagination. 

He stares up at the ceiling, he reminds himself he has to wash his jacket, get the blood out of it. He shakes his head. He was there, that's all the proof he needs to convince himself it was all real. Dean himself is still here, breathing and moving, he wouldn't say alive, but he is also proof it was all real. 

He doesn't know how he has ended up here, in Castiel's room, sitting on the cold, unforgiving, floor by the bed, drinking the last drops of a beer that tasted like shit and that brought him no comfort.

He doesn't think there is something out there that can comfort him now, unless the wall would open right now and spit Cas out same way it swallowed him. 

It doesn't happen of course.

He wonders if Cas can hear him, he doesn't think so.

"One last miracle," he says anyway, "fuck, I know I have asked for so much from you over the years," he struggles to swallow past the lump forming in his throat and he welcomes it, welcomes the tears he can feel filling up his eyes, because it's better to feel this sadness that nothing at all, "know you have sacrificed so much for me, for us, for this world; but Cas, I need one miracle, I need you back." 

There are so many things Dean has to tell him.

Silence. Nothing. His soul seems to get a leave a message after the tone.

There are so many things he has to tell Cas, but not if he isn't here to hear him.

However, eyes still fixated on the ceiling, he whispers, 

"It was always yours to have, all yours." Forever.

.

10 years later.

There is a fine layer of dust covering every surface around him, not too bad considering the time that has gone by since someone has last set foot in this room. More than five years, maybe, Dean isn't too sure about that.

It's quiet in here but, from the other side of the closed door the sound of laughter and conversation filters until reaching him. The bunker is bursting with life, hunters that come and go, a safe haven for so many. He doesn't feel like being part of all that right now.

He wouldn't have come around if he had realized he would still be here on this specific day. 

The memories are painful enough far away from this walls as it is.

But, well, now it's too damn late.

He sighs, the wound is old, but on days like today it's still tender to the touch, like it never healed properly. He hums to himself, a silly little tune, he doesn't remember where it came from but that's okay, he likes it anyway, it keeps his mind distracted. He lets his head fall back, resting it against the perfectly made bed, the covers smell after years of disuse. It reminds him of the first time they explored the bunker bedrooms. 

It was love at first sight, despite all the work they had ahead of them to make this place liveable again. 

He doesn't miss it nowadays, he is thankful for what was his home when he needed one the most, but he has somewhere else to call a home now. Far away from here.

He doesn't know why he decided to come in when he walked by the closed door, but he is here now, sitting on the floor by the bed, not wanting to think about having to get up or about the pain he has started to feel in his left knee. He is not so young anymore.

He opens his eyes when there is soft knock on the door and a gentle voice calls out his name.

"C'mon in." He calls back, smiling to himself and closing his eyes once more. 

There is the sound of the door closing again, light footsteps that stop next to him, a warm body that joins him on the floor. 

"What are you doing in here?" He doesn't need to open his eyes to picture the squinty look that is being directed to himself. 

"I came here, years ago" he says instead of giving a real answer, "I sat down right on this spot and told whoever was listening that I needed a miracle."

He opens his eyes, turning his head to the side to be able to look at Cas, smiling softly at him. His hair is messy as always but, just like Dean's, it's turning grey, paired with his deeping wrinkles Castiel has never looked more handsome to Dean. More alive.

"Did someone listen?" He asks, with a glint in his eyes that make Dean believe he already knows the answer to that question.

He plays along, anyways. Dean reaches to close his hand around Cas' and, lifting them both to get them closer to his face, he kisses Castiel's knuckles, one by one. 

"It took a while, but I got my miracle after all." Dean looks away, he has been working hard, all these years, to feel more comfortable in his own skin, open up and say what he has to say, but still, sometimes, especially in days like this, when he is feeling too much; when he feels raw, emotional, it can be all a bit too much.

Castiel leans in, he presses his forehead against Dean's cheek.

"I had forgotten it was today, it seems the same thing happened to you."

Neither of them would have wanted to be here today.

Dean nods lightly. He looks up at the ceiling. 

He focuses on their breathing, almost synced, calm and deep, he focuses on all the parts of them that are touching. He grips Castiel's hand tightly, nothing is taking him away, it would have to take Dean too.

Nothing is after them now, though, he allows himself to relax once more, heavily leaning his shoulder against Cas'.

He never washed the jacket, it's still here, he had to put it in Cas' closet, where he would never have to see it, unless he wanted to.

"I am glad" Castiel says after a long moment of shared silence, "I could tell you what I needed to say that day." Dean knows the weight of Castiel's guilt around those last moments, he has never regretted saving Dean, of course, he does regret the pain he caused.

Dean almost makes a comment about him being lucky because Dean remembers he couldn't get a single word out, but he has made his peace with that because, even though it took some time, he could tell Cas what he had been bottling up inside himself for years too, staring into his eyes, for the very first time, then a second time and now he has lost count. 

"I still can't believe sometimes that, well-" he trails off, gesturing vaguely with his free hand.

"That you could have it all?" Dean ventures.

"Yes." It comes out in a strangled whisper. Dean turns his head again, dropping a kiss on Castiel's forehead.

"It will always be yours, all yours." Forever.

[dr-abitat-blog]

Day 28: "I didn't think the wound was that bad..."

@ailesswhumptober

T/W: Multiple whumpees, caged, muzzled, lycanthrope, bear-trap, infection

Harvey (POV) and Lyall belong to @whumpsmith

I had really been looking forward to this camping trip. All summer long I had been so excited about getting out into the beautiful forest and exploring all the wonderful plants and wildlife with my friends and Mom. It was meant to be fun, adventurous and a time for us all to enjoy ourselves. That’s what Mom had said.

…but that’s not what happened. Well, it started off well enough with all of us setting up our tents, telling ghost stories by the fire and canoeing on the river — but that’s when it all went wrong. Somehow our boat got swept away and we ended up completely lost away from the others. With no shelter, we had to make our own. Luckily, I was a big help with that! Well, Cassie and Lyall said I was. With the way my family lived — and considering my secret ‘nature’ — I had easily been able to find us a cave to shelter in, berries to eat and I’d even gone hunting and caught us some food! Sin had tried to join me with her own ability to shapeshift, so I got to teach her a few lycanthrope tricks — but that was where I went wrong. I thought there were no other people around, but there were. They saw us in our wolf forms and then the next day…they took Sin and Lyall away. They must have thought Lyall was me, because they were hunters. They talked about selling them. Just hearing them talk and wave their big metal guns around…i-it was horrible.

And it was my fault.

Cassie told me it wasn’t. Even with her own fear, she told me it would be fine, that we’d get them back. That’s what supers did — and it was just the two of us alone. Lyall and Sin needed us and I had to be brave to help save my friends, just like a real hero. After all, we’re a pack — and the pack always protects each other, no matter what.

That’s why we’re here right now, crouching just meters away from their lone cabin in the depths of the forest. We’d managed to track them down after finding and threatening one of the hunters, which left three of them between us and our friends. Even now I still don’t know exactly how we’re going to beat them, but Cassie is clever and strong — she’s like a leader. I trust her.

“When I give the signal, I need you to sneak around to the back and get them out,” she tells me quietly, “I’ll keep those guys busy in the meantime. Just…whatever happens, don’t get caught.”

“I won’t,” I answer back, sending her as confident a nod as I can. “You be careful too, Cassie. These guys are really bad — m-maybe they work with the aliens.”

I catch the briefest flicker of…something across her face as I bring up the aliens that kidnapped me over a year ago. The aliens that kept hurting me and experimenting on me, keeping me in a cage away from my family—

“Maybe...but one thing’s for sure — it’s our job to kick bad guy butt, right?”

“Y-yeah, especially anyone that hurts our friends!” 

I can’t help it as my tails wags ever so slightly in passionate agreement. “Alright. I’ll go round the back. See you in a bit?”

She leans over to give me a quick hug. Her black hair tickles my cheek as she withdraws again, taking her position near the front of the cabin. With her in place, I scamper over to the back and shoot a thumbs up at Cassie. Responding with a small whistle, she uses her powers to launch a rock at the nearest window, whilst I hurry in through the unlocked door towards the back. The sounds of the hunters’ yelling and storming out to the front immediately sounds out, accompanied by the faint cries coming from the very back. I waste no time in bounding over there, temporarily changing enough to smash open the door with the force of my paws. One hunter waits inside for me — and right behind him is—! “Hmmv?!”

…our friends, Lyall and Sin. Both of them have been crammed into horrible barred cages, chains keeping their wrists cruelly cuffed to the bars. I see the fresh purple bruises on Lyall’s face and the tears still wet on Sin’s white cheeks, both of them wearing a horrible leather muzzle strapped tightly over their mouths, as if to stop them biting. I almost shudder at the thought of how it should have been me in Lyall’s cage, with the muzzle over my mouth — but the hunter is already raising his weapon.

“S-stay back, Wolfie!” He holds a small stun gun out threateningly. It only takes a menacing loud growl and a sharp swipe of my paw to knock the thing from his hands. A few moments later I have him pressed to the floor, begging for me not to kill him as he scrabbles desperately for freedom. Just like Mom taught me, I take a bite out of his ankle — just enough to make sure he won’t follow us — before turning my attention to our wide-eyed friends. Sin is closest, so I pull the door off her cage first, yanking it off with all of my strength and doing the same to Lyall’s. Grabbing the keys from the nearby hook, I unlock the chains around Sin’s and Lyall’s wrists, hearing their quiet sobs of relief as the chains clatter to the ground. Fingers will be more useful on the muzzle straps than paws, so I change back to my human form, crouching down to get the horrible muzzle off of Sin’s mouth. Cassie hurries inside a moment later and quickly does the same for Lyall.

“H-hang on, Sin — nngh — sorry these are fiddly. Did they hurt you?”

She draws in a shaky breath as she shakes her head, gasping as I finally get the muzzle off her.

“Nmmgh—ah! H-Harv…”

Tears fill her eyes as she half-hugs me. “I-I will be fine, are you—”

“Don’t worry, we’re okay—Cassie, did you get—”

“No, thankfully. I can’t say the same for them though,” she adds with a tiny smirk, “There you go, Lyall — can you stand?” “Nngh, th-think so…” The smaller boy leans against her a little for support, whilst I allow Sin to hold my hand so I can pull her to her feet. “L-let’s just get out of here already.”

“Yeah, we need to find Mom and the others,” I agree, “but we need to move quickly!” Despite the tired and abused state of our friends, we make good progress out of the cabin, starting back towards the forests, holding onto each for—

“There! They’re over there! GET THEM!”

I shoot a terrified glance over my shoulder, eyes widening in horror. The hunters are back on their feet, spreading out to give chase, like prey—!

“Oh God—come on, stick together, hurry!” Cassie hurriedly leads us away. We scramble through the trees, desperately trying to avoid them, keeping to the paths, stumbling along as fast as we—

“AGH!” My hackles — well, the hairs on the back of my neck — shoot up at Sin’s familiar panicked shriek.

“S-Sin?!” Even in my human form I throw myself onto all fours, backtracking down the previous path. I immediately spot her bright red hair being tossed about frantically as she struggles and pulls against the metal teeth biting into her ankle. I instantly recognise it from my lessons with Annika.

“Wh-what happened?!”

Cassie and Lyall are close behind me. All four of us drop down next to her. I pale a little, especially as the blood matches her hair as it drips down her ankle.

“Th-that’s a hunter’s trap — a bear trap! It’s got her!”

“Not if we can get her out! Harv, give me a hand!” It takes a lot of pulling and prying at the trap to free her foot from its clutches. The entire time the hunters are getting closer, gaining on us. The leaves crunch under their boots. A few gunshots even sound, as if to scare us out of hiding.

“Come out come out wherever you are~”

I hold back a frightened whimper, instead focusing on helping Sin twist out of the trap.

“I-it’s okay, Sin, you’ll be okay. We’ve got you — c-come on!”

She’s in a lot of pain. I can tell that instantly — but she puts on a brave face as always and bites through it. Finally, the trap opens with a sickening squelch, allowing her to writhe out. Her pained cries tear at my chest, my ears falling down as I squeeze her hand, trying to comfort her. “Th-that’s it, we’re okay, we’re all going to be okay — r-right, Cassie?” “I…y-yeah. We’ll be just fine, Harv.”

Her voice shakes ever so slightly despite her confident stance, especially at the sound of another gunshot. “W-we need to keep going. I’ve got Lyall — can you take Sin?”

“Of course I can. I-I’ll carry her on my back!” “Nngh — th-thanks, Harv…”

“Don’t thank me yet, the bad guys are still close — hang on, it might get hairy.”

Closing my eyes, I allow myself to change once again, assuming my wolf form to make it easier for Sin to ride on my back. Her fingers rest against my fur, clinging to it like a lifeline for support as I quickly patter after Cassie and Lyall. I lose track of how long we’re stuck in that forest, or how long we limp and run to get away from our pursuers. My heart is pounding the entire time. Fear spikes through me every second — just like back with the aliens — but eventually…we make it out. We lose the hunters and we find the same cave we took shelter in on the first night. By now, the sun is already starting to set. Even my legs start to shake.from exhaustion as I sink down to the ground.

“W-we made it,” I pant, starting to change back, “Now all we have to do is find where everyone else went right?”

Cassie nods to me tiredly, although the relief is clear on her face as she helps Lyall sit down.

“No telling where they could be,” he murmurs, running a hand over his face. “And something tells me those guys won’t give up easily. Th-they talked about selling us on, about the things they would do to us—”

“W-well they won’t be doing that now! You and Sin are all safe and—Sin?” I suddenly notice…how quiet she is. 

O-oh no…

Getting a bad feeling, I quickly shuffle over to her, noting the sweat beading her forehead and the way she shivers on the ground.

“C-cold…”

“D-don’t worry, you’ll be—”

I cut myself off as I finally get a better look at her foot. Scarlet streams out from the now open wound. A few small particles glint from inside of it, trapped, clear liquid seeping out from the glistening layers of exposed flesh. A panicked howl escapes me.

“Oh no—C-Cassie!” “Harvey what—o-oh crap.”

She covers her mouth, dropping to her knees beside me as she takes in the state of Sin’s bloody injury. “I-it looks infected…”

Oh no, that’s bad — isn’t it?

“I didn’t think the wound was that bad…”

Cassie just stares at it, gritting her teeth.

“Harvey, we need to dress it—Harvey!”

“I-I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s not your fault — but we need to clean it now before she gets sick.  Can you find something?” “I-I’ll try!” I don’t waste another second as I scamper away. My nose is put to immediate use, sniffling around for any plants or supplies that could be used to help cover her wound. It takes a good few minutes, but I finally find some sturdy leaves to use as a makeshift dressing, as well as some of our spare drinking water to clean it. As I bring the items to Cassie, she sets to work in using them on Sin, gently soothing her pained murmurs.

“Shhh, it’s okay. Y-you’re doing great, Sin.”

“Nngh…I-I want to go home…”

“Y-yeah, me too. I want Mom.”

I can’t help but sniffle faintly as I curl my tail around myself in shame. “I-I’m sorry. I should have realised something was wrong.”

In response, Cassie starts…gently stroking my head. Her eyes are soft and teary behind her glasses.

“D-don’t say that, Harv. You — you’ve been so brave today. You helped get them out — without you I…I-I don’t think we’d have made it.”

Me…brave? I can only stare at her in disbelief, a few tears stinging my eyes.

“You…y-you really think so?”

“Definitely,” Cassie nods with no hesitation, “We’re so lucky to have you with us, Harv.”

For the first time all day, I manage an encouraging smile, closing my eyes and leaning into Cassie’s gentle strokes.

“Th-thanks, Cass.”

“Anytime — although the temperature will start dropping soon.”

“Yeah, we’ll need some firewood or something,” Lyall coughs from the other side of the cave, “Unless we want to freeze our asses off out here.”

Tilting my head in his direction, I bear my teeth into a confident smile.

“I’m on it.”

Working quickly, I gather just enough logs for us to make a fire. Once it’s flickering away, the four of us huddle around it for warmth, staring up at the beautiful starry sky outside of our cave. The whole time I keep my ears alert, listening out for the faintest howl that might be from Mom. I hear nothing all night, even when the fire is put out and we snuggle up to sleep. By that time my confidence is fading quickly. Sin is becoming a little drowsy and feverish,  Lyall is absolutely exhausted and Cassie’s eyes are filled with helpless tears.

If we don’t get out of here soon then Sin will get sicker. We could all get sick — a-and then the hunters might catch up — and then—th-then…

 Similar tears soon crawl down my own face as I close my eyes for an unsettled night, no doubt to be plagued by nightmares of the aliens.

P-please find us soon, Mom.

[deejadabbles]

hi deeja! song for writing prompt: somebody else by the 1975!!

Send me a song and I'll write something for it's ~vibe~

My brain heard those first lyrics and went "Oh, pain and heart ache? Guess I'm going to put Echo through torture :) :) :)" Thank you for this, I think I actually needed to dive into some angst ;w;

Warnings for: just general heartbreak, past relationships, mentions of physical and emotional torture and explorations of trauma (takes place right after Echo's rescue), and no happy resolutions

Echo's head was still spinning.

After the harrowing escape from Skako Minor, his body was depleted, aching in a bone-deep emptiness he couldn't explain. His mind, his soul, felt like they were out of his body, hovering in empty space.

Hovering in that endless void of numbers and calculations.

"No, stop, don't go there. You're safe- you're out! Rex came back for you, Rex saved you! Everything was going to be okay."

That's the thought Echo forced into his mind. And it helped that Kix was there, by his side. The medic was a godsend. He hadn't needed to say anything, about the droids, about how feeling their cold metal on his skin made him want to scream and throw up and cry and shut down all the same time. Echo didn't need to explain, Kix had sent them out of the med bay immediately and it was only warm, human hands that examined him, that cared for him.

Even still, as he lay on the hospital bunk, he couldn't help but yearn for a certain pair of careful hands. Of loving hands. Hands that always knew how to soothe him.

"Kix," his voice barely sounded like his own, raw and sore, "I need a comm link."

The medic, who had been looking at his vitals like a hawk, met his eyes, "What's that?"

"I need to contact her, need to tell her I'm okay." 'Need to hear her voice, need to tell her I love her'

Something in the way Kix's face slid into something somber put him on high alert, like sensing a hidden enemy. Echo's body tensed as he watched Kix set his data pad aside. The look in the medic's eyes, the way he stepped towards Echo, it was like he was scared of spooking an injured tooka.

"I...don't think that's a good idea, vod."

"Why?" he didn't mean for it to come out like a growl, but there were a thousand different thoughts running through his head now. Were you okay? Was there some reason Kix didn't trust him to contact you? Was-

"Echo." Kix's tone was firm, but not unkind, and maker, the sadness and pity in his eyes made Echo want to scream. "Brother, you were gone for a long time."

'No.'

"We- everyone thought you were dead...."

'No!'

"...She thought you were dead, for a long time."

Ringing filled his ears, drowning out whatever Kix said next. His soul felt like it was drifting again, mind fading to black as realization bombarded him all at once.

Of course you had moved on. Why wouldn't you? Why would you hold on to a ghost? To a corpse?

Why would Echo be allowed any shred of his old life?

It was just another loss. Another thing they had taken from him. Another part of him that was sawed open and ripped from his person, like his limbs, his mind, his humanity.

After all this, how could he have hoped that he could still have you?

~*~

The Bad Batch was rarely on Coruscant, according to Hunter, but their ship was in need of repairs and here they were.

When Echo had mentioned a few adventures he and the 501st had at 79s, the others insisted they show him this spot, eager to unwind during their rare shore leave.

Echo was already a few drinks in when Crosshair goaded him into being the one to get their next round. "If that scomp limb doesn't get the barkeeps attention nothing will," he had said, eyeing the extremely crowded bar. Echo wanted to say Wrecker was sure to get more attention, but decided he'd take the chance to stretch his legs.

He was just in the middle of waving someone down when he saw it.

Echo would recognize that jacket anywhere, it was one of your favorite things in the world, your statement piece, and so distinctly you.

You.

You were on other side of the bar, and he felt like an idiot. How could he not think he'd run into you here? How could he have agreed to come when he knew this was your go to nightly spot?

How could he risk seeing you with him.

You were smiling, laughing at something he whispered into your ear, his arm wrapped around you warmly. You were smiling and laughing in the way Echo used to make you smile and laugh.

His body felt too tight all of the sudden, warm and sweaty and shaky, and before he knew it, Echo was bursting out the door, his body moving- running of its own accord.

Echo hadn't been aware enough to realize that you had spotted him too, not until he stopped in his tracks at the sound of your angelic voice.

Again he was moving as if someone else was controlling his body as he turned. There you were, backlit by the neon lights of the city, eyes wide, fist clenched over your heart, and your whole body was shaking.

You looked just as perfect as he remembered. More so, even.

"Echo," emotion broke the name in half when you said it, and Echo felt his body come alive. "Echo, is that really you?"

This was wrong, this was all wrong.

You were out of his reach, out of his life, gone. You were the past he couldn't wallow in. You were the love and touch and body he wasn't allowed to want. Your love and touch and body were somebody else's now.

And it wasn't fair of Echo to ruin that for you, or for that somebody else.

As much as it pained him, if you showed any signs that your heart was still his, Echo would break it, right here.

That's all he could do, for your sake, for his, and for that somebody else.

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic Cyber Revolution, Entry 52: The Chaos Emerald Caper

''At a headlong speed that I can't hold back, the familiar town turns into a diorama. I break through the opaque sky, blowing past the doubts and displeasures. Who needs an adventure that goes by the book? Even when lost or quivering, raise the bar!''

– Mikakunin Hikousen (Unidentified Airship) by Digimon Adventure: (2020)

xXxXxXx

E-105 Zeta, who had fortunately evaded being stuck in a stationary upgrade, was currently exploring Souto, the southern side of Neos City and walking parallel to Cosmo River that passed through the city. He was following a signal that led him to the bank of the river, taking note that the Chaos Emerald was very close by. What Zeta didn't expect was the fact that there was no one there to stop him. If Dr. Eggman's warnings were to be believed, he would've encountered some kind of resistance, mainly from Team Neos, but aside several Irregular Hunters, who had been patrolling the area and got into a fight with the Egg Keepers, he didn't come across anyone.

Therefore, it wasn't that hard to find the red Chaos Emerald and send it to Dr. Starline as per orders. Still, the question remained – what happened to the resistance?

xXx

Team Chaotix, who actually was supposed to go to Souto after Knuckles, Lily and Tikal left for the Master Emerald hunt, were busy with fighting E-106 Eta, who wasn't yet down for the count. Charmy flew around Eta, trying to dodge around the robot, keeping him occupied, only for the metallic arms to be grabbed by Vector who chewed right through them and snapped them off. Finally, Espio drove a kunai into the robot, ending it for good.

''Seems like Eta had been pretending to be down when Knuckles beat him up,'' Vector said, inspecting the robot.

''It was just a distraction, making us lose the time we'd need to get to Souto,'' Espio added, furrowing a brow.

''We need to hurry up then!'' Charmy panicked. ''We can't let them get to the Chaos Emerald!''

''You're right, Charmy, but…'' Vector activated the AR Visor Knuckles gave him, showing the screen that displayed the positions of all of the Chaos Emerald. ''Unfortunately, we're too late. The Chaos Emerald at Souto is gone, and there are three of them at Sentoraru now.''

''I sincerely hope that Lucas and Sonic found the one at Sentoraru. We should get this one to them,'' Espio said. With the team agreeing on the plan, they quickly made their way to Sentoraru.

xXx

Sonic spin-dashed into Metal Sonic, knocking him away. Unfortunately, after getting the message from Tails and Warren about them losing the Chaos Emerald, he immediately got attacked by Metal Sonic once again. His metallic counterpart was relentless, not giving a damn that Sonic wanted to focus on finding the Chaos Emerald. The two entered a race battle, speeding down the street as Sonic took sharp turns to shake off Metal Sonic. Unfortunately, that wasn't as easy, as Metal Sonic was stubbornly persistent. Sonic also didn't want to se Chaos Surge so early on, figuring he would need it to fight Chaos, so he had to defeat Metal Sonic on his own. There was a silver lining to this situation, as he knew that Tails and Warren were on their way from Erekiteru to help him and Lucas. However, for now, he had to figure things out on his own.

Luckily, I am really good at that.

Sonic rushed into an alley and bounced off between buildings, startling Metal Sonic who lost him for a moment, only to get hit by Sonic's drop dash from above, nailing him into the asphalt below. Sonic then quickly sped off, while Metal Sonic recovered, pissed off that he was caught off guard so easily and followed his arch-enemy. Sonic saw Metal Sonic following him and upon entering a another street, panicked when he realized that this one was actually crowded. Both hedgehogs weaved around the bystanders, with Sonic gritting his teeth as he tried to lead Metal Sonic away from innocent people. Fortunately for him, it seemed that his robot counterpart was only fixated on him rather than hurting any of the civilians.

Then, Sonic came to a sudden halt before he could run over Loki, who was patrolling the street with his fellow Irregular Hunters.

''Sonic?'' Loki was surprised to see the azure hedgehog, but also not too shocked about the encounter. As a matter of fact, he already expected that he would come across him.

''I'm sorry, Commander, but I'm currently busy with something,'' Sonic quickly said, only for his ear to flicker when he saw Metal Sonic preparing to shot at him. Sonic and the Hunters scattered, and Metal Sonic charged into a hand-to-hand combat with Sonic, ending up grappling the latter and throwing him away, with Sonic hitting the ground hard. Metal Sonic attempted to go after him, only to be stopped by the Hunters, who pointed their weapons at him. Loki used his scanner on Metal Sonic.

''So, you're an Irregular,'' he muttered.

''He's not the aggressive type of Irregular you have encountered before,'' Sonic said, getting on his feet, with Loki turning to him.

''I had already assumed that that would be the case,'' Loki replied.

''Leave Metal to me. North of this area are Badniks – Eggman's robots – that are causing havoc,'' Sonic said, pointing at the said direction. Loki stared at him for a moment, then nodded.

''Stand down! We need to go north!'' Loki commanded, drawing some looks of surprise from his fellow Hunters, but they still went ahead with his order. As for Sonic, he shot a glare at Metal Sonic and then started to run, looping back towards where Lucas and Ferra were searching for the Chaos Emerald. Unfortunately for him, they weren't alone there, as he was punched by E-100 ZERO just as he entered the area.

''Sonic!''

Sonic shook his head, his ears ringing as he tried to come to, barely registering Lucas' presence. As it turned out, during his absence, Starline, Chaos 1 and ZERO had managed to make their way over, with Starline holding the red Chaos Emerald in his hands. He laughed when he saw what ZERO had done, pleased with the result.

''That was quite a surprise, wasn't it?'' Starline mocked Sonic, throwing the Chaos Emerald towards Chaos 1. ''Let's see how you'll handle battling Chaos 2!''

Chaos 1 absorbed the red Chaos Emerald, becoming much taller and muscular. He had gained a broader chest, wider shoulders, larger hands and more muscle-toned limbs. He had also gained gray bones in both his arms that traveled down his shoulders into his hands where each of the Chaos Emeralds were embedded. His head had as well moved forward and the horns on his back head had move up on the sides of his head to give him a hammerhead-style look. Sonic stared down at Chaos 2 and ZERO, realizing that he was in trouble. If a Chaos Surge-powered Metal Sonic joined them in this battle, he was done for.

Suddenly, a powerful blast of energy hit ZERO, damaging the head. To Sonic's surprise, Metal Sonic suddenly stood in front of him, facing Starline, Chaos 2 and the damaged ZERO. Starline's beak dropped, as he was completely shocked that Metal Sonic would actually attack his own team.

''What was that for?! Are you crazy?!'' Starline shouted furiously at Metal Sonic, whose red eyes glowed as he glared at the opposition, ZERO in particular.

''Well, what did you expect?'' Ferra suddenly said, drawing everyone's attention. ''Metal Sonic was in the middle of the battle with his arch-enemy and you interrupted it. I believe that was deserved.''

''So, does this mean that we could team up?'' Sonic asked as he got up, grinning happily, only for Metal Sonic to suddenly turn around and glower at him. Sonic gave him a sheepish look. ''Okay, okay, forget that I ever asked that.''

xXx

''Well, that was to be expected,'' Dr. Eggman commented when he saw what Metal Sonic had done to ZERO. Surprisingly, he sounded more amused than upset about the fact that one of his E-100 Series robots had been damaged by his Enforcer.

''Err, Boss, aren't you angry that Metal Sonic had attacked one of your robots?'' Orbot asked.

''No, I'm not,'' Eggman replied, a little surprised to admit it. ''The E-100 Series has only one task – gather the Chaos Emeralds and destroy everyone in their path.''

''That's two things, Boss,'' Cubot chimed in, only to go quiet when Eggman shot him a glare.

''Regardless,'' Eggman then continued. ''They have their task, and they will complete it or get destroyed themselves. So long as the main goal is completed, I don't care. If ZERO decides to get in Metal Sonic's way, that's his own problem. Metal Sonic is currently the more valuable asset here, considering how he can easily keep up with Sonic.''

''Well, it seems that so far, we're not doing bad… when it comes to destroying the E-100 Series,'' Orbot said, pulling up a monitor for Eggman to see. ''Beta, Delta and Eta are destroyed, and Epsilon and ZERO are badly damaged. Gamma and Theta have engaged in a battle and Zeta is currently returning from Souto.''

''What about Omega?'' Cubot asked.

''I don't think we should count him,'' Orbot replied. Eggman hummed in thought, rubbing his chin.

''Three E-100 Series robots have been destroyed, two are damaged and three are functional, for now. We have two Chaos Emeralds, Team Neos and their allies have three, one is held by those traitors, Mephiles and Toshiro, and one is missing. Frankly, the current situation could've be much better,'' Eggman said, getting up. ''Prepare the EggMobile. Team Neos will be occupied long enough to not notice my presence.''

xXx

''We can't let them escape with the Chaos Emerald!'' Jet shouted, summoning a pair of Bashōsen – banana palm fans – and swung them, sending a powerful wind current towards Shadow, Rouge and Touka. To his annoyance, they scattered, managing to dodge his attack. Jet winded up for another attack, only to nearly get hit by a missile.

''Watch it!'' Rika shouted, when more missiles went after them. Wave summoned a huge wrench, knocking the missiles away alongside Jet, with Storm punching away an Egg Keeper that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

They weren't the only ones who got into a sudden fight with the Egg Keepers, as Shadow, Rouge and Touka were also fighting them. One proper look at their surroundings revealed the reason for the sudden ambush – E-107 Theta had been placed in this area and was firing at them. Both Team Dark and the Babylon Rogues had scattered to evade missiles and confront the Egg Keepers, with Chase, Rika and Arven trying to stay away from the battlefield as they obviously had no way of defending themselves. That is why they were completely shocked to see Touka summoning a Chaos Spear and stabbing an Egg Keeper.

''Watch out!'' Rouge shouted when Theta unleashed a barrage of energy blasts at Shadow, who managed to use his super speed to evade him. Shadow then turned towards Theta, noting that the robot was built like a fort, with enough weapons to vaporize all of them. Rest assured, he wasn't going to let this happen and he had the perfect tool to win this battle.

''Rouge, give me the Chaos Emerald!'' he shouted, drawing Rouge's attention. The bat nodded, kicking another Egg Keeper away before throwing the green Chaos Emerald at Shadow. Shadow was about to catch it, when he was suddenly hit by a stream of air, followed by Jet swooping in and catching the Chaos Emerald instead.

''Don't think that you can beat me- agh!''

''Jet!''

Unfortunately for Jet, he got a bit too close to Theta, getting shot down by the fort-like robot. Fortunately, the only thing that got damaged was Jet's hoverboard, and his ego. The green Chaos Emerald fell out of his hands, with Shadow picking it up and glaring daggers at the green hawk.

''This is not a race nor a game. One mistake, and you will die,'' Shadow told him in a stern tone, with Jet just frowning in response.

Shadow then turned towards Theta, keeping a tight grip on the Chaos Emerald. He took a deep breath, feeling the Chaos Energy surging from the Chaos Emerald into his body, spreading and empowering him with a power comparable to Chaos Surge, if not even stronger. He lifted the Chaos Emerald above his head.

''Chaos Control!''

Time slowed down, practically freezing in the moment. Shadow focused on Theta, drawing power once more from the Chaos Emerald and charged towards the robot, leaving only a streak of orange light as he smashed through the metal and wiring, with the robot becoming riddled with holes. Then, Shadow seemingly vanished.

''Chaos Blast!''

There was a wave of red energy spreading from a hole inside Theta, the explosion completely shattering the E-100 Series robot into pieces. Shadow then appeared in a flash of cyan light right next to Touka and Rouge, with time flowing once again.

''What the-?!'' Chase mouthed, him and the rest of the Babylon Rogues dropping their jaws when they saw how, in one moment, Theta had been attacking them, and in the other, it turned into a crumbling pile of scrapped metal. They turned their attention towards Team Dark, taking notice of Shadow's cold glare. The hedgehog was clearly still annoyed about the interference.

''What do we do now?'' Arven asked, him, Storm, Rika and Wave looking at Chase and Jet.

''I'm not giving up yet!'' Jet stated, still pissed off about losing the Chaos Emerald. Chase, on the other hand, was a bit more attentive to what was going on.

''Honestly, I think we should just let it go,'' he said, much to everyone's surprise. ''That was one of Eggman's robots. Do you really want to get involved fighting more of those?''

This seemed to have forced the rest of the team to actually shut up and think about what they were about to get into, and yeah, they had to agree that dealing with Eggman would be too much of a hassle. Nevertheless, Chase was curious about one thing – the fact that Touka somehow had access to Chaos Powers; but he doubted that she would tell him how that happened. Still, he figured that he could get an answer to a different question.

''Fine, you won,'' he said, clearly irritated. Touka, Shadow and Rouge gave him a curious look as he continued, ''What is even going on? Why is a Chaos Emerald here?''

Touka, Shadow and Rouge exchanged glances, clearly mixed on whether to tell them anything, with Touka then looking up. ''Have you ever heard of Sonic Adventure? That's what's going on.''

''What?!''

Before he could even ask more questions, Shadow, Rouge and Touka suddenly vanished in a flash of light. As for Chase, he got confused looks from Jet, Wave and Storm.

''What was she talking about?'' Jet asked. Chase sighed.

''It's a long story.''

xXx

''Well, this at least explains why we saw the Sonic Adventure locations,'' Lily said, with light orb Tikal floating next to her, observing Knuckles as he climbed Red Mountain to get to the Master Emerald Shard that was stuck on a cliff. As it turned out, the Master Emerald Shards were stuck within the AR Fields, which took on the form of the Sonic Adventure locations once they entered them. Meanwhile, Knuckles had managed to grab the Shards, leaping off and gliding towards the two.

''I believe that those were all the Shards I could find here. We should go to the next location,'' he said, the Master Emerald Shards turning into data particles and vanishing. The fact that such a powerful artifact was made out of data certainly made it easier for him to carry around. He then closed his eyes, focusing on the Master Emerald Shards' energy signature, as instructed by Tikal, and followed it into the next AR Field.

They had to admit that they were surprised that they ran into absolutely no resistance, but figured that neither Starline nor Eggman cared enough about the Master Emerald since they wanted to power Chaos up, not seal him away.

''It seems like Eggman forgot what the Master Emerald can do,'' Lily commented as they walked through Casinopolis. ''We can use it to nullify the power of the Chaos Emeralds before Chaos even reaches his Perfect Form.''

''I sincerely apologize for Chaos causing so much trouble,'' Tikal said. ''I wish I could've done something to prevent Chaos from attacking Neos City.''

''But, you did,'' Knuckles pointed out. ''You found us and told us about the Master Emerald, and you're now helping us find it. Besides, I'm confident that our friends will be able to hold back Chaos until we return.''

The orb started glowing stronger, and Knuckles and Lily got the impression that Tikal was smiling warmly at them, thankful for their help.

''Not to mention, this isn't the first nor the last time we'll get roped into another adventure,'' Lily added. She then sighed. ''Too bad we cannot spend more time at these locations. I would've loved to explore them more.''

''You only want to try your luck at the casino,'' Knuckles said, with Lily snorting in amusement.

''It would probably be the only casino where I'd be allowed to go at my age,'' she replied. ''I'd be up for playing some pinball.''

xXx

''What do you two want?'' Makoto growled, him and Silver glaring at Toshiro and Mephiles. He knew that they were in trouble, mainly because Toshiro and Mephiles were holding onto the cyan Chaos Emerald. ''Don't tell me that you're here to aid Dr. Eggman.''

There was a suddenly flash of light, with Toshiro and Mephiles disappearing from the building and appearing on the street right before Makoto and Silver, with Toshiro taking a step towards them. ''If you really think that we are still working as the Doctor's Enforcers, you're severely mistaken. We have stopped working for the Doctor a long time ago.''

''Then, why are you here?'' Silver asked, his hands lined with cyan psychic energy.

''We're here to take part in the inevitable mayhem,'' Mephiles replied. ''We want to watch the destruction of Neos City and the… No!''

Both Mephiles and Toshiro were shocked by Makoto's brazenness, as the teenager, who was still empowered by Chaos Surge, attempted to use the psychokinesis to yank the Chaos Emerald out of Toshiro's hand while Mephiles was still talking. Fortunately for them, it slipped out of his hand, falling on the street, but to their dismay, Mephiles reacted, firing a barrage of crystal spikes towards Makoto, forcing Silver to raise a barrier to defend himself and his partner.

Both sides stared for a moment at the Chaos Emerald, with Mephiles and Silver then charging towards it. The grey hedgehog was startled by a wall of fire, shielding himself with his psychokinesis, but when he looked back, he only saw crystal spikes.

''Behind you!'' Makoto shouted, his eyes glowing as he put up another barrier between Silver and Mephiles, who rose out of Silver's own shadow and attempted to stab him through his back. He then ran towards the Chaos Emerald, having taken notice of Toshiro trying to get to it while their partners were fighting.

Unfortunately for him, it seemed that Toshiro and Mephiles had predicted this battle way ahead of them, because Toshiro's eyes glowed dangerously and a barrage of crystal spikes appeared before Makoto like a barrier. Toshiro was about to pick up the Chaos Emerald, when it suddenly flew up and went over to the other side of the street. Toshiro narrowed his eyes, glaring daggers at Makoto, who just gave him a smug smirk in response. ''That's what happens when you fight a psychic.''

As for the Chaos Emerald itself, it landed right between Mephiles and Silver, whose fire wall and psychic wall clashed, leaving both of them struggling as they attempted to overpower each other. The two walls suddenly dissipated, leaving both of them gasping for air, albeit in Mephiles' case, he refused to show any weakness. Both of them then spotted the Chaos Emerald between them, and Silver dived after it, only to hit the ground as the Chaos Emerald vanished inside a black hole that appeared below it, then re-appeared in Mephiles' hand.

Mephiles laughed, towering over Silver who was lying on the ground, lifting his head up to glare at his opponent. ''It would be a waste for you use the Chaos Emerald simply to stop Chaos from destroying Neos City. For someone who wishes to protect the future, you're far too short-sighted.''

''I have promised my friends that I will also protect the present,'' Silver said in a determined tone, getting up on one knee. Mephiles' eyes sparked, and his tone and look gave off a sense of intrigue.

''Is that so? Perhaps, I can offer you an opportunity to do both. All I would need is another Chaos Emerald,'' Mephiles said, watching Silver as he stood up.

''What are you talking about?'' Silver asked.

''Have you ever heard of Dual Chaos Control? It is a technique in which two near-simultaneous instances of Chaos Control create a space-time rift, which allow someone to travel through time and space,'' Mephiles explained, smirking when he saw Silver's eyes widen in surprise.

''You mean…'' Silver trailed off, staring at the Dark in disbelief.

''Indeed. If you had another Chaos Emerald and someone willing to help you, you could finally travel back to your own future. Isn't that what you desire? To see whether your future had changed for the better?'' Mephiles continued. ''Don't you wish to see your friends?''

Silver stared at the Dark, seemingly frozen on the spot. After the shattering of the beacon, he had given up on the idea of being able to return back to his future, and to see Haru and the others again. He remained silent, wondering if it would be really possible to go back to his own future and witness it prosper, safe and secure from any dangers. Mephiles, realizing that Silver wasn't answering, decided to continue his proposal, as he figured that this way, he wouldn't have to fight him and instead deprive Team Neos of a powerful ally.

''Everything you need is right here. As a matter of fact, I could help you with the Dual Chaos Control and send you to where you belong,'' Mephiles added. Silver lowered his head.

''You would send me to where I belong…'' he repeated, his eyes obscured. Mephiles nodded, figuring that his plan was coming to fruition.

''Yes,'' he said, getting closer to Silver, not noticing the latter's hand clenching into a fist.

''I belong here!'' Silver suddenly shouted, his eyes sparking with cyan energy, and a scrap of metal came flying towards Mephiles, forcing him to leap back, but the Chaos Emerald got suddenly knocked out of his hand, rolling away. ''Even if I could freely travel back to my future, I won't abandon my friends so easily!''

Silver was relentless, using the scraps of the destroyed Egg Keepers to attack Mephiles and keep the pressure. Mephiles then disappeared into the shadows, appearing again at Silver's side and summoned a crystal spear, attempting to stab Silver, but was pushed away thanks to a wave of psychic energy. Makoto ran up to Silver, having protected him earlier, and the two looked around, confused.

''Where is the Chaos Emerald?'' Makoto suddenly asked, a question that also caused Mephiles and Toshiro to pause. The four looked towards where it had rolled away, but found nothing but the still barely functioning remains of Epsilon. Mephiles rushed over, tearing what remained of the E-100 Series robot apart, but the Chaos Emerald was nowhere in sight.

''It couldn't have just vanished!'' he growled. Toshiro, who had joined him, examined the scraps.

''Honestly, I wouldn't put it past the Doctor to come up with a way to transport the Chaos Emeralds without having to be near them,'' he said. Makoto and Silver exchanged glances, both dismayed as the realization slowly dawned on them.

''We lost the Chaos Emerald.''

xXx

Sonic was breathing heavily, being forced to dodge both Metal Sonic and Chaos 2's attack, with the latter having an enhanced hydrokinesis ability that allowed him to produce water over a huge area. His punched were even more powerful, leaving deep cracks in the ground where Sonic stood only moments earlier and whenever Sonic attempted to fight back, he would generate an energy shield that couldn't be bypassed. It was maddening to fight like this, and that didn't even include the fact that Metal Sonic and a damaged ZERO were also hot on his heels.

''Time to end this!'' Starline grinned, allowing Metal Sonic and Chaos 2 to attack Sonic, only for the latter to be quickly pulled back by Lucas who came in flying on the hoverboard.

''This won't work! We have to use Chaos Surge if we want to have a chance,'' Lucas said, holding Sonic so he wouldn't fall off. He knew that it was a bit too soon to use Chaos Surge, but five against two really lowered their chances of getting out of this mess, let alone winning. Even if Ferra and Starline hadn't joined the battle and ZERO was damaged, they still had to deal with the fact that they could jump in any time.

''I hate to say it, but you're right. Hope you can endure this a bit longer,'' Sonic told Lucas, who nodded.

''Chaos Surge!''

Ferra, who had taken a position on a nearby building, frowned as he saw the Chaos Surge between the two, which enhanced Sonic's speed and power and allowed Lucas to fight back. She wondered if she should interfere and use Chaos Surge with Metal Sonic, even if the odds were in their favour. Admittedly, she wasn't opposed to taking risks either and Metal Sonic was doing fine on his own so far.

''Huh?'' Ferra was surprised when her AR Visor suddenly buzzed, getting a message from Dr. Eggman. She rose an eyebrow at the order, with the Doctor demanding that she and Metal Sonic abandon this battle and go seek out Team Dark, who had defeated Theta and were still in the possession of a Chaos Emerald. ''I suppose it cannot be helped. If Shadow has the Chaos Emerald, he's nearly unstoppable.'' She got on her hoverboard, shouting, ''Metal, we're leaving!''

Metal Sonic suddenly stopped in his tracks, turning to her with a confused look. Clearly, he wanted to continue the battle only he completely defeated Sonic and he knew Ferra understood that, so he was surprised that she told him to leave. As for Sonic, he allowed himself a moment to breathe. Despite being empowered by the Chaos Surge, that still didn't mean that he was getting tired.

''Don't worry, you'll get another opportunity to fight Sonic, but currently, we have orders to be somewhere else,'' Ferra flew up to Metal Sonic on her hoverboard, only for both to get startled when Starline slammed his hands against the EggMobile controls.

''Wait, did the Doctor contact you?!'' he shouted incredulously.

''Of course he did,'' Ferra replied, smirking when she saw how upset he was. ''Why are you so upset?''

''If the Doctor needs help, he should've contacted me!'' Starline demanded, glaring at Ferra.

''So, you're going to just abandon your grand plan?'' Ferra responded, quite amused. Starline gritted his teeth, hating to admit that she was right. As the two left, and Starline focused back on Sonic and Lucas, he was caught off guard by Chaos 2 suddenly writhing in pain, with sparks flying from a gadget inside him.

''What? What happened?!'' Starline's beak dropped and he stared in shock as Chaos 2 appeared to be electrocuted by whatever that device inside him was. Then, Chaos 2 liquified and vanished inside a nearby street shaft. Starline turned his attention back to Sonic and Lucas, trying to understand what had just happened, only for Sonic to suddenly spin-dash right through ZERO, breaking the robot and turning to Starline.

''You're the only one left, Starline,'' Sonic said in a taunting tone, grinning at the platypus. However, considering things quickly turned around, Starline decided not to take his chances and quickly flew away on the EggMobile.

Sonic took a deep breath, feeling the Chaos Surge power leaving him and his knees shaking. He managed to remain standing, but this battle was incredibly exhausting. He turned around, surprised to see Loki out of all people approaching him and Lucas. ''Heh, thanks for the help.''

''Save it, I was only doing what was necessary,'' Loki replied, with Sonic and Lucas exchanging uneasy glances. ''I will keep this short – I know what you and your friends have done at ARMS and I can assure you that you're not in trouble for anything. I won't reprimand you for fighting either, since you know what you're doing. The only question I have is whether you really had absorbed your partner's BioEnergy?''

Sonic gulped nervously, having to admit that this wasn't a topic he was comfortable talking about. Despite his heroics, he could not only get himself, but Lucas and the rest of Team Neos in trouble for this. Lucas, however, stepped out, and gave Loki a serious look. ''Yeah, he did use my BioEnergy. It's a process we had developed called Chaos Surge, which ensures that we both have full control over it.''

Sonic had to admit that he was impressed seeing Lucas becoming more assertive as he stepped into his leader role, and glanced at Loki, giving him a questioning look. ''What are you going to do about it?''

''As long as you don't show any kind of aggressive tendencies Irregulars usually do, I don't see a reason for me to arrest you,'' Loki replied. ''In fact, from what I've seen, you and your friends are quite invaluable allies.''

''Thanks, I guess,'' Sonic replied. ''Did you do something to Chaos?''

''Since that monster is made out of water, or at least some form of liquid, I just grabbed one of our specialized long-range tasers, set it to its highest voltage and shot it at it. I assume it isn't dead despite the electrocution, am I correct?'' Loki asked.

''You're right,'' Lucas replied. ''It's a long story, but Chaos will be growing stronger and stronger, and if we don't stop him, Neos City will get flooded. We are working on preventing that from happening, but given the situation, I'd have to contact them as see how we should proceed from here. Also, Sonic, you need to rest and recover.''

Sonic opened his mouth about to protest, only to close it. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt exhausted at this point. Having been through a constant chase followed by a battle against three opponents, even with Chaos Surge, left him quite tired and he understood that, if he didn't rest just a little bit, he'd be barely able to move when things get dire.

''You're right,'' Sonic said, nodding in agreement. He decided to leave the next step to Lucas, hoping that his friends were doing better than they did.

xXx

''Ho ho ho ho ho, looks like I had found another Chaos Emerald,'' Dr. Eggman said, grinning as he hovered over a street in his EggMobile, following Team Chaotix as they made their way towards Sentoraru. He was holding the cyan Chaos Emerald, having re-directed Epsilon to send it to him instead of Starline, and decided to pick up another one on his way to Starline and Chaos. ''Fortunately, Zeta is in position. It's time to show these wannabe detectives what happens when you confront the Eggman Empire!''

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#Sonic Cyber Revolution (Masterlist)

[lacependragon]

One of the things I love so much about canon rewrites is taking characters and backstories and tweaking them, slightly, doing the changes I'm interested in, and then butterfly effect-ing my way forward to the first chapter to understand how those changes have affected characters since they first came into their worlds.

It's so much fun to see how it changes people. To see how you can keep their cores but tweak the fine details, play with the public persona, twirl out different relationship threads from the miasma of change and curiosity you've entwined yourself with.

Having Pyrrha be trained by Caroline Cordovin, a character I am likening to a Greek God, a character who takes heavy inspiration from Achilles' mother (in my world) and who desperately wants to be remembered, to create a legacy, in a hero. To be immortalized in her progeny. To never be forgotten. And then to have her be in charge of Argus, to have her push Pyrrha from the start, to take this detail of Caroline Cordovin being in charge of Argus and making her and Pyrrha linked this closely, I've gotten this very interesting Pyrrha. A Pyrrha that is still, at her core, the same kind and loving and loyal and destiny-believing girl we all adore, but who is deeply traumatized, whose insecurities are marked in blood and isolation, and who is desperately lonely to a degree that isn't explored in canon.

80% the same. 20% different. That's what I'm working with, in terms of numbers. It's not an exact science, but it's a feeling - a vibe.

Jaune wasn't allowed to become a hunter because of the death of his grandfather, a trained hunter, when his father was a child. So he had to do things in secret. Different conflict in the family.

Pyrrha's heavy training and the tweaks to the magic system means she recognizes Jaune doesn't have an awakened aura in the locker room. Different starting motivations.

Ruby and Yang have grown up with a four parent household even if two of those parents are gone. Qrow is just as much their father as Taiyang and they treat him as such. Qrow and Taiyang's dynamics, with each other, with their kids, and with the world as a whole, have been tweaked to suit the changes made to STRQ. And considering how little we have of STRQ?

Oh boy did I have some fun.

Ruby Rose has carried around Summer's emblem since the night she left. She took her emblem off her cape and pulled her weapon from it, handing it to Ruby and putting her weapon on her back. She asked Ruby to hang on to it until she got back.

Now Ruby flicks it into the air to summon Crescent Rose. A weapon that protects them better than Mom ever did. But it's bitterness and love and guilt and grief and loyalty and frustration all tied into one. Ruby wonders if Summer knew she wasn't coming back. Ruby wonders if they were the last person Summer ever spoke to. Ruby wonders if they'll ever live up to the legacy of love and kindness and work that their mother left behind.

And as Ruby learns what Summer was to the Ozluminati, as they learn about Salem and Cinder and the Maidens and the Grimm, that weight is only going to grow. Because Summer was thought to be the one to stop Salem. And she's gone.

How do you live up to that?

And how do you convince yourself it's okay to be angry? It's okay to be bitter? It's okay to hate her for leaving you behind while still loving her? How do you choke back those emotions and find a way to speak through them, to explain how you feel?

You don't. So you get a little more frustrated, a little more grumpy, a little more jaded. But you still believe in hope and love and kindness.

And you still want to save everyone. Everyone. No matter what.

"We're here to make it better. So that's what we'll do, no matter how hard it is or how long it takes."

Little changes. A legacy that weighs much heavier from day one. An emblem that represents something from the moment we first see it - literally and metaphorically.

80% same. 20% change.

Jacques went to prison two years ago. The Schnee family is slowly recovering, but a lifetime of trauma can't be undone in two years. Weiss goes to Beacon not just to breathe, not just to find herself, but also to flee the knowing eyes and snide comments of everyone in Atlas. She is protective of her remaining family, fiercely loyal to her mother and her efforts to fix things. She detests her father. Her father is what most people who know about everything see the first time they see her - or so she feels, anyway.

So she's still prickly. She's still got her hackles up. She's still defensive, and frustrated, and a little too caught up in her side of the problem. But can you blame her? She's been picked at and poked at since she was 15 by a world that didn't want to believe her father is a monster. Will always be a monster.

And she carries that every day. Not just in her traumas, but also in the loss of a lot of her eyesight in that eye. In the way she flinches when some men raise their voices and slam their hands on tables. In the way she starts snarling the moment she gets backed into a corner.

Traits Blake recognizes. Traits that slowly get them both to bond. Because yes, they are from opposite worlds, but look at these scars that are the same. Look at these reactions that are mirrors to one another. Bridging the gap through understanding of pain.

80% same. 20% different.

Yeah. That's the thesis of RWBY rewrite changes. That's the vibe.