#I always antagonize about making things look good in my drawings so I purposefully let myself be messy with this comic

[oliya-art]

I received a request to draw a body swap situation. I never draw comics so I though I’d give it a try.

[storytellerofuntoldlegends]

an icarus and his sun: chapter 7

A/N: scott's pov, finally!! as well as more of my "the empires smp gals deserve to go off, actually" agenda. also check out this rad art submitted by @dancinglifeboat! i also would like to apologize ahead of time, the updates from here on out are probably going to slow down a bit because while i am still extremely motivated to write this fic, it hasn't been as high as it was for the upcoming chapters as it has been for the previous ones. i honestly don't even know HOW i was so motivated to write several chapters so fast that i actually had a backlog of them for a bit and was able to post them daily. so the updates will likely slow down to being every couple of days or maybe every couple of weeks, depending on time/motivation. but yeah! anyway, enjoy!

Warnings: lying/manipulation, threats of violence, past violence, arguing, heartbreak

AO3 Link - Tumblr Masterpost

-

Scott felt just about sick to his stomach every time he looked at the slimeball Jimmy had given him. It was such a stupid little thing to get emotional over, and it was honestly kind of gross and sticky. But Scott couldn’t bear to get rid of it. It had stung more than he cared to admit when Jimmy had reminded him of how isolated and distant Scott was from everything. Staying up and away from the world kept him safe, kept his empire safe. But being safe didn’t make it any less lonely and isolating. And then Jimmy had looked at him like he was the world, and told him that he should be able to enjoy the little things too. Scott couldn’t bear to get rid of the slimeball, even though the memories were painful now. For as much as bluntly being reminded that he was alone stung, Jimmy telling him to leave stung even worse.

Looking back on it now, Scott didn’t really know why he had sided with Fwhip. It was long before Scott had really felt anything for Jimmy, mostly flirting with him to get a rise out of him. That flirting had always devolved into fighting, and it was after one particularly nasty argument that Fwhip had pulled him aside after the meeting and talked about how the House Blossom Alliance would be the downfall of their empires. And at the time… Scott had agreed with him. He loved Katherine, he really did- but there were too many rivalries in that alliance for it to ever truly work. So he went along with Fwhip’s plan- go along with the meetings until an opportunity arose. Then came the addendum of Scott keeping an eye on Jimmy to make sure he wouldn’t be a problem. And then came the plan of rigging the ballroom to explode and blame it on another empire. And even worse- Scott actually caught feelings for Jimmy, instead of it being an act like Fwhip had planned.

So before the night of the ball, Scott had struck a deal with Fwhip. If there was no argumentative behavior during the ball, then he wouldn’t set off the TNT. To his surprise and relief, Fwhip had agreed- and then went and purposefully antagonized Jimmy. And Jimmy- sweet, impulsive Jimmy- had fought right back. Scott didn’t get a chance to pull Fwhip aside and convince him to change his mind before Lizzie had asked him for a dance, then spun Jimmy right into his arms. Fwhip had been watching them the entire time they danced, then left as soon as the song ended, heading up the stairs. Scott snuck away from Jimmy to follow him- only for Fwhip to have flown off by the time Scott made his way up the stairs. Then Jimmy followed him too, and once he spotted Fwhip in the distance with his crossbow, Scott realized he had been used to draw Jimmy out. So he kissed Jimmy, and then Fwhip set off the explosions. It was then Scott realized Fwhip had lied to him about the plan- somehow he had rigged Katherine’s entire castle with TNT, not just the ballroom, and wanted to be sure that everyone knew it was Fwhip and the Wither Rose Alliance behind it all. A show of power, so that no one would mess with them.

So now Scott was alone again. Jimmy felt like Scott had betrayed him- and frankly, Scott had. He should have told the House Blossom Alliance about the TNT, instead of striking a weak deal with Fwhip. Now the House Blossom Alliance would never trust him again, and all Scott had now was the Wither Rose Alliance- which Scott wasn’t so sure if he wanted to be a part of anymore. And at their next secret meeting, Scott found out that he wasn’t the only one with this opinion. Usually they met in Gem’s hidden meeting room, but this time around, she insisted on meeting in the Grimlands, not giving a clear reason why. Scott had thought nothing of it, until the time for the meeting actually came.

“I’m done, Fwhip,” Gem said, not even taking a seat at the table. Fwhip leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow at Gem.

“What do you mean, you’re ‘done?’” he scoffed. Gem slammed her hands down on the table, purple magic sparking in the air. Everyone in the room had ranging expressions of shock and terror on their faces. Gem never got angry like this, at least not as long as Scott had known her. Fwhip, however, seemed unphased.

“You lied to us. You said you were going to make a point at the House Blossom Ball. Instead you blew it up! You could have killed us!” she fumed. Fwhip rolled his eyes.

“Gem, you know me. What other point would I have made that didn’t go off with a bang? Besides, Sausage and Scott knew about the TNT,” Fwhip replied with a shrug. The glare Gem sent him was deadly, and Pearl rose from her seat at the revelation.

“I was hoping that maybe Scott was clever and figured out your plan, and just wasn’t able to get the information to anyone in time- but you told him and Sausage?! And I’m not exactly pleased that neither of them felt it was necessary to tell Gem and I what was going on, but the nerve of you to hide information from your own allies, Fwhip!” Pearl scolded. Scott and Sausage didn’t say anything, a little embarrassed- but to be fair, it hadn’t really occurred to Scott that Fwhip didn’t tell everyone about his plan. He had told Scott one-on-one, and Scott had foolishly assumed that he had told the others as well. Yet another frustrating hoodwink courtesy of Fwhip.

“Because I knew you would react like this! But there’s no sense in arguing about it now, what’s happened has happened. Let’s discuss plans for the future, shall we?” Fwhip said with an overly charming grin.

“No,” Pearl said firmly, and Fwhip blinked in surprise.

“What?” he asked in disbelief.

“You heard Gem. She’s done, and so am I. I won’t be a part of this senseless destruction anymore,” Pearl said evenly. And before Fwhip had a chance to protest, Pearl and Gem stormed out of the room. Fwhip let out a dejected sigh, before sitting up straight in his seat again.

“Fine. Who needs them? We’ll be just fine- won’t we, boys?” Fwhip asked, and the smile he gave Scott made his stomach roll.

“Yeah! Now we don’t have to tiptoe around them anymore!” Sausage cheered, and Scott could only give a weak smile in response. Something in Fwhip’s smile turned sharp as he leaned towards Scott with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

“You know, I never properly complimented your acting skills. You really had Jimmy caught like a fish in a net. It’s a shame though- you got a little too wrapped up in the act- not to mention him- and we lost a valuable chance to deal with the Codfather once and for all. But that’s alright- I’m sure we’ll get another opportunity,” Fwhip said in a low and dangerous tone, the thinly veiled threat very clear to Scott. Don’t get in the way again, and don’t try and weasel out of plans. Or he’d make sure he’d regret it.

“R-right,” Scott said shakily. Fwhip seemed satisfied, and leaned back in his chair once more.

“Good. Now I suppose that advantage with you pretending to like Jimmy is gone now, unless you do a lot more than just kiss him this time around-”

“No,” Scott blurted, before he could really think about it.

“What was that?” Fwhip asked, raising an eyebrow. A lie about how Jimmy definitely didn’t want to see him again- which wasn’t really a lie per se, but it wasn’t the reason Scott said no- was at the tip of his tongue. But he couldn’t say it. And in that moment, he finally decided to do what Pearl and Gem had done.

“I’m not doing this anymore. It makes me sick to my stomach to even think about bringing more pain and destruction to J- to these lands,” Scott said, voice shaking a little but his eyes sharp as he glared at Fwhip. But Fwhip caught the wobble in his voice and how he nearly said Jimmy’s name. However Sausage spoke up and commented on it before Fwhip could.

“You WEREN’T pretending, you actually fell for Jimmy!” Sausage gasped, and the tone of his voice reminded him of simpler times, when Sausage would tease him about his flirting with Jimmy and Pearl would admonish him and tell Sausage to leave Scott alone. Then Fwhip had taken advantage of Scott’s banter with Jimmy, and brought Scott’s world crashing down around him as a result.

“You’ve gotten weak, Scott. What happened to the imposing, cold ruler of Rivendell?” Fwhip sneered. Scott rose from the table at that, glaring Fwhip down.

“I’m finally being the ruler I should have been. I’m not going to let other empires use me for their own gain, and I’m not going to be part of your destructive plans,” Scott fumed, wings flaring and making him seem taller, more threatening. Fwhip chuckled darkly.

“You walk out of here, and you’ll regret it,” he growled.

“I’ll take my chances,” Scott shot back, turning on his heel and exiting the room, ignoring both Fwhip and Sausage’s voices after him. He was done with the Wither Rose Alliance. In fact, he was done with alliances entirely. He was going to stay in the mountains and care for his empire, like he should have been all along.

-

Then the slimeball on the side table by his bed reminded Scott why he didn’t want to stay in the mountains. He would just be exactly what Jimmy expected of him- high and mighty, being too good for anyone. And being alone. Scott had a taste of what a sense of togetherness felt like, and now being alone hurt more than ever. But there was no one he could go to, no one who would trust him. Maybe he could form something with Pearl and Gem, or maybe the two new empire rulers, Shelby and Joey- but it wouldn’t be the same. Nothing would ever be the same, not as long as the mere memory of Jimmy’s goofy grin sent his heart fracturing a thousand times, over and over again.

He couldn’t stand being within the walls of his home any longer. His wings itched with the need to spread and take to the skies, and flying always made him feel better. So Scott did just that, taking to the skies and flying nowhere in particular, just far away from all the empires as much as possible. Maybe if he flew far enough, it would all disappear and Scott wouldn’t have to deal with his problems anymore. And maybe with enough distance, his heartbreak would disappear too.

-

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[blissfulexcape]

~Different Paths Same Side~ ~Clary x (Relative)Reader~

~~This is something I’ve been wanting to write.. Just an idea that I though sounded good? I’ll probably be adding more.. Hope you like it.~~

You sighed reluctantly as you walk towards the door to where you lived. You didn’t want to go inside, it didn’t feel like home to you. Jocelyn; although your mother was usually very harsh to you. Always telling you to be more like Clary. Whenever you did something wrong she said It was just like what your father would’ve done. You never knew why she harbored so much hate against him…

Dot wasn’t much better. She always seemed so irritated when you were around or whenever you tried to talk to her. It was as if you were some filth on the side of the street she had to deal with every day. She never put in any effort to get to know you or your interests. The only time she gave you something was when she got an antique she thought wouldn’t sell.

Luke and Clary were your only allies. Luke always told Jocelyn when she was being to tough on you. Clary would be there for support when Jocelyn refused to support or comfort you. Luke talked to you about his job and how your mother was when she was young. Clary was always helping with homework or encouraging you with your art or any other activity you were interested that week.

When you were turning seven, Clary suggested you have a combined birthday party. You were struggling with money so only a few friends would be let over. Clary wanted to be sure you both got to celebrate your birthdays. You made a party itinerary together and presented it to your mom together. Jocelyn promised she’d try to do everything on the list… And she did.. kind of.. she knew whose hand writing was which because when it came time for your birthday party.. It was ALL Clary’s favorite things. Her favorite dinner, games, candy, movie, color theme, and her favorite dessert… You had left early claiming to be sick when ONLY Clary’s friends showed up..

When you were about eight, you were watching the fireworks with Clary and the loud noise scared you, you reached for Jocelyn’s hand for comfort but she instantly pulled away as if burned by your touch. She moved to Clary’s other side and pointed at a particular firework that made a heart. Clary took your hand instead being the kind big sister she was. Smiling sweetly to try to lift your mood.

When you were around nine, you had been nominated to paint the class mural. You had spent a whole week on drawing up the perfect idea. You stayed after school to paint it. Clary had hugged you so tight when she saw it finished. Your teacher had given you a reward for making it. She even took two pictures for you to take home. You put one in your scrapbook and put the other on the refrigerator for your mom to see…  The next day. THE NEXT DAY. It was gone. Jocelyn claimed to have never seen it…

The turning point for you was when you were ten and began to find notes in a mysterious writing by your window. They seemed to be written by someone who knew you but you couldn’t remember.. They told you it was because of Jocelyn. As the two years came to an end you were finally able to see your friend who had been warning you.

From then on you didn’t tell Clary or Jocelyn about the beautiful things you saw in the shadows. Your seelie friend was all you needed. At least she was honest and kind to you. Plus she seemed to like you because you weren’t your sister. Dulcina was your one safe haven and confidant.

Dulcina saved you when you were attacked after climbing out the fire escape. After that she did her best to train you to protect yourself. She also told you to ask Luke for help as well. You liked the training and it made you feel a little more connected too because Luke would talk to you more at the dinner table. It didn’t last long though because soon Jocelyn all but banned talking about fighting at the table.

Jocelyn was always so proud of Clary. Everything she did was so amazing and praise worthy.. Good grades, respectable friends, and such an artist! Even if you managed to scrap up the good grades it wouldn’t matter because Clary’s already done that…

You shook your head at the thoughts that would consume you and continued on your way. Cautiously climbing the stairs to your door, turning the door knob slowly to try to keep it from squeaking and after  finally entering, you kept your breathing soft and listened for any disturbances. Finding none, you skillfully jogged up the staircase to your room.

You let out a breath of relief as you jumped on your bed. Staring up at the paintings that covered your ceiling. At night constellations glowed vividly. Clary had helped you paint it for your fifteenth birthday. Getting up to brush your teeth you went to the bathroom and turned on the light. Stuck to the mirror were two lime green notes with hastily written reminders.

“Don’t forget Simon’s band is playing tomorrow!! Xoxo- Clare Bear”

“Don’t forget Clary’s birthday is tomorrow! Hope you didn’t forget a gift like last year!”

You didn’t forget Clary’s present last year. You made her a charm bracelet with a locket. The pictures inside were of you and Simon and Jocelyn. Clary wore it all the time. You couldn’t wait to give it to her so you ended up giving it to her in the middle of the night. During the gift giving in the morning you joked that you had forgotten to get her something. Jocelyn took it seriously. You were immediately excused for being so thoughtless.

Rolling your eyes you scrunched up the notes and started your nightly routine. Getting changed into some pajamas before getting into bed. Rolling around for a bit before finally relaxing and falling asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You groaned as your alarm went off and slowly moved to turn the blasted noise off…

Flump!

Groaning again from falling out of bed. You reached over under your bed and turned your alarm off. You contemplated staying on the floor but decided to get up anyway to tell Clary happy birthday before she left for Simon’s rehearsal. A warm shower helped you to perk up a bit and able to face the day ahead. You got dressed in some comfortable jeans and a fitted top. Throwing on a light jacket to complete the look along with your usual accessories.

You pushed some sneakers on and jogged down stairs. Clary was sitting at the kitchen table already when you entered. “Hey Clare Bear! Leave me any charms? I know it’s your birthday, but I love that cereal too.” You teased as you walked to the cabinet to look.

A giggle escaped Clary as she tried not to spit out her cereal in amusement. “Unfortunately not, my little Wonderer. But there are some tastey toasted o’s if you’d like?” Clary proposed.

Shaking your head as you grabbed the milk from off the counter along with a bowl and spoon, you turned back to the table to sit across from Clary. “So where is Simon’s band playing tonight?” You questioned curiously looking up at Clary while eating.

Clearing her throat, Clary whipped her lips with a napkin. “He’s playing at Alto Bar. And the band’s name is Champagne Enema now just so you know. Mom also wants us both home for my celebratory birthday dinner tonight!” Clary informed still giggling at the ridiculous name.

You snorted, “These names just keep getting better and better! They never cease to amaze me.” You shook your head finishing the last of your meal. “You mean she wants you home in time for her special dinner where she’ll cook all of your favorite dishes. I have to go get more acrylic paint. I’m going to that speciality store on Chelsea that mom hates. Thought I’d let you know.” You divulged smirking.

Sighing heavily, Clary turned to you, “Why do you do that?” She turned to turn the water on as she washed her dishes. “Why do you purposefully go out of your way to antagonize her? Maybe if you tried to understand her and do as she says then she wouldn’t always be so mad at you?!” She theorized as she twisted the water off and turned to face you leaning on the counter with her arms crossed.

Looking back at all the times you did exactly that made you cringe. Nothing was ever good enough for Jocelyn. Before you remembered the shadow world if Jocelyn had told you to jump off a bridge you would have. Anything to get her love and approval but nothing pleased her. She never questioned why you came home after curfew or who you hung out with unless you asked if they could spend the night.

“You know why Clary. No matter how I act she doesn’t care. No matter how much I want her to love me… I'l- I’ll never me good enough.” You growled sadly. You stood up and walked over to her throwing the dishes in the sink. “Simply because I’m no- not y-y-you. I’m not you. I’m me. And she hates me.” You barely croaked out. You cleared your throat as you tried to keep the tears from falling. Clary’s eyes were red with tears. “I’m going to go to the store. I’ll see you tonight. Happy birthday big sister.” With that you jogged from the room grabbing your bag and keys on the way out. Once outside you put your headphones on and headed for Chelsea.

You were walking over a bridge when you felt like someone was watching you. Pulling your headphones off and letting them drape around your neck you. You glanced around the empty park, Continuing on the way you finished crossing the bridge. Hearing a stick snap from behind you quickly swung your leg around in a round house kick. The person easily dodged it and tackled you. The power of the hit knocked the air out of you.

You were pinned before you even had the chance to catch your breath. Sighing in relief when you saw it was only Dulcina. Your seelie friend. Her braided silver hair contrasted vividly against her rich umbre skin. “You’re getting faster my little Huntress.” Dulcina teased laughing lightly before rolling over to lay next to you in the autumn leaves.

“Dulcina! Where have you been?! I haven’t heard from you in a week!” You implored exasperated. “You know you’re the only one I can talk to. Clary is clueless and mom- Jocelyn-.. She doesn’t want me to know.” You rolled to lay on your side to see Dulcina’s face. She closed her eyes as she enjoyed the feel of the morning sun against her skin. Her clothing perfectly tailored as always. Your favorite part of her outfit always were her shoes which looked to be made of leaves. Today they were an astonishing red and orange just like the leaves you rested on now and laced together with a thin string of leather.

Your cheeks heated as you looked up at her face finding she had noticed your stare. She always caught you but that never stopped you. She was so strong yet so delicate. So powerful yet could be so soft. “Seelie business  as usual. You know this is a busy time of year. You going to get more of that seashell paint?” She inquired as she pulled her legs to her chest and used her shoulder to propel her from the ground as she kicked out. She landed on her feet as if she floated there. As if she were not troubled by such things as gravity.

“Yes, I ran out while painting that church you showed me last month… I wish you’d tell me more about them… The shadowhunters..” You whispered longingly. Standing you brushed the leaves and dust from your clothes. You both started walking towards the paint shop.

“I don’t tell you about them because they all aren’t that great. Their government is horrible to my kind and all downworlders. Why don’t you tell me what you got for Clary this year?” She replied off handedly and skillfully changing the subject. She always dismissed the questions or any talk of the shadowhunters.

“I got that last week. I got her a crystal fox charm for her bracelet.” You answered exasperatedly. Sighing you let the subject go and just walked in silence. Delcina went on and on about all the parties she went to. The warlocks she met and the other seelies she joked with. You tuned in and out of the conversation. You preferred to hear about her fighting matches or missions.

“This is where we part my little Huntress.” Delcina proclaimed disappointedly as you neared the exit of the park. She gripped your hand and slowly pulled you into a tight squeeze.

You held on to her longer than you should but her presents reminded you that what you saw was real. “Please try to visit me soon.” You pleaded slightly. Delcina sighed relenting, “I’ll do my best.” She smiled sweetly and brushed her hand over your hair. “See you tonight at least.”

You nodded joyfully. When you parted she brushed your check lightly before disappearing quickly into the park trees. You looked around vaguely before striding out of the park. You put your headphones back in as you walked not wanting to be bothered.

The small art shop was wedged between two larger buildings. It would easily be missed even with its precarious window displays which were adorned with candles, crystals, paints and small posable models. Everything placed as if a small theatre the paints were watching the mannequins on a small stage. The stage was decorated with crystals of all colors and small candles as spotlights. Curtains lined the inside of the window.

Taking one last look you entered the small shop. A small bell chimed as the door opened. Glancing around at the art supplies was a familiar scene. The store owner behind the front wooden desk that looked like it had just been chopped down was the only one present. Giving a gentle smile of greeting you wandered to the seashell acrylic paint section. Dragging your fingers along the shelves as you admired the different colors of the seashell acrylic paint section.

After getting the colors you were out of, you went to the counter to pay. While the owner rang up the paints and applied the usual frequent customers discounts you looked over the counter where there were little trinkets for sale. This is where you also bought all of Clary’s charms for her bracelet.The owner cleared their throat to gain your attention. You gave them a pleasant smile before handing over the exact amount of money and walking away.

You spent the rest of the day at the park sketching. It was easier to relax at the park than at home. When it was getting close to Simon’s performance time you headed back to the loft to drop your things off and get ready for the night. When I got home I saw Clary had picked out an outfit for me.

When I got to the place I carefully jogged threw the crowd to sit beside Clary. She squeezed my hand and and I waved to Simon on stage. He gave me a slight nod to let me know he saw me and continued with his set.

After I helped Clary with painting the van and we stood back to to look at it. I tapped Clary’s shoulder and let her know I was gonna head home sense I had a job interview tomorrow. She nodded and hugged me.

I got home and just got straight back to work painting not even bothering to change. I was working on some fine details when I heard loud crashing behind my music. I pulled my headphones down and listened to were the noise was coming from. I walked out my door and saw Jocelyn fighting with two guys with swords of some kind?!

I ran over and pushed one of them and the other turned and sound this sword at me! I barley dodged and was able to gain my balance enough to swing my leg out and kick him in the back. Jocelyn moved her sword so that he fell into it. Another guy appeared and mom pushed in off into a coffee table knocking over books and the lamp. I picked up the dead guys sword and fight back to back with her. Only catching a few words she exchanged about a cup, army and protecting humans??! I got hit in the head before I could makes sense of or hear anything else.

My head was throbbing.. What’s.. what happened? I slowly opened my eyes looking around the dark room. There were lockers and pipes and it looked disgusting. I saw people? With weird black veins all over? I felt a heavy weight on my foot and saw I was chained to the floor?!

A few minutes later two men walked in. A man with a shaved head walked over and kneeled in front of me. He had a red circle on one side of his neck and other weird blacks on the front going down his shirt. You crawled up into a ball not sure why they had taken you.

“Who are you? And how do you know Jocelyn and Clarissa?” He demanded. The look in his eyes told you he was not to be toyed with. He commanded respect an seemed the type to usually get it.

“I-I-I’m-m- _______.. Jocelyn is my m-other and C-clary is my sister..” You stumbled to say in your fear.. His eyes widened and he stared at you a little closer. He fell back on his butt as he gasped for breathe.

“_______ _______?” He asked breathily. You could only nod. Tears began to fall from his eyes. “I thought you were dead?! Your mother told me she had miscarried! My beautiful ______! Please believe me when I say I am your father!  I thought I lost you. Then when Clary disappeared I feared the worst! I had lost everything!” He cried. He carefully pulled you into his chest as he cried into your hair.

“I believe you. But who are all those people?” You asked looking around. “The ones with the black veins who look about to die..” You whispered

“_______! You have the sight?! I couldn’t have been more proud.” He proclaimed. “I’ll explain everything soon. Let’s get you out of here.” He said as he pulled a metal like thing out and drew/burned something on the cuff which magically unlocked.