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rikalovesrice · 4 years ago

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Trollhunters : Rise of The Titans [Rika’s Version!]

AIGHT SO THIS IS WHAT SHOULD’VE FREAKIN’ HAPPENED --

The movie starts a year after Wizards. We see Douxie, Archie, and Nari all settled in Metro City. Douxie managed to get a dinky little apartment and works two jobs. He comes home after a long day to Nari and Archie.

Maybe Nari’s running around chasing after Archie. Maybe the two of them are curled up on the couch and snoozing. Douxie smiles softly, petting Archie’s head and gently brushes Nari’s hair out of her face. Maybe Nari was singing to one of her plants and just beams when Douxie walks through the door. Just Magical Siblings and Their Therapy Cat fluff.

But that night, Douxie wakes up. Something feels very, very wrong. Nari feels it, too.

Cut to the door to their apartment being busted right through, flames quickly consuming the threshold. To Douxie’s horror, it’s the Arcane Order and he immediately goes on the offensive. This is the first display in the movie of Douxie’s strength as a Master Wizard, his proficiency and skill with his magic as he holds his own against Bellroc and Skrael as he did in Wizards. He tells Archie to take Nari and run but neither of them want to leave him behind. Archie instead fights beside Douxie, urging for Nari to escape while she can. Nari’s reluctant because Douxie and Archie have become so precious to her.

When it looks like they’re about to be done in, Archie wills himself to transform into a huge dragon, taking Douxie and Nari into his claws and flying out of there, busting straight out of the apartment. But not before giving Bellroc and Skrael a thrashing with his tail. They manage to give the Order the slip. For now.

Archie quickly loses steam from holding such a form and crashes on the outskirts of the city, transforming back into a cat. Douxie cradles him in his arms. Nari tends to their wounds with her magic, looking forlorn.

Douxie frantically dials a number on his phone.

“Claire? Claire it’s me...” A column of fire erupts in the distance. A shot of Douxie, Archie, and Nari huddled close. “They found us.”

Trollhunters : Rise of the Titans Title Screen

The scene fades in on the new and improved Camelot, where the Lakes are staying. We see Jim spending time with his mother and Walter and it’s lovely. We see a hint of Jim’s trauma when he’s cooking and looks at his reflection in a spatula. He flinches away. He doesn’t want to look at himself. Barbara comforts him, a tender heartfelt moment between them.

Claire then emerges from a shadow portal with grim news : The Arcane Order have found Douxie and Nari.

Jim gathers his friends. Claire shadow portals them all to Douxie, who’s found shelter in a hut Nari made from tree roots. Douxie’s cast a barrier to hide their presence, though it won’t last long.

It’s a really sweet and awesome reunion. Douxie gives Claire and Steve big hugs. Nari bounds up to Toby and holds his hand. Jim, Krel, and Douxie have a “good to see you again, bro” moment between them. Aaarrgh licks his lips at the sight of Archie.

It’s here that Douxie gives the deets on what’s happened. As they begin to figure out a way to keep Nari safe and away from the Order, Nari suddenly says, “No.”

After almost losing Douxie and Archie, her new family, Nari decides enough is enough. She wants to face her corrupted siblings head-on. To not only protect the world, but her newfound friends.

Douxie understandably protests. But Nari, gentle but resolute, tells him she’s made up her mind. No more running.

And so, Douxie acquiesces.

Cue the sequence/fight scene on the train!

Nari realizes what Douxie’s doing when it’s too late. They switch bodies and Douxie’s taken away by the Order.

“Douxie, I’m so sorry...I couldn’t save her,” Claire laments.

Nari, in Douxie’s body, “N-no...No, I am fine. But Douxie...Douxie!”

Everyone’s like, “Oh no” but then oof, they all get arrested.

The police department scene! With Krel and the Blanks busting everyone out.

Now, we find ourselves back on Camelot where Jim’s being attended to by Walter and Barbara after waking up from a nightmare. Bellroc’s words torment him : “Without your Amulet, you are nothing but a frightened! Little!! BOY!!!”

Walter suggests Jim should lay low, let his friends handle things. Jim reaches a real low point here. Claire provides some comfort. Hand in hand, they make their way to the Round Table, where everyone’s licking their wounds.

Blinky explains to them that the Order wants to awaken the Titans and need all three members of the Order to do so. While everyone’s relieved that Nari’s safe, Douxie’s now in the Order’s clutches and they want to figure out a way to save him.

Nari, sad and grim, says that Douxie’s spell will eventually wear off.

“He is, as humans say, buying us time...”

Cut to Douxie (in Nari’s body) with the Order. Douxie doesn’t make a sound, not wanting to give anything away. They try the ritual and when it fails, Bellroc and Skrael quickly suspect foul play. They realize that Nari isn’t Nari and proceed to forcefully, painfully, undo Douxie’s spell.

Douxie wakes up, back in his own body. He’s swarmed by his friends, all overcome with relief that he’s alright, but it’s short-lived. The Order has Nari.

Douxie manages to recall where the Order took him. Before they head out, a downtrodden Jim says he should stay behind, going back to the bed chamber. Claire goes to talk to him, but Douxie stops her.

“Let’s give him some space,” Douxie says gently, though he looks just as concerned for Jim. “In the meantime,” he summons his staff, “we’ll hunt the Order down, put a stop to their schemes, and bring Nari home.”

Everyone heads to the warehouse-train track place (I forgot what it was called rip). Just then, Aja comes flying in, having been contacted by Krel. The Tarron siblings have a sweet, wholesome, long-awaited reunion. Also Staja and Creepslayerz reunited!

Aja cautions Steve about the whole seventh kiss-pregnancy thing and he quickly decides that, yeah no, he’s not quite ready for that. His Alien Queen Muffin (or whatever the heck he called her) is back and that’s all that matters to him. Also wtf Eli’s hot and taller than him now.

There’s a cute moment of Douxie and Aja really meeting for the first time. Aja recognizes him.

“Oh! You were the hand-reading waiter boy!”

Upon hearing she’s a Queen, Douxie’s Medieval chivalry kicks in and he bows at the waist.

“The name’s Hisirdoux, Your Majesty.” After Aja butchers his name, he says “Douxie” will do just fine.

Nomura abruptly reminds them they don’t have time for pleasantries. They get to it. Douxie figures out the sigil and the illusion fades, revealing the Order performing their ritual with a brainwashed Nari. They’re unable to stop it and the Order members teleport away to join with their respective Titans. We see each of the Titans rising.

The Arcadia Gang regroups back on Camelot to form a plan. Jim, discouraged and deeply troubled, is leaning over a rail, head in his hands. Douxie comes up beside him, silent.

Jim eventually asks how things went. When Douxie tells him they failed and the Titans have risen, Jim feels even more powerless and guilt-ridden.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry, I couldn’t...I can’t do anything. Without the Amulet I’m not the Trollhunter anymore and I’m just...useless--”

Douxie cuts him off, putting a hand on Jim’s shoulder.

“Jim. That’s not true. Do you remember what I told you? That our strength doesn’t come from special trinkets. Our strength...” Douxie finally gets Jim to look at him, “comes from our friends. From each other. All of us together. That includes you.”

“But...without my Amulet how can I do anything--”

Douxie smiles gently. “By being true to yourself, Jim. As we, your friends, are true to you.”

Just then, Claire joins them and asks if Jim’s okay. Jim smiles as Douxie ruffles his hair.

“I will be. Thanks.”

Jim, Claire, and Douxie find everyone arguing at the Round Table. Aja is wanting to evacuate everyone off of Earth, to which Blinky protests. Everyone just keeps going back and forth until Jim yells for them to stop.

Time to divide and conquer, cutting back and forth between each battle with the Titans.

Aja, Krel, Steve, and Eli tackle the Fire Titan.

Blinky, Toby, and Nomura handle the Ice Titan, with Walter and Barbara steering Camelot.

Jim, Claire, Douxie, and Aaarrgh go for the Earth Titan. Douxie’s hoping to get through to Nari and break her free from the Order’s control.

Aja and Krel fight the Fire Titan side by side on their hoverboard. Steve and Eli help civilians off the bridge and keep them safe.

Varvatos Vex in his giant robo mech incoming, along with a handful of Akiridion warships.

The Fire Titan proves to be too powerful and defeats Varvatos’ robot, melting down the Akiridion troops in the process. Aja and Krel are knocked down from their hoverboard. They and Varvatos retreat as the Fire Titan continues to burn a path towards its destination.

Toby and Nomura attempt to zipline their way to the Ice Titan to take down Skrael with Akiridion bombs. When the rope fails, Walter extends his wings to save them, but his wings quickly freeze.

Nomura grabs the bombs and sacrifices herself, bidding a heartwrenching farewell to Toby and her longtime friend, thanking them both. She asks Toby to tell Jim she said goodbye. Ever agile, Nomura scales the Ice Titan and detonates the bombs.

But to everyone’s horror, the Ice Titan only puts itself back together. Walter sinks to his knees. Toby throws down his helmet. Their friend sacrificed herself for nothing.

Aaarrgh is charging after the Earth Titan, Douxie, Jim, and Claire hanging onto his back. Claire shadow portals the three of them onto the Titan’s back. Douxie begins to plead with Nari, even as she constricts him with vines.

Douxie manages to grab her hand. He begins to break the mind-control with his magic, still calling out to Nari as he’s losing the ability to breathe.

Douxie’s voice reaches her and she breaks free. Nari frantically asks where she is, if she hurt him or his friends. Douxie, overcome with relief, just embraces her.

“You’re here with us, Nari...You’re here with us.”

Nari assures them they have a Titan on their side now. They receive communication from the Tarrons, who warn them that the Ice Titan is getting close to Arcadia.

No time to wonder why Skrael’s headed there. Claire makes a massive shadow portal to Arcadia (the field trip scene!), taking Nari’s Titan with them. Nari tries to reason with Skrael, but he’s having none of it.

NARI VS SKRAEL COMMENCE!

The Tarrons and Creepslayerz arrive on scene. Douxie boards Aja’s hoverboard and together they fire lazers and magic at the Ice Titan. Varvatos dashes and slashes his way up the Titan. Claire, Jim, Krel, Steve, and Eli work to rescue the school bus from getting crushed.

Well, it does get crushed but thankfully everyone made it off. Then, Archie comes flying in with his father, Charlemagne. Charlie flies all the students and Coach to safety. Archie joins Douxie in the air, blasting Skrael with fire.

“C’mon and face the music, Skrael!!!” Douxie summons Spellcaster and starts shredding.

Enraged, Skrael releases a devastating burst of magic that knocks Douxie, Aja, and Varvatos away. Nari seizes the opportunity to impale Skrael’s Titan, but not before Nari’s fatally wounded by him in return. Both Titans collapse.

Douxie runs to Nari, desperately calling her name. She’s on the ground, dying. Everyone gathers around, devastated. Douxie holds Nari in his arms. Archie nuzzles Nari’s arm, tears forming in his eyes. Douxie’s already crying.

“No..No, no, Nari, please...” Douxie holds her hand. “Nari, don’t go, please...!”

“It is okay, Douxie...Do not be sad...”

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry, I said I would protect you...” Douxie leans down, almost touching his forehead to hers (it’s Harry and Dobby y’all). His tears fall onto her face. “I said I would protect you...!”

“You did something greater, Douxie...” Nari squeezes his hand. Tears of her own roll down her cheeks. “You gave me a home. And many, many friends....” Douxie sobs harder, holding her close. “You saved me, Douxie...” She’s beginning to fade. She smiles, her eyes closing. “Thank you...Thank...”

Nari fades, wisps of magic and flower petals slipping through Douxie’s fingers. Douxie wails, Archie pressing close. Jim and Claire lay their hands on his shoulders. Claire hugs him.

Krel is then alerted that the Fire Titan is also on the move towards Arcadia.

Everyone reconvenes on Camelot. They all mourn the deaths of Nomura and Nari.

They learn that Bellroc is headed towards Arcadia, the center of the universe, because that’s where the last Heartstone is. If at least one Titan reaches the Heartstone, the world will be wiped clean.

Before they head out, Douxie and the Tarrons present Jim with a brand new Amulet, forged from magic and Akiridion technology. That, and the stone in which Excaliber lodged itself. Douxie encourages Jim to try once more.

Jim steps up on the stone, gazing fondly at his friends around him. They all place their hands on the stone in support. Jim pulls Excaliber from the stone. Everyone cheers for him.

Douxie’s seen texting someone.

FINAL SHOWDOWN IN ARCADIA

Bellroc is seen making their way towards the Heartstone. But what stands between them and the prize is the Guardians of Arcadia.

Charlemagne, Archie, and Walter soar above. Blinky and Aaarrgh lead an army of trolls. More Akiridion fleets arrive, Aja and Krel at the helm. Varvatos has a brand new robo, too.

Bellroc sneers at their defiance and summons an army of their own : hundreds of big rocky lava monsters.

BATTLE OF THE MOST EPIC OF PROPORTIONS IS A GO.

Trolls are punching, Akiridions are blasting, magicians are casting.

JIM SUITS UP WITH HIS NEW ARMOR AND EXCALIBER AND IS LIKE DON’T THINK BECOMIN’ FOR YA BELLROC FOR THE GOOD OF AAAAAAAALL

Douxie conjures up a spell to send that boy flying onto that Fire Titan.

Toby and Aaarrgh slam and hammer their way through fiery goons. Claire and Aja team up to take down the opposition, noting they should get lunch together sometime. Charlemagne tears through the enemies with his claws and wings. Krel and the Creepslayerz flail about and kick tail anyway.

Our heroes all cover one another and play off of each other’s strengths and it’s beautiful.

When Douxie’s about to get smothered by lava fists, there’s a flash of lightening and the monsters vaporize.

Douxie turns to see Zoe with a brigade of hedge wizards. Douxie’s immediately bowled over, smitten.

“About time you showed up...,” Douxie says, in a daze cause wow Zoe’s so pretty.

“Oh, you’ve got a lot of nerve --” Explosions. More lava monsters. Zoe sighs and pats Douxie’s cheek. “Ugh, focus, you big sap!”

The pair are unstoppable together, mowing down the lava monsters in powerful bursts of blue and pink.

DOUXIE’S EYES GO BLUE AND ZOE’S EYES GO PINK EPIC AVATAR STATE RINGS OF MAGIC AS THEY DECIMATE THEIR FOES WITH ROCK MUSIC BLARING YESSSS

And well, Douxie can’t help himself and gives Zoe a good long smooch after they’ve destroyed half of Bellroc’s army.

Toby in the distance : HOW LONG HAS THAT BEEN A THING?????

Archie just groans.

And meanwhile, Jim’s finally facing off with Bellroc. After having one of the most badass fights in the franchise, Jim comes out on top, skewering Bellroc in the stomach with Excaliber.

AND BOOM THEY DID IT GUYS EARTH IS SAVED.

....But not without great cost.

Toby’s been mortally wounded, crushed by the falling pieces of the Fire Titan. There’s the tearful, heartbreaking moment Jim has to say goodbye to his best friend, the one who was there with him through it all.

“We did it, Jimbo...We did it...”

Jim holds Toby in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Claire holds Jim and weeps beside him. Aaarrgh is in hysterics but is calmed to pained whimpers by Blinky. The Arcadia Gang grieves, feeling the painful weight of losing the friends they held so dear....Nomura, Nari, and now Toby.

Time Skip/Montage

Douxie found a proper apartment in Arcadia. He keeps a potted plant with those distinct pink flowers, the flowers Nari loved, on his windowsill. Smiles softly at them every time.

Scenes of Mary with Darci as she mourns. Steve and Eli hanging out. Douxie and Krel jamming, Krel creating beats and Douxie riffing on his guitar. Aja and Claire going on that lunch date. Archie taking a nap on top of Aaarrgh. Walter playing classical music.

It’s taken a while, but Jim’s starting to feel a little bit better. Douxie, Krel, Steve, and Eli came over for some bro time. Seeing the pain in his eyes, Douxie gives Jim a hug.

The final scene is a picnic at everyone’s favorite spot in Arcadia with a single bench and an awesome view of the town.

Aja and Steve are cuddling. Krel and Eli play with a frisbee. Blinky, Aaarrgh, and Varvatos laugh around a table. Douxie and Zoe, holding hands, are having a lively chat with Claire. Jim serves up a huge plate of enchiladas.

Walter and Barbara announce their engagement. Everyone celebrates.

EMOTIONAL SPEECH VOICEOVER TIME.

Aja, Varvatos, and Eli depart back to Akiridion-5. Steve honks into a tissue. Krel pats him on the back as he waves to his sister.

Barbara kisses Jim on the forehead before going home with Walter.

Zoe kisses Douxie on the cheek and heads off.

Steve and Krel are the next to go.

Douxie, Archie around his shoulders, pulls both Jim and Claire into a hug before leaving.

Blinky gives Jim a hug. Aaarrgh nuzzle him, looking sad.

Jim and Claire hold hands and sit on the bench, gazing out at the town.

EMOTIONAL SPEECH VOICEOVER ENDS T_T

The End.

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jackonthelongwalk · 4 years ago

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Eye Contact and Facial expressions between Eli/Hawk and Demetri

Okay here are my thoughts about Demetri and Hawk’s use of eye contact, facial expressions and gesturing in their communication style.

Beginning with some information on being autistic, masking and mimicking. Many autistic people will use over expression because we think that’s what Neurotypical people want, and it’s how we experience their expressions so we mimick it but it often comes out looking “too much” because we can not naturally do it.

Making eye contact (I call it hard staring because that’s often what it ends up looking like) is something often force fed to us in therapy, we are forced to make eye contact and it’s often taught as a replacement for eye contact avoidance. We are taught to use eye contact in situations where we would usually avoid eye contact it’s a tactic of trading behaviours but it often ends up looking like over intense staring.

This gif is a good example (Hawk’s trying to seem intimidating or threatening but it honestly looks a bit silly/ too much)

One of Hawk’s most “obvious” signs of discomfort is darting his eyes around, before the major masking and mimicking comes in we see a lot of eye contact avoidance. We also see a lot of over exaggerated facial expressions (once he starts masking and mimicking) and hard staring.

But with Demetri this is not the case, Eli actually uses eye contact as one of his main forms of communication with Demetri which Demetri reciprocates, he also frequently changes his face and the type of gesturing his does when with Demetri even after he start masking heavily. We can only assume that because of their long standing friendship they’ve had a long time to develop a level of comfort and understanding that can be quite difficult for a lot of autistic people to share with someone.

Now let’s break some scenes down

First we have the lunch table scene, Eli communicates during this scene that he’s interested and attentive to what Demetri is saying (he also could be avoid eye contact with Miguel) by looking at him and holding eye contact while he tells his jokes as well as giving that soft Eli smile.

Demetri reciprocates this by giving Eli a lot of expressive eye contact he also uses a lot of gesturing to emphasize his point (he does a lot of gesturing in general but it seems a little more extra in this scene with Eli to emphasize that he’s being sarcastic in his joke)

Gif by @miguelsc

Next let’s talk about the dojo scene, Johnny’s making fun of Eli in quite a fucked up way and Eli’s eyes are darting around incredibly uncomfortable, his shoulders are rolled inwards. When Demetri first starts talking he looks over at him immediately and I think it’s safe to say he is comforted that Demetri is saying something.

As the scene progresses and both Aisha and Miguel try to jump in Eli looks back at Demetri again and pops his jaw, Hawk does this specifically with Demetri and it communicates that he’s upset, nervous, embarrassed.

Our next scene is the park scene, both Hawk and Demetri are trying to give Miguel advice and Hawk is giving some weird Johnny mimicked advice that Demetri is finding ridiculous (which it is). Hawk giving a lot of eye contact to Demetri as well as popping his jaw again. It’s quite plain to see Hawk is upset that Demetri does not accept the “new person” he has become. When we look at the eye contact, he’s not moving his eyes away from Demetri and honestly it seems like he’s begging Demetri to be okay with and accept Hawk.

In this next eye contact scene we’ve got the fight at the mall, Hawk is upset again because of the review which I think stems from a few different sources. Starting off Hawk is extremely loyal to Miguel and Johnny he trusts them, he believes his life has been ever improved by cobra kai (which is true in some ways) and this written “attack” on Kreese could hurt the dojo which hurts Miguel and Johnny which in turn hurts Hawk. It’s also accurate to say Hawk was still holding out hope that Demetri would join Cobra Kai, the whole time he’s been asking and trying to convince Demetri and he’s really hurt that Demetri isn’t interested. This also has to do with Karate being a special interest for Hawk, Demetri usually shares/ participates in his special interests but this time he’s not as enthusiastic and that is very distressing for Hawk. So in this scene we see the first of many scenes where Hawk is conflicted and confused about his choices surrounding Demetri. Demetri makes steady eye contact with Hawk throughout this scene you can’t just look away from this, I know WHO YOU ARE he’s daring Hawk to make a choice. Demetri knows Eli better then anyone in the world, and that makes Hawk uneasy, he can’t mask completely effectively and push away who he is if there’s always someone who knows him in his truest form.

The party!!

Hawk is coming off an extremely uncomfortable situation with Moon and Piper that was very awkward and difficult for him and then Demetri appears and let’s be honest Hawk does NOT put up much of a fight in terms of talking he caves pretty quickly and falls into a rhythm with Demetri.

With Moon and Piper though he’s displaying all kinds of uncomfortable stimming and eye contact patterns but as soon as he’s with Demetri he’s eyes brighten up and Demetri gives him the same excited energy back, Demetri is literally always trying to engage Hawk with eye contact. Let’s also talk about how Demetri brings up a special interest for Hawk (Dr.Who) that they both love, and Hawk absolutely melts at the mention. (He’s clearly been suppressing this special interest which brings us back to, how Demetri reminds him too much of his true self.)

Next we’ve got this fucking scene which is so intense, having a full ass conversation through eye contact, it starts off with Hawk weakly threatening Demetri but he quickly dissolves into Eli behaviour and patterns when Demetri lets him know he’s not afraid of him.

Okay this is me being wild but you notice the shoulder tap here? All of you know the shoulder touch/squeeze is my headcanon comfort touch between the boys and just like in the fight scene (the trophy case one) I think this is again an instance where Demetri is letting Hawk know he’s still cares about him. The eye contact they hold after Hawk slaps him back on the chest is lingering in a very intimate way.

Gif by @soe-leo

Okay the last two eye contact scenes I’m going to look at are from the last episode. First up we’ve got the post saving Demetri scene Demetri is obviously wary of Hawk at first I mean this little asshole literally pissed in his bed for years and had the fucking audacity to break Demetri’s arm. But then of course Hawk pulls out his Eli soft doe eyes unbroken eye contact “I’m sorry man” please please forgive me Demetri and Demetri just can’t contain his damn joy that his best friend is finally ready to come back to him, his face opens quite expressively.

Here we go the final scene at the Miyagi-Do dojo. Y’all see that held eye contact before Hawk looks away and pulls his Eli smile. It’s like when they hold eye contact it’s so genuine and comfortable but with most others it’s so put on for Hawk.

These scenes are so important to their relationship, as an autistic person watching this show with my partner (who points a lot of these things out to me initially) it’s really nice to see the display of a relationship between an autistic person and the person they are most comfortable with.

#hawk is on the autistic long walk #demetri x hawk #elimetri #demetri x eli #eli moskowitz autistic #binary boyfriends #autistic hawk

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sorceress-coffee · 2 years ago

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RoA Ch35 Skullcrusher’s Lair, Drowning in Hope

Ao3 Link

“We need to find out what they’re planning,” Claire was arguing with Blinky.

Blinky sighed, after the events of last night, we had been put under strict orders by Vendel and the Tribunal that we weren’t allowed anywhere near the Vault. “You know we can’t get close to it, even after Lady River’s display the Krubera are guarding the Bridge, and Usurna is in talks with Vendel.”

“That’s my point,” Claire was trying to get through to the six-eyed troll. “Why haven’t they left? She’s scared of River, and after her warning to leave, she’s still in Trollmarket and planning something with the Bridge.”

“Blink,” I pulled his attention from their argument, nodding to Claire, “She’s right. I’ll go with Claire to see what she’s planning. In the meantime, see if you can locate any information on the cure.”

Grumbling, Blinky nodded, maybe we should switch him back to regular coffee. “Very well, Tobias, you’re with me then.”

“Hey, why don’t I get to go on the super stealth mission?” Toby pouted, his chubby tracker going off, the same alarm that sold us out to the goblins on his last ‘super stealth mission.’ “Oh, right.”

Turning to Claire, I nodded to the shadow staff, “If we’re going to the Heartstone, using that is the better option.”

Draal cut in, worried about me going through the shadow portals, “Wouldn’t it be easier for you to teleport?”

Claire activated the staff, answering for me, “Not if we don’t want to draw their attention, when River uses her magic close to the Heartstone they affect each other, remember when it turned red as she beat the crap out of Angor?”

Sighing, Draal nuzzled my cheek, annoyed that he was still in his fleshbag form, not being able to leave Blinky’s Library without me, Claire, or Uncle James. “Very well, just be safe.”

“I’ll be fine, love.” Smiling, I kissed his cheek, “We’ll be heading out to school later, you can come along.”

Grinning, he nodded, squeezing my hand once before letting go. “Your fleshbag classmates are amusing. This time I would like to meet the Eli.”

Smiling, I nodded as I went to Claire, “Promise!” I jumped into the portal first, waiting for Claire in the Shadow dimension. This place sent a chill up my spine, the entirety of this world feeling hollow, lifeless.

Claire fell into the shadow dimension, grabbing onto my left hand. “Ready?”

“Yeah,” Pausing, I could see the outline of a castle far off, something about it felt like I was being pulled.

“River?” She yanked my hand, drawing my attention back to her. “You sure you’re okay here?”

I rubbed my left eye, feeling the burning sensation from when Angor Rot dug his magic covered claws into my flesh, “The sooner we reach the other portal, the better. Just feels off.”

Determination filled Claire’s expression, “Got it, one express ride to the portal coming up.” Holding my hand tight, she focused for a moment before we were pulled away from the portal behind us at breakneck speeds, dropping carefully through a second portal into the Heartstone chambers.

Quietly, we made our way towards Vendel and Usurna’s voices, hiding amongst the stalagmite-like crystals.

“The Trollhunter and your wizard have gone too far.” Usurna’s voice grated, trying to keep level as she addressed Vendel. “The denizens of Trollmarket will not be safe until Killahead Bridge is destroyed once and for all.”

My teeth grit tight enough that my jaw popped, Claire grabbed my arm before I could do anything. If her highness-lady thought I would just sit back and let them destroy Jim’s only chance to come home, I’m bashing her head in with that stupid crown she wears.

Vendel’s fist tightened, “You know as well as I, Usurna, the pieces cannot be destroyed.”

“No,” her highness-lady admitted, turning to face Vendel. “But they can be thrown into a hole so deep that no living thing can hope to find them.”

“And I suppose you know of such a place,” Vendel sneered, disgusted that she would suggest this. “I cannot agree to this! You are signing the boy’s death warrant, and your own if Lady River ever hears of this!”

“He signed it himself the moment he crossed into the Darklands,” She argued, teeth bared in anger. “Your Wizard puppet doesn’t scare me Vendel, my fighters could tear her apart before she had the chance to react. The edict has already been made. Killahead Bridge will never be found again.”

Claire grew tense, terrified for Jim if the queen won this time.

My teeth gnashed together, using every ounce of control to keep myself from tearing into her highness-lady right here.

Vendel seemed to deflate, Usurna turning to leave, a smug look plastered over her face. Glancing to the queen, Vendel’s words cut through her façade. “The same fighters that can’t even touch her?” He asked, eyeing Usurna’s form as she went stone stiff. “The guards who are so sensitive to daylight, that merely touching her skin has turned their flesh to rotted stone? Are those the fighters you speak of Usurna?”

A heated glare took the place of the queen's smugness as she turned back to face Vendel. “Are you threatening me, old goat?”

“Oh, I’ve never threatened you before, and I don’t need to now.” Vendel spoke, leveling her with his own glare. “Your first visit showed that you couldn’t manipulate her, this visit showed why you should fear her, and your last fight with my student?” He paused, slamming his Heartstone staff against the floor. “That should have shown you just how far you are from ever touching her. You will never have Merlin’s heir. You signed yourself to that fate when you ordered the destruction of the Bridge. She may be young, but she has slain foes far worse than you could ever hope to be. Edict or not, River will not take this lying down.”

“Then she will face trial as a traitor to all Trollkind,” Usurna snarled.

Vendel simply smirked, amused by the queen’s argument. “You’d have to recognize her as a Troll for that to happen. I doubt you or the other Tribunal members will ever recognize a Changeling as one of our own.”

I pulled on Claire’s arm, having heard enough.

Nodding, Claire opened a shadow portal under us, sending us directly through to her home. “Sorry, couldn’t focus on someone specific.”

I shook my head, plopping down on the floor by her bed, pulling my knees to my chest. Everything felt hot. My left eye continued to sting as I tried to reign in the rage I felt.

“Whoa, what happened to moonlight?” NotEnrique’s voice pulled our attention to him as he pushed a box filled with his belongings into Claire’s room.

Claire sighed, seeing the eclipse tendrils trying to form, hoping that going through the shadow dimension wasn’t affecting it. “Bad news from Vendel, and a threat from the Krubera Queen.”

“Never liked her, don’t worry, moonlight, we can always sick the gnomes on ‘er.” NotEnrique grinned, trying to cheer me up.

Claire noticed the box, frowning. “Leaving already?”

NotEnrique sighed, rummaging through the box, “Well, I was thinking,” he went over to her mirror, staring at his reflection. “Now that your brother’s out of the Darklands, I’m stuck looking like this, forever.”

“What are you going to do?” She asked, worried about him going off on his own.

“Who knows?” NotEnrique shrugged, “Trollmarket ain’t my style. Probably find some comfy hole to make my own. Take the A-train down to Trouble Town. Got no reason to stay around here anymore.” He hopped up on her reading bench, opening one of the windows.

Smiling, Claire grabbed the stuffed rabbit that was hers, holding it out to NotEnrique. “Keep it, she’d miss you.”

NotEnrique glanced from Suzy to Claire before carefully taking the stuffed rabbit, hugging it close.

“But,” Claire began, glancing back to my form, still curled in tight, right iris glowing turning red then back to blue. “What if there is a reason for you to stay? Vendel and the Tribunal have, technically, recognized the Changelings who’ve helped us as their own tribe in Arcadia. Plus, you could help me, help both of us, save Jim.”

My head snapped up at the words, realizing Claire had a plan.

NotEnrique grinned, “Does this mean I get to hang in the Lake house now?”

Claire looked back to me, waiting for an answer.

Nodding quickly, I wanted to see what she was thinking of. Out of everyone, NotEnrique was always welcomed at our home.

“You’ve convinced me,” NotEnrique smirked, hugging Suzy tight. “So, how can I help?”

“The Tribunal is going to transport Killahead Bridge where no one will be able to find it. I need you to hide with the pieces of the Bridge.” Claire explained, pulling out the shadow staff.

“Ya need an anchor to the Bridge,” NotEnrique realized, nodding in thought. “Alright Spongeface, I’ll smuggle myself away, Suzy can keep me company till then. Ya better keep an eye on moonlight though, anymore colors and she gonna start looking like an opal.” NotEnrique winced, watching my magic shift between the pale blue of daylight, the Heartstone mana, and the newly developed red eclipse.

“I’ll be fine, NotEnrique,” I smiled, trying to reassure him.

“‘Ey, I might’ve been playing ‘baby’ for a few months, but I wasn’t born yesterday. Yer’ angry, moonlight. And ya’ should be. Their messin’ with yer’ family.” He grit out walking over to me, “Yer’ magic is goin’ all wonky, and ya’ know why, so I won’t bother goin’ into all that,” sighing, he punched my shoulder, much like I do with Jim when I’m giving him a hard time to drill something in his head. “So yer’ a little spooky? Big woop, just figure out yer’ thing.”

“My thing?” I asked, a little more confused than I was at the start of his lecture.

“Spongeface has been usin’ anger, that’s helped her enough so far, but I’ve been around shadow magic most me life,” He shrugged, looking at the shadow staff. “From what I’ve seen, you can use any strong emotion to power it.”

“But I’m not supposed to be able to use it in the first place, the only reason I can do this is because of the Triumbric stones in the Amulet.” I sighed, wishing I had a better understanding of my own magic. The more I learned, the more I felt like I was falling behind.

Scoffing, NotEnrique rolled his eyes at that, “Why? ‘Cuz you can use daylight? If there wasn’t light we wouldn’t have shadows, right? Can’t really separate them.”

Tilting my head, I thought over his statement. A shadow was born from something existing in front of a light source, the same could be said for eclipses, right? A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth blocks the light of the Sun from reaching the Moon, and a solar eclipse happens when the Moon blocks the Sun from reaching the Earth.

Toby’s ringtone sounded from Claire’s phone, “Sorry,” She grabbed her phone, reading the text. “We should get back to the Library, Toby think’s Blinky got into the coffee again.”

Nodding, I smiled at NotEnrique. “I’ll keep that in mind Squishy. You get him to the Bridge, I’ll see if I can placate Blinky’s caffeine high.”

Claire opened a shadow portal, pulling NotEnrique in with her.

Waiting for them to disappear, I concentrated on my mana. Focusing on the feeling Eclipse had when it took over my magic last night. Taking a deep breath, I felt the shadows extend over my hands and feet, slowly crawling up my flesh. Red glowed in the pattern of the carvings of my stone flesh, mimicking the Eclipse armor Jim now wore. This didn’t feel much different from daylight, though it didn’t burn my human flesh either. Opening my eyes, I looked over the patterns of red against the shadows forming over my arms. Concentrating again, I tried to pinpoint what I felt as I seemed to be in control at the moment.

Hope warmed my chest, the feeling had returned once more when the Amulet spoke to us. The fallen Trollhunters have found a way to save Jim, now we just had to focus on saving the Bridge. Focusing on hope, the red glow seemed to feed off of it, burning brighter.

I know there will be times when anger and pain outweighs everything else, but as Blinky stated, ‘even the word hopeless isn’t void of hope’.

Smiling, I watched as the shadows faded and the red glow died out. The Eclipse armor was made to give the Trolls, every living creature, hope. The hope that we would one day live in a world without the threat of Gunmar looming over us.

Turning my mind to Draal, I focused, leaving Claire’s room in a flash of light, appearing once more in Blinky’s Library.

Draal jumped, calming down once he saw it was only me. “You’re getting very good at that.” He smiled, seeing that I haven’t tired myself out.

“Perspective helps,” I grinned, sitting with him as I turned to see Blinky tearing through a book. “Did he actually find the regular coffee?”

Humming in thought, Draal eyed the studious Troll, “Not sure, Toby thinks he found your stash, but it doesn’t look like anything’s missing.”

Eemeli groaned as he dropped on a seat at our table. “He’s been like this since you left, even James is on edge, something I didn’t think was possible until today.”

I glanced over at Uncle James, watching as he kept his focus on dodging books and scrolls, Blinky hazardously tearing his own library apart for any record or excerpt on Creeper’s Sun Poisoning.

“Aha!” Blinky shouted, pulling everyone’s attention, “Oh, no, grumbly gruesome.” He groaned, deflating as he read further.

“Is that good or bad news?” Toby asked, stomping on a scorch beetle.

“The poison was created by the ancient guild of changeling spies, as old as they are mysterious.” Blinky huffed, scratching at his stone chin in thought. “If you’re fortunate enough to find a member, you’ll unfortunately find death.”

Eemeli snorted, “Unless you’re River. You’re what, five Changelings in, and only one death? And that was at the dentist's office.” Pausing, he seemed to realize the entirety of what Blinky said. “Wait, you’re saying the Janus Order created the poison? I never heard of it being us, well, them now.”

“I must admit, even with the spy network in place, this knowledge eluded me as well.” Uncle James frowned, Walking over to see the passage Blinky read.

Sighing, Blinky walked over to Arrrgh, “If the cure for Arrrgh lies with the Janus order, it may as well lie with your,” his arms flailed as he tried to think of a simile for Toby, “Easter Bunny.”

“Hey, what was all that talk about finding hope when things are hopeless?” Toby asked, patting Blinky on his upper shoulder.

“Besides,” I cut in, walking over to them. “It’s not like we have to start from scratch. We’ve got two Changelings that worked for them, and one that has a network of spies within. What if we fed them information?”

“What kind of information?” Uncle James asked, curious where my mind was going.

“Exactly what we’re looking for.” I smirked, turning to the others. “Make it seem like one of their spies found out what we’re looking for, that we’re desperate. Their goal is to free Gunmar right? Something they can’t do without the Trollhunter.”

Eemeli grinned, sclera glowing with excitement, “I know exactly who that information should go to then.”

James nodded, looking at Eemeli. “We’ll work on that then.”

“Work on what exactly?” Vendel’s voice caught us off guard. Turning to the entrance of the Library, he was glowering over us.

No Krubera in sight, not sure if that was good or bad news.

“Need I remind you, after yesterday’s incident, the Tribunal has you under my strict probation?” He asked, watching Blinky fumble with the books. “Out with it!”

“We’re,” Toby sighed, looking back to Arrrgh, “Looking for a miracle to save my wingman.”

Vendel glanced at Arrrgh’s remains before glaring at Blinky again. “So, you aren’t meddling with the Tribunal's edict to bury Killahead Bridge where no troll nor mortal can ever reach?” He asked bluntly, fidgeting with his Heartstone staff.

“They’re moving the Bridge?” Blinky was shocked.

Claire portaled further into the library, coming to find us from Blinky’s storage. “We need to move on without Jim. Don’t worry, Vendel. We’ve accepted the Tribunal’s decision.” She spoke, elbowing Blinky in the side before he could argue.

“We have,” Toby agreed as Blinky elbowed him in turn, glancing back at me.

Vendel hummed, turning his full attention to me. “Is this true?”

I pulled the Amulet from my pocket, staring at it before I nodded. “Jim chose to go into the Darklands. He put more than himself in danger with that choice. If the Tribunal has decided to move the Bridge, who am I to argue with their decision?” I asked, looking Vendel directly in the eyes.

I could see a flash of realization cross his eyes at my words. Vendel for a while was the closest person I had to a father, he was my teacher, the only person who knew me better than him was Draal. He could tell with that statement, exactly what I knew. “Very well, I wish things were different, but, to go against the Elder Word is to court treason, war.” Mumbling something about them being severely underpowered for that.

“We all have to live with the consequences.” Claire assured him.

“Very well. Tidy away.” Vendel paused, nodding at me before he left.

Toby sighed, looking back at me, “Why do I feel like there was more going on? How could you say you agree with them?”

“Because she doesn’t,” Draal smirked, clasping my shoulder, “And Vendel knows her well enough that she never would.”

“So all of that?” He asked, still confused.

Claire grinned, “Was all a show in case her highness-lady is lurking about. River’s become a terrifying thorn in her side.”

Uncle James scoffed, shaking his head, “The Queen realizes she’s a Krubera, right? River’s magic is deadly as it is for normal Trolls, even more so for a Krubera.”

Eri slithered into the Library, hissing in annoyance, “Doesn’t look like she’s leaving Trollmarket anytime soon.”

I reached down, letting her curl around my arm. “What’s going on?”

“Queen annoyance is looking over the Bridge being packed up personally. From what I heard, they’re shipping it off to the deepest hole in the Earth’s surface. Don’t know where that would be.” She explained, head fins fanning out. “I’ll keep an eye on them while you’re at the learning dungeon.”

Petting her head softly, I reached into my bookbag pulling out a box of cookies. “Here, these will keep your sweet tooth satisfied while we’re away. If anything happens, come get Blinky, okay?”

Swiping a cookie from the box, Eri nodded, slinking down on to the table, mouth full of cookies. “Yes yes! Keep her safe, pebble!”

Draal huffed, flicking her snout lightly, “Yeah yeah, let’s get going.”

“Wait, what’s the plan?” Blinky asked, worried we were losing the Bridge.

Claire held him back, “Don’t worry Blink. I’ve got NotEnrique stowed away with the Bridge, that way I have an emotional anchor.”

Toby began to jump, excitement claiming him as he realized what we were planning. “An emotional anchor for us to shadow jump in, to get the pieces back! We’re gonna steal a bridge! Magic bridge heist!”

“Come on, T.P., Draal’s right, we gotta get to class.” Claire spoke, following Draal and I out of the Library.

“‘T.P.”?” He asked, confused by the nickname.

Claire snorted, glancing back at him. “Toby Pie.”

Toby cringed, shaking his head. “Uh, no. I don’t like it.”

“I think it works,” I grinned, holding my hand out for Claire.

“Don’t fight it,” she snickered, grabbing on to Toby. With that, I teleported all four of us up to the canal.

Toby and Claire taking the lead as they argued over his new nickname.

“I think it’s better than ‘Jim the baby-handed.’” Draal smirked, holding my left hand in his mechanical hand as we walked.

“Much better,” I agreed, “Nowhere near Draal the Deadly though.”

“Or ‘River the Explosive’,” He teased, squeezing my hand lightly.

I shrugged, “The only ones that need to fear ‘River the Explosive’ are walls.” I shot back, jokingly feigning indifference towards the name.

Draal smirked, kissing my cheek as we reached campus, “Or my father. Though he really has to fear ‘River, thrower of sacred amulets.’”

Pouting, I squeezed his hand back, “You’re lucky you’re cute, even when you’re squishy.”

“I’m cute now?” He chuckled, following me to my class as we separated from Claire and Toby.

“Hmmm,” I paused outside of the office, flicking my hand and pulling a visitor’s slip to my hand. “Yes, cute.” Smirking, I handed him the pass. “If anyone asks, you’re here to keep an eye on me as a wellness check.”

“I’m guessing this has to do with whatever that’s for?” He asked, pointing to a sign for the ‘Save Jim Lake Jr.’ bake sale. “Is that part of the cover?”

“Sort of?” I sighed, “Eli, my fleshy best friend, put it together. He knows something is going on, but he hasn’t guessed what exactly. He’s been helping me cover for Jim’s absence.”

“Are you going to tell him?” Draal asked, purely curious.

I glanced at his face before looking down, right hand coming up to pull on my hoodie strings. “I promised if he guessed close I would tell him. He knows whatever is going on is dangerous and that something happened to Jim. He also knows I'm not supposed tell him.”

“Why?” Draal stopped in tracks, his mechanical hand holding my left stopping me as well.

“I’d be bringing another human into Trollhunting. Aren’t we trying to avoid that?” I asked, confused that Draal was even asking why.

“So? Jim has Toby, his best friend. Has had him since the start. Not to mention, Claire got dragged into Trollhunting due to the Changelings. Why can’t you have your friend with you?” He pushed, keeping his voice low as the halls cleared.

“I,” Pausing, I realized the only reason I didn’t include Eli was that Jim had decided it was too dangerous before I had the chance. “I’ll think about it.” I answered as the bell rang.

I pulled Draal into Ms. Harper’s class, introducing them quickly. “He’s here on my doctor’s request. Since Draal knows me best, they figured he'd be able to do an accurate wellness check. I hope you don’t mind.”

Ms. Harper seemed to light up, shaking Draal’s mechanical hand eagerly. “Of course I don’t mind! Oh, I’ll email your other teachers. If they have any issues, Sr. Uhl will get onto them.” She snickered, quickly going to her paint splattered laptop.

“I assume this is your art class?” Draal chuckled as I led him to my station. “Whoa,” his eyes went wide as I uncovered a large canvas.

The canvas was entirely black, ‘glowing’ fissures breaking apart the abyss. In the center was the spirit-form of my mother from when we met in my mana pools.

“Yeah, I think Ms. Harper was starting to get worried.” I admitted, knowing most of my pieces were happier subjects, or at least, not this dark. I sat down, explaining the project to Draal.

“So, the black abyss is where your mana pools reside, and you can connect to others?” He asked, trying to follow along.

Nodding, I went to work on finishing Ganieda’s form, having to switch to traditional paint over my spray paint. “That’s how I was able to find Merlin. My mom found me when I was trying to help Aunt Barbara, she guided me in reopening my mana pools correctly.”

“So, your mother is alive?” Draal’s simple question made me go stiff as stone. “Love?”

I shook my head, trying to keep my mind anchored to the present. Draal's hands carefully took mine, slowly prying the paint brush from my grip.

“I,” taking a deep breath, the touch helped me ground myself. “I asked her how she could be there if she was dead. She saw the memory I had of her death, she said something along the lines of her being ‘dead’ wasn’t quite right.” Mumbling quietly, I tried to think back to our conversation. “I don’t know what that means.”

“Maybe she’s in a similar state as Merlin?” He asked, “From what we know, he sent his physical body into a sleep so deep, it feigns death.”

“That’s possible, he’s been able to watch over us from the mana pools. Maybe mom can do the same.” I thought back, “Merlin would know, he was the one that took care of her after dad and I fell through the portal.”

The bell rang, startling Draal and me, I quickly put my tools away. “Looks like you get to meet Eli next,” I grinned pulling him with me to Ms. Janice’s classes.

As we entered, Ms. Janice waved us off as I showed her the slip. “Ms. Harper has informed us, Mr. ‘Garson’, please take the seat to River’s left.”

Draal nodded, having seen the last name on the note I had forged.

Steve’s groan cut us off as he saw us approaching my seat. “Great, this guy is back? What happened to you being River’s date for the dance, huh?” He sneered, trying to size Draal up.

“When do you think the car accident was?” Draal snarled, taking the seat he was instructed to, turning his back on Steve.

Steve was sputtering as I took my seat. I grinned seeing Eli walk in. “That’s him.”

Eli looked up, head tilting as he saw Draal sitting next to me. Quickly he took his seat on my right, “Hello! Are you new here?”

Draal shook his head, waiting for me to explain.

“Right, Eli” I smiled, gesturing to Draal, “This is my fiancé, Draal. He’s visiting for a little while. Draal, this is my best friend, Eli.”

“I have heard much, Eli,” Draal held his right hand out, copying the human greeting of shaking hands.

Eli’s eyes lit up at the sight of Draal’s prosthetic, immediately knowing it wasn’t normal. Shaking off his excitement, Eli shook his hand quickly. “I heard River had a boyfriend, I didn’t realize you were engaged.”

I pulled at the string of my hoodie, laughing softly. “That’s a long story.”

Steve grumbled behind us, “Oh great, the Jim Lake Jr. hoax squad has another member.”

Draal stiffened, watching for my reaction.

Turning in my seat, I leveled Steve with a glare, making sure to keep a hold on my magic. “I don’t remember asking for your opinion on Jim’s ailment, Palchuk.”

“You mean the hoax?” He sneered, adjusting the stupid spring fling crown on his head. “You really think we buy that? You’re all hiding something, and I’m going to prove it.”

Snorting, I turned my back on him, settling in for class to start. “Good luck with that.” Taking a deep breath, I felt my hold slip as my right iris glowed red.

I could hear Eli go rigid as he saw the glow. Quickly blinking, the glow died down as I looked at him, an apology written over my face.

Eli nodded, realizing whatever he just saw had to do with our promise. During class, instead of taking notes on trig, Eli was filling the pages of his notebook with theories. It looked like ‘Aliens’ or ‘Magic’ was in the lead. Looks like I’m going to have that talk with him sooner than I thought.

The rest of the morning went by without incident. Draal and I met up with Claire and Toby, getting ready for lunch. “Alright, who else is tired of dodging questions?” I groaned, throwing my backpack into the locker, only taking Midnight’s collapsed form out to clip it to my belt.

Sr. Uhl’s voice came over the loudspeaker, congratulating the school for the success of the ‘Save Jim Lake Jr.’ bake sale, while Eli was taking donations in the quad.

Steve got us in his sights, zeroing in on Eli first, he used the hand scepter to flick the cup out of Eli’s hand. “Donate, my butt!” He sneered, spying Toby’s back as he was busy opening his locker. “Make way for the king!”

Draal glared Steve down as he went to help Eli pick up the money Steve scattered.

“‘Save Jim?’ “ He asked, forcing Toby to turn around and face him.

My fists tightened, knuckles going white as I reigned my anger in. Steve wouldn’t survive a blast of magic.

“What a load of crock!” He snarled, pulling Toby up by the straps of his backpack. “Admit it, ‘Dumbzalski,’ he’s not sick. He’s just faking this because I won Spring Fling, and he’s trying to steal my thunder.”

Where was a troll to hold me back when I needed it? Steve’s a jerk, but he’s not Gunmar. The gaggletack proved he’s not a changeling either. Don't kill the bully.

“Let go of me!” Toby struggled, fist balling up as Steve continued.

“And what are you gonna do about it, Dumbzalski? Sick River on me? Can’t fight me yourself?” Steve snarled, trying to rile us both up.

“Let him go, Steve. Go back to the ‘80s, where bullies belong,” Claire cut in, getting her things from her locker, glancing past the boys to me. “Besides, no one cares about your stupid dance crown.”

“What?” Steve floundered, letting go of Toby, “Everybody bows to the king!”

The students gathering around us began to agree with Claire, tearing Steve’s ‘king-ness’ down fast.

“I ‘internetted’ somethings, and there’s never been a single case of Jim Lake Disease, like, ever!” He ground out, trying to get the students on his side.

That’s what Eli went with? Sighing, I grabbed Steve’s shoulder, pulling his attention from the crowd. “Congratulations, you learned that a new disease can get its name from the first person to ever have it.” I snarked, daring Steve to do anything at this point.

Snarling, Steve pulled away from me, pointing in my face. “You plebs can only cover for Jim for so long. I’m onto you.”

“Oh, no, whatever will we do?” I asked in a monotone voice. “If you want to keep that finger, I suggest getting it out of my face.”

Draal’s mechanical arm draped over Steve’s shoulder, grinning viciously at him. “I’d listen to her, she’s an expert at removing people’s limbs.” Snickering, he waved the fingers of the prosthetic in his face.

Horrified, Steve pulled away from us quickly, hiding his hand behind his back. “Whatever!” He walked off.

With Steve dealt with, I turned to look for Eli.

“Your friend went to the lunch room to collect ‘donations’.” Draal spoke, knowing who I was looking for.

“Thanks for helping him,” I smiled, taking his mechanical hand and going to Claire and Toby as Toby sized the air up, doing quick little punches.

“I hate that guy,” He huffed, having wanted to hit Steve in the moment. “I wish I could punch him in his perfectly-chiseled face.”

“He’s not worth it, Tobes,” Claire pointed out, shaking her head.

“I’m surprised he didn’t end up in the wall,” Draal chuckled, elbowing my side.

“Hey, I know when and when not to attack. Besides, he’s human, not much I can do against that without it being fatal.” I grumbled, in the same boat as Toby at the moment. “Now, if it was day one? You bet he’d get a left hook.”

“Left hook?” Draal asked, confused on when hooks got brought into the conversation.

“River’s left handed,” Toby piped up, “‘Left hook’ means a left handed punch. Or a ‘southpaw’ punch.” Seeing Draal about to ask, Toby clarified, “Southpaw means left handed too.”

“Would that make the right hand a ‘northpaw’?” Draal looked to me, the terms confusing him.

I shrugged unsure of that myself, as Claire’s phone went off, “Is it him?”

Claire grinned, answering it right away, “Where are you?”

Even from here I could hear NotEnrique on the other side, “I got no clue where on Earth I am, but come and get me!”

“Hold tight,” Claire spoke, pulling the speaker from her ear. “We have to find a secluded spot.”

“You get the bikes, I’ll find a spot,” I told Claire. Draal and I ran off before she could answer. All I heard was Toby asking about Jim’s assignment she was supposed to turn in after lunch.

Once we were out of sight, Draal took my hand, getting ready to teleport. “Any ideas?” He asked, knowing it would have to be safe from the Krubera. “Can’t exactly build a bridge in your backyard.”

“Close,” I grinned, teleporting us to my favorite spot since meeting Draal, the back of the billboard where we had our dates.

Draal took a moment to look around, realizing where we were, “As sweet as this is, Love, I don’t think a bridge will go unnoticed up here.”

Smiling, I pointed to the forest in front of us, “That’s where we’re going. This was the easiest point I had an emotional anchor to.” I explained, kissing his cheek before teleporting us down into the woods.

A smug grin split his face. “Our first ‘dates’, yes?”

I pulled my phone out, sending the location to Claire and Toby, “Surprised?”

Draal shrugged as we settled in. waiting for the others. “Not entirely, it’s a logical spot, just surprised it was the first place you thought of.” He teased me.

Rolling my eyes, I elbowed him, “Oh, well sue me for having a sentimental thought.” Chuckling, I leaned against his shoulder.

Draal hugged me close, humming in thought. “Why did you send the others for bikes?” He asked, wondering why I didn’t teleport all of us here.

“It’ll be easier for me and Claire after we get the pieces.” I explained, knowing wherever NotEnrique was, it would be further than we’ve ever traveled. “We’re planning on using shadow portals, but Claire doesn’t have the training or mana to do this alone.”

Draal winced, realizing what I meant, “You’re planning on being a battery? I thought you hated those plans?” He huffed, knowing I was against it before.

“NotEnrique told me something this morning, something that cleared my mind over this,” I pulled up my sleeve, focusing on my hope for the plan, to steal the bridge, to save Jim, the eclipse magic began to spread, black tendrils alight with red mana.

Draal stiffened at the sight, eyeing me as I was still calm. “What could the whelp have said for you to do that while being calm?”

“Two things, really.” I let the magic fade, showing him it was completely gone. “Without light, there wouldn’t be shadows, they’re two halves of a whole.”

Snorting, Draal smirked, “Like you and Jim.”

“And like eclipses.” I smiled, letting him in on my revelation.

“And the second thing?” He asked, surprised NotEnrique could hold any wisdom in his tiny being.

“Shadow magic is powered by strong emotions, feelings. He said he’s seen any strong emotion fuel it, not just anger.” I explained, smiling up at him.

“What did you use?” He asked, turning my hand over, seeing that the shadows had completely left at will.

“Hope,” Snuggling into his side, we watched the shadows of the trees grow as time passed. “Hope was strong enough to lead me to Merlin, strong enough to allow my spirit into the Darklands, and strong enough to power Eclipse.”

“Is that what we’re calling it?” Draal chuckled, “Seems fitting, daylight and darkness in one.”

Nodding, my head snapped up as I heard leaves rustling ahead of us, left hand resting over Midnight as we waited.

Toby broke through the brush, groaning as he spotted me and Draal, “Found them!”

Claire ran into the clearing grinning, “This is perfect! Far enough from the city that people won’t find it by accident.”

I gave a mock salute with my pointer and middle finger, “Glad to help, let’s get going. Toby, you and Draal are staying here.” I spoke getting up and standing with Claire.

“Why do you get to go?” Toby pouted.

“I’m the backup battery,” I snickered as Toby’s face fell. “I have a feeling this is going to be draining for both of us.”

“That’s why we had to get the bikes?” He asked, as Claire opened the portal, jumping in first.

“Yup!” I grinned, falling backwards into the portal, floating next to Claire in the shadow dimension. “Ready.”

“You sure?” She asked, hesitating at the idea of using me as a battery. “You could stay with the boys.”

“I’m good,” I righted myself to stand next to her, holding my hand out for her. “I’m focusing on hope.”

Smiling, Claire knew I was referring to our conversation with NotEnrique, “Okay, if you change your mind, teleport back, alright?” She grabbed my hand, shooting off for NotEnrique.

“Promise,” I grinned as we fell out of the shadow portal and into complete darkness. I flooded my palms with my magic, an orange glow lighting up wherever we were. “A cargo box?”

“NotEnrique? Where are you?” Claire asked, looking over the crates.

“Spongeface? Moonlight?” NotEnrique poked his and Suzy’s heads out of a box. “Took you long enough.”

“What are you doing in there?” Claire asked, glad to see he was okay.

“I, uh,” NotEnrique stammered, holding up the rabbit, “Suzy’s a little scared of the dark.”

I didn’t realize trolls could be scared of the dark, they have excellent night vision from what I’ve seen. Maybe it’s a Changeling thing? “You two okay?” I asked.

“All the freaky noises in this place are giving her the heebie jeebies.” NotEnrique explained, coming out of the box fully.

“I’ll keep the lights on, Suzy doesn’t have to worry about the dark anymore.” I smiled, ruffling the hair on his head.

“Alright,” Claire grinned, opening a portal, “Let’s get to work.” The ground seemed to sway under us. “Where are we?”

“All’s I could make out was someone saying ‘starboard’ or ‘captain’,” He told us, helping Claire push the crate into the portal. “We could be on a spaceship, for all I know.”

I snorted, that would make Eli’s day.

We listened as voices grew closer to the box, “Yeah, yeah, the paperwork says dump it here.”

“Dump it?” Claire asked.

The box began to move, realization hitting us like we were hitting the water. “Cargo ship!”

��They’re dumping us into the ocean!” Claire began to panic, the portal closing as she lost focus.

“The ocean? But I-” NotEnrique stammered, telling us that Suzy couldn’t swim.

All of a sudden, gravity left as we were dumped into the ocean, the crates and our bodies floating right before we hit the water, slamming back down onto the floor.

Getting up quickly, I let the glow climb up my arms as I helped Claire up, “Panic later, we can’t stay in here forever.”

“Right,” Taking a deep breath, Claire grabbed the shadow staff, thinking of Toby, she opened another portal.

Quickly, the three of us got to work, pushing as many crates as we could into the portal. Panic began to set in again as the metal groaned, water beginning to pour in.

“The metal can’t hold for long! The water’s going to pour in at any minute!” Claire yelped, trying to focus on another portal, pouring too much of her energy into it as she panicked.

“Claire,” I grabbed her shoulders, pushing my magic into her, an odd sensation creeping up my spine as I connected to her shadow magic, “Focus on the portals, open them under the crates.”

Nodding, it seemed like our work began to move faster. Claire's magic quickly fed on my own as our shadows intertwined. I could feel the pull of the shadow staff through Claire. At one point NotEnrique admitted to some questionable acts in order to get Claire angry enough to power the staff. Seconds felt like hours as we continued working under the literal pressure of the ocean.

Down to our final crate, metal bolts gave way, water pouring into the crate exponentially faster.

“Oh, no!” NotEnrique yelped as we climbed on top of the crate. “Time to bail out of this deathtrap, moonlight!”

“No!” Claire glared, grip tightening on the shadow staff, “We lose the bridge, we lose Jim. We need this last crate.”

“Alright then, just power up that staff and make a portal under the crate, or we’re doomed!” NotEnrique had a death grip on Suzy.

Claire and I tried to focus both of our mana directly into the staff but it wasn’t working. At this point we were both drained.

“I can’t! I’m exhausted!” Claire cried, the tiny portal she managed to make closed immediately. “How did you work like this?” She asked me as the water reached us sitting on the crate.

“Life or death usually put things in perspective during our fights,” I answered, feeling as drained as I was after fighting Bular. “If we don’t get this portal opened then not only does Jim die, we do too.”

“Look at me, big eyes,” NotEnrique climbed over Claire’s head, the water quickly climbing up to our chests. “Dig deep. Maybe anger’s not your thing. Maybe you gotta find somethin’ stronger inside.”

“I can do this!” Claire spoke as the water reached our chins, repeating it like a mantra.

We all took a deep breath as the water completely filled the crate, I grabbed onto Claire’s shoulder, pushing the last of my magic directly into her. After that things began to get fuzzy as my lungs burned for air.

It felt like an eternity as the light I was giving off faded and we were drowned in darkness.

Gasping for breath as the water gave way I could feel someone hugging me tight.

“Come on Love, you’ve gotta be alright,” Draal's voice broke through the fuzzy darkness.

As my lungs filled with air, my vision slowly came back. “Never,” I gasped, gripping his shirt tight, “again.”

Draal’s shoulders dropped in relief at my voice, pulling me impossibly tighter to his chest.

“Need air,” I winced, Draal easing up just enough to let me breathe. “Others?”

“They’re okay, you’re okay,” Draal spoke softly, waiting till I could sit up on my own.

“Moonlight okay?” NotEnrique’s voice sounded raspier than before.

Draal nodded, letting the Changeling close. He looked a little worse for wear.

“Never leave Pudgebucket ta’ do CPR,” He huffed, curling up next to me.

“Noted,” I sighed, hand falling to rest over his scruff.

Toby pouted, but was glad overall that he was able to save NotEnrique. Claire was still getting her breath back as well sitting against the final crate we needed. Steve appeared to be out cold, looks like something knocked him out if the bruise on his chin was from tonight.

Wait. Sitting up far too quickly, as everything began to spin, “What the hell?” I gasped out, lungs burning as panic set in.

“Don't worry, he didn’t see much,” Toby quickly explained. “He followed us out here, I had to use the Janus mask, he thinks we’re lying about Jim. He made me record a stupid “Steve was right’ video, as Jim, then he freaked out when Jim ‘ran away.’ Uh, not to mention he pissed Draal off.”

I stared at Toby in disbelief. What part of that was supposed to be helpful? “Knows?!”

“Okay, maybe it’s bad, but it’s Steve! Most of the school thinks he’s gone crazy with power!" Toby tried again.

“Phone.” I ordered, pointing to Steve.

Toby ran and got Steve’s phone, handing it to me quickly. “Yeah, so you wouldn’t happen to be able to erase memories, would you?”

I stared at him blankly before opening Steve’s phone and deleting the video he took of ‘Jim’. “Video, change.” I handed the phone back to Toby.

“Oh,” Toby caught on, “Change the video, gotcha!” Grinning maniacally, we watched as Toby scooped up the crown and hand scepter, recording a video basically stating that we pranked him.

Draal sighed, having been with Toby through the whole ordeal with Steve.

“You okay?” I asked, nuzzling under his chin.

“The Palchuk really messed with Toby,” He grumbled, gritting his teeth as he glared at Steve. “He’s jealous of Jim and is taking it out on his friends and you.”

Nodding, I looked over to Steve’s knocked out form, “How?”

Draal grumbled, his fist tightening in my sweatshirt, “He threatened my family, questioned their honor, and used the human slur ‘freaks’.” Pausing, he pouted as he saw the look of disbelief on my face. “So, I punched him.”

Snickering, I didn’t know if I had the heart to reprimand him, “Freak is not,” wincing I had to pause, between drowning and using up my magic, everything hurt, “always a slur, was in this case. Worth it?”

Draal grinned, kissing my cheek, “Yes.”

I smiled at the kiss, curling up against Draal as I realized how easy it was for Steve of all people to find us. “Not subtle.”

“When we ran off? No, not at all,” Draal sighed, pulling NotEnrique onto my lap, standing up while holding us. “We should do something with him.”

“I’ve got an idea,” Claire cut in. She and Toby were able to get Steve onto the back of her bike.

Draal carried me as they carefully rode their bikes into town. Stopping near the park, they unloaded Steve onto a bench, leaving his scepter on the ground and his crown on his butt. If we didn’t know what happened, it would look like Steve went on a tirade and passed out in the park.

“Good to go!” Toby grinned, choosing to walk his bike the rest of the way.

Claire was strong enough to walk her bike, and we all headed for my house. Mom should be at work and we could all pile together in the living room.

Toby opened the door for us, leaving the bikes out front. Draal settled me and NotEnrique on the couch before heading to the basement, getting as many blankets and pillows together as he could. Claire slumped on the second couch, once she was settled, NotEnrique crawled back over to her, passing out as soon as she handed him Suzy.

Once Draal returned, Toby locked up the house and helped him distribute blankets and pillows. Toby settled on a reclining chair, turning the tv on at a low volume so we had some background noise and off to sleep he went.

Draal climbed over me, settling against the back of the couch and pulling me up to lay on his chest. “You’re exhausted,” he whispered, petting my hair out of my face.

“Drowning will do that,” I yawned, nuzzling my face into his chest. “More comfy when stone.” I pouted, still not used to my temporarily human mate.

Chuckling, Draal pulled the blankets around us, humming a Trollish lullaby softly. It wasn’t long until sleep overcame me.

Instead of nightmares about our time drowning tonight, my dreams were filled with a familiar castle. Inside I found a single chamber home to a giant green crystal. Leaning in to take a closer look, there was a faint red glow in the center.

Suddenly, I felt myself being pulled from the crystal into a dark chamber. Where am I now?

“River?” Jim’s voice was quiet.

I looked up to see that we were in a cell, closed in by jagged crystals. “Jim? Where are we?”

Jim sighed in relief, realizing he wasn’t seeing things. “Gunmar’s lair.”

“What?!” I hissed, keeping my voice low as he was.

“They’re keeping me alive, for now.” Jim sighed, holding up a Nougat Nummie with ‘KIC’ written on it. “He knows.”

We sat in silence for a moment, “We have the bridge,” I finally told him. “The Trollhunters say Arrrgh is the key.”

“But,” Jim winced, anguish spreading through him at the mention of Arrrgh.

I ran my hand through his hair mana barely able to make any contact in my weakened state. “There’s an antidote, we’re working on getting it.” I smiled softly, vision fading as Jim looked up to me. The last thing I saw was hope, Jim regained his hope that we were coming for him, that he’d come home. That he could see Arrrgh alive and well. “We’re coming, That’s a promise.”

UPDATE: Next week's chapter may be late. Due to surgery I only have the use of one hand at the moment so typing and editing is difficult. Good news is that my drawing hand is fine so I've been working on art for the fight with Angor, River's chosen family, and her 'upgrade' coming up in Phase 4. Those will be posted on my Tumblr https://sorceress-coffee.tumblr.com when completed, they will be linked in the Table of Contents pinned to the top of my page. For now, I can answer questions but it may take me a little while to get to, if your comment has been marked 'read' it may be that I can't answer without spoilers, if it has not been marked 'read' then I'll be getting to it as soon as possible. Thank you for all the support!

#draal x river #draal x oc #trollhunters fanfiction #tales of arcadia fanfiction #River of Arcadia #season 2 #episode 2 #skullcrusher #Drowning in Hope #River Marie Wyllt #River Marie Lake

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thedepthsoffandomminds · 3 years ago

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FLIES THE HAWK PT19

Master list

Robby didn't come home in fact it had been four days since the fight at Sams and he hadn't answered any of your calls or texts. You walked around school holding your books without really paying attention, you knocked into someone, dropping your books to the floor.

"Oh shit, sorry." You said not looking at the person, just crouching for gather your things.

"Thats okay sweetheart." You froze as he Kit handed you one of the books. When you didn't take it he slid on the ones in your hands and grabbed your shoulders to stand you up.

"We didn't get to finish our fun!" He whispered to you. You wanted to vomit. You tried to back away but his grip on your shoulders tightened.

"No boyfriends here to look out for you, sweetheart. Maybe I'll just take you into that classroom and we can finish our fun." He lifted his eyebrows and smirked.

You felt a presence behind you.

"Or you could fuck off."

"Look man, just leave us alone." Kit's attitude had changed, he seemed almost frightened.

"I said, fuck off and leave her alone. I see you even look at y/n again and I'll kill you."

Kit let go of you and felt the hands replaced instantly by long thin fingers. Your tormentor walked away returning to his friends. You let out the breath you didn't know you'd been holding, leaning back against your saviours chest. His scent was familiar and you turned to bury your face in his shirt. Hawk wrapped his arms around you.

"Thank you, Eli." You whispered. He placed a hand on your face lifting it to look into your eyes.

"I will always be here for you." His face was serious.

"HEY TRAITOR GET OFF ROBBY'S GIRL!" Kyler shouted from across the hall.

Neither of you moved as several of the Miyagi-do and Eagle fang kids slid in front of you.

"Think Y/n gets to choose who she touches."

Luckily for everyone the bell rang sending most people off to their classrooms. Hawk kept hold of you.

"We should go." You said quietly.

"Class or somewhere else." He asked.

"Class. I just want to be normal again." You said. He nodded. He walked beside you to your next class, close enough for you to feel safe but without touching you.

At the door he stood still.

"Can I, can I see you tonight?"

You nod and say for him to come over once he is done with karate training. Hawk walked away smiling,

Eli's pov.

I didn't miss her calling me Eli. It felt great to hold her in my arms but even better to hear her say that word. Tonight was going to be the first one joining the two dojos and I was determined to make good on everything I did to them. Miguel and Demetri had already forgiven me.

In fact Demetri was already devising a plan to help me get y/n back. I know she loved me once, that day when she kissed me outside the dojo. She touched me like she loved me, kissed me and didn't shudder at my scar. I should have known then that she was the girl for me.

I just hope she sees it. There is the problem of Robby Keene. He lives with her and they are dating. I can't compete with him. What if I'm not good enough?

@peppamultifanimagines @shaybot12 @it-was-never-meant-to-be-boys @caelum-the-part-time-nihilist @filmfvckers @morganaah @lulubutton34 @carliim @buckysdemonsimp @space-helicopter @slytherinroyalty16 @shotosgirl @hannyhoe @torynichcls @hurricanerex666 @sabrinablack1 @haruuww @sarcastically-defensive17 @1-fuzzy-squirrels

#eli moskowitz #eli x reader #hawk moskowitz #hawk x reader #cobra kai fanfic #danny larusso #johnny lawrence #sam larusso #eagle fang karate #fanfiction

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dizzydancingdreamer · 4 years ago

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A Very Merry Mikaelson Christmas | The Mikaelson Boys #7 & #22

Request: @rocketshiptoes “Oh my goshhhh could you please do prompts 7 and 22 with all our boys? I feel like it’d be really sweet” I kinda made this angsty at the beginning but it gets fluffy after I hope you love it!!

Prompt(s): “I can’t reach.” & “That mistletoe was not hung with care.” “I tried okay!”

Word Count: 1.9k

Christmas Master List

You stand on your tiptoes, leaning against the wall with your hand stretched above your head as far as you can reach. It’s a futile mission, you’re nowhere near close to reaching the arch of the doorway. You roll back on your feet, resting your forehead against the exposed brick. The mistletoe hangs limp from your fingers, the red ribbons you tied to the plant tickling your wrists. It taunts you, the strands laughing at your failed attempts to be spontaneous. You just wanted to do something nice, why are the doorways in the compound so tall?

“Love,” a concerned voice breaks through your moping, “are you okay?”

You squeeze your eyes tighter together, pressing yourself closer to the wall and hiding the mistletoe in your hand. This cannot be happening right now. Klaus’ hands slide over your back, rubbing some warmth through your jumper. You sigh quietly, knowing you’ll have to expose your secret in a moment. This is all just dandy.

“I’m fine,” you murmur into the wall, hoping he takes the hint and leaves you be.

You bring the mistletoe closer to you, grinding your jaw slightly. If he leaves then maybe, just maybe, you can find a step ladder or something. Maybe push a chair against the wall and jump for it. Climb the wall like a damn spider monkey. Literally anything at this point is an option but first you just need Klaus to disappear. Are you really ever that lucky though?

You hear another pair of footsteps and almost groan. Why today?

“Darling?” Kol’s hand wraps around your arm, his fingers squeezing tight and the worry evident in his tone, “what’s going on, are you alright?”

You nod against the brick, the epitome of desperate but still refusing to give up hope. Maybe if you just stick to the bland answers they will walk away. Of course, the odds of that actually panning out are slim to none. You can feel them tense, the air thickening around you as Kol tugs on your arm. None. The chances are none. How absolutely awesome.

A hand wraps around your face, one that is in no way attached to either Klaus or Kol. Game over.

Elijah draws your eyes to his own and your heart hurts when you see his brows furrowed, “baby, what’s wrong? You’re worrying me.”

You finally turn to face them, sagging against the wall behind you. Shaking your head from his grasp you pull your lip between your teeth, trying your best to keep it still. You didn’t expect to be upset by this but you can’t help it. The vision you had in your head was so much better than this. You don’t say anything you just hold up the plant and huff, the defeat coursing through you.

Elijah takes the mistletoe from your hand, smiling lightly, “is this for us?”

Your face ignites immediately, fire creeping up your neck and consuming your skin, inch by damned inch. They’re all staring at you, their eyes locked on you like you’re about to share some life changing secret. Please stop! You want to cry, your chest tightening harshly and your back pressed against the cold stone. God, now, not only do you feel like a failure, you’re also heavily embarrassed. Why did you think this was a good idea again? If only the floor would just open up and swallow you whole right now.

You take a deep breath and close your eyes again, wholly overwhelmed and in need of a nap all of a sudden, “it was but not anymore. I can’t reach. I can’t reach anything in this damn place! It doesn’t even matter. It’s done now.”

“Darling, come on now,” Kol grabs your arm again and you tense, keeping your eyes shut, “we can help. You can sit on my shoulders.”

He’s trying to lighten the mood, you know he is, but it only makes you feel worse. You don’t want their help, you wanted to surprise them and now you can’t. That warrants a little bit of frustration. There’s this blackness in your chest, one that is trying its best to consume you, one that clearly didn’t hear that it's Christmastime, and you need some air. Just ten minutes. You need out though. Now.

You push off the wall and squeeze yourself past them, “thank you, Kol, but I need a minute. I think I’m going to go for a walk, alright?”

They all scrunch their brows in concern, Klaus stepping forward and stretching an arm out to catch you, “love, it’s freezing out there. I would really rather you stay here.”

He steps closer to you, running his fingers over your cheek. You know he just wants you to be safe but if you stay here any longer you’re going to pass out. The walls, as tall as they are, are closing in on you. It’s like they’re taunting you on purpose. We’ll only shorten for you when you need us to be tall.

“I’m sorry,” is all you say, turning and running before any of them can think to chase after you.

You hear them call after you but you don’t stop, tearing your coat from it’s hook and shrugging it on as you step onto Bourbon Street. The December air rolls over you in waves, the smells of peppermint liquor and hot chocolate cresting with it. It forces you to keep walking, straight into the crowd and out of the view of three searching eyes. You’re not entirely sure where you’re going but you don’t care. You’ll figure it out later. Right now you just need to breathe.

* * * * * * * * * *

It’s only a few hours later when you walk back through the compound’s gates, your jacket now damp from the snow and your cheeks significantly icier. Your fingers are stiff and your socks are soaked, your boots in as much need of a warm place to dry as you are. Despite the chill in your bones, though, you feel significantly better. While on your little walk you had run into Josh. Okay, so you didn’t so much ‘run into him’ as you did ‘frantically call him to calm you down’. Josh really is good at going with the flow sometimes.

He bought you a hot chocolate, the kind the ninth ward coven makes with the double shot of bourbon, and just let you talk. Sometimes that’s all you need: a drink with your best friend. The guys are great but they’re a tad overwhelming and that’s exactly what Josh said. Sometimes they make me feel like I can’t breathe and, girl, I’m dead. You had laughed when he said that. It’s true, after all. But then he followed it with something that rings through your ears as you hang your coat back in its place.

But they love you, you know? A thousand years of loving and hating each other and you’re in the middle of it. They figured it out for you. What’s one high ceiling at the end of it all?

You hear a whoosh of air, one scented in three distinct ways, and you finally smile. Your chest doesn’t feel at all tight anymore when you look at them. Kol reaches for you first, tugging you into his cinnamon chest and sighing against your hair. You wrap your arms around him tight, your hands smoothing over his back. You missed him, it’s as simple as that.

“I was so worried,” he mumbles against you, his lips finding your forehead, “I almost went to find you about six times.”

You smile into his chest, rubbing your face against him, “thank you for letting me have some time.”

He laughs quietly as you’re pulled from him and into another pair of arms, these ones hinted with berries and oil paints. Klaus clings to you, his head falling against your neck as soon as you're in his grasp. He squeezes you tight, just as Kol had, rubbing his nose against your still cold skin. Your arms fall around him, your nails digging into his shoulders from how hard you grab him. You missed him too.

Klaus’s lips are glued to your neck, his words thawing the cold in your bones, “letting you go was the hardest thing I’ve done in a long time, love.”

You snuggle closer to him, “I know, I’m sorry honey.”

He pulls his face from your neck, shaking his head slightly and kissing your forehead, “don’t be. Sometimes I forget there are more of us than you. I’d need a walk with Rosza too.”

You raise your brow and give him a soft grin. You don’t ask how he knows where you’ve been, you just kiss his cheek before turning to the third and final Mikaelson. Elijah doesn’t grab you immediately like his brothers had, he just looks at you, his head tilted and his lips pressed together. His hands tense at his sides and your heart drops. Oh Eli, always the stoic Viking. You capture his eyes again and that’s all it takes to rush into his arms.

As soon as you're in his reach he reacts, wrapping his arms around your hips and hauling you against him. You wrap your legs around him, not caring about your pants which are soaked from the snow. You don’t waste your time with pleasantries, don’t pass him any apologies, you just smash your lips against his and dig your fingers into his hair. He kisses you back like he hasn’t kissed you in years. You don’t blame him, you feel the exact same way.

“I missed you,” he kisses you again, his lips tasting like candy canes, “fuck, I missed you.”

You slide your hands to his face, your palms curling around his jaw, “I missed you too, Eli. So much.”

He closes his eyes, leaning his face in the palm of your hand. His stubble tickles your fingers. With that one little action everything clicks back into place. All the frustration and embarrassment from before melts away. Josh was right, you think to yourself, what is one high ceiling in the grand scheme of things. You run a hand through his hair one last time before forcing yourself back onto your feet.

“Darling,” a pair of hands land on your shoulders, “we have a surprise for you.”

You look over your shoulder to meet Kol’s mischievous grin. Oh boy. He takes your hand, dragging you to the alcove of the staircase, the same place you had spent forty-five minutes in front this morning trying desperately to hang the stupid plant.

Klaus wraps his arms around your stomach from behind, pulling you against his chest again and leaning down to murmur in your ear, “look up, love.”

You follow his instructions, your eyes landing on some familiar red ribbons and immediately flooding with tears. You throw a hand over your mouth, leaning back into Klaus to keep yourself from falling over. They really hung the mistletoe for you. You meet all of their eyes in a rush, completely speechless but fully warm. Glancing back up you notice the duct tape. You laugh, a few small sobs breaking through with it. They did this for you.

You spin in Klaus’ arms, pulling his lips down to yours, “thank you.” You giggle against his mouth, “did Kol hang that? That mistletoe was not hung with care.”

“Hey,” Kol pulls you from Klaus, laughing right along with you, “I tried okay!”

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trifle-of-doom · 4 years ago

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The Hawk X Demetri Manifesto

Okay, here is the thing. Despite being well past my teens, there's a particular ship of Cobra Kai that has drawn my attention, this ship being Hawk/Eli x Demetri. When I first watched the show, I was actually more invested in the adult characters storylines than the teens. I immediately rooted for Johnny and Carmen, and I was always hoping for more interactions between them. But then I saw episode 2x05, in which the atmosphere between the Binary Brothers becomes way more dense, and that's when I started to see some potential for them. Not because I'm a deranged person who fosters abusive relationships, but because I immediately caught the hurt/comfort dynamic of the duo, which is something that works really well when it comes to fictional relationships. However, it wasn't until 3x10 that I said, "Ok, that's official, I need to see more of these two! I totally support them!" And I was quite surprised to find a fairly large amount of people who are very committed to this pairing, to the point it's caught the attention of the screenwriters/producers as well. Honestly, I don't know if the showrunners will ever have the guts to make them an official couple, and chances are their supporters will have to keep reading between the lines of their bromance, but in any case, here is my take on why Hawk/Eli x Demetri is an option worth to be considered.

#1 - The Bromance

If there's something that many years of navigating the Internet taught me, is that the main driving factor for fan-made ships is the presence of either a solid relationship based on mutual brotherly love or a bitter rivalry that may or may not flow into hate/obsession. If you consider anime fandoms, there are thousand examples that fit into either of these categories: Yugi and Jonouchi from the Yu-Gi-Oh series (yes, that's how old I am), Yugi and Kaiba from Yu-Gi-Oh, Sakuragi and Rukawa from Slam Dunk, Light and L from Death Note, etc. And our Hawk and Demetri fit into both categories. When we first see them, they are the stereotypical nerdy friends (possibly childhood friends?) sitting at the losers' table, who have no one else but each other. When Eli is at his most sensitive and fragile, you can tell he feels comfortable being with Demetri by the genuine smile he has on his face as Demetri is joking with Miguel at the canteen table. Through his sarcasm, the mouthy kid acts as a catalyst to deviate the attention from Eli, speaking for him, reprimanding Johnny when he makes fun of his lip and trying to make him feel safe. Besides, you can see a certain degree of frustration in Demetri when Kyler and his gang are harassing Eli, and he's unable to do anything to defend him. And they even have a jingle for their friendship with a robot dance, I mean, how cute is that? But of course, a solid friendship between two helpless nerdy guys is not enough to spark a ship to be rooting for. In order for the magic to happen, another key ingredient is needed, i.e. a little bit of angst. Which brings us straight to the next point.

#2 - The Angst (aka the Hurt/Comfort Dynamic)

Even though I never liked the Twilight saga or any similar urban fantasy young adult works, I can easily see where the appeal comes from; the attraction to a charming, dangerous person who could either protect you from any harm or crush you like grape. Although with different franchises, I wasn't immune to the bad boy trope either (Yes, I'm looking at you, my teenage self drooling over Grimmjow from Bleach). If we can appreciate the genuine, brotherly friendship between nerdy Eli and Demetri, the shift that Eli makes as he transitions into Hawk and becomes more aggressive and dominant gives their relationship a totally different flavor. Attrition sparks a certain tension that, in the viewer's eyes, could either flow into a brawl or into passion.

During the mall fight, Demetri comes to the realization that his former best friend is actually someone who can crush him like grape. We see Hawk intentionally harming him for the first time, and Demetri's heartbreaking expression as he drops the line: "You'd actually hurt me?" And if that line gave us a pang in our hearts when we first watched Season 2, imagine rewatching it now that we know what happens in Season 3. Demetri is chased down the mall, running for his life, and then he's locked in a grip, as his best friend menacingly advances towards him. Demetri appears as the damsel in distress, however his friend is not the one who will fight to protect him, but rather his tormentor.

During the party at Moon's, Demetri manages to briefly go through Hawk's mask and reach out to Eli, thanks to a casual conversation about Dr Who. But then the beer incident happens, and Demetri defends himself with the only weapon he has – his loudmouth. The situation is reversed, and for a brief moment, he gets to be the dominant one as he discloses all Eli's most intimate secrets. Demetri is now actively contributing to the Hurt/Comfort dynamic; he's no longer just a target, but he's doing his part to enlarge that gaping hole that has formed between them. And Hawk didn't take it well.

From this moment on, Demetri becomes a sort of obsession to Hawk, who hunts him down the school, teasing him and taunting him sadistically, like a serial killer from a horror movie, during the big fight. Of course, in real life, this would be completely insane, and the police/a social assistant/psychiatrist should be called, but in ShipLand, these situations are pure gold. Okay, we get it, Hawk wants to get revenge for the humiliation at the party, and he wants to crush that nerd part of himself he sees in Demetri, but he does it with such an intensity that it borders on ridiculous. It's like this is his twisted way to acknowledge Demetri's presence. Eventually, Hawk ends up smashed into the trophy case, and I confess I felt a little disappointed when Demetri broke that hug to give Hawk a roundhouse kick. I mean, it was a great comeback, but I was sincerely hoping for a "No hard feelings man, let's get outta here!" scenario.

Getting back to the sick and twisted way Hawk acknowledges Demetri's presence, he destroys his science project after he got jealous due to him being confident in his nerd self and laughing around with his ex girlfriend (whom the writers insist he still has a crush on). Speaking of Moon, I have a feeling she likes Hawk mostly based on his badass appearance. Remember when she goes "I like this (mohawk) and I love these (muscles), but I'm not dating a bully"?

Then the football match happens. Okay, let's break this down. Demetri trips Hawk and acts all sassy, and a fellow Cobra Kai is immediately ready to take him down, but Hawk stops him. "Fight smart, he says". Too bad that literally 5 seconds earlier he had shoved a kid to the ground just because his ex girlfriend (again, duuuh~) ignored him when he winked at her. And then, as he's trying to intercept the ball, BANG, Hawk hits Demetri, sending him to the ground, pretending it was an accident. So, what does this tell us? That Hawk has some serious anger management issues? Yeah sure, but also that he cares about fighting smart only as long as it serves as an excuse to leave Demetri for him, because he's his designated target. Again, this is all but romantic, and it doesn't necessarily have to be interpreted as him lusting after his friend, but it's undeniable that this dynamic offers a lot of ship fuel.

The arm breaking thing is just too painful to even analyze. We see a completely helpless Demetri begging for mercy to his ex best friend, who has made No Mercy his life motto. And that scream, oh that scream. All I wanted to see was Hawk realizing what he had done and throwing himself on his knees while begging for forgiveness. But I'm glad that at least we get to see he feels awful for what he's done, and I like to think that, as he got home, Eli cried out all the tears he had in his body thinking about poor Demetri at the hospital, with a swollen broken arm, all because of him. Of all the situations, this is undoubtedly the most deranged and extreme, and if something like this happened in real life, the wrongdoer would deserve to be punished and would definitely need to be sent to therapy. But in ShipLand, this opens the road to many, many different scenarios, in which the bully understands his mistakes and shifts back to the good side, or the two share a tender moment after they reconcile, or the traumatized character has to to learn to trust the other one again, or the bully becomes overprotective of his former victim, etc.

#3 - A Rewarding Reconciliation

Finally, we come to the reconciliation, in which Hawk makes his heel-to-face turn. While we've seen him torn with doubt for an entire season about his sensei's teachings, his actions and the people he wants to surround himself with, the key factor that drives Hawk's redemption is the sight of his best friend being held down for him to beat. And with an epic stunt and his awesome KEEEH screech, Hawk jumps to the rescue of his friend. Like many of us, Demetri thought this was still part of the "Only I Can Torment Him" dynamic I discussed earlier, as he steps backwards a little concerned, but then he understands that action was actually meant to save him, and the two begin to fight side by side, in sync, watching each other's back. You can see Demetri's eyes sparkling at the thought of having his friend back.

Also, not only Demetri stands up to alpha bitch Tory in defense of Eli, but he also speaks for his friend when he's faltering, just like he used to. So kudos for Demetri.

#4 - The Red Oni, Blue Oni Dynamic

Binary Brothers are two sides of the same coin and complete each other with opposite character traits, visually expressed by the color red and the color blue. Being the color red typically associated with violence, rage, passion and irrationality, as opposed to blue, which is associated with calmness, melancholy and rationality, red is clearly the dominant color. Again, this opens many interesting scenarios for shippers.

#5 - Body Language

Besides the situations I described above, which may or may not be read from a romantic/attraction standpoint, there are also a collection of small gestures I noticed when rewatching the series with a more attentive look on their relationship.

- Demetri's heart-broken expression when Eli shamefully covers his lip during the anti-bullying announcement.

- The smile Demetri gives when Hawk responds "Hell yeah!" after Aisha proposes to crash Yasmin's party, implying he's learning to embrace this new wild side of his best friend

- The astonished look with which Demetri watches Hawk at the tournament and the way he's pissed no one knows his real name.

- How deeply hurt Demetri is when Hawk belittles him by saying: "Five against three. More like two and a half." He even tries to reply, but he's caught so off guard that words die in his throat.

- How Demetri takes a step towards Hawk during the mall fight, before Sam makes him back off, and how sadly he looks at Hawk's nearly unconscious body after Robby defeated him.

- How Demetri smiles and nods when he briefly connects with Eli at Moon's party, despite the mall incident.

- How Hawk watches Demetri juggle with the cleaning product from behind his bike helmet (how did he stuff the mohawk in there by the way)?

- Hawk's psychotic/sadistic faces when he smells Demetri's blood, and how he likes to hunt him down like he's his prey.

- Hawk's secret impulse to comfort Demetri after the arm breaking (I hope you get nightmares of Demetri's howl of pain for the rest of your life, Hawk).

- The way Hawk twitches his upper lip when he sees his friend Demetri in danger.

- How Hawk and Demetri are so absorbed in their new-found friendship, that they're caught off guard, and Demetri swings Hawk to allow him to deliver a kick using their handshake as a lever. And how they keep fighting together, shaking each other's hands even when they're out of focus and the attention is on Miguel vs. Kyler.

- How they're standing so close at Miyagi Do, in comparison with the other Red/Blue partners.

In conclusion, this kind of relationships are engaging and entertaining to watch, and they make us wish the best for the characters. They make us hope that, in the end, as Miguel puts it, love really conquers all (and what is friendship if not a form of love?), despite all the hurt they did to each other.

So this is it. I hope you enjoyed my Ted Talk. Feel free to share it with whomever you want, especially if you need some solid reasons why this ship has got some good potential.

And remember: the ship is in the eye of the beholder.

#HawkMeat #Hawk x Demetri #Cobra Kai #Eli Moskowitz #Demetri #binary brothers

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stellarcat52 · 4 years ago

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Timeless blue chapter 11

Archie flew ahead as Douxie and Krel hurried behind him. The shattering of glass quickly notified them of where Arthur and Morgana had just jumped out of the window, and where Nari had been frozen solid in a block of ice.

With a quick spell Douxie frees their friend. “Oh, thank you. The order shall surely rip your soul to pieces for this.”

“We’ll work on your pep talks later. I don’t think my little trap was going to last-“ Archie flies in as Douxie speaks.

“The arcane order is back, we’re out of time Douxie.”

“Alright, let’s get Nari back to the others. She’s safer with all of us.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure the order doesn’t”

as if summoned by their name Bellroc and Skrael make their presence known, “Nari!”

“Find you. Go!” Douxie casts his arms back, pushing his friends away from him and their enemies. “Keep running, don’t look back!”

Without the head start the others had, Douxie fell behind the order. His infinite corridor suddenly replaces him as the only thing between them and Nari.

“An infinite corridor eh? Beginners magic. This cannot hold us!”

Douxie let’s a sphere of fire fly past him and into the door that would transport it to behind Skrael. “Buttsnacks!”

“You will die for this!”

Douxie summons his staff, “That was kinda the plan. But it’s worth it, because it means my friends, Krel,” his voice softens as he realizes this is what Krel had feared. Their separation, someone getting hurt, “and Nari can get away!” He finds his courage, saving the world or saving his friends wasn’t a choice he could make. He could make the choice between saving the world and saving himself, although he forced the pain of leaving Krel behind into his stomach.

———

Krel looks behind him immediately after he hears Douxie being pushed down, seeing the infinite corridor go up, even without knowledge of what it is. That barrier would trap Douxie in with two beings more powerful than Krel knew.

“Krel! Douxie will be fine!” Archie had seen more of Douxie’s battles than Krel had, and yet he had to force himself to trust the small dragon.

Even as spells sound from behind them, Nari, Archie, and Krel only spare a few glances back, none of them pausing for more than a moment to try and listen for Douxie’s voice. When they finally got to a place where Archie could safely fly Nari down, Douxie and the Order’s battle is naught but echoes.

Archie glides down and Krel takes inspiration from Morgana in the past to try and levitate himself down. He still falls a great distance, but the Akiridion body is not as fragile as a human one.

Jim and Claire were having a face off, Toby and Steve were off to the side. Krel had never seen such bright human eyes before now, Claire had unnaturally purple eyes that flowed with her own magic.

Krel glances down to where his arms have these magical traces inside, each one glowing and fading as they’re needed or dormant.

As Claire unleashes a great beam of dark magic, Jim falters and gives the whole team hope. This side of him was a result of the order’s magic, if Claire could overpower it and save Jim, surely Douxie, and Morgana, could do the same.

Behind them, Krel saw the gold of Morgana’s magic against Arthur.

“The world isn’t ours anymore, you have failed to destroy it, and I have failed to save it.” The fight between Claire and Jim seemed to fade to background noise, Krel could almost entirely forget about it. “Perhaps they can fare better!” She unleashes another attack. “You are no longer worthy of wielding Excalibur! Magda mani achtenebris kraga doom!” The explosion caused by her spell inturrupted Claire’s concentration and cast Excalibur aside. Just as all seemed to be doing better it was made clear that Excalibur is not what kept Jim tied to the green knight.

“Please Jim, I love you!” Claire’s choking cry almost made Krel jump in to help. “We all do.”

Jim drops Claire after what seemed to be a moment of thought.

———

Douxie was struggling against the order, but he was holding his ground better than he ever thought he could against such powerful legendary creatures. The Order were gloating of his defeat even though the wizard still stood, out of breath albeit. As the order finishes, speaking of a summoning that will happen once they are through with him, Douxie mustered up a final spell.

“Tenebrius...” he started, a blue magic circle being danced to life in each hand and then on the surface on which he stood, “exellium!”

His and the order’s unspoken magic meets, both sides struggling against each other.

Between the magic circle holding his spell together and the mystic glow in his eyes Douxie struggled to see clearly.

“Goodbye, my friends, goodbye Krel.”

He lost the magic keeping him alive and safe from the Order’s attacks. He only hoped what last burst of strength he had given would keep the order away from the other’s far below.

———

Krel watched as Camelot fell, how Claire and Jim got their happy ending. He finally thought things were going up, but as soon as the Order’s lair explodes, and he sees Douxie’s limp body falling through the air, he thinks it foolish for those thoughts to exist.

He was the first to start running. He didn’t bother risking using a portal, Douxie was right about him being untrained.

He still was out of sight of Douxie’s body when he hears that sickening thud.

Claire and Archie had made it there faster. Arch had an ear to Douxie’s chest and with every breath that Douxie must not be breathing his feline features only seem to grow more grim. Krel takes a few moments to get the guts to join the others around him.

He looked down and wished that somehow he could give his core to the human he loved.

Douxie’s body seemed too cold for someone who had only been dead for a few minutes at most. Krel sat down on his knees and pulled Douxie’s head onto his lap. He just stared at him for a minute, tears blurring his vision and too scared to blink them away in case Douxie vanished. He hung his head down, only taking a moment to wipe each of his eyes individually.

“Krel?” Archie caused him to look up, just for a second.

“Why did he have to face them alone?” Krel choked. “I was right there, I could have gone back.”

“That’s just the way Douxie is.” Claire answered, Krel only now noticed she was holding onto one of Douxie’s hands.

Zoe spoke up as she came over to kneel beside them. “Hisirdoux never really learned how to accept help. Not from anyone beside Archie. He always had to them himself, stupid apprentice.”

“Wait!” Archie shouted, pressing an ear to Douxie’s chest again. “His heart!”

Krel could feel the tensing of Douxie’s back muscles as he loses the stiff relaxation of death. His skin grew to a temperature that wasn’t as frightening, but still cold.

It was if Douxie had a second chance, like what a core would have given an Akiridion. Maybe this is something magic could do to humans.

The moment Douxie opened his eyes, Krel stopped caring how. He couldn’t even find the words to say.

“Douxie.” Archie purring into Douxie’s chest. “You brave, foolish boy.”

“Ow!” He yelped as Douxie helped him sit up, shifting to be besides him. “Ow! Everything hurts!”

“Sorry.” Krel mumbled as Douxie looks over at him and grins.

Claire took his attention back for a second. “I can’t believe you’re okay!”

“Barely, seems you’re the one with mine lives!” Douxie let’s Archie rub his head against his cheek. “Don’t you ever do something like that’s again.”

Krel pulls Douxie to his feet, holding him up with his arms. “You scared me you idiot.”

Douxie nearly falls and clutches his chest. “Hey! I just came back from beyond the grave! Be careful.”

“Sorry.” Krel turns his head and kisses Douxie’s cheek. “I’ll protect you next time.”

“I feel like I missed a lot.” Jim spoke up, eyes widening as Claire ran up to hug him, still very happy to just see Jim as a human again.

“Same, but I think we can catch up over brunch.” He looked around again, Krel could see the worry in his eyes. “What about Arthur and Morgana?”

“Squished.” AAARRRGGGHHH looked towards where Excalibur lay imbedded in the stone.”

Of course Toby immediately tried pulling the legendary sword out of the rock it had cut into. To no avail, but he tried nonetheless. Blinky, Douxie, and Claire all urged Jim to try, but his efforts were fruitless as well. Excalibur stayed rooted, and as the group leaves it behind, Jim leaves behind his hope that he may still be a trollhunter, though that might not be the worst thing right now.

———

Zoe and Nari got ready to leave, New York would be gaining two magical beings within a few weeks, and Akiridion 5 would be gaining at least one new human citizen. Claire and Jim were still on the fence of whether or not they wanted to stay or just visit Eli and Aja. Either way after this they knew they wanted to stay together.

Krel and Douxie had told the group they were dating, and Krel got a surprising amount of threats from the almost everyone. AAARRRGGGHHH being an exception but also Jim, Nari, and Toby.

Krel knew that Douxie would get some as soon as Aja and Varvatos were told the news, and Eli would be ready to ask Douxie so many questions about magic that he’d go crazy. Still, nothing could make these two want to risk staying on earth with the Genesis seals one more day, so alongside with Toby, Jim, and Claire, they step into the portal to Akiridion 5 and are whisked across the universe, traveling past planets and stars in mere seconds.

The earth would be safe unless something changed, and although they knew something would, Krel and Douxie were willing to put that to the back of their minds for as long as they can. They are happy, safe, and together.

And as long as Nari is out of the order’s hands, that’s all they care about.

#timeless blue fic #krexie #finale!!#Krel x Douxie #Douxie x Krel #Krel tarring #hisirdoux casperan #tales of arcadia wizards #TOA #that’s it until rise of the Titans!

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the-celluloid-correspondent · 4 years ago

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Schindler's List (1993)

"Whoever saves one life, save the world entire."

In German-occupied Poland, German industrialist Oskar Schindler goes from a man driven by greed, to becoming a man who saves 1100 Jews from Nazi Concentration Camps.

This is a film that I have been terrified to watch, given that it's about the Holocaust. I remember learning about the Holocaust in school and having to read numerous books about the subject. I remember reading Night by Elie Wiesel, and was completely horrified by the cruelty humanity is capable of. Furthermore, us having to watch The Boy in the Striped Pajamas in 8th grade was depressing, everyone including myself was in tears by the end of the film. Recently I watch Band of Brothers and in Episode 9 when they find the concentration camp I was in tears. So safe to say I knew that in this film I was going to be an emotional wreck and by God I was. Even writing this review now I am trying to hold back my tears. No other piece of media literature has moved me in a way that Schindler's List has because this movie is a masterpiece. When I mean masterpiece this is the one percent of masterpieces. Steven Spielberg has crafted one of the most emotionally draining films that I have ever watched. This film is not a horror movie but a snapshot into one of the darkest moments in human history. He crafted one of the most difficult movies that I have ever watch. At many points, I wanted to turn off the movie and cry alone in my bed because I could no longer handle the crimes portrayed in the movies. In the end, I pulled myself through the film, and now it feels like I am going to have depression for the next week.

The acting in this film is a masterpiece. From our main cast to the extra everything felt real like I was watching a documentary rather than a film. This is the best performance that Liam Neeson has ever given. I am completely dumbfounded on how he did not with Best Actor at the Oscars because he deserves an Oscar for his portrayal of Oskar Schindler. He perfectly portrays Schindler from being a businessman whose only motivation is greed to a man who felt like he did not save enough people, even though he saved more than any other human could. When he is breaking down at the end wishing he could have saved more, he perfectly portrays survivor's guilt that was consuming Schindler, even though Schindler sacrificed so much to save the people who are standing before him. Ben Kingsley is again masterful as ever as Itzhak Stern. At many points it looked like Stern was about to lose hope then Schindler gave him hope. Stern was Schindler rock, and together they saved what they could of Sterns people. I don't understand how Kingsley was not nominated for his performance as Stern because he gives humanity a look of a man who has no idea if he is going to be alive the next morning. One of the most terrifying performances was Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth. Fiennes is horrifying as a psychopathic SS officer who enjoys killing innocents. The scenes where he shoots people from his balcony is petrifying. How can a man take so much pleasure in killing innocent civilians is pure evil. Again I am surprised that Fiennes did not win Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars because he earned it, by masterfully portraying a war criminal whose crimes are against humanity.

Everything about his film is perfection. The cinematography is stunning. The costumes and production design make me feel like I am watching real footage from 1942 rather than a movie. But the one aspect of the film that really elevated the emotions in this film is John Williams's masterful score. Before I watched this movie I heard the score for this film in concert and it was incredibly moving then, but while watching the film, it moved me to tears. Wiliams score is one of the best that has been crafted in music history.

This film portrays both the horrors that humanity is capable of as well as the kindness we are capable of. The duality of humanity is front and center in this film. At the end of this film, there is a glimmer of hope for humanity as we see the people who were saved by Schindler. We need more people like Schindler, who show kindness to others while no one else will. This film needs to be required viewing in standard education, to make sure that it does not happen again. Sadly this is currently happening right now with the Uighur in China and again the world is turning a blind eye once again. We need to stop this before it is too late. This film is one of the most difficult films that I have ever watch, but it is a pain that I will never forget. Schindler's List is a film that can help save humanity from repeating these atrocities ever again.

#film #cinema #cinephile #movies #oskar schindler #schindler's list #steven spielberg #holocaust #liam neeson #ben kingsley #ralph fiennes #history

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writings-of-a-daphodil · 4 years ago

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Fire Keeper: Chapter 3

Douxie x fem reader

Chapter 1

Masterlist in bio!

Series Summary: You are Jim's older sister who is taking a break from college and has moved back home to Arcadia. You end up joining Jim and his friends on their adventures. Chapter 3 summary: Your first magic lesson with Vendel leads you to a certain book store. A/n: This is a really long chapter. I wanted to combine two episodes together and I had quite a few scene ideas and I wrote it so they went together and then suddenly I realized I got to 3k, so have fun. I hope y’all like it. Enjoy!

“Have some fun on your field trip today, okay Jim,” you said, giving your brother a quick hug, something you were beginning to do more often.

“You too, have fun during your magic lesson and don’t forget to enjoy your day off either.”

“I will,” you responded as you began walking down the sidewalk towards the canal.

It wasn’t too far of a walk and you were down the crystal stairs and on your way to the Heartstone in no time.

“Ms. Lake, welcome,” Vendel greeted as he turned to you.

“Hi Vendel,” you responded, taking your seat next to a pile of books. You had begun your lessons the day after you arrived in Trollmarket and by now it was a routine. Vendel would finish whatever he was working on while you read a book and practiced your trollish. You were picking it up quickly, unlike your brother, but you understood that he was busier.

You focused on the pile and you felt your magic begin stir inside you. You focused a little harder and your hands began to glow orange and seconds later so did the books. You waved your hands and the books floated into the air, forming a line. You began to read the covers to try and find one that interested you and you settled on the fourth book.

“I see you’ve been practicing,” Vendel said. From his work table as you opened the old, worn book.

“Practice makes perfect,” you replied as you began to read. You were halfway through the book—which was on the history of the troll-gnome relationship—when Vendel finished his work.

“So, what am I learning today?” You asked, bookmarking your page and giving your full attention to your teacher.

“I do not know much about Wizard magic, troll magic is different and I am running out of things I can teach you,” he paused to think and you waited patiently. “Hmm, I could teach you a few healing spells.”

“I’m ready.”

~~~~

“You’re beginning to master the basics, and your training with your brother is beginning to show,” Vendel praised as you were able to recite all the incantations back to him. While levitating. Upside down.

“Thank you,” you beamed, settling back down to the floor.

“Your welcome.”

You said goodbye and made your way out of Trollmarket to enjoy the rest of your day. Enjoying the rest of your day would feature possibly visiting Douxie’s bookstore and reading the trollish books you had borrowed. It may not seem like the most thrilling of things to do, but you were excited.

You entered the bookshop and a bell tolled your arrival. You glanced around at the quaint store, it radiated a sort of peaceful and relaxing energy. You could definitely see yourself coming back and spending a lot of time there.

You wandered amongst the shelves looking at the books. Many of them looked old and you wondered if you might find something on magic. You were desperate for more knowledge and Vendel didn't exactly have books on your type of magic. For the time being you were stuck making troll spells work for you.

None of the books in the store seemed to be calling you so you made your way over to the staircase. Maybe there would be something for you on the second floor.

As you turned and got your view of the second floor, you also got a view of a cat. Said cat just so happened to be wearing glasses.

"What in the world?" You mumbled, staring at the cat who was staring right back at you. It meowed, breaking eye contact and began to lick one of his paws.

You continued to stand there, frozen in confusion.

"Ah, Y/n. Hi," a certain English-accented boy said, breaking you out of your thoughts.

"Um, hi Douxie," you said, turning your focus to him. He seemed to notice your confusion and he looked around, his eyes landing on the cat.

"Oh, that's where my glasses went. I've been looking all over for them!" He laughed a nervous sounding laugh and took the glasses from the cat. Putting them on he said, “Anyways, how may I help you?”

You stood there, not saying anything for a few seconds longer. Douxie wearing glasses was an interesting sight and you had to admit he looked kinda cute.

“Um, I’m looking for old books,” you stated lamely. You didn’t really know what else to say. You weren’t really looking for any books in particular and you weren’t exactly expecting to find a book with magic, you were just hoping.

“Right this way.” Douxie motioned for you to follow him and he walked past you, rather slowly, down the stairs. He went to turn and rammed into the banister, almost falling down the rest of the stairs.

“Douxie!” You rushed down the remaining stairs to help him up.

“Thanks,” he said as you helped him up.

“Are you sure those glasses help you see?” You jokingly asked.

He chuckled nervously and continued to lead you to a shelf. “These may interest you.”

You walked up to the shelf crammed with old books. You began to read the titles on the sides, occasionally pulling out a book that caught your interest, but so far none of them were really calling to you.

You were so involved in your search you forgot that Douxie was still there.

“Here, what about this one?” He asked, handing you an ancient looking book. While none of the other books called to you, this one did.

You opened it up and began to leaf through it. The pages were filled with magic spells and they even looked like it was your type of magic. You flipped to the front of the book and found the author: M. Ambrosius.

The book seemed so authentic, you knew you had to buy it and show Vendel.

You turned to Douxie. “How much?”

“It’s on me. We’ve had this book forever and no one seems to want it. Getting rid of it will open up space for more.”

“No way, you’re working three jobs just to make ends meet. Here,” you handed him some money and gave him a quick hug. You were so excited about finding the book, you didn’t realize you were doing it until it was over.

“Anyways, thanks,” you mumbled, embarrassed. You internally rolled your eyes at yourself, falling for Douxie wasn’t a good idea.

“Any time,” he replied and you noticed his cheeks were tinted pink.

You opened your mouth to say more but your phone started ringing. It was Jim.

“Hey, is everything okay?” You asked, worry gripping your heart.

“Yeah, but Eli, one of my classmates, found some kind of troll remains. Toby and I are going to take Blinky and Aaarrrgghh to see it tonight.”

“Okay send me the address.” The two of you said your goodbyes and you hung up.

“Is everything okay?” Douxie asked, his face showing concern.

“Yes. My brother just worries me sometimes and I always assume the worst.” You smiled at Douxie and began heading towards the door. “Again, thank you.”

“Anytime.”

You hopped into your car and drove to the address Jim had sent you. It didn’t take you too long and you were able to easily find and unfortunately recognize the remains. If your guess was right then they were the remains of a goblin.

You had never met one before, but you had recently finished a book on magical creatures and they were evil little things that would be out to kill whoever or whatever made the splotch on the ground.

You called Jim to tell him of your findings and he promised to meet you at Eli’s house at nightfall. Meanwhile you began reading the book Douxie had given you.

Time flew by as you read the book. It was fascinating and had little notes in the margin. You were interrupted from your reading by the arrival of everyone.

The five of you were able to determine that the goblins would be after the delivery guy who would be back later that night and so the stakeout began.

You hid with Jim and Blinky and were able to catch up with your brother. It had been a long while since you had the time to just talk with him about everything that was going on.

You were able to talk about his fight with Steve, his upcoming one with Draal, and everything else. It was really nice.

You were able to talk for hours before the delivery guy arrived and the goblins followed soon after. They were terrifying, but you tried to keep your cool. You didn't want them sensing your fear.

Unfortunately Jim and Toby were unaware of that little but important fact so goblins began to chase the five of you all the way to Toby’s house.

It was your first time out on the field helping Jim ‘Trollhunt’ and you didn’t know if you were exhilarated or terrified. It took you forever to fall asleep and you were jittery and extra alert during your job the next day.

That afternoon as you were on your way to the Heartstone for another lesson when Jim called you.

“Hey, Toby and I found out that the goblin hideout is at the Museum. We’re going with Blinky and Aaarrrgghh tonight.”

“Okay, stay safe. I’m going to go to my lesson if you don’t need me.”

“I’ll always need you, but have fun at your lesson.” After that and your goodbyes you hung up as you arrived at the Heartstone.

“Hello Ms. Lake.”

“Hi Vendel. I found a book yesterday and it looks like it might be about Wizard magic.” He turned to you, quickly abandoning whatever he was working on. You handed it to him and he began to flip through it.

“Merlin wrote this,” Vendel said, turning his attention back to you. “It’s authentic, but I’m concerned about the means in which you bought this book.”

“I can look into it,” you offered as the gravity of the situation hit you. It would be very bad if there were more books out there like this and humans were reading it and believing it.

“Good. I suppose we can go onto our lesson now. We’ll move to the Hero’s forge and I want you to try levitating while blasting targets.”

Time passed slowly as you practiced your magic. You were pretty proud of yourself for ho9w quickly you were learning magic and excelling in it.

Levitating was hard though and took up lots of energy so you had to take frequent breaks, but slowly the breaks were becoming fewer and further between.

You levitated into the air again, ready for the next round when your phone beeped, startling you. You crashed to the floor hard and Vendel chuckled. “Perhaps you should work on your concentration.”

You smiled at him while checking your phone. “It’s from Jim.”

You unlocked your phone and read the text aloud, “Museum, shapeshifter, help, hurry.”

“Go,” was all Vendel said and you took off running. Exhaustion was only an afterthought as you rushed to get to your brother.

The worst thoughts entered your mind when you saw the police cars in front of the museum. You ran up to an officer.

“Sir, what’s going on?” You asked panting.

“Some kids broke into the museum for some sort of bracelet,” he responded in a bored tone and you tried don’t to roll your eyes.

“Y/n!” Toby called out to you as he was pushed into a squad car.

“You know these kids?” The officer asked.

“Yeah, the tall one’s my brother. I, uh, told them to wait till morning so I could talk to the curator about getting the bracelet back, but obviously they didn’t listen,” you said smiling. It wasn’t your most creative lie, but you couldn’t tell the officer that what they had really gone in there for was to follow goblins.

“Well we’re just going to the station so follow us there.” With that said you got into your car and made your way to the police station.

You were sitting in the waiting room when your old history teacher, Mr. Strickler, arrived.

“Ah, Ms. Lake. I didn’t know you decided to stay here for college.”

“I’m taking a break,” you said. “I didn’t know you frequented police stations in the dead of night.”

“I’m here because of your brother actually. Nomura and I are close friends and I am hoping to convince her to drop the charges.”

“Wow, thank you, Mr. Strickler. That’s very kind of you, you’ve been a great teacher to both Jim and I.”

“That is what I strive to do, Ms. Lake,” he said as we walked down a hall to where you assumed Nomura was.

Soon after your mom arrived. “Y/n, what happened?”

You quickly explained what happened and you did your best to talk her down from grounding him indefinitely. You knew Jim shouldn’t even be getting booked at the police station and you wanted to make sure he didn’t have too bad of a punishment. Eventually you and your mom settled on him and Toby being grounded until they apologize. By the time that was decided you were heading home.

You were exhausted and fell asleep the moment your head hit the pillow and in the morning you almost missed your alarm. The day went by quickly and you arrived at home to see Jim making a feast.

“What’s all this?”

“My fight with Draal is tomorrow,” he said in way of explanation. You smiled sadly, you couldn’t handle the fact that Jim thought he was going to die. And on top of your fear and worry you weren’t able to get tomorrow of work.

You hugged your brother tightly and began setting the table. “Anything you want me to do?”

“Just… just take care of mom.”

“I meant with dinner, goof. You aren’t going to die. I refuse to believe it.”

“Fine, can you stir this?” He asked, handing you a bowl. You didn’t fail to notice that he didn’t react to your statement.

“So,” you started in an attempt to change the conversation, “what were mom and Mr. Strickler talking about last night, she seemed almost giddy when you got home.”

“Ughh, they’re going out for coffee.”

“Oh,” you said smiling to yourself. Mr. Strickler was a great teacher and if he made your mom happy you were happy.

Your mom arrived home soon after and you had a wonderful family dinner filled with laughs. It was one of your best nights in a while.

That night you fell into a peaceful sleep. Tomorrow would be scary, but you believed in your brother. He would win.

You were sleeping so peacefully you almost missed your alarm that you had specifically set early so you would be able to talk to Jim. Your mom was already gone for work and so was Jim. So much for that plan. You quickly got ready for work and arrived almost a half hour early.

Throughout the day you were a huge bundle of nerves. Your focus was on Jim, but thanks to your training in multitasking you were able to do a good job at work. With adrenaline and worry coursing through your veins you got your work done twice as fast, but distraction plagued you too. You almost used your telekinesis to save a tray that was spilled by your coworker.

You were so distracted you didn’t notice when your shift ended and Douxie took the broom from you.

The bistro had quieted done almost a half hour ago and you had been sweeping that whole time even though you finished in fifteen minutes.

“Are you okay?” Douxie asked. Concern, this time for you, was etched on his face and you tried not to read much into it.

“Some things are going on with my brother today and I’m scared for him,” you explained.

“Why don't I help you to your car so you can go talk with him?” Douxie offered and you nodded. You quickly took off your apron and grabbed your stuff.

“Do you need me to drive you?” Douxie asked as he noticed your hands were shaking. Now that you didn’t have work you were only more afraid and upset over the fact that Toby or anyone hadn’t called you.

“No thank you,” you replied. You didn’t want to make Douxie late to work.

“It’s really no problem,” he replied and you were about to respond when your phone began ringing. You fumbled to grab it and you almost dropped it. You looked at the caller id. It was Toby.

“Toby? Please tell me Jim is okay.”

“Jimbo’s fine, he even spared Draal’s life. Most of the trolls aren’t happy about that, but we’ll be home soon.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” you mumbled, then, “Bye Toby, thank you for being there for Jim.”

“Anytime Y/n/n.” He hung up and you turned to see Douxie offering a tissue. You were confused at first but then you realized you were crying from the joy and relief that Jim was alive.

“Good news I hope,” Douxie said as you took the tissue and wiped your eyes.

“Jim’s okay.”

“It’s sweet how much you care about your brother.”

“He has a lot on his shoulders and he cares so much for everyone else. Someone had to be there for him.” With that said you wished him well and started driving home.

You pulled into the driveway just as Jim walked up with Toby. You leapt out of your car, not bothering to turn it off, to hug them.

“I know this is probably only the first of many times that I will be concerned for your life and the first of many post-death-defying-situation-hugs, but please try not to do this often. I was worried for you all day. One of my coworkers had to walk me to my car because I was shaking so much.”

“Sorry I put you through that Y/n.”

“Thanks. It won’t be the last time, but I’m glad you’re safe now. By the way I called in your absences at school.”

“Thank you.” They both exclaimed and you smiled. The three of you said your goodbyes and you turned off and locked your car while Jim took care of his bike, then the two of you walked inside together.

Unfortunately it wasn’t time to celebrate yet Nomura was inside the house talking with your mom. You scowled at her as Jim began talking. You never expected Jim to actually apologize to the changing and you had planned on covering him, but here she was now, having tea with your mom.

Your mom started to say something when she fell unconscious.

“I‘ ll get mom!” You immediately called out as Jim said the amulet’s incantation and began to fight Nomura. Your heart rate sped up for the thousandth time that day as you checked her pulse. It was there and you began to believe Nomura that whatever was in the tea would only hurt your mom’s memory.

Jim retreated up the stairs and you began to recite the healing incantations you had learned a few days ago. They didn’t wake her up, but you could tell your mom would be alright. You heard Jim take the fight outside and you realized it wouldn’t be good if your mother woke up at the table.

You focused on her and she began to glow orange. She floated up from her seat and you were able to move her to her bed without hurting her.

You quietly closed the door and realized that you didn't hear fighting any more. You carefully walked out to the backyard only to find Jim and Draal chatting.

“Are you okay?” You asked.

“Yeah, Draal showed up just in time.”

You turned to Draal. “Thank you.”

“Your welcome, sister of Jim. I have requested to your brother that I stay here and protect your home. I can not go back to troll market while my honor is tarnished”

“First, call me Y/n and second it would be lovely having an extra line of defense here.”

“Good.” Draal walked into your house and Jim made to follow, but you pulled him into a hug first.

“I know having Nomura here wasn’t your choice, but why don’t you take the rest of the day off? It’s been a long one,” you suggested.

“That sounds nice.”

****

And I hope y'all liked it. I had a blast writing it and I have planned many more chapters. I've really enjoyed exploring Y/n 's life as well as her relationship with Douxie and there will definitely be more of that. Anyways I've written a sort of bonus half chapter from Douxie's pov and I will post that tomorrow. Have a great night/day and stay safe! Thank y'all for reading!

Chapter 3.5: https://writings-of-a-daphodil.tumblr.com/post/627219547087323136/fire-keeper-chapter-35

#douxie x reader #douxie imagine #douxie #toa douxie #wizards douxie #toa imagine #toa #tales of arcadia imagine #tales of arcadia #wizards imagine #wizards #trollhunters #trollhunters imagine

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killiansprincss · 4 years ago

Text

Never Forget You Ch.13

Season 6A Canon Divergence.

Emma is happy. Finally happy with her parents, son and boyfriend. But this happiness is taken away from her when the Evil Queen curses her and turns her into a toddler.

Heartbroken and angry, Killian and Henry run away to Neverland to wait for Emma to break her curse. But when she does break it and comes looking for them 25 years later, she soon realises this Neverland is very different now it is no longer under Pans rule.

Will she be able to save Henry and Killian in time, or will this new ruler of Neverland keep them hostage forever?

Also on AO3

Chapter 13 of my Neverland fic is up :))) please go check it out if you’re a lover of CS and especially angst. This fic is about halfway through and it’s my baby so give it some love!

________

“Tonight.” Henry tells his mother after her constant pestering.

“What?” Emma asks, “What happens tonight?”

“The Lost Ones. They still come to the Island at night in a dream state.Killian and I help them, or at least he used to. Don’t give up on Killian just yet, show him you’re not leaving. True Loves Kiss or something might wake him up.”

Emma smiles at her son's enthusiasm, “I don’t think True Love's Kiss will work, he isn't under a curse, but you’re right I do need to show him that I am going to stick around. I was so afraid of losing him until he showed me he wasn’t going anywhere, so now it’s time to return the favor.”

And so Henry tells his mother all about the Lost Ones of this New Neverland, how they come from all the realms, magical and non magical, Pan's shadow no longer steals them from their beds, it’s how it was before Pan, lost kids travel to Neverland and they think they're dreaming. The magic from Morpheus allows them to travel in their dream state and Henry likes to help as many of them as he can, if he never sees them again he believes it's for the best, that they aren’t lost anymore.

Henry also tells the story of why Killian no longer helps the Lost ones.

~~~

Killian didn’t know how long he had been back in Neverland. It had been a while, but he wasn’t sure if that meant weeks or years.

Morpheus, god of dreams allowed sleeping children to travel to Neverland who felt lost or lonely. Being in Neverland they could do whatever they wanted, eat cake for hours without feeling sick, and even fly. It made Killian happy that Neverland was being used to bring joy to kids without Pans evil tricks.

There was one little boy who he took a liking to and wanted to help. Eli Brewer. He was a young lad of maybe 10, short, dark hair, dark skin, and the lost look in his eyes that was all too familiar.

“So I can really do whatever I want here?” Eli asks, still amazed at what this island can offer.

“Yes lad, what you want, wish for it and it’ll appear.” Killian says crouching down to his level.

Eli closes his eyes. “I wish. I wish for the chocolate cake I stole from the bakery for me and Hugo that one time,”

Killians heart aches. He remembers Liam doing something similar for them once.

Eli’s eyes light up when he opens them to find a slice of chocolate cake in his hands.

“Where do you come from lad?” He asks, wanting to know how best he can help him.

With chocolate smeared round his face, he replies, “I come from the kingdom of Mirimois, it’s just a half a mile away from Longbourne. It’s just my little brother and me, our mother died years ago and our father ran away. I have to look after Hugo, we’ve been sleeping in between barrels at the nearby ports. I’m hoping someone will give me a job so that we can receive shelter and food.”

Killian was all too familiar with this situation. He and Liam would sleep by the docks after their father left, nobody would say anything, the sailors and pirates would leave them to sleep for a night, maybe even offer a blanket. Then in the morning they would be gone and on the hunt for another place to sleep.

“Well enjoy the festivities Neverland has to offer tonight, and if you wish to return tomorrow you may.”

Eli did enjoy what Neverland had to offer. And he came back, night after night, for weeks. And it was night after night that Killian took a liking to him, and wanted to make a change.

“Lad I’ve been thinking about your situation. You come from Longbourn, correct?”

Eli looks up from his cake he’s eating. “Yeah why?”

“There’s a kingdom nearby Thiroris. The king there is a kind man.” Killian did not like royalty, a habit of his pirate days. But in the missing year he came to know the Prince of a kingdom, who spent most of his time in the tavern where Killian and his crew drank. He was a good prince, and cared for the orphans in his kingdoms, and he learnt during his time in Storybrooke that his father had died and he was now King.

“I’ve heard of that kingdom. Our mother was from there.” Eli tells him with an excited smile.

“If you and your younger brother were to ask for refuge at his palace, I’m sure he would help you and give you a place to sleep and food to eat as magnificent as this chocolate cake.” Killian smiles at the lad, he reminds him so much of Liam. No boy his age should have to find work or worry about a safe place to sleep.

“You think?” Eli asks with the brightest smile on his face.

Killian just nods and allows him to enjoy his, hopefully, last night in Neverland.

Eli doesn’t return to Neverland that night, or the might after that. Killian takes that as a good sign. Eli never steps foot in Neverland again.

But it wasn’t a happy ending.

Some time later though a little boy the image of Eli yet younger appears in Neverland.

“My name is Hugo, my brother Eli and I were on our own for a while. Then he told me that if we go to this other kingdom a nice king would help us. But there were guards with arrows, and my brother got hit. He said he was in a better place, that he was going to see our mama. But now I’m all alone.” He explained and suddenly it made sense why Eli hadn’t returned to Neverland. He’d been caught in the crossfire of an arrow not meant for children. And now Hugo was a lost boy, he’d lost his brother like Killian had lost his, just at such a harsher age.

Killian now related to Hugo, he knew what he was dealing with, losing his brother and being all alone. Obviously this 7 year old boy couldn’t become a pirate or run away like he had done, but he could give him advice on how to deal with losing a brother.

He could have done those things. But he had ruined this poor boy’s life by giving his brother advice that got him killed. Instead, he stayed out of his way, didn’t give him advice and just was there to let them know the rules of Neverland and it’s dreamworld.

Many lost kids came and went and he didn’t really notice when Hugo stopped visiting.

_______

Emma can hear the cries of the Lost Ones. It’s what she heard the first night she was back here, and her very first night in Neverland 30 years ago.

When she was younger (orphan timeline) she wished she could escape to Neverland and be like the Lost Boys. That was before she knew the Disney Movie was nothing like the real story. She wanted to escape, be somewhere where it didn’t matter if she didn’t have parents or a family who loved her.

But then when she was 28, she had found her family. Granted she didn’t believe she had at first, but in her defence, who would believe a 10 year old saying he lived in a town with fairytale characters? And then it was a long and rocky road until they felt like a family. And then the Evil Queen pressed a reset button and she had the chance to grow up feeling loved and never felt alone. She was grateful in some ways, but now she was conflicted, was she still a lost girl, an orphan who found her family at 28, or was she the girl that grew up with her family who loved her.

So when Henry told her about the lost kids, and that he tries to help them, her heart cried out. She wished she had someone to help her, keep her on the right track in life. Don’t give up hope. There is a family out there for you, whether biologically related to you or not. When she came to Storybrooke the first time, and thought Henry’s stories were well stories, she had found family, Mary Margaret was the first friend she had in a long time and she became her family, the way she invited her into her home and the way they defended each other when Regina framed or tried to undermine them.

She had learnt that family wasn’t always blood, it was those who cared about you. That’s what she would tell the lost ones, that finding someone who cares about you, is all you need.

“Mom! There you are!” Henry whispers shouts when he sees her at the clearing to the lost ones where he told her to wait. The lost ones clearing used to be Pans camp, so it was strange being back there and helping lost kids this time.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? What about Cecelia?” Emma asks, worried about when she eventually runs into the fairy.”

“Don’t worry, she’s never there throughout the night, she was here an hour ago to prepare the pixie dust, then tomorrow morning she’ll collect any dust left over.” Henry explains, calming her nerves, they still hadn’t decided how they were going to defeat her.

Emma and Henry walk into the clearing, and it looks pretty much the same as Pans camp did, with large trees and bushes surrounding the perimeter, and logs all around that serve as benches. The hammocks and beds were gone though, seeing as the lost ones no longer stayed longer than throughout the night. In the centre was a fountain that contained golden pixie dust that was glowing. There were a couple kids scattered around, one blonde haired boy was flying and giggling, another small girl was grinning as she was eating her ice cream, and a couple others were talking to one another on the logs.

Henry goes over to a boy with dark hair sitting by one of the trees, and gives her a look that says ‘go for it.’

She looks around at the kids, some are having the time of their life flying around or eating cake and ice cream. Others look, well, lonely. She sees a little girl around 9 with dark hair in two braids, she’s pretty tiny, short and very thin, maybe she’s not been eating well wherever she’s from. That lonely lost girl look on her face that’s all too familiar.

“Hey there, what’s your name?” Emma says as she approaches the little girl.

She looks up at Emma, not sure whether to trust her, “hi,”

Smart girl, not giving away too much information to someone you don’t know. Emma did this a lot when she was caught shoplifting as a teen. She sits down beside her. She could do this, she could help a lost girl,

“You know I was a lost girl once too.” Emma says staring ahead instead of saying it to her face.

The little girl looks up at her. “I’ve not seen you here before.”

Observant. Another trait of a lost girl, always looking at the details. “You’re right. I’m Emma. I was a lost girl once, and now I’m here to help.”

The little girl studies Emma for a few moments before saying. “I’m Elena.”

“It’s nice to meet you Elena.” Emma smiles at her.

____

If there’s one thing Killian had to bet on seeing tonight, it would not have been Emma with the Lost Ones. He walked into the clearing a little later than usual, and saw Henry talking with the same kids he had been talking to for a while, but saw blonde hair in the corner of his eyes.

No. It couldn’t be.

He looked over and saw Emma Swan talking to one of the lost girls. It really was her. This must be one of Henry’s ploys. Emma notices him and gives him a smile and a wave before returning to her conversation with a lost girl.

This woman doesn’t give up. She was a bloody marvel.

He watched her with the lost girl. He didn’t know the girl's name, she was pretty quiet and even Henry had trouble getting through to her.

So he sits on the log by the tree like he does every night and welcomes old and new lost ones.

“Welcome to Neverland. Morpheus has decided you’re a lost one, and has graced you with the chance to visit this place in your dream state. So enjoy Neverland. We have magic, you can fly, you can wish for anything to eat, go crazy,”

Killian says this speech to new lost ones almost every night and it gets tiring, especially now he knows he’s been saying it for 25 years. The first few years he was happy and upbeat, but now he said it in much more of a monotonous voice.

He keeps stealing glances at Emma throughout the night. And he was pretty sure she was doing that same. The lass she was with was looking more and more animated as the night progressed. She had a knack for this, that much was clear.

He wanted to go back with her. More than anything, but did he deserve to? And why does she still want him? Why bother with him at all? She should just take Henry and leave. She had lived her life again the way she was meant to, as a daughter that never doubted her parents loved her. After all that, why would she go back to a pirate who was abandoned as a child and lost everyone he loved?

The end of the night draws in, and the lost ones leave Neverland one by one. The girl Emma was talking to ended up being the last to leave. He nods to Henry when the night is up, avoiding Emma’s ever present stare.

“Killian wait.” He hears Emma voice as he walks outside the clearing on his way back to his ship.

He turns around to face her, “Swan. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Emma rolls her eyes at him. “Don’t play dumb with me okay. I showed up here tonight to prove I’m not going anywhere without you.”

Killian just scoffs. “I already told you Swan, forget about me. Take your boy and leave.”

“I don’t want that okay? Are you not listening? I don’t want that.” Emma practically screams at him.

“And what do you not understand about the fact that you’re better off without me?” Killian shouts back.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Emma asks her blood practically boiling. Why would he say that?

He studied her for a moment, noticing the veins popping out of her forehead now she’s angry. “You don’t want me. You grew up with your perfect princess life, with a family and town full of people that love you. You never doubted that your parents loved you. You probably have a long line of princes and noblemen that want your heart. You don’t want a broken lost pirate. For 25 years I have been in this god awful place waiting for a woman who had forgotten me and I had no idea if you would even be here after 25 years.”

Emma scoffs, “yeah you’re right. I never doubted my parents' love for me, and I dated a few guys and I really liked them while we were together. And you’re right there are probably a lot more guys that want to be with me, I am a princess like you say. But guess what? We are not in the Enchanted Forest, I’m no princess, I’m free to choose my own life and my own boyfriends. And you know what else? None of them are you, Killian. It’s you I want. Even when I was cursed, I never forgot about you, I always used to see you in my dreams, I didn’t know who you were but. But I didn’t forget about you.”

“You dreamt about me?” Killain asks, not quite sure what to make of this revelation.

Emma nods. “It started when I was a teenager, maybe 16, 17. I kept seeing dark hair, blue eyes, your blue eyes, I didn’t know who you were but I knew you were important, a soulmate dream or something. Then as I got older, I started seeing visions, memories of our time together, like how I kissed you here in Neverland, and then saying goodbye to you in the Underworld.” Tears begin to roll from her eyes as she remembers that horrific goodbye. “Have you just forgotten everything we went through, the Underworld and everything, surely you don’t think I don’t love you anymore?”

“You still love me? Your feelings really haven’t changed?” Killain asks, still in disbelief that she could still love him.

“Of course I still love you!” Emma says with tears in her eyes. She takes the chain from under her shirt showing him the ring he gave her all those years ago. “I still have your brother's ring you gave me back in Camelot. I put it back on the moment I woke up. Because I love you Killian. And I’m not scared to say the words anymore! Killain Jones I love you so much. I don’t care what has happened, you still loved me when I went dark, so whatever this place has done to you, I don’t care. You’re still the same man I fell in love with. What’s stopping you from coming home?”

Emma steps forward and takes his hook and hand in hers. Killian backs away shaking his head. “I can’t do this, I’m sorry. Emma, my heart has been broken many times over my life. When my father abandoned Liam and I, Liam looked after me, he did everything, he was always there. And then all of a sudden he was gone, and I was never going to see him again, my big brother, gone just like that. It broke me, I didn’t know how I was going to go on, but something inside me was telling me to keep going. And a few years later I met Milah, and all at once she was patching the hole Liam had left. Years pass by and I feel almost whole again, and then the crocodile had killed her, and again my heart was broken. 300 years pass of feeling like this and I meet you.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing, composing himself. “You were so unlike any woman I’d met, my usual tricks didn’t work, you were feisty and independent, and so strong. You pushed me away but something inside me told me to keep pushing.” Emma can’t help but smile at this, it was true, she pushed him away for so long but after a short while, she didn’t want to push him away anymore.

“And eventually you felt as I did. You had fixed my broken heart piece by piece, and I let myself envision a future for the first time. And then you were cursed. We spent day and night researching, finding a way to bring you back, but when I was told there was no use, that I would have to watch you grow up and not know who I was, not know that you loved me, all the pieces you filled had shattered once more.”

“You’re saying I broke your heart because of my curse?” Emma asks.

“Aye.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Emma tells him.

“You’re glad to hear my heart was broken?” He asks, having a feeling what she was going to say next.

“If it can be broken,” she says, taking a step closer, she can feel his heartbeat, she can hear his breath hitch. “It means it still works.”

And they’re both suddenly transported back to Storybrooke after the missing year when he said those exact words as Killian tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know I’ve heard that before.” Emma pushed him away all those years ago because she was so afraid of letting him in, but there was nothing to be afraid of.

Emma's eyes light up as she smiles at his words, “oh yeah?”

And then Killian puts his arms around her waist and pulls her in close to him and captures her lips. It’s perfect. It’s needed, it’s the first kiss they’ve shared in 25 years and it feels so good. Killian moans into the kiss, he feels stupid for thinking she wouldn’t love him, Neverland plays on your strongest emotions, but kissing her here, in Neverland, the place she first kissed him which made him realise he was falling for her, was incredible.

He breaks the kiss for a moment just to say, “I love you so much.”

And Emma wraps his legs around his waist as he moves them so she's backed up against the nearest tree. He kisses her lips, and then moves onto her neck, placing hot wet kisses all down the side of her neck leaving Emma breathless as she roams her hands in his hair remembering what he felt like after 25 long years.

“Stop. Stop.” Emma says breathlessly as she pulls away from the kiss.

“Swan if you dare say that was a one time thing I will take you down to the Underworld myself.” Killian says causing Emma to practically snort.

“No, no it’s not that!” She says through her laugh, “My family will be expecting me back. Believe me, I want to continue this more than anything, but they want me to report on what I saw and what our plan is.”

“You really think we can get off this Island?” He asks.

“We? You’re coming with us?” Emma asks grinning from ear to ear.

Killian nods. “Aye love, I’m sorry I was a fool, it’s going to take some time to be the man you fell in love with again, but I’m-“

Emma cuts him off with a final kiss, “hey, stop. You’re still the man I fell in love with all those years ago. I get that this place is hard and your heart is still broken, but come home and we can fix it together.”

“I'll tell Henry and we can all meet at his treehouse later on to discuss our plan.” He says giving her a quick kiss before heading back in the direction of his ship.

____

Emma feels relieved, Killian was coming home. They were in this together. She couldn’t stop smiling as she walked back to where her family was.

This night was incredible. Elena, the lost girl she was talking to trusted her enough to talk, and she hoped she had made a difference. Her mothee was a princess, but she felt lost most of the time, she was always working and her father was sick. She was an only child and wasn’t allowed out of the palace much. Her baby brother was also the apple of her parents eyes, he was only a toddler but he seemed to get a lot more attention. Emma understood this, when she got back from New York and her mother was pregnant, sometimes she felt they were looking at her to break the curse, rather than spend time with their daughter. And with her new life, as a child she did feel like her parents spent a lot more time with Neal than her, but as she grew up she realised this wasn’t the case. She could already see that a couple more days talking to her and she wouldn’t find herself in Neverland again.

She hears scuffling behind her.

“Killian? Henry?” She calls out to the noise.

Instead appears a beautiful woman with dark skin, a purple dress and iridescent purple wings to match. A fairy.

“Cecelia?” Emma assumes, fearing the worst.

The fairy smiles. “Ah, so you know of me. Well, I presume you’re Emma. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Look, I don’t want any trouble, I just want to get my son and boyfriend and leave this Island. I won’t come back.” Emma says backing away from the fairy slowly, she knew this fairy was nothing like the Blue Fairy back in Storybrooke, and also nothing like Tinkerbell who was on their side. No, this fairy was the enemy.

Cecelia’s wings flutter as she levitates in the air. “Well see that’s the problem. The two people you want to recuse I need here on this Island, so I’m sorry you are going to have to leave my home without them.”

“And if I don’t?” Emma asks, standing her ground, she needed to show she wasn’t afraid.

The fairy did not like this. She flutters towards Emma and says in a sweet tone, “Then I will kill you and your precious family.” and then turns small and flies away

#never forget you #Captain swan #cs ff #cs fic rec #my Writing #Emma x hook

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