#Neo Tries a Muse

[queenharumiura]

✍️ + Spanner

Send me ✍️ + a muse, and I’ll try my hand at writing as them ||Accepting|| @inciteafflatus

Spanner was hard at work tinkering around with one of his mosca units. They came in a wide array of sizes when it came to him, because he liked to have a variety.

For whatever usage they were going to have, a smaller, and compact size was more suitable. For combat, the larger and more commanding sizes were apt.

Though, one could argue that to boast a true mastery of a craft, you should be able to create in a variety of sizes. He wouldn't allow himself to be called a one-size pony (a lame pun off a 'one-trick pony, mind you).

Others may think differently, but he found the Mosca units to be quite charming. It wasn't until someone tapped his shoulder that he pulled his googles off of his face, wiping some oil onto his cheek in the process.

"What is it? Time for dinner?" Had so much time passed since he was hard at work? He barely remembers having sat down for breakfast. When did lunch pass?

Eyes askance at an offline mosca unit. Right, the mosca he uses as an alarm system was currently offline for maintenance. "Alright, give me 10 more minutes, i'm almost done."

[trickstersshadow]

( No, like, seriously, I love thinking about Neo Etheirys so much and its potential future and stuff. It's a ruined world that has Traverse Town and Aionios in it, with Aionios as its own continent, and it's fun seeing it develop and build and stuff and on some level it gives my muses something to do when I'm often kneecapped in some kind of way.

I so badly want to see it Expand and stuff, too. I find it fun~. And it'd probably help me if I did a blog for it or something, I'm not sure, but the thought is tempting. Same with making a Persona multi again, I just. I want to think of a better name than "ArcanexSouls" even though at the same time it's fine and works and stuff. )

[utterlyvertigo]

☀️ ~ Valeria Fleming, Percy Jackson OC ~ ☀️

🎶 “Without a song or a dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me.” 🎶

☀️ Name: Valeria Fleming (Named after her Grandmother)

☀️ Mortal Parent: Monica Fleming - Lead singer of a Grammy winning rock band “Fleming and The Moonstones.” Can see through the mist, currently one of the mortal vessels of The Muses

☀️ Godly Parent: Apollo - Valeria and Monica both have a really good relationship with Apollo. Valeria was claimed within seconds of her rolling into camp (a sheep knocked her over)

☀️ Total Quests: Currently Zero. Her first Quest (The Quest for the Host) takes place in her third summer in Camp

☀️ Bisexual, she/her

☀️ Was homeschooled, but is going to finish her high school diploma at Alternative High school

☀️ Prays to Hera, and has a very amicable relationship with her. Hera erected turnstiles and Iris message fountains in her cabin so campers would use cabin to contact their families rather than just for collecting rouge volleyballs.

☀️ Val is the only person who ever actually pays the turnstile fees in Hera’s cabin, despite being made a faux drachma to use by Cabin 9

☀️ Weapon of Choice: “Brian” - An enchanted gold arrow (which can disguise itself as an old paintbrush covered in dry paint*) that can be used both as a regular arrow in a bow and a weapon in itself, as it’s controlled by pitch. It was a gift from Euterpe. Valeria also does sword work and has a pretty basic Celestial Bronze sword from camp

*Brian the Paintbrush really exists, it was a gift from my art teacher.

☀️ Shield: Ramona - Valeria and her friends have matching magic bangles that turn into unique shields. Ramona shows the myth of Io, as a cow

☀️ Valeria, like every Apollo kid, has a variant of synesthesia (not my original headcanon, please tag if you know who came up with it!)

☀️ Pet: Mishu - White fancy mouse, acts as a messenger, delivers notes and small objects (no heavier then a full coke can) to other campers

☀️ Special Ability: Valeria has the ability of prophecy. It isn’t as strong or clear as an oracle, which makes her feel rather Cassandrian. It mostly comes in dreams or small visions. It’s never anything particularly clear.

☀️ Valeria is a divination witch, she has several tarot decks and is learning to read tea leaves

☀️ Her pitch is perfect, she has a mezzo soprano voice. There are notes she can’t hit (these end with Brian literally getting shot into her foot)

☀️ Very competitive, and a very sore loser. Once tried to throw a mythomagic figure at Nico because he was beating her

☀️ Banned from attacking people from the chariot the chariot race, has to drive instead

☀️ Loyal to her friends and her siblings. Particularly her little sister Neo

☀️ Listens to music via a Walkman. Often sneaks out to buy more cds/vinyls for her record player.

☀️ Crabby when woken up

☀️ Can get very hotheaded, and a bit arrogant when she isn’t getting her way or being challenged unfairly

[gofancyninjaworld]

OPM Manga Update 247 Review

I was puzzled as to why the translation for this was listed as a redraw, as the previous chapters had covered the entirety of the ninja arc to date before the hiatus. Then I realised that it was the numbering foolishness messing with the translators. EH! Not my problem. Shall we go on?

Summary

The chapter opens with Suiryu being discharged from hospital. He's been given a huge bouquet by the nurses and wished a speedy return to hospital, something he understandably has no plan to do. As he makes his way down the road, his attention is attracted by screaming, which turns out to be coming from a woman about to be eaten by a monster giant anteater. He splits it in half with a single chop, noting with satisfaction that his strength has returned.

He turns back to the business at hand, that of finding the Hero Association and Saitama, and is surprised that every online search for 'hero' brings up the Neo Heroes. Things have definitely changed... but he doesn't have much time to muse on it for he is nearly flattened by the enormous head of what had been a much bigger monster giant anteater. Could Saitama be out here? No, the person who'd sent the monster's head flying was an idol. She introduced herself as Webigaza, and that she was back from her hiatus to work as a Neo Hero as well as sing. She pauses to take a deep drink of water -- she's thirsty -- and then encourages people to support the Neo Heroes before flying off.

Suiryu stares after her like a cat seeing baubles hung up on a Christmas tree. Come to that, maybe he's a little thirsty too. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to check out the opposition first... after all, he can quit right away. Elsewhere, we see an unamused Suiko surprised that her brother has discharged himself without telling her. Her concern quickly turns to outrage when she reads the note he's left for her and realises that he's stuck her with the bill.

He's just the nicest guy, isn't he?

Suiryu arrives at the Neo Hero tower and is quickly ushered into the testing facilities. With difficulty, he gets squeezed into a power suit, all while muttering to himself about how uncool it'd make him if he approached that girl looking like that.

Once on though, he feels the enormous surge of power it brings. Excited, he flexes, and the suit crumbles like a badly-baked biscuit. Worse, he now need to pay for it. Five million, which is more than the three million he earned in the Superfight.

If you break it, you've bought it. Love the detail of Suiryu flexing hard enough to break his remaining armband.

The chapter closes with a weeping Suiryu being introduced to Metal Bat. He's stuck in Neo Heroes until he can earn enough to pay off his debts.

Oh yeah, one final detail. Has McCoy handed in his notice before he started moonlighting for the Neo Heroes? He better have, the rat!

Phew, thank goodness this wasn't longer! Shall we do some meta?

Meta

We're a week on, so the outraged whines of fans expecting a showdown between Blast and Void have died down. It's totally par for the course. All I will say is this:

If you were around when this chapter (chapter 67) was first posted, you'll know that it was well over a year (in chapter 77) that we got to find out what happened.

Yup, ONE reserves the right to go 'Meanwhile...' and go somewhere else, sometimes for extended periods of time. Deal with it.

Saturation Bombing

Well, now we're back to the Neo Hero storyline, and man, when they launched, they launched HARD. They've sopped up all the SEO real estate to crowd the Hero Association off the first page of the search engines. Their TV and billboard ads are everywhere. They've even bought up the storefronts around around their headquarters. And all in the space of days. The wallets bankrolling this venture must be abyssally deep (I will return to this in a sec).

A leopard doesn't change his spots

I won't lie: Suiryu is the character I've had the most trouble seeing the point of. I've tried, but I'm still of the opinion that this lazy, feckless, superficially charming, and not-at-all-nice guy gets given way too much real estate. Well, he may be serious about wanting to be a hero but he's still as feckless as he ever was. Yes, he won a considerable sum of money just before being hospitalised and so had no chance to spend it. Yet, true to his nature, he fucks off and sticks his sister with the bill. And true to his nature, he decides to take a pass at an idol (someone who will have hell to pay if she's even thought to be dating), fully intending to cut and run as soon as he gets what he's chasing after. Well, the wheels were always going to come off sooner or later. Might as well be now. Good.

Chef's Kiss

I know that many people were a bit disturbed to find how... normal Webigaza looks but I think it's FANTASTIC. Why? Well, a slightly creepy idol isn't everyone's cup of tea, but they'd be someone's shot of whiskey, unusual and thus not interchangeable. It's a recognisable brand she'd have been able to build on. That worked *against* Webigaza's stated desperation to stand out and gain lasting fame.

Anyone into the 'creepy doll' look really, really is into it, and won't be substituting them for another.

By making her an absolutely normal-looking idol, loveable but totally replaceable, Murata has understood the brief. I can 100% believe that this Webi is desperate to be different in some lasting way when she looks exactly the same as a dozen other idols. I can 100% believe her when she's obsessed with Sweet Mask and wants what he has when she knows that the crowd that cheers for her today will cheer just as enthusiastically next year for someone who looks and sounds almost exactly like her. That she'll be forgotten despite having poured her entire life into entertaining. And that she'd rather die than see it happen.

Because she looks generic, it makes sense that she's painfully aware of how replaceable she is.

This works. This really, really works.

Let's talk cash, pt. 1: suits of contention

As many sharp-eyed readers have noticed, that suit that Suiryu got given looks awfully familiar. It's a dead ringer for the ones that Tongara's team got given by Narinki.

And once those suits hulked out...

... they looked an awful lot like the ones Hammerhead's crew got their hands on.

No prizes for guessing that this Neo Hero thing is most probably a front for one of the most successful conspiracies in fiction, The Organization. Successful because they're able to work to achieve their aims without anyone blabbing prematurely.

Let's talk cash, pt. 2: debtor's jail

It probably shouldn't surprise us too much that Suiryu is in such good shape after leaving hospital. After all, it wasn't just any hospital he went to but a Hero Hospital, a place where exceptional effort is expended in healing people rapidly. Also a very costly place, as McCoy pointed out to Mad Devil Yankee.

The drop of realism that sells the fantasy harder: yes, there's medicine and technology to heal up incredible injuries and illnesses super fast. But the price is steep!

Oh yeah, the apparent throwaway is becoming quite relevant now. I wonder if someone will point out to Suiko that joining the Hero Association would be a quick way to discharge her brother's medical debt?

I wouldn't mind this brewing Neo Hero saga to stick around a little longer. But I'm easy -- I've long since stopped expecting a particular thing to happen at a given time. All will be well in the end.

[cozwalt]

Final Moments

I've had this one sitting in docs for a good half year. The aftermath of the Spamton Neo boss fight has always interested me and I decided to expand on that.

---

He had given it all he possibly had.

Snap, pop.

So had they.

His joints wracked with exhaustion, his porcelain skin scuffed with two decades of desperation. The puppet raised his tired eyes up to his lenses, they were clouded and foggy with prints and things lost to memory. It was with a solemn sort of defeat he acknowledged the ivy wire around his body, his wrists, his willpower. 

*Footsteps struck the ground in the distant darkness.

What was once the phantom sound of a rotary phone, was now the ticking clock on an old friend’s wristwatch. He was being held ruthlessly in the hand of something fated. It smelled of dust and cobwebs, of murk and… muck. It felt hollow and dark, very dark, it has always been his only companion. Oh, how he craved company.

*There was a soft murmur of armor clinking.

His life rolled like an old film in his mind, for he had done everything he possibly could, but he was, and always would be, thrown away. He tried to deal himself another hand of cards, to barter with his sixth sense, and to argue with his aching gears and circuits. One more time, get up again. It’s all about luck, it’s all about hard work, life is a ladder you climb, he used to muse. There’s nowhere I must go but up.

*The breeze whistled something like sympathy.

The motor in his mechanical heart thumped, shook, and whirred. He smelled of burning electrical, of rust and rotted glass. He was a machine with no checklight, a walking technical malfunction, that no one bothered to help repair. Tell me, how is a broken machine to fix itself?

*The basement walls closed their eyes, and looked away.

The man reared his tired head with an ugly pop, and stared at nothing in particular. No, indeed, he needn't get back up on his feet again, if even he could. For he knew somewhere deep in his wretched gut, that if there wasn’t him to throw away, then there was no one. To try and be big when you are fated to be small, is to watch in hopeless agony as you are hammered down time and time again. He would always be Spamton G. Spamton, the email guy.

It is your fate.

A gentle smile crept onto his face, because oh but, maybe, someone valued him. Maybe, just maybe, in his last moments, he could impart what little about him was useful onto the Lightners. The only people who'd shown him kindness, with no strings attached. He inhaled a shaky breath, and looked on as his only friends walked toward him.

“It seems after all I couldn’t be more than a simple puppet.”

His voice was dry and hoarse, but soft, bracketless. There was no salesman left.

“But you three, you’re strong.”

The smell of burning wires could make a stomach ache. 

“With a power like that… Maybe you three can break your own strings.”

His jaw clacked lifelessly with each syllable. The end was nearer, nearer, yet nearer.

But even still.

“Let me be your strength.” 

[masodemic]

[Eroica Musical Rant] Dorian Red Gloria, Earl of Gloria, Codename: Eroica

(Series masterlist)

Somehow I am the least mad at what they did to him ...

Dorian Red Gloria, the Earl of Gloria, otherwise known as Eroica the Phantom Thief, is one of the most vibrant characters ever written in manga, and my personal favorite. A respected English aristocrat, a revered art thief, Dorian’s aspiration is to live a life full of – capital R – Romantic splendor, defined by thrill, desires and adventures, bordering on hedonism.

Agile, dynamic and fun, Dorian steals not for money but for said vision, as he thinks stealing art is the most Romantic profession – to the displeasure of his long-suffering accountant and countless museum curators around the world. Extremely intelligent, spontaneous, and armed with complete fearlessness, he outsmarts and baffles even the most cold-blooded, hard-boiled, thoroughly-trained international superspies. Other than those attributes, Dorian’s power is derived from being a people person. He has a charisma and wit that can persuade, trick, or provoke anybody.

With my love for this character, I went into this musical expecting to be severely disappointed. I thought at best he would be a gay stereotype, and at worst, boring. But to my surprise, Dorian in this musical is actually fairly decently played. Most of his scenes and lines are kept, and the actor himself does bring some life into the role. He sings, he dances, he delivers the sass required. And I think the decision to have him sing enka in the tank scene is still in-character.

Direction

My only criticism would be that, compared to the original manga, Dorian is not depicted and portrayed with nearly enough power. First of all, the actor is frequently seen very relaxed, and unfortunately, it translates to slight slouches in his posture. But more importantly, due to various factors like staging, writing and productions, some scenes, while kept, were changed massively.

Let’s take this scene where Dorian supplies Klaus with a key piece of information. The chapter leading up to this scene in the manga starts out with Dorian throwing a gala for his fellow crime lords, and Klaus being tasked with maintaining security for a peace conference between the USA and the USSR taking place nearby. Upon hearing that there is a gathering of some of the most powerful underground figures in that proximity, Klaus intrudes on Dorian’s soiree to warn them not to do anything that might disrupt the conference. Dorian reassures his alerted guests, and informs Klaus that they have no such intention.

It is then that a KGB and a CIA agent rush in to tell Klaus that they received a lead that could hint at a neo-Nazi plot aiming to bomb the conference. An argument soon breaks out amongst the uninvited guests and Dorian promptly kicks them all out. Afterwards, Dorian’s close friend Volvonte offhandedly muses that he remembers something about a neo-Nazi of some sort having borrowed money from his organization some time not so long ago – a piece of information crucial to Klaus’s investigation is now, accidentally, in Dorian’s hands. But the party resumes, and it is only later, once everything is done and cleared, that Dorian thinks to call Klaus before going to bed. He is in bed, phoning Klaus like it was a booty-call. He flirts, Klaus tries to hang up, Dorian supplies the piece of information, then flirts some more and ends the call with a big, fat, sloppy kiss over the telephone. So what is significant about this set-up?

For one, Dorian has no obligation to tell Klaus this information that would not only save a peace conference, but many lives, including Klaus’s. The casual manner with which he treats this key piece of information is also important. He doesn’t urge Volvonte to tell him more, he doesn’t rush to tell Klaus, and he doesn’t communicate with Klaus in the manner of subordination, taking the time for pleasantry and flirtation. A casual bedtime conversation for Dorian, in this case, is a matter of life and death for Klaus. Dorian holds the power.

In the stage show, while the context is the same, details are removed, while other unnecessary ones are added. Due to the rushed pace that the show is written with, Dorian’s feelings for Klaus in this arc is intensified, giving him a motivation to tell Klaus the vital piece of information, as he is now deeply worried about Klaus. This level of care at this point in the story is not seen in the manga. Because of this newly-slotted motivation, his nonchalance is diminished, resulting in a serious exchange where it appears as though Dorian also has stakes in the matter, almost like he is working for Klaus. And because he is not in bed, his “advice” to Klaus comes off less as banter and more like sincere advice, and it presents him as naggy, as opposed to flirtatious and funny. That kiss is also waaaayyy too timid.

Costume

When it comes to costume, Dorian in this musical still exceeds everyone else by a mile. I was concerned when promotional materials only show him in one outfit, but thankfully, they had others made as well. Most of them look glamorous enough to look like they could maybe be part of Dorian’s wardrobe (and he might have worn a few of them while extremely intoxicated because this is the 70s).

However, that is not to say they were perfect. Knowing that this is a small production with limited budget, I will look past the fact that even Dorian’s costumes look pretty cheap in terms of material and tailoring. Especially if you compare them to the Takarazuka Revue’s adaptation of Eroica’s spin-off, El Halcon. But what will always be a sore thumb in my eyes is his rubber-looking rubber-sole jagged platform boots.

Why couldn’t we have given him well-fitted heel leather boots? Manga Dorian is on heels even while scaling walls. And heels would certainly look better when he dances. My problem with the ill-fitted rubber sole boots is that they throw the outfit’s proportion and silhouette totally off balance, shortening his legs, the opposite of what you want for a 1970s look. Considering the actor himself is tall enough to pull off a 1970s shōjo manga type look with loooong legs, these boots definitely did him quite dirty.

Speaking of which, Dorian’s inspiration is Robert Plant. Therefore, I definitely would have loved to see the outfits taking more inspiration from the decade, the rock scene, and Robert Plant himself. Manga Dorian’s fashion is a showcase of Aoike’s love for rock’n’roll, European classic arts, and fantastical shōjo manga aesthetics.

It expresses Dorian’s character as someone who romanticizes the fictionalized past and at the same time, poses as a contradiction to convention and norm.

The outfits given to Dorian in this production don’t exactly hold such punch, some of them seem repetitive, while others pale in comparison to his manga counterpart. And that is without mentioning that godawful wig that's somehow both too flat and too frizzy (in a nylon way).

Overall, Dorian in this production worked and I am not mad about him. I would say that most of the criticisms I have for Dorian is the result of staging, writing, and costuming, and none for the casting itself. I do think Nakayama Yuki did, honestly, a good job.

[j0kers-light]

His Lighthouse: She Knows (LedgerJoker x f!reader)

She Knows

series summary:  

Y/n is an aspiring writer living in Gotham City and struggling to find her next muse. Her recent novel is getting all the buzz, earning her far more attention than she signed up for. But when a chance encounter results in her nursing The Joker back to health, will she find the time to write another best seller or will her own story become front page of the Gotham Gazette?

chapter summary:

A series of events led you to this exact moment where you and Joker's worst nightmare finally came true. She knew and you had no doubt she would tell the world.

author’s note:

WARNING CLIFFHANGER AHEAD (again)

Wow! Funny how I’m late but updating on a Wednesday of all days... anyhoo hope everyone had a great Fourth of July if you’re state side. Be petty and listen to She Knows by J. Cole. I had way too much fun adding in memes and pop culture references into this chapter! If you don’t understand one, do message me! I’d be more than happy to explain!

taglist:

@blackreaderatrisk @twinkledinkle @clemdango04 @l3ejm @what-an-angel @darthjokerisyourfather @thatsnoteii @dollster  @cheetahspy @kaidennnnn @urdariingdoll

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!    

Last Chapter  |  Next Chapter 

A series of events led you to this exact moment.

You were in your apartment being accused of everything to Metropolis and back. The accuser happened to be your friend and she wasn't holding anything back.

"How long have you two been together? Y'all were on some secret bull___t that night at the club, I should've known then! Of all people why him, Y/n? Have you lost your mind?!"

The questions kept coming with no end in sight.

Florence was in full rage mode, pointing her coffin acrylics in your face, well on the verge of hysterics. Your audience wasn't too far behind. It was utter chaos in your dining room. Neo braved the fray and tried to tone Florence down but she smacked his hands away and whirled on him instead.

"I don't wanna hear s__t from you!"

"Flo baby—" He tried again until Florence dismissed him with a flip of her middle finger.

"F__k you! I'll deal with you later! Right now, Y/n gotta own up to her s__t! It's the least she can do!"

You glanced at the group of people gathered around your dinner table and sighed. This was beyond embarrassing but unfortunately it was happening all because Dick couldn't keep his mouth shut.

The culprit sat watching the drama unfold with a smug grin on his face. Times like this you hated him so much..

This was all his fault.

He backed you into a corner that you couldn't run from. You were tired of hiding and lying to everyone but that wasn't the point. It wasn't Dick's business to tell and now you were in the hot seat because he decided to meddle. They deserved to know the truth.. but how would you begin to clear up the air and set the facts straight?

"Florence.. please just calm down, and let me explain.."

The sad thing is; you never got the chance to.

Four days ago...

You looked up at Dick when he leaned his forearms on the counter. "So, Y/n? When do I get to meet Prince Charming?"

You were speechless. All you could do was blink as your brain did a full Windows shutdown. You felt like throwing up, curling up into a ball, and screaming out into the ether all at once.

In no way, shape, or form, was this happening. You shook your head and glanced down at the gossip magazine still in your hands. Did Joker know about all this? Was this the mysterious contents of the manila folder you found back at the beach house?

No, you were confident that J would've told you if he knew beforehand.

This was bad news for both you and his career. You were a popular author nationwide with a cult following on social media. You were set to frontline GothCon in a few months and promo ads and interviews about your most recent book were still circulating within the media. Despite all of the buzz, it had been a while since you were followed by paparazzi. You weren't the most exciting person, so you weren't entirely sure what piqued their interest.

Joker would be livid when he found out he was captured twice on camera.

He was still a wanted criminal, going almost three months strong in hiding. This could ruin everything between you and him. Right before it could officially start.

You were rereading the article when Dick spoke up. "Oh and I talked to your mom."

You almost snapped your neck with how fast you looked up. He mentioned it so casually as if he didn't already drop a bomb on your Monday. "You did what?"

"Y/n, please keep up with me here. I talked to Mom. You haven't called her in three weeks! That's tots not like you. Anyways, she and I got to scheming and get this–"

It concerned you with just how close Dick was to your parents. More on that later you suppose. Something told you this next bit wouldn't be good.

"They're coming to visit! I know, I know. It's very last minute, but your dad and I are gonna bbq and I already invited everyone else so you don't have to worry." He beamed from your island counter.

Such a shame you were anything but ecstatic.

Was this a prank of some sort? Did you hit your head over the weekend? Was this a fever dream? You lived in Gotham City for a year now and your parents never came to visit. Not because they didn't love you, more so, both parties involved had conflicting work schedules.

They couldn't have picked a better time to visit. This was all way too much for your brain to process.

"Dick, what? I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Run that back! You can't just make plans with my parents at my place and NOT TELL ME!" You shouted.

You watched him roll his crystal blue eyes, the same ones girls in this city, (and in Blüdhaven) swooned over. When you first met Dick you had to admit, his suave demeanor piqued your interest too.

You quickly got over that silly crush. His attitude was a piece of work. Speaking of... He smirked, "I just did."

As much as you loved Dick Grayson, you wanted to kill him right about now. You sat the magazine down and wiped your face with a groan.

"Hooooooooo my God! You're just like Cindy making it impossible for me to rain check things! When is this happening? Not like my input matters but it'll be nice to know when."

You just spent a relaxing four day vacation away from the city only to return and be forced into a family reunion. What joy.

Dick shrugged his shoulders, "This Thursday." He knew you would panic but the temper tantrum you were having was over the top.

Your neck rolled as your lashes fluttered in disbelief. He popped another snack into his mouth and waited for the inevitable outcry.

"Richard John Grayson!" There it was.

"Using my full name? Now that's sexy." He easily dodged the magazine you threw at his head.

It knocked something over on the counter behind him but neither of you paid it any attention. Dick glanced at you and cringed. He knew that face all too well. You were pissed.

"C'mon, Y/n. It's the perfect weather for a get-together; everyone is free, all you gotta do is unlock the door and look cute. Which wouldn't be too difficult." He added with another one of his boyish smiles.

Unfortunately, you were immune to his charms. This was not how you wanted to spend your week.

Your apartment was in desperate need of a deep clean, you knew Dick depleted your fridge, so that meant more grocery shopping, and quite honestly, you wanted to relax with Joker and spend time with him— not entertain guests!

But Dick went ahead and made plans for you. Without your permission! You had enough and started to chase him around the kitchen and into your living room.

The police officer had the upper hand and always stayed just out of your reach. His laughter floated up to the high ceilings and the husky sound only fueled your anger.

You got even more frustrated from going around in circles and stopped to catch your breath by leaning on the couch. Dick bounced on the balls of his feet, not winded in the slightest.

Since when were you so out of shape?

"Were you out of shape when you took J's dick a day ago?" The devil on your left shoulder asked out of the blue. "Cuz he folded us like a lawn chair." She cackled to herself.

"And we took it like a champ too!" The angel added after she materialized on your right shoulder.

In a rare gesture, she sided with her archnemesis. That's when you knew it was bad.

It was official. You were making a therapy appointment this week. Having full blown conversations with figments of your imagination really needed to stop. You refused to turn into the mentally ill.

Although you'd fit in perfectly within Gotham City and you doubted Joker would mind a looney girlfriend. Woah. Stop right there.

You had yet to tell J that you loved him! What business did you have putting labels on things? You physically shook those thoughts away. Back to the matter at hand.

"Who else.. did you.. invite?" You wheezed out in Dick's direction.

He faked to his left but you predicted his movements and almost got a hold of him if you didn't stumble on the decorative rug. Thankfully your colorful ottoman nearby, thus preventing a bad fall.

"Whatever do you mean Y/n?" He laughed after he knew you were okay.

He thought this was a game. Stupid agile former acrobat..

"You.. know what I mean Grayson!" You shouted as you dived over the dining table but Dick just vaulted over it with the grace of his family's name. You crumbled to the floor on the other side but quickly ran after him back into the kitchen, grumbling along the way.

"Annoying, extroverted, pain in my—"

"Oo! Bad Y/n! No swearing in the apartment!" Dick chided you.

You weren't going to catch him so you looked around for an equalizer.

Dick huffed when you hit him dead in the face with a roll of paper towels. He smacked them aside and raised his arms in surrender when he noticed you found something heavier to throw.

"S__t! Easy! Easy, Y/n! Okay, I'll explain! Just don't hurt my face!"

You lowered the bread box back down onto the counter with a heavy thud. It was solid wood, an heirloom from your mother's side of the family.

"THEN START ELABORATING GRAYSON!"

"Lower your voice. How about we take this conversation to the balcony?" He suggested.

You jutted your hip and crossed your arms, "Why? You scared?"

Dick chuckled to himself. You were a spitfire when you wanted to be. He didn't want to admit it aloud, but your aim was better than a quarterback.

"Yeah.. there's not much out there you can throw at me." He confessed.

The both of you shared a laugh and the tension between you both dissipated. "Alright, fine. I won't hurt that pretty face of yours. For now. Lead the way." You said.

He walked over to hold out his arm like a proper gentleman but not before tipping your chin up with his index finger. "You think I'm pretty, Y/n?"

"Mhm." You hummed, "Pretty annoying."

Dick just laughed and guided you out onto the balcony.

A random breeze tossed your hair as you sat your glass down on the table. Your hands were damp from the condensation and you wiped them off on your jeans as you faced Dick.

He was already staring at you with those clear blue eyes of his. They accessed you like he knew something you didn't. His knowing gaze and the gossip magazine he showed you earlier; your anxiety was at an all time high.

"So... Are you gonna explain or just stare at me all afternoon?"

He sat his own beverage down with a smirk before leaning back on the patio couch.

"The latter sounds like time better spent but.. you do deserve an explanation. Like I said earlier, your parents and I organized this get-together for Thursday. They haven't visited since you moved here and you deserve a breather from work. We all do. It's just our close friends, nothing serious Y/n, so don't go decorating or doing anything extravagant."

"I'll admit, I haven't been around lately since I picked up more shifts back home and.." You blinked in shock watching Dick Grayson, of all people, falter.

He always had the right words to say. You wrung your lip as he nodded to himself and returned your gaze.

"I don't want you lifting a finger, Y/n. Don't fight me on this! I'll clean the apartment for you, just relax these next few days and let me take care of things while I'm here."

You paled. Two months ago if he dropped by wanting to stay over, it wouldn't have been an issue. Dick came and went as he pleased— never staying more than a week at a time, but things were different now.

You had Joker.

And Dick Grayson, a police officer stationed in Blüdhaven with strong ties to Gotham City, could not find out about Joker staying here.

You could fool Barbara and the girls, but Dick with his natural perceptiveness and fondness for being nosy would definitely find incriminating evidence if he stayed over. You couldn't allow that.

"Uh... wow.. I'm uhh shocked that you, of all people, want to clean. Alfred must be clutching his pearls right about now. But um.. you don't have to stay with me Dick. I-I can clean the place and have everything ready by Thurs—-"

He waved off your excuse like a fly. "Nonsense, Y/n/n! I've been here since Friday."

Your ears were ringing and your hands felt clammy. When did it get so hot? Dick didn't notice the early stages of a panic attack occurring right in front of him. "Huh?" 

He took your startled reply with a grain of salt.

"Yeah, I arrived in town late Friday night but I had to check in with the old man and Alfred. That took longer than expected. Then Barbara texted me n' said that you were still out of town, so I crashed at your place instead of going home. I've been chillin over here ever since!"

Your right eye twitched. "H-Here? You slept here?"

Dick quirked an eyebrow. "Yes, Y/n. I just said that. I don't see the problem, I used to stay over in the past, no biggie. I didn't go in your room if that's what you're freaking out about, geez."

Like him going into your room was the issue here. You trusted him in that regard. You were panicking because Joker had temporarily moved into your guest room and the bathroom therein.

All it would take was one out of place item and Dick would ask who was staying with you, or worse. He'd deduce exactly who your roommate is and ruin everything for you.

You had to warn Joker not to come back. Scratch that. You needed to check his room and see if he left anything out.

You stood up abruptly and mumbled out an excuse.

"You know what? I really need to um, get caught up on.. uh laundry. Yes! Laundry and dusting! And have you seen those plants of mine? Dry as a bone! I should ahhh... do that. Water that. Them, I mean..."

You turned to make a beeline inside but Dick's voice halted your steps.

"Stop." He stood and eyed you pensively as he got closer.

"You ramble when you're nervous and it's rare that you let your place get so far behind on chores. Which tells me that you haven't been home in a while. Just how long have you been gone, young lady?" You avoided his gaze, picking you apart.

'Honestly Y/n, make yourself look more guilty.' You groaned internally.

Dick's eyes shifted to your shoulder to the array of bite marks finally healing from the weekend.

"You have been naughty, Y/n!" You flushed red and pushed him away.

Dick hardly moved. "Finally got laid huh? Was it Prince Charming? Did he fly you out so you could get some D? D__n Y/n, he must be really good then."

Technically he was right. Joker did in fact fly you out to Massachusetts and his stroke game was immaculate... but that wasn't the point here!

Dick laughed even harder when you rolled your eyes. "But we both know that's not the full truth. He stays here too."

He smiled at your horrified face. "Uh huh. I saw his stuff in the guest room. Woah, easy here Y/n! Don't go passing out on me!"

You swayed on your feet and Dick's arms shot out to catch you.

"Geez, dramatic much? I'm happy if you're happy, but I still want to meet him. I gotta talk to him and all."

The sun on the balcony was frying your head. Dick was talking out of his neck at this point. "T-Talk? About what?"

Dick just shook his head and drew you in for a hug.

"Y/n. Despite the hard time I give you, you're like a little sister to me. So if this guy means a lot to you, well. I wanna meet him. Someone's gotta give him a good Blüdhaven warning and I volunteer since I have all this natural intimidation going on."

You didn't have the heart to tell Dick that Joker was taller than him and far more intimidating. You simply snorted and accidentally spoke aloud.

"Tuh, good luck with that."

Dick leaned back so he could look down at you with a purple Riddler mark on his face.

"Nothing, I-I didn't say anything." Something flashed in his clear blue eyes but it was gone before you could question what.

He was back to himself in record time.

"O..K.. Hey! Why don't you go get your laundry sorted out and I'll start dusting the ceilings, yeah?" You jumped and shined your e/c eyes up at Dick.

"You'll dust for me?! Last time I almost died going up the ladder."

Dick sighed and rolled his gaze upward. "Y/n, you are too accident prone to be on anybody's ladder."

You awkwardly laughed and hugged your brother. You never had a sibling before. It was new and exciting until too much physical contact got overbearing.

"Mkay, that's enough." You pushed him away to begin the aforementioned chores.

Thankfully Dick wasn't insulted and left you to your own devices.

You watched him mosey back inside and disappear into your storage room, most likely, to fish out the cleaning supplies. While he was distracted, you sprinted to your bedroom with your phone.

You were grateful that Joker gave you his number over the weekend. However he said it was only to be used for emergencies. You considered him coming back and accidentally meeting Dick an emergency. You had to avoid them meeting at all costs.

You sealed yourself in your bedroom and made sure you dialed the one-call number correctly and waited.

It rang and rang and your stomach felt like it was sitting atop a rollercoaster hill, waiting for him to answer.

And without momentum, you rolled back to the station. It rang to a generic message. You weren't sure how you felt about leaving a voicemail but you already came this far, you couldn't waste the dial you made. So you took a deep breath and began.

"J.... It's me. Um. I have a friend over. Like staying over over. It's not safe for you to come back anytime soon. Please don't be upset with me. I also have a big family dinner this Thursday that I can't back out of so, please. Please, J! Don't come back until I give you a signal. I'll find a way.. I lo.. Ahhhh, um uh b-bye!"

You ended the call with shaky hands.

Did you almost say that on a freaking voicemail? Of all the worst times to confess, that would have been so anticlimactic. Thank goodness you caught yourself from making a complete fool of yourself.

Joker deserved a better declaration than some halfhearted mention on a voicemail that he'd probably would never listen to.

'Y/n, pull ya together girl. He's probably just busy.. '

He did sacrifice an entire weekend of his time to kick it back with you. He was probably drowning in whatever stuff a psychotic crime boss did at the office. Did Joker even have an office?

You pictured him behind an executive desk stacked high with papers and quickly wiped that image from your mind. It was replaced with J sliding down stacks of counterfeit money and torturing people in seedy back rooms. That was a better reality than Joker in an office setting.

You sighed and programmed your brain to focus on laundry and not on a certain criminal that vexed your heart and soul.

Little did you know— your mental imagery of him was spot on.

Joker was in fact working overtime to make up for his weekend vacation with you. In the short timeframe the two of you parted ways, he met up with Frost to go over pressing matters.

Joker knew about the photos.

It was upsetting that there were images of him floating around but it was more damaging to you. He tried to stop it on Thursday night, but the pap gave him and his men the slip.

Joker made sure you were safely tucked in at the hotel before he and Frost tore Atlanta apart trying to find the scumbag.

Joker thought that flying out of state would shake the trail, but this photographer was good. Too good, as if they had inside intel that helped them stalk you and Joker to Martha's Vineyard. Joker hated lots of things but he hated a rat the most.

Finding the snitch within his own organization proved to be difficult when Joker wasn't in Gotham City, so he had to wait until Monday to continue his investigation. He played things off and calmed your nerves at the beach house after that envelope came and made things worse.

Joker did not like being taunted. He needed to get to the bottom of this issue quickly. It was already irritating him.

The second he landed the jet at the Archie Goodwin International airport, outside of Gotham City proper; your security detail was there and waiting. You were sent off to your apartment and Joker immediately got to work.

Back to reality it seems.

Joker questioned if it would be easier to just whisk you away to some remote location until all of this blew over, but he knew you wouldn't go for it. You were independent and stubborn. You wouldn't hide like a coward. He admired that about you.

Too bad this was a serious threat that needed to be addressed and being stubborn about it could get you killed.

Some of your freedom would be sacrificed in order to protect you. Hopefully you would understand.

A pep rally, a test of loyalty, and a mass execution later, Joker weeded out the loose ends within his gang. One managed to give good information before croaking over and Joker saw red.

The bad feeling he had back at the airport was coming true. Things were far worse than he expected.

He followed the lead and lo and behold, it led back to his current best friend, Ivan Burbanc. Granted, Ivan didn't feel honored being Joker's friend, in time, maybe they could warm up to each other.

He already had the best seat in the house; a rickety chair underneath a light bulb, tucked away from prying eyes— although Ivan couldn't appreciate all of this since he had a sack over his head. His arms and legs were tied down and he was a frantic mess assuming the worst, until a door opened a little ways off.

Joker nodded at Mac to leave. The blond was standing guard and tossed over his shoulder, "We ruffled him up a bit during the grab. He's all yours, Boss."

Joker hummed in response. Quite honestly he didn't care about the lesser details. He just wanted to get the intel he needed and move on.

The more time he spent working was another minute spent away from you. Joker was like a drug addict needing his fix and you were an island over, blissfully unaware that Joker was getting his hands dirty, all to keep you safe.

The less you knew, the better. But he needed to see you soon.

He approached the paparazzi with calculated steps. The poor guy was nearly pissing himself in fear but Joker needed him to choke on it to get the answers he sought.

Ivan knew someone entered the room. Their exact location was unknown.

He jumped when he heard an eerie voice to his immediate right. "I just wanna know why. Why? Whyyy did you do it?"

Such an ambiguous question but it prompted the desired response. "Why what? I-I don't know what you're talking about man! I'm just a photographer! Please, you gotta let me go!"

"Just a pho-to-graph-er? Hm.. so uh, stalking and harassment are just perks of the eh.. job? You see. You tooK a picture of someone. Thursday. Night. And that... thaT. That is a big problem, uh Ivan? Is it?"

By this point, Ivan realized he was in deep s__t. This wasn't just some average Gotham City misunderstanding.

It wasn't out of place for a citizen to find themselves snatched from the street if they dabbled in crime. Being a paparazzi at times required him to get his hands dirty, but he was still a well rounded guy! This could all still be some misunderstanding! Maybe they nabbed the wrong guy?

He knew he shouldn't have taken that side gig but money was tight this month. It was just a simple shot, nothing too crazy! He was already in Atlanta so what did he have to lose except so much to gain?

He felt something sharp drag over his bare arm and panicked when it pierced the skin there. A simple graze, although deep enough to draw blood.

Whoever kidnapped him meant business. It was in his best interest to start talking.

"Ow! Alright, alright I-I was hired man!" The unknown voice asked by whom and Ivan scrambled to remember.

"Uh it was uh. S-Some anonymous tip! It wasn't through my normal means of intel but it said Y/n L/n would be flying out to Euphoria. They wanted a scandalous shot of her or something equivalent. I was already in the area so I acted on it! S-She's a high price celeb since she's so sheltered. One pic of her can go for like, thousands if it's good! E-Easy money!"

Joker's lip curled in a snarl. Was that all you were to these people? A dollar sign? Was he the only one that cared about your well being?

"You think my Light is just some quick buck?"

Ivan cringed further back into his chair at the declaration. Great, now he had an angry bf to deal with. "Okay.. l-listen buddy.. I didn't know she was your girl.."

Joker ripped the bag off from Ivan's head. It took a minute for his eyes to adjust to the room's dim light, but once he recovered and saw who was in front of him, he knew he was a dead man.

"The Joker! S__t, okay.. okay! I–I'm sorry alright! I can't r-retract the spread, but we can make a deal right? Right?"

He was stumbling over his words so badly that Joker hardly understood the useless plea. He was busy thinking of ways he wanted to end this pathetic life to listen fully.

He still needed a name though.

"Fine. I li-ke deals. Who gave you the tip?" Joker asked.

The blade in his hand twinkled in the light as he locked eyes with his prey with an unreadable look. His reputation alone explained what was going to happen here if Ivan didn't respond. It motivated him to babble out nonsense.

"I.. ah.. uh some third party! I told you, I dunno! It was mad sketchy bro, but I took the risk!"

"Hmm. Well uh eye-van? Was it worth the risk?" Without warning, Joker jammed the knife into Ivan's thigh and just like he expected, this guy was a screamer.

Good thing the walls here were thick. It had been a while since Joker heard the sweet sound of sheer terror. It washed over him like a fond memory, yet he itched for more. Joker cracked his neck and waited for the screams to die down.

"Oh Ivan. Ivan, Ivan, Ivan, look at me! Hi.. you think thaT was bad. No. No. WaiT, till I take it out. Yeah? So! Who? Gave. You. The. Tip?" Right at the last word, Joker yanked the knife out.

Outside the room, Mac and another goon were placing bets on how long it would take to get results. All that was heard was muffled screams and Joker's maniacal laughter. It was good to hear the boss happy again.

"I dunno.. Boss is in a good mood today n' you know how he gets with a screamer. Maybe an hour?"

Mac nodded sagely. "Good point. Fifty says he'll drag it out."

In total, it only took twenty eight minutes.

Joker knocked on the door twice and emerged composed and cordial to the two goons stationed out front.

One of them offered him a towel to wipe his hands with and they were wise enough not to comment on the gory mess Joker left inside.

They could see it from here.

"If ya don'T mind.. Uh cleaning up my errr.. yeah." Joker vaguely pointed over his shoulder. He didn't stick around to hear them agree.

He got the name he wanted but unfortunately, it wasn't one that he knew. More digging around which meant this would take a lot longer than he had anticipated.

Joker was slightly limping down the hall when his coat pocket chimed. His leg was giving him problems again. He sighed and leaned his bodyweight on the wall and fished out the pesky device. Sure enough, one voicemail was left on his burner phone. Frost knew better than to make such a rookie mistake so that meant...

You.

Joker had the phone up to his ear in record time. Your sweet, melodic voice instantly calmed his nerves. That is until he actually listened to what you had to say. The two of you really had terrible luck.

One of your friends must've been staying over and you were so bent out of shape thinking he would be upset. He was, but it was so refreshing to hear you say please, that Joker didn't catch your last sentence for what it (almost) was.

This break would actually work out in his favor. He still needed more time to hunt down this thorn in his side and finally get to the bottom of his security leak. There was still a rat scurrying around that he needed to catch.

Thursday would give him plenty of time to do just that without being distracted— worrying about you.

Joker knew you wouldn't leave the apartment after being away for so long and your family dinner thingy would assure that you stayed in one place and not land into any trouble. Joker still had security cameras installed in your apartment if he really wanted to check in with you.

He couldn't help to be a little curious about your folks.

Now that he thought about it, you never mentioned them before. He wondered what your relationship with them was like and how they treated you in kind. Maybe he would tune in and check in on things..

Four days apart after such a wonderful weekend with you would be utter torture but Joker nodded to himself with conviction. He could(n't) do this. But he had to.

He also had to destroy this burner phone since you left a voice message on it so— he didn't see the harm in sending you a text before dumping it.

That was the only explanation he had for taking a risk, not just to soothe his separation anxiety, but yours as well.

OK see u Thurs my Light 🃏

You were shocked to see your phone light up with an unknown number messaging you.

Then you saw the playing card and instantly knew who it was. You weren't expecting a response from J. The fact that he did, felt like you were finally going down that rollercoaster at full speed.

Never mind the fact that he sent it an hour after your call or that his message was cut and dry. Despite how busy Joker was, he took the time out to text you back. That's what mattered. 

He listened to your voicemail! (and hopefully didn't catch your word fumble at the end.) You didn't care that you were in front of Dick when you smiled wide.

"Oooooh. Someone's in love."

And cue the record scratch. You watched Dick descend the ladder to face you. He set the duster down and crossed his arms at your high pitch reply.

You immediately denied it. "N-No no I'm not! You don't know what you're um talking about!"

"Y/n. You can't see your face right now but you're glowing and not that, I just finished writing a novel, glow. Whoever this guy is, he's got you down bad."

"I am not down bad..." You echoed.

Dick fixed you with a, "why is you lying" look. You huffed and scurried over to your floor length mirror to see for yourself.

You looked the same in your opinion. After talking on the balcony with Dick, you changed into some old cleaning clothes and tied your hair up and out of the way. A few curls peeked out from under your bandana to frame your face, leaving you with a messy, but natural, look.

Your skin did look aglow and fresh but that could very well be from your stress free weekend with J. Other than that..

Dick came up behind you and rested his hands on your shoulders. "Ya see it? You look in love."

You were still unsure yet the longer you stared, that unknown but familiar, feeling bubbled up to the surface. All the feelings that you kept bottled up since the beginning, festered front and center before reaching a tipping point.

You weren't supposed to let Joker in. He wasn't supposed to have a chance with your heart. But he found a way in, no matter how many walls you erected to keep him out. Joker still managed to tear down each one to get to you.

And today, you looked at your reflection in the mirror and let the last wall crumble down.

"You're right. I.. I'm in love." You whispered to your reflection. The smile that stared back confirmed it.

It was the only thought on your mind for three days straight. In the meantime..

You finally got around to cleaning your apartment– from the vaulted ceilings down to the decorative rugs. Every nook and cranny in between had been cleaned.

The balcony doors were left open to circulate fresh air into the place to expel all of the strong chemicals you mixed to clean while Dick kept his promise and helped when something was out of your reach or too heavy to lift.

He became concerned when you opted out on wearing a mask to mix Pine-Sol and Comet together.

"Are you trying to kill us?!" He coughed and gagged when you added bleach and Ajax into the strong concoction. Was it supposed to sizzle like that?!

"I'm tryna kill the germs, yeah." Men were such lightweights. You'd been mixing chemicals to clean since you were a kid.

He's lucky you didn't bust out the Fabuloso.

As the fumes died down, you made an extensive grocery list and glared at Dick for depleting your fridge and cupboards in such a short amount of time.

Did he not eat at home? You knew he stayed at Wayne manor periodically and Alfred was a beast in the kitchen, so there was no excuse there.

You didn't know his living situation back home in Blüdhaven but still. Why did he raid your fridge every time he came over?

He laughed it off and mentioned he would foot the bill plus the delivery cost since it would be too much for the both of you to haul back on your own. He went ahead and included the necessary things for the scheduled dinner party and you cringed at the total.

He didn't bat an eyelash at the number and swiped his black credit card. Dick Grayson got moneeeeeeey!

Mind you, you did too, but old money tends to hit a lot more differently.

With the penthouse clean enough to meet your high standards and everything prepared for Thursday, you and Dick spent the remainder of the week catching up and lounging around.

Dick preoccupied his time by watching a popular tv series. You bid yours toiling in front of your laptop. The sound of your fingers flying over the keys floated throughout the penthouse and it was just like old times.

There was a sense of calmness that you hadn't felt in quite some time. You almost forgot that you were deeply involved with Gotham's City's most wanted criminal. Almost.

A startling reminder of your predicament flashed on the tv screen late Wednesday night. You were working on your wip on the floor while Dick relaxed on the couch after dinner.

You recognized GCN's nightly female reporter's voice as she drowned on about some political news before getting to the segment headliner.

"Now onto developing news. Sightings of the notorious Joker shook the Roanoke Mall early this afternoon. Local shoppers were terrified to discover the clown was among them, not as a terrorist, but as a consumer. Our correspondent Emily Vega reports. Emily."

The coverage panned from the studio to a blonde who was standing next to an eyewitness.

Emily nodded for a full minute before giving a delayed greeting. She then recapped the situation before handing the mic over to the witness.

GCN flashed their name and title on a banner yet you paid no attention.

"It was crazy! One minute everything was fine, the next The Joker and a few of his crew came strolling in, lookin' around! I thought they were gonna rob the place but get this! He just walked up to the counter and asked for one of my coworkers. I was scared because you don't just talk to The Joker without you know." They made a throat cutting gesture before continuing.

"Yeah, him and Rick just talked in the corner and right when I thought, yeah we're gonna die, keep in mind Rick ain't the best talker; The Joker bought somethin'! Paid in cash, asked for gift wrapping, and everything! You know when I stop and think bout it.. he's actually a nice guy..."

Emily jerked the microphone back and quickly ended the segment. "Reporting live from Jacob and Co. back to the studio."

The time on the clock tower behind her put the initial interview around midday.

Apparently this happened earlier and GCN was resharing the information, you surmised.

"Very scary. Thank you Emily. Management at Jacob and Co. known for their pricey custom jewelry, refused to comment on what exactly was discussed and purchased by The Joker, but the GCPD has since taken over the investigation with hopes of his recapture being imminent. As of today, The Joker remains at large for three long months. When more information arises, count on GCN to report it to you live. Now onto the recent missing persons report of a controversial photographer Ivan...."

You jumped when Dick spoke up.

"A nice guy? Are they even talking about the same Joker? Him and nice in the same sentence? He probably threatened the employees to keep quiet. Geez, when will the people of Gotham learn that The Joker is extremely dangerous?" Dick preached from your couch.

You enjoyed when Dick got passionate about things and ranted but this anger felt personal somehow..

You trailed your eyes away from him and back to the tv screen.

The reporter was going on about the missing paparazzi but your mind was elsewhere. Dick looked at you when you hummed aloud. "Huh. I wonder what he bought."

You locked eyes with Dick who looked anything but amused by your random thought. "What?" You asked.

"That's what you're thinking about Y/n? Not the fact a wanted man walked into a jewelry store and walked out without the authorities being called, but about what he purchased?No one sees the problem here! On that note, I'm going to bed and you should too. We got a big day tomorrow."

Dick turned off the tv and stepped over you to head to bed.

You were left stunned in the dark after his outburst but still thinking about what J bought.

Jacob and Co. was rather pricey and it just so happened to be the same jeweler you bought most of your favorite pieces from.

What was Joker up to?

"I'll know soon enough I guess." You mumbled to yourself. Dick did have a point though.

Tomorrow was a big day and you needed all of the rest you could get. Joker looked alright on tv so that put your mind at ease to start your nightly routine for bed.

Finally it was Thursday.

You really didn't want to entertain guests today but the sooner you did, the faster you could send everyone home and call for Joker to return.

You were missing him more and more by the day.

It was the mantra that motivated you to wake up and get ready. Dick stated all you had to do was look pretty and open the door, so you followed his instructions.

Once you washed up, you donned a simple but stylish denim jumpsuit. You didn't bother with shoes and let your freshly painted toes add a pop of color to your ensemble.

You also choose to wear your hair down for a change and tucked the excess back behind your ears.

When you opened your bedroom door, an explosion of smells hit your nostrils. Dick was already in the kitchen with his Kiss the Cook apron on (it looked better on Joker) over a pair of shorts and a simple tee.

Dick's natural looks could make anything look high end. He noticed you hesitating in the archway and beckoned you over with a loud greeting.

"Good morning Y/n/n!! I'm just chopping up some veggies and finishing up the marinade for the meat. Wanna help?"

You shrugged and walked over. It was then you saw the unorganized chaos Dick was orchestrating.

"Chile, what's on the menu?" You chuckled.

"I'm glad you asked! Your dad and I are bbq three types of meat, the slaw is in the fridge; ready to mix. Beans are prepped for the oven. Mom is bringing the greens since I couldn't find collards in this wretched city to save my life... We'll have pasta and potato salad as vegan options for her. I do need you to make cornbread and the Mac and cheese however." He grinned at you.

Your eyes bugged at the menu presented. Good thing you went ahead and decorated the table against Dick's instructions. Nothing serious he said.. this was a banquet!

But then you replayed his speech and stopped short.

"I thought I wasn't supposed to do anything but look cute and open the door, Grayson?" You crossed your arms with a playful grin.

He noticed it and groaned. Of course you caught his quickly spoken request.

"C'mon.. Y/n! You make the best Mac and cheese I've ever tasted and I.. always overcook the cornbread." He looked away, dejected.

You snorted and got out the necessary ingredients before tossing your insult over your shoulder. "That's because you ain't got no ancestors to tell you how to season."

You laughed at his butthurt face.

"Funny. Real funny." He griped.

The two of you quickly found a rhythm in the spacious kitchen to finish preparing everything before the guests arrived. Time got away from you both but around noon, there was a knock on the door.

Dick was elbows deep in potatoes so you quickly wiped your hands clean and made for the front. "Coming!"

You opened the door to Barbara and Morgana's wide smiles.

"Did someone order your favorite dessert?" Barbara sang while pointing to the big travel container in her lap. You squealed and let them in. "You baked?!"

"I sure did! I made all your favorites and Dick asked for a pie. Weirdo." She let Morgana push her in so she could keep a good grip on the sweets.

You eyed Morgana empty hands and arched an eyebrow. "Uhhh what did you bring?"

"Myself, thank you." She jokingly quipped.

You held back a laugh. There was always that one person at the cookout who came empty handed. You never guessed it would be her.

Though not surprising, Morgana busted out bottles of alcohol from thin air and started mixing a fruity sangria and a separate nonalcoholic lemonade batch for the party. You just shook your head at your friend. Where she kept magically procuring alcohol from, you'll never figure out.

You left the two girls to their mixing to help Dick back inside the kitchen.

More time passed and the penthouse was abuzz with more delicious aromas and laughter. You barely heard the doorbell since Barbara tapped into your speakers and started a playlist for everyone.

Luckily Morgana heard it and moseyed over to answer it. She opened the door, drink in hand, but quickly dropped everything to help the esteemed guests inside.

"Grayson! Those ribs better be on the grill!"

You and Dick froze after hearing the loud, but familiar, bellowing voice.

He dropped a mixing spoon on the floor and locked eyes with you. After that, it was a race to see who could hug them first.

Naturally he beat you to the living room simply because you stopped about halfway at the sight.

You hadn't seen your parents for an entire year and my, how nothing changed.

Your dad was still tall and imposing with his split eyebrow and sharp features. He had a protective arm wrapped around your mother who literally seemed to be invincible to age. The only factor to hint at it was the tasteful streaks of grey in her luscious hair. And quite frankly, it could pass as a money piece hair dye.

Other than that, the two of you could be twins.

Time seemed to stop when two pairs of e/c locked paths. The bushel of greens in her hands were passed off to her husband the moment she saw your eyes water.

"Mama..."

Everyone in the room watched the long awaited reunion. You didn't care how old you were; you hadn't seen your mother in a year. So much happened since then that your emotions simply got the better of you.

You moved out for the first time to a completely different city. You were held at gun and knifepoint, almost killed at your charity, rescued from said event and then abducted from your home by a schizophrenic, former district attorney. You've been through so much without your mother's shoulder to lean on.

Everything just came pouring out. You weren't making a lick of sense, but she just hugged you closer and petted your hair.

"My baby! What did this mean ol' city do to you? Dry your tears, love. Oh don't you look so beautiful, doesn't she honey?" She twisted a bit so your father could join the hug.

He too was a little misty eyed but real men didn't shed tears. Okay, maybe one or two.

"Yeah she does! Both of my girls are." He kissed both your forehead and his wife's before smiling down at his armful.

The family was back together.

"C-Can I join the family hug please?" The three of you looked over at Dick who was bashfully waiting his turn.

Morgana and Barbara both called him an idiot but much to their surprise, he was snatched up by your father and inducted into the hug. Apparently he was part of the family after all. Who would've thought?

Your mother let you go with a wet chuckle and started to dote on Grayson.

"And look at you! Ack! You look so pale! Have you been getting your necessary nutrients? What about you Y/n? You both look so skinny! Lemme go put these greens on so y'all can eat. C'mon on Y/n! We can catch up while we pick 'em!"

You wiped your face dry. "Yes ma'am."

You weren't that skinny right? You shared a look with Dick who— mind you, was all muscle, and fit as can be. He rolled his eyes not believing it either.

You look fine, he mouthed to you before your dad slapped him loudly on the back. It sounded like a clap of thunder. Dick hardly budged at the impact.

"I'm serious boy. If them ribs ain't on the grill by now, you done screwed up." Your dad bellowed.

They shared a laugh as they made their way to the balcony where the grill was indeed steady cooking the various meat for the feast. That left the girls to gather in the kitchen, sharing laughs and jokes about your year so far living in the city.

Your mom was placing a lid on a boiling pot when Barbara continued the recap. "We finally got her to go out clubbing with us!"

Morgana quickly swallowed her drink and added, "Yeah Mrs. Y/L/N, we were flown out to ATL and had a blast!"

"Really? My Y/n at a club? I'd pay money to see that." Your mom joked. You flushed red and whined, "Ma.."

"Don't Ma me. I'm so used to you indoors with a book in hand. Or better yet, writing one. I'm still waiting for a tour of the place. Your royalties but be something else to afford the top floor."

You jumped to attention and did just that.

Even though Barbara had been over numerous times, she came along as well as Morgana. Being the new friend of the circle, Morgana didn't have the opportunity to venture past your living room and was excited to see the rest of the place in its entirety.

"Four bedrooms, one of them is empty at the moment. Two and a half baths. A massive storage room, my own laundry room, two private balconies and have you seen this view?" You led everyone past your sunroom and out to the balcony where Dad and Dick were glazing the ribs with bbq sauce.

Your mother gasped in awe after you mentioned the view.

She could see Dini Highway from here, it was incredible. Yet the verdict was still out. "Are you happy here?"

You were stealing a taste of the sauce while your dad wasn't looking but heard the question. "Uh.. yeah! I love it here, Mom. I tell you and dad that all the time when I call."

"Then why didn't you show us your room?"

Morgana choked on her drink. Barbara and Dick pointedly looked away and your Dad noticed all of this and addressed the elephant in the room.. or correction; balcony.

"Y/n. You're not isolating yourself again are you? We talked about this... It ain't healthy." He sighed.

Your mother, being a doctor, nodded in agreement alongside him.

You were on your own since your friends weren't entering this fight but thankfully the doorbell ringing saved you. You dodged that awkward bullet. Saved by the bell.

You padded back inside to the foyer and opened the front door, although you quickly wished that you hadn't.

"Ayyyyyy!! Sorry we late! We bought Tequila!" Florence cried out before giving you a hug. She bounced you around in a circle yet your attention was on her plus one standing behind her.

Neo held up the two decorative tequila bottles and winked. Lovely. Florence and booze. What could possibly go wrong?

By the time Florence and her date arrived, the food was ready.

You called everyone over to your dinner table where the vast spread spanned the massive table. Dick brought over the steaming cuts of meat and set them center stage around the other side dishes and fixings to eat.

"This is a lot of food.." Barbara awed.

"Yes indeed! We can thank Grayson for buying and cooking it all but most importantly, let's thank Him. May we bow?"

The table nodded and began to bow their heads. As you were closing your eyes, you spotted Neo rolling his.

Rude, but what could you say? You weren't about to force your family's religion on anyone. It was optional.

Your mom ended Grace beautifully and prompted everyone to dig in. Her and Dick really worked hard to get everything on the table and you could hear multiple stomachs growling; everything looked so good.

The sound of fine china rattling and polite chatter filled the air.

"Mr. Y/L/N, Y/n told me that you don't drink so I made a nonalcoholic version for you." Morgana said while pouring your dad a glass.

She was making her way around the table, filling up everyone's glasses with their selected drink before taking a seat next to you.

"Heh, thanks. Twelve years and I don't wanna get yelled at by my girls." As soon as he said that, you and your mom stared him down like a hawk.

"My point exactly." He laughed while taking a sip. "Mmph, that's good! Might steal that recipe from you Morgana!"

"See Y/n. My non-alcoholic drinks are just as good as the original." She raised her glass to your father at the head of the table, opposite of you.

Your mom was seated to his left and sipped his choice just to make sure. Not bad at all.

She remembered you saying on a call that Morgana and Florence were the heavy drinkers of the group. Not that she didn't trust them, but the virgin drinks looked the same as the alcohol infused one that Florence was tipping back.

Florence looked over at your mom who was seated to her right and smiled. Dick was serving Neo a portion of bbq at the end of the table, on your right.

Dick didn't know the guy but he came with Florence so he couldn't say much. He honestly just seated him next to you since it was the only empty seat left.

Once Dick sat down in his own seat, (on your dad's right and Barbara's left) he whispered in her ear asking who Neo was.

"Florence's client/boyfriend. He's the one that flew us out to Atlanta." Barbara whispered back.

Dick nodded briefly and sized the guy up.

His experience as Nightwing told him this man was bad news. But you seemed to be at ease around him if the pointed glares you sent his way were any indication. You were a good judge of character so Dick wasn't that worried.

Everyone was eating and tossing stories back and forth over dinner when the doorbell rang again.

You frowned and sat your fork down, looking down the table at Dick. "....You expecting anyone else? You only said eight plate settings."

He was already asking Barbara and Morgana to slide down to make room. Not like they needed to move, since your table was already long enough and technically could seat twelve— but you were curious as to who else he invited.

"Aren't you going to answer the door sweetheart?" Your mother scolded you.

She taught you manners so you scooted your chair back to go answer the door. You didn't check the peephole before swinging the door open.

You blinked a mile a minute when Bruce Wayne stood in your small hallway holding a black bag. "Bruce?"

"Good evening. I apologize for being late. Work held me longer than I was expecting. May I come in?" He was dressed casually in a dark shirt and slacks and dang it, he looked good.

"Uhhhh.. I guess?" You stepped aside to let him come in as you mentally berated yourself for thinking about Bruce in such a way.

That chapter is closed Y/n. You have Joker now. Why are you even looking at Bruce like that? He's easy on the eyes, but girl! J is built different out here! He all types of daddy.

You nodded to yourself and closed the front door. When you returned to the dining room, everyone had greeted Bruce (except Neo of course) with open arms.

"Y/n!! You didn't tell me you knew Bruce Wayne!!" Your mother was over the moon at the possibilities.

You fixed her with a deadpan glare and gestured to Dick. "Mom. Dick Grayson is right there, whatchu mean?"

"She has a point, babe." You dad came to your defense. The two men were a packaged deal.

Dick waved at his guardian when he sat down at your left. Of course Dick updated the seating so this could happen. Sneaky little..

"This food looks amazing! Once again I apologize for arriving so late." The businessman mused as your mother personally fixed him a plate.

You joined Neo in giving Wayne an annoyed glare. Florence noticed the two of you shared reactions far too similar for it to be a coincidence.

Bruce asked for a little of everything and leaned over to ask you a question. "Is that your mother or your sister, Y/n?"

Your mom laughed and gave him a generous serving of potato salad after overhearing his genuine query.

"Y/n! Is he always this gregarious?" She swatted his broad shoulders as she made it back to her seat.

Everyone was off in their own sidebar conversations but you still attempted to reply to your mother from across the table. "Uh, sure I guess. I-I mean, I wouldn't know.."

"You don't know? Dick told us you stayed with Wayne for two weeks." Your dad said at the head of the table.

Your mom agreed with him and added, "..and you said you enjoyed this past weekend away out of town. I thought it was with Bruce."

Neo snickered into his glass and thus stole the table's attention. He had been quiet for the duration of dinner but he couldn't contain his comment any longer. "Oh she enjoyed her weekend alright. Not with him tho."

The entire table went dead silent.

You weren't the only one staring at the club owner in shock. Was he being serious right now? You kicked him under the table but he didn't seem phased.

Florence was also quiet, reading into things more than she should've, and grew way too curious over time. She had to know about this weird chemistry between you and Neo.

"How would you know? You told me you had business to attend to over the weekend." Her nails tapped erratically against her glass, making Barbara and Morgana tense.

Neo scoffed. "I did. Someone had to keep Princess safe."

Your mother choked on her lemonade and Bruce narrowed his eyes at this shady guy. He didn't like how he used a pet name so casually with you.

Your jaw dropped and stared at Neo as if he grew a second head. He hadn't used that nickname for you in ages.

Florence eyed Neo briefly and laughed at your bewildered face. "Oh.. okay! Okay. I see what's good. So y'all f__king, huh?"

"Oh s__t." Barbara smacked Dick's arm for interrupting but returned to watch the drama unfolding. That didn't stop his mouth from running. "Wait.. is this Neo guy your Prince Charming, Y/n/n?"

"What?! No!" You denied.

"D__n right. I ain't no prince." He replied over a forkful of beans.

You glared at him. "You aren't helping." He just shrugged and returned your kick under the table, although a lot harder. You blinked back the pain.

"Wooooooow. And here I thought we were friends, Y/n. Going behind my back? After you encouraged me to get with him at his club." Florence chuckled once, it was filled with pent up frustration.

She was getting heated and the alcohol wasn't helping things. "This some real snake behavior." She added.

"Sweetheart, is this true?" Your mother asked gently.

Finally someone was doubting things here! You grabbed onto her lifeline and didn't let go. "No, Mom! Neo and I aren't even like that...." You gestured wildly between you and him.

Why did Dick seat him at your right hand side?! This looked worse than it was.

"Then what the f__k are you two then? Cuz to me, y'all way too close with y'all knowing glares, him calling you Princess and s__t. Why is he protecting you'over the weekend' and why you just sitting there acting all hush hush and shady b__h?"

Your father coughed into his fist. He swore like a sailor but this conversation was getting a little rowdy even for his standards.

A few seats down, Morgana was still eating, watching everything unfold like it was a tv drama. Traitor..

"What you gotta say in all this?" Florence fired at her date, "Ion like how you sitting there looking all smug."

Neo pointed to himself and laughed. "Ohhh, you want me to speak now?" He asked.

"Yeah! Yeah I do. So speak!" Flo fired back.

He nodded and caught your eye. "You want me to tell them the truth, Y/n?"

All eyes turned to you. You were choking on air, unable to breathe. This was not happening. "Y-You... We can't.. Neo.. don't." You gripped the table till your knuckles turned white.

"Okay, I think Y/n needs some fresh air right now." Barbara began. Florence shot down that suggestion real quick.

"Nah she don't need s__t except a good explanation or her feelings won't be the only thing hurtin. I suggest you start talking hoe."

"Watch it now, Flo." Your dad warned.

He didn't like where this conversation was going but he'd do his best to keep the peace and get to the bottom of things, civilly.

The Haitian scooted back from the table to take a breath. She started counting under the breath. No one was ready for when she reached ten.

"Y/n.. seriously this is getting weird.. are you and Neo.. you know.." Barbara hesitated.

"NO! I don't even like the guy! Not after the crap he pulled at Luigi's.."

He tossed his head back with a groan. "Bruhh. That's in the past Y/L. Can we please move on from dat?"

"Lugi's pizza? Y/n. Did this happen the same time we went on a date? Now that you mention it.. You came back from that bathroom break quite distraught." Bruce quickly rounded on Neo. "What did you do to Y/n?"

"None of your business, Wanye." Neo bit back just as fiercely.

"Not you pulling two pulling two hotties at the same time Y/n. You is devious!" Morgana cackled. Dick waved her off and she eyed him until he spoke.

"That'll be an incorrect calculation my dear, Morgana. It's actually three judging by the clothing size I found in her guest bedroom."

You buried your head in your hands. Whhhhhhyyyyyy did Dick have to open his mouth?

"OH! SO YOU BEEN SLEEPING HERE TOO?!" Florence shouted at her now ex.

Neo looked distraught when she stood up from her seat and stormed towards your guest rooms.

You had to think for a second before getting up too. Joker's clothes were still in there. Why didn't you move his stuff into your room earlier?!

"Flo, wait!!" You ran after her. Bruce wanted to see this for himself and followed behind you.

Your father tossed his napkin on the table as he shook his head at his wife.

"I didn't raise no hoe, (your mother's name.)" She winced but laughed to lighten up the mood. "Hmm, that is true but you married one."

Morgana snorted when Dick gagged. "You're acting like they're your parents.

"They are." He was still cringing when a series of shouts came from the back. Everyone still seated at the table waited for anything since they couldn't hear what was being said.

Florence stormed back into the dining room to thrust a dress shirt into Neo's face. He was a pillar of stone. His visage never wavered at the evidence literally being thrown in his face.

"Why did I find the shirt I bought you in her closet?!"

You finally caught up with Florence in the dining room, who staring at her date venomously.

Bruce stood behind you, silently demanding answers as well, but for his own selfish reasons. He saw some things in your guest bedroom that made him question who this lover of yours truly was..

"A black dress shirt Flo? That's rather vague to use as evidence." Barbara sighed. "Every guy owns like a dozen of them."

"Aht. Try again. You got me messed up if I don't remember my purchases. This Armani baby and Giorgio ain't cheap. Is this the dress suit I bought you a few months back?" She asked her stoic date.

Everyone looked at Neo who was mid sip of his drink. He glanced at the label before looking up into your pleading eyes behind Florence. "Yeah it's mine."

He didn't comment that she bought the wrong size. She was already fired hot, including that fact would be more insult to injury.

You didn't understand why Neo was lying. Joker only wore his custom purple suits and the casual clothes that he bought.

You knew he had an array of disguises at his disposal and that black suit was the same one he wore to Euphoria. You had no clue it was actually Neo's, given to his boss last minute to blend in with the employees at the club.

It suited Joker better than Neo if you were the judge of things but now was not the time.

Unfortunately, Neo being the owner was the truth and that did not help your case right now. Your silence, the newfound evidence.. It all pointed at you and Neo having an affair behind Florence's back.

And you refused to lose one of your friends all because of a misunderstanding.

For starters, it was hard for you to make friends and you and Flo were childhood friends at that. The two of you argued over the years and had some fights, but nothing like this. It was never over a guy.

She was the popular cheerleader in highschool. You were the quiet girl from the poetry club; two different circles that would never share the same love interests.

Morgana's gasp and Barbara's look of distrust was breaking your heart.

You broke the girl code and by default, they were taking Florence's side. These were your only friends in life.

Was Joker worth this heartbreak? How could you fix this complete misunderstanding while also keeping Joker a secret?

You felt Bruce's hands settle on your shoulders and the weight of it didn't feel comforting. Everyone in this room was against you. How could he be any different?

It was the worst feeling ever being all alone against the odds. You had the instinctual urge to run.

Bruce didn't give you the chance. "Y/n. It might not be appropriate to ask, but is he the reason why you broke things off with me?"

Everyone jumped when your mom groaned in pain. "Babe, are you okay?!" Your dad asked. Now was not the time for medical emergencies!!

Your mom clutched her chest in agony. "No, I am not OK! Our baby fumbled the bag with The Bruce Wayne for this common street thug? Where did we go wrong?" She sobbed.

"D__n, I'm right here." Neo grumbled. He overlooked how everyone here assumed he was a thug. They weren't wrong.. but dang.

Dick came to his adoptive mother's aid. You should've known anything else from his mouth tonight would be unhelpful. Dick lived for drama.

"Exactly ma! I can see why you don't wanna date the old man, Y/n, but I'm not convinced this guy here is your lover boy. He doesn't look anything like Prince Charming from the gossip magazine!" Dick said.

You wanted to choke him right then and there. Then, you wanted the floor to swallow you up. The entire room was confused until your mother spoke up. "What gossip magazine?"

"Dick, please.." You pleaded in vain.

Nothing would stop him when he was the center of attention. He grinned wide and rushed into the kitchen to grab that long forgotten magazine and held it up for your parents to see.

"This one! Our dear Y/n had quite the weekend with her Prince Charming."

Your father snatched the mag from Grayson and read it over. His eyes widened before he passed it around the table.

One after another your friends and family read about your privacy being violated, printed for the whole world to see, before the magazine landed in Florence's hands.

She took the longest to read the article and for good reason.

"He looks familiar..." She mumbled.

You and Neo paled at the same time.

Florence was drunk that Thursday night at Euphoria but she got a good look at Joker even with his disguise in place. The VIP floor was dark but not dark enough to conceal noticeable scars like Joker's. Your panic attack was back and raging harder than before.

"How... how long have you two been together, Y/n?" She asked you. When you didn't answer, she continued. "Why did I even ask? It doesn't matter. Y'all two were on some secret bull___t that night at the club. I knew I recognized him from somewhere!"

She didn't say who the him in her sentence was but it was practically obvious. Your greatest fear was being realized.

Neo must've come to the same realization because his entire demeanor changed. Flo quickly crossed the room to get into your personal space. "How long Y/n?!"

Florence was in full rage mode, pointing her coffin acrylics in your face, well on the verge of hysterics.

Your audience wasn't too far behind given the sudden change in the air. Florence wasn't messing around anymore. It was utter chaos in your dining room. Your father was scolding Dick for starting all of this, whereas your mother, Barbara, and Morgana were screaming at Florence to chill.

Much to your shock, Bruce was a silent brick wall behind you. He didn't offer you protection or a means to escape. You were rooted in place by his strong hands on your shoulders.

Neo saw your distress and braved the fray to try and to tone Florence down but she smacked his hands away and whirled on him instead. "I don't wanna hear s__t from you!"

"Flo baby—" He tried again until Florence dismissed him with a flip of her middle finger.

"F__k you! I'll deal with you later! Right now, Y/n gotta own up to her s__t! It's the least she can do!"

He didn't let Flo get far and grabbed her before she could whirl back on you.

"Get the f__k off me Neo! I know! And how could you let her!! Of all people, why him, Y/n? Have you lost your mind?!"

"Florence.. please just calm down, and let me explain.." You pleaded. That seemed to ignite her anger more.

Nothing was making sense. She couldn't seem to understand why you were so calm about all of this. Maybe she guessed wrong? No! She knew who she saw....

She broke free from Neo's hold and snarled right in your face. "Both of you are insane. You two deserve each other."

With that said, she grabbed her purse from the foyer closet and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

You were left with chills running down your spine. Florence knew. She had to. Both of you are insane.

Her harsh words echoed in your ear. She knows. She knows. She knows. She knows. She knows. She knows. She knows. She knows.She knows.She knows.She knows.She knows.

Neo was on the same wavelength since a dark shadow crossed his features before he took off after her.

You couldn't think straight amidst all of the chaos. Your own thoughts and fears were drowning out the mayhem that was in your dining room.

Everyone was talking over one another but to you, it all sounded like you were underwater. Those two words were on repeat in your head.

Florence knows. She knows about Joker.

And if the night wasn't theatrical enough, you fainted right into Bruce's awaiting arms.

[thehandworld]

"Who doesn't lock the door?!" ((OOC: I read tags and I read that as 'Neo should love me and send it to embarrass Gokudera.' I am a loving friend))

send "Who doesn't lock the door?!" to walk in on my muse pleasuring themselves @queenharumiura

It was rare for Hayato to actually do this, he honestly doesn't have that high of a sex drive, he would much rather spend his time trying to get better at fighting than pleasure himself, yet... Well... He was stroking his cock, moaning as his other hand was touching his nipple and that's... When the door of his bedroom open and from there he heard a sound that made him stop and furiously cover himself with blankets and try to bring his breathing down. Ha-Ha---HARU! He pants and tries to breathe.

[detective-bulbasaur]

What If: Greninja stayed with Ash

Chapter 1: Combating the Neo Flame

[…] = Squishy’s mental dialogue

{…} = Greninja’s bond dialogue

After saying their goodbyes to Goodra at their wetland home, our heroes trekked through the Kalos forest towards Lumiose City. Serena had her Pokédex out and was looking up information about the Lumiose Airport.

“Say, the airport’s up and running again,” Serena stated.

“Yeah,” Ash mused, “Guess when we get back to Lumiose City, I’ll fly home.”

“I guess that means our journey’s almost over,” Clemont lamented, “it’s kinda sad you know.” Bonnie and Dedenne looked at each other solemnly. Clemont was wrong. It was not kinda sad. It was most definitely sad.

Greninja was resting within his Pokéball, listening to the conversation. Greninja was sad about leaving Kalos too. Afterall, Kalos was his first home. It was where he hatched, where he trained, where they evolved from a Froakie into a Greninja. Most of all, it was where he found his family. He was going to miss traveling around with Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and their Pokémon. He would miss watching Serena practice for her performances, watching Clemont build his latest inventions, which would eventually blow up, and playing with Bonnie. However, Greninja was also excited to travel to Ash’s home region of Kanto with the rest of their family. Ash shared many stories about his travels through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova. He loved hearing about Ash’s gym and league battles, the evil teams he and friends took on, and the many teams he trained with. Greninja leaned against the walls of his Pokéball, trying to get more comfortable. This chapter of his life was over, but that meant it was time to start a new one.

…

[-inja!] Greninja sat up with a start. He looked around the grey walls of His Pokéball, trying to find out where that noise came from. It sounded like someone calling for help. He sat silently to see if the noise came from Ash or the others, but the only sound they were making were their footsteps. Greninja shook his head and laid back down. It must’ve been his own imagination. He's probably still a bit antsy after everything that happened after the league. They all just saved the world after all. Greninja once again closed his eyes and tried to relax.

…

[Greninja!] Greninja shot up again. He definitely heard that. It seems that Ash heard it too, or at least felt it, as he felt Ash stop walking.

“Something wrong,” Serena asked.

“I’m not sure,” Ash shrugged. Greninja felt that they knew that voice. He released themselves from their Pokéball.

“Greninja,” Ash gasped, “What’s going on?” Greninja held up a hand, motioning for everyone to be quiet. He stood up and closed his eyes, focusing solely on his hearing.

…

[Greninja! Please, can hear me?] Greninja’s eyes shot open as he spun around to look at the others.

“Ninja,” Greninja exclaimed. Pikachu and Dedenne squeaked in shock. Pikachu had to communicate with the others about what Greninja just said. He leapt off of Ash’s shoulder and landed in front of the group.

“Pikapi,” Pikachu sputtered, “Pika pikachu pi!” Pikachu began to gesture wildly and changed his face to look more like Squishy’s. Bonnie gasped in worry.

“Squishy,” she shrieked, “did something happen to them?”

“You can hear Squishy,” Serena mused, “What are they saying?”

“I don’t know,” Ash breathed, “I can only sense them a little, but it looks like Greninja can hear them.” Ash looked up at Greninja and met his eyes. Greninja brought a fist to his chest, right where his heart was, and nodded to Ash. Ash nodded back; he read Greninja loud and clear.

“But soon, I’ll hear Squishy with Greninja. Greninja, let’s do this!” Ash and Greninja closed their eyes and reached their spirits out to each other. They could feel the power of their bond building within their hearts. The moisture in the air formed a torrent around Greninja as their bond energy reached its peak. The torrent formed a large water shuriken on Greninja’s back while his side fins turned black, his middle fin turned red, and his chest matched the pattern of Ash’s shirt. Their bond phenomenon was complete; they were now Ash-Greninja. Ash approached Greninja and stopped at his side. Greninja spoke to Ash through their minds to close his eyes and focus with him.

{Listen closely.} Ash and Greninja focused their energy and tried to connect to Squishy. Each second felt like hour as they reached out across the land to find Squishy.

{Squishy, are you there?}

“Can you hear us,” Ash thought with Greninja.

…

[Greninja! Ash!] Ash and Greninja straightened up when they heard Squishy’s voice. It was loud and dripping with worry.

In another part of the forest, Squishy and Zygarde were in their 10% forms sprinting between the trees. They were collecting their cells as they ran through the foliage. They stopped their pace once Squishy heard Ash’s voice along with Greninja’s

“We’ve got contact with Squishy,” Ash relayed.

“You do,” Bonnie shrieked as she rushed to their sides, “Are they okay? Are they hurt?”

[Wait! Is that Bonnie? Are the others with you?]

{Yes, they’re here. We were on our way to Lumiose City.}

[Hang on, I believe one of my cells are nearby. I’ll be able to see you soon.] Squishy focused his mind and reached out over the forest to their cells. They quickly checked the sight of each cell until it found the one near Ash and the others. The cell was resting on a nearby tree branch, camouflaging itself.

[I see you! Listen carefully, you must get out of the forest as quickly as you can!]

“Huh, why,” Ash probed, “What’s going on?”

[Ash, please, you need to get Clemont out of there! He’s coming!]

{He? Who’s he?} Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to violently shake. Everyone gasped in shock and worry.

“Now what’s going on,” Bonnie squeaked. Pikachu quickly glanced around the forest, trying to find the source of the sudden quake. Their eyes stopped at the path behind them and could see a large shadow quickly approaching them. Pikachu shrieked in shock, alerting the others to the unknown threat. The quake began to get stronger and faster. Suddenly, two large, bright lights emerged from the path, revealing a gigantic black and red truck. The strange vehicle barreled towards the group, as if it intended to flatten them.

“LOOK OUT,” Ash screamed. Ash grabbed Pikachu and Serena and dove out of the way of the truck while Greninja did the same to Clemont and Bonnie. The truck barely missed them as it screeched to a halt. The air was now polluted with kicked up dirt from the truck’s tires. The group picked themselves back up and stared at the truck. Squishy’s cell suddenly felt a strong psychic energy pull on it. A blue outline wrapped around it and lifted it off the tree branch and canceled out its camouflage. It flew above the group’s heads and headed towards the truck.

“Hey,” Ash exclaimed.

“It’s a cell.” Clemont declared.

“It’s one of Squishy’s friends,” Bonnie yelped. Two shadowy figures emerged from the truck’s roof, along with a strange cylindrical device. Squishy’s cell flew into the cylinder as the mysterious figure began to laugh with malicious glee. The two figures stepped forward and revealed themselves as Xerosic and his Malamar.

“It’s you,” Clemont growled.

“We meet again,” Xerosic boasted.

“Clemont,” Serena gulped, “who’s he?”

“Xerosic,” Clemont fumed, “Team Flare’s scientist! I battled him, but I thought I …” Clemont was swept up into a flashback where he confronted Team Flare at his gym alongside Clembot. He was able to eject Xerosic via a trap door.

“Yes, I lost to you back then,” Xerosic scoffed, “but I’m miraculously back, and I’m now in the process of creating Team Neo Flare!

“Team Neo Flare,” Serena shuddered.

“What are you going to do,” Ash challenged.

“Give back Squishy’s friend RIGHT NOW,” Bonnie demanded.

“Oh, I can’t do that,” Xerosic taunted, “I’m going to get every cell and obtain Zygarde Complete Form! Lysandre’s ambitions will then be able to come true!” Xerosic belted out a menacing laugh, imagining the immense power he would have with Zygarde under his full control.

“I’m never gonna let you get away with that,” Ash hissed, “Greninja, smash that thing! Water Shuriken!” Greninja grasped the giant shuriken on his back and threw it towards the glass cylinder.

“Stop them with Signal Beam,” Xerosic commanded. Malamar lunged forward and unleashed a quick signal beam that collided with Greninja’s water shuriken. The collision caused the water shuriken to evaporate and covered the group in a thick fog, blinding them.

“Clemont, they took it,” Bonnie cried.

“And I know that cell is Squishy’s friend,” Clemont fretted. Suddenly, a blue light enveloped Clemont and lifted him off the ground. Clemont yelped in horror as Malamar used Psychic on him and pulled him into their grasp.

“You’ll be coming with us too,” Xerosic grinned. Xerosic and Malamar pulled Clemont into the bowels of their truck and quickly sped off into the forest.

“Clemont, no,” Ash and Bonnie cried.

[Clemont!] Ash and Greninja gave a slight jolt. They almost forgot that they were in contact with Squishy.

[Ash, you must rescue Clemont and our cells at all costs! Xerosic is trying to revive the Kalos Crisis! I shudder to think of the horrors Xerosic will put them through!]

“We will,” Ash replied before turning to Greninja, “You can catch up to them. Do it!”

{I’m on it!} Greninja gave a quick nod before sprinting off in chase of the truck.

[I’ll try to pin point their location from the remaining free cells. I’ll collect as many as I can to keep them away from Xerosic.]

“Okay, I’ll send out my other Pokémon to search the skies,” Ash asserted, “We’ll catch up with Greninja. Good luck Squishy!”

[Good luck Ash!]

“Talonflame! Hawlucha! Noivern,” Ash called as he threw their Pokéballs into the air. With a quick gong, the three flying types landed in front of Ash.

“Listen guys,” Ash declared, “Xerosic kidnapped Clemont and is stealing Squishy’s cells. I need Talonflame and Hawlucha to fly after the truck and help Greninja. Noivern, I need you to scope out the forest and find Squishy. Help them collect and protect their cells.” Talonflame, Hawlucha, and Noivern all cried in determination before leaping off the ground and into the air. Talonflame and Hawlucha fled off in the same direction as Greninja while Noivern flew higher into the sky. After his Pokémon took off, ash turned to Serena and Bonnie.

“Come on,” he urged, “We need to catch up to them!” Serena and Bonnie quickly nodded and sprinted off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xerosic felt triumphant. He had already captured five of the Zygarde cells and now had the genius inventor, second only to himself, and Lumiose City gym leader in his clutches. He felt that he had all that he needed to pick back up where Lysandre started. The five cells were trapped within the glass cylinder while Malamar restrained Clemont with psychic. Clemont struggled against Malamar’s psychic grip, but any effort to move was fruitless.

“What are you planning to do with me,” Clemont demanded.

“Your scientific knowledge will be useful,” Xerosic grinned, “You will join us of course!”

“I’ll never help you!”

“Oh, I don’t need you to agree. If I use my control system on you, you’ll do as I say. Just like Zygarde did. You’ll be an enhanced human.” Clemont growled in anger. There was no way he would be Xerosic’s enhanced human. He wouldn’t let Team Neo Flare reshape the world. His angry thoughts were interrupted when Malamar stopped using psychic and dropped Clemont hard on the ground. Clemont groaned in pain as he tried to straighten up.

“Prepare to use the beam,” Xerosic bellowed.

“Wait,” Clemont pleaded, “Please don’t use the beam!” Clemont began to silently panic. He felt his heart begin to pound within his chest and his breath began to catch in his throat. He had to think fast. He had to find a way to resist the control system. If only he … Wait!

“I have one request,” Clemont shuddered, “May I clean my glasses first?”

“That’s all,” Xerosic snickered, “But of course,”

“Thanks very much.” Clemont pulled out his handkerchief and quickly wiped his right lens. He faked a sigh of defeat and acceptance as he placed his glasses back over his eyes. The control system began to whir as its nozzle pointed at Clemont.

“Now ready,” Xerosic taunted, “Let’s begin.” Clemont’s eyes were unreadable, and his jaw was tense. He didn’t know how the beam would feel, but he prayed that his last-minute defense would pay off. If not, he hoped that Ash and the others would find him soon. Clemont clenched his fists and prepared for the blast. The machine whirred louder as a ball of red energy formed at the tip of the nozzle. The energy ball grew larger and larger until it burst into a thin beam. The only sound that could be heard in the truck now was Clemont’s pain-filled screams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“WHEN I SAY ‘NO’ I MEAN ‘NO’,” Jessie barked as she pointed at the laptop, “My close up should be right here!”

“It should be when I give Inkay my command,” James insisted.

“Please,” Jessie scoffed in response.

“Now hear this,” Meowth snapped, “It’s gonna be when I was flying the news copter, capiche!” Jessie, James, and Wobbuffet cried “what,” as they pounced on Meowth, trying to pry him off of the laptop.

“The point of editing this is so that it looks like we destroyed Team Flare and not the twerps, you twit,” James scolded.

“What will we do if the boss finds out,” Jessie screeched. Much like Ash, Team Rocket’s journey through Kalos was nearly finished. They too were set to return to Kanto and report back to Team Rocket Headquarters and present their Pokémon to Giovanni. However, they stopped in the exact same forest as our heroes to create a glowing video presentation on their involvement in stopping Lysandre from reaching Anistar City. Of course, the video was a clear fabrication of their events, painting them as the sole line of defense against Lysandre and his giant rock. The team was now bickering amongst themselves over who deserved the most screentime in the presentation. Their intensifying struggle was so deafening that they did not hear the nearby rustling of the bushes in front of their stump. Squishy and Zygarde lept out of the bushes and over the heads of Team Rocket. Team Rocket’s squabbles ceased as they noticed Squishy’s and Zygarde 2’s shadows soaring above them. Squishy skidded to a stop once they noticed Team Rocket.

“Why are you stopping,” Zygarde questioned. They got their answer as they noticed Squishy’s glare pointed at Team Rocket.

“Wait, is that,” James whispered.

“They’re the Pokémon that Team Flare used to create those crazy vines,” Meowth gasped.

“And you’re the band of crooks who are constantly targeting my family,” Squishy snarled.

“I take it you know these people,” Zygarde guessed.

“I do,” Squishy replied, “They call themselves Team Rocket. They’re a group of petty Pokémon thieves who have stalked my family all throughout Kalos! And here you are, no doubt trying your tricks to ambush them and steal their Pokémon again!”

“PETTY,” Jessie raged, “Our tricks take a lot of planning and have loads of class you slimy dog!”

“And we’re not up to any tricks,” James added, “We’re just video editing before we go back to Kanto!”

“… Actually,” Meowth snickered, “Yous two showing up is just the last hoorah we need before going home! Unlike those posers in Team Flare, the boss can actually rule the world with you two under his command!” Jessie and James grew a pair of wicked grins on their faces as Meowth’s idea set into their heads.

“Indeed,” James chuckled, “With you two under Giovanni, Team Rocket will finally take its rightful place as rulers of the world!”

“You’re not just petty, you’re stupid,” Zygarde growled, “We are two legendary Pokémon! Do you really think you have any power that can match ours?”

“You forget,” Jessie taunted, “You are not even close to your complete form! We also outnumber you six to two! Let’s get them Gourgeist! Use Shadow Ball!”

“You too Inkay,” James shouted, “Use Psybeam!” Jessie and James tossed their Pokéballs into the air and with two gongs, Gourgeist and Inkay were released. Gourgeist and Inkay quickly readied their attacks; Shadow Ball growing bigger with purple light while Psybeam glowed cyan blue. Squishy and Zygarde quickly charged up a dual Dragon Pulse to counter the attacks, but Gourgeist and Inkay quickly released their attacks before their charge could finish. Squishy and Zygarde 2 braced themselves for the impact, only for a powerful channel of sound to cut off the attacks midair. The channel caused both attacks to burst, kicking up loose dirt and temporarily blinding Team Rocket and their Pokémon. As the villains coughed away the clouds of dirt, Squishy and Zygarde looked to the sky to see where the mysterious sound blast came from. They soon got their answer as a large winged shadow ascended from the canopy. Zygarde stared at the figure in confusion while Squishy beamed.

“Noivern,” Squishy thrilled. Noivern happily screeched as they descended from the canopy and flapped their wings slowly, swishing more dust into Team Rocket. Team Rocket gasped and sputtered as they fanned away the curtain of dirt that cloaked them. Noivern landed in front of Squishy and knelt down to their level, gently headbutting them.

“I’m so glad you found us,” Squishy chuckled as Noivern playfully nudged their head.

“And not a moment too soon,” Zygarde exhaled, “These nuisances have wasted enough of our time. We have to find our cells before Xerosic does!”

“You’re right,” Squishy agreed, “Noivern. Please help us give Team Rocket one last blast off.” Noivern cheekily squeaked and the three dragon-types leapt back a few feet. Squishy and Zygarde once again charged up Dragon Pulse while Noivern prepared Boomburst.  The tan dust cloud surrounding Team Rocket began to disperse as their coughing began to die out.

“That came out of nowhere,” James coughed.

“But what I’m asking is, just what was that,” Jessie gulped as she squinted her eyes open. Jessie received her answer as she and the others heard the whirring of energy being built up. Team Rocket peered into the thinning veil of dust to try and make out the source of the sound, only to be met with the red, blue, and violet hues of two Dragon Pules surrounding the channel of a Boomburst hurdling towards them. Team Rocket only had enough time to clump together in shock as the three attacks collided with them and thrusted them off the forest floor. Team Rocket shrieked in surprise as they and their gear flew into the sky.

“What I want to know is what was that,” Meowth squealed as he tensed from the impact of the moves.

“Wabba Wa,” Wobbuffet bubbled as they held up the video camera that was, surprisingly, untouched by the attacks.

“You recorded the whole thing,” Jessie gasped.

“Inkay Inkay,” Inkay chimed in as he and Gourgeist held up the team’s laptop.

“And you two saved the laptop,” James thrilled. Team Rocket quickly huddled together and clutched the technologies close.

“Yous guys are real troopers,” Meowth cheered, “Now hold onto those tight!”

“CAUSE WE’RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN,” they screamed as they rocketed through the air and disappeared into the horizion. Zygarde let out a ‘humph’ as the three watched Team Rocket’s blast off.

“Good riddance,” Zygarde grumbled. Noivern gave a quick grunt in response, agreeing with Zygarde 2.

“Now that that’s out of the way,” Squishy sighed, “Noivern, use your sonar to locate our cells from the air. We’ll follow you from the ground.” Noivern gave out a confident cry as they spread out their wings. Noivern lept up into the air and gave a mighty flap of their wings, soaring up to the canopy. Once above the trees, they closed their eyes and emitted a broad soundwave into their surroundings. Noivern held its breath as the high pitch ring of the soundwave drew quieter as it flowed out. After a few seconds, the ringing returned, along with an image of the forest ahead. A few hundred meters ahead of them sat one of the cells nestled within a tree’s branches. Noivern alerted Squishy and Zygarde towards the cell and flew in its direction.

“They found one already,” Zygarde praised, “quickly, after them!” Zygarde dashed off after Noivern, weaving through the tree trunks. Squishy bounded after them, leaping over roots and rocks.

“I hope Ash and the others have caught up to Xerosic,” Squishy hopefully thought as they caught up with Zygarde.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xerosic’s truck continued to barrel through the forest, not caring when it pushed over trees or nearly ran over wild Pokémon. Greninja was able to keep himself hidden from view by hiding in the dust cloud that the truck continuously kicked up behind it. Greninja would occasionally update Ash on where Xerosic would turn in the forest so he and the others could catch up to them. Greninja could feel his blood boil after his last update to Ash. Xerosic was destroying parts of the forest and putting innocent Pokémon in danger! Greninja could feel his legs burn from the lactic acid, his heart beating fast and hard, and his lungs ached from overworking. He hissed to himself, wanting the truck to stop already, or at least slow down. He got his wish as the truck suddenly screeched to a halt. Greninja nearly tripped over his feet from the sudden stop but was able to regain his footing and dart behind a nearby tree. He crouched down along the tree’s trunk for a few seconds until he heard shaking leaves behind him. Greninja readied his Cut attack and spun around to meet his attacker, only to find that it was Talonflame and Hawlucha perched on lower branch. Greninja let out a sigh of relief and canceled out the Cut. Talonflame and Hawlucha quietly glided down to the forest floor and crouched next to Greninja. The three Pokémon couched lower once they heard the collection chamber being raised up to the truck’s roof. They dared not move a muscle as they watched the side door of the truck open, allowing Xerosic and his Malamar to stroll out of the truck.

“My dear cell,” Xerosic mused in a sing-song voice, “where are you?” Xerosic activated his goggles and began to scan his surroundings, looking for the nearby cell.

“Talon,” Talonflame mouthed, asking Greninja if they should get closer.

“Ninja,” Greninja nodded. He pointed to the large tires at the back of the truck, indicating that they can stay out of Xerosic’s sight from there. Greninja motioned for the two flying-types to follow his lead, followed by a quick nod between the three. Greninja, Hawlucha, and Talonflame carefully crept along the tire treads, staying as low to the ground as they could. The three stopped a few feet behind the large, grey tire just as Xerosic and Malamar began to stroll towards the forest. The three Pokémon leered at Xerosic, quietly growling under their breaths.

“Hawlucha,” Hawlucha whispered, saying that Greninja should contact Ash. Greninja nodded and focused his mind, reaching out to Ash. His vision began to cloud over for a few seconds until he finally managed to reach Ash.

{Ash, we found Xerosic!} Ash let out a soft gasp and stopped in his tracks once he heard Greninja again.

“Greninja just found them,” Ash declared and Serena and Bonne stopped beside him.

“How’s Clemont,” Serena worriedly asked.

“Well,” Ash lilted as he closed his eyes to help him focus on Greninja’s vision, “all I see are Xerosic and Malamar.” Pikachu gave a worried “Pika” from Ash’s shoulder.

“Think that you can sneak inside somehow Greninja,” Ash probed.

{Let’s see.}

“Talon,” Talonflame whispered as they pointed their wing towards Xerosic and Malamar. The two had their backs completely turned on the truck, giving the team a chance to search for an entrance. The three Pokémon crept closer to the truck, hoping to find a way in. Meanwhile, Xerosic and Malamar had entered a small clearing along the forest barrier, having followed a signal from Xerosic’s goggles.

“Oh, there you are,” Xerosic grinned as he finally located the camouflaged cell, “Malamar, use Psychic.” Malamar’s irises began to glow cyan blue as they initiated Psychic. A similar blue hue enveloped the cell as it was peeled off from the tree trunk it was hiding against. Xerocis watched with wicked glee as the cell was flown through the air and was deposited into the holding chamber with the other collected cells. Xerosic released a pleased and arrogant laugh, confident in his progress. All the while, Greninja, Hawlucha, and Talonflame inched closer to the back of the truck, looking to find a door to sneak in through.

Snap

Greninja froze in shock as he stepped on an obscured twig; the audible snap blowing their cover. Xerosic and Malamar jerked their heads towards the sound and growled at the sight of the three Pokémon. Ash, who was still seeing through Greninja’s eyes, felt a cold jolt run down his back once seeing Xerosic’s angered eyes fixated on his Pokémon.

“Oh no,” he cried as he and the others hastened their pace.

“Grah,” Xerosic raged, “What are you doing here? Malamar, use Signal Beam!” Malamar levitated up high into the air and charged its psychic energy into a powerful, large ball. With a loud cry, it trusted the energy towards the three Pokémon in a thick beam. Greninja, Hawlucha, and Talonflame leapt into the air themselves, barely missing being hit by the beam.

“Greninja,” Ash commanded through their bond, “Water Shuriken!” Greninja reached towards his back once again, grasped the giant water shuriken, and flung it towards Malamar. Talonflame began to unleash a barrage of Razor Winds, increasing the speed and power of the Water Shuriken. Malamar could only brace themselves as they were directly hit by the Water Shuriken and Razor Winds. At that time, Ash, Serena, and Bonnie had finally caught up to the Pokémon and had stopped on a ledge above them.

“There they are,” Bonnie exclaimed.

“You give both of them back,” Ash demanded.

“Hmph,” Xerosic grumbled, “Retreat for now. Alright Malamar, use Psycho Cut!” The tips of Malamar’s tentacles began to glow as they brought them together. With a quick thrust of the tentacles, a sharp wave of purple energy shot forward and towards the group. Hawlucha quickly leapt in front of Greninja and Talonflame and spread out his wings. His wings began to glow, and he swiftly brought them together in an x shape, unleashing an X-Scissor. The two moves collided and caused a mini explosion, kicking up the dust around the Pokémon and temporarily blinding them. The explosion gave Xerosic and Malamar enough time to retreat into the truck and begin to speed off. The trio coughed hard and tried to fan off the dust that enveloped them. Greninja was able to clear out the dust from his eyes first and noticed the truck barreling away. Greninja let out an enraged cry as he chased after the truck. There was no way he was letting that monster get away! Greninja unleashed a powerful leap and catapulted himself in front of the truck. However, the truck increased its speed and thundered straight at Greninja. Xerosic smirked in malicious glee while Ash and the others screamed in horror as the truck bulldozed through where Greninja landed.

“NO,” Serena cried as she covered her eyes, “It can’t be!” Bonnie hugged Dedenne close while Talonflame shook their head in denial of what they just saw. Hawlucha covered his eyes with one of his wings, trying to fight back the tears stinging his eyes. Hawlucha shuddered as he tried to lower his wing back down, afraid to see the fate of his sibling. With a hard swallow, Hawlucha forced his wing down and peered towards the tire tracks and saw … nothing?

“Ha-hawlu,” Hawlucha faltered, drawing everyone’s attention to the lack of Greninja.

“Wait,” Bonnie wondered, “Were’s Greninja?”

“They’re fine,” Ash revealed. Serena looked towards Ash in confusion, but then realization as she noticed his focused stare. Ash’s vision transitioned from the road ahead of him to an upside-down view of a truck’s underside racing through the forest. Ash could also see Greninja’s webbed hands clinging to the underside of the truck.

“Greninja’s fine,” Ash sighed in relief, “They’re hiding underneath!” Serena, Bonnie, and Pikachu let out their own sighs of relief while Talonflame and Hawlucha chirped in joy. Ash refocused his mind and reached out to Greninja.

“You are okay, right,” Ash probed.

{Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry I scared you. I thought I had more time to …}

“No, no it’s okay. I’m just so glad you’re safe! Just … just hang on, we’ll catch up to you.” Greninja slightly snorted at the pun, but also felt a comforting warmth in his heart from their trainer’s joy in them being okay. He eased up on his link with Ash to focus on clinging to the truck as it continued to barrel through the forest.

“Okay,” Ash exclaimed, “Let’s go!” Ash, Serena, and Bonnie raced off to reach the forest path while Talonflame and Hawlucha took off into the sky to track the truck once again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greninja felt like he had been under the truck for hours. Not once has it stopped after they nearly avoided being flattened. Greninja’s hands and feet began to cramp and the heat from the engine was nearly burning them. Greninja craned his neck to see the forest ahead of the truck, trying to find some clue as to where Xerosic was headed. He squinted his eyes to prevent any dirt from flying into his eyes. Through his squint, Greninja made out a large grey jet-like device in the distance. It looked like Xerosic was planning to fly out of the forest! Greninja quickly reached out again to Ash and updated him on Xerosic’s intentions. As the truck came closer to the device, it began to greatly decrease its speed and Greninja prepared himself to release his grip on the truck.

“One … Two … Three,” Greninja counted. Greninja’s finger and toe pads peeled off the underside of the truck. He turned his body so that he would land on his hands and feet. His hands and feet slightly stung as they planted onto the forest floor. Greninja crouched lower as the truck passed over him. Greninja snuck over to the right and crouched in the bushes as the truck drove onto a loading pad. At that same time, Talonflame and Hawlucha caught up to the truck and noticed Greninja’s release from its underside. The two flying types swooped towards the forest floor and approached Greninja’s hiding spot, quietly calling out to him to not spook him like last time. Greninja motioned for them to crouch beside him, only to be taken by surprise by a tight hug from Talonflame. Talonflame stepped back and began to look over Greninja, checking for any injuries. Greninja felt a twinge of guilt in his chest, they must’ve been terrified after the truck tried to run him over. Greninja turned over to Hawlucha and was immediately met with a swift Karate Chop to his forehead. That twinge of guilt was replaced by a throbbing pain.

“Haw! Haw! Hawlucha,” Hawlucha hissed, essentially warning Greninja to never do something like that again.

“Gre. Ninja-gre,” Greninja groaned while rubbing his forehead. He winced while the pain slowly faded and looked back towards Hawlucha. Hawlucha’s glare was intense, but it began to morph into a worried grimace. With an apologetic and relieved cry, he hugged Greninja with Talonflame. Greninja hugged them back, apologizing himself for frightening them. The three Pokémon were then jolted out of their hug by the sound of hydraulics. They turned towards the truck and noticed the strange contraption lowering onto the top of the truck and latching on. The four vents on the back of the device whirred to life and burned a bright orange glow. Xerosic was preparing for takeoff! Talonflame pointed towards the right wing, stating that they could hang on to the outside, so they don’t lose Xerosic. The three Pokémon charged out of the bushes and rushed towards the wing. Hawlucha and Talonflame dug their talons into the wing’s sheet metal while Greninja stuck his finger and toe pads to the surface, securing themselves onto the wing. The newly jet-powered truck blasted off of the ground and into the air, causing the trio to tense and flatten their bodies onto the wing to secure themselves more. Greninja reopened his eyes to keep track of where they were flying but was taken aback once he saw a forcefield of some kind envelope the truck. Greninja growled in anger once he realized that it was an invisibility shield. All the while, Xerosic engaged the autopilot of the truck.

“Alright,” Xerosic sighed, “it looks like I’ve gotten away. By now, that thing should be finished.” Xerosic sat up from his chair and strolled towards the center of the truck to check on Clemont’s progress. Realizing that Ash and the others would no longer be able to see them from their own perspectives, Greninja refocused on his bond with Ash to let him see through his eyes.

Meanwhile, Ash, Serena, and Bonnie continued to race through the foliage to keep up with Xerosic. All three were silent, each occupied with watching the area ahead and within their own thoughts. How does Xerosic plan to revive the Kalos Crisis? How many cells did he already capture? Where does Clemont fall into that plan?

“I - I just don’t get it,” Bonnie stammered, “Squishy got rid of all the vines and that big rock! How can Xerosic bring them back?” Serena had been pondering that too. She had been playing back her memories of Team Flare’s attack, trying to figure out what else Xerosic could be after in order to achieve his twisted goal. Her mind skipped between the scenes of the vines tearing through the streets, her fighting off Team Flare’s goons, and watching Ash fend off the giant rock to keep it from reaching Anistar City.

“… Anistar City,” Serena gasped. Ash and Bonnie snapped out of their thoughts and turned their attention to Serena.

“I think … I think I know what Xerosic plans to do. The Anistar City Sundial! It has the same power as that giant rock they used to control Squishy and Zygarde! Xerosic could actually restart the crisis if they take control of the sundial!”

“Then we’ll just have to catch him here,” Ash declared. The trio slowed their pace once they arrived at a large rock pillar. Ash came to a complete stop once he received Greninja’s vision.

“I can see them,” Ash began, “Up there!” Ash pointed towards the top of the pillar. Greninja’s field of view showed the truck soaring atop of it.

“Let’s go,” Ash stated as he dashed off.

“Right,” Serena and Bonnie replied as they followed close behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the dim lit center chamber of the truck, Clemont stood with his back towards the glass cylinder containing the Zygarde cells. His composure rivaled a statue. His expression was unreadable, and there was bright light reflection in his glasses that hid his eyes. The door leading to the pilot’s chamber opened with a soft swish and Xerosic strolled through.

“So,” Xerosic probed as he stopped in front of Clemont, “how are you feeling now?”

“I feel great,” Clemont answered with monotone, “thanks to you Xerosic, leader of Team Neo Flare.” Xerosic let out a pleased squeal as he spun around.

“That has such a nice ring,” Xerosic sang.

Meanwhile, Ash, Serena, and Bonnie grunted and groaned as they climbed up the rocky side of the mountain towards the top. Ash gave out one last rough grunt as he pulled himself onto the top’s floor.

“We’re here,” Ash exhaustedly declared as they ran towards the center. They began to look around the sky surrounding the mountain, hoping to see the scene that Greninja saw in his last connection to Ash.

“I know Greninja, Hawlucha, and Talonflame are flying around here,” Ash breathed, “Though I can’t see just where.” Ash reconnected to Greninja and looked through his eyes. All that Greninja could see was the wing of the plane and the side of the mountain. He had to get a new view!

“Greninja,” Ash announced, “we’re here! Up at the top of the mountain!” Greninja lightly pushed himself up from the wing to help get a better view. He turned his head towards the mountain top and quickly located Ash, Serena, and Bonnie. Greninja quickly shared his view with Ash.

“I see them,” Ash notified, “I should be able to reach them if I jump! I’ll hop on that plane!” Serena and bonnie gasped in shock. That was absolutely crazy, even for Ash!

“Not from here,” Serena shrieked.

“What happens if you fall,” Bonnie stuttered.

“I can’t let them escape,” Ash avowed as he turned to get a running start, “I gotta do it! I’m going!” Ash knew that if he didn’t get on that plane, Xerosic would take Clemont, his Pokémon, and the Zygarde cells to who knows where. He wouldn’t be able to protect them if Xerosic got away! Ash adjusted his cap and turned towards Pikachu perched on his shoulder.

“Okay, are you with me,” he asked Pikachu.

“Pika pika,” Pikachu replied with a clutched fist, signaling that he was with Ash all the way. Serena joined Ash’s side, taking his hand into her own.

“I’m going too,” She declared.

“Me too,” Bonnie added as she took Ash’s other hand, “We’re always a team, right?” Ash smiled at them, glad to have them at his side.

“Alright,” Ash asserted, “make sure you do what I say.” The three tightened their grips on each other, anticipating the moment they needed to jump. Greninja kept a close watch on Ash and the others, relaying to Ash where the plane was flying. Hawlucha and Talonflame perched next to Greninja, ready to help him pull Ash and the others onto the plane’s wing. Ash braced himself as he sensed the plane coming closer and closer, until came the best moment.

“Now,” Ash ordered, “let’s go!” The trio took off towards the mountain’s edge, gradually picking up speed. The three pushed off from the edge and began to soar into the air. The three yelled in determination and worry as they began to fall along the mountainside. Ash forced himself to silence his scream as he pushed all of his focus to his bond with Greninja, letting his Pokémon know where they were falling. Greninja felt a pang of panic in his veins as he saw the trio pass the plane’s wing. Greninja quickly uncoiled his tongue from his neck and thrusted it towards them. It tightly wrapped around Serena’s wrist and began to pull them up back towards the plane. The three yelped in surprise as they seemed to disappear into thin air, all thanks to the invisibility shield. Greninja quickly yanked them onto the wing where Hawlucha and Talonflame caught them and helped them cling to the wing. Greninja re-wrapped his tongue around his neck and let out a “Ninja” of relief.

{Thank Arceus you’re alright!}

“You did it Greninja,” Ash thanked before turning to Hawlucha and Talonflame, “and thank you too for catching us!”

“Yeah, thank you,” Serena added.

“That was a close one,” Bonnie gasped, “but how do we get in and save Clemont

“Hawlucha,” Hawlucha answered. He was pointing to an emergeny escape hatch along the body of the plane.

“Great spot Hawlucha,” Ash praised, “Now let’s get inside!” The group began to crawl their way towards the latch with their Pokémon keeping them secure along the plane’s surface. Talonflame pulled ahead of the group and used their talons to pry open the door. Our heroes quickly pulled themselves into the walkway behind the door and shut it closed. They then began to trudge down the walkway until they reached the inner chamber of the plane. One by one, they climbed down the ladder that connected the exit way to the chamber.

“Clemont,” Ash pondered, “where could he be?” Ash began to step nimbly across the floor, not wanting to step on anything that would alert Xerosic. He and Pikachu scanned the room for any signs of Clemont, Xerosic, or the cells. Ash turned towards his right and came face to face with the stoic stance of Clemont. Pikachu gasped in surprise as Ash and Bonnie called out to Clemont. Bonnie began to approach Clemont to check on him but stopped in her tracks as a menacing chuckle entered her ears. The group turned towards the laughter and came face to face with Xerosic and his Malamar and Crobat.

“I welcome you all to the unveiling of the enhanced human,” Xerosic sickly greeted as he strolled over to the group.

“What did you do,” Ash growled.

“Give me back my brother and Squishy’s friends RIGHT NOW,” Bonnie demanded. Xerosic could only guffaw in evil glee at their demands.

“Your brother is currently being mind controlled,” Xerosic taunted, “and has become Team Neo Flare first enhanced human!” Bonnie gasped in horror upon hearing that her brother was under Xerosic’s control. She turned towards Clemont in disbelief, scared for her brother.

“Yes, Xerosic sir,” Clemont emotionlessly replied.

“CLEMONT,” Bonnie shrieked.

“It can’t be,” Serena shuddered.

“Clemont, snap out of it,” Ash blurted.

“Pika,” Pikachu cried.

Unit One,” Xerosic ordered, “your first job is to CAPTURE THEM ALL!”

“Right, as you wish,” Clemont complied. He raised his arms ahead of him and began to advance on the group, swaying like a zombie. Hawlucha and Talonflame leapt in front of the group and spread their wings, trying to block Clemont from coming any closer.

“This can’t be real,” Serena stammered.

“Clemont,” Bonnie faltered.

“Pika pika,” Pikachu squeaked.

“There’s no way Clemont could be that weak,” Ash spat. Ash knew Clemont; there was no way that he would’ve given in to Xerosic. They both knew how twisted and flat out crazy he was. He would’ve found a way to resist or fight back; use that big brain of his to outsmart him somehow. The group watched in tense anticipation as Clemont continued to sway towards them and Xerosic chortled in sinister victory.

“He’d never give in to your mind control,” Ash declared, still confident that Clemont did something to resist Xerosic. Clemont came to a halt just in front of the group, his head was hung low as he flatly laughed. Suddenly, Clemont raised his head in triumph and beamed at the gang!

 “Thank you for having faith in me Ash,” Clemont grinned. Everyone within the room gasped; our heroes in joy and Xerosic in shock and disbelief. Xerosic felt a pang of panic in his chest as the group and their Pokémon turned their attention onto him.

“You know I’m an inventor,” Clemont smirked, “The future is now, thanks to science! CLEMONTIC GEAR ON!” Clemont pulled a small disk from his left temple.

“After what happened before,” he continued, “I invented this multi-electromagnetic wave blocker! I call it ‘Jamming Unit One!’ I inconspicuously attached it while pretending to wipe off my glasses!”

“UNBELIEVABLE,” Xerosic choked.

“That makes twice you failed against one of my inventions,” Clemont boasted, “This device and my Clembot should prove whose inventions are superior! Time to admit you’ve been defeated!”

“M-my inventions are inferior,” Xerosic quavered, “THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE! CROBAT, USE AIR SLASH! NOW!” Crobat fluttered above the group and prepared their attack; their top wings glowing bright as they crossed.

“Chespin,” Clemont called as he threw their Pokéball, “Pin Missile!” Just as Chespin was released, Corbat had thrusted its wings apart and fired three Air Slashes. Chespin unleashed a battle cry as their head quills began to glow. They ducked down as five Pin Missiles fired from the quills and collided with the Air Slashes. The collision of moves resulted in a mini explosion that gave Ash and Serena the chance to stand by Clemont.

“Clemont, Serena,” Ash asserted, “let’s get them together!”

“Alright,” Clemont conferred.

“Let’s do this,” Serena urged as she released Braixen from her Pokéball. Greninja, Hawlucha, Talonflame, Braixen, and Chespin formed a wall, separating Xerosic from their trainers. Each Pokémon cried in determination to defeat Malamar and Crobat and stop Xerosic here and now!

“Alright Malamar, Signal Beam,” Xerosic commanded, “and Crobat, Wing Attack!” Crobat flew up towards the ceiling while Malamar quickly shot out their Signal Beam.

“Braixen,” Serena ordered, “block it with Flamethrower!” Braixen grabbed her stick from her tail and lifted it towards Malamar. A thick stream of fire erupted from the end of the stick and collided with the Signal Beam, creating a thick cloud of smoke blinding Malamar and Crobat.

“Chespin, use Tackle,” Clemont shouted.

“Hawlucha,” Ash added, “use Flying Press!” Chespin released their vines and wrapped them around Greninja’s left arm. Greninja spun his body around and flung Chespin towards Crobat, hitting them point blank with their Tackle. This stunned Crobat and stopped them from unleashing their Wing Attack. Meanwhile, Hawlucha charged towards Talonflame who cupped their wings together. Hawlucha leapt onto the wing and Talonflame thrust Hawlucha into the air. Hawlucha spun their body and struck Crobat with a full force Flying Press. Hawlucha slammed Crobat into the ground and leapt back to rejoin the group.

“You pesky, little,” Xerosic growled, “I’m not going to let you annoying brats ruin my PLAN OF PERFECTION! Now Crobat, use Air Slash!” Crobat picked themselves off from the floor and shot back up into the air. They crossed all four of their wings as they glowed a bright white. They quickly uncrossed their wings and shot out four Air Slashes.

“Greninja, Water Shuriken,” Ash interjected, “and Talonflame, Razor Wind!” Greninja and Talonflame recreated their Water Shuriken-Razor Wind combo and unleashed the attacks at the Air Slashes, destroying them. The combo move powered through the collision and struck Crobat, knocking them out.

“Crobat, return,” Xerosic grumbled as he recalled Crobat to their Pokéball, “This is not acceptable! As long as I have my ideas and my genius mind, I’ll be able to recreate this world! Defeat is not an option!” Xerosic’s voice was panicked and his composure was crumbling. He believed that his plan should have been foolproof, but was outsmarted and overpowered by four children and their Pokémon! As much as it killed him, he had to admit that he was no match for the group when he only had Malamar left. If he was going to win this war, he was going to have to lose this battle. He and his Malamar made a beeline for the hatch on the truck’s side with Ash and Clemont giving chase.

“Come back,” Ash demanded. Xerosic slammed his fist against the touch panel; the side door opening with a swish.

“Malamar, return,” Xerosic stated as Malamar was pulled back into their Pokéball, “We must meet again sometime! I’m not finished yet! See you again!” Xerosic thrust himself from the truck door and into the air, freefalling towards the ground.

“YOU WON’T GET AWAY,” Clemont barked. Clemont planted himself at the base of the door and activated his Aipom Arm. The Aipom Arm quickly extended towards Xerosic and grasped his coat by its flare emblem, successfully catching him before he could activate any escape measures. Xerosic flailed aggressively, trying to break free from the grip of the robotic arm.

“L-let go,” Xerosic stammered.

“You’re gonna pay for all the awful things you did,” Clemont chastised, “And from now on, you need to invent things that help humanity!” Xerosic tried to fire back that his plans would help humanity, but instead turned away from the inventor and his friends. He tensed in the grip of the arm, stiff with shame and defeat.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After reigning Xerosic back into the truck and restraining him, Serena was able to contact Officer Jenny of Lumiose City. Serena informed Jenny of Team Neo Flare, Xerosic’s kidnapping and cell-napping escapade, and her theory about the Anistar City Sundial. Officer Jenny directed the group to a large clearing near Lumiose City where they could land and transfer Xerosic over to her and release the cells back into the forest. Within the hour, Clemont took control of the truck and piloted it over to the clearing. As Officer Jenny was directing Xerosic into the back of her patrol car, he stopped to turn towards Clemont. Before he was carted off to prison, he had to know Clemont’s secret. He had to know why he was so powerful with inventing and battling.

“Tell me something,” he pleaded, “You’ve got a lot of strength, but why?” Clemont grew a soft smirk on his face as he adjusted his glasses.

“Honestly,” Clemont disclosed, “I wasn’t that strong before. But my time with Ash and all my friends, and all that we’ve experienced, that’s given me the strength I have now!” Xerosic gasped; it was as if he just had an epiphany.

“Your friends,” he whispered.

“Now get in,” Jessie interrupted. She didn’t want to wait for his booking any longer; the sooner he faced justice for what he’d done, the better. As the group watched the patrol car cruise along the dirt path towards the station, its siren dissipating as it drove along, they wondered about Xerosic’s response to Clemont’s answer. Whether he realized that true strength and harmony comes from the bonds of love, trust, and friendship people make with each other, or if he twisted Clemont’s words to fit with Team Neo Flare’s haunting goals was uncertain.

“Glad that’s over with,” Serena sighed. Bonnie sighed as well, but quickly turned her attention away from the patrol car and towards one of the released calls that was by her feet.

“Hey,” she murmured, “you know Squishy, right? Squishy’s your friend.” The cell only laid flat on the ground in response. Bonnie looked on in worry, wondering if Squishy was safe, along with Zygarde 2 and Noivern. She was broken out of her thoughts when the cell she was watching, along with the other four cells, began to glow a bright green. The five cells floated off of the ground and then shot into the foliage behind the group. Everyone turned towards the foliage, ready to run after the cells, but stiffened when they noticed the bushes shaking. Their Pokémon stood in front of them, ready to fend off whatever was heading their way. They watched and waited for the threat to show themselves, when out from the bushes leapt out Squishy in their 10% form. Upon seeing Bonnie, Squishy stopped and reverted back to their core, their cells dispersing behind them in strands of green light.

“BONNIE,” Squishy cried. Serena and Clemont slightly jumped. They’ve never heard Squishy’s telepathy before. Ash and his Pokémon beamed upon seeing Squishy safe and sound. Bonnie stared at Squishy starry-eyed as a huge grin spread along her face.

“SQUISHY,” Bonnie squealed and she sprinted towards Squishy. Bonnie knelt down and scooped them up, gently nuzzling them against her cheek.

“I missed you,” she gushed, “Feeling better now, my little Squishy?” Squishy happily chirped in her arms as she hugged them again.

“I am so glad you’re all safe,” Squishy sighed as they cuddled closer to Bonnie, “I was so worried that Xerosic escaped with Clemont or that he captured all of you!”

“We’re fine,” Clemont chimed as he and the others gathered around Bonnie and Squishy, “Xerosic has been taken into custody and the cells he captured have been freed.”

“I can’t thank you all enough,” Squishy babbled, “You stopped Xerosic and saved our cells again! I … I couldn’t have asked for a better family!” The group beamed as they huddled around Bonnie and Squishy, enveloping them in a big hug. Squishy quietly sighed as they closed their eye, happy to be reunited with their family once again.

… Family.

“Oh, that’s right,” Squishy gasped as they wiggled out of Bonnie’s hug and turned towards the group, “I split off from Zygarde and Noivern to try and find you when we collected over half of our cells. They are waiting for us in a glade not too far from here. Follow me!” Squishy bounded into the foliage with our heroes trailing behind them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sky transitioned from a light blue to a golden amber as the sun began to set over the horizon. The dense canopy was bathed in the golden sunlight that was able to beam through their gaps. Our heroes were mesmerized by the sight as they trekked along the forest foliage. The ground beneath them became more uneven with rocks and small hills until the group stopped in front of a small stream. The group gasped as they noticed Zygarde in their 50% form with Noivern at the other side of the stream.

“Zygarde! Noivern,” Ash gasped. Noivern turned towards Ash and chirped in joy as they flew towards them. Noivern wrapped their wings around Ash and his other Pokémon, ecstatic to see them.

“Ha ha, I’m glad to see you too,” Ash giggled as Noivern nuzzled his head. Pikachu, Greninja, Talonflame, and Hawlucha crooned as they embraced Noivern.

“My friends,” Zygarde began, “I am glad to see you again. I never got the chance to thank you for freeing us from Team Flare’s control. Before meeting you all, we believed that the world and its people were corrupt; that it was filled with selfish beings who cared only about power and control. However, Zygar- … Squishy’s time with you showed us that the world is also filled with kind people who care about others.”

“During my travels with you all,” Squishy continued as they thought back on their time with the group, “you displayed human kind’s potential for bravery, compassion, and unity. You all accepted me into your family after just meeting me. You took measures to keep me safe, healthy, and comfortable. You and many other humans risked your lives to save the people and Pokémon of Lumiose City when Team Flare managed to take control of us and when Lysandre tried to reach Anistar City.”

“And now,” Zygarde added, “You once again stopped Xerosic and rescued our cells. We are forever in your debts. I am glad that I was able to say my goodbyes.”

“Goodbyes,” Serena questioned.

“Yes,” Zygarde explained, “While Xerosic has been taken into custody, and we have collected our cells with Noivern’s help, there may be stragglers of Team Flare still hiding around. I plan to hide myself and our cells away for the time being.” A saddened shadow fell on Bonnie’s face as she knelt down towards Squishy.

“I … I guess this means you’re saying goodbye too,” Bonnie fretted.

“Bonnie,” Squishy comforted, “I’m not saying goodbye, I’m coming with you.”

“R-really,” Bonnie stuttered.

“After all the time we’ve been together, I wouldn’t want to be apart from you. You treated me with such kindness when you first found me in your bag. It was your love encouraged me to stay and travel with you all. It was that same love that helped me break free from Team Flare’s control. You never gave up on me, and I could never give up on you. I want to stay with you, travel with you, and be your partner with Dedenne when you start your own journey! So that’s why I’m transferring my cells to Zygarde so I can go with you!” Bonnie squealed in delight as she scooped Squishy up into her arms and hugged them tightly. Dedenne crawled out of their pouch to join in the cuddle. The rest of the group looked at the trio with large grins on their faces, succumbing to the bubbling warmth of the sight. Zygarde sighed in content and turned towards the sky, noticing the sun setting further.

“I’m afraid our time is running short,” Zygarde announced, “It’ll be dark soon, so I suggest we say our goodbyes before then.” Our heroes agreed and released their other Pokémon to say farewell to Zygarde. Squishy transferred their connected cells to Zygarde and shared a heartfelt goodbye to their other half.

“I will reach out to you often, my friend,” they declared, “and I hope to see you again soon.”

“Thank you Squishy,” Zygarde replied, “I will miss you.” Zygarde bowed towards the group and began to stroll deeper into the forest.

“Zygarde,” Bonnie called, “don’t worry about Squishy! I’ll take good care of them!”

“I know you will, Bonnie,” Zygarde chuckled, “Until we meet again, my friends.”

“Take care of yourself Zygarde,” Ash exclaimed.

“Hope to see you soon,” Serena gushed.

“You’ll always be welcomed at my lab,” Clemont chimed in. Our heroes’ Pokémon waved to Zygarde and offered their own goodbyes and best wishes as Zygarde disappeared into the foliage. Soon after, everyone turned back to the trail and headed to Lumiose City.

Our heroes’ trek back to Lumiose City may have taken an unexpected turn, but it allowed them to help Zygarde one last time and reunite them with Squishy. With their journey in Kalos almost at an end, what other adventures await our heroes before and after their departure? The answer lies ahead, as the journey continues.

[ruby-rolls]

How often do each of the muses get gassy in public?

Ruby usually *tries* to keep things contained, but fails pretty much every time. Same goes for Suletta. Penny and Maka are generally much better at keeping their gas contained, Penny especially so because she's a robot. (Though keeping her exhaust held in for too long can effect her in adverse ways)

Neo and Nia don't care at all and will casually rip ass without a care in the world. Mio and Glimmer are similar, they're not quite as casual about it but thanks to their upbringing they're not particularly adverse to farting in public.

And then there's Crona, who wishes they could contain themselves but cannot to save their life.

[queenharumiura]

✍️ + Xanxus

Send me ✍️ + a muse, and I’ll try my hand at writing as them ||Accepting|| @inciteafflatus

Xanxus slowly peels open an eye to see that a certain brunette woman was causing a ruckus again. It was usually a number of things:

Belphegor or Fran had pissed her off again and she's hellbent on punching them 'at least once'.

Someone trekked mud all over the freshly cleaned floors.

Someone probably ate the cake she was saving.

PMS

Lazy observation was all that was needed to know which of the 4 options it was. She's waving a mop around, so it was reason number 2.

Despite the fact that he normally presented himself as a lazy leader (which honestly wasn't that far from the truth most days), he was still competent, and he knew the necessary information about all those under his command.

Of course, that meant that he knew Haru's backstory, and he was also the one that allowed her to have a place within the Varia. If she were entirely useless, he would've kicked her out of the Varia. He didn't give a RATS ASS about what anyone else had to say to him.

She was useful and she made the cut. Simple as that.

Besides... that Prince of theirs needed a playmate who could occupy his time. He rolls over to fall asleep again, but a gun was now in hand.

Keep it up for a bit longer, and you're DEAD, noisy trash.

[rabbitechoes]

apologies for how late this is as well as how brief it is compared to my other Month in Reviews. i got way too behind with both the hurricane and end of semester schoolwork. i'm still incredibly busy, but i managed to cobble this together. there is no singles & songs post this month, only this post containing all of the reviews i wrote this past month as well as my quick thoughts on some projects i didn't write full reviews for. each review is posted on Medium, which is new for me, and they're all linked below!!! enjoy!! peace and love <3 also feel free to follow me on rate your music and twitter <3

Cutouts - The Smile

◇ released: Oct. 4, 2024 ◇ genres: art rock, ambient pop, krautrock, math rock

The Smile’s second album in barely under nine months is the band’s most loose and enjoyable collection of songs yet. The chemistry these three have is just so electrifying, an absolute joy to hear.

my review of Cutouts

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The New Sound - Geordie Greep

🥇 BEST ALBUM OF THE MONTH

◇ released: Oct. 4, 2024 ◇ genres: jazz-rock, progressive rock, art rock, avant-prog

Geordie Greep’s solo debut is both his magnum opus and a new beginning. it’s a record full of vulgar romance and illusions of grandeur brought to life by a revolving door of musicians and Greep’s unorthodox nature.

my review of The New Sound

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“NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD” - Godspeed You! Black Emperor

◇ released: Oct. 4, 2024 ◇ genres: post-rock, chamber music, drone

GY!BE’s pressing new album is one of their most powerful. It serves as a sobering reminder that we can’t afford to grow complacent in the face of horrible atrocities.

my review of “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD”

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Cool World - Chat Pile

◇ released: Oct. 11, 2024 ◇ genres: noise rock, sludge metal

Few bands capture the cruel spirit of America quite like Chat Pile. On their new album, the band refine and add new layers to their sound while struggling with living in a world they’re absolutely disgusted by.

my review of Cool World

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REVELATOR - ELUCID

◇ released: Oct. 11, 2024 ◇ genres: experimental hip hop, abstract hip hop, industrial hip hop

ELUCID's Fat Possum debut is his most daring project yet. One of the most exhilarating rap records of the year, characterized by bizarre sounds and his hardened musings on a city that isn’t too kind.

my review of REVELATOR

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CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, the Creator

◇ released: Oct. 28, 2024 ◇ genres: experimental hip hop, neo-soul, hardcore hip hop

On his radically honest eighth studio album, Tyler, the Creator tries to take his mask off and confront the man underneath, all the while reinforcing why he’s one of the most unique artists of today.

my review of CHROMAKOPIA

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here are a few thoughts on some projects i heard, but didn't get to write full reviews for!!

Moon Music - Coldplay

The sequel to Coldplay's worst record is markedly better, but still painfully drab in crucial ways. They're at their best when they're doing Coldplay stuff, no surprise, and thankfully they do Coldplay on Moon Music. The album features spacey contributions from both Jon Hopkins and Brian Eno which are nice touches, but it's not enough to fully excuse the band's sterile sound overall - or enough to stop the outright bad ideas to come to the surface like the pop rap cut "WE PRAY." Moon Music is fine, nothing remarkable though. The most memorable thing to me is that the band promoted this album on QVC, the home shopping network. Who does that?

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Soul Kiss EP - Frost Children & 春ねむり [Haru Nemuri]

Two artists that I really need to pay closer attention to have teamed up for an exciting EP. Electronic/digital hardcore duo Frost Children craft wild sounds for Japanese art pop artist Haru Nemuri to go wild in. Crunchy, off-kilter grooves run through this project and Namuri and the Frost Children both match their energy. This EP just sounds so exciting. It's eclectic as hell and super frenetic. If you're in the mood for something wild, give Soul Kiss a shot.

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Cancelled - Mötley Crüe

I don't know why I even listened to this EP. I saw people on Twitter clowning on a new Mötley Crüe song titled "Cancelled" and I was morbidly curious. This song is abhorrent, featuring bloated Vince Neil belting "Diggin' up my dirt on your woke crusade / Supermodel sandwich, selfie in the backseat / She said, 'Yes,' then they arrest me / Lock me up, put me in shackles." Baffling and disgusting! The other tracks aren't much better at all, especially their cover of the Beastie Boys' seminal rap rock track "Fight for Your Right" which is aggressively awful. This is one of the worst projects I've heard all year.

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Psychotic Spew - Black Ends

Found this record on Bandcamp and was pleasantly surprised. Black Ends describe themselves as a "Seattle Gunk Pop trio" on their debut and, yeah, that makes sense. The band makes grimy indie rock bangers with plenty of personality. For a debut, this is pretty well-crafted. I could definitely see them tightening up their sound on future releases, but this is a good start. Give this a shot!

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Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat - Charli XCX

The fabled BRAT remix album has finally arrived and it's pretty decent! We already got the best remix here in the form of "Girl, so confusing" with Lorde, but there are still some gems here. The coolest songs here act as continuations of their predecessors. Like "Everything is romantic" with Caroline Polachek, "So I" with A.G. Cook, and "I think about it all the time" with Bon Iver. The worst thing here is handily the "I might say something stupid" remix with The 1975 and Jon Hopkins. Hopkins' sparse production doesn't do Matty Healey, who is notoriously uninteresting, any favors. This isn't an essential release, but I think a lot of moments will satisfy fans of her pre-BRAT work which is pretty cool. I've been an "angel" for years now so it's still wild to me that some people only got into her through BRAT, but I digress.

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SABLE, - Bon Iver

On their first project since 2019's i,i, Justin Vernon and crew tear everything down to its barest parts. Returning to the acoustic sounds of their earliest work rather than the ever-evolving electronic experimentation they've been doing since. For those who loved the experimentation, like myself and which I lovingly deem the "sickos," SABLE, might be a little disappointing. It's bare, bar a crazy burst of brass instruments on "AWARDS SEASON," oftentimes just Vernon and a guitar - or Vernon and nothing at all. It's sobering, it feels like a quick regrouping. It's short, sweet, and poignant. Sure to sate the appetite while also whetting it just enough. Hopefully this leads to a bigger project soon, one with a more expansive sound.

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Patterns in Repeat - Laura Marling

I wanted to write a full review for this, but time escapes me. Patterns in Repeat is Laura Marling's latest record and the follow-up to 2020's Song for Our Daughter which had the English singer-songwriter writing songs for her fictional daughter. However, in the years since, Marling has become a mother and this new record has her musings on motherhood and life itself. She's looking backward and forward, putting her life into context now that she herself has brought life into this world. It's a beautiful listen, Marling's songwriting has never been more poignant. I only wish the sonic palette were a bit more diverse, but it's clear the songwriting was the main focus. Still, Patterns in Repeat is lovely.

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[maskyartist]

Rewarded in Pink and Brown

more drabbles this time from my Roman Lives AU cause i've been missing them already, plus yknow me i love a good reunion scene

(small notes, Roman lost his leg due to damage and wears a prosthetic. its what he refers to with Pietro. Roman traveled to Mistral on the same train as Oscar, causing them to meet early by accident, which led Roman to join the main cast

right now we're at the Schnee party in V8

we caught up? good lets roll)

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Smoking calms the nerves.

That's what Roman's told himself for years. But lately, after being off them for so long, he coughs and coughs as the smoke bellows above him, the burn unfamiliar in its familiarity.

Coming to Atlas has been strange. This whole year has been strange. Has it been a year? It feels like longer. Maybe shorter. Roman can't exactly tell anymore. Time blurred together from all the…excitement, you could call it.

From meeting Oscar by complete accident on his way to Mistral, to nearly getting killed by Red's little crew, to fighting alongside them at Haven… It's been many ups and downs since Neo's disappearance.

Now, here he stands, carefully disguised with a fat cigar between his fingers, waiting for the choking to die down like he's some kind of first-cigarette-teenager again. Out of spite, and a need to not waste these beauties found in this…very legally obtained coat, he takes another long, long drag, allowing the smoke to settle in his damaged lungs before blowing it to the sky. Better. Much better.

After losing so much, he can't lose this. A literal addiction to cover his emotional addiction is fair, isn't it?

Roman sighs. Heavy and tired, running a hand through temporary brown hair.

He's tried…he's tried so hard to hold onto hope… Mistral was a dud. So was Amina. He was hoping he'd spot her in Mantle, his old stomping grounds, but not a spot of pink and brown to be seen.

Now, here he stands. Leaning on a balcony railing, cigar warm between his gloved fingers, in the one city that Neo wanted to see the most for its beautiful snow…without her.

It's empty. Hollow. A victory unearned. Just like his survival. And after failure upon failure, hit after hit…

He's tired. One last puff has Roman tossing the cigar, letting it land where it lands on the ground below. Not his problem anymore. Red may have taught him to be patient, but not kind.

Turning around, he finally pushes himself off the railing and into the hall. May as well put that nifty leg Pietro gave him to work, since it was free. A gift from the heart, as he said.

Roman calls it pity. Still helps him walk, though.

"Alright, Roman, no more tears." He whispers to himself, combing curly hair back with a huff. "Just gotta make it another day…"

How many more "another day"s can he take? A question that's been on his mind since all this chaos began. Since he got swept up in something much bigger than himself. Then Neo. If this is what Cinder wanted, maybe it's a good thing she's not here, he muses as he walks down the hallway. Without Neo, there's no chance of her getting hurt worse. May as well count his blessings.

"Oh-!"

Roman falters when he stumbles, looking down to see a poor servant with a dropped tray and some barely-saved glasses on the carpet floor, champagne that probably costs more than any amount of Dust Roman has stolen in the past staining the fabric.

With a sigh, he kneels down and offers the girl a smile. "My apologies, I thought the upstairs was empty." He smoothly offers, helping gather rolled away glasses. That is the one nice thing about Atlas. No one cares to remember the voice of the long-dead Roman Torchwick. He doesn't need to worry too much about that.

"So, what's got you up here, anyway?" He can't help it. He's always been nosy when it comes to rich parties. And servants always have such juicy gossip. "I doubt you'll get many good tips up-"

…green eyes. That's the first thing he notices are green eyes. Piercing, so familiar, it's exactly like looking in a mirror. The young woman near him wearing a black bob on top of that that just brings too many memories back. Far too many. Too many of disguise attempts, trying to find the most bland appearance possible, before the two settled on black hair and green eyes and easy hairstyles. Easy to blend into the background with a bob, after all.

The silence between them is heavy, the woman silent as ever, and Roman taking her in. Her size, her stature, her figure…

"…I haven't used boxed dye in so long." Roman finally offers. A tidbit. A small nudge. It makes her blink, mouth falling lightly open.

Roman finally smiles. Smiles. Big and large and impatiently joyous at a fact that hasn't been proven.

"I mean…you did a much better job at my disguises, didn't you…"

It's like falling in love all over again. His heart skips a beat at the sight of shimmering pink, and leaps into his throat as it falls away like delicate raining glass to reveal a familiar face. Pink and brown eyes staring back at him, to match her hair, with messy white streaks from the amount of stress she's been through.

Roman laughs. He laughs because he finally found his hat and scarf, tied delicately around her neck and donning the top of her head like a crown.

Fit for a queen, of course.

"…Neo?"

Her name rolls off his tongue like a prayer. Neo, Neo, Neo, he's thought it for so long, he's imagined it for longer, but seeing it, seeing her…

He's not sure who launches at who first. Roman remembers opening his arms, but by the time his mind is caught up with him again, Neo's clinging to him tight, silent sobs soaking the front of his stolen attire as Roman cradles the back of her head, rests his chin atop his hat that sits so perfectly on her head, careful not to dirty her perfect appearance.

"You're just as stunning as ever…" He hiccups when he pulls away, cupping her face in his hands. Hands that are bare, gloves frantically tossed away to ensure that she's real. With real skin, and real warmth, and real wet tears he wipes away even as they continue to fall.

Real, with small hands mirroring his own, letting her feel along under his bangs, the scar that got bigger from the accident, letting her count every freckle like she couldn't remember their placement, letting her stare right into him as he stares right back.

Roman wastes no time. Her lips are like candy, sugary with lip gloss and a tad salty from tears. Be it his own or hers, he can't tell, and he doesn't care.

All that matters is that she's here. With him. Held in his arms, and sat in his lap like nothing ever changed. Like they're back at the warehouse, holding each other as they try to quiet down their adrenaline-filled thoughts after a long day's work to get some good sleep.

When he pulls away, Neo doesn't let him, yanking him right back in for kiss after kiss, making Roman laugh as he gives her everything she needs. Everything she wants. Anything. Anything at all. She deserves it. She deserves the world.

"Neo-"

peck

"Neo, doll-"

peck, peck

"Sweetheart, we need to-"

peck!

"Okay! That's enough!" Roman laughs again, straightening up enough to make Neo have to stop. He wipes his face of stray tears, amusement clear at her familiar pout. Yes. Because how dare he deny her anything. What a cruel monster her lover has become with time.

He shakes his head, gently combing fingers through Neo's hair. More white streaks. More stress. "If we keep this up, we'll be up here all night. And personally? I'd rather not have our first night back together in a Schnee manor."

Neo's face scrunches in disgust. Clearly, they're on the same page. "Besides…"

Cupping her cheek, he thumbs over newly obtained, tiny scars. Then, delicately, he removes his scarf from her neck, Neo allowing him to see the riddling of slashes. Along with newer ones, along the collar bone. Light burns and small stabs.

He sets the scarf aside to steal his hat from her head, dropping it atop his own. Even with the disguise, Neo sees him. All of him. Every inch of Roman Torchwick and his dramatics.

…they're perfect for each other.

"I really need to fill you in on what you've missed."

Roman doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve her. Not now. Not after what they've gone through. Not after what he's done, his constant back and forth, his changing, his differences from back then to now.

But knowing Neo? She's too stubborn to give him up.

And, no matter how much time he's spent around those damn kids…

Roman's too selfish to let her try.

[roseofithaca]

Run, Little Witch (Part 4)

Mary is determined to save Silver but time is running out.

"You're kidding me!"

"Nope."

"Right up inside his-?!"

"All the way in."

Alison laughed, flicking the indicator as she turned right into the driveway; "No way can that be legal."

"Is in Amsterdam. Maybe we can go there next year?" Mike smirked, still a bit tipsy after treating himself to some beers on the flight.

"Think we might have to settle for Brighton again." Their couple's holiday savings was not getting much bigger than when they'd started if two years ago. "Hang on, what...?"

She parked the car several feet from the front door and pulled up the parking break, keeping the headlights on to illuminate the peculiar sight that welcomed her home.

Mike frowned at her; "What is it?"

"Ghost thing...You know Silver, right?"

"Emo girl who sleeps in the woods? The one Julian is always playing Evansescence songs on the ipod speaker for?"

"I know you downloaded those songs before we moved here."

"They remind me of simpler times, okay! Anyway, what about this girl?"

Alison unclipped her seat belt and got out the car; "They're...dragging her, kicking and screaming, across the field...Guys! Guys, what are you doing?!"

But the group didn't so much as look her way. Silver was shrieking like a banshee, fighting with all her strength as Humphrey's body, Robin and Julian frogmarched her away from the house. Captain strode behind them with Pat, Kitty, Thomas and Fanny in his wake. None of them seemed concerned for why the young Neo-Pagan was in great distress. More like they were all heading off for a pleasant evening stroll.

Alison abandoned Mike and the car and tried to run after them.

"Guys! Guys, can you hear me?!"

"Al'son!"

She turned to see Mary racing towards her, clutching at her skirt.

"Mary, what are they-?"

"I told you! I saids this would happen and you didn't believe me!" She sounded far more frantic than normal, which was saying a lot.

"What are you talking about?"

"The mirror! You broke the mirror and the spirit of that blaggard hath been let loose and he's taken control of the others and made them torture the poor heathen child!"

Torture? Alison couldn't help but scoff.

"That's ridiculous! Those guys? Other than driving me round the bend every other day, they're harmless!"

"It ain't them doing it, Al'son, it's him! It's Sir Pius!" Mary got up close in her face; "He wants to punish her, as he did me, don't thou see?!"

Punish her? What, for her poor taste in music? For her overly bloated rants about the patriarchy?

Silver's screams cut through the night air again. Alison turned in time to see her aim a kick at Robin's shin. The caveman gave her a thrash across the face with his paw.

That...could not be a joke.

She made another attempt to get through to them; "Guys! Listen to me! Let her go and stop all this or else...Or else no more T.V for a month! You hear me?!"

No response. Not even a look her way.

"Shit...Maybe this is serious." She turned back to what seemed to be the ghost who was the closest to being sane.

"If anything terrible happens to that girl, I will holds you responsibles, Al'son Coopers!"

No threat had ever struck so deep. Alison shrank back, Mary's expression that of a mother lioness. The smoke wafting off her along with the smell of toast made her blood run cold.

She got the message, loud and clear.

"All right. Okay...Let's go fix that mirror then." She nodded, remembering her promise; "Mike! Where did you put the super glue?!"

They toss Silver to the ground like a discarded bag of rubbish. She doesn't try to run again, her head pounding from the blow of Robin's fist.

"Ah, yes. This will do. I believe it was this spot where we used to set up the gallows." Captain mused. "Are you ready to face your sentencing, girl?"

Taking in a breath, she pushed herself onto her knees. Then, in spite of all the physical and mental pain thrumming through her, she laughs.

"Sentenced to what?" She dared to ask, sneering up at him; "What is it you plan to do? Flog me some more? Knock me about until you get bored? There's not much else you can do now, is there. You can't set up a noose. You can't drown me in the lake. You're fucking impotent, mate! You can't burn this witch. I'm already dead!" The last part she with a smidgen of pride before laughing some more.

His stick struck her across the cheek.

"Silence, whore. If I need to remove your tongue with our bare fingernails, I will attempt to do so. Never mind if it regrows. It will be a game we can enjoy many times over."

The thought alone made her shudder, as much as she tried to hide her fear. She would rather they didn't get too creative with their limited means of torture.

"Had you studied your history, you would know that witches were rarely burned at the stake. I discovered and executed over a hundred she-demons in my life. Out of all of them, only one was wicked enough to be put to the torch. The rest were sent to Hell through many various methods...The question is, which one will be suitable for you?"

Why bother sending her to Hell? Silver thought to herself. It seemed like she was already there.

The Captain's stick lifted up her chin.

"I have come to appreciate the art of isolation as punishment. The more permanent the better. If we can't send you back to Satan directly, then you can be trapped for centuries, in the dark. Just as I was."

There was no remnant of the old soldier's warmth in those eyes. Nothing but two jet black onyxes.

"And how the fuck would you do that? I'm a ghost, you prick. Walls can't hold me." Once the words were out of her mouth, she felt like an idiot for testing him.

He smirked; "That is true, isn't it. The ground, on the other hand, seems to be very, very firm to us."

Thoughts of iron coffins were shoved back to the front of her mind. No. There was no way they could think of...They wouldn't be able to dig.

And then that deep, primal chuckle caught their attention.

"Me know just the place." Robin grinned, wickedly; "There old well next to lake. Saw ghost fall down there once, many Moonah ago. Hear him scream for year after year. Never saw him go up. Maybe he wander through mud even now. Trapped forever in darkness."

No, no, no, no.

"Yes, thank you, Robin. That sounds like a perfect home for our little witch, doesn't it, everyone?"

The others all nodded in agreement. Silver clutched at her own arms, feeling her chest tighten, oxygen escaping her grasp as her anxiety rose beyond all manageable levels.

She tried once more to search their eyes, to appeal to whatever glimpse of her friends that were trapped within.

"Guys...Please." She whimpered, "Don't do this. I...We're family."

"That's true. We are family." Said Kitty, raising her chin, "But you were never a real part of it."

"Kitty...." She began to weep.

"Oh stop your pathetic snivelling, you satanic wretch." Fanny glowered, "I'll be looking forward to no longer having to tolerate your sinful presence each month."

"Or your ghastly songs." Thomas added.

"Or the feminist whining." Scoffed Julian.

"Or having to carry skinny bum into wood each time." The caveman rolled his eyes.

When did she ever ask that of him? When had she ever kept him to that one favour she asked of him on the night she died? 'Stay'.

"Is that why you pray to all those false gods of yours, hmm?" Humphrey asked from where he dangled from Pat's grip; "Because you couldn't get any real friends?"

"I wouldn't be surprised. Who'd want to be around a pathetic waste of space like that?" She never thought she'd ever hear Pat Butcher speak so callously; "Even her own family didn't like her. No guesses why."

"Stop it!" She begged, fingers digging into her arms; "Please, stop..."

"Oh, my dear." Tutted the Captain; "It will all stop, very soon. We'll be rid of your filth and you'll get to be alone in the dark with your gods. Forever."

"Make haste, Al'son!" Mary pressed.

From the window, she could just about see the group of them standing around a bereft Silver, trembling on her knees, the tears on her cheeks glistening in the moonlight. She wanted to race back and gather the child up in her arms immediately.

"I'm going as quick as I can! I was never good at jigsaws." Alison muttered, placing another shard where it seemed to fit best, the underside lined with a dab of Locktite. "Will it matter if they're not all fused together?"

"I dunno..." She admitted, not tearing her eyes from the window; "But we has to try. I dunnos what they planning on doing with the little'en but it can't be good."

Pius was a sadist. There was no other way to put it. He had revelled in finding the most creative and horrific ways to abstract so-called confessions out of innocent women. That hungry smirk on his handsome face had haunted her nightmares for four hundred years. She dreaded to think what sick and twisted things he planned on doing to Silver.

The man one, Mike, sat on the bed, watching his wife finish her project with his usual confusion.

"So, lemme get this straight. You broke some cursed mirror and now it's made the ghosts go crazy and start hurting the emo one?"

"Wiccan. And yeah, pretty much. Except Mary, for some reason." Alison explained, blandly, swapping out two small, near identical pieces. "Why is that, Mary?"

"Dunnos...Maybe he can't take hold of those he already harmed..."

Alison paused to glance over her shoulder at the woman, just for a moment. She said nothing. There was nothing that needed to be said, and if there were it needed to wait for a better time. But the realisation made her gut twist. It was never nice to be reminded that her ghost family were once, and still were, people. People who loved...and suffered.

Remembering Silver's cries and Mary's motherly threat, she quickened her pace with restoring the mirror as best she could.

"One last piece...There." She sighed with a sense of accomplishment.

"Good! Now let's take the mirror outside, at once." Said Mary.

"Give it a sec, we need to wait for the glue to dry or they'll all just slip out again."

"How longs will thats take?!"

"As long as it takes, I dunno! We don't need to rush."

"Don't need to..." Mary stared at her like she had two heads, "Al'son, they're dragging her off into the night! We needs to stop them now!"

"Well....maybe it's for the best."

Mary blinked at the younger woman.

"I mean, it's not like we'd be missing much, the girl is barely here except a few nights a month and it's not like I know her as well as you..."

Alison's expression contorted as she seemed to hear herself.

"Shit. What the fuck did I just say?" She asked, looking from Mary to Mike, genuinely terrified.

Mary stepped back. It was spreading to the livings now. She couldn't count on Alison to carry the mirror back outside.

She was alone. Silver's fate rested entirely in her hands.

[likemosaic]

|| ⭐️ (bats eyelashes)

send a " ⭐ " and i will list muses i would be interested in throwing at yours. / @m80495

honey you know you can have all my rwby muses. but also if youre interested/a part of any of the other fandoms we can always put merc in a crossover!

i actually have this headcanon that the reason that neo's boots are so strong in the roman/neo versus ruby fight is that she's inspired by mercury's legs/talaria, and she added steel to the base of her shoes. both dancer inspired, and they also have that shared "what happened to my mom and my sibling? who knows, trauma is horrible and i can't think about it" thing which sucks. i don't know how much attention she would've given mercury while roman was alive, but on the inverse, i don't know that he'll have much patience for her horrible grief from roman's death. she's really going through the motions and trying to find someone new to imprint codependency on after v3, with mixed bag results. also, her schizophrenia and her identity disorder is acting up HARD, and that makes some of the exchanges they have.....a little strange. it depends on how mercury can cope with that! im down for toxicity, but hey, maybe merc will be able to be a good polite boy (probably not).

cinder, the queen of autism and toxicity. is there even anything to be said here. canon mutual distrust and dislike, fun enemies. but she's not all bad all the time, and i can't blame mercury for hanging around her, because maybe those scraps of positive attention she can give are worth it? she did tell him she liked his jacket once. that's something. go after that milf, merc, chase your dreams.

COCO IS GOING THROUGH IT AND MERCURY BLACK YOU STAY AWAY FROM THAT INNOCENT YOUNG WOMAN. and by that i mean she probably tried to have sex with him at beacon, and also hated his guts for kicking her ass in the festival. volume 3 was a really low time for her and she was incredibly depressed so............mercury shoo. hsp au, aka coco's salem squad au, is something i made with a friend but we can always plot something similar if you found "evil villain mind control coco" interesting. alternatively, depending on how mercury acts towards her as a "haven" student, they could be friends for a while, because she's pretty friendly up until he mollywops her in the vytal festival and destroys her already suffering pride. did i mention she'd try to sleep with him? she loves a boy who will treat her so so bad.

ozpin is very well aware that salem is doing something in the vytal festival, and i think he could even guess that crmn are probably the plants, but it's better to let them gather info rather than to show his hand and potentially make beacon look bad by expelling "innocent" students. that said, he might pull mercury into his office or keep an eye on him, and i'd love to see mercury's reaction to someone trying to be a healthy adult towards him. though oz would have some internalized pettiness...good luck oz.

[theazureangel]

Luminous Promise - 5

Author - Important Note: English is not my language, so orthographic errors may be

The check-up went fairly well and without any setbacks, if anything it was determined that Gunvolt was physically fine, aside from his poor eyesight and probable fatigue. Any questions the doctor had regarding Gunvolt's amnesia, Copen had no choice but to answer. He wove some truth with lies when the doctor asked the cause of Gunvolt's amnesia, to the doctor, Gunvolt was a survivor of a recent maverick attack and was found by Copen later, since he only had a couple of encounters with him, he knew his name.

Since they found no wounds on his skull upon examination, the woman assumed his memory loss was due to the post-traumatic events he suffered. She told him he probably suffers from severe disorientation and warned him to be careful in case Gunvolt suffers any episodes in case he regains any kind of memory of his trauma, the latter being the most worrying to Copen.

He wasn't aware of Gunvolt's life, at that point, he was just another adept that he had to kill as an adept slayer, the little he knew was that he was labeled a terrorist by Sumeragi ever since he had freed the muse and later of his fights against six of the swordsmen before arriving at Nova and much later, of what happened to him when he faced Dermezel.

Either way, no memory that could come from the depths of Gunvolt's subconscious would be pleasant and Copen was a bit more worried about any memory that had to do with Dermezel.

Copen watched as the adept played with the contact lens case, looking around his temporary base with the same curiosity he had since they left the doctor's office. Lola found it endearing and funny, given that Gunvolt looked like a little boy, Copen tried not to think about it, because it was another reminder that Gunvolt was now a shadow of what he once was.

"So, all better boy?" Lola asked in a cheerful and playful tone as she fluttered around him. Deciding to engage the boy in conversation.

The adept only smiled at her in response, “You could say so. Though I didn’t expect the place to be…” Gunvolt looked around unsurely, cracks littered the walls, not so much as to be a structural issue (Copen made sure to properly inspect the structure so it wouldn’t be a long term problem) however, they just highlighted how old and run down the place was, along with the dust that settled on some things around the room and the poor state of the lights.

Gunvolt really wasn’t sure why their dwelling was in this state or even why they lived here. Copen sighed, guessing the adept’s thoughts. He hadn’t really bothered much with fixing the place up other than cleaning up some things that would be in use and exploring the surrounding area for the reason why there was still electricity.

This resulted in a hydroelectric plant with a system that operated through multiple water mills that took advantage of the sea currents. They were deteriorated by the passage of time and lack of maintenance but the fact that they were in operation was impressive.

Copen had to wonder why there was a problem with energy in Neo Arcadia when there were energy systems as functional as these. Was it because of its dependence on a single resource, the high population of the city or the deteriorated state of the planet?

Lola looked around and knew what the adept meant, maybe they should clean up a bit "Oh, oh, I understand, well, the boss considers it an appropriate place for us to live for now, since a lot of things happened, although some cleaning really wouldn't hurt, don't you think, boss?" The AI looked at her creator, who had moved to check the materials he had stolen from the warehouse.

“Probably.” Was the cyborg’s dry reply as he picked up a sturdy metal plate and carefully turned it between his fingers.

“Probably? Really boss? You know we don’t have Kohaku to clean up.” Copen doesn't really care much about cleanliness, especially when he was too wrapped up in a new project, Kohaku usually kept the whole place organized when she was alive…

"It's not like we have the necessary things to clean either." Was the albino's argument as he checked the quality of the material. A simple view seemed to be durable enough, but he needed more information on this if he wanted to use it to make weaponry and equipment.

"Very good, very good, good point." Lola couldn't really argue with Copen's argument, but she still thought they should clean up a bit, she didn't think living in those conditions would be good for Gunvolt.

"Gunvolt, come here." The blond turned his head to Copen before walking over, the albino gestured to the chair beside him without looking at the adept, too focused on the material in his hands, in turn, Gunvolt watched as Copen turned the piece of metal between his fingers before setting it aside on the desk to look at him "I need to explain some things to you."

"Does it have anything to do with what you talked about with that girl or the training?" The question was asked with equal parts caution and interest as the adept finally sat down.

The blond shifted as Copen looked at him closely. "Both, actually, so this might take a while." Gunvolt walked over and straightened as Copen began to explain.

Xxxxxxxxxx

They had been called to their master's throne room and both Harpuia and her sister knew what that meant, of all the things that could have happened that day, neither had expected a reploid to raid the Great Library and steal information, however, the most humiliating thing was that both of them, guardians of Neo Arcadia, created to protect humanity and serve Neo Arcadia, had been unable to stop the reploid. "I want to know, how is it that even though the Great Library was led by Maha Ganeshariff, one of the Deep Sea Squadron members, he was defeated by a mere Maverick, who was not only able to raid the Great Library, but take information and escape with it, despite two of the guardians being there." A sigh escaped his lips, his red gaze filled with disdain settling on both guardians who were kneeling in front of his master. "How disappointing, I expected better from you than a small slip that allowed the Maverick to escape."

"We are sorry, master." Having no choice but to swallow their wounded pride, Leviathan and Harpuia could only kneel and keep their heads bowed at their master's contemptuous words. Harpuia, despite keeping a solemn face, was boiling with anger and frustration inside himself for having been caught off guard like that, things should not have ended that way, not when he had gone to support Leviathan in catching that maverick. The guardian, at his side, was the most furious between the two, not only had that reploid humiliated her in a fight and then fled, but he had also defeated one of the members of her squad, one who was trained under his supervision, but at this moment, Maha Ganeshariff was in the repair wing, after his armor was severely damaged, presenting deep punctures and an arm that had been cut off. It would take at least a while for it to be up and running again.

It was obvious that that reploid was not just any enemy, but any excuse would not appease her master in any way for having failed, especially not her, who was in charge of that area, her pride had been hurt and humiliated by the way in which that reploid had bypassed the security of the Great Library and had easily defeated her soldier.

"It doesn't matter, a Maverick can't do anything against Neo Arcadia, but whatever data he stole, do whatever it takes to track down this reploid and take the necessary measures with him, for now, the Great Library will be in Phantom's care." Leviathan froze when he heard that, fury and frustration multiplying by twofold, but he had no choice but to lower his head in silence and accept it, "Retreat." And without saying a word, both Guardians teleported to another location. With a discontented sigh, the Master turned to another of his Guardians, sunlight shining on his blue armor as his red eyes turned to the third Guardian, who was in the room the entire time from the shadows and keeping silent throughout the meeting, "Phantom, how are the operations going at the prehistoric laboratory?" he asked with an even tone.

"We have sent units to scan the area and protect it from the resistance, but no signs of Zero have been found yet, unfortunately, since there is no map of the facility indicating where Zero was sealed, the search is being conducted blindly." The guardian explained in detail, his face expressionless as he gave his report to his master of the reports he obtained from the operations center, with the way things are taking, most likely one of the high command members would be sent to conduct the search, but it wouldn't be done until his master gave the order.

"That's unfortunate." The blue reploid sighed deeply before leaning back on his throne, however, disappointment was not on his features, despite the fact that supposedly, the one in that laboratory was someone who fought side by side during every Maverick War that was unleashed and in the Elf Wars.

Or at least, that's what most people would think.

"But for now, we must stop the Resistance from ever resurrecting Zero." And yet, the reploid allowed a smile to grow on his lips.

No matter what happened, a Maverick or an ancient and dusty legend like Zero would be no match for him.

Copy or not, he would always be better than the original.

Xxxxxxxxx

"Do they really label innocent reploids as Mavericks?" Gunvolt's knuckles were white from the force with which he clenched his fists. He listened intently to everything Copen told him about Neo Arcadia, how reploids, created to reflect human nature as an interface, were thrown away by the leader who ran Neo Arcadia, someone of their own kind, just because he wrongly labeled them as such and the desperate measures they took to survive while being judged by society and ostracized by those around them.

From creating a Resistance in hopes of saving as many as they could to murdering others and becoming what they were falsely labeled.

There was something familiar about the situation, but Gunvolt couldn't put his finger on what it was, however, the feeling of familiarity didn't overshadow the frustration he felt.

"It seems so, and that only seems to create more problems in the long run, considering they're doing everything they can to survive." Copen replied solemnly, Gunvolt was finding his lack of emotion at the situation disconcerting – and annoying, though he kept that thought to himself – as if he just had to resign himself to what was happening.

"They don't have any options either, I don't think it'll be easy to get in touch with the Resistance," And that was true, the resistance was highly sought after by Neo Arcadia, being labeled as terrorists by the City, they didn't have many options, they had to be careful with their operations, one wrong move and they could be tracked down.

“I still don’t understand what the crisis has to do with it, I just find it hard to believe that they would sacrifice reploids for the sake of humans.” Gunvolt shook his head, something about this sounded familiar, there was a sense of deja-vu in the back of his mind but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. However, the knowledge that everything about this situation was wrong was easily recognizable. Whatever the reasons were for the leader of Neo Arcadia to do this, he knew they were wrong.

"Believe me, I understand you, kid," Lola muttered quietly, letting out a snort as she floated beside Gunvolt. "I still wonder what went through that X guy's processor to think this would be the best solution."

"They looked very human in Neo Arcadia, I really don't see much of a difference…" Gunvolt lowered his head, that was one of the characteristics that had caught his attention the most, that despite being machines, their actions seemed like those of any human and the thought that his life was being abruptly sacrificed turned the adept's stomach.

"You could say it, the boss could pass himself off as one without a problem!" Lola remembered that moment when Craft had mistaken Copen for a reploid and herself as a 'unit'.

Gunvolt quickly turned his confused gaze towards the Cyborg. "C-Copen?"

"I'm a cyborg, I was once human, but what happened with Sumeragi long ago forced me to change my real body for a robotic one so I could fight against him and protect the last of humanity." Gunvolt's dazed gaze was still on him, Copen knew that he wouldn't understand easily, not with his amnesia, at least, "I don't expect you to understand, Gunvolt, it might be easier if you had your memories, but for now, just don't think about it."

"Just one question…" Copen looked at Gunvolt, urging him to continue, the adept hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Were the Adepts bad?"

Copen opened his eyes when the other asked that question, he looked at the adept, who looked at him expectantly, unsure, the cyborg let out a sigh, closing his eyes, the image of Mytyl quickly greeted him with a small smile despite being bedridden "No. They weren't." It was the albino's response before he stood up from his chair, deciding to change the subject to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that had settled in his chest, "We'll test your stamina tomorrow, at least your physical prowess, I'm not sure how good you'd be at handling your seventh, since I'm working with the Resistance, any conflict I have is very likely to end up involving you." Copen wouldn't get his hopes up and think that Gunvolt would be safe, not when he was deliberately working with what the entire city thought was a group of terrorists.

"Yes." Gunvolt didn't object to the change of subject, feeling a little more comfortable and relieved.

Copen sighed and nodded "It's time for lunch, I'll go prepare it." Lola scoffed at her boss's choice of words. They both knew after all that Copen wasn't capable of cooking.

"You mean just heat it up, you've never had any cooking skills, boss." Copen ignored Lola's criticism in favor of searching for one of the preserved foods, unaware of how Gunvolt bit his lower lip to keep from laughing at Lola's words, still, he followed Copen silently into the kitchen.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Data swirled on the server, damaged and corrupted, his blue eyes looked around the cyberspace. The presences of the invaders echoed ominously in the cyberspace. He created a holographic screen, inserting the codes and commands of the few security measures that responded.

He would like to do more to protect his friend, but he was limited.

Once he was done, he transferred to the servers, deciding to delete the little information they had on Zero.

The presence of the pantheons in the area had alerted him, he had no choice.

If Neo Arcadia was looking for Zero he couldn't allow them to easily find him or at least have some information on him.

A lot of things were going to happen, X could feel it in the air, an ominous feeling hanging over him and keeping him uneasy.

He didn't know if it would be for the best…

xxxxxxxxx

The papers and data pads were scattered carelessly on the table as Ciel pressed the keys on her keyboard, sighing, she gave Passy a smile before letting her out of the container he used to analyze her. The data they obtained from her core was the basis she needed for her project, she just needed to figure out how the E-Crystals' energy was distributed in the core, that way, she would create a prototype, but the power bases he would need were still a problem if she wanted a sustainable power source for all of Neo Arcadia.

She leaned back in her chair, putting away the data she had analyzed along with the rest of the notes and reports she had from her research. It would be a long time before she took the step to build a prototype, there were so many things to do and she just felt like time was against her with the destruction of life of so many innocent Reploids, the lack of energy from her own facilities and the existing threat that Neo Arcadia was looking for them, she needed to hurry and resurrect Zero, with him, they would have the time they needed and could disrupt some of Neo Arcadia's operations.

"You should rest, Ciel." Ciel looked up to find Passy's large black eyes looking at her, the cyber elf was already noticing that all the weight of the work was already taking its toll on the Resistance scientist.

"But I still have things to check on the equipment we need to go to the lab." Ciel stood up from her spot but Passy blocked her view of the door, placing her hands on her hips.

“No, you have to rest, Ciel, don’t make me tell Millan again.” Passy looked at her in discontent. Ciel could be quite stubborn at times, she cared a lot about stamina, unfortunately that meant she didn’t care as much about herself and would always put up a fight to take on another workload if there was no one to stop her.

It was in these situations that she had to take extreme tactics to force Ciel to rest, calling Millan or Cerveua to have one of them escort her to her room and make sure she was rested was one of them.

Ciel pressed her lips together, opening her mouth to protest before closing it, “I… will just contact Ix first to discuss the route we will use when we get to the lab.”

xxxxxxxxx

The materials and capabilities of the metal were of good quality, the strength and durability were high, it would be good to use it as a base for the weapon and equipment she planned to build. A photo laser to tag his opponents and conduct the flow of electricity from the seventh azure striker.

Copen glanced out of the corner of his eye at Gunvolt, the young man was panting, sweat covering his body as his right hand clutched a half-empty water bottle.

Said and done, Copen kept his word and took the first opportunity he was given to measure Gunvolt's physical prowess. The days went by in a routine series of exercises for a good while in the morning, until now, Copen decided it was enough and invested his time checking the material properties and drawing up blueprints for Gunvolt's weapon.

Lola fluttered in the air happily “I just finished my song! I will upload it to the network soon!

“Didn't you say you had to find a website to do it?” Gunvolt asked curiously.

“It wasn't that hard, time to relive my idol days!” The battle pod exclaimed excitedly, to which Gunvolt only smiled slightly at the lively atmosphere that was being generated. He was curious to know how this would turn out.

Copen looked up when he heard a beep, someone was opening a communications line, he checked the data on the other line and confirmed who it was, so he answered "I'm the leader of the resistance, I need to discuss some things with Ix." "Is something wrong?" Copen asked, straight to the point.

"It's about our meeting point, I'm afraid we'll have to meet sooner than we think." The leader answered in a tense voice, that caught the cyborg's attention, given that it was a rather drastic change in their plans.

"Why did they make that change?" It's not that Copen had a problem with meeting earlier than agreed, he simply wanted to know the reason behind this.

"You see, I sent an exploration team earlier to check all possible entrances, there is only one functional, the others collapsed, unfortunately, we just verified that Neo Arcadia sent Pantheons and Golems to guard the area, most likely to analyze the place until they find Zero and then retrieve him themselves…" Ciel's voice trailed off at the end of the sentence, worry taking over her at the last note, she didn't even realize that she revealed some extra information to Copen.

The albino narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing the name, Zero, he wasn't sure, but the resistance leader made it sound like they wanted to retrieve someone and not just any thing, a unit? A reploid? It was most likely, but he couldn't make any guesses yet. "Do you want me to go clean up the area?" he asked, it sounded the most logical, getting rid of the pantheons and Golems that were roaming the area would avoid more problems.

"I don't deny that it would be good and an advantage for us, but Neo Arcadia could be alerted and involve its high command members. We agreed to go within four days, we are pressed for time." Ciel replied after a moment of silence.

"I can clean up the area and clear it before your team arrives, just tell me the time they will be there." Having the place crawling with enemies wasn't ideal for him or the resistance, especially if he had to protect the exploration team, there was a chance he would alert his enemies, but Copen had enough ability and strength to take them all on.

“Could you?” Ciel asked with relief in his voice, Copen didn't have to repeat himself twice, the girl decided to continue “We agreed to go at ten in the morning in four days.”

“Well, is that all or do you have something else to discuss?” Copen asked, hoping the resistance leader had something else to say on the matter that was vital to their meeting.

“You said you had a human with you earlier… how is he? I'd like to know how his health is after you said he had a case of amnesia.” Of all the things Copen expected the resistance leader to say, that wasn't one of them, the cyborg raised an eyebrow at the sudden change of subject to Gunvolt.

“Okay, basically, his memory is mostly compromised.” The albino answered without giving specific details.

“Doesn’t he remember anything about his family?” Maybe asking that question was a bit out of place, but Ciel was a bit worried about the human under Ix’s care.

“No, and from what I know, they died in a recent maverick attack…” Copen answered with a half lie to avoid further questions, but in a way, it was true. Anyone close to Gunvolt had already died, the muse could have been one of them, but Copen didn’t know Gunvolt well enough to say for sure.

“… I understand,” Ciel fell silent before a yawn escaped her mouth, the blonde girl suddenly feeling the weight of all the tasks she had done today on her.

“Ciel… come on, you have to rest.” Passy approached her friend with a worried look, hoping that this time Ciel would listen to her to at least get some minimal rest.

“I’m sorry, I have to log off, I’ll just send the coordinates.” Ciel told Ix, there was still a while to go before the search could begin, but she was already feeling anxious now. She could only hope that most of them would return alive with the support and backing that Ix would offer them.

“I will secure the perimeter before their arrival.” The call came to an end and it was then that Copen noticed that Gunvolt and Lola had approached.

“You are leaving in a few days, aren’t you?” The blond asked, looking at him expectantly. He heard part of the conversation between the girl on the other end of the call and Copen, he honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this.

“Yes,” Copen turned to look at the adept, “I don’t know how long Lola and I will be, so don’t leave here unless it’s really necessary, and if so, I will leave a weapon with you.” At least Copen was able to get a buster, a standard military weapon, so at least he wouldn't have to worry about Gunvolt being defenseless while he couldn't use his seventh, and yet he needed to train with it to practice his aim.

“You don’t have to worry that much either,” Gunvolt shook his head as he sat down in the other chair in front of the computer, keeping his opinions to himself when Copen told him he would give him a weapon “I won’t be going out, I’ll be waiting for you here.”

“Fine.” That was all Copen wanted, he could never be too careful, the last thing he wanted was to attract unwanted attention and have Gunvolt get into trouble when he wasn’t at the base.

Lola, however, laughed heartily, Copen looked at her as if questioning her sanity “Kohaku was right, you are a tsundere.” the AI mocked to which Copen looked at her with some mortification, even though he maintained his stoic face.

“A what?” Gunvolt looked at Lola in confusion. The word sounded familiar, but he wasn’t sure where he heard it from or what its meaning was.

“Nothing you need to know.”