#THAT'S WHAT I'LL BE DOING ONCE MY SHAKING STOPS /LH

[octoagentmiles]

MARIANA TRENCH HAS POSTED A BUNCH OF SEASON 4 EPS THIS IS NOT A DRILL GO WATCH EM!!!!!

[rrasado]

Your requests have opened and i'm a starving animal-

Can the great god tier writer bless me with a meal of Pee Paw Zhongli and eye patch bastard Kaeya, I'm fine with anything you choose for the request! Angst, comfort, hcs, anything

If i cry i cry 🤙

• Barista's Choice (I)•

This is like, the writer's equivalent of "make your favorite drink" and unfortunately for you I drink my coffee without milk-/lh. You know what maybe I'll add a dash of sugar here just a small pinch :D

⚠️ Mentions of Alcohol ⚠️

When you stop coming for drinks:

The elusive gentleman of Liyue opened a teashop out of his own accord, Zhongli finds great comfort in brewing the many beverages he learned over the course of his lifetime, and at one point you also shared his enthusiasm for the sorts of tea he served.

Your first meeting was memorable in a way, it's been a few weeks since he's opened his quaint shop and the flow of customers were not too much nor too light in workload. That was when you came by.

An adventurer stopping by in the capital of commerce? Nothing out of the ordinary, judging by your attire Zhongli concluded that you hailed from somewhere else, save for the tasseled Keychain you have hooked on your bag likely a souvenir from the harbor.

He found amusement in your joy, the way you happily drank up the cup of tea gushing about the flavor it left on your tongue. It was just the right amount of warmth to! The type that even forges the greatest of blades over molten fire.

This first meeting only became special the more you frequented his shop, most of the time you had a tea flavor in mind but there were some days where you allow him to concuct something to surprise you, a chef's recommendation in a way.

And even then you came to love this forgotten flavor he gladly serves, often times when you'd ask what was the name he'd simply raise a gloved finger over his parted lips to signify their covered history, there was a certain narrative behind the brews you so eagerly down and to Zhongli serving them is enough recognition for the stories they herald.

But one day you didn't come by your usual time, the next day was the same and so one until days became weeks, and weeks became months. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't worried, you may not be personally close but he did indeed fester fondness over your presence.

"I'll be here regardless, until they do come by for a drink once more.."

It was a fleeting moment within his vast history, one he got lost in to the point that he shamefully forgot that things come and go differently. In a way that maybe you just cease to exist in his day to day routine.

Whatever happened to you? Did you perhaps went on with your journey? Migrated to another place? Forgive him for his curiosity for its the only thing he can do in his position. He isn't unratoonal enough to actively search for you, he's learned through experience that chasing something that was not within your reach is like complaining what fate serves. And he of all people should know what happens when you question fate.

When the weeks became a year, on the same date you first came by, he left a fresh cup of tea on the counter where he subconsciously hopes you'd come back. The same brew of tea he made for the person that reminded him of humanity's ability to appreciate the smaller things in life.

It's a miracle Diluc even let him be the man behind the bar but here he was. The second adopted son himself shaking drinks for alcohol enthusiasts of every kind ranging from bards to mondstat natives to passing travelers. One of which included you in particular.

It was a bustling hour at the tavern, it was simply by coincidence that you two locked gazes amidst the incoming drunkards. Most would've been turned off by the semi unruly ambience but the liveliness only made you feel more at ease, appreciating Mondstat's freedom in every way you could.

As most tourist would, you asked for a glass of dandelion wine since its the city's staple drink of choice. Kaeya gladly entertains your request even putting on a bit of a show for your amusement, someone as charming as yourself don't come by everyday at the tavern noh?

A throw and shake here a pour and swish there, your liquor was served accompanied by his usual grin, waiting for your reaction to Mondstat's wine. He could faintly remember when he first had a sip of the beverage and he hoped it was the same positive light like yours.

Sure enough you did indeed like the sweet aftertaste it left, it wasn't too sweet but it was the type you chase after once you've feasted on a Savory meal. Your expression of approval earned a satisfied chuckle from the bartender, leaning on the countertop to ask of your story and why you decided to drop by this city (besides for the wine of course.)

Everytime he passes by your figure in the streets he always offers a drink back at the tavern, he may not know where you were staying for time being but he does enjoy your talks after the sun settles leaving the night winds to gently pass by you two whenever he'd escort you to the vicinity for his shift. He's learned to distract himself from the sporadic lifestyle of the city of freedom with your grounded tales over a drink.

He always respected your privacy, but on the day you stopped showing up he started asking around whether anyone saw you recently. The first few people didn't have a beneficial answer but once he asked the personnel at the gate he didn't know why he felt disappointed when they told him that you left that morning.

"Did they now...hah, they could've at least gotten a drink for the road."

Kaeya sets aside one glass in the tavern, one specific glass he never uses when serving anyone else. That glass was a quaint reminder of the person he found amusement in, someone who he wouldn't mind seeing again should the gods allow it.

He's not one to dwell, not after everything that already left him in the past. But whenever he looks to your former seat he can still remember the first expression you made towards the dandelion wine he served to you. As time passes he began to subconsciously associate the wine with fond memories, back to times where a drink was shared among the people he held close.

Wherever you were now, he hoped that you could still have the leisure of having a good drink, hoping that he at least helped in influencing what a good drink was to you. It was just like the wine he's swaying in his hand, a relishing flavor leaving its aftertaste for the drinker to revel in.

[painted-piggy-ships-archive]

The Thorn in My Side, The Gleam in His Eyes

Charles Lee Ray x Ash

Word Count: 816

Tag List: @heavenshipped @fangedwife

Summary: I wrote this a bit ago and never posted since it's a bit of a different tone than my usual writing, but what better time to dig up months-old work than in a mental low point? /lh Takes place in the 80s, pre-"death" for Charles, inspired by the lore we got in the shoe.

Warnings: Chucky & Tiffany's strained relationship (arguing in the first couple of paragraphs), smoking, food mentions, a suggestive comment.

Thanks for reading! Please consider reblogging or leaving a nice comment if you enjoyed!

Charles and Tiffany were nagging, nearly shouting, at each other again, while Ash sunk farther and farther into their couch. He had been trying to watch Psycho with them, then Chuck made some snarky comment about Tiffany grabbing the popcorn and it completely disrupted the mood.

"That's it," Ash grumbled under the din, pausing the tape and pushing past the two "lovebirds" on his way out.

"Ash, where are you going?!" Charles called after him, breaking the argument briefly.

"I can't do this anymore!" He grabbed his coat and a pack of cigarettes before slipping out the door, slamming it behind him on his way. Once Ash had gone, the couple began blaming each other for his abrupt exit.

"You started this! You always start these arguments!" Tiffany accused.

"Do fuckin' not!" Charles barked. "You're more petty than me!"

"You act like an overgrown child with a murder obsession!"

"Have you looked in the mirror lately, toots?!" Charles turned away, going for his own coat.

"Where are you going?!"

"After Ash, obviously, he's my fucking boyfriend."

"But I'm you're girlfriend." Their voices began to return to their normal cadences, Tiffany beginning to tear up.

"You're also a fucking pain in the ass, but you don't see me kicking you out on the street yet, do you? Stay put, for my goddamn sanity."

~~~

Ash wandered the cold Chicago streets, his glowing cigarette seeming like the only real light among the neon signs and the street lamps reflecting off windows. It had rained hours earlier; Now only the damp sidewalk and slick roads were evidence of that fact. Like how Tiffany and Charles had been arguing minutes before, but now the only evidence Ash had of this was a dull headache and a buzzing mind.

He loved Charles desperately, and he knew him well enough that he knew the man picked favorites. Chucky stayed with Tiffany because of their shared hobby and because at times her behaviors amused him. Chucky stayed with Ash because he was attached and couldn't bear to lose him.

A car soon pulled up beside Ash, keeping up with his relatively slow pace. The window rolled down and Charles poked his head out.

"Ash, would you get in the car, please? We don’t have to go back to the apartment." He pleaded. Ash sighed, stopping in his tracks and taking a long drag of his cigarette.

"And this is why I don't live with you two," Ash spoke and the smoke curled around his mouth like a dragon breathing fire. He then got in the passenger seat and the two kissed, long and tender.

"I'm sorry, baby," Charles spoke lowly, as if someone outside of the car would hear and ruin his reputation.

"I'd say, ‘tell that to Tiffany,’ but I know you won't. You're an asshole." Ash kissed him again.

"I'll apologize to her, too."

"Liar."

"I will!" Charles paused as he began driving around. "I can't promise it'll be good…"

Ash stifled a laugh, resting his head on his boyfriend's shoulder.

"That's what I thought."

"... Hey, can my half-baked apology wait until tomorrow?"

"You want to stay over?" Ash lifted his head, shaking out his hair. Charles nodded and he shrugged. "Alright."

Charles took Ash home, another apartment complex not so far from the one he shared with Tiffany.

"I wish you'd live with me."

"Set some ground rules with Tiffany and we'll talk."

The two went inside and Ash grabbed a styrofoam box from his fridge.

"Ooh, what do you have there?" Charles asked in mock interest.

"Grocery store fried chicken," Ash responded, plating the food and sticking it in the microwave. "You know I'm picky."

"Nothin' wrong with that," Charles hugged Ash from behind, swaying back and forth with his chin on top of his boyfriend's head.

"You are so finicky," Ash commented with deadpan amusement, "honestly, you’re worse than a cat."

"What do you mean?"

"One minute you’re at Tiffany's throat, the next you’re being all caring and cuddly toward me. You don't even like physical affection half the time unless it leads to sex!"

"And this isn't going to lead to sex?"

Ash smacked Charles' arms away lightly, rolling their eyes and making him laugh. "I'm kidding, Ash."

They retrieved their meal and the two went into Ash's room. "TV's busted," Ash warned between bites of chicken, sitting on the edge of the bed and facing the window. "I've resorted to the radio and watching the local soaps." He gestured to the apartments across from his, where people went about their lives, unaware of prying eyes.

"Hey, that can be fun," Charles responded, shrugging off his suit jacket and loosening his tie.

"You're telling me. I've seen two break-ups and an affair in the past three days."

Charles snorted as he loosened his belt and finally laid behind his partner, tossing his tie to the floor.

"Sounds familiar."

[hanawrites404]

Twice My Age

Show : Jojo's Bizarre Adventure/Jojo No Kimou Na Bouken

Pairing : Noriko (female Noriaki)/Jotaro Kujo

Warnings : Age-gap romance and sex along with swearing.

Characters : Jotaro Kujo, Noriko (female Noriaki), Jolyne Cujoh

Timeline : Pre-Stone Ocean

This story is based on this song :

This story is also based on the author's headcanon when she had finished reading Stone Ocean and was recovering her brain cells.

Third Person POV

It was a normal afternoon at Florida. Today was Friday, which meant the last day of the working week. Students at the school were frustratingly tapping the heels of their feet on the floor waiting for the school bell to ring and mark the end of the tiring session.

The teacher obviously minded his own business and lectured the pupils without averting his gaze from the blackboard. He kept ignoring the sounds of whispers and paper-tearing and snickers of the children, until for once he recognised one of the students who was continuously talking in his class, and decided to take some action.

"Ms. Cujoh" the teacher called out harshly as he teared his gaze from the blackboard and stared at the student.

The talkative student looked at the teacher and went silent. She had a piece of folded paper in her hand, her arm stretched out to the student for whom it was meant for. She retrieved her hand back and answered the teacher who was glaring lasers at her through his glasses.

"Yes Mr. Anderson??". "First, please stand up while you speak to a teacher" Mr. Anderson pushed his glasses up. The student sighed and stood up, putting away the paper she had in her pocket.

"Would you please answer the question which is on the board??". Ms. Cujoh read the question. She then rolled her eyes and read the question the teacher had written in white.

Prove that Cos2x = Cos^2x - Sin^2x

"What the??" The teenager reacted.

Mr. Anderson's gaze never left Ms. Cujoh. He was observing every move of her of how she was looking around the classroom, silently asking for help and her friends were giving her a shrug or a thumbs-down.

"Ms. Cujoh. We don't have all day"

After that, she knew that she would have to answer the question by herself.

"I-It's simple Mr. Anderson. Multiply both the sides by zero, and there you go. LHS = RHS".

The students roared with laughter at the teenager's statement. Mr. Anderson was actually expecting such kind of an answer from the rowdy teenager.

"Silence everyone" the teacher stomped his ruler on the table and the room became quiet. But it didn't last for long as the bell finally rung, meaning that it was time for dispersal.

The students quickly packed their bags by shoving their books and stationery inside and exited the classroom, scrambling on their feet. The whole classroom became empty, leaving the astute teenager and the stoic teacher alone.

The silence in the room grew kind of tense. So the girl started to pack her bag and leave the class. Until.......

"Jolyne". The teenager looked at the teacher. She really wanted to leave the vacated classroom and go home. Also she had successfully survived today's class. Now what was the problem??

"Your behaviour is getting worse day by day. And I'm afraid that you might need some extra tutelage for your discipline and your academics yet again".

The teenager rolled her eyes once again. She then placed one of her hands on her hip and looked at the teacher with disinterest.

"Give me a break Mr. Anderson. My answer was correct". "You can argue with the ones who will correct your answer sheet Ms. Cujoh. I'm definitely not the right person to go against with your illogical statement".

Jolyne held her fist tightly. She really wants to punch her teacher square in the face and make sure to get the glass shards of his glasses cut his eyes. But she decided to bottle her anger for now.

"Your discipline is very concerning. Also you are not taking your studies seriously. Even the previous teachers whom I had appointed to improve your etiquettes returned home with a broken nose and teeth" he said to himself.

Jolyne smirked to herself with pride.

"So I have decided to change my plans" he spoke.

"Ha!! So you finally understand, Mr. Anderson" she then crosses her arms and sits on the table while putting her leg on the other. "You will never be able to transform me into nerds like you want to. I'm what I want to be and I don't give a fuck to anyone who wants me to change".

"We will see about that" he then pushes his glasses. "Huh??" Jolyne raises her eyebrow at him. What was this thick-skulled teacher really planning to do to her??

"If it's another teacher, then do keep some extra bandages for the injuries, because I'll not go easy on them" she then cracks her knuckles.

"Now that's where I stop you Ms. Cujoh".

Jolyne then glared at the teacher.

"I'm not going to appoint a teacher to straighten you up. This time, it's a student of your age. Your own classmate".

Jolyne was slightly taken aback. A student?? Of her age?? And the student of her own classroom?? But she barely knew anyone who was good at both discipline and studies. The only persons she was aware of were mostly the divas, the jocks and the bullies.

"W-Who is this student you are talking about??" Jolyne asked. "You will meet her outside the school premises. She is actually one of my best students and has been topping her class for the past 3 years" Jolyne witnessed a sense of pride in Mr. Anderson's tone.

Jolyne became a bit nervous. Who was this nerd whom she hadn't even notice that she was in her school and her class?? And also, a girl??!!

"You might be wondering--'why a girl??' It's because I really want you to get along with her and learn whatever she teaches, and her being the same gender as you would be a good boost".

Jolyne then sniggered and got up from the table. "Just because she is a girl and is of my age, doesn't mean that I can't afford a bruise or two on her".

"I had already warned her about your..........tendency and she is perfectly fine with it. So do whatever you want to do to her, she will be alright with it as she was the one who chose to take the risk and tutor you".

What a daring one for a nerd......Jolyne thought.

Mr. Anderson then looked at his wrist watch. He then spoke "It's getting late. You may leave now".

"Oh thank you, Mr. Anderson" she said in a very sarcastic manner and she even bowed to add to her mockery as she left the class.

"And another thing Ms. Cujoh". Jolyne then looked behind at her teacher lethargically. Can the teacher just leave her already before she actually punches him??

"If you hadn't been the daughter of Dr. Kujo, I would have already expelled you. But I'm still giving you a chance because I'm sure that you too can be as disciplinary as your father".

"Alright first of all, Dad was a delinquent when he was my age. And second of all, he would have already punched your face and shove your stupid glasses into your mouth just to make you shut up if he was at my place" and she then goes away without saying anything else or looking back.

Mr. Anderson sighed as he stacked the sheets and registers he had to take home and correct. After he was done, he looked at the empty classroom once more, especially at the seat where the spiteful teenager sat.

"Hopefully you know what you are doing, Noriko.........."

*One minute time skip, brought to you by Binod*

"Stupid Anderson, he just doesn't know how to mind his own fucking business!!!!" Jolyne angrily stomped out of the premises. She then turned around to look at the clock which was installed on the school building.

It's 5 already. I need to return home fast. Dad is coming home earlier than his usual time so I better reach home before him..........

"Umm....Jolyne Cujoh??".

"What?!!" She turned to the voice. Jolyne relaxed her eyes a bit when she saw who was the owner of the voice.

It was a girl wearing the same uniform as her. The only difference was that she was comparatively shorter than Jolyne and was fairer than her.

She had her red hair down which was a bit longer than shoulder length and purple eyes, one red wavy bang was framing her pretty face and her lips were a glossy, cherry red.

"Do I know you??" Jolyne raised her eyebrow at the unknown girl.

"Not yet, but you will. My name is Noriko. I'm the one who is supposed to mentor you" she then goes closer to her and offers her hand to shake. "It would be a pleasure to get to know you better".

Jolyne observed the girl's hand. She had her nails perfectly trimmed but there was no polish on them. Jolyne then looked at her face and asked.

"Japanese??" She asked. "Yeah" Noriko replied. Jolyne then smirks and shakes her hand firmly.

"Then we will get along pretty well" she said. Noriko then smiles and brushes her bang behind her ear with the other hand. "I'm glad you think so" she replied.

Both of the girls let go of their hands and then they walk home beside each other.

"By the way, why did you say that we will get along well, judging by my nationality??" Noriko asked the taller girl.

"You see, I'm a Japanese myself".

"You are??" Noriko asked, a bit surprised.

"Yeah. I know. I may not look like that but yes, Japanese is one of my nationality" Jolyne replied.

Noriko then snickered and asked "Just how many nationalities do you have??". "Well, my mother is from Florida and my father is Japanese, Italian and British" Jolyne calculated.

"Wow, so many citizenships" she commented. "Haha, it's not that cool as it sounds like. Trust me" Jolyne joked. Noriko chuckled and slapped the taller girl's shoulder lightly which made Jolyne chuckle.

"So Noriko??". "Yes??". "Why did you choose to mentor me?? You do know that I have a certain.........reputation at school".

"I am aware of everything you do in school. Mr. Anderson has updated me everything on you".

"*Ugh* That fucker. What is he, a spy?? Did he only find me to spy on?? And not the ones who actually harass girls or bully lowerclassmen behind the school??"

"Actually, I should be the one at whom you should be angry at". "Huh??" Jolyne looked at her.

"Wait, don't tell me--". "Yes. I was the one who told him to note everything you do".

"*Ugh* Noriko~!! I didn't expect this from you~" Jolyne whined. "Sorry, but this was the only way to plan on how to get you into discipline just like how Mr. Anderson want it". "Fuck that teacher!!!" She then kicks a stray rock on the road which goes very far.

"You seem to be very strong". "Heh, thanks. It's not much, but I can surely lift a heavy table pretty easily". "I'll take a note of that. It might come handy to me when I need to move a table" she chuckled. Jolyne then laughs and Noriko too joins her.

After their laughter died, Noriko spoke.

"You are really fun to be with". "Thanks. I had assumed that you were going to be just like Anderson but you are one lively person" Jolyne said.

"Oh really?? Thank you. Actually, no one has said that to me before" she then brushed another strand of her hair behind her ear.

"What do you mean??" Jolyne asked. "I don't really have friends. Only a few classmates talk to me but only when they need my assistance".

"Huh?? How is that even possible?? You are such an amazing person. Also, you are very pretty. You should have at least a boyfriend with you".

"I don't have a boyfriend". "Oh......a girlfriend perhaps??". "No.....". "Oh, you love a trans??". "What?? No. I'm not interested in anyone for now". "Ahhh....I see".

"Say, do you have a boyfriend??". "My status is also as same as you. Even I'm not really interested in getting into relationships. It will just..........get in my way, that's why". "I understand. Love is.......a very new subject for me" Noriko said.

"Yeah.....me too.....Hell, I don't even know why Dad fell for Mom in the first place just to leave her after that" Jolyne stated. "Huh?? What do you mean??" Noriko looked at Jolyne.

"My parents got a divorce after I was born. And according to the laws, both of my parents have the rights on me. So I visit one of them after every alternate month. This month I'm staying with my father" Jolyne explained.

"I see. Your father is Dr. Jotaro Kujo right??". "Yes, the famous marine biologist. The one who wrote thesis on starfish and other marine creatures. How interesting" Jolyne said, adding a dramatic sarcasm to it.

"Honestly, I'm a big fan of him" Noriko added, a light blush on her cheeks. "What?? Seriously??" Jolyne gaped.

"Yes. I have read every report and thesis he has ever written. The way how he observes and analyses the creatures is just wonderful. I bet that he is going to be the one who will discover a new species of marine life which humanity has never seen before" she spoke with amazement.

"Ha!!! You are flattering him now. My Dad is nothing like how you think of him" Jolyne argued. "Oh really??" Noriko raised her eyebrow.

"Yes. I know he is smart and all but he is not Einstein-level" Jolyne answered. "I never compared him with Einstein, Jolyne. It's just that I really think of him very fondly, and I admire him a lot" Noriko said.

"Yeah yeah, but don't fall in love with him. He might break your heart" she joked. Noriko blushed pink. It's good that Jolyne didn't notice it, otherwise it would have been very awkward.

"Well, here we are. My Dad's house" Jolyne stopped and showed Noriko her house.

"Wow, it looks very big" Noriko looked all over the lavish bungalow.

"Heh, these are the perks of being a Joestar" she said. "Joestar?? What do you mean??" Noriko asked. "You first come inside and then I'll tell you" and so Jolyne and Noriko entered the luxurious house. Both of them removed their shoes and Noriko looked around the house with an agape mouth and wide eyes.

"Wow......this looks so much better from the inside. Just how rich are you people??" Noriko commented and asked Jolyne.

"Well, there was a guy named Robert Speedwagon who was friends with my great-great-grandfather. He then became rich after finding many oil ores out of nowhere. After he died, all of his luxuries went to my great-grandfather and that's how all of our expenses are taken care of" Jolyne explained.

"That's amazing. You guys are literally royals" Noriko commented. "Yeah. And also my great-great-grandfather was a noble in England, so he was rich even before the Speedwagon guy came" she added.

"I see" Noriko then sat on one of the loveseats. "Being a Joestar must be very lucky right??" Noriko asked. "If you think like that, you are gravely mistaken" Jolyne told her.

"What?? Really?? I can't believe this. But you guys have everything!!!.............I guess everything has it's pros and cons" Noriko told herself.

Jolyne was about to speak more, but then the bell of the house rang.

"That must be Dad. You stay here Noriko. I'll be right back" and then she goes to check the door. Since Noriko had nothing to do for now, she looks at her skirt and straightens it up a bit.

Jolyne on the other hand opens the door and sees her father standing outside, just as she expected.

"Hello Dad" Jolyne greeted. "Hello Jolyne, how was school??" Dr. Kujo entered the house and Jolyne stepped away to give him some space.

"Meh, it was fine. Mr. Anderson barked at me as usual" Jolyne told him. Mr. Kujo sniggered a bit.

"He doesn't seem to stop critisizing you, does he??". "Of course not. I bet he won't even shut up even after he is an old man and cannot even lift his hand to push his oversized glasses up" she mocked.

Dr. Kujo smiled a fraction as he removed his shoes and his coat. While he was putting his shoes on the rack, he noticed another pair of school shoes which were similar to that of Jolyne's.

"Jolyne, have you brought a classmate here?" Dr. Kujo asked.

"Uhh yeah. She is actually my mentor who is supposed to tutor me, starting from today. I hope you don't mind if she stays here".

"No, not at all" The professor replied. He then hung his coat up and headed to the living room, her daughter following her.

As soon as Mr. Kujo entered the room, he spotted the red-haired girl. She looked awfully familiar to him which made the professor stop on his tracks.

"Dad, what's wrong??" Jolyne spoke from behind her father.

"Noriaki........" He whispered.

"Noriaki?? No Dad, her name is Noriko"

Jolyne corrected.

Even her name is similar to his...........

Mr. Kujo continued to stare at the red head who was scribbling something in the notepad on her lap with a pencil.

That red hair, those amethyst eyes, and how she was concentrating on her work, everything Mr. Kujo had seen already a long time before. It all felt like Deja Vu to him. And he clearly remembers the person whom this girl reminds him of. He was his highschool lover after all.

"Noriko-chan" Jolyne calls her. Noriko looks up from her notepad to her friend.

"Here is my father, who is also your 'sole idol'. And Dad, this is Noriko, my friend" Jolyne introduced them to one another.

(Part 2)

[thunderpetal]

YAY anon asks!! Anyway I would love for you to answer hmmm 19, 29, 32, 33, and hehe 37 please. :3 (feel free to omit any of them, I choose violence by choosing not to choose but you don't have to!) <3

Still can't believe I never realised I have anon asks off when I've been on here since like December. ANYWAY,

19 - Stephen King once said that his muse is a man who lives in the basement. Do you have a muse?

I don't know. I get inspired by lots of things. Music being one of them - I come up with a 'what if every character played an instrument' AU for every fandom I've in, even though most of them never see the light of day. I'm also inspired by songs from time to time, but not as often as other writers, I don't think?

My family also visits Italy every year, and I always get sooo many writing ideas when we're there, it's ridiculous. I think just being in a wildly different place to miserable England shakes up my brain enough that plot bunnies start falling out left right and centre.

29 - If you could write the sequel (or prequel) to any fic out there not written by yourself, which would you choose?

Ooh, this is an interesting question. I went through my recced bookmarks on AO3, aka my absolute fave fics collection. In the end I only found one I would want to add to, since most of them ended in the perfect place. But Kids Protecting Kids by quirkle is a fic that's really stuck with me (everyone should read it), and I would want to write a little mini sequel after Wild wakes up where him and Legend just get to have a little chat and breathe out. together. Just another dollop of comfort atop the hurt/comfort.

33 - How do you feel about crack?

I love crack! And honestly I don't write enough of it nowadays. I'm really good at dialogue so crack used to be my forte, I wrote lots of silly fics back in the day. Now I've moved onto more serious horizons, I suppose, but writing serious fics is still kind of a struggle for me. I miss writing crack. My closest fic to actual crack is probably Five Teaspoons, but that probably counts as more just general humour.

37 - Talk about your current wips.

Oh, you've unleashed a monster by asking me this!!

Someday We'll Stand Here By The Sun (TOH, ongoing) - My magnum opus tbh. It's like 80% written rn, and I'm able to keep up a weekly updating schedule on AO3 because of that. But it's still far from done! Anyway, after S2 finished I was full of post King's Tide ideas, and most of them have made their home in this big multichapter. The main plot is the story of Luz, Amity and their trauma /lh. I have so much brainrot for them and their relationship, and S2B builds on their mutual confession so well. As we know there are two episodes in which Luz shows the same character flaw - hiding things from Amity/her loved ones due to a belief that her problems aren't as important as theirs, and wanting to protect other people's feelings. The fact that Luz doesn't seem to grow out of this flaw despite 2 EPISODES focused on it says to me that it's 100% something ingrained in her that isn't going away anytime soon. But I'll stop before I write a whole Luz character essay.

Point is, with the whole 'helping' Belos thing, Luz totally blames herself for the Draining Spell and is gonna spiral post S2, feeling like she has to get back to the Isles asap and fix all her mistakes, and MAYBE that will make up for how much of a horrible human being she thinks she is. So why did I choose to write from Amity's POV, when I started writing this to explore Luz's emotions? Well, at first I was worried about SWSHBTS being a 'Amity is Luz's therapist' fic, but Amity has so many issues herself that that was not a problem lmao. And I deliberated on doing alternate POVs - even made a pros and cons list - but in the end I went with Amity's POV only because she has a lot of things to say! (But there may be a chapter of Luz's POV... you'll just have to see)

I just love this fic so much, it is my baby, and uploading it is kinda the highlight of my week rn. There is so much in future chapters that I am excited for the world to see. Also, when I started writing it, it was out of motivation to make more Lumity Post King's Tide angst, cause there REALLY wasn't enough, but there have been many more fics in that genre uploaded since I began, and I inhale each one like they're my life force. Cause they kind of are. WOW that was a lot of words too bad I'm about to infodump about another 2 wips

Untitled Music AU (TOH, unwritten) - So I said that I come up with a 'what if every character played an instrument' AU for every fandom I'm in, and TOH is no exception. This was going to be a silly oneshot and now it's expanded into a whole multichapter universe that mostly exists only inside my brain. When I have the time to actually write it, it'll be great I'm sure lmao

But essentially Amity plays clarinet, Luz plays oboe, and they're put in the same woodwind quartet by Raine, their teacher at Hexside. This leads to them starting to become friends, but as they do, Amity starts seeing certain weird/supernatural things around school. (This is a human/no magic AU, to clarify). She thinks she's just going crazy, but she decides to confide in Luz. Luz is of course overjoyed to learn there's a potential mystery to be discovered in their school, and immediately joins Amity in playing detective. Yes I want there to be mystery in this AU, but I really have not worked out the finer details yet.

Other character roles include - Raine as Head Of Music. Lilith as their second in command in the music department - but she was also Amity's clarinet teacher until Amity was like nine/ten. One day, she suddenly dropped all of her private students and joined Hexside as a teacher instead. Why? Who knowsss! (You'll find out I promise). Eda runs the wackiest corner shop that sells Everything You'll Ever Need, and Luz is her employee and also her only oboe student. She's a longtime family friend of Camila, too. She took in Hunter, who plays bassoon, and Luz still considers Hunter her brother in this AU. Willow plays flute. She and Amity have a similar arc to canon, but it plays out a bit differently in this. And - this is my fav part - Blight Industries is a well-known company, and engage in copious amounts of rainbow capitalism every year. Meanwhile the Blight kids still genuinely have no idea if Odalia is homophobic or not.

And last but not least - the LU multichapter where Time dies and Twilight picks up the ocarina to go back in time and save his life (working title). But Time keeps dying, so Twilight keeps using the ocarina, and before he knows it he's in a Majora's Mask nightmare scenario of his own. This is one I was planning to write this summer before SWSHBTS came in and demanded attention. Lots of attention. So, I'm planning to get to this when SWSHBTS is done. I'm just so excited to write it - it's really going to push me as a writer, but I'm ready for that challenge if it means i can provide juicy Twi angst. The poor lad. I'm really going to put him through the wringer. And Time too, considering he's gonna die many times in the fic, but that's kind of just the plot.

This question really enabled me, so I'm impressed if you actually read all of this. But thanks for sending this ask in, anon!

[thatcrazyfanfictionwriter]

Secret of the Sewers: Rescue and Revenge

Casey's head was throbbing like crazy as he began to come to. He went to rub his head, surprised when he found his wrists connected to each other. He looked at his hands, noting the futuristic cuffs with a note of disdain.

"Dammit." he cursed. "They got us."

April let out a groan from the ground next to Casey. He looked over at her, gently cradling her as she woke up. As he did, he noticed a strange straw dangling from the corner of her mouth. That was about the time he noticed a similar straw in his own mouth.

"What the-?" he let out, going to grab the straw.

Before he could, Splinter's tail wrapped around his wrist, preventing him from doing so.

"I would advise against that, Mr. Jones." Splinter warned. "These things are what are allowing us to breathe."

Casey went wide-eyed when he saw the rat master leaning against the wall, as well as Mr. Murakami. What really shocked him was the unconscious form of Leatherhead, bindings around his wrists, ankles, and even a muzzle over his mouth.

"Holy chalupa..." he let out. "They got all of us."

"Indeed." Murakami agreed. "These creatures were quite thorough in their hunt. Whatever the turtles and their sister did to anger them, it must have been quite a spectacle."

"From what we've seen of them, they're not one to do things by halves." April commented, sitting up and leaning against the wall of the cell.

"Yes." Splinter nodded, looking at his bound wrists. "I can only hope that their situation is less dire than our own."

...

Mikey was pacing back and forth across the floor of the rebel base. His fingers were running through his hair as he grew more and more anxious.

"Oh man, I can't believe this is happening!" He exclaimed. "They got everyone we knew! I mean, I can see them snagging April, possibly Casey too, but sensei, Murakami and LH?! That's insane!"

Raph whacked his brother upside the head, causing him to stop pacing. He shook his head, facing his red brother.

"Feel better?" Raph questioned.

Mikey thought for a minute.

"A little." he admitted.

"We need to find them." Leo declared. "Traximus, do you know where Zanramon would take his prisoners?"

"While he would normally send his prisoners to Incarceron, considering who he is dealing with, I doubt he would be willing to risk a repeat of what happened when he imprisoned the five of you." Traximus answered.

"I see our reputation around there is still intact." Mikey remarked.

"But Incarceron was his high security prison." Donny remembered. "Where else would he send them?"

"That is just it, Donatello." Mona Lisa spoke up. "I do not believe they are to be 'sent' anywhere. If anything, they are to be 'delivered'."

"Delivered?" Leo repeated.

"To Zanramon himself." Traximus concluded.

A silence fell over the siblings before Raph voiced their collective opinion.

"Frikken shitaki mushrooms on a stick!" He cursed.

"This is gonna make things a lot trickier." Leo dreaded.

"Hey, it's not like our lives were ever easy before." Hisako reminded.

"So, how are we gonna infiltrate Zanramon's place or whatever, rescue our friends, and put the whammy on our least favorite Prime Leader, all the while getting out alive?" Donny proposed.

"I don't know." Leo admitted. "I don't know."

...

With Splinter and the others, Commander Mozar escorted the five captives down to a private chamber where the Prime Leader was waiting. Two Triceratons were dragging Leatherhead, the croc still heavily sedated to prevent him from fighting. Casey scanned the area they were entering, Splinter doing the same.

"Uh, Splinter?" Casey whispered. "Is it just me, or does this place look like a private torture chamber?"

"Keep your wits about you, Mr. Jones." Splinter told him. "These are not the first adversaries that sought to break us."

April just let out a whimper, staying close to Casey as the group was finally brought before the Prime Leader. He looked as intimidating as ever, though now that they met him in person, the group could see some strange burns across his skin. April recognized them almost immediately.

"It looks like he was dumped in some sort of acid." she muttered quietly. "I wonder what-"

"Welcome, inferior creatures." Zanramon created, cutting off April's train of thought. "I suppose you five are wondering why I had my men bring you here."

"Actually, I was wondering what happened to your face." Casey quipped. "Lose a game of acid dunk tank?"

Zanramon growled in response.

"If you must know, these burns are thanks to the four Gamarons and the humanoid that you five ally yourselves with." He snarled.

"They did that?" April questioned. "But how? They're not capable of-"

"Silence!" Zanramon ordered.

Mozar then stepped forward, stabbing April in the back with a stun baton. She screamed and fell to her knees, Casey catching her as Splinter stepped forward.

"Enough!" Splinter snapped. "Your quarrel is with my children, not with them!"

"Any ally of those five fugitives is an enemy of mine." Zanramon dismissed. "And you have the nerve to call them your children so flippantly? It seems you are unaware of just how many crimes your so-called 'children' committed."

"Then perhaps you would like to enlighten us of these supposed crimes." Murakami spoke up.

"They assaulted officers of the Triceraton armada." Zanramon began. "They stole personal property of the Prime leader not once, but twice! They instigated a riot in our maximum security prison, as well as attempted an escape! They caused a full rebellion in my Arena of Carnage, freeing all of my gladiators! And, to top it all off, they held me hostage before feeding me to a Kraathatrogon!"

"I'm guessing that's the reason for your bacon face." Casey assumed.

Zanramon was seething with rage, to the point that he walked up to Casey and slapped him across the face. He fell to the ground, his face stinging.

"It seems that everything associated with those five pests is wrought with dissent and disrespect." the Triceraton snarled.

"Only to those who deserve it." Splinter remarked.

Zanramon lifted his hand to smack Splinter, but the rat didn't even flinch. Realizing that giving into his anger was pointless, Zanramon lowered his arm, adjusting his robe and taking a deep breath.

"You are merely eating away at your own time." Zanramon warned. "This planet's very existence lay on the line, and you stand here making witty remarks and trying my patience."

"Then I suggest you get the point." Splinter told him.

"Very well." Zanramon replied. "Tell me where your 'children' are hiding. I get them, and perhaps I will allow your planet to become part of the great Triceraton Republic."

"Never." Splinter said firmly.

"Fine, we'll do this the hard way." Zanramon declared. "Prep them, and start with the rat."

Mozar grabbed Splinter, dragging him over to a large, metal slab. He slammed him against it, thick bindings immediately grabbing hold of Splinter. The rat master instinctively struggled as several guards held back Casey, April, and Murakami.

"Even the most resilient of prisoners always give up their secrets." Zanramon bragged as Mozar picked up a menacing looking helmet. "Because we pry them right from your brain. Though I will warn you, the process is… excruciatingly painful."

Mozar slammed the helmet down on Splinter's head and it latched on. The rat stiffened as Zanramon leaned in.

"Last chance to do this the easy way." he warned.

Splinter remained silent, his fists clenched in anticipation for what was to come. Zanramon snorted, then straightened up.

"Fine." he let out.

All of a sudden, the helmet began to spark wildly. Splinter started growling in discomfort from the helmet's effects. The groans soon began to become louder as the pain grew, his claws scratching at the table as he struggled to free himself, the helmet delving deeper into his mind.

...

"Zanramon wouldn't have them brought to his throne room." Traximus surmised. "He's most likely taken them to his private torture chamber."

"Do you know where that is?" Raph questioned.

"I'm afraid not." Traximus lamented.

That's when Hisako brightened.

"I bet I could find out where it is." she suggested.

"You got a lot of ground to cover." Donny told her. "You sure you can handle it?"

"This place isn't as big as the whole city of New York." Hisako argued. "Besides, what choice do we have?"

She assumed a meditative position on the ground, branching out to try and find the others. For a few moments, nothing happened. Then, she suddenly doubled over, clutching her head and screaming in agony.

"Hisako!" The turtles cried out.

She kept screaming, her fingers digging into her skull as blood began to run down her face. Still, despite the extreme pain she was in, she could feel another presence suffering with her.

"Sensei!" she cried out.

"Sensei?" Leo repeated. "What about Sensei?"

"He-!" she convulsed again, curling up tighter as she tried to fight through the pain. "He's hurting!"

She writhed on the ground, drawing in a crowd of concerned revolutionaries. Blood was now beginning to flow from her eyes, much to Donny's grave concern.

"Hisako, get out of there!" He shouted. "You're killing yourself!"

It was unclear whether she heard him or not, but she did not stop, reaching out desperately for her father's mental spirit.

"SENSEI!" she screamed, both physically and mentally.

...

In the midst of all his pain and agony, Splinter somehow managed to hear his daughter calling out to him. Needing something to focus on, he latched onto her voice, calling out to her.

"Hisako..." he mentally wheezed. "My child… is that you?"

"Sensei… it hurts… what's happening?"

"He is… trying… to probe my mind…" He barely replied. "For you…"

"No… He can't..."

"I need you… my daughter…" Splinter requested. "Use me… as a channel..."

"I can't! It's too much…!"

"Yes... you can!" Splinter told her. "I… have faith… in you… be strong!"

"I'll… try..."

...

Hisako's screaming began to peter out as her entire body began to glow. Small bits of rubble began to shake around her, floating off the ground. The turtles looked at this, realizing what was about to happen.

"Everybody!" Mikey shouted. "Hit the deck!"

The others went for cover, the rebels following suit as Hisako began floating in the air. She let out an ear piercing scream as energy exploded outward, sending everything and everyone flying away from her. Light poured from her eyes and mouth in perhaps the greatest display of power she'd ever shown.

...

The helmet attached to Splinter's head began dancing with green power. The lights flickered and the room began to shake. Casey and April exchanged looks, then grabbed each other and hit the deck. April dragged Murakami down as well, urging him to take cover. Then, the helmet completely exploded, sending out a wave of green energy that seemed to come out of Splinter himself. His eyes were glowing for a moment as his bindings disintegrated, the energy freeing him.

The wave of power knocked all of the Triceratons back and freed the other four captives. More than that, the feeling of power washing over him caused Leatherhead to stir.

"Oracle..." he groaned, fighting off the tranquilizers keeping him down.

The light died from Splinter's eyes as he slid from the table, disoriented and shaken from what had just happened. April quickly helped steady him, looking at him in surprise.

"Was that-?" she began.

"Hisako, yes." Splinter replied. "She felt the same pain I did, and helped to free me from that accursed device."

"Oracle… pain..." Leatherhead snarled, his eyes beginning to glow.

Casey saw the croc beginning to liven up and got an idea.

"Yeah, these guys hurt Hisako's dad." Casey explained. "And when they did that, she felt his pain. She was screaming, crying out, because of what these monsters were doing."

Leatherhead snarled at the thought, his eyes becoming bright red as the Triceratons were beginning to come to. Casey took a step back, then utter the phrase that signed their death warrants.

"If it had gone on any longer, they might have killed her." he told the croc.

With that, Leatherhead snapped up and barreled at the Triceratons. He picked one up and threw him into a group of others, knocking them down. He then whipped his tail around and smacked another Triceraton back. As one ran up, he leapt onto him and slashed at his face, causing him to cry out before falling to the ground.

"Restrain this beast!" Zanramon ordered.

Leatherhead snapped his head around and snarled at him before running straight at him. Zanramon stood his ground, catching Leatherhead's hands and wrestling with him. As the two struggled against one another, Casey grabbed Murakami as April continued helping Splinter.

"We need to get out of here." April insisted. "More Triceratons will be coming, and even with LH worked into a blood frenzy, I doubt he'll be able to hold them all off."

"Agreed." Splinter concurred. "We must escape and the sooner the better."

"What about Leatherhead?" Casey asked.

"He is strong of will and spirit." Splinter reassured as they got moving. "I have a feeling he will not be captive to them for long."

"Yo, LH!" Casey called out. "Hisako's waiting for ya!"

Spurred by the idea of seeing his precious Oracle again, LH gave Zanramon a hearty shove, sending him flying into a wall. The croc then lumbered after the group on all fours. With the mutant croc back among their ranks, the five bolted out of the room and down the hallway.

"Yoshi-kun." Murakami spoke up. "Do you know where we are going?"

"Yes." Splinter answered, slowly pulling himself from April's grip and taking the lead. "Hisako showed me the way."

...

In the aftermath of Hisako's mental bomb, the psychic had promptly dropped to the ground, motionless and groaning. Raph and Mikey hoisted her up while Donny checked for vital signs.

"She's alright," Donny reported. "But she's spent a shell ton of energy."

Traximus pulled himself out from under a pile of weapons, looking at Hisako with surprise.

"I am thankful that she chose a pacifist route when we crossed paths in the Arena." he said quietly.

"She's very selective on who she gets violent over." Mikey told him.

Hisako groaned in Raph and Mikey's grip, her head lolling about as she tried to focus.

"Sen...sei..." she let out, her voice weak and cracking.

"Take it easy sis." Raph told her. "You put on a shell of a show."

"Escaped..." she winced, weakly pointing off in the distance. "Coming… Need… to help..."

Her hand became shakier with each word before her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out, her arm flopping down once more.

"I think I know where she wants us to go." Leo deduced. "Trax, you mind carrying her?"

"Not at all." Traximus replied, plucking up Hisako and draping her across his shoulder.

The group then went down the direction Hisako was pointing.

...

Splinter and the others made their way out of the hallways, and down into the sewers to avoid detection.

"We should be safe down here." April said, though it was clear she wasn't quite certain about her statement.

LH began sniffing the air, his eyes still bright and he was still on all fours.

"Not… alone..." he snarled.

Casey and Murakami readied themselves as April held Splinter, still recovering from the mental strain. Suddenly, a cluster of shadows began to approach the group, making their way around the corner. The first to emerge was Traximus, a bloody Hisako still on his back. The second he laid eyes on the sight, LH completely lost it. He charged forward and tackled Traximus to the ground, ready to claw him to pieces. Fortunately, the turtles sprang forward and grabbed his arms.

"Whoa, Leatherhead!" Mikey called out. "It's cool!"

"This is Traximus." Leo explained. "He's a friend."

Splinter cradled his daughter, who had been knocked to the ground in Leatherhead's haste. As he held her, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled slightly.

"Hi dad..." she whispered.

"Hello my child." Splinter greeted back. "I knew you could do it."

LH turned towards Hisako, hearing her voice. He quickly went over to her and caressed her face, the glow dying from his eyes as she reached up and returned the touch.

"Oracle..." The croc said quietly.

"Hey big guy..." Hisako replied. "Don't kill Traximus. He's a good guy."

"If you... say so." Leatherhead relented.

"Aww." Mikey let out. "He acts all big and mean, but he's really just a big softie."

He then realized Traximus hadn't moved from where LH had pinned him, no doubt afraid to provoke the croc anymore.

"Dude, you can get up now." Mikey told him.

Traximus then got back to his feet and rejoined the others, keeping a wary eye on the croc.

"We're just happy you're all ok." Donny told them.

Mona Lisa then let out a cough.

"Perhaps we should retreat back to base camp before the Prime Leader sends out a search party?"

"What about Zanramon?" Raph asked.

"Hisako is in no condition to do anything to him right now." Leo told him. "We need to fall back and give her time to rest. Once she's fully rested and we have a plan, then we make our move."

Raph nodded in response before the group retreated.

...

Back in the torture chamber, Zanramon had just picked himself up as the troops not decimated by Leatherhead began to get up. Mozar dislodged himself from a broken table, his metal arm off to the side. As he fetched it and reattached it, he turned to the Prime Leader in fear and shame. He knelt down, bowing his head.

"Forgive me, Prime Leader." he begged. "The creatures have all escaped."

"This will not stand!" Zanramon declared. "Prepare communications to broadcast another message! It is clear that we have been too generous with these inferior pests."

Mozar gave a salute, then rushed off to do as he was told.

...

Once the group returned to base camp, Hisako was laid to rest on a small blanket off to the side. Leatherhead curled around her, acting as her guardian and pillow as she slept. Splinter took the time to rest as well, the mental strain from earlier still weighing heavily on him. All the while, April and Casey took the opportunity to meet their new alien friends.

"So, you're the alien salamander Raph told us about." April said to Lisa.

"Salamandarian." Lisa corrected. "And yes. You may call me Mona Lisa."

Casey grinned as he elbowed Raph playfully.

"Guess Hisako's not the only one who's attracted to powerful reptiles." he quipped.

"Oh get over yourself." Raph replied, playfully pushing him.

The two laughed as Leo introduced Traximus. The blue turtle also took the opportunity to apologize for earlier.

"Sorry about Leatherhead almost ripping your face off." he apologized. "He's extremely protective of Hisako."

"And it didn't help that I worked him into a frenzy so we could escape." Casey added, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry."

"It is quite alright." Traximus insisted. "It is not hard to see how protective he is of her."

"You have no idea." Leo replied. "The guy would both die and kill for her."

"At the same time if he could." Donny added.

As the group continued talking, Monza-Ram came running up with a distressed look on his face.

"Everyone!" He called out. "Zanramon is making another announcement!"

Everyone quickly gathered around a small holographic projector, even Splinter and a semi-conscious Hisako joining, the latter on LH's back. Monza-Ran turned on the projector, showing an image of Prime Leader Zanramon.

"It has come to my attention that I have become far too lenient with my ultimatum regarding the Gamarons and their allies." Zanramon addressed. "They have escaped justice for far too long, and I have grown tired waiting for you insects to hand them over. Because of this, you now have one hour to hand them over to me. Otherwise, your planet will feel the might of my Decimator Cannon!"

There was a collective gasp from every single revolutionary in the base camp. Lisa's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes going wide as she fell to her knees, her face a paler shade of blue. The hologram then cut out as a stunned silence filled the camp. The turtles looked around at their allies, feeling more than a little apprehensive about Zanramon's threat.

"Okay, I'll bite." Donny spoke up. "What's a Decimator cannon?"

"It is the ultimate weapon of the Triceraton republic." Monza Ram answered. "It is a deadly laser that can cut through to the center of a planet, detonating its molten core."

"Many planets have been obliterated by the terrible weapon." Lisa let out, shivering slightly. "Including Salamandaria."

The turtles were left speechless at the revelation.

"Can… can he really do that?" Donny asked.

"He can." Traximus dreaded. "And will unless his demands are met, or we manage to destroy that weapon."

"Then we got to get to Zanramon now!" Raph insisted. "We need to change his mind so he leaves before blowing up the earth!"

"Even if Hisako was in a state that she could perform such a feat, I do not believe it would do much good." Splinter spoke up.

"Yoshi is right." Murakami agreed. "I have heard that amount of hatred and venom before, from none other than Oroku Saki. Even if you convinced him that you five were not on this planet, he would simply destroy Earth out of frustration and anger."

"Then we gotta take out that weapon." Leo decided. "... uh, any ideas on how?"

A heavy silence filled the room once more, then one of the all-stars went to speak. However, Monza Ram quickly shushed him, giving him a pointed look. Leo noticed this, not needing Hisako's telepathy to know something was up.

"If one of you guys has something to say, then now's the time." Leo told them.

Monza Ram shook his head instantly, but the all-star he had shushed refused to listen.

"I will not hold my tongue any longer." the All Star insisted. "Our blind silence has caused enough pain and suffering."

"Cathar be silent!" Monza Ram ordered.

"We were once the team in charge of the Decimator cannon." a second all-star spoke up, much to Monza Ram's fury.

"Mor-Tax!" Monza Ram exclaimed.

"We know how it works, how to arm and disarm it, and how to destroy it." Cathar concluded.

"It is what we were arrested for before we were thrown into the games." Mor-Tax added.

"Tell us everything you know." Donny insisted.

The two all-stars began their explanations as Monza Ram turned away. Leo looked at him in confusion, following him towards the corner of the base. The Triceraton was grumbling to himself, several expletives slipping past his lips.

"Why did you want your knowledge of the Decimator cannon a secret?" Leo asked.

Monza Ram sighed, his anger giving way to what looked like resignation and exhaustion.

"My men and I were loyal to Zanramon." He explained. "We followed orders and destroyed many planets for the glory of the Triceraton Republic. We never thought to question what we were doing… until the day we found a young Salamandarian boy carrying a young hatchling hiding on the ship."

"Sal Commander." Leo realized.

"They were children, innocent beings." Monza Ram recounted. "It is easy to forget that such creatures exist in times of war. They were a stark reminder of exactly what we were doing every time we fired that cannon."

He sagged to the ground, leaning against the stone wall.

"We destroyed their home." He let out, turning to Mona Lisa, who was being comforted by Raph across the room. "Her home."

"She didn't know." Leo guessed.

Monza Ram shook his head.

"How do you tell someone you are responsible for the destruction of their entire race?" He questioned. "How do you even begin to atone for such a crime? And… how can she cope with the knowledge that her brother gave his life to protect the ones who doomed her to this life?"

"I… don't have the answer for that." Leo admitted. "Only you do."

Monza Ram looked down in resignation, letting out a log sigh. After a minute, he lifted his head and rose to his feet.

"For now, the best I can do is aid my men in finishing what we started all those years ago." he declared. "Destroying that accursed weapon once and for all."

"Then let's get to work." Leo declared.

The two returned to the group, where Donny was in the middle of drawing up a plan. The All-Stars were still giving him as much info as they could. Traximus observed it all, occasionally glancing at Mona Lisa. The Salamandarian kept her eyes on the All Stars, as if unsure of what to think anymore. Raph just held her, quietly petting her head like he'd done to Hisako a million times.

"You gonna be ok?" He asked.

"I do not know." she answered honestly.

"Alright, according to the All Stars, the Decimator cannon is located at the lowest level of the home world." Donny reported.

"Hang on, there's a level lower than the sewers?" Mikey questioned.

"The Prime Leader wanted to ensure that saboteurs would have a difficult time finding and reaching it." Monza Ram explained.

"There's a single access point hidden within the Home world's main armory." Mor-Tax interjected, pointing to a spot on a provided map. "From there, we take the transport lift down to the bottom. We may meet some resistance from the team in charge once we get down there."

"Yeah well, what else is new?" Raph remarked.

"After we reach the Decimator cannon, we'll plant charges around the power supply line." Canthar instructed.

"And blow this baby to kingdom come." Donny finished.

"You make it sound so easy." Mona Lisa quipped. "But since there is only one way in or out of the cannon chamber, we run the risk of walking right into a possible ambush."

"She's right." Splinter concurred. "We need something that could draw the guards' attention."

"We could." Mikey spoke up.

Everyone turned to him.

"Think about it, Zanramon wants us, right?" Mikey asked. "We can lure his forces away while Traximus' team plants the charges."

"But, wait." Casey spoke up. "What about your secret?"

"Yeah, if you guys put yourselves out in the line of fire like that, you run the risk of getting captured." April noted.

"More than that, Zanramon seems like the type who would make your execution public." Murakami added. "No doubt the entire world would know you exist, and in the event you survive and our plan succeeds, I doubt you would be able to return to being secrets of the sewers."

"Our little secret doesn't matter much if there's no one to keep it from." Mikey said.

"Mikey's right." Leo agreed. "If we put our desire for secrecy over the lives of billions of innocent people, then we're no better than the monsters we've worked so hard to fight."

"Besides, he's gotta catch us to execute us." Raph snorted. "He got lucky last time he caught us, and he ain't gonna get another opportunity like that again."

"Right, he'll leap at the opportunity to get payback for everything." Donny agreed.

"He made that much quite clear when we spoke with him." Splinter nodded.

"Then I guess it's settled." Hisako spoke up, leaning over Leatherhead's shoulders. "We earthlings will draw Zanramon's forces away while Traximus' team handles the cannon."

"My friends..." Traximus interjected. "I cannot ask you to do this."

"It's alright, Traximus." Leo insisted. "We know what we have to do, and we're all in agreement. This is the only way."

"Well if we're all in agreement, I suggest we get to work." Donny spoke up. "We've got less than an hour to pull this off, or Earth goes the way of the dodo."

"Right." Leo agreed. "Let's move!"