#Thomas gets to avenge his friends

[disappearinginq]

Magnum PI season finale: 10/10, would kiss writers if given the opportunity.  

[crabrat]

no no but think an au where gotham thinks alfred is batman

cause like gotham has known bruce since he was a kid hiding under tables at galas, they’ve watched him grow up and honestly to gotham he’s decently well adjusted-(they haven’t seen him at Gotham U the kids there know hes friends with harvey dent for fucks say and you can’t be friends with that man without having a bit of crazy in you)

they’re not going to assume that he goes out every night as a dressed as a humanoid bat-no the young lad was much too tired running Wayne Interprize and being depressed

alfred though? everyone knows alfred was in the secret service before Martha and Thomas died. and everyone also knows that they and the butler were practically married considering the way he was talked about in press interviews and through the rare press pictures people got of them

so in his grief the people think it’s very reasonable for the butler to have snapped and taken such a duty as batman up-as repentance as a way of avenging the late wayne’s as a way of protecting bruce

this of course is not official information but the people of gotham have some type of an unsaid agreement

whenever one of bruce wayne’s wards are taken hostage bruce wayne is noticeably absent and batman swoops in to save the day-as to not repeat the events of the part alfred must have made bruce stay put, safe, and gone to save his grandsons

when one brings up the age argument you’re likely to get a condescending look and the irritable response that alfred’s immortal

this is not further explains

it is simply a truth of life in gotham

moving on

people start to realize the amount robins match up with amount of kids brucie has and immediately come to the conclusion alfred has been training them to take care of gotham and make sure bruce is safe. this is a perfectly reasonable and ethical conclusion to most gotham residents the city moves on

when jason todd the second robin dies batman gets much much more aggressive people start sending very fancy cooking supplies and ingredients to wayne manor which could mean nothing

red hood emerges and starts using guns everyone thinks that he’s one of batman’s failed trainees as obviously alfred taught the kids to use guns even though he never uses them this is speculated to because of how the wayne’s died

naturally most anyone outside of gotham thinks they’re all mad but what else is new

alfred is fully aware of these rumors and sometimes likes to feed into it by “absentmindedly” spinning a batterang while looking directly into one of the press cameras at the most recent gala

this doesn’t actually change anything about the story except that it contributes to bernard’s first ever correct conspiracy about bruce being batman, all of bernard’s conspiracy forum friends want to kick him out for this wild even to them claim, tim has to try really hard not to start laughing hysterically

[msmk11]

Never Ever

Tony Stark x fem!reader

WC: 1.3k

CW: Fluff; mentions of lunch?; Tony Stark being a gentleman ��

Summary: Your new boss never ever does one-on-ones

Day 28 of mk’s mad dash

You’re finally starting to feel your first-day-nerves settle, and it’s a relief. After getting some one-on-one time this morning with Natasha, your boss’ previous assistant, the job doesn’t seem all that bad.

Though first-day nerves are normal, you suppose they’ve been exacerbated by the fact that you would be working for Avenger and billionaire Tony Stark. Natasha has assured you that despite his powers and influence, he’s really all bark and no bite, and that you’ll have no problem “handling him.”

Still, it’s hard to know if you 100% believe her, seeing as you’ve yet to actually meet your boss.

Regardless, Natasha has just left you to go to some Avengers meeting, so you feel relieved to know that you probably have a solid hour before you finally, hopefully (or not hopefully) meet Mr. Stark.

You decide that your first order of business is to decorate your desk with a few keepsakes from home and pictures of your friends and family.

Right in between your two monitors you set your little rubber ducks- one pink and one yellow. You neatly set out your dark blue coffee mug in the right corner and a picture frame of your cat in the other.

The last things to go up are your pictures. With a handful of thumb tacks, you stick them on the cork board walls surrounding your desk. A couple of the pictures you put up are you with your family- all of you bearing happy smiles on vacation or a holiday. Others are with your friends- your roommates from college, your old high school coworker, and your childhood best friend, Thomas.

“Is that your boyfriend?”

As you adjust the picture of you and Thomas you smirk. It’s a question you’ve both gotten many times, and the answer is always “No. that’s my best friend Tho-“

You look up from the picture and stop mid-sentence, eyes widening as you realize that you’re talking so very casually to none other than your boss.

“Oh! Uhm, Mr. Stark! Hi!” You stutter, introducing yourself, “I’m your new assistant.”

You cringe, “though I’m sure you figured that much out yourself.”

Your boss scans you seriously and then breaks out a smirk, “Please, loosen up around me- I’m just your average playboy, billionaire, superhero. And call me Tony. Mr. Stark was my father’s name.”

An exasperated chuckle escapes you and you nod, “right, okay. Sorry, Tony. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

The brunette motions for you to follow him and you oblige.

“You as well. You know, Natasha spoke very highly of you after your interview, so I’ve been very curious to meet the one who impressed the Black Widow.”

Heat creeps to your cheeks against your will, and you’re glad Tony is looking forward as he walks and not at you.

“I guess I’ll have to thank her for the glowing recommendation.”

You arrive outside what you assume is Tony’s office- given its size and grandeur.

Tony confirms your suspicions a second later. He opens the door and gestures for you to go in first.

You let out a meek thank you and scurry in, moving off to the side so he can follow. His office is impressive to say the least. It’s spacious and really, really fancy. His desk is made of the sleekest dark wood with two high-tech computers adorning its surface. Tony has the most wonderful view too- a huge window looking out onto the rooftops of New York’s most beautiful skyscrapers.

An “oh wow,” escapes your lips before you can stop it.

Your boss lets out a chuckle at your awe and nods for you to go look. You make your way over to the window and lean your hands against the windowsill.

“I already knew I loved New York. But this. I mean, wow.”

Tony joins you, standing at your side, “it is quite a view.”

The awe in his voice is obvious and you glance over at him. But he’s not looking at the city. He’s already looking at you.

“Yeah, it is,” you say, trailing off.

Your boss holds your gaze for a second before clearing his throat and looking away.

“Anyways, I just wanted to get you acquainted with where my office is and get to know you a little. I’m assuming Natasha explained all your tasks to you?”

You nod, “Yes, she did. But…sorry, I hope you don’t mind me asking, don’t you have an Avengers meeting right now?”

Tony looks down at his watch and curses, “Steve is going to kill me.”

Then he looks up at you with a smirk, “Already doing pretty damn good at your job though.”

He heads towards his office door but hesitates when he grabs the handle, “I stand by what I said, by the way. I do want to get to know you. Lunch is on me today, at noon. You can meet me out in the lobby.”

Once you nod affirmatively at him, Tony opens the door and leaves, another muttered curse reaching your ears as you follow him out.

You’ve just finished the last of your paperwork before lunch when Natasha sidles up to your desk.

“Hey hot stuff,” she teases.

You give her a weird look, “Heyyyy Natasha?”

“So, a little birdie told me that Tony’s taking you out to lunch.”

Excitement overtakes your confusion, “oh yeah! He is! I actually need to be down in the lobby in five minutes.”

Natasha smiles at you like she knows something you don’t.

“What?!”

“Is this Tony’s new assistant?” a voice adds.

It’s a man- Hawkeye, you think.

He extends his hand with a smirk, “My name’s Clint, nice to meet you.”

You shake his hand firmly, but your eyes don’t leave the redhead’s face.

“Pleasure, really. But what’s going on, Natasha?”

“Tony’s taking you to lunch,” she huffs.

“Yeah? And? It’s not a big deal.”

“It’s a huge deal,” a third voice adds.

This one, you know for sure.

Pepper Potts.

“It’s just lunch,” you sigh, exasperatedly.

“Stark doesn’t do ‘just lunch’,” Clint tells you matter-of-factly, “never ever.”

“Not when I was his assistant,” Natasha states.

“Or when I was before Natasha,” Pepper adds.

“Tony does company lunches sure, but never ever one-on-one,” Clint finishes.

Your stomach flips nervously in your stomach.

“So then why me? Why how?”

The redhead looks at you with that smirk of hers again, “who’s to know?”

She looks at her watch, “and I believe you’ll be late if you don’t leave now.”

You jump up from your chair, cursing.

“We’ll talk later.”

You try to ignore the eyes that follow you as you walk to the elevator.

For as tall as the building is, the ride down in the elevator is fast. When you emerge into the lobby, you’re relieved to find that you beat Tony downstairs.

Only by a few seconds though, it seems, because he emerges from another elevator only moments later.

He spots you instantly and gives you the smile you always see him use on the news.

When he approaches you, he brushes your arm gently, guiding the both of you to where his car is stowed away- A car that is nicer than anything you’ve ever seen, nicer even than your own home.

Like a gentleman, your boss grabs your door before you can and opens it for you. He extends his other hand to help you into the low-riding car and you willingly accept. When your palms touch, a spark shoots up your arm and you just barely withhold a shiver.

Then, the door shuts resoundly.

*****

You don’t bother reaching for your door handle, because you know you’ll only be stopped before you even get the chance.

Tony is around to the passenger side door so fast you wonder if he hopped out while the car was still rolling.

The brunette holds out his hand to help you out of the car and sparks run through your body at his touch, even after all this time.

Once he’s shut the door behind you, his hand moves from yours to wrap around your waist and rest lovingly on your hip.

“Why thank you, Mr. Stark,” you tease, “quite the gentleman.”

Tony presses a searing kiss to your lips that sends your stomach up in butterflies.

“You’re welcome, Mrs. Stark.”

[starboye]

Could you update this? Like, did you get new requests afterwards?

https://www.tumblr.com/starboye/758197508073832448/hi-i-noticed-you-mentioned-having-a-lot-of-fic?source=share

these are really the only new ones

1.

pairing: tyler owens x male reader

summary: riding tyler after a hard day of chasing storms

2.

pairing: clark kent x male reader

request: Could you write a tom welling/clark kent fic from smallville where you give him a blow job and edge him til he cums in your mouth and then he fucks you

3.

pairing: jude bellingham x male reader

request: jude is the star of real madrid (duh) and maybe male reader for barca and readers team wins against madrid and reader starts acting like he’s better than jude so jude puts him in his place and fucks him so rough and degrading until reader knows that he’s his bitch

4.

pairing: prince ben x male reader x harry hook

request: hey can you do a ben x harry hook x male reader where they Both fuck you but harry is really rough while ben is gentle. and harry is very kinky with pet names and stuff

5.

pairing: armie hammer x male reader

request: Reader is filming call me by your name with armie… they get horny while rehearsing their lines and armie fucks reader in their hotel room, reader rides armie

6.

pairing: tom welling x male reader

request: i was wondering if U can write young!tom welling x male reader where reader is a famous actor as well and him and tom are hooking up secretly. in an interview, reader makes a joke about brad pitt being his celeb crush and tom gets super mad and when reader goes to see him tom punishes him very rough and degrading until he can’t even walk

7.

pairing: bill skarsgård x male reader

request: If you’re taking request, can you please make a top Bill Skarsgård x bttm reader smut where Bill has an affair with the reader and he performs oral sex which leads to them fucking in the suspended congress position

8.

pairing: thomas doherty x male reader

request: thomas doherty telling his tired black!reader bf to ride him while he takes an important phone call and whenever he stopped thomas mutes the phone to spank him

9.

pairing: chace crawford x male reader

request: Chace crawford and reader have sex in a dressing room during a break in the filming of a movie they are going to make together

10.

pairing: thomas doherty x male reader x milo manheim

request: Could I request a dom top Thomas Doherty threesome with bottom male reader and Dom top whatever male celebrity you choose reader and Thomas are married and it's Thomas's birthday and reader wakes him up with a b****** in bed and Thomas using the Readers mouth until he cums and then Reader dressed in a sexy outfit they talked about having a threesome reader invites male celebrity friend of Thomas and then Thomas watches as the reader start to worshiping and giving a blowjob to the male celebrity you choose and both just f****** reader filling him up all day into the night taking turns double penetration spit roasting cum kink daddy kink calling reader a good little slut with fluff at the end with them all just cuddling in bed if that's okay

11.

pairing: montgomery de la cruz x male reader x winston williams

request: Hello was wondering if you could write a Monty x winston x male reader smut threesome with Monty resting out a cabin in the woods for his boyfriends they are both from 13 reasons why btw

12.

pairing: jake and rich x male reader x malik delgaty

request: I would love to see these characters in combination with Body Worshipping, Armpit, Scent, Dom/Sub, Double Penetration, and Spit; in addition to those, you can add whatever you Like.

13.

pairing: steve rogers x bucky barnes x male reader x thor odinson x peter parker

request: Steve rogers,Bucky Barnes, Thor, and Peter Parker tag teaming magical fem boy male reader avenger until he gets filled up with all their cum all night long; which leads to reader being knock up with quadruples through magic with each one being the father for a different child.😂😂😂

14.

pairing: harry potter x male reader

request: Harry Potter (Daniel radicliffe with his current buff self) ditching Ginny and marrying the hot American fem boy reader wizard with the big booty, which he meets at the ministry of magic; due to the male reader working as a foreign correspondent for the magical government in America. Which leads to Harry pounding his tight fat butt till the reader gets pregnant through magic for their honeymoon. Harry never returns to magical britian or talks to past friends because he is enjoying his time with his sexy fem boy and growing family.

15.

pairing: megumi fushiguro x male reader x gojo satoru

request: cuck!Megumi (+18, obviously) who loves watching his twink boyfriend get fucked by other men. This time it's his teacher's turn, Satoru (again). could you make it mention that y/n was previously fucked by toji, nanami, yuji, toge and even naoya? Megumi is happy to have another video for his collection.

16.

pairing: xolo maridueña x male reader

request: could you write a fic with them being boyfriends and xolo and reader find a secret spot near a waterfall and it lead to them having g teh whole day swimming and and later in the afternoon noon they are having sex:)

17.

pairing: noah centineo x male reader

request: Can I request a dom top Noah centineo and a big booty bottom male reader reader and Noah are dating and comes back from filming a movie catches the reader walking around naked and shows him down onto the kitchen table and just starts eating the reader out and reader cums without touching himself then they go to the bedroom and the reader just starts worshiping Noah's delicious muscular hairy body and Noah grabs reader by the hair and just starts face fucking him till he comes and then flips the reader on his hands and knees and just starts fucking him rough and hard with the reader screaming Daddy until Noah breaks the bed and cums fills the reader up and then them cuddling after and joking about how they have to buy another bed again if that's okay please and thank you

18.

pairing: jacob elordi x male reader x tom holland

request: I'm a manwhore for Jacob Elordi and Tom Holland being possessive over male reader whenever he talks to another guy whether he's just being friendly in general and the two of them just fuck and tease male reader whenever they get a chance and male reader calling them daddy(btw love your work!)

19.

pairing: winx club guys x male reader

request: Hey! I have an idea! Could you write scenarios with the Winx Club guys (animated) using the weekdays? You as their whore.

20.

pairing: terry mcginnis x male reader

request: Write something with Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond)? I think he is sooo hot. He comes home late after fighting crime and finds his boyfriend sleeping naked, so he eats his ass until he wakes up and then fucks him. With aftercare, please!!

21.

pairing: hyo-jong x male reader

request: e'dawn where they make their first sextape. reader is very shy and he's not very sure about this, but hyo-jong (dawn's real name), who is very excited about this, comforts him and tells him that everything will be fine. since reader is still nervous, hyo-jong comes to the conclusion that he should fuck him until he is completely dumb.

22.

pairing: joe burrow x male reader

request: Heyyy! I love the stuff you write!! Could you write a Joe burrow x male reader smut?? I’ve been obsessed with this man. I don’t have a plot, but maybe after a game?? Thank you so much!!

23.

pairing: robby keene x male reader

request: maybe reader beats him in like a fight or something idk and robby has to remind him his place and whos really in control cus reader gets tooo cocky

[buckrecs]

Single Mom!Reader

masterlist | req masterlist 

bucky with kids🥺

ONESHOT

Feel Like Baking Love by @wehaveabucky-archive

you forget the most important part of your kids birthday party; the cake. but thankfully, a local patissier is more than willing to help you in your hour of need

Marley by @leascorner

Eventually, Bucky gave his deepest secrets away and you let him know yours. Her name was Marley.

Can I call you dad? by @winvterstan

You and Bucky have been dating for eight months. One day your four years old daughter has an interesting request for Bucky.

Who’s That? by @imagineaworlds

A Bucky x single mom reader and the reader brings him to dinner.

good morning by @buckybarnesdiaries

after a mission in Europe, you come back to the Avengers Compound, being received by a lovely surprise.

Playdate by @becca-e-barnes

You’re a single parent to an outgoing little boy called Oliver. On the first day of school he makes a new friend, Thomas Barnes. Both Thomas and his dad Bucky come over for dinner.

incandescent glow by @allyouneedisbuck

bucky barnes has a knack for finding warmth. his job as a firefighter. steve and nat and their unwavering warmth and kindness. you, and your daughter, and the sunshine filled smiles and laughs. he’s just trying to figure out how to tell you he wants it all with you.

Operation Get Mr Bucky and Momma Together by @golden-barnes

Bucky doesn't play favorites but Amaya is definitely his favorite, especially because her mom is hot.. Cue a 6-year-old trying to get Bucky to be her dad. (Teacher!Bucky)

goodnight kiss by @alisonsfics

bucky stays over at your place because he’s having work done on his apartment. he gets to hang out with you and your son.

What’s on your back? by @itsbuckysworld

“Show me what’s behind your back.”

Catch Me If You Can by @buckyalpine

Maybe he isn’t so bad.

Disney Princesses and Dog Tags by @buckyalpine

My Mom Thinks You’re Hot by @bluehourbucky

your son tries to set you up with an avenger in a grocery store

apartment 4d by @sunmoonandeddie

There’s nothing Bucky loves more than the widow down the hall and her son.

family additions by @ezm-imagines

reader's daughter calls bucky dad for the first time.

SERIES

The Slip Up by @justkending

After a last hurrah to graduating college with a future to be a family practitioner, a little slip up happens… Seven years down the road, just when things just now seem to be going smoothly, Y/N approaches that slip up from all those years ago. She’s not looking for anything right now. She is just where she wants to be in life. It seems the universe has a different idea though. One called James Barnes.

Yours, Mine, Ours by @coffeecatsandcandles

Bucky Barnes has been raising his girls, Rebecca and Winnie, for the last two years. He'd lost all hope of falling in love again until he met you, a pediatrician with two children of your own- Elliot and Willow. He falls in love and he falls hard, but the challenges of being single parents still weigh on you both at times. Luckily, you'll always have each other.

Redcove Harvest by @iwillbeinmynest

Farmhand!AU and SingleMom!Reader

The Lucky One by @avengerofyourheart

As a single mom with a jerk of an ex-husband, you’re doing your best to run the family business all on your own when your mother hires a mysterious man with a troubled past to help out. He just might be what you need in your life, but will his secrets bring you together or tear you apart?

Grant | 2| 3 by @coffeecatsandcandles

Bucky finds out you have a son from a previous relationship.

Love At First Grade by @buckysimp101

When father and first grade teacher Bucky Barnes ends up with Avery L/N in his class, the daughter of the “ruthless” CEO of L/N Enterprises, he's in for a surprise that's sure to change his life.

Part of a Family | 2 by @onceuponastory

After Y/N is abandoned by her boyfriend, the father of her 8 month old son, her best friend Bucky comes to the rescue. The same Bucky who’s been in love with Y/N ever since he met her.

Blue is for Ben by @writerlyhabits

Bucky has a meet-cute with you as you're waiting for the elevator in his building, and he's instantly captivated by you.. and your son. What lies in store for the super soldier as he falls head over heels for the single mom who lives just down the hall? Or finds himself wanting to hear about four-year-old Ben's day at school…

My Little Hero by @bucky-bear-barnes

Bucky stumbled upon a sweet young girl defending his honor. And finding out that her mom is the lovely single mom he always kind of liked.

From Left Field | 2 | 3 by @ofstarsandvibranium

chubby Bucky falling for a mother.

The Road Goes Ever On and On by @rocketrhap3000

Life as a single mother of a three year old certainly has its struggles. But when a sweet stranger makes his way into you and your little boy’s life, a one of a kind connection sparks.

[emmie-tt]

Eternity

Jasper Hale x Wife!reader (AVENGERS CROSSOVER)

Description: you were married with a beautiful son before he went “missing” and after he ran away from Maria she went after you only for her to send you to hydra after seeing potential. When you return from Hydra you find out what she did to Jasper and kill her. Flash forward to now you get a call that Carlisle needs help protecting his family from the volturi and you see someone you thought you never would…

Mc's gifts/powers

Mind reading: the power to sense and hear others thoughts

Telekinesis: the ability to influence and move objects without touching them

Mind manipulation: the ability to change what others are thinking

Telepathy: The ability to receive and transmit information with your mind

Energy Absorption: The ability to take and use anothers power/gift

WARNINGS: none...

MAIN MASTERLIST

JASPER AND MC'S SON'S NAME WAS JAMES

JASPER AND READER GOT MARRIED AT 14 AND HAD JAMES AT 15

MARIA KI!!ED JAMES AFTER SHE TOOK MC (JAMES WAS 5)

CARLISLE DIDN'T KNOW JASPER AND MC USE TO BE/STILL ARE MARRIED

ALICE HAS A MATE NAMED THOMAS, HER AS JASPER ARE BEST FRIENDS

MC CAN SLEEP BUT SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO

Y/N POV

A small sigh leaves my lips as my door bell rings again, with a small groan I get up and walk to my door opening it. As soon as the door is opened all the way I make eye contact with an old friend causing my eyebrows to furrow.

"carlisle? why are you- sorry that's rude, is everything okay?"

A small chuckle leaves his lip as he shrugs "i need some help, can we have a chat?"

I nod and open the move out of the way allowing him to enter my home, I lead him into my living room where he takes a seat on my couch. I sit on the chair across from him as worry slowly overtakes my mind "carlisle? what is it? what's going on?"

He looks at me and asks "you know Edward right?" earning a nod from me "well...he recently got married, to a human..."

My eyes widen "what? why- wait why am i needed?"

He sighs and continues "she wound up pregnant on the honey moon and had the baby a few days ago, we turned her shortly after the birth but the volturi have caught wind of the child and are coming after her."

My heart sinks "and your planning on fighting them?"

He shakes his head no "not if we don't have to...you see- they think she is a immortal child but she has already grown. she looks to be around 10 now, she's actually only a few weeks old...were hoping we can prove to them that she isn't a threat to our kind without a fight but we need witnesses and just in case people who are willing to fight for her..."

I nod and take a deep breath while letting my gaze drift to the fireplace in my living room, on the mantle of it rests a bunch of old pictures...I slowly zone out on the picture of my son and my husband playing...

-FLASHBACK-

I look up when I hear laughing, a smile forms on my face as I see Jasper chasing James. I set the dish down and wipe my hands off on my dress skirt before making my way outside.

As i'm about to walk out the door I grab our camera and continue out. I snap a few pictures of my boys as they play around with each other. I set them on the rail of our porch and admire them, as I get lost in my thoughts I feel arms wrap around me causing me to jump

I look up and see Jasper looking back at me with a smile "well hello their darlin' "

I smile and turn around in his arms "hi cowboy" I say earning a chuckle from Jasper, he kisses my forehead then my nose and finally my lips before I hear a small southern accent yell out "mama!" I look down as his small arms wrap around my skirt

I smile and lean down picking him up as he cuddles close to me, I turn back around admiring the view as I lean back against my husband wondering how I got so lucky

-FLASHBACK OVER-

I snap out of the memory and wipe my eyes quickly when I hear Carlisle say my name again. I look up at him "i'll help..."

He smiles softly and gets up walking over to me and gently hugging me "my family thanks you...i'll wait for you to get a bag packed okay?"

I nod hugging back for a moment before getting up and heading up to my room and grabbing a bag, as I throw things into the bag and go through my closet my eyes land on an old photo album.

With shaky hands I grab it and walk back over to my bed and sit down. As I open the album tears immediately spring in my eyes as I see my old wedding photos, I continue going through the album when Carlisle comes into the room "everything okay?"

My head snaps up and I nod as he walks over and sits next to me, his eyes land on a 15 year old version of me holding a newborn baby, he looks back at me "is that..?"

I take a deep breath and nod before closing the book and placing it in my bag "my son...james.."

He watches me with pity in his eyes as I zip my bag and sling it over my shoulder, we both make our way downstairs and out to his car. As I get situated Carlisle glances over at me before staring forward again and starting the car, his mind was stuck on the picture of the baby, he looked so familiar but he just couldn't put his finger on why...

-TIME SKIP A FEW HOURS-

After a long dreamless nap I feel myself being shaken awake, I open my eyes and look over at Carlisle "were here"

I nod and stretch slightly before glancing around, i'm amazed at the beautiful house and all of the greenery, when I go to tell Carlisle my thoughts five people make their way out of the house

I sigh and get out of the car, Carlisle gets my bag out of the back seat as the child along with Edward and i'm guessing his wife approach me. I smile at Edward who smiles back

My eyes land on the child who is staring at me obviously confused, I slowly kneel down in front of her and smile "well hello there...i'm y/n what's your name sweetheart?"

She smiles back while giggling softly "i'm renesme...your accent is very pretty"

I smile and giggle softly as well "thank you" she makes eye contact with me and cups my face softly causing me to flinch slightly before allowing her to do whatever it is

My eyes widen slightly before allowing them to flutter close as I watch her memories. After a minute I open my eyes and look at her with amazement "you, young lady have an extraordinary gift..."

She smiles and looks back at her parents who are also smiling, she looks back at me with a confused look again "what are you?"

I giggle and stand up "i'm a hybrid...vampire and super soldier"

Her eyes widen and she looks back at her parents again, Edward nods and chuckles softly at her look of surprise, the door opens again and I look up to see a short dark haired girl who is smiling and makes her way down to us. "hi! i'm alice!"

I smile softly at her and make a noise of surprise when she pulls me into a hug "oh- hi! i'm y/n"

A giggle leaves her lips as she pulls back "i know, i can see the future. we are gonna get along well"

I nod and smile as she grabs my hand and leads me into the house...the house that is full of vampires...my nerves spike as I glance around making eye contact with random red eyes before my eyes land on a pair of wide yellow eyes

-FLASHBACK A FEW HOURS-

JASPERS POV

As I sit on the couch watching as Renesme introduces herself and shows her memories to all the vampires who are arriving, I hear a small gasp and my eyes snap over to Alice who is frozen. Me and Thomas make our way over to her with concern

She snaps out of it and looks at me as a large smile graces her face "your wife...she's alive..."

I stare at her confused "what?"

She continues smiling "she's alive and- and she is gonna be here soon to help. your gonna get your wife back jasper..."

Before I could say anything she walks away leaving me confused

-FLASHBACK OVER-

Y/N POV

As I take in his face and slowly realize who i'm staring at Alice smiles squeezes my hand and whispers "go...go see your husband"

I don't say anything and nod before slowly weaving my way through the crowd towards the person I thought I would never see again, the man i've loved since 1858

I stop in front of him and look up at him as tears slowly make their way down my cheeks "my jasper..."

All the sudden my feet leave the ground and i'm being pressed against his cold body. My arms wrap around his neck as my legs wrap around his waist

The feeling of being in my husbands arms after so long brings the most amount of comfort i've felt in a long time...a comfort that I can only hope is permanent...

TAGLIST

@cherrybb-ily @rayliz793 @min-jianhyung @bunnymysteriously @angelgirl45367 @lovelybeardedsuit @mortallybitchybird @titaniatube @angelsincident @golgi-aparato @jovialwolfsoul @caityrayeraye @mkaybaby4 @iara-ximena17 @bluecrazedandbeautiful

I'm sorry it took so long to get this out!! I'm happy with how this turned out, feedback and ideas for other parts are always welcome!!

[stabbydragon]

*clears throat* Can we just talk about how unfair it was that Cordelia was the one who got to kill Tatiana? Like there were a million other people who were way more qualified.

I’m pretty sure most people, like me, were rooting for Grace. After all, she was the one that Tatiana hurt most by physically abusing her, making her into a weapon, forcing her to brainwash James which made everyone she cares about mad at her, etc. Not to mention that Christopher, one of her only friends, the only person who defended her, and the one who encouraged her to pursue her passion for science, had just been MURDERED by Tatiana! And like, Grace was RIGHT THERE with a knife to Tatiana’s throat! Then CORDELIA had to come and ruin everything by summoning Lillith! WTF!?

Jesse was another person who had been hurt by Tatiana. This bitch, who he thought cared about him despite her flaws, as a mother should, SOLD HIM TO BELIAL so he could be possessed and forced to murder people which he would never do under any circumstances of his own free will! The guilt the poor boy must have gone through because of this bitch! Although personally, I don’t think he would be capable of murder, but it would have been better than fucking CORDELIA.

Also, the idea of either Jesse or Grace doing it to avenge their sibling? 😭

My second choice after Grace would be Lucie, who would be furious both because of Jesse being possessed, and because she had just found out that Tatiana had been the one to ruin James and Cordelia’s marriage, causing both her brother and parabatai a lot of pain. It would have set the scene for a fascinating conversation between her and Jesse regarding how they both felt about Tatiana’s death (the same is true for Grace) because I need more Ghostwriter scenes. Also, if she killed her partially on Grace’s behalf, it would better showcase what could have been a beautiful dynamic that desperately needs to be explored further. I need these too to become besties immediately! Lucie, unlike her boyfriend, totally deserved to be a morally ambiguous character. She had so much potential for stabbiness, so where’s all the stabbiness? It’s so unfair that she never gets to stab someone ONCE because she’s a main character and therefore needs to be morally perfect even though people who grew as rich as she did are the ones most likely to be evil. Besides, she could have ordered a ghost to do it while Lucie herself was far away, giving her an alibi, and any witnesses would not have seen the ghost. Honestly my preference would be if Lucie and Grace teamed up to do it together in Jesse’s name.

EVEN FUCKING JAMES a would have been a better option, not that I would like it much. He was the one who was brainwashed since he was fourteen after all. He was the one who kept on accidentally breaking his wife’s heart because of the gracelet.

While Cordelia was still hurt by Tatiana’s actions, she was farther removed from the situation. But because sHe’S tHe PrOtAgOnIsT, she had to be the one to do it. Not even of her own volition, but because she was being manipulated by a greater demon. Imagine all of your protagonists being so heroic and morally sound that they can’t even neutralize someone as twisted and dangerous and inhumane and this bitch without being physically magically controlled by Lillith herself. Is there anything more boring?

And what really makes me angry is that she finally gave in due to the death of one Christopher Lightwood, a character with whom she had no established dynamic. If this was CC’s plan all along, she could have made it so they had at least one single fucking conversation alone??? If the main catalyst for Tatiana’s death was Kit’s murder, then practically ANY OTHER CHARACTER a would have been better. Cecily and Gabriel and the others were in Idris but, once again, there’s Grace, Lucie, James, Thomas, Anna, Matthew, etc. Hell, even Rosamund Wentworth, who arrives pretty soon after Kit’s death, knew him longer than Cordelia!

*Ahem* Thank you for listening to my PSA

[monsieuroverlord]

September 2024 Solicits are up!

We'll have quite a line-up for this month! From the Ashes Era of X-Books officially kicks off and there are plenty of first wave books to check out!

There's also a new Marvel Zombies -- this time a vrus created by Groot?

Lots of Spider-man and Venom as well.

Source here

Dazzler #1

written by Jason Loo, art by Rafael Loureiro, main cover by Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson

"SO BRIGHT THIS STAR!

DAZZLER, Marvel’s glittering mutant songstress, has been in and out of the limelight over the years – but now the time has finally come for her to take center stage! Dazzler embarks on a new world tour, the culmination and celebration of her entire musical career! And along for the ride is her new road crew: Domino, Strong Guy and Multiple Man! But while Dazzler may be ready to focus on her music, her celebrity-mutant status and a violent attack may sideline the entire endeavor before it’s even begun…"

Exceptional X-Men #1

written by Eve L. Ewing, art and main cover by Carmen Carnero

"KATE PRYDE LEADS A TEAM OF ALL-NEW X-MEN!

After the fall of Krakoa, Kate Pryde is trying to get as far away from all things X as she possibly can. She’s just a regular-degular bartender now. Definitely NOT getting ready to head up an ALL-NEW TEAM of wayward young mutants while avoiding the watchful gaze of Emma Frost. Nothing in this title but work, dating and staving off depression. That’s it. No never-before-seen EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN to see here!"

Wolverine #1

written by Saladin Ahmed, art and main cover by Martin Coccolo

"THE LEGEND BEGINS ANEW IN THE ADAMANTIUM-TOUGH NEW ONGOING SERIES!

There’s a killer in the woods – and as WOLVERINE’s attempt at peace is shattered, an OLD ENEMY will re-emerge as a NEW VILLAIN rises who will bring LOGAN to the brink of his berserker rage. But NIGHTCRAWLER knows his old friend is capable of doing what’s right, and before long, Logan will have to unleash his claws, push his healing factor to the limit and demonstrate he’s the best there is at what he does once and for all – nice be damned!

The legendary WOLVERINE ongoing series kicks off anew with the superstar creative team of Saladin Ahmed (DAREDEVIL, MS. MARVEL) and Martín Cóccolo (DEADPOOL, IMMORTAL THOR) beginning their epic journey with Logan!"

Ultimate X-Men #7

art, writing, and main cover by Peach Momoko

"MEET THE MUTANTS’ NEW MENTOR, PSYLOCKE!

• After the climactic finale of issue #6 and the surprise new teammate they found, Mei, Hisako, Nico and the mutants need some guidance!

• Fortunately, the mysterious Kanon is an older student with a surprising amount of expertise…"

Marvel Zombies: Dawn of Decay

written by Thomas Krajewski, art and main cover by Jason Muhr

"Groot feels bad – not only because Rocket’s latest scheme put them firmly in the crosshairs of the Avengers, but also he’s just plain sick! Sap-dripping nose and all. Things go from bad to apocalyptic, however, after an ill-timed sneeze in Captain America’s face has unforeseeable consequences! Suddenly, Groot is being attacked by a horde of zombified Avengers, and only he and Hulk, with his impenetrable green skin, remain impervious. Now it’s up to these two heroes to team up and fight their way through a blighted New York City to Banner’s lab in Avengers Tower to find a cure before it’s too late. But can Groot keep the hero in check and on track, or will Hulk unleash his deadly might on the zombies they once called friends?"

[nomoreusername]

Maze Runner Masterlist (2)

Requests Open

🌸 is fluff

🥀 is angst

🌷 is platonic love

🪷 is hurt/comfort

🏵️ is none

Thomas

Never Enough 🥀

After Thomas finds out what actually happened to you he vows to avenge you.

The Chapter Of Us 🌸

When Thomas keeps acting off, he has to tell you why earlier than he planned.

Mixed Feelings (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) 🌸

After years of you and Thomas denying your feelings, one move to prove hatred leads to the opposite.

Impulsive Greenie 🌸

Despite the lecture you give Greenie you can't help but find yourself attached to him.

Newt

Smile 🌸 🪷

When Newt notices you hiding your smile he quickly makes everything better again.

An Unexpected Match (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) 🌸

While you're convinced that you and Newt are too different to be together, he's more than willing to acknowledge that there's something there.

Not Proud 🪷

As you're ready to give in again and cut, Newt catches and comforts you.

The Other Side 🥀

After both Newt and you get the flare you make a life ending decision together.

Not What I Wanted (Part 1, Part 2) 🥀 🪷

After Newt's attempt changes his temper, you try and help without asking why.

Two Secret Saviors 🌸 🪷

After you unknowingly save give Newt a reason to stay, he ends up saving you just a few months later.

No Matter What 🌸🪷

Even though you struggle with eating, Newt is always there to support you.

Minho

A Better Runner 🌸 🪷

As you and Minho are both in the zone while running he gets a little too distracted.

Victory 🌷

After the Gladers underestimate you since you're a girl, you prove them wrong and catch a certain Runner's attention.

Helping Hands 🌸

After realizing you won't tell Minho your feelings Newt lends a helping hand.

Who To Trust (Part 1, Part 2) 🌸 🪷

Despite you and Minho having nothing but distrust the second you meet an actual betrayal leads to something special.

Gally

Not a Birthday Person 🌸

Despite being known for not doing birthdays, Gally still finds a way to celebrate yours.

All That Matters 🌸 🪷

Despite losing a fight for the very first time Gally makes it clear that you're all that matters.

Aris

His Hoodie 🥀

After losing Aris everything in your life falls apart.

The Plan (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) 🥀 🪷 🌸

After Aris discovers the truth of how your relationship started you have to prove that it did become real.

Lipstick 🌸

Despite trying to keep your relationship a secret, one kiss may just ruin that plan.

Defender 🌸

After the betrayal with Aris and Teresa, you surprise everyone with what you say about it.

New Girl (Part 1, Part 2) 🥀 🌸

The day after Aris gets upset because he thought you ditched him, he realizes you would never do that to him.

Wounds 🪷

After he gets back from WCKD you help clean up Aris's wounds.

His Aesthetic 🏵️

Lightweight 🌸

After you get a little tipsy at a party, Aris carries you home.

Songs That Fit Him 🏵️

Heartbeat 🥀 🪷 🌸

As you die in Aris's arms your love story plays in his head.

Alby

Childhood Friends 🌷🥀

When Alby gets stung the truth of how much you mean comes back to him too late.

Teresa

Rambling 🌸

After it's clear you won't do anything about your feelings for Teresa Minho does it for you.

The Last Time 🥀

After Teresa sees you break she vows it will be the last time it can happen to anyone.

Brenda

My Favorite Person 🌸 🪷

When you comfort Brenda she realizes just how much of her favorite person you are.

Hate You? (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) 🥀 🌸

After believing for years that Brenda hates you, she changes everything you knew when she kisses you.

Together (Part 1, Part 2) 🌸

During a trip to Scorch City both you and Brenda realize your feelings for each other.

Indecisive 🌸

When you don't know what to plan for your birthday Brenda steps in and does it for you.

My Idiot 🌸 🥀

Despite the way Brenda saved you, some things can't be undone even by time.

Sonya

Balloons 🌸

When you wake up on your birthday you see just how Sonya decorated the house for you.

Sunshine and Rain (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) 🌸

Despite the way you and Sonya can't seem to get along, it becomes clear there's something deeper when unwanted jealousy shows up.

Her Aesthetic 🏵️

Harriet

Trouble (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4) 🌸 🥀

What you both think will be another lecture turns into giving in to your true feelings about each other.

Too Late 🥀

After getting Aris and Sonya out, they tell Harriet something that destroys them all.

Everything I Could Want 🌸

After almost losing you Harriet realizes how much you mean to her.

Chuck (All Platonic)

The Wise One 🌷 🪷

When a new kid comes to WICKED you're there to help.

Good Distractions 🌷 🪷

When Chuck gets hurt you're right there to distract him while you stitch him up.

A Devastating Savior 🌷 🥀

When Chuck is inches from death, you try to save your best friend.

Ivy Trio

Story Time

After you can't go to sleep in Scorch the Ivy Trio and you share stories. 🌷 🌸

Group B

~ Requests Open ~

Preferences

Pretty Like... 🏵️

You Belong With Me V.S You Belong To Me 🌸

Their Repeated Lyrics 🥀

The Girls Tropes 🌸 🥀

The Guys Tropes 🌸 🪷

They Do The "But Do They Make You Laugh Trend?" 🥀

Their Favorite Color On You 🌸

Headcannons

Random Headcannons

Moodboards

Dating Book Aris 🌸 🥀

Dating Movie Aris 🌸

Other Masterlist

Masterlist 1

Ship Masterlist

Random Posts

[tommyofspeed]

mcu verse - agatha all along

With his brother’s help, Tommy managed to reincarnate, just like his twin. And his new life began in water.

Confused, the first thing he when he raised his head out of the water was a name—Billy. But who was Billy? Tommy didn’t know. All he knew was that he was in the middle of a lake, surrounded by kids staring at him like he was some kind of freak. Some laughed, others looked just as confused as he was ('I thought you said he wasn't moving" one would whisper. "and he wasn't" would reply his friend), and a few seemed openly hostile. Sensing danger, he instinctively tried to defend himself. 

Everything became a blur.

Afterward, he got into trouble. His parents were called to deal with him. Frank showed up; Mary didn’t even bother. They were said to be his parents even though this seemed wrong—Tommy didn’t know any of these people. He was positive he never saw them before (what the hell happened to him ? Did one of those kids hit his head hard enough for him to be so confused ? He wanted to scream, but kept to himself. He needed time to figure that out. ). 

Tommy was accused of attacking and injuring those kids that were with him in the lake, and Frank—already familiar with Tommy's, or rather, Thomas Shepherd’s, troubled behavior—allowed them to send him to juvenile detention. But once there, his powers were noticed, Damage Control got involved, transferring him to one of their facilities, where he was kept under observation, monitored, and tested. 

He was stuck with them for a while. Frank and Mary didn’t show up to help him. The heroes, The Avengers–if they were still a thing— didn’t show up to help him. He was on his own. 

While he was locked up, Tommy tried to get his thoughts in order. He didn’t remember anything from his life as Tommy Shepherd, yet he kept recalling a place called Westview. There was a woman with a kind, loving expression who seemed to care for him deeply. A funny uncle. A slightly odd neighbor/babysitter. And most important of all, a twin brother—someone who had always been by his side. His other half. These memories were hazy and couldn’t possibly be real. He was an only child. His parents were divorced; he lived with his father, who barely paid attention to him, and his mother didn’t even want to know about him.

He lived with this confusion for days—weeks. Until, one day, someone came to rescue him. A boy and a…. woman's ghost. The boy’s name? William Kaplan. Or Billy—the person who’d been on Tommy’s mind ever since this began. 

His brother had finally found him.

Note that this is just a first draft of how I imagine it is gonna be Tommy's story. I'll still have to work on more headcanons and all but the idea is here.

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - August 27th

Hey all! I’m feeling under the weather this week so even though you’re owed a long list this week--it’s not. I’m sorry. I’ll do better soon. 

~*~ 

Memory Lane by itsallAvengers

Suddenly, he's soaking - someone just threw a fucking water bomb or something, and it's not a big deal, it shouldn't be a big deal-

But for some reason, it is.

Toasted Buns by copperbadge, scifigrl47

After seeing Tony naked and tanned -- all over -- in a decontamination shower, Steve realizes he may be in trouble. Tony, meanwhile, is definitely in trouble over those tabloid pictures of him sunbathing nude. The solution is clearly a tropical island getaway.

Tenth Time Lucky by itsallAvengers

Steve just wants to propose to Tony.

If only he didn't keep getting fucking interrupted-

I Am One With What I Am by Kiyaar 

After the mess in Washington, Steve and Tony try to carve out a little life for themselves, a place to heal, out of the spotlight.

If only the original Tony’s shadow wasn't permanently between them.

Throw a Little Hot Rod Red in There by FestiveFerret, SirSapling

Tony Stark was pretty sure that the absolute worst time to get asked out by an incredibly talented, good-looking artist, who likes to paint - and defend - Iron Man, is when he's dying of palladium poisoning.

Vice Versa by AvocadoLove

During an alien invasion, Tony is transported to an alternate universe where Steve is Iron Man and he is Captain America.

Also, Captain Stark and CEO Steve Rogers are together on the sly. Awkward.

I Wanted It To Be You by complicationstoo 

After Civil War, Tony and Steve are both a bit of a mess. Guilt and loneliness threaten to break them both, but each find comfort in the emails of strangers they meet online. Tony writes to Sal, and Steve writes to Thomas, and neither of them have a clue who's actually on the other side.

Antoshka by LokasennaHiddleston

Tony does not know what to make of the Winter Soldier's story. For Steve's sake, he's trying to help. For Steve's sake, he's trying to find Bucky Barnes and bring him back. But when an Avengers raid on a Hydra base leads to an unexpected discovery, Tony will find that Bucky Barnes may just be more than just his lover's best friend.

Mental note: Scrap all footage of him hitting on Natasha. That's just awkward.

Through A Lens by itsallAvengers

"Okay- so this is the first option- I've got to go to this huge family meal in a few weeks, and so I'm looking for a shirt that just screams 'I am the family disappointment', you know? Does the bright pink work, do you think?"

Steve shrugged. "Uhh, well, I'd say pink probably would? It's hard to say, I mean, I'm colour-blind, maybe you need Natasha's input. Hell, Clint's always good with 'family disappointment' fashion, shall I grab him-"

"Wait," Tony cut him off, face completely blank and shirt half way off his body. "You're... you're fucking with me, right?"

"Huh? I mean, Clint's family is fucked up on a normal day, so it's not really-"

"No, not that, the other thing. The colour-blind thing," Tony said, stepping out of the changing room with his shirt still hanging around his neck in order to grab Steve's arms. "Please, please God tell me that I haven't spent the last two years of my life assuming you could see colour. Please."

If you like Piña Coladas... by itsallAvengers 

After being essentially blackmailed onto a first-class cruise by Bucky under the guise of 'taking a vacation' and 'getting some well-earned rest' or whatever stupid bullshit it was that his dumb best friend told him, Steve Rogers ends up alone, on a boat heading to the Caribbean. He gets on expecting to hate it.

He does.

There is one good thing about the trip, though.

patchwork people by itsallAvengers

It was a pretty well-known fact that Tony Stark had control issues.

It was far less well-known why, though.

Our rain-washed histories (don't need to be told) by sirona

Dumped by SHIELD into the real world of the 21st Century, Steve must learn how to live a normal life again, and rediscover the things that make it worth embracing.

Science and Progress (do not speak as loud as my heart) by sirona

Steve's body is not the only thing affected by the Super Soldier Serum.

I wanna hold your hand by sirona

No one understands what it's like growing up rich and yet more alone than anyone should be able to stand - except for people who grew up just like you, that is. In which Tony Stark goes to Oxford University and meets people and makes enemies and makes friends and changes people's minds and falls in love - amongst other tales of mishap and adventure.

you can call me babe for the weekend by complicationstoo 

Tony left his small town for Los Angeles after high school, leaving behind everything to pursue his dream. Ten years later, he comes back for the first time and finds that some things are impossible to let go of.

Brave New World by valdomarx for enkiduu

Captain Hydra, the Avengers' long-time foe, and Iron Man, the mysterious masked Avenger, find themselves transported to a strange alien planet. The place is beautiful, but it's also apparently sentient and has taken a perverse interest in them.

Steve agrees to a truce with Iron Man for now, at least until he finds his time to strike.

That is, if the trees don't get them first.

Good For You by youcancallmearrow 

Steve doesn't understand why Tony dates people who treat him poorly. Tony doesn't understand why Steve cares.

The rest is bad choices, good choices, rehab, milkshakes, paintball, YouTube videos, couples therapy and learning to put the past in the past.

Or: How Tony finds his happy ending.

but come ye back by Red (S_Hylor)

When the night is cold and the sky is open, Tony goes to talk to the past Sheriff of Timely.

your ivy grows by complicationstoo 

Tony has been trapped in an arranged marriage for years, isolated and withering under Ty's heavy hand. Until one night at a bar in Brooklyn changes everything.

It Had To Be You (Wonderful You) by tinystark616

During a party in Avengers Tower, Steve confesses to Tony that he's never slept with anyone.

[queereads-bracket]

Queer Fantasy Books Bracket: Round 1

Book summaries below:

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him. When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. Fantasy, young adult, romance, paranormal

The Tamir Triad series (The Bone Doll's Twin, Hidden Warrior, The Oracle's Queen) by Lynn Flewelling

For three centuries a divine prophecy and a line of warrior queens protected Skala. But the people grew complacent and Erius, a usurper king, claimed his young half sister’s throne. Now plague and drought stalk the land, war with Skala’s ancient rival Plenimar drains the country’s lifeblood, and to be born female into the royal line has become a death sentence as the king fights to ensure the succession of his only heir, a son. For King Erius the greatest threat comes from his own line — and from Illior’s faithful, who spread the Oracle’s words to a doubting populace. As noblewomen young and old perish mysteriously, the king’s nephew — his sister’s only child — grows toward manhood. But unbeknownst to the king or the boy, strange, haunted Tobin is the princess’s daughter, given male form by a dark magic to protect her until she can claim her rightful destiny. Only Tobin’s noble father, two wizards of Illior, and an outlawed forest witch know the truth. Only they can protect young Tobin from a king’s wrath, a mother’s madness, and the terrifying rage of her brother’s demon spirit, determined to avenge his brutal murder…. Fantasy, secondary world, epic fantasy, magic, adult, series

[sunriseverse]

it's been years since i made a reclist from my bookmarks, and i've trimmed down what i had and added some new things to my bookmarks, so here's a reclist, from oldest to newest bookmarks! fics beneath the cut with the original summary and my recollections/comments after. (please note that for any fics with smut, i can't comment on how the smut is, because i skip those portions.)

Tony Stark Meets an Extremely Unimpressed Time Traveler, or, Thomas Barrow Makes a Surprisingly Good 21st Century Butler by Alex51324 (87k, t, no warnings)

In which Tony Stark ditches a boring party, makes an addition to the household staff, throws a much better party, and tries not to sexually harass his new butler. Or,In which Thomas Barrow has a little trouble getting home from the pub, is generally unimpressed with many aspects of the 21st century, never thought of himself as a conservative dresser before, and may or may not be falling in lust with his new employer. tl:dr: Thanks to time travel, Thomas Barrow becomes the Avengers' butler.

my commentary: this is actually one of the earliest fics i bookmarked! i haven't been into the mcu in...........a long, long time, but i distinctly remember pulling an all-nighter to read the entire thing when i first ran across it. i'll be honest, i had clicked into it assuming it was crack, but it's not—it's played entirely earnest, and, in my recollection, does so well. and, well, what can i say; thomas was my favourite character back when downton abbey was airing (for reasons that i did not realise until much later). largely free of angst or action conflict; the issues stem largely from the conflict between thomas' biases and (mis)assumptions and the modern (well, 2010s) world.

Ain’t No Nancy Kerrigan by cleverqueen (t, 13k, no warnings)

It's 1994, and young Lisa Snart's jumps aren't strong enough for an Olympic singles skater. Thankfully, her older brother has an athletic friend who can match her in pairs. Mick Rory is hopelessly in love with Leonard Snart, though he'd never say anything about it, so he jumps at a chance to do Len's little sister a favor. If he's patient and works hard, maybe he'll even get to skate with her older brother.

my commentary: as i remember it, this fic was an absolute delight! i don't remember a lot of mick-pov fics, though i haven't............been in the dc tags in ages, let alone the cw dc tags, but it's really well-written! it's canon setting, but takes place pre-canon, and the dynamics are very well-written and enjoyable. it's even tagged "pining", which, as i remember it, applies very much so, and, well, what can i say; i have tropes i love.

and who shall wear the starry crown by consumptive_sphinx (2k, t, major character death)

Blackfoot serves Shadowclan, first and always. That is not, in fact, the same thing as serving Tigerstar.

my commentary: i think this is the only wc fanfic i have bookmarked on ao3? and deservedly so! it's a human au, and while it's short, it's so well thought out. the worldbuilding and lore that's hinted at, everything you can feel beneath the surface—so good!

The Nationwide Network of Oz by ErinPtah (3k, t, no warnings)

It's long past time Oz upgraded from the wireless telegraph.

my commentary: it's such a shame there's not a lot of oz novel fics—i truly think the series doesn't get the attention it deserves. a fun little short dorothy/ozma fic, with a dash of magitech and blogging.

Spaceships, Private Jets, and Minivans: How to Start a Global Incident in 5 Minutes Flat by Scientia_Fantasia (49k, t, no warnings)

One early summer morning in Riverside, Iowa, a spacecraft crash lands into the backyard of a highschooler by the name of James T. Kirk. Earth history is changed forever.

my commentary: i actually lost this fic for a long time and only tracked it down after a year of searching; it's a fun, teenaged star trek au—i'm usually not too fond of aus where characters are teens, but this one pulled it off very well! and it's rather funny, and the way the characters run into each other and get involved in the plot is very fun!

we make our friends, we make our enemies by ORiley42 (52k, t, no warnings)

Benji finds out he has a new neighbor. This new neighbor happens to be off-the-charts hot. Hijinks, friendship, more-than-friendship, and secret agent drama ensue.

my commentary: i actually read this from start to finish as it was updating! the author, ORiley42, is a fabulous writer, and this fic? so good. i've fallen away from the mi fandom, but i have fond memories of it, so this fic has a warm place in my heart. also, the trope of a civilian getting involved in spy bullshit? so good. and the pining. the drama.

The Long Con by harleygirl2648 (19k, t, no warnings)

There are two kinds of cons: long and short. Short cons mean short-term gain, with smaller rewards, mostly just everything you have in your pocket at that moment. Long cons mean lots of time, effort, costumes, masks, props, sets, and other characters all looking to set up the downfall of the mark and take them for all that they've got. Con Artist/Thieves AU: Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter are both interested in acquiring a Botticelli, but both of them are quite fond of each other's short games. For both of them, it's the deception and thrill of the game that's worth more than the payout. And well, after all, aren't the easiest people to scam are those who think they are smart enough to not get scammed?

my commentary: it's an art heist au, what more can i say? it's funny, well-written, and, crucially, fun.

deus ex machina by coloredink (26k, t, creator chose not to use archive warnings)

"What the hell?" said Katz. "Is that--" "Yeah, I know, it's kinda flashy." Will shut the car door behind him and patted his pockets for the little fob to lock the car. "Isn't that Hannibal Lecter's car?" The car beeped to indicate it was locked. "Yeah, I guess so." Will walked away, toward the field, Katz on his heels. "I needed a new car." "So you bought the cannibal car?" ----- You asked for it: the one where Hannibal is a murderous self-driving car.

my commentary: every time i talk about this fic, people are like. [newt geiszler voice] w—wh—whhhhattttt? and, yeah, okay, i get it, i do, but i swear to you, will graham x the luxury car possessed by hannibal lecter the cannibal's soul is, in fact, a fantastic fic. it's so well written, so funny, so novel. it's the cannibal car!

The Man Who Invented Sherlock Holmes by Calais_Reno (15k, t, no warnings)

John Watson, struggling young doctor, doomed to live an ordinary life, dreams of writing detective fiction. If he can just figure out his hero's name, the story will practically write itself.

my commentary: look. i am, at my core, a lover of experimental, weird concepts. and "john watson accidentally brings a fictional character into being and they fall in love" is, in fact, precisely something i would like. and, and, and! it's acd canon, and written in such a charming style! it is truly one of my favourite fics.

A Really Private Person by astolat (18k, m, no warnings)

The end of the world started on a Wednesday in March.

my commentary: i don't have many poi fics bookmarked, but this one is absolutely the best out of all of them. the emotions i will always associate with reading it are that of being half lucid and experiencing something just so utterly satisfying it makes you smile like a cat.

I've Got Nothing To Do Today But Smile (The Only Living Boy in New York) by gyzym (19k, t, creator chose not to use archive warnings)

Arthur's a corporate lawyer, Eames owns the coffee shop across the street, and all good love stories start with a quadruple shot latte.

my commentary: an ode to struggling out of sunk cost fallacy, finding people who love you, and slowly, slowly building a better life. also the cafe food all sound so so good i would love to eat there.

Atonement by acedott (9k, t, no warnings)

I know how lonely you must be. All by yourself in that room. Morgana’s words stuck with Gwen long after the enchantment was broken. She recognized the veiled vulnerability in her tone from years as her servant. She hadn’t sounded like that in so long; she’d trusted Gwen with her every thought since they had both come of age. But when she first arrived in Camelot, when they were brought together as mistress and servant, Morgana had not known how much to trust her. Gwen, in turn, had not known how much to trust her new mistress.

my commentary: written by the fabulous lovely wonderful @owengrose, this fic makes me feel So Many Emotions. it's written with such care and purpose, and made me cry when i first read it. read it!!!

On the Risks and Rewards of Being Seen by acedott (8k, g, no warnings)

The year is 1815. Karla Gottlieb, the lady of the Gottlieb estate, rekindles an old friendship with Vanessa Haile, the groundskeeper’s daughter.

my commentary: yes i am putting another one of my friend's fics on here, but listen: risks and rewards is just so, so good. i can't even give further commentary beyond "it's so good" because it's just that good. it's historical, it's carefully-crafted, it's lesbians! what more could you want? go forth and comment.

Of Madness and Mammals by Briarwitched (series, four works, 619k, t-m, no warnings)

this series doesn't have a summary, but more or less: alex, suffering from horrific hallucinations and trauma, is discarded by mi6 and tossed into prison—where he meets yassen once more, and, once again, yassen tries to look out for hunter's son.

my commentary: this is, in my opinion, the best set of works i've read in the alex rider fandom. it's one of the best series i've read period. it is so well-crafted, well-plotted, and well-executed. it's a shame that the fandom isn't larger, because the series deserves more attention.

Beginning Where You Are by TF Grognon (gloss) (15k, t, no warnings)

"There's no such thing as magic," Dove-Gray said. Min snorted and flexed her fingers. "Tell that to the magic bloodthirsty soulsucking sword that lives in my hand."

A disgraced scholar and well-meaning mercenary forge an unlikely partnership.

my commentary: i found this while trawling the sci-fi tag, and honestly, i'm so glad i did, because it's just so good. the worldbuilding and lore and character dynamics and every other bit of it is just. god. so good. also, one of them literally has a bloodthirsty soul-sucking sword in her hand.

You're Dead (and Outta This World) by TheOceanIsMyInkwell (10k, t, no warnings)

“Holy shit!” shouts the EMT at his side. His partner on the other side of the gurney--the other side of the body bag--follows up with a well-deserved holy fuck and stumbles backward over her boots to sag against the back of the open ambulance. “I’m fine, I’m fine, oh God, I’m sorry,” Guillermo babbles. His knees are trembling. He wriggles out of the body bag and hops to his feet, feeling like his legs are a cross between jello and underbaked macaroons, and he repeats his litany of apologies as he bounces from one foot to another to restore circulation. Pain shoots through his joints from the roots of his toes. He ignores it, instead pivoting his head from side to side wildly seeking the detritus of his phone and groceries. “Sir! Sir! You were--sir, please get back here! You were dead!” “Not today, sorry!” -- Or: 3 times Guillermo came back from the dead, and 1 time Nandor was there to see it.

my commentary: this fic preserves the horror-comedy of the show so well, and you can see poor guillermo having a longform breakdown across the fic. it's so fun.

and yet we still bloom by gdgdbaby (110k, e, graphic depictions of violence)

When the Crown Princess of Xian Le, Her Highness Xie Lian, saved a tiny street urchin from falling to her death during the nation's biggest parade, she could never have predicted that same street urchin would eventually become her greatest spymaster. Xie Lian hadn't anticipated the heavens-upending events that followed the drought either, but sometimes these things just happen. OR: Xie Lian and Hua Cheng save their country and save the world.

my commentary: i would say this is easily one of the best tgcf fics, and it fulfils so many of my desires: lesbians, fix its, slow burn, and woldbuilding/lore! i cannot recommend this enough.

rare as the glimmer by Euphorion (24k, e, no warnings)

“Do you—” Quan Yizhen started, and then on the other side of the room Pei Ming started up his jackhammer, so he waited, bouncing on the balls of his feet, and then said all in a rush, “doyouknowHuaCheng?” Xie Lian blinked. “You know—him?” she asked, in case 'San Lang' was some kind of private name, a secret code just for her. She liked the thought of that. Quan Yizhen shook his head vigorously, his curls bouncing. “No!” he said. “But Yin-ge said you were with him at Home Depot and you left together!” Xie Lian stared at him. One of the employees that had helped her a few weeks ago had been called Yin something, she was pretty sure, but that’s about as far as she could follow what was happening here. “Yizhen, if you don’t know Hua Cheng, why is this… notable?” “He’s famous. Or like. The bad one. Infamous. I thought—” His eyes gleamed. “I thought maybe you fought him.”  + Retired (read: disgraced) famous boxer Xie Lian meets a helpful stranger while at Home Depot attempting to fix her collapsing roof.

commentary: lesbians! modern aus! butch!xie lian! everything about this fic is just *chef's kiss* it makes me lose it every time. the dynamics and writing feels so true to canon, and reading it is just. so so good. i'm trying to come up with more comments and i can't, it's just. so good.

We Stan Scrap Gege! by PaidSubscription (31k, m, no warnings)

“San Lang…are you sure about this? Life on the road, storage units…it’s not glamorous. There’s junk and there’s gross fluids and roaches and raccoons and meth labs, and one time I got lead poisoning and- oh! Another time I accidentally got locked inside a unit with five families and loaded on a truck and then I think technically we were human trafficked-?” “Gege. I’m in this, all the way.”

Scrap Collector’s cancellation is inevitable. Once, Xie Lian was the most popular face in reality TV. After the...incident, Xie Lian is banished to 2am cable, and turns to making a different kind of show: storage hunting. But in his final season, he suddenly acquires a new producer: a Youtube star named San Lang. And San Lang- along with his legion of fans- is determined to save the show. 📺🎥💕

my commentary: this concept is both utterly batshit, and weirdly sensible for the characters? i loved the interspersing of social media format between the prose, and the dynamics between all the characters, especially hualian, are so on-point!

Knowing Only This by CatMouse (dioscuridevotio) (31k, m, no warnings)

Bai Yutong is handling it. Ever since he was fifteen years old and realized that the horrible, sickening, aching feeling he got in his chest whenever he looked at his best friend wasn't a sign of early heart failure but instead a warning of something much worse, he's been handling it perfectly fine. With full maturity and dignity. He's the head of SCI. He's the best cop of his generation. He's the pinnacle of self-control and an expert at compartmentalization. But sometimes—Sometimes Zhan Yao doesn't make it easy. In fact, it's times like these he's convinced Zhan Yao is determined to make his life as difficult as humanly possible.

my commentary: a wild sci fic emerges! poor bai yutong is going through trials and tribulations of being in love, and it's so so fun to read. i laughed and gasped and was on the edge of my seat while reading (well, metaphorically; i was laying in bed). it's just very very good.

codify my wasted youth by lungache (6k, t, no warnings)

“We're way too caught up in the race with time It's getting hard to take it in We're tryin hard to be the first in line Just wanna be a kid again, a kid again”

An Origin Story “We should start a band!” “Holy shit, we should totally start a band!”

my commentary: the fabulous @lungache wrote a marvelous band!au, and i wish i could eat it like a fine dessert. why does it only have ten comments. it deserves so much more. read it. comment on it. now. that is not a suggestion.

The Tiniest Heipaoshi by tehfanglyfish (6k, t, no warnings)

Jiajia was already handling a good number of Professor Shen's lectures and labs, fielding office hour questions, and all of his online correspondence. Why not add a few more responsibilities into the mix? It wasn’t like she needed to sleep. OR The one where Jiajia impersonates the Envoy.

my commentary: i'll admit, i don't go here, so i can't give a fully accurate commentary, but i stumbled across this somehow (perhaps someone else's rec list? who knows) and the few chapters of the novel plus the episode or two of the show i watched gave me just enough knowledge to enjoy this fic. and, anyway, the concept of "exhausted TA pretends to be a terrifying non-human political entity" is, in my opinion, universally appreciable.

I Love You (I Want Us Both To Eat Well) by freakesque (6k, m, creator chose not to use archive warnings)

In which Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan take it upon themselves to make sure Xue Yang eats regularly, and Xue Yang finds out he’s actually not a twink.

my commentary: @xueyang's fanfic which i got to cheer them through writing and then read; it's so so good. it will make you Feel Things and Have Emotions. read it. now.

And the gentleness that comes, not from the absence of violence, but despite the abundance of it by lucientelrunya (39k, m, graphic depictions of violence)

It's him. It’s really him. For a moment Zhang Rishan looks up from his phone again, letting his gaze wander over the pool and then the shoreline behind it. There is still no trace of the merperson, but he had come to save Zhang Rishan. Again. He smiles to himself. So he is still here, still saving drowning people. That means Zhang Rishan can start step two of his plan. To the humans who hire him, Zhang Rishan is a proficient hunter, one of the best to hunt the rare magical creatures, the yaoren. To Ba Ye, Zhang Rishan is a stranger, a poor human he saves from drowning, not a hunter that has been tasked with catching him. Their meeting will change them both and alter the course of both of their lives drastically.

my commentary: am i using this rec list to recommend my friends' writing? perhaps. but also, this fic is just so good! the worldbuilding and dynamics.................so so fun. and it gave me the perfect excuse to dabble in conlangs again. also i regularly think about the mer lore, so. @lucientelrunya did a fabulous job here and i WILL make you hear about it.

Confidence Trick by duty_free (21k, e, creator chose not to use archive warnings)

"Your umma was going to die instead of you," Jae Ho said as one of his guys dragged Hyun Soo out of bed. Another guy stood waiting by the door, his back to them, looking down the corridor and smoking silently. "But it's smarter to kill you." He gestured at Hyun Soo. "So here we are."

my commentary: yes, i'll admit it, i watched the film and then immediately went looking for fics because the ending killed me. this one soothes those wounds at least partly; i like how it keeps the fucked up elements of their relationship while also still having them, well, fall in love trust. and it's such an interesting canon divergence concept, one that i think is executed excellently.

alright, that's everything, for now, anyway! i hope you can find something on this list you're interested in!

[blackboar]

What exactly was William Hastings killed for? He did not receive a public trial, did he really cooperate with the Woodville family? Was he killed at the banquet or a week later?

Oh it was a coup and murder. He still likely received a hasty and rigged trial before.

I'm not very interested and versed in the debate concerning the exact timing of his execution; however, the why is very clear.

Richard decided to usurp the throne and depose his nephews. He had supporters: Lord Howard, the northern Peerage and gentry and more amazingly the only other duke besides himself: Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Henry Stafford's support despite his seeming lack of relationship with Gloucester and his marriage link to the Woodville allowed the effect of surprise needed to capture Edward V and become the most powerful faction. The Woodville were a spent force by June 1483: Anthony Woodville and Richard Grey were in jail, Thomas was in exile, Edward Woodville failed to attract the royal fleet's support and the queen was secluded in Westminster Abbey.

Hence why the accusation from Richard that Hastings was plotting with the queen was a bit ludicrous: What is there to plot with? They're all in exile or in jail. They can't raise levies in the short term or do a strike attack. Hastings had serious squabbles with both the queen and Dorset, and there was no reason for him to support them over Gloucester, with whom he had a cordial relationship. I get people who say that he was afraid of either Gloucester's rise or Buckingham gaining importance but this isn't enough for him to do a speedy 180° turn back to a family he hurt and with whom he has some serious land feud.

The most probable conclusion was that he was killed because Gloucester wanted to overthrow his liege's heirs. Hastings couldn't accept that alongside the probable civil war it would trigger, which would destroy Edward IV's legacy. There is the theory that Hastings was plotting to block Gloucester's usurpation but I don't believe it considering he was utterly caught by surprise at the Council.

But why kill him by surprise and so quickly?

Richard knows Hastings' role in the Edwardian regime. He is the figurehead of the Household and most non-Woodville-related supporters. He is also a big source of manpower that was instrumental in Edward IV's triumph in 1471. From his lands and his personal retinue in the Midlands, Michael Hicks calculated he could raise thousands of men (I do not have his book with me so from my recollection it's either 3,000 or 8,000 men). Hastings is the king's friend, well-connected, popular and with a good military record and great control as Chamberlain over the Royal Household. In other words: he is a key player and a dangerous one on top of that.

But his fatal flaw is that he wields institutional power more than feudal power. He's powerful because he's the king's friend, his chamberlain and well-connected to his household and various official of the council. His son doesn't have the same connections. That's why Hastings disappearing is so attractive to Richard: he does not have an heir with enough might to avenge him as Edward IV did for his father.

Hence why I don't think that Richard even asked whether he would be open to Edward V's deposition. He couldn't afford a no and lost the effect of surprise. So he just went for it, struck before Hastings realized his intentions and executed him before his friends and servants could react.

Afterward he made his peace with Hastings' son by not attaining the father and seizing his lands. Edward Hastings was simply too young and not connected and experienced enough to pose a genuine threat to Richard.

So to sum up: I don't think he was cooperating with the Woodvilles and he was clearly killed because he could become an opponent to the usurpation that would happen soon after his death.

Thanks for the question!

[ac-liveblogs]

Still eagerly awaiting Inazuma rewrite part 2, do share what you've cooked

Hi!! Thank you so much for your interest, it means a lot :) (and sorry for the delayed reply ugh). I've been Sick lately and and haven't been doing much... this ask is what convinced me to finish my (very) rough outline though.

I'll keep to Genshin's Act structure, though I don't think it's really necessary... it's just easier to partition out. I have pasted my notes below LOL, many details are missing! but this is the rough sketch, which i will flesh out more later.

maybe one day i'll just actually fanfic this. that'll be the day

Act 2

Escape from police station (Ayaka=Tsubaki and Yoimiya as NPCs)

Yashiro Commission

Narukami Shrine

Rescue Itto from Tenshukaku (he tries to get Yoimiya's Vision back after she lost it in Act I), the party fights against Ei and briefly sees her in Eurythmia...

And then the party flees to Kannazuka, right in the middle of the Narukami-Watatsumi conflict.

Structurally, it's not that different from what's going on in canon, but I wanted to focus more on setting up Kazuha and Ayaka's interpersonal conflict (she wants him to help, he wants to escape), seeding the mysteries about Ayato's assassination and Yae Miko's disappearance and then shuffling off to Kannazuka once it becomes clear they cannot beat Ei in a fight and she ain't gonna listen.

The Yashiro Commission was handed over to the guy who sold out Ayato, and he takes over as the clan head.

Kazuha loses his Vision here, but keeps his friend's. Thoma would get arrested helping Ayaka escape, as would most of the Kamisato Clan. Yashiro Commission handed off to another, more loyal clan.

There would be two boss battles in Act II; the Maguu Kenki from Yashiori Island would be guarding the escape from the police station, and Raiden Shogun herself ofc.

Act 3 & maybe 4 (depends how long this takes)

Making contact with the Watatsumi rebels, who've teamed up with Scaramouche's Fatui company to fight Narukami's forces on Kannazuka. At this point, Scaramouche has been stranded in Inazuma since Sakoku was enforced and doesn't really know what's going on with the rest of the Fatui... He also has the grand scheme of how to defeat Ei, which is to steal her Gnosis and kick her while she's down.

Kokomi's totally fine with that, doesn't bother her in the slightest.

Mechanically, this is completing the Sacred Sakura Ritual with Kokomi, Ayaka and Scaramouche accompanying the party in turns.

I wanted the ritual to change to a pilgrimage across Inazuma's islands, stopping at each one to complete that part of the ritual. That's way too much to ask for all of Inazuma's islands; I'd probably whittle them down to three and make the journey a march from Watatsumi back to Narukami, addressing plot point at each stop.

Narratively, this is where the meat and potatoes of Ayaka, Kazuha and Scaramouche's weird triangle comes into play, and the ghost of Kazuha's friend kind of awkwardly hangs over it by representing something different to each of them. (Kazuha's guilt and straight-up resentment that his friend ~got himself killed~, an inspiration to Ayaka, but Scaramouche can't understand why Kazuha won't take revenge), set alongside the loss of Kazuha's Vision whittling away his memories. Ayaka would be pretty instrumental in helping Kazuha remember whats important to him without trying to take advantage (unlike Scara lol)

Scara would be pretty rotten to them, especially to Kazuha. He probably offered Kazuha a Delusion to go and help avenge his friend before picking a fight, and Kazuha ends up just... disengaging when he gets his head on straight. Ayaka and Kazuha would start coming to an understanding bc like, they ARE friends and all. Just takes a bit. Kazuha talks wistfully about his journeys. Ayaka reminisces on the adventures they got up to in kids and how much him leaving hurt her. etc etc

I don't want this to turn into a yap fest, but I don't think extended chats are needed to run this all home.

One thing Scaramouche does that will come back to haunt him later is fighting the party before they go to face Ei, because he can and does replicate Ei's Musou no Hitotachi on a much smaller scale.

Kazuha is a genius. He is a sword savant. He sees how this attack works, he survives it, this is a surprise tool that will help us later.

We'd fight Sara, address the Tri-Commission and Yae Miko would also get rescued somewhere in here. Kazari probably pops in and out too - I think here she was probably repping Yae Miko, not Kitsune Saiguu.

Act 5 - VS Ei

This is pretty simple, its the final showdown at Tenshukaku. The last stop at the Sacred Sakura Ritual is in Narukami City, though the city is definitely in bad shape from all the accumulated filth around the tree and the statue.

Watatsumi rebels would come in with Kokomi to help protect the people of Narukami from the disaster, along with the Arataki Gang, Shuumatsuban etc. Very "'we all work together in a crisis".

Raiden Shogun wants to preserve Inazuma as it is, forever. Once that's done, other issues can be taken care of. I think she'd start registering anything that gets in the way of this as a threat (including her own people once they start complaining).

We don't fight Signora here.

Boss Stage 1: Lumine, Venti, Xiao vs Raiden Shogun

Boss fight commences and its not going great - Kazuha blocks Ei's Musou-no-Hitotachi and awakens his friend's Vision and changes the tides. This wakes Ei THE FUCK up

Boss Stage 2: vs Raiden Shogun, but occasionally jumps into the Plane of Eurythmia to fight Ei, or she comes out sometimes, unsure.

People losing faith in Ei/the Shogun probably serves as a massive debuff that increases as the fight goes on. Kokomi also completing the Sacred Sakura Ritual in the middle of it would cut off a large source of her power gained from the accumulated filth. (that shit was probably abyssal anyway. unhelpful!)

I'd like Ei to start to change her mind once she realises what she's done and becomes more emotional when she talks about how she just wanted to protect Inazuma, but for the Shogun would keep fighting anyway and consider Ei herself a threat to the plan.

Importantly, Scaramouche kills Ei. He shoves his hand through her chest to find the Gnosis, but it's gone. It might've been possible to reconcile with Ei once the Shogun was defeated, but that chance is gone and the Shogun is too damaged to keep using as a vessel. She'd die in Yae Miko's arms, but not before saying she'd like to see the Inazuma everyone creates in the next life. Venti says goodbye to his old friend.

After-arc wind-down. A few days later it's all settling down; Ayaka as head of the Tri-Commission and Kokomi will be working together to try and rebuild and re-establish Inazuma/relations between Narukami and Watatsumi etc.

Yoimiya fixes the Alcor. Beidou is really mad she missed the party and asks why no-one went to get her.

I think at this point Kazuha and Ayaka would be at a crossroads. Ayaka knows Kazuha prefers a life of freedom and would hate being stuck helping her in Inazuma, and Kazuha wants to take responsibility and help her.

So, Ayaka banishes him - go capture Scaramouche and reclaim the Electro Gnosis. (and don't come back til you do!!!!)

Kazuha joins the party etc. Scara's interest in Kazuha and Kazuha's "...? tf is your problem" will utterly flip in Sumeru, where Kazuha and Scaramouche continue to have extremely violent influence on each other's growth. (also, after a taste of fighting Ei, kazuha will grow to understand his friend more after fighting godmode scara etc etc.)

Yae Miko would've traded the Gnosis' location to Scaramouche like in canon, but she'd probably do it to try and spare Ei. She took it with her when she 'went missing' (was captured) and hid it along the way (in Neko the Cat's offering box at Asase Shrine).

(Ayato's death - he attempted to work with Yae Miko to prevent the Raiden Shogun's plan from ever taking place, but was sold out by the head of one of the another clans who discovered their plans and wanted to take his place as head of the Yashiro Commission. Use the guy from Ayato's quest for that. Move his clan into Yashiro. Ayaka doesn't know any of this yet - solving this mystery is one of her goals)

There would be slightly major changes to Scara's arc to simplify it and make it parallel Kazuha's better. Mostly that he also didn't understand his friend, who died willingly reforging the Raiden Shogun's sword and got real mad about it.

Kazuha is an "exceptional human" - the type that Celestia would want to ascend after his death, like Venessa and Guhua. He's a truly prodigal swordsman - instead of deflecting the Shogun's sword slash once and then leaving his development there, Kazuha uses it as a springboard to keep growing stronger. Kazuha really comes to enjoy fighting powerful enemies on his travels, but he isn't necessarily interested in winning - he just enjoys the experience. (lumine indulges him, xiao does not play ball, venti's a little amused that kazuha never really challenges him?)

kazuha yoinks both his friend's vision and the musou isshin. little klepto freak. he gets his anemo vision back and multiwields. i thought his little fanclub was funny in his own quest. it'd be cute if the people of narukami just figured the "venti is barbatos" thing was a dumb rumour and get really excited about this one guy that becomes a local hero.

adopt kazuha's friend's cat.

i dont know what kazuha's friend's name is. it doesn't matter. but his friend also never named his cat. name the cat

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: The Terminus Factor - First Half

1990

The TERROR Begins!

The terror of another Annual Crossover! Oh noes!

But, but, but! Instead of trying to make one event for the whole company, Marvel has split into fiefdoms.

The Avengers and related books have their own event, the Terminus Factor. The X Books are doing Days of Future Present. The Spider-Man books apparently have a crossover called "Spidey's Totally Tiny Adventure." And the rest of the annuals (Punisher, Daredevil, Incredible Hulk, and Silver Surfer) get lumped together for Lifeform.

The takeaway here is that I don't have to kill myself trying to cover 14 annuals, Atlantis Attacks. There's just five annuals in the Terminus Factor: Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, West Coast Avengers, and Avengers. All relevant to my interests and within my wheelhouse.

And all written by Roy and Dann Thomas! It's still a lot of material to cover in one post so I'll still be splitting it up. But limiting things to the Avengers and having the same writers for the thing means it should stay on the rails and not go off into some drug subplot so Punisher can play.

Sure, the focus is Terminus and he's nobody's favorite cosmic jerk. But everything is working in favor of this being a better event than Evolutionary War or Atlantis Attacks.

That's a low bar so fingers crossed, knock on wood.

Captain America Annual #9: You ARE What You Eat

Something already neat about this event is this table of contents. Instead of just Part 1 or Chapter 1, the parts are labelled Stage One and so on and seem to refer to... uh, Terminus' life-cycle. Which he apparently has.

Also, Hercules killed him. But it doesn't seem to have stuck. Or, considering the life-cycle... maybe Terminus laid some eggs before he got Hercules'd?

We're gonna find out!

Also, this Captain America Annual starts in the wildest place. Tony Stark dropping Captain America into a volcano.

Okay, once again with context. Captain America is accompanying vulcanologist Dr Ramona Napier in a special capsule to study Mt. Saint-Cloud from the inside. Tony Stark asked Cap to ride-along. The capsule gets dropped into a volcano by helicopter.

I don't know what kind of wonder capsule this is that it's actually dense enough to sink in magma. Truly science is amazing.

But deep in the new volcano, a mechanical looking egg EXPLODES and releases glowing blobs which start rising upward.

The glowing blobs twine around the capsule, so bright that they're blinding in what should be a pitch black environment (despite how magma is usually depicted as warm orange and reds, even in this very comic). Dr Napier bumps the controls and accidentally locks the capsule to plummet deeper into the volcano.

Observers near the throat of the volcano see the glowing blobs shoot out of the lava and into a nearby stream. They have no idea what to make of that.

Meanwhile, Tony Stark.

He's waiting outside the mountain. Anxiously. Because they lost communications with the capsule.

Which, by the way, they tested in simulated lava! Because, honestly, if you're going to drop your friend into a volcano, it'd better be in a capsule that's already proven lava-proof.

One of the engineers manages to track the capsule as sinking out of control. Tony tells the engineers to do what they can while he goes for a walk and think.

Some Guy: "'Think'? What good'll it do him to go walking off into the woods now? He claims he cares so much about the human beings in Persephone-1... Was that all just a pose?" Another Guy: "Nuts! To blazes with Tony Stark, Boy Industrialist! We've got people to -- Huh? IRON MAN!?"

Yup, Tony Stark went for a walk out of sight and then Iron Man shows up.

Tony Stark, Iron Man, being his own bodyguard is one of those things where you have to suspend him disbelief. But in this instance... Tony Stark goes for a walk, Iron Man shows up and goes 'wow good thing Tony had me on call, just in case!' yeah, I wouldn't question it.

Also a good thing that Tony designed the Iron Man armor to withstand 2000 degrees... well, for a few seconds. Just can't fit as much heat-proofing on an Iron Man armor as you can on a volcano capsule.

Iron Man: "See you soon -- or not at all!"

This story could go in a very grim direction.

Also, Iron Man just plunges right into the lava. Yadda yadda density. Although, he once shoulder checked a rock the size of Manhattan. I believe he could force his way through dense molten rock.

Inside the volcano and inside the capsule, Captain America manages to pull the capsule out of the dive. So they're not sinking. But the heat refracting tiles are coming loose so they're cooked regardless.

THEN BIG HERO MOMENT

Iron Man carries the capsule to the surface of the lava. Then he has to fuck off to cool his armor down before it goes into meltdown.

Which does leave Captain America a chance to be cool too. The door is still locked and it's still ridiculously hot inside... because, well, they're resting in a pool of lava. So Captain America kicks the door down and jumps to the lip of the volcano!

Volcano rescue makes for a pretty amazing opening. Probably not remotely scientifically accurate but comics seldom are.

Meanwhile, the glowing goop from the volcano landed in a stream. One of the engineers comments that something that unusual is what they're dropping capsules into volcanoes to study but what can ya do. No harm done if it lands in the stream, right?

Anyway, the goop is eaten by trout who get weird eyes. A bear is fishing in the stream but is scared off by some people from Georgeville who cast a net to catch some fish for a fry.

A fish fry hosted by the that Iron Man, Captain America, and Dr Napier attend. Tony Stark was scheduled to attend too but whoops, he had to go back to California and people have definitely seen him and Iron Man in the same room at the same time.

Cap and Dr Napier don't eat anything at the trout feast, already feeling queasy from being bounced around inside the volcano capsule.

Also, the thing where Tony's fellow Avengers aren't sure whether or not he's Iron Man continues. They also continue to strongly suspect it's him.

I dunno the point of this subplot. It hasn't really gone anywhere.

Anyway, Cap is distracted mid-conversation with Dr Napier when the mayor suddenly gets the same red with white crackle eyes as the trout and starts growling.

He jumps at Captain America, who grabs him mid-leap and flips him headfirst into the ground. Ouch.

Captain America: "Maybe I had to rough up his honor a bit more than I'd have liked -- but that was more to stop him from really getting hurt than to protect myself. No northwoods politician -- not even one who suddenly turned into a raving maniac -- is any real threat to a guy who's gone toe-to-toe with the Red Skull."

But he quickly realizes it's not just the mayor. It's the whole crowd. It's Iron Man.

It's nearly everyone aside from Cap and Dr Napier.

Cap quickly deduces that something was wrong with the food so even though all these people are trying to kill them, he doesn't want to hurt them unnecessarily. Or let them hurt those in town unaffected. Or let the berserkers hurt themselves.

He sees an adult man and a child running at a terminal box. The man rips the live wires out and gets electrocuted. The child nearly gets the same but Cap tackles him out of the way and shoves him in an ice barrel so he can't try it again.

Meanwhile, Iron Man lands so Captain America throws his mighty shield and all who oppose his shield must yield their ass to the floor.

Weirdly, the crowd piles on Iron Man instead of continuing to go after Cap. Also, notably, the child Cap shoved in some ice seems to have recovered, regaining his speech and asking if he can get out.

Cap tells the boy to run home. And the gears in his head must have been turning because he suddenly seems to have a plan.

He tells Dr Napier to get to tha choppa, he's got a theory. And just as he predicts, Iron Man throws the dogpile off of himself and takes off after the helicopter.

Captain America flies towards the mountain and nearly gets there when Iron Man blasts the rotors.

The helicoptor crashes on the snowy mountain. Luckily, Cap and Dr Napier survive the crash. Good piloting, Launchpad.

But the townspeople are marching up the mountain path after the helicopter "like the cast of 'Night of the Living Dead'! and Iron Man is circling overhead.

Captain America: "IRON MAN! If you want me -- if there's enough of your brain functioning for you to have any idea what you want -- COME AND GET ME!"

And Iron Man swoops down and fires his repulsors at Cap. And when the guy just backflips away from that, Iron Man punches him in the face.

This glowy eye trout food poisoning sure is an odd beserker status. The people affected don't seem able to talk anymore but Tony is operating a complicated suit of powered armor. Weird.

Anyway, Iron Man beats the shit out of Captain America. And Captain America baits him into flying into a snowbank and also SPTANNGs him in the chest.

It's a very disproportionate fight. As one would expect when a dude, even a peak human dude, is trying to fight a war machine.

Iron Man punches Captain America off a cliff and then repulsors the rock he's clinging to. But as Cap is falling to his death, Iron Man seems to regain his sense and his non-glowy eyes.

He flies down really quick and catches Captain America and flies him back up to the clifftop.

And now is when Captain America Explains It All.

Captain America: "Something in those fish turned people into raging psychopaths -- beserkers attracted to energy sources, like a terminal box and your armor -- or you, to the chopper. But you snapped out of it -- just in time, by my reckoning -- because cold somehow seems to reverse its effects. An accidental ice-dip had worked on that boy -- so I had to pray it'd work on the rest of you. And it did, once the townspeople had tramped up here to the snowline chasing a power source -- you! As you can see, they're slowly returning to normal."

Well, that sure was a lot of correct conclusions you jumped to, based on the available evidence.

Dr Napier adds that the weird glowing stuff they saw shoot out of the volcano was probably to blame. It landed in the same stream that the trout were fished from.

Iron Man: "Then, whatever that glowing substance was -- we can't be sure the menace it posed is over, can we?" Dr Napier: "No. Of course, it's possible that all of it was absorbed by those particular fish -- or else dissipated harmlessly in the flowing stream --" Captain America: "But if it wasn't, it could be way downstream by now. It could be... almost anywhere... And, if something else ate some of those tainted fish... the whole world could be in big trouble!"

Oh no, the bear from earlier was infected by eating a glowy fish!

TERMINUS LIVES!

Well, the cover has Terminus on it and the title of the crossover is the Terminus Factor. So it's not a huge surprise.

But I guess the glowy stuff was Terminus goo and now that bear is Terminused. Got the red eyes.

This introductory issue was not bad. An excuse for Captain America and Iron Man to fight, with Captain America getting to be the smart one. An interesting new angle for Terminus, who was just budget Galactus before now.

And the Iron Man Annual is next so I assume Tony is going to have to fight a bear.

Let's find out!

Iron Man Annual #11: If the TERMINI Come...

THE BEGINNING of the END!

That Terminus-infected bear is looking pretty gruesome. Like an animatronic that has seen better days and is also into murder.

Also, hi, Aaron Stack!

Feels like it's been a while since I've seen you in something. I don't remember if you appeared in any of Essential Avengers before now so it would be the Earth X liveblog instead.

Anyway.

We start with some Aaron Stack, Machine Man (X-51), status quo. Apparently, the Captain's team of ad hoc Avengers found Jocasta's disembodied head floating in the ocean after she blew up the High Evolutionary's gigantic boat. And lacking the ability or motivation to do anything about it, they mailed the head to Aaron.

... That's what Iron Man did with Victor Mancha's head too, when he 'died' in the Vision series.

Avengers, stop mailing people robot heads!

As Aaron tries to repair Jocasta (or at least reactivate her head? She's missing most of her), he's kept company by Peter Spaulding.

Anyway, suddenly a very angry bear bursts through the wall.

Aaron shoves Peter to relative safety and tries to restrain the bear. But it knocks him away, tearing its fur in the process and revealing

ROBOT BEAR.

Wow, Terminus infection is a hell of a thing.

It completely hollowed out that bear and replaced the body with metal, leaving just the fur.

I would have had a seemingly normal bear be the threat for a while, delay the metallic reveal. Perhaps during Aaron's very ineffective attacks on it.

He tries tackling the bear, to no effect. He tries shooting the bear with his finger gun (he has a .357 Magnum built into his pointer). He even tries using his knuckle flamethrower. Which would have been a good time for the fur to be burned away and show what Aaron is really dealing with.

Aaron even tries an extendo-punch but the bear rips off his arm and starts chowing down on it.

Getting his arm ripped off knocks Aaron the fuck out. Peter Spaulding has stuck around despite Aaron telling him to run and he won't leave Aaron to be snacked on. He manually activates Aaron's boot jets and sends him flying out of the shack. Aaron even manages to snag Jocasta's head, despite being unconscious. Nice!

Then Peter Spaulding figures, this thing wants to eat metal, I'll give him metal to eat. He throws a container of liquid titanium at it. While the METAL BEAR chews on that, Peter tries running out the Aaron hole.

But the bear snags his leg and drags him back into the shack. And considering the scream and the SNAPP!... Yeah, Peter Spaulding isn't making it out of this one.

And by this one, I mean this story.

What's weird is that this isn't the end of Peter Spaulding. For some reason, despite dying here, he was brought back ten years later in a X-51 series with no explanation.

SO NEARLY TWENTY YEARS AFTER THAT, Marvel Comics #1001 has to establish that the Peter Spaulding was an impersonator.

Why was someone impersonating Peter Spaulding? Iunno.

Sometimes retcons amount to little more than a shrug. Anything to get out of a seemingly irreversible writing decision.

Over on the Iron Man side of this Iron Man book, Tony Stark is being given a tour of the Baintronics Inc factory by Sunset Bain.

Tony Stark: "Hope you won't mind my asking -- is 'Sunset' your given name?" Sunset Bain: "Yes. Given by me... to myself. I'm very much a self-made woman, Tony."

Tony and Sunset vibe for a bit over robotics. Sunset has a nostalgia for the robots you'd see in old sci-fi. And muses how she always wanted to grab a can-opener and see what was inside.

Odd lady, Sunset Bain.

Something triggers the Baintronics Inc factory reconnaissance radar and Sunset cuts the tour short to go check it out. Tony being Tony decides to check it out too, after finding a spot to change into Iron Man.

Iron Man spies a missile that is very much shaped like a man just hurtling through the air past the Baintronics compound and towards the Columbia River.

He uses his repulsors to nudge the object into landing on the shore and discovers that it's no missile, it's Aaron Stack, Machine Man! Minus an arm and plus a Jocasta head.

Iron Man scoops up Aaron and takes him into Baintronics factory. He lie/explains to Sunset that he took Tony Stark to safety and that he'll call later. But hey, look at this Machine Man.

Tony Stark, that resourceful, clever man, definitely has some tools at his Los Angeles plant that can help repair Machine Man so he asks if he can leave Aaron there for an hour while he goes to get those tools.

Sunset Bain says that's no problem and that's because she's up to no good.

My cursed future knowledge of Dan Slott's Iron Man run makes me aware that Sunset Bain is actually evil. And she has the supervillain name of Madam Menace. She reveals her true colors the second Iron Man is gone.

She's been after Machine Man for a while and now he was just dropped into her lap? Everything coming up Sunset!

She has the deactivated Aaron taken to the Duplikatron, which scans his body and creates a duplicate except with both arms.

And she would have gotten away with it if this wasn't taking place during a crossover.

The Terminus-infected robot bear OH YEAHs into the Baintronics facility and starts tearing its way through men and machines.

Begrudgingly, Madam Menace Sunset Bain sends out her evil mooks to go deal with the robot bear. She doesn't like Madam Menace business mixing with Sunset Bain business. And she also errs on the side of caution and commands Iron Man to turn around and come back.

Sunset Bain: "You've got to get back here!"

Iron Man: "But I'm already halfway to Fresno!" Sunset Bain: "I don't care if you're halfway to the Moon! Get your tin can back here -- fast!"

Iron Man turns around but he sourly thinks that he doesn't really care for that attitude.

And in fairness, she hangs up on him without actually explaining jack. He's reasonably irritated.

When he arrives and sees the giant hole in the skylight and the robot bear terrorizing, he concedes okay this is a real emergency.

Iron Man jet boots right at the bear to welcome it to the slam but gets smacked back, FTHAK!

Iron Man: "That huge metal thingie -- it's terrorized those men, and now it looks like it's eating those titanium rods. Ordinarily, I like to find out what's going on before I take sides in a squabble -- but this time, I think maybe I'd better make an exception! ARRRGN--! On the other hand -- maybe there's something to be said for the diplomatic approach."

So Iron Man tries approaching the bear and asking what its deal is. The bear does not respond... uh doy... so Iron Man resumes resorting to force. He repulsors it against a wall but it manages to force itself loose and KTHANGs him again.

This time Iron Man got a good look at its eyes and recognized the look from what Captain America told him about the Georgeville, Washington fish fry incident. The stuff that shot out of the volcano and infected the fish and the people that ate the fish!

And for some reason, Iron Man also leaps to the conclusion that this is Terminus! Even though he's never been around on the previous times the big guy has been encountered.

I wonder if that's just narrative convenience to establish that this is a Terminus thing or if it will be important in the plot that the word Terminus leapt to Tony's brain.

Anyway, the link to the fish fry incident gives Iron Man a thing to try. Cold killed the terminus spores (or whatevers) in that case. So he'll just dump a big vat of frozen liquid titanium on the bearobot.

(I don't think titanium is liquid at cold temperatures actually... But it sure is in this story)

Unfortunately, the robot bear just absorbs the inexplicably frozen liquid titanium and grows bigger.

Then it smacks around Iron Man some more, except with bigger claws.

Meanwhile, Sunset Bain is trying to relocate the Machine Men out of the path of the bear rampage but her workers tender their resignations, no two weeks notice because they do not want to get beared.

A power surge wakes up Machine Man. He remembers his own encounter with the metal bear and follows the sounds of an exciting action packed comic book fight to see what's been going on without hi.

(Luckily for Sunset, the copy Machine Man was on a lower platform than Aaron and he doesn't look back once he gets going.)

Machine Man joins the fray and Iron Man catches him up on how things have been progressing. He also asks Aaron whether he's ever heard the name Terminus. he has not. And since Terminus was 150 feet tall...

Machine Man: "May we assume, then, that our present foe is still growing?" Iron Man: "At this point, we can't assume anything -- including our survival!"

Stakes: raised.

Aaron mentions that when he ran into this thing and it took his arm, it looked more like a bear. Fur and whatnot. And Iron Man says maybe it was and explains how a more microbial stage was able to mindjack anything that ate it.

There's an error with who the speech bubbles are pointing to but I think Aaron comes up with the idea to try molten metal if frigid liquid metal didn't work.

Machine Man has to swoop down and scoop up Sunset Bain (who has changed out of her Madam Menace mask) when the giant metal bear starts chasing her.

Sunset Bain: "But -- what's Iron Man doing with that vat of hot liquid metal? " Iron Man: "whatever -- i can -- lady -- unnnh! -- Whatever I CAN!"

And he just dumps that vat of piping hot metal all over the giant metal bear. Who melts.

Aaron was right about the first and second Terminus stages having different needs and weaknesses.

Unfortunately, out of the frying pan into the fire.

Right after finishing off the bear, Iron Man, Machine Man, and Sunset Bain hear a news report of hordes of animal-shaped robots swarming towards Seattle's aircraft factories, shipyards, and the Baintronics complex. On the hunt for Titanium.

Metal birds, metal fish, and metal beeeeees.

The problem was not limited to one net full of fish and one bear. Those Terminus spores have gotten all up and down the food chain.

Iron Man and Machine Man head off to go tackle the problem while Sunset Bain stays behind to capitalize.

One of her guys asks if she wants to activate the duplicate Machine Man so he can help deal with the robot animals. Sunset calls him an idiot. She's keeping the duplicate. Going to have to change some details around since the original is still kicking. Maybe use that random woman robot head Machine Man left behind.

Sunset Bain: "What's the difference? After all -- they'll only be robots. Our robots! It's not like robots have any real feelings or anything!"

Scene cut to Machine Man being very sad that (eventually retconned into an imposter) Peter Spaulding got super killed by the robot bear. He also has to comfort friend Gears Garvin who is feeling a lot of survivor's guilt for not being around.

Also, apparently, the horde of animal robots have diverted from Seattle. Iron Man suspects that there's some kind of group mind that told them one of their number got destroyed. Also, he's dubbed the robotocized animals Termini.

Aaron gets a new arm and he and Iron Man take off to go fight lots of things!

So many things.

As covered in one of the annual's back-up stories, which takes the form of a news broadcast about the "Terminus Plague."

Gonna be honest. Terminus Plague sounds like a better name for the crossover than the Terminus Factor.

Apparently, as Iron Man explained it and the KSNN broadcast conveyed it "'Termini,' which is apparently a sort of electronic virus that infects living organisms and slowly transmutes them to rabid, robotic creatures."

Which seems right.

It's cool to follow up directly from Iron Man and Captain America having a weird Terminus-related situation to Iron Man dealing with the same problem but bigger.

Just something you can do with these more contained crossover annuals which just have one writing team.

But, geez. I'm not very familiar with older Iron Man comics but Dan Slott must have loved this era. Sunset Bain making a copy Machine Man and having Jocasta's head. That's all stuff he repeated during the Iron Man 2020 event.

It's always weird, reading through older comics and recognizing some plot points as having been recycled later. Bendis ripping off Darker Than Scarlet. Morrison doing their own take on That Which Endures. Dan Slott loving this Iron Man era, apparently.

Anyway. Anyway. Anyway. Onto the next annual.

Thor Annual #15: Can Terminus Be Far Behind?

The Return of the ORIGINAL Terminus!

Is Thor shoulder dropping Terminus? Because that would be awesome.

More awesome than the title of this part of the crossover. The Captain America annual got to have a title that hinted at the story. "You are what you eat." People ate Terminus spores and got infected by Terminus.

"If the Termini come..." is a little ominous. What are the Termini? What happens if they come? And by the end of the issue, after Iron Man and Machine Man spend most of the story fighting one, they learn there's a whole bunch more. Uh oh!

But then it turns out that the Iron Man annual title and the Thor annual title are just one complete thought. "If the Termini come... Can Terminus be far behind?"

I dunno! I guess not! But, like, so what? Last time Terminus showed his face on Earth, Quasar yeeted him into space. Kind of diminishes the threat of having a bunch of guys presumably growing into Terminus if the big news is the original guy is coming back.

Well, let's dig into things.

Not going to be a lot of panels to share this time because this is the only part of the crossover not on Marvel Unlimited.

Shrug!

So, Thor and Hercules are booking it by hammer throw to San Francisco because Iron Man asked Thor to keep an eye out for the Termini.

Despite the news report back-up story of Iron Man and Machine Man fighting various Termini, according to Tony now in this Thor Annual, the two of them only managed to destroy the bear one. I guess the fights with the others were inconclusive or the Termini fucked off.

Iron Man had to take a break to repair Machine Man at the Stark Enterprises Oregon plant. So he gives Thor the rundown on the fish fry fiasco, the fight with the robot bear, and how Tony thinks Terminus is involved based on zero evidence.

Thor decides to dig into that link so he leaves Hercules behind and fucks off into the depths of space.

Hercules, by the by, barely knows what's going on. Thor brought him to San Francisco without explaining much. Thor does mention that this might be Terminus related, to Hercules' confusion.

Hercules: "Terminus? Why I once did unshell that behemoth like a pitiful lobster!"

Thor: "That, I am told, was not the true Terminus..." Hercules: "What? Dost thou mean -- someone dared make sport with Hercules?" Thor: "So sayteh Quasar, who lately propelled the true Terminus into the depths of space!"

So, apparently... In Quasar #7, Quasar met Terminus and also threw him into space. But before he did, Terminus apparently clarified that the Terminus that destroyed the Savage Land wasn't him.

One wonders why that was retconned. There's some tug of war going on with the canon of a character that's not very interesting. Ah well.

Thor tells Hercules that if he runs into any of the Termini, extreme heat is super effective.

Speaking of the Termini, a bunch of them bust into the Blackrock Nuclear Plant facility. A wolf, an eagle, and a bunch of fish.

And they are brutal. We didn't see a lot of the bear Termini killing people but these ones just shred anyone they come across in the nuclear facility.

Also, they talk now! Which is creepier than all the murder, honestly.

Termini: "Food" Termini: "FOOD"

Meanwhile, Hercules is just hanging around San Francisco. Remember, he barely knows what's going on and has no idea how to find any Termini.

But some cops found him and asked for autographs which Hercules signs with a lot of 'true heroes' flattery. And while he's doing that, the cop car gets an alert about animal-shaped robots attacking Blackrock.

And Hercules goes oh right, that's the thing I'm looking out for and asks the cops to take him there.

After killing or at least maiming everyone, the Termini at Blackrock start upending a giant container of nuclear fuel. Which they succeed at right as more Termini arrive - strangely adorable ones like squirrels, rabbits, and beavers.

All the Termini drink and cavort in the radioactive fuel and transform from animal robots to vaguely human-shaped ones.

They've also gone from just saying FOOD to parroting what people around them are saying.

Even creepier.

Hercules and the cops come in just about then. Unfortunately, not soon enough to save that survivor.

The cops start shooting at the Termini (to no effect, duh) so Hercules tells them to fuck off and cordon off the area. Then he gets down to the business of monster slaying, which is his spech ee ality.

Also, the life cycle of Terminus continues getting weirder. Starting off as microbes that infect other lifeforms and makes them go rabid and be drawn to energy sources. The infection can be slowed or stopped by cold temperatures. If the infection progresses enough, it replaces the creature's meat with metal and makes them crave titanium to nom. The Termini become immune to cold but lose the microbes immunity to high temperatures. These things originally came out of a volcano, remember.

Then there's kind of a gap in my understanding here. A lot of the Termini look pretty shrimpy so it's not like they were eating as much titanium as the bear one. But at some point in the animal robot stage of the Termini, instead of titanium, they start craving radiation instead? And enough transforms them into bigger human-shaped forms. Is it titanium consumption that pushes them to start craving radiation? Just enough Termini in an area? If it's just about Termini population density, what's the point of the titanium? Just so they congregate in the same areas? I dunno.

Meanwhile, Thor.

It is his annual, after all. He should do stuff in it.

And he uses Mjolnir to warp to where Quasar stranded Terminus in space.

And Terminus is just kind of floating in space. Quasar broke his lance so the guy can't propel himself anywhere.

Terminus sends Thor a psychic warning "Worm of Earth -- do not come near!" and Thor, of course, ignores it.

Then he tries to beat the shit out of Terminus. I'm not sure why. And he's not accomplishing much. Hitting Terminus in space just pushes him in the direction of the blow. And Terminus' armor is so strong (despite the imposter Terminus being easily bodied by Hercules) that Thor is having trouble smashing him open. And zapping him with Mjolnir isn't having any effect either.

Terminus is kind of angrily flailing in space, since he can't really control his positioning but he almost manages to hit Thor a couple times before nailing him with a swat.

This makes Thor SO MAD that he finally succeeds at hammerthrowing himself into Terminus' chest.

Like... inside it. He managed to penetrate into Terminus' gooey yet technological insides.

And Thor decides the point of this exercise is for him to GAIN MENTAL MASTERY OVER TERMINUS, THE WAY HE DID TO ATUM IN ATLANTIS ATTACKS!

Sure.

I don't think of Thor as being very psychic but he does have a powerful will and has out-willed things like the Destroyer armor before.

Except this time, Terminus' mind overwhelms Thor's.

But it does provide an exposition dump. So that's helpful, for the readers.

THE SECRET BACKSTORY OF TERMINUS

Once upon a time, the Celestials blew a planet the fuck up. Because the planet wanted to conquer the cosmos and sometimes the Celestials have opinions on that.

The warmongery unnamed alien race couldn't fight the Celestials. So they created a new microbe they called the Termini, shoved it into a rocket, and blasted it off from a doomed homeplanet.

So Terminus is germ Superman?

Anyway, the microbes were created to multiply, infect, evolve into more complex forms of life, and eventually become the Terminus we all know and know. And Terminus is engineered to just hate the shit out of the Celestials.

So Terminus would fly around the universe, finding planets that the Celestials didn't blow up, and basically plunder them. Then he went to Earth and Reed Richards sent him to the center of the Earth.

Terminus didn't die, duh. Instead, he started clawing his way back towards the surface. But, on his way, he met Jorro, a weapons-maker for the Deviants. And instead of continuing to climb back out of the Earth, Terminus deputized Jorro to go pretend to be him. Which got Jorro super-murdered by Hercules after Jorro destroyed the Savage Land.

Meanwhile, Terminus decided to take some of the shit he plundered and recreated the Termini bacteria. And with those ready to go, he continued his climb. Which led to him getting yeeted into space by Quasar.

Just 0-3 for Terminuses around here.

Anyway, that's THE SECRET BACKSTORY OF TERMINUS.

While Thor was distracted getting exposited at, Terminus prepared his blood corpuscles to kick Thor's ass.

Thor fights back but, yeah, he gets his ass kicked. He gets leeched and Terminus tentacle yoinks Mjolnir.

Thor gets thrown out into space with no propulsion while Terminus uses the power of Mjolnir to fix his lance so he can fuck off.

Meanwhile, Hercules continues fighting the man-shaped Termini. Except they start fighting with each other, glooping together, and merging into one big Terminus (with a tail).

Then, the original Terminus arrives.

I like that New Terminus has a different design than Classic Terminus. They grew up in different environments and given what we now know about his life-cycle, it makes a lot of sense.

So, that's the first half of the Terminus Factor.

I liiiiiiiked the Captain America and Iron Man Annuals. Seeing the volcano bacteria infect a town and drive them rabid was spooky and knowing it had SOMETHING to do with Terminus left this ominous note even after Cap saved most of the day.

Then the infected bear from the first part came back and we got to see how dangerous a single Terminus-infected animal was, only to learn that there were dozens more.

Things kinda took a dip in the Thor Annual. Guy barely got to be in his own story, since he had the burden of facilitating all the exposition needed to finish retconning the Savage Land encounter and to give Terminus an origin. And unfortunately, the origin is... meh? Incredibly vague Some Planet and Some Jerks create a germ to plunder as part of a vague plan to get back at the Celestials. Except has any of Terminus' MO been about the Celestials?

And he had to physically make more Termini germs? I dunno. I think it would have been better if spreading Terminus spores is just something that happened after he was dunked into the Earth.

At least the Hercules side of the plot continued showing more of the Terminus life-cycle. So now we kinda have most of the whole picture.

Next post will have the annuals for West Coast Avengers and Avengers and we'll see where the plot goes now that we've got two Terminuses.

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