#also we know that mecha-arm came into play so to speak

[go-see-a-starwar]

We all know Anakin must use some sexy force powers in bed with Padme 😏

I know it’s never explicitly stated that Padme is force sensitive but I like to believe she is and that combined with Anakin being a literal son of the force had to make things … intense to say the least.

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic the Hedgehog Analyzer, Scrapnik Island Issue #3: Scrapnik Island (Part 3)

Welcome to the 3rd Issue of Scrapnik Island! Last time, we had Mecha Sonic losing his gears during a fight with Mecha Knuckles, destroying the latter and attacking Sonic. Going by the Cover, it is clear that this one will be focused on Tails trying to save Sonic.

Speaking of save, holy Hell, what is this Cover?! I kid you not, my first thought was that Mecha decided to operate on Sonic by removing his limbs and replacing them with mechanical parts (I have a wild imagination). Then, I realized that there’s no way this will happen, only to realize that we did get Rusty Rose in Sonic Prime, so....

We kick off with Sonic being strapped to an operating table with a helmet on his head. No joke, when me and my friend talked about the previews, we both concluded that Mecha Sonic is planning a body swap with Sonic. After all, it would make sense, right? Mecha has been abandoned by Eggman and wants to get back to the mainland, and using Sonic’s body would allow him to roam around unnoticed.

We had no idea...

Anyways, Sonic acknowledges how giving the “enemies the benefit of the doubt” is getting kinda old, and honestly, it’s kinda hilarious, especially if we go by the assumption that this takes place after The Overpowered Arc.

Sonic notes how Mecha had a second chance at life, a whole island filled with friends and took up gardening.

“I thought you’d changed, man. What gives?”

Mecha ignores him, observing Tails as he is fixing the Tornado and zooming in on the Miles Electric. Yeah, it is clear that he needs it and I believe I know why (note: these are my thoughts before the whole Issue came out). Tails’ has shown he can use the Miles Electric to communicate with the Scrapniks, so Mecha grabbing it would allow him to talk to Sonic.

Speaking of Sonic, he wonders what’s up with the helmet on his head and wonders if it’s gonna suck out his brain or something. Sonic, sweetie, I’m afraid what’s gonna happen is much worse.

Mecha just turns around, with Sonic looking worried.

Mecha just stares at Sonic, who asks whether Mecha is really going for it. They are observed by another Scrapnik, who is absolutely horrified, and quickly runs off, probably to get Tails or Sigma... or both! Anyone would be fine as long as they save Sonic from Mecha.

The perspective switches to someone awakening, that robot being Mecha Sonic, who is greeted by Sigma. Sigma explains how Mecha Sonic was in a very bad condition, but Sigma managed to rebuild him, more or less, and we see how parts of Mecha Sonic’s body had been replaced, mainly his arm and leg.

Mecha dons a cloak, helping Sigma and the Scrapniks out, while Sigma continues his narration. He tells Mecha how he used to be a tool of destruction and conquest, but now, on this island, he will discover the new him. On Scrapnik Island, Mecha is safe, free and at home. We also see how Mecha, Sigma and the Scrapniks found the sunflower and Mecha actually looks really happy as the other Scrapniks play with him.

Honestly, it is really a lovely page, showing us some of Mecha’s past at Scrapnik Island, followed by Sigma awakening after being clocked by Mecha Knuckles.

Sigma panics slightly, calling out for Sonic and Mecha, only to be stunned when he discovers the destroyed Mecha Knuckles. He picks the latter up, although I’m not sure whether he’s addressing Mecha Knuckles or Mecha Sonic when asking what they have done. My assumption is that he was calling out to Mecha Sonic.

We then check in on Tails, who gets a video message from the Scrapnik, showing him Mecha and Sonic, the latter being in clear distress. The Scrapniks also seem to be alarmed, if not even disturbed, by what Mecha had done.

Tails wastes no time creating several makeshift guns, ready to go save Sonic. You mess with his older brother, you mess with Tails and let’s be clear here - unlike Sonic, Tails is packing heat.

Tails and the Scrapniks enter the building, with what appears to be a homage to Aliens (as my friend pointed out). They are slowly advancing, with Tails getting a signal on the Miles Electric. They ready themselves for whoever this intruder might me, with Tails sweating as he presses himself against the wall. The situation is already quite tense and we haven’t even gotten to the good stuff.

Tails and the Scrapniks burst out of their hiding spot, pointing their guns at none other than Sigma. Fortunately, they hold fire and Tails and Sigma are relieved to see each other. Tails explains how they’re looking for Mecha Sonic, as he’s holding Sonic captive, and asks Sigma whether he has any clue what’s going on.

Sigma admit that this is something he feared it would happen.

He explains that Mecha’s systems are very robust and how his own knowledge of the software’s nuances is very limited. When he attempted to rebuild Mecha, he also tried to rewrite Dr. Eggman’s original programming, but it appeared that his attempts were insufficient (just like in the case of Mecha Knuckles). His old protocols and subroutines must have re-awakened, warping his mind. Sigma blames himself for Mecha’s behavior, apologizing to Tails.

Now, I must stop here for a second because of what we have seen in the previous Issue. We know that Mecha is suffering from trauma and is seeing himself as a failure, so it may not only been his programming to drive him to act like this, but his experiences as well.

Suddenly, everyone hears a beeping coming from the Miles Electric, with a creepy voice coming out of it:

“Ooonnn the c-c-contrary, Sigmaaaaa... M-M-My miiiiind has never been cl-clearerrrrr.”

This is where we know that things are going from a zero to a hundred. It is one thing to deal with a mute enemy. It is another thing when that enemy suddenly speaks.

“Behind you.”

Mecha suddenly appears behind everyone, having sneaked up on them, and Tails and the Scrapniks start shooting at him. Mecha is too fast for them, causing everyone to miss.

Honestly, I was holding my breath during this part due to how tense it is.

As everyone observes the corridor where Mecha has vanished, a troubled Tails turns to the Miles Electric as Mecha speaks again:

“You don’t know what it’s like... to be discarded... forgotten...”

Suddenly, Sigma cries out, vanishing into the dark, with only Mecha Knuckles’ hat being left behind. A nervous Tails calls out for the robot and we see Mecha’s eyes lighting up behind him as he snatches another Scrapnik and drags him into the dark. Tails and the other two Scrapniks fire at him, with Tails yelling for retreat, but it is obvious they missed him.

Tails leads the two Scrapniks down the corridor, noting how he underestimated Mecha’s speed due to his rust and mismatched body parts, but he’s just as fast as Sonic. He figures that, if they hunker down in a small room, they might have... a chance?

Tails stops, looking behind him and realizing that his two Scrapnik buddies are gone as well, with Mecha standing right behind him. Not only is Mecha fast as Sonic, but he’s also incredibly stealthy. That’s a dangerous combination.

Mecha explains to Tails how he was once Dr. Eggman’s most remarkable creation and how they were supposed to conquer the world together. After he was rebuilt, he was waiting for Eggman, hoping the Doctor would come pick him up and they would try again. However, Eggman had abandoned him, leaving him to rust on Scrapnik Island.

“A grave error on his part... and now, that error shall be corrected.”

Mecha tells Tails how he has plans for Eggman, and they’re none of his concern. All he wants is Tails’ tablet.

Okay, there are several things I want to address here, one more stunning than the other.

First of all, we learn more about Mecha Sonic’s perspective on his situation. He actually wanted to return to Eggman, even if he seemingly felt happy on Scrapnik Island. While Mecha claims that he always had a clear mind, we saw him glitching out a couple of times in the previous Issues, usually when he was around Sonic, but with this new information, would it be possible that the glitches he was experiencing were actually the type of flashbacks we saw in the previous Issue during Mecha Sonic and Mecha Knuckles’ fight?

We might get more information regarding this in the next Issue, but I believe that the way Mecha Sonic acts here is because of both of his programming, his desire to serve Eggman and his feeling of abandonment. He even tells Tails he won’t harm him and if he wanted to kill Sonic, he would’ve done it, but he is surprisingly calm and calculated here.

Next, the fact that Mecha Sonic’s speech implies that he wants to get revenge on Eggman. I believe he wants to use Sonic and the Miles Electric to escape Scrapnik Island and probably go to the mainland so he can take down Eggman on his own. Whether there is something more, we don’t know yet, but Mecha certainly has a plan.

Lastly, it is obvious that there is more to Mecha Sonic than we think and I completely adore his character.

Tails questions Mecha what he wants to do with Sonic, and when Mecha demands the tablet, he tells the robot to try and take it. What a badass!

Mecha rushes towards Tails as the latter fires at him, dodging every shot and managing to knock the gun out of Tails’ hands. Having no other option, Tails goes for a spin-dash.

He manages to land a hit on Mecha, but the latter grabs Tails, slamming him into the ground and taking away the Miles Electric, then stares at the fox.

He follows this up grabbing Tails and tossing him what I believe to be a garbage chute, telling how he’ll see how it feels to be thrown away. Tails falls into the dark, his mission being a failure.

Mecha returns to the room where Sonic is being kept captive, recognizing Tails’ tablet and demanding from Mecha to tell him what he did to his little brother. Mecha, who is attaching the tablet to the computer, responds how he’s where he belongs.

“Don’t worry...”

“...you’ll be joining him shortly.”

Mecha turns around, and we are treated with a creepy image of him and Sonic on the monitor, indicating what he plans to do with his rival.

...

I WAS KIDDING WHEN I SAID I THOUGHT MECHA WANTED TO SWAP BODIES WITH SONIC!

Holy Hell, I didn’t expect that theory to be confirmed, that’s so wild. Honestly, this whole chapter was a wild ride, being a return to its horror roots, with the creepiest part being Mecha suddenly talking thanks to Tails’ tablet and then removing Tails’ team one by one.

Considering how the tagline for the next Issue is “A battle of the minds!” I have a bad feeling that this body swap will be successful.

Links:

#Previous Issue

#Next Issue

#Sonic the Hedgehog Analyzer (Masterlist)

[liquid-luck-00]

Habits

Bio!Dad Bruce

Day 4: Habits

@biodad-bruce-month

First ~~~ Previous ~~~ Next

~~~~~~~~~~

The bat boys went out of their way to make Marinette feel included into the family. However she seemed to always get lost in the manor. Little did they know that she was using the horse miraculous to travel to and from Paris and still hasn't had enough practice with Kaalki.

Yet when they do happen to find her she seems to always be lost in thought while sketching or designing.

They had noticed early on that they could still hold a conversation with her and she would respond and remember the conversation.

---

Marinette hadn't been at the manor for two days when the first incident occurred.

It was Jason who first caught her completely focused and to say it was a shock was an understatement. He had walked into the living room, trying to find her and Tim to play Mecha strike, so when he saw she was designing and Tim was sitting on the other couch reading.

"Hey Replacement, Bluebell who wants to play UMS III?" Jason asked the room.

"I'll play," Tim responded looking up from his book. Both boys then looked at Mari, who seemingly didn't hear them. Tim got up and walked over to her along with him. While

Marinette seemed to be hyper focused on her design that she didn't respond when Jason asked her again. So Jason decided it would be smart to tap her on the shoulder to get her attention. That was a bad idea. . He had snapped her out of her thoughts, but as he did she glared at them.

"Holy Fuck" Jason screamed as he backed away from her.

"What is wrong with you. You break my concentration and then scream. Like seriously Jason." She was holding her head covering her ears while glaring at him.

That was when Tim seemed to find his voice again. "Well if genetics hadn't proved you were Bruce's daughter, you giving Jason his signature glare would prove it."

"Well I guess that explains a few thing now" she hummed.

"That is all you get out of this?" Jason asks.

"What else was to get out of this?" she asked tilting her head, "so what did you guys want anyways?" she went back to her sunny personality.

---

The second incident occurred later that same day but with only Dick. He had gone to find her for dinner, so he went to her room. He had heard from both Jason and Tim that she could pull out the Bruce 'Batman' Glare so he did the smart choice of first knocking on the door.

"Come in" was her only response.

She was sitting at the desk staring at one of her sketchbooks. Her chin was resting on her arm her nose was scrunched and eyebrows furrowed concentrating on the image in front of her.

It wasn't the Batman Glare but she looked just like Bruce when he was in deep concentration.

"Dinner is almost ready" he answered after entering the room.

"Dick thank goodness" She snapped her head up and looked at him with her full attention. "I can’t decide on a color for this blazer. It would look nice in an emerald or in a sapphire blue. I know I want to use gold as an accent around the main part that is black stitched with holographic music notes but I don't know maybe"

"Mari" he interrupted her. God she even over thinks like Bruce, that was why he had stopped her. "Breathe please. Now is this for a certain person or no one in particular?" He asked breaking her slight panic.

"It is for a commission so a certain person." she answered calming down.

"So would the person's hair or eyes clash with those colors" Thank god Barbara always dragged him shopping and complains how certain colors clashed with her hair.

"Neither would clash necessarily, but the sapphire blue would complement his hair and skin tone better" she finished writing something in on the page.

"Okay now that, that is settled why don't we go down for dinner Little B" Dick gave her a smile.

"Little B?"

"Little Bruce" be elaborated, really be meant little bat, but she doesn't know that yet so he improvised.

"Why?"

"The way you scrunch your nose and eyebrows when concentrating is just like him. That and completely overthinking and over analyzing things is just like him"

"It's a habit I've been trying to break" she answers sheepishly.

"Don't, just ask yourself questions to not get sided tracked, it is one of the best qualities a person can have" he answered honestly. "God only knows Bruce wouldn't come up with half of what makes up WE if he didn't overanalyze every little thing" she seemed to cheer up a bit at this and he is glad he could help his little sister.

---

The third incident happened with Tim to say he was surprised when he saw her awake in the kitchen at 3 in the morning as he came back from patrol was shocking.

Honestly the only people awake at that hour were either the Bats, criminals, or him well him or even Bruce who would still be working. But here she is completely awake making, wait is that.

"Is that coffee?" He ended up asking out loud.

She turned to face him "Yes. Want some?"

"Please!!" he practically begged.

"Fair warning this is my special blend, I haven't found anyone else who could handle it" she warned him, but he took it as a challenge.

"Try me" and she did, she set a cup down in front of him and also poured herself one. After the first sip he realized it was strong, much stronger than his usual, and that usually had an entire cup of espresso. "That is good. You are making this again if you don't give me the recipe" she giggled.

"Let's see if you can handle a cup and make it to breakfast." she countered and she left to her room.

When morning came he was still wired in fact he was practically bouncing in his seat while having breakfast and everyone was staring at him. Granted he was usually a zombie in the morning so this was new, actually functioning properly that is.

"You okay there Timmy" Dick asked him, and that was confusing.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Tim asked.

"Now your beginning to scare us. Wait did you actually sleep, Replacement?" Jason asked him.

"I don't think he did Jason" everyone turned and stared at Marinette. "Half a cup" she said staring at him.

"Care to explain Bluebell." 

"So turns out I'm not the only one awake late. Someone" she stared at Tim, "caught me making coffee last night, drank a single cup and still seems to be wired" she shrugged "so half a cup next time Tim"

"Wait, he is the most awake he has ever been in the, almost six years I've known him, and he hasn't slept." Damian stated bored. "what did you put in the coffee?"

"Nothing much, but if you know how to roast the beans right anything is possible" she rose the mug she was holding. That was when they all noticed the mug in her hand.

Out of concern, he is guessing, Dick and Jason moved to take the mug from her. They turned around to face each other with a smirk and they saw that they were both holding identical mugs to the one in, wait Marinette still has a mug.

"Enjoy the cocoa" she smiled as she took a sip from her cup.

"You really are Bruce's daughter if you can pull that with little to no sleep." Tim replied. Her only response was a head tilt. "I swear not sleeping and still being able to function absurdly well is genetic. You, Damian, and Bruce are alike in that."

---

The fourth incident happened and was witnessed by Damian. He was sure that he would be able to have the gym to himself as everyone was out on patrol but he was mistaken.

There was Marinette a headset on, with her hands wrapped moving between punching a bag and a sequence of movements. He watched her until she seemed to finish her set. She looked up and when she noticed him he walked towards her. She wasn't being her usual bubbly self, in fact it looked to him that she was upset.

"I didn't think anyone else would be in here" he stated."

"Oh, really" she answered lowering her headset ”I won't be a bother and did you want to take the punching bag." she said a slight frown on her lips. Okay he may not be the best at dealing with emotions, but he was extremely good at perceiving them on others.

"Something is bothering you, isn't it?" he was blunt sure but he wasn't expecting her to freeze and look around before taking a breath and schooling her features.

"No, everything is fine"

"It. As if I would believe that"

"Really now why don't..."

"Either you talk or we spar" he cut her off. He was expecting her to speak not take off her headset completely, set it down, and take a stance. The two began to spar and after almost two hours they were both lying on the mat exhausted.

"Thanks Damian, I needed a good spar"

"Any time you need, ask" he got up and began walking back to his room.

If he didn't already know she was a Wayne then that would prove it. Only a Wayne would rather not face their emotions and would rather fight.

His sister was his and he would be damned if he didn't at least help her. Albeit it he wasn't the most mushy of the family but she already was the most bearable of his sibling. Maybe he'll teach her to sword fight, then maybe someone would be an actual challenge for him.

Next

~~~~~~~~~~

Tag list:

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[gloves94]

Kingdom of the Sun [Fire Lord Zuko] 5

Chapter Warnings: None Story Rating: M Pairings: Zuko/OC

Kingdom of the Sun MASTERLIST Last Airbender MASTERLIST My MASTERLIST

2 Years Ago… Tsai paced around the room anxiously. Her head flinched at every little movement or sound that she could hear. Her concerned eyes always coming back to the struggling expression of Zuko who had gone into a moral decision comma and was currently unconscious and laying on his bed where he sweat profusely once again at an internal conflict with himself. She had sent for his mother, the palace staff and the family physician. She sat on the edge of his bed keeping a cool rag pressed against his forehead. It took a couple of moments before Nezu, his assistant, and some other servants walked rushed into the room. Her eyes once again darted back to the Fire Lord's face. How had this happened? How had somebody managed to sabotage the candles in the Dragon Catacombs and manage to sneak into her room to leave a threatening message? Tsai looked at the staff uneasily. She didn't trust any of them. Whoever was doing this had both internal and personal information about their lives. She knew that  Fire Nation guards were practically useless having gotten past them several times before herself. "How.…Did this happen?" She growled out in a menacing tone demanding an answer. Her clothes stained with soothe and ash from the impact of the blast. She saw them all exchange a nervous glance between each other. There wasn't an answer. Uncertainty filled them. "How did this happen!" She shouted. Somebody could've died. Hell, Zuko could've died. "Uh-" Nezu, Zuko's assistant stepped forward stammering. "The two of you were left alone. The guards stayed at the entrance of the Fire Temple?" That was beside the point. Whomever had done this had prepared for this. They had obviously set up the bomb before time when the two had been at the play. "Dismiss the Fire Lord's guards from their duties," she ordered. "Send note for the Kyoshi Warriors. They'll be the Fire Lord's new guards." Again the staff exchanged a nervous look. "I'm sorry, but you can't do that," Nezu said looking down at a scroll he seemed to be carrying around all day. "You have no authority." She stood up to the bed and rounded about it not removing her angry eyes from the assistant. "Do you have vision problems?" She probed her tone unfriendly, warning. "I-I'm sorry?" he stammered. "Do you not see what just happened? Are you unaware of all the assassination attempts? Who's going to respond for him when he's unconscious? You will send for the Kyoshi Warriors and you will do it. Now. I don't care if it's not authorized. His guards are useless and as for me, good luck getting me out of this room." The assistant licked his lips and nodded his head before turning away and exiting the room before uttering another word. She let out a sharp breath feeling some guilt at her uncharacteristic angry burst.

Just then Ursa and the family physician rushed in. Zuko was in a comma for two nights. She never once left his side. The little sleep she got, she got while bundling up next to him waking up every couple of hours to change the cold rag on his forehead. The only person she trust enough to enter the room or bring food to them was Ursa who would come every couple of hours worried out of her mind. Tsai was tired. She wondered if this was what her grandfather had referred to the last and final time that they spoke... “People might change but their natures don’t. Don’t be a fool Tsai. He is troubled and I sensed he will always be. Especially when reasoning right from wrong...” There wasn't much she could do for him. She spent the days watching him painfully struggle with his demons. She sat next to him and kept busy by either reading or writing. Sometimes he'd wake up to quench his thirst and then go back to his sleeping torment. Sometimes he'd mumble out names, phrases, incoherent thoughts. Presently, she sat on the bed next to him reading a book on the Tradition, Culture and Society of the Fire Nation. She felt him moving, shifting his body and felt him reach for her. He held her as tight as he could in a weak embrace. Arms wrapped around her hips, head buried in her lap. She looked at him with worry and mindlessly ran her fingers through his hair in a soothing motion. She didn’t know how long she sat in that position when he suddenly let go of her, slowly turning around, his head still resting on her legs. He blinked his tired eyes open and looked at her. “Hey,” she said softly brushing the lost strands of hair from his forehead. “Hey,” he managed to croak out weakly. She said nothing in return, simply starred at his golden eyes, her painful expression said it all. “I love you,” he said in a sorely strained voice. A deep sadness lingering in his eyes. Neither of them had said what would come next, but he knew. He could feel it, he could see the distance in the windows to her soul. She leaned down hovering above him for a. second, strands of her red hair falling, tickling his face as she did. “I know,” she responded before kissing his forehead. “I love you too.” Her lips lingered there for a moment. A stray tear escaping the window of her eye. A sigh escaped his lips and he closed his eyes taking in the moment. She pulled back draping an arm around him, one which he held lightly stroking every other moment. Xxx

Tsai left the Fire Nation three days later. It was the same day the Kyoshi Warriors arrived. She hadn’t eaten anything since arriving back home to the colonies. She hadn’t slept either, her heart felt heavy. She had suggested that they take a break for their own safety. Zuko agreed and said it would be best, but when he asked for how long she had no answers for him. “Until this is all over.” And who knows how long that would be. He had promised to wait for her. She found herself unable to make such promises to him. Sure, she could be with him, she could be only his, but he came with a burdening title that she found she could not fill. How would an individual from the Fire Nation’s colonies, half Earth Kingdom and half Fire take the seat of Fire Lady. It was unheard off, untraditional. She would never be accepted; it was something that did not belong to her. It hadn’t been her intention to leave the Fire Nation so suddenly, but an important meeting arose on the other side of the ocean. Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom diplomats were called to it. As were all the heads and leaders of the Fire Nation colonies. The security at the meeting was top notch since an attack was certain to occur. Amongst the colonial leaders were the Governors of the Hu Xin Provinces, the Governor of Bahamut, the Governors of the Taiga River Valley amongst others. She stood there alongside her brother representing Yu Dao, one of the Fire Nation’s colonies. The point of the meeting was to decide the future of the Hu Xin Provinces. Civil unrest and the discriminatory discrepancies between Earth Kingdomers and Fire Nationers threatened to spark a civil revolution which would just ignite the same chaos in the other colonies. Earth Kingdom diplomats claimed for their lost territory. The Fire Nation argued back that they wouldn’t surrender their colonized territory. Older colonies such as Yu Dao claimed neither was the answer, both cultures were deeply rooted in the land and the people, independence was necessary. This idea was greatly opposed by all parties. All governing heads of states had their seats on a long desk at the front of the room. A mediator at the side holding a hammering which came down after every sentence or so to approve or disapprove motions and silence the audience. “You have to understand,” Mecha pleaded standing his ground in the massive meeting room where rows and rows of governing officials sat with their staffs and teams all eyes focused on him. Scattered murmuring filled the room as all governing officials exchanged looked with each other. The scarred young man looked at his sister who sat in the audience. If anybody could convince them, it would be her. Afterall, she had been planning this for most of her adult life. She stood up confidently looking at the room filled with mostly middle-aged Fire Nation men. How typical. They all seemed to look down at the her with contempt. “It’s impossible to go back to either sovereignty,” she stood up. Tall, back straight, shoulders square like always. “Mark my words, war will lash out again as both the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation will dispute for their territories and neither will succeed.” She warned. “The best option is to come together and become a unified and independent republic.” Nobody said a word and she continued. “I –“ She began and looked at her brother from across the room. He nodded. “We believe that our colony, the Vice Royal colony of Yu Dao, is proof that our differences should make us stronger, not divide us. We live in a time when we should be building bridges not walls. Together uniting not only Earth and Fire, but Water as well. I believe we can build a thriving metropolis which would welcome all. Bringing talents, ideas and cultures from all over the world together as one.” The murmurs in the audience grew louder and soon they turned into a spread of cold, cruel laughs amongst the crowd. The laughter was mocking and echoed the large room. Regardless she did not stand down. “Excuse me,” An Earth Kingdom official who was lightly laughing rose to his feet. “Vice Royal Governor,” he addressed her brother instead of her. “Why would you allow this young lady to speak on your behalf?” “What are her qualifications?” Another governor asked also addressing her brother and not her. “I am well read, traveled and educated in the history, cultures and political climates of our world.” She answered. “My brother and I both strongly stand by the notion that our ways have to change. The war is over and the world cannot continue to go on as it has for the past one-hundred years.” “My sister can speak for herself, thank you,” Her brother added after a moment crossing his arms behind his back smiling proudly at his younger sister. He wasn’t going to have none of this nonsense. “If Yu Dao wants to stand alone, let them, be but we will not stand with you. We will not lose our customs, our traditions and our national identity and pride to the ideas of some anarchist!” The Governor or the Taiga River Valley slammed a hard fist down on the wooden desk. Arguing and talking got louder. “We are not anarchist!” Mecha backed up. “The Colony’s terrain rightfully belongs to the Earth Kingdom!” “Preposterous, more Fire Nationers live there than in any other place in the continent!” “We have a history there!” “When other nations send people here, they will not send their best!” The arguing got louder, bickering and disagreement being shot back and forth between all government and policy officials. None of them coming to an agreement when suddenly the main doors of the meeting room were parted open with a loud slam. Under the arch of the door stood three Fire Sages wearing their regal crimson robes. The three looked aged and walked in with solemn expressions. Reaching the front of the room where the heads of state sat. “Silence!” The mediator slammed his hammer down repeatedly. The room once again grew silent. All arguing parties remained standing. “A message of impertinence importance from Fire Lord Zuko.” One of the Fire Sages stood in the center of the room. The other two tagging along behind. He pulled out a golden scroll from the inside of his sleeve one which was still sealed with the royal wax stamp. He unraveled it, breaking it open and read a couple of minutes of political jargon. “-As of now, it is with great honor and pride that the Fire Nation succeeds half of its entire territory. All Fire Nation lands ranging from below the Northern Artic Sea and above the Gao Ling provinces. Hereby in this statement referred to as The Fire Nation’s colonies including Vice Royal territories of the nation such as: Bahamut, Taiga River Valley, Hu Xin, Yu Dao…” The Fire Sage continued naming numerous more if not all colonial lands that stood property of the Fire Nation. Officials stood up slowly hands pressed against their desks in support as they awaited the news of what would come of their lands. “All formerly mentioned territories, bodies of land and water, will be endowed… to Lord-“ The Fire Sage lost his voice; his eyes were raised with a ghastly look. The room remained silent not a single noise could be heard. You could hear a pin drop. Everybody on the edge of their seats. Mecha an Tsai’s eyes rapidly darted from the Fire Sage that was speaking to each other in disbelief. Her palms felt cold at what the man was reading all blood draining from her face. The man that was reading the Royal message in took a sharp breath. He placed a hand on a nearby desk to steady himself. “All formerly mentioned territories, bodies of land and water, will be endowed to Lord Tsai of Yu Dao as an absolute and independent monarch-“ The words of the Fire Sage became inaudible as chaos ensured in the room. Shouting the throwing of items across the meeting room. The mediator hammer incessantly to a deaf crowd. Tsai had not move had not had a reaction other than shocked at the words that rocked her. Mecha could see greedy hands reaching for her, screaming at her, about to pull and tug at her in anger. He cursed loudly and ran across the room grabbing his sisters’ arm and running out of the room kicking and knocking out everyone and everything that came in their way. “I can’t believe it…” He said catching his breath once the two were outside hiding in some nearby alleyway.  “He gave you the colonies!” He gaped eyes wide in disbelief. “Tsai! You’re a Lord! You’re the Lord of the Colonies!” He let out a shaky laugh. She was distraught, eyes lowered to the floor, her mind racing. Still struck and in disbelief at what had happened. He had followed through with his word. She thought about his moral comma… That made more sense now. “What are you going to do?” He asked. “I… I don’t know…” She admitted completely at a loss.

All of her life she had dreamed about this moment, planned for it prepared for it, but as it came to her like a wild raging bull, she wasn’t sure how to grab it by the horns. xxx As predicted war came to the colonies once again. The Battle of Yu Dao, as it would later be called consisted on King Kuei, the Earth Kingdom’s monarch, coming to claim his lost territories and Fire Lord Zuko from the Fire Nation sending troops to defend the territory known as the colonies from an invasion. Revolutionaries from the colonies rose in arms to defend their independence. Even Aang and the rest of the group returned to stand by the independence of the colonial territories. In the end all parties gathered outside the gates of Yu Dao ready to attack. All wearing military uniforms, helmets, weapons and on guard ready to strike. As if one hundred years of war had not been enough… It was only through the Avatar’s mediation that an agreement between Fire Lord Zuko, Lord Tsai and King Kuei was reached. The colonies would remain independent, the most recently acquired ones would return to the governing body of the Earth Kingdom. Lord Tsai renounced her title after declaring that the older colonies, particularly the ones with a blended identity and strong roots of both Fire Nationers and Earth Kingdomers would become part of a new independently governing body which was baptized as the Republic of Nations in which every nation would send an elected representative to delegate on their behalf. That’s how the colonies were liberated and Republic of Nations came to be…

xxxx AN: Short chapter, not my favorite but it had to be done.  Next chapter we’re going back to Present time Fire Nation. On to better things. Leggggooooo!! prev: https://gloves94.tumblr.com/post/625513136018112512/kingdom-of-the-sun-fire-lord-zuko-4 next:

[darkestwolfx]

Power Play - Re-Review #41

Woah, I honestly didn’t expect to get this far! I know I haven’t been able to reply to everyone individually last week, but I’ve read every piece of feedback/comments that came my way. Seriously, thank you all so much for supporting this series, because else the Re-Review’s would have died out long ago! Anyhow, here we go;

Doesn’t thisstart make the episode just look lovely?

Attack of the giants! It’s like someone’s found and used a growth serum- oh no, we have to wait another two episode for that!

Honestly though the behind the scenes features for this episode did look pretty awesome.

But the actual episode is what we will now discuss.

Oh, lookie here, a problem! Send in the Thunderbirds (like with most episodes)!

“What’s going on down there?”

“I’m not the one in charge of the floodgates! You tell me.”

And what a response that was. Almost typical really.

“You’re going to have to close the floodgates manually.”

“Wait, something’s here. What is that thing? We need help!”

“This is International Rescue. Help is on the way.”

So we’ve got a dam that’s on the way down and some strange presence within it... interesting.

I can’t keep up with Brains and type so basically, it’s one of the largest dams in the world and it’s cracking!

“This will need all of us.”

Family outing!

I’m sorry to say it though, but did Scott wobble in his launch sequence? Seriously I’m hyper aware of it at the moment for some reason. I blame @tsarinatorment​ - stop putting ideas in my head! (I’m only kidding, please don’t stop). But I think you’ll find there was a wobble there.

Playing skipping rocks with Thunderbird Four? Seriously boys, hold off on the Gordon cruelty! After all, that’s the job of us fanfiction writers.

Interestingly, Alan was playing skipping rocks in the 2004 ‘Thunderbirds’ movie.

“I just have one question. If you drop me off, how are you going to get the pods out?”

“Glad you mentioned it. Better hold onto something.”

“Hey! What are you?”

“Ok, that was awesome, but a little more warning next time.”

“It was Alan’s idea. Sorry Gordo!”

Nicknames are back! And that little bit of music accompanying it was perfect! One of my favourite moments for sure!

At least Gordon was planning on going for a swim, unlike Scott here.

“What’s the next fastest way inside?”

“You’re looking for the auxiliary entrance to number six.”

“I wasn’t planning on going for a swim, John.”

“My scan say it should be dry.”

“Ok.”

The should gave it away for me.

“I wouldn’t want to be in here when someone turns on the tap.”

That for me was Scott really pushing his luck.

“Ur... guys, I think I’m about to take that swim after all.”

Well, you did push your luck.

“Meaning?”

“Something inside that turbine room is taking all the power!”

And who else could that be, but this guy.

“This means The Mechanic is here.”

And um, he’s still got that hacked link into their systems from ‘Up from the Depths’. Seriously, I thought Kayo was on that? Do a better job the second time around please?

“We need the GDF here and fast.”

“They’re arriving now.”

“You gone up against this Mechanic guy before, Captain? I hear he makes The Hood look soft.”

“The Mechanic will get what’s coming to him.”

Yes, I’m sure he will. Especially with the return of Captain Foster... Did anyone else worry at seeing her face?

“We’ve got nothing to fight these things with.”

“Speak for yourselves.”

Did anyone else feel the suspicion in that as well? I know ‘she’s’ a Captain, but the GDF wouldn’t only arm one person if they had the weaponry to fight The Mechanic. At least, my logic tells me they wouldn’t.

“I’m not waiting any longer. I need to get these people out of here.”

“Thanks. Scott Tracy, International Rescue.”

“Captain Foster. I got you covered, Tracy.”

Good deeds! Captain Foster helping with a rescue. That would’t normally be a new thing for the GDF.

“Looks like the GDF got some upgrades!”

Yeah, one person, Scott, and really did that not set alarm bells off? Who (other than Brains) is the only person we know capable of fighting The Mechanic? And um... who was wearing Captain Foster’s face the last time we saw him? I mean, there was of course every chance the real Captain Foster could have showed up and forced him to chance faces, but I think The Hood is more practical a thinker than that.

“No matter. I got what I came for.”

And that fact really does set off alarm bells. What does The Mechanic want super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super-super... imagine the rest- super-charged batteries for?

“So did I. We’re leaving!”

“I’ll take care of The Mechanic.”

“It’s not worth it. You don’t have to be a hero.”

“I’ll leave the hero business to you, Scott Tracy. My business is a very different kind. Unfinished.”

“The Hood!”

But, oh no, green is so not his colour!

It’s like Battle of the Bad Guys - I imagine that is actually much better than battle of the bands too...

And maybe a little bit like an episode of Eastenders..? I’ve honestly never watched it, but I’ve seen trailers in between other programs, and this first part of dialogue just seems like the sort of conversation that might appear in an episode. Let me know if you have seen it. 

“You’ve been mascaraing as a GDF officer all this time just to find me?”

“I consider it a public service. Though I admit I expected more of a challenge when I did.”

“Now that I know what I’m dealing with I’ll make it one!”

After their ‘break up’ at the mid-point of Series Two, I suppose a scene like this was inevitable. The big thing is, however, we still don’t know entirely what set these two against each other. Okay, The Hood’s horrible insults might make it onto that list, and obviously we know there’s some kind of influence/control going on with that golden eye of his (nice little nod to TOS there, even though they’ve taken all the magic and wonder out of it by replacing it with ‘cybernetics’). Big reveals are on the way though!

“Sorry pal, but I don’t want to stick around for the light show if you know what I mean.”

“Brains, I need you to keep an eye on things here.”

“R.A.D.”

And here’s the big reveal I mentioned;

“You should have left well enough alone.”

“I never forgive and I never forget. But I have to give you credit, whatever you have planned has made me quite curious.”

“You haven’t figured it out yet? It was your idea.”

“Project Sentinel?”

“Sentinel?”

Sentinel you say, Brains? Sentinel was the original name of the US Navy ship which shot down Thunderbird Two in the TOS episode ‘Terror in New York City’.

“You must be joking. I decided that was far too extreme. Even for me!”

The Hood thinks something is too extreme for him to use even though he originally planned..? Interesting.

You see - this debate will be fully taken up in that other post I keep talking about, which will appear eventually - this is where my issues with The Hood’s ultimate ending in TAG come around. There’s a great bit of writing here, with two feuding bad guys, which I’m still completely believing. I can’t quite remember what I felt the first time I watched this episode, but having seen the final and knowing how The Hood’s big career speech turns out, this loses all potential power for me. Someone who was just out for revenge and always seemed to never have a conscience compared with the great Jeff Tracy doesn’t seem like the sort of guy who would say this.

Also, with the great revelations we get on The Mechanic, his reply also seems out of place to me now. Okay, we could claim it’s because The Hood’s control over him is driving him mad, but even so, the fact is that they’ve shown The Mechanic to be able to think of his own accord still and he’s had other opportunities to get The Hood which wouldn’t have involved endangering the planet. I don’t know, it just seems to me like someone crossed their wires when writing these characters, or just forgot to re-watch Series 2 before writing series 3..?

“I, on the other hand, have no such reservations. It would have been building it for you after all. Now there’s nothing to stop me picking up from where we left off.”

“Except for me!”

“He’s fighting The Hood in there, remember?”

“As if this day couldn’t get even more interesting.”

Yes, so let’s take a look at the rescue effort for the dam in detail;

“Virgil, are you sure you don’t want me to take the pod?”

“Not this time.”

Wait, Virgil’s willingly handing over Thunderbird Two? Get the record books out. And all because he wanted to inspect the damn personally... He really is a structural expert.

“It’s pulling me off the dam!”

“Bulls-eye!”

“Nice going, Alan.”

So Alan gets Scott’s aim as well? Seems a little unfair.

“It seems to be working. I just hope I don’t run out.”

We went a couple episodes without jinxing things, and so now we’re back at jinx central.

Meanwhile whilst Gordon is fighting mechas underwater whilst trying to attach cables to the damn, Virgil is sitting pretty here... until... down they both go!

“Fancy meeting you here.”

I think that’s pay back for the dropped landing earlier.

“Alan I sure hope you’re in position. Things are about to get wet!”

I’m guessing this wasn’t the ultimate end game plan though... You okay chilling down there?

“I’m ok. I think.”

Okay, we’ll just leave you there for a minute then, so that the battle of the bad guys scene can happen.

P.S. Look at poor little beached Thunderbird Four.

In fairness though, probably neither was this;

“This stuff washes off right?”

The fact that Gordon has asked that immediately gave me the answer.

No.

“Um, no, that’s the point.”

“Oh, ok, just checking.”

“You didn’t get any on Thunderbird Four, did you?”

“Let’s focus on the positives!”

Which means: yes.

“We can’t let him or The Mechanic leave with those power cells!”

“Seal off the area. Nothing gets in or out of here!”

And bye-bye goes The Mechanic.

 Another job well done by the GDF!

Scott’s face as The Mechanic’s ship vanishes.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to help Alan.”

“Why? What’s wrong with Alan?”

“Oh nothing.”

This Kayo and Scott exchange reminded me a little of conversations in TOS episodes ‘End of the Road’ and ‘Attack of the Alligators’ - you know where the big brother’s are doing the thing of wondering about the younger brother’s dating prospects.

And just a question, do we think that guy in the green shirt who came out to go fishing at the start of the episode has just been sat there watching the whole time? Because I do. Trainspotting? How about IR spotting?

So, humour aside, let’s explain what Project Sentinel is;

“What is it? Some kind of engine?”

“It’s a laser. The most powerful one I have ever seen. In the wrong hands it could be dangerous.”

This is a great episode, don’t mistake me on that. It’s got a nice rescue, balanced out with some smashing moments and a bit of bad guy brawling... but somehow, even though this episode is lighter, it’s not all fun and games. It’s a filler really, but it doesn’t portray itself in the typical way we usually see episodes of that type done. It pushes the plot forward just enough without giving away everything and ties up the remaining lose ends from ‘Escape Proof’. The comedy hits and it’s definitely less tense than some of those before it, but it’s still ultimately setting up some serious events to come and that always makes me a little worried. 

[dandelionflower]

Magic AU

Chapter 5

When Felix entered his home, he was greeted by a shoe flying at his face.

“Think fast!”

He caught the shoe and tossed it back to his mother. “Hello, Mom. Might I ask why you threw your shoe at me?”

She laughed and slipped on her shoe while spinning in her office chair. “Checking your reflexes; Cataclysm needs to be sharp when another villain comes.”

“Wha- wai- Cataclysm?” He stuttered. “How did you know?”

“I’m your mother, Felix. Also, you wore the clothes you left home with.” She started rifling through her desk. “Speaking of, I designed costumes for you both.” She pulled out two ribbons. “You know how to use these.”

Bridgette Culpa was a jewelry and shoe designer, a proud partner of the Agreste brand. She had the ability of transferring her designs into ribbons that, when tied to the model, would transform what they were wearing into the ribbon’s design. When the ribbons were untied, the design turned back to the clothes the model was previously wearing.

Bridgette was one of the most valued employees of the Agreste brand because of her ability to get photo shoots done without the need to physically make the clothes and take up time.

Her ability did come with a drawback, the ribbons were still visible. Usually, during photo shoots, the ribbons would be tied under the clothes, usually on ankles, wrists, or waists.

And Bridgette was giving Felix two ribbons, one black and another a sandy brown. He stuck the brown one in his pocket as he tied the black one onto his wrist.

His grey hoodie shifted and smoothed into a black hoodie with a white trim on the ends of the sleeves and the bottom. The trim had thin silver stitching, giving it a star like appearance.

His pants were form fitting and black with a thin silver strip spiraling up each of his legs. He was wearing boots with a white tounge and black laces.

Looking at his hands, he noticed fingerless gloves with a white star on each knuckle.

His mother squealed. “Look at the back!”

The back had a large crescent moon with a shooting star. The trail of the star was “Cataclysm” in silver cursive.

He pulled off the ribbon, rubbing his thumb over the white embroidery. “Thank you, mom, it’s perfect.”

“Good, I just hope your partner likes hers.”

“I’m sure she will. I’ll be in my room working on homework.”

“Alright, but tell me when you’re done, we’re going to the Dupain-Cheng’s for dinner. I need to talk to them about letting you stay at their house until Nathalie can pick you up while I’m away.”

“How is Aunt Nathalie anyway? I haven’t seen much of her.”

“Same old same old. I’m not sure if she’s living with Gabriel or…”

“Well, it will be nice to see her.”

“I’m sure it will.” Bridgette’s lips pursed and she looked away. “Now, go do your homework so I can gossip with Sabine.”

“Of course.”

——————

After Felix finished his homework, a self assigned essay, he began to fiddle with the pin Lucky Charm gave him, thinking about his class.

It was pandemonium when he returned from defeating Ivan again, but it was beautiful. Glass shattering everywhere, random tornados and earthquakes, even the odd desk turned to demon. It was inspiring to see all of his peers so excited about a Cursed role model that wasn’t known for taming their abilities, but embracing them.

It was… miraculous to see abilities that had been dampened for years finally come to light. Felix, at the prompting of the others, even allowed his bad luck come through. Several students tripped instantly and the class cheered.

The teacher on the other hand, wasn’t as excited as the rest of them. She kept trying and trying to maintain peace, but to no avail.

His finger slipped and he tapped the spot on his pin that turned it to a yo-yo. It fumbled in his hands before he finally got a good grip.

He tossed it up gently and it instantly shot forward, wrapping itself around the light fixture. He tugged it sharply and it came back, the light where it was supposed to be.

I’m going to need some time to figure this out. But, before he could give another attempt, his mother poked her head through the door.

“Time to go! The drivers parked up front and ready to go, so put away your yo-yo and come on.”

“This driver wouldn’t happen to be Kevin, would it?” Felix asked innocently as he clipped his pin back onto his hoodie.

Kevin was Bridgette’s usual chauffeur. His ability was essentially GPS. He always knew the quickest route with the least traffic. This made him one of the most desirable personal drivers in Paris. Certainly the most desirable for Bridgette.

Her brow furrowed and she laughed. “Kevin? Of course not…”

“Mother, I know you and Kevin have… something going on. Please stop undermining my intelligence by pretending you don’t. If there is any concern on either of your parts about my feelings on the topic, I am completely fine.”

She sighed and slumped against the door frame. “Oh, thank goodness. Because we were planning on having a date tomorrow and I know you would have noticed.”

“That I would.” He picked up his bag and followed his mother out the door.

Kevin nearly leapt from the seat. “Hey Bridge- I mean hello Ms. Culpa. Hello Felix.”

“Kevin, calm down.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “He knows, he’s cool with it.”

“Oh, great.” Felix could practically see the relief. “Now what?” Isn’t something supposed to change during this kind of thing?”

Felix patted Kevin’s arm and slipped into the car. “Nothing you don’t want to, Kevin. It’s your relationship with my mother that matters, not your relationship with me.”

“Okay…” Kevin turned to Bridgette and mouthed, “How is he so smart?”

She shrugged and gave the man a kiss on the cheek as she slipped into the seat next to Felix, who had pulled out a book of poems. “By the way, Felix, Gabriel needs new teen models. Do you think you could…”

“Of course. When would I start?”

“The week I start my trip. You’d be working with a boy your age, Adrien Agreste.”

“Yes, that name sounds familiar. I believe he is in Marinette’s class.”

“Here we are.” Kevin parked the car by the bakery and opened the door. “The Dupain-Cheng bakery.”

Felix came out first, thanking Kevin and jamming his book back into his bag.

The minute he entered the bakery, Marinette tackled him to the floor.

“Felix! I really need your help, opinions! Designs! Help.”

“I’ll help you, Nette. But maybe we should get off of the floor of your parents’ business?”

“Right.” She leapt off of him and brushed herself off. “Sorry.”

Felix noticed something new in her hair. “A hair clip? Doesn’t exactly match your other clothes.”

“I’m not taking fashion advise from you, Mr. ‘I wear the same ratty old hoodie over a dress shirt and vest.’ And you seem to have a new accessory yourself.” She spared a glance at his pin.

“Guilty,” he laughed, “but you’re the one who wants me to look at your designs.”

“You’re right.” Her brow furrowed. “Let’s just play Ultimate Mecha Strike Three, I’ll show you the designs later.”

“Fine by me.”

————————

“So, what does everyone here think about Lucky Charm and Cataclysm?” Tom asked innocently.

Felix choked on his water. “Umm, my class certainly seems to like Cataclysm. My teacher significantly less, however.”

“Yeah, my class really likes Lucky Charm, shes all they talk about. But I think she’s overrated, Cataclysm is the one with all the brains.” Marinette piped in.

“So you’re a Cataclysm fan, then?” Bridgette asked with a knowing smile.

Felix felt his cheeks burn.

“Yeah, I guess so. It’s just really inspiring how he doesn’t let the negative interpretations of his abilities weigh him down.”

“Hmmm.” Bridgette smirked at Felix, who was trying his hardest to disappear. “Interesting.”

“I’m sure it is, Bridgette.” Sabine mentioned. “But I was wondering how Felix felt about Lucky Charm.” Her smirk mirrored his mother’s.

“I think that she is a selfless hero and truly a role model for the Blessed. A picture perfect hero.”

“Gah!” Marinette toppled out of her chair before Sabine could speak.

“Um, Felix?” Tom asked. “Why don’t you take Marinette upstairs to lay down?”

Felix nodded and began to help Marinette up, throwing one of her arms over his shoulder.

“You alright?” He asked as he laid her on the chaise. “That was quite the fall.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. You get used to it after the first dozen times.”

She groaned and Felix almost felt the words on his tounge. Did you really mean what you said about Cataclysm?

Just as he was about to ask, his phone blared.

“You seriously don’t have it on vibrate?” Marinette laughed. “Get with the times.”

“Oh hush! This is clearly senseless babble from a concussed girl.” He growled as he pulled out his phone.

Mom: Better get ready there’s another villain.

“Oh, ah, I have to go…” he glanced at Marinette who was looking at her phone.

“Oh, okay. I have something to do anyway.”

Felix could tell she wasn’t paying attention, but he left anyway, slipping off his ring and swapping it for the mask in his pocket. After pulling on the mask, he tied his ribbon on his wrist he pressed his pin, just before it was transformed like the rest of his clothes.

He opened the window and threw his yo-yo. He gave the string a long yank and began soaring through the air, following the sound of screaming.

…………

The rest

@thewingting

@drama-queen-supreme

[oceanna1919]

Contents Under Pressure{1X07, part1}

‘’For the love of pizza, I'm begging you for the tenth time!" I complained through gritted teeth, "Stop pacing!" For the last hour, Clarke couldn’t stop pacing as I was watching the camp being destroyed by the stormy weather. My best friend threw a glance my way, stopped for a moment to stare at stormy weather outside, and then started pacing again. I groaned and covered my face with my hands.

"I'd like to see how you'd react if Bellamy was in Finn’s place’’ She murmured but I heard her.

‘’What’s that supposed to mean?’’ I asked her tiredly.

‘’Nothing’’ she said quickly, as she came to sit beside me. Finally!!

‘’Look, Clarke. You can’t do anything for Finn right now. Not until this girl fix her radio. Who is she by the way? Finn’s cousin or something?’’ I asked quietly, pointing at the brunette. Clarke let out a sad sigh and her jaw clenched.

‘’She’s his girlfriend’’ She said harshly and my eyes widened. But he slept with Clarke and he has never mentioned the brunette from the ark.

‘’But you slept with him. Does she know?’’ She looked quickly at me confuse.

‘’How do you know?’’ She asked and I rolled my eyes.

‘’The night of Charlotte’s death I couldn’t sleep, so I came to your tent and I heard you having sex with him. I didn’t want to interrupt you.’’ She blushed and looked to the ground

‘’It was an accident.’’ She said still looking on the ground.

‘’ How did you accidentally slip and fall on ‘it’? How does that accidentally happen?’’ I asked sarcastically with a smirk and I saw Clarke’s mouth fall opened.

‘’JASMINE!’’ she exclaimed and she hit my arm, making me burst out laughing.

‘’To answer your question. Raven knows.’’ So her name’s Raven. I felt sad for Clarke. She definitely doesn’t deserve this. I side hugged her and she put her head on my shoulder.

‘’He doesn’t deserve you Clarke. You will find someone better than Finn.’’ I said, trying to comfort her.

‘’Jasmine, I love him. I gave him everything and I mean everything.‘’ she said, she was close to crying.

‘’ Baby, I know. I can see that by the way you’re looking at him. But, let him be girl. Save him and let him be. That’s my advice.’’ I said, squeezing her shoulder comfortingly. I felt her nod, as she got up, giving me a smile as a ‘thank you’ and I smiled back. I saw her go to Raven and she tried to encourage her, before going to Finn, unwrapping the cloth that had been around the knife stuck in Finn’s side. I glanced over at Finn and he was looking very pale. I frowned as I walked over to Finn and trailing my eyes down to his wound.

‘’ His wound ain’t normal.’’ I said and Clarke nodded.

“Calling Ark Station. Ark station. Please come in.” I hear Raven repeat herself again and again. “I’m on the ground with the hundred.” She muttered.

“This is a restricted station. Who is this? Please identify yourself.” Both mine and Clarke’s heads snapped up when we heard a male voice being transmitted through the radio. We shared a look of hope and rushed over to Raven.

“This is Raven Reyes. I- I'm from Mecha Station. I'm transmitting from the ground. The hundred are alive. Please, you need to get Doctor Abby Griffin. Doctor Abby Griffin. Now.”

“Hang on Raven, we're trying to boost your signal.” Everyone had gathered around us now and was murmuring among themselves.

“Raven? Are you there?” I let out a cry of happiness, as I heard Clarke’s mom, Abby.

Clarke leaned on the desk Raven was sat at. “Mom? Mom it's me.”

“Clarke?” Abby gasped.

“Mom, I need your help.” Clarke said looking at Finn. “One of our people was stabbed by a Grounder.”

“Clarke, this is the Chancellor. Are you saying there are survivors on the ground?” My eyes widened. Wasn’t he dead? I thought Bellamy killed him. Was he a ghost?

“Yes, the Earth is survivable. We're not alone.” Clarke informed him. “Mom, he's dying. The knife is still in his chest.” Clarke said.

“Clarke, is my son with you?” Jaha asked, making Clarke freeze in her tracks. Her lips trembled at the thought of Wells. So I decided to answer this question.

“Hey Chancellor Jaha, or his ghost, or whatever. Jasmine is speaking. I’m so sorry, but… Wells is dead.” The line was silent for a minute as Jaha took in the news.

‘’Jasmine is that you?’’ I heard my dad murmured and it was my turn to freeze. I didn’t expect him to be there.

‘’ No it’s not me. It’s my twin sister.’’ I answered sarcastically and Clarke pushed me gently to the side.

‘’We don’t have time for this.’’ She told me and I nodded. She was right. ‘’Mom I don’t know what to do. I need your help.’’ Clarke said, looking at the radio.

“Okay. I’ll help you. I’m going to talk you through it, step by step.”

Clarke walked over to the bed where Finn was resting.  Suddenly, we were thrown slightly off balanced by the wind as the dropship rocked.

“Just find-” The end of Abby’s sentence was completely muffled, making it impossible to understand.

“What?” I shouted, before turning to look at Finn’s real girlfriend beside me.

“What's going on?” She gazed at the radio and to me after.

“It's not the radio, it's the storm.”

Minutes later, Octavia walked into the dropship, soaked to the bone, with two canisters.

“Great.” I said with a slight smile. I took one of the canisters and went to drink, but its scent stopped me.

“Ugh.” I grunted. “What the hell is that? I thought it was water!’’ I exclaimed

‘’Its Monty's moonshine” Octavia answered

“Pretty sure no germ could survive it.” Octavia joked.

‘’I confirm.’’ I said, raising a hand up.

“Storm's getting worse. Monroe, close the door.” Clarke ordered

“But we still have people out there.” Monroe argued. Who was out there?

“Monty and Jasper still aren't back yet. Neither is Bellamy.” Octavia mentioned with a worried look on her face. Bellamy? I don’t know why I was worried about him. I hate him, or not. No I like him. I just don’t like his attitude.

“It's okay, they'll find somewhere to ride it out.” Clarke said, trying to reassure the younger Blake.

Raven made a noise to get Clarke's attention then she held out a needle.

“One stitching needle.” Raven announced, placing the needle in Clarke’s hand.

“Great, we still need something to close the wound.” Clarke informed her.

“There's some wire on the second level. I used it for the tents.” Octavia informed quickly.

“That’ll do’’ I nodded.

“Yeah.” Octavia walked over to the ladder as Raven called out to her.

“Stay away from the blue wires that run through the ceiling. I rigged it to the solar cells in the roof.”

“That means they're hot! You got that?” Raven continued, raising her voice.

‘’ She’s not stupid.’’ I said, glaring at Raven and she looked at me. Octavia was about to climb up the ladder when Monroe yelled.

“Hey! They're back!”

“Bellamy!” His sister shouted. I saw Bellamy walking in first, also soaking wet from the rain, with two guys beside him, carrying Lincoln’s body.

‘’ The hell are you doing?’’ Octavia yelled, walking up to her brother.

“It's time to get some answers.” He said casually.

‘’He means revenge ’’I pointed out, standing beside Clarke and Bellamy turned his gaze on me, which became darker. I’m pretty sure he was mad at me. It wasn’t my fault, he was being an ass.

“I mean 'intel’.” Bell corrected me with a frown on his face.

“Get him upstairs.” He ordered the two guys who immediately started dragging Lincoln up the ladder.

“This is one of your stupidest ideas of all time and trust me, you have a lot.” I said, ready to snap at him, with crossed arms.

“Bellamy, she's right.” Clarke added, standing beside me. He gave me an angry glare, completely ignoring Clarke.

“Clarke, okay we're ready. Can you hear me?” We heard Abby’s crackled voice through the radio. Bellamy turned quickly to look at the radio and he look surprised and scared, really scared. I forgot about his situation. But I wasn’t going to tell him that he missed his shot and that Jaha was alive.

“Look, this is not who we are.” Clarke said quietly.

“Clarke?” Abby called.

‘’Wait Abby. We’re dealing with a toddler at this very moment’’ I said, still glaring at Bellamy. I heard a quiet ‘what’ coming from Abby.

“It is now.” Bellamy stated, walking away, giving me one last angry look. Clarke turned to Finn and she was giving the information that Abby asked. At one point, delinquents in the room became very loud and I ordered them to go to the second floor. As I didn’t like Finn, because he played with Clarke, I didn’t like seeing him in this condition, so I decided to do my favorite thing in the world. Annoy Bellamy King Blake. I was climbing to the third floor when I heard Bellamy’s annoying voice.

‘’ Hey tie him! Tie him! Last thing we need is this bastard escaping because you screw-’’

As he was finishing his sentence, I almost tripped on the last step, so I let out a small cry and everyone turned to look at me and I looked at everyone embarrassed. I hate being so clumsy. I stood up quickly as nothing happened.

‘’Hello, beautiful people.’’ I said faking cheerfully. ‘’Except you. You’re ugly, inside and outside.’’ I said pointing at Bellamy. He rolled his eyes dramatically and I said.

‘’Don’t roll your eyes like that. They are going to fall out.’’ He let out a growl and I said.

‘’ Don’t growl, you will turn into a werewolf’’ He came at my face and began shouting and I just stayed there, letting him finish.

‘’I don’t have time for this! GET OUT!’’ The grounder began moving, glaring at Bellamy. I let out a fake yawn.

‘’ Did you finish your tantrum?’’ I asked him with bored eyes. He closed his eyes trying to control is anger.

‘’Do NOT cross my limits Jasmine. Go!’’ he ordered me.

‘’I do NOT take orders from you ,jackass!’’ I glared at him and he glared back. I saw Octavia, from the corner of my eyes coming up and when she saw The Grounder tied up and beaten, she looked horrified. Bellamy when he saw his sister, he rolled his eyes again and went to Octavia.

‘’ Octavia, get out of here!’’ He tried to order her too. He really likes ordering people.

‘’ I told you, he healed my leg. He protected Jasmine. You didn't have to do this.’’ She said trying to convince her brother.

‘’This isn't about you or her, I'm doing this for all of us.’’ He said and I let out a sarcastic laugh. Yeah right. For all of us.

‘’ You did that for all of us?’’ Octavia asked with sarcasm, looking at Lincoln. GO Octavia Go!

‘’ I did that for Finn and Jasper and John and Diggs and Roma.’’ I shook my head. This is crazy.

‘’ It wasn't him!’’ Octavia said tiredly.

‘’ You don't know that!’’ He shouted in her face and I went and stood between them, glaring at him.

‘’Don’t yell at her you selfish piece of trash!’’ I yelled and pushed Bellamy to create a distance between us.

‘’We need to know what we're up again. How many there are and why they're killing us. And he's gonna tell us right now.’’ Bellamy said strongly, sending me daggers with his eyes. Bellamy stepped forward, going in front of Lincoln and Octavia grabbed his lower arm to stop him and he roughly took it out of her grip.

‘’ Drew, Miller take her downstairs.’’ The King said, pointing at Octavia and the two puppies nodded before grabbing Octavia but she wrestled free.

‘’ Get-get off of me! I don't even think he speaks English, he won't understand you.’’ Octavia said, with a disapproving frown on her face, before leaving. I was probably the only one that knew he was speaking English. Although I wasn’t going to tell anything.

‘’ Oh I think he will.’’ Bellamy growled, starring at Lincoln and I rolled my eyes. He really is a dick. I don’t know why I kissed him. I don’t know why I like him.

‘’ Jasmine go, before I make you.’’ The older Blake said looking at me with dark eyes and I sat down in the corner.

‘’I like to see you try Bellamy’’ I challenged him.

Bellamy started to ask Lincoln questions and Lincoln, of course, didn’t answer. Unexpectedly, the storm caused everyone to be thrown from where they are, except me because I was already sitting on the ground. Bellamy got up confused.

‘’ What the hell was that? Are we under attack?’’ Bellamy asked no one in particular.

‘’ Please, do me a favor and at least for once, try and use your left side of your brain, which is responsible for logic, and think.  It’s the storm that caused that.’’ I said boringly, while playing with my fingers. I’m sure he glared at me for the 1000000th time today, but I couldn’t care less.

‘’ We're gonna try this one last time. What's your name? Where's your camp? How many of you are there?’’ Bellamy asked Lincoln and he didn’t get any answer.

‘’ Hey, check it out.’’ I guess his name was Miller said and Bellamy approached him and he crotched down, looking at something. Curiosity got the best of me and I crawl to them and I saw a bunch of vials.

‘’ What is all this stuff?’’ The other guy asked and I just realised that I didn’t know him name.

‘’ Who the hell knows with these people?’’ Bellamy said and he started untying what I assumed is Lincoln’s journal. Suddenly the grounder struggled to break free, taking me by surprise and I tried to stop Bellamy.

‘’Come on Bellamy. This is his personal stuff.’’ He completely ignored me, what a surprise, and he opened Lincoln’s journal, flipping through the notebook. Lincoln had a talent at drawing. He had drawings of our camp. Bellamy stopped when he saw a drawn of Octavia. Mhh, I will ask him to draw me too! Bellamy frowned his eyebrows and he stopped again turning the pages. I looked down and I saw a drawing of me. Ah, request done .That took me by surprise. Why he drew me and Octavia? I looked back at Lincoln and he was already looking at me. Okay? That was awkward. I saw Bellamy clenching his jaw a couple of times, before continuing flipping through the pages.

‘’ It's our camp. Guessing that all those marks add up to 102. 10 are crossed out. That's how many people we've lost.’’ Bellamy announced and he got up, still holding Lincoln’s journal.

‘’ You've been watching us ever since we got here!’’ Bellamy said looking at Lincoln, who looked away. I let out a long breath. This was going to be a longggggg night.

[kinetic-elaboration]

July 20: Thoughts on The 100 2x04, Many Happy Returns

It’s literally been five months since I did one of these…

The wasteland was a pretty cool concept and I’m sad that they kinda pulled back on it later. Like, when characters can get from point A below the wasteland to point B above it without apparently passing through it at all, it makes it seem like the area is actually not that big after all. Is it, like, just NYC? And maybe the metro area? Also, again, as usual, floored by the costuming on this show. Amazing.

So Zoran is the first human Jaha meets on Earth. A kid and a mutated human.

Clarke is so intensely pragmatic. She legit doesn’t care if people once tried to kill her, as long as they aren’t trying to kill her now. I don’t really see this as forgiveness, but rather an ability to forget the past that isn’t useful to her. Also lol @Anya for saying Clarke is weak, like who broke who out of the Mountain hmmm?

“Everything is Grounder territory.” Murphy telling the truth. And even if some parts of the world aren’t Grounder territory, how the hell would Bellamy know?

Murphy, canonically a terrible runner. Rewatching these early eps just reinforces his glow up since then. (Not in terms of running, but in terms of, like, haircut.)

The wreckage of the Factory crash is so devastating, following the trail of bodies to the crash site. I still wish we’d found out what happened to everyone else. I guess we’re supposed to assume the rest of the stations exploded before impact? But still. I feel some bitterness.

This saving Mel story is entirely, 100% about keeping Bellamy, Finn, and Murphy stuck for most of an episode, allowing Octavia to find them, and then forcing Bellamy to come back to Camp Jaha rather than continue searching for Clarke—so he can, you know, run into Clarke. It’s pure filler. And imo not even very interesting filler since I’m not really like a rescue/adventure story person. I can’t even figure out how Mel ended up stranded along the side of the cliff. Was she climbing up and then got tired? Also, on a related note, at what point do they, Bellamy in particular, realize which station this is? Is it immediately obvious from the wreckage, or only from the identity of the survivor? Because this is Bellamy’s home.

All that time they were talking, Sterling was there in the background, doing whatever. Honestly though shame on Bellamy a little for letting Finn convince him not to save Mel.

Totally forgot they built an electric fence at Camp Jaha. Then, began work on a radio beacon.

I can’t even pay attention to the Clarke and Anya scenes because I’m too attracted to both of them. Less so in the mud. Which is 100% gratuitous given that uh, I don’t think the Mountain Men who almost never go outdoors and are currently wearing big ass gas masks on their faces can smell shit.

Bellamy and his adventure squad are such dumbasses. Huh, let’s tie this thin rope with a single knot around a stump and then just watch our friend use it to scale the side of a mountain. Nothing can go wrong there. I mean there are fucking four of them just standing around watching when they could be, uh, securing the rope? Anyway RIP Sterling, cause of death: idiocy. (Slash the narrative’s need to put Bellamy in the hero role at this point, and to up the ante on his heroism, and to waste some time.)

To be more fair, I think this is semi-important for Bellamy’s characterization, an early version of ‘save who we can save today.’ He’s at a sort of crossroads at this point, not really a leader anymore like in S1, but sort of a leader, and he needs to figure out what sort of leader he’ll be.

Monroe’s “Sterling was one of us” warms my heart because it speaks to my “the 100 were a distinct social group” theory, which I wish (again lol) had been more important to the show and for longer.

Murphy does fall in, though, pretty fast. After Monroe says the ‘one of us’ thing. Which is actually pretty impressive given that a few days ago he was blasting a hole in the dropship and running away with all their ammunition.

This must be such a trip for Jaha, like, he is aware that forest exists still, because of transmissions from the 100, but he’s in the middle of the fucking desert, and this is all he knows of Earth, whatsoever. Also, again, these sets are perfect, I love them so much.

How did the City of Light become a legend among the Grounders? It’s made from the Alie 1 chips…. Didn’t Becca, like, not like those? I’m assuming of course that literally any of this was ever thought out or ever made sense.

“I have no room for hate.” You know what I’m just gonna say it: I think this is true. This is really how Jaha lives the rest of his life. I think people forget since he wasn’t really himself for most of S3, and even in S2 his mission to the City of Light seemed kind of nutty (and boring). But “I have no room for hate” both describes him pretty well, and is rather a lovely thing about him. If only he hadn’t been so obsessed with the COL, tbh. Searching for it was a bad idea from the very beginning and it was also, I think, a rather cowardly idea.

I forgot that this was where the concept of radiation disfigurement came in and was explained. Is that really how it works? Like random mutations, even generations after the event, from non-mutated parents? Lol I have no idea. That said, Sienna kind of looks like she has some scarring on her face, too.

Here is Jaha finding someone who left her people for her son, whereas he sacrificed his son for his people. Does this also change his mind on things going forward? Connect to his insistence on the COL, at the expense of a chunk of his people?

I miss this thing where characters knew other characters even though we’d never seen them interact before, because, like, a history exists and then the show acknowledges it. That was fun.

I shipped Raven/Wick and I don’t regret it, even though fandom’s toxicity basically killed it for me in a lot of ways. They had a good rapport. More importantly, he might literally be the only man to not take shit from Raven and to actually be brave enough to challenge her.

 Engineering is such a damn good set.

This is a weird episode because our two mains have pretty much the least important, or at least least-interesting, story lines. They’re basically just being moved into position to reunite at the end of the ep, and that’s it.

Clarke: “I just need something sharp and sterile [to remove the tracker from your arm].” Anya: bites it out with her teeth.

Why do they bother putting trackers on the Grounders? Do they escape often?

Murphy’s not only helping with the rescue mission, he’s at the head of the line.

Bellamy’s legs appreciation.

Murphy: “Don’t you worry, Bellamy, I won’t drop you.” I mean…you did once try to hang him. But by-gones I guess. I do believe at heart Murphy just wants to be part of the crew.

I think the Raven and Wick scenes are my favorites of this episode. I have two uninjured legs and I wouldn’t climb that thing; Raven is a brave bitch. And when she has to give up and come down, probably the saddest moment of the ep, along with finding Factory station. Some of this is relevant to my big bang.

 After literally all this, Finn’s still like ‘Bellamy, just drop that rando’ lol. No, bitch, don’t do this half-assed. Stop being a wimp and pull them both up.

Before it’s revealed that the horn is Octavia, this really does look like Bellamy and the No Good Very Bad Day lol: first Factory is found destroyed, then Sterling dies, then you almost die when your fake rope breaks, then someone starts shooting arrows at you, then acid fog rolls in, like, what now universe??

I guess another purpose of this story line, being fair again, is that Murphy and Bellamy are now officially friends again. Like Murphy has proven himself completely trustworthy as of that little nod between them.

“She blew the horn” is s obviously ADR to explain what exactly is happening here. Which is helpful, even though she’s clearly carrying the horn.

Blake sibling reunion!

“Three mechanics made it to the ground.” I mean… you’d think it would be more than that… what with the entirety of Mecha making it. Or was that station mostly casualties? I don’t know, this still doesn’t make sense to me, how they split up people between stations. Season 2 implied it was random, Season 3 implied it was by home station.

“Your leg’s messed up and that blows. Figure out a way to work around it.” Legit question: is there anyone else who would have said that to her?

I really, truly miss Wick tbh. One of the few characters with a sense of humor. (And yet again: he was good for Raven.)

They’re really playing fast and loose with the rules about language in this verse huh? Warriors speak English, no everyone speaks English, no English is for friends only I guess?

Jaha just wants to be a dad. Like, do I think he was a good parent… I dunno. Is he a better parent than anyone else on this show? At this point I would have to say yes. (No, Clarke does not count as a “parent” jfc.)

Ruthless Clarke ftw.

Jaha making a chess board just breaks my heart. Just let him be a dad!!

It’s been such a freaking long time since I watched this, I can’t remember if Octavia had braids in the last ep or not, like how long she’s had them. And it’s really bugging me, because someone else must have put them in, and I’m trying to figure out who that might be.

Also, where did she get the horn? I guess the implication is it was Lincoln’s… I can’t really remember. Wouldn’t it still have been on his person when he was captured?

Octavia went off the rails but at this point I’m still very fond of her.

The map Finn gives Bellamy lists ‘statue’ (Lincoln Memorial?), ‘twin trees’ (???), ‘Ark’ (Alpha Station??), and ‘amusement park’ AND amusement park is very close to Ark so my question is why didn’t they use that amusement park for something interesting??

Bellamy knows he shouldn’t let Finn go off alone but then, what can he do? Finn never really adhered to his authority. And I don’t think he feels like he can flex that right now, like it’s sufficiently established in this new order.

But he does arm Murphy. Which says a lot about how much he has decided to trust him, but also how little he trusts Finn. I forgot about this split in the character groups, though I should have remembered it, since of course this leads directly to the massacre.

“Parting, such sweet sorrow, right?” is an interesting quote from a kid who can’t spell ‘die.’

Aw, Clarke goes back to the dropship. I forgot about that. But then of course she doesn’t realize… anything. She doesn’t know the Ark is down, she doesn’t know what happened to the few of her friends who were on the outside. And her face when she sees the message to her, and only her name is still visible…

Blah blah blah fight sequence.

Creepy skeleton parts on the ground.

 I think this could have been the start of an Anya/Clarke friendship of some sort: Clarke earns her respect by fighting well, Clarke’s people protect Anya, the alliance forms… too bad they had to kill her.

And Clarke figures out where Alpha is based on Raven and Wick’s balloon.

“We fell from Earth in a football stadium. I think they already know we’re here.”

BUT the balloon is also what sets off Byrne, and gets her so worried about Grounders she authorizes the ‘shoot on sight’ command that kills Anya and almost Clarke. On the one hand, this is a nicely wrought story line. On the other hand, they shouldn’t have killed Anya, so. A wash.

Was Byrne’s worry about the balloon warranted though? I can’t decide.

Zoran, such a kind soul.

How can there possibly be a bounty on Sky People (side note: Jaha’s reaction to that name like ‘huh well I guess that is what we are’) that people all the way out in the dead zone would know about? Like… they’ve been on Earth for like a month. And the war has only been going on for part of that time, arguably. If it even is a war.

Trent Lane voice: Betrayal, yeah, stab in the back, betrayal…

Too bad “To survive, we do what we must” didn’t end up in like the fandom lexicon. It’s a pretty good variant on the theme. Plus Jaha’s just so… like he’s been fucked over but he can’t even be mad, because he gets that she’s doing it for her son and he wishes he had that chance. Watching his scenes again, I really feel like he was underrated and I miss him a lot.

I wonder what happened to Zoran and family. Were they absorbed into the hive? More generally, what happened to people seeking the CoL before ALIE could get it properly running with Jaha’s help? Did they all just… die in the desert?

Alpha Station at night is so beautiful.

And Clarke is so happy.

And this is SUCH A SETUP FOR CLARKE AND ANYA TO BE FRIENDS OMG, Anya should have brokered peace with Lexa, there was such an obvious role for her… Her death was 100% random attempt at shock, this show’s #1 worst quality, which is saying a lot.

I mean shot in the back while she’s walking away these Sky Guards are incompetent.

RIP Anya.

I really thought the Bellarke reunion was in this ep for some reason. But then I also knew Anya died right at the end—for more Shock Value ofc—so I don’t even know. I remember the scenes but nothing of their order I guess.

[pentakillmaven]

The Nose Knows, Chapter 2 (NaNoWriMo 2018)

I was able to finish the chapter earlier than I expected! Enjoy!

Chapter Rating: T

Chapter warnings: Canon-typical violence, mild language, more gratuitous usage of French language and the French education system. Mild spoilers for the the season 2 episode “Troublemaker.”

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12

Chapter 2

Monday dawned bright and early, as it was wont to do; the halls and classrooms of Lycée Jean-Baptiste Magnier were buzzing with activity. Some students feverishly scribbled the last bits of their weekend assignments, while others caught up with their friends after the weekend before making their way to their respective classrooms.

Marinette walked into her classroom, waving at Nathaniel and Mylène. "Good morning!" she said as she took her seat.

"Good morning, Marinette!" Mylène replied. "How was your Sunday?" Mylène and Ivan had been at the movies with the rest of the group on Saturday. The two had continued to date all through high school, and according to Mylène, they were looking at finding a university they could attend together.

"Ugh, crazy busy," Marinette replied. "I was working until nearly midnight on the Philosophy project for M. Leroux. I had a hard time staying awake; Aristotle is such a bore."

"Yeah, I had to do mine on Socrates, so I feel your pain. At least they're done, though, right?"

"Exactly. And this week should be easy since we have the practice tests for the Bac next week." Marinette sighed and leaned her head on her arms on top of her desk, closing her eyes in an attempt to catch one more wink of sleep before class started.

However, she quickly perked up when she heard a familiar male voice at the doorway. Lifting her head, she smiled when she saw her desk partner saying goodbye to his girlfriend with a quick peck before he stepped into the classroom. "Hey Marinette! Alya wanted me to give this to you." Nino approached their desk and handed Marinette a flash drive with a white and orange color scheme before taking his seat.

"Oh, this must be the notes I asked for! Thanks, Nino, I really appreciate you bringing them."

"No problem, dude!"

Nino, Nathaniel, and Mylène were the only students from her class at Françoise Dupont that had joined her in the Literature track at Lycée Jean-Baptiste Magnier. Thankfully, some of her other friends were in the school with her, just taking different classes. Adrien, Alya, and Ivan were in the Economics and Social Sciences track, while Alix and Rose were in the Science track. The rest of their group of friends had gone on to other high schools throughout the city--Chloé, for instance, was at a prestigious private school full of international students, where she got to rub elbows with the children of ambassadors and celebrities. Max had gone off to a feeder school for one of the most illustrious engineering universities in the country, planning to go into computer science, while Kim, Sabrina, and Juleka were at another local public school. Marc Anciel, Nathaniel's boyfriend, was also at Lycée Jean-Baptiste Magnier, but as he was a year behind them, he and Nathaniel didn't share any classes.

"So Marinette," Nathaniel asked from his seat behind the pig-tailed girl. "With the Bac practice tests next week, do you have any study plans this upcoming weekend? Rose and Alix are coming over on Saturday afternoon after class, you're welcome to come if you want."

"Thanks for the offer, Nathaniel, but I've already got study plans with Alya and Nino. We're making a full day of it at my place on Sunday. Right, Nino?"

Nino nodded in agreement. "Yep! I'm bringing the tunes, Alya's bringing the drinks, and you're providing the snacks. And if Adrien can get away from his dad, he said he'd like to come too, if that's okay."

"Oh, y-yeah, that's fine!" Marinette's voice broke a bit as she replied, a hint of a blush crossing her cheeks. Even after actively trying to get over Adrien by dating Juleka’s brother Luka (which made her realize that the two of them were definitely better suited as friends than in a relationship), she still had feelings for the blond. She might have outgrown the worst of her obsessive crush on the model, but now her feelings were deeper, especially as the two had finally been able to become real friends. Clearing her throat, she continued, "Of course Adrien is welcome to come. I can't imagine he's going to have any problems with the Bac, though, he's so smart."

Nino just shrugged. "I dunno, Marinette, he seemed pretty nervous about it when he asked me to ask you if he could come. He's probably more stressed out about it than he lets on, especially with how busy his schedule's been lately."

"That's fair. I know his dad has been pulling him out of school more recently for work. I'm just glad Alya shares classes with him so she's been able to help him keep up with his assignments and class notes."

"Don't I know it. It seems like every day the two of them are talking about school stuff and she's constantly giving him files. If I didn't know any better I'd think the two of them were planning something behind my back."

Before Marinette had a chance to reply, the History teacher stepped in to start class. Despite her best efforts to force herself to pay attention, Marinette found herself leaning her head on one hand, the other doodling idly in the corner of her paper as her mind wandered. It had been a while since Adrien had been to her house-- she actually couldn't think of any time since collège, when he came over to practice playing Ultimate Mecha Strike III for the video game tournament. (Though he did see her bedroom during the whole Jagged Stone/Troublemaker incident, but that didn't count since he wasn't technically there for it.) When Alya came over to her place to hang out, they usually spent most of the time in her bedroom, but there wasn't exactly a lot of sitting space for four up there. And if they were going to have their books and study materials spread out, the dining room table or living room would make a lot more sense. However, being in a common area would mean more distractions from her mother--or, Lord forbid, her father, as nosy as he was--especially if Adrien did come to the study party. On the other hand, being downstairs would lead to far fewer questions about what they were getting up to, and would make them all more accountable to actually studying for the Bac rather than just goofing off…

A sudden elbow to her ribs caused Marinette to jump, looking around quickly. "Huh?"

"Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, did you hear me?" Marinette flushed as she realized her teacher had been speaking to her.

"I'm very sorry, Mme. Chevalier… could you repeat that?"

The History teacher pursed her lips together as she stood at the chalkboard, obviously displeased with Marinette's lack of attention. "If you aren't going to listen to me, you may step outside until the end of class. And no getting notes from any other students," she added with a glare in Nino's direction.

"I'll pay attention, Mme. Chevalier. Again, I am very sorry." Marinette couldn't feel any worse if she tried. She knew that it was a very important time for her to be on top of her studies, as the practice exams were coming up and the Baccalauréat was the one thing that could make or break her chances of getting into university to study fashion design.

"Very well then. Could you explain the reasoning behind Napoléon Bonaparte's decision to invade the Russian empire in 1812?"

"Bonaparte had two goals for the Russian campaign: firstly, his official reasoning for the invasion was that he wanted to liberate Poland from the Russians. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, he wanted to force Tsar Nicholas I to stop trading with the British, which violated the Continental Blockade."

"That's correct." Mme. Chevalier continued on with her lesson on the Russian Campaign, but once again Marinette found she couldn't keep her attention on the teacher despite her best efforts. It came as a blessing when the class period ended without her being called upon again.

"Thank God for free periods," Marinette said as she and Nino left the classroom. "I'm going to go hunt down Alya before next period. You have fun in Music Theory!"

"Oh, yeah, sure," Nino deadpanned. "M. Berlioz has us doing oral presentations this week since the Bac practice tests are all written."

"Ouch. Well, good luck with it!"

"Thanks, Marinette. See you in Philosophy class!"

Marinette ducked into a nearby bathroom on her way to find Alya, waiting for the other girls to filter out before she was left alone as the next class period started. Once Marinette was sure she had the room to herself, she opened her purse to let Tikki out. "Tikki, did you hear what Nino said? Adrien wants to come over to my house on Sunday!"

"That's great, Marinette! I'm sure the four of you will have a lot of fun studying for your test!" Tikki smiled at her holder. "Just make sure you leave me some cookies!"

"Of course," Marinette said with a grin. "In fact, before they come over I'll make sure to bring some up to you, fresh out of the oven."

"Oh, Marinette, that's so nice of you to offer!" Tikki giggled.

Marinette opened her mouth to say something else when a sudden rumble shook the school. "An Akuma? But there hasn't been one in weeks…"

Tikki zipped into Marinette's purse. "You'd better go out and double check. You don't want to transform if it's nothing, but better to be safe than sorry."

Marinette nodded. "You're right." Closing her purse to hide her Kwami, Marinette pushed the door to her stall open, but before she could get out of the bathroom, another sudden shock wave rocked the school, knocking her off her feet and sending her careening head-first into a porcelain sink.

Hearing the thud, Tikki cried out, "Marinette? What happened?" When her holder didn't answer, Tikki phased through the purse. She gasped when she saw Marinette's lifeless body. "Oh no! Marinette, wake up!" She flew up to Marinette's head, checking for her pulse and looking for any signs of injury. There was a bump rapidly coming up on her forehead, but no blood, and her pulse was strong. Unfortunately, with Marinette being unconscious, there was no way for her to call on Tikki's power to transform.

Another rumble shook the school once again, this time accompanied by screams and a roar of pain and anger. Tikki partially phased through the bathroom door to peek outside, seeing a large, hulking form covered in what appeared to be gemstones. "I am Gemocide! Bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir, or I'll turn the whole school into crystals and crush them into dust!" the Akuma cried out.

Past the Akuma, on the other side of the school courtyard, a blonde and a brunette were sneaking away from their classroom, ducking underneath windows to avoid being spotted by anyone inside the other classes. "Come on, Alya, you know it's not safe!" Adrien hissed, following his best friend's headstrong girlfriend as she tried to get closer to the Akuma, cell phone in hand.

"Look, Adrien, you don't have to follow me if you don't want to. I'm going to get this scoop for the Ladyblog! This is the first Akuma we've had in weeks!" Alya gave Adrien her patented "just-try-to-stop-me" look as she crept closer to the courtyard.

Shaking his head, Adrien let Alya get a few steps ahead of him before he ducked down an empty hallway that led to a supply closet. He opened the closet door as quietly as possible in an effort not to catch Alya's attention. As soon as the door was shut behind him, Plagg zipped out of his shirt pocket. "It's about time! I was starting to get really bored," Plagg complained.

"Quit your belly-aching," Adrien muttered. "Plagg, claws out!"

Moments later, after a flash of green light, Chat Noir popped out of the supply closet, launching himself toward the main area of the school. However, before he could even get out of the hallway, he was stopped short by the sight of a tiny red creature with black spots floating in the air in front of him. He felt an odd sense of recognition when he saw the thing, the smell of warm cookies and sugary sweets filling his nostrils. It took him a moment to realize why it looked so familiar.

"You're Ladybug's Kwami, right? What are you doing here? Where is she?"

The tiny pixie-like creature nodded in confirmation. "Yes, my name is Tikki. Ladybug will be here shortly, but I found a student that needs help. She's in danger!"

"All right, I'm here. Lead the way!" Tikki flew back down the way she came, Chat loping along on all fours in an effort to keep up with the surprisingly speedy Kwami. When they came to the women's restroom, Chat stopped just outside the doorway. "Um, Tikki, I don't know if you know this, but I'm not allowed to go in there…"

"I think in this situation it's okay for a superhero to go into the girl's bathroom!" Tikki said, crossing her arms over her chest. "The girl in here is one of Ladybug's close friends and she needs your help!"

"All right! All right, I'm going." Adrien pushed the door open, his eyes darting around but mostly staying near the ceiling until he confirmed that there wasn't anyone screaming at him to get out. When he looked down, he gasped at the sight of Marinette lying unconscious on the floor, a nasty-looking goose egg bruising on her forehead. "Oh god! Marinette!"

"You know her?" Tikki asked curiously.

"Y-yeah, I've-- I mean, there was that incident with the Evillustrator a few years ago, and I've seen her a few times since then…" Chat was thankful that his mask hid his cheeks, otherwise he knew they would be as red as Tikki's skin. He was not going to admit to Ladybug's Kwami how often he stopped by Marinette's balcony just to check in on her. "What happened?"

"It looks like she hit her head while she was in here, probably from the initial tremors from the Akuma. You need to get her out of here before it destroys the whole school! It seems really angry about something here specifically."

"You're right about that. I heard what the Akuma said. It's not likely to leave here any time soon, so I can get Marinette to safety and then come back and keep it busy until Ladybug gets here."

Tikki nodded. "That sounds like a good plan. If Ladybug shows up while you're gone, I'll be sure to tell her where you are."

"Thanks. Her house isn't far from here, so I'm just going to take her straight there and come back." Tikki nodded again in confirmation. "Stand back-- or, well, float back, I guess?" Adrien gently picked up Marinette in his arms before carrying her toward the window. With a cry of "Cataclysm!" he melted the window, giving him a clear exit to get out of the school as quickly as possible. In his focus on getting Marinette out safely, he didn't notice Tikki phasing back through Marinette's purse, returning to her usual hiding spot.

Traveling by rooftop, it took Chat barely two minutes to make it to Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie. He landed smoothly on Marinette's balcony, tugging open the trapdoor, which was thankfully unlocked-- he didn't have another charge of his Cataclysm to open it if it had been barred from the inside. He shifted Marinette's body in his arms to get her inside, settling her down on her bed before gently tracing a clawed hand over her face. "I'm just trying to get a better look at her injury," he muttered, as if trying to convince himself that his motives for touching her were entirely pure and not at all driven by his crush.

"Mm… Ad...en..." Marinette let out a soft, pained moan, shifting slightly on the bed, making Chat jump in surprise. Did she just say my name? he thought to himself. His eyes darted around, as if expecting someone to be watching; thankfully, it seemed the coast was clear.

He hopped down out of the loft, digging around on her desk for a pen and paper. He found a piece of drawing paper and a green pen, tracing out a rather crude paw print shape to let Marinette know that he had been the one to bring her home. He climbed back up into the loft, tucking the paper into Marinette's hand, giving her one last quick check to make sure there wasn't anything more serious wrong with her. "You'll feel better once Ladybug's magic has done its work, Princess," he murmured to her. Biting his lip, he reached for her other hand to bring it to his lips… only to be reminded of his imminent de-transformation by an incessant beeping. "Shit." Chat reached up to pull himself out of the skylight, practically flying up onto the roof to release his transformation. "Plagg, claws in."

When Plagg had re-materialized in front of Adrien, he looked angry. "Where are we? Why aren't we fighting the Akuma?"

"Look, Ladybug's Kwami found me"--

"Tikki was at your school? Why wasn't she with Ladybug?"

"She said Ladybug was on her way, but Marinette was hurt, I couldn't just leave her lying in the bathroom unconscious!"

"So you abandoned the Akuma to save your girlfriend?" Plagg accused, crossing his arms in frustration

Adrien had the decency to blush at that. "She's not… Tikki asked me to save Marinette, okay? She told me that Marinette and Ladybug were close friends and that Ladybug would want me to make sure Marinette was safe."  

"That… okay, yeah, that sounds like something Tikki would say. She's always been a bleeding heart."

Adrien pulled a piece of Camembert out of his pocket, handing it to Plagg to recharge his power. "Just eat quick so we can go back to school and take care of that Akuma, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just tell me one thing, kid."

"What is it?"

"Did you feel her up?"

"Oh god-- Plagg, no!" Adrien's face practically went up in flames from his embarrassment. "She's unconscious! I wouldn't do that to her! It wouldn't be right!"

Plagg just gave Adrien a shit-eating grin before eating the piece of stinky cheese. Within moments, Adrien called out his transformation phrase again and Chat Noir was off toward Lycée Jean-Baptiste Magnier.

Down in Marinette's bedroom, the young woman slowly came to consciousness, groaning in pain as she realized her head was throbbing. "What… what hit me?" she mumbled, squinting and rubbing her forehead. She hissed at the tenderness of the goose egg just along her hairline.

"You fell and hit your head on a bathroom sink at school," Tikki explained, floating just inches from Marinette's face. "Luckily, Chat Noir showed up and he was able to bring you home. I made sure the skylight was unlocked so he could get you inside."

"Chat… Noir? He came into my room? Wait, he saw you? Did he"-- Tikki shushed Marinette before she could freak out too much.

"No, no, he doesn't know you're Ladybug. I told him that Ladybug was on her way and would be at the school soon, though, so he's going to be looking for you. We need to hurry."

"Tikki, I don't think I can fight in this condition. My head is killing me-- and if I passed out, what if I have a concussion?" Marinette lifted both of her hands to rub at her face, only to realize she was clutching a piece of paper in one hand. Looking down at it, she saw a green paw print along with a short note:

You're safe, Princess. Feel better!   --C.N.

Marinette flushed red and quickly tucked the piece of paper under her blanket. Nope, not thinking about that right now. She looked up, realizing Tikki was speaking to her, and flushed even more. "Sorry, Tikki, I didn't quite catch that, what did you say?"

"I said, when you transform, the magic will temporarily heal your head, so you will be able to fight. And then your Lucky Charm should do the job permanently, since the injury happened after Hawk Moth created the Akuma."

"Oh! Well, that's a relief. All right then, Tikki, spots on!" Tikki was sucked into Marinette's earrings as she transformed into Ladybug, dashing up onto her roof and swinging her way back to school.

When she dropped onto the roof of the lycée, Ladybug saw Chat Noir dodging blows from an absolutely massive, hulking figure coated with what appeared to be large chunks of raw diamond. As if drawn to Ladybug by some mysterious force, Chat looked up at her, his face breaking out in a wide grin. "There you are, Bugaboo! I was getting worried that you were going to stand me up!"

"I'm sorry, Chaton, I got a little tied up," Ladybug said with a grin, launching her yo-yo at the villain in an effort to restrain him. Rather than winding around him, however, the Akumatized villain grabbed onto the string, pulling Ladybug off the roof toward him instead. Chat launched into action at that moment, distracting the villain with his baton to give Ladybug a chance to land properly and retract her yo-yo. The baton seemed to do nothing against the Akuma's crystalline armor, but the blow did at least distract him long enough to allow Chat and Ladybug to meet up on the ground.

"You seem to be in a paw-fully good mood today, My Lady, if you're cracking jokes like that," Chat commented as the two of them launched into a synchronized attack. Within just a few minutes, the two were on opposite sides of the Akuma, hedging him in and keeping him from escaping past the boundaries of the courtyard.

"I'm just glad to get to spread my wings a bit, you know?" Ladybug replied. "So where do you think the Akuma is at?"

"Right under his head, there's a crystal that's a different color from the rest. It kind of looks like a bow tie?"

"I see it. Lucky Charm!" Throwing her yo-yo high in the air, she was rewarded with a crossbow loaded with a flat-headed bolt. Looking around in confusion, she realized that there was a high ledge that would give her a clean shot at knocking that particular crystal off of the Akuma's body, as long as… "Chat, keep him busy!" Ladybug launched herself into the air using her yo-yo before her partner could respond.

"Of course, Bugaboo!" Chat said, turning his attention fully back to Gemocide. "Now then, it's just you and me, buddy…"

It took Ladybug a minute to figure out how to use the crossbow and another to line everything up properly. She took a deep breath in through her nose and out through her mouth, waiting for just the right moment… there! She squeezed the trigger between breaths; luckily, the bolt fired true, the wide, flat head managing to hit the crystal bow tie just so to send it flying into the air.

"NO!!!" Gemocide screamed as Chat scooped up the piece of crystal. "Give that back! If you don't give that back right now, I'll kill you and take your Miraculous!"

"Cataclysm!" A moment later, a dark butterfly fluttered out of the broken gemstone. Ladybug, who had jumped back down to ground level, swiped at it with her yo-yo, capturing it and purifying it.

"Bye bye, petit papillon," she said as she released the purified butterfly. She tossed the crossbow into the air with a cry of "Miraculous Ladybug!" Within moments, the magical swarm of ladybugs had set everything to rights, repairing the damage to the school and restoring the poor man's bow tie to its proper place at his neck.

"Are you all right, sir?" Ladybug asked the gentleman, a rather scrawny looking fellow with curly hair and over-sized glasses.

"O-oh, yes, I'm fine… thank you for that, I'm so embarrassed…" He looked down, twiddling his thumbs, not wanting to meet Ladybug's eyes.

"If you don't mind us asking, what happened?" Chat asked.

"W-well, you see, I'm a geologist, and, I applied for a job at this school, but I was turned down after my interview... "

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Ladybug said, placing a gentle hand on the man's shoulder. "But I'm sure that if you keep looking, you'll find the right job for you soon!"

"Y-you're right… I just get so nervous… at job interviews… and then I m-mess up… my words…"

Ladybug couldn't help but feel bad for the man. "I know how you feel… Sometimes, you can never figure out the right words to say, and you end up tripping over your own tongue, right?"

"Y-yes! Exactly! How did you overcome your problem?"

"Well… honestly, I still struggle with it sometimes. I just had to remind myself to stay calm, slow down, and not let my mouth move faster than my brain. Writing down what you want to say beforehand helps, too, if you can do that."

"I'll have to remember that." Now that he was relaxing a bit, the man was speaking much more easily. He even smiled at the two teenage superheroes. "Thank you again. You two should get going, though; the police will be here any minute, I'm sure."

"You're right." As if on cue, Chat and Ladybug's Miraculous both beeped in warning. The two of them made their way up onto the roof, planning to depart in opposite directions; but before they could leave, Chat called out, "What really took you, Bugaboo?"

"I had a personal matter I needed to take care of, Chat. Unlike you, I don't lose my Miraculous." Chat flushed at the memory of what Plagg had told him in the aftermath of the Style Queen incident, how he'd used that excuse to explain why Chat couldn't help fight the Akuma. For some reason, he had a sinking feeling in his gut, like Ladybug wasn't telling him the whole truth; but he couldn't very well call her on it without any proof, so he held his tongue for the moment.

"By the way…" Ladybug continued, "thank you for saving Marinette. Tikki told me what you did."

"Of course, My Lady. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine! It was my purr-leasure to be of assistance." He gave Ladybug a grand, sweeping bow, earning a giggle and a soft smile in response. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a very hungry Kwami to take care of. Adieu, My Bugaboo!"

"Adieu, Chaton," Ladybug replied warmly before the two of them went their separate ways.

Both of them ducked into alleyways on opposite sides of the school to de-transform, neither of them the wiser of just how close they were to discovering each other's biggest secrets.

As soon as Marinette made it back into the school and found her class, Nino wrapped his arms around her in a panic. "Marinette! What happened? No one could find you! Someone said they saw you in the bathroom, but there was no trace of you. I texted Alya to see if you were with her but she said she had no idea where you were and you weren't answering your phone. We were freaking out!"

"Sorry Nino! I wasn't feeling well, so I actually went home during my free period… I heard there was an Akuma though!"

"Yeah, it was crazy. He kinda reminded me of"--

Marinette cut him off, replying, "Stoneheart, right? When Ivan was Akumatized?"

"Yeah! The big rock dude! How did you know?" Nino asked.

"O-oh, I just, you know, heard people in the halls talking about it! They said he was covered in crystals or something?"

"Yeah, and he was huge! Like, easily ten feet tall." Nino reached high above his head, waving his hand in an effort to express the comparative size of the villain.

"Wow, that's crazy! I'm glad Ladybug and Chat Noir were able to stop him."

"Definitely." Nino nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, two arms wrapped around Marinette from behind and a cheek mashed against the back of her head. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng! Don't scare me like that!" Alya cried out.

"Alya, I'm fine. I wasn't even here for the Akuma attack. I had a free period and I wasn't feeling well so I went home for a bit to rest."

"Oh. Well, you should have told me you were leaving, girl! Then I wouldn't have worried about you."

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Adrien said, walking up behind Alya.

"Yeah, much better actually! I think I just needed a little nap, that's all," Marinette said, plastering a weak smile on her face. "Adrien, did you see the Akuma?"

"Actually, I kinda ended up hiding in a supply closet," he replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I was going to follow Alya, but I chickened out…"

"That's probably for the best, dude," Nino pointed out. "You know how your dad gets when you're around Akumas."

"Yeah, fair. Hopefully he won't threaten to make me transfer schools again…" Adrien grimaced at the memory of how three Akumas attacked the school within a week last year and his dad threatened to pull him out if the headmaster didn't do something to improve the negative attitudes of the students and staff.

"Well, just tell him that you kept yourself safe, and that should be fine, right?" Marinette asked.

"Hopefully.. We'll see though. Anyway, we should all be getting back to class."

"Yeah… I'm glad you're all okay," Marinette said, giving Adrien in particular a meaningful look.

"You too, Marinette. I hope you feel better the rest of the day."

"I'll talk to you later, girl!" Alya said. "See you at lunch!"

"See you!" Marinette turned to Nino. "Shall we head on to the dreaded Philosophy class?"

"Yeah, I guess so. God, I'm ready for this class to be over for the year. M. Leroux is a total asswipe."

"Me too!"

[thestagthatlovedthewolf]

Here’s my entry to Abby Griffin Daily’s Four Day Fall Fest for @abbygriffindaily :) The prompt for today is favorite relationship and I ended up doing little dabbles for five relationships who mean a lot to Abby!!! (I was undecided between Jaha and Raven, and I apologize I went with Jaha, but he’s one of my favorites!!)

It’s getting late and I need to sleep, so I’m sorry for mistakes - I’ll reread tomorrow and fix it :)

Please enjoy!!

1. Thelonious Jaha

Abby was one month old when she met him. Thelonious was four months older than her. Their parents knew each other, they were Alpha elite, with members in the Council and big places. From the day they were born, they were destined to bigger things – a future opened to them, with the walls of the Ark and their imagination as restriction.

The Walters had come to the Jahas for the evening, the men would watch an old match, while the women would talk, rest after a tiring first month of motherhood. But those weren’t the important relationships taking place that night.

In the bedroom, newborn Abby had been laid on the crib next to Theo, and at some point they woke up, and while none could speak, they look at each other, hands reaching for each other, Abby as she would be known to always do, reached first.

Besides her parents, this was the first meaning relationship Abigail Walters made.

2. Callie Cartwig

Classes started today, 1st grade. Until now Abby had only known Alpha station kids, that was how it was organized for children before they turned six. But with the first letters and numbers came bigger classes, with other stations, including a very special girl from Hydra, at least the upper class of Hydra – kids whose parents worked in Go-Sci – had joined.

Callie was not the first person she noticed in class, after all Theo who she had been best friends since she was a baby, but she had been intrigued by Callie. She had sat in the back of class and had been looking at her lap for too long during class, which Abby found suspicious.

“What were you doing in class?” Abby asked coming up to her during break, and she was in the corner playing with some blocks.

“Nothing,” she asked immediately, “I was listening.”

“No, you weren’t,” she said, “What were you doing?”

“Nothing.” Abby was not getting through her, so she promised her something, “I’m not going to tell on you.”

“How do I know you’re not lying?” she asked.

“I promise,” she said, offering this girl her pinky for a promise.

“You can never tell on me. Never.”

“Never,” and the girl took her finger then and the promise was done, and she pulled something from her bag – a book.

“I was reading.”

“Reading…”

Abby took the book from her hand and looked at the cover and the drawings, but she couldn’t make out the words.

“You can read?”

“Yeah, I can. It’s Alice in Wonderland.”

“Can you read to me?”

“Sure.” She put aside the blocks and opened the book, pulling Abby to sit next to her, and just before she started, she introduced herself, “I’m Callie, by the way.”

3. Jake Griffin

Twelve years old and her class became bigger. The last seven years had all been the same, learning with Theo and Cece, spending most of her afternoons with Callie, and trading homework notes with Thelonious; so it was no wonder the three of them were there when Jake comes into her life.

She was already in the classroom – history, which wasn’t her favorite, so she was glad to be done by it in the morning – her head was resting on Callie’s shoulder as she was still sleepy, while her friend was reading as always. Thelonious hadn’t arrived yet, which wasn’t normal for him – he had always been early to everything.

When Abby finally saw Thelonious, he was not alone, he was in conversation with another boy – he wasn’t a stranger (nobody was in the Ark) and she had definitely seen him at the Jahas before. He was blond, with his hair a bit shaggy, and his eyes were light, from what she could see from here, and then he laughed – this loud and smiley laugh, that woke up Abby for real.

“Who’s he?” she asked Callie – she was always more into the gossip than Abby.

“He’s from Mecha. His mother is an engineer.”

“He’s cute.”

“Ohhh… Miss Abby finally thinks someone is cute…” Callie whispered. They had had this talk multiple times, Callie had been having crushes since they were seven – there was Diana, the latest (who was three years older), John, Fred, and Hermione. Abby hadn’t had one yet, but now, looking at this boy – he was cute and his laugh was beautiful.

“Hey,” Callie said, signing for Thelonious to join them.

“Hi,” Thelonious greeted them, “This is Jake Griffin.”

“Callie,” she said waving.

“I’m Abby Walters,” she told him, smiling at him.

“Hi,” he greeted her and smiled back.

That was the moment Abby thought herself in love with Jake Griffin. It wasn’t true. Not yet. But in a few years, she would know what true love was and it would be with him.

 4. Clarke Griffin

There was a special love that was reserved for their children, something young Abby had dreamed of having as often as becoming a doctor. So now as Jake came to her with the baby on his arms, wearing his biggest smile that made her fall in love with him all over again, she felt a new kind of love, anxiously wanting to hold her daughter.

“Here, baby,” Jake said, putting her on her arms, “She’s beautiful.”

“She is,” Abby whispered, finally looking at her little face, with her thin blond hair, as the eyes opened, the same blue of her father’s. “We did good.”

“You did it, Abby.” Abby didn’t answer Jake, and turned her eyes back to her child.

“Hi, baby, Clarke… I’m your mom, and I love you so much. You’re going to grow up to be the strongest and smartest girl.”

“Your mom’s brain.”

“Your father’s courage. And his laugh and his kind heart. And we’re going to love you and protect you until the end of our days,” she promised, kissing the top of her head. And that moment her girl moved, and rested even closer to her chest, relaxing to the sound of her mother’s heartbeats.

5. Marcus Kane

Abby had seen him around before, of course. They might have been Earth Skills classmates if she remembers things right and he was friends with Jake, she knew that. And she also knew that Callie occasionally slept with him. But now he was coming to her world, Marcus Kane took the seat in front of her in the Council, as the new Commander of the Guards.

Abby smiled at him when he came into the room and took his seat, but he gave her nothing back; his face unreadable in front of her. And then he spoke, he argued with her. But he cared.

People came to these meetings and they wanted them to end in the shortest amount of time, but not him, he kept arguing with her, it didn’t matter how long it would go, he fought her on it – years later she wouldn’t remember what it was about, only that he cared enough about something to stay and fight for it.

At some point, the Chancellor had to stop the meeting and no final agreement was reached that day, but she warned Abby and Marcus that they had until the last meeting to reach a consensus between the two of them and present it.

“Doctor Griffin,” Marcus approached her as the meeting ended.

“Abby, please.”

“Kane,” he introduced himself, stopping her from using his first name. “I was wondering if you want to discuss the proposal now.”

“Sorry… it’s getting late,” she said, “And my daughter is waiting for me.”

“We need to meet.”

“We will, not now. I’ll contact you,” she told him, before turning her back to him, knowing that she would not be shamed for needing to go to her doctor.

“Of course, Abby,” his answer surprised her, “I look forward to continuing this conversation with you.” With that, the long and legendary disagreements between Marcus Kane and Abigail Griffin started.

[star-chlld]

This is my ML secret santa for @crypticcravings. It’s kind of the friends-since-childhood-au. I hope you like it! @mlsecretsanta

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When Marinette was five, her mommy took her to the park. It was a regular occurrence for her. One parent would take over the bakery, and the other would bring her to the park for an hour or so. Today was no exception. As her mommy sat down on the bench next to another woman, Marinette ran to the playground. There were lots of kids today, and so many people to play with. But then Marinette her crying, and yelling. She hated it when people cried.

Turning around in circles, she finally found the source of the noise. Behind the twisty slide, her favorite, was a group of older kids. Marinette recognized them as the second graders that liked to sneer and yell at her class across the playground at school. It the middle was a small boy, her age, with tears flowing down his cheeks as the other boys yelled and kicked at him. Marinette also hated bullies. She couldn’t stand them.

Stomping over to them, Marinette yelled as fiercely as she could, “Hey! Leave him alone!” All the heads swiveled in her direction. Two of the boys looked scared that they had been found out, but the third jeered back, “Ya? Make me, jerk!” Marinette had never been called a jerk before, and she didn’t like it one bit. Her pigtails bouncing, she walked right up to the bully. “I will tell your mommy.” She threatened, staring him right in the eyes. His grin dropped.

“Fine. We’ll go.” He said reluctantly, before leading the other two boys away.

Marinette tentatively approached the younger boy. He sat on the woodchips, his head in between his knees, long arms wrapped around himself. He shook as he cried.

Marinette sat down next to him. “It’s okay. I made them go away.” She said, hoping that would make him feel better. He lifted his head and looked at her. Messy, golden hair covered his green eyes, and the front of his striped t-shirt was wet with tears.

“You did?” He said in awe. Marinette held out her hand to him like she had seen her parents do for customers. “Yep! I’m Marinette.”

The boy shook her hand, just as he had seen his parents do. He still shook and his breathing was ragged, but wasn’t crying anymore. “I’m Adrien.”

Marinette gasped suddenly, jumping to her feet. “ I know what will make you happy!” She cried out. “My mommy brought cookies! Come on! Come on!” Not even waiting for Adrien to stand completely, the elated little girl grabbed his arm and dragged him to the bench where her mother was chatting with the woman next to her. “Mommy, this is Adrien. He needs a p-pick him up. Can we have cookies?” The other lady gasped.

“Adrien, sweetheart! What happened?” As Adrien explained how Marinette had heroically saved him, Marinette studied the woman. She was probably Adrien’s mom. She had a slender face, and the same green eyes and golden hair as him. She stroked his hair as he talked.

When Adrien was finished, Marinette’s mom held out a chocolate chip cookie to him. Adrien devoured it in one bite. He looked at Marinette, who was nibbling on her cookie, and said, “Do y-you want to go play?” She nodded enthusiastically, and together they ran to the playground.

The sky was turning pink and orange when Marinette’s mommy came to get her to go home. The two five year olds were having a contest to see who could swing the highest. “Come on honey, I’ve left your papa alone far too long.” She said. Marinette hopped off her swing, and Adrien’s came to a stop.

“Do you have to go?” He asked. Marinette nodded sadly.

Adrien’s mom walked up beside Marinette’s. “Well, that doesn’t mean you can’t play together again. Say goodbye, I’m sure you’ll see each other soon.”

Adrien jumped off the swing and gave Marinette a hug. Arms still wrapped each other, Adrien whispered, “Marinette, I think you’re my best friend.”

“Me too.”

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They day Marinette discovered fashion, she was eleven. She had replaced going to the park with helping her parents bake, but still had regular play dates with Adrien.

“Mom, how do people make their own clothes?” She asked one night. Sabine chuckled.

“Well, they would cut out the right patterns and sew them together. Add some embellishments, maybe.” She checked to make sure Marinette knew what embellishments meant, but her daughter was no longer listening. Marinette’s eyes sparkled.

“That sounds awesome! I could make my clothes anyway I wanted them too! I could have pockets!” Marinette gushed. Sabine put her book down and smiled.

“Not so fast! Sewing takes practice and hard work. You can’t just immediately sew perfectly.” This didn’t phase Marinette. For her next birthday, she got a sewing machine and a pile of scrap material.

The day Marinette's parents sat her down and told her that Adrien’s mom disappeared, she was barely twelve. She knew immediately that she had to do something for Adrien. Marinette ran to her sewing machine and began to sew.

The next day, her project was finished in record time. She nervously walked to Adrien’s house, the gift in a wrapped shoe box. Adrien’s dad answered the door. He was a big, imposing figure. Marinette had never spoken to him until now. “H-hello! I’m h-here to see Adrien?” Wordlessly, Gabriel let her past, but Marinette couldn’t help but notice that his eyes were red, like he had been crying.

Marinette hurried to Adrien’s room. She entered quietly. He was playing an arcade game, but obviously didn’t care about it. “Adrien? Can we talk? I have something for you.” As she got closer, she could see that Adrien’s tears were much fresher than his dad’s.

Marinette put her arms around him, and he didn’t fight, just leaned into the hug. “I’m sorry,” She whispered into his hair, “Don’t worry. They’ll find her.” Adrien looked down, noticing the shoe box.

“What’s that?” He asked, trying to change the subject. People had been saying they were sorry all day. He didn’t want to add his best friend to the list of people who pity him. Marinette handed him the box.

“It’s for you. I know you might miss your mom so I made this. I figured it could help, y’know?” Out of the box, Adrien drew a plushie. It was a replica of his mom. Fresh tears rolled down his cheeks.

“Marinette, it’s beautiful! It looks exactly like her!” He cried.

The arcade game beeped, annoyed at being ignored. “Do you want to hang around, play some video games? I just got Mecha Strike 3.”

“That sounds great! But I call the red controller!”

“What? No! I’ll race you!” They both ran for the remote on the couch. Knocking heads, they fell against the couch, knocking it over. The friends lay on the floor, laughing.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marinette’s and Adrien’s life changed forever when they were sixteen. Unbeknownst to the other, they had been superheros for two years now. There was no one Marinette trusted more than Chat Noir, and no one Adrien trusted more than Ladybug.

It had been a rough morning. Two akumas before ten o’clock, the first at two in the morning and the second at eight. Marinette and Adrien had gotten no sleep, and no break.

Ladybug collapsed on the top of the Eiffel tower, Chat Noir not-so-gracefully landing beside her. They leaned against each other and the tower. “I don’t want to go to school.” Ladybug sighed finally. “I have a test in one class. An essay in another, and two hours of sleep.”

Chat Noir groaned, as if he had forgotten that he had to go to school. “Me too, Bugaboo, me too. Although I still wish you would tell me where you go to school. Or how old you are. Or what your birthday is!”

“I told you! We can’t risk it! Anyway, we don’t have to go to school quite yet. Let’s just sit here for a …. minute.”  Chat was asleep as soon as she said school. Ladybug was asleep as soon as she finished talking. They didn’t even hear their miraculouses beep.

               *                                     *                                       *                          “They are dead. She doesn’t come to school, doesn’t respond to my texts, and now I’ve found that they’ve been cuddling on top of the Eiffel Tower this entire time?”

“Alya, babe, cut them a little slack…”

“Slack?! He didn’t text either! They’ve been gone all day! I’ve been worried sick!”

“I’m sure they had a good reason.”

“They’ve better.” Alya growled as she paced in front of the sleeping, untransformed heroes. Nino stood behind her, trying to abate the fury a little. School had gotten over hours ago. The sun was going down, and Marinette and Adrien had slept through it all. Now, Alya’s shouting was waking them up.

Adrien and Marinette slowly opened their eyes. They looked at each other, brains not processing what they saw. Marinette realized what was going on first. She jumped to her feet, jumping back but running into Alya. Whirling around, Marinette came face to face with Alya’s death glare.

Adrien got to his feet, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “Sorry to interrupt your staring contest, but what the heck is going on?” He exclaimed, pushing the hair out of his eyes. “I just remember falling asleep this morning, and it wasn’t with Marinette…”

“It wasn’t with Marinette?” Alya shrieked, “Well then who the heck was it with?” Adrien rubbed his feet together.

“C’mon, dude. Just tell us.”

“ Well, it was Ladybug.”

“LADYBUG!?” Alya and Nino cried. Marinette had paled considerably.

“And when I fell asleep I was with Chat Noir…” The realization came to the two heroes at the same time, and Marinette voiced what they both were thinking. “We must have transformed in our sleep, but that means that my best friend is Chat Noir!”

Adrien yawned. “Okay. That sounds legit.”

Marinette thought for a moment before nodding. “Adrien as Chat Noir does sound about right.”

Alya and Nino were lost. “Let me get this straight.” Alya said, “You two are Ladybug and Chat Noir?” Marinette and Adrien nodded.

“Why are you both just okay with this? Why didn’t you tell us?” Nino asked. Marinette frowned.“We couldn’t. Our kwamis told us not to.”

“Speaking of Kwami, where is he?”Adrien wondered out loud. As if on cue, a small snore echoed from the other side of the balcony. The group walked towards the snore, and found Tikki and Plagg curled against each other, fast asleep.

Nino chuckled. “I’m not sure what those are but that. Is. Adorable.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Adrien knew that he had a team to back him up, but he could never bring himself to skip a fight. After all, he was seventeen now, and he could fight his own battles. So, sniffling and racked with coughs, Adrien leaped out of his window. Getting to the Eiffel Tower was harder than it needed to be, seeing as he kept sneezing at unconventional times. It was throwing of his balance, and Adrien ended up three miles past the Seine before he realized that the Eiffel Tower was the other way.

Adrien landed on the balcony of the Eiffel tower half an hour late. Ladybug glanced at him before asking Rena Rouge where they should patrol. Alya liked to keep track of the high crime areas, when she wasn’t fighting or blogging. After deciding that they would hang around the bar down the road from the Champ de Mars, they headed over, traveling each in their own way. Alya ran, Marinette swang using her yo-yo, Adrien jumped from building to building, Chloe flew, and Nino ran along with Alya. Sometimes he tried to keep up with Adrien, but after taking a dive off a building and scaring the team half to death, he stayed on the ground.

It was a generally uneventful night until around midnight. They had broken up a few drunken fights, escorted some people home, and now they sat on top of the bar, playing rock-paper-scissors. “Okay, Adrien, you against me. Winner takes on Alya.” Nino said, turning to his friend. Adrien was fast asleep, and even  in his leather outfit he was shivering.

“What’s wrong with him? It’s not that cold.” Chloe asked.

“He seemed sick when he got here, but it didn’t seem that bad.” Alya added.

“Do we wake him up?” Nino asked the others.

Marinette stood up. “I’ll take him home. Do you think you guys will be okay for a bit?” They all assured her that they would be fine, and Marinette nudged Adrien awake. “Come on, Chat, time to go home.” The rest of the team chuckled as Chat Noir woke up, stood and stretched, then promptly fell asleep again on Ladybug’s shoulder. Marinette wrapped her arm around his waist then swung off.

Adrien had left his window open when he left, and Marinette, barely balancing Adrien on her shoulder, jumped in and laid him on his bed. It was only when Plagg de-transformed him that he finally woke up.

“What?” He mumbled, sitting up, “How did I get home?”

“I carried you.” Marinette said, de-transforming and sitting on the bed next to him. Tikki took off to go find Plagg. “You shouldn’t come to patrol when you're sick.”

“I know, but I hate feeling useless…”

“And I get it, but it’s better to miss one patrol then to work yourself so much you have to go to the doctor.” He looked at her, confused, and she added, “Been there. Done that.”

They sat on Adrien’s bed, leaning against each other for a couple minutes of almost silence. Adrien’s sniffling was the only sound. Finally Adrien spoke up. “Marinette, you’ve been my friend for a really long time.” He started quietly. “And - and your cool and nice and an amazing hero. And what I guess I’m trying to say is - Marinette, I love you.”

Marinette was taken aback, but only for a moment. She turned to Adrien, who was staring at his hands, and took his face in her’s. “Silly cat,” she playfully chided, “I’ve loved you since the moment we met.” Taking the fact that he hadn’t moved away as a good sign, she kissed him. It was quick, on the cheek, but they both grinned and blushed. “I bet I could do better than that.” Adrien said, grinning. Marinette laughed.

“No way! You’re sick!” They both fell back on the bed.

“So. My father’s making me go to this gala, and I was thinking, it wouldn’t be torture if you came with.”

“It’s a date.”

[sonatanotwo]

Home on the Range Thoughts... A LOT of them. XD

Oh my word. We learned a lot this episode... and yet still learned so little or had so many more questions thrown into the table. XD Oy vey. Also MOM REFERENCES OH WOW. Was even more than kinda had hoped for even, since was a double reference no less.

SO. Let's break this down. XD

- Where is the ranch? NO IDEA. Nothing to give a hint was given, except for mention of coyotes ...so... mid-west. ...Aka what we already figured. lol

- The ranch came from their Mother's side of the family. \o\ (And as bro pointed out... past tense. ;A; BelongED. No shock though... really as expected there. XD)

(Also...

(PRACTICALLY CALLED IT. \o/)

- They visit every year.

- I couldn’t pick up any indication if they actually had actually fully lived there at any point.

- Side note... WHERE IS THE REST OF THE GROUND FLOOR? No really, unless there's a door hiding behind the double front doors.... there's only that room, then stairs. There was no other doorway in that room. looooooooool Someone kinda missed that detail. XD

- Clearly have memories of it though going back... as they speak about their Mom (!!!!) having taken them horseback riding. (Also SQUEE that it was Virgil who brought it up. ;A;)

- However, Alan has nothing to add, presumably because he can't remember/was too young? That's what feels implied.

Which leads into something that confused me a titch with it's wording...

- Kayo understands and Alan says... the confusing thing. "Oh yeah, right, you were away at school most of that time too, weren'tcha?"

(This... sorta implies "you were at school like I was" ...but why...would they all be having memories of that place but Alan was left out? Whu? But that REALLY doesn't make sense to me... they wouldn't all go on a trip with their family without him. lol So I'm guessing it's more meant to read "oh, right, you weren't around then too" and the school bit is in there for our information and they kinda missed how it made it come across. lol)

Other things!

- VIRGIL AND SCOTT THERE AT THE START. Oh gosh. HE LET GO, so Scott could grab on. a;soijdasda Oh gosh Virg a;soidjas

- a;sjdsaoidads VIRGIL IS DRAWING. Pretty darn sure he was drawing from the movements you can see in the end scene in particular... it's very circular and goes from lower page to upper, in pretty smooth motions, using his whole arm, which is very a artist thing. It's not writing movement at all.

- ...Virgil is drawing with his left hand?! TOS Virgil painted with his left hand in Atlantic Inferno, but was right in Move and You're Dead... prolly was just a error but. lol Even Wikis notes this, saying it suggests he's ambidextrous... at least somewhat. XD

WELL...

SEEMS LEGIT. Cause that's a lot of right hand use there. Nosing a bit more... Breakdown you see like... he takes the bagel with his left, but goes to shake hands with his right. And Volcano he rings the bell with left... Recharge takes the grapple gun and fires it with his right... Yeah... looking ambi alright. XD ANYHOO.

Also a;soijda Alan seemed to be watching him for a moment at the end there? Hee ^__^

- MEANWHILE... I noticed Scott used his left to steer his hover bike and hold the Kat's hand. XDa Man, gonna have to go back through eps now and watch more for this hahaha.

- Speaking of, him holding Kat's hand was really sweet, gosh. ;A;

- Also speaking of Kat Cavanaugh ...I was sorta, man why did they use THAT model again... then I realized. Go watch the start of Falling Skies again. The reporter in that? KAT CAVANOUGH. SHE RETURNED. Another clever return of a old semi-background character like in Man from TB5 with what Bernard Bottomsley. XD

- Lol Parker is really good at accidentally stumbling onto things, isn't he? XD

- I'm kinda sad didn't get to see the boys all sitting in TB2... What's the copilot pecking order??? John? Gordo? or Alan? WHO? Well, prolly would be Gordon, but... It shall remain a mystery for now.

- What is certain is... the height pecking order we thought things appeared to be is correct... John is a bit taller than Virg, but a bit shorter than Scott. XD

- No one. NO ONE, facepalms like Scott does. XD (I really want a Virg one without a helmet gosh XD)

- MAX <3 <3 <3 <3 I love him. SO MUCH. Gosh, him going for that mecha. HAhahaa XD 

- Only problem with checking the radio times info is seeing who's VAing who, so oops, Mechanic was no surprise. XD

- GO EOS!!1!!! Gosh, she was awesome in this. =D I believe she disconnected the Mechanic's connection there to his mechanical beast. You see him throw his arm out like did earlier to make the scorpian do something and.. it didn't. And you see Max look down, as if watching to see if it'll move.. then nothing. (So he rips it's head off. :D GOOD STUFF, MAX. :Db)

- And OH GOSH. How about that for character development... Kayo asks if should follow and then LISTENS to common sense. :D

- OH MY GOSH, Alan and Gordon actually squabbling a bit. XD Troublesome Two indeed. XD lol YEAAAAAAAAH... I think that just definitively just confirmed they're the youngest alright. And I sense adlibbing at the end there. XD

- OR MAYBE NOT quite so adlibbed. Oh gosh! CAUSE LIKE. Kayo and Alan's convo earlier triggered John talking about where a photo was of Gordon on a horse backwards? Then Virgil was sitting there while Kayo and Alan had their convo so prolly overheard it to some extent. And Kayo was saying we'll make our own memories here.

SO then we have Kayo asking someone to take a photo (of Gordo and Alan I assume XD) and Virgil obliging all "Camera's rolling... We're making memories, Alan! Hold still." Hahahaa What dorks. XD

LASTLY...

TRACY LOUNGE PIANO MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!! a;soidjsaoa  asjdaso a;osjda If you don’t know this, go youtube that title. Right there. It was in Trapped in the Sky! At the end. Virgil played it. :D I was SO hoping to hear this sometime in the series... I'm just sad it wasn't Virgil playing it. XDDD If it was actually meant to be playing in the house and not just background soundtrack, I bet he was one who chose it though. hahahaa X3a Although it's not got the middle bit, but prolly couldn't have fit the whole piece in that scene so.

I THINK THAT’S IT.

Until I think of something and edit this post. lol This is also why I use cuts a lot. lol

WAIT. OKAY. THOUGHT ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.

Heights confirmed for sure now... and about what I thought... John might not be older than Virg, but he’s definitely taller.

GOSH a;osijda ALL STANDING WITH EACH OTHER (....Brains... were... you always taller than Gordo? Something seems... ... weird?? o.Oa ANYHOO.)

ALSO did I mention John teasing Gordon over the horse thing was adorbs and awesome? IT WAS. I liked that exchange so much.

[novella12nite]

Only Us

@ghostchild-whelp-dipstick-spook , @mlsecretsanta

Merry Christmas Spooky I’m your Secret Santa! I hope you enjoy this Mutants AU fic I made. Your blog is full of superheroes so I wanted to do some superpower hurt/comfort.  If you have an ao3 account lmk I’d like to gift it to you!

Read it here too: ao3

 ♡＼(￣▽￣)／♡

Adrien went straight the restroom after Chloe spilled her drink on his shirt. She had offered to send his shirt to the cleaners, but he turned down the offer saying he would wash it off himself. He needed a break from the party anyway.

After coming to the academy he could almost say he was a different person now. No longer was he the new student with a mysterious gift. The rumors about his powers being unstable ostracized him at first, but thanks to Nino, who helped him with the transition into school, he was able to make new friends. The class party was going great but for some reason, in the back of his mind, he had a feeling that it was only temporary.

He stared at his reflection for some time. When he grinned he counted the lines that formed at the edge of his eyes. There really was nothing he could do but grin and bear it. His headmaster tried to vouch for him but the council had declined. They had decided it was safer Adrien remain in the Academy until they could properly claim his powers are stable. He was not sure what more proof he could offer, he thought he was getting better at school compared to being trained at home.Before he came to the Academy he could barely hold a glass, he can pick it up put down and drink from it. His father had sided with the council as well;  Adrien sighed taking off his black gloves. His hands looked normal, but he knew if he ever came in direct contact with any object it would fall apart into ashes. The door opened and Adrien turned to see another person in dire need of the restroom.

“Marinette?”

She looked up clearly frazzled “A-Adrien! O-Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to! The uh door was unlocked and I thought no one was, I’m just going to leave,” As she inched her way to the exit, Adrien noticed that she hid her right arm behind her back.

“Wait! Marinette, what’s wrong with your hand?”

“It’s um- stuck.” She stated.

Adrien scratched his head in confusion. “Your hand is stuck in your purse?”

“Actually it's stuck in another dimension, that is inside my purse.” She clarified.

That’s right, Marinette Dupain-Cheng his classmate had her hand submerged in another dimension. It was her gift. He had seen her use it dozens of times in school and he like many others were in awe of it. She could create pocket-size dimensions and store various objects that re-materialize when she pulls them out. He heard his other classmate Alya call her a “modern Mary Poppins” much to his friend’s dismay. Marinette is one of the nicest people in his class, she always there to help others and was recently elected class president. She is also well known for being rather clumsy and gets fluster easily so this was not new.

His hand shot up covering his mouth, trying not to laugh. The annoyance on her face only made her look cuter.

“Hey, it’s not funny” She pouted.

“I’m sorry,” Adrien smirked, he wasn’t going to let an opportunity go to waste.

“Don’t you dare-“

“Do you need a hand, Marinette?”

Marinette glared at him, annoyed. he chuckled at his own brilliant pun as he put his gloves back on.

“I’ll get one of the teachers to help you right now.” He stood up walking towards the door.

“No!” She cried out, “Please can we just keep this between us? I wasn’t supposed to…”

She didn’t finish, using her free hand to cover her mouth. He looked at her confused but decided to ignore it.

“Ok then, what do you want me to do?”

“Let me think.” Marinette pulled her purse inside out, her hand half submerged in what looked like another plane of existence.

“Can you grab my waist? If I just pull my hand out, the tear will close ”

Adrien hovered over her, “is this ok?” He wrapped his arms around her waist, almost hugging her from behind. There were very close.  He hoped he didn’t have any bad breath.

“On my count. 1, 2, 3!”

Adrien lifted her off her feet, and with both of them pulling her, she was able to successfully release her hand, causing both of them to fall backward. The portal lingered for a moment and then vanished.

~~  

“Are you alright? I’m so sorry!”

“Yeah, it’s fine Marinette,” Adrien chuckled. “I have a hard head.”

Marinette checked him, trying to make sure she did not just injure her crush. She could not believe she just fell back on Adrien! He insisted he was okay but wanted to sit for awhile in the bathroom before rejoining the party festivities.  She accepted the invitation and they sat together on a nearby bench in the hallway.

“You think they’ll look for us?” He asked.

She shrugged. “Probably not, Alya and Nino are most likely doing couple stuff.”

Adrien laughed. The sound of his voice made her heart leap out of her chest. She wondered: was there ever a moment just the two of them? All day she had been trying to get a chance to speak to with him alone. Unfortunately, there was never a moment alone, especially with Chloe in the picture. She had this plan to give him a present but no thanks to her portal that has vanished, it was most likely the present would be lost forever. Perhaps Alya was right about just talking to him would be enough. Now that they were finally together, she was nervous about how to go about what she needed to share with him. They sat in comfortable in silence.

“I can not thank you enough for your help.” She finally said.

“Save me a slice of cake, I saw you brought one in earlier.” He suggested with a toothy grin.

“Kim ate the last slice, unfortunately. But I-I can bake you one!” She blurted out.

She saw his cheeks bloom red. “Really?”

She nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. For a split second, it looked like he was going to inch closer and hug her. He remained at a respectful distance, though, she looked at both his hands that were planted firmly on the bench.

“Adrien, can I ask you something?” He hummed. He looked like he was in a good mood; she’d hate to ruin it by being privy, but she was curious.

“Does it hurt? Your hands I mean…”

He nodded. “A little bit. Things turn black or crumble when I touch them, there are only side effects though, nothing too serious.” He placed them up in arms’ length so she could see them from a distance as well.

She did not speak, unsure of how to respond, so he continued.

“Don’t tell anyone, but they denied my request to go home,” he babbled on.  “Headmaster said it was ok, but my father said I would be safer if I stayed here in school.”

Marinette’s eyes were blown wide; she tore away from his gaze and looked straight on. She did not expect such an honest answer.

“Marinette, I think he’s afraid of me.” His voice cracked, “there’s no other explanation for why he would not want me to come home.”

“Adrien I do not-

“It’s ok, I’m okay.” He shook his head vigorously, “I would be scared of me too.”

Marinette did not believe that. She refused to.In fact, she felt more secure with Adrien than with anyone else. He looked at her like she was a mad woman. She did not realize she said that last part aloud.

“Let me elaborate; Adrien you have the most control with your gift out of everyone in our class. You know how to control your powers. While mine are unpredictable, I lose things, I summon stuff I don’t know what use I have for them. I have no control.” She looked at him, eyes filled with tears.

She reached over to take his hand. He didn’t grab it, but he didn’t move it away either. His expression was unreadable.

“What I’m trying to say, or least what I’ve been trying to get out all night is that you have a friend staying with you this holiday break.” She wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve, “I’m not allowed to go home as well.”

She leaned back on the wall. The two of them sat there in silence, without words. Adrien beckoned her to lean against her shoulder.

“Well look at us, two mutants with unstable abilities who can’t go home for Christmas.”

“The world’s just not ready for us.” She answered in a low voice.

“Well, when we are ready will make an unstoppable duo.” He smiled at her, “Until then, m’lady do you happen to have any plans this Christmas?”

She wiped her eyes breaking into a smile, “Hmm I was planning to sleep until noon but after that, I have no appointments, Monsieur Agreste.”

“Splendid! I was wondering if you would like to play Ultimate Mecha Strike IV? I’ll pick you up at half past twelve.”

“Oh, Of course, but I need to bake a cake at four, for a party of two.” She played along, “I could use an extra hand. Would you like to help?” She saw his eyes shine with delight.

“You had me at cake.” He answered.

~~

Adrien did not realize he had a crush on Marinette until New Year’s Eve. Both of them were sitting in the blanket fort they had made in the common room.

Everyone went home for break the next day, so they had the entire dormitory to themselves. They rearranged the furniture in the hallways and walked around wearing high-knee socks. Marinette challenged him to some sort of “sock-slide race.” They spent hours sliding across the empty dorm hallways. To fill up the silence, Marinette blasted Christmas music. They watched movies, played video games, baked a cake, and Marinette even taught him how to bead bracelets. They had exchanged them as presents Christmas morning.

He felt whole when he was with her like he could interact freely with stuff without destroying them. He figured she felt the same as well like she had a clearer head when she materialized objects. They supported each other and confided in one another. Adrien never felt like he could open so much about himself to another person in just days of spending time together.

Maybe it was the fairy lights they stringed up which made the mood more romantic, the way she hugged him at midnight it felt warm and he wanted to give one back in return. He could hear a small voice inside him reasoning with him. She’s amazing, she’s sweet, she’s beautiful, you are in love with her.

A/N

Marinette has dimensional storage powers: store anything in a fold of dimension/space and re-materialize.  (Marinette can’t control her powers fully. She can’t predict what she can materialize and a majority of the stuff she stores she ends up losing. She also can’t close these tears so she temporarily sews them up and ties objects with string) Marinette has public acceptance but not control.

Adrien the power to destroy anything he touches.  (is trained to control but is still reserved and wary around people even if their like him raised his entire life to be cautious) Adrien has control but not the public’s acceptance

[freedom-shamrock]

A Little Secret - Chapter 8

Also on AO3

Chp 1   Chp 2   Chp 3   Chp 4   Chp 5   Chp 6   Chp 7   Chp 8   Chp 9 Chp 10   Chp 11

Amazing art created by @soundofez​  pg 1  pg 2  pg 3

Removing a Thorn from the Chat's Paw

Marinette heard Chat pacing around on her balcony in the snow for several minutes before she set down her project and climbed up the ladder to peek out at him.  "Hey there," she said, surprised to have been able to startle him.  "You wanna come in, or do you need to work something out in your head a bit more first?"

His eyes were round and wide, not quite kittenish, and they drooped a bit as he registered her words and relaxed.  "I'm sorry.  Was I making too much noise?"

Oh.  Something was definitely wrong.  Her Kitty was never this subdued unless he was unhappy.  She shook her head.  "You're not bothering me," she said firmly.  "But I worry about you pacing out here in the cold when you could be inside with me."

That brought a faint smile to his face.  "That's a fair point, Princess."

"If you need a bit more time, that's fine," she said.  "But feel free to come in when you're ready.  I'm just going to pop down to the kitchen for snacks."

She chewed her lip in thought as she strode through her room and down the stairs.  She didn't like it when he was unhappy.  Nobody had any business hurting her Kitty, and if she had to bet on it, she was pretty sure his father was the problem.  How had such a bitter cold prune ended up with such a sweet and caring son?  By all rights he should be a mess, and to be honest, he probably needed therapy.  Her parents came up from finishing their evening cleaning in the bakery as she was starting hot cocoa.

"Uh oh," her father said, leaning on the table.  "I see pensive face.  What's wrong Maricake?"

Her mother peered into the pot.  "Ahh.  Chat's here."

"He's pacing on the roof," Marinette said, scowling at the water, cocoa, and sugar mixture in the pot.  "In the snow."

"He doesn't mind the cold, sweetheart," her mother said, rubbing her back.  "But I imagine that's really not the issue, is it."

She shook her head.  "I'm sure he'll be down eventually… I just…"  She let out a huff.

"He's normally pure joy, and it's hard to see him not like that," Baba said.

"Yeah."  She looked up at her dad.  "And I know I can't really fix it."

"But you wish you could," Mama added sympathetically, giving her a one-armed hug.  "It's a tough situation, sweetheart.  But for now, just be there when he needs you.  Eventually things will change."

"He's welcome to stay as long as he can," Baba said before stepping away from the table.  He walked over and looked up the stairs.  "Ah, good to see you Chat.  Care to join me in some Ultimate Mecha Strike while you wait for cocoa?"

Chat scrambled down the stairs.  "Mecha Strike and cocoa?  Sign me up."  His smile was just a touch smaller and more fragile than usual.

"I've got some new combos to try on you cat boy," Baba teased.  

"New combos?" Chat asked.  "Bring it."

Tom shook his head.  "Chat style's not going to be enough to beat me this time."

Marinette felt her mom nudge her from the side.  "I'll watch this.  Can you get me the vanilla, or are you too distracted?"

"Huh?  No, I got it."  She looked away from Baba settling in with the leatherish-clad superhero and looked in the spice cabinet.  When her gaze landed on them again, she froze for a moment, catching the subtle ways Baba treated him as a son, and the hints that it was exactly what her Kitty needed.  It had been so long since he'd really had a family.

"Hey Mama, why don't you go sit with them?" she suggested in a whisper that she was sure not even Chat Noir's enhanced hearing could pick up.  She reached for the wooden spoon.

"Are you sure?  You know I don't enjoy those games as much as you do," her mom said, not quite letting go of the spoon.

Marinette nodded.  "Yeah, but… I think he needs you and Baba more than me right now."

"Oh," Mama said softly.  She nodded and handed over the spoon and left the kitchen without another word.  After a moment, she had settled herself on the couch next to Chat Noir.

Marinette turned down the burner's heat, letting the cocoa take longer than necessary so she wouldn't interrupt the moment too soon.  After a tough round where her Kitty was just barely able to pull out a win over her dad's slick new combos, her mother rubbed a hand down his back and he beamed at the smaller woman.  Yes.  This was exactly what he needed.

When the game finally ended, her father had managed to just squeak by with a win.  She turned off the cocoa and went to join them, intentionally coming up beside her father.  "That was fantastic," she said, pushing a few pillows out of the way.  It was going to be a tight fit, but having everyone on the couch at one time seemed right in this moment.  "Now Baba, prepare to be schooled by the Ultimate Mecha Strike master."

"Ohhhh," her dad said, grinning at her cheeky trash talk.

"Time for some Princess style," Chat crowed, reaching over to hand her his controller.

After another half hour of family gaming, Marinette took her Kitty to her room while her parents went to bed.  "Come on.  It's movie time," she said, tossing her laptop gently up onto her bed.

"Are you sure?" he asked, a little of his earlier melancholy seeping through his cheered up demeanor.  "I don't want to be a bother."

She grabbed his shoulder, turning him toward her.  "You are never a bother."  Her hug was almost more of a tackle, but he managed to keep them upright.  "I don't like seeing you sad, or hurt, but I know that's sometimes just how you're going to feel, and I really don't want you to think you have to hide it."  She relaxed as his arms tightened around her.  "I can't fix what's wrong, probably, but I can be here for you."

"Thanks Princess," he murmured.

She let go and climbed up into her bed.  "Come on up.  I've got The Cat Returns all ready to go."

"Studio Ghibli plus cats?" he asked, following her quickly.  "You sure know how to cheer me up."

Ladybug scooted closer to Chat Noir on the bench just inside the martial arts studio he'd gotten a key for.  It allowed them to continue their evening training without her turning into a Bugcicle.  As much as she wanted the specifics of that arrangement, it was safest not to ask.  She would just be grateful to him for his resourcefulness, and she'd added it to the lengthy list of things she wanted to specifically thank him for when this was all over.  

"Well I'd say you're better at blocks than you were three months ago," he said.  

Evasion had always been her go-to defense for hand to hand combat.  But Master Fu wanted her to strengthen her ability to block and deflect strikes without her bandalore.  "I feel a lot more comfortable about them," she agreed.  "And your joint locks are as good as mine."  That had been his area of focus.  "Nice control, by the way.  I love that you can practice those at full speed without dislocating anything."  Half of their training focused on fighting skills while the other half familiarized them with their advanced magic, spells and abilities they'd unlocked as they'd grown into their powers.

He grinned, but she could see it was pure reaction.  Her Kitty was still unhappy.  "I guess we can get new assignments when we see Master Fu later this week."

She nodded.  "Are you okay?" she asked, not bothering to wait for a good segue.  "You seem… really down, and…"

He tilted his head forward, hiding his face from view.  "Yeah.  It's okay.  Just… the usual."

"I worry about you."  She rested her hand in the middle of his back, really wanting to play with his hair, but knowing that was something Marinette did, not Ladybug.  She felt oddly compelled to maintain some semblance of difference between her selves though she was sure it wasn't fooling him.

He leaned against her.  "I know.  And I appreciate it."  He glanced at her through a tangle of golden bangs and sighed.  "Christmas is coming up and…"  He shrugged.  "I'm going to be alone.  Again."

The warmth of training had worn off a bit, but her anger had her flushing with heat.  "That's not okay.  That's ridiculous, and horrible."

He shrugged.  "It is what it is, Bug."

She had to fight her urge to truly speak her mind.  "We need to rehome you."

He let out a half-hearted chuckle.  "Yeah?"

She sighed.  She could work with this.  "Do you have friends who will be in town for the holidays?  Anyone you can stay with?"  When he didn't answer, she went on.  "You're a wonderful person, and I'm sure you're just as sweet on the other side of the mask.  I know one of your friends would want you to stay with her… uh, their family."  Knowing better than to wait for him to approach her, she was going to extend an invitation to Adrien tomorrow at school.

"They'd be willing, yeah, but... "  His shoulders drooped.  "I wouldn't want to intrude on family time and alter those… dynamics."

She reached out and tipped his chin up, forcing his brilliant eyes to meet hers.  "I can't see your presence ever being an intrusion.  If anything, you would blend right in."  She gave him a shy smile.  "Families are like borg.  Good ones will absorb you and make you one of their own."

He burst into laughter.  As he'd done a lot lately, he slipped his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap.  His excuse to both Ladybug and Marinette, had been that he wanted to keep her warm.  She had no objections, and hoped there was more to it than shared body heat.

"And… what about… the bad… ones?" he asked, trying to fight back his amusement.

"They try to bend you to their will, unconcerned if they break you in the process."  Ugh.  That was all too accurate and totally fit.  "I wonder how hard it is to transfer from one borg cube to another."

Despite the darker tone, he was still chuckling.  "I'm not sure there's evidence that transfer requests are recognized."

She poked him gently in the ribs.  "Fine.  I'm going back to cat metaphors regarding your living situation.  We're finding you a new forever home as soon as we take down Hawkmoth.  I'll start the paperwork immediately."

"I'd like that," he said quietly.

Chapter title - "To remove a thorn from someone's foot" is a French idiom meaning to take a weight off someone's shoulders.

Huge thanks to @soundofez and my betas: Karnival and @chatbug-jk​

[gloves94]

Sunburn [Prince Zuko] 32

Warnings:  Cursing Rating: PG-13   Pairings: Zuko/OC   Summary:   “You have everything you’ve always wanted.” “No.” He said softly. “Not everything…”  His golden eyes looked at her with a melting intensity she had never witnessed before. “I guess not.” She responded with glassy eyes as tears welled up threatening to break the dam of her eyes.

Sunburn Chapter M A S T E R L I S T

My fanfiction M A S T E R L I S T

Sometime later Zuko and Sokka fortunately managed to find Suki and Hakoda. Having found the three prisoners, they needed to save they hatched a plan to escape the Boiling Rock.

"We have a new plan," Sokka whispered as he punched the rolled-up mattress, Zuko grunting as if in pain whenever he struck, "But it's gonna need a big distraction. Be in the yard in one hour." The door suddenly began to open and Sokka lunged forward, grabbing Zuko's head in a chokehold and forcing him to drop the mattress.

"Alright," The male guard grunted, pushing Sokka off the former prince, "That's enough."

Sokka watched as the two guards lead Zuko out of the cell before leaving himself.

"What are you doing?" Zuko demanded as the guards dragged him down the hall and up several flights of stairs, "Where are you taking me?"

The guards didn't answer as they lead him to another room that was furnished with only a torture chair in the center of it. He grunted as he was shoved into the room, stumbling and landing on the chair. He turned to glare at the guards angrily, "I didn't do anything wrong!"

"Come on, Zuko." Zuko jumped and looked up in surprise at where Mai was leaning against the wall in a dark corner, her head bowed. He suddenly felt nauseous. She lifted her head and stepped into the light, dark amber eyes narrowed, "We all know that's a lie."

Zuko swallowed thickly, "Mai..."

“Sit down Zuko.” Mai ordered as she rounded around him. Slowly and unsure he did as instructed and took a seat in the only chair in the room. His elbows rested on his knees and his head was bowed. “How did you know I was here?” He sighed.

"Because I know you so well." Mai replied flatly from where she was leaning against the wall to his right, her arms crossed over her chest.

"But..." Zuko looked over at her in confusion, "How?"

"The Warden's my uncle, you idiot." She replied, looking off to the side as Zuko groaned and rubbed his forehead, "The truth is, I guess I didn't know you at all." She reached into her sleeve and unrolled the letter Zuko had left her, "All I get is a letter." She flung her arm out to the side and snapped at him.  

Zuko looked away uncomfortably.

Mai cut him off with a scoff then she walked around behind him, holding the letter up and beginning to read from it, "'Dear Mai, I'm sorry that you have to find out this way, but I'm leaving. Thank you for being a friend.'"

“I heard what you did,” Mai continued. “Stood up to your father, renounced to the throne. Why are you throwing your life away Zuko? For what? For her?!”Mai exclaimed with as much emotion as Zuko had ever heard her speak with in his life.

“Mai...” He ran his hands through his face in frustration as he sat up his back straightening a little. “This…” He trailed off. “Everything.” He shook his head weakly. “It’s-It’s not.”

“It’s not what?”She snapped in frustration.

“This is greater than her. Greater than us.” He explained in best of his ability. “This is about destiny Mai.”

“Zuko,” Mai began. “She’s ruined your life. You can still come back home. Apologize to your father. Take the throne. You and her together? It just… it doesn’t make sense. She’s taken everything away from you.”

Ironic. How ironic Mai’s words were. If only Mai knew that he had been the one to take everything away from her. From her family. Her brother’s raging words still stung when he thought of them.

“Because of you- I have lost my name, my future, my family, my sister! Everything!”

He shifted in his seat uncomfortably as he soaked in the guilt of the prisoner’s words. It really was no wonder the girl from the colonies wanted nothing to do with him.

“I know you don’t feel the same way, but you and I… We.We make sense. I would never ask you to renounce to the throne, turn against your family. Abandon-“

“Mai.” He said sternly interrupting her. “I did all of those things because Iwanted to. Because Ihad to do them. Because it’s mydestiny.”

The dark-haired girl looked as if she had been split by a bolt of lightning. She looked at him with disbelief. Her eyes clouded with hurt.

“This isn’t about you or her. This is about the Fire Nation. I have to do this to save my country."

"Ha." She scoffed at him again and crossed her arms over her chest, "Save it? You're betraying your country."

"That's not how I see it."

“Did you even really care about me?"

"I docare about you, Mai." Zuko protested, "You’re my oldest friend.”

It was then that the door opened both Zuko and Mai turned expecting to see a guard but instead saw a prisoner standing beneath the doorframe.

“Let’s go we’re rioting,” Mecha said casually to Zuko as he pointed out the door with his thumb. He stretched his hand painfully and popped the joints in his fingers. He then turned to look at the gothic girl that was also in the room.

“Woah,” He let out sounding as if he had been struck by a blinding light. It seemed that for a moment he forgot why he was there. “Who are you?”

Mai’s eyes narrowed as she looked at the rugged prisoner before her with antipathy. Zuko took this opportunity and rushed for the door moving past Mecha who stood dumbstruck still. Mai ran behind Zuko but the Mecha slid the door behind him and stood between the girl and the door blocking her way.

Zuko looked back at the two confused through the viewing slat.

“So…” Mecha asked running a hand through his wavy locks. “What’s your name?” Flashing the girl one of his heart-dropping grins. The type that would make all the girls swoon back in Yu Dao.

“Mecha,” Zuko banged on the door. “We have to go!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’ll catch up,” He said dismissively keeping his eyes on the girl.

He didn’t have time to wonder if Mecha would be OK if left alone with her in a foul mood. He knew that she was more than capable of protecting herself. The prince rolled his eyes and shook his head lightly before turning away.

‘Go figure…’

Xxx

"Where's Tsai?" Katara asked as she poured some porridge into Theo's bowl.

It was lunch time and the waterbender was currently making sure everyone was well fed for the day. What were they having again? Some rice porridge flavored by some lemongrass herbs Aang had found nearby earlier in the day.

"I think she's upstairs meditating." answered Toph absent-mindedly as she finished her porridge.

"Still?"Katara said through gritted teeth. The girl had been upstairs all day long and had not even gotten around to doing the one task she had to do.

She practically stomped out of the courtyard and to the second floor where the girl was still sitting down meditating. For a moment she thought her eyes might've been playing tricks on her, but it almost looked as if the girl from the colonies was glowing.

Katara cleared her throat from a distance. Tsai opened her eyes and glared at her incredulously.

"Come for a rematch?" She said bitterly almost mockingly opening both of her eyes to see the smug look on Katara's face.

"Let's be real it wasn't much of a fight to begin with," Katara taunted cooly making the red-head's blood boil.

Ouch. Need some ice for that burn Tsai?

Fuming she rose to her feet abandoning her mediation as the last of her patience was shredded. Tsai knew that this was about more than just the laundry. Toph who had followed Katara up with Momo at her side took a seat at the edge of the courtyard.

"Alright," She sat ready to witness the entertainment. "My money is still on Katara," she said to Momo laughing wishing she had some popcorn.

"I have had it up to here with you!" Tsai snapped. "What do you want me to do? Beg for your forgiveness? I can't change the past. I can't change what my people have done, but we can change the future and I choose that change. I'm sorry the Fire Nation took your mother away, but we all lost something in this war. You weren't the only one. So, stop being a selfish, hypocritical-" She struggled to finish the last words. She didn't want to be crass. It seemed like a frog was stuck in her throat and was trying to jump out. "Selfish, hypocritical what?" Katara pressed with a scowl on her features. Hands on her waist as she looked down at the Fire Nationer.

"Bitch!" The other roared with an angry expression on her face. No longer holding her tongue back.

Tsai's eyes widened when a water whip struck in her direction. She ducked missing it by an inch and saw Katara's furious movements as she attacked. Her scowl deepened as she lunged forward ready to strike.

Katara smirked viciously as she for the second time in the day spilled the water turning the courtyard's ground into slippery ice.

Toph watched attentively waiting for the girl from the colonies to eat ice and fall on her butt. Instead this time she stopped mid run almost slipping and regained her balance instead bending her knees and sliding across the ice swiftly with grace.

Katara was taken aback and pulled her remaining water into a whip which struck her opponent. Tsai winced as she was struck with the water but continued moving forward pouncing when she reached Katara.

Toph's mouth went ajar she saw the two girls wrestling in the floor. Both pulling at each other's hair and scratching each other. The only thing worse than a bending fight was an actual cat fight.

Katara's loops had become undone and she clawed at the red-head's arm. The other pulled at her braid and bit her arm. Both of them shouting insults at each other as they struggled for dominance.

Hearing the commotion Aang and the rest of the children came upstairs to witness the horrific scene. The ice had melted already and both girls rolled around in the puddles as they continued fighting.

"ENOUGH!" Aang bellowed as a wild gust of wind came between them and tore the girls apart throwing them to opposing sides of the courtyard. Katara held on to her arm where the girl had bit her.

"I can't believe you bit me!" She shouted back. "What are you some kind of animal?"

Tsai ran a hand through her messy hair, her head hurt from the pulling that Katara had done, she noticed the scratches that were in her arm and groaned. They stung.

"Don't.Touch my hair!" The other shouted. Both of them glaring daggers at each other from the distance.

"Aren't you sick of fighting?" Aang began in an angry tone. "Don't you see what you are doing to each other? You should be working together. This isn't right. Tsai you should do your job and Katara there is a proper way of saying and asking for things and neither of you are right!" xxx

Zuko faltered slightly when he saw the chaos in the courtyard, looking around rapidly until he saw Sokka, Hakoda and Suki pressed up against one of the guard towers. He ran towards them, dodging other prisoners and guards that tried to attack him as he rushed towards his friends. He had almost reached the other four when a guard lunged at him in an attempt to subdue him, but Zuko grabbed him and threw him over his shoulder.

"Zuko, good." Sokka said in relief when the former prince ran over to him, “Wait-Where’s Mecha?” Sokka asked looking behind Zuko’s shoulders.

“He got… distracted?” Zuko said. “He said he’d catch up.”

Sokka face palmed and glared at Zuko. “You had onejob!” He shook his head.

"Fine. Now all we need to do is grab the Warden." He pointed at the top of another tower where the Warden was, "And get to the gondolas."

Zuko nodded and asked, "And how do we do that?"

"Uh..." Sokka frowned then shrugged sheepishly, having not thought that far ahead. "I'm not sure."

"Argh!" Zuko growled, throwing his hands up in the air in exasperation, "I thought you thought this through!"

"I thought you told me it's okay notto think everything though!" Sokka shouted back hysterically.

"Maybe not everything, but this is kind of important!" Zuko argued then groaned and grabbed his head, shaking it in aggravation while Sokka pursed his lips and touched a finger to his chin in thought.

"Fellas?" Hakoda called out, his attention riveted to what was happening in front of him, "I think Suki’s taking care of it."

"What?" Sokka questioned, peering around his father and staring in wide-eyed amazement as Suki ran towards the middle of the chaos, jumping up onto the head of a guard who was scuffling with a prisoner.

The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors quickly ran across the sea of fighting guards and prisoners, using their heads as steppingstones until she reached the tower and then leapt up, scaling the wall rapidly. She pushed herself off the wall and back flipped through the air, catching the bottom rail of the platform with feet. Swinging herself up from below, Suki somersaulted upward and grabbed the platform's upper railing just as a guard charged towards her. She front-flipped off the rail, narrowly avoiding the flames the guard firebending at her, and landed to his left.

Moments later and some soldiers facedown moaning in pain. Suki popped up in front of the Warden, who attempted to attack her, but she grabbed his arm in a deadlock, raising her other fist up and holding it dangerously close to his face.

"You wouldn't dare." The Warden hissed at her.

Suki smirked and spun the man around, bringing his hands together and using his red sash to bind them behind his back then she yanked his headband down and twisted it around, so the knot was in his mouth gagging him.

"Sorry Warden," She said cooly as she tightened the tie and let go, "You're my prisoner now." She slammed him against the wall and looked over at the others as they ran over to her, all of them out of breath. She smiled cheerfully, "We've got the Warden, now let's get out of here."

Hakoda, doubled over slightly and holding his stomach as he tried to catch his breath, commented in admiration, "That's some girl."

"Tell me about it." Sokka rasped, staring dreamily at his girlfriend.

“Hey guys,” Mecha added sheepishly as he caught up to the group. Sokka looked at him with a perplexed expression. Despite the chaos around there was a slight smile on his face. A very rare one. It was probably the first time he had ever seen the oldest teen smile. He noticed there were also several slight cuts on his upper arm. For the first time since Sokka had meet him he looked the most human he had ever seen.

“Where in the world where you? We almost left without you!” Sokka exclaimed. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I got… distracted.” He cleared his throat and shook all daydreaming thoughts out of his head.

It’s not like that mattered anymore the five of them were finally together now ready to escape. Zuko looked over his shoulder expecting to see Mai. If Mecha had gotten out that meant Mai had too.

The group ran up the stairs to the gondola's platform, Suki and Sokka at the front while Mecha carried the Warden over his large shoulder between them and Zuko and Hakoda took up the rear.

"We're almost there." Suki called over to Sokka when the gondola was in sight.

Escaping the Boiling Rock was hard but not impossible. The group stumbled upon some major issues like Azula and Ty Lee chasing after them and almost the gondola almost collapsing into the volcanic boiling water, but the persevered and successfully made it through. It also helped that Mai came through to stop Azula from killing them all.

"I never expected this from you." Azula stated, glaring at Mai from beneath her brows

Standing off the side, Ty Lee clasped her hands in front of her and looked between her two friends with a frightened expression. Her eyes bounced back from one to the other as she struggled to see where her allegiances truly lay. Azula jerked her chin up and scowled, "The thing I don't understand is why? Why would you do it? You know the consequences."

"I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated." Mai replied flatly, not letting it show on her face just how scared she was. Her next words though, were brutally honest. "I love Zuko more than I fear you."

Azula's face twisted into an ugly snarl of rage and she shouted, "No! You miscalculated! You should have feared memore!" Shifting into her stance, Azula prepared to generate lightning Mai prepared to attack.

Lightning crackled at Azula's fingertips as she prepared to strike, but with a sudden change of heart Ty Lee leapt forward and jabbed her fists into Azula's back several times blocking her chi while Mai stared with a stunned expression.

"Ah!" Azula gasped as she fell to the floor, unable to move. Her eyes flickered over to Ty Lee as she ran over to Mai.

"Come on," Ty Lee exclaimed, pulling on Mai's arm, "Let's get out of here!"

She tried to drag Mai away, but guards surrounded them, preventing them from escaping. Whimpering slightly, Ty Lee huddled closer to Mai, glancing around fearfully.

"You're both fools." Azula spat from the ground, glaring at them furiously as two guards picked her by her arms and held her upright.

"What shall we do with them, princess?" A guard asked as several grabbed both Mai and Ty Lee.

"Put them somewhere I'll never have to see their faces again." Azula answered with snarl, staring into both Mai and Ty Lee's unreadable faces, "And let them rot."

Xxx

Crickets chirped loudly in the middle of the night. The skies were cloudy, yet the full moon shined brightly above the Western Air Temple.

Things had been rather quiet in the group since Tsai and Katara's fight earlier that day.

Tsai sat on the second floor of the courtyard facing the statues of the ancient airbender that inhabited this temple as she did a pretty lousy job at washing and drying everyone's clothes. She almost felt as if they were gazing down at her in judgement.

'What?'She felt lie sneering at one in particular. 'Why should I have to do everyone's laundry? Do you even know where kids get into all day?'

She frowned a little. "Stupid Katara…" She grumbled under her breath. She looked down at the small bandages that covered her body where Katara had hurt her.

"Hey," A voice said cooly.

Her hands stopped functioning. She dropped whatever garment she had been holding into the water and very stiffly turned around. She would know that voice anywhere.

Her eyes met her brother's forest green ones. Mecha stood before her. This time he wasn't going anywhere. He had changed. He was larger than how she remembered him. His wavy dark hair reached past his jaw and covered most of his forehead. However, his most striking feature was now the scar that covered his entire body. The red scars spread like vines covering his neck, arms, chest and even his face.

"Mecha!" She gasped and quickly moved tackling him into a tight embrace. They were finally reunited. Nobody would tear the little family that they had left apart now. He hugged her back just as tightly and couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at the force in which she tackled him.

A pair of eyes watched from the distant stairs. The prince leaned against one of the temple's walls as he observed the scene unfold before him. His arms crossed over his chest. The smallest smile playing on his features.

"What are you doing?"

A chill went up his spine and he jumped lightly embarrassed of having been caught witnessing such an intimate encounter.

Toph looked at Zuko with knowing eyes a shit-eating smirk playing on her features.

"Nothing!" He let out an angry scoff before skulking away.

"I can't believe you're here!" She said touching his messy hair. "You're so big!" She said looking at his muscles. "And your-your-" She looked at the scar that seemed to cover every inch of his body. She frowned a little. It didn't take a genius to know where or how he had gotten that scar.

"Azula…" She whispered.

"Hey! Chili Pepper! Flame-O!" They both turned to see Toph calling from the stairs. "We're all having tea! Come on!"  She called to both of them from a far.

Mecha raised his hand in a wave dismissing Toph and turned his attention back to his sister.

"I don't really feel like joining the others," She admitted. "I just want to talk to you."

The two siblings stayed up talking for what seemed to be hours. They talked about everything that had happened in the year in which they had been separated. Mecha told Tsai about how the Fire Nation officials came to Yu Dao and how he lied about a conspiracy so that his father and specially their mother would be spared from any consequences. He spoke about how their mother's heart broke and her father became livid at the news of their daughter being hailed a traitor to the Fire Nation. Mecha ran away after that and took shelter in the other Fire Nation colonies and later in the Earth Kingdom as he looked for his sister. On his journey he saw the same horrors or war that Tsai had seen and became scarred by them. He found his way as well and renounced to his title as a Fire Nationer.

After hearing that his sister was captured, he traveled to the Fire Nation which is where he encountered Aang and his friends just a couple of days before the invasion on the day of the Black Sun. The day in which they had briefly met, and he had stayed to hold Azula back who held no mercy and hit him with a bolt of lightning.

Tsai also told him everything. She did not spare a single detail about her journey with the Fire Nation's Prince and his Uncle. She told him about her spiritual awakening.

"Do you know anything about it? Me being a spirit and all?"

He looked at her as if she had just grown a second head. He had absolutely no clue what she was talking about.

Her plans for the future.

"So, what are you going to do now? Become some kind of government diplomat for the Earth Kingdom? You know now that we're Fire Nation exiles."

"No.." She answered softly as the two sat by the pile of now clean wet clothes that had been hung to dry. "I've been thinking. The things that I've been seeing lately... I've got greater things in mind." She answered in a focused tone as her mind racked all of the plans she had been internalizing for the future.

She only spared one…  very insignificantdetail from her tale.

"Like what?" He chuckled. Mecha was happy to finally be able to laugh. He felt like it was a privileged he had lost long ago. It felt refreshing to freely be able to do it again. "Becoming Fire Lady?" He joked just like he once had back home in Yu Dao.

Mecha laughed slightly at the ridiculousness of his joke. It took him a moment to realize that his sister wasn't laughing. He turned to face her with an arched eyebrow and his face contorted into one of raw shock when he saw that the color of her face and hair had blended into one. He had never seen his sister like this.

"Tsai!" He gasped. "Don't tell me-"

His shocked expression morphed into one of fury. Her red face told him everything he needed to know. Her brother jumped to his feet and she followed pulling on his arm holding him back. She repeated his name repeatedly and rounded his body pressing her palms on his shoulders holding him in place.

"You and-and- him actually!" His eyes went shot wide in fury.

To think that once he had been actually excited about the idea of his sister becoming the most powerful lady in the land and hitting it off with the scarred prince.

"Yes," She sighed. "We actually dated." She admitted feeling a little embarrassed she was actually confessing this to her brother.

"Dated?" He retorted in shock. It went over the girl's head that he was emphasizing the past tense of the verb. Not repeating the shock of the statement.

"Tsai, I was about to kill the bastard. I almost strangled him!" Mecha spat angrily. "He ruined our lives! Took everything away from us. Our names, split our family-"

"No," She shook her head lightly. "No…" She lowered her head her tone almost pleading. "We have to stop." She breathed.

"We can't blame every single horrible thing that has happened to us on Zuko. He's done bad, but he's also done good. He's changed and so have we. Look at how much we've grown from all of this." She explained softly attempting to keep the upbeat attitude she was known for.

"Zuko?"The other retorted his name as if it were a pest ignoring his sister's tone. "Since when do you call himby hisname?"

She was about to respond but he cut her off.

"Yeah! Maybe we've grown, but what about mom? What about dad? The colony? What about everything else? It's his fault that you were treated like a slave and after everythingyou forgive him?No- You defend him?" He looked at her with a bewildered look. The anger still lingering painfully in his eyes.

He looked at his sister's pained expression and then it dawned upon him.

"Look-" She bit the inside of her cheek as she began racking her brain for an explanation. It was almost as if he was on trial.

"Zuko he-he was there for me a lot. When I got your letter about what happened in Yu Dao he was there. We went through hunger together, we survived together. Got lost and found at sea alongside his uncle. We built our lives together as immigrants, and yes maybe it was his fault that I became a servant for the Royal family, but it was also mychoice to stay. I could've run from that life in the Crystal Catacombs, but I didn't. And when we were there, he tried to take care of me. Believe me he did and he's forever sorry for all the mistakes he's ever done."

Mecha's full brows furrowed at the horrible realization. Teeth clenching as he looked down on her. If looks could kill. It looked as if he was about to go on rampage. "You love him…" He almost growled out.

"How can you-" He still couldn't wrap his head around the idea.

Mecha had so much regret. So, so much regret of sending his sister on that ship. She had already made up her mind not to go and he- he had encouraged it. He blamed himself for everything that had happened since. If she hadn't set off on that journey this entire chain reaction of unfortunate events would've been prevented.

"You best not hurt him…" She said to him upset.

"Is that a threat sister?" Mecha couldn't help but laugh a little. "Do you hear yourself talk?" He laughed harder.

She bit her lower lip and tucked a stray hair over her ear. Her eyes met her brother's and he ceased his laughing when he realized she was dead serious. Mecha made a strangling motion as if he was choking an invisible body in front of him in comical frustration. Then he let out a sigh and lazily wrapped an arm around his sister. They had been separated for too long. This wasn't worth fighting over.

"I'm sorry," She apologized against his shoulder. She meant it. He rubbed her back gently and apologized as well.

"What-What about you?" She crossed her arms over her chest. Still standing with his arm hung around her shoulders.  Mecha was really popular with the ladies back at home. Tsai wouldn't have been surprised if he had left a trail of lovers all along the Earth Kingdom and colonies.

"Oh," He let out a dreamy sigh. "I met the most beautiful girl today."

"Really?" A smile grew across her face in intrigue. "She's beautiful, classy, her hair is as black as night. Seems like a real no bs kind of gal." He elaborated with a goofy grin on his lips.

"Alright, I'm liking this girl." The other added.

"Yeah, she's even named after my favorite month."

She looked at him expectantly.

"Her name's Mai."

It took a minute for all the dots to connect in Tsai's head. It was then that a loud scream resounded and echoed the Western Air Temple.

"WHAT?!"

xxx

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[mechagalaxy]

John T Mainer 28840: Social Distancing

Social Distancing

Gorax Plague had struck Mecha Galaxy. It got into the pilots through contaminated Hate and Stim packs. It got into the mecha via the pilot hard point cranial jacks. It got into the gate systems through pilots interfacing with the gates to respond to ready reaction force alerts, and it got into the cleaning bots because Robert C Goat can't see a socket he won't jam it into. Renamed his whole Clan Gorax Plague until Warlock, Magnificent 7 and the Arcane Dragons put a bounty on him, then he changed it to Objectionable Idiots, which was a fair descriptor, but left us with infected cleaning bots in all the depots.

Word came down from the Craftsmen to practice Social Distancing. This is hard to grasp for many of my pilots. To be honest, our Bunny pilots are technically savvy, and social as anything, but their problem solving skills tend to be limited to the kill/loot/fornicate/burn decision tree. Its a good tree, a worthy and time tested tree, but not the best tool for teaching Social Distancing to stop the spread of the Gorax Plague. That's ok. I picked up a degree in this sort of thing before Drake got the University shut down for illegal cloning; not a legal action. He bought enough politicians he could have stalled that forever. He made an unauthorized clone of his girlfriend Tory for...well lets not get into why. She objected, with Okha armed Infernos and Hellbat equipped Cindrons until there wasn't enough left of campus to detect as trace elements. I also speak fluent kill/loot/burn/fornicate. It is my native tongue.

How do you explain Social Distancing to mecha jocks?

With my Redeemer its easy. Normally I like to shield smash a bastard, then socket my Quad Rifle in his cockpit and blow his CPU all over his wingmate. This would be considered close contact and risking the spread of Gorax to myself, and my technicians wiping bits of pilot goo and mecha bio-electric molycircuitry out of my various exhaust ports, shield emitters and recoil buffers. The correct response it to initiate fire at my effective range of 2km, and complete the engagement outside the 300m exclusion zone (twice the spray distance of gooey bits when you overkill). How to translate for the rest of my pilots?

Lewis Reed, hmmm. He likes to rip mecha apart with his Revenent claws. This is going to be an issue. I am just going to have to take them away. Sorry Lewis, but your need to rend things limb from limb is a health hazard. His second love is sparkly, so we will teach him social distancing by making him fight Red Ants.

See Lewis? You have no claws, and Red Ants don't really come apart that easy anyway, they just flop around a lot. Isn't it prettier to blast them with a Graviton Warp Beam and watch their armour initiate a gate reaction and watch half its mass convert to tachyons and accellerate past light, while the core extends into singularity and collapses the engine and cockpit into a cosmic string of infinite length and no mass? Sparkly, squishy, and BOOM. All at a nice safe distance.

Holy Damn, oh this one is easy. Cameron mecha, known weakness during the Gorax plague is the spikes grown over the shoulder pauldrons look impressive, but block the ammo ports for reloading the arm chain guns. Holy Damn, I know you love to gut punch a bastard, and cut him in half slowly with extended chain gun bursts, but if he splashes on you even a little, we won't be able to reload your guns. If you go close quarters battle, you will have to spend the rest of the war firing short bursts, or, gods forbid, SINGLE SHOTS. No more full auto mayhem. Either engage at range, or you will have to RATION your fire. I hated to do it. It is sad to see a grown cyborg cry, but sometimes you must be cruel to be kind.

Christine had to be taken OUT of her 40 tonners, as there is no way she is not going to play with her food with Keradon and Novum claws, and she can't resist doing the Nephillax Tea Bag dance on her kills, so pretty much saddling her with her Cyberdon that can't dance to save its or her life and really really loves to burn things more than anything is honestly the best way to keep everyone safe.

Todd Rainey and his Penner were a problem. He is right, the Penner is somewhat based on Gorax tech, and looks pretty bad-ass when it changes. You can even reload it to your hearts content as the spikes occur no where near the reloading or ejection ports, Gorax did design the damned virus after all.

I thought about putting an anti-virus lockout on the porn storage in our Clan AI, but that would get my entire clan trying to kill me, with nothing better to do. No that wouldn't work. Fear is not a motivator for Todd, so scaring him is out. How do you get him to stop loot after kill? If he loots, he gets the plague. Social distancing berserkers is pain in the arse. OH THAT IS IT!. I offered Todd the option of replacing his existing ammo at no additional cost with ALL TORY ammo. If you haven't seen it, you haven't lived. I don't know and I don't want to know what Todd did for Tory to get her to design it, but it is regular guass ammunition as far as ballistics is concerned, but once it hits armour, it crosses the activation threshold of the depleted uranium inside and activates the iridium sheath. Your targets armour burns and the irridium infuses the flames. Your target is transformed into a roaring pillar of rainbow flames. He laughs so hard he cries when they go up that way. You can't stop the kill/loot/burn/fornicate cycle, but you can short circuit it by making the kill/burn and cutting out the /loot/ portion without them noticing its missing .

Daniel Halbany, what can you do? He loves his Proton Blade. The sight of him burying a shining cyan axe deep into a Kami then putting his Boreas boot to its chest to kick it off his blade is pretty hard core awesome. Its also a HUGE infection risk. No two ways about it. For all the Boreas pilots an imediate challenge is issued. Free Beer for a year to the winner, free beer for a month for all top ten finalists in MECHA AXE THROWING. That is how you teach social distancing to Boreas Pilots. Sure I know the whole "hit them with it if they get too close" was a backup feature, but if you give a mecha killing battle axe or sword to a mecha pilot he or she is going to get stuck in every chance they get. Ours is not a sane profession, and honestly, mine not the most stable of clans on a good day. So free beer for axe throwing means my kill bunnies will be chucking axes with wild abandon, and at 95 tons with fully developed cockpit and chassis boosts, they are doing so at serious range. Social distancing done....strangely.

Don Lindley.....oh Don. What can I do with you. I mean he loves to ram his Aspis horns right into the enemies junk, then blow it out their butthole with Tri-slagger fire and toss the top half of the corpse to the second rank to play with so they don't get bored. It is a beautiful tactic, and its not wrong, but right now its a huge infection risk. How can you teach social distancing to a pilot whose idea of hello is impaling then igniting? No help for it. Going to have to take his horns away. When he pilots as Aspis he is like a bull in rut, charge everything, think when its time to pick through the shiny bits for loot, which also I can't let him do. When he pilots a Warg he is a stone cold killer, and a cold killer. I mean he leaves the dead frozen so solid they won't thaw for plenty of time for our field decontamination teams to work them over before looting. OK, so Don has to run his 55 tonners. Social Distancing is as much pilot and mecha psychology as anything else.

We here in Mecha Galaxy largely care for one another. I mean, we want to shoot the every loving niode out of you, but we don't want you actually sick or hurt. I mean we are mercenary scum but not actual A-holes about it.

All the Clan Leaders out there, keep working hard to make sure your people are taking care of themselves. Nick and the Craftsmen are making sure the Gorax plague that got into the Crafsman gate circuitry gets fixed so we can go to war. It falls to us as clan mates to make sure our own people look after themselves. Keep health, keep killing, kill responsibly, but kill often. Have a good plague, and see you all on the field

John T Mainer 28840