#also yes this train of thought has also occurred for mace

[good-rwbyaus]

Can we get Pyrrha's reaction to Professor Ruby?

Becoming AU:  [ Piece 1-5 ] [ P: Weiss ] [ P: Yang ] [ Piece 6 ]

logo-comics asked: What about an AU where everyone had somehow been under the mistaken assumption that Ruby was a professor at Beacon? For a laugh, Ozpin rolls with it whenever he's asked about it.

// Yes you can! Here ya go. Also, Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate it! Also Cardin vs Ruby. Yes. - lilac

Perspective : Pyrrha

The pairing system had picked Ruby and Cardin to fight in the sparring ring, which was a shame because she really wanted to give the guy a second beating today. However she wasn’t feeling too much loss, because she’d finally get to see how the girl who stole all the spotlight from her would perform.

Not that she was jealous or anything – well, a tiny part of her that had gotten used to the adulation might’ve been, but for the most part, she felt relieved and grateful. She wasn’t the one who had to carry the weight of people’s expectations anymore; it was Ruby who bore it instead. Despite how grateful she felt, she still wanted to fight the other girl – wanted to experience how the presumed professor-in-training fought.

Beyond their brief interaction in the Emerald Forest, she didn’t really know Ruby – the girl who’d been the center of rumors since her arrival, and it was hard to distinguish truth from lie. Maybe this spar, Ruby’s first public debut against another Hunter-in-training, would help elucidate things.

Now Cardin wasn’t a bad fighter by any means – a bad person, yes - but he knew his strengths and could leverage them well. However, her own strong points coincidentally met Cardin’s strong points perfectly; his strength and tenacity might’ve matched hers, but she had far more agility and flexibility. Combine that with subtle uses of Polarity to magnify the strength of her strikes, it was easy to turn a parry into both a disarming blow and quick surrender.  

However the strong points that served Cardin well countered Ruby’s strongest point, her speed. And the sparring ring was not suited for long range combat; it would be a tightrope walk if the younger girl wanted to employ guerilla tactics.

Yes.

It’ll be interesting to see how Ruby would approach this.

-----

“Are you sure you’re a professor?” Cardin taunted as he swung around aggressively, Ruby darting side to side to avoid his crater-creating blows. Their chase had lasted for over several minutes now, neither gaining much ground against the other.

“Are you sure you’re not an idiot? Weren’t you there when the Headmaster made the announcement?” The girl growled back at the clearly touchy subject as she fell back, creating distance and retaliating with sniper fire. The bullets pinged off Cardin’s armor for the most part, and the ones that headed for his uncovered extremities were deflected by his mace instead.

“The school’s still talking about you being one. And well I’m not impressed,” he posed with his mace on his shoulder. Several quiet cheers came from the audience. An inevitable thing honestly. Cardin was the perceived underdog in this situation, a student versus a professor-in-training. The only odd thing was that Professor Goodwitch hadn’t told the class to quiet down.

Ruby’s reply was a shot to his nether regions, one that he quickly deflected but the resulting clang still made a good portion of the class wince.

Incited, Cardin charged forward with a rage-filled yell, and their game of tag begun once again.

Ruby’s movements were always efficient and purposeful. Instead of constantly stepping back, she staggered her motion diagonally, never allowing Cardin to fully use his gathered momentum. However, the rare times she’d be forced into melee combat, they’d exchange a couple blows, never actually hitting each other, but then Ruby would always be the first to disengage, limbs trembling.

For a while, she thought the trembling was due to Cardin’s blows being heavier than what the younger girl could handle. But that wasn’t right. Ruby would never fully block a hit; she either parried a blow cleanly or avoided it entirely. If she were forced to directly block, she didn’t resist the blow’s momentum at all and allowed herself to fly away like a petal in a breeze.

It was those rare blows that made it seem like Cardin was winning, even though their Aura levels were equally low. She couldn’t help but feel like the younger girl was holding back some, though that didn’t make sense. Ruby didn’t like Cardin, especially after he messed with Jaune a couple times. Of course, Cardin didn’t do these things where Ruby could see him; Cardin was after all a bully and still afraid of the girl’s potential authority.

In any case, holding back was only if you wanted to spare the person embarrassment or if you wanted to hide your trump cards. But from the irritated look on Ruby’s face, she clearly didn’t want to do either of those. So why hasn’t the younger girl won yet? Everything was in her control, so why did she continue dragging things out?

Cardin cornered Ruby again, and it looked like they were again going to physically clash. Cardin swung for the girl’s shoulder, but Ruby had already swung to parry like everything was preplanned.

But what would happen if she….

… if she took away that control for just a moment...Pyrrha’s finger twitched.

The swinging mace suddenly acquired a slightly higher, slightly faster arc, enough to bypass the scythe that was swung to meet it. The young girl’s silver eyes rose in panic, and her feet were already pivoting and stepping back in an attempt to absorb the bl-

Crack.

...That wasn’t what she intended.

The blow struck the young girl cleanly against her shoulder, her red aura flickering as though it were about to disperse. She could see Cardin’s lips open to declare his triumph, but the younger girl swiftly spun with the momentum Cardin imparted to her. The moment Cardin finished out his swing, the muzzle of Ruby’s weapon already slammed straight into his throat, silencing whatever he was going to say.

That wasn’t what caught her attention though. It was Ruby’s eyes, previously angry and colored with emotion – now calm and calculating and empty. Were they always that cold shade of silver?

She saw Ruby’s finger press against the trigger of her weapon.

There was about to be an accident.

No. What has her meddling done?!

But the gunshot she expected never occurred.

Instead, Cardin stumbled backwards onto the ground, his mace clattering by his side. Choking noises came from his figure. His hands were clutched around his throat as he struggled to breathe, eyes bulging out in pain.

Ruby meanwhile shakily stood, her entire body trembling and barely keeping herself upright using her weapon as support. She kept her head lowered as she panted, her eyes covered by her bangs. No one could see the girl’s expression.

Cardin’s fear-filled eyes said it all though. Pyrrha wasn’t the only one who knew how close he came to dying; he also saw how close Ruby had been to pulling that trigger. Cardin might’ve still had Aura in reverse, but after a blow to the throat like that, even if the subsequent sniper shot didn’t outright kill him, it likely would’ve left him hospitalized for months – if he got out all.

Professor Goodwitch’s voice broke through the sudden chatter that erupted in the classroom.

“Miss Rose’s aura is in the red zone. Mister Winchester is victorious.”

================================

================================

The fight haunted her. Not only did she nearly cause an accident, she led Ruby directly into a loss against someone she didn’t like. All she wanted to do was make the younger girl panic a little to see what’d she do, not directly take a mace strike with her body. For over a week, she saw the girl tentatively rub her shoulder on occasion and even wince when accidentally jostled.

Maybe that was why when the Weapons Club started, she volunteered to be Ruby’s assistant as a means to atone, and it was through this that she got to truly know the other girl. First of all, Ruby knew her stuff when it came to weapons, even more so than fighting. The girl was a genius in this area, able to figure out how a weapon generally worked within a few seconds of manipulation and then determine the areas where it needed improvement a couple more seconds after that.

Honestly, Ruby outperformed most diagnostic machines in both time and accuracy, and that expertise really cemented Ruby’s reputation as a professor despite all her vehement denials.

It also rooted the impression that Ruby, despite being bubbly and generally friendly, was a strange and weird girl. For one, she rarely remembered people’s names, but she’ll remember your weapon down to the type of metal, its style of smithing, and whatever dust options it had - oh, and the name you gave it too. Also when she thinks no one’s paying attention, she’ll talk at the weapon she’s holding as if it were alive.  

She couldn’t help but feel that Ruby was lonely at Beacon. Apart from team JNPR and RWBY, she didn’t really have anyone else. When she spoke to her team about it, Ren had put it quite nicely. The girl’s perceived position made it hard for her to have friends outside of those who already knew her well: you could certainly be friends with a teacher, but there are always something things you’ll feel more comfortable telling your peers than an authority.

And the more she interacted with her, the more she felt like Ren was correct. Ruby denied being a professor so aggressively because the girl clearly knew this reasoning deep down inside, and all Ruby wanted to do was to live a normal student life. And it was sad because if there wasn’t this rumor going around, a lot more people would be unofficially adopting an adorable younger sister to their team.

Pyrrha glanced over at Ruby, sleeping over a bunch of well-marked papers and documents: books on leadership, documents on practical marksmanship, and pamphlets on basic dust usage. A hint of drool was hanging by the corner of the girl’s lips.

“Why do you try so hard?” she couldn’t help but ask to the sleeping girl.

What made a fifteen-year old work this hard? Maybe only Ruby knew the answer to the question. 

...All that hard work that she nearly managed to completely sabotage. Guilt struck her once again – she’d been meaning to apologize, but she just didn’t know how. How could she explain it to her friend now?

‘Oh sorry Ruby. I manipulated things to make Cardin win. But I really don’t hate you at all. I just wanted to see what would happen.’ Ugh. She guiltily glanced over the sleeping girl – Pyrrha still couldn’t figure out what had gone over her.

She probably would’ve cared less if she didn’t like her – she’d still feel guilty, yes, but it’d bother her less. But now that she’d gotten to know Ruby – became close friends with the lonely girl that’s always full of bubbly energy and the occasional snarky comment – she could feel the guilt eating away at her inside.

She’ll atone. Even if she couldn’t bring herself to tell her, she’ll pay the price through her actions instead. She’ll stand by her side no matter what, because in the end Ruby was one of her best friends. She owed this much to her.

Speaking of, it was getting late, wasn’t it?

Shaking her head free of the morose thoughts, Pyrrha smirked mischievously and quickly pinched the girl’s cheek before pulling.

The younger girl immediately woke and yelped, hands flailing and sending papers askew.

“whatthehellareyoudoing?!gidoff!”

================================

================================

They were alone now. Jaune had cut down the Ursa and in the process saved Cardin; with any luck, the bully would stop bothering Jaune about his transcripts now. 

But in the process of doing so, she revealed her Semblance to both Weiss and Ruby. And from the way Ruby stayed back, she was now going to pay the piper.

“So you did it,” Ruby said quietly, “You were the one who interfered with my fight.” The girl turned around with a betrayed expression on her face. “The Executioner didn’t move that way on its own.”

“I…I’m sorry,” Pyrrha quietly said, hand against her arm and slightly squirming against the shorter girl’s laser-like gaze, “I’m really sorry. I-“

“Do you know what could’ve happened?” the girl cut her apologies off, throwing down her arms angrily.

“I…yes.” Pyrrha nodded her head, looking straight at the ground and unable to meet Ruby’s eyes. She couldn’t help but wonder if Ruby gained that oppressive demeanor from Professor Goodwitch.

“Then why?” Ruby nearly all but screamed. It was then she knew that day had left its mental scars on the Huntress: how close Ruby came to ending the life of a fellow student, both of them knew. It was clear the girl wanted an explanation now, and she definitely deserved one. The only question was if she could accept it.

“I was stupid,” Pyrrha admitted. “I saw you were holding back. You kept the fight completely under control to the point no one in class noticed… And I wanted to see what you’d reveal once you lost that control.” She shook her head, “I never... expect all that to happen.”

“You. Just for that stupid reason.”

Ruby was right. It was a stupid reason. She kept her bowed down low, the guilt weighing her down. “Yeah, I was being stupid. I promise you it had nothing to do with you specifically. I just wanted to see how well a good fighter would adapt.”

“…I’m sorry that I put you in that position. I’m sorry that I got one of my best friends hurt,” Pyrrha sobbed, “I…”

Ruby glared at her and then shook her head. The girl turned around and started walking away, the sight leaving Pyrrha cold inside. She lowered her head once more, watching her tears fall to the ground. She’d just lost a good friend this day. She wanted to say more things, but it was clear that Ruby had nothing else to say to her. 

The younger girl didn’t want anything to do with her now.

---

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

Huh?

Pyrrha lifted her head. A crimson blur was the only thing she registered before it slammed straight into her. Immediately, she bowled over and cut a course through the dirt. Her body felt sore after the collision, and she managed to get enough of her bearings to see the younger girl that just slammed into her stand up.

Stepping to the side, Ruby crossed her arms with a frown and declared, “Okay, I’m still mad at you, but now we’re even. ” Ruby paused briefly, probably having noticed the confusion in her face, as she further explained, “We weren’t friends then, but we’re friends now…”

“Right?”

Pyrrha, slowly sitting up, nodded her head, “I… Yeah.” Her tone became more confident and empathetic. “Of course.”

Ruby offered a hand to her, the corners of the girl’s lips curling up slightly despite her clear intention to maintain her frown.  

“So yeah, we’re even,” the girl repeated.

Taking up the offered hand, Pyrrha felt herself being lifted up before Ruby’s grip suddenly slackened, and she fell back down on her behind with a plop.

Somewhat shocked, Pyrrha looked back up at Ruby and couldn’t help but choke at the sight – whether it was a laugh or surprise she didn’t quite know.

The younger girl was hobbled over, holding onto her now red hand and opening her mouth in silent agony.

Before she could apologize, Ruby was already speaking.

“Ow! Ow. Ow. Pyrrha, how much milk do you drink to make your shoulder so hard?” the younger girl accused.

“Uh. Sorry, Ruby. But after working with Pumpkin’s Pete’s, I don’t really drink milk anymore.”

The affronted look on Ruby’s face was priceless.

It was there that she knew that everything was going to be okay.

Everything was going to be okay.

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Chapter 29: Starlight’s Mother, Part 5 - Closure At Last

Now that things settle down after the heartwarming moment between Starlight and her mother after telling her everything about when she traveled in time in a dangerous maneuver to a mother who spent most of her life protecting Equestria. Twilight continues on recapping the villains she’s faced.

Twilight: Ok… so now we’re back to Starlight saving Equestria from Chrysalis. This resulted in pretty much the rest of Chrysalis’ army to our side. So Starlight didn’t just help save us, she’s the very reason we have more allies then ever. She technically helped jumpstart our expansion to ally with as many nations outside of Equestria as possible before the school of friendship even started!

Sunset: Yes, having the Changelings on Equestria’s side certainly provide some unique allies. Helps that they get fed by simply walking around and feeling the different kinds of love that we ponies have.

Starlight: One of the Friendship School’s brightest students is a changeling!

Twilight: Indeed! Ocellus is a real book bug!

Sunset: So what else came after Queen Chrysalis’ return?

Twilight: After Queen Chrysalis was defeated again… I guess was when the Pillars of Equestria returned from Limbo along with the Pony of Shadows who just happened to be a friend they neglected named Stygian. We helped them mend their friendship, and now we have all of them walking around Equestria. It’s been kind of nice to have some ponies who know about the past to talk to

Sunset: The Pillars being back on Equestria is definitely very interesting. I imagine they all must of had some culture shock at first, but it is a great point to have ponies who lived so long ago to talk to.

Twilight: Though now we have spirit summoning, we’ll have even more to pull from! As long as they have a living relative, or if they were friends with the pillars, Celestia, or Luna.

Sunset nods

Twilight: After that though… other then the aforementioned return of Sombra. as well as Chrysalis and Tirek also returning one more time there was only one more... Though you’ll probably kind of laugh at first, given she was just a little filly… a crazy evil one… but a little filly nonetheless.

Sunset: Heh heh heh, ok… What was her name?

Twilight: Cozy Glow

*THUNDER BOOM*

The moment Twilight said Cozy Glow, time essentially froze for Sunset and the loudest thunder boom from outside is heard. Startling the group as once again Sunset Shimmer gets a huge jog to her memory. The group watches in horror as Sunset writhes around as if having a seizure. She lets out a huge scream, and lays on the floor.

Firelight: Shimmy?!

Starlight: Mother?! What’s wrong?!

Sunset heaves as if to breathe hard once again, and slowly gets back up. Once she has recovered, she faces the group with a determined face.

Sunset: …I remember everything now.

Starlight: Remember everything…? You mean… your death…? and who was responsible?

Sunset nods

Sunset: Cozy… Cozy Glow was there... The three anarchists were her and her parents!

The whole room gasps

Starlight: But wait… you died more then two decades ago… Cozy was just a filly when we met her… how does that possibly work?!

Sunset: Allow me… to explain…

I’ll begin with saying who Cozy’s parents were. Her father was a unicorn named Cheque Mace, who was a burly stallion, his Cutie Mark was the king piece of a Chessboard. Like said piece of the chessboard, he’s slow, but he was calculating and strong. Cozy’s mother was Glitterani an average sized pegasus mare. her cutie mark being the queen piece of a Chessboard. Like the Queen piece, she could be quite fast and dangerous.

What they had in common they were both narcissistic psychopaths. They could not feel love, and their only definition of friends were if they did something for them and/or gave them power, their only reason for marrying and giving birth to Cozy was to have more ponies in their ranks. As even back then, even the more antagonistic ponies wanted nothing to do with their sociopathic tendencies or thought their goal was insane.

Their goal was to take all of the magic in Equestria, either to take it for themselves so they can rule the world. Or if failing that… make sure everypony is magicless in the twisted statement of “if they couldn’t have it, no one else will”. They seeked 6 powerful artifacts capable of being conduits to gather all the magic of Equestria in one spot...

The entire rest of the group gasp recalling that’s exactly what Cozy Glow did under the School of Friendship

Sunset: To be perfectly clear of what would of even happened if they managed to succeed for long. Was that it wasn’t going to really be possible for either of them to gain power from collecting all the magic of Equestria. It most likely was going to result in Equestria becoming magicless, but even if these 3 knew that’d be the most likely result. They didn’t care, they wanted to inflict pain and suffering on the entire world.

I have no idea why they got so evil, but it may be safer to just say they were just born pretty messed up. Because there was not going to be anything redeemable about them, the elements that make up Friendship never occur to them.

They’d rather lie and mislead then be honest.

They have a twisted sense of loyalty that they say only applies to them

They are not generous at the least, and would refuse to give even the most basic needs.

They have no kindness in their hearts.

The only thing that makes them laugh is the suffering of others.

And the magic of friendship is only power to them...

I had to try to take them out somehow someway before I fully retired, as I was afraid they’d fulfill their plan within the next few years before Celestia found Twilight. I could nip them in the bud before things really got bad, and while Cheque Mace had some skill as a unicorn. I would wipe the floor with him on a 1-on-1 duel, Glitterani was fast but nothing my magic couldn’t handle, and Cozy Glow was the most unknown but she was a just a little filly who was also a Pegasus. Perhaps if there’s one thing I underestimated the most about them, was Cozy’s manipulation tactics…

*Flashback*

Sunset had just arrived in the location that would later become New Haven. The train tracks leading here hadn’t even been made yet, and there was only one building at this time that had a front and back entrance, the back leading to Nightmare Cliffs. Sunset had received a tip that’s where Cheque Mace, Glitterani, and their young daughter Cozy Glow fled once they caught wind Sunset was after them. As Sunset approaches the building, she can hear the faint sounds… of a crying child. Sunset gets a closer look, and finds a little pink pegasus filly straight in the middle of the building with curly light blue hair and bows, she had no Cutie Mark yet.  

Sunset identifies her as Cozy Glow. She approaches cautiously. Cozy Glow looks toward the front entrance and sees Sunset. Continuing to cry to try and get the sympathy of Sunset.

Cozy Glow: A…ar…are y-you… S-Sunset Shimmer? You’re the Princesses’ protege, aren’t you?

Sunset: Not anymore, really. But even so, I am here to put you and your parents into justice. You will never take the magic of Equestria away.

Cozy: Whaaaaaat? Me facing justice? But I’m only a filly! I’m not responsible for my parents’ actions!

Sunset: Even so, I don’t know what they taught you. We may try to at least see if you can be changed... if you can prove that you’re different enough from your parents.

Cozy: Oh, Golly! But I am! I-i-i-i have no choice to go with them because they’re my p-p-parents… they take p-p-pleasure in a-a-abusing me physically and emotionally. And when it comes to crimes, if I refused, they would k-k-kill m-me… and they tell me that if I was captured, I’d just end up r-r-rotting in the Canterlot dungeons… But you said they’d try to help?

Sunset isn’t completely sure she can take Cozy’s words at face value. But she wouldn’t put it past the other two to end up having a daughter that wants to be good but they abuse her to the point where they force her to go along with their plan.

Sunset: Yes, if we deem that you can be a good pony in the way your parents can’t… Equestria would welcome you...

Cozy: Wow! That sounds so swell, Sunset Shimmer! Wanna be friends?

Cozy looks at Sunset with a big grin and puppy-dog eyes.

Sunset: I… guess?

Suddenly a voice from just outside is heard

Cheque Mace: COZY!

Glitterani: How dare you betray us! We ought to destroy you along with Scumset…

Cozy: Ahhhh! Help me, Sunset! My parents are here!

Sunset puts up a determined face, and steps in front of Cozy to protect her

Sunset: Cheque Mace and Glitterani! Your life as criminals are coming to an end today! And with any luck, Cozy will be a better pony then you two ever will be.

Cheque Mace: I think you are mistaken, for it is your life that is ending today.

Sunset: Not when I have a reason to get back, once I’m finished with you.

Cheque Mace: Oh... are you talking about your “darling” Fi-Fi

Sunset goes wide-eyed

Sunset: How do you know about me and Firelight? I never even told the Princess about him…

Cheque Mace: I have more eyes then you think, Sunset. Maybe when I’m done with you, I’ll give him a visit. And show them your decapitated head!

As Cheque laughs evilly, Sunset rages and blasts both Cheque Mace and and Glitterani out of the building and gives chase leaving Cozy behind in the building. Sunset confronts Cheque and Glitterani near the edges of Nightmare Cliffs. They stand at first at a standstill, a decent length from each other in a triangle formation. Sunset on one point, Cheque Mace to the right of Sunset’s view, and Glitterani on the left.

Glitterani takes the first move, speeding towards Sunset and spins around fast enough to create a tornado. Forcing Sunset to use magic to bend some earth around her hooves so she remains stationary, so she isn’t blown away by the tornado. This however also leaves Sunset vulnerable to Cheque’s lasers without protection. Sure enough as Sunset entrenches herself, Cheque fires lasers but Sunset knows defensive shield spells that easily protect her. Glitterani just trying to fly around to distract Sunset and force her into putting down her shield just enough for Cheque Mace to get a direct hit on Sunset. But suddenly…

*THUNDER BOOM*

A lightning strike startles Glitterani as she wasn’t too far from the bolt as it struck. She stops in the air, covering her ears after the large boom, and shock of almost being seriously hurt or worse. This leaves a clean shot for Sunset to make a small hole in her shield, so she can target Glitterani. Sunset fires her shot, and she gets a direct hit on her right wing. Rendering it useless for certainly well past this fight. Glitterani falls dangerously close to just off the cliffs but just manages to land at close to the edge.

This also gets rid of the tornado that Sunset had to keep herself stationary for, now free to move however she feels. Leaving Sunset only having to deal with Cheque Mace on a 1-on-1. An advantageous position for her. Off in the distance a faint laugh of a child is heard, but Sunset ignores it as she locks eyes with Cheque Mace. The stare down as either waits for the first move.

Finally, Cheque is the first one to flinch as he fires a large blast at Sunset’s direction. She smugly smiles and says

Sunset: Check. Mate.

Just as she gracefully dodges via a backflip that transitions into a teleport closer to Cheque and fires a counter laser that curves straight at him

Cheque Mace: Noooooooooo!

The laser hits him off to the side, and off the cliff. Sunset assumes he’ll teleport before he hits the ground. Though a thud is heard, followed by the faint sounds of a splash a moment later.

All that was left now was the injured Glitterani. Sunset had basically already won swiftly, though as Sunset approached Glitterani. The sounds of a laughing child get progressively louder every so often.

Sunset: It’s over Glitterani, once I get you and your husband’s injured selves to Canterlot you are facing justice to the full extent of the law.

Glitterani just grumbles as Sunset gets closer, but as she looks up. She sees a small silhouette that is either moving forward or sideways in straight line like the Rook piece of the chessboard, and she grins smugly.

Glitterani: Not yet!

Sunset raises an eyebrow as Glitterani starts laughing, thinking she’s trying to comfort herself with sociopathic fits of laughter. Sunset thinks nothing of it as the silhouette up in the sky gets to just above where Sunset stands… and something is dropped from it. The unwary Sunset still facing Glitterani.

Sunset: Just what are you laughing a-

*SMASH*

*CRACK*

A large rock hits Sunset right at the base of her horn. It’s weight puts pressure, cracking the horn before ultimately it bends too far, and falls off, The rock also hits hard on Sunset’s forehead. She screams out in pain, and falls off on her side. Her vision keeps fading in and out of blurriness as she lays there. A full-on concussion. She also has a black eye as part of the falling rock scraped her still open right eye as it fell off. It takes a few minutes before finally Sunset can look around, she looks up wondering where the rock could of possibly come from and she now has a clear view of who dropped it.

It was Cozy Glow, who just looks at the scene with glee and sadistically jokes

Cozy: Ooooooops, golly… did I do that? Ehehehehehe

Sunset rages, she sits back up and yells at Cozy

Sunset: What… I thought you said weren’t on your parents side! You… you… you liar!

Cozy: Hey, I didn’t totally lie. They do abuse me… But I never said I didn’t like it! Ahahahahaha! Oh and by the way… Mom! I have my cutie mark!

Cozy glow shows her flank and both Sunset and Glitterani see a rook shaped cutie mark. Glitterani laughing.triumphantly

Glitterani: Hahahaha! Cozy, you are indeed one of us!

The rook cutie mark now etched into Cozy’s flank confirms this was a manipulative plan she came up with her parents the entire time.

Cozy Glow: Too bad, poor dad isn’t going to get the chance to see it. I think he had a pretty big tumble and water’s probably filling his lungs right now! But meh, we don’t need him. Right, mom?

Not even an ounce of empathy, Sunset realized then and there that the apple didn’t far from the tree. A rotten apple from a poisonous tree at that, as Cozy was just like her parents. Falling for Cozy’s lie has already cost Sunset her horn. But her magic is the only thing that’s going to reach Cozy from up there if she’s going to get any payback, so despite intense pain still throbbing from the loss of her horn. She decides to fire something, without a full horn to truly focus her magic... whatever is fired at Cozy could be almost anything. Firing something makes the pain in her head worse but something does get fired straight up at Cozy Glow.

Cozy sees the approaching blast, and freaks out before dodging just before it hits. She then proceeds to mock Sunset.

Cozy: Haha! Missed me, Shamset!

But then a slight boom is heard from up above her. Cozy at first thinks nothing of it, thinking it was just thunder. But as she looks up, the blast that Sunset blasted starts expanding into a transparent white dome with star symbols on it, Cozy is too close to it as it starts to suck her up like a vacuum cleaner. She tries to fly out of the dome’s suction but she loses strength quick, and she screams as she’s flung straight up into the dome. The dome then disappears with no sign of Cozy.

Glitterani: C-c-cozy? Cozy?! Cozy, where are you?!

Sunset takes this chance to laugh herself, albeit still through some pain. She approaches Glitterani at the edge of the cliff.

Glitterani: Stop laughing! What did you do to Cozy?!

Sunset: I didn’t think you’d have concern for anypony, even your daughter. But I’m pretty sure what got Cozy was a time travel spell. That dome is pretty classic Starswirl. But... because she broke my horn. I have no control of how far she went. She could of been sent some years to the past, maybe years into the future, or maybe she’s been sent back to the age of the dinosaurs! She may be nothing but dino-chow right now!

Sunset just looking down with a smug face. But then Glitterani gets angry, suddenly leaps up and grabs Sunset pinning her down on the ground.

Glitterani: If we’re going down… I’m taking you with me!

Glittering starts rolling them both close to the edge. This was a fall neither was likely to survive without Sunset being able to teleport to safety.

Sunset: What are you doing?! We’re both going to die if you roll us off!

Glitterani: That’s kind of the idea, you fool…

Sunset: No, wait! Please! I have a family!

Glitterani: And I had one too… before you ripped that away just now. This was exactly why we had you follow us here to these cliffs. We put on a brave face but we knew deep down you were too good... but then Cozy plotted with us a way in which even if we fail... at least we weren’t going down alone... plus whatever happens... no one will know what happened here... You’ve doomed your family to despair! And the best part is… they’ll never know what happened to you!

Sunset: Noooooooooooooooo!

Holding on tight to Sunset to make sure she fatally plunges with her. Glitterani rolls them off the edge and they start plunging down to certain death. Sunset has to act quick, and try something with her horn as it’s the only move she’s got. Sunset charges up what remains of her horn. Though Glitterani sees this and puts a hoof over the hole that was Sunset’s horn. Inside Sunset’s head a burning sensation gets hotter, hotter, and hotter as the pressure of her magic being blocked by Glitterani's hoof makes it build higher and higher until…

*BOOM*

Just a few feet before hitting the water. A big explosion from Sunset’s head envelops the two falling ponies. And if there was anything left of either of them… They were cleaned up by hungry sharks and other meat-eating water predators to eat their fill with. Sunset Shimmer and Glitterani had met their end. Cheque Mace as implied by Cozy had also fallen, he hit his head amidst falling, going unconscious as he fell into the raging waters, body sinking, and thus ultimately drowned. While Cozy was sent into a then unknown time.

*Flashback ends*

((Story continues after the break))

The entire room gasps again having been told the whole story of how Sunset died. Glitterani was ultimately the one who forced Sunset to essentially blow herself up, but without an assist from Cozy Glow breaking Sunset’s horn… Sunset would of most likely survived. So indeed, Cozy Glow had a role in the death of Sunset Shimmer. The room stays silent just processing the story.

Twilight: So… if I heard what happened correctly… Cozy Glow was sent through time… and it just happened to be somewhere over two decades into the future… where at some point she caught wind of the School of Friendship… and she manipulated us in order to infiltrate as a student in order to eventually do what she and her parents wanted to do… with assistance from Tirek.

Sunset: Wait, Cozy actually ended up collecting all of Equestria’s magic?!

Twilight: Yes… and she nearly trapped me and my friends in Tartaurus in the meantime, plus she also had your daughter trapped in the sphere of magic collected. It was thanks to a particular team of 6 students plus the Tree of Harmony intervening under the school that she was defeated. And magic was returned.

Sunset: I see… good that she was defeated quickly enough… otherwise I’m sure by now nearly all life would be dying right now…

Twilight: Huh? What do you mean?

Sunset: Remember what you learned from Jinn? Our souls are magic too, although Cozy and her Parents plan can’t collect soul magic… and neither can Tirek for that matter…  Since soul magic is a lot less tangible, as what it becomes is determined how they lived their life

But without the magic that can be taken such as the casting magic Unicorns have, Pegasi’s flight plus weather-changing abilities, as well as Earth ponies ability to tend the land… Equestria would become a depressing place that can’t do anything about the dark magic that would slowly envelop the world. And with so many unhappy or worse inhabitants, the death of life everywhere would only increase the dark magic, hastening the extinction of life. The world would return to the state of when the Sun and Moon did not move. But there’s too many clouds made of dark magic to see either sunlight or moonlight on top of it.

Twilight can only be reminded of a certain timeline she, Spike, and Starlight saw during their time travel confrontation.

Twilight: That wasteland me and Starlight saw in that timeline… That might have been if Cozy Glow and/or her parents succeeded…

Starlight’s has had her head lowered down for the whole time since hearing the full story of how her mother died, though she briefly raises her head up and goes wide-eyed having heard that the final timeline they saw could have likely been the result of Cozy succeeding. She lowers her head back down, but she seems to have a rage building up inside.

Sunset: Twilight… where is Cozy Glow right now, by chance?

Twilight: She’s trapped in stone alongside Tirek and Queen Chrysalis.

Sunset: *phew* That is such a relief. Of those three, Cozy deserves to stay in stone forever… she may just be a filly. But trust me in saying there’s no redeeming her.

I understand Chrysalis has been stubborn, but perhaps the right circumstance could do it if we can reconnect her with her army... since most of them were her own children.

I doubt Tirek could be changed easily, but he has family issues in regards to his father and his brother Scorpan that could be perhaps worked out to perhaps make him less antagonistic…

But Cozy is a lost cause that must be kept in stone, forever. It’d take outright brainwashing to erase the evil in her heart and there’s no guarantee that even works. I don’t want to know what kind of Dark magic would be released if she died.

Twilight: I admit from appearances alone… it’d seem like Cozy was the most capable of changing… but given what you’ve told me she’s done… and recalling that timeline… not even Tirek and Chrysalis wanted to wreck Equestria that badly… them ruling Equestria would still be bad… but they mostly intended on ruling over us… with an iron hoof or fist probably…  but still not exactly ending all life on the planet…

Rainbow: So wait… if Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow’s team up succeeded in defeating us… that could of resulted in a civil war where of all situations… Tirek and Chrysalis would be the good guys?!

Sunset: By comparison… yes.

Applejack: Gosh, that’s bleak…

Apple Bloom: Ah can’t believe we helped such a monster!

Sweetie Belle: We were such suckers…

Scootaloo: If we had known Cozy was like that, we would of left her crying!

Sunset: It’s ok you three, one of Cozy’s skills was manipulation. She fooled me too when I fell for her act of not actually being in cahoots with her parents.

Rainbow Dash: And from what I heard from Sandbar and his friends at school… she had almost all of our students against them!

Twilight: She also manipulated me when joining the school in the first place, when she came into my office to enroll. She started with a sob story about how she was an orphan… and while it wasn’t exactly a lie that she was orphaned… I couldn’t tell her parents were two of the worst ponies to ever exist… let alone that Cozy Glow was from more then 2 decades ago in the past…

Though actually speaking of Cozy’s parents… if they died… what did the dark magic that came out of them become?

Sunset: The dark magic from the deaths of Cheque Mace and Glitterani unleashed a twin pair of strong Hurricanes in the ocean they died in, likely devastating any coastal cities in their path. Large enough for me to see on the planet from the soul shield. These hurricanes return every few years, but each time thanks to the cities putting up more defenses, as well as the strength of friendship magic increasing, thus weakening dark magic everywhere. Just like how the Windigoes are hardly a threat any more, those hurricanes eventually will amount to nothing.

Starlight finally speaks up

Starlight: So… if I’m hearing from you right, mother… dark magic being unleashed from the death of someone evil can be beaten back with time…?

Sunset: Well yes… but it’d still be safer to make sure they don’t di-

Starlight’s voice and anger rises with each sentence

Starlight: And not get any ounce of satisfying retribution for her role in your murder?

For manipulating me and my friends, trapping me in a sphere of Equestria’s magic… and nearly dragging me wherever it was going to go?!

For being part of the reason I never got to know you are until now?!

For being the reason my early life was so terrible?!

For trying to remove all magic from Equestria?!

AND FOR TRYING TO KILL ALL LIFE ON THE PLANET?!

I HAD THAT LITTLE MONSTER IN MY BUCKING OFFICE AT THE SCHOOL! IT IS FAR PAST TIME THIS BRAT FACED DISCIPLINE! AND SAID DISCIPLINE SHOULD BE ETERNAL DETENTION AS A PILE OF RUBBLE!

The group doesn’t know what Starlight’s about to do, but there’s plenty of concerned faces. Meanwhile, Starlight pulls out a piece of portal gum, and starts chewing.

Twilight: Starlight, what are you doing?!

Starlight blows the bubble, Starlight manages to spawn a portal to the exact spot where Cozy is trapped in stone. And she starts charging a powerful laser.

Sunset sees what she’s doing and beckons Twilight to stop her

Sunset: Twilight! You have to stop Starlight before she kills Cozy!

Twilight: On it!

Starlight blasts her laser that will both fit into the portal, and if it hits Cozy’s statue will most certainly shatter it, and thus kill Cozy. But before it even crosses the portal, Twilight gets in front and forms a shield, blocking Starlight’s blast. Starlight stops firing to speak.

Starlight: Twilight! Why are you protecting Cozy?! You heard my mother… she’s an irredeemable psychopath, and if the tables were turned… she wouldn’t hesitate to do the same thing! And even if her death does release devastating dark magic… we’ll have the power to shrink it in time!

Twilight: I agree that Cozy is never going to change, but unleashing some unknown, devastating form of dark magic on what will most certainly be all of Ponyville isn’t worth the immediate satisfaction of a sudden execution! Cozy is already facing justice as a statue! You’ll just put everypony in Ponyville in danger just for the brief moment of satisfaction of killing in revenge, even if it sounds justified!

Starlight thinks for a moment before trying to blast through anyway, despite Twilight’s insistence. So Sunset puts up a determined face to talk to her daughter.

Sunset: If you won’t listen to Twilight, maybe you’ll listen to me as your mother… Yes, Cozy was partly responsible for my death. I hate her about as much as you do for it, but this isn’t the answer!

Starlight stops firing, and her rage shifts into sadness and overflowing tears

Starlight: Why isn’t it?! She didn’t directly kill you… but she may as well have! The circumstances of your death was the true reason I turned to darkness. I couldn't control what happened then, but I know what I can do to rectify that!

You would have been fine if Cozy didn’t break your horn! 

I would of had a loving mother such as you around so I wouldn’t have had such disdain for something that should have been one of the happiest moments in my life… receiving my cutie mark and knowing the pony I was destined to be… 

AND on top of that she planned on ending life as we know it!

So what if Ponyville has to deal with something like a storm of dark magic every so often… 

Won’t it feel like justice to you?!

Sunset: No! Because whatever damage the dark magic from Cozy’s death does could endanger more lives then it’s worth in exchange for the brief satisfaction of ending Cozy’s life. Letting anger fuel you as you end a life will also only end up bubbling up potential dark magic from your own soul’s magic.

Starlight: Didn’t you technically kill Cheque Mace when you blasted him off the cliff?

Sunset: In a way, I suppose I did.... But I didn’t do it intentionally, I was thinking he was going to teleport before he fell… I didn’t know he had become unconscious until Cozy implied he was dead. This is a world where emotion and morality influence our magic power and determine what our soul does after we pass, whether we add additional strength to the soul shield or become vengeful dark magic that wrecks the planet.

Putting our harshest and/or most stubborn villains in stone is our way of punishing them harshly without them unleashing dark magic that can hurt others. Killing them, even beyond the ensuing dark magic devastation… may end up only making Cozy a martyr for potential villains of the future...

Starlight: Wouldn’t leaving a statue just make something potential villains idolize or even try to free them if they’re magically adept?

Sunset: That is a possibility, but not if we outright properly educate who Cozy was and why she needs to stay as a statue… Just look at her face… even I know that Cozy’s scared look as she’s petrified is another of her manipulation moves. Before turning to stone, she acted quickly to look like she was scared and innocent, so she could perhaps one day fool an onlooker to think we petrified an innocent pony…

Or… if we destroyed her as a statue… make it seems like we executed an innocent little filly… and whatever comes down on top of Ponyville would seem like retribution from nature to some who would want to follow down Cozy’s path of psychopathic evil. In that sense, you could end up only creating more Cozy Glow’s...

Starlight’s finally stands down and takes a moment to calm down, though still at least gives a suggestion. Meanwhile, Twilight take the opportunity to closes the portal as Starlight speaks.

Starlight: Alright… I think I understand… but I think at the very least if we’re going to consider the future like this, we should then think about putting Cozy in a place where a potential future villain like her could not use the statue to idolize it or even get freed by someone adept in magic enough to reverse petrification. Do we have a super secure facility? Or you want to try putting Cozy in Tartaurus again only this time she’s a statue ON TOP of being trapped there?

Twilight ponders something

Twilight: I think I may have an idea… what if I put Cozy’s Statue in it’s own pocket dimension. And much like our gum portals. Only those with the magical authorization can access it. What good is Cozy’s manipulating petrified pose, if almost no one’s going to be able to see her?

Starlight gives a smug look that harkens back a little to her old ways before Twilight and the others befriended her.

Starlight: Hahahaha! Almost makes me want to be able to at least free Cozy’s head temporarily just so I can see her face as she hears where we’re leaving her!

Rainbow: Geez Starlight, seems you still have a little bit of that evil dictator side of you

Starlight: Maybe, but can you blame me? Cozy’s part of why I was led on the path to become one in the first place. I’m not actually serious about freeing Cozy’s head, I’m just saying... it’d be satisfying.

Sunset decides to play along with a bit of an exaggerated disappointed mother.

Sunset: Starlight Glimmer... enough of that talk and I may have to ground you for the first time! *giggles*

Starlight: Maybe, I should let you ground me just to have a taste of the mother you would have been *giggles* I even know a spell where I can play out if you had been around for my childhood

Sunburst: You mean that spell you used to try to get me to play Dragon Pit with you again?

Sunset: Oh I loved the Dragon Pit board game! I played it alot with my brother when we were kids. I would of played with you and/or Sunburst almost all the time. Too bad I won’t be able to roll dice and move the pieces. Iiiii can’t exactly touch objects aside from the floors, I have to sort of float since I can kind of fly in order to sort of go on stuff like beds, and I can’t float stuff with my horn anymore.

Starlight: Always the option to have somepony roll and move your player for you!

Sunset: That is true!

Starlight: But in all seriousness... knowing Cozy will cause no more harm nor be able to potentially manipulate somepony who doesn’t know better about her will be great to know.

Sunset turns toward Twilight

Sunset: Putting Cozy’s statue in a pocket dimension is a great idea. And in fact if you know somepony else who might have devastating effects somewhere should they die, you should probably do the same thing.

Twilight: The only other villain I can think of on that level is Zathir, I’ll definitely have to petrify him as well, and put him in the same pocket dimension as Cozy.

But until then, I think now that we’ve solved everything. We’re going to start to head back, we ought to go see how Applejack’s parents are doing with Big Mac, Sugar Belle, and Granny Smith.

Starlight: If it’s ok, Twilight… I’m going to stay the night here, to spend some more time with my mother. Since pony Spirits can be down here indefinitely, right?

Twilight: This is the first time we’re having spirits down but I suppose I can let you stay the night here with your mother. Though I’m not sure what will happen if Sunset tries to sleep, though given I’m part spirit… I might at least have a hypothesis... if a spirit goes to sleep… They may go back to the soul shield, similar to how when I go to sleep, I go back into my bottle.

Sunset: That feels like it makes sense. After all, our comet-like forms are kind of also us sleeping

Firelight is a little distraught.

Firelight: Shimmy… you’ll go back up there in the soul shield if you sleep?! I… was almost kind of looking forward to being able to have you sleep with me again… I’ve felt so lonely hoping one day you’d come back… cause I didn’t know you were dead this whole time…

Sunset smiles, touched that her husband thought about that.

Sunset: Well, I still could. I just have to not go to sleep myself. How about this… We’ll sleep in our bed tonight, and I’ll only go back to the soul shield sometime after you’ve fallen asleep. And if you want to see me again tomorrow or any other point. Just get Starlight or yourself to go see Spike to summon me down again.

Starlight: We also have a wedding between 2 of Twilight’s friends in Saddle Arabia to attend in two days. We could… perhaps summon you down so you can attend if you’d like.

Sunset: That sounds lovely, I won’t exactly know much about the 2 being wedded. But if perhaps you and Fi-Fi are going, I could definitely go.

Starlight: I think I was going to go regardless, but It’d definitely be great to see you there.

Firelight: I wasn’t going to go initially… but if you’re going to be summoned down for the wedding. Then I absolutely have to be there.

Sunset: Then of course, summon me back down on the day after tomorrow’s wedding and I’ll be there the whole way.

The room cheers and claps to have a spirit attendee.

Applejack: Heh, ya’ll could even become spirit friends with mah parents if we invite them too!

Twilight: That does sound like a pretty good idea.

Rainbow: Hey everypony! Don’t look now, but I think the storm’s over!

The whole group walks back outside, and perhaps appropriately with the skies clear… the sun itself is setting in a fitting fashion with the return of Sunset Shimmer. Starlight walks on over to the Cutie Mark Crusaders as Sunset continues talking with either the Elements of Harmony and/or Firelight

Starlight: I want to thank you three for starting me on the road to find out who I am. You deduced that I inherited my magic power from my mother. And now I know that I’m the daughter of a former Celestia protege. Whatever I do with the magic I inherited from my mother is up to me and me alone to decide. For now, I intend to use it to lead and protect the School of Friendship. But who knows what the future holds.

Apple Bloom: No problem, Starlight! Ah’m happy ya’ll got t’ see ya mother fo’ the first time just like ah did today!

Sweetie: Yeah! Your mother is amazing

Scootaloo: Definitely, one of the coolest ponies I’ve ever seen!

Starlight now turns to Sunburst and Trixie.

Starlight: So Trixie, what do you think of my mother?

Trixie: Your mother’s great, Starlight. Now I know why you’ve always been so talented. And… I’ll admit the full story of what happened made me cry a few times… ok that’s an understatement… I cried most pretty much the whole time hearing how much your mother’s death impacted your life…

Sunburst: I might just stay the night in Sire’s Hollow with you as well Starlight. Not just for my own mother and my father being back for good, but getting to know my long-lost Aunt.

Starlight: Plus, we’re cousins now… that means your plan-filled mother is my own Aunt heh heh

Stellar: That’s riiiiight, my newfound niece!

Stellar smiles and boops Starlight on her nose

Sunspot: We welcome you to the family, Starlight. We already thought of you fondly when we didn’t know you were related, but thanks to all the reveals we got today from summoning my sister… you are always welcome in me and Stellar’s household.

Firelight and Sunset walk on over. Firelight in particular turning to Stellar Flare.

Firelight: Hey Stellar, I have a suggestion…

Stellar: Yes, Firelight?

Firelight: You know the museum that we agreed to build over there?

Firelight points to the construction currently being built

Stellar: Yes, what about it?

Firelight: I want to give it an official name

Stellar: Huh? Isn’t it just going to be called the Sire’s Hollow Museum?

Firelight: That was the plan originally… but I think I have a better name and purpose for it. I’d like to call it… the Sunset Shimmer Museum. It’ll still have a section dedicated to our town, but mainly because Sunset was going to make this place her home. I think it’d have a greater purpose to sharing the world who she was. As not everypony’s going to be around for when we summon her spirit down again.

Sunset gasps, but is ultimately touched that Firelight would dedicate an entire museum to her.

Sunset: Oh Fi-Fi, you’re so sweet… You don’t need to dedicate the whole museum to me…

Firelight: Maybe I don’t need to, but I really, really want to. You deserve some recognition for keeping Equestria safe before Princess Twilight would just about finish the job by providing the peace we have now.

Suddenly, Celestia walks up from behind.

Celestia: A museum dedicated to Sunset sounds like a great idea, I still have plenty of cherished items back in the Canterlot castle related to Sunset’s time as my student that I can donate.

Sunspot: I guess that’s where I can put your horn, sis… if that isn’t too much of a reminder of what happened…

Sunset: It is a little grim… but hey, plenty of museums have real skeletons. It’d make sense that the only trace left of my body would be at my own museum.

Starlight: An interesting thing about this is because we can summon you down here, you’ll technically be able to be a tour guide for your own posthumous museum!

Sunset: Ha, that might be fun. It’d certainly make it more interactive. Maybe I can even play a bit of a prank on some guests thinking I’m just a highly advanced magic hologram. And then at some point do something that surprises guests when I suddenly say or answer something that would be impossible if I was a pre-recorded hologram!

Starlight: Now that would be funny!

Sunset: Can’t be there every day of course, but for special days I’d love to do it.

Stellar: The museum’s far from finished anyway, but we’ll love to have you back down for opening day when it is.

Sunset: Absolutely!

Sunset turns to Princess Celestia

Sunset: On another subject… Princess Celestia… I think I heard in passing somewhere that you’ll be retiring with Twilight taking your position. I don’t know what you plan to do in your retirement, but know I’ve always been proud of serving you. I know you kick yourself hard for things you see as mistakes fair or not, like Princess Luna becoming Nightmare Moon or not coming with me for my last fateful mission...

But know for every failure, you’ve maintained Equestria in balance for long enough for ponies like me, Twilight, and my daughter to make Equestria an even better place. Everypony in Equestria owes a gratitude for you whether they realize it or not. And if you get Spike to summon more of your many generations of loyal staffers and guards, they’ll say many of the same things I’m saying now. Without you… Equestria would of fallen apart long ago.

Celestia’s eyes well up with tears of joy

Celestia: Thank you, Sunset. I… really appreciate hearing that…

And um, Sunset. I can wait a little while before you do. But on an occasion you’re summoned back down, I’d really like you to meet my sister Luna.

Sunset: Oh yes, I’d love to get to meet her as well.

Celestia: In your younger days, you actually reminded me quite a bit of Luna when she herself was younger. I think you’d two would make great friends.

Sunset: I knew how much you missed her even back then, so I know she must be amazing. So I will definitely cherish seeing her for the first time. Maybe I’ll see her if you’re both at the wedding

Celestia: Yes, me and Luna will be attending the wedding. That’ll be the perfect opportunity for you to meet my sister for the first time.

Sunset approaches Celestia for another good long hug.

The group now splits between the family of both Starlight and Sunspot. The Elements of Harmony, Spike, The Cutie Mark Crusaders, Trixie, and Princess Celestia are next to a portal to Ponyville. As they all wave to each other.as they start heading out the portal. Twilight the last one to go back, and gives her goodbye before walking in.

Twilight: We’ll see you all at the wedding in two days! Goodbye Starlight, Sunset, and family!

And thus a family fully reunited after years of mystery and hardships. The family all hugging each other one more time before talking the night away. Sunset will return to the soul shield during the nighttime once everypony was asleep. But there was now a sense of closure for the entire family

UP NEXT: Chapter 30: A Pear-fect Reunion

[valiantly-onward]

The Serpentine War Ch. 4

A Garmadon chapter, finally! I had a blast writing this, mostly because I love Garmadon (heads up, it’s a little longer than the last few).

Chapter 4: What It Takes To Win

Garmadon dodged another strike from the side. Clouse was getting sneaky about his attacks - feinting with one dagger while driving the other up toward his enemy’s ribcage. As his enemy was usually Garmadon, it was in Garmadon’s best interest to keep dodging.

For months, they’d sparred with wooden weapons, then dulled blades, and now real ones. As if Garmadon needed to start small. But centuries with Wu and their father had taught Garmadon to recognize lessons when they were present. Chen was testing them. He was always testing them.

Garmadon let his katana spin for a millisecond, a little fun, and slammed it down to catch Clouse’s rising knife. He caught Clouse’s other arm by the wrist. They grappled. Clouse’s lipless mouth curled in a snarl.

Garmadon smiled in return, to mask how hard he was truly fighting. Clouse was slimy, but he was a worthy combatant. Worthy enough to battle a son of the First Spinjitzu Master.

Something in Garmadon’s chest hummed, but he pushed it down. Spinjitzu was forbidden from these spars. Just good old fashioned butt-kicking.

Clouse dropped the knife from his trapped hand. Garmadon looked down to avoid the clattering blade; Clouse used the opportunity to pull his second knife back and slice at Garmadon’s exposed forearm. Silver slashed through the black sleeve, grazing skin.

Just one cut, but Garmadon felt livid. How dare this creature draw his blood? Garmadon leapt up and spun - one kick, to disarm, another a millisecond behind, to break Clouse’s nose.

Garmadon landed low to the ground with one knee extended behind him, his side to Clouse. Be ready for anything, said the warrior in him.

But Clouse was on his back, his lip barely split.

Garmadon straightened. “No broken nose. A pity. It might’ve saved your looks yet.”

Clouse scowled as he felt for the blood on his lip.

“Ah, right,” Garmadon continued. “Nothing could save your looks. Thanks for reminding me.”

Clouse growled, lifting a glowing purple hand. Just as the dagger flew back into his palm, a voice called over the yard, “None of that, Clouse. Today, the victory goes to Garmadon.”

Both men turned to the approaching speaker. Master Chen was a pale man with a head of auburn hair that seemed to wilt in the sun. He’d taken to wearing strange robes now, black with red underwraps. The belt buckle engraved with snake heads seemed to be in poor taste, especially nowadays, but what did Chen have to fear? He was the most powerful man in this small bubble he’d created.

Well, the second most powerful man. He would not achieve that status again until Garmadon was gone. Chen knew this of course, but somehow Garmadon thought he still might be Chen’s favorite. He understood so little of this man, and yet so much.

Chen rubbed his chin as Clouse scrambled to his feet. “Clouse.”

“Master,” said Clouse, squaring his shoulders.

“Go check on your little pet.”

Clouse bowed and turned away. Garmadon felt his deadly glare boring into the back of Garmadon’s head.

Once Clouse was gone, Chen raised an eyebrow. “You must do what it takes to win, Garmadon.”

“I did win,” Garmadon protested.

“That? That was much too close.” Chen took his shoulder and guided him back through the courtyard. “Oh, Garmadon. Clouse has his talents. Useful talents. But a man of your skill should never come so close to being bested in combat. You are too powerful for that.”

Garmadon frowned. It was nothing Garmadon didn’t know himself. But coming from Chen, it felt strangely worrisome. Garmadon had won, and won honorably, but it seemed Chen didn’t just want him to win. He wanted him to win utterly, not barely.

There was no need for Garmadon to reorient himself to this concept. It made perfect sense. More sense than holding back for the sake of honor.

“I understand,” he said.

“Good.” Chen patted his shoulder before releasing him. “Greater things await you, Garmadon, if you choose them. Now go. I want you to meditate. Tomorrow may be an important day for you.”

He strode off to the gardens, leaving Garmadon alone on the patio.

~~~

Garmadon lay in his bed, hands folded over his chest, and tried to decide what he wanted.

He often wondered that, even hundreds of years old and having seen things that Chen could never dream of, Garmadon was still here, deferring to the man as a master.

But Chen opened the doorway into the part of Garmadon he had always been forbidden to go - by Wu, and by their father before them.

Greater things await you.

There was no battle technique Chen could teach that Garmadon didn’t know. Garmadon was already the most powerful person in the room, in any room, any place in the world. 

So what did he want?

Garmadon sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the cot. It was this: he couldn’t bear to spend years cooped up in a monastery like Wu, only revealing his power between centuries. He saw the potential of power when no one else did. And he wanted more of it. In this, Chen seemed to know something Garmadon didn’t.

Maybe this way, he’d find some peace.

He’d tried everything else. Maybe, even with staunch darkness pulsing in his blood, this was the way. Enough peace to offer Misako a whole, unblemished heart.

Misako. It was harder every day to remember the real Garmadon, not the blackened one that seemed to be slowly eating him from the inside out. Misako, his lifeline. He would fight it, for her. He had to.

He pushed himself off the bed, suddenly angry. He couldn’t meditate when he felt this way.

Garmadon pulled his screen door open. It was dark already; stars peppered the night sky above the courtyard. Garmadon tightened the belt of his gi and wandered out. Usually when he felt like hitting something, the night air helped, but not tonight.

He was considering blasting apart one of the training spinners to cool his nerves when he heard voices. Only then did he notice the light spilling from the nearest window, shadows moving behind the screen.

Garmadon cocked his head. Hm. He moved closer and his gut twisted upon recognizing Clouse’s silky tone.

“...never thought I would have to face him,” Clouse was saying.

“I have told you before, Clouse.” This was Chen. “Garmadon came to me. It is not my fault you cannot beat him. The strong survive in this world.”

Clouse made an annoyed sound. “Master - I am not weak.”

“Only a weak man would say that.” Chen’s silhouette moved across the screen. “Prove it to me, Clouse. Prove you deserve a place at my side in the world to come.”

The world to come. Garmadon frowned.

“I thought I already proved that. That’s why you have shown me this and not Garmadon.”

“Garmadon clings to his brother’s moral code,” Chen replied smoothly. “I am trying to show him the way I taught you. Yes, Clouse, you do not have his weakness. Yours is that you understand what you must do, but you do not do it.”

“I would -”

Chen’s silhouette raised a hand and Clouse fell silent.

“Prove it to me,” Chen repeated. “That is all for tonight, Clouse. You may retire.”

Garmadon heard footsteps across the floor inside as Clouse left to his room, deeper within the house. Garmadon waited for a moment, but Chen was alone. So Garmadon silently traced his steps back to his room and slid the door shut. He leaned his back against it for a moment, thinking.

It was like the old days, right after Father’s death, back when he and Wu faced threat after threat. Garmadon had learned to recognize something in the way those threats spoke - and tonight, not for the first time, he had heard it in Chen’s voice.

He knew what Wu would do.

But what did Garmadon want?

He fell asleep before he found the answer.

~~~

Clouse was in the training yard the next morning. Garmadon looked like he’d slept in his gi, which he had, and on his floor, which he also had. The bed had seemed too troublesome in the late hours of the morning.

Clouse, strangely, had no weapons with him today, but the wooden swords of months past lay on the stone before him.

Garmadon stopped by the first training spinner. His hatred for Clouse simmered for a moment. “I accept your surrender.”

“Pick up the stick, Garmadon,” Clouse sneered.

What was he playing at? No better way to find out than to play along. Garmadon strode up to him and scooped up the wooden sword. He swung it a few times with a smirk. “Too scared to face me with a real blade?”

Clouse’s smile was as unfriendly as a smile could get. He extended his sword.

They circled each other. It occurred to Garmadon that the yard was completely empty. Even while they trained, there were always a few servants hovering around. Not today.

Garmadon struck first, but Clouse was fast. They held for a moment, caught in each other’s crossguards. There was something different about Clouse this morning. An intensity anew in his expression.

Clouse yelled as he threw his weight forward, forcing Garmadon back. Garmadon leapt out of the way to dodge the strike, and he was up on the nearest spinner, light on his feet. Clouse rushed him. Garmadon parried; the wood splintered a little. He copied Clouse’s move, forcing him back - and adding a little power behind the push that Clouse couldn’t hope to counter.

Without warning, the spinner began to move. Garmadon went with it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Clouse coming for him again. He ducked under the now-spinning axe and turned, running against the machine’s momentum. Leap over a low mace. Another axe. But he wasn’t getting very far - the spinner was speeding up.

A thump behind him. That would be Clouse joining the party.

Garmadon made the mistake of glancing over his shoulder to defend himself. Instead, he got a faceful of mace.

The world went bright for moment and Garmadon wasn’t quite sure how he ended up back on the stones, Clouse groaning beside him. Garmadon shook the pain out of his head and sprang up just as Clouse raised his head. He forced Clouse down with a fist against the man’s chest. Clouse growled like a beast. His fist collided with the sore spot on Garmadon’s cheekbone. Garmadon’s falter allowed the tables to turn, quite literally, and Clouse was above him now, his eyes waning purple...

“Good Garmadon,” said Chen’s voice nearby. Garmadon gained the advantage again. “Good Clouse. But you're both holding back. Might I add he who wins this fight shall become my right hand and be granted lordship?”

Both their faces snapped toward Chen. Lordship! And his right hand? Did he mean it?

Something hit Garmadon hard in the gut. Clouse had kicked him, and now he was scrambling up, all restraint gone. That new intensity burned in his face. Before Garmadon could get to his feet, Clouse raised his hands and let them fill with that strange magic of his. Purple light cast itself at the wooden spinners. They sprung up as if they had legs and launched themselves in Garmadon’s direction.

Garmadon had a split second to make a decision.

You must do what it takes to win.

Garmadon knew how to win.

It had been so long, but Spinjitzu wasn’t something that could be forgotten. Not for Garmadon. It was his father’s greatest legacy.

The world rushed violet and when Garmadon emerged, the remains of the training equipment were scattered around the yard. Clouse was on his back, splinters of wood lying across his chest.

Clouse furiously shoved away the broken poles. “He cheated, Master! You told us Spinjitzu was forbidden!”

Chen smiled coldly down at Clouse. “He did what he had to do to win.”

Clouse looked stricken. But Chen turned to Garmadon, his expression sly and proud. “Congratulations...Lord Garmadon.”

@greenygreenland

[clonesdeservebetter]

Suspicions Arise

[on ao3]

“Master Windu,” Shaak Ti said as the holoprojector she had been given within her apartment flickered to life “This is a surprise. The next Council Meeting isn’t scheduled for a few weeks.”

“Indeed,” Windu’s voice came over the comm clear and even, his face placid, but there was an air of concern around him that could be felt from systems away “I’m afraid I’ve come to contact you on another matter. An... off the books, matter, I suppose. Is your line secure?”

Shaak blinked. This wasn’t like Master Windu at all. True, there were times he had circumvented the paperwork process by contacting her directly for matters relating to the next batch of clones hitting the battlefield, including recommendations for stationing and the like, but there was something different about this. Maybe it was in the way the other master was holding himself (too stiff, his jaw clenched and eyes tight, she realized as she looked him over), or the way he had asked if the line was secure (a hint of paranoia, mistrust), but something was wrong. 

“The Kaminoans have told me I have one of the most secure lines on Kamino. The only ones who can access it are their ambassador and myself--”

“Do you have a more secure line?” Windu asked, and there was now almost certainly desperation lacing his words “One the Kaminoans cannot access?”

“I... Yes, I have a private holocomm, but--”

“Then I will contact you shortly. Ensure you’re in a spot that isn’t being monitored.”

The line was cut almost instantly afterwards, leaving Shaak even more confused. It was true that the Council had agreed to be wary of the Kaminoans at the very least, but this level of secrecy seemed to be moving from wariness to full-blown paranoia, something that was extremely unlike Master Windu. It rose concerns, to say the least. 

Regardless, Shaak knew that there was likely a good reason for it. After all, he was among those out in the field, allowed to see their clone troopers as candidly as they could be, as opposed to being on their best behavior for the dozens of eyes that seemed to be watching them at nearly all times. Maybe he had discovered something she was unable to see. Something the Kaminoans had hidden.

She had discovered areas where the Kaminoan’s cameras didn’t reach, blind spots for both audio and visual monitoring, but she also knew she wouldn’t have long, as most Kaminoans and their guards had also discovered these places after catching misbehaving cadets time and time again. There was one place she was almost certain would be truly private though: her own fresher.

As soon as the fresher door slid behind her, her private holo began to ring, and she answered it almost instantly. 

“Alright, I’m alone and unmonitored,” Shaak said quietly “What was it you wished to discuss, Master Windu?”

“Have you noticed anything strange about some of the cadets, Master Ti?” Windu asked, sounding cautious, but with a more relaxed posture “Or perhaps special is a better word for it.”

“Some have incredible skills,” Master Ti began “Others still need to work on emotional control, but overa--”

“I’m not talking about physical skills, Master Ti,” Windu interrupted gently “I mean to ask if there’s anything... special about some of the cadets.”

Shaak stared at the holo for a moment, confused on the emphasis on the word special again, before it clicked. Her eyes widened.

“You mean... You’re asking if any of the cadets may be Force sensitive?” Shaak asked, her tone incredulous despite her best efforts to keep it even, and when Windu nodded, her face betrayed her complete and utter disbelief “Master Windu, even if it were possible, which I’m fairly confident it’s not, I’m sure the Kaminoans--”

“Would omit any information about them in reports,” Windu interrupted, less gentle this time “Because we did not order Force sensitive clones, and because Jango Fett was not Force sensitive, it would be seen as an unwanted mutation. They would be culled as soon as they were discovered.”

“Master Windu!” Shaak all but hissed “I agree, the Kaminoans have rather harsh policies, but killing children--”

“They don’t see them as children, Shaak,” Windu said, and Shaak was fairly sure he was gritting his teeth “They see them as products.”

Shaak opened her mouth to argue, but found that she really couldn’t. The way they talked about the clones, about their worth, even the terminology they used. The terminology that, she realized rather sickeningly, she had adapted to using a bit too fast. Cadets, not children. It instead of he. Numbers instead of names. 

“I haven’t noticed any, Master Windu,” Shaak Ti said, then, quietly admitting “I never though to look.”

“None of us did, Master Ti. Now, at least a handful of us know better.”

“A handful?” Ti prompted “You haven’t told the rest of the Council yet?”

“No,” Windu said “I haven’t. Neither have the others, and I hope you will continue this discretion.”

“Why not tell the others?”

Windu paused, sighing softly and leaning over whatever surface he was using to hold the call. He looked down, then looked back up at Ti.

“Reactions to it may... vary. In addition, there may be members of the Council who want to either keep this buried or bring it into the public eye. We need evidence of the Kaminoans actively attempting to hunt and eliminate these individuals before the latter happens, and we need to be able to put together a convincing argument in case the former occurs.”

Shaak nodded, understanding the other master’s train of thought. It wasn’t something the Council was proud of, but if information harmed the Order or Republic existed, they would often keep it to themselves. It was a public relation situation, really, but if something like this were happening, well, it couldn’t be ignored. Not this time.

“This evidence, I’m assuming you’re hoping I will be able to collect it?” Shaak asked, and when Windu nodded, she continued “It will take time. Kamino has tight surveillance measures in place, and even tighter restrictions on information and access to areas.”

“Do what you must, Master Ti, just be careful. They can’t discover our suspicions.”

“Of course, Master Windu. May the Force be with us.”

“Indeed.” Mace finished, and then, once more, the line was cut. Shaak sighed heavily, processing the information she had just been given. How had Windu gotten this information? Were there Force sensitive clones out on the field, fighting and hiding in plain sight? 

It didn’t matter. Her job was to focus on the children of Kamino, on the cadets of the G.A.R. She walked out of her fresher, and was startled by the sight of Taun We standing in apartment. It must’ve shown, because Taun We bowed apologetically. 

“I apologize for the intrusion, Master Jedi, but the ambassador asked me to check in on you. After Master Windu cut the communication line, he grew concerned. Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” Shaak answered, regaining herself “Everything’s alright. It was simply some private Jedi business. Nothing to concern yourselves with. Though, I will say that I do not appreciate being monitored.”

“Ah,” Taun We nodded slightly “I see. Please understand, it’s just part of security protocol. No offense was meant, I assure you.”

“I see,” Shaak said “Well, thank you for your concern. I think its best we return to our duties for the time being, though.”

“I agree, Master Jedi.” Taun We said, then, with another bow, left the apartment. 

‘Step one’ Shaak thought ‘Find and disable monitoring devices in apartment.’

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

Mace Windu paced in his room aboard the Endurance, worry uncharacteristically clouding his mind. He stopped, sighing heavily as he leaned forward on the desk in the room. This had to be the right thing to do, it had to be. When Ponds had told him the situation, had revealed that other Jedi knew (Kenobi, Skywalker, Secura, Koon), he knew he couldn’t let it lay.

He had to do something.

He felt Ponds enter the room, the soft swoosh of the door opening and closing causing him to turn around and face the commander. 

“Thank you, sir,” Ponds said “I know its not easy but... It’ll be worth it. I promise.”

Windu offered a tired smile.

“I’m sure it will, Ponds.” Windu said, then thought ‘It has to be.’

[meryllfrey]

a little drabbly drabble thing where Meryll finds out about her father’s run-in with Wenda the White Fawn, bringing clarity to the troubled relationship between father and daughter. told from ser barristan’s pov.

{.........................................................}

It was raining, so Meryll was not on the deck in her usual spot. Instead, she was reading in the Captain’s quarters (though the crew members were now referring to them as the Lady’s quarters, much to Groleo’s amusement). He found her stretched out in an armchair, feet propped up on the table and completely absorbed in The Rogue Sellsword’s Accidental Bride. Thankfully, she had traded in the revealing Pentoshi gowns for loose breeches and flowing tunics, reminding him of the day he found her in the forest clearing when he was running from the crown.

“I never would have thought the girl who cleaved my training sword in two would turn out to be a romantic,” he said, sitting in the chair across from her.

Meryll scoffed. “I’m not. I’m just enough of a cynic to know that the reason these books are so good is because they bear no resemblance whatsoever to real life.” She set the book down on the table between them. “My sisters got me started on them. Probably the only girlish thing I ever enjoyed.”

He begged to differ, thinking of her fondness for perfumes, pear tarts, and white knights, but he said nothing.

“I wish I would have sent letters to my sisters from Pentos, but it never even occurred to me at the time,” she said wistfully.

“It never occurred to me either,” Barristan admitted. “I’m sorry, my lady, I suppose we should have sent word to your Grandfather that you were safe and he should stop looking for you.”

She laughed, but it wasn’t a happy laugh. “Lord Grandfather would not have even noticed my absence.”

“Of course he would have, you are his flesh and blood,” Barristan said, affronted that she would make such a statement.

“Me and 110 other descendants,” she retorted. “Grandfather can’t even remember all the names of his sons, never mind the daughters and grand-daughters.”

“Your father then,” Barristan tried. “He must be worried.”

“He is likely glad to be rid of me.”

Barristan frowned. “Why would you say such a thing?”

She looked him straight in the eye then. “My father is not fond of me, Ser Barristan,” she said matter-of-factly.

“I’m sure you got yourself in trouble plenty of times, but why would you say the man is not fond of you?” he asked. “You mentioned he took you to Seagard as a girl. He would not have taken you on such an important trip if he did not care for you.”

A ghost of a smile crossed her lips. “It was different then.” She curled up in the chair, arms wrapped around her knees, and stared at some memory off in the distance. “I was the fourth daughter. Four girls and no sons. My father had been greatly disappointed by another daughter, as you can imagine. I don’t know if someone eventually told me that, or if I just somehow sensed it, but as early as I can remember, I tried to be the son my father wanted. I dressed in boys clothing and followed him everywhere. He taught me how to care for the horses, how to fish, how to ford the river when the waters were high, and yes, even took me along on trips to visit other noble houses.”

Barristan smiled, not finding it hard at all picturing this rough and tumble little girl that she spoke of, dressed in jerkin and breeches and eager to please.

“And then my brother was born,” she said shrugging, “and Father had a real son. I was getting to the point then where I couldn’t really pass myself off as a boy anymore anyway.” She stopped talking then, deep in thought. Barristan waited.

Meryll looked up to meet his eyes, her brow knitted in confusion. “It wasn’t even like he just set me aside and forgot about me. It was as if my very existence offended him somehow. I wasn’t going to be the son he wanted, obviously, but neither had I learned any of the skills that girls were normally taught, and I felt like Father was just … almost, disgusted … by my utter uselessness.”

She blinked and looked down at her hands, shrugged again. “He drank too much, my father. Used to rage something terrible.”

She was making excuses for her father’s abuse and neglect.

“And he had terrible headaches from a head injury he suffered when he was younger. I think he drank to relieve the pain.”

The mention of a head injury caught Barristan’s attention. “Your father,” he said, thinking hard. He recalled a young squire of House Frey who had been hit in the head with a mace. “What was his name?”

“Merrett Frey,” Meryll said, sitting up straight. “Why do you ask? Did you know him?”

“Not personally. But he was a squire for Lord Crakehall, was he not?” Barristan had always had a knack for remembering the squires’ names, despite the large number of them that came and went over the years. Meryll nodded and Barristan continued. “It was on an expedition against the Kingswood Brotherhood that he received that injury. He was dead to the world for nearly a fortnight, no one thought he’d ever wake again.” He rubbed his beard thoughtfully. “You know, my lady, I don’t think your father’s supposed dislike for you was personal.”

She scowled. “How could it not be personal?”

“I don’t think it was about you at all. That expedition… it was not a successful one for your father. Even before his head injury, he was captured by one of the outlaws, a veritable woman warrior known as Wenda the White Fawn. She ransomed him and released him once Lord Crakehall paid, but she also branded him—”

“With a fawn!” Meryll finished, wide-eyed. “On his arse! Mother forbade any of us from ever mentioning it.”

“He was very shamed by the experience. The other squires, and some of the knights too, I’m afraid, teased him relentlessly about being bested by a woman.”

“But you didn’t,” Meryll said with quiet confidence.

“No,” Barristan confirmed, “and neither was I able to do much to stop it. But, I just wonder. Wenda the White Fawn, your father must have hated her something fierce. A woman, young and fair, skilled in the arts of men, and known for her prowess with a bow and arrow in particular,” he said, raising his eyebrows at Meryll.

She squinted at him. “You think… you think he hated me because of this Wenda?”

“I do not think he hated you at all. But when you reached womanhood, you were likely a constant reminder of the most terrible, emasculating and humiliating experience of his life,” he said gently.

“I— I’m not sure that’s much better.”

“But it wasn’t because of anything you did, Meryll.”

It gave her something to think about, if nothing else, he thought, watching the mix of emotions pass over her features.

The door swung open then, and Groleo stomped in with a bottle of ale in hand. “Rain’s done!” he announced and then stopped dead in the doorway. “I’m sorry, I can come back if I’m interrupting,” he said, eyes moving from Barristan to Meryll and back again.

Barristan tilted his head, meeting Meryll’s eyes in a silent question. Did she want Groleo to leave? She looked shocked and confused, as if she had just woken up from a long sleep and found herself in a strange place. She stood, retrieving her book from the table.

“No, no. If the rain has stopped, I’ll go read outside,” she said.

Barristan wanted to follow her out, make sure she was well, but he also suspected she needed to time to absorb what he had told her. “Take your time,” he said. “Those two books need to last you at least another month.”

Groleo held the door open for her, and she stopped in the doorway and turned back. “Thank you, Ser Barristan,” she said, eyes a little too shiny, and then left. Groleo closed the door behind her and took a seat on the chair she had vacated.

“I have a trunk full of books in my study she can read but they may not be of any interest to a young woman,” Groleo remarked, pouring the ale into two drinking horns. “Mostly history and astronomy tomes.”

“You might be surprised. Her tastes are quite varied,” Barristan said, thinking of the Maester’s book of battle injuries she had packed in her bag.

Groleo handed Barristan a horn of ale. “She’s a special sort of lady, our Meryll, is she not? Or are many women in Westeros like her?”

“Not many, no,” Barristan said with a small smile, and took a long drink of ale.

[a-fluffer-nutter]

The One Thing All Gods Fear

A/N - So this character I created for this fic has now become one of the best characters I have ever thought up, so please prompt more of her, because I’m in love. I have another prompt with her, but please give me more. I love her and will draw pictures of her and oh my god. But don’t forget, she is you and I love you. Please enjoy this Thor/ teenage sister!reader insert fic, dedicated to all of you! Thanks everyone!

Word Count: 1,700 (Beautiful number)

           Asgard. A prestigious realm, one full of light and beauty. One full of gods of all sorts, some of beauty, some of light, some of trees and earth, some of powerful forces. All of the gods were respected, though there were always the outcasts. Loki, your brother, allowed himself to be an outcast, though he was never supposed to reside in Asgard, was he? Being an outcast was his choice, but it was never yours.

           You never got the choice of what kind of god you were. You could have been the god of sheep or alcohol or dirty jokes or funny hats on dogs, but no, you had no choice. You were born as one of the most powerful gods in all of Asgard, the goddess no one ever wanted to associate themselves with, the one they shrunk away from.

           You are the Goddess of Fear.

           Odin wanted to keep you hidden as long as he could, not wanting to admit he was your father. How could the king of the gods produce you, a vile and cold-hearted creature? But, no, that wasn’t you. That’s what they wanted you to be, what they stigmatized you as. They wanted to exile you, imprison you, kill you. Others saw you as a weapon, wanting to see what you really were. They wanted to see the monster inside that could ensnare even the boldest of men. They wanted to weaponize you, demonize you, glorify you. There were only two people who saw you for who you actually were, the real you, the soft-spoken but overly cocky you.

           Thor and Loki. Your older brothers.

           They saw you for who you truly were. You were the nerdy girl with the wicked sense of humor, the girl with the big smile and loud laugh, the girl who could dance and sing and also kick ass at the same time. You were the sister who cared for others when they needed it most, the sister who held her head high, but could be shy and scared at the same time, the sister who could light up the room if given the chance. You were their everything and they were yours.

           You were alone in the large training area beneath the palace, just how you liked it. You had memorized the exact times everyone was busy or eating. This was when you trained. Sure, you never wanted to be seen as a weapon, but it was your duty as a god to know how to defend yourself and the realm you called home. Over time, you did become quite fond of fighting, at least fighting the dummies you were provided in the facility. It gave you a way to release your anger and pain, without ever hurting anyone.

           “Been here long?” You heard a rough voice behind you, calling from the other side of the room. Your muscles relaxed once you heard his voice, dropping your sword to the side so it rested against your side, hilt resting limp in your hand.

           “Hello brother,” You smiled as you turned around, noticing not one, but two men walking toward you. “Brothers, I mean. How are the two of you on this jovial day? According to my internal clock, I should have had ten and a half more minutes until the two of you finished your meal. What gives?”

           “We wanted to come see you,” Loki smiled fondly, glancing down at the sword at your hip. “I also had money on you specializing in a sword.”

           “I see you as more of a mace wielder,” Thor responded, rolling his eyes as he handed Loki a handful of coins. “You sure the sword suits you?”

           “I really like stabbing things,” You smiled wickedly, seeing the two recoil slightly. You let out a short laugh, shaking your head. “The two of you need to lighten up, seriously. Can’t you take a joke? But, honestly, I really like how it feels and how elegant the blade is. It just feels right.”

           “Well, congratulations for finding the perfect weapon,” Thor gave a short nod, before coughing, “It’s the wrong one, but that’s okay.”

           “Let her be,” Loki laughed, shoving Thor. He looked over at you, a grin plastered on his lips. “I am so happy you chose the blade. We can’t have another bumbling brute with a smashy smashy weapon, can we?”

           “Smashy smashy weapon! Mjolnir is not a ‘smashy smashy’ weapon. It is perfectly fit for a god,” Thor retorted, thinking of the hammer fondly.

           “Perfect for a brute,” You replied, Loki’s eyes lighting up as he gave you a high five.

           “I’ll show you a brute,” Thor huffed, summoning Mjolnir to his side. “Spar with me and see if your little stabby stabby weapon could possibly be better than mine.”

           “That sounds like something a brute would say,” You snide, pulling up your sword. “You’re on, you big nerd.”

           “Wait,” Loki stepped between the two of you, hands pressing into both of your chests. “Of course, you would win, Thor! Your stupid hammer can harvest the power of fucking lightning! She’s holding a training sword that can barely cut butter. How is that fair?”

           “Yeah, Thor,” You stuck out your tongue, hands on your hips. “You trying to kill me or something?”

           “You want me to kill you, eh?” Thor crossed his arms, brow raised. “I could destroy you in three minutes, max.”

           “Oh, no, Loki! Whatever shall I do?” You wink at your middle brother, causing him to let out a quiet giggle. Thor lunged at you, hands reaching out as you dipped behind Loki, pressing into his back for protection. “Save me!”

           “Nothing can save you from me!” Thor bellowed, pulling you out from behind Loki as you let out a shrill laugh, pleading for Loki’s help. Thor pinned you to the floor, smiling down at you while you attempted to wiggle free. “I am the one thing that all gods fear! The tickle monster!”

           “You can’t be serious,” Loki muttered into his hand, hiding the silly grin on his face as he watched Thor dig into your ribs. You laughed hysterically, arms beating into Thor’s chest, before quickly bringing them down when Thor targeted the hollows of your under arms.

           “Loki!” You squealed, your boots pounding against the floor. Loki didn’t react, simply smiling at the scene that was unfolding. This was definitely not the first time and event like this occurred and it is not likely to be the last time, either. “Hehehelp!”

           “Help you?” Loki flashed an amused look, arms crossed before bringing one hand up to his ear. “Who are you and what did you do to my sister? Oh, wait…how to the Midgardians say it…um…oh, yes! New phone, who dis?”

           “That’s not funny!” You shot back, though it was nearly incomprehensible due to the shriek you produced, no thanks to Thor drilling his thumbs into your hips.

           “Well, why are you laughing then?” He asked, biting his lower lip as you let out a snort, Thor having placed a raspberry on your navel. “Thor, why is she laughing?”

           “I don’t know, brother,” Thor said between raspberries, his beard making the sensations so much worse. “She must be losing her mind, that joke wasn’t very funny at all.”

           “Well, I’m helping the girl,” Loki scoffed before going for Thor’s under arms, going for his worst spot first. Thor let out a loud yelp before falling backward, his laughter hysterical and boisterous. “If I’m going to help you, you’re going to have to help me.”

           “Thank you,” You replied in a sing-song voice, finally able to recover. You rolled around, attacking Thor’s middle, the two of you reducing the oldest sibling to a puddle of loud laughs and frantic thrashing. “Aw, would you look at that, favorite brother! The brute is trying to say something!”

           “Fuhuhuhuck yohou all,” Thor was able to make out through his laughter.

           “Cover your ears, Y/N! Your innocence is being stripped by this boar of a man!”

           “That was uncalled for!” You announced, fingers quickening. “Saying that nasty word in this Norse establishment is a sin!”

           “A sin punishable by death,” Loki laughed, his fingers picking up the pace as well. Thor was completely hysterical, laughter going near silent. After a few minutes, the two of you release Thor, stepping back to give him some space. “Oh, good. We killed him.”

           “I’ll go tell Odin that Thor left for Midgard while you hide the body,” You say, staring at Thor. “Deal?”

           “Deal,” You exchange a fist bump as you bounce away toward the entrance. “Don’t let Heimdall catch you!”

           “I wo-No!” You heard Loki let out a yelp before a loud thump. You spun around on your toes, seeing Thor having flipped Loki over onto his back. “The blond bear has me!”

           “I’ll get help!” You announced, starting to run before being flung backwards. Mjolnir was thrown your way, looping around the push you back a few feet, close enough for Thor to grab your wrists and drag you next to Loki. “This situation looks dire.”

           “Good,” Thor remarked, grabbing your hands and both of Loki’s, holding them palms up. He placed Mjolnir atop the four hands, trapping you and Loki on the floor, him resting happily between the two of you. He cracked his knuckles then his neck as he wolfishly eyed both of you. “You cannot tickle the tickle monster and expect to walk away freely.”

           “We truly fucked up,” Loki let out a curt laugh, glancing your way.

           “We sure did,” You met his gaze. “We should have finished him off with my stabby stabby.”

           “At least this is better than his brutish smashy smashy,” Loki replied, the last thing either of you were able to say to each other before Thor went to town. Both of your laughter intermixed, a gorgeous symphony filling the room.

           The three of you spent the rest of the day chasing and tickling one another, having the time of your lives. While the rest of the gods feared you, it didn’t matter anymore. The only two that mattered to you was Thor and Loki, your brothers, and nothing would ever change that.