#an unconventional homecoming

[danthropologie]

is that why daniel has been in freaking cloud 9 for ages 😭 makes sense. never seen him this happy and confident in like 2 years

what we're learning this year is that being delulu actually IS the solulu 😌

[idkyetxoxo]

Aegon Targaryen - Tethering Ties

Summary - Betrothed by the King's decree to repair a fractured royal lineage, neither finds joy in their union. Tensions flare at dinner, resulting in a violent altercation that leaves her injured. Aegon chooses an unconventional way to apologise, his mouth between her legs.

Pairing - Aegon Targaryen x Strong reader

Warnings - Sexual content (oral f!receiving), violence, mild language

Word count - 2485

Masterlist for Aegon • House of the Dragon General Masterlist.

"Her children are bastards and she is a whore."

The phrase slithered through the hallowed corridors of King's Landing like a serpent, venomous and unrelenting. It clung to my siblings and me like a second skin, an indelible mark of shame etched into our very souls.

I tried to ignore the whispers and stares, but their impact lingered, a heavy burden on my heart. 

My betrothed, Prince Aegon Targaryen, was displeased when he learned of the King's decision. Marrying his firstborn son to his firstborn granddaughter was intended to mend the fragile relationships within our family, but it brought him no joy.

As the carriage rumbled over the cobblestones, the Red Keep loomed ahead, its towering walls a reminder of past glories and present fears. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone. This was not just a homecoming, it was a return to the heart of a nest of vipers.

I accepted the hand of my brother, Jace who looked at me with a pitiful expression, which only deepened my misery. 

"Do not look at me as if I am a wounded pup," I murmured. "I refuse to wallow in despair."

Jace merely shrugged, unable to hide his concern. As I turned, I felt another arm slip into mine. It was my younger brother, Luke, his innocent brown eyes gazing up at me with unwavering trust. His presence was a small comfort.

There was no welcome party awaiting us upon our arrival, an absence that I expected. The grandeur of King's Landing seemed hollow, a silent testament to the tension that permeated the air. 

Instead, we were left to settle into our chambers, the hours dragging by until dinner, where the family would finally convene.

I absentmindedly fingered the pendant around my neck, a dragon, wrought in gold. It was a gift from my mother, a reminder of the legacy I was bound to but today, it felt more like a chain than a symbol of power.

As we entered the dining hall, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken animosity. The long table, laden with lavish dishes, seemed more like a battlefield than a place of familial gathering. 

My betrothed, Aegon, sat beside me, his face a mask of displeasure. Across from us sat my brothers, Jace and Luke.

"Princess," a voice called out, and my head shot up. My eyes turned to my grandsire, the King, who looked withered and worn. "I trust the journey from Dragonstone was well," he continued.

"Yes, Your Grace, the journey was well, tiring but well," I answered, and he smiled at me proudly.

My eyes flicked to my mother, who gave me a reassuring look and a tight-lipped smile. Not a single person in this room was entirely pleased with the arrangement the King had so eagerly requested.

This marriage was supposed to unite our fractured family, but all I could see were the chains it would bind me in. A future of duty, not of choice.

Next, I turned to the Queen, who was looking in my direction but not at me. Her expression was firm as she seemed to be scolding her son in a hushed tone, and he grumbled next to me.

"Princess, I hope you are well," he said, turning to me as his mother looked away. I held back a sigh, clearing my throat before responding. 

"Prince Aegon, it has been quite some time since we've last seen each other," I pointed out, my hand tightening around my chalice as he downed his drink in a single gulp, motioning for it to be refilled.

"Yes, that may have to do with the night your brother maimed mine," he said with a smile as if it were a simple jest.

"You are correct," I said, my grip on the chalice loosening as my confidence returned. "The same night the Queen demanded the eye of my brother in retaliation, the eye of a young boy simply defending himself from heinous accusations you informed your brother of,"

To my surprise, instead of getting angry, Aegon laughed, a loud, boisterous laugh that caught the attention of everyone in the room.

"I am glad to see that the match seems to be faring well," Viserys said, and all I could muster was a polite smile. If only he knew.

"I don't want this," I admitted quietly, feeling his scoff next to me. 

"And you think I do?" he retorted, his tone sharp as I rolled my eyes. 

"All I'm saying is that I am not going to be subdued," I added meeting his gaze head-on. He raised an eyebrow, urging me to continue.

"You may be a prince, but I am a princess," I asserted, my voice steady. "My mother is next in line for the Iron Throne, and if I wish it, I will be after her. I do not plan on being trapped in a castle, producing heirs," I finished, taking a deliberate sip of my drink.

"Oh, my sweet niece," Aegon began. "How you have grown, you do not know the joy it brings me to know my future wife is such a fierce and ambitious lady," he added sincerely.

"I quite appreciate the idea of having such a challenging partner," he whispered the words into my ear, his breath tickling my neck as he pulled away ever so slowly.

Aegon's expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker in his eyes, something that spoke of more than just duty. Was it resentment? Regret? Or something more dangerous? I couldn't tell, and that uncertainty only deepened my unease.

Dinner continued in strained silence, the earlier tension still palpable. Each forced smile and stilted conversation was a reminder of the precarious nature of our situation. 

My mind wandered as time went on.

It didn't take long until dinner had come to an end, and the adults began to retire to their chambers. Only the younger members of the family were left behind, the room now significantly quieter. 

The tension, however, remained.

Aemond, ever the provocateur, fixed his one good eye on Luke, a predatory gleam in his gaze. He raised his goblet with a mocking smile. 

"To the arrangement of my brother Aegon and my niece," he began, his voice dripping with malice. "You have all grown into quite respectable, charming, strong individuals."

My eyes quickly flickered to Jace and Luke, sensing the tension mounting. Jace clenched his jaw, his hand tightening around his goblet, but it was Luke who reacted first.

"What did you say?" Luke's voice trembled with barely contained fury. 

He stood abruptly, knocking his chair back. Aemond's smirk widened, and he rose from his seat, towering over Luke. "You dare deny it?"

In an instant, Luke lunged at Aemond, fists flying. The room erupted into chaos as the two collided, their movements a blur of anger and violence. The sound of fists hitting flesh and furniture crashing to the ground filled the air.

"Enough!" I shouted, trying to intervene, but my voice was drowned out by the tumult.

Jace sprang to his feet, moving to pull Luke off Aemond, but the younger boy was relentless, his fury driving him forward. Aemond fought back with equal ferocity, a cruel smile playing on his lips even as he exchanged blows with Luke.

Before I could react, Aemond's arm swung out wildly, and his fist connected with my face. 

Pain exploded across my cheek, and I stumbled backwards, my vision blurring. Blood trickled from my split lip, and I could taste its metallic tang.

Aegon and Jace reacted simultaneously. Jace leapt at Aemond with a roar, fists flying, while Aegon pulled me back from the fray, his grip firm but gentle. 

"Stay back!" he insisted, his voice tight with anger.

The dining hall descended into utter chaos. Jace and Aemond were locked in a furious struggle, their movements wild and desperate. Aegon kept me shielded behind him, his eyes darting between the brawl.

"Are you alright?" Aegon asked urgently, his hand brushing against my bruised cheek. The anger in his eyes was mixed with worry, a stark contrast to his usual aloof demeanour.

"I'm fine," I managed to reply pushing him away, though my voice shook.

Aegon stepped forward, his presence commanding enough to momentarily halt the fight. 

"Enough!" he roared, grabbing Aemond by the shoulder and pulling him away from Jace.

Aemond struggled against Aegon's grip, but the arrival of the Kingsguard finally brought the brawl to an end. The guards separated the combatants, their stern faces brooking no argument.

"Luke, Jace, let's go," I demanded, grabbing both of their arms. 

I cast one final glance back towards the dining hall, where Aegon was engaged in conversation with Aemond. Aegon looked over at me, and all I could manage was a solemn shake of my head.

Tonight, the fragile peace had shattered, and the consequences were far from over.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting its silvery glow as I stood in my chamber, tending to the wound on my face with a hot cloth. 

I couldn't stop the flood of conflicting emotions. Anger at Aemond, frustration with my brothers, and a deep, gnawing fear of what this marriage would truly mean. Aegon's unexpected tenderness only added to my confusion.

Just as I was about to press the fabric against my skin, a firm knock echoed through the room. With a resigned sigh, I set aside the cloth and moved to open the door.

To my surprise, Aegon stood before me as I swung the door wide.

"What do you want?" I asked curtly, annoyance evident in my tone, I turned away, expecting him to leave.

Instead, he stepped inside, ignoring my dismissal. 

"I am merely seeing if you are alright," he said, taking the cloth from my hands and guiding me to sit. He dabbed at my injury, his touch surprisingly tender.

Aegon's hand reached out, brushing against my bruised cheek. I flinched, pulling back instinctively. He chuckled softly, but there was no warmth in the sound. 

"Do not pretend to care," I snapped, hating the tremor in my voice. He didn’t retreat, just tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Alright," he admitted, his gaze unwavering. "I came to see you. It's been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"What are you really after, Aegon?" I demanded, fixing him with a sceptical glare.

"You've caught me," he replied smoothly, closing the distance between us. "It seems time has only sharpened your wit and beauty," he continued, his hand reaching out to caress my cheek.

"You've grown so beautifully over the years," he murmured, his voice sincere yet unsettling.

"All I wanted," he murmured, his tone laced with suggestive intent, "was to see how you feel, how you'd make me feel."

Without thinking, I reacted, my hand snapping across his face in a sharp slap. The sound echoed in the room, breaking the tense silence like a crack of lightning

He recoiled, a hand flying to his stinging face, while I stood there, a mixture of disbelief and indignation flooding my senses. My own hand flew to cover my mouth, stunned by both his brazenness and shock at my own action.

"Aegon," I murmured, my voice barely audible as he chuckled softly. "I didn't..." The words failed me, hanging in the air between us. 

He tilted his head, his jaw clicking before a slow smile spread across his face.

"Tell me to leave," he said, his voice a mix of challenge and invitation. I wanted to, truly, but the words stuck in my throat. 

"Tell me to stop, and I'll stop," he continued, taking another step closer, his gaze unwavering as it searched my face for any sign of resistance.

There was none.

"Okay," he murmured, his fingers threading gently through my hair. He loomed over me, a commanding presence as I sat in my chair.

Suddenly, he knelt before me, his hands hiking up my nightgown with deliberate slowness, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Tell me to stop," he repeated, his voice low and insistent. 

I shook my head, a barely audible "no" escaping my lips. His smirk deepened, a triumphant glint in his eyes.

His face disappeared between my legs, and he began trailing small, wet kisses along my inner thighs. The sensation sent shivers through me, making me squirm in my seat. I bit my lip, a soft moan escaping as his mouth moved closer to where I wanted him most.

"Please," I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of anticipation and need. "Don't stop."

Encouraged by my words, Aegon intensified his efforts. He started by kissing the sensitive skin at the crease of my thigh, his lips soft and warm. His tongue flicked out, teasing me with light, fluttering touches. 

He took his time, exploring the area with a deliberate, languid pace, savouring every reaction he elicited from me. Each touch sent waves of pleasure coursing through my body, making me arch towards him, seeking more.

He moved closer, his breath hot against my skin, and then his mouth was on me. His tongue parted my folds, moving in slow, sensual circles around my clit. He alternated between gentle, teasing flicks and firm, insistent strokes, driving me wild with desire. 

I gasped, my hands flying to his head, my fingers tangling in his hair as I held him close, urging him on.

He was relentless, his mouth working skillfully, driving me to the edge again and again. My breaths came in ragged gasps as he sucked lightly, then harder, his tongue darting out to tease and tantalize. 

The intensity of the sensations built rapidly, a tight coil of pleasure winding inside me, threatening to snap at any moment.

"Aegon," I moaned, my voice breaking as I teetered on the brink. 

He responded with a deep, satisfied hum, the vibration sending a jolt of ecstasy through me. His lips and tongue moved faster, more insistently, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.

With a final, shuddering gasp, I fell over the edge, my body convulsing in pure ecstasy. He didn't stop, his tongue continuing its dance, drawing out my pleasure until I was utterly spent, collapsing back into the chair, breathless and trembling.

Aegon pulled away slowly, his eyes meeting mine with a smug, satisfied look. 

"Consider that an apology," he said, his voice a seductive whisper.

I nodded, unable to form words, my mind still reeling from the intensity of what had just transpired. His mouth was glistening with my release, and he licked his lips with a self-satisfied smirk.

With a final, lingering gaze, Aegon stood up, straightening his clothes with unhurried confidence. He turned and made his way to the door, each step deliberate, leaving me in a haze of post-orgasmic bliss.

I watched him leave, my body still thrumming with the aftermath of his touch. As the door closed behind him, I let out a long, shaky breath, trying to collect myself. My heart was still racing, my skin flushed with the memory of his mouth on me.

Leaning back in the chair, I closed my eyes, a slow smile spreading across my lips.

A/n - Aegon's idea of a "warm welcome" involves more than just a friendly handshake, he's just really into making an impression x

[qwimchii]

𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘩 — 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘴

𝘫𝘰𝘩𝘯𝘯𝘺 "𝘴𝘰𝘢𝘱" 𝘮𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘹 𝘧!𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

— 𝘴𝘧𝘸 & 𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘸

ʚ⁺˖ everyone has that inner child in them that wants to be nurtured by their partner, and Johnny actively seeks that out in a person

ʚ⁺˖ he is not immature, clingy, or needy—he just wants to be with someone who makes him feel safe enough to just be him and be in that soft, little boy energy sometimes

ʚ⁺˖ i think that Johnny was a bit of a popular boy in high school. the nice kind who was a bit hyperactive and the class clown and probably got voted to be homecoming court king just because he was just funny and everyone liked him…

ʚ⁺˖ really fucking naughty too. was definitely having mini little science experiments with gunpowder, matches, and fireworks in the backyard with his brothers as a kid!!! he was blowing things up even before he got an education and license for it

ʚ⁺˖ but he was also one of those kids who everyone liked but he was kind of always distant… untouchable. it was always like he was focused on bigger brighter things—wanted to join the sas asap and wanted to grow up faster than everyone else. 

ʚ⁺˖ he was that kind of senior that you had a crush on in high school but knew you had no chance because his attention was just elsewhere—not like he was mean at all. he was always kind and didn’t judge others, but he wanted an unconventional path that was different than most. he was also that kind of senior who would be friends with anyone… even if they were “weird”. he didn't care because he was focused on other things, so lots of social norms/constraints didn’t really register half the time in his brain.

ʚ⁺˖ really fucking smart too. too smart. he was outsmarting his teachers since elementary school. not super book smart, doesn’t know all these specific facts, but he just understands. really high social iq as well!! everyone thinks that he lives too fast, that he’s funny, that he’s a bit brash and rough around the edges, but inside, he’s actually very in-tune with his surroundings—people’s energy, your energy

ʚ⁺˖ because of his hyperactivity in high energy situation with lots of people, lots of things going on, he needs that safe space to just unwind and be like :]

ʚ⁺˖ this :] literally embodies johnny when he’s content with you—his pretty little safe space. especially because he wanted to grow up so fast, join sas as soon as he possibly could, and probably grew up in a catholic family with quite a bit of kids, his inner child didn’t get much attention.

ʚ⁺˖ once this man notices you for who you are on the inside, how nurturing and calm you can be, how you can see his inner child, he is head over heels. head over heels. obsessed, obsessed, obsessed.

ʚ⁺˖ doesn’t really know what to do with himself and builds up all this nervous, slidey energy around you. like all his insides are sliding around too much and he just needs to anchor himself to something (you). 

ʚ⁺˖ didn’t date much when he was younger but enjoyed one-night stands every now and then, never anything serious. didn’t think he really wanted anything serious. he had seen his siblings and their families and was content with remaining a proud uncle of ten (or more). suddenly, after meeting you, and all your softness, something about it innocent and carefree, he didn’t know what to do.

ʚ⁺˖ it was like everything he hadn’t really experienced in his early 20s—that first, serious relationship that most of his childhood friends went through in college—came rushing to him.

ʚ⁺˖ his first instinct is to get close to you—become friends first. he’s the type that wants to have a really natural connection so that the line between lover and friends is blurred. not in a bad, miscommunication way. just a natural, this feels so right way. 

ʚ⁺˖ he’s intuitive, remember? thinks with his own different kind of logic that most people would find confusing or a little strange if they really noticed it which isn’t so easy under his funny, easygoing exterior… not you though. he knew you thought of his unique mind as endearing, because no matter how many more vulnerable sore spots he revealed to you, you wouldn’t even flinch. you’d just give him that pretty smile and reassure him and he'd be obsessed all over again.

ʚ⁺˖ he also wants a fun lover! wants to have fun and crack jokes!! you guys probably have two and a half million inside jokes that are way too much to unpack for others to understand. even if you’re not a naturally talkative, outgoing, or joking kind of person, the conversations Johnny will take you down are always strange, strange rabbit holes that draw out the most fun discussions you’ve ever had. he has chemistry with almost anyone, but you especially because he’s just fascinated.

ʚ⁺˖ starts giving you pet names once you become closer friends. bonnie, bonnie lass, kitty, or kitty cat. if anyone in 141 calls you kitty cat/kitty, it’s definitely Johnny.  “hey little kitty cat.” “how’s my little kitty cat doin’ today? hm? yeah, bonnie? tell me about yer day. ” over the phone…

ʚ⁺˖ soon enough your hangouts becomes more intimate and personal. it’s a little confusing because you’re friends but you’re not?? but every time you’re with him, all that confusion just melts away, because it’s just him. Johnny. you’re very comfortable with one another—does it even really matter if you define your relationship with him?

ʚ⁺˖ watching movies cuddled on the couch, sharing shitty ramen recipes and having whole-ass mock cooking shows at 2am for shits and giggles, wriggling into each other’s beds during a sleepover, facetiming a lot, you’re practically attached at the hip virtually and not. all your friends are onto you immediately, sniffing out this newfound “friend” like hounds. it’s obvious to everyone else that you can’t possibly just be friends… but how obvious is that to you? not much.

ʚ⁺˖ a touchy boyfriend friend. can definitely imagine a lazy weekend when he stayed over at your place on the couch after a long night of binging movies or k-dramas, and in the morning, he’s at the entrance of your bedroom, yawning and stretching out like a cat and shamelessly shirtless, much to your enjoyment embarrassment. jokingly asks if he can join you, because you just look so cute and comfortable curled up in those sheets like a little kitty cat, and when you say yes, he’s over in a flash, burrowing in the warm blankets beside you, all content like :] while watching your sleepy face. 

ʚ⁺˖ brushes away the hairs from your face and you whisper back and forth in the soft morning hours, letting him gently peck at the soft places on your face when he wants. till one day, just like any other day, you’re laying in bed and he’s gently pecking at your face, forehead, nose, eyelids, cheeks, and then the corner of your mouth, and you gently turn your head and his soft lips are on yours, bristly beard grating against your chin. but you don’t mind it in the way he’s kissing you so deliciously, tongue sliding between your lips as he crawls over you and cages you beneath his weight.

nsfw

ʚ⁺˖ the thing that would spur you over that thin line from friends to lovers was the incessant want you had for each other

ʚ⁺˖ Johnny more than anything. can’t get enough of you—sometimes gets hard just at the thought of you, which is embarrassing because he feels like he can’t control himself when it happens

ʚ⁺˖ during long months away from his favorite kitty cat, touches himself to the thoughts of your pretty smile and soft skin in breathy gasps, eventually caving in when he got too desperate and called you and felt so so so bad for lying to his sweet little kitty over the phone.

ʚ⁺˖ “are you alright, Johnny?” you’d ask him, brow furrowed and lip caught between your teeth at the sound of his strange, husky gasps over the phone. and he just grunts back, “mhmm. m’perfect kitty, just keep talkin’ to me. jus’ like that.”

ʚ⁺˖ it wasn’t like it was just one-sided. while Johnny is a very, very eager lover with a crazy high sex drive just for you, you’d been suffering from the same side effects. lingering in the same close-knit spaces when he was on leave, his scent lingered on different things—your pillows, bedsheets, clothes, and just the smell of him was enough to make you squirm and get you all dripping wet. sometimes it gets so bad to the point where you humped a pillow that smelled like him, thinking about how much you ached for the burly, warm muscle of his bare body sliding against yours in bed when you cuddled.

ʚ⁺˖ sometimes, when he was over at your place, tangled with him after a particularly hot summer night, you’d wake up with your clothes half-stripped off and Johnny almost naked just behind you, the strong muscle of his chest digging into your bare shoulder blade. it was embarrassing, realizing that you had done that in the middle of the night without even realizing it. and when you tried to slide out of the sheets to discreetly pull up your shorts again and put on a shirt, he’d growl, pulling your back into the blankets and not even caring how bare you were, one burly arm beneath your head and the other around your waist, fingertips sliding up to rest in the place right between your tits, but not touching. 

ʚ⁺˖ his morning voice would be all gravely by your ear, teasing, “my little kitty get hot last night?” when you would start squirming in his arms in protest, half-mewling for him to let go, but not really wanting him to let go, he’s just chuckle, his hips flush to your ass and grinding lazy circles of his morning wood into your plush flesh. “s’alright, kitty, just relax.”

ʚ⁺˖ and when you finally do fuck, after long heady months of endless teasing, lingering touches and a blatant amount of skin on display for each other, Johnny suffering a record amount of blue-balls in your presence and the sweet smell of you making him downright dizzy, you’d be fucking like rabbits—Johnny going round after round after round and making you wonder if he had a refractory period at all. 

ʚ⁺˖ so so so desperate and fast and rough, hand snaking in your hair and pushing your head down into the mattress as his strong hips snap against your ass, other hand snaking down your stomach to rub too fast circles against your clit.

ʚ⁺˖ he can be soft—naturally is rough. spits on your cunt and in your mouth, pulls your hair, slaps your ass and watches with a greediness the way it creates addicting little ripples over your skin. loves turning your ass cheeks a pretty shade of pink. loves your ass in general—always groping it in private, doing discrete little grabs in public. fucks your mouth too, thick cock head against the back of your throat as he wipes away your tears and coos, praising you for being his good little kitty cat, with suck a fuckable throat and pretty little swollen, fuckable lips. s’yer fault yer such a fuckin’ tease. his head tips back when you swallow around his pulsing head.

ʚ⁺˖ does sweet little check-ins while making you see stars. soft pecks against your lips, kissing away any tears, brushing his fingers over your hair softly sometimes. just to make sure you’re alright while he’s fucking you so good and rough and overstimulating you till you can’t even talk and you’re just babbling for more while his thick, dripping cock is rutting into you and his hand is squeezing around your throat, letting out low, throaty grunts and groans—just the way he know you love it. loves degrading you too. you’re his sweet little slut, his sweet little whore, pretty little slag. for no one but him. absolutely no one.

ʚ⁺˖ and oooh this man is possessive. the most possessive in 141 (me thinks). can’t stand it when men are even in your vicinity—not because he isn’t confident. he very much is. it’s super sexy to you, too, the way he carries himself with a straight posture and big, broad shoulders. he’s just so so so protective over his sweet little kitty cat. can’t have these awful men corrupting you :( that’s exclusively for him!

ʚ⁺˖ but when he is feeling for a softer round… or maybe you are… it’s usually after you’ve been fucking rough for hours and he’s begging you for just one more, pretty, lifting your leg up and slipping his hard, pulsing cock into your puffy, swollen cunt while you whine and cry, tears spilling down your cheeks.

ʚ⁺˖ he’ll fuck you lazily on his side just like that, arm wrapped around your waist while the other massages soothing circles into your twitching clit, shushing you softly as you half-sob, whispering kind things in your ear. 

ʚ⁺˖ “so good for me, kitty. need ye te come one more time. can’t ye do that for me? hm, kitty cat? aye, i know ye can, i ken you will, bonnie. just for me. aye, you can do it, there ye go, just like that, such a good lass takin’ this thick cock—” babbling incessantly into your ear, coaxing you through your last bone-shaking orgasm, little mewls falling from your lips as he presses his cock right up to your swollen cervix, stuffing liquid warmth into your womb.

ʚ⁺˖ and once he’s spent, sperm effectively drained from his tight, throbbing balls, he’ll smile at you in victorious satisfaction, kissing all over you in sweet little apologies for how rough he’s been with you. sometimes he’ll pay special attention to the puffy lips of your pussy, kissing them and then suckling on your clit, enjoying the way you squirm with overstimulation, whimpering soft little no mores and he’ll pull away with a smirk, amused with the cute little pout on your face.

ʚ⁺˖ then, he’ll crawl back over you, wrapping you up in his strong arms, feeling absolutely content that he won’t be sharing you—his sweet, gorgeous little safe space—with any other person in the entire world :]

no i did not 100% have soap brain rot at 12am and write this....... i would never..... especially not on a school night........

taglist: @ivybeeloved

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Pairing: Steve Rogers x Rachel

Kiss It Away

Stolen Kisses, Stolen Moments - Part One, Part Two

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Confessions

Last Night

Empowering

Distraction

Pairing: Dr. Stephen Strange x Clea

Love, A Kind of Magic - Part One, Part Two

Pairing: Dr. Stephen Strange x Reader

Bleeding Love - Part One & Part Two

Perfection

A Surprising Twist

Sleep Deprived

What the Wife Says Goes

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Nothing But a Burden

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

A Pact Renewed

Because You’re Mine

Not a Waste of Space

Just Hold Me

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Never Leave Me

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pairing: Will Turner x Reader

My Heart Calls Your Name

Tavern Brawls

Rise of the Guardians

Pairing: Jack Frost x Evening Star aka The Blue Fairy

Two Spirits Meet - Wishing on a Snowflake I,

Sherlock (BBC)

Pairing: Sherlock x Reader

Serendipity

The Consulting Detective and the Serial Killer

His Love for Her

Your Hand in Mine

Drunken Comfort

Its All Been Arranged

An Unconventional Love Story (Victorian Era AU)

Star Trek(2009)

Pairing: Spock x Kealoha

The Roommate Experiment - Prologue, Part One

Pairing: Spock x Reader

The Little Green Monster

Chasing Away The Darkness

Here For You (InProgress)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Pairing: Leonardo x Amal

Heaven’s Light

A Comforting Embrace

The Amazing Spiderman

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

A Nonverbal Confession

Falling For Him

Heal Together

Drunk on Pheromones

Take All The Time You Need

Falling for the Enemy

The Chronicles of Narnia

Pairing: Peter Pevensie x Reader

An Unexpected Turn

We Face It Together

Pairing: Edmund Pevensie x Reader

The King and the Commoner

The Hobbit

Creepy Crawlies (No Pairing)

Pairing: Kili x Reader

You Are Safe

The Lord of the Rings

Pairing: Legolas x Annúneth

Love Happens

Pairing: Legolas x Reader

We Meet Again A Confession Years In The Making

My Prayer, My Light, My Fëa

A Little Introduction to Rock Music

A Promise

Written In The Stars

Treasure Planet

Pairing: Jim Hawkins x Reader

A Little Competition Goes a Long Way

[choerypetal]

Catton's Little Puppet / Oliver Quick & Felix Catton

summary: Oliver had harbored a long-standing obsession with both the reader and Felix. Despite his discomfort at witnessing the two together, he saw it as a chance to strategically earn their trust in an unconventional manner. It was an opportunity for Felix to potentially welcome him into their partnership, transforming the dynamic into a trio where they would all be equals, yet each holding a unique role—masters entwined in the intricate dance of their own puppetry.

ps: English is not my primary language, so I apologize for any errors or mistakes. If you choose to use or replicate my work without proper credit, it may be subject to being flagged.

tag list: @bananzaa @sisgotdemons enjoy!

Oliver hated everything about you when you two first met. 

Oliver hated the way your hips seamlessly moved to the rhythm of the music. Your smile captured the essence of every words from the songs you knew by heart. As you clutched the now-empty beer cup, poised to pour another for yourself, Felix's arm effortlessly wrapped around your waist. In a swift motion, he pulled you to his side, mirroring the smile Oliver had admired the first time actually meeting Felix. Oliver couldn't help but think that if he averted his gaze for even a second, Felix's and your lips would meet. The scene drew him back into the room later that evening, only for Felix and you to vanish until the sunrise.

Oliver hated when, the next day, you walked into class looking all polished and preppy. Although he knew that it was only an illusion, as you had once shared with him that it was simply a matter of practice. Even suggesting he follow suit that same morning. During Oliver's first week, you didn't have much information about him, like everyone. Oliver had found himself completely withdraw by your beauty upon entering on that same morning when you arrived late– clearly hungover from the homecoming of the school’s first day and an obvious amount of hickeys left from Felix. How Oliver wanted his to also be marked through Felix’s. 

Oliver hated witnessing your interactions with Felix. Typically, he would pay no attention if it were any other girls, but there was something about you that intrigued him. It all truly began when Felix introduced you to him on the same evening after borrowing Oliver's bike. "So, you're the faithful hero who saved Felix. But in the end, who can resist such charm, am I right, dear?" That marked the second time Oliver had heard your voice, yet this time it felt genuine – natural and almost too angelic to let go until its last breath. “Oh, right! Where are my manners? I'm Y/N. And you?”

“Oliver, but you can call me Ollie.” He said without insistence, a departure from his earlier encounters with Felix in person. A surge of confidence enveloped him, particularly as you extended your hand for a proper handshake, a gesture Felix took delight in complimenting, deepening Oliver's infatuation. “And thanks to Y/N's wonderful parents for bringing such a polite daughter into the world.” Oliver, if he had the courage, would have agreed wholeheartedly, envisioning a passion and intensity in a kiss that rivaled Felix's. However, the reality weighed on Oliver, when he heard your beautiful voice once more. “Oh, stop it. Felix has a way with compliments smoother than butter. But I'll remember your gratitude, Ollie.”

And he did remember to. How you would lean in to give him a peck on the cheek. Not that he was special, considering the fact that you always did that whoever you had meet. Nonetheless, for Oliver it meant something more, something that he too would be able to feel, to feel that same love you have for Felix just as you would for Oliver. 

Being in proximity to Felix and his circle of friends was coveted by many at the school, and an invitation to Saltburn was a sought-after opportunity. Unless someone had established connections within the group, receiving an invitation was usually contingent on existing friendships. Such was the anticipation for Oliver, who found himself in this situation when Felix enthusiastically proposed the idea of inviting him. It wasn't merely an act of gratitude; rather, it stemmed from Oliver's generosity in lending his bike to a stranger, who had now become a valued friend to him. 

Upon your arrival, Oliver caught sight of you standing alone. From the outset, what captivated him was your independence; you didn't always rely on Felix's wealth, and you had a sense of self that wasn’t easily spoiled. “Ollie!” You exclaimed, swiftly kicking off your overly tight heels and dashing towards him. You cupped his face and planted quick pecks all over, leaving him delighted by the touch of your moisturized lips on his cheek. But quickly caught up by someone’s chuckle echoing in a distance. “Jesus, Y/N. You're going to suffocate the poor thing.” Remarked Venetia, welcoming the playful scene with a teasing tone. She observed Oliver's reaction to your enthusiastic greeting, as a way to make the new comer even more relentless of his own. As soon as you released from him, you excused yourself from the exuberance and headed towards the Catton's mansion. “She's a firecracker, this one. Quite surprising that she's into nerds. I wonder what Felix will think.” She mused with a smirk.

Felix's potential thoughts were the constant contemplation in Oliver's mind during the initial days of his stay at the Catton residence. Beyond that, he marveled at how effortlessly open and welcoming you were, despite having only briefly connected during your time in school. While he appreciated the sound of your voice and the way you interacted with him and Felix, it was observing you in quiet moments that truly captivated Oliver. This fascination grew into an unexpected and almost unbelievable obsession, especially considering his initial attraction to Felix. The idea of being paired with anyone else was inconceivable, yet, over time and thanks to Venetia's indiscretions, Oliver discovered that you and Felix were in an open relationship, a decision made to explore new dynamics. You had said. What Oliver didn't know, among the many selected for this unconventional pairing, was that he would be the chosen one.

“You think this is a good idea?” You questioned one morning, adorned in your favorite gown, a cup of coffee in hand, awaiting breakfast as a drowsy Oliver entered the room. “Don't worry.” Felix reassured, leaning in close with his lips almost grazing the crook of your neck. His fingers traced a playful path around your waist, eliciting a chuckle from you at his teasing. "Remember when you said you wanted to fuck a nerd this year? Well, he's all yours." Felix declared confidently, causing a subtle blush to tint your cheeks. “But also yours too, don't forget.” You reminded him. As much as Felix hesitated to acknowledge his feelings, he too harbored an attraction to Oliver. The catch, however, was Felix's love for control. Witnessing you with Oliver was, in fact, more thrilling for him than you might have anticipated. 

Upon Oliver's entrance, a palpable tension filled the room as he observed Felix already standing close to you, a subtle fear gripping him that his presence might disrupt the connection you shared. Foolish man you are. Oliver would mutter to himself whenever he glimpsed the slightest hints of Felix's protective or controlling demeanor, not just towards you but anyone. Dismissing the notion, he decided to join both of you for breakfast, putting on a smile as he noticed the exclusive trio occupying the mansion today. “Where is everyone?” Oliver was the first to inquire, scanning the surroundings, even the garden, to find no one but the three of you. The idea began to dawn on you that this could be the perfect setting for something a bit more adventurous, something spicy involving all three. Innocently shrugging, you played along, and Felix couldn't help but laugh at your little game. “Haven't seen them, probably still in their beds, completely oblivious from last night's revelry. Wouldn't be surprised. What a shame to miss a beautiful breakfast with such lovely companions.”

What a shame, indeed, thought Oliver, his gaze penetrating yours as he found himself momentarily lost, only to be brought back by the server serving him a cup of coffee. He awkwardly thanked the server, prompting laughter from both Felix and you at his clumsiness. “You know,” Felix began, his confidence evident, especially when it came to matters of relationships and involving others. “Y/N and I have been... intrigued by you, you know? Perhaps attracted to how quickly you became part of our group. But a little bird told me that she's really drawn to you. Maybe if she had the courage to tell you instead of resorting to these daunting tasks.” Felix said casually, causing you to gasp in response to his unexpected comment. Despite your initial shock, you quickly realized he meant no harm or shame. In fact, Felix wanted Oliver to express his feelings – emotions that could harmonize with yours and eventually be shared behind closed doors. 

"Do I happen to know this little bird?" Oliver quipped, his gaze shifting between the two of you with a hint of surprise. Even though he already knew who Felix was referring to, Oliver decided to play along, much to Felix's delight, as he too wanted to please his friend. Felix nodded in acknowledgment. “Certainly, and if I may say so myself, she has a penchant for the nerdy type. However, she seems to be enjoying this new side of him much more recently.” Felix admitted openly, his arm remaining securely around your waist. He was well aware of the complexities of a polyamorous relationship, but if it meant your happiness and the joy of seeing you smile, it was all he could do. Plus, it certainly added to Oliver's amusement in seeing a different facet of Felix.

"Keep it discreet." You whispered to Felix, who, in response, leaned in so uncomfortably close that your words seemed almost ignored. This added an enticing and thrilling dynamic to your relationship. At that precise moment, Felix rose from his chair and planted a tender kiss on your forehead. “Behave now. For me– and for Ollie.” He advised, leaving you feeling utterly defenseless in the hands of someone who had evolved into an obsession similar to the initial intensity when you both first met. Your pout, intended as a defense mechanism, only seemed to amuse Felix, prompting him to gently cup your face. He teasingly bit at your lower lip, evoking a soft whine before he kissed you. “If anything happens, call me, okay? I won't be far away.” He assured you with a softer and more passionate tone, shifting his gaze from yours to acknowledge Oliver with a nod. Ultimately, Felix's interactions with Venetia were not entirely unfamiliar to Oliver, especially when it meant being alone with the most captivating woman in all of Saltbun. 

Oliver had carefully chosen his outfit for the occasion, opting for a stylish blue t-shirt that complemented his complexion. In an attempt to break the ice between you two, you remarked it so lively starting with the missing glasses. “I see someone ditched their glasses.”  Noting his uneasy glances from side to side, as if hiding something. However, upon hearing your voice, his gaze softened, and he offered a gentle smile, reminiscent of the one he gave Felix when they first met. “Glasses are so last season anyway. Prefer the contact lenses.” He casually remarked, initially giving the impression of a more reserved demeanor than you had originally perceived. This perception lingered, especially during moments when it was just the two of you alone. However, recent events, including spending a night at Farleigh's room and Oliver recounting what he had witnessed, left you uncertain about whom to trust. Consequently, you rose from your chair and approached him. His adorable gasp was the only sound as he watched your sudden movement. “What... are you doing?” he asked, stuttering mid-sentence. 

“Nothing…” You casually said to him although it was quite the obvious as you leaned to sat on his lap. His fingers trying his best to mimic Felix’s as you hushed him not to do so but to do it like how he did it to Venetia. Which at first surprised him because he began to think that you knew about it too– but you had said nothing to him since that event. After all– it was a game that Felix and you wanted. Turned out however that it was both Felix and Oliver who wanted you. To be their puppets as the masters take charge to their own demise, sadistic pleasure. Although contracting themselves perfectly, it was one of the many reasons why you had though Oliver to be fascinated in the first place. “Just admiring you.” Was what you said to him next, before continuing as you gently touched the collar of his shirt. 

“Make me love like you never have before—a love you've been craving since you arrived here. I know your little game, Ollie. We all do.” You whispered, leaning even closer until your lips grazed his, your hand cupping the side of his jawline. In that moment, you took charge, reversing the dynamics of control. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when your final confession made Oliver tense. His muscles stiffened, and his fingers gripped your waist, guiding you onto the table, rendering your body completely at his mercy. Gently crawling on top of you, a cocktail of excitement, lust, and a desire to submit to him filled the air. “Then..” He said softly, lifting your lacy gown casually and placing a few kisses before continuing. “I'll make sure you don't have to remember it, Princess. I’ll fuck you until your screams for more are heard at an even distance.” His eyes barely left you as your head leaned back, moans escaping your lips. However, before you could fully respond, Oliver's gaze intensified with each kiss, and he uttered. “I want you to say my name, just like you do for Felix's. Say that you are mine and mine alone.”

“Yes, I'll do anything you ask.” You affirmed. Your eyes pleaded, craving to be cherished and made to feel like a loved woman once more. It wasn't that Felix wasn't providing that, but the allure of someone unknown, a complete stranger, added an extra layer of excitement. “Make love to me as if you've never experienced anyone before. Have me begging for you until the break of dawn. I want your marks all over me, Ollie.” You confessed. With those words, Oliver eagerly removed his shirt, hunger evident in his desire to kiss every inch of your skin. Starting from your inner thighs, you couldn't help but release a soft giggle as you felt his tongue slowly traveling down.

However, there was one crucial detail both of you remained oblivious to – Felix had meticulously orchestrated this entire scenario, intending it to unfold as an exclusive spectacle for himself. His curiosity lay in observing Oliver's actions when left alone with all of you. Yet, the setup lacked a crucial element: Felix himself. Mere miles away, Felix sensed a tightening sensation in his groin beneath his pants. His fingers delicately caressed the sensation, attempting not to draw attention to himself. Seizing the opportune moment, he approached quietly as your back remained turned, your arms securely wrapped around Oliver's neck. As he neared, Felix gently untangled your shoulders, skillfully removing every piece of clothing he could manage before eliciting a surprised gasp from you. “Fe—”But Oliver's lips silenced you, a deliberate move to divert attention. Even though Oliver feigned ignorance of Felix's game, he too realized it was just a matter of finally being alone together – a scenario briefly alluded to by Felix before arriving in Saltburn. “Shh, Princess. Remember, he’s all yours.” Had Felix said upon continuing to admire your fully undressed body. 

In that moment, you realized you belonged entirely to both Oliver and Felix. They came as a combined package, a connection deeper and more intricate than anyone in Saltburn could fathom. Following the encounter at the pool, the three of you continued these clandestine rendezvous. Sometimes it was Oliver gazing into the distance, and other times, it was Felix. Yet, a constant remained – whenever you were out, they were with you. Over time, Oliver acknowledged, opening up to himself, that he truly felt at home, especially when you nestled yourself in a lacy gown between both of them, indulging in endless kisses until sleep embraced you all. This routine became a comforting ritual, repeated again and again.

[miela]

First of all, thank you so much for this request. I love this trope so much. Gonna make this part of an AU of Shattered Memories version of this because this fits so well with it! Reader doesn't have spidey powers in this one, so the outcome would be very different which is why it's even more of an AU. Enjoy!

A Sense of Reunion {AU}

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark Daughter!Reader Genre: Fluff Warnings: devious child (lmao) Word Count: 3.4k 

↪ divider by firefly-graphics

Peter didn’t expect it to happen like this. He wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse, actually. He simply needed a job to pay for rent and be able to make a living for himself in the best way that he could. But he didn’t expect everything to drop into his lap like this. 

Peter had gotten fired from his job at the pizza place as a delivery driver. He was late one too many times on making deliveries which resulted him in getting fired. Although the job wasn’t all lavish and luxurious, it still helped with rent. He begged for another chance but the manager wouldn’t budge, which left Peter jobless and struggling. With juggling his Spiderman duties, school studies, and trying to function as an adult earlier than he would’ve liked to he had a lot on his plate. It made him feel rather lonely sometimes. Yeah, he had his college friends and the sweet neighbors in the apartment complex across the hall, but it wasn’t anything like when he had his friends from before.

And it was definitely different without you.

(Y/N) Jarvis.

You were someone who transferred into Midtown Tech during your sophomore year of high school. You didn’t make friends too easily and usually kept to yourself in general. It wasn’t until you decided to join the Academic Decathlon that you became friends with Liz Allan. That’s when you truly opened up. That’s when your true personality shined through. You were a sweet girl. Always helpful and always kind. Peter was taken by you fairly quickly. 

Peter was also surprised at how unconventional you were.

“You guys are building a Lego Death Star?” you asked intrigued from your locker which wasn’t that far from Peter’s. 

You had overheard Ned and him talking about it and you just couldn’t help yourself but go over and ask about it. They were kind of shocked that a popular girl like you approached them.

“Uhm…” Peter started nervously and hesitantly. “Y-yeah…!”

You beamed. “That’s so cool! I’m jealous! I have a Millennium Falcon that I haven’t had time to do.”

“Really?” Ned asked. 

“Yeah!” You smiled, took out your phone, and showed them a picture of you happily hugging the Lego box. 

Peter pretty much fell head over heels for you right then and there without realizing it.

The problem was that you were dating Flash Thompson at the time, and Flash did not like Peter. There were plenty of times when you had to defend Peter from Flash’s bullying and you had to apologize to Peter for Flash's bullying, which put a strain on your relationship. And it ended up in a breakup during the homecoming dance. You spent the whole dance crying in the bathroom by yourself until Liz found you and comforted you. Then the week after Liz had to move away. 

So you lost your boyfriend and your best friend within a week.

Peter will never understand why you confided in him, but you did which only strengthened your friendship and his crush on you that he didn’t realize until the beginning of senior year. Ned told him that you felt the same way but he just thought he was saying that because of how close of friends you guys had become. He wondered if it was actually true. He would never know. 

At least so he thought. 

When he had to sacrifice his identity to save the universe, he remembered your reaction to it. You were there that day and you were supportive of him throughout everything. Except when you had to forget about him. He had never seen you cry so hard before, beg so much before, and look so hurt before.

It broke his heart. 

And here he was a year later and you didn’t remember him along with the rest of the world.

When his college friend, Harry Osborn, heard about Peter losing his job he brought up something that changed his life. 

“You know the Starks are looking for a babysitter.” 

He perked up at the Stark name. “Huh?”

“Yeah,” he replied. “It’s very under wraps, they want to keep it secret that they have children. But it’s good money. I can put it a good word for you.”

And that’s how Peter ended up at the Stark’s lakehouse right outside of the city, in front of his old mentor and father figure’s face meeting him and his daughter for the first time again. It was strange to him that he had to pretend like this was the first time he was meeting Tony Stark and his family. 

Well, this was his first time meeting Morgan and she took an instant liking to Peter which pleased Tony and Pepper.

“Now she may like you, but the real boss will be home soon,” Tony mentioned. “If she doesn’t see you as a good fit she’ll fire you before I do.”

Peter couldn’t tell if he was joking or not, but he chose to chuckle softly. He was also shocked to hear that he had another daughter. 

She must be like 12 or something if she can’t watch Morgan, he thought. 

Soon Tony and Pepper say their goodbyes to Morgan and Peter as they took off. They were apparently going to Malibu for the weekend for some business trip. Peter was surprised they chose him to be the babysitter but really, when you are Iron Man you can pretty much guarantee your safety from the average person (even though Peter isn’t an average person).

Peter looked down at Morgan who was smiling up at him. “Are you hungry? Do you want a snack?”

“Yes,” she chimed.

So he went to the kitchen with her and at her request, he made her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He figured that he would make one for you too since you would probably be hungry when you got home. When he asked Morgan what kind of sandwich you would like she told him.

“Peanut butter, Nutella, and jelly, but the peanut butter has to be chunky and the jelly has to be strawberry jam and the Nutella has to be in the center because on the peanut butter side, you have to put potato chips and on the jelly side you have to put strawberry chucks and the one with the Nutella has to have banana slices,” she explained very meticulously. “And she likes to eat it with a glass of milk on the side. Oh! And the bread has to be honey wheat and toasted,”

“Oh…” Peter responded trying to go over the steps in his mind. “Wanna help me make it so I don’t mess it up?”

Morgan was more than happy to help and he grabbed all of the ingredients from various cabinets. Meanwhile, Morgan talked about anything and everything. One of the things he found out was that your nickname is “Luna” because it rhymed with “Maguna” and you had a moon and stars themed room. It reminded him a lot of you and how you would always draw moons and stars on the corners of your school notes when you were bored in class or as a way to distract you from whatever was making you feel uncomfortable at the moment. 

“I know my name is Morgan but Daddy calls me Maguna, Luna calls me Maguna and Mommy calls me Maguna so you can call me Maguna too.”

“But that’s your nickname for your family, right?” 

“Mhm!” Morgan smiled happily.

“So maybe I should call you something else? How about Miss Morgan?”

Morgan giggled and nodded. “Then, I will call you Mister Peter.”

“Deal,” he smiled.

“You should marry my big sister! She likes boys like you!” Morgan stated excitedly like she just came up with the best idea in the world. 

“I-I think, I might be too old for your sister, Miss Morgan,” Peter laughed. 

Morgan shook her head. “Nuh-uh, you are perfect for her! Her last boyfriend was a poopyface.”

Peter smiled at her enthusiasm and just let her live her little fantasy. As he finished putting your sandwich together, he heard the door open. 

“I’m home,” you sang.

“Luna!!” Morgan cheered and ran over to you. 

As Peter heard you and Morgan greet each other, he poured the glass of milk and put it next to the plate of the intricately detailed sandwich. Then he walked over to introduce himself as the new babysitter. But he froze when he saw who it was. It wasn’t a preteen girl like he was expecting.

It was you.

He wasn’t sure what confused him the more, the fact that you weren’t a child but someone his age or the fact that you’re Tony Stark’s daughter. He had so many questions but he didn’t even know which one he would ask first if he could ask any. You didn’t even remember who he is so he couldn’t even ask. 

You looked up at him and smiled as Morgan hugged you around your waist. “Hello! Nice to meet you, I’m (Y/N).”

Peter remembered what Mr. Stark said and had to catch himself before he looked really stupid just staring at you like a deer in headlights. “H-hi!” He squeaked out after a moment and then cleared his throat to fix his voice from cracking in high octaves again. “H-hey, I’m…uh…Peter, the new babysitter.”

“We made you your favorite sandwich!” Morgan said excitedly before you could respond.

“Ooh,” your smile grew. ““I’ll be right back, I gotta get out of these clothes and into something more comfy and then I can enjoy the sandwich.”

And you went up the stairs to do just that and Peter watched you go until you were out of view. He was still processing everything that just happened. 

Morgan walked over to Peter. “Told you.” she sang and Peter blushed. 

When you came back down, you went straight the the kitchen where Peter and Morgan were sitting at the island. You wore a black oversized 90s vintage designed Taylor Swift tee shirt and a pair of drop-crotch joggers with blue fuzzy socks with cloud prints on them. Your face was cleared from makeup and you looked ten times more relaxed than you did when you first came home. You went straight for the sandwich, let out a satisfied breath, and closed your eyes as you chewed your first bite. 

“You made this?” You asked Peter. 

“Uh, yeah,” he responded as he rubbed the back of his head nervously. “With some help of course.”

“It’s perfect,” you smiled. 

“Really?” 

“Mhm!” you nodded and took another bite.

Peter gave you a tight-lipped smile in response.

“You seem nervous,” you mentioned. “Did my dad tell you that I'm scary and would fire you before he does? Relax, ignore him. He says that to freak people out.”

Peter wished that was what had him nervous, but he was still processing that you were here, that you were a Stark. He wondered where the name Jarvis came from. It didn’t help that he also has a major crush on you which only adds to his nervousness of being around you. 

“Man, he got you all freaked out, doesn’t he?” You asked when Peter didn’t say anything. “No worries, I’ll hang out with your guys so you can see that I’m not as scary as he says.”

Peter figured this would be one helluva day.  

After doing different activities with Morgan like having a tea party, puzzles, and drawing you guys settled into watching a movie which was Frozen II. Peter noted that you sang every single song without missing a single note or beat. Morgan sang a long too but with some songs, she would be too enthralled by the movie to really remember to sing. After the movie, it was almost eight o’clock Morgan had winded down but she wasn’t sleepy just yet. 

“Alright, Maguna,” you stood up from the couch and did a big stretch. “We can do one more thing before it’s bedtime. So what’s it gonna be?”

She looked up in thought and then a spark came to her eye and then, what Peter could’ve seen, was a mischievous smile. “Let’s play house,” She said.

Oh god, Peter thought and Morgan’s words from earlier echoed in his mind. It was bad enough that he was still processing all of this but he felt like he was about to be set up by a six-year-old.

“Alrighty then,” you agreed. “Who’s gonna be who?”

“You two have to be mommy and daddy,” she explained. “And I’m the baby.”

Peter decided he needed to avert the situation without completely throwing away the whole idea. “You want me to be Mommy, and (Y/N) to be Daddy?” Peter joked. 

Morgan laughed at the idea and you giggled looking at Peter with an eyebrow raised. 

“Perfect, I get to make fun of my dad for once.” You smile, amused.

Peter sighed in relief when you turned back to Morgan who was still laughing. 

After playing house for a while with you imitating Tony exaggeratingly and Peter doing his best mom impression, Morgan was finally tired enough to finally go to sleep. You carried her to her bed and Peter leaned in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest as he watched you tuck her in. Morgan seemed happy and in return made you happy which made Peter happy. 

He was exhausted though.

“Goodnight, Maguna,” you smiled and kissed her head. “I love you 3000.”

“I love you 3000,” she replied softly and sleepily as she hugged a soft bear plushie. 

“Goodnight, Miss Morgan,” Peter smiled. 

“Goodnight, Mr. Peter,” She yawned. 

You stood up from the bed and walked over to the doorway to where Peter was. You both smiled at each other tiredly.

“Ready?” You asked him.

“Yeah,” he nodded feeling relief that Morgan hadn’t done any funny business to make things awkward between you two.

But he mentally spoke too soon.

“Wait!” Morgan exclaimed startling you both as you guys looked a her wonderously. “You guys have to kiss goodnight!”

Peter felt his soul leave his body. He thought he was safe from this. It’s not like he didn’t want to kiss you, he’s been wanting to kiss you for years. But that doesn’t mean that you want to kiss him. Now it was going to make everything awkward. He didn’t blame Morgan though. She was just a kid with a big imagination. A very, very big and open imagination. 

“Us?” You asked with an unsure look on your face.

“Yes,” Morgan replied sitting up and crossing her arms.

You looked at Peter shyly and he could tell your face was burning from embarrassment. His face was also burning just thinking of the idea of kissing you. You gave him a look the read that you were willing to if he was.

“I can kiss you on the cheek,” you whispered and Peter’s blush bloomed even more.

“Yeah…!” he squeaked again and then cleared his throat. “No, yeah the cheek is good…mhm…yeah.”

“No,” Morgan whined and pouted. “Like how Papa and Mama kiss.”

You looked at Morgan horrified and Peter’s eyes widened and he froze.

“You gotta, otherwise I can't sleep,” Morgan stated. 

“Bullshit,” you sang lowly enough for only you and Peter to hear. 

“Morgan, I don’t think it’s a good idea-” Peter began but was cut off by a grunt from Morgan who pouts harder and crossed her arms over herself.

Peter wanted to crawl into a hole and scream. Mostly because he wasn’t against the idea but he didn’t want to do it in front of Morgan and he didn’t want to do it if you didn’t want to do it.

“I’m okay with it if you are,” you said knocking Peter out of his thoughts and nearly onto the floor. 

Did he hear you right?

“A-are you sure…?” He asked with wide eyes.

You nodded in response looking up at him. “It’s no big deal, right? Just a peck wouldn’t hurt.”

Oh my god, it’s happening. Peter felt his entire body buzz with a feeling he couldn’t really pinpoint.

“O-okay,” Peter squeaked once more and mentally cursed himself for it.

You stepped closer to him as you looked him in the eyes and he looked back into yours. You were just as pretty as he remembered and now you're so close to him getting ready to kiss him, He gulped nervously. His heart raced a million miles per hour.

He thinks he would have an easier time kissing Ned than he would you at this very moment.

“I’m waiting,” Morgan sang sleepily.

“Here goes nothing,” you said before you pressed your lips to Peter’s.

His heart jolted and he kissed back in a reflex. 

This kiss lasted a total of five seconds but to Peter, it was five seconds too short. You pulled back and pressed your lips together looking up at him for a long moment. He looked back at you with his heart still racing in his ears. He could’ve sworn he heard yours beating at the same rapid pace. After a long moment of looking at each other, you broke the gaze and looked over at Morgan. Peter never took his eyes off of you. 

“She’s asleep,” you whispered. 

Peter looked over to see a sleeping Morgan. Peter had no idea when she fell asleep but he was hoping that it was before you guys kissed.

 “Let’s get out of here before she wakes up and has some other bright ideas,” you whispered again.

“Y-yeah,” Peter walked out and you followed behind.

You closed the door softly and then walked down the hall with him so you guys could talk freely without worrying about waking up a sleeping Morgan.

“Uhm…” you started. “You can stay here tonight. It’s late and we have like three guest rooms that you can use.”

“Yeah, your dad told me earlier.”

“Oh! Okay, good, good.”

You guys stood there for a moment, ignoring the elephant in the room. Peter felt it and he was pretty sure that you felt it too. The curiosity of what a genuine kiss would feel like rather than one that was rushed, But neither of you wanted to bring it up. 

You cleared your throat and turned to walk towards your room. “Goodnight, Peter.”

Peter watched you as your hand grabbed the doorknob and before he could even make a decision, his mouth did it for him. 

“(Y/N)?”

You stopped and looked at wide-eyed Peter who was surprised by his own voice. 

“Yes?” You respond.

You guys looked at each other longingly again before his legs took him over by you. What are you doing? He stopped right in front of you. Another moment of looking at each other and wondering. 

You glanced down at his lips and he did the same to yours. That was all the answer he needed.

“C-can I try something?” He asked softly.  

“Yes, “ you answer before he can even finish asking. 

He glanced back at your lips a moment before looking deeply into your eyes. He then softly puts a shaky hand on your cheek and you close your eyes a moment before you look up with hooded eyes. He leaned in slowly and you let out a soft breath and closed your eyes. 

Then his lips met yours. 

The kiss was soft and sweet and Peter could actually feel the softness of your lips then time. You put your hands on his shoulders and grip his shirt as you deepened this kiss causing it to go from cute to passionate. Peter’s heart was racing once again and he let out a soft sigh of satisfaction.

He was finally able to kiss you after all these years and it was better than he could’ve ever imagined. 

After a moment he got a little more confident and he brought your bottom lip in between his teeth for a moment causing a soft gasp to escape from you before he kissed you again, taking your breath away. He had no idea what came over him, but you both liked it.

After another moment you pulled back and he chased the kiss not wanting to part just yet. He looked at you with hooded eyes before pulling back a little. You looked up at him and brought your hand up to touch your lips before you hesitated a moment and pressed your lips together.

“Uhm…we should…” you started your voice very low.

“No, yeah, yeah. We should…” Peter said and then stepped back slowly. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” You replied and stepped into your room quickly and closed the door.

Peter turned and smiled big as he walked to the guest room. At the same time, you leaned against your door smiling and softly touching your lips as you still tasted his kiss on your lips.

~

Tags:

@letssee2468 @chrisevans-realwife @riordanness @peterdarlingg @thecrystalclarity @brckenmemories @paleprincesssxo @blackcanary130 @kindlover @i-have-no-life-charlie @melodicheauxxlovesfood

[songoftrillium]

HEARTHBOUND IS NOW A BESTSELLER

HOLY SHIT! A friend pointed out to me that Hearthbound is now a bestseller on Storytellers Vault! I never expected it to do so well, and I'm honored it's had such a positive public response.

If you've ever wanted a turnkey solution for confronting the less savory aspects of the Garou Nation in Werewolf: the Apocalypse, look no further!

When you take away the safety, agency, and credibility of a people, abuse them, and push them to the edges of society, it's only natural that they'll turn to each other for support. Hearthbound is an exploration of subculture that I feel will resonate with many of you.

Long ago held beneath the heels of the Garou Nation, Kinfolk have begun helping Crinos-Born defectors seeking to escape their Septs. Raising them in loving homes, these Crinos-Born have grown into a new tribe. They reflect the values and people of the cultures that raised them, proudly bearing the names their families gave them.

Existing as the children of Shantar, the Hearthbound value inventiveness above all else, finding unconventional solutions to deeply complex issues, both in the literal and abstract. Adhering to the Codes and Creeds of renown, they judge those in the Garou Nation who would use their power to abuse those weaker than them.

This module is usable in any edition of Werewolf: the Apocalypse and provides all the patron, tribe, gift, spellwork mechanics, and story seeds needed to work this new tribe into your new or existing tables!

[melspyrose111]

Transformers: Animated: Shadows of Redemption-Seasons 1-2

Artwork and Fanfic AU by MelSpyRose

Story Description:

In the aftermath of Season 3 of Transformers: Animated, Megatron was put on trial and sentenced to life in prison before he and his Decepticons escaped with the Minicons under their mind control. Then Optimus Prime and the Autobots pursue Megatron as he escapes from Trypticon Prison with his Decepticons. Eventually, as our heroes and villains return to Earth, a new character is introduced. Orion Eclipse, a forgotten Decepticon, joins the Autobots and faces a shocking truth about his past as the battle for the Matrix of Leadership unfolds. In this fanfic of mine, "Transformers: Animated - Shadows of Redemption," Optimus Prime and his friends both old and new must navigate a treacherous path filled with self-discovery, forgiveness, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. Bonds are tested, alliances are forged, and the fate of the universe hangs in the balance as Optimus Prime and his allies strive to thwart Megatron's sinister plot and protect the Matrix from falling into the wrong hands. Amidst the clash of metal and the clash of loyalties, the concept of redemption takes center stage, reminding us that even amidst darkness, the light of hope can guide the way.

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SEASON 1

Chapter 1: The Hero of Cybertron

The story begins with a newsreel showcasing Optimus Prime and his team escorting the captured Megatron, Shockwave, and Lugnut through the streets of Iacon, greeted by cheering Autobots. Through interviews with Optimus, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jazz, Arcee, and Bulkhead, the audience is reintroduced to these heroes and their newfound celebrity status.

Optimus Prime, now bearing the Magnus Hammer, remains humble. Bumblebee basks in admiration, Ratchet finds solace in being home, Jazz remains cool, Arcee struggles with memory loss, and Bulkhead feels overwhelmed by the attention. Their rise from space bridge repair bots to planetary heroes is likened to a Cybertronian Cinderella story, capturing the media's fascination.

The Autobot Council entrusts the next generation of Autobots to the Cyber Ninja Corps, led by Sensei Dai Atlas. However, Sentinel Prime publicly criticizes this decision. Optimus's unconventional crew includes Omega Supreme, a legendary doomsday weapon, and Sari Sumdac, a techno-organic humanoid, both causing unease among the Autobots.

Sentinel boasts about his achievements, particularly the Trypticon prison in the former Decepticon capital, where Decepticon prisoners are held. He downplays Optimus's accomplishments, insisting on the importance of crushing the enemy's spirit.

The narrative shifts to the solemn ceremony honoring Prowl, a fallen Cyber Ninja, led by Jazz. Sentinel arrives late and dismisses the ceremony, prompting Jazz to quit the Elite Guard. Optimus and his team plan to return the Magnus Hammer to Ultra Magnus, who, despite his injuries, declares Optimus as his successor. Ultra Magnus reveals that Optimus is the son of Solarguard and Thetas Prime, destined for greatness and to carry the legacy of the Thirteen Original Primes.

Sentinel, overhearing this, plans to thwart Optimus's ascension. Meanwhile, Zeta Maxus, an old friend, returns to Cybertron, learning of Ultra Magnus's condition and the pending decision about his successor. Sentinel informs Zeta of the situation, setting the stage for Zeta's homecoming and the unfolding challenges for the Autobots.

Chapter 2: Jealousy and Envy

On the bridge of Omega Supreme, Ratchet eagerly prepared for the reopening of McCadam's Old Oil House, while Arcee remained skeptical about the venue's suitability. Omega Supreme expressed his discomfort about fitting in, both socially and physically, due to his massive size, causing friction as they navigated Cybertron's streets.

At the bar, the Autobots, particularly Bumblebee, basked in their fame following their victory over Megatron. Tensions escalated when Sentinel Prime, bitter over Ultra Magnus favoring Optimus for leadership, instigated a bar fight, which Optimus quelled while Uplink broadcasted the chaos.

The next day, Sentinel Prime's frustration with the footage of his rescue by Optimus intensified his resolve to challenge Optimus's leadership. Zeta Maxus, a returning veteran, suggested creating a Power Master suit to assert Sentinel's claim. Meanwhile, Ratchet and Arcee's budding camaraderie was interrupted by Sentinel's orders to work on the armor project. Optimus, struggling with his new responsibilities, sought wisdom from Alpha Trion, who assured him of his destined role.

In Arcee's classroom, Sari Sumdac adapted to her Cybertronian education, with Arcee maintaining discipline. The arrival of Bulkhead and Bumblebee with Earth food provided a moment of levity and camaraderie, highlighting the blend of their cultures and the ongoing adjustments in their new world.

Chapter 3: The Offer

Sari is delighted to see her father, Professor Sumdac, on the viz screen as he reveals his investigation into mysterious crystalline formations in Detroit. Bulkhead identifies these as raw Energon, likely resulting from a reaction involving the Allspark Shield. Sari, with her growing Cybertronian knowledge, speculates about her unique origins when discussing a human-sized protoform found by her father. The Allspark, represented by Prowl's spirit, tells Sari that she is key to the future of Cybertron and Earth, showing her an image of a Cybertronian spark merging with human DNA.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime conspires against Optimus, seeking dirt to discredit him, while Bumblebee faces a moral dilemma after being offered a place in the Elite Guard in exchange for endorsing Sentinel. Sentinel manipulates Ironhide into spying on Optimus. Bulkhead, on the Energon Farm, finds Earth Energon far more potent but unsuitable for cultivation on Cybertron.

Later, Sentinel Prime and Zeta Maxus discuss their ambitions and the potential use of Dark Energon as a weapon. Sentinel plans to secure his leadership and punish the Decepticons harshly, while Zeta supports his bid for power and suggests keeping Dark Energon hidden until needed. Their alliance aims to ensure Cybertron's victory amidst the ongoing conflict.

Chapter 4: The Trial of Megatron

In deep space, Beachcomber captains a cargo ship transporting Energon, lamenting the job's boredom until Decepticon Blackout attacks, drains his life, and hijacks the ship. Meanwhile, on Cybertron's moon, Decepticons led by General Obsidian raid an Energon farm, damaging Bulkhead and stealing Energon.

In the Omega Lab, Sentinel Prime demands completion of the Power Master armor, foreseeing an imminent Decepticon threat. At the Cybertronian Central Infirmary, tensions rise as Bumblebee accepts Elite Guard stripes from Sentinel, causing a rift with his team. Sentinel interrogates a captive Megatron at Trypticon prison, extracting false information about a Decepticon base.

Sentinel leads an assault on the moon of Charr with the Power Master suit, only to find the base deserted. Bumblebee saves the mission by disabling Sentinel's malfunctioning suit. Optimus and his team defend the Energon farms against a Decepticon invasion, aided by Cyber Ninjas. They manage to thwart the attack, preserving Cybertron's Energon supply.

During Megatron's trial, Sentinel's initial strategy fails, and he seeks Optimus' team to testify against Megatron. Bumblebee faces moral conflict over Sentinel's request to undermine Optimus. In the lab, Zeta Maxus experiments with Dark Energon, envisioning its use to empower Sentinel and eliminate Optimus.

Sentinel's plans culminate in a trial to secure his position as Magnus, while Zeta's dark experiments and machinations set the stage for future conflicts, aiming to reshape Cybertron's leadership and power dynamics.

Chapter 5: The Pursuit

In the high tribunal, Optimus Prime testifies about his encounter with Megatron, who attacked the Autobot ship, leading it to Earth. Sentinel Prime and Alpha Trion conduct the trial, with Rattletrap deferring his cross-examinations. Back at Trypticon prison, the Minicons overcome the guards and they and a shadowy figure (who controls them) plan a breakout for Megatron and the Decepticons. Megatron's minions retrieve their confiscated weapons and free their leader, who reveals his escape plan during the trial was a distraction.

As chaos unfolds in Trypticon, Sentinel Prime and Rattletrap are captured by Megatron and his forces. Megatron uses his Minicon language skills to control the Minicons. Sentinel warns of the prison's lockdown, but Megatron reveals his plan to transform Trypticon into a spaceship and escape, taking a large chunk of Cybertron with him, causing widespread destruction.

Optimus Prime leads a disaster response team on Cybertron, attempting to stabilize the situation and rescue survivors. Meanwhile, the Decepticon-controlled city-ship heads into space. In a confrontation, Megatron uses Rattletrap's raw Energon to supercharge Trypticon, enabling it to escape the pursuing Elite Guard.

Optimus and his team, aboard Omega Supreme, prepare to follow Megatron, with Bulkhead staying behind to help with the Cybertron disaster relief. As they transwarp towards Earth, the stage is set for a confrontation between the Autobots and Megatron's forces.

Chapter 6: Sentinel's Downfall

Sentinel's downfall began with his demotion from the Elite Guard and the Autobot High Council's decision to choose Optimus Prime as the next Magnus. Meanwhile, on Cybertron, Zeta Maxus delved into the forbidden realm of Dark Energon and harbored ambitions to manipulate the political landscape. Despite Sentinel's protests, Alpha Trion stood firm in his decision, recognizing Optimus Prime's humility and dedication as qualities worthy of leadership.

Sentinel's anger boiled as he felt betrayed and overlooked, while Zeta Maxus saw an opportunity to exploit his fury for his own sinister agenda. As Sentinel raged against the perceived injustice, Zeta Maxus lurked in the shadows, plotting a scheme to restore Sentinel's position and further his own ambitions.

In the dimly lit corridors of Iacon, Sentinel Prime's fury reached its peak, his resentment fueling his desire for retribution. Unbeknownst to him, Zeta Maxus listened, ready to offer a tempting proposition that would serve both their interests. With Sentinel's anger as his weapon and Zeta Maxus's cunning as his guide, a dangerous alliance was forged, setting the stage for a showdown that would shake Cybertron to its core.

Chapter 7: Autobot Newbies

In the bustling corridors of Metroplex, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee discuss the weighty responsibility of leadership thrust upon Optimus by the Autobot High Council. Despite his reservations, Optimus accepts the role of Magnus but remains focused on defeating Megatron before fully assuming the position. Bumblebee expresses understanding and reminds Optimus of his humility, while also highlighting the dangers posed by Megatron's quest for techno-organic Energon on Earth.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime seethes with bitterness over being passed over for leadership in favor of Optimus. He vents his frustration to Zeta Maxus, who manipulates Sentinel's resentment to further their own agenda. Zeta Maxus reveals plans for an ultimate weapon fueled by Dark Energon, stoking Sentinel's ambition and desire for revenge against Optimus.

In another part of Cybertron, Altair Comet, under the care of her surrogate guardians, prepares to leave for the Autobot boot camp to fulfill her dream of becoming an Autobot warrior like her mother. Despite concerns from her guardians, Altair sets out with determination. At the boot camp, she meets Smokescreen, and the two form a bond as they navigate the challenges and scrutiny of their drill sergeant, Sentinel Prime. Altair's resemblance to a past acquaintance of Sentinel's piques his curiosity, while her defiance against his authority sets the stage for conflict.

As Altair and Smokescreen face the trials of their training, Optimus Prime grapples with his newfound leadership role, Bumblebee offers support, and Sentinel Prime's resentment brews, setting in motion a series of events that will test the strength of their convictions and the bonds that unite them.

Chapter 8: Family Reunion

In the midst of the Autobot boot camp, Altair Comet and Smokescreen, along with their fellow cadets, undergo rigorous training under the watchful eye of Sentinel Prime. Enduring grueling exercises like transforming push-ups, they silently defy Sentinel's authority, aware that resistance would only lead to more consequences. Despite their determination, they know that they must rise to the challenge for the sake of the Autobot cause.

As Altair and Smokescreen progress through their training, they form bonds of camaraderie amidst the intensity. Meanwhile, a confrontation brews between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime, fueled by past grievances and power struggles.

Optimus's unexpected arrival at the camp reveals his long-lost daughter, Altair, sparking emotional reunions and revelations. The presence of Optimus adds a new dynamic to the training grounds, with tensions between him and Sentinel Prime adding to the already intense atmosphere.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Megatron utilizes Dark Energon to resurrect fallen Decepticons, including Lugnut, Blitzwing, and Shockwave. With their newfound strength and loyalty, Megatron plans to gather resources and build an army to conquer Cybertron, setting the stage for a looming conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons.

Chapter 9: Return to Earth

In the twilight of a distant star system, Optimus Prime and his daughter, Altair Comet, share a moment of familial tranquility amidst the echoes of an ancient conflict on Cybertron. Reflecting on the absence of Altair's mother and the sacrifices made, they stand united yet apart in their duties. Despite Altair's longing to join her father on adventures, Optimus insists she stay on Cybertron for her safety. Meanwhile, eager Autobot rookie, Smokescreen, seeks to join Optimus's team but is deemed not yet ready. Instead, Optimus entrusts Smokescreen with protecting Altair, offering him a different path to serve. Grateful, Smokescreen accepts the responsibility, promising to be Altair's protector in Optimus's absence.

As Omega Supreme prepares to transport Optimus Prime and Bumblebee back to Earth, their departure is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their old friend, Bulkhead. Excited to reunite, Bulkhead announces his decision to rejoin their team and accompany them to Earth, motivated by the need to confront any threats posed by Megatron. Optimus and Bumblebee warmly welcome Bulkhead's return, reaffirming the strength of their friendship.

Meanwhile, at the Autobot boot camp, Altair Comet and Smokescreen undergo rigorous training under the watchful eye of Sentinel Prime. Sentinel, harboring resentment towards Optimus, is approached by Zeta Maxus with a sinister proposal to manipulate Altair into turning against her father. Tempted by the chance to reclaim control over his destiny, Sentinel agrees to Zeta's plan.

Sentinel begins implementing his scheme by approaching Altair with false kindness, offering to train her as his star pupil. Despite her initial skepticism, Altair reluctantly agrees, unaware of Sentinel's ulterior motives. As Altair hesitantly accepts Sentinel's offer, she unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of deception that threatens to fracture the bonds of trust among the Autobots.

In the vastness of space, aboard Omega Supreme, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead set course for Earth, determined to protect their home from the threat of Megatron and uncover the secrets of Techno-Organic Energon. Back on Earth, they reunite with allies at Sumdac Tower, where they meet Sari Sumdac, who seeks answers about her identity. Meanwhile, another group of Autobots, including Ironhide and Jazz, undergo rigorous training under Sentinel Prime, who harbors resentment towards Optimus. In a clandestine meeting, Sentinel Prime is persuaded by Zeta Maxus to manipulate Altair Comet, Ultra Magnus's daughter, against her father and towards his own ambitions.

Later, the Autobots plan a daring mission to Dinobot Island to access Megatron's lair. While exploring the island, they encounter a young Decepticon named Orion Eclipse, who suffers from amnesia. Despite initial doubts, Optimus Prime chooses to help him, believing in his potential for redemption. As they navigate the island's dangers, the Autobots must confront the uncertainty of Orion's past and the looming threat of Megatron's schemes.

Chapter 10: Back to the Motor City

As the Autobots journeyed across the rugged expanse of Dinobot Island, the enigmatic figure of Orion Eclipse occupied their thoughts, fostering a deepening bond among them. With Optimus Prime leading the charge, the decision to return to Detroit was made, prompting discussions about repairing Orion's memory loss. Despite the pragmatic concerns voiced by Ratchet, the team remained optimistic about finding a solution back at Sumdac Tower.

However, their plans were interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Dinobots, led by the formidable Grimlock. Despite Optimus Prime's attempts at diplomacy, Grimlock's rage, fueled by past grievances, led to a violent confrontation. As the tension peaked, the Autobots, with Orion Eclipse in tow, made a desperate dash for safety, pursued by both the Dinobots and a legion of hostile robot clones.

Amidst the chaos and the looming threat of destruction, the resolve of Optimus Prime and his team remained unyielding as they fought for survival and sought to protect their newfound ally. On Dinobot Island, the Autobots faced unexpected adversaries in the form of purple robot clones. Despite their readiness for battle, they were soon trapped by a rock slide triggered by the clones, forcing them to retreat to their ship. With Optimus Prime's decisive command, they escaped the island and sailed away, leaving the chaos behind.

Meanwhile, the Dinobots fought valiantly against the overwhelming numbers of the Vehicon clone troopers but were eventually subdued. Decepticons Breakdown and Knockout, under Megatron's command, seized the fallen Dinobots, intending to use them as tools of destruction. In Detroit, the Autobots docked their ship, welcoming Orion Eclipse to the city. Orion revealed his familiarity with Detroit, though he lacked the ability to transform into an alternate mode. The Autobots vowed to help him uncover his past and restore his memories.

Back on Cybertron, Altair Comet, mentored by Sentinel Prime, faced her training with determination. Sentinel expressed his belief in her potential, revealing his close connection to her late mother. Their conversation unveiled a deep bond between them, rooted in shared grief and mutual respect. As Altair navigated the complexities of her training and the legacy of her parents, she found solace and guidance in Sentinel's mentorship, forging a bond that transcended the turmoil of their world.

Chapter 11: The Autobot's Apprentice

In the heart of the Autobot training room, Sentinel Prime, the mentor, presents Altair Comet with two gifts: a Cybernetic Energy Shield and an Energon sword. As Altair accepts the gifts with gratitude, Sentinel instructs her in combat techniques. A bond forms between them as they spar together, united by their determination to defend their home.

Meanwhile, on Earth in Detroit, Optimus Prime returns to Sumdac Tower with a new ally, Orion Eclipse, a teenage Decepticon suffering from amnesia. Despite initial suspicion from some Autobots, Optimus welcomes Orion and offers to mentor him. They are joined by Sari Sumdac, Professor Sumdac, Jazz, Ironhide, and others who extend their friendship to Orion.

In Megatron's fortress, the Decepticons plan to use techno-organic Energon and Dark Energon for conquest. Megatron's followers, Knockout and Breakdown, fail in their duty to guard the Dinobots, leading to their escape. Megatron's fury is evident, but his focus shifts to recapturing the Dinobots and acquiring the Allspark Matrix.

Back at Sumdac Tower, Orion Eclipse learns about his damaged T-Cog and expresses a desire for a new one. Ratchet assures him they will find a solution. Orion seeks answers about his resemblance to Megatron from Optimus, who emphasizes character over appearance. Determined to help Orion prepare for combat, Optimus begins his training. As mentor and apprentice, Optimus and Orion bond over their shared goal to protect Earth from the Decepticons, laying the groundwork for future battles and victories.

Chapter 12: Twisted Ambitions

Sentinel Prime, having trained Autobot cadets, visits Ultra Magnus in the infirmary before returning to Metroplex to understand why he was not chosen as the next leader of the Autobots. Sentinel distrusts Optimus Prime, believing he would prioritize Earth over Cybertron. At Ultra Magnus's bedside, Sentinel confronts him, questioning why Optimus was chosen over him despite Sentinel's loyalty and service.

Ultra Magnus, weakened but resolute, explains that Optimus possesses the humility and integrity needed to lead Cybertron into a golden age. He criticizes Sentinel for his pride and arrogance, implying these traits make him unfit to lead. Sentinel, feeling betrayed, recounts his sacrifices and dedication, seeking validation and reconsideration.

Ultra Magnus remains firm, reaffirming his decision and expressing his trust in Optimus. As Ultra Magnus slips towards unconsciousness, Sentinel, grappling with the harsh truth and rejection, vows to prove himself worthy and to challenge Optimus's position. Consumed by anger and resentment, Sentinel seeks an alliance with Zeta Maxus but finds no solace, retreating to his quarters where his turmoil continues to fester.

In his dreams, Sentinel reflects on his childhood, the weight of his unfulfilled ambitions, and his determination to redefine his destiny despite the bitter reality that he may never achieve the recognition he longs for. Sentinel Minor's early life was marked by a blend of warmth from his mother, Aura, and strictness from his father, Nominus Prime, a revered figure in the Autobot Elite Guard. Sentinel aspired to join the Elite Guard, admiring the warriors from afar. However, his childhood tranquility was shattered when the Quintessons attacked Cybertron, thrusting him into the harsh realities of war at a young age. The distant relationship with his father and the loss of his parents to the Quintessons left Sentinel struggling with grief and loneliness.

Ultra Magnus, witnessing Sentinel's anguish, took him under his wing alongside another orphan, Orion Pax. Together, they found solace and brotherhood under Magnus's mentorship. Magnus taught them Cybertronian history, including tales of the Thirteen Original Primes and the battle between Primus and Unicron, offering hope and purpose amidst their sorrow. As Sentinel and Orion grew, their bond strengthened, and they learned valuable lessons in leadership and resilience. Magnus recounted his battles with the Quintessons and spoke of the future leader of the Autobots, hinting that one of them might inherit the mantle of Magnus. Both Sentinel and Orion vowed to be ready for the challenges ahead, determined to honor their mentor and fallen parents by aspiring to greatness and leadership.

Several days later, during a parade on Cybertron celebrating the visit of the King and Queen of Caminus, Orion Pax and Sentinel Minor were playfully chasing each other through the crowds, fighting over a rubber ball. Amid the festivities, Sentinel accidentally stumbled into the road where the parade's marching band was performing, causing a commotion. He retrieved the ball but found himself face-to-face with the King of Caminus. Ultra Magnus quickly intervened, apologizing to the king for Sentinel's actions.

The king, showing understanding, advised Ultra Magnus to teach Sentinel respect for royalty. Princess Vanguardia noticed Sentinel's dropped ball and returned it to him kindly, leaving a strong impression on the young bot. Ultra Magnus, while stern, showed concern and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and safety to Sentinel. Sentinel, deeply remorseful, promised to be more careful in the future, learning valuable lessons in respect and responsibility from the day's events.

From that day forward, Sentinel Minor and Orion Pax resolved never to fight over a rubber ball again, understanding the importance of their friendship and safety. Under Ultra Magnus's guidance, their bond grew stronger as they faced future challenges together. As they navigated their school, Sentinel dreamed of becoming an Autobot sergeant, while Orion aspired to be a data clerk at Iacon Hall of Records. Their paths crossed with Ariel, a vibrant fembot whose kindness and warmth quickly endeared her to both. Sentinel and Orion formed a close friendship with Ariel, though both harbored deeper feelings for her, creating a subtle tension. Despite this, their trio remained inseparable, forging a strong bond as they supported each other through their shared adventures on Cybertron.

Ultra Magnus granted Orion Pax and Sentinel Minor permission to visit Ariel at her home, filling them with excitement and trepidation. During their visit, they played tag and hide and seek, their laughter echoing through the courtyard. As they engaged in these carefree games, their friendship deepened, forming an unbreakable bond of camaraderie and love.

As the sun set, Ultra Magnus called the boys back, and they reluctantly said their goodbyes to Ariel, promising to see each other again. Ten stellar cycles later, Orion became a data clerk, and Sentinel trained as a cadet. Ariel and Sentinel began dating, and eventually, all three friends reunited at the Autobot Academy, aiming to join the Cybertron Elite Guard, their bond stronger than ever. Orion Pax was eventually renamed Optimus Prime, and Ariel became Elita-One. Sentinel Minor, who later became Sentinel Prime upon joining the Cybertron Elite Guard, once asked Elita-One on a romantic date intending to propose marriage. However, Elita-One, though fond of Sentinel, loved Optimus Prime the most.

During their dinner date, Sentinel proposed to Elita-One, envisioning a future with many children. Overwhelmed, Elita-One gently declined, expressing her unreadiness for marriage and extensive family planning. Her heart belonged to Optimus Prime, a realization she later confessed to him. Optimus Prime reciprocated her feelings, leading to a heartfelt embrace and the beginning of their romantic relationship.

Heartbroken, Sentinel witnessed their tender moment, realizing Elita-One's true feelings. He retreated in sorrow, holding the engagement ring, accepting the painful reality of lost love. Years after Elita-One left Sentinel Minor for Optimus Prime, Sentinel continued his training at the Autobot boot camp under drill sergeant Kup, alongside Optimus and Elita. During a virtual training program, Sentinel scoffed at Optimus's failure against Megatron, though Optimus had outscored all other Autobots.

Sentinel led Optimus and Elita on a mission to Archa Seven to retrieve Energon from an old Decepticon warship but encountered massive arachnids. Sentinel held them off, allowing Optimus and Elita to escape, but Optimus had to drag him from the exploding Energon, leaving Elita behind. Optimus assumed Elita was dead, and Sentinel, enraged, blamed him. At a military tribunal, Optimus took the blame while Sentinel stood by smirking.

After graduating, Sentinel became a drill officer at an Autobot training camp, harshly treating recruits like Bumblebee and Bulkhead. Despite his harshness, he commended Bumblebee for exposing a Decepticon traitor but expelled him and Bulkhead for an unrelated incident. Sentinel, now promoted to Sentinel Prime, maintained his arrogance and disdain for Optimus, dismissing him even when he reported Decepticons pursuing the AllSpark. Despite his lack of field experience and inability to improvise, Sentinel's adherence to military protocol and his impenetrable Skyboom Shield made him a formidable, if disliked, Autobot.

Decades earlier, during his training, Sentinel and Orion Pax got into trouble for street racing, reminiscent of "The Prince of Egypt." Sentinel befriended Zeta Maxus, a confident Autobot who advised him on outshining Orion. Zeta's departure to find answers to defeat the Decepticons left Sentinel with a promise to help him succeed Ultra Magnus as Supreme Commander.

With Zeta's encouragement, Sentinel pursued his ambition to lead Cybertron with renewed vigor. His dedication to becoming the greatest leader Cybertron had ever known, and his drive to protect his planet from Decepticon threats, shaped him into the determined, albeit flawed, Sentinel Prime. Sentinel Prime awakens from stasis and meets with Zeta Maxus, who had arranged for Rodimus Prime to cover his duties during his rest. Sentinel shares his frustration over a failed attempt to convince Ultra Magnus that he is worthy of becoming his successor. Ultra Magnus had praised Optimus Prime instead, leaving Sentinel feeling defeated and bitter.

Zeta offers Sentinel a plan for revenge against Optimus, suggesting he could help create a cure to transform Blackarachnia back into Elita-One, who Sentinel once loved. This idea tempts Sentinel, and after some hesitation, he agrees to Zeta's proposal. Together, they form an alliance to discredit Optimus and advance Sentinel's ambitions, with the promise of restoring Elita-One driving Sentinel's resolve.

After striking an agreement with Zeta Maxus, Sentinel Prime grapples with the moral implications of their plan to remove Optimus Prime from power. Zeta proposes a scheme involving deception and manipulation to achieve their goals, urging Sentinel to claim the Matrix of Leadership for himself. Despite initial hesitation, Sentinel is swayed by Zeta's promises of power and the opportunity to rule Cybertron. Together, they share a moment of dark anticipation, reveling in their shared vision for the future as they plot their next move.

Chapter 13: Unfinished Business

Optimus Prime imparts his knowledge and wisdom to his apprentice, Orion Eclipse, detailing the history of Cybertron, the Autobots, and the Decepticons. He reveals his impending role as the new Autobot Supreme Commander, explaining Ultra Magnus's injury and subsequent decision to pass the mantle to Optimus instead of Sentinel Prime. Meanwhile, on Earth, chaos ensues as Grimlock and his Dinobots arrive seeking assistance against the Decepticons. Optimus, with a sense of duty and determination, agrees to aid them, forging an alliance between Autobots and Dinobots to confront their common enemy.

At the Autobot boot camp on Cybertron, Altair Comet, daughter of Optimus Prime, finds herself approached by Sentinel Prime, her father's rival and former mentor. Sentinel, with feigned warmth, engages Altair in conversation, subtly manipulating her emotions by bringing up her deceased mother, Elita-One. He insinuates that Optimus may have been responsible for her mother's death, sowing seeds of doubt in Altair's mind. Despite her initial skepticism, Altair begins to question her father's actions, intrigued and disturbed by Sentinel's words. However, she remains wary of Sentinel's intentions, sensing ulterior motives behind his apparent concern.

As Altair grapples with conflicting emotions and suspicions, Sentinel watches with satisfaction, confident that he has successfully begun to turn her against Optimus Prime as part of his larger scheme. Back at the Autobot base in Detroit, Optimus Prime and the team are surprised when Grimlock and the Dinobots arrive, seeking to join their ranks. Despite initial skepticism, Optimus welcomes them, recognizing their potential. Together, they face the threat of techno-organic Energon crystals spreading across the city, using Professor Sumdac's shrinking ray to contain them.

After a grueling battle, they succeed in saving Detroit, but their respite is short-lived as Megatron launches an attack. Despite being urged to stay behind, Orion Eclipse is determined to help his friends in battle. As the Autobots confront Megatron, Orion watches from the base, feeling compelled to join the fight and aid his mentor, Optimus Prime.

In the heat of battle, Orion Eclipse, a young Autobot, bravely confronts Megatron, the Decepticon leader, to save his friends. Despite Megatron's attempts to manipulate him with claims of fatherhood and promises of power, Orion refuses to join the Decepticons. However, Megatron betrays Orion's trust, launching an attack on the Autobots despite his earlier promise. In the ensuing chaos, Megatron captures Orion and escapes through a portal, leaving the Autobots determined to rescue their friend. Despite their grief and anger, Optimus Prime and his team vow to save Orion at any cost, setting the stage for a perilous journey ahead.

Chapter 14: The Return of Starscream

After awakening in the Decepticon fortress on Dinobot Island, Orion Eclipse encounters Knockout, the Decepticon medic, before being escorted to the throne room to meet his father, Megatron. There, Orion learns the shocking truth that he is related to Megatron and that his Autobot insignia has been replaced with a Decepticon insignia.

Megatron reveals to his son that the Autobots are the true villains, alleging that they oppressed lower-caste Cybertronians, ultimately leading to the creation of the Decepticons. Despite Megatron's assertions, Orion refuses to aid in the destruction of the Autobots. However, Megatron insists that Orion must accept his destiny and embrace his role as the future leader of the Decepticons, intending to groom him as his heir to the Decepticon throne.

Meanwhile, on Cybertron, Altair Comet, a promising Autobot student, encounters her mentor, Sentinel Prime, in the corridors of the Autobot academy on Cybertron. Sentinel confronts Altair about her father's role in her mother's death, casting doubt on Optimus Prime's leadership and loyalty. Despite Sentinel's attempts to sway her allegiance, Altair remains steadfast in her belief in her father and his mission to defeat Megatron and protect Cybertron. With determination, she asserts her loyalty to both her father and the well-being of Cybertron, leaving Sentinel Prime with a clear message of where her loyalties lie.

On Earth, Bulkhead and Bumblebee face off against Decepticon foes Knockout and Breakdown in a battle over techno-organic Energon crystals. Despite their efforts, the Decepticons manage to escape with the valuable resource. Later, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, while out for a drive, suddenly recall their familial connection, realizing that Bumblebee is actually their adopted son, Elita-One. Their reunion is interrupted by the unexpected return of Starscream, resurrected by his clone Slipstream, who seeks the Allspark Matrix for immortality. After a fierce battle, Starscream retreats with Slipstream, prompting Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to warn their team about the Decepticon's return.

Meanwhile, Rodimus Prime struggles to maintain order on Cybertron in Optimus Prime's absence, tasked with leading and safeguarding the planet. Sentinel Prime sees this as an opportunity to eliminate Megatron himself and vie for the position of Magnus, the new Autobot leader. Altair Comet and Smokescreen, eager to join Optimus Prime's fight against Megatron, sneak aboard a spaceship bound for Earth, unaware that Sentinel Prime and others are also en route to the planet.

Chapter 15: Father Knows Best

Sentinel Prime and his team land on Earth in Detroit, prompting Altair Comet and Smokescreen to venture out of the Autobot spaceship. Meanwhile, Orion Eclipse receives an upgrade and a new appearance before accompanying his father, Megatron, and a few Vehicon troopers to Detroit to seek revenge on Optimus Prime. Upon their arrival, Orion befriends a human named Anthony Carter, while Megatron begins his search for Optimus.

When Sentinel Prime mistakes Orion Eclipse for Megatron and attempts to destroy him, Optimus Prime intervenes, revealing Orion's true nature as a teenager. Sentinel accuses Optimus of sympathizing with Decepticons while saying that the late Ultra Magnus chose Optimus to become the new Autobot Supreme Commander instead of Sentinel, but Optimus, annoyed by Sentinel's jealousy and envy, clarifies that Ultra Magnus is still alive, though barely. Megatron arrives to protect his son, instructing Orion Eclipse to kill Optimus, but Orion refuses, prompting Megatron to attack Optimus and Sentinel with the aid of his Decepticons.

As Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime join forces to confront Megatron and his Vehicon troopers, Orion Eclipse grapples with inner conflict, torn between his allegiance to the Autobots and his loyalty to his father, Megatron. Feeling overwhelmed, Orion flees and finds himself lost in Detroit. Meanwhile, Altair Comet encounters Orion and recognizes him as her childhood best friend, but he doesn't remember her. When Megatron locates his son, he attempts to sway Orion to his side, warning him not to trust Altair.

Altair tearfully tries to jog Orion's memory, but Megatron intervenes, casting doubt on her intentions. As Optimus Prime and Sentinel Prime discovered Altair, Smokescreen, Orion, and Megatron, tensions rose. Megatron learns that Altair is Optimus's daughter, further complicating the situation. Eventually, Orion remembers Altair as his childhood crush but refuses Megatron's demand to fight her. Disappointed by his son's perceived weakness, Megatron departs with Orion, leaving Altair heartbroken. Optimus reprimands Altair for endangering herself and Smokescreen, prompting her to apologize. Sentinel Prime suggests taking Altair and Smokescreen back to Cybertron for their safety.

Chapter 16: A Total Eclipse of the Spark

At the Decepticon fortress on Dinobot Island, Megatron reprimands Orion Eclipse for his disobedience, but ultimately grants him mercy. However, Megatron insists on teaching his son to be ruthless and cruel to their enemies, intending to groom him into a formidable Decepticon warlord. Orion Eclipse is sent to his room to contemplate his actions while Megatron reminisces about the past. He recalls the first meeting between Orion and Altair Comet, when they were children. At that time, Optimus Prime and Megatron encountered each other, unaware that their children had slipped away to play together.

Upon discovering Orion and Altair's interaction, Megatron scolds his son and warns Optimus and his daughter to stay away from Orion. Returning to the fortress with Orion, Megatron instructs his son to go to bed before having a conversation with Orion's mother, Firestar. The next day, Orion Eclipse enjoys playing with his loving and compassionate mother, Firestar, in stark contrast to his cold and ruthless father, Megatron. Orion's bond with his mother is strong, and he prefers spending time with her over his strict father. However, tragedy strikes when Megatron informs Orion that his beloved mother was killed by the Autobots, leaving Orion heartbroken.

As the years pass, Orion grows into a teenager, but his compassionate nature sets him apart from other Decepticons. Despite Megatron's disapproval, Orion continues to harbor feelings for Altair Comet, secretly visiting her whenever possible. Orion's kindness and mercy earn him the scorn of Megatron, who sees his son as weak and unfit. When Orion becomes separated from his family and is presumed dead, Megatron feels no remorse, viewing his son as a failure. In the present, Megatron seeks to reprogram Orion to hate the Autobots and pledge loyalty only to the Decepticons, hoping to mold him into a suitable heir. Orion overhears this plan and decides to run away before he can be subjected to reprogramming.

Back in Detroit, Sentinel Prime plans to return to Cybertron with Altair Comet and Smokescreen, but Altair refuses, creating a distraction that allows her and Smokescreen to escape. Determined to aid her father, Optimus Prime, in defeating Megatron and rescuing Orion Eclipse, Altair insists on staying on Earth. Smokescreen, seeing Altair's determination, pledges his support, believing in her potential for greatness and vowing to stand by her as a loyal friend.

Meanwhile, Starscream and Slipstream stumble upon raw techno-organic Energon, only to be captured by Knockout and Breakdown. The Decepticon duo takes their captives to Megatron's fortress on Dinobot Island, where they will face judgment and potential execution at Megatron's hands.

Chapter 17: Together Again

Orion Eclipse transforms into his helicopter mode and flies over to Detroit, where he reunites with Altair Comet. Altair expresses her joy at seeing Orion again after decades of being apart. Despite developing romantic feelings for each other, Orion hesitates, citing their opposing factions—him being a Decepticon and her an Autobot—as a barrier to their relationship. However, Altair declares her love for him, disregarding their fathers' feud and insisting that nothing can keep them apart. They reminisce about their childhood love, forbidden by their fathers, and Orion admits that he remembers Altair and loves her. They embrace, solidifying their bond.

Meanwhile, Smokescreen questions Orion about Megatron's plans, and Orion reveals that his father intends to use techno-organic Energon and Dark Energon to conquer Earth before obtaining the Allspark Matrix to achieve immortality. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Altair, Smokescreen, and Orion decide to inform Optimus Prime and the Autobots about Megatron's nefarious schemes before setting out to find them.

At the Decepticon fortress on Dinobot Island, Starscream pleads for mercy from Megatron, who initially plans to have him executed for his betrayal. However, Megatron changes his mind, realizing that destroying Starscream has proven to be difficult in the past. Instead, he decides to imprison both Starscream and Slipstream until they demonstrate loyalty to him. While Slipstream refuses to submit to Megatron and she manages to escape, Starscream is locked up in a prison cell. There, Knockout taunts him for his past betrayals and frequent defeats.

Megatron is furious upon discovering that his son, Orion Eclipse, has vanished from Dinobot Island. He dispatches his Decepticons to search for Orion and bring him back, intending to punish him for fleeing. Meanwhile, on Cybertron, Zeta Maxus conducts secretive experiments with Dark Energon in his lab. He discusses with Sentinel Prime the potential of using Dark Energon as a weapon against the Decepticons due to its lethal properties. Sentinel Prime informs Zeta Maxus about Altair Comet's disappearance on Earth along with Smokescreen. Zeta Maxus advises Sentinel Prime to prioritize completing the weapon of mass destruction before pursuing Altair and Smokescreen, as it could be the key to defeating the Decepticons once and for all.

Orion Eclipse, Altair Comet, and Smokescreen locate Optimus Prime and the Autobots at their base in Detroit. Despite being scolded by Optimus for leaving with Smokescreen instead of returning to Cybertron with Sentinel Prime, Altair insists they must assist in thwarting Megatron's plans. Orion reveals Megatron's sinister plot involving techno-organic and Dark Energon to conquer Earth and attain the Allspark Matrix for immortality. Moved by his friend's plea and determined to oppose his father, Orion removes the Decepticon insignia from his chest, reaffirming his allegiance to the Autobots. Optimus Prime welcomes Orion back into the Autobot fold, and Altair and Smokescreen also join the team, united in their mission to stop Megatron's malevolent schemes.

Chapter 18: What A Tangled Web We Weave

In Blackarachnia's lair, she, along with her Predacon minions Antagony and Inferno, work on creating a formidable army of Predacons. Their plan involves combining Optimus Prime's CNA with that of a gorilla to craft the ultimate Predacon. Meanwhile, Waspinator harbors a deep-seated desire for revenge against Bumblebee, and Blackarachnia assures him that his chance for retribution will come once their Predacon army is complete.

As Blackarachnia builds her techno-organic Predacon force in the present, flashbacks provide insight into her past. It's revealed that she played a pivotal role in rebuilding Blitzwing into a triple changer, foreshadowing her future actions with Megatron. Memories resurface of her time as Elita-One, an Autobot cadet who was romantically involved with Optimus Prime, adopted Bumblebee as her son, and together with Optimus, bore a daughter named Altair Comet. Blackarachnia also recalls her relationship with Sentinel Prime, which ended when she chose to be with Optimus instead of accepting Sentinel's marriage proposal. Memories of her female Autobot friends, including Firestar, evoke nostalgia for her previous life.

Back in the present, Blackarachnia vows to transform Optimus Prime and Altair Comet into techno-organics, driven by her desire to create the ultimate family unit.

Chapter 19: This Is Why I Hate Organics

Rodimus Prime takes the initiative to contact Optimus Prime and persuade him to return to Cybertron to assist in governing the Autobots. He, accompanied by Arcee, Springer, Kup, and Windblade, ventures to the core of Cybertron, where they encounter the Matrix of Leadership, resembling the Allspark Matrix. Within the core, they are graced by the presence of Primus, the Cybertronian deity representing life and goodness, who utilized the Allspark to empower the Thirteen Original Primes in their eternal conflict against Unicron, the planet destroyer and embodiment of evil and chaos.

Primus imparts crucial revelations to Rodimus Prime, affirming that Optimus Prime will ascend as the next Magnus when the opportune moment arises. Additionally, he identifies Sari Sumdac, a techno-organic humanoid, as pivotal to the intertwined destinies of Earth and Cybertron. Primus cautions Rodimus Prime about the presence of another traitor lurking within the Autobot ranks, forewarning of potential treachery that threatens their cause.

In Detroit, Rattletrap, a Cybertronian fearful of organics, finds himself stranded on Earth, forced to adopt an Earth vehicle mode to blend in. However, his attempts to assimilate are cut short when the Autobots and the Dinobots target him, seeking to arrest him and then use him to gain access to Kaon and defeat Megatron and the Decepticons once and for all. Concurrently, a resurrected Vehicon, now able to speak, dubs himself Steve and grapples with conflicting loyalties. Initially drawn to rejoin the Decepticons, Steve's encounter with Bumblebee leads to his capture by the Autobots, who have also apprehended Rattletrap under suspicion of aiding Megatron's escape.

Chapter 20: Turf War

The Constructicons successfully merge into Devastator, aiming to dominate Earth's newfound Energon reserves. However, their plans are challenged by Slipstream, who aspires to seize control of the Decepticons using the techno-organic Energon. To resolve the conflict, the Autobots enlist Omega Supreme's assistance, while Grimlock and the Dinobots ensure Rattletrap remains confined within the Autobot base. Bulkhead falls victim to the Constructicons, forcibly integrated into their collective. Omega Supreme confronts Devastator in battle, while Optimus Prime and his team devise a strategy to free Bulkhead and defeat Devastator. Meanwhile, Orion Eclipse, alongside his girlfriend Altair Comet and Smokescreen, engages in combat against Vehicons and Minicons, who are intent on capturing him. Blitzwing attempts to sway Orion Eclipse back to the Decepticons, but his loyalty remains with the Autobots. Threatened by Shockwave's ultimatum, Orion Eclipse reluctantly faces off against the Decepticons to protect Altair Comet and Smokescreen.

Omega Supreme and the Autobots successfully defeat Devastator, freeing Bulkhead from the clutches of the Constructicons. With Slipstream captured, the Autobots plan to interrogate her for information. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime intervenes to save his daughter, Altair Comet, and joins forces with her, Orion Eclipse, and Smokescreen to repel the Vehicons, Minicons, and Decepticons. Steve the Vehicon aids the heroes in thwarting the Decepticons' plans, ultimately deciding to switch sides and become an Autobot.

However, Lugnut, Shockwave, and Blitzwing report Orion Eclipse's betrayal to Megatron, who is infuriated by his son's allegiance to the Autobots. As tensions rise, a mysterious figure known as "Doomsayer" emerges in Kaon, revealing himself as Megatron's former general who was exiled for treason. Doomsayer offers his assistance to Megatron in destroying the Autobots, presenting a plan involving the Matrix of Leadership. Megatron, intrigued by Doomsayer's proposal, embraces his return and resolves to follow his advice to vanquish Optimus Prime, seize the Allspark Matrix as well as the Matrix of Leadership, and conquer both Earth and Cybertron. Megatron welcomes Doomsayer back into the ranks of the Decepticons, encouraged by his apparent change of heart.

Chapter 21: S.T.E.A.M

Soundwave finds himself ambushed by S.T.E.A.M., a human vigilante group determined to thwart the rise of robots and the Autobots, using steampunk technology. Despite Soundwave's efforts to defend himself alongside his minions, Rumble and Frenzy, they are eventually captured. In a desperate move, Soundwave reaches out to the Autobots for rescue, forcing Optimus Prime and his team to reluctantly come to their enemies' aid. Meanwhile, Slipstream confides in Orion Eclipse about her role in resurrecting Starscream following Megatron's arrest by Optimus Prime. Although Slipstream offers to assist the Autobots in defeating Megatron, Smokescreen grows suspicious of her motives and warns Orion Eclipse, Altair Comet, Grimlock, and the Dinobots against placing their trust in their prisoner. As tensions rise between humans and robots, alliances become increasingly complex in the battle for supremacy.

Optimus Prime and his Autobot team track down Soundwave's energy signatures to S.T.E.A.M's hidden lair, only to be ambushed by the anti-robotic vigilante group. Using steampunk weaponry, the humans capture the Autobots and bring them before Harold Attinger, the founder of S.T.E.A.M., who harbors a deep-seated hatred for all robots and sees the Transformers as a threat to humanity. Despite Optimus Prime's attempts to reason with Attinger and explain that not all robots are malevolent, Attinger remains steadfast in his conviction to eradicate them all. The Autobots find themselves imprisoned alongside Soundwave, Frenzy, and Rumble, facing a formidable challenge to escape and thwart Attinger's destructive plans.

Sari Sumdac experiences a prophetic dream in which Prowl's spirit informs her that she holds the key to Earth and Cybertron's future. Witnessing a vision of Optimus Prime leading Autobots against Megatron and the Decepticons in a city, Sari awakens to a message from Harold Attinger demanding the extermination of all robots in exchange for the Autobots' release. Refusing to comply, Sari, Orion Eclipse, Altair Comet, and Smokescreen united to rescue the Autobots. Upon reaching S.T.E.A.M's headquarters, they liberate the Autobots and Soundwave's minions, engaging in a confrontation that culminates in the destruction of S.T.E.A.M's base and the destruction of Attinger's ultimate weapon meant to eradicate all Cybertronians. With Attinger and his followers arrested, Soundwave, Frenzy, and Rumble depart for Kaon, where Soundwave joins Megatron's Decepticons as their new communications officer.

Chapter 22: Arachnus Prime

A mysterious villain named the Time Trucker shows Bumblebee a possible future where he leads the Autobots in fighting side-by-side with the Decepticons–led by Galvatron–against the zombie-like Predacons, created by an Allspark-powered techno-organic virus that the Autobots must stop Blackarachnia unleashing in the present. The Time Trucker then shows Bumblebee his past and reveals that he has a twin brother named Stinger. The Time Trucker then gives Optimus Prime the chance to alter the past and save Elita-One from ever becoming Blackarachnia.

However, the end result is that Optimus accidentally creates an alternate timeline where his other self becomes a techno-organic spider-bot instead, creating a new future where Elita-One leads the Autobots. Optimus Prime goes to that alternate timeline where he teams up with Elita-One to defeat Arachnus Prime when he and the Predacons attack Cybertron. When Optimus Prime discovers the Matrix of Leadership, mistaking it for the Allspark Matrix, he uses it to defeat Arachnus Prime, which turned him back into the alternate timeline's Optimus Prime, giving him amnesia. Optimus Prime gives the Matrix of Leadership back to Elita-One and he says goodbye to her with a kiss before he returns to his original and unaltered timeline where Elita-One has already become Blackarachnia.

After returning to his original timeline, Optimus Prime is confronted by the enigmatic Time Trucker, who unveils a disturbing potential future. In this vision, Sentinel Prime ascends to the position of Autobot Supreme Commander as "Sentinel Magnus." The Time Trucker warns that Sentinel's inept leadership would lead to the destruction of the Autobots at the hands of Megatron and the Decepticons. Further revelations shed light on Optimus Prime's childhood friendship with Megatron, underscoring the gravity of their current conflict. As the Time Trucker vanishes, leaving Optimus and Bumblebee to ponder the alternate timelines, Blackarachnia and Waspinator emerge in Detroit, embarking on a mission to capture Optimus Prime and his allies for their sinister Predacon experiments.

Chapter 23: Gremlins in the Gears

In the heart of Detroit, chaos reigns as renegade Minicons, under the control of Megatron, wreak havoc by dismantling machinery and causing widespread disruption. This poses a grave threat not only to the city's infrastructure but also to the Autobots themselves, who find themselves targeted by the rogue tiny robots. In a bid to quell the chaos and save their friends, Ratchet, the skilled Autobot medic, and Captain Fanzone, reluctantly join forces. Despite their initial differences, they recognize the urgency of the situation and set out to neutralize the Minicons' threat.

As they delve deeper into their mission, Ratchet and Fanzone uncover the extent of the Minicons' control by Megatron, realizing that freeing them from his influence is paramount to restoring peace. Through their combined efforts and ingenuity, they devise a plan to disrupt Megatron's hold over the Minicons, ultimately succeeding in breaking their malevolent programming.

With the Minicons liberated from their dark allegiance, a new chapter unfolds. Rather than returning to the fold of their former master, they choose a different path, opting to depart Detroit and seek refuge on a remote island. Here, they establish a peaceful village of their own, free from the influence of both Autobot and Decepticon factions.

Though their departure marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Detroit's history, it also signifies a newfound hope for the Minicons, who now have the opportunity to forge their own destiny away from the clutches of war and oppression. As Ratchet and Fanzone bid farewell to their robotic allies, they reflect on the transformative power of unity and cooperation, knowing that the bonds forged in the face of adversity will endure long after the chaos has subsided.

Chapter 24: Triple Threat

Optimus Prime retrieves Blackarachnia's lost helmet and he realize that he must tell the truth to his daughter, Altair Comet, that his mother, Elita-One is still alive, but she is no longer Elita-One, she is now a spider-fembot renamed Blackarachnia. Blackarachnia reveals herself to Optimus Prime and tells him that she came back for him. Optimus tries to talk to Blackarachnia, but she flees and he chases after her. In a moonlit clearing, Optimus Prime reunites with Blackarachnia, holding her lost helmet as a token of their past. Despite her bitterness and self-loathing, Optimus professes his unwavering love and commitment, assuring her of her beauty and his enduring affection. Overwhelmed with hope and joy, Blackarachnia accepts his love, sealing their reunion with a passionate kiss.

Determined to find a cure for her affliction, Optimus vows to restore her to her former self, their love serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. But then, Waspinator attacks Optimus Prime when he assumed that he was trying to hurt Blackarachnia. Optimus ends up getting separated from Blackarachnia as she and Waspinator flee when Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Ratchet arrive to confront them.

As Optimus Prime ventures deeper into the shadows, he carries with him Blackarachnia's helmet, a token of his quest to find her and offer assistance. Accompanied by Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Ratchet, the Autobots encounter the relentless assault of Waspinator, a persistent foe bent on disrupting their mission. Despite their efforts to subdue him, the sudden appearance of Lugnut, Blitzwing, Sunstorm, and Ramjet tips the scales, forcing the Autobots into a hasty retreat.

Meanwhile, within the confines of Blackarachnia's lair, Optimus Prime confronts the enigmatic femme fatale, seeking to extend an olive branch of peace and reconciliation. Yet, his noble intentions are met with treachery as Blackarachnia ensnares him in her web, seizing the opportunity to reclaim her lost helmet. With Optimus incapacitated, Blackarachnia's true intentions come to light as she asserts her dominance over him, leveraging her venomous stingers as a means of control.

In a desperate bid for freedom, Optimus appeals to Blackarachnia's humanity, offering assistance in finding a cure to liberate her from her Decepticon affliction. However, her desires are clouded by a potent mixture of longing and resentment, leading her to assert her dominance over the Autobot leader. As Optimus grapples with the weight of her demands, he finds himself at a crossroads, torn between duty and desire.

In a moment of vulnerability, Blackarachnia reveals her true feelings, confessing her enduring love for Optimus despite the trials they have faced. Encumbered by conflicting emotions, Optimus is left to ponder the ramifications of her proposal, grappling with the implications of their complicated relationship. As the shadows of uncertainty loom large, Optimus must navigate the tangled web of emotions that bind them, lest he become ensnared in Blackarachnia's web of deceit and desire.

After making out with Optimus Prime, Blackarachnia steals a sample of his CNA while he recharges and then she leaves. When Megatron reunites with Blackarachnia and he abducts her and takes her back to Kaon where he convinces her to turn him into a triple changer just as she had turned Blitzwing into a triple changer, Blackarachnia upgrades Megatron into a new triple-changing form, but like Blitzwing before him, the process leaves him with an unstable personality, and he becomes a one-'bot army, blowing away anything and anyone in his path, with the Autobots powerless to stop him.

Chapter 25: Mirror, Mirror

As Zeta Maxus and Sentinel Prime unveil their weapon of mass destruction, fueled by Dark Energon, doubts arise among some Autobots, including Alpha Trion. Optimus Prime's attempt to rescue Blackarachnia from Kaon is thwarted, while Megatron grows more powerful and unstable. The Autobots, using Rattletrap as leverage, infiltrate Kaon but are ambushed by the Decepticons and their Vehicon troopers. In a desperate confrontation, Orion Eclipse, Megatron's son, intervenes to save Optimus Prime and strikes a deal with his father to spare the Autobots in exchange for his allegiance. Despite Optimus Prime's pleas, Orion Eclipse chooses to join Megatron to protect his comrades. As the Autobots escape with Rattletrap, Slipstream forms an unlikely bond with Grimlock and the Dinobots back at the Autobot base.

Back in Detroit at Sumdac Tower, Optimus Prime, and his friends realize that they will need an army if they are to defeat Megatron and his Decepticon army and prevent him from using the techno-organic Energon and the Dark Energon to destroy the Earth. So, our heroes decided to return to Cybertron. But on their way to Cybertron, Optimus Prime, and his team are catapulted into a parallel universe where the Autobots are evil and the Decepticons are good. Optimus Prime and his Autobots team up with the good Megatron and the good Decepticons to defeat the evil counterparts of Optimus Prime, the Autobots, Sari Sumdac, and Professor Issac Sumdac. After helping their unlikely allies defeat their evil counterparts, Optimus Prime and his team say goodbye to the good Megatron and the good Decepticons before they head back to their own universe.

SEASON 2:

Chapter 26: Growing Suspicions

Back on Cybertron, Sentinel Prime consults Zeta Maxus about where to target their new ultimate Decepticon-destroying weapon that's fueled by Dark Energon. Zeta Maxus advises aiming it at Earth, where Megatron and the Decepticons are located. When Sentinel Prime questions the legality and morality of destroying the planet Earth, Zeta Maxus insists that it is necessary to prevent the Decepticons from conquering the planet or the humans from potentially invading Cybertron with their advanced technology and weapons, as well as the viruses and plagues that they carry. Weighing Zeta Maxus' arguments, Sentinel Prime faces a moral dilemma.

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and his crew return to Cybertron to gather reinforcements for their final battle against Megatron. They learn that Megatron plans to use the Allspark, techno-organic Energon, and Dark Energon to conquer both Earth and Cybertron. Perceptor informs Optimus that the Autobot Supreme Commander, Ultra Magnus is dying from fatal wounds, and that Optimus must become the next Magnus to effectively lead the Autobots and defeat Megatron once and for all.

Upon learning that Optimus Prime will soon become the next Magnus following Ultra Magnus's impending death, Sentinel Prime becomes furious and seeks help from his accomplice, Zeta Maxus. Zeta Maxus advises Sentinel on how to prevent Optimus from becoming the new Autobot Supreme Commander. He reveals the locations of the Matrix of Leadership and the Allspark Matrix, then gives Sentinel an Energon knife, instructing him on what must be done to ensure he becomes Magnus instead of Optimus Prime.

Back on Earth, Smokescreen confides in Altair Comet about his admiration for Optimus Prime and his desire to be a hero like him. Altair shares this aspiration, expressing her sadness over her boyfriend, Orion Eclipse, rejoining the Decepticons to save Optimus and the Autobots. Smokescreen reassures Altair that Orion will eventually return to the Autobots. Altair expresses her deep care for Smokescreen, considering him a best friend. Meanwhile, Slipstream attempts to convince the Dinobots to remove her stasis cuffs to escape Autobot custody, but is thwarted by Steve the Vehibot. She tries to manipulate Steve by flirting, but he resists her tricks, refusing to free her.

Chapter 27: An Unexpected Reunion

Altair Comet feels homesick and decides to spend time with Sari Sumdac, who shares her mysterious origin as half-human, half-Cybertronian, and mentions Prowl's spirit declaring her key to the future of Earth and Cybertron. Altair wishes she could solve Sari's mystery. Suddenly, they are captured by Blackarachnia, who recognizes Altair as her long-lost daughter. Blackarachnia reveals herself as Elita-One, mutated into a techno-organic spider-fembot after being abandoned on Arachna 7 by Optimus Prime and Sentinel Prime. Altair is shocked to discover her mother is alive and now a Decepticon. Blackarachnia explains she is in Detroit searching for Waspinator, captured by Optimus's crew, and expresses her desire to find a cure to revert to Elita-One and rejoin the Autobots, reuniting with her family. Sari remains suspicious of Blackarachnia's intentions.

Sari Sumdac refuses to take Blackarachnia to the imprisoned Waspinator, leading Blackarachnia to ask her daughter, Altair Comet, about Optimus Prime's whereabouts. Altair reveals that he is on Cybertron and questions her mother about being abandoned. Blackarachnia explains that she initially believed Optimus abandoned her, but later realized he thought she died when she mutated into a techno-organic spider-fembot. Sari warns Altair not to trust Blackarachnia, suspecting her intentions, but Blackarachnia insists she wants to reform. Altair and Blackarachnia have an emotional reunion, with Blackarachnia noting how much her daughter has grown since she last saw her as a child.

Blackarachnia and Altair Comet begin to bond, with Blackarachnia sharing stories about Megatron, including how he forced her to turn him into a triple-changer. She offers to help the Autobots defeat Megatron in exchange for their assistance in finding a cure to revert her back to Elita-One and rid her of her mutated spider form. Blackarachnia also promises to keep Waspinator from seeking revenge on Bumblebee. Altair convinces Sari Sumdac to bring Blackarachnia to the Autobot base. There, Blackarachnia reunites with Grimlock and the Dinobots and meets the prisoners Slipstream, Rattletrap, and Waspinator, as well as other Autobots like Smokescreen and Steve. That night, after telling Altair goodnight, Blackarachnia weaves a web to sleep on.

Chapter 28: How You Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Energon Farm?

In the Decepticon Command Center, Megatron stands among advanced technology when his son, Orion Eclipse, approaches with questions about his mother. Megatron reveals the story of how he met Firestar, an Autobot who captivated him. After abducting and winning her love, they had Orion. However, Firestar left after witnessing Megatron's darkness and was later killed by Autobots. Megatron protected Orion but lost him in a supernova. Now reunited, Megatron declares Orion the rightful heir to lead the Decepticons. Despite Orion's doubts about his abilities, Megatron assures him that he will learn to transform and lead their faction to victory. United, they prepare for the battles ahead.

At the Autobot base in Detroit, Altair Comet resolves to help her mother, Blackarachnia, reform, along with Slipstream, Rattletrap, and Waspinator, hoping they will aid Optimus Prime and the Autobots against Megatron. Sari Sumdac and her father, Professor Isaac Sumdac, remain wary of the potential for betrayal from these wannabe reformed Decepticons. Meanwhile, on Cybertron, Sentinel Prime confronts Optimus Prime, leading to a fight for the position of Magnus. Seeking a respite from the conflict, Bulkhead returns to the Energon farm where he was raised, accompanied by Jetfire and Jetstorm, only to discover the farm has become a target for the Decepticons. The trio must defend the farm and its resources from Decepticon forces, adding another layer of urgency to their mission.

Back on Earth, Altair Comet, Smokescreen, Steve the Vehibot and the Dinobots work on reforming Blackarachnia, Slipstream, Rattletrap and Waspinator while waiting for Optimus Prime and the Autobots to return from Cybertron and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with Megatron and his minions. Trust remains a significant issue, as the Sumdacs and other Autobots keep a close watch on the newly reformed Blackarachnia, Slipstream, Rattletrap, and Waspinator. As Optimus Prime and Sentinel Prime's battle for leadership intensifies, it becomes clear that the Autobots must unite and focus on their common enemy, Megatron, who is growing ever more powerful and unpredictable. The stage is set for a climactic showdown, with the future of both Earth and Cybertron hanging in the balance.

Chapter 29: Process of Elimination

Bumblebee investigates a series of deadly attacks on his old boot camp platoon, who are being picked off by a mysterious assailant. All signs point to either Waspinator or Shockwave... but when they too are attacked, the mystery deepens! It turns out the culprit is really Cliffjumper; back when Shockwave was undercover in Autobot bootcamp, he uploaded a Trojan Horse virus into Cliffjumper that would compell him to eliminate all evidence if Shockwave was ever found out. Now, the virus is affecting his mind, and Bumblebee must stop him before he self-destructs! Determined to save his old friend and prevent further casualties, Bumblebee reaches out to Ratchet for help. Ratchet quickly analyzes the situation and devises a plan to neutralize the virus within Cliffjumper's system. However, time is running out, as the virus compels Cliffjumper to act with increasing aggression and desperation.

Bumblebee tracks Cliffjumper to an abandoned Autobot outpost, where he finds him in a state of mental turmoil. Cliffjumper, struggling to regain control, attacks Bumblebee, believing him to be another target. Bumblebee tries to reason with him, reminding him of their shared history and friendship. Their confrontation is intense, with Cliffjumper's virus-driven fury making him a formidable opponent. During the fight, Bumblebee manages to disable Cliffjumper temporarily, allowing Ratchet to arrive with the necessary equipment to extract the virus. Ratchet works swiftly, connecting Cliffjumper to a portable medical station. As Ratchet begins the delicate process of removing the Trojan Horse virus, Cliffjumper's memories of the boot camp and their camaraderie resurface, helping him fight against the virus's influence.

Just as Ratchet is about to complete the extraction, Shockwave's hidden subroutine triggers a failsafe, causing Cliffjumper to initiate a self-destruct sequence. Realizing the imminent danger, Bumblebee and Ratchet work together under immense pressure. Ratchet focuses on completing the virus extraction, while Bumblebee uses his quick thinking and agility to stabilize Cliffjumper's systems, preventing the self-destruct.

Finally, the virus is successfully extracted, and Cliffjumper regains full control of his mind and body. Exhausted but relieved, he thanks Bumblebee and Ratchet for saving him from Shockwave's sinister trap. With the immediate threat neutralized, Bumblebee contacts Optimus Prime, informing him of Shockwave's insidious plan and the need to remain vigilant against further Decepticon schemes. As the Autobots regroup, they reflect on the importance of their bonds and the lengths they will go to protect each other. Cliffjumper, now free from the virus's influence, vows to assist Bumblebee in tracking down any remaining Decepticon threats, ensuring that no Autobot will ever face such danger again.

Chapter 30: Framed

Bumblebee, visiting the infirmary, stumbles upon Sentinel Prime in a shocking act: attempting to murder Ultra Magnus in his sleep. Reacting swiftly, Bumblebee intervenes, preventing the fatal strike. Sentinel flees before he can be detained, leaving confusion and suspicion in his wake. Bumblebee alerts the Autobots to Sentinel's treachery, leading to his arrest for attempted murder and treason.

However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Sentinel Prime has been framed by an imposter. Zeta Maxus reveals to Optimus Prime that Shockwave orchestrated the creation of an evil clone of Sentinel Prime to eliminate Ultra Magnus and incriminate the real Sentinel for murder. The imposter's actions were designed to tarnish Sentinel's reputation and destabilize the Autobot leadership.

Determined to clear Sentinel's name and thwart Shockwave's machinations, the Autobots track down the evil clone of Sentinel Prime. A fierce battle ensues, culminating in the destruction of the clone. To their horror, they discover a bomb hidden within the clone's spark chamber, set to detonate upon its destruction. With seconds to spare, the Autobots evacuate the area as the clone explodes into scrap metal. Miraculously, the real Sentinel Prime emerges unscathed, vindicated by the evidence of his innocence. As the smoke clears, Sentinel is freed from prison, his name cleared, and the true culprit exposed.

With the threat neutralized and justice served, the Autobots stand united, resolute in their determination to protect each other and thwart the Decepticons' sinister schemes. Sentinel Prime, grateful for his exoneration, pledges to redouble his efforts in service to the Autobot cause, vowing to never again fall victim to such treachery.

Chapter 31: Attack of the Combaticons

Rodimus Prime entrusts Optimus Prime with the Matrix of Leadership, resembling the Allspark Matrix, urging him to safeguard it and the Allspark Matrix from Megatron's clutches. Determined to ensure the safety of both Earth and Cybertron, Optimus opts to secure the two Matrixs within a vault. Meanwhile, Bulkhead returns to his roots at the Energon farm, while Ratchet musters the courage to ask Arcee out on a date. With a looming sense of responsibility towards his daughter, Altair Comet, Optimus resolves to return to Earth to reveal the truth about her mother's survival. However, Sentinel Prime intervenes, redirecting Optimus's attention to the urgent threat posed by the Decepticons on the fifth moon of Charr. Despite his apprehensions about facing the enemy alone, Sentinel Prime insists that it's a test of leadership, citing Ultra Magnus's directive to keep the Decepticons at bay.

Reluctantly accepting Sentinel's orders, Optimus Prime embarks on the perilous mission, clutching the Matrix of Leadership. Unbeknownst to him, he carries the Allspark Matrix instead. Entrusting Rodimus Prime with the protection of Cybertron, Optimus ventures to confront the Decepticons on the fifth moon of Charr, only to find himself ambushed by the formidable Combaticons led by Onslaught. Optimus Prime faces a daunting challenge, grappling not only with the Decepticons' assault but also with the weight of leadership and the hidden truth about the Matrix he bears. As the battle intensifies, Optimus's resolve is put to the ultimate test, with the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, Bumblebee finds Sentinel Prime holding an Energon knife and when he asks Sentinel where Optimus is, Sentinel Prime puts Bumblebee inside a barrel before throwing him into a river of oil. Sentinel Prime and Zeta Maxus begin their plan to use their weapon of mass destruction fueled with Dark Energon to destroy the Earth where the Decepticons and Megatron are located at and Sentinel is confident that Optimus will be killed by the Decepticons and that Ultra Magnus will die in his deathbed, allowing Sentinel Prime to become the new Magnus and take over Cybertron. When Sentinel Prime finally realizes that Zeta Maxus could possibly be a Decepticon due to him being manipulative, Zeta Maxus reveals his true self. Zeta removes his Autobot disguise and reveals that his true name is Doomsayer. Sentinel Prime accuses Doomsayer of being a Decepticon spy, but Doomsayer tells Sentinel Prime that he is not a Decepticon, but rather the leader of the Destructicons. Doomsayer manipulates Sentinel Prime and makes a deal with him that they should have the Autobots and the Destructicons work together in destroying the Decepticons and destroying the Earth and Doomsayer tells Sentinel that his intentions are to help him become the new Autobot Supreme Commander.

Back at the fifth moon of Charr, Optimus Prime defeats the Combaticons and Onslaught before he decides to leave after he barely survives the attack of the Decepticons. Back on Cybertron, Bumblebee gets out of the oil river and frees himself from being trapped inside a barrel before he finds out that Sentinel Prime is a traitor to the Autobots as he intends to usurp Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus to become the next Autobot Supreme Commander. However, before Bumblebee would let the Autobots know about Sentinel's treachery, he gets captured by Doomsayer and Bumblebee is brought before Sentinel Prime who reveals his evil plan to destroy the Earth and humanity, to destroy the Decepticons, to cause the deaths of Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus to become Sentinel Magnus, and use the Allspark and the Matrix of Leadership to make himself invincible. Bumblebee tells Sentinel Prime that he will tell everyone about his evil plans, but Sentinel Prime crushes Bumblebee's voice box so that he won't tell anyone about Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer's plot to conquer Cybertron and destroy the Earth. Bumblebee is traumatized after he loses his ability to speak.

Chapter 32: A Traitor Among Us

After Bumblebee got his voice box crushed by Sentinel Prime and he loses his ability to speak, he is left traumatized and is imprisoned by Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer. Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer talk about their next move to use their Decepticon destroying machine of mass destruction to destroy the Earth where the Decepticons and Megatron are located as Sentinel intends to get rid of humanity as he sees humans as a threat to all Cybertronians. However, Alpha Trion and a group of cyber-ninjas find out about their evil schemes and Doomsayer attacks them. Alpha Trion tells Doomsayer that his plot to conquer Cybertron through Sentinel Prime has failed, but Doomsayer attacks the elder Autobot with his Dark Energon lightning, revealing that Doomsayer is immune to Dark Energon and can master using and weaponizing its dark powers.

Alpha Trion tells Sentinel Prime to choose redemption over treason, but Sentinel turns against Alpha Trion as Doomsayer knocks the elder Autobot unconscious. When Ironhide sees a bunch of cyber-ninjas and Alpha Trion knocked unconscious and defeated and he realizes that Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer are responsible for the assault, Ironhide tries to stop them, but Sentinel Prime nearly kills Ironhide, rendering him unconscious before he and Doomsayer escape before they could get caught by the Autobots.

Optimus Prime returns to Cybertron and Bumblebee escapes from his prison cell before he gets Ratchet to repair his voice box. After Bumblebee gets his voice box repaired, the wounded Ironhide and injured Alpha Trion reveals to Optimus Prime and his team that Sentinel Prime has betrayed the Autobots and has allied with Doomsayer to try to conquer Cybertron and destroy the Earth. Optimus, infuriated by Sentinel's betrayal, decides to find Sentinel Prime himself and bring him to justice. However, our heroes soon discover that Sentinel Prime has stolen the Matrix of Leadership and Optimus realizes that Sentinel had given him the Allspark Matrix instead of the Matrix of Leadership. Determined to get his mother's Matrix back, Optimus Prime tells his friends to safeguard the Allspark Matrix while he tracks down Sentinel Prime and stop him. Jetfire and Jetstorm inform Optimus Prime that Sentinel Prime is heading towards Earth and he has the Matrix of Leadership.

Optimus Prime and the Autobots return to Earth to confront Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer, who have brought devastation to Detroit. On a burning ship, Sentinel attempts to wield the Matrix of Leadership for his sinister purposes but finds himself unworthy. In a pivotal moment, he encounters the spirit of Prima, the first of the 13 Original Primes. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime arrives to challenge Sentinel. On a burning ship amidst an ocean of oil and flames, Optimus Prime confronts his former friend turned enemy, Sentinel Prime. Their heated exchange reveals Sentinel's treacherous motives: he orchestrated dangerous missions for Optimus, attempted to assassinate Ultra Magnus, and stole the Matrix of Leadership.

Their confrontation escalates into a fierce battle, each wielding their weapons with determination. Despite Sentinel's claims of deserving the Matrix's power, Optimus prevails, reclaiming the artifact and unleashing its energy against his adversary. As the fight reaches its climax, Sentinel pleads for mercy, claiming manipulation by Doomsayer. Torn between compassion and duty, Optimus attempts to save Sentinel from falling to his death. However, Sentinel seizes the opportunity to strike, plunging into the abyss below. Sentinel's lifeless body resurfaces amidst the unforgiving waves, his once-proud demeanor tarnished and battered. As he struggles for survival, regret and sorrow flood his spark, realizing the consequences of his actions.

Meanwhile, Doomsayer, lurking in the shadows, observes the scene with a sinister grin, dragging Sentinel's body to his lair. The aftermath of their battle leaves Optimus Prime grappling with the loss of a once-dear friend and the weight of Sentinel's betrayal on his spark.

Chapter 33: Land of the Mini-Cons

Optimus Prime returns to the Autobot base and he finds his daughter, Altair Comet, with her long-lost mother, Blackarachnia. Optimus apologizes to his daughter for not telling her the truth that her mother survived and became a Decepticon and Altair forgives her father before she tells her father that she, Smokescreen, the Dinobots, and Sari Sumdac were able to reform Slipstream, Waspinator, Rattletrap, and of course, Blackarachnia. Meanwhile at Kaon on Dinobot Island, Megatron teaches his son, Orion Eclipse, how to fight better. Starscream has pledged his loyalty to Megatron and promises never to betray him again. Megatron has ordered Knockout and Breakdown to keep an eye on Starscream to make sure he doesn't try to overthrow Megatron again. Back at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime and his Autobot friends now know that Doomsayer was the one who corrupted Sentinel Prime and turned him into a traitor and our heroes decide to be on a lookout for Doomsayer, but for now, they need to collect the techno-organic Energon before the Decepticons do.

After promising to aid Blackarachnia in finding a cure to restore her to Elita-One, Optimus Prime, Blackarachnia, and Altair Comet share a heartfelt family hug. However, their peaceful moment is interrupted by another transwarp mishap that deposits Bumblebee on a planet inhabited by Mini-Cons, who revere him as a deity in a scenario reminiscent of Gulliver's Travels. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and his team embark on a mission to locate Bumblebee, but their journey is fraught with danger as they come under attack by Blackout and other Decepticons seeking revenge for the fate of Onslaught and the Combaticons. On the planet of the Mini-Cons, Bumblebee finds himself lavished with adoration and care by his newfound followers, reveling in their attention. As Bumblebee enjoys the attention of the Mini-Cons, oblivious to the chaos unfolding in space, Optimus Prime and his team fend off relentless attacks from Blackout and the Decepticons. Despite the perilous circumstances, they remain determined to rescue their lost comrade.

Back on the planet of the Mini-Cons, Bumblebee's paradise is shattered when a space monster arrives, intent on capturing the Mini-Cons for its own purposes. Unwilling to let harm befall his newfound friends, Bumblebee courageously confronts the space monster, rallying the Mini-Cons to stand against their aggressor. Just as the situation reaches a critical point, Optimus Prime and his Autobot team arrive, engaging in a fierce battle with the space monster. Working together, they manage to defeat the space monster and ensure the safety of the Mini-Cons. Grateful for their rescue, some of the Mini-Cons decide to join Optimus Prime and his team, eager to aid their newfound allies in their ongoing struggle against the Decepticons. With Bumblebee safely back in their ranks and a few additional allies by their side, Optimus Prime and his Autobots depart from the Mini-Con planet, returning to Earth to continue their fight against the Decepticons for the safety of Earth and Cybertron.

Chapter 34: It Came From Planet Cybertron

An Autobot came to Earth with an important message for Optimus Prime. But after scanning a flying saucer as his alternate mode from a B-movie set, he suffers amnesia and comes to believe he is really an alien invader named Cosmos. Meanwhile, S.T.E.A.M and their founder, Harold Attinger breaks themselves free from prison and set out to seek their revenge on the Autobots. Meanwhile, Porter C. Powell creates some of his own robotic versions of the Predacons after getting an idea from Blackarachnia who's been creating her own army of Predacons back at her lab before she decided to join the Autobots. Powell created Predaking and the robotic Predacons to fight against the Dinobots ala Lex Luthor style.

Meanwhile, Cosmos attacks Detroit when Predaking and Powell's Predacons fight against Grimlock and the Dinobots and Optimus Prime recognizes the Autobot flying saucer and he and his team work on stopping Cosmos. While Blackarachnia helps the Dinobots defeat Predaking and the Predacons with the help of Smokescreen, Altair Comet, Slipstream and Waspinator, Optimus manages to jog Cosmos' memory and Comsos realizes that he's not an alien invader but an Autobot. Predaking and the Predacons turn against their creator, Porter C. Powell and Sari Sumdac fight off Predaking before he could kill his creator. After defeating the Predacons and imprisoning them and Predaking, Cosmos tells Optimus Prime that Ultra Magnus wants to speak to him before he dies.

Chapter 35: The Weight of Responsibility

Optimus Prime returns to Cybertron and goes to the infirmary where Ultra Magnus gives Optimus his famous last words and he gives him his dying wish for Optimus Prime to take Ultra Magnus' place as the new ruler of Cybertron, as the new Autobot Supreme Commander, and as the new Autobot leader and Ultra Magnus tells Optimus Prime that he doesn't have to rename himself, "Optimus Magnus" because Optimus will be more than a Magnus, he will be a true Prime whose heroism is in his programming. After Ultra Magnus dies, Optimus Prime and millions of Autobots go to Ultra Magnus' funeral where Ultra Magnus' daughter, Strongarm, and her siblings and her mother mourn the death of their loved one. Optimus Prime finally becomes the new Autobot Supreme Commander and chooses not to be renamed "Optimus Magnus" and after he becomes the new leader of the Autobots and the new ruler of Cybertron, Rodimus Prime becomes Optimus Prime's first lieutenant.

In the aftermath of Ultra Magnus's passing, Ironhide and Alpha Trion recover from their injuries inflicted by Sentinel Prime and Doomsayer. The Autobots successfully eliminate the Decepticon weapon fueled by Dark Energon, a substance Alpha Trion reveals as the malevolent essence of Unicron, the chaos bringer. With Optimus Prime assuming the role of Autobot Supreme Commander, he faces a multitude of responsibilities: ruling Cybertron, caring for his daughter Altair Comet, seeking a cure for Blackarachnia, gathering techno-organic Energon, and devising a strategy to thwart Megatron and the Decepticons' threats to Earth and Cybertron. The weight of these duties weighs heavily on Optimus as he navigates his newfound leadership.

Meanwhile, Strongarm continues to mourn the death of her father, Ultra Magnus, when the Protectobots arrest a delinquent named Sideswipe who's been causing a lot of trouble while street racing. Smokescreen and Altair Comet would return to Cybertron with Rattletrap while Blackarachnia, Slipstream, Waspinator, Grimlock, the Dinobots, Steve the Vehicon stay at the Autobot base with Sari Sumdac and Professor Issac Sumdac making sure that they don't do anything treacherous or suspicious.

Chapter 36: Megatron Must Be Stopped

As Megatron's plan to reformat Earth into a new Decepticon homeworld reaches fruition, the Autobots must join forces with Slipstream, Blackarachnia and Waspinator, and the Dinobots to defeat Megatron once and for all. Just as they have apprehended Megatron, Megatron tells his son, Orion Eclipse to help him destroy Optimus Prime for revenge, but Orion refuses and he once again renounces the Decepticons to rejoin the Autobots again as he refuses to obey his father, Megatron. Megatron would be furious with his son for betraying him again before the Autobots and their allies prepared to have Megatron taken to prison on Cybertron. However, it turns out that the Decepticon leader has created many duplicates of himself as a distraction.

Powermaster Optimus Prime defeats the real Megatron, only for Megatron to then download his mind into the city of Kaon itself. Using Blackarachnia's techno-organic virus, Megatron has the city begin to grow to cover Earth. As our heroes prepare to save the world, Orion Eclipse confronts his father, Megatron, to protect Optimus Prime and Megatron would tell Orion Eclipse that he's disobeyed him for the last time before he tries to kill his son, only for Starscream to intervene. After working together to stop Blackarachnia's techno-organic virus and save the Earth, Megatron gets put into prison. But after Megatron gets put in prison, a new threat emerges as Quintessa and the Quintessons threaten to conquer Cybertron and enslave all the Cybertronians that live there.

Determined to save his planet from the Quintesson invasion, Optimus Prime faces the Quintessons with his team before he discovers that Quintessa is the one who caused the deaths of Optimus' parents, Solarguard and Thetas Prime. After saving Cybertron from the Quintessons, Blackarachnia gets taken by Quintessa and she gives her a new look before encouraging her to continue making her Predacon army. Quintessa would tell Blackarachnia that she must use the Allspark to power up a techno-organic virus that will wipe out the Autobots or else Quintessa will destroy Blackarachnia's daughter if she doesn't cooperate. Altair Comet is happy to be reunited with her boyfriend, Orion Eclipse, and he promises never to return to the Decepticons again, saying that he is destined to be an Autobot rather than a Decepticon leader. Optimus decides to rescue Blackarachnia from the Quintessons, even if it meant confronting his parents' killer.

Chapter 37: Web of Lies

Optimus Prime, accompanied by a team of Autobots, embarks on a mission to the planet Quintessa to rescue Blackarachnia from the clutches of the Quintessons. Quintessa gave Blackarachnia a new color scheme and she even gave her her own Predacon insignia to replace her Decepticon insignia and Quintessa begins influencing Blackarachnia to work on the techno-organic virus. Amidst the battle against the Quintessons, Optimus Prime engages in a fierce confrontation with his parents' killer, Quintessa herself. As the conflict intensifies, Quintessa gains the upper hand and is poised to strike down Optimus Prime. However, Blackarachnia intervenes, halting Quintessa's attack. In a desperate attempt to manipulate Blackarachnia, Quintessa threatens to expose her feelings for Optimus Prime. Unwavering, Blackarachnia admits her love for Optimus Prime and forgives him for past actions, regardless of the consequences.

After escaping from Quintessa, Blackarachnia betrays Optimus Prime and returns to her evil ways as she reveals her plan to turn Optimus Prime and Altair Comet into techno-organic Predacons so that they and Blackarachnia could be the ultimate family. Blackarachnia abducts her daughter, Altair Comet and she returns to her lair. Optimus Prime decides to go after Blackarachnia and rescue his daughter with the help of his Autobot and Dinobot friends. Waspinator decides to help Optimus Prime know where to find his daughter and he leads the Autobots and the Dinobots to where Blackarachnia has taken Altair Comet.

At Blackarachnia's lair, Blackarachnia tells her daughter that she's become the leader of her Predacon army and that she created her Predacon minions, Antagony, Inferno, and her newest creation, Gnashteeth whose T-rex mode was based on Grimlock though Blackarachnia made improvements to his intellect.

Altair Comet begs her mother not to turn her into a techno-organic Predacon, but Blackarachnia refuses to listen as she intends to turn her daughter and Optimus Prime into techno-organic Predacons and Blackarachnia says how she and her Predacon army will conquer Cybertron and unleash an Allspark-powered techno-organic virus that'll turn the Autobots into Predacons.

Chapter 38: New Divide

Optimus Prime arrives at Blackarachnia's lair to rescue his daughter, Altair Comet. At Blackarachnia's lab, Optimus gets captured by Inferno and Antagony and Blackarachnia combines Optimus' stolen CNA with that of a gorilla to create her ultimate Predacon warrior: Optimus Primal. Blackarachnia says that she's gonna use the same organic spider CNA that turned her into a spider-fembot to transform Optimus Prime and Altair Comet into techno-organic spider-bots so that she can have her ultimate family. Optimus Prime begs Blackarachnia not to do it, but then when Gnashteeth got smart after he heard about Megatron, he decided to rename himself "Megatron II" and he decided to betray and overthrow Blackarachnia and take over as the true leader of the Predacons.

After Optimus Primal and the other Predacons were brought to life, Megatron II turns against his creator and Blackarachnia is shocked when Gnashteeth, now renamed "Megatron II" has betrayed her and he even attempted to kill and usurp Blackarachnia before Optimus Primal steps in to protect Blackarachnia from Megatron II. Optimus Primal and Megatron II would fight and the Predacons would be divided into two groups: The Maximals and the Predacons. Optimus Prime would rescue Altair Comet and even Blackarachnia and they tried to save Waspinator, but Megatron II prevented him from escaping. Megatron II would attack Blackarachnia and inject her with the spider mutation serum which would turn her into a giant spider.

Optimus Prime and his friends and family would escape and return to their world while Optimus Primal and Megatron II stayed behind and kickstarted the Beast Wars between Predacons and Maximals. Optimus promises to help his clone defeat Megatron II one day, but right now he has to find a cure for Blackarachnia immediately and turn her back to Elita-One before she becomes a spider forever. Optimus Prime carries the half-dead and infected Blackarachnia to Alpha Trion and he begs him to help find a cure that will save her. Alpha Trion tells Optimus Prime that he will help her save Blackarachnia and turn her back to Elita-One.

Wheeljack, Perceptor and Red Alert inject Blackarachnia with a serum that stops her spider mutation from getting worse before Optimus Prime remembers back when he used the Matrix of Leadership to turn Arachnus Prime back into his former self. Optimus Prime uses the Matrix of Leadership on Blackarachnia and Wheeljack, Perceptor, and Red Alert have finally found an antidote that can cure Blackarachnia and turn her back into Elita-One. Five days later, Blackarachnia is finally turned back into Elita-One. Not only did the Autobot scientists changed Blackarachnia back into Elita-One, but they've managed to give her a new look with a pink color scheme. Blackarachnia was originally willing to be reformed and turned back to normal after she helped Optimus Prime defeat Megatron and she reunited with her daughter, Altair Comet, who helped her mother see the good from inside her.

Chapter 39: The Wedding Day

Several months later, after Blackarachnia was cured and turned back into Elita-One, Optimus Prime finally popped the question and he asked Elita-One to marry him. She accepts his proposal and the two begin their wedding plans. Optimus Prime and Elita-One finally get married after being separated for so long until Blackarachnia was finally turned back into Elita-One. They have their beautiful wedding day at Iacon inside the Church of Primus with all of their friends and guest attending the wedding and with Alpha Trion playing the role as the priest.

Firestar picked out the perfect wedding dress for her old friend. Bulkhead cried during the wedding because he cries at weddings, Wheeljack was the ring bearer, Sari Sumdac was the flower girl, Elita-One's bridesmaids were Moonracer, Firestar, Lancer, Arcee, Chromia, and Greenlight. Optimus Prime's groomsmen were Bulkhead, Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Jazz. Altair Comet and Orion Eclipse (who left his evil father, Megatron last month and rejoined the Autobots) were there at the wedding and Altair was happy to see that her long-lost parents were finally married.

After Optimus Prime and Elita-One were finally married, Megatron and his Decepticons escaped from prison and they return to Earth to go back to unfinished business. Meanwhile, Sideswipe gets bailed out of jail and reunites with his twin brother, Sunstreaker, and his adopted father, Roadbuster, who scolds him for getting into trouble. Sideswipe meets Strongarm and she decides to change him from a delinquent into an Autobot rookie as she takes him to the Autobot boot camp to make him into a better bot. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Megatron and his Decepticons return to Kaon where they plan their next scheme. Elsewhere, in Doomsayer's secret underground lair, the nefarious Destructicon leader and his evil Mini-Cons conduct a dark experiment to transform the late Sentinel Prime into a new being named Jhiaxus, adorned with a Destructicon insignia. Through advanced machinery and super science, they alter Sentinel's appearance, colors, and even his name, imbuing him with dark energy. Upon awakening, Jhiaxus emerges as a formidable servant of Doomsayer, ready to carry out his master's bidding.

However, Jhiaxus soon goes missing, prompting Doomsayer's wrath as he discovers the Destructicon's absence and suspects his allegiance may have shifted. Determined to regain control, Doomsayer sets out to find Jhiaxus, who, in turn, heads to Kaon, seeking revenge against Optimus Prime. Rejecting his role as Doomsayer's pawn, Jhiaxus embraces his newfound identity, vowing to join the Decepticons and settle the score with Optimus Prime. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Jhiaxus's quest for vengeance sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation that will shape the fate of Cybertron and Earth.

[richincolor]

New Releases

It's officially fall and that means all the spooky books are coming out as well as the start of the holiday romances. Looks like the fall book release season is going to be full of literary goodness for everyone.

Ros Demir is Not the One by Leyla Brittan Holiday House

Ros will do whatever it takes to get the guy. At least… she thinks she will.

Sixteen-year-old Ros is a go-getter. When she wants something, she makes sure she gets it.

But a lingering rumor (and maybe some ambivalence about her half-Turkish heritage) has kept Ros from achieving the kind of reputation she deserves. So, after years of plotting her big comeback, she just needs one thing: a hot, adoring guy on her arm at junior year homecoming. And when she meets charming new classmate Aydın at the Pine Bay resort over the summer, she thinks she’s found The One.

It doesn’t work, though. And things get messy when Ros’s plan ends up hurting the only friend she has left… poor, sweet, forgiving Eleanor. This has happened before—things tend to get messy with Ros around—and it’s getting harder for her to ignore the pattern of hurt feelings. Plus, it seems like Ros and Aydın aren’t really meant to be. What kind of a plan results in everyone ending up unhappy? Not a very good one.

A not-quite rom com starring a bold, outspoken antiheroine, this Turkish-American Romeo and Juliet remix is refreshingly snarky. Witty, whip-smart dialogue plays with the complexities of multicultural identity and female friendships, from Ros’s very first screw-up to her unconventional happy ending.

No Rules Tonight: A Graphic Novel by Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada Penguin Workshop

From the creators of Banned Book Club comes a young adult graphic novel about unveiling secrets, confessing your crushes, and finding yourself: all in the mountains of South Korea on Christmas Eve.

It’s time for the annual winter camp at Anjeon University. A full weekend, deep in the mountains, with no parental supervision. But this is no ordinary getaway. It is 1980s South Korea, where political tensions are high and curfew is strict. Luckily, it’s the only night of the year when Koreans have no curfew, no obligations, and no rules. Christmas Eve.

In the snowy mountains, everyone has a different plan for their one night of freedom. Hyun Sook is trying to restart her banned book club but has to hide from a boy she suspects of being a spy. Taehee and Kiwoo are trying to build up the nerve to confess their feelings for one another, while Sujji pines after her crush, ready to risk it all and finally tell someone the secret she’s been hiding for her entire life.

Acclaimed creators Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada deliver a cinematic, hilarious, and heartfelt story about the universality of growing up, making friends, and falling in love.

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin Rick Riordan Presents

Ruby Chen has always played the part of the dutiful eldest daughter: excelling in school; excelling in piano lessons; excelling at keeping her younger sister, Tina, focused on extracurriculars meant to impress college admissions officers.

But when a ghost from the spirit world attacks the sisters in the middle of Vancouver’s Chinatown neighborhood, Ruby’s life is plunged into a darkness that no amount of duty can free her from. Overnight, Ruby’s sister seems to change. There are strange noises coming from her bedroom at all hours; and the once sweet, funny Tina has been replaced by something dark and unnatural.

As Ruby races to save her sister from demonic possession, she is thrown into an ancient battle over the gateway to the underworld. On one side, an evil traveling temple known for making dark wishes come true has returned to Chinatown after many years—intent on breaking down the gateway and unleashing the evil within. On the other side, the guardians who must stop them.

And in order to survive, Ruby must not only face the horror taking over her community, but must also confront the horror within herself.

Chinese and Taiwanese mythology get the Junji Ito treatment in this bone-chilling, propulsive story that takes the horrors of the Asian diaspora experience to a whole new level.

Killer House Party by Lily Anderson Henry Holt and Co.

Red Solo cups? Check. Snacks? Check. Abandoned mansion full of countless horrors that won’t let you leave? Check.

The Deinhart Manor has been a looming shadow over town for as long as anyone can remember, and it’s been abandoned for even longer. When the final Deinhart descendent passes, the huge gothic manor is up for sale for the first time ever. Which means Arden can steal the keys from her mom’s real estate office…

It’s time for a graduation party that no one will ever forget. Arden and her best friends Maddy, Remi, and Shane, each have different reasons for wanting to throw the party to end all parties. But when the manor doors bar everyone inside and the walls begin to bleed, all anyone wants to do is make it out alive.

The Dead Will Never Haunt Me (Murder, She Wrote #3) by Stephanie Kuehn Scholastic Press

The final installment in the suspenseful, modern update of the classic mystery TV series. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying, Sadie, and Gossip Girl.

“What does it mean if our own sense of right and wrong isn’t enough to keep us from committing the unspeakable?”

When Beatrice Fletcher joins her father on a work trip to the University of New Mexico, she knows she’s sacrificing time with her friends back in Cabot Cove trying to solve the last clue of an enigmatic game they’ve been playing. Yet it’s worth it if it means she can interview celebrated film studies professor William Vance, whose newest documentary touches on a murderous cult, a misdirected bombing, and a tragedy from Bea’s mother’s childhood.

But when a string of poisonings targets girls in Vance’s film program, Bea has more to worry about than ancient family history. Someone knew she was coming to campus and why. And now that she’s insinuated herself into the students’ circle, could she be next on the hit list? Like her great aunt Jessica, Bea will need cunning and logic to get to the bottom of the attacks and figure out what all of it has to do with the game back home.

And time is running out…

This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story by Julio Anta DC Comics

Jaime Reyes is an ordinary high school student in El Paso, Texas, with a deep love for his family, culture, and home. Whether it’s working with his dad at the auto shop or a multi-generational barbecue filled with music and dance, Jaime loves nothing more than his neighborhood’s spontaneous gatherings that go late into the night. But lately he’s begun to realize that he and his border community are being used as pawns in an increasingly toxic immigration debate.

The last few months have seen armed troops deployed along the U.S. and Mexico border, manufactured crackdowns at official border crossings, and now at the community level, a mounting resentment amongst a group of disaffected and reactionary youth who believe they’re being “replaced” by El Paso’s growing immigrant population. And to make matters worse, one of Jaime’s oldest friends, Riley, has bought into the propaganda. What started off as innocent web searches has now led Riley down a path to joining an unabashed hate group with a chapter in El Paso looking to cause some real-world violence.

But Jaime’s problems get even more complicated when he finds an odd bug-like artifact while stargazing. He starts feeling a little different—like there’s another voice in his head pushing him towards his most base instincts. And to make matters worse, he’s been having surreal dreams that show him that the true threat El Paso faces isn’t “illegal aliens,” but actual aliens known as the Reach. In fact, according to his dreams, Jaime is meant to pave the way for the Reach’s impending invasion!

Heir (Heir Duology #1) by Sabaa Tahir G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

An orphan. An outcast. A prince. And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hot-headed mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

Banished from her tribe for an unforgiveable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who speaks to the earth, air, and water to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But then, she falls for a charismatic and inconvenient fugitive who keeps getting in her way.

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire, nephew of a famed and venerated empress, but he’s loathe to pick up the mantle when his aunt steps down. As the son of the most hated emperor in the history of his people, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.

Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir masterfully interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with the burdens of power, the treachery of love and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed. Get ready for a dark and breathless journey that will captivate readers and that may cost these young people their lives―and their hearts. Literally.

Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

A sapphic Netflix-esque Christmas movie meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days​ from the New York Times bestselling author duo of She Gets the Girl Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick.

Hollywood teen actor Arden James’ messy reputation is interfering with her career when a notoriously picky director won’t give her a role based on her party-girl image. So she and her publicist make up a lie – not only is she from a small town (true) but her childhood best friend Caroline, is her long-term girlfriend (false) and she can prove it when she goes home for Christmas.​

Caroline Beckett hasn’t thought about her ex-best friend Arden James for years, focusing instead on her dreams about becoming a journalist. When Arden turns up on her doorstep and promises her an article in Cosmopolitan magazine on their twelve snow-covered romantic days together, Caroline agrees to play along. ​ But when old feelings start to bubble up, what will fall faster – Arden and Caroline or the Christmas Eve snow? ​

A gorgeous, heartwarming cosy romance – perfect for the holidays!

[yarnnerdally]

So. I've been on tumblr dot com for a long time. LONG time. And yes, my overall follower count is like 700 something, but I'm most proud of the one's I've gained in the past year or so. I had been on Tumblr very sparingly between the end of 2018 (mostly fanblogging for My Hero Academia) and then... I re-found the Ikémen games (And Hypnosis Microphone and now TWST) and then the fandom thanks to one of my dear irl friends. We indulged in the games. I dove head-first into fanfiction of my new loves. We cosplayed Seth Hyde and Alice the Second. I've written fanfic, I've cried over routes (NOKTO. LICHT. LUKE. HOW DARE). I've met absolutely incredible friends that inspire me every day. Knowing there are 101 people out there that have followed me for my fandom shenanigans and writing absolutely blows my mind. I love my creative outlets and I love being able to share them with you. Knowing y'all put up with me and how I have so SO many wips is even more inspiring. In honor of my lovelies, I've made this lovely lists of asks/hcs for you to ask about! My faves, your faves, it doesn't matter. I will be completely transparent in the fact that my faves will honestly get a little more attention because. Well. They're my faves. Without further ado:

Their unconventional pet peeves | Masamune | Chevalier |

Coffee shop AU hcs | Mozart |

Tattoo/Florist hcs | Clavis |

"Cake is definitely a form of self-care" | Napoleon | Luke |

Homecoming | Jin | Shakespeare |

Remembering | Nokto |

Telepathy | Nokto |

Space!

So. The way this will go: All req's will be SFW. Request one suitor and one prompt. I have a couple ideas in particular for some prompts, but add whether you'd like fluff, angst, or hurt/comfort. An example: "Hello! I'd like to request Sariel + Telepathy + Fluff." See here for fandoms I write for and characters that I do not write for. I will be taking two or three suitors for each prompt, and no more than 2 drabbles/hcs for any one character. Multiple asks are allowed. I will be taking 3 per person. I was going to do 2 but in the instance something is taken, I want to make sure my followers do get what they want. Please try and put them in separate asks.

Thank you, all, for making my time here so far a joy. You all mean the world to me.

[hollowsart]

Weird girl Mary Jane Watson who is the school's sports mascot actor. She gets nervous and shy around Peter and tries hard to talk to him, but she is too scared to take off the costume to speak to him normally. Peter is very confused why the mascot keeps trying to talk to him occasionally. It's very awkward for everyone. She is trying her best. She is trying so hard cuz she really likes him.

MJ has always been the weirdest girl in school. Usually she keeps to herself and is always seen doing weird and crazy things. Things that both the boys and girls of the school find odd. She isn't necessarily seen as the most attractive girl at school, she hangs around the theater room outside looking as though she wishes she could join the class some year.

Homecoming/Prom is when she finally has a chance to properly speak with Peter for once. Outside of the costume and looking her best. She went alone and he got stood up by his supposed date, it was a cruel joke on him. They spoke together on the back wall, sitting in some chairs alone together. it was awkward, but different from all the other times they spoke together when she was wearing the mascot suit. The two become good friends after that night.

MJ frequents the Coffee Bean and various stores that are rather unconventional. ie comic book stores, movie rentals, etc. Her life growing up obviously wasn't the best, but Peter was the best thing to happen to her since she was accepted as the role of the school's mascot

imagine she does eventually get to join the theater class and gets pretty good at it. gets to be a part of some school plays. and eventually even gets to become an actress..... who plays the costumed roles of monsters and she couldn't be happier about it.

[girlwholikestoread]

My least favorite to My favorite books I read in 2023

24. May The Best Man Win by Z.R. Ellor: I wanted to like this book so badly, I really did but this is probably the only book I read this year that I didn’t like. The story is about Jeremy Harkisis who is a transgender cheerleader and his ex-boyfriend Lukas who is the all-star football player; the two exes are both trying to earn the title of Homecoming King. Honestly I loved the idea of this story just wasn’t a fan of the direction. First I did like Jeremy for most of the book, honestly his attitude towards Lukas in the beginning of the book made me not want to root for them and he just seems so mean and selfish, I understand that was the point and usually I don’t mind reading about characters who are mean and selfish but learns their lesson at the end but, Jermey was just so unnecessary cruel to his friends despite all of them showing him support and kindness. I liked Lukas a lot and honestly he was the only reason I had any motivation to finish this book and I thought the ending was cute. Overall a big let down and Lukas deserve so much better.

23. Radiant Black, Vol. 3: Rogues’s Gallery: It was the first book I read this year because my brother insisted I read it. It was fine, I’m personally not a huge fan of the series but I think the story is pretty good. Overall I gave it 3 stars on GoodReads so not bad.

22. Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham: So this book was different…not in a bad way. I actually really liked this book but this went in a direction I did not expect. So the story about Tony Price who is a popular high school track star and a quiet boy named Eli Hirsch who has a chronic autoimmune disorder become unlikely friends. Seems like your standard romance, except it’s not. Eli has a special ability to see ghosts and most recently he’s been seeing a ghost of a fisherman, while that happens Tony gets bitten by a werewolf-like creator which turns him into one. The story was alright, I was a bit confused at times but I still mostly enjoyed it. The romance was also lacking. Tony and Eli have a few cute moments together but I wish there were more, and I wished there were more interactions between the side characters and the main character. Overall Loved the spooky art style, I would recommend this for Halloween.

21. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta: I Devoured this book, I couldn’t put this down because I was so invested. The story is about our main character Micheal who throughout the book will grow up and start questioning his sexuality, gender expression, and his relationships. The story is formatted like a poem which I really liked. Seeing Micheal throughout his life from his adolescent years to his adult years, seeing him grow and form meaningful relationships was such a great reading experience. Overall beautifully written story, I hope Micheal and Kieran ended up together.

20. Husband Material by Alexis Hall: This book was great. I loved Boyfriend Material and immediately bought Husband Material once I finished the first book because I needed to know what was next for Luc and Oliver. This book did great continuing the story of all the couples from the first book, and showing that Luc and Oliver were made for each other. I especially liked Luc's shitty ex-boyfriend from college. I really wanted more information about that relationship and seeing Oliver stand up for his parents was so satisfying…but then the ending happened. Honestly I liked the ending, I thought it fit Luc and Oliver who always has an unconventional relationship so them deciding marriage isn’t for them makes sense, I just wasn’t a fan of the execution of them making that decision. Overall much like Sherk 2 perfect squeal.

19. The Princess and the Grilled Sandwich by Deya Muniz: This book is so fucking cute! I loved the characters, I loved the artstyle, I loved the cheese pun, I loved everything! This book is about Lady Camembert and how her before she passed wanted her to marry so she can get her inheritance and rights to her father kingdom, which could only be given to a man and he only had one daughter; she decided to disguise herself as a man and inherent everything but is forced to live a low-profile in order to not lose everything. However she breaks this rule and goes to a ball hosted by Princess Bri, they form a friendship and slowly start falling for each other; the only issue is that Bri believes that Camembert is a man. This story was cute, fun, engaging, and the ending was perfect! Overall I devoured this book like a grilled cheese sandwich.

18. Sorry Bro by Taleen Voskuni: This book was so good! This book is about Nareh who after ending her relationship with her boyfriend who, while wasn’t a bad person just wasn’t for her, decided she wants to explore her options dating with both men and women. During this she meets Erebuni and she becomes her wingwoman and helps her find a new guy or girl. However during this they both start following each other, with Nareh falling hard first. The book was great, it was a bit slow and I personally didn’t find her issues at work a compelling subplot but thought everything else great. I loved Erebuni and thought she was so sweet and understanding and like Nareh and her mom talk after she came out. Overall Sweet and Sapphic

17. I wish you all the best by Mason Deaver: This was the first book I read with a Non-Binary MC. We follow Ben De Backer who on Christmas day decides to come out to their parents as Non-Binary, this however doesn’t go as planned and they end up kicked out of their home on Christmas and have to call their estranged sister Hannah and her husband Thomas who they haven’t met yet. This leads to them having to live with her and start a new school where they meet Nathan Allan and start a friendship. This book made me cry a few times. Ben goes through a lot in a short period of time. Building a relationship with their sister, trying to make new friends, and figure out how they feel about their parents. This book is amazing and Ben and Nathan's relationship is so pure and it’s hard to find sweet innocent romantic connections in books nowadays but Ben and Nathan were so sweet. Overall this book felt like a hug on paper.

16. I’ll Be Home For Christmas by Mason Deaver: We loved a Christmas squeal! This takes place once Ben and Nathan have graduated and Nathan is attending college while Ben is taking time off school and living with roommates. Ben flys to Hannah house for Christmas Eve and plans to bring a surprise for Nathan by bringing his dog back home. Unfortunately their perfect gift plan ended up blowing up in their face when it snowed in and flights started being canceled. This short story is very sweet and does a great job showing us how Nathan and Ben are now. Ben’s determination to bring Nathan his beloved dog was so sweet and the ending was the perfect ending. Overall Ben and Nathan are a couple goals.

15. Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell: I loved space adventures with a hint of romance, it’s one of my favorite combos. This book was written by the same author of Winter Orbit and it takes place in the same universe, however this isn’t a sequel since Kiem and Jainan aren’t mentioned and we have new main characters. In this book we follow Tennal, an absolut flirt who is constantly getting himself in trouble and Surit a Lieutenant who is very by-the-book. After Tennal gets himself in trouble yet again he’s forced to join the military where he meets Surit and they are forced to work together and forced to sync; and syncing is a type of merging of the minds. However Surit doesn’t want to sync because Tennal has made it clear he doesn’t want to be controlled. This leads to them coming up with a plan to get Tennal out of the military while keeping Surit rank. While this is happening they start slowing noticing a power struggle within the military. This book had me on the edge of my seats and I couldn’t stop listening, the romance wasn’t much which is fine because the overall plot was so intriguing it made up for the lack of romance. Overall Space politics are confusing but in a fun way.

14. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall: This is the funniest book I read all year. Hands down. Boyfriend Material is about Luc O’Donnell who is the child of two retired rockstars and because of this he’s constantly in the spotlight and usually for all the wrong reasons. Wanting to clear his image he needs to find a perfect boyfriend, which he does with a successful educated man named Oliver Blackwood. They enter a fake dating situation which benefits them both. Luc and Oliver's relationship moved along so naturally and Luc is so funny. All the side characters were great too and while I knew what the ending was gonna be I was still surprised on how it ended. Overall UK comedy is undefeated.

13. She Gets the Girl by Racheal Lippincott, Alyson Derrick: Sapphic slow-burns are perfect for the summer. In this story we follow Alex Blackwood who has lots of issues both in her family and her dating life and Molly who has a close relationship with her family but never had a real date or relationship. The two are polar opposites but come together to help each other out, Alex helps Molly get with her long time crush Cora Myers and it helps Alex prove to her ex that she’s a better person. Molly and Alex are so cute together, Alex encouraging Molly to come out of her shell was really sweet, and I related to Molly a lot. Overall Sweet, Sapphic, and I want to learn how to roller skate

12. Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli: This book was so cute. In this we follow Imogen Scott who is a huge Ally and very involved in queer media. She visits her best friend Lili who’s thriving in college making new queer friends and everything is great…except Lili told a small lie saying that her and Imogen are ex’s and that Imogen is bi. Not wanting to make her friend seem like a liar she plays along, however while doing that she starts falling for Tessa, who is one of Lili's new friends. Imogen is such a sweetheart and one of my favorite main characters, The cover is also one of my favorites this year. Overall “I’m not homophobic, I’m an Ally”

11. A Mark on My Soul by Jordon Greene: This is the only book I read that didn’t have a happy ending. In this we follow Noah who decides to come out as gay to his friends, family, and publically online. When this happens he gets a message from a “secret admirer” which turns out to be his best friend Parker who’s in the closet. This book ripped my heart in half and ended up sobbing my eyes out. I already knew how Parker's story ended because I accidentally spoiled the ending for myself but despite that I grew so attached to Parker and wanted him to be happy. This book was a hard read for me but I loved it so much. Overall Parker deserves better!

10. The Long Run by James Acker: Ngl I almost DNF this book. I didn’t like the first 3 chapters and since I was listening to this book on audible I also wasn’t a big fan of Sandro’s VA, but chapter 4 is where I truly got invested and I’m so glad I keep reading because I ended up loving this book. In this story we follow Bash and Sandro, who are both finishing their last year of High School and after kissing at a Party they form a friendship. This is a true slowburn because even though they kissed in the beginning they stay mostly platonic and do “dude-bro” stuff. I also love that Bash never makes the fact he’s Bi a big deal, he just accepts that he fell for a guy and doesn’t care. Sandro and Bash are so cute together and I loved them so much. Overall Bash the Flash and the Italian Yeti are my OTP

9. Time Out by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, Carlyn Greenwald: I found out a lot of people don’t like this book and it honestly breaks my heart. In this we follow Barclay who's basically a sport legend in his school, at least he was until he decided to come out very publicly and the reception wasn’t what he was anticipating, because of this he leaves the Basketball team and help his friend Amy with school related politics where he also meets Christopher and together they help the voiceless have a voice. Barclay and Christopher's relationship is so sweet and wholesome I loved reading about them watching movies and kissing goodnight. I love non-sexual intimacy. Barclay is also great, he’s really kind and understanding given the circumstances of everything that happened to him. Overall everyone on GoodReads is wrong.

8. Snowflake Kisses by Jordon Greenee, Yayira Dzames: Skylar and Jacob are back! In this book we follow Skylar and Jacob who are spending their first Christmas together. Honestly this book is just vibes, no big conflicts, no third act breakup, no Jacbo’s dad, just pure sugary vibes. Seeing Skylar and Jacob have snowfighters, cuddle in the car, and get each other thoughtful gifts, everything was just so nice. Skylar's parents were also great and seeing them treat Jacob like family made my heart skip a beat. Plus I loved art. Yayira Dzames did an amazing job capturing the characters. Overall My favorite Christmas comic.

7. Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake: Small confession, I wasn’t a big fan of Iris in the first two books (Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail). However I ended up liking her a lot at the end of this book. In this we follow Iris who has given up on dating and sticking to casual hook-ups after her two failed relationships. Unfortunately for Iris who’s a romance author she suffered from writer's block and needed to find inspiration. We also follow Stevie, a struggling actress with anxiety issues trying to get her big break while helping her ex keep her community theater studio open. When Stevie finds herself in a web of lies her and Iris start a fake relationship, this helps Stevie prove to her friends that she doesn’t need her feeling protected and helps Iris find inspiration for her needed book; they of course start actually falling for each other. Iris and Stevie have amazing chemistry throughout the book and I loved how patient Iris is with Stevie when it comes to sex and intimacy. The consent checks and making sure they both enjoyed each other was so hot. Stevie such as sweetheart and I related to her when it comes to how she views sex and her anxiety and Iris is great too. Overall Stevie has my whole heart.

6. The Sun and Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure by Rick Riordan, Mark Oshiro: Fun fact I didn’t read any Percy Jackson books before this but I liked this anyways. We follow Nico di Angelo the son of Hades and his boyfriend Will Solace the son of Apollo as they travel through the underworld to find their friend Bob who was left behind in Hades Realm. Despite not reading anything Percy Jackson related I loved his adventure, Nico and Will bounce off each other perfectly and I wish there were more books where the main couple are already together because seeing these boyfriends act like boyfriends made my heart flutter. It was such a fun ride from beginning to end and I enjoyed it so much. Overall I should read Percy Jackson.

5. The First to Die at the End by Adam Slivera: This book destroyed me…so 5 stars. This is a prequel of They Both Die at the End, in this book we follow the first ever Decker and see Death-Cast go live for the first time. In this we follow Orion Pagan who lost his parents young and suffers from a deadly heart condition and while he has big dreams for his future he doesn’t see himself living long enough to achieve those dreams and we also follow Valentino Prince who moves to New York with his twin sister to start his molding career, however that’s cut short when he gets the call at midnight. I cried like 4 times reading this book, it was amazing. All the side characters were great and I love multiple POV’s in books. Overall I need more Death-Cast books.

4. Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake: Jordan Everwood is hands down my favorite character. This is the second book in the Bright Falls series and I couldn’t wait to read this one. We follow Astrid who just ended her engagement and is trying to focus on work, we also follow Jordan who helps her grandmother renovate her inn to avoid having to sell. After a not so great first interaction they find themselves working together to fix the inn for a reality tv show. As they work together they start to get to know each other and open up to each other about their family, relationships, and jobs. I loved Astrid in the first book and was so excited to see her story continue and I loved her and Jordan's connection. Overall “You deserve a destiny Jordan Everwood”.

3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: This book was so good! In this we follow Monique who has just been assigned to write the autobiography about famous Hollywood Icon Evelyn Hugo and her glamorous and scandalous life. Evelyn is probably the most complex character I’ve read this year, out of all the characters she felt the most human, she made mistakes and did things she regretted but also had moments of kindness and had to make really tough choices. I liked Monique however if I had to change anything I wish we focused on her more, but what we have is great. Overall I need this to be a movie.

2. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo: This book has amazing writing, I stayed engaged the whole time and couldn’t stop listening. We follow Lily Hu who is a seventeen year old Chinese American living in ChinaTown. This story takes place in 1954 when the red-scare was a big threat for Chinese Americans. Due to this Lily faces many problems, her father may be deported, her friend group is changing, and she starts developing feelings for other women especially her friend Kath. She and Kath start going to an underground lesbian club called the Telegraph Club. This book was so good, I can barely put it into words. Overall Speechless

1. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas: I loved this book! I knew this was gonna be number one because this was the only book I’ve ever dreamt about after reading. In this we follow Teo, a seventeen year old trans son of Quetzal who finds himself in a century old battle to the death. Teo has no training and is convinced he will not make it out alive. I adore everything about this book, the comedy, the characters, the world building, and the plot twist left me speechless. I cannot wait for part 2! Overall I already miss Teo, Niya, Sol, and Aurelio.

[homeimprovement31311]

Homecoming Mum Ideas

Homecoming mums, the vibrant and intricate floral arrangements worn during school homecoming events, have evolved from simple traditions to elaborate expressions of creativity and school spirit. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fascinating world of homecoming mums, from their historical roots to modern trends, and provide you with a plethora of ideas to make your homecoming mum truly stand out.

For more: Homecoming Mum Ideas

Introduction Homecoming mums, elaborate corsages crafted from silk flowers, ribbons, and charms, have a rich tradition as accessories worn by high school students during homecoming celebrations. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these decorative arrangements have evolved into symbolic representations of school pride and camaraderie.

Playing a pivotal role in fostering a sense of unity among students, alumni, and the community, homecoming mums stand as visual embodiments of school spirit and tradition, creating a unique bond that transcends generations.

Historical Context The origin and evolution of homecoming mums can be traced back to the early 20th century, witnessing a transformation from simple floral arrangements to the extravagant displays seen in contemporary celebrations. This tradition has deep roots in commemorating the return of alumni to their alma mater, creating a meaningful link between past and present generations. Beyond the United States, where homecoming mums are widely popular, diverse variations of this tradition thrive in different cultures worldwide.

Appreciating the cultural significance of homecoming mums across various regions adds a layer of depth to the understanding of these intricate floral creations, highlighting the universal appeal and diverse interpretations of this cherished tradition.

Traditional vs. Modern Mums In examining the traditional aspect of homecoming mums, one encounters an overview characterized by the prominence of chrysanthemums, the classic flower intricately linked with homecoming. These traditional mums, marked by timeless designs, frequently integrate school colors and simple charms, emphasizing a classic and enduring aesthetic. On the flip side, delving into contemporary trends and innovations reveals a dynamic transformation within the realm of homecoming mums.

Modern iterations have enthusiastically embraced creativity and innovation, introducing elements such as intricate LED lights and unconventional materials. This shift towards modernity serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the homecoming mum tradition, where innovation and creativity coalesce to redefine the boundaries of this cherished custom.

Types of Homecoming Mums When considering the choice between a single mum and a double mum in the realm of homecoming celebrations, the decision often boils down to personal preference. Single mums, characterized by their elegance and understated charm, offer a more subtle aesthetic. On the other hand, opting for a double mum allows for a more extravagant showcase, with ample space for a delightful array of ribbons and charms, making a bold statement.

For evening homecoming events, an enticing alternative comes in the form of light-up mums. Incorporating LED lights into your mum not only adds a contemporary touch but also ensures a dazzling effect that stands out in the crowd. This innovative approach not only caters to modern tastes but also enhances visibility, creating a captivating presence during nighttime festivities.

Meanwhile, for those who appreciate a more discreet and charming approach, miniature mums present an appealing option. These smaller arrangements manage to capture the essence of homecoming without venturing into excessive elaboration, offering a subtle yet delightful statement.

Whether one prefers the simplicity of a single mum, the extravagance of a double mum, the modern allure of light-up mums, or the charm of miniature mums, the world of homecoming mums provides a diverse array of options to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Choosing the Right Flowers and Colors Exploring the world of homecoming mums involves a nuanced understanding of the symbolism associated with different flowers. Each bloom carries its own unique significance, and comprehending these meanings allows you to infuse your homecoming mum with personal and intentional symbolism, adding depth to the overall narrative of your creation.

In tandem with the choice of flowers, selecting the right color palette emerges as a crucial aspect of crafting a visually appealing homecoming mum. The coordination of colors plays a pivotal role in achieving maximum impact. Whether incorporating school colors to showcase team spirit or experimenting with complementary hues for a striking effect, the thoughtful selection of colors contributes to the overall aesthetic harmony of your creation.

[smcdress]

How to Make a Daring Statement with Unique Homecoming Dresses?

Make a daring statement with unique homecoming dresses by opting for bold colors, unconventional silhouettes, and eye-catching details. By choosing clothing that reflects your personality and presents your individuality, you can truly make a statement. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and designs to stand out from the crowd, as this is your opportunity to own your look and make a lasting impression. Whether it's a vibrant red gown Semi formal dresses that exudes confidence or a sleek black clothing with intricate embellishments, let your outfit speak volumes about your sense of style. 

Tips to Make Unbeatable Entrance in Homecoming Dress

Whether you're attending a semi-formal or formal event, one way to stand out from the crowd is by wearing a unique homecoming dresses. Here are some tips on how to make a bold and unforgettable entrance with your attire.

1. Consider opting for a semi-formal dress instead of a traditional formal gown. These offer a more modern and trendy look, perfect for making a daring statement. They typically come in shorter lengths, such as above the knee or tea length, and are more fitted to the body. This style is perfect for those who want to show off their curves and make a statement with a more form-fitting outfit.

2. Finding the perfect formal dresses for tall women can be a challenge. However, this is the perfect opportunity to embrace your height and make a statement with a long, elegant formal outfit. Look for styles that have a flowy A-line or mermaid silhouette, as these will accentuate your height and give you a stunning and statuesque look. 

3. Another way to make a daring statement is by choosing a sparkly cocktail dress. These are perfect for a formal event and will surely make you stand out in a sea of plain gowns. Look for clothes with sequins, beading, or metallic fabrics for a glamorous and eye-catching look. Just be sure to keep the rest of your look simple and let the outfit be the center point.

4. Lastly, don't forget to have fun and be confident in your outfit. Making a daring statement with your unique homecoming dress is all about embracing your style and wearing something that makes you feel confident and beautiful. So, go ahead and rock that semi-formal outfit, formal gown for tall women, or sparkly cocktail dress with confidence and make a bold entrance at your homecoming event.

Summary

Embrace the spotlight and captivate everyone's attention with your bold and fearless fashion choices. Go ahead and embrace the unconventional, the unique, and the extraordinary when it comes to your homecoming costume. With a wide range of options available, you can explore endless possibilities to find the perfect outfit that represents your individuality. From daring cutouts to unexpected fabric combinations, the choices are limitless. Stand out in a sea of traditional clothes by opting for something unexpected and unforgettable. Show off your fashion-forward mindset by choosing an outfit that pushes the boundaries and defies expectations.

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Tidal Hope

by icarus_chained

The two years Jason had been dead had been hard on Gotham. Mainlanders stepped lightly around Bruce's howling, grieving aura. But it had been hard on others too. After Jason comes back from the dead, bringing brothers in his wake, another brother comes home to Gotham, at least for a visit. But there's someone else he wants, needs, to talk to. And Oswald has always had the most aggravating fondness for this particular one of Bruce's kids.

Set shortly after Homecoming. Oswald Cobblepot helps shore up an exhausted and half-despairing Dick Grayson.

Words: 8428, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 4 of Wings over Gotham

Fandoms: DCU, DCU (Comics), Batman (Comics), Batman - All Media Types

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: Gen

Characters: Oswald Cobblepot, Dick Grayson, Original Characters, Bruce Wayne (Mentioned), Jason Todd (Mentioned), Poison Ivy (mentioned), Jim Gordon (mentioned), Barbara Gordon (Mentioned)

Relationships: Dick Grayson & Oswald Cobblepot, Gotham City & Oswald Cobblepot, Batfamily - Relationship, Gothamites - Relationship, Gotham City Pack, Dick Grayson & Barbara Gordon

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Non-Traditional Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, No Man's Land (DCU), Auras, Batfamily (DCU), Omegas, Crimes & Criminals, Police Officer Dick Grayson, Protectiveness, Pack Feels, Unconventional Families, Emotional Hurt/Comfort

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/46705189

[diddlesanddoodles]

An Unconventional Homecoming...(G/T Dragon story.)

The wind was rushing passed at such a loud roar that it completely deafened the sound of the great beating wings keeping them aloft. The metal mesh pouch would have been vastly less hospitable without the thick red pad, as thread bare and worn as it was. However, it was very large and shielded her from most of the wind as well as the hard metal circlets of the metal mesh’s weave. The reaping chill of the cold night air she was shielded from as well not only by the sake of the pad, but also the enormous barrel chest of the ferocious dragon of whom she found herself victim. The metal mesh pouch and pad having been strapped quiet securely to the creatures breast by virtue of several stiff, strong, and well oiled leather straps. The hard cream colored scales radiated heat and had her current circumstances been different or even forgotten, she would have been perfectly comfortable. As it was, her circumstances remained just as dire and she just as terrified.

The beast had come in the night, under the cover of heavy rain clouds, just as the small caravan had settled in for a night’s rest under their colorful tents and wagons. Having spent the day transversing the rocky outcroppings of the Volum Stratus plateau, none of the travelers heard the low rushing sound until the light of the fires illuminated the great horned monster as it flew over their camp. In its wake, the gust of wind sent several tens flying and a shower of golden embers from the fires flying about. Her master’s wagon caught fire first and the dry straw packed in with the heavy silks and brocades and more expensive fabrics were aflame within mere moments. The gilded sign on the green wagon’s side reading ‘Thomas Towley Traveling Tailor’ was being chewed up by the smoldering heat from the burning wares. Her master was shrieking at her, his treasured and carefully powdered wig was askew and his face contorted into a facade that was almost comical in its panic.

“Water! Water, girl!” he shrieked, batting uselessly at the flames engulfing his name and painted likeness with a deep purple dinner jacket and cried out in dismay when it too caught the flames.

Yanna grabbed a water skin from one of the horses and dumped it onto the flames, but such a small amount of water did nothing against the roaring flames now. Towley waddled over to her as she watched the wagon burn and drew his short stubby hand across her face. She fell to the ground, shocked and in pain.

“Go to the water wagon and fill this bucket you filthy simpleton!”

She scrambled away fervently from the enraged man, carrying the bucket he had thrown after her. He was a short stoutly fellow, but his temper made up for any other inadequacies he possessed, hidden behind fine clothes and wigs and a false air of superiority. To Yana, he was a tyrant and a scoundrel. And the only person who ever showed her a lick of kindness since her mother passed away. If you could call it that. He gave her a job as his servant and paid her with food and board. It kept her off the streets and warm enough to live through the brutal northern months when they were not traveling the trade routes.  

But it was not an easy life. Made even more difficult by the sudden attack.  

The water wagon was begin assaulted by several other members of the caravan, crying for the driver to fill their buckets first. Yana was dimly aware of other tents and wagons catching flame. And then that terrible roar.

It split the air and shook the ground. People were flying away from the wagon, even the driver had abandoned his seat and was running. Belatedly, Yana looked up and saw the dragon’s vestige descend from above, talons as white as porcelain outstretched and yearning…

The bucket left her hands and plunked to the ground. The same ground that was moving away from her feet at an expeditious pace. There was a firm pressure around her middle and arms, an exuberant wall of heat above her and an intake of breathe that held the same likeness of sound as that of a blazing furnace. At first, she was too confused, too shocked, to realize what had happened. A moment void of cognitive understanding until a frigid gust of wind blew right through her, whipping her skirts around her legs, and drawing her back into herself. The dithering void gave way to horrid realization and she screamed.

The sound was carried off by the wind, dropping away from her like a stone. She struggled between the dragon’s talons, pulling at the creature’s fingers in blind futility fueled by primal fear. As unpleasant a notion as falling to her death was, that of being devoured by a giant winged lizard was far more so.

There was a displeased rumble from above her that made her bones vibrate. Movement ahead of her drew her attention and abruptly, she found herself face to face, er – face to snout, with the dragon, features illuminated by moonlight. His reptilian eyes stared at her in a peculiar way. Almost...admonishing? The edges of it’s mouth pulled downward, almost like a frown.

“Stop squirming so much,” the creature said in a voice that was startlingly human in sound. Despite the deep rumblings from his chest, the dragon’s voice was not a deep baritone or gravel sounding, but a soft tenor. “Or I’m libel to drop you.”

Yana starred, mouth agape. He was speaking Yazki. Her language. Not the common tongue spoken by colonials, but pure unaccented Yazki. The beast’s reproachful frown turned upwards slightly, amused. “I also suggest you close your mouth. Else you might catch a bird in there.”

She closed her mouth obediently, but continued to stare. However, the dragon seemed satisfied enough and flew on, giving no more notice to his captive. The shock lingered for a good while, thoughts and miasmic fear churning her insides into liquid and making her feel wholly ill. Somehow, knowing she was dealing with a sapient creature with enough intelligence to know, let alone speak with fluency, such an obscure tongue, made Yana hope she might reason with the dragon. Perhaps she could convince him not to eat her. She was small, too skinny, and surely after spending two months sustaining on hard biscuits and pickled eggs, she would taste ghastly.  

The dragon made for an innocuous ledge under a shallow sloped outcropping, made visible now that the rain clouds had dissipated, giving way to bright moonlight. The relatively small space was dominated by shrubs and brush, but the dragon did not seem to care and landed heavily into the thick of them. The talons released her and she tumbled back into a prickly bush. As she struggled to untangle herself and free her skirts from the groping ends of the shrub’s dry brittle foliage, the dragon rummaged around, poking and prodding and seeming to be searching for something.

“Ah-ha!” he said finally, pulling up from a collection of shrubbery a large sheet of metal mesh, the edges framed by strips of leather while still more leather, thicker and done up with buckles, looped around and connecting at each corner. Again, he delved back into the foliage before pulling up a thick pad, wide and flat, and covered in a well worn red fabric. The edges were worn down and the whites of its inside could be seen from a small tear on one end.

Taking advantage of the dragon’s momentary distraction, Yana removed herself from the bush and crept along the edge of the rocky ledge only to stagger back. They were incredibly high up, more so that she first wagered, and there was no easy slope down to the gully floor, but a sheer drop.

“Best keep back from the edge,” the dragon said in an easy tone. “Be a shame to lose you now after all that work.”

Yana yelped, and ducked for a cover of a large bush, peeking up at the large lizard. He had hopped up to the larger outcropping, a good ten feet above her head, and was struggling with the metal mesh sling. He had one leather strap settled on one shoulder while he fiddled with the buckle of the other one, the mesh square hanging across his chest. Now that she was some distance away from him, she could see his form proper and make out his coloring. From snout to tail, he must have reached an easy forty feet, with forearms close to ten from talon to shoulder. His neck another ten. Scales the color of ripened wheat ran the length of the beast while its chin, chest, and underbelly was a softer, lighter shade like fresh cream.  

At her startled squawking, his attention left the task at hand to her as she fretted beneath the inadequate shelter of a bramble bush and he regarded her curiously. “You do understand what I am saying, do you not?”

She nodded slightly.

“Oh good,” he replied, returning to fixing the leather strap. “I would hate to think I was yammering away uselessly. Good to see you were taught proper language at least.”

Yana did not understand why it would matter to a dragon whether or not his dinner understood him. Perhaps he had a taste for Yazki? Perhaps he held a preference to the tanned flesh of the natives than that of paler pinker colonials.

“We’ll be off again soon,” he told her with a frustrated grunt, pulling on the bands. “Once I fix this damnable strap!”

After another moment of muttered cursing, he seemed satisfied with it and then tucked the old red pad into the sling, sandwiched between the mesh and his chest. The dragon swung his head towards her, looking pleased. “All ready.”

Yana felt her chance to negotiate slipping away and as the Dragon made a move for her, one clawed hand reaching out to her, and she stammered in a high pitched plea, “Y-you don’t have to do this!”

The dragon paused and put his hand down. He looked confused.

“Y-you don’t have to take me anywhere,” she continued, slowly getting to her feet and edging away, mindful of the drop.

“No?” the dragon asked, lips pulling up into a slight smile. “Well, what shall I do with you then?”  

Yana felt a dangerous trembling to her limbs, fear and spent adrenaline having left her legs feeling gummy. “You could...let me go?”

“Let you go?” parroted the dragon as he settled himself down onto the ledge. He draped his forearms over the side, causing small bits of rock to chip off. “After all that work to get you? Would be an awful waste.”

She gulped. The flippant disregard he showed for her sank her meager hopes of escape. The playful glint in his eyes made him seem all the more predatorial. Like a great cat playing with a mouse.  

“And what would you do if I did?” he continued. “Stay here on this ledge? Wait for the vultures and scavengers to pick at you once the elements have torn you down?”

He tutted at her. “Such a shameful waste.”

She had no answer. Somehow, in her mind, she had assumed she would be more sure worded in her arguments. Fight a little harder. In reality, she could not even muster the courage to speak the words ‘please do not eat me’ for she fear that if she did so and he answered her with a rebuttal, all she would have accomplished would be to affirm her fears. And as odd as it was, Yana did not want to be told that she was going to die. No matter how true or certain. So barring that, she could pretend a little. Linger on for whatever time she had left bathed in blissful ignorance.  

The dragon was still watching her in gleaming amusement that turned her face red in anger and resentment. “Well?” he asked when she offered no protest. “Shall we be off?”

She did not answer. Instead she pulled into herself, looking away from the large imposing form of the beast, and tried to keep the tears back. The dragon seemed to mistake her silence for assertion and easily plucked her up from the clinging bramble before slipping her down into the metal mesh rigging he had affixed to his chest. The cushion under her was stiff and old, the passing within compressed from years of use, but it was not uncomfortable. The scales of of the dragon’s chest were smooth and hard and did not pinch her as she would have thought. Overall, it was more pleasant than dangling front his claws.

As they went aloft, she quietly sobbed into the folds of her skirt.

………..

She was jostled awake as the Dragon landed. Her sleep had been deep, but unrefreshing and she felt exhausted and ill and dreadfully cold, despite the warmth from the dragon’s body. The flat stone expanses of the plateau was gone, replaced instead with mountains, shallow slopped and green with a light frost. A frigid mist settled over the valley below.

Yana rocked with the sway of the dragon’s gate, still strapped to his chest. She twisted within the sling, trying to get a better view of where they were just in time to see the mouth of a cave open before them. There was a soft amber glow from within the darkness and as the dragon entered, she could hear muffled voices that abruptly stopped as they approached. The cave was warm, heated by a lit brazier that sat within a large round hole in the ground, some thirty feet wide and eight feet deep. Gathered around brazier were several other people. No, not just people…

...children. Much like her. A few looked her age, a couple younger than her, and one a little older perhaps. But they were all decidedly young, no older than fourteen. There were three boys, all dark haired and tanned skinned. The tallest had a round baby face and was noticeably plumper than the rest. The next boy was rail thin, lanky with a mop of wild and unwielding curls of black hair, wearing a green tunic and brandishing a stick that he had been poking into fire, the ends burnt and smoking. The last was a boy of perhaps nine, small and meek, his face hidden behind tendrils of long black hair secured by a red leather head band. Of the girls, there were two. One looked a little older than Yana, wearing her hair tied back into a neat braid down her back and dressed in a maid’s uniform, the kind worn by those in service to the great houses of Port Yardley. Yana knew the place well, having visited many times as her Master had a sizable portion of his clientele there. The last girl and youngest of them all was a small girl, no older than six or so, dressed in brown rags and silently sobbing. She had the same rough textured black hair as they all did, but her eyes were a startlingly bright blue instead of the warm honey tones of native Yazki. She was mixed. Part Yazki, part colonial.

It made for a bewildering sight and Yana wondered why the dragon had gone to such trouble of collecting Yazki children. Perhaps he hoarded children instead of gold or jewels? Or perhaps he intended to gather enough of them to make a fitting meal. One of them would hardly satiate the appetite of a forty foot dragon, she was certain. They all regarded the approaching creature with open fear, the smallest girl making a strangled sounding wail as the older one tried to comfort her, holding her close and rocking slightly. The boy dressed in green held his smoldering stick like a sword while the two other boys huddled closer to the far wall, not looking at the dragon.

The dragon studied them all, seeming pleased. “Good, you’re all here, then. No more escape attempts?”

He seemed to be speaking to the boy in green, who just glared back and raised his stick. Ignoring the boy, the dragon began to undo the strap at his shoulder and once he had loosened it a bit, he reached into the sling and pulled Yana out. He sat her down at the bottom of the hole with the others, nudging her towards the brazier with one long clawed finger. “Go warm yourself. It won’t do to have you catch ill.”

Yana willingly went to the fire, holding her hands up to the blazing light and allowing the heat to thaw out her chilled fingers. The dragon was thoroughly perplexing and Yana was no longer certain that he intended to eat any of them. Aside from the original snatching, he had given her no true reason to fear him. He had spoken to her with gentle tones and the amusement she had interpreted as being patronizing, but she was no longer sure of her initial assessment. Before she would entertain the idea of asking outright, the dragon had turned away and was gone.

No one spoke to her as she warmed herself, but she did notice that the boy in green was watching her as well as the older girl. But their was no malice in their eyes, only reserved curiosity. The smaller girl had calmed down some now that the dragon was gone and after a little while was fast asleep in the elder girls arms. Sufficiently warmed, Yana chose a spot against the wall and sat down.

“What’s your name?” asked the older girl.

Yana blinked at her for a moment before replying. “Yana.”

“I’m Edee. And this is Olive.”

She nodded, looking down at the sleeping Olive. She did not look peaceful, appearing despaired even in her dreams. They all looked as downtrodden and morose.

“How long do you think he’ll keep us here?” Yana asked, keeping her voice low.

Edee shrugged, looking absently over at the fire, dancing embers reflected in her eyes. “I’ve been here two days.”

“Do you know what...that is, did he say why?” Yana asked, thinking that perhaps one of the other children had been brave enough to ask their captor his intentions.

Edee shook her head. “Not really. He doesn’t tell us much of anything. Just makes sure we’re all accounted for, that we’ve slept, that the fire’s still lit, and we eat whenever he brings food. He gets grouchy when he thinks we haven’t eaten enough.”

Yana frowned at that.

“Got to make sure your cattle are well fed,” muttered the boy in green, poking the ground with the end of his stick. “You want them nice and plump before the slaughter.”

A chill ran down her back. “Is that why we’re here do you think?”

“Of course it is!” he replied acidly, looking up at her. “What else would he need us for? No, he means to fatten us all up. Make better eating of us all. We may be here for a few days, maybe a month. We can’t move about much. All we can do it sit and get fat. Like Anki.”

The largest boy, doughy and round bodied, jerked to attention, glaring at the boy in green. “Stop it Faer.”

“He’ll probably eat him first,” Faer continued on, ignoring the other boy.

“Shut up, Faer,” growled Anki.

“Since he’s plump enough already,” Faer retorted, glancing sidelong at Anki with an expression that made it obvious that the smaller boy was intentionally trying to rouse the larger one. And it worked. With a roar of rage, Anki jumped up and ran at Faer. The two tumbled into the dirt and rolled, fists flying and fingers grabbing hair. Olive had woken up at the kerfuffle and was sobbing again.

“Stop it!” cried the third and smallest boy, rising from the floor and rushing over to his fighting fellows. He started pulling at Faer’s arm, trying to pull him off of Anki. “You’re not helping any. He’s gonna hear you!”

“STOP THAT AT ONCE!” The dragon’s voice was painfully loud and Yana flinched, curling into a ball and clamping her hands over he ears. He loomed over the hole, glaring at the two entangled boys who were now fervently pushing away from each other, sending nervous glances towards the clearly angry lizard. Faer got to his feet first and made to move back to his spot against the wall. However, the dragon reached down and swept the boy up in one large clawed hand, bringing the boy up close to his face, lips pulled back into a sneer and showing off rows of deadly sharp teeth. “What do you mean by this continuous anarchy?”

For a moment, Faer did not seem able to answer, unable to tear his horrified eyese away from the dragon’s mouth, so very close to him now. Yana had scooted closer to Edee, watching on in horror and fully expecting the dragon to kill the boy any moment.

Reptilian eyes narrowed. “I asked you a question.”

“N-nothing! I don’t mean anything!” Faer stammered. “He attacked me first!”

The dragon’s gaze flickered over to Anki for a brief moment, the other boy visibly flinching in resposense. With a humorless huff, the dragon turned back to Faer.  

“Unprovoked as well, I assume?” he asked dryly, one eye ridge tilting upwards. “First that silly escaped attempt and now openly provoking fights? Must I keep you strapped in the harness for the rest of our time here?”

“N-no, sir,” Faer replied, looking pale. “I-I’ll behave.”

The dragon could not look less convinced.

“I promise!” Faer pleaded, squirming fervently. “P-please...”

“You’ve two strikes now, boy,” the dragon replied in clear displeasure. “Best make sure that it does not become three.”

The dragon lowered Faer back down, allowing the boy to scramble away, but followed him with slanted pupils. Faer found a spot well away from the others and sat down, thoroughly cowed and shaken. Looking over his captive audience and sensing the near palpable tension, the dragon sighed, all the ire draining away. “It won’t be long now, children. The others will be here soon and we will be done with this horrid business for good.”

Yana felt ill. His words were very non-reassuring. What horrid business could he mean? It certainly sounded foreboding.

“P-please, sir,” Anki pleaded in a quivering voice. “W-what’s gonna happen to us?”

For the first time, the dragon appeared quite apologetic in his mannerisms. He lowered his head closer to the lip of the hole and when he spoke, his words were soft. “Do not be afraid, children. All will be well. There is much you do not understand as of yet, but you are in no danger. Those demons cannot reach you here. They’ll never hurt you ever again.”

There was a confused murmuring from the children and they exchanged bewildered glances.

“Demons? W-what...what demons?” Yana asked.

“The invaders,” the dragon replied as though it was obvious. “Those...colonials.”

“So,” asked the smaller of the boys, the one with the red headband who had tried to break the fight up. He spoke with reserved expectation, just a spark of hope. “You’re... not gonna eat us?”

At this, the dragon’s head snapped up, neck pulling back as though struck, and his eyes widened into large orbs. Looking thoroughly scandalized, his head turned to each child in turn, lingering a tad longer on Olive as she quietly whimpered into Edee’s chest. His expression was wholly mortified as sudden understanding washed over him. “E-eat you…? Oh, Gods above, no! Is that what has...oh, dear. That’s why you’ve all been so terribly frightened! No. No, dear children, no. That is not why you are here. Not in the least!”

There was a moment of silence as the dragon’s words sunk in and there was a palpable release of tension from them all. Anki burst into relieved tears. The dragon regarded them all sadly, slit pupils widening. “What a fool I am for not seeing, for not thinking of it. I assumed you all would...ah damn it all. Of course you would think that. Of course you would. You do not know the Yazki ways. You see me as the invaders do. A man eating monster.”

Yana was somewhat startled to find herself giggling, running a hand through her hair, and feeling washed in comforting reassurance. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes as her body and mind began to relax.  

“T-then...why? Why did you steal us away? Did we do something wrong?” Edee asked, honey eyes pleading for further understanding.

“No, you’ve done nothing wrong at all,” assured the dragon hurriedly. “In all of creation I daresay there are no creatures as innocent as you lot. As for the rest, I protest your choice of words. If anything I have stolen you back. I have rescued you.”

Yana felt very confused. Rescued? From what?

“What have we been rescued from?” she dared to ask and could not help a small startle as the dragon’s attention turned to her. His eyes narrowed.

“From the invaders!” he replied with fiery ire. “Those kidnappers and murderous devils. They came to our lands years ago, attacked our people, and stole your parents away from us. Made slaves and beasts of burden of them. We have search and schemed and tracked them across the continent, but for many of them, we were too late. The six of you are all that is left of the original seventeen who were lost to us. We did not, could not, rest until every person with even a hint of Yazki blood was returned to us. We’ve waited many years for this moment, for you all to finally be delivered home to us, to our people.”

Relived that she was not destined to become the dragon’s dinner, Yana was no less confused. Rather, now she was very much bemused as to what the dragon was referring. She knew her mother and father had been captured by colonials and sold into service, but...what was all this talk of them being of the same people? As far as she knew her own heritage, dragons were not Yazki and Yazki were not dragons.

“...are dragons and Yazki...friends?” Yana ventured.  

The dragon looked confused and perhaps a little insulted. “My dear, girl. I am Yazki. Just as you are.”

She turned this bit of information around in her head, repeating it and still she found it incomprehensible. “I...I do not understand.”

The dragon grumbled something under his breath, but she did pick out a few choice words. “You will in time. Perhaps when the others arrive, they can explain it in terms that I cannot. But yes. I am Yazki. Head of the Zolto family. Each of the five families have sent along a winged clansmen to bare you home to our valley. In fact, they should be arriving by midday.”