#and have them all as a team of soldiers sent into a rift to fight back invasive predators while assisting scientists in closing it

[placeinthemiddleofnowhere]

Do I rewrite Rocky Start into something publishable for NaNoWriMo 🤔

[spectraspecs-writes]

Manaan - Chapter 129

Link to the masterpost. Chapter 128. Chapter 130.

@averruncusho @ceruleanrainblues @chubbsmomma @darthvendar-blog @80strashbag thank you for reading, you get a tag. @skelelexiunderlord thank you for support, you get a tag.

——–

Roland Wann takes a moment before he looks up from his desk, I stand there for a moment before he looks up. “Ah, you’re back,” he say, “I was glad to hear your trial went well.” No thanks to you, buddy. “Have you managed to retrieve the data from our droid in the Sith base?”

“Yes,” I say, pulling the module from my pack, “here it is.”

“Excellent!” He takes the module and looks it over. “It does not appear to have been tampered with, so the Sith did not manage to copy its contents yet. And now for your information…” He looks around, then gestures and brings us into the Enclave. “We are not supposed to speak of this, but since you are a Jedi, and we have exhausted all the other options, I think I can entrust you with this. 

“As you know, the Republic is fighting for its very existence against the evil of the Sith Empire. As you also undoubtedly know, we are doing very poorly. We need much in the way of supplies and material to stem the tide of battle and bring us victory.” I’m not sure I like where this is going. “Manaan is the sole source of kolto, the most powerful medical substance in the galaxy. Frankly, we need as much of it as we can get.”

“What has the Republic done?” Carth asks.

“The Selkath conservatives with their neutrality treaties seek to treat the Sith and the Republic equally. This includes kolto exports. But a few more far-sighted Selkath see that if the Sith are ever allowed to win, the galaxy will be plunged into darkness and there would be nothing to stop them from taking Manaan anyway. So we made a deal…”

“You violated the treaty?!?” explodes out of my mouth.

“Shh!” Wann urges, “Not so loud! Yes, it is a technical violation of the treaty, but it is sanctioned by elements of the Selkath government. We need only keep it hidden from the Sith.”

“This is incredibly dangerous,” I say, “If the Sith found out or the rest of the government got wind of this…”

“I know,” Wann says with a heavy sigh, “but to the senators, it seemed to outweigh the risks. We recently began construction of a secret underground facility to harvest kolto directly at its source. We also hope to one day be able to synthesize it effectively. Current techniques are insufficient for the task, so we must mine it for now. The amount we take would hardly be noticed, since most is lost naturally before it reaches the surface anyway. We were nearing completion of the base when the digging teams reported some sort of obstruction... an ancient building or artifact. Possibly your 'Star Map.'” Sounds like it to me. “Transmissions from the base were cut off abruptly after that, and we haven't heard from the station since.”

That’s odd - construction crews, especially underwater, would have to keep near-constant contact with the surface for safety. “What happened down there?”

He sighs a heavy sigh. “We don’t know. We just don’t know.”

“And you haven’t investigated?” Carth asks.

“As you may have noticed, we are hiring a lot of mercenaries around here. Ostensibly they're to be shipped off-world to aid in our fight against the Sith, but they are really for another purpose. When we lost contact with the station in the Hrakert Rift, we sent our contingent of Republic soldiers down to investigate. None returned.” Yikes. “We have tried hiring mercenaries and sending them down as well” - well, that answers that question - “but none of those expeditions have returned either. The reason we really sent that droid underwater - and the reason we needed its data back so badly - was to find out what had happened to the Hrakert Rift station. But now that we have the data back, our operation is in no danger of exposure to the Sith. And now I must live up to my end of the bargain.”

Well, gee, so I have to go into a place that no one has returned from to get this thing? That’s… actually par for the course, I don’t know why I’m pissed. “How will we get down there?”

“I took the liberty of having a submarine prepared for your departure. Merely use this card” - which he hands me - “to get past the door behind our kolto packing room and enter the sub therein. It has been programmed to take you down to the station, and also to take you back up should you need something. I would send soldiers to assist you, but we have lost many of ours, and nearly exhausted the mercenary population of this planet. The soldiers we have are barely enough to keep this base secure! The Sith have also noted our interest and begun to bribe mercenaries away from us, as you noticed. Please, find out what happened to the facility. There may be some survivors left down there, perhaps even the head scientist - Kono Nolan.” He reaches out to shake my hand. I politely take it. “Good luck in your efforts.”

The three of us walk to the submersible bay and climb in. With the push of a button, the sub closes and begins to descend. My nerves all but vanish as the water rises up above us. This is the perfect chance to observe the ecosystem here, up close. Selkath culture views this ocean as the birthplace of all life on the planet. They’re still semi-aquatic themselves - everything about the species is clearly designed to be as aerodynamic as possible through the water, rather than on dry land. And a planet that’s entirely oceanic is rare - the adaptations in the aquatic animals and plants are sure to be unique. And to add the kolto on top of that - kolto is unique to Manaan. Its potential effects on the evolution of life on this planet hasn’t been thoroughly studied, certainly not in the field. Despite the voice in my head that constantly reminds me that none of my experiences as a scout, none of what I know, is real, all I feel right now is the sense that this is what I was meant to do, where I was meant to be.

But tragically, and too soon, the voyage is over, and we emerge inside the underwater facility. The hatch pops open. While the design clearly matches the base we just left, none of the activity or idle noise is present. The only sound is the occasional drip of water. It’s dark, a little spooky. I really don’t like that drip, it makes me think the walls aren’t watertight. The other side of the submersible bay has a wrecked craft over there. What down here is strong enough to destroy a submersible and can breathe the oxygen atmosphere? A firaxan shark could do it, at least in a group. Even just one could do a lot of damage. But the damage I see came from the top, from within the facility, not from the water. Whatever it is that did this damage came from inside the base. It’s probably the same thing that stopped anyone from contacting the surface. The air is salty, but there’s still the unmistakable smell of fresh death. And it’s not a fishy smell. These aren’t dead Selkath.

There’s only so much I can learn standing here and honestly I’m just scaring myself. I start towards the closest door. It opens to a hallway, and at the end of that hall is a chamber with a Twi’lek in it. Someone alive! The closer we get, I can hear him muttering to himself, crazed. He’s pacing back and forth in the round chamber. Just before the chamber, he hears us, and draws his blaster. Then, “You’re not Selkath!” He lowers it and rushes towards us, grabbing my shoulders. “How-- how did you get in? Did they send another submersible? Quick, we have to get out of here, we have to get away!”

“Whoa, calm down!” I push his arms away. “Get away from what?”

“No! No!” he shakes his head, “We have no time, we have to leave now! I managed to close the door after they killed everyone else, but I don't know how long it will hold.”

“Who’s ‘they’? What happened?”

“The Selkath, they went crazy!” he says, “They started killing anything that moved. Someone must have triggered the defense systems too, 'cause all the droids activated as well.” No wonder this place looks so demolished. “I was one of the mercs the Republic sent down here to find out what happened. We came down and secured the first couple rooms…” He starts to lose his breath. Like he wants to cry but doesn’t have enough water. “...there were bodies everywhere… And the Selkath came out… screaming and croaking their fishy little war-cries.”

“The Selkath?” Carth repeats in disbelief.

The Twi’lek mercenary nods. “They swarmed out and over us,” he says, “There was no way we could stop them. So we ran... But hardly any of us made it. I locked the door behind us, bu... but the others had already left in the submersible!�� And left you? That’s cold. “The sharks... the firaxa out there and... worse... I heard an explosion shortly after the submersible left. They didn't make it. Just food for the sharks and the Selkath... like us.”

“Come with us,” Juhani says, “We will take you back to the surface in our submersible.” Right, get this guy somewhere safe.

He relaxes a bit. “Back to the surface, yes,” he says, “Yes… No!” He stops. “There's something out there... it got the other submersible already.”

“Then how are we supposed to get you out of here?” Carth asks.

The Twi’lek shakes her head forcefully. His lekku shake. “We can't leave until you do something. Blow up the entire station maybe.” No. “That might distract whatever it is long enough for us to escape to the surface. But all the machinery and stuff is in the southern half, and that's been flooded! There might still be environmental suits around but... but... the Selkath might have laid their eggs in them!”

“That’s not how fish eggs work,” I find myself saying before I’m even aware of it, “They lack a hard shell so eggs laid on dry land would suffer immediate desiccation.”

“What are you talking about?!” he shouts.

“Forget it,” I say, “I have to get into the station.” I move to step around him.

“No!” He steps back in front of me. “I locked the door so that the Selkath won't get in. If you open it, we're all done for!”

“I’m sorry,” I say, “I have to.”

“If you go in there, you're dead! You're all dead!” We don’t budge. Neither does he. Finally he grumbles, “Fine! If you want to die, then go! You won't hear me mourning for you! I'll stay here and be safe until some sort of REAL rescue comes! But if you're going to go in there, do it quickly! I'll shut the door behind you... but don't expect me to open it again!”

True to his word, he shoves us through the door into the base and locks the door behind us. I’m not particularly worried about a locked door. Anything he can lock, I can figure out how to unlock, and worst case scenario I’ll just destroy the door. There’s only one way to go, forward, to a single door at the end of a long hallway.

Through the door at the end of the hall, there’s a security panel. “Let me see if I can get anything off that,” I say, “hang on.” The card from Roland Wann gives me access and I download a map onto my datapad.

‘That mercenary said there was still staff in the south part of the base,” Juhani says, “Are you able to locate them?”

“Let me see…” A quick security scan for life signs should be easy enough, even at reduced power. That’s… that’s a lot more life signs than I expected. Based on these readings, the base is teeming with life. But that can’t be the case because this place is quiet. I wonder - can I filter these results to only endotherms? Let’s see… there we go.

Holy shit.

Including us, there are seven endotherms, seven non-Selkath in the entire base. Several sensors are offline, but that mercenary said that part of the base was flooded. So where I see offline sensors, that’s probably ocean, and if anyone’s there, they’re Selkath. And the Selkath went insane. “Not including us, there are two non-Selkath on this side of the base,” I say, “One of them is that mercenary, the other is staff.” That’s all I can get - there’s too many damaged systems. “There’s two more on the other side of the base, but there’s an ocean between us and them.”

“That’s where all the machinery is,” Carth says.

“I’m not blowing up the base,” I say.

“I know, but that can’t be the only option,” he says, “Something happened here and maybe the machinery had something to do with it.”

‘We’re not going to find out here, at any rate,” I say, ‘There’s too much damage to find any archived sensor information. Whatever happened, the main computer doesn’t have any record of it.”

“Let’s keep moving, then.”

“One last thing,” I say, “The merc said the defense system was activated. I want to switch them off before we run into anything.” Sentry droids, quite a few of them. I send a remote deactivation command, and they all tick offline. “Okay, we’re good to go.” Sign off. To the next door.

The other door opens to an even longer hallway, lined on one side floor to ceiling with windows. Light filters in from the windows, tinted green by the water. It’s not bright, but it supplements the already-dim station lighting. The view through them is unobstructed - good, I can get a sense of the damage, our surroundings.

And everything makes sense.

We’re in the reef… The kolto must… This habitat is so… The sharks probably… But the Republic…

“You’re mumbling,” Carth says suddenly. Was I saying all that out loud? “What do you see?”

“You don’t see that?” I say. No, I guess not. I run my finger along the glass, tracing the reef and its ridges. “This is prime marine habitat, look at all the firaxan sharks. This reef and its caves and crannies have probably been formed by centuries of erosion and sharks looking for creches to lay their eggs. This isn’t just a home, it’s a nursery. And the kolto is part of that. It’s healing for us, but as a part of their ecosystem, it must have a growth impact here in the ocean as well. Everything here has been shaped by millenia of this delicate balance. The rocks and minerals erode, releasing the kolto into the water, which helps the sharks grow, and they create more crevices, more erosion. And that’s not even considering the other species that call this reef home.”

Carth and Juhani look, but they don’t see it. Can’t see it, not quite. Aren’t used to thinking that way. “I am sure Selkath scientists already understood this,” Juhani says slowly, not quite understanding, ‘Sure they know where the kolto…”

“It’s not about the kolto, it’s about the eggs!” I say, “The construction impacts the nursery sites, you can see the change. The sharks reacted to the construction in defense of their home, their eggs. The vibrations through the water may have affected their communication, too, so not only were they being attacked, the world suddenly got so… loud.” I understand that. The confusion, the mixed signals, the uncertainty. The fear. The lashing out.

“That explains the sharks,” Carth says, “but what about the Selkath?”

I suck my teeth. “I’m not sure yet. They couldn’t have known this would happen when they authorized the Republic to build here - the ocean means too much to them to risk its destruction. But their response… I don’t know. There’s still a few pieces I’m missing. And I’m not going to get them in here.” I take a deep breath. “I’ll have to go out to the ocean floor.”

[sentient-rift]

About Paradox Rodea:

Name: Rodea

Gender: Male

Paradox Cross: Rodea the Sky Soldier x Sonic the Hedgehog

Creator: Dr. Gerald Robotnik

Affiliation: R-Series

Abilities: Flight, Ancor Tail, Boost Attack, Ability Gears, Chaos Drive Cannon

Background: This Rodea comes from a Paradox Dimension that combines the worlds of Rodea and Sonic into one. In his dimension, instead of being created by the Naga Empire, he was created by Dr. Gerald Robotnik along with the rest of the R-Series as an answer to G.U.N., who demanded weapons from him. Much like how Rodea was activated by Princess Cecilia in the original dimension, Paradox Rodea was discovered and activated by Maria, and unlike the other R-Series siblings who were sent to G.U.N., R0, who was renamed Rodea by Maria, stayed with the girl as a friend and brotherly figure to her.

Rodea was a prototype of the R-Series, and yet was a huge success, being a robot with a human heart. Gerald's plan was to appease G.U.N. with weapons that wouldn't harm people, and instead would give hope to humanity by having them have hearts similar to his dear granddaughter, Maria. They would be heroes, not killing machines.

That plan backfired, however. Around the time Gerald completed the Ultimate Lifeform, Shadow the Hedgehog, G.U.N. attacked and destroyed everything to do with Shadow, just like in the original dimension. This unfortunately led to Maria's death. Driven mad, not only did Gerald use his original plans to destroy the Earth with the Space Colony Arc like the original dimension; He also had the R-Series reprogrammed to destroy G.U.N. All accept Rodea, who by looking at him, was reminded that this is not what Maria would have wanted. By now, it was already too late to undo his mistakes, and Rodea would be the last hope to fix this. It would be up to him to save the world from the rest of the R-Series, and other threats that would harm the planet his beloved granddaughter loved so much. He then sent Rodea to his grandson, Ivo Robotnik, along with a letter of instructions for him regarding Rodea and how he must protect the world.

Because of this act, Ivo never became the evil genius like he did in the original dimension. He instead chose to be like his grandfather (before he went mad) and would bring hope to humanity. He adopted the nickname "Mr. Tinker," focused on using his brilliant mind to help people, and even became a father figure to Rodea.

However, a tragedy happen at some point where Mr. Tinker would sacrifice his life to keep the world safe. After losing Gerald, Maria, Shadow (Unaware he actually survived the battle at the Arc, though it was Tails who found him instead of Eggman), and his own siblings due to being forced to destroy them, Rodea felt alone. Despite saving the world, people feared Rodea for being an R-Series robot. And despite Sonic and his friends being more welcoming to him, Rodea felt he couldn't stay with them, so he went his own way.

Eventually, he was met and recruited by two beings who wished to protect the Multiverse and promised him that he would be able to see Mr. Tinker again. This would eventually lead to him joining RiFT's team to fight against Slur's forces in the Multiverse War, although now it's much bigger than that.

Despite the fact that the Mr. Tinker here is a different Mr. Tinker from Rodea's Paradox Dimension, the two still share a similar bond and consider each other family. He even gained a little brother in Terios, who's like a more childlike Shadow.

(Click here to see his introduction.)

[gale-gentlepenguin]

Gale's Analysis: The Nowhere King, A Cautionary tale of Self hatred

So I will be discussing Centaurworld season 1 and 2 spoilers.

And I HIGHLY recommend the series.

If nothing else, just for the nowhere king

For most of the first season, We have zero idea the Nowhere King even exists. All we knew is what horse knew. That she and Rider were a team that has been part of a war that has been going on for longer than they have been alive. The general gave them a task to do (someone Rider and Horse never met but knew was an important figure in the war) and things go south.

When horse goes into centaur world, and Horse starts gathering the pieces of the key. That is when we start hearing traces of the Nowhere king. The song is creepy catchy and it builds up the nowhere king

The context of the plants and wildlife singing this song that Horse claims"I think I have heard this song before" adds to the unsettling nature.

The song, despite its lullaby sound, is basically saying.

"There is a place where happiness goes to die, where a monster lays in wait, and when he returns with his kingdom, the world will fall into darkness and he will take joy as you die."

Now THAT is how you start build up.

And this song is sung not once, but TWICE before the nowhere king even appears.

The Cats do a creepy rendition (that I think is equally unsettling)

But up until this point the viewer knows one thing.

"We are going to meet this nowhere king."

And sure enough.

Horse and Rider reunite in the rift between Centaur world and the Human World.

And a black goop drops from the ceiling. And the lullaby plays one more time.

The monster reforms and we are introduced to the 'Nowhere king'

It is only when he sees that the doorways are closed that he shows the two why he is a monster. Even singing his lullaby as he slowly began consuming them.

(Leading to a rather good fight between the nowhere king and Horse's friends) Which seems like they stand a chance.

It isnt until Wamawink is knocked out of the portal and then comes back in do we see how truly one sided it all is.

(him having taken over the void and restrained them all)

And now he is angry and ready to kill. "Saying that he was planning on sparing them all, at least 'For a little while"

This fight leads to the 'Mysterious woman' showing up to deal with the Nowhere king. And we get a rather unique scene.

The Nowhere king releases the heroes and approaches the woman. who is holding the key.

And we see him say "She has come to set me free."

Now his dialogue here is IMMENSELY fascinating. He says he never stopped thinking of her, of what they could have had, and how she 'Made' him. And lastly that he forgives her.

He was ready for her to kill him. (as if to say he accepts death if its by her)

The initial implication her is that she created the nowhere King. An experiment gone wrong? Was it abuse? Was he a loved one.

But the moment she could have killed him. She doesnt. Perhaps seeing the part of him that wasnt a monster. But a victim.

Rider and Horse then Stab him with the key thus creating a permanent opening in the rift.

This doesnt kill him, because (I think he cant be killed by conventional means at this point)

So the nowhere king escapes the void. Now with the key, he returns to his throne (as King of the minotaurs)

_____________________________________________________________

Now we get to season 2, and we finally get to meet The General. The one that had sent Rider and horse on their intial mission

and good gravy is this man handsome

Yea, there is a guy that you would call a general.

And from our interactions we see him in. He seems like a guy that values his soldiers, and wants to keep people safe from the minotaurs. He also seems a bit weird, but caring.

He knows a lot and instructs Rider. Much like a mentor.

Now we are not told much about him, or how long he has been in this war. But he knew a lot and he believed Rider's story. Which anyone else would have probably said was 'BATS*** insane" But he knew about centaur world, and he knew about magic. Which we learn as the story progresses that this war hasnt been waging for centuries, but maybe 20 or 30 years. Long enough that a generation would not remember Centaur world. Like how people born in the 2000's dont remember much about the disney afternoon.

They may have heard stories or even 'LULLABIES' but nothing concrete.

Watching this again made me begin to think.

For the most part, thats all we get from the general for now.

But we do know that he knows a lot more than he is letting on.

Implying he may also have sort of knowledge of the nowhere king.

_____________________________________________________________

But from there the mysteries in the season start piling up again.

The Nowhere King is using the key to create monster, by merging creatures from the human world, centaur world, and even humans. And they are all HORRIFYING AND SENTIENT!

This brings up the question of how the key really works, what is the magic in this key. Why is the Nowhere king even creating these creatures?

Also what the f*** did he just eat one of his own men?

_____________________________________________________________

NOW WE GET TO THE FINALE! Horse has the centaurworld soldiers, and the Nowhere king is ready to invade centaur world.

Horse, using her new power (backstory magic), goes into the nowhere king's mind. Freezing him in place.

And that is where she meets Elk

Now as the viewer, we do not get the story in order. But bare with me. This is where s*** gets crazy.

Elk is the original form of the nowhere king.

And we learn from Elk, that he and the Mysterious Woman, care about eachother. the first backstory scene we see is him getting freed by the Mysterious woman, who is actually a PRINCESS! Asking him what he did. And Elk looked tired and abused (clearly neglected). And he escapes without the princess who had to stay.

(Also some funny food memories which makes you think he really is just a talking elk.)

And as he tells the story, we see him watch the Princess who saved him, get married to none other than THE GENERAL!

Which makes the viewer think.

"The Elk saw the wedding and did something awful that caused him to get imprisoned and the Princess saved him"

But then we go back even further

And we see this

Elk was an elktaur!

He was a creature from centaur world!

And its here that we finally start seeing the full picture.

Elktaur was one of the people who maintained the rift. And he felt out of place in his world. (agreeing with the human that constantly complained about the smell and weird antics of Centaurworld) Which gives you the impression of Elktaur very quickly.

He finds his world bothersome and wishes he was human. Feeling out of place.

And because of his work, he meets the princess. And sure enough! He fell for her.

The Princess was kind to him, treating him with respect, even loving the centuarworld.

He even got honored at the palace for his work (though the employee's seemed to not treat him as a guest) Only the princess was the one to point out how messed up it was that he was treated that way.

They sneak off and go eat the cake he was holding. And they bond. Him showing her the rift key. Which was in pieces and she merges together. Which blew him away.

She even says she missed his antlers. (which we learn didnt fall off because of seasonal malting but because he cut them to look more human). She clearly cared for him but he couldnt see it as possible. That she could love him the way he was. That they were too different. He wanted to change.

Elk singing the song "Cant keep the ghosts out" Really tells how he felt that as an Elktaur, he never thought he was good enough for her. A mix of human prejudice, his own internal self hatred, and even contempt for his own kind. He decided to try and change.

So he decided, to use the key to split himself from his undesirable beast half.

and thus we get:

Elk and The general are the same person!

Elk and General are Elktaur.

But instead of splitting perfectly, with the elk half of him being a mindless beast. Both the Elk and General are sentient beings, both equally Elktaur.

If anyone seen invincible (its like how the mauler twins split their consciousness into clones) But in this case, they are split

_____________________________________________________________

Now this is where things get interesting.

Because back on the battlefield, the general sings his battle song. Revealing how connected he is to Centaur world and inadvertently his connection to the Nowhere king

"Hello black mirror, my oldest enemy"

This is the perfect description of how The general, and even Elktaur saw his beast side.

This revelation COMPLETELY reshapes the conflict.

This stops being about an agent of pure evil and death trying to end life. But about a conflict between a man that wanted to deny the parts of himself he didnt like only to have it become a monster.

The General is in a way just as much a monster as the Nowhere King.

and the next scenes we see exactly why that is.

_____________________________________________________________

We get our second to last flashback. Elk trying to talk to The General. Trying to convince him to merge with him. That they can be one and be loved by the princess. But The general LOVES his life now. Seeing Elk as a burden a part of him that he is free to be without. he has the girl, no more centaurworld non-sense. He is free of everything he hated about himself.

So The General, not wanting to go back tried to drown Elk. Thus putting an end to the part of himself he hated. Or so he thought.

The reveal comes in, They are connected and one cannot kill the other without ending their own existence.

The General, loving his life would rather NOT die.

So he decides to lock away the Elk in a cell. So that the elk couldnt ruin things for him or kill himself.

In a cramped windowless cell for 10 years.

Which brings us back to the first scene. and Horse's revelation.

The war that was believed to be good humans fighting against evil monsters.

Was really just a man's ego clashing with his flaws and costing the lives of innocent people for all eternity.

Because The general would never kill the nowhere king, because that would mean the end of his life.

And the nowhere king does want to kill the general, but first, he wants to punish Centaurworld and the human realm, being places he never belonged.

Which brings us to how Elk turned into the nowhere king. In an twisted attempt to make a family to belong to, he abused the key. Creating the Minotaurs and lizard soldiers. Each experiment mutating him more and more. The radiation (he mentioned earlier) and magic mixing with Elk caused him to become the monsterous being nowhere king. Which he could control with his mind.

And then the final memory.

The fight between the Nowhere king and The general in the rift.

The Princess revealing she knew the truth, and The general failing to realize how his actions created the nowhere king.

The princess (who is the mysterious woman) is the one that broke the key, sealing the nowhere king away in the void, breaking the key up, and sending the general to the human world and herself into centaur world. Leading to the nowhere king being trapped.

Now we understand.

The Nowhere King was born from drawing the short straw, the discarded parts of an arrogant fool who believed parts of himself were unappealing when if he had simply asked her, he could have learned she truly could have loved him as Elktaur.

which after the battle leads to the Last Lullaby.

This encapsulates how this was a tragedy, how this was all elktaur's fault. How his own self hate damaged the world so much. Was society to blame? Oh there are parts of it sure.

But Horse says it best.

"I'd feel sorry for you, if you didnt cause so much suffering and pain" Horse

That is the beauty and tragedy of the Nowhere king. Because all of this could have been avoided, if Elktaur had simply loved himself more. Or If The general listened to Elk.

But in the end, The nowhere king had become his own worst enemy. Damaging everyone he loved with his own self hatred.

[magnetothehedgehog]

Dimension’s Ridge Announcement!

Hi everyone, With all the rise in Sonic media and the great releases coming up, such as The New sonic game in 2022,the sonic movie 2, sonic prime, and literally anything Idw has been releasing including their new side series “Imposter syndrome”, I am challenged to up my game and release information on my long running project in the works. Especially Since sonic prime and Idw is literally gonna blow out all the spoilers before I do if I don't start releasing stuff first. Since its been happening constantly, I gotta be a step ahead.

So, without further ado, I introduce you to the World of Dimension's Ridge.

Dimensions Ridge is My personal Alternate Universe that seeks to combine all aspects of sonic media. In fact, its super similar to the upcoming Sonic prime, archie and Idw Comics in this regard, with it possibly being a bit more ambitious, or at least equally as ambitious as Idw.

The Series will follow a number of favorite canon and non canon characters alike, but will also their universal counterparts and alternate universe selves.

The Main overarching plot line is that a Existence level Threat is putting everything in jepoardy. This Creature Known as an Existence Eater spreads its influence to a planet by releasing its minions into it, then after enough time, it comes to absorb the planet, thus erasing it from existence entirely, as if it had never been there in the first place. This has been happening for quite a while, until a few people caught onto it. They began leaving messages and warnings to others in a attempt to save them.

Being an existence level threat, this will take the combined effort of every Version of Sonic,Tails,Sally, Eggman and everyone else if they want anything to be left in the multi-verse. This Story is about how they all come together to do just that.

However that is the main plot. The story follows many minor or sub plotlines and stories that all connect and weave into this ultimate narrative. For Stories featuring Sonic and friends, Stories start off in the classic area and work their way into the modern area as the characters develop and mature, so we get to see and live their journey alongside them. For older characters and parents, I wanted them to have a  more staple involvement in the series, even if only at the beginning. Their Adventures as the World slowly slips into chaos can be read in War on Mobius.

While there are Prequels to the beginning of the story, such as the “Rift War.”, the main storylines that kicks off all the other starts is one of my current productions “War on Mobius.”This follows the economical and political collapse following the Recent End of The Rift War and begins the Egg Empire's rise to Power.I would like to mention that The Egg Empire Now consists of the collective versions of Eggman all working together as a family. Egg Fam for short. But we have Great additions such as boom eggman, Ova Eggman, Aosth Eggman, Satam Eggman, Russian Eggman,Eggette, and a few custom additions such as Omelette and Scramble.

Things That happen in War on Mobius will be seen effecting or influencing the states of things in my Classic Era Story “Classic adventures.” and others ones such as “The Freedom Fighters.”

Alongside canon appearances of less known or scrapped characters and designs, such as Tiara and Honey the Cat, Readers can expect appearances of my own characters, both as counterparts to main characters, and also as people who drive the story forward and show interesting and dynamic opinions of their changing world. A few Such ones would be “Tribal Ties” Focusing on the Tribes of Echidnas, Bayblonians and Pangolins Tribes, all of which play a part not only in Mobius history, but also will play a vital part in its future.

After Classic adventures, comes one of my long running claims to fame and a personal favorite of mine from my early script writing days. Zone Runners. This takes place after the Events of Classic adventures and as the world has been influenced by the political unrest in War on Mobius. It follows the Group of People on the East Side of the World as they try to fight back against the Egg Empire, Newly risen Oscillators Group, and The Very lack of Sonic and Freedom Fighter there. This series will also begin unraveling some of the mysteries behind the existence eater and the ultimate narrative. Originally this concept came from the Fleetway comics, and ever since I've been completely inspired to incorporate this into my own series. If anyone was ever on Sonic Amino, they might have seen me post things related to it back in the day.

I also wish to be a more character focused series as a whole, one who focuses on the people collectively as opposed to just Sonic himself. I want it to as if each character us actually a main character and can save the day, and that the day is only won because everyone has done their part, whether powerful or powerless.

To that End, I have many characters stories intertwine, or lead to one another. Some characters will have branching off stories, while others will be closely intertwined, and always interact with each other, regardless of who the story is currently focusing on.

A few I'd like to notable mention is, Shadow's Ark, Silvers Sanctuary, and Heir of Sol. Focusing on the characters Shadow, Silver, And Blaze Respectively.

While I have a lot of other Titles for the stories respectively, I'd just to touch on a few more before I close.

Worlds collide finally answers the question in sonic media about two planets and the dimensional connundrum of sonic rush and sonic 06. While also bringing together multiple characters who were on their own paths, for the collected purpose of setting up how everyone will be needed much later.

Dimension Forces is, a reimagined Version of Sonic Forces, including a whole new team of villains to take on the heroes from our prior stories. I call them: Forever Force. The Main Three Hitters Being the Villains Infinite, Eternity, And Enigma. In this Story we'll get to see Whispers team in action, and also get to see new stories involving Gadget and His Brother Widget, and a host of other rising heroes soldiers and returning cast members.

I also had this Idea that the wisps were able to use their abilities on their own, except in smaller weaker versions then when they had a mobians help.Thus you could call in drill air strikes and other things to help you in battle, and the flew alongside you rather than in containers. I had these idea way long ago, but what do you know Idw beat me to the punch again in rise of the wisps. However I would just like to say before they do it too, that I had the idea of the wisps combining their powers, as if anyone played Sonic simulator, you would know you can actually combine wisp powers. If its the same type, its twice as strong with a bonus effect. If its different, you can combine the strengths of two different powers. Think how eggman used cube with laser in the boss nega wisp armor.

Speaking of Sonic Simulator! Thats another Story I have plans for. Following alongside the events of Sonic colors, Sonic simulator follows the group of hedgehogs abducted from Mobius and sent to eggman's interstellar amusement park as part of an organic experiment to take out sonic. Suggested by The Leader of the Oscillators, These hedgehogs will now have to work together to prove their worth to Eggman and as worthy adversaries of Sonic! But what of their past memories? What will happen if they remember? And if they do, can they escape? Find out! Also its follow up story leads to sonic lost world.

I'd also like to talk about the Idw Verse Mini series I have been working on! Getting Art from the Talented CatRage and getting to voice my Ideas to My Friends as well as My sister, I present my own Miniseries! Mimic's misadventures!

This story takes place between  the events of Idw's Bad guys, and follows mimic's operations and struggles as he tries to complete his missions, and deal with people of similar caliber to himself. Will this mercenary manipulate his way easily out of another situation? Or has the Octopus finally met the one group who will send him back to the ocean? Find out!

Currently, this miniseries has 5 canon issues and one undecided.

1.Ghost Of The North.

2.Into the Spiders Nest

3.Hunt is on

4.Jaws of a Predator

5.Belly of the Beast

undecided: 6.Seaside Escapade.

Currently I am writing the script for Part 1 of Ghost of the North and hope to finish up the Audio drama reading for it soon.

So this is all the stuff I've had in production for the past few years! Along with my co writer Pinky heart.

Please, Please! Reblog or retweet this. It would mean the world to me. Also please! Ask as many questions as you'd like. I'll answer as many as I can, and would love to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions, as well as questions and inquires involving the series.

[newagegs]

character details: 

basics

name: Remy Lebeau

hero/vigilante/etc alias: Gambit

age: 32

date of birth: July 24, 1994

fandom: Marvel 

faceclaim: Michiel Huisman

height: 6’1

pronouns/gender identity/sexual+romantic identity: he/him, cismale | bisexual

specifics

moral alignment: Chaotic neutral

dusted in the snap or not: No

if they weren’t dusted, what did they get up to in those five years, be as in depth as you want, the more the better: Whatever the X-Men were doing, Remy was there too. At some point during those five years he also became the proud father to three cats, Oliver, Lucifer, and Figaro. They are his little agents of chaos and by far the most important things to him at the moment.

are they aligned to any specific team/groups/etc and if so, how did they join and why if not, are they looking to join a team and if so, why: Remy was kidnapped as a baby by and subsequently raised in the Thieve’s Guild in New Orleans. After a small case of murder in self-defense, he was banished from the guild, in exchange for Mister Sinister helping him control his power, Remy was made leader of a small group of mercenaries, known as the Marauders. Remy joined the X-Men after helping Storm, though he remains untrustworthy in the eyes of some of his teammates.

  where do they currently live/been living since the return snap: Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters

what have they been doing personally and/or professionally since the return snap: Whatever the X-Men need him to do-- most of the time that seems to include tapping back into his roots with the Guild of Thieves

ramble a bit about them, their past, what their current motivations are, go as in depth as you like. again, the more the better: 

Your local leo can’t go four minutes without starting drama.

It all started when he was quite literally stolen from the hospital as soon as he was born. He was raised by thieves who taught him everything they knew. 

His mutant powers began to show when he was fourteen. The gist of his powers is molecular acceleration; Remy has the ability to transform an object’s potential energy into kinetic energy and cause explosions. He can also accelerate an object’s potential energy. His ability to tap into energy also gives him superhuman agility and dexterity

He can also create static from the energy in his body. This can act as a shield, blocking his mind from even the most powerful telepaths, and destabilizing any touch-based powers.

One more power that helped him in his thievery was hypnotic charm. Remy could use kinetic energy in any sentient mind to grant himself subtle influence over them. Though more powerful minds have proven to be immune to this gift

He thought he was real good at hiding his powers. Until he wasn’t. At fifteen, Remy was captured and almost sold to HYDRA as a child soldier because of his incredible abilities. He managed to escape, though in the process, he caused a rift between his own Thieves’ Guild and rivaling Assassins’ Guild.

Queue the arranged marriage.

In hopes of bridging the two guilds together, Remy was married off to the granddaughter of the head of the Assassins’ Guild, Belladone Bourdeaux. Their marriage was a short one, however, as in a fight to the death with her brother, Remy came out victorious after killing him in self-defense. Banished from New Orleans, it was Remy vs. the world.

Petty crime became his thing. He was a master pickpocket and would regularly use his hypnotic ability on men and women to steal things like expensive watches to entire retirement funds.

The timeline is still a little fuddled but at some point during this time, Remy sought after Mister Sinister to help control his ever growing power. In return, Remy was sent to do a lot of dirty work. The final mission being the assassination of an entire community of muntants living under New York City.

Remy hated every moment he had to be apart of that team. He never killed anyone that night, instead barely managing to save one person. The events of the Morlock Massacre still hang heavily over him. So like any other person, he resorts to unhealthy coping mechanisms instead of facing his past mistakes!

It’s funny how someone like him ended up on the X-Men. Despite his rough around the edges, brash, just plain mean exterior, there is a genuinely good man who just wants to clean himself of past sins buried down there.

As of recently, Remy is just trying to live his best life: breaking up with his girlfriend for the hundredth time, running errands as the X-Men’s resident prince of thieves, dropping too much money on expensive cat food, just the usual life of the Ragin’ Cajun.

one plot idea, big or small, you’d like to do with them or connection/dynamic to explore: Morlock Massacre baby!! Even though it’s something that occurred before, Remy leading the Marauders under Mister Sinister and executing an entire community of mutants is something that seems to come back and bite him in the butt on many occasions. Plus it would be interesting to figure out how it fits into the AU.

mun details:

name/alias: Bean

age: 20

pronouns: she/her

timezone: est

[jarael]

Ursulina Cheva Iresso, Barsen’thor and Mender of the Rift, Master of Hidden Knowledge, Master of Dread

Almost 40 years before the Dread War plunged the galaxy into panic, Dread Master Calphayus called the other Masters to a meeting.  He warned them of a vision that one of them would die in about 40 years.  While all 6 were extremely close to each other, Brontes and Styrak were particularly intimate.  The couple, viewing their guards as too weak to handle the necessary hive mind they all relied on to maintain some sanity, decided to conceive a child together.  Nine months later, Ursulina was born.

When Ursulina was five years old, her parents and their comrades were in meditation aboard their ship when Master Jaric Kaedan ambushed them, arrested them, and sent them to Belsavis, where they would remain for 30 years.  Kaedan took pity on the child and brought her to Tython.  As such, “Cheva” is a surname given to her by Kaedan.

In her teen years, Ursulina faced the daunting task of ending the dark plague that many Jedi fell victim to.  While looking for Master Tykan on Taris, she and Qyzen Fess happened upon an orphaned Miraluka infant near the corpses of two dead Jedi.  Ursulina rescued the child and brought her to Tython.  With the blessing of the Council and on the agreement that the baby be trained by another Jedi when she came of age, Ursulina adopted the girl, naming her D’leah.  The Miraluka would come to fame in her own right as the Hero of Tython and Battlemaster.

Ursulina’s chapters 2 and 3 begin in her thirties; the other class stories start here as well.  She eagerly rose to the challenge of working with the Rift Alliance, patiently bringing its members both to her side and to that of the Republic.  Representative Alauni, in particular, noted how charming and easygoing she was, for a Jedi.  In addition, Ursulina took a Padawan in the eager Nadia Grell, teaching the girl patience and feeding her curious mind.

A brief dalliance with Tharan Cedrax was entertaining for the Barsen’thor, but it ended as Ursulina soon realized that he was not as ethically concerned about his scientific exploits as she was.  While on Hoth, Ursulina met Lt Felix Iresso, and the pair almost immediately connected.  Felix found her compassionate and fascinating.  Ursulina was happy to have met such a positive, warm man.  They were married shortly after the defeat of the First Son.

Ursulina’s biggest challenge up to then was having to fight two of her former teachers--Yuon Par in her youth and Syo Bakaran as an adult--and sensing their suffering.  However, things began to get more and more chaotic after she assisted Major Lehusa Medora in an assault on the Trandoshan mercenary Kephess and his fellows on Denova.  He had been brainwashed by the now freed Dread Masters, who appeared after the battle to taunt the Jedi and the soldier.  Ursulina managed to resist their mental assault, causing Brontes and Styrak to pause.  There would be more assaults on both the Empire and the Republic from the Dread Masters for about two years.  Not long before the assault on Darvannis, Styrak and Brontes appeared to Ursulina and revealed themselves to be her parents.  Ursulina suffered a nervous breakdown, being forced to excuse herself from her duties for a month while seeking help.

After her father was killed by Lehusa’s strike team, Ursulina, her crew, and D’leah and her crew joined the other heroes--Xenli, Aayes, Adira, Arisa, Viksuni and Lehusa, with their respective crews--in ending the Dread Masters’ threat once and for all.  Ursulina begged her mother to listen to reason, but her mother couldn’t fathom why a Jedi would forgive a Sith, especially one as herself.  The Barsen’thor refused to fight her mother; the Emperor’s Wrath Xenli and the Grand Champion of the Great Hunt Arisa felt differently.  As Brontes lay dying, Ursulina comforted her with a memory from her childhood.  Ursulina and Adira did duel Calphayus, and again Ursulina refused to strike the killing blow.  Confused, then touched by her kindness, the prophet surrendered to the Republic after the battle and sought treatment and help from the Jedi.  He would become a part of Ursulina’s crew and would aid D’leah when she and Xenli led the Alliance.

Calphayus told Ursulina that he had a vision that she would bear twins in the coming year.  Sure enough, six months after the Dread War ended, Ursulina excitedly reported to her husband that she was expecting two babies.  She sat out most of the Revanite War, though she did attempt to convince Lord Darkspanner to surrender.

Following the destruction of Ziost, D’leah went missing on a mission to an unknown part of the galaxy.  It was during this time that Ursulina gave birth to her twin daughters, Iyakata and Feliae Iresso.  She assisted the now defected Xenli and Lana Beniko in searching for D’leah.  The hunt led to Zakuul, a small empire whose former Emperor, Valkorian, had been manipulated by Vitiate into taking over his body.  Yet again, Ursulina’s peaceful approach would prove valuable to the Alliance.

Overall, Ursulina is known for her cheery, outgoing personality, mixed in with her penchant for being deadpan.  She is a kind, selfless woman who will always stand for others and for justice.  She is forgiving--almost to a fault.

[shima-draws]

pls tell us more about the ocs! :0

[[Anonymous said: *Kicks down door* Tell me about your OCs!!]]

🥺 THANKS YA’LL FOR GIVING ME AN EXCUSE TO RANT

Okay so idk how many of you are familiar with Kaz and Ginni but long story short, they’re part of the Next Generation, 25 years after the main story of ATS ends, and where we get all of Team Star’s kids. Basically everybody paired up and made babies and now those babies are teenagers and part of the Amethystus Guild, along with Ginni who is the Guildmasters’ daughter. My new OCs all tie into Ginni and Kaz’s story!

There’s Olivia, Ginni’s best friend and partner in crime at the guild! Olivia is very cheerful, very friendly, and very loyal to her friends. She’s one of the most popular members in the guild because of how open and helpful she is to others. (However, she’s completely oblivious to the crushes that several people harbor for her lmao.) She can be a bit of a ditz sometimes and is occasionally clumsy but she tries her hardest! Ginni’s a known troublemaker but Olivia doesn’t mind helping her get into trouble lol so they both often get scolded together. I haven’t decided what sort of elemental type she is yet but I can say she’s very strong and has a great handle on using her magic—it’s something that comes easy to her, a natural talent that makes her flourish even more c:

On Kaz’s side of things, when he was with the Novune Forces he worked with two other high ranking soldiers in his sector—the colonel, ranked above him, and the first lieutenant, ranked under him. The colonel, like Kaz, doesn’t have an actual name. The first lieutenant picked a name for herself at some point, and her name is Mallary! The three of them are the child prodigies of the Forces and were raised under their care, so they all grew up facing the same sort of awful treatment and experimentation and were trained to follow orders without asking questions.

Mallary is...a very unstable sort of person regarding her emotions. Despite being around Kaz’s age she acts like a child most of the time and often throws tantrums when she doesn’t get her way, causing huge outbursts of magic. She is very attached to Kaz, the two of them having grown up in close proximity, and she thrives off of the praise that both of them get. She basically sees Kaz as a possession and treats anything belonging to her as a contest;; This mostly derives from her insecurities and trauma (thanks bad parenting!) and deep down she’s just afraid to lose the only person she truly cares about. Kaz has a soft spot for her too, since she’s practically his only friend growing up, and knows that she hides her fear by acting arrogant and cruel to others. But a rift forms between them when Kaz escapes the Forces with Ginni, and Mallary views it as a “Kaz picking this random girl over me” situation, so she hates Ginni with a passion lmao

And as for the colonel!! I haven’t picked a name for him yet, I’m debating between Hickory or Hiro, so let me know which one you guys like better c: Anyway, he’s considered to be the golden child between the trio, and despite being the youngest he has the highest rank out of the three of them. He’s kinda like a rubix cube if I’m being honest LOL he’s a very multi faceted character with a lot of different sides. Like Kaz he does what he’s told without any complaints and has a record for never failing a single mission the Forces have given to him. Any enemy considers him to be absolutely ruthless because he does not hesitate in battles and will kill with no questions asked. He’s a cocky little bastard around enemies lmao he loves to snark them and tease them. He’s extremely intelligent—he’s able to read an opponent just by looking at them, so he’s considered the most dangerous out of the trio despite not being the strongest one physically (Kaz is). He fights using his intelligence—he sets up traps and watches as his opponents fall right into them. Because of how clever he is he can come up with countermeasures very quickly.

Unlike Kaz and Mallary the colonel is actually the one person that gets sent outside of HQ on missions—so he’s been more exposed to the outside world than the two of them have. This eventually clues Kaz into the fact that maybe the colonel isn’t as loyal to the Forces as he thought, most likely because the colonel slowly began to rethink his loyalties after spending so much time around people with normal lives. Both the colonel and Kaz hate their upbringing and hold a grudge against their superiors for their treatment and experimentation on them;; And eventually Kaz is able to use this to get the colonel to act as Amethystus’ spy ;)

Kaz eventually asks the colonel why he doesn’t just leave the Forces if he knows how fucked up their very existence is, and the colonel’s just like well look at me. I was raised in this environment to be a killer and to follow orders, I am broken lmao who is going to want me after this. How am I going to make it in this world if all I know how to do is be a mindless slave. He mentions that the only person who’s ever treated him normally besides Kaz without any judgement or care for his position is Mallary—and the colonel has a HUGE crush on her, but it’s very unhealthy because she honestly doesn’t give a shit about him besides their weird. Tentative friendship. Mallary’s only got eyes for Kaz and the colonel is usually too busy to dedicate a lot of time to wooing her, but when he is around she basically has him wrapped around her finger and he’ll do whatever she tells him to. It’s just yikes. He deserves better.

Once Kaz, Ginni and the guild tempt the colonel over to their side, Olivia pretty much calls dibs on him and she’s like “Listen Ginni got to give Kaz his name so can I give the colonel a name?? Please???” So she starts calling him Hickory/Hiro! And finally baby boy smarts up and starts crushing on a girl that actually gives a damn about him and god dammit it’s the cutest fucking case of puppy love since Dusk/Nozomi. The colonel absolutely adores her, but he’s too nervous to actually do anything about it because he’s got huge abandonment issues (thanks again bad parenting! And Mallary!) and doesn’t want to ruin one of the only genuine friendships he’s ever had. But he is head over HEELS for Olivia and it’s so......softe. Ginni and Olivia get to crack open their boys and resolve all of their fucked up childhood issues and watch as they finally learn how to be stupid teenagers and feel human emotions. The colonel turns into a huge crybaby and nobody even blames him because he deserves to release his trauma okay

Anyway yes sorry for the long intro (you can tell I’ve developed the colonel the most despite him not having an official name yet fnnsnfndn) but those are my new kids!! Mallary has actually been a character for a while I just haven’t had the chance to flesh her out until now, and I added Olivia and the colonel to the story recently :’)

[vintageneptune92]

Heart Of The Matter

Heart of the Matter- Bucky Barnes x Reader

Requested by @darkness-in-bright with prompts:

46. “Are you decent?” “Not morally, but I am wearing pants, if that’s what you’re asking.

126. I really want to talk to you. And not through the door.

138. “You don’t get to say anything to me!”

So for the purposes of this story- Tony didn't die, Steve isn't an old man. End Game had a happier ending. Reader is Tony’s daughter...because we all know my sheer OBSESSION with Stark readers and OCs. She was about 15 at the time of the first Avengers movie so if I did my math right...With the End Game time jump she should be 27ish. If I’m wrong...pretend I’m not. This is like 7K words and I’m not even sorry. 😂

As always likes, comments and reblogs are SO APPRECIATED. Requests are open (Avengers, Supernatural, TVD/The Originals. I do dabble in some Green Arrow and The Flash (DC TV Only please). Prompt list can be found here. 

Please let me know if you would like to be added to this tag list or one of my others. 

Avengers Tag List: @shreddedparchment @fanfictionjunkie1112@this-is-mycrisis

Avengers Masterlist

As Tony Stark’s daughter, people treated you differently your whole life. You were always catered to, and you kind of hated it. It took you a long time to come to terms with the fact that you would never have a normal life. When you were 12, Tony was kidnapped. The video of him that the kidnappers sent still plagued your dreams to this day. When you finally got him back and he came out as Iron Man, that had made you give up your dream of having any normality; You were happy to let it go, you couldn’t have been more proud of your father.

Tony had always been in your life. At first it was minimal because your mother used you as a bargaining chip for money. Your mother had been a girl he met out and had a fling with. By the time you were 3, you were with him full time. When Tony had found out your mother was abusing prescription meds, he cleaned his life up and fought for you. He still had his fun, but taking care of you came first. Eventually she vanished from your life after a handful of supervised visits.

While Tony was busy saving the world, you were working on your studies. You attended a private a school to help keep you out of the lime light. You remembered hearing about Captain America from Agent Coulson and were excited to meet him when you found out he came out of the ice. You didn’t know your grandparents. He knew your grandfather. You wanted to learn about a different side of him. Phil had promised to arrange it, but then Loki and the Chitauri came for New York. You had been only 15 at the time. By some stroke of luck you had gone unharmed. You had been through a lot in your young life already, and watching Tony disappear through that hole in the sky had shaken you to your core. You had been in the tower and had run outside crying. Steve Rogers had caught you in his arms and held you tight while you broke down. He didn’t let you go until Tony opened his eyes. That day forged a bond with you and Steve. He became the big brother you had always needed.

Once things had settled down, you closed yourself off from everyone, including your father. Tony had to hire a tutor for you to continue your school work because you wouldn’t leave the tower. Tony has been distraught when he couldn’t reach you. It had been Steve that had broken through your walls after he moved in to The Avengers tower. He had let you guide him through all of the pop culture he didn’t understand and he earned your trust by treating you like you were his equal, not a kid. He didn’t try to get you to talk like Tony and Pepper did. He didn’t treat you like glass the way Happy and Rhodey did. He would tell you stories about when he was a kid and how he was trying to adjust after being gone for so long. Eventually, you slowly started opening up. You told him how you were certain that being Iron Man would take your father from you too soon but that he had to do it. The world needed heroes like him and Steve. You confessed your fears of being ill prepared for what was coming in the world. You couldn’t protect yourself, and the idea that you would be a distraction from other people being saved ate at you. Steve taught you how to defend yourself, you trained with him. Tony had been grateful that Steve had helped you and brought his brilliant and loving daughter back to life. Like Tony, you graduated high school far too early. At 16, went to Columbia University to get your degree in computer science and engineering, you also minored in Business. At age 20 you had a masters degree and you were helping Pepper with Stark Industries. Eventually it would be yours to take over. You also worked behind the scenes for The Avengers. Tony had been insistent that you never went into the field, but he didn't mind you working at the tower with Maria Hill.

The time of the Accords had been one of the worst times in your life. Watching Steve and Tony fracture down the middle. You saw both sides and cried when you told Steve you had to stand with your father. No matter what, you would never turn your back on Tony. The two of you were a team. Steve understood that more than you knew at the time. You had been shattered when you found out about Bucky being the one that murdered your grandparents and the fact that Steve had covered it up. Steve had told you so many stories about Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes. Your brain couldn’t reconcile the fun loving man and the Soldier that gave your grandparents such a violent end. Steve’s lie had hurt more than anything, yet part of you understood. You knew what Bucky meant to him. Bucky was his family and he would do anything to protect him. After all...there wasn't a thing in the world you wouldn't do to protect your father.

It had been you that convinced Tony that it wasn’t Bucky’s fault. You were a woman obsessed after Steve went on the run. You needed to understand. You had done extensive research into Hydra after everything that had happened. You needed to be able to separate The Winter Soldier from Bucky Barnes. You believed that Steve knew James Barnes best. He was rarely wrong. When you delved into the research into how they had programmed him, you felt instant regret for the rift between you and Steve. You begged Tony to find a way to forgive and move on. You had reached out to Steve a few times and met once. Steve had been hesitant, not because he didn’t trust you, but because he was afraid you would get hurt. You had to forgive him and in person and so he agreed. You spent two days with him and Sam in South America. It had been hard to leave them knowing you didn’t know if and when you would see them again. Tony knew you had seen Steve and made amends, he just wasn’t ready yet. Tony wanted to find your level of empathy, he just needed to work at it. Then Thanos happened and your world shattered again.

your father disappeared onto that space ship. Bruce has called Steve, Nat, Sam and Wanda for help. You had been a wreck when they walked back into the compound. Steve wanted you to stay behind but there was no way you were staying. At the very least you could help Shuri get the Infinity Stone from Vision. You ended up on the battlefield and watched everyone around you crumble into nothing. You were inconsolable until Carol Danvers rescued your father. When all seemed lost, you helped your father heal and settle down into a quiet life. He married Pepper and you finally had a sister.

After 5 years of despair, it was time to fight again. And while you got the world back. While the loss of Nat was nearly suffocating, you couldn't be more proud of her and her sacrifice. You had almost lost Tony when he snapped Thanos out of existence. He was never quite the same physically, but he happily accepted it to live in peace with his family knowing he had stopped the Mad Titan. It was his “one last mission” and he was lucky he made it back home.

You found anything but peace. You needed to do more than sitting behind a desk. After meeting Carol Danvers you realized that another Thanos could come your way and even if one didn’t, the world was in disarray again since the population had been restored. So, you joined the newly formed SHIELD. It was during this time you had gotten to know James Buchanan Barnes and he turned your world upside down. You found yourself getting lost in the blue of his eyes on more than one occasion. Goosebumps covered your skin any time his hands were on you during training. You had started looking forward to missions with just the two of you and then you started to realize he was like Steve. Steve Rogers acting as a over protective big brother was bad enough, you didn’t need his side kick jumping in on the mix. You thought that with all of the training you had done and how you continually proved yourself would be enough, clearly you were wrong. Bucky did whatever he could to block you out, keep you in the jet or back at the compound. You had finally had enough.

“No! You don't get to say anything to me right now." You were raging. Bucky had just gotten back from the mission that you were supposed to go on with him. He had again convinced Steve that he didn't need you. He botched the mission and almost got himself killed. He was trying to talk his way out of it and you didn’t want to hear it.

"Y/N, calm down." Bucky immediately regretted it. He saw the rage burn behind your eyes. Sam had his arms crossed in front of him, leaning against the counter of the common area kitchen enjoying the show. Bucky should have known better, you had quite the temper.

“Calm down?! God I am so sick of this! It’s because Tony is my father, isn’t it? It’s such bullshit! You needed me on that mission. I could have gotten in and out quickly and gotten all of the information off of their drives and you could have watched my back while I did it. Instead, YOU made a big "Winter Solider" splash, dropped way more bodies than necessary and didn't even get all of the information I need! These are huge drug smugglers and now they know we're after them. So now who's going to have to be smarter, work harder and get the info we need from behind the scenes? ME! NOT YOU." You took a deep breath and tried to reign in your temper. You pinched the bridge of your nose. "I don't need you to protect me. I'm not some helpless damsel. If I wasn't good enough to be in the field...Fury NEVER would have me given me the okay and Rhodey sure as hell would have put a stop to it if I wasn’t prepared. I get you're trying to gain points with my Father...because I know he doesn't want me here. But this time, your need to get on his good side fucked up this whole operation!" Naturally Steve walked in during the middle of your tirade wide eyed.

"I don't know if that language is necessary." Sam let out a low whistle, certain that your head was going to pop off your shoulders. He watched as you turned slowly and narrowed your eyes at Steve.

“Actually, Captain Rogers" the tone in your voice oozed sarcasm, "it's perfectly necessary. And you are JUST has bad as he is" you pointed over at Bucky. "You find any excuse to pull me off of missions and keep me in this tower like I'm frickin Rapunzel or something." You pushed past the two of them and stalked down the hall, slamming your door. The three men stood there quietly.

"Soooo...that went well." Sam finally quipped. Buck and Steve both glared at him. "Don't glare at me, she's not wrong. I love going on missions with her. She's smart and fast. She calculates every risk and doesn’t do anything unless absolutely necessary. She doesn't need you to protect her. I mean I get why you want to." He directed the last part of his comment to Bucky.

“What the hell does that mean pigeon." Bucky shot Sam another glare causing Steve to groan. He wasn’t in the mood for their bickering.

"Look...do I think you want to win bonus points with Papa Stark...sure. But not for the reason she thinks. You have feelings for her. You don't know exactly how to tell her or how to deal with it so you try to be her protector. She doesn’t need another man in her life trying to bubble wrap her. Tony and Rhodey have that covered. She wants to be your equal. She’s more than proven herself. And I’m not insulting you, it’s just an observation. We've been working together long enough for me to know you. I know your tells. I also see how you look at her when you think no one else is looking. Try talking to her...outside of missions. Maybe ask her out. Use some of that charm you have that Steve told us about." Sam shrugged and walked away.

Bucky swallowed uncomfortably as Steve turned his gaze towards him. Bucky wasn't sure how he would react and of course Sam had said something in front of him. Sam was right, he did have a thing for you. How could he not? You were so many things; funny, smart, empathetic, which he knew better than anyone. You were beautiful and had a smile that could light up the darkest of places. He even loved your temper. You had a passion and fire inside of you, God help anyone that got in your way.

“Look Steve, you know how amazing she is, how could I not want to be with her? She’s incredible. But I also know nothing can ever happen. I mean the age difference alone. I know how much she means to you. I’d never cross that line.” Steve smiled.

“I don’t think that we can really consider an age difference here when you, like me, spent so much time under ice. And then the fact that you were gone for 5 years. It’s not a normal situation. And yes, she does mean a lot to me. I’ve known her since she was a kid. I watched her grow up. But she isn’t a kid anymore. She’s a grown woman. It’s not up to me who she spends her time with. If I had to pick, you’d be at the top of the list. Buck- you’re not the man Hydra made you into anymore. You healed that part of yourself in Wakanda. You are a good man.”

“Tony won’t approve.” Steve smiled for a moment.

“You really think that would stop her?” Bucky laughed at that comment. But he absolutely thought Tony’s disapproval would put an end to anything he could have with you. “Tony forgave you. It took time but he moved past that. And if you end up being what makes her happy, he wouldn’t stand in the way of that. And she and Sam are right, she doesn’t need us to protect her. I’m equally guilty in trying to keep her out of the line of fire.” Steve clapped Bucky on the shoulder as he pondered what Steve and Sam has said and headed to talk to you.

***

You were pacing in your room trying to work out your anger when there was a knock at the door. You rolled your eyes. You knew who it was without any verification.

“Leave me alone Steve.” You heard him chuckle. He wouldn’t let anger stay between the two of you. You had made an agreement a long time ago to always work out your differences.

“C’mon Y/N- I really want to talk to you. And not through the door.“ You groaned and headed over to your door and yanked it open. Steve had his arms crossed and he was leaning against the doorway.

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” He sighed. “You’re right. I need to stop putting my personal feelings for you in front of the job we have to do. I think after everything that we’ve seen and been through I just want to know you’re always safe. Your father made it clear I was responsible for you. But it’s not fair to you.”

“Thanks Steve. I’m just so sick of being treated like I’m made of glass. I can handle myself. I know the risks.”

“I know. Your more than qualified to be in the field and I trust you more than about anyone. I promise to do better. And Bucky isn’t trying to earn points with Tony. I think he just thinks that the Stark family has been through enough. You’re the one that made it possible for him to be apart of this family. Your forgiveness and understanding led to Tony’s. Being here has allowed him to get back to the person he used to be. “

“Yeah well thanks to him I have a ton of work to do.” You felt your anger deflate like a balloon. “I better get to it.” You nodded over to your desk where two huge flat screen monitors sat.

“Alright, let me know if you need anything.” You nodded and watched him retreat down the hall before you shut your door.

Bucky Barnes was under your skin. He had been since the day you met him in Wakanda. You expected this hardened soldier but found a man with an easy smile and kind eyes. Whatever monster that had lived within him had been snuffed out. It had started when you’d notice that his gaze would linger on you just a little longer than necessary. Your heart would pound anytime he was in close proximity and you were certain he had the most beautiful eyes you had ever seen. But it would never progress past a few longing looks and mild flirting. Bucky Barnes was determined to stay on Tony Starks good side, certainly any sort of relationship with his daughter would be frowned upon. You sighed and sat down.

“Friday- run through the files Sergeant Barnes obtained. We then need to get into their servers and find out when the next deal is going to happen so we can stop them.”

“Right away Miss Stark.” It was going to be a very long night.

***

It had been a few days and you finally got a lead to where the drug ring might be next. You were running down to the gym where you knew Bucky was. You stopped when you saw it empty and stepped towards the locker room with trepidation.

“Barnes! “Are you decent?” You yelled into the doorway. You heard him laugh.

“Not morally, but I am wearing pants, if that’s what you’re asking.” you rolled your eyes and strolled in, your heels clacking on the floor. He had been more flirty than normal the past few days. It was knocking you off your guard. He shot you a grin when he saw you. True to his word, he was wearing pants and nothing else. His prosthetic arm was on the bench, and his impressive form was still damp from the shower. You didn’t realize you were staring until he cleared his throat. You felt the heat rush to your cheeks and you stepped forward looking at the still angry scars on shoulder where his arm used to be attached. He would normally be self conscious with someone staring at him the way you were, but he saw interest, not pity. He sucked his breath in when you ran your fingers over the scar. You quickly realized what you were doing and jumped back.

“Sorry - I, uh, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have done that.” You had a sheepish look on your face. “Just...does that bother you?” Your head was tilted to the side.

“Not since Wakanda. Shuri fixed me up. Now it doesn’t hurt to wear the arm.” You looked up at him.

“You sure? I used the 3D printer to print skin grafts for another agent”

“Of course you did.” You narrowed your eyes at him and pursed your lips. “It’s more cosmetic now, no physical pain. So unless you think I need plastic surgery.”

“Shut up. That’s not what I meant. I’ve just never seen you without your prosthetic. Scars make a person more interesting. I have plenty of my own.” He watched you shudder. He remembered the deep cuts to your back during the battle with Thanos. You had been running to protect Peter and one of Thanos’ soldiers had slashed your back a few times. He remembered your screams from being cleaned and stitched up vividly.

“So...do you need something or just here to ogle me?” He wiggled his eyesbrows at you and winked when he saw your face go red again.”

“You’re obnoxious.” He was enjoying your fluster. “You need to get your shit. You, Steve and Sam are headed to Chicago to try and bust the drug ring. I finally found a lead.”

“You’re not coming?” He was certain after the last time that it would be a cold day in hell before you missed this.

“Well unfortunately I still have my Stark Industries responsibilities. And in two days we have a fundraiser. Please let me remind you that you three are on the guest list and help the elite open their big fat checkbooks. Don’t get killed and make sure Sam doesn’t mess up his pretty face.”

“Of course Doll.” He watched your eyes narrow again. You gave him a quick second look before you strutted out of the locker room completely flustered again. His skin still almost tingled where you had touched him.

***

You looked around the ball room at the richest of the rich. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, but you felt a cloud over you. Steve and company were successful in stopping the shipment and a few of the ring members, but the leader had eluded them again. They were capitalizing on people’s pain and desperation. It hadn’t been any easy transition back for many who were snapped away. They often turned to substances to drown their sorrows. Maybe it was because you had found out your mother had recently overdosed. You took it personally. You didn’t know the woman, she was a stranger, but she was still your mother.

“Well look at you.” You turned to see a beaming Tony with Pepper holding onto his good arm. The arm that had been touched by the infinity stones was covered by a black brace.

“Hi Daddy.” You smiled and hugged him.

“Hi darling. Morgan misses you. She insists you come visit next weekend.”

“I know. I’m a terrible sister, I’ve just been distracted.”

“You’ve been working too hard.”

“Gee, I wonder where she gets it from?” Pepper quipped and you let out a genuine laugh.

“Well you are your father’s daughter. I couldn’t be more proud.” Tony kissed your cheek. “We’re going to make some rounds. I’ll see you later.” You nodded. You were by yourself again for a few moments and then saw Steve’s smiling face approaching you.

“Hey kid.”

“Steven.” You smiled at him.

“Ready?” You nodded and he led you up to the podium. Steve greeted the crowd and then introduced you. No matter how many crowds you spoke in front of, you always got nervous. As you approached the podium you looked out to the crowd and caught Bucky’s eye. He gave a reassuring smile that took your breath away. At some point between his mission and now he had gotten his long hair cut into a style similar to what it was before the war. He looked stunning in his tux. You cleared your throat and adverted your eyes away from the Sergeant’s.

“Thank you all so much for coming. It’s a happy occasion that brings us all here tonight as we celebrate the one year anniversary that so many of you were returned to us. I would be remised if I didn’t acknowledge the struggle that so many across not only our nation, but the world, have experienced as they’ve tried to adjust back to normal life. With that in mind, and the reason why we invited you here tonight is to announce a new program through Stark Industries that will aim to help those in need get to normalcy. The Romanova Foundation is named for Natasha Romanoff. You had to pause as your voice cracked on Natasha’s name. ”If it weren’t for Natasha’s bravery and sacrifice, many of us would not be standing here tonight. So I ask you to open your hearts and your wallets to help those of us in need as Natasha would have. Thank you.” You stepped away from the podium quickly as the crowd roared with applause. Steve tried to grab your arm but you shrunk away and shook your head. You bit back tears as you rushed towards a door towards a private balcony, grabbing a bottle of champagne on your way.

***

Bucky watched as you made a quick exit. He was going to follow you when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He was surprised to see a smiling Tony.

“Sergeant. I was informed you had a semi successful mission yesterday, glad the three of you stopped that shipment. I also heard you got your ass ripped by my daughter last week for bumping her off a mission and then you made a huge mess of it.” Bucky swallowed hard. Tony must have read his anxiety and held his hands up. “No judgment here. I made plenty of messes myself. And I don’t envy anyone that catches her temper. It burns a little. She gets it from my side.” Tony shrugged. “You know she talks about you a lot.” Tony fired off his comments quickly.

“She does?”

“Yeah...I don’t think she realizes how much she does. She has Morgan conflicted between who her favorite Super Soldier is. You or Cap. Naturally her favorite Avenger is me. I gather you and my daughter work together a lot.”

“We do. Steve or I are usually with her.”

“To protect her?”

“Yes. She’s not a super soldier, though she thinks she is.” Tony snickered. “She’s not enhanced like Wanda. But she’s a huge asset. I don’t know what we would do without her. But some of these people we’re up against are enhanced, So Steve and I, we stick close to Y/N.”

“How close is close Barnes?” Bucky paled as Tony stared him down. After a moment he laughed and clapped Bucky on his shoulder.

“I’m messing with you. Rogers and I had a conversation. While he’s not usually the type to butt in, I think he’s trying to cut through the red tape. Look, the past is the past. After everything that happened, I don’t live there anymore. The only thing I care about is that my daughter is safe and happy. I’ve been assured that the man that they made you is gone for good. And that is good enough for me. I don’t know if you know this, but my daughter and Natasha got very close in the 5 years between Thanos annihilating half the planet and when we got everyone back. She and Nat worked tirelessly with Carol and company to watch the universe. Nat’s death was hard on all of us, but especially my daughter. Today is a hard day for her. If I know her as well as I think I do, she’s hiding outside on the far left balcony. Probably with a bottle of booze drowning her sorrows. Do me a favor...go and check on our girl.” It took Bucky a moment to react but he nodded his head and started walking towards the other side of the room before Tony yelled his name and he turned. Tony approached him again. “I may be out of commission, but just remember that I still have a suit and if you hurt my daughter there’s no serum in the world that can protect you.” With that, Tony turned on his heel and walked away.

***

You tried to hold back your tears. You knew today was going to be hard. You didn’t realize how hard until you started talking about Natasha. You took a long drink out of your bottle and looked out over the lights of the nearby city. You heard the door open behind you and exhaled.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” When you heard the door shut you thought you had been left alone but then you felt the cool metal of Bucky’s hand in your shoulder.

“You don’t have to talk. I just don’t want you to be alone feeling like this.” You nodded but didn’t turn, you couldn’t face him. So instead he stood behind you, his arms on each side of yours protectively caging you in. “Is it okay if I talk?” You nodded.

“You know what I remembered first when we came back? Your face. For me, you represented redemption, forgiveness and all of the things I didn’t think I deserved. When Steve told me that you two had worked things out, that you understood, it was a huge relief. I knew how important you were to him. Tony too. I felt like I robbed him of the family he found after the ice.” He was leaning down so he could speak quietly in your ear. “Then he told me that you wanted to meet me. God, I was terrified. All I could remember was Tony when he saw that video. I couldn’t imagine seeing the monster I had been reflected in anyone else’s eyes. Saying you forgive someone is one thing, truly being able to mean it was another. But then when you all came to try and stop Thanos the first time you waltzed off that jet and gave me the biggest smile and then you hugged me instead of shaking my hand. You took my breath away. And it was so strange to come back and then realize that 5 years had gone by. For me, it was like we just picked the fight up where we left off. It wasn’t until after that I saw you were different. You were harder. More determined to keep fighting. More determined to be a pain in my ass and walk into the line of fire when all I wanted to do was make sure you were okay. Not because of Tony. But because you were the first person other than Steve to really make me feel like I was worth all of this, that I was with saving. The idea that you were going to be out there and possibly getting hurt I had to prevent that at all costs. I just wanted you protected and behind your computer at home. That wasn’t fair and I’m sorry for doing that to you. You’re strong and capable. Getting to know you over this past year, even if you were pissed off at me for most of it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m sorry that you had to lose Natasha for me to get my life back. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Nat- but she was an incredible person. I would give my life up in a second to bring her back.” You spun around so you could face him. Even in sky high heels he was looking down at you.

“Don’t say that! Please don’t ever say that.” He studied your tear filled eyes with a kind smile. He slowly put both hands on your cheeks and swiped the unshed tears from your eyes. “As much as it hurts, Natasha had to make that sacrifice to find peace. And loosing you would be just as hard.” His blue eyes sparkled down at you and you felt a swoop in your stomach. He stroked your cheek with his non-metal hand before he dropped them to his side. He watched you take a deep breath and visibly relax.

“I haven’t talked about Natasha much. It just makes me so sad that she’s not here with us today. That she’s not here celebrating our victory. I think not talking about her has made it harder to heal.”

“Any time you want to talk, I’m here to listen.”

“And I will. But not now. This is supposed to be a party.” You smiled up at him, he was impossibly close.

“Well the 3/4 of that champagne bottle you drank will make this a real party for you in a few minutes when it hits you. You tipped your head back and laughed. “There it is.” He said it in a whisper. You have him a questioning look. “My favorite laugh.” He was making you blush again. This must have been what he was like before the war and it definitely wasn’t in your imagination. The flirting from the past few days was actually flirting. You weren’t sure what made him decide to be so obvious about it, but you didn’t care. “If no one else has told you, you look incredible tonight.” You were clad in a black strapless sweetheart neckline dress with a sequined bodice and jewel embellishments down the tulle skirt.

“You clean up pretty nicely yourself. I like the hair cut by the way.”

“It was time to get rid of the last thing that reminded me of The Winter Soldier...well other than the scary arm.”

“The arm isn’t scary.”

“No? Some of the looks I get say otherwise.”

“No. The metal arm is actually pretty sexy.” You didn’t even think before you said it. He had a smirk plastered to his face and this time you made yourself blush.

“You think I’m sexy?”

“I said the arm was sexy.” He stepped closer so you were leaning against the high railing again, his arms on either side of you caging you in again. You felt the tip of his nose run across your shoulder and up your neck as he whispered in your ear.

“You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?” The two of you had been dancing around each other for the last year, neither brave enough to make the next move. “If it wasn’t obvious by now, I have feelings for you. Big ones. The only question is, do you feel the same?”

“Do you really have to ask? Of course I do.” You felt his lips press against your shoulder and then your neck and it was like someone sucked the air out of you. He placed his hand in the side of your face and looked into your eyes for a moment and then put you out of your misery by pressing his lips to yours. It was like the missing piece had finally been put in its place. As you gripped his shoulders to deepen the kiss you heard someone clear their throat.

“Gross. Get a room.” Sam’s teasing voice rang out through the air. Bucky groaned and dropped his head as you peered around him to look at Sam. “Listen, this is your party Stark, you better get in there before someone else comes out here looking for you. Last thing we need is a reporter snapping a picture of this and ruining everyone’s breakfast tomorrow.”

“Yeah yeah we’re coming.” Bucky’s voice was laced with irritation. When Sam had retreated back inside you cupped both sides of Bucky’s face and pressed your lips to his again.

“Come dance with me. I’ve heard you’ve got some moves.”

“They May be outdated sweetheart.” You grabbed the bottle of champagne and downed the rest of it and then took Bucky’s hand and pulled him towards the entrance.

***

“You okay? I mean you seem okay now, but I know you’re good at hiding it.” You were standing with Steve side by side at the bar. The bar that Nat would often mix drinks at during one of the many party’s your father would throw. Bucky had excused himself to go dig out more of Thor’s Asgardian liquor for him and Steve. You were pleasantly buzzed if not a little bit drunk. Your face hurt from laughing. You had spent the evening dancing with Bucky, Sam and Sam’s date. She worked for you at Stark Industries in research and development. You had introduced her and Sam a few months ago and they, as you knew they would hit it off. She was funny like Sam but tough enough to not take his shit. He needed someone to keep him in line.

“I really am Steve. I promise. It just hit me hard when I was standing up there. Bucky, he.-“ Steve grinned and cut you off.

“It’s about time. I’ve watched the two of you tip toe around liking each other since he joined us. There’s a reason you get so angry with him.” You gave him your infamous eye narrow and lip pursed expression. “Y/N- even your father knew. He encouraged Bucky to go to you.” Your eyes widened.

“He did?!” You knew Tony had let go of what happened but you never would have expected him to be okay with you having any sort of romantic relationship with James Buchanan Barnes...let alone encourage it.”

“He wants you to be happy. He’s happy. After everything that has happened he knows how important it is to say how you feel. He wants you to have what he has. He sees how Buck looks at you, how you look at him. How you talk about him. He’d never deny you that.” You looked over at your father and Pepper dancing and felt your heart swell for him. Your attention was drawn back when you heard Bucky set a glass down in front of Steve.

“God that smells like turpentine” you scrunched your nose in disgust.

“Well sweetheart not all of us can still be light weights.” Bucky grinned at you. Steve excused himself to head over to Sharon. You were happy that he seemed to find some happiness after everything. He had thought about going back and staying with Peggy. But creating a new timeline could have consequences. Plus the idea of leaving Bucky behind what inconceivable. You watched as Bucky downed his drink and shuddered a little bit. You both laughed and then he put his hand out as a slow song started playing over the crowd. You placed your hand in his and led him lead you to the dance floor. His one hand found the small of your back and pulled you flush against him while your other hand was still in his. You placed your free hand on the back of his neck, enjoying the feeling of his freshly buzzed hair. He kissed you lightly and you enjoyed being so close to him. If anyone would have told you this was how you would spend your night, you would have laughed at them.

“So my father gave you his blessing I hear?” Bucky let out a throaty laugh.

“And then threatened my life if I ever hurt you. He said he still has a suit.” You laughed and rolled your eyes.

“That sounds like my father. I’m glad he did. I’ve been hoping you’d make a move for a long time.”

“You could have made a move on me you know.”

“True- but you’re old. I didn’t want to offend your old fashioned ways.”

“You wound me.” You gave Bucky a grin.

“Speaking of old fashioned...your dance moves are pretty nice.”

“Oh yeah?” He flirted. Before you could respond, gun shots rang through the air and a group of men bounded in the room with semi-automatic weapons.”

“That’s the leader of the drug ring. Samuel O’Brien.” You were wide eyed and pulled away from Bucky. Samuel narrowed his eyes at you.

“So I assume it’s you and your friends that took want was mine. Now, I’ll take what is yours.” You watched as his eyes locked on your fathers. Before Bucky could stop you, you ran towards your father and pushed him out of the way as a bullet sank into your abdomen as the both of you crashed to the ground. Your ears were ringing and it seemed like everything was moving in slow motion.

“Dammit Y/N! You shouldn’t have done that!” Tony cried out as he pulled his jacket off to put pressure on the bullet. You couldn’t speak. You locked eyes with your father for a moment and then everything faded to black.

***

You felt pain, white hot searing pain. Your eye lids felt like they weighed a thousand pounds as you struggled to open them. As the white room came into focus you heard the steady beeping of a hospital monitor.

“Y/N?!” You slowly glanced to your right and saw the worried looks of your father and Steve Rogers. Your father had jumped up and was fussing over you and you groaned. “What? What is it? What hurts?”

“Everything.” You saw Steve reach over and click a button on your IV.

“Thank God you woke up.” Tony ran his hand over your head and kissed your forehead. You started to feel fuzzy again and felt yourself slowly slip from consciousness from the pain meds Steve had sent into your veins.

You didn’t know how long you had been out for as you slowly blinked your eyes open again. You felt the heat of someone’s arm next to yours. When you looked to the side there sat James Buchanan Barnes with his head resting on his arms. You picked your hand up and slowly ran your fingers through his hair. It took him a moment to wake up. He slowly picked his head up and gave you a sleep smile.

“Hey.” You whispered.

“Hey yourself.” He sat up and pulled his chair closer and took your hand. “Any pain.” You shook your head no. “Good, I mean they have you pretty drugged. Jesus you scared the shit out of me. I can’t believe you did that.”

“He’s my dad.” Was all you could say. “Did you get him?”

“Yes. We got every damn one of them.”

“How long?”

“You’ve been unconscious for almost two weeks. Most of it was medically induced. There was a lot of damage and internal bleeding. They tapered you’re meds down and it took two more days for you to wake up. We thought we were going to lose you. I thought I lost you and I just finally got you. Not that you belong to me.” Bucky sighed and stopped talking.

“You didn’t lose me. And if you’ll have me, I’d love to belong to you.” He pulled your hand to his mouth and kissed it.

“I love you Y/N...I think I have for a long time. I don’t know what I would have done if you didn’t pull through.” His voice caught with emotion.

“Hey- Bucky- I’m not going anywhere. I love you too.” He wiped a tear that slipped from your eye. He stood up and leaned over to place an gentle kiss on your lips. Your recovery would be tough, but you would get through it with Bucky by your side.

[sporadic-bursts-of-energy]

The Defense of Team Cap (Semi-Formalized) June 30th, 2020

@glassferns​ I did it. Look at how much I wrote. And the tags.

It began when Fern sent me this

I am on Team Cap. Because of this, so when Fern sent me that I went straight to the teams defense, and this is that, but slightly formalized.

I have to agree that Steve was being extreme in his reaction to the Sokovia Accords, however there were valid reasons for him to be against the Accords and outside factors that made the response more extreme than it had to be.

To begin, we know that General Ross has been shown to be biased towards members of the Avengers with extreme abilities and no binding alliances (other than to the Avengers), such as Wanda Maximoff(Scarlet Witch) and Bruce Banner(The Hulk). Aside from this he is not, and has never been according to my memory, on particularly good terms with any of the Avengers.

Secondly, the government of the United States (in the MCU for the purposes of this argument) has not taken credit for things they’ve done. For example, in Marvel’s The Avengers(2012), The World Council, a panel of representatives from multiple countries around the world which oversaw S.H.I.E.L.D., made the decision to send a nuke to New York City in an attempt to stop the Chitauri from invading Earth. Not only, would this have killed at least 8 million people (there would have been others unaccounted for) but it most likely would have failed in stopping the invasion, because the Chitauri ships would have been out of range of the blast they would have been able to continue their invasion, but without the buffer made by the Avengers.

Thirdly, yes the Avengers have made mistakes. They are a human/human-like group of 8(sometimes 10) that try to deal with extreme threats to society, they will not be able to have successful mission 100% of the time. Let’s take a look at some of their mistakes and see how they could have been avoided. First off, Ultron. In Sokovia, the Avengers managed to minimize the damage as much as they could. Ultron himself was meant to be the peace-keeper the world needed, and had Tony Stark and Bruce Banner finished Ultron’s coding/upload before his conscience was activated, it’s highly unlikely that he would have actually caused so much damage. Secondly, Lagos. Wanda Maximoff saved hundreds of people. From what I could gather, there were hundreds of people in that marketplace that would have definitely died had Wanda not contained the explosion, and yes, those that were in the building and suffered from the explosion should not have had to deal with that, but comparatively, it was under 100 people vs hundreds. From the footage available, it also seems that Wanda was trying to send the explosion as high as she could away from all people, it’s just that she wasn’t able to contain it long enough to get it all the way up. Now, Wanda wouldn’t have had to deal with that explosion had Steve registered the bomb earlier. But he didn’t. And for this, I have to give partial blame to the government, specifically S.H.I.E.L.D.. Not all of the blame, but some of it. 

Specifically because, this 27(?) year old man who died to save his country from the Tesseract lost everything. His friends, family, job, everything. Except for one person. The way they reintroduced him to the world would’ve been a huge shock and most likely did nothing to help his mental state. Additionally, he had about 2 weeks between his arrival in the 21st century before he had to turn around and fight for the exact thing he had lost everything for. If that wasn’t damaging enough to his psyche in Captain America: Civil War(2016) Peggy died. She was the last thing he had from the time he should have been living in and she was gone. This messed him up emotionally. 

Similarly, Tony also would have been emotionally compromised because of his break with Pepper Potts. Having the two leaders of the team be emotionally compromised only hindered their decision making abilities which made their responses to such a rift being formed in the Avengers extreme.

Additionally, the government, specifically Colonel Phillips from Captain America: The First Avenger(2011), has made bad calls before. In the 40s, Steve was not supposed to rescue the 107th, he went against orders to do that. Their rescue was the victory that finally got Steve to go on more missions and save more people. So if he had listened to his superiors at the time, he both would have been stuck as a showperson (and potentially stuck in a lab after the war), the entire 107th would have been dead, and hydra would have stayed strong in its mission, meaning it could have done anything to the world. Another instance is in Captain America: The Winter Soldier(2014) when S.H.I.E.L.D. was going to use the tri-carriers to ‘protect’ the world. Though this was mainly Hydra, the program was still created/approved by the government and would have ruled through fear. Though this wasn’t a factor in Captain America: Civil War, S.H.I.E.L.D. did train Ava Starr(The Ghost) to be used in a manner similar to that of the Winter Soldier when he was under Hydras control. This only further cements the idea that S.H.I.E.L.D. and the government have not consistently thought about the wellbeing of many people and have given the Avengers many reasons to not trust them 100%.

Finally, the Avengers were given 3 days to read through a thick packet and make a decision that would severely affect their lives as a team. I assume this was done to intentionally pressure them into giving up a large portion of their control. Circling back to General Ross not having a very good standing with the Avengers and overall being a suspicious person. Considering he was the one to present the Sokovia Accords to the Avengers, I assume that there were some clauses that were not in the best interests of the Avengers or the people.

In conclusion, Team Cap had many reasons to go against the Sokovia Accords. There were too many unknown factors and too little time for the Avengers to make a sound decision as a team. Had they been given more time, they might have been able to negotiate a healthy supervision from the governments of the world. They made a good point of, what if we need to go somewhere they won’t let us. Despite what Natasha Romanoff said, I don’t think that them signing the Accords would allow them to still have, “one hand on the wheel” I think it would be more like the Avengers sitting in the passenger seat with a fake wheel in front of them. I do concede that the reactions of Team Cap were extreme and largely unnecessary but so were the reactions of Team Iron Man. This was all because the leaders of both teams were compromised. All of the mess and drama could have been avoided had the Avengers been given both more time to truly examine the Sokovia Accords and had more emotional and mental support during their years on active duty.

Due to all these factors and the faults of both teams, I’m Team Thor.

Original Argument made on Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 between 10:46pm(22:46) and 11:19pm(23:19) via text message conversation.

Sources:

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Trivia Facts about movies listed above

The Memory of @sporadic-bursts-of-energy

[bunnyhanasong]

Foolish Girl

Main ship: widowtracer

Side ships: pharmercy

Genre: angst

Notes: bit of a canon deviation, clearly. Lena is a dumb lesbian and Widowmaker thinks so too

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Tracer, don’t you dare run off to find that sniper again. We nearly lost you the last time.”

Lena huffed at Pharah’s words as she slid on her bracers, “Oh please, you wouldn’t get rid of me that easy, love. Besides, she means no harm; to me anyway. If she wanted me dead she wouldn’t miss me every time.”

“Lena,” a stern voice spoke from behind Fareeha’s shoulder, “I want you to stay where I can see you. It doesn’t matter if she hadn’t fatally shot you yet, that shouldn’t be a risk you’re willing to take.”

“But-”

Angela raised an eyebrow at her protest, silently daring the younger woman to argue with her again. Lena sighed and crossed her arms, pouting a little at the combat medic.

“Fine. Whatever you say, mum.”

“It’s my job to keep you safe, child,” Angela ignored the mocking tone in her words, “I can’t very well do that if you’re out of range chasing after a woman you know might as well be dead.”

“Angela...” Hana spoke up from where she was fiddling with the controls on her new black and gold Meka, “Don’t go there.”

Hana knew how sensitive a topic Amélie’s kidnapping and brainwashing was for Lena, even though it’d been years by then. Even though Tracer herself had seen what she had become; even though she was well aware that Amélie was gone and Widowmaker had taken her place. Hana had seen the way Lena mourned the loss of her friend, the woman she had silent feelings for. Hana hadn’t been there when it happened, didn’t even know Amélie before Gérard’s murder, but she had held Lena while she sobbed after the first time she met Widowmaker. For her, that was enough to break her heart.

Lena had gone silent at Angela’s words, her face held an annoyed look that didn’t quite reach her sad eyes. She just dipped her head in digression, brushing past Fareeha to go stand with Hana instead. Her friend gave her a sympathetic smile and patted her hand, launching into some excited ramble about her Mech’s new features in an attempt to distract Lena.

“Must you be so harsh with her?” Brigitte questioned softly while leaning closer to Angela, “She’s reckless, yes, but she’s a strong girl. Mentioning past trauma so bluntly like that will only make her more likely to defy you.”

“When’d you get so soft, kid?” Solider:76 grumbled, “Let Angela do her job, pestering people is how she shows affection.”

Angela shrugged off her teammates’ input, already regretting the way she handled things with Lena. Though Lena called her mom as a joke, Mercy did feel like a mother figure to the younger woman. Really, she felt like that was just part of her job; the team mom. Back in the day, Lena would come to her about everything and never hide anything from Angela. However, as of late it felt like there was a rift between them and they would butt heads more often than not.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Hubibi,” Fareeha’s low voice was gentle in her ear as she spoke the pet name warmly, “You didn’t mean to upset her like that. You two can work things out later, yes?”

Angela nodded, “I’ll speak with her after the mission. I really didn’t mean to bring it up like that... I sometimes forget how much it still hurts her.”

“You meant nothing malicious, Angela,” Pharah hummed in agreement, “It will be alright.”

“Thank you, Liebling,” Angela’s accent returned full force as she spoke in her mother tongue, “I do hope you’re right.”

“Landing in Paris in sixty seconds,” the robotic voice of Athena blared through the aircrafts speakers, “Prepare to attack.”

At the announcement of an ETA, Jack Morrison jumped back into his commander role. He started instructing people where to go and who to target, explaining once again the intent of this mission. Talon had taken some French diplomats hostage in a high rise building, ensuring maximum security would deter Overwatch from entering. That didn’t stop them, of course, and they had every intention of sending Talon scurrying home with their tails between their legs.

“Pharah, D.va, keep your eyes on the skies. Mercy, stay back and only jump it when necessary, I don’t have to remind you that healing is more important than fighting,” Angela nodded at his words, “Tracer, you’re on perimeter. Eliminate any enemies that threaten your teammates directly and keep them away from Mercy.”

“You got it, love,” Lena’s reply was missing her usual jovial giggle and happy tone, sounding more like it was said in Athena’s monotone accent.

Jack continued to ramble off orders, turning back to where Winston was operating the aircraft. He had offered the pilot’s chair to Lena before they left the watchpoint, but she had just offered him a nervous smile and a shake of her head. Planes weren’t bad anymore but flying them herself still sent her into intense panic attacks that even Angela had a hard time reversing. Even though it was years in the past, the Slipstream incident affected Lena more than she’d like to let on.

As Winston landed the plane, everyone got into position. Hana had gotten into her Mech, adjusting controls and testing her defence matrix. Brigitte was at her side, somehow still cracking jokes with the younger girl despite the dire mission.

Fareeha and Angela were speaking lowly to each other, making Lena smile despite herself when Angela adjusted Pharah’s hair under her helmet so it stayed out of her eyes. The two had clearly grown closer since Fareeha joined Overwatch and it was no secret that they were together at that point. There was always a certain softness between them, despite Fareeha’s gruffness and Angela’s no-nonsense attitude.

“Your accelerator is working fine?” Winston’s question broke Tracer from her thoughts, “No issues?”

“Right as rain, love,” Tracer promised, “Been ticking away as it should.”

“Good,” Winston nodded as he pocketed his glasses and nudged Lena forward, “Stay safe out there, Lena.”

“You too,” Tracer nodded just as the doors to the aircraft opened with Athena’s countdown.

“Tracer, keep your damn comm in your ear this time!” Soldier’s yell was barely heard over the sound of Hana’s meka as it’s rear boosters engaged and took her out into the sky. Lena flashed forward, quickly gaining distance between her and her team as she went to monitor the perimeter.

Winston and Reinhardt took up the front, immediately storming the Talon base with everyone else close behind. Pharah and D.va had taken to the sky, though Hana quickly landed to assist the others. Tracer glanced behind her to keep an eye on Angela, who was hovering behind everyone with her Caduceus staff in hand.

“Mercy, I’m going round back, let me know if you need me to recall back to you.”

“Affirmative,” Angela’s soft voice spoke in her ear, “I’ll be fine, Tracer.”

With that, Lena was off, making it to the back of the building in record time. She searched back entrances for any minor Talon agents, ensuring that she was alone. She secured the doors with the motion alarms Winston had given her, which would directly notify them if someone tripped the sensor. She was just about to go back to check on Angela when Hana’s slightly out of breath warning came through the comm.

“Sniper! Don’t get caught!”

Lena perked up a bit at that, so she did show up. She placed the last motion sensor absentmindedly and then glanced around her to ensure no one was around. Clearly someone knew of her motives because her comm crackled with an incoming message again.

“Lena Oxton, don’t you da-”

Angela’s warning was cut off when Tracer yanked the earpiece out and let it drop into the strap of her accelerator. She checked the charge and saw the blinking 94%, immediately jumping forward in time to get to the roof quickly. She sent a silent apology to her teammates, especially Mercy, but told herself she was doing this to protect them.

“Cheers, love,” Lena giggled as she flashed forward to stand behind the willowy woman near the edge of the roof, “the cavalry’s here.”

She made no move to shoot and neither did the sniper, who instead turned to face her with a stoic expression, “Chérie.”

“Fancy seeing you here,” Tracer recalled backwards when Widowmaker took a step too close for her liking, “Almost thought Talon woulda given up on you. Fifty shots, one kill, eh?”

“Watch yourself, petite fille,” the way her voice litted when she spoke in her native tongue seemed so Amélie that Lena felt her heart clench painfully.

“Ah, just kidding around, love.” Lena giggles nervously as she rubbed at the back of her neck, “So what, I come all the way up here to see you, defying orders I might add; Mercy’s gonna have my arse, and you just wanna talk? No warning shot, no fist fight even? Have you lost your edge, dear Widowmaker?”

“Do you have a deathwish, mademoiselle Oxton?” The formal remark said in Amélie’s voice hurt more than she’d let on, “Is that what this is for you? Une rendez-vous avec la mort?”

“Aw, love, if I had known this was a date I would have dressed nicer,” Lena mused playfully, “Woulda brought you flowers or somethin’.”

Widowmaker sighed deeply, taking a step towards the small woman who was watching her with wide dark eyes behind her goggles. Her dancers legs gave her a lot of height on Tracer, making it so two large steps were all she needed to cross the distance between them.

Lena was a bit shocked when the distance between them shrunk so quickly that Widowmaker was almost immediately towering over her. She backed up a bit more only to be met with the wall of the storage container behind her, yelping a little at the contact.

“Oh? What’s this?” Widowmaker’s voice was mocking and a smirk played on her lips, “The mighty Tracer startled so easily? Not so confident when you can’t put distance between you and your enemies, huh, Chérie?”

“Oh, come off it,” Lena didn’t want to admit how unease those unreadable golden eyes made her, “You don’t scare me, love. No offense.”

Widowmaker hummed in thought before lifting her gun to tilt Lena’s chin up, forcing eye contact, “Is that so?”

“You haven’t killed me yet,” Lena murmured, “If you wanted me dead I would have been so ages ago. Either you’ve lost your touch, or I’ve grown on you.”

“Ah,” Widowmaker chuckled lowly, “Haven’t you ever seen a spider tease her prey before, chérie? Killing you immediately would take all the fun out of it, and it does get dreadfully boring up on this roof all alone.”

Tracer felt the muzzle of the gun nudge the dip in her shoulder in a teasing manner, trying to hide her flinch as she stayed silent. She wasn’t usually this jumpy and certainly would never back down from a fight. She just wouldn’t admit how entranced and distracted she became in Widowmaker’s presence.

“Besides,” the tall woman purred as she leaned closer to Lena, “You’re hardly a threat, darling. Just a hyperactive puppy who thinks she can save the world. It’s almost cute... mais pathétique.”

“You’re bluffing, love,” Lena finally spoke, trying to regain confidence, “Since when did you back down from a fight?”

Widowmaker just shrugged, one hand coming up to rest on the wall beside Lena’s head. Lena’s breathing hitched as she felt her warm breath on her skin, hands coming up ready to shove the other woman away.

“Like I said, Lena; it’s cute.”

Lena felt her heart clench painfully at those words, the way she said her name sounded so much like Amélie that it made her feel queasy. The ache in her chest was amplified by the weight of her accelerator on her body, making her want to cry because she was so close, yet deep down Lena knew; Amélie was gone. She still couldn’t stop herself from whispering in a pained voice.

“Amé...”

Widowmaker raised an eyebrow, golden eyes observing her with an almost pitying look, “Oh, tu pauvre fille. Amélie is gone, you know that.”

“I- please... don’t.”

The way Lena’s voice wavered made Widowmaker shake her head. She didn’t remember much of her life as Amélie Lacroix, but she did have some memory of a particular hyper overwatch agent. Memories that seemed bittersweet, though Widowmaker herself wasn’t too sure what emotion connected to them anymore. She could remember the fondness Lena used to look at Amélie with, and it was pretty obvious that she had once felt more than friendship for her mentor’s wife.

“It’s time to let go, Lena,” Widowmaker said firmly, but surprisingly not unkind, “You can’t keep doing this. I am not her, chérie, I will never be her again.”

Lena tried to hard to put on a brave face as she replied, “We could help you! Widowmaker, please, Mercy could bring Amé back...”

“It’s too late, foolish girl,” Widowmaker trailed a surprisingly gentle hand down Tracer’s cheek, “You have to let her go.”

Before Lena could respond, a raspy warning came from behind them, “Widowmaker... The mission does not include fraternizing with the enemy.”

Letting go of Tracer, the sniper turned to face Reaper, who somehow looked disappointed though his face was an unmoving white mask. Widowmaker chuckled lowly, her body language just as relaxed as before.

“Oh I’m just playing around, Reaper, mon ami,” despite her words, her tone was not friendly at all.

“And yet, you’ve not killed her? Have you lost your touch, Widowmaker? Are you becoming soft?” Reaper’s hands tightened around his guns, “Moira will not hesitate to increase your treatments, if necessary.”

“She is not my target,” Widowmaker recited slowly, “She did not make a move to shoot me or even stop me. If anything, she is but a distraction.”

“Widowmaker,” Reaper’s warning wasn’t growled out, “Don’t test me.”

“She is not my target,” She glanced back at Tracer as she repeated herself firmly. The girl was standing absolutely still, having raised her blasters with shaking hands. She was almost hiding behind Widowmaker, as though she trusted her enough to protect her from the shell of Gabriel Reyes.

Reaper huffed and raised one of his guns in the blink of an eye, too fast for either woman to react. Widowmaker flinched and jumped to the side, expecting Lena to recall out of the way like she so often did while they were fighting. However, a yelp of pain told her otherwise and she immediately spun on her heels to see Tracer crumpling to the ground.

“We’re leaving in 20 minutes, don’t miss the ship and stop making dumb mistakes. You are but a machine, Widowmaker, don’t make me shut you down.”

With that, Reaper disappeared from the roof, shifting to wraith form. Widowmaker watched him leave with baited breath and then turned to Lena, who was white as a sheet and breathing shallowly.

“Oh, you foolish girl,” Widowmaker crooned as she crouched beside the younger woman, “Why didn’t you recall out of the way?”

Tracer was clutching at her thigh, blood seeping through the obnoxious orange spandex she always wore. She huffed and rolled her eyes the best she could, “W-Was a little... distracted, love.”

Widowmaker sighed and brushed Lena’s spiky, unruly hair from her eyes, “God, you’re quite the magnet for trouble, aren’t you.”

Noticing the signs of shock setting in and realizing Lena was having trouble keeping her eyes open, Widowmaker knew she needed to make a decision. She could kill her, that was what her programming was tell her to do, but she didn’t think she could do it. Even if it was to put the girl out of her misery and rid herself of an annoying pest, there was a tiny voice screaming in her mind to save her.

Ignoring Lena’s protests, Widowmaker grabbed the communications device that was hanging from her accelerator. She brought it up to her ear and pressed a button, hearing a beep and then multiple overwatch agents’ voices calling for Lena.

“Angela Ziegler,” Widowmaker spoke coldly, “Your puppy got off her leash.”

The comm crackled and a confused voice spoke in accented English, “Amélie?”

“Widowmaker,” she corrected through gritted teeth, “She’s been shot, Ziegler. Shock setting in and losing consciousness, you’d best come work your magic before I have to put her down.”

“I-,” Mercy was stumbling over her words as she came to terms with what had been said, “You didn’t kill her?”

“I was not the one who shot her,” Widowmaker replied, “She is not my target.”

“Amélie, I-.”

“That is not my name, madam Ziegler,” the French woman warned lowly, “Come save your little pest before it is too late.”

With that she dropped the comm and turned to Lena again, who was shaking like a leaf as her body temperature dropped. Widowmaker frowned and brushed a gloved hand over her sweaty forehead, “Pauvure chiot.”

“W-why do you always... why do you c-call me that?”

Widowmaker’s golden eyes glinted with a surprisingly amount of fondness, “You are like a puppy, no? Annoying and loud, but I do suppose you’re cute to some.”

“W-well aren’t you... quite the charmer,” Lena gasped as she shifted and a spark of pain shot through her leg. She heard someone calling her name in the distance and watched with glassy eyes as Widowmaker glanced over her shoulder.

“Your friends will be here for you soon,” she spoke in a strangely gentle way, “Stay out of trouble, little pup.”

“Amé... please stay.”

Widowmaker smiled at her sadly, not bothering to correct the woman who was clearly in shock, “Adieu, Chérie.”

With that, she left Tracer slumped against the storage unit, knowing her family would find her in the next couple minutes. She threw her grapple to the rooftop across the way, spotting the talon ship hovering nearby.

With a glance over her shoulder she saw a familiar blonde figure crouching over Lena’s body. Widowmaker sighed and shifted her gun sling over her back.

“Stay alive, foolish girl.”

[shirtlesssammy]

15x03: The Rupture

Then:

Long Live the Queen

Now:

We start right where we left off. Hunters are guarding the failing perimeter, while our team heads back to the crypt to perform Rowena’s spell. They set to salting the place while Rowena casts her spell. It starts to reinforce the barrier, but then things start to flicker and Rowena is knocked back in a blast. The spell didn’t work.

There are too many ghosts and they’re too strong. Dean suggests killing as many ghosts as possible before the wall falls, but Rowena scoffs at the idea. Belphegor walks off and Cas follows him. Dean gets all soldier mode and starts yelling about not giving up. 

*Samwitch Alert* Sam, ever the mediator, hunkers down next to Rowena to ask if she needs anything. He rests his hand gently on her shoulder and they share meaningful looks. 

Meanwhile, Bel and Cas wander the graveyard. Bel tells Cas, “You can’t even look at me.” Put a pin in that comment. They wander to the hell mouth. 

Sam and Dean discuss strategy. Dean’s pissed at God. (*AHEM*). He’s not going down without a fight. Sam is distracted, staring at a lovely framed Rowena looking at the Book of the Damned. 

Bel has an idea. He suggests finding Lilith’s Crook, a horn Lilith used to keep order with all the demons in Hell that she sent to Earth.

If they get it and use it, they can draw all the ghosts and demons that are now topside, back to Hell. Rowena has a spell of her own devising to close the hole in the ground. (Crack thought: This is a healing spell. Maybe she’ll use it on herself to heal her own wound.) The spell only takes a couple ingredients, and she’ll need an assistant. She says this while looking at Cas, but then says, “Dibs on Samuel.” Lololololol. That’s right, girl, he’s all yours. 

Someone will also have to lob the spell bomb over the edge of the tear. Belphegor then pipes up asking for help in Hell. “I want protection. Muscle.” Without a beat, Dean responds, “Yeah, Cas’ll go.” And Cas’s look of WTF sums things up quite nicely. Cas has been to Hell before. I mean, yes, uurgh, saving your sorry ass from it, Dean (ok, I’m on no Dean hate-train but it’s easy to lash back at him when he’s being this way.) “Well, it sounds like I don’t have a choice.” I feel like all three members of Team Free Will uttered something along those lines tonight and I’m not well. Dean says, “Go team.” There’s no free will in this house. 

Ketch is still in the hospital and is visited by the demon, Ardat. Things don’t go well. (Remember in Temple of Doom when they ripped a still beating heart out of someone and an entire film industry created a whole new rating because of it? Now they’re just showing this shit on network TV at 7pm. What a time to be alive.) (Also, good riddance Ketch. You killed Eileen and I’ll never forgive you.)

Belphegor continues to needle Cas with the idea that he’s not wanted by the Winchesters. Cas tries to ignore him. Cas asks how they get down there. Belphegor isn’t sure and walks closer to the edge to look over. Cas pushes him over the edge and a good time was had by all. Cas jumping in after him, not so much fun. 

Bleached hair hunter (what’s her name, she seems cool and I hope she sticks around) shows up with all the spell ingredients for Rowena. Dean reveals that he DOES know about Harry Potter. 

Dean hears from Ketch, but it’s not Ketch, and Dean spills their entire plan to Ardat. Question: If Castiel is spelled with one ‘s’ but his nickname is spelled ‘Cass’, why wouldn’t Belphegor’s nickname be ‘Bell’? (Why yes, I do like to rehash centuries old fandom sticking points.) 

Cas and Belphegor wander around a very quiet Hell. Everyone is topside apparently. 

Belphegor tells Cas that he thinks he’s growing on Sam and Dean, “like a cancer.” Cas tells him that they’re using him and that he shouldn’t mistake that for care (AAGHH, stop). They find Lilith’s vault. 

Inside the vault, they discover a demon happily looting the place. He greets Belphegor cheerfully. Looting is fun! When the other demon doesn’t have the horn, however, Cas kills him immediately. Cas is SO DONE. Belphegor leads Cas to the box containing Lilith’s crook and we learn that it’s warded by an Enochian hymn praising Lucifer. How very on brand for Lilith! She was also the only one who could read Enochian so, Belphegor points out, it’s a damn convenient thing that Cas came along on this trip to Hell. 

Cas tries to recite the incantation on the box but it fails. Belphegor points out that perhaps it ought to be sung. We as a fandom are then ROBBED of Misha singing the entire incantation. (CC: Shaving people punting things? After a suitable mourning period, of course.)

Dean sets up next to the Hell pit while inside, Sam’s torn between fighting alongside his brother and performing the quieter (but essential) magics inside. THIS SCENE -- this tiny line represents so much of what I hope for Sam’s journey this season. That he’s described as a witch by Rowena, that he’s GOOD at this and leadership… There’s so much potential just waiting below the surface for Sam to give voice and form. “And magic isn’t fighting?” Rowena asks him as he frets. “[Dean’s] doing his part; it’s time for you to do yours.” GUH

In Hell, Cas pulls out the crook. It is indeed a sheep’s horn. He’s about to hand it over when he’s tossed across the room. It’s Ardat! She’s been onto Belphegor since the gates flew open, suspecting that he’d try to take over Hell. Cas and Ardat fight, Ardat arguing that Belphegor’s aspirations are much higher than he lets on. Belphegor kills Ardat and Cas confronts him about her claims. Belphegor laughs and then casts Cas from the vault. 

He crows over his victory to Cas. The crook is a siphon that can pull all the souls into him, giving him godlike power. Cas realizes that every move by Belphegor has been carefully planned to somehow get Cas down to Hell with him to open the chest and get him the horn. WHERPS.  As Belphegor blows the horn, the Earth and Hell resonate with it. Cas struggles against a forceful wind to try to get back into the vault and stop Belphegor. 

For That Shirt Barely Survived Science

In the crypt, Sam and Rowena join hands and start the spell.

They chant together. Sam turns away for a moment to look towards the door, no doubt wondering what’s going on outside. Rowena calls him to task with a gentle smile and “Sam.” GUH that’s what finally broke me. (Boris has always been the more ardent Samwitch shipper but this gentle remonstrance really did me in.) The spell ignites. Dean’s hex bag glows and he hurls it into the pit. Belphegor fills with souls. It’s happening! All the things!

And then Cas tackles Belphegor and the horn ceases abruptly. He punches Belphegor again and again. (It has been a VERY trying couple of days.)

Upstairs, something’s wrong. The rift continues to crumble but Rowena looks…afraid. 

Cas is interrupted from punching Belphegor by the demon pleading for mercy in Jack’s voice. “It’s me. Jack.” UGH fucking demons. Cas is visibly tormented by this. He spreads his hand, hesitates, then summons his grace. It...FLICKERS. (Ruh roh) Still, it ignites enough for him to press his palm to Belphegor’s forehead - to Jack’s forehead - and smite him. (Ever since that Shaving people promo, I’ve been expecting Jacks’ body to burn but I never imagined that Cas would have had to be the one to do it. What a horrible, traumatic thing. Excuse me while I wrap Cas in a blanket, then myself, then Boris, then all of you readers.) (Boris: *crying noise, crying noise*)

Sam and Dean compare notes over the phone. The crack is closing but “something doesn’t feel right.” That old hunter instinct is correct, because things are about to get even worse. Rowena wanders across the room while Sam is on the phone. He looks over in time to see her STAB HERSELF in the shoulder. She pulls out her resurrection sachet. “Won’t need that where I’m going.” 

Rowena bitterly explains that they’ve bungled their last option. Or, penultimate option. There’s one more spell she can use to contain the souls. “Death is an infinite vessel,” she explains. “It draws its power from its caster.” Tears linger on her cheeks as she reveals that there are only two ingredients: her “still-coursing blood and the last is my final breath.” She’ll absorb all the spirits and after a time, her body will break down and release them all to Hell where they belong. (She will also, of course, be trapped there AND dead which SUCKS BIG TIME.) 

Sam tries to talk her out of it but she doubles down. She needs to die and Sam’s the one who must do it. “My real, permanent demise is in your hands. It’s in Death’s books.” Sam tries the “screw fate” argument on her but it doesn’t fly.

Outside, Cas reemerges from the pit and Dean confronts him about the shaky spell. Cas explains that he had to kill Belphegor and the crook was destroyed, and Dean handles it with his customary grace. JK Dean flips the fuck out. 

Rowena says something incredibly intriguing to me, then. Rowena tells Sam that she wouldn’t kill herself for the sake of anybody, but she would do it for prophecy. For magic, to which she’s devoted her life. (I’m looking directly at Billie here, who chose to reveal the agent of Rowena’s demise to her. Who MEDDLED and helped bring this about. Billie! What’s your game? Call me!) Sam tries to pull away from Rowena, who has gripped his hand and pressed the knife to her gut. “We’ve gotten quite fond of each other, haven’t we?” she asks and places a friendly hand on his shoulder. I’d love to write that suddenly PUPPIES ran into the crypt and they played with them for the rest of the episode but…

Rowena tearfully commands Sam to kill her, weighing her life against the fate of the world and the survival of Dean. She pushes AAAALLL of Sam’s buttons. Sam embraces her and stabs her right in the gut at the same time. She forces him to look her in the eyes afterward. “That’s my boy,” she tells him and I take a crying break from this recap because this performance is too goddamn much. 

And just like that, the first ingredient is in play. Rowena walks from the crypt in her flowing pink gown like a stained rose and souls fly into her. She strides to the edge of the pit and looks at Team Free Will one last time before saying, “Goodbye, boys.” She throws herself down into the depths of Hell. The ground seals behind her. It’s done. 

For Buffy Summers “Death is your gift” Science

In the bunker Dean’s footsteps echo down an empty hallway. He checks in on Sam, who’s sitting sorrowfully in his room. Sam brushes away tears before turning to face Dean and I’m basically dead right now. 

Dean drops a quick recap: the town is safe, Hell is closed, Ketch is dead. Dean tries to rally Sam. They beat Chuck’s final apocalypse. Hooray?

Afterwards, Dean throws a giant taco party for all their hunter friends. JUST KIDDING! Dean drinks hard liquor alone in the library when Cas comes in.

Cas asks how Sam’s doing and Dean is just…so angry. Dean asks Cas why he didn’t stick to the plan. Cas defends his decisions. “Something always goes wrong.” 

Dean rejoins with: “Why does that something always seem to be you,” and I’m feeling sudden empathy for Ketch, for I have also just had my heart ripped out of my chest and held, still beating, up to my face. 

“You used to trust me. Give me the benefit of the doubt.” But that’s no longer the case. Cas winds through the issue quickly, with spare words. He’s tried to talk to Dean about what he’s going through, about his failing powers, but Dean freezes him out. Dean still blames him for Mary’s death. Cas realizes it now fully, perhaps. He is DEAD to Dean. This is all delivered so softly. So TERRIBLY softly.

Dean meets this all with utter silence. He is so emotionally shut down, he can’t even shout anymore. There are no broken lamps. It’s just one non-functioning Dean with no words and bare flickers of eye contact.

“I don’t think there’s anything left to say,” Cas concludes and turns to go. 

Finally, Dean speaks. “Where you going?”

“Jack’s dead. Chuck is gone. You and Sam have each other. I think it’s time for me to move on.” Dean speaks not a word, doesn’t move a muscle, and Castiel turns and walks out the door. And just like that, Team Free Will fractures.

We’re back to Sam and Dean against the world, and doesn’t everybody just…feel great?

______________________________

Oh, My Still-Beating Quotes:

Get me close to the epicenter, find me a nice protected ghost free space. I’ll patch those crumbling walls right up and we’ll all be home for high tea.

I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let some glorified fanboy get the last word

To put it in American action movie terms, you’ll be carrying the bomb, I light the fuse, you toss it in

Oh Cas, your voice, it’s like an angel

I’ll be a god. Or, you know, close enough

I know this in my bones. It has to be this way.

I know we’ve gotten quite fond of each other, haven’t we?

______________________________

Want to read more? Check out our Recap Archive! 

[witches-and-weirdos]

Rise of The Purgator (WH40K)

A Dalish woman, Irilla, lived the first quarter of her long life in the hazardous jungles of Atephis III, mastering the art of survival and training in the ways of the warrior, as all her tribe’s members had to. She hunted, both for beasts and intruders, and partook in raids and ambushes against humanity.

One spring, strange and troubling news reached the patriarch about malevolent spirits manifesting all across the sector as the highest ruling class succumbed to some ungodly form of corruption, and sure enough, by summer Atephis III had too been reached by the crisis. Rifts opened into the warp and spewed forth demons with slaughterlust as cultists and traitors began to topple the humans’ rule. The terrible might of this new common enemy loosened the hostility between humans and Dalish, and on occasion, they even united to fight the horrors.

On one such occasion, as they fought cultists side by side, the human troops reported a warp rift’s opening to their officers, then communication broke. Yet when the rescue team arrived, all they found was a passed out Irilla among the slaughtered bodies, and no rift at all.

She was taken into custody and was questioned, but she barely remembered the fight, and if not for the mysteriously disappeared warp rift, she would likely had been executed there and then. As the fortress’ masters debated what to do, chaos attacked, and a rift opened behind the walls as fire rained from the sky. A desperate fight began, and Irilla was locked into her cell, so as to not cause even more harm. The demons slaughtered unstoppably, and when they broke into her cell, in a defensive attempt, she directed her psychic mind at them. The creatures screamed and writhed, and returned to the warp.

She stared as the memories slowly sank back, moment by moment, and a single guard gazed at her as if the God Emperor himself had sent her to save them. In his awe, the guard allowed another beast to charge him, and with an extended hand, now confident and determined, Irilla banished it. The guard jumped from the demon’s screech, and watched it dissolve into nothing, this time, not the only witness. “Please, save us...” He uttered, and Irilla, walked out her cell. “I will do what I can. Just see to it that your lords won’t kill me.”

She ascended from the fortress’s dungeon and walked through its halls, banishing every horror of the warp at will, followed by the growing mass of awestruck troops she saved. “The Emperor’s mercy! She’s a saint he sent to save us! The God-Emperor’s angel had come for us!” The soldiers praised, and seeing the heights this brought their spirits to, she refrained from shattering it all by asking just who this ‘Emperor’ was.

When she was finally outside, the rift rippled with malevolence against her, and she approached it. With hands grabbing at air and pulled together, the rift too had shrunk, and with a righteous scream from her lips, the wound in reality was sealed, and all who witnessed had bowed. “I will fight for you, but I am no saint. Just a Dalen.“ But of course, the humans wouldn’t listen, their minds had already been made up, and over the following years as more and more of them began to follow her and obey her commands, they only became more and more sure of what she denied. Soldiers and officers deserted to join her, mere citizens came to follow, and soon enough, she found herself standing before large maps in a war council that lead its own army and held its own strongholds. Though she never knew true and all-consuming determination until a sleepless night’s visions plagued her.

It was nothing new, seeing small fractions of possible futures and instinctively feeling how likely they were to turn real, but the things she saw had marked the true start of her crusade. For she beheld what chaos would turn her world into, a demon world lost to darkness forever, where humans and Dalen alike were merely resources to forge unholy war machines from and playthings for the horrors of the warp, where searing blood rained from blackened skies as souls writhed and screamed in agony at the hands of demons, and where every man, woman and child was flayed and ripped to little bits alive, only to be reborn the next day and suffer the same again.

At morning, she called her council with emergency and told them of these horrors. A will and determination burned in her like nothing they’d seen before, and The Purge was declared. She worked from then with an obsession that put human efforts to shame, and through blood and sweat, the planet was purged of taint and its traitor governor was executed by Irilla herself before the cheering masses.

“We are safe, but this only begun! The entire sector suffers the same plague. You have followed me for years to save your homes and families from these horrors, and now I ask you to keep following! We will go from planet to planet and purge this horrid filth from our neighbors! Let us all stand as one and march against the darkness! Will you follow?!“

And all those before her and who watched in broadcast roared!

[echodrops]

Home and Half Galra Headcanons

I have owed @latransmearnsi this for forever, finally trying to squeeze a few drops of blood minutes out of a stone out of my day to share a whole bunch more worldbuilding Galra headcanons connected to my fic Home and a Half.

How long do Galra live?

I know the show was all about Alteans living hundreds of years compared to humans, but then considering that plot line was promptly dropped and never brought up again, and the fact that Zarkon and co. are the only Galra implied to have lived for 10,000 years due to the power of the rift, I’m just going to go with Galra living slightly but not much longer than humans. In fact, since it was never clear if Coran’s comment about years meant 600 Earth years or 600 Altean years, I’ve elected to just go with the idea of Altean years being notably shorter than Earth years. And since Altea and Daibazaal are in the same system in my personal headcanon--more on this later--they share somewhat similar year lengths. Altea’s years are 8 Earth months long, and Daibazaal’s are 10. Of the three species, Alteans live the longest (max about 150 Earth years), and Galra the second longest (max about 125-130 Earth years).

But this is somewhat a moot point, since military service is mandatory for a huge portion of the adult Galra population, and casualties are high; therefore, most Galra do not live long enough to reach the maximum lifespan.

What are some other traditions or games? 

I think I’ve mentioned two games so far: Renni, which is a card-based game that is similar to both Magic the Gathering/Yugi-Oh and chess (there are multiple types of cards--such as defensive, trap, spell, and attackers--and certain cards are placed in certain locations on a set board. Each card can move in a set way and distance; the objective is to get an attacking card through the enemy’s defenses and traps to strike their “castle”). Although I’m saying “card” here, of course what I mean is paper-thin electronics that project holograms in the shapes of monsters and weaponry.

Renni is a favorite past-time of Prince Lotor, by the way!

A second tradition/game is “Marfeil,” the hunting game children play on their clan day. A high-powered flying device (basically the equivalent of a super-powered Earth drone) is released in a set area, and all the clan’s children are set loose to track, hunt, and capture it. It’s a free-for-all where alliances are made and broken in an instant, and only one kid can make it back victorious with the prize in hand. It’s a test of the children’s athleticism and ability to tenaciously pursue a target. Big bragging rights go to the winner!

In terms of stuff I haven’t talked about before... The Galra battle arena is about as “ancient tradition” as they come, although the violent, horrific battles of Zarkon’s late reign are not what it was always like (just like the gladiatorial fights in Rome were not originally intended to be fights to the death). According to headcanons I wrote earlier, the Galra population was originally divided into autonomous clan groups that were eventually united under a king. However, especially in early centuries, the union of the clans was tenuous at best, and disagreements over territory and resources frequently sparked up into small-scale combat. Originally the arena was founded as a way for clans to do battle with each other in a relatively organized and more civilized manner--the two clans would send representatives who would duel fairly; the winner of the duel would correspondingly “win” the feud for his whole clan.

Eventually, clan feuds died out as power began to accumulate in the hands of the monarchy. Over time, religious views--more on this in a bit too--were altered to promote the kings and queens of Daibazaal as absolute monarchs, invested with the power of the goddess, and the arena took on a new meaning: it became the primary vehicle for choosing Daibazaal’s “champion,” the planet’s strongest fighter, who, once crowned, was appointed the right-hand of the king or queen. (Check out the religious question below for more on the symbolism here.) The champion was entrusted with protecting the lives of the ruling family, and enforcing the monarch’s word as law. It was once am extremely noble and revered position that Galra would train their whole lives hoping to attain, and even to this day, the concept of the “champion” is so engrained in Galra’s cultural consciousness that finding out Shiro is the current champion would absolutely blow Dulsara’s mind and she’d never want to hang out with anyone else ever again.

What determines the treatment of the natives of conquered planets?

This depends on two things: 1) who conquers them and 2) what they’re being conquered for. Although all of Zarkon’s generals and fleets report back to high command, there’s still flexibility in the way they carry out their orders. I.e., ten generals in a galaxy might be given the same order to conquer new systems, but each general might conquer in a different way--some in a bloody massacre and some in a significantly less violent manner. Generals are effectively the rulers of the planets they conquer (until they are called to conquer a new planet, and a viceroy is appointed instead), and therefore each of the conquered planets is ruled uniquely. Many of Zarkon’s generals are hand-picked for their violent, bloodthirsty behavior though, so unfortunately, many conquered peoples are brutally slaughtered or oppressed. There are a few rare situations where the opposite is true, however. In certain cases, Galra intervention has provided planets with lifesaving technologies that improve quality of life for the original inhabitants, leading to a few somewhat mutually beneficial situations.

Likewise, the reasons for occupying a planet also change how the populace is treated. Sometimes planets are conquered merely to eliminate strongholds for allied anti-Galra forces, and the conquered planet itself has no special use for the Galra. In these cases, sometimes nothing more than a single large base is built on the occupied planet, resulting in a situation where Galra occupation doesn’t massively inhibit the original lives of the planet’s people. This was case with the base where Niresh, Dulsara, and Xerci’s families lived--they were a military outpost for moving supplies and information, but the planet itself had no meaning to the Galra and therefore the original inhabitants were mostly left alone unless they attempted to interfere with the operations of the base. On other planet, Galra occupation has prompted important economic revivals that have turned impoverished civilizations into flourishing galactic hubs.

Unfortunately this is not the case everywhere--on planets rich with natural resources that the Galra empire needs, the planet’s original inhabitants are typically enslaved to serve as a workforce to extract the planet’s resources until the planet is no longer valuable; then the inhabitants are rounded up and exported for service elsewhere in the empire.

It’s not a pretty picture, but it’s also not a simple “The Galra are always bad.”

What do Galra eat? Mealtime customs and etiquette?

Galra are mesocarnivores with strong metabolisms. Traditionally their diets consisted of primarily meat proteins (about 60% of their diet was meat and eggs), with the rest being made up of fruits, mushrooms, and what would qualify on Earth as leafy greens. Nowadays, the Galra Empire largely runs on synthetic food goo, which is significantly cheaper and less resource-demanding than actual food and prevents the likelihood of Galra troops ingesting poisonous matter on the wide variety of planets they conquer. Galra stationed in space will pay large amounts of GAC for illicitly traded foodstuffs gathered by those stationed on planets, but food poisoning is alarmingly common because, despite their physical strength, Galra are chemically sensitive to many compounds which are not naturally found in their own star system. The list of things Keith is “allergic” to is actually obnoxiously long; Neuhahn once accidentally sent him into shock by allowing him to eat vanilla ice cream. When he’s in a good state, Keith is the team’s notoriously picky-eater, right up there with Pidge (who has issues with strange textures). Unfortunately, when Keith gets reallyyyy hungry, his thought process usually devolves into: “Nothing I’ve eaten has successfully killed me so far, so I’m sure I’ll survive.” Chomp.

On the other hand, there are some things Galra are not allergic to that would straight up kill humans; fugu fish and deathcap mushrooms are no problem for purple space cats.

One other aside about eating: there are a lot, a lot of mixed Galra in the universe since their DNA (if not their behavior) plays well with other species; generally a mixed Galra will still be sensitive to the same chemical commands that affect full-blooded Galra, but may have slightly different dietary needs. For example, Xerci is a granivore whose diet leans more toward staple grains and plant matter than meat. This actually makes the lives of mixed Galra much harder, as they have to account for their dietary limits as a Galra while also attempting to appease the diet needs of their other species.

In the current Galra Empire, mealtime customs are kind of a thing of the past for most people--soldiers just don’t have the time or energy to make a big fuss over food goo. As the empire spans on and Galra colonies become more and more remote from the source of their own heritage, the complex etiquette of the past is going by the wayside somewhat. Traditionally, Galra coalitions would gather together at mealtimes to eat as a family unit, and proper table manners were drilled into the younger generation by the older members of the family--sit up straight, no elbows on the table, etc. One notable faux pas that is still true today is sharing food directly from your plate to someone else’s. Doing so is a big insult to the cook--because either you didn’t like the food enough to eat it all, or your host didn’t serve their guests properly (Why are you trying to feed someone else? Are you saying I didn’t give them enough?). Because of this, Galra have a reputation among other species for being stingy with food--do not ask your Galra friend for a fry, you won’t get one--but it’s really just a matter of finding it rude not to eat everything that is placed on one’s plate. Keith has never heard of this rule. His habit of pinching from Shiro’s plate is an absolute scandal to the Blade of Marmora.

Table manners among royal families is a Big Deal(tm). Lotor has the rules for silverware on 200 different planets burned into his brain.

What exactly does Galra courtship entail?

Most of the answer to this is “I can’t tell you because spoilers.” But there are some things I can say, chief among which is: at all levels of the social hierarchy, Galra courting is just really, really... different.

In most human societies, the (highly heteronormative) goal is to meet a person, marry them, and raise a family. The opposite is true for Galra: having children isn’t at all tied to being in a couple relationship (there is no baby mama drama in the Galra world), so many of them have children first and then go looking for a permanent life partner later. The basic reason for this is that Galra are a lot more serious about the “’til death do us part” concept than humans are; when they finally settle on a person, that’s it, they’ve settled for the rest of their lives.

I don’t mean this in a soulmates AU kind of way--it’s not “this person I met at 17-years-old is my One True Love” it’s a lot closer to “Wow, I can’t believe it only took me until 52 to find the person I’d be happy to live with for the rest of my life!” They wait until they are absolutely, 100% sure of their choice before courting and formally settling down. (Caveat: Not everyone gets to choose. The higher up the social hierarchy, the less likely it is that a Galra would be free to pick their eventual match; Niresh’s parents had an arranged marriage, for example. The only reason Lotor isn’t betrothed to anyone is that Zarkon doesn’t want to run the risk of challenges from multiple potential heirs and also Lotor is not about that life thank you.)

So, long story longer, courting happens more among older Galra and less among impetuous teens. Also, it would be extremely rare (and foolish--ah, but they do say love makes fools of us all) for a Galra to court someone they don’t already know very, very well. That 100% sureness comes specifically from knowing the other person inside and out. It’s not unusual for Galra to be living together for years before finally declaring their intention to formally court.

The actual courting is... equally weird. The most common way to signal interest in courting is engaging the other person’s coalition in the Galra equivalent of “flyting”--you insult the person you’re interested in in front of every one of their family members. Your insults serve two purposes: first of all, the more detailed and personal your insults are, the more obvious it is that you completely and fully know the person you’re interested in. If you can fairly point out every single bad habit and negative point about them, then you’ve paid close enough attention to know them deeply, as well as their family does. Second, being brave enough to insult someone in front of their very close-knit family is a must in Galra courting. If you shy away from the challenge of facing the family, you’re not worth anyone’s time.

After your insults, the family answers back in the opposite, with nothing but praise for their family member, and a back-and-forth battle begins assessing the person in question. The final goal is for the courter to "be persuaded” that of course, of course the family is right and the person in question is worth all the effort in the universe and more. It’s a game designed to demonstrate your knowledge of the other person as well as air out any grievances or sticking points before the courtship proceeds.

(You can see where other species’ might struggle with this--many an intentional insult has been mistaken for the opposite.)

After that, things get even sillier, but in the interest of time and space, I’ll leave this answer here.

What are their views on pets?

Galra are big pet keepers! Historically the “pets” were war animals that aided the clans in their conflicts with other clans, but over time pets have come to just be beloved household companions. Unfortunately, military members are not allowed to keep pets, no matter HOW incredible the critters they find on their space travels are. This doesn’t stop everyone. Many an escaped secret pet has caused serious issues on-board Galra battlecruisers. Civilian Galra family groups often have a motley collection of pets. Two problems: 1) The illegal pet trade is hyper-aggressive in the Galra Empire. They import thousands upon thousands of species of animals, without too much regard for the long-term species survival of these animals. 2) What qualifies as a “pet” to the Galra sometimes includes the citizens of other planets. It does not pay to be a small fuzzy person (or a big scary fuzzy person) in the Galra Empire. Sometimes slaves who escape the arena end up in the pet trade instead. Pet abuse is strangely not okay in the Galra Empire, but that doesn’t mean that being treated like a pet instead of a person is any less horrific.

(God help Keith when the kids finally reason out the argument, “Allura has mouses, so why can’t WE have a pet?”)

What's Galra mythology like? Religions?

I’m glad you asked this because this is actually at the heart of a lot of Galra plot line in HaaH. As I mentioned earlier, in this fic, Daibazaal and Altea were both in the same quadrant and although they weren’t particularly near each geographically, they were close enough to each other that they inherited some surprisingly parallel mythologies, shared with numerous other planets in their general region of space. In particular, both Altea and Daibazaal prominently feature legends related to a lion goddess. On Daibazaal, the legend goes that the creation of everything we know began with the lion goddess, the first star. The roar of the goddess shook the universe and created the ever-expanding waves of space and time; the shine of her eyes in the void became the burning cores of stars; the weight of her swift passages formed gravity and orbit. She breathes and life flows over planets. (In short, the lion goddess is a sort of visual representation or embodiment for what we humans would just call “energy” or “order”.)

But the very existence of the goddess ensured the existence of her diametric opposite--the antithesis of all creation, the extermination of all life, all energy, all differentiation. This being has no form of its own (it is what all things will become when they become nothing--entropy or chaos itself, if you will), but it constantly fights to upset the balance in the universe, to claim more than its fair share.

The legends say that four times the lion goddess took a physical form and came to defend Daibazaal from the onslaught of darkness--once by fire, once by water, once by earth, and once by vine--and at last when the whole planet rang with the force of her being, she put part of her soul itself into a mortal, her first champion, that he and all his descendants would be blessed with the power to combat evil wherever they roamed.

Of course, you can see how this kind of origin story might lend itself to propaganda. The early kings and queens of unified Daibazaal used the legend to their advantage, first claiming that they were direct descendants of the blessed champion, and then a step further--that, by possessing the strongest remnants of her soul, they ought to be treated and revered as physical manifestations of the goddess herself. This evolved over time alongside other cultural fixtures like the arena, until religion became irreparably tied to politics for the Galra: by the time Zarkon took the throne, the general agreement was that whoever was emperor/empress was the representation of the goddess made physical, and the champion crowned in the arena was the one blessed and bound to carry out both the power--and the will--of that “goddess.”

Over Zarkon’s reign, the influence of the religious aspects have waned significantly--it was not beneficial for the Galra to believe in a higher power instead of their immortal emperor--and so the importance of the goddess has been continually downplayed while the importance of the emperor has grown. Although most people still treat Zarkon as if he were a god and “the champion” is still an awe-inspiring figure, the significance behind “the goddess gave us power so that we could fight evil” has definitely been lost behind “we have power and it’s only right for us to use it.”

(You can see the obvious links to Voltron here. It’s definitely not accidental, but I’m not going to say much more than that.)

What are some common Galran phrases?

Ha ha oh man, I don’t want to write anything here and then have to take it back later when I inevitably over-think language stuff...

"Sticks and flungr” is a very unflattering why of saying someone doesn’t have their shit in order. A messy house might be described with this saying, or turning in a half-assed report at work. (For reference, it’s referring to the Frinunnel bird’s habit of making lopsided, disheveled nests out of well... sticks and poo.)

“Vrepitsatir” is a “yes man,” a military flunkie who mindlessly agrees to everything the higher-ups say without questioning it.

“Notches” is a way of referring to past lovers, based on the common habit of ear-nipping between partners.

“Be careful--Zarkon’s watching!” is an empire-wide joke, especially among the lower-level military, when you find out someone is up to something they shouldn’t be. The effect is pretty close to the joking Earth phrase “Ooohh, I’m tellinggg.”

Phew, I think that covers it!

[im-tops-bottom]

Peter had been nothing but an experiment. Hydra had attained samples of Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes' blood when they kidnapped Tony Stark. They used it as well as Tony's own samples to create a baby. The baby was to grow up and train under Hydra as the start of new and improved super soldiers.

Well that's until the Avengers happened.

The team swooped in and saved Tony and the baby. Tony had deemed himself and his team unsafe for the baby so he put him up for adoption. A nice couple called Ben and May took him in under the condition that Tony sees him every now and then and when he is older, Tony will tell him what happened. Other than that the kid, "Peter Parker", was to be kept safe and hidden from Hydra.

Even though this caused one too many arguments and opened the rift wider between Tony and the Rogues, they eventually understood why Tony did what he had to do.

"if they were able to not only get blood samples but kidnap me at the same time during a battle without anyone noticing, then again why would you guys give a shit about me in the first place, then I know that it will be unsafe for my child to stay here. Now you can all leave my lab. I have a press conference in an hour and we have wasted too much time arguing"

He told the world of what happened. Of the torture, of the samples, of the baby, of the almost brainwashing before the baby idea came up. He also mentioned that they have the baby safe and sound at the compound and he will raise the kid like every other child. After answering questions, he decided he felt like a cheeseburger before going home.

Once there he realized the only other people that were at the compound were the Brooklyn boys so he tried his best to be stealthy. He didn't want to be there so he raced down to his workshop and told Friday to save all his stuff and move them to his rebuilt Malibu home folder so he can finish them off there. He then went to his room and grabbed a few things before heading to the garage.

He groans as he heads towards one of the cars closest to the garage door.

"boss are you okay?"

"I'm fine baby girl. I seem to be getting this reoccurring head. It just seems to come and go"

"Tony"

"yup here comes the headache"

Tony opens up the car door to place a few things down before texting Happy, Pepper and Rhodey to meet up in Malibu before turning around.

"how may I help you Mr Rogers, Mr Barnes?"

"we need to talk"

"about?"

"everything"

"why? You and your team already said what you needed to say as soon as you guys rescued me. if you guys didn't want to then you shouldn't have. I already sent out a distress signal"

"we didn't receive any"

"that's because none of you guys were the recipients. It was Rhodey bear. That's why I was on the phone and not playing 21 questions"

"why didn't you just say something?"

"because Mr Rogers, I left the team and only joined fights when you guys really needed me. Because Mr Rogers, my entire life doesn't revolve around you. Now do excuse me, I'm running late"

"where do you think your going?"

"I have a hot date with a cute alpha in Malibu. For once in your life mind your own damn business and you can wipe that hurt look off your undeserving face. Buckaroo is allowed to looked like a kicked puppy, he has every damn reason but you Steve Rogers are not. Good day to you sir"

Tony hopped in and drove off missing the heartbroken look on Steve and the forever confused look on Bucky.

"come on Bucky"

"where are we going?"

"we are gonna follow Tony"

"what why? He clearly wants to be left alone"

"I don't want any alpha barking up the wrong tree. He's our omega. We already have a kid together. We are practically mated"

"Jesus Stevie do you hear yourself? God what would your mother think if she heard you? Get your shit together Steve. He's not some prize to be won. He's his own person. I don't know what kind of alpha you had become but the Stevie I knew wouldn't act that way"

"and how would you know?"

"fuck you Steve"

"hey hey Bucky, babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. It's just that Tony-"

"see there's your problem. Tony has made a few mistakes and you have taken it upon yourself to suddenly blame everything on him. God you are such a jerk. We are through with each other. I don't want you back until you sort your shit out"

"where are you going?"

"away from you"

"Bucky get back here!"

"don't you start getting all alpha on me punk! Don't forget I'm an alpha too."

"Bucky"

"oh so you have resorted to gr-"

Steve jumps Bucky and they start brawling until a sound stops them.

"WHAT IN THE BLUE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?!"

Steve gets up and brushes himself off while Bucky takes a breather before getting up.

"Friday told me to return and I find you two acting like immature brats"

"but Tony"

"don't but me Steve. Friday already gave me the rundown. You two need some time apart. Steve I already called your team amd they are on their way. Bucky in the car"

"but"

"in the car. Now!"

Bucky heads over and gets in Without looking back. Tony glares right at Steve.

"alright you hopeless cause, why dont you shower, eat, break some hulk proof punching bags and then relax. Once they're here you can rant about how this is my fault"

Ignoring Steve, Tony hops in the car and drives off again.

"I hope you like being out in public"

"I'm slowly getting used to it but don't you think your date would dislike the idea of me joining in?"

"oh that. Don't worry. There's no date. I only said that because Steve was getting on my nerves. We are going out to lunch with Pepper, Rhodey and Happy. Already told them what happened and it was Rhodeys idea"

"what really? But I thought"

"hey with what happened in the past, no one blames you. It took Pepper drumming it into my head to realize that. If anything I'm the one that needs to apologise.i blamed you for my mum when it was Hydras fault and then I blew your arm off when all you were doing was protecting Rogers. Although the new Wakandan arm looks real good on you"

"why do you always mention just your mum amd not Howard?"

Tony goes into his life story right from when he was a kid. He left nothing out and went into great detail for most of it. He paused alot whenever Bucky would look uncomfortable to check if he was alright because he didn't want the other to have a panic attack or go super soldier.

Afterwards Bucky went into detail about his life with what BARF helped him remember. He also talked about all the tapes he watched with Steve about the 40s. He mentioned that he found Hydra videos but he hasn't found the courage to watch them yet.

"well when you do find the courage, let me know and I can come watch with you. We can have a girl's night in. I havent had a slumber party since team cap moved in"

Bucky thanks him and they talk non stop about any and everything until they reach their destination. Tony tells Bucky that as a promise once everything has settled then they can go back to the compound and can have an individual talk each with Steve to just clear the air but for now, they are on holiday to happy memories only.

It takes only a quiet week, no seriously, no villain attack at all, for Tony and Bucky to get closer and slowly fall in love. That's when they decide to return home and have those long talks. Who knew that once they return, team cap was ready to defend their precious cap and start world war 3

[tonystarkbingo]

Week 25 Roundup!  Y’all, we have so many fills.  Just... so many.  And that was BEFORE the weekend Discord party, so now we have a truly absurd number of fills.  Go forth and appreciate your fellow creators!

Title: Iron Man's #1 Fan Collaborator: rebelmeg Link: AO3 Square Filled: K5 - comic image of Iron Man flying over a woman and child Ship: Peter Parker & Tony Stark Rating: Gen Major Tags: kid Peter, Peter in IM2 and Avengers1, fluff Summary: Peter Parker has been an Iron Man fan from the very beginning. Word Count: 2158

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Title: RUI (Rescued Under the Influence) Collaborator: LBibliophile Link: AO3 Square Filled: T2 - Confessions Under The Influence Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-slash, first meetings, Hydra, nonconsensual drug use, hurt Tony, meet cute Summary: When Bucky entered the base, he expected to find Hydra agents (to be destroyed) and computer files (to be copied it useful, then also destroyed). He was not prepared to find a drugged Tony Stark. Nor was he prepared for Stark's reaction to seeing him. How does he deal with someone being excited to meet him? Word Count:1290

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Title: I fall in love (everyday with someone new) - Chapter 16: Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier (T1) Collaborator: scriptatur Link: AO3 Square Filled: T1 - Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: polyamory, Endgame fix-it Summary: "Waking was- surprising. He woke up slowly, like drifting through mist or sirup or- something. He was kind of confused, if he is being perfectly honest. Confused about his own metaphor, a bit, but mainly confused by the fact that he was, well, waking up. That was not something he’d expected to do, after all." When Tony Stark wakes up after the final battle against Thanos, he decides that there will be nothing more that stands between himself and happiness. He goes home with Pepper and Morgan and it doesn't take long for Steve and Bucky (and other (ex-)avengers) to follow. Basically, this is the fix-it that I needed. It's very self indulgent and mostly fluff. Word Count: 11,113

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Title: The Gift of Care Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: R5 - Misunderstandings Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-relationship, hurt/comfort, secret caretaking, pining, misunderstandings, love confessions, first kiss, not Team Cap friendly Summary: Freshly back from Wakanda, James Barnes has a lot to learn about his new world, so he watches and learns and finds himself slowly falling for one Tony Stark, who always appears miserable when he has to spend time at the Compound with his former teammates, but who still takes the time to treat James with kindness. James sets out on a mission to take care of Tony, make Tony’s life easier in whatever small ways he can. An unfortunate misunderstanding nearly ruins that, but in the end, James still reaps the rewards of his secret good deeds. Word Count: 8111

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Title: Count on me Collaborator: Menatiera Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - Image: Tony and the armor sitting next to each other on the couch from IM3 Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: soulmate AU, soulmarks, angst with a happy ending Summary: "For some reason, the Asset knew that the number seven was impressive, and when he was out of the base and no one was watching, he traced the outlines of it with his metal finger." A soulmate tattoo shows how dangerous the soulmate is. Bucky's tattoo shows higher and higher numbers as time goes by. In the end, he finds the person behind the numbers, of course. Word Count:2617

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Title: The B Team Collaborator: wakandan_wardog Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2: [Image: Tony Stark working on IM in Workshop] Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: first meetings, flirting, sexual tension, fluff and humor Summary: Pepper Potts has had a long day that isn't over yet, as Phil Coulson has just arrived on the doorstep of Tony's Malibu Mansion to discuss Iron Man joining a new team. In most instances, it wouldn't be enough to let him in the door, except he's brought James Barnes along with him. Of course, he was probably expecting that James would be helping them talk business... But all the Soldier seems to want to do is get busy. Word Count: 3837

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Title: No so bad luck after all Collaborator: journeythroughtherain Link: AO3 Square Filled: K3 - "Arranged Marriage" Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: high school AU, female Bucky, pining Tony, confessions, getting together Summary: Tony is living in a conspiracy, he's sure of it. Why else would he be cast as the "dashing love interest" to the heroine in a play written by one of his best friends, whom also coincidentally knows about his crush on the leading lady? Word Count: 1329

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Title: I Vow, to You Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: T3 - Domesticity Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: established relationship, Pepper/Happy wedding, Pepper & Tony friendship, fluff Summary: Tony doesn’t do well at weddings, he decides, not when he’s sitting here, blinking away tears. There’s something to be said for salvaging his reputation, but his best friends are getting married, everyone is so happy, and he’s not at this wedding alone. Maybe some things really are worth a happy tear or two. Word Count: 4835

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Title: James Barnes, Entertainment Specialist Collaborator: dracusfyre Link: AO3 Square Filled: S5 - wedding fic Ship: WinterIron Rating: Not Rated Major Tags: weddings, waltzing, meet cute, silver fox Tony, secret identity fail Summary: Bucky meets a mysterious man while he's working at a wedding and gets a little bit- okay, maybe a lot -swept off his feet, both literally and figuratively. Word Count: 1999

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Title: A portrait of a young man in the park not eating his sandwich Collaborator: tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: S5 - writing format: breaking the fourth wall Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: blind date, fluff and humor Summary: Jan takes it upon herself to arrange a date for Tony Word Count: 1442

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Title: Yelling at the bride is sometimes justified Collaborator: Menatiera Link: AO3 Square Filled: T2 - wedding fic Ship: Sunset/Tony, WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: no powers AU, attempted forced marriage, to the rescue, hurt/comfort, happy ending Summary: Steve Rogers, part-time wedding organizer, sets up everything as Sunset Bain wanted. The only problem presents itself when they're all at the wedding, and it turns out, the groom is not as willing as Sunset hoped. Luckily Bucky is there too, and the two of them comes to the rescue. Word Count: 1172

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Title: The Adventures of Iron Man and Nebula Collaborator: romancebyfaye Link: Tumblr Square Filled: T4 - Nebula Ship: Tony & Nebula Rating: Gen Major Tags: art, photo manip Summary: Iron Man and the Blue Meanie in Space!

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Title: Sleep it off Collaborator: journeythroughtherain Link: AO3 Square Filled: A4 - bed sharing Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: curses, soulmates, spooning, fluff, holding hands Summary: While James had dreamed of getting to cuddle up to Tony many times before, this was not the situation he'd had in mind. For one, he'd imagined it being because they both wanted to. Word Count: 2016

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Title: I'll Sneak Into Your Heart As You Did Mine Collaborator: Trashcanakin Link: AO3 Square Filled: R3 - Canon: MCU (Post-CA:CW) Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-slash, getting together, sneaking around, feels, nightmares, declarations of love Summary: After the rogues returned to the states, things were a little hairy, at best. The rift between Team Cap and Team Iron Man was still, unfortunately, a thing. So Bucky and Tony come up with the plan to sneak out when no one's looking to spend time together. The other's may not approve of their friendship, but their choices are their own. Word Count: 6060

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Title: One Winter Wonder Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: S1 - Huddling for Warmth Ship: WinterIron, Tony/Winter Rating: Mature Major Tags: insecurities, pining, hurt/comfort, love confessions, bed sharing Summary: A not-so abandoned Hydra base explodes, they fight their way through an ambush, and now Tony is following Bucky through the frozen woods to a safehouse. Following the Winter Soldier, to be more precise, because Bucky went AWOL and his alter ego took charge as soon a Hydra goon pointed a gun at Tony. The Soldier, he calls himself, with his brutal efficiency and that patented stoic demeanor, and maybe Tony should be afraid for his life, but he's not. No, mostly, he's just trying to ignore his busted ankle, the freezing cold seeping into him, and the fact that he's secretly head-over-heels in love with both sides of Bucky Barnes. Getting to the safehouse before the blizzard hits will keep them alive, but Tony doesn't think it'll help with the rest of this mess. Word Count: 9882

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Title: Love Is A Choice, And I Chose You Collaborator: Trashcanakin Link: AO3 Square Filled: A1 - Spy, Secret Agent, Assassin, or Hitman Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-relationship, soulmate AU, sharing a bed, fluff and humor, innuendo, fight scenes Summary: Bucky and Tony are sent out on a mission; they discover a lot along the way. Word Count: 5070

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Title: There And Back Again Collaborator: katling Link: AO3 Square Filled: R5 - De-Aging (Any) Ship:  IronStrange Rating: Teen Major Tags: Team Iron Man, canon divergent Summary:  Mordo comes after Stephen with a spell aimed at Tony that de-ages him, firstly to his mid-twenties and then to his teens. Stephen... copes and Loki is the real hero. Word Count: 2606

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Title: Better Memories Collaborator: katling Link: AO3 Square Filled: A5 - hot water Ship: Jack Harkness/Tony Stark Rating: Mature Major Tags: not Team Cap friendly, canon divergent, fluff, sexual content Summary: Tony has bad memories attached to anything that looks like a container full of water. Jack helps him make some better ones. Word Count: 904

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Title: I fall in love (everyday with someone new) - Chapter 19: Wolf (A5) Collaborator: scriptatur Link: AO3 Square Filled: A5 - wolf Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: polyamory, Endgame fix-it Summary: "Waking was- surprising. He woke up slowly, like drifting through mist or sirup or- something. He was kind of confused, if he is being perfectly honest. Confused about his own metaphor, a bit, but mainly confused by the fact that he was, well, waking up. That was not something he’d expected to do, after all." When Tony Stark wakes up after the final battle against Thanos, he decides that there will be nothing more that stands between himself and happiness. He goes home with Pepper and Morgan and it doesn't take long for Steve and Bucky (and other (ex-)avengers) to follow. Basically, this is the fix-it that I needed. It's very self indulgent and mostly fluff. Word Count: 13,157

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Title: A Curse on Both Your Houses - Chapter 2: Myths and Legends Collaborator: 27dragons, tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: for tisfan -  A4: Myths and Legends Ship: WinterIron Rating: Explicit Major Tags: explicit sexual content, sex pollen, curses, trush spells, shapeshifting, Midas touch Summary: Tony appreciates his werewolf boyfriend in both his human and lupine shapes. What he doesn’t appreciate is a visit from Bucky’s old boss, Nick Fury, with a mysterious (and likely magical) device he wants them to investigate. He ought to say no and throw Nick out -- but the thing is strangely compelling. Maybe if he’d read a few more fairy tales, he’d have seen that for the warning sign that it was. Now, he’s cursed, and the race is on to find the owner of the thing, or some other way to break the curse, before it results in something not only unpleasant but unrecoverable. Word Count: 8935

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Title: A Curse on Both Your Houses - Chapter 3: Truth Spell Collaborator: 27dragons, tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: S5 - Truth Drug/Spell Ship: WinterIron Rating: Explicit Major Tags: explicit sexual content, sex pollen, curses, trush spells, shapeshifting, Midas touch Summary: Tony appreciates his werewolf boyfriend in both his human and lupine shapes. What he doesn’t appreciate is a visit from Bucky’s old boss, Nick Fury, with a mysterious (and likely magical) device he wants them to investigate. He ought to say no and throw Nick out -- but the thing is strangely compelling. Maybe if he’d read a few more fairy tales, he’d have seen that for the warning sign that it was. Now, he’s cursed, and the race is on to find the owner of the thing, or some other way to break the curse, before it results in something not only unpleasant but unrecoverable. Word Count: 8935

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Title: These Sleepless Nights of Ours Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-relationship, hurt/comfort, touch-starved Bucky, caring Tony Summary: It's another sleepless night and no one is around to keep Tony company. That is, until he wanders into the Compound gardens and finds an insomniac Winter Soldier in desperate need of a hug. Word Count: 6343

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Title: Eleven, twelve, thirteen Collaborator: Menatiera Link: AO3 Square Filled: T4 - Sharing body heat Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: soulmate AU, bedsharing, pining, mutual pining Summary: “Are you sure there is no other way?” he asked Laura, hope thinly veiled in his voice. The woman dared to give him a condescending look. "He’s your soulmate, Tony, I’m sure you two will be able to handle to be in the same room for a night." Or: Tony is not pining. Seriously, he's not. Word Count: 3380

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Title: May I have this dance? Collaborator: journeythroughtherain Link: AO3 Square Filled: R1 - Dancing Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: confessions, fluff, dancing, first kiss, getting together Summary: James manages to bust up his metal arm during a training exercise, and decides to pay his favorite engineer a visit. Word Count: 880

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Title: I Bet You Can't Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: K5 - Wearing Each Other's Clothes Ship: WinterIron Rating: Mature  Major Tags: established relationship, humor, fluff, idiots in love, sexual content Summary: Tony and Bucky are in love and that's nice, but the rest of the Avengers are sick of seeing them smooch and snuggle at the breakfast table (and everywhere else, at all times). Cue Clint and Sam roping them into a bet—the first of the pair to touch the other loses—and now there's a month of coffee and sweets on the line, not to mention professional pride of self-proclaimed playboys and charmers, so Tony and Bucky are determined to get the other to break first. It goes about as well as one would expect. Word Count: 8096

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Title: I Came For You Collaborator: Judy_The_Dreamer Link: AO3 Square Filled: A4 - Role Reversal Ship: Stony Rating: Gen Major Tags: role reversal AU, fluff Summary: Steve Rogers was everything a billionaire should be: young, down-to-earth and devastatingly handsome. Why such a privileged man wanted to dress up in a skin-tight suit and knock baddies out with an overgrown frisbee mystified Tony. Word Count: 1315

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Title: An Octopus's Garden - Chapter 2: I want to be (Under the Sea) Collaborator: tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - merpeople Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: mermaid AU, mating, identity porn Summary: Tony and Bucky wake up after the morning of their mating to discover… they have a problem Word Count: 3278

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Title: Baffle Them - Chapter 6: Fizzle Collaborator: Magi Silverwolf (Magi_Silverwolf) Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - whump Ship: WinterFrostIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: deaging, implied child abuse, implied torture, trickster Loki, Autistic Tony, Howard Stark’s A+ Parenting, Odin’s A+ Parenting, Autistic Loki Summary: If you cannot blind them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshtick. (Canned Meat. Do not read.) Word Count: 4299

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Title: A little party never killed nobody Collaborator: Menatiera Link: AO3 Square Filled: K1 - Wearing each other's clothes Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: established relationship, team as family, surprise party, prank, fluff and humor Summary: Bucky is having a great time. Tony is confused. Steve will have a surprise, but he won't necessarily enjoy it. Word Count: 1010

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Title: Close But No Cigar Collaborator: dracusfyre Link: AO3 Square Filled: T4 - Spy, Secret Agent, Assassin or Hitman Ship: WinterIron Rating: Not Rated Major Tags: interrupted wedding, attempted kidnapping, Skrulls Summary: For the ITAB prompt maybe you could write something where Tony is kidnapped & the villain tries to force Tony into something or makes a move, but then Bucky arrives just in time & there’s a heartfelt reunion. For some reason, bad guys still think its a clever idea to kidnap Tony and try to make him do things he doesn't want to. The one who planned said kidnapping for Tony's wedding...well. The less said about that the better. Word Count: 1145

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Title: If you like to gamble (I tell you I'm your man) Collaborator: bennettmp339 Link: AO3 Square Filled: K4 - Brock Rumlow/Crossbones Ship: Tony & Pepper, Tony & Brock Rating: Gen Major Tags: IM2 canon divergent Summary: What if SHIELD had sent Brock Rumlow in as a bodyguard during Iron Man 2, instead of Romanov? Word Count: 1152

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Title: apocalypse lullaby Collaborator: deathsweetqueen Link: AO3 Square Filled: K3 - On opposing sides Ship: Tony Stark/Erik Killmonger Rating: Explicit Major Tags: explicit sexual content, first meetings, implied/referenced child abuse, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Implied/Referenced Domestic Violence, Ambiguous/Open Ending Summary: Tony meets Erik at a MIT bar in 2004, after the roaring success of an alumni speech to the engineering department and the offer of scholarships to members who meet means-tests by the Maria Stark Foundation. He’s sitting in a booth, when a handsome man, tall and lithe, slips into the seat on the other side, dreads curling over his face like a fringe, dark eyes flashing. “Hey,” he says, smoothly. “Hi,” Tony says, pleasantly, leaning back in his chair. It’s not his first time, being approached like this in a bar. The man takes a long drag of his beer, his throat flexing. “You’re Tony Stark.” Tony’s mouth twists. “If I have to be, sure,” he says, casually. Word Count: 6164

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Collaborator: ironhusbands Link: Tumblr Square Filled: A2 - Picture of Tony & Natasha in IM2 Ship: IronWidow Rating: Gen Major Tags: moodboard Summary: Tony and Natasha meet at a party, perform a number of heists and then retire to live the life of the rich and fabulous. (Ft. the one photo of them the police managed to get before they vanished)

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Title: I fall in love (everyday with someone new) -  Chapter 21: Asexuality (K1) Collaborator:  scriptatur Link: AO3 Square Filled: K1 - asexuality Ship: Stuckony Rating: Gen Major Tags: polyamory, Endgame fix-it Summary: "Waking was- surprising. He woke up slowly, like drifting through mist or sirup or- something. He was kind of confused, if he is being perfectly honest. Confused about his own metaphor, a bit, but mainly confused by the fact that he was, well, waking up. That was not something he’d expected to do, after all." When Tony Stark wakes up after the final battle against Thanos, he decides that there will be nothing more that stands between himself and happiness. He goes home with Pepper and Morgan and it doesn't take long for Steve and Bucky (and other (ex-)avengers) to follow. Basically, this is the fix-it that I needed. It's very self indulgent and mostly fluff. Word Count: 14,453

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Title: K1 & S3 - Then & Now Collaborator: thudworm Link: AO3 Squares Filled: Chapter One - K1- Past Tense Chapter Two -  S3- Present Tense Ship: IronHusbands Rating: Gen Major Tags: past and present tense, MIT and current era, marriage proposal Summary: A look at Tony and Rhodey's relationship when they were at MIT and current day Word Count: 1476

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Title: Victor Von Doom really does have a heart Collaborator: ethereal-lullabies Link: Tumblr Square Filled: A1 - Shopping Together Ship: Victor Von Doom/Tony Stark Rating: Teen Major Tags: moodboard Summary: Victor tries to spoil Tony, but how do you spoil a multi-billionaire? All Tony really wanted was to spend time together, but the puppy and food were awesome. Also really its the thought that counts and he’s flattered by how much effort Victor put into the other gifts.

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Title: Just Let Me Breathe Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: A2 - Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier Ship: WinterIron Rating: Mature Major Tags: Hanahaki disease, angst with a happy ending, hurt/comfort, pining and longing, Bucky needs a hug, Tony has a heart, friends to lovers, not Steve friendly Summary: James didn’t notice the first itch in his throat, too enamored by the sight of Tony, too distracted by his selfish wishes to have this man’s love. He didn’t realize this would be the end until the first red petal fell from his lips. Word Count: 9758

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Title: Mr. Stark, I Presume Collaborator: tisfan Link: AO3 Square Filled: T2 - waking up married Ship: WinterIron Rating: Explicit Major Tags: explicit sexual content, mildly dubious consent Summary: Tony has a night he won’t forget, with the man he can’t remember. Word Count: 898

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Title: Avengers/The Martian AU Mission Patch Collaborator: newnewyorker93 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: K1 - crossover: Marvel verse/non-Marvel verse Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: art Summary: Tony Stark (Mark Watney) - snarky engineer stranded in space that has to survive on his own ingenuity (and a box of scraps!)  Steve Rogers (Commander Melissa Lewis) - leader of the mission, feels guilt over Tony/Mark’s predicament; determined to rescue their crewmate, whatever it takes  James Rhodes (Major Rick Martinez) - pilot & best friend of Tony/Mark  Bucky Barnes (Dr. Chris Beck) - Sebastian Stan plays both of them, that’s really my only reasoning here  Natasha Romanoff (Beth Johanssen) - honestly this was mostly an excuse to have BuckyNat happen in this AU, plus I wanted Natasha in the group  Bruce Banner (Dr. Alex Vogel) - mission chemist

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Title: Questions of the Heart Collaborator: chase_acow Link: AO3 Square Filled: A2 - pining Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: magical realism AU, mutual pining, canon-typical violence Summary: He showed up on perfectly sunny Tuesday, his black and gray shadows smudging the natural light in the big kitchen while he sat waiting for their verdict. Steve of course was all in, though he'd lost his heart to a woman before he'd crashed his plane into the arctic. Clint wasn't even pretending not to avoid looking anywhere in Bucky's general direction, his heart safely locked in his chest. And nearly everyone else was more excited for lunch. Tony, his heart using Thor's hair as a swing, shrugged and set Bucky up with a room. Word Count: 3891

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Title: There Is No Success Without Sacrifice Collaborator: Trashcanakin Link: AO3 Square Filled: S2 - Without Fear Ship: Tony & Bucky Rating: Teen Major Tags: canon divergent, Tony needs a hug, Bucky feels, Steve critical, angst with a happy ending, kidnapping, murder, PTSD, non-graphic violence Summary: The rogues were back and Tony Stark was fine; he was! Avoiding or fighting with the members of Team Cap is just par for the course, right? He didn't really hate them, of course; but he tends to get wrapped up in his own head and thinks he knows what someone needs. Read: Not Him. When a group of armed men blow up a building and threaten to take one of them, Tony does what he does best, he acts on instinct. Will his self-sacrificing ways turn out for the best this time? Word Count: 4770

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Title: DUM-E's Drawings - Chapter 4: DUM-E's list of What NOT to put in a smoothie Collaborator: LBibliophile Link: AO3 Square Filled: K3 - Historical Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: art Summary: It took a while for DUM-E to get the hang of the whole making (edible) smoothies, so he left himself notes as a reminder.

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Title: R2- Love or Lust Collaborator: thudworm Link: AO3 Square Filled: R2- Love or Lust Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: de-aging, friends with benefits, love confessions, shovel talk, mutual pining Summary: Tony and Bucky have a friends with benefits thing going on. So what happens when something goes wrong on a mission and Tony ends up as a five year old? Word Count: 6775

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Title: One Call Away Collaborator: Iron_Eirlyssa (Eirlyssa) Link: AO3 Square Filled: A1 - Dark Alleys Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: pre-relationship, college AU, attempted kidnapping Summary: When Tony notices he's being followed on his way home, he calls Rhodey to help him out. Except it turns out he didn't, not quite. Word Count: 2346

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Title: (Everyday Is A) Winding Road Collaborator: wakandan_wardog Link: AO3 Square Filled: A2 - Road Trip Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: Losers crossover, canon-typical violence, body horror, hurt/comfort  Summary: In the wake of discovering the Winter Soldier is in fact James Barnes, the Avengers have brought him back to Avengers Tower in New York. Though the team is slowly falling together, they seem more interested in welcoming new members than they do getting along with Tony Stark. So there are two outsiders roaming the tower, James Barnes and Tony Stark himself. Upon encountering his most elusive roommate, Tony speaks before he thinks, inviting the Soldier to escape New York with him in a casually meandering Roadtrip that will change both of their lives... and eventually land them exactly where they were always meant to be. Together, in Malibu. Word Count: 2929

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Title: It's all a blur last night Collaborator: camichats Link: AO3 Square Filled: Chapter One: T1 - Cliche Chapter Two: S5 - secret admirer Chapter Three:  T3 - Kink: Orgasm Denial/Edging Rating: Explicit Major Tags: getting together, strippers/strip clubs, explicit sexual content, polyamory, misunderstandings Summary: Natasha is posing as a stripper, and it works best for everyone when Tony takes a definite interest in her. Clint shows up a while later, and Tony takes it in stride. Word Count: 4498

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Title: We'll Draw These Lines in the Sand Together Collaborator: ali_aliska Link: AO3 Square Filled: K3 - Road Trip Ship: WinterIron Rating: Gen Major Tags: not Team Cap friendly, established relationship, secret relationship, road trip, early retirement, emotional hurt/comfort Summary: James hates living at the Compound. He’s no hero, no Avenger, and he doesn’t want to fight anymore. He’s just tired and the urge to run and start over is overwhelming. He won’t run, because his heart is here with Tony, but he finds out Tony might be ready for his own new beginning too. Word Count: 4441

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Title: How To Save A Life (It Just Might Be Yours) -  Chapter 1: Broken Conditioning Collaborator: rebelmeg  Link: AO3 Square Filled: R1 - mind control or brainwashing Ship: Tony & Bucky Rating: Teen Major Tags: non-graphic violence, implied/referenced brainwashing, accidental baby acquisition, childcare shenanigans, recovered memories, found family, nightmares, implied/referenced torture, hurt/comfort Summary: The Winter Soldier is sent on a mission, to take out the head of Stark Industries. There isn't supposed to be anyone else there, but the Asset is used to adapting in order to accomplish his mission... until he lays eyes on the baby in the backseat of the car. On the run with a baby in tow, the Asset's conditioning breaks down, his humanity returns, and it's hard to tell who saves whose life as the years go by and James raises Tony as his own son. Word Count: 2763