#and she said she understood and its ok next time we are having power issues and i have to shut down

[moeblob]

A lil guy !

[starr-fall-knight-rise]

HASO, “Can We Keep It.”

Sorry about the extended break. Hope you guys like this :)

First officer the Omen Lieutenant Simon waited at the entrance to the cargo bay watching the flaring red light blink continually before the airlock doors. A tone came with it loud and blaring repeatedly crawling its way into her head and making the space behind her eyes throb. She rubbed her head desperate or the sound to stop by knowing she just needed to wait  it out. Her family had always wondered why she chose a job that was so stressful, and so full of annoying and bothersome noises, but she wanted this and was willing to go through all manner of annoyances to make that dream come true.

If annoying noises were the worst thing about her job, then she should feel lucky.

The airlock door hissed open and the group of GA scientists and their accompanying human escort hurried into the cargo bay before the door shut behind them. 

She saluted to the Admiral who hurried onto the deck, “Sir, everything went well I trust.”

Her question was suddenly cut off when she noticed…. Something off.

Simon had never been all that great at reading people, she had trouble distinguishing tonal variation in people’s voices, and sometimes body language flew itself right over her head like a UFO, but this was obvious enough even SHE was able to pick it out.

“Did you gain weight?” She immediately chided herself for being so blunt. She had learned pretty early on that people didn’t like that sort of bluntness, but she had already stepped face first into it.

Admiral vir straightened himself out and quite obviously pulled his coat over his stomach, which was bulging quite obviously, “Bloating is a bitch, I tell you those space berries are really something.” 

“You are EATING random space plants!”

HE shuffled his feet, “Well not eating thm per say, anyway gas, you know that sort of thing. SHould probably head back to my quarters before I bother anyone with my issues.”

He went to walk past her and as he did, she thought he saw his coat twitch right above his stomach.

“What the Fuck was that.”

“Spasms, nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about! Admiral I should call Dr. Krill down right away.”

“NO NO! No need for that, I can walk just fine. Look, I will swing by the infirmary in a minute and get myself checked out, feeling totally fine. Nothing to see here.”

Simon went to open her mouth but he hurried past her and away, “Lord look at the time, so busy have so many things to do, paperwork, and and meetings and, and gotta call my mom before she freaks out and assumes I have died. Yep.”

Apparently she wasn’t the only one who thought he was acting weird, and she watched him go as the rest of the crew did the same, their heads cocked to the side, their mouths pulled down into a frown. NO one was really sure what was going on, and no one was really sure what they were supposed to do about it.

Simon turned her head to look over at the scientists who looked just as confused, although their leader looked somewhat annoyed about something.

He looked up at her wit an expression even SHE could tell was one of annoyance.

“Next time, we will not be allowing him on our expedition.”

She frowned, “Why is that?”

“Touching everything with his bare hands, marching through the bushes disturbing he wildlife, touching strange creatures, honestly he has no sense of scientific decorum, and if that planet had been even the slightest bit more dangerous, we might all be dead.”

“I will, have a talk with him.”

“Do what you must.” The little creature said, “I need to go lay down.”

He and his scientists walked off, some to the labs and others to do as their boss was doing. Simon was left standing rather confused and staring after them as they went.

She shook her head.

Sometimes she wondered how the Admiral had ever even become an Admiral, but she guessed clearly someone had thought he was qualified.

***

Adam Vir hurried down the hall desperately trying to keep unnoticed until finally shouldering open the door to his room and allowing it to hiss shut behind him. Then finally he leaned his back against the door and sat there as something writhed and churned against his skin. He felt it slither up the front of his chest before Jeffery snaked his way from the top of his jacket and out into open air. He opened his three segmented mouth, likely tasting the air kind of like a snake as he did Before turning his head to look around at the dark room.

Adam patted Jeffrey on the hed, “See, home sweet home.”

The snake-like alien slithered most of the way out of his jacket and went to curl around his upper arm and torso resting his head on top of Adam’s as he showed the creature around the room.

“This is where I sleep, and that over there.” he pointed “Is my dog waffles.”

In the time they had stepped into the room, and Jeffreyhad shown himself, the German Shepherd and poked her nose out from around the side of the bed eying Jeffery with some measure of concern.

Jeffery opened his mouth in her direction and Waffles scooted back just slightly looking to Adam with an expression of confusion and concern. She clearly wasn’t sure that she liked this at all.

Jeffery stretched close to her, his mouth still open holding himself up with great powerful muscles, likely more powerful than your average snake, which was saying something considering earth had plenty of constrictor species that could crush a man to death if they sochos.

Adam held out an encouraging hand, “It’s ok girl, its ok, he isn’t going to hurt you.”

Granted, he hadn’t actually thought this through, and if it didn’t go well, i was going to make his life a lot more difficult than he had originally intended.

He Knelt down on the floor and held out a hand to Waffles, who, as the good girl she was gave him her trust and moved forward, her nose twitching in the direction of the strange alien. 

Waffles had spent a good portion of her life around aliens, so she was used to coming into contact with new and strange creatures. Where other dogs might have barked, growled, or even attacked, she approached with cautious footsteps her head cocked curiously to the side.

Jeffrey, for his part, didn’t seem worried at all, and stretched forward to get a better look at the strange creature he could now sense before him. He closed his mouth after a bit and looked her over with his large green and yellow eye. She stretched her neck forward sniffing at him curiously. Tentatively she took one step forward and then another until she was sniffing the head of the space snake directly.

Her tail came up from where it had been hidden in between her legs and slowly began to wag back and forth.

She took another step forward and tentatively licked at the snake.

Jeffery reared back slightly surprised causing the dog to shrink back a little. For a moment he worried it was going to devolve into a fight, but then Jeffery lowered himself back down and allowed Waffles to lick him some more. He slithered from around Adam’s soldiers an onto the floor in a tight coil.

Waffles dropped her front half and stuck her butt in the air tail wagging playfully batting at the snake with one of her paws.

Jeffery reared up a little an playfully lunged at her.

Adam grinned. It was a lot like watching a cat and a dog fight and he sat back on the edge of his bed to watch the two of them play.

Waffles Lay down with Jeffrey in between her paws, mouth open tilting her head back and forth as if threatening to bite him, though he knew she never would. She played with him like that all the time and had never hurt him in the past.

It Was probably at that precise moment that Adam realized…. He wasn’t entirely sure what he was going to do. It’s not like there were regulations against stealing animals from unknown planets, though there probably should have been. He knew that what he had done was probably illegal in some way or another, though he hadn’t read the manual in long enough to figure that out. He knew for sure that Simon and krill were going to be pissed, and probably Sunny. They would likely turn the ship around and make him take Jeffery back home, but the thought of dumping him off in the forest and then just leaving left a huge pit in Adam’s stomach. 

He had already proven once that he wasn’t going to be able to leave Jeffery behind.

After bonding for the day, he had honestly intended to set jeffery back into the wild. He had even gone down to the nearest berry tree and set him down offering him some of the berries to eat in his cupped hand before turning away and walking off, but then he heard jeffery behind him, and turned around to find the snake following him, looking for all the world like he was sad to see his friend go.

Adam had tried to explain himself as much to make himself feel better as to explain the situation to jeffery, but he just couldn’t do it. Jeffery had looked so forlorn and sad, like he understood what was going on.

Then he had crawled over and wrapped himself around Adam’s leg looking up at him with a big sad eye.

Adam was a weak man.

He knew it 

Puppy eyes, or in this case, snake eye worked on him just a little too well, and he was unable to leave the creature where it should.

At any time, if jeffery had shown a hint of agitation, he would totally have gone back, but he had curled up under Adam’s shirt and rested there through the whole flight like it was nothing, and now here he was taking his new environment and friends in stride.

Adam sighed and rested his head in his hands.

Great, he had gone and adopted yet another alien.

He hadn’t done it in so long that it was bound to happen again, but he really had not intended for it to happen this time. This time it had been completely by accident.

Just then there was a knock at the door.

He nearly fell off the bed in shock and concern as he hurried over to the door. Waffles and Jeffrey had stopped playing as they curiously looked over towards him. He cracked the door halfway glancing out into the hall with a face of concern.

Adam was both surprised and nervous to see Ramirez standing there.

Behind him Jeffery slithered over looking ready to poke his head around the door to see who was knocking.

Adam tried to block him with his foot as he peered through the door.

“Sorry bro, really busy right now gotta go.”

Ramirez frowned and reached out a hand to block the door, “Dude, serious? Like you were acting weird just a few minutes ago and Krill sent me up here  to make sure you were okay.”

Adam gave a stiff smile as he attempted very hard to keep Jeffery back from the door, “Oh yeah, I am totally ok. Very cool, completely and utterly ok, no problems at all.” Jeffery, who had got annoyed at his attempt to block the door, now began to slither up his leg.

Ramirez frowned, “Are you sure you are ok?”

“Yeah Fine/”

He tried to Grab Jeffery but he slithered through, and around the doorway opening his mouth to smell the newcomer.

Naturally Ramirez freaked out almost immediately, “What the FU_” He reached down for his handgun, but before he could Adam lunged forward, grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled them both back into his room allowing the door to slam behind him.

He pinned Ramirez to the floor  as the other man struggled, “What te HELL!”

He claimed a hand over the other Man’s mouth, “Shut Up! Shut UP.”

Ramirez went quiet breathing hard as Adam Sat over him, a hand pressed to his mouth. Jeffer peered out from around his shoulder.

“Don’t scream, and I will take my hand away. Gt that?”

Ramirez nodded, and Adam pulled his hand back.

“What the hell is that!” Ramirez hissed

“This is Jeffery.”

“Jeffery?”

“Yeah…. I may have…. Rescued him from an alien planet.”

“Dude are you kidding me, for a second I thought you were being mind controlled or possessed by some sort of alien brain sucker.” He looked up at Jeffrey and waved a hand, “Waddup.” 

Jeffery opened his mouth again.

Ramirez pulled back a bit, “W-what’s it doing.”

Adam waved a hand, “Oh, I think that is just the way he smells people or something.”

He rolled off to the ide to allow Ramirez to sit up,and reaching out jeffery let Ramirez pat him on the head, “So cool,” he glanced over at Adam, “You know Simon and krill are going to be PISSED.”

He sighed, “I know, I know, but you should have seen the way he looked at me when I tried to leave. I couldn’t handle it….. I am a weak man.”

Ramirez shook his head, “Well now what…. Do you even know what it eats”

Adam paused, opened his mouth and then closed it, “Well I know he eats berries?”

“And did you bring any of those berries?”

“Well I uh…. May have forgotten in the moment.”

Ramirez paused, “Wait here for a second.” Adam watched him as he got up and left the room.

***

The rest of the crew would be very confused to watch Ramirez walk into the mess hall, int the walk in refrigerator and then appropriate a tub of strawberries, some raspberries, blueberries and blackberries before walking back out of the room without saying anything to anyone. He would get some very strange looks as he walked up the stairs towards the captain’s quarters and then vanish walking back into the room and setting the berries down on the floor.

The two of them sat cross legged across from each other and attempted to figure out what exactly it was that Jeffrey liked.

Adam still had no idea how he was going to hide this.

Jeffery was too curious for his own good , and someone was bound to find out eventually

[fiction-fun]

Loving in Color

Part 2 let's go!!

Fandom: Power Rangers (Dino Thunder)

Pairings: Tommy/Jason, Ethan/Conner, Kira/Hunter, Trent/Oc

Words: 12068

Warnings: none for this part, check each part for individual warnings!

“Yeah, I’m not surprised, its late and Poppa gets worried if we don’t call. But really quick one question.” Kaley said softly.

Trent hummed and looked at her. She glanced to the side and sighed.

“Why do you do that?” She asked looking up at him, as he turned his head.

“Do what?” he returned looking at her as she looked away.

She sighed and closed her eyes.

“Avoid eye contact.” She said softly.

Trent drew in a deep breath and looked down.

“I don’t try to, its just…habit.” He said quietly.

Kaley nodded, she understood.

“Why do you ask?” He asked looking at her as she looked just by him.

She shrugged.

“We’ve known each other for a while, but have never even seen if…” She said trailing off.

Trent hummed in understanding.

“It’s not like it would pull us apart or anything. If you really want to, we can.” Trent said nodding.

Kaley looked up at him and nodded.

“Just to know.” She said softly.

Trent nodded and they locked eyes, very slowly so slowly they almost missed it, the world slipped from grey to brightly lit. Trees became green and brown cars where multicolored.

“Kaley!” Her Dad called.

Kaley swallowed thickly and looked away from Trent.

“Just a second!” She called back.

Trent took a deep breath.

“You should go, I’ll call you later.” He said quietly.

Kaley nodded and turned towards her Dads Jeep.

“Hopefully I’ll have my phone.” She said softly.

She walked to the car and climbed in, buckling up. Her Dad looked at her.

“Hey everything ok?” he asked softly.

She looked at him and nodded.

“That’s a gross tie to wear with that shirt. The other one with the stripes would have been better.” She said softly.

Her Dad looked at her before looking at his tie.

“Wait, can you see what color it is?” He asked.

She hummed and nodded.

“Yeah, its like what, greyish purple? Weird tie.” She said softly, not looking at him.

He sat back and rubbed his face.

“Your Poppa is gonna have a field day with this when we get home.” He said looking at her.

She nodded and looked at him.

“Can my phone not be taken away as part of my punishment? Me and Trent have a lot to talk about.” She said quietly.

Her Dad nodded and started the car.

“I think because of circumstances that’s ok.” He said.

She laughed a bit.

“This wasn’t even the wildest part of my day.” She said quietly.

*Next day*

“I can’t do this, here.” Kira said pressing her stone into Conner’s hands.

Ethan looked from her to Conner.

“Why does he get it?” He asked.

Kaley lightly slapped him.

“Kira are you sure?” She asked even as her friend shrugged and picked the stone up again only to drop it into Ethan’s open hand.

“Creepy, scaly monsters in the woods, isn’t really my thing.” She said turning to walk away.

“I can’t believe she just, left.” Conner said as they watched her.

Kaley shrugged and watched her friend.

“Doesn’t matter, now I have to get home. On top of having detention for the next full week, I am also grounded.” Kaley said with a groan moving to follow Kira only to stop, when some kind of portal opened and those monsters from before came out and grabbed Kira and disappeared.

“Kira!” Ethan, Conner and Kaley all yelled running to where she had been.

They all stood looking at each other. And the next thing Kaley knew she was in the back seat of Conner’s car.

“We should go to Dr. O.” Ethan said looking at Conner.

Conner glanced at him quickly.

“Why would we do that?” he asked Ethan quickly.

Ethan shrugged and looked at his phone.

“Because he’s a scientist and our teacher he should know something!” Ethan said quickly.

Kaley leaned forward. Conner nodded.

“Where does he even live?” Conner asked.

“1992 Valencia Road.” Kaley said before Ethan could answer.

They both looked at her.

“What he’s my Dad? I think I know our address.” She said with a shrug.

With a nod from the guys the rest of the ride was quiet, until they got to the dirt road.

“There’s something you should know.” Kaley said looking at them.

Ethan looked back as Conner focused on the road.

“What’s up?” Ethan asked her.

Kaley bit her lip as they got to her house. She climbed from the car seeing her Poppa on the porch.

“Poppa!” She called running up to him.

He turned and wrapped his arms around her, before looking at the others slowly getting out of the car.

“What’s going on, Princess?” Jason asked looking down at her.

She shook her head.

“Something bad happened. This is Conner and Ethan. Guys this is my Poppa.” She said introducing them.

Conner tilted his head confused even as he shook Jason’s hand.

“But you said Dr. O was your Dad?” He said confused.

She nodded.

“He is, and this is my Poppa. Poppa is Dad home?” She asked looking at him.

He nodded towards the house.

“He’s inside. What’s going on?” Jason asked as Ethan and Conner ran passed into the house.

Kaley took a deep breath.

“Kira was kidnapped by monsters, they looked like the things we’d see in Angle Grove, but weirder. And we know why.” She said looking away from him.

Jason lifted her head to face him.

“Kaley why?” He asked.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out her Gem.

“Because we took these the other day. But Kira gave hers to Ethan. So she doesn’t even have that.” Kaley said softly.

Jason groaned.

“We have to go tell your Dad. I suppose somethings just run in families.” Jason muttered as he led her inside and down into the lair.

When they reached the lair Conner and Ethan were stood in front of Tommy, explaining what had happened.

“Jason, I thought we were keeping her out of here.” Tommy said standing shooting him a look.

“Well, we could have except.” Jason said trailing off and nudging Kaley forward.

She lifted her hand as the boys did the same.

“This is why.” She said softly moving to stand next to the guys.

She glanced between them seeing the stone in the boy’s hands glow faintly red and blue respectively. Tommy took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. He turned away from all of them and walked towards the monitors.

“Dr. O, Kira really needs our help.” Ethan said.

Tommy looked at him and nodded.

“Alright. Come on.” He said leading the four of them from the lair back upstairs and out to his Jeep.

“I’ll stay here incase she gets out.” Jason told Tommy; his face serious.

Tommy nodded and climbed into the Jeep, Kaley moved to the passenger side and Conner and Ethan jumped in the back. Jason waved as they drove out of the driveway. Kaley glancing at her Dad every once in a while.

“Were could she be?” Conner asked as they stopped at an intersection.

Ethan shot him a look.

“It’s not like she’s going to fall out of thin air.” Ethan said.

At that moment Kira did just that, and Kaley whipped around in her seat to glare at Ethan.

“Ethan, stop saying shit like that. First the sinkhole which started this whole mess and now Kira falling from the sky.” Kaley said as she and the others got out of the Jeep.

“Kira are you ok?” Tommy asked helping her down off the hood.

Kira nodded looking around.

“How did you do that?” Ethan asks

“I have no idea, one minute I’m being chased by franken-Lizard through his lab and the next I’m a hood ornament!” She said quickly.

“Invisaportals.” Tommy said simply looking at her.

“Well whatever it was, I’m calling a cab next time. What are you guys even doing here?” she asked looking at them.

“We came to rescue you.” Ethan said looking at her.

Kira’s eyes went wide, and she tossed her hands up.

“Well way to show up when I don’t need you!” She said.

Conner and Kaley looked up the road a bit.

“You sure about that?” Conner asked.

They all turned towards the weird things walking towards them, and Tommy jumped in front of them.

“Mesogog found some new chump to do his dirty work for him?” Tommy asked.

“You are not fit to speak my masters name! now come with me quietly or there will be issues.” The main creep said looking at them.

Tommy dropped into a slight guard and cocked a smirk.

“We’ll see about that.” He said and started fighting the main guy.

Kaley looked at the others before turning and running into the remaining monsters. She punched and kicked them taking them out. After a few minutes she realized she was surrounded and glanced around her.

“Ok, now would be a really good time for that weird power to work again.” She muttered as she jumped throwing her hands around.

A large whip of fire erupted from one and the other threw off water balls that exploded on contact. She landed in a crouch and looked around, seeing the others done they raced over to where Tommy stood, and she dropped low into a guard stance as the others got into loose fighting stances.

“Tell your boss, Dr. Oliver is back.” Tommy called to the creature.

“He will be informed. You won the fight but not the battle.” It called as it disappeared.

Everyone stood up out of their fighting stances.

“Come on, lets go. It’s getting late and we don’t want your parents to worry.” Tommy said moving to his Jeep.

“Yeah, because then you might have to explain something.” Conner said with a shrug and hand wave.

Tommy turned to look at him just as Kaley reached over and smacked him.

“I’ll fill you in tomorrow after school. I promise.” He said and the others nodded.

Everyone climbed into the Jeep and the ride home was quiet. They got to the house and Conner, Ethan and Kira got into Conner’s car and left. Kaley sighed and walked towards the stairs.

“Kaley.” She heard her Poppa call and turned with a sigh to see them both standing there watching her.

“If it’s the same to you, I just beat scaly creatures in the middle of nowhere and would like a shower. That is unless Dad wants to tell me why he wasn’t surprised when monsters attacked. Or why you knew she might escape?” Kaley said looking from one to the other.

Her parents glanced at each other before turning back to her.

“I said I’d explain after school tomorrow. However, that doesn’t negate you not telling us you had that gem.” Tommy said looking at her.

Kaley took a deep breath and looked at him.

“Why? Maybe because we all decided not to tell anyone. Or maybe because these freaky gems gave us freaky powers and these creatures were after us. Who knows? Point is, that’s it. Oh, and uh next time you want to make a top secrete lair under the house try not bringing the monitors you’re going to use in through the front door. I recognized them within two minutes of walking in there. Now excuse me I’m going to go shower.” Kaley said turning and basically running up the steps.

After her shower she got her work done, texted Trent for a few minutes then crawled into bed.

“Kaley?” She heard her Poppa ask popping his head into her room.

She just closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep until he closed her door softly. She heard his footsteps disappear down the hall and then the steps and after a few minutes she felt bad, so she crept out of her bed and down the stairs keeping quiet. She paused at the doorway to the kitchen and listened to her Dad and Poppa talk.

“We should have told her the truth years ago.” Jason said looking at Tommy, who sat with a cup of coffee in front of himself.

“You know Zordon’s rules as well as I do. Don’t tell anyone your secret.” Tommy said softy

Jason huffed and glanced at him.

“But she’s our daughter and now she’s pissed at us. We should have just told her we were rangers.” Jason said sitting back a bit.

Tommy shrugged and looked up from his coffee.

“Maybe, but it doesn’t matter now. Now its her turn, and we just have to be there to support her and the others.” Tommy said looking at Jason.

“I don’t like it.” Jason said softly.

She heard the soft tone in her Poppas voice.

“You think I do? Jason there’s nothing I can do. The gems have already bonded to them. We just have to hope like hell they’re strong enough.” Tommy said softly.

Kaley heard the slight fear in his tone. Jason stood up and moved behind Tommy, rubbing his shoulders lightly.

“We’ll make sure they’re strong enough.” Jason said firmly.

Tommy nodded and looked up at him. Kaley slowly and quietly snuck back up to her room, crawling back into bed. The next morning was tense and all through the day she jumped at small sounds. Finally, she walked into Science following Conner and Ethan with Kira next to her. She sat down at the table and pulled her book out as Cassidy was trying to interview Kira. Her dad walked in then and dropped his bag on the table, not looking very awake but trying to for the class.

“Cassidy, unless you plan to give a lecture on the Mesozoic era, I suggest you take your seat.” He said offering the class a smile.

Cassidy nodded and took her seat quickly. Just as Tommy started the class the sky turned black and the building shook. The next few minutes went quickly, and before they knew it, it was just Tommy, Kaley, Kira, Conner, and Ethan in the classroom.

“Might be a good time for that little chat, Dr. O.” Kira said.

Tommy shook his head.

“We’re out of time if Mesogog has revived the BioZords there’s no time. Come with me.” He said before running from the classroom the others following him.

They found themselves getting a rushed explanation of the Zords as they were led down to the lair.

“If its all the same to you, Dr. O, I’ll bbl.” Ethan said.

“What’s that?” Tommy asked looking at him.

Kaley sighed and shot him a look.

“Remind me to teach you text talk.” She said softly.

Tommy looked at her quickly before looking back at Ethan.

“I’ll be back later.” Ethan said turning to walk away.

“Ethan! You can do this, and you won’t have to do it alone. Ever since I found the Dino-Gems I’ve had these waiting in case I ever needed to harness their energy.” Tommy said looking at them all.

“Into what?” Kira asked.

Tommy reached down and opened the case, showing four Dino head shaped things.

“Dino Morphers. Use these to become Power Rangers.” He said quickly.

Ethan’s eyes went wide.

“I need to sit down.” He said as he almost fell.

“Breath, dude.” Conner said catching him.

Kira’s eyes went wide.

“We can’t be Power Rangers. Aren’t you supposed to fly, have superhuman strength stuff like that?” Kira asked looking at him.

Tommy raised an eyebrow.

“You do.” He said simply.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” Kira said softly.

“Your Dino-Gems are from the asteroid that crashed into earth millions of years ago, wiping out the dinosaur population. When I found them I recognized their power immediately and hid them, so they wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands.” Tommy explained as he walked around the stand.

“How do you know these are the right hands?” Conner asked.

“You didn’t choose them, as much as I hate to say it given the circumstances, they chose you. They are your gems.” Tommy said looking at them all before moving towards the monitors behind them.

“Can’t they un-chose us? Kira asked.

Tommy shook his head looking at them all.

“They’ve already bonded with your DNA. That’s what’s given you your powers.” Tommy said in response.

“So, if their already bonded to us, why are Mesogog and his goons still after us?” Ethan asked.

Tommy got a hard look on his face as he walked back down to them.

“The only way for these powers to be taken away, is for you to be destroyed.” He said tone serious.

Kaley sucked in a breath, a cold shiver going down her spine.

“For future reference, not a great selling point.” Ethan said with a stunned and weary look on his face.

“I don’t remember asking to be a super hearo.” Conner said as Tommy walked by them again.

“The gems wouldn’t have bonded to you if you didn’t have something inside that could handle the power.” Tommy said.

Tommy moved the case closer to them.

“Please.” He said.

Everyone took their Morphers.

“So, now what? Do we need a magic phrase?” Conner asked.

“All you need is to say ‘Dino Thunder power up.’ And you’ll be instantly transformed.” Tommy told them.

Kaley shrugged.

“Morphed works better, since we are basically going under a metamorphosis from civilian to ranger.” Kaley said softly.

“Dino Thunder? What, did you come up with that?” Conner asked looking at Ethan, missing what Kaley had said entirely.

“I kind of like it.” Ethan replied.

“You would.” Conner said quickly.

Tommy smiled softly at the antics of the team, before turning serious.

“Look, I know you four are from different worlds. But you’ll need to work together, or this will never happen, this won’t be easy nobody knows that better than I do. You need to believe in yourselves, because I do.” Tommy said.

“Really?” Conner asked, and Kaley could hear the slight note of fear in his voice.

“Really.” Tommy said with certainty.

Within the next few minutes, they had arrived where the Zords were wreaking havoc.

“Alright this is it.” Tommy called as they all jumped out of the Jeep.

“That must be them.” Conner said quickly.

“Wow good call Conner.” Kira said.

“Guys, seriously. Stuff it for now. You can have your marital spat later.” Kaley groaned out.

They shot her a look before the guy from earlier landed.

“You’ll have to get passed me to get to them.” He called.

“That’s the part I’m looking forward to.” Conner said with a smirk.

“You guys ready?” Ethan asked.

Kaley nodded, and Conner looked like he’d fight this guy unmorphed.

“Oh yeah.” Kira said with a determined look.

Conner stood up and the four of them fell into line.

“Ready! Dino Thunder Power up, Hah!” They all called, and the morph washed over them.

“Woah!” Ethan called out.

“Oh yeah!” Conner echoed.

“This totally rocks!” Kira shouted.

“Now this, this will be fun.” Kaley said amusement radiating from her tone.

“So, you’re Power Rangers.” The guy said.

“Call your weapons, they’re in your belts.” Tommy said stepping up beside them.

Not that he could see it, but Kaley shot him a look about being that close in battle.

“You got it Dr. O!” Conner called.

With that their weapons flew up from their belts.

“Nice! I got a Tyrano Staff!” Conner called brandishing it.

“I can come to grips with this! Ptera grips!” Kira said holding them out in front of her.

“Sweet a Tricera Shield!” Ethan called lifting it above him.

“Troo Fans, very nice.” Kaley said holding one in front of her mask and the other out in front of her.

“Enough.” He called summoning in more of the weird foot soldiers from before.

With that the fight was on. Each one took a group of the foot soldiers and took them out. Ethan jumped and landed in front of the main guy.

“Freeze!” Ethan called holding out his shield.

“You first.” The guy said wrapping Ethan in a whip and slamming him into a wall, making him fall to the ground.

Kaley, Conner and Kira jumped in front of Ethan as he stood up, only for the enemy to blast them all down.

“Rangers! Combine your weapons.” Tommy called, concern on his face.

“Right!” Conner called.

They put all their weapons together.

“Zetrex blaster! Ready! Fire!” they all called.

Knocking the enemy down and away, they spun away from the resulting explosion.

“You showed me your weapon now meet mine!” He called, vanishing.

The Zords swooped closer and then a ship appeared and fired on them, they all hit the ground before racing towards the Jeep.

“Ok how do we fight that?” Conner asked.

“You have to tame the Zords. Your Morphers can translate your thoughts.” Tommy explained quickly.

“Right! Let’s go.” Conner called.

“Yeah!” Ethan agreed.

[hellswolfie]

The Mark of Athena Review

Ok so once again i continue reading “The Heroes of Olympus” and once again i need to vent so Tadaaaaa !!

So before I start, here is a  more general Review : I really REALLY liked this book. Favorite of the serie so far. Also, obviously, SPOILERS !!

THINGS I DIDNT LIKE : 

- The role of Frank : I can maybe forgive that, because with 7 main characters i  understand it’s difficult to give them all an important role in one single book. But I really loved him in “The Son of Neptune” and I really wanted to see more of him, and the most of what we got was him being the Jealous Boyfriend. It was kind of disappointing so I hope it’ll change in the next books. 

- Piper : it costs me a lot to put her there because I really really loved her in “The Lost Hero” but I have to admit I didn’t like one single chapter of hers in “The Mark of Athena”. Or at least not completely. In the first book there was the relationship with her dad, her culture, her dealing with the fact she was an Aphrodite children, the begining of a friendship with Annabeth and Leo... But in this book ? It’s only about Jason. Endlessly. And it’s so tiring and eyeroll worthy, especially when we compare her “issues” over JASON with the others’. And even without that, she was really not a great person in this book and not in the interesting way : she was ready to put the whole World in danger just so Jason wouldnt stay in New Rome, kept Charming Up her friends just for convenience (like srsly i know thats not supposed to be a Big Deal but thats still mind control so yikes), and when it came down to it, no matter what she said about how Leo is like her little brother or Annabeth is her BFF, she only gave a crap about Jason Jason Jason...There was barely a scene of her with the other two. And I find it frustrasting that it didn’t even feel like the plot during her chapters were about her, but more about Jason and her being a support for him, even though they were HER chapters !!

- Jasiper : Well I guess that’s not really a surprise lol. I never liked this pairing and this book didn’t change my mind on that at all. Piper keeps clinging to the three months THAT NEVER HAPPENED (and that apparently weren’t faithful to Jason’s character like srsly is she even really in love with HIM or the idea of him she had in her mind ?) instead of the 8 real months they spent together, thinks it’s a miracle when Jason appologizes (he’s a real catch huh ?) and is so so sure he’ll leave her to go to New Rome which first : wow you really have faith in this relationship huh ? But also second : why is this such a Big Deal ?? Even if he did go to New Rome she could still follow him (she made it pretty clear she’d leave all of her friends in Camp Half Blood to be with him), it’s not like he’s a whole new different person when he’s there !! And my baby Reyna was so hurt by that, like Jason was a reall asshole here, even if he was oblivious and didn’t realize her feelings for him she’s still supposed to be his friend and the first thing he asks after 8 months of disappearing is if he can spend alone time with his gf ? And I found it kind of frustrating that in the end, all the others left on their own to do their own things (yk, to save the fucking world ?) while literaly risking their life and Jasiper just...went on a date. Like seriously ? So yeah. Not a fan. 

- The whole Frank x Leo “rivalery” : Why make another older character be attracted to 13 years old ?? Can you stop that ??? Leo could also be a real ass sometimes, even tho I still love him and Frank well...I already talked about that. This book had enough pissing contests between guys as it is. 

- Percy apparently forgetting all the Hercules stuff  he learned in “The Titan Curse”. I know it might not seem like THAT much of a deal but it was a really important thing for his character ? That he learned how Heroes, especially Hercules, were real assholes too and that he had to learn to not be like them ? That Zoe, his friend who sacrificiced herself to save the world, was treated like shit by this guy but now he was still like “omg this is Hercules I SO want to meet this guy he seems great !!” ???. It was just one sentence but I hated it. 

- The focus on the Romantic relationships. Look I have nothing against romance and ships. I love romantic love in stories !! But I also love friendships and I really wish this book would have given us more of that instead of spending so much time on romantic relationships. I mean it is pretty well illustrated in the end of the book when they all separate : all the groups are romantic pairings. Percabeth, Jiper, and Frazel with Leo who has kind of a crush on Hazel. And as much as I love Frazel and Percabeth, where are the friendships ?? Percy and Jason’s relationship was supposed to be very important in this book so why didn’t we see more of that ?? What about the friendships that were already established like Percy with Frank and Hazel, Leo with Piper and Jason, Piper and Anabeth,...And all the new friendships that could have had more screen time like Annabeth and Frank or something !! So yeah that was disappointing. 

THINGS I LOVED : 

- the River God scene. Ok so yes I kind of lied : I enjoyed this chapter of Piper. Well this scene at least. And only kind off, because it is still a Jasiper moment but anyway. In my last review of “the Son of Neptune”, I mentionned how it always annoyed me that the heroes have a habit of always making the Good Moral Decision, without any hesitation, even if the fate of the world is in the balance. I was like “Give me morally conflicted characters damn it” !! And that’s what I got here. Piper having to lie to the God, taking his horn that was so important to him, even tho he was just a very tragic dude, to save Jason and the World, realizing that even if it is bad and she feels like shit after doing it, she still had to do it...YES !!! THANK YOU !! I LOVED THAT !!!

- The LEO X NICO INTERACTIONS !!!!!! After spending 2 books shipping them (they’d fit so well together i will die on this hill) they finally talked !!! Well once, and about the fact that Percabeth just fell into fucking Tartarus but like !!! TALKING !!!! And the first thing Nico tell him is to reassure him <3 (look I know it won’t be canon but the POTIENTIAL!!!)

- Annabeth’s chapters. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t like them like we finally got her point of view people !!! And it was awesome !!! I loved seeing her on a quest, the way she thinks and sees the world, how she uses her intelligence,... Like she’s so brave and smart but also so sentimental even tho she’d never admit it (like getting emo about having lost the white hair because it was a connection with Percy ? My baby is so fucking precious). And obviously we already knew that but to actually be in her head ??? It was so fucking good !! And it really succeeded to make me feel so much for her, like she’s just a kid and her mother literaly sent her to her death and she was so scared but she still kept going (only to end up in Tartarus WHYYYYYY) and I’m so proud of her. I love this character so much !!

- Percabeth : The reunion !!!! FINALLY !!!! That’s my first ever OTP right there and they’re so in love !! They’re such a badass power couple and they love eachother so fucking much !! God i missed them X( I loved every Percabeth scenes, they were so adorable and beautiful. I loved how even tho they are differents and are not always in the same page, they still know eachother so well and the communication was just so cheff’s kiss. And omg their lasts scenes together ?? Chills !! Like when Percy almost begged the (kind of?) gods to let him stay just a few more moments with her because he was so scared of never seeing her again almost brought tears to my eyes and then of course their final scene when they fall together into Tartarus, because all that matter is that they’re together...MY HEART !!!

- Percy’s and Leo’s chapters. I put them together because I don’t have much  to say except that I love them so much and that I would literaly lay down my life for this two. Their chapters are always such joy to read, and after one whole book without him, I was really glad to get back with Leo. Probably the funniest chapters too. 

- The Crazy Dolphins scene. This scene was fucking hilarious. Pic comedy ^^

- The crumb of friendhips dynamics we got. So much potential I want to see more !! Like Percy x Jason, Annabeth x Frank (so much Hermione x Neville vibes), Leo x Frank, Hazel x Annabeth, Percy x Frank, Annabeth x Leo (Leo who is so scared of and impressed by her as he should lol),...That’s probably one of the reasons I was so bitter about the romantic relationships getting so much more time, like ALL the friendhships that were so interestings like come on !!

- Percy thinking about LUKE !!! hjfgjehgfjhsegf !!! The fact that he still considers Luke as his fighting teacher, still thinks about his training and his advices !!! Even going as far as thinking he totally understood where he came from for doing all this horrible things !!! That was so awesome !! And such a character development !!! And that makes Percy even more of an interesting character !!! Anyway I loved that ^^

- All the mythological aspect like Rick can be such a genius sometimes with how he uses them, managing to stay faithful to them while sill adapting them to a more modern setting and that works so well !! Well its there in every single one of the PJO series book, but I just wanted to put it out there so here. 

- Hazel story. Look I didn’t like the whole weird kind off “love triangle” thing with Leo and Frank. But I love Hazel and I LOVED knowing more about her and also knowing more about Leo’s ancestor (who was awesome btw). That was such an interesting story, how she discovered that her only friend back then and first love spent his whole life thinking her disappearence was his fault.  And the flackback was so cute too ^^ Also Loved her being so desperate finding her brother because that’s what Nico deserves and that was adorable. I really hope we’ll get to see more of their bond. 

- The end. Such an amazing cliffhanger. I could feel the tension in the scene, I could’t stop reading and then the last chapter were everyone was just so in chock but Nico still believed that Percy would come back out of it alive because he admires him so much. It was SO !!! FUCKING !!! GREAT !!! Amazing way to end this book.

And that’s also how I will end this review ^^ Feel free to comment on it (respectfully) in the comments if you want. 

[toughguywithbossygirlfriend]

Diana : Goddess of War              Bruce : God of Death ?

Writer : Priest    -   Pencils : Pete Woods

Batman and Wonder Woman’s powerful underlying feelings for each other are most of the time only visible thru interactions intently scattered over a long period in DC’s Stories. This makes it harder for the readers to get a hold of their longtime unresolved romantic attraction. And It makes it easier to tell independent more short-lived romantic stories in both solo series without confusing and upsetting too much the audience.

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

The title refers about what happens in the Issue #43 but to understand what the last issue is talking about you need to know what happened in the previous ones, starting with Issue #34 ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

An over exhausted Batman leads simultaneously 3 different missions of the JL and the one he works on directly with Diana goes south because the FBI’s Tactical team interfered stupidly ... A innocent Nun gets killed with Diana’s own sword. Bruce was in charge of the mission even if only Diana was close from the terrorists and the Nuns. Diana’s eyes looking at Bruce are very telling. The league saved thousands that day, but one died, ... just next to Diana ... and was killed with her own weapon.

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

To say Diana was angry would be an understatement... and her unspoken anger was obviously directed at Bruce to the point she was considering leaving the JL.

I am sure Bruce understands perfectly Diana’s emotions after all he just has to imagine that an innocent would have been killed next to him with one of his own Batarangs, and Diana’s sword is even more personal than his numerous gadgets. An immense guilt would be the result.

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

Bruce : “Diana doesn’t feel she should blame me. but she does.”

Even if she denies it, that’s exactly what Diana really does ... and Hard. Clark is the most comprehensive of all the Heroes and tries his best to play peacekeeper but ... The JL members, following a very upset Diana, want Batman to give up his leadership pushing Superman to tell him.

Diana’s overall behavior makes me think that she transfers the blame she would make to herself onto Bruce because it is just too much to feel responsible of the death of an innocent person. It may have reminded her that her powers will never be enough to save everyone. Of course neither, Bruce nor Diana, are really responsible of that disaster. But she needs an outlet to take the blame : Bruce.

Batman on the other hand blames himself anyways, if not for the Nun at least for Diana. He knows very well what guilt does to Diana (see “The Hiketeia” for example) so it only adds to his decision to take the blame along with its consequences.

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

A sad and unhappy Clark does “the talk” and Bruce Leaves the JL. Judging by Diana’s reaction that’s not really what she wanted ... but it is a bit too late ...

A few issues later Batman leads now the “Justice League of America” while Cyborg leads the “Justice League”...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #34 to #43)

Much later an other incident makes a young man shoot on the Man of Steel whose body just deflect the bullets. One of them reaps Wonder Woman’s carotid artery open. She’s dying ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

Both Flashes are not sure a Doctor can heal Wondy so they take her to Raven who uses Magic on her.

But it seems Diana is going to have to find her way back to the living and it will need more than Magic to bring her back...that’s when “HE” appears in her.. delirium ? half-life state ? :

Thanatos, the God of Death ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

So the “God of Death” is trying to kill the “Goddess of War” ...

That’s already an Irony considering how closely related “War” and “Death” are ... you could say “War” loves “Death” and “Death” loves “War” ... They combine perfectly and thrive in each other’s company ... If it wasn’t for the compassionate Diana being the “goddess of war”, you could say “War” and “Death” are more or less “Soulmates” ... 

OK ! ...

But could we please take a moment, and give a closer look to that “God of Death” ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

Dammit !! Pointy ears, Bat symbol on the chest and the belt, gauntlets with three spikes ... that reminds me of someone ... Bruce “Batman” Wayne is Thanatos the God of Death ?! ... At least metaphorically in Diana’s feverish mind.

And that’s not the only reference to Bruce/Batman that we’re going to get ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

Sure being a “Goddess of War” on a “mission of Peace” is an Irony in itself but given Diana’s comment later we’ll get another Irony paralleled to this one ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

OK this is again kind of revealing, Thanatos tells Diana she blames him ? why would he say that ? Thanatos isn’t responsible for her current injuries... why would she blame him ? ...

But considering Thanatos seems to be a metaphor for Bruce/Batman ... he is right ! she blames him ... but for the death of the Nun in Issue #34 ... not her own death.

Sure, you could go the easy way and just say : “This has nothing to do with Batman, Diana just blames the God of Death because people die” ...that would be childish and Diana isn’t ... plus then why all these Batman/Bruce-references on Thanatos ?

And if Thanatos is a fantasy of Bruce ... Diana knows she doesn't risk anything...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

  She said it herself in “DCeased #6″ : “Bruce is a lot of things ... but he was never Lethal” ... is this why she knows Thanatos won’t kill her ? because Bruce won’t kill ? Like I said earlier a parallel of two Ironies : A “Goddess of War on a mission of Peace” and a “God of Death who doesn’t Kill” ... Diana and Bruce.

Diana cooled down ... and doesn’t blame “him” anymore ... she has great compassion for “him” ... because he is “a man so haunted by his past” ... She calls him Thanatos but we are definitively talking about Bruce ...

The Death of an innocent Nun took her Peace away from her but “he” gave her that peace back. Is that supposed to be the moment Bruce left the League and took full responsibility even if he could hardly have done anything against what happened - the moment she understood it wasn’t what she wanted ? ... or did she still blame him until that near-death dream ?

Batman/Thanatos told her earlier :“You are weak ... as long as you continue to blame me”. But Diana is still in denial : “I... I don’t blame ...”

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

Lets just try to consider Diana and Bruce as “soulmates” in the same way War and Death would be. There is no War without Death and every Death is a War you’ve lost against something (an enemy, or a disease or even the passing of time). Both need each other to exist, and if Diana “War” rejects Bruce “Death” it strips her of her own meaning and she destroys herself.

Choosing “Thanatos the God of Death” as a metaphor for Bruce Wayne is very telling for Diana “the Goddess of War” regarding how closely related she must consider him. Subconsciously Diana knows that their relationship is one of mutual need, not just care...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #43)

Deep down Diana still blamed Bruce until that moment. But Thanatos/Bruce helped her to understand that blaming him/Bruce Wayne weakens herself and her will to fulfill her mission, as well as her will to live... empowering him, the God of Death ... of her death this time.

Loosing her faith in Bruce, is stripping Diana of her will to live ...   Wooaaaw ! ... said like that ... gives me goose bumps ...

Lucky us ... Bruce, the God of Death, helped Diana, the Goddess of War, to see the truth, restored her faith in her mission and her will to live and fight at his side again. Diana finally found her way home.

So through 10 “Justice League” Issues we have a very nice little story only for Diana and Bruce hidden in the main one.

OK maybe I am overthinking what I am about to say but, there could be a little message behind that as well : could you imagine the consequences if “War” and “Death” would give into each other ? ... maybe “War” could forget about her mission of peace for “Death”, and maybe “Death” could start to kill for “War” ... maybe they both fear this so much that it explains what they said in Batman #40 “No, we can’t ...Ever”. That kind of consequence has already been addressed : for example in JLA(1997)#90 (Diana kills the Joker for Bruce) and more recently in “Batman : the Merciless” (Bruce kills Ares for Diana) ...

(Edit from DC Comics Batman(2016) #40, Batman: the Merciless and JLA(1997)  #90)

Is she so wrong to choose Thanatos “the God of Death” to picture Bruce ?? ...

(Edit from DC Comics Rebirth Justice League (2016) from Issue #42 and #43)

While Diana is out because of her injury the Bad guy responsible for all that colossal mess (and indirectly of Diana’s near-death), a killer whose knowledge threatens the very existence of the Justice League, is killed by Deathstroke. In the end Cyborg wonders if Batman has “solved” the League’s impossible problem in the same way Batman ended Ras Al Guhl in Christopher Nolan’s movie :  “Batman Begins”

Batman to Ras Al Guhl : “I won’t kill you ! but nothing can force me to save you”.

Death has many ways ... Diana knows the truth... he really is her Thanatos “the God of Death who doesn’t Kill”.

[dreamthinkimagine]

Dinosaurs

WARNING: Predator/Prey relationship

WARNING: Mention of getting eaten

WARNING: Mention of possible death

For @the-spooky-lee because she was so patient with my last fic that took me thousands of years to write

The credits rolled on the screens of the three-sided computer in the break room. Spock stared at his screen, his mouth agape, cold, and his mind practically blank. His mind - Spock’s mind.

“I love that movie,” Jim said as he shut off the computer. “Is there a problem, Spock?” Spock had to shake his mind from it’s empty void to respond.

“No, Captain. The illogic displayed in the film is most illogical.”

“How?” Bones cut in.”If dinosaurs were still around, some of them would most certainly eat people! They were carnivores, we’re meat. It’s nature. How is that illogical?”

“I think I’ll return to my quarters.”

“Good night,” Kirk said as he watched Spock walk out the door.

“If I’d known sooner that dinosaurs freak him out, I would’ve brought them up a long time ago.”

“This is serious, Bones. I’m worried about Spock.”

“I know. And well...he gets on my nerves, but I’m worried too.”

“I shouldn’t have made him watch the movie.”

“Now don’t go blaming yourself. There’s no way you could’ve known he, of all people, would react like that.”

“There’s got to be a way to show him dinosaurs aren’t an issue.”

“Well, what do you think we should do about it?”

***

Illogical thoughts filled Spock’s head. Dinosaurs weren’t real. Just something for film...right? Heart pounding against his ribs, he stood from his bed. Holding his breath, he shuffled to the computer, keeping himself cloaked with his blanket and said, “Computer, search dinosaurs.”

Spock’s temperature dropped as he looked upon the photographs of fossils from the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Those powerful jaws and massive teeth that Spock knew without a shadow of an illogical doubt would be able to take his arm off in one bite. He shivered at the sight of the remains of a Brontosaurus. The size. The sheer size. What could have a fighting chance against it?

Everything changed when he laid eyes on the bones of a Spinosaurus skeleton.The skull that was as long as he was tall with what looked like pressure sensors - to feel where prey was instead of seeing. That tail perfect for propelling itself in the water. Powerful legs for the land. Once he was able to properly process claws on the end of its arms, he slammed the power button on his computer, breaking it.

Now it wasn’t just a story anymore. Dinosaurs had been real. Not even the Vulcan nerve pinch would be able to save him against these beasts.

“An asteroid,” Kirk said. He was so engulfed in thought, that he didn’t hear his door open. “65,000,000 years ago, an asteroid crashed into Earth and wiped out all the dinosaurs. They’re gone, Spock. They’re all gone.”

“So you can calm down now.”

“Why would you think that I am acting illogical,” Spock asked. “That assumption itself is quite illogical.”

“Well, for one you have that blanket wrapped around you; you green blooded -.”

“I was cold.”

“The power button on your computer screen is destroyed. Were you looking at dinosaurs?”

“That is irrelevant.”

“What about the fact that your lights are on? Is that ‘irrelevant’?”

“I needed them on to navigate my way to the computer.”

“You left as soon as the credits played, Spock.” Spock stood there before them in silence, trying to wrack his brain for a good excuse. Alas, there was none. “It’s alright, Spock. Nothing’s going to hurt you.”

“Now I’m a Doctor and not a psychologist, but maybe some role play would help. Let him know that dinosaurs are simply nothing to be afraid of.”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe we could all act like the dinosaurs in the movie? I know it’s childish, but if he sees us do it, it might take his mind off the intensity of the movie.” Spock and Kirk stared at him in silence, expressions blank.

“...Interesting theory, Doctor.”

“It worked with Joanna when she was afraid of dinosaurs.” They still stared at him. “Or we could try something else.”

“Spock,” Kirk said. “An asteroid wiped them out, remember? There’s no way one can hurt you. I hate to say this, but, your fear is...illogical.”

“I am not afraid.”

“We were just over this, you - ”

“Bones.”

“Well if he keeps insisting that he’s not, I say we leave him here. We’re clearly wasting his time.”

“Perhaps that would best.”

“Agreed. Coming, Jim?”

“...Captain.” Jim heard and understood that through the low tone in Spock’s voice that he was being asked to leave. Jim rose and followed Bones out of the room without a word, leaving Spock to himself.

“Think he’s OK, Bones?”

“I don’t know, but he obviously doesn’t want our help right now.”

“We’ll try again tomorrow,”

“I’ll be there.”

***

The next day, Spock was able to keep his composure for all to see - all except Jim. He could read that half-Vulcan like a book and was easily able to see the subtle changes. How Spock's muscles were always braced. How he spent most of his time staring at one monitor. He knew he needed to do something and fast.

Jim spent his dinner in front of his computer screen searching for a documentary he had seen years before. Spock was a scientific mind, so he had to show him something scientific...right? As the computer played the first scene, Jim jumped out of his chair. He memorized the name and jetted down the hall to Sickbay. But on the way, he ran into Spock.

"Spock! I need you to come with me!" No time to get Bones now.

"Captain?" Kirk pulled him into the break room, and began talking to the computer. As Spock wondered what was happening, he suddenly saw a Spinosaurus on the screen and stared at it. Mind blank. The screen suddenly cut to an asteroid hurling through space, with Earth nowhere in sight. Kirk watched him for the whole documentary. And it didn't help; Spock hadn't even moved until the credits rolled. If the scientifically established fact that dinosaurs were extinct didn't mean anything to him, then it had to be something else. Kirk thought for a moment.

The Gorn. That thing looked like a dinosaur and Spock had seen it attack Kirk. Now it all made sense, Spock wasn’t so much afraid for himself as he was for his own Captain.

“Spock, you know we’re probably not going to have to fight a dinosaur?”

“...You must be prepared...Jim.”

“I don’t think I was prepared with the Gorn, but I came out okay.”

“Preparation increases one’s chances of survival. But even with that, survival is never guaranteed.” The next thing Kirk did caught Spock rather by surprise; he’d never expected Jim to place his arm around him.

“Hey, I’m not going anywhere. How about this, if I train a little more often, will you calm down?”

“I cannot calm down when there is no need to as I do not have your Earth emotions.”

“Of course, Mr. Spock,” he said and gave his side a squeeze, causing Spock to jump at the sensation. "You know, Spock, I'm not the only one who needs to be prepared for a fight." With that, he squeezed his side again, forcing Spock to jump. "Let's start now!" Suddenly Spock was under a vicious tickle attack with Kirk going rampant on his sides squeezing up and down, up and down. Spock jumped out of his trap and raised his arms up to his ribs, ready to defend himself. “C’mon, Spock,” he said. “I’m a James Tiberisaurus Rex. You’re a Spockosaurus, like the Spinosaurus in the documentary.”

Spock froze at the names.

“Spock, I can’t train to fight anything like a dinosaur without a dinosaur to fight.” Spock thought for a moment.

“Logical, Captain. Perhaps you could attempt to escape from this.” The “unemotional” response scared Jim, especially when Spock wrapped his arms around his ribs and pulled him closer. “Spinosaurus, unlike Tyrannosaurus Rex, used their claws to kill their prey.” With that, Spock started gently scraping his “claws” over the Captain’s ribs.

Bones was walking down the hall when he heard the screech and booming laughter. His curiosity getting the better of him, he made his way towards the break room. The door opened and he smirked victoriously. What he saw was a laughing Kirk with Spock digging into his belly and Kirk using his pointer and middle fingers on each hand, kind of like a T. Rex he noticed, to get at Spock’s underarms. He chuckled.

“Well, well, well,” Bones said, gaining their attention and putting a halt to their tickle fight. “I told you a little role play would work.” Kirk and Spock looked at each other.

“Look Spock, it’s a Boneseosaurus; like a Brontosaurus, except, this one’s ticklish.”

“Fascinating.” They each took a step forward and like the two carnivorous dinosaurs they were mimicking, worked together to take down the herbivore dino - the Spockosaurus pulled while the James Tiberisaurus Rex pushed at their prey. Once the Boneseosaurus was taken down, they relished in their feast.

“Wahahahahait,” Bones cried as Spock clawed at his stomach, and Kirk used his fingers to scratch his neck. After that, Kirk kept his promise to train more often and Spock found himself not fearing dinosaurs anymore. He even took up an interest in the prehistoric reptiles. And, while he never told anyone, he kept three small plastic ones hidden away in his Quarters only for him to see. A Brontosaurus, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a Spinosaurus.  

[curlyhairallday]

Bumps and Dumps - Part 6

Harry and Hattie were best friends and fuck buddies until she got knocked up. Her life was becoming one big mess and even though her best friend had finally admitted his feeling but she believed it is only because of the baby.

Harold: Him…….

Hatters: We were just friends Harry and he actually seems to care about me and he didn’t have to knock me up to realise.

Harry kept rereading the text he finally realised how bad he had screwed up his chances with her. He had always known she liked him for the most part he never realised though that one day when the universe had made it clear he can be selfish he can have her she would no longer want him. He had spent the whole of the SNL after party looking at this photo of her and fucking sink boy. Aj had been his only real threat and now he was playing the role of Dad to his unborn baby, he should be rubbing her back not him. Ever since that skit all he thought about was them going to birthing classes, getting the nursery ready in the new house and talking to her bump. Harry had been getting updates from Gemma apparently Hattie had the tiniest bump which more looked like she was bloated but only they knew it was their spud.

He tried to type her a message several times and gave up. He just kept looking at that photo he went onto twitter to see what his fans were saying. He knew Jeff would come over and try and come up with a plan to diffuse the situation but he also knew Jeff wouldn’t care as after looking at his fans tweets everyone was speculating he was going to become a Godfather to Aj’s baby all he wanted to tweet was it’s mine. Most people had assumed she had just drunk a few too many and was paying the price. Harry was so wrapped up in his phone he had forgotten that he had invited his mates to the after party including two of his exes Kendall and Camille.

“What you looking at Styles.”

Kendall quickly grabbed his phone away, Kendall had never quite known what was going on between him and Hattie but she herself thought they were meant to be together. Kendall had realised shortly into her fling with Harry that their was another women and she had never disliked Hattie the two had got on well. They were not best friends but that was because they were opposites Kendall and Camille were both slightly vain and their lives were hollywood. Where as, Hattie dreamed differently something Harry found intriguing she hated the spotlight and anything glitz and glam she craved a different lifestyle she loved fighting for people to get their attackers behind bars and helping men and women to prosecute their other halfs for domestic abuse. She didn’t need attention or money she needed to help. Where as, Camille and Kendall spent time and money on the latest clothes to look cool which is something them and Harry had bonded over, Hattie spent most her time around the house in his hoddies or merch. He tried not to compare them to Hattie when he had dated them both as he knew no matter what they would always fall short. Even when Hattie lectured him on the dangers of drug use or how he shouldn’t smoke or allow Camille to smoke in the house because his lungs wouldn’t work very well and he wouldn’t be able to hold the high notes, Hattie was a goody goody in that sense and Harry loved her for that. Now she would save her lectures for court when she realised that her child was better with Aj as a father than this fuck up. He downed his drink to help with the sorrow.

“So Harriet is having fun, wow look her new boyfriend is hot.”

“Of course.”

“Come on Styles you are normally the first to admire a man's good looks.”

“I’d admire them if he had any, she could do better.” Harry grumbled.

“By better do you mean you? I must admit thought you two would finally end up together, I was surprised you and Camille lasted so long didn’t think you could stand to distance yourself from her.”

Harry knew she was right they had cut multiple trips short during there time together because Hattie had a big test or she was stressed or he just missed her.

“I heard my name.”

Camille kissed Harry on the cheek as she joined him and Kendall.  Him and Camille were on good terms even though at the end it had hurt but he always knew he was trying to make himself love someone, when that place had already been filed.

“H, why are you so sad you just killed SNL.”

“Capital is saying you’re going to be a Godfather, is that why you’re so sad missed because you missed your shot?”

Kendall exclaimed while looking through the twitter feed.

“Harry wouldn’t care about that. When is she due? I am surprised she didn’t tell you first? Wait is she still living with you?”

Camille fired question after question at him, Camille was lovely and intelligent but she was one of those people who never wanted her ex to move on almost like a power move. In her mind Harry would have never fancied Hattie as he should still be into her. Harry quickly downed his drink he had been trying to stop drinking to fill a void but he was currently failing.

“Styles tell us what’s going on? so we can cheer your miserable ass up and get the fuck out of here and celebrate.”

Harry looked around at all of his friends in the room they were all so Harry and here to congratulate him.

“It’s mine.”

“What’s yours H?”

Camille stroked his arm and glanced at Kendall waiting for her to answer, she normally understood Harry.

“Whats going on over here?”

Jeff joined the group kissing both the girls on the cheek before looking at his mates solomon expression. Harry grabbed another drink of a waiter and downed it. Kendall passed Jeff Harry’s phone.

“Harry mate slow down a bit. I will sort it have you called Hattie made sure she is ok?” Jeff tried to reason knowing that Harry wasn’t handling his transition into parenthood the best mainly due to the baby mumma issues. He also knew one of Harry’s rules was protect Hattie so even though this would blow over in the press it probably wouldn’t have made it there if she hadn’t been friends with Harry or caught with the future CEO of one of the most prestigious law firms in the Country.

“The baby its mine.”

“Wait what?” Camille laughed out not believing him.

“She’s nearly twelve weeks, I am going to be a dad.”

Jeff was busy texting someone probably to get the press under control about Hattie.

“So why is your girlfriend with a random guy at 6am?”

“We aren’t together she doesn’t want me. I screwed it up by ignoring her for other people. Her exact last text was basically said I only want her because I knocked her up.”

“Let’s just have fun H.” Camille gave him and kendall both a glass.

The rest of the night was a blur until he woke up the next morning to five missed calls from Gemma and two from Anne. He could barely open his eyes the hangover was that bad.

“Hey Mum, sorry I was out last night?”

“Harry you need to call Hattie. She is devastated they told her that the no longer required her at the firm. Said the press photo was not a good look for the company having a employee throwing up at 6am outside Starbucks. Apparently clients won’t take her seriously and she did sevre damage ”

“Wait what? Did she say she’s pregnant?”

“Gemma has tried to comfort her but she’s distraught. She did they already knew she thinks that’s why they did it. She said to Gemma is was a possibility.”

“I can’t come home mum I have the late late show and my interview with Apple.”

“Harry you need to do something? Honestly Gemma called me panicked as you weren’t answering Hattie tried to call you of Gemma phone apparently her pregnancy hormones caused her to throw hers at the floor the other day.”

“Mum I am going to go.”

Harry layed there trying to figure out what to say, he couldn’t get out of work these things had been booked for months. Maybe he could convince her to fly out here for a break I mean he was sure his record label could use a solicitor but knew she hates that bit of the law.

“Gemma pass me to Hattie” He cut of his sister hello he was in a rush.

“Hattie, I am so sorry baby. You’re amazing.”

He could hear her hiccuping back her tears this was her dream job she had been through shit to keep this job and now she had lost it thanks to him.

“I wo-r-ked sooo …. Hard Harry.”

She began sobbing again he knew how hard she’d worked.  She was a robot at uni trying to get a first and not settling for anything less.

“Hatters baby, come to LA.  I have to be here all week but we can figure stuff out ok. I promise I will make you feel better.”

“I can’t even get drunk to numb this pain.”

Harry chuckled a drunk Hattie was a scary sight .

“Get on a plane now I will pick you up myself we will get ice cream and cake or anything spud will stomach.”

“I can’t Aj said he could get me a interview at his dads, In the family law section it’s not perfect but it’s something. I was really helping people though H they took it away because of spud. I am not going to resent spud though it’s not his fault or hers. It’s his mummy’s for being a whore.”

“Hattie what the fuck? You are not a whore.”

“That’s what twitter is saying and the people at work said I get around.”

She began crying again and selfishly all he cared about was the fact that she would be working with Aj and that made his blood boil. He also still had the hangover from hell and was struggling to not vomit.

“When is this interview?” He calmly asked so to not upset her.

“Later today.”

“Ok after I will book a flight this evening. You need a little break we can spend the rest of the week together I only have to work today and tomorrow. I can selffishly get my best friend back and hopefully you will feel a bit better.”

“I think I like that, I am sorry for being a bitch recently it’s hormones and also I couldn’t hold in my feelings.”

“We can talk when you get here.”

Hattie was annoyed with herself for apologising she was still mad at him but she wanted him bad. She had the interview and Aj had helped her a lot they had offered her a job and she was so thankful for Aj. If not she would be a pregnant singleish mum with no money at least she lived with Harry so she wouldn’t be on the street. She was excited to start next week mainly because Emily had been distant with her recently so Aj was all she had friends wise who wasn’t somehow linked to Harry. She had packed light for LA not wanting to take a lot as the morning sickness had made her feel very weak. She was surprised that she was willingly seeing Harry but she needed to. They had never spent this long without constant communication she was also excited for him to hold her as she still couldn’t believe she had lost her job and managed to get a new one in a 24hour period I guess it goes to show how important it is to know the right people.

She spent the whole flight passed out in front of the toilet or with her head down it being sick. She was convinced this baby hated her.

Bump and Dumps Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5  Part 6

[justjessame]

Silence Chapter 3

While I seemingly crossed paths with Negan more and more, the scarier moments came when I could see him, but he had no idea that I was nearby. Watching him turn the same charm on that he seemed to ooze onto the leader of the animalistic group made my stomach churn and bile threaten to force its way free.

If he used this tactic on her for some shady purpose, then what purpose was he using it on me?

During downtime, which I had an ample surplus of, I had to decide whether reflection of the past was warranted or wasting time on a future that seemed less and less possible was a better use of the time.

Memories? My dad-single or widower, depending upon which relative or narrative was easiest to swallow at the moment, a therapist who was more in touch with his patients’ issues than his own. Remember the old saying, “a shoemaker’s children always go barefoot”? My father took it to heart and made damn sure that I would be fine, he just wasn’t as careful with his own mental health.

His death, coming a full year before the rest of the world went to shit, was something of a gift. If I’d had to- no best not to even THINK it- OK memories were a NO.

A future daydream then-alright.

Let me think about it. First, we’d need a cure. A cure for anyone bitten by one of the infected or dying with the infection inside them. We need a humane way to end those who would rise if they do die, something that would allow us to keep our humanity in check. And let’s figure out how to keep one another from going full on feral.

So we have: Cure for bitten and dying? Check.

Humane end for the risen? Check.

Feral humans put back to sorts? Check.

That just leaves-

“Elara-” Damn it. He’d NEARLY gotten the drop on me. Almost. I’d heard the snap of a twig on his approach. The slight scent of that gruesome mask, hell even the undercurrent of his musk. “You look like you’re pretty fucking focused on something.”

I shook my head and stretched. Refocusing on him. He looked- Like he needed a distraction too.

“What’s wrong?” He barely breathed, but I could make out the gentle rise of his chest. A small sigh. “Pull up a patch of dirt.”

He sat, across from me, his long legs framing mine. “You said you aren’t a joiner.” I nodded. “Ever?”

“Clubs in school, I guess.” I settled more comfortably against my tree. “Why do you ask?”

“I’ve been a-” he shook his head like he was trying to convince himself. “Leader, a prisoner, a follower-”

“Any of them fit?” His eyes met mine and he smirked. “Ever try just being yourself?”

Huffing out a short breath, he shook his head. “And who the fuck is that?”

I shrugged. “Negan.”

I wander for a ton of reasons. Sometimes I get bored. I feel nomadic and I want a change of scenery. I like being near water, for washing, for fresh drinking, and for the calming effect.

I like to move so I can get a new perspective. Looking at the same thing over and over, even if the view is nature isn’t healthy. So I wander to get a fresh view, fresh air, fresh ideas.

Food is another reason. Be it for hunting or foraging, I like to have variety. Sticking to the fringes keeps me out of known territory, giving me plausible deniability if I’m ‘caught’ by one faction or another. It also keeps me apprised if I have to run, hide, or keep out of the fucking way of whatever wave of violence is coming next. Because while the monsters are real, humans are still just as fucking dangerous.

As I’m on one of my foot powered trips, I hear it. It’s as familiar to me as it is to any human being. Even if you were spared the rod like me, you’ve heard the sound of a whipping. It’s been used in movies, it’s been heard in music videos and in sex play, so the sound isn’t as foreign as one would like to imagine. And as much as I’d love to pretend otherwise, I’d heard it many times as I’ve flitted around the territory of the weirdos that Negan was making time with.

It shouldn’t have shocked me, really it shouldn’t have, that he’d be taking part in this round. Or that it would be a ritual between him and Alpha. They were doing a weird tug and pull, those two, and I had no reason to see it as anything strange or abnormal. I barely knew the man, afterall. Yet, as I stood far out of sight, watching as they whipped one another’s arms, as the chanting began warning me to seek shelter far away from what was sure to come, something told me that I knew him far less than even I’d thought possible.

I knew, regardless of how I felt about the chanting, whipping, really gruesome and sadly anticlimactic S&M imagery, that I needed to get my ass hidden in one of my MANY hidey holes. One of the other side effects of wandering is that I had a cache of places that most survivors barely glanced at that would not only keep me safe, but offered me a place to tuck away to and ignore the rest of humanity until they got their shit back in order.

Some were clearly old hunting cabins, others were shacks, and some bore the tell tale signs of being former moonshine stills. Regardless, four walls at least and a roof were my requirements. Bonus if there was a stove or fireplace of some sort, and God fucking praise Jesus if it was furnished.

Of course, I should have known, given my luck since meeting Negan for the very first fucking time at MY bathing spot that he’d find my spot. That out of ALL of the shacks in ALL of Godforesaken fuckoff Virginia Negan would manage to bring Alpha to MINE.

I was writing in my notebook, killing time as the quiet was cloaking me like a soft blanket when I heard the first hint that it was being broken. And then, arrow notched, shoulder against the side of the shack, I watched as he walked behind HER as they approached MY spot. My heart was pounding SO loudly in my ears that IF they were speaking I couldn’t hear the words. I knew the moment she saw me. I saw the surprise on her face. The confusion. I was shocked, because I expected an attack, but she only turned to him, a question on her lips, and then with a flash across her neck, she had a matching wound to his. Only hers was far more effective at quieting her than his had been.

What happened next? I sat down, back to the image of him and her, to whatever was outside MY shack. My back against the wall of the shack, my bow on my knees the silence returned or the pounding of my heart so loud again that I was rendered deaf. I didn’t see what happened after the flash of his blade, or after I turned away. I didn’t want to.

I’m not sure I was still in the shack, honestly. I thought about when I was a little girl. When my dad was seeing patients from his office at our house, a huge red brick Victorian on a tree lined street in southern West Virginia. The sidewalks were rippled by the roots of the trees, imperfect and I remembered jumping over the humps. Creating hopscotch boards on the sidewalk was difficult, so we had to go to the playground or the park.

I remembered my grandma fussing at Dad about a pair of white knit leggings he bought, and how he’d been so distracted with his schedule that he hadn’t paid attention to the panties I wore under them, so when I came home that evening, she’d had to point out that the very bright primary colored rainbow ones I chose weren’t appropriate and that he’d have to show as much concern to his kindergarten age little girl as to the crazies that were coming and going each day.

“Elara?” Hoarse, his voice sounded hoarse. My eyes were locked on the dust motes dancing in the late day sunbeams shining through the cracks of the shack’s walls. “Can you say something?”

“Is she dead?” Just as quiet and hoarse as his, I wondered, idly if he’d buried or burned her body. He knelt in front of me, in the path of my dusty dancers, forcing my focus on him. “Well?”

He nodded, eyes locked on mine, but hands to himself. “Yeah, she’s dead.” My turn to nod. “I need you to come with me, Elara.” I tilt my head, studying him. “Please?”

I want to argue with him on this. I don’t join anyone. Especially men who randomly cut a woman’s throat in front of another woman, but he cut a woman’s throat in front of me, so perhaps now is NOT the best time to poke that particular bear. I nod my ascent. He helps me to my feet and waits while I get my pack and shit together.

“I have to meet with a few people,” I’m thinking about the giant that is Beta, now that he’s killed their Alpha, he gets that designation. A leader, like he was before. “And, I need you to trust me.”

Easier said than done, I think, but say nothing.

Negan talks as we walk. He asked me if I listened as he and Alpha came to the shack. I don’t speak, honestly there’s not a hell of a fuck ton to say. He takes my silence as a ‘no’, so he tells me the story of his past.

“I was married,” I listen, thinking if nothing else it gives me something other than the bag he’s carrying or the knife I know he has to think about. “Before everything went to shit, I was married to a woman named Lucille.” He’s walking beside me, measuring his steps to match my shorter strides, keeping pace with me. “She didn’t tell me she was sick, not until it was too late to do anything to help her. She died right when-” When he stopped I understood, when he would have to make a choice that no one should have to make. “I couldn’t do it.” I thought about how I felt about Dad dying a year earlier, knowing that I didn’t have to make that choice. A gift. “My emotions? Gone. It changed me into-” he sighed, and biting his lip, I felt his gaze land on me. “I told her,” I knew he meant Alpha, “that I’m dead inside. It’s gone, I have nothing left.” I should be afraid then, right? Isn’t that the warning of a killer? Someone who wants to murder and rip people apart? “I lied.”

I swallowed, but kept walking. I didn’t know what he wanted. I didn’t know who he was, what he was, but I truly fucking hoped I wasn’t about to die at his hands. Or at the hands of whomever he was insisting I go with him to meet.

[toxic-gorgon]

Blending: Yomi x Reader

Along with spicy content, I can also write fluff. One of my favorite of the fluff, where reader-chan meets Yomi’s son for the first time.

You knew being in a relationship with a demon would have its challenges, you weren’t gullible after all. Especially someone as powerful and stoic as Yomi, the man can have anyone cowering in fear ridiculously easily, demon or not. Still, you found yourself quite taken with him and him to you. Actually, you’re still not 100% sure how the gods graced you in this way, but no matter how you look at it, the both of you compliment each other and your relationship flourished for just over a year. Now, it was time for the next step. Meeting his son.

He was vague on the types of things his son enjoyed, so you had to use your knowledge to the best of your abilities, good thing you somewhat know what children like, having been around younger cousins and all. This was a first meeting, so it had to be absolutely perfect! If a child has a bad experience, it carries on with them, so your hopes of perhaps someday blending a family with the man you love will be over in a blink of an eye. So, pulling out all the stops, you set out an assortment of snacks. Chips, sweets, crackers, anything a child could possibly want. A little bribe never hurt anyone, right?

You smoothed out your skirt, making sure with all the chaos, you looked presentable too. Ugh, you were terrible with first meetings, but with how Yomi spoke of his son, you knew he would be just as respectable and loving as his father.

Knock, knock, knock!

The sudden rapping upon your door tore you out of your thoughts. Nervously, you stretched a smile across your face and walk towards the door. With a heavy sigh, you open it revealing your demon lover and his young son, Shura. Stepping aside, you wave towards the child.

“Hey, glad you guys can make it. You must be Shura. I’m ___. Nice to meet you.” While Yomi displayed a calm smile, placing his hand on his son’s shoulder and urging him to be friendly, the young boy however glanced up with his ever so scrutinizing gaze. You extended a hand to him anyway. You can’t let him know you’re intimidated.

“Hm?” The boy looked to your hand, then back up at his father. “Father, I pictured her much differently.” Off to a grand start. Yomi squeezes Shura’s shoulder. The boy scoffs, but shakes your hand reluctantly. Your smile never falters, but you move aside to allow the two in.

“Come in, the dining table is in the next room. We can chat in there. I also have drinks and snacks, in case you guys are hungry.” Just like a great hostess, you pointed to the next room. As they come past the door’s threshold and start for the next room, you shut the door, only for Shura to speak up again.

“Father told me not to have high expectations for human dishes. I’m sure it’ll be ok enough.” Your eyebrow twitched. Why that spoiled little….no, he’s just a boy. You cough, forcing out more pleasantries.

“Regardless, I hope everything is to your liking. More importantly, I wish to get to know you, Shura. Your father talks about you all the time.” You follow them into the next room, gesturing them to sit down. On one side of the table, sits Shura and Yomi, while you sit across from Shura, as if you were in an important business meeting. That’s what if felt like, anyway.

Shura’s gaze takes in each one of the goodies spread on the table. Each one he seemed to lose interest in, but rather looks back up to you. “How many men have you been with?” You choked, your eyes widen in disbelief. Why would he need to know that?

“Shura.” Yomi’s firm voice warns his son, to which Shura rolls his eyes.

“Father, I want to be sure she’s serious. I won’t tolerate anyone less than.” Ever so straight to the point.

Placing your hands on the table, you respond, pushing past your insecurities. “Only three, I’ve been in three relationships before your father.” No, you won’t be defeated that easily. Shura just nods, but you can see the wheels in his head are turning. “What about you, Shura? Do you like movies? Games?” You ask, trying to turn the conversation into more a pleasant one. The boy was not having it.

He frowns, a look of irritation plastered on his features. “Don’t treat me like a child. I don’t care for those things.” Ok, you need a new plan. He crosses his arms, pouting. On the inside, you were panicking. Why was this so hard?

“M-My apologies. I’m sorry. Tell me, what do you like then? I would like to get to know you more.” Maybe you can still save this meeting.

“Why don’t you have children yet?” Nope. Your eyebrow twitches again, you knew children asked a lot of questions, but this was over kill. What are you suppose to say? He’s hanging onto your every word, making snide judgments, you can feel it!

“O-Oh. Well, I’ve never found the right man to settle down with. I love children, I really do, but without the right person, I didn’t see a reason to have any.” You spoke the truth, and hoped that was enough. It seemed to be, as Shura nodded, reaching over for one of the chips, and nibbles on it.

His eyes lit up, but he quickly suppresses it. There, you noticed, perhaps you were getting through to him at least a little bit. You reach over and take a carrot from the veggie tray, bringing it to your lips. Now, it was your turn to ask the questions. What better way to gain the boy’s trust than playing his game? If you can’t speak to him like a child, then speaking to him like an adult may gain his favor. You hoped anyway, certainly you don’t have much more room to make mistakes.

“How’s your training going? Your father tells me you’re also into martial arts.” Shura’s eyes lit up again, this time he couldn’t suppress it. Rather, his displeased expression softens into a thinking one.

“It’s going well. I’m still not as strong as father though.” he sighs with a huff. You smile, the fact he was trying to catch up to Yomi was adorable.

“I see. Your father is quite strong. You must look up to him a lot, yeah?” Shura nods embarrassedly, glancing over at Yomi for a second, before turning back to you. There was even a small blush dusting his cheeks, which made him all the more adorable.

“Y-Yeah, well. He better watch it, because someday I’ll beat him!” Determination etched with the boy’s every word, which made his father chuckle proudly, patting his son on the back. You loved it; this could perhaps work after all.

“There’s not a doubt in my mind you will. I would like to see you two spar sometime, if that’s ok?” Shura nods, as he takes another chip. By the look of Yomi’s collected expression, he’s pleased with how this interaction is, as you are. That was, until the boy asked another question.

“If you’re so nice, why aren’t you married?” His words cut through you. Back to square one. How were you going to tackle this one? Every relationship you had, while they didn’t end terribly, was still quite the sore spot. You’ve already spilled your guts to Yomi, to which he understood greatly, but this was a child asking.

“Well, that’s difficult to say. I suppose I’m focused on my career, rather than on marriage.” You weren’t lying; you did take your career extremely seriously. Shura however studied you, looking for any signs of falsehood. He shuts his eyes and nods, accepting the answer.

“Fair enough.” Then comes the awkward silence. You nibbled on another carrot, not yet defeated. This game of wits is far from over. You had to choose what came next wisely, so you went with a different approach. If talking was getting harder to bond with, then a game will surely make him open up.

“How about we play a game? I know, you said you don’t like games, but this isn’t a child’s game.” you suggested softly. Shura arched a brow, but you caught his interest.

“What is it then?” he asks, crossing his arms and sitting up straight, as if trying to intimidate you. You hop out of your seat and leave the room for a moment, shuffling things in a carbonate, before coming back.

You set a chess set on the table, opening up the box, and start setting it up. “It’s chess. It’s a game of strategy and conquest; you can handle it, right?” you sang, issuing the challenge. Shura smirks, excitement twinkling in his eyes.

“What do you take me for? Fine, I accept. I won’t go easy on you, so be prepared.” He leans forward, mapping out the pieces before him. You hold up your palm, sitting down back in our seat.

“Not so fast. For every piece that’s taken, the player must reveal something about themselves. Deal?” The boy looks questionably at you, and then up at his father. With a smile of encouragement, Shura nods, looking a bit less confident. He would admit it to you, he couldn’t show you weakness.

So, a new game of wits begun, and with every piece taken, you each said a fact about yourself. It started small of course, your dislike for certain foods, your hobbies, and such. Shura was a little less compliant, but still played with your rules, and only said facts he felt it was ok for a complete stranger to know. While the game was getting more intense however, the more he loosened up and dropped his stoic act, his inner child coming out. You were getting through to him!

When the game finally ended, Shura was the victor, which he rubbed in your face quite harshly. Pointing and laughing at your defeat, but the payoff was more than worth it. You stand up and extend your hand to the boy, and the boy shook it with a bright smile. “Good game Shura, you got me pretty good.”

The rest of the visit was easy going with the ice officially broken. So, when it was getting late, it was time for Shura and Yomi to go. You opened your front door, saying your goodbyes, giving Yomi a hug, and then Shura one.

“It was great meeting you Shura, I hope to see you again soon.” you smile, waving the two off. You shut the door after they leave, resting your back against it, and letting out the most exasperated sigh you saved up during the whole visit. You don’t know how long you stood like that, but holy shit, that was fucking painful. You couldn’t help but smile though, because there wasn’t a doubt in your mind that it went well, even if it had a rocky start. You were sure Yomi will tell you about Shura’s thoughts during your next date, but until then, you needed a good rest.

Yomi and Shura almost make it back home, before Yomi questions is son. “What do you think of her?” Shura looks up to his father, then straight ahead, deep in thought. A faint blush dusting his cheeks, while he speaks.

“She’s ok, I guess.”

[preface2adreamplay]

Under Your Spell (Chapter 23) - Oi To the World

Summary: A Jared Padalecki/OFC /Oscar Isaac fiction.

Christmas in New York.

Chapter warnings: Swearing.

Chapter WC: 2,804

Christmas was upon her so quick it made her head spin. Stef was standing at the airport arrival halls, checking her bag every few minutes in case her passport jumped out and made its way home.

Her nerves were pinging like overstretched guitar strings. She spent every Christmas with Darius and Oscar, why was this one making her antsy?

They had misplaced her suitcase, that was irksome. The kind man at the lost baggage desk assured her it would make its way to her address before Christmas Day. With three days to go, she wanted to believe him, but figured she should hit up some stores just in case.

Stef had learned years ago that if the airline ‘lost’ your bag it would either arrive very late or not at all, several years before while on tour, she had ended up playing a show in her boots, grimy jeans and her bikini top because she had nothing else that was clean. That was a messy tour for everyone. Since then, she kept a bag with the essentials with her while she traveled; clean underwear, a spare shirt, make up, toiletries and...oh fuck, she remembered that she hadn’t packed pjs.

‘Mom!’ Darius was elbowing his way through the crowd of people in the arrivals hall, a big smile on his perfect face.

‘Hey kid, how are you?’ Stef pulled him into a hug, her chin resting on his broad shoulder.

‘Good, dad’s outside, there is literally no parking, this place is crazy!’

‘Well, it is Christmas.’

Darius looked about for her suitcase, giving her a look. ‘What? No presents?’

‘Airline lost my bag, I’m annoyed.’

He nodded sympathetically. ‘Come on, before dad is in a bad mood too.’

Oscar leaned in to kiss her cheek, ‘Hey momma.’

Stef rolled her eyes. ‘Don’t make me say it.’

Oscar smiled, his hand fondling the keys in the ignition.

‘Ok, hey daddy.’

Pumping his fist he started the car. ‘I’ve waited so long for you to do that.’

Darius slid into the back seat, missing their exchange. ‘The airline lost mom’s bag.’

‘Aw, shit, no.’ Oscar pouted.

‘I got my essentials,’ Stef patted the bag at her feet.

‘What a way to start the holidays. But, I got the eggnog ready, the place looks amazing, Dar helped me with the decorating,’ he held his fingers out, counting each thing to look forward to.

‘And of course, Indiana Jones is waiting for us.’

Stef felt the whoosh of excitement, it was truly a tradition at this point. Peeking over at her ex lovers face, she saw the blood rush to his cheeks, he was positively giddy.

Darius was texting, ignoring his parents. Stef wondered how many more Christmases she would be spending with him before he started his own traditions.

Oscar nudged her elbow, ‘hey, this’ll be fun. You’ll learn to chill.’

‘My mind doesn’t chill, you know that.’

‘We’ll see,’ he replied, before starting the engine.

***

Moments after dropping her bag at the door and pulling off her boots, there was a cup of eggnog in her hand. Darius was on some handheld gaming device that Stef didn’t recognise (Oscar always organised the tech gifts) and Oscar was lazing in his sweats, guitar in his lap, strumming mindlessly.

This is what it was for Stef at Christmas. Up late singing with Oscar while Darius slept curled up on the rug by the fire, at least until he grew a bit too old to sleep to get excited about Father Christmas visiting.

‘You could at least take off your coat and relax.’

Oscar leaned his head against the back of the sofa, his curls falling against his brow.

Stef was wearing her warmest, fluffiest sweater, it had been mind-numbingly cold when she left home that morning, but Oscars living room was lit up with Christmas lights, candles and a fire burning, and honestly she was starting to sweat a little.

‘I’m gonna shower first if you don’t mind.’

Oscar shrugged, turning back to the guitar, strumming a few familiar chords.

Stef noticed her album propped up against he wall next to his stereo, she felt the warmth in her tummy at the idea of him listening to it. He was always so supportive.

The shower pressure was thunderous, the water beating down on her already sensitive skin. Wincing, she reached over and turned down the spray. Any other day she would have loved it. But, not after the last few love making sessions she’d had with Jared. Each time they started making out it had been nice, soft, and ended rough and intense, him bending her body to his will, trying to find different ways to outdo the last time she came. Every orgasm he pulled from her was done with love, she knew, but her body was starting to fold in upon itself. That was just what Jared wanted.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she could see the bruises on her hips, her ribs. Pressing against the finger marks on her thighs she could feel him there, the hot sting of him buried inside her, his breath on her neck.

Her nipples were hard at the thought, remembering him in the bathroom, the fogged up glass of the shower cold against her palms as she tried to hold herself up while he fucked her. Then afterwards, he took her from behind while she watched in the mirror, seeing his mouth fall open while he slid inside her, one hand wrapped around her neck, bending her over the sink. Each thrust of his hips brought her to the edge, his fingers grabbing hold of her hip to keep her steady, legs shaking beneath her.

Even now, two days later, she could still feel him. And she missed it. Missed the power he had over her, trusting him to do as he wished with her.

Her fingers were trailing against the marks on her shoulder, teeth marks and hickeys, trailing down to her breast and right there by her nipple, a fresh bite. That had hurt. His fingers were inside her, all of them, ripping her apart as she came hard, his teeth sinking into her. There was nothing else in the world like it, the throb of her pussy, swollen from his hands and his mouth, before he even started fucking her.

Stef moved her hand between her thighs, her head falling forward. If she was quiet, she could get herself off in a couple of minutes thinking of Jared’s mouth on hers, grabbing her face between his hands, throwing his head back to get the hair out of his eyes. The way his eyes closed and he swallowed hard when he entered her.

‘I know you will come when I tell you to.’ He had said, holding her head in his hands, his forehead against hers.

Her cunt was aching to be filled, her fingers weren’t enough, but the thoughts of him was, she was dripping when she came, biting her lip hard so no one would hear her.

Oh god, she thought, the fuck is wrong with you??

After she cleaned up, scolded herself again and slipped on the extra pair of clean clothes, she checked no part of her skin was visible. The choice of sweater covered her neck, only a little of the burn on her right wrist could be seen. She stared at it for a moment, poking at it with her finger. She probably should put some cream on it, it stung a little, she had pulled against her restraints, it was gonna happen.

‘You ok in there?’ Oscar called from the other side of the door.

Stef opened the door, letting the steam escape. ‘Have you forgotten what it’s like living with a woman? We take our time in here.’

Oscar looked sheepish, ‘sorry. But the pizza is here.’

‘Pizza! You never said there was gonna be pizza!’ Stef hopped onto his back as he walked into the kitchen, his strong legs bracing to keep himself upright.

‘Have you taken your pills today, Effie?’ He laughed, one of her arms was around his neck. ‘You’re choking me a bit.’

‘Sorry,’ Stef jumped down and grabbed a slice of the biggest pizza she had ever seen. ‘All veg?’

‘All veg,’ Oscar stuffed his mouth and licked his thumb.

‘So how’s life?’

‘Same as it always is.’ Stef answered between mouthfuls. Darius had a plate perched on one knee in the living room, his ear to his phone.

‘His girlfriend,’ Oscar nodded toward him.

‘Cute.’

Oscar shrugged again. ‘I’d like to say we had our shit sorted when we were his age, but who does?’

‘If anything, we were in disarray.’

Both of them sat quietly studying their son for a minute.

‘Life sucks and then you die,’ Stef said quietly, feeling Oscar’s eyes turning to her.

She laughed, then snorted, causing Oscar to fall into a fit of laughter.

Darius turned around in his chair to look at them, rolled his eyes and continued his conversation.

‘Life doesn’t suck now though, right? You’re happier than I’ve seen you in a long time.’ The invitation to talk about Jared was there, she knew, but she didn’t want to offer up any information.

It was her turn to shrug. ‘I suppose.’

She heard him sigh. ‘Come on, eat up. We have so much tv to catch up on.’ Oscar knew she would relax after a while. Always afraid to tell him anything, lest the rug be pulled from under her. He understood, he was partly, or mostly to blame for the rift between them. Actually, he thought, he was all to blame.

She was better with him now, this relationship had brought out the playful side of her again, he had missed it more than he cared to admit.

‘I got you a gift you can open now!’ He suddenly burst out, startling her.

‘It’s not Christmas yet, Oscar.’

‘No, it’s perfect timing since your bag isn’t here.’ He hopped off the kitchen stool and jogged over to the tree, grabbing a nice sized package. Stef followed him in, curious as to what was going to sort out the no clothes issue she was having.

Darius had finished the call, looking a little glum. ‘Open it, mom, he seems real excited about it.’

Oscar was smiling, eyes twinkling as he watched her rip open the perfectly wrapped gift. Heavy material fell open in her hands, ‘Oscar, what the hell is this?’

Both men were laughing, Darius bent over holding his ribs.

‘Amazing, Oscar thank you. A Star Wars onesie with your face all over it.’

‘Hell yeah,’ he choked, ‘and look’, he pointed to the crotch. His face really was adorning all the important parts.

Stef buried her face in it, she couldn’t hold back the laughter. ‘Thanks so much, it’s everything I ever wanted.’

‘Should have gotten Dar one as well.’

‘No thank you.’ Darius piped up, shaking head, throwing back a glass of eggnog.

‘You made that way strong, dad, jeeeesus.’

‘Yep, trying to get your mom drunk.’

‘Ugh, please no. You’ll be up all night.’

Oscar’s eyebrows shot up with surprise, ‘Darius, what the hell way is that to talk about your mother.’

‘Ugh, I meant singing and playing guitar. Oh god you guys are gross.’

‘Hey, no arguments. I have been here an hour!’ Stef emptied her own glass and shoved it in Oscar’s direction, jiggling her hand so he knew she wanted a refill. ‘I won’t say no to getting a little fucked up.’

‘Now we’re talking,’ Oscar flicked Darius’s ear, ‘follow your mom’s lead, she’s the sensible one here.’

While Oscar disappeared to get refills, Stef’s phone started buzzing in her jeans pocket. She slid out onto the back porch cursing the cold air as she answered the call.

‘Hey girl, get to NY ok?’

‘Yeah, I did, not here long and the airline lost my bag.’ She grumbled.

‘Aw man, shitty.’

‘How is everything on your end?’

Jared sighed heavily, ‘home and surrounded by children and I need a break already.’ Stef could hear someone screaming in the background, following by crying.

‘Shit, hang on.’ He disappeared for a moment. ‘It’s ok, it’s been handled.’

‘So what’s the plan for the next few days?’

Stef ran through the general stuff that always happened around Christmas time. Some shopping, some sleeping, drinking, playing cards and writing songs. Standard stuff.

‘And you’re with Oscar and Darius?’ Jared queried, as if he didn’t already know the answer.

‘Yep, same as always. Though, I wonder how long before Darius doesn’t want to hang with us for the holidays anymore.’

‘I still hang with my folks,’ Jared offered, trying to cheer her up.

‘Sure, but if he goes and spends it in a different country or gets married it’ll just be me and Oscar staring at each other. How awkward would that be.’

‘You guys don’t get along if he’s not there?’

‘We do, but we know each other a long time, it’s not exactly exciting.’

Jared chuckled, ‘Christmas is never the same unless you are a kid or have kids.’

Stef shivered, ‘agreed, I’m in the yard and man, it is fucking cold here. I wish I had you to keep me warm.’

Jared hummed on the other end of the line. ‘That’d be nice. I most likely won’t get to see you until after the new year, probably the end of January.’

End of January, a whole month to go, Stef thought unhappily.

His family needed him more than she did, that was for sure. She was being greedy with his time, wanting every spare moment he had to be spent with her.

The familiar gut clenching sensation was back, oh why did she have to feel for him? That wasn’t in the plan. That wasn’t what she had wanted. Honestly, she had forgotten how it was when you met someone and fell for them over time. It hadn’t happened for her in a long, long time. She hadn’t fallen for anyone since Oscar.

Stef turned to look in at the living room where Darius was still eating pizza, talking to his father. Oscar was gazing back at Stef, nodding in agreement to whatever Darius was saying.

Had Oscar ever fallen for anyone else since her? She had been sure years ago, he seemed pretty serious with someone for a while, but that fizzled out.

He was intense. Everything about him made her tingle, even now with his eyes on her, Stef rubbed her neck unconsciously, wondering what the hell was thinking.

‘Stef?’ Jared was laughing, ‘you still there?’

‘Sorry, distracted.’

‘Yeah, no kiddin, want me to call you back later?’

‘Sure, go have fun with your family.’

‘You go have fun with yours.’

My family, she thought, stepping back into the warmth. This was her family. Sighing happily, she threw her phone onto the sofa and took the eggnog from Oscar’s hand, their fingers brushing for a second.

He didn’t say anything, everything he wanted to say was in his eyes, his perfect expressive eyes.

‘I think I’ll slip into that onesie, the eggnog has made me feel like jeans aren’t the right thing to lounge in.’

Oscar raised an eyebrow and watched her make her way back to the bathroom, she was humming away to herself.

Darius burst through the door when she had changed, she could hear him release the loudest piss as she giggled her way into the living room.

‘Close the damn door, no one wants to hear that, buddy.’ Oscar shouted. ‘Ha, look at you.’ He eyed Stef, asking her to do a twirl.

She spun on her tip toes.

Oscar licked his lips, ’Well, you did tell me once that you had a beautiful place for me to put my face.’

Stef looked down at her crotch to see Oscar’s serious ‘Poe’ face look back her.

‘Oscar, you’re a bad man,’ she sighed.

His nose crinkled as he smiled at her, ‘ready for a movie?’

‘Yeah,’ Stef threw herself down onto the sofa, loosening her ponytail. Oscar sat at the other end, grabbing her feet and gently placing her legs across his lap.

Stef looked across at him while he settled in, pushing at a cushion until he got it at the perfect angle, his fingers working the remote.

The opening scene started up, Darius joined them with a beer in a glass she remembered stealing from a pub in the city.

Smiling to herself, she caught Oscar looking at her. ‘Ready?’

Stef grinned back at him, ‘ready.’

Let’s just relax and forget about the world outside of this house for the next three days, she told herself.

No band, no music, no complicated relationships. Just her, Oscar and their son.

[mysterious-prophetess]

Triple Cross Section

Recently, I played and beat the main plot of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. I also recently read (in this order mind you) The Blood of Elves, The Last Wish, and The Sword of Destiny. 

I know. I screwed up the timeline there.

Finally, I just finished the 2019 Netflix Witcher show (and actually part of me reading The Sword of Destiny overlapped with the first half of the show).

So, despite not having played the prior two Witcher games (because 3 is semi-standalone) I feel comfortable enough to do a triple cross section of this multi-faceted set of adaptations.

I’ll start with the books because they came first.

My thoughts on The Blood of Elves is that it felt like a D&D campaign for a good chunk of the story. It also had a feeling to it that made it feel half-way between D&D, The Hobbit, and GoT in that there was a weight to the world--a magical one--that GoT just never had for me but there was enough of the mundane misery GoT was steeped in mixed into the fray. It was full of wonder and pain to sum it up. 

Then I jumped back to the short story collections and it just felt like a bunch of edgy fairy tales. Side note: Sapkowski sort of did Beauty and the Beast twice with the actual outright Beauty and the Beast parody-”A Grain of Truth” and the story called “A Question of Price” AKA Ciri’s parents’ love story. 

The stories I liked best from the short story collections were the ones that didn’t do that fractured fairy tale routine. Every time they referenced a fractured fairy tale within the Witcher-verse I rolled my eyes a little. We get it: your fantasy world is even edgier than the Brothers Grimm. 

So, yeah. The times where Sapkowski was original were where he shone the brightest. 

Now onto the Games which came next.

SIDE NOTE: Now, I know there was a Polish movie and  a TV adaptation, but I never saw them and I don’t understand Polish (and I doubt the Hexer is available to me). So, they are going to be skipped despite proceeding the games into existence. I am also aware of the comic books’ existences too.

Now, I was sort of aware of Witcher 2 back when it came out, but for some reason or other I never played it. I was much more aware of Witcher 3: Wild Hunt whenever it was released because it was everywhere. Having now played it, I am very much aware of why. I enjoyed every last minute of the game. Ok not every last minute. There were times it’d kick my butt and I’d get mad (and I’d get extra ticked when the game crashed on me). However, I had a genuinely good time playing the game despite not fully knowing what’s going on but thanks to the book I’d read before playing -The Blood of Elves- I knew enough about the secondary characters to keep afloat. 

it’s funny but because I played the game before reading The Last Wish or The Sword of Destiny, it turned out that while reading those books I was given clearer background context for certain things (like the incest joke that was made about Foltest on his Gwent card and Crach an Crait’s past with Geralt). 

However, the game did ruin a few things I’m sure were plot-twists later in regards to Ciri’s backstory which I won’t write here. 

Witcher 3 the game was enough of its own entity, from what I can gather, that it borrows a lot from the books to make its world but ultimately does its own thing. 

Adaptation did have to yield to game mechanics in a few places. Especially since there were moments where choices affected what ending you got. I, personally, used a guide to make sure Ciri got a happy ending. Because even from only reading one book prior to playing this game, I wanted Ciri to be happy. Naturally, there were times where plot overruled player actions but in a story heavy game, that’s to be expected. Overall, it was a fun game and a really interesting interpretation of Sapkowski’s world.

Now last, but certainly not least is the Netflix series. 

I know there are many camps of people and their feelings about the show. I’m sort of a mixed bag regarding it.

Season 1 is definitely most influenced by the two short story books, The Last Wish more so than The Sword of Destiny. I personally don’t know where all of the Yennefer backstory bits come from, but I assume they’re in the other books as some of the stuff I did recognize from The Last Wish, The Sword of Destiny and The Blood of Elves. On the other hand, I’m not a fan of how they would give the stories a sort of new twist. 

I did not enjoy them granting what was (originally) a mostly one-and-done character like Renfri more staying power/screen time. Mostly because (as I already said) I was annoyed by the edgier fairy tale stuff and she’s edgy Snow White. 

I was mixed on my feelings towards extra Jaskier/Dandelion being thrown into situations he wasn’t around for in either collection. I do actually like Dandelion/Jaskier, and his show counterpart is delightful. On the other hand, it just scrambled a lot of things around to have him there.

I really do not like how they handled Geralt’s last wish in this show at all. It took both parties knowing about the wish binding their fates together and made it almost look like Geralt did to Yennefer like what Triss had done to Geralt in the books: using magic to make someone love you.

Oh yeah, Triss Merigold. As I already didn’t like her for that bit of using magic to seduce a man and entice him to be her lover and then further being pissed at her game counterpart for pursuing a relationship with an amnesiac Geralt (and therefore taking advantage of the fact he’d forgotten all about Yennefer and his past with her), her inclusion earlier in the storyline annoyed me. So far, Show!Triss is the form of her I like the most but that’s not really saying much.

I’m sure she redeems herself in the next four Witcher books or something but please don’t tell me. I’d like to read them and see if my opinion of her improves from the books alone.

Back onto the show. 

The Geralt of the show is a sort of half-way between the book and games Geralt in characterization. Which, for this show, works well enough. The more eloquent Geralt of the books and short stories makes sense for a written medium. A much less talkative Geralt works for games and in-between works best for a show (though he does admittedly make more mono-syllabic noises than speak). 

What I did like without any caveats was the casting. Mostly because while they didn’t match book descriptions in some cases, the actors did a damn good job. Plus, being shallow, aesthetically speaking putting Henry Cavill in the various outfits(or lack there of) of Geralt was very nice. And....well....Superman is my favorite hero ever so Henry Cavill would have always gotten a pass from me.

The show’s timeline thing only threw me for an episode because I was very much aware of the fact that a bunch of the stories were in different parts of time in the short story collection and I recognized Yennefer as her past self. So, three timelines was something I was aware of very quickly. It wasn’t a bad way to deal with backstory and the various bouncing through time that Geralt’s stories were doing, on the other hand if someone didn’t have any knowledge of The Witcher going into the show, they would be so very confused.

Which brings me to how each adaptation dealt with magic.

The books reference it a lot and it’s much easier for them to do so since special effects aren’t an issue. The games being games also have less to worry about when concerning special effects. 

The show, understandably, had to scale back the magic a lot.

With the constraints of dealing with VFX and budgets, I think the show did an adequate job. 

I was sad to see my favorite sign snubbed by the show (Igni because I like to set stuff on fire, ok?) but I understood why it’d be hard to use in a live action show. 

So, final thoughts.

The books by far have the most magical feeling to them, then the games, and the show being the least magical. Yet that’s all ok for each of these mediums.

The characters are sort of else worlds versions of themselves which is also ok because it’s an adaptation and things need to bend for an adaptation. Especially in the case of live action since there is almost no chance that people in the real world look like the characters from the books. 

Some might come closer than others but in that adaptations can take license. 

They all do different things, but in the end all three are very clearly The Witcher.

[find-the-eyes]

I’ll Try Anything Once: Chapter 36

Written by: Sol, Allegra Edited by: Beth, Allegra, Sol

“Nick, calm down.”

Nick felt a hand on his leg once again and opened his eyes to see that he was furiously kicking and thrashing. The only difference from last time was that this kicking and thrashing wasn’t purposeful, and it didn’t feel good at all. And it wouldn’t stop. Nick did everything in his power to calm his flailing legs, but he couldn’t. He had never felt so helpless. His arms thrashed out at his sides. Where was Alex? He arched off the bed, gagging as his breathing tube shifted. His blanket came undone and dropped to the floor. He felt himself sliding towards the edge of the bed to join it.

“Nick!” He felt hands on both of his legs now, and a hand on either arm. Through his half-lidded eyes he saw three nurses, doing their best to restrain him as his legs kicked out and convulsed wildly. His arms thrashed violently now, the IVs in his forearms nearly ripping out of his skin. After a few minutes, Nick felt his body slowing down, suddenly crashing from his wild attack. His head lolled to the side as he felt hands adjusting his breathing tube, gently bringing him back to reality. His head was spinning and he couldn’t stop tears escaping from his eyes.

Two of the nurses talked in hushed voices at the doorway, glancing back at Nick occasionally. Finally, after a few moments, they returned to Nick’s side.

“You’re going to have a brain scan later,” the blonde nurse said. “We need you awake for it, so we’re going to take you off the sedatives for now.”

Nick couldn't even find the strength to nod, so he simply looked at her, hoping she understood.

She put the communication board on Nick’s lap. “Would you like to do anything while we’re waiting to do the brain scan? Your friends are art students, right? Would you like to draw?”

Yes.

“Alright, I’ll be right back.”

Don’t leave. Don’t leave.

“Ah…” She glanced around the room and spotted the notebook that was still sitting on the counter from when Alex was writing in it a few days before. “Is this ok?”

Yes. Thank you.

Nick held the notebook close, and as soon as the nurse left he opened it to a blank page. He grabbed the pen next to him and just started writing. He didn’t know where the words were coming from, but they needed to get out. His arms jerked and twitched as he wrote, but he tried to fight it. This was important.

When he finished, he folded the letter with shaky hands and laid it on the bedside table, not even bothering to read it over. He had barely placed the pen on the table before his head fell back and he drifted off to sleep, all of his energy gone. All he could hope was that Alex would understand.

A couple of hours later, Nick awoke to a hand on his arm and a gentle voice calling his name. He opened his eyes slowly to the information that they were taking him back for the brain scan. His leg kicked out again.

“It won’t hurt, and it won’t take long,” the nurse reassured him. Nick closed his eyes again, trying to believe her.

—

Alex found the neurology office fairly easily. It was a small room in a distant hallway, far from anything Alex had seen in the hospital before. So many people are suffering here. Is Nick one of the worst? Alex shook the thought and entered the small office when he was called.

“Hi, Alex,” the doctor said when he went in. Her calming energy immediately made Alex feel more at ease.

Alex greeted her and sat down at the desk, not knowing what to say. “Is Nick alright?” he finally managed, fiddling with one of the pens on the desk.

“Well, it doesn’t appear that the kicking and thrashing were anything more than a bad reaction to the sedatives. His reaction increased when they gave him more, and so on.”

“Why did he react like that?”

“Here.” The doctor showed Alex the scan of Nick’s brain. “He has a bit of damage to the language processing and speech areas of his brain, as well as some executive functions like decision making and general cognition. Has he ever mentioned that to you?”

“Yeah, actually,” Alex realized, “he had a different lung injury before all of this and said he had some brain damage from a lack of oxygen.”

“That explains it, then. Does he act normal, usually?”

Alex thought for a moment. “He does have some unusual behaviors, but… he doesn’t need to be normal. He’s perfect to me.”

“Unusual behaviors?” The doctor leaned closer to Alex. “Can you tell me what you mean?”

“Uhh…” Alex felt uncomfortable talking about Nick’s issues with a complete stranger, when he wasn’t there to speak up for himself. “Well, he has bad dreams a lot...he’s stolen some things before...he has trouble reading and speaking, and he doesn’t always make eye contact when he’s talking to someone new.” Alex paused, then continued with a sigh. “Nick told me that it all started with the initial brain damage that he got from being shot. He doesn’t really have any physical issues, though.”

The doctor nodded. “All of that definitely could be connected to how he reacted. We think the thrashing was caused by a reaction with the part of his brain that controls movement. Rather than turning off, like it usually does with sedatives, it tried to reject them. Because of that, his body didn’t want to accept the sedatives.”

“Oh…” Alex nodded along thoughtfully and pretended to understand what the neurologist was telling him.

“The good news is that he’s been off the sedatives for a few hours now and he’s doing perfectly fine! You’re allowed to go see him now, if you’d like.”

Alex beamed and thanked the neurologist as he left the small office.

—

Alex walked into Nick’s room to find him fast asleep. He smiled when he saw that the IV giving him sedatives had been removed. He walked over to Nick and brushed the hair off his forehead. Nick stirred at the touch and his eyes lit up when he realized that it was Alex. He lifted his right arm and stretched it out as far as he could, smacking his palm against the bedside table. Alex blinked in confusion for a moment before he noticed the folded paper atop the table. “Is this for me?” he asked. Nick gave him a weak thumbs up of approval.

At that moment, a nurse rushed in, saying something about needing to check on Nick. She rushed Alex out of the room before he could even ask Nick about the piece of paper.

Once he was alone in the hallway, Alex unfolded the piece of paper. He held it gently, trying to decipher Nick’s messy handwriting.

--

A lex

Thank you so much for putting up with me Im sory you have to see me like this It hurts a lot so bad and Im scared but pleas dont worry I cant wait to go home and pet Steckrübe again and Play music again but not do anyt hin g dumb this time Because I Ive learned now maybe I shouldnt stage dive until they tell me its okay

But right now it hurts I want to go home but they wont let me I want t o get up but they won’t let me I Miss being able to speak I dont feel like I have a body anmore it just hurts so much But  when youre here I forget You make me happy  Please bring Steck next time I miss him

I’m sorry I didn't listen to you I feel like a bad Flatmate Im sory I cant do anthing to help you out

Im scared I wont get better it Hurts it hurts and I dont know why it hurts so much I still cant breathe Im Scared I wont be able to

My body is kicking thrashing I cant stop it wont stop Im so   tired but I cant sleep it wont Help Im terrified

You saved me

I want to be with you Im sorry I couldnt tell you that niht  it hurt too bad I want to be yours

I love you so much Alex Ive loved you from the first night you Visited me at the prisonn You accept me ffor who I am and you ne ver get mad at me Evn when I deserve it I deseve it 

Thank you Than k you Thank you for saving me I love you I love you I love you Alex I love you

--

Alex braced himself against the wall, trembling as he clutched the paper. Nick loves me. He meant it the other day. And I didn’t listen.

Alex folded the piece of paper again and ran back into the room as soon as the nurse left. The heart monitor started beeping faster than Alex had ever seen it beep before as he approached Nick’s bed. He laughed softly and believed for a moment that Nick was giving a small smile as well. Was he? Maybe it was just the lighting. Alex ignored the beeping and held Nick’s hand. “I love you too,” he said softly. “So much. And you're going to get better.” Alex ran a hand through Nick’s hair. “And I’m sorry for trying to talk about our relationship when you were in so much pain. I should have known better.” Nick started furiously tapping the I love you box on his board, blinking back tears as he looked up at Alex.

Suddenly, a nurse rushed into the room. “Is everything alright in here?” she asked, obviously concerned by the sudden, rapid beeping. Alex dropped Nick’s hand, instantly brought back to the reality of the situation as he remembered the condition Nick was in. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t form the words.

“Just…don't get him overexcited, yeah?” the nurse sighed as Nick’s heart rate slowed back to normal. “He’s still in critical condition and we want him to make it out alive, after all.”

“Alright,” Alex said sheepishly. The nurse gave him a stern look and walked out.

Nick’s eyes were bright, but he wasn’t smiling. He couldn’t. There was no way he could do anything more than move his eyes and his hands. He still had to make it out of the hospital alive before Alex could even think about the future. Was it better to be hopeful or to prepare himself for the worst?

Alex looked back down at Nick and realized that his eyes were still so full of love, searching for an answer from Alex, an answer neither of them could find.

“I love you, Nick,” Alex ran his hand through Nick’s hair, “I really do.”

[eventhorion]

this is from a comment section on yt. Am i the asshole

Event Hʘriךּon: when will we realize that otherkin and transgeners are basically the same... xXComplexXx : transgenders* and, that is not even remotely true Event Hʘriךּon: @xXComplexXx where are the differences. Both think they are something they are not, think they are born in the wrong body, and think that feelings make reality. xXComplexXx: @Event Hʘriךּon so what you're saying is, you don't understand the difference between species and gender? Event Hʘriךּon: xXComplexXx oh i do. but i also understand that the concept of gender has been made up. Like, the difference between gender and sex. there is no difference. But the real problem is not me using a similitude, but the lack of ability in certain people to differentiate between fact and fantasy. Now, im quite happy for any sex to wear and act however they want, heck, i even fall in that category. My issue is with people that believe they are one gender they are not. Its alright if you are into playing a child when you are with your partner in a roleplay scenario, another thing is being convinced you are actually 9 year old. Im not conflating all of these things btw, species, race, age, sex. Im just trying to show how you wouldnt accept it if someone took one fact about their person and warped it. Im white, you wouldnt like it if went around saying im black when im not. Now, what if i adore the jewelery they make? the dresses they wear? the songs they sing? (im thinking of a certain part of africa in this case, just for this example) Im free to buy a beautiful dress, go to sing with my choir, buy the jewelry and boost that part of the economy. That is just human culture being shared and spread. But the second i go around and say i identify as black, and even go and actively change my skin color (like a reverse michael jackson, and it already happened in some cases too), not only everyone would see that as disrespectful, but i would be actively be ignoring the fact that im as white as a sheet. And try to put any other part of me in the place of the word "black". and youll see why im concerned. We are in the era of ignoring the facts, and this is one of them. I will end by saying, im actually a transhumanist, if you can believe it. I believe in the power of humans to become whatever they like. But just like natural evolution, you cant outgrow your anchestry. We can evolve ourselves (genetically or by body modification) in something new, but we cant stop being the sons and daughters of our anchestors. We are still monkeys, we are still mammals, we are still amniotes, we are still eukariotes. We can evolve in more branches, not jump between them. A woman can evolve a new way to be woman, that looks like a man, but she cant become a man. That wont stop her being a person either, it just a delusion, and we shouldnt be shaming delusions either. Just not encouraging them, because its a slippery slope, and we already know there is a pit at the end of it. xXComplexXx: @Event Hʘriךּon While it is true that sex is unchangeable, the modern concept of gender as a whole exists as a means to be comfortable in your own skin. there have been many scientific studies showing that being transgender is, in fact, a real thing. And the ones that "prove" it isn't have been debunked. If someone was born as a women but wishes to be acknowledged as as a man or vice versa, would being a decent human and treat them as they ask be harming anyone? No, it wouldn't. So why should you go out of your way to make others feel worthless? Event Hʘriךּon: @xXComplexXxThe sense of "worthless" is not coming from me but from themselves. They would be worth exactly 1 like everyone else to me. If being treated like everyone else is an offense to them, that is a problem, their problem to be exact. If the fact that they are delusional changes how they are treated by society that is because we need to have an honest discussion about mental health in this society, not that we should accept their belief as true.. This gender thing is nonsense. Yes, it exists just like people actually think they are a wolf trapped in a human body. They are 100% convinced of this, so the fact that they believe it is real. Doesnt mean they are tho. And its not harmless. When you depart from reality its never harmless. It seeps in what you do and what you believe, and the second you allow one thing to be departed from reality, there is no stopping it, without special pleading. Event Hʘriךּon: @xXComplexXx Also i have nothing against a man wearing a 'woman's' dress, in fact i find it hella rad. My problem lies with what people believe. I wear mans clothes on the daily, i speak more closely to a masculine type, and i otherwise act more like a man than a woman, apart from the little things that make me me. No quantity of act will change what i am, only i can come to terms with how i was born. I will change what that looks like, but i cant parade around thinking im something else. I can make a new image of me, like a dinosaur can evolve into a bird. But a dinosaur cant become a mammal. It can converge in something similar, but it would be its own thing. That is what i wish people understood and did. xXComplexXx: @Event Hʘriךּon I never said being treated like everyone else was offensive. If that is how it came off, I apologize. I'm saying we should be treated like everyone else and not get shit on. And just because you dress like a man doesn't make you a man. If you dress like a man and don't identify as a man, then you are not. How is this concept so hard to grasp? Gender isn't physical. Yes there are two sexes, but there more genders. Gender is your state of mind. A part of your identity. Event Hʘriךּon: xXComplexXx so its completely made up and useless. i mean it can be a fun concept to throw around,like me feeling a bit alien compared to everyone else. It doesnt mean that if i identify as alien, i am (apart from the literary, metaphorical sense). the problem lays with districating the Man and Woman word from egos. You are a man, a blank sheet that you can costumize. Dont stop being a sheet tho. My problem is that when they "Identify" they think anything is ok. If i identify as a crow, i am mistaken in my identification. its alright if i feel more confortable in a bird suit a beak and with people throwing bread at me. Some people have kinks, or have a lifestyle different than most, its fine. But its not alright when we stop considering reality, and whe Demand that it bends at our own will. State of mind is too merky to have any value. What if people start identifying as two year olds when they are 50? is that state of mind justifyed? is there a limit to what we can ignore just because someone thinks that the act of Identifying is reality altering? Can someone be wrong about identifying? what if i sincerely identify as the qeen of england. 'I identify as X' is a statement that can be proven false or true, like everything else in reality. It is true that they identify as X, it is not true that that identification correlates to reality: they are wrong in their identification. To be fair humans are not perfect at identification, we thought that wind had a mind of its own because we identified movement with agency. xXComplexXx: @Event Hʘriךּon Even if all you said was true, why do you care so much? Why would you go out of your way to tell people who've made a choice ,that affects their life and not yours, that they are wrong?  Why force people to be confined to the "limits" of our reality? You really think that they're going to listen to you and force themselves to be miserable living a life they can't stand? Are they hurting anyone? No. Are they hurting themselves? Most cases, no. Event Hʘriךּon: xXComplexXx why do i care about reality? because when people think something, they act upon it. Its not true that it doesnt affect anybody else. we share a reality, what other people do affect everyone. Otherwise we wouldnt take care of schizofrenic people, or narcisistic ones, or we would leave cults alone. You dont get to live in a pocket dimension. If someone in their mind think they are better than everyone else, that will impact how they act, who they vote, influence everything around them. If someone think they are trash, they wont fight for themselves when the time comes, they might think that life doesnt matter and not intervene to save others or themselves when they could. It matters. It matters if someone thinks that god will care for them in the next life, and their loved ones will burn in hell if they dont convince them that their god is real. It affect everybody. They might think that their god has a plan for their children, so they wont cure them if they get a disease. It matters. It matters when we let go of reality because the inside of our mind feels better. Expecially because in your mind you are alone. And we need to be less alone, not more. And inside your mind no one can criticise you, or teach you new things, or make new experiences. You can tell yourself stories and no one can say otherwise. we need to live in the real world. If they feel miserable in the real world, that is a symptom of depression, and psychologists exist for that exact purpose. And detachment and dissociation is unhealty.

[spidey-d00d]

I've Got You [Peter Parker x Reader] One Shot

“I got you. It’s going to be okay, I promise. Please you’re going to be fine” 

Warnings; Near death, pain, fighting, kinda sad not gonna lie

A/N; This took me 10 years to write but I hope its ok! I have another come either sometime during this week or end of this week. Anyways, let me know what you think!

~~~~

“This is going to be dangerous. We all know it, but it needs to be done for the safety of the people in Queens. This is the home of one of our own too, so we make sure we help them and get the job done as soon as possible.” Steve blabbled on the same thing he had been all week. Everyone was prepared and knew what was about to take place, you all knew something bad was going to happen during this mission. You could just feel it, and that is why Steve keeps repeating his same speech over and over again. 

You stared off into space, but your eyes focusing on the glass wall behind Steve who was in front of the conference room. Thinking about all of the things that could go wrong, the people you could possibly lose. You were still young, just 20 years old. That is barely anything, you have barley lived, but this is what you signed up for when joining the team. You knew what was to come. You understood the risks you would have to face on a daily basis.  

You didn’t want to think about losing the one person who was important to you. He was everything that kept you, well you. He was your rock in everything. Losing your parents and not having family, helping you from your mental stability, to training, to any paperwork that you struggled on. He was there no matter what. 

Snapping back to reality, the group was dismissed with 20 minutes to collect your things and meet back together to start the mission. No one said a thing to each other, knowing everyone was considering the factors to this mission. Going to your designated room, you started getting clothes, both mission and everyday clothes just in case. You never know what is going to happen even if everything is planned out to the minute. It could all change in an instant. You took one last glance at the picture that resides on your nightstand. 

It was of you and Peter, on one of the biggest nights of your lives, the day you were announced as Avengers. After, well everything on Titan, and the rest of the planet, when Tony half-assed put you two on the team, and five years later after everything was better in the world and you and Peter came back from being dusted and stuck in a world with Strange and Shuri, they had a real press conference to reveal the team in a whole, new and original. 

You debated on if you would take the picture, before catching yourself. ‘I will be back to see this picture. No doubt about it, because I am me, and these are the Avengers. Everyone is going to be okay and come out of this fine.’ Deciding not to add the wooden frame to the bag, it was zipped up and thrown by the entrance to your room, before you did one last sweep to make sure nothing would be left behind. 

You were trying not to psych yourself out because that would just lead to issues, but you couldn’t help it, something was bound to happen. Everyone knew it, but they tried to ignore it. 

Life was about to get a lot more complicated, a lot more than anyone thought. 

..

Coming back into the view of others, you knocked the last person out in your block. 

The team had split up onto different blocks to get done with the agents of the other side faster. It was tough, but without them knowing where you were, it was a little less pressure. 

Over the intercoms, you could hear many people struggling. You didn’t realize how many people Hydra had under their belt but you did now. 

Running to the nearest person, who happened to be Natasha, you turned yourself invisible at will so they wouldn’t see you coming. Someone had Nat pinned down on the ground, so you ran up, wrapping your arms around his neck, choking him and pulling the body off of hers.

She was confused at first, before remembering your powers. You two fought side by side before clearing her block in a matter of minutes. 

You were getting tired and weak, and so was everyone else. This is a fight like no other. They never stop coming, from every direction, they just started multiplying. 

Soon, all of the Avengers were in one area, backs pressed against each other, staring at the impenetrable circle of enemies forming around everyone. Somehow, like a magnet, your hand found his. The ones that hold you tight when you needed someone there, and the ones that always ran themselves through your hair. They were covered by a thin material of red and baclk stripes, but you could still feel the warmth. It comforted you just a little, knowing he was there. 

It was quiet from the group of Avengers, all assessing everything going on in surrounding areas. Knowing what was about to go down, Peter turned to you, slowly. 

“I-I love you, and I need you to stay safe, okay? I can’t lose you, not today, not ever. So you stay safe and you don’t get hurt alright?” He said as fast as possible. You knew he was nervous because he was rambling, but this was not the time. 

“I will be safe Parker, if you promise me you will come out of this without a scratch or Aunt May will have Cap’s ass. I love you too.” You tried to make light of the situation, and held up your pinky. 

He held up his pinky, intertwining the red fabriced pinky to your bare one, both of you leaning in to kiss your thumbs, something you two had been doing for a while to seal the promise. 

Not long after, the circle was closing in, and you started getting more worried each step the otherside took. 

Soon, you had no choice but to fight. All you did was throw punches and try and not get hit. Punch after punch, and kick after kick, it seemed to never end. You were far past exhausted but there was no room for error because it wasn’t only your life on the line, but also the citizens of Queens. 

You were one push away from being knocked onto the ground, but you couldn't let that happen. You were going to finish this fight even if it was the last thing you do. 

All of a sudden, a new feeling in your body was occurring. You had never felt this before, but it felt like a wave of energy was flowing through your body and it was building up so fast you didn’t have enough time to process anything before it was released. 

It felt like fire in your veins, burning every inch of your body as you screamed in agony. You don’t know what the wave of energy did, because after it left your body, you fell onto the ground. Barely breathing, you were starting to fall in and out of consciousness. You could see blobs of color but other than that, you weren’t seeing much. 

In a matter of seconds, there were many heads above your face. You couldn’t make out who it was, but you felt someone lifting your head onto their lap. As they kept brushing your hair away from your face, you knew it was Peter, you could just tell. There was a lot of people talking but you focused in on his voice and only his voice. 

“I got you. It’s going to be okay, you’re going to be okay. You promised Y/N. You’re going to fine!” He started getting louder, something that happens when he is starting to get worked up. “I know it hurts, but you need to stay awake. Keep your eyes open for me okay? Keep looking at me!” He continued, trying anything he can to keep you awake. 

Everything hurt, it hurt so bad and you knew that closing your eyes and going to sleep would take the pain away but Peter kept keeping you awake. It was quite annoying, but you knew it was for the better.  Fighting sleep, you focused on the blob of red above you. He hasn’t taken his mask off yet. Odd. 

Suddenly, you were being picked up and someone started moving you. Groaning in pain, they started picking up the pace. 

You could remember much after that, but the next thing you knew, you were in a comfy bed. Your eyes were closed, so there was probably some sort of time difference from the last thing you remember. 

Slowly opening your sensitive eyes to see the bright room, you winced because it burned. You could hear rustling coming closer to you, but you focused on opening your eyes still. 

Soon enough, you fully opened the,, and were met with Bruce, Tony, Cap, and Nat standing over you. 

“Wh-what happened?” You cleared your hurting throat. 

“You released some sort of burst of energy, that wiped everything out for blocks and blocks. How did you do it?” Bruce was fascinated in your random outburst. 

“I don’t know, honestly all I remember was being tired from fighting, and then the next thing I know, its like a fire in my veins, and then pain, a lot of pain.” You tried focusing on the past events but not a lot was coming to mind. 

“Why don’t we give her a little bit to wake up some more before we bombard her with a thousand questions okay?” Natasha tried to push the three boys out of the room. “Feel better Y/N/N [Your Nickname] “Thanks” You let out quietly, slightly smiling her way. 

They left the room and you started to look around, turning to see a very broken looking Peter in the seat next to you. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, nose red and stains from where his tears repeatedly trailed down his face. You had never seen him like this since… well ever. 

“Pete..” You let out quietly. 

“I thought I lost you. You promised, you promised that you were going to be safe and not get hurt.” He let out very quickly, all in one breath. 

“I didn’t know that I could do that, I swear, and I'm here now, I’m okay now.” You tried showing him you were okay by sitting up, but it sent an excruciating pain up your spine. You groaned and fell back onto the bed, and Peter was up in an instant.

“Are you okay?” He let out frantically, but you just nodded, squeezing your eyes shut for a moment until the pain passed. 

“Im fine” You let out with a breath after the pain passed. 

“Now come here please.” You moved, to your best ability without hurting so he could lay on the bed with you. 

Climbing in next you, he put one arm behind your neck and pulled you close to him. Laying your head on his chest, you smiled, knowing he was real and really there. You weren’t dead and everyone was now okay, the mission was over and you weren’t, so all was good at the moment. 

“ I love you Parker.” You grinned. 

“Even though you scare the shit out of me most of the time, I love you too.” You could hear him smiling. 

[voicesfromthelight]

Getting The Wires Crossed - A Potential Pitfall to Watch Out for in Mediumistic Group Settings

Today, I’d like to discuss an issue that has cropped up for me, once in a while, in the process of learning evidential mediumship in a group setting. Namely, I am speaking of the kind of confusion that can happen when we receive mediumistic information that is genuine and accurate, but, because of the presence of many different energies in the room, fail to recognize the correct recipient of it, sometimes even mistaking messages meant for ourselves, for ones meant for others. I call it “getting the wires crossed.” 

As I’ve mentioned before in my posts, although my connection with my spirit guides is strong, and my readings rely almost completely on their channeled communications, as a medium passing on messages between the living and the dead, I am still a work in progress. Getting the wires crossed is one challenge I have faced in my learning process. I haven’t yet figured out how to resolve this issue, and suspect it is something that mediums grow out of over time, but perhaps being aware that things like this can happen can help all of us catch little mixups like them more consistently. (It can also make for some funny stories, so, why not take this opportunity to share some of them?) I was reminded of this phenomenon last night, at a tango event, when a detail that had come through in a group setting suddenly turned out to be relevant not to a person at that circle, but to myself.

Two days earlier, after a long hiatus from participating in mediumistic message circles, I had attended one organized by The Holistic Studies Institute. This was somewhat outside of my comfort zone, as most of my readings are currently channeled at a distance, and not the result of real-time mediumship. I was excited to get back to honing my skills.

After the initial prayer and meditation, I eased into tuning into the group energy, and then turned my attention to each person in the circle. As the leaders of the circle passed on their first message to a woman sitting across from me, I saw, in my mind’s eye, the Italian island of Sicily. Knowing how clairvoyant symbolism had been working for me, lately, I understood this to either be a literal image of Sicily, or a symbol for the name Cecily (or, at the limit, Cecilia.) I would have to wait until later to confirm the relevance of this communication, as only the leaders were passing on messages during the circle itself.

As the session progressed, I began to receive more impressions of the attendants. One man received a message from one of the leaders of the circle that he would be traveling to Greece next year, and for a moment, I second-guessed myself, thinking that maybe the impression I had gotten of an island in Southern Europe was actually coming from him. Then, looking at a young woman sitting by a window, I saw a flash of silver around her throat, and a symbol of twins above her. I heard a snippet of a name that sounded like Kia, Kyle or Kai. Finally, I saw the Golden Gate Bridge - a symbol for San Francisco. There was an exceptional feeling of urgency to what I knew I needed to tell her: To pursue public speaking, and use her power of communication to align with her highest purpose - to inspire others and make the world a better place.

At the end of the circle, I went over to the young woman, and passed on what I had received. While the name didn’t have a current association with her, it turned out that the symbol of twins was a strongly evidential detail within the context of her family history. The city of San Francisco and the message about public speaking were both relevant, as well. We both felt exhilarated by the exchange, and I felt confident enough to go to the first woman to receive a message that evening, and pass on my impression of Sicily - or Cecily, as the case may have been. My communication was met with a blank stare. “OK,” I thought. That detail might only reveal its relevance later. My job was merely to pass it on. Still, I had hoped for confirmation, so,  I walked away wondering if my imagination had run away with me.

Two nights later - last night - at one of the many Argentine tango events I attend, a lovely woman asked me to dance. (In the New York milonga scene, especially in recent years, it has become more and more common for people to break out of the traditional gender roles that have held such strong sway over the tango world in the past.) I had danced with her once before, earlier in the summer, but couldn’t remember her name, so, after our tanda, I asked her to remind me. “I’m Cecily,” she said.

This wasn’t the first time this had happened. In my last post on The Macarena Incident, you may recall that while meditating on the energies of people surrounding me on the subway, I received the name “Carmen,” thinking it was associated with the man standing next to me. Instead, it turned out to be relevant to my own experience later that evening. As I made my way home last night, I was reminded of other, uncanny incidents of a similar nature. I realized that this has become a bit of a pattern for me in group settings.

Last spring, at a mediumship circle, while meditating, I received very clear impressions of two spirits - a stocky, rustically dressed man named Simon, and a slender woman with brown hair named Millicent. Not recognizing them from my own life, and thinking they were at the circle for someone else, I diligently jotted down all the details, waiting for the circle to open up for attendants to speak up. Lo and behold, when it was my turn to receive my message from the leader of the circle, he described the exact spirits I had picked up on, down to names. As it turned out, the two strangers were there for me. (The story of how Simon and “Millie” proceeded to hang around me for the next few days after crashing that party is the subject of a whole other, weird post.)

One of these kinds of incidents was especially memorable, and a great example of just how easy it can be to miss the obvious when we are caught up in the moment during a reading.

A while ago, right before my guides prompted me to start giving channeled readings professionally, I attended a message circle started by another local medium. We’ll call her Anne. It was a new group, and only Anne, myself, and one other person were in attendance. (That other person would become my first client.) Anne was eager to teach us the process of evidential mediumship, and encouraged us to trust in the impressions we were receiving. She asked me to read her. 

As I tuned into Anne’s energy, I heard the name “Sofia,” and soon, a woman with short, wavy brown hair, dressed in a fancy dress, kind of like one an opera singer would wear to a concert, appeared in my inner eye. What I was seeing, in fact, was my grandmother as a young woman. I assumed that the person coming through for Anne must have looked a lot like her, and my grandmother was appearing as a clairvoyant symbol. As I described what I was seeing, Anne recognized her aunt. The name I had received was not her aunt’s name, however, so I chalked up my error to beginner’s bumbling.

The next day, I spoke to Anne over the phone. In the context of an unrelated conversation, seemingly not remembering the name I had brought through, she mentioned that she had been woken up the previous night by a spirit loudly announcing herself as Sofia, declaring herself to be Anne’s new spirit guide. “Do you think she might be Sofia, the goddess of wisdom?” Anne wondered.

After my phone call with Anne, I went to do my daily channeling session. During it, Salvador casually informed me that Sofia was a departed soul who had been drawn to the circle because of an association with “someone else” who was present, and had decided to become Anne’s spirit guide on the spot.

Then, it hit me, and I burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe it had taken me so long to realize what was going on.

My grandmother’s birth name was Sofia.

I had always known my grandmother by the Finnish version of her name she adopted in early adulthood - Sohvi. It was plain to see now that either she had been inspired to take on a new hobby as spirit guide to Anne - whose colorful personality in many ways reminded me of her - or, simply put, she was messing with her.

I sheepishly messaged Anne to inform her that most likely, her newly-minted spirit guide was not the ancient goddess of wisdom, but a mischievous matriarch from the family of Yours Truly. Should she choose to work with her nonetheless, they had my blessing. I thought they would get along just great. In fact, my “Sohvi-mummi” is most probably the person, if any such exists, from whom I inherited my psychic tendencies. It made perfect sense.

I told my mother about this incident, who in turn, told my uncle. My uncle took it in stride, saying that a few days after her death, when he had called her old home number, my grandmother had answered the phone with her maiden name, in the voice of a little girl. (She was deeply disoriented about time towards the end of her life, waking up in her nursing home to agitated thoughts of having forgotten to take the cows to pasture - something she had not done for over 70 years.) It seemed my grandmother had a history of being skilled in inter-dimensional communication.

I don’t think I am the only person studying psychic development or mediumship to whom this kind of thing happens. It’s an interesting phenomenon, and can lead to some very funny situations, as you can see. However, in the long-term, it is definitely in the best interest of everyone concerned to figure out when one’s energetic wires are getting crossed, and, failing that, maybe limit one’s reading practice to private, one-on-one sessions. Often, the simplest solution to these kinds of issues is simply to ask: “Who is this for? Is this for me? Is this for so-and-so?” Alas, so far, my experience has been that this doesn’t always work. So, has this ever happened to you? If so, have you figured out how to plan for such incidents and clear up the confusion? Let me know!

P.S. Since first posting this piece, Salvador has weighed in on how to beat this issue. Here is what he said.

[cleverfoxhound-writes]

Four years after the defeat of Ultimecia, rumors of her power and Adel's power are resurfacing, another unknown sorceress waits in the darkness, will she stay silent or will she act? 

To prevent another disaster Balamb has been called in to take care of the issue, but what happens when the SeeDs themselves are targets? 

Chapter One.

Balamb Garden, Headmaster's Quarters

"Yes…I understand…we will move accordingly,"

A woman lounged one of the two plush chairs in front of a large dark cherry wood desk, her attention focused on the phone in her hand the string of messages that seemed to have no end as she scrolled through the messages. Annoyed a bit at the number of messages but it was the duty of a SeeD commander to answer and read every single message that came to her even if she received messages from the man she waited on in real time.

She glanced at the man and shook her head, he was on one cell phone and had another in his hand as he sent messages to her and to others. Seconds later the man ended his phone call and shoved his cell phone into his back pocket.

"You could have just told me in person, I'm sitting right here," she began.

"It was faster," the man replied as he took off his worn bomber jacket and tossed it on to the desk. The woman crossed her legs and placed her phone into her lap as she focused all her attention on to the man in front of her.

"What are your orders, Headmaster?" the woman seemed to sneer at the man, in turn, he clicked his tongue in annoyance.

"Don't," The man replied as he leaned on the ornately decorated desk chair.

"I have to keep up formalities somewhere. She may be listening," She replied with a small laugh and looked up at the man.

"You know that she isn't, stop," He replied.

"Fine...now what is it Squall?"

"We've officially received approval from the President of Esthar," Squall began. "With that being said, you are my first witness. I hereby pardon his actions against the students of Balamb Garden and myself. Please bring him back to Balamb Garden,"

"It's escalated to that type of situation that we need his help…" The young woman commented.

"I'm sure he's matured during his time of solitude…but you know this is important Akira. The president is adamant about Seifer's part in this situation," he continued. Akira shifted slightly at the mention of the President of Esthar and just how serious the situation had become.

"Besides…if the information you got from your sister is true…then we're going to need all the help we can get," Squall said as he sighed and ran a hand through his chocolate colored hair.

"But how do you feel about this Squall?" Akira questioned.

The man's icy blue eyes focused on Akira for a moment before they fell on to the papers sprawled across the man's desk. The papers belong to a file of a man he once fought alongside with, a friendly rival, a sorceress knight, Seifer Almasy.

"My feelings on this situation…or him doesn't matter. This is for the safety of the world, I think I can get pass old rivalries," Squall replied as he pulled out the chair from the desk and plopped down into it. Akira crossed her arms as she looked down at the man who seemed to be deep in thought.

"You're so cool," Akira quipped.

"Enough," Squall shook his head at the woman's joke, she snickered.

"I suppose, I'll see how you really feel once I bring him back," Akira replied. Casually he looked over Akira and smirked. He knew that she understood the seriousness of the mission that he gave her, he wouldn't have given it to anyone else.

He trusted her and she knew that.

She was one of his best SeeD Commanders, Akira Nishidake, who arrived from a Garden and city that had been overtaken an earthquake and the golden sands of the Bikanel Desert.

"It seems like you're deep in thought…I'll take my leave then," Akira commented. As if he was broken from a trance he realized he had been staring at the woman, lost in thoughts that were no mission related.

"Akira," Squall began. Akira glanced over her shoulder as she reached for the door.

"Good luck," Squall said curtly with a small nod. With a grin, the woman shrugged.

"Save it for those who need it,"

"I feel like you played me Aki. The way you explained this mission made it seem completely different than what it actually is, why would you torture me like this?"

"Zell. Honey, please. Relax. You've been at this for nearly an hour," Akira said as she tried to focus on the road in front of them. The two had traveled from Balamb Garden and to the Island of Centra for nearly two hours, they had recently arrived on the island thirty minutes ago and were now on their way towards their target.

Seifer Almasy

"I just wanna know why?" Zell questioned as he slumped in his seat.

"You could have said no but you didn't so why are you still complaining?" Akira asked. The man in the seat next to her immediately became silent and sighed.

"Two reasons. One, you know I can't say no to a SeeD Commander, that looks bad no matter how close you are with them. The second one I can't exactly….say," Zell replied.

"I guess I should have just asked my sister if I knew that you were going to complain," Akira scoffed.

"Listen…" Zell began.

"I know, I know, you want me to put in a good word to Shizuka," Akira sighed.

"Hey—"

Within their small group of SeeD members, the group knew that Zell had eyes for Akira's younger sister. She was nearly identical in appearance but in personality, they were on the opposite ends of one another. Kind, sweet, and feminine compared to Akira's blunt, calm and coolness that she exuded.

"You're so easy to read," Akira replied as she maneuvered the car to in front of an old and weathered building.

"When you word it like that you make it seem like I'm easily gullible," Zell replied as he looked out the window and at the old building.

"There is no seem. You are," Akira replied.

"This is…," Zell started.

"The Orphanage," Akira completed.

"Is he here?" Zell asked as he got out of the vehicle and looked at the ruins, this is all that's left of his childhood home.

"That's what Cid and Edea said. Shizuka followed confirmed that information that there had been signs of someone living here," Akira said as she too exited the vehicle.

"Wonder why he could come back here. It's so far away from Balamb," Zell muttered under his breath

"We'll never know how he thinks. Let's just find him ok?" Akira said as she walked into the most stable looking building, Zell followed after her.

"Seifer!" Akira called out as she walked into the building.

"Yo Seifer, you here?" Zell called out after her.

The two were greeted by the soft breeze of the wind, the sounds of birds and the soft chirps of crickets. There were no signs of the man. Zell looked at her then looked around.

"Where could he be?" Zell asked. Akira quickly examined the area before her eyes zoomed in on the old worn stairs and then to the open walkway above.

"Aki-" Zell started as he noticed the woman as she looked around the area.

"Stay down here and look for him, I'll look upstairs," Akira said as she began up the stairs. Zell stole a quick glance at the woman before he turned and began his own search on the lower level.

Carefully, Akira walked the empty halls of the old orphanage, it looked to be as if Mother Nature had just begun to worm and work its way into the building to reclaim it back to the lush greenery. Silently, Akira moved through the halls and occasionally stole glances in the abandoned rooms. Majority of the rooms remained intact but showed no signs of life

The floors looked to be fully intact and so did all the rooms she passed as she looked for the man. He must have preserved some of the rooms as he stayed here. As she continued, the footsteps of Zell could be heard downstairs along with the cheerful serenades of the birds masked the footsteps behind her.

Her senses suddenly flared to life and she quickly turned around ready to strike but bumped into someone.

"Nice one girly," a deep voice echoed through her ears. She recognized the voice, it was their target, Seifer Almasy.

"Seifer," Akira said as she stepped back calming herself down from the adrenaline that shot through her body. Seifer quickly looked over Akira and smirked.

"A SeeD…you're pretty far from Balamb…," Seifer said with the smirk still plastered on his face.

"We came looking for you," Akira replied. Seifer quickly looked the woman from head to toe and sighed heavily.

"We?" Seifer questioned as he turned to look around in search of the other person she spoke of.

"Zell I found him!" Akira called out to the man on the lower floor. Seifer looked towards the stairs as he heard heavy footsteps rushing up the stairs, Zell tripped but caught himself.

"Well, Well, Well, never thought I would see your face again," Seifer commented lowly. Zell stood at the top of the stairs as he looked at the man, Akira could see the wave of emotions that flooded the younger man's face. She knew that they all have their grievances, gripes against one another but knew that this mission was important and integral to world peace.

Zell scoffed at the man and cautiously began to approach the man.

"I'm upset that I had to see your ugly mug so soon," Zell commented bitterly.

"Aw, I missed you too Zelly," Seifer teased. Akira could see anger shoot through the younger blond and spoke up before it escalated.

"Relax," Akira began as she focused on Zell and then back to Seifer, Seifer sneered at the man and then focused back on her.

"Why are you two here, what do you want?" Seifer began.

"We came to get your sorry ass," Zell replied bluntly, Seifer began to scratch gently at the stubble of his beard.

"Uh huh,"

"Shouldn't you be more excited about that?" Zell questioned

"I dunno," Seifer replied. "Why? What happened?"

"We can explain all of that on the way back to Balamb," Akira added.

"So then I was your mission target then," Seifer commented.

"No, we just decided to take a walk and we ended up here," Zell spat sarcastically.

"Cute, but you're clearly not her type," Seifer replied.

"You know what-" Zell started.

"Enough, I'm getting a headache from you two. Get your stuff and let's go. We can explain in the UMV," Akira said as she pushed past the two men.

"Get yer shit a let's go," Zell added.

"You expect me to be all willy nilly and return to Balamb Garden that easily?" Seifer asked. Akira stopped at the top of the stairs and looked at the man. "I left for a reason,"

"He doesn't wanna come back, let's go," Zell said as he took one look at the man and turned his back to him. "I'll call Squall and let him know,"

Akira stopped at the top of the stairs and looked at the man as Zell passed her and down the stairs. The woman crossed her arms and stepped back from the stairs as she looked at the silent man.

"You know what I did, you know they don't want me there. I've been gone for three years, why now?" Seifer began. Akira sighed softly.

"News hasn't reached you yet if you're not aware of it," Akira began, Seifer arched an eyebrow as the woman spoke.

"Everyone needs help, Squall needs your help,"

"Oh really? He should have come himself instead of sending his little soldiers to find me," Seifer scoffed

"It's complicated. But as an Ex-Knight…" Akira trailed off.

Ex-Knight

A word, a title he thought he would never hear again but it rolled off her lips just as easily as a shiver shot through him. Four years later, it still affected him.

"We remember what you did…but you've been pardoned by the President of Esthar and Squall," Akira continued.

"I'm sure you have some emotional baggage but if you would please gather your things so that we can arrive back at Balamb before the evening…that would be great,"

A tension-filled silence settled between the two, deep emerald green eyes locked with pale jade. There were things that he wanted to say but the words wouldn't come. Akira sighed softly before she turned again and descended down the stairs.

"Are you fucking serious?" Seifer murmured to himself as he watched the woman descend.

Akira and Zell stood outside the building and by the vehicle, Akira sat in the passenger seat while Zell leaned on the open door. Zell fidgeted with his cell phone as did Akira, it was only a few moments of silence before Zell spoke.

"You think he's gonna come?" Zell questioned.

"I don't know…he still has some emotional baggage still," Akira replied.

"Ah…" Zell trailed off. Akira quickly stole a glance at the man and noticed his once annoyed look had melted away into a thoughtful expression. She knew that Zell had a history with the man, he and the others had been in this same orphanage with one another before they went their separate ways and met up with one another again at Balamb Garden. Herself and the others had gone through the hell of Ultimecia's power trip and control over Edea and Seifer.

She knew that many people had not fully forgiven the man but there were others that moved on with their lives and allowed for time to heal their wounds and scars.

"I hope he does…" Akira trailed off. "You didn't call Squall did you?"

"No…I didn't," Zell replied.

"I figured you weren't going to call him," Seifer commented as he stepped outside of the building. Zell scoffed at Seifer's comment. Akira sighed as she hopped out of the vehicle and placed a hand on her hip.

"I take it you have all of your things?" Akira asked as the man stopped in front of the two and looked at the vehicle.

"It's not like I have much…is this a new model?" Seifer questioned as he slung his small duffle bag over his shoulder.

"Yeah, It's a new prototype for a slim model utility truck," Zell replied. "Since Akira is a SeeD Commander she gets to test out all of the new toys and gadgets,"

Zell got into the passenger side as Akira had already walked over to the driver side and got in. Seifer took one more glance at the vehicle before he opened the back door and got in.

"A SeeD commander huh," Seifer said as he began to strap himself in. He stole a glance at the woman in the front seat, her jade green eyes met his emerald green ones through the rearview mirror before she started up the vehicle.

"Are you sure you got everything?" she asked.

"Yeah…"

Akira nodded and began to drive to their extraction point, the beginning of the drive was mostly silent until Seifer spoke up

"Sooo Zelly ol-boy," Seifer started.

"Oh god, don't start with that," Zell said firmly.

"It's a term of endearment," Seifer chuckled.

"Endearment my ass," Zell scoffed and frowned. Seifer smirked at the man's comment.

"It's been a while…and truthfully I missed you," Seifer confessed. "Stop being such a hard ass," Seifer leaned towards the front seats.

"Don't give me your shit already," Zell retorted, Seifer laughed slightly.

"You haven't changed at all," Seifer sighed. Zell turned in his seat to face the man in the backseat of the vehicle, Seifer, unperturbed by the frown on the younger man's face turned his attention to the silent woman.

"So what's going on in Balamb that you all…need my help," Seifer began

"It's more of what's to come if it's not dealt with," Akira replied as she felt the man's eyes on her.

"And that is? Wait…were you always at Balamb?" Seifer questioned.

"I was there four years ago," Akira replied and glanced at the man through the rearview mirror.

"Can't say I remember you…" Seifer trailed off.

"I'm not too surprised," Akira replied, her attention focused on the road ahead.

"I'm surprised too, she nearly broke your nose when you put your hands on Shizuka," Zell commented.

"Oh…it's you…" Seifer grimaced.

"My name is Akira Nishidake, use it," Akira replied, Seifer, scoffed.

"You're the girl that came from the Garden that was destroyed by that earthquake…The Bikanel Garden was it?" Seifer asked.

"That's right," Akira grimaced at the thought of the Garden being destroyed.

"Hmph…I'm surprised you're still here…I guess your sister is still around too huh," Seifer added.

"That's right," Akira nodded.

"But she's not the same person you think she is," Zell began.

"I hope not…I assume she grew up," Seifer added.

"I was more so talking about her being bullied by you," Zell commented.

"I would assume she would have grown up into a wonderful woman," Seifer said bored.

Four years ago when Akira and Shizuka had just arrived at the Balamb garden after being transferred from the now-defunct Garden, it took some adjusting before the two young women would settle in with their new surroundings.

Unfortunately, the two had a run in with Balamb's Disciplinary Committee gang and the all the 'disciplinary actions' that they handed out to the students of Balamb. Seifer and his crew tried to make an example out of the two women and quickly began to butt heads with one another.

"That was so long ago…" Seifer sighed softly as memories of the time before he—before everything that happened, happened.

"Anyway…" Seifer began. "You two are both SeeDs right?"

"Yeah…Akira here is a SeeD Commander, I'm damn near reaching that level," Zell replied.

"Well, now look how much you've grown Zell," Seifer smirked.

"Shut up," Zell frowned. "Just know that I have more authority than you,"

"Want a gold star?" Seifer replied casually.

Seifer knew that that younger man was for once in life above him and knew that he couldn't look down on him. Seifer also knew that the man was going to use every chance he could get to remind him of that, but Seifer for sure was not going to make it easy for him.

"Sounds like someone still hasn't grown up yet," Seifer replied nonchalantly as he leaned back in his seat.

"Fuck you," Zell hissed at the blonde haired man, Seifer chuckled.

Quietly Seifer admitted he enjoyed the squabble between him and Zell, it masked the uncertainty and the plethora of questions he had in the back of his mind. He knew that wasn't in exile, he left Balamb on his own will, the Garden held too many painful memories for him and the people reminded him of that.

"So back to my initial question…What's going on in Balamb that you require my assistance," Seifer questioned again.

Zell glanced at Seifer for a moment before he turned to face the front, Akira remained silent as she continued to drive.

"Balamb is still standing…I can assume that much because you two are here…" Seifer began.

"Yeah, it's great," Zell replied, his brows furrowed as he faced forward.

"Squall will go into more detail once we get back. Don't worry," Akira replied.

"You two made it seem like someone died or something," Seifer commented.

"No…Squall asked us to find you and bring you back," Zell started. "I guess he figured it would better if someone you knew were to welcome you back,"

Seifer looked at the man's reflection in the rearview mirror, the man was too focused on the sights outside to notice him.

"To put it simply, we just wanted you to know that you were welcome back. We don't know why you left in the first place," Zell said as he looked out his window.

"Squall…wants you to come back…start over-" Akira started.

"—and to actually live your life…not in hiding," Zell added.

The man was silent once again as if he needed time to digest what the two had said. The man, Squall, wanted him to come back? He had to admit that he was a bit surprised, he assumed that everyone hated his guts, wanted him dead for everything that he had caused, the sorceress.

"It just sounds like you all want something from me…so what is it?" Seifer asked bitterly as he looked out his window.

Zell glanced at Akira as if he was asking for permission to speak. Whatever he was asking permission for it had to be something serious that they didn't talk about without hesitation.

"What?" Akira asked as she looked at the man next to her.

"Squall won't get mad will he?" Zell questioned

"Squall isn't going to be upset…him and I are…friends," Akira said with a smile.

"…friends?" Seifer muttered under his breath. Zell scoffed.

"Do you know how hard it is to be friends with you and Rinoa? She told me she feels threatened by you," Zell said.

"That is not my problem. I've done nothing and I know my limits," Akira replied with a short shrug. "Anyway"

"Well, to start remnants of Adel's and Ultimecia's powers have surfaced, there are rumors going around that there's another sorceress around and there seems to be a violent pro-sorceress group spreading propaganda," Zell began as he counted on his fingers the problems that seemed to plague the world.

"What?" Seifer said in disbelief.

"Yeeeeah…that pro-sorceress group is a problem…especially with all of that propaganda. It's gotten some of the officials worried…" Zell trailed off.

"I hope that you can see where this is going," Akira added.

"I don't," Seifer replied bluntly. "I am not a SeeD, member and I haven't been attuned to any magical items in years,"

"Stop playing dumb. You're an Ex-Knight, I'm sure you have some hidden sleeping power that you need to unleash or something like that," Zell commented as he glanced over his shoulder at the man.

"Real funny chicken shit. The joke's on your dumb ass because I have no such power," Seifer replied.

"Listen—"Zell began.

"Enough. There are things that have yet to be discussed about the entire situation and as I said before," Akira sighed. "So until then, this topic is no longer up for discussion. Understand?"

"Yeah," Zell replied.

"Sure. Whatever, "