#and then there was a stone flying at the duplicate but it was a really good moment to hit a ghost Danny was fighting

[chaos-bringer-13]

AU where the whole Amity Park is convinced that Phantom has a personal beef with the son of crazy Fentons because he's been seen saving literally anyone but Danny.

[five-rivers]

rings of power

@nephmoreau

Metal clattered against stone and servos strained as the boy in the enchanted armor struggled to force Pariah Dark into the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep.  The sounds of the battle outside the keep were faint, but present.  Every so often, the cry of someone who could not die being fatally wounded rose up above the din.

The boy pushed again, harder, and the spikes of the Crown of Fire struck the edge of the Sarcophagus.

That was all the excuse it needed to topple from Pariah’s head.  

There were things it could do and things it could not do.  Bound to an object, constrained by ancient law and contract, its actions had to be plausible.  Plausible, not necessarily likely.  It had had enough of Pariah Dark, and it had no desire to be locked in the Sarcophagus with him again.  

It might be an immortal entity bound in an inanimate object, and therefore not terribly susceptible to the various ills related to the passage of time, such as boredom, etcetera, but it still had standards.  Pariah Dark may have controlled it and the Ring of Range the past several centuries, but getting beaten by a teenager that had no idea what he was doing, and demonstrating such a loss of authority, well… Did someone not able to control a teenager really deserve to wear a crown?

The Crown of Fire didn’t think so.  

Now, it wasn’t fond of the idea of leaving the Ring of Rage behind, but there wasn’t much the crown could do.  The ring was firmly on Pariah Dark’s finger.  There wasn’t much wiggle room there, literally or figuratively.  

But the crown could hurry their reunion along, one way or another.  They always got back together.  

It rolled away from the continuing struggle, ringing.  Its tines chimed against the floor, and the flames singed the stones.  Strictly speaking, it should not have rolled.  It could float.  But, again, plausibility.  It wanted to be noticed, so it called out with the only voice it really had.  

The Sarcophagus slammed closed, the boy practically sagging against it, but there was no key.  The crown watched with interest.  If the boy was successful, well, it was free of Pariah.  If he failed, at least it was with the ring.  

Then, Plasmius, the one who had freed them, flew into the keep, bearing the Skeleton Key.  The crown wouldn’t call the key a friend, but it was an old acquaintance, and they acknowledged each other in the only way they could.  

Plasmius inserted the key into the keyhole and turned it, locking Pariah Dark and the Ring of Rage away.  At least, until the crown convinced someone strong enough to open the Sarcophagus and properly defeat Pariah.  

That would take some time, though, if Plasmius was an example of what was on offer.  THe boy might be better, but, no, it could smell weakness on him.  The armor, as cleverly enchanted as it was, fed on him and his strength.  He would not be nearly as strong without it, and with it, well…

The boy collapsed.  

There.  That was exactly what the crown was talking about.  

Plasmius pulled the boy from the armor, checking him for a pulse of all things.  Nonsense.  The crown stopped rolling and fell with a clatter.  

Plasmius looked up, eyes falling directly on the crown, as planned.  He split a duplicate off himself, then another, and another, until one was holding the boy, one was holding the crown, and the others were lifting up the armor.  

But that armor… hmm.  

It had been a while, a long, long while, since it had moved.  

Item spirits, like the crown of fire, were far more akin to hermit crabs than anything else among the living.  They grew very slowly, but sometimes… sometimes, they got a little crowded in their shells.  So to speak.  

As Plasmius gathered himself together to fly to wherever he called home, the spirit of the crown slowly, slowly pulled itself free.  Invisibly, it stretched feelers out to the armor and sunk in, testing it.  

Oh, yes, this would do nicely.  

It only half paid attention as Fright Knight approached and Plasmius held up the crown’s old body like some kind of trophy.  Fright Knight’s flames rippled in the ghostly version of a sigh.  Well, he could keep his exasperation to himself.  The crown could do what it wanted.  It didn’t need a babysitter.  

.

The crown was having fun being a suit of armor.  Of course, being a crown, it wouldn’t stay a suit of armor for long, but it would be fun while it lasted.  Running around with the ghost boy’s human sister was exciting.  More than it’d had in ages.  The fake fighting wasn’t really it’s style, but, well.  

The sister wasn’t Pariah Dark, and, really, what more could it ask for?

But then the ghost boy was taking his sister, and setting off a self destruct, which, truly, was ridiculous.  Why would anyone put that in something they were going to wear?  

The crown tried to stop it, of course.  It should have been able to stop it.  But modern enchantments were so strange to it, so unfamiliar.  It still didn’t understand how they worked.  

So, instead, it reached out, searching for anything it could slip into, no matter how small…

… and it found something, many microscopic somethings, swimming through the girl’s blood.  

Nanites, they had been called.  Tiny enchanted things, small enough to hide dozens in a drop of blood.  They were enough to hold the crown.  They had to be.  

It made the jump. Then, it paced restlessly back and forth in its new home.  Better this than being blown up, but still.  How tight.  How unpleasant.  

It would make it work.  

.

Jazz put her hand to her head as Danny flew her away from Vlad’s stupid football-themed death arena.  

“Are you okay?” he asked.  “Vlad mentioned something about nanobots or nanites or something?”

“I’m fine,” she said.  “Just a headache.  You didn’t mention how loud that thing was.”

“Loud?”  

“Yeah, like something was squealing the whole time.”  She shook her head.  “It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?” asked Danny.  

“I’m sure,” said Jazz, smiling.  She rubbed the base of her ring finger.  It felt like… something… something should be there. 

[ultimatetattletale]

Hi sorry I died for a while but I've been waiting for my computer to be fixed so I can draw pretty stuff again (yes it's taken like 6 months). Now please consider my thoughts on what animals different danganronpa characters would be

I tried to make sure there weren't any duplicates unless the characters are related and some of these I've put more thought into lol

Yasuhiro is a goat but like the fainting ones because it sounds funny and I can see him freezing up and falling over.

Junko and ikusaba are both chihuahuas because they're super cute but stereotypically people say they're little demons and that fits junko, she seems innocent but is just a big meanie. And I see ikusaba as being like a buff chihuahua who's all awkward but could eat you alive.

Makoto and Komaru are ferrets, ferrets need other ferrets for inrichment and that's basically makoto he wants friends to be happy. Also I think ferrets are very silly, I have 4 named noodle, little man, chonk, and rebel (like Starbuck).

Kyoko is a cat, I felt like a cat could match many different characters but I believe that she fits a cat the most. Cats are cute but pretty solitary also I think it matches with the fact she isn't very scary compared to some characters (ik she's like mysterious type scary and stone cold but I think she's a cutie).

Fukawa is a skunk bc she's stinky.

Byakuya is a cheetah and I thought about this quite a bit, I had a few different ideas on what to pick but honestly I think since he's blonde he's obviously a cheetah!! Duh!!

Asahina is an otter bc swimming and cute.

Sakura... I had so much trouble deciding this one ommmgg 😭 I was thinking about bigger animals and like martial arts and I was thinking about a gorilla and how they like punch their chests. It's the best I could come up with.

Leon is a weasel because I could see a weasel trying baseball and not liking it very much.

Sayaka is a panda because people love pandas and I could see a panda singing pop music.

Chihiro is a bunny because cute and small, also he's like Judy hops cuz he and her wanna prove they're stronge or smth ����🏻

Mondo is an alligator bc grrrr scary 🐊

Hijumi is a walrus bc his lips kinda look like a walrus and he's chunky like a walrus, I thought of a hamster too but I thought it fit another character better.

Ishimaru I can see being a Labrador dog bc he's a silly little guy. He'd be the dog that barks at flys.

Celeste is a fruit bat bc vampire bat is what she wishes she was so she tries to be scary and goth but she's just a cute fuzz baby.

Nagito is a wolf bc he's literally wolf in sheep's clothing but he's also kinda cute.

Hajime is a panther who doesn't know how to be a panther, he tries to be a house cat.

Teruteru is a mouse bc ratatouille but I wanted him to be a mouse bc they're smaller and I think someone else fits the rat better.

Twogami I was thinking maybe a pig who wears cheetah fur or smth, like he wears the animal skin of what he's imitating.

Pekoyama is a gazelle bc they're coooool.

Mahiru is a red panda cuz they're small and cute and red like her hair

Soda is a rat bc I can imagine him being a sewer rat who smells bad in his silly little jumper.

Sonia is a swan bc they're elegant and pretty like a princess.

Fuyuhiko is a honey badger bc they're not very big but they give 0 fucks abt anything.

Tanaka is a Vulture and everyone's like 'whaaat a vulture taking care of hamsters???? Craaazy he'll eat them' but really he loves his little guys and would never.

Nekomaru is a lion bc team work and big.

Akane is a jaguar bc big and grrrr.

Chiaki is a sugar glider bc tiny and cute.

Saionji is the basilisk bc I can see her Jesus running on water.

Ibuki is a parrot bc caawww and repeating people and singing bird.

Mikan is a possum bc they faint when scared and that's funny haha but also I think they're cute.

Kamukura is a panther but he knows how to be a panther and doesn't wanna be a house cat like Hajime.

Shuichi is a coyote bc he ain't a big wolf but he isn't a tiny dog, he's like in the middle and he's adaptable I'd say.

Kaede is a spider monkey cuz they're like very social but can be aggressive and I think kaede is a more bold but friendly character (ignoring pregame)

Amami is idk!!! I thought about it alot and I stuck with a tortus or a super chill deer.

Maki is like a black mamba cuz they're fast and when I think of an assassin I think of snakes. Also I believe black mambas aren't super aggressive unless bothered and I think this applies to Maki. She isn't aggressive really for no reason she might be sassy sometimes but she isn't gonna throttle you for no reason at all.

Himiko is a dove bc magician.

Kiibo is a chicken bc it made me think of the robot chicken TV channel thing.

Tsumugi is a fox bc cute and pretty but sneaky and will probably give you rabies.

Kirumi is an owl because she seems wise and owls are usually depicted as wise in media.

Ryouma is a poison dart frog bc tiny but will kill you with his tennis balls.

Korekiyo is a giraffe bc tall and lanky.

Tenko is a mongoose and honestly idk why I couldn't think of anything else except maybe that lizard that's like only girls and reproduces asexually so they're all female lizards.

Angie is an African wolf dog bc they work really well when hunting and it would be her little cult of dogs.

Kaito is a border collie bc they're really smart but cute and people always assume they're dumb but they're very smart and everyone says Kaito is dumb but honestly he's gotta be smart to be an astronaut.

Kokichi is a racoon bc he's a trash panda who would also give you rabies.

Miu is a pelican bc she has a big mouth and doesn't shut upppppp!!

Gonta Is an eleghant bc usually elephants are pretty chill and they're suuuuper cute and big.

OK thanks for listening to my Ted talk I might post drawings of chiaki soon bc she's my favorite female danganronpa character and I love her

[civilotterneer]

WOAHGGG the Hell shots in the last few panels are so impressive 😳😳😳

How do you model the environment and the background elements (and also the flying island aldksldgofl)?

There's a myriad of things that go into it. It's actually pretty rudimentary modelling, and I've built up a few objects and materials to use for later. Additionally, anytime I need something specific like a brick texture, I look up online how to make one. If I can't or I'm lazy, I'll use something free online, like a book prop.

However, first, I setup the landscape and scene. This is done using a handy add-on that can generate landscapes really easily and uses random seeds to generate terrain as objects. It's typically several of these objects put together. The flying islands are the same, just generated landscape that I've modified to look like floating motes.

Next, I set up the scene with props and characters. I either make the props or find free ones online, but I try to make as much from scratch as possible. The characters are rigged for posing and have shape keys for facial expressions. The stone bridge is made from scratch, but modifiers that duplicate the item in an array makes it extend without making each and every piece.

All the objects have materials/textures, which are all made from scratch, typically following tutorials then changing them to suit my needs.

Finally, I made a custom world background for Hell, using a sky texture node and musgrave textures for the weird looking shapes.

To finalize it all (and do some color correction), i throw the render into Photoshop and use a couple edit layers to finish it up and add my art mark.

There's a ton more in little details, including the fact that the models are already made and rigged, add-ons do a lot of extra work, the number of tutorials used, etc, but this is the basis of what I do.

[pompomqt]

Journey to the West Chapter 49

In this chapter of Journey to the West with @journeythroughjourneytothewest we solve the mystery on just who this river demon is. So let's get into it shall we?

So the three disciples arrive back at the river while they try and decide how they want to go about this. Monkey confesses that he can't really fight in the water, to go down there he would either have to transform into some kind of sea creature, or use his hands to create a water repelling charm. Neither of which is very conducive towards kicking demon ass. Sandy however persuades him that he should come along with them into the water anyways, since he can at least transform and scout the area while they are there and at least find out if Tripitaka is still alive.

When it comes time to decide who should carry Monkey with them in into the water, Pigsy volunteers with the intent to mess with Monkey a little. Monkey of course see's right through him, but agrees anyways. And sure enough, just as Pigsy is about to pull his prank, Monkey strikes first. He uses one of his hairs to duplicate and replace the 'him' on Pigsy's back, while he transforms into a hog louse and crawls into Pigsy's ears. So when Pigsy pretends to 'trip' in order to send Monkey flying, 'Monkey' disappears. Sandy of course scolds him for his carelessness, since now they have to go and try and find him, while Pigsy tries to argue that they don't need him anyways!

Monkey takes this opportunity to whisper in Pigsy's ear that he's right here, which Sandy finds hilarious, Pigsy not so much. He starts kneeling and begging for forgiveness or at least to delay his punishment until they rescue Tripitaka. Mainly because a Monkey he can't even see, is far more terrifying then the Monkey he can see. Anyways since Pigsy agree's to carry Monkey with no more tricks, the trio heads off once again. It's nice to see these three getting into fun little shenanigans even when Tripitaka is kidnapped.

They finally arrive at the demon's residence, and Sandy suggests they just bang on the door to provoke the demon into battle, but Monkey suggests they do a little recon first. So Monkey transforms himself into a shrimp, and is able to ask for directions to the Tang Monk by another shrimp. And sure enough Monkey finds Tripitaka trapped in a stone box, and unsurprisingly Tripitaka has decided to spend this time crying about his shitty luck when it comes to rivers. Monkey takes this time to chime in that water isn't all bad, it's the element of growth after all! Tripitaka is super relieved to hear that Monkey is here with him, and begs him to get him out of this box, preferably before he runs out of air. Monkey tells him to hang in there just a little longer and let them deal with the monster first.

So Monkey returns to Pigsy and Sandy and tells them the situation. They talk it over and decide to go with the usual river plan that has never once worked, aka, trying to lure the river spirit out of the water so Monkey can properly smack it. But who knows, maybe the third try is the charm. So Pigsy bangs on the demon's door and demands they give them back Tripitaka. So the demon gets dressed into his fancy armor and goes out to meet them with his minion army. Pigsy yells that they kicked his ass earlier so he should just give it up. The Demon however says this isn't going to be anything like last time, since this time he is armed and ready.

So the Demon and Pigsy begin to fight, with Sandy jumping in soon enough to help. They compare weapons for a while, before Pigsy and Sandy decide that they can't close out this fight themselves, so they decide to continue with the original plan. So Sandy and Pigsy pretend to flee in order to lure the demon to the surface, and sure enough as soon as the demon breaks through the surface of the water, Monkey smacks him with his staff. Which of course causes the demon to freak out and flee, just like what's happened literally every single time they've tried this plan. Regardless, they decide to try the plan again so Pigsy and Sandy return to the water while Monkey waits on the surface.

Meanwhile the Demon has returned and is telling his new sworn sister about what happened. Once she hears Monkey's description, she tells him he was lucky to escape with his life. Since who he was up against was none other then Sun Wukong who caused havoc in heaven five hundred years ago. This warning comes just in time, because Pigsy and Sandy are back to harass him, however he decides to take his sisters advice and not fight them again.

Seeing that the demon isn't coming out, Pigsy and Sandy return to Monkey in order to discuss a plan B. After hearing that the demon won't come out, Monkey decides it's time to visit Guanyin, to find out more about this demon, so he can kidnap all his friends and family to use as hostages. Pigsy thinks that sounds like a lot of work, but Monkey assures that he won't be gone long, and with that he's off.

So Monkey arrives at the South Sea and is greeted by Guanyin's entourage, they tell him that Guanyin left the cave this morning and forbid anyone to follow her. She also told them that Sun Wukong would arrive today, and to just have him wait for her there. So Monkey decides to wait for a while, and even has a chat with Red Boy while he's there, who's doing rather well for himself now a days. However after a while Monkey gets bored of waiting, and dashes into the bamboo grove in order to find Guanyin himself.

When he spots Guanyin, unmade up, still in her pajamas and glumly weaving a basket, he recognizes that he may have made an error in intruding on her like this. However he still asks for her help in rescuing Tripitaka, when Guanyin orders him to wait outside he has no choice but to obey, and ask her servants what's up with her today. They say they don't know anything either, and soon enough Guanyin comes out and tells him she'll come with him to save Tripitaka. Monkey tries to say that if she wants to take five minutes to get ready he'll wait, but it seems like Guanyin is in a bit of a hurry and says it's not a problem, she'll just go like this.

So Monkey arrives back at the river with Guanyin and Sandy and Pigsy of course ask what he did to cause Guanyin to come here like this. Guanyin however just ignores and them and does a little fishing. She lowers her basket into the water, and recites a spell, before pulling the basket back up, along with a single goldfish. With that done Guanyin tells Monkey to go fetch Tripitaka. Monkey says he would if he could, but they still have the demon to deal with. In response Guanyin just says the demon has been dealt with and shows them the fish.

Turns out this demon's identity is that of Guanyin's pet goldfish that cultivated it's powers by listening in on her lectures. However one day it got swept away and ended up here to cause problems and eat children. See, this is exactly why it's a bad idea to have outside pets. You never know when your outdoor cat is going to kill a bunch of birds, or if your pet goldfish is going to eat a bunch of children. It's bad for the environment.

Anyways to thank Guanyin for her help, Monkey offers to alert the villagers so they can gaze upon her glory and become her worshipers. Guanyin agrees, so the villages come out to praise her glory and make some cool art of her. After they are done with that and Gaunyin goes home, Pigsy and Sandy go into the river to retrieve Tripitaka, only to find that all the other demon's in this place are now dead, yeesh Guanyin sure can be scary sometimes. Anyways Pigsy and Sandy find Tripitaka no problem and bring him back to the surface to be scolded by the Chen's for not listening to them.

Monkey says all's well that ends well, and at least they won't need to make sacrifices anymore. Now they just need a boat. Luckily everyone here is more then willing to help them out with that, and even more fortunately there is no need for that. Because just then a giant turtle comes up from the water and offers to take the four of them across. Monkey is of course suspicious of this offer, but the turtle says he just wants to repay their kindness. Turns out that the demon's lair was actually his house, so he's grateful that they drove that pest from his home. After Monkey makes the Turtle swear to the heaven's that he's telling the truth in really plans on just taking them across the river Monkey accepts his help.

So the pilgrimage says their goodbyes once and for all to the villagers and piles onto the turtles back. Once they arrive on the shore from across the river, Tripitaka says his thanks to the turtle and offers to get him a gift when they head back this way with the scriptures in hand. The Turtle doesn't need any gift but instead requests that they ask the Bhudda when he'll be able to cast off his shell and acquire a human form. Tripitaka promises that he'll ask, and with that the Turtle sinks back into the water while the pilgrimage continues on their Journey to the West.

Current Sun Wukong Stats: Names/Titles: Monkey, The Stone Monkey, The Handsome Monkey King, Sun Wukong (Monkey awakened to the void), Bimawen (Banhorseplague), The Great Sage Equal To Heaven and Pilgrim Sun. Immortality: 5 + 94,000 years Weapon: The Compliant Golden Hooped Rod Abilities: 72 Transformations, Cloud-Somersault, Ability to transform his individual hairs, super strength, Ability to Summon Wind, Water restriction charm, and the ability to change into a huge war form, ability to duplicate his staff, ability to immobilize others, the ability to put others to sleep, and the Fiery eyes and Diamond Pupils, intimidating horses, churning large bodies of water, sleeplessness, seizing the wind, enhanced smell, discerning good and evil within a thousand miles, Spirit Summoning, lock picking, object transformation, distance reduction, vanishing in a flash of light, super healing and transforming others. Demon Kill Count: 9+ Unknown Number of Minions Human Kill Count: 1009 God's Defeated: 22 + Unknown number Defeats: 5 Crime List: Robbery, Murder, Mass Murder, Arson, Theft, Coercion, Threatening a Government Official, Resisting Arrest, Assault, Forgery, Employee Theft, False Imprisonment, Impersonating a Government Official, Treason, attempted murder, failure to control or report a dangerous fire, desecrating a corpse, breaking and entering, trespassing, violating Tree Law, looting corpses, trading counterfeit goods, criminal threat, animal abuse, Assisting or Instigating Escape, Damage to Religious Property, contaminating a substance for human consumption and Identity Fraud. Cry Count: 7 + 3 fake cries Mountains Trapped Under: 4

Current Tang Sanzang stats: Names/Titles: River Float, Xuanzang, Tang Sanzang, Tripitaka and the Tang Monk Abilities: Curing Blindness, making branches point a certain direction (allegedly), reciting sutras, pretty privilege, memorization, Heart Sutra and Meditation. Cry Count: 25 Tight Fillet Spell Uses: 31 Paralyzed by fear: 5 Bandit Problems: 2 Kidnapped by demons: 7 Falling Off Horses: 8

Current Bai Long Ma Stats: Names/Titles: Bai Long Ma (White Dragon Horse), Prince of the Western Ocean, and third prince jade dragon of the dragon king Aorun Abilities: Transforming into a human, a water snake, and a horse, eating a horse in one bite, flight, Magic of Water Restriction, Singing, and Sword Dancing. Cry Count: 1 Crime List: Arson, and Grave Disobedience. Contributions to the plot: 2

Current Zhu Wuneng Stats: Names/Titles: The Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds, Zhu Wuneng (Pig who is aware of ability), Zhu Ganglie, Pigsy, Idiot and Eight Rules. Weapon: Rake Abilities: 36 Transformations, parting water, fighting underwater, cloud soaring, size enhancement and CPR Demon Kill Count/Kill steals: 2 Kidnapped by Demons: 3 Human Kill Count: 1 Failed Flirtation/romances Attempts: 3 Cry Count: 1 Crime List: Sexual Harassment, Murder, Kidnapping, arson, defamation, Damage to Religious Property, contaminating a substance for human consumption and Identity Fraud

Current Sha Wujing Stats: Names/Titles: The Curtain-Raising General, Sha Wujing (Sand Aware of Purity), Sandy and Sha Monk Weapon: Monster Taming Staff Abilities: Fighting underwater and Cloud soaring. Demon Kill Count: Unknown number of minions. Kidnapped by Demons: 2 Human Kill Count: 1 Crime List: Breaking a Crystal Cup, murder, desecration of a human corpse, Damage to Religious Property and contaminating a substance for human consumption

[mariana-oconnor]

The Mazarin Stone pt 1

I have no idea who Billy is, but sure. Guest speaker number 2.

It was pleasant to Dr. Watson to find himself once more in the untidy room of the first floor in Baker Street which had been the starting-point of so many remarkable adventures.

So Billy is doing 3rd person POV where he knows Watson's feelings. Cool. coolcool.

Finally, his eyes came round to the fresh and smiling face of Billy, the young but very wise and tactful page...

Lolol. Okay Billy.

“It all seems very unchanged, Billy. You don't change, either."

Billy is an immortal! Confirmed.

"It's this case of the Crown diamond.” “What—the hundred-thousand-pound burglary?”

Ooh, diamonds.

A hundred thousand in 1903 would be over £10million today. So that's a hefty rock.

"Why, we had the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary both sitting on that very sofa. Mr. Holmes was very nice to them."

I like to think if I had the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary sitting on my sofa I would not be very nice to them. I would in fact ask them a lot of questions they did not want to answer. I might even be said to interrogate them.

But each to their own, I guess.

"I can get along with the Prime Minister, and I've nothing against the Home Secretary, who seemed a civil, obliging sort of man, but I can't stand his Lordship."

A civil, obliging sort of man? How times have changed! I guess politicians back then didn't use the word "shithole" - at least not in public.

I think you really should contemplate your life choices when one of the only compliments people give you is 'at least you're not Suella Braverman'.

I'll stop talking about current British politics now, I swear.

I didn't even mention the Prime Minister.

"I say, Billy, what is that curtain for across the window?” “Mr. Holmes had it put up there three days ago. We've got something funny behind it.”

Funny ha ha or funny peculiar?

Dr. Watson could not restrain a cry of amazement. There was a facsimile of his old friend, dressing-gown and all, the face turned three-quarters towards the window and downward, as though reading an invisible book, while the body was sunk deep in an armchair. Billy detached the head and held it in the air.

Three things:

Thing the first: This is not the first time you've seen a duplicate of Holmes, Watson. This should barely even register on your weirdometer.

Thing the second: I need a window seat like this.

Thing the third: I was not expecting that gif I just used to be so apt.

“We used something of the sort once before.”

That's what I just said. I suppose suddenly being presented with a wax effigy of your best friend might be a little surprising. But if you've seen it before, I wouldn't call it amazing. But maybe I am cynical.

"I'm expecting something this evening.” “Expecting what?” “To be murdered, Watson.”

Oh, cool. I'm glad murder scheduled an appointment.

“But why not eat?” “Because the faculties become refined when you starve them."

Super not true. Couldn't be less true. Starvation absolutely does not help you think better. Unless it's thoughts about how hungry you are. The brain in fact, eventually starts eating itself. You might have a brief period of clarity, but no.

Just no.

"I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mere appendix."

"...in case it should come off, it would perhaps be as well that you should burden your memory with the name and address of the murderer. You can give it to Scotland Yard, with my love and a parting blessing."

Imagining Lestrade just getting a message saying 'Hello, I have been murdered by -------. Hopefully with this information you'll be able to catch them, but given the state of Scotland Yard, I don't hold out much hope. Love and best wishes! Sherlock Holmes!'

"You bear every sign of the busy medical man, with calls on him every hour.”

When has Watson ever in all this time cared more about his patients than anything else in the world. This man will ditch his responsibilities at the drop of a stethoscope. He does not give a flying fuck about his doctoring, Holmes. I suppose he doesn't have his very accommodating nextdoor neighbour anymore to look after his practice for him, but even so.

He took one more glance round to see that there were no witnesses, and then, on tiptoe, his thick stick half raised, he approached the silent figure.

What is the plan here? Say 'oh, Mr Policeman, sir, he was like that when I found him.' At least have an alibi... or don't have witnesses who can put you at the scene of the crime.

“I, too, wished to have some words with you, Holmes. That is why I am here. I won't deny that I intended to assault you just now.”

I get that he was caught in the act, but this is very direct. Seriously?

“If I had known, you might never—” “Have seen this humble home again."

He's not even vaguely pretending that he doesn't want to kill him. Not even the thinnest veneer of subterfuge.

"Here is the forged check in the same year on the Credit Lyonnais.” “No; you're wrong there.” “Then I am right on the others!"

This guy is just 'I'm absolutely going to kill you, but I'm not going to admit to any other crimes! Why would I do that?'

Mixed messages here, my man.

"I have Ikey Sanders, who refused to cut it up for you. Ikey has peached, and the game is up.”

Welp, he's dead.

"But if you hand it over—well, I'll compound a felony."

Holmes, this guy is clearly a danger to people. I'm not sure this is a situation in which you should just let him go. Please tell me you're bluffing here.

The Count had risen from his chair, and his hand was behind his back. Holmes held something half protruding from the pocket of his dressing-gown. “You won't die in your bed, Holmes.” “I have often had the same idea. Does it matter very much? After all, Count, your own exit is more likely to be perpendicular than horizontal. But these anticipations of the future are morbid. Why not give ourselves up to the unrestrained enjoyment of the present?”

I know they're threatening each other, but that does sound a lot like Holmes is hitting on him at the end there, right? That's not just me?

Why not give ourselves up to the unrestrained enjoyment of the present?

That's definitely a chat up line.

[burnwater13]

Concept art by Christian Alzmann and Erik Tiemens, of the Seeing Stone on Tython. Image from The Mandalorian, Season 2, Episode 6, The Tragedy.

“No, Grogu, we don’t have enough room for one.” 

The Mandalorian looked at his petite apprentice and sighed. They had been arguing for over an hour and nothing was going to change his mind.

Grogu grumbled at him and pouted.

“Buddy, like I told you when you first brought this up, we don’t actually have enough land to build it. That’s just the way it is.”

Grogu continued to pout, turned around, and stomped out of the cabin. It was all the Mandalorian could do to not laugh out loud. He’d learned the hard way that Grogu never forgot a slight. 

There was the time that Din Djarin had told the little one that he couldn’t have another fresh frozen froglet because it would upset his stomach. Grogu hadn’t been happy about that, but he grudgingly agreed. Then, as the Mandalorian was clearing the table, he tripped over nothing and the one container that went flying was the one with the frogs. Of course Grogu managed to reach it before Din could and of course Grogu ate the froglets as quickly as he could. The next morning Grogu was groaning because he had a stomach ache and didn’t want to do his lessons. 

But this time his apprentice had to understand that, even if they had the land, the time, the equipment, a much, much larger ship, Nevarro still didn’t have anything like the history with the Force that Tython had. The Seeing Stone and it’s megaliths would never work here the way they worked there. Din Djarin was certain of it. 

Grogu, for his part, was just as adamant that he could make it work. 

It was true that Grogu had done some amazing things with the Force. Things that Din Djarin couldn’t explain. But, despite that, he still didn’t think that Grogu was being reasonable when he asked if they could rebuild the Tython temple in their yard on Nevarro. It just seemed like a bad idea to him. Grogu did not agree.

It all started innocently enough. Grogu commented that he’d like to take a trip to Tython. The Mandalorian asked him why and Grogu said he really hadn’t seen very much of the planet and there was supposed to be an abandoned Jedi temple there and maybe if he found it he could tell Luke about it and Luke could use that one for his school rather than the one on Ossus.

“I thought you liked Ossus?”

Din had heard enough about the planet to feel like he had traveled all around it, rather that just spending part of a day there and then being turned away by Ahsoka Tano without ever getting to speak with Grogu. 

Grogu had grunted and sighed.

“Does he know you call it ‘Luke’s Jedi Sleep Away Camp’?”

Grogu had giggled. The Mandalorian loved that sound. It meant everything to him. The joy and happiness of childhood encapsulated in a single sound.

“Okay. I understand. Anyway, why would the Jedi have more than one temple on the same planet? That seems strange, doesn’t it?”

It had been a simple observation. A simple question. Mandalorians tended to build something once and that was that. Except when it came to capitals. They had duplicated many of the features of Keldabe when they moved the capital to Sundari. He had been happy about that after their trip to Keldabe. 

Grogu however was silent. He didn’t answer the question and he didn’t ask for food or anything else. He closed his eyes and his lips began to move in an out. The Mandalorian had never seen him do that before. 

When Grogu finally opened his eyes and stopped the whole lip thing, he chirped, cooed and chattered at his dad, at a rapid pace that Din Djarin could barely keep up with. 

“Buddy, what do you mean you want to move the temple here? Where here? And which temple? No, not which temple, why? Why do this at all?”

Then Grogu gave the Mandalorian all of his reasons at once. He’d be able to keep track of Luke and Ahsoka and any other Jedi who remained in the galaxy. And he would be able to communicate with them. Then they could build the school on Nevarro as well and Grogu could keep an eye on the younglings. That meant also meant that it would be the first Jedi temple built someplace the Sith had never built a temple. So it couldn’t be corrupted. Easy peasy.

“Grogu, Luke already has his school built. I don’t know if he has any students, but he has the buildings. He must have picked Ossus for a good reason. Ahsoka Tano must have told Luke about the seeing stone and other temple on Tython, but he still chose Ossus.”

Grogu grumbled that Luke chose Ossus because he thought he might find holocrons there, but they were already gone.

“Does Luke know they’re gone?”

If there was ever a question Din Djarin shouldn’t have asked, that apparently was the one. Grogu had explained to his master that they were gone, but when he was on Tython he felt two of them calling out to him. Luke did not believe him. Grogu even told Luke the names of the two masters, but still Luke didn’t believe him. Grogu reminded Luke that he was older than the young man and had studied more Jedi history than Luke could have in his few years of training. Apparently Luke got very upset with that and told Grogu that Master Yoda had guided Luke to Ossus. Then he had sent Grogu to meditate until he learned how to be respectful to his Master. Grogu had missed lunch, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. That had not been the Way!

“Okay, buddy. I get it. If we go there, we could look for the holocrons, but we are not going to transport a Jedi temple back here just so you can prove to Luke that you are stronger in the Force than he is. I know you mean well, but some people just have to learn certain lessons in their own way and in their own time.”

Grogu started a whole new rant about protecting the temple, preventing Moff Gideon or one of his clones from going back there, giving Grogu a place to train, and saving them time from having to travel back and forth to Tython so he could use the Seeing Stone to contact Luke or Ahsoka if he needed to without going to Ossus. 

That brought them right back to not having enough room on their plot on Nevarro. Grogu couldn’t argue with that…

Din Djarin heard a strange sound and the whole cabin began to shudder. He ran out of the cabin to find Grogu holding both of his hands up. The Mandalorian swirled around and tried not to laugh. IT would just encourage him.

“Grogu! Put the N-1 back on the landing pad. This is not the way to make more room for your temple. I’ll talk to Karga and see if he can find a space for it. Okay? Now, put it down… gently, gently.”

Uff. Now, where was he going to find a transport for megaliths?

[goddessalexissara]

Predicting What The DLC Emblems Will Do

[Image Taken from https://twitter.com/FeEngage ]

Hey. so today I wanted to go over characters that were datamined to be the remaining DLC Emblems in Fire Emblem Engage. Talk about what they might bring to the table and what I think of them. Overall, I think this is a bit of a let down of a showing that both could have been bigger but also simply had more interesting roster choices. That said this is also by far not the most boring list, many many people speculating were like "it's obviously gonna be my favorite sword lord they didn't include" and obviously, they were wrong. I think overall, the DLC Emblems could be a lot better and I do hope there is at least some kind of surprise awaiting us to improve this showing like skins or something.

That said, I am still excited for the story expansion and these, well I don't think any of them would get me to play the game again, I do think I'd consider using all of them in a fun to play the DLC story, although we'll have to see what they bring to the table.

Veronica

Veronica is the hero who really brings the widest net of possibility to the table. Even in terms of looks she has 3 very possible looks that simply could happen to be the look they chose for her. I believe Veronica: Princess Rising is the most likely version we'll see given she was the app icon for quite a while, they marked the shit out of her, and it seems to be her new default form and it is her form when she joins the heroes.

Her main gimmick likely focuses on summoning heroes while her top end weapon is probably Enclosing Dark, the tome from her most recent weapon with her earlier weapon probably being Élivágar, and Ífingr. How these weapons translate into FEH I am not sure but I imagine them being very flashy and aggressive tomes, emulating dropping specials on foes in Fire Emblem Heroes. She will probably give proficiency for Staves and Tomes.

Summoning Heroes is such a wide pool of possibility though, it could work like the summoner class from Sacred Stones, like Tanith's signature ability on Path Of Radiance, like Duplicate in Fates. For this, I think we'll likely see it summon 2 heroes that are random, simulating a gacha. I think they work in 3 tiers. 3 Star - Embla/Asker Solider, generic weak units, probably die in one hit, scaled to the emblem wearers level. 4 Star - Asker Trio, fairly weak but more useful, able to take a hit. 5 Star - summons more popular OCs Leagjarn, Fjorn, Lief, and Thrasir who will all have little signature abilities. Perhaps her Emblem attack will lock in for sure generating a rare 5 star or maybe even multiple.

As much as there is to be critical of heroes about in terms of a DLC emblem ring Veronica is honestly loaded to the brim with potential on what she could bring to the table, a lot of emblems I'll be staining to find out what they do over already existing rings but Veronica I could pitch like, 12 different ways she works.

Camilla

With no flying characters at all being represented in the emblem rings, it's easy to bet that Camilla will be very focused on providing fliers what they need. Camilla was a power house in her own game and with a huge fan base behind her I am sure they will want her to stand out and feel like a power house in the game. I think she is likely to add splash damage to the game as well, with her Savage Blow Skill and her personal skill allowing her to be a support unit will likely be reflected.

Camilla could bring in the Fates exclusive magic to the game. While most of that is on t he Hosido side she could be based in post game Revelations or in her Brave Alts alternative universe. In her core class she can't reach a high weapon rank of any weapon I think liberties will be taken here. Perhaps she provides Sanngriðr as an aggressive staff, Bölverk her fathers Axe, and her most basic weapon being something like Dragon Spirit. She will likely give a proficiency in Tomes, Axes and Staves.

I think the design ethos for Camilla is going to end up being duel natured where she is both an offensive and support unit with no defensive offerings outside of what she provides for others. I think her passive will be twofold, buffs nearby allies and also when the person using Camilla attacks, enemies with in two spaces of attack target are dealt splash damage. I think her Engage attack with be a reference to her Musou attack from Fire Emblem Warriors much like Marth and Corrin both taking from Super Smash bros. It'll be big damage with huge splash damage, potentially even dealing damage to every non boss enemy on the map.

Soren

Soren is a weird choice, a character I really like but not nearly as stand out as any Laguz or Elenica in terms of what mechanics he can bring to the table. We can assume the Adept skill he gets would be carried in allowing any attack, maybe locked with tomes or maybe after passing a skill or speed check like in his games would get brave hits. This would allow Soren to be a hyper aggressive emblem, perhaps that wanted the unit to be alone given Soren is a bit more of a loner then most of the other emblems.

Soren being a master of wind tomes could likely bring in powerful wind magic like Tornado and Rexcalibur. As a reference to Ashnard he could give Gurgurant. In that spirit he could also negate criticals like Ashnards abilities and weapon both do. There could be things to do with Soren being a tactician or being part of Griels mercs, calling on other characters or allowing for some tactical shifts. Perhaps Soren could have a radius that allows people to shove each other inside of as a reference to PoR and RDs mechanic. Soren could also provide "drive' effects that provide passive buffs for allies with in two spaces depending on what type of unit is engaged with Soren.

Overall, I think that this gay tactician will be a great emblem ring for Mage units and a mostly aggressive ring with any support it might provide not being the focus. While there is potential for a more support oriented role and despite Soren being a tactician, Soren is more of a selfish character and I do think that will be reflected in his kit.

Hector

I'm more then willing to bet that Hector brings in more support for Armors and Axes, alongside what became his Fire Emblem Heroes staple, Distant Counter. I believe the big selling point of Hector will be the ability to counter ranged attacks, I am not sure if it will be "any range" only one space away attacks, any range but has to pass some kind of check like Lyn's speed check for Vantage or just a roll with a perfect chance if on an armor unit. Regardless this passive alone if it happens would basically lock in Hector as one of the best emblems even in it's weakest form being able to simply counter attack mages and archers is a massive boon for so many units and lets them avoid using weaker 2 range physical weapons.

If any ring was going to be a purely selfish ring it be Hector. The armor lord is a brawler through and through and I think Hector will make any unit a mixed phase power house given you aggressive tools in both phases of combat. I wouldn't be shocked if at higher bound level Hector gave Unbreakable as well as "Reduces Effective Damage" abilities. Given that Hector is an armor unit It makes sense for Hector to give you all the tools to enemy phase wipe out with no worries about what tools your foe is packing, mage, archer, armor slayer, weapon triangle, fuck you, I'm Hector.

Hector will likely provide a Brave Axe for multi attacks even if your slow, Wolf Beil to be effective against Cav and Armor units and Armades to bolster your defense and provide you with effective damage against dragons [maybe corrupted instead]. I believe these weapons are the most likely since two are signature Hector only weapons and the other is a weapon he has in Binding Blade.

Chrom and Robin

I had no idea what Chrom brings to do this duo given he is in fact, made totally redundant by his daughter, Ike and Marth all existing in the game already, yet he was here. That's when it hit me, this unit has the potential to be the ultimate support unit, representing the boyfriends love for one another that was so strong it defied fate.

Unlike Erika and Ephraim or Edelgard (With Dimitri and Claude) I belive Chrom and Robin will always be working together and not have a mechanic where you switch between them. I think they will provide a Support boost where units equipped with them gain support levels faster. I think in addition to that they are likely to provide the Liberation boost to nearby allies helping others engage faster but perhaps only when your actually engaged with this unit. Pairing well with that maybe boosting damage done with back up attacks which would have them pair well with Lucina could also be a factor. They could also give the ability to hit the weaker of defense or res as a passive ability letting them make any unit a threat to more or less every unit in the game given how rare it is to be good at Res and Def. That way this unit does offer something offensively outside of passive support.

I think we'll see Falchion [Sealed], Thoron, and Destiny's Bow. We'll see the weakest version of the Falchion in the game as a basic weapon, good against dragons, maybe heals you a bit after combat. Thorn is the spell most commonly associated with Robin being part of their kit in smash bros and in their appearance in Fates is their default weapon. Destiny's Bow comes from Fire Emblem Heroes on the Robin and Chrom V-day alt, I think it will be some kind of special bow so I figured, why not throw out that one. If it is Destiny's bow it probably boosts damage they deal by amount of allies near by and effective against armors in addition to fliers.

That's just what I think these units will do, what do you think? Do you have different ideas for these characters, do you think the Datamines are wrong, do you hope there is more secret Emblem Rings we don't know about or do you like the roster?

[calamitaswrath]

Days twenty-nine to thirty-three (I think? I kinda lost count because I'm not doing these for every day anymore) in Tears of the Kingdom

While still searching for/exploring caves on and around Death Mountain, I decided to take a break from that, and do some Shrines instead. Since I figured that while I was in a shrine, the caves markers would either disappear or still have their one in-game day counter advance, I didn't really want to use that time up, so I had previously just marked the shrines, but not finished them

Doing that, I got once against Distracted™, and decided to do the remaining two mazes instead of going back to Death Mountain - so that meant the maze in Gerudo, and the one in Tabanta

On my way to do the latter one in the sky, I found another treasure map, which pointed me to an underground arena I hadn't done yet. Since it was rather close to a lightroot, I rectified that, and got myself the Ravio mask

After that, it was back to doing shrines, this time doing one north of the Lost Woods that I had already spotted, but not yet done

With all that done, I finally went back to Death Mountain to explore some more caves. . . but then I wanted to split apart a weapon I had without losing its constituent parts, so I had to go to Tarrey Town. Since I still had my cave markers active, this meant I could also search for caves there.

Since one of the weapons that I got from this splitting process was one that was needed in order to have NPCs craft you the champion weapons, I decided to get those instead before I went any further with exploring. I got the Goron, Rito and Zora weapon alright. . . but had no idea where to find the necessary Gerudo NPC, which resulted in me doing a whole bunch of sidequests around that area. Most of them, I even think.

Then I went back to Death Mountain, for realsies this time. And despite some distractions (i.e., a star piece), I did explore the caves there, and finally completed the Dinraal set

At some point during this, I took note of how I still hadn't found any smotherwing butterflies, which I needed to upgrade my Flamebreaker set. After an annoyingly long and fruitless search, I just found a stable where Terry sells them (and finished up a sidequest along the way).

After that, I did a whole bunch of armour upgrades (abusing the fact that I have yet to update my game and therefore still have the easy item duplications glitches). . . until the fact that I had yet to get two materials from Naydra came back to bite me. So, I went after Naydra, and got those. Since one of those materials were just the stones from its back, that was easy enough. Back to upgrading outfit sets

Then I figured that I might as well go all out in upgrading stuff, and went to Malanya. A whole bunch of back and forth to cook stuff later, I had fully upgraded two horses.

Went for a bit of a ride on my newly upgraded horse, and ended up helping out the monster defence squad once more in Akkala

Activated cave markers, and went to Dueling Peaks. I'm pretty sure one of the quests that hint at the location of armour sets is pointing me here, so I prepared myself a flying machine and am ready to take look around the mountains til I find the two caves that are supposed to be there.

[savagenewcanaan]

Michael Savage New Canaan Muscular Tissue Automobile Madness

With Dodge re-releasing the opposition, and also Chevrolet re-releasing the camero, I think that a return of the muscular tissue cars is up on us, and for a muscular tissue vehicle freak like me, this is an excellent advantage, it's one of those that I assumed would certainly never ever happen, with all the tree huggers, hippies, and general complainers out these, I just figured that my desire to see the old American muscle once again would certainly be flushed away thus numerous traditional American cars.

With all the people in this country that appear to assume that import vehicles are built better, and so many people that just do not count on our country anymore, I never believed that today would come, I heard all the whimpering regarding these automobiles that first time around, I still bear in mind t duplicate of automobile craft magazine that had a head rock on the front, the head stone read something such as this high efficiency born in 1950; passed away in 1979, exactly how true it was, and also this because of the complainers, like Ralph Nader, the high efficiency world's fly in the lotion.

Michael Savage New Canaan

They tried to assassinate American muscle mass, by making muscular tissue cars bent on be the crook, they singled after that out as beasts, as dinosaurs, that had an appetite to destroy the world, while just disregarding the deluxe automobile that were doing the very same point at the time, you can no longer get a muscle mass auto, yet a Cadillac, or a Lincoln was no worry for the powers that be, a gas consuming Mercedes, or Bentley was no big deal, yet a camero was just awful, a corvette was a step listed below that, and it became worse that more hungry you were for American muscular tissue.

Michael Savage New Canaan

When they uncovered that people like Ralph Nader could not kill the American muscular tissue auto, well after that it was time to get the insurance provider associated with this little concern, they can be found in as well as increased the insurance coverage rate that the dealerships needed to pay to have these vehicle on their great deals for sale, however it still really did not remove the big young boys, like Yenko, Baldwin, as well as a couple of various other pick companies, they kept the faith, until it no longer made sense to them.

That was the 1960's as well as 70's, it's now 2008, and a return of American muscle in the jobs, with Ford re-releasing the mustang, as well as Chevy proceeding work with the corvette, and also the 2008-2009 camaro being released, and also Dodge is re-releasing the challenger, I'm liking it, this is extremely excellent for a man like me, I man that eats, rests, and also takes a breath muscular tissue cars, I guy who is still and also American, a guy that does not think that import cars are better the our American autos, a guy that relies on our nation, and it's autos.

I'm honored to be an American, and I'm honored to drive an American constructed vehicle, I have actually possessed Toyota's and also other import cars and trucks, and also they did never out last, out carry out, or out carry out in any type of means a good old American cars and truck, a Chevy, a Ford, or a Mopar product, as well as it will certainly never take place in my eyes, due to the fact that I enjoy American vehicles, I can rebut any type of factor that an import cars and truck lover brings up, it can never be proved that imports are a far better selection after that an American vehicle.

[mikesavagenewcanaan]

Mike Savage New Canaan Muscle Mass Vehicle Madness

With Dodge re-releasing the challenger, and Chevrolet re-releasing the camero, I assume that a return of the muscular tissue automobiles mindful us, and also for a muscle vehicle freak like me, this is a great good idea, it is just one of those that I believed would certainly never happen, with all the tree huggers, hippies, and general complainers out these, I just figured that my dream to see the old American muscle again would be purged away like so several timeless American automobiles.

With all the people in this country that appear to believe that import autos are developed much better, therefore many people that simply don't count on our country anymore, I never ever assumed that this particular day would come, I heard all the whining concerning these cars and trucks that very first time around, I still bear in mind t duplicate of cars and truck craft publication that had a head stone on the front, the head rock checked out something similar to this high performance birthed in 1950; died in 1979, exactly how real it was, and this as a result of the complainers, like Ralph Nader, the high efficiency globe's fly in the lotion.

They tried to execute American muscular tissue, by making muscular tissue automobiles out to be the crook, they singled then out as monsters, as dinosaurs, that had a hunger to ruin the world, while simply ignoring the deluxe vehicle that were doing the very same thing at the time, you can no longer buy a muscle mass cars and truck, however a Cadillac, or a Lincoln was no problem for the powers that be, a gas wolfing Mercedes, or Bentley was no big deal, but a camero was simply terrible, a corvette was a step listed below that, and it worsened that more starving you were for American muscle mass.

Mike Savage New Canaan

When they uncovered that individuals like Ralph Nader could not kill the American muscular tissue cars and truck, well then it was time to obtain the insurance provider involved in this little problem, they came in and also elevated the insurance rate that the dealers needed to pay to have these car on their lots available, however it still really did not remove the large kids, like Yenko, Baldwin, as well as a few other select firms, they maintained the belief, till it no longer made sense to them.

That was the 1960's and 70's, it's currently 2008, and also a return of American muscular tissue in the jobs, with Ford re-releasing the mustang, and Chevy continuing work on the corvette, and also the 2008-2009 camaro being launched, as well as Dodge is re-releasing the challenger, I'm liking it, this is really very good for a person like me, I person who eats, rests, and also breathes muscle cars and trucks, I individual that is still and American, a guy that does not think that import automobiles are much better the our American autos, an individual who relies on our nation, as well as it's automobiles.

I'm happy to be an American, and I'm pleased to drive an American constructed vehicle, I have actually owned Toyota's and also various other import cars and trucks, as well as they did never out last, out perform, or out carry out in any kind of method a great old American car, a Chevy, a Ford, or a Mopar product, as well as it will never happen in my eyes, due to the fact that I love American cars and trucks, I can rebut any point that an import cars and truck enthusiast brings up, it can never be confirmed that imports are a better selection then an American vehicle.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Out Of Time ~ 131

MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 3,805ish

Summary: The fight continues.

“Y/N? Did you do it?” Steve asked, still fighting off the creatures attacking them. No answer though. “Y/N?” Still nothing. “I need eyes on Y/N!”

“I’m heading to the lab now!” Bucky responded.

“She seems to be in a trance,” Shuri finally answered, coming up to Y/N. “Her eyes are glowing the same color as the Stone, but it’s clear she’s not really here.”

“And the Stone?” Steve wondered.

“Floating in between her hands. But I can already tell there’s a protective barrier around it. We won’t be able to get to it.”

“I’m here! I’me here!” Bucky exclaimed, running to Y/N’s side. “Shit.” He knelt in front of her, knowing not to touch her. “Steve, we’re going to have to wait this out. Waking her isn’t going to be a smart option.”

“Stay by her side then! She’s one of the few things stopping Thanos from succeeding.”

“On it.”

“I’m going to secure the lab,” Shuri stated, rushing off with the guards.

“Oh, doll,” Bucky sighed. “Where’ve you gone now?”

~~~

Y/N was kneeling in the common room of the SHIELD base she had once called home. Everything had an orange tint to it, so she knew she was in the Soul Dimension. Standing up, she observed the room. No one was there and it looked like it had those many years ago when they first had found the base. Untouched, undamaged, ready and waiting for adventure.

Confused as to why she was there, Y/N stood up and began to make her way around the base. Memories of all the good times and bad she had shared with the team crossed her mind. She had completely forgotten about the troubles in reality as she wondered, eventually finding her way to Coulson’s office. With a shaky breath, she opened the door. Looking around, she froze when her eyes saw it. Saw him.

“Hey, Y/N,” Coulson smiled. He was in a black suit, sitting against his desk. “Told you I’d always be there.”

“Phil?” Y/N gasped. “What… how… this means… you died.”

“About a week ago.” Coulson stood up straight, unbuttoning his jacket. “May should have sent you a letter. Though, I understand why you haven’t gotten in yet.”

“Why are you here?”

“Don’t know,” he shrugged. “The Stone brought me here. I immediately knew it was because of you though. What’s going on?”

“I… Thanos is coming for the Stones. I was in Wakanda, trying to destroy the Soul Stone and now I’m here.” Y/N looked around. “They told me… they warned me.”

“Who warned you? About what?”

“The Stones warned me that if I tried to stop them, they would stop me. This is them doing that.”

“Why would they do that though? Aren’t you suppose to save the universe or something?”

“I am… just not yet… people are going to die. And I won’t be able to stop it…”

“People die every day, not everyone’s deaths is your fault.”

Y/N shook her head. “This is different though, Phil. So very different.”

Coulson sighed and walked over so that he was standing in front of Y/N. “Always been so stubborn and full of heart. But instead of staying here feeling guilty about it all, before it even happens, you need to focus and beat this Stone out.” He set his hands on her shoulders, looking at her square on. “You need to get out there and help everyone else.”

“I don’t—“

“No excuses. Focus. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and focus.”

~~~ 

Back on Titan, the small team there was trying to recover from a moon being thrown at them. Iron Man took the biggest hit. Moon-chunks were still flying everyone, with random debris as well. Mantis, Drax, and Star-Lord were all unconscious, flying through the air. Luckily, Spider-Man was still conscious. He swung through the air, catching the unconscious Guardians.

“I got you!” Spider-Man exclaimed, webbing Mantis. “I got you!” He snagged Drax next, securing both of them to something not moving. “I’m sorry I can’t remember anybody’s names!” He then reeled in Star-Lord.

Dr. Strange and Thanos began battling each other. Both using their available powers to counter the other. After Strange duplicated himself, Thanos used the Reality and Power Stones to discover the real one. He then used the Reality and Space Stones to pull Strange forward, letting Thanos grasp him by the throat.

“You’re full of tricks, wizard,” Thanos said, reaching for the necklace holding the Time Stone.

“No!” Strange yelled as Thanos snapped the necklace from his neck.

“Yet you never once used your greatest weapon.” Thanos crushed the necklace with his bare hand. “A fake.”

Angry, Thanos threw Dr. Strange and his head hit a rock, causing him to pass out. Almost simultaneously, a red and gold device slapped into the palm of the Infinity Gauntlet, bracing the fingers open. Iron Man then made a fast and hard entrance.

“You throw another moon at me, and I’m gonna to lose it,” Tony said, clearly done with Thanos.

“Stark,” Thanos greeted.

“You know me?”

“I do. You and the girl aren’t the only one cursed with knowledge.”

“My only curse is you.”

Small rockets popped out of Iron Man’s back and launched at Thanos. The rockets all exploded on target, momentarily shrouding Thanos in smoke. Before it cleared, Iron Man pile drove into Thanos horizontally, using his single super jet boot. As he bounced off, Tony flipped and stuck the landing, immediately re-configuring his boots into ground clamps and his gloves into rocket-driven battering rams, punching Thanos into the ruined wall behind him.

Thanos shook it off quickly. He reached forward and tore Iron Man’s helmet off, revealing Tony's surprised expression before the suit recovered automatically and re-formed his head protection. Thanos made use of the delay and punched back hard, sending Tony sliding meters away and giving Thanos time to rip the brace device off the gauntlet. He immediately used the Power Stone to stream energy at Tony, who formed a shield to kneel behind just as instantly, getting pushed back even further by the incredible force.

Iron Man slid out from behind the shield, letting the angled energy push him away for a faster start, and whipped back to Thanos. Tony kicked at the Titan with his left foot, turning the boot into a ground clamp at the same time to pin the gauntlet. He kept twisting while his left glove became a ran again, slamming into Thanos’ face and cutting his cheek.

“All that for a drop of blood,” Thanos panted.

Thanos smiled before punching Iron Man, sending him pinwheeling. He then started beating him with his fists. Iron Man attempted to block the blows with his forearms, but Thanos was relentless, picking him up by the helmet and blasting his midsection with the Power Stone. The gaps in the nano tech suit were gaping, as the armor lost the ability to recover from the intensity and extent of the damage. 

Iron Man landed hard from the Power blast, struggled to one knee and fired his right hand repulsor at the inexorable Thanos; the beam was easily deflected by the gauntlet. Tony got to both feet as the suit tried to complete repairs, adding the beam from his left hand as well. Thanos walked right up to him, and backhanded the incomplete helmet completely off Tony's head. He crossed his arms to block a blow from Thanos' gauntlet, and had his left hand caught over his head. 

In desperation, Tony formed what's left of his right glove into a short-sword, which was also easily caught by Thanos, snapping it off clean and driving it through Tony's left side. Thanos then walked Tony back until he was sitting, and placed the gauntlet almost comfortingly on Tony’s head.

“You have my respect, Stark,” Thanos said. “When I’m done, half of humanity will still be alive.” He let go, straightened and stepped back. “I hope they remember you.”

Tony was a little distracted with the pain, blood drooling out of his mouth and compromised breathing. Thanos raised the gauntlet, closing his fist, all three of the Stones glowing.

“Wait,” Thanos said, noticing the problem. He unlisted his hand and looked at the side of the gauntlet where the Stones sat. “The Soul Stone,” he growled. He looked around, realizing that someone had been missing from he whole fight. “The girl.” He glared at Tony. “Where is she?”

“Away… from here,” Tony panted.

“AHH!” Thanos screamed, powering up the gauntlet. 

“STOP!” Strange shouted. “Spare his life… and I will give you the Stone.”

“No tricks.” Strange shook his head and Thanos pointed the gauntlet at him instead.

“Don’t!” Tony pled.

Dr. Strange reached up and plucked the Time Stone out of its hiding place. His opened his tremoring hand and the Stone floated to Thanos. Strange and Tony watched as Thanos took the Stone and dropped it into the thumb setting, the energy pulse making him wince.

“Two to go,” Thanos stated.

An energy blast hit the gauntlet and Thanos grimaced in surprise. Screaming in incoherent rage, with his helmet up and firing from both hands, Quill came flying straight for Thanos. Thanos didn’t bother responding to the assault, simply using the Space Stone to disappear. Star-Lord flew through where Thanos had been and crashed, rolling several times.

“Where is he?!” Quill exclaimed, standing and de-helmeting. Tony was stitching up his stab wound with his suit. “Did we just lose?”

Tony looked at Dr. Strange, clearly saddened. “Why would you do that?” He asked.

“We’re in the Endgame now,” Strange responded.

~~~

“Focus harder, Y/N!” Coulson ordered. “The Stone is trying to keep you in here. You need to get out there and help your team.”

“I know, Phil!” Y/N responded, frustrated. She ran her hands down her face. “I know…”

“Momma!” She heard a boy’s distance cries. “Momma!”

Y/N looked up, standing front he seat she was in. “Is that… no. Impossible. He’d be just a year.”

“Age doesn’t work the same in the Soul Stone,” Coulson replied.

“Momma!” The cry was frantic, clearly something was wrong.

“AJ?” Y/N responded.

“Momma!” 

“AJ!”

A little boy, probably no more than six, came barreling into the room. He quickly latched onto Y/N and she bent down to hold onto him.

“AJ,” she whispered, a tear slipping down her cheek. She pulled back and knelt down, cupping his cheeks. “You’re so big.” He was the perfect mix of Y/N and Tony.

“There’s a problem, momma,” the little boy told her, trying to catch his breath. 

“A problem? What’s the problem?”

“With daddy! He’s in trouble.”

“Dad? What’s wrong with Tony?”

“Thanos hurt him and now Thanos is headed for Earth. You have to do something.”

“I will, sweetheart,” she pressed a kiss to his head. “I will. Can you do something for me, AJ?”

“Of course, momma.” 

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at her son. “Stay with Uncle Phil, okay? He’ll take care of you while I can’t. And don’t worry about me or your dad. I’m going to fix this.”

“Okay, momma.”

“Your momma and daddy love and miss you so much, you know that right?”

“I do,” the little boy nodded. “I love you too.”

Y/N gave a teary eyes, tight lipped smile. “That’s a good boy. You go stand back with Uncle Phil, alright?”

“Alright momma.”

She stood up as her son hurried over to Coulson. Her and Coulson made eye-contact. “Take care of him.”

“Are you kidding?” Coulson smiled, picking up AJ. “I’ve always wanted to be Uncle Phil. Now, focus.”

Y/N nodded, taking a deep breath. She held her hands in front of her, palms up, as she closed her eyes. She could feel the Stone pushing against her, wanting to keep her there. But she wouldn’t let it, she had to be stronger. Focusing on the need to leave and the power surrounding her, Y/N began to channel it. Quickly, she could feel the power building inside her, begging to be let free.

“Keep going momma!” She could hear AJ cheer.

Y/N took in as much power as she could, before she felt like she would explode. Opening her eyes, she looked at Phil and AJ. They were both taken back my the incredibly amber shade Y/N’s eyes had taken, but they knew it was the Stones.

“Don’t let him forget me,” she told Phil.

“Never,” he responded.

With one last look at her son, Y/N closed her eyes and turned away. Letting out a painfully scream, the power inside her blasted out, cracking the inner walls of the Soul Stone.

~~~

“Bucky!” Steve called. “How’s it going up there?”

“She hasn’t moved, Steve,” Bucky responded with a shake of his head. “She’s— wait.” Bucky looked closer at the Stone floating between her palms. “The Stones cracking. She’s doing it!”

“Let me know when she’s done.”

“Come on, Y/N,” Bucky muttered. “You can do it, doll.”

As the Stone shattered into pieces, falling onto the ground, Y/N shouted out in pain. Her hands found the floor, stabilizing her from falling on her face.

“Oh my— Steve, she did it,” Bucky told the others, pulling Y/N into his chest. “She destroyed the Stone.”

“Good,” Steve replied. “Now you two need to get down here and help us hold them from getting Vision.”

Bucky held Y/N close, pressing a kiss to her hair. “You did it, doll.” He rocked them. “You did it.”

“Bucky…” she whispered, pushing away to see his face. “I—“

“Everyone, on my position,” Steve directed over the comms. “We have incoming.”

“What the hell?” Nat wondered.

“Cap,” Bruce said, “that’s him.”

“Eyes up,” Steve ordered. “Stay sharp.”

“Get us down there, Y/N,” Bucky said. “We have to help them.”

Arriving through a portal, ready to fight, Y/N and Bucky watched as Steve didn’t even get to strike before he was set back by purple energy from the Power Stone. T’Challa tried next. His armor was fully charged, kinetically, and he leaped high, claws extended. He was easily grabbed by the throat and punched to the ground, his armor discharging violently. Falcon was next, swooping in, but was stopped when his wings became rubbery and unable to sustain flight.

As Rhodey tried to stop Thanos next, Y/N noticed Vision and Wanda off to the side. Vision was kneeling before Wanda as she was channeling her energy towards the Mind Stone. Bucky rushed up to Thanos next, only to be punched away by the Power Stone. With a shaky breath, Y/N stood in front of Thanos.

“There you are, my little one,” Thanos smirked. “You took something from me.”

“It wasn’t yours to keep,” you responded.

“You know, the Stones warned me about a person able to channel them and use them to destroy me. I just didn’t imagine them like… this.”

“And I didn’t imagine you purple, but I guess we all have our disappointments.”

“I know what you did with the Soul Stone. You're foolish to think that could possibly stop me.”

“You’re foolish to think I can’t.”

Channeling the Stones, Y/N began to fling debris and rocks at the Titan. Only for him to block and destroy them before he was hit, also by using the Stones. Okoye flung a spear at Thanos as Y/N tried to keep him distracted. Unfortunately, Thanos was still able to throw both Okoye and the spear to the side, all while fighting Y/N and wrapping Natasha in bands of Earth. Groot tried to use the roots to stop the Titan, but Thanos easily broke them as he blocked Y/N’s assaults. 

Finding a lucky moment of weakness, Thanos was able to fling Y/N across the clearing. He marched over there, ready to punch her, but Steve slid under his fist. The Captain screamed as he tried to hold Thanos off. Thanos, though, slammed his other fist into Steve’s head, rendering him insensible.

“Steve,” Y/N muttered, crawling over to her brother. She gently shook him. “Steve, come on.” Nothing.

Panting and aching, Y/N looked up just in time to see Wanda holding back Thanos while finishing off the Mind Stone. Y/N gasped sharply as a pain rolled over her whole body. Thanos walked closer to Wanda as their energies subsided and Vision fell over, lifeless. 

“I understand, my child,” Thanos said. “Better than anyone.”

“You could never,” she snarled.

He reached down, stroking her hair. “Today, I lost more than you can know. But now is no time to mourn. Now… is no time at all.”

He reached forward, clenching the gauntlet. The Time Stone glowed and flowed green energy around his fist. In response, time began to reverse. Y/N could feel the Soul Stone and Mind Stone repairing themselves.

“No,” she gasped. Trying to stand up, she watched as the Mind Stone and Vision became intact and conscious once again.

“No!” Wanda screamed, lunging for Vision before she was swatted away.

Thanos picked up Vision by the throat, lifting him to eye level before digging his hand into Vision’s forehead and yanking out the Mind Stone. He pulled it loose and Vision immediately went limp and colorless. Y/N tried to run over there, only to be knocked down by Thanos tossing Vision at her. 

Setting the Mind Stone in place, Y/N noticed the Soul Stone appearing in front of Thanos. Angrily, Y/N portaled in front of him.

“There’s nothing you can do to stop me now, my child,” Thanos smirked.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t try,” Y/N responded.

She opened a small portal, using it to grab the Soul Stone before Thanos could. Thanos growled as his hand swiped over where hers just disappeared. Before Y/N could do anything, suddenly she was wrapped up in roots and slammed against a large tree. She groaned at the impact she took, especially where her head was concerned. Thanos marched over, chuckling darkly.

“You can’t over power me, even with the Stones on your side,” Thanos said.

Taking a shaky breath, Y/N tried to channel the Stones to get free. Her breath hitched as she could feel the Stones but they wouldn’t let her use them.

“We told you this had to happen,” the Stones taunted her thoughts. “We told you that we would stop you.”

Y/N breathed shakily as Thanos used the power of the gauntlet on her. She screamed out in pain as her had was forced open and the Soul Stone was freed. Thanos smirked as he took the Stone and put it back in place. The energy surge from the gauntlet caused Thanos to bellow and Y/N to cry out in pain again. She could feel it all, but not access the power. Tears built up in her eyes as she met Thanos’.

“I’m so sorry, my child,” he said, not sounding sincere at all. “I wish there was another way.”

He lifted the gauntlet at Y/N, powering it up. Bracing herself, she clenched her eyes shut and turned away. But before Thanos could blast her, a bolt of lightning strikes him, digging him into the ground and grinding him back. Thor arrived, eyes glowing with power. He raised his new ax above his head and hurled it at the Titan. Thanos fired with the whole might of the gauntlet against it, but it didn’t slow the ax. The ax slammed right into Thanos’ chest. Thor landed in front of Thanos.

“I told you,” he growled. “You’d die for that!”

Thor took hold of the back of Thanos’ head and forced his ax in deeper. He stared at Thanos angrily as the Titan cried out in pain.

“You should have…” Thanos said weakly. “You… You should have gone for the head.” He lifted up the gauntlet and snapped his fingers.

“NO!” Thor screamed.

Y/N let out a scream that sounded that she was dying, cause she sure felt like it. She could feel the Stones working together to complete Thanos’ plan.

“What’d you do?” Thor asked. “WHAT’D YOU DO?!”

Y/N cried as Thanos used the Space Stone and disappeared. She was still suck on the tree. Steve stumbled into the clearing, holding his left side.

“Where’d he go?” Steve asked. “Thor… where’d he go?”

“Steve?” Bucky called, coming into the clearing. “Y/N?”

Bucky and Y/N made eye contact as he suddenly stumbled over and collapsed into ashes. Steve, in shock, walked over and touched the ground where Bucky’s ashes were.

“BUCKY!” Y/N screamed. “NO!”

Letting out a loud, sorrowful cry, the roots holding Y/N to the tree burned off her and she fell to her knees. She could feel the Stones letting her access them again, almost in a taunting way. With heaving breaths, Y/N lifted her head up and watched Wanda, Sam, Groot, and T’Challa all disappear, turning into ash like Bucky.

“NO!” She screamed again, unleashing a wave of power from her that rippled across the battlefield. “No….” She whispered.

~~~

On Titan, the team was collecting themselves. Mantis propped up Star-Lord, Spider-Man helped Tony to his feet, while Drax and Nebula managed to limp over on their own.

“Something’s happening,” Mantis said before disintegrating into ashes. 

Quill looked behind him to see Drax disintegrate.

“Quill?” Drax said as he dissolved.

Quill stared in horror as he turned back to Tony, who was starting to panic.

“Steady, Quill,” Tony told him.

“Aw, man,” Quill said, also disintegrating.

“Tony,” Strange called calmly, “there was no other way.” Then he disappeared as well.

“Mr. Stark?” Peter said, realizing he was fading away. Tony stared, horrified. “I don’t feel so good…”

“You’re alright,” Tony said, trying to be calm but his voice was shaking and he was looking at Peter in terror.

Peter was stumbling towards Tony, terrified. “I don’t know what’s— I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t—“ He fell into Tony’s arms, clutching him tight while beginning to cry. “I don’t wanna go, I don’t wanna go, Mr. Stark, please. Please, I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go… I’m sorry.” 

And then Peter turned to ash in Tony’s arms. Tony fell forward from the lack of weight in his arms, staring at his hands in disbelief.

“He did it,” Nebula stated.

~~~

Steve, Thor, Rhodey, Nat, Bruce, and Rocket were all mourning near Vision’s dead body. Y/N was still on her knees beneath the tree, holding and rocking herself as she cried.

“What is this?” Rhodey asked. “What the hell is happening?”

“… oh, God.”

next chapter >

NOTES: from now on the taglist when be added by a reblog. I will reblog it using my second account, @just-dreaming-marvel-2​​. Just so that my main page doesn’t get too cluttered.

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[gthreepio]

i’ve been thinking about the future of the mcu and realized there’s a LOT that i didn’t know/didn’t remember in terms of where things are going so i figured i’d sum it up incase anyone else was in the same boat!! 

quick recap of (unresolved) mid-credit scenes:

doctor strange: mordo (a sorcerer that is one of strange’s mentors, who by the end of the movie becomes disillusioned with magic/the ancient one and quits) confronts pangborn (the paraplegic who healed himself with the mystic arts, who tells strange about mystic arts in the first place) and steals his magic because according to mordo, there are “too many sorcerers." of note, this guy is typically a villain in the comics but hasn’t been thus far...

gotg2: ayesha (leader of the sovereign, a golden skinned alien race obsessed with genetic purity), after spending most of the movie chasing the guardians for stealing some stuff, is revealed to have created an artificial being named “adam” which is presumably, adam warlock. (other stuff that is less relevant: kraglin appears to take up yondu’s mantle; the ravagers regroup and several old and obscure comic book characters are introduced [charlie-27, aleta, martinex, mainframe]; the watchers are watching things.) 

far from home: j jonah jameson basically tells the whole world spider-man’s secret identity, and frames him for what happened with mysterio....making him public enemy #1. ALSO, turns out nick fury and maria hill in the movie were ACTUALLY the two skrulls from captain marvel (talos and soren) attempting to do their job, while the real fury (and presumably hill) is ... up in space on some spaceship!!!

wandavision: monica (who we can assume is photon) is called by “an old friend of [her] mother’s,” up in space, which presumably means fury, talos, or carol. ALSO, wanda sits in the middle of nowhere reading the darkhold and hears the voices of her children who.. by all accounts, should not exist. 

aaaaand what we know about future movies (i’m not even going into the tv series.....): 

black widow: 

takes place after civil war

nat confronts a “dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past,” likely has to do with taskmaster who has apparently taken over the red room where nat was trained as an assassin

prominent new characters: yelena belova, who will take over the mantle of black widow after this; alexei shostakov aka red guardian, an ollllld marvel hero analogous to captain america except for the soviet union.

tony stark will make an appearance... SOBS

shang-chi and the legend of the ten rings:

shang-chi has never been seen in the mcu before, but he is, essentially, a superhero that is a master martial artist, and in some adaptations can also create duplicate (fake) versions of himself to confuse opponents

main villain will be the the mandarin who we have *sort of* seen before... he is the leader of a terrorist organization called “ten rings” whose main goal is to destroy world peace. brief history -- in iron man 1: one ten rings cell kidnaps tony stark and tries to force him to make weapons (he of course, makes his suit instead). stark and ten rings become enemies and fight a bunch. nat and nick fury fight them too. in iron man 3, the villain aldrich killian hires a dude to pretend to be the mandarin and claim responsibility for a bunch of stuff, but its not the ten rings or the mandarin at all. this makes the mandarin v mad and he has a dude kidnap the faker to punish him. they also briefly show up in ant-man, when a ten rings agent tries to buy the yellowjacket suit that darren cross is selling. BUT IN SHANG-CHI....... looks like we are FINALLY going to see the real mandarin after over a decade!! 

the villain razor fist will also show up, he is lesser known... he has no superhuman powers but he has surgically replaced his hands (1 or 2, depending on the version) with a steel blade, and is highly skilled at hand to hand combat.

besides the presence of these characters, the only bit of plot we know is “shang-chi is drawn into the ten rings organization and forced to confront his past.” so... yeah. we don’t know much at all.

eternals: 

quick explanation: the eternals are an immortal alien race who have been secretly living on earth for thousands of years. they were created by the celestials, who are most prominently in gotg2. 

more entirely new characters!!! their names are: thena, who can form any weapon out of cosmic energy; gilgamesh, who can make a super strong exoskeleton out of cosmic energy; ikaris, who has superhuman strength, flies, and can project cosmic energy out his eyes; kingo, who can shoot cosmic energy projectiles from his hands; makkari, who creates sonic booms, has super speed, and is deaf; phastos, who has enhanced intelligence, and is also gay (and married with a kid!); ajak, who has healing powers; sprite, who can project illusions; sersi, who can manipulate matter; druig, who can mind control; and dane whitman (black knight), a human with a mystical sword. 

regarding the plot... it seems the eternals have kind of dispersed, but have to come together again to fight the deviants, who are their “evil counterparts” (also created by the celestials, though i’m unclear on why). thena and gilgamesh have apparently been in exile, unclear why; sersi, who is posing as a museum curator, has apparently been in love with ikaris for centuries and it seems as if their love story may be central to the film; and kingo is a bollywood film star in his spare time. aaaaand that’s pretty much all we know.

directed by chloé zhao of nomadland fame! 

spider-man no way home: 

based on the post-credits scene in far from home, peter parker will now be known as spider-man to everyone. unclear if he’s going to be seen as a bad guy due to mysterio framing him, but i guess we’ll see! 

jamie foxx is electro, and alfred molina is doctor octopus; which is VERY interesting considering they played these roles in other spider-man franchises, once again stirring up excitement for possible multiverse. 

there have been *multiple* reports that andrew garfield, kirsten dunst, tobey maguire, and emma stone will be in the movie but tom holland has repeatedly denied this... so... who knows. 

there are also rumors that matt murdock / daredevil (from netflix) will be in several scenes! not confirmed though. 

MJ is still his girlfriend and i hope it stays that way!! 

doctor strange will be featured in the movie, taking on the mentor role now that tony stark is gone :( this will be interesting as i.. haven’t really seen them interact much before. because of this inclusion some people speculate that the film may draw inspo from some comic storylines where peter’s secret identity is restored with magic. 

doctor strange in the multiverse of madness: 

scarlet witch is essentially co-starring!!! it’s going to be really interesting to see if they bring vision or the twins into this at all, though i’m not counting on it. 

seems like mordo will be the main villain -- recall the ds1 post credits scene where he is apparently running around trying to steal people’s magic.

america chavez will make her debut!!!!!! i have no idea how this plays into anything but i am so excited!! 

regarding the plot, all we really know is that strange has been researching the time stone, mordo messes with him, and this results in him accidentally unleashing “unspeakable evil.” presumably there will also be heavy involvement of the multiverse, and who knows what kind of craziness that will bring!! 

initially was going to be directed by scott derrickson who did ds1; however he stepped down to being just EP due to “creative differences.” i am presuming this is because derrickson really wanted to make this more gothic and horror than disney was comfortable with. i REALLY hope they keep some of those elements though and don’t erase the idea entirely! anyway, it will be directed by sam raimi now (of evil dead and spiderman 2002 fame). 

the film also reportedly ties in with the loki series (will loki show up!?) and spiderman 3 (which is obvious enough, given that strange is in that movie and those curious electro and doctor octopus castings...)

thor: love and thunder

directed by taika waititi again, hell yeah!!! and he has stated, the film will be “so over the top now in the very best way" and would make ragnarok look like a "run of the mill, very safe film" .... so.... oh god

so many great returning players!!! including.... valkyrie (now the king of new asgard), jane foster, lady sif, korg, star-lord, mantis, drax, nebula, and kraglin (takes up yondu’s mantle after he dies in gotg2)

in this movie, thor isn’t thor anymore.... it’s JANE!!! she gets cancer :( and is undergoing treatment while simultaneously being thor. i’m a little nervous how this will be handled, but i’m excited. (it’s based off an amazing comic series by jason aaron) 

the big bad: gorr the god butcher, played by christian bale! the gist of it is, this dude HATES gods because nobody helped when his family was dying and in need. his weapon is “all-black the necrosword,” forged from the head of a celestial, and allows the user to create wings and fly at extreme speeds. honestly, he sounds cool as fuck. 

valkyrie is going to be made canonically bisexual!!! 

it will explore more of korg’s backstory, and also include... space sharks!?!?! an alien race from the comics.

taika has called the script “very romantic” so take that as you will 

black panther 2

will again be directed by ryan coogler

not much is known at this point, does not have an official name

t’challa will NOT be recast (which i’m happy about) so..... honestly no idea what to expect for this one. i think we can probably expect shuri to have an expanded role. all we know so far is they will be “exploring the world of wakanda.” not clear to me how this is different from the upcoming wakanda D+ series. 

tenoch huerta has reportedly been cast as a villain, but no one has any idea who. there’s also rumors that donald glover is in “informal talks” to play a role. note all of this is unconfirmed.

captain marvel 2

will be directed by nia da costa (candyman!) and written by megan mcdonnell, who is one of wandavision’s best writers! 

will take place in the present day 

will feature kamala khan / ms. marvel, monica rambeau / photon!!! this will be so interesting.... kamala is a huge fan of carol’s in the comics, she is her mentor/idol. the ms. marvel series will also resportedly lead into cm2. and monica, well, monica knew her when she was a little kid. wandavision implies that there’s some bad blood between carol and monica though, not sure why. maybe because carol left and never came back? (until endgame) 

post-credits scene of wandavision appears to tie into this, having monica go up into space at the reqeust of her “mom’s old friend.” again, not clear who that is. this could also be a tie in to secret invasion though, so we’ll see. or both.

zawe ashton has been cast as an unknown villain... a lot of people are actually speculating that she may play rogue? which would be fascinating, as there’s a comic arc where rogue steals her powers and memories. BUT there’s still no confirmation that X-men exist in the MCU so for now i remain skeptical.

they are looking to cast a ‘john boyega’ or ‘michael b jordan’ type which makes me wonder if they are going to create a new character, a “younger” war machine to be her love interest? (note: carol and rhodey are a huge thing in comics!) carol obviously does not look her age but her and don cheadle.... that just doesn’t work. which is why i wonder.

ant-man and the wasp: quantumania 

in addition to scott and hope, pretty much all the major players are returning including: luis, hank pym, janet van dyne

cassie lang has been recast with an actress 5 years older, which is really making me wonder if they are going to make her stinger in this movie! (aka one of the main young avengers)

the villain: kang the conqueror! this dude time travels. original name nate richards. in the comics, kang travels back in time to rescue his younger self (nate) from an attack that would help shape him towards a life of villainy. kang also gives him some fancy armor. his younger self actually is like, what the fuck dude? and renounces his destiny, becoming a hero. and he makes his armor look like iron man, calling himself iron lad. who is a young avenger. which also makes me wonder about cassie lang.

otherwise not much is known! 

guardians of the galaxy vol. 3

james gunn is returning, i’m mixed about this...he really does *get* the guardians though. 

based on the gotg2 post credits scene, i think we can assume adam warlock will be a HUGE part of this. there are multiple versions of him, some villainous and some heroic, but no idea how this is gonna turn out.

no word yet on whether thor will be involved, or if those ravagers they introduced will be involved. 

fantastic four 

will be directed by the spiderman guy, john watts.

otherwise we know literally nothing.

aaaaand that’s the roundup! 

[flutteringdreams-matw]

Out of Time (15)

First/Last Read on AO3 Word Count: 6953

Previously: Dan went after Lancer but thankfully Danny flew in for the rescue. After their latest scrimmage, Lancer manages to save Danny and contact Tucker to put up the shield. Honestly - some very good friendship scenes with Tucker and Lancer.... with a semi-brutal fight in between. I suggest reading it before this.

Now: The final showdown? CW: Brutal fight, graphic descriptions of injuries, blood and ectoplasm up ahead. Please let me know what you think! Feel free to drop a reply or reblog whatever. Posting early cause I'm exhausted and will be equally so next week. Next chapter will be out on Sunday (link will be in the replies!)

Wind whipped at Danny's hair as he knelt on top of the last bits of his shield. He frowned, looking down at the glowing hand as it absorbed more energy. I have to do this he thought, watching his hand shake, the bruises on it a stark contrast to the ripped white gloves. Sighing, he pushed himself up; glancing at the last eighth of the shield that still protected the town. He closed his eyes, using the shield to look for his family in the chaos below. An image of Jazz, his Mom, Valerie and Vlad standing around talking greeted him. No sign of his Dad or Danielle. He wished he got to talk with them too. I'm still here, he thought to them. He sighed deeply, opening his eyes to scan the town. I'll come back.

A grim smile washed across his face as the Fenton Shield finally activated, pulsing through the town up and outward. It completed itself, protecting the town just inches below where he stood. They'll be safe now. He could hear the distant screeches of the shadows being pushed out of the town, the roars of the Far Frozen as they charged forward to the outskirts. He turned to the outer rim of the shield, scanning the skies for Ethelwulf and Sam. Eventually he found the large winged wolf spiralling through the air and cutting through the shadows, making them disappear. Ethelwulf stopped spinning and a small figure landed on his back. Danny chuckled fondly as the figure shot through five ghosts, making them explode and disappear. At least they're okay.

A roar of anger brought him out of his musings. His green eyes found Dan quickly; the future Phantom was clawing at the shield with vigour, red eyes burning with anger and destruction. Danny watched at a distance, stone faced, as Dan continued to attack the shield.

Danny had once asked Clockwork how he could face what he was. He had been naïve then- how could he not face him. All the guilt, fear and self-doubt he felt stemmed from how he saw his future.

A future that will never exist again.

Suddenly he felt determined, feeling green ecto-energy dance around his aura. He glared at the angry spectre, waiting in anticipation until Dan noticed him.

It didn't take long; Dan stopped his onslaught, turning slowly toward his younger self. Blue flames danced in the air as red eyes bore green. The dark clouds overhead swirled, rumbles of thunder off in the distance. On some level, Danny recognized the sign of an Ecto-Storm brewing.

Dan smiled crudely, looking across the shield to his prey. The hatred and loathing for the other almost suffocated them both.

They flew at each other at the same time, clashing with an explosion of green energy above the city.

:-=-:

"It was his idea," Tucker relayed, his breathing was laboured. "If Ethelwulf and Sam are out there, they're going after him. I-I didn't want to do it."

Maddie sighed, looking toward her companions with unease. Jazz sat aboard Valerie's sled, eyes darting over the mother's face for some kind of clue to what was going on. Valerie's expression was unreadable, looking forward to the town and pretending Plasmius didn't exist. The ghost in question looked above, a concerned frown directed at what was left of Danny's shield. "I know Tucker," she told him gently. "We're headed over to the edge now; get some of those Shadow Ghosts out of the way before going after him."

"I'll meet you there," Jack replied instantly. "Danielle and I can fight through the Northwest and meet you. Danny's not going in there alone."

Maddie smiled. "No, no he isn't" she agreed.

"Mrs. Fenton," Tucker started, and then paused. He sighed deeply before he continued. "Do you… do you have a thermos with you?"

Maddie frowned at the question and then mouthed the word 'thermos' to Jazz. Jazz gave her a quizzical look before holding up the object in question. Valerie bristled as she looked in their direction. Plasmius' concerned frown now looked to Maddie. "Yes, Jazz does."

"If… if you see Danny, suck him in," Tucker said quickly, guilt bubbling through his voice. Maddie made a noise of protest but Tucker cut across her. "He's hurt - he's hurt bad Mrs. F. We need to get him back to FentonWorks and I'm not confident my shield will let him in without being in there."

Maddie paled at his words.

Jazz frowned worriedly. "Mom, what is it? What's wrong?"

"How bad," Jack whispered. Maddie couldn't find her voice.

"Like he should have keeled over five hours ago bad."

"Danielle said something happened to his core," Jack said worriedly. "Mads, you have Plasmius there right? He may know."

Violet eyes glanced in Plasmius' direction. "What's wrong with his core?"

Jazz gasped, Valerie's eyes narrowed as Vlad looked sombrely at the woman. "I don't know," he replied softly. "But he's stuck as Phantom for the time being. His core energy is keeping him there."

Maddie gasped softly, hearing Tucker swear and Jack make a pained noise.

The shield shook as something attacked it overhead. Maddie pursed her lips as she looked above. "What are Ecto-Enhancers?" she asked the half-ghost, bringing her eyes back to him in the process. She barely heard Tucker's brief explanation to Jack.

Vlad frowned at the question before looking exasperated. "He didn't tell you?" he asked instead. He sighed when a glare met his eyes. "Basically a power up of energy - I gave them to Daniel so he could heal faster if he needed to. He's taken at least one. It's working, albeit slowly."

Maddie frowned, running through calculations in her head. Valerie scowled in his direction.

"Didn't you also say that Phantom was flying into battle while juiced up?"

Plasmius flinched under the hard glare Jazz and Maddie gave him. "They're not steroids girl; they're like an energy drink. I'm sure you've frequented them with your extra-curriculars." Valerie growled in response. "But yes, he is."

Maddie sighed, locking eyes with Jazz worriedly. "You know him best Jazz. What's his next move?"

Jazz frowned in thought. "He's going back out there," she said. "Like I said, Dan's jealous of Phantom - meaning Dan's going to be acting irrationally." Her eyes widened. "We need to focus on the shadows Mom; I think with the amount of duplication and shadows his mind is weakening. He's definitely slowing down. If Danny can outsmart him, he might have a chance."

Maddie nodded in consent, looking toward the perimeter of the Fenton Shield again. She glanced at Plasmius. "Will he hold out until then?"

Plasmius scoffed. "If I know anything about that boy, he won't back down easily," he said with fond bitterness. "If we act quickly, he'll be more likely to succeed."

Valerie watched their reactions slowly, fully realizing that she did not know as much as she thought she did. The Fentons had a truce with Phantom, they knew about Vlad but they all can't care about this ghost that much?

"Fine! Destroy ghosts! But can you really take part in destroying a human?"

Her eyes widened at the memory, gaze resting on Mrs. Fenton and Jazz with a thoughtful frown. Did they know he was half human too?

"Hey! What about the Fentons?! Phantom had asked her.

Valerie laughed, inspecting one of her weapons. "Are you kidding?! Before your truce, they couldn't catch a ghost if it was living under their own roof!"

The ghost boy's eyes furrowed slightly, a small twinkle in his eye before he responded. "True."

"We'll find our boy," Maddie vowed softly to Jack on the line. "We'll find Danny."

Valerie's eyes widened further, a small gasp escaping her lips as her eyes darted upward. She called him Danny, she thought widely. The pieces clicked quickly in her mind, guilt and horror rising within her.

Where's he running off to all the time?

"You really risked your neck to save that Fenton kid." Valerie found herself smiling at her Dad's comment. "Yeah. I like him a lot. Maybe even enough to give up ghost hunting."

It was eating her to say it, Danny didn't deserve this. "I've had a lot of fun these last few days, but my life's way too complicated right now for us to be anything other than... friends." He stammered out in disbelief before she pushed through. "There's something important I have to do and I don't want you to get hurt because of it." She wasn't going to let Danny Phantom ruin anyone else's life.

"Are you kidding?! Before your truce, they couldn't catch a ghost if it was living under their own roof!"

I know you, don't I?

A huge explosion of green energy made them all jump, eyes glued to the sky above them. "Danny…?" Valerie breathed. Danny Fenton. Danny Phantom. Guilt filled her chest, realizing for the first time how wrong she had been.

She barely heard Jazz whisper his name behind her. The world as at a standstill, her green eyes watching as two figures clashed overhead.

"Valerie?" She jumped, looking down to Jazz's worried face. The red head's eyes scanned Valerie's face, grimly noticing the silent distress the teen hunter was in. Jazz sighed, shaking her head. "Let's go."

:-=-:

Sam landed gracefully on Ethelwulf's back, watching as more of the shadows explode with a satisfied smirk. "Nice catch Ethelwulf," she said to the ghost. She felt his laugh before she heard it.

"Nice shooting," he replied back. His yellow eye looked back toward her. "The shield's up." An unspoken request passed between them; the ghost flew upward, gliding in the air as Sam looked behind them. Four shadow ghosts gaining on their tail. She made move to shoot, but with a battle cry Skulker crashed into two of them, dragging them below. She shot at the other two as Ethelwulf levelled himself in the air.

Her eyes darted over the shield, anxiously searching until she found him. "Danny," she breathed, relaxing as she saw him standing above the shield. Ethelwulf looked down hastily, yellow eyes scanning the shield below also. "He's okay!"

"Sam," Ethelwulf replied seriously. "He's not alone."

The girl stiffened, skimming the shield again until she saw the other ghost at the shield. Dan and Danny were staring at each other, the air thick with tension as they watched the other's move. Sam frowned as thunder rumbled overhead. He wouldn't…

"I will do whatever it takes to protect the people I care about."

Sam's breath hitched in her throat. He would. "We need to get down there," she said hurriedly. Ethelwulf dove as a reply. Sam grabbed his fur tightly, silently willing him to go faster. He obliged, just as both Phantoms took flight, ecto-blasts at the ready. "No!" she cried, watching with dread as they collided, the shockwaves of the collision blowing back and blocking them from interfering. Ethelwulf grunted, black wings flapping against the wind and stopping him from losing control.

"I'm alright," he assured before Sam got to ask. His normally calm voice was tight with anger. They watched from above as both Danny and Dan flew at each other, equally matched as they traded blows.

The Phantoms moved quickly, neither seemed to notice when an ecto-blast struck their bodies. They rushed forward, both trying to inflict some blow to weaken the other.

Ethelwulf frowned as blue electricity hit into a blue flamed punch. "I don't think he can keep this up for much longer."

Sam bit her lip, watching anxiously as they finally bounced back, floating with chests heaving. Ethelwulf was right; they needed to stop this soon…before… "Can you get close to them?"

Ethelwulf turned his head to her. "I can try, but the amount of power they're using will make it difficult. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

Sam charged the bazooka and turned on her wrist ray. "Let's do this."

Ethelwulf charged with a roar, attempting to get closer as the shockwaves pushed back again. Sam braced herself, taking aim at Dan. Suddenly, they were bombarded by the shadow ghosts, blocking their path as they lunged. Sam gasped, extending her arm and firing her wrist ray, hitting a few. Ethelwulf dove, attempting to lose them but they followed, their low screeches of anger echoing under the explosions of the Phantoms. Sam fired wildly, ignoring how her stomach turned at the sudden descent and speed. They needed to get to Danny.

Ethelwulf glided in the air, growling before he charged for the ghosts again, waves of ecto-energy flying back against them. Sam hit the remaining and soon they were free of them. She let out a small sigh of relief before she turned, coming face to face with more of the shadows. "I'm all about the dark and creepy," Sam yelled frustrated as she fired. "But this is getting ridiculous!"

Ethelwulf and Sam readied themselves before hearing a whine of a guitar, two guitar chords and watched as two giant fists rammed into their nearest foes. Sam looked up and recognized Ember's fiery blue hair, smiling smugly above her.

"Can't let you have all the fun," she said, turning her guitar dial up idly. "Besides, I want some pay back. That clown isn't the only one with an army!" Ember whistled, and up flew many of the ghosts hiding in Amity; Sam recognized Box Ghost, Dora, Wulf as they charged too. She looked up at the floating ghost and nodded in thanks. Ember scowled, scanning the crowd. "Just get the ghost kid - I don't do 'I owe yous'!"

She didn't need to be told twice. "Let's go," Sam muttered to the wolf ghost. He raced upward again, towards the top of the shield as the she heard the crackling electricity of the ecto-blasts. Then all too suddenly, it stopped. Sam paled at the eerie quiet it left behind. Ethelwulf reached the top not long after to find no trace of either Phantom. "Ethelwulf…" Sam said, trailing off.

An explosion away from the city caught both of their attentions. Sam frowned, watching the brilliant green light up the forest, bringing down some of the trees. "They teleported," Ethelwulf said quietly.

They stayed only a moment longer, watching the Far Frozen soldiers race out into battle before they took off after the Phantoms.

:-=-:

He didn't realize they had teleported until his back crashed into a tree.

Danny gasped as he shot upward, dodging a glowing green hand as it swiped from where he once was. A snarl from behind him was the only indication that he was being followed. Danny's hand lit up in green, wildly throwing ecto-blasts at Dan as he flew faster, white hair whipping back.

A ball of blue flames narrowly missed him, making the teen hiss involuntarily as he started to zigzag. Eventually he flipped in the air, his hands a blue-white as two electrical ice blasts aimed directly at Dan hit his mark. Both Phantoms stopped, glaring at each other from across the sky.

Their battles were nothing compared to the sheer desperation to win that currently encompassed every ounce of their bodies. Out of breath, Danny quickly assessed Dan; the evil Phantom was panting, red eyes manic with repressed rage. His suit was tattered, revealing small injuries that he got through their scuffle. Some part of him felt relieved that Dan no longer had the upper hand. Green eyes glanced briefly to the flash of green lightning above, frowning slightly as Dan smiled. Dammit.

Danny barely had time to throw up a hasty shield as Dan teleported in front of him. In one quick movement, the older Phantom punched straight into Danny's shield, pushing the boy backward in the air as it broke. Wasting little time, Dan's hand glowed green with small knives of ecto-energy, stabbing the boys injured leg as he pulled Danny toward the ground. Dan's hand moved down his leg, a trail of ectoplasm in its wake.

Danny bit back scream as Dan brought them toward the ground at an alarming speed. Ignoring all logic, his right eye turned blue, releasing a small ectoplasmic pulse from his core. Dan cried out, letting go as both Phantoms losing control in the air. Shaking his head, Danny regained his bearings, flying at Dan with icicles at the ready. One managed to pierce Dan's shoulder, the older howling in pain. The icicle melted just as Danny tackled him to the ground.

Danny staggered upright, faltering as he stood on his bad leg. He managed to roll further from the downed evil ghost, trying and failing to stand again.

Dan was faster on his feet; he groaned but flew up. He hovered as red eyes darting around looking for his prey. Once found, Dan threw his arm outwards and blasted Danny into the trees behind him with a yelp. The impact of the boy hitting the last tree broke it as he slid lower to the ground.

He tried to voice a small ow, but winced heavily as a set of sparks danced through him. He moved as quickly as he could, grimacing again as he tried to stand. He needed to keep moving, he needed to find Sam and Ethelwulf, he needed -

"There you are." Dan's voice fluttered from above him.

He needed to fight.

Breathing heavily, Danny gripped the tree trunk as he pulled himself upright. Taking inventory of his powers, he realized with disdain that he couldn't keep this up much longer. He had seen what would happen next; he was out of time.

Thunder and lightning rumbled through the sky as Danny met Dan's glare. "You told them." Dan stated coldly.

"I thought we were over that," Danny said sardonically, running his hand through his hair. He winced slightly as he touched a new bruise forming. "Remember - the part where you threw me like a Frisbee into the school?"

Dan growled in response. More lightning above them. Danny frowned, watching the lightning move through the clouds. It was different than last time.

"What's so different about you, Danny?" Dan asked darkly. "Why did Clockwork try so hard for you? Why do our parents get to accept you?"

He was slightly taken aback at the question, brow furrowing as too many thoughts crossed his mind at once.

Dan scoffed at the lack of an answer. "You're still the same selfish asshole that I was," he said. "They died because of you."

Danny had heard it all before - it had been a running commentary in his mind for the better part of a year… and yet something in Dan's tone had him shaking his head. "No," he replied in a low voice. It was a simple answer, and as soon as he said it, there was none of the guilt or anger for himself left in him from the alternate timeline. Dan's face contorted in rage as more lightning streaked across the sky. "No."

Before Dan could react, Danny teleported; disappearing from Dan's wrath to get some sort of distance away. He dropped out of the air, faltering again and took inventory in his surroundings. He had reappeared in the destroyed clearing from their first battle earlier in the day. It's far enough.

Danny heard Dan's roar over the thunder that rumbled overhead. He braced himself, ignoring the throbbing pain of his left leg as he planted himself in place just as Ethelwulf taught him. Dan landed across from him with force, creating a crater around him.

"I'm not done with you boy," Dan snarled, red eyes glowing menacingly. "I want to know what makes you so special that you changed my destiny?"

"Your Vlad is showing," Danny sassed before he could stop himself. "Destiny? Really? You made a choice dumbass. I made different ones." His green eyes glowed in retaliation. "We're not the same, not anymore."

Something in Dan broke. "YOU DON'T DESERVE THIS!" he roared, green ecto-energy whipping up around him. Green eyes snapped at Dan's feet, finally confirming that Dan's Ecto-Storm was coming. "What are you anyway? Human."

Danny's eyes narrowed, feeling his own deep raw energy itching to be released too. This was his last card left to play, and if he timed it right, he could finish this.

"So you're saying raw energy is basically a bomb waiting to go off at any point?"

If it didn't finish him first.

"Actually," Danny said coolly, watching as Dan's entire body shake with emotion. "Yeah, I am. And my friends? My family? They're alive because of it."

An inhumane growl escaped Dan's throat, red eyes shining brightly as green energy whipped around him. Danny's face was grim as he watched Dan's Ecto-Storm finally manifest, interacting with the clouds above. Dan's body was encased in the swirling vortex of energy, his animalistic noises becoming more feral as a red version of the Phantom emblem appeared at his feet. Violent whips of energy tore trees from roots around. Red eyes found green and with a yell released strong waves of energy toward the boy.

Danny was ready for the attack - his right eye turned blue; emblem appeared at his feet in a burst of light, a large shield blocking the onslaught.

:-=-:

Tucker swallowed as the he watched the screens helplessly. Danny and Dan had disappeared into the forest again, the large mass of ecto-energy following. He saw the signs, and hoped desperately for two things; for Danny not to be so stupid, and for Danny to be the one actually creating the storm. The alternative was too scary to imagine.

Clockwork grunted, gripping his staff as the entire lab turned toward him. Tucker frowned, abandoning the console to head toward the Time Master. "What is it?" he asked. When Clockwork made no inclination to answer, Tucker sighed. "It's Danny isn't it? He's the one stopping time?"

Clockwork looked up, red eyes glancing over the teen like he was seeing him for the first time. "We're nearing the paradox," he said gravely, nodding his head. "I can no longer see the present, only the past. The effects of the Time Medallion are affecting him now."

Another flash of light appeared on the screen. Tucker didn't look at it, teal green eyes staring into Clockwork's. "How long?" Tucker asked evenly.

Clockwork did glance at the screen, watching as some of the buttons stopped flashing and then continue at random intervals now that Tucker wasn't at the console. Time was stopping at random.

"Now."

:-=-:

The lightning made it difficult for them to follow by air. Ethelwulf dove into the forest, flying through the trees as he scanned the area for either Phantom.

Sam was stiff on his back, doing the same. She looked up at more of the green lightning danced across the sky. "Ethelwulf," she whispered. Danny wouldn't use the Ecto-Storm like this… would he?

"It's not his," Ethelwulf said quietly.

Her fear only grew at his confirmation. "Dan - Dan has it too!?"

"Clockwork had said Dan used in the last clash these two had," he explained quickly. "Though never to this extent. I'm sure Danny's wail surprised him enough catch him off guard. Danny has the element of surprise again."

Sam bit her lip. "He's hurt."

Ethelwulf flew faster. "I know," he replied. He glanced at her briefly. "I told him I would not let him die. We need to get to him before -"

A giant swirling mass of ecto-energy interrupted him, stopping them in their tracks. Sam gasped as an Ecto-Storm appeared before them.

"Shit," Sam bit out. She reloaded a Fenton Bazooka hastily, watching as power whipped around them. "Ethelwulf we have to hurry."

The wolf ghost took off again.

:-=-:

"NO!" Dan bellowed, shaken as he watched his younger self push back against the attack. Danny ignored him, stopping the raw energy from attacking. "How!?" His disbelief fuelled his anger, which in turn fuelled the attack more.

Danny grunted, pushing back against the attack as lightning tried to strike him from the sky. Everything hurt. Everything. The raw energy that now flooded him was only just holding Dan at bay. Focus he told himself. Focus on that line between life and death. Find the balance. Electricity sparked from his shield as he poured energy back into it. If he wanted to survive, he needed to remember his training.

"You can't have this power!" he heard Dan yell over the strong crackles of electricity and howls of the wind. "This is mine. You don't get to have it all!"

Was this what Clockwork warned me of? He thought, ignoring the now burning pain from his side; old wounds started to open again. Is this all I can do? Danny shook his head, gritting his teeth. No, he could do more. He had to do more.

He was tired – run ragged from the day's fights. Danny couldn't let Dan win - it wasn't an option.

Promise me you'll win.

Sam's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of his promise. She had asked him to come back alive.

He had to try.

Danny let his own powers push outward, feeling not only raw but core energy expend out of him. His aura glowed, ecto-energy swirling around his feet now as it encased him. With his Ecto-Storm released – pain shot through Danny's entire being as electricity from his core mixed in. He faltered slightly before digging in his heels, releasing his own streams of raw blue-white energy toward Dan. He still had control - he could still win.

"The things you need to fight for? That makes you more dangerous too." Ethelwulf had told him that… it was time he believed it.

Their attacks clashed in the middle, both streams of energy pushing back against the other as both Phantoms fought for dominance. Dan was lost in a sea of rage, snarling madly at the young teen with such malice. Danny kept his attack focused, pushing forward, sheer determination and will driving him far beyond his limit.

"Danny!"

Focus broken for a slight moment, he turned at the fear filled voice as Sam and Ethelwulf flew forward from the cover of trees. Even from a distance, Danny could see the terror on her face.

Unfortunately, so did Dan. With a wicked smile, he turned, arm outstretched in their direction. A wave of blue flames and green ecto-energy flew toward them. Ethelwulf stopped advancing, bringing his wings together and shielding them both from the onslaught. Dan laughed, a twist between sadistic and manic laughter as his powers grew, anger and resentment pushing the storm outward toward the town.

Danny's eyes darted to Amity Park, to Ethelwulf and Sam and then back to his older self. Dan had lost sense of control, fully engulfed in the ecstasy of his raw energy. There was no way her could protect them all.

Danny felt himself fading, knees threatening to buckle. I can't win this he thought hopelessly.

You can.

The world slowed drastically, the ecto-energy dancing in the wind. Danny knees gave way, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. He looked up and a translucent figure of himself - his human self - stood before him, smiling gently.

"You can do this," Fenton assured. His Ecto-Storm still flowed outward, beautifully painting the world around them with blue, white and green light in slow motion. "What do you want from all this?"

Sam had asked him the same thing earlier. "I can't… I'm not enough…" he said breathlessly. He shook his head. I'm going to die.

Fenton scoffed. "You are," he said fiercely. "You're just afraid to admit it. Danny, you have the power to stop this. You've had it for a year now. You can finally end this." A translucent hand reached out to him. "So let me ask you again: what do we want?"

Danny stared at the offered hand, his mind racing. Fenton looked slighted bemused, watching his counterpart with mismatched eyes. He didn't fear Dan. He didn't even fear himself.

Danny feared power - and what that power would do to him.

To move forward, he needed to embrace Ecto-Storm.

A look of purpose washed across his face as he grabbed the hand, staggering upright. Thoughts of Frostbite and his people, Ethelwulf, Clockwork, Jazz, his parents, Tucker and Sam filled him to the brim, one common theme shaking him to his core. What did he want?

Phantom and Fenton both turned toward Dan, eyes narrowing in determination. "Ready?" he asked Fenton, thinking back to their conversation in his bedroom.

His human half nodded, a small grim smile on his face. "Ready." He confirmed.

Their eyes glowed as time started again. Fenton disappeared, leaving Danny alone within the Ecto-Storm of his own creation. He let his powers flow freely, giving in to the instinctive use of his power, the one he never felt ready to use. His eyes glanced over to Ethelwulf's determined yellow eyes, protecting him and Sam from the onslaught of the ghosts. His shield was holding. Briefly, his blue- green eyes managed to find a pair of fearful violet eyes behind the shield. I'm sorry.

Dan roared, getting the younger Phantom's attention once more. Dan took off in the air, flying at Danny's Ecto-Storm with drive. Danny felt the will of Dan attempting to get to him; slicing through his attack with force. Danny pushed back, watching as Dan's Ecto-Storm battle with his; fire and ice trying to hurt the other.

Danny felt something stir in his core, painfully reminding him of the first time he used this power. He was afraid then; he wasn't anymore. His pupils disappeared, blue and green ecto-energy shining brightly as electricity and ice joined the battle, pushing his emblem outward to rival Dan's. The older Phantom clawed at Danny, beyond reason as he attempted to get to the teen. Blue flames danced at his feet as the two storms started to merge.

What did he want?

Dan made it through Danny's defences, flying to the centre with a vengeful smile. Danny's breathing was too loud in his ears now, realizing it was time.

To see his friends and family alive.

To win.

Danny's eyes shone brightly as the world turned white.

Scorching heat and bitter cold danced around them…

Dan's shocked face just as he reached Danny, arm reaching for the boy's chest…

…The world exploded in pain…

…An explosion…

…Darkness…

:-=-:

Sam gasped, bringing her hands up to shield herself from the bright white light. The explosion pulsed outward, levelling trees and sent small shockwaves throughout the area. Ethelwulf sunk to the ground, breathing hard as the explosion died down.

"Ethelwulf!" Sam cried, looking at the large black wolf.

"I'm alright," he replied, yellow eyes finding her worried ones. "Are you?" She nodded, silently marvelled at Ethelwulf's power to still have his shield around them. "Good," he said softly, standing slowly. "That's …" The ghost trailed off, looking away from her to the destruction beyond her.

Sam followed his gaze, gasping slightly. Debris was everywhere, Sam noticed, as she watched the remnants of the Ecto-Storm disappear. The ground was broken, split apart from the raw power from the fight, the tree trunks cracked and half and blue fire patches danced around large figures of non-melted ice. Sam's eyes scanned the battlefield before she saw it; Danny's emblem, still alight, was shrinking slowly... but her best friend was nowhere in sight.

Dan's red emblem was completely gone.

"Danny," Sam whispered, dread settling into the pit of her stomach. She started running long before she realized Ethelwulf was calling her back. "Danny!" she yelled, hoping he would answer. Her voice echoed in the eerie silence. Sam ran, jumping over tree trunks, occasionally tripping over roots as she tried to find him. It took a few minutes, but she found him just as his emblem finally disappeared.

She paused for a moment, horrified as she took in his appearance from a few feet away.

Danny, still miraculously in his ghost form, lay on his side, limbs askew. Even from this far away, she could see the amount of sickly green ectoplasm that he was covered in. Swallowing the bile in her throat, Sam continued running, faster from before. Once close, she skidded on her knees, slowing her speed and scrambled to him. "Danny," she croaked, eyes wide and disbelief.

He was worse than the last time she saw him. There was a nasty bruise on the side of his head; multiple small cuts up and down his body that made his skin seem even more other worldly than normal. The purple handprint bruise on his neck was more visible now, burned and varying shades of blue. His jumpsuit was ripped across his left shoulder, which appeared to come out of his socket, showed magnificent bruises and large burns from an earlier fight. His left leg was covered in ectoplasm, long gashes from his calf to his knee.

He was barely breathing.

Anything the ecto-enhancer managed to heal had reversed in the last fight. Sam looked down, alarmed at that realization and instinctively put her hands on Danny's side. The injury had reopened, gushing large amounts of ectoplasm. He shuddered beneath her, wheezing erratically.

"Come on Danny, stay with me!" Sam said to him hysterically. She brought one of her hands to his face, smearing it with his own ectoplasm. "You aren't dying today – you promised." No answer. "Eth-" Sam tried to yell, coming out in a half sob. Sam took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in her throat before she tried again. "Ethelwulf!" Sam yelled desperately. She felt a rush of air as Ethelwulf flew to her, hovering slightly before landing.

"Danny," he said gravely, concerned yellow eyes taking in his appearance before coming closer.

Sam paid him no mind as he started inspecting his lower body. "Danny, come on," she said worriedly, trying to rouse the boy in front of her. His face scrunched, shallow wheezing breaths becoming more pronounced. His eyes fluttered, opening ever so slightly.

Sam sighed as she looked down at his electric green eyes. "Thank goodness," she breathed. Her smile fell when she realized his eyes weren't registering her. "Danny?" The fear came back to her in full force in that moment. "Danny, can you hear me? You did it, it's over." The girl turned to Ethelwulf helplessly. "Help him! We can't –" her voice broke in a dry sob as she finally realized the gravity of the situation through her shock.

"We're going to need to move him," Ethelwulf said quickly, curling his body around the two teens. "Sam, keep pressure on that wound, we need to keep him as Phantom for as long as we can. He's losing too much ectoplasm; if he transforms and it turns to blood, I'm not sure if I can save him."

Sam's eyes widened but nodded, holding her hands tighter against his wound. Danny made a raw, strangled noise as he continued to wheeze through the pain. The white ring of light appeared at his waist but sputtered out of existence quickly.

"Hang on!" Ethelwulf said, glowing in a golden light. The next thing Sam realized, they were over Amity Park on Danny's shield staring down the Ghost Shield. He closed his eyes and sighed. "We need to take down the shield!"

Sam shook her head. "No, they were supposed to put his ecto-signature in it," Sam said distractedly. "We don't have time." Danny's arm fell onto his shield limply, the ring of light appearing again at his waist, lingering over him. It didn't move. "Danny no!" she yelled, turning his face toward her. "Hold on okay? Just-Just a little more."

Ethelwulf growled. "I can't teleport us in – it means that they're blocking one of our ecto-signatures. Last I heard, they still couldn't separate Danny's from the Dark Phantom's."

Sam looked down at Danny, swallowing in temporary relief as Danny managed to make his transformation stop again. Green sparks attacked his chest. "Tucker," Sam muttered, eyes widening. She kept one hand on Danny's wound while the other dug into the pocket of her jumpsuit. Crying out triumphantly, Sam found the Fenton phone she pocketed as she left the city. She stuffed it in her ear quickly, ignoring that it wasn't comfortable and moved her hand back to Danny's wound. She pressed down on in firmly, another strangled gasp escaping his lips. "Tucker!" she shouted into the small device.

"Sam!?" Tucker's surprised and relieved voice crackled in her ear. "Thank God! You took your damn time! If it wasn't for Danny-"

"Not now Tuck!" Sam said, cutting him off. "I need you to drop the Ghost Shield."

"Drop it?" he asked. A brief pause before Tucker pressed on. "Do you have Danny?"

Sam turned her gaze back to the boy in front of her. His blinks were slow. "He's… It's bad Tuck" Sam admitted, voice raw. "We need to get back to Fentonworks. Ethelwulf is standing by to teleport us."

"On it," was Tucker's determined reply. "It'll take me a few minutes. We'll be sitting ducks for Dan's forces, so be careful. We don't have Danny's shield like last time."

"As fast as you can Tuck," Sam urged. Ethelwulf nodded in understanding from her words. "Come on Danny," she whispered comfortingly to him. Another strangled noise came through his mouth. "A little longer. Then you can drop the shield. We'll be home soon, okay? Just stay Ghost for a little longer."

Danny shuddered again, closing his eyes. The wheezing became worse and Sam frowned.

"Ancients," Ethelwulf swore quietly. The word slipped out of his mouth like dirt. "Sam!"

Sam looked up in confusion and gasped. Before them, Danny's shield slowly started to repair itself, green electricity flowing through the solid parts of the shield before connecting. She looked down quickly, eyes glued to his hand on top of his shield. It shimmered green through his ripped gloves, green sparks moving through his forearm.

"Sam? What's going on?" Tucker asked anxiously through the Fenton phone.

"Dammit! Danny stop!" Sam pleaded, ignoring her friend in her ear. "Save your energy… please. You're hurt. Don't do this!" The shield continued to repair itself; he couldn't hear her. Sam swore. "Tucker, how much longer?"

"You should see it coming down any second," The teen replied swiftly. Sam could hear the determination in his voice. She wasn't the only one worried.

Danny's hand went limp as the shield finished repairing itself. Blue sparks now wracked the middle of his frame before they disappeared.

Sam only had to wait a very short second before she saw the signs of the ghost shield coming down. She breathed out a sigh of relief as she turned back to the half-ghost in front of her. Her relieved sigh turned to a startled gasp as she watched Danny's white hair turn slowly black and parts of his jumpsuit turning into his regular street clothes. "Ethelwulf!" Sam called to ghost in alarm. Green ectoplasm that stained her hands had turned red gradually and started gushing through her fingers; she hadn't realized the change. There was no ring, no flash of light as he reverted back. Danny Phantom seemingly faded away, leaving the body of Danny Fenton in his place.

"No…. nononono." Tucker's voice rambled through her ear. "Danny, no, stay with me okay?" She tried to get a rise out the friend currently bleeding out in front of her. He gave no inclination he heard her.

Ethelwulf was at their side quickly and with another flash of gold light, the smell of the Fenton's lab greeted Sam's nose. She blocked out the world around her; only focused on keeping pressure on Danny's wounds. She didn't have nearly enough hands; there was so much blood now. She very briefly heard Ethelwulf's cries for something, a flurry of movement as ghosts rushed forward. Lots of rushed whispers, a few barked orders, more blood on her hands. Suddenly, someone was pulling her off him.

"Get off me!" She said, fighting whoever was pulling her off the boy. She managed to elbow them in the gut but they didn't even cry out. "He's bleeding! I have to help -"

"Sam," Tucker's low voice was in her ear. She stopped; turned to lock eyes with her other best friend. Taking his chance, Tucker dragged her away, nodding to someone before swallowing. He looked like he was going to be sick. "Sam - they need to restart his heart."

What.

Sam looked at him with wide eyes, disbelieving his words. She turned back to Danny's lifeless form being hovered over by Ethelwulf in his guise of Dr. Cliff, Frostbite and a few other members of the Far Frozen. At some point, they put a mask over Danny's face to give him air. Ethelwulf's hands were alight with ecto-energy as he put them on the boy's chest. Danny convulsed on the floor for a second, before returning to being completely limp.

She couldn't look away. There was more flurry of activity around him; Ethelwulf charged his hands again, Danny's body arching upward in the air, falling back to the ground.

Ethelwulf brought two fingers to the boy's neck, a grim look over his face. "Where's that stretcher!?" Ethelwulf yelled, the hazel eyes of Dr. Cliff turning more yellow as he grew frustrated.

"There!" Frostbite yelled, watching another one of his followers fly over intangibly with a rolling bed. The ghost flew through the floor and made it tangible under Danny. All ghosts, led by Ethelwulf, pushed the unconscious Danny toward the Fenton infirmary, leaving the stricken friends staring at a pool of Danny's blood.

[uchiha-ss]

🍅 SasuSaku Fanfiction Rec-list! 🌸

I just wanted somewhere to put the list of SS fanfics that I’ve read!

Enjoy the works from these wonderful authors (and give them some love while you’re at it)! ❤

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🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅🌸🍅

Multi-Chapter

💫 Adrenalize Me by helena-3190 (M, 26k+, 3 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

It took years for Sakura and Sasuke to develop the genuine friendship and camaraderie that had been absent from their younger years. He’d fought his demons; she shelved her childish affections. When the lines of lust and intimacy begin to blur between them, Sakura’s guarded heart convinces her that their recent developments can be blamed on a flood of adrenaline, nothing more.

💫 A Full Circle by Lady Momo (M, 57k+, 12 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Years after his desertion, Haruno Sakura realizes that she and Uchiha Sasuke never did have an ending. But on a stormy, rainy night, as she hangs on the verge of death, she realizes that they never had a beginning either.

💫 All I Want for Christmas by TheRedConverseGirl (M, 61k+, 15 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sakura's rude (but still oh-so-hot!) boss loves to see her suffering. Sasuke can't believe his annoyingly, perfect assistant can be so stubborn. After months working together, do they really know each other? *Full Sumary & Disclaimer inside. [SasuSaku] [Slow Burn] [Eventual Smut] [Office AU] [Holiday Special Gift Fic]

💫 Approaching Sun by ANerdInAllHerGlory (T, 126k+, 31 Chapters) (ON GOING)

After 2 years, Sasuke returns to the village where friends anxiously await him. Still troubled by the mysteries of Kaguya and his personal guilt, Sasuke is split between friends and his journey. Troubled by rising casualties and international dependence on her abilities, Sakura is torn between her love for Sasuke and her duty to her village.

💫 Clandestine Heart by ChaoticIrony (M, 68k+, 13 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sasuke & Sakura find themselves in some very strange situations when Tsunade sends them on the most awkward mission of their lives.

💫 Close Encounters by JinnySkeans (M, 127k+, 33 Chapters) (INCOMPLETE - but has a nice end that feels finished)

Her dad warned her about talking to strange boys. She might've tuned out the part where he told her not to move in with them. Whoops. Modern College AU.

💫 Close to Home by dances.with.sunflowers (T, 38k+, 8 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Something in his eyes told her, it was always you. Blank period.

💫 Cracks by thevelvetbunny (M, 32k+, 6 Chapters) (INCOMPLETE)

Sasuke struggles with life after returning to Konoha, and enters counselling with a certain no-nonsense Hokage.

💫 Duplicity by Never Stray (M, 53k+, 16 Chapters) (ON GOING)

Five years after the war, Sakura accepts a mission with ANBU to investigate a warlord in the Land of Stone. But playing courtesan and guard with Sasuke proves a challenge when they have yet to reconcile their tumultuous past. As she uncovers details of a contract that threatens the peace between nations, Sakura learns that all is fair in love and espionage.

💫 FLY AWAY by BlueAngel7810 (M, 200k+, 44 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sakura wants nothing more than to fly and be free again. Finding her submerged by work, Sasuke is divided between his redemption journey and the will to atone for the tears she has shed by his fault. But wouldn't her soothing presence by his side compromise his journey? What could await them on the roads? Set after The Last - Answers questions after chapter 699.

💫 Folklore by BlushingLotus (M, 26k+, 4 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

After hearing an alluring piece of Folklore, Sakura becomes devoted to proving herself equal to the man she desires most.

💫 Good Vibrations by Cinnamunk (M, 68k+, 7 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

With her 25th birthday approaching, her friends pairing off, and her forever crush firmly ensconced in ANBU, Sakura feels decidedly gloomy about her romantic prospects. One Ino-led shopping trip and a mysterious midnight visitor later, things are looking up for our favorite, pink-haired kunoichi. Or are they? Non-mass AU.

💫 Great Expectations by Cinnamunk (M, 55k+, 6 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

**Good Vibrations Sequel** With a surprise baby on the way, a shotgun wedding to plan, and an exceedingly traditional clan to at least try and keep placated, Sakura and Sasuke find their hands fuller than ever. Non-mass AU.

💫 Guilty by Birkastan2018 (M, 14k+, 5 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

A romance/fluff/humor piece involving a misplaced volume of Icha Icha, role play, confusion, and a heartfelt love kept under wraps... How long before everything goes down in a big pile of doodoo? Non-mass AU.

💫 Unlikely Rivals by Birkastan2018 (M, 29k+, 8 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

**Guilty Sequel** Sasuke & Sakura have gone public with their relationship, but that hasn't changed the romantic advances Sakura continues to attract from other men. Then, along comes an unlikely rival that Sasuke finds he really can't do anything about... how will he get rid of him once and for all? Non-mass AU.

💫 Heartbeat by letmeannoyyoutoday (M, 70k+, 5 Chapters) (INCOMPLETE - but has a nice end that feels finished)

From the beginning of their relationship, Sakura never failed to thank Sasuke for every little gesture that he made. It took a while for him to realize that the reason she did it was because, the moment she accepted to be his wife and give him all that she had left to give, she honestly never expected to receive anything in return.

💫 Heat by Lady Otori (M, 66k+, 7 Chapters) (ON GOING)

Sasuke's temperature has always run higher than most, and Sakura has always, always burned for him. Moments of heat, spent together in the time after his return.

💫 Heated by BlushingLotus (M, 21k+, 3 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

"How do I treat hypothermia?" Sasuke asked, hands on his hips. Sakura was glad she didn't giggle out loud at the fact Uchiha Sasuke had to play nurse.

💫 In Times of Peace by SouthSideStory (M, 50k+, 15 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

The war is over, and like Konoha, Team 7 has rebuilt itself from the ground up. Everything has changed, but Sasuke and Sakura remain much the same. Eleven years, she thinks, is a long time to be in love.

💫 Kind of Caught by merinxD (M, 4k+, 3 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sakura finds pornography at Sasuke’s and it starts a chain of events. Smut. Older time frame, post Sasuke’s return.

💫 Miss Independent by letmeannoyyoutoday (M, 68k+, 40 Chapters) (INCOMPLETE)

Tsunade once told me that striving to be the best, to be acknowledged, to be renowned, also had a series of disadvantages. But I would have never thought that one of them would send me to Otokagure, serving under the man that once left me on a bench, in the middle of the night, after breaking my heart and killing what was left of my spirit.

💫 Not So Innocent by river of the sand (M, 22k+, 8 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

He spent years ignoring it, avoiding it, and pretending he didn't need it. But after mistaking a whorehouse for a hotel, Sasuke realised he had just been fooling himself: of course he wanted sex.

💫 Of Broken Hallelujahs and Healing Hearts by Writing Unicorn (T, 55k+, 45 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Tsunade interrupted, “Just tell me what you want, Uchiha, before I throw you out of the damn village.” Without so much as one hint of emotion, Sasuke said, “Haruno Sakura.”

💫 Reacquaintance by thisthatfictions (M, 171k+, 23 Chapters) (ON GOING)

Five months after the Fourth Great Ninja War during the Konoha spring, Sasuke Uchiha was released from custody to reintegrate into the village. Something different stirs in Sasuke as he navigates rebuilding his relationships, his reputation, and himself. What stirs him the most is the pink-haired medic who stands by him the whole way.

💫 Rise by soulaire (M, 42k+, 17 Chapters) (ON GOING)

Post-war. Sasuke is cold, yes, but still there is warmth within him—even though he himself forgets it sometimes. And while he might not be the easiest person to love, at the end of the day he is still human, through and through.

💫 Samsara by KuriQuinn (M, 54k+, 8 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sakura's words die in her throat as the man's eyes shoot open, and the coldest red irises she has ever seen meet hers. She is hit by a wave of terrifying certainty about two things right then – that she knows these eyes better than any other and that, if he wanted to, this man could stop her heart with just a look.

💫 Something Left by helena-3190 (M, 87k+, 11 Chapters) (ON GOING - TEMPORARY HIATUS)

In the aftermath of the shinobi war to save the world, from their own war to save Sasuke's soul, Team Seven adjusts, mends severed bonds, and strives to love.

💫 Stripping The Walls by TheRedConverseGirl (M, 10k+, 2 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

When an unexpected guest shows up at Team 7 weekly dinner, they don't suspect that everything is about to take a turn, and they will never be the same.

💫 The Assignment by mitsuki191 (M, 29k+, 8 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

What happens when Kakashi assigns Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura a three day special assignment due to lack of teamwork? Team 7 sleepover at the Uchiha mansion riles up some passion, humor, drinking, and games. Will they bond as a team again? Read and find out. Rated M for many Lemons. Mostly SasuSaku, some NaruHina.

💫 The Garden by CatFlorist (M, 10k+, 7 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Sasuke left Konoha for a cottage in the woods. One day, Sakura arrives injured at his doorstep. They recall their past and think about what comes next.

Slow burn, post-canon about how Sasuke and Sakura grew close again.

💫 The Red Loop by TheRedConverseGirl (M, 14k+, 7 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Maybe it’s because he’s longed for her the same amount of time as she’s been longing for him, and at this moment they crave the same connection, the same intimacy. So, maybe that’s why he indulges her, why she approaches him – even though he knows this shouldn’t happen, not now. He only hopes his wife is as understanding as Sakura. Only time will tell…

💫 The Time of Spring by Narika (M, 46k+, 12 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

After the war, Sasuke starts to come to terms with what it means for him having returned to Konoha. While spending time healing from his injury, Sasuke lets down his walls, little by little, to reciprocate Sakura's feelings. He realizes that there are many things in this world that he hasn't experienced quite yet.

💫 The Valley of the End by SouthSideStory (M, 94k+, 19 Chapters) (ON GOING)

There is a place where two legends once fought, a valley that saw their lifeblood spilled. And in Konoha there is a monument, a stone face shaped out of the golden bluff, which honors the champion—the Second Hokage: Uchiha Madara. AU in which the Uchiha rule Konoha.

💫 The Way We Are by Nakoujou (T, 16k+, 9 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

After witnessing a strange interaction between Sasuke and Sakura, Naruto gathers up the Konoha 12 to discover what's going on between those two. Unfortunately, everybody comes up with crazy theories. "ANGRY SEX BUDDIES!" "TRAINING PARTNERS FOR LIFE!"

💫 To Leave Your Love Behind by SouthSideStory (M, 15k+, 5 Chapters) (ON GOING)

Sakura knows that her boyfriend isn't the one, because The One screwed her and abandoned her the next morning. Even after five long years—not that she's counting—it still stings. With her luck, it'll sting forever. Her feelings for Uchiha Sasuke have an unfortunate tendency to stick.

💫 Touch by GreyCatsidhe (M, 122k+, 23 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

After the war, Sakura suggests a new therapy to help Sasuke heal and get better sleep. The recovering Uchiha is uncomfortable with the implications of the healing and what the fluttering in his stomach means.

💫 Wanna Bet? by CherryBlossomFairy (M, 50k+, 17 Chapters) (COMPLETE)

Non-Mass AU: Naruto wagers with Tsunade that he can get Sasuke and Sakura together within a month. If he wins, he will be granted the status of jonin. If he loses, he has to take on D-rank missions for a month.

One-Shot

💫 A Breathless Sort of Attraction by WellHowAboutThat (M, 10k+)

Every twist of her hips had Sasuke struggling to remember how to inhale and exhale.

💫 At Last by DeepPoeticGirl (M, 1k+)

The day Sakura found out she was pregnant was quite a memorable one.

💫 Back to the Beginning by SouthSideStory (M, 11k+)

Sasuke looks so peaceful, sleeping. Watching him now, with those vigilant eyes closed, it’s hard to believe the things this boy has done. The havoc he can wreak on an enemy, a friend. Or a young girl’s tender heart.

💫 Birthday Girl by TheRedConverseGirl (T, 2k+)

The reason why no one talks about Sakura's 19th birthday - *For Sakura's birthday 2019*

💫 Homecoming by TheRedConverseGirl (M, 4k+)

Every moment with Sasuke was precious. Still, his returns were Sakura’s favorites. There was just something special in the way they reacted to each other.

💫 Hot Water by WellHowAboutThat (M, 9k+)

It's all a little more thrilling when there's a possibility of being caught. It all started with Sakura's simple mistake of entering the wrong section of the bath house.

💫 Keep It Clean by grandlarseny (M, 4k+)

Team 7 goes undercover for a mission, but Sasuke struggles to maintain professionalism when Sakura looks like...THAT.

💫 Never Let Me Go by Mrs Scorpius Malfoy (M, 5k+)

After Sasuke leaves Konoha for a second time, he and Sakura become pen pals. They meet in Iwagakure by chance during Sakura's medic duties, and she realizes she can never let go of him.

💫 Overtime by TheRedConverseGirl (M, 4K+)

It was not his intention to bring her here, let alone under false pretence. But desperate times call desperate measures.

A Holiday Gift Fic, companion piece of "All I Want for Christmas" - Post Ch 12 & Pre-Epilogue. [SasuSaku] [AIWFC AU]

💫 Reanimate by Elegies for Shiva (M, 7k+)

Sometimes, Sakura wishes Sasuke was more vocal. She agrees to spend the night, but only on two conditions.

💫 These Games We Play by twilightdazzle (M, 16k+)

Revenge is always a dangerous game to play, especially when the players forget they're playing.

💫 Toro, Toro! by T a C o C a T (M, 4k+)

Perhaps, in hindsight, ruthlessly teasing her husband over the course of an entire evening wasn't the wisest decision ... or was it?

💫 Venom by BlushingLotus (M, 6k+)

When Sakura becomes infected with a deadly poison, she must turn to one of her male teammates for a cure. That is, if she can handle the steamy antidote.

💫 Wishful Thinking by misericordia98 (M, 4k+)

"It's your genjutsu! You are in my head, while we're eating dinner at Naruto and Hinata's table."

🍅Uchiha-SS' SasuSaku Fanfiction TBR List!🌸

[accioxreparo]

day two: falling leaves | g.w.

synopsis: The rain has put a damper on all your autumn plans. Lucky for you, George is determined to find a solution.

pairing: George Weasley x reader

warnings: none!

a/n: I don’t have any words other than I think this is adorable, I hope you guys like it as much as I do :’)

The very first place your eyes went when you woke up that morning was the window of your dorm room. Usually the sight of rain hitting the glass panes would’ve made you smile. That morning was different though.

Over the last week the leaves had just begun to change color and you’d been looking forward to getting to walk through them that weekend. The autumn had always been your favorite with its fresh, crisp air and the soft breeze that added to the feeling of the season. The gentle crunch that sounded every time you took a step was one of your favorite things.

Except it’d been raining for the past three days. The falling rain had grown stale. There was no breeze in sight. And worst of all the leaves were sopping messes stuck to concrete and cobblestone.

It was with a huff that you dragged yourself out of bed to get ready for the day. Your mood took after the rain, though, and you really couldn’t help the way you trudged around your dorm and through the common room. It wasn’t until you stepped into the hallway that the smallest smile flashed on your face.

“What a greeting,” George smirked from where he was leaning against the wall across from the common room entrance. “And here I thought you’d be happy to see me.”

“How can I be happy about anything when it’s been raining for over seventy two hours?” You exaggerated the way you stuck your bottom lip out and crossed your arms across your chest.

But George only shook his head and pushed himself off the wall with an amused smile. “You’re so dramatic, my love.”

“Maybe so,” You happily accepted the hug he gave you, letting your eyes close softly as you buried yourself impossibly deeper into the soft material of his sweater. That was when your eyes shot open again and you looked up at him.

George was dressed for the fall. Complete with a sweater, coat, and a matching hat and scarf set. It wouldn’t have been a problem at all if it wasn’t for the fact that the weather absolutely did not call for a trip outside. On the contrary, you doubted most people were leaving their common rooms on a day like that one.

“Why are you dressed like that?” You finally asked, eyes narrowing but not backing away from your place in his arms.

“Because it’s autumn, obviously,” George gave you an easy shrug, as if it were the simplest explanation in the world. “Autumn is your favorite.”

You nodded a little, a questioning look still on your face. “It is.”

He let you go and you watched as he pulled out his wand and gave it a flick. Within moments your own coat was flying down to you along with a hat and gloves. “Put these on. We’re having us a fun autumn day just like you wanted.”

For a moment you stared at him deadpanned, trying to hold back your own excitement. It was clear he saw through you though. “Georgie, it’s raining outside.”

“But I didn’t say we were going outside, did I?”

Frankly, your curiosity got the better of you. In just a few seconds you had on the rest of your outer garments and George was pulling you down the hallway. He wove around the hallways until you were standing in one of the side passages that led into the main hall of the castle.

“Okay, now close your eyes.”

“What for?” You tried peering around him, already hearing the voices coming from down the hall. He quickly stepped in front of you, blocking your line of sight.

“Trust me, my love,” It was George’s smile that convinced you. You closed your eyes and he took your hand in his again, leading you through the doorway.

You hadn’t taken more than a few steps when you heard it. The crunch of leaves underneath your shoes. Then a breeze billowing past you making your hair fly back. Then the glorious mixture of fresh air and spices.

George watched you as your eyes shot open, quickly taking in the scene all around you. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the excited look that appeared on your face as you caught sight of the main hall. He had spent the majority of the night casting various drying spells, duplicating spells, cushioning charms, and perfecting the weather in a bottle he’d been working on. 

And here was the result. A soft breeze billowing up and down the hall, leaves following in its wake. The stone floor somehow mimicking the feel of the ground outside. And you, looking at everything he’d done with complete awe. He couldn’t help but feel a little proud.

You walked farther into the hall, eyes moving to train on the ground beneath your shoes as you took each step, gladly taking in the sound of the freshly fallen leaves.

Finally you turned to face George again and he was almost sure he’d never seen you look happier. You walked towards him once more, now focused completely on him instead of the scene around you. “You did this?”

“I did.”

“What for?”

“For you,” The way George said it made you believe that it really was that simple. You walked towards him again and wrapped your arms around his waist making him beam down at you. “It’s just, you were so excited for the leaves to fall. Since we couldn’t go out like you wanted I figured the next best thing was bringing the outside in.”

“And you say I’m the dramatic one” You shook your head softly then leaned up. He met you halfway and before you knew it your hands were tangling in his hair as you kissed him. When you pulled away you were breathless in the best way. You were positive then that you’d never love anybody else like you loved George. “Thank you.”

He nodded, somehow understanding everything you were silently trying to say. “Anything for you, my love.”