#ask-diego-the-scientist

[semisomnosres]

I recently re-watched this show and noticed these villains shown literally for 3 seconds, and then I come to my senses in front of an open canvas and a stylus in my hand

Here is my interpretation of ​​them and a couple of sketches, I'm not very good at coming up with names, but for the sake of decency I added them

(I noticed that only the girl's name was shown, if others also had it somewhere, correct me) In order:

Diego Ansford A bounty hunter and a mercenary for hire, perhaps he doesn't even disdain to organize a robbery of a bank that he just met along the way. Judging by his suit, he is not one of those who prefers to carry out tasks quietly, but rather kick down the door and throw grenades for fun, and after 10 minutes there is not a single intact place left inside the building.

W. KING (Willow) She was on Van Rook's client list, maybe she's a collector of ancient artifacts (perhaps it was to her that Van Rook wanted to sell those artifacts from the burial mounds) And now she's in a VERY tense relationship with Abbey (I don't know why, I just wanted to :) so much so that not a single event where these two are together goes by without at least one clump of torn hair.

Dr. Gelfand A bioengineer and neurosurgeon, almost completely fits the description of a "mad scientist" He didn't lose his arm and there is no tragic story about it, he replaced it with a prosthesis himself to make his work easier. He actively buys up cryptids for his experiments (I can imagine how angry Saturdays will be if they meet him. If he had his way, he would have already studied Zak's brain under a microscope.) And I don't know why, but while drawing a sketch with a shot knee, I came up with some kind of friendship between them (?) Where one, many years ago, foolishly gave the other a small amount of money and he hasn't returned it for 20 years. He doesn't even hope that the other will ever return it, but asking at every meeting "what happened to the money" and the other refusing to return it in any way has already become a tradition at the greeting level

Eitor Bergler He became a cyborg after an accident, maybe after a shipwreck. He terrorizes many sea routes and if a ship with valuable contents suddenly disappears, then with a high probability he is involved in it.

Yamamoto Kirahara We have already been shown intelligent cryptids (Argost and the Kumaris) and I got the idea to make him also an intelligent cryptid from the race of mole people. (at first I wanted to make the man a rat, but in the background I had "Inside Job" it talked about mole people) I see him as a businessman who got so rich that he acquired almost impenetrable immunity to the law and has great influence in the criminal world. He doesn't act like Argost, but more covertly

[nanasdumbworld]

Lovefool pt.1 (Unedited)

Miguel O'Hara x Venom!reader (gender neutral)

Warnings ; Mention of death, desacration, blood and violence. Not a happy ending. At first the reader will be called by female pronouns and then neuter pronouns.

Summary ; After a fight, Spiderwoman is badly injured and left on the doorstep of a scientist that was looking for the perfect guest for her strange experiment. Miguel notices that (Y/N) doesn't show up the next the day at the headquarters.

A/N: I apologize if there's a mistake with the grammar, english is not my first lenguage. Thank you so much for reading, enjoy! <3

That night, Miguel planned to tell (Y/N) his feelings for her. He didn't know what they were. They looked at each other like they were husband and wife, they knew almost everything about each other. He always brought her food when she forgets, she always look after him when they went on a mission. They accidentally -not really- kissed once when they were drunk.

Well, that's what the people thought. What they had, was not a friendship. They slept together when they had nightmares, they felt that their heartbeats were very fast when they were together, healed each other's wounds.

He asked her days before if she wanted to had a dinner at his house. (Y/N) knew his intentions and she was excited. When the day came, he dressed decently, he tidied up his house and cooked her favourite meal.

"I don't know how to tell you this, (Y/N). But you are one of the most incredible person that i've met" he sighed and took a deep breath. He was practicing in front of the mirror. "Expressing my feelings is very difficult for me, is even more difficult when you are in front of me, looking as always, so beautiful and lovely. I can't find the words to tell you how much you mean to me."

He left his room and sat on the sofa in his living room. He expected his beloved to arrive and finally give her a huge hug.

But she never came.

He didn't know that at those precise moments she was dying at someone's door.

The woman was losing a enormous amout of blood. Breathing was complicated for her, her lungs were filled with blood. The two young man were in front of Donna's Diego door.

"She's dying, for god's sake. Ring the fucking bell" One of guys was holding her while the other was ringing the bell, they found her inside of a garbage can just a few minutes ago.

"That's what i'm doing but Donna doesn't open the fucking door" He knock the door three times. "Donna, please open up. We have just want you want, you won't believe who she is"

"I told you i didn't want animals, stupid idiots" a young woman opened the door, visibly angry. "Oh my god" she shouted and let them in.

When they entered the girl's laboratory, they laid (Y/N) down on a plank

"I can't believe it, i just can't" she covered her mouth. She quickly took off her mask and bandaged her wounds. "Holy shit, her face is almost unrecognizable" she smiled, her favourite person on the planet was just a few inches from her. She's been always a spiderwoman fan.

She knew how strong the woman was.

She was strong enough to survive the experiment.

-

Miguel was worried, she wasn't impuntual. He called her so many times that he doesn't know how many.

Something was wrong with her.

[reasonsforhope]

This is maybe an odd thing to put on a good news/reasons for hope blog, but I've also had people tell me that they find this info really, genuinely comforting, so I'm putting it up. Also, further understanding could do a ton to advance medicine, esp. re: allergies, autoimmune diseases, and depression. You can read more about this at the link.

"More than half of your body is not human, say scientists.

Human cells make up only 43% of the body's total cell count. The rest are microscopic [co-contributors].

Understanding this hidden half of ourselves - our microbiome - is rapidly transforming understanding of diseases from allergy to Parkinson's.

The field is even asking questions of what it means to be "human" and is leading to new innovative treatments as a result.

"They are essential to your health," says Prof Ruth Ley, the director of the department of microbiome science at the Max Planck Institute, "your body isn't just you."

No matter how well you wash, nearly every nook and cranny of your body is covered in microscopic creatures.

This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea (organisms originally misclassified as bacteria). The greatest concentration of this microscopic life is in the dark murky depths of our oxygen-deprived bowels.

Prof Rob Knight, from University of California San Diego, told the BBC: "You're more microbe than you are human."

Originally it was thought our cells were outnumbered 10 to one.

"That's been refined much closer to one-to-one, so the current estimate is you're about 43% human if you're counting up all the cells," he says.

But genetically we're even more outgunned.

The human genome - the full set of genetic instructions for a human being - is made up of 20,000 instructions called genes.

But add all the genes in our microbiome together and the figure comes out between two and 20 million microbial genes.

Prof Sarkis Mazmanian, a microbiologist from Caltech, argues: "We don't have just one genome, the genes of our microbiome present essentially a second genome which augment the activity of our own.

"What makes us human is, in my opinion, the combination of our own DNA, plus the DNA of our gut microbes."

It would be naive to think we carry around so much microbial material without it interacting or having any effect on our bodies at all.

Science is rapidly uncovering the role the microbiome plays in digestion, regulating the immune system, protecting against disease and manufacturing vital vitamins.

Prof Knight said: "We're finding ways that these tiny creatures totally transform our health in ways we never imagined until recently."

It is a new way of thinking about the microbial world. To date, our relationship with microbes has largely been one of warfare.

-via BBC News, April 10, 2018

[cyanophen]

Hi, I would like to ask what the lore is for your new Kaiju series is about. It looks really cool, and I wonder if we'll see more of it

I'll go into a little more detail about the world Lyle and Diego live in

They live in a modern world where, in the last 2-3 decades, kaiju of different sizes and species have been appearing out of mountain caverns or the deep ocean.

As the appearance of these monsters became more frequent, scientists began to study them, forcing the military to capture and not kill them to make studying them and their behavior easier. A new branch of study was opened up to learn about these gigantic beasts to hopefully prevent more attacks and calm down these monsters. [hint hint this line of work is important later]

[50calmadeuce]

Ch. 22: Back Home

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

A couple of weeks after your journey from San Diego, you found yourself engrossed in work late one evening in your office. The sound of a knock at the door interrupted your focus. Lifting your eyes, you saw Chuck standing there, holding a small tray filled with snacks.

"Come in," you invited, taking a moment to organize the papers strewn across your desk.

Chuck entered, placing the tray on your desk. "Figured you might need a little something to munch on," he offered, a considerate gesture that brought a moment of warmth to the late hours.

You couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Chuck. That's really kind of you," you expressed, genuinely touched by the gesture. The sight of the snacks—a mix of fruit, nuts, and some chocolate—was a welcome sight, considering you hadn't realized how much time had passed or how hungry you actually were until now.

Chuck observed the situation, remarking on your evident busyness. "It looks like this new grant project is keeping you quite occupied," he noted, acknowledging the lengthy days you've been putting in.

You responded with a confirming sound, the weight of the work ahead clear in your tone. "This is just the start. I've been going through resumes to find some assistance for the upcoming winter and summer," you explained, signaling the expansive scope of your project and the need for additional hands to manage the workload.

As a yawn escaped you, you promptly covered your mouth with your hand.

Chuck issued a gentle warning, "Well, don't push yourself too hard. I understand with the Lieutenant away, you might dive into work to keep him off your mind, but it's not the best for your health," he pointed out, concern evident in his voice. "And you've seemed pretty worn out lately."

You dismissed the concern with a nonchalant shrug. "Nah, I'm fine. Just still getting my bearings after all those time zone changes a few weeks back," you claimed, attributing your fatigue to the adjustment period rather than the workload or emotional stress.

"Have you heard from the Lieutenant?" he inquired, observing as you picked up a grape from the plate and popped it into your mouth.

After a moment spent chewing and then swallowing, you answered, "No," your tone casual yet hinting at a deeper resignation. "But that's nothing new." You continued eating off of the plate.

Chuck's observation came unexpectedly, drawing a parallel from his experiences, albeit in a different context. "Doc, I'm no rocket scientist, but I've been around horses enough to see when something's up. Are you sure you're not pregnant?" he asked, noting your sudden appetite as you continued to eat grapes.

You stopped mid-motion, a grape poised between your fingers, as his words prompted a rush of thoughts. The realization dawned on you; you and Jake had been cautious only that one time.

The room suddenly felt too small, your mind racing as you tried to piece together the timeline, the possibility that Chuck's offhand comment might hold more truth than jest.

Chuck, realizing the gravity of what he'd suggested, immediately softened his approach. "Hey, I didn't mean to jump to conclusions or anything. It's just, you've been looking a bit off color lately, and now the sudden hunger," he explained, his voice tinged with concern rather than suspicion.

You set the grape back down, suddenly not so hungry. "I... hadn't really considered it," you admitted, the possibility now taking root in your mind. "But now that you mention it, there have been a few signs that I just attributed to stress and being busy." As you glanced down at the grape held delicately between your fingers, a stark realization hit you. You despised grapes. The fact that you were not just tolerating but seemingly enjoying them now added an unexpected layer of complexity to Chuck's question. This sudden shift in your dietary preferences, coupled with the recent context you were forced to consider, made the scenario all the more perplexing and worthy of deep thought. "I'll make a doctor's appointment tomorrow." You looked at Chuck and nodded. "Good night."

A few days after your conversation with Chuck, you found yourself in a different kind of waiting—sitting in a doctor's office, draped in a gown that felt less like clothing and more like a symbol of vulnerability. The anticipation was palpable, the room filled with a silence that seemed to echo your racing thoughts.

The door finally opened, breaking the cycle of your anxious musings. A middle-aged woman stepped in, her curly dark hair framing her face and glasses perched on her nose, exuding an air of professional calmness. "Dr. Seresin, how are you today?" she greeted, her voice carrying a blend of warmth and formality, the sort that healthcare professionals master over years of practice. Her presence, while reassuring, also marked the moment of truth you had been both dreading and anticipating.

"Dr. Katz," you acknowledged her, trying to muster a semblance of calm. "I guess I'm doing okay."

Dr. Katz took a seat, her gaze meeting yours squarely, a gesture that seemed to brace both of you for the forthcoming revelation. "Well, we might as well just get right to it. You're pregnant."

The moment the words left her lips, it felt as though the room's atmosphere shifted dramatically. It was as if all the air had been vacuumed out, leaving behind a charged silence that enveloped you. The reality of her statement hung heavy, a profound turning point that was both intimidating and real.

Dr. Katz, observant and empathetic, noticed the change in your demeanor. Her voice softened as she addressed the situation, "I take it this wasn't planned?"

Releasing a deep breath you hadn't realized you'd been holding, you managed to find your voice. "Not really, but..." Your words trailed off, a mix of emotions swirling within you—surprise, apprehension, perhaps a hint of something else. In that moment, with the reality of your situation settling in, you stood at the threshold of an unexpected journey, pondering the myriad ways it could unfold.

Dr. Katz's gaze briefly settled on the wedding ring adorning your finger, a symbol of commitment that prompted her next question. "I didn't know you were married? Does your husband not know yet?"

Meeting her gaze, you clarified, "I've been married for four years. My husband is currently deployed. Due to a past circumstance, we recently rekindled our relationship."

Dr. Katz turned her attention back to the computer, typing away for a moment before stopping, a note of concern in her expression as she addressed a sensitive topic. "Ah. Being kicked in the stomach and losing the baby." Her gaze shifted back to you, searching, as she asked, "How do you feel about this?"

There was a brief pause as you collected your thoughts, the weight of the question pressing down. "Honestly, nervous," you admitted, your voice carrying the mixed emotions of fear, uncertainty, and perhaps a glimmer of hope or resilience. It was a moment of vulnerability, acknowledging the complexity of your feelings in the face of such unexpected and challenging news. he room seemed to hold its breath as you shared a piece of your past, a shadow that lingered over your present. "After it happened, my husband didn't really talk to me for four years," you revealed, the pain and isolation of that time evident in your voice. Meeting Dr. Katz's eyes, you expressed a fear deeply rooted in your experience. "I don't want that again."

Dr. Katz, sensing the depth of your concerns and the weight of your past experiences, offered a supportive suggestion. "There's a psychologist I can connect you with..."

But you quickly dismissed the idea, a reflexive wave of your hand punctuating your decision. "No. No psychologist. I can deal with this." Your voice carried a mixture of determination and perhaps a hint of apprehension.

Dr. Katz exhaled deeply. "Alright, I'll provide you with that information, just in case you have a change of heart. But do start taking a quality prenatal vitamin. I'll see you in a month's time, purely as a precaution because of the last time. It's not that I'm expecting complications, but I'd rather be safe and ensure everything is on track."

"Okay," you nodded in agreement.

"You're going to be just fine, Y/N," reassured the doctor before exiting the room.

You released a breath you hadn't noticed you'd been holding in.

Entering the kitchen late, you carried a small bag, its contents consisting of prenatal vitamins.

Chuck glanced up. "Everything alright, Doc?"

Setting the bag on the counter, you extracted the vitamins. "You were correct. I'm pregnant."

A smile brightened Chuck's face. "Doc, that's wonderful news! But, why do I sense you're not thrilled?"

"I am happy," you admitted. "It's just the thought of Jake's reaction that's weighing on me."

Chuck nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "I think the Lieutenant will be thrilled about it."

"I hope so, but it's my line of work that makes him anxious. Particularly after the last incident." Drawing in a deep breath, you contemplated your next steps. "I need to see about getting an assistant or an intern. It's time to have a discussion with work."

As if on cue, your phone began to ring, and Jake's name flashed on the screen. "Speaking of Jake," you remarked, pressing the answer button for a face call. "Hey babe!"

Chuck discreetly exited the kitchen, giving you space to talk to Jake.

Jake's voice came through, vibrant and warm. "Hey, darlin'!"

God, how you missed the sound of his voice. Heck, you missed everything about him.

He noticed your weariness. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. It's just been a long day. I literally just got home."

"Well, then I called at the right time. How are things?"

"Things are going well. I've been swamped, between the job and managing the grant, it's been non-stop."

"Darlin', make sure you're not overdoing it," he cautioned gently.

A smile found its way to your lips. "I won't, Jake. Don't worry about me."

His gaze carried a tinge of concern. "You sure you're alright?"

With a reassuring smile, you responded, "I'm fine, Jake, really. Like I mentioned, today was just one of those long days."

Seeing his expression ease brought you a bit of relief. "You'd tell me if something was up, wouldn't you?"

"Without a doubt." You took a brief pause before shifting the focus. "How about you? How have you been?"

"Doing well. There's been a lot of training going on."

"That sounds positive, doesn't it?"

His smile returned, warmer this time. "Always is." His gaze met yours, carrying a mix of longing and affection. "I miss you, Y/N."

The feeling resonated deeply within you. "I miss you too, Jake. Any idea when you'll be back?"

He hesitated, the uncertainty evident. "Not at this time."

You nodded. "Is there anything you need? I took care of your apartment, so you're good on that."

His voice carried a hint of regret. "Nah, I'm alright, but I really need to catch some sleep. Sorry for not calling sooner. This was the first chance I got."

Your words were soft but firm, "Jake, it's part of the job. I get it. Go catch some sleep. I'm heading to bed soon myself."

"That sounds like a plan. I love you, Y/N."

"I love you too, Jake."

After ending the call, Chuck re-entered the room.

"You didn't tell him, did you?"

Shaking your head, you responded, "No. He's got enough on his plate without adding to his worries. He needs to stay focused on his work." You met Chuck's gaze with determination. "And there's no arguing with that."

Chuck gave a nonchalant shrug, conceding to your point. "Whatever you say, Doc. You call the shots." Moving towards the stove, he changed the subject. "Got an appetite?"

"Starving!" you exclaimed, grateful for the distraction.

Chuck then busied himself with preparing a plate for you, signaling the end of the conversation and a shift to more comforting, domestic matters.

Tags: @buckysteveloki-me @bellyliveslife @tgmreader @callsign-barbell @86laura11 @dizzybee03 @kmc1989 @guacam011y @nerdgirljen @hookslove1592 @dempy @djs8891

[writingintheshadowsforever]

The Angels Brought Me Back to My Loves

"Can you run it back for me one more time?" You asked the young boy sitting across from you.

His name was Diego, and his loyalty to you was undying and unwavering. You don't remember doing anything to earn such devotion. But that was the problem, wasn't it. You didn't remember a single thing when you woke up from a six month coma.

Not your name.

Not your profession.

Not your powers, which seemed to be dormant since you awakened. Considering you haven't been unable to summon even a spark of electricity. No matter how many times Diego and the other kids tried to motivate you.

Not any friends, family, or significant others you might have.

You couldn't remember a single thing about your life, and the only information Diego could provide you with was. The brave and daring chronicles that began with you breaking into an evil scientist's base of operations to rescue them. And ended with you taking down their number one solider with the power to move the earth itself.

You were pretty sure he exaggerated certain parts of the story, but you never tired of hearing it. Hoping it would somehow help restore a memory or two. If you were lucky enough, all of your memories would come back.

He recounted the story again, breaking down every single detail. No matter how big or small, even throwing in little things he had forgotten about. Or just didn't think were that important watching you carefully. To see if any of it was doing any good and brought a memory out.

But nope, there was no surge of images flashing through your mind. Like you hoped for, you listened with intent, but nothing came back. It was pointless just like the last seven times.

You expected him to grow frustrated at some point with repeating the same tale over and over. He never did, though. Instead, Diego got to his feet to walk crouch down beside where your head was buried in your hands. He placed a comforting hand on your knee and said the same words over.

"Don't worry Avenger, we'll get there somehow or someway. I can feel it."

And there it was that one word that did seem to resonate with something. Deep buried inside of you, the key to bringing it all out. But as soon as you tried to grasp it. It vanished out of your reach.

Avenger the one word that meant everything to you. Whenever someone spoke it or referred to you with it. Your heart beat a little faster. It meant something. There was purpose behind the title, and it was the one thing that you focused on. You might not remember who you were and what your life was. But you were sure of one thing, and it was going to have to be enough for now.

You were an Avenger.

Two Months Later

The rest of the story goes as follows after the three kids lugged you back to the small town. The townspeople became worried the evil scientist would return to take vengeance upon them, and this time you would be in no condition to stop them. With that fear lurking in the back they came to the decision it was best to flee while they had the chance. The only problem being getting you back to the Avengers.

Reaching out to the Avengers was no easy task like it used to be back when the team was actually put together, and had their own system of answering distress calls. Things never really got back to normal after the Avengers disbanded over the Sokovia Accords, and the aftermath of the Battle of Thanos just made things worse. The remaining heroes were scattered and really just doing their own thing these days. If countries outside of the U.S. wanted to get in contact with an Avenger for help. They were forced to go through the government and sometimes the letters were just thrown in random pile by an agent. And it wouldn't be handed off to an Avenger until one of you came by looking for an assignment, or when Sam would go there to pick up all the Avenger mail.

The townspeople didn't have the luxury of waiting around for months for the Avengers to come to the rescue this time. So they took you with them into hiding, and a few weeks later they found an abandoned village to settle into and call home. While Chloe's healing powers might've been enough to bring you back to life. The little girl wasn't strong enough to heal your injury completely, so the small team of doctors, and one surgeon had to work around the clock to keep you alive. Apparently you had coded at least two more times, but they were able to resuscitate you.

When you finally woke up from your six-month coma the entire village rejoiced. Even though you were suffering a serious case of memory loss they were just happy to see you awake, and moving. Although the moving thing was limited to just lifting your arms and turning your head by yourself. A few weeks went by before you were able to ditch the wheelchair, and even then you still had to use a cane to walk.

During it all, Diego was a Godsend staying by your side through it all, and constantly challenging you to push yourself to get better and better everyday. When you were at your lowest wanting nothing more than just to give up. You were still waiting for the day where he finally gave up, and moved on with his life. The other two kids and his mother laughed whenever you made a comment about him growing tired of you one day. All of them insisted Diego looked up to way too much, and felt in your debt even if he had saved your life. Oh and then there was the other reason you had to keep trying no matter how pointless it all seemed. Kai and Chloe neither of them were from this country instead both were relying on you to get them home back to their families. The most frustrating thing about recovering your memories is how random ones pushed their way to the surface caused by the smallest hint of familiarity. The scent of your favorite food hitting your nostrils as you limped past a random home. Suddenly you were sitting at a circular table stuffing your face with a sandwich, so messy the meat inside was falling out onto the wrapper below. The person next to you with his head propped up on his own fist took the time to chastise you from such sloppy mannerisms.

Diego convincing you to spar with him one day, a friendly practice fight ending with him pinned face down to the ground. Your knee digging into his back, and his arm wretched upward at a painful angle. The sparring session was all fun and games until you pulled some lethal move the boy had no chance of dodging from muscle memory.

But while those occurrences had you wishing for your memory to come back. It was one memory in particular that left you longing for the feeling of it long after it was gone. It happened on a hot and humid day the rising temperatures so dangerous not even Diego was willing to risk the heat stroke to get you out of the house. But what the heat in his home so much worse was his mother's decision to bake some goodies. The activity had both you and him seeking solace at the neighbor's house. A nice family who were familiar with you for they were the ones to house you for the duration of your mission.

Once the pastries were done and cooled off his mother was kind enough to drop some off to both of you with a wide smile. While making a comment about the two of you leaving her to suffer in a hot kitchen alone like a servant. Diego planted a kiss on his mother's forehead before shoving the sugary cake in his mouth. You took a tentative bite, savoring the rich and sweet flavor as the white powdery sugar coated your tongue and sides of your mouth. Diego pointed at the mess with a chuckle, and in that moment another person's laughter flooded your brain along with an unfamiliar voice referring to you with a tone of endearment. Both voices belonged to that of a different woman, but your body had the same reaction regardless. Your heart started beating a little faster as your grip on the funnel cake loosened so much. It fell from your fingertips to the floor while you did your best to hold onto the fleeting sounds that had already faded away back to the deep crevices of your mind. Where all your memories were awaiting for you to find a way to unlock them. You grew so desperate to summon those voices again you didn't think twice about eating another sweet, but nothing happened.

No soft laughter this time, or woman calling you something other than your name. But the way she said it told you whatever the word stood for. It wasn't anything bad but the opposite if anything she said in such a loving way you yearned to her say it again. You needed to hear her say it again the way you needed air to live. This was the first memory to hint there was someone out there thinking you were dead. Someone who saw you as the most important person in the world. Someone who's entire world fell apart when you didn't come back from the mission. Someone who might still be waiting for you to come home holding out hope that despite the fact. Its been more than eight months since you disappeared somehow you were still out there. And you were with newfound determination to make it back to them no matter what.

Another week passed filled with more random memories coming out of blue triggered by the simplest of actions, or anything related to smell or taste. One of them did do some good helping you remember your name finally.

Thanks to the physical therapy Diego put together with the help of the doctors. You were able to get rid of the cane and was back to walking on your own without any assistance. This encouraged both of you to start taking your training a bit more serious hoping to get your powers to come back out. But unfortunately any attempt to use summon your powers failed no matter what the two of you tried. The danger tactic failed. The believe in yourself and go for it speech got you nowhere. Even you touching a faulty wire hoping the connection would spark something did nothing. The frustration over the lack of progress continued to build to you finally hit your breaking day. You stormed off right in the middle of a session with Diego.

The kid let all the random items floating high up in the air waiting to be shot down by your electricity fall back to the ground. He called out your name begging you to come back, you were tired mentally and physically. Not wanting to let the kid down, but knowing if you pushed yourself any harder for the day only to come up empty-handed. Would lead to a inevitable meltdown that neither of you would escape from unscathed from. You kept going not sparing him another glance.

Eventually nightfall came bringing quite the thunderstorm along with it, and while most of the townspeople let the sound of the pounding rain with the rumbling thunder lull them into a deep slumber. One determined little kid did the opposite, sneaking out of his home to make the journey to yours. The storm was so powerful you weren't able to tell the difference between the knocking at your door, and the raindrops slamming into the roof. It was his familiar disgruntled yelling that made it possible for you to distinguish the difference finally, and then you were dragging yourself out of your warm and cozy bed to. Yank the door open and drag the young boy into your home with a firm hand on the back of his neck.

"Diego what the hell are you doing outside? Did you not see the mini hurricane raging on out there?" You scolded him throwing in a smack upside his head for good measure.

The action didn't faze or kill his mood in the slightest. He looked up at you with a massive grin plastered on his face. "Yeah and do you know what that means?" He countered your question with one of his own.

The tone of excitement in his voice bewildered you just as much as his presence here. "Usually it would be a great night of sleep for normal people."

Diego shook his head. "Well you're not exactly normal and this is your chance."

"My chance to what? You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion.

He groaned, rolling his eyes as if it should be obvious. "This is the perfect opportunity to reawaken your powers. A thunderstorm like this means giant lightning bolts if you get struck by one. It could be the jumpstart they've needed to come out all this time."

Now you understood his excitement. the process of trying to your electricity powers to activate again hadn't been easy, and ended in failure more than once. The most you were able to do these past couple of weeks was generate a few sparks in the palm of your hands. "Didn't we already try that?" You reminded him thinking back to the faulty wire he had you touch. The only thing it accomplished was a brief flickering of lights in the house while you were hit with a tiny jolt of power. It was very anti-climatic and kind of embarrassing if you would say so yourself.

"Oh come on, comparing that tiny shock to a lightning bolt is like comparing a candlelit flame to a raging inferno." Diego scoffed following you into the living room where you flicked on the switch. "If anything can give your powers that jumpstart its this" he insisted almost pleading at this point.

Even if you wanted to argue with the kid it wasn't possible while you might not be able to summon or generate electricity beyond a few playful sparks. You could still feel the hum of it, and how it powered every little thing in the village. But tonight everyone had their electronics turned off in fear of a attracting a stray lightning bolt. So the hairs on the back of your neck shouldn't have been standing up the way they were, and the powerful hum that had your entire body tingling with anticipation should've been way less stronger. Instead it was one of the strongest pulls of electrifying power that you felt since waking up. Your body craved it more than anything so what were you waiting for?

"What if it doesn't work? What if it fails like everything else?" You asked aloud realizing it was the fear of failure holding you back. The fear that you were going to stuck like this forever.

"It won't" Diego exclaimed with nothing but confidence.

"You don't know that it won't" You argued unsure.

Diego stared at you with disbelief and for the first time since you woke up. He looked at you with disappointment, releasing a huff in frustration. "It doesn't matter y/n its worth the risk" he said, standing his ground with his hands placed on his hip.

"Damn it y/n if you're not willing to do it for yourself then do it for whoever has you walking around here like a lovesick puppy. They have to be worth it, right?" Diego pressed you even more when you didn't answer fast enough for his liking. His comment at the end got your attention as your head snapped upward with your eyes zeroing in on him.

He held up his hands to keep you calm. "I've noticed a change in your behavior since that day my mom baked those funnel cakes. I don't know what memory it brought up, but I know whatever it was you've been trying kinda hard to make it come back. The key to unlocking your memories might be connected to your powers y/n."

It turns out Diego was more determined to help you get your powers back to full strength than you knew. The kid had a plan just in case this exact opportunity ever presented itself. He already scoped out the area finding the perfect vantage point for you to try and call down a lightning bolt. The strong winds and blinding rain slowed the two of you down on your way, but about forty minutes later. You stood perched on the edge of the cliff with quite the view below of a wider and more dense forest. But tonight in this raging storm the trees before were bent from the force of the gales. Leaves were ripped free from the branches swirling throughout the air. Some of them forming a tornado of leaves it created a haunting sight.

Your eyes drifted up to focus on the darkened sky that casted nothing but shadows upon the land. Every now and then it lit up with a flash of lightning, and with every bolt you felt your heart pull towards it. Diego stayed back hiding behind the trees hoping it would shield him for the wrath of the storm. It didn't matter if the lightning bolt did splinter them you weren't going to let anything happen to him. Either this plan was going to work or you were going to shocked with enough bolts to put you back in a coma.

You took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly preparing your mind and body. The lightning bolt shouldn't be able to hurt you, but then again you couldn't be to sure of your immunity with the majority of your abilities laying dormant inside of you. But it wasn't fear that you felt as the hairs on the back of your neck stood up, or when your hair started to frizz. You were filled with excitement and a sense of impatience as if this is exactly what your body had been craving. This was going to work. It had too.

Deep down inside the connection was still there buzzing with a low hum. A bolt of lightning shot from the sky grazing the forest below, and you were sure the strike took a tree down. Another one followed not too far behind, and the only difference was this one was a bit closer. It was as if the storm felt your presence and was challenging you to tame it. It raged on with the winds picking up greater speeds your hair flowing behind you, and your jacket along with your shirt was lifted from your body letting the cool air hit your skin. The rain started coming down a little harder, clouding your vision. The storm had turned into a ferocious beast intent to knock you down, but you stood your ground. Planting your feet on the edge of the cliff determined to not give it a single inch. The elements weren't going to bend to your will.

Good thing that wasn't your intention because you knew all too well some power just couldn't be tamed. Instead you wanted to become one with it again, and with you let out an agonized cry spill out of your mouth. A plea you were so desperately hoping would be answered. Digging deep down inside you searched for your power urging no commanding it to come back to you. Lightning flashed in the sky overtaking you with its strength. Teasing you with how close you were to colliding with it. You felt a small surge of electricity and sparks of it began to dance in your fingertips. Grabbing a hold of that power you refused to let it go. Expanding your connection to it focusing on the immense source of power in the sky above.

A white hot bolt of lightning shot from the sky colliding with your body. This time lighting you and the ground beneath your feet up as well. For a solid two seconds your were encased in a tomb of three hundred million volts. Diego watched from the distance amazed but still fearing for your well-being. Your body wasn't convulsing or anything, but instead remained still. He continued to hang back in the safety of the trees honoring his promise to you. To not get involved no matter what, and to not attempt to pull you out of the pathway of the lightning. This was his plan after all.

And it was working because yes for a mere second you were in unimaginative pain. It felt as if the volts of electricity was seeping into your skin, worming a path throughout your entire body to destroy you from the inside. Then the pain faded away and you became more alive since waking you from the coma. When the surge hit your brain the flush of memories hit way too fast dropping you to your knees. As you watched your entire life playback like a movie, only for it to stop short. You growled in frustration trying to push more power to the circuits in your brain to summon the rest, but the lightning bolt had served its purpose, and seemed to just evaporate into thin air.

The once brown and rocky ground you were standing on was now charred black. A circle of small flames danced around your form, and the sound of Diego calling your name reached your ears.

You lifted your upper body upright remaining on your knees taking deep breaths in and out. Sparks of blue electricity were now crackling around your entire body. Your powers were no longer dormant, and now you had the majority of your memories back.

It worked.

"Do you really have to go right now?" Diego asked, hovering by the entrance to your bedroom watching you stuff what few belongings you possessed into a duffle bag.The two of you returned from the journey into the mountains not too long ago, and the night was still young. It was going to be at least another three to four hours before sunrise, and while it would've been more ideal to wait until then to depart from the village. You found yourself unable to wait any longer to get back to your life, and your friends. No your family because while none of them weren't related to you by blood.

The bond you shared with the Avengers was an unbreakable one, and you knew without a doubt that Sam and Bucky spent the past eight months. Blaming themselves for your disappearance, and presumed death, especially Sam considering this was exactly the type of mission. He would've done everything in his power to convince you not to go on alone. Oh and that was another thing while the lightning bolt managed to restore your powers somewhat, and awaken the majority of your memories. Not all of them had returned, and there were still blank spaces you needed to fill.

The people in this village had your gratitude and you would be forever in their debt, especially Diego's, but if you were going to get back to full strength, and recover all of your memories. It was time to go back home no matter how hard it might be to say goodbye.

"Yeah kiddo, the faster I get a move on the faster I get back home plus I need to make a quick stop on the way." You told him slinging the duffle bag over your shoulder, the action caused a burst of agony to shot through your body. Somehow you managed to mask it with a tight smile, not wanting to give him anymore ammo to convince you to stay.

"Fine but just promise me one thing" he said, straightening his body to make himself look taller.

You quirked an eyebrow at him with a grin. "Yeah go ahead."

"One day when the Avengers are like looking for new prospects to join the team. You'll remember me, and come back." Diego said, trying to keep his usual confidence, but you noticed the worry in his eyes. Worry that you were going to move on with your life, and forget he ever existed.

"Awww Diego" You chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Of course I'm coming back for you, and I promise its not going to be like twenty years from now or something. It'll be soon after all I still got to get Kai and Chloe back home."

"And what about the bad guys?" "I wouldn't worry too much about them the Avengers probably took care of them sometime after I disappeared."

Eight Months Earlier.

The alert didn't come from you instead it came from Wakanda.

The crazy thing about it was Sam had been thinking about sending Bucky in after you to just to make sure everything was going smoothly. The super solider finally got Valentina off his back, agreeing to join her little anti-Avenger squad. As long as she promised not to interfere with his life, or more like personal vendettas. There were still plenty of names on his list that he planned on crossing off.Just as Sam reached for his cell phone to reach out to him, the giant screen sitting in front of him came to life on its own. On the other side of the screen was a face he knew all too well, and she didn't look happy. Nor did she have her usual calm and focused demeanor about her.

He could see the distress on her face and was on his feet in seconds. "Ayo what's wrong?"

"Y/N do you know her location?"

"Not exactly she's on a mission in Costa Rica." He answered, a sense of dread coming over him.

"I'm sending you her coordinates now, we need you to get moving at once. You can reach her faster than we can" Ayo replied.

Sam threw his hand out to get her to pause before hanging on. "Do you want to tell me what's going on?"

"She's in danger" was the only thing she would tell him before hanging on.

A few hours later the part of forest where your kimoyo beads were still pinging from was swarming with a small team of government agents led by Sam and Bucky. Ayo and Aneka touched down just thirty minutes after them accompanied by Okoye and Shuri the Black Panther herself. Together it didn't take them long to search the area, and the only trace they could find of you was the beads. Laying in a puddle of water with a large pool of dried up blood next to it, and no one needed a DNA test to know who it belonged to.

A few feet away was the body of a large male, and his injuries told a story. They just wished he was still breathing so he could tell them what happened to you. Your body was nowhere to be found, but with the amount of blood loss you suffered. There was no way you could've gotten far on foot, so everyone scoured the surrounding area and beyond in hopes of finding at least. A sign of what might've become of you, but they had no such luck. After failing in the search for you, Sam and Bucky turned their sights on the guys you were sent to take care of. Locating the main base of operations wasn't hard at all with being only a few miles away from your final location. Ayo and Shuri tagged along with them just in cased any of the soldiers were left.

Between the Black Panther, The General of the Dora Milaje, A super solider with a vibranium arm, and Captain American armed with wings, and the ionic vibranium shield. It took literally no time at all to make quick work of the small army of goons armed with machine guns. The man in charge was in trying to sneak out the back, and disappear into the depths of the rainforest. Instead the door was ripped from its hinges when he reached it, and before he could turn around to go back the way he came.

A shiny black metal arm with lines of gold running down its length reached out to take a fistful of his shirt. Bucky lifted him off the ground, and carried him back into the building. Where he proceeded to slam him into a wall. One, two, three times, and on the last one his head connected with hard material. His eyes rolled into the back of his head, and suddenly his vibranium arm disconnected from his body. He stepped back as it fell to the floor at his feet along with the near unconscious man.

"What the hell Ayo?" He growled already knowing who was responsible.

She came up to stand beside him with nothing but disdain in her eyes for the man below. "You weren't restraining yourself" was her explanation.

It took all of five seconds to pry the metal arm off the short and stocky man. Sam hauled him to his feet by his white lab coat, and half-drug him to a random office. Where he was tossed into a office chair the momentum sent it spinning out of control. Until it slammed into the wall, and turned over dumping him back on the floor.

"For Bast's sake can you two not be so rough. We need him conscious if we're going to question on y/n's wherabouts" Shuri scolded the Avenger.

Sam and Bucky grunted out a fake apology. Shuri went over to help the leader back to his feet with a firm grim on his forearm. She led him back over to the chair that Ayo had picked up from the floor waiting on the side with handcuffs. As soon as he was seated and his hands were secured to the arms of the chair. Bucky threw a bucket of cold water on him drenching his entire body.

"Ahhh" he gasped shooting up from his slumping. His eyes widened and his hands strained against the bonds when he tried to wipe the water off his face. A second later he started to realize just what kind of predicament he was in. When his eyes settled on Shuri positioned in front of him in her signature Black Panther suit. The mask was still covering face to set the tone, and evoke more fear into him. Ayo stood on her right side just a few inches behind her with death grip on her spear. If looks could kill the man would drop dead in an instant from the way she glowered.

Bucky sat perched on top of a desk closer to the door with Sam leaning back against. Arms crossed over his chest deciding it was best to let the Wakandans handle the interrogation. The rage built inside of him was too strong for him to trust himself to question the man responsible for your disappearance. Especially considering the thing fueling his anger was the thought that all of this was his fault. You would've never been put in this position if he had just listened to his instincts. In the first place and waited until Bucky returned from dealing with Valentina to give you the mission. Instead he let you go alone and now you were gone.

"Where is she?" Shuri asked her voice so calm it was eerie.

"Where's who Princess? You're going to have to be a little more specific." The man said letting just a drop of sarcasm seep into his voice. It earned him a blow to the jaw courtesy of Ayo with such speed. He didn't even realize he'd been struck until the stars cleared, and he spat blood onto the floor.

"The Avenger who was sent here to bring your operation down" Ayo seethed.

A knowing look came over him and there was no way for him to hide it. When grin stretched across his face to match the pure delight in his eyes. Shuri moved with inhuman speed to encase her General in her arms, and pull her back.

"Lula Ayo lula cinga ngesithandwa sakho" She whispered into the enraged warrior's ear.

"I assumed your Avenger was successful in her mission, and would've returned to you by now. You're telling me she hasn't?" He asked out of curiosity and disbelief.

"No she hasn't and her last coordinates puts her about a mile or two away from this place. We went there but there was no sign of her only some dead burly dude." Sam explained walking forward to take over as Shuri took Ayo out of the room.

"Ahhh so she did kill project Earth" the man said his tone emotionless as he shrugged his shoulders. "I figure as much when he didn't return after I sent him after her and my other subjects."

Sam glanced over his shoulder to see Bucky's eyebrow twitch, and he sighed wishing the guy knew how to hold his tongue. No doubt he was referring to the missing kids. He stepped out of the way knowing his strength didn't even come close to matching the super solider. Whenever his eyes darkened the way they were now, and he moved nearly matching Shuri's pace. He wrapped his human hand around the man's throat, and squeezed until it got to the point that every time the man tried to gasp for air. The end result was him choking even harder.

"Those subjects have names and so did that man who died for your heartless endeavors. They were human beings and you stole their life away from them." Bucky snarled dropping to one knee so he could make eye contact with terrified scientist. "The least you can do is remember their names. When this is over I'm going to make sure you know every single last one of them." It wasn't a threat but a promise.

The interrogation went on for a full two hours with Okoye coming in, and taking over after the first hour was up. She had years of experience under her belt witnessing some of the most proven methods to get someone to talk. She had no sympathy for this man, and saw no need to show him an ounce of mercy. But once it became obvious he knew nothing of your whereabouts, and had no useful information on the abandoned town.

Okoye broke the news to everyone and called the interrogation a waste of time to keep it going. Of course Ayo and Aneka who were holding onto breads crumbs of hope right now argued.

"He is lying let me speak with him" Aneka demanded stalking towards the door.

Both Sam and Okoye blocked her path, but he hung back letting the former General attempt to calm her fellow Midnight Angel down.

"Aneka brute force will not work I've tried both manipulation, and torture. He just doesn't know" Okoye insisted.

"He's a demented man who used people as test subjects to give them powers. He would've saw y/n as the perfect specimen." Aneka argued.

"Maybe but that doesn't change the fact she's an Avenger which makes her liability to someone like me." The man's voice came from the doorway. His hand were now cuffed behind his back, and even though there were no tell-tell signs of physical torture. His face twisted in pain when Bucky forced him to continue to humble along beside him. Bruises were littered around his face from the few blows he suffered early-on coupled with the strangulation.

"In case you didn't notice my operation was built off subtlety. I targeted a small town with little to no police force, and hidden away from civilization. I knew no one would come rushing to these people's rescue, and the few kids who I did have brought to me from other countries were low-risk. Runaways with parents who gave up on them a long time ago, and children from a broken home. That's how I stayed off the radar taking an Avenger captive would put on the map, and it wasn't worth it. I ordered project Earth-arghhhh" his speech was cut off in a painful groan.

Bucky had tightened his grip on his shoulder past the point of being just uncomfortable.

"Todd I ordered Todd Jenkins to kill her" he cried in distress. Bucky loosened his hold with a death stare. "His orders were to kill her and bring the kids back. You can torture me all you want by my story won't change."

When no one else opened their mouth to argue Bucky moved along shoving the scientist forward. Aneka turned back to Ayo searching for answers neither of them had. If you weren't taken captive then why were you. Both of them replayed your last words to them in their head having memorized the message by now. And how defeated you sound the horrible coughs mixed in with your words. You were on the verge of death, and the last update Griot gave them on your vitals was anything but good.

He told them you had sustained fatal injuries, and he lost a pulse about five minutes after you sent the message. And that was another mystery why did you take your kimoyo beads off. Aneka had found the beads lying in a puddle of water with tiny drops of dried blood on them. Her heart filled with dread at the sight of them not being on your wrist. You'd never just take them off none of this was making sense.

"Someone had to move her right? She wouldn't of gotten that far in her condition" Aneka said. Her and Ayo returned to the spot where your last fight took place. Bucky took charge in removing Todd's body, so the area was empty now surrounded by trees, and the noises of various animals creating a symphony.

"Maybe an animal got to her" Ayo suggested hating the words as they left her mouth. She hated what the theory implied, and it earned her a glare from her lover.

"You're suggesting a predator took her for dinner, but left behind the man the size of a bull in one piece." Aneka scoffed turning around to walk away.

Ayo caught her by the wrist making her pause. A single tear slipped free rolling down her cheek. The others were still combing through the town, and the forest looking for any sign of what could possibly happened to you. But at this point most of your friends had accepted a dark and ugly truth about your fate. No one wanted to say it aloud though especially Ayo herself, but eventually they were going to have to call the search off. Eventually they were going to have to return back to Wakanda, and resume their daily life. The country needed the Black Panther and its protectors right now more than ever.

Sam was going to have to hold a press conference as well, and speak on your behalf. He knew he could only put it off for so long you were more dedicated to the cause of the Avengers than any other hero. After the aftermath of the final showdown with Thanos unlike others who either went on a break, retired altogether, or went back to their own purpose. Your disappearance was going to be noticed and felt all across the world.

There was going to be tears, memorials, flowers, heartbreaking goodbyes, and three funerals. A public one for the world you fought so hard to keep safe. A private one for your friends who had become family at this point. A secret one for Ayo and Aneka as a piece of them were going to die along with you. The second they were able to admit the truth.

You was gone forever.

Stop One: Clint's Farmhouse

All the down time that came with being a retired Avenger must have been paying off. Because the house along with the barn had some major upgrades between now, and the last you'd been here. When Clint brought the Avengers to his home to lay low and hide from the aftermath of the second showdown with Ultron. You were overcome with a wave of guilt after realizing that had been more than a decade ago. It piled on top of the gut feeling you were already feeling since the majority of your memories returned.

The large two-story home had what looked like a fresh new coat of paint, and the porch was larger more open with a white swinging bench. A set of rocking chairs were aligned along the rest of the space. A flowerbed was blooming with daisies and lilies all around the front of the house mixing in nicely with the perfect cut grass. You got the feeling most of this was Laura's touch with Clint doing the heavy duty work.

Thunk.

"There we go Katie alright sweetheart just do what she did." A familiar voice said. Drawing your attention to the right side of the yard with a considerable distance from the house.

Clint was losing his edge not sensing your presence right away you decided. As you resumed walking in his direction where the archer was holding a archery class from the looks of it. With two younger girls in attendance one of them you recognized as a much older Lila, but the other tall and dark-haired girl's identity was a complete mystery. She was the first one to notice your approaching your figure her grip on the bow in her hand tightening. While the other one inched towards the quiver of arrows resting on her back. For a second you thought she was going too take the shot, but once you got a bit closer. Her grip on the bow loosened till it fell from her fingertips to the soft grass below. As both of her hands flew up to cover gaping mouth. She made the connection.

Clint on the other hand was too busy correcting Lila's aim to pay either you or her any attention. The dark haired girl reached out to smack Clint on the shoulder in repeatedly. A ghost of a smirk appeared on your face as you watched him glance over his shoulder too snap at her. Time slowed down as Lila released her hold on the drawstring letting the arrow fly towards the wooden target board. In the same instant Clint finally turned around too see what the other girl was making a commotion about. You paused your advance a few feet away, and the two of you locked eyes. Tears flooded his vision in a matter of seconds.

"Y/N."

The arrow struck the center of the target board embedding itself. Lila let out a cry of joy jumping up and down clapping her hands together. Clint closed the short distance with one long stride too sweep you off your feet, and into his warm embrace.

"You're alive" he breathed into your ear. "Its really you I'm holding you."

"Yeah Clint its me back from the dead" You reassured him with your arms constricted around his neck. He held you tighter if it was even possible, almost like he was afraid. You'd disappear into thin air if he let go for even a second. The two of stayed like that for what seemed like forever. You weren't going to rush him knowing that while seeing you alive after believing you had perished was a big relief for him. At the same time his brain and heart needed time to process this. But after five minutes or so Clint finally pulled back to get a good look at your face. His thumbs rubbing soothing circles into both of your cheeks.

"I thought I lost you" he whispered.

"You almost did" you replied. Eight months ago you would've said never to that statement, but now you knew all too well how fragile life truly was now.

Clint introduced you to the dark-haired girl. Her name was Kate Bishop and she was definitely a fan. Unable to contain her excitement finally getting the opportunity to officially meet you. Of course she wished it was under better circumstances. You went on to repeat the same tearful emotional reunion with Laura and the kids. Afterwards once the sun had set, dinner had been survived, and everybody was tucked into bed.

You and Clint were finally able to sneak away from the farm. The archer telling you there was something special he wanted to see you. The two of piled into an old school red pickup truck to go on the twenty-minute drive.

"You're really going all out on the whole rancher lifestyle huh." You joked tapping the outside of the passenger door letting your arm hangout the open window.

"Hey be gentle with my baby, and don't mock her." He chided you softly. I'm going to be teahcing Cooper how to drive in this in just a few more months you know" His tone grew softer as his eyes did when he continued. Clint couldn't wait for that day. His family meant the world to him.

The night sky was lit up with thousands of bright stars a sight you presented that much living in a big city. It reminded you of those nights spent in the village sometimes training with Diego. You wondered if the young boy was back home moping around because of your absence, but then buried such thoughts. He was probably working harder than ever preparing for the day you returned to make him a honorary Avenger. The thought made you chuckle a little bit as you followed Clint into a wooded area.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going? You asked eyes scanning the tall and skinny trees that were too thin to hide any real threats. Although you were still on high alert, while you weren't going to admit it. This expedition did trigger some bad memories some that were still buried.

"Don't worry we're almost there." He told you reaching out behind to take your hand into his giving it a gentle squeeze. Clint knew PTSD when he saw and heard it so the change in pitch of your voice was a sign he couldn't miss.

Not even two minutes later Clint pushed back some brush blocking his path, and pulled you ahead of him. It It led to a wide circle clearing that had obviously been cleaned up by someone. The grass that didn't manage to grow out here in the dirt was cut evenly. The ground was clear of all sticks, pine needles, rocks, or anything else that would take away the aesthetic. On the edge of clearing were three tombstones setup a few feet apart from each other.

You let out a gasp realizing what this place was. His whole little private cemetery for his fellow Avengers who were now deceased.

"It might sound crazy but I needed my whole spot to visit them, and just be with them in private. Sometimes to talk or feel some sort of connection other times to have a good cry."

It didn't sound crazy at all when Tony and Natasha died. One had public funeral while the other had a private one. You understood why Tony's was the televised event with only the heroes, and his family allowed to attend in person. But it still felt weird having the cameras there and you found yourself holding back the ugly cry because of it. Not to mention it was practically impossible to visit his grave later on, and get some alone time in with him.

You and Clint walked over to the tombstones. Of course you already predicted two of them belonged to your fallen friends, and you had a feeling who the last one belonged too. And indeed your name was engraved into the top of the gravestone. The other two had a few specks of dirt on them, and some vines shaping around them. He wasted no time in dusting the dirt off, and ripping the vines away. Your gravestone still fairly new and was in perfect condition.

"While I'm not upset you choose to pay me a visit first y/n. I do have to ask why?" Clint finally asked the burning question.

The one you were kind of hoping wouldn't be brought up. Because now things were about to get real for you.

"How did you do it Clint?" You asked lifting your head to stare up at the sky. "How did you walk away from the Avengers? This life fighting the good fight, for the greater good that's all we've ever known." You had this feeling in the pit of your stomach that before you left for the mission. That costed nearly costed you your life had costed something way more important. And it only got worse when you watched Clint interact with his family today.

"It wasn't easy y/n but ultimately I came to the conclusion that my family was important, and I owed it to them to start being there a hundred percent of the time. Instead of giving barely thirty percent of me."

You lowered your head to look at him in the eyes. "But what changed because you didn't give up the hero life until after Ultron. You had a family before that."

"I almost died if it wasn't for Pietro I wouldn't be here y/n, or are you forgetting?"

You shook your head that was one memory embedded deep withing your brain. The look of devastation in Wanda's eyes when Vision swooped in with her in his arms.

Clint took a seat on the a patch of grass, and patted the spot beside him. You did the same but got even more comfortable laying down on your stomach.

"Later on it really hit that if Pietro wasn't as fast as he was. I would've died and my baby boy was going to be born into a world never knowing his father. Nathaniel would've only had the stories told to him by Lila and Cooper. The pictures Laura kept around the house to know what I look like, and that's if she were able to keep them up. If the sight of her dead husband didn't destroy her all over again. That's if the kids hold onto their memories of me instead of burying them in their attempt to deal with the grief. I realized then I couldn't do it anymore the Avenger life wasn't for me anymore. Because the thought of dying to save the world, and leaving my family alone. It broke me y/n it became my biggest fear."

His words resonated with you now more than they would've if you asked him. All those years ago when you had the same question for him, and you understood it.

He could see you were through your own little dilemma, and decided to switch the focus onto you. "They came here you know."

"Who?" You asked a little too fast sitting up on your knees.

"Your lovers asking me if they were any safe houses in that particular area where you went missing. That you would go hideout to wait for help. I gave them the location of all known places I thought you would go. They love you y/n" Clint said.

They so there was more than one someone in your life, and you still couldn't remember either one of them. Yet you could somehow feel the effect of their love. "I feel like I love them too, and I think I screwed up big time."

Clint shrugged his shoulders. "You probably did you suck at relationships almost as bad as Nat did."

"Shut up" you shot back crawling forward to shove him backward. He recovered with a heartfelt chuckle as you settled in beside him. "When fighting is all you ever known its hard to imagine a life without. Its harder to imagine giving up that life for something like love. I know that better that anyone y/n." He said after a minute or so of silence as the two just gazed up at the stars.

"Love, peace, family those are foreign concepts to people like us" Clint continued. "We don't think its in the cards for our life even if we crave it more than anything. And when we do find it there's this fear its not going to workout. That's the thing that keeps you from walking away. You're afraid your little paradise will fall apart the second you go all in, and you'll be right back to fighting."

He paused to turn his head towards you. An emotion on his face you couldn't exactly place. "But when its real y/n its worth it. God the real thing is worth everything." he said unable to hold back the tears. He cried for you. Knowing you almost died because you refused to take a chance upon love.

"I know it is Clint but being an Avenger is in my blood too. I still want to fight to protect that very same love." You argued feeling horrible at the disappointment that washed over his face at your response.

"That's the adrenaline talking and now that you survived a near-death experience. No you actually came back from the dead its going to be ten times worse" He commented in exasperation. As if he were talking to a toddler who never learned his lesson when it came to touching a hot surface.

"Clint I-" you tried to defend yourself, but he held up a hand cutting you off.

"I use to be just like you y/n in case you're forgetting. People have two different responses when they have a brush with deal. He held up one finger. "One it spooks them and reminds them just how precious life is. Most of us know its the most fragile thing in the world because we take the lives of others on a daily basis. But we survive the majority of those situations until one day death comes knocking. Laura walked away from Shield long before I did for that very reason."

Your eyebrows shot upward as you let out a slight gasp in surprise. No one ever really knew why she decided to turn her back on being agent for the white picket fence life. All there was rumors and assumptions.

Clint put up a second finger. " Two it makes you even more reckless because now you feel invincible. You start to wonder just how far can you truly go, and not die. You start to tempt fate." He fixed with stern gaze before continuing. The way a brother would to his sister dating the wrong type of guy. "Fate gave you a second chance at life y/n don't take it for granted, and don't tempt it again."

"I don't think it was fate that brought me back Clint. I think it was the Angels." You replied the hymn replaying in your head from right before you succumbed to your injuries.

"Well thank them and be more careful with your decisions. They might not do it again."

With that the discussion came to an end. Clint knew you was going to hit the road again soon. After all the entire world believed you were dead you needed to clear the air on that. Plus you still had about a few months worth of memories to recover, and you knew exactly who could help you with that. He did tell you if you need another perspective on giving up on the life of an Avenger to talk to Scott Lang. Another retired hero and father who still resided San Francisco, California. It was out of the way of your original destination, but why not you decided. It gave you more time to avoid a major scolding from Sam.

Stop Two: San Francisco

Scott had the same reaction to seeing you turn up on his doorstep, but unlike Clint who shed tears for you with no shame. The former thief turned hero put on a tough guy act only exerting happiness. You felt his tears soak your shirt when he hugged you laughing. When Scott pulled back complaining of allergy season. But when you asked him the same question his usual goofy and happy demeanor was replaced with a hardened face. His eyes as serious as you ever saw them.

"Well for one its not like I asked for this life. I was basically tricked into by Hank who set me up."

"Maybe you shouldn't have broke into his home" You quipped playing along with his joke. Even though it technically was true unlike you and Clint. Scott never signed up for this instead a serious of weird circumstances brought him into this life. But he was more than eager to help Captain America fight during the Sokovia Accords era.

"From day one I got accepted this because I thought it would make me a better man. A better father to Cassie, and it did until it didn't eventually being a hero drove us apart."

You didn't know if he was talking about getting stuck in the Quantum Realm as a result of Hope, Hank, and Janet being a victim of the Blip, or him being locked up after getting captured by the cops. Steve came for him but he did have to plead out for his limited freedom.

"Time is the one thing you can't get back once you lose it. I missed out on so much of her life in prison. Then Thanos cost me another five years, and I couldn't even be upset the way I wanted to. Because me getting trapped in the Quantum realm was the key point to saving the world." Scott sounded genuinely angry about it.

"Death isn't something you can usually reverse once its done. That's it you're gone, and the person is only left with memories. After we defeated Thanos I retired because all I ever wanted was to be able to spend time with my family, and I was losing out on all that putting my life in danger for what."

You raised an eyebrow at his last statement. Saving the world was no small feat.

"Calm down" Scott said immediately when you opened your mouth. "What I mean is there will always be guys like Yellowjacket running around you know."

You frowned. "Who and what is a Yellowjacket?"

"He was my first nemeses I took him down by myself" He stated a bit proud. "You know the small guys there never going to stop showing up. No matter how many of them I take down one will always replace the last. But time with my daughter isn't something I can get back y/n, and those precious moments I missed out on I can't go back and experience them. So I don't care if she's in her teenage rebel phase, and giving me hell. I want to be there for all of it and more. If another Thanos comes along I got your back, but until then I'm retired."

You see now why Clint told you to talk to Scott. The way he put it couldn't be argued with you lost out on almost nine months of your life. And those nine months were frustrating as you tried to piece it all back together.

"Plus there will always be guys like us too you know" he added in bumping your shoulder with his own. "Last I heard Sam had found some pretty good prospects for his new official Avenger squad. The world will always have heroes to count on."

Stop Three: New York

"So Tony created this thing to restore your memory." You mused studying the contraption before with interest and worry.

"Yeah back when I was on the run and Steve started looking for me. Apparently he wanted to help, but said he was no help in playing detective, and did't have the time to hunt down another 80-year old virgin. So he designed this instead" Bucky explained holding a circular crown-like object. You figured it was supposed to go on your head.

"And this was before he found you murdered his parents right?" You winced realizing there was probably a better way to ask that question.

Bucky shot you a dirty look before letting a small smile grace his face. "You're lucky you just came back from the dead y/n" he said running a hand through his hair. Which had grown out a bit more since the last time you'd seen him. Nearly the same length back during the first battle with Thanos. You wondered if it was on purpose or was a result of him grieving your supposed death.

"Yes he finished long before the Accords came into play around the time he and Bruce started working on Ultron" he reassured you.

"And you're sure he didn't modify this thing to erase memories after finding out the truth about his folks." You continued to press on.

"Y/N" Bucky snapped in irritation. "You're making me start to wonder why I missed you in the first place."

"Okay first of all ouch" You feigned like his comment actually hurt your feelings. When in reality it did the opposite amusing you at the most. "Second I gotta make sure Tony could hold a grudge, or are you forgetting?"

Bucky didn't need you to finish the statement to know exactly what grudge you were talking about. The one caused when Steve chose Bucky over Tony, and the two heroes went on to not speak to each other for years. Even when the world needed the Avengers to reassemble at full strength. Tony was still hesitant to make the call.

"I don't think he did" Bucky admitted sheepishly. It was a possibility he never considered until now.

"Did you ever use yourself?"

"No.

"Why not?"

The majority of my memories came back naturally overtime, plus the museum dedicated to Steve really helped."

"But did you ever get all of them back?"

"No but I got the important ones back and that was all that mattered in my opinion." Bucky told you his tone apologetic. He knew that wasn't the answer you were looking for. You wanted him to tell you with a little more time the rest of your memories would just come back. But in reality this machine was your best bet to get them back in a timely manner, and possibly in general.

"Do you think its worth it? Bucky asked when you remained silent.

You nodded. "I have to remember them. I need to remember them. They're worth it." The ghost of the memories haunted you way too much. A laugh here. A smell there. You needed to remember all those moments again. It was the only way you were ever going to feel complete again. You spent your entire life thinking love was never going to find you, but then it did. And you screwed up in a big way, and how were you suppose to fix things. If you couldn't remember them, let alone your last moment with them.

"Alright then let's do this" Bucky encouraged you clapping you on the shoulder.

He helped you get hooked up in the lounging chair which was surprisingly comfortable. Despite how intimidating it looked, and proceeded to place the metal round thing around your head. It fit perfectly, and then Bucky pressed the only red button on the control panel. At first nothing happened you just laid there with the thing connected to your brain. Then the machine roared to life lighting up with power. For once you were grateful your control over your powers hadn't returned fully. Because if it. had this machine might be in pieces as your brain was hit with a surge.

It was nothing you could handle but this surge hit you with one purpose, to find the wiring in your brain in charge of your memories. And when it did the floodgates were open your body spasmed as a tidal wave of images slammed into your head. You gripped the arm rests in a death grip. It didn't hurt but the feeling was equally unpleasant, and your stomach began to do flips as you tried to keep up with everything. Then it was over as quickly as it began and you leaned over to the side throw your lunch back up.

Bucky hung back with a disgusted look on his face watching you rip yourself free with a groan.

"Can it Barnes I know you want to laugh" You grumbled climbing out of the chair.

He ignored your comment only focused on the end results. "Did it work?"

You held your stomach making sure nothing else was going to come back up. Once you were sure the puking was a one and done side effect. You answered him.

"Ayo and Aneka are going to kill me aren't they?"

Bucky pulled you into a bone-crushing hug with a cheer.

Two Hours Later

All they wanted was to spend more time with you. Your loves only wanted you to be safe and sound to proceed with caution. Maybe Ayo went about discussing it in the wrong way, and maybe you should've stayed to listen when Aneka wanted to work things out. Instead of storming out like a angry teenager and going on a dangerous mission alone. There truly was no maybe about the later you were wrong, and it cost you basically nine months with them. Not to mention all the grief, pain, and guilt your death has put them through. Had they found a way to heal from losing you? Did it cause the two of them to fall apart? You knew Aneka was partially upset with Ayo for pushing the topic. That morning while she went out to get breakfast.

The only way to fix things was to confront them meaning it was finally time for you to make your last stop in Wakanda. If Sam ever let you go.

"Sam seriously you've hugged me like seven times, and lectured me for a whole thirty minutes. I need to get going" You pleaded.

He had called your name making you stop in your haste to reach the hangar. Where a quinjet was waiting for you fueled up and ready to go. "I know but there's one more thing I wanted to run by you before you go."

"What is it?" You asked dialing back the attitude. Your interest had been peaked.

"I know you're feeling some type of way I found new recruits for the next Avengers lineup without consulting you. But in my defense you never stuck around long enough to hear me out. You were always trying to be one woman army. It was impossible for you notice the potential in heroes on the rise."

As much as you wanted to argue with his observation. You knew it was true thinking back to your conservation with Scott.

"Just remember in the future the world isn't going to fall to pieces if you take just a small break." He told you as parting words.

"Go on" You demanded.

"You know Clint got Kate as an apprentice, but he's not really in this business anymore. Scott's kid is pretty passionate about the superhero stuff. Rumor has it Cassie never lets him hear the end of it about his early retirement. I got this kid named Eli who's grandfather was a super solider. It turns out he might've passed on the serum to his grandson, and now I'm the only keeping the government off his back. Then Dr.Strange-"

"Have all of us been taking in younger and stray heroes?" You exclaimed cutting him off at Doctor Strange. The arrogant sorcerer was the last person you thought would take on the responsibility of being a mentor.

"You got one too."

Yeah there's a kid named Diego back in that village. He's telekinetic and got a lot of heart. I don't know about Chloe and Kai let them get settled in with their families again."

"Cool well I was just thinking with all these young heroes on the rise. The next generation of Avengers is shaping up nicely, but the only problem is they're going to need. Someone to show them the ropes, and prepare them for this life. They're going to need a real teacher you know....." Sam let his voice trail off staring at you with hope filled eyes.

You picked up on what he was putting down and held back laughter. "You want me to teach them."

"No its just an idea and I don't know Clint called so I know you're on the fence about the superhero life. So I was just offering a healthy alternative. You don't have to run off on missions all the time, but you're still in the game."

It was more than an idea at this point, but you needed time to think on it. Your main focus right now was getting back to Ayo and Aneka. "Ask me when I get back" you told him.

Sam nodded failing at suppressing the grin forming on his face. Both of you knew it would be a while before you returned, and with that you were free to go.

Last and Final Stop: Wakanda

Night had fallen when your quinjet entered Wakandan airspace. No doubt their security systems picked up on your aircraft the second it crossed the border. One of the tribes was monitoring your travel route right now to make sure you moved on to another country. So you knew when you landed in a field near the rhinos habitat. It was only a matter of time before someone came.

You just hoped a certain warrior in a blue vibranium suit found you first. Was she even on patrol tonight your tried to practice exactly what you were to say to them. But any planned speech vanished from your memory when you picked up on the slightest of movements behind you. A soft whoosh sound filled the air the wild too silent for her to keep her mask fading away quiet.

"I don't know who you are but you've made a grave mistake coming here" Aneka warned you in a low and dangerous tone.

Your heart started to beat a little faster and it was a miracle you didn't drop to your knees to beg for forgiveness. Instead you somehow found your voice and replied. "Well I would've use the front door but I knew I wouldn't make it that far, and my last entrance didn't end too well for me. So I decided to take this approach this time."

Her breath hitched as she came to an abrupt stop when you started speaking. Aneka was silent for a long time so long you were beginning to worry. You made a silent prayer that your girlfriend didn't blast you, or bury her spear in your abdomen. You were still healing after all.

You slowly turned around peeling off the hood to reveal your face.

"Stop moving I demand you cease all movement at once" Aneka demanded. But her orders fell flat as her voice lacked any authority, or seriousness. She sounded hopeful and unsure. A hundred thoughts were running through her brain at the moment, but it all came to an end when her confused eyes met your soft ones brimming with tears.

"Hey Aneka" You greeted her softly throwing in a quick wave. Her entire world came crashing again when her name left your mouth. Here you were her lover. Her heart. Her everything standing before her when you were supposed to be long and gone. Aneka and Ayo attended your funeral nine months go. They grieved you. It took all their strength and endurance to keep going with each other after your untimely demise. For the longest time Ayo blamed herself for your fate, and at first Aneka did nothing to reassure her it was anything but her fault.

In all honesty for a while Aneka did blame Ayo needing someone to blame, and take her anger out other than you. Because you were gone and the opportunity to yell at you for being so stupid and reckless was never gong to come. She didn't want to admit you had played a hand in your own death. Aneka wanted to be angry at the world but not you.

Until now in this very moment and you saw all the different emotions overtake her features. Pure shock at first followed by disbelief as she opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. Then anger and her before she could stop herself her fist slammed into your gut. Agony tore through your stomach as she struck the fatal injury that was still in the healing process. You let out a cry hunching over to hug your stomach as the pain spread everywhere else.

"I guess I deserved that' you wheezed lifting your head to glance up at her.

Aneka's mouth dropped as it finally hit her you were indeed real, and not some illusion her brain conjured up. It had happened many times in the past couple of months with her dreams. They were so vivid and real whenever she woke from them. Ayo had to remind her you were gone and wasn't coming back. She relived your death every single time breaking down in her lover's arms.

'Y/N" she said your name like a prayer. You stood up straight again ignoring the lingering pain. There was only an inch of space left between your bodies now, and it still felt like she was miles away. You wanted to wrap your arms around her, and kiss her deeply. But it wouldn't be fair to her after everything she'd been through. You had to let her decide the pace of things.

"You're alive" Aneka whimpered a hand hovering over your cheek wanting to caress you. But she hesitated out of fear you would disappear again. You leaned into the hand nuzzling it.

"Its me Aneka I promise this is real."

"You promised me that forever and it never was" she shot back.

"Whatever I have to do to convince you name it. I'll do it" you told her.

"Kiss me like you mean it, and don't ever stop. Please don't ever stop" she begged. Just like that your willpower was gone and you granted her wish closing the distance to press your lips to hers. The kiss ignited something in both of you, and then Aneka started going down.

You followed her on the way down to ground not letting her lips disconnect from yours for even a second. She leaned back into a laid position, and you hovered over her. Lips sealed together in a dance of desperation, and love. She moaned into the kiss coiling her arms around your body like a snake pulling your ontop of hers fully. Your hands rested on either side of her head.

"Tell me you're real" Aneka murmured against your lips.

"I'm real" you assured her.

She pulled back. "Tell me something only you would know."

"When you first me you insisted we were meant to be together even though you weren't suppose to yet. Because I still hadn't warmed up to Ayo yet." You said thinking it back to the early stages of your relationship with them. How you held a grudge against Ayo for flipping you over her shoulder onto the hard cold floor in the lab. "You also offered to give me a butt massage that day to make up for what Ayo did" you threw in for good measure."

"My love its really you" Aneka whispered guiding your head into the crook of her neck. So she could bury her face into your shoulder breathing in your scent. "I'm never letting you go again. I will handcuff the two of us together if I have too."

You chuckled pecking her shoulder. She shivered at the feel of your lips on her body tightening her hold on your hips.

"Aneka are you here? Answer me sithandwa sam" Another familiar voice spoke up only a few feet away. Her footsteps approaching fast and you lifted your head right as Ayo appeared over the two of you. She must have not gotten a good look at your face, because her hand reached out to grip the back of your neck in a tight grip.

Ayo hauled you to her feet with vengeance because the General hadn't known anything else since your death. She took out her anger on her enemies at any given opportunity. You deserved her wrath as much as Aneka's, but the utter hatred in her eyes terrified. Your injury wouldn't survive a blow from her especially if she didn't recognize you.

"Ayo no don't" Aneka cried out in alarm on her feet in flash yanking you out of harm's way with an arm secured around your waist.

"Why are protecting the intruder? Have you lost your mind?" Ayo went off but her eyes settled on you, and just like Aneka. The General went through a multitude of emotions, but she came to her senses quicker. Because she knew her eyes weren't deceiving her with the way her lover stood protectively in front of you.

"Stand aside Aneka let me see her" Ayo said a bit breathless. Aneka listened stepping to the side. Tears pricked at her eyes as she opened her mouth to say something, but a sob ripped itself free from her throat.

"How?" she whispered launching herself forward and you caught her body in your arms ignoring the pain once again. Ayo didn't care how truly she was just happy to see you alive. She was happy to be able to touch you again, and wanted nothing more than to take you home. Crawl into bed with you sandwiched between her and Aneka falling asleep together. She wanted morning to come to wake up with you sprawled out before her in some weird position. Ayo wanted to wake up to you to make sure this really wasn't a dream.

For now she'd accept resting in your arms. Eventually Aneka hugged both of you, and the three of you stayed like that for a very long time.

The Next Day

"Its her alright DNA doesn't lie that's our y/n." Shuri announced to everyone waiting around in her private office in the lab. You were still outside resting on the sand table fast asleep. You had been in go mode for the past couple of days, and exhaustion finally caught up to you.

"She is a bit malnourished and out of shape, but other than that she's relatively healthy besides that nasty abdomen injury. I'm assuming that's the one that took her out. Whoever healed her did the best they could, but it'll cause lingeirng problems if not taken care of properly. She'll need probably need physical therapy as well-" Shuri was rambling now while her hands shook.

Nakia was the one to waltz over placing her hand over the tablet in her hand. Shuri looked up at her ready to protest. "Y/N is alive and well you can turn off doctor and scientist mode for five seconds sister.

"I'm fine" Shuri insisted.

"Come here" Nakia told her opening her arms wide for the Princess to step into them. She released a shaky breath keeping the sobs at bay unlike. Okoye who broke down at sight of Ayo and Aneka walking through the doors last night with you in tow. That's when the tests began.

The rest of the day was a bit blur as you slept through most of it. Ayo would move you to a bed in the infirmary after a while. Where her and Aneka took turns cuddling with you. Neither wanted you to be out of there sight for to you long, so later on when evening came and you were finally awake. They hovered on the balcony below where you could see them while talking with Shuri.

The Princess had requested your audience, and who were you to even think about turning her down.

"I will take care of your injury, and Okoye will be in charge of your phsyical therapy to get you back to full strength. If you want her too" Shuri said staring out at the Golden City. The sight never got old as you followed her gaze.

"I'm sensing a but" You pushed her.

"On the condition you promise us you attempt to run off on any missions. Until you're cleared by both me and Shuri" Okoye declared walking up the three steps to the balcony. She gave you a brief hug.

"So no more Avenger stuff until you two say so basically."

"Yes for you and their sakes" Shuri answered jerking her chin towards Ayo and Aneka. The two women stood side-by-side to each other shoulders pressed together. You wouldn't be surprised if they had some ear tech to eavesdrop.

"When I told them not to break my favorite American's heart. The same went for you as well you know" Okoye stated taking up position on your other side. She leaned forward on the edge of the balcony.

"What's it going to be y/n?" Shuri asked trying to keep the hint of fear out her voice. You could say and she'd still heal you not being able to leave in pain, and there was plenty of other heroes capable of helping you recover.

"Guys I can barely throw a decent punch, and I'm at the baby stages of controlling powers again. My death hit reset on everything I wasn't going on a mission anytime soon regardless, so hell yeah I accept your terms" You finally said.

Both of them let out a sigh of relief causing you to laugh. Shuri let you go to be with your girlfriends, and when you attempted to leapt down from a story up. Just to give them a heart attack Okoye reminded you she could make physical therapy absolutely unbearable. You disappeared with an apology taking the elevator.

Ayo and Aneka were finally able to take you home again. Leading you to the bedroom and you took everything in. Nothing had changed even the alarm clock you fried while in bed with them remained on the nightstand.

"Hey we have something for you by the way" Aneka said.

You sat down on the bed. "You guys didn't have to get me gifts. My birthday didn't pass, and we still have two months before Christmas."

"No its something that already belonged to you. An item that would've made finding you a whole lot easier saving us all this time and grief. Ayo said walking into the room with a small black box in her hand.

You knew instantly what she was referring to, and let out a nervous chuckle. She sat on your left and Aneka on the right. The box was placed in your lap.

"You can do honor of opening it."

It was your kimoyo beads.

For the first time since getting you back neither of them looked too happy. You slid them back onto your wrist and the bracelet came to life lighting up with a chirp.

"Y/N it is good to have you back" Griot greeted you.

"How did you lose them in the first place? Aneka finally asked.

"Its a long story" You told them.

"We have time" Ayo replied.

You grinned in happiness knowing you were right where you belong. You glanced over your shoulder to catch the sight of two lone stars in sky by themselves through the window. You thanked the Angels for bringing you back to your loves deciding that y'all did have time.

All the time in the world because you weren't going anywhere for a long time.

Tag List: @kofforever @darkwitch192 @deliciousfestsalad @unsatisfiedanddisappointed @mbakuetshurisprincess @justariellove @purple-nugget @shuris3leg @riribabymomma @wandas-nose-scrunch @ceaseanddecease @someobliviousgirl @marsfunzon22 @urfavvmiyahh @chatitajens @greek-freak101 @takeyaki @naslt @princesscharmingnoir @kiwiana145 @como731 @unsatisfiedanddisappointed @sopaintercrown @sweettea32 @alistair-mooncrest

[confusedspaceotter]

TUA seaon 4 recap because fuck Netflix

Hi if you are reading this welcome to I hate Steve Blackman/Netflix but I still wanna know what happened in The Umbrella Academy season 4 club, couple things I should probably warn you before we begin

spoilers ahead(just in case you didn’t read the title this IS the pissing on the poor website

I will be very angry and biased because Netflix took the wife and kids i will hate this guy forever I’m really good at remembering a grudge(no hate to the cast tho they did their very best and defo deserve more

In this recap I will go over the main plots of season 4 with a brief mention of the side plots, do beware some of the plot/shit characters did makes absolutely no sense but hey I'm just the messenger please be mad at Netflop for that

Season 4 Episode 1, The Unbearable Tragedy of Getting What You Want(aka us getting season 4 but only 6 episodes)

After loosing their powers when they came back to the main timeline last season, the brellies have lived the past 6 years somewhat peacefully, Luther is a stripper now, Diego and Lila is married with 3 kids, Allison is now a B list celebrity living with Claire, Klaus is sober and a germaphobe, Five is working for the CIA(bro is too busy working to cut his hair i hate it), Ben is a crypto scammer who just got out of prison, Viktor owns a bar and keeps getting dumped by girls(sure whatever)

The new big bad this season is a pair of wacky scientists named Gene and Jean, they are the leader of this cult called The Keepers who are trying to make “The Cleanse” happen, which is just a fancy name for the apocalypse.

Okay so basically this episode Vikor got kidnapped by random guy(I’m not even gonna mention his name he’s just here for plot so I don’t care about him) on his way to Diego and Lila’s kids birthday party, the siblings go and rescue him, random guy said hey actually i'm a big fan of yall if you can rescue my daughter Jennifer from a remote location I will be forever grateful, the group was like nah we are actually powerless now but Five was like wait we are doing this your welcome because he found a bottle of marigold(the thing that gives them their powers) in the belongs of the missing daughter, after this they went to dinner and Ben drugged everyone (except Klaus coz he didn't drink it) with the Marigold so now they are gonna get their powers back.

there's also this side plot where Lila and Five went undercover to investigate The keepers, Lila didn't tell Diego so he thought Lila was cheating on him with some guy whos actually just Five(buddy you are not gonna believe this in like 4 episodes this came true I hate it here)

Season 4 Episode 2, Jean and Gene(they were a cute couple but they will NEVER be Hazel and Cha Cha)

After they got their powers back they went to find random guy but he's missing, leaving a hint about New Grumpson, Maine so the siblings went there roadtrip style(their car also blasting baby shark non stop its not relevant to the plot i just think is funny), the siblings arrived to this small town, Ben was like you know what I’m done with yall bye, when he tries to leave he met Jennier in disguise, they have a chat, fall in love immediately(talk about speed dating am i right), the towns people learned that the siblings are here for Jennier so they pull the guns out and starts shooting,turns out they are all working for deadbeat dad of the century Reginbald Flopgreeves, so the siblings fight with their new and slightly improved superpowers(that apparently drained the vfx budget because the final big bad is ugly asf??? the same show that gives us Pogo?? whatever man)

Meanwhile Klaus was chilling in the car, a fake Jennifer who's pretending to be the real Jennifer asks Klaus for help, then shoots him before the siblings can stop her, Klaus told the siblings he doesn't want to get his powers back and dies, but Allison don’t take no for an answer and water board klaus with the marigold, Klaus came back from the dead, and then Jean and Gene crash into the siblings, kidnapping Jennier.

Back to the Lila Diego Five cheating side plot (ugh), during the roadtrip, Diego tells Five he thinks Lila is cheating on him, Five is like don't worry about it buddy it won’t happen for another 3 episodes (okay the last part was me but Five did tell Diego it’s probably nothing) and Lila overheads their conversation and thank Five for not exposing her GIRL JUST TELL YOUR HUSBAND STOP BEING SHADY *sigh*

Oh and Five keeps teleporting to this subway station that have trains going to different timelines but we never found out who the fuck build this so dont ask me idk either

Season 4 Episode 3, The Squid and the Girl (The plot and the holes because nothing makes any sense anymore)

We start with a flashback to young Jennifer being rescued from giant squid but WE NEVER GOT THE EXPLINATION GIRL WHY ARE YOU INSIDE THAT FUCKING SQUID so we are just gonna move on focus people we are half way though the season shit is about to go down(unfortunately)

After Jean and Gene kidnapped Jennifer, the siblings starting doing what they do best, arguing with each other, this is when Klaus give us the greatest summary of the show,

Klaus then leaves the group, Ben also was like nah fam im out for real and then leaves. The remaining siblings decided to split into two groups, Five Diego Lila went to The Keepers HQ to investigate, Viktor Luthor Allison went to find dear old dad Reggaeton Hargriefs. So Diego finds out that The Keepers have a document about Brellie!Ben’s death aka The Jennifer Incident.

Ben who’s getting tf out, discovers he got hand mouth foot disease with rgb red lights on his hand(see kids this is why you don't touch hands with girls before you get married) random guy pops out and was like bro did you find my daughter, Ben was like yeah I did and I also fall in love with her, random guy was like good good now use your squidar to find her so Ben did just that and rescue Jennifer from Jean and Gene.

For Viktor Luther Allison, they went to a giant mansion that their father owns, expecting to have to fight their way in, but the guards there are like, ah yes master Vikor please welcome in we have been waiting for you, turns out in this timeline Abigail, Rickroll Harkonnen’s wife was still alive and is the one who runs the house + her husband, so the kids were like ma’am your husband is a dick to us in another timeline can you tell him to shut up and help us, she agreed and he obeyed.Now the kids(Luther Allison Diego and Viktor) are putting on their thinking caps to restore their memory of The Jennifer Incident(because dead old dad erased their memory of it talk about childhood erasure)

*sigh* so the Five Diego Lila subplot, when Diego was investigating in the Keepers HQ, Five and Lila blink to the subway station, they got on a train and went to the original apocalypse but five was just like meh guess this wasn’t THAT traumatic pffff I only got stuck here for 40 years no biggie anyway time to get on the train and go home I guess, this shouldn’t affect me in any shape of form given that you know I’m so calm and collected when I first got here :))))))))) yes i'm being sarcastic NO ONE should be this calm and collected here okay.

Diego and Lila also talk things out, Lila apologizes and then says she wants to take a break from their marriage(sure lady whatever

no im NOT even gonna mention what Klaus has been up to, for me he went home to Claire bear and talk shit out with her end of story.

Season 4 Episode 4, The Cleanse (maybe why the Keepers what to make the cleanse happen so badly is because they saw ep 5 and be like nope go to hell yall)

We got a flashback to what happened with brellie!Ben, turns out he was murder by Regglodocus Hippocampus, our beloathed deadbeat dad of the century on a mission where the umbrella academy is securing a package(Jennifer in a box) but they touch hands so bro just straight up kills them both in front of the siblings(bro can we delete you from existence I hate this man with a passion)

The siblings are obviously pissed, AbiFail then explained that it's not her asshole husbands fault, years ago she created the marigold and unknowingly also created Durango, when these two particles touch hands, its gonna end the world for the billionth time(aka the cleanse), this also what happened to their homeworld, and it's gonna end earth if they don't separate Ben and Jennifer(because she got a shitton of durango in her).

Ridiculous Hepatitis then said we must go to kill one of them to stop the world from dying and Viktor is like NOT ON MY WATCH I WILL SAVE BEN and they have a little showdown, Vikor wins(duh) and they are like let's just check this crime scene Ben created last episode when he came to save Jennier okayyy.

The siblings got there + flop dad, Lila told Five hey what if we go back in time with the trains and stop the Jennifer incident from happening in the first place and five is like alright bet, but we cant tell Diego for plot reasons so Imma tell my CIA boss to take Luther and Diego to CIA HQ and babysit them( sis just tell him Diego might be a dumbass but he’s a dumbass that listens smh)

Anyway the siblings split into teams again, Viktor and Renaissance Harrypotter went to track Ben and Jennifer, Five and Lila got on the time train, Luther and Diego were at the CIA, Allison went to save Klaus from the TUA writers.

oh and Ben and Jennier fucks and it kills everyone within the radius lmao

Season 4 Episode 5, Six years, Five months, and two days ( just end my suffering rn)

We start with a montage of Five and Lila being stuck in train hell, unable to find the right train home so they are kinda just traveling from timelines to timelines, they decide to stop and stay in one of them with a strawberry farm(ew), and the most terrible thing ever fucking happend, apprently in these six years they caught feelings and they kissed fucking hell son of the bitch steve blakman I am in your fucking walls I fucking hate it here why can’t good thing last fuck off five would NEVER do this to his siblings this motherfucker spend 40 years and the entirety of season two trying to save his siblings why the fuck would he kiss his sister in law I hate it here

also #justicefordolores

BUT this isnt it

One day he went out for scraps and he found his old note book with the instructions on how to get home, he stashes it and only tell Lila about it 5 fucking months later

5 FUCKING MONTHS

I don't even know what to say let's just get over it okay

so yeah after this they call things off and just went home

Back to Vikor, he calls Ben with the help of dad and tells him hey buddy you have to stop the world and stop your feelings for Jennifer because you are gonna end the world if you stay with her, Ben refuses saying that he’s never been better(sure buddy) Ben and Jennifer plans to run away but Jennifer felt sick so they stop and went to a random mall to hide/ask for help.

Luther and Diego did absolutely nothing in CIA HQ and they realized they were being babysat so they dipped, oh and they also fought a bunch of people in the process which is cool I guess.

Season 4 Episode 6, End of the Beginning(thank fuck is over I’m freeee)

The Keepers are guarding the mall that Ben and Jennifer are in because they are stupid. Viktor and dad arrived at the scene, Viktor convinced dad to let him extract the durango out of Ben so he doesn’t have to kill him, dad said yeah sure whatever man, so Viktor sneaks in the building.

Meanwhile the rest of the siblings gathered at Lila and Diego’s house, Diego clock those cheating bitches immediately and Diego confronts Lila and she finally confesses but before he could beat the shit out of Five, they saw what's going on with Ben on the news and went to the mall.

Vikor got into the building, Ben is now a glowing clay human hybrid(ewwwww

Vikor tries to extract the durango out of Ben but he ran out of time, Dad’s sniper shoots Ben but before it hits, Jennifer and Ben touch hands for one last time and they transforms into ugly cgi clay monster big bad of the season(like wtf is this

the sibling starts fighting the Bennifer monster, Diego and Five didn’t get the memo so they fought each other instead.

So yeah we are fucked, AbiFail told Ratsass Hankercheif shes the one behind the keepers and she’s trying to right her wrongs by ending the world this way(selfish prick) and Reggie said alight that defo excuses every shitty thing you do man I got a really good wife and they both got sucked into the Bennifer monster(your redemption arc flopped btw I still hate you)

The siblings went back to the academy, thinking about what they can do to stop the Bennifer monster, Five went to the train station again, and discovers a deli run by other Fives, and one of the five told him babes, we are NEVER gonna succeed in stopping the apocalypse because the timeline is broken(it's only supposed to be one) and the existence of marigold is what shattered the timeline so we gotta gotta get sucked into the Bennifer monster and volia marigold + durango = kaboom(they will cancel each other out) BUT the siblings will cease to exist(coz their mum got exposed to marigold and birthed them so no marigold no siblings)

Lila and Allison decided to ship their children and family to the train station and send them on one of the trains to create a paradox I mean to protect them and the siblings got absorbed by the Bennifer monster, the timeline was fixed, none of us are happy, we ended up worse than we started.

The END.

hope yall are okay after reading this, no hate towards the cast whatsoever I 100% blame the writer and Netflix for this , fuck them and uh here’s a virtual hug to yall, peace out.

[xf-cases-solved]

S1E8: Ice

Case: Two FBI agents, a geologist, a medical doctor, a toxicologist, and a guy who happens to own a plane walk into an Alaskan research outpost turned crime scene. Stop me if you've heard this one before...

A team of geophysicists doing some fun breaking of the ice suddenly end up dead, and Mulder and Scully are selected, along with a handful of other lucky ducks, to go find out what killed them. What they discover is a bloodbath and a very angry dog. The dog did not murder them, but he might be the key to finding out what did. As unfortunate parasitic discoveries start to be made, things descend into chaos faster than you can say "black nodule." Scully wants everybody to shut up, Mulder asks everyone not to judge his dick size, and CGI is used liberally. Is this a whodunit? Or a whatcausedthemtodunit?

Does someone die in the cold open: Yes. A confused looking man and a shirtless man with blood directly on his tits hold each other at gunpoint, only to then decide to kill themselves instead.

Does Mulder present a slideshow: No, but he did bring a video for Scully to watch.

Does the evidence survive the investigation: Nope! The evidence on the surface killed itself, and the whole place is torched before any more evidence can be found.

Whodunit: Okay, technically it was a bunch of murders plus a couple suicides, but they were just being Ratatouilled by some prehistoric, potentially extraterrestrial, ice worms.

Convictions: None necessary

Did they solve it: Yes. I'm giving this one to them. This is one of the few episodes where hard science, without any twists, saves the day. They could write this in a report and not make their bosses want to kill them. Good job you guys, you prevented a plague!

[how do i determine if a case is solved? check the scale here: x]

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: The 1982 playoff game between the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins.

Have you been struggling with stress? Have a lot on your mind? Maybe your job is running you ragged. Or maybe you're stuck in an outpost in Alaska researching the horrific deaths of some scientists. Or maybe the in-laws are in town this week! Whatever the reason, if you need help getting your mind off stuff, we've got the solution—the 1982 playoff game between the San Diego Chargers and the Miami Dolphins!

***

General Total Stats:

(green means stat has changed since last ep; red means new stat added to list)

Total Cases *Definitively* Solved So Far: 3! (begin new streak...)

Total Number of "Mulder/Scully, it's me" phone calls: 1

Total Number of Times Scully Has Conveniently Not Seen Something Crucial: 3 (even tho she was barricaded in a room and was trying very diligently and pointlessly to break down a locked, solid metal door, she didn't actually miss anything she didn't already know)

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Been in Mortal Danger: 2

Total Number of Times Scully Has Been in Mortal Danger: 3 (she was never explicitly targeted, but i say that being on that base at all counts as mortal danger)

Total Number of Sexually Charged and/or Flirty Moments Between Friendly Coworkers: 5 (whyyy were those neck checks so sensual??)

Total Number of Autopsies Scully Has Performed On Screen: 1 (okay, she performed autopsies in this episode, but not on screen, and that's what I think matters, so i'm changing up this category to reflect that specification)

Total Number of Times Mulder Talks to an Informant: 4

Total Number of Nosebleeds: 4

Total Number of Cigarettes Cigarette Smoking Man Has Smoked: 2

Total Number of Alex Krycek Sightings: 0 :(

Total Number of Times I Had to Look Up What State the Episode Takes Place in Even Though I Literally Just Watched It: 2

Total Number of Times I Had to Look at an Episode's Wikipedia Page to Fill This Out Because It Was Fucking Confusing and/or Too Boring for Me to Pay Attention: 1 (Ice is a top tier episode, my dudes, i have that shit memorized. the next episode is Space, tho, so...)

[gwens-fiction]

Intro Post

Hi! I’m Gwen. I’m 26, she/her, have a masters in wildlife biology and conservation management, bachelors in biology with minors of English and environmental studies. I have two younger siblings, and 8 pets (5 dogs, 1 rabbit, and 2 cats). I write a lot of fanfiction for the Penguins of Madagascar fandom, but I also write several original things, too.

Genres I write tend to fall under: fantasy, urban fantasy, sci-fi, horror, weird science, action comedy (with animal characters), mystery, poetry.

Feel free to ask to be on any tag list! WIPs below the cut.

Original WIPs

Hidden Earth Chronicles

Summary: Necromancer Vasco has just returned home to find his beloved wife missing. He and his brother-in-law set out to find her and along the way Vasco learns more about where he came from and his own abilities.

Tropical Storm

Summary: Martin along Evy and Diego, are newly moving into the San Diego Zoo. However, Martin’s life is unexpectedly rocked when a secret agent accidentally drops a piece of top secret spy equipment among his belongings. Now he’s been recruited by the local espionage squad. Together they keep the zoo safe from assorted enemies, as well as face international threats.

Also planning: Patagonia Penguins which takes place long before this but is connected via being about Martin's parents.

My Baby’s a Werewolf

Summary: Single Dad, Sebastian’s, toddler daughter, Amber, gets bitten by a “big dog” one evening and becomes a little werepup. Now her dad is handling the pressures of being a single dad as well as trying to get his daughter back to normal.

Obscure Science

Summary: Rejected scientist Dr. Darwin Rose finds new employment with an off-the-record agency that focuses on well…obscure and bizarre occurrences, whether they be paranormal, supernatural, fantastical, or seem like something from science fiction, this agency investigates it all. Darwin is paired up with another scientist, Dr. Cassidy Blue, and together they have some crazy escapades.

Shady Acres

Summary: Sydney, freshly graduated from high school, goes to spend the summer with her older brother Ryan at his cabin. They set up trail cameras for fun but soon get unexpected photos that introduce them to whole new oddities that the woods can offer.

Title Under Construction

Summary: A small town has become plagued by a mysterious creature that keeps eating the inhabitants.

Fanfic WIPs

A Scientific Romance Series

A series of Penguins of Madagascar fics about Kowalski the penguin and his invention unexpectedly pairing him up with the penguins' arch nemesis: Dr Blowhole and how they’re making this relationship work.

Spin Offs:

Scientist Overboard

Summary: Francis and Kowalski have been dating for over a year when Kowalski and the others go on a mission out at sea. Kowalski finds himself washed overboard during a bad storm, waking up without any memory on an island. He and his spirit guide then attempt to return to New York while the others try to find him.

Haunted Mansion

Summary: Blowhole, Kowalski, and their children decide to go on a family vacation, but get sidetracked by a haunted mansion's advertisement that Blowhole couldn't pass up. Will include 2 guest OCs of my friend @insert-meaningful-username. A Franski fic with bonus fankids.

Collaborative WIPs with @insert-meaningful-username

Mallory Manor (Title Under Construction)

Summary: Rose sneaks into the sketchy old Mallory Manor at the end of the street and discovers far more than she bargained for.

Clandestine Affairs

Summary: During the biggest heist they’ll ever pull off, infamous criminal duo Show Biz planned on robbing one of the richest and highly valuable connections to have, Julien Prince. However, they’ve finally been caught by their rivals. With the heroes winning this battle, surely things will now be brought to justice...until, the charges are read. Sentence to death for...murdering the Senator of Delaware?!? NOW, our heroes must team up with the baddies to end this confusion, solving the mystery of the true mastermind before the crooks are falsely put to death for the only crime they didn’t commit.

Caretaker of Madagascar (Penguins of Madagascar series)

Summary: Some believe misfortune can bring people together. Others believe that destiny has the power to interconnect lives, whether those lives wanted to or not. Call it a coincidence. Call it fate. Call it a despicable force of nature. Either way, nothing could've stopped the fact that Bridget Ailith, a cantankerous new zookeeper, found herself forced to team up with the Penguins to undo a machine's disastrous effects. Doesn't help that those penguins are now—

Do You Read Me, 00FU? (Subnautica / Neebs Gaming inspired series)

Summary: Hired aboard Alterra’s prestigious and pristine spaceship, The Aurora, space engineer rookie Appsro finally gets his opportunity to voyage across the galaxy… Until it fucking crashes onto an uncharted pelagic planet. Alone and stranded on quarantined 4546B, all Appsro has in his survival skill set is his ingenuity, some tools, stubbornness, and the aid of a few (debatable if helpful or not) Alterra HQ Operators. Can he prevail and escape the treacherous deep waters, enormous aquatic monsters, and the lethal thousand-year-old bacteria that feast upon the planet? Probably not. He’s fucked.

[typingtess]

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Rewatch:   “Sensu Lato”        

The basics:  After a scientist/Navy Reservist is stabbed, the team works to find the attacker.  Kensi and Deeks deal with parenthood, Sam sees a possible new future.

Written by: Faythallegra Claude and Indira Gibson Wilson

Faythallegra Claude wrote season 13’s "Perception" and season 14's "Glory of the Sea".  Indira Gibson Wilson co-wrote, “The Frogman’s Daughter”, "Signs of Change" and “Hard for the Money” and was the sole writer for "Lost Soldier Down" and "Let it Burn".

Directed by: Kevin Berlandi directed the season 14 premiere, "Game of Drones".

Guest stars of note:  Duncan Campbell is back from “Sleeping Dogs” as Agent Castor, Brandon Raman as Arjun Sethi, Jason C. Louder as Dr. Daryl Howard, Krishna Smitha as Natasha Graham, Lisa Marie as Dr. Claire Winchester, Kelby Keenan as GenBioSys Tour Guide and Jordan Murphy as Chief Technology Officer Tom Fields.

Our heroes:  Look for moths.

What important things did we learn about: Callen:  In San Diego. Sam:   Setting conscientious objectives. Kensi:  Wants to spend a little more time with Deeks even though they work and live together. Deeks:   Driving Rosa to school while listening to podcasts and introducing her to 70’s rock is the highlight of his day. Fatima:   Tasked with organizing Hetty’s office. Rountree: Doing well with his denim investment, looking at growing his empire to real estate. Kilbride:  Getting Fatima cool DoD access.

What not so important things did we learn about: Callen:  Working on a Russian case. Sam:  Looking at his future. Kensi:    Wanting some romance. Deeks:   Mr. Romance. Fatima:  Not happy Kilbride was messing up Hetty’s office. Rountree:  Obsessed with the future. Kilbride:  Looking for a possible replacement.

Where in the world is Henrietta Lange?  Don’t know but she’s planning Sam’s future.

Who's down with OTP:   Kensi and Deeks are trying to navigate being both parents and a couple in love.

Who's down with BrOTP:  Sam and Rountree were more mentor and mentee than pals.

Fashion review:   Sam wears a chocolate brown pullover sweater.  Kensi is jogging in a black zip-up fleece jacket, a red athletic bra and red running tights.  While working, Kensi has on a white and grey striped sweater.  Deeks is jogging in a medium grey longs-sleeve tee and light grey joggers. In the office, Deeks is wearing a medium blue light-weight hoodie over a white undershirt.  Fatima wears a white turtleneck under a short black sweater.  Rountree wears a black jacket over a medium grey sweater.  Kilbride wears his ‘uniform’ – blue three-piece suit, light blue dress shirt, blue tied with red stripes.

Music:   “WOJ” by EverythingOShauN is playing in the lab to start the episode.  “Feels” by Nina-Symone plays as Kensi and Deeks leave the office.

Any notable cut scene:  For the second straight episode!  And there are two!

Number one has Sam and Rountree entering the lab building.  Rountree is still discussing real estate – thinking of buying a multi-unit home.  He’d live in one unit, Jordyn would live in another and he would rent out the third unit to cover expenses.  Sam gives Rountree a non-committal “not a bad idea”.  When Rountree says interest rates are high, Sam agrees but with little spirit.

Number two is after the kidnapping with Dr. Winchester is in the back of an ambulance getting some oxygen.  She asks about Dr. Howard, who is in ICU but is expected to live.  Dr. Winchester tells Sam that Dr. Howard’s work will save the world.  Sam things the world needs all the help it can get.  When the ambulance drives away, Sam sees Rountree looking at a lovely home.  Sam teases Rountree about having it all planned – nice house, a dog.  Rountree likes the idea of a dog.  Sam tells Rountree that things work out when a plan comes to fruition.   Rountree is waiting for a “jewel of wisdom” from Sam.   Sam tells Rountree to “pivot” – be prepared to pivot.  Rountree will thank Sam in ten years, according to Sam. 

That “pivot” scene should have stayed – it works beautifully with Sam’s conversation with Kilbride at the end of the episode.

Quote:  Kilbride:  “Henrietta evidently knew this office needed me and probably thought I needed it, too.  Now, you don't open that envelope till you're sure you want to take this job.” Sam:  “You know, in the past I would have given you a flat-out no.  But my life has evolved into something that I barely even recognize.  I think it's time for me to reevaluate where I want to go, how I want to get there.” Kilbride:  “You mean setting goals.” Sam:  “Ah, I wouldn't call it that.  More like conscientious objectives.” Kilbride:  “Tomato, to-mah-to.  But let me know what you decide as soon as you can.  I want to be able to leave at a moment's notice and somebody has to do this godforsaken job.” Sam:  “Well, you make it sound so fun, Admiral.”

Anything else:  In a lab, a scientist is examining an insect under a microscope.  “WOJ” by EverythingOShauN is playing and the doctor is signing/rapping along.  His phone beeps.  Putting away his bug by covering the petri dish, the scientist picks up his things to leave, forgetting his car keys.  Walking to the lab’s door, he passes a wall of small caged creatures – bugs, reptiles, animals.  The scientist speaks to his charges before singing his way out of the office.  He turns off the lights and is gone.

As soon as the scientist leaves, a person wearing black and a ski mask enters the lab through a side door. 

The scientist gets about halfway down the hall when he realizes he doesn’t have his keys.  Returning to the lab, he sees the masked person and confronts the intruder.  The two struggle, knocking over some petri dishes, including the one with the insect the scientist was studying.  After the scientist is knocked to the ground, the intruder pulls out a knife and stabs the scientist several times. 

Kensi and Deeks are out for a run.  Rosa is going to be carpooling to school with a classmate’s mother driving them on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Deeks wants a full investigation into the mom, making sure her driving record is clean.  For Kensi, carpooling would give Kensi and Deeks a chance to have a little time for themselves in the morning – they could go jogging.  Deeks is not happy – he loves listening to podcasts with Rosa as they go to school, introducing Rosa to 70’s rock songs is the highlight of his day.  Deeks will have that on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but Tuesdays and Thursdays, Rosa would carpool.  Deeks thinks Tuesdays and Thursday will suck until Kensi points out that he saying spending time with her would suck.  

Deeks explains that they already spend a lot of time together – they both live together and work together like superheroes.  Kensi doesn’t think they are superheroes.  Kensi wants some romance.  Deeks doesn’t – who needs romance when you’re married.  Kensi is offended.  Digging a hole, Deeks explains that romance is based on lies – wearing clothes you’d never wear, wearing perfume that masks a person’s true smell and well, bouquets of flowers are just dead flowers that were murdered for romance.   Kensi is sad – she’s not going through life on autopilot, going through the motions.  Deeks comes around – they could go to a taco truck they like, maybe a wine bar and a movie.  Kensi calls it a date and Deeks doesn’t.

In the office driveway, Sam is talking to his father about dinner – Korean barbeque and Japanese food.  Raymond doesn’t see much of a difference.   Sam cuts the call short when the Admiral walks up.  Sam actually invites the Admiral to join him and Raymond at Benihana – the Admiral will think about it.  He has other business with Sam.  Callen is working with the San Diego office in a Russian smuggling case.  Sam saw the memo about Callen working in San Diego.  The Admiral is worried – Callen is taking on a lot with the case, the wedding, Pembrook, the whole Katya business.  Callen as a lot of plates spinning in the air.  Sam is sure Callen can take of all that’s on his plate. 

The Admiral’s concern is less about what’s going on now but what will be going on when the Admiral is unavailable to lead.  Kilbride wants Sam as the acting supervisor of OSP.  Sam wants no part of that - he’s a field agent.  Kilbride is worried that some outsider may take over the office – “some blue-flame outsider” – and Callen would have a hard time with that.  Sam as the leader would work better for Callen.  Sam is now unsure so the Admiral gives him some time to figure out what’s best for the team.  Sam sighs – he knows the Admiral did that on purpose.

In the firing range, Fatima and Rountree are shooting.  Both did quite well looking based on the paper targets.  Rountree asks Fatima how often she thinks about the future.  She tries to stay present.  Rountree is the opposite – he’s is obsessed.  Fatima mentions doomsday prepping and Rountree already has his “end of the world kit”.  He is visualizing his future.  Fatima is a fan of visualization boards but that’s not Rountree’s style.  He wants to have a ten-year plan, especially since the denim brand he invested in is beginning to show a profit.  If there is a year’s worth of profit, he’d buy a home in Los Angeles and look for new investments – a good investment that could change the world.  Fatima asks if a special someone changed Rountree’s future plans.  A call to Ops saves Rountree from answering.

In Ops, Fatima tells Sam and Rountree about the scientist, a retired Navy reservist Commander Dr. Darryl Howard of Whitley University. Dr. Howard is a tenured professor of entomology at Whitley specializing in pesticides.  He is alive, barely, in a coma at Cedars.  LAPD is at the lab investigating what, if anything, has been stolen.  Dr. Howard works for the Navy’s office of special research so the Admiral is looking into what Howard was doing for them.  The bigger concern was a similar attack last year at Glenforest University.  Gallons of pesticides were stolen and used in a bombing attack at a local city council office.  Six people were hurt in the bombing.  An extreme anti-government movement – the Patriot Mission Society – is believed to be behind the attack. 

Video cameras outside of the Whitley lab show a figure walking out with a duffle bag.  Sam doesn’t think the duffel bag would not carry the gallons of pesticides needed to cause a substantial explosion.  Fatima disagrees – Dr. Howard had access to chemicals – severely restricted use chemicals - that a normal person could not get at a home improvement store.  Some of these chemical as so powerful that it wouldn’t take much to cause a lot of damage.  Asking about Dr. Howard’s family, he has an ex, Layla Lewis.  Castor is going to pick her up and bring her to the boat shed.  Sam wants Kensi and Deeks to interview Lewis.  While Sam and Rountree go to the crime scene, Fatima is going to investigate the Patriot Mission Society to see if they are planning another bombing.

The lab is a mess – so much so that Sam says “wow” when he sees it.  The hard drive from Dr. Howard’s computer is missing.  While everything has been ransacked, the animals/reptiles/bugs in their cages are untouched but one cage is missing.  Sam thinks maybe the whole crime scene was set up to cover up the theft of the cage and its contents.  They need to speak to someone who knows about the lab.

Castor introduces Leyla Lewis to Kensi and Deeks in the boat shed.  Moving her to the couch, Kensi asks about Lewis’s relationship with Dr. Howard.  They were a couple for about 20-years but Dr. Howard only cares about his work.  They’ve been separated for five years.  She calls him a lovely man, a genius but he wants to change the world with his insects.  When Deeks asks how, Lewis explains that people need to understand what is happening to the earth, insects and animals with certain chemicals being used.  Dr. Howard is driven by the science and learning, not money.  Lewis admires him – just can’t live with him.  It’s hard when all the person you love wants to talk about is work.  Kensi couldn’t agree more. 

Lewis is so sorry about what happened to Dr. Howard but it all makes sense now.  Dr. Howard said he thought people were hacking his e-mail, hacking his phone, making threats against him.  Lewis thought he needed to see someone over his paranoia, especially when Dr. Howard started cancelling some of his speaking engagements.  At a speech, he thought someone in the audience was following him from lecture to lecture.  Lewis is crushed – she didn’t believe him.  And Dr. Howard certainly didn’t deserve this, he’s a kind soul.

At the lab, Sam has Dr. Howard’s assistant, a young grad student named Arjun Sethi, reviewing the checklist of Dr. Howard’s lab creatures.  Rountree asks who would steal the hard drive but Sethi has no idea.  There should be four moth cages but one seems to be missing.  When Sam isn’t happy with the Sethi’s surprise, Sethi explains he’s been out of town for two weeks.  Maybe the moths were moved.  Reviewing the pesticides, some are missing.  Why would someone steal the moths, hard drive and pesticides?  Dr. Howard is studying the negative effects pesticides have on soil, insects, reptiles and humans.  His research, which was disseminated widely, may lead to enemies in the big agriculture pesticide business.  Sam wants a list of all the pesticides Dr. Howard was researching so they can crosscheck them with the ones missing. 

Watching Kilbride go through the drawers in Hetty’s office, Fatima offers to help since she organized the place for Hetty.  The Admiral is not interested.  Fatima asks if she could ask what he’s looking for.  She could, according to the Admiral but that won’t guarantee a response.  He wants to know about the Patriot Mission Society.  Five are in prison, one died and the seventh member is in ICU after a bar fight.  Kilbride wants Fatima to check other local terrorist organizations as he continues to look through Hetty’s file cabinets.  Fatima tries again to help but Kilbride slams a file drawer closed to chase her away. 

In the boat shed, Kensi has info about Dr. Howard’s security at the five conferences where he spoke this year.  All five had incident reports with the last having a heckler removed from this audience.  The heckler, a woman in her 30’s, had no ID.  She was released without providing a name to security.  Deeks gets Fatima on the plasma screen looking for the heckler at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach. 

After Fatima is off the screen, Deeks recalls he and Kensi saw The Queen Experience at the venue.  They had fun.  Deeks agrees but now they have couples fun, married fun like Costco for the little samples, family dinners, carpools – family fun.  Kensi asks if Deeks remembered what Layla Lewis said - Deeks remembers the bugs and saving the world.  No, Kensi said it was easy to lose touch with each other dealing with the daily grind.  Deeks tells Kensi that she is the most important person to him in the world.  But the two of them only have 377 left.  Kensi is confused – 377 what?  377 days until Rosa graduates high school and goes into the world as an adult.  It flies by.  Kensi loves that Deeks loves being a family man.  But she doesn’t want to lose touch with the two of them “being us.”  Deeks understands.

Sam and Rountree meet Sethi in the lab’s hallway as it looks like Sethi is leaving.  Sethi provided a list of pesticides Dr. Howard was working on along with Dr. Howard’s ranking of the pesticides for their strength and damage they cause.  Based on the way the intruder left the building, it has to be someone familiar with the lab.  Security provided a list of all the ID holders in the building but Sam wonders if there is another way to get into the lab.  Visitors can sign in at the front desk.  Sethi is free to go.

Sam and Rountree figure that it is possible the moths and pesticides may have been stolen by someone who doesn’t want Dr. Howard to go public with what happens with the pesticides.  Fatima comes over comms.  While Dr. Howard was studying nine different pesticides, there were two that he was particularly critical of – matrazine and nitrithazine.  They are highly toxic to the point that they change the cell structure of lizards.  And if these chemicals can change cell structures of lizards, they might to the same to humans.  Allurum Tech and GenBioSys make the two chemicals.  When Dr. Howard went public with his research three-months ago, both companies took significant financial hits.  That may be motive.

In the Admiral’s office, he is putting something into a 5X8 envelope.  Fatima arrives with news of the woman causing a scene at Dr. Howard’s speeches.  Natasha Graham is a public relations manager for GenBioSys.  Fatima has a video of Graham but warns the Admiral that it was made by a college student and has a made by college student feel.  The video is of Graham being dragged out of the lecture with all sorts of special effects, video looping and music.  “People have entirely too much time on their hands,” Kilbride grouses.  GenBioSys has been trying to discredit Dr. Howard and his research.  That has the Admiral wondering how far the company would go to protect the product.  Kensi and Deeks are going to the company to find out.

In a greenhouse, a woman is leading a tour featuring the good GenBioSys does with their pesticides.  Kensi and Deeks join the tour late, posing as tourists from San Luis Obispo.  He snarks about her complaints that they never go anywhere.  They are being shown the way GenBioSys grows lettuce.  While the group looks at the lettuce, the tour guide asks Kensi and Deeks “Strawberries or wine?”  Deeks thinks the lettuce is plenty.  She wanted to know what they grew, strawberries or wine.  Maybe garlic.  They are wine growers – the Smithingtons.  They have Smithington Wineries.  The tour guide asks some specific wine questions and Kensi and Deeks provide different answers.  The tour guide dreams of owning a vineyard and Deeks agrees – it is so romantic. 

Kensi spies Natasha Graham and while Deeks looks like a bunny with lettuce, they walk over to talk to Graham.  Kensi confirms it is Natasha Graham while Deeks asks for kale that doesn’t taste like kale.  Oh, can I get some of that?  Kale ruins everything.  Back to the show, Kensi asks about Dr. Howard.  Kensi flashes her badge, Deeks flashes the video of Graham being dragged from the lecture.

At the lab’s front desk, Sam tells Rountree that if someone signed in with bad intentions, they’d use a fake name (isn’t that Day One lessons at FBI school?  Pay attention Tess).  Dr. Howard had one guest sign in but over five nights in a row – Dr. Claire Winchester from Braddock University.  That would be too risky for Natasha Graham to be going in five nights in a row.  Rountree asks Fatima to check out Dr. Winchester.  Maybe she knew what trouble he was in.

Natasha Graham denies she is the woman in the video.  Kensi accuses Graham and GenBioSys of going after Dr. Howard by breaking into the lab, stabbing him and stealing his research.  Graham is stunned.  She only went to one of his talks and only spoke to him once, the day before the attack.  The pesticide that GenBioSys is very important to her, to the company.  Kensi asks if Graham knew Dr. Howard – she didn’t.  Dr. Howard was hired by GenBioSys to study the pesticide before its release.  When he panned the product, the company went to smear him and release the product anyway. 

Matrazine was Graham’s first big product launch.  And the company believes it is safe.  So did Dr. Howard at first.  But Graham was tipped off that Dr. Howard was also working for a competitor.  When he was confronted about working for a competitor, Dr. Howard thought matrazine “would poison the Midwest and babies would grow two heads.”  While she tried to discredit Dr. Howard, she wouldn’t hurt him.  Asked for an alibi, Graham was on a terrible Tinder date at Del Frisco’s (I love Del Frisco’s – pay attention Tess).  The waiter Rodney saved her from a terrible date.  Graham returns to work.

Walking in a residential neighborhood, Rountree picks up a flyer for a house for sale.  The neighborhood is great and close to the office.  Sam notes the homes in the area go for $1-million to start.   Rountree may be looking for a home closer to Texas.  Walking onto Dr. Winchester’s property, Sam mentions her office said she was working from home and there are cars in the driveway.  Her front door, however, is ajar. 

Calling into the house, Sam and Rountree go in with their weapons drawn.  A man shoves Rountree through Dr. Winchester’s dining room table.  The man runs out a back door with a laptop.  Dr. Winchester is being shoved into the back of an SUV in an alleyway behind the house.  Shots are exchanged with Sam hitting the man who pushed Rountree through the table.  The injured man tries to make his way to the SUV but the vehicle races out of the alleyway.  He keeps running until he hits the streets, when a vehicle runs over the injured man.

As the coroner’s office takes away the dead guy, Sam tells Rountree that Fatima has a BOLO out on the SUV and Kaleidoscope is looking for the vehicle.  None of the neighbors have security cameras that face the alleyway.  With Dr. Winchester spending so much time with Dr. Howard, Sam knows something is up with the three armed men who were sent to kidnap her.  Rountree thinks it is because she and Dr. Howard were working together.  Sam disagrees – Dr. Howard didn’t have what they want so they’re trying to get it with Dr. Winchester.  Sam is going to search the house, Rountree is going to check with the neighbors.

In Ops, Fatima tells Kilbride that she hasn’t been able to track the SUV.  The Admiral has his own bad news.  Telling Fatima to pull up the DoD database, something she never had access to until the Admiral got her, there is a file on Dr. Claire Winchester.  She is a DoD civilian contractor.  Her work at Braddock University is a DoD project and it is in conjunction with Dr. Howard’s work.  The DoD is sending a technical specialist to the boat shed to work with Kensi and Deeks.

Fatima’s tablet beeps – the dead man has been ID’d.  He’s Zhang Chin, a Chinese citizen and a legal U.S. resident.  The Admiral notes that is an odd mix.  Chin has an old student visa – he attended Whitley University but never graduated.  Checking who sponsored the visa, it is New Origin Talent, a Chinese recruitment agency.  The Admiral is familiar with New Origin Talent – they help China steal intellectual property and work in espionage.  Dr. Howard and now Dr. Winchester must have been targets for whatever they were working on.  Kilbride wants an address from Chin – maybe they can trace where the kidnappers took Dr. Winchester.

At the house, Sam is looking around when Rountree returns.  Neither found anything that will help rescue Dr. Winchester.  One neighbor saw a vehicle with dark tinted windows parked on the street for a few days.  Sam thinks by grabbing Dr. Winchester and the laptop, the kidnappers got what they came for.  Sam sees an Apple Watch charger – Fatima can ping the watch’s location.  He’s worried that once the kidnappers get what they need from Dr. Winchester, they may kill her.

Once again, Castor brings Kensi and Deeks a visitor, this time DoD Chief Technology Officer Tom Fields.  While Dr. Winchester’s kidnapping is troubling, Fields is really worried about the theft of the moths.  The moths are more important.   Funded by the DoD, Drs. Howard and Winchester were working to create moths that would take out agricultural pests.  The moths carried viruses that would end the need for pesticides.  A good thing, according to Deeks.  It is a good thing, Fields explains until “malicious actors” use the moths to spread viruses that could kill crops – devastating harvests.  Dr. Winchester was kidnapped to recreate more moths.

Fields explains that insects are hard to control.  Once released, they’ll reproduce.  If the moths carry a virus that would damage harvests, half the food supply for the US could be gone in six months.  Asked how the Chinese government would even know about the moths, Fields doesn’t know.  Dr. Howard’s lab had top security clearance with his lab assistant managing projects, materials and data.  Deeks points out that the assistant didn’t know what the moths were for when questioned.  Impossible, according to Fields.  Dr. Howard worked closely with his assistant, “he trusts Arjun.” 

As the Admiral arrives in Ops, Fatima is going through Arjun Sethi’s e-mails.  Nothing really jumps out.  Getting everyone on comms or the phone, Kensi thinks that if Dr. Howard was as paranoid as he ex believed, maybe he never told Sethi about the moths.  Sam and Rountree disagree – Sethi was supposed to know the lab inside and out.  Even if he didn’t know exactly what the moths were being used for, he’d know that it was a classified DoD project. 

A beep on Fatima’s tablet signifies that Sethi’s bank records are in.  Not much money in the account but there was a crypto transfer of $5,000.  Looking at the crypto account, there is $30,000, mostly coming from a company called Flow Genis.  Fatima sees that Dr. Howard had a special company for his speaking engagements, maybe Sethi has a similar set-up.  Checking, Flow Genis has been getting money from New Origin Talent.  Sam and Rountree are sent to find Sethi.

Racing out of the lab, Sethi is taking a back staircase, panting as he runs down the stairs.  Sam is on the landing below Sethi, Rountree on the landing above.  He’s caught.

In interrogation, Sam explains to Sethi that they know he lied to NCIS about the pesticides and the missing moths.  He can help himself by helping them find Dr. Winchester.  Sethi has no idea where she is.  “This was not part of the plan.”  Rountree wants to know what is the plan.  Sethi was paid to give “first looks” at Dr. Howard’s research.  Explaining that Dr. Howard wouldn’t cooperate after Sethi tried to recruit him, Sethi tried to sell New Origin Talent offering a big grant to the lab.  When Sam suggests Sethi set Dr. Howard up, Sethi assures them he did not.  Sethi was sure he could convince Dr. Howard there was no harm in taking the money. 

Sam tells Sethi he is in violation of the Patriot Act and his actions could be seen as treason.  Asking one more time, Sam wants to know where Dr. Winchester is.  Sethi knows about a lab in Shanghai.  She could be on her way there.

Outside of interrogation, Sam and Rountree go the new boat shed armory.  Fatima has intermittent tracking data from Dr. Winchester’s watch.  It is near one of three airports on the Westside.  She sees that New Origins Talent has a private jet at Santa Monica Airport – the watch beeps leaving the 10.  Kensi and Deeks join Sam and Rountree.

With the SUV showing up on Kaleidoscope, Fatima tries to guide the Sam/Rountree and Kensi/Deeks to Dr. Winchester.  Sam and Rountree cut them off but they are able to go in reverse to try to leave a street.  Afraid to fire into the SUV and hit Dr. Winchester, Sam asks Fatima if she can switch off the SUV’s engine through vehicle security services.  

Kensi and Deeks are able to cut off the SUV before it leaves the street.  As the SUV barrels toward Sam and Rountree, Fatima is able to get the engine cut.   Sam and Rountree get the bad guys out of the front of the SUV, Kensi rescues Dr. Winchester in the back of the SUV.  Deeks finds the moths. 

Returning to the office, Kensi finds a lovely floral arrangement on her desk.  “You murdered flowers just for me,” she says to Deeks.  Deeks said the flowers were already dead – no blood on his hands.  Calling himself Mr. Romance, Deeks asks Kensi out on a date.  Pulling something out of his back right pocket, there is a grade school way to ask if Kensi would be his girlfriend.  In his back left pocket is tickets to see Gregory Alan Isakov at the Terrace Theater.  Kensi is thrilled.  Knowing they have so much on their plate, Deeks doesn’t want to lose what got them to where they are now.  Though Deeks wouldn’t mind seeing Kensi in her torn up Levi’s – “a big part of our thing.”  That’s why she wore them on every single date.  Deeks thinks it feels like 10-years ago, he doesn’t want to lose their spark, lose “us” or lose Kensi.  Kensi thinks Deeks could see a whole lot more of her.  Deeks is going to call his mother to stay with Rosa – he and Kensi are going to have a standing date night.  The two leave.

Kilbride finds Sam as he’s leaving. Dr. Winchester is out of the hospital.  She’s banged up but OK.  The DoD is happy with NCIS’s work and the moths are accounted for.   Sam says in all his years as an agent, moth recovery was a first.  Kilbride admits that what he loves about working with NCIS is that he does something new almost every day.  Sam starts to talk about Kilbride’s job offer.  Before he can say much, Kilbride hands Sam the envelope he was working on earlier.  It was what he was given when he took over the job.  He thought Hetty sent it but couldn’t prove it.  Kilbride wasn’t thrilled with the idea of working with “a bunch of misfits” but Hetty knew the office needed him and that he needed the office.  Handing Sam the envelope, Kilbride doesn’t want Sam to open it until he’s sure he is going to take the job.  Admitting that in the past he’d have been an automatic no, Sam admits his life has changed “into something that I barely even recognize.”  He’s reevaluating – setting “conscientious objectives”.  Sam will give the Admiral an answer soon.  Kilbride wants one in case he has to “leave this godforsaken job” for some reason.  Besides, the Admiral tells Sam, “it is never too late to explore other pathways.”  He learned that from his son, proving “you can teach old dogs new tricks.”

Sam gets into his car and starts to open the envelope.  Thinking better of it, he says “You haven’t gotten me yet, Hetty.”

What head canon can be formed from here:   According to the internet, “Sensu Lato” means "In the broad sense".

This was an incredibly talky episode.  The basics were interesting but my attention kept floating away and that’s not usually a problem I have.

Callen’s absence was one of the best explained ones in a while.  Of course the San Diego office would want Callen for a Russian arms dealer case.

If Dr. Howard thought someone was after him, wouldn’t he be more careful about his exit from the lab.  He’s there late, it is dark, he leaves without his keys or anyone from campus security.  Back when I was in college, if a student didn’t feel safe leaving, security would walk them to their car or to the bus stop.  A fancy entomologist would get security if he asked, military background or not.

Sam’s future was interesting.  I think his lack of interest in Rountree’s real estate dreams in the cut scene was Sam weighing being a field agent with someone young like Rountree and maybe being the Rountree’s boss down the road.

The Kensi and Deeks scenes were great.  While I think Kensi is 100% right, it is admirable how much Deeks wants to be a great father – especially considering his past.

An average episode – the guts of the episode could have worked in any season – with a lot of talking.

Episode number:   This is episode 18 of season 14, the 320th episode of 323.  Winding down here.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (August 8)

On August 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Dominic Guzman, who helped the cause of orthodoxy in the medieval Church by founding the Order of Preachers, also known as Dominicans.

“This great saint reminds us that in the heart of the Church, a missionary fire must always burn,” Pope Benedict XVI said in a February 2010 General Audience talk on the life of St. Dominic.

In his life, the Pope said, “the search for God's glory and the salvation of souls went hand in hand.”

Born on 8 August 1170 in Caleruega, Spain, Dominic was the son of Felix Guzman and Joanna of Aza, members of the nobility.

His mother would eventually be beatified by the Church, as would his brother Manes who became a Dominican.

The family's oldest son Antonio also became a priest.

Dominic received his early education from his uncle, who was a priest, before entering the University of Palencia where he studied for ten years.

In one notable incident from this period, he sold his entire collection of rare books to provide for the relief of the poor in the city.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Dominic was asked by Bishop Diego of Osma to participate in local church reforms.

He spent nine years in Osma, pursuing a life of intense prayer, before being called to accompany the bishop on a piece of business for King Alfonso IX of Castile in 1203.

While traveling in France with the bishop, Dominic observed the bad effects of the Albigensian heresy, which had taken hold in southern France during the preceding century.

The sect revived an earlier heresy, Manicheanism, which condemned the material world as an evil realm not created by God.

Dreading the spread of heresy, Dominic began to think about founding a religious order to promote the truth.

In 1204, he and Bishop Diego were sent by Pope Innocent III to assist in the effort against the Albigensians, which eventually involved both military force and theological persuasion.

In France, Dominic engaged in doctrinal debates and set up a convent whose rule would eventually become a template for the life of female Dominicans.

He continued his preaching mission from 1208 to 1215, during the intensification of the military effort against the Albigensians.

In 1214, Dominic's extreme physical asceticism caused him to fall into a coma, during which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to him and instructed him to promote the prayer of the Rosary.

Its focus on the incarnation and life of Christ directly countered the Albigensian attitude towards matter as evil.

During that same year, Dominic returned to Tolouse and obtained the bishop's approval of his plan for an order dedicated to preaching.

He and a group of followers gained local recognition as a religious congregation, and Dominic accompanied Tolouse's bishop to Rome for an ecumenical council in 1215.

The council stressed the Church's need for better preaching but also set up a barrier to the institution of new religious orders.

Dominic, however, obtained papal approval for his plan in 1216 and was named as the Pope's chief theologian.

The Order of Preachers expanded in Europe with papal help in 1218.

The founder spent the last several years of his life building up the order and continuing his preaching missions, during which he is said to have converted some 100,000 people.

After several weeks of illness, Dominic died in Italy on 6 August 1221.

He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 13 July 1234.

He is the patron saint of astronomers and natural scientists.

He and his order are traditionally credited with spreading and popularizing the rosary.

The country Dominican Republic and its capital Santo Domingo are named after Saint Dominic.

[nightskyfangirl]

In The Dust that as a City - Umbrella Academy Fanfiction - Chapter Two?

Summary: What if Five didn't time travel to the apocalypse, but Diego did?

Characters: Diego Hargreeves, The Handler

A/N: I'm reposting my old fanfictions since AO3 is down. Hope you enjoy! :D

Diego watched as Five and Luther disappeared behind the machine. It seemed to have its own gravity, pulling everything around it into its gaping, blue mouth. “Back up,” Diego ordered. He put his arms out in front of the others, keeping himself between them and the... Diego didn’t know what to call the machine. Luther had called a wormhole, but he didn’t want to use the same term. Besides, if Luther came up with it, it was probably wrong. Five looked around the machine and yelled for them to back up. No shit, Sherlock. Diego started to take another step back anyway, when movement caught his attention. A tall person in a bulletproof vest walked towards Luther and Five, a pistol in hand. The scientist had warned them that people wanted his machine, but Diego hadn’t thought they would get here so fast. It’d only been in meltdown a few minutes. The woman with the gun yelled something at Five and Luther but there wasn’t any way they’d hear her; not over the machine. Diego sprang forward. Two knives instantly in his hands, then gone just a quickly. They flipped, end over end, until they found their target in the woman’s chest. She fell back, dropping her gun. Diego glanced over to Luther and Five. A long tube from the machine was in Luther’s hand. It didn’t take him long to break it, did it? They both stared at Diego, wide eyed. Five was yelling at him, but Diego couldn’t hear anything over the machine’s hum. He just saved Number One. Dad would notice that. He’d have to rethink their numbers. He’d make Diego the leader. “Diego!” Klaus yelled. Diego looked over his shoulder. He was a lot further from them than he thought. Oh. Diego looked to the machine. It was glowing, getting brighter and brighter. It looked like it was about to explode. Shit. Diego turned and ran back toward Allison, Klaus and Ben. “Run!” Diego yelled. He didn’t know what Luther and Five had done, but the entire machine was going to blow. Ben was the first of the trio to get the memo. He grabbed Allison and Klaus by their jackets, pulling them to the exit. Diego felt the knives leaving his holsters and flying towards the blue worm– No. He would not call it a wormhole. He ran faster. Ben stopped when he reached the door and yelled for Diego to hurry. Couldn’t he see Diego already was? Ben gaze flickered over Diego’s shoulder and paled. The machine made an otherworldly screech and Diego felt it tug against him.His feet left the ground and the blue surrounded him.

The air was knocked from his lungs when he hit the ground. Diego coughed, sending dust everywhere. Dust? He jumped to his feet. “Guys?” Diego asked. He didn’t see them anywhere, but that didn’t make sense. They were just there. The warehouse was gone too. The machine, the building, his siblings, everything. Everything was gone. His foot bumped something metal and he glanced down. His knives laid scattered at his feet. Diego picked them up and put them back where they belonged. “Guys?!” He called again. No one responded. Sand, ash and fire covered everything. Death covered everything. A spot of green caught his eye. Diego walked over to it, recognizing what it was before he got close. The green street sign read, Lamp Rd. He frowned. Lamp Rd. That was right down from the Academy. A quick spin helped him identify his surroundings. The collapsed buildings around him – they were just down the road from home. Diego turned on his heel and broke out in a run. He ran up piles of rubble and across roofs of cars. Soon he stopped in where the Academy should have been. The brick had crumbled along with everything else. Diego shook his head. It didn’t make sense! He’d just been in there. It’d been okay. Everything had been okay. Then that stupid machine. He stumbled over the fallen pieces of concrete, walking into the remains of the building. He wished Dad could see it. See what the Academy came to. But mostly, Diego didn’t want to be seeing it alone. “Mom?” Diego yelled. She could survive this, couldn’t she? She could survive everything. She was the strongest person he knew; if she couldn’t survive this no one could. “Mom?” Diego foot hit something soft and he looked down. It was a hand and it was holding an eye. Diego almost stumbled back. The eye was covered in blood. Diego looked away before he puked. He closed his eyes, centering himself. It didn’t matter. There was only so many breathing exercises he could do. He was in the remains of the Academy. His home. And all he could find was some dude holding an eye? After a moment he looked back at the man and carefully avoiding looking at the eye. Seriously, who dies holding an eye? Diego’s question was quickly answered. Giants. The man was huge. His shoulders were three times as wide as Diego – but then that wasn’t saying much – and most of his body was crushed under what looked like a fallen piece of the ceiling. Diego swallowed. The man was long dead. Diego stepped away from him and noticed someone else a short distance away. The next man was face down and considerably smaller than the giant. He wore a dark suit and blood had dried on his face. A girl was next, followed by a man in a long coat. Diego tilted his head. The man had ‘Goodbye’ tattooed across his hand in bold letters. Diego frowned. Klaus always talked about getting one like that— Another tattoo caught his attention. A tattoo of an umbrella wrapped in a black circle. Diego couldn’t breathe. The mans hair looked like Klaus – same curly hair, same thin frame, same horrible fashion taste. Diego couldn’t remember falling, but he was on his knees. He couldn’t think, he couldn’t breathe. If they were dead, so was he, cause he couldn’t feel his heart beating anymore. His hands shook and his ears were ringing. It didn’t make sense; it didn’t make sense. “Hello, Diego.” Diego spun, two knives already in hand. Everything was blurry and he blinked to clear it. “Oh!” She laughed. The sound was so wrong. How could she laugh?

“No need for those. Not against me anyway.” The woman lifted a black veil from her face. She looked dressed for a funeral and had cigarette in her hand. Diego wrinkled his nose. He hated the stench of cigarette smoke. “Who are you?” Diego demanded, surprised when his voice didn’t shake. “Where is my family?” He kept his knives ready to throw. “I am the Handler,” she said, taking a puff from her cigarette. She cast a look around. “And it seems you’ve already found them.” Diego’s heart plummeted. “What? No. Y-You’re wrong. These—” “I don’t think I am.” He didn’t know who this Handler was, but he already hated her. She glanced at the bodies Diego had already checked. She pointed to each of them in turn. “Luther, Five, Allison, Klaus.” Diego shook his head. “No. This isn’t them. My siblings are thirteen—” “Your siblings were thirteen. It’s 2019, Diego. Year of the apocalypse.” She said the word apocalypse with a smile. “It-it’s 2002.” “Where you came from, perhaps, but not here.  That scientist created quite the machine. But time travel—” She tilted her head, giving Diego a pitying look he could tell was fake “—it never goes right.” She took another drag of her cigarette and extended her hand to Diego. “You wanna get out of here?"

--

Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment if you enjoyed :D

[letshaveadepressionparty]

Gus Gus!! I can't remember if I asked you this or if we've discussed it but I'd love to know or re-learn it again lol.

What's your favorite movie and why? It can be any medium, live action or animated! *but bonus points if it's animated jk hehe...maybe lol*

I'll do you one better, I'll tell you all of my favourite animated movies because honestly I can't pick only one AND SORRY I TOOK TOO LONG TO ANSWER I went completely nuts with this btw.

The Tigger Movie

This movie, this fucking movie, because of this movie and Winnie Pooh in general I love the found family trope. That need of Tigger to find his family, all the others jumping in to help him and then trying to cheer him up, and then him realizing that his family has been there right in front of him all this time, his relationships with Roo and Rabbit mean everything to me, the acting and animation YOU COULD FEEL TIGGER'S SORROW, Tigger is my favourite character and this movie fucked me up emotionally and I love it so much.

Lilo and Stitch

OHANA MEANS FAMILY. FAMILY MEANS NOBODY GETS LEFT BEHIND OR FORGOTTEN. It has aliens, complex but loving family dynamics (with found famiy mixed into it), great fucking music (I knew all the dances) and it's beautiful. I've watched every single bit of media related to Lilo and Stitch, every movie and the tv series, and I love it all, but the first movie is so very special to me. The movie kinda grew up with me in a way, because when I was younger I related a lot with Lilo, but then I started relating so much with Nani, mostly because I'm the oldest sibling. Also Jumba and Pleakley are married I will die on this hill.

The Iron Giant

He wanted to be like Superman and he WAS he really was. I haven't seen this movie in a while now, I should rewatch it, but the friendship the kid and the robot had is something beautiful, and just all the humanity and care and love he experienced, he showed all of that way more than most of the humans from that movie. IT'S ART.

Ice Age

The first one specifically, the second one is really cool too but the others are kinda meh to me. Anyway I had this movie on vhs and I watched it so so many times, I know most of the movie by heart. And hey we have a beautiful found damily dynamic yet again!!! How Manny, Sid and Diego's friendship and companionship evolves as the movie progresses is awesome, Sid is fucking hilarious, Manny is a mood, I had a bit of a crush on Diego I'll be honest, and you really feel for all of them. And Scrat is Scrat, an absolute delight to witness.

The Spongebob movie (the first one ever created)

Just like with Ice Age, I know basically all the dialogue all the songs, I would watch this again and again with my little brother (this time on cd) it never gets old man. No thoughts only SpongeBob.

Over the Hedge

I have the soundtrack for this movie in my playlist, enough said. THIS MOVIE IS EVERYTHING, AND AGAIN FOUND FUCKING FAMILY. I'm realising with this list that I like that trope more than I thought, idk what that says about me. Hammy is my favourite guy, he's my little guy he can do no wrong whatsoever. And Stella the skunk is the character ever we love her in this house.

Shrek (the whole fucking saga)

There's no need for explanation here. Might be one of the best animated movie saga out there let's be honest here. AGAIN I have seen these movies so many times I know everything about them but I still enjoy the absolute fuck out of them.

Aardman Animations

Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Flushed Away, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!...AMAZING FILMS ALL OF THEM. I know not ALL of them are stop motion/claymation, some are computer animated, but because of these movies (and Laika's of course) my love for this animation medium began, and I could not be more thankful for that.

Monster House

My love for horror increased 100% after this movie, it's funny, it's spooky, it gets sad as hell, it has a great plot twist???? What more do you need.

Laika

Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings are my favourites from Laika, but all their other movies are gems as well. Coraline, I don't know if I can completely express why I like it, it's a classic and it's so ingrained in myself after so many years, I can't not love it. Kubo and the Two Strings is a movie I watched much recently, last year I think, and I love it so much, the way it's animated is absolutely stunning it's a beautiful piece of art (much like all of Laika's work) and the story and characters are so lovely. Like I said before, seeing Laika's animations, seeing how much work and love is put into these films made me love stop motion so much and inspired me to become an animator.

Meet the Robinsons

THIS MOVIE MAKES ME SOB UNCONTROLLABLY. That part when Lewis sees his bio mom leave him at the orphanage???? The ending???? The message???? FUCK AHHHH. I'm a mess every time I watch this movie. Everything about it is, lovely oh so lovely, the characters we meet, the story, how we put the pieces of the puzzle together as the story goes, Goob kills me man (also he's literally me for real) I just, this movie means a lot to me. "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Reading that and hearing the ending song absolutely DESTROYS ME.

HONORARY MENTIONS (that everyone should check out btw)

Emperor's New Groove and Kronk's New Groove, Road to el Dorado, Treasure Planet, Monsters Inc, Ponyo (and every other Studio Ghibli movie), Song of the Sea (and all other movies made by Cartoon Saloon because they are top tier, absolutely incredible movies), Megamind, The Lego Batman Movie, Manuelita (argentinian animated movie), every fricking 90s/00s Scooby Doo animated movie, Chicken Little, Brother Bear (the first one, the second one is kinda meh to me personally), Sword in the Stone, Klaus, Bolt, Spiderman into/across the spider-verse movies, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs.

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

YOU!!!!! You want asks about your au? HELL YEAH, IM CURIOUS!

Can you tell us about your au’s turtles and the whole shredder thing? Or maybe april?

@gay-wizad-hehehe you guys can check this post about the turtles and Shredder too. Shredder is not the best father, that should already be known. He can get angry easily and his new form disgusts him, but something with the turtles/his sons makes Shredder's heart soft.

His relationship with his sons is pretty hard. He didn't want to train them first because he thought that he could protect them, but after another krang attack he didn't have any other option(he didn't know at first that they were the krang, just a bunch of scientist weirdos)

Shredder have to learn a lot about lizards, amphibious, and stuff, but it all paid off.

He is softer and more caring with Jaime as he is the youngest and the one with less training. With Tenoch he is more strict, as he is the oldest and the leader of the team, yet, Shredder spent a lot of time with him when Tenoch is building something.

With the twins Diego and Gael Shredder has the hardest time. Is literally the two siblings fighting and Shredder in the back sipping his tea waiting.

Miwa/Karai lives a semi-normal life, learning the teaching of her parents and the traditions of the Hamato clan, the last clan that is known to use magic. She has the ¨best life¨ of all the characters I have.

Here is a sketch with some of the girl's designs! April is bigger but that would be her height talking with humans, Yokais, and mutants.

Man, I have not only swapped AU stuff but also raised separate AU, mutated AU... and I don't know what else

As all of you can see, Irma is there. She is going to be the one to meet the turtles and replace April. Her best friend Sunita also hides some secrets but let's not spoil everything *I say this as a greet my teeth*

[tua-five]

Ok I'm rewatching the umbrella academy and it got me thinking. When Luther got the message that Reggie died, who sent it? What did it say? Was it pogo? How do you even word that? Your father died? Did it also tell him to come back? Was it from the news? Like an article? But it can't be, because Luther didn't know about Allison's divorce and how he got custody. And her being famous I'd imagine that that would cause at least one article. What else did he miss? Did Luther ever figure out what he was doing on the moon? Cause he very easily could have just hopped (get it, hopped. Tom HOPPER 😂 ok I get it not funny). He could have seen that easily. Did Reggie tell him that he was "guarding" a dead (?) Body? Or did Luther wanna fulfill his daddies needs and literally stayed living on the moon in his little house not getting out unless it was to throw away trash or watch the sunrise? Is his daddy issues that bad? What did Luther even do up there if he didn't know? Nothing? That seems kinda hard to do for 4 years if ya ask me. Oh and from where they all were they all just happened to show up to the house at the same time? I'd imagine from how much they all hated that place they would want to go far away. I mean, I get Klaus, he can't go anywhere cause all he spends his money on is drugs and Diego has his hero complex so he stays in the same town to "save" it. And [Viktor] I guess is too shy to get a job or move anywhere so [he] can't make enough money to move so [he] stays in his little apartment. But like, Allison and Luther? Like, with her being a movie star id imagine she was off somewhere else for a movie or smth. And that red carpet, I can't imagine it's in the same city. Unless it just so happens to be. But Luther? I'm no scientist on space but I'm pretty sure it doesn't take 5 minutes to get from the moon to the academy. Oh and where did he "blast off" into space? Was it from the academy? Was he at some secret place? The lab where pogo was "made"? That makes the most sense bc that is where pogo went to go to space a small monkey. Also, was Luther's "home" on the moon the spaceship he flew in on? Bc thats a weirdly shaped space ship..

On a side note, where did Klaus hide that gold inlayed box? Cause he pulled it from behind. But I can't imagine it was from his behind because the others would have noticed his behind a little more flat than normal 😂

Okay also on a side note, but did we ever actually find out what happened to Luther? How he came close to death? Cause at the moment I can't remember if that was exactly explained.

Anyhoo these were my thoughts that bounced off and came from other thoughts. Just thought I'd share them.

[writingintheshadowsforever]

The Angels Brought Me Back to My Loves Sneak Peek

"Can you run it back for me one more time?" You asked the young boy sitting across from you.

His name was Diego, and his loyalty to you was undying and unwavering. You don't remember doing anything to earn such devotion. But that was the problem, wasn't it. You didn't remember a single thing when you woke up from a six month coma.

Not your name.

Not your profession.

Not your powers, which seemed to be dormant since you awakened. Considering you haven't been unable to summon even a spark of electricity. No matter how many times Diego and the other kids tried to motivate you.

Not any friends, family, or significant others you might have.

You couldn't remember a single thing about your life, and the only information Diego could provide you with was. The brave and daring chronicles that began with you breaking into an evil scientist's base of operations to rescue them. And ended with you taking down their number one solider with the power to move the earth itself.

You were pretty sure he exaggerated certain parts of the story, but you never tired of hearing it. Hoping it would somehow help restore a memory or two. If you were lucky enough, all of your memories would come back.

He recounted the story again, breaking down every single detail. No matter how big or small, even throwing in little things he had forgotten about. Or just didn't think were that important watching you carefully. To see if any of it was doing any good and brought a memory out.

But nope, there was no surge of images flashing through your mind. Like you hoped for, you listened with intent, but nothing came back. It was pointless just like the last seven times.

You expected him to grow frustrated at some point with repeating the same tale over and over. He never did, though. Instead, Diego got to his feet to walk crouch down beside where your head was buried in your hands. He placed a comforting hand on your knee and said the same words over.

"Don't worry Avenger, we'll get there somehow or someway. I can feel it."

And there it was that one word that did seem to resonate with something. Deep buried inside of you, the key to bringing it all out. But as soon as you tried to grasp it. It vanished out of your reach.

Avenger the one word that meant everything to you. Whenever someone spoke it or referred to you with it. Your heart beat a little faster. It meant something. There was purpose behind the title, and it was the one thing that you focused on. You might not remember who you were and what your life was. But you were sure of one thing, and it was going to have to be enough for now.

You were an Avenger.

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