#but i wasn't in a position of power in band. one of my friends was band pres yeah but... she was afraid of rocking the boat

[utterlyotterlyx]

Sweet Creature

Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary - The bond snaps after a rather brutal breakup, and after witnessing you with another Vanserra, Azriel is trying to find a way to avoid being hurt once again.

Warnings - fluff, angst, pining, swearing, unrequited love, heartbreak, sad Az, happy ending (yay!)

Word count - 8.4k (oops)

Based on this ask

It had become so intense in the House of Wind that you had little to no choice in moving yourself to the River House. Between Nesta and Cassian's bustling sex life and the constant bickering arguments between Azriel and Elain, you decided that you needed some peace.

And fast.

Rhys had welcomed you at the door that day, his sort-of sister in arms surrounded by brown leather bags that he could almost envision you launching down the House of Wind steps just to escape as fast as possible. Flipping him off and smirking at his chuckle, you slipped around his form stood in the doorway and headed right to Nyx who was more than thrilled to see you, babbling incoherently and grabbing for you the moment you were in eyeshot.

"I take it that it's getting a bit loud over there?" Rhys turned to you, his shirt half unbuttoned and hands burrowed into his pockets. He was lucky. To have a mate and a child. To not have to live with the band of animals currently residing in the Night Court's most opulent residence.

"How am I supposed to get anything done wedged between that lot?" Nyx smiled at your cooing, lapping up all of your love and affection, "I'd much rather be here with my favourite prince."

Within minutes, your bags were taken upstairs by Rhys who was grumbling to himself about never being able to have any peace to which you blissfully quipped that you'd be out of his hair the moment he bought you a lavish apartment in the city. It wasn't as if he couldn't afford it after all.

Your position within the Inner Circle was irreplaceable. Not only were you Rhys' childhood best friend, the only one he could truly depend on before Cassian and Azriel flew into the picture, but you were also known as a witch. A powerful celestial being that had the capability to destroy and create as you saw fit with an affinity to sky and water magic.

The scales could have tilted in the wrong direction had you truly taken up Amarantha's offer to be her pet, the only reason you had confined yourself to that chamber Under The Mountain was to make sure that Rhys survived, and you played your part well, just as you always had.

A break was needed, the air in the House of Wind was almost suffocating, and no amount of your power was able to drown it. Elain was spending more time with Lucien, her mate, and Azriel was not happy about it considering that they were meant to be in a committed relationship. The barking insults and shouting had become too much to bare, so intense that your own power was itching for release in order to silence them for at least a couple of minutes.

"They're going to break up, aren't they?" Rhys certainly wouldn't be the first to tell Azriel I told you so, but he'd certainly be thinking it when the Shadowsinger would inevitably return to the River House just like you had to escape the nightmare of his life.

Humming softly, sadly, you looked up at Rhys, your godson in your arms resting his head on your chest, "I think so. Az hasn't been himself lately."

It was true, your friend had become a shell of himself, wallowing in self-loathing and doubt, and you cursed Elain eternally for turning him into such a thing. How anyone could hurt Azriel was beyond your scope of realisation, he was perfect in every way, devoted, kind, caring, and definitely a force to be reckoned with in the bedroom if your ears served you right.

Being attracted to Azriel was a natural bodily response, you had told yourself at least, it was difficult to not want to jump the bones of the illustrious Shadowsinger who kept a watchful eye on your every step. Like he was waiting for his moment to swoop in and save you.

But you had never needed saving, and you never would.

Elain and you had never really gotten along, it wasn't as though you hadn't tried to be friendly with the Made sister, she just couldn't stand to be around you. Maybe her own abilities clashed with yours, perhaps she was terrified of you. You couldn't blame her, the idea of you was one that stalked travellers and gifted nightmares to the young.

A celestial witch. In the flesh.

Anyone who knew you well enough would be able to dispel any wrongful intent, but Elain was not one of those people.

"I did warn him," Rhys' finger drifted to hook itself around Nyx's outstretched hand, and he shook it gently as he continued on, "A mating bond is not something to get entangled with."

"Az needs us to be his friends right now, Rhys. A breakup on its own is awful, but when it's so close, when he's been waiting so long for it, it's bound to hurt."

A firm hand on your shoulder comforted you, you knew how tough it must be for Azriel to go through it, after how painful it was to hold out hoping that he would be enough to suddenly not be, "I know, Witchling," you scoffed at the nickname as you always had and always would, Rhys pressed a dainty kiss into your hair, like a brother to a newly born sister, "Whatever he needs, I'm here, and so are you."

If you had known what awaited you that week, you'd take the telling words back in a second.

Like you had guessed, Azriel moved back into the River House, residing in his own room across the hall from your own. And boy, was he a raincloud if you ever did see one. Even his shadows looked solemn, and they didn't have faces. Azriel looked positively awful, constantly messy hair, large bags of onyx that imprinted onto the skin beneath his usually warm hazel eyes that had turned into nothing but dark pools of heartbroken sadness.

In the night, you had heard him crying, you'd stood outside of his door, not saying a word, but hoping that he knew that someone was there for him even if he didn't want them to be.

You had tried to talk to him, to coax him out of his haze by offering to train with him, or walk with him along the banks of the Sidra, you'd even asked him if beating your ass whilst you wore a mask of Lucien would bring a smile to his face. Unfortunately, everything you had tried had failed you, and you were at a loss as to help your friend.

"Honestly Rhys, how do you reach anything in here?" Rhys was hovering in the doorway, eyebrow raised with delight as he watched you try and scale the countertops to reach the top shelf of the cupboard.

There were chocolate chips for your cookies up there, and they had your name all over them.

"It's not my fault you're not Illyrian," his eyes darkened into a smirk, "Why don't you just hop onto your broomstick and fly?"

Even a silent Azriel emitted a gasp from his place on the opposite side of the centre island. If there was one thing you hated, it was being likened to the witches children sang about in their storybooks. It offended you how utterly unalike you were, and it made you seethe when someone, usually Rhys or Cassian, would use that hatred to rile you up.

"Oh," you stood on the countertop, towering over the High Lord by a few mere inches, "Is that why all of the doorways are so wide? Because your fat fucking head needs all the room it can get?"

Rhys stood speechless before you, the room fell silent.

Then a laugh.

Not yours of Rhys', you had to check it wasn't you making any noise before your eyes landed on the owner of the most joyful thing you'd heard in weeks.

A smile. Curled parted lips as a howling laugh ripped through them. Azriel's shadows danced to the sound, and his body shook with it. You could have cried, but you kept it together, you choked down your happiness to witness the momentary return of the one who meant the most to you.

It was no secret that you used to be Azriel's favourite. There was nothing that the two of you wouldn't do together, even if it was a medial task like taking you to the bakery or finding you a new Starfall dress that would make Mor dim in comparison. Azriel was always happy to come along. Until Elain, and then you had stopped seeing another, you'd drifted so far apart that he didn't even properly greet you anymore, all you were adorned with was a curt nod and tight lipped smile before Elain would whisk him away.

The male in front of you was nothing like that one, not in that singular glimmer of hope at least. Once his laughter died down, and a serene smile planted itself on his lips, Azriel opened his eyes and moved them to you, they glowed with something you couldn't quite understand, and then they widened. His eyes faltered. His smile faded.

Azriel gasped.

"Mate."

Darting your line of sight to Rhys, you pointed at him, flickering your gaze back to Azriel who had rose from his seat "Him?"

Rhys swatted your finger away, "I'm mated, y/n," Rhys glanced between you and took a step backward.

"So?" It couldn't be. Not right now. Not now.

"I can't do this," Azriel was struggling to breathe, his chest was rising and falling rapidly, sweat beaded at his brow and his skin had paled.

Scrambling down from the worktop, you went to take a step toward him, one that he mirrored in the opposing direction, furling his wings behind his back and clawing his shadows into submission, "Don't, Az. I can go."

The visible wince of pain that shot through you was enough for Azriel to suck in a breath and disappear from sight. The bond was dull, a golden thread soaring across the night sky to meet a shield of inked darkness. Azriel had closed you off. Shut you out.

Silence befell the kitchen, the chocolate chips you had gotten from the top shelf now scattered across the dark oak wood beneath your bare feet. Rhys had never seen you cry, he almost thought it impossible, but then he saw that single tear roll down your cheek, he could feel the pain radiating from you from finding your mate for him only to run from you.

"Hey, it's alright," he wrapped you into his arms, shushing you softly as he ran his fingers through your hair to soothe the quiet sobs rattling your shoulders, "It's going to be fine, y/n. Azriel's just confused, he'll be thrilled soon. Just you wait."

The snap had been gentle, like you had just come home after a long day, like you'd stepped through the door to see everyone you had ever loved all in one place and he was at the epicentre of it. Safe. Warm. Perfect.

Being a witch, you were never sure how life would look for you. Not even the cauldron understood your kind, you had always thought that perhaps the cauldron overlooked your species for the things most pure, like mating bonds and children. Witchlings were rare, you were the lone example of it, perhaps a part of you thought that you weren't allowed to have any love or joy, that you weren't good enough for it.

And there it was right in front of you, with the male a part of you had always yearned for, dancing in ash.

In the weeks that followed, Azriel did all he could to avoid you. No reason was good enough to make Azriel even glance in your direction let alone utter anything to you.

It had gotten to the point where you had asked Rhys for the keys to the cabin, you packed up your things and stepped through time to stand on that cold wooden floor with moonlight drifting through the small square windows.

You’d never thought that you could ever feel so alone, but as you stood there in a cabin so cold that you could see your own breath, the loneliness certainly began to set in.

There was little else to do other than light a fire to warm the little cabin on the outskirts of the city and run a bath; the tub was surrounded by candles, the ottoman at the foot of it was full of scented oils and salts which made your heart flutter. At least if you were to wallow in your own heartbreak you’d be able to do it smelling like the ocean surrounded by candlelight.

Bubbles crept up your neck as you sank into the wooden tub, it should have been a tranquil moment for you, but it was far from it in reality.

Az, please. Just talk to me. I'm still y/n, I'm still your friend. Things don't have to change.

Instead of enjoying the alone time like you should have considering that it was rare to have a minute of peace in a city full of needy children, you sat and let your mind wonder just how everything had gotten so messed up. You understood his confusion, really, you did, you understood how conflicting it must have been for him to separate with Elain, the female he was ready to spend the rest of his existence with, to then find out he was mated to you, not just you as his friend, but you as a witch.

Talk to me.

Too many tears had been spilled, you couldn't stop them from flowing from your eyes each time Azriel would fumble some excuse to get away from you. The bond was cold, it was like trying to break through a shield, an icy 10 foot deep floor that wouldn't even crack under whatever you would throw at it.

If you need me to leave then I will, Az. I'll leave for you, so you can have space, so you can think.

In the weeks that followed the revelation, you'd done all you could to try and get through to him, to let him know that you weren't expecting him to accept it, that he could take all the time he needed to process everything before speaking to you, all you needed was a sign that he was listening to you, that you mattered. It didn't surprise you that Azriel hadn't exactly thought about you in the predicament, of what it had done to you, and you couldn't even be angry at him over it because you'd be the same.

It didn't mean that it didn't hurt though.

Dark skies littered with blinking starlight was cast overhead, too beautiful to be real, too beautiful that you were sure that it was some kind of abstract painting on a black canvas. The cabin used to be one of your favourite places, Azriel and you used to escape there frequently, spending nights upon nights drinking Rhys' best wine and talking about everything and nothing.

A soft knock at the door pulled you from the memories, your eyes drifted to the clock softly ticking on the wall and you frowned, it was quite late. Lifting yourself from the tub, you wrapped a towel around your frame and padded over to the door, your wet footprints embedding themselves in the wood below. Slight disappointment sliced through you when you opened the door to see Mor, Nesta and Feyre on the deck shivering in the brisk breeze.

"We brought supplies," Nesta pushed past you, placing a wicker basket on the table and shrugging off her coat, "By supplies I mean wine, wine, and more wine."

Mor and Feyre entered, sniffing the air with soft smiles, they had always loved your scent, it was peaceful, like ocean waves lapping against the side of a mountain at dusk, airy, blissful, fresh.

The news had spread around the Inner Circle rather quickly thanks to Rhys, he had told Cassian, and well, Cassian wasn't exactly known for holding his tongue. The Lord of Bloodshed had apologised to you, feeling guilty for making things worse between you and Azriel, but you didn't mind. All you wanted was for the Shadowsinger to simply look at you. Anything else was a pointless worry. Not worth your time.

Tugging the towel tighter around your frame, you forced a smile, "This is really nice. Thank you."

Strangely, both Nesta and Feyre had been surprisingly supportive of the bond between you and Azriel. To them it made sense, you had been friends for over 500 years, you both struggled with fitting in, and you only felt truly comfortable to let your walls down around one another. To them, the bond had been there for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment. Too bad that the perfect moment had ended up making feel like the most worthless creature on the planet.

"Has he let you in yet?" Nesta rested her hand on your shoulder, her other hand was busy handing you a goblet of wine which you hugged closely to your chest and shook your head, "I'm sorry y/n. I really thought he would have by now."

"Give it time. He'll come around," Feyre draped her cloak over the arm of one of the dining chairs, smoothing out her skirt. It had always astounded you just how perfect they all were, the Archeron sisters that is, it was hard to understand how any male couldn't be attracted to them. They were quite heavenly.

"You've all been saying that for weeks," you shrugged off Nesta's hand, exasperated, "If anything he's become colder. Azriel doesn't acknowledge me, he looks right through me, he finds any reason possible to not be in the same room as me and when he sees me in the halls he turns on his heels and runs."

"I'm now living in this damned cabin hoping that some space will help him," your shoulders dropped, "I've waited my entire existence for this, I started to think that I wasn't worthy of it, and when it happened and the bond snaps with the one person I know that I could be truly happy with," your bottom lip wobbled slightly, but you choked it down and swallowed hard, "He ran."

Mor leaned forward in her seat, wide eyes under her perfectly sculpted furrowed brows, "It has nothing to do with you, y/n."

"How am I supposed to believe that when he won't even look at me?"

Something thick and fluffy draped over you, Nesta's robe that you always eyed was resting on your shoulders, "Go and get in your comfy clothes, then we can talk and bitch until all you feel is anger."

Amongst the chatter, you spied the three leather bags full to the brim of differing clothes and cosmetics, and then you realised that you weren't alone, not really, not when those three bags of clothes and trinkets belonged to the three females in the cabin with you, clearly ready to move in and stay with you until you were ready to face life again.

Who needed a man when you had three raging bitch queens?

Nesta was right, you just had to get back to work.

If anything was going to be able to distract you from that aching in your chest, then it would be work.

Luckily, Rhys, whilst he loved your abilities greatly, saw you as much more than just a celestial witch residing in his court, he likened you to a sister, blood family, which meant that he trusted no one more than you to act on his behalf when it came to court politics.

Holding such a position meant that you were rather close with the High Lords, they never saw you as Rhys' lackey at all, they saw you as a being that cared greatly about the continent who would stop at nothing to ensure harmony in all jurisdictions. Such a role meant that you were also required to entertain the High Lords whenever they visited Velaris, a place you had extended to them after the war to aid their research and better their own courts, with your help of course.

That particular evening, Rhys had asked you to entertain a certain High Lord of Autumn, Eris Vanserra; he was visiting Lucien and his new mate, Elain, and the entire visit was putting Azriel on edge. So, naturally, you couldn't say no.

"I always love our dinners, y/n," Eris' whisky amber gaze burned into you, searching the supernatural speckles in your own.

It was no secret that Eris had a flame for you, a being he found intriguing beyond belief, in the grasp of the Night Court when Eris knew how much you would thrive in Autumn by his side. The High Lord had offered Rhys pretty much everything he could to try and convince him to let him near you. All attempts had been swiftly denied.

Plates were littered with blotches of sauce and chicken bones, two empty bottles of red had been disposed of long ago, and you were just about to order that sticky toffee slice that made your toes curl when Eris asked, "When were you going to tell me about you and Azriel, hm?"

Candlelight drifted over the side of his face, illuminating his eyes against the darkening backdrop. "What are you talking about?"

Eris smirked, swirling the second glass of your third bottle that evening in perfect circles in his palm, "Come on, y/n. You reek of him, that cedar scent that even I have to admit is rather interesting."

In all of your self wallowing and sudden busyness you hadn't realised that the scent of the mating bond lingered on you, entwining with your scent of blissful oceans to create something new, something drowning. Something suffocating.

"I can admit that the news did hurt me, just a little bit," Eris, since the war, had allowed his hair to grow out. It sat just below his shoulders, layered and playful, he had it lazily pulled back low on his head. Something about that hair and those eyes made you question everything you knew, and you did know that you weren't the only one who felt like that when around the High Lord of Autumn.

Fluttering your lashes at Eris, you ran your fingers across the line of your bodice, "I apologise. It seems that fate wanted to lead me elsewhere."

Eris dismissed the waiter, eyes grinning at you through his lashes, "Let's go to Rita's. I need to drink some more, and you," he pointed to you, knowing that he was interrupting a rather important date with a rather important pudding, and said, "Need to loosen up, Witchling."

That fucking name.

You were sure that steam was emitting from your ears, but you couldn't deny that he was right, you couldn't really remember the last time you let loose and danced the night into oblivion. So you grabbed your purse from the table, a ornate gold cage that matched the intricate details of your skirt, and rose from your seat, "I hate how right you are, Vanserra. Let's go."

The High Lord towered over you, like all of them did really, stupid high fae and Illyrians and their stupid perfect genes making them so handsome and mysterious and utterly fuckable.

Stumbling from the restaurant at the edge of the Sidra, you looped your arm through Eris' and he practically had to pull you along the streets of the city or else you'd go and do a ritual in a field or something. Despite his crush, Eris found that part you a bit odd. In a way, you did too.

"When are you going to come to Autumn, Witchling? You know you'd love it there."

Eris propositioned you with the notion every time he saw you, he clearly thought that if he pestered you about it enough then you'd agree to it one day. Even just a fleeting visit would be enough to satisfy him. Just a day or two. You couldn't deny that Autumn piqued your interest, and with everything going on, perhaps a little break would do you some good.

"Maybe sooner than you think," despite the shameless flirting, you were glad that you could call Eris your friend, underneath that mask of loathing, you found the High Lord to be complex, and he appreciated your understanding. You were the only being that had ever approached him with kindness and treated him for who he truly was and not what he displayed. "All of this stuff with Azriel is spinning my mind. I feel like I'm going insane."

Eris hummed, tugging you a bit tighter into his side as he draped his arm over your shoulder, something completely platonic that you knew would send a certain someone spiralling, "That's what mating bonds do, y/n. I know that everyone keeps on telling you that he'll come around, I hope he does. Truly." It was the first time you had seen him say something and know that he was sincere of it "But, for tonight and tonight only, you are mine and we are going to drink and dance until we physically can't anymore, alright?"

Inhaling deeply, you met his gaze, "Alright."

Rita's was packed to the brim, you could feel the music thumping through the air so intensely that the ground beneath your feet was vibrating in time with the bass. Suddenly, you felt overdressed, but Eris commanded that you not think of it as he pulled you through the doors and past the guards who nodded at you with a curt smile as you clicked by.

In Velaris, you were quite known for being the wild one, the entire city was in awe of you and the powers you displayed so beautifully. More often than not, you would be found in the poorer parts of the city enchanting the children with your magic, curls of water would dance along their cheeks, and they would gasp when you would pluck a star from the sky and rest it in the palm of your hand. You knew what it felt like to feel alone and forgotten, being the last existing witch in your coven and all, and you didn't want anyone else to feel like that. So, if some water and a star would bring some form of happiness to those children, then you'd spend the rest of your life bringing them that wonder.

Eris tugged you through the grinding bodies, some of which parted as soon as they saw your eyes glistening in the lights, and stopped at the bar, shouting over the music to order drinks for you both before he turned, handing you a glass of what you could only assume was straight liquor, "To stealing you from the Night Court, Witchling," Eris raised his glass, rolling your eyes, you met it with a clink and wasted no time in downing the liquid, relishing in the burn that travelled down your throat and chest.

"Keep dreaming, Vanserra."

Hand on heart, Eris swayed into you, "Oh believe me, y/n, I do."

If you had known who was staring at you from across the room then you would have taken a step away from Eris, much like if you had seen the shadows followed you since you left the cabin that evening you wouldn't have agreed to go to Rita's. It was too late to do anything when your eyes connected with his, yours widened in surprise and solemn shock as his own narrowed, flickering between you and Eris before softening.

Of course, the first time Azriel actually looked at you was when you were stood beside Eris Vanserra, a High Lord, the brother of the one now laying with Elain.

Fuck.

It was like he didn't even see you really, he only saw Eris standing far too close to the one the cauldron had decided to be his mate. There was no way to be blind to the hatred between them, and with Azriel's temper and Eris' flare for the dramatics, you weren't surprised that Rhys had asked you to entertain the latter for the evening.

Noticing how your body froze, Eris frowned, he followed your line of sight to the Shadowsinger perched at a booth across the room ignoring both Cassian and Rhys who were trying to speak to him, to keep him calm.

Rhys. I didn't know.

I know, y/n. It'll be fine. We can handle Az if you can handle Eris.

Stiffly nodding, you turned to speak to Eris, to convince him to leave and find another place to drink, but he was gone. Then you saw his red hair moving through the crowd and you cursed, colourfully, and you scrambled through the crowd to try and reach him before he did something stupid.

Rushing up the steps to the usual booth reserved for the Inner Circle only, you stopped in your tracks as Eris' voice sliced through the chilled air, "When are you going to give our sweet y/n a break, Rhys? I keep on asking her to come to Autumn but she keeps on refusing."

Stop talking.

"It seems that she could use a break now more than ever."

Stop fucking talking.

"Especially since the bond is unrequited and she's sat in that little cabin day in day out wondering what her fate will be."

Wrapping your fingers around his wrist, you tugged on him, harshly, like you were reprimanding a dog on a leash, "Stop talking."

Little did you know, that one touch alone was enough to make Azriel visibly flinch and shudder with pain. That one act pierced his heart deadlier than Elain ever had or could, the way your fingers rested just over Eris' pulse, the way you looked at him with flame in your eyes, it was too much.

Eris wouldn't hurt you, you were the closest thing he had to a true friend, bit his loosened lips would be the end of you, "You both know that this isn't fair on her. Why is she the one who has to sit in misery and move to the outskirts of this city in order to make your poor Azriel more comfortable?"

Tension bubbled, Rhys was slowly rising from his seat whilst Cassian angled himself in front of Azriel, probably to stop the Shadowsinger from doing something he would come to regret, "Eris, you're making it worse," he finally gave you his attention, "Just wait outside for me, we can find somewhere else to drink, okay?"

It took him a moment, but your pleading eyes convinced him to listen, and Eris moved from your side, disappearing from you and leaving you stood before three Illyrians, all of which you were sure didn't wish to be around you in that moment. Fiddling with your fingers, you looked up from the ground at them, "I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were going to be here. You told me to keep him entertained, I'm sorry."

Rhys froze, his breath caught in his throat, and Azriel was glaring at him with such intensity that it made even you shrink, and you didn't shrink away from anything or anyone, "I'll go. I'm sorry," your chest ached when Azriel didn't even glance in your direction, instead keeping his gaze trained on his High Lord who simply nodded once at you.

Then you left, you grasped Eris by the lobe of his ear and dragged him away from Rita's before Azriel could make him pay for his words, or even worse, Rhys. It took only a few blocks for Eris to swat your hand away, "I'm not a child, y/n." Eris rubbed the red tinged patch of skin at his ear with a pout.

Velaris watched on as you bundled down a cobbled path toward the bank of the Sidra, a place you went to often to channel your magic, it was serene and beautiful, and had been the perfect place for you to find your calm in the midst of such brutality, "That is my mate, Eris. Do you understand that? Azriel is going through so much already, he lost Elain to Lucien," Eris cocked his brow in warning but you continued, "Elain was meant to be the one for him, and as long as Az was happy then I could choke down everything I had ever felt for him because he deserved all of the happiness possible after everything he's been through. I could live alone for the rest of my days as long as he was happy. Then it turns out that he's mine, that he was always meant to be mine, it should have been the best day of our lives," tears pooled on your bottom lids and you were sick of it, of crying, you had never cried, it wasn't in your nature but it was all you could do these days.

"Azriel can't even look at me, I had to move out of the River House and isolate myself from everyone I love just to give him a moment to think and process everything," you turned to Eris, "You just had to prod him, didn't you? You just had to get under his skin. Do you know how this looks? Elain chose Lucien and then he sees me drinking with you?"

Eris ran a hand over his face and sighed, "I didn't mean to make things difficult, y/n. I just want what's best for you, what you deserve."

"I know and I appreciate that, I really do. I just wanted things to get better, not worse."

It astounded Eris how Azriel wasn't over to moon to have you as his mate, you were elegant and graceful, a formidable opponent, tactical and sharp, and one of the most beautiful creatures to ever walk under the skies of Prythian. Perhaps he could have been a touch more sensitive to the situation at hand.

The moonlight waltzed over the rippling waters of the Sidra which acted as a mirror to the sky above, clear and bright, full of possibility.

The bond strained in your soul, empty and unrequited, a lone dying ember searching for its flame, and you knew then that Azriel was going to pull away from you more than ever.

"You should go back to the House of Wind," your voice was small and weak, "I'll see you before you leave tomorrow."

Eris took a step toward you, fumbling, knowing that he had messed up, "Please, y/n."

"Eris," he paused his movements, "Just go. I'll see you tomorrow."

Knowing that nothing was going to change your stubborn mind, Eris retreated up the embankment and down the cobbled path, leaving you completely and utterly alone.

Pebbles brushed together under your weight, moving flat to accommodate your position. You hugged your knees to your chest, unclasping your heels and tossing them aside, rubbing the skin on your ankles softly to alleviate the pinching that was once there.

How long could you go like this? How long would be able to deal with the rejection before it broke you? How long until you took Eris up on his offer and left Velaris forever?

You didn't have much time to think of an answer, not when a familiar cool pressure coiled at the small of your back, travelling up your spine and over your shoulders. The shadows drifted through your hair and you smiled sadly at them, at the sweet sign to tell you that you weren't alone.

"How did you find me?"

A shuffle sounded from behind you, shoes scraping along the pebbles, "This is our place. Where else would you go?"

You turned then, peering over your shoulder at him, examining him for a moment. Azriel certainly looked better, his eyes had lightened by a couple of hues and his skin was healthy an tanned to perfection, though, sadness and doubt still lingered in his eyes.

Silently cursing yourself, you turned back to the water. It was yours and Azriel's place, it always had been, until Elain came along that is and then it became your place. Whenever either of you had a bad day, the other would bring them there, to listen to the water rushing up on the rocks and watch the stars, and you'd talk, about anything that was bothering you and causing you any pain, and then suddenly you'd be alright again.

You rose from the ground, brushing little fragments of twigs and dirt from the golden swirls of your skirt, and Azriel gazed at you as you did, wondering how his best friend had become a stranger so quickly, "If I had known you were there tonight I wouldn't have taken him."

"I know," Azriel had his hands bundled into his pockets, afraid that if they lingered at his side then he would reach for you and risk a whole other world of pain, "I think we need to break the bond."

The world stopped moving.

"What?"

Azriel repeated, "I think we need to break the bond."

Break the bond.

It writhed in your chest, it writhed in pain and sorrow, striking you so deeply that you thought you may stop breathing, "I can't do it again. I can't be broken like this again, not with another Vanserra, not with anyone."

Thumping in your chest, your heart cried out, lurching around in its cage, and you struggled to form any words, "Az-"

"It's what's best for us, y/n."

No. No, no, no.

"How can you say that?" Azriel frowned, his hazel orbs softening, like he too was in pain, "I have done everything I can to give you space to process this, I moved out of our home, twice, to give you space to process whatever you need to process and feel whatever it is that you need to feel. I have gone 500 years being perfectly content of being your friend and that alone, because that was better than not having you at all. I stood by and watched you pine for Mor, and then her, the one who put such a wedge between us that I was reduced to polite hellos and nods. But I dealt with it, for you and your happiness. I dealt with all of the comparisons and pain, I dealt with the punishment of your feelings for her. I would deal with every ounce of hatred you throw at me if it meant that you would feel better, hoping that one day you'd realise that I have always been here for you, that I have always loved you in ways that no one else ever could."

You were pacing up and down the riverbank, pebbles knocking together as you walked, and Azriel stood before you unmoving, unknowing of what to say and only knowing that he needed it to end, "You never even gave it a chance," your choked whisper put him on edge.

Azriel had never seen you cry, had never heard of it happening, clearly Rhys had negated to tell him just how deeply the last few weeks had impacted you. To the point where you had actually cried. Tears gathered at your bottom lids and he noticed how you looked up at the sky to prevent them from falling.

"You never let me in."

Everything within Azriel was screaming at him to reach for you, the bond that he had frozen in place behind a wall of shadow was battering against the shield like a ram to break free and comfort you.

You were right, you had been his best friend, one of the few he could ever really depend on for everything. Elain had never liked you, she had always blamed it on her abilities not being able to harmonise with your own, but Azriel had always known it was deeper than that. Elain was a seer, and somehow it hadn't dawned on Azriel just how much she could have been hiding.

Elain hated it when he spent time with you, and being as in love as he was, he believed that it was down to some strange jealously that lingered on the surface. No one would have blamed Elain for her jealousy, you were truly a sweet creature, the other half to his marred coin that he had so carelessly tossed away. What if Elain had seen something and had chosen to lead Azriel away from you in order to preserve what she wanted them to share?

"I've given you everything I can," you sounded utterly defeated, "I don't know what else to do, Azriel."

His name was like a sonnet on your lips, one of heart-breaking sadness and longing, and he stepped to it, his shadows swirled around his body and drifted out to you. They had always adored you. They had always sought after you, a stark difference to their hiding from Elain.

"I would ruin you, y/n. You deserve so much more, so much better than me," his fingers twitched for you, he was so close yet so far from holding you, from inhaling the coconut scent of your shampoo and the scent of your soul, of soft salted breezes and jasmine, "I never meant to hurt you. I never wanted you to feel like you weren't worthy of love, and I'm so sorry for making you think that you were alone in the world," you had cocked your head to the side in question, "Rhys told me."

Azriel took another step forward, exhaling with relief when you didn't make a move to get away from him, "Love scares me. Elain had my heart in the palm of my hand and then crushed it, and then the bond snapped with you, with the one person I know would never hurt me, and I just couldn't risk it. I can't risk it. I can't risk being broken again, I can't risk hurting you."

All this time, when Azriel had been wallowing in the loss of Elain, of having to deal with her and Lucien's bond, he had completely neglected you, and your feelings. It was something you had never done to him, something you never could.

A gentle breeze flowed through the air, it carried your scent to him, and on inhaling it, he felt his entire body relax, he felt his aching disappear, and it was as though the world had gotten clearer. You turned away from him, hands folded over your chest and facing the river so that he couldn't see your tears, "I thought I was destined to be alone. The rules of your kind and the fae have never really applied to me, even the Cauldron doesn't understand me. I thought that it took the chance of love from me, but now I see that it was just some cruel joke."

Let her in. Feel her.

The shadows cooed to him, faintly, like a lullaby to a new-born babe.

"If it'll bring you peace," your voice broke, "Then break it. Break the bond. I'll find some other place to be."

Don't let her get away. Mate. She loves you. Love her. Let her in.

As though the world was tilting, Azriel let down that wall, he felt that bond slither over the seam of it to reach you, and then what he felt brought him to his knees.

Love. Wanting. Hope. Pain. Sorrow. Longing.

It consumed him with light, fighting off the demons that had been left to plague him, decimating them with the most pure substance in Prythian. Love.

When you heard his knees hit the ground you had turned and ran to where he knelt on the pebbles, meeting him as you slid onto your own, ignoring the stabbing into your skin, "Az? Are you alright? What's wrong?" You cupped his face in your hands and he felt each one of your fingertips flow life back into him.

The two tethers to the bond were dancing with one another, meeting in the middle and thrumming as two became one, turning dark skies into ones of bright sun and opulent warmth.

It was you. Sweet and fierce you. You who had always protected him, you who had always put him first even when he couldn't return it. You.

"Az? Talk to me, tell me what's happening. Do I need to call for Rhys? I'll get him right-"

Azriel stopped you before you could rise to your feet, the act of wrapping his fingers around your wrists enough to make your words vanish in your mouth, "You love me."

Settling into the space before him, knee to knee with him and his shadows itching to pull you closer, you didn't remove your hands from his, the feeling of it so powerful that it wiped all of your pain away, "I always have."

Walks along the Sidra. Visits to the bakery. The countless thoughtful gifts for Winter Solstice. The nights spent locked away in the cabin talking about dreams and fears.

Azriel's fingers drifted along your cheek before resting there, his thumb softly soothing the tightness in your jaw, "Why did you never say anything?"

"Because you deserve to be happy, even if it isn't with me," Azriel watched your bottom lip wobble, and that stream of love within him rippled with upset. His thumb moved to it, dragging across that plump flesh that he had always wondered of the taste.

Would you taste sweet or of lightly salted oceans? Of the air at dusk perhaps?

All he had ever chased was happiness, how foolish of him to be blind to the fact he had always had it within you.

"I think the only time I've ever truly been happy, at peace, has been with you. You've always felt like home," your eyes met and he offered you a small, genteel smile; his fingers moved to your hair, raking over your scalp and floating to rest on the small of your back, "I've missed you so much."

"You have?"

Azriel hummed in admittance, "The worst part of all of this was that I left the House of Wind to be near you, because I could be, nothing was in the way of us anymore, and I knew you'd be the only one patient enough to deal with me. It was selfish, but you've always been the rocks on which the ocean crashes, you've always been the one I can turn to without fear of judgement. You understand me."

"I can still be that person, Az. I can still be your friend."

Resting his forehead against yours, Azriel spoke lowly, like he had just awoken from slumber, "Do you know how hard it is for me to not take you back to that cabin right now and make you mine?" The carnal desire was dwelling within him, a rabid need that begged to be satisfied, "But you deserve better, y/n. Better than what I've done. So if you'll let me, I want to do this properly. I want to court you and make you feel like you're the only woman in the world, and when you're ready, not me, you, then you can accept it for the both of us. Because you deserve the magic of the bond more than me, you deserve this happiness."

"And if you don't want to, then that's fine. I can live with what I've done, and if you want to move to Autumn and find happiness there then I won't stand in your way. In no world would I ever stop you from finding love and passion and joy, because you deserve it y/n, you are everything that is beautiful in this world and then some. Every single part of you is destined for greatness, for a love so powerful that people drown in it."

"I hate what I've done to you, I hate that I've made you feel unworthy of a mating bond and I'll never forgive myself for it. But if you let me, I'd like to show you that I want this, that I want you, and you can decide for yourself if a life with me is something you want."

Silence fell between you but you didn't make a move to pull away, you knelt in place, peering up at him with your hands resting on his biceps, channelling the pulsing energy of the Sidra as it ebbed and flowed downstream, "A life with you is all I've ever wanted."

The bond glowed, golden and blinding, and Azriel was struggling to keep himself together as he basked in the ocean of your love and devotion, "Can I kiss you? Please?"

If he wasn't searching for it then he wouldn't have even noticed the tiniest hazed nod directed at him. Even the stars had stopped their flickering to focus on you, their most prized possession, the only one capable of harnessing their power and turning it into something blissful and good. It was why they chose you.

Closing the gap, Azriel tilted your head upward to give him better access to the lips that had often haunted his dreams; the scent of jasmine entwined with his own and he felt himself hold his breath as he closed that gap between you.

Your lips were as soft and warm as he had imagined them to be, they tasted of fresh saltwater and some kind of sweet fruit from the gloss you always wore that made them shimmer in any light. It stopped the world from turning for a moment, the universe watched on as Azriel sealed your fates. Moving his fingers from the small of your back to your neck and deepening the embrace of your lips, Azriel relished in the taste of you, in your warmth, in the way his soul sang and his shadows pulled you in closer to him. It was a feeling he had waited his entire existence for, one you had also yearned for.

Utterly magical. Soul consuming.

Everything made sense then. How everything you had both endured was meant to be, just so that you could end up entwined in that moment. All of the pain and sorrow, all of the false love and distance, all of the laughter and sweet memories, it was all worth it. It was worth every morsel of agony.

"Such a sweet creature. My sweet creature."

"Yours?" Azriel hummed, pressing dainty kisses to the tip of your nose and cheeks, and you closed your eyes to consume his touch and shuddered when his lips landed on your collarbone, caressing the skin there, "I think I could get used to that."

Authors Note

Hey besties!

I got very carried away with this - sorry if it's not great, these pain meds are really kicking my ass right now so I haven't even properly proof read this yet xo

Taglist

@crazylokonugget @fxckmiup @rogersbarnesxx @emryb

[folk-enjoyer]

Song of the Day

"Call of the moose" Willy Mitchell, 1980 As you might know, September 30th is Truth and Reconciliation day (more commonly known as Orange Shirt Day), a national day in Canada dedicated to spreading awareness about the legacy of Residential schools on Indigenous people. Instead of just focusing on a song, I also wanted to briefly talk about the history of the sixties scoop and its influence on Indigenous American music and activism.

The process of Residential schooling in Canada existed well before the '60s, but the new processes of the sixties scoop began in 1951. It was a process where the provincial government had the power to take Indigenous children from their homes and communities and put them into the child welfare system. Despite the closing of residential schools, more and more children were being taken away from their families and adopted into middle-class white ones.

Even though Indigenous communities only made up a tiny portion of the total population, 40-70% of the children in these programs would be Aboriginal. In total, 20,000 children would be victims of these policies through the 60s and 70s.

These adoptions would have disastrous effects on their victims. Not only were sexual and physical abuse common problems but the victims were forcibly stripped of their culture and taught to hate themselves. The community panel report on the sixties scoop writes:

"The homes in which our children are placed ranged from those of caring, well-intentioned individuals, to places of slave labour and physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The violent effects of the most negative of these homes are tragic for its victims. Even the best of these homes are not healthy places for our children. Anglo-Canadian foster parents are not culturally equipped to create an environment in which a positive Aboriginal self-image can develop. In many cases, our children are taught to demean those things about themselves that are Aboriginal. Meanwhile, they are expected to emulate normal child development by imitating the role model behavior of their Anglo-Canadian foster or adoptive parents."

and to this day indigenous children in Canada are still disproportionately represented in foster care. Despite being 5% of the Total Canadian population, Indigenous children make up 53.8% of all children in foster care.

I would like to say that the one good thing that came out of this gruesome and horrible practice of state-sponsored child relocation was that there was a birth of culture from protest music, but there wasn't. In fact, Indigenous music has a long history of being erased and whitewashed from folk history.

From Buffy Saint-Marie pretending to be Indigenous to the systematic denial of first nations people from the Canadian mainstream music scene, the talented artists of the time were forcibly erased.

Which is why this album featuring Willy Mitchell is so important.

Willy Mitchell and The Desert River Band

This Album was compiled of incredibly rare, unheard folk and rock music of North American indigenous music in the 60s-80s. It is truly, a of a kind historical artifact and a testimony to the importance of archival work to combat cultural genocide. Please give the entire thing a listen if you have time. Call of the Moose is my favorite song on the album, written and performed by Willy Mitchell in the 80s. His Most interesting song might be 'Big Policeman' though, written about his experience of getting shot in the head by the police. He talks about it here:

"He comes there and as soon as I took off running, he had my two friends right there — he could have taken them. They stopped right there on the sidewalk. They watched him shootin’ at me. He missed me twice, and when I got to the tree line, he was on the edge of the road, at the snow bank. That’s where he fell, and the gun went off. But that was it — he took the gun out. He should never have taken that gun out. I spoke to many policemen. And judges, too. I spoke with lawyers about that. They all agreed. He wasn’t supposed to touch that gun. So why did I only get five hundred dollars for that? "

These problems talked about here, forced displacement, cultural assimilation, police violence, child exploitation, and erasure of these crimes, still exist in Canada. And so long as they still exist, it is imperative to keep talking about them. Never let the settler colonial government have peace; never let anyone be comfortable not remembering the depth of exploitation.

Every Child Matters

[alipeeps]

Episode 24

Welp, he did what they suggested. He went to see for himself.

I've said it before but it bears repeating - this kid is SUCH a good actor!

Jesus fucking christ, Wen Zongyu is the worst.

He took a grieving child and:

manipulated him into spying against his friends and poisoning one of them:

intended from the start to use his body as a vessel for a demon;

fucking poisoned him so that he would be able to control said demon once it was in his body!!

Oooh but your little demon trapping cage didn't work on our boy Li Lun?

So... could it actually end up now that Li Lun and the gang will band together against Wen Zongyu? The enemy of my enemy and all that?

Can't Zhao Yuanzhou use his healing ability on him?

Oh SHIT, the sword being broken affects/damages the person connected to it?

So they NEED that second sword!! Anybody else remember that it was explicitly mentioned that TWO cloud light swords were forged? Anyone?!!

And that confirms that the reason the sword cracked this time is because of the malicious qi - every other time Zhu Yan has been stabbed with the sword, he has been in control of his qi.

However... doesn't that mean that the plan/back up plan to kill Zhu Yan if he is out of control is doomed to failure, because the uncontrolled qi will crack the sword?

OUCH

Ying Lei is so fucking under-rated... they play him for comedy so much of the time but he has genuinely been the one coming up with a lot of the solutions for things. He found how to purify the Yao Water. He worked out that Bai Jiu's blood could revive the Divine Wood. And he's thought to ask the other mountain gods about ways to save both Zhuo Yichen and Bai Jiu. He is best boy!!

Uhhhh... yeah... sliiiight problem there...

Okay so we have a way to keep him going a bit longer... while you find the second sword, right? Right?!

Good on you Pei Sijing.

He is the best!!

Oh damn, he survived.

And Wen Zongyu has the gall to act pleased about it - as if he wasn't callously offering his position to Pei Sijing a matter of days ago.

"Thank you for your treatment"

"Better than I was before"

Did... did Wen Zongyu use his fucking experimental treatments on him? Is he a hybrid now?

"According to the spy" What spy? Just a generic spy keeping an eye on things... or is there another traitor in their midst?

Oh dang, that's fucked up your plans eh? Bummer. Sucks to be you.

Oh wow, that is freaky. It's Bai Jiu... but he's dressed and hair-styled Li Lun-style.

Ohhh that doesn't sound good...

Oh dang, his brother didn't have the right Bingyi blood to awaken the sword?!

But... but didn't we see it glowing in his (dead) hand when Zhu Yan wiped out the Demon Hunting Bureau? Or was that just the sword reacting to Zhu Yan's presence?

Ahhhh was it Zhu Yan they were going after? Probably... how many Great Demons are there after all?

Yup, it was, and the sword glowed in response to Zhu Yan's presence.

No wonder Zhuo Yichen didn't know how to use the cloud light sword properly... I'd thought it was because his dad and brother had died before they had chance to teach him... but they never could have taught him because they didn't have the power to awaken it and use it to its full potential...

Oh SHIT and he finds out about his brother's death by someone bringing him the damn sword?!! Wrapped in a blood-stained cloth. Like... harsh, dude?!!

And he dedicated his life to becoming strong enough to awaken the sword, to honor his brother...

I'm not crying, you're crying!!

His tears awakened it?

Goddamn the music in this show is just perfect...

Oh shit.

OH SHIT!

Wtf's going on with the fish pond?

Wtf is this, that's been hiding in the fish pond all this time?!

Of course it is. And of course it's been at the bottom of the fish pond for fucking generations. Where else would you keep it?!

Oh it can repair everything can it?

WHY do they just fucking stand there and let it happen?!!

Oh Zhu Yan did react! Hallelujah!

He sure did.

Did what? You are in this situation because of your own actions! It was literally YOUR plan to break the baize token, get unsealed, and then take over Bai Jiu's body because you knew your own body would burn up!

Okay wtf why did the stone suddenly break?

Can this show please stop giving us a teensy glimpse of hope and then ripping it away from us again?!!

Honestly the stone's a bit shit if all it takes to crumble it is the merest touch of demonic energy?

And what the fuck is this now? There was blood at the centre of the stone? Is it the famous Bingyi blood?

And it's gone zooming into Zhuo Yichen? Whose eyes have gone blue like in the flashbacks to his ancestor?

Oh damn... did I hear that right? The demon Ying Long agreed to die at Bingyi's hand... for the greater good?

OH WHAT?!!!

Ying Lei be like:

Ahhh my poor precious baby mountain god! He's too too good!

Way to be a downer, Zhu Yan.

So it wasn't Bingyi blood? It was demon blood? Unless...?

Because Ying Long sacrificed himself to save the world. Sound familiar, anyone?

Ho hoooooo! Yes indeedy, Zhuo Yichen's ancestor was also a demon... and the famous Bingyi blood is - demon blood! (So I guess maybe it was Bingyi blood inside the stone after all?)

And members of Zhuo Yichen's family were only strong enough to activate the cloud light sword if they had enough demon Bingyi bloodline in them, I guess? And Zhuo Yichen does... which is probably also why he kept dreaming about turning into a demon, I am guessing?

Ohhhhh and we finally get an explanation of how come Zhuo Yichen let Ao Yin get away if he wasn't being controlled by Li Lun!!

He wasn't controlled... he was shocked (mind you, why on earth he would believe a demon's word on that, enough to be shocked to a standstill by it and let them escape?)

So the Great Demon Bingyi was turned human...

And he lived in seclusion... and his descendants...

SO... he wasn't all THAT secluded then eh? 😂

It allows them to choose? So he gets to choose if he remains human or becomes demon? But what do you want to bet he will end up in a situation where becoming demon is the only option to save everyone, so he'll do it?

Oh mind you, no, doesn't sound like there is any choice...

Oh holy shit, is there ANY good news for us, Zhu Yan?!!

So now Zhuo Yichen is condemned to death on 2 fronts - the broken sword AND the Bingyi demon blood.

How the fuck are Chongwu spies able to so easily sneak right into the core of Demon Hunting Bureau to eavesdrop? Do you people have ANY fucking security at all?

You said it girl!

Well DUH, of course he's bloody disappeared while you idiots were chitchatting!!

Oh dang...

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah 😭😭

Aww bless her, she has understood the meaning behind his words...

Oh shit!

AAaaaahhhh! You end it THERE?!!

[lesb0]

A Treatise on Pop Celesbians/bis 🌈✨

(by someone who only listens to music from the 15th-16th century)

I'm super happy that tiktok is making it possible for small artists to breakthrough and blow up BUT when it comes down to chappell, sabrina simply slays more and is the better artist. She genuinely loves being a pop princess, has so much fun on stage, and started serious singing lessons back at Disney ages ago. her work is more cohesive and better produced, her stylist is doing really well with establishing her silhouettes, her vocals are stronger, and she also naturally has the adorable Disney girl look that the industry eats up which propelled her career so fast

chappell is purposely drag "ugly" which is very fun and will def get her some Halloween costumes this year, her fun little songs are so catchy and cute, but the production and style and her skill level needs a lot more work. Beyonce wasn't good at first either, remember when she was just solanges off key pretty little sister? I love that she's a successful rags to superstar story and she is really bringing the community together rn, it feels good. but, she doesn't know how to be famous. It's making her extremely depressed and miserable. She sings improperly for a soprano and it's going to ruin her vocals. quickly. she HATES having a fandom. she was reeeally lucky the pandemic algorithm picked her up right before the great tiktok boom but that doesn't have longevity. also I know she's freshly out but I can't be obsessed with a new lesbian who totally disregards lesbian culture. it's just so blah to see another drag queen appended onto male culture. I just want to see Dykey Dykes who are super proud to be one of us, cultural-historically and all, not a sad hag adopted by gay boys.

Billie adores her craft and has the strongest vocal signature out of anyone on the charts by far, she's an incredible artist and is the most mature performer. She is so protective of other famous women in general even though she started out as a baby in so many precarious positions herself. I know shes going to keep making good catchy music about loving pussy. I hope she puts some effort into learning production because obviously her brother doesn't want to do her sex songs LOL

Muna Absolutely EATS at vocals, punchy beats, they have such a strong sound and the butchfemmebutch thing is so, so powerful & sexy & real. They are thee perfect band imo. but the stylist is so inconsistent with branding that I couldn't recognize them as the same band I learned about from my gay friend in 2020. they're constantly serving cunt. but only the good taste lesbians are there to eat it.

Zolita has released some absolute bangers but her vocals haven't kept up with her high production standards and the rebranding from vampire to nun to barbie to cheerleader isn't helping her establish a solid pop artist identity! she should've stayed in the indie zone, dark and whispery and gothic was her thing. But I love that she's never shyed away from aggressive out and proud lesbian aesthetics and marketing, I still have her lesbian sex stickers on my laptop!

peach prc sacrificed getting 1m+ views early on in her career to be an out lesbian. she's a good singer, but she's stuck singing about her ex boyfriend because that's what got her the #1 single. I love her adorable fairy femme4butch aesthetic even if her music isn't good

As for JoJo I don't know WHAT she's doing with the whole troll cringebait thing but it's funny and shes rich enough to take care of generations... It's very responsible that she's keeping the new annoying dyke brand away from her little girl brand at target, she's growing into a good woman which is rare to see.

King princess CAN be a good pop artist but she's too inconsistent. she has a billion dollars and doesn't need her career anyways she's just having a good time.

I still think Hayley kiyoko could've been the queen of dyke pop if she would've dropped acting and modelling but she really is such a triple threat in talent and has the right looks that there's no way she shouldn't come out really successful but she is a woc so there's a whole different standard and many darker elements at play when considering the racism to killing her career.

I don't know why st Vincent moved into doing pop for 5 seconds. but Los ageless is my jam. Annie has been disappointing for a long time!

[mayamidnightmelody]

My Crush: Alyson Hannigan (from Buffy to American Pie to HIMYM)

In the pantheon of Hollywood stars, few have achieved the level of adoration and respect as Alyson Hannigan. With a career spanning decades, Hannigan has captivated audiences with her undeniable talent, infectious charm, and unparalleled versatility. From her breakout role as the lovable Willow Rosenberg in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to her iconic portrayal of Michelle Flaherty in the raunchy comedy "American Pie" and her beloved character Lily Aldrin in the hit sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" (HIMYM), Hannigan has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Born on March 24, 1974, in Washington, D.C., Alyson Hannigan's journey to stardom began at a young age. Blessed with natural talent and a passion for performing, she quickly found success in the world of acting. However, it was her role as Willow Rosenberg in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" that catapulted her to international fame. As Buffy's loyal and quirky best friend, Hannigan's portrayal of Willow resonated with audiences around the globe, earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

But it wasn't just Hannigan's acting prowess that made her stand out; it was her ability to infuse each role with depth, authenticity, and humor. In "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Hannigan tackled complex storylines with grace and nuance, portraying Willow's journey from a shy, bookish teenager to a powerful witch with emotional depth and vulnerability. Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nicholas Brendon added an extra layer of magic to the show, solidifying her status as a fan favorite.

Following her success on "Buffy," Hannigan continued to showcase her range as an actress, taking on roles that pushed boundaries and challenged stereotypes. In 1999, she starred as Michelle Flaherty in the cult classic "American Pie," a role that would cement her status as a comedic powerhouse. As the sweet and innocent band camp geek, Hannigan delivered a performance that was both hilarious and endearing, earning her widespread acclaim and establishing her as a leading lady in the world of comedy.

Of course, no discussion of Alyson Hannigan's career would be complete without mentioning her iconic role as Lily Aldrin in "How I Met Your Mother." As Ted Mosby's best friend and confidante, Lily brought heart, humor, and a touch of mischief to the beloved sitcom. Hannigan's portrayal of the quirky kindergarten teacher won over audiences with her impeccable comedic timing and undeniable chemistry with co-stars Jason Segel, Neil Patrick Harris, Cobie Smulders, and Josh Radnor.

Throughout her career, Alyson Hannigan has embraced her sexuality and body positivity, often showcasing her figure in various film and television roles. From her memorable scenes in "American Pie" to her playful antics in "How I Met Your Mother," Hannigan has never shied away from embracing her physicality as a part of her characters. Her confidence and comfort in her own skin have inspired countless fans and served as a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

In an industry often plagued by unrealistic beauty standards, Hannigan's unapologetic embrace of her body sends a powerful message of self-love and acceptance. Whether she's playing a witch, a band camp geek, or a kindergarten teacher, Hannigan's authenticity and charisma shine through, reminding us all of the importance of embracing who we are, flaws and all.

As Alyson Hannigan continues to dazzle audiences with her talent and charm, one thing is clear: her legacy in Hollywood is secure. From her early days as Willow Rosenberg to her unforgettable performances in "American Pie" and "How I Met Your Mother," Hannigan has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, proving time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with. And while her body may have been exposed in various movies and TV shows, it is her talent, wit, and undeniable star power that truly shine brightest of all.

[diskaywrites]

Kinktober 2024

𝟏𝟖+ 𝑴𝑫𝑵𝑰 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒕 #𝟑: 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝑺𝒆𝒙 𝑷𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒙 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑶𝒇: 𝑩𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒃 𝑾𝒂𝒓 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆: 𝑶𝒍𝒅 𝑾𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝑾: 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒆𝒙, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒋𝒐𝒃 (𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈), 𝒗𝒐𝒚𝒖𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎, 𝒅𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑 𝒔𝒆𝒙, 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒄𝒖𝒎 𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

.✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.✽✦✽..✽✦✽.◦.

Fallon Henley knew the role that life had dealt her, and she played it to a T. It wasn't her fault that she had been born charming, been born beautiful. It wasn't even her fault that life on the range was fronted by men who thought themselves important. No, the only thing Fallon had chosen for herself was her line of work. So, while to others it seemed that she simply worked for a woman like Isadora Ainsley who allowed women to use their beauty and charm to earn money, Fallon knew that the truth of her position allowed her power over those who seemed otherwise powerful.

Those like the men who called themselves The War Dogs.

Of all the outlaws that roamed the west, the band that called themselves the War Dogs were some of the most dangerous. Led by David Finlay, the son of a former lawman who had found himself now retired, the posters of the five young men littered the town. On more than one occasion, Fallon had found herself staring at the poster of Clark Connors. He was a pretty young man, long brown hair reaching his shoulders. The stubble on his face was not as full as David's beard, but it suited him. Even in the poster, Fallon could see that he was a muscular man. She imagined that he was powerful, that he would be as wild as a stallion.

It was why when the young men had entered Isadora's establishment The Black Rose, which stood as a safe haven for those who toed the line of legality, Fallon had made up her mind that Clark would be hers.

The men had made their way to a back corner, finding a table to occupy in the bottom half of the establishment that acted as the saloon. Men would line tables, enjoying the whiskey and brandy provided throughout the night before finding female (or sometimes male) company. The War Dogs were no different and judging by the laughter coming from the table of young men throughout the night, they were no different. Fallon had been plying them with their drinks of choice all night, and she was certain the liquid courage had finally worked its magic.

Fallon's hands massaged into Clark's shoulders as she stood behind him at the table, "Can I bring ya somethin' else, sweetheart?"

Clark pulled the cigar from his lips as he looked over his shoulder at the woman who'd been pouring his whiskey all night. She was pretty enough and the trail had left him rather lonely. One muscular arm snaked around Fallon's waist, pulling the woman onto his lap. She straddled his thigh, the pale blue skirt she wore bunching up slightly, "Stay here, darlin'. Be my good luck charm for a round."

Fallon giggled, hands on his muscular chest, "Yes sir."

Her hands played with the brown leather vest Clark wore, giggling as she pressed kisses along his jawline. Fallon's blue eyes couldn't see the men sitting behind her, but she was very aware of the fact that their eyes were on her. Clark's free arm was wrapped around her waist as he placed the cigar back in his lips. "Why is it when ya deal the cards, I always end up with a shit hand, Cullen?"

Fallon gave a soft sound, an indignant huff, as Clark's attentions were pulled to his friends again. This was the man whose attention she had worked for all night and he'd rather focus on the band of men he always saw? "Why is it yer always bitchin', Connors?" Delaney Cullen, the group's other Irishman spoke, a twinkle in his mud brown eyes.

"This is a temptation for the devil," Cal Finlay, a man who had left the life of a priest to join the group, chided. His cool chocolate brown eyes never left Fallon, unnerving in their stare.

"Let him sin then," Gabriel Kidd, the madman of the group, sneered, "god he should sin some more..."

"She knows what she is, Cal," Clark's smooth drawl chuckled out as he let out a puff of smoke. "Don't ya, sweetheart?"

Fallon giggled, rolling her still clothed hips against his thick thing, "I'm whatever ya need, daddy. I'm whatever ya want."

"Then do yer fuckin' job and get on yer knees."

Fallon blinked in surprise at the direct nature of the man she had considered a dream, but it was not a deterrent. As the sound of chairs being pulled out from the table sounded, signaling that Cal and Delaney were leaving, Fallon pushed herself away from Clark, getting to her knees in front of the outlaw. He raised his hips long enough to free himself from the confines of his pants, a small patch of hair that matched that on his head at the base of a particularly impressive manhood.

One of Fallon's petite hands stroked up and down the thick shaft as she marveled at the length of Clark. She hadn't imagined him 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 impressive, though she shouldn't have been surprised. Rosy red lips lowered themselves over his tip, cheeks hollowing as she sucked against him. Clark's groan from above the table let Fallon know that she was doing the right thing, one hand working up and down his member as her head began to bob. Clark reached a hand down, wrapping itself in her hair to urge her to take him deeper.

"Pretty little slut good with her mouth, Connors?" Gabe huffed out, licking his lips at the thought of what was going on under the table.

"Damn right she does," Clark grunted, his hips moving against her mouth. His teeth rested on his bottom lip for a moment, cigar long forgotten as his hips worked. Fallon could barely take him at this rate, his hips moving more and more as she tried to take as much as she could. Her hand transferred from his member to the two pieces of flesh that hung nearby. She squeezed ever so lightly, the grunt Clark gave sounding ever so sinful. His other hand soon also found its place in her hair, holding her in place as his hips snapped against her face. In a moment, it was over, his release spurting down her throat. She swallowed what she could, some of it running down her chin and onto the top of her perky breasts as she pulled away.

"Fuckin' shit," Clark laughed, a full and hearty sound as he ran a hand through his own hair. He was almost breathless, head tipped back. "Ya certainly know what yer doin'."

Fallon stood, surprised when Clark ran his thumb over her chin to collect what had dripped down her skin. He offered the digit to her mouth, which Fallon drew in almost greedily. From the corner of her eye, she could see Gabe adjust in his seat, around from the actions he had bore witness to, "Are you gonna fuck her?"

Clark eyed Fallon up and down, appraising the woman in front of him. His calloused hands came up to squeeze at her still clothed breasts, a wicked smirk crossing his full lips, "Mighty pertty woman like her? Course I will. Gonna take her upstairs and bury my cock in such an eager-"

"Do it here."

Fallon was surprised as she was reminded of another presence at the table. She turned her head to see the leader of the group watching her as if she were a rabbit ready to run from a dog. Those cold blue eyes held such intensity that she was almost afraid of what would happen if Clark did tell him no. "If you watch, I charge," Fallon's words left her mouth before she could realize what she was really saying.

David smirked, pushing the stack of bills he had accumulated from the card game in her direction, "Well, whattya know? I'm good for it."

Fallon had expected Clark to argue about this, to tell the leader of the group exactly where he could stick the cash and the idea. What she had not expected was Clark to grab her by her hips, pushing her stomach down on the table. She landed hard on her stomach, winding herself as she let out a gasp from the surprise. Clark's hands pushed the skirts of her dress and her undergarments up to bunch around her hips, a low appreciative whistle leaving him. "Her pretty little cunt's wet. Ya been excited t' see us, girl?"

"I...I dreamt of you," she admitted, cheeks reddening like a school girl. She chewed her lower lip as she felt Clark's hands spread her legs wider, one resting on her thigh as his others pressed its fingers into her core.

"She dreamt of you," Gabe laughed like the madman his reputation insisted he was, leaning back in his chair. One hand snaked down the front of his own pants, breath hitching as he watched Fallon squirming. "Bet she touched herself to your wanted poster, Connors."

Fallon let out a low whine as one of Clark's fingers pressed inside of her, hips bucking forward out of surprise. Just as quickly as he had added one, a second joined in its place. Clark's pace was unrelenting as his fingers curled and pressed into her most sacred area. His other hand held firm against her spine, holding her down. This wasn't how she imagined her outlaw, imagined the man in the poster she had found so handsome. "Ya like that, darlin'? Ya like how that feels? Wait 'til I fuck ya properly."

"Please," she begged, breath fluttering in her chest, "please..."

"Ask nicely," David suggested with a smirk, leaning back in his own chair, "ask my friend to fuck you."

"Pl...please fuck me," Fallon asked, almost tearfully. Her eyes met with David's as she let out a whimpered moan.

Clark's fingers pulled out of her, bringing them to his lips to taste the wetness that lingered. He lined his member up with her core and, with little warning, slammed his hips into hers. His movements never slowed, hard and undaunting in nature. A few of the cards he had placed on the edge of the table went flittering to the ground, the game long forgotten. Fallon whimpered in pleasure, almost feeling victorious. This was what she had wanted, wasn't it? The feeling of his fingers bruising her hips, the satisfaction of having his attention.

And yet she couldn't get the thought of David's eyes off of her.

With a grunt, Clark's thrusting stopped and she could feel the release leaking down her leg. The brief horror that he released inside of her occurred, but Fallon said nothing. Her voice had left her with every moan and cry of pleasure. The sound of Gabriel's release soon left Clarks' cohort and Fallon watched as the other offered her his hand. Tentatively, she darted her tongue across the collected liquid, wincing when his palm then collided with a light slap across her cheek.

"Enough," David snarled at Gabe, before glancing at Clark, "get cleaned up. We got business."

Clark's eyes softened for a moment, looking at the woman before him, before glancing back at his boss, "Can't I get-"

"Don't fall for a whore, Connors," David sneered as he stood from his chair, moving forward to take a handful of Fallon's hair in his fist. He forced her to look up at him, "Besides, we'll be seeing more of her."

[ahfucknuggets567]

You guys wanted it. So here's my post for how I view the og doom Syndicate.

Starting with everyone favorite skeletal pimp, Psycho Delic!

Psycho Delic/Freddie West was born in the poorest area of Metro City. He had one older brother named Calvin who he had but of a rocky relationship with Freddie being a bright eyed man conflicting with Calvin's pessimistic out view on life. Despite the terrible condition, Freddie found himself engaged in the world of science. Mostly of biology and chemistry.

It took all his mother and father's might along with Freddie doing jobs to get him into college. The parents never thought to ask Freddie what kind of jobs he was doing.

Freddie found himself secretly studying some of the drugs he dealt out. Especially the effects it has on people. It sometimes reminded him of how insects used pheromones to communicate and persuade other insects. Then it clicked for him.

One night in his apartment building, Freddie made two capsules and shaved off his own head. He dug those two capsules through his skull and into his brain. The capsules were designed to interlocked his brain systems to produce certain pheromones to insist positive responses from people. At first, it didn't seem to have worked because to the public, Freddie West had died of a drug overdose. His parents grieved for him while his brother was livid for what he had done to the family.

On the day of his funeral however, as the preacher was speaking, Freddie rose from the coffin in purple rotting skin. As he got up, Calvin ran up to him and punched him in the face. It caused a massive fight between the two brothers. As Freddie went back to the hospital, he realized how weak his "ability" was. Freddie had to dive in deeper.

He dropped out of college and became a full time drug dealer. This time dealing more extreme stuff like cocaine and heroin. All the while he was experimenting on himself to enhance his own pheromones. Which he turned pheromones into gas. This gas could now change on the dime to anything he wants. From hallucinations to death to a potent aphrodisiac. He could disappear at will. He became a living boogeyman. Freddie garnered himself a new name, Psycho Delic.

Of course drugs weren't the only thing he was interested in. Psycho was also well known in the club. He loved the music, the drugs, the alcohol, and well, the sex in the night. Psycho made himself bit of a pimp. Add some extra cash on the side to fund his little experiments. Psycho wasn't the only with his power. Though less powerful as his, the pimp made himself a little band with four of his goons: Ace, Spades, Clubs, and Uno. Along with a bit of help from a maestro from down the street. They made Psycho Delic and the Fumes.

With all of his dipping in new territory and the notoriety of such a man like him: the cops soon found out. While he had deposed of them, he had a much harder time with Metro City's golden boy, Metroman. Psycho Delic was finally locked up with a lifetime sentence in prison. Though in there, he found some fellow friends to help bust themselves out and to take down Metroman.

Other things to note:

A man so deep in the closet, he doesn't realize he's bisexual.(I am so sorry, men.)

He has an ant farm and has somehow named all of the ants in there.

The cane isn't just there for the aesthetics, dude actually needs it. It happened after he was revived from death. He still isn't quite sure what happened but his leading theory is that managed to a hit nerve system relating to his right leg that caused to not work right.

Fortunately for every single resident of Metro City, he is infertile. Doesn't even have anything to do with the drugs or his superpowers, he just is.

Btw Calvin ends up becoming a super hero/spy. His name? Agent Citrus.(I don't like Grimreeker as a name and Agent Orange is... yeah.)

Psycho may have Adhd. If he is not overstimulated, he will complain and make a fuss about it. He's also a night owl and has skipped breakfast one too many times.

Next up is Destruction Worker!!!

Clara Magucci or David Magucci in her younger years. She was born and only child and boy to her parents without any hands. Clara had some trouble in school as a double amputee but her parents managed to get her prosthetics for her. They lived very well as upper middle class. Her mother was very doting on her while her father was emotionally absent from her and her mother's life. Otherwise her life in school was fine she could guess. She ended up having an interest in construction and engineering and graduated a nearby college with a major in construction and a minor in engineering.

She ended up working under the company Vanderbolt Industries for a man named Arnold Vanderbolt. It was as horrible as you can get with a job like that. The pay was almost non existent and conditions were terrible and sometimes Clara wonder what the fuck was going on inside that man's head. Even as the supervisor for the construction crew, she was still paid very little. She could quit, find another construction company to work with. But that wasn't satisfying was it? There was a tiny piece of her mind that wanted to start stirring the pot. Maybe she did.

She gathered all her fellow coworkers to start unionizing. Practically everyone agreed and when it started, Arnold was furious. He did everything in the book and yet Clara and her union crew managed to work around it. It was a vicious cycle of cat and mouse where the bottom line was greed. Clara had enough of the game. Everything was going nowhere and the union was always back to square one. So one day, she took her engineering minor to good use and made herself some new hands.

She and her crew went back to the latest Arnold was protecting with his life and it's his life it would be. She made one final attempt at a deal and he immediately refused. Saying something about company's income or whatever. Oh well it was his lost. Clara revved up one of her new hands, one equiped with a saw and starting cut through the supports of the building. She warned her crew to stay back. Arnold was stuck on the upper floors of the building. As the last support beam was left, the unfinished build came crashing down. Clara and the union were left with little to no scratches with Vanderbolt dead on the concrete ground and a pole through his eye. Yet she didn't feel any remorse or guilt. Just satisfaction. She exclaimed her deed to Metro City as proud as one can be and got the sights of its hero.

Clara soon found herself a new job as the super villain, Destruction Worker. She visited the pound regularly with each attempt at destroying either Vanderbolt's or any other corrupted companies money and resources. She managed to escape many times though not as regularly as Megamind.

Eventually one day, the stars aligned to find her talking with the terror of Metro City, Psycho Delic. She, Psycho and the other three villains became the Doom Syndicate. Combining their plans together to take down Metro Man.

It was great to have someone at your side in both villainy and normalcy. It was with this time that as Clara got to know these people that she realized. She might not be a man.

After days and days of thinking and denial, she almost gave up villainy. She was still associated with the Doom Syndicate. She wouldn't trade for anything. Instead she hid in the shadows and became the team's repair woman. She was scared of what would happen if anyone knew what Destruction Worker became.

In the end though, the worker of destruction came back. After all, villains do have to stick with one another.

Other facts:

Trans Lesbian. One of the few things I really liked about the new show.

Clara's a grease monkey. She loves cars and especially monster trucks. You'll have to blamed it on her father being a car mechanic.

No villain wants to talk with their parents. Clara especially. She knows how her mother would react to her transition. It'll be poorly.

She and Judge Sludge are great friends. Their favorite activities include arm wrestling and actual wrestling.

In fact her, Hot Flash, and Judge Sludge are really close. Hot Flash and Destruction Worker like to blow shit up for funsies.

Hot Flash, coming at you with a fire ball!

Her name was Cinderella Brooks and that is a terrible name she had figured. To the point that everyone called her Cindy. Her childhood was normal. She had a couple of siblings and well meaning parents. Her mother was a stay at home mom and was seen cooking a lot. Young Cindy loved her Mama's cooking and when she got older, Cindy followed in her mother's footsteps. To her own detriment.

Cindy married a wealthy man in the city of Metro City, Carlos Fritz. He was a well known mob boss in the city and his name spoke terror in the people. At first, Cindy liked the lifestyle. She gets to cook as Carlos does all the nasty work out there and pays the rent. Over time, it soured. Carlos was vindictive and controlling. Cindy just wanted some freedom, was it all that bad?

Apparently it was, as one day, Cindy found herself pregnant. Even better with a boy, Carlos said. He always wanted a heir to his little throne over Metro City. She raised the boy, Michael. She cared for him as Carlos grew even worse and colder.

In the end, it all came to a boil point. She couldn't handle it anymore. She left Carlos and took some of his money and Michael with her. She restarted her life and picked up some ingredients to create her own diner. Metro City Diner. It was a something. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst. It was middle of road. It got her and her son by.

The years went by with her son growing to be in middle school and it felt right finally for the first one her life. She felt fine.

Then it came crashing down upon her once more. Diagnosed with brain cancer, the Doctor said. She had to scrape by her funds from her restaurant and she wasn't even quite she would make it. She wouldn't, of course she wouldn't. Just when it was all going right. She decided to find something to make through at least another year of her life. To help her son out. She wouldn't want to leave in the care of his father.

Someone came up to her. A doctor in her little diner. He heard her pleads and by his kindness, wanted to help. More then help, he would heal her. She accepted. It sound too good to be true but God damn it what else would she have? Over the span of only two months, this doctor, Dr.Hoover managed to cure her. He managed to heal her. She-

Her head was on fire. Her head was one fire yet she didn't feel any pain. "Interesting," he noted, "Nobody survived my procure yet here you are with the ability to spawn fire."

Her life continues but her restaurant does not. In her veins, she wants to burn. She wants to lit the fire in her heart that left off dimmed for too long...

Her son graduates as his mother is now known as Hot Flash.

Other stuff about her:

She can't keep her head on fire for too long or else it'll start actually burning. She doesn't have a full proof resistance against fire but she is more than willing to put up with fire than anyone else.

She's prob bi. She doesn't really mind hanging out with girls like that.

She could cook a mean grill.

Her and Psycho Delic have the most resistance to spicy food to the point that it is comical. They could eat a ghost pepper and be fine while the rest of the group are dying.

Her son is dude monkey.

She is the most sane of the group. Has to restrain Delic, DW, and Conductie from doing dumb shit. Judge just watches.

She is friends with Judge Sludge. They're favorite past time is watching the Metro City's harbor go by.

Judge Sludge has come to make his call.

Joseph Ridgeway was a normal man with a normal life. He might've had a hard childhood with constant building but he never let that stopped from what he wanted in life. To serve justice. He became a lawyer than a judge in Metro City. He had a wife and two kids. He was the prime example of a hard working American man.

So nobody expected to see as a pile of disgusting pile of sludge years after he died. But he never did either. He wanted his body to be donated to science. He never specified who would grab any of his parts which Is how Dr.Hoover got his brain. That doctor had an idea to revive the man. To stimulate the brain to think it was alive in a normal body. Slime was the perfect mold to recreate the man. Years went by as Dr.Hoover made him alive again.

As Joseph saw himself to be... this. He was a monster. He left to find his living family. Obviously, the public went ballistic seeing the living sludge to which they called upon Metroman to take it to prison.

Joseph didn't understand. It was him! It was him, Joseph! Even as slime, they would have recognized him, right?

Joseph stayed in prison for a long time. He was scared to go outside. He felt hatred at how easy the public was to betray him. Where was the justice for him when he had delivered it so many times? The prison mates might have felt bad for him, but they wouldn't understood them like those four did.

Four supervillains, all with their own pasts of judgement and sorrow. All of them with hate towards the so called hero of Metro City. He wanted to help them. He joined them with the alias of Judge Sludge.

He hated Metroman's phoniness, a false idol in the image of justice.

And he'll hate Megamind even more for his betrayal for the people of Metro City.

Judge Sludge was the entire reason the Doom Syndicate was back and even better than before.

More about the Judge:

Cishet but Aro. He doesn't realize that his entire relationship with his wife was just queerplatonic. She was his bestest friend.

Her name was Stella and sometimes the other members can hear him mutter her name in his sleep. Along with other miscellaneous but very less important stuff.

He doesn't sleep normally like a human. He has to sleep in a bucket.

He is the oldest one of the group no matter where you look. Judge Sludge in his current form was meant to resemble himself in his 50s.

His sludge is only toxic if he throws it up. He can only throw up so much until he has to stop otherwise he actually start taking slime off himself.

Psycho Delic does experiments on Judge's request. Neither have any idea on what the fuck Judge Sludge is made of but it has some similarities with gelatin.

He has autism because I can. Much more relaxed type of Autism. His special interest is sea vessels. Used to have a billion of them when he was human.

Lastly but not least, The Conductor!

Ludwig Greenaway was born under the Greenaway's household, one of the richest families in Metro City along with the Scotts. Their rivalry was unmatched by anyone in the city. It was only made worse when their children was born on the same day or landed if you were Wayne Scott.

Ludwig was faced with harsh criticism from his parents. They wanted their son to be better than that Wayne Scott. But that child knew that his parents wanted Wayne to be their child. Wayne was powerful, more than a normal child. No matter how many ballet sessions he could take or how many instruments he could play. Ludwig could never match literal godhood in form of a child his own age.

He was small, petite, and weak. He wanted to be a conductor because at least he would have some control over something he liked. Not to be controlled by his parents to be their doll. He didn't want to be a superhero unlike Wayne or Metroboy.

His parents didn't care. They saw greatness in Wayne. They saw how the Scotts were adorned and loved by the people for their little boy. They had to follow. They found a man. A man who had an idea to give their child superpowers. They just had to take a few risks.

Later that night, Mr. and Mrs. Greenaway had to watch to their son thrashed in the water until they resurfaced him.

The doctor, through the most wondrous creation revived their child from death. He had a power, they all realized. He could control lightning. He could control the electricity in their technology.

But it wasn't enough. He passed out from his first usage of his powers. They had to make it better. They had to make them stronger.

Over the years, he saw himself infiltrated again. And again. Like a someone's high school project. A sick fantasy of both family and medicine. Most of his own body soon wasn't his. They'll patch up anything rotting away. His spine wasn't bone anymore but cold hard steel of the floor he sat and rested upon.

He wasn't quite sure what happened. How he escaped was a mystery to him. His parents were still alive, so the doctor must've died. One out of four. Definitely not enough. They had to pay. They'll all pay.

He took on two new names for himself. Danny Frankenstein and The Conductor to the citizens of Metro City.

He made it by with the money he stole from the rich. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't glamorous. But it wasn't like he cared. He cared about his reputation. The thundering Maestro of Metro City. He couldn't land a single hit on Metro Man but somehow, he'll make that God's empire crumble under him.

And with that infamy, he had some of the other infamous come to him. A man made of purple skin and smoke. Psycho Delic intrigued him. He came to him for lyrics for a band he wanted to create. It was stupid but it excited him. Psycho excited him. All the things he could do at the tip of his hands. He was lucky that when he went to jail again that Psycho did too.

He might've been the leader of their little posse but Conductor knew that one day, Freddie would be in the palm of his hand.

About the Conductor:

Gay, he's gay. I don't want to stereotype but have you looked at him-

He has pituitary dwarfism. It wasn't passed on but more of a genetic mutation he gotten.

To imagine what Conductor is like. Imagine Sander Cohen from BioShock but a little bit more sane. Only a little bit more sane.

Conductor can play the piano and the violin.

Conductor is the youngest. Being only in his early 30s. (To compare, Psycho in his mid 30s with Hot Flash and Destruction Worker in the 40s.)

Conductor also has super speed. But it isn't Metro Man's super speed. Conductor can only do it in short bursts and has a hard time turning around. It drains a lot of his energy; so he only does it when He needs it like running away or hitting a target immediately.

Conductor hates the beauty standard. He prefers the inherited beauty of differences and ugliness. Which is why he has a massive obsession with Psycho Delic. Psycho's spotted purple skin and baldness has captived him.

[invisibleraven]

There was Only One Bed for any OT3?

"Why did I agree to this again?" Alex asked as Reggie's truck pulled into the campground.

"Because you love us?" Willie replied.

"Because you picked paint ball last time, and bruised me so hard that Tia thought I got into a fight," Reggie added. "So you owe me, and it was my turn to pick."

"But camping?" Alex whined.

"It's hardly camping," Willie retorted. "We're in a cabin, with running water and power, not in a tent on the ground."

"I know you're like, allergic to the great wide wilderness, but suck it up and enjoy being off the grid for a hot second," Reggie said, opening up the door to the cabin.

Alex grumbled but entered the space, pleasantly surprised to see a clean little space, with a real fireplace, a stocked bookshelf, a pile of board games, and a modern looking kitchen. "Okay, fine, I can live with this for a few days."

"Cool, I'm gonna go get some firewood," Reggie said. "Wils, you wanna start on food? Lexie, you go unpack."

Willie gave a salute and Alex dragged the bags back, opening one door to find a fairly nice bathroom-thank goodness for that, because he drew the line at peeing outside. But there was only one other door, and sure enough when he opened it, there lay only one (admittedly huge) bed.

"Just. Great."

Look, being in a band, Alex was used to sharing a bunk. Or the back of a van, or a few blankets on the floor of a club, if it came to it. So he knew beggars couldn't be choosers. But he also tried to avoid sharing a bed with Reggie and Willie, two of the cuddliest motherfuckers there were who also happened to be the subjects of his nighttime fantasies.

It wasn't his fault his friends were hot okay?

Alex glanced back to the living room and wondered how much the couch would murder his back, and sighed before resigning himself to a few uncomfortable nights, and started putting away their stuff.

He came back out to the main room, but instead of finding Willie making food, he was standing looking out the window, completely enraptured. And no wonder, since when Alex went to see what was so fascinating, he got an eyeful of Reggie, chopping wood.

In his black tank, flannel tied around his waist, looking like the yummiest lumberjack there was.

"Fuck me," Alex breathed out.

"Oh I wish he would," Willie sighed, then snickered. "Come on, we got enough eye candy, let's make something to eat."

They made a simple salad and some sandwiches, but Willie also pulled out a coconut cream pie for dessert-Alex's favourite. Reggie soon came in and started the fire going, the three of them eating in front of it before starting a rambunctious game of Scrabble.

"Quilty isn't a word!" Reggie protested as Willie earned another triple word score.

"Sure it is," Willie replied.

"Use it in a sentence then," Alex retorted.

"I'm feeling positively quilty," Willie said, sticking his tongue out. "Get a dictionary if you want."

"Eh, I'm too lazy for that," Reggie said around a yawn. He looked to the dwindling embers of the fire. "Bedtime?"

They all agreed, getting ready, but Alex stood in the doorway, rubbing his socked foot into the floor as he watched Reggie and Willie take the bed. "I can stay on the couch if you two want..."

"Nonsense Lexi, plenty of room, come on," Reggie urged, patting the open space next to him.

Alex cautiously slipped into the bed, gulping as Reggie snuggled into his side, and Willie spooned his other side, the two of them drifting off almost instantly.

Alex was sure he wasn't going to sleep, too wound up by being surrounded by his crushes, but eventually their soft breathing lulled him into slumber.

It ended up being a pretty good night's sleep, thankfully without embarrassing incidents popping up in the night.

But Alex swore he was going to kill whichever one of them left the window open a crack when he discovered the giant spider crawling across the bathroom floor when he went to brush his teeth.

"Hey at least it wasn't a possum or something," Willie rationalized.

"Yeah, then you two would be trying to make it your pet," Alex grumbled as Reggie swept the spider back outside.

"We would... totally do that yeah," Reggie admitted.

Alex sighed. "And this is the real reason I came, so you two don't end up with rabies."

"I mean that's not the main reason," Willie replied. "But it was a contributing factor."

"What was the main reason then?" Alex asked, watching as the other two exchanged glances.

The answer involved the bed, the three of them, and an afternoon that was a lot more exciting then a game of Scrabble. But in the end, Alex felt positively quilty.

And he definitely had a better appreciation of camping-but he was making sure the window was closed before they went to bed that night, lest a possum actually get in.

[xerith-42]

Some Thoughts On Miku Expo 2024 (AZ)

So. Let's get the big one out of the way. I knew going into this concert that I was not going to be seeing the proper Miku hologram, which was cringe, but my friends and I had been preparing for this for a while and we're too excited to give up on it. We were determined to make the best out of a potentially bad situation.

And I will say, there was some good stuff at that concert. While the LED screen certainly wasn't ideal, the model they projected onto it was incredibly expressive, fluid, and honestly real in a way that a projection shouldn't be. That's just the power of Hatsune Miku I guess. And the band was absolutely incredible, I think I fell in love with the bassist.

For the songs I knew I had a great time. I was singing and dancing along, the crowd was really energized, there was something special in the room. And even some of the songs I didn't know I had fun dancing to. Vocaloid music almost always slaps. There's another positive I want to bring up, but I'm holding onto that for a bit. There is one more positive I promise.

But uhhh... There was a bit of a problem with the set list. I knew 2 songs on it. I would consider myself a more casual Hatsune Miku fan, I was more into her in middle school and listened to a lot of her classic songs. In fact my outfit was themed around my favorite of these, Two Faced Lovers. And they didn't play it! Even though it's one of her most popular songs ever of all time!!

I don't object to newer music being played, but part of the concert experience is the collective feeling you get there. The sense of community when you all sing along to a song in this room, looking at your idol on stage. But most of the crowd didn't seem to know these songs either. I would wager a lot of them were people who have been Vocaloid fans since their formative years, and the classics from those older eras mean a lot to people. It really limited the collective experience when most of us didn't know 80% of the songs on the set.

Furthermore, the LED projection was incredibly limited, and underutilized. I won't pretend to know anything about how it works but it really sucked that the visuals were so... Typical. I don't know if you've ever seen a Vocaloid music video, but those things are so visually stimulating, full of really creative and bonkers animation. They have songs with incredibly striking visuals attached to them that they could have put on the screens surrounding the stage, but they didn't do that.

I would say overall the experience was worth it. But it wasn't because of most of the set list, or because of the visuals, or because of the lighting. It was because of the people. The incredibly talented band that played with her. The masses of people who showed up in merch, in cosplay, doing choreography in line, playing games in the pit. It was the people who cheered for someone holding up a picture of Shadow The Hedgehog and all of us losing our shit over it. It was the Hatsune Miku plush without a hairline that got held up and caused us to all yell "BALD!" while pointing at it.

It was the people I made jokes with in the pit knowing I'd never see them again. It was the people who complimented my outfit and I did the same for them. It was the two Miku plushies that started fighting each other in the pit. It was everyone changing their light sticks to different colors for the different idols. It was the people. I know Miku is an artificial being, but she has a way of bringing people together and uniting us as one.

I just wish the event planners had utilized that properly.

[schismusic]

Caterina Barbieri, six years later

After taking my last exam on June 4th I was waiting for the train home to leave. As the carriage I was in decided all of a sudden to piss a good liter of accumulated rainwater out of the ceiling and the walls behind me, I grabbed my earphones to listen to some music — and all of a sudden I was reminded of Information Needed to Create an Entire Body and INTCAEB by Caterina Barbieri. I first found out about Caterina Barbieri about a year and a half after she released Patterns of Consciousness, or right around the time she was releasing her retrospective compilation Born Again in the Voltage. At the time Caterina was a guest at a local electronic music festival, and it was incredibly unexpected for me to find myself more attracted by the two most mundane names in the lineup: hers, just a first name and a last name, exhuding elegant confidence; the other, Ross from Friends, a practical joke that sounded more fitting for some kind of fifth-wave emo band than it did the blissfully nostalgic tech-house act it actually stands for. And while I did love Family Portrait, I actually never listened to it in full in one single sitting. Patterns of Consciousness, on the other hand, immediately became my jam.

As I delved deeper and deeper into Barbieri's ever-looping, never-ending melody-making, I would actually find myself scouring for any and all available information on her work. Not much was available at the time, and I only accidentally stumbled upon her website that also included what I would later find out to be PoC's vinyl liner notes. Basically every melody Barbieri works with is a slow and constant accumulation/substitution of notes played by one monophonic synthesizer, dialed into a sequencer and slapped back and forth through a number of stereo delay lines to simulate counterpoint and even polyphony. The system by which the notes gather together and sort of gravitate into their respective position is, by the artist's own definition, "algorithmic", almost stochastic: eliminating possibilities until a powerful form coalesces and emerges out of nothing. Impossible to find a better soundtrack for my early university days, the 7am walks to Algebra class. And of course Information Needed to Create an Entire Body was exactly the sound I heard when learning how to count the subsets of k elements from a pool of n objects, or learning how to calculate the n-th number in the Bell succession. Little did I know that this record I'd naively stumbled upon would last longer in my memory than any of the classes I was attending at the time (this is regrettable, to an extent, but it also stands as a testament to just how much of an earworm Barbieri's work is).

I saw Caterina Barbieri play live three times, one of which together with Carlo Maria as Punctum (the sole vinyl pressing of Remote Sensing is to this day, speaking not just as a record collector but also as an estimator of that particular album, one of my "white whales": a gaping hole that might very well never be filled). It almost could have been four. I ran into Caterina Barbieri outside the train station of my city, about to catch the train to go back home; starstruck, I approached her, shook her hand. I knew she was going to play that night, and kind of in passing mentioned I would have loved to attend, but hadn't had any luck with the tickets. She was kind enough to offer to put me on a guestlist, which kind of took me aback: I wasn't even aware that that could have been a possibility, and I was so grateful she would offer that. I really did not know how to react to that. Unfortunately, the place she was going to play is pretty hard to get into, so nothing came of it, but even just the gesture was enough to actually make me stop and think. 2018 and 2019 weren't at all good years for me, but looking back it's these small, lacerating moments of kindness that stand out to me: signals that not everything was lost, that I could still become a better person and get better.

When Ecstatic Computation came out in May 2019, I had been religiously waiting for it to drop and the very moment I finally listened to it I knew we had an AOTY contender. It was literally everything I was hoping a sequel to Patterns to Consciousness to be, as someone who wasn't that into Born Again in the Voltage: heavily based on a comparable compositional method, yet somehow more human, more emotional, more ecstatic like the record itself says. I spent hours on end listening to the closing track, Bow of Perception, over and over again; the opener, Fantas, struck every chord it needed to; it was quite interesting and refreshing to hear Barbieri belt out ethereal vocals on Arrows of Time; However, the one that's stayed with me the most throughout all this is track 2: an otherwise unassuming, one-and-a-half-minute vignette striking like lightning with a sore violent melody in some sort of odd time signature (never really counted it out). Spine of Desire injects an inexplicable sense of danger into the entire record, and it never quite leaves, never afraid of its own nakedness, drenched in reverb it provokes the listener out of the analog warmth and into some edgier territories not too far removed from the more Oversteps-esque tracks on Remote Sensing.

Now I'll be completely honest with you all: I wasn't a fan of Spirit Exit when it came out, and I haven't exactly revisited it lately, but I did go to see Caterina Barbieri perform live at the RoBOt festival in October 2022 (on that same night, Ben Frost's show was plagued by performance-crashing issues to the main clock of all of his machines, and he still owned the night, shaking everything in his path right down to the bone). I had some fun, actually. I've met her and seen her so many times I'm convinced she must be terrified of me being some kind of stalker, which I clearly am not — I just like her live shows a lot, and if I had to be a bit of an asshole, they're usually on the cheap side, which makes it easier for me to go see them. At any rate, I went and grabbed a vinyl copy of the then-new album, which is still sitting unplayed on my shelf: not the nicest thing, but oh well. Now on the other hand, I knew what I was waiting for.

Last summer, Barbieri released a record called Myuthafoo, which she refers to as "Ecstatic Computation's sister album". The reason I was so hyped to hear it is that track 2, "Math of You", premiered (played along Pinnacles of You) in Virgil Abloh's Imaginary TV initiative. I was so fucking hyped to hear some new Barbieri tracks at the time — late 2020, I think — and when that track hit I was immediately sold. Spent a whole day reloading the page over and over again just so I could relisten to that new song: ice-fucking-cold. Like Ecstatic Computation, but from a parallel universe that's still in the middle of an ice age (Resident Advisor's review of the full album that featured it very cleverly says it's more or less like Ecstatic Computation, but replacing the human pulse with something more mechanical and computerized — I am paraphrasing, of course, to keep more in line with the tone of this piece and my writing in general). I was hooked. The opening synth swirl became its own track, Memory Leak, and it's as hard-hitting an opener as anything in Barbieri's catalog. Its strength? It is unbearably short. It should last much longer, and yet it doesn't. Cry about it.

Then what: all of a sudden, on June 4th, 2024, I am standing near the exit door of the train home after my last exam, and I'm listening to these two tracks that in my head have been practically synonymous with fucking discrete mathematics and combinatorics, in what feels like another life yet at the same time all too close for comfort. And I still derive enjoyment from it, and it's still the exact same enjoyment, which to me is the craziest part. Sometimes we find small elements of our past selves, refracted into tangential information, fragmented and forlorn and yet crystallized exactly as they appeared at the time. This entire post is essentially a counterpoint to the OPN one: it's probably not only surprise that I'm looking for. It's also something deeper than that and at the same time much simpler.

In the summer of 2019 I had just gotten my driver's license. I got two friends of mine onto my mother's car and we drove to Fano to see Caterina Barbieri play live in a former church which had lost its ceiling during some 1943 bombings. I was hoping she would play Bow of Perception, but I knew — looking at her other live shows available on YouTube — she wasn't playing that track, and would usually start off with Fantas, move almost to the end of the record, then do an old one (usually Scratches on the Readable Surface). Whatever, anyway, I was still hoping, driving on a highway for the first time in my entire life, trying to remember all of the different bells and whistles you need to consider when you're just starting out behind the wheel. As I was sitting on the grass, now freely growing on what once was the inner floor of the church, I remember watching the opening act (an admittedly very talented guy by the moniker "Aspect Ratio", you can find him here (link Bandcamp)) remove his equipment from the stage and Caterina Barbieri taking position behind her machines. The tension was palpable, for some reason. And then that first staccato line hit me. All of a sudden I knew it was going to turn out okay, as hard as it had been. Six years later, that same old feeling of catharsis runs me over again.

[cheerscoops]

Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson || 1k

"And you're sure nobody is going to be able to interrupt us out here?" Eddie asked as he and Steve entered the cabin.

Steve set his bags down by the front door.

"I'm positive," he replied. "My parents never come here anymore. Especially not in the winter. We can finally relax and have a little alone time."

Finding any time to spend alone together was a struggle when they were constantly surrounded by other people who always seemed to need something from one of them. When Steve wasn't working, and Eddie wasn't at band practice, they were often surrounded by the young teens they called their friends, and they hadn't yet told them that they were a couple. Any time spent with them was filled with shared looks and wishes that they could have five minutes alone to just exist together.

Occasionally, they could spend time alone at the trailer, but Steve was uncomfortable with showing their relationship in front of Wayne despite Eddie's many promises that his uncle would be cool with it as he'd come out to him shortly after his fifteenth birthday, and Wayne had been the most supportive and protective parent imaginable. He trusted Wayne completely, but Steve just wasn't ready for people to know about this part of him yet. The only person who'd figured it out so far was Robin, and he knew she would take that secret to the grave if he asked her to.

Steve's house was their only other option, but they both hated it there. It was too big and too cold, too perfect to the point where they didn't feel comfortable. And the fear of Steve's parents coming home and finding them together meant that they could never truly relax.

But the Harrington family cabin? No one had been there in years. The last time Steve could remember his parents taking a trip there was when he was seven, and he had spent the entire time being watched over by his nanny. Occasionally, his mother hired someone to go and clean the place and make sure none of the pipes had burst, but otherwise, it typically sat empty. It was the perfect place for him and Eddie to have a quiet weekend for just the two of them.

Once they’d put their bags in the master bedroom and made the bed with a fresh set of sheets, they headed into the kitchen to make their dinner out of the groceries they’d purchased on their way to the cabin. Neither of them were the strongest cooks, but the act of boiling pasta and heating up jarred tomato sauce together was more important to them than a fancy meal. Steve started a fire in the main room’s fireplace, and they laid a blanket out on the floor in front of it to enjoy their dinner there.

After they’d finished eating and did the dinner dishes, Steve lead Eddie back over the fireplace and pulled him to lay down on top of him on the couch.

“Careful there, Harrington,” Eddie said with a smirk as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. “I’m gonna start thinking you have a crush on me if you can’t keep your hands to yourself."

“Shut up,” Steve replied with a smirk of his own before pulling Eddie into a kiss.

Steve barely had time to enjoy the kiss before the snowstorm outside knocked out the power. The fire was the only thing keeping them from being plunged into total darkness.

“Shit,” he said, bringing his hands up to cover his face. “Son of a bitch.”

“It’s okay,” Eddie said. He tried to move Steve’s hands away. “Who needs the lights anyway?”

“It’s not okay.” Steve looked up at Eddie. “I tried to do this one special thing for us, and I can’t even get that right.”

Eddie moved to sit upright on the couch and pulled Steve to sit up with him.

“It’s not your fault,” he told him, running a soothing hand up and down Steve’s back. “You don’t control the weather, and you didn’t know this was going to happen. It’s really okay.”

“But it was my idea for us to come here.” Steve stared down at his hands. “I can’t do the things that I’d normally do with a partner when I’m with you. I can’t show you off or hold your hand in public or take you to any of the places I’d normally go. And I don’t know when I’m going to feel comfortable with letting the people we trust know about this. So I thought that I could at least do this to show you how much I care. I’m just sorry for making things harder, I guess.”

“Nope. Absolutely not,” Eddie told him. “I am not letting you beat yourself up over this.”

Eddie turned Steve’s chin to make his boyfriend face him and used his free hand to grip one of Steve’s.

“I don’t need grand romantic gestures,” he started. “I don’t need you to shout your affection from the rooftops or take me out on fancy dates. I am perfectly content to just spend time with you in a group and save my affection for when we’re back at the trailer and my uncle’s at work. I can live with that until you’re more comfortable.”

Eddie moved to stand up and pulled Steve to stand with him.

“I don’t need the perfect romantic getaway, and I don’t need the power to work. All I need is you.”

Eddie wrapped his arms around Steve and pulled him in for another kiss. And, as they swayed in front of the fireplace with Eddie softly humming “Head Over Heels,” Steve couldn’t help but think that his boyfriend was wrong about one thing. Even with the power off, this might have been the perfect getaway.

[miss-andromeda]

All's Fair in Love and Science

Chapter 7: It's Nice To Have a Friend

~

After Donnie's bo staff breaks, his response is to take a broken Kraangdroid back to the lair for dissection. And upon closer inspection by him and Andi, they decide to cross their plans of making a compact battle mech with the advanced technology of the Kraang.

~

And we're back with probably my favorite chapter so far! Thank you so much for the positive reception that Andi's story has gotten so far - every bit of support just makes my day! Of course, a special thanks to @tinkabelle19 for her endless help and support 🩷

And with that, on with the show!

~

It was just another typical night for the boys. If typical meant fighting the Kraang in an abandoned warehouse.

They were doing their best to avoid the constant barrage of fire from the Kraang; dodging left and right, jumping onto walls, anything to avoid getting hit. But there were two factors that were making it difficult:

There were a lot of droids, and the Kraang just would not. Stop. Shooting. 

As Leo dodged more fire, he decided to inject a hint of inspiration into the others. "Keep moving! Don't let 'em surround you! Failure is not an option!"

Donnie ran alongside him, seemingly to correct him on his choice of an inspirational quote. "Technically, failure is always an option!"

But Raph wasn't in the mood for either motivation or corrections. "You know what else is an option? Slapping you!" Seriously, did Donnie always need to turn every life-and-death situation into a learning experience for them all?

But the chance for banter was interrupted when more Kraangdroids started firing at them, making the two scatter apart. Ducking in a corner, Donnie called out a threat to both himself and Mikey - maybe the latter could take care of the droid and help Donnie get back in the game. "Mikey! On the right!"

But Mikey didn't exactly understand right away. "Your right or my right?" When he saw the droid gearing up to fire at him, though, he understood what Donnie was talking about - his right. Doing a small handspring and diverting the attention away from Donnie, Mikey yelped as the droids continued firing at him. 

Donnie was grateful at the distraction, though. Getting out of his hiding spot, he leaped up and spun the bo around, ready to take out the droid with a single hit, and-

It hit the droid harmlessly in the head. 

What? How was that even possible? Normally the bo worked perfectly fine against them, what changed now?

"Are you kidding me? I hate this thing!"

But before Donnie could think of a plausible explanation (or better yet, be shot at by the Kraang,) Raph launched a sai at the droid and impaled it, before stabbing the head out of its socket and sending it flying. "Nice work." The red-masked turtle remarked sarcastically. "When we're done here, there's a marching band that needs a majorette."

He then ran off to fight more droids while Donnie stared at the bo with contempt - before remembering that he was in the middle of a battle and that standing around was about the most idiotic thing you could do. 

Meanwhile, Leo was dealing with droids effortlessly; jumping off of support beams and using both of his katanas to take care of two droids with as clean of a sweep as possible. Raph was the same way, leaping off another beam and stabbing a droid in both of its shoulders. 

Knowing that things were not going to end up well for them, one droid addressed another to unleash their secret weapon. "Kraang, the present is being a positive time to b the testing of the energy cannon." If this didn't care of the turtles, then surely nothing would. And besides, why not take them out using an awesome cannon?

Two other droids pulled open the doors, revealing a menacing-looking cannon that looked as high-tech as the Kraang's plasma guns. It had the same pink energy as the guns, and it looked to be extremely powerful. 

As Leo and Mikey finished off the last few droids, Raph and Donnie joined them as they stared down the cannon. "Everyone, stand your ground!" The leader ordered, all of them brandishing their weapons. Granted, it probably wouldn't be easy to take down a weapon that seemed to have no weak point, but it probably needed to be controlled by someone else. So they would take the droid down, then Donnie would do his thing and dismantle it, right?

Right?

Well, that was what they thought until the cannon started to charge up. And considering the intensity and volume of its charge, the boys knew they'd be cooked if they got hit with it. So they did the smarter thing:

"On second thought, run!"

Before they could, though, a droid hit the trigger on the cannon, releasing a powerful pink energy beam at them - and making them scatter. Mikey barely dodged it as he flipped over it, Raph jumped off the crate he had landed on when the cannon targeted him next, Leo made the same move as Mikey (with more grace, admittedly,) and Donnie...

While he ducked and successfully avoided the beam, his bo wasn't so lucky. It was broken right down the middle, almost as if someone had snapped it across their knee. This definitely was not helping his waning confidence about the bo that he was dealing with earlier. 

"Oh, come on!" He angrily exclaimed. Not only did he need to replace his bo now, he also needed a new weapon. Maybe now would be a good time to start working on that mech idea with Andi...?

From behind a pile of crates, Mikey decided to point out the obvious - which also answered Donnie's rhetorical question. "Dude, your weapon just exploded!"

Yep, definitely should start working on that battle mech. Along with, you know, getting a new bo staff so he wasn't completely at a loss during battle.

Once again, Donnie remembered that he was still in battle, so after running out of the line of fire from the plasma cannon and hiding behind a large crate, Donnie lamented over the loss of the staff. "How am I supposed to fight advanced alien technology with a stupid STICK?!" He yelled, deciding to toss it aside and fight purely through hand-to-hand combat. He had enough experience with it that he would be fine, right?

Meanwhile, the rest of the boys were fighting just fine. Leo had sliced through one while Raph impaled another, while Mikey had pounced on a third one with the kusarigama's blade (taking the droid's head off in the process) and leaped to take down another, whereas Leo and Raph had taken down two more with ease.

But it seemed to be for nothing, as more droids and the cannon started surrounding them - with the robots still firing and the cannon gearing up to show off more of its firepower. 

This was not going well. 

As Mikey and Donnie joined them (but were now cornered,) they decided to just swallow their pride and keep fighting. 

No way were they going to be taken down by some Kraang scum.

~

As they were further cornered into the wall, one droid addressed the one who was driving the cannon. "Kraang! Destroy those who call themselves the turtles when that which is the signal is the signal given by me!"

However, Leo had a plan - he threw a star at the crutch for a support beam, which ricocheted off the arms of a forklift and hit its controls, making it sputter to life and barrel directly into the Kraang - taking both the droids and the cannon down. The boys watched with relief as both an explosion and a crash occurred; indicating that the cannon had backfired horribly on the Kraang - and now they were lying helplessly on the ground.

Perfect opportunity for them to get out of there. 

They jumped through an open window (with the exception of Donnie, who had decided to stay back, for some weird reason) as Raph decided to comment on Leo's unorthodox way of dealing with the fight. "Dumb luck." He remarked. 

But Leo was quick to shut down such an assumption. "Wasn't luck, my friend. And 'dumb' had nothing to do with it." Judging by the proud look on Raph's face, it was safe to assume that the latter believed him - which was a nice change of pace.

Meanwhile, Donnie had emerged in the window and was struggling to pull something alongside him - along with not falling out of the window. "Hey, give me a hand with this." He requested, to which Leo understandably asked, "A hand with what?"

Judging by the slightly embarrassed look on Donnie's face, it wasn't going to be a fun task. 

~

"We're carrying this thing because...why?" Raph asked as he and Donnie dragged a busted-up Kraangdroid with them back to the lair. Admittedly, the sight was a bit funny to an outsider, but the annoyed look on the red-masked turtle's face made the scene a bit more pathetic than anything.

Donnie, meanwhile, was much more focused on merely carrying the droid home - completely ignoring Raph's slight aggravation. "Don't you want to know how these things work?" Only he would intentionally bring a robot that weighed at minimum 200 pounds in pure metal back to the lair with him and his brothers.

Raph wasn't about to have an intellectual conversation at the moment, though; he was too focused on just getting the stupid droid home. "I know how they work. You hit 'em 'til the brainy toy surprise pops out." While it was a crude way of putting it, he wasn't too far off from reality.

But Donnie's mind was still in "nerd mode" as Mikey opened a manhole cover for him to drop the droid in. "That's your problem, Raph." The purple-masked turtle commented, picking up the droid with a hint of strain. "You never think things through." He finished as he tried to drop the droid into the tunnel.

However, in true irony, it got stuck. 

"Is that supposed to fit?" Raph rhetorically asked, giving Donnie a deadpan stare like 'You really thought that was going to work?'

Not wanting to be outsmarted by such a careless (and admittedly, foolish mistake,) Donnie started to force the droid into the tunnel; kicking it, stomping on it - and yet, nothing. 

This was going to take a while. 

~

After what felt like forever, they were finally back at the lair - Kraangdroid still intact. 

While Mikey was indulging in a slice of pizza, Raph was feeding Spike, Leo was reading a comic and April was working on what looked like a document for a summer class, Andi and Donnie were dissecting the technology in the droid's exoskeleton - and reveling in how sleek and complex it looked. 

"This technology is light-years ahead of anything I've ever seen!" Donnie marveled to Andi, holding up a small gadget with wires sticking out the bottom. It looked vaguely like a miniature control panel for a droid - like that was what the alien hit with their tentacles to make the droid whirr to life. "Do you know what this is?"

Noticing that he was talking to her, Andi set down a piece she was examining (the wires strewn made her question if it was like a bone for the Kraang) and glanced at what he was holding up to her. Immediately, her eyes widened and her smile grew. "No, but it looks awesome! Maybe that's like a heart for them, since the aliens in their abdomens are like their brains?"

"Maybe...ah, I can't wait to find out!" Donnie nearly squealed, making April smile and shake her head in amusement at them as she continued typing. It was always funny (and a little bit comforting) to have Andi be so interested in technology (regardless of what it was,) but when Donnie was added into the equation, the reaction was doubly hilarious. 

Meanwhile, Splinter was carefully holding a new bo for Donnie with the utmost respect, and the serious look on his face told Donnie that he had better not break this one so carelessly as he had during the battle against the Kraang. 

"Look, Spike. Donnie got another stick to break." Raph remarked, carefully balancing Spike on one hand while his other tickled the small tortoise under his chin. 

"With all due respect, sensei, I can't keep fighting alien technology with a six-foot staff." Donnie admitted, sitting himself up so his head was resting about the staff. "I was hoping to upgrade my weapon."

Andi perked up at that; maybe that meant they would finally get around to working on that battle mech. She glanced down at the technology in front of her and started getting ideas...maybe that control panel Donnie had held up earlier could play a part in it?

"Hm. A seven-foot staff. Interesting." Splinter mused as he held the bo at his side, snapping Andi out of her daydream and making her giggle at the obvious joking tone in his voice.

"No, I meant using modern technology." Donnie clarified, subtly referring to the Kraang parts in front of them. 

But, continuing the joke, Splinter spoke in the same tone. "Ah, a solar-powered staff." That made Andi start laughing - while also writing in the notes app on her phone that that was actually a good idea for the future. 

"I'm serious, sensei!" Donnie protested, slightly pouting at Andi as she continued laughing - but he couldn't deny how cute she looked. 

"I know." Splinter merely replied, dropping the joking tone and going with a more fatherly one. "And yes, you may upgrade your weapon."

But Donnie was already prepared for Splinter to deny such a request. "That's totally unfair! You can't just-" But then he realized he misheard and glanced up at Splinter. "Wait, did you say yes?" That made Andi roll her eyes and snicker under her breath, while also remarking, "Geez, Don, learn to listen once in a while."

He then turned to look at her, raising a nonexistent eyebrow and his lips quirking up ever so slightly. "Okay, whose side are you on?"

Andi merely laughed again, meeting his eyes with a knowing smile. "Master Splinter's, duh. Once again, learn to listen."

Splinter smiled to himself before commencing with the explanation. "Ninjas have improved their arsenal for centuries. We are masters of adaptation."

"That is great!" Donnie cheered, still holding the control panel and standing up. "'Cause with this technology, I will be INVINCIBLE!" His mind immediately started racing with ideas. "What should I make? Electric sais? Multi-shot shuriken? Plasma swords!" He squealed. "I just gave myself goosebumps!"

But then he remembered the mech idea - and grinned at Andi in the process. "Actually, what say we finally get to work on that robot?"

She met his eyes with a bright smile. Finally, they were on the same page. "Let's do it!"

He could've melted with how pretty she looked. 

"But remember, technology is a means, not an end. It is you who must prevail in battle, not your weapon." Splinter added as Donnie and Andi picked up the broken droid and started to drag it toward the lab - clearly not listening to his advice. "Combat is not a video game."

"That's it! We'll turn combat into a video game!" Donnie excitedly told both himself and Andi, with him adding a "thanks, sensei!" and Andi smiling at him over his shoulder and yelling a warm "thank you, Master Splinter!" 

And as they made it to the lab, she grinned at Donnie with a gleam in her eye. "This is gonna be fun."

~

As the sounds of blowtorches, hammers and laughter emerged from the lab, the others resumed their own activities. Mikey was now asleep on the tire swing, Leo and Raph were playing against each other in virtual hockey, and April had retired from working - and was now checking up on a message board that she and Andi had started a few days before. And apparently, someone had sent in a video for her to watch. 

"Hey, guys! Check out this post I got!" April called to the boys, a curious look in her eye. 

"Hang on, April. I just have to destroy Lame-onardo." Raph assured her before reverting his attention back to the game. 

Both of them had regained a sense of focus at that, hands keenly maneuvering their characters around to hit the puck. The game was all tied up at this point - one good power shot would secure either one of them a victory. Their characters moved around at the same time and in the same direction, only raising the stakes-

Until Raph got sick of the stalemate going on and slammed his hand down on the button for a power shot, destroying Leo's character with the puck and getting him the necessary victory point. 

Leo gave him an unimpressed stare as Raph reveled in his victory with a little dance, before giving his brother a proud smirk and shoving him aside, before going to join April on the couch. "So what's up?"

Unbeknownst to him, Leo had followed him and hit him once in the head as penance, before looking to April's computer.

"Andi and I set up a message board to collect unusual sightings around New York." She filled them in. "People send in pics, videos...sometimes we even get stuff that could help us track down the Kraang and find my dad. Like this video of a gas explosion." A video then played, showing clouds of gray, murky smoke - and a single Kraangdroid walking out of it. 

"A Kraangdroid." Leo remarked, admittedly both intrigued and a bit unimpressed (seriously? That was the best the citizens of New York could do?). But upon hearing that ill-fated word, Mikey was startled awake with a "WHERE?!" before yelping in panic as he fell into the wading pool. 

The three glanced at him with a mix of annoyance and unamused, before Leo decided to get them back on track. "We'll check it out tonight."

"Why not now?" April asked, her tone now adopting a hint of impatience. If they waited until nighttime, then that would give the Kraang ample time to either move their location or carry out whatever new plan they had.

Leo's answer was both obvious and simple. "Because it's daytime. We can't let anyone see us."

But April wasn't about to take that as an answer. "Well, I can." She only replied, closing her laptop and standing up, heading directly for the entrance. 

Leo immediately stopped her. "April, think about this. It could be dangerous." While he did respect her tenacity, she didn't have nearly (or really, any) experience with the Kraang as they did. If she wasn't careful, she could easily end up like her father - or worse. 

But speaking of Kirby-

"You know what else could be dangerous? Standing between me and my father." April told him sternly, the look in her eye telling him that she wasn't backing down for any reason. 

Unless...

Almost as if on cue, Andi stepped out of the lab, giggling to herself at a joke Donnie had told her before. "Let me just go to the bathroom first and then I can show you the gun." Her smile was on full display as she caught sight of the Mexican standoff between Leo and April. "What's going on here?"

Leo was about to ask if she could talk some sense into April, but the latter simply told her, "I'm gonna investigate a nearby Kraang base. See if I can pick up on any plans."

Immediately, the color drained from Andi's face and her eyes went wide - and her smile faded instantly. "Wait, what? Are you crazy?!" She rushed over to face April, grabbing her shoulders in a desperate attempt to stop her. "Did you forget that you were nearly another hostage of theirs?! They're probably looking for you! What if they find you?! What if you're taken again?!" She then got even more scared as her green eyes met April's blue ones. "What if they do something worse?"

For a split second, April's determination and confidence faltered. But then she remembered seeing her dad being taken in that helicopter...and the steely look in her eye returned. "I'll be careful, Andi. Nothing's gonna happen to me." She assured her, pulling her into a hug to calm her nerves. 

And while it didn't help her completely, the vague scent of her honey shampoo was enough to make Andi let out a shaky breath. "You'd better be, O'Neil. Or I'll kill you myself." She muttered, making April smile softly at her and pull away. 

"I'll be back before you know it."

She then turned around and left the lair, leaving Andi to watch her and wrap her arms around her own abdomen. 

"Is she always like this?" Leo asked her in an attempt to snap her out of her anxiety. Which kind of worked as Andi sighed and nodded. "Determined? Absolutely."

Donnie had noticed what was going on from the lab and was now standing in the doorway. Seeing Andi like this made him feel like his heart was in his throat, so he resorted to what he tended to do when she was in pain or scared - a strong distraction. "Uh, hey, Andi? Maybe you can show me the gun now?"

She tore herself away from the path April had taken and met his eyes, slightly nodding in agreement. "Yeah, um...sure." She agreed, taking one last glance at the entrance before walking back with Donnie into the lab. 

"She's gonna be okay...you know that, right?" He tried to comfort her, making her give him a weak smile. 

"For both her sake and mine, Don, you'd better be right."

~

As she crouched behind a dumpster, watching a droid walk go up to a locked door with the most advanced keypad in the world, April was having second thoughts for a moment. Maybe Andi was right...maybe this was a stupid idea, and maybe it was tempting fate by sneaking into a Kraang base. 

But then the image of her father in that helicopter flashed through her mind again, and she took a quiet, but deep breath. She could do this, she just had to be stealthy. 

She quickly ran to hide behind a crate directly in front of the door, then watched as the droid inputted the code. "Okay, Kraang creep..." She mumbled to herself, the newfound rush of adrenaline taking over her. 

As soon as the door opened and the droid walked inside, April smiled to herself. "Lead the way."

This was not going to be easy, she could tell. 

But that was fine with her. 

~

Meanwhile, Andi was still in thought as she and Donnie were putting the final touches on the robot. While it didn't distract her from her work, she was still wondering about April - flashes went through her mind of her best friend being discovered..and she sighed at the thought. "She'd better be okay..." She muttered to herself, her grip tightening on the wrench she was using to tighten a few bolts.

And Donnie caught onto that as he put down the blowtorch he was using and turned to face her. "She will be." He tried to comfort her. "You know her better than I do, but I've kind of gathered the idea that April's tough. Not necessarily scrappy, but she's quick-witted and can hold her own."

Andi smiled to herself at the assumption. "You'd be right about that." She quietly said, but sighed as a new thought crept into her mind. "I just...I worry about her. She's the only person that I've ever really considered a best friend, and to lose her...it freaks me out. That's why I had such a knee-jerk reaction before...a-and remember when we met and I started to panic around you?" When Donnie silently nodded, she bit her lip in shame and looked down. "That's, um...that was why."

"Andi, is it okay if I hug you?"

She immediately looked at him. "What?"

"Is it okay if I hug you?"

The fact that he asked that made her heart skip a beat. "Um...sure, okay."

He then put an arm around her, going to rub her shoulder. "I get where you're coming from." He admitted softly. "But you know the cool thing about being a ninja?" He asked, making her raise an eyebrow at him. As a little smile formed on his lips, he decided to make her laugh a bit - even if it meant looking like the biggest idiot on the planet with such reasoning. "You get to save the people you love."

Andi rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face told Donnie it was affectionate. "Same thing with being a superhero, according to the multitude of movies and comics. Your point?"

Donnie couldn't help but smile more; she was starting to feel better. "My point, Miss Rhodes, is that Darwin forbid April is kidnapped, we're gonna save her. Nothing is gonna happen to her - whether that's because she's careful and doesn't get noticed, or because we bust in, beat the Kraang into the ground, and make sure she's safe." He then met her eyes, trying his best not to melt under her gaze. "And considering you've got that awesome new laser gun now, chances are you'd be able to join us."

Andi smiled the same way as him, her focus going towards the straw training dummy with the gaping hole in its chest. "Yeah, don't think the Kraang would be safe from that." She agreed, making Donnie chuckle and nod in agreement. 

"Precisely."

She then looked back at the stocky robot, doing one last once-over to make sure no glaring issues needed to be addressed. When she was satisfied, she nodded and pursed her lips. "You think Engelberger is ready to be presented to the others?"

"Yeah, I think-" Donnie then noticed the name she gave the robot and smiled in understanding. "Yeah. I think Engelberger's ready for battle."

~

As they started to walk the robot around the lab for a brief test, Leo, Raph and Mikey were all in the living room. Mikey was nearly finished with (what was likely) his second pizza of the day, Raph was dangling a piece of lettuce in front of Spike to get him to eat, and Leo was tuning into the latest rerun of "Space Heroes."

Currently, Captain Ryan and his crew were exploring a new planet, but something felt off about it - specifically the lack of life on there. "What do you make of this, Dr. Mindstrong?" He asked the green-skinned intelligence agent. After a brief scanning of the environment by his scanner, Mindstrong appeared confused and slightly disgruntled/ "This is very disturbing, Captain. Er, sensors indicate-"

Before he could explain what the scanner was picking up on, a hot pink moth-like creature latched itself onto Mindstrong's head and put him under mind control, making Mindstrong add (with a more wispy voice, this time,) "Everything is...fine..."

"Great galaxies!" Ryan exclaimed, making his loyal lackey Crankshaw ask (mostly for the sake of the audience watching - like Leo,) "Captain! What's happened?"

Considering "Space Heroes" was the typical Saturday morning cartoon, Ryan exclaimed (or moreso explained,) "Dr. Mindstrong's been taken over by the Cortexicons!"

Leo fed into the cheesy action of the show, letting out a quiet gasp at the revelation. 

In typical Crankshaw fashion, he started to freak out. "What'll we do?! WHAT'LL WE DO?!" He was then met with a slap across the face from Ryan to calm down. 

"There's only one thing we can do." Ryan told him, then turned to the camera in dramatic fashion. "Dr. Mindstrong must be destroyed!"

Leo watched in stunned silence as Ryan's blaster hit Mindstrong - even if he knew Mindstrong would be fine in the next episode, the action and drama never failed to compel him, regardless of how cheesy it was. "What a hero..." He murmured, admittedly wondering if he would need to make that same kind of sacrifice when it came to a future mission with his brothers. 

He hoped not, but the possibility was there. 

His pondering was completely broken at pounding footsteps echoing throughout the lair, making him scowl at the annoyance. Raph was more confused (though he looked just as aggravated as Leo,) while Mikey...well, upon noticing the miniature earthquakes, Mikey quickly closed the box containing the final slice of pizza and held it tightly to his chest, in pure fear of it being destroyed. 

What emerged from the lab was a small, stocky robotic turtle with its hands in front of it. It had a small antenna on the back of its head (so it could be controlled by both Donnie and Andi,) a metallic yellow plastron with wires protruding from its front (that was mostly because they ran out of yellow paint for the scrap metal and decided to leave it as is, deciding it was to look like a belt,) and a yellow stripe across its eyes, like a bandana. It looked like a small robotic ninja turtle. 

And it looked amazing. And it seemed to be able to talk as its mouth opened and a speaker was shown, and Donnie's voice echoed out, "Take me to your leader!" Its mouth promptly closed at that - before opening again as Andi's voice emerged from the speaker. "Good introduction."

Mikey looked to be unamused as he called out, "Leo, it's for you." He told the blue-masked turtle, admittedly a little upset that the introduction to such a cool invention was so...lame. 

Leo promptly answered the call, doing a once-over of the robot with confusion - and a hint of intrigue. "What is this thing?"

Donnie and Andi walked out of the lab, each holding a wireless remote controller. "Gentlemen!" Donnie exclaimed, then giggled when Andi added in a mumble, "And Raphael."

This made Raph glare at her and made Andi smirk in response as Donnie continued the spiel, while she held a hand out to the robot like she was the assistant to a game show host, demonstrating the fabulous prizes the contestants could win. "This is the future of ninjutsu!"

Deciding to get her back for the comment, Raph remarked, "I always thought the future of ninjutsu would be taller. Makes sense that he's taller than Andi, though."

"If I weren't holding this controller, I would smack you."

Raph only smirked at her this time as Mikey 'awwed' at how petite the robot looked. "He's so cute!" He then decided to tickle it under its chin - before immediately regretting it as the robot's endless arsenal was unleashed. Small missiles on its shoulders, lasers on its elbows and knees, a GPS tracking device, red bat wings...if anyone wanted to take this on in a fight, they probably wouldn't come back alive. Mikey stumbled back and yelped in panic as he fell back onto his shell. 

Andi and Donnie shared a proud smirk with each other. "He doesn't like being tickled." The latter simply replied as he pushed a small pressure-sensitive panel on the top of the robot's head to store away the weapons, before lightly patting the top of its head. 

This was going to be fun, indeed.

~

Meanwhile, the Kraang base was just as sterile and cold as April thought it would be. 

Droids were walking through the area and scanning it for any sign of unwanted life, all while chirping to themselves. It created for an incredibly eerie atmosphere - and admittedly, it scared April a bit more. Now that she was in the belly of the beast, so to speak, it felt more intimidating than thrilling. She was starting to understand what Andi meant when she brought up the risk of getting caught. One wrong move and she was history. 

But it was worth it if it meant finding out any plans - or better yet, finding any clues about her father.

As she hid behind a crate and watched a droid walk past her, she silently crawled to her left and started to eavesdrop on a conversation that two other droids were having. It sounded important - and it seemed like they were talking about exactly what she wanted. 

"Is that which is the unstable mutagen ready for using in the experiment that Kraang is being ready to begin?"

Translation: Is the unstable mutagen ready for the experiment?

"The unstable mutagen will be tomorrow unleashing in the water supply."

This went without saying.

April gasped at the prospect, though it was quiet as she curled back into the fetal position. "The water supply? Oh no..." She whispered to herself, but immediately started to weigh her options. She had gotten the information she needed, but the droids were still standing there. But then again, she could make a break for it, if she was careful...

But then the droids continued talking and she stopped thinking, going back to eavesdropping. 

"Many infected humans will mutation. This is being a good way to perfect the mutagen to the point of perfection."

Translation: With the humans becoming mutated creatures, they could use them as experiments to continue honing the mutagen. 

Okay, that was dangerous. 

The second droid then left, and as April tried to get a bit closer (while also maintaining her cover behind the crate,) the fire extinguisher on top of said crate fell with a loud 'clang,' making her cringe and crawl behind an adjacent crate as the droid caught wind of the extinguisher and went to check out what caused the commotion.

This was bad.

~

As the droid picked up the fire extinguisher and went to find the culprit, April immediately started to think of how to get out of there. "Think ninja, think ninja..." She mumbled, frantically searching the room for some way to escape. 

But then she saw the open window panel, and it hit her. 

She gasped in excitement, but quickly covered her mouth and internally cursed herself as the droid heard her, then dropped the extinguisher again and started to walk to where she was. 

Okay, now she had to book it.

And thankfully, as soon as the droid stopped in front of the crate (where she would've been,) she was gone. It walked a little further - mostly wanting to see if the culprit had moved to another part of the base - but when he looked to the right, he saw the fluttering window panel. 

And as it went to go investigate what could've caused it, it didn't notice April running up to it with a lead pipe and hitting it directly in the head with all of her might, hoping to knock it out. 

Unfortunately, it didn't do the trick, and the droid turned around to face her, completely unphased. 

April gasped again, this was just what Andi had warned her about. Now she was about to be taken and never see her, the boys or Splinter again and likely never see her dad again and-

No. Not if she could help it. 

Before the droid could sound any alarms or attack her, she swung the pipe again (this time, with much more force,) and sent the droid flying through the window panel and onto the ground. As she watched the gross alien...thing squirm out of the droid's stomach, she caught her breath for a moment as the adrenaline wore off. 

Dropping the pipe, she ran for the exit before any other droids could spot her. 

Mission accomplished.

~

Back at the lair, Mikey was proceeding to make faces at the robot while Andi watched him with an affectionate smile and roll of the eyes, while Donnie was explaining how they created it to Leo. "Isn't it cool? We reverse-engineered it from the Kraangdroid!" 

"Okay..." Leo asked, more confusion in his tone than amazement. While it was cool, he didn't necessarily understand why they needed a droid to begin with. It wasn't like anyone was injured and the robot could take his place, so why create something like this in the first place? "Why?"

But Andi was quick to reply with a confident (and admittedly, soft) smile. "So he can handle the dangerous stuff while you guys stay out of harm's way. Plus, it's cool to have a robot on your side, don't you think?"

But Raph immediately found a way to make fun of that. "Oh, I get it. This is for wimps too afraid to fight."

While Andi rolled her eyes at the taunt, Donnie decided to play into it. "No, it's for wimps too smart to fight." He then realized how dumb that sounded as he tried to rectify that statement. "I-I mean..." Meanwhile, Andi facepalmed and shook her head, trying her hardest not to laugh. "Good response, Don."

Meanwhile, Mikey was knocking on the top of the robot's head curiously - and an idea hit him. "Ooh, let's call him Metalhead!" 

Andi took her hand away from her face, going to jump in and explain he already had a name. "Uh, actually, he's already-" She then saw Donnie shaking his head at her, his eyes saying 'don't try to change it, Mikey's pretty dead set in his ways with names.' So she nodded, but slightly huffed to herself at having her and Donnie's creation have his name changed right in front of her. 

Ah, well.

"Why you ask?" Mikey asked with a smug smile, completely ignoring Andi's slight annoyance. "Because he's got a head and it's made of-"

Exasperated, Leo facepalmed this time and cut him off. "We get it."

Raph still took fault with the idea of a robot fighting - at all. "I don't need a toaster to fight my battles for me."

Andi's annoyance melted away as she smirked at Raph. "Is that because a toaster is smarter than you?" She couldn't help but giggle as Mikey gave her a high-five and Donnie and Leo snickered, all while Raph was glaring at her - though there was a tinge of affection in his eyes. It was kind of nice being able to hurl insults with someone who could actually respond - and respond well.

But eventually Leo got back on track. "Er, this is ridiculous, guys. It takes the whole point out of being a ninja."

"It's exactly the point of being a ninja!" Donnie told him, a bright smile on his face. "We adapt." He briefly explained, alluding to the message Splinter was giving him earlier.  "Now watch this. Attack the drone! Give it all you've got!"

Andi had to hold back her smile, she knew exactly what was to be expected from this. 

"You're sure? I don't want to break your toy." Leo sarcastically asked, before Raph pushed him aside with seriousness in his eyes. "I do."

He then stepped in front of Metalhead and unsheathed his sais as Donnie pressed a button on his controller to power him up. 

Growling to himself, Raph sprinted forward and jumped, ready to impale Metalhead directly in...well, the head. 

Andi smirked over at Donnie and nodded as if saying, 'Let him have it.' 

And Donnie agreed, flipping two switches and grabbing Raph's wrist before he could get an attack in. Metalhead then swung Raph back and forth like a ragdoll, before throwing him into the wall casually. 

One down, two to go. 

Immediately, Leo and Mikey jumped into the fray and revealed their own weapons, before going into a frenzy trying to get some type of damage on Metalhead. The clanging of blade and iron against metal was palpitating (and even made Andi cover her ears with how loud it was) but nothing was enough. 

Giving a confident (and gap-toothed) smile to her, Donnie flipped the same two switches and grabbed both Leo's katana and Mikey's kusarigama, then slammed them together - causing the brothers to do the same. The distraction gave Metalhead the chance to step on Leo's foot (which likely caused at minimum some broken bones), making him yell in pain and giving the robot the chance to send him flying into Raph - after Donnie grabbed Andi's shoulders and moved them both out of the way. 

Two down, one to go. 

Metalhead immediately turned to Mikey (who jumped in surprise), and with one punch, sent the youngest flying into his older brothers.

Three down, none to go.

"I kicked your shells!" Donnie gloated, giving Andi a high five and a gigantic smile. "And I didn't even have to use the laser cannon!" He added, holding his controller close to his chest with a smile. "And, furthermore, you didn't even get to see the awesome stuff Andi included!"

At hearing that, Andi's smile turned shy as she blushed from embarrassment. It was common to hear someone call her smart, she was used to that. But to hear someone acknowledge her talents in engineering, and to have that someone be as smart and nice as Donnie? She had to admit, it was an amazing feeling.

"Face it, guys, with this thing? We're invincible." 

Slightly bitter about losing to a robot, Raph stood up and brandished a sai. "Oh, yeah?" He asked, loosening Donnie's grip on his controller and sending it onto the floor, making the purple-masked turtle glare at him and Andi snap out of her slight daze at the sound. 

"You know what I mean!" Donnie said exasperatedly as he frantically went to grab the controller. And right as he grabbed it, Splinter appeared in front of him, making him perk up. "Sensei! I was just wondering if Andi and I could take Metalhead for a spin tonight?"

"You may."

"That's totally unfair!" Donnie argued again as Andi walked over to help him up. "You can't just-wait, what?" Once again, Andi snickered under her breath, her grip nearly loosening on his arm. "0 for 2, Don." She muttered, making him playfully glare at her. 

Smiling again at their banter, Splinter walked over to the robot to examine it more closely. "You have created this new weapon, we must see how it works." He explained, lightly patting the top of his head.

"That's great!" Both Donnie and Andi said at the same time, making them look at each other with a confused look on their faces - while Donnie appeared to be...blushing, much like Andi was before. To divert from his embarrassment, he managed a sheepish, but well-meaning "thank you, sensei."

Splinter turned around to acknowledge them, the embarrassed look on Donnie's face making him smile once more. "But it is a test only. Do not take it into combat." He added, making both of them nod in agreement. 

"No problem, sensei." "Of course, Master Splinter."

Satisfied with their answers, Splinter retreated back to the dojo - and out of earshot from Andi and the boys. 

And immediately after he left, Raph asked the obvious question. "You're taking it into combat, aren't you?"

"Totally!" Donnie giggled to himself, holding the controller to his chest. As he grinned at Andi, though, he noticed for a second that she looked unhappy. "You okay?"

She was about to say 'fine,' but relented and shook her head. "Just...I'm still worried about April, it's been over two hours and she still hasn't come back yet. Plus, is Engelberger really ready for a battle now?"

He smiled and patted her shoulder comfortingly. "He'll be okay. And as far as April goes, if you want, we can search for her as we're testing him out. We'll just do a scan of the city, chances are she's on the street or she's back at her apartment." He suggested, watching her visibly relax and smile at the suggestion. 

"Yeah, I'd like that."

~

And there they were in the quiet and brisk night, running across rooftops and perching themselves on the edge of one, overlooking a Kraang base. Leo was first to make it, then Mikey (as he took a makeshift zipline over,) then Raph as he rolled onto the rooftop, then Andi as she ran up, laser gun in hand. She had decided to go with them mostly to get a good look at Metalhead in the field, but a bonus was that she wanted to find April and ensure she was okay.

Though speaking of Metalhead...his footsteps could be heard from Texas as he took the same path as Leo and Andi; crossing rooftops and causing some damage to the roof as he jumped down, then ran over to the four of them. 

Mikey and Andi were cringing (him at the lack of stealth, her for the noise,) while Raph and Leo were completely unimpressed - with the latter throwing in a facepalm for good measure.

And as a small amount of steam blew out of the sides of Metalhead's cranium to avoid overheating, Andi checked him over to make sure nothing was damaged while Leo decided to rub salt in the wound about how much he was failing. "Should we double back? I think there's a car alarm he didn't set off."

Raph decided to continue the teasing. "I kinda like it. It goes nicely with all the sirens and cries for help."

Andi rolled her eyes as she stood back up, brushing off any debris from her dress. "Oh, will you guys just can it?" She asked sharply, resting her elbow against Metalhead. 

And Donnie agreed with her through the headset he was wearing in the lair. "Yeah, seriously. You guys are just jealous 'cause you're out there in the cold and I'm here eating Mikey's pizza." He then decided to rub it in further, much like his older brothers were doing before. "Don't worry, I'm saving a slice for Andi as well." That made Andi snicker and smile. "Appreciated."

"Hey!" Unfortunately, it wasn't appreciated by Mikey as he shot her a glare and punched Metalhead in the arm - before realizing how bad of a mistake that was. "Ow!" 

But it was immediately interrupted as a familiar voice called out from below, "Hello?"

"Guys, quiet! Somebody's coming!" Leo told them, making them all crouch over the edge of the building, just in case they didn't recognize who it was. And they were not about to be spotted again by someone else - first Vic, then Bradford, then Stockman. What next, the Shredder himself?

But then again, Metalhead didn't help with how loud he was when getting into a crouching position - many whirring sounds and even a beep here and there.

"Andi! Guys! It's me!" 

At her name being called, Andi leaned in to get a better view of who it was - and she nearly burst into tears at who it was. 

"April!"

She practically lunged for the nearest fire escape as she jumped onto the ground - and the second she hit the asphalt, she ran into April's arms, squeezing her so tightly she was afraid she was going to break the girl's ribs. "By Copernicus, I'm so glad you're okay!" She exclaimed, pulling away to frantically check her over. "Wait, are you okay? Broken bones, internal bleeding, any bruising?"

"Andi, I'm fine." April giggled and lightly pried her off, before holding out her arms and spinning slowly to demonstrate. "See? I'm okay."

Satisfied, Andi nodded and sighed in relief. "I know, I-I'm sorry." She explained, trying to calm herself down. "I just...I didn't hear from you, so I got worried and started thinking the Kraang had gotten you and..." But before she could continue, she sighed again and pulled April into one more hug. "Moral of the story, I worry about you."

April smiled at her reassuringly. "I'm okay." She confirmed, though her smile was replaced with a calm sigh as she saw the boys still on the roof. "Oh, good. The boys are here." She waved for them to come down - mostly so she could share the Kraang's plans with all of them. "Guys! I was just looking for you!"

Unfortunately, none of them were expecting the idea that Metalhead would be right behind them, and before Andi could explain the robot to her, the whistling could be heard as he landed right in a dumpster, making both girls yelp at the sound. 

And as he struggled to free himself from the dumpster, Leo gave him another facepalm as Andi opened the lid so he could get out more easily. Until finally he was out, and his stocky self was present and standing in front of the others.

"Still, he's stealthier than the real Donatello." Raph remarked, but April looked at the robot in confusion. "What the heck is that?"

"It's Andi and Donnie's latest creation, Metalhead." Leo briefly explained as April then turned to look at her best friend like 'You did this?' 

"Catchy name, huh? My idea." Mikey added proudly as he leaned his elbow against Metalhead.

"Yeah." Andi briskly added, gesturing to the bulky droid. "He's meant to be a weapon for battle, allowing the user to stay out of harm's way while still contributing to the fighting." She then leaned in to whisper to April so Mikey couldn't hear, "His actual name is Engelberger, but Mikey wanted to call him Metalhead so that's just his nickname." That made April smile and roll her eyes, only Andi would gatekeep something so dumb as a name. 

"Sorry, girls, still getting used to the controls." Donnie explained the commotion before as the megaphone was exposed from Metalhead's mouth, creating an unnecessary loudness in Donnie's voice and an obnoxious ringing that made everyone cover their ears - and even made Andi wince at the sound. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to install that in the first place. But thankfully, the controls were fixed as Metalhead's mouth closed and Donnie sheepishly explained again, "Megaphone button got stuck."

Andi smiled softly at him before turning back to April. "So did you find any news about the Kraang?"

"Oh, right!" April's expression then turned stormy. "It's serious, they're gonna poison the city's water supply with mutagen!" 

Immediately, the boys and Andi started to get concerned. "The whole city will become a disaster area!" And Donnie (through Metalhead) added, "There'll be mutants everywhere!"

Andi started to picture it immediately - mutated citizens roaming the streets, them being used as experiments by the Kraang...it'd be terrible. And maybe they could use these mutants to kidnap the people who weren't affected by the mutagen? The thought alone made her shudder. 

However, Mikey saw the positives in it. "Wow! Think of all the friends we could make!" He suggested, subconsciously throwing his arms around Metalhead. But when the rest of them gave him a disapproving look (like 'what is wrong with you,') Mikey tried to justify it. "Excuse me for being a glass-half-full kind of guy."

Deciding not to berate Mikey at the moment, Leo gestured for the others to follow him. "Let's go!" 

Metalhead immediately went to follow him, with Donnie adding, "Yeah, the Kraang don't stand a chance!" But he was immediately stopped by Leo - making both Donnie and Andi confused. "What?"

"Donnie, I need you to hang back. Metalhead is just too clumsy, it'll get in our way." Leo reasoned with him, making Donnie stumble over his words at such a ludicrous accusation, as well as Andi scowl at the blue-masked turtle, taking slight offense. 

"Are you kidding me, Leo? He may not be the most graceful, but he can still fight! He's got the range that you guys don't have; a flamethrower, lasers, a plasma fist, he can do stuff you guys can't!"

Leo shook his head, unconvinced. "Andi, it's just too clumsy. If we allow it to go with us, we'll get our shells handed to us." He sternly told her, only earning a glare from her. 

His point was only proven when Metalhead knocked his arm into a handful of trash cans, startling April. Though, because it was Donnie, he immediately tried to rectify his argument. "I did that on purpose to emphasize my point."

"You're not coming, Donnie." Leo simply told him, then followed Raph and Mikey as they ran for the Kraang base.

As Metalhead stood there with his head down and Andi had her arms crossed and was scowling at the ground, April decided to comfort both of them by putting her hand on the robot's shoulder and squeezing Andi's hand reassuringly. "You guys can come up to the roof with me to watch the fight?" She offered, making Andi visibly soften and Donnie smile to himself, though he knew the girls couldn't see it. 

"Sure. That'd be good, April."

~

And as Leo, Raph and Mikey left to storm the base, the girls and Donnie were left on the edge of the roof with a perfect view of the fight.

As April and Andi exchanged a concerned look, the latter let out a soft sigh as she looked up at the sky, trying to calm her nerves. She knew the boys would be able to hold their own in a fight, especially against the Kraang, but there was always a hint of irrational fear in her mind. It especially didn't help that she was so close to the action - the first time that this was the case. 

Moving Metalhead to glance at her, Donnie's heart started to crack a bit as he saw how scared she looked. If he were there, he would do what he did before when she was scared about April; put an arm around her and help her calm down. But considering it would be a bit unorthodox to hug a teenage girl as a robot, he decided on another method, mostly in an attempt to get her mind off it. 

"So..." Donnie intentionally played up the awkwardness in his tone as he spoke to the two of them. "...you guys like heavy metal?"

That got a chuckle and an affectionate eye roll from April and a little smile from Andi, which made Donnie beam from behind the screen. 

It was definitely a start. 

~

The trio had finally made it inside the Kraang base and were perched on a beam in the rafters - and the sight was an all-too-familiar one. There were at least 20 to 30 droids down there, and chances are there were more either outside or ones that had left the base to tend to other tasks. 

Long story short (and as Leo put it,) "It looks like a Kraang picnic down there."

Raph immediately started to hype himself up - and did the same with his brothers. "Ready to bash some bots?"

Continuing the alliteration, Leo agreed with a confident smile, "Destroy some droids?"

"Clean some closets?" Mikey added with a bright smile - but he quickly realized his error as Leo and Raph stared him down. "Uh...I meant to say, 'crush some Kraang?'"

Without responding, Leo jumped from the beam and Raph followed, the two of them taking down two droids almost instantaneously. And to ensure that the second droid was completely finished, Raph stabbed his sai into the droid's face and ripped off the external face, showing a purple control panel that must've controlled its eyes and speaker. 

"Booyakasha!"

Mikey was right behind them, landing on top of two more droids and punching them with all of his might, nuts and bolts flying everywhere as he continued to ensure that they were really dead. It wasn't until Raph picked him up by his shell and dragged him away from the unmoving droids did he stop. 

Hiding behind another beam, the trio looked around to see if they find any more droids (or better yet, the device they'd be using to inject the mutagen into the city's water supply) and then rolled to the left behind a set of waste barrels to meet even more droids, some with mutagen canisters while others were holding their plasma guns - in case they caught any unwanted visitors. 

However, what gave them away was another Kraang droid that fell behind them, cursing at them in its native tongue (which just sounded like robotic gibberish) before becoming unresponsive and laying on the ground.

The boys winced at that - but as they turned around, the same group of droids they were spying on were staring directly at them - and were charging up their guns.

And almost immediately, they were being fired on, making the trio yell in fear and retreat behind a set of waste barrels.

Between a rock and a hard place. Great.

~

Meanwhile, the girls and Metalhead were still on the rooftop - and the soft silence as they watched the fight was both comfortable and a bit nerve-wracking. 

Andi's nerves had calmed down as she rested her head on April's shoulder and squeezed her hand, but she was still silent as she looked back up at the sky, smiling to herself as she could see her constellation. Her other hand unintentionally went to her necklace, making her smile at Metalhead before going back to watching the chaos in the building.

The robot turned to face her and Donnie's eyes caught sight of her, making a lovestruck smile form on his face. Immediately, he muted the speaker (and made sure Andi couldn't hear him by asking 'can you hear me now?,' then took her silence as an affirmation,) then dreamily sighed as he admired her. She looked so pretty in the moonlight...and the fact that she was wearing the necklace that he made her made his face turn bright pink.

"Look at her...oh, she's so beautiful. So radiant...and by Darwin's beard, I've never met anyone so smart." While he still admired her, his smile started to turn a bit sad - though it was still there. "But I know that she'd never go for something like me...who could love a mutant?" He put the controller down and put his hands over his face, rubbing the sides of his face carefully.

"Gah, if only she could love someone like me!" He exclaimed, then sighed to himself as he calmed down. "She'd make me the happiest turtle this side of the Atlantic...and I'd do everything to make her the happiest girl, no questions asked..." Out of instinct, he picked up the controller again, his gaze averting to it. "But, to be fair, Donatello, your feelings for her aren't gonna change the fact that she's always gonna be a friend to you. You know darn well that at the end of the day, even if she never loves you back, she's still gonna be your lab partner and especially your friend."

He then went back to look at Andi - and at this point, April had taken notice of his prolonged staring and smirked at him, making him chuckle nervously, but still continue his monologue. "Because there's just something about her. Whatever it is, I want to be there for her, no matter our relationship. Friends, boyfriend and girlfriend-" He giggled like a child at that image. "-er, whatever it is, I'm gonna be by her side no matter what."

Noticing April was smirking at Metalhead, Andi followed her gaze and chuckled at him. "Don, what are you doing?"

Immediately, Donnie snapped out of his daze and unmuted himself. "Uh, nothing." He quickly replied with another nervous laugh, before adding to himself, "Thank Darwin she didn't hear that..." 

That made Andi raise an eyebrow and smile at him. "Hear what?"

April snickered at that, while Donnie immediately replied with, "Uh, nothing! We're good, everything's good!" To divert from embarrassing himself even further, he decided to look back at the building. "So, um, how do you think the fight's going?"

Ironically, the second he asked that, a massive laser beam struck the corner of the roof they were resting on (missing Andi by only a few inches) and making them all fall back in fear.

Once the shock wore off, Andi glanced at the robot with a terrified look in her eye. "Not great?" She asked, her tone taking on a higher register, then bit her lip as an idea came to her. "I think that's a sign that you need to join your brothers."

"Right." Donnie agreed - and right as he was about to leave, he turned Metalhead to look at the girls. "I'll see you guys on the other side." He said, almost ruefully, though a  smile could be heard in his tone. When they waved back, he turned back around and jumped onto the adjacent roof, going to look for a viable way inside. 

"Be careful!" Andi called out to him, then turned to April once he was out of earshot. "So why'd you think he was staring at me earlier?"

April only smirked at her as she started to lead her back to the fire escape so they could go back to the lair. 

"No idea, Andi."

~

Before Metalhead could reach them, though, the trio found themselves overrun by fire - and it was becoming more apparent, especially to Raph that they couldn't keep running. "Leo! We're running out of-" He was cut short by them scrambling behind a set of crates and barrels - which was basically a dead end if the wall had anything to say about it. 

"-room."

"We're trapped!" Leo agreed, lightly cursing to himself at such a dumb mistake. 

Mikey, however, tried to spin the situation more positively. "Or maybe they're the ones who are trapped, hm?" But when he poked his head over the barrel he was hiding behind and was met by a plasma beam narrowly missing his head, he realized it was pointless arguing with Leo. "No, it's us."

Great. Hiding behind debris and being met with continuous fire - and no way to counteract it. Unless something big happened in the next ten seconds, the boys were likely toast. 

Thankfully, that big something happened, as the sound of a window breaking could be heard from a mile away and Donnie's excited cheer followed as Metalhead jumped through the window, landing directly on a group of Kraangdroids - but the pose he was in made the entire moment seem less triumphant and more ridiculous. 

"What are you doing? What is wrong with your arms?" Leo scolded him, referring to Metalhead's arms being splayed on either side of him. Rather than a hero, he looked like a child that was struggling to keep his balance. 

Donnie, of course, wasn't aware until Leo pointed it out to him. "My...hands aren't on my hips?" Leo only responded with a stern "no!" while Raph facepalmed at the sheer absurdity of it. Thankfully, Donnie realized his mistake and sheepishly explained, "Sorry, forgot to press B." After pressing the right button, Metalhead's arms went to his hips, making him look much more like the hero he was trying to be. 

Unfortunately, the Kraang were not interested. Immediately, they powered up their laser guns and aimed directly at him. 

~

The trio exchanged looks with each other (like 'is this seriously going to work?') all while Metalhead continued to stand directly in front of the fire, taking every hit with no real fightback. It was almost like Donnie had stopped controlling him - or more likely, his cockiness was starting to get the better of him because he knew Metalhead could withstand a lot of fire. 

Almost definitely the latter.

And that was only proven further when the Kraang stopped firing (seeing it was doing absolutely no damage) and in a surprisingly brazen move for Donnie, he exclaimed, "Now it's my turn!" He then equipped the laser cannon he was hinting at earlier and boldly proclaimed, "Eat hot laser!"

Immediately, droids were being mowed down left and right - and from Donnie's end, he was excitedly pressing every button on the controller like he was playing a first-person shooter. It was thrilling, a video game come to life. He laughed with glee as he taunted the droids and cheered himself on, and then as he pressed another button, the plasma fist Andi referred to earlier was unleashed, hitting droids with as much force as a freight train and leaving no prisoners behind. 

It was amazing - and Donnie got so caught up in the rush that he didn't notice Andi walking back into the lair (April had decided to go back to her apartment so as not to worry her aunt) and smiling at his inane nerdiness. The fact that the robot was working as well as they expected it to was amazing too...but there was something about seeing Donnie this happy that just made her feel giddy. 

And once the plasma fist came back to Metalhead's arm socket, Donnie felt the need to gloat. "Hey, Raph! How's it feel to be shown up by a toaster?" He called out to his brother, making Raph grumble at him, Andi facepalm (and making Donnie jump,) and Mikey yell out, "Burn!" 

Once he calmed down from Andi lightly scaring him, Donnie addressed what he assumed was a compliment from Mikey. "Yeah, I thought that was a good one."

However, Mikey was referring to the flamethrower Metalhead had equipped as well. "No, burn!" He yelled, pointing to the group of droids sneaking up behind Metalhead. 

"Oh, right." Donnie quickly remembered and muted his mic, then switched Metalhead's hand from the laser cannon to the flamethrower, before incinerating each droid he saw. At the same time, he threw an embarrassed smile towards Andi. "You...heard all that?"

She only laughed and nodded. "It's fine. Kind of cute when you're so excited like that."

Donnie only blushed crimson as he smiled goofily - before unmuting his mic. 

A fallen droid, however, had started to notice something. The design on Metalhead's cranium... was Kraang technology, was it not? "That thing which does violence at Kraang used to do violence for Kraang!" And then it powered down, leaving the small alien in its abdomen to crawl out and start to scheme.

In other words, they had caught on that the boys (or rather, one of them and their friend) had been using stolen Kraang technology. 

Not good. 

Meanwhile, Donnie had switched back to the laser cannon and was starting to fire more recklessly - accidentally firing at the trio still in hiding. "Dude!" Mikey yelled in fear, making Andi cringe and Donnie sheepishly apologize, while Leo chastised him by saying, "Donnie, watch the friendly fire!"

Taking that seriously, Donnie started to be more cautious in his aim again - and once he was back in his element, he started to taunt the droids he was firing at like they were generic enemies in a video game. "Here's some for you! And some for you! And oh, yeah, I saved a little for you too! How'd that taste?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Andi roll her eyes and shake her head - which he couldn't deny made him giggle a bit. "What?"

She only smirked at him. "You're just a dork, is all." That made Donnie only giggle again - and his cheeks turn pink. "I've been told that on quite a few occasions." Andi's smirk only grew further as she decided to continue the charade. "Have you now?"

Overhearing what was obviously flirting, Leo and Raph shared a smirk (they were totally going to use that against him later) while Mikey let out a quiet and prolonged 'aww.'

However, that 'aww' caught Donnie's ear and he snapped out of talking to her, going back to fighting the Kraang - which seemed to be going like a dream, until he accidentally hit a supply of gasoline tanks, making them explode and Metalhead go flying, crashing into a nearby support beam.

And what was worse - the antenna on his head chipped off.

"No, Engelberger!" Andi exclaimed with concern, while Donnie gasped at the text that appeared on screen: 'LOST SIGNAL.' "We lost the control signal!" He frantically tried hitting buttons in a vain attempt to get Metalhead back under their control - before Andi smacked him nervously on the shoulder and pointed his chin to the screen - which normally would've made him turn a thousand shades of red, but right now he was too bothered (and even a little bit stunned) to notice.

"What's that Kraang doing?" They both asked as the alien from before climbed atop Metalhead's chest. 

Unbeknownst to them, it was connecting itself to the control panel on Metalhead's flat cranium - and while it did get an intense electric shock from it at first, it was still able to connect itself to the mainframe. Instead of his eyes being electric blue, they became a dangerous pink. 

Not good squared.

"Uh, oh...guys?" Donnie called out to his brothers, desperately trying to get their attention. "If you can hear me, you might want to run!"

Andi gave him a look like 'Seriously?' and grabbed the unused second headset that Donnie had set up for her. "Might want to is an understatement, run like there's someone chasing you with a taser!"

Before they could take their advice, though, the trio looked up at what they were dealing with. 

Purple flames enveloped the new Kraang-ified Metalhead, and his mouth was bright purple as well as he spoke. "The ones that which are called turtles will now be called turtles that are DESTROYED!" At 'destroyed,' the speaker in Metalhead's mouth was exposed, only adding to his newly-established intimidation factor. 

Not necessarily understanding the gravity of the situation, Mikey let out a sigh of relief. "I was really afraid of the beginning of the sentence, but then I sort of just lost interest towards-" 

But he was cut off by Metalhead pointing the laser cannon directly at him. "-okay, now I'm afraid again."

His scream pierced through both Andi's and Donnie's headsets, making her cover her mouth in fear and him frantically search for a way to gain some level of control back. "Come on, maybe if I override-"

"Donatello!" 

Splinter's booming voice appeared behind them as he placed his hand on Donnie's shoulder. "The time for games is over."

With a sigh, Andi agreed and slipped off the headset, watching with a heavy heart as Donnie let the controller fall to the ground. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

"You're right. My brothers need me." 

He gave Andi an apologetic nod (which was replaced by a soft smile as she gave him a sad, yet supportive one at his decision) and was about to leave before Splinter yelled for him to stop. When Donnie turned around, the wise master tossed him his bo - everything was coming full circle.

With a grateful bow, Donnie was about to head out again - but this time, Andi stopped him. 

Running up to him, she gave him a mischievous smile. "When you see the Kraang again, tell them this for messing with Engelberger." She then whispered something into his ear - making him look at her with confusion. "What does that even mean?"

"Just trust me, yell that to the Kraang for messing with us and our creation. I'll explain it when you get back."

Still confused, Donnie nodded before turning back and finally getting on his way.

Time to finish what he started.

~

Unbeknownst to him, the trio had started to attack Metalhead - unleashing any type of strike they could get on him. Mikey had even swung a nunchuck at the laser cannon to stop it from firing, but it didn't seem to work as the robot only tossed it aside and aimed the cannon again.

"Give him everything you've got!" Leo urged them as he and Raph lunged to attack - and eventually Mikey joined in, hitting Metalhead with as much force as they could muster. But the sounds of iron and weight against metal were telling as he looked completely unscathed by such a frenzy - just like before, there was hardly anything the boys could do to even get an attack in. 

Urgh, why did Donnie and Andi have to make the thing so durable?

"He's got to have a weak spot!" Leo added, still continuing to slice at Metalhead with the katanas, almost like he was desperately trying to break the invisible shield around him. Of course, to no avail. 

But Mikey thought of a brilliant idea. "This always works!" He remembered and kicked Metalhead directly...in the groin.

But he remembered that he was a robot, not a human, and the orange-masked turtle winced in pain. That likely caused a few broken toes. "Well...usually."

With that brilliant idea being a bust, Metalhead saw the opportunity to deliver a swift punch to Mikey's abdomen, sending him flying into the support beam...just like before.  He then turned his attention to Leo, punching him directly in the head - and doing the exact same to Raph, sending both of them onto the floor next to Mikey. 

Oh no cubed. 

And as Metalhead and the other droids cornered them, the stocky robot decided to give them one last chance to plead their case, so to speak. "Now Kraang will destroy you. Which one wants to be the first to be destroyed by Kraang?"

But a familiar voice was heard from the ceiling of the building. "Me!"

Doing a front flip from the broken window, Donnie had his bo staff by his side as he stared down the droids, a newfound sense of adrenaline (and warranted anger) surging through his body. To see what the Kraang had done to not just his brothers, but also Engelberger...

Deep down, he knew the Kraang should've been lucky that Andi wasn't by his side.

"Donnie!" Mikey's voice broke through his anger - but along with being happy to see him, the orange-masked turtle also appreciated the flair Donnie delivered in arriving. "Bangin' entrance, dude!"

However, Donnie's priorities were still on the Kraang. "You guys deal with the droids. I'll handle Metalhead."

No arguments came from the trio as they immediately went to deal with the other Kraangdroids - while the Kraang-controlled robot addressed Donnie. "It is the maker of the tech which was the tech that was of the Kraang!" And as the droid and Donnie stared each other down, both prepared their weapons - Metalhead with the laser cannon and Donnie with the exact opposite - a wooden bo staff. 

"Come on, give me your best-" But his taunt fell by the wayside as he immediately fled from the homing plasma fist - until he used the staff as a bat and rerouted the fist to hit Metalhead directly in the cranium. He then followed it up with some direct hits from the staff - but metal against wood sounded almost as bad as metal against iron.

Like all of the other hits, though, it did absolutely nothing. It was like Metalhead grew entirely bored of the whole charade and started aiming the laser cannon directly at Donnie - and started firing immediately after, causing him to flee again.

His movements in avoiding the fire were nothing short of graceful. Careful dodging, flipping, using the staff as a vault - and yet Metalhead was still locked in on attacking him before anything else. 

And then a stray beam broke the staff clean - again.

"Not again..." Donnie nervously told himself, immediately looking for a viable replacement. He made a note to himself: 'Look into making a weighted staff. Or at least surround your new one with some type of metal coating so this doesn't happen again.'

However, Metalhead wasn't interested in mourning the staff; immediately, small orbs emerged from his eye sockets and locked onto Donnie, making him gasp and leap to a safe hiding place immediately - being involved in the explosion that followed would have been catastrophic. Agh, why did he insist that they include such a thing?

He made another note to himself; 'Tell Andi she was right about the exploding eyeballs. Knowing her, she'll probably like hearing she was right.' 

While the thought of her made Donnie smile for a second, the image of her faded immediately when he was met by a loud metallic 'clang' - the intensity of the exploding eyeballs was too much for Metalhead, as he fell over. 

Emerging from the waste barrel he was hiding behind, Donnie caught a glimpse of the now decaying support beam - and coincidentally enough, it was right above Metalhead. Ideas started flowing into his mind. 

"That might work..." He mumbled to himself. All he needed was a distraction. 

And what better way to distract them was to use the insult that Andi had requested he say? "Hey, Kraang!"

Immediately, he was met by gunfire - but emerged unscathed as he stood facing them. And now to "avenge" Andi:

"The one who is called your mother wears the boots that are made for combat!"

The Kraang, however, didn't get the joke - or maybe they did and were just majorly offended. "The comment that is made by you shows ignorance by Kraang! The ones known by you as mothers-"

After getting that out, though, Donnie was ready to take them down once and for all. "Just come get me!"

Metalhead understood that completely clearly, though, as he launched a multitude of exploding orbs towards Donnie - and instead of running away, he ran towards them and leaped over the robot (while at the same time, dodging a heavy barrage of fire from the laser cannon) - and causing the robot to dismantle the support beam. 

It creaked and groaned, but as Donnie landed right behind Metalhead and held out the broken staff, he let out a soft, fearful whimper as the beam came crashing down.

But instead of it crushing him (or allowing Metalhead to destroy him,) it bent the stocky robot forward, allowing the staff to impale it directly in the chest. 

He did it.

"Booyakasha!" Donnie cheered as a victory - just as the others finished picking off the other droids, and Leo was getting the final one off of his katana.

"Sounds weird when he says it." Mikey commented lightheartedly - but Raph decided to let Donnie have his moment by merely replying, "Sounds weird when you say it."

Though, the Kraang weren't entirely done with the boys just yet. "That which is the revenge will be had on those who are calling themselves the turtles." As if to specify what kind of revenge (and to get back at Donnie for destroying the robot,) the alien made the robot power down and then leaped onto Donnie's face, making him scream and then crawl away, as if disgusted by what he just had to witness.

But the shock wore off as a smiling Leo, excited Mikey, and unamused Raph stood over him. "Nice job, bro!" Mikey cheered, and Leo agreed with a "Way to go, Donnie."

Once the purple-masked turtle stood up with a smile growing, Raph decided to knock his happiness down a peg - even if it wasn't entirely meant as malicious. "Yeah, not bad. Except for that part where you and Andi built the thing in the first place. And the part where it broke. And the part where it tried to kill us! And the part-"

"Okay, I get it!" Donnie cut him off, his good mood now faltering. He and Andi were so happy about having a robot mech as a weapon, it was going to revolutionize combat forever...

Ah, well. Back to the drawing board, he supposed.

~

Things had seemed to go back to normal in the lair, as Leo and Raph were roughhousing at the arcade machine - while Mikey was a bemused spectator to it all. Currently, Raph was in the middle of playing, but Leo was teasing him about his score. "Ah, so close to my high score! Aww!" The two then proceeded to muscle each other out of the way of the game - Raph so he could beat Leo's score, and Leo so he could avoid that from happening. 

Donnie and Andi, meanwhile, were lamenting over the loss of Metalhead - he was using the soldering iron they had used to weld him together on a small metal beam, while she was quietly watching him. "So...I guess Engelberger's gone, huh?" She mumbled, making him nod sadly. 

"It was for the best though. We may have been a little too overconfident in his abilities that we didn't factor in the prospect of the Kraang taking over his mainframe."

She only nodded back - and the silence encompassed them again until Splinter noticed them and walked over. "Donatello? Andromeda? What troubles you?"

Donnie let out a sigh as he set down the metal beam. "This was our fault, sensei." 

And Splinter seemed to agree with them at first. "You are responsible, yes."

"Yeah..." Donnie sighed as Andi moved a bit closer to him, resting a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. 

"Responsible for destroying the mutagen. Responsible for saving the people of this city. Responsible for defeating advanced technology using only ingenuity, bravery-" He then gestured for Andi to interrupt him, making her smile gratefully at him as she squeezed Donnie's shoulder. 

"-and a stick."

He gave them a touched smile as he tried not to revel in her touching his shoulder - and he already missed her warmth when she removed it. "Thanks, sensei. Maybe you're right."

Splinter only gave him a proud smile. "I am."

"I guess with proper training, there's nothing better than a wooden stick."

Satisfied with such an answer, Splinter left them be, checking to make sure the trio hadn't beat each other up at the arcade machine yet before heading towards his room to rest for the evening. 

"Oh, I just remembered!" Donnie exclaimed as he sat back down next to Andi. "What did that line mean? You know, the one you asked that I tell the Kraang?"

Her smile then melted into a smirk as she leaned in to whisper what it was - and while he did turn a deep scarlet, he also cackled at the absurdity. "That's what I said?" When she only shrugged innocently, he laughed again and threw an arm over his eyes. "Oh, that's a new one." He then gave her a playful grin. "Do you mind if I steal it?" 

She only giggled in response and nodded. "Definitely." Her eyes then lazily drifted over to the rocket-like missile prototype he had built days before - and another smirk formed on her face. "You know, now that you're without a weapon for a little while, since Master Splinter needs some time to fix the staff, what say we start brainstorming ideas for a new one?"

Donnie eagerly nodded - and when he caught sight of the prototype she was looking at, he grinned like a mad scientist. "Like a laser-guided, missile-launching wooden stick?"

He then proceeded to demonstrate what it could look like (mostly through spinning it around) and making her laugh - but that faded when it hit the ground and... activated. 

Oh no to the fourth power.

The boys' roughhousing (which had actually devolved into Raph choking out Leo and Mikey serving as unofficial mediator) ceased instantaneously - and their faces melted into panic. 

"It's not supposed to do that! RUN!" Donnie screamed as he pushed Andi over to the trio, making her yell one more thing as the boys covered her to make sure she wouldn't get hit by the blast:

"THAT'S HOW YOU YELL AT SOMEONE TO RUN, DON!"

~

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@tinkabelle19 @m1dnyt3-w0lf @happymoonangel @jasminarts01 @android-cap-007 @raphsmuneca @eveandtheturtles @thelaundrybitch

[nocompromise-noregrets]

five good things

Because I really really need one of these today. Been a Day, for no particular reason (well, I've had to go in to work today when I don't usually work Fridays, having had Monday off to compensate, and now this weekend is looking short as fuck, yes I know this is a ridiculous problem and I should stop being such a wuss but I'm thoroughly out of the habit of having to Do Things on Fridays let alone be a Grown-Up about it...) so I am grumpy and tired and in need of cheering up...

The utterly legendary Ray Zell is following me on Instagram! *flails* I found his account the other day and followed, and he followed me back, I just discovered!! (He is a cartoonist and all-round rock n' roll legend who has been drawing the extremely kick-ass Pandora Peroxide, and later her niece Pandora, for the UK metal magazine Kerrang! for nearly 40 years, and I swear to god, PP was a huge influence on me in my formative years, I ADORE her. He also used to hang around with a lot of the bands I love, including Hanoi Rocks, and still occasionally draws my absolute hero Michael Monroe, and I absolutely idolise him) I'm going to have to think of something to post, since the last time I posted was Michael Monroe's 60th birthday gig in Helsinki this time last year XD

The reason I was working today was because we were having a special open day for county councillors and council employees at job number 1 - we are the archive service for the county and for the council, and we have been keeping a low profile for years because if we made a fuss about ourselves it was highly likely the powers that be were going to notice us and start wondering why they were spending money on us, but we are in a rather better position now, and so we've had this little jamboree to invite people over to see who we are and what we do (we are across town from the main council offices so most of them have no idea we even exist). So because I and my work wife Helen have done the most work on the council's own archive over the years, we got nobbled to sort out a display of relevant documents, come in on the day we don't usually work, talk to people, etc etc etc...and it went really well! The document display went over really well (we got out all sorts of random stuff showing the breadth of things the county council does, and the breadth of things we do and what we look after) and everyone was really interested. So it was worth hauling myself out of bed this morning. XD As much as I complain about it, I do actually quite enjoy showing people what we do and why we're so incredibly awesome, so...yeah. Just...my introvert-batteries are completely drained now. :D

Last Cat Standing is still doing really well, considering his overactive thyroid. His vet has left the practice we've been taking him to since he was a baby kitten (when he developed the thyroid issue we decided to have him only see one vet because having him passed round whoever happened to be on duty at our huge practice wasn't conducive to good treatment, and it didn't work for Faerie, our very lovely girl who we lost first, at the end of 2020), and we're almost certainly going to jump ship and follow her to her new place as it's still within reach and she's absolutely lovely and understands him so well. We sent her flowers for her last day and she sent us a really lovely text to say thank you so...yeah. Can't quite imagine taking him to see anyone else so I think we'll be heading to her new place.

I am in the pub with a very nice G&T and doing a little bit of writing, mostly working on my Innumerable Stars assignment (nearly done oh god) and a prompt the lovely @scary-grace sent me yesterday :D :D :D

There is a very distinct prospect that I might be able to get my original bike, my much-beloved and in-a-million-bits Kawasaki ZXR-400, rebuilt and restored - our friend who works behind the bar at t'pub is married to a guy who a) is a mechanic and b) adores ZXR400s, having had one himself in his younger days. We've been talking about the two of them coming over one weekend and digging it all out of the garage so that her fella and my missus can sort it out while she and I sit on the sofa and drink prosecco till we pass out, and we've not managed to sort it out so far because she's always been working weekends, but hopefully we'll be able to get it done soon. I am so excited, I can't even begin to tell you, I bloody LOVE that bike. I only got a new one because he had serious engine trouble that I didn't have the money to sort out and I could get finance on a spanky-brand-new bike that wouldn't break down on me at random intervals, and that bike was all wrong for me so I was off the road for six years until I got my current bike...anyway, this little fella was absolutely my first love, and I am so very excited at the thought of getting him back! (very entertainingly I had a marketing email from Triumph earlier, suggesting I "find my one and only with the Bonneville Bobber", which made me laugh, because I did exactly that SIX YEARS AGO XDDDD )

Right. Usually I come up with more than five but I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel a bit tonight so five will have to do.

As always, if you see this and think that posting about five (or more) good things might do you good, please feel free to take the idea and run with it! The daily delight thing took off, it would be lovely if this could too.

[roppongi-division]

Kai's Thoughts on Saitama Division

Sayaka Miyuki

"Sayaka. I'd like to say she's a very good and dear friend of mine, even despite the fact that she previously worked for Chuohku. I'd also go as far as to say that she's one of the few people here in Japan who understand what true music is all about and the way it should go. Why do I say that? Because using nothing but wits and ingenuity, she was able to bring together four of Japan's most powerful MC's to create the deadliest rap supergroup that this country has ever seen, TDD. And when she personally reached out and asked me to be a DJ for a band, that was, without a doubt, one of the most fulfilling and proudest moments in my entire life."

"Sadly, Sayaka's attack started spelling the end for TDD. Thankfully, she survived, but she was unable to manage the group since she was in the process of giving birth. I tried to do what I could to keep the group together, but... I couldn't really connect with them the way she did. I partly blame myself for not managing to keep them together."

"I still speak with Sayaka on occasion, though not as often as we used to do since we're both busy with life and families. A part of me is surprised to see her participating in the D.R.B., but a part of me also isn't. Regardless, I'm glad to see she's doing well. I look forward to seeing her on stage, hearing her rap again."

Lola Takahashi

"Lola is... she's a charming, beautiful young woman. ...And I'm afraid that's really all I can say about her. Nothing against her, but... for some reason, Mireya doesn't exactly see her in the best light. Why? *sighs* The model made some disparaging remarks regarding Gypsy's Palace, claiming that her friend's nightclub was better. Mireya overheard and... well, if you know my wife, there are two things she won't tolerate anyone insulting: her family and her nightclub."

"Truthfully, and I say this as respectfully as I can, I think Lola was just blowing smoke up her own ass. No offense to her friend, Dolly's, nightclub, but... look at Afterlife. ...Now look at Gypsy's Palace. My wife based our nightclub off the kinds you'd probably only see in Las Vegas. We've even got a separate wing in this place for a casino. And from what I've heard, my wife even plans expanding it. I'm not fully sure what she plans to expand it as, but the point still stands."

"Now I'm not taking nothing away from Afterlife, believe me. I've actually done one or two shows there, and it's a fun place. But comparing it with Gypsy's Palace... yeah, I'm sorry, but that's like comparing Mercury, the smallest planet in our Solar System, to Jupiter, which is the largest."

Kureha Koizumi

"I don't know Kureha very well. I've seen her at a few shows with TDD, and always wondered what she was doing there. It wasn't until later I found out that Sayaka had adopted her. ...Ha, I guess she and Zakari have that in common. It's no wonder I've heard him speak about her in a positive manner. I honestly didn't think the two of them would have much in common, but... I guess it's true what they say, 'opposites do attract'."

Femme Fatale

"A team consisting of a fashion model, a gifted painter, and the woman responsible for the formation of the greatest Japanese rap supergroup. On the surface, they all don't have much in common, but you can't deny that there's something there. I'm not sure about Lola and Kureha, but I know for a fact just how dangerous Sayaka is. That's why, if we face them, we should be extra careful of her. ...But is it bad to say I'm actually looking forward to facing her when we do meet?"

[longshotlink]

This is messy and started as filling out questions that then slowly turned into just writing a story. I don't have names for almost anyone, but I've been struggling to write, so here, have this.

I inherited a piece of jewelry. It's a ring. It's a dark metal band, or is it stone? She can't quite tell. A larger gemstone that shifts from black to smoky white depending on the light is centered on it. It's an oval shaped gem. To either side of the gem along the band is swirling filigree.

The ring is clearly magical. No ordinary ring would resist description so. I inherited it from a distant aunt. I only met her a few times and it always seemed like my parents wanted her to leave. I feel similarly shunned by my parents. Being queer was always like nettles just under their skin, waiting to prickle them the wrong way and turn their ire on me. I have no proof my aunt was queer too, my parents didn't let us speak much, but holding onto the ring helps me feel less alone.

I grew up around animals. I really wish it wasn't a metaphor. Sure, my father had a dog, but it was his dog, and I wasn't allowed to play with it. Thinking now, I don't even know its gender. That's kind of fucked up. Unfortunately, that's still not what I meant.

Where I grew up, people were always hungry. Hungry for power and standing. My parents tried to steer me to boys of other families they thought would advance their position in their society. The boys went along with it. Why wouldn't they? They benefitted from having quiet, subservient girls handed to them. I was never quiet enough, never compliant enough for their tastes. I always had to be on my guard or they'd simply take what they wanted, like an opportunistic predator picking off the weak.

…Growing up like that sucked. I'm too guarded now, even around people I consider close friends.

My family is extraordinarily wealthy. You don't get that way unless you exploit others. I hate what they do with their money, and the way they hoard it. I'd donate a lot of money away, but I have no access to the money. Father is the only one with access to it, and he gives it out sparingly. Since I'm a disappointment of a daughter, I only receive money when it's absolutely necessary. I've seen my father give suitors more money than I've ever held in my hands. I think I'm close to escaping this hell, but if I'm not careful they'll never give me another chance.

To say I'm stuck in a cult is an understatement. This community is basically a locked down military base miles from the nearest city. Only those in the top echelon leave, and then only if they're male. Everything is shipped in, and while we're not short on space here, I've always felt confined. There seems to only be one road in and out and the rest is surrounded by dense forest.

Only the fact that I'm queer and cause my parents shame gives me any sort of freedom. But I feel that time closing. I've heard them speaking of fixing me. That on my upcoming 20th birthday, they're going to have my suitors 'show' me what I'm missing. They think they can fix me, I think they can fuck off.

It's been hard to plan, but I think I've come up with an escape plan. All this place sees me as is a pretty face and a breeding vat. They see me as a link to my parents' wealth. They don't know me, none of them. Especially not my parents. I don't know how so many people buy into this place, but I want out. They won't allow me to just walk away, so for me, it's do or die. If they catch me…I won't allow them to keep me any longer.

Shit. When did the McMillians have a kid? They're showing her around like a piece of prize cattle. She's got to be only five or so and they've already got adult men looking at her like she's an object at auction. Oh, she looks so scared. I wonder if I can get her out too. I don't know why I'm thinking this. A child that young isn't going to want to be separated from her parents and I don't know how to take care of a kid while we're on the run anyway.

…She won't be safer here, but I can't do it. I'm not capable of saving her. I'm not sure I'm even capable of saving myself.

The night of my escape is upon me faster than I ideally wanted. But if I don't do this now, I'll never escape. I manage to sneak out of the house and across town. The workers at the loading dock are busy bringing in the month's shipment.

Bright lights illuminate the space, but shadows still gather along the walls. I don't plan on being seen, but I've prepared for if I am spotted. Just before leaving the house, I used a stolen knife to slash my hair down to the shortest it's ever been. I've also wrapped my chest and stolen clothes from my father's hamper. They're dirty and rumpled, but I'm hoping that'll sell them as mine if anyone might question why they don't exactly fit.

I crawl through the warehouse space, keeping to the shadows best I can, walking with purpose when I can't. I'm nearly to the shipping vehicles when I feel a tug at the hem of my shirt. I nearly startle right out of my skin as I make eye contact with the world's saddest eyes. It's the McMillians' daughter.

"Are you leaving? Can I come?"

This is the last thing I expected. The last thing I needed. In the distance I see an open office door and vaguely remember Mr. McMillian runs the shipment warehouse. She must have been brought here by her parents and she saw me crossing the warehouse.

I cough and put on a gruff voice that I'm wishing I'd practiced more now.

"I'm going with the shipping vehicles, yes. But you should run along back to your daddy." I crouch and make a shooing motion. Her eyebrows drop comically into a glare.

"I know who you are. My daddy talks about the disgr-, disgra-, bad girl no one in town likes. He pointed you out to me once and told me not to be like you. But you're leaving now and I want to come with you. Daddy's been preparing me for my future, he says. It hurts though, and mommy doesn't do anything about it and I hate it! Please don't leave me here!"

I wasn't expecting such a rant from this pintsize. I quickly shush her, looking around for anyeone who might notice us. We're currently alone in some dark shadow, but I can hear the vehicles starting and know I'm running out of time. I stand and half turn toward the vehicles. She lets out a harrumph.

"IF you don't take me with you, I'll tell on you and you won't leave either."

Crap.

"Fine, fine, fine! But we've got to go, now. No time for goodbyes."

"That's okay. I don't want to say goodbye."

She looks resolute. I shake my head at the life we've lived that she's already so eager to escape. But I can't fault her. Her father sounds like a real piece of shit. I hope I can get us both out of here safely.

I take the bag off my back and flip it around to rest on my chest before crouching back down and offering her a ride.

"We've really got to go, and I don't think you're fast enough, so just hold on and stay quiet. I'll get us out of here."

She nods in reply and I start running. Stealth is less of an option now, with the vehicles beginning to move. The vehicles have a loud engine and the warehouse echoes that noise all over, but I still flinch at every odd sound. There are two men standing at the loading dock watching the vehicles leave. I need to get past them, but they don't look like they're leaving. I whisper up to the McMillian girl.

"Close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to, okay?"

I feel her nod. I creep behind the men as quickly as I dare. I slide the knife from my pants pocket. I hoped I would be able to get out without violence, but I don't think I have a choice anymore.

With the sound of the vehicles drowning out my footsteps, I step up behind the closest man, grab him by the chin and plunge the knife into his throat. He gurgles and blood covers my hands. I start to shudder at the feeling, but jolt when the other man grabs my arm. I cry out and try to throw him off, but he's much stronger than me. He wrenches the knife from my grip and pushes me out the door, away from the dying man.

I nearly fall as I stumble on unfamiliar ground, but manage to stay upright. The girl tightens her grip around my throat and I choke for a moment. I focus on the man coming toward us. He's shouting, but I'm not registering his words. His friend is lying still on the ground behind him in a growing pool of blood.

The dock worker raises the very knife I'd killed his friend with and makes to plunge it toward my chest. I throw up my arms. It's a flimsy defense but it's all I have now.

As I flinch, a pulse in my finger echoes into my body. The ring, my aunt's ring, flares. Flares a violent light, a curious light that I'm able to see without being blinded. I realize there seems to be some barrier of shadow between me and the light.

The man has no such barrier. The light is blinding and he drops the knife in his attempt to cover his eyes. The light disappears as the man falls to the ground. A swirl of black and white light covers his eyes and I realize he can't see me at all. I scramble for the knife before he's able to recover it.

I consider taking advantage of his ailment, but the thought of taking another life tonight fills me with nausea. He's groping blindly on the ground now, like he'll find his sight among the dirt and stones. I take a step back, two steps, and then I'm turning and sprinting for the vehicles.

There's only one left, and it's starting to move. I barely reach the rear bed of the vehicle and pull myself as quietly into it as possible. The vehicle doesn't immediately stop, so I don't think I've been seen. I crouch down behind a crate and breathe heavily.

Muffled crying startles me out of my relief. It's then that I realize the little girl is still hanging on and is weeping through closed eyes onto my back.

I hastily wipe my hands on my bag before tossing it further into the vechile's bed. I slide her hands off my neck and gently lower her to the floor.

"Hey, you're okay. We're okay. We made it. You can open your eyes now."

She does and I can see tears streaming down her face. She's trying very hard to be quiet though, and I recognize that instinct to suffer silently from my own childhood. I pull her into a tight hug.

"It's okay. You're okay now. We're going to be just fine now. You can talk to me about how you're feeling. I'm not going to ignore you."

Her response is quiet enough that if she hadn't been right next to my ear, I wouldn't have heard her over the engines.

"I know you told me to close my eyes, but I know what you did. You killed someone. Did you have to kill him? He didn't do anything to us."

"I…don't think I had any choice. If I'd tried to run past, he would have alerted others and we'd have been stopped before we could get away. I'm sorry. I did what I thought I had to."

She has no more words, only sobs as the vehicles moves through the forest, the half moon shining dimly through the thick branches.

I do my best to comfort her as she cries herself to sleep. My own tears stain into my father's shirt as I hold her close to my chest. I don't even know this girl's name and I've taken responsibility of her entire life now. What the hell am I doing?

As her tears slowly ease into sleeping breaths, I look at my aunt's ring in the dim moonlight. The gem looks gray in this light, no matter which way I turn it. What had happened back there? It had never done that before. It seemed like magic, but I'd not exactly been tutored on the specifics of magic. That I knew of magic at all was thanks to books that she'd found as a child. Even those had been burned as outside propaganda when my parents found me reading them.

/i/I wonder why it activated now. I've been struck before while I was wearing it. Though it's been several years now. Maybe my age has something to do with it./i/

I look down at the child drooling on my chest. I lightly brush the hair out of her face.

/i/She's been through a lot already. I wish I had known of her earlier, though that was probably intentional. Easier to mold her when you're all she's known. I hope I can get us far enough away that no one from that place ever finds us./i/

Tiredness washes over me and I struggle against it. When we break from the trees I need to get us off this thing before anyone notices us. Thankfully, with her cuddled up to me, heat isn't as much of an issue as I had initially worried. For now though, I needed to keep my wits about me. I shake my head to clear any drowsiness. My eyes don't seem to get the message, and they slowly flutter closed.

"Maybe closing my eyes for a few minutes wouldn't be a bad idea. I won't fall asleep though," I mumble, already losing consciousness.

[theskyexists]

Another episode of longsuffering older sibling having to deal with annoying younger siblings messing up all their shit. These writers must be completely traumatised by the experience of having younger siblings. But at least these ones aren't like Polly and actually express some remorse for destroying shit. Apparently making sure that your younger siblings don't steal your extremely dangerous magic book to do some sort of plastic surgery on themselves is your responsibility as an older sister. That makes sense . But it's NOT your responsibility to entertain them to keep them from idiotic behaviour. Imo. But I guess that just goes to show I'm a younger sibling.

The funny thing is that I would be Marcy in this scenario but somehow she's my least favourite. She's alright. But she's not getting treated right by the narrative

So first temple is brain. And wisdom (Marcy)

Second temple is heart. I.e. selflessness (Anne)

Disobedient, foolish, impulsive

See? ANNE gets a whole temple episode dedicated to JUST her positive and negative qualities

Selfishness

Pronounced sense of justice

Incredible athletic ability

Lying, thieving

Learning from mistakes

Sacrificing for friends, strangers AND enemies

Empathy AND responsibility

Intelligence AND wisdom

I wonder what Sasha's will be

Ahh. Impulsive Anne retained some of her power by not fully charging the stone.

Huh...Sasha gives jester toad an out... uncharacteristic....ah she goes back on her word

Sashas positive quality is sheer willpower.

Her vices are always prioritising what she wants and her plans over other people's wellbeing

Willpower AND consideration...

Lift to enter brah LOL. I guess Sasha just proved that she could do that on sheer power of will. Now I need an amv to that classic for amphibia

How are they gonna charge the damn stone without Sasha. Really sad Sasha isn't gonna get her trials...

It's funny....I got it wrong apparently? Sashas first attribute is strength? Nah no way. The temple is just built to goad somebody like her

SASHA!!!!! SHES SO COOL!!! She went to look for Marcy and Anne ofc when she heard they were hanging out without her. Lol. While Marcy doesn't ever give a fuck about that and Anne is upset about the breakup

They're lying and leaving out the rebellion

Ok so apparently they switched tacks from season 1 and Sasha is now the strong one

So strength and teamwork?

Man... What the fuck. Sasha was NOT the physically strong one in season 1. They messed up the themes...

SASHA WAS WEARING SUPER HEAVY ARMOUR ALL ALONG AHHAHAHAHAHA

Strength and resistance... Ok...

'ill get this friendship back under control' what does that MEAN sasha. She probably doesn't really know that herself

The way they handle this reconciliation is crazy lol. The conclusion is that Sasha needs to recognise that Anne's changed? I don't know if that follows from this episode dude. I mean...Sasha is concerned about being left out and being unimportant to Anne. Anne is concerned about her killing people she loves and her being controlling and bossy

Ok actually this battle of the bands episode is much more clear about the dynamic. Sasha always wanting it her way. Anne not wanting that anymore.

Too bad they never realised that King Andreas is evil.

Honestly like Sasha a lot and what she did wasn't particularly bad but also understand Anne's fury

'redesign the political system so this sort of uprising never happens again'? She only realises that now. I wonder whether Marcy is thinking of Democracy.

At least Sasha and Grime know he's evil now. Too bad they're breaking him out now

Hmmm Anne did Sasha's move from season 1. It has no significance

'we were so focused on each other we couldn't see what was right in front of us'

Actually, you should have listened to Sasha. That was the real lesson. Or 'on ourselves' is the right term

ANNE GOES BACK HOME WITH HER PLANTER FAMILY??? WHAT??????

And Marcy died. And Sasha is still in Amphibia. Probably gonna lead a resistance. Oh my god.

Anne was willing to let Sasha stay in Amphibia forever tbh. Damn.

THEY ACTUALLY 'KILLED' MARCY. INCREDIBLE

YESSSS MARCYS GONNA BE AN ANGSTY VAT EXPERIMENT