#c: the question: all along the watchtower

[sapphicomics]

renee montoya and kate kane on variant covers for the question: all along the watchtower #4

cornered and betrayed, the question and batwoman must rally a ragtag  group of allies to retake the watchtower from a surprising villain—as the  true mastermind behind the conspiracy to take over the justice league’s  headquarters stands revealed."

releasing 19th february 2025

[sillystringpasta]

so, i see all these aus where danny gets help from the justice league for the anti ecto acts, and they're great. but hear me out. ghost king danny. classic setup, acts need to be repealed or war.

so danny goes to the league, of course.

the league of assassins.

Ra's is already familiar with death, and ghosts, and the realms. ya man's had the lazarus pits for centuries, he knows a little bit of what's what. maybe there's already some trade relations going on. more importantly, he has a massive group of hyper competent people who can pull strings in the government very stealthily, and have no outside affiliation or loyalty to that government.

but why not the JL? most of them are based in the USA. they work with the government (danny assumes). surely they are aware of the Acts. surely they would conform to them, enforce them.

so ghost king danny meets with ra's, who gives rancid vibes, but is able to, and wants to, do a smear campaign against the JL. against the USA. to gain favor with the guy who is the king of his most sacred resource, and knowledge about how to use the Pits to gain some basic liminal powers.

danny doesn't like the solution, exactly. but he's king. and this is what will protect his people. this is what will get expedient results. this is what his advisors who will still permit peace will allow.

so danny takes the deal with Ra's.

the initial outrage begins online, perhaps through MikMok. a mega famous influencer is cosplaying as superman, doing a twerking sort of dance to the most current haha funni meme song. the text overlay reads: when the superheroes condone genocide because they aren't human, ANTI-ECTO ACTS (whatever law/section code they were passed in).

it goes viral. and then someone finds the Acts (prodded along by the League) and it goes from a hit sensation online to every. single. news outlet flooding with information (puppeted by the League).

is this real? the Acts are real. but why? if these people(?) don't exist, why the Acts? the outrage. the mass confusion. the conspiracies. the new subgeddits and trending xitter tags. 4kun greentext be me: a ghost, becomes the new thing.

at this point, the GIW are scrambling to keep their involvment on the downlow. there are acts, sure, but they're not enforced :DDDD

vlad is in a similar situation. he cloned a guy. he def experimented on other ghosts to get to that level of knowledge. naturally, this is about when lex luthor gets involved. because, wouldn't you know it, but project CADMUS? yeah. that was a collab with DalvCo. they both wanted non-human clones from green stuff. they got it, and now luthor's sitting on some unpretty information.

he promptly shoves vlad under the bus, which is rapidly becoming less of a bus and more a trainwreck.

the league is surprised this happened, but goes with it.

the US governemnt is still trying to deny, deny, deny.

it's at this point that the JL gets themselves together. they don't know if the papers by Drs fenton are biased, or if ecto entities really are mindless creatures bent on destruction.

constantine says they're biased. green lantern concurs.

they decide to summon an ecto entity and find out what is going on.

danny is pretty stressed. it's a stressful situation. he's on break for the first time since they got a solution to this problem. he's not gonna answer a summoning. he has people to do that for him.

so they don't get the ghost king.

but they do get-

dani. and jazz. at the same time.

maximum possible psychic damage.

in the room at the watchtower is the big 3, green lantern, martian manhunter, flash, constantine, zatanna, raven, and black canary (legends of tomorrow experience? cool headed? there for arrow who is busy?).

dani doesn't like superman. he treats clones badly. jazz doesn't like batman, see Arkham.

dani doesn't know who c, z, raven, or bc are. jazz kinda knows of them, but not well.

so the actual negotiations go down with WW and MM.

they have a lot of questions. dani (abomination form) introduces jazz (basic looking human) as a princess of the realms. jazz says that the Acts are real, the realms want war, go suck a creamsickle (that was dani), they want restitution for the lives lost from the GIW.

then they leave the JL wondering who the GIW are.

someone (LoA) manages to hack the watchtower and post the meeting online as soon as it happens. or maybe they livestreamed it on Switch.

my spamblr, the result of my space buying tumblr in 1999, gains its first sexy women (jazz). jazz/WW fiction springs up on AOL3 overnight.

the GIW goes public. they try to push the envelop of ghosts being non-sentient. they try to use jazz being ambassador for that meeting to help their case. the JL is fighting accuations, but they are being pidgeon holed into siding with the GIW by the media.

it's at this point that things go from trainwreck to airplane runway crash.

dalvco and luthor are in a lawsuit. the usgov is under pressure from everyone. people are calling for impeachment of the president. the GIW is getting raided and having their evil posted online. the drs fentons are absent (in the ghost zone, either being evil or having mimosas with pandora). ra's is trying to use new knowledge of the Pits to reanimate tim's spleen. the JL is under constant fire. everyone who has ever had a malicious opinion about super or meta control is getting new platforms. danny can't use his intimate knowledge of what's going on to write his essays for school.

the world is galvanized. there are calls to action. liminals of Amity Prak come forward. you could be liminal too! the Acts get repealed. the GIW gets cleaned out, all prisoners rescued. the realms get restituition. the meta protection acts get expanded.

people will learn about phantom, the superhero. the dead boy who saved them all when the JL didn't answer amity's calls. the JL comes under more fire. they lose funding, defund the police style. for maximum chaos, this can be when the miraculous ladybug crossover starts.

phantom gets a bajillion features on true crime podcasts. tucker keeps sending links to the episodes to them. sam will never admit it, but she listens to them.

but things will never, ever be the same. arguably it's a bad end. but...

black canary restructures arkham from what jazz said to batman in that meeting. many of the rogues get actual help. the joker is transfered to a supermax. he never escapes again. nightwing takes the discowing costume back up in celebration.

vlad loses the lawsuit, and uses his powers to get one over on luthor, who has a mind control suggestion implanted to (amongst other things) never be able to work on these projects again.

there is greater transparancy in superhero work. this makes some people start social programs for villians who have a point. it works for a few of them. the JL is cleared up to handle more extraterrestriel threats, not leaving the burden on one person alone in the cities. the child sidekicks have less work.

amanda waller is fired. ironically, she had nothing to do with any of this, but people assume that she did. either way, everyone agrees it's deserved.

the league of assassins makes a lot of money. they get hired a lot in turbulent times.

disney, which is utterly unchanged in this dimension, makes a documentary about everything. they get dani in for an interview. it's in very bad taste. there is at least one death pun and CGI'd animal.

danny graduates.

clockwork smiles.

[nobody-zero3000]

Yandere Batfamily x Amidala! Reader

Inspired by the Yandere Damian Wayne x Alien Leader reader by your-regular-toast-enjoyer. But also because I like Padme Amidala and Star Wars. I want to use the Gotham Knights video game version of the Batboys, Batgirl, and Batman. Since Damian Wayne is not in there, I was thinking about Damian Wayne from the Injustice 2 video game but older. I'm going to change and add a few things from the Star Wars Universe and add a few new things to Amidala's character.

Warning: yandere, age-gap.

Earth heroes have encountered a different galactic system not far from Earth's solar system. The Justice League has made contact with a planet that's part of the galactic government system, also known as the Intergalactic United Republic, and has agreed to send someone to the planet to at least show that Earth and the Justice League offer peace.

In the watch tower, the heroes are having a meeting about who should go on this diplomatic mission. Some voted for Green Lantern, Martin Manhunter, or Superman, but the results show that the best candidate for this mission would be Batman.

Martian Manhunter was a bit disappointed because he had heard about her reputation through some holo-nets and was eager to meet her. As well as introduce her to his niece, Miss Martian since she is a fan of her work.

"Then it is settled: Batman shall be the one to go on this diplomatic mission and talk with the queen." Wonder Woman had declared.

The meeting is adjourned. Batman boomtubes back to Earth to discuss details with the rest of the Batfamily.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the Batcave, Bruce calls in Robin, Red Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood.

"As you all know, I summoned you here for an important reason. I have been chosen to lead a diplomatic mission for a planet called Naboo. But I'm not planning on going alone." Bruce pulls up pictures of the planet.

"This mission has to be taken seriously and delicately. Any hostile behavior will endanger Earth along with millions of civilians. Do not show any violent or hostile behavior, and do not engage or cause any conflict that may lead to dangerous consequences. Do I make myself clear?" Giving them a stern, firm glare to each of them, especially Damian and Jason.

Jason shrugged. "Got it. No violence unless they start it first, then we consider violence."

Bruce narrows his eyes at him.

Jason puts his hands up in mocking surrender. "What? I'm kidding. No violence, don't cause trouble got it."

Tim looks at the Bat computer screen, looking through the information. He looks over to Bruce and asks, "Question. Do you have any information on the ruler of this planet? Any photos of what they look like."

Bruce pulls up photos, "These photos were taken at the Watchtower when we made contact with the planet. We are still looking into other information from J'onn and Hal's research."

It shows a female, (Y/H/C), (Y/E/C), and the areas where white makeup is not covering are your hands, which are (Y/S/C). She was sitting on a throne, dressed in royal clothes and wearing white makeup with red dots on both cheeks. She stood straight and had a blank look. But her eyes showed kindness, patience, and seriousness.

The boys and girl are taken aback by how young the female is. They were expecting someone much older. Not just that, but how beautiful you were. It was like looking at an angel. If someone were to ask about the definition of an angel, they would show them a photo of you. But for some reason, if they had a photo of you, they would not want to share it with someone else; they want to keep you to themselves.

For Bruce, it took a lot of strength and restraint to not laugh at their expression and keep a straight face. He couldn't blame them. When he first saw you, he was shocked not only to find out that someone as young as you would be ruling a planet but also by your beauty. He has seen a lot of beautiful women (Selena, Talia, Diana, Lois, etc.), but you pretty much outmatched them all as well as caught his attention and kept a hold on it.

Snapping out of it, he puts away the photo, much to the family's displeasure.

"So that's who we're all going to meet. If I had known that, I would've been more 'ready to go' for this mission." Dick grins and crosses his arms.

"She's really beautiful, and she must be very smart to rule the planet by herself," Tim said, blushing and smiling.

"Is there any more information on her?" Barbara is very curious about this young woman.

Damian finally asks, "When do we leave for this mission? Most of all, who will be watching the city while we are gone?" At this moment, he doesn't care if they leave the city unguarded, as long as they leave soon. He is curious about this alien leader.

"While we're gone, I managed to get some League members to watch the city, as well as other independent heroes to keep an eye on the crime rate. Now that is settled, all of you pack your bags. We'll be leaving in 2 hours.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Batfamily boomtubes to the Watch Tower, and from there, they enter the Javelin spacecraft (which upgraded to travel at a speed of light thanks to Hal, other Green Lanterns, and Cyborg). Once they are settled in the ship, Batman sets the coordinates for the planet Naboo, and on they go.

"Coordinates for Naboo are locked. Prepare yourselves for light speed." Everyone is strapped in. Soon the ship takes off.

After the ship comes to a stop, everyone, besides Batman who is used to space travel by now, groans from the lightspeed, some felt either really tired or sick.

Red Hood groans and hunches over. "I'm starting to regret eating that Bacon Ultra-belly combo."

"You should wait afterward, Todd. We were going to travel through space at a fast rate. What did you expect, imbecile?"

"Shut it, demon-spawn."

"Alright, that's enough, you two. We're here that's all that matters." Nightwing lightly scolded them.

Batgirl decides to get into the conversation. "Besides, what did Batman say about bad behavior."

Red Robin includes, "What part of no hostile or violent behavior are you two not getting here?"

They all start to bicker until Bruce switches to autopilot. Turns the seat around to face them. "Enough" in a firm and stern voice. Narrowing his eyes gives them his famous Batman glare.

The bickering stops, and they turn their attention to him.

"Let me make myself clear, be on your best behavior and do not start trouble. Once we land, stay close by my side. Do you understand?"

Red Robin, Nightwing, and Batgirl nod their heads. After a few moments, Red Hood and Robin show they understand by nodding their heads, too.

Batman turns back to the front window and starts to move the ship toward the planet.

Realization starts to overcome the bat family members, and they all look to the front to see the planet.

Tim and Barbara had excited expressions since they were about to visit a different planet and would meet the ruler soon. While Dick, Jason, and Damian were shocked to see the planet and about the possibility that they were about to go to a different planet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Meanwhile in the throne room of Naboo---------------------

A guard's com beeps, he answers, and a few words are exchanged. He nods and turns to the queen.

"Your Highness, the Earth's ambassador, has arrived and is now entering our planet."

"Very well, prepare refreshments and send starfighters to guide the ship to one of the land platforms."

"Yes, Your Highness." The guard leaves.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Javelin enters Naboo, they are encountered by starfighters.

Batman presses a button that allows him to speak to the Starfighters. "This is Batman, Ambassador of Earth."

"Batman, this is Captain Olie; we are ordered by Queen Amidala to escort you to Theed Royal Palace. You can just follow us."

The starfighters fly ahead but not far from the Javelin. Batman starts to follow them.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As they fly to the palace, all of them look out their windows to look at the new environment. Tim and Barbara show excited and awe expressions. Jason and Dick are in awe too. And Damian, even though he tried not to show it, thought the planet was beautiful too and a bit excited to experience a new environment, a new planet!

Bruce had to admit it was beautiful, and it looked peaceful.

Once landing in a near landing platform, they exit the ship wearing their superhero suits. As they exit the Javelin, a handmaiden and two guards walk toward them.

"Sir Batman, Ambassador of Earth, I am here to escort you to the throne room to meet with Queen Amidala." She gestures for them to follow her.

The other bat members give each other glances. Batman just starts to walk with her as the others follow him.

They reach the throne room, and the guards open the doors for the guests. (Pretend there are more chairs.)

On the throne sat the queen of Naboo. On both sides beside her are two handmaidens in their own seats. On her left is Captain Typho.

The batboys and batgirl look at the queen in complete awe. Batman just gives a neutral expression, but on the inside, he feels different.

'She is even more beautiful in person.'

"Batman, Welcome to Naboo. I hope you managed to travel here safely with no complications."

"Queen Amidala. Thank you for inviting us to your planet and agree to meet with us."

"The Council of Naboo, Chancellor Valorum, and I have discussed and created a peace treat, but I would like to discuss it more with you."

A servant brings in a tray of refreshments. (Y/N) notices the other masked heroes.

"I see that you have brought company with you. Would all care to introduce yourselves, please?"

The others glance at each other, finally, Robin decides to introduce himself.

"Robin, I aide Batman on his missions and patrols around Gotham City. It's a great pleasure to meet you, Queen Amidala."

She nods in his direction before looking at the person next to him.

"Nightwing, protector of Bludhaven, former leader of the Teen Titans. It's very nice to meet you." He offers her a kind smile.

She nods her head and gives a small smile back, but gives a curious look. "What is a Teen Titan?"

Then shifts her gaze to the female hero.

"Batgirl, formerly known as Oracle. Thank you for inviting us here. You have a beautiful home planet!"

She gave Batgirl a grateful smile, "Thank you." Then she looked at the other male hero; he looked a bit younger than her, maybe around her age.

He shyly waves to her, "Hi, Red Robin. I also help Batman, as well as the other bat family members. Y-you have a really lovely home, you're beautiful, I-I-I mean your home is beautiful. Not saying that you're not beautiful because you are." He continues to stutter.

Robin rolls his eyes. "Smooth, Drake. Very subtle."

Queen Amidala just looks a little amused and tries not to laugh. She offers a smile and raises her hand to him, which gets to him stop. "It's alright, Red Robin. I understand, and thank you. You flattered me."

Red Robin opens his mouth but closes it and blushes.

She then looks to the last hero. He's physically well-built and has his arms crossed. She notices the blasters strapped to both sides of his legs.

"Name's Red Hood, vigilante of Gotham. And I got to say, you are way more hot in person compared to the photo that was sent to us." He complimented with a hidden smirk and gave a noticeable wink in your direction.

The handmaidens give a soft offend gasp and Captain Typho stiffens and clenches his fists.

Queen Amidala, however, is thankful the makeup covers her blush. She gave a confused look, but there was a fluttering feeling in her chest. She snaps back to reality and fixes her face into a neutral expression.

"Thank you, Red Hood. As much as I am flattered by your...compliment, we should probably go into the discussion about the treaty."

Batman, after sending a scolding glare to Red Hood (who does not show any regret about what happened but instead smugly looks to the other bat heroes who are glaring at him), looks to the queen.

"I agree; I do have a few questions and concerns."

"Of course, let us begin."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After discussing and reviewing the treaty, it was dusk. The Queen had adjourned the meeting and would talk with the Council of Naboo and Senator of Naboo tomorrow about the treat.

"I'll have some servants show you to your rooms that you will be staying in for a while. Once you have settled in, I'll have a couple of my handmaidens come to escort you to the dining room for dinner."

"Thank you, Queen Amidala." Batman gives a small bow.

Six servants show up in the throne room. Each of them escorts the heroes to the royal guest rooms. Bruce, Tim, and Barbara are neighbors; across from them are Dick, Damian, and Jason. All get comfortable with their room.

Near evening, two handmaidens come to each of their rooms to take them to the dining room, where the Queen is sitting at the end of the table waiting for them.

On the table are plates of food that seem questionable to the Batboys and Batgirls since this is their first time trying alien food. Bruce doesn't show it but even he seems to question the food but is curious to at least try some.

"Welcome, come every one, sit down. Enjoy the food."

Thinking for a moment, (Y/N) wonders if she should help them with which food is the best. After all, it is probably their first time trying food that was outside their planet.

"I would recommend the Shaak pot roast or the tip-yip but if any of you do not eat meat then I would try the Xizor salad or Aquaris Broth. Please let us know if you have any questions on the other food items."

The Batfamily sends appreciative looks toward her and starts to dish out. The servants that were about to dish out plates for them stop as they see this. They look to the queen, their expression partially asking, "What do we do?"

The queen just smiles and waves a hand to them. "It's alright. Let them dish out by themselves. It's getting late; why don't you all grab a plate and then retire for tonight or head back home to your families."

The servants smile at the queen and bow to her while both say. "Thank you, your highness."

The servants sit down and start to dish out as well.

There are different emotions running through the bat family. For all of them, there's admiration. For a few, there's surprise, confusion, and approval.

One who was most confused was Damian. It wasn't normal for the young adult to see a royal figure treating their servants like they were their equals.

His taught by his grandfather and mother that as royal figures, they are superior and therefore do not see non-royal figures, servants to be exact, as their equals.

But the more he thought of it, the more he started to admire the young ruler. This action showed that she was kind, generous, and fair. It made her even more beautiful.

They just eat their food for a while until one of the heroes decides to ask a couple of questions.

"So, what is it like being a queen? And how did you get the throne early? It just...you seem rather young...not that is a bad thing, but wouldn't your parents still be the ones running the throne?" Red Robin had asked.

Red Hood was about to scold him for asking those questions in the middle of dinner but stopped because he was curious, too. He wanted to know more about his sweetheart, about her.

The other masked vigilantes were curious as well.

(Y/N) stop mid-bite and set her spoon down in the bowl.

"Being queen can have hardships, but it can also be rewarding. I serve my people, and I do what is best for them. I've got to meet many different people and make connections and friendships with a few of them. As for how I got the throne, I wasn't born of royalty blood but rather I was elected by the people of Naboo. As for my parents, my father is an excellent builder, educator, and relief worker, while my mother voluntarily works in a variety of social services roles helping the underprivileged. I would sometimes go with my father to his relief missions to aid other people on different planets. It's what encouraged me to pursue this role."

Tim listens closely and pays full attention to her. He's actually surprised but amazed about her being elected for this role.

"Wow!...you must be very intelligent to have gotten such a role. It's amazing, and from the sound of it, you like to serve. Where did you go to school? Is there a specific school you have to go to? Different programs? It's amazing some your age could do this! I mean of course, I'm around you as well,...possibly. I mean I not old..not that I'm saying your old! Because you're not. You are young. Look young. B-beautiful, k-kind, and generous, and fair, amazing.

"Calm down there, Red Robin. I think she gets the point." Nightwing said.

"Stop. You're embarrassing yourself and us, for that matter." Robin said to him in a blank and annoyed tone.

(Y/N) just looks on in amusement and covers her mouth a little with her right hand but cannot control the small giggle that escapes past her lips. Even her servants find this amusing but manage to keep themselves from laughing at this event happening before them.

The Batmembers stop talking and freeze as they listen to her laugh. They thought it was a very nice laugh and couldn't help but smile. (Bruce and Damian gave small smiles, of course. But it is still a smile.)

Once (Y/N) got control of herself, she stopped giggling but still had a content smile on her face. She actually felt grateful for the young hero, it's been a while since she had even laughed.

"Thank you, Red Robin. You still continue to flatter me, and it's been a while since I laughed. You are one of a kind."

Red Robin couldn't stop the large grin growing on his face. He ducked his head and looked away, trying to hide his blushed face.

Unnoticed by the young queen, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin try but fail to hide their envious expressions. While both Batgirl and Batman look a bit amused but also a bit jealous.

"Who does he think he is, making my beloved her laugh like that?"

"I could have found a way to make her laugh. I have great charm, too."

"I compliment her and get a negative reaction. But when he does it, they find it amusing and harmless. Back off, Tim."

"She has an adorable laugh. But, ugh!...serious, how does Tim do it?"

Bruce felt amused, but he felt something else that made him frown at the same time. He can't help but stiffen a bit. Now, he feels disgusted with himself and scolds himself.

"I should not feel this way. It's wrong. Disgusting. She is around Jason's age.

Bruce lightly shakes his head a bit.

" It's nothing. It will go away. Right?"

[forever-mandarina]

Some previews of the DC comics in December 2024 (Final Part).

Wonder Woman #16 Cover E: JeeHyung Lee Card Stock Variant

Wonder Woman Vol 6 #16 Cover A Regular Daniel Sampere Cover

Wonder Woman #16 Cover C Bruno Redondo Card Stock Variant

New Gods Vol 5 #1 Cover B Variant Evan Cagle Card Stock Cover

The New Gods #1 Cover C Pete Woods Card Stock Variant

The New Gods #1 Cover E Carmine Di Giandomenico Card Stock Variant

Milestone Universe The Shadow Cabinet #2 Cover A Regular Denys Cowan Cover

Little Batman Month One #2 Cover by Jon Mikel

Metamorpho The Element Man #1 Cover A Regular Steve Lieber Cover

Nightwing #121 Cover B Dan Panosian Card Stock Variant

Plastic Man No More #4 Cover A Regular Alex Lins Cover

Plastic Man No More! #4 Cover B Alex Eckman-Lawn Variant

Poison Ivy #28 Cover A Regular Jessica Fong Cover

Poison Ivy #28 Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant

Poison Ivy #28 Cover C Pablo Villalobos Card Stock Variant

Poison Ivy #28 Cover D David Nakayama Artist Spotlight Card Stock Variant

Power Girl Vol 3 #16 Cover A Regular Yanick Paquette Cover

Power Girl Vol 3 #16 Cover B Variant Miguel Mercado Card Stock Cover

Power Girl Vol 3 #16 Cover C Variant Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson Card Stock Cover

Question All Along The Watchtower #2 Cover A Regular Cian Tormey Cover

Superman Vol 7 #21 Cover A Regular Dan Mora Cover

Superman Vol 7 #21 Cover C Variant Dave Johnson Card Stock Cover

Superwoman Special #1 (One Shot) Cover B Variant Dave Wilkins Card Stock Cover

Superwoman Special #1 (One Shot) Cover C Variant Elizabeth Torque Card Stock Cover

Superwoman Special #1 Cover E: Mark Spears Card Stock Variant

Titans #18 Cover C Vasco Georgiev Card Stock Variant

Two-Face #1 Cover C Chris Samnee Card Stock Variant

Two-Face #1 Cover D  Leonardo Romero Card Stock Variant

[estrel]

hey this is gonna sound weird but I got back into spn VERY RECENTLY and I want to draw something for Nov 5th (used to do spn fanart way back in the day) but I haven't seen a bunch of the eps from the last few seasons (post S11). I don't have time to rewatch them all before the 5th, do you have a list of eps I should prioritize? Also I'm open to concepts/ideas for the art, I'm good at realism mostly. thank u sooooo much for ur help but also I blame u and the hellers in general for pulling me back in so the art is gonna be dedicated to u guys

hey, that's awesome!! i'm very glad you're back!! here's some episodes you might want to cram in before nov. 5th, from s12 onward! bolded are, in my opinion, essential in terms of understanding either the plot or the fandom (’C’ for ‘cule as in desticule) but of course i’ll advise that you read the plot summaries for any eps you can’t watch, including those that aren’t listed!!

s12e1 — keep calm and carry on : first ep of the season, i assume this would be easiest to start with so you can recall s11, and also just so you can get the gist of where the season will be headed. [PLOT]

s12e8 — LOTUS : introduces you to kelly kline. it's not my favorite and it's a bucklemming ep but plot-wise it might be important to know who kelly is, though tbh you can just read the synopsis and you should be fine. [PLOT]

s12e10 — lily sunder has some regrets : just a genuinely great episode! lots of cas background info and dean/cas moments [C]

s12e12 — stuck in the middle with you : davy perez ep!! cas says i love you!! sorta plot-heavy i GUESS? but if you want destiel angst then this is for you. it's mostly about the angst. [C]

s12e19 — the future : really important in terms of jack [PLOT]

s12e23 — all along the watchtower : season finale in which Very Significant things happen. s13 picks up right from where this leaves off. beginning of the widower arc. [PLOT, C]

s13e1 — lost and found : again, first ep of s13, lots of destiel angst (beautiful beautiful angst. the jacting joices....superb) [PLOT, C]

s13e4 — the big empty : cas!!! answers the question of what happened to him. [PLOT]

gonna go ahead and mention here that in order to watch s13e6 you should probably watch, like. the last ten minutes of s13e5, because again, ep 6 picks up right where ep 5 leaves off.

s13e6 — tombstone : destiel must-watch and end of the widower arc. also significant in terms of jack's development [PLOT, C]

s13e10 — wayward sisters : read the synopsis of ep 9 beforehand though if you want to get a background on kaia. [PLOT, C]

s13e16 — scoobynatural : 'nuff said. [C]

s13e19 — funeralia : not necessary but there’s a good amt. of rowena and cas in this ep so <3 [C]

s13e23 — let the good times roll : season finale, lots of stuff happens plot-wise [PLOT]

s14e1— stranger in a strange land : “i thought you two were joined at the—you know. everything.” really a slow ep tbh, but read the synopsis [C]

s14e3 — the scar : dean is back! there is a scene bt dean/cas in which the score makes me lose my goddamn mind. [PLOT, C]

s14e4 — mint condition : not essential, but a favorite. you’ll especially want to watch it if you’re a dean girl (gn) [C]

s14e7 — unhuman nature : again not necessary, but good jack development/jack scenes with his family [C]

s14e8 — byzantium : VERY important plot wise, re: cas and jack. [PLOT, C]

s14e10 — nihilism : so good. so very very good. also, pamela barnes. [PLOT, C]

do not watch s14e13 lebanon. i repeat, disregard lebanon.

s14e14 — ouroboros : again, one of my faves. gay motw, and v cute scene between dean and cas (: also, rowena!!! [C]

s14e17 — game night : the plot in this ep bleeds through onto the divorce arc of season 15. the ending is...ambiguous, but you can either watch 14x18 or find out what happens in the summary of that ep [PLOT]

s14e20 — moriah : again, a season finale. eps 18-20 really hinge on the events of 14x17, so all you really need to know is that they’re all v upset about [redacted redacted], which happens in ep 17. [PLOT]

s15e3 — the rupture : what i consider to be part one of three re: the divorce arc. also we’ve got a good smattering of characters and it’s important for plot reasons [PLOT, C]

s15e6 — golden time : part 2 of 3 in divorce arc. definite angst, lots of cas, and lots of eileen ((: [PLOT, C]

s15e9 — the trap : now, ofc this is part 3 of 3 in the divorce arc, and while it may be a great dean/cas ep, i must say it’s also one of my favorite sam episodes. sorry, but you really can’t skip this one!! [PLOT, C]

s15e10 — the heroes' journey : one of my favorite episodes, but it's garth-centric and you can really read all you need to know via episode summary but still. the implications of this ep haunt me. why lamp. [C]

s15e17 — unity : lots of god-stuff happening, and it leads into 15x18 [PLOT, C]

s15e18 — despair : the last episode of spn!! [PLOT, C]

so, added up, that’s 4 essential eps in season 12, 4 essential eps in season 13, 4 essential eps in season 14, and 5 essential eps in season 15. grand total of 17 eps across all four seasons! (which is less than one full season of the show)

quick run down in case you need a TL;DR: 

season 12: episodes 1, 10, 19 and 23

season 13: episodes 1, 6, 10, and 23

season 14: episodes 3, 8, 10, and 17

season 15: episodes 3, 6, 9, 17, and 18

now, if you need to narrow it down even further, i’d prioritize the eps that are labeled “[PLOT, C]” (12 eps) as those are important plot-wise and also for references w/i the fandom. good luck, i hope this helped!!

[ahecktonoffandomsinoneblog]

Again and Again and Again

summary/warnings ao3 link

Kaz looked at all of them in turn. “You know what to do. We have five hours to make this count.”

“No mourners,” she said.

“No funerals.”

She crept through the window and into the night. The world would be waiting for her when day dawned, and she needed to move fast. She would return to her ship and her crew and the sea.

She pulled herself over the eave of a decrepit rooftop, scraping her hand slightly on the stone. She wished Nina were here. Inej knew she was busy in Fjerda - though she didn’t know with what - but she wished nonetheless. She’d have to visit soon.

Yet another thing waiting in the morning.

She picked her way across the rooftops, warmth spreading through her when she found them familiar. She had been worried too much had changed, that it had been too long, but she shouldn’t have bothered. For better or worse, Ketterdam was home - a home, anyway - and forgetting it wouldn’t be so easy.

She glanced to where she knew the West Stave was, and the warmth vanished.

No. Forgetting this city wouldn’t be so easy.

She picked up speed, picking her way across the rooftops as fast as she dared. She might remember the cracks and crevices of this city, but tempting death wasn’t in the plan. And Saints knew she needed to stick to the plan. If anyone of them got distracted, or something went wrong… well, she hoped Kaz had more than a few back-up plans.

She slowed to a stop as she reached the building she needed. The walls were tilted at a steep angle, the bricks crumbling and faded. There was no roof, and the rotted stairs creaked as she climbed down them.

She sent a quick prayer of thanks when she reached the bottom, then walked to where the kitchen had been. Like the walls of the house, the cabinets were broken and crumbling, the metal tables dented, some inches from being cleaved in two. She ignored them. She wasn’t here for the shattered wealth.

She pushed at one of the cabinets, the wood giving way with a creak. Behind the wood was a small door, illuminated softly from within. It creaked as she opened it, and she stopped still to make sure no one had heard. This entire area was set for demolition - space was not left unused in Ketterdam, not if it could make some rich fool richer - and had been abandoned long before, but she couldn’t take any chances.

She ducked through the door and stayed low, trying not to hit her head on the ceiling as she hurried through the tunnel.

The cramped tunnel ended abruptly, and she stopped short so she wouldn’t hit her head on the trapdoor. She had no idea where Kaz had found out about this place so quickly. She added it to her mental list of things to ask him after they were finished as she pushed open the trapdoor and slipped out.

The room she was standing in was dark, cramped, and smelled like rotted wood. The floor looked like it would creak as she stepped on it, so she picked her way across it carefully until she reached the window, where she pulled herself onto the windowsill and sat.

This was the part of the plan Kaz hadn’t been able to calculate. The person they were after was almost as secretive as the Council of Tides; even she hadn’t been able to discover much about their habits. The plan worked with everything she had been able to discover - basic sleeping patterns based off of when the house was empty and, of course, the location of the house itself. Everything else was up to guesswork. She hoped the person would return soon.

As she waited, she listened to chaos outside and nearly laughed. Ketterdam had  a way of reflecting the plans of its inhabitants; the Council of Tides had dredged something up on Kaz, so he had figured out a way to get them off his back. Funny how easily everything changed. One second the world was one way, the next another.

She wondered how Jesper and Wylan were doing; they were supposed to be building new ways to distract the Council of Tides so Kaz could make his move once he had gotten into one of their watchtowers.

She chewed on her lip and thought of all the ways the plan could go wrong, then pushed them aside. Focusing on futures that may or may not come to pass was useless.

A door creaked, and Inej stilled, willing herself to be hidden in the shadows as the person she had been looking for walked in. They were cloaked, their hood pulled up, but she couldn’t see the telltale sign of weapons hidden underneath.

That didn’t mean they didn’t have any.

She stepped down from the window once their back was turned, creeping along the floors until she was right behind them. She didn’t move.

They turned around and nearly jumped out of their skin. “What- who- who are you, and what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to ask you a few questions,” she said. “I recommend you answer them.”

They took a deep breath, trying to slow their breathing. “Fine. Let me just-” they walked to the cluttered counter and began organizing the items into piles.

“Who are you?”

They set the small tin they were holding back on the counter with a clatter. “You came all this way and you don’t even know who I am?”

“You’re a hard person to get information on. Who are you?”

“Axel van Ei.”

“Alright, Axel. Where are the witness records of the last time the Council of Tides appeared in public? And don’t say nonexistent.”

Axel slammed a cabinet shut. “I am no fool. Don’t sneak into my home, threaten me, then assume I have no self-preservation.” they pushed around more objects before adding, “I am the records.”

She nodded. Kaz had figured as much - when she saw him next, she’d have to ask how he had managed to figure all this out. “Could you tell me what happened?”

They huffed a laugh and set an assortment of cloths in a cupboard. “Do I have a choice?” She watched as they pushed around more clutter. “Fine. I’ll tell you, but you had better leave me alone after.”

She put her hand out to shake on it. “The deal is the deal.”

“The deal is the deal.”

----

Inej’s mind was reeling. What Axel had said hadn’t been surprising, but there had been a lot to it, and she was struggling to remember it all as she raced across the rooftops, trying to make up for lost time. Whatever Kaz’s plan was, he needed this next piece for it to work, and he needed it fast.

She swung herself through the window of the Slat and slid down the railings in a crouch until she arrived at his office. She knocked gently - a habit, though Kaz had said there was no need - and entered when there was no answer.

She swore as the door opened; he was already gone. She had taken too long, and now- and now she’d have to climb the watchtower to get the information he needed before his meeting with the Council of Tides.

She darted into his office and sifted through the papers on his desk, trying desperately to find anything that might tell her the location of his meeting with the Tides. Kaz hadn’t been sure which tower they would ask to meet him in; he had prepared for the timing of this, but if he hadn’t been warned before leaving which tower he needed to go to, he wouldn’t have had time to warn her. Which meant she’d have to climb three watchtowers in - she glanced up at a clock - half an hour.

Saints.

She still hadn’t found anything, and she was beginning to doubt she would when the door creaked. Her hands jumped to her knives. “Wraith. Brekker left a note.”

She turned and silently took the paper from the figure in the doorway, waiting until they walked away before opening it. The figure hadn’t been familiar, and she wondered if they had been one of the new people Kaz had hired. Anyone who knew her wouldn’t have been waiting by the door.

She wafted the smell of the paper up to her nose before reading it to make sure she wouldn’t be taking an unplanned nap, then clipped the note into her belt and headed for the window. At least she knew which watchtower to climb.

She made her way through the city, watching the damp streets below as she did. Now was not the time to be caught unaware by some rival gang member; she needed to get to the other side of the city without hindrance.

She made a mental note to remind Kaz that there was a fine line between efficiently secretive and too secretive. Why hadn’t he told that messenger she wouldn’t come in through the front door? She was sure he had his reasons, but maybe it had been too long since they had seen each other. Yet another thing to ask him.

Before she knew it she was staring up at the slick walls of the watchtower. She would have thought them impossible to climb, had she been facing this task a few years earlier. But the Inej Ghafa facing this wall today was not the same Inej Ghafa who would have faced it before. She was Inej Ghafa, and she had faced fire and water and the demons of the land, and there was no wall that could keep her out, no wall that could keep her in. Not anymore.

She climbed.

As it turns out, the watchtowers of the Council of Tides were soaked through with water. She had to admit that it was a good strategy. Going without water for their abilities was leaving themselves vulnerable, and if there was one place fit to be constantly soaked, it was Ketterdam. That didn’t mean she had to like it; anyone who thought themselves powerful enough to enjoy their enemies’ strength was a fool.

She made it up with only a few near-slips and sat on a ledge for a minute, breathing through her nose as she looked first at the streets below, then through the window she was sitting next to. When no one shouted at the woman sitting on the watchtower, or cried out that they had seen her climbing, she relaxed and wondered why it had been so easy to climb the tower.

When everyone knows you’re a monster, you needn’t waste time doing every monstrous thing.

Maybe the same concept applied here; the Tides were painted as so powerful and untouchable, it was possible their security had relaxed in the comfort power had afforded, like what had happened with Rollins. It was also possibly a trap, but she didn’t have time to do more than brace herself as she crawled through the window.

She didn’t see Kaz among the tables at the far end of the room, or near the cupboards stacked against another wall, or next to the several bookcases lining the other. She took a deep breath through her nose and told herself to think; was Kaz in a different watchtower, or was he simply not at the top yet?

She didn’t need to think for long. She heard the voices, and she knew she hadn’t timed this quite right. Kaz would take longer to climb the steps than she would have - and they had likely searched him beforehand too.

She glanced around again, weighing her options, trying to figure out the best hiding spot. She had a few minutes left, at most, and if she picked wrong the rest of the plan would never come into play.

Kaz entered the room, flanked by a single member of the Tides, faces masked and capes billowing. They led Kaz to a seat and left after a moment of them staring at each other. He hadn’t sat, which wasn’t surprising, but she wasn’t sure why the Tide had left. She crept out of her hiding spot, noting Kaz’s lack of cane - though his gloves were still firmly in place - and froze when she heard someone else on the stairs.

They stared at each other for a moment, neither daring to move, and relaxed their shoulders when the footsteps faded.

“Do you have the documents?”

“The person we were after was the witness.”

Kaz nodded like he had expected that, but she saw his shoulders tensing up again before he smoothed his expression over. “Do it, then. Start with which part you see as the most relevant.”

She didn’t have time to think about what that meant. “The Tides were less careful then. They came and left from the same place - just outside city borders, near the University District. All of them, together.”

His eyebrows raised. “The Sealess Chapel.” she nodded, though it hadn’t been a question. He’d been looking into it for days; the only missing piece had been confirmation.

The easiest way to steal a man’s wallet is to tell him you’re going to steal his watch. Who would think the Council of Tides stayed in a place named for its distance from the sea?

“You know what to do now.”

She did.

She climbed back out the window and onto the ledge. Below her, she saw a head of red hair and a head of dark hair walking down the street, one clutching a large, lumpy bag and the other holding a white blob she was certain was a goat. She sighed in relief. It looked like they were all on track.

She didn’t leave the windowsill, just sat and listened as Kaz talked with the Tides. She had no idea what they had on him, and he didn’t give them a chance to say. He had never much liked formalities, and it seemed he was beyond pretending now.

She felt the Tides go silent, whatever imperious presence they had carried diminished by a few words from Kaz’s mouth. She heard Kaz offer a deal, heard the pause while they shook on it.

“The deal is the deal,” said Kaz.

The tidemaker he had shook hands with replied. “The deal is the deal.”

The clock struck one, and the sky around her exploded. Wylan had launched his fireworks, and from the bleating and shrieking reaching her ears even at the top of the tower, she knew Jesper had let Milo - an old goat friend of Jesper’s - loose on the streets.

The tidemakers’ confused chatter reached her ears, and she heard when they descended the stairs to see what the noise was. They hadn’t built any windows facing the streets on the upper floors, something Kaz had noticed - and planned on. They would have to descend to the fourth story to see what was happening, so she slipped in as they did.

They had left Kaz alone in the tower room, and she wondered how they had held onto such power for so long. It didn’t matter, though; the plan had worked. She’d have to write to Nina and bring over some waffles the next time she visited. Maybe she’d even drag Kaz along with her.

“Kaz?”

“They agreed.” he turned to her. “They’ll drop what they have, and give up on that favor they thought we owed them.”

“Glad to hear it.” A boom sounded from outside, and she and Kaz glanced at the window. “Do you think they’re alright?”

Kaz grabbed her hands, and she realized he had taken his gloves off. He wasn’t flinching, either, and she could tell he was barely nauseous, if at all. “Inej, I wanted to ask-”

Another boom, this time of steps as the Tides climbed the stairs again. “You’ll have to ask later. They’re coming.” She glanced out the window. “Do you think you can make the climb?”

His hands tightened slightly around hers. “My darling, Inej-”

Another boom, and the door was open and her lungs were full of water, and she was flying - no, falling, definitely falling - out the window. She felt the slap and sting of the water and wondered what the Tides had done to protect her from the drop. She should have died.

She clambered out of the canal, coughing, and sat on the stone street for a moment before she heard a crack, like something had fallen far and landed hard.

Saints. Oh, saints, please- Kaz had never believed in the Saints anyway, and it seemed they did not believe in him.

It was Kaz.

He had fallen head over heels after her, over and over until his body had collided with a flower cart that had been drifting down the canal. It was in shambles now, flowers scattered in the ripples emanating from the crash, more falling as Kaz lay still in the center of the carnage.

She heard screams from behind her as blood leaked into the water, and she ran. She scrambled to the other side of the canal, jumping from boat to boat, ignoring the shocked noises of their occupants.

Kaz’s body was all angles, limbs bent sharply in directions they should not be. His magician’s fingers were the same way. All those incredible tricks he had learned… he would not be doing them again.. She leaned over him, searching for something - anything - to show he was still with her.

There was nothing. He was gone, and whatever secrets he had hidden had died with him.

She felt something wet on her leg, and she looked down to find a flower clinging to her.

She picked Kaz up, grunting at the weight. She climbed out of the canal and the sinking flower cart, trying to keep herself from falling.

Jesper and Wylan were waiting on the streets, both of their faces drawn tight. Jesper took Kaz’s body from her, and she knelt on the street, gasping out breaths, glaring at the watchtower.

“Inej, what happened? Are you hurt?”

Another boom. Twelve figures stood in front of her, and she stood. She would not kneel before them.

“Brekker needed to die, girl. We don’t make deals with criminal filth.”

We learn to hold our heads as if we wear crowns.

“I am not a girl. And no one should have the authority to decide who needs to die and who needs to live.” She knew she sounded like a hypocrite, and she didn’t care. “You made a deal.”

One of them laughed. “He made a deal with one of us, and one of us only. That one Tide did not lay a finger on him, and we will not lay a finger on you.”

“Why wouldn’t you-” the world stopped, started, stopped again. She breathed, once in, once out. Again and again and again.

“That was the part of the deal, and I kept my word,” said another Tide. Heat pooled in every pore of her body; this was the Tide who had made the deal. “He was not as his reputation said. We followed the terms of the deal exactly; it’s not our fault he didn’t lay them as he should have.”

Her fists clenched, water dripping from them onto the streets. Saints, Kaz. Why didn’t you think things through? If you had just thought things through… Why hadn’t he thought things through?

She thought of Kaz in the tower, holding her hands in his and staring into her soul, and wondered if he had been busy thinking of something else. Wondered what he’d been about to ask.

The world around her faded to grey. Whatever he’d been about to ask… it was gone. She took a breath. In and out, again and again and again.

The world rushed back in, loud and unwelcome. Jesper was on her right, Wylan to her left, the three of them facing the Council of Tides in front of them.

She wasn’t sure if anyone had spoken, if she would end up interrupting something, and she didn’t care. “You have heard of me, I think.”

Another Tide turned to her. “The Wraith of Ketterdam. We have heard of you. Scum of the Barrel, like Brekker.”

She shook her head, unclenched her fists; clenched them again. “No. I am Captain Ghafa of the sea. I have seen firsthand the darkest pits of people, of monsters wearing human faces. There are many kinds, but they all want one thing. More of what is not theirs to take. You have not heard of me, but you will. The deal is the deal. You have made your decision, and now I make mine.”

She turned and left, Jesper - still carrying Kaz’s body - and Wylan following behind. Her anger trickled out. This city had seen the last of Kaz Brekker, but the monsters living here would not see the last of her, not until their dying day. It was a promise she had made before, that she would come back for the monsters of Ketterdam, and she would make it again and again and again until they were gone.

“Inej,” said Jesper. “Inej.”

She would not break. “Yes?”

His eyes glanced to the side as he swallowed, and she saw what he was looking at. A body boat, nearly identical to the one Nina had snuck out on. This one was half full of bodies already. She glanced back at Kaz’s broken body, still in Jesper’s arms, and felt her breathing speed up.

She couldn’t do this. There was no way she could do this.

She remembered a year ago, when she had been in the city for business. She had tracked down a Kerch “lawyer” who wrote indentures, who profited off of slavery as much as people like Heleen, and she had returned to the city to take him out. She had stopped by the Slat to see how Kaz was getting along; he had stepped into his office, and she had followed.

There had been a long moment of silence, then Kaz had started speaking. He’d explained it all to her - the plague, the boat, the water. Everything she hadn’t known about his past, he had told her. And she had listened. Kaz Reitveld had died on the Reaper’s Barge, and Kaz Brekker had been born in the harbors of Ketterdam.

How could she send him back to the place that had been a cause of his suffering?

Jesper and Wylan hadn’t pushed her, not yet, and she stared out at the waves - to where the Reaper’s Barge would be. Slowly, she nodded, and Jesper set Kaz’s body in the boat like he was made of feathers. She knelt beside the boat and arranged his arms gently, thinking of the last time she’d watched as a body was placed in a death boat. Kaz had insisted they didn’t bother arranging the arms, but she wasn’t one of the bodymen. For Kaz, she would bother.

She stood, and two men came around the corner, wearing long dark pants fit for a funeral, though there never were any. They ignored the three of them, stepping onto the boat, easy grins and loud laughs failing to push away the death clinging to the boat and to its occupants.

They pushed off, and Kaz was floating down the canal, and the men were still laughing, still talking, still living, and so was she. So were Jesper, and Wylan, and Nina, and the whole rest of this buckethole of a city. They were alive, and Kaz was not.

She wondered if Kaz would find any familiar faces in the afterlife. She hoped so.

The flower that had been clinging to her leg let go, slowly, and fell into the water. It followed the current after the bodyboat, before its wake brushed it aside and made it find its own path.

“No mourners,” said Wylan.

The boat faded to a speck on the dark canal. It turned a corner and was gone.

“No funerals,” murmured Jesper.

No mourners, no funerals. The world was waiting with the dawn, and it would not wait long.

@niathesanctuary-bolastair-kanej @thatrandomfangirlll @aminolee @mournersandfunerals

i hope this is as sad as everyone expects it to be

[bluebellhairpin]

Plague

Damian Wayne X Batmom!Reader

A/N: Heh heh, I’m following my Batmom religiously now. She’s gotten too cool. - Nemo

Warning(s): Nightmares, Zombie-like stuff (gore, blood, think Cranks from Scorch Trials) 

Summary: A team-building exercise went a bit weary for you and Damian. But as time runs out, maybe he’ll be able to finally get rid of Talia’s version of a mother, and replace it with yours. 

Listening to: ‘Save Your Tears’ by The Weekend (ft. Ariana Grande) - ‘Save your tears for another day, so I made you think that I would always stay.’

Series Masterlist 

Masterlist   

Damian never really liked (y/n). 

Even after Talia broke into the cave and confronted him, Bruce and (y/n), his feelings only changed from silent loathing to slight admiration. After all, not many people could get Talia to act like she did, and it seemed (y/n) was one of them.

Eventually Damian and (y/n) were sent off one night. Bruce told Damian that it was a ‘team-building exercise’ and that it ‘would do him good to get to know the only mother-figure in the manor’ in case something happened. 

What Damian didn’t expect was that something happened while they were walking back to the car from the part couple hours spent in the carnival. (Damian wouldn’t admit, but he did like her a little more after she won him one of the giant stuffed animals that no one ever won.) 

It all happened so fast, and (y/n) recovered quickly enough to get to the car - luckily with Alfred waiting inside. She was quiet the whole way home, only speaking once she’d taken a look at the wound on her leg, saying something to the butler about ‘quarantine’ and ‘he’s back’. 

Damian didn’t like the sound of that. He went straight to his room as Alfred helped (y/n) towards the cave. 

The next day at breakfast, (y/n) wasn’t there. 

Bruce was looking somber as ever, and Dick looked uncharacteristically sad. Jason was nowhere to be seen - not unusual - and he was told Tim had been awake and in the cave since 4am.

 Damian thought they were just upset that (y/n) had gotten shot, and he wouldn’t lie if someone asked if he felt a bit guilty. He might’ve been able to help, and he didn’t do much more than not get in the way. 

Damian ventured into the cave around lunchtime, being greeted with a new glass cage set near the computer. One closer inspection, it wasn’t a cage - more like a quarantine room with only three sides glassed off - fitted with a bed, desk, it’s own computer, and a door off to one side - presumably for a bathroom. Inside was (y/n), donned in plain clothes, and working away on a keyboard inside the box. 

(y/n) noticed Damian as he approached, sending him a weary smile, and kept typing away. 

“What’s this?” Damian asked, gesturing slightly with his hand before stuffing it in his pocket. 

“Quarantine room.” she replied curtly, still typing away, but casting glances his way.

“Obviously, but what for?” 

“Me. I’m sick.”

“What,” Damian started with a scoff, “One bullet wound and you’re out for the count?” 

“It wasn’t just a bullet.” Tim said, walking back to his place at the computer. “Ma, results say it was the sulfuric and nitric acid. Mixed with that same other stuff we haven’t named yet.” Tim said, now addressing (y/n), of whom paid full attention. Treatment Damian didn’t get, and it tugged at his stomach in an unfamiliar way. 

“Thanks Timmy.” She said, then went back to typing again. Damian decided he wasn’t getting answers here, so he made his way back upstairs to his father. 

Bruce decided to do work at home today, and Damian now knew why. (y/n) was hurt, and it seemed Bruce wanted to be around in case something bad happened. Or more like something worse happened. 

“Father,” he said, Bruce looking up from his paperwork as Damian walked in, “Why is (y/n) acting so weak?” Bruce’s eyes narrowed slightly, then he sighed and motioned for Damian to sit down.

“She’s not ‘acting weak’. She’s been quarantined for our safety.” 

“Why? Sulfuric and nitric acid would only be detrimental to her health not ours.” 

“You know anything about zombies, Damian?” Bruce asked, full attention on the boy in front of him. Damian tilted his head.

“I’ve seen ‘Scorch Trials’, but those were cranks not zombies.” 

“Well the bullet (y/n) was shot with last night was coated in a substance that - after the incubation period - turns the host into a more agile version of themselves, stronger, smarter, and very carnivorous. Not to mention it’s contagious, it can spread as fast as the black plague.” 

“(y/n)’s going to turn into a crank?” Damian said, voice less stern, and more soft. “A crank that can infect others?” 

“Only if she gets out before…” Bruce trailed off, running a hand through his hair. 

“Before it kills her.” Damian finished, more of a statement than a question. He was starting to realize things were more serious than he realized, but he needed all his questions answered before he could walk away from Bruce yet. “How do you know so much?” 

“Because it’s happened before.” Bruce said, looking at Damian with a soft smile. “She was the first to test the cure.” 

“How many were infected back then?”

“A whole town in the middle-east.” Bruce sat back in his seat, getting comfortable. He felt Damian had a good few questions left. “The League came and helped contain it to just the town. (y/n) was one that helped, and paid the price for getting too close when trying to help.” 

“Why don’t you just use the cure now?”

“It’s not that easy, some of the ingredients are found on other worlds, some only Superman can get to because of his invulnerability. As you know, Clark isn’t always available. As of Jason’s Intel, only (y/n) is infected, so the urgency for a cure isn’t as great.” 

“Why didn’t I know of this before?” 

“It was before your time. We’d just lost Jason when it happened, we were both not thinking right. (y/n) viewed the mission as a way to get away from Gotham. And me.” 

Damian fell into silence, no more questions, and he felt himself falling back into his seat to mirror Bruce’s position. 

“It’s come back then. Whatever you thought you’d stopped before is back.” he said, locking eyes with his father as a few moments silence passed again. “A bullet, so someone has the plague substance. We need to stop them.” 

Days passed before something happened again. The news showed police barricading streets in inner Gotham from a whole hoard of infected civilians. Since they weren’t kept in quarantine like (y/n) was, they turned faster. Jason’s red hood could be seen helping the police along with Dick in his Nightwing costume. Bruce was in the Watchtower, overseeing the making of the cure with Tim. 

Damian stayed with (y/n), donned in his Robin suit in case he was needed with Dick and Jason, or his father and Tim. It seemed that even though her effects were slowed, she suffered more. 

The acid made her cough and cough, her throat must be feeling raw by now by how chapped her lips were. Her eyes were sunken in and rimmed red, and normal (s/c) skin turned pasty, with black bulging veins poked out of her arms, hands and neck. She’d lost weight since she was locked up, Damian noted even though it was slight, and her hair lost its usual shine. 

It made his stomach churn to see (y/n) looking so horrible. She wasn't just Bruce’s light in the dark world of Gotham, really she were light for the whole family too. 

Damian moved closer, pulling the computer chair with him, and sat next to the glass wall, resting his hand on the pane. Realistically, he hadn’t been sleeping the best since his talk with Bruce about what (y/n) was going through. His sleep was filled with images of her. 

One of her crawling through the floorboards of the manor, chasing him, scratching along the walls and leaving a trail of sticky black blood, skin rotted away and eyes glazed over, muttering over and over.

You could’ve saved me. 

Another she was laying in bed, looking like she was sleeping, and his father came up behind him, eyes glazed over like hers were in the one before, speaking in her voice, saying the same thing.

You could’ve saved me.

The most recent, she was dangling off a cliff, holding his hand, and the harder he held on, the more he tried to pull her up - for his sake and his family  - the heavier she got, the more she slipped away, and then she fell. She screamed, but he only heard one thing whispered in his ear.

You could’ve saved me. 

“Damian?” she asked, having moved closer. From a distance she looked much better than she really was, even so he was sure she hid most of it well. “What’s wrong?” her voice was so soft, so caring. She was so concerned about him even though she was the one dying where she stood. 

“You- you better not die before father gets back.” he said, voice breaking slightly as he fought back the start of tears. “He’ll miss you too much.” She let out a slight chuckle, sliding down the glass wall to sit. He breathing sounded easier if she wasn’t standing.

“I don’t plan on it, trust me.” she said, looking up at him, cracking a smile. “Can I tell you a secret?” He nodded. “I think it hits harder the second time round.” 

They both let out half-hearted laughs, Damian wiping away at his eyes. He wasn’t going to cry. She was acting too normal to be so close to death - or something worse. 

She wasn’t going anywhere, he’s sure that’s what she’s trying to say.

“I’m sorry.” he whispered, resting his arm against the glass alongside hers. If the glass wasn't there he would’ve taken her hand. 

“What for Dami?” she asked, voice as quiet as his. Damian’s throat was tight. Dami.

He liked that.

“For not saving you.” he said after a while silent. “I was there. I should’ve been more vigilant.” She clenched her hand.

“You don’t need to be sorry. If it wasn't me it could’ve been you, and I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself for that.” she said, leaning away to cough. She recovered quickly, a hand on her chest. “I don’t blame you for this Damian. There are bad people in this world, and they do bad things. Good people - like you, your father, and your brothers - they’re what stops the bad from overrunning the good.” 

“Can I tell you a secret?” Damian said, mimicking her question and posture from before. She nodded with a gentle smile. “You’re a much better mother than Talia.” 

To say Bruce was surprised when he got back to the cave after administering the cure to the crowd in Gotham was a good way to put it. 

When Clark mentioned to Bruce over the comms that Damian was very subdued when he delivered the cure to (y/n), he just thought it meant the boy was wanting (y/n) to just go back to normal, and therefore not being a pain. He didn’t expect him to be on the floor next to the quarantine room, sleeping, with the computer chair pushed a little ways away. 

(y/n)  smiled as Bruce approached, color already returning to her cheeks, and she raised a finger to her lips to motion for him to be quiet. The cure would kick in fully in a couple more hours, and she’d be completely free from infecting others in a little over a day. 

“What’s this?” Bruce asked, voice very low so as to not wake the sleeping Damian. 

“He was looking after me.” She said with a smile, having stood to stand a little away from the sleeping boy. “You should probably take him upstairs. He’ll sleep better in his own room.” 

That morning, when (y/n) woke up in her hospital-like bed, Damian was back. Having obviously moved back to the cave from since Bruce carried him upstairs, and now was sleeping slumped over the computer desk. 

(y/n) moved to the bathroom adjoined to the glass room, even she could tell she looked better. Color had completely returned, her eyes looked brighter, and the black veins in her neck and arms were more of a dark blue. 

By the time she reemerged, Bruce was in the cave, and Damian had woken. 

“Ummi.” He said, standing and walking to the glass wall, placing his hand up where (y/n)’s was. “You look so much better today.” he said, smiling. 

“I thought I always looked good?” she scoffed, earning a laugh from Bruce.

“Sure, sure darling.” Bruce said smiling over at the woman and his son. 

“Ah, Bruce! I’m hurt.” She said, Damian sending something that resembled a playful glare at his father, before returning his gaze to (y/n).

“Damian,” she said, looking down at the blue-eyed boy, a playful grin slipping onto her lips, “What does ‘Ummi’ mean?” 

Bruce barked out a hearty laugh, the red tinted cheeks of his son over-ruling the much more serious glare he was sending his way.

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Three: Pestilence (Ignis x Reader) Chapter Six

A couple of days have passed since the group's trip up the Rock of Ravatogh. They were currently back in Lestallum, heading toward the gas station on the main road. "Don't wanna keep Cid and Cindy waiting. They're fixin' up the boat as we speak," Gladio stated.

"We ought to thank them," Ignis said.

"Actually, Jared's the one we oughta thank."

"Yeah..." Prompto mumbled melancholically. "He really thought of everything."

Noctis and the others meet up with Iris at the Coernix Station, where she awaits them beside the Regalia. "Filled 'er up for ya!" She chanted when she turned and saw the group approaching.

"Thanks," Gladio said to his younger sister.

"So, um..." Prompto glanced around the large group. "How is this gonna work? There's six of us, but only five seats."

"Oh..." Iris mumbled in realization. "Maybe I should-"

(Y/n) quickly interrupted the young girl. "I've my own ride. Iris will ride in the backseat with Noctis and Gladio."

Gladio crossed his arms with a smirk. "More surprises for us?"

"More or less," she grins. Lifting her hand, she placed her fingers in her mouth and whistled. A cloud of smoke surrounded the group before dissipating. Standing a few feet in front of Pestilence was a horse.

Iris gasped, placing her hands over her mouth in shock. "How did you...?"

"This is Erra, my loyal steed. He will be my ride," (Y/n) exclaimed.

Gladio explained to his sister who the white-haired girl truly was while the horse meandered away from his rider and seemed to be attracted to Ignis. His hooves clicked against the pavement as he approached the strategist. Ignis wasn't fazed, more shocked than anything, as Erra sniffed the front of his dress shirt.

Pestilence watched with a giggly grin plastered on her face. "Seems you've caught his interest, Ignis."

Ignis stared into the white of Erra's eyes as he reached out a gloved hand slowly toward his muzzle. The horse stepped forward when it saw the advisor's hesitation and placed his muzzle against the man's hand with a joyous snort.

"Magnificent," Ignis gasped in wonderment as he petted the steed. Erra closed his eyes, enjoying every stroke of the tactician's fingers.

(Y/n) crossed her arms over her chest, popping out a hip. "What a greedy horse..." Erra heard his rider and his eyes opened. He trotted over to her and bumped his head against the side of hers, making the Horseman laugh. "Yes, yes. I know it's been a while, but I need your assistance now."

Erra bobbed his head up and down with a huff, nuzzling his snout against her cheek as a way to say he'll help. The Horseman scratched the top of his head with a smile.

After Gladio finished his explanation, Iris was in complete shock and stared at the ivory-haired girl with wide eyes. "No way..." She mumbled. "They're real? I thought the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse were just a scary fairytale. Gladdy told me the tale about them a couple years ago."

"Those tales you speak of are falsified," (Y/n) stated. "Our true tale has yet to be written in the pages of any book."

"What's the real one?" Iris asked curiously.

***

Four souls were pulled from the four corners of Hell, gifted with abilities no human, god, nor daemon could comprehend. Each soul was given one of four aliases that accompanied their powers-War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death. Now dubbed the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by the Daemon King, Aeshema, they were sent to a world between the living and the dead known as the Inner Sanctum-a domain where the Four Horsemen would reside and keep order of the monsters who relish to break the seal preventing them from entering the world of the living and quenching their bloodlust.

With the seal preventing the monsters from escaping to the land of the living shattered, the Horsemen were tasked with traveling to the bustling world to hunt down the monsters that escaped and kill them before humans fell victim to their bloodlust. Once each Horseman slew their share of the monsters, they would be granted passage back to the Inner Sanctum.

Once the Four Horsemen reached the gateway and entered the portal, they arrived in the land of the living. Famine, Death, Pestilence, and War went their separate ways and disguised themselves as humans in order to walk among the living and hunt down the monsters incognito without startling the lives around them.

***

"It's shorter than I though it would be," the young Amicitia comments.

"That's because the story has yet to have a conclusion," (Y/n) grinned. "The final details are currently in the works as we speak."

"Wow," she gasped. "Does that mean all of us are a part of the story?"

Pestilence nodded. "Yes."

"That's cool and...a little scary."

"C'mon, ladies. Time to head out," Gladio called out to them.

Iris nodded with a joyous smile. "Let's get this show on the road!"

As the boys and Iris pile into the car, (Y/n) mounts Erra. She threads her fingers through his creamy mane and combs through a few knots. "All set?" She glanced down at the people in the car beside her.

"You bet," Noctis replied, looking up at her. "Think you can keep up?"

Erra scuffed his hoof against the asphalt in response, causing Pestilence to grin. "I should be the one asking you that question."

Ignis started the Regalia, the engine coming to life with a faint roar. Erra followed after the vehicle as it left the gas station and took off down the road away from Lestallum. Without needing guidance, the steed kept pace with the car, running beside it on the shoulder of the road.

From the corner of her eye, (Y/n) could distinctly catch a glimpse of the flash every time Prompto took a picture. While riding atop Erra, she could hear what the group was discussing. "Looking at the Regalia really reminds me of home," Iris said with a gentle smile.

"It sure doesn't look like any of the cars you see around here," Prompto points out.

"And it's a lot roomier, too! I can't imagine trying to cram five people, including Gladdy, into one of those things. Even just trying to squeeze Noct, (Y/n), and myself in the backseat would be difficult. Have you ever ridden in one?"

Noctis shook his head. "Can't say we have."

"There was barely enough room for our luggage! Thank goodness you guys could give me a lift."

"Think the others made it to Caem alright?" Gladio pondered.

"I suppose we'll find out when we get there," Ignis stated.

"I could check on them if you so desire," (Y/n) spoke up.

"Yeah, but how're we suppose to contact you?" Noctis asked. "Doubt you have a phone."

"The orb," she replied, grabbing Ignis' attention. "It's not just an artifact. It's a summoning device. Hold it in your palm and call my name. I'll be at your side within mere seconds." Their eyes briefly met before the advisor had to refocus his gaze on the road ahead to avoid crashing.

"It's okay, (Y/n)!" Iris shouted. "I'd rather have you along for the ride. It's nice having another girl around to talk to!"

Pestilence smirked at the young Amicitia before turning her gaze forward. She was about to respond but was interrupted by a roaring engine above. Glancing up, her eyes narrowed when she spotted an enormous ship flying overhead.

Gladio clicked his tongue with a groan. "Oh, great. Another flying fortress."

"You've encountered such a ship before?" (Y/n) asked.

"Indeed," Ignis replies. "Let's pull over."

"Noct..." Iris mumbled in worry, glancing at the young prince to her left.

"Relax," the raven-haired boy soothes her. "We've got this."

The royal retinue, Iris, and (Y/n) soon come upon Old Lestallum. Ignis pulls over and parks the Regalia in front of the motel. "Taking matters into hand?"

"Delivering justice for Jared," Noctis declares, climbing out of the vehicle alongside his companions.

"And for Talcott, too," Prompto adds.

The bodyguard eyed his little sister as she exited the backseat and walked toward the motel. "Iris, I'll need you to wait here."

She nodded in response. "Alright." She looked toward the (e/c)-eyed girl, wondering if she was going to tag along. "Are you going with them, (Y/n)?"

"We require her assistance," Ignis answered before said girl could. "Our apologies, Iris."

She shook her head. "It's fine. Just be careful out there-all of you."

The royal advisor reverted his gaze back to the prince. "Careful, Noct-only fools rush in. I suggest we review our intelligence and devise a plan."

Noctis agreed with him and placed a whistle in his mouth. Blowing into it, four chocobos came charging up the highway, answering the call. They skidded to a stop in front of the gas pumps a few feet from Erra and (Y/n). "Let's go!" The azure-eyed boy hopped onto the turquoise-feathered bird while the others mounted the remaining three chocobos.

The four chocobos, along with Erra, took off down the road and left the limits of Old Lestallum. They rode across the bridge and toward Fort Vaullerey. "Surprised to see 'em this far out," Noctis commented as they searched for a vantage point.

"Leave no plot of land unconquered," Prompto retorts.

"Those aren't conquering numbers," Gladio tells the photographer.

"Likely building a supply line it would behoove us to cut," Ignis stated.

They rode up the side of a hill around the side of the cement walls, spotting soldiers and machines patrolling the area around the fort. (Y/n) gestured to a watchtower located near one of the walls. "A perfect spot to devise a plan. With a view of the innards of the fort, constructing a plan will be a cinch."

"How're we suppose to get around the guards and the massive machines?" Prompto asked.

"If we attack, all eyes fall upon us and our plans of infiltration will be disrupted." (Y/n) hops off Erra and pats his side. "Be a dear and cause a distraction." The horse nods and takes off toward the prowling enemies.

Ignis, seeing the Horseman was without a ride, offered her a lift on his chocobo. She accepted his kindness and mounted the white-feathered creature with his help. The saddle was a little cramped, but it wouldn't be long before the two would have to dismount and head in on foot. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he tugged in the reins, urging the large bird to follow after his companions.

Feeling her arms around him caused his heart to race, threatening to burst through his ribcage and out of his chest. Never in his life has he ever been so conscious of a girl until he met (Y/n). Their conversations were full of meaning and never had Ignis felt such a deep connection with the opposite sex before meeting her. Though he has only known the Horseman for a week, he would be lying if he said their newly developed bond wasn't already on a much deeper level than he had anticipated.

Whenever Ignis thought of Pestilence, all he could imagine were their lengthy chats, her kindness, and the haunting images the nightmare that has infested his mind during his sleep plagued him with. For the past few days, the images became clearer and clearer. He could make out names and where the nightmare took place. He wanted to ask her about such gruesome imagery, but he felt it would be prying into something with much more deeper meaning than he could grasp. Every time he heard her hoarse, begging tone, he desperately would try to save her from plummeting to her death, but everything he did was all in vain.

"Ignis?" (Y/n) called out to him. He blinked a few times with a small 'hmm' before realizing they had reached a point where the chocobos refused to pass. She unwound her arms from around his waist and hopped off the bird. "Are you alright? You seem to have been deep in thought."

"Yes," he responds in a low voice, dismounting the chocobo.

Pestilence knew he was lying by the look in his eyes, but she zipped her lips and decided not to pry. "Shall we? The others have already rushed ahead."

The strategist nodded and followed the others up a stairwell, eliminating a couple of soldiers before trekking up the stairs leading to the watchtower. Noctis tugged at his bangs and glanced at the two latecomers. "What were you two doin'?"

"Chatting," (Y/n) responded.

"A.K.A. flirting," Gladio grinned playfully.

The Horseman placed a hand on her hip and stared disapprovingly at the brute. "I've no clue as to why you think we're "flirting" nonstop, but not once have we exchanged intimate words. Hold your tongue, Gladiolus."

"Ooh," Prompto snickered. "She didn't use your nickname, big guy. (Y/n)'s got a sassy side to her!"

The Horseman rolled her eyes with a frown. Noctis cleared his throat, grabbing everyone's attention. "So, what's our plan?"

Ignis, mentally thanking the prince for changing the subject, spoke. "Find the base commander and take him into custody. Targeting metal men will yield little in the way of reconnaissance, but bones bend easily. We'll split into two groups of two. Prompto and Gladio will generate a diversion. (Y/n) will accompany us in procuring the commander."

Prompto hooked his fingers through the belt loops of his pants and grinned. "Aw, yeah-making a scene is what I do best."

"A spark of confidence is all it takes," (Y/n) states.

Ignis adjusted his glasses, glancing between the interior of Fort Vaullerey and the raven-haired boy. "Noct, are you prepared?"

Noctis met his advisor's determined gaze with his own unwavering one. "Let's do this."

[countryboysmakedo]

got tagged

@ravesinthesky got me

Rules: answer 20 questions and tag 20 people you want to know better.

1. Nickname: matz/matzo or dre

2. Zodiac Sign: Pisces

3. Hogwarts House: idk

4. Height: 5’1

5. Last thing I googled: Elliot Tebele

6. Favorite musicians: Primus, Buckethead, OkameP, We are the Empty, Mike G

7. Song stuck in my head: Hey Ya! by Outkast

8. Followers: 120

9. Following: how do I look at that

10. Do you get asks: once in a while

11. Amount of sleep: not much

12. Lucky number: 7

13. What are you wearing: shorts and a spider-man hoodie

14. Dream job: Executive Producer of my own animated show (WHICH I ACTUALLY MIGHT GET SO THAT’S DOPE)

15. Instruments: Piano, C flute, ukulele, I tried to teach myself trombone but the thing was 100 years old

16. Languages: English, German, a little Japanese and very crusty Yiddish

17. Favourite song: All Along the Watchtower

18. Random fact: I hold dual citizenship

19. Aesthetic: 90s rap music video or “I’m about to invent Microsoft”

20. Dream trip: roadtrip with my partner where all sorts of shenanigans ensue

Tag someone: @joinksx @my-unsolicited-handbag @lordaxolotl

[givedeanhisangel]

Was tagged by @supernaturaldevoted thank you!

1. When did you start watching Supernatural?

December 2017. It was an accident, I swear. I used to be really into Overwatch (before uni took over my gaming life (I dont play anymore)) and I came across this post. At first I thought it was like Dr. Who or something, I didn't know. So I reverse image searched it on Google, and found Supernatural. I found out it was on Netflix, and watched the pilot. I was scared, but didn't think it was anything special. But then Jess burned. And then at Sam's "we have work to do" line, I was sold.

(And then I sat through 7 seasons trying to spot the scene that was in the gif that started it all.)

2. Who is your favorite in TFW?

Castiel, easily. That isn't to say I dont like Sam and Dean though. I love all of them. All of them. I just have a preference for Cas

3. Who is your least favorite in TFW?

Stop.

4. Tag your top 5 Supernatural blogs.

@aloha-cowgirl @malevolent-dean @alexander8calvert @bisexualdemondean @dimples-of-discontent

5. Who is your favorite character (not including TFW)?

I lump Gabriel into tfw 2.0, so i'm gonna go with Garth

6. Who is your favorite woman in Supernatural?

Claire. I love Claire so much, but i'm probably biased b/c I'm a huge Kathryn Newton fan.

7. John or Mary?

Uhhh I loved Matt Cohen's Michael!John, but I've had more time to love Mary

8. What were your first opinions of Sam, Dean, Cas, and Jack?

Sam: I was genuinely worried about him not making it back to his interview on time. I just wanted him to be alright.

Dean: I wanted him to be my older brother ngl. He just cares so much, and I loved that about him.

Cas: "Holy shit that's Castiel. Oh my god that's his voice?" (I thought he would lose the voice and the trench coat over time. He did neither.)

Jack: I just wanted him to be good so bad. I was so relieved when he turned out to be an actual bean.

9. What’s your favorite season?

Season 12, probably. I didn't like the whole BMOL thing, but 12 has a ton of my favorite episodes (Stuck in the Middle (With You), Lily Sunder has Some Regrets, Baby, All Along the Watchtower)

10. What’s your least favorite season?

Season 7. There's just... not a lot there? Leviathan weren't as big of a threat as I thought, and there was a substantial lack of Cas.

11. Opinions on Destiel?

Oh god, it's taken over my life. I love it, I really do, because you know what? It's so goddamn sweet, and soft, and romantic, but at the same time it's tough, it's gritty, and it's just two guys trying their best under almost impossible circumstances. And at the end of the day, when the world is safe, they deserve each other. They've earned some semblance of peace, which they can find in each other. No one understands Castiel like Dean does and vice versa. They're a match made in hell and they're perfect for one another. I just want them to be happy

12. Do you believe Supernatural queerbaits?

Well, to some extent yes, but not on purpose.

13. Seasons 1-7 or 8-14?

8-14. Maybe it's because there's more Cas, or maybe it's the character development. Maybe it's just personal preference.

14. Favorite villain (plot wise)?

Lucifer from s4-5. In case any of you didn't know, I used to adore Lucifer when I first watched the show. He was my favorite character when I was watching seasons 4-5, (like almost toppled Cas for 1st place favorite). I really liked Lucifer. When they brought him back officially in season 11 I was ecstatic. Then they kept him in 12, but his personality wasn't the same. Then 13. It just really ruined the character for me, and I wish they just let him get his closure in 11 before ending his storyline completely. But no. They just. Kept. Bringing. Him. Back. And now he's like a whole different character entirely. I hate it. I miss old Lucifer :( Sorry for the rant

15. Do you think they should end the Lucifer plot line?

Lucifer is dead, so technically it's already over. But I would be really upset if they brought him back if that answers that question.

16. Who do you think has gone through more trauma (Sam, Dean, or Cas)?

It's not a contest.

17. What’s your favorite Supernatural episode?

It's a tie between Stuck in the Middle (With You) (12x12) and Lazarus Rising (4x01)

18. Do you like case episodes?

Yes. It reminds me of Old Supernatural, and it's just nice to see the boys helping people no matter what. End of the world be damned that lady has a poltergeist and hell, if they aren't gonna help her who will?

19. Who do you relate most to in TFW?

Dean. I dont know if it's the music, the cars, billiards, humor, cowboy obsession, or being a closeted bisexual, but we've got a lot in common.

20. Why do you like Supernatural?

It's such a unique show. When I first joined the fandom, and I saw the tag SPN family, I was like haha sure. But once I got involved, holy hell. Absolutely no fandom is like the Supernatural fandom. Yes we may have our differences in opinions, ships, characters, but everyone here loves this show. And I love everyone here. It really does feel like a family. This is kind of the same reason I adore the show. The theme of found family, and the way that Team Free Will will always find a better way because that's what they do. I love this fucking show and I love this fandom. Thank you

21. If you could bring back one character and kill off another who would they be?

G o o d b y e  N i c k. I would like one (1) Gabriel back please

Tagging @aloha-cowgirl @malevolent-dean @moosesquirrelandwings @cas-you-assbutt-dean-needs-you @trenchcoatsandfreckles and whoever else wants to play

[sapphicomics]

the question: all along the watchtower #1 preview

[midnight-circus]

alphabetical OC meme

filled this out for Lord Asshole bc i cant write anything so i may as well fill in questionnaires instead

also numerous numbers and at least one section were missing when i copied it so idk what happened there

under the cut bc its Long As Hell

A: Aptitude 1. what are your oc’s natural abilities, things they’ve been doing since young? // Independence lmao. He could get through his whole life relying entirely on himself if need be. He wouldn’t be happy, but he’d survive. He’s also naturally intellectual and has never had to try very hard in academia.

2. what activities have they participated in? // literally what does this mean. Safe to say he’s not exactly playing team sports.

3. what abilities do they have that they’ve worked for? // He’s had to work extremely hard to shed the bad habits learnt whilst growing up in a white aristocratic dysfunctional family. Other than that, he’s a talented pianist – the only thing his mother was ever proud of. Also sending work-emails that don’t make him sound like a total dick. still working on that tbh

4. what things are they bad at? // Honestly, anything creative. He’s very intelligent but has absolutely no artistic talent, and he’s not at all imaginative – creating something out of nothing when it doesn’t have a logical or scientific basis is pretty beyond him.

5. what is their most impressive talent? // In his original AU, and any fantasy AUs I force him kicking and screaming into, swordsmanship. He’s pretty untouchable with a blade.

B: Basics 1. what is their hair color?// Dark brown, close to black.

2. what is their eye color? // Also dark brown.

3. how tall are they? // 6’2

4. how old are they? // He fluctuates depending on the AU, but his default base-age is 34.

5. how much do they weigh? // Generally between 150-180lbs, depending on his age, eating habits and mental state. When he’s going through stress, his eating and sleeping patterns are the first to nosedive.

C: Comfort 1. how do they sit in a chair? // His posture leaves a lot to be desired. He slouches pretty badly, and to be honest his height makes it difficult to get comfortable in most regular chairs. He also manspreads, though to be fair his legs are about 3 miles long and it’s hard to know where to put them honestly

2. in what position do they sleep? // Either on his side or his front. Never on his back.

4. what is their major comfort food? why? // oh man sugar. His eating habits aren’t good at the best of times, but when he’s feeling Mentally Ill he’s prone to 4am binges of as much sugar as conceivably possible in one sitting. He then goes for a 5am run until he throws up, so yknow. all nice and healthy.

5. who is the best at comforting them when down? // Elrick. Gross. Also Kat, to be fair.

D: Decoration 1. how would they decorate a house if they had one under their name? // He’s very fond of Nordic design and tries to keep vibrancy to a minimum, because he’s a boring bitch. Light walls, dark woods, pretty stylish furniture but no chrome Thank You Very Much; accent colours would probably be dark blues or greens. Plants, but only if he doesn’t have to water them because he Will forget and they Will all die. He’s also anal as fuck and despises mess and disorder, which makes living with Elrick fuckin interesting to say the least.

2. how would they decorate their child’s room? // however they wanted as long as it wasn’t pastels bc a man has to draw the line somewhere

3. how do they decorate their own room? // muted, calm, maybe a little regency – he accessorises more in the bedroom than he does in the rest of the house, gold accents here and there, that sort of thing. Less austere, more opulent. At the end of the day, he’s from an aristocratic background, however unhealthy his upbringing was – he can never quite shed the appreciation for luxe.

4. what type of clothes and accessories do they wear? // He dresses well – very put-together, if very monochrome. He doesn’t do casual very well and will avoid jeans unless he has no other choice. He would quite literally rather die than wear shorts. As for colours, generally blacks, greys, dark jewel-tones (maroons, dark greens, dark purples, etc). Very rarely light colours, and if he does wear light tones he layers them – a white shirt under a dark leather jacket, for example. As for accessories, he stays simple with a decent watch (Patek Phillipe, thanks, none of this Rolex bullshit) and two rings (wedding ring and onyx signet ring – family heirloom, the only one he has). He knows how to dress to suit himself.

5. do they like makeup/nail/beauty trends? // >:[  

E: External Personality 1. does the way they do things portray their internal personality? // For the most part. How he behaves has been moulded over many years by how he thinks and feels, and it’s hard to shed the habits of a lifetime. EG, he’s very neurotic and it does have an impact on his organisation – if his mental state slips into decline, so too does his command over his surroundings and his ability to keep things on track.

2. do they do things that conform to the norm? // Again, for the most part. A key element of his upbringing was the overbearing sense of being watched, being judged, being on display; one behaves the way one is expected to behave, and one never deviates from that path. Obviously he fucked that one right up when he started putting dicks in his mouth, but it still remains something of a mantra.

3. do they follow trends or do their own thing? // Neither, really. He doesn’t follow trends because he’s actually 70 years old and doesn’t know what they are, but nor is he particularly unconventional. He does his own thing because he has no idea what anybody else is currently doing.

4. are they up-to-date on the internet fads? // oh god no. he has a twitter account but the last time he used it he got drunk and tweeted at jeremy paxman that he was a cunt so he doesn’t really engage with it very much

5. do they portray their personality intentionally or let people figure it out on their own? // People are left to figure it out. He doesn’t go out of his way to make friends or advertise his personality – he’s friendly when he needs to be, but is not the sort of person to go out actively socialising.

G: Gorgeous 1. what is their most attractive external feature? // His height makes him pretty popular and he knows how to dress well. He also has that particular ‘tall, thin, dark hair, pale skin, heroin-addict-esque’ chic that some people tend to go for. He doesn’t really get it, himself.

2. what is the most attractive part of their personality? // He’s witty in a very dry way – a little sharper than run-of-the-mill sarcasm.

3. what benefits come with being their friend? // Ok honestly? Money lmao. idk man you’d have to ask Kat bc she’s the only one who’s lasted this long

4. what parts of them do they like and dislike? // Though he projects an aura of self-assurance, he really doesn’t like very much about himself; his upbringing and unhealthy relationship with Catholicism did a number of his self-esteem. He’s proud of his intellect and knows he is smarter than the average person, but other than that, not a great deal.

5. what parts of others do they envy? // General happiness. He’s a melancholy person by nature and doesn’t tend to feel a swell of positive emotions for no reason – he can’t help but feel there’s something inherently wrong in his brain.

H: Heat 1. do they rather a hot or cold room? // n e i t h e r bitch his internal temperature must remain on an even keel at all times. Probably cold, if he was forced to pick.

2. do they prefer summer or winter? // Winter because it means he can wear layers

3. do they like the snow? // yes but he’ll never admit it. he finds it romantic. that must never be repeated.

4. do they have a favorite summer activity? // lying in front of the fridge cursing God

5. do they have a favorite winter activity? // coffee dates. Independent coffee shops, mind you – fuck Sbux.

I: In-the-closet 1. what is their sexuality? // Gay

2. have they ever questioned their sexuality? // he spent more than half his teen years wishing he was straight

3. have they ever questioned their gender? // No

4. would/was their family be okay with them being LGBT? // mother denies it completely, father kicked him out, brother doesn’t give a shit bc he’s bi as hell himself

5. how long would/did it take for them to come out? // He was forced out at 16 when he was caught with a boyfriend in the boathouse of Darlington estate – it marked the end of an already abusive parental relationship. To be honest, it’s hard to say if he would have ever had the courage to come out himself.

J: Joy 1. what makes them happy? // Feeling loved. He got very little of that in his youth.

2. who makes them happy? // Elrick has an uncanny ability. Who’d have thought it.

3. are there any songs that bring them joy? // He particularly loves Dancing in the Dark by Springsteen, and All Along the Watchtower by Hendrix. Neither are very joyful songs, granted, but they’re two of his favourites.

4. are they happy often? // He’s contented often, and he enjoys his life. ‘Happy’, though? Not sure.

K: Kill 1. have they ever thought about suicide? // More than once.

2. have they ever thought about homicide? // Not with any real intent. In a modern AU, anyway – can’t say the same for any of his other incarnations.

3. if they could kill anyone without punishment, would they? who? // Way deep down somewhere, he’d be tempted to say his father.

4. who would miss them if they died? // More people than he knows.

5. who would be happy they died, anyone? // lmao the tax agency probably. His father wouldn’t be happy, per se, but perhaps it would solve a problem.

L: Lemons 1. what is their favorite fruit? // Black cherries.

2. what is their least favorite fruit? // fuck bananas, honestly

3. are there any foods they hate? // Peanut butter can die, and also asparagus can also die.

4. do they have any food intolerances?  // Not that he knows of.

5. what is their favorite food? // Probably Thai or Korean.

M: Maternal 1. would they want a daughter or a son? // He technically has a son already. Kat wanted a child and she trusted Logan above an anonymous donor, so one stressful jack-off session, a weird experience with a baster and eight months later, Rowan showed up early.  Logan technically has no parental responsibilities or rights, but he’s involved in Rowan’s life nonetheless. And then there’s Bastian, whose own father leaves a Little To Be Desired in the emotional department, let’s say, so ultimately he winds up taking on that role as well.

2. how many children do they want? // One’s enough, ta, and that one doesn’t even live with him. In seriousness, he’s always idly thought about children in his life, but not with any real seriousness – he plays his role with Rowan well and he’s a great uncle to Bastian, but kids wouldn’t suit his and Elrick’s lifestyle.  

3. would they be a good parent? // Yeah, he probably would.

4. what would they name a son? what would they name a daughter? // Demetrius or Victor for a boy, Ophelia for a girl. How else will people know he’s a pretentious bitch?

5. would they adopt? // Nah

O: Optimism 1. are they optimistic or pessimistic? // Total pessimist.

2. are they openly optimistic, throwing it on others? // No and he cannot stand it when other people force optimism into entirely inappropriate situations.

3. are they good at giving advice? // lmao not unless it’s legal advice. Then yes, absolutely. Just don’t cry on his kitchen floor.

4. is there anyone in their life that throws optimism on them? fukkin Katherine. She’s the only one allowed to get away with it.  

5. were they always optimistic/pessimistic? // Yeah, he was a pretty dour, anxious little kid from the start.

P: Personality 1. what is their best personality trait? // From a professional perspective, he’s extremely clear-headed and analytical, and it serves him very well as a criminal prosecution lawyer – there’s not much that slips by him, and he can spot a loophole coming a mile away.

2. what is their worst personality trait? // He’s … difficult to get along with, for a lot of people. Not nasty as such, but he’s sharp-tongued and quite quick to anger in situations outside of his job, particularly when stressed. He also has a tendency to look down on people (particularly people who aren’t considered ‘smart’ by his standards) and let’s be real, he’s pretty classist – it takes him a long time to come to terms with Bastian’s relationship with Fabian. Elrick is more than happy to call him out on this.

3. what of their personality do others love? // Didn’t we already do this?

5. do they hate anything about their personality/about other’s personalities? // god he cannot abide people who aren’t punctual oh GOD he hates people who aren’t punctual

Q: Questions 1. do they ask for help? // Not unless he’s literally dying

2. do they ask questions in class? // to be honest, he generally didn’t need to

3. do they answer questions that make them a little uncomfortable? // Depends on the context, but he generally tries to avoid giving out personal information.

4. do they ask weird questions? // He keeps his weird questions to himself and Googles them later.

5. are they curious? // By nature. It was curiosity that got him into the godawful mess he ended up in re: his source material.

R: Rules 1. do they follow rules? // Generally yeah, aside from the occasionally joint now and then. Although saying that, he does run very much on his own moral code, so I suppose he follows rules as long as he agrees with the sense and logic behind them.

2. would they be a strict or laid-back parent? // It’s odd, his instinct is to be strict but he would also loathe the thought of being anything like his father, so he might swing entirely the other way in an attempt to avoid that. Hard to say. He definitely wouldn’t be like … a fun, playful parent because that’s just not in his nature, but it’s possible he’d relax his own rules significantly. Although he is fairly strict with Rowan, it’s for Rowan’s benefit - he needs rules and boundaries to be comfortable, and Logan’s not a traditional ‘father’ in that case anyway.

3. have they ever been consequenced for breaking a rule? // he was ‘consequenced’ pretty fuckin badly for daring to kiss a boy

4. have they broken any rules they now regret breaking? // oh god probably, he has more regrets than he can count

5. do they find any rules they/others follow absolutely ridiculous? // He’s not got a lot of time nor respect for people who follow rules totally blindly without having some sense of self-critique.

S: Streets 1. are they street-smart? // Depends on the AU, but for the most part he’s too privileged.

2. would they give money to someone on the streets? // no because he’s actually horrible

3. have they ever gotten in a fight on the streets? // No, but he has gotten in a fight in a bar. Kat will not let him forget it.

5. are they cautious when out? // A little paranoid, perhaps, but it doesn’t stop him.

T: Truth 1. are they honest? // define ‘honest’

2. can they tell if someone is lying? // Yes, it’s literally his job.

3. is it obvious when they’re lying? // Nope. He’s a consummate liar.

4. have they lied about anything they regret lying about? // he lied and told Elrick that yes, he’d had sex before their first time, and then regretted it twenty minutes later when they were forced to stop because he almost died. it's fine. they worked it out

5. have they told truths that have been spread against their will? // not really – he plays his cards very close to his chest. Nothing gets out if he doesn’t want it to.

U: Underdog 1. have they been bullied? // Only by his parents.

2. have they bullied anyone? // Not directly to anyone’s face, but he’s definitely made some unpleasant comments.

3. have they been physically attacked by a bully? // If his father counts, yes.

4. have they ever been doubted? // Only from ages 2 to 34.

5. have they surprised people with being good at something? People don’t tend to expect the piano-playing, somehow.

V: Vomit 1. do they vomit often? // what is this question set. Incidentally, yes – he has a problem with running until he’s exhausted and tends to vomit after that.

2. do they get lots of stomach aches? // no?? I guess not???

3. are they good at comforting someone ill? // lol he could be better. His levels of sympathy leave a little to be desired.

4. what do they like as far as comfort goes? // he doesn’t, really. He generally dislikes being fussed over too much and denies he is sick until he’s unable to stand up, at which point he’s forced to accept it whether he likes it or not.

5. do they burp, cough, or hiccup most when nauseous? when vomiting? // what is this question ASKING

W: Water 1. do they drink enough water? // Actually probably yes – it’s one of the few healthy habits he has.

2. have they learned to swim? // yes

3. do they like to swim? // ehhhhh he can take it or leave it

4. can they dive? // he went to an expensive private school of course he can dive

5. can they swim without holding their nose? // yes

X: Xylophone 1. what is their favorite genre of music? // Classic rock – nothing after 1989, thanks.

2. do they have a favorite song? // Hendrix’s Watchtower is up there, as mentioned, along with Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. He has favourite playlists, rather than favourite songs.

3. do they have a favorite band/artist/singer? Blue Oyster Cult in general is a favourite, as is Black Sabbath and Springsteen.

4. can they sing well? He does ok. His voice isn’t fuckin Grammy material or anything, but he can hold a note.

5. can they rap? lmao

Y: You 1. how old were you when you created them? // lol

2. what inspired you to create them? // LOL

3. were they different when they were first created? // oh god yeah. Prototype!Logan was a fucking mess, he’s undergone some serious reworking since the early days.

4. do you enjoy writing them more than other characters? // he’s my comfort-zone, honestly.

5. what’s your favorite thing about them? // his internal monologue of disdain suddenly being interrupted by Oppressively Gay Thoughts

Z: Zebra 1. what’s their favorite animal? // He likes watching birds, but only from a distance.

2. do they like animals? // Nah, he’s really not much of an animal person. Loud and messy, for the most part.

3. cats or dogs? // Cats, if he has to pick.

4. what’s their dream pet? // A taxidermised one.

5. do they have any pets at the moment? // A Birman cat named Saskia. It’s the only animal in the entire world that he loves. He doesn’t like cats – he likes his cat.

[minakotricksterworld]

Source: Volatile-Tifa

(Warnings: Spoilers, mention of torture, some cussing and sexism)

Stephanie Brown is one of those characters a lot don’t know about and those who do, they either love or hate her.  To me, she’s a character that has some serious disservice in the DC verse, a character that was seriously shat on and pushed around.

Introduced in Detective Comics #647 in June of 1992, Stephanie would transform from Spoiler, to Robin and eventually to Batgirl before the New 52 series took off.

Stephanie started her life of crime-fighting as a normal girl, one with a C-rated villain for a father and an addict for a mother. Her father, the Cluemaster, wasn’t the best father figure and even used Stephanie to manipulate others, or disregarded her safety.  Suggesting that abuse wasn’t far off and there is even a point in the comic where we’re shown that he locked Stephanie in a closet simply to get her “out of the way”.

(This scene is later in the comics)

Once her father was out of jail, he claimed to go straight and narrow, but Steph knew better and began tracking her father, showing quite an aptitude to trailing after him and other criminals, using gadgets to hear his plan. She sent clues in to the police, but when they couldn’t seem to put the simple pieces together, she donned the costume and called her self “Spoiler”. 

Eventually, Batman and Robin would be called in to help with these clues and they began to suspect Cluemaster, who faked his death to throw them off his trail.  They saw Spoiler and believed she might have had something to do with it, Robin chased her and unmasked her until she escaped with taking a brick to his face.  From there, with the backing of their super computer, ability to get into files, records and with their high end gadgets, they figured out who she was and Tim Drake, the Robin at this time, went to check her out.

Eventually, she worked with the caped duo to get her father in the final plan of robbing a million dollars at the mall.  Her father was ready to kill her until Batman revealed her identity to him… And then Stephanie seemed ready to kill her dad, until Batman talked her out of it.

And you would think, from there, might as well take a kid under one’s wing and train them, especially after Stephanie was noticed constantly going out and stopping crime.

Nope.

Stephanie is a normal girl, self-taught, self-made, with no money backing her and just rolling with what she learns on the streets.  Unlike others in the Batman verse, like Jason, Dick or Time, Stephanie set out on her own and didn’t have a mentor or teacher showing her the ropes.  Eventually, with Tim’s growing attraction to her, he began teaching her a few things and gave her some gadgets (the high end ones and not Steph’s made ones) did Stephanie get more showing in the comics.  She eventually met Batgirl, Cassandra Cain, and slowly a friendship began to build up.

To where Stephanie would teach Cass how to read and write, while Cass would teach Stephanie some moves on how to fight.

Stephanie, despite these two, was often treated like the unwanted step-child amongst the vigilantes of Gotham. Batman would constantly try and tell her that Steph didn’t belong in this life, despite her constantly doing it and still doing it - which was brave, considering.  Barbra Gordon, Oracle, reluctantly let her in the Watchtower because of her association with Batgirl, Cass, and Tim.  Dinah and Helena, Birds of Prey, would be the most encouraging of Steph - saying she was good and had what it took, that she had talent, but neither were willing to take her on as a student. And whenever Batman told them to stop training her, they would.

Though, Black Canary did make Stephanie her apprentice in Robin comic #80.

Steph had feelings for Tim, possibly the first real boy she loved, but he was with someone else and it never went far until he broke it off with her and they pursued a relationship.  But Stephanie was never going to learn Tim’s identity due to his loyalty to Batman… Stephanie accepted it, as she would given her background.

She has a history of a mother who is an enabler, a criminal, abusive father and this all can translate to a lot of possible neglect in her younger years.  Not to mention there is a part where Stephanie reveals she had a babysitter that was a sexual predator, who ended up disappearing.  She shows to have daddy issues because of the abandonment in her father and seems, unwisely, to look to Batman to be a father figure (Look at all Robins and Barbra, they all look to him as a father-figure) and seeks acceptance.

Before she and Tim were together, Stephanie had a boyfriend she slept with during the throes of depression, not outright stated by implied.  She ended up pregnant and a boyfriend who leaves her, putting her life of crime on hold.

A lot of people give Stephanie a lot of shit to just stop crime fighting and raising her baby, which is stupid.  With her own issues and a father who used her to further his own gains - what would have stopped him from using the baby?  And further more, people expect that Stephanie should have just raised her child, but Spoiler had enemies and an education to pursue. She wanted to raise her baby, but understood that right now she couldn’t be a mother to the child.  

It made Stephanie was like other girls, who had sex and got pregnant, but had to make her decisions. She chose not to terminate the pregnancy and let the child get adopted - a smart choice since young mothers, statistically, end up on welfare.  But the point of this whole thing was plot for the writers, because you never hear of the kid after.  Tim, as ‘Alvin’ helped Steph by going to birth classes with her and ended up there for her during the delivery, holding the baby. She was upfront with him about this pregnancy and her decisions. Yet a lot of people took this as her being a slutty, sleazy girl who betrayed Tim. Um, Tim had a gf while he was developing feelings for Steph.  And he was shown kissing on other girls, some who even knew his real identity, yet Stephanie - the girl he had feelings for - didn’t know who he was and believed, wrongly, that she wasn’t good enough for him.

Found in this comic on the date where the two go to a convention. (Couldn’t find the actual image in my quick search, but it is there if you want to look for yourself.) The growing issue of Tim’s identity would fester between the two, along with the suspicion of there being other girls.  Which is a legit worry for any other girl, but in the comics DC decided to try and depict Steph as a waspish, clingy, demanding girlfriend. Then Batman decides to step in and tell Steph Robin’s real name, but not his own.  Key pieces here.

Tim gets upset and Stephanie is just wondering what the hell she did wrong. Which she did nothing wrong, but here it is, she’s at fault somehow for knowing more than she should… which is frankly bs, but makes sense for DC.

It is important to note that TIm is mostly angry with Batman here, but Stephanie seems to be steam-rolled in with the scene.

So Tim goes off to be normal….

Stephanie has been trying to get Batman’s approval for ages, of trying to be accepted entirely by this group of people and the most compliments she ever gets seems to be from the Arrow crew (which one might think, hey, these guys say I have potential and are willing to train me (Dinah, I consider, part Arrow crew)).

After these events, Tim’s father finds out he is Robin and grounds him, thus stopping Tim from being Robin. Stephanie breaks into the Bat Cave (who else can say that… besides every other villain out there) with a homemade Robin costume and asks to be Robin. She knows about Tim and every other time in the DC verse they always bring in some blue-eyed, black haired boy to be Robin. Because Batman needs a Robin, currently he’s without and you would think this would be a break away from this usual thing he has going (I’m questioning if it’s a kink, blue-eyed, black haired boys with good looks) and could give Batman new dynamics, new challenges.

Nope. DC said, nah, she’s going to be Robin and Batman will give her hope, give her the one archaic rule he never gave any other Robin, “Follow my rules to the T or you’re out.”  Never in the history of any Robin has he ever given them that rule, not even Jason Todd and he was considered the wild-canon Robin.

Steph threw her all into training and did everything Batman wanted until that ONE. TIME.  When she thought he was in danger and she wanted to save his life.  Batman was just Batman to Steph… this WAS WRONG. He is known as a control freak... which makes a lot of things he does later dumb. He took her on as a sidekick (more on this later) a position of trust.  Yet Stephanie wasn’t told who Batman was behind the mask, she wasn’t let in on a lot of or any of his plans and most of the training given to her was through others mostly.

So, she acted, wanting to save him and he said she didn’t have what it took. He is even smiling while saying he gave her a “fair shot” which doesn’t really seem accurate when you go back and look at his training of every other Robin previously. Tells her she doesn’t measure up… which, with his psychological profiling background, you would think he would know not to say to a child that has experienced the neglect she has had in the past.

Steph was willing to take blame, she screwed up - despite her intentions.  Like all Robins have, especially Dick and Jason when starting out. He expects this to be the last… and instead this lead to a desperate girl to pull off something to show that he was wrong, that she was worth having this title and a chance.

Tim later reflects how humbling it was to be easy replaced by Steph as Robin and Willingham, the writer, puts a slight jab in his writing basically saying Steph was always looking for Batman’s validation of her.  

Stephanie enacted a plan, something that Batman had around the cave to stop all the gangs once and for all.  The plan needed a Matches Malone, an alter ego used by Batman. Steph didn’t know that. She was a sidekick and taken on with no real trust, with no real guidance and this left a lot of fans to believe that he only gave her the position to make Tim jealous.

Even Alfred seems to believe that this is all in the intent to just make Tim jealous - though I am sad to see that the guy has no faith in Steph and everything Batman says makes sense, but Alfred knows Batman better than himself. He knows all the ins and outs of that mind and he can get to the heart of it. So while the creators are finally having Batman parrot all the things that make sense to train Steph, if not as Robin than to legit train her, it is bittersweet with those intentions right there. So it makes you go back to that archaic rule and that scene above where he “fires” her, making one believe that yup, he had no real intention of keeping her on as Robin.

But the biggest tell, she didn’t know Batman was Bruce Wayne. She might have known Alfred, but all she knew him as was Batman’s butler and they didn’t get along at the start. To be fair they both were coming from opposite ends, he saw Tim being hurt and Stephanie was, pretty much, a stranger muscling in. Steph just saw another person who believed she didn’t have what it took.

Anyway, during the events of War games, Stephanie gets caught by the Black Mask.  If anyone knows that guy, they know he is a sexist villain who enjoys torturing his victims.  He grabbed Steph and was torturing to find out who Batman was, but here she is - she didn’t know and it’s flaunted to her,

He uses a drill on Stephanie, a tool of penetration to bring home the ultimate violation.  Women, to him, are nothing more than figures, sex toys, to be used and in the kitchen. Steph being a blonde, bombshell, crime fighter  must have really tickled his fancy…. I won’t go into other forms of the torture that we, readers, are lead to believe that happened.  If anyone has read Detective Comics of Batman then you know the scenes, or behind the scenes, are quite gruesome. Stephanie had been tortured for days, while the events are taking place elsewhere, for information she wasn’t told. Somehow we’re being sold that Stephanie being a sidekick, not being told information, was a good thing.  Yet this is clearly DC’s thing of trying to make the War Games, a filler, crossover arc they do, seem more important…

Eventually, Stephanie gets out and is taken to Leslie Thompson’s clinic, an ally of Batman where we are given this scene:

Stephanie even begins to question if he really ever made her Robin, or was it to get back at Tim… You know, since /clearly/ Tim quit just to piss him off or something. Batman tells her yes, yes she is. She was always a Robin… Remember here that Batman lies and has often lied to people. And Stephanie dies. 

Everyone is upset, Dick asks Bruce what are they really doing. Tim comes back and doesn't have any in panel screen time mourning her, but will (way later #spoilers) go nuts over the death of others… Leslie goes to Africa after an argument with (she let Steph die, a pacifest also screwed up by DC here) Batman and how he lets children fights his battles.

Tim becomes Robin again, using Steph’s death as justification to continue fighting crime.  

It might seem sweet, and I’m going back to the whole, Batman knows how to lie to people here…

Jason Todd was erected a memorial in the Bat Cave.

Stephanie never got one. Further cementing the fact that Batman never really considered Stephanie a Robin, neither did the writers.

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/07/15/“some-kind-of-gang-war-in-gotham”-and-“spoiler-was-gonna-die”/

Stephanie as Robin, according to one of the writers, was simply a trick.

The events leading up from Steph transferring to Robin was all a big ploy by DC to make War Games interesting, to kill a character off (Stephanie) to make it more important and to give Tim dramatic growth… in essence, DC began butching a character to make her a dumb plot point.

B-fucking-S.

The fandom must have thought so, because they wrote Steph saving Cass as a ghost.

They wrote Batman going to Africa to confront Leslie:

He called her an enemy of the Batman.

And in the end… the fandom must of been strong enough because Stephanie is alive and Leslie faked her death, taking Stephanie to Africa to recover…

And somehow Batman knew it all long, or 'suspected' it.

Really? He went to Africa, Stephanie was there and for a detective, considered the best and enjoys outsmarting everyone (Control freak tendencies)... He still called Leslie an enemy?  This was, clearly, DC bull trying to cover their own sexism and asses on Stephanie Brown’s treatment by Batman and co. She’s alive and, despite everything else from above, he somehow knew she was alive.

Way to go, doesn’t make sense and having Batman try and backtrack and cover his own shit just made him seem that much more of an asshole. He /suspected/ and that was why Steph was never going to get a memorial… yeah, we know the truth guys. Basically DC said this: “Let’s make a character, someone who is bright, spunky and everything opposite of Batman - probably should be from Krypton due to all the optimism she fucking has, but screw it. She’s going to be self-taught, self-made and we’re going to shit on her. The bat clan have money, connections, training and technology… clearly they’re superior and know better than this blonde girl who still laughs and smiles despite the other shitty things going on in her life. Let’s make a character who is going to constantly fight crime, do her despite what others ‘claim’ and have them flaunt they know everything about her.  Let’s get her pregnant, a stereotype of girls with daddy issue, give up the baby and never bring it up again besides her dying scene - which we planned. Let’s make a character who constantly strives and is told she isn’t good enough, that she doesn’t amount to what she wants to be. Let’s give her a peek into being accepted and take it from her in one fell swoop. Let’s make a character who can relate to the people, who is one of the people and make her feel like an outsider. Let’s take this character and make her a sidekick, a position of trust, of learning and let’s pretty much ignore all those things and give her the kick. Let’s make a character we clearly don’t give two shits about because everything we wanted from her was to be a love interest, a sacrifice and the eventual sexist image of a woman seeking more than her role in life, her role against statistics.

And say fuck her.”

I didn’t include everything in this post, I did a general back story and brief development on Stephanie here, but she’s a character I am passionate about and I believe, like a lot of female characters in stories and comics, had potential. A shit ton and that it was basically only shined upon for the sake of other’s story, but then thrown out when convenience set in. Stephanie Brown is an underrated character and if you don’t like her, that’s fine, but she’s the Eggplant Waffle-loving heroine I want and need in my life. She’s too real for others, but she’s a ‘real’ character I would love to see more of… and I’m hoping the rebirth series delivers.

[forever-mandarina]

Some previews of the DC comics in November 2024.

DC VS VAMPIRES WORLD WAR V #4 (OF 6) CVR B HOMARE CSV

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #2 CVR B DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON CSV

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #2 CVR A HAYDEN SHERMAN

ACTION COMICS #1074 CVR B SEBASTIAN FIUMARA CSV

ACTION COMICS #1075 CVR B SEBASTIAN FIUMARA CSV

Action Comics #1075 Cover C Steve Beach Card Stock Variant

Action Comics #1075 Cover E Lucio Parrillo Card Stock Variant

Action Comics #1076Cover D Lesley 'Leirix' Li Creature Commandos Card Stock Variant

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[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

Bob Dylan - Fox Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri, October 22, 2007

It’s 2007 and after sticking mainly to keyboards for a few Neverending Tour years, Bob has decided to dust off his guitar — as the above photo shows! Our hero adds his inimitable noodles to the first three tunes of this boogie-ing St. Louis set. Then it’s back to the keys for the remainder of the show (”I’m playing ... this thing,” Bob reports after he introduces the band). Dylan is still favoring that questionable organ sound, but I’m getting used to it, and it comes across pretty well in a few places (a very noir-y “Love Sick” in particular). Anyway, the sound man has it mixed pretty low. The Modern Times material is coming into its own: “The Levee’s Gonna Break” bumps and grinds mercilessly. “Spirit On The Water” is a weirdly majestic thing — check out the concluding “You think I’m over the hilllllllll???” lines, sung with a whole lotta gusto. A whomping good time, though I’m not sure why Dylan’s harmonica solo is so abbreviated. It was just getting good! (Bob does take the harp back out for a more satisfying ride at the end of a great “Visions of Johanna”). “Workingman’s Blues #2” is delivered with a nice understated arrangement and a passionate (if a little barky) vocal. And “Thunder on the Mountain” has acquired a pleasing c&w vibe, shuffling along in rollicking fashion, even if Dylan flubs a few lines. 

And hey, none other than Elvis Costello pops up to sing “Tears of Rage” towards the end of the show. As with Patti Smith in 1995, Bob lets EC take the reins here, chiming in on (surprisingly on point) harmony vocals and guitar accents. Maybe not the greatest duet ever, but cool to hear nonetheless!

Choice Cut: Modern Times’ closer, “Ain’t Talkin’” is one of Dylan’s darkest latter day tunes, and it’s given an appropriately ominous airing this evening, with Dylan wandering through a surreal post-apocalyptic landscape, his band building a subtly intricate groove behind him. 

Bob Dylan (vocal, guitar, harmonica & keyboard), Stu Kimball (guitar), Denny Freeman (guitar), Donnie Herron (violin, mandolin, steel guitar), Tony Garnier (bass), George Recile (drums & percussion)

1. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat 2. It Ain't Me, Babe 3. Watching The River Flow 4. Love Sick 5. The Levee's Gonna Break 6. Spirit On The Water 7. Honest With Me 8. Visions Of Johanna 9. Things Have Changed 10. Workingman's Blues #2 11. Highway 61 Revisited 12. Ain't Talkin' 13. Summer Days 14. Ballad Of A Thin Man 15. Tears Of Rage (Bob Dylan/Richard Manuel) 16. Thunder On The Mountain 17. All Along The Watchtower

[lokisgame]

Alien Language

Because of his father, a guitar was always present in the Mulder house. Found in strange places, when the phone rang and interrupted whatever he was playing that day.

Young Fox saw Elvis and Hendrix and hummed "All Along The Watchtower" for months. But before he thought about learning more than 2 nameless chords his father showed him when he was 8 years old, Samantha was gone and all music stopped. The instrument gathered dust in a corner behind the living room door. Silence fell over the Mulder household. From then on it was all about records, letting others put his feelings into words, help him understand and cope with stories of love and loss and tormented souls. Time passed, music changed, life went on. Sometimes a song on the radio would strum a memory of music his father played at night, proof that he was capable of at least one kind of love that didn't drag everything into the ground.

Enjoying first rays of spring sunshine and his new found freedom, Mulder wandered aimlessly through a quiet neighborhood of comfortable homes, children's bikes in driveways, minivan parked neatly in front of every other garage. Idyllic but not Arcadian. A yard sale caught his eye. A colorful collection of assorted junk that gathered around given sufficient time, was piled outside a garage few houses down. There wasn't anyone around when he browsed through books and knickknacks, glanced at the bench and weights and other torture devices he might or might not recognize from late night infomercials dating back to Hagal Place times, trikes and small bikes the kids grew out of and probably didn't have any cousins to pass onto... In the far corner, resting against an old leather chair stood a simple, unassuming, acoustic guitar. Her body a little banged up, keys and fretboard bearing marks of frequent use by many hands. The strings were a little rusty, but she felt nice in his arms, the shape somehow familiar. Mulder perched himself on the edge of the chair and cradling her in his arms, strummed the strings gently, shyly. The guitar shivered against his body and he was mesmerized. "My son used to play that" a pleasant female voice said from behind, making him jump, the instrument echoing his surprise. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to" "No, please, you look like you need a friend like that" "A guitar can be your friend?" "Friend, lover, a voice you can't find elsewhere" the woman was somewhere around his age, still pretty, a tall slender blonde "and what girl doesn't love a guy with a guitar" Mulder chuckled, remembering that one time Scully looked at him as if he was crazy, playing air guitar in the car "Yeah, my wife would love that" he said. "I'm sure she will" the owner agreed, pulling the sweater around herself tighter "the guitar is yours, for 30" "It needs new strings" he smiled back, bargaining being part of the fun obviously "I'll give you 20" "25, because you looked so handsome" the woman countered and Mulder laughed, took out his wallet and paid the original 30. She called after him when he was about to leave and pressed an old, dogeared book into his hands. "Take this too" a songbook "and good luck" she nodded tucking long strands behind one ear, spring sun making them shine. “Thanks” Mulder smiled and walked on, stopping at the music store on his way home.

The man behind the counter whistled seeing the instrument in his hands. “Hello old friend” he smiled broadly and took the guitar to examine it closely “Corine could have taken better care of you” Mulder watched the guy do the same thing as he did, strum a few chords, tut here and there turning keys to fix the sound. “I don’t follow” he admitted after initial surprise passed. “Sorry, it’s just, this used to be my guitar, before I passed it on to my nephews” the man's touch looked gentle, reverent even “I would recognize her everywhere, thought she was lost.” “I just bought it at a garage sale” hands in his pockets, a little unsure what to do, realizing that he forgot the feeling that accompanied facing a new challenge. Frightened excitement. “It’s your first guitar” the man guessed, and he nodded sheepishly “well, with new strings she’ll be as good as new, it’s a good instrument to start with” “Okay, let’s get her fixed up” Mulder left the store an hour later with another book, a case and a stand.

It took him a while to figure out why his fingers hurt pressing down the strings to get a clear sound. Memories of pain flashing white beneath his eyelids, Scully's face when she set his fingers, the hurt in her eyes when he lied. He tried again accepting the pain, a simple open C, clear and ringing beneath his fingertips. Like Scully.

The songbook was old, but it was okay, he was old too. Well, maybe not old, classic. He got lost in it for a while, reading the lyrics and humming the songs under his breath. The manual had tables of chords and he took time to scribble diagrams next to the songs he wanted to learn. The coffee made when he got home stood cold and forgotten, time got lost, before he knew it, alarm on his phone went off reminding him it was time to see about dinner for them. Scully found him in the kitchen chair, waiting for the rice to boil, laughing at himself when the couldn’t make the F chord sound right for the twentieth time. “What’s this?” She asked, leaning in for her kiss, hand around his shoulders “new hobby?” He shrugged and set the guitar aside “Oh, you know" deflecting her question "How was your day?”

He looked at the cartoons in the book the man at the store recommended and chuckled. Back to school to learn new alphabet, one chord at a time. E B G D A E, C, F, minor, major, barre, hieroglyphics of notes like recordings of an alien language. No wonder humans sent music into space. His hands were rusty, aching in places he didn’t know he could ache, feeling too big, clumsy to the extreme. She was much more demanding than Scully, making him work hard to get her to sing. It looked daunting enough that he almost gave up after first week.

One evening, Scully working another night shift at he hospital, he was going through the songbook, picking songs he loved, seeing them in new light, until he found her song and memories came flooding back. He tried to follow the chords feeing silly at first, she couldn't sing, and he didn't do better at first. The strumming pattern was not right and his fingers were just too slow, the melody stuttered. But he was stubborn, he tried time and time again until... Joy to the world... He played an entire song for the first time. He couldn't stop smiling, sang it in the shower. Still it's a challenge, some notes keep trembling, unsure, the flow broken, fingers still learning which should go where to make the sounds he wanted. Some parts are easy, instinctive even, C to A minor is just moving one finger to a different string, one small change gives a completely different sound. G and D, he likes the sound of those two together. Soft and calm or strong and resonant, all depending on how hard he stroked the strings. There's power in that, truth he recognizes, different sounds as products of different circumstances.

Time flies when he's having fun. Sitting on the porch steps, his fingers ache but his lips smile, the music is born in his hands and it's been a while since he felt the rush. All other thoughts leave his mind, he hasn't visited a message board in days, papers on his desk gather dust. He strums the strings and barre chords start to sound right. The grass grows taller each day, the summer nights grow short and warm.

Heat backed the grass all day and the scent is pouring through the open window on silver moonshine, full moon strolling through the cloudless sky. They lay in bed, Scully cuddled into his side, cheek on his shoulder, skin damp from their recent exercise. She splayed her right palm against his left, fingers spread wide, only fingertips touching lightly. Four calluses right below his fingernails, he felt her touch but the tips of his fingers were numb. "Your hands feel different" she sighed a little awed, having been screaming his name not fifteen minutes ago "I didn't expect that" That was the best compliment she could pay him and lacing his fingers through hers, he brought them to his lips. Such a small hand, gentle bones that could heal or kill. The ring on his finger shined bright, sun and moon, one on her other hand to match. "Play something for me" she says, lifting herself on one elbow, hovering over him. Freshly trimmed hair now falling two inches below her shoulders spill around her face making her look soft and relaxed. It's sometimes embarrassing how much he loves her. "But my hands are tired" he teased, hiding his self-consciousness behind humor, as always. "No, they're nice and warmed up" she bit one of his knuckles then kissed it gently "Please, you always stop playing when I come home" "Because it sounds terrible" letting go of her hand, he pulled himself close "I can barely guess the song I'm playing myself" Face hidden in her neck he tried to distract her with sloppy wet kisses, licking and nibbling without any real pattern, hands roaming her back and cupping her ass. "I'm sure it's not worse than my singing" her words tried to sway him, but arms and legs drew him closer. She kissed his forehead and hooked one leg around his hip. Arm around her waist, he almost pulled her on top, but she breathed in his ear "please?" Mulder chuckled, gave up and closed his arms around her in a hug. She knew how to play him, she was a virtuoso of his heartstrings and he loved her for it, among many other things. Next kiss on his face was one of silent thank you and a whispered promise of a reward. Reluctantly he untangled himself and padded buck naked to the corner of the room, where he left the guitar leaning against the chest of drawers. Scully watched him, head propped up, arm bent at the elbow, he was always a sight for sore eyes, but even more so now, when lanky turned lithe, thin became toned, gorgeous not gaunt. She fluffed a pillow against the headboard for him and moved back, making room again. For a second, the guitar felt cold against his nakedness, the scent of lacquer and wood never faded. Old and beat up, just like him, she got a new home and a new life with new strings. Scully looked at him from under her lashes, the sheet tucked around her, one look at her waist and he knew why the guitar felt so familiar. A few cords picked at random vibrated through the instrument and made him think of her shivering in his arms. But even more so of her holding him in her small arms and keeping watch in the middle of a dark forest, eons ago. He strummed the strings and sang softly. "Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine" He kept singing and playing while she rolled onto her back, laughing her musical laugh.