#fanrewrite

[ben-the-hyena]

TDC sequel comics fanon fix rewriting masterpost

If you remember, especially if you scroll down my "rewriting" tag, I think Power of the Dark Crystal had wasted potentials by trying to try too much to be like the first movie, retconning, some very good ideas and new characters wasted, making no sense, and some characters from the movie being wasted, badly written, often OOC and flanderized. Plus, with new canon elements introduced wirh AOR it doesn't even make sense anymore. So with friends notably @dracocheesecake we had decided to fanrewrite it to make it more sense and make it more likable. Notable changes were the ones Skeksis and UrRu returning are not the ones who left in the movie (WTFFF) but the ones who died and were in the Crystal all along, young again, with as main villainous Emperor SkekSo obviously (and HE and UrSu are the ones to die and appear to Kensho in Beneath in the Prism ; I CAN'T ACCEPT SKEKSIL AND URSOL DIE SO STUPIDLY WHILE HE IS SO OOC), Jen and Kira were not useless rulers and in the end rather than following the UrSkeks (WHY) they choose to abdicate and go live in the valley Jen grew up in as hermits alone together, the Lord Commander whom I think was a huge wasted potential survives (he lost his leg tho), is named Jarra AND is the SON of Jen and Kira who is paranoid and brutish to protect his parents who went through hell before his birth (and took too much from Seladon in his behavior and judgement ; REALLY THAT IS EVEN IN THE UNTOUCHED SEQUEL) and then will have to co-rule with Kensho like Thurma will co-rule with her rival in Beneath and he will learn to trust him and make peace in Beneath too as a parralelling plot same for the 2 female Gelf scouts (wasted as well) who will have to learn to trust him and are the Commander's daughters and Jen and Kira's granddaughters, in said sequel's sequel Thurma and Kensho CAN see each other in the end thanks to the fact they have co-rulers so one can leave duties (WHAT'S THE POINT IN MAKING THEM ADORABLE TOGETHER IF TO NEVER MEET AGAIN OUTSIDE OF SPIRITUALLY), NO THE SCEPTER DOES NOT CONTROL THE ARATHIM DURING THE SKEKSIS' ABSENCE they do obey only because they were recreated with Crystal magic then when Skekso returns knowing how to use the Darkening NOW they grow obedient again, SkekSo being young again once drinking essence becomes OVERPOWERED glowing blue veins and eyes like Darkened Deet, and the Mystics without doing too much either because they have a politic of not intervening still interact more with Aughra... and on UrSu's part with Jen

I thought about it again recently and thougjt about adding more !

No Jen and Kira don't spend their days mindfucking through their hands as their kingdom rots because they are tired and just want to be together (GEEZ YOU GUYS HAD *ONE JOB*) but because they are close to abdication so they let most of it be done by their heir and son who is also the Commander who himself blindly listens to the Crystal Eminence. Whenever themselves show doubts, the Eminence quickly reassures them. But they have a bad feeling as they see more and more people come because of that Blight but don't want to humiliate or embarrass their son and just try to advise him. Of course, he is too blinded to protect them he doesn't listen

The only OC created for the whole rewriting, Dr Astris, wife of the Commander and mother of the 2 scouts. She was the one who burned the blight off Kensho and despite her cares left him with scars, and tries to be her family's braincel and control, especially when they are being dicks on a kid who's like 15 in human age. Being confronted to so many Blight-ridden people, she does suspect something has to be wrong, quickly warming up to Thurma trying to convince her husband. His only reaction ? If the Blight spreads she could contaminated so she should perhaps stop, which she does NOT like and slaps him (right after Aughra had bopped him on the head for being clueless and loud). He's like "What'd I say !?". She also spends time with Kira and Aughra with the Mystics while the others are away, enjoying the chant

Idea borrowed from @dracocheesecake, the new Garthim look much different, as said they were recreated thanks to Crystal magic from their carcasses because Jen and Kira (who at this moment were alone and thought were the last, unaware the survivors were at sea) needed help to reconstruct the damaged castle and live there, and since they had been traumatized they had them rebuilt looking different, idk how yet but reusing the same bits, some bits not used, in different places etc. They became their own new Frankenstein creatures, and it is not because they were Skeksis-made (they no longer were) but simply because the Darkening from the scepter once SkekSo has it corrupts them like it corrupts the Nurlocs they end up attacking, they are a hive mind so he corrupts one they all get corrupted

NO I PRECISE AGAIN KIRA WAS NOT RESURRECTED BY THE CRYSTAL SO IF IT BREAKS AGAIN SHE IS NOT IN DANGER She was resurrected by the UrSkeks so SAME FOR KENSHO, Sure it means the Crystal, being Thra, allowed their souls to return, BUT STILL IT WAS THE CRYSTAL WHO STARTED AND FINISHED THE PROCEDURE. Kira dent alone because out of symbolism, Jen is the one who did the quest so she convinces him now he knows Thra he can go without her while she will just make sure to protect the Crystal the best she can. Fizzgig insisted to follow like the good old days

The Borthog was not summoned by UrSol. Wtf why do the sequel acts like the UrSkeks world is a realm drom wgich I can summon stuff from my ass wtf IT'S ITS OWN WORLD THE URSKEKS WERE BANISHED THERE THEN USE THE CRYSTAL TO GO HOME WHEN THEIR BANISHMENT IS OVER IT IS A PORTAL YOU YOURSELF WALK IN AND OUT YOU DON'T DECIDE TO SUDDENLY BRING AT WILL A SANDWICH FROM THERE Nope SilSol long ago had sneaked him in since he was his pet but then lost him and he escaped at the Split. It is because UrGoh is familiar with him since he sometimes wandered around UrSol that he recognizes him and has him follow them, since he was called back by the new Split like a 6th sense (in hope to see his owner again :'( )

Seladon in the meantime got confirmed as half Sifa. And since just like Ethri and Onica she has golden glittery freckles we can conclude it's a Sifan traits. Well since I see Selason as Kira's mother, the Lord Commander also had those, they skipped a generation. But since he has a huge scar across his face, they got ripped away. Also as I had already drawn him with those he has Deet's ears, since i see her as Jen's mother, but he also has a Grottan vision (and so does Jen actually). Their eyes look "normal" but in the dark pupils grow huge and reflect back light sources (idea from @dracocheesecake while we RP'd long ago)

Something both Draco and I sensed that was wasted was how while the Crystal Eminence seemed to be a real opportunistic manipulative jerk, the Commander was a jerk because he SEEMED to genuinely believed him and unlike him seemed to truly care for Jen and Kira (hence the change of relationship in the rewriting, while being a jerk to Kensho he would say something like "my mother was killed before being revived, my father still has nightmares about it, and they both had to hide all their lives. Now we are free to roam again, danger could be anywhere. And my parents may be good and fair, sometimes they are too naive and have too much faith in others getting close to the Crystal. Crystal that had already been shattered before. So I would rather die than let it happen again, whether you call it "excessive" or not, Acolyte.") and have a connection with Thra (hearing and being MOVES by the chant of the Mystics before shaking his head while the Eminence paid no attention) but it is so discreet and not developped enmugh one may think he was complicit. In the rewriting it would be more enhanced how he trusts him and is protective of him as much as his parents because he has known him since childhood and admired his connection with the Crystal and thinks heresy for anyone like Kensho contesting his words ; when he says the Blight doesn't exist, either it's true or on its way to be healed anyway

Also a reason why the Lord Commander is so obsessed in protecting his parents and the Crystal to the point of being an angry sadistic military cliché is because when he was a teenager they dreamfasted collectively to show him their experiences. A fakely good idea. They wanted to show their son their upbringing and illustrate better the tales they told him so he would see it with his own eyes and see how they were like when they were younger, see the Mystics his father had always wished he had known, showed him the healing of the Crystal... but all he saw were Garthim killing Gelfling and Podling, his bany parents crying alone as their parents died, how awful the Skeksis were and, which made him cry, see (and feel) his mother die before resurrecting. That only pushed him further into wanting to protect them and he grew even more extremist

SkekTek being the only one who died during Jen's quest he is the only one to know who Jen (he did see him in the Crystal call) and Kira (SEEING HER EVEN GIVING HIM PTSD) are and instantly warns the Emperor who they are and what they should do to them. SkekSo mentally noting to target them from now

Yes SkekVar was VERY happy to see SkekSo again unable to contain his excitement again and hugging him interrupting him before realizing he was mid evil "MUHAHAHA WE ARE BACK speech". His first reflex when resurrecting is being Smithers

SkekYi and SkekHak are back too. But CONFUSED as shit not understanding at all what they missed and having to be explained as a backgrounf recurring gag by the others "so we drain Gelfling now ?" "YES finally yes !" "But why ?" "UUUGH" "can you tell me about the part where I killed SkekYi myself again ? I'm unsure I got it"

SkekGra and UrGoh RETURN, are instantly banished again by the Skeksis "HEY YOU HERETIC GET OUT OF HERE" who try to kill them like the Skeksis try with SkekSil in the untouched version, and so they follow and try helping Kensho and Thurma. They want to be back as one again and it could be their chance. Oh Mithra !? They do know Mithra they went there for the Dual Glaive they might as well help and guide find an entrance and SkekGra could protect ! And spoiler : they will be one again, at last, GraGoh hugging himself and thanking with a tear Kensho and Thurma as he heals him

When Kensho's village starts bullying Thurma and call her a monster and make her uncomfortable during her meal, SkekGra and UrGoh who until now were hiding under rags show up to her bullies "it does look delicious... like essence !" They scream and run away, they chuckle and SkekGra winks at Thurma who smiles again and giggles. Yes Kensho will have some more words to say to his friends and mother. Not just a "fire demon" with him but also a Skeksis and a monster/dragon lol "oh Kensho in WHAT did you get yourself into !?"

SkekSo and SkekLi as well as SkekSa who has charisma and sounds friendly and cool manipulate and mock the Crystal Eminence to bring them the scepter Jen had left at home since it is useless and just a royal heirloom. One way or another he does, and SkekSo unleashes the Darkening again on distance on the Garthim who out of nowhere start attacking Jen the Commander and their troops, and the ones at home break the Skeksis free our of their prison and take everyone hostage and puts them in prison instead

In fact let's say the Crystal Eminence is Sifan or has Sifan origins. SkekSa, who now hates Sifa for having betrayed her after having cherished them like pets, would be extra manipulative and smug and cool à la good cop, reminding him who she was to his people, how they adored her and saw her like a patron, how this had to be for a reason, how grand it was until that essence business with the other Gelfling, how it could be again, who knows, with that special treatmebt he may or may not be spared hmm ?

The last conflict between Kensho and Thurma and Jen and the Commander before the Garthim are corrupted again and attack them would make even more sense for the Commander to be so obsessed in beating the shit out of kids without stopping to be likable because THEY ARE WITH SKEKGRA AND URGOH THEY ARE WITH A SKEKSIS THEY HAD TO HAVE BEEN CORRUPTED THEY ARE TRAITORS AND SKEKSIS PUPPETS and it would make him not listen to Jen even more logical "Jarra wait-" "STEP BACK FATHER ! BACK OFF, DEMON !"

After losing his leg and having to be brought home by Jen the Commander who now lost a leg feels shitty and depressed thinking he failed to protect his family and Kingdom now the Skeksis are home and the shard is gone all while a side of him understands chasing the teens was wrong but fights against his pride. While left alone with Kira who comforts him he breaks down for the first time in years, crying, calling her mother rather than Lady Kira like he does on duty and apologizes for failing and having his father save him rather than the contrary as if all these years of training to prepare him for this kind of crisis were useless and now disabled he is even less useful. Kira lets him vent it all out his head on her lap wiping off his tears then hums to him the lullaby Jen used to hum to him whose lyrics he did not remember. Deet's Grottan song. It does manage to calm him down

When hearing the new chant from the Mystics, he approaches, moved by the song he recognizes from earlier. UrSu starts gently talking to him, telling him who he was. Jarra knows who he was, in a way he is his grandfather. But he reproaches him not to do anything. Not to have EVER done anything, not even told Jen about the prophecy earlier, does that mean he and the others don't care ? UrSu explains his way to see things, not to intervene and help wheb it is done and let Thra choose. Jarra wants to be a little bitch again, Aughra boops him on the head. Jen, who was there catching up the good old days with him aks UrTih, manage to convince him to come and sit, and meditate and listen, as Kira does further away with her daughter in laws and grand daughters who have no other things to do and go through the same turmoil as their father

The Crystal Eminence dies offscreen because he was old so the mirrored draining technique was enough to kill him from exhaustion whereas the Podling in the movie was young enough to just become a zombie (@dracocheesecake again !)

SkekTek helps draining the Crystal Eminence and that Podling before, being the one to know how it works (why do SkekAyuk and SkekUng know now. STUPID). But he keeps being bullied by SkekSo and the others and seeing Aughra who keeps saying he could be good like as TekTih has him go through an existencial crisis and confrontation with her ("we were friends, you built the Orary for me, Thra gives you a second chance !" "...another world... another ti-" "yeah yeah I know ! What you told before draining me !!" *HE SNAPS AND SLAMS THE TABLE* "I KNOW MY PLACE !"), all while observing how technologly evolved notably weaponry

For indeed SkekSo is smart and sends SkekMal... he is the one to stab Kensho nearly to death in the end. But UrVa went after him as well and in the ends manages to harm him and himself enough to prevent him from touching Thurma or killing Kensho off. They don't die. And UrVa (and MalVa) can have last exchanges and looks with Aughra, who really missed them the most and can't help but shed a tear seeing them alive again as one even if it is a farewell

Overpowered SkekSo was like SkekUng in the untouched version about to kill the Gelfling and Jen and Kira as the castle was completely crumbling over the Crystal with Thurma and Kensho struggling to survive beneath when SkekGra and UrGoh, who escape from SkekMal but couldn't protect Kensho they think is dead, climb up and interrupt, SkekGra thinking he could at least have a faceoff to help Thurma and the other Gelfling gain time and distract him with a random shard UrGoh had picled up. SkekSo DOES want to use his new powers to kill SkekGra once and for all and believes this is the one shard he wants off, and the 2 end up fighting. He ends up getting the upperhand since he is overpowered and gets the shard, but then feels/hears the Crystal being healed and looks down with confusion. He sees unconscious skekMal with an arrow and Thurma on top of the Crystal, goes crazy and jumps down to try to break it again, on a near platform. But just as he is down, near all the other fake crystal shards he understands the one he is holding comes from, Mithra starts reviving below. He starts to understand he fucked up by being down there... just when a military smoke bomb, about to explode, falls at his side. He looks up. SkekTek grins evilly "SCIENTIST !? YOU'RE ON THEIR SIDE !?!" "No" he wants to jump at him but his power wears off just at that moment "I've just always hated your guts" SkekSo turns to tge shards that vibrate more and more with a look of horrot as the smoke bomb blasts off, leading in a chain of event to the one spark needed for the layer of earth separating Mithra from Thra to explode (and Mithra's sun to go up like in the untouched story) and all the shards tear apart SkekSo to death like they do with SkekSil in the untouched version

Jen sees UrSu die before him again...

And SkekTek does not reform, he didnt do it for the Gelfling or Thra but just as a last minute revenge against his bully he finally understood he would never have him accept him, whereas Aughra did always like him. They smile at each other one last time before he becomes TekTih again, who feels guilty for having been the cause of it all

In Beneath the Dark Crystal now ! The Ember Queen arc won't change much. Maybe make the Fire That Stays less "muhahaha evil plot twist" and more something psychological truly making him bitter thinking nobody deserves to live anymore not even himself, the Great Dim couldn't be prevented so all he and his ancestors and founders did was for naughts, he failed so should pay and they all were unworthy so should pay. And Thra did become anew again after it died. He wants Thurma to join him in his suicide fantasy that could save their world. ALSO I WANT FIOLA TO ACTUALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE PLOT ! She is an Ember Queen, she was just as threatened as Thurma by Nita and the end showed she does know to fight, why not going on that adventure and challenge !? That way she protects her queen honor AND gets to socialize with Nita too like Thurma did, in the very end they will work together without having bonded come on last time she saw her she was called an imposter why be friendly even if Thurma tells her she's nice now ? And let's have HER be the one to be the nicest of the so 1) trying to break fights between the other 2 or be awkward about it 2) be the one to sneak in Terby (HOW COULD HE FIND THEM SO EASILY AND CATCH UP SO QUICKLY WHILE THEY WERE SO FAR) because she thought it would be good to have Thurma have support and 3) be the one to talk alone with Nita when she catches her firecalling and possibly hint at a developping crush especially during the end

MUCH more has to change for the Gelfling arc because it was A MESS. So first we see like in the beginning Kensho with Aughra and other fidels surprised to meet him and be impressed (and thinking the Crystal resurrected him which was a widespread rumor he keeps trying to correct) while Jarra, who also suffers from lacking his leg and needing a cane while he was a warrior, is furious to have to share his throne with a rebellious awkward teenager dating a fire demon, he and his daughters still don't trust him. And the people who doubt Kensho's legetimacy don't shy away showing their preference even in his presence which only makes him feel even more like an imposter "don't worry Lord Jarra you are the one rightful Lord to us, courage". Also because the castle STAYED broken this time, they are slowly rebuilding it around the Crystal with lots of improvised tents and rooms in the meantime

Kensho's friends were the worst part. They all were forced additions with the personality of a house plant. Toolah in her wish to become a guard could be a huge fan of the former Commander awkwardly trying to have him notice her but he is so infuriated by the current situation he ignores her. Kensho has her follow him (even if she kinda liked him already and was grateful someone finally noticed her) telling her he could then try to talk to him as equals about her and validate this as an official mission. Because indeed yes she is weirded out "uuuuh isn't giving back the offerings a thieving ?" "Well if I'm the Lightborn as they call me I can make it a new law no ?" "And the Royal Born, will he know ?" "...no but he doesn't have to know until it's done. And don't worry I- *gulp* I'll say you were not aware and just wanting to make sure the Borthog was going well and I would take the blame" "Oh joy I'm starting as a double agent..."

And the twins whose name I forgot for how boring and useless they were and are just twin version or Huey Dewey and Louie with the same personality and finishing each other's sentences. I don't know yet how but I will have to make them more fun a less forced way, less "himbo", more unique from each other maybe the trans one being more handsy and crafty since she did make her fake wings belt and they do work, less forced way to become friends "ok ok fine you got us. But for not selling us out to the guards let us thank you and reward you at our home" "isn't it to bribe us?" "...noooo >.>" before getting attached for real, they can brawl, and they don't need more than just a password or code to enter THEIR OWN FUCKING VILLAGE WHY DID THEY EVEN NEED TO ENTER IT WITH SO MUCH DIFFICULTIES AND USELESS KNIFING AND TOSSING AROUND ?!

Speaking of which, Dagger Root bothers me being such a dark, criminal place for Gelfling to live in. Really makes all Jen and Kira's efforts and the past efforts of all the clans uniting be for naughts if they live so miserably with a hateful atmosphere Skeksis or not. Soooo in the rewriting it's becaude Dagger Root is actually not a real village per say but a criminal village with its own juridiction passing itself the Lord Commander has been suspicious about and been trying to enter for trines but they can only enter legally in fear to cause a diplomatic issue and the access is limited to outsiders. What happens behind the walls stays behind the walls hence why it attracts thieves and other criminals (often becoming the Branches), as well as desperate people who had nowhere else to go during the Blight (often becoming the Seeds). It is essentially a mafia-owned villaged terrorized by them but powerful and cunning enough not to be bothered by twisting laws to their advantages and even when you know it's false you can't do anything or YOU are in the wrong. Trunk obviously comes from that family. As he says, which was good and did have potential, his father found Skeksis weapons and torture devices at the beginning of Jen and Kira's reign and while they were nothing but farmers became a crime family using fear to become richer and built Dagger Root, which was a cool idea to show that the Skeksis could keep corrupting even without being there and that not all Gelfling are good. HOWEVER WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT DEAL WITH SKEKSIS METAL !?! IT NEVER WAS DARK MAGIC OR EVIL OR ANYTHING IT'S NORMAL METAL MADE FROM THRA WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT PLOT POINT PULLED OUT OF- *deep inhale* in the rewriting they are just normal weapons and torture devices (yes, the peeper beetle is there too) with no particular powers but still forbidden stince torture is not part of Gelfling culture, except for Trunk and his family who don't care and see it as useful. However, ecen though none of them ever knew, one of the sword, the one he uses on Kensho to open his scar and see the "light" (which is NOT real, Kensho insists he doesn't glow and the Crystal wasn't tge one who brought him to life but the rumor is so widespread Trunk doesn't believe him) was SkekLach's sword she had when she died from the Darkening. So it has been infected all along without Trunk's father or himself noticing. But that is why he is bald and so ugly for a Gelfling. Without even realizing, he is exposed to the Darkening and his father died from that. Enhanced by his veins glowing purple whenever he touches it. And that's why Kensho reacts so badly and falls into a comma. His blood comes in contact with the Darkening, and not anywhere but in the sensitive place that had to be "fixed" to have him live again. So he falls unconscious, with NO light, making him go to the Prism

When Kensho has his existencial crisis about being not a good ruler while being tortured in the Prism, it is old UrSu reassuring him, and old Skekso, bitter to be stuck there alone with "himself" while the other left, who show up. And So's manipulative words with Su trying to have Kensho not listen to him I think would have much more impact than SkekSil. Power corrupts. Look at him. He did all of that for power. Power turns you evil even against your own kind. Unless you want powee because you always had it in you. One day when he will be oldrr he will end up doing just as many atrocities as he did. Believe his experience. Just a matter of time. He will not be able to protect anyone from chaos. Let alone chaos from himself. He was touched by the Blight, he was touched by the Darkening. Soon his body and mind will be corrupted and he will obsess over life and power. They do already have something in common don't they ? And has already Darkened SkekSo (he was so much I am sure his soul even is at this point ; could be why he got so overpowered before, essence + young + even if healthy again Darkened soul) makes him doubt further and panic further and touches his things as well as the little rock whose name I forgot he has from Thurma, an IRL reaction occurs unconscious Kensho starts emitting Darkening smokes and lightnings à la Deet. Touching Trunk directly who dies exploding like SkekLach (which disgusts horribly Kensho's friends when they arrive, one of the twins has to vomit) so no useless needless Gollum moment of him crying for the Light. And of course it infects the place and spreads from one Branch to another even if at first they don't really realize as the good guys bring Kensho out, who, in the Prism, ends up being given that speech about love by UrSu and tells hil he can seek for answees at the Mystics Valley. Where Jen and Kira are now

I also oughta do something with Dinhmor. Dude is useless and is there just to be "quirky" by constantly being shady playing the lute controbuting to nothing so I expected him to be an opportunist but no he is good and genuine out of nowhere. Sooo... how to make him likable and credible in the rewriting... I know. He WILL start as an opportunist who follows and speaks well and schemes for his own gain but will end up getting attached (BUT IT WILL HAVE TO BE SHOWN) as a lil parrallel to SkekSil following and plotting in the movie but if SkekSil was a gelfling and surprised himself turning out good. So. Instead of being crammed out of nowhere "lolz" in the rewriting he is first seen sneaking in the Chamber of the Crystal trying to steal some of the offerings. The 2 Gelfling scouts spot him and do know him and had already arrested him many times before and he tries to be honeyed to get outta here, but because they want to be "generous" for now (their father just became Lord and they too are upset Kensho did too so their mind is elsewhere) they just kick him out with a warning. Later as he is walking his way in the forest grumpily with nothing he overhears first about Kensho and Toulah and the twins (AND HE SEES THE OFFERINGS) about going to Dagger Root. Hmm perfect ! He goes further faster and reaches it first and does like in the untouched version he denounces them offscreen in hope he could have a special treatment and avoid tithes. But like in the untouched version Trunk still throws him in jail. When all the chaos happens he actually follows along rather than being part of it (he didn't even know or like the others yet nor know they were there, why helping have the guard sleep if HE DIDNT FUCKING KNOW TGERE WAS GONNA BE A RESCUE MISSION ?) and sneaks his way out from a little passage he knows, just to pop in front of the 2 patrolibg scouts "you again ?!" he feels trapped so he improvises so that they are distracted and indicates where he came from. An entrance to Dagger Root there all along !? The fact he mentionned he escaped !? Perfect ! They finally can enter and catch the Branches and Tru k in the act and arrest that village from inside ! He thinks he will get away with it buuut they drag him with them to make sure he doesn't lie and guide them. They had other guards with them, so it is not just a simple "come on Seeds rebel" "omg she's right" speech from the good guys that motivates the rebellion but seeing the fucking army come to aid that motivates the people to fight back. But he wants to get away from so overseeing the good guys carry Kensho away (and one of the scout sisters notice the Borthog flying away admist the battle and her gears start turning), he follows escaping from the sisters' vision (they did plan to interrogate him "sooo what was he doing there hm?") pretending he called the castle guards on purpose and they need someone like him for words, while he actually doesn't believe in their crap charity and just wants money for himself. But force of being with them through a BETTER made montage we would see they all do bond and he does help... he stays a magnificent bastard who keeps some for himself tho but the lovable kind who is called out and read through especially by Toolah and the twins "hey dude we too decided to give up on that. So do you" *grumbles and gives back the gold he took*

The Darkening starts spreading from Trunk's remains and the prison. Some disgusted Branches approach with disgust and discuss who should be the new Trunk now, and debating if they actually need a whole new system now the Seeds are being helped by the royal guards and arresting them all or just run away before being found. And guards do end up arrive and find them and arrest them too there. But unaware of its dangers they all expose themselves. And it is a row form of Darkening. So these Branches are being locked up with the other Branches and contaminate them, and the guards join the others guards (minus the 2 scouts who left to inform their father) and contaminate them among the Seeds whose testimonies they are taking. In a matter of minutes, they all become crazy, in pain and aggressive like on rabies, like we saw with animals

Meanwhile former Lord Commander current Lord Jarra is grumpy not to be able to go fight, defend and patrol himself stuck on his throne with his missing leg. Especially his doctor wife telling him to rest. They wonder where Kensho is, but he also just hopes not to see him too much so won't complain, so hopefully he he gave up and joined his fire demon girlfriend once and for all and dodges on time Aughra's cane who came out of nowhere and calls out his shit and reminds him all said fire demon and Kensho did for Thra while he was just turning in circles. When their daughters arrive proudly telling him Dagger Root is being sieged at last. Finally some good news ! He brags THEY get some things done in that kingdom at least and this counts as his first successful exploit as a ruler ! He calls for a celebration, but one of the 2, perhaps the darker colored one (fan named Olira), is not too eager and tells him she saw the Borthog fly away, with people and crates on him, meaning he was not in the stables. And they all knew who this monster obeyed to. Jarra has a moment of realization and with his cane rushes the best he can to the Crystal Chamber. The offerings are gone !?! KENSHO. HE LEFT WITH THE OFFERINGS AND HIS STEED. Against his wife's wishes, he mounts a landstrider and takes a spear and goes find the heretic thief himself, ordering his daughters to follow him to deal with his acomplices. Dr Astris is upset both for his health and for Kensho, and asks Aughra why she didn't try stop him or say anything. She smirks and senses that it could be Thra finally bringing them on the same wave

Oh and NO lie about needing to go to the Mystics Valley. Because that was USELESS. Kensho, you were literally in a magic-induced coma from which dark purole glow and smoke came out of you. If you say you were told to find answers there, they will believe you and agree, you moron ! Which he does in the rewriting, the twins and and Dinhmor are a bit hesitant because they do know Jen and Kira (aka the former rulers and they are criminals) live there and Kensho himself actually (he knows they want to be hermits alone together so fears to bother, plus he fears to pass as a bad leader to them for how he fucked up so far according to his angsty teen eyes) but they end up following whocthey believe is named Kay for whatever vision he saw, giving the offerings away on the way helping them bond in a montage during which we see the former Lord Commander follow their trace by seeing offerings distributed which little by little leads him where they are going

Once in the Valley, Kensho meets Jen and Kira, who are happy to see him again and the others are awkward and honored and don't know if they have to bow or shake hands, Toolah purely fangirling hoping they could talk about her to their son for a guars promotuon, just Dinhmor being an anticonformist staying in the back with an unsure look. Problem Kensho underplanned, they call him by his name. The twins and Dinhmor do recognize the name of the Lightborn. This is where shit hits the fan but a less cliché and more logical way. The 3 are shocked, but Dinhmor takes it the worst. He who was finally considering change, willing to turn around getting attached to them and his altruistic ways, and was turning around his initial lie into genuine reality for the first time in his life because for the FIRST time ever after having had always been alone and needing to count on his words and charisma to survive while the Lords and the Maudras and Paudrus never noticed him he wzs FINALLY starting to feel hope, not only he was lied to but one of these privileged bastards using him all along now they needed him !?

They argue, him reproaching all of that as Jen kira and the others watch with concern, and Kensho who saw by himself it was because of the Crystal Eminence and innocently helped by the Commander defending his mentors (who choose to say nothing because they do feel guilty to have been blinded for so long and genuinely feel very bad to see a Gelfling who needed them but never had help) the best he can which doesn't really work without context and examples and insisting he is younger and was just a simple peasant until recently so had nothing to do with his upbringing. "And ever since you came in power, what new did you do for your people exactly ?" which outs him in silence remembering SkekSo's words in the prism. He goes silent which has Dinhmor tsk with disdain "I knew it."

The twins Danevay and Aiyana (yeah I finally looked up their names) are kinda shocked he was THE Kensho all along and pretended to be called Kay, but are not upset about that. They do see Dohnmir's point and could have agreed if they had known earlier without bonding with Kensho, but their try to calm him down and defend Kensho taking his defense alongside Toolah saying they saw his true colors and saw he was using his new status to help with the offerings distribution, perhaps he is actually the one they needed when suddenly a booming voice exclaims "STAY AWAY FROM MY PARENTS YOU BANDITS" and as they all turn it's Jarra and his daughters "GIRLS ARREST THEM ALL" Kensho tries to stop him but they throw a bolas at the 4 others while Jarra gets down from his landstrider, trips pathetically but gets up and yells at Kensho reproaching him that he KNEW it once a thief always a thief and now he was with other thieves ! Jen and Kira are tired of his shit and interpose and contest, as Kensho's anxiety is growing. The scout girls are on their ways to drag the others away but their grandparents forbid them and as Lord Jarra tries to argue and tells Kensho stole from the Crystal they don't want to hear anything more and as former Lords of the Crystal demand that he releases these people and tell him as usual Kensho is a good boy and if he is with them he must have a good reason like he had with Thurma. Their son's jealous rage grows even lore but he has no choice, and barks at the girls that they are released "OLIRA. RYLON. CUT THE BOLAS" "But Father-" "I SAID CUT IT!" so they do, as disappointed since they had Dinhmor doing shady stuff again

And after that experience now not only Dinhmor is even more wary of the royals, the twins now lost trust. So it was a trap ? They all were set to meet there for him to trap them ? Kensho assures that no, but they have too many doubts and leave with Dinhmor. Toolah stays, and is very embarrassed, this could end forever her career wishes, so she tries to explain Jarra ("who are you, the stable girl?") and apologize all while defending Kensho's point trying to have him defend her in return and tell about her too... but he is so anxious and ashamed he says nothing, leaving her all alone and breaking his promise. Disappointed and thinking she def lost her opportunity as Jarra is already fuming for other things tells her she is lucky his parents were kind, she leaves too, near tears, which Kensho is too. No pointless "YOU LIED ABOUT YOUR NAME AND THE VALLEY ? ;.;" that felt forced as shit

Now it is just Jarra (who demanded his daughters to leave since after all they had nobody to bring in prison) and Kensho. More argument and Kensho being near tears as his co-ruler yells at him how much of a treacherous thief he is and Kensho snaps back arguing and of course the self-depreciating speech he has in the untouched comics. But before Jarra make it even worse Jen and Kira cut them once again, trying to comforr Kensho and scolding their son (and Fizzgig barking at him), who tries to explain himself but they are firm this time. He is an adult, he is a teen, he should act like an adult !

Aughra doesn't come, it is Jen and Kira who gives the wise speech to Kensho with Jarra having to listen to it whether he likes it or not, with an extra "and you both are rightful rulers. The Royalborn and the Lightborn One chosen by his line, the other by Thra. You have to rely on each other. Kensho, you must not hide anything and you have to consert Jarra before taking your decisions as noble as they are. And Jarra, Kensho already proved himself with the Skeksis crisis, and he is a symbol who returned from Thra like [Kira] and helped the Crystal be fixed like [Jen]. You both have Mother Aughra's blessing. Thra knows what She is doing". It does work with Kensho like it does in the untouched comics. It will need more for Jarra who is too fuming to "lose the battle", but it's already working up in his brain

Later, same scene of Kensho left alone with the Borthog when lighting up a firecamp. In the meantime, Jen and Kira are chatting more with their son, this time asking hil how things are going. He says things are perfect... at first, then confesses it is so strange not to have them around anymore, he is always worried. And feels disminished by his phantom leg. Comforting parents ensues. Which leads to him saying he doesn't know if he can even rule that good anymore sincr he can't even watch Kensho and his schemes closer. They both assure he can still be a good ruler and protector but defend Kensho. As he starts protesting, they intervene "but we did stop taking offerings, they were not what the Crystal wanted" "yes but those were given already !" "What is the point of keeping something needless ?"

As the firecall ensues, almost nothing changes since it isn't weird and it is cute (FOR ONCE THE OTP INTERACTS). Same chat between them and as Cindrah comes and tells them their purpose. But adding an extra : being both from Thra and Mithra, both Gelfling and Fireling, neither dead or alive, neither future present or past, both mortal and spirit, she gives the same power the Sanctuary Tree gave Deet to absorb the Darkening to be able to protect Thra while Thurma has to protect Mithra from the Fire that Stays. Thurma knows what she means. Kensho... doesn't yet. Next day, he on the Borthog and Jarra on the landstrider leave, not addressing a word. Though the latter notices the former looks less sad and more... "hopeful" "...had nice dreams, I suppose" "...I... spoke to Thurma through the campfire" ".........ok" not knowing enough about Firelings to know if it's normal or not and not caring

When Kensho finds his friends again at the fountain as both him and the former Commander stopped for their steeds to drink, same in the comics they meet the other good guys again minus Toolah. They first see Kensho. They are not pleased and he apologizes, and assured he did not know the Commander was following... and assures he won't arrest them. To which he mutters "unfortunately" with an eyeroll. When he asks where Toolah is, a Podling is scared at the coming of a rabid Darkened Branch. They all get scared since it acts like a zombie and Jarra wants to defend everyone despite being on a cane pointing his spear at him "BACK OFF DEMON !" but Kensho recognizes the purple eyes, it was the same hue as the Skeksis weapon and the Scepter. The Darkening ! And he remembers the power Cindrah gave him (INSTEAD OF A JESUS MOMENT WHEN HE KNOWS FOR NO REASON IT WILL WORK AND HUGS). He urges Jarra not to hurt him and tells him he looks in pain and to let him try something. He hugs him and absorbs it, like in the comics, but unlike the comics it doesn't just disappear. It hurts Kensho, and his veins that were glowing blue until then glow purple. Like Deet

Jarra realizing it is an infected Branch, by his logic others as well as the guards could be touched, and could return to the Crystal that way (and no bullshit "SKEKSIS METAL WILL HAVE THEM ACT LIKE SKEKSHOD MOTHS TOWARDS LIGHT AND CASTLES) and like in the comics Dinhmor informs Toolah returned to the castle in hope to become a guard hoping she can with what happened with the former Commander. So same thing, they all go decide to the castle's (reconstruction) site, with Lord Jarra hesitating about helping, thinking... "OH WHAT THE HECK" it's about saving his lands and his family dammit he won't let him do it alone anf for once can put his bad feelings aside ! So he runs after them flying in the sky from his landstrider

Same 2nd to last battle as in the comics, with Toolah joining in after the other 3 left on the Borthog and all, just as an extra she didn't come alone but with the 2 scouts who did hear what was happening to their troops, another extra the lord Commander Jarra JUMPING IN A WAR CRY and doing his best to slow the Darkened ones down without hurting them (much) until sadly they end up making him fall from his steed who gets killed by the rabid Gelfs as a parralel to the poor landstrider in the movie, he needs to be up and once again feels weak and useless but Kensho helps him up, which has him thank him and try to cover him the best he can on his sole leg with his cane and spear. And as another extra Kensho trying to absorb the Darkening like Deet and just like her the more he goes the more weak and hurt he gets and glows purple and dark, and gets overwhelmed by all the infected guards and Branches alike (who are RABID so they need to be kicked away and no stupid "YOU LOOK NIIIIICE GIVE IT TO MEEEEE I WANT ALL NICE THIIIINGS" shut the fuck up) and has to be taken away by Toolah like in the comics but just touching him hurts because now he is SO absorbed he is like Deet after the battle, plants wither around him and just touching him burns so he is accidentally dropped on the ground out of reflex. Jarra is carried away by his daughters

Where they reunite near the Crystal, Kensho's friends are concerned but he assures only he can do that and they have to and says his plan that he has to bring them all in one place so that he with thr help of the Crystal, this gift being from Thra, can help him do it. The former Lord Commander recognizes the symptom and remembers where he had seen that power he has before, remembering records from the Battle of Stone-in-the-Wood. This is not the "Dark" as they called it but "the Darkening" like what controlled the Garthim, only the healed Crystal can probably heal it which confirms his words meaning that he agrees with him for the first time. Oh and Jarra saw how well Toolah fought and how strong and brave she had been, he is impressed to have seeb her return and tells her that at this rate she could be a good guard after all. She has a fangirl moment and wants to cry in joy but has no time

Kensho, Toolah, Jarra and the 2 Gelfling scouts present themselves and the clergyman and guards blame it all on Kensho. But Toolah's speech is here said by Jarra himself (she was about to argue in his place but he stopped her rising a hand, for once he is calm) who finally got the lesson and understood they need to work together because he is as legetimate as him and was chosen 2 times and his poor background means nothing. So that it can finally wrap their arc and because we alrzady know Toolah supported Kensho and believed in him so it would be much more impactful from someone who didn't until recently ; also being the son of Jen and Kira they supported earlier in the story, the courtiers sure can't oppose his words

Again like the untouched comics, Kensho tries doing it by himself but once again is overwhelmed and weaker and weaker to the point of falling into a much shorter coma and be in the Prism. Toolah and, here's a difference, the scout Gelflings saved him and he is scolded both by Toolah and Mother Aughra he needs to stop to do things himself, as Astris is putting bandages on Toolah's and her daughters' hands sincr he burns more and more at the touch. Himself is very weak, he can't move by himself anymore. Aughra then points both at him and Jarra. You both are the rulers. Work together "You, empty jar head. Now you made peace with him, help him use his power. Ally both of your abilities together or both of you will be lost". It is his time to prove himself as the protecting, fitting ruler he had been raised to become, all while helping the teen he shares the throne with putting their rivalry aside because their lands need them

But how to enter the Crystal Chamber, the only finished close room so far, without being touched when they both are without wings and him has one less leg and won't be able to do much carrying a teen in his hands ? This is when Aiyana offers her wings to the Lord and reveals she is trans. Jarra is very impressed by such technology from a bandit but doesn't address it. Yes, in the rewriting HE flies. Wearing improvised gloves (and it starts smoking) holding a very weak Kensho and the fake wings, they both ride the Borthog (ratger Jarra with Kensho's weak indications, why is that monster so uneasy !?) near a window until jumping and flying. The 2 rulers together. The Royal Born and the Light Born. The former finally feeling useful and active ever since he lost his leg and the latter as soon as he is dropped (the gloves ended up burning away) absorbing all the Darkening. Everybody is healed, wondering what they are doing there, former Lord Commander Jarra keeps flying over the Crystal and which is a sight that impresses everyone...

...but another sight frightens everyone. Kensho is on his knees. Grey-purplish. Trembling all over. Glowing. Soulless-looking, that close not to be himself anymore or just dead. As scary as Deet on SkekSo's throne in the vision. The ground he is on growing black, burnt and spreading. The healed Branches and Guards and the courtiers who returned start to get scared and Kensho's friends horrified. But for once in his life, the former Commander doesn't resort to violence. Concerned, his Grottan ears drooped, he lands the best he can on one leg, hops Kensho slowly using his balance the best he can without his cane, gently takes him by the arm (which not only burns atrociously but he chooses to ignore it but the Darkening is so concentrated it starts spreading to himself, his own veins glowing) and he is so out of himself he lets him do, and as his own eyes start to glow purple too and gets weaker, he guides both of them to the Crystal and they both hug it

Everybody sees, and everybody sees them heal. No dumb "the Light is for everyone" since it's not about the Light, but Aughra who barges in, saying this should be an example to all (Kensho is way too close to death to give a speech here). The Crystal is for everyone, and building a new Chamber around it is useless and always has been, these 2 Gelfling come from very differenr backgrounds, but undersrood its meaning and how to use it. Which makes them legetimate. Kensho, who only is now starting to feel better, thanks the Commander, who himself sadly apologizes and thanks *him*. Kensho precises to Aughra it could be the opportunity for them all ro understand he is not that special and did not resurrevt from the Crystal's Light once and for all since he did need help from the actual heir to the throne. Which the clergyman overhears and agrees, and admits such honesty speaks wise words from one of the Two Rightful Rulers of Thra. Kensho is bewildered as every Gelfling bows to him and his former rival, who unlike him knows how to stand tall (helping himself balanced one hand on his ex rival's shoulder) before that kind of event but not without a small smirk and sideglance towards the baffled teenager. All Hail the Royal Born and the Light Born

Later during the celebration, a new kind of castle is being built not around the castle which is now exposed like it always was meant to but behind it, a new castle that won't look like Skeksis architecture but true gelfling one, not so gigantic like it never needed to be for only 2 rulers. Aughra discusses the changes and all these events with Lord Jarra, his wife Astris with him. Like in the untouched comics the twins help the new castle's construction, having been hired permanently, and Aiyana shyly returns to Jarra asking him if the prosthetic leg she built for him works, he lifts up his robes revealing a removable leg that allows him to walk like before and even if he IS satisfied and starts complimenting he realizes what he is saying and goes back to tsundere mode adding that'll do and that it's best to keep her and her sister under his eye so they steal nothing. Toolah became a guard, saluting the 2 scouts who give her an order. Dinhmor, who seems to be the bard turning around, comes to them too smug and flirty as usual halg taunting since now he is no longer a thief they can't arrest him anymore and invites for a drink. They glare at him... until the lighter one goes "...why not" "RYLON !?"

When Aughra realizes Kensho is not there and asks why. Jarra says that since Thra has 2 rulers now, they can afford to have one away for a moment one ruling for both during his absence. Because it would be better to meet the fire demon not just through firecalls for once. Astris smiles "ah, to be young and in love" and he hugs her. Meanwhile, Kensho travels on the Borthog, stops by to help the best he can whenever he sees he can help (Jarra is the politician/military of the 2. Kensho is the religious symbol/closer to people of the 2). Chatting with Thurma through firecalls in campfires. So when she and Nita in her arc separate because Nita is going to help people away like Fiola does with Glasme and Thurma stays and she wanders alone gazing bittersweetly at her late mother's statue. Like in the untouched comics, Kensho initiates the call through a torch, and they chat. Then mid chat, she hears the voice as... doubled... then she turns and he is there, for real. He made her a surprise. And their kiss is a real one, truly physically reunited. Brcause they fucking deserve it

[gaysparklepires]

24. Promise

Read on AO3

The harsh white lights of the hospital room buzzed softly above us. The bustle of the hospital staff just outside the tiny white room was an unending chorus of exhaustion, despair, resignation, grief, and frustration. But here, in this little room, everything I loved most was alive and recovering. The waiting was difficult though. Like a sort of purgatory.

I sat in the dingy plastic chair pulled up close to the bed, my head resting against the flat, lumpy pillow right next to his. Beau’s chest rose and fell as steadily as beeping of the heart monitor next to the bed. It was an exquisite sound. It had been my constant companion the last few days and I was grateful for it. Every beep of the monitor meant he was alive. Every beep meant he was still human.

Suddenly, he sighed. A gentle groan escaped his lips and his hands tensed and untensed. His eyes fluttered open, groggy and confused. His eyes turned slightly away from me, looking at the long vertical blinds on the wall beside him, then up to the bright ceiling lights, then down to the hospital bed. The strangest look passed over his face and I reveled in the familiar confusion of wondering what he could possibly be thinking.

He suddenly looked comically annoyed and lifted his hands towards his face.

“No, you don’t.” I chided, gently catching his hand.

“Edward?” He turned his head slightly, and the silver pools of his eyes widened and warmed as a smile spread across his beautiful face.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” I smiled back, sadly.

“What happened?”

Too much, all my worst nightmares, every single one of my greatest fears. “I was almost too late. I could have been too late,” the words came out in a tormented whisper.

“I’m sorry, Edward. I thought he had my mom.”

“He tricked us all.”

“I need to call Charlie and my mom,” He said, that familiar crease appearing between his eyebrows.

“Alice called them.” I was exceedingly grateful to Alice for making those phone calls, I didn’t think I had the strength of will to not break down and beg both Charlie and Beau’s mother for their forgiveness of my incredible failures. “Your mother is here—well, here in the hospital. She’s getting something to eat right now.”

“She’s here?” He tried to sit up, but his eyes grew unfocused with the effort and I gently pushed him back down onto the pillows.

“She’ll be back soon,” I promised. “And you need to stay still.”

“But what did you tell her?” He panicked, my soothing falling on deaf ears. “Why did you tell her I’m here?”

“You fell down two flight of stairs and through a window.” I paused, measuring his expression. “You have to admit, it could happen.”

He looked like he might argue with me, but he only sighed, then winced. He stared down at his body, hidden underneath the bed sheet.

“How bad am I?” He asked.

“You have a broken leg, four broken rips, some cracks in your skull, bruises covering every inch of your skin,” Recounting every injury felt like a sharp stab in the deepest part of my being. “And you’ve lost a lot of blood. They gave you a few transfusions. I didn’t like it—it made you smell all wrong for a while.”

“That must have been a nice change for you.”

“No, I like how yousmell.” And I was grateful he was back to normal now—or as close to it as he could be given the circumstances.

“How did you do it?” He asked quietly, and I knew what he meant at once.

“I’m not sure.” I reluctantly pulled away from his bewildered eyes, lifting his gauze-wrapped hand from the bed and holding it gently in my own, careful not to disrupt the wire connecting him to one of the monitors.

He watched me patiently.

I sighed, unable to return his gaze. “It was impossible to stop,” I whispered. “Impossible. But I did.” I finally looked up, managing half a smile. “I mustlove you.”

“Don’t I taste as good as I smell?” He smiled in response, though it was marred by the slightest of winces.

“Even better—better than I’d imagined.”

“Damn right, I do.”

I laughed, loudly, fully unable to hold back my joy at seeing Beau—myBeau—feeling like his usual self.

“Even then,” I said after a moment, “I thought I had still lost you. Despite everything.”

“Can’t get rid of me that easy,” He moved his shoulders in a halting way that perhaps was meant to be a shrug.

“Alice couldn’t see you.” My voice had fallen once again to a whisper, “I thought you were gone forever.”

“I hadn’t made the decision yet.” He said simply. I looked up at him, confused. “Giving up is easy, trying is harder. I had too much to try for.” He said softly.

“I’m glad.” Nothing could ease the guilt and sadness I felt over his pain, but this did make me happy.

He was silent for a moment, his face contemplative. Then his eyes widened minutely. He shuddered, and then winced.

“Beau, what’s wrong?” I asked, anxiously.

“What happened to James?”

“After I pulled him off you, Emmett and Jasper took care of him.” I still regretted that I could not have the satisfaction of finishing him off myself, but I was grateful to my brothers for their thorough job.

The crease reappeared. “I didn’t see Emmett and Jasper there.”

“They had to leave the room… there was a lot of blood. Emmett was devastated. He wanted to stay and help. I thought he might cry.” I remembered the look on Emmett’s face as Carlisle and I had rushed out of the studio to get to the hospital with some amusement.

“But you stayed.”

“Yes, I stayed.”

“And Alice, and Carlisle..,” he said in wonder.

“They love you, too, you know.”

His eyes drifted away for a moment, then suddenly his eyes widened and his voice became anxious. “James, he knew Alice! Did she see the tape?”

Ah. The tape. Alice and Carlisle had cautioned me I should not watch the tracker’s disgusting little video. Jasper had to exercise the most calming of influences to keep me steady, but I had watched it. “Yes.” My voice was dark with my hatred. Despite the atrocities the tracker had committed against Beau in the tape, it had helped Alice by shedding some light on her mysterious origins. She had been a patient in an asylum, cared for by an old vampire who changed her when she, like Beau, had become the target of James’s obsessive tracking. It has given Alice some clues as to where she might fight some information about her human life.

“She was always in the dark, that’s why she didn’t remember.” Beau said, full of concern.

“I know. She understands now.” My voice was more even, but I could tell my face was still twisted with fury.

He moved his hand towards me, but the IV kept it from reaching. He glanced down at it disdainfully.

“Ugh.” He winced.

“What is it?” I asked anxiously, worried that he had somehow hurt himself.

“Needles,” he explained, looking away from the one in his hand and focusing his eyes on the ceiling while taking deep breaths.

“Afraid of a needle,” I muttered to myself under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief. “Oh, a sadistic vampire, intent on torturing him to death, sure, no problem, he runs off to meet him. An IV, on the other hand…”

He rolled his eyes.

“Why are youhere?” He asked suddenly.

I stared at him, confused for a moment. Then the pain hit me. Of course. Why would he want me here after I put him through this? “Do you want me to leave?”

“No!” He protested, “No, of course not, you beautiful idiot. No, I meant, why does my mother think you’re here? I need to have my story straight before she gets back.”

“Oh,” I said, relief washing over me. “I came to Phoenix to talk to you, to convince you to come back to Forks.” I recited the story in my most sincere voice. “You agreed to see me, and you drove out to the hotel where I was staying with Carlisle and Alice—of course I was there with parental supervision,” I added, “but you tripped on the stairs on the way to my room and… well, you know the rest. You don’t need to remember any details, though; you have a good excuse to be a little muddled about the finer points.” I sighed, then realized something and raised my eyebrow at him. “Did you just call me an idiot?”

“Give me a break; I’m broken in like a hundred places and on pain medication.” He snickered, “Besides, I called you a beautiful idiot.”

I smirked in response to his playfulness.

“There are a few flaws with your story, though.” He continued, “Like no broken windows.”

“Not really,” I replied. “Alice had a little bit too much fun fabricating evidence. It’s all been taken care of very convincingly,” In fact Alice had gone so overboard I added, “you could probably sue the hotel if you wanted to.” I watched his face relax. “You have nothing to worry about,” I promised him, stroking his cheek as lightly as I could. “You’re only job now is to heal.”

“I think I can manage that,” he sighed.

I leaned in slowly and pressed my lips as gently as I could to his, he sighed happily, then winced suddenly. I pulled back quickly, anxious at what new damage I might have caused.

“It seems I’m going to have to be more careful with you than usual.” I frowned at that daunting prospect.

“I was not finished kissing you,” He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t make me come over there. Get back here.”

“Yes, sir.” I grinned and happily pressed my lips once again to his.

“Do you think he’ll wake up anytime soon?” The voice of Beau’s mother came from the hallway.

I pulled away from Beau. “I think I hear your mother,” I said, grinning again.

“Oh god, don’t leave me now.” His eyes were wide, full of terror.

“I won’t,” I promised, then smiled with an amusing idea. “I’ll take a nap.”

He watched me with a bewildered, slightly panicked expression as I moved from the plastic chair by his side to the garish faux-leather recliner at the foot of his bed, leaning it all the way back, and closing my eyes in a show of sleep.

“Don’t forget to breathe,” he whispered sarcastically. I obliged with a deep, showy breath, keeping my eyes closed.

Beau’s mother was just outside the door, speaking to a nurse about his progress. Her voice held all the exhaustion and worry of the long days she had spent in the hospital.

I heard the door open a crack.

“Mom!” Beau’s whispered voice was full of affection and relief.

“Oh, Beau,” his mother’s voice flew across the room to his side, “I’m so happy you’re awake, hon.” He’s still here? My goodness. “He never leaves, does he?” She whispered.

“Mom, I’m so glad to see you!”

There was a brief moment of silence. I could hear his mother sniffle.

“Beau, I was so upset.”

“I’m sorry, Mom. But everything’s fine now, it’s okay,” He comforted her. I already was beginning to understand their dynamic a little better. Until now, I had only known what Beau had told me of his mother.

“I’m just glad to finally see your eyes open.” I could hear the bed creak slightly, I guessed she was sitting next to him now.

“How long have I been out?”

“It’s Friday, hon, you’ve been out for a while.”

“Friday?” He sounded shocked, but uncertain at the same time.

“They had to keep you sedated for a while, honey—you’ve got a lot of injuries.”

“I know. I feel them.” He said, bleakly, and I felt a fresh stab of guilt.

“You’re lucky Dr. Cullen was there. He’s such a nice man… very young, though. And he looks more like a model than a doctor…” Reminds me of someone in the movies a little… Gosh, who am I thinking of?

“You met Carlisle?”

“And Edward’s sister, Alice. She’s a lovely girl.” So pretty, too. Just darling!

“She is,” Beau agreed.

In her mind, I could see her eyes move from Beau to over her shoulder towards me in the chair. “You didn’t tell me you had such good friends in Forks.” She said. Or such polite, beautiful ones!

The bed creaked and Beau moaned in pain.

“What hurts?” his mother demanded, turning back to him just as I opened my eyes to see for myself.

“It’s fine,” He assured us both. “I just have to remember not to move.” I fell back into my false slumber.

“Where’s Phil?” Beau asked suddenly.

“Florida—Oh, Beau! You’ll never guess! Just when we were about to leave, the best news!”

“Phil got signed?” He guessed.

“Yes! How did you guess! The Suns, can you believe it?”

“That’s great, Mom,” I could hear the smile in Beau’s voice.

“And you’ll like Jacksonville so much,” She began to gush. “I was a little bit worried when Phil started talking about Akron, what with the snow and everything, because you know how I hate the cold, but now Jacksonville! It’s always sunny, and the humidity really isn’t thatbad. We found the cutest house, yellow, with white trim, and a porch just like in an old movie, and this huge oak tree, it’s just a few minutes from the ocean, and you’ll have your own bathroom—”

“Wait, Mom!” Beau interrupted. I still had my eyes closed, but I could feel the tension in my body. This was the last thing I wanted, but of course, it was the best thing for him. How could I fight it?

Beau continued, “What are you talking about? I’m not going to Florida. I live in Forks.”

The smallest spark of hope ignited deep within me.

“But you don’t have to anymore, silly,” his mother laughed. “Phil will be able to be around so much more now… we’ve talked about it a lot, and what I’m going to do is trade off on the away games, half the time with you, half the time with him.”

I felt a wrenching feeling of despair fill me.

“Mom.” Beau began, hesitantly. “I wantto live in Forks. I realized it when I was back here in Phoenix. I missed it. I’m already settled in at school, and I have a couple of friends—”

Ohh, I see…His mother’s eyes had gone back to me in the chair.

Beau continued, “And Charlie needs me. He’s just all alone up there, and he can’t cook at all.”

“You want to stay in Forks?” From her tone, it was clear the idea was completely inconceivable to her. Oh, I bet that handsome boy has something to do with it. “Why?” Her tone was vaguely suspicious.

“I told you—school, Charlie—ouch!”

My eyes snapped open, he was wincing and his mother was placing a gentle hand on his forehead.

“Beau, honey, you hate Forks,” she said gently.

“It’s not so bad.”

“You don’t have to keep trying to like it.” She offered.

“Giving up is easy, trying is harder.” He repeated his earlier words to her.

“But trying makes all the difference.” She finished the little mantra, a smile in her voice.

Her head tilted to the side, I closed my eyes again just as she slowly turned to glance back at me. “Is it this boy?” She whispered.

Beau didn’t answer right away, then he dropped his voice to a whisper. “He’s part of it,” he admitted. “So, have you had a chance to talk to Edward?”

“Yes.” She hesitated. I quickly ran through the conversations in my mind, assuring myself I had been a perfect gentleman. “And I want to talk to you about that.” She continued.

“What about?”

“I think that boy is in love with you,” she accused in a low voice.

Well, perhaps I’m not as subtle or secretive as I’d like to believe I am.

“I think so, too,” Beau confided to her, matching her whispered tones.

Ah-ha! I knew it! “And how do you feel about him?” She asked, trying with little success to conceal the brimming curiosity in her voice.

He sighed, “I’m pretty crazy about him, I guess.”

“Well, he seemsvery nice, and, my goodness, he’s incredibly good-looking, but you’re so young Beau…” Her voice was unsure, and her mind was instantly thinking of her own past experiences with Charlie…

“Don’t worry, Mom.” Beau soothed, “It’s just a crush.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” Her playful tone said she knew better. Gosh, Phil should be calling soon…

“Do you need to go?”

“Phil’s supposed to call in a little while… he’s been so worried about you…”

“No problem, Mom. I won’t be alone.”

“I’ll be back soon. I’ve been sleeping here.” She said.

“Oh, Mom, you don’t have to do that! You can sleep at home—I’ll never notice.” That was true. He’d been lost to the world the last few days.

“I was too nervous,” she admitted sheepishly. “There’s been some crime in the neighborhood, and I don’t like being there alone.”

“Crime?” Beau’s voice was alarmed.

“Someone broke into that dance studio around the corner from the house and burned it to the ground—there’s nothing left at all! And they left a stolen car right out front. Do you remember when I used to teach dance there, honey?”

“I remember.” He made a small noise of pain again.

He can’t do anything without hurting… “I can stay, baby, if you need me.”

“No, Mom, I’ll be fine. Edward will be with me.”

That’s what I’m afraid of…“I’ll be back tonight.” She said, and I could tell from the direction of her voice she said it looking at me.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you, too, Beau. Please be careful when you walk, honey, I don’t want to lose you.”

I couldn’t keep a grin from spreading across my face.

The door opened then as a very tired nurse ambled into the room, I opened my eyes only slightly to see the nurse check the various tubes and wires Beau was connected to. His mother leaned forward and kissed his forehead, patted his gauze-wrapped hand, and left.

The nurse continued with her business. “How are you feeling, dear?”

“I’m fine,” Beau assured her.

“I’ll tell your RN that you’re awake. She’ll be in to see you in a minute.”

As soon as she closed the door, I was by Beau’s side.

“You stole a car?” He raised his eyebrows.

I smiled without shame. “It was a good car, very fast.”

“Edward!” He scolded. I only smiled. He sighed, “how was your nap?”

“Interesting.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“What?”

I couldn’t meet his eyes as I spoke. “I’m surprised. I thought Florida… and your mother… well, I thought that’s what you would want. To go someplace where I can’t hurt you anymore.”

“Are you tired of having to save me all the time?” He asked.

His question surprised me. How could he think that? I supposed I should be pleased that there was no brain damage and he still thought the same way as before, even if it was completely backwards.

“No, Beau, of course not.” I assured him. “I would do anything to keep you safe. I would save you a hundred times over.”

“Then why would I go to Florida?”

“Because then…” I could barely force the words from me, they pained me so much, “then I couldn’t hurt you anymore. My very presence is a danger to you, Beau, every second I’m around you. I’m not worthy of your love, I’ll get you killed and—”

“Shhh,” he cut me off, his voice soft and comforting. “There’s a difference between the danger you put me in and the danger around me. Don’t you see that?”

“No. It’s all my fault.”

“You really are a beautiful idiot.” He sighed, “Do you want me to go away?”

“No!” It was the last thing I wanted. I could hardly bear the thought. “No, I don’t want to be without you Beau, of course not. But,” My eyes dropped again, “I’m the one putting you in danger… I’m the reason you’re here.”

“Yes, you are the reason. The reason I’m here—alive.”

“Barely. Covered in gauze and plaster and hardly able to move.”

“But I’m still here.” He insisted.

“I thought I lost you, Beau.” I could barely speak above a whisper as I recalled the horrible memories. “Seeing you there on the floor… crumpled and broken. Thinking I was too late, hearing you scream in pain—all those unbearable memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of eternity. And the worst feeling… fearing that I couldn’t stop. I thought after all that, I would be the one to kill you myself.”

“But you didn’t”

“I could have. So easily.”

“But, again, you didn’t.” He sighed. “I’m here, Edward. I chose you. Maybe that makes me an idiot, but that’s what I want. You are what I want.”

“Even if I’m so terrible for you? Even if I put you in—”

“If you say you put me in danger one more time I’m going to hit you in the head with my plaster cast.”

I smiled a little, fully believing that he would somehow manage to do just that and he smiled back at me.

“I don’t seem to be strong enough to stay away from you.” I told him honestly.

“For once, I’m glad you’re not strong enough for something.” He teased gently.

My phone began to buzz in my pocket, I quickly glanced at the caller ID and put the phone to my ear in an instant.

“Hello?” I answered, confused as to why Emmett was calling me.

“Hey, bro, is Beau doing okay?” Emmett’s voice was serious—as much as it could be for him, at least.

I sighed. “Yes, he’s fine—”

“Alice said he woke up?”

“Yes…”

“Let me talk to him!” He demanded.

“Oh fine, here.” I moved the phone to Beau’s ear. “For you,” I sighed again.

“Hello?” Beau asked in an adorably cautious way.

“Hey, big guy!” Emmett’s voice boomed from the phone.

“Emmett! Hi!” Beau chuckled, “How are you?”

“How am I? How are you?” Emmett erupted in earsplitting laughter. I made a note that I would have to teach him how to talk to Beau without damaging his hearing. “You’re the one that fell through a window.” Emmett finished, teasing.

“Well, I’ve had better days.” Beau sighed.

That was quite the understatement.

“Beau,” Emmett’s voice was mildly gentler now, “I’m sorry I couldn’t stay. It was just…”

“I know, Emmett, thank you for trying.” Beau’s unfailing kindness never ceased to both impress and amaze me.

“Jasper says hey, too! He’s glad you’re awake!”

“Tell him I’m sorry for ditching him at the airport.” Beau said sincerely.

“He forgives you,” Emmett’s wide grin was evident in his voice. “Hey, wait, here’s someone else who wants to talk to you.”

There a faint sound of movement, and Emmett’s voice grew quiet as though he had pulled the phone away from his face. “Roy! Come on, babe!” he said. I raised an eyebrow, unsure if I wanted Royal to say anything to Beau. But before I had a chance to decide, it sounded as if someone grabbed the phone and huffed loudly.

“Hello, Beau.” Royal’s obnoxiously annoyed voice came over the phone. I gritted my teeth. “I’m glad you’re not dead.” Royal continued in a tone that said the exact reverse.

“Thanks…” Beau replied tentatively, “Hey, Royal?”

Silence.

“Thank you for watching over Charlie. I really appreciate it.”

There was another moment of silence, and just before I was about to take the phone back and start yelling, Royal answered, “You’re welcome, Beau.”

Another sound of shuffling and Emmett’s voice began booming from the phone again. “See? Everyone’s happy now!”

“Thanks, Emmett.” Beau chuckled.

“Hey, I’ll let you get back to Edward. Get better, big guy!”

“Bye, Emmett.”

I took the phone back and slid it into my pocket.

“See? They all love you.” I said. And it was true, and it was a comfort to me that my family cared about Beau so much. Though it didn’t compare to my feelings towards him, they were still strong.

“I’m glad,” he smiled.

I was so enraptured by the sweet smile that I barely noticed the nurse bustle into the room.

The poor thing is broken every which way, I do hope this young man isn’t wearing him out too much.

I sat perfectly still as she looked Beau over.

“Time for more pain meds, sweetheart?” she asked kindly, tapping the IV feed.

“No, no,” he mumbled. “I’m fine for now.”

It won’t do to put it off…No need to be brave, dear. It’s better if you rest.”

“Maybe in a bit?” Beau offered.

“Okay,” she sighed. “Hit the call button when you’re ready.” She turned and left the room without another word.

Beau was silent for a moment, his eyebrows pulled together, and then he looked up at me with a contemplative look in his eyes.

“Edward, why did you stop me from changing?”

“What?” The question threw me completely. I was completely confused on its meaning.

“Why didn’t you let the venom spread? By now I would be just like you.”

My body went completely stone and my jaw locked. How could he possibly know about that? I was careful not to tell him. He was incredibly intuitive, so perhaps he had deduced it for himself? No, I knew. Alice must have told him—and against my explicit instructions!

He watched my reaction for a moment and his brows furrowed further.

“Mind your temper.” He warned me.

I took a deep breath for show and he sighed.

“I’m just asking, because since you seem so afraid of hurting me or getting me killed, wouldn’t it have been easier to let me change? Let me become like you? Able to defend myself. Maybe even I would have the chance to save you for a change.”

It was sound logic. I couldn’t argue against that. I folded my arms along the side of his bed and rested my chin upon them. I worked to control my temper, though I would still be having a serious conversation with Alice when I next saw her.

“You havesaved me,” was all I could manage to say and it was, after all, incredibly true. Had he not saved me from my monotonous existence? Had he not saved me from being a complete monster? Hadn’t his love and kindness taught me to be better?

His hand found my arm and squeezed it gently, “Edward…”

“You don’t know what you’re asking.” I said softly, staring intently at the woven thread on the edge of his pillowcase. “I’ve had nearly a century to think about this, and I’m still not sure.”

“Do you wish that Carlisle hadn’t saved you?”

“No, I don’t wish that.” I felt that was largely true. I tried to think of a way to explain it better to him. “But my life was over. I wasn’t giving anything up.”

“I see,” his voice was thoughtful.

“I can’t do it, Beau. I won’t do that to you.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

My eyes flashed to his. I hadn’t expected that. “What?”

“I’m not asking you to change me, I’m just asking why you didn’t let me change?”

It was a strange feeling; relief mingled with sadness. Relief that he wasn’t asking for this curse, but sadness because I knew that somewhere, sometime, it was a possibility for him. A course he could follow.

“Alice already saw it, didn’t she?” He guessed, as intuitive as ever. “That’s why the things she says upset you. She knows I’m going to be like you… someday.”

“She’s wrong.” I argued. “She also saw you dead, but that didn’t happen, either.”

“But this is the course I’m on, isn’t it?” He pushed, “The decision has been made. It’s just a matter of following that course.”

I couldn’t argue with the truth, I could only gaze into his deep silver eyes. Alice’s visions seemed fairly certain now. The timing was unclear, but the end result was always the same.

“I’m not asking you to change me tomorrow, or even in three days.” He soothed, “I just need to know where everything stands. I made this decision, and if my vampire boyfriend’s vampire sister can see where that decision leads me then I’d just like to be prepared.”

“Am I worth it?” I didn’t need him to answer, I already knew I wasn’t.

“I don’t think I would have put myself through all this if I didn’t think you were.”

His unfailing kindness again. “You have a lot of pain medication in your system right now; you’re not in a clear state of mind.” I scowled.

“Mind your temper, and don’t argue. It’s not good for me.” He sniffed lightly.

I smirked. “Yes, sir.”

“Edward?”

“Yes, Beau?”

“Do you truly love me?”

What a question! How could I not love him for how wonderful and perfect he was? “Of course, more than anything.”

“My mom once told me that sometimes you only share a moment with someone, but sometimes you share forever with them. I think we have a shot at forever.”

“You do?” I continued to stare deeply into the depths of his eyes, wishing once again I could hear the thoughts behind them and understand what he saw in a monster like myself that would make him so sure. “Do you really think I’m worth forever?”

“I really do,” he took a deep breath, wincing slightly, “do you think I’m worth forever?”

That was easy. “You’re worth more than anything in this world.”

“Then do you promise? Not to give up? Promise not to leave?”

I wanted to answer immediately, but how could I be that selfish? How could I rob him of a normal human life? The truth was I was too weak to refuse him this, and I was too selfish to not want it desperately. “I promise, Beau.” I leaned in and kissed him on his forehead.

He smiled contentedly.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, eyeing the button to call the nurse. By my calculations, the pain medication they’d previously administered would be wearing off by now.

“A little sore, to be honest.”

“Do you want to go back to sleep?”

“No, but maybe I should.”

I reached for the button.

“Yes?” A bored voice squawked through the speaker on the wall.

“I think we’re ready for more pain medication,” I said.

“I’ll send in the nurse.” The voice replied.

“Ugh,” Beau sighed. “Why does it have to hurt so much.”

“I’m sorry, Beau.” I wished I could fix everything, I never wanted him to feel pain again.

“It’s fine, I just don’t want to close my eyes.”

I smiled and took his warm face between my hands. “I told you I’m not going anywhere. Don’t be afraid. I promise you, as long as it makes you happy, I’ll be here.”

He smiled back. “I’m pretty sure that’ll be forever.”

“Oh, you’ll get over it—” I teased, “it’s just a crush.”

“Oh, shut up.”

“That’s the beautiful thing about being human,” I said softly. “Things change.”

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t hold your breath.”

I was laughing when the nurse came in, brandishing a syringe.

I knew he was riling him up! “Excuse me,” She said to me brusquely.

I moved out of her way and crossed to the end of the small room, leaning against the wall. I folded my arms and waited for her to finish.

“Here you go, dear.” The nurse smiled at Beau as she injected the medication into his IV line. “You’ll feel better now.”

“Thanks,” he mumbled. Almost immediately his eyes began to flutter and drop.

“That ought to do it,” The nurse muttered.

She glanced back at me one more time—a scolding expression on her face—then she left. By the time the door closed I was back by Beau’s side, my finger brushing along his cheek.

“Stay.” He mumbled, slurring the word.

“I will,” I promised. “Like I said, as long as it makes you happy… as long as it’s what’s best for you.”

His head wobbled slightly. “’S not the same thing,” he mumbled.

I laughed at his adorable sleepy state. “Don’t worry about that now, Beau. You can argue with me when you wake up.”

Half his mouth turned up in a smile. “’Kay.”

I leaned in, my lips at his ear.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“Me, too.”

“I know,” I laughed quietly.

His head turned slightly, his lips turning into an attractive, soft pout. I gently touched my lips to his.

“Thanks,” he sighed.

“Anytime.”

I placed my hand on his, and he squeezed it gently and sighed, happily.

He gently slid into a deep slumber and I would stay right there by his side. For as long as he loved me, as long as he wanted me, and for as long as it was what was best for him. I would stay, and I would be eternally content.

[val0-17]

...supongo que por esto lo has dejado... CAPITULO 3

Como si no supiera lo que hacía, solamente guiado por lo que sentía, decidí llevarte conmigo a la salida que había organizado antes con mis amigos. No podia no llevarte Lena. Eras la persona con la que más quería estar en todo el mundo.Mis ojos estaban hechizados con tu belleza Lena...En mi mente, en ese momento no podía caber una persona más que no fueras tú. 

Desde esa ocasión, en la que por casualidad encontré tu foto en el Facebook de una amistad, y mi mente se congeló. Desde ese momento lo supe: ya me habías hechizado.

El tiempo ya no importaba. No lo sentía si estaba hablando contigo. No conocía  la magia antes de conocerte Lena. No veía la hora de verte de nuevo. Verte con mis propios ojos, y dejar que mi mente se paralizara con tu belleza. En mis calculos no podía existir la posibilidad de haber conocido a alguien tan hermosa, y que ella me correspondiera. El hombre más afortunado del mundo, ese era yo. El hombre más rico, ya que tenía algo que el dinero podía comprar: tu amor Lena.

Como todas esas noches, después de decidir que teniamos que dormir, porque no era sano el desvelarnos solamente hablándo de lo que sea que fuese, pensé en el lugar dónde sería perfecto para ir contigo, y luego de mencionartelo vagamente, me dijiste apresurada que si. Que irías conmigo al salón de patines. Y fué así como tuvimos nuestra primera cita.

Me pareció admirable que después de saber el miedo que te producía la idea de caerte en el salón, aceptaras mi invitación a ese lugar. Supongo que en ese tiempo estabas coladisima por mi. Tanto que no te importó el riesgo y aceptaste. Si tan solo hubieras sido así por un poco más Lena, pudiéramos haber seguido siendo la excepción a la regla. La admiración de muchas personas. La razón que muchos necesitan para comprender que el amor verdadero sí existe. Mas esta no fue la ocasión. Es como esa magnífica canción de The Smiths que tanto cantaba después de la primera vez que me dejaste: “I know it’s over”, con su frase que tanto me identificaba: “El amor es natural y real. Pero no para aquellos como tú y yo”. La frase habla por si misma.

Fui tonto. Muy tonto en pensar que eras la excepción a todas las demás. Que eras diferente Lena. Pero te agradezco, por hacerme ver lo cruel que puede llegar a ser el mundo. Que esa nube en la que flotamos las personas enamoradas no puede ser de fiar. Que hay que ser fieles solo a nosotros mismos.

¿Recuerdas cómo transcurrió lo que resta de la cita Lena?, ¿O ya lo has olvidado, cómo me has olvidado a mi? Del pretexto que utilicé para tomar tu mano todo el dia, incluso cuando ya no estábamos patinando. Del lugar que te lleve a comer, y no quisiste comer nada (lo cual nunca entendí). Del regalo que te hice y que mantendrías pegado en tu cuarto, ya que era un poster de algo que te encantaba, y yo nunca entendí. De un tal anime “yaoi” que te gustaban.

En verdad no creo que lo recuerdes. Ni yo debería de estar recordando esto. Pero lo hago, y lo hago por mí.

Supongo que nuestra primera cita fue demasiado buena para alguien como tú, Lena. Y supongo que por eso me  has dejado.

[infographicisminetocommand]

You’re REWRITING trollhunters??? The disrespect,oh my god. Newsflash,asshole,these aren’t your characters,this isn’t your story,and if you feel the need to rewrite a show it means that you don’t like it enough to enjoy it on its own. So what are you still doing in this fandom? Go watch steven universe and join the su criticals bc you’ve officially reached their horrendous levels of arragonce and disrespect.

"Join the SU Criticals" is the best thing I have heard all day, holy shit. And it's my first (actually, second, I believe?) anon hate! Thank you! (I am being legitimately genuine here. I have no time for sarcasm unless it's funny.)

Anon, I understand your point of view. Honestly, I'm terrified the creators will see me doing my fan rewrite and get deeply hurt, because I've already done that in the past with my (crappy and deeply unwarranted) salt.

But it's important to know that my fan-rewrite is not an act of hate or exaggerated criticism. Rather, it's an act of self-indulgence and to an extent, love - it's basically fanfiction! And besides, not every show is perfect, and I apologize if that offends you. It's also important to know that if it does, it may indicate you've become too personally attached to media to the point that every slight criticism is an insult towards your person, and you should start doing a self-review. Trust me, when I let myself get stuck on the other end of the extreme - which, embarassingly, could be construed as me beginning to parallel SU Criticals - I ended up hurting the people around me by the overwhelming aura of my negativity. I was obsessed, and I had to take a step back to figure out what went wrong.

And I get it, it really does seem like it's an attack on the show, and the hard work the creators put into it. But as I've said, this is basically fanficfion. And it's a non-profit self-indulgence that I have no intentions of bringing to the mainstream (unless Dreamworks suddenly contacts me about stuff or something, but I'm a minor so that is unlikely to happen). So if the creators end up stumbling into my work and don't like it, hey, they're free to block me! Enjoy the parts of their fandom they wish to enjoy - and so do you. If the ethical implications of a fanrewrite bother you, click the block button and leave my blog. I don't want to spend my time being sent anon hate, and I don't want others to spend their time doing that and fall into the trap I fell in.

Also, I'm still very much fond of the main show. Season 1B remains one of my favorite seasons for a good reason.

And I do know someone who doesn't like seeing any form of Trollhunters criticism or seeing any of their NOTPs (specifically Warstaff, and honestly, who can blame her). She's valid! If that's the fandom experience she wants, then that's what she'll get.

Though, I do ask that you do some self-reflection, at the very least, and open yourself to the concept of fanrewrites by looking into the arguments of the positive. I don't want to live with myself knowing someone out there is going to get hot and bothered by something I'm doing for my own indulgency sake.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[gaysparklepires]

23. Decision

Read on AO3

I tore the door of the studio off the hinges and instantly my senses were filled with Beau’s scent. His scent was everywhere, but worse than that, his blood was everywhere. It was like a cloud, heavy around me. I was filled with despair. Was I too late? I couldn’t be too late. Please, let me not be too late.

The room to the left was dark, but the lights were on in the larger room to the left, that was where the smell of Beau’s blood was coming from. I smashed through the door.

And there he was.

Crumpled on the floor in a quickly growing pool of blood. The mirror on the wall closest to him was smashed, the shards surrounding him.

The tracker was looming over Beau, a wide, sickening grin on his face.

A furious snarl, deep and wild ripped through my body. The tracker’s eyes snapped to me at once, they widened for a moment, then he smirked.

I launched myself at him, I cleared the distance of the room and caught him by the neck, slamming him back into the wall far away from Beau. The mirror shattered against his body, and he snarled wildly at me, his arms flailing to catch me and loosen my grip on him.

“Good of you to finally show up!” He hissed. “I was worried this was going to be boring. I made a little movie for you and everything, it’s too bad you won’t get to see it now.”

“I’ll destroy you.” I seethed. “I will turn you to ash.”

“It was so easy to trick you, to trick him.” His eyes flicked to Beau and back to me, “And he did taste… so… good.”

My absolute fury overtook me, I snarled at him and lunged for his neck. He screamed in agony as my teeth tore through his stony skin, ripping off a chunk of flesh that I spat away. He hissed at me, trying to kick me off of him. I gripped his shoulders and threw him with all my strength across the room.

He wasn’t quite able to right himself before he landed. He scrambled to a crouch, ready to attack me, but then Emmett burst into the room and tackled him, followed closely by Jasper, Alice and Carlisle.

“Edward! Get Beau!” Emmett barked, as he twisted the tracker’s arms unnaturally behind his body. The hunter screamed in pain and anger as Emmett continued to wrestle him into submission

I rushed to Beau’s side. My fury melted into despair as the scope of his injuries came into view. He had cuts all over his ivory hands, a large gash in his leg which lay at an unnatural angle, and he was covered in his own blood. His eyes were closed and his skin was paler than usual.

“Oh no, Beau, no!” I cried, my hands desperately trying to find a place I could touch him that wouldn’t cause him more pain.

He didn’t respond, I could barely hear his heartbeat. Especially over Jasper and Emmett’s growling and hissing as they tore the tracker apart behind me.

The hunter let out a guttural scream, my eyes glanced up just in time to see Alice pull his head from his body.

My eyes were instantly back to Beau.

“Beau, please! Beau, listen to me, please, please, Beau, please!” I begged him to wake up, but he didn’t so much as move.

“Carlisle!” I called in desperation as my despair overtook me. “Beau, Beau, no, oh please, no, no!” I couldn’t stop the sobs as they broke from my chest. I had failed. I had killed the only thing I ever loved.

Carlisle was there in an instant, running his fingers over the back of Beau’s head, checking for injuries.

Beau suddenly cried out, gasping.

“Beau!” I cried, half relieved and half despairingly.

“He’s lost a lot of blood,” Carlisle said calmly, methodically checking every injury. “Mostly from his leg—watch out, it’s broken.”

A strangled howl of rage broke through my lips.

Carlisle gently ran his hands down Beau’s side. “Some ribs, too, I think,” he continued.

Beau made a soft, slow sound.

“Beau, you’re going to be fine. Can you hear me, Beau? I love you.”

“Edward,” His voice was weak.

“Yes, I’m here.”

“It hurts,” he whimpered.

“I know, Beau, I know… Oh god”—I had never felt so wretched and useless, I turned to Carlisle, anguished—“can’t you do anything?”

“My bag, please…” Carlisle called. Alice was there in an instant. She stopped short, for a moment, then exhaled sharply. “Hold your breath, Alice, it will help,” Carlisle advised her.

“Alice?” Beau groaned.

“She’s here, she knew where to find you.” I tried to soothe him.

“I’m… sorry, Alice.”

“Shh… it’s okay, Beau, it’s okay.” She comforted him softly.

“My hand hurts,” He choked out the words.

“I know, Beau. Carlisle will give you something, it will stop.” I replied.

Carlisle was already preparing an injection of morphine.

“No, no,” His voice became louder as he spoke. “My hand his burning!” He screamed and opened his eyes; his body began convulsing and spasming.

I felt the fear rising inside of me. “Beau?”

“It’s my hand! It’s burning!” He screamed again, his arm twisting at his side.

“Carlisle! His hand!” I turned my eyes to him, pleading.

Carlisle gently caught Beau’s flailing arm and turn his hand over. His eyes widened in shock. “He bit him.” All trace of calm had left his voice now, he was utterly appalled as he examined the bloody crescent shaped mark on Beau’s hand.

My breath caught in my chest. My mind went blank.

“Edward,” Alice knelt down, close by Beau’s head. “You have to do it.” She began gently wiping the blood from his face. You’ve already seen it, Edward. Just like I have. What else is there? You have to change him.

As the enormity of what she was suggesting came into focus, I felt as though I was falling from a great height. My despair was overwhelming.

“No!” I bellowed, racked with guilt.

“Alice,” Beau moaned.

“There may be a chance,” Carlisle said as he pulled a surgical thread and a needle from his bag.

“What?” I begged. Any chance, anything else that could stop this from happening.

“See if you can suck the venom back out. The wound is fairly clean.” He began sewing closed the wound on the back of Beau’s head as he spoke.

“Will that work?” I asked in a strained voice. I didn’t dare grasp on to any hope at this point.

“I don’t know,” Carlisle answered. “But we have to hurry.”

“Carlisle, I…” I hesitated. How could I do this? All this time I had spent combatting my thirst, all the self-control I had exercised up to this point, would it be enough?

Suddenly, I saw him. The monster. That image of myself I had seen in Beau’s eyes the first day we met. The hungry, gnawing, greedy, violent killer that I had worked so hard to beat back and vanquish. He was smiling—grinning widely in utter glee.

“I don’t know if I can do that.” Agony filled my voice.

“It’s your decision, Edward, either way. I can’t help you. I have to get this bleeding stopped if you’re going to be taking blood from his hand.”

“Edward!” Beau screamed again. I stared down at him and it pained me more than anything to see him suffer this way. His eyes fluttered open, darting wildly around until they found mine. My heart sank even further as I watched him suffer, knowing I could help him if I was only strong enough.

“Alice, get me something to brace his leg!” Carlisle was trying to hold Beau’s leg still now, Alice darted away, and Carlisle looked back up at me. “Edward, you must do it now, or it will be too late.”

“Alice,” I choked out as she returned, “will it work?”

She looked at me, sadly. “Edward, I… I can only see once a decision has been made. You know that.” Her voice was unbearably soft and sad. “Right now, the path he’s on leads to him changing.”

She wasn’t lying, I could see it in her mind. Another tearless sob broke from me.

“You have to make the decision, Edward.” Alice said.

I looked down at Beau. His silver eyes, still so piercing despite the pain that filled them, watched me. Bewildered, questioning, fearful. In an instant, I was back in that biology class that seemed like so long ago now.

I could remember it perfectly, of course. Beau walking down the aisle of the classroom toward me, his scent hitting me for the first time, all it replayed in my mind… but this time, when he turned to look at me, reflected in his eyes I didn’t see the monster I had before. This time I saw something else. I saw the man I had become, the man he had helped me become. The one who loved him, who protected him, who would do anything he asked. I saw the man he loved and trusted reflected in the silver pools of his eyes.

I knew then I had to try.

My fingers wrapped around his hand, locking it in place. Then I bent my head down and pressed my lips against his skin.

As I worked to pull the venom from his hand, he screamed and thrashed ever harder than before. Alice did her best to calm him down, but he was beyond that. Carlisle had finished bracing Beau’s leg and now held him still in his arms.

At first, the taste of the tracker’s venom was nearly overpowering but even then, I could taste Beau’s blood. The taste was beyond anything I had experienced before. It was better than I could have ever imagined, ever fantasized. I felt like a dying man, lost in the desert and finally finding water. As I pulled the venom from his body, as his warm and tantalizing blood filled my mouth, I began to fear that I would be unable to stop now.

I tried to convince myself in those moments between seconds that if Carlisle was strong enough to resist then I could as well. But it was not lost on me that Carlisle had perfected his willpower over hundreds of years to the point where human blood meant nothing to him. Furthermore, I wondered if even Carlisle could resist blood so potent and intoxicating.

I had run out of time to wrestle with this deep, insatiable thirst. There was no more venom in his blood. If I didn’t stop, I would kill him. I had to find the will to stop.

And somehow, deep inside of myself, clinging to the man Beau had helped me become—the man I wanted to be for him—I found that will. It didn’t matter how deliciously tempting his blood was. What mattered what saving Beau.

Slowly, his pained writhing seemed to calm. Then I tasted the morphine as it spread through his blood. I quickly released his hand, falling back away from him. I had to take long, deep breaths to calm myself as the magnitude of what I had somehow managed to accomplish washed over me.

“Edward,” Beau’s voice was soft, quiet.

“He’s right here, Beau.” Alice soothed.

“Stay, Edward, stay with me…”

“I will.” My voice was strained from the monumental effort of pulling myself away from his hand, and yet I felt somewhat triumphant.

Beau sighed, contended. His eyes were closed now, and his breathing was slow.

“Is it all out?” Carlisle asked, his fingers on Beau’s wrist, checking his pulse.

“His blood tastes clean,” my voice was quiet. “I can taste the morphine.”

“Beau?” Carlisle said.

“Mmmm?”

“Is the fire gone?”

“Yes,” Beau sighed. “Thank you, Edward.”

“I love you,” I answered.

“I know,” He breathed, like he was drifting off to sleep.

I couldn’t help but laugh with utter relief that finally—finally—it was all over and he was safe.

A moment—far too brief—passed over us.

“Beau?” Carlisle’s voice was worried now. His fingers ran along Beau’s wrist.

I realized half a second after he spoke what had troubled him: Beau’s heart was slowing. Slowing too much.

“Carlisle!” Alice’s voice was panicked. Suddenly, her visions had shifted and there was nothing. “I can’t see him anymore!”

“Beau? Beau, wake up!” I leaned in close to him, my hands gently holding his face.

“Alice, what did you see?” Carlisle’s panicked eyes darted to her.

“His future… it’s dark.” The sadness in her voice was overwhelming.

“No!” I howled in agony, “No, not now. Not now, Beau, please!” He didn’t respond, and I turned to Alice, desperate. “Alice, why? Why can’t you see?”

“A decision,” she replied softly, “a decision has to be made.”

It was a decision outside of my control, there was nothing I could do anymore. This decision was Beau’s, and his alone. For the first time in my immortal life, I felt completely weak and utterly helpless. I held Beau’s beautiful face in my hands. If I could still cry tears, I was sure they would have been flowing unendingly. His heart was barely beating, his breathing was impossibly slow and shallow.

“Beau, please, please stay with me.” I begged, “Please don’t leave me. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for everything I put you through. I’m sorry that I was such a fool. Please, please stay with me. I love you, Beau. I love you more than anything in this world… Please.”

I looked around, desperate and lost. Carlisle had his fingers pressed against Beau’s wrist, monitoring his pulse with an increasingly worried expression. Alice stood close by, her hands clasped over her mouth, her eyes closed. There was nothing she could see but darkness.

I could just see Emmett hovering a in the doorway on the far side of the room with a sad, defeated expression on his face. Jasper stood further back, solemn and grave, and the light of a slowly growing fire danced beyond them.

How could this happen? How could I have come so close and still lost him? I closed my eyes and cradled Beau in my arms and I desperately searched my brain for anything I could do to save him. Was there anything? Or was I truly as useless as I was selfish? As powerless as I was foolish?

I played through every moment, every memory I had of him in my mind. Crystal clear as the day they happened. That first meeting, the accident in the school parking lot, the fight in the hospital, Port Angeles, every day in school, the meadow—our meadow. That first kiss…. Every moment, every choice, and every decision leading up to this moment.

“Please, Beau… Please…” I breathed, shakily. “I love you.”

Then suddenly, he inhaled a deep breath, and his heart began beating stronger.

[gaysparklepires]

Epilogue: An Occasion

Read on AO3

I carefully helped Beau into my car, being especially mindful of the cumbersome walking cast on his leg. I did my best to ignore the unhappy pout on his face.

Once I was sure he was settled, I got in the driver’s seat and headed back out the long narrow drive away from my family’s house.

“So are you ever going to tell me what’s going on?” He asked, looking especially suspicious and wary.

“I’m shocked you haven’t figured it out yet.” I ginned at him, and his breath caught in his throat.

“I did mention that you looked very nice, didn’t I?” He asked.

“Yes.” I grinned again. Of course, I had Alice to thank. She had special ordered the black tuxedo from France and it was quite fine. She wouldn’t let me go out in anything less on this evening.

But my outfit was nothing when compared to Beau’s. Alice had chosen a custom tuxedo in the exact shade of dark blue that I loved best on him. It was expertly tailored in all the right places, perfectly accentuating every line of his lean body.

“I’m not coming over anymore if Alice is going to treat me like her own personal Ken doll when I do,” He griped. Glancing at his reflection in the passenger side mirror.

He looked wonderful, though. Alice had smoothed his brown curls back on his head which helped to draw attention to the silver pools of his eyes.

I was distracted from my admiring by my phone ringing in my pocket. I pulled it out from the inside pocket of my jacket and glanced at the caller ID before answering.

“Hello, Charlie,” I said warily.

“Charlie?” Beau frowned.

Charlie had been rather strict since Beau’s return to Forks, and he had every right to be. He had been of two minds regarding the incident in Phoenix. Toward Carlisle he had been exceedingly grateful. However, he was quite convinced that I was entirely at fault for Beau’s accident and since he was, of course, completely correct I would not argue. As a result, Beau now had to follow new rules such as curfews and pre-approved visiting hours.

“Hello, Edward,” Charlie’s voice was gruff. “You mind explaining to me why Tyler Crowley is standing at my door in a suit expecting to take my boy out tonight?”

My eyes widened in disbelief, and then I couldn’t suppress the grin spreading across my face.

“You’re kidding!” I laughed.

“What is it?” Beau asked.

“Why don’t you let me talk to him?” I suggested to Charlie, thoroughly pleased by this turn of events. I waited for a few seconds.

“Uh, hello?” Tyler’s confused voice came over the phone.

“Hello, Tyler, this is Edward Cullen.” I kept my voice very friendly, but Beau was looking at me with a confused and slightly exasperated expression. Then his eyes widened, and he looked down at his tuxedo in horror.

“Oh, um, hey,” Tyler’s voice was still confused.

“I’m sorry if there’s been some kind of miscommunication, but Beau is unavailable tonight.” I couldn’t help but become more protective as I continued. “To be perfectly honest, he’ll be unavailable every night, as far as anyone beside myself is concerned. No offense. And I’m sorry about your evening.” I hung up the phone and deposited it back in my pocket, unable to contain the smirk on my face.

I could see Beau’s ivory face turn crimson out of the corner of my eye.

I looked at him in surprise. “Was that last part a bit too much? I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“You’re taking me to the prom!” His voice was filled with panic.

I was thrown by his reaction. I’d expected some protest, but not full-blown panic. Beyond that, I was puzzled as to how he didn’t realize sooner. Surely it was obvious?

“I’m sorry, Beau, please don’t be angry.”

His eyes flashed to the window. “Why are you doing this to me?” He demanded.

I gestured to our tuxedos. “Honestly, Beau, what did you think we were doing?”

“You never tend to do things casually, for all I knew we were getting milkshakes and you thought we should dress up.” He glared back at me.

“Touché.” I smirked.

“Oh god, this is awful.” He sighed.

Now I was frustrated. “Why are you so upset?” I demanded.

“Because I didn’t want to go to prom!”

“Beau.” I turned my eyes to him.

“What?” He muttered.

“Humor me,” I insisted.

My eyes held his gaze for a moment, and the crease between his brows slowly relaxed.

“Fine,” he glared. “I’ll go. But you’ll see. I’m way overdue for some bad luck. I’ll probably break my other leg! This fancy shoe doesn’t have any traction! Look at it!” He held out his uninjured leg, as evidence I guessed.

“Hmmm.” My eyes followed the line of his leg, up his torso, to his radiant face then back down. He looked incredible. “Remind me to thank Alice for dressing you up so nicely tonight. I am quite fond of that color on you.”

“Alice is going to be there?” He seemed comforted by that.

“With Jasper, and Emmett… and Royal,” I admitted.

Any progress I had made with calming him seemed to vanish. The crease reappeared between his brows and he looked troubled.

“Is Charlie in on this?” He asked, suspicion in his voice.

“Of course.” I grinned, then chuckled. “Apparently Tyler wasn’t, though.”

He rolled his eyes.

We arrived at the school; Royal’s ostentatious red BMW was practically an eyesore in the parking lot. The clouds were thin today, a few streaks of sunlight escaping through far away in the west.

I exited the car and walked to open his door. He set his jaw as I held out my hand for him.

At first, he stayed in place, with a resolute expression, and his arms folded stubbornly across his chest.

I sighed. “When someone wants to kill you, you’re as brave as a lion—and then when someone mentions dancing…” I shook my head at the ludicrous nature of the situation.

He gulped comically. I suppose I hadn’t mentioned dancing, yet.

“Beau, I won’t let anything hurt you—not even yourself. I won’t let go of you once, I promise.”

He mulled this over for a short moment, and his face relaxed suddenly. He even seemed pleased with the prospect.

“There, now,” I said gently, “it won’t be so bad.” I leaned down and wrapped one arm around his waist, he took my free hand and allowed me to lift him from the car.

I kept my arm tightly around him as we slowly made our way toward the school. He gripped onto me like I was the only thing keeping him upright.

The prom was being held in the school’s gym. Fairly common for smaller schools such as this one. When we arrived inside, Beau let out an involuntary giggle as he appraised the humorously cliched decorations.

“This looks like a horror movie waiting to happen,” he snickered.

“Well,” I muttered as we slowly approached the ticket table, “There are morethan enough vampires present.”

His eyes trailed off to the dance floor where my siblings were making quite the spectacle of themselves. All the students had pressed themselves back, leaving a wide gap in the center of the floor where Alice and Jasper were spinning around in wide circles.

Emmett stood nearby grinning widely at the students’ dumbfounded reactions to Alice and Jasper. He caught our scent and waved when he spotted us. Royal stood next to him, reveling in his own beauty and the countless looks of admiration but otherwise feeling rather bored by the whole ordeal.

“Do you think if I threw myself into the sound system it would end the prom?” Beau whispered.

I laughed, though I wasn’t entirely sure he was joking, “Anything to get out of dancing.”

“Anything.”

I bought our tickets, then turned him toward the dance floor. He visibly cringed against my arm and dragged his feet. Like a hangman being walked to the gallows.

“I’ve got all night,” I smiled.

“Okay, can I be honest a second?” He sighed, “I’m a terrible dancer, sure—I’m clumsy as hell—but… I’ve never danced with a boy.” His pulse quickened minutely. “And this is Forks, after all. Maybe I can be affectionate with you at school when no one is looking… but dancing at prom? In front of everyone?”

I hadn’t expected that reasoning to be behind his reluctance, “Is that what you’ve been worried about?”

“A bit, yes.” he admitted.

I considered this for a moment. It was a valid fear, and I couldn’t be upset at him for it. Certainly we were a rather unorthodox coupling—for many reasons—and Beau didn’t enjoy being the center of attention. He preferred a low-profile.

“We don’t have to dance if you don’t want to.” I conceded.

He sighed and looked over my shoulder back at the dance floor. I watched his apprehensive face trying to think of how I could possibly improve the evening for him.

Oh my god!

So it’s totally true!

Whoa, no way…

Oh, that’s so hot…

The rush of surprised thoughts and hushed voices from the dance floor made me spin around. There, in the middle of the dance floor right alongside Alice and Jasper were Royal and Emmett, dancing together. I was rather surprised myself. Royal was exceedingly vain, but he was surprisingly discreet when it came to being affectionate with Emmett in public. Given Royal’s history, it never surprised me much.

He’s sweet, Edward.Royal was thinking, Too sweet. I hate that, but I don’t want him feeling… Ugh, forget it. Just dance with him already before I get even more annoyed than I already am.

Royal locked eyes with Beau from the dance floor. Well? You’ve got no excuse now.

I smirked as I watched this uniquely Royal peace offering unfold. I turned back to Beau, “That’s Royal’s way of saying he’s glad you’re here.”

“Oh, fine.” Beau huffed. He let me lead him out to join my siblings on the dance floor. He watched them spin by in terror.

“Edward.” His voice was a dry, barely audible whisper. “I honestlycan’t dance.” His heart was racing now.

“Don’t worry, love,” I whispered back. “I can.” I put his arms around my neck and lifted him to slide my feet under his.

Edward! Not the Aubercy Made-to-Order shoes! They’ll scuff!Alice mentally scolded me.

I ignored her as I whirled Beau into the dance. I grinned down at him as he slowly began to smile, then laugh as we waltzed.

“I bet I look like a fool,” He said between laughter.

“Quite the opposite,” I murmured, pulling him closer to me.

Look at that! You made the kid dance.Emmett was thoroughly amused by the sight.

He’s radiating happiness, Jasper was thinking.

Alice caught Beau’s eye and smiled in encouragement—he smiled back. I was pleased to see that he seemed to be enjoying himself.

“Okay, this isn’t half bad.” He admitted.

Damn, this is gonna be so bad… Wow, Beau looks great. But I can’t believe Billy is making me do this.

I recognized the mind I was hearing over by the doors. Jacob Black. Son of Billy Black, who apparently had a message for Beau that he had forced his poor, hapless son to deliver with some sort of contrived bribe.

My eyes shot to the door as I glared at the boy who was reluctantly skulking into the gym. I was having a hard time controlling my anger. Billy Black should know this was crossing a line.

“What is it?” Beau asked, following the line of my gaze toward the doors. At first he seemed genuinely surprised to see the Black boy, then he looked sympathetically at the clearly uncomfortable expression he wore in his white button up shirt and black tie as crossed the floor toward us.

Man, this sucks. I feel so bad. I’ve been wanting to talk to Beau again but not like this...The boy was at least ashamed of his message. He locked eyes with Beau. Damn, Beau looks so hot…

A quiet snarl escaped my lips.

“Behave!” Beau hissed.

“He wants to chat with you.”I found I wasn’t able to control the scathing tone of my voice.

The boy had reached us then. His slouching posture and his embarrassed, apologetic posture were at least some comfort.

Alright, here goes. “Hey, Beau, I was hoping you would be here.” His voice conveyed the exact opposite, but his smile for Beau was overly friendly in my opinion.

“Hi, Jake.” Beau smiled back. I felt a twinge of jealousy. Beau seemed pleased to see the boy. “What’s up?”

“Can I cut in?” he asked tentatively, glancing at me for the first time. I noted that he was taller than the last time I’d seen him at Beau’s house. He was eye level with me now.

I managed to keep my expression composed, blank even—solely for Beau’s benefit. He considered this boy a friend, so I should be courteous. I didn’t trust my words to remain as kind, so instead of answering I simply released my hold on Beau and took a step back.

“Thanks,” Jacob said.

I nodded, looking at Beau before reluctantly turning to walk away.

I leaned against the back wall of the gym and crossed my arms. I was already angry with this boy for his message, but then he made me break my promise to not let go of Beau all evening! I watched them intently.

I had to take a deep breath to calm myself when Jacob put his hands on Beau’s waist and another when Beau put his hands on the boy’s shoulders and they began dancing.

It wasn’t really dancing, per se, it was more swaying in place.

“Wow, Jake, how tall are you now?” Beau asked.

“Six-two.” He said with an air of childish pride.

“So, how did you end up here tonight?” Beau asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

“Can you believe my dad paid me twenty bucks to crash your prom?” The boy admitted.

“Yes, I can,” Beau muttered. “Well, I hope you’re enjoying yourself, at least. Seen anything you like?” He teased, nodding toward a group of students lined up against the opposite wall.

“Yeah, Jacob sighed. “But he’s taken.” Oh, man… I can’t believe I said that out loud.

They locked eyes for a minute, then looked away in embarrassment.

This child was quickly supplanting Mike Newton as my least favorite of Beau’s human friends.

I’m just going to go for it… “You look really handsome, by the way,” the boy added shyly. “Your eyes are really beautiful.”

“Um, thanks.” Beau blushed. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.”

I missed the rest of what Beau said, I felt such a strong surge of jealousy I saw red for a brief moment. When I could focus again they were laughing in a friendly way.

“So, why did Billy pay you to come here?” Beau was asking softly.

The boy was uncomfortable now. He didn’t want to say it. I didn’t want him to say it, either.

Man, I hate this…“He said it was a ‘safe’ place to talk to you. I swear the old man is losing his mind.”

Jacob laughed, Beau joined in weakly.

“Anyway, he said that if I told you something he would get me that master cylinder I need,” the boy confessed with an embarrassed grin.

“Tell me, then. I want you to get your car finished so maybe you can come visit me once in a while.” Beau grinned back. I felt a new surge of jealousy course through my body. Beau’s eyes glanced over to me, but I kept my expression passive. Even then, I saw something in his eyes when he caught my gaze. I was obviously unable to hide my emotions from him like I used to be able to.

When Beau returned his eyes to the boy, Jacob turned his head away, ashamed. “Don’t get mad, okay?”

“I could never be mad at you, Jacob,” Beau assured him. “I won’t even be mad at Billy. Just say what you have to.”

“Well—” God, okay, here we go. “This is so stupid, I’m sorry, Beau—he wants you to break up with your boyfriend. He asked me to tell you ‘please.’” He shook his head in disgust which I suppose was a small comfort. I was still furious, though.

“He’s still superstitious, eh?”

I couldn’t believe Billy Black was so brazen as to openly interfere like this.

“Yeah. He was… kind of over the top when you got hurt down in Phoenix. He didn’t believe…” Jacob trailed off self-consciously.

“I fell.” Beau insisted.

“I know that,” Jacob said quickly.

“He thinks Edward had something to do with me getting hurt.” Beau wasn’t asking, he was stating. His voice was tinged with frustration.

Jacob wouldn’t look Beau in the eyes. They weren’t swaying to the music anymore, just standing in place in the middle of the dance floor. I couldn’t understand why the boy didn’t take his hands off Beau’s waist, or why Beau didn’t untwine his from around the boy’s neck.

“Look, Jacob, I know Billy won’t believe this, but just so you know Edward really did save my life. If it weren’t for Edward and his father, I’d be dead.”

Jacob returned his eyes to Beau as he was speaking, responding to the earnestness in his voice. “I know,” he claimed. The way he talks about that Cullen guy… Beau’s really serious about him. Damn.

“Hey, I’m sorry you had to come do this, Jake,” Beau apologized. “At any rate, you get your parts, right?”

“Yeah,” he muttered. Clearly withholding some key part of the message. I don’t want to say this, I really don’t want to say this.

“There’s more?” Beau deduced.

“Forget it,” he mumbled, “I’ll get a job and save the money myself.”

“Nope! Just spit it out! You’re getting that damn cylinder thing.”

“It’s so bad.” In the boy’s defense, from what I could read in his thoughts, it really was.

“I don’t care.” Beau insisted, “Tell me.”

“Okay… but, geez, this sounds bad.” Jacob shook his head. “He said to tell you, no, to warnyou, that—and this is his plural, not mine—” he lifted one hand from Beau’s waist and made little quotation marks in the air—“’We’ll be watching.’” He watched warily for Beau’s reaction.

Beau stared blankly at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Okay, duly noted,” he snickered, “now tell Billy to pay up.”

“I will,” Jacob managed half a smile.

“Sorry you had to do this, Jake,” Beau smiled with an easy familiarity.

“I don’t mind thatmuch.” Jacob grinned, “I got to see you.” His eyes raked appraisingly over Beau’s tuxedo and face. A litany of thoughts paraded through his mind, then he forced himself to focus. “So, should I tell Billy you said to butt the hell out?” he asked hopefully.

“No,” Beau sighed. “Tell him I said thanks. I know he means well.”

The song ended, but they stayed standing where they were. I took this as my cue to make my presence known again.

“And thank you, Jake,” Beau said, “I know you wouldn’t have agreed to come down unless you cared about me.”

Jacob’s hands stayed hesitantly at Beau’s waist. Man, Beau is so great. He’s just so nice to me, even though he doesn’t need to be. He’s really sweet…. I mean, he’s better than anyone I know… and he looks so damn hot tonight… He’s literally perfect. That Cullen guy is one lucky dog. He glanced down at his leg in the walking cast. “Do you want to dance again? Or I can help you get somewhere?”

I was already standing just behind Jacob. “That’s all right, Jacob. I’ll take it from here.”

The boy flinched and stared wide-eyed at me. Jeez, he’s so quiet…

“Hey, I didn’t see you there,” he mumbled. “I guess I’ll see you around, Beau.” He finally dropped his hands from Beau’s waist and stepped back, waving halfheartedly.

But Beau smiled and caught his hand, pulling him back into a quick hug, “I’ll see you later, Jake.”

It was simply a friendly gesture, I reminded myself. Beau was a kind person, he hugged most of his friends. I shouldn’t get jealous. I wouldn’tget jealous… I was losing the argument with myself because, despite my efforts, I was.

Jacob stepped back and glanced between Beau’s face and mine. “Sorry,” he said again before he turned for the door. His thoughts were almost entirely preoccupied with Beau, much to my chagrin.

I wound my arms back around Beau as the next song started. I ignored the songs quicker tempo and kept us at a slow, even pace. Beau leaned his head against my chest.

“Feeling better?” He teased.

“Not really,” I said, a little too tersely.

“Temper,” he warned, “Don’t be mad at Billy,” he sighed. “He just worries about me for Charlie’s sake. It’s nothing personal.”

“I’m not mad at Billy,” I corrected, my voice still clipped. “But his son is irritating me.”

Beau pulled back to look at me.

“Jacob? Why?”

“First of all, he made me break my promise.”

He stared at me in confusion.

I half-smiled. “I promised I wouldn’t let go of you tonight,” I explained.

“Oh. Well, I forgive you.”

“Thanks. But there’s something else.” I frowned.

Beau waited patiently.

“He called you handsome,” I finally admitted, my frown deepening. He stared at me, once again confused, I realized how childish and jealous I sounded, so I quickly added, “That’s practically an insult, the way you like right now, you’re much more than stunning.”

Beau laughed. “You might be a little biased.”

“I don’t think that’s it. Besides, I have excellent eyesight.”

I tried to distract him by moving us into the dance along with everyone else, but I was still tense.

“You’re jealous.” Beau stated with dawning realization.

His perceptiveness once again cut through my pretenses. “I told you before,” I said, feeling guilty, “I’m not used to feeling that way. You should have heard what he was thinking about you.”

“Oh?”

I sighed, regretting that I mentioned it. “He thought you looked absolutely wonderful, and that you’re the sweetest, kindest, most perfect person he knows.” I couldn’t disagree with Jacob Black’s assessment. I smiled a little then, “He thinks I’m incredibly lucky to have you.”

Beau smirked, “what do you think?”

I spun him around, holding him tightly, lowering my lips to his ear. “I think I’m the luckiest man in the whole world.”

Beau’s body shivered in my arms, but he wasn’t cold—it was a shiver of excitement.

“He was completely accurate with one compliment he gave you.” I kissed his neck gently. “Your eyes are beautiful.”

Beau blushed crimson as he pulled back to look at me, I smiled.

“So are you going to ever explain the reason for all this?” He inquired casually.

I was confused by the question, so he cast a meaningful glance at the decorations around us.

Ah. I considered how best to explain it to him. I didn’t want to take away from the evening in any way, but it certainly wasn’t a conversation to have in the middle of the school gym. I changed direction, spinning him through the crowd toward the back door of the gym. As we moved, he kept catching the eyes of his friends; Jessica Stanley, dancing with that wretched Mike Newton. She waved at Beau and he smiled back. We passed Angela Weber and I was pleased to see her dancing happily in the arms of Ben Cheney, eyes locked on one another. All his other friends in their various groups and couplings, living their simple and thoroughly human lives. Lives I wished Beau could have. Lives that didn’t involve treaties and vampires.

Once we were alone outside in the cool, dim light of the fading sunset I swung him up into my arms and carried him across the dark grounds till we reached the lone bench that sat under the shadow of the madrone trees. I sat there, keeping him against my chest. The moon was already up, visible through the gossamer clouds. I watched it, troubled by my thoughts.

“The point?” He prompted softly.

I couldn’t answer him yet, my eyes stayed on the cold moon.

“Twilight, again,” I murmured. “Another ending. No matter how perfect the day is, it always has to end.”

“Everything ends, eventually.” He said wistfully.

I sighed. Everything. Except my kind.

“I brought you to the prom,” I said slowly, gathering my thoughts, “because I don’t want you to miss anything. I don’t want my presence to take away anything from you, if I can help it. I want you to be human. I want your life to continue as it would have if I’d died from the influenza like I should have.”

Beau shuddered at my words, and then shook his head angrily. “In what strange parallel dimension would I everhave gone to prom of my own free will? Even if I didn’t have a broken leg, I would have been sitting in my bed with some ice cream and a book if you weren’t here.”

I tried to smile. “It wasn’t so bad, you said so yourself.”

“No, but it helped that I was with you.”

We were quiet for a moment; I stared at the moon and Beau stared at me.

“Will you tell me something?” I asked, glancing down at him with as much of a smile as I could manage.

“Don’t I always?”

“Just promise you’ll tell me,” I insisted, grinning.

He seemed hesitant, but he answered, “Fine.”

“You seemed honestly surprised when you figured out that I was taking you here,” I began.

“I was,” he interjected.

“Exactly,” I agreed. “But you must have had some other theory… I’m curious—what did you thinkI was dressing you up for?”

I already knew the answer, I prepared myself to hear him speak it out loud.

“I told you in the car,” he rolled his eyes, “I have no idea with you.” He ran his hand through my hair, “You tend to go for extremes though. Maybe we were going to a movie, or a fancy dinner date.”

I wasn’t expecting that. I was thrown by his answer. “You didn’t think…” I hesitated, not wanting to put the idea in his head if it wasn’t already there. “You didn’t think I was going to… to change you.” I practically had to spit the words out.

He stared at me for a moment, confused. “Is that normally a black-tie occasion?” He asked teasingly, touching the lapel of my jacket.

I didn’t understand his light-heartedness in the situation and scowled, he kissed my cheek in response. His kiss did help to ease my frustration, some.

“If I had been planning…” I trailed off, detesting the very idea, unable to speak the words again. “If that was what I was going to do, what would you have said?”

He thought about it for a moment, “I don’t know. I don’t think I could leave Charlie or my mom, or my friends. After everything that happened with James I realized how important they all are to me.” He paused, “But I would be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that a big part of me wants to say yes.”

I was afraid of that. I sighed deeply. “Are you really that willing?”

He seemed to see the pain in my eyes and was unwilling to answer. He bit his lip in lieu of a proper answer.

As enticingly distracting as that was, I couldn’t ignore the implications. He was willing. “So ready for this to be the end,” I murmured, more to myself than him, “for this to be the twilight of your life, though your life has barely started. You’re ready to give up everything.”

“It wouldn’t be the end, it would be a beginning,” he disagreed softly.

“I’m not worth it,” I said sadly. I made no qualms about my own unworthiness, only that he would be so willing to give up something so precious for me.

“Do you remember when you told me that I didn’t see myself very clearly?” He asked, raising his eyebrows. “You obviously have the same blindness.”

“I know what I am.” A monster, an abomination.

Beau sighed.

I didn’t want to argue with him. Not tonight. I wanted this night to be special. I wanted tonight to be perfect for him. I decided to shift the mood of the situation. I examined his face carefully for a long moment.

“Would you be ready now, then?” I asked.

“Um,” He gulped, his pulse quickened. “Yes?”

I smiled and inclined my head slowly until my lips brushed against his warm, soft skin just under the corner of his jaw.

“Right now?” I whispered, breathing gently on his neck. He shivered involuntarily as his heart thudded and his pulse quickened further.

“Yes,” he breathed the words out. A release of control and inhibitions. He wasn’t just answering my question, he was inviting me—asking me to continue, asking for more. Was he saying yes to me changing him right here and now? Or simply saying yes to my touch? I couldn’t be sure. I didn’t have Alice’s gift; I didn’t know what the future held. Beau seemed so sure of the course he was on and the decisions he was making. But I believed there was another way. The future wasn’t set in stone; the tiniest decision could change our course and send us in a whole different direction. I wouldn’t let Alice’s visions dictate that course in any way, I would make my own future—we would make our own future.

I felt that strange electric charge surge from his body and into mine as I brushed my lips against his neck. That burning heat I felt every time I touched him, that burning heat that I craved more and more each day, with each passing second. His head was tilted back, and his eyes were closed. His heart was pounding against his chest now. His heart beating was the most perfect and beautiful sound in the world—I would never grow tired of that sound.

I chuckled darkly and leaned away. Amused by his willing and inviting expression.

“You can’t really believe that I would give in so easily,” I teased him gently.

He smiled euphorically and shrugged.

“Do you want to become a monster so badly?” I asked with raised eyebrows.

“Not at all,” he frowned. “I just want you. Forever.”

His words melted away any sadness or frustration I might have felt before. They filled me with a strange warmth from the inside—it wasn’t a true warmth, of course, more of a feeling.

“Beau.” I traced the shape of his velvet lips with my fingers. “I will stay with you—isn’t that enough?”

He smiled under my fingertips. “Enough for now.”

I frowned at that, his tenacity and stubbornness could be… frustrating. I exhaled, the sound coming out in a growl.

He touched my face. “Look,” he said. “I love you more than anything in this world. That’s enough.”

“Yes, it is,” I answered, smiling. “Enough for forever.”

And I leaned down to press my lips once more to his warm throat.

[val0-17]

...supongo que por esto lo has dejado...

CAPITULO 1: Para Lena: Supongo que has notado este correo, al abrir tu bandeja de entrada, la cual no acostumbras a revisar. Porque eres muy joven, y los correos son algo muy antiguo, ¿no es así, Lena? Pues esta es otra carta, de esas que tanto me gusta escribir, porque puedo expresarme ampliamente, como siempre me ha gustado; y de esas que tanto odiabas, por que no te importa mucho el saber los detalles de las cosas, y de los sentimientos. O te importaba. No lo se. Hace tiempo no te veo, y no se cuanto hayas cambiado. Primero quiero que sepas que esto lo hago por mi. Porque necesito sanar el enorme daño que me has hecho Lena. Se que tal vez ni tan siquiera leas completamente esta carta, mas no me importa. Por que lo que importa soy yo Lena. Al fin lo he entendido. Y esta es la manera que he elegido, para ya no reprimir mis penas, y dejarlas en esta carta virtual. Dejar todas las razones que aún, después de tanto tiempo, me siguen recordando a ti. Y pues aqui están, las razones por las que supongo, me has dejado:

[val0-17]

...supongo que por esto lo has dejado... CAPITULO 2

Te imagino Lena. Aún después de casi un año que me has dejado, te imagino. Sentada en esa silla de madera del comedor, que reemplazó a la silla original de la computadora, porque la habías llevado para tu cuarto. Siempre pensando en tí primero Lena. Debí de haberme dado cuenta que eras así desde mucho antes... En fin. Te imagino en esa silla, con tus ropas de estar en casa. Esa ropa que te quedaba tan bien, porque mostraba lo que verdaderamente eras: una niña en un cuerpo de adolescente. Con esa cara de pereza, y esa postura descuidada. Así te recuerdo. Justo como te amaba. Pues si Lena. Yo te amaba con todo lo que mi ser podía sentir. Fuiste mi primer amor, y mi primera experiencia en ser correspondido. No sabes lo feliz que era Lena. El sentimiento que sentía en esos dias de nuestros primeros dias juntos, cuando tomaba tu mano, cuando te abrazaba en el sillon de tu casa o de la mía, y podía pegar mi rostro a tu pecho, para así poder escuchar tu corazón, y sentir lo tibio de tu piel. Ho Lena. No sabes lo feliz que era... no sabes lo que me cuesta olvidarte.

Voy a nombrar todos los recuerdos que tengo de ti Lena. Los escribiré para sacarlos de mi mente, aunque a la que quiero sacar es a tí. Por que esos recuerdos son lo que me hizo feliz en aquel entonces, y estoy agradecido por ellos. Pero no vale la pena recordarte Lena. No vales la pena.

Recuerdas aquel dia. Tu primer dia de clases, en el que tenías que asistir, más yo no, porque yo ya había terminado mi último año en el colegio. Un muchacho como yo, que sus días de lecciones en el colegio habían terminado, ¿Que estaba haciendo ahí?. Tú sabes lo que hacia Lena. Pues tenía un nuevo motivo (y muy grande) para seguir yendo siempre que podía. Porque eras mi razón de sonreír. Mi razón de levantarme temprano. Porque quería verte tanto. Y allí estuve: esperándote en la parada del autobús. Para tomarte de la mano y caminar contigo hasta el colegio. Era un dia soleado. No se si lo recuerdes. Mi corazón latía tan rápido que lo desconocía. En mi cara si no se notaba mi sonrisa, en mi mente, todo mi ser estaba rebozando de alegría. En ese momento no me cambiaba por nada ni nadie. Eramos solo tu y yo, tomados de la mano, caminando entre los árboles. Nerviosos, pero contentos. Como esas escenas de las películas románticas (o los doramas coreanos que tanto te gustan), donde los protagonistas salen aún sin ser nada, pero nosotros como espectadores, tenemos la certeza de que algo hermoso se está formando. Algo llamado amor. Algo que teníamos. Algo que perdiste. Y supongo que por esto fue que me dejaste...