#has this been done yet oooor?

[kazulmehto]

[ohifonlyx33]

fitz, simmons, writers, and the fitzsimmons fandom:

[cutekittenlady]

Been going through the Pladea Region map and trying to parse out how the first portion of the game might go

My guess is that in all likelihood pokemon scarlet and violet are going to play like typical straightforward pokemon games for the first portion of the game. That is to stay that, through use of geographical obstacles you can't yet get past, the game is going to push you into a forward direction towards the first big city in the game, Mesagoza, where all the seeds of three story beats are going to be set up.

So, like, basically the first portion of the game, much like other pokemon games, and lets admit it, the better class of open world games, is going to be full of tutorials. We are likely going to see the usual catching tutorials outside the professors home, get a run down of the pokedex, etc.

If the towers and light houses we've seen in the various promotional material are going to function as check points, ways to collect information, or even just map out the surrounding area then it would make sense to place one here early on and then prompt players to go check it out as a way of showing them one of the structure to look out for.

Later on, when players come across their first dilapitated towers maybe a prompt, potentially from their rotom phone, will give the player a hint that they can function the same as the earlier lighthouse.

I noted that while the town has two routes to the east and west respectively that the player will, presumably, be able to choose between, they both have one of the dilapated towers in the immediate area.

Stepping back though, there's also the first town you will likely run into on your journey. Which is just a cluster of a few houses with a pokecenter/stop.

A number of mechanics could end up being introduced here. Like, if fishing is going to be available in game, I wouldn't be surprised if that small pond next to the town will be one of the first areas you can talk to a fisherman and get a rod. Oooor not. There was an early pond along the road from the professors place to this town where you might've gotten a fishing tutorial. Although, getting here might be a deliberate choice as a way of gently encouraging the player to double back and check out the earlier pond, or even the beach behind the professors house for pokemon.

If there's a camp cooking mechanic it could also be introduced here, or at bare minimum it's where you get the key items to perform the cooking.

And if they bring in jobs or sidequests, this little town would be an excellent place to get your first one. Perhaps a resident wants you to catch a certain pokemon for them or if theres berries, plants, etc that can be collected in the wild (like in swsh and legends) perhaps some of the residents will ask you collect a small number of them for them. In exchange you get a few items to help you out when you inevitably have your introductory rival battle with nemona in roughly this area.

After that you go into the town where you get the proper set up for the main stories/setup for the game, go through some last minute tutorials, attend some form of student orientation, and then VOILA!

You're done with the tutorial and the game is suddenly your oyster!

I'm mostly addressing all this because a tutorial section for this game is, I think, a gurantee. If they really are changing and putting in a lot of new mechanics, at least a few tutorials are going to be inevitable. Both for people getting a pokemon game for the first time, or picking the series up after awhile, as well as for new fans who'll need to learn the new mechanics.

Tutorials themselves tend to get a bad rap in general, since a lot of tutorial sections in games fail to hit the proper balance between being hand holdy vs completely hands off. However, so many games have them because they're a safe way to introduce the mechanics of the game without it being too frustrating. I think most game designers would prefer for a first portion of a game to be slightly too frustrating vs it being incomprehensible.

That doesnt mean that earlier pokemon games had amazing tutorials that weren't absolutely irritating. They did. I'm just wanting to make sure no one boots up the game expecting to immediately do whatever they want.

[p-receh]

"Our battle is done and our resistance has come to a conclusion, but we'll be friends forever." - Tails, Sonic Forces

If the Core Four really are reincarnations of the Ancients, then that might've been much more literal than anyone could've anticipated…

Reminder, we still don't know exactly what ST's next plan is after this. Either individual spin-off game(starting one of the big 4) that leads to one mainline game

or creating a time skip for their next game since unreasonably Sonic Team erased all of the age lists on the Sonic Channel website. It can also be both ways.

Yet ...

The way Sonic Team left so many new lores with more questions than answers had me intrigued. These parallels ... between the big 4 with the islands and the titans. Sonic Team does seem has a reason for the sequel.

...

oooor I just went too far with this theory idk :/

[queen0fm0nsterz]

It seems the "legacy" that Six and Mono has do needs each other so they can bonded together just so they'll get the right mindset for them to grow into monstrous adults given Mono becomes the Thin Man after he's betrayed by Six and Six gradually becomes worst with her hunger to where she eats up the Lady after she gets hurt by Mono destroying her trust

Yes, and it saddens me to literally no end.

We get to witness how their friendship grows only to see it ripped apart. Both parties suffering the consequences of their actions.

For some reason this ask got me to think, so... Here's a bunch of mini theories I have about The Square (Thin Man, Lady, Mono and Six) that I wanted to share with you guys but never had the chance to. Be sad with me or else.

1) Pacific Thin Man.

The Thin Man wasn't actively trying to kill either Mono nor Six. He only wanted to separate them, which is why he chased Mono away. I think this is almost universally agreed on.

2) The Thin Man wasn't trying to get to Mono at all and only used him to leave. He wanted Six from the beginning.

I actually think the Thin Man was doing what he's always done, even back when he was still Mono: taking his friend back at all costs and keeping her by his side so that he could protect her. Would explain why he only starts running after Mono when he tries to free her from the TV.

I mean, he had plenty of other occasions to get a hold of Mono. My boy literally travels through the TVs a bunch of times before getting here, but the Thin Man only shows up when Mono is actively trying to take Six away.

All three times we see him in person are related to Six.

First time: he takes her.

Second time: Mono tries to take her back so he steps in to stop him.

Third and last time: The Thin Man is the only thing standing between Mono and the Signal Tower, in which Six is trapped.

This would also explain the Thin Man's official description. Let's give it a read:

"As the ever-present hum of The Transmission chokes the airwaves, The Thin Man continues his endless journey through this desolate place, haunting the shadows, searching for something. "

The something would of course be his old friend. Although, he may be mistaken without even realizing it, which brings me to my next theories ...

3) Mono is the only one stuck in a loop.

This is mostly based to the meaning behind his name, especially compared to Six's.

We all know that his name means single, one, only, alone. Many people made the connection with the word "monophobia", a.k.a the fear of being alone, and that's an incredibly valid and fitting connection, but I think it may have an addictional hidden meaning just below the surface.

Because, let's be honest. If they wanted to keep the number theme, why not name him "One" instead?

Mono is a... very unique child. He's the only one capable of controlling the transmission, which is why the Eye keeps him around: to use that power as it pleases. I wouldn't be surprised if it messed with the timeline so that Mono was reborn again and again and again.

The number 6 written on the door could symbolize the fact that this Mono we're seeing is the sixth one.

I tried to check for a 7 on Mono's door at the end of the game, but couldn't see anything.

OOOOR, it could be referring to the Ladies of the Maw, which leads me to...

4) Six and the current Lady are NOT the same person...

The main reasons why I believe this is something that everyone seems to forget.

Guys. THEIR COMFORT SONGS ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

"And what does that mean?" EVERYTHING MY GUY. LITERALLY EVERYTHING. In a series where characters don't speak, it's up to the visuals and music to tell us the story - which means their role is extremely important.

It seems strange to me that they would use two songs that are so drastically different in melody and pacing if the characters are supposed to be one and the same - especially considering just how personal the songs are to both. For example, when Mono becomes the Thin Man, the latter's theme is prominent in End of The Hall, but when Six eats the Lady it's her own theme song that prevails.

Fortunately, we get a clear listen to both music boxes in the games, so we can hopefully make a comparison.

Here's Six's music box and The Lady's.

5) ... But Six does grow up to become the next Lady.

This. Just, this entire thing.

You see, for the Maw to keep running, it needs a Lady to lure people in and turn children into Nomes. We can assume that it works in a similar fashion to the Signal Tower.

Which basically means that the two structures only function if there's an Host they can feed off from, otherwise they fall apart, just like the Tower did at the end of LN 2.

Let's put it this way: Six absorbing the Lady's powers is the same as Mono sitting on the chair. They sealed an invisible contract with the Eye from which they can't break free, destined to be it's slave until the next Mono and... a possible Seven take their place.

6) The Lady can't leave the Maw...

I already mentioned this in the previous one, but basically what I mean is: The Lady is the only Host of the Maw. If she leaves, the entire thing crashes down.

7) ... But she's been in the Pale City.

We've got proof of this because a lot of paintings and pictures on the Maw depict various sections of the Pale City and some of their citizens. Both the Hospital and the School get their time to shine in these, especially ones the Bullies (I think it's finally time for me to push my "Teacher & her students on the Maw" agenda) who can be seen around the Residence.

Admittedly, most of these paintings aren't placed in the Lady's quarters, so maybe they just belong to her employees who hang them around to decorate the place a bit like Roger did, BUUUT! There's a very particular set of paintings that can be found in her quarters.

Well well well, if it isn't our blob bestie 🙃

Based on what we know, the only location we find the Eye blob is the Signal Tower, so... I think it's pretty safe to assume that's where she saw it. Then again, when did she see it? Probably when she was a child, before the got on the Maw for the first time. Talking about the Maw...

8) How much time has Six been on the Maw?

This may be kind of an odd question, but I wanted to answer it because it has always bugged me. Me, the fool, trying to form a cohesive timeline in this extremely vague franchise... Sigh.

Anyway. First of all, let's give the Maw's official description a read:

" The Maw arrives every year. Always at the same time, but never in the same place, it creeps and crawls and buries its claws deep beneath the glistening water. And there it sits in vast silence. Waiting.

Soon after, they start to arrive. The guests. The monstrous, sweating, hungry guests. All seams bursting, bodies bulging, eyes dead with boredom. They shuffle up the gangway and into the mouth of The Maw. And then they are no more.

For none of those that enter have ever returned to tell the tale. At least, not yet... "

So the Maw comes up once a year, stays there for a while and then goes underwater once again. When the Ferryman takes an unwilling Six to the Maw by boat, implying that Maw has risen.

And the next time we see the outside world in in LN, when Six climbs her way up in that wonderful scene. We can see the guests coming in again, so we can assume it's been at least a year.

The thing about the comics that is really funny to me is that it implies that Six has been wandering around since when she first got on, meaning both Roger and the Chefs are already aware of her presence and are familiar with her. The thought of them being like "Oh no this kid again" when they meet her in the game is so funny I can't.

Also, Mono has been trapped in the tower for at least a year by now :)

9) Mono glitching?

I got to think about this while playing LN 2. You know when Mono starts absorbing the glitching remains? If you don't get too close that he "eats" them but manage to stay close enough, you'll see that Mono himself starts to glitch a bit.

Huh. Leaves room for thought.

Anyway, this is all I have for now.

MASTERPOST

[hobidreams]

Hi Rain! I just finished reading August 1867 for the 3rd time (I had to make sure I understand it by reading the words carefully but i'd probably read it again ahaha). Omgg ok so now I am absolutely looking forward for the remaining (although still bracing for the twists and tragic part, the feels!) chapters because I've gained a lot more hope now that we have this chapter!! It kind of felt like its all clearer in a way. Thank you again for this, wonderful writing!💟 The queen gives such comfort I missed her huhu and oh OC's mom was also mentioned 🥺💗

I have a theory once again hahaha. Sooo what I've been thinking so far is that, OC would have the possibility to "climb up" from her job position of uinyeo into a title much higher, maybe even higher than the male physicians? And that would be the "favor" she'd ask jeonha. Maybe this way, she'd also get to establish her own clinic and serve their people! But idk how would this work and if this is what it is 🤷‍♀️🥴 haha

Buuut then again, I'm also not sure what this would have to do or change something about their relationship, in how would they be able to be together! What would she do? Either its not really that obvious yet (is it??) or I'm just a bit slow/dummy 🥴 haha. I am a bit confident it had something to do with her role as physician just like the queen said. Idk, maybe she'd also speak up too to those who underestimate her but I'm not sure how.

Can I also ask (if i may haha): is the answer (meaning, the thing OC would do or say) is a vague action (like an idea) oooor is it a specific action?

Gah! I'm so excited for the next one but also don't want to say goodbye as it gets closer! 😩 This is such a good chapter. It definitely gave me hope (but for sure later there'd be heart breaks again wahaha but damn it I'm a sucker for a good angst haha) although I'm not yet sure what she'd do, I'm definitely braver (lol🙃) to face what would happen next. Won't close my eyes for this one 'cause I can feel its a big change we don't wanna miss!

Thank you again for another good drabble! I also hope you'd get to take break whenever you need and that your wrist would feel much better! Please I hope you won't feel too pressured in writing these. Take your time as well. I hope you'd get to relax a bit despite/after writing these and with work too! 💟💟

- 🧇

omg PLS 3 times!!! ur the best. i'm so glad everything felt clearer because i really thought it'd be evident after this chapter but a lot of ppl are still confused FALKJSDAF im so sorry for the hearts i have broken.

hmmmm! you mean she'll use her title to set up a clinic outside the palace? it actually wouldnt be historically possible because of the misogynist social conventions ;; she couldn't hold a title higher than the male physicians, i am sorry to say. but... think about whether or not oc cares about titles at all. what does she really want to do, when it all comes down to it? 💞

to answer your question... id say its kind of both? LOOOOL im sorry. theres really no way to describe it. it's like a shift that will result in concrete action. the preview i posted (if you've read that) has a better answer for u!!

im glad you enjoyed the update 🤧🌹 its hurting me to say goodbye to these babies too but i have them for a little while longer!!! i'm finally formally working on the last chapter now and it's taking a lot out of me 🤧 thank u for ur kind wishes--my wrist has been improving and is almost fully back to normal i think. it's been a rough week, lol. benching and deadlifting were hard while trying to not put too much pressure on it. i will take breaks for sure !!! i just wanna get this series done before the year ends 🤣

[trashyswitch]

Living as an Afton

Michael recalls memories of being the idiot adolescent in the family. He spends his adolescence slightly humiliating the Afton Family and being the butt of jokes, yet grows to enjoy some aspects of being in his family.

I'm gonna start straying away from Fnaf a little bit after this fanfic, and try to get some prompts and headcanons done for a few people. But, I hope you all enjoy this fanfic.

Michael had always felt like the bullied one in his family. He wasn’t presented as the favorite, and it wasn’t hard to see which child was the favored child. And yet...sometimes Michael wonders if maybe he’s teased the most by the family because of the family dynamic he was born into. Or maybe he's treated this way because of how he acts in public around them.

He remembers when they were shopping together at the mall, and William had met up with a staff member from the pizzeria. He remembered that he wanted to make himself presentable with a silly little joke that would contradict his father’s job completely: if he likes pizza or not. He was gonna walk up to the staff member and declare that he hates pizza. The truth was, Michael actually loved Pizza and thinking he knew his father, he thought he might go along with it. But Michael never got that joke out.

Why? Well…

“The child running around with Elizabeth, is Chris: my youngest.” William introduced. “And this is Michael-”

Michael walked in front of his father. “I CAN’T STAND- OH FU-” Michael shouted as he lost his balance. Before the boy could physically stop himself, Michael had fallen into a stringed pit of kids bouncy balls that was right beside them. Michael’s body flopped right through the strings, right into the balls and knocked almost every single ball right out of the pit!

Elizabeth and Chris had stopped running and both bursted out laughing at Michael and the multi-colored balls that now bounced all around the area! William’s wife was giggling as well, and walked over to help the adolescent back onto his feet. Meanwhile, William was rubbing his forehead in utter embarrassment while the staff member had wide eyes and suppressed his own laughter. Michael had basically made a fool of both himself and his father, right in front of a Fazbear’s staff member. Not only that, but Michael had also made himself known in the store as ‘the kid who fell in the bouncy pit’. When word spread that he was the eldest from the Afton family, Michael would later be referred to as ‘Clumsy Afton’.

There were moments though, when Michael would be teased in a more positive way by his father. His younger siblings had become REALLY good at making fun of him...And because he was the older one who got in trouble for making fun of them, Michael would just take the teasing.

William and the family were taking care of some garbage bags. They had been doing some gardening and leaf-discarding as well, meaning there were a few more garbage bags than usual. William, Clara, Michael and Elizabeth (With some of Michael's help) carried a bag each up to the front lawn. By the time William had gotten his bag up, there were 2 bags sitting there already, with William and Clara watching the kids.

Elizabeth placed her bag down beside Michael’s. “Hey look!” Elizabeth declared, before pushing Michael into the garbage bags. “It’s garbage!” Elizabeth told them.

“HEY!” Michael yelled, struggling to get back up thanks to the stretchy, slippery bags.

“Elizabeth! That’s rude.” Clara yelled at her, pulling her away from the bags. William couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at Elizabeth’s joke.

Michael glared at his father. “Wow. Real nice of you.” Michael spat at him.

William lifted an eyebrow. “Aww, did I hurt Michael Trashton’s feelings?” William teased.

Michael’s jaw dropped, but only for a moment. Feeling agitated, Michael huffed and crossed his arms. “Yes. and that just made it worse.” William added.

William chuckled and shook his head, while Michael lifted up his hand to his father. “Hey Dad. I won’t tell Mom that you called me Trashton, if you help me up.” Michael offered.

William raised his eyes a little and decided to agree. Michael has been known to be a bit of a snitcher when it came down to it. So, taking any bribery to keep his mouth shut, was an opportunity you should always take.

William brought his hand over and grabbed onto Michael’s hand. He was about to lift him up, but Michael suddenly pulled him first! William yelped and fell right into the black garbage bags. “Michael!!” William yelled, grabbing him and putting him into a headlock. Michael chuckled a little, reached back and just tickled his father’s sides in retaliation. “HEHEhehey! No, stop that!” William bursted out, letting him go immediately and covering his sides. William turned himself right around to face his father and continued to tickle him anywhere he was vulnerable. “If I’m Michael Trashton, then you must be an old Snickers bar!” Michael declared.

“WAIT- GAAHEHEHEHEHEHE! DOHOHON’T TIHIHICKLE MEHEHE!” William bursted out laughing.

“Well that’s not fair! Wrestling and fake fist fights are not allowed either! I gotta fight my father somehow!” Michael argued.

“TICKLE FIGHT ON DADDY!” Elizabeth declared, jumping into the trash bags to tickle her Dad.

“EEEEHEHEK! WAHAHAIT! NOHOHOT YOHOHOU TOOHOHOHOHO!” William shouted as his armpits were attacked by Elizabeth’s tiny fingers.

Clara just giggled at the silly scene in front of her, and it didn’t take long for Clara to get Chris in on it too. “Hey Chris...Go tickle his tummy.” Clara encouraged, lifting him up and flying him over to the garbage pile. “Look out! Another tickle monster on the loose!” Clara told them, before placing Chris onto William’s belly.

“WAHAHAIT! CLAHAHARA! WHYHYHYHY?!” William asked.

“Cause it’s funny!” Clara replied. “Plus, I didn’t want poor Chris getting kicked in the face if he went for your feet.” Clara added.

“Mom! Go for his feet!” Elizabeth told her, pausing her tickling for a moment.

William pushed Michael aside and pulled the adolescent into his lap. “Mwahahaha...I’ve got you now!” William teased, before tickling Michael back. “If I’m an old snickers bar, then you must be a Laffy Taffy package.” William added.

Michael squeaked and started pushing his father’s hands away as he tickled him. “WAHAIT- DAHAHAHAHAHAD!” Michael laughed.

“Yes?” William replied.

“NOHOHOT MYHY AHAHAHARMPIHIHIHITS!” Michael screamed at him.

William just smirked at that. “Okay. I’ll go somewhere else then.” William replied before stopping. Michael happily took the break, and recuperated his breath as much as he could, before he would be tickled again. Unfortunately, Michael only got a few slow seconds before his ankle was grabbed and his shoe was thrown off.

“William...Do you really have to get Michael back? It’s cold out here.” Clara asked.

“Yes. I do.” William replied.

“Can’t you tickle him inside?” Clara compromised.

William smirked and started tickling Michael’s socked foot. “Nope.” He replied proudly.

“EEEEEP!” Michael shrieked, tugging his foot. He threw his head back and BURSTEDwith laughter! “NAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHO! NOHOHOHOT MYHYHY FEHEHEHEHEET!” Michael begged.

“What’s this? Your feet are more ticklish than your armpits? What a strange conundrum.” William teased.

“YOHOHOHOHOU SUHUHUHUHUCK!” Michael shot at him.

“Like a leaf blower? Like a vaccuum? Oooor like a straw?” William teased.

“SHUHUHUHUT UHUHUHUP!” Michael yelled back.

“Naaaah...I’ll never shut up- EEEEP!” William’s smooth teasing quickly lost its spark as William felt skittering fingers on his feet. “HAHA- Clara, d-dearest, NO!” William warned suddenly.

William was staring down his mischievous wife, who was holding his ankles and prepared to tickle them. Clara’s smile just widened more as he metaphorically cornered William into a wall. “You must choose, Mr. Afton. Get your feet tickled or perish in our lovely home.” Clara warned, bringing her voice low like a villain.

“No! NO! CLARA! DON’T DO IT!” William begged with a wobbly smile on his face.

Clara’s smirk only grew bigger before she skittered her fingers all over William’s foot. William shrieked and shook his head as laughter spilled out of his mouth like a tap on full force. His kids were just watching with smiles on their faces, while Chris was laying on William’s shirt and bouncing from William’s laughter.

“WeEeEeEeEeEeEe!” Chris exclaimed. Michael and Elizabeth both bursted out laughing at the funny scene.

Even though Michael may have been bullied and teased a little more than the rest, the Afton family still had it’s fun moments. Even though Michael has proved himself to be a clumsy idiot with a record of creating havoc, Michael was still glad to know his father was capable of being embarrassed in front of his family members.

Even if it is something as innocent as tickling…

Later on, Michael got a chance to somewhat bond with his father. He was playing a song on the record player, while he was brushing his hair in front of the mirror, the middle of the living room. Michael still didn’t know why his father would do this, but...he did happen to know the song that he was singing while he brushed his hair.

“🎶Where it began...I can’t begin to knowin’...But then I know it’s growin’ stroooong…Was in the spring...And spring became the summer...Who’d have believed you’d cooome aloooong...🎶” William sang. “🎶Haaaaaaands...Touchin’ haaaaands...Reachin’ oooutt, touching me, touching yooooouuuu-🎶”

Michael decided to join him. “🎶Sweeeet Caroliiine-🎶” Michael sang.

“BWAH BWAH BWAAAH!” William shouted.

“🎶Good times Neveeer seemed sooo goooood…🎶” Michael sang.

“SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!” William shouted.

“🎶IIIII’ve been incliiiined…🎶 BWAH BWAH BWAH! 🎶To believe they never woooould, but...now...I...🎶” Michael and William both sang.

William pointed to Michael. “Alright, alright. 🎶Look at the niiight...And it don’t seem so lonely...We fill it uuup with ooonly twoooo…🎶” Michael sang, before pointing at William.

“Really?” William reacted.

“Yeah! Go!” Michael told him.

“Okay. 🎶And when III hurt...Hurting runs off my shoulders...How can I hurt when hooolding yoooouuu?🎶” William sang, walking up to his wife and holding her hand. “🎶Oooooonne...Touching ooooonnne...Reeaachin’ ooouut, touching meeee, touchin’ yoooooouuuu!🎶” William sang to his wife.

“Awww, Will…” Clara cooed.

“🎶Sweeet Clara-liiiine…🎶” William sang, adding her name within the name Caroline. Clara giggled at this.

“BWAH BWAH BWAAAH!” Michael shouted, completely ruining the gushy moment.

“Michael!” William shouted back.

Clara just bursted out laughing at Michael. “🎶Good times neveeer seemed sooo gooood…🎶” Clara sang.

“SO GOOD! SO GOOD! SO GOOD!” William and Michael both shouted at once.

Clara laughed yet again. “🎶III’ve been incliiiined…🎶 -BWAH BWAH BWAAAH!” Clara sang, before shouting the trumpet part as well.

“YEEEAAAAH!” William and Michael both cheered as Michael ran to them both. “🎶To believe they never would...oh...nooo, nooo…🎶” William and Michael both sang to Clara.

“Awww! My sweet boys!” Clara cooed, cupping one cheek on each of the boys.

“Mooom!” Michael whined, not liking the childish coos. Clara giggled and removed her hand.

“Staaawwwp...You’re making me blush.” William complained, pouting like a child.

Clara giggled and tickled his side in response. "Aww, poor baby." Clara cooed.

William yelped in surprise and threw his hands in front of him. “Noooooo, don’t you dare.” William warned.

Michael chuckled and tickled him too. “I dare.” Michael announced to him.

“NOhoho! Evil!” William reacted. William started pointing to the both of them. “Evil, evil, evil.” He whined.

“Oh? How evil?” Clara asked before squeezing his side.

“Very eVIHIHIL! STAPIT!” William laughed, waving his hands around.

But Michael just squeezed his other side. “Not as evil as me, I’m sure.” Michael teased.

Clara lifted an eyebrow and smirked. “Is that a compliment? Or a challenge?” Clara asked her son as she squeezed her husband’s side a few more times. William started wiggling away, and whimpering with titters in between.

“Both.” Michael replied proudly, squeezing his other side a few more times.

William finally wheezed and breathed in to let out his laughter. “STAHAHAhahap!” William giggled.

“Truce?” Michael offered her mother.

Clara looked at William’s flustered and giggled state. “Perhaps a partnership?”

“Oooooh!” Michael reacted, growing interested. “Okay.” Michael replied before he shook on it.

‘Wait, WHAT?!” William shouted.

“Get him!” Clara shouted to Michael.

Clara and Michael took some spare time to freaking destroy William with tickles. It was long after the song had ended, that William had finally gotten his break. Michael and Clara laid beside him, and it didn’t take long for William to wrap his arms around both of them and tickle them back. Michael and Clara’s laughter filled the room for a good while, before the house soon fell into white noise and panting.

So, Michael began to see his family a little differently. They were loving in their own way, and showed their vulnerable love once in a while. And so, Michael counted the happy memories he had made.

Perhaps one day, he’ll be able to say his family’s pretty alright.

[melon-wing]

Hello Neighbour! (Grian x Doc)

Grian’s boat fell from the rocket and he landed in the water of the ocean with a splash and a tiny, totally manly shriek. He looked around at the empty landscape. Ocean and Islands undisturbed of buildings. He had made it. Season 7! This was going to be amazing. He had never jumped worlds with the other’s and he was so excited to start again. But before he headed out to find his own place, there was something he needed to do first. He got out his communicator, which had thankfully survived the world jump and typed in his message.

Grian > Just landed safely. You already there? Got any coordinates?

It took no more than a minute before his communicator beeped, the numbers he needed flashing up on screen. He started rowing, eyes on his own coordinates. He really missed his Elytra. He could have been there in a few minutes, but it took him ages. He was about to consider taking a break, when he saw what he was looking for in the distance.

It was totally surreal seeing his mansion in the distance… Well to be precise two halves of his wooden mansion. He wasn’t sure how they had managed to make it jump worlds with them, but he sure as hell wouldn’t question it too much or he would be bored to death with technical lectures he’d never understand.

Grian slowed down and stepped ashore, walking up the hill until he stood in front of the houses. It didn’t even take a second for him to figure out which of those sides belonged to Doc. The neatly trimmed grass in contrast to the wild growth said everything.

“Doc?”, he called, stepping into the house… half of the house. It was really weird how there was no wall on one side, but whatever. He hadn’t seen Bdubs anywhere on the other side of the property. He walked to the other room and smiled softly. Doc was lying on a couch, eyes closed and breathing deeply. On his stomach was a small kitten, fast asleep as well.

Grian stepped forward quietly, just looking at Doc’s peaceful face. He looked so good like this. He didn’t want to wake him up, but he knew Doc would be pissed if he didn’t. He had expected him after all and most likely hadn’t meant to fall asleep.

Grian smiled a little, bending over Doc’s sleeping form, careful not to disturb the kitten and pressed his lips softly onto Doc’s.

He felt the other stirring under him, eyes blinking a few times, before he looked at him. A hand rose up and buried itself in Grian’s hair to pull him closer. Doc’s lips parted slightly and Grian took the opportunity to deepen the kiss.

This… This was perfect and he could have stayed like this forever if it hadn’t been for another sound, disturbing them.

“Awwww… Isn’t that the cutest thing to look at. Didn’t know you guys were that intimate.”

Blood rushed to Grian’s face and he jumped back from the couch, hearing an annoyed groan from Doc himself, who looked as disappointed as Grian felt, that their make-out session was cut short

“Bdubs?!” Grian looked at their fellow Hermit, who was sitting atop the fence, munching on some carrots and grinning at them.

“Man, I was just starting to enjoy the show. It’s kinda amazing to see that the old man has feelings, who would have guessed.”

Doc grumbled and stood up, glaring at Bdubs as if he was wishing a thunderstorm upon his new neighbour.

“You!”, he hissed, voice low and threatening. “Be glad, that I haven’t gotten a trident yet or you would have a new set of holes in your body right about now.”

Bdubs just laughed in amusement and jumped down the fence onto Doc’s side of the property.

“We are friends Doc, you wouldn’t hurt me, would you?”, Bdubs just replied unimpressed, walking up to them and looking past Doc at Grian. “And such a pretty, little thing you’ve caught yourself. We spend so little time together last season, Grian… my Bro. Had I known Doc was interested in you, I would have gone after our fearless Dragon leader earlier, just to annoy him a little.”

Grian blushed, too shocked at the forward attitude to formulate any answer. He didn’t have to reply any ways. A split second later Bdubs had Doc’s sword pointed at his chin. He looked at it in mild surprise, but then grinned again, looking at them curiously. “So tell me. When did you guys get so… close. Was it after Grian started a war against you… or after you stole his time machine? Oooor was it after he decided to kill you, so that his friend could win Demise… Honestly you two were fighting the whole season… Unless this is your thing. Violent hate-fu…”

“BDUBS!”, Grian cried out, finally stepping forward. “It’s not like this.” He cast a pointed look at Doc, who sighed in annoyance and put his sword away again. “Yeah, Yeah. No threats of violence over stupid stuff”, Doc grumbled, but still kept glaring at Bdubs.

“So~o care to explain?”

Doc just showed Bdubs his middle finger and turned away, walking back to his half of the house. “Just ignore him, Gri.”

“Gri? Oh how cute. You have pet names for each other? I want to know everything!”

“We have been dating since after the Area 77 chaos”, Grian began and heard a frustrated groan from Doc somewhere behind him. Well, how else was he supposed to get rid of Bdubs then telling him what he wanted to know? “And Demise was… Well we had agreed beforehand, that we wouldn’t hold back. And I had a deal with Iskall, so there you got it. We don’t hate each other. Any more questions?”

Grian instantly regretted the words that had just left his mouth. Bdubs eyes started to grow wide and sparkle in excitement.

He heard Doc from inside murmur a quiet “Oh shit… He has done it.”

“Oh! I love a good love story. You need to tell me everything! Who confessed first? How did you confess? Does Doc always call you Gri? What do you call him? Is Doc ever not grumpy with you? Aren’t you getting on Doc’s nerve with your cheerfulness? Why does no one on the server know? How does it feel to kiss a creeper? Isn’t his metal arm getting annoying when you cuddle? Isn’t it scary to have sex with a creeper? What if he explodes in a not so nice way? And who of you fearless leaders is the one leading in bed?” Grian blushed even harder than before at the intimate nature of some of the questions. Bdubs only winked at him before adding one more question to his long list. “Are you up for a threesome?”

There was an enraged roar from the house as Doc flung himself at Bdubs throwing them both into the damp grass.

Grian sighed in mild annoyance. Until Doc decided to get a wall added to his house this was going to be an awful neighbourhood. Next season… Next season he would make sure they both build far away from all of the other Hermits to have peace and quiet.

[felsdumpsterfire]

Would it be okay to ask how a relationship would go With your protag 5 x yasuyori or Prota 2 x leib? If that is okay please?

Of course it ok! Thank you for dropping an ask!

I'll be doing Leib for this one just because I don't know too much about Yasuyori other then his part of the Pupper fam, his lil' tattoo is on his butt (which is strangely muscular???) part of the War Mongers- Leib, I got a better understanding of since he's popped up a couple of times in the story/events. But! If you really want those Yasu headcanons, please feel free to shoot another ask!

(Also, on a personal note, my dude, my guy, my pal, I absolutely love your past! Protag stuff??? It's so fun to read, you got some 👀👀👀 top notch writing)

Now onto the Headcanons!

Protag 2 x Leib

Leib and Protag 2 are polar opposites, just throwing that out there, but they're good polar opposties

Leib calms Protag 2 down easy peasy while Protag 2 gets him to actually,,,, emote emotions a lot more then he would if she wasn't there (Tbh it freaked the every loving shit out of everyone, like, omg that's the loudest I've every heard Leib laugh WHAT THE FUCK-)

Another thing, that Leib is really good at is spotting when she's hurt

It's pretty obvious when Protag 2 gets into a fight, she goes in full force in everything she does, so she usually comes out with some bruises and maybe a busted lip if they land a good hit on her

No, what Leib sees is when she's really hurting, she's pretty good about brushing the pain off, but every once in a while, she'll wince or just give twitch that gives her away and Leib sighs as he gets up so he can fix her up. She can be a little stuborn about it- but he can usually convince her to sit still long enough for him to patch her up with the promise of cuddles afterward

Speaking of cuddles- hoooooooooly shit, dude, he has some of the best cuddles; he's so warm and, sure, his fur can be a little coarse, especially if he's been working for a couple of days, but it's usually super soft and fluffy and Protag 2 can just, ah- she can just sink into his side and stay there forever. She loves his cuddles soooooo much

And sometimes when she stays over with them and he's working, he really will let her glue herself to his side, just get comfy and work and papers with one hand and absent-mindedly play with her hair with the other (highkey headcanon him as ambidextrous). He usually doesn't get much work done like this, but it's worth it since he gets to gaze down at her and bask in her warmth

Protag 2 is really good at getting him to take a break. Like, super good.

She just has to hit him with some good ol' puppy eyes and this dude is done

Protag 2 and Leib will feed each other and Cu Sith thinks it's the cutest think

He is their biggest shipper

Leib is honestly really worried about her because he knows something, but it's just a hunch so far, but he's really hopeing it stays a hunch-

Protag 2 loves giving Leib smooches, especially on his nose. She'll just straddle him and start smooching everywhere she can reach, this sometimes leads to some sexy times because Leib is a touchy partner and a big love language of his is physical touch so 👀👀

Protag 2 likes to drag Leib on little dates out on the town, she knows he's a bit of a recluse, especially considering his job- but going to a small café shouldn't be so bad right?she purposely looks for places with little to no crowds because she knows how much he hates them

He actually really enjoys these dates and going out as long as Protag 2 is there and they get to hold hands

UM, UM, SO I CAN'T PASS THIS UP??? I'M DOING SOME SPICEY STUFF, SO WATCH YOURSELF, (also, trigger warning??? I guess??? I'm gonna mark it as a trigger anyway- TW: mentions of menstrual Cycle)

I genuinely headcano Leib as being a kinky motherfucker

Change my mind

See you can't

Anyway, Leib has a lot of kinks

He really likes: bondage, sensory deprivation, feather play, biting, wax play, dom and sub play, choking, super onto period sex, it makes him go feral, light spanking, ice play, cock warming, and thigh riding

This man is a jack of all trades, ok? His fingers? phenomenal. His mouth? Mind blowing. That dick? EXTRA T H I C K.

He'll leave Protag 2 walking funny for a few days at least

The first time they got sexual was actually when Protag 2 was on her period and Leib was like "it helps relive cramps"

"That's sweet, but are you sure-?"

"IT HELPS RELIEVES CRAMPS."

She was embarrassed at first, like super embarrassed, but then Leib just,,,, made her mind go blank and that was that, now they have it every time she starts getting some intense cramps

Leib and Protag 2's favorite position is defiantly the Cowgirl, she gets to look at his face and Leib gets to look at, well, everything, and she can set the pace and it's the easiest way to fuck on a rolly chair

Speaking of rolly chairs- they have a lot of sex in his office

Remember when I said that Leib's touching can lead to some shit? Well, there it is

He usually has her on her back against the desk as he eats her out or she's on her knees sucking him off, oooor, she's on his lap riding/grinding on him

He has this tendency to leave bruises, he doesn't mean to, he just gets so wrapped up in the oleasure that he can't control himself

Leib and Protag 2 are both pretty quiet; they both get louder the closer they get to climaxing, and even the gor Leib it's some deep grunts and growl while Protag 2 starts whinning and whispering curses

Leib usuay manages to shove him tongue down her throat before she starts that tho

They have yet to get caught. But Leib knows it's gonna happen one of these days and he's not ready for it, nor is he looking forward to it

Very much king of aftercare

[n0chanxes]

What “Matching Effort; Not Length” Means in Collaborative Writing [to me]

[small edit- this post looks like garbage on dash apparently but the organizational formatting is visible on my page ;;;;; hellsite why- Click to my page for an actually legible post lol T^T ]

Hey yall, its 7 30 in the morning and I can’t sleep even though I work tonight so Imma ramble for like half an hour to see if that makes me tired sfkjsdfhdj

I’ve been doing this for a long time. Like-- half my life, 13 years [I’m 26], ‘long’ and over the years I’ve gotten relatively comfortable figuring out what things go into a thread being successful [i/e fun and easy to keep going] and not fun. This is all obviously my opinion as both a solo story writer, avid reader [i have more favourite books than I do friend irl] and rp’er. And though this obviously isn’t some snooty checklist or anything, I’ve found that people who use some or one or even all of these things in their replies are the rp partners I still adore making stories with years down the road

Replying with the world and not just the character

This can be done pretty easily in ‘script’ replies as well as ‘lit’/wordy replies, but I never approach a reply like what my character is saying or doing is happening in a vacuum, because that’s not organically how life works. 

Are the characters in a busy café? Is there a long line? Is some asshole trying to cut which makes my character have to ask them to stop pushing around? 

How about walking down the street? It the traffic horrible that day, making them have to speak louder/move closer to your muse? Did they almost fall into a puddle or run into somebody? 

Oooor what about a night club? Is the music loud? Is the music shitty? Is it a little too crowded now even though it wasn’t like ten minutes ago, meaning our muses may want to move elsewhere

All this to say; think about your muses and people interacting in a space, not just two people talking/walking in a void.

Be comfortable with NPCs

There are a lot of humans on the planet! Like... a whole lot! Use them to buff up the story world you’re creating to make it more fun! This is also how I sometimes end up making a few of my favourite characters; they start out as NPCs to make my world more robust, and eventually I think up whole back stories for them [A good Example is Lux!]

Is that cafe owner making eyes at the other muse? Does that make your muse huffy and jealous? Or maybe that one dude who is still trying to cut in line gets a little too pushy and them and your muse have a little scuffle?

Is that a cute cat/dog? Sorry, gotta stop this very tense/flirty talk with your muse cus i have to pet this dog/cat.

Not only can these just be fun to picture, but a lotttt of character development can come from aspects of a world that aren’tt just because of muse A and muse b talking/thinking about each other, and can really buff up the foundation of whatever relationship muse and and muse b are developing whether its plotted or unplotted.

Be careful not to godmod- This isn’t nearly as much of an issue in this decade of rping as it was when I first started [it was bad lol] But just make sure these characters are feasible within a world. Don’t go and have muse a get randomly stabbed just because replies are hard to come by and you want to make muse b suddenly have to care about muse a. plot this shit out with your rp partner if you have even the smallest idea that some npc/event you have in mind might take away control/their right to control an event.

Reply to build off each other’s replies/characters; Not just to Reply. Give your partner’s character something to reply about.

I think , above most else, this can be the best or most frustrating part of an rp, and where I find I can lose interest in a thread or interaction. This is the most important thing I try to do, regardless of reply length or plot. This is what matched effort and not length means to me.

The most interesting aspect about rping to beings is being able to interact with them in real time, seeing this that its ever changing, real-time, and dynamic. If my character is stuttering a reply, eyes glancing every which way, sweating, but says everything is fine, getting a reply that doesn’t address any or the subtext or look to either amplify or fix a situation can be incredibly tiring.

Read a characters background/look for details in writing- Has ther other writer mentioned ther character has an interesting eye colour? Did the characters eye colour just change? Treat every reply as a chance to really build on something.

Did the character just say or do something that would logically result in some kind of shock/anger/attraction? Its okay to have your character shocked about things. Let them being an organic character/being.

Put equal effort in having interesting dialogue.-I can’t count the number of times on other blogs long ago [and long since dead] where I would give a few things in a script rp tp be interesting or cool to think on and reply about, things that were indicative to my character, only for literally all of it to be ignored in the next reply.

There aren’t many places for a story to go when two characters are just talking and walking together and nothing happens. 

Stagnation is the antithesis of progress, very literally.

And if you see or  a thread starting to become harder and harder to reply to, don’t be afraid to read through the thread and see if you notice a ‘drop’ or a place where you, your character, the world can add something which would be fun to reply to/react to/ imagine. 

And for god’s sake, read a characters about/have some information about your character at hand.

I am.....long winded [shocker, I know] and I know words can be hard. But at my core, I want to rp with you [yes you] because I like how you words and I like how you write characters. It is incredibly hard for me to know if a story would be fun or interesting if there is nothing about a character other than their fc.

Have crucial information in about sections, make sure you know about the other characters crucial information, this can be some of the things that help a thread start off a lot easier. These can be bullet points! Cool hair colour? Eye colour? Long fangs when angy? long fangs and red eyes when BigAngy?? Ears? Tails???? Anything thatt a character would notice upin first glance needs to be made clear to your rp partner so they and their character can operate more naturally in whatever world you’re creating together.

If you don’t have official abouts, that is fine, just make sure you have any information about the character ready for sharing! I use the sticky notes desktop app for characters I haven’t officially added yet and its a super helpful, low maintenance way to keep details about a possible/selective character on hand.

Talk shit out. Embrace a shifting story, figure out plot points that would be cool to see and write about. Have fun. Create worlds, universes, new characters! As long as both/all parties are on the same page, there is literally no end to what you can create together.

All of this applies to lit/novella/and script rps! I’ve had some very, very cool, in depth script rps in my time/on discord/aim so length is not a factor to fun, deep rps, its all in the mutual effort placed in the characters and their world.

[emily-strange]

Sparks Fly

Thank you for all the feedback on chapter 2! I hope you like this one.

Still a lot of talking but the action is coming in the next chapter haha I promise!

Chapter 3

Pairing: Billy Butcher x OFC

Warnings: Swearing, Mention of Violence, *very* mild mention of child abuse (very very small), Mention of Drugs and Weapons.

…………………………………………………..

Emmy lies on the ratty old sofa and dozes.

After Butcher left, she went exploring and found a shower with some clean (she hoped) towels. The water was freezing but it meant she was able to get the dirt and grime off of her. She grabbed a tank top from her bag but after looking at her hoodie decided that she didn’t fancy putting the gross thing back on.

In one of the dingy bedrooms she found a short-sleeved shirt with a ridiculous pink pattern on it. She gave it a sniff and after determining it was cleaner than her hoodie, she put it on. It swamped her smaller frame but it kept the chill off. After finding an in-date energy bar, she collapsed back onto the sofa and eventually dozed off.

This is where she is when (who knows how many hours later) the door of the safe house bashes open.

“It’s done MM!” Butcher shouts as he comes stomping into the livingroom. MM follows carrying a woman over his shoulder as he grumbles. Emmy bolts upright and is ignored by both men when they storm into one of the bedrooms.

As she sits, calming her breath from the intense wake up, a third man comes hurrying into the room. He secures the door and mutters to himself in French. When he spots Emmy sitting wide-eyed on the sofa, he straightens himself out and rushes to sit next to her, extending his hand.

“Bonjour.” he says delicately and takes her hand, giving it the briefest of kisses, “You are, the…”

Emmy smiles and takes back her hand. Something about this man puts her at ease, his demeanour is calm despite his rapid breathing and dishevelled appearance.

“Um, Emmy.” She answers and he smiles widely.

“Un beau nom!” he says and Emmy shakes her head laughing a little, “Ah, uh, beautiful. Beautiful name. I’m…”

“….FRENCHIE!” Butcher shouts, interrupting the quiet, “Get tha fuck in there ‘nd help MM restrain ya girlfriend.” He watches Emmy smile genuinely at Frenchie and after the night they’ve had it pisses him off. A lot. Frenchie’s caused too much trouble!

Frenchie smiles warmly at Emmy and glares at Butcher before going to the bedroom where MM is. As the door closes, Emmy catches sight of the woman they’d carried in.

“What happened?” she asks quietly.

Butcher takes off his coat and tosses in onto the sofa next to Emmy. He runs a hand down his face and ignores the question. Before she can ask again, MM and Frenchie come out of the bedroom. MM making a beeline for the fridge.

The tension is thick as Frenchie moves to another corner of the room, his hands in his pockets. He looks down at the ground while MM downs a bottle of beer. Butcher heaves a big sigh and puts his hands on his hips, looking like a teacher about to scold his students.

“We have a fuckin’ long day t’morow alrigh’? Last thing I need is you at each ovas throats. We lost tha female ‘nd now we have tha female. So end of.”

Emmy points to herself and queries, “Who, me?”

“No not fuckin’ you.” Butcher growls and Emmy sarcastically throws her hands up in fake surrender. He then turns to MM.

“Go home. Get some rest.” he then turns to Frenchie, “You, make she’s definitely secure before hittin’ the hay.” Both men nod before moving to leave. Suddenly Butcher shouts, getting everyone’s attention again, “OH! And no more fuckin’ strays alrigh’! I didn’t think I’d actually haveta say it but…..fuck. Come on.”

MM scoffs and leaves with a shake of his head.

Even though Frenchie looks like he wants to have his say, he doesn’t. He does however look between Emmy and Butcher before shrinking into the bedroom housing the female.

Butcher checks his phone and collapses into a ratty chair that matches the sofa. He tiredly hangs his head back and closes his eyes.

For a moment Emmy just sits and waits….but that grows old very quickly.

“Okay, look, I don’t know what’s happening here oooor who that girl is but…..enough. I’m not a fucking stray and I definitely won’t be ‘restrained’ so…either let me leave or kill me.” She says sternly. Anger and annoyance bubbling up inside her.

Butcher doesn’t move. And for about 30 seconds Emmy wonders whether he’s actually asleep. Then he opens his eyes and looks at her.

“Wanna beer?” he says airily. Catching Emmy off guard.

“Um, no I’m good.” She says, “What game’re you playing?”

Butcher pushes himself up from the chair and grabs a beer from the fridge, taking a long swig.

“Oh luv, this ain’t a game. That girl in there is doped up to her fuckin’ eyeballs in summit called ‘Compound V’. Know anythin’ about that?” he asks, watching her face carefully.

“What? No. Why would I?” Emmy replies getting up from the sofa.

Butcher takes a second to look her over. She’s cleaner than when he left, she obviously found the shower. And she’s changed. He smirks a bit to himself when he sees how big his shirt is on her.

“You said ya family pushed drugs. They’re also on Vought’s payroll.” He states, keeping his mind on track.

“Yeah they do. Did.” Emmy says, quickly catching herself, “But like, Coke you know. Sometimes Meth if the money was right. Never heard of…whatever V.”

Butcher eyes Emmy and takes another swig of his beer. She can see that her answer has satisfied that part of his questioning. She groans, “Look. I’m losing it here okay? You gotta tell me what you want man.”

“That’s my shirt.” Butcher says quickly gesturing to Emmy.

“Oh..” she stutters, looking down at the shirt, “Did you…is that okay?”

Without answering, Butcher pulls out the piece of paper he took from Emmy earlier, putting it down on the table in the kitchen area.

“I sent a copy to a cop mate of mine. She’s gonna look inta it.” He grabs three more beers from the fridge and hands one to Emmy before collapsing into the chair again. Emmy stands for a moment with the beer, unsure what to do next. Butcher sees her hesitation and can’t help but chuckle.

“Look luv. I’m bloody knackered. No ones dyin’ t’night....well….unless that thing in there gets loose.” He says gesturing to the room with Frenchie and the Female.

“Fine.” Emmy says with a sigh and drinks some beer. She starts to sit down but stops herself, “You know what?! Not fine. No. Why are you keeping me here?! I don’t know anything. But I DO know what you’re doing. Keeping me off guard, on my toes, hoping I’ll slip…..well there’s nothing to slip!”

Butcher smirks, he’s always liked a feisty woman.

“I get that you hate people with….powers or whatever but like I said, I didn’t know I had any until recently.”

“Right, so what ya sayin’ is, you’ve not hurt no one wiv it yet?” Butcher asks knowing the answer.

Emmy stutters for a second, then drains more than half of her beer before sitting to perch on the edge of the sofa cushion. She squares her shoulders and looks at Butcher.

Butcher smiles and even though he’d never admit it, he’s impressed with how together she seems. Frazzled, sure, but she’s a far cry from the girl in the alley.

Emmy basically growls and shoots daggers at Butcher saying, “My names Emmy by the way. Not ‘luv’ and definitely not ‘sparky’.”

“I know.” Butcher answers quickly with zero emotion on his bearded face. Emmy can’t help the roll of her eyes and that only makes him want to annoy her more. He knows he can be such a child sometimes.

“Look. The family…..they were bad people. Are bad people…..” Emmy starts and mumbles the next part, “…I didn’t get them all” She drinks the rest of her beer and Butcher gestures with his bottle asking if she wants another. Which she does.

With another beer in her hand, Emmy turns and sits cross-legged on the sofa. She looks at Butcher and agrees mentally with his earlier statement. He looks exhausted. She knows she should be scared but from a young age Emmy’s always had this feeling that she’s been through worse. She’s survived worse. “Look, what do you wanna know?”

Butcher narrows his eyes at her and hums audibly, “Tell me about this family….mafia shit.”

“Um, okay so like I said. I grew up with them and you don’t just get to walk away when you’re 18….by then you know too much. About the weapons, the drugs, all that stuff. Every couple of years they’d take in another kid and sometimes they stuck and sometimes...they…didn’t.” Emmy pauses to have some of her new drink and grows uncomfortable under Butcher’s penetrating gaze. He takes note of her tense grip on the bottle and the darting of her eyes. She won’t focus on anything for too long. It seems that she may not be afraid of him and The Boys, but she’s scared of something.

“What happened when they didn’t stick?” Butcher asks when he senses her getting agitated. Better to have her focus and get it over with.

Emmy swallows, “Well. Sometimes a van would pick them up randomly one day. Or…they just disappeared. I’m pretty sure they’re dead. I have zero proof of that but it was always a bit of a threat you know? If you acted up. If you didn’t want to work.”

Butcher nods and the grip on his own beer intensifies. He grew up in a house run on fear. Imagining all those kids dealing with the same thing, without anyone to stand up for them. It makes him see red. Before he can dwell on it too much, Emmy continues.

“I wasn’t great with the books. Maths isn’t really my thing...” She laughs humourlessly, “…but when they showed me how to make the drugs and put together the guns, I just put my head down and did it. I planned to run a few times but always chickened out.”

“You were’a kid.” Butcher says resolutely.

“Yeah” Emmy nods, “But I’m not anymore…was still afraid.”

For a few seconds the two of them just watch each other in silence.

Butcher recognises the same self-hatred he sees whenever he looks in the mirror and Emmy, for once, feels no judgement directed towards her.

“I was weak. I didn’t help anyone but myself…About 10 years ago kids stopped getting dropped off. That was a fucking awful time. They were pissed. That’s about the same time Vought stopped the payments. From what I could tell from the paperwork anyways. I didn’t have that much time to peruse.”

Emmy hadn’t noticed but while she was talking, Butcher had swapped out her now empty beer for another one.

“I think that’s why they started shipping…people” Emmy grimace’s, “more money I guess? Anyway. When I found out I broke into the head office and just…..”

“Snooped?” Butcher finishes and gives Emmy a smirk that makes her stomach flutter. Maybe it’s the beer…

“Yeah, snooped. I found the Vought accounts. I was transferring the PDFs onto a drive but was…interrupted…”

Butcher gestures with his bottle to Emmy’s face, “That how you got the bruises? The ones I didn’t give ya.”

“Yeah. Boss and two of his sons. He has a few. While his sons were…giving the bruises, the boss just sat back and lit up a cigarette. I hate him…so fucking much.” Emmy stares off past Butcher and he smiles to himself. The type of rage she has is something he hoped Hughie would show signs of by now. He knows she said she can’t start fires but if asked, he’d of put money on her eyes shining red with flames.

“He always did that you know. Lit one up while someone else did the dirty work. No matter what it fucking was…those fucking white sticks poking out of his fat, ugly face. Then all of a sudden, that fat face was on fire. And before I knew it, everything was on fire.” Emmy laughs, “But I was just stood there…in the fire and not burning. It didn’t hurt at all. Before everything went completely to shit, I managed to print off one of the account files and ran….and then some asshole kicked me in the face!”

Emmy finishes her story by raising her bottle to Butcher in a ‘cheers’.

She laughs again before drinking but Butcher doesn’t join in. He looks at the fresh bruises blooming over her cheeks and jaw and internally flinches. Emmy notices his grim expression but before she can say anything, it disappears.

“Look, we’re bad guys. But we’re not that.” Butcher says leaning forward, putting his elbows on his knees, “Whatta you willin’ to do to get answers?”

Emmy drains her beer and rubs at her tired eyes. Damn she feels tipsy.

“Umm, I dunno. Burn people alive apparently.” She answers, louder than anticipated and giggles. Butcher shakes his head and finishes his own bottle. Putting it on the ground by his feet.

“The girl in there was kept in a cage and pumped with some kinda supe speed…my job is to find out why…” Butcher begins but is cut off by Emmy’s hand throwing itself into the air.

“I’ll help!!!!” she says enthusiastically.

“Alrigh’ then.” Butcher nods and gets up, “Get some rest. N stay outta that room. Fucker killed many people t’day. Probably best you don’t run inta her until Frenchie can calm her the fuck down again.”

Butcher scoffs when Emmy salutes him. For a supe, she sure can’t handle her drink.

He watches her lie down and snuggle into the uncomfortable sofa like it’s a 5* mattress. He grabs his coat and throws it over her before making his way to the other bedroom. He stops when Emmy quietly calls his name. He turns and can just about see that her eyes are closed and that she’s pulled his coat up around her.

“…..I’m not sorry. About them. I’m not sorry.” She whispers.

Butcher turns the lights off and makes his way to bed without answering.

But he does smile.

[douxie-casperan]

some fake fic meme options: cat with the canary / throwing horns / r.b.f. (resting brunch face) [;)]

[Wow there’s like multiple Zouxie here whoops. I hope that’s okay! I’m literally running where my brain will take me and apparently being in pain and a headache means I want fluff. Though I DID write two angsty for other prompts so it could equally be trying to balance that out lol]

Cat with the canary

Archie stares at the box placed in front of him suspiciously unsure if to even give it a nudge with his paw lest it do... something. The temptation to bat them off the counter in a fragrant act of cat-like behaviour is remarkably strong given the literal crowd watching his every move.

"And what is it you have decided to grace this household with this time?" The cat asks not daring to take his eyes lift from the strange yellow things with beady eyes. The wizard merely rolls his eyes paying more attention to unpacking that the dilemma unfolding in front of him.

"Zoe gave 'em to me when I stopped over after getting food, figured you'd enjoy a treat and they're kinda cute to be honest," he answers stuffing more ramen than should be legally allowed into a cupboard far out of reach of a humble feline who would otherwise try and hide them on the insistence of a healthier diet.

"Apparently they come in lots of different colours? Got herself some in pink, naturally. Hopefully there's some goth abominations lurking out there somewhere too."

"What you humans find cute has always been questionable at best." The familiar levels him with a look for the ensuing laugher and fur bristles even more indignant for it.

"Bird chicks I suppose you could call them that, these however I must vehemently disagree."

"Listen if you don't want them I'll eat them all myself they don't have as much good marshmallow stuff over here. I miss flumps they were killer."

Letting out a snort of disgust and knowing well that is not an idle threat he sits on his haunches to pluck one of these mysterious peeps from their nest. Mentally he dithers for a second or two more trying not to squish the horrid thing between his pads and then ceremoniously bites the head off.

Mmm, not too bad actually

~

Throwing horns

Of all the things that had happened to him in literal centuries, having various Halloween related stuff ceremoniously dumped on his head was surprisingly not on the list until this very moment. Literally spitting feathers (?!) Douxie starts shoving the lot of them off onto his lap to find they also included, funnily enough, a set of blue glittery devil horns. Hmn, he holds them up with a quirked brow, really?

"Come on, this is like the one time of year we can dress up and be stupid and you're not on shift or finding an excuse to cover somebody else!" Zoe says with one hand on hip and the other pointing to his face with nails freshly decorated in deep purples to match her lipstick.

"You've skipped out on me three years in a row mister, you're all out of excuses this time and I want you ready for tomorrow night when I'm dragging your ass out to give this town a show they won't forget."

"That's sure a fancy way of saying drinking," he teases taking the chance for a proper shufty through the fabrics. Oh that one has a bitta potential...

"Plus this is the States remember? They think I'm underage."

"Pfft like you've never faked an ID before or the fact people think you're in college all the time Mr. I've got legs for days so I get asked about taking up modelling."

"Hey that was the 90s love, different time. Hasn't happened again in ages."

"Doux, it literally happened last month when we were in Starbucks, you were too caffeine deprived to figure out what words meant and I got stuck vouching for you appreciating the offer but too busy to think about it right now," she answers back scooping up what suspiciously looks like a Lord of the Rings wizard robe run through tie dye and holding it up like a suggestion and a grin.

"Touché," he answers shaking his head as he is absolutely not wearing that thanks. He won't own up to not remembering if that really did happen or not, if they ever go to a chain it's usually because he's too tired to function beyond ordering a drink and about ready to pass out at the first opportunity.

"Well if you're so insistent I be a lovely witch's consort fer a night, how about the lady herself decides, yeah? Within reason because it's not fair you get all the glamour and I don't fancy going it looking like I fought a bin bag and lost."

She fails to hide the faint blush fast enough from the sly grin on his face but it doesn't stop her snatching the headband from his side and twirling it as a distraction letting the shimmering catch the light just so and taking his attention off her before he can try and say something back. Satisfied, Zoe carefully places them on his head while mussing his hair a little to make sure they sit properly before standing back to admire her handiwork. Perfect.

"Hmm, alright... How about to make it fair I run everything with you first and I help with your makeup if you wear these horns? They're kinda cute and they do match your hair~"

He can't see them himself despite trying his best to which is no doubt deliberate but for a smile like that coming his way he'll happily go with whatever she asks. It's sappy and he could not care less what any other soul out there thought about it. So he simply throws a trademark salute instead.

"Deal."

~

R.B.F. (Resting Brunch Face)

"Rough day?"

She looks up to find Douxie hovering above her, tea in one hand and an éclair in the other with his brow furrowed in concern, hadn't even heard him coming let alone asked for anything yet somehow he managed to know anyway. He keeps joking about once a waiter but it's a little weird seeing it actually happening before her eyes.

"What are you even talking about?" she answers back snapping more than she intends while forcing herself to sit back in the chair instead of burying her head in her arms to give him the space for the plates to be set down with a gentle clink.

"Frankly I'm peachy."

To his credit the wizard simply rolls his eyes patting down the branded apron he's currently wearing looking more the part than usual when he works in Benoit's. Must be an inspection or something...

"For one? You've got the murder look, you only ever get the murder look when either I've done something which I can't have given I've been here all day oooor you've had multiple people try and shame the music selection," he says gesturing with his left hand and the other on hip outright abusing the fact he's taller than usual right now to loom like a mother hen.

"... And on occasion That Guy at Hex Tech but you've not mentioned him in a while. I called in my break so scooch over and blame the fact you chose a booth against a wall."

She shoots him an annoyed look but does as she's bid making enough space though not before hoarding the sweet offering he came with. He's mindful in turn to give her plenty of space so she won't feel squashed even though it means sticking his leg out from under the table so as not to bang his knee on the metal.

"I've not killed anybody before you ask but I might have thought about it."

"Uh huh."

It earns him a swat though to her annoyance he simply laughs her off and slides the tea closer knowing it's better to be patient and let her offer up the answers when she's good and ready instead of trying to push too hard when this angry at the world. They've known each other far too long, literal centuries at this point, that they can be as in tune as breathing when it really needs to count and sometimes it makes her wonder if this is what his own bond with Archie must be like? It certainly feels closer than words can give meaning to. The tea is mint with a hint of a fruit she cannot quite place from the taste of it, the heat helping warm her chest as much as her palms curled around either side of the cup. It's comforting.

"It's," she begins, then pauses ignoring  the way his head tilts to one side to show she's got his full attention she can just make out the corner of her eye.

"The new kid actually. Skittish as hell I don't know what's up with him like there's keeping a low profile and there's I'll pop out of existence like Nightcrawler. Literally every time I try and talk to him alone he just ups and bolts you'd think we like bite or something."

A hum is let out beside her seeming trying to properly weigh up his options from the way his head moves just enough for his hair to shift across his face. Zoe takes the opportunity to grab the éclair so she won't be caught looking too obviously and as ever grateful he didn't bother trying to make her use cutlery and instead left a napkin for the future chocolate mess.

"Must be something up, want me to try and grab him for a natter? Mean I'm still an unknown so might be a bit less threatening and can always try the "Look at my cute cat!" angle if I have to. Doubt it's you personally, could just be nervous of all the ladies you got over there that could kick his ass," he says teasing nudging her in the shoulder getting a derisive snort back.

"What's his name by the way?"

It IS an idea, come to think of it, Douxie carries more of an aura of being harmless and he might be willing to open up more to another guy and help get to the bottom of just what's up without it coming across as an interrogation not to mention genuinely being able to say he's separate from the Coven.  She gives the plate a tab with a nail to make more of a show of debating it before finally answering.

"Calls himself Hank."

[mayapenelopeclutterbucket]

*SPOILERS* for TGD 3x12 “Mutations” aka this is me typing from the dead because this episode gave me more then one heart attack 😭🙏🏼

Also I’m sorry this post got so long I’m just so excited/happy Jesus Christ like wow just wow

So I wasn’t initially going to watch this live because I have work at 5 in the morning 🙃 and because I wouldn’t be able to pause it while my hands try to keep up with my thoughts but it’s been so long since I’ve been able to do it and I missed it despite my hatred of commercials lol so wish me luck!

Also I’m very very excited for the melendaire content we’re getting tonight since they’re working together again and I’m freakin hoping at this prom they throw Melendez either does a double take at how nice Claire looks OOOOR we get him asking her dance 😭 just SOMETHING PLZZZ

I haven’t even started the ep yet and already can’t wait to see some of the moments in hd tomorrow once it comes on Hulu 😂

I can’t believe shaun is really gonna move out like I get where Carly is coming from but shaun is allowed to have female friends and after some theories from the last ep I’m worried shaun only told Carly he loved her so she wouldn’t leave him like “everyone else”

Aww adorable these two are so cute and Claire thinks they’re adorable as well and imma sue abc if one half of that couple dies or even worse BOTH

Melendaire group chat finally popping again 😭 although I don’t text back until break I love y’all tho 💕💕

So secret checkups with glassy and Morgan 👀 when are ppl gonna find out about her arthritis for the drama~~

Oh my god since when does Melendez go in there for MRIs it’s so just to see Claire oh my god Melendez being in love with Claire and her usual compassion

Omg cuties joking about Claire going to therapy and it working well and talking about love and being happy

Like why else have them interact like that omfgggg I can’t not even five minutes in and we were already getting melendaire content 😭 THEYRE SOULMATES

God damn it I knew it something was gonna happen to the girl since the guy is a okay

Well damn that medication Morgan is on for her arthritis is FUCKING her up smh 🤦🏻‍♀️

Aww all she wanted was one prom but we know Claire will make it happen for her

Aww them talking about prom and Melendez wanting Claire’s answer and her talking about her mom so freely and then going to see glassy together THE MELENDAIRE MOMENTS KEEP COMING 🙏🏼

The fact the writers were just like fuck park lmao he doesn’t even need to be in this scene with Melendez & Claire or instead of Claire 😂

I’m surprised Carly didn’t say anything about lea knowing their business again

Lmaoo Andrews calling Morgan out about sucking up and her owning it

Claire you are not sorry for overstepping don’t lie lol

Sharly working together professionally how adorable

Park is so annoying I’m v done with him he has no soul IM TIRED OF IT

I have missed Claire being pushy to help her patients

I’m glad Carly’s smarts and her being badass scenes are being extended past the lab

Oof Melendez being supportive of his boo and unsurprised of Claire wanting to make their patient happy (BECAUSE HE LOVES HER FOR IT AND IS GRATEFUL HE GETS TO WORK WITH HER REMEMBER) and wanting her to find a way around the mom 😭😭

God I love these two

Oof trouble with sharly has risen

Awww Carly and shaun getting each other and their ideas and finishing each other’s sentences l*mlendez could NEVER but melendaire could 😂 sorry cheap shot I know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Glassy is gonna out Morgan on her arthritis soon I feel it

Wow a shaire moment when was the last time they shared a fucking scene like they’re supposed to be besties wtf happened writers?!!? Aaaand it’s over in like a minute

😭😭 Claire is such an angel she’s the freakin BEST

Carly using science to explain how she feels to shaun cute

Oh my god no you can’t use an Ed sheeran song with cancer patients 😭😭 that makes it 20x sadder

Melendez and Claire are totally staring at each other in awe omg

Omg Claire Melendez are chaperones park no where to be found y’all know what that MEANS and they’re the only other people there they better fucking dance together omg I can’t he just said Claire looked to be feeling idiotic happiness 😭

AND HOLY FUCKING SHIT I WAS RIGHT I FROZE AND COULDNT BREATHE BUT MELENDEZ REALLY DID ASK CLAIRE TO DANCE AND THEY DID HOLY SHIT I CANNOT BELIEVE WE GOT THAT MELENDAIRE MOMENT I’VE BEEN DYING AND WAITING FOR SINCE I SAW THE BTS SCENE OF CLAIRE IN THAT OUTFIT AND FOUND OUT THIS EP WAS GONNA BE A PROM EP I had to type all that after the moment ended so I could really experience it since I can’t pause OR rewind but I was yelling oh my god so much my sister had to ask if I was okay 😂😭 I had a heart attack when he asked her if she wanted to dance ngl

Claire being inspirational and giving good speeches again I love her so much and am so glad she’s doing better

Carly you better not have changed your MEDICAL opinion because you wanted it to align with Shaun’s 🙄

Wow glassy you really had no other ideas nor could you jump in I hate him

The melendaire exchanging looks scenes are back in action

Wow that Carly and shaun moment was super adorable him calling her idea perfect and brilliant and her being brilliant and almost perfect 😭

Man they really said fuck park this ep huh he isn’t with Claire and Melendez again

But boy shit no she died 😩😩

Wtf why can’t Claire and her patients ever catch a BREAK like leave Claire ALONE and omg does Claire being heartbroken again mean we get another Melendez comforting Claire scene?! Becaus the way he stared after her after she ran off 👀👀 oof is NOT platonic lol

Aww sharly held hands to comfort and support each other

Holy shit I was right suck it katie @pinkobsessedfreak (I’m just kidding I love you 😂💕💕) for bringing the group chat down and shutting my theory down

BECAUSE GUESS WHAT WE SERIOUSLY GOT MELENDEZ GOING AFER CLAIRE WITH ANOTHER STAIRS AND BALCONY SCENE AND HIM COMFORTING HER AND MAKING HER FACE HER FEELINGS AND TELLING HER ITS OKAY TO BE ANGRY AT HER MOM (I was robbed of a hug but it’s okay I got everything else I fucking needed tonight) and now he has an idea for with something that makes him feel better

That fake out 😂😂

Wow oh wow this ep really was chock full of melendaire moments NOW THEYRE BONDING BY MELENDEZ AND CLAIRE RUNNING TOGTHER AND HIM HELPING WITH HER GRIEF AND AND EMOTIONS AND TEASING EACH OTHER OH MY GOOOOOD IVE DIED AND COME BACK TO LIFE SO MANY TIMES THIS EP SO IM SORRY IF THIS POST IS SO LONG

don’t y’all love how lim was in this epcand yet we didn’t get a SINGLE l*’mlendez ep because I sure af do!!! Also park who?? Lmao he was hardly in this ep even tho he working the same patient with Melendez and Claire they really shoved him out to make these endless melendaire moments happen

SLOW BURN BABY WE BACK IN FUCKING BUSINESS

Also in other news shaun lost his v card and it looks like we’ll get some more Morgan angst with her mom possibly dying or some shit like that like man these writers really don’t want any of the residents and doctors to have good parents or alive ones for that matter lmao

Also some breznick moments which will be cute

YALL IM STILL SO EXCITED FROM TONIGHT LIKE OMG THIS SHOW THIS SHIP GETS ME EVERY TIME I CANT WAIT TO GIF IT TOMORROW 😭😭 like I can’t get over it I’m in SHOCK still

We’ve really gotten Melendez comforting Claire not once not twice BUT THREE TIMES this season. This really is our season and people try to say Melendez treats all his residents like he does Claire or that he has done the same for others before YEAH FUCKING RIGHT

Okay I’m done I think freaking out at least on this post freak out about it in the comments with me tho or my ask or by reblogging just be happy with me okay 😂

P.S. check out my melendaire gifset that’s not showing up in the tags 🙃

[lanistair-blog]

Apologies for the silent air the past few days. Lana, Bryn, and myself made it safely back to Ferelden on Tuesday after a slight hitch in our investigation. Everything that could be done from Val Royeaux has been done, and now we are comfortably back in our own Fereldan beds. Well. I say comfortably...

Lana appears to have developed a strong cold, which began as minor sniffles Monday. It started slow, and has evolved to full on Wadded-Tissue City complete with hacking and hot cheeks, which I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to learn I shared once she reads this.

One would think an elf more than a foot shorter than myself would be a perfectly easy patient. One would be very, very wrong. This short elf does not like bed rest. This short elf, with a temper to match her fiery hair despite her deceivingly sweet disposition, is insistent on doing paperwork from bed. Even though she continues to pass out about every hour, on the hour. Even though Bryn and I have tried just about everything short of hiding her work laptop from her (she’d just wander around looking for it until it was found. You ask me how I know this? Experience.)

Maybe I should get Duncan to call and order her not to work. Sometimes, I think he’s the only one she’ll listen to when she’s this stubborn. Oooor I could switch her cold care tea for chamomile, slip a bit of NyQuil in it... I joke, I’m joking. We’re not at that level of desperation yet... I think.

[srprincess]

Fictober (day - who even knows? 8, 9 & 10? this one took a little bit)

Prompt 25 - “I could really eat something”

fandom - check please

The SpookydooAU continues, Chapter 5 now!

Will opened the door, leading his trespasser-turned-guest through to the mudroom.  

“Mind you stick to the mats, don’t drip all over my floors,” Ugh. When had he turned into his Ma, God rest her? He wasn't some shade of a house proud homebody, really.  It was only, well, the one thing worse than cleaning was all the messes that only got worse if you didn't keep up with it. He shook his head, who was he even trying to justify this to? Himself? He liked things just so, and it was his home. “Actually, leave the shoes here and follow me. I’ll find you something dry to wear.”

”You don't have to-”

Will looked pointedly down towards the, already growing, puddle at the guy’s feet. ”I really do.”

He took off his sopping wet sneakers and started to leave them beside the door on the wood before seeing Will’s look of near horror and moving them to the carpet runner with a nervous smile. ”Dry would be warmer, thanks. Lead the way.”

-

Will dug through his drawer chest looking for pair of sweats and a not too beat up t-shirt, grateful he had actually remembered to wash, dry and put away his clothes last week. For once. That was another one of those chores that always seemed to pile up. Pausing another moment to be grateful for Past Will, he pulled a pair of boxer briefs from a new package tucked away in the top drawer.

”Appreciate this. I’m Derek by the way, but you can call me Nursey. Everyone else does.”

”Nursey?” What was it with these guys and nicknames? He added a pair of socks to the clothing pile and handed it over.

”Yeah. Figured you should know my name since you're letting me into your pants and all.” Nursey said with a ridiculous wink.

”Oh. My. God.” He did not just day that. And that wink? Really?? ”That was awful! Is that what passes for a line these days?” Will heckled.

”’These days?’ Between that and the ’keep off my lawn’ act - What are you, geriatric?”

”Only on the inside.” If Nursey only knew the running commentary that had been going through Will’s head the last little while...maybe he aged a little earlier than scheduled. ”Still that line was bad, and you should feel bad.”

”Okay, so maybe not quite geriatric. Middle-aged?” Nurse shot back.

”I can and will take those back,” Will nodded down at the clothes, ”and put you back out on the porch.”

”Truce! Truce! Thanks for the clothes. And the shelter. Most of all for not running me off.  So...Should I change here, or....” Nursey trailed off looking for a bathroom or somewhere else private to change in.

Oh yeah, privacy was a thing, Will thought to himself belatedly. Just as well he didn't really have guests, he’d clearly forgotten how to be a normal host ages ago.

”Here’s fine, or there's a bathroom straight across the hall if you want to try and dry off or whatever first? I'm just going to go, and, you know, grab some shit.”

Nurse gave him questioning look.

”The pie? It's still up on the walk. Not much left, but I'll be damned before I let those birds get it in the morning.”

”You know, I could really eat something too...” Nurse hinted.

”Don’t push it, I’ll share my home and my clothes but I will not be sharing that pie.”

”But I could be in shock! I think you're supposed to feed a shocked person.”

”Other than your obvious confusion, thinking I would share even one bite, you don't have any of the symptoms. And treatment involves no food or water, so even if you were...”

”You got me. I'm not in shock, but I am kind of hungry. I skipped out on dinner to be here.”

”And that's my fault how exactly?” Will wasn't sure if he was impressed or annoyed at the absolute gall of this guy.  

Of course, Nursey chose that very moment to use his dripping pathetic condition to full advantage, even adding puppy dog eyes.

Damn those eyes.

”Fine. I'm not sharing the pie, but I might be able to dig a hot pocket or something out of the deep freeze for you.”

-

About 15 minutes later Nursey emerged from the bathroom, looking much more put together and, most importantly, dry.

Will had already hidden away the slice of pie for safe keeping and sat on a stool at the kitchen counter eating what remained in the tin. He handed Nursey a plastic sack to hold the wet clothes, and pointed to the microwave as it beeped, ”food.”

”Not pie, but much better than a hot pocket,” Nursey allowed as he smelled the plate of leftovers appreciatively. “I called and, as soon as he picks up Chowder and Farmer from the bar, Bitty will be here to pick me up. Hope I can leave before the ransom exchange? Doubt even he could get a pie made whole driving all over.”

“Sure, let him know I accept IOUs paid in the form of food quietly left on my doorstep. Now, tell the truth, is it just you lurking or should I expect some else to pop out from under my bed later tonight?” Will asked, only half joking.  

”None of us is going to, but word is this place is haunted as hell, so I can't speak for any ghosts.”

”Oh yeah, ooooh spooky ghosts, ” Will waved his hands around mockingly. ”I am so afraid.”

”Legends can't all be lies,” Nursey said with a shrug as he sat on the other stool and dug into the food with a moan. “Okay, keep the pie. I need so much more of this.”

Blushing at the praise, Will mumbled “It’s just a roast. Dump it all together and leave it cook.” In an attempt to take a little attention off him, he changed the subject by nudging the duffel he had run out to bring in with his toe. ”So, do you actually believe in all this or...”

”I guess you could say that I don't not believe in it?”

”Oh, well with those convictions I can see why you take time and travel all over to do it every year. And why you paid who knows how much for all the shit in there.”

”We didn't start for me, I'm just...along for the ride? Mostly?” Nurses looked down with a frown as the fork scraped his empty plate.

”So it’s for who exactly?” Will asked, as he went and warmed up the remainder of the potatoes from the fridge. See? He could host. He had manners. Sort of.

”Jack, mostly.”

”Jack? Really? The quiet guy with the notebook? He's the gung-ho ghost hunter?” Will was surprised, he seemed the mostly normal of the whole group. Not really a ringleader sort, at least that was what he’d thought anyway.

”Not exactly,” Nursey replied after thanking him for the refill of his plate. ”I’m not even sure he believes in ghosts actually.”

”Well, now you have to explain.”

”You’re going to think it’s weird-”

”You guys? Weird? Oh yeah. That ship has sailed. Hours ago. Can barely see it from here. Lost over the horizon. No lighthouse guiding it back-”

”Okay, okay I get it. Haha we’re weird. Do you want to mock me oooor,”

”I have to choose?”

Nurse glared, but explained anyway. ”So I say it's for Jack, because he's the reason we started. First couple years out of school we had regular meetups and whatnot, it was like we were still all together just with a little longer breaks in between, right? Then one year, there was this, uh, really big deal? That Jack wanted to close at work, yeah? And no matter how hard he worked toward it, he couldn't. Really sucked. Went to this big rival of his-”

”Rival?”

”Yeah, like, umm, they used to work together? But now they're kind of in opposite sides of the business. It's a thing. Anyway, ” Nursey hurried on with the story, cutting off the chance for further interruptions, ”Bitty could tell he was torn up about it - all of us could really - and so we wanted to distract him. Except, and I'll deny this if you tell him I said it, but his interests can be a little...boring. Gross nasty fishing. Country club shit I’d rather not do, like golf.  And most of all history. So much history. Boy could tour a fort for daaaaays.”

”History isn't so bad! S’long as I'm not the touree,”

”Is that even a word?”

”Shut up and finish your story, ” Will said with a light shove.

”If you're done interrupting,” Nursey paused, eyebrow raised, before continuing.  ”So we were all brainstorming ideas of what would be fun for our history nerd friend but not mind-numbingly dull for everyone else and it came to us - ghost hunting. All the history and research his heart could possibly desire about each haunted place along with the possibility of some excitement for the rest of us. And even when we don't find anything, we all have a little trip away together out of it. It’s always good to meet back up after a while apart. Everyone wins.”  

”Except the locals-”

”Most are happy! Some people actually like tourism, you know. Besides, you got a pie out of it, so-“

“Fair enough. I guess. So - if you're all such good friends, why did they ditch you out there when they left earlier?”

“Umm...That’s not really their fault. You see, I was supposed to wait in the car until Bitty and Jack got the go ahead. I just decided to sneak out and get a jump start before we lost the light.”

“Confident much? Did you really think I’d cave that easy? Not that anyone listened, but I had already said no earlier.”

”Honestly? It never even occurred to me that the pie bribe would fail. It hasn't yet. Literally never.”

”It is good, but...never? Really?”

”Seriously. Bitty has been getting into and out of things with his baking skills ever since I've known him. If you ask him, ever since he was tall enough to reach the oven controls.”

Will was grudgingly impressed on Bitty’s behalf. And, he admitted to himself, if he had tasted the pie before sending them away, it probably would have worked on him too. ”But when it did fail?”

”When they saw I wasn't in the back anymore, Bitty texted and asked if I wanted him and Jack to wait at the turn for me to walk out. Figured this might be my only chance and told them to go ahead -”

 A horn sounded from outside at the same time Nursey’s phone skittered across the counter with a vibrated alert.

”That’s me. He's trying to keep the others contained, so I better hurry. Thanks again.” Nursey made his way to the door.

”I’d say you're welcome, but I’d hate to encourage future deviance so I guess I'll just say- that wasn't as bad as I expected.” Will walked him out to the porch.

“Careful, Poindexter, you’ll give me a big head with all that praise.” Nursey called back on his way to the car.

”It’s Will!” he yelled, but the only reply was a wave out the window as they pulled away.

[journeysintowebcomics]

Worm Liveblog #104

UPDATE 104: Dragon Hits Hard

Last time Skitter, Regent and Imp had managed to find Heckpuppy, who was fighting a suit that regenerated endlessly. They manage to convince her to run away, so now they’re leaving, or at least that was the plan until they stumbled upon the suit they feared a lot. How shall they face this? How is the suit even like? Let’s see.

From what I’m reading here, it seems like this Azazel suit looks more...organic than the rest of Dragon’s suits? More lifelike, so to say. The hide even gets wrinkles in the right places, and the insides are so tightly-knit it’s impossible for her bugs to do anything. This was the work of two weeks yet the rather competent team of Armsmaster—I mean, Defiant, and Dragon managed to make quite the feat!

Ah, looks like Taylor somehow deduced how that was possible!

A thought dawned on me.  It was a half-formed thought up until the moment I devoted some attention to it.  Then it clicked.  Tinkers had a knack, a specialty, be it a particular field of work or something they could do with their designs that nobody else could, and I knew Dragon’s. She could intuit and appropriate the designs of other tinkers.

Soooo what I’m understanding here is that Dragon managed to intuit and appropriate Defiant’s tinker techniques and used them to accelerate the building process so they could make the suit the Azazel suit. In that case, if they have enough resources and materials, it should be rather easy for them to make more and more suits of excellent quality. They may actually have a chance against the Slaughterhouse Nine, especially since Dragon is, well, an AI and therefore is never in direct danger. I hope to hear about how she and Defiant tries that, it should be interesting!

Skitter thinks about it all in ways that show how Dragon has been using other tinkers’ inventions, and that it was why she had joined the heroes. It not only gives her access to the Protectorate’s tinkers, she also can get her digital, most likely inexistent hands onto any villainous inventions the Protectorate confiscates. We should all be glad she’s not part of Cauldron or even remotely affiliated to them or she’d have access to even more tinkers and their skills. I can’t imagine any situation she’d accept being part of Cauldron, thank goodness.

This realization makes Skitter feel like she’s against a very invincible foe, but it’s not like they can afford to lose. Either they defeat Dragon oooor...well...then everything they worked for is useless. Coil won’t be happy about it and Dinah will be still captive. What’s more, I think the Undersiders and the Travelers would have reasons to fear for their lives, given their failure would mean Coil’s plans would vanish into nothingness. Hmmm...this isn’t something his powers could stop unless the last time he used his power was a couple weeks ago or so.

Also, the Slaughterhouse Nine’s visit was just two weeks ago. Boy does time move in mysterious ways in this story.

If I was even close to being right, then Dragon was the incarnation of why tinkers were so dangerous.

It really is. She’s feasibly the result of a tinker’s work, given she’s an AI and I doubt she materialized in a random hard drive one day, so she really is the incarnation of everything a tinker is capable of. Quite the fearsome enemy for the Undersiders.

As expected, the first thing the Azazel suit does is counter Skitter’s bugs, because by now that’s a requirement when Skitter is in a fight. How shall it be done this time?

Turns out I was wrong, the suit isn’t immediately countering the bugs. What it’s doing is use Defiant’s trademark nanomachine supercutting to set up arenas and limit the target’s movements. No word on how tall these barriers are, but I suppose they’re reasonably tall, enough for pretty much the above average villain to not be able to go over them. Skitter’s giant beetle is likely to not be around and even if it was, when it approaches the suit would take measures to squash it. It has been...what, three seconds? And Azazel already has the advantage. Figures.

That wouldn’t stop Siberian though. What technologies had I seen that they might use against her?  Or was it a technology I hadn’t seen before?  There were some ugly possibilities there.  Something long ranged that could take him out before he could get to cover?  A microscopic form of attack that could fill the air and debilitate him if he wasn’t in an airtight container?

Well it’s true these barriers won’t be effective at all against the Siberian’s form, but they sure would be very effective against the Siberian’s real body. By now I’m sure they know they have to track down the real body in order to really be able to do anything.

“Just don’t touch it,” I told her. “Not even in a joking way.  You’re likely to lose your finger or your hand before you realize something’s wrong.”

Now that I think about it...the Azazel suit wouldn’t have any compunctions about killing, no? Because it’s made to go against the Slaughterhouse Nine. Otherwise I’d consider how feasible jumping into the barrier to put yourself into mortal danger is, to stop the attack. Then again, that likely would end with the loss of a limb, a hand or something, and that’s just not worth it for a quick ‘hey gotcha’ unless you can get a quality prosthetic that’s better than the original limb.

Seems to me like the idea of putting themselves in danger did at least cross their minds. It’s ruled out precisely because of what I had said, because these machines are made to be lethal against the Slaughterhouse Nine, but they think they’re holding back anyway. Maybe because the Undersiders aren’t as big of a threat as the Slaughterhouse Nine. True, our dear villain protagonists have made quite a name for themselves but they’re dangerous to Brockton Bay, not to the entire world.

“So what do we do?”

“It’s still a machine, a well made machine, but it’s a machine.  We can break it, given an opportunity.  But our number one goal is going to be keeping it from catching us out of position and walling us in.”

I don’t think breaking it is going to be much of an option, given their shortage of offensive options other than Heckpuppy’s dogs and Shatterbird’s glass. The dogs may have a bit of a chance, but the glass...that may not. True, Shatterbird hasn’t been with the Slaughterhouse Nine for a while already, but maybe they have a counter for that already.

Their options to move the fight somewhere else are kind of limited. Thankfully, looks like they have a lot of time to discuss because the suit is doing nothing? Sure there’s a lot of conversation going on! Either way, going to the rooftops is something she’d like to avoid, as that makes it pretty difficult to get away. I think I can see the logic. At least when she’s on surface level she can have some hiding places in buildings and alleyways.

Heckpuppy’s henchmen are left behind because this will be an important fight and therefore it’ll be Undersiders only. Going in! So of course, the universe has to throw a curve ball. The suit that deploys drones is approaching. Hmmm...kind of redundant. Both Azazel and the drone suit seem to specialize in limiting the opponent’s movement. But hey, it’s still bad news.

Facing a choice about what suit to encounter first, Skitter decides Azazel is the one to face right now. They move towards it and...well...turns out maybe the suits are trying to round them up together, most likely for ease of capture. I saw that coming, really.

Drones incoming! Nanomachine barriers incoming! A potential route is open, from what I can tell I believe Skitter’s idea was to limit the suits’ movement, because she got into a dilapidated minimall. Some drones follow her and Heckpuppy, one of them reaching our dear valiant protagonist. Bam! Iii hope she has a plan because this isn’t good at all. Her suit’s going to defend her against the drone’s electricity, but any distraction or moment of weakness will be her doom.

Being in this minimall didn’t stop Azazel, though. It shone, and then barriers came out of the ground. Oh goodness, this went pear-shaped faster than I thought it would. We’re not even halfway into this chapter! She’s surrounded by Defiant’s nanomachines technology, and it’s looking pretty damn fatal to me.

Tentatively, I commanded some of the bugs out from beneath my costume.  The insulation had protected some, luck and sheer durability had saved a scant few others.  They died the second they moved more than an inch away from my body, vaporized.

So she pretty much has no space to move at all, and it was already proven these nanomachines can vaporize so much stuff. This sounds like an accident waiting to happen, doesn’t it? A wrong move can end pretty badly for anyone who moves a little too much. It doesn’t seem to me like Dragon and Defiant are in the ‘cause as little harm as possible’ mindset anymore.

There comes Azazel! Veeery slowly. It’s even taking the time to not crush stuff around, while Skitter is hanging from her hand and in danger of falling down onto vaporizing hedges. Apparently she has more faith on her own strength than I do – holding your own body weight with one or both hands is pretty tough, you know – because she’s not that worried about falling, even taking the time to test something.

“I’m going to fall!” I screamed.

I could sense Azazel lunging forward, crushing a store display as it hurried to the opening, its mouth opening. It directed a blast of superheated air at the ground, so it cut through the lowest portion of the disintegration hedge, clearing the area beneath and around me.

Oh, okay, it still intends to not cause fatal damage to the targets. Good. Still, what’s the machines’ plan here? Keep the villains trapped in one place while the PRT agents come to spray them with foam? Capture her in like a cage or something and haul her to the PRT building? Wait for Defiant to arrive? I’m not entirely sure.

Time to think of a plan. The situation doesn’t look good at all, all of her allies are busy with their own fights, thanks to the drones the other suit is throwing around. Even if any of them was free to help, what could they do? Azazel was right there, standing right above Skitter. The dogs may not think twice before lunging through the disintegrating hedges, and needless to say, that’d be very harmful for them and Heckpuppy would be outraged. It’s starting to seem to me Skitter will have to rely on herself and only on herself. How do you outwit a machine, though?

“This statement is false,” I told it.

“I’ll go with true.  There, that was easy,” Azazel replied.

Damn.  Wouldn’t be able to shut it down with paradox.  Dragon apparently had a sense of humor.  The reply sounded canned, a recitation.  Or she had a liking for popular culture I wasn’t aware of.

It would be incredibly pitiful if Dragon’s state-of-the-art suits could be defeated by a simple paradox, hah! Besides, looks like the suit is not obligated to respond to anything the captured villains say. Even if Skitter brings up a more complicated paradox Dragon maybe didn’t make a canned response for, it’s not like it’ll work or even provoke a reaction. Sooo what options are there?

Bugs are a no go, obviously. Skitter’s baton and other stuff aren’t likely to endure the disintegration effect, so batting away the branches of the hedges won’t work. Heck, even if Skitter had an EMP right now I don’t think it’d work, as I’m sure Defiant would engineer his nanotechnology in a way that protects it from EMP. As I see it, her only hope may be to attack the suit. Perhaps if the suit is defeated, the hedges will disappear or deactivate?

It’s possible the nanomachines are vulnerable to fire. Right, that’s a possibility, but as I see it, if they have a vulnerability then Defiant and Dragon must be aware of that too and therefore would have equipped Azazel with something to counter it. Maybe it has a fire extinguisher equipped, for all I know. Right now, given the situation, Skitter may have only one try before Azazel does something that’d trap her for real.

I wonder why it didn’t douse her with the containment foam? Perhaps the suit got too confident when the hedges were erected? It just seems a tad reckless to be giving your target enough space to be moving. You can’t give a parahuman enough space or time to think, that’s just tempting luck.

Skitter’s train of thought about her options is kind of like mine in that everything she has won’t work, but then she thinks of something that’d have never crossed my mind.

What other tools did I have?

My voice.

I’m not really certain where she’s going with this, I’ll say. Azazel is not required to reply and it’s not like a well-timed paradox will defeat it.

Dragon was smart.  Smart enough to write an A.I. that wouldn’t crumble to a simple issue with paradox.  But the A.I. wasn’t necessarily brilliant.  It had leaped to my defense when I’d said I was in danger.  Either it wasn’t smart enough to discern truth from a lie, or it wasn’t allowed to when a life was potentially in danger.

So Skitter plans to exploit the suit’s protocols, the ones that are supposed to keep her alive. That’s going to be difficult to do when all you have is your voice. The scenario about leaping to her defense was because there really was a very real danger. Unless Skitter plans to be saying ‘I’m touching these with my head, watch me!” while bending towards the hedges then crafting a scenario where she’s in danger will be difficult.

Regent and Imp are given the order to hide, so Skitter has the time and space to work. Outwit that machine!

Why’s Azazel programmed to talk and respond? Seems a bit superfluous for its main function. If/Once this suit defeated, the 2.0 version better not have the ability to respond!

“What if I told you that you were putting a human life in grave danger?”

“I have no reasonable cause to believe that.”

So this will work only if there’s reasonable cause. Any scenario Skitter can craft here would have to be something the suit can take a glance at and decide ‘oh that looks dangerous’. That’s going to be pretty difficult to do when you can’t even stand up.

It seems the scenario she’s making up relies on Imp having a second trigger that makes her invisible even to technology. That sounds plausible, in a theoretical frame. Judging by what happened to Grue, the second trigger augments or adds new powers that are related to the existent one. Either way, she says Imp is here, possibly brought by Trickster. Ah, that’s why she told Regent and Imp to hide.

“Imp could not be in this room. As of two minutes ago she was recorded at a distance of .4 miles away from this location.  She could not return here in that span of time unobserved.”

Alright, this scenario pretty much states in these two minutes Imp had a second trigger event, or she had one some time ago and all this time she was willfully letting herself be seen by the machines’ sensors. Seems to me like a bit of a flimsy scenario. True, second trigger events don’t necessarily require a lot of time to happen, but it’s flimsy nonetheless. Thank goodness the suit seems to be falling for it.

Imp may be right now on Azazel, Skitter says. Given Azazel’s current position, any kind of movement could make her fall onto the hedges that are underneath the suit, harming her gravely. No opening the mouth, no moving the head or a wing – that ensures Azazel shouldn’t be able to shift positions to get away from the mortal danger. Even if it had a way to stop someone on the machine, such as a force field or something, that doesn’t change that this fictional Imp could fall and die. For a scenario that was thought by the seat of her pants it sure is surprisingly solid once you ignore the flaky foundations.

“Maybe I should be more specific,” I said.  “I told them to help in general.  They might not be helping me, so it’s very possible that any other suit might be in immediate proximity to Imp.  Be careful you don’t accidentally crush her.”

I love how she’s turning her teammate into Schrodinger’s Imp. To me this seems like it’s stretching the scenario to its breaking point, as it could give the machines enough ground to take calculated risks as the probability of Imp not being in immediate proximity is much higher than the probability she is there, given the number of suits and that there’s only one Imp.

No visible reaction to this statement. Skitter is pretty damn lucky, seriously.

“Now,” I said, picking my words carefully, my pulse pounding, “I’m going to light a match and try to burn this thing away.”

‘And you better not counter it or else Imp will fall and die’, is what’s between the lines. Skitter takes out the matches and hesitates, deciding to use her bugs to make some sort of net. Very thick net. The drones that are still hovering nearby don’t react to the net that’s being formed up in the ceiling. Once the preparations are made, Skitter gets in position to run and lights up a match, getting it close to the nanomachines.

Wow, those things are really weak to fire.

The nanomachines are gone, therefore the danger of falling onto the hedges is gone too, Imp be damned. Azazel moves as fast as it can, spraying containment foam around. The drones and the suit are countered by the net Skitter made, she’s using it to hold the foam and turn it back onto the machines. She even manages to make the foam expand right on the suit’s jaws. Oh boy, when Defiant and Dragon check any recordings or datalogs about how Skitter defeated the suit...I hope their reaction is shown. Just to see what they’d think about all this. Skitter defeated the suit specifically made to defeat them and the Slaughterhouse Nine, just with her words and a net.

Skitter evades the foam and doesn’t evade a grappling hook, she’s forced to hide behind a large structure to avoid being pulled by the hook. She holds her position, hoping Azazel’s battery won’t last long enough to do much more, and soon it’s proven she’s right. Iii’m not sure I like this part about the grappling hook, but okay.

Other than opening its mouth to spray the foam and turning its head, Azazel hadn’t budged from its position.

It’s still operating under the assumption Imp may be around and therefore moving may crush her. Alright! This suit won’t be dangerous as long as you don’t get close enough to be sprayed. Either way, the suit has been defeated, pretty much. All that’s left is wait for the rest of the Undersiders and Travelers.

Everyone is now here – except Imp and Trickster, who stay hidden because if any of them is seen the deception Skitter concocted would be null. The dog that had been trapped is cut free, thankfully with zero description of the rotting meat suit it’s leaving behind. The team brags about how well they did against the suits. At least three suits were destroyed, and once Sundancer drives a small sun into the suit that uses technology that’s very flammable, that makes four destroyed suits.

Although I’m glad to see a victory, I’m not entirely certain this arc was a good idea. Dragon is a threat to the Undersiders, yeah, and here she went all out with more than half a dozen suits, yet they all managed to defeat four – at least four. Kind of makes Dragon look less like the threat she is. It’s a tad disappointing, honestly.

“We got lucky,” I said.  “What with Imp being able to force Piggot to shut them down, and the way I could exploit it’s A.I. to lock down its movements. Maybe you can make a program versatile and leave yourself open to the program using loopholes to work around any safeties you put in place.  Or you can make it heavily restricted and leave it open to vulnerabilities like what I exploited there.  I guess we’re a ways off from an A.I. being smart enough to work around those limitations.”

Makes you wonder if Dragon is a smart enough AI for that. To me she is. She even chose to cooperate with Armsmaster out of her own free will, even though it’d be, you know, cooperating with a criminal, even if he wasn’t officially indicted in a court of law. Despite her own self-imposed limitations, Dragon is a very versatile program.

“It’s a matter of time,” Regent said.

“You’re such a pessimist,” Imp retorted.

“And I’m so right.”

Damn right!

There are four suits left to defeat, and since the Azazel was one of them, the rest may be a tad easier. Everyone barely gets to leave the minimall before Skitter’s phone starts ringing, communications are back.

Tattletale: “Phones are back on.”

“Why?  Is she baiting us?  Trying to get us to reveal our positions?”

“She’s gone,” Tattletale replied. “Suits leaving the city, satellite phones are working.  Few factors at play, there.  I got word back from the Dragonslayers.  Paid them a few million bucks to tell me how they keep getting the upper hand on Dragon, tell me how she’s relaying commands to her suits.  With that, I had some squads plant C-4 and knock down cell towers. That slowed her down, cut her bandwidth, so to speak, and limited her ability to reprogram them on the fly. I’m guessing you guys took out one or more suits?”

So it’s a victory! They defeated Dragon – again! From what I’m understanding here, Dragon usually would have the ability to reprogram the suits, most likely so they’re not stopped by things like Skitter’s theoretical Imp scenario. Being unable to do that, the suits were left to their own devices, controlled only by their own AI. But yeah, once the Azazel was definitely out of commission, it was clear Dragon was at a disadvantage.

I wonder if the Slaughterhouse Nine would figure the Dragonslayers’ methods too. I don’t imagine they have a few million dollars to spare, so they’d have to figure this out by themselves. Maybe the suits do have a chance against the Slaughterhouse Nine.

“That cost the Protectorate a good chunk of cash, and it’s detracting from Dragon’s primary mission, which is the Nine.  My guess is she’s zeroing in on them.  Better to have a few suits closer to where she thinks they are than to leave them here in the city for you guys to keep breaking.  So she thinks, anyways, and the bigwigs that are footing the bill seem to agree.”

I mean, it costed you millions of dollars, Tattletale. Seems to me the big loser in this whole debacle is everyone’s wallet. Hey, maybe she can pass the bill to Coil and say it was a necessary expense. Better for this to be his money spent than the Undersiders’ money, haha! Besides, I’d say the humiliation of having so many suits so soundly defeated without any losses on the Undersiders or Travelers’ part is even more important. How can the heroes really consider themselves on top when things went like this? Say, what was it Piggot had said?

“The Azazel.  Note that there’s no version number.  It’s a fresh design, crafted to go up against the Nine and put up a serious fight.  The first truly original suit she’s made in four years, and I assure you that Dragon has advanced her skills in that timeframe.  If that isn’t enough of a pedigree, the Azazel was created by Dragon working in tandem with her new partner, a fellow tinker.”

Armsmaster.

She saw the reaction from us, smiled a little.

“Yes.  A new partner.  It was his suggestion that we park the suits here when they aren’t needed.  And even though I know he’s a new cape, nobody you’d know, certainly nobody who’d have a grudge,” she smirked a little, “I think it’s a safe bet to say he had you in mind when he was building it.”

After saying something like that Piggot and Defiant sure have some serious egg on their faces. Piggot had seemed so confident about the Azazel and about how it’d put up a serious fight against the Undersiders. I mean...technically it did, it very much did! But then it was defeated with the power of theoretical scenarios. I really doubt that was how Piggot or Defiant imagined the best suit of the lot would be defeated.

Things are actually looking up! The Pure is gone, Faultline’s crew – oh, right, they exist on the sidelines – are not here either, and the heroes were walloped once again without even being able to give much of a fight, except for Dragon. No matter how you look at this, this is a victory. The only enemy group that’s around is Hookwolf’s group, no? Fenrir’s Chosen. Although...given Hookwolf isn’t with them anymore, maybe they’re not that much of a threat anymore.

Coil better give them a nice bonus for all of today’s work, by the way! Without Dinah to give the probabilities, he must have been rather uncertain about the optimal strategy to accomplish this. Show some gratitude, Coil!

Tattletale is saying it’ll be a while before Dragon strikes again, and next time she’ll do it only because she’s certain she can win. Oh, goodness, just what the future needed: Dragon being a bigger threat. I hope so, at least. That’d be fun.

So, with this, Brockton Bay is now under Coil’s control. This is just Monarch 5, though. It’s still kind of early to close this arc. There must be enough fuel for one or two chapters more, lately the arcs haven’t been as short as just five chapters. Perhaps the heroes have a last final move?

Either way, Coil gives orders: everyone shall take days off and won’t be wearing their costumes. Aw, damn, that’s going to make it difficult to deal with everything in Skitter’s territory. She can’t go in there without her costume and start giving orders around. Charlotte is the only one who knows who Skitter is, if I recall correctly. I guess Skitter could give orders via phone, but it’s just not the same than Skitter and her swarms walking around the neighborhood, doing some restoration work.

“We’ll talk later,” she said. “Gonna go see if I can get more details on what happened.  Betting someone blew their top when they realized you guys demolished two of those suits.”

Speaking of someone blowing their top, what happened to Piggot? They didn’t leave her to wander the ruined alleyways and return home all by herself on foot and with handcuffs and a gag, did they? As if things weren’t humiliating enough for her with this defeat.

We’d won.  We’d cost the PRT too much in resources, pride and money, and they’d apparently decided it wasn’t worth their time to uproot us.  I hated the bureaucracy, the fucked up mindset of the institutions, but it was clearly working in our favor here, at least.

You know what would be even more humiliating? If, under the villains’ rule, Brockton Bay really recovers noticeably and at a faster pace than it was doing under the heroes’ benevolent watch. It sure would make them look ineffective, maybe even uncaring about the civilians’ plight. It’s already pretty good they drove out groups that had no concern other than their own profit and survival, so now Brockton Bay is under the benevolent care of the Undersiders and the Travelers.

Which in theory isn’t really that good of a situation. I’m sure for the majority of the population it’d be real hard to think of the situation as ‘their benevolent care’, given they’re dangerous villains.

Besides, Coil is still a threat. He says he’ll make the city work well and prosper, but I sure don’t trust Coil as far as I can throw him. I really can’t say if his presence is good for anyone.

So, this is the end of the chapter. Nice! Let’s stop here for now.

Next time: in three updates