#he is also kaiju and kids know that and try to help him hiding

[nightfal1n]

Coping Day 27: Guess who just caught up with Oshi no Ko anime

[thattimdrakeguy]

Hey,

So if it's not too much to ask, can you give me a summary on the Core Four's personalities? I really wanna know for analysis reasons, I'm re reading all the core 4 young justice and teen titans books and trying to decipher my favorite one.

I can give you the personalities as intended by their creators no problem, Person Newtonote.

Now as you read you might think "Oh, hmm, that doesn't add up with what I've read" when it gets into the Young Justice and Teen Titans books, but that's 'cause different writers write different things, and some writers understand some characters better than others, and some of it is just plain character development, or in worse case writers doing what ever they please 'cause they don't care.

I'll let you judge when what happens.

Onto what you've asked though, I'll try to keep it simple as I can while still being detailed:

Tim Drake:

My personal favorite, that much is likely obvious.

As intended, he is an idealistic young boy, and dreamed of Robin as an even littler boy (he's pretty small for his age). He's clever, and resourceful, and thinks very very highly of the legacy of Robin. It's his heart though that got him his job as Robin, and his compassion and genuine passion for the role of Robin. And he displays what many may call boy scout tendencies. Even admitting to original Robin Dick Grayson that he enjoys helping old lady's cross the road (or something like that.)

Being raised in private schools, without a lot of friends (He's shown having no friends until he goes to public school to my knowledge), he's a pretty naive and oblivious, trusting person. And it's through out his journey's he has to learn how dark Gotham City can get. Though compared to the other Bat-Family members of this era (90s) he's very much the heart and light-hearted youthful energy to it.

His social ability is mostly perfectly fine, he's no complete weirdo. Kid can get friends easy peasy. Easily likable to folks. Endearing. But he has an oblivious side, and can get ahead of himself. Has a habit of getting spiritually adopted by people who instantly want to protect him. Anyone from Batman, to former CIA agents, and even villains. He's just got that babyface on him, and button nose.

He also deals with anxiety in terms of being Robin, being worried that he may be stripped of the job, or let people down, or mess something up. And sometimes that lends him having a lot of insecurities about himself. While having some prior training in martial artists, and implications of having taken gymnastics, also a former boy scout, he still doesn't naturally take to the role like all other Robins around him. Which means he has to try a lot harder to have his keep.

In the Bat-Family in this era (the 90s) he's the heart, and baby to everyone. They're uber protective of him, and take him out of the action when they deem it to be too much for someone like Tim. Within Young Justice he puts on a heavy Robin persona to hide what he's really like. Making himself out to be a more Batman-esque mysterious leader.

When really, he's a dorky, fanboy, who loves Kaijus, Crocky the ??? Crocodile I guess (Basically Barney the Dinosaur), super heroes, cars, Warlocks and Warriors (Dungeons and Dragons), sports, comics, Sci-Fi, fantasy, and cartoons. Self-admitted geek, with some popular interests in there.

Think of Tim as sort of Autistic kind of. He's never officially said to be. But when you read his origin, it's definitely a legitimate way to interpret him. Though I believe his uniqueness is intended to really be molded by Tim's passion, and obliviousness from a lack of parental figures in his very young life.

Tim is supposed to be an optimist, as told by his creator, but to be real a lot of writers seem to forget that, even when making jokes about how he's optimistic compared to others. I think sometimes the writer's own cynism leaks out into him. So remember that...despite a lot of writers forgetting it. Be better than them.

Cassie Sandsmark:

My personal second favorite member, but, please, make up your own mind here.

She's a rebellious teenage girl, and tomboy. She stays up pass curfew to party, but is at heart a good hearted individual who truly wants to help. This comes at odds with her stubborness and headfirst attitude. She hates being treated as a kid. And shows a great deal of intuition and cleverness. She's also a babysitter. Seemingly a good one too.

Her need to prove herself can put itself ahead of her own logic though. And she buts head with her very stuffy mother who doesn't appreciate Cassie's care-free nature. She means a lot to Cassie, and Cassie wants her approval. Cassie's natural being is...very much in contrast to what her mother would prefer though. It's fun.

A lot like Tim she's also shown to be a Super Hero fanboy. For her it's specifically Wonder Woman and the Flash, while with Tim it's basically anyone the writer decides he hasn't met offscreen yet.

Through her journey's she learns to contain herself though, and better use her powers.

Bart Allen:

The most teenager-y teenager you ever seen. He has ADHD, but not the uber-hyperactive, talkative, hugger you see in some more modern misunderstandings of him.

Originally he was pretty quiet. Super popular in his school. Girls loved him and considered him a pretty boy. But in reality he has no social knowledge, because he was raised in basically a video game for two years. He's essentially an alien learning to fit in with human civilization. So he's incredibly reckless without intention. It takes him awhile to truly process the concept of death and related repercussions. So he's sort of dangerous.

He can be quite surly, and mean spirited on occasion. But like most heroes, he has a good heart that comes out in the end. It's just simply the 90s and being Anti-Authority is the norm. His name is Bart after all. Underneath that is a young man who does sweet things when he has it in him.

Just don't think of him like a baby like how a lot of people make him out to be. He's a teen's teen.

Original Bart, like original Tim, and original Cassie, to me, is the best version of the character. The most nuanced, and interesting.

Oh, and minor violent streak on Bart too. Started a fight before, and stuff like that.

He cares inside. That has to count for something right?

Kon-El:

Hot-Headed pervert. Over-confident. Fame hungry. Lady magnet. Stubborn. Head first. Sort of a prick. But again good hearted.

I haven't read him as much as the others, because I don't personally care for him. Then in the early 00s with Teen Titans they decided just to make him an angsty young Clark, which is personally boring.

I don't have a lot of great things to say about him. His solo is very dated, and overtly sexual. Something I have no interest in reading.

He's at his best in Young Justice though, where he isn't written as jail bait by a writer who thought it'd be great if he dated grown women to fulfill teenage boys dreams. Instead you get to have fun with a very flawed character without the distracting perversion...mostly.

Punk styled. Loves dressing like a punk. Until he doesn't. Ruh-roh.

--

Again though, different writers write different things. They catch onto different things more than others, some are plain neglectful, others don't care, some want to change stuff for the sake of it. It's comics, you'll be lucky if it's consistent.

But on my years of studies, all that is what the character's where intended to be by their creators. So a lot of it is a starting pad, but it's also the purest form of them you're going to find.

[sonicasura]

You got no idea Sonic. And at least in this au this fact won't be forgotten as easy as there are plenty of incidents that will remind everyone of this for years to come.

And while this is going on, they are still going through a lot of files thye have stolen from the organization. And one of these files as a list of the newest targets to be 'picked up' in a few years. Which ends up in Keiji, Gen, Eiji and several platoon leaders having to physcially restrain and hold down a now very enraged Isao who found out Kikoru's name is on that list.

So is the rest of every canon Third Division rookie as well for that matter. Things would have gone bad for the kids if it had not been for the fact the organization fate is sealed when No 9 gets to know of them.

But over to our suffering himbo hm? The second and third month is when the special tests, tasks and even the beginning of Kafka's training starts. It all strats slow though as none is willing to hurry up on this. They want accurate info and don't want to have to do this more times than necessary as none want Kafka to have an episode from the stress and whatnot.

It is also here where they finally begin to see Kafka's older self showing up more. Slowly becoming the lovely goof we know he his. His manchild behavior will also start to show as well once the fourth or fifth month comes by. And despite his vocal cords still being damaged somewhat by this point, Kafka will try to communicate more with Mina at first, then with Soshiro and Okonogi as well.

They also learn by the second month that it is best for those who are scientists, doctors and whoever else wear similare grabs of lab coats, scrubs and what else to wear something more casual when near Kafka. And learns to hide their instruments and equipment in bags and such when Kafka start to allow them taking blood samples and stuff instead of Mina doing it. Granted, none of them dare doing any of that without the woman being present. And any of the more daring ones gets little chance in trying as such.

Speaking of the swordman and the operation leader, both Soshiro and Okonogi has quite the experiance when it comes to Kafka. The Kafka they are seeing now and the one Mina will tell them about late into the night, is so vastly different it gives the two whip lash.

However, they come to like Kafka. Both of who he was before and even the one he currently is. Despite all that has happened to him, some of his old self remain and he still has his way in charming into peoples hearts without issue. As well as still being Soshiro's favorite target to tease at. Though in this au, Soshiro is a lot more conscious and careful in how to do that.

He also the one who ends up training Kafka on how to properly control his kaijus strangth, combatability, the seven tail blades and much more. Though he and Mina has to call the captain and vice-captain in for some help in this matter.

First thing first though. By the half-way mark of the third month its finally time for some brain scans and boy due they show clear sign of various forms of brain damaged that Kafka has suffered. Luckyly it seems to be finally healing. But it is still bad enough experts are called in to make sure theres the equimpent and data is not messing with them. And ends up with them somehow managing to find someone who is willing to become Kafka's therapist to help him properly heal.

Isao would go scorch earth if something like that happened to Kikoru. Although this might have made him how much of a dick he's been to her ever since Hikari died. The fact she's a target alone means they are more aware about Kikoru's schedule and life than he is, enough to make her vulnerable.

Kafka would give someone whiplash by comparing his past/present behaviors. It is a good sign though that he is mentally recovering. Nobody still wants to poke the kaiju in fear of a relapse or episode. This is a very very delicate situation. Even moreso with the brain damage now being known knowledge.

I can only imagine the therapy sessions with him being so awkward.

[toku-explained]

Fuwamallow

Arc: SKIP investigate a sinkhole that appeared during construction work. Yuma feels Ishido has truly become part of SKIP, defying the general SKIP perception of a wall between them and the GDF. Just as they are speculating there's no Kaiju involvement, Oka-Gubila appears. Yuma and Ishido attempt to lure it in the van, when they come across two kids, Yumi and Dai, who haven't reached a shelter, Ishido takes them while Yuma continues to lure, then becomes Arc. As the battle progresses, suddenly from a lightning cloud emerges a strange skeletal robot, which emits a strange melody, and launches a debilitating sonic attack in the area, before engaging Oka-Gubila. Realising Dai lost his favourite hat, Yumi goes to find it, and is nearly hit by a stray attack from the robot, now engaging Arc, who barely saves her using Luna Armour but is defeated. The robot then, as Yuma is too slow to reach them, saves Rin and Dai from Oka-Gubila. The robot, designated Givas after the one recognisable sound it makes, has spent 6 hours on standby, and Yuma wants to believe it is an ally. SKIP starts working on deciphering the noises, while Ishido is called to the Space Sciences Division, and meets an old friend. YouPi's analysis translates Givas' song to mean "Does this planet have my Givas? I a here to be your Givas." After a discussion about the number of suns affecting societal development and guessing Givas is from a world without one, they determine Givas to mean enemy. Yuma is unwilling to believe it, but Ishido says it's irrelevant. Givas has started emitting green lasers, and GDF have officially decided it's hostile, when Ishido insists on following the GDF decision, Yuma is angry enough to say Ishido is just GDF all along. There is a sour mood, as Yuma watches Givas from the GDF cordon.

Shin Dogengers: Ohga-Man and Yabai Kamen continue to battle Livaira and his soldiers. On earth, KitaQman tries to run but is stopped by everyone, then as everyone is discussing what to do, Hyakutoban points out someone is still missing, Tanaka only then realising. Frustrated by Yabai Kamen and Ohga-Man continuing to resist, Livaira starts draining life from his soldiers in order to power up, and Ohga-Man encourages Yabai Kamen to return to his Shin form so they can be on a more level playing field. Eventually they blast him, but, body on fire, he starts merging with the ship it seems for the final descent, only for something to resists. Back in the control room, Ohga-Man and Yabai Kamen are contacted by the other Dogengers from Sekikaguoh-208. After the realisation earlier they'd found Mini-Sekikaguoh, who was angry at being forgotten, and had to devote some time to sweet talk it into forgiving them before it would summon the larger body. With the robot still struggling, Yamashiron has everyone start cleaning to power it up, and Ohga-Man throws Yabai Kamen from the vessel, he lands right back in his seat at AHK, where, in anticipation, Maid Shitsuji has just prepared his drink.

Gavv: Shoma, unknowingly, steals vegetables, only for the owners to note a resemblance to their son, Makoto. Jeeb and Shita are trying to locate the red Gavv, and try to hide it from Nyelv when he stops by, but has something of his own brewing. Makoto died 20 years ago, his parents, after hearing about Shoma's struggles, offer him a place to stay for now. Hanto visits Suga, the Granute Researcher, and learns from him. Based on Hanto's own story, Suga surmises the compression technology is a recent development, and also reveals, thanks to the Gochizo he picked up, he is now able to work on a way to fight the Granute. Shoma helps on the farm, and gets to try marshmallows, unaware an Agent is watching them. Hanto talks with his mentor, who warns it seems Suga knows too much about the Granute to be trustworthy, an Agent is watching them too. While shopping Shoma is attacked by Agents, and runs to protect the family, lured to where Jeeb and Shita are waiting. They knew Kamen Rider was him thanks to his unique red Gavv, and has tried to eliminate him with the elder Stomachs, the unwanted younger brother with a human mother, but Shoma couldn't be compressed, and ran after his mother was out through the production line. Shoma fights as Gavv, seeing the Gochizo his siblings note her has been able to create minions now he's on earth. He uses Fuwamallow, the soft body resist attacks, then uses Marumallow to build strength and crush them, Jeeb and Shita then leave angry. Realising his presence makes the old couple more appealing targets for the Granute, he decides not to return, and winds up collapsing on a road, the Gochizo unable to move him, as a shadowy figure approaches.

Boonboomger: Taiya is still contemplating what's going on with Mad Rex. Disrace re-enforces the brainwashing on Mad Rex. The Sanseaters, recalling how Mad Rex respected their refusal to give in and recruited them despite failure, vow to help him regain himself, and while Disrace is on a long phone call, take Mad Rex to various locations and even imitate the Boonboomgers in hopes of restoring his memories, the only hint he shows of it is seeing BunRed's mask. Itashar uses the Boonboom Danger and manages to connect to the Garage and make a delivery request, which Boonboom sends Taiya on. Sakito and ByunD see Taiya go past in the Super Car, at which point ByunD mentions detecting something like the Boonboom Signal, which Chassiro enquires about. Taiya arrives at the collection point, and is ambushed by the Sanseaters and Mad Rex, and finally understands for sure that Mad Rex doesn't have control of his own wheel. At this point, Disrace detects what's happening, and controls Mad Rex to attack, Taiya fights him as BunRed. Chassiro, Mira and Jou arrive as well, but the Sanseaters refuse to let them interfere, and summon Boonboom Killer Robo, the three barely escape the cave in the Super Car. Yarucar steals Jou's cars, so Boonboom Killer Robo Police battles Boonboomger Robo Monster, before switching to Boonboomger Robo Builder. As BunRed 119 battles Mad Rex, a sneakily watching Genba seeks to interfer to get info from Mad Rex, but Sakito and ByunD also don't want the battle interfered with, so BunOrange and BunViolet also battle. Taiya is defeated, and desperate to finish things quickly, the others switch to Boonboomger Robo Knight and finally beat Killer Robo. Mad Rex has BunRed at his mercy when he sees Boonboomger Robo Knight, and memories of is defeat stir, causing him to flee. Seeing Mad Rex is gone, Genba also abandons the battle. Mad Rex returns to Disrace's side, and the Sanseaters mourn their failure, dismissing a sound from Mad Rex's dog as their imagination.

[curried-mermaid]

A Review: Kaiju No. 8

Author: Naoya Matsumoto Illustrator: Naoya Matsumoto Publishers: Viz Media Age Group: Teen  Genre: Shonen Type: Manga

Content Warnings: Violence

Spoilers ahead

Plot

Kafka Hibino is part of a kaiju (monster) corpse cleanup crew in Japan, a country with the largest kaiju-emergence rates in the world. His job may be nauseating but necessary. His dream is to join the Japan Defense Force, a military organization tasked with neutralizing kaiju. After all, he made a promise to his childhood friend, Mina, who is now the Third Division captain. When he gets another chance to fulfill his dream and try out! There’s just one problem. After an unexpected transformation, he’s being hunted by the Japan Defense force. Can he hide that he’s Kaiju No. 8 while fulfilling his dreams? 

Character Development

Kafka Hibino is a very relatable protagonist. He has dreams that he’s failed at before so he’s gotten a job-adjacent to that. He hasn’t given up even if he is too old to join. Until he learns the Japan Defense Force raise the age. He’s excited to try again thanks to the rookie on the cleanup crew, who also dreams of joining the force. He’s very laidback, reliable, and knows his stuff. He’s good at strategizing where he would best fit in during the test based on his skillset and Defense Force Suit abilities, which is support. He knows the weaknesses of the different Kaiju and Yoju (residual beasts) and guides some of the other recruits on how to finish the job most efficiently. He’s also got a bit of wit as the banter between him and Reno is hilarious. 

Reno Ichikawa is a young adult with the classic teen vs adult attitude. He joins the cleanup crew hoping it’ll give him an edge in the tests to join the Japan Defense Force.  He’s a lot sweeter than you’d originally suspect. When Kafka undergoes his transformation, Reno sticks to his promise to help him achieve his dream, even if he is a monster now. He helps him to hide Kafka’s new abilities and stays in his corner. This shows a lot of Reno’s character. He’s loyal and keeps his word. Everyone needs a friend like this. 

Kikoro Shinomiya is your average I’m better than you because *insert all the reasons a spoiled rich kid with talent is better than a person with heart*. She feels like she has to be perfect and excels at everything she does. Not that her father gives a damn. She needs a push outside of that mindset. She’s excellent at neutralizing kaiju and doesn’t lose a single recruit during the last test. If it wasn’t for her armor though, she’d be dead when a new threat appears. She may be a brat but she’s also still a bit naive. When she’s confronted with the new threat she doesn’t immediately act on it but thinks back to the list of kiaju they were given. The new threat wasn’t on it. While she does this, the kaiju has more than enough time to attack. This causes a shattering in her thinking of always needing to be better and perfect than others. 

While we’ve met his childhood friend and some of the others in the Defense force, we haven’t gotten a lot of their personalities. We do get enough information for us to separate them from other characters. It’ll be interesting to have those personalities expanded and see if the reader’s assumptions on their character is exactly what it seems or not. 

World-building

The world-building is simple. It’s modern-day but with a twist of giant monsters. These monsters have wreaked havoc and caused an unnumbered amount of deaths. Yet, heroes are fighting for the people against this constant threat. At the same time, there are cleanup crews that autopsy these monsters and ship their parts to various research and development facilities. This world has grown to use the parts of monsters for a variety of uses. 

We also see and understand how hard it is to get into the Japan Defense Force as there are three main tests. The first is a written knowledge test. The second is a fitness test. The third test changes depending on the year. Some years it’s neutralizing kaiju and yoju, and others are cleanup. Only the best of the best get to pass. 

Themes

Even when life throws you a curveball, don’t give up on your dreams. You are the only one that can make them come true. 

I decided to go with this theme because it’s something similar to the undertones of what Kafka and Reno tell and show each other about each other’s character when facing off against a yoju while on cleanup duty. 

Observations & Predictions

At the end of the first volume, Kafka reveals his kaiju form in front of one of the best recruits to help deal with an unexpected threat during the end of the final Defense force test. 

My hope for this scene is that Kikoro will continue her deconstruction and rely on her team (which I’m assuming will be put together during or after this battle with the unknown threat). She’ll be confused between duty as part of the Japan Defense Force and her heart. Kafka told her the words she always wanted to hear from her father and stepped in to save her, but he’s kaiju himself. This will cause a major change in her as she struggles. Depending on what she chooses, will change the story and Kafka’s life forever. 

I hope that during this battle, some of the top-tier recruits will see him and they’ll become part of his team, keeping it on the down low from the higher-ups. Kafka will become their ace in the hole against a rising threat. 

My observation is Kafka isn’t the only one that’s transformed into a humanoid kaiju. He may be the only one to control the kaiju within rather than letting it consume him. This new threat will make the Japan Defense Force’s job much harder. As we see at the end of this volume, they can bring back other kaiju and yoju from the dead. 

A new battle is about to begin. Kaiju No. 8 against other humanoid kaiju. A war of Titans, if you will. I can’t wait for the next volume. 

Recommendations

For more Contemporary Fantasy

Solo Leveling By: Chugong

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint By: Sing Shong

Similar Titles

Jujutsu Kaisen By: Gege Akutami

Fire Force By: Atsushi Ohkubo

My Hero Academia By: Kohei Horikoshi

[southerndragontamer]

Inspired by @huffletrax’s post I just reblogged I figured if they wouldn’t mind, I’ll do a team for everyone’s favorite Septic and my interpretation of him as he’d be in Pokémon.

Pokemon AU

Antisepticeye

Luxray, Toxtricity (Amped Form, can Gigantamax), Vikavolt, Nidoking, Gengar (Has Gengarite), Naganadel

-He travels just to do what he wants, chief among them being fight with his Pokémon. He’s a very brutal fighter but he never goes too far if his Pokémon look tired or the opponent is knocked out already. And don’t try to make him fight a Baby Pokémon or one that’s young just. Do not for the sake of your own health.

-His ‘starter’ was Luxray, he found him while hiding outside of Rowan’s lab to wait for an opportunity to grab one of the ‘official’ ones, and as he was waiting. He felt a little nuzzling at his leg mixed with a spark that fizzled against his static and looked down, there was a Shinx just... there. Like any cat, he chose Anti and Anti didn’t have the heart to say no.

-He does not have the ability to use lightning in this AU, but he has the ability to conduct it without risk to himself, his static is more of a kind of... hypnotic ability so he doesn’t need to worry about anyone ratting him out to Jenny if they see him. It makes it so anyone in range of his static just, forgets his face and his voice.

-His team met in order is Luxray, Gengar, Nidoking, Vikavolt, Naganadel and Toxtricity.

-He befriended Zekrom as he sticks true to his Ideals, he also befriended Raikou, Mewtwo and Xurkitree.

Putting the rest under a read more since it’s getting long.

-As he isn’t fully human but a glitch, he knows of MissingNo. He’s one of the few that know about it that doesn’t use the poor thing for duplication, instead he tries to treat it as kindly as he can when he can feel it nearby. And no, he will not give secrets.

-The reason he doesn’t want to be caught by Jenny? He’s a hacker, and a damn good one too. He uses it to expose people like Giovanni for what they really are, he doesn’t do just big names either, he exposes anyone corrupt. Looker can’t stand him because Anti hasn’t ever been caught and actively taunts the detective because it’s fun.

-His Hacker Symbol is a green and black glitching Eye and he lets his voice get glitchy so no one can identify him. A play on All Seeing Eye, Always Watching.

-He has an unofficial seventh Pokémon in Rotom, as the little Legendary took a liking to him as he wandered through the Old Chateau where he caught his Gengar then a Gastly, as they were of a similar personality. And the fact Anti laughed when Rotom tried to scare him instead of running away. Rotom helps Anti with his hacking and likes to stay in his phone or laptop, bringing up reminders or information he needs.

-Anti’s usual style is punk/rock, ripped jeans, combat boots, biker jacket, wrist bands, black t shirt, fingerless gloves and a spiked choker. His hair is dyed different shades of green and he keeps it long to tie into a braid or ponytail. And he paints his nails black or dark green and likes liner. Try to make fun of him for it and he will punch you if his Pokémon don’t get to you first.

-His Hacker outfit when he wants to appear is a black trenchcoat, full gloves, uses his static to make the green in his hair to go black, a black mask with a green spray paint jagged smile and holes for his eyes. He only lets one be visible at a time and the other is black.

-The nicknames for his Pokémon are: Luxray is Gamma, Toxtricity is Skrillex, Vikavolt is Beetleguise, Nidoking is Kaiju, Gengar is Mort and Naganadel is Mordred and Rotom is ED-E

-The scar we all know him for is still there and in this AU it was gotten when he was younger, more reckless and didn’t care who saw what he did trying to do what he felt was the right thing. It’s why he prefers not to be seen now.

-He can beat the elite four of most Regions if he wants too, but he doesn’t want to be tied down to one place like he knows he will be if he’s Champion. So he just moves when he gets all the badges, is currently exploring every inch of Galar as he pleases.

-He has a soft spot for kids and will give them advice with care for their Pokémon and won’t go too hard on them. And do not make a little kid cry or Arcues forbid hurt one around him or he will end you.

-He met Zekrom while transitioning through Unova to get to Alola through the airport. The dragon reached out to him with telepathy as Zekrom could sense him and was curious as Anti wasn’t like anyone else. Anti decided to stay a bit to talk with Zekrom and they became friends.

-Mewtwo was an intense meeting. Anti had decided to do some digging into an attempt of resurgence of Team Rocket in their home turf and also caught Kaiju whike he was there, and he heard rumors about the strong Legendary returning to it’s Region of birth. And he wanted to fight them just to see how strong they were. He didn’t mean his Pokémon either as he didn’t want to endanger them from Mewtwo’s psychic attacks, Anti knows how to kick someone’s butt without his Pokémon, so yes. He challenged Mewtwo to a direct fight.

-No, Anti has never claimed to be fully sane, why do you ask? XD

-The fight ended with Anti laying on the cave floor panting, but with a mile wide grin and Mewtwo was also a bit out of breath. Using telepathy Mewtwo congratulated Anti for being the first human to impress with both his bravery and his utter recklessness. And now the two meet up every so often to fight. Yes, Mewtwo has used both Mega Forms in said fights.

-Also yes, Anti’s Pokemon are very worried for their Trainer’s lack of self preservation. XD

-Raikou was met in a thunderstorm when he took shelter in a cave after he got lost in Alola. It was a very tense night as Anti wasn’t sure if the Legendary Beast was going to attack him or not because they didn’t tend to like many humans, but when Anti ended up passing out to get sleep, he woke to find Raikou had curled up around him with Gamma to keep him warm. Mort could only do so much as a ghost and didn’t want to make him colder. Yes, he got to pet Raikou and the roaming Legendary has very soft fur.

-Xurkitree was an interesting one, in Alola he’d heard about the Ultra Beasts but didn’t expect to find any as it had been a little while since they were first sighted and he assumed someone had already caught them. But apparently not as the living live wire ended up following him from the Memorial he stopped to pay respects at. Xurkitree was very affectionate despite Anti’s grumpy nature towards the constant attempts at hugs or cuddles, Anti figures it’s probably due to his static.

-Befriending Xurkitree was also how he met and caught Naganadel, then Poipole as the little poison type Ultra Beast ended up finding them both and was impressed with the strength of Anti’s other Pokémon and wanted to get that strong.

Authors Note

And now due to the plot bunny running away from me, I’m going to go do the other Septics, canon and a few not canon and a few Ipliers. XD

And if you have any questions or want an in-depth look at teams including not official members such as ED-E the Rotom, like hold items, moves or little tidbits of personality let me know!

[brooktrout96]

The Dream That You've Always Dreamed is Suddenly About to Flower.

Chapter 1 of The Deeper The Darkness The More Dazzling The Light Shines!

Part 1 of The Zero to Hero Series

AO3 is here

Zero had been traveling all over the universe and even the multiverse. He had see many things like the beautiful green emerald like crystal of Esmeralda to an alternate earth where his arch-rival's son lived and protect. In all his (long) life, he never expected to land in a world where have superpowers was the norm until he did and taking a host with one of those superpowers

Izuku Midoriya was Quirkless and he was told by many that he couldn’t be a hero, that he was useless, until one day his idol and the number one hero told him that he could be a hero, that he was useful. He knew he had to work extra hard to be able to become the best he could be and become a hero that everyone believed in. But no one said that he would be meeting a 49-meter-tall alien that would have to share his body with as he works towards his dream of becoming a hero as he fight giant monsters that seem to be right out of a pre-Quirk TV show

"Midoriya!” His eyes snaped open as he awoke to All Might standing over him but he couldn’t move. It felt like his body wasn’t his own, like he was under someone’s control but there stood his mentor, if a Villain had use their quirk on him to see why the No. one hero had taken an interest in him, they would find out that his mentor was injured and that would make him an easier target. He had to protect All Might and his secret as he fought for control of his body and won control

“So, you’re more like Leito or Taiga then Run then.” Izuku heard a voice say as he looked around. All he saw was All Might standing in front of him with a concern look on his face

“My boy, are you alright?”

“Yeah All Might!” Izuku said with a smile on his face. “I just wore myself out move the junk; I think I’ll call it a day today. See you later.” All Might gave Izuku a smile as he took off and toward home

“Geeze, I thought I was a real bad liar.” The voice from before spooked Izuku as he looked around as he noticed that there no one there, as Izuku return to walking as a transparent ‘person’ appeared in front of him. It was red and blue with silver accents with two strange horn things on its head. On his chest was a blue light, that a lighter shade of blue then the blue on its body

“What!” He squeaked as he looked the ‘person’ that just appeared in front of him and spoke as he studied it. “What are you? Who are you?” He begins to mutter as it let out a sigh.

“My name is Zero, Ultraman Zero.”

Izuku looked at the ‘man’ as he introduced himself. “Ultraman? Zero? What’s a Ultraman?”

“So, it seems that Ultras don’t exist in this world.” Zero muttered as he then look at the young boy. “You’re heading home, right?” Izuku nodded his head. “I’ll explain on the way and then you can explain to me what this world is about.” Izuku continued to walk as Zero sit on his shoulder, explaining to him what an Ultra was.

~***~

Izuku moved the last piece of trash to the pile that he had made and he paused and took a deep breath as he set down to study his hard work. The beach was completely clean, there was no trash at all. He smiled, exhausted as Zero set on his shoulder with a grin on his face. “You did it kid, when your mentor get here, he’ll be so proud and maybe a little confused on how strong you are but you did it.” Izuku laid back as he let out a long-exhausted sigh as he closed his eye to relax and regain a little of his strength as he waited for All Might to get to the beach

“Yeah,” Izuku thought more to Zero then to himself. “I don’t think he was expecting me to finished cleaning until closer to the Entrance Exam.

All Might in his true form made his way to the beach where he knew young Midoriya was. He paused as he took in the beach

“Oh my.” He looked around the beach in shock as he puffed up into his hero form. “Oh, my GOODNESS.” Izuku stood up to greet his mentor but he looked like he was drunk as he stumbled in exhaustion toward him. All Might caught him. “You’ve earned a rest.” He said with a (real) smile on his face.

“All Might! I… I did it… I did it!”

“And you did an astonishing job of it, too! Especially for a teenager!” All Might put Izuku back down on the ground as he pulled out his phone and showed him a photo from seven month ago

“What’s this…” Izuku trailed off as the exhaustion continued to hit him hard as he looked at the photo on the phone.

“This is you, seven months ago!” All Might looked at Izuku, who looked like he could keel over if the wind blew right. “You did really, really good. We’ve only just reached the faintest mirage of the path that lies ahead but you’re a bona-fide vessel now.”

Izuku looked down at something in his hand as Zero had swapped shoulder to sit on, from Izuku’s right to his left. He let out a sigh.

“I feel like…. I’ve cheated somehow.”

“I mean you kinda did.” Zero chimed in as Izuku began to cry as the emotions began to take over.

“All Might, you went so far for me, and I feel too blessed!”

“What’s this all of a sudden? All Might thought in confusion. “It was all you, kid.” All Might let out a sigh as he shook his head as he pluck a strand of his hair as he spoke. “You know what they say, right? There’s a difference between something you were born with out of pure luck and something won after busting your ass for it! Puff out your chest and be proud. This is the power you earned fair and square kid. Now eat this.” All Might held out a strand of his hair out to Izuku

“Come again?” Izuku had a look of confusion on his face as Zero had fell from his perch on Izuku’s left shoulder in shock

“Technically the way you take my DNA doesn’t really matter but this is the easiest way to do it.”

“This isn’t really what I had in mind.”

“Even us Ultra have less confusing/disgusting way to transfer our powers.” Zero muttered to Izuku. Izuku took the strand of hair from All Might as he let out a sigh and put the hair in his mouth and swallowed (not without gagging but that was a given, it was a strand of hair for crying out loud).

He didn’t feel any different but he assumed that unlike the boost that he got as Zero’s host which was noticeable as soon that evening as his mom had a klutz moment while the two of them were doing dishes, she tripped and lost one of the plates out of her hand and he caught it before it could hit the ground. He at first thought that it was a side effect of his training with All Might but afterwards he questioned the Ultra that he shared his body with and he explained that being his host gave him a boost in all aspects of fighting and that if he needed, that he (Zero) could take control of his body if need be.

“Young Midoriya, take the day off to recover and adjust to the power of One For All. We’ll continue training tomorrow with it and the rest of the three month. For now, just rest and take time to get acquainted with the power but don’t try to use it.” Izuku nodded his head as he turned to look at now clean beach with a smile.

~***~

Izuku hadn’t even started on his way home, when the ground shook and Zero let out a sigh as he looked up, Izuku followed his gaze and he noticed a huge yellow and black narwhal looking creature that slowly lumbering threw the city

“What is that thing?” Izuku mumble as he pulled out his notebook as Zero floated in front of him.

“It’s a Kaiju called Gubila, Izuku I honestly didn’t think that Kaiju existed on this earth, a earth with no Ultras to protected it.” He paused. “Izuku I need to borrow your body, unless your up to fighting in my body.”

Izuku shook his head. “No, I’m so exhausted from cleaning, go ahead.” Zero took control as Izuku’s hair became more wilder as he pulled out the Zero Eyes and put them up to his face and hit the button as his arms spread outwards and Zero's body forms via ribbons of light.

He then appeared in front of the Gubila as he got into a fighting stance as the Gubila charged at Zero as he sidestepped the attack and grabbed the Kaiju’s tail.

Izuku watched in awe from Zero’s Inner Space (Zero kindly explained the first night what the space he would be in when they transformed is called, his form changes and what might be needed of him as his host) as he wondered if he could apply the moves Zero is using on the Gubila to fighting a villain.

Zero chopped the tail with his hand as the Kaiju let out a roar and quick swung it tail send Zero flying into one of the nearby building. “Shit! Oh, that’s right!” Izuku heard Zero mumble as if he just remember something. He quickly got up as he switched over to Luna-Miracle. All of Zero’s red colorations had disappeared and he became completely blue with silver highlights

Zero, I thought you said that Luna-Miracle was mostly speed and healing based, so it doesn’t do any real damage.”

“Right but the thing is Gubila are native to most earths I’ve been to but they tend to hide further under ground then most human would be willing to dig. Most of them rampage because a earthquake tends to wake them up. I try not to kill if I can help it and right now it’s not trying to attack the city on purpose. It just confused and wants to go home. Isn’t that what a hero do, help people in need?”

Izuku nodded as the bracelet on Zero’s wrist began to glow as he generate a soft ray of light that calmed the Gubila and he pick it up and took off flying trying to find a spot for the Gubila to be safe and away from civilization that it and the human won’t bother each other before it could return underground.

“He returned and saw a voluptuous young woman with purple eyes and white pupils, with elegantly long eyelashes. She has long, voluminous, creamy blonde hair reaching her waist, with two shorter strands curled to frame her face, parted slightly to her left. She was wearing a purple and pale tan-colored skintight bodysuit, accented with orange stripes, purple gloves with orange accents on the edge of the cuff, and she also wearing a purple domino mask with horn-like protrusions on the sides.

“Izuku, who’s that?”

“That’s Mt. Lady. She debuted seven month ago, and she has a Gigantification Quirk.” Zero took one look at the short (at least compared to him) hero as his Color Time began to beep as he let out a sigh as he looked toward the Hero

“Stop right there vigilante.”

“Vigilante? I’m no vigilante, my name is Zero and Kaiju are my specialty.” He said quickly as he took off before any hero could do anything to him

~***~

Izuku had spent the remaining time before the entrance exam sparring as much as he could getting use to the strength of One For All and Zero’s powers. It seems that he could use all or most of Zero’s skills outside of being transformed. He had the speed of Luna-Miracle and the strength of Strong-Corona but none of the abilities that came with those forms as far they could tell and he was glad, he could deal with the boost of speed and strength as saying he just got the boost from One For All

Izuku paused at the gate to Yūei as he took in the spectacular building that is the number one hero school in Japan, he took one deep breath as he made his way to where the exam were being held and then tripped as he was save by a girl’s Quirk as Bakugo shoved him out of the way as he yelled. “Fuck off Deku!” Zero almost took control right then and there. He hated villains who hide behind a heroic façade, essentially bullies, those who attacked the people who were weak and unable to fight back but Izuku was able to wrangle him back from taking control as they made it to the exam hall.

“Zero, I’ll let you take control for the exam, so you can let off some steam.” He muttered as he set down as Zero grinned as the duo watched other student hopefuls enter and set down. The protractor enter the hall and greeted the exam takers

“Welcome one and all to my live show! Everybody say Heeey!” Zero thought the man looked like a cockatoo dressed in black leather as he shook his head as Izuku began to mutter to him. “I’ve got shivers down my spine, too, Listeners! I’m gonna give you the low-down on how this will go down! Are you ready!? Yeah!” The room was silent as could be as Izuku was muttering to Zero in his thoughts

“That the voice-type hero ‘Present Mic.’ We listen to him on the radio every week.”

“Ah! That is why his voice sounded semi-familiar.”

“Now pay close attention, Listeners! We’ll be testing your mettle by running a ten-minute practice run at our replica city-district!” The others let out a small bit of sound as Mic continued to explained. “We’ll be sprinkling a large number of ‘villains’ over the battlefield and they’ll appear in three different varieties, with point values scaled according to difficulty!! Using each of your individual Quirks, dispatch as many ‘villains’ as you can. Your goal, Listeners, is to rack up a high score.” Zero tuned out Mic’s speech as he continued to explain the exam

~***~

Izuku was excited as he looked at the mock city that he was at because it was time for him and Zero to show how they were worth of becoming a hero.

“Zero.” He thought to the Ultra

“Yeah, Izuku?”

“I’m going to tell you which bots to go after to maximize our points.” Izuku said as he let Zero take control. Zeku (Izuku started to refer to himself as this when ever Zero would take control) had a grin on his face. Robots created by humans were nothing compared to the Darklops Zero that the Alien Salome created and then Belial mass produced.

Zeku zoomed off as soon as Present Mic was finished and he was destroying any bots and helping other hopefuls as he

“I think we got about thirty points from the bots but I don’t think we can get any more though.” Izuku said to Zero as Zeku zipped threw the cityscape looking for more bots to take care of while he was searching or more injured or trapped applicants as they eventually heard a loud woman’s scream as Zeku turned and followed the scream and saw a girl on the ground as the Zero Pointer

“Zero, what are you planning on doing?”

“We can’t let her die.” Izuku and Zero knew exactly what needed to be done as they jumped into action as the green sparks surrounded him as he jumped into air. Zeku went flying into the air toward the Zero Pointer. Zeku then punched the damn Zero Pointer and damaged it enough that it fell to pieces

“Ultra Zero Punch!”

It was in that moment both Zero and Izuku realized that they weren’t in Ultra form, so they didn’t have the innate ability to fly and that is when they realized that the hardest part would be landing, no matter what happened or how they land, it would probably end with something breaking. In their frantic effort trying not to die, they didn’t notice the young woman that they had save floating on a piece of the Zero Pointer and she slapped him as he felt his decent slowing as he ended up floating maybe an inch off the ground as Present Mic call the test

Zeku turned to the girl as he gave her a smile. “Thanks’ for saving me.” He notice she was looking a little green around the collar. “Are you alright?” Zeku heard a woman voice asking if anyone was injured or need any help. “That must Recovery Girl, come on let get you over to her so she can check you over.” Zeku greeted Recovery Girl as she looked over the girl who had save him, gave her a kiss and a gummy. She then turned to look at Izuku as Zero had give him back control as soon as the exam ended. “What about you, are you alright?”

“I feel fine but it wouldn’t hurt for you to look me over, Recovery Girl.” Izuku said with a smile on his face as she looked him over and saw nothing wrong with him, all she did was hand him a gummy. “Thanks Recovery Girl.”

~***~

Shota Aizawa was many thing, a Underground Hero, a teacher at Yūei and a loving husband. In all his years teaching at Yūei, he had never see a kid take off quickly and then efficiently take down the bots, it was like the kid was training all his life to fight. He listen as his husband ended the exam a as he head to the staff room and his desk as he studied the top ten applicants

Izuku Midoriya: Villain points, 30, rescue points, 60, total 90

Katsuki Bakugo: Villain points, 77, rescue points 0, total 77

Eijiro Kirishima: Villain points 39, rescue points 35, total 74

Ochaco Uraraka: Villain points 28, rescue points 45, total 73

Ibara Shiozaki: Villain points 36, rescue points 32, total 68

Itsuka Kendo: Villain points 25, rescue points 40, total 65

Tenya Ida: Villain points 52, rescue points 9, total 61

Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu: Villain point 49, rescue points 10, total 59

Fumikage Tokoyami: Villain points 47, rescue points 10, total 57

Yosetsu Awase: Villain points 50, rescue points 6, total 56

Aizawa was pondering the top ten as he thought back to the top two applicants. “Though he earned zero rescue points Bakugou came close to taking 1st, if it wasn’t for Midoriya saving Uraraka from the Zero Pointer near the end there and gaining those sixty rescue points, he probably would have with his plan.” He let out a soft sigh as he knew that if Midoriya ended up in his class that he found his problem child for three years. “Then there Midoriya. We’ve had entrants face off against the Zero Pointer but it has been quite a long time since someone’s sent it flying.”

“So, what do you think of the top ten entrants?”

The voice came from down and to the left of Aizawa as he looked down and saw the principal of Yūei, he was a stout ‘man’ who appears to be a possible combination of several different animals, including a dog, a mouse, and a bear. He has the head of a mouse with circular black eyes, a large scar over the right one, relatively rectangular-shaped ears with pale pink insides slanting outwards from the top of his head, and an elongated muzzle with a small round nose. His fur is white and has large, dog-like paws with pink pads and a thin tail like that of a cat. He sports a white dress shirt, a dark red tie around his neck, a black double-breasted waistcoat and matching dress pants and he’s wearing orange lace-up sneakers with incredibly thick soles which seem to be quite large on him.

“Midoriya seem to be a puzzle, Nezu.”

“What do you mean, Aizawa?”

Aizawa pulled up Izuku’s attack on the Zero Pointer on his tablet. “Right after the punch, it seems like he wasn’t expecting to fall, that is what puzzling me.”

“You’ve heard of the new vigilante called Zero, right?”

“Yeah, he has some sort of Gigantification Quirk and first appeared when that weird narwal monster appeared.” Nezu put a piece of paper on his desk and Aizawa looked down at the paper and then back to Nezu. “So, do you have a plan?”

“Aizawa, you’ve taught at Yūei for how long now?” The principal of Yūei smiled. “I always have a plan.” Nezu let loose one of his iconic laughed as Aizawa let out a sigh and a shiver. No one should get the eyes of Yūei’s principal on them

[perish-the-creator]

Beware the Insecta

Another writing exercise. At one point I want to do a full horror fic but who knows. BTW, this is purely based on my fear of bugs. I also took the liberty to make this specific kaiju small enough do...this.

Hiroharu was never a paranoid kid. He prided himself in his ability to appear fearless, when in reality he merely relied on logic. Logic keeps him sane and is what the world is run on. But perhaps it was his unwavering faith in that notion that lead him to this position.

He was walking around the nearby woods with his friends after school. They had all finished their homework early and decided to treat themselves to some outdoor fun. They played the typical games of hide n seek as well as samurai. Hiroharu grabbed a large stick, pretending that it was instead a fearsome sword as he stood boldly and pointed it to his friends.

“Step up and face me, if you dare.” He smirk, challenging his buddies. They laughed, each picking up their sticks as well. It was childish fun, whacking and swatting those fallen branches. Hiroharu laughed triumphantly as he pushed a friend backwards before jumping onto a fallen tree. Fist on his hips he shouted.”I am victorious! You must now all bow to me!”

Though his victory is short lived as his companions gang up and push him backwards, causing him to go tumbling. He doesn’t really know how long he’s been falling but eventually he comes to a stop.

“HIROHARU!” One of his friends shout with fear clearly present. Hiroharu groaned, putting his hand on his head to ease the pressure. He feels something warm on his leg and notices a huge cut. There was blood flowing out like as if his wound was crying. Some of it landed on the exposed dirt below him.

“Come help me,” He shouted, wincing as he tried to move his leg. The cut burned. He took a moment to look around and see exactly where he has fallen.

His location was a large hole, freshly exposed dirt with a dark tunnel behind him. The tunnel lead down. and when he moved closer if gave a cold breeze. What on earth?

“Hiroharu I’m coming! Get away from that tunnel!” His best friend, Yoshimi, cried out as he carefully made his way to him. Hiroharu raised a brow. Why was he so panicked?

When Yoshimi made it too him, he was quick to help Hiroharu up and lead him out of that hole. The entire time the other boy glanced back at that tunnel, fear written on his face.

“What is the problem?” Hiroharu asked when they made it back to the top. The other boys had ran off in fear.

“That’s...that’s a Megalon hole.” Yoshimi replied in a low whisper. Merely saying the name was terrifying. “We’re lucky he wasn-”

Hiroharu begins laughing at his friend.He thought they established that such things were just tales their people passed down from generation to generation.

“Really? I thought we talked about that. I’m sure it’s just some construction stuff. I heard they might do some buildings around here.”

Yoshimi frowns and hits his friend upside the head.

“That’s a dumb explanation and you know it. What possible project would A, make a hole like that and B. in such a weird spot? Hm?”

Hiroharu frowns and sighs. There were plenty of projects that would start like that AND would be placed in oddly specific areas. But he kept quite, knowing if he said more this would just end up being a long argument. Besides, he needs to get home so he can mend his legs.

                       _______________________________

Hiroharu couldn’t move. His entire body was still and sweat began to leave his pores. His throat was dry and he could feel his eyes threatening to leak. He had the blanket pulled up to where it barely covered his nose. The sounds of the summer evening winds did not help either.

The moon, though blanketed by clouds, shined just enough to illuminate the figure at the edge of his bed. He began praying to any god that came to mind.

The figure stood towering over him. The large appendage on its head almost damaging the ceiling. Large golden eyes stared the child down, sucking in the scene of its victim cowering under the covers. Its mouth gaped with a long speck of drool falling and splashing on the bedroom floor with a hissing and popping sound.

Hiroharu’s eyes glanced towards his window, dread filling him even more. The window was undamaged. The curtains were drawn back as well in a neat fashion. This made his heart stop. This creature had snuck in through his window, and did so as to not disturb the boy before now. Hinting now that this beetle monster displayed intelligence, which to Hiroharu was more than alarming.

He wanted to scream but found he couldn’t. His throat prevented that.

His heart faced as Megalon came forward, beginning to crawl and descend upon the boy. The bed, not built for the extra weight, groaned in aggravation. Hiroharu could hear the bed buckle and strain. Wood desperately trying to stay up.

Megalon hovered over the boy, drilled arms propped on either side of the child’s head. His antennas droop, twitching slightly as if scanning over his victim.

Hiroharu found it odd that the creature appeared to not want to place his full weight on the victim. He glanced and saw that it was in fact supporting itself on its knees on either side of the boy’s legs, rather than just crushing them without regard.

Soon, the bed gave up and broke beneath them, causing a huge bang on the floor and Megalon to lurch forwards, his insect face mere inches from Hiroharu’s.

The shout of his mother made Hiroharu find the strength to scream.

“MOM! MOM! MOM HELP ME!!” He shouted, making Megalon’s eyes constrict. A loud hiss came from his throat before he bit on the child. Hiroharu screamed in agony.

His mother came barreling in, panic in her eyes as she burst through the door. But panic soon turned to absolute fear as she saw what was before her.

Her son, eyes faded and mouth drooling, hung from his throat by a large beetle. His skin grew the tone of death. To make matter worse, Hiroharu was still alive. Still breathing and conscious.

Megalon, unlike before, broke through the window and jumped out. Hiroharu’s mother screaming into the night as he son was dragged into the darkness.

                  ________________________________________

Hiroharu’s mother wept to the police as they continued to question her. Apparently, Hiroharu wasn’t the only child taken last night.

Yoshimi, the best friend of Hiroharu, went missing as well. Unlike the crime scene at Hiroharu’s, Yoshimi showed little struggle. There was also a foot trail that eventually faded after a few feet into the woods.

The close friends of the two boys had told the police of the hole they had fell the day before. Though the police were skeptical they did investigate. The site was located, and the surface of the hole was still present. However, the tunnel that lead underground was now covered by a wall of an organic material that was almost as hard as steel.

In the years that followed, children were taught to avoid these holes at all cost and to never go near them, as their scent can linger and Megalon can find them.

Though one mother wanted to know. She wanted peace and needed to find out what happened to her son.

Hiroharu’s mother found one of these holes. Taking off her shoes she left them at the entrance and traveled deep within the tunnel. She would never be seen again. Her shoes becoming a warning to anyone else foolish enough to follow.

Welp, that was my shot at horror/thriller. Megalon, despite how cute he is, is my biggest fear. I hate bugs by all means and the scene where he hovers over Hiroharu is taken out of one of my nightmares. Let me know what y’all think. I might do a sequel where we see what happens to the victims of Megalon, or I’ll choose another kaiju.

[spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia]

Mistletoe Mayhem: A Christmas Gift for

@princess-kidatheart17

“Hiiiroooooooooo!”

 Oh boy.

 Something was up.

 Hiro Hamada, SFIT’s resident robotics prodigy/superhero/lovable scamp/”genius boy” turned his chair around to welcome on the unwanted and unexpected visitor, but he didn’t even need to open his eyes to know who it was.

 Good. More time to massage his temples.

 “Oh… Are you… Ok?”, Karmi Khan, SFIT’s resident Bio-Tech prodigy/Big Hero 6 fangirl/lovable tsundere/“Best girl” (oh wait, that’s my nickname for her) found herself exhibiting an unusual emotion, at least, unusual in her relationship with the brunette boy trying not to sigh heavily.

 Hiro sighed heavily, contradicting me. “Karmi, I thought we were beyond petty fights! And I didn’t mean to leave my lunch behind in your lab!”

 Despite its slight surprise, Hiro expected a Karmi visit today. Good news or bad, his new friend (who he may or may not have slight feelings for) had been making daily check ups.

 What he didn’t expect (though he chided himself for that) was Karmi leaping up to him and hushing him with her finger, fear and alarm in her eyes.

 Moving the finger wordlessly, an annoyed Hiro with a raised eyebrow asked a sort of pointless question. “Karmi, are we seriously still doing this?”

 Karmi blushed red faster than light traveling in space and, with an incredibly impressive backflip, closed the door to Hiro’s lab and jumped back to him, her eyes darting around madly.

 Hiro stayed still in his seat, before lifting a perfect 10 sign.

 “Of course we still are seriously doing this! I’ll even do it absurdly, if the need arises!”, Karmi told him off, before wordlessly nodding at the other seat.

 Hiro nodded in approval and Karmi sat down, taking his bag of gummi bears.

 “Hey, I never nodded at that!”, Hiro remarked, with half a smile.

 “General vicinity, Genius Boy.”, Karmi bit back humorously, and she began to stuff a few in.

 Hiro shook his head in adoration and they resumed their conversation.

 “So, let me get this straight: Even though we’ve made up, even though everyone basically knows we’re friends now, and even though we’re smart enough NOW to know that there is something between us, you want to keep it secret?”

 “First of all, we are not dating, if that’s what you’re implying!”, Karmi, with a slightly full mouth, was wuick to correct.

 Pointing at him, she continued. “I may feel slightly sort of very intense feelings for you, but we are NOT dating.”

 Hiro slow clapped, a cocky smile gracing his lips. “And the Nobel prize for best explanation goes to…”

 “Ha, ha! I see you still major in comedy.”, Karmi retorted, but deep down she thought it was funny.

 She didn’t hide it as often these days, she was a lot more open in her adoration, but she had to hide it.

 At least… Here.

 Hiro, standing up and resuming his previous operation of fixing his armor, asked the necessary question. “So, I assume you’re not only here to remind me of what I already know.”

 Standing up as well and already peering over his shoulder (to his half annoyance-amusement), Karmi supplied the answer with a copy of the school paper. “Somehow, I am actually here to inform you of something you really should know.”

 Hiro stared at the paper in front of him before dryly remarking. “Not only do I not bother with print, but why would I care about a celebration of meat loaf in Room 3B?”

 Karmi took the paper back, grunted, and turned it around.

 Hiro’s eyes scanned the words and still looked phased as they reverted to Karmi’s beautiful…

 “Don’t think it. Not yet.”, he thought.

 Anyhow, Hiro was still confused. “A Christmas party is the problem? And here I thought the only Scrooge was Professor Granville.”

 “Actually, she REALLY loves Christmas.”, Karmi corrected, and Hiro couldn’t help but chuckle, raising the smallest smile on the girl.

 “Professor Granville and Christmas? Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

 He then stood up and crossed his arms, observing her with curiosity. “So, do please enlighten me to the “humbug” in the situation.”

 Karmi sighed, wondering how dense can one admittedly lovable boy be. “Hiro, surely even you know that a Christmas party with mistletoe and your friends is a recepie for disaster.”

 Now, Karmi’s assertion was absolutely true in every way.

 It was her timing that was a little off.

 Hiro began choking on the gummy bear that he extracted from the left over bag while Baymax woke up.

 “I was alerted to your presence when you made choking sounds. Like this!”

 Baymax began impersonating the choking noises quite adaquatley, and now it was Karmi’s turn to lift a perfect 10 sign as Hiro thankfully spat out the sweet.

 “I’m… Fine, Baymax.”

 Hiro did NOT want the inevitable…

 “My diagnosis is different. You appear to also be afflicted with a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and hormonal activity retaining to…”

 “IAMSATISFIEDWITHMYCARE!”

 Baymax quickly shut down and Hiro, who had dashed to his robotic friend, was now panting on the marshmallow body.

 THAT was close.

 “Hiding it… You’re right, Hiro. It really is sad.”

 Hiro snapped back, pouting. “Uh, of the three people in this room, who barged in to tell me of the ever present and horrible danger of mistletoe?”

 “Karmi! Karmi did!”, a voice answered from above.

 “Yes! Well said!”, Hiro congratulated, before realizing someone was above them.

 “What the…”, Hiro and Karmi both said at the same time as they looked up and saw…

 “FRED ATTACK!”

 Fred dropped down from the ceiling, suction cups in his hands, and he bowed down exaggeratedly. “A thank you! A thank you!”

 Hiro and Karmi, blushing wildly, stammered and stumbled out unfinished questions. “Why are you… What are you… How did you…”

 “Oh! I was just sticking up on the wall with suction cups to hear your inevitable conversation over mistletoe. GoGo sent me!”, Fred informed with zero hint of awareness.

 Hiro and Karmi both sighed. “GoGo…”

 For some reason, GoGo was sort of fixated on proving that the two had feelings for each other. WHICH THEY DID NOT!

 But still, it was a recurring theme.

 And Fred had been roped in.

 Karmi, however, sensed a hole in the plan, and she grinned smugly as she approached the rich teen, a sight Hiro had to admit he had grown accustomed to.

 “Ah, but Mr. Frederickson, therin lies a problem in your plan!”

 She prodded him on the chest, cocky and sure. “We both clearly don’t want to kiss under the mistletoe, if one assumes you heard the entire conversation!”

 Hiro sat down, cocky too, and the two teens high fived. “She’s got you there, Fred!”

 But now it was Fred’s turn to cockily smile as he left the room. “Oh, that is true… But of course, 4 against 2 is quite the advantage…”

 And as he shut the door, Hiro and Karmi both blushed beet red and looked at each other with fear and alarm.

 They may have only become friends four months ago, but they were very much in synch enough for this statement:

 “We have GOT to stop this kiss.”

           “…Are you ready?”

 Hiro’s palms felt very sticky and sweaty, and he tried to wipe them on his ugly robotics Christmas sweater.

 “…Well, that depends. Do you have everything?”

 Karmi’s mouth felt very dry, and she hoped that her fidgety hands would not be noticed.

 “…I do.”

 Hiro wished the floor could swallow him whole.

 “Well… Let’s go stop your weirdo friends from making us kiss.”

 Karmi wished that she could stop time so she could run away and live on an island with a giraffe named Kenneth, but that wasn’t happening any time soon.

 Hiro gripped the doorknob and Karmi gulped.

 “Yes… Let’s do that…”

 Suddenly overreacting, both teens kicked the door down, revealing the main SFIT hall to be decorated with bowls of holly and somehow endearing yet still a little kitschy ornaments, from the usual bells, reindeer and Santa dolls to the less traditional Kaiju with a Santa hat.

 Blinding lights, cheery Christmas carols belted out from a humongous speaker system and many ugly Christmas sweaters enjoying the not exactly (but let’s not kid ourselves) spiked egg nog.

 Professor Granville would SURELY not like this!

 “Mr. Frederickson, is that festive Kaiju yours by any chance?”, the as ever serious and dry tone of Professor Grace Granville was not music to Fred’s ears, as he and his friends were still hatching their plot.

 Turning around with remarkable speed, Fred smiled sheepishly. “Why, it is! I seem to have…”

 Honey Lemon piped in. “Misplaced it!”

 Fred pointed back at her, grateful and jubilant. “YES! Misplaced it! Nice!”

 He turned around, cocky grin. “As my very helpful friend just informed you, I have misplaced this awesome beat of awesomeness! Don’t worry, I will have him removed immediately, as he is…”

 “Unfit?”, Wasabi offered hopefully.

 “Yep! That was the word I was looking for! Unfit for this great hall of Christmassy Christmas!”

 Fred smiled innocently, as did Wasabi and Honey Lemon (GoGo couldn’t be bothered).

 “Why, yes, Mr. Frederickson, he IS most unfit.”, Granville informed, before suddenly attaching a white beard to the Kaiju’s face.

 As Fred and the others gaped in shock, Granville beamed and danced off in a hurry. “IT’S CHRISTMAS! FUCK YEAH!”

 The foursome blinked in confusion before stating the obvious. “Huh! Who knew?”

 Hiro and Karmi, meanwhile, were hiding behind one of the snack tables.

 The cold floor was not very welcome, but Hiro’s butt would have to live with it as Karmi laid down the game plan.

 “Ok, so we have four obstacles to encounter: Fred, Honey Lemon, Wasabi and GoGo.”

 Hiro set down a small circular device, which, when opened, revealed a 2-D hologram of his friends, now turned enemies.

 Removing the Fred hologram, Hiro threw him onto Karmi’s arms. “Fred is too excitable not to strike first. And knowing him, his plan will involve comic books!”

 Now lying down on his stomach, Karmi repeating the act, Hiro took out Issue 2500 of Big Heroes and opened it on the final page.

 “Thanks to extensive research…”

 “I.E, listening in on Fred in the shower.”, Karmi rubbed in, and Hiro rolled his eyes.

 “Hey, he signs everything in the shower! Easy pickings!”

 Reverting to the plan, Hiro cleared his throat. “Moving on, this issue of Big Heroes end with Mr. Moe, the superhero who uses cuteness as a weapon, accidentally getting a mistletoe kiss from his on and off rival friend Haley Tju.”

 Hiro then pointed at a specific panel, one that is almost directly before the kiss. “And it happens because Fanboy Kaiju, the shipping trash monster, lures Mr. Moe under the mistletoe.”

 Karmi nodded, understanding fully. “You’re more used to Fred, so you should tackle him.”

 Hiro shook his head though, surprising his partner. “That’s what he WANTS! We need to surprise him, not play into his plan!”

 “He’d be expecting us to… No, you know what? I’m not going to even finish that one, he’s not smart enough.”

 Hiro and Karmi shared a small laugh and Karmi inserted the hologram into her folds as Hiro then picked up Honey Lemon.

 “You seem to be closer to her…”

 “Bio-Besties. Not the term I’d choose, but she likes it.”, Karmi admitted, with a small smile. She sort of liked how much Honey Lemon cared.

 Hiro pocketed this one. “Well, then, this one goes to me.”

 Next was Wasabi. “Now, Wasabi is probably going to be the easiest to handle.”

 “So I should have him!”, Karmi demanded, and she made a grab for the hologram, but Hiro kept it at arm’s length.

 “Hey! I already have to deal with Honey Lemon! I want Wasabi!”

 Karmi kept reaching for the hologram, though, grunting in frustration as Hiro stuck his tongue out.

 “Hiro! I should handle him! I actually know his weakness!”

 “Oh, please! Everyone knows it’s dirt! Even Mel, that one moron we fought once knows!”

 “Hurtful!”, Mel called out of nowhere.

 Karmi had to counter and fast, if she wanted to stop Wasabi.

 Luckily, she really did know his weakness.

 “No, Genius Boy! I’m talking about his OTHER weakness!”

 Hiro laid there, dumbfounded. “…What other weakness?”

 Using this for her advantage, Karmi snatched the hologram and send it flying into her folds.

 “Exactly.”, she grinned smugly, but Hiro couldn’t help but laugh at that.

 In an odd way, she had become so endearing to him, that he really didn’t mind.

 Finally, they reached the one they dreaded most.

 “And then there was one…”, Hiro announced morbidly, and a hologram of GoGo popped up.

 Both teens gulped in fear, clearly uneasy. GoGo was not just a physical challenge with her strength and speed, and a mental challenge with her brains: She was also determined to make fun of Hiro and Karmi’s… TOTALLY NOT ROMANTIC relationship.

 She was cunning, she was tough, and she would stop at nothing, efforts be damned.

 Hiro and Karmi exchanged knowing looks, and without a word, silently nodded.

 This would require all hands on deck. The two could only prevail by teaming up on GoGo.

 Slicing her in half, each one received a GoGo, the mission now ready to be taken on.

 Extending his hand, Hiro smiled encouragingly. “Good luck.”

 Karmi took the opportunity to barb with him, but she too was genuine deep down. “I mean, you’re the one who’s gonna need all the luck, but why sweat the small stuff?”

 The two giggled for a moment, before realizing how close they were on the floor to each other.

 Close enough to look into each other’s eyes, feel each other’s breaths…

 Maybe…

 Even…

 K…

 “OK, LET’S GET ON WITH THIS!”, Hiro suddenly shouted out, and he and Karmi, with VERY red faces, stood up and went to their positions.

 Shifting through a sea of slightly tipsy college students and robots “attempting” to do the Macarena, Karmi nearly tripped over a few feet, before finally finding Fred.

 Not that it was hard.

 “JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS, I DON’T KNOW THE WORDS! JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE JINGLE MOTHERFU(BLEEP) JINGLE!”

 The strangest part of Fred singing wildly and flailing all over the place in a Fanboy Kaiju costume, slurring all the words, was that he hadn’t drunk a single thing that night.

 Huh.

 Karmi, however, was a lot more cool and collected, and she grinned to herself as she turned her back to the rich boy and put on a certain hoodie.

 “Karmi Khan, you are a genius! Why, thank you, Karmi! You’re welcome, Karmi!”, Karmi congratulated herself, leading Hiro to radio in “Modest, much?”

 “Says the guy who has an edited recording of Tadashi saying “Noice and Toight” every time you succeed.”

 “…I would like to withdraw my comments from the record. The floor is yours, Ms. Khan.”

 Chuckling to herself, Karmi then took out a pre-recorded sound byte of Hiro, which she played right next to Fred after bumping into him.

 “Sorry, Fred! I’m just such a clumsy weirdo! Also, Karmi is smarter than me!”

 “THAT SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE HIRO! TIME FOR OPERATION “MAKE SHIP SHIP AND ALSO LEARN TO SPEAK PROPERLY OR SOMETHING WHY DOO BUTTERFLIES CALL THEMSELVES BUTTERFLIES IF THEY PREFER MARGARINE?” TO START!”

 “Seriously? What if Fred wasn’t a total car crash of a human being?”, Hiro asked, annoyed.

 As Karmi Naruto ran away from a lumbering Fred, she radioed back with a playful grin “As if you don’t have a bantery recording of me somewhere!”

 Tucking in his deepfaked “Karmi sings “I’m a Barbie Girl” recording, Hiro sheepishly confessed with a “Yeah, probably, kind of, I wouldn’t know…”

 Karmi continued to dash along, pushing students to the side as Fred lumbered down the room, knocking even more.

 “HIRO! WAIT UP! I NEED YOU TO STOP SO I CAN ENFORCE ROMANCE ONTO YOUR LIFE!”

 “Wow, he’s not being subtle about this.” Hiro radioed Karmi as she slid under a table to hide for the moment.

 Karmi agreed, panting as Fred continued running for no reason. “I know, right? Why the heck would GoGo let him in on the plan?”

 What Hiro didn’t know, as he hid in the mini fridge, was that someone was already there…

 Waiting to strike.

 “Well… Maybe because GoGo knew that you’d send Karmi after Fred, so she sent me to follow you?”

 “H’mm… Maybe…”, Hiro said, scratching his chin, before realizing that someone was now… Right behind him…

 Beaming brightly, Honey Lemon waved cheerfully. “Hey, Hiro! Don’t mind me, GoGo just asked me to force a mistletoe kiss between you and Karmi.”

 As Honey Lemon tapped her chin, stating that she considered it “a little immoral, but whatever”, Hiro slowly got out of the mini fridge.

 “Karmi, I am being pursued by Honey Lemon! Fred is a diversion, I repeat FRED IS A DIVERSION!”

 Karmi was startled, the plan not spiraling out of motion, so much so that she stood up and dropped one of the snack tables.

 Food and punch spilled all over the floor, and many students turned around, seeing Karmi in Hiro’s hoodie.

 Karmi had to come up with an excuse, and fast!

 “…Hey?”

 Karmi was a genius, but even she was liable for a total “doi” moment.

 Unexpectedly, the students all suddenly picked up their own Hiro Hoodies, gesturing at them excitedly.

 “Huh. And I thought I was the only one who found it amazing.”

 “What?!”, Hiro, who was being chased by a giggling Honey Lemon with a butterfly net, asked incredulously.

 “NOTHING!”, Karmi shouted back.

 Able to focus now, Karmi started to think. “Fred as a diversion makes sense… And honestly, he should be out of my hair for now, since he’s a total moron…”

 “YEP! THAT’S ME! A TOTAL MORON!”, Fred confirmed as he breakdanced.

 Karmi fist pumped, seeing victory coming in hot. “PERFECT!”

 She took off the hoodie and narrowly dodged flailing elbows as she radioed a now roof climbing Hiro, who hissed like a cat as Honey Lemon jumped up and down to reach him.

 “I’m taking on Wasabi! Fred basically took himself down!”, Karmi informed as she leapt over a pile of presents.

 Peaking down, she moaned. “Aw man, none for me?”

 “Great! I just wish I could take Honey Lemon down!”, Hiro replied as he swung from one sleigh decoration to the next, Honey Lemon still in pursuit.

 Karmi slid between some elves legs. “What even was your plan?”

 Hiro narrowly reached the tree, hissing still as Honey Lemon barked enthusiastically. “I WAS GOING TO SPEAK TO HER NORMALLY! I THOUGHT SHE WAS SANE!”

 “YOU’RE MY OTP, WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

 “WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!?!”

 “Only true pairing.”, Karmi helpfully informed as she finally reached Wasabi, who was holding a vacuum cleaner of sorts and “calming” himself down by talking to himself.

 “Just relax, big guy. Suck your two friends in, make em kiss, and all will be fine…”, Wasabi whispered to himself, not realizing that Karmi was right behind him.

 Hiro, who could see this from the tree, prayed for Karmi. “With how hard this has been, who knows if Karmi can take on Wasabi! I hope she fares better than I have.”

 Karmi suddenly looked back and winked at Hiro, causing his heart to skip a beat.

 Turning back to Wasabi, Karmi tapped him on the shoulder.

 “AAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!”, Wasabi screamed as Karmi waved back.

 “Hey, Wasabi!”, Karmi greeted with a smile and closed eyes.

 Wasabi, calming down, waved back, his green sweater already stained with sweat. “Hey, Karmi!”

 Getting a little fidgety, Wasabi pointed at his device. “Say, I know this is weird, but GoGo be GoGo, you know! Um… Can you, like, let me suck you into this for kissing Hiro reasons?”

 Karmi put a comforting hand on Wasabi’s shoulder, apologetic. “Why, I’d love to, but I’m sort of busy.”

 Wasabi blinked, confused. Had he failed the mission? “Busy? Doing what?”

 Karmi suddenly unveiled what looked like Chris. “Hooking you up with Chris’ good twin who in no way is a criminal, Finn!”

 Wasabi took one look at the dashing man before him, with lovely blond hair and a sparkling smile, and then resumed staring at Karmi.

 “Don’t snitch on me and you’ve got yourself a deal!”

 “Wouldn’t dream of it!”, Karmi vowed, shaking Wasabi’s hand and watching as the two guys had a gay old time (kill me).

 Hiro, however, was less pleased. “HOW DID SHE GET ALL THE EASY ONES?!”

 Honey Lemon, meanwhile, continued to surround the tree. “Hiro… Come out, come out! I only want to ensure your happiness and fuzzy feelings!”

 The mad look on her eyes didn’t ease his soul, however.

 Hanging on to the tree, Hiro sighed. What could he do? Karmi was clearly smarter!

 He was just a…

 “A failure…”

 Karmi, meanwhile, who was still being very smug, was about to radio some more banter when she saw that her friend was seemingly lost.

 This made no sense to Karmi. Sure, she was clearly the real brains of the duo, but Hiro was a genius too!

 This should be easy for him!

 And if Karmi was really being honest, she totally believed Hiro could do anything if he put his mind to it!

 Seeing him like this depressed her. He needed some motivation.

 Perhaps…

 No, no, she couldn’t!

 Not in front of all these people!

 But deep down, Karmi knew that she had to.

 “That’s…”

 She took a deep breath and braced herself.

 “That’s what friends do.”

 And she smiled a little smile as she realized that Hiro really was her friend…

 And she knew that she wanted to go the distance for him.

 Now, usually, a writer for this fandom would most understandably use Tadashi as an inspirational motivator for a moment like this.

 But this time, someone else motivated Hiro.

 “COME ON, HIRO! YOU CAN DO THIS!”

 Looking down, Hiro saw Karmi do something totally unexpected: She was cheering for him.

 Not just cheering, but holding a sign with his name and jumping around like a cheerleader (and Karmi HATED cheerleaders!).

 “Who’s a genius, who’s a boy? Who’s gonna spread some Christmas joy? HIRO! HIIIIIRO!”

 Hiro was shocked at this exhibition of affection.

 But he was also touched.

 Enough to flip down from the tree and finally get Honey Lemon to leave him alone.

 “Karmi, read this slip of paper!”, Hiro ordered, as he slipped her a slip.

 Karmi grabbed the slip and read out loud.

 “Tadashi is gone?”

 Hiro suddenly burst into tears, the water level slowly rising in the party.

 Honey Lemon immediately threw away her butterfly net and hugged Hiro, comforting him. “Oh, Hiro! I am so sorry! But Tadashi isn’t gone!”

 Hiro cried on her shoulder and she patted his back, making him feel a bit better.

 “How can I make you feel better?”, Honey Lemon asked, kissing his forehead.

 Sniffling, Hiro mumbled “If you could leave me and Karmi alone, that would be great.”

 Nodding vibrantly, Honey Lemon ran out of the room. “No problem, Hiro! Just don’t cry!”

 Immediately wiping his tears away, Hiro cockily grinned at Karmi, who raised an impressed eyebrow. “Not bad, Genius Boy!”

 Hiro chuckled and high fived her, before suddenly getting a little shy. “So… You really meant all that before? I thought… I thought you wanted to keep this a secret of sorts.”

 Karmi now was a little red, but she stood up for her feelings.

 Smiling, she grabbed hold of his hand. “…Well… I’ve got your back. We are friends… No?”

 Hiro smiled and shook back. “Yeah… We are…”

 Holding on perhaps a little too long, feeling for once not alone, the two teens smiled before suddenly hearing a squee above them.

 Turning in horror, they saw Fred and laughed.

 “Oh, that’s rich! You’re going to stop us?”, the two geniuses challenged the shipper.

 Fred suddenly began to laugh sort of… Evilly.

 In fact, his whole body shook quite visibly as he laughed, causing Hiro and Karmi to exchange worried glances. “…Fred? You ok, buddy?”

 But Fred wasn’t there.

 Instead, it was…

 “GLOBBY?!”, Hiro and Karmi shouted as the former villain turned friend appeared.

 “YES! IT WAS I, GLOBBY!”, the pink ally pointed at himself.

 Turning again into Fred, he explained. “Fred may be dumb, but not THAT dumb! I was sent as a distraction to lower your guards!”

 “Fred” then grinned and pointed behind them. “Ah! I see Uncle Globby’s shipper squad is already here!”

 Hiro and Karmi gasped and turned around, fully expecting GoGo but instead seeing…

 “AUNT CASS?!”, Hiro screamed, disbelieving the maternal figure behind him, holding very sticky bread mix.

 “FELONY CARL?!”, Karmi screamed, shocked to find the former criminal with open and ready hands.

 “And me!”

 “…Yama?”

 Yama shrugged, smiling. “What can I say? You’re adorable!”

 Hiro and Karmi slowly backed away to the wall, scared out of their wits, as the four figures approached them “maliciously”.

 “Listen, guys, we don’t have to do it this way!”, Hiro nervously tried to convince as he ran out of floor.

 “Really, maybe we can postpone this to Valentines? WAY more romantic! NOT THAT I WANT TO!”, Karmi offered, sweat dripping down her neck.

 “Nope! This is the end of the line, kids! You gonna kiss!”, Globby said, and the four laughed evilly.

 It seemed like all hope was lost as Hiro and Karmi hugged each other in fright.

 That is…

 Until something else unexpected happened.

 Just before Globby could grab them.

 CRASH!

 “Hello!”

 Baymax, dressed as Santa Claus with Mini Max as a reindeer, crashed down the roof and onto the four shippers (the sleigh was made of marshmallow, so no one was hurt).

 “Baymax! Oh, you are the best!”, Hiro and Karmi hugged the robot as the four shippers shrugged and ate the marshmallow sleigh.

 “No one is the best, Hiro. The best is an unmeasurable…”

 “Yeah, great, see ya!”

 Hiro and Karmi decided to make a mad dash for the door, when they suddenly realized something.

 “Hiro, wait! GoGo and Fred are still out there!”

 “I know! Let’s get out before they get us!”

 Karmi blocked the door, and Hiro looked at her, puzzled.

 “Karmi, I’m trying to run away here.”

 “Hiro, think! If GoGo and Fred went to such extremes to make us kiss, they could be hiding somewhere with a portable mistletoe!”

 Hiro turned white. “Oh shit.”

 Karmi gripped his hand and looked at the party, with terrified eyes, as they began to walk in, approaching a closet door.

 “I hate saying this, but we need to stop them first. It’s the only way.”

 Hiro gulped, but smiled. “Ok. We’ll do this…”

 He extended a hand. “Together!”

 Karmi grinned and shook back. “You said it, friend!”

 But as they shook, Hiro suddenly overheard an odd noise.

 Karmi noticed this. “Um… Hello? Earth to Genius Boy? What’s wrong?”

 Hiro shushed her and pointed at the closet.

 Weird, wet noises could be heard, alongside muffled grunts.

 Terrified, the two opened the door slowly, expecting a trap or a monster o even worse, a shipping Obake.

 But instead, they found…

 “GOGO AND FRED?!?!?!?!”

 In the midst of a VERY wet and passionate makeout session were GoGo and Fred, who seemed to have forgotten all about the plan.

 “You are so divine, my knight in shining armor!”

 “You’re such a fucking idiot… Kiss harder.”, GoGo instructed as Fred continued.

 As Karmi giggled uncontrollably, Hiro cleared his throat. “Why, my dear Karmi! I believe we are interrupting something!”

 Fred and GoGo’s eyes widened and as Fred hid under his hat, GoGo, with a very phased expression, surrendered.

 “Don’t tell anyone, and I’ll let you off the hook.”

 Hiro and Karmi nodded, but not before GoGo added “and I WILL kill you if you tell!”

 The rest of the party was surprisingly normal, especially compared to the insanity beforehand.

 Pretty soon, the whole room was empty, save for Hiro and Karmi, who observed their hall of vanquish.

 Karmi sighed, pleased with herself. “I must say, we really nailed it!”

 Hiro, leaning on her, jokingly boasted. “Of course, much of the work was mine!”

 Once, Karmi would have argued with him, and they would have wasted valuable time sniping at each other.

 This time, though, Karmi just shoved him slightly, laughing. “For a genius, you’re a real idiot sometimes!”

 Hiro shoved back, laughing, and it wasn’t long before they rolled around on the floor, laughing and actually feeling free to be themselves.

 To be friends..

 Still giggling on top of each other, the two didn’t even notice where they were…

 Until, that is, Karmi looked up and…

 “…Oh…”

 Hiro, was on the bottom, looked at her quizzically. “What? What did you…”

 Then, he saw it.

 “…Oh…”

 Somehow, they had let their guard down long enough to stand under the very thing they had fought all night long to avoid.

 Karmi looked at Hiro.

 Hiro looked at Karmi.

 Both smiled weakly, embarrassed chuckles abound.

 Finally, pink blushes tinging their cheeks, the two were brave enough to take the step:

 “You know…”, Karmi started, really getting shy now, looking up at him with a soft smile. “…No one is here to see us…”

 “Yeah…”, Hiro agreed, holding his own hands and rocking a little bit. “I mean… It can just be a secret… Between the two of us…”

 “It’s not like it means anything!”

 “Yeah, exactly! It’s just… A totally platonic friends thing!”

 “Yeah! And nothing more!”

 “No dating here!”

��“Nuh uh!”

 …

 Finally, slowly but surely, they edged closer and closer, eyes closed…

 And their lips met in near silence.

 Not a single sound could be heard in the entire room, as Hiro and Karmi made each other feel special and loved for just a few seconds.

 Warmth enveloped them and seconds felt like hours.

 They felt…

 Safe.

 Finishing the kiss, the two teens held hands and looked at each other with short, slightly surprised breaths.

 Slowly, they smiled softly.

 “…Merry Christmas, Hiro.”, Karmi offered, blushing.

 “…Merry Christmas, Karmi.”, Hiro returned.

 And the two went back to their homes, hand in hand the entire way.

[merinnan]

Nevermore - Part 2

7am found Jiang Cheng in the mess hall, barely-touched breakfast pushed to one side in favour of black coffee and the briefing notes he really had intended to go through last night. That he really should have gone through last night, he now realised, as they’re not all just the usual updates on recruits and Academy operations.

Some of them are, of course, like the notes on the new recruits arriving later today, the notification that Zizhen had dropped out of the program – unsurprising, he didn’t think the kid would have lasted as long as he did – and the schedule for the next ‘surprise’ drill.

The next one was about Nie Huaisang commandeering his afternoon class to run through some new anti-kaiju tactics with them. He was just glaring at that one when another tray clinked on the table across from him. Barely glancing up from the notes in front of him, Jiang Cheng picked up the currently-offending one and waved it at one of the only people in the facility who’d dare join him when he has that scowl on his face.

“Couldn’t he have given me more fucking notice than eight hours?” he demanded. The paper is plucked from his hands, smoothed out, and put back on the pile.

“He gave you 24 hours,” MianMian said calmly. “You just didn’t read it until now.”

An even deeper scowl was the response to that. “He has his own scheduled classes, why does he have to take one of mine as well? These recruits are supposed to be…”

“…learning how to fight kaiju,” MianMian interrupted, and moved the notes out of the way so she could push his breakfast tray back in front of him, “which is his job as much as it is ours. Eat something, Wanyin, you’re in an even fouler mood than usual.”

“And you’re far too cheerful for someone who also got woken up at 4am,” he grumbled, adding some more seasoning to the congee. Not as much as his brother would…he shoved that thought away before it finished. “Unless I was the only one Choi wanted to harass.”

“…what did Tendo want at 4am?”

“To let me know the next lot of recruits were on their way.” It’s not until halfway through a mouthful of food that he remembered what else Tendo had said, and quickly swallowed. “And he’s sending us some cadets who are almost field ready. Something about someone needing a new co-pilot?”

He studied MianMian as she shrugged. “Huh. I haven’t heard anything about that – although I’m surprised you haven’t, either. Seems like the sort of thing Marshal Lan would get your input on, given how many pairings you’ve successfully predicted.”

Jiang Cheng ignored that in favour of eating. Yes, it seemed he could pick the right Drift partner for anyone except himself. If he was honest with himself, it stung a little bit that people took one look at how prickly he was and avoided even an attempt, but…

He cut off his own thoughts with a snort, and glanced up at MianMian finishing her breakfast – how did that woman manage to eat so fast? – just before she rose to her feet. “I’ll leave you to finish eating, and finish your reading,” she said, waving at both his tray and the notes. “See you in a bit.”

He went back to eating with a grunt that might have been a ‘later’, finishing the congee without really tasting it before reading the final two briefing notes. Of course – of course – he should have read these ones first.

~~~

Jiang Cheng stopped by the combat room briefly to let MianMian know she was on her own with the recruits this morning, which didn’t seem to surprise her. As he walked away, he wondered if she’d read through his briefings before giving them to him yesterday. She always did seem to know when something was coming up that was going to cause him more stress or annoyance than usual.

Pausing in front of Marshal Lan’s door, he checked that he looked presentable, and as professional as possible given he was in his usual day-to-day attire of regulation blue pants and white t-shirt, his shoulder length hair pulled up into a reasonably tidy bun. To be honest, he wasn’t even sure where his dress uniform was. Well. He supposed the Marshal wasn’t going to be fussed that his fightmaster was dressed for physical activity rather than for meetings with his superior officer.

He rapped on the door, slipping inside when he heard the call to enter moments later. Inside, Marshal Lan Qiren stood in front of his desk, immaculate in a dark navy suit and light blue shirt, the thin white ribbon around his forehead not even a fraction of an inch crooked. Seated in one of the chairs in front of his desk was a familiar woman just as immaculately dressed in a black suit and red shirt.

Jiang Cheng immediately regretted not taking the time to find his dress uniform.

Trying to hide his embarrassment at being so underdressed in comparison, he crossed the room and executed a crisp salute to Lan Qiren. “Marshal Lan,” he said in greeting, then turned to nod to the woman. “Wen-yishi.”

Wen Qing simply glanced at him, but Lan Qiren gave him a nod of acknowledgement before going to sit behind his desk. “Jiang Wanyin. Please take a seat.”

Jiang Cheng saluted again, then took the seat next to Wen Qing. Lan Qiren studied them both for a moment.

“I assume you both have some idea what this meeting is about?”

Wen Qing nodded, and Jiang Cheng cleared his throat. “Not really, Marshal Lan, but I’m guessing it has something to do with the jaeger that’s arriving here next week.” Despite his attempts to seem calm, he was tense and he knew it. His fingers curled around his knee. He really wished he’d read that briefing note earlier so that he could have had some more time to be more composed before this meeting. He knew the name of that jaeger only too well, even if he’d never seen it in person.

“Correct.” Lan Qiren’s voice broke through his thoughts and he looked up, trying to force his fingers to relax and straighten out. “Purple Lightning has been out of commission since it took out Malerax here in Shanghai four years ago. While it was repaired some time ago, its surviving pilot has been unable to return to duty until now.”

There was almost a catch in his voice as he said that, one that Jiang Cheng perhaps would have noticed if he hadn’t been distracted by his own memories, and by the comment itself.

“…surviving pilot? Forgive me, Marshal, but I’d heard that both of Purple Lightning’s pilots died taking down Malerax?”

“Two of them did,” Wen Qing said, in her own abrupt way. “Purple Lightning had three pilots.”

Three. He blinked. That was a highly rare occurrence.

That ranger lost two people to Malerax as well, said a little voice in his mind, one which he pushed aside again. Today was not the time to think about the past, even if the past seemed determined to push into his current life. He simply nodded slowly, waiting for Lan Qiren to continue.

The Marshal glanced from one of them to the other, stroking his beard as he waited for their full attention, which they quickly gave him. He gave them both another small nod.

“Now that Lan Xichen is ready to return to duty, Purple Lightning is being sent to us from Hong Kong to be based here,” he said. Jiang Cheng blinked again. Lan? He wondered if it was any relation.

“Lan Xichen will need a new co-pilot,” Lan Qiren continued. “We don’t expect another three-way Drift, so Purple Lightning has been refitted to the standard two pilots. You two…” He studied them for a moment. “As Shanghai’s psych analysist, Wen-yishi, you will of course be evaluating Lan Xichen and those cadets who are unpaired and ready to become full rangers to identify potential matches based on their psych profiles.”

Wen Qing nods, and Lan Qiren looked at Jiang Cheng. “Jiang Wanyin, you’re most familiar with the fighting abilities of the cadets, and how they perform in the simulated combat situations. I’m also well aware of your ability to identify which pairs will Drift well together before they even step into a CONN-pod. You’ll work with Wen-yishi and Lan Xichen to help identify potential matches from that perspective.”

Jiang Cheng nodded. “Of course, Marshal.”

“Wen-yishi, the psych profiles of Lan Xichen, our own cadets here, and the cadets that are on their way from Alaska should already be in your office. Jiang Wanyin, the training and test score evaluations of the Alaska cadets, and both the training and live operation evaluations of Lan Xichen, are here for you to take with you.” Lan Qiren placed his hand on a stack of folders on his desk. “I’m sure that Luo Qingyang is well able to fill in for you in leading the trainee classes while you work on this.”

It wasn’t a question, and Jiang Cheng didn’t have any hestitation about nodding. Of course MianMian was capable of running the classes herself for a week or two while he and Wen Qing found a new co-pilot for this Lan Xichen.

He didn’t expect it to take any longer than that. After all, how complicated could it be?

AO3

Nevermore Masterlist

[kewltie]

For a group of highly trained soldiers and specialists in their particular field, who have to deal with giant ass monsters destroying their city on a near weekly basis, Katsuki’s handlers all have various and insistent opinion on what shirt color would accentuate Katsuki’s eyes and where he should be taking Izuku on their date. They’re more invested in Katsuki’s date going well than even Katsuki’s parents and Katsuki’s parents had woke up early this morning just to try to catch him before he leaves so they can extract his date plans out of him and be the judge of it. Which, quite frankly, is annoying as fuck.

He already got twenty pair of eyes on him at all times and now they’re just shoving their unwanted opinions on him like they’re reliving their wasted youth all over again through him.

“This is a good time to compliment him!” Imada encourages through the hidden earpiece in his left stud earring. “Tell him he looks nice or that he smells good. You want to make a good impression on this date, so there will be more dates to come.”

“That can be kind of creepy, Imada,” Hashimoto says dryly, his voice popping in Katsuki’s ear. “No, instead you want to pay close attention to his body language and read his micro-expressions carefully, because sometimes people don’t say what they mean or say what they want at all! So it’s good to know when you’re unnerving him out without having to say anything at all.”  

“Also, it would help greatly if you smile a little more, Katsuki. You scowl so much as it is that when I’d first met you I thought it was permanently stuck on your face. It makes you look like you were constipated all the damn time, too,” Kono chimes in, because apparently everyone else on this fucking frequency channel had been quietly listening into his date through the audio transmitter and decides at this moment to be an active contribution to it.  

Damn noisy bastards. All of them, really.

If Izuku isn’t here, he would be cursing them out and tell them to get off this channel already. It’s only to be use for emergency and not a fucking love counseling session.

Katsuki doesn’t need their help. He’s going to ace this dumb date. Sweep Izuku right of his fucking feet, throw him right over his fucking shoulder, and carry him off into the sunset. There’s no way for him to fuck this up.

“Kacchan, look!” Izuku says, practically hoping in place as he points to a small building sandwiched between a bakery and a bookstore. “It’s a kaiju’s gift shop!” His eyes light up, excitement radiating out of him in waves. “Can we go in there and check it out?”

Apparently, he discounted Izuku and his ability to still have his hardon for rampaging monsters, poking its enormous head out even on a date. The itinerary list Katsuki had had spent three days creating it sits heavy and hot in his pants pocket, the weight of it is enough to scorch through his pants.

Yea, Katsuki is not the one who is going to fucking derail this entire date for giant ass monsters. Even though he is one himself.

Sometimes, Katsuki thinks soberly, humanity is not even worth saving.

The sign outside of the store says, “Love Monster,” with each of the letter O replaces by a heart and outside the storefront standing guard is a giant figure of Oryx, the worm kaiju, whom Katsuki’s mother had battle against numerous times before.

Katsuki’s left eye twitches. “No.”

“Please,” Izuku says, clasping his hands together in prayer. “Just for little bit, I want to look around. Ten minutes and we’ll leave!”  

Out of the corner of his eyes, he spots two women hovering near a window display of the bookstore, their arm interweaved, and the blonde one turns around. A familiar faces meet him for a split second to give him an encouraging thumbs up before returning to her earlier position like she hasn’t cue Katsuki in and Katsuki considers homicide just a for a second.

Of fucking course, the CCTV surveillance and sound transmitter wasn’t enough, M.STR would have their people undercover to trail after Katsuki and Izuku’s date.

Katsuki rakes a hand through his hair in frustration and lets out a resigned sigh. “Fine,” he snaps. “Geek your heart out, nerd.”

Izuku lets out an excited squeal and that’s almost enough to mollified Katsuki’s over. He reaches out grab hold of Katsuki’s arm in his enthusiasm, but Katsuki’s eyes flare up and he steps aside just enough to slip pass Izuku’s touch.

Katsuki’s heart rams against his ribcage. It was too close.

Hurt flashes across Izuku’s face, but it’s gone too quickly for Katsuki to even feel bad about it.

“Let’s go in, then,” Izuku says, keeping the smile carefully plastered on his face.

Even Katsuki know he’d fucked up right there, the various snorts of disbelief and tired sighs in his left are unnecessary, but he can’t stay fix it now. Izuku speed-walks into the shop with Katsuki in toll behind him and as soon as they’re in Izuku breaks away to rush toward a Mythras stone statue, sitting behind a glass box.

The shop is filled to the brim, from cover to cover, with weird kaiju merchandises from stationary, beddings, clothes, figurines, plush animals, and so more that it make Katsuki’s head spin. Kaiju aren’t a popular commodity normally with how the majority of the species are set out to destroy the human race, but the younger generation like Izuku seems fond of them for some strange reason. They don’t look at kaiju with the same fear and hatred as their parents or their grandparents had anymore.  

There are few other people mingling about—some kids and adults going over the display and a single shopkeeper keeping an eye on all of them—and Izuku frantically bounces between each fixture, eyes darting across each merchandise piece like he’s going to make a grab at them and haul them to the cashier to be rung up.  

Katsuki stands awkwardly in the middle of shop, feeling out of sort as he’s not part of the target audience nor has any particular interest in the subject matter. It’s hard to be interest when Katsuki is the subject in the first place as everyone in the shop coos and hollers at faces that Katsuki had either fought against or with before.

“Kacchan!” Izuku suddeny rushes back toward him.  “It’s Mittan,” he says elatedly, holding up a cap with five large black and red horns protruding out of the top. The original Defender of the Humanity, the Queen of the Monsters, The Blood Traitor, the Oathkeeper, and coincidently, also, Katsuki’s mother; she is Mi’tawuatski, or Mittan as her legion of devoted fans fondly called her.

His mother’s iconic horns are more than the size of a grown man. Even the smallest ones are taller than Izuku. They’re enormous, grand, beautifully curved bones with a pointed end, and are a source of proud for his family.

This dumb cheaply made version of it, with it weird discoloration and plastic material, is so offensive that Katsuki wants to rip it out of Izuku’s hand and throw it in the trash, but Izuku pulls the cap over his head and smiles bashfully at him, eyes bright and grin infectious.

“What do you think?” Izuku asks, shinning with the full force of the sun and Katsuki can’t even bare to look at him.

“Ugly,” Katsuki retorts with an eye roll, his races wildly in his chest like it wants to crawl out of there and throw itself at Izuku. “You’re not a kid anymore. Take it off.” 

“You idiot,” Kono hisses, making her presence known once again in his ear.

Izuku’s lips stretches out in a sulky pout and it’s almost enough to hide the dark cloud behind his eyes. “Oh alright,” he says, deflating. He leaves Katsuki’s side once more, distracted by something else in the shop's corner.

Katsuki lets out a sigh of relief. Just a few more second of it and Katsuki would have blown this entire gift shop apart. 

“Katsuki,” Commander Tamaki says into his ear, “are you alright? We noticed your heartrate had just sped up to 387BMP.” A beat. “Most people would be dead by now. Should I send out an extraction team for you?”

Katsuki watches from a distance as Izuku peers at a pile of stuffed kaiju plushs, his green eyes lighting up in childlike wonder and he smiles at it. It’s bright, earnest, and so fucking cute. It physically hurts to even look at him.

“If you or any of your jarheads storm in and ruin my date right now, the next time there’s another kaiju attack I’ll let it roast all your fucking asses and make Tokyo its playground,” Katsuki says, low and menacingly into the mic hidden in the collar of his shirt. 

A long heavy pause passes between them. “Copy,” he answers finally. “We’ll keep on closely monitoring you just in case then.”

Katsuki clicks his tongue in annoyance, making his disapproval known but doesn’t argue. The fact that they had even agreed to him going on a date Izuku was a surprise in itself, not that their refusal would have change Katsuki’s gameplan anyway, was miracle despite for years they had been insisting Katsuki wasn’t ready for real world interaction with other humans outside of the M.STR organization.  

“Bakushinchi!” Izuku practically screams across the room.

“Ugh,” Katsuki says, rubbing his ears.

Izuku rushes back to him with something huge and black in his arms. “Kacchan! Kacchan! They got a Bakushinchi’s plushy!” he says, nearly barreling him right over in his excitement. “And he’s huge! Well,” Izuku cocks his head to take enormous plush that nearly half the size of him, “not as huge as the real thing but look,” he presses his face into its plush belly and squeezes, “he’s so soft and squishy.” Izuku sighs warmly into it. “I want him on my bed.”

Katsuki chokes.

“Oh my god,” Sakurai says, sounding hysterical through the earpiece,  “does that kid know he’s a total tease?!”

Katsuki stares the large and deformed version of himself—red eyes, two small soft horns, its glittery body, and a pair of tiny black wings that look nothing like his majestic own— held in Izuku’s arms like it’s the most precious thing ever and he wants to punch something. Destroy. Kill. Mostly himself. Or the plush version of his other self.

He can’t even get close to Izuku without reaching human level of a heart attack and every time Izuku even fucking smile at him Katsuki wants to slam him against the wall and claims him.

Katsuki’s teeth throbs, he can feel it’s growing with the blood-thirst humming underneath his skin. His other want  break out of his frail human shell and takes Izuku in front of everyone, paints the wall with the flood of their audience and bathe Izuku in his conquest.

It’s terrifying. He has never been more out of control. More monster than human than when he’s with Izuku.

Katsuki violently shoves Izuku away and Izuku crashes to the floor with a yelp of surprise.

The beast in him is crawling out into the surface; he can hear the bones in his right arm cracking through his human skin, black scales peeking through under it and Katsuki quickly tucks it behind him. But the commotion he had caused is attracting an audience among the shop attendance and some guy reaches down to help Izuku up from the floor

“Don’t touch him!” Katsuki yells, growling with so much force that the place nearly shakes from it.

The man’s eyes widen with unadulterated fear and he quickly drops Izuku’s hand, but Izuku doesn’t seem concern at all as worry lines his features and he tries to take a step forward.

Katsuki backs away, he can’t stop the bloodlust anymore. He wants to trip into the man for touching Izuku, wants to pull out his entrails and paint the wall with it. He wants. He wants—

“Katsuki!” Commander Tamaki cuts in, sounding extremely remorseful. “Sorry to interrupt your date again, but there’s a Type-O Class Nova Kaiju that just appeared in Ward C and we need you.”  

Katsuki grins now, the taste of an upcoming battle and blood of his enemy wetting his hunger for more. This is enough to quell his appetite for Izuku. This is something he can handle. This is something he can fight. “I—I got to go,” he says to Izuku, swiveling around and heads right of out of the door without any further explanation.

“Kacchan, wait!” Izuku’s screams follows him with every step, but Katsuki pushes forward and runs out into the street where a black undisclosed van is waiting or him.

It’s not like he’s running away. It’s just that—did Deku have to be so fucking cute?! Katsuki can fight kaiju that are as ancient as the earth and pull a victory out of nothing, but give him this helpless ordinary human boy and he’s just undone.

[dat-fandom-losertown]

The Drift Between Us

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

Chapter 6: The Trouble and the Verdict

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

Hank Anderson x Connor and Gavin Reed x RK900

Pacific Rim AU

Warnings: A bit more swearing than usual, some used as Verbal Antagonization

Word Count: 10,364

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

Previous <~> Masterlist <~> Next

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

    Hank woke up at an ungodly hour this morning due to a nightmare again. He wonders if it’s the slight increase in social activity he’s being subjected to or if he’s just becoming less affected by the alcohol that he tries so desperately to drown unpleasant memories with. Hank has his bets on the latter, but he won’t rule out the former.

    Being up this early in the morning with no desire to go back to sleep means another morning where he goes out to eat breakfast just as it opens. The only reason he doesn’t start his day drinking like he nearly did last time he was in this situation is because he still vividly remembers the pure shock on everyone’s faces. Still fucking priceless, and still worth getting his cranky ass up and at ‘em if he ain’t going back to sleep anyway.

    Just like last time, when he goes out to get his food, his military-lunch-lady doesn’t hide her surprise. Hank’s a bit disappointed, though, when the other food workers don’t openly stare at him like he has a second head like they had before. That was half of the fun, messing with their heads so obviously. Now they’re just occasionally glancing at him with curious expressions while they work and cook.

    He doesn’t know if it’ll be worth it to do this again within the next couple of months. A damn shame is what it is.

    He sits down at his table, eating slowly because he isn’t even all that hungry– he literally only wanted to see the workers’ faces. By the time he’s done eating, an hour and a half has passed, and Hank suddenly realizes that he hasn’t seen Connor at all. He glances around, looking for any other trainees, and he finds the group Connor’s twin (he already forgot his name again, shit) always hangs around at, but neither brother is there. Something strange settles in his gut and he doesn’t like it one single bit.

    Hank gets up and puts his tray away, forcing himself to stop thinking about it. It doesn’t work very well at all because he’s almost instantly imagining Connor having another “mood dip”, as what’s-his-face called it. Maybe he’s just taking care of Connor or something–

    Worry.

    This feeling in his gut is worry.

    Oh fuck no. Nope. Not happening. Not fuckin’ today, not fuckin’ ever.

    Hank promptly shoves every single thought of the twins out of his head and forces himself to take stock of what he has to drink and munch on in his room on his way back to his safe space. It’s a good thing he does because he realizes he’s starting to run low on pretty much everything except protein bars and water bottles. He’s going to need to get more alcohol very soon, but fucking Fowler has been watching him closely recently. Apparently a guy can’t shower and get up early one time before his friend (are they even still friends? Or are they old friends now?) thinks he’s trying to work at getting better.

    God, it’s not like Hank’s super popular down here, either. It was already difficult enough filling his stash, and now it’s just going to be a right pain in the ass. See, this is why he didn’t mind Connor. The trainee saw what a fucking catastrophe he was and didn’t do shit about it. He just let Hank be after that bottle cleaning incident, the same incident that led him to impulsively recycle all of the old bottles and throw his laundry into a large pile in the corner of the room.

    Wait, he’s not supposed to be thinking about him right now. Fuck you, brain.

    Well, there’s still Arnold, he guesses. He’s never given a shit about what Fowler or anyone else says. Honestly, Hank’s surprised that asshole still has his job. The thing is, though, Arnold can’t keep a secret for shit. Everyone and their uncles would know how low he stooped just to get some alcohol in his bunker. There’s also Vanessa. She’s a charming gal, but he’s not confident she would help him–

    Is that Connor sitting next to my door?

    “Connor?” 

    The trainee’s head snaps up from where it was tucked into his knees. He’s curled up on the ground to the right of his door, his arms squeezing his knees to his chest. A closer look shows that Connor’s eyes are bloodshot, and Hank would almost think he’s high right now if he didn’t know any better, but he does. He also sees the dark bags under his eyes. Christ, has this guy slept at all in the past week?

    Hank suddenly remembers thinking about if he was having a mood dip, and wonders if that’s what’s happening right now. He seemed fine enough yesterday at lunch, though, but he wasn’t there for dinner…

    “Good morning, Mr. Anderson.” He gets up to his feet, and the new position shows off how rumpled his training clothes look. He’s never seen Connor rumpled without seeing bandages. It’s kind of unsettling. “I’m so sorry to bother you, but I was kind of hoping I could get one of your snacks you mentioned having a while ago? I’d owe you a favor in return.” he wrings his hands together.

    “Yeah.” Hank doesn’t think, he just answers. “Yeah sure. C’mon in. You look like you need it more than I do, and that’s sayin’ somethin’.”

    He quickly opens his door, and Connor shuffles in after him. Hank doesn’t think he’s ever seen him shuffle before, he abruptly notices. He doesn’t say anything about it, being acutely aware of how it feels to be in that position, and starts digging through the top drawer in his desk for one of the chocolate protein bars. He remembers Connor loving the brownies at lunch, and Hank prefers the peanut butter ones anyway.

    “Thank you very much for doing this. Ritch wanted me to eat something this morning, but I don’t think I can stomach a breakfast like he wants me to. And I’m sorry for sitting in front of your door, I was still trying to decide if I should ask you to part with some of your stash...” A pause. “You cleaned.”

    That comment immediately puts Hank on edge. He pauses from digging around for a moment and turns his head just enough to see Connor’s reaction. He has a tiny, tired smile on his face, and Hank doesn’t know how to feel about that.

    “Yeah? And what of it?” he grumbles defensively.

    The other hums, “I’m just glad there’s no chance of you stepping on a bottle and hurting yourself anymore, is all.”

    God damn it, he looked so genuine as he said that.

    He’s used to the stupid “Congratulations, you’re not hopeless!” talks that he got so often a few years back. “You cleaned your room! Yay!” “I’m glad you showered!” “Hank, did you shave? That’s good!” “Woah, you’re up early! I’m happy you’re better today.” All of these types of things he’s completely used to. They’re all wishes and quiet hopes that he’s finally getting better and going back to normal, when he isn’t and probably never will.

    He is absolutely not used to hearing “Now you probably won’t accidentally hurt yourself because your room is sort of kinda clean!” Wasn’t that Connor’s excuse for cleaning up his shit last time he was in here? He didn’t want Hank to get hurt by tripping or shattering a bottle or something?

    He truly doesn’t know how to react, so he simply grunts an acknowledgement and gets back to his search, hoping his pause wasn’t too noticeable. Hank finds what he’s looking for and turns around. He hands two protein bars to Connor, who takes them with the expression of someone who doesn’t want to eat even this much.

    Hank, against his better judgement, decides to prod a bit. He won’t force the kid to talk, but something must have happened if he looks this offended by food, and besides, Hank has always been known for being a bit nosy at times. It’s been his excuse for as long as he’s been getting into other people’s businesses or strange situations.

    “Did you see something that made you lose your appetite in one of those slides they show you new comers?”

    He remembers not wanting to eat for a day or two after seeing those gory pictures. Some were of Kaijus that had been torn apart, blue coated guts just lying in the middle of mass destruction, others of what remained of people who were completely smashed under collapsed buildings. He hates that he’s seen both of those scenes in person now, too.

    Connor seems a bit confused before realization hits, “Oh! No. Those aren’t anything I haven’t studied in detail before–” What the hell kind of things did his trainer have him studying, then? “–so they didn’t bother me. Actually, uh… We were, um, caught lying on our evaluation exams two days ago.”

    “You cheated on the single thing that measures your entire worth around here? Are you fucking insane, Connor!?”

    Connor’s gaze snaps up to him from the floor, “No. We did not cheat, we lied. We know a lot more than I think we’re supposed to at this stage of training, and we don’t want to graduate early, so we purposefully marked questions wrong on the written evaluation and held back during the physical ones.” His gaze goes distant like it was before, and he drops down to sit on Hank’s bed. “I thought we were in the clear, but I guess we must’ve slipped at some point because we had to talk to Marshal Fowler about it.”

    Hank knows better than to force someone with that distant look in their eyes to get up and do anything, so if he needs to carry on the conversation to let Connor settle for a moment, so be it. If Hank is secretly curious about why and how he and Ritch (That’s what his name was! He knew he knew it!) lied on the evaluations and almost got away with it, so be it. 

    “Why the hell would you not wanna graduate early? Do you even understand how amazing that looks on records?”

    “I–” Connor blinks a few times, the glazed look on his face gradually dissipating. “I suppose it doesn’t really matter anymore. The entire thing is out of our hands, now.” He stands up with perfect posture. “We’ll reap what we sowed, and if worse comes to worst we can still be bodyguards or something of the like, just as Ritch said. Ten years of combat training has to mean something, right?”

    Connor meets his eyes. “I feel more relaxed now, oddly enough. I suppose I just had to get that off of my chest. Thank you very much for the protein bars and for listening to me complain about my own decisions. If there’s anything you think I can do for you before I likely leave, don’t hesitate to ask.” he finishes with a small smile.

    Part of Hank really wants to say that he wasn’t exactly complaining about his decisions, he was just stressing about the consequences that he was smart enough to realize he had. Another tiny part of him wanted to ask the trainee for booze as repayment, but there’s no way in hell he’s doing that. Yet another part wanted to remind Connor that he also gave him the blanket and stress ball, but he knows the trainee’s thankful for that, and Hank isn’t going to go out of his way to be an asshole like that. Instead, he tries to actually use his head for once and does something stupid, against his own judgement.

    He tries to comfort him.

    “Don’t worry about it. Fowler’s a pretty understandable guy, and you two are smart people. Whatever reason you had for underplaying your skills must’ve been a damn good one because you’re not stupid. And he’ll see that, too, if he doesn’t already. I mean, he lets my useless ass bum around here, so…” he trails off.

    “Let’s hope so. But, again, I don’t think you’re as useless as you seem to have convinced yourself you are.” He turns and heads to the door as he talks over his shoulder, “Whatever may happen to me, I hope you remember that you aren’t as terrible as you keep trying to make yourself out to be. Brains are just stupid like that, I of all people should know that, at least.” He opens the door, looking back at Hank with a soft smile, “Thank you again, for everything.” And he’s gone.

    It takes Hank at least a minute, if not longer, to finally have his first clear thought in the silent chaos his head has suddenly become.

    He still doesn’t like how Connor seems to understand him better than any of the therapists assigned to him did.

    Hank once again can’t decide if he should be disappointed in his old therapists, somewhat proud of Connor for being aware as all hell, or let himself be worried for the trainee (he kind of already is, though, isn’t he?). He’s leaning towards the first option, with a healthy dosage of the third. He knew his therapists were shit for him. That’s the main reason he started drinking all the time; they never really worked for him. He also knows that Connor has some mental issues of his own that he’s slowly working through, but when his mind tries to connect the guy who seems in tune with how Hank’s feeling most of the time with someone who hasn’t even turned 25 yet, it just doesn’t work. Error 404, connection can not be found.

    Hank suddenly remembers why he didn’t put on his mean act around Connor; he saw some of himself in the trainee. At the time, he was pretty pretty he was just self-projecting, but as time is passing, it’s becoming more and more clear that this is just how the young man is. 

    Wait a minute, back the hell up.

    Connor mentioned ten years of combat training. He’s pretty sure he knew about the twins having several years of training before they got here, but an entire decade dedicated to combat? Fucking hell, when will this kid stop surprising him? Apparently Connor was right during that first day he sat at Hank’s table; he really isn’t a kid anymore, huh? Hank always knew he had a rough and extremely censored childhood, what with the complete lack of common life knowledge and shit. Ten whole fucking years, though? Why the hell wouldn’t they just test out of the training segment altogether? They’re partners, aren’t they?

    …Unless they’re not.

    Every time he’s seen those two in the same room– which is admittedly not very often– they’ve either been silent, tense, or arguing. While Hank can see that they’re probably trying their best for one another, he can tell that it probably doesn’t seem like that’s the case from their perspective. It’d be like the other is constantly pushing back, and the only time they’re not is when some kind of mess that affects both of them is being dealt with or they’re being silent.

    Hank wonders if that’s what people saw when his friendship with Jeff started going downhill. He has a sinking feeling that it probably is. 

    Jesus, if that’s even partially the case, then no wonder why they don’t want to graduate early and be forced to work together.

    Now, the next question is does Hank want to have a small chat with Jeff about the lying situation? The marshal should have known about all of this before it became a problem, after all. Connor and Ritch definitely don’t seem like the type of people who would try to lie about something important like this before trying to get it cleared up altogether first.

    No, he shouldn’t meddle. They can handle themselves just fine.

    He groans and rubs his face with his hands. He should stop inviting Connor into his room to grab things. It always leads to a lot of thinking and some kind of big ass realization. It’s exhausting.

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

    Gavin is finally on his way back to his room from breakfast. During the entire meal, Tina wouldn’t stop grilling him about RItch again. He gets it, he really, truly does. He knows what it looks like for a guy who has exactly one friend to suddenly start insulting another guy then get insulted back without there being any real heat or anger. To everyone else, it looks like he made a new friend or possibly something more (“Slut Gavin” has officially made a reappearance, just as he predicted, and he wants to ram everybody’s head into a wall. He’s never been anything less than modest with anyone except two people.), even though this is far from the case.

    Right?

    Yes, definitely. Even if he did want some kind of friend, they aren’t created through insults. People just need to learn how to shut the fuck up or find something else to ramble on about.

    Therefore, he purposely takes the longer way to his room that brings him closer to the training quarters in some secret wish that Ritch will pop around the corner and they’ll have another go so he can blow off some steam. Gavin actually ended up taking Ritch’s advice and briefly brainstormed some “fancier” insults last night when he couldn’t sleep, mainly so he could blame the internet when they end up not meeting his standards anyway. Ritch better be fucking thankful because doing that was kind of embarrassing, since he’s known for being a natural asshole–

    “ALEX!!”

    Gavin freezes and his senses go on high alert. That was Luther who just yelled. The same Luther that everyone is convinced has a vocal problem that prevents him from speaking louder than an acceptable indoor volume and a chemical imbalance that keeps him from ever getting angry. The same Luther that never once yelled at Gavin during training, despite the larger man being in the last steps of his apprenticeship at the time and had full authority to.

    What the fucking hell did Alex do to piss off Luther of all people?

    Gavin sets off to the training room. Once upon a time he would have tried to convince himself that he was just wanting to be a nosy asshole and get into people’s business, but he has no problem admitting nowadays that he’s genuinely concerned and wants to see if urgent help is needed.

    Gavin rounds a corner and enters the hall that connects with the training area. He starts hearing people swearing and telling someone (presumably Alex) to just leave, and then hears that fucking idiot start trying to pick a fight with Luther. Gavin pokes his head in, immediately scanning the room.

    Luther looks like he’s about to spontaneously combust with rage right there in the center of the room, and that scares the shit out of Gavin. He has never once seen the large man genuinely mad, let alone ready to rip someone to pieces like he does now. This Alex character suddenly barks out that he could throw Luther down, despite being less than half of the instructor’s size. What a fucking moron.

    After a closer look, Gavin realizes that Alex was the dude that couldn’t even take one passing insult from him. That one jackass with Ritch in the hall on that second day of training season. He steps in quickly so the other fuck-tards don’t escalate things even more.

    That’s the thing about someone always starting fights, if that person’s smart, they also get oddly good at calming things down. Gavin just so happens to be one of the smart ones for whatever reason.

    “I was taking the long way back to my room when I heard someone shouting swears around here?” Explosion kid turns to him and– oh shit, he has a big ass knife, and Gavin knows for a fucking fact that trainees aren’t allowed to have any kind of weapon, but he steps inside the room casually as if he hasn’t noticed it. “That’s kind of my area of expertise, you know? And, like, how the fuck did you manage to get gentle giant over here mad? Not even I could do that and pissing people off is literally my entire personality.”

    “Gavin,” Luther says calmly, the terrifying kind of calm that makes him hesitate, “We don’t need you right now.”

    Gavin raises his eyebrows and turns so he can look at Luther while keeping Alex in his peripheral. He tilts his head the slightest when the other man’s jaw clenches at his movement. He flicks his eyes over to Alex and back to Luther, trying to convey that for the first time in a long while, he doesn’t want to stir things up more, that he actually wants to help this time.

    “You sure about that?” Gavin asks softly, genuinely.

    He’s glad that Luther’s features loosen a bit, losing that edge of murder. He’s the only one who seems to understand that Gavin doesn’t always want to make people’s lives miserable. He understands how troublemakers like this one work and he knows how to handle himself well enough to not lose in a potential fight, or at least enough to be able to stall until the real help can arrive. Luther starts stepping back to the room’s intercom, probably to contact Fowler about this. A knife of that kind and size doesn’t even belong in this base, let alone in a trainee’s hands.

    “This ain’t any of your business, cocksucker. Why don’t you just go off and play with your boy toy, huh?” explosion kid calls out, and Luther looks about ready to kill again.

    “Ah, so you’ve caught on to the fake ‘Slut Gavin’ rumors.” he turns to Alex quickly, “Why am I not surprised?”

    “This is the same guy who picked a fight with you in front of Fowler’s official office,” a very familiar, teasing voice calls out from his left. “but I wouldn’t expect you to remember that with how many people you quite literally bump into. Can you even handle a situation like this without losing your own temper? I promise to not say ‘I told you so’ if you can’t.” Gavin can see the slight bit of mirth in his eyes, even if he isn’t smirking like he has a few times before.

    At least five people hiss “Ritch” quietly. Apparently this is out of character for the guy. Gavin feels almost proud of himself.

    Gavin fixes him with a glare the other has already received from him multiple times, “Watch me, dick. I’m about to show you a prim and proper end to this shitshow like no one ain’t ever seen before.”

    “I’ve already said my name is not Richard, but go right on ahead and try.” Ritch says, cocky.

    Gavin turns his attention over to Alex the Asshole, shutting him up before he can speak with one of his real glares. He starts walking up to him in the center of the room, ignoring Luther’s warning look. He’ll take care of this without blood, even if it’s just to wipe that smug-ass look on Dickie’s face.

    “That your boy toy? I thought you would do better than that.”

    Deep breaths, just like you were taught, Gavin reminds himself. You’re way better than this piece of shit, you’re about to save the day, and you can’t let RoboRitch win this time. Deep breaths.

    “Alright,” he begins once he’s three steps away from Alex, “you heard literally everyone in this room. Come on out with me or else you’re gonna have an even worse day, ‘cause unlike Luther and friends here, I ain’t afraid of breaking some rules, and I ain’t afraid of gettin’ Fowler up in here. I’m just fuckin’ lazy right now.”

    “How about I fucking throw you down and when I win you’ll see that this was all a mistake and I’m gonna be needed on the future team?” he spits in Gavin’s direction, but it missed him completely and hits the floor. He doesn’t miss how he also slightly readjusts his grip on the knife, likely preparing to strike.

    Gavin loudly barks laugh. “Holy shit–” he wheezes. “You actually think–” he takes a deep breath,. “You actually think you could throw me down? My job is literally taking down huge alien monsters while strapped in a giant metal chamber, a trainee with a knife or two ain’t enough to scare me or take me down.” He relaxes his stance to continue his act of nonchalance. “Now put that knife down and let’s get outta here. Don’t make this worse for yourself.”

    Alex grips the knife harder, just as Gavin expected. “You say you can take me on with the knife, but then tell me to drop it? Maybe you’re just a fuckin’ coward? Ever think of that?! Why don’t you fight me like a man?!”

    “Jesus fucking christ. I don’t think I’ve used that one since middle school, and a certain someone–” he pointedly looks at Ritch, “–loves to remind me that I’m the king of childish insults.” He then turns to where Luther is still back by the room’s intercom, watching the whole event carefully. “Was I this bad during training, Luther? You were an apprentice back then, weren’t you? I swear to god I took a hint better than this asshole.”

    Luther, shockingly, nods his head. “You did take a hint, and you also knew when to finally leave, and when to stop if it was getting serious.”

    Gavin hears Alex suddenly shift closer to him, so Gavin quickly readies himself for action, not wanting to risk getting stabbed or sliced. Alex threateningly raises his knife up (not that he could do any serious, lasting damage holding it like that) and Gavin grabs his wrist and twists, forcing him to drop it. He kicks the blade away then lets go, and while Alex is still recollecting himself, the pilot uses the side of his hands to hit the pressure points on the other’s neck. He goes down like a bag of bricks. He stays down just long enough for Gavin to quickly search him, confiscate a blade tucked into his boot, and tie his hands together with a zip tie Luther tosses to him.

    Gavin takes in the shocked silence with a self-satisfied smirk as he snatches up the two knives, finding both the quiet and the full name written on this knife plenty reward enough for dealing with all of this. Alex starts properly waking up from the little stun move, so Gavin’s not worried about him having any lingering effects from being knocked out. He’s officially in the clear and can’t be blamed for anything, for once.

    Ritch suddenly starts speaking. “Just as I thought. You can’t do anything calmly.”

    Gavin blinks hard, then spins his body with a step back to fully face the human-robot with a glare, the whole movement purposely exuding over-the-top “I’m white and offended” vibes. Ritch still doesn’t have a real smile on his face, but Gavin can see the signs of his lips quirking up at the corners and he still has that same amusement in his eye as when they’re passing insults in the halls. It must be Christmas day for him; a quick and easy fight that he can’t get punished for and another quick match with baby-face!

    “Bitch? I told you I’d get him outta here with a prim and proper ending, and he looks damn prim and proper to me! And I didn’t even start the fight!” Gavin turns around just in time to watch Luther hoist Alex over his shoulder in a firefighter hold. The trainee isn’t even struggling anymore, thank god. “He ain’t fighting or bitchin’ now! And I didn’t see you try to do anything about this, dick.”

    “I thought we already discussed that that childish insult was not my name. You really should see a doctor about your memory problems.” Ritch still doesn’t smirk, but Gavin swears he can see it clearly, anyway.

    “I wasn’t implying that it was your name, I was just calling you a penis.” Gavin hears a quiet snort somewhere in the room at that one. “And it’s still not as childish as your face. Or your arms. Really dude, I’ve said this before, but eat a damn steak, a burger or something.” He starts following Luther out of the room. “I’m gonna go help carry this loaf of nothing to Fowler because I can be a responsible pilot when I want to, and you–” he points to Ritch “–are gonna thank me later. With actual words, in front of my friend.”

    “In your dreams, wetland grass.”

    “Fuck you.”

    “I already said no thank–”

    Gavin hurries out with his hands high in the air and his middle fingers even higher, “Sorry! I can’t understand dumbass-ese! Bye bitch!”

    As he walks away to Fowler’s official office, as opposed to his private one, he hears Chloe telling the trainees to do their warm ups and to wait for Luther to get back before doing any training. After that, it falls silent. Gavin can only take a few minutes of it, though, before he can’t hold back the question any longer.

    “So… What the hell did this guy do?” Gavin asks genuinely for once, “I’ve never once seen you get angry, let alone blow up like that. This isn’t even the first time a student pulled a knife on someone else.” He turns to look up at Luther, who’s looking at him with suspicion, “I wasn’t lying when I said I was just taking the long route to my room and just happened to hear the commotion.”

    Luther looks away contemplatively for a few moments, then apparently decides to spill the beans.

    “He almost stabbed two of the other trainees. You took his second and third knives, and they were the least damaging ones. The other two he had were already confiscated by me.”

    Gavin completely freezes. He can’t be fucking serious. Gavin is very suddenly very close to exploding and punching a wall with his bad hand, so he starts double-timing it to the office.

    “Are you shitting me? I haven’t even seen a knife this damn good since my high school years, and if it weren’t for the evidence written on this thing I’d hide it in my stash! Shit, how the hell did he get four of them?!”

    “I don’t know.”

    “Do you know who did the inspections? When they were done last? I swear to fucking god I am going to–”

    “You are going to do nothing, Gavin.”

    He balks, “Are you fucking kidding me?”

    “You’re going to come with me to see Fowler, we are going to get this sorted out, then he and whoever he got this from will be gone, and you won’t worry about this.”

    “How the fucking hell and I supposed to just not worry about this?!” Gavin shouts, getting the attention of two deliverers, so he hushes his tone into something quieter by just as deadly, “I already have personal beef with these guys so I don’t mind–”

    “Gavin please.” Luther rubs his free hand over his face and massages just over eyebrow, a place Gavin knows where headaches commonly form for him. “You having beef with these people is exactly why you should not get involved in this.”

    Silence falls between them again. Gavin breaks it again using a calm, hushed tone.

    “I wasn’t actually this bad, right? Like, I know I wasn’t swinging knives around, but you weren’t just saying that to make sure I didn’t blow up in there, were you?”

    He hates the fact that Luther hesitates to answer for a second or two.

    “You may have always been a jerk, and you may have been much more of a jerk than ever during your first few weeks here, but you’ve always known when poking the bear turned into wrestling with it, and you always knew better than to wrestle.” Luther turns to him, “As much as you apparently hate being called a decent person, you’ve always been fiercely protective of those you really care about.” He faces forward again.

    Gavin doesn’t know what to say to that. It’s not that he hates being called a good person, it’s just that he’s always been called a menace, an asshole, an inconvenience by those who were polite and worse things from people who aren’t, but he can’t remember a single time anyone had anything genuinely nice to say to him without some kind of ulterior motive in play. Not since his partner, anyway.

    God, he fucking misses him. He was the only person who understood him, and then he–

    No. Not now.

    “Gavin?”

    Gavin startles out of his thoughts at the sound of Luther’s voice. He readjusts Alex’s body on his shoulder before looking at the tall man.

    “You okay?” Luther asks, genuine concern in his expression. He’s holding the door open to the office area, waiting for Gavin to step through.

    He shakes his head to help get himself out of this funk he’s in, “Never better. Let’s go put this guy in the ground, and try to keep me out of it.” He steps inside. “Hey, you’ll have my back, right big guy? I mean, I know I knocked him out there for a minute, but it’s better and more realistic than whatever alternative anyone else was trying to think up.”

    Luther sighs and nods his head, “Yes, I planned on vouching for you. Just don’t say anything stupid or incriminating. Marshal Fowler has been in a prickly mood for the past few days, and I’d rather not have you testing him. Again.”

    “I’ll try my best, but I’m not gonna make any promises.” Luther gives him a sharp look. “It all depends on what I’m going to hear about this kid and how much it’s going to piss me off.”

    Another sigh to Gavin’s right, but Luther doesn’t say anything this time.

    They walk into Fowler’s office without knocking, and all the rest of the process goes by rather quickly. They filed out the reasons why Alex is being dishonorably dismissed with Gavin acting as a witness, then he recites the full names of the likely owners of the knives. He’s sent on his way not long after that, since Luther and Fowler need to talk about some lying dipshits or something. He doesn’t actually care all that much. As he turns the corner in the hall to finally get to his room, he almost literally runs into someone.

    “Watch where you’re fuckin– Anderson?”

    The ex-pilot grunts and rolls his eyes in lieu of a greeting.

    Gavin steps aside as the old drunkard walks to the office areas. “The hell are you doing here? And up this early too.”

    “I’m goin’ to talk to Fowler, just fuck off.” he grumbles over his shoulder.

    “Fowler’s busy talkin’ to Luther about some lyin’ scum right now, so he ain’t free.”

    Hank stops, “Those two liars aren’t even close to scum, and they’re exactly what I want to talk to him about.” He doesn’t say anything else as he hurries through the door, and slams it shut behind him.

    Gavin knows something’s up. Hank doesn’t think highly of anyone, let alone people who apparently lie on important documents. That’s what all this has to be about, after all, because that’s the only kind of lying Fowler handles himself like this. That, and he hasn’t seen Anderson hurry anywhere in years, especially not for any kind of living being, especially humans.

    As curious as Gavin is, he knows when it’s not any of his business, and when looking into things will only bring more trouble than it’s worth. The other thing is that Gavin doesn’t usually give a single flying fuck, and he’s pretty that’s why sure his disciplinary folder is one of the thickest ones in this joint.

    The grand point of all of this is that Gavin really doesn’t want to tango through the lying case, but if anyone thinks he’s not gonna have a part in taking care of this knife business, they’re very wrong. People like that cover up their tracks well enough that they’ll get away with it, even if everyone knows it’s them. Plus, Fowler probably wouldn’t find much to begin with since he’s busy a lot of the time. Gavin is almost excited to finally have a reason to come after them.

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

    It’s a few days after the Alex commotion, and Connor’s normally silent dinner is interrupted by an unfamiliar man in a suit. It’s strange and jarring to see because the only kind of uniforms around here are boots, cargo pants, and plain t-shirts with the occasional jacket with the PPDC symbol on the right sleeve. The stranger calmly walks up to Connor and simply asks him to finish his meal quickly and meet Marshal Fowler in his main office, then walks away towards where Ritch is sitting without any explanation.

    He looks at Hank, wondering if he has ever had this kind of treatment, or if this is exactly what Connor thinks it is. Hank just sends him a confused glance from where he sits diagonal of him (Connor has slowly been scooting closer to him in hopes that one day they can sit across from each other in a charade of actually being social, and it seems to be working so far). That means it’s what he thinks it is, and today is the day that they get sent out of training.

    He’s already done research on what kind of careers he and Ritch can get into after this whole mess, and there were plenty as long as they have the connections. The only problem is, once Amanda hears about them getting kicked out, all of their contacts will be gone instantly. They’re going to have to start at the very bottom and work their way up, which could take years before they get a realistically livable wage, and that’s if they live near the kaiju warning areas. It sucks, but Connor is just one step away from accepting this as his fate, that final step being actually hearing the verdict come out of Fowler’s mouth.

    He doesn’t finish his food. He just sits there and stares at what he did manage to get down before the man in the suit came along. He glances over every now and then to see when Ritch gets up so he can follow him. The moment Connor sees his twin placing his dishes in their respective bins, he gets up as well. He says his routine goodbye to Hank, who surprisingly wishes him luck in a low tone, and puts his own food and utensils in their assigned bin as well.

    “Are you ready?” Ritch says behind him. Connor can almost feel his silent judgement for not eating enough. Surprisingly, though, he doesn’t mention it.

    “As I’ll ever be,” he wrings his hands together, “You?”

    “Quite the same. Come along.” Ritch using his polite, “fancy gathering” voice like he is now never means anything good.

    Ah, apparently that’s all that was needed in order to reach that final step of acceptance. Huh.

    “I’m sure you know already, but I’ve been doing research on exactly which jobs we’ll be eligible for once we are sent out, and the selection actually isn’t–”

    “It is not certain that we are being dismissed.” Ritch interrupts, “I thought I told you this already.”

    Connor huffs, “It never hurts to be prepared.”

    “I suppose not, but call me optimistic that we’ll be staying here.” He looks to Connor without turning his head, “If they have any brains at all, they’ll want us here. We are smarter and stronger than we made ourselves out to be, and came clean as soon as we knew we were caught. They know we only did this because we were forced to and they didn’t listen when we tried to tell them the first time.” He focuses his eyes forward again, “I do not think we’ll be dismissed. At least not today.”

    Connor suddenly has the feeling that Ritch is saying this more for himself than anyone else. It didn’t even occur to him that his twin would be bothered by this. After all, he was the one dragged into this, and he has repeatedly stated that this was Connor’s dream and not his own. Well, that and Ritch doesn’t really care about change as much because he’s extremely adaptable. They both are, but Connor has never been able to stop himself from getting attached to certain things. It’s just how he functions.

    The rest of the walk to Marshal Fowler’s office is spent in silence and with that man in the suit attempting to trail behind them. Connor gives him points for effort, and he’s sure Ritch does too, but he has a feeling that he’s not the only one logging all of his mistakes so they don’t make the same ones.

    Inside the office area– which is not just Marshal Fowler’s office and a waiting room like the other one, but is instead a large room that has plenty of desks for many people– no one pays them or the suited man a distance behind them any mind. As Connor casually turns his head to look around the office, he sees the guy in the suit take a left as they keep going straight to the glass door. Ritch knocks, then opens the door for Connor, who then shuts it behind himself. They’re met with four people in the room; Marshal Fowler, Luther, Chloe, and an older lady they don’t recognize.

    He glances over at Ritch, who then does the same. He can tell that Ritch has finally accepted that they’re not going to be staying here past tomorrow morning, if even that.

    “Good evening Connor, Ritch.” the marshal greets politely.

    “Good evening.” they chorus together.

    “I hope you don’t mind waiting a minute for our fifth member, he hasn’t returned from getting you quite yet.”

    “Oh, the man following us?” Ritch blurts. It startles Connor because he’s never seen him blurt things out before, even before training. It’s always himself that does that and it’s never on purpose.

    At the unfamiliar woman’s raised brow, Connor tries to salvage what he can. “He was taking corners too soon after we had, and his shoes would click on the metal, rather than clang against it like everyone else’s boots. Those are the only reasons why we know.”

    “Well, no, those aren’t the only reasons we know, but those were the main reasons.”

    Connor sends Ritch a look that easily translates to what the hell are you doing? Although, his brother doesn’t spare him a glance.

    “I see, and you know the tells of this? You’re used to being followed, perhaps?” the woman asks in a way that seems like she’s trying to get dirt on them for a crime.

    “No ma’am,” Ritch says before Connor can get anything in, “We’ve just been highly trained. I doubt many things could sneak up on us.”

    Connor lightly smacks him on the thigh with his hand. Just what the hell is he thinking? What is he hoping to accomplish with this antagonization?

    Suit guy walks through the door before anything else can happen, thank goodness. He looks to Chloe and Luther and finds them hiding smiles. Connor doesn’t have a clue of where this is going, now. Why would they be hiding smiles? Chloe and Luther always had their backs, right? Unless this whole ordeal put them against him and Ritch… Damn it, he just doesn’t know and it’s making him uneasy. People are so confusing and complicated.

    The man in the suit entering the office pulls Connor from his thoughts.

    “The marshal was right,” Chloe states, now properly revealing her smile, “They both knew you were trailing them.”

    “Damn, really? You must have some serious training under your belt!” the man smiles, and all of it is overplayed. Connor wonders where the man would rather be right now. “How old did you say you were, again?”

    He never offered his age, but he decides against saying as much. “23 as of two days ago, sir.”

    “23?” the older woman says, “Both of you?”

    “Yes ma’am.” Ritch responds respectfully, if not a tad sharp.

    “And how long have you trained?” suit man asks, “Marshal Fowler said that you were in training for eleven years?”

    Connor hates this, so he doesn’t speak. He doesn’t want to accidentally screw both of them over with his fat, dumb mouth. Thankfully, Ritch doesn’t wait too long to respond and seems to have gotten out of his rebellious mood.

    “Almost, sir.”

    “That means you started training at thirteen?”

    “Just about, sir, if I remember correctly.” Ritch doesn’t like this as well. He can tell by his tone, but he doubts the other adults in the room notice anything off.

    “May I ask why we’re here?” Connor asks cautiously, but he’s ignored.

    “What kinds of things were you guys doing?” suit-man asks, sitting on the desk. He doesn’t see Marshal Fowler’s glare at the movement.

    For a long few moments, Ritch doesn’t say anything, so Connor does.

    “We were training mainly in combat and first aid–”

    “No,” the older woman interrupts, “What he means is, what did you guys do under your stepmother’s care when you weren’t training?”

    Connor can’t hold back a subtle face at the word “stepmother”, but he immediately knows that everyone still saw it. He hasn’t heard anyone besides his new friends and Ritch say that word in regards to Amanda. It just sounds… wrong coming out of anyone else’s mouth, as opposed to “trainer” or “guardian” like other adults in the past have called her.

    Ritch answers sharply, “We rested.”

    A long second goes by, then the marshal speaks. “And?”

    Another long, uncertain second, then Connor begins explaining. “I mean, we studied–”

    “Okay,” suit-man interrupts, “How often did you two get to play games, get out of the house for vacations, and do other things like that?” Connor doesn’t like how blank his face is, and that he can’t decipher what emotions he’s hiding.

    Wait… Are they trying to get dirt on Amanda? Ritch did mention that people tend to blame the parents or guardians in this type of situation. How much trouble would he get in for throwing her under the bus? For making sure he never has to go back under her care

    “We played down at the nearby park occasionally.” Connor supplies.

    “Yes, around once every other week for the first few months we lived there. In later years, though, we normally just studied our books–”

    “Because we needed to be jaeger pilots, and we wanted to make sure we were eligible to get in.”

    “You say you ‘needed’ to be jaeger pilots,” Luther starts, “Is that what you wanted, though?”

    Connor doesn’t hesitate like Ritch does, “I’ve wanted to be a jaeger pilot since people tried to make Marshal Fowler and Mr. Anderson television stars for how well they were doing in this line of work. Training has been… exceptionally hard as a whole, but I still want this more than any other job I’m eligible for that also uses the skills I’ve built up over the years.” He looks to Ritch, who is still looking to the ground with a frown and his eyebrows pushed together, “I don’t want to speak for my brother, but I refuse to go into a profession that lets my combat and first aid training go to waste.” he finishes quietly.

    Everyone just waits patiently for Ritch to answer after, surprisingly. Normally in interviews like this, they start asking simpler questions to urge one of them on (usually Connor, since he’s usually the one that gets tongue tied), but they still wait silently. It takes 17 seconds, Connor counts, and his brother’s expression never changes during that time or when he starts speaking.

    “I originally did not particularly want to be a pilot, but I started training because Connor needed me to in order to be one. I wasn’t prepared to be separated from him, but I also didn’t want to crush his dream, and I didn’t really have any aspirations beyond just wanting to help people, either, so I basically had nothing to lose. I did not like training at all from the very start, and I don’t think I like knowing that I can easily kill someone with a single punch or jab if I really wanted to.” Ritch’s face relaxes back to normal as he raises his head to face the interrogators, “But I like it here so far. The atmosphere was a bit much to adjust to at first, but now that I’m used to the schedules and the near-constant company, it’s actually becoming pleasant. And it’s just as Connor said, at this point in my life, I’d rather pilot a jaeger with someone than do any other job I’m qualified for, and I don’t want to put my years of training to waste. So after doing a bit of research, I believe that this is the best option for me.”

    “Research?” Chloe asks, “You were prepared to leave today?”

    “Always be prepared for anything so nothing catches you too far off guard.” Connor quotes Amanda as Ritch simultaneously admits, “Yes. We expected it, even.”

    After a beat of silence, the older woman moves along. “Marshal Fowler said that you two mostly trained on your own?”

    “Yes, ma’am.” the twins say together.

    Ritch elaborates, “We had instructional videos and pointers from Amanda helping us along the way–”

    “But we mostly perfected our fighting style on our own and practiced against each other so our styles would perfectly compliment each other’s–”

    “Because that’s what was going to make us more compatible and help our chances in becoming a pilot.”

    Suit-man nods, “And you are supposed to be identical twins, yes?”

    Connor sees Ritch tense up out of the corner of his eye. This is still a sensitive topic. It ends up being Luther that starts that line of questions.

    “I understand that you wear boots with a slight heel due to medical reasons, but I’ve been wondering why you have a condition that Connor does not have.”

    He knows that this is an easier question for Ritch. “I used to wear high heels and boots with heels around the orphanages and foster homes we were placed at while growing up. I first started wearing them when I was six and liked being taller than most people my age, but then never stopped once I realized it helped people separate Connor and myself apart. That’s also why I started wearing lighter clothes and cutting my hair shorter, while Connor prefers his hair longer in the front and continues to wear darker clothes despite Amanda’s displeasure with it.”

    Connor nods his agreement.

    “And the eyes? How are your eyes blue? Do you wear contacts that we haven’t been informed of?”

    Connor takes over, knowing this is a tough subject for his brother, “It’s actually close to impossible for contacts to make dark eyes appear naturally silver, so…” He pauses to take a breath and figure out how to word the next part. “There is research being done on how people can permanently make their eyes lighter in color. I don’t know why this research is being done in the first place, but he was signed up for it as a part of the ‘helping people tell us apart’ thing.” He sees the older woman about to speak, but pretends that he didn’t and presses on anyway. “We have very different personalities and extremely different levels of tolerance for different things, so Amanda, Ritch, and I wanted us to be as separated as one could be from their identical twin.”

    “He said you were signed up? Not that you signed up?” the older woman asks Ritch directly.

    “Yes, ma’am.”

    “Did you want this procedure done?” Chloe gets to the point. Everyone is staring at them more intently and it’s making Connor uncomfortable.

    “Even as a minor, I had to sign my consent in order to be operated on since it is an experimental procedure.” Ritch’s tone gives away– likely only to Connor– that he’s starting to feel uneasy as well.

    No one seems pleased with that answer, least of all the man in the suit. He’s the one who asks the next question.

    “That doesn’t answer if you actually wanted it or not. You could have signed those papers if you felt like it was the lesser of two evils.��

    Connor turns his head to fully look at Ritch, and he isn’t looking very well. His face is too stoic and his unsettling eyes (they always are to Connor at least) seem even more so now that they’re growing distant. His body’s too tense, too ready to run out of the room or fight to get out of the situation. He hasn’t seen Ritch like this in years, not since Amanda had still affected him pretty badly when she’d scold them. Connor distantly wonders if what he is feeling now is how Ritch always feels when Connor gets this way, or if he just gets annoyed like he seems to.

    He decides that Ritch probably does not feel this way about Connor episodes because his brother usually has a way to get him to snap out of it. It’s somewhat frustrating because he can’t do anything for Ritch right now, not anything that wouldn’t ultimately make his condition worse or something.

    It takes a minute of tense silence before everyone gives up, taking his silence as the answer it is. It’s almost creepy how they’re like a hive mind or something. He catches the older woman’s eye as she gets up and silently leaves the room. Suit gets up next and smiles in a way that screams “I’m ready to go home and relax but I can’t yet”.

    “Well, I think that’s enough for us for now! Thank you so much for joining us, fellas. Hopefully this is the last time we see each other under these circumstances.” he laughs, holding out a hand for Connor to shake, which he does, “I’ll let you relax a bit here and let them tell you what the verdict is.”

    He leaves, and the room is plunged into yet another silence, this time less tense. It only lasts a few moments before Ritch speaks with an unexpectedly harsh tone that has Connor blinking in shock.

    “What was that?”

    Marshal Fowler answers quickly, “That was us trying to find out if you were guilty of lying on important documents, or if Amanda was guilty of coercion and generally being an unfit guardian.” Connor notes that he doesn’t say “parent” at all. He definitely caught Connor’s face at the word earlier, then. “She was the one found guilty.”

    “Just like that?” Connor blurts with wide eyes, “She didn’t do anything illegal–”

    “Not that we know of yet,” Chloe cuts off, “She was almost found to be unfit as a single mother due to her background in training young adults for the military mixed with her overall personality and… unique view on certain things. Like how a teenager should be treated.”

    “A teenager has the presence of mind that children don’t have, so they don’t need coddling and should start learning how to care for themselves.” Ritch quotes. “It seems fair to us.” Connor nods along.

    Luther sighs, “That’s technically true, but not quite right.” Connor doesn’t hide confusion, and neither does Ritch, apparently. “Look, I’m going to be straight with you– you guys know I always try to be– we’re going to have to set you up with therapists if you want to stay here.”

    Chloe jumps in, “We have therapists for all of the pilots and plenty of the other personnel around here, so it’s not just you personally and you would have been required to get one eventually anyway. But I don’t think you two realize how unhealthy both of your minds are right now, and I’d hate for that to get in the way of your social life and potential as a jaeger pilot.”

    “I know my head is all messed up.” Connor admits softly. He sees Ritch turn his head sharply to him out of the corner of his eye., “I had to skip two days of evaluations because of a valid question some people asked me. I’m just shocked you’re allowing us to stay despite doing the two things that should get us dismissed immediately on top of the mental issues.”

    Marshal Fowler’s features soften in a way that Connor didn’t know was possible for him. “Most people in this place have some kind of mental issue, and I remember that you tried to tell me on your first day here that you had to lie on your application, so you did the next best thing when I didn’t listen.”

    “You’re making it sound like it’s your fault, sir.” Ritch points out.

    “Yeah, well, it partially is my fault, but Amanda also shouldn’t have done what she did to you two, and you should have gotten proper help instead of ranting to Han– Anderson about it.”

    Ritch’s head snaps back to Connor, obviously displeased, and Connor gets more tense than he already was because of it. He resists the urge to mess with the belt buckle loops on his pants.

    “Mr. Anderson…?”

    “He came and talked to us today. Said to keep you guys around, and he never speaks for anyone. Even before when we piloted together he normally just kept to himself, so the fact that he felt the need to even speak about this to me says something.”

    “Mr. Anderson came and talked to you? About us?” Connor asks quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

    It just doesn’t make sense. He’s only been a burden to the older pilot, so why would he actively try to keep them here? He thought Mr. Anderson would be relieved to have him gone, to have him out of his space and no longer taking things from him and complaining about things that can’t be helped or changed, or things that apparently could be changed.

    So Hank Anderson doesn’t mind his presence too much after all. If he did, he wouldn’t have particularly cared if Connor left or not, yet he felt the need to do something about the possibility of him leaving. Connor almost decides that he doesn’t know how to feel about this, but then a sudden rush of happiness bursts inside of him.

    Someone saw him at some of his lowest and most annoying points, and yet he didn’t push him away. Mr. Anderson didn’t force him out or ignore him until he got the hint and left on his own.

    “Connor.” Ritch hisses, and he has a feeling that that’s not the first time he’s been called.

    He blinks hard, “Sorry, I apologize. I just… I’m really surprised he said anything. I thought he’d be annoyed of me by now, that he’d be indifferent that I’m gone at best…” He shakes his head to clear any lingering thoughts, “Anyway, I’m sorry, but what were you saying before?”

    Marshal Fowler laces his hands together on his desk. “I was saying– between us only– keep up whatever it is you’re doing, because he’s looking less tormented recently than he has in a long time. I don’t think he’s actually tolerated someone new being at his table for so long before, either. It’s obvious you talk to him, but does he talk to you too?”

    Connor shakes his head. “Not really? I don’t really talk to him all that much either, it just sorta… happens sometimes, I guess. He asks something then I just keep going and rambling and he just doesn’t tell me to shut up. But I just– I don’t know.” he shrugs, “I just don’t think he’s as horrible and grumpy as everyone’s been trying to tell me he is. Or maybe he is and I have low standards. It’s honestly just as likely, I think.”

    “I think he’s more relaxed around you than anyone else.” Ritch adds, to his surprise. “He probably wants to protect you like some kind of puppy, but you aren’t childish or stupid like most people who need protection, so you don’t end up annoying him.” He takes a breath. “Someone should get him a dog.”

    Marshal Fowler laughs, actually laughs, with a little head shake and everything. Chloe and Luther seem just as surprised to see and hear it. Connor wonders if the dog thing was some kind of inside joke between him and Mr. Anderson at some point.

    “Hank is a definite dog lover. Good to know even that much is still obvious.” He goes back to his serious, stoic self with no evidence the joy from before, “You both start therapist-jumping in two days to find one that’s right for you, and you’ll be redoing all of your evaluations again starting tomorrow, and you better not even fucking think about lying time, ya hear? Or I’m gonna gut you like a fish and toss you into the ocean.”

    “Yes, sir!” they say together earnestly, completely unaffected by the empty threat.

    Luther nods to the door, “Go on and get out of here. You’re officially without partners now, so start seriously looking in case you graduate early.”

    “Yes, sir!” They repeat again with slight smiles, and they leave quickly.

    They have hope here after all. They don’t have to leave and be trapped in the world on their own. They can still be pilots, and it doesn’t sound like any of this is going to be blamed on them. Thank god.

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

Previous <~> Masterlist <~> Next

•◊•◊•◊•◊•

A/N: Hey guys! I am so super glad to have this chapter out finally!! Now I know that the entire first half of this chapter seems pointless or redundant, but I promise that they’ll lead into actual plot stuff later. Now! I am falling asleep at my computer because I don’t know how to sleep at night apparently Lol. Thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you have a pleasant day/night!! 💕💖

[sonicasura]

Ok we've talked alot about The Mothzilla family(Godzilla, Mothra, Hoppy, PJ, CatBee, and Mommy) but I have a few HCs regarding the other toys and their 'parents'

Rodan and Kickin have a sort of Eager Dad and Slightly shy kid, like Rodan will often greet other titans being all flamboyant and energetic while Kickin hides behind him but will say hi if the other titan gently introduces them to Kickin.

Behemoth, Bubba and Picky, pray for Behemoth because he is a single dad and both of his adopted kids have some issues. He tries his best but most of the time in his kind would have Matriarchs to help but as far as he knows besides his adopted kids he's the last one.

Tiamat and Boxy have a real odd vibe with each other, while Tiamat is haughty and uptight with other titans she does on her precious son. Despite the fact you will see Boxy just chewing on the most random stuff around base while Tiamat sings his accomplishments above the other kids, a very much 'This is my son, I found him in the trash but he's mine and I love him'

When Kong met Huggy and Kissy, it was a bit tense think like an ape sanctuary introducing a rescued ape to the troop and praying it goes well. Kissy and Huggy were scared of Kongs sheer size and strength, hiding from him for most time. Until Kong offered the two some food when they became hungry and let them eat in peace, it helped that Kong let them shadow him while he wandered Skull Island.

For Shimo and Crafty it's very much a grandma raising her granddaughter situation, she'll gladly let her play and try to make art with her new ice abilities but she won't be able to always join both due to old age and her time imprisoned by Skar King. Thankfully Kong has three children that can keep up with Crafty when she can't.

When it turns out King Caeser existed was more of a shock to Monarch than to Bobby and Dogday since they could 'sense' him. He was a fun but strict parent, he'll let them have their fun but he will set limits. Granted he's also very protective of the two even willing to come to blows with Godzilla when Hoppy and Dogday start dating when the two of them become teens.

These are honestly spot on. Lol

Boxy is a simple fellow when it comes to how he does things and his needs. His gnawing on random stuff is just a teeth test. Boxy has the best dental record as he's quick to point out a problem with his fangs.

Behemoth definitely took awhile to get used to Bubba and Picky's antics. The former has a habit of finding unauthorized humans near their habitat then wards them away with a proper response on their demeanor. Picky meanwhile often share her foods whenever they have problems scavenging. She has a unique mutation that lets her eat anything even if its inedible or toxic without any harm.

Kickin is definitely shy whenever Rodan introduces him to unknown monsters. Luckily he bounces back to a friendly playful demeanor if they're nice or have nice children he can play with. Rodan always avoids taking Kickin to meet any kaiju he's knows is bad news.

Crafty is definitely a very considerate granddaughter when it comes to Shimo. She knew what kind of pain the Skar King put the older Titan under and does her best to help ease the trauma. Crafty shared a few methods with Shimo such as deep breathes or claw drawings.

Kong definitely wasn't expecting Monarch to bring in Huggy and Kissy at all. Despite how much he wanted to interact with them, the larger ape could tell they were scared thus exercise patience. A good decision since the two rarely leave his side once it became clear he meant no harm. Kong feels a lot less lonely now and mellowed a bit to not scare his younger companions.

I can imagine a 'Why didn't you tell us' moment with Monarch once King Caeser is found. Godzilla remains civil despite there being another Alpha because of the kids. Doesn't mean the lizard isn't snarky and DogDay/Hoppy can take that. If not then good thing Bobby is a great peacemaker.

[toku-explained]

The Swordsman of All

SSSS.Dynazenon: Sizumu finds some kids looking at what he dubs a failed Kaiju, Zaiohn it goes away, later spraying paint on a sleeping Gauma. Yomogi and Yume go to Futaba's workplace, but he quit a while ago. Koyomi recalls Inamoto showing him a stash of money she found and suggesting they run off together, he ran away. Recalling his recent dealings with her, he goes to throw a rock at a window when everyone is called by Gauma, wanting the paint spreading Zaiohn found. Yomogi and Yume find it easily, it's quite sad cute, and convince Gauma not to kill it since it's not being used by the Eugenecists, he tries using Instance Domination on it unsuccessfully, the others try as a joke, and Yomogi sees a weird vision. They're spotted by the GridKnight Alliance. Sizumu takes the Eugenecists out. Anosillus and Knight explain Kaiju have sources, which must have been spread around based on their appearance locations, which are fed by human hearts, both silent when Gauma asks how they know so much when they aren't Kaiju, warning to keep an eye on Zaiohn. Mujina excels at bowling, Onija at tennis, Juuga just worries about relaxing instead of finding Kaiju. Gauma looks at the Kaiju while wondering where his princess is. Gauma fell asleep and Zaiohn escaped, Sizumu suggests a movie, Tarabaman, Onija and Mujina are weirdly of one mind about things now. Knight meets Yomogi and helps him look, as Zaiohn, now bigger, keeps going, they talk about if its possible it has a human heart. Knight acknowledges some Kaiju have human hearts, but others will deceive, and hesitating to kill one that then causes real damage isn't okay, if it's a threat, he will kill it. Koyomi and Gauma leap into action to try and lure Zaiohn from the city, panicking crowds separate Yume from Chise. Knight tells Yomogi that at the size it is, Zaiohn needs to stopped, they go into battle. Reacting to GridKnight, DynaSoldier converts into the Dynamic Cannon, which he wields. Yomogi is unsure on killing Zaiohn. When it starts damaging the building, and learning Yume is inside without DynaWing, he tries Instance Domination, having the same reaction and it looks right at him, Yomogi forces himself to use Dynamic Fire. Afterwards Yomogi is unsure of himself. The seed Chise found now resembles a kaiju frame. Sizumu is the only one of the Eugenecists who was even aware of the battle. Yume asks Yomogi to grab food together.

Heroes' Odyssey: Zero talks about the traitor to the Land of Light, Ultraman Belial, and his own battle with Kaiser Belial and Arch Belial, before talking about Tiga battling Geozark, leading to Masaki Keigo stealing the Sparklence and the fragments of the other statues, using it to revive another Ancient Giant of Light as Evil Tiga. Guardie attempts and fails to get through to the heart of the original giant, his friend, and is killed, before Tiga arrives and manages to stop him.

Saber: Yuri explains that Luna singling out Touma marks him as the one who will inherit Wonder Worlds power. Kento believes Touma might be able to change fate, but Kurayami is still showing him the World's destruction, Tassel's bird flies by. Master Logos shows Storious his new book, explaining if it absorbs the other books a new Seiken will be born, allowing him to fulfill his ambitions. Sophia explains her attempt to replace Kuna and disrupt the ritual, apologising for not revealing she's an artificial human, but everyone accepts her. Mei notes Wonder Story is partly blank. Touma needs to save Luna and receive power. Ryoga explains to Reika that the Shindai clan have a duty to protect Master Logos, and if they deem him unworthy of that title, there is only one thing to do. With the golden Calabdolg in hand, Master Logos uses the Omni Force Wonder Ride Book to bring darkness, the Northern Swordsmen rush to face him, he mocks his predecessors for not seizing the infinite power, and humanity, rejecting his duty when Yuri mentions it. Master Logos uses Omni Force to become Kamen Rider Solomon, the Swordsmen use their strongest forms against him. He overpowers them, then create seven books in the air in major cities worldwide. An image appears from each work, Izaak introduces himself, declaring he will rule humanity, he tells the survivor of war amongst humanity will be saved. Ryoga now knows what he and Reika must do, Bacht ponders things. The prophecy about Rekka tells how Touma can receive the power to face this, but all the Swordsmen must be aligned. Ogami and Daishinji seeks Ren, Yuri Kento. Ren reflects on recent events and his Masters advice to always seek strength, hiding with Desast when they come looking, Desast points out he actually does want to fight with them. The Shibdais confront Izaak, who rejects the name Master Logos, and prepare to remove him, all three changemand fight. Rekka reacts, and Touma can tell Durandal and Sabela are fighting Solomon. Kento tells Yuri the book will destroy everything, Yuri can tell he plans to engulf everything, himself included, in shadow. Solomon is able to counter the siblings' techniques, mocking them for continuing their familial duties, when Saber and Blades arrive. Durandal has a moment of stubbornness but is convinced by Touma to fight with them. Yuri knows, as Kento does from his visions, that if Touma receives Wonder World's power he'll become it's Guardian and have to remain there, Kento finds this unacceptable, but Yuri thinks even this can be changed now, he should believe in Touma, then goes to get the others to safety. As Kento wants to join Touma but thinks it's too late, Sophia appears to him.

Zenkaiger: Boccowaus is getting frustrated, Barashitara intends to deal with things before Ijirude finishes his work. Zyuran and Magine run into some kids, but they're only fans of Twokaiser, Zyuran is frustrated by the Goldtsuikar's and the others acceptance of them. Katatsumurui World appears, slowing everything else in an area to a snail's pace. Twokaiser arrives, but is also slowed on entering the area. The others arrive, but Flint from CrocoDaiOh warns them off entering the slow area. At Colourful Flint explains the powers, trying to help them make a plan, insisting it's just to save her brother. Zox is keeping his spirits up, while Magine and Zyuran listen. Barashitara orders Katatsumuri World to eliminate the ones he has captive, but when he attacks it emerges Zox had used the waiting time to prepare attacks in advance. Ijirude is finishing his work, but Stacey wants it now. The others arrive, using Turboranger to speed up the others to normal speed, they get Katatsumuri World, then empower others in the area. While they all change and announce themselves, Twokaiser refuses to be included in the team. When Katatsumuri World tries to slow them again, Zenkaiser and Twokaiser both use Turboranger to counter (Blue Turbo for Zox), and swiftly finish things. Dai Katatsumuri World arrives, ZenkaiOh ZyuraGaon battles first, but the tough shell makes things hard. Ijirude finishes his work and sends out Stacey, who arrives in his Battle Caesar Robo toattack ZenkaiOh. The twins decide to try Flint's new modification to CrocoDaiOh, and so using Katana's Kikai side, Twokaiser brings out Twokai-Oh Katana. Stacaesar uses the new arrival to focus on ZenkaiOh exclusively, Rekka Daizan finishes Dai Katatsumuri World, and Stacaesar leaves so Twokai-Oh doesn't interfere. Zyuran and Magine are frustrated by Zox still.

Saber X Ghost: 3 followers of Danton have captured Kanon, and are using her to try and find Makoto, or "Leon" as they call him. Kanon wonders about in a trance looking for him, spotted by Desast, who smells that she isn't human and grabs her, spotted by Youma and Mei. Saber fights Desast but Kaanon is still in a trance, throwing Desast away after e beats Touma. At Daitenkuu Takeru has the book Ghost Ijinroku, Javel brings Condor Phone over, whoever is on the other end tells him Kanon is missing and he runs off. They briefly run into eachother, each momentarily distracted by the other's main item. Takers encounters the 3 followers, who aim recreate Danton's Ultimate Lifeform. Definitely some novel continuity here, as Takeru specifically refuses to allow them to harm Chloë with their plan. One turns into a Ganma Superior to hold him off. Javel runs into Touma and Mei, both groups essentially looking for the same thing, Kanon and Desast both quickly arrive. Kanon flips out and beats off Desast and runs after Touma becomes Saber, Desast and Saber chasing, Javel aims to help with his own abilities, but he doesn't have them anymore. The fight continues between Saber and Desast over Kanon when Javel and Mei arrive, Javel fails to appeal to Desast's better nature, and Takeru and the Ganma arrive as Kanon wails on Saber, then brutalised Touma only to snap out when he promises to help find her brother. Takeru and Touma properly make introductions, and become Saber and Ghost to fight Desast and the Ganma, who make a quick deal for Kanon. Facing Desast, Ghost uses Musashi, while Saber unable to do anything, until Takeru lends him Ghost Ijinroju, kept at Daitenkuu for generations. The form represents Ghost and the 15 Heroic Spirits, and Ghost switches to Grateful, the two together finish the Ganma, and Desast runs off. After some talk Takeru promises to help find Makoto, and Javel takes Kanon to the temple, but on the way back they're ambushed by the remaining followers, who drag Kanon away.

Dogengers Nice Buddy: Great Z tells Riku he's determined to bring about his justice. Yabai Kamen prepares to run away, but is caught by Shaberryman right before Riku gets home. Riku is given pause by Yabai Kamen's words, reminded of something Yamashiron said to Great Z, then sweet talks Yabai Kamen into staying with them, before getting an alert they need Nectaris and Uzagi. Filming has a giant Uzagi via camera trickery, before Great Z arrives to fight Nectaris and the Karamis. Watching on TV, most of the Dogengers rollout, leaving Fukuokaliber with a despondent Yamashiron. After a couple of attacks from Nectaris, Great Z begins a heroic speech when he has another attack, seeing images of teasing from eyeless children, and the child being teased's anger. Fishing out a pill, he angrily recalls his experiences with the Dogengers thus far, takes his medicine and brutally attacks Nectaris, everyone watching turning from amused to concerned. Getting ahold of himself, he pulls Nectaris up, and summons Great Daizenshin for a finish, Uzagi jumps to Nectaris when filming is disrupted by police cars escorting the remains of the Kitaqmachine and El Brave, Kitaqman, Ohgaman, Rookie and Kitaqman Metal arrive. After indulging Ohgaman's cop drama bit, they try to survive Great Daizenshin's onslaught, Yamashiron is scared watching but Fukuokaliber has him wait and eat, a meal specifically involving Bell Peppers, which Yamashiron digs into. He's reminded of how the 3 of him learnt to cook together, and now feels ready to fight again. The building that makes their base shakes, and emerges from the ground in front of the others, atop a giant yellow robo.

[dancingamongtheflames]

New mountain raises

The year is 2017 for the world, on the day of new years eve where everyone in the world celebrates of the new year of 2017. Every human on the planet honor the holiday in a unique way. Some in simple peace and prays for the new year to be profitable and for good fortition, others were noisy and filled with booze, confetti and joy, others with fear and unsure of the future ahead of them.

But for a couple of teenagers…they had an idea in mind…

 Off the east Pacific Ocean of the Mariana Trench at the middle of the night it was closing to 1:20 am, a boat sway side to side gracefully in the soft waves of the ocean. The letters written in red pain wrote ‘Davy Jones adventure’.

Loud talking of teenagers laugh as they sit on the edge of the boats in their bathing suits. Five men and three women sit on the sides of the boat, happily drink their acholic drinks. Flirting among each other and talking about their school actives. A dirty brown hair man takes a big sip of beer from the dark colored bottle.

 “Oh, come on Rick, there is nothing to be afraid of” Black hair girl, Jennifer Honvas tried to reason, digging her hand into the bag of chips from the chip bag and pop the salty chip into her mouth.

Rick, the dirty brown hair man raises an eyebrow by this, taking his lips off the bottle, placing the glass bottle beside him and narrow his eyebrows “Melise are you kidding me? Did you forget those fucking big monsters?  that big one Godzilla that…Oh I don’t know…can swim! God knows where he can be!”

“Dude take a chill pill; we haven’t experienced a monster like that in a couple of years. Maybe that thing ended up killed for all we known” “ yeah, I know…but…” “ Rick, just try to experience the fun in this. It’s the new year, everything will be good” Mat wrap his arm around Rick shoulder and smirks down at him “You are always on edge about everything”

“No, I am not! The only time when I do overreact is when you two idiots”, he points at the two teenagers Mat and Michael, Mat twin brother. They look the same thing but the only thing they can be tell apart is by Mat’s scar on his eyebrow “Are always getting into trouble!” His hand raise, accidently knowing the glass bottle over the deck of the boat and it splashed into the salty ocean. No one seem to know or would have cared as Rick continued his rant.

“I remember one time you two smoked week and a police officer was right there…With a dog!”

 The glass bottle went down, quickly picking up speed as it sinks deeper and deeper into the dark depths of the trench

 “A police force, drug sniffing fucking Dog!”

“Dude…rick…Chill” Another girl entered out from the lower deck of the boat. Her hair was bright pink from dye gel, her tan skin drench wet from the water she jumped in earlier as she sits beside across Rick “…I know Pinky…I just can’t help myself!”

 The pink hair girl, Sasha smile softly and chuckles at her friend “Yeah…but I am glad we have that about you sometimes. You really do save our asses from trouble”

 The dark brown bottle finally reaches down to the bottom of the trench. Smash down hard onto the ground on the mountain layer of rocks. The hard surface of the rock shattering the bottom of the glass bottle with a loud crack that spread from miles. school of small, silver fishes swim away quickly by the sound.

 A moment past. Everything was still as the broken bottle lay as still as the silence in the waters. It begins to move, rolling down the cracks of the rocks as the rocks begin to crack. The mountain splitter and shatter, a loud groan and moans was heard from within the mountain. Small pieces of rock fall away from the cracks, as the layer of rock disappears, a large eye open.

  The group of teenagers were silent, letting the silence of the ocean waves clash gently against the wood of the boat. Sasha sighs and lift herself up once more “Well…I think we should get back before our parents freak out about us being out here” “ yeah your right. Let’s go-

 A loud groan stops Rick from speaking any more. The group also seem to stop at their tracts as well as the sound got louder. It sounded like a call from a giant creature, a song almost. Melise realized right away the sounds sound like a large humpback whale call. A big humpback whale.

“…W…What is that?” Mat spoke. His voice almost trembled by the sound

 “it sounds like a humpback whale” Melise answered, looking over at the side of the boat to look down at the blackness of the ocean with the only light illuminating anything was the moonlit moon that was high and mighty from the sky. But even with the good amount of light. All Melise could see was pitch black darkness. A large shape coming up.

 “But…How can a whale be that loud! And do humpbacks whales even come this far from here?” Mat ask once more. His hands clenching on the can of beer like it could protect him as the sounds got louder, louder and louder.

“Umm…guys…” Melise turn to the gang and point down to the ocean. The gang quickly ran over to see the shape only growing bigger, and bigger and it was coming up fast

“Oh my god…is that…oh SHIT!!- “

The sudden eruption came from below the ocean waves. The solid creature created the waves that only crash against the white boat harshly, almost turning the boat upright down. The teenagers went down with a tumble, crying in fear and shock as they rock to the side of the turned side of the boat.

The boat sway side to side. The teenagers pant fearfully as the adrenaline flowing through their veins. Rick hyperventilate, gripping onto the wheel of the boat with a vice grip that made his knuckles white. His left leg felt like a needle was in his muscles. The young teen heard those sounds once more, a rumble of the humpback whale sound. It almost felt like he was in slow motion, turning his head to look and gasp “Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god- “was all Rick could say. His voice trembled; he could feel the cold swear drop down from the back of his neck as he saw the creature.

 It was huge. It almost looked like a giant lizard It had a reptilian scale that were familiar to the crocodile or if he had to quess, dragon like scales. Rick couldn’t tell what the color this Kaiju was, the large head of the kaiju block the moon from view, but with the glow illuminating the creature. It had a dark brown coloring with black scales covering the torso and head, the more he stares. He saw more color begin to raise on the creature’s cheek. A flush of dark blue coloring appears with spikes along its jaw.

The kaiju cock their head around, it snorts around, sniffling the air harshly, if Rick wasn’t to be terrified at this moment. He would have been amazed at the way the nostrils took in large amount of air, expanding before closing slightly.

“Jesus Crist….” Mat spoke. His hands grasp Rick shoulder. Clenching onto him as tightly as Rick was on the black leather of the wheel. Ignoring the pain of being grip so tightly. Rick kept watching, unable to move his gaze away to look at his friends in fear the kaiju would see them and attack them.

The lizard giant shock it heads and expand its large jaws, yawning widely to expose sharp, narrow teeth that line along it gum. God…those teeth look like it could tear into meat without any trouble, a blue tongue flick in the air, hissing into the night. Rick eyes travel to the back of the creature when he notices movement there. Spikes begin to stand up on full height along the hide of the creature. It almost looks like quills as they shiver and twitch as the creature yawn, snapping those powerful jaws tight and letting out another snort.

“Oh my god…Is that…godzilla?” Sasha ask “ Maybe…but…wait…look” melise expand her hand and points at the creature back at the long Quills “I looked up what Godzilla looked like from videos and…Godzilla doesn’t have quills from what I know. He had spikes…b-but he doesn’t-

“Oh fuck, another giant” Mat whimpers, his hands clench tighter onto his shoulder.

the giant of the creature eyes looked around. Sniffling once more before turning to look at the boat finally. Everyone screams but Rick didn’t even make a pep, he was still frozen in his place, kept gazing as the creature only stare at them. Rick could see the purple where the whites were supposed to be. It had orange bright eyes that clench in the night like two orbs of suns.  

 It holds intelligence within those orbs. Animistic but intelligence. It seems to be just as perplex as Rick and the rest of his gang would feeling right now as well, like it too was amazed by the fight of these unknown creatures. Only staring at them and not moving to get a closer look. It snorts before raising it heads and a bellowing roar escape it large mouth. It was a high pitch wail of a humpback whale mix together.  

 Rick curled up into a fetal position quickly cover his ears by the sound. Shutting his eyelids tightly and trying to cover the sound of the cry of the beast that was telling the world it was back.

 ‘Please let this be over’ Rick thought, a tear drops down his cheek. As soon as that though came across his mind. It stops it bellowing and dive down into the cold ocean, loud splashes were heard as the tail crash and disappear down to the water. Letting the moonlit sky shine at the teenagers that can only stand there with shock.

Fear ate at them. All their hearts bounded so hard that they could know others would hear each of their hearts. They could not move from the fear that the Kaiju would turn around and attack them. After a few minutes of no signs of the creature returning. Rick felt himself coming back to reality, his leg slowly made attempt to stand, lifting his injured leg to start the boat as fast as he can.

 No one said a word after that night.

[sunshinetrappedinourhearts]

Nathmarc month day 28 (free space): Pacific Rim AU

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16491026/chapters/39392038 Yo, so-  I’ve chosen to write a Pacific Rim AU on the free space day, but it took me 2 days to finish it, oops. But I’m happy with it, so yay! I hope people actually like/know Pacific Rim. xD If you don’t, I guess it’s still pretty easy to follow, as I give some small explanations during the story. Anyways, enjoy! @nathmarcnovember

Nathaniel lowered his weapon, wiping some of the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Sometimes he wondered if everything was even worth the effort. Their teachers were hardly paying attention and honestly, by now, wouldn’t they have gotten an idea at least about who was compatible with each other?

He stared at his friend Alix, a few feet away from him, she had been his sparring partner for the last hour. Training with her was always fun, but Nathaniel already knew they weren’t compatible, no matter how good friends they were.

The only thing he really wanted…

His gaze was stolen by a pretty girl, just a little bit taller than him, with silky dark hair, tied together in two ponytails, a carefree smile on her face.

He breathed.

If only… If only he could pilot a Jaeger with Marinette…

Marinette was sweet, she was kind, pretty and smart…

He’d give everything to be able to link with her.

But…

The only time he’d been in the simulator with her, their minds had repelled each other before they’d even been able to start drifting.

Surely it had been a mistake…

Surely if they’d give him another chance, he’ll…

‘You okay, Nath?’ Alix was in front of him, grinning as she took her helmet off. ‘You seem a bit out of it.’

Alix always noticed whenever something was on his mind. They’d been friends ever since both of them joined the training cadets, which was now 4 years ago already, when they were both 13 years old.

‘Just wondering if we’ll ever get out of here,’ he sighed.

‘Well, we will once we find a compatible partner. Meaning we’ll start training with actual Jaegers, preparing for the next Kaiju attack,’ she drank a bit water from the bottle she was carrying. ‘Since you joined the cadets you must have been prepared for that, right? Giving your life to fight Kaiju and stuff?’

That wasn’t… fully true, but…

Flashes of his parents, words, screaming, slamming doors.

Letters, admissions.

Which he didn’t remember applying for.

Quickly, he shook his head, as if that would make the memories disappear.

They did, but only for a very short while, never for good.

Absently, he let his gaze wander back to Marinette, who was talking to her best friend Alya.

He sighed. ‘Do you think they’ll let me try linking with Marinette again…?’

Alix suddenly pushed him with his shoulder, snorting. ‘Really, now? After that disaster from last time? You and her are just not compatible, Nath. But that’s alright, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be her friend or whatever you wanna be to her.’

He looked at her, furrowing his eyebrows as he rubbed his shoulder. The girl always had way more strength than she looked like. ‘Yeah, that’s probably not gonna happen, either. She only ever look at that new kid, Adrien.’

‘Pffft, he’s not new, Nath. He’s been here for over a year.’

‘Eh, whatever. Just… you know.. doing drifting training together… It would at least give me more opportunities to talk to her…’

Alix grinned. ‘Come on, don’t be like that. If you wanna talk to her, you just talk to her.’

Nathaniel furrowed his eyebrows. Alix always thought so easily of everything, she was never afraid to speak her mind or take action. He was not like that, so he wouldn’t-

His train of thought was cut off by their trainer calling them over.

‘Alright, gather up, cadets! We have a new member joining us today, I’ll be introducing him to you all, be nice and help him settle down!’

A new member? At this time? It didn’t happen often that cadets joined at such a late age, most started around 12 to 14 years old, but… at 17…? It was just… kinda strange. Unless he was transferred from another group, but their trainer would probably have mentioned that.

Nathaniel followed Alix towards the middle of the room, where everyone was already gathered.

Next to their trainer, a boy their age stood, he was of average height and posture, his hair black and half tied up in a messy bun. He had big bright green eyes, averted from the group a bit. He was fumbling with his hands, seemingly shy. He looked very out of place, and Nathaniel absently wondered why on earth he had joined the cadets.

Then again… the same could be said for him, of course.

‘This is Marc Anciel, everyone. As we’ve finished training, I want one of you to show him around and teach him the basic things about his place. Tomorrow, he’ll start training with you guys.’

He gave Marc a small push, who seemed to jump a bit at the touch and opened his mouth, letting his eyes flash nervously over the group, but closing it again.

‘Ridiculous,’ sounded from the group and Nathaniel didn’t even have to look up to find out to whom the voice belonged.

‘How will such a nervous wimp like him ever be able to fight a Kaiju?’ Chloé declared as she observed her nails.

Chloé was the daughter of one of the most successful female Jaeger pilots, whom everyone looked up to. She knew that however, and used her mother’s prestige as she pleased, that however, did not make people like her. Nor did it make her compatible to anyone in the group.

‘Do not judge a book by its cover, Chloé,’ their trainer stated.

Marc however, averted his eyes, fumbling with his gloves awkwardly.

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, wondering if the boy would be able to survive even the training cadets.

A long time ago, he had been as shy and jumpy as he was, an easy target for bullies. But not anymore. Never again.

‘I’ll show Marc around, sir!’

Nathaniel’s heart skipped a beat as a familiar voice called out. Marinette. Alarmed, he looked up to see her raising her hand, smiling at Marc.

Who looked the other way, blushing a bit.

‘Well, that’s settled then,’ their trainer said. ‘Marinette, I’ll leave Marc to you, then.’

A sting of jealousy shot through Nathaniel’s heart, but he quickly reminded himself of the fact that this just happened because Marinette was so kind.

She was so sweet, so considerate…

Of course she would offer to help a new cadet, especially if that person was just targeted by Chloé, whom she despised a lot.

Yes, nothing to worry about.

Still, there was a weird, uncomfortable sense of foreboding in his chest.

***

It lingered right into the next training day. Marc hadn’t said a word when he had returned from his walk with Marinette, nor during dinner, nor the entire evening. He’d just been sitting on his bunk bed, writing in some kind of notebook.

Nino had tried to talk to him for a bit, and he had replied politely, sharing a few words, but nothing more. The other guys had left him alone. Nathaniel had been keeping an eye on him, because there was something about him… He couldn’t quite put his finger on it…

The next day, right of the bat, he was partnered against Marc.

Right now he was standing a few feet away from him, staring into the other boy’s eyes as he prepared, finding his most comfortable fighting stance.

He wondered if he should go easy on him or-

Suddenly, Marc was in front of him, Nathaniel hadn’t been able to follow his movements.

Quickly, he blocked his attack, dancing around him. Marc followed, suddenly an intense look in his bright green eyes, every sprinkle of insecurity, faded to nothing.

He was fast-

Extremely so-

His body was starting to feel heavy-

Tired-

Hard to keep up-

He tasted blood suddenly, and vaguely registered he had probably bitten his lip just a bit too hard.

Marc’s gaze was fierce, and Nathaniel didn’t dare look away from him.

The ground was gone suddenly-

Under his right foot-

And he tripped.

Falling to the ground.

The feeling of defeat and humiliation washing over him.

He felt a dozen of eyes on him as he sat on the floor, slightly confused about what had just happened.

And indeed, the whole group had been watching their fight.

His heart was beating loudly and he felt small suddenly, as his fellow cadets towered over him like the Kaiju they were supposed to fight.

In front of him, Marc offered him his hand, blinking.

…really?

After humiliating him like that?

Making fun of him?

Hiding his true strength under such a shy posture?

Making him get the wrong impression and dropping him to the ground as soon as-

Nathaniel furrowed his eyebrows, slapping his hand away before getting up by himself, not taking his eyes off him for a second.

There, it was back, the insecurity in those deep green eyes. Good.

But he wouldn’t be fooled.

Not anymore.

Never again.

***

Later that day, Marc tried to approach him. Nathaniel was in the shared boy’s dormitory, doodling in his sketchbook to get his mind off things when he heard footsteps coming in his direction, and a soft voice calling out.

‘Uhm… Nathaniel… right?’

He looked up, found nervous eyes staring at him, and he went back to drawing.

His mind was protesting, he did not want to talk to this guy, but he also didn’t want to make a scene.

Yet the humiliation… Of today… And on top of that Marc had spoken to Marinette again today. While it took him so much effort to speak to her, spending days and days to gather up courage, he just casually spoke to her… it was bizarre.

‘I… I am sorry about this morning…’

What?

‘I… I can see I made you upset, clearly…’

You’re not making it better.

‘I… what can I do to make it up to you…?’

Nathaniel violently pushed his sketchbook aside, locking their eyes together.

There was an ember within him, one that had been sparked by no-one else than the innocent boy in front of him.

But Nathaniel, he wouldn’t be fooled. For Marc was far from the innocent teenager the presented himself as. He was a monster. One he didn’t want anything to do with.

He reminded him of someone, a little bit too much.

But Nathaniel didn’t want to remember, so he pushed the memories away.

Instead, he spoke to Marc.

‘You can stay far, far away from me. That’ll be all. Thank you.’

He went back to drawing, and didn’t look up again.

At some point, Marc disappeared.

***

Fate decided otherwise, for apparently his trainer found if funny to let them spar against each other the next few days, and the days after as well. Every single time, Nathaniel did not speak to him, instead focussed on improving to be able to beat him. But Marc was too strong.

Something deep inside of him was glad the boy hadn’t decided to go easy on him. Because that was the one thing he’d hate.

After two weeks, Nathaniel finally felt like he was doing a little better.

As they danced around each other, he was able to predict most of Marc’s moves, dodging them, striking back, but the other boy was able to avoid his attacks in turn as well.

It took a long twenty minutes until Marc finally landed an attack and Nathaniel lost, again.

But as he was on the ground, he felt a small smile teasing his lips, and he was confused about where it came from.

When Marc offered him his hand, he almost took it, just in time remembering his pride.

***

‘Your drawings… I have wondered for a while, but… Do you… post them online…?’

Nathaniel blinked, looking up from his sketchbook to find Marc staring at him. Quickly, he shielded his sketch from him.

‘Why do you ask?’

‘I… they make me think of certain artist I used to follow on the net for a while… But he stopped posting a few years ago.’

Nathaniel opened his mouth, closed it again. His heart was pounding just a little painfully against his chest, and he chewed on the inside of his cheek, his hand trembling slightly.

Did he…?

No, it couldn’t be…

Marc blinked. ‘Ah, I’m sorry if I asked a strange question… You don’t have to answer… I… I just wanted to say they’re very beautiful.’

‘You looked.’

‘S-sorry…?’

‘I… find it uncomfortable if people look at my drawings.’

‘I’m sorry. It’s just… fascinating to see you draw…’

He raised an eyebrow. ‘Then what are you doing in your own book over there? Because I’ve seen you scribble as well. Are you also an artist?’

Marc’s cheeks colored pink. ‘Ah, no, I… write…’

‘Write what?’

He shrugged a bit, backing off. Clearly uncomfortable, and Nathaniel found something uneasy gnawing on him, and he wondered if maybe, just maybe, he felt a little guilty for pushing.

‘N-nothing special, actually… Nothing special at all.’

Nathaniel breathed. Breathed again. ‘Ah, okay.’

Marc’s eyes flashed from left to right and then he turned around to walk away.

‘I posted my drawings online for a while, but I’ve stopped,’ he blurted out, and Nathaniel couldn’t stop the words from spilling out. ‘I had a nickname on the internet, the Mighty Illustrator. A bit lame, huh? Anyway, there’s your answer.’

It was silent for a moment, and Nathaniel aggressively scratched more lines in his sketchbook with his pencil to not go crazy.

Then, Marc spoke. Very softly. Before walking away. ‘I…’ve always been a fan of you.’

***

Three weeks later, Nathaniel floored Marc during sparring, and he blinked as the other boy lay on the ground, blinking as well.

First, he was confused. He tried searching through the flashes of their fight coming back to him, but everything had gone the same as always.

Dancing around each other for minutes long, searching, dodging, waiting, staring, moving…

And suddenly, he had been faster, and the other boy was on the floor.

It was too easy-

It couldn’t have happened-

He must have-

He must have not-

Taken him seriously-

The fire started again and Nathaniel stared at him, his body shivering.

‘Why did you do that.’

‘D-do what…?’

Marc got up slowly, pushing himself in a sitting position. Nathaniel was still hovering over him, a few feet away.

‘Loose on purpose!’ he hissed.

‘B-but I didn’t-’

‘You did!’ he snapped back.

The green eyes widened, and at that moment, Nathaniel wanted them gone. Forever and ever and ever. So he turned around and walked away, no longer listening to whatever the other boy said.

***

‘Don’t you think you overreacted a bit?’

Alix was sitting next to him in the corridor against the wall, staring at him intently. Nathaniel was hugging his knees, his mind still spinning from the match earlier. The fire had calmed down, but the thoughts hadn’t.

‘Did I…?’

‘I think you did. Marc is not the type of person to go easy on someone. Have you seen his other sparring matches?’

He had. For some reason, his feet had just dragged him there, observing the other boy’s moves, wanting to get better, learn from him.

Ah, maybe… that was why…

No, but… so soon?

It just couldn’t be…

‘I saw the match, Nath. You were on the upper hand for a while before you floored him. He was really struggling. I think you just got a lot better because you sparred with him a lot.’

Nathaniel furrowed his eyebrows, thinking. To him, it hadn’t seemed like Marc had been losing, it had just felt the same to him as always, but… Alix was no liar…

‘Maybe you should just talk to him, Nath.’

He sighed, closing his eyes. Because he didn’t want to. But because it was probably the best idea.

‘Alright… Thanks, Alix…’

His friend grinned.

***

Approaching him was kind of hard. Because before, it had always been the other way around. Because Nathaniel didn’t like admitting his mistakes. Because he was a hothead sometimes. He sighed, putting his sketchbook away. Just sitting there would not make anything better. At all.

So he climbed down the bed and searched for Marc in the hallways.

He found him in a corner, leaning against the wall, writing.

Like that, he looked so soft, so calm, so different from when he was fighting. His gaze was focused, yet gentle, his green eyes bright and cheerful. His hand moving from the left to right as he was scribbling, the notebook resting against his knees.

It was a peaceful sight, and somehow, Nathaniel didn’t really want to disturb him, but…

‘Erm… Marc…?’ he felt his cheeks heat up and he slapped them quickly, before calling out to the other boy again.

This time, he reacted, blinking before putting his notebook away.

‘…yes…?’ he jumped a bit as their eyes met. ‘…N-Nathaniel…?’

‘Yes…’ Nathaniel walked a little closer, lowering his eyes. ‘I… I wanted to apologize… for what I said this afternoon. I was… very confused and… jumped to conclusions. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.’

He looked up carefully, searching for his expression.

Marc looked confused for a second, until a smile appeared around his lips as he let their gazes meet.

‘Apology accepted.’

***

‘I want you two to try drifting together.’

So casually, the words had fallen. And Nathaniel should’ve known the moment their trainer had called the both of them over. He should’ve known. Yet the words came as a surprise.

He felt Marc’s eyes on him, and Nathaniel didn’t know how to feel. There was a strange tingle in his chest, but he was unsure how to identify it.

Confused? He was, because they’d only known each other for a few months and usually, people who were able to mental link knew one another for years.

Disappointed? A little, because he wanted another try on linking with Marinette, not with… with Marc…

Frustrated? Maybe… Since Marc was still a lot stronger than he was.

Not to mention his fighting style still remembered him of…

Someone he didn’t want to think about.

It was a little bit of all of those things, but there was more, and he didn’t quite get it.

‘So soon?’ he then asked, not knowing what else to say.

Their trainer nodded. ‘I’ve consulted the other cadet trainers, and just like me, they see how in synch your fights are. It can never hurt to try drifting.’

‘But. I don’t even really know Marc.’

‘You know perfectly well that drifting compatibility doesn’t have anything to do with knowing each other, Nathaniel,’ their trainer said, smiling softly.

Maybe that was true, but… What if they succeeded…? Nathaniel wasn’t sure if he wanted to share his memories so easily.

‘You don’t want to try…?’ Marc’s voice sounded and Nathaniel looked next to him, Marc’s expression soft, but there was a hint of hurt hidden within his eyes.

Quickly, Nathaniel looked away. ‘…Alright…’

*** The moment they stepped into the simulator, Nathaniel felt a little nervous. He hadn’t been in there for a long time, yet the cramped space and warm area of it felt familiar. Every time he had tried drifting with someone, their minds had repelled from the moment they started. Also with Marinette. He wondered what would happen if this time, he’d actually succeed.

But there was no way… was there?

Nathaniel sat down, he on the left side, Marc on the right, taking the leader position. His trainer had wanted it that way, and Nathaniel didn’t really care. He had never been a leader type anyways. Although he wasn’t sure Marc was, either. Sure, he was strong and fast, but still, he had a nervous and insecure side to him.

For a moment, he looked next to him, and found the other boy’s gaze. Marc smiled at him softly.

There was a sting in his heart, because if only… If only Marinette would have been there…

But quickly, he shook the thought away, because it was misplaced, and he had to focus. So he smiled back, stretching out his hand.

Marc’s eyes widened for a bit, and then he took his hand, shaking it before they parted.

‘Let’s do our best,’ Nathaniel said.

Marc nodded, and then closed his eyes.

Nathaniel followed his example.

For a while, there was nothing.

Only silence.

Nathaniel emptied his mind, searching for Marc.

For a while, it was hard to find him.

But then, there he was.

Nathaniel moved towards him, and Marc did, as well.

They reached out to each other.

And-

Flashes of memories, scattered everywhere.

Marc as a small child, cheerful and happy. A woman, a man, his parents, probably. Both smiling as well.

Marc looked like his mom.

A birthday, five candles. His parents were there, various other people.

Then, a goodbye. His father leaving, his mother a worried expression on her face. Marc, crying.

Reunion, his father was back, his arm in a sling, but he was fine. Happy faces. Smiling. Nathaniel felt warm and fuzzy.

Eating out, celebrating.

Another birthday, 10 candles.

Then, father leaving, mother leaving.

A letter.

Crying. Pain.

Unfamiliar faces, a cold, desolate place.

Fighting, sparring.

With the same man.

Every day.

Exhaustion.

More fighting.

Marc, a simulator.

Alone.

All alone.

Pain.

Exhaustion.

Blackout.

Serious faces. Scolding, maybe.

Darkness.

Pain.

More fighting.

More sparring.

Simulator.

Fighting.

Simulator.

Scolding.

Pain.

Screaming.

Blood.

Another birthday. 14 candles.

An emergency.

Red lights.

A jaeger.

Marc.

All alone.

Piloting.

Pain.

Exhaustion.

Crying.

But no choice-

Fighting-

The Kaiju-

Pressure.

Chaos.

Lost.

Darkness.

Then.

Intense pain.

Screaming.

Nathaniel moved closer.

Scared.

Pain.

His heart was aching.

And it was Marc’s-

He knew it was Marc’s-

The Kaiju came closer, attacking the Jaeger, and it fell-

Screaming.

And it suddenly sounded way too real for a memory.

Nathaniel opened his eyes, taking off the helmet and looked next to him, his hands trembling. Marc was screaming, crying, his eyes closed, his body shaking violently.

Where was their trainer-

Frustrated, he got up, his mind spinning with unknown memories, but it was unimportant-

He kneeled in front of Marc, carefully putting his hands on his shoulders, trying to keep him in place.

But the boy was still shaking and Nathaniel didn’t know what to do-

‘Marc,’ he said, his voice trembling, too soft, too unsure.

He tried again. ‘Marc!’ it sounded better now. ‘Marc, snap out of it! We’re here! I’m with you!’

He squeezed a bit, and Marc looked so lost, so terribly lost-

So Nathaniel rubbed his shoulders softly, holding him tight, saying some things he couldn’t remember, like ‘I’m here’, or, ‘Open your eyes’, or anything he could think of.

Eventually, Marc’s limbs responded, and his eyes shot open, he snatched off the helmet and breathed, sweat everywhere, his eyes like those of an attacked animal.

Nathaniel’s mind was spinning with questions, unable to understand the train of emotions he had been dumped into earlier. But with a great need to know.

But later-

It had to come later.

Once more, he squeezed his shoulders softly. ‘Marc. Are you with me?’

The boy found his eyes, and they softened, a little.

‘Nathaniel…’

‘Yeah. I’m here. You’re not alone. Alright?’

‘…y-yeah…’

He felt Marc relax slightly against his hands, but his body didn’t stop trembling.

Nathaniel got up, offering him his hand.

‘Let’s get out of here, you need some rest.’

‘D-did we… fail…?’

Nathaniel opened his mouth. Closed it again. ‘I… don’t know…’

And he didn’t. He only knew Marc had to get out of there, and he had to rest.

Marc took his hand.

***

Hours later, they were sitting on Marc’s bed, both holding a hot cup of coffee.

Their trainer had been enthusiastic, showering the two of them with compliments. They hadn’t been able to link, yet, but the drifting had gone amazingly well for a first time, apparently, and he was sure with some training, they’d be able to succeed.

Nathaniel had only half-heard it, still focused on the flashes of memories he had seen in the simulator. Clearly, Marc hadn’t had a normal childhood. At all.

Now that he had calmed down, Nathaniel wanted to ask him about it. But he didn’t know how. So for a while, they were just sitting side by side, sipping their coffee.

Eventually, it was Marc who spoke first.

‘You must have a lot of questions. You saw all of them… didn’t you?’

Nathaniel felt Marc’s eyes on him and he averted his gaze. The other boy sounded broken still, and he didn’t know how to deal with it.

‘When you… told me you were there with me… I think that’s… what I really needed…’

Nathaniel looked up, and Marc was staring at his coffee, moving his thumb over the mug, his cheeks slightly pink.

Their eyes met suddenly, and he jumped, a strange tingle of nervousness shooting from his stomach all the way to his face.

Marc smiled a little. ‘I… have been trained to become a single pilot… As an experiment, kind of… to see if it possible with today’s technology… It was illegal, however… Authorities found me two years ago… Arrested the organization… didn’t know what to do with me, though… I lived in a foster home for a while, just receiving normal education… those kind of stuff… Then… at some point… they brought me here… Something about wasted potential…’

Through the story, Nathaniel found himself staring at the other boy, to try and identify the expression hidden within his bright green eyes, and for a moment, he thought he understood.

It was loneliness.

Unconsciously, he moved a little closer.

‘In here… you don’t have to be alone,’ he smiled softly.

‘I… realized that today…’ Marc answered, a small smile playing with his lips, his cheeks slightly red.

‘I never tried drifting with someone before, so… I’m sorry. It’s probably my fault… I got stuck in that one memory…’

‘It apparently happens a lot with first-timers,’ Nathaniel said, then looked at him carefully, unsure if he could ask the one thing he wanted to know. ‘What… happened there…?’

Marc lowered his eyes. ‘It was just before they found me… An emergency Kaiju attack… My boss panicked, wanted me to fight them. On the one hand because the Kaiju was very dangerous, and they needed all the help. On the other hand to show the world the evolution of the Jaegers, and that I was able to pilot on my own… It backfired, though…’ he chuckled a bit, but Nathaniel found nothing funny about it. Marc probably didn’t either. ‘Because well… I couldn’t… I couldn’t handle the emotional load of piloting by myself… The exact reason why the co-piloting system is a thing. So I just… panicked… Couldn’t see anything… Couldn’t do anything… Apparently my Jaeger went berserk, too… And well… the other Jaegers had to hold me back, while they were fighting the Kaiju, too. In the end they managed to restrain me and got me out. Then they arrested my boss and took me to a foster home. They never blamed me, I was a victim.’

Nathaniel felt nauseous. He couldn’t imagine fighting a Kaiju, let alone all by himself. At such a young age.

‘How did you… get adopted by that organization…?’

Marc sighed. ‘The boss was a friend of my parents… He adopted me when… when they died… They were both Jaeger pilots as well, in the same system… But they got into a fight during the attack and, well… it turned into their demise… That’s why… the boss was able to persuade me into joining him… he made me believe piloting alone was better…’

He looked so small, so fragile, and finally, Nathaniel understood why he switched so easily between the insecure, awkward boy and the fierce soldier during their fights. There was no true or false Marc. He was both. And Nathaniel felt like he wanted to support both of them. So he reached out his hand and put it on his shoulder, squeezing softly.

Marc looked up, and his eyes were trembling.

Nathaniel chewed on his cheek, his mind was a mess. ‘D-do you erm, want a hug…?’ he blurted out, and he wanted to hit himself in the face afterwards, his cheeks burning.

But Marc blinked, then chuckled softly. Halfway, he started crying.

Nathaniel leaned in and wrapped his arms around him.

***

They tried drifting two more times, and it was going better little by little, though they hadn’t succeeded in establishing a mental link yet.

In the meantime, they sparred more, the outcome of their fights almost fifty-fifty, although Marc won just a little more.

From time to time, they spent their evenings together in silence, Nathaniel drawing, Marc writing. They never showed each other their work, but the presence of the other was comfortable.

One night, when he was staring at the ceiling in bed, unable to fall asleep, Nathaniel absently wondered when the last time was that he had been looking at Marinette, but he couldn’t remember. He also hadn’t drawn her for weeks now.

The next day, there was a prominent amount of deep apple green in his drawing, and confused, he closed his sketchbook before he started thinking too much about it.

***

Loud sirens started screaming, accompanied by red lights lighting up the training room. Nathaniel almost tripped over his own feet in reaction, the sirens invading his ears with a loud beep.

His eyes widened, everything in front of him was a blur, mixing into the alarm lights. His heart pounding painfully loud, he knew.

He knew perfectly well what that alarm meant.

Kaiju.

People were screaming, someone was in front of him, saying things he couldn’t hear.

Then, his teacher, roughly grabbing him by the shoulder. He snapped out of it, and everything became clear again. Marc was already by his side, averting his gaze.

Nathaniel blinked, looking back at their teacher, and he already understood what was going to happen.

He exhaled-

‘Marc, Nathaniel. They need you out there. They don’t have enough Jaegers. Come with me.’

It was not a question, not a request. It was an order.

Meaning they had no choice.

But Nathaniel wasn’t ready-

They hadn’t even succeeded in establishing a mental link yet-

The Kaiju were very much real-

Big, scary, dangerous. Destroyers. Monsters.

And Nathaniel, he wasn’t even fit to be a pilot.

He didn’t realize he was shaking his head until a warm hand grabbed his own and squeezed.

Marc.

‘We can do it, Nathaniel. If there’s anyone I trust in there, it’s you.’

Nathaniel swallowed. Because he too, trusted him. He too, had faith in him.

But he was scared.

‘Hurry up!’ their trainer pushed and suddenly they were walking.

Flashes. Faces. His father. His mother.

They were vague and blurry. For too long, he hadn’t seen them.

Hadn’t wanted to see them.

And neither had they.

Angry faces, ugly words.

‘Why can’t you be more like him?’

‘You have to follow in his footsteps, Nathaniel. Follow the road he couldn’t finish. Only then will he find rest.’

‘You have to do it.’

‘Or never set foot in this family again.’

Another face. One he did not want to see.

Nathaniel bit on his lip, hard.

And it was gone.

Suddenly, they were inside the Jaeger, and Marc squeezed his hand.

‘Are you alright…?’

Had they already started drifting…? Had he seen…?

No they hadn’t, as Marc was just putting his helmet on. And he followed his example.

‘Don’t get lost. Focus on my memories, and I’ll focus on yours,’ Marc then said, determination in his deep green eyes. They were beautiful. And made him calm down as he slowly inhaled and exhaled.

Nathaniel nodded. ‘Alright…’

He closed his eyes, and the drift started.

Flashes.

They had become familiar by now.

Marc’s life dashed in front of his eyes.

His emotions were calm, focused and Nathaniel breathed, reaching out to them.

They were a bit far, and he groaned as frustration almost took a hold of him.

But then, they moved a little closer and Nathaniel embraced them, inhaling and exhaling, his breathing focused, his body calm. And he opened his eyes.

They were one.

Carefully, he looked next to him. Marc was panting a little, a few drops of sweat dripping down his face. But their eyes locked, and he nodded reassuringly, a small smile on his lips.

Nathaniel smiled back.

‘Let’s go,’ Marc breathed.

And they went.

Their Jaeger moved perfectly in sync, searching through the city for the location of the Kaiju. It wasn’t hard to find, for it had destroyed a ton of buildings on its way.

‘I hope we’re still in time…’

Nathaniel blinked, unsure if Marc had spoken in his mind or out loud.

‘Ah… did you hear that…?’

‘I did… Guess we can communicate like this once we’re linked?’ Nathaniel thought. He felt strange thinking of a precise sentence, and concentrating in such a way that it would get through to Marc. But apparently, it worked.

‘Y-yeah… Anyway… we should be careful. How are you feeling?’

Scared. Tense.

Through the eyes of their Jaeger, Nathaniel could see the way the buildings were destroyed, and far in front of them, another one collapsed. His heart jumped, and he knew, that was where the Kaiju was.

The Jaeger almost tripped and Nathaniel quickly recovered himself, pulling the Jaeger back on his feet, biting his lip in order to focus. His hands had been trembling, but he should keep them perfectly still, for if he fell, it wouldn’t just be him, it would be Marc, as well.

‘Nathaniel, listen to me… I can feel that you’re scared… I… I can understand… But right now… with you by my side… I am not. Not anymore. Not like I was when I was piloting alone. I… can feel you by my side… And if we stay together… as one… I feel like… we can do it… So… trust me… okay…?’

‘We’ll fail…’

He hadn’t meant to send that thought to Marc, but it was there. Carefully, he looked at the boy next to him, who met his eyes, and shook his head.

‘Have faith. We can do this.’

‘…what if we… die…?’

‘We won’t.’

Nathaniel groaned. It wasn’t that easy! They were going to fight a Kaiju! Humanity’s greatest enemy! And they didn’t even know how many Jaegers were still standing! Maybe they’d be the only ones! And they were rookies! If the professionals had failed, then how on Earth were they able to succeed?

But Marc’s eyes were strong and determined, and Nathaniel knew he had no choice but to trust him. So he did.

And they moved again.

A loud growl suddenly echoed through the air, and there it was. The Kaiju. Just a few feet in front of them, slamming down a building. It was gigantic, even bigger than their Jaeger. It had a terrifyingly large mouth, and teeth everywhere. He had several horns adorning his big head, and his body was like one of a dinosaur; he was walking on two large hind legs, while he fought with his two front legs.

Several Jagers were surrounding it, fighting it, but he seemed able to fend them off easily.

It growled, and the air shuddered. Nathaniel held his breath.

‘Let’s move!’ Marc called.

And Nathaniel’s heart pounded violently, his head protested, but he yelled loudly, his throat burning, and moved.

They moved.

One moment, they were just walking, the other, they were fighting the Kaiju, moving in sync, dodging, and searching for an opening.

One of the Jaegers had instructed them to distract the Kaiju with two other Jaegers, while he and some other would attack from behind, cornering the monster.

As they danced around the Kaiju, Nathaniel imagined their fights, and how smoothly Marc moved. Yet this time, they were not trying to floor each other. This time, they were part of each other.

And Nathaniel felt Marc there, within his mind, moving together with him.

Nathaniel breathed.

And he wasn’t afraid anymore.

Marc was not his brother.

And he, he wasn’t his brother either.

They were just two soldiers piloting a Jaeger.

Together. As one.

The Kaiju was following them and the two other Jaegers, the plan going smoothly as the other group prepared to trap the monster.

It was growling at them, frustrated, moving his front legs to attack them, but they danced around it smoothly, their Jaeger small enough to be have lots of speed.

Then, a large cry, and they watched in horror as the Kaiju suddenly lashed out at the building beside them, destroying it completely, and the bricks were coming towards them at an amazing speed.

‘Move!’ someone called, and Nathaniel wasn’t sure if it had been him or Marc.

They moved, but just a little bit too late, as one boulder came rushing towards them and with one bang, everything went dark.

***

One moment, Nathaniel was alone in a blurry darkness, trying to find his way out.

The other, he was back in his seat in the Jaeger, but everything was silent.

He blinked, trying to clear his vision. It worked. And Marc was in front of him. Saying a lot of things, looking scared, but then, relieved, a few tears falling down, but he wiped them away.

Nathaniel groaned. Trying to move his body, but everything felt so heavy.

He wanted to remove his helmet-

Marc did it for him, and he could hear.

‘Nathaniel… Thank god…’ There were still a few tears, but most of Marc’s expression was happiness.

Nathaniel found that he liked that, better.

‘Marc…’

‘I’ll help you get out, come.’

His partner helped him out of the seat, his body feeling strange and numb, but slowly, steadily, his senses were returning. They exited the Jaeger, which Nathaniel now noticed was half-destroyed. Just like the entire city around them.

‘We succeeded, you know,’ Marc whispered.

‘Hm?’

‘The Kaiju, they managed to trap it. It dug its own grave when he destroyed that building, trapping himself between the rubble and the four Jaegers coming for him. They destroyed him.’

There was a small smile around Marc’s lips.

‘Apparently it’s because we frustrated it to such a great length.’

‘It almost killed us, though,’ Nathaniel furrowed his eyebrows.

Marc bit his lip. ‘Almost. We survived. But we… we synced very well… you know that…?’

He knew. He remembered being in there, their minds one and the same, the same goal, the same ideas, the same emotions. It had been… strangely intimate, yet not uncomfortable.

‘I never wanted to be a pilot,’ Nathaniel confessed. ‘My parents made me join… To follow in the footsteps…’

‘Of your brother?’ Marc said, scratching his head awkwardly when Nathaniel looked at him confused. ‘I know. I’ve… seen your memories maybe as much as you’ve seen mine… But listen, you… You are not your brother… And your brother, he…’

‘He died. His mental link with his partner suddenly failed when the Kaiju killed them.’

Coldness enveloped him as he said those words. Because he never liked his brother. But because he never deserved that, either. But because this had been the entire reason why he was now in this situation, forced to be a pilot. Because he was scared to die the same death.

But then, Marc grabbed his hand, and the coldness disappeared.

‘With you, I feel safe,’ he said.

And Nathaniel’s cheeks were burning. ‘Me, too… I think… together… I’ll be able to do this… If it’s… with you… you give me courage…’

Marc squeezed his hand, and Nathaniel knew he felt the same without him needing to say the words.

They watched the sun set from a broken city of rubble.

And that was how Nathaniel had found his piloting partner. It was not the pretty girl he had hoped for, but he didn’t mind anymore. It was one he would’ve never imagined. But one he would now protect with his life. Because he knew the other would always do the same.