#he would never hurt griffin or be mean to him but Griffin would definitely test his patience and he can’t do anything because Finn.

[nympippi]

Headcanon: Griffen steals the other boys’ clothes. They thought he looked cute in them, so they bought him some in his own size. He was thrilled and wears them as often as possible

Griffin stealing clothes is so cute, because he’s the youngest and thinks just about everyone in his friend group is so cool. And looking like them makes him feel cool is so cute oml

Tried to keep it simple, but he’s wearing Bruce’s big sweatshirt, one of Robins bandannas, and he found a jacket similar to Vance’s old one <3<3

[fanfalc-616]

The Rights Of A Nindroid

Chapter Thirty: Whatever Master Wants

(Previous Chapter Here)

Hey so I’ve been coming up with a more detailed outline and I like the titles I’ve come up with and before they were only on Ao3 but now I’m adding them here.

Also I’ve already completed 31 and 32 before this so yay you guys get three chapters in three days (yes this is the second time this has happened lol)

Cryptor takes a deep breath, trying to ground himsel- itself? He- that, it… uh.

The nindroid tries to redirect the thoughts to something else, but it- he- the. Cryptor- or, General?

Teeth gritting, the nindroid wishes that things would just make sense for once. Everything is such a blur, a mix of conflicting memories and orders and feelings. Or, well, the feelings are just programmed, so they aren’t real feelings…

Are they?

Sighing, the nindroid leans its- his head against the back of the locker. Life- or the digital program that mimics it- has never been so frustrating.

Well. That he can remember. It’s pretty sure that it’s missing some of his memories. They’re all so blurred- it can only faintly remember anything from before he was here.

The most prominent memory of before is about another nindroid. General doesn’t remember much else, but he can remember the other’s face, and a name to go with it.

Sentry.

But besides that… it’s all so glitchy. He thinks it can recall something about gold armor and a purple snake, but even that is hazy.

From the memories it has of the facility, it knows that he’s had some kind of connection to Original. Some gut feeling makes it think that he knew the other before, maybe even by a different name. But nothing is clear enough to make sense of.

It’s about to try and unscramble more of his past- hopefully remembering more about Sentry- when he suddenly registers footsteps coming from outside the locker.

Tensing, it stands up straight again, making sure to wipe away any and all emotion.

It’s really not in the mood to get hurt today.

He remains quiet and compliant as it’s taken out of the locker, keeping his gaze blank and straight, not risking any kind of eye contact.

It feels itself trying to frown as it recognizes them seemingly going towards the training room. They- General hasn’t been taken there in a while, usually it’s only when he does something wrong, but… it can’t recall disobeying any orders recently. What else could it have done? It’s been doing what it’s supposed to, why-

When he’s chained down, he feels another wave of confusion hit him. It thinks he can vaguely remember the official in front of him, but they definitely aren’t one of his prioritized masters. So why-

His thoughts are cut off by a sudden blast of electricity, and it can only barely muffle a curse at the intensity. Still, his mind is racing as it stares at the chains holding him.

They still haven’t told it what it did.

Shaking, trembling, Cryptor can only just barely stay quiet. Teeth clenched and gaze lowered, it takes everything it has to hold himself together. What-

A particularly sharp and painful blast finally tears a real cry of pain out of his chest, leaving him panting.

Trembling, it finally looks up at the official. He knows it’s not supposed to make eye contact but at the moment, he’s too confused and stressed to care.

“Master?” It gets out, hoping that the way his voice is cracking will be ignored. It pauses, waiting for the official to reply. But much to his dismay, the only response is another painful shock.

A low pained gasp leaves it at the sharp pain, and in that moment, Cryptor makes a decision.

Fuck the rules, he wants to know what the hell is going on.

“Master!” He repeats, louder this time. “I- what am I being punished for? I- I want to know to avoid it in the future.”

As soon as the words are out, it curses itself internally. No, he’s not supposed to say ‘want’, they don’t like it when he implies he can feel or have desires, it-

The official studies him for a moment before he replies. “You didn’t,” he answers.

The confusion only increases. “What?” It questions, fighting the desperation that begs for it to strain against the chains. “What- what do you mean?”

“You haven’t done anything, General.”

“Then why-“

“Because.” The official glares. “You’re not alive. It doesn’t matter what I do to you. I’m human, and I’ve chosen to bring you here, and that’s all that matters.”

Shock floods through his systems. Staring, he tries to wrap his head around the words. What- no! No, it’s one thing to be punished for a mistake, but that- he can’t-

“That’s not fair!” Cryptor snarls out the words before he can stop himself. “If I didn’t do anything wrong, then-“

The words are cut off by his own cry of pain as the voltage is abruptly raised, a wave of agony flashing over him.

Gasping, it can feel its power source heating up in panic. Okay, okay, this- usually when he’s punished, there’s something he can do to lessen it. It’s not allowed to beg for mercy, but usually if it accepts the punishment and agrees that it deserves it and acknowledges the mistake then that’s considered good enough. What is he supposed to do here? Just… suffer?

Cryptor lowers its gaze, trembling. Everything inside it is screaming, screaming to resist, screaming to submit, screaming incoherently to the point where it can barely even register the world around it, the only thing that even seems to exist in that moment is the pain flooding its systems.

It’s times like this that he wishes he was allowed to lower his sensitivity. It’d be really helpful if he could just numb himself to these unfairly painful shocks.

Every moment that passes feels like an eternity. It doesn’t have anything to focus on, no behaviors to reconsider, no rules to remind itself of, no realizations it can make. The only thing he can do is just sit there with the agony.

It’s not allowed to beg for mercy, either. As a nindroid, he shouldn’t be able to have these wants or desires, and definitely not enough to cry for it.

Shaking, General feels himself slowly losing more and more control. Everything inside is a mess, everything is so murky and blurry and confused and it hurts-

Faintly, he can hear a door open. It’s a struggle, but he manages to direct his attention towards it- a thing that thankfully becomes easier as the shocks lessen some. Master had probably gotten distracted by whoever had-

Kyle.

Shit.

The blond walks into the room, glancing around the scene. “Hey, wh-” With a sudden pause, he looks between the official and Cryptor. “Wait, what's going on?”

Cryptor keeps his head down. It knows that it’s not supposed to have preferences- he thinks- but Kyle has always been a source of fear for it. Or, well, digital fear.

Even though it’s not looking directly, it can still see the official turning to look at Kyle. “Training program,” he answers. “Out of your jurisdiction, I believe.”

“Out of my- What do you mean? I work on this project, I should know!” The blond looks over at Cryptor again, and this time it makes sure to avoid any kind of reaction, even as the shocks continue.

He sounds annoyed and maybe even a little angry- both things that never end well for General.

Although Kyle has been acting differently recently… it’s not really sure why, though. Probably some other kind of test.

He risks glancing up to see the encounter. Something important seems to be going on here…

“My orders came from above you,” the official glares. “This is none of your concern.”

While maintaining eye contact with the blond, he hits General with an even more intense shock- and this time, it’s only just barely able to prevent itself from crying out.

“Oh, I can promise you it is,” Kyle growls, the words pointed enough to almost make the nindroid start trembling.

“What the fuck is going on?”

The electricity seems to be increasing in power- another test. Or, well, it probably really is just the official trying to vent- Kyle doesn’t seem to be helping the matter.

Through the rising pain, Cryptor keeps his teeth clenched, forcing it down. The official doesn’t seem to be backing down, and it’s kinda starting to hope Kyle wins whatever argument this is- Cryptor thinks it prefers tests and punishments to being used as a punching bag.

“Look, why don’t you go back to your job?” The official sounds almost condescending, now. “I’m sure your supervisor is looking for you.”

“Oh, my supervisor? So you think I'm just some intern?” Kyle chuckles dangerously, the sound all too familiar to the nindroid.

“Does the name 'Kyle Griffin' ring any bells for you?”

The words are spoken conversationally, but there’s a sharp underlying threat beneath them.

General can only barely see through the pain at this point- until it suddenly stops, and he can only barely stop the relieved gasp from escaping him at the sudden release.

The official stumbles back, looking at the blond with a horrified expression. “Wh- wait, you’re…”

“Yep, it's me. I know I don't look like what people might expect.” Kyle wears a tight, forced smile, even though he doesn’t seem to be trying to hide the threat in his voice. “And if you don't want to know what you'd look like fired, I suggest you go report to your superior before I go report to Marth- Ms. Finch.”

Cryptor feels programmed shock settle into him as he watches the official nod his agreement and start backing towards the door- even picking up his pace when Kyle intensifies his glare.

When he’s gone, and the footsteps have fully receded, the blond sighs with a small shake of his head. “Can't believe I still have to pull out the 'Martha' card these days,” he mutters to himself.

It has to force itself not to tense up when he comes up to it, crouching down to the nindroid’s level.

“Hey. Have the shocks stopped?” He prompts, wearing an almost sympathetic smile.

For a moment, all it can do is stare. After that, the realization that he’s ignoring a direct question hits him like a bucket of ice water, and it quickly nods. “They- they have, Master,” he confirms.

“It hurts, what they're doing to you, doesn’t it?” Kyle shakes his head ever so slightly. “I mean, I know for a fact it's been worse than before.”

Cryptor ignores the way the blond’s eyes scan over him in favor of trying to figure out if he’s supposed to answer that. Was that a rhetorical question? Or does he actually want to know if it hurts? Well, obviously he knows it does, but-

It quickly pushes the thoughts from his mind and chooses to try and answer. Better safe than sorry, right?

“Yes, Master,” it agrees quietly. How could any of this not hurt?

Kyle sighs, still with that sympathetic look. “But you're stubborn. You won't let yourself go, even when you know it'll lessen the sting.” The words sound almost consoling, somehow sounding so wrong and so right at the same time.

“Maybe it's time you let go, you know,” he says gently. “Because they won't stop until you do."

It’s a struggle to keep itself from shaking. This is just… it’s the crux of the war that he’s been waging all this time. Stay or go? Yes or no? Fight or yield?

“You can stop, now,” Kyle assures. “It's way easier. You've been fighting a losing battle. Don't you think it needs to end?”

After hesitating for one final moment, General nods. “Yes, Master,” it gets out, the waver in its voice steadying towards the end.

Looking back down at the ground, it feels an almost peaceful feeling overtake it. A calmness after the war that’s been raging for so long.

“It does,” it says simply.

And it has.

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

Banished (Part 49)

~Banished~

Word Count: 11K (Someone stop me, I have a problem)

~Master~

*Based off episode 4x04 of the 100, A Lie Guarded*

Previously...

You snapped your head to her, not stopping the tears as Clarke swallowed back her fears. “Ok.” She began. “Ok…. I think- I think your dad was infertile before you were conceived. I think- I don’t think your dad is your real father.” You didn’t know what to do, you could only stand there listening to Clarke tell you the one thing you were absolutely terrified of. Clarke’s heart ached for you. “I’ll get my mom. She’ll know.” You didn’t feel yourself let go of Clarke, but suddenly she was gone and you were all alone. You could feel your breathing start to increase, your head spinning as you feel to the ground, pulling your knees to your chest and letting out every sob you can that racked through your body. You couldn’t breathe, but you couldn’t focus on that because there was one thought rushing through your head.

Who the hell were you?

—

It had been a few days since you found out the truth about your identity. Well, the truth putting it lightly. Clarke had gone and gotten her mother just like she said, and when they came back you were right where Clarke had left you, tears dried on your face as Abby kneeled in front of you. 

“Y/N? Y/N, look at me.” She took her flashlight, shining into your eyes to see you were responsive, which in Abby’s eyes was great. “Y/N? Can you hear me?” She started snapping in front of your face and shortly you were becoming aware, your breathing speeding up as you squirmed. She put her hand on your cheek, getting you to look at her as she tried to calm you.

“I’m fine!” You screamed out, burying your head in your knees. Abby took a step back, giving you space as Clarke watched you with worry.

“Y/N?” Clarke asked as you slowly uncurled yourself, remaining on the ground as you looked at the Griffin’s standing above you.

“Show her.” You whispered, your throat hurting a little from your last outburst. Clarke nodded, picking up the tablet that laid on the ground next to you. Her mom was furrowing her brows as she looked between you and tablet, unaware of the secret you had just learned. As soon Clarke had the file pulled up again Abby took the device, reading over the words. “He’s not my dad.” You told her as your eyes locked on the ground. She didn’t say anything, opting to stay quiet as she turned around. You took a deep breath, pushing yourself up onto your already shaking legs. “Abby. Did you know?”

It was a dumb question, sure, but Abby was a doctor. She had access to medical records and no doubt could’ve known.

“I didn’t.” She assured you. It made sense, you thought. To Abby, your parents were no one, just another couple who apparently couldn’t have a child together, yet did.

“Is it possible he was tested after Y/N was born?” Clarke asked her, trying to disprove her theory but Abby ruined your hopes. He would’ve been tested before you were born and Abby had no idea what happened. You didn’t want to hear much more.

You tugged Bellamy’s jacket closer to you stumbled out of the room, hearing Clarke call after you but you didn’t stop as you made your way recklessly through the empty halls of the Ark, grabbing onto walls to support you until you wound up at a familiar door.

Bellamy’s door.

You knocked on it, not stopping until it swung open. You didn’t bother waiting for an invite in as you pushed inside, running your hands through your hair and pulling. Bellamy didn’t know what you were doing there, especially in the middle of the night, looking completely distressed. He wasn’t going to turn you away though. He slammed his door, coming over to you and grabbing your hands to lead you to the bed.

“Y/N? What’s wrong? Are you alright?” He asked you, seeing you bite your trembling lip. He thought for a moment you’d say you were fine, just like you always do to not show your emotions. But this time you didn’t. Instead you shook your head and fell into tears, collapsing onto Bellamy. He wrapped his arms around you and held the back of your head. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Y/N. I’m here. I’m always here.”

When you finally stopped crying, you told him everything, from the start of the voice in your head all the way to your father, well, the man you thought was your father. Bellamy didn’t know what to say. You’ve never cried like this, at least not in front of him. It hurt.

“I thought I knew who I was. My head is all sorts of crazy and I thought the one thing I still had after all these years of losing my sanity was that I still had my name.” You let out a bitter laugh as Bellamy reached up to wipe away your tears. “If I’m not Y/N Y/L/N, then who am I?”

“You’re Y/N.” Bellamy told you, getting you to look up into his brown eyes. “The Y/N who has been a pain in my ass since the moment we opened the dropship doors. The same Y/N who saved me from a panther despite hating me.” You let out a genuine laugh, Bellamy’s heart soaring at the sight of your smile, despite the tears drying on your face. “You’re the Y/N who believed in me countless of times when I didn’t deserve it. That’s who you are. A name means nothing.”

You stayed quiet, both of you looking at each other intensely as you cracked another smile. “I didn’t hate you.” You whispered, earning a look of confusion from Bellamy. “The panther. I didn’t hate you, even if you had almost let me die afterwards.” He rolled his eyes, happy to see you could sort of joke after your breakdown. The feeling didn’t last long though as your face fell again, looking down to your hands as you played with your fingers. Bellamy stopped you, reaching forwards and grabbing both of your hands as you continued to stare. “I never hated you.”

“That’s good.” He told you as you looked at him through your eyelashes, seeing him now being the one to look at your interjoining hands. “Because I never hated you too.”

“Well, I never gave you a reason too.” He heard you sniffle as you wiped your tears onto your shoulder.

“That’s fair.” Bellamy took a deep breath, unknowingly squeezing your hands a little tighter. “What I’m trying to say is,” He looked up, a mistake really as his words were caught on his tongue. The 3-word phrase he wanted to say seeming too daunting for the moment after your breakdown as he settled. “I care about you.”

You tried to ignore the way you longed for Bellamy to say the words you were too frightened to say. “I care about you too.” You whispered. You stayed in Bellamy’s room that night.

Now, almost a week since that night, you barely left your room and when you did, you were often in Bellamy’s room where you had continued to spend most of your nights as well. Bellamy never minded, instead he sought comfort in the knowledge you went to him for comfort. He knew he had fallen for you, but he was only falling more every time he woke up and saw you lying next to him, your eyes closed peacefully as your chest moved slowly up and down in your sleep.

This morning, Bellamy woke up earlier to see you asleep next to him and he pushed himself up on his elbows to peer down at you. He was silent as to not wake you, his focus shifting from being aware of your closeness to your warmth. Your hair fell into your face as you moved a little, completely unknown to the fact Bellamy was watching you with a smile. He brushed the hair out of your face, his thumb tickling your cheekbone as you started to wake a little, eye slowly fluttering open to see Bellamy’s brown orbs staring back at you. It warmed your heart to see them first thing in the morning.

Bellamy’s hand still playing with your hair tucked behind your ear. “Were you watching me sleep Blake?” you joked, pulling the definitely-not-made-for-two-people blanket closer to you.

“Depends.” He mumbled, making you cock your head. “Would that be weird?” Your face scrunched into a laugh as Bellamy joined you, letting his head fall lightly onto your shoulder before he heard your laughs slowly stop and your hand come up to his hair, gently running through it as Bellamy pulled back enough to look at you. Your eyes were zoned out and staring off in space. “What are you thinking about?”

“Hmmm?” you asked, pulling yourself back to this moment, Bellamy laying above you as you smiled. “Nothing. I’m just enjoying this. Us.” Bellamy nodded, letting another smile spread onto his face as you both just stayed there in close proximity to each other, feeling the other breathe as your thoughts got away again. “Bell, what are we?” you blurted out, tired of this game you were playing with your feelings. You needed a constant in your life and you needed it to be Bellamy.

Bellamy knew what you were asking, the same question he had been asking since he’s feelings began to get out of hand and you became the person on his mind more than everyone. “What do you want to be?”

You didn’t respond with your words. Instead, you pushed yourself upon the bed, your lips against Bellamy’s perfectly as you show him what you wanted. Bellamy kissed back eagerly, his free hand not holding himself up went around your waist as he slowly moved you back down to the mattress, hovering completely above you before pulling away. You breathed heavily, your hand moving to hold Bellamy’s cheek as you looked into his eyes again with a smile. He let out a soft chuckle, turning his head slightly to kiss your palm.

“I guess that answers my question.” He mumbled into your skin as you bit your lip, letting your eyes close in bliss. Your worry that Bellamy wouldn’t want the same was for nothing because here you both were, no distractions and finally, officially-

“Wait, this means we’re dating right?” you clarified, realizing even as amazing as the kiss was, you needed a definitive answer.

Bellamy’s face faltered, only sending that worry right through you again. “Dating? I thought we just agreed to be enemies?” Confusion hit you for a second before Bellamy smirked and you relaxed.

“Oh, you think you’re funny, huh?” Bellamy shrugged, making you roll your eyes fondly and push him off you. “Fine then, no girlfriend for you.”

The joking stopped as soon as Bellamy heard you say those words. “Will you be my girlfriend, Y/N?” You stopped pushing him away, your hands on his chest as you smiled to him and nodded. You could feel his heart beat against your palms as he let out a breath of relief, falling into you and kissing you again. You laughed against the kiss while feeling him on top you. The last few minutes felt like a dream to you and with the end of the world barely a few months away, it was a dream you wished you could stay in for longer.

“Bellamy!” A pounding came at the door as you and Bellamy jumped having not expected an interruption. “Bellamy get a move on!” You realized it was Raven at the door, her poundings getting louder as you turned to Bellamy for an explanation. He too was confused for a minute before sighing.

“I’m scheduled for a hunt today.” He told you and you deflated a little, wanting to spend time in bed with your now boyfriend. He turned to the door. “Give me a minute!”

“Now Bellamy!” Raven shouted back as you giggled, feeling Bellamy bury his head in the crook of your neck disappointedly.

“You better go.” You whispered in his ear, feeling him nod but not move. “Bell, I’m serious! Harper was told me a while ago that when Monty and her started dating, Raven walked in on them post sex. The girl has no chill when it comes to getting work done.” Bellamy chuckled against your neck at your story, pressing a soft kiss against your skin before Raven started knocking again.

Bellamy groaned and sat up, looking down at you laying in his bed with your hair all messed up. Despite the past couple of days for you, you looked happy and Bellamy was glad he could help with that. Raven had one big knock as Bellamy rolled his eyes. “Alright I’m going!”

He got off the bed, changing his shirt and almost leaving before you stopped him. “You forgot your jacket.”

“You’re not going to wear it?” He asked. Since Bellamy let you borrow it to sleep that day in the office, you had worn it more than he had.

“I would, but I’m not the one leaving.” You stood up, grabbing his jacket and throwing at him. Bellamy caught it, hiding his smile as he shrugged it on. Raven’s knocking finally stopped as you chuckled and fell back on the bed.

“You could come with me, you know. It’ll only be a few hours.” He offered, watching you prop yourself up on your elbows. He knew your answer would be no based on the look on your face. He shook his head, telling you it was fine before you even said anything.

“Be safe okay? Don’t get your ass in any trouble.” You joked, hearing his laugh as he walked back to the bed to you, making you sit fully up as he cupped your face and leaned down to kiss you one last time. You hummed into the kiss before he pulled away. “You know, I think I could use to this boyfriend and girlfriend thing.” You teased as pushed him to the door.

“I think I could to.” Bellamy agreed. Right before he got to the door, he stopped and slowly turned to look back at you burying yourself under his covers again. He was going to do it. You already took the first step, it was up to him to take the next. “Y/N?” You turned to him, seeing him fidget his hands as you furrowed your brows. “I love-“

‘Bellamy, let’s go!” He groaned, turning to glare at Raven through the door as he heard you laugh.

“I told you. The girl’s relentless.” Bellamy cracked a smile but he didn’t laugh. “What we’re you going to say?” You asked, trying to think of the possibilities of a sentence starting in ‘I love’ and not ending in ‘you’.  Bellamy hesitated, but shook his head, telling you he’ll tell you later. You gave him sad nod before he left the door and you heard Raven continue to yell at him outside.

You settled into the bed again, looking up at the ceiling as you closed your eyes and smiled to yourself.

“I knew you loved him.” Your eyes shot open and you looked around the room. It was empty, just like you had thought when you realized the voice was back. Only this time it wasn’t the same man it had always been.

You put your elbows on your knees, burying your head in your hands and closed your eyes. The voice was familiar, but given its unexpected arrival, you weren’t paying attention enough. “You’re just a voice in my head.”

“I’m not just a voice.” This time you knew it. And what more, it wasn’t only in your head. You picked your head up, looking at the chair in front of you to see Lexa sitting back with her legs crossed in front of her.

“Lexa.” You whispered. She nodded, smiling softly at you. You paced around the room, ecstatic and unbelieving in the fact Lexa was right there. “I knew I saw you! I thought I was going crazy! I thought the flame-“ You stopped yourself, grabbing the back of your neck as you realized you were in fact having a conversation with someone who’s dead. “You’re still in my head.”

“I am, yes.”

“It’s the flame, isn’t it? A side effect.” Lexa just kept smiling at you, answering you silently as you tried not to clench your fist. “I supposed the other voice, he’s in here somewhere too?” You knocked on your head to gesture, biting your lip as Lexa’s face fell.

“What other voice?” She asked, straightening in her seat as you furrowed your brows.

“The other one, I don’t know, some guy. He keeps calling me Skaikiler, telling me to listen to him, but that’s all he ever says.”

Lexa seemed to be pondering your situation as you watched her, hoping if Lexa knew anything about the flame, she’d know about these unwanted side effects “This man, have you ever seen him?”

“No, just hear him when I’m trying to sleep.”

“What does he sound like?”

“What?” Lexa came closer to you, worrying you with her urgency.

“His voice. What does he sound like?”

“I don’t know, deep voice, kind of rough, I guess?” you shrugged.

Her face turned stone and her eyes were boring into yours. “Sheidheda.”

“Who?”

“His name’s Sheidheda, the Dark Commander. He was the strongest, most likely why he’s able to reach you. Whatever you do, don’t listen to him.”

“Why? How do you know it’s him? Who is he?”

“Just don’t listen-“

Once again, your conversations were cut short by a knock on the door. You turned at the sound of Clarke’s voice. “Y/N?” You looked back at Lexa, but the room was empty and you were all alone again. “Are you in there?”

“Uh, yeah. Come in.” You called back. The door opened and you put on a fake smile for your friend.

“Did Bellamy leave already?”

“Just missed him.” You told her. In all honesty, Clarke and you hadn’t spoken much since the other night. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to, it was you hadn’t gone out much. “Did you need something?”

“Well, I figured since Bellamy wasn’t here, it was worth trying to get you to come out.”

“Clarke-“

“It’s been a week Y/N. You can’t just hide in your room or Bellamy’s.” You didn’t say anything, looking down at the ground. Clarke sighed as she knew pushing you wasn’t going to do any good. “Just think about it, okay?” You listened to the door closed as you fell back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“Lexa?” you called out in hopes she would come back.

You sat there for a couple hours, a few of the books Bellamy had stashed in his room keeping you occupied, but the time Bellamy was supposed to return had passed and you were getting antsy. Clarke was right. You couldn’t just hide in your room, that wasn’t who you were.

The camp was almost quiet as you walked outside, seeing a few people talking and others just hanging out. Clarke was talking to Riley as you walked around, taking in the fresh air.

“He’s awake!” Your head snapped around at Jasper’s yell. He was standing above the lake as everyone came out to look. Squinting your eyes, you went closer, feeling a laugh bubble up at the sight of Jaha floating in the middle of the body of water. “Hey, Jaha! It looks like you got floated!” Jasper shouted as he cupped his mouth for the man to hear.

“I see you’re keeping yourself busy, Mr. Jordan.” Jaha yelled his loudest from the lake.

Clarke moved next to you as she smiled. “Yeah, you were right.” You told her, nudging her arm as you listened to Jaha and Jasper laugh with each other. “This was definitely worth leaving my room for.”

“Yeah, yeah.” She said with an eye roll before talking to the whole camp. “Alright everyone, back to work!”

She was about to walk away before you grabbed her arm. “Is Bellamy back yet?”

“No, but it’s normal for hunting parties to go radio silent.”

“Wait, radio silent?” You knew Bellamy was late, but you didn’t know he lost contact.

“I’m sure he’s fine.” She told you as you dropped her arm, feeling barely better. She kept looking around the camp.

“What’s wrong. You’ve got that look on your face.”

Clarke sighed, running a hand over her face. “I feel useless. I'm stuck here in case anyone needs their cut bandaged and supervising the backup plan when I should be going to the island to make Nightblood.”

“Come on Clarke, that’s not true. You’re keeping everyone’s head on straight. Besides, you’re not a geneticist.”

“Neither is my mom.”

“But they have Raven. Computer code, human code. They’ll figure it out.” You shrugged. Abby, Raven and their group left this morning, Bellamy had been keeping you updated with Abby’s idea to create Nightblood and them leaving that morning just after he had.

“I’m serious Y/N.”

“And I am too.” You put your hands on her shoulders, shaking gently to get her to understand. “Becca’s made Nightblood before, if they can find out how then they can use Luna to make more. Everyone lives.”

“If they can figure it out before the radiation comes.” She mumbled under her breath as you sighed, knowing she’s right.

“Then I guess we better make sure the ship’s working.”

Clarke nodded, turning around to Riley behind her. “Riley? How’s it going with the ship?” She asked the boy who turned his attention to the two of you.

“We’re on schedule. We should have the radiation patch up before dark.”

You nudged Clarke with your shoulder again. “See. One less thing to worry about.” Even though the aspect of everything turning to shit was still high on your worries, it couldn’t be on Clarke’s.

Thunder boomed in the camp as you looked up behind you, dark gray clouds filling the sky. Everyone in the camp stopped at the sound, fear rising in everyone. “Alright, everyone inside, just like we practiced. Go!” Clarke shouted but you stayed rooted in the ground. Bellamy was out there. Clarke turned around, seeing you haven’t moved. “Y/N, let’s go!”

“But Bellamy-“

“Will be fine!” She finished, grabbing your arm and pulling you to the Ark. You let her, sparing glances at the gate. You knew she was right and Bellamy can handle himself, but how were you supposed to assume he can when he went radio silent?!

You were right behind Monty as you entered the ark, the boy stopping to close the door as you turned around, seeing Jasper moseying around outside with no care about the impending rain. “Jasper!” you shouted, grabbing Monty to stop the door.

“Jasper, come on!”

“Jasper what are you doing?!” Clarke shouted over your shoulder as you watched the clouds above you.

“You can’t live your life in fear.” Jasper tilted his head back and opened his mouth, ready for the rain that was seconds from falling. Monty took off, trying to save his best friend and you tried to grab him but he got away. Harper went after her boyfriend, pulling him back to the ship as the rain hit. You all ducked inside, watching as the rain fall onto Jasper, soaking him as he started to react, his eyes widening as he began gagging and fell to the ground clutching his throat. “The sky… is…” Jasper muttered as you listened, the thought of losing him high on your mind. “Falling!” He began laughing, the realization he was just messing with all of you hitting the group at once as you scoffed.

“What is wrong with you?” Clarke asked as you nodded in disbelief, turning away from Jasper’s dumb antics.

“It’s just rain! Not radioactive ash!” He told you all but none of you listened. “It’s just a joke!” As soon as Jasper was alone, he threw his hands up before letting them fall. “When did everyone lose their sense of humor?”

---

Kane sat at a table in Polis, the radio in his hand as he spoke to Abby on the other side as she rode a boat to Becca’s island. Abby told him all about Luna’s blood preventing the radiation from killing her. “Abby, if what you’re saying is right, Luna could be the miracle we’re looking for. I wish I were with you.”

“Me too. But you have to be there.” She reminded him. “Once we create this Nightblood serum, we’re going to have to distribute it very quickly and we need to be at peace for that.”

The door to the eatery Kane was in opened and Octavia stepped inside, murmurs from the other men filling the room as Kane looked up. “Abby, I have to go. Stay safe. Be in touch when you reach the lab.” Octavia approached the table as Kane put the radio away, taking a seat across from him at Kane’s orders.

“What did I do now?” She sighed.

Kane sat forwards in his seat, keeping his voice hushed. “Rumors of the Flame’s destruction are spreading. People on the streets are openly calling for the King’s head. Your choices have consequences.”

“Would you rather I kill Indra’s daughter?”

“I rather you didn’t kill.”

Octavia glared at him. “Our mission to keep Roan on the throne to buy time for the others to find a way to save us from the radiation. I’m doing that.”

“By decapitating an innocent boy?” Kane reminded her of the fake Flame thief.

“Everyone’s guilty of something.”

Kane shook his head, staring at the young girl in front of him. “There’s a darkness in you, Octavia. I know you’re still morning.” Octavia heard enough. She stood up, ready to leave to escape the topic of Lincoln but Kane kept talking. “Sit down.” A few people turned to look, their conversation having gotten louder as Octavia took her seat again. “You didn’t have to kill that boy. You didn’t have to kill Ambassador Rafel. And you didn’t have to kill Pike.”

“Pike got what he deserved.” She growled, but Kane shook his head.

“Justice and Vengeance are not the same thing.”

“To me, they are.”

Kane paused before sitting back in his chair knowing Octavia was lost. “Your decision making has grown increasingly questionable and I can’t have my people going rogue.”

“Rogue.” Octavia scoffed. “I’m a warrior.”

Kane disagreed with her, in shock of her way of thinking. “A warrior knows when not to kill. Lincoln taught you that. But you’ve seemed to forgotten.” A member of Roan’s guard entered; the other grounders not keen on Azgeda being there. He approached the table of the two Skaikru, looking towards Kane.

“Chancellor Kane, the King would like to see you.” Kane nodded to him as Octavia stood up.

He stopped her before she got far. “You’re no longer part of me security detail.” He told her and Octavia clenched her jaw. “I had Helios saddled for you. The ride home should do you good.”

“I’m not going anywhere before I talk to Indra.” She defied him.

“Suit yourself. She’ll be here soon enough.” Kane told her before following the grounder outside and to the King.

---

The boat docked at the island as everyone began to climb out. Abby pulled out her tablet and pulled up the map. “According to the map Thelonious had, the lab is in the middle of the island, 5 miles straight ahead.”

Jackson picked up a backpack and handed it to Raven, looking down at her limp. “You okay for that hike?”

“Try and keep up with me.” She told him, throwing the pack over her shoulder.

John Murphy looked at the island, a sense of discomfort coming over him. “Never thought I’d be here again.” Raven stood by his side.

“Then you shouldn’t have come.” She told him, sending a side glare. “You’re not fooling anyone. You’re still a dick.”

Luna and Nyko were the last ones off the boat, watching the Skaikru interactions carefully. “You’re doing the right thing.” Nyko spoke in a hush tone to Luna.

“They didn’t give me a choice.” She reminded him. Because of Luna’s blood she was valuable and because she was valuable, she wasn’t given a choice of helping or not, she was forced.

Nyko sighed and stepped in front of Luna. “These are good people Luna. I trust them and you trust me.”

“They think my blood will save them, Nyko.”

“Save us all.” He corrected.

Luna narrowed her eyes. “What do you think will happen if I tell them no?” She asked despite the fact they both knew the answer already. At Miller’s word, they followed the others onto the island. Emori led the way, bringing the group to what looked to be a boundary set with pillars before she stopped.

“What’s wrong?” Abby asked the girl.

Emori hesitated. “ALIE’s rules. No Frikdreina past this line. I’ve never crossed it.”

“Frikdreina?” Jackson spoke up, needing the clarification most of them did.

“Mutants.” Emori gestured to her wrapped hand.

“I’ve never met a line I wouldn’t cross.” Murphy said as he smiled at Emori before taking the very first step over. Everyone started following Murphy’s lead except for Emori who still wasn’t sure about the idea of crossing the line. Only when Murphy stuck his hand out to her, inviting her in, did she finally cross the line.

Ears went on alert as they trekked up a hill and heard a buzzing. “What is that?” Miller asked the question on everyone’s mind. They looked up in the sky to see a drone hovering not far above them.

“We should run.” Emori told them all but no one listened.

“Why? What’s the penalty for crossing the line?” No sooner than the words left Raven’s lips did the drone start firing at them and a guard fell to the ground with a bullet in his head.

“Run!” Everyone shouted before taking off running. The drone kept shooting at them and Miller tried firing back but didn’t hit it.

“I thought you said ALIE was dead!” Murphy shouted as he ran with Emori next to him, their hands interlocked and dodging every time the drone fired to them.

“It must be automated!” Raven told him, finding it a struggle to run on her limp. Murphy let go of Emori’s hand, pushing her forwards as he reached Raven and swung her arm over his shoulder and helped her run.

“I got you!” The group kept running, trying to get out of the drone’s firing as they split up, Emori, Murphy and Raven taking cover behind a log. Murphy checked on his girlfriend, making sure she didn’t get hurt. “Emori, are you okay?” She nodded as they all panted.

Nyko and Luna were still running, both having split in a different direction than the others as the drone followed. “Luna watch out!” Nyko shouted as he yanked Luna back and used his body as a shield, taking several shots to his back as Luna cried out for him.

Miller started shooting down the drone, taking several shots as Nyko died in Luna’s arms. Miller finally hit the drone, sending it clattering to the ground away from them. Everyone let out a sigh of relief at the one less drone causing them danger. “Well, that took you ten shots.” Murphy ridiculed Miller’s shooting as Miller roll his eyes. “ALIE’s got tons of drones, who do you think’s gonna run out of bullets first?”

“Could we talk about why they’re still in the sky?” Miller yelled out, pointing at the drone on the ground.

Abby was bent with her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She looked up to where the deceased Nyko and Luna were, only the latter wasn’t there. “Where the hell’s Luna?”

More drones filled the sky as the group shrunk behind their safeties. “They’re back!”

“We see that Jackson!” Miller snapped, pointing his gun up in the air, but not firing. “Okay, if we don’t find Luna, everyone we know is gonna die in a wave of fire.” Miller reminded everyone, trying to come up with a plan. “We split up. Murphy, Emori, Abby you go west. Wilson and Taggart you go east. Jackson and I take north. And Raven-” He turned to Raven, unsure what to do with the mechanic.

“I like the beach.” Raven offered, knowing she wouldn’t be of much use.

Miller nodded. “Stay under the trees and you’ll be safe. The rest of you do the same. We check in every ten.”

Raven glanced over to the drone, seeing the light flickering. “It’s still active.”

“One problem at a time, Raven. Lets move out!” The group spilt up per Miller’s directions. As Emori, Murphy and Abby walked, Emori was nervous. She looked around her frantically and tried to catch up with Murphy.

“We shouldn’t be in this forest, John. We need to cut our losses.” She said quietly for Abby not to overhear.

“Why?” Murphy asked, looking at a anxious Emori before he stopped her. “Hey. What aren’t you telling me?”

“Just trust me.” She whispered, watching Abby get further ahead of them. “There are worse things here than those drones. We’re safer at your bunker.”

Murphy shook his head. “It’s not stocked, I ate everything.”

“Then we restock it.” She tried to get him to see. “You said it was big enough for two.”

Abby turned back briefly, stopping when she realized the teens were not keeping up with her. “Is everything okay? We have to keep going.” She shouted back at them. Murphy and Emori exchanged a look before moving forwards, following the doctor.

---

Roan sat on the throne with a scowl as the doors opened to his guard leading in Kane. Kane walked in slowly, glancing around the empty room. “Is there a reason we’re meeting here? I would’ve thought-“

“Tell me the plan.” Roan interrupted him.

“The plan?

“It’s been 3 weeks since Y/N told me Praimfaya would once again destroy the world. Skaikru asked for time to find a solution. What do you have to show for it?”

“We’re still working on it.” Kane gulped, hoping to soothe the kings worries. “Hopefully, with enough time-“

“Enough!” Roan held his hand up to silence Kane who obliged. “Echo.”

At Roan’s command, Echo entered the room dragging a Skaikru guard with her as a hostage while another member of Roan’s guard had Bellamy, both of them gagged and hands tied together. Kane’s mouth fell open when he turned around. “Stephens, Bellamy are you alright?” Bellamy and Stephens were forced to their knees. Bellamy bit down on his gag as Kane asked Roan what was going on.

Roan stood up and approached the hostages. “Echo saw your people rebuilding your ship. She captured these two hunting in my woods.” He pointed to Stephens, “This one says it a shelter from the radiation.”

Kane looked at Bellamy, see the young man’s eyes hinting to tell Roan. “It’s a backup plan.” Kane told the King. “Nothing more.”

“He said that too, just before he told us you have a Nightblood.” Stephens looked ashamed as Kane glanced at him. “It’s a good thing the Flame’s been destroyed, or I’d be worried you’re planning an ascension.”

Kane thought about what to do, knowing Roan is losing trust in the Sky people. “You have to trust me. We discovered that Nightblood helps metabolize radiation. We're investigating ways to create it for everyone, turn everyone into Nightbloods so we can all survive.”

Echo narrowed her eyes. “Blasphemy. Nothing they tell us is true.” She said to her King, trying to get him to believe Skaikru is not to be trusted for Nightblood couldn’t be replicated.

“It’s not blasphemy! It’s science! If Nightblood could save lives, then we should use it.” For a second Roan looked like he was understanding, like he was going to give Skaikru another chance. But with the nod of his head, that chance slipped through Bellamy’s and Kane’s fingers as Roan had signaled for Echo to slit the throat of Stephen and with a draw of her sword, she had. “No! No!” Kane shouted as Echo pushed Stephen’s dead body over and Kane knelt down to him. Bellamy watched on, terrified of his own fate and thankful beyond relief that you hadn’t come with him like he offered for he didn’t know how things would’ve turned out if you were by his side as well.

“Warriors don’t share their secrets.” Echo said as guards came into the room, standing around Kane and Bellamy.

“Truth is the first causality of war.” Roan began. “If your motive’s were pure, you would’ve shared your plan with me. Our alliance is broken.” Echo smirked as Kane and Bellamy were horrified. “Skaikru and Trikru are the enemy.”

“What about them, sire?” One of Roan’s men asked about Bellamy and Kane, his hand on Bellamy’s neck.

“Hostages.” Bellamy was shoved forward. “Find Octavia and Indra. Kill everyone else.” Roan walked off as Kane and Bellamy struggled to get out of the grounders grasps as they were led to the cells against their wills.

---

You had been nonstop worrying about Bellamy since Clarke told you he’d been radio silent. You knew Clarke had a point in telling you hunting parties go silent, but you couldn’t help but think you should’ve gone with him, at least then you’d know if he was alright.

“I think this is the most I’ve seen you in a week.” Clarke said as she joined you in the dining room, having watched you tap your now empty cup against the table for the last twenty minutes. You didn’t say anything as she took the seat across from you. “How are you?”

“I’ve been better.” You told her. “I saw Lexa today.”

For a second, Clarke had forgotten about your side effects and your sentence had surprised her. She cleared her throat. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. And she spoke this time, not just standing there.” You admitted. Clarke nodded, feeling her stomach twist. She knew that she was the one to tell you not to hide your problems, but she didn’t know how much it would hurt to hear you got the chance to see her ex-girlfriend and she didn’t.

She tried to change the subject. “How’s it going with you and Bellamy.” She asked, knowing Bellamy had been by your side for almost the entire week.

You found yourself stop tapping the cup against the table, a small smile making way on your face that Clarke certainly caught. “Pretty good actually. Um, we’re dating now.”

Clarke was surprised. She’s watched you and Bellamy dance around your feelings for a while. “Wow. When did this happen?”

“This morning actually, right before he left.” You told her, looking down at the table.

“Well, congratulations.” She said and you nodded awkwardly, not know what to do. “Can I ask you something?” you picked your head up, looking to your friend and nodded. “You wanted me to take your name off the list. You still want that?” You knew happiness wouldn’t last long. It was naïve of you and Bellamy to start dating now. The world was ending and you were giving up your spot. How could you have been so stupid. “Y/N?”

“I want my name off.” You whispered. You knew it would break Bellamy, but you couldn’t take someone else’s spot and if that whole Nightblood mass production worked out, then you wouldn’t take someone’s spot regardless. If it didn’t… then he would just have to move on. He’d need to move on.

“Y/N.”

“I’m not taking someone’s spot Clarke.” She nodded, letting out a shaky breath.

“Alright, then let’s go change the list.” The two of you stood up, walking to the Chancellors office in silence, completely unaware of Jasper and Monty inside having found the list already. You were walking behind Clarke as she entered the Office, both of you stepping inside.

Monty’s eyes snapped from the list in his hands, the one that contained Clarke’s name and your name and not his own, to both you and Clarke in the entrance. “Clarke! Y/N! Wait!” He shouted but it was too late as both of you were covered in fire-suppression spray, the white foam covering your entire upper body as you stood in shock, not having expect that to happen.

“Really?” Clarke yelled at the two boys as you wiped your face with your hands, blinking a couple times before Clarke shoved a towel in your hands and you properly wiped down your face.

“We found your list.” Jasper said as he snatched the list from Monty’s hands and walked towards you both. “I guess we really know who matters to you now, huh?” Clarke began sputtering out Jasper’s name but Jasper wouldn’t let her get a word out. “You’re not God, Clarke. You don’t get to decide who lives and who dies.”

“The list is a backup, Jasper.” You shouted over him, getting his attention on you.

“And you! You’re on here too! In fact, you even took someone else’s spot. Yeah, yeah. How’s that for playing god?” Jasper spouted as he backed up, moving towards the speaker. “Then I guess you wouldn’t mind if I tell everyone?”

Your eyes widened as Monty saved your asses, jumping in Jasper’s way. “Jasper, no.”

“People have a right to know they’re working for nothing.”

David Miller rushed into the room, seeing the fire-suppression spray all over you and Clarke. “Is there a fire? Is everything okay?”

“Not for you. You’re not on the list.” Jasper said as he shook the list in the air.

David furrowed his brows. “What list?” Jasper took the distraction as he pushed Monty to the side and grabbed the intercom.

“Attention Arkadia. I have an announcement to make.” Jasper didn’t get to finish though because the second he grabbed the intercom you had jumped into action, pulling the shock lash off of Sgt Miller’s uniform and thrusting it at Jasper. He fell to the ground groaning as one of the other guards grabbed your arms, holding them behind your back and taking the shock lash from you. You didn’t fight them on it, not believing the fact you had just shock lashed your friend.

“Let her go.” Clarke ordered and the hands behind your back disappeared slowly. Clarke straightened herself out as she moved next to you. “He broke into the Chancellor’s Office. Lock him up.” Sgt Miller and the rest of the guards didn’t move, not knowing whether or not Clarke had the authority or not. “I’m acting on the authority of Chancellor Kane. Take him into custody.” Sgt Miller nodded and the guards pulled Jasper off the ground and brought him to lock up.

You hadn’t moved since you shocked lashed Jasper and Clarke put her hand on your shoulder to pull you out of your trance. You turned to Monty, seeing him kneel on the ground as you stepped closer.m“Monty, I’m sorry-“

“Don’t.” He held up a hand, stopping you from coming any closer and you listened. “Just don’t.” He moved by you, not sparing another glance as you turned to Clarke, seeing her looking distraught.

“I had to.” You told her and she nodded.

“I know.” She assured you. Jasper was going to tell Arkadia and that couldn’t have happened.

---

Something in Polis seemed different as Octavia climbed off Helios outside the building from earlier. There was no noise from inside, no one talking, or even anyone coming outside. She looked around, trying to find her mentor before entering.

She stopped as soon as she stepped inside. Warriors, Trikru Warriors, were slaughtered inside, the tables were knocked over and lined with blood as bodies laid everywhere. “Indra.” Octavia whispered, worried for her mentor’s safety. She turned over a woman looking exactly like her, and Octavia felt relief in knowing it wasn’t her. Someone moved in the corner as Octavia looked over to see a warrior in pain, but still alive. “What happened?” She asked him as she looked at his wound, knowing he wasn’t going to make it.

“Skairipa…” He mumbled when he realized who was in front of him. “They’ll be back for you. You need to run. Ice Nation is attacking Skaikru and Trikru. They’ll march on your camp tonight.”

“Where’s Indra?”

“Warning our people that the alliance is broken. This is war.” His speech slowed as he tried harder to live and breathe. His head dropped forwards as the pain became too much and the warrior died. Hearing voices just outside, Octavia ran out heading right back to Arkadia.

---

Since you shock lashed Jasper, the mood around camp had seemed to be going down. Monty walked out of the ark, glancing to you sat in front of the fire with your head practically buried in your hands before walking right past you, heading unknowingly to where Clarke was stood watching everyone.

“Monty…”

“Jasper’s fine.” He interrupted her before scoffing. “In case you care.”

“I do care, Monty.” She told him, already feeling bad how the day went. “Can we talk in private?” She asked. Monty paused before moving past her and Clarke inhaled thickly before after him. He brought her to a more secluded area, one where they couldn’t be disturbed. “Making the list wasn’t easy and I only had so many slots for engineers. You’re an apprentice and Jaha knows more about the ship.” She explained, beginning to list out reasons as to one person opposed to the other.

Monty scoffed, holding up a hand to stop her. “That’s what you think this is about? I get why you didn’t put me on the list, I might even agree with it. But its just, who are you? When did you become this person?”

“I haven’t become anyone.” She tried to tell him.

“The Clarke I know wouldn’t be arresting her friends.” He almost growled. “And Y/N shock lashing him?”

“She did what she had to!” Clarke defended you, not wanting Monty to blame you at all. She stopped herself, taking a calming breath. “Kane agreed that we needed to keep this quiet.”

“Kane’s not here. That’s just an excuse. You’re the one saying you live and Harper dies.” He reminded her, feeling protective for his girlfriend. “Y/N’s the one shock-lashing Jasper and you’re the one arresting him. You’re the one going too far and still using that same old justification. It’s all for my people.”

“It is!” Clarke yelled much louder than she wanted. She looked around, making sure no one heard her and luckily no one had. Monty shook his head, wanting to share the truth with everyone. “It’s too risky.”

Monty scoffed and made his decision. “Jasper was right. You’re not God.” He took off, leaving Clarke alone to mull over his words. Monty went straight to the rover, the sound of feedback calling your attention as Monty spoke. “I have an announcement to make. Clarke Griffin is lying to you.” Your eyes widened as you listened and stood up, seeing Monty was getting the attention of everyone around. “Arkadia will only save 100 people. Who thinks they made the list?” He pulled the list out of his pocket and everyone had stopped working at this point, moving closer as you made your way over to Clarke. “Abby Griffin. Eric Jackson.”

“Can we stop him?” You asked Clarke, knowing people were getting increasingly angry at Clarke.

She just shook her head as Monty continued to read, finally reaching Bellamy, Clarke and your name. “It’s already done.”

---

Raven stayed alone on the beach, keeping an eye to the sky in case another drone strike decided to make a surprise appearance. There were a few drone’s in the sky but they didn’t shoot at her. The drone just far enough out of her comfort run zone kept getting her attention, the machine was whirring and still blinking, telling Raven it was still alive.

“You can’t fly, but you can talk.” She mumbled to the drone, looking up to see another fly away. This was her chance. She ran out from behind the tree heading straight for the drone, but unfortunately, she didn’t get very far before the drones were back and shooting at her. She tried to backtrack but only managed to fall over, the drone strike continuing at her. She got back to the tree, pressing her back against it as she hid.

“Raven! Raven, are you okay?” Miller shouted over the radio as the shooting died out.

Raven groaned as she pulled the radio out of her pack. “All good here. Worry about your damn self.” She told him as she stared at the broken drone, trying to figure out how to get it. By the edge of the beach, Luna walked out of the trees right past Nyko as Raven saw her. “Luna no! You’ll get killed!” Luna spared her no attention, walking as if there was nothing to bother her as she stepped out of the boundary and the drones stopped aiming at her. Raven spoke into the radio. “Luna’s here. She’s heading for the boat.”

“Copy that. Do whatever you can to stop her, we’re on our way.” Miller told her and Raven took off. She ran towards the border, the drones firing just behind her as she ran as fast as she could with her leg. As soon as the boundary was in her reach, she dove and lost the drones behind her.

“Luna! I can’t let you leave, we need you!” Raven shouted as she pushed herself up, aiming a gun at Luna.

Luna however kept walking. “Heard that one before.” Raven shot at Luna’s feet as the girl finally stopped walking. When she turned around, Raven had her gun still drawn at her. “So, I am a prisoner.”

“Your blood could save everyone!”

“Do you really think you deserve to be saved?” Luna narrowed her eyes as both women stepped closer to each other.

“I know how you feel, but it won’t always be like this. You just have to keep fighting.”

“What if the fight is all we are? We torture, kill, betray, pretend we’re more than that just to make ourselves feel better, but it’s a lie.” Luna told her and Raven’s gun faltered just a little.

“What about Adria? Was she more than that?” Raven brought up the girl, remembering Luna caring for her as she died. Luna felt her stomach sink as she reminded Raven that Adria was gone. “But she was good, right? There are others out there like her. Don’t you want to give them a chance?” Raven lowered her gun and put it on the ground, showing Luna Raven meant no harm. “You’re not a prisoner. You have a choice, Luna.” The gunfire went off behind Raven as Miller came on the radio, telling of Jackson getting hit in the arm and how getting Luna to safety was the priority right now. “We need to help them Luna!” Raven said, holding the radio tight in her hand. “Please, I know what to do, but with my leg,” She gestured down to the brace on her leg, “I can’t do it myself.”

Luna took a second, looking back to the boat before knowing what the right choice was. “What do you need me to do?”

Raven explained everything about needing the drone so Raven could hack into it. As soon as the coast was clear, Luna took off as Raven yelled for her to go. Luna ran and dodged the shots being fired at her as Raven shot at the drone in the sky. Luna managed to grab the damaged drone, using the trees to hide her before she finally made it past the boundary to safety.

Raven took the drone from Luna, hearing her friends over the radio calling for help. “I just need to access its core programming.” Raven got to work, trying to hack into the drone. “They’re protecting ALIE’s facilities like guard dogs.”

“Well, can you stop them?” As Raven started to work, her head started pounding, a migraine occurring but she ignored it.

Abby, Murphy and Emori ran through the woods, looking for Jackson and Miller until they found them taking shelter. Murphy pointed his gun in the air, looking for any sign of a drone but came up empty. “I can’t see it!” He shouted to Abby.

“I’ll draw its fire.” Abby told him and soon as she said the words, she dashed out from the trees right out into the open.

“What are you doing?!”

“You’re going to get yourself killed!”

“When they come for me, shoot them!” She yelled before waving her hands in the air. “Hey! Over here!” She shouted. Murphy aimed the gun and the moment a drone appeared behind Abby, he pulled the trigger, only it didn’t fire.

“Shit.” He muttered and figured he was out of bullets. Abby turned around slowly, eye level with the drone and she thought it was over for her.

Until the drone fell out of the sky.

They all went silent, thinking about what could’ve happened. Abby pulled out her radio, her hand shaking as she spoke. “Raven? The drone just fell out of the sky. What happened?”

Raven looked down at the drone, the screen blinking to say the security measures were disengaged. “I happened.” She told them. “Now get your asses back to the boat, Luna’s here.” She didn’t wait for a response as she put the radio away, turning to Luna to see her staring at the boat. “Luna.” She called out for the girls’ attention. “It’s not your blood that defines you. It’s your heart.” Luna took in her words, sending Raven a nod to know Luna was in.

---

The camp had turned to chaos since Monty spilt the truth. Everyone was yelling at Clarke, saying how unfair it wasn’t up to Clarke to determine who can live.

“I didn’t survive the ice Nation just to die because you don’t think I’m good enough.” Riley spat at Clarke as you stood next to her, glaring at him.

Clarke was getting overwhelmed with the yelling, trying to defend herself. “Riley, you’re smart, but you were training to be a guard. We only need so many soldiers.”

He scoffed at her reasoning. “You’re saying Darcy is more qualified than me? She’s a trainee too and I’m a hell of a better shot.

“Look, I know this is hard to hear, but we needed to ensure the survival of the human race and to do that the list needed to be weighted towards young women who can have children.” Clarke explained, much like she had when you helped her with the list.

“Wait. It’s because she can have kids? How’s that fair?” Someone asked as you turned to scowl at the man.

“It’s not fair, it’s smart.” You defended Clarke, feeling her grab your elbow to pull you back.

Monty shook his head. “What about Harper? How come she’s not on the list?” He nodded towards Harper who agreed, looking between Clarke and you who apparently was the only person who could see Clarke’s struggle.

Clarke’s face softened. “There’s a chance she could be a drain on medical resources.”

Harper scoffed in confusion. “Well, I’m not sick.”

“Not yet.”

Monty caught onto Clarke’s thinking. “Your dad.” She mumbled to Harper, knowing of Harper’s father’s sickness. “Wait, you went into her medical records?”

“You’re condemning me for an illness I might have someday?” Harper asked, shocked this was how Clarke was deciding.

“I had to consider all variables.” Clarke explained.

“That’s rich for a person who put herself on the list.” Harper snapped at her and you bit your tongue, knowing no good would come out of you ‘helping’.

“And Bellamy Blake? Come on!” Someone yelled and suddenly you didn’t want to keep quiet anymore. “Even Y/N Y/L/N? She doesn’t deserve a spot!”

You clenched your fist, turning to look at the man who was speaking before Clarke was holding you back again and Jaha made way into the middle, but you didn’t even realize, too busy staring down the man who was severely intimidated by you now.

“Of course, Bellamy and Clarke should be included.” Jaha said, standing between you and the man. Your attention was only pulled away by the fact Jaha definitely did not include your name as he put his hands onto Clarke and your shoulders. “Strong leadership is essential for survival. You don’t like the list?” He turned to Monty, holding out his hand as Monty handed it over. “Consider it shredded. We can keep fighting each other and die, or we can work together and give everyone a shot at survival. It’s your choice.”

“Meaning what?”

“We hold a lottery.” Jaha went on. “Randomly choose the 100 people to survive, but you have to work for it. You don’t show up for assignments, you can’t be in the lottery, and when the time comes, we’ll collect names and draw.” You knotted your brows. There was no way this was going to end up great. “Good?” Jaha asked and everyone nodded except you and Clarke, sharing looks and you knew she caught on to the same dilemma you had. “Good. It’s settled. Then get back to work. Let’s get it done.”

Everyone started off, moving to help Jaha put up a radiation shield as you turned to Clarke. “I guess he’s Chancellor again.” You muttered, sending a look at Jaha’s back.

Clarke shook her head, moving to chase after Jaha. You stood in your place, listening to Clarke and Jaha take about how problematic a random list could be but you could focus on that.

Even Y/N Y/L/N? She doesn’t deserve a spot!

You didn’t even want a spot, but who were they to tell you that you didn’t deserve to live?

---

Helios was flying through the forest with Octavia on top him, turning back every few moments to see Echo and her riders getting closer.

“There she is! This way, we’ll cut her off!” Echo yelled as she led the riders through the forest. Octavia moved faster, trying to get away but it was no use for Echo did manage to cut her off.

Octavia caught sight of another pathway. “Yah!” She told Helios, leading him down the path as Echo chased after her again. Octavia was getting ahead, that was until she came to the top of a ravine, looking down to the water below as Echo emerged from the tree line. Octavia got off her horse, patting him to run away as he did.

“It’s over, Octavia. Don’t fight it. Roan wants you alive. Come quietly.”

“That’ll happen.” Octavia muttered with no plans to surrender.

“One in her leg.” Echo told the rider to her left. He nodded, drawing back his bow but Octavia beat him. She threw her knife, hitting him in the head and stopping him. Echo jumped off her horse as did the man next to her, both of them pulling out their swords as well as Octavia. They began fighting, Octavia taking the first swing at the rider before moving to Echo, fighting them both at once. She got a few cuts in on Echo, a few punches landing on Octavia as well before she sliced the man’s neck, cutting her enemies down in count. “It doesn’t have to be this way.” Echo told her as they circled each other, their swords drawn.

“It does.” Octavia panted. “You made sure of that.” Echo took the first swing this time, the fight starting up once again.

Echo swung.

Octavia ducked.

Octavia swung.

Echo ducked.

It went on, Echo finally getting the upper hand as she cornered Octavia to the edge of the cliff, the rocks slipping out from Octavia’s feet but she wasn’t going to lose. Octavia kept fighting, swinging her sword over and over much like Echo did, but Echo prevailed. Octavia’s sword broke in half, the pieces flying in different directions as Octavia’s eyes widened and the grip of Echo’s sword was punched into Octavia’s face, sending her backwards.

“I said he wanted you alive!” Echo told Octavia, both of them exhausted from their fight. Octavia caught sight of the dead riders’ sword, not far from her as she crawled on the ground. She grabbed the sword, gripping it tight as she stood up.

But she barely got on her feet before Echo thrusted her own sword right through Octavia’s stomach. Octavia stopped fighting, gasping out as Echo ripped the weapon from her stomach. Octavia brought a hand to her stomach to hold herself as she fell, backwards, right off the edge of the cliff.

Echo watched, peering over the ravine as she hit the water. “Yu gonplei ste odon, Octavia kom Skaikru.”

---

Since Clarke had him locked up, Jasper had been sitting in a cell all alone, sitting in silence before Clarke came in. He didn’t move, not even bothering to acknowledge she was there.

“I shouldn’t have locked you up.” Clarke admitted. “I thought it was the only choice I had.”

Jasper sighed. “It was the only choice you gave yourself. If you think you have the best idea, you convince people, not lie and lock them up.” He gestured to the cell around him.

“That doesn’t matter now. Monty read the list over the radio, so everyone knows everything now.”

“What a shame.” He said, finally looking over to Clarke. “I thought you were giving Jaha a run for his money there. Jaha lite.” He chuckled at his joke.

Clarke nodded, knowing she deserved that. “You know, he used to be everything I hated. Maybe he was keeping us together.”

Jasper sat up, chuckling some more. “When Jaha seems reasonable, it’s time to reassess.”

Clarke gave him a tight-lipped smile, turning to the wide-open cell door. “You can go.”

Jasper sighed, reaching for his jacket as he stood up and walked past Clarke. “You know, someday when this is all over, you’re gonna realize that foam bit was funny.”

---

With the threat of the drones no longer looming over their heads, the group on ALIE’s island were making great progress on finding the lab. After they stopped for the last time, the lab was just through the trees. They finished the distance, seeing the giant concrete structure as they stopped.

“Hey, I have a question.” Murphy sighed, tilting his head. “ALIE had a security system to protect this thing, right? Any idea what she was protecting it from?” No one had an answer.

“Let’s hope we don’t find out.” Abby said as she took the first steps to the lab. “But just in case, Raven get the drones back in the sky.” The group made their way inside, some less excited, like Emori, but still followed.

The lights turned on the moment they stepped inside, the entire lab at the tips of their fingers as they looked down to all the technology. Raven smirked. “Not bad, Becca.”

---

Bellamy and Kane were prisoners, locked in the cells as they worried. Bellamy was terrified about his sister, not knowing what will happen if they find her. “Doesn’t matter what we do, we always end up here at the brink of war.”

“Abby’s on the island. She’ll find a cure. I know she will.” Bellamy couldn’t believe him. How could he when nothing goes their way. He was terrified.

He was terrified about Octavia.

He was terrified about what Roan would do to them.

He was terrified about you being in Arkadia and having no idea the alliance was broken.

Bellamy was just terrified of everything.

Kane caught the look on Bellamy’s face, one of someone with no hope. “Hey, we’ll get through this.” Bellamy nodded, needing to believe he would see you again.

The sound of keys jingling caught their attention as the cell door opened, Echo and more grounders coming in. “On your feet.” They were told and obliged.

Kane looked past Echo, seeing Roan enter. “What are you doing?” He asked the King.

“We’re bringing you home. Your ship is protection from Praimfaya. I intend to take it.”

“You don’t have to do this. We can find a solution together.” Kane offered, knowing if Roan took Alpha then Skaikru would die.

Roan held his hand up, stopping Kane’s pleading. “That time has passed.” He turned toward Echo. “Get them ready to march.”

“Octavia will get there first.” Bellamy spoke up, believing in his sister to protect his people and you. Roan stopped walking. “She’ll warn them you’re coming. You’ll lose.”

Roan looked over his shoulder at Echo, the silence not settling well in Bellamy’s stomach as Roan nodded to the woman. Echo slowly turned around, stepping towards Bellamy before reaching into her coat.

Bellamy felt his world stop when she pulled out Octavia’s broken sword, letting it fall to Bellamy’s feet. He couldn’t breathe, staring at the weapon he knew was his sisters which could only mean one thing.

“She wouldn’t be taken alive.” Roan told him. “I’m sorry.”

“No.” he whispered, shaking his head and looking up at Echo. She nodded and Bellamy’s heart broke again. He turned around, grabbing onto the cell bars to keep him up as he tried to breathe. “No. No. No. No.” He repeated, feeling himself break down.

“It was a good death.” Echo said, only making Bellamy want to collapse.

“No. O!” He sobbed, falling to his knees. “No. No. NO! NO!” He screamed and cried out, begging for his sister as the guards pulled him away despite his violent thrashing and sobbing. “NO! NO!”

NO!

---

Helios walked the waterfront, taking his time after he had left Octavia. The water flowed right past him as he walked on the beach. He kept walking, drinking some of the moving water before finding Octavia’s body washed up on the shore. He nudged his muzzle against her bloodied hand, over and over until finally Octavia turned over her hand and let Helios lick her fingers.

Her breathing was raspy and painful as she picked her head up and Helios back away. She took as deep of a breath as she could and began crawling out of the water, groaning from the pain in her stomach and from the fall. “Helios.” She groaned and grabbed onto the stirrup, using it to pull herself up until she could pull herself onto the saddle completely. She had thrown herself over, falling forward onto the horse. “Home, Helios.” She mumbled, barely able to form the sentence. The horse started moving, heading in the direction to Arkadia while Octavia held on as tight as she could. “Take me home.”

A/N: Apologizes for my lateness loves, let me know what you think!

Tags are open!

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[wren-bishop]

Bishop Gameroom // The boys

Wren, Stevie, Jesse, and Chase get together to go over some text messages. 

@stevie-summers @jessekxller @chase-stephens​

Wren: Wren was sitting with his phone plugged into the TV to cast, "Seriously, look at these" he said, happy they were having a moment away from Jonah. He felt bad about it all.

Jesse: Jesse watched as the text messages played came up on the tv. "Oh my god." He said speachless

Wren: "Also! I posted this instagram story at [insert time] and she tweeted, hear me out at [insert time]. Am I crazy??? She's tweeting about me, right?" said Wren feeling like a maniac.

Stevie: Stevie couldn't help but laugh, "This girl is really a piece of work."

Jesse: Jesse's eyes went wide. "Oh yeah thats def about you, but you could chill with the grey. My poor eyes can't unsee that."

Wren: "I wasn't thinking about that" said Wren, "I was just tryna be confident, gimme a break. Also trying to catch a new honey" he added.

Chase: Chase rolled up, "hey guys, she has strep so I'm here and why is Wren's gray sweatpants thirst trap just chillin on the tv?" said Chase as he sat down on the couch, Wren caught him up to speed and showed the texts. "So is anyone gonna tell Jonah?" he asked.

Stevie: "You look dude. Nothing wrong with showing off a bit." Stevie told Wren with a smile before turning her attention to Chase. "Not it! I got nothing to do with this. This one's on you guys."

Chase: "Can't someone just tell Juliette? I feel like she gives him bad news all the time" said Chase, hoping to god it wouldn't be him. But lets be honest, it was totally going to be him.

Jesse: Jesse shook his head "I would... but Me + Jonah + devyn = a bad discussio"

Jesse: "I just..... I can't believe she called you daddy right up in there.."

Wren: "Right? At first I was kinda into getting even with Jonah, but she kept mentioning him and then hitting on me? Like I'm usually not good with this stuff ... but even I noticed" said Wren

Jesse: "And people look at me sideways when I say she plays them mind games. The 'I only think of you' meanwhile she trynna slide down my pants and yours"

Wren: "In my defense, I am horny and weak ... and she's so hot" said Wren with a wince, "but I think she might legit be nuts, also did you see that thing about how she said I'm friends with nerds?? The audacity when she's wanted like half of us"

Stevie: "You think she would've learned after screwing you over." Stevie motioned her head towards Jesse. "I guess Chase is next." she patted the boy's back.

Chase: "I mean, she called me a perv ... so I think that I'm safe for now" said Chase, "also two out of three of these conspiracies are traaaaaaaaaaaash. Riley not being blind? That's a low blow" he added, kinda annoyed.

Jesse: "Yeah, shes hot be let me be real. Her head game is weak and the sex is kinda boring." Jesse said with a shrug. "Bro. I heard that the car accident she was in was like.. really bad. She told me she was in the hospital for months."

Stevie: "Couldn't be me." Stevie shook her head. "But yeah, I'm not really sure why she would think Riley would lie about something like that."

Jesse: "She said its because shes good at cheer." Jesse said pulling out his phone and pulluing up her instagram and scrolling. "Whats a worlds champion?" He said before watching some videos from before her accident. "Oh my god how does someone do flips like that????" He said a bit shook. "I don't think shes lying. I've witnessed her walk into a door once"

Chase: "Riley was the best on the team before the accident, and she definitely still kicks ass" said Chase.

Wren: "The sex was boring? Not doing that again" said Wren with an eyeroll.

Jesse: "And shes hot." Jesse pointed out. "Go griffin, hot and flexiable" He said with a laugh. "Was Val boring in bed too? God I got lucky with Olivia."

Wren: "We only fucked once" said Wren, "didn't even get my dick sucked" admitted Wren.

Stevie: "So hot." Stevie smiled to herself. "Cut these girls some slack, at least you all get off by the end of it." she teased them. "But seriously dude, get your dick sucked. Have fun."

Wren: "People keep playing me, do I just look like I enjoy used by girls with no perks?" asked Wren, half joking.

Jesse: "stop!" Jesse said shaking his head. "You deserve it all, wrenny." Jesse added on. "Okay but like, If imma go down on her, she should at least return the favor." Jesse pointed out. "What if you gave all the head and didn't get any back?" he asked Stevie

Stevie: "That's gotta be someone's kink." Stevie said as a joke. "I'm sure you'll get your dick sucked soon." she gave Wren a thumbs up. "Well that's just being inconsiderate. I like to hookup with nice people that care about making me feel good as well." she said, placing her hand over her heart.

Wren: "I swear to god, cone of silence ... looking at you Chase. But I've never gotten head, only given it" said Wren, kind of embarrassed.

Jesse: "Wren, baby. You have to be more assertive." Jesse pointed out. "But Devyn would prob do it if you asked her, but like I said. It was weak." He added in. "But we can't deny shes a simp for simp nation"

Wren: "Girls just aren't into me. Maybe I should just take Asher up on his offer" joked Wren, well about the second half. "She is! That's what makes no sense" he replied.

Stevie: "Dude, how many times do I have to tell you? Girls are into you. I wouldn't lie to you." Stevie shook her head. "I mean I heard Asher already made himself quite comfortable in your room at the party so..."

Jesse: "Careful. Make sure that boy gets tested before you even look at him." He said with a laugh. "There are plenty of single hot girls in this school that would love you blow you." Jesse took out his phone again. "You guys should see the texts between me and devyn"

Chase: Chase kept his damn mouth shut about the fact that it did not happen.

Wren: Wren passed the connector to Jesse, "Feel free to demonstrate to the class" he said.

Stevie: "God there's more?" Stevie asked after laughing

Jesse: Jssse plugged in his phone. “This is the text message saying she thinks about me and my dick when she is in bed alone” he said before scrolling a big more up. “This is her telling me how much she likes my dick and then throws in a hope it runs in the family comment. Like gross.” He said before scrolling to the bottom “and this is her apologizing for it because I actually stood up for myself and let’s not forget how she tweeted the world that I was small.”

Wren: "Yeah calling a man small, not cool" said Chase, war flashbacks to the gossip blog anons.

Jesse: “I’m not even small and hate to share I’m not even average.” He said with a shrug. “She just trying to make all the girls think I am so they stay away but jokes on her because Olivia loves me and not just for my dick size”

Wren: "Not to shit on her sexuality and stuff, but what's with the dick obsession? And voicing it that much? Like if I tweeted about boobs like that, I would be absolutely cancelled" said Wren.

Jesse: “I heard she made out with that blond girl, Kelly’s sister. Maybe she’s gay.AND and. During spin the bottle she made out with Riley.”

Stevie: Stevie tried holding in her laugh when she read his response saying he was hard. Men. So weak. "So uh, did you ever tell Olivia about these?" she asked with raised brows.

Jesse: “I told her” he said simply. He didn’t want to say that he kissed her but they probably knew since devyn also tweeted that he was a cheater. “Told her how she was all over me and begging. Also told Jonah that but I’d love to hear how she is twisting that around even when she asked me to go back to her house with her.”

Wren: "So someone needs to tell Jonah" said Wren, kinda worried about him, "He shoulda just stayed with my sister"

Stevie: Stevie let out a sigh, "This shit is such a mess." she said as if she wasn't dealing with her own mess with girls. "Yeah like soon." she agreed. "How is she by the way?" she asked Wren.

Jesse: “Well it won’t be me. I don’t want him to think I’m doing it out of jealousy or some shit. But I also don’t want to see him hurt but like... I don’t want to give him another reason to hate me and is not talk again,”

Wren: "She's vulnerable and will hurt anyone" said Wren, "so don't try anything. Just talk to your little internet girlfriend"

Jesse: Jesse gave wren a look before pulling up rorys Instagram which presented into the tv.

Stevie: Stevie looked over at Wren with wide eyes before hitting his arm, "I wasn't going to try anything, and she's not my girlfriend."

Wren: "Guys, we're twins. Can we not do this?" said Wren with an exaggerated sigh.

Jesse: “Oh don’t worry. We are going to your page next.” He said before switching to wrens.  “Devyn was right. You are hot.” He said playfully

Stevie: "Sooo hot." Stevie nodded her head and winked at Wren.

Wren: "I haven't managed to post enough to get the pictures of Chanel down on my page" said Wren, "or Valerie" he said realizing he should have probably said that first.

Jesse: “That’s what the delete button is for” he said pointing out. “Or the acrhive feature so it doesn’t delete them but they are hidden”

Stevie: "His heart couldn't handle deleting them." Stevie said, nudging Wren.

Wren: "I like the pictures, it's just ... they don't need to be at the top of my feed" said the boy, "haha very funny Steve"

Stevie: "They do look good in these pictures." Stevie looked through the pictures he had with the girls. "We can do like a whole photoshoot and get some sweet pics. It'll be fun. My parents have one nice ass camera we can use."

Jesse: "We can take some thirst traps and put them all up. Some snazzy captions abou how we are not all losers." Jesse pointed out as well

Wren: "Turtlenecks?" said Wren half joking, his sister had put him in one and he rather liked it. He'd never lived anywhere cold before, and he knew Stevie always commented on them.

Jesse: "I should invest in some turtle necks, i think people are tired of seeing me in plain long sleeves." He said playfully, thats really all he wore. "Are they really comfortable?"

Stevie: "Ah you know I just love the turtlenecks." Stevie teased her friend. "I think they are. We can all wear one and have one festive ass photoshoot. I'll make some corny family Christmas cards with the pictures. It'll be great." she said jokingly.

Wren: “Sounds like a plan to me” said Wren putting in a game. “But enough of that, let’s blow off some steam, boys and Steve” he said tossing each of them a controller.

[littlemeangreen]

Since you like my alt-Marauders (WHICH IM SO HAPPY FOR) how about challenge for headcanons of them interacting with the Smashers, as allies or foes or just a chance encounter? No need to, I just thought it might be something you'd have fun with!

@thecorteztwins k I'm suddenly in a big writing mood so!! FINALLY getting around to this I'm so sorry sksksk

For anyone who doesn't know: Thecorteztwins has an amazing au where she's collected Haven (thicc angel lady who was possessed by a demon disguised as a baby), Claudine (Miss Sinister),Madelyne (clone of Jean Grey), Pyro, Sebastian Shaw, Shinobi Shaw and sometimes Alice (a clone being tested by Claudine)!

I feel like the first few days are really testy. Everyone's got some bone to pick, the usual. But the biggest thing? The name. A brief encounter with paparazzi ends with their name and the reactions go from Pyro and Claudine scoffing at how silly it sounds and what a rip off it is (Pyro being a writer?? U KNOW he wouldn't stand for Alt Marauders) to Shaw sighing about the fact that he's been stuck on a team with a cliche super nickname.

Then there's personal names because once again, Pryo and Shinobi both agree that everyone needs a name to reapply make them unique! Hardly anyone goes for it, ranging from Haven's soft "no thank you" to Shaw punting Pyro into a wall. Madelyne is slightly soft for Pyro's RPG themed alias ideas for her and less than impressed for Shinobi's idea of "Mad Milf".

Alice....I'm definitely thinking she gets nicknamed "White Rabbit" or "Wonderland" because; 1) no one can leave her out of getting a name. 2) Pyro 100% would give a cheesy media related name and 3) I like the very small connections of white rabbit to the white and red queens in Alice in Wonderland (and 4) rabbits always get experimented on :).

Gamma Gals having amazing duos with the ladies of the Marauders? Absolutely!!

Jen and Haven, being an amazing duo and I feel like they'd be the two who would have that issue where they're the only ones who can save the day and end up learning a lot from each other? Haven is probably thanking her stars that she finally gets to meet a hero who believes in her kindness just as much as she does (S H A W).

Just....Haven being able to meet an even bigger woman and trading stories and being GalPals(TM). Its a really interesting concept to me that Haven is someone who was deliberately used to destroy and Jen is someone who's entire identity is formed around smashing and destruction. It's probably rather cathartic to be working with someone who purely doesn't want to resort to violence immediately and who has been used (Haven by her demon and Jen by different people).

But also learning something from each other? Haven being able to see that sometimes you do need to fight for what you love and Haven proves to Jen that even after all this time, it isn't the muscle or power that can save everything, it's her and her drive and will alone. Catch Red and Shaw scoffing about it.

Speaking of, those two could either REALLY clash or really get along, no imbetweens. Have we found another old man for Shaw to wrestle with, Roman style??? (Ngl that would be hot in a sick way)

Skaar and Shinobi? Both long haired, beautiful, sons of big figures, grew up in abusive environments,,,,its a duo. Just put Shinobi into a mini team with Skaar and Daken and we have the "Black haired brood squad"

Rick and Pyro working together to have a joint production??? FIrebomb productions baby!! My podcast ideas? Absolutely would happen when you combine these two and its hell. Aka; Rick and Pyro gossip on their podcast and give advice to starting heroes as immortals and smack talk. But also outside of that I imagine they can get along a lot in the "had a hard time accepting stuff" and "we were heroes who often did a lot for others and got disregarded and hurt for it".

Pyro: Hey if I set you on fire can you become a flaming bowling ball

Rick: well let's fine out!!

Red and Shaw....there's a lot there. Both are old men who have been pressed on in their lives and affected by masculine presences in their lives...both are regarded as awful shitbags but they're both MUCH more complex and driven by a need for power and stability...lots of thoughts here.

Shaw and Red are one team you do NOT wanna mess with because two old men who are perfectly willing to do what's needed? Red can respect a man willing to get his hands dirty with clear means and Shaw can probably like a guy who has the drive to do what he believes is the better good. Also big hulk man who can give you endless power.

But also differences in them because Shaw abused and continues to abuse Shinobi while Red neglected and most likely emotionally abused Betty but it seemingly trying to make a difference in it now that she's come back? I feel like these two probably have a SUPER in depth conversation when forced to or alone and then never speak about it again.

Spending of Betty! Her and Madelyne?? What a DUO they're litreally a great mix because Maddie is a clone of Jean, Betty was assumed to be a clone at first and often has to suffer being the "domintrix" she hulk. Both have serious issues with their mental health and identities as well as dealing with their lives being ruled or devoted to men who ruin them. Both want freedom and have such passion! I just....so much to say about these two and the similarities. They're both red.

But yeah Phoenix and Harpy?? Skksks Maddie voice: I'm FIRE HARPY nOW

Am I still yelling for her hero name to be Griffin because of how mystical they are and being a bird and lion??? Yeah.

Also sad thoughts but,,,gals talking about their lost kids (Maddie with Nate and Betty suffered a miscarriage induced from stress), the stress of their lovers and who they've lost to (Jean, Emma, Caiera, Jarella,,,) and being manipulated by men for their power (Maddie by Sinister into Goblyn queen and Betty by Leader into Red She-hulk, Harpy, both died).

Anyway point is I can fully see them two just CLICKING or fighting a lot at first until someone points out just how similar they are. Then? Maddie and Betty out here being the brand new Thelma and Louise. Red and Black styles, willing to use force but protect the innocent, both take Alice and this cute kid that Betty absolutely mother henned in her run and,,,two moms and their talented daughters pls step out the way sir.

Tbh I don't think I have much for Samuel apart form him having a small crush on Claudine (and like,,,,not in That Sense, but Samuel does have a big history of falling for smart women or just...OP women). And then a series of gags where Haven wants to know him because he's like Shaw but also incredibly different in thinking and everytime she walks into the room,,,,Samuel is doing some horrific experiment and she just NOPES OUT. Shaw wants to make use of this but it goes horribly wrong oh God why did he try.

Lyra! I just....feel like there could be a lot for her and Claudine and Alice. Lyra was genetically engineered to be used in a war and was bullied relentlessly for being "half man" which...is rather transphobic and sexist but that's her storyline and it's too deeply embedded for me to headcanon over it so...sighs.

But yeah!!! Lyra taking Alice and giving her a night of being able to just....be whoever that night, not being pressured to have an identity of the sorts from anyone and just being able to fight people with a giant green woman. Probably has a lot of deep talks later that night with Lyra, sitting over a building and eating ice cream because it was one of the first things Bruce shared with her and a first realisation that Lyra could be more than someone's daughter.

100% would picture this with Carmilla (Lyra's sister and...also messy kinda clone) or Laura Kinney hopping along and!! Clone weapon woman team!! I could GET INTO this!!! Just...pls marvel give me a team of women overcoming abuse and forming identities among each other and cool women,,,,

But also Lyra admittedly would respect Claudine for her skills and her...tenacity? Yeah, that. She has strength and guts and Lyra probably actually tells her that she'd rather get experimented on by Miss Sinister than some pig of a man and Claudine just "thhhanks?"

Hulk,,,,funny enough I don't think I have many ideas for him yet? Probably gets into a fair few fights with Shaw and Haven over different stuff, Maddie has a bome to pick for Betty,,,I am,,,blank.

I feel like a lot of things for him would be Haven trying to break through into him, maybe each of the Marauders dealing with different parts of the system? I can imagine Shinobi and Pyro don't have a high opinion of the oversized dad until Bruce turns super ashen pale and immediately Joe starts yelling for some whisky and GIRLS....and a fella or two for matchstick and ghost baby here.

Maddie thinking that he's another Scott and then finding out that Hulk's thing is more complicated than Scott simply looking for Jean again. Also Maddie demands that she will forcefully adopt Hulk's kids and these two bonding over abusive dads???

But uh,,,that's about it!! Hope you liked it!!! I probably could easily delve into more thoughts if there's anything specific for me to set my mind on.

[darkpoisonouslove]

“Life at The Ancestral Manor”

Summary: Griffin wanted to share her future with Valtor but in agreeing to give him her life she also agreed to give it to the way things happen in his home of tradition that his mothers are making sure will be upheld. Can she hope that relationship will be allowed to grow and develop when she needs to put her everything into surviving each day they try to make her something that she’s not?

Mentions of death, murder, self-mutilation, arson, cults, coma, physical and emotional abuse, parental abuse, sex, sex toys, not consented to stop of birth control, alcohol abuse, cooking deer meat in detail (which was oddly disgusting to me so...) and strong language. Also, there are mentions of Bloom x Darkar and Bloom's portrayal isn't very flattering although it is just a reimagined version of the events in canon (plus, a few details that weren't there).

I had the mighty need to see Griffin and Valtor living with the Ancestral Witches for some reason the other day and I set out to write it. Well, this is what came of it. A lot of super fucked up stuff because it is the Ancestral Witches. Also, it is super long again because, of course, it is.

"That was delicious, Griffin," Valtor praised as he wiped his mouth with his napkin after he was done with his French toast.

Griffin smiled at him gently as she was careful not to let any venom seep out of her and poison him. "I'm glad you liked it." At least he appreciated all of her efforts. She was an early bird but that didn't make her love the fact that she had to rush to the kitchen and get started on breakfast instead of curling up into Valtor's side and greeting him with a kiss when he woke up. Of course, she didn't have to when there were people she could fall back on to do it for her but that meant never being allowed in the kitchen again and she'd fought too hard to earn her own agency of choice to let that happen.

"It certainly exceeds a number of other meals I've had," Belladonna said, her voice smooth like the surface of ice under your fingertips and just as cold, killing the compliment before it could even turn into such.

Griffin forced the smile to keep stretching her facial muscles when her mother-in-law's golden eyes found hers despite the discomfort that caused her. That was as much as she could hope to get from the woman who killed animals in cold blood for fun and had taught Valtor to do it, too. Or rather it was all she hoped there would be to her condescension.

"Rather simple, but we all have to resign to the limitations when you have to do it all yourself," Belladonna continued, making Griffin let the breath she was holding out of her nose as slowly and inconspicuously as she let her own pride slip out of her hands and shatter on the floor without even a sound to mourn its pitiful end. She couldn't make a scene at breakfast. It would just ruin her whole day when they made it their mission to make it hell. "I don't understand why you insist on doing it when the help is right here to do it for you but it is your choice and we all respect that," Belladonna kept stuffing ice cubes in her heart to make it freeze over like her own and have water flowing in her veins instead of blood. Even all the tea in the world couldn't warm her now and it was just Valtor's warm presence at her side that kept her from dying in the embrace of the hypothermia that was her mother-in-law's weapon of choice.

"I enjoy it, Mother Belladonna," Griffin said, her voice cutting lines in the thin ice separating her from the freezing water below that she was skating on. She could let her righteous anger sharpen her as much as she wanted as she tried to cling on to everything she loved and not let it sink in the cold indifference that was being forced on her but there was no escape from her frozen prison when Belladonna was taking away all of her sources of joy with ease as the fight was on her territory.

She couldn't help but catch Lysslis' smile of belittlement when it was designed to draw her attention to her and get in her head where it would start taking apart who she was to make space for who they wanted her to be. She'd need all that luck Zarathustra had wished her when she and Ediltrude had learned the three witches were to be her mothers-in-law. Having to force herself to cook every day because she would lose her kitchen privileges otherwise was draining every spark of happiness she was getting from the activity already but she wouldn't let them win. It had barely been half a year after she and Valtor had gotten married in the dead of winter and she still had more fight in her even if the heat of summer was not helping when she was home from school and trapped in their killer company.

"Simplicity is trending right now so if anything, Griffin is just staying up-to date, mother," Valtor took her side–quite literally as they were sitting opposite of his mothers at the long table in the dining room–and she would kiss him if she could. Currently though, she couldn't even catch his hand under the tablecloth since his mothers were watching them restlessly like the stars never stopped looking over all of the planets and they would see it instantly which would just pose a problem to the two of them as the three old hags didn't approve of witnessing displays of affection.

They didn't approve of affection in general and had only taken her as a daughter-in-law after DNA tests that had confirmed a child of hers and Valtor's would have an excellent genetic makeup making her nauseous in the process as they'd erased her humanity with one quick swipe over her being. The tests and the fact that she had golden eyes like all the other women of the Ancestral Manor. She'd literally been picked for her body and it had felt like she'd entered medieval times instead of her new life as Valtor's bride. But if anything, it had only stated loudly how much she loved him to go through all of that and be with him. Even his mothers had looked impressed by her determination and hadn't even allowed themselves to insinuate she was a gold-digger.

"Of course, she is," Tharma said, her voice crackling like static like it always did. She always felt like she was about to explode and Griffin was pretty sure that it was like that because that was exactly what was happening. The woman–Griffin would only truly believe any one of them was human when she saw their corpses since none of them seemed to have aged for the past twenty-five years which might have just traumatized Valtor more with the promise of their curse hanging over his head for an undetermined amount of time–didn't even have the proverbial short fuse and could self-detonate on the spot if it weren't for her sisters to keep her collected with their icy gazes and creeping terror. "That is what has kept this family afloat for centuries and every member needs to keep to it." Meaning that they would throw her out the moment she couldn't catch up with their impossible standards.

"Yes, mother," Valtor said, the response automatic at this point but that didn't seem to upset any of his mothers. It seemed to please them rather–nothing better than turning your child into a robot keeping to your every command–and win Valtor and her the opportunity to focus on each other for the time being. "What are you doing today?" Valtor asked, pulling her away from the dreadful reality of their presence and into what was left of her own life, of their life.

He always cared and stopped to ask how she was doing even when his mothers had already piled two hundred other more pressing things on his shoulders. Although, in their eyes everything was more pressing than love and it was a joke when that included "the family reputation" when they didn't even have a definition of family. And if they did, it was distorted by all the shards of cold that were the only remains of their souls.

"Ediltrude and Zarathustra are coming over so... trying to stay sober would be a good start," she said, doing her damnedest to keep her eyes on him and not on the warped reflections of them that his mothers' gazes were when they shared the same eye color but the emotions that came through in the gold were vastly different.

She hated herself for slipping into the anxiousness their presence loaded her with like she was nothing more than yet another weapon they could yield to hurt him like they'd done their whole life by turning what he loved against him and making him hate it. They would interfere anyway so she had to make the most of it and focus on him. Him and what the day had to offer once she managed to free herself from the net of their scrutiny.

"You know how hard it is to refuse Ediltrude to drink with her." Valtor and Ediltrude had hit it off that first Christmas and she'd never gotten to meet his mothers at the appointed Christmas dinner which had given her one last holiday free of their presence but there'd been retribution from them towards Valtor that had kept him from seeing her as well. "Even when it's eleven a.m." That wasn't going to be her saving grace either and she could only hope for a miracle to keep the alcohol away from her and Ediltrude away from it.

"I'm sorry, dear," or a curse, "but you're going to have to reschedule," Lysslis grabbed at the chance to ruin her plans so viciously that it was bleeding toxic glue on her to get her stuck in the place they wanted her, in their own garden of misery they'd personally grown just for her in some sort of sick gift that did everything for them and nothing for her. Nothing good that was. "Today will not be possible," Lysslis said and Griffin was surprised she'd given her the opportunity to speak a few sentences before she'd let her own tongue slither out. But of course, that way it was Griffin's words that ripped into her when she'd allowed herself to believe she could have something her way in the home from hell.

"I thought you didn't have any urgent work today, Mother Lysslis," Griffin let herself play dumb when she'd double checked with their personal assistant. Mandragora was an oversized pest that completely deserved her name when she started screeching the moment someone who wasn't her bosses poked her the wrong way–or any way, really–but she wouldn't allow herself to lie to her if it concerned her and her mothers-in-law's dealings did since they insisted on holding all their meetings at the mansion as if offices didn't exist. But apparently they weren't too old to retire but were too old to work outside the mansion.

"Exactly," Belladonna said and Griffin could only hate herself for how helpless she was against the way her blood froze at a single word from the woman. "There will be nothing to distract us from the presence of your mismatched friends," she said and Griffin couldn't even draw in all the breath she needed when the ice needles of Belladonna's gaze on her would poke holes in her lungs if she allowed them to expand past their normal movements. "I will never understand how someone with your poise and grace can stand to be around people who are so... unrefined."

The trap clicked closed, holding both her heart and her tongue and threatening to pluck them out if she dared let them run free but she couldn't just keep sitting obediently like a dog while Belladonna threw insults of her friends in her face like they were treats she'd deserved for good behavior. She had to stand up for herself and her friendship.

"That's okay," she let the honey drip from her lips sweet like a topping they'd all hopefully choke on to go with her steely gaze that would've cut through anyone else but only had the ice of Belladonna's biting back into it in a warning that was more a red flag rather than a courtesy even if her rage was already burning white hot and Griffin hadn't even started. "You're busy figuring out so many other things. We've got this one covered for you, Mother Belladonna," Griffin said, looking right into the molten abyss that her mother-in-law's eyes were as if it wasn't absolutely suicidal and wouldn't doom her to a terribly agonizing death. But she needed to let her know just what she meant with that.

Belladonna had just sisters and a son she'd done her best to break and mold according to her own vision while Griffin had the twins who were her sisters in everything but blood and her husband she loved enough to accept even as he came packaged with three sociopaths because that was what love was. But of course, there was no way for Belladonna to know that when all her friends were fake and the best she could hope for after her own husband's death–or murder–were the business partners who only stayed in contact with her out of obligation. She was sure no one would stick around which just posed the question how genuine any sisterhood between her mothers-in-law was. And they could all hear it echoing loudly around them even if Belladonna would love to crush it under a block of ice just like she'd handle her.

"Speaking of meetings," Lysslis saved her–not before Belladonna made it clear that had Griffin been anyone else other than Valtor's wife, she would've stuffed her in the fridge and served her in small pieces at her annual reception celebrating the foundation of the family business year after year so the guests would be infected with her agony for life even if they wouldn't know it–although they definitely weren't speaking of meetings but rather of a killing match at this point but Griffin wasn't quick to relax before she learned the price of the little miracle she'd let her have. "I will have you inviting your mother to come shopping with us next Saturday," she was quick to inform her what suffering she'd traded her current predicament for and her tone was so casual as she knew she'd set it up perfectly to make Griffin sacrifice what little time she actually got to spend with Valtor in the name of an activity she hated even when she was with her friends. Of course, she'd pick Saturday even when they could go shopping literally any other day of the week.

"Of course, Mother Lysslis," she agreed so readily that it made her sick of her own pretense. Or rather the lack of such when she knew she didn't have any other choice but to leave herself at Lysslis' hands now since Belladonna was still mad at her and Tharma was normally angry on a good day and neither of them would hold back Lysslis' wrath was Griffin to unleash it. All she had left was to hope she'd manage to stand her ground while going around stores that were far off from the plane of existence of a high school teacher since they'd let up a bit on trying to dictate her choice of clothes after the preventive measures she'd taken in regards to that. "If I may ask who "us" includes so that my invitation will be the most accurate version of itself?" Griffin prodded carefully even when she knew that kind of sneakiness would never work with Lysslis.

"The three of us, you and your mother, of course," Lysslis said, the metallic rays of her mind piercing through Griffin's heart easily when it was so softened by the hope she'd let fill it that she'd only have to stand straight under the burden of Lysslis' cunning and manipulations.

Great. It was bad enough when she was being buried under all the insecurities Lysslis managed to dig out without even damaging her manicured nails in any way to get her to bend to her will. Having all three of them against her when they made her head spin with how fast they had her in and out of different outfits was a battle she wasn't sure she'd be able to win even with her mother by her side.

History was more Valtor's area of expertise but she could find herself in need of turning to it and making it repeat. They'd left her alone the previous time when she'd set the wardrobe on fire–all the clothes they'd bought that afternoon had been lost by the time Mike had arrived with his firemen and she'd only mourned the money that had been wasted instead of going towards something productive–and they hadn't tried to order her around directly after that. They'd instead taken a stealthier approach, mostly leaving Lysslis to handle her by fishing out her fears with her teeth hidden behind the warpaint that her blood red lipstick was.

She used them to decorate her attitude of supremacy while she decorated Griffin however she wanted to when the shadows she'd grown in her mind were twisting and turning it as they tried to snap it in half and Griffin was too busy trying to free herself from them to have any energy left to spare on keeping Lysslis out of her head as well. There was no way she could handle all three of them when they sank their claws in her and tried to rip her apart to stuff the pieces of her in whatever clothes they deemed appropriate. So another arson might be due. Even if the only reason Tharma hadn't slapped her for endangering the mansion had been that Valtor had stepped in front of her and gotten slapped himself.

Despite their constant verbal abuse and mind games, they'd never allowed themselves physical violence before that. And after it, too, as Tharma had spent the next week suspended in her room and the glaring empty space on Belladonna's right had somehow only reinforced the idea that she was an all-powerful monster not to be messed with. The lack of reaction on Valtor's part towards the bruise forming on his cheek had been what had made her break down in their bedroom, though, and lament her choice until he'd picked her up and carried her to the bed where he'd told her to never stop defending her agency when it wasn't her that was hurting him. It had never been. And she'd worn his fierce love of her like her armor against Lysslis' attempts to convince her that it was all her fault.

It had worked that time. She could only hope it would work again even if that left her heart too malleable and easy to manipulate.

"It would be nice to spend some time with her," Lysslis said and Griffin would have been afraid of how easily the lie dripped from her lips if she weren't used to it. In fact, assuming that everything that came out of her mouth was a lie was the best way to deal with Lysslis and avoid falling for her traps. It might have been unfair if it weren't true ninety-nine percent of the time and the fact that even Tharma and Belladonna were mindful of her and double checked her story when she'd done something on her own just confirmed that. "We haven't seen good old Emalyn in so long," Lysslis shook her head as if in regret. And perhaps it was.

Perhaps it was regret that they had to socialize with a lowly middle class retired nursery teacher. Emalyn was everything that they weren't and knowing Griffin carried her genes was only looked over because the DNA tests overrode it in importance by proving that those were the perfect genes to combine with Valtor's and somehow that made Griffin's genetic makeup desirable all of a sudden.

And to call her mother old as if they weren't ancient even though they didn't look the part? That was an insult Griffin would never swallow if her mom hadn't warned her not to get into fights with her mothers-in-law on her behalf after they'd made a remark about taking all the expenses on the wedding since, apparently, Emalyn and that dead husband of hers were no good to even pay for their daughter's wedding–which had been far bigger and much more expensive than Griffin had ever wanted it to be but she'd had no say on the matter as they'd insisted that a new marriage in the family had to be a public affair–and Griffin had been ready to rip they heads off. Emalyn had stopped her, though, and reminded her that it would only hurt herself and Valtor and her mom could never want that for them which had proven that she was the only mother either of them had despite allegedly having four.

Griffin mirrored that smile Lysslis gave guests when she wanted them to know that all that they were was met with contempt. She'd learned how to reflect it even if some of the effect was lost when she could never hope to have been capable of pulling it off without seeing it first. "I'm sure she shares the sentiment." She most certainly did considering the depth of the resentment thriving in the shade of the words.

"Now that that's settled," Tharma stepped in and drew her attention away from where Lysslis looked proud that Griffin had picked something up from her instead of being offended, "we can talk about dinner."

"Is there anything special you would like for dinner, Mother Tharma?" Griffin asked, her stomach trying to do a somersault that would send all of the food she'd just ingested back up her throat to make space for whatever Tharma would want of her now but Griffin held it back. She couldn't let them now she got sick whenever they made their requests that ranged from mildly offensive through awful to horrendous. Especially when she was sure they suspected. She couldn't give them the confirmation herself.

"Valtor will have some good news for us tonight so I thought we should celebrate," Tharma said and Griffin did her best not to clutch at her fork since she was pretty sure she would snap it in half even if it was solid stainless steel. Which was exactly the same reason that she didn't try to catch Valtor's hand to help him drain off some of the pressure Tharma had just piled on his shoulders if there hadn't been enough of that already. "And a special occasion calls for a special meal, doesn't it?" Tharma asked as if they were kindergartners whose brains hadn't developed enough yet to make a simple connection if it weren't pointed out to them. And also to let the dread set deep inside Griffin's body when she'd most certainly have her cooking some animal they had caught.

"You know that Argulus is our best client so you need to be at the top of your game," Belladonna reminded Valtor as if he hadn't been working at the company ever since he'd turned eighteen. By now he would have most certainly learned that even if his mind weren't as sharp as the diamonds they were selling but she just had to nag as if Valtor hadn't renegotiated contract terms with Argulus before. They were practically friends and even if loyalties weren't really a thing in their business, she was sure that Argulus would at least try to resolve any potential issue before going elsewhere for his precious diamonds.

"Yes, mother," Valtor agreed, his tone snappy when his patience was starting to give way under their distrust in him even after they'd stolen his youth and replaced it with preparations to become the head of the business and he'd been doing the job for years. "I always am." Valtor seemed to have had the exact same thought and she wanted to smile at them sharing a mind but that would be misplaced and would most certainly get stained by his mothers' intolerance of their happiness if they saw it. And they would.

"Hardly true half of the time," Lysslis was quick to cut off his unexpected bout of confidence like it was a flower she'd decided to pluck off for decoration of her table. Except she didn't like flowers and it had been completely unnecessary, not to mention far heavier a crime when it was her own son she'd hurt. But of course, she only cared about that in a backwards fashion where she was prouder when the damage she'd done was bigger.

Griffin had to do something since she couldn't watch him like that. He already looked like a sunflower that had withered prematurely and she needed to stop them before they could do more damage. Even if it meant drawing their attention to herself.

"I can cook his favorite-"

"Roast leg of venison," Tharma interrupted her before she could even suggest that she did something her husband would enjoy even if the dinner was supposed to celebrate his success and the order was clear in the tone that allowed no objections. Not that she could have any–as much as she hated to admit it–since they certainly knew their game better than she did. She wouldn't be caught dead going near the stuff if they weren't making her. "Sliced venison tongue salad as an appetizer and venison liver crème caramel for dessert will complete the menu to perfection," Tharma said, looking at her like she expected her to throw up on the spot. Which, frankly, sounded like an appealing option.

"Yes, of course, Mother Tharma," Griffin agreed as she did her best to hold in her disgust–especially when it came to the dessert idea–but she might have started turning green since Tharma looked pleased. Though, that might have been how quickly she'd relented when she knew she didn't have an alternative. She rarely had any other option but to do as they wished. As if they were giving her the occasional treat for being such a well-trained lapdog and if the cooking adventures that awaited her hadn't made her sick already, then that thought was certainly helping.

"Valtor, don't forget there's also a delivery coming in today," Tharma turned to him, a look of warning striking him to remind him it was all very secretive and had to remain that way. Which was why the deliveries were made directly to Valtor's office and personally to him instead of to the house where either the personnel or a random guest could get their hands on the forbidden knowledge of what was in Tharma's box. Well, the deliveries were for all the three witches.

"Don't worry, mother, your products are in good hands," Valtor allowed himself the indiscretion which to Griffin was amusing but Tharma didn't seem to appreciate the threat of having the insides of her words exposed even if it was too late for that. Valtor had already told Griffin it was their ozone cosmetics that were proving to be the fountain of their youth. That and the countless souls they chewed on slowly year after year and consumed the energy of everyone around them to sustain themselves. The perfect crime indeed. "Have I ever forgotten before?" Valtor asked and she had to catch his hand to let him know she was proud of his continuing bravery after they chewed into him every time he displayed it. She couldn't care less that they'd notice. Let them see.

"Of course not, Valtor," Tharma seemed to agree which meant that there was more. "You'd never fail to listen when I remind you." There it was. And of course, she'd steal everything he deserved the credit for. They weren't just energy vampires. They sucked out entire lives and they'd been doing that to Valtor under the guise of raising him ever since he'd been born.

"Go now," Belladonna urged, her gaze cutting into the space between the two of them to indicate that she was in a rush to separate them. Heaven forbid they actually got to enjoy any of their time together when they weren't locked in their own bedroom.

"Yes, mother," Valtor didn't try to protest since it would only get them both snowed in under an avalanche of critiques and he wanted to save them from that. "Have a nice day," he barely spared at his mothers before turning to her. "Goodbye, Griffin," he said as he made sure to catch her gaze and let her know how much he loved her since saying it out loud would only draw the dirt of their disapproval to it. "Make the best of the day," he said since he knew very well that she much preferred to be at work instead of stuck at home with his mothers all day–he'd been through that hell and knew it even better than she did–and kissed her cheek, his lips letting so much tenderness soak into her skin even though the contact was brief.

"Have a nice day yourself," Griffin wished as she squeezed his hand. She knew how much he overworked himself when she was the one massaging all the stress out of his stiff muscles every evening while his mothers were resting all their burden on his shoulders.

"Well, now it will be," Valtor squeezed back to let her know he'd gotten the message. "Even if it doesn't want to," he said before letting go.

Griffin smiled at the optimism that needed just a ray of encouragement to come out from under the years of trauma and bad experiences his so called family had buried it under and completely on purpose at that. But they hadn't managed to smother it in all the cold they'd given him instead of oxygen. It was still there and she was ready to shine on it with all of her love to see it grow and reach for the cosmos since it was strong enough to do that. Especially with her faith in him to support it.

"You should start on dinner, Griffin," Belladonna said, her cold breath making the surface of Griffin's eyes freeze over to keep the sight of Valtor's retreating back out of them and it sent chills down her spine.

"Of course, Mother Belladonna," Griffin agreed and quickly slipped out of her chair and towards the kitchen. She didn't have to object when she was perfectly content with finally being out of their sight as their eyes were like molten lava just waiting to erupt and swallow her to bury her in a cage of obsidian. Even the nightmare waiting for her in the kitchen was a better option than that.

Once in the kitchen–that was suspiciously empty even though there was always personnel in there but, of course, they wouldn't let her have any help when they'd set out to torture her–Griffin made it her first order of business to pull a deer leg out of one of the freezers. They should have probably been kept in a different space altogether considering there were a lot of them–and all were full of hunting game–but her mothers-in-law liked to keep their trophies nearby. And in this particular instance it made her job easier since she only had to get the meat to the table where she could leave it to thaw while she looked for recipes.

She was no expert on cooking meat and the one time she'd cooked deer meat, all three old hags had complained it was overcooked and stiff. She could ask them on how she was supposed to cook what they wanted but after the humiliating experience of having them lecturing her about it the previous time even though they hadn't cooked a thing in their lives and the kitchen was her territory but they'd still trumped her when they knew how well cooked venison was supposed to look and taste, she would sooner die than let them coach her again. Which would still happen if she didn't pull the three-course dinner off so she needed to do her research. Fortunately, that was when the internet came to her rescue.

Of course, they'd give her tasks that would send all of her day to hell. The total time she'd need for all the dishes if she decided to cook them separately was about nine hours which would still leave it ready in time for dinner but would make her unwilling to set foot in the kitchen ever again which would mean that they'd won. So multitasking it was.

That would have been much easier if she was actually acquainted with cooking any of those dishes and also didn't prefer to cut out their tongues and cook them instead of the deer tongues she was left with even though they still made for a better company than her mothers-in-law. Not to mention that the leg she'd gotten was too big for the recipe she'd found and she needed to switch it with a smaller one. At least the kitchen was well stocked so she had the ramekins she needed for the crème caramel. Products and utensils were not the problem, really. No, what was the problem was that it was all set up against her.

The crème caramel was the cherry on top truly since they knew desserts were her pride and specialty and were doing their best to turn that against her. Succeeding, too, unlike her who wasn't even given the chance to come out of that fight victorious since, apparently, the liver for the crème should have been soaked in milk from the previous evening. They were setting her up for failure and she was starting to lose it long before she'd made it to any of the actual cooking.

She considered calling her mom but that would definitely fall under procrastinating. Especially when she went on a long rant about how unfair all of it was even though she'd known it would be like that when she'd said "I do" to Valtor. Besides, there was enough time to call her after she was done with that cooking disaster to proceed to the shopping disaster that was showing on the horizon like an antipode to the sunrise she loved dearly.

She had to call the twins to tell them not to come and, hopefully, convince them to stay on the phone with her and keep her company while she cooked even if distractions could prove to be counterproductive. It was the only way for her to handle what was supposed to be one of her favorite activities and she could only count on their love for her to override the fact that she was going to wake them up at least an hour earlier before they would get up now that it was summer vacation. But she needed them to keep her sane like they'd done when her father had died.

Griffin shook her head to make the horrifying memories drop out of it and shatter against the floor as she called Zarathustra. It was the lesser evil since she was probably awake but still doing her best to catch a wink of sleep anyway and could spare Ediltrude the early awakening and Griffin her sister's wrath for the aforementioned crime.

She held her breath as the phone rang and it was yet another reminder that her dear mothers-in-law were killing her but she pushed the thought down to suffocate instead of her. The universe seemed merciful at least in that regard as Zarathustra picked up and even though the call ended up waking Ediltrude, they both agreed to stay on the phone with her and talk since their meeting was so rudely canceled.

"They really denied us access to the sacred ground?" Zarathustra asked, her disbelief far too real considering she knew how the three witches operated but that just made Griffin love her more and be that much more grateful that her friends were so genuine and never made her wonder whether they truly liked her or were just faking it. She could count on them to take up any problem with her they had to her and it was the most comforting thought at the moment. "That is so disgustingly privileged." Zarathustra scoffed and Griffin could practically hear the disdain forming curses in her head over the speaker phone.

"Believe me, I know," Griffin huffed. "This is my home, too, and I should be able to invite my closest people here," she said, still somewhat surprised that she could think of the mansion as home when she hated so much about it. But it was Valtor's home, the only home he'd ever known, and he'd told her that her presence made it livelier when there were more plants around and the aroma of oregano tea and cookies was luring towards the kitchen. She wanted to be where he was and be his home, and have him be hers, too. "But no, our friendship will sully their décor, I suppose," Griffin said, nearly grateful for the rage over their treatment of her relationships as it would help her get through the meat. Quite literally since she needed to make holes in the leg for the garlic cloves.

"Griff, they're just trying not to go broke since they'll need to restock their liquor cabinet after me and trust me, that shit is expensive as hell," Ediltrude joked, trying to brighten her mood since she could most certainly feel the energy vibrating and brewing inside her even through the phone.

It was enough to scald a normal person but there was no one who fit the description around since her friends were on the other end of the line–and also disaster personified so they were safe on all accounts–the personnel was gone and her mothers-in-law were ancient demons Valtor's father had somehow managed to summon from hell. Most certainly by mistake or ignorance. Nobody would want to be married to a monster like any one of them as Lysslis' husband had proven as he'd filed for divorce just a week after the wedding.

"They're the ones who are way too much expenses on my life," Griffin said as she impaled the meat with the knife. No point in stalling. She had to get to it if she didn't want to be kitchen bound all day like some modern version of Cinderella. Only it was the evil mother-in-law and her sisters against her. Not that that made the fight any easier for her. Quite the opposite, in fact, and all she had left to do was stab the meat with her outrage like she'd completely lost her mind to it. She probably looked like a psychopath so, again, good thing that no one was around. She was pretty sure her mothers-in-law would leap at the chance to have her drugged on her prescribed meds if she gave them a reason to think she needed a psychiatrist.

"Are you sure you should talk like that while in their kitchen?" Zarathustra asked and made her want to scream since she knew how fierce both of the twins were. If they were scared of the witches, then she had to be, too. And she was, but she really didn't appreciate being reminded of that when she had to share living quarters with them. It left her feeling like fish out of water in her own home. Especially when she knew they were well aware of her hatred of them and returned it but still tolerated her when she was the wife they'd needed to buy their son anyway.

"It's my kitchen, Zara," she did her best to cushion her voice as she snapped. It wasn't her friend's fault. No one was at fault except for Belladonna and her sisters. "After Valtor and I got married, we got ownership of the mansion, remember?" Griffin said, trying to convince herself more than anything else.

The mansion could be hers on paper but it still bowed to them completely and so did she when she was more a part of the interior rather than a human being with her own mind and right to making choices. She wouldn't truly be the Mistress of the Ancestral Manor until they were gone even if Belladonna had officially passed the title down to her and despite herself, she wanted to be. She wanted to be if that meant that they would be free of them. Maybe then she could even have a child when she was free of the terror of what they would do with it. Perhaps even a girl and not the obligatory boy to continue the family lineage and find himself a housewife to take care of the precious mansion passed down from generation to generation and binding every next one in its old-fashioned and offensive traditions. Once they were gone, she could set her own rules. If she'd manage to outlive them and the stress they were burying her under as it was far more than six feet on top of her at this point and it'd barely been half a year since the wedding.

"I hate to break it to you, sister, but you're still under their reign," Ediltrude said as she'd sensed her thoughts and was trying to keep her grounded which was not just useful but necessary considering the fight that awaited her but right now it felt good to be in a fantasy. In a world she'd made up where she could have a daughter with beautiful golden eyes that were just that. Beautiful eyes and not a sign that she bore the makings of a Mistress of the Ancestral Manor, a wife. She would be the heiress and own the place. She would be the one who could bring the change the mansion needed and drag it out of the past to forge her own future, one that wouldn't be owned by a breathless, soulless house and the old witches it had made.

"Yes, that was a clause in the contract," Griffin said to grasp at tangible things and the legalities of their deal were the most palpable thing she could think of when they left her with the presence of her mothers-in-law which would last for heaven knew how long. Though, hell would probably be more in place in that sentence. "We have to take care of them until death finally manages to pry life out of their claws." There were chills running through her that weren't coming from the cold meat in her hands when she wasn't sure if even death was stronger than her enemies. And that was a very disturbing thought considering it had taken her father away when he'd always been the most secure heart in her life. "So for the next 30-40 years." Or so she hoped. She could just pray it wouldn't be more even if she weren't religious. She'd never been, and her encounter with her now mothers-in-law had only solidified that position.

"Aren't they, like, ancient?" Ediltrude asked, the pages of her magazine rustling when she probably used it to demonstrate her confusion in a grand, dramatic gesture. And here Griffin had sworn to be careful not to end up with another drama queen as a friend after Ediltrude and Hagen–and herself, too, but that did not go into the current train of thought–only to find herself married to one.

"Yeah. They can't be under seventy at this point even if their magical cosmetics take off twenty years," Zarathustra joined her sister and Griffin was grateful that they were doing their best to provide some comfort but she knew it wasn't up to them when the three witches were in the picture and the cosmetics weren't the only magic at play there. Good diet–despite their passion for hunting, they were careful with the cholesterol that could prove to be the one gun to end them if they didn't control it which, of course, they did very closely–and eating souls were giving splendid results so far. Well, splendid for them.

"Oh, they are," Griffin said, her knife almost flying out of her hand at her own theatrics. "They are seventy-three. At least Belladonna is and I'm still not quite sure whether they're triplets or not." They never disclosed anything personal but that had come out during the transfer of the mansion to the only result of terrifying her all the more when she'd learned she'd been far off in her guess of the woman's age. "But I'm not really sure they're mortal," Griffin confessed and it was so much scarier to hear the thought out loud even if it had been plaguing her mind since she'd learned their age.

Really, they didn't look older than fifty despite their white hair that Griffin could think of at least two purposes for. One, make them look like apparitions to increase the natural terror they awoke in whoever was standing in front of them and two, clash with their painted faces and nails and their designer clothes to tell you they were of age but still had far more class and beauty than you could ever dream of. And it worked on both accounts leaving you with the need to scream but you had to mute yourself somehow because that would just give them more life power and would hand victory to them.

Ediltrude laughed. "Come on, Griffin. The women may be vicious witches – I mean, reindeer meat? Who even eats that nowadays? And knowing that they caught it themselves... Oh, wow, okay." Griffin heard her moving in the armchair she was sitting in, the leather one that definitely did not fit with the rest of the interior of their living room but they both loved and she knew why when she'd found herself dozing off in it more than once since it was that comfortable. "I am starting to see your point," Ediltrude said in that voice that was slightly slowed down from her normal speed of speaking when her mind was racing. "How the fuck are they still hunting at that age?" she asked when she finally did the math that threw you for a loop when it ended in an infinity symbol that stood for their eternal life.

"I'm telling you," Griffin sighed. "They're not human," she said, any thought of stabbing them with the knife she was holding dying out when she wasn't sure she wanted to murder her own hope that they would be the ones to die some day. She wouldn't be able to handle the result of her experiment and the consequences of it. Even if they didn't do anything to her for the attempt on their lives. They would've already done it with the knowledge that it hadn't been an attempt at all when they weren't mortal.

"Well, Lysslis did have a violent reaction to Ediltrude's cat," Zarathustra said as she tried to prove to her that there was fear in her mothers-in-law, too. And it would have worked if the reason for that hadn't been that the cat had snatched a photo album out of Lysslis' bedroom. The way she'd looked around had suggested she was hiding it from her sisters and Griffin supposed that was because it was full of old pictures.

Lysslis wasn't the sentimental type even if she managed to look the part but she certainly was one to keep dirt on her sisters which made Griffin suspect that the album was old and contained evidence from their youth. Evidence that could support the rumors that the three of them had made their way into the manor with deception by having gold injected in their irises which had left them blind and in need of lenses that replaced their lost sight by sending electrical impulses to the brain with the coded visual information.

She wouldn't have trouble believing it at all. She'd seen their ambition taking lives–literally–and was sure that it went as far as mutilating themselves as well. Everything for the metaphorical crown.

That, of course, did not help convince her that they were people and only did the opposite instead even if it brought them down a little on account of them not having all the characteristics of a Mistress of the Ancestral Manor but that hardly mattered when they'd proved that they were the most fearsome women to ever have that title. And Lysslis was cold-blooded enough to keep proof of their monstrosities against her sisters, though that did hint that she was afraid of them. But on the other hand, who wouldn't be? Even monsters could fear other monsters. Especially when they were the same as them.

"Though, they were looking at the snakes like they were moving belts," Zarathustra said like they'd shared the same inner musings when Griffin knew that hadn't been the case. The twins had insisted that it wasn't possible when she'd told them what claims were going around when it came to her mothers-in-law.

"Hush, my babies are still traumatized," Ediltrude scolded which wasn't unexpected since she'd forbidden the topic after she'd had both snakes wrapped around her like they were trying to suffocate her which hadn't really been their intention and had hidden their heads under her hands. They'd gotten scared when they'd felt the thoughts the three old hags would've loved to make true and that only Griffin and the twins had been standing in the way of. As if Ediltrude would ever let anyone hurt her snakes. She would sooner kill than let anyone lay a hand on them or on her sister and that was one thing Griffin could always guarantee no matter who Ediltrude was facing.

"She's cuddling the snakes, isn't she?" Griffin asked as she already had a mental image that she was sure was absolutely precise. It was the other typical characteristic of that leather armchair as it was the usual place where the snakes liked to lounge. Especially if Ediltrude was there–or Zarathustra or Griffin, really–and they could climb all over her.

"Yep. I have a completely insane sister," Zarathustra said and Griffin could see her shaking her head at the sight of Ediltrude cooing at the snakes and stroking them. It was an odd image but one that Griffin was used to by now and had found herself replicating even if she hadn't liked Ediltrude's very idea of pets when she'd had to room with them from the get-go in their college dorm. They'd grown on her, though, and she'd found herself happy to feel them slithering over her the first time the twins had visited the mansion and Ediltrude had thought it appropriate to bring them with her to cheer Griffin up. It had even worked as the snakes had seemed like absolute angels compared to the three she now lived with when she knew the ones curling into her wouldn't hurt her.

"Oh, shut up, Miss I'll-just-go-and-join-a-cult," Ediltrude threw at her sister and almost made Griffin rub at her temples before she remembered she'd just been touching the deer meat and that was definitely ill-advised. She couldn't help the impulse when a fight between the twins was brewing, though, and them focusing on each other was definitely the first and only sign of that as their squabbles only needed so much to kick into motion.

"We agreed to never bring that up again," Zarathustra screeched angrily and Griffin could imagine the way her whole body was moving forward, ready for a fight. Something both twins were always prepared for which made for an explosive atmosphere. Something she'd gotten her fair share of when they'd been roommates. "It was a mistake, okay? You of all people should know enough about that," Zarathustra kept it up and Ediltrude would bite the bait and start harping on, too, in a second and she would lose them to their argument. She had to do something.

"Come on, you two, break it off!" Griffin cried out and it was more desperate rather than authoritative but that was all she could manage at the present time. "I need you to keep me company through this hell of a day, not send each other to hell," she said when she knew that would get them back to her. They were good friends even if they crossed the line sometimes with their teases that went from mischievous straight to cruel faster than a rally car accelerated.

She was picking up Valtor's car figures of speech which was just another thing they would prod into if they knew so she had to be careful not to give herself away.

"Sorry, Griffin," both twins chimed in at the same time which she was sure left them glaring at each other but they kept to the truce she'd called and she was grateful to have their support when there was not much of anything else keeping her focused and stopping her from melting into a puddle of self-pity under the judgment of her mothers-in-law's golden eyes that she could see in her mind perfectly now that they'd taken the time to so helpfully engrave it there.

Dinner took about all day despite her decision to work on the dishes parallel to each other and she ate lunch in the kitchen like she was their servant but that was not correct. She was more of a slave, really, and she was getting tempted to start looking into ways to get away with poisoning them, the only thing that was stopping her being that that wasn't her. Her parents hadn't raised a murderess and she wouldn't let her alleged new mothers make her something that she wasn't, make her like them.

There were rumors that Belladonna had killed her husband for cheating on her which Griffin knew weren't true as much as she hated admitting it. Belladonna certainly wouldn't have tolerated cheating despite how cold and uninviting she was–which was fair enough since that didn't give anyone a pass for cheating–but that was a problem she would have resolved before it had even become such and far more delicately, for certain. A little bromine in his drinks every day and there was nothing to worry about which might have been just the perfect solution from another point of view as well but that was none of Griffin's business and she really didn't need, nor want to go there.

No, what had most certainly seen the three sisters–she was sure Lysslis and Tharma were in on it and might have even helped–committing murder had been the fact that they'd wanted to raise Valtor a certain way and getting rid of his father had been necessary to make sure he wouldn't interfere with that. Which had probably also been the reason behind Valtor's grandmother "falling" off the balcony in the light of day. If they hadn't posed a threat on Belladonna's plans for Valtor's upbringing they probably would've still been alive–her husband at least–and following her agenda just like everyone else was.

Remembering she was one hundred percent certified living with murderesses was not helping her relax when the exhaustion was flaming in her muscles so she dragged herself over to the library to pick a good book to crash on the couch in there with. It was the one place that she adored in the mansion–other than her and Valtor's bedroom–even if Lysslis was often there herself.

There were so many books gracing the shelves with their elegance and knowledge or countless worlds waiting to be explored and it was the richest room in the mansion. It was a dream come true to have a library that size and Griffin took all the chances she got to enjoy it.

She found a book of poetry that seemed to predate even her mothers-in-law–and that was magical in a whole another way as it was proof that they hadn't been there from the start so maybe they wouldn't make it to the end either–and curled up in its embrace. The words were caressing her tenderly–especially when she imagined them in the context of her and Valtor's love–and managed to unwrap some of the day's tension from around her to let her get more comfortable. Almost to the point where she'd fall asleep but that thought was ran over by the sound of Valtor's car pulling over at the driveway.

She laid the book down on the table carefully, letting herself lose the page as all that mattered was finding her way out of the room as soon as possible, and ran down the stairs to greet him. They usually didn't let her do that when they held her hostage in the living room and watched her like she was the wild game they were hunting that day. They didn't want her going out in the rain–concerned about how any potential illnesses would reflect on her ability to bear children, no doubt–but it rained so often over the mansion that she was starting to hate it when she couldn't do any gardening even if it'd used to be a relaxing sound to read a good book to while sipping tea which, really, made perfect sense as a lot of things weren't at all as enjoyable as they'd used to be.

She got the upper hand that evening as she rushed to the door before they could block her way as they came from the study. It was supposed to be Valtor's nowadays but they had no qualms about coming and going as they pleased and rummaging through the documents. They'd even spoiled the surprise when he'd reserved a quiet villa at the seaside for them since they hadn't been able to spoil the vacation itself. At least not to the point to which they'd wanted to.

Sarah stepped out of her way and rather enthusiastically, too, instead of with fear like she avoided the old witches that still acted like they were her bosses when she was officially working for her and Valtor now. It could also have something to do with the fact that she was getting starry eyed at the sight of her and Valtor together as she seemed genuinely happy about them–though, that could be because they treated her as a human and not just as the help–and even congratulated them on their happiness every time she found the occasion.

Griffin opened the door and was met with a bouquet of white gently greeting her eyes as if Valtor had known she would be the one to meet him this time. It must have been some powerful intuitive cue since that was a rarity and he couldn't have predicted it any other way.

"For the woman of my heart," Valtor said as he grinned at her and handed her the gardenias.

She could feel their sweet scent reaching her even when her fingers hadn't even caressed the blossoms yet. It wafted through the air to encapsulate her in itself and entered her brain to pull forward memories of all the previous times he'd brought her flowers–not just gardenias–that were just as exquisite as the bouquet itself.

Griffin took the flowers from him and stepped away to let him in. "Kept safe and sound," she noted as she felt the plastic container that was undoubtedly full of water under her fingers. It was like a small plastic vase hidden under the bouquet wrap to keep the flowers fresh.

"Vanessa knows what she's doing," Valtor said as he took off his coat and let Sarah put it away.

"She certainly does." Unlike that daughter of hers. "And you do, too," Griffin praised as deserved. He'd learned her tastes–though, Vanessa probably knew just as well and would have had him covered anyway–and knew just how to make her day which she really appreciated after the day she'd had. "Come here, man of my heart," she said as she pulled him towards herself, careful not to damage the flowers after he'd found the time in his busy schedule to get them for her.

Her lips were on his and his body pressed into her finally felt like she'd come home after she'd been kept on edge all day like only his mothers could do to her when they shook her sense of self to the very core and made her doubt everything she was and knew. Everything except Valtor and her love for him. That always came out victorious regardless of what schemes they were running–and they'd done their best to separate them by pushing various ghosts of the past in their way until they'd realized that their futures were entangled together and there was no one who could do anything about it–and she trusted she could draw strength from it any time.

Valtor did, too, as he let himself sink into the kiss and pull her deeper in as well when their tongues were dancing together like they sometimes did in the privacy of their bedroom where it was just the two of them in the universe and the rhythm of the music that wrapped around them to keep the happiness of those moments safe and protected. His hands were on her waist and holding her close to him like he always did. It was the most reassuring thing to know he wanted her with him always. Especially when she wanted the same.

She wanted to be with him, for as long as the stars would shine on them when they climbed on the roof at night to watch them. She knew their love would be endless like the string of words of the countless books in the mansion's library was. The two of them had a long road ahead that nothing could block even when they were bound to returning to the manor no matter how far they'd managed to get during their latest car ride but it still felt like home when she was with him.

"Somehow that didn't sound too sincere," Valtor murmured when they parted even if the words weren't supported by the ecstatic beating of his heart under her palm. "I might need more convincing," he cupped her cheek, the softness of the touch begging to have more added to it and she couldn't refuse even if she'd wanted to. And she could never get mad at him just because he was looking for excuses to draw her into another kiss even if he didn't need them when she would give him all the love and all the tenderness he wanted. It was something she wanted to do with her life and nothing could make her doubt that no matter how many slippery slopes she had to climb to get to him.

Griffin leaned in again but she'd barely felt his lips against hers when Belladonna's voice made for a crack between them and shoved an entire replica of Antarctica in it forcing her to pull as far away from the cold as possible which left space between her and Valtor as well.

"If you're going to have sex tonight, at least do keep it down," she said, her voice even like it was gliding on a solid foundation of ice and not their private and intimate experiences but that couldn't phase Griffin anymore. "You make more noise than a gathering at the patio," Belladonna added her finishing touch of humiliation, the burning gold of her eyes scorching at Griffin's skin when she looked at her to let her know that one was directed exclusively towards her.

"I guess it's time to use that ball gag you bought for me," Griffin said as she turned her head towards Valtor but let her gaze seep towards her mother-in-law out of the corner of her eye. Hopefully, she'd drown in the lack of shame in it.

It had felt like she'd been engulfed in flames the first time she'd gotten reprimanded about her loudness by her witches-in-law which had coincidentally been about the wedding night since she and Valtor hadn't even gotten a proper honeymoon on pretext that it wasn't the season for holidays–as if there weren't a ton of places where it'd been sizzling hot at the time–and the manor needed to get acquainted with its new Mistress which wouldn't have been a problem if they'd let her move in before the wedding but they'd insisted that that wasn't possible since she wasn't an official part of the family yet. She'd felt like a criminal caught red-handed and it had left such a profound acrid taste in her mouth that she hadn't been able to eat until they'd forced her to because she needed to stay healthy.

She'd been throwing up most of the first week of her married life and had thrashed in bed in the midst of her nightmares–not just because of the severe meddling in their private affairs, but also because of the control they were trying to exercise over every aspect of her life while giving the illusion they were passing everything in her hands only to overwhelm her more with the care for the household and make her beg for their help–instead of sleeping serenely in Valtor's embrace. They'd both ended up sleep deprived and exhausted in the middle of the work week and she'd sworn she'd never let them get to her head like that again. She'd play their game if that was what they wanted and she was going to win it.

"It would seem so," Valtor said, his arm snaking around her waist to keep her close when that gave him not just courage, but safety. Quite literally since he'd admitted to her that they hadn't allowed themselves to be as cruel to him after they'd learned she was a part of the picture as they'd been before that. Probably because they didn't want her to know about the monstrosities they'd committed against him before that and she hated to think of his suffering so she didn't when she knew he didn't want to talk about it either. She would gladly listen if he wanted to talk, though. So far he hadn't but she was there for him if and when he decided to share. "If we can't soundproof the bedroom," Valtor noted and it was a clear accusation or at least retaliation despite how casually it was thrown out there. They'd raised him in their image, after all, and deserved their own venom spat in their faces so that it would leave his system and free him of itself when it could never be useful for anything except paralyzing him in its drops like an insect caught in amber.

"The mansion needs to remain authentic, Valtor," Lysslis said, her words far closer to a hiss than she normally allowed them to get. But it was no wonder considering how touchy a subject change was when applied to the manor.

Lysslis–and her sisters, too–were hellbent on keeping the house as it was which she was sure had nothing to do with the fact that all of the previous owners had only done the necessary construction work to preserve the visage of the building and had avoided altering it in any way. They were just using the pretext of that to keep the manor the soulless home that it was and keep all of its inhabitants trapped in that paradox. It was just their hunger for control and power masked as care which was their trademark but that didn't make it any less grotesque.

"And it would be much easier to put up with the noise if it were an occasional occurrence but you two insist on fucking like rabbits," Tharma said, not missing a chance to stab at their active sex life to kill it.

She seemed to have difficulty getting over that time she'd walked in on them having sex in Valtor's office but it was her own damn fault for not knocking and barging in like she owned the place when she never had, all the decisions she'd ever made for the company falling over it through the channel of Belladonna's temporary reign while Valtor still hadn't been of age. She'd been absolutely scandalized and Griffin suspected that it had something to do with the fact that Valtor would forfeit work to have carnal fun which just added to Tharma's incomprehension, she was sure, since the woman was the only one of the three sisters who had never been married, and she'd been furious that they'd put her in a position in which she didn't have the upper hand when she was so hopelessly lost.

"We've raised you to be a lion, Valtor," Belladonna said and Griffin was surprised by the precision of the comparison when Valtor was the alleged king of the world but it was the lionesses that had made him who knew how to hunt and set the rules of the game. He was nothing but an oversized kitten on a leash in his mother's lap. "The least you can do is make sure the company and the family name get their next heir if you insist on imitating street cats," Belladonna didn't let the opportunity to express her own disdain with their priorities slip through her fingers that could be nothing short of ice cold when that was what her heart was.

"Thank you, Sarah," Griffin took the time to show her gratefulness for having her flowers removed from the scene–especially when she saw how quick Sarah was to make her escape and it was completely understandable that she didn't want to get caught in the upcoming storm–because she was sure they wouldn't handle the intensity of the argument that was about to plow into them. And even if they could, she didn't want to stain them with the ugliness of her reality when they were meant to brighten the bedroom with their beauty and weave a fantasy of another life around her with their sweet scent. "Contraceptives do tend to prevent pregnancy," she said as she turned her gaze on Belladonna now that the bouquet wasn't threatened with withering away under her fierce attacks towards every part of Griffin's life when she tried to bend it to her will.

"Perhaps you should rethink taking them," Belladonna said and the wording was all wrong when it wasn't a suggestion. It was an order at best and a threat at worst and Griffin had learned enough by now to know that it didn't matter which option it was as she had to be scared of both and of the way one would inevitably turn into the other if she let it.

"Perhaps you should rethink whatever horrid idea just started forming in your head." She could practically hear the thoughts in Belladonna's mind moving slowly but surely like an iceberg waiting to sink her tiny boat when it broke it in pieces upon collision. "If you switch out my pills and get me pregnant without my consent, I swear to you you won't see even the outside of this house ever again and I won't give a single fuck about the goddamn contract," Griffin spat out, clutching tightly at Valtor as all she had left to do was pray that she'd made herself clear enough, pray that she'd scared the monsters because she didn't know of another weak place of theirs that she could hit and it would be the end of her if she'd failed.

"Well, if that child has your character, it will at least be worth the wait," Belladonna said, letting her know she'd won the fight and she could breathe freely. For now. Hopefully, even until she herself decided to go through giving birth. "Not so much if it's like Valtor who never dared stand up to us."

She looked at him as if her words weren't piercing deep enough and she needed to hammer them in his heart through his eyes so that she could break them, too, and make him unable to see anything beautiful in the world ever again. She was just being a fucking bitch now since she knew damn well they'd abused him into obedience every time he'd tried to exhibit something else and Griffin would gladly remind her that but Valtor's grip tightening on her waist stopped her.

"Argulus and I did strike the deal, mother," Valtor said, his voice firm as if his eyes weren't trying to bleed tears when Belladonna's words had cut deep into his soul. He still cared about her approval which was masochistic and practically suicidal when he would never get anything but freezing water on his enthusiasm about any activity of his that just made it sizzle out and the steam carried away a part of his soul with it. It was painful to watch the best proof that Belladonna did not love him, did not know what love was at all, since she could see what she was doing to him and there was no reaction from her.

Not a normal one at least since she observed him like he was an experiment and she was waiting to see how long he'd need to crack under the crushing lack of praise from her.

Now that she was married to him, Griffin was a guinea pig, too, serving as a test subject to see how much you could break someone by torturing the love of their life, the only thing holding her in place was Valtor's arm around her when she knew she was his support just like he was hers. She could help with his burden and he could help with hers when they chose to carry them together and didn't do it because they were forced to.

"Excellent," Tharma said, the word like a whiplash echoing around them when it was so out of place. "Then all of your wife's work won't have to go to the garbage," she said, making Griffin nauseous even though she was used to the irresponsible waste of resources that the manor was a home to.

She had absolutely no doubt that they would've thrown out the dinner they had her cooking all day in the case of failure to punish both Valtor and her and then would've nagged at them about the meat they'd had to sacrifice when hunt was becoming harder throughout the years. Yet, they always came back proud of the murders that never dwindled in number just like they only used their old age when it was in their interest.

"He and his wife will be coming to dinner tomorrow evening," Valtor ignored the remark when it couldn't possibly ruin his mood more than it had already been but his words made Griffin's head snap towards him.

"Valtor, Faragonda and Hagen are coming tomorrow," she reminded gently as she didn't mean to scold him even if she felt near tears herself. There was no way she'd be allowed to have her "unrefined" friends over when there was a semi-business dinner going on and so instead of having people she loved over she would have to stand the company of another rich-and-proud-of-it couple in her home which she was used to by now as there was someone over for dinner at least twice a week but in this particular instance she was even less thrilled about the company.

"I'm sorry, Griffin," Valtor said as he looked at her, the ice of his eyes begging for her forgiveness which she would've granted far easier if she weren't struck in place by the lightning bolt that the realization that her gardenias were an apology and not a romantic gesture was. "You know Argulus insists on sealing the deal with a dinner and they'll be out of town for the next two weeks."

Of course, they would be. Bloom was probably flying to cloud nine at the idea of another expensive vacation. Or rather was carried there by Argulus who was a slave to her every whim which was the least he could do after taking her away from her family and changing her until she wasn't herself anymore. Though, it was arguable how much you could be changed without your own agreement and that had left Vanessa and Mike blaming themselves for not giving her a better life, for not giving her the life that Marion and Oritel would have sponsored had they been alive to raise their own daughter.

Griffin was sure they were turning in their graves thanks to the spoiled brat Bloom had become after she'd met Argulus who'd revealed her origins to her and had made her pursue the family fortune until she'd finally taken her claim over it just a month after the two had gotten married which was a bit of a coincidence too suspicious to be one to everyone with half a brain but, unfortunately, one half of Bloom's had been full of her newly found funds and the other one of her husband so that hadn't registered. And while that was a good enough excuse in that particular instance, it did nothing to justify the fact she'd stopped visiting Daphne at the hospital and had left Mike and Vanessa help her fight through the coma she'd been sent in by a reckless motorcyclist that had hit her on her way out of Argulus' office after a fight with him about her sister.

Griffin couldn't believe that was the same girl she'd held in her arms when she'd still been a teenager herself but Marion had trusted her enough to let her hold her baby. The future had seemed so bright before the coordinated attack meant to take out the entire family that had left the two girls orphans instead but at least they'd found their way to a loving home only for Bloom to turn away from that because of that vulture that her husband was.

The only thing that had Griffin keeping her mouth shut was that she'd only met Valtor through his connection to Argulus and her connection to Bloom. That and the fact that she didn't want to upset Mike and Vanessa who would inevitably hear Bloom's complaints were Griffin to say anything which left her begrudgingly accepting that she had to go through that dinner the next evening. Really, the only worst thing would have been having to stand Diaspro and all of her greatness now that she was doing whatever she wanted with all of Erendor and Samara's fortune after Bloom left Sky and he was led right back into the trap of Diaspro's arms around his neck.

"This can't wait," Valtor said, his voice quiet but it was the apologetic tone that pricked her all over like it was trying to see where she'd bleed from first. He was terrified of her reaction when the memories of his mothers' outbursts were playing in his mind and she hated the fact that she'd given him a reason to make the connection when she herself had quite the temper and enough pettiness to go for revenge instead of resolving the conflict.

"You'll just have to cancel your appointment, honey," Lysslis said, staining yet another pet name with her venom. She knew damn well Griffin would never be able to stand Valtor calling her any of the ones she'd used. And she'd used them all. She'd made sure there wasn't something special that only he would call her and he'd have to resort to her name which everyone else used as well. Lysslis thought she could diminish their bond like that but her name would always sound differently coming from Valtor's mouth when all of his love for her was woven in it. None of his mothers could ever sully that.

"We'll have to plan the menu so the help can get to it right away tomorrow morning," Tharma said to remind her that her cooking was good enough for her common-folk friends and even the three Mistresses of the Ancestral Manor were resigning to it to fulfill her wishes but her meals weren't refined enough for their high society guests. And after she'd spent all day cooking their requested dinner. It was crossing the line which would mean something if there were any lines for the three of them.

"Let me play you something, Griffin," Valtor caught her hand and held all of her anger as if it was his doing and his responsibility. His eyes were begging her forgiveness and she couldn't take that away from him when they'd already taken everything from both of them. It wasn't his fault her plans were abolished yet again. She'd known that business always came first even when he didn't want it to and he just wanted to make things right for her which she appreciated but didn't want to burden the notes with his guilt which would undoubtedly warp the melody.

"I would love to hear anything you have for me," Griffin made sure to emphasize the last word and was happy to see it reached his heart and he read into it, his shoulders falling out of the stiff embrace of the stress that had been wrapped around them to leave him able to play the piano with all of his skill and that was an ocean she could float in forever.

They headed towards the living room, still entangled as they were when they pushed past his mothers who, surprisingly, did not try to object but followed them there. Of course, they wouldn't let them have a private moment anywhere outside their own bedroom even when they had to plan the dinner the following evening.

Belladonna looked at her as she was settling down next to her sisters to tell her what she'd heard many times echoing in her head after the woman's gaze shouted it inside her brain. You chose to be the next wife of the Ancestral Manor.

But she hadn't. She'd only ever wanted to be Valtor's hence why she was next to him on the bench in front of the piano even if she had no business there since business had nothing to do with their relationship much to her mothers-in-law's chagrin. And if letting the manor and the three witches that controlled it claim as much of her time as they could get their claws into was the only way to spend the rest of her life with him, then she was ready to pay the price. Because she didn't even want to try to imagine a life without him. She could do it, she knew. But it wouldn't be real. It wouldn't be a life. Just existence.

She laid her head down on Valtor's shoulder knowing that he wouldn't mind. And nobody was asking his mothers, the sounds of the piano shutting them up when even they didn't allow themselves to interrupt art when it was engraved all over the manor and was practically a part of it. And their love was the purest form of art as they kept weaving it together despite all the sharpness in its way as the melody proved when it filled the emptiness of the mansion around them and drowned out any scorn coming from his mothers to let them grow together despite all attempts of his mothers to turn them into something they weren't. They were in love and that was their home.

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

A Twist Of Fate ch.24 -The Domino Effect

The Elementalist AU

Beckett x MC (Oriana)

Words: 1838

Warnings: Pregnancy loss, False Positives, Abortion, Adoption, Emotional Abuse, mention of rape and suicide. It's a tough chapter, proceed with caution

Series master list

Complete Master List

This AU is set after everyone graduates Penderghast, and Beckett and Oriana were never friends. Fate, however, may have a different plan for them.

   Arriving home, Beckett and Oriana quickly changed into comfortable clothing, Beckett in just sweat pants, and Ori eagerly grabbed the shirt he had been wearing and threw it on herself, along with a pair of shorts.

“I want to be wrapped in you.” She’d told him, to which he just chuckled, but really his heart was soaring. Still, he was nervous about what she was going to say.

  After pouring some wine and settling on the couch, he kissed the top of her head. “So. Tell me everything.”

“Okay.” She said in a small voice.

He tilted her face to look at him. “Hey. You don’t have to be afraid to tell me.”

She nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, before beginning.

“Towards the end of sophomore year, despite using condoms and being on birth control…I was late. Weeks late. I was freaking out, thinking I was pregnant with Chase’s child. I saw my whole life flash before me. I’d have to drop out of school. I’d never leave him, we’d constantly argue, he’d be emotionally abusive not only to myself, but to our child. I took a test that came back positive. I cried for days before I told him.”

“What happened?” Beckett asked softly.

“I would cry so hard I would throw up. I thought it was morning sickness but turns out I was just too worked up for my body to handle. When I thought I was pregnant, I didn’t even go to the doctor, I just assumed one test was correct. And Chase…well, he immediately said he wanted a paternity test. And that until I proved that it was his, he wanted nothing to do with it. Then he started saying that if it was his, we’d have to either get rid of it, give it up, or he’d expect me to drop out, stay at home, do all the cooking, cleaning, never go out, never see my friends, never get a job. He’d make sure my life was over, since I’d been so careless to get knocked up.”

“Ori…” Beckett didn’t even know what to say, so he just tightened his grip on her. He was angry. How could anyone think that having a child with this woman would be a bad thing? He felt and heard her sniffling.

“It was a false positive. When I finally called the doctor and they ordered a blood test…it came back negative. I wasn’t pregnant.”

“I’m guessing Chase was relieved.” Beckett muttered.

“Try both of us were relieved. I didn’t even tell him in person, I only called him. He said ‘Thank God, baby, you’d be a terrible mother. Now we don’t have to talk about getting rid of it’.”

Beckett’s mouth fell open. What. A fucking. Asshole.

“Then apparently that night he threw a party, and that was the first time someone actually told me he cheated on me, although I doubt that was the first time. Just the first time someone approached me about it.”

“Ori…” Beckett started, unsure exactly how to phrase the next question. “Why did you not break up with him then?”

“Oh, I did. I told you, we broke up multiple times. This was one of them. And before you ask why we got back together, it’s because once again he came begging me to take him back, that he was sorry, he never meant to hurt me, took back every negative thing he’d said. He swore he never cheated, that the person made it up because she was jealous of our relationship. Eventually he wore me down. Again.”

Beckett was silent. He didn’t even know what to say. He was furious with Chase. Furious with how many years Oriana was under his mind control. He hated himself for not intervening years ago.

“I’m really sorry, Beck.” She whispered

What? What on earth is she sorry about?

Beckett moved, turning so they were facing each other, cupping her face in his hands and wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

“Oriana listen to me. You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about. And I mean nothing.  He lied to you. Constantly. You’d be a wonderful mother. I know you would. You’re great with kids. You’re great with everyone. You have so much love inside of you. You have to know that he abused that love.”

“But what if he’s right? What if I have a kid someday, and I get angry…I could physically hurt them, Beckett.”

“Everyone has the capability to physically hurt someone, Oriana. But the majority of people don’t. You definitely would not. I know that with every fiber of my being.”

How could I not say something to her sooner? I recognized the signs. I saw all of them. Why didn’t I just speak up? I could have saved her from a whole world of pain.

“Stop blaming yourself. Beck, there’s nothing you could have done. This is all on me. I knew it was wrong. I knew everything was wrong about my relationship with Chase. I kept going back to him. That’s on me.”

“No.” Beckett said firmly. “It’s on Chase. He could have stopped all of it. He could have stayed broken up with you. He could have changed his ways. He didn’t have to say those things. He didn’t have to cheat. He didn’t have to lie. None of it is your fault, Oriana. None. Please tell me you believe me.”

She just shrugged and avoided his gaze. “Anyways. That’s why I clam up when someone asks me if I want kids. When someone tells me I’m a good person, or that I’m perfect for you, because the truth is…I’m not any of that. I see your friends and how genuine they all are with each other…how genuine they are with you, and I can’t help but think I don’t deserve any of that. I really love them, and I’m completely and totally in love with you, but…a part of me just doesn’t believe I deserve that kind of happiness. A part of me is still waiting for disaster to strike. Because it always does.”

Beckett wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly. “It won’t strike with me. I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’m so sorry I didn’t help you out of your situation. But it’s done. It’s over. I will never let him hurt you again, I swear it.”

Oriana melted into him. “I know you mean well, and I know you truly believe that…but you can’t control the people around you. That’s what Chase did. And it turned him into a monster.”

Beckett swallowed hard before voicing his next thought. “Um…you said this was end of sophomore year?”

“Yes.”

“How long were you broken up?”

“Just the summer. When I started junior year, we got together again, a few days before classes started.”

Beckett closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, remembering her words. “And junior year was hard. Your friend Griffin graduated, Shreya and Zeph were distancing themselves because of Chase, you were depressed. You failed your midterms.”

“Yes.” She whispered.

“It’s all related, isn’t it? The pregnancy scare, failing in school, trusting Chase to help you, but instead, he watched as his friend hurt you.”

Oh my god, everything ties together. It all makes sense. There was a domino effect.

He continued, “That’s when you tried to kill yourself. The reason wasn’t the rape alone, was it? It all started when you thought you were pregnant.”

She broke into a sob. “I thought about killing myself so many times before I actually tried. So many times, Beck. The first time it ever crossed my mind was the day I took that pregnancy test and saw the positive sign. It was the first time I ever thought that I would rather die than live.”

Beckett continued to hold her, rubbing circles on her back soothingly, just letting her cry. Letting her feel the emotions she’s kept bottled up for so long, not trusting anyone with her secrets…only him.

When she began quieting down and her breathing slowly returning to normal, he spoke again. “In case I haven’t said it enough…I’m really glad you’re here.”

She gave a watery chuckle before lifting her head and gazing into his eyes. “Me too. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Beck. I mean that. You really…showed me what it’s like to truly live.”

“I feel the same about you.” He murmured, capturing her lips lightly. “Ori…I promise you I will never betray your trust like that. Your trust is everything to me. You are everything to me.”

“Such a sap.”

“I prefer the term genuine.”

This time she let out a real laugh before turning serious again. “To answer your original question…I’m terrified of having kids. But I’m not against it. Not if they’re yours.”

Beckett knew he must be grinning like an idiot since she laughed again, and he kissed her happily before resting a hand on her stomach. “I’ll just say this. The day you tell me you’re pregnant will be the single best day of my life. Knowing our love grew something…you’re going to be an amazing mother. It’s really going to be something incredible to witness.”

Oriana smiled softly, placing her hand on top of his. “Then maybe someday we can talk about this again. If and when we really want to start trying. But not now. Not yet.”

“Not yet.” He agreed, as she leaned into him.

“I’m really tired, Beckett. I’ve been feeling a bit worn out lately. And this wasn’t an easy conversation for me. It dredged up…a lot of shit I’d rather not think of.”

“It wasn’t easy for me either.” He said quietly. “Thank you for sharing everything with me. I know it was hard.”

He leaned back as she rested her head on his lap, and in no time, she was fast asleep. Beckett stroked her auburn hair gently as to not disturb her, his mind still going through everything she’d just confided in him. He had a feeling that he finally knew her story, knew everything that led to her suicide attempt. Listening to the sound of her breathing, he allowed his own tears to fall freely.

If only I’d approached her in school. Perhaps I could have prevented all the terrible things she went through.

He knew he shouldn’t blame himself. He knew she didn’t want him to blame himself. But he couldn’t stop. He could have saved her from years of hurt. But he was too stubborn. He’d let his pride get in the way of what he really wanted. Looking down at her sleeping form, he whispered,

“I promise, Oriana. I’ll never let anything bad happen to you again. I will always be there for you. I swear on my own life. I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe and give you everything good in this world.”

He watched her ring glitter in the dim lighting. “I promise to be the man you deserve.”

@annekebbphotography @gardeningourmet @zigortega4life @eileendannie @thequeenofcronuts @drakewalkerfantasy @friedherringclodthing @coffeebeandragon @drakewalker04 @jlpplays1 @desiree-0816

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[aweebwrites]

The Monastery Massacre Pt.4

Considering that the Monastery wasn't very big to begin with, they found what they believed was the younger brother's room relatively quickly. There are several scrolls dusty scrolls about, some heavily damaged by being exposed to the elements.

“Well, start reading.” Skylor says, picking up the closest one.

The others looked at each other before doing the same.

“These are all old prophecies and fighting styles.” Ash says, tossing his scroll down after a few moments. “None of which are for fighting ghosts.” He added, crossing his arms.

“Nothing here either.” Tox sighed, tossing her scroll down.

“These scrolls don't have anything we can use. There has to be something else.” Neuro says, setting his aside and began to look around for any hidden areas or anything that stood out.

“Woah!” Shade yelped, ducking out of the way of a scroll that went flying out of nowhere.

Neuro frowned as he picked it up from where it landed at his feet. He looked around, trying to spot anyone aside from their shrinking group before he opened it.

“It’s definitely one of them!” Shade says, hiding behind Tox who sighed but didn't comment.

Her last words to Griffin was how much of a coward she thought he was after all.

“What does it say?” Skylor asked, walking over to look in it.

“It's just an old legend. What's more curious is that the word morning is underlined.” He says, pointing it out as she held one side. “Perhaps one of them is trying to tell us something. But who? And why not tell us directly?” He questions with frown, contemplating the word.

“Wait.” Ash says after a moment of thought. “Do you think they're trying to tell us that we just have to last until morning?” He asked, looking to the others.

“What sense does that make?” Neuro questions.

Daylight can't affect them. They're not vampires after all… Or can it?

“Think about it. All of their bodies were found in the morning, right? Which means they were killed at night. Doesn't things like the time they were killed affects their haunts?” Ash questioned.

“... You might be onto something Ash.” Neuro says, considering it.

“But we still don't have a way to fight back. They could attack at any moment and we'll be powerless to stop it.” Tox pointed out.

“You're right.” Neuro sighed, realising that they were back to square one.

“Well, it's 2:59 am.” Skylor says, glancing at her phone that had no signal. “3:00 now-”

Suddenly, both Shade and Tox hit the ground, both of them screaming as they were dragged out of the room.

“Shade! Tox!” Neuro yelled as they ran after them, trying to grab their hands.

“I don't want to die! I don't want to die!” Shade screamed as he clawed at the wooden floors, trying to stop himself but only suffering massive splinters he didn't feel at all due to the fear and adrenaline pumping through him.

“We're done for! Save yourselves!” Tox yelled at them- just before she was suddenly picked up and thrown like a ragdoll outside, her scream cut off suddenly.

“No!” Ash yelled, grabbing and holding onto Shade's hand and pulling back but Shade wasn't budging.

“Don't let me go Ash! You have to help me!” Shade yelled, knuckles white from his tight grip.

“I'm not letting you go Shade!” Ash yelled, pulling as hard as he can.

A figure in white in the doorway to the outside caught his attention and Ash's eyes widened once glowing blue eyes turned to outright glare at him. Ash let go then, making Shade panic even more.

“No! Ash!” Shade screamed as he was dragged outside, the paper door slamming shut behind him.

“No!” Neuro yelled, tugging at the paper door that wouldn't budge.

A look through a hole only revealed heavy snow and nothing else. Skylor collapsed then, sobbing into her hands, the reality of their situation setting in again. What the hell does morning matters? They won't make it that long. They could kill them all in seconds!

“They're gone Neuro.” Ash says and Neuro whirled around to face him before slamming him up against the wall.

“You! I saw you let Shade go! How could you! He was your best friend!” He yelled at him and Ash pushed him off.

“Look, I looked dead into that ghost's eyes and if I didn't let go, it was going to be me instead.” Ash hissed. “Shade will always be my friend but I have to take my chance to get out of this hell hole.” He huffed.

“Now that they have the both of them, the next attack should hopefully postponed. Now I don't know about you but nothing in this monastery will fend off these stu- these ghosts. All but one thing that is. They say a complete circle of salt should keep evil spirits back, right?” Ash says as Neuro breathed heavily. “I know for a fact that Tox likes her vodka salted so she must have some in her bag. It's all we've got but it's worth the try. Are you in or out?” He asked them both before turning away to hear back to the room they were in before.

Neuro glared at him as he went but if they wanted a chance to live, they had to follow him. He looked down at where Skylor was huddled into a ball before walking over to her.

“Come on. We have to go.” He says quietly to her, reaching his hand out and she looked up at him, eyes and face still wet.

She didn't want to move, just to stay here and pretend none of it actually happen but if she did that, her chances of being attacked was much higher. She swallowed then took his hand and let him help her up then followed after Ash.

_____________________

Tox groaned as she came to, her side hurting something fierce. It was really cold too. She blinked her eyes open slowly, seeing nothing but snow. She blinked once more then startled once a man was there, sitting in the snow and was completely unaffected by it. He appeared as if he had rolled around in dirt but the fact that he was in black was what brought everything back to Tox.

'Oh right. I'm about to die.’ She thought, watching him look up at the cloudy sky.

“... W-what's your n-name?” Tox stuttered out from the cold only.

She wasn't afraid. She accepted her faith but she wanted to know his name before he killed her.

'Funny. No-one else bothered to ask before.’ The man spoke, his voice brushing her ear like a distant whisper. 'It's Cole.’

“Cole, huh?” Tox says, testing the name out. “Say Cole. Could you make it quick?” She asked him and he smirked.

The area around her began to crack and she squeezed her eyes shut just before the entire piece she was on collapsed, throwing her over the edge of the cliff. Looking up at the snow drifting down as she fell… She understood why he would want to. It was beautiful.

“Ugh!” She gasped before blood pooled into her mouth.

Her stomach… She reached a hand up to feel what happened- and felt a jagged rock, wet with her blood instead. She… Her hand went limp as her skewered body did, blood draining from her mouth.

_______________

Shade shivered as he walked, arms wrapped tight around himself. The snow was coming down in sheets and he was getting nowhere the more he walked. He couldn't see more than an inch past his nose with the heavy snow. He hadn't dressed anticipating snow. Some degree of cold, yes but not snow.

He took a step further before his legs gave way, leaving him to collapse to his hands and knees. Where was he going again? Why couldn't his legs move. He spotted someone standing just before him then. Were they always there?

“Excuse me…” He spoke but his words were so slurred together that it was impossible to make out what he was saying.

He was so tired. The snow looks so nice and cozy. How long has he been walking?

'You're tired. You should take a nap, don't you think?' The figure in white says, crouching before him.

“Nap?” He slurred and boy does that sounds like a good idea, despite something nagging at him, telling him he had to stay away. “Five minutes won't hurt…” He mumbled, laying down.

'That's it. Now close your eyes. They must feel so heavy, don't they?’ The person says, their voice sounding like it's been dipped in honey.

They did. Just a short nap and he'll continue doing whatever he was doing. His eyes fell closed and Zane watched as he stepped, his breaths coming out as fog until the little puffs stopped completely.

'A nap never hurts anyone.’ Zane says mockingly before getting up and walking over to Cole.

'She actually asked for my name.’ Cole huffed, still sitting at the edge of the ledge.

'Isn't that thoughtful of her.’ Jay says condescendingly as he, Nya and Kai appeared.

‘Three left.’ Nya says, looking back to the monastery.

'Don't worry. Their time is now.’ A new voice says and the five apprentices bowed in respect as they laughed.

_______________

(Back at it again with killing innocent characters! Cole literally up and yeeted Tox out of there! Lol. So! I think I made it pretty obvious who the new person is but news! I should be able to wrap this up with two more updates so this series will be over soon! Knowing me, I'll think of something to fill the void. Until next time lovelies!)

[chasholidays]

Hey so I'm a stressed little science major and I was wondering if you could do an angsty minty with a modern or college twist. Pre-relationship? I love angst and minty so anything would be good! Thanks!

Monty’s junior year of college is shitty before it even begins.

Sophomore spring sets the tone with three major events: Jasper’s study abroad application, Monty’s parents’ separation, and Harper and Monty’s breakup, in that order.

On its own, the study abroad thing wouldn’t be so bad. Monty had been a little anxious about it, mostly because he and Jasper have been going to the same school since they started going to school. He hasn’t always been in Jasper’s class, but Jasper has always been there at lunch and recess, during study halls, in the library and in his dorm and in his life.

In some ways, the prospect of Jasper being gone was exciting, and in other ways it felt necessary. They weren’t going to be together forever, which meant they had to be apart at some point. Junior year is as good a time as any.

He hears about the separation next, from his mother, during one of their weekly phone calls in March. “I know this is going to come as a shock to you, but your father and I have decided to separate.”

“Separate?” Monty echoes, his voice hollow. It had occurred to him, at various points in his youth, that his parents might not stay together, but some part of him had assumed that they were out of the woods now. That if his parents hadn’t broken up by the time he was a certain age, they just never would. You always heard about children of divorce, not college students of divorce.

“We talked about it a lot,” says Hannah. She sounds so tired. “And I think this is the only way.”

“Okay,” he says, because what else is there to say? This isn’t his decision. He’s not the tiebreaker vote. They already agreed.

“It’s for the best. For us, at least. And I hope now that you aren’t home so much, it won’t be–as difficult for you. We’re doing our best with this.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Do you want to talk to your father?”

Somehow, he’d expected them to already be apart, not that his father would be there. But they do still love him, and they’ve still been married for twenty-plus years. They still know how to work together, so maybe it’s good that they’re breaking up before they lose that.

“Sure,” he says, and lets them talk until they feel better.

He doesn’t tell anyone but Jasper about the divorce because he doesn’t quite know how to feel about it. It’s not a big deal, in some ways, and it’s not even officially a divorce yet. They’re separating, and he’s not even home to witness it. It doesn’t affect his life that much.

He really does believe that. Like if he’s not there, it doesn’t matter what happens to his family.

He and Harper have been dating since freshman year, which means he maybe should have told her what happened, but every time he tried, the words didn’t come out. It felt like he was making a big deal over it and not making a big enough deal all at once, so it averaged out to just saying nothing.

He doesn’t think that’s why Harper breaks up with him–she’s got an internship over the summer and is studying abroad over the fall, plenty to keep her busy–but he can’t help wondering if it was a factor. If, despite his best efforts to remain unaffected by the whole thing, it did hurt him after all.

But still. It wasn’t as if he thought they’d be together forever or anything. So maybe it doesn’t matter much exactly when the breakup happens.

“Should have told her about your parents,” Jasper advises. “Then she wouldn’t have dumped you.”

“She didn’t dump me, we talked about it and agreed that breaking up was the right call. And I don’t want my girlfriend to stay with me just because my parents broke up.”

“I guess not,” Jasper grants. He slings his arm around Monty’s shoulders, gives him a squeeze. “You going to be okay?”

“Yeah, of course.”

And he thinks he is. He goes home for the summer and stays with his dad, who kept the old house, for June and July, and then in August his mom gets a new job and moves to Indiana, and he goes with her to help her get set up and get a feel for the new place. It’s nice, but it’s not his, in the same way the old house doesn’t feel like his anymore either. Part of growing up is realizing your parents are people too, but it’s hard to see them being people like this. He’s never wanted their lives to stay the same without him, but at the same time, he can’t help but feel like he’s being left behind.

He feels like a total asshole over the whole thing, selfish and immature, so he doesn’t mention it to anyone, not even Jasper. Instead, he goes back to school and keeps his head down, goes to classes and eats and studies, keeps himself busy enough that he doesn’t even realize until November how bad it’s gotten.

“You’re going to be here for Thanksgiving?” is the question that tips him off, coming from Bellamy Blake, his floor coordinator. It’s a position sort of like an RA, but with lower pay and fewer responsibilities, from what Monty can tell. His job is to be the person who lets the college know if anything is wrong in their dorm and communicates with the dean’s office, as well as serving as a general contact for anyone with a problem. He also collects dues from anyone who wants to pay them and uses them to set up activities, which Monty goes to largely because it’s something to fill the time.

Said position is probably why he knows Monty will be in the dorm; he must have gotten a list.

“Yeah.”

“Any plans?”

“Not really. I’ve got a really heavy course load and traveling is a pain, so I figured I’d just skip it this year.”

Bellamy nods. “Well, if you want something to do Thanksgiving day, Clarke’s local and her parents loaded, so they’re happy to take strays. Her dad is a great cook.”

“I’m fine.”

“Dude, you know there’s a law against college students turning down free food, right? I promise it’ll be good, we’ve got a few other students coming and the Griffins get awkwardly liberal when they’re drunk, not awkwardly conservative.”

Monty smiles a little. “I appreciate the offer, but it’s really okay."0

"Okay, last one,” says Bellamy. “This is a real offer, you can turn it down, but seriously, there’s no downside, and I’m making pie. Plus, I did Thanksgiving alone in the dorm freshman year and it sucked, so–” He shrugs. “We’ll give you a ride and you’re not doing anything else.”

It’s on the tip of his tongue to say no, but what actually comes out is, “How many other people are going?”

“Uh, let’s see–there’s me, Clarke, Miller, Raven, Wells. Everyone but Wells is a student here. Wells is her best friend, their families go way back, so adults are Professor Griffin, her husband, Wells’ dad, and I think Professor Sinclair.”

“Raven Reyes?” he asks. “And math professor Sinclair?”

“Yeah. Raven’s friends with Clarke and Professor Sinclair knows Clarke’s dad. And Raven, I guess.”

Monty doesn’t recognize any of the other names, but he likes Raven, and he’s met Clarke a couple times and likes her well enough too, and sitting alone in his dorm room would be–really sad, actually. And that’s what he’s done most of this year, when people have asked him to do things. With Jasper or Harper around, it was easier, but when he’s on his own, it’s easy to just be anti-social.

“You’re sure you can invite me?”

“Yeah, Jake extended a general invitation to anyone I knew who was going to be on campus.”

“Then yeah, thanks. That would be fun.”

His smile softens, pleased and warm. “Cool. Clarke and Miller have cars, so one of them can give you a ride. I’ll let you know where we’re meeting.”

He spends the rest of the evening dwelling on the interaction, more because he finds it so noteworthy than because he thinks it is. If he hadn’t been going home for Thanksgiving last year, and someone had invited him home with them–well, it probably wouldn’t have even happened like this, last year. He’s not going home because he didn’t want to pick between his parents and he really does have plenty of work to do. But if Jasper were around, or he was still dating Harper, they’d be excuses for him. He could have gone back to stay with his dad because he wanted to see Jasper, or Harper would have taken him to visit with her family. And if neither of those had worked out–

He’s been pretty anti-social, this year. He’s maybe forgotten how to just be a person with friends.

Not that going to his dormmate’s girlfriend’s house for Thanksgiving counts as having friends, but it’s at least non-academic human interaction, and that’s a good place to start. He’s been in a fog, and it would be nice to get out of it. So on Thursday morning he takes a shower and puts on a nice shirt and some slacks, checks to make sure his hair is in order. He asked if he should bring anything and Bellamy said no, but Monty has never believed anyone who told him not to bring something to an adult formal gathering, so he picked up a bottle of sparkling cider. It’s not as good as wine, but buying wine with a fake ID to bring to a professor’s house feels like a risky move.

He puts it in a nice bag and just looks at himself in the mirror for a long moment, trying to take stock of changes, not that there are many. It’s always easy to not tell when people are in rough shape, especially mentally. He’s not even sure who he would have expected to notice. He’s seen friends and acquaintances at meals, been normal with them. He’s opted out of social events because he has homework, but everyone does that. He probably looks more tired than he used to, but he’s taking some rough classes.

He tests out a smile in the mirror, finds he looks like a real person, and the thought makes the smile grow. He’s got this.

Bellamy said he was going over early to help out, so Monty could just get a ride with Miller and Raven, and told him when and where to meet them. If not for Raven’s involvement, he’d probably bail, but Raven is one of those socially competent smart people, and Monty will definitely be able to just hide behind her.

And, luckily for him, she’s already waiting outside the library when he gets there, hands stuffed in her pockets and breath puffing out into the cold air. He gives her a wave and a smile, and she returns both.

“Hey, long time no see.”

He shrugs. “Yeah, well, I stopped taking math classes because computers are cooler.”

“And I stopped taking computer classes because math is cooler, so–”

“There’s no way you’re done with computer classes.”

She grins. “Just for the semester. Got other shit to do, you know? What about you, what are you taking?”

Catching up on classes carries them through until the car shows up, and Raven gets into shotgun without comment, leaving Monty to climb in the back and come face to face with–

“Nate?”

Nate Miller was in Monty’s freshman English seminar on folklore, and he was and probably remains the number-one reason Monty suspects he could be kind of bisexual. They sat next to each other and shared notes and cracked jokes and Monty had been hoping something was going to happen, even went to a few parties where Nate was in the hopes of running into him. But the semester ended and they fell out of touch, and Monty and Harper became a thing, and Monty could ignore the whole crush-on-a-dude thing because it wasn’t really relevant to his life anymore. He had a girlfriend and he was happy.

Except now he’s single and still floundering and Nate Miller is smirking at him from the driver’s seat of his shitty car. “Hey, Monty, long time no see.”

“Didn’t know you two knew each other,” Raven says, looking surprised. “I’d give you shotgun, but the back doesn’t really have room for my leg.”

“It’s fine,” says Monty, smiling. “We were in the same English class freshman year.”

“How’ve you been?” Nate asks. “I didn’t make the connection when Bellamy said one of his dormmates was coming. Is he the most annoying floor coordinator ever?”

“He’s the most involved one I’ve ever had. But it’s pretty okay? He sets up a lot of stuff, but it’s usually fun and he doesn’t pressure us to do it. And I know that if I ever had a problem, he’d drop everything to help, so–overbearing but effective, I guess? And I wasn’t going to do anything for Thanksgiving, so I appreciate him getting me out of room and forcing me to hang out with his girlfriend’s family.”

“And a bunch of awesome people,” Raven adds. “Do you know Clarke?”

“Not very well. She comes to dorm stuff sometimes, but we haven’t chatted much or anything.”

“She’s cool,” says Raven. “Even though I know her because my boyfriend was cheating on me with her.”

Nate snorts. “Fuck, I forgot that’s how you met Clarke. What a dick that guy was. What was his name? Flynn?”

“Finn. He doesn’t even go here, he came to campus to see me and decided he was falling for her when they kept running into each other at the coffee shop.”

“Wow,” says Monty. “That’s–really something.”

“It turned out okay. Clarke and I dumped him, she found Bellamy, I found Zeke, I stalk Finn on instagram sometimes and he’s definitely single and alone. How’s Harper, by the way?”

The question doesn’t hurt, but it does make him wince a little. It’s less that he’s sad about it and more just the awkwardness, the need to deal with and manage people’s reactions. “She’s in Italy, studying abroad. But we broke up.”

Raven only shrugs. “That sucks. Jasper’s abroad too, right?”

“Yeah, full year in Kyoto.”

“Is he sending you a bunch of weird porn?”

He laughs, surprised. “And care packages full of snacks, yeah.”

“Awesome. So, let’s talk Thanksgiving, I assume you want a crash course on who’s going to be here.”

Raven takes control of the conversation, but in a nice, helpful way. Clarke’s mother apparently teaches at the university’s medical school, and her father is an engineer. Her best friend’s dad is a widower and local politician, but, again, a liberal one, which Nate says is important because it’s a very queer meal.

“Meaning?”

“Bellamy and Clarke are bi, I’m gay, Wells is pan, Raven’s–” He frowns. “Where are you thinking?”

“I think pan? I don’t know, I’m dating Zeke right now, but if we break up and a girl catches my eye, I’m cool with that. Are you our token straight?”

It takes Monty a second to realize she’s asking him. “I guess? I don’t know. I’m not against dating a guy, I’ve just never done it.”

He’s said it before, but just to Jasper, late at night, this theoretical admission that was never supposed to matter. In the car with Raven and Nate–Nate, the first guy he ever had a crush on–it feels too real and completely unearned.

But all Nate says is, “Cool, welcome to the queer meal. We have pie.”

Clarke opens the door for them when they arrive, her smile as bright as Monty’s ever seen. She hugs Raven and Nate, and then hugs him too, murmurs, “I’m glad Bellamy nagged you into coming.”

“Me too,” he says, and it turns out to be true. Everyone is perfectly friendly, and he interacts like a normal person, albeit a slightly awkward one. Clarke’s friend Wells is minoring in computer science, so he and Monty have that to talk about, and Professor Sinclair is always interesting. Bellamy’s a little more relaxed when he’s not an ostensible authority figure, Clarke is slightly drunk and loose, and Raven can’t stop smiling.

And then, of course, there’s Nate. Monty’s not sure if Nate is looking out for him deliberately or if he’s always a little apart from the group, but either way, they’re a unit during the meal. Monty finds out Nate and his ex-boyfriend broke up around when Monty and Harper did, that he’s majoring in English, that his dorm isn’t far from Monty’s. He’s here for Thanksgiving because his dad is a cop and works through Thanksgiving so he can take time off to be with his son at Christmas, which is kind of adorable.

The whole thing is kind of adorable, and it’s a little weird, to go straight from “failing to leave his dorm” to “new crush,” but Nate isn’t exactly a newcrush. He was just on hiatus.

Once they’re done with dessert, Mr. Griffin asks, “So, who’s up for board games? We’ve got options.”

“Pandemic?” Raven asks.

“Of course, what do you take me for? It’s Abby’s favorite.”

Monty’s flagging, but Raven’s eyes are alight with excitement, and he’s not going to be the dick who says they need to leave. And he does like board games, it’s just a lot of socializing, especially after so long avoiding situations like these.

“I actually need to get back to the dorm,” says Nate. “I told my dad I’d call him when his shift was done. Clarke, you can take Raven, right? Monty, you staying or coming back with me?”

“I should get back,” he says, hoping his relief isn’t palpable. Everyone’s been great, but he’s done. “I’ve got a program due right after break and it’s a mess.”

No one blinks an eye or tries to get him to stay, not even Bellamy. There are more hugs all around, Mr. Griffin attempting to make Monty take food home, everyone telling him he’s welcome any time he’s on campus for a holiday. He thanks them for having him, assures them that he’ll just steal Bellamy’s leftovers, and then they’re outside in the crisp air and Monty feels like he can breathe again.

“It can be a lot your first time,” Nate says, without Monty’s having to say anything. “I figured you might need to get out.”

“Just a little. They’re nice, but–”

“Like I said, I get it. And there’s definitely some–they really want to have a great holiday, and you can feel the strain.”

“Not always. But yeah, sometimes.”

Nate unlocks the car and waits until Monty is in his seat with his belt fastened before he goes on, “And, no offense, but you seem kind of beat.”

“None taken. I can be pretty introverted.”

“Yeah, but–before we even got there. Feels like you’re maybe having a rough semester.”

“Is it that obvious?”

He pauses for longer than it takes to start up the car and get moving. “I just remember how you were freshman year. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed at college, and you seemed like you had everything figured out.”

Monty smiles. “Yeah, I guess that would make sense.”

“So, are you okay?”

“I’m not used to being on my own,” he admits. “No Jasper, no girlfriend, and a lot of my friends are–not really friends, I guess. Not in a bad way!” he adds. “It’s not like they betrayed me or anything. Just they were more friends with Jasper or Harper than me, or we lived in the same dorm and now we don’t, or–”

“You had a class together and stopped talking after the class ended?” Nate supplies, and Monty colors in the dark.

“For example.”

“I’m not mad, it’s not like I knew how to keep in touch with you either. I sometimes wanted to, but I had kind of a thing for you, so I kept talking myself out of it.” He snorts. “Playing it so cool I iced you out.”

“You didn’t,” Monty hastens to assure him. “I didn’t think you were–I felt the same way, I guess. I wanted to stay in touch, but I didn’t know how and I didn’t want you to think I was coming on too strong or being weird so I just didn’t do anything. Except drag Jasper to some places I thought I might see you.” He swallows hard. Nate already said it, so he can say it too. It’s safe. And it’s in the past, right? They used to have a mutual crush, and now that’s over. “You were the first guy I was ever interested in in real life, I didn’t really know what to do with that.”

“It doesn’t get better when you’ve liked more guys,” Nate says. “It’s always a mess.”

“Great.” He leans back in his seat, closes his eyes. “My parents got a divorce. Or maybe they’re still just separated, I’m not sure where they are in the legal process. And I just keep thinking–they were married for twenty-three years and then they were done. How can you be with someone for that long and then just decide it’s over? Like, I look at me and Harper and I wasn’t sure we’d be together forever, but I could have kept dating her. And then I see Clarke and Bellamy, and they’ve been together for about as long as me and Harper were, but I believe in them. Like, I feel like they’re going to make it. But what does that even mean? They’re married for twenty years with a kid and then they decide they’re not happy anymore? I just–”

He finds himself almost gasping as he finishes, the deluge of words leaving him breathless and shaky. It’s been a rough year for Monty’s faith in anything.

“I guess it depends on what you mean by make it,” Nate says, and Monty is grateful beyond words that he just goes with it. Lets Monty process for a minute. “Just because people break up doesn’t mean they failed. My parents split when I was pretty young, and it was amicable. They got married because my mom got pregnant and decided it was better to break it off before they hated each other. She’ll be here for Christmas with her wife and their kids. My dad’s their uncle and I’m their big brother and they love us. My family didn’t get smaller when my mom left, it got bigger. So I guess it’s more–I bet your parents don’t feel like they wasted twenty years of their lives, you know?”

“I know. I think that’s part of the problem, maybe? It feels like I’m making too big a deal. Jasper’s parents got divorced when we were in middle school, and it sucked for him. They were fighting, he nearly had to move, they don’t even talk anymore. It feels stupid feeling this upset about it.”

“That’s bullshit. You don’t have to have the worst life ever to feel bad. It sounds like you lost all your support systems at once, that’s always going to be shitty. And it’s not like I was this well-adjusted, what, a few months out of the divorce? I was just a kid who missed having my mom living with me. And when she and Alison got together, I was still working through my own sexuality stuff, and I didn’t deal with it that well.”

Monty bites his lip on a smile. “You know, I think this is the most I’ve ever heard you talk about yourself.”

“Well, it’s been a while. Maybe I’ve changed.”

“Maybe.”

“Maybe I just like talking to you.” He clears his throat. “So, that’s why you didn’t go home for Thanksgiving?”

“Yeah, I didn’t know how to decide where to go. My parents live in different states now and it just seemed easier to not think about it. I’ve got a lot of work I can catch up on. And the common room’s empty, so I can play video games on the nice TV and not feel bad.”

“What about Christmas?”

“More time off, so I’m doing half the break with my mom and half with my dad. We’re not Christian, so the actual holiday isn’t a big deal.”

“That’s good.” They drive on in silence for a little, but it feels like a good silence, the kind where they’re both just–thinking. “I don’t want to not see you again until Bellamy drags you back to Clarke’s for Thanksgiving next year.”

“Is this every year now?” Monty asks, smiling a little.

Nate doesn’t let him change the subject. “What are you doing tomorrow?”

“So far, video games and programming.”

“If I bring my Switch, will you play Overcooked with me?”

“Sure.”

“Cool,” says Nate. “It’s a date.”

It’s not, Monty decides as he goes into his dorm, a solution, not all on its own. Even if he does get a new boyfriend out of this, it’s not going to solve everything, and it shouldn’t. His semester hasn’t been shitty because he was single, and if he and Nate do start dating, his world is still going to feel unstable beneath his feet for a while.

But even if nothing happens with him and Nate past tomorrow, he feels better. He told someone, and it wasn’t awful. He went somewhere and he had fun. He got through his first holiday break away from home, and it was fine.

It’s a nice night, the moon almost full and the air crisp, and Monty breathes it in, feels it down to his toes.

That’s a good enough start.

[immortalcockroach]

Can I request a Zaven AU in modern time sort of a continuation of the last where he was going off to the Air Force again? Only this time him and raven have another kid and now they struggle a bit because they have a newborn and like a 5 year old with Miles or something like that? I know it’s a bit specific but anything along those lines would be awesome and please let your imagination run wild! ✨ love this acc

thank you, and sorry for the long wait!! i hope this is good enough to make up for it.

THE PROMISES WE KEEP

summary: For the first three months, they are a perfect little family.

Again, it begins with a letter.

pairing: Raven x Shaw

words: 2,051

part one

read on AO3

Sitting on the floor of Clarke Griffin-Blake’s living room, watching Miles and Aurora play with toys and swords and cars, Raven wonders how has her life come to this.

When Zeke went to the Air Force, she had a horrible time without him. Miles missed him, she missed him, too, and the six months was more excruciating than the years between leaving Finn and finding Zeke. With Finn, she never knew what a good, healthy and loving relationship meant, and once she discovered that with Zeke, being without that hurt so much more.

But Raven and Miles got through it. She met Clarke, who was Miller’s doctor when he got shot during a robbery, and had a little girl Miles’s age. She introduced Clarke and her husband, Bellamy, to her friends, and everyone seemed to click, even if the two were couple of years older than everyone else. They met Octavia and Lincoln through Bellamy, and Miller knew Roan and Echo from work, and somehow they ended up being more of a massive friendship group than just a few people hanging out.

Even more, if you include the kids.

Because of this, Raven wasn’t alone like the last time. She and Clarke got along better than anyone else she knows, and it helped to have someone who doesn’t pretend she can understand what Raven’s going through.

But Clarke understood loss – she understood the fear of never seeing someone again, and she understood the nights when Raven would wake up, expecting a visit from the military to tell her Zeke didn’t make it.

“Raven.”

Clarke sits down and places two small glasses on the table, filled with something that definitely wasn’t coffee. Her face is part amused, part worried, but wholly determined.

“What’s this?”

“Liquid courage,” Clarke says. “Zeke’s coming back in two weeks. I figured you could use some.”

Raven smiles, hardly believing what she sees and hears. She’s far from surprised, though – her best friend knows how to deal with any sort of problem.

She takes the glass in her hand and Clarke does the same, until they bring them together.

“To our kids?” Raven tries.

“And our men.”

“Cheers.” She takes a sip and is startled by the bitter taste, coughing a little. “I thought there’s a wine mom and a vodka aunt.”

Clarke laughs and downs her shot of vodka, hardly flinching. “Everyone’s secretly a vodka person.”

“Cheers to that,” Raven says, and finishes her shot.

The next two week pass by just like the previous five and a half months – awfully, dreadfully slowly. Raven spends it with Clarke, or her friends, and even Miles is sensing something big is about to come. He knows Zeke’s coming back, she’s told him as much, but it’s not the same as for her.

For Raven, nobody has ever come back. Zeke promised he would and despite everything in her screaming against it, she believed him.

Longer than three weeks – that’s how long it’s been since she last heard from him. Still, she doesn’t let herself give that any importance. His side of the bed is empty, but she lets herself think come tomorrow, it won’t be. She closes her eyes and pictures him lying there, eyes closed as he sleeps – finally with her, finally at peace.

He bid his goodbyes. Now, it’s time for him to come back to her.

“Tomorrow,” she whispers. Her hand travels to the other half of the bed, feeling how cold it is. “Tomorrow, you come back.”

Only, he doesn’t. He comes back two days later and surprises her at work, pulling her into the tightest hug she’s ever been in. He smells like sweat and metal and planes, but when he kisses her, all she can taste is Zeke. Her hands are wrapped around him and his are around her, and she doesn’t even care that her customers are waiting and complaining.

When they part, he kisses her, softly. His lips are warm and there is a week’s worth of stubble on his jaw and she loves him, oh God how she loves him—

Their foreheads are leaning against each other; everything is quiet. She can hear some birds, outside, and kids laughing while waiting for their parents to pick them up at the nearby kindergarten, but it all blends together. Around her, the only sounds are their heartbeats.

“You came back,” she whispers. “You came back.”

Zeke pulls her closer, wiping the tears on her face while ignoring his own. “I gave you a promise.”

She laughs; god, she laughs. It feels as if she hasn’t done that since she found out that he’s really leaving. “Yes, you did.”

He lets go of her, and she’s wondering what he’s doing – when he gets down on one knee and she remembers the second part of his promise.

The way he looks at her – she was never everything in someone’s eyes. But for Zeke, there’s so much adoration shamelessly displayed all over his face that breath hitches in her throat. He looks at her as if he didn’t think he would see her again, as if he’s seeing her for the first time, as if he’s trying to savour every moment and map every single tiny freckle on her.

From the pocket on his jacket, he pulls out a tiny box and opens it.

“Oh my god,” she says.

“Raven.”

“That’s a ring.”

“Will you—”

“YES! Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”

She leaps into his arms and doesn’t even think about the ring. She’s ehre, with the man she loves, and he loves her back enough to tell her he wants to spend the rest of his life with her and prove it. When you have that, who gives a shit about a tiny piece of metal on your finger?

The marriage is supposed to take place about a year later, at first, but when they’re six months back to normal and Raven’s pregnancy test comes back positive, there’s only one thing they can do. They get married when she’s six months pregnant and it’s a ceremony with their friends and Zeke’s massive family. No one comes for Raven, but it’s fine – everyone who matters is here, anyway.

Little Henry is born about a week early, into a family of three and about several dozen other people he could call parents and a bunch of siblings by circumstance. Aurora, Jordan, and Miles adore the little boy, and so does Octavia’s little girl, bare months older than him.

Still, no one adores him more than his father. Zeke holds him when he’s crying, when he’s happy, when he’s hungry or tired or scared – he doesn’t let go of Henry.

For the first three months, they are a perfect little family.

Again, it begins with a letter.

It arrives before he’s home from a visit to the Blakes with the kids, so she faces it alone. She doesn’t open the envelope. Still, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what a letter to Lieutenant Ezekiel Shaw from Colonel Charmaine Diyoza could say.

Raven leaves it on the counter. When he comes home, he sees it and looks at her.

She looks away. “We’ll talk about it when the kids are asleep.”

And so they do. It’s late at night, both Miles and Henry sound asleep, the best they can be. Both young parents are trying to catch a breath from dealing with the children, in the comfort of their own bed, but to Raven it feels like a hostile environment.

The memory of his side of the bed being empty is still fresh. She couldn’t bear to have it empty again.

“I didn’t know,” he begins. “When I left, I told her I’m done.”

“Obviously she didn’t get the memo.”

“She did. It’s just…” His hand finds her and he takes it, softly as he can. She fights the urge to take it out. “She says I’m one of her best. That she could really use my help mediating the team.”

“What, is McCreary not enough?”

Zeke chuckles. It’s a dry laugh, one that pains her more than silence. “You know him better than to say that.”

“I thought I knew you, too.”

“Raven.” He says her name softly, as if he’s begging. He tugs at her hand, just a little bit, until she looks at him. “I’m not going.”

“She needs you. She needed you the last time, too.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

Raven wants to bite back the words. She bites on her lips, not wanting to say it, but she does. “This time.”

And it hurts.

His thumb stops massaging her palm and he gulps, staring at her wordlessly. “Please tell me you don’t believe that.”

Looking at him hurts. She can’t deny it.

“Raven, for the love of God, I—I love you. I gave you a promise that I’m not leaving and I’m intent on keeping it. One letter from—”

“Zeke, I don’t blame you.” The words hurt because she means it. “I can’t blame you for doing what you believe is right and for fighting for it.”

“No, Raven, look at me. You’ve got this the wrong way around. I’m fighting for us. I don’t want—” He pinches the bridge of his nose, that much she can see frmo the corner of her eyes. “Fuck wars. I belong here, not in the battlefield. I needed to go the last tour because that’s what I needed to confirm for myself. I needed to make sure I wasn’t just running away, being with you. I needed to know that’s what’s right for me.”

He holds her hand and does the same thing as before. When she looks at him, his cheeks are glistening and his eyes are red. “I love you. And I chose you, and I’d do it over and over again.”

Raven stays quiet.

“Rae, I have you. I have Henry and I have Miles. I have all of our friends. I have our little place, I have our own little lives. When I’m here, the battlefield disappears. When I’m on the battlefield, none of this disappears. I know my priorities. I do. And right now, and for the rest of my life, my priority is staying with you. With my family.”

One tear escapes and rolls down her cheek. She still can’t look at him.

“I don’t need to be a hero to someone who doesn’t care about me more than just a number. I’ve done my part. Now, I have two little boys who look at me and I see how much they try to be like me. I have two little boys who need me to be their hero, one that they can see. They’re more important than a nation. I couldn’t leave them, and I couldn’t leave you, either.”

She finally looks at him. His face is broken and genuine, and eyes stretched wide in fear that she doesn’t understand what he’s telling her – that she still thinks he’s going to leave.

Her lips tremble. “I can’t lose you again.”

Zeke exhales, eyes fluttering as he closes them for a second or two. He then wraps his arms around her and pulls her close, her head against his chest. “No,” he says. “I’m here. You’re stuck with me.”

“Promise.”

“I promise. And I’ll promise you every day, if that’s what it takes.”

“I love you,” Raven whispers.

He runs a hand through her hair and something wet drips on the top of it. “I love you too, Rae, and God help me, I’ll love you for the rest of my life. No war is going to take you away from me.”

“I know,” she says, because she does.

She believes him.

He kisses the top of her head. “No warrior on the field compares to you. There’s no one I look up to more than you. You’re—” He stumbles over his words. “You’re all I could ever ask for.”

“I know.”

“Do you trust me?”

She gulps. “Yes.”

And she does, for the rest of their lives. She trusts him.

[roggling]

17. Needing to kiss to hide from bad guys for Grizavi! You know, Natasha-and-Steve-from-The-Winter-Soldier like. Or however it's easier for you. I'm just... meh, never mind. Forget what I said. I'm bad at doing asks. I'll try again: Can I have a 17. Needing to kiss to hide from bad guys, please?

Listen…I live for these kinds of kisses. They’re so unnecessary, you know. But it’s great fan service so… who cares, am I right?

As always, read below the cut!

“That’s your idea of training? Laser tag?” James questioned, eyeing Lance with an incredulous look. Behind him, he could feel Nadia laughing against her hand.

“Yeah, man! It’ll totally help with your aim. Plus, the training here at the Garrison is getting boring,” Lance exclaimed proudly.

“What does this have to do with piloting the Lions? And Keith is okay with this?” James asked, still not believing that such a training method was allowed by the most emotionally constipated one of all of them.

Lance grinned, “Totally! We did training like this at the Castle before we blew it up. Trust me, this training will definitely be tough.”

James sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, “Alright, Lance, we’ll do it.”

Lance grinned triumphantly, “Yes! Alright, meet us at Training Deck 6 at 7 tonight. Bring your “A” game.”

James sighed, the rest of the team watching Lance curiously. “What kind of training do they even do? This is ridiculous. Isn’t this training too lenient for Paladins of Voltron?”

“The Paladins of Voltron surpass us in every aspect. Also, they are our superiors and our teachers. We shouldn’t doubt them,” Ina informed James as the group of four made their way through the halls.

“Yeah, hot stuff,” Rizavi mused, nudging James on the side, “Besides, you should let up a bit.”

James just crossed his arms and prepared for the worst.

Lance sprinted away from the MFE pilots with a mischievous grin on his face. When he gave the news to the team, they all grinned and Lance chuckled, “They have absolutely no idea what they’re getting themselves into.”

The MFE pilots are all at the meeting place, though there is no sign of the Paladins. James tapped on his shoulder, annoyance clearly etched on his face as he tapped his foot. Rizavi noticed this and chuckled, smacking James on the arm, “Would you cool it, Mr. Uptight? They’re only human.”

“One’s literally an alien, Rizavi, and Keith’s only half-human,” James pouted.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed and their surroundings morphed into the insides of a Galra ship. The MFE Pilots quickly tried to draw their weapons, surprised to find that they were all missing.

“Alright, let’s get this training on the road!” They all heard Lance’s voice cackle.

“What?” James questioned, surprised at the sudden changes.

“The rules are simple,” Allura’s voice echoed through the halls of the simulation, “If you’re hit by one of us, you’re out. If even one of you is hit by one of our beams, you’re all disqualified and we win.”

“Your goal,” Pidge’s voice began, “Is for you all to evacuate the prisoners. We’ll be patrolling the area at different sections. So be careful.”

“Also,” Hunk began, “You kinda really don’t want to be hit by these lasers. They paralyze your body until one of us cancel it with the antidote. Some of us are kind souls so chances are we’ll give it to you right after we shoot you.”

“But Keith is ruthless so don’t get hit by him,” Lance interrupted.

James glared at the ceiling and Rizavi spoke, “Hey, now, don’t you think that’s too harsh?”

“Well,” this time, it was Keith’s smug voice speaking through the speakers, “We wanted to show you how “lenient” our Paladin laser tag training can be.”

Rizavi paused and looked at James pointedly, “He got you-”

“Shut up, Rizavi.”

Rizavi only cackled and suddenly, replicas of the Paladin Bayards floated in front of them, the only one missing was the Black Bayard.

“This exercise is to test your teamwork and your compatibility,” Keith announced as they each grabbed a Bayard, “As potential Paladins, you need to learn how to work with each other and how to sync your movements to work efficiently. We learned this in the heat of battle. Now, it’s your turn. You have to learn to do this unconsciously and effortlessly. Learn to trust your teammates. We begin now.”

A loud buzzer sounded off and the MFE pilots prepped themselves

James, holding the red Bayard, scrunched his brow, “Since we’re not yet that good at defensive tactics, I think we should split off in teams of two. It’ll be too hard to broaden your focus to three other people. Rizavi, you’re with me. Kinkade, you’re with Leif.”

The other two and Kinkade and Leif branched off holding the yellow and green Bayards respectively.

Griffin then moved forward, drawing his gun to point up front and Rizavi turned around so they were back to back, both of them pointing their guns in the opposite directions.

“Why’d you choose me, hot stuff?” Rizavi’s teasing tone echoed off the walls.

“Because you’re second when it comes to sharpshooting and Leif’s the worst so she needed Kinkade’s sharpshooting skills to make up for it,” James answered cooly, his gun straight and aimed at the unknown in front of them.

“Is that all? Or is it for another reason?” Rizavi teased.

James froze over and he coughed away his flustered state, “Yes, that’s all Rizavi.”

Nadia chuckled, “Alright, hot stuff. Believe what you want,” Rizavi continued on with her teasing.

Suddenly, a form appeared in front of them and James immediately shot it down with three shots, two of them having missed its target.

“Did you get them?” Rizavi asked.

James peered over the gun’s scope, waiting for a sign of movement and he grinned when he heard nothing, “Yep!”

James closed in on the body and smirked, “Now let’s see which of you I got.”

When James reached it, however, it was a downed Galra sentry. James frowned and whispered, “What the- AH!”

In a second, the Galra sentry powered up and grabbed onto James. Rizavi acted fast and shot out its head, the Galra sentry immediately stopping and disintegrating into millions of holographic bits.

James panted and looked up at Rizavi, who tried to fight down a smug smile. Before she could say anything, James spat, “Not a word, Rizavi.”

Nadia, however, barked out a laugh, “I didn’t even say anything!”

“We forgot to mention that there are gonna be holographic Galra sentries around too. Sorry guys,” Pidge’s voice spoke through the speakers, though the amused tone in her voice didn’t sound too sorry.

“You won’t be disqualified if you’re hit, but their hits hurt like a bi-”

“-like a dog. They hurt like a dog. We gotta keep this training simulation PG, pigeon,” Lance interrupted.

“Whatever, Lance. Also, heads up, they’re only taken down by a hit to the head,” Pidge added before disappearing, her voice still echoing through the halls.

Rizavi lent Griffin a hand and picked him up off the ground. James dusted himself off, “Well, that’s nice to know.”

Nadia shook her head and aimed her gun forward, “Alright, let’s find these prisoners.”

James nodded, a small smile playing in his lips as he looked down on Nadia, “Right.”

The two picked up their pace, keeping a light jog as they guarded themselves and looked for the prison cells.

They finally did, after some time, but it was guarded by Hunk. Behind him were human prisoners moping and sulking in their cells. Some of them even begging to be taken back home.

Nadia and James kneeled and hid behind a wall, watching the situation with calculating eyes.

“Pidge, did you have to make these prisoners so realistic. I feel mean,” Hunk complained into his comms.

“I had to make them as realistic as possible. Keith told me,” Pidge responded, James and Rizavi hearing it from afar.

“It’s alright Hunk, they’re fake. Just stay focused on defense,” Keith ordered.

“No problems there, man,” Hunk assured.

Suddenly, there was a shift of movement on the opposite hall and Hunk immediately turned, shooting his blaster in its direction, the lasers hitting its head and the body immediately disintegrating.

Nadia and James released a breath of relief, their worries eased after realizing it was just a sentry and not Ina nor Kinkade.

“Hunk! Could you stop shooting at the sentries?!”

“Sorry, Pidge!”

James pondered for a bit and his eyes lit up. He turned towards Nadia and whispered, “I’ve got a plan. When I tell you go, you shoot at the control panels, got it?”

Nadia nodded and James got into position and began shooting at Hunk.

“AH! Okay, they’re here!” Hunk yelled into the comms, powering up his shield and defending himself.

“Alright. Nadia go!”

Nadia began and shot at all the control panels, each of them fizzling out before the doors slid open and a stampede of people shot out of their cells.

“Hunk!” Keith’s voice echoed through the halls, signaling that he was close.

Hunk, who was now free of James barrage of hits since he didn’t want to hurt the prisoners, laughed nervously, “Eh, sorry?”

“No time for that now,” James saw as Keith and the rest of the Paladins showed up from the opposite hall, “We need to find them before they lead the prisoners to the escape pods.”

Allura scrunched her brows, “Wait a tick…Did we all just come out of the same hallway?”

The team groaned and Keith yelled, “Lance I am never letting you assign positions again.”

Lance held his hands up, “Sorry man, I didn’t realize I left it unguarded!”

“I just bumped into Kinkade and Leif, so that means Griffin and Rizavi are in that direction,” Pidge added.

James and Nadia winced and immediately started shuffling with the people, hearing Keith’s distant orders, “Alright, then let’s search for them, team!”

Nadia leaned in and whispered in James’s ear, “Do you know where the escape pods are?”

James shook his head, “Not a clue. Let’s just go with the flow.”

Nadia snorted, “Well, that’s a first.”

James shushed her as they heard a whizz above them, watching silently as Allura scanned the prisoner’s heads from a floating pod as she sped by.

“This is a lot tougher than I thought,” James whispered.

This time, Nadia shushed him as she saw the people dip down in front of them. She pointed and James whispered and incredulous, “What?” Before it was their turn to dip down.

It was a quiznaking escalator. On a Galra ship.

It was a huge and tall escalator, probably a hundred feet tall, and it was slow.

Above them, they saw Lance perched on a ledge, his gun aimed at their general direction. Once the pair stood on one of the moving steps, Nadia turned James around to face her, his face now level with hers now that he was on the step under hers.

She cupped his cheeks and whispered, “Kiss me.”

James, ever the smol-bean, froze and stuttered, “W-What?”

Nadia looked into his eyes and licked her own, “Kisses makes people very uncomfortable.”

James looked down Nadia’s lips and, although he was still in quite a daze, nodded, “Yes, they do.”

Without warning, Nadia pulled James’s face towards hers with a powerful tug. James crashed on to her and wound his arms around her waist to balance them and to prevent them from falling on top of the prisoners.

Other than that, James lost all consciousness and let Nadia take the reins. She was dominant, making James melt into a puddle the second her tongue brushed his lips. She became more demanding, pulling him closer and running her hands through his hair, the incessant tugging on his hair making James almost lose his footing again.

And just how the kiss started unexpectedly, it ended unexpectedly. She pulled away, their lips smacking at the separation. And James, still in a daze, chased after her. Rizavi chuckled and pressed a finger against his lips to stop him, “Still uncomfortable?”

“I am yeah. Thanks for asking, though.”

The couple had no time to react before they were both shot in the shoulder and both fell to the ground. The escalator stopped and the prisoners disintegrated.

Above them, Lance was floating on top of a pod, an amused and slightly disgusted face peering down on them.

He swung his gun on his shoulder and asked, “Did you seriously think that I wouldn’t see you?”

Ask prompts are closed!

[broadwaybound2016]

The 100 Ask Game

thanks for tagging me @dylanobrienisbatman! <3

1. What would you get arrested for on the Ark?

shit who the hell knows

2. Would you take off your wristband when you landed on the ground?

Ahhh yes probably so, I think I would probably be saying to hell with the ark.

3. What would the necklace Finn would make for you look like? (Clarke: deer/Raven: a raven duh..)

probably a phoenix, I like the symbolism

4. If you could resurrect any MINOR character who would it be?

Anya definitely Anya, I wanted to see her relationship with Lexa so badly. Or even though we technically never got to see her she was mentioned so could maybe be included, definitely Costia 100%

5. Create a squad of 5 characters to go on missions with. Who are they?

Raven, Luna, Lexa, Clarke, Anya (yes I know they are all female, why you ask, females fucking rock)

6. Minty or Briller?

I honestly support both and don't have an opinion on either

7. What would your name be in Trigedasleng? (example: Octavia=Okteivia…just make it up!)

Kelly is my name, so probably Kelhi or Kelli

8. Thoughts on Finn? Some people hate him, and others love him, so I’m curious

I honestly never liked Finn. I always thought the women in his life were way to good for him.

9. Be honest. How willing would you have been to take the chip without knowing all the horrible things it does?

I don't think I would have taken the chip, the thought of never feeling pain again make it seem like life would just be dull. How do we experience true happiness and joy when that is supposedly all we ever feel. We need the dark and sad moments to truly feel when something good happens.

10. What character do you relate to most & What character do you like the least not including the obvious ones like Pike, etc…

I think I relate to Raven and Octavia the most and probably a little bit of Bellamy thrown in even though it pains me to say that. Also I relate to Octavia from Season 1, I hate what her character has become as time has gone on. I would like to say that I am kind like Raven but I have a sort of biting humor and don't let things effect me or at least show anyone that I am hurt by anything. I can be a bit brash but honestly I have good intentions. I am usually pretty good in tough situations because I can think on my feet. As far as the part of me that relates to Bellamy would be that I am outspoke and opinionated and I can come off as being arrogant at times but again I mean well. I also tend to do what I want no matter what the repercussions may be. Finally in regards to Octavia, I am pretty adventurous and like to feel free and have a good time. I especially love testing others when they say I can't do something it makes me want to defy them all the more. I absolutely hate feeling controlled or confined. I also am a person who will easily accept you as a friend but once you have crossed me its super hard for me to overlook that.

My least favorite characters shift pretty often, like I loved Abby season 1 when she was rebellious but season 2 Abby pissed me off, where as the opposite is true of Kane. Its funny that even though I relate to Bellamy he actually is one of my least favorite characters along with Octavia. I loved her season 1 but they ruined her after that. Also Finn was an extremely annoying character to me.

11. Describe your delinquent outfit. (Would you wear something like Murphy’s jacket with the spikey red shoulder patch or have a trademark like Jasper’s goggles? Be creative, yet practical)

I think as a delinquent I maybe would have a shaved head or some type of fade with a Bieber flip on one side. I would definitely have a bad ass bomber preferably my favorite color which is a sky blue. I would probably have a thermal underneath and some ripped up jeans. Also I would definitely have some classic black motorcycle boots and a permanent bandana wrapped around my wrist.

12. Favorite type of mutant animal?

Probably the butterflies

13. What would your job be on the Ark?

I have no friken idea but I am a delinquent anyway so what does it matter

14. Would you have willingly pumped Ontari’s heart if Abby asked?

Yeah probably, I mean would not have cared at all about Ontari and would have wanted to save Clarke.

15. If Lexa wasn’t Heda, but she’s still alive right? then who would make the best commander?

Damn that is a super tough one, like I honestly believe no one but Lexa was fit to be the commander, maybe this may seem like an odd choice but Lincoln. He seemed like he had such great morals but was also willing to do what was necessary for the people he loved.

16. If you were a grounder, then where would you live and who would be your mentor?

I mean I would want to live in the Capitol and have Lexa be my mentor but I am pretty sure I would not survive under her tutelage. I would probably be trikru and would want Lincoln as my mentor.

17. How would you act if you ate the hallucinogenic nuts like Jasper and Monty?

Man I do not know I tend to react badly to anything hallucinogenic so I probably would think people were out to kill me and freak out hiding somewhere till it passed.

18. How would you have dealt with Charlotte’s crime? A more John Murphy approach or Bellamy Blake?

Honestly given the fact that she was so young and it seemed that she was dealing with PTSD from the way she lost her parents I would have probably realized that she had suffered a psychotic break. I would have definitely required her to be locked up for awhile but in a safe space where she could have someone to talk to. I don't think I would handle it like either of them, I would have protected her from Murphy but I would not have tried to beat him to death or blamed him for her death.

19. Who should be the Chancellor, if anyone?

I think I would say Kane, he started off terribly in season 1 but he has really grown as a leader and proven himself worthy of the role.

20. Mount Weather had a lot of modern commodities. (example: Maya’s Ipod) What is the one thing you would snatch while there?

Definitely an iPod I need my tunes

21. Do you think you’d have caught the virus spread through camp or would you have been immune like Octavia?

I would definitely have caught the virus and most likely would have gotten ridiculously ill

22. What would your grounder tattoos look like? Hairstyle? War paint?

If I was a grounder I think I would go full shaved head or awesome faux hawk. As for tattoos I would want a full sleeve on my right arm filled with pictures of my home. Then I would want a quote that took up most of my back. As far as warpaint goes I think I would want it to be like fingerprints of my loved ones just displayed on my cheeks.

23. Favorite quote?

“I belong nowhere”

-Echo

“You were right Clarke. Life is about more than just surviving”

-Lexa

“In peace may you leave the shore. In love may you find the next. Safe passage on your travels until our final journey on the ground... May we meet again.”

-Clarke

24. Can you forgive Murphy for his actions? How about Bellamy?

Honestly no and yes, I can forgive both of them because everyone in the 100 does terrible things. However, at the same time its really hard for me to ever forget their mistakes and it makes me second guess their characters a lot.

25. If one of the characters was in the Hunger Games, who would have the best shot at winning? NOOOOO ALREADY SO MUCH DEATH NOOOO

When Lexa was alive I would have said Lexa, she could fight and she had brains. However, when Lexa died I would say Luna, frankly we all know that Octavia winning that fight was absolutely bullshit.

26. Least favorite ship? Favorite ship? NOT INCLUDING CL OR BC

least favourite ship would probably be…Javen, no just no.

Favourite ship: Sea Mechanic, it never happened and it should have god damn happened they were perfect for each other. I also would be up for Braven now, I  am not a massive Bellamy fan but I LOVE them in scenes together.

27. A song that should be included in the next season, like when Radioactive was? If there had to be another guest star like Shawn Mendes on the show, who would you want to make a cameo?

I would love to hear Hiide and Seek by Claire Guerreso or Run Boy Run by Woodkid.

28. What would you do if you were stuck in the bunker with Murphy for all that time?

I think Murphy and I would have some fun times together.

29. Opinion on Emori? Roan?

I could leave or take either honestly.

30. Would you want to be an extra that is killed off in a brutal way?

Sign me up, any death in any way. I would totally love it. Can Lexa come back to push me off the balcony.

31. A character you’d like to learn more about and get flashbacks of?

I always liked the idea of flashbacks to Lexa and Anya when they were young/training/etc., I also would have loved to see Lexa/Costia and how their love story worked.

32. A character you’d bang?

Raven Reyes, Clarke Griffin, Lexa, Luna, Octavia (she would have to keep her mouth shut thought)

[castillvs-blog]

hi guys x2 so this is griffin castillo, literally my first ever muse who i’ve never stopped loving. he’s a little bitter and sarcastic but he’s literally had a break in life for about 2 seconds so issa understandable. 

i feel like he’s a hard character to explain hjgkfdh i swear he’s more fun than this made him sound

he grew up here, in a very bad neighborhood nd in not a great family. his dad has been in jail since before he can remember, his mom was well meaning but unfortunately struggled big time with drugs. he on the other hand was pretty much considered a golden boy up until his adult life

he’d always been the protector and the sweetheart, regarded well by his peers and adults. always had good grades,volunteered, talked to everyone. he really had an amazing underdog story.

when he was 16 his mom died of an overdose and it completely broke his heart, it was kinda a situation where he knew it was inevitable but always hopped he would be able to do something to make it better,  the 16 yr old kid blamed himself nd the feeling has always kinda stuck with him.

his boxing coach sorta took him in, but he still took to not great things like dealing etc to make himself good money. from there the people he hung out with gradually got worse and worse until it was like literally... these ppl r criminals. he got into college with a football scholarship, but then lost it because he was tested positive for drugs, and was forced to drop-out. 

he went a good couple years just working blue collar, fixing cars and doing construction. he just like took a second to calm down and his life started to turn around..... eventually one of his one nights stands turned into his girlfriend and then his wife and he decided to try and make it big in boxing because he’s super good at it -- which he did eventually. 

AND just like that he was back on top, a little all american golden boy who came from nothing story and it when on like this for a couple of years

then his wife died of natural causes and he was jsut like :) oh okay :) and he really didn’t handle it well at all and he had a quick fall in boxing, and became completely self destructive again, thinking like the only time he ever gets hurt is when he’s a good version of himself and honestly he’s just a bitter kinda a man baby about it but i mean like he has gotten shit from life so hjgfkdhgkf

anyways so he never really talks about any of what happened to him obviously, he’s kinda closed off about more personal parts of his life

he’s verrryyyy sarcastic and sardonic, honestly he can kinda come off as a dick i’m not going to lie but it’s honestly just how he is. he’d never be mean to people for no reason or anything but he’s definitely got like..... a more prickly side to him idkkk

although his personality is kinda the embodiment of resting bitch face he’s a very selfless and caring dude, like his first thought is always other people, and he thinks very hard about ways to fix things if people seem upset and stuff 

once you get to know him and once he’s a bit comfy around you he’s like.... a bro???? the kinda guy who’s laughing and telling a wild funny story at the bar with this annoyingly charming smile on his face

he’s very very messed up about his feelings, he lives by the “don’t let anyone know about the good things going on because then the universe will hear and take it away” ideology but like... he also applies that to his feelings... and keeps it from people who are involved in those good feelings so it just ends up being a fatass mess

he’s definitely not the commitment type, not because he’s one of those “uh yeah romance repulsed, aro sex only haha lemme fuck everyone over” guys, he just finds it scary after what happened with his wife and feels like he’s kinda betraying her. so that being said he definitely is not a player, usually  he’s pretty upfront about the fact he’s not looking for anything legit but i’m sure messiness has been bound to happen

honestly he’s actually not as rock hard and dickish as he may seem at first he’s actually pretty brotherly ok trust me

[iztarshi]

The Eleventh Hour -- Episode 44

The more I think about Taako's backstory -- and I am thinking about Taako's backstory, because there's both a magical cook and a fan in this town -- the more it seems like Phandalin was kicking him when he was down? He already lost confidence in both his cooking and his transmutation magic and then what should have been a simple bodyguard mission turns into a disaster that ends with a town destroyed. No wonder he spends the first interlude and the Rockport arc wondering why anyone expects anything from him, why they're not relying on someone more competent.

Magnus tries some straight talking! Which is actually a cool idea, and works. Hopefully this means they get Roswell to help them out.

The quickest person to get them through a locked gate would probably be Taako, especially since he hardly needs to worry about spell slots right now. But, hey, Magnus can test out his thieves' skills.

Okay, Roswell's a bit suspicious? Not suspicious, I don't think THEY did anything wrong, but who made them? Why? Why was it after the bubble? Why did a bird get caught in it?

"Taako: Yes, these beautiful hands. My beautiful hands- Magnus: Okay, I can take a hint, I’ve got it. Taako: Oh, thank god--"

*cracks up*

"Magnus: You guys wanna, like, blow this up? Taako: No. What? Magnus: No, like, where the cave-in is. We have nowhere else to go if we don’t blow it up and get in there."

*pfft* No, no, Magnus is right. Cassidy was trying to investigate something, but due to being in jail she couldn't do it soon enough.

But that DID sound like Magnus just wanted to explode things.

Ooh! I'd forgotten the hole-thrower.

…exploding locker…

How do your characters feel is a good question. Magnus feels emboldened because for once his suicidal stunts don't carry actual risk of suicide, that's fair. Merle doesn't like it. And I, too, very much want to know how Taako feels. Disoriented but blasé apparently.

I feel like Griffin's trying to get An Emotion out of them. Especially Taako, who is very aloof. But also, the few times he has opened up, pretty volatile.

Okay, so 16 out of 26 lockers are traps, and ten need to be opened in sequence. I feel like we're meant to spell something, maybe? I'd say REFUGE, but it's only six letters. Could be worth a try, though. And there are names starting with all those letters.

And Travis gets the same idea.

"Griffin: That’s why they scratched her name out, yeah. The only hint I’ll give you is think about what you want to do in this situation."

Not explode?

I can spell like, QUICK, QUICKLY, but those still don't have nine letters. There being both a Q and a U makes me think it HAS a Q in it, but maybe I'm wrong.

Starts with Dana so that's probably DIS like DISARM. Ten letters. Ugh. Is there a special word for disarming a bomb? DISCHARGE is, uh, kind of the opposite of what they want to do, I think? But it CAN be spelled and is the right number of letters. I'd try that.

If it is though, someone had better tell Griffin that discharging a bomb and disarming it are really not the same thing.

Ooh, DISARM is working, they've put it in! I thought it had to be nine letters ending in the scratched one or ten letters. But the scratched one was the S.

I hadn't thought of it being two words! Well done, boys.

Awwww, is Merle gonna get a pet furry bug? I kinda want a pet furry bug! They're adorable.

Oh dear, that meat went fast. I think they might be… what were those things in My Little Pony? Those little fuzzy things that just ate EVERYTHING and multiplied and… or they're tribbles, those things were a tribute to tribbles anyway.

"Travis: Yeah, we did it. I think we solved the weird smoke puzzle. I have a- okay, this is an interesting D&D conundrum. I, Travis McElroy, have a suspicion and something I would test out, but I don’t think Magnus would. So, like, I’m just gonna move forward and not do it."

Hm, interesting. I mean. It's worth holding onto the suspicion and seeing if Magnus would put it together later? I think Taako got a bit smarter on the train because he had to put Justin's suspicions into action or NOTHING would get done, but Magnus isn't stupid, so it's more… yeah. Let's see how that works out.

Wow. That doesn't seem so much like a purple worm and more like a… a dark monster. The smoke, which was shying away from the light, for instance. A devouring smoke dark monster.

Ohhhh, is it the fur bugs? Like a LOT of fur bugs? They're woken up by the earthquakes. Is this Tremors? (I've never seen tremors.) But those things can eat a piece of meat pretty quick. On the other hand, they didn't seem to mind the light.

No, wait, they ran away as soon as it was shining on them.

Yeah, Merle has Light, I remember the Disco Axe.

Yep, it's the bugs. Swift, adorable death.

And I've just remembered the MLP ones were parasprites, because I'm sure everyone cared about that.

They really are just dying a whole lot. Justin is reluctant to brute force it by just trying everything and repeatedly dying, which I wonder if that's going to translate into Taako not wanting to die all the damn time at any point.

I didn't actually expect the time cards to work. I think because Griffin emphasised their unimportance during the last puzzle so much, I assumed they'd just continue being unimportant.

It takes them nearly an hour to reach this point at their fastest, so whatever they're coming up on is definitely the problem. They're going to have to dash there and solve it in the last loop, but they're definitely going to have to gather a lot more information on HOW before it gets to that point.

Ooh, more forcefields. So this is… this is a barrier, meant to protect… oh, shit, is the town even the thing being protected by the giant bubble? Because we've got barriers HERE that seem to be to protect the town from whatever is in the hole. Then we've got a bubble outside that may stop whatever gets the town from getting the REST of the world.

GIANT WORM.

I don't think the baby worms mean you have good odds. I mean, they were scared and pathetic. This thing is PISSED.

But, yeah. The barrier here time stopped the worm, giving the town an extra year, I'd guess, and then the barrier around the town has been rewinding to put the worm BACK before it got further.

…which doesn't make the chalice seem like the problem, you know? An incomplete solution, but unless someone actively summoned that worm by stopping time, the chalice is helping rather than hurting.

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: The Night Club of Greed

>Flashback. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in the year 2013. In a lab, a young scientist was working on her research when someone came in.

You look like you’re working hard.

Science never takes a break.

Boss: But I’m sure it wouldn’t mind if you did. Here, I brought some coffee.

Wakaba: (taking the coffee) Thanks, Sakura san.

Boss: You know, you can call me Sojiro, or Boss.

Wakaba: (not noticing from her coffee) You said something?

Never mind.

>Then, a lab assistant comes in.

Lab assistant: Excuse me, Isshiki Hakase, there’s someone here to see you.

Wakaba: Very well. Send them in.

>Then, someone else came in.

(imagine him young) Wakaba Isshiki, at last we meet.

Wakaba: Dr. Ezra Greene. What brings you all the way from the states?

Doc Greene: I heard you began working on some new research. Something called... Cognitive psience. I had to see this for myself.

Wakaba: I am... But you can’t see it.

Doc Greene: I understand. You wish to keep that research for yourself until it’s been completed. Well, I can’t wait to see.

Wakaba: Believe me, it’s going to knock your goggles off.

?????: I’m not even going to point out how wrong that saying is.

>They quickly turn to see the newcomer in the lab.

Boss: (unimpressed) I didn’t think you would be coming today.

I come when I am needed.

Wakaba: I believe you are not needed now after your correction. So I suggest you leave.

Shido: I’d watch what you say... You never know the reaction.

Boss: Come off it, Shido, why are you really here?

Shido: I have heard that someone from the states was coming to visit and I had to see it for myself. To think it would be the great Doc Greene of Griffin Rock.

Doc Greene: I’m not sure whether to be honored... Or not.

Shido: (sarcastic) Very funny. I also came to see how the project is coming along.

Wakaba: Still coming along.

Shido: That’s good to hear. I hope you will complete it soon...

I just can’t wait.

You’re rather impatient about this, Shido.

Shido: As I have already told Isshiki Hakase, you better watch what you say to me, Sakura...

Don’t want to be cast overboard when I’m in charge of this country.

>With that, Shido leaves. As he does, a whimpering sound can be heard under a nearby table.

Wakaba: It’s okay, Futaba, you can come out now. He’s gone.

>Then, a small girl comes out from under the table.

12-year-old Futaba: (a bit scared) Are you sure?

Wakaba: Very sure.

Doc Greene: Is that your daughter?

Wakaba: She is.

Doc Greene: I see. Hello, Futaba is it? Actually, I have a daughter around your age.

12-year-old Futaba: Y- You do?

Doc Greene: Yes. Her name is Francine. But everyone just calls her Frankie. But she’ll always be my Little Einstein.

12-year-old Futaba: Did... Did she come with you?

Doc Greene: Sadly, no. She has much to do back home... But I’m sure you two will meet someday.

12-year-old Futaba: (a little more happier) Okay. I’ll look forward to it.

Doc Greene: I’m sure she will like that, too... And that man...

Boss: Don’t pay Masayoshi Shido any mind. He’s all talk and no bite.

Wakaba: (looking down) ...

Boss: Is something wrong, Wakaba?

Wakaba: (quickly smiling) It’s nothing. Anyway, it’s been nice meeting you, Greene Hakasei.

Doc Greene: Same to you.

>With that, Doc Greene and Boss leave the lab while Wakaba returns to her research.

>The Griffin Rock Firehouse Headquarters, present day. After explaining what I learned from Mashima to the Phantom Thieves and Fuuka, we all agreed on our next target.

I’ve heard of Madeline Pynch from my father. She’s a business woman who would do anything to profit herself.

And by anything, I guess you mean... Anything.

Haru: Pretty much. If it sounds like she does have a Palace, we should probably investigate.

Do we have the time to do that? What with what happened to Ryuji kun?

I’ve already finished by testing with Miles, Doc, and the others for the day. I’m sure they wouldn't mind that I keep doin’ the whole Phantom Thief thing.

Fuuka: I suppose you’re right. But we’ll have to come up with a good cover story to explain why we’re gone.

Leave that to me. I told the Chief and Doc Greene that we’re just going to take a walk around town. And we on’t be back until dinner.

I guess it’ll have to do. I just hope they’ll believe it.

Then I guess we’re off.

(putting on his ID Mask) Right. As Heatwave would say, “Roll to the rescue!”

>And we left... We didn’t see Doc Greene watching us with concern.

I should let him know.

>We searched and searched until we found the Pynch’s mansion.

This is the place. I already check the Navigator. Her Palace is here.

A rich person’s mansion being their Palace seems like a cliche.

But you gotta admit, there’s not place safer.

No doubt about that. We know the who and the where, now we just need the what.

Well, we know she like money a lot. Maybe it’s like with Kaneshiro. Maybe her Palace is a bank.

Nav: Conditions have not been met.

Makoto: It still has to be someplace that deals with money. I can only guess it’s a casino.

Nav: Conditions have not been met.

Fuuka: What about a mint? That’s where they make money.

Nav: Conditions have not been met.

Makoto: Mints only make coins. We need someplace that deals with coins and paper money. Someplace... Luxurious.

Ryuji: What about a fancy hotel? If it works for the “Spray Tan” President, it must work for the Pynch lady.

Nav: Conditions have not been met.

Diego: No. It must be someplace that’s both luxurious and sleazy.

>Both Deucey Twins just looked at each other in silence.

Diego: You both know, don’t you?

Jared and Jesse: ... A night club.

Nav: Results found.

Ryuji: It’s a hit! How’d you guys know?

Jesse: ... Whenever we visit our dad in prison, he would tell us stories about how some rich people with dirty money often hang out in night clubs.

Jared: It’s a little too much for us to handle, but we put up with it as best we can.

I see. You both are very tough and brave to put up with him.

Jared: You really think so?

Jesse: Of course he thinks so.

Jared and Jesse: Deucey Bros, go!

Diego: Alright, as they would say... Let’s boogie!

Ryuji: (unimpressed) Yer letting your human form really get to your head.

Diego: (smug) You’re just jealous because I have one and you don’t.

Ryuji: ... Touche.

>Suddenly, we hear something... It sounded like a car. But we didn’t have time to think as the red wave passes over us. When it’s over, the Pynch Mansion was now replaced with a giant night club.

Here it is. This is what Madeline Pynch sees her home as.

Skull: (taking off his ID Mask) God dammit, this place hurts my eyes!

Mine, too. How much neon does a place like this need?

Not enough, I guess.

Let’s take a closer look.

>We approach the entrance. There’s a Shadow made to look like a club bouncer at the door.

Shadow: Hey, are you on the list?

I beg your pardon?

Shadow: Do you even have an ID?

I think he’s asking if we are on the guest list or if we have IDs to get in.

I don’t have one. I was in cat form most of the time.

Shadow: Unless you’re on the list or have an ID, I can’t let you in... But I am willing to look the other way... At a price.

Asking for a bribe? That’s definitely cliche to a sleazy night club.

Fuuka: I don’t think it would be a good idea to give him our IDs or pay him. We’re going to have to find another way.

?????: Leave that to me.

>We quickly turn to see a car.

Skull: (surprised) It’s...

>Then, the car transforms.

I think you better let them in.

Shadow: (surprised) Oh, shit! You’re one of them Rescue Bots. Madame Pynch says you guys are welcome. And if these riff-raft are with you, I’ll let them in, too... But first, they gotta prove themselves.

>With that, the Shadow changes its shape.

Blurr: (surprised) Oh, man! What is that thing!?

Oracle: Nothing we can’t handle. These guys are useless against magic.

Joker: I’ll take him on.

Panther: I’m fighting, too.

Mona: As will I, Lady Panther.

Queen: Don’t leave me out of this.

Joker: Then it’s decided.

Joker, Panther, Mona, and Queen: Persona!

>Oni makes the first move. He attacks with Rampage. We all dodge it. Arsene uses Eiga. Carmen uses Agilao. It Burns him. Zorro uses Garula. It was a technical hit due to the Burn. Johanna uses Freila. Another technical hit. Oni uses Memory Blow. I Forget how to use my Persona. The Burn eats away at Oni’s health. I choose to defend myself. Carmen uses Tarunda to lower Oni’s attack. Zorro uses Patra to cure me of Forgetting. Johanna uses Marakukaja. Oni uses Memory Blow again. Luckily, no one Forgot this time. The Burn hurts him again. Arsene uses Sukunda. Carmen uses Agilao. Zorror uses Garula and Johanna uses Freila. Both were technical hits. The Burn wears off. Oni uses Snap on Mona. Arsene uses Eiga. Carmen uses uses Agilao. Oni got Burned. Zorro uses Garula and Johanna uses Freila. They were both technical hits. Oni uses Giant Slice on Panther. It knocks her down. The Burn effects him. He attacks me. The Burn effects him again. Arsene uses Eiga. Panther gets back up and uses Agilao. Zorro uses Garula. But Oni dodges it. Johanna uses Freila. Another technical hit and Oni’s health was now low.

Oracle: Super move! Ultra Charge!

Fuuka: I’ll help, too! Persona!

Oracle: Alright, let’s do it!

>Necronomicon uses Charge and Concentrate on us with Juno’s help. Oni uses Rampage. Arsene uses Eigaon, Carmen uses Agidyne, Zorro uses Garudyne, and Johanna uses Atomic Flare. Oni uses Memory Blow. Mona Forgot how to use his Persona. Not that it wouldn’t matter now. The Burn takes some of his health. Arsene uses Eigaon and Carmen uses Agidyne. With that, Oni was gone.

Thanks for the help, Fuuka chan!

Fuuka: (smiling) You, too, Futaba chan.

Queen: Now that that’s out of the way...

How did you find us?

Blurr: I followed you, how else?

Panther: But how did you even know where to find us?

Blurr: Well... Umm...

>Blurr looks like he’s at a lost for words.

Skull: Give him some time. He’ll tell us.

Blurr: (smiling) Thanks... Ryuji san.

Skull: (shocked) What!? How did...

???????: Perhaps we can answer that.

>We looked to see the Velvet Room door open as Lavenza and Doctor Strange come out.

Crow: Strange Sensei, you’ve finally arrived...

And why do you look like that?

Agent Coulson is not the only one who can make himself in anime.

I’m not impressed.

Doctor Strange: Really? Would you rather I come in this?

That hair, that beard, and that cape are way too much. Alright, the other one is good. Now please change back.

Doctor Strange: (changing back) Glad to hear it. I’ll never understand how the Stephen Strange of Earth-14042 got through life looking like that. Honestly, I looked like the Caretaker of the House of Mystery attempting to look like a rock star or someone from a romance.

>Meanwhile, at the House of Mystery...

ACHOO!!!

>He also felt his ear burning.

Someone is speaking about me.

>Back in the Metaverse.

Returning to the subject at hand, I wish to explain this. The truth is... Harold Lyman is no longer the only one whose mind has been joined.

>We were shocked.

Skull: For real!? It’s just Harry now!?

Panther: If that’s true, wouldn’t that mean Blurr’s mind and Harry’s mind are not...

Lavenza: I do not know. Your connection to Harold Lyman and Goro Akechi’s connection to Peter Parker is still a mystery even to me. The only one who would know would be my master. But he has already fulfilled his assistance to your leader and has left to assist another.

You mean the Persona 6 Protagonist.

Lavenza: ... It is too soon to say.

Blurr: Either way, I kind of already felt connected to you guys for a while now.

Oracle: Have you now?

Doctor Strange: In a way, he is. But I think we should discuss this someplace safe.

Fuuka: He’s right. The Shadows know about the fight and might be on their way.

Joker: Right. We better beat it.

>With that, we leave.

>The Rescue Bot Training Center on the main land. There, we were forced to tell the rest of the Rescue Team about us being the Phantom Thieves... Sorry, Miles, we even told them about you being Spider Kid.

This could be a problem.

It’s okay, Miles. I don’t think we’re going to report you anytime soon... But Dad and Chase...

He has a point, Miles. I know your friends did a lot of good things with the best intentions... But forcing someone to have a change of heart is just not right.

I do not understand, Chief. How is changing someone's blood organ wrong?

Chief Burns: It’s not that kind of heart, Chase.

(groans) And this is why you Autobots will never truly belong on Earth.

Now that’s a little mean, Lucy.

Lucy: I’m just saying.

Miles: Anyway, please don’t arrest them. Everyone loves them. You would be making a lot of people unhappy.

Chief Burns: I’m still not so sure.

Miles: Look, I understand how you feel. Believe me, my dad’s a cop.

Ren: But not a chief of police. That’s Gwen’s story.

Miles: That reminds me, I should probably call her to check up on Harry.

Blurr: And while you’re at it, see if she can convince the Chief.

Miles: I’ll see what I can do.

>Miles opens his laptop and calls Gwen on video phone. She picks up after three rings.

Hi, Miles. How’s Griffin Rock?

Miles: It’s fine. Doc Greene even said he’ll talk at the summer seminar. And how is Harry?

Gwen: (groans) I don’t know what that guy’s thinking. We keep telling him to rest, but he insists that he go out do the hero thing.

Miles: Seriously? What does Pete say?

Gwen: He didn’t even object. I guess it has something to do with all these bad guys that keep showing up. Either way, I just wish they would see reason.

Miles: And why’s that?

Gwen: Well, ever since all these bad guys showed up... Peter’s been working non-stop to deal with them. I guess Harry just wanted to help him. He knows he can’t do it alone.

Miles: I just hope things will be okay with them. Their love should brave through anything.

...

Ryuji: (looking down) ...

Miles: Hey, is something wrong?

Ryuji: It’s... It’s nothin’. Anyway, ‘bout Gwen’s old man?

Miles: Oh right. Gwen, Chief Burns found out that our friends are the Phantom Thieves. I tried convincing him not to arrest them by bring up my dad, but I think the daughter of another police chief could convince him better. Can you help?

Gwen: I don’t know if that sounds right, but I’ll see what I can do. Chief Burns?

Chief Burns: Yes. You’re Gwen Stacy, right? Miles says you’re father’s a police chief himself.

Gwen: Technically, he’s a police captain. Captain George Stacy. But still, I get why you would think Ren and his friends would be guilty of such crimes, but does anyone in the world think that?

Chief Burns: Well, no. I just don’t think changing Madeline Pynch’s heart would be such a good idea. What if something goes wrong?

Makoto: Understand, Chief Burns, we’ve been doing this for sometime. We know what we’re doing.

Chief Burns: ...

As much as I hate to admit it, they might be right... And I know Blurr and Graham would like it.

Chief Burns: ...

Besides, when are we ever going to get a chance to do this again?

Chief Burns: ...

??? ??????: Please understand them, Charlie.

>We turn to see Doc Greene come in.

Chief Burns: ... Why must everyone gang up on me? Fine, I’ll let them go on with this.

Ren: You would?

Chief Burns: But if something goes wrong, promise that you’ll back out. Let’s not forget the real reason you came to Griffin Rock.

Thanks, we won’t.

Yusuke: By the way, Cody san, why would you say Graham and Blurr would be happy with us doing this?

Blurr: Well, remember when I said that I had a connection with you guys?

Yusuke: Yes?

Blurr: Well... Try not to get upset.

>Blurr leads us to his secret spot in the center. There, he showed us his collection of Phantom Thieves stuff.

That’s a lot of Phantom Thieves stuff.

I guess we have an alien Phanboy.

Graham: He’s... Not the only one.

>Graham unbuttons his shirt and opens it to show... A Phantom Thieves T shirt.

Graham, I didn’t know you were one, too.

Graham: I was a little embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to think I’m falling for trends.

Diego: You’ll find we’re more than a trend.

Kade: (unhappy) Either way, it’s taking a huge toll on my credit card.

Dani: Only because you spend it a lot on hair-care products.

Kade: Hey, gotta take care of this hair while I still have it.

Self-centered as always.

Still, it’s nice to know that we can learn more of Earth’s culture. They say you work with something called Persons?

Futaba: It’s actually Personas.

Doc Greene: It’s a power you use in the cognitive world.

Futaba: You know about it, Doc?

Doc Greene: I have your mother to thank for that.

What do you mean?

Doc Greene: Futaba chan, there’s something I should have told you... I knew your mother. I met her. And, I don’t know if you remember... But I met you as well.

Futaba: I think I might remember.

Makoto: I’m not surprised. After her mother’s death, Futaba chan became a shut-in and started having delusions caused by cruel adults.

Doc Greene: I see. I’m sorry about that.

It’s okay. Thanks to these guys, I’m better now. Now I’m returning the favor. Including saving Ryuji.

Doc Greene: (smiling) Then I’ll be looking forward to working with you.

Looks like all’s well that ends well... By the way, I know some of you know that they’re the Phantom Thieves... Does that include Aquaman?

Makoto: That would be difficult. I already called Dr. Choi ahead of time to keep him distracted... I wonder how he’s doing it?

>Meanwhile, on the beach...

Welcome to the Annual Miss Griffin Rock Pageant! This year’s going to be very special because of our special guest judges. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the King of the Sea and the World’s Smallest Hero, Aquaman and the Atom!

>Everyone cheered as the two heroes come on stage.

I hope Mera does storm over for this.

Don’t worry. If she asks, I’ll just tell her I dragged you along... Which isn’t entirely a lie. There’s always something about women whose beauty equal their intelligence that always grabs my attention.

>Aquaman was just silent.

>Not the real job begins.

[wavenetinfo]

Photographer Tyler Shields doesn’t want to explain what he’s trying to say in his latest, and very arresting, photo, which features comedian Kathy Griffin holding a replica of President Donald Trump’s bloodied, decapitated head in her hand.

On Tuesday, the gory and shocking image debuted and instantly drew quite a bit of outrage. The president’s son Donald Trump Jr. called it “disgusting” in a tweet and others on the social media platform have slammed the graphic photo as “wrong” and “pure evil.” However, this isn’t anything Shields and Griffin didn’t expect, the photographer — who is known for making provocative pictures like this — tells EW.

Griffin addressed the image on Twitter:

2/ OBVIOUSLY, I do not condone ANY violence by my fans or others to anyone, ever! I’m merely mocking the Mocker in Chief.

— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) May 30, 2017

Shortly after the picture started circulating, EW hopped on the phone for a quick conversation with Shields about the new photo.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did you come up with the concept for this picture? TYLER SHIELDS: We’d been talking about doing something and she said to me, “I’m not afraid to get political if you want or make a statement if you want.” It’s always a collaborative process, especially with someone like Kathy, but it was one of those things where we didn’t know exactly what we were gonna do until we got there. Then, once we got there, it just kind of escalated into that. There were a bunch of different ideas thrown around and then, I was like, “This is the one we gotta do.”

Was this a one-day shoot?  Yeah.

Where did you get the Trump bust at on such short notice?  The shoot happened in one day, but we’d been talking about it for a while. We were able to source some things and do stuff like that before… We had about 10 different ideas and we had the props and we had the things there for them, but then on the day, it was like, “This is the one. This is the one to do for sure.”

Why did you want to pursue this one specifically? A few different things. Obviously, there’s the freedom of speech thing, which is great. It’s such a timely image. We see millions of visuals every day and to make something that really stands out is very difficult now. I think that this has the potential to make people stop for a second and say, “What is that?”

Were you worried that this might incite violence? Many have accused Trump of doing this with the comments he has made. No, I’m never the guy that’s like, “We’re making this piece of art so people are gonna go hurt other people because of it.” I always look at it like, when you make something, it makes people not want to do it. That’s just me personally. But again, the great thing about making something like this is that, look, you make it and people have their opinion on it and that’s the fun of it. A compliment and an insult are the same thing; the insult just takes longer to write.

While you were putting this together, were there any other concerns? There’s a behind-the-scenes video (see below) which just went live and literally in the video, we’re watching one of the videos that we were filming and Kathy’s honest reaction was, “We’re gonna have to move to Mexico because they’re gonna put me in jail.” Now again, fortunately, we have freedom of speech [in the first amendment] and all art is generally protected by these things, but again, this was her first thought, “Will you bail me out of jail?” You know, again, it wasn’t, “I don’t want to do this because I might go to jail.” It was like, “Well, I’m gonna do it and whatever happens, happens.”

Do you think you would’ve done this shoot if it were any other president? I don’t know. I was obviously alive during Clinton, Bush, the other Bush, Obama, and now this. It’s interesting. I’d say Trump is probably the most polarizing president that we’ve ever had. I’ve heard more things about him already in this presidency than I remember hearing about Clinton’s, probably, entire term. But I was a very young man, so it was different. He’s the social media president. So, look, it’s not even about him. It’s just about the whole thing of where we’re at right now as a society and he just happens to be the one speaking at that.

What did you mean by “it’s not even about him”? What did you and Kathy want to say with this? I think to her, it’s absolutely about him. I can’t speak for her, obviously. For me, presidents are symbols. They’re symbols. They reflect some people’s ideals and they reflect the opposite of some other people’s ideals. Right now, this guy is the opposite of a lot of people’s ideals. But also, there’s a lot of people that think he’s great. That’s their own opinion, their own idea. Again, I can’t sit here and tell you that someone is not allowed to have their opinion. That’s why I’m allowed to make this art. For me, that’s more what this is about. You can have your opinion. There’s the famous quote, “I don’t agree with you, but I’ll defend your right to say it.” I might not agree with him, she definitely doesn’t agree with him, but I’ll defend my right to be able to say whatever I want until I die.

Is testing the first amendment the driving ethos behind the project? Again, you have Kathy’s ideal of it and then you have that other side of it. Look to me, I see both sides of it. My biggest thing is I like to make something and I don’t like to explain, “Well this is what you have to see when you see this.” I like to make this and let other people figure out what it means to them. Yeah, I do think that the amendment and the freedom of speech are very important things that have existed in my life. If those things didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be able to make 90 percent of the work that I make. Also, if this was a different time or a different country, I’d probably be killed right now for these photos.

You mentioned how Kathy made that joke about bailing her out of prison. Did you give any more thought to what the public backlash would be? That’s the beautiful thing about stuff like this: there’s always going to be backlash. I think a lot of people fear backlash. It’s this thing of, “Well, I want everyone to like me. I want everyone to like the work that I make,” especially young artists. You want people to love you, but part of that is that if you make things that are polarizing, people are gonna hate it. I think there will be a lot of people who will absolutely hate this, but again, that’s the beauty of it. That’s the fun of making things. Am I saying that anyone should actually be killed? No, it’s like a movie. How many movies are there where the president gets killed or this happens? Tons upon tons. But again, when it’s an image, especially an image like this, people don’t see it like that. They see it as reality and that’s why it’s so shocking to some people.

Why do you think people are fine watching a movie but take an image like this as reality? That’s a whole other conversation, which is really interesting. The most death threats that I’ve ever gotten from an image was over a girl with a black eye and the black eye was fake. It was a fake black eye. Well, how does that make any sense? But, that’s the beautiful thing about a still image is that they grow legs and they run off on their own. With a movie, people sit down and they know it’s a movie. But if you make an image… If you do a good job, basically, people can’t tell if it’s real or fake — which is fun, but you have to be willing to have people not know what it is and to be really upset about it.

You mentioned you considered several other ideas for the shoot. What were some of those ideas?  We never shot any of them, but Kathy had an idea which was filling an entire bathtub full of Cheetos, which she would be nude in, and which I thought was really funny. I advised against that because I think the Cheetos would’ve probably destroyed her bathtub. I just don’t think you ever get that out. So that was one. I wanted to get an American flag ball gag for her, but it just didn’t look good. But, that’s part of the process. You have different ideas and sometimes they’re stupid, sometimes you never do them, and sometimes they’re great but they just don’t work in the photograph. But that’s the fun of it. The right idea always shines.

It sounds like you weren’t necessarily looking to do something political.  Again, we shot other stuff as well. I shot her in this latex one piece and made her look at like an ’80s supermodel. Again, Kathy said to me, “I’m not afraid to make a statement and I’m down to get political if you want.” It wasn’t like, “We have to do something political.” She’s not afraid of it and I’m not afraid of it. I was like, “Let’s do it.” It was, how far are you willing to go, and she was willing to go pretty far.

30 May 2017 | 8:45 pm

Chancellor Agard

Source : EW.com

>>>Click Here To View Original Press Release>>>

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