#i am currently looking at one chapter that has about 8 scenes and i think that will land me at roughly 10k

[dhwty-writes]

After not writing at all for a long time, I've finally started (at least drafting) an original project again and it's messing me up. I've written fanfic for such a long time and it's so different

[bluemooniegif]

Soukoku's first meeting could not have been written more perfectly. Allow me to explain

A quick note on the manga panels: these are fan translations from BSD Bibliophile. At one stage they refer to Dazai as 'the youngest boss in Mafia history,' and the executive meeting as 'a meeting of five bosses.' This is just a stylistic choice! All of the panels shown here are from chapters 8 (volume 2), 10 & 11 (volume 3)

I love this scene more than life itself, because it is literally the PERFECT introduction to Chuuya, his character, and his relationship with Dazai. Let's talk about it!

First: some context. Dazai seems to be in a bit of a predicament- he's walked right into a trap set by the Port Mafia, an organisation that we don't know much about at this stage in the story. What we do know, and what we can observe, is this:

Dazai is a former executive, and appears to have walked into the trap on purpose

He is now being held in a room that Akutagawa describes very negatively- the fact of being here is dangerous

Dazai reveals that Akutagawa was once his subordinate, and that he thought very lowly of him at the time. He claims to still think of him this way. Akutagawa has a violent reaction to this.

This is a PERFECT example of 'showing, not telling' within a story. Rather than making a bunch of asides, describing what Dazai and Akutagawa are feeling and why, Asagiri & Harukawa have plopped us into the middle of a rather awkward reunion. I feel like I've walked into my friend's Christmas dinner and am now witnessing family politics unfold real time. It's like watching a car crash.

Now, we move between settings a bit, jumping around to watch Yosano DESTROY Kajii, Atsushi rescue Kyouka, and subsequently be injured and kidnapped by Akutagawa. We watch the Agency fall into disarray when Fukuzawa demands that everyone go looking for Atsushi- interesting, considering that Dazai is IN THE BASEMENT OF THE PORT MAFIA RIGHT NOW.

I've had lots of discussions and arguments about the meaning and significance of this. I won't delve too deep into it for now, but the way I see it is this: something the ADA is really REALLY good at is splitting up Mystery-Inc. style and working to solve cases etc., together, but apart. Dazai is also something of a stray dog (... cat), regularly wandering off and reappearing of his own accord. He's been with the ADA for several years at this point, and they would understand the way he operates well. Even if there's no indication whether he explicitly told anyone what he's doing or where he's going (which honestly, does that matter, when Ranpo would know immediately anyway?), we can safely assume that this is more or less a regular thing for them.

Anyway, back to the point. the Agency is not fazed by Dazai's disappearance... and neither, for some reason, is Dazai. He stands chained to the wall in the PM's basement- the same one, we discover later, where he's brutally tortured countless victims and traitors, and he's humming a little tune to himself, smiling, totally relaxed. We as the audience know he's pretty unflappable, and Akutagawa's expression when he sees him confirms this, too.

But. BUT. This doesn't last.

With the ADA descending into chaos, we switch perspectives back to Dazai again. He's bored at this stage, and thinking to himself that they must be searching for Atsushi soon (an indication that he was riling Akutagawa up earlier, btw) when he hears it: A voice that makes his resolve crack. A look of panic on his face that, at this stage, we haven't seen yet.

He turns, and we see Chuuya for the first time! He's got this strange smug look on his face, something deeply vindictive. Here's a current mafia executive, and he's so happy to see Dazai chained to the wall of their Torture Basement that you can't help but wonder... is there something that Dazai did to him, personally, that makes him feel this way? Or is this guy just so deeply involved with the PM that the fact Dazai left is like a personal slight against him?

Now, we don't really have long enough to truly panic over this predicament, because almost immediately these two fall into their old habits. Dazai isn't PLEASED, but he isn't afraid. He goes right into bantering with Chuuya, who surprisingly meets him right in the middle. Their regular dynamic shines right through: it's quick-witted quips, inside jokes, and knowing looks. It's this odd relaxation in their posture. In all of this, we have an acknowledgement of what they were, and evidence to suggest that they still are... whatever that thing is. Whatever you wanna call it: partners, boyfriends, best friends, buddies. That much is up to interpretation; the only undeniable fact is that they once knew each other better than themselves, and still do.

Then, the fight. This, to me, comes across as more of a way to display how powerful they both are individually: Chuuya punches concrete so hard it shatters in several places, Dazai snaps his fingers and breaks out of handcuffs.

We have front-row seats to what is in my opinion one of the best action sequences in early BSD, not just for what physically transpires, but what it tells us: they deeply understand each other on multiple levels. They're constantly predicting each other's moves, and they know where each other's weak spots are.

But there's also been a lot of growth. Dazai surprises Chuuya a few times, and vice-versa. Despite their apparent closeness, it's still clear that they haven't been together like this for a long, long time.

Then, they reach checkmate. It appears as though Chuuya has won, and we're fed some more Dazai lore- he was the youngest executive the PM ever saw.

This is how Chuuya remembers Dazai. Again, I want to remind you that this is the first time so far we're seeing PM-zai, and he is worlds away from the Dazai we've grown to know so far.

Though Chuuya seems to have driven Dazai into a corner, the roles are quickly reversed when Dazai claims to know something about a meeting between all five of the Mafia's executives. Chuuya quickly realises this is one of his 'predictions,' further proving the depth of their mutual understanding.

With hindsight, we know just how big a deal a meeting of this scale is, and knowing a certain stormbro (who I won't reveal just in case of spoilers) will be there makes me lose my mind, personally. It clearly affects Chuuya, as well, which was undoubtedly Dazai's goal.

With the power balance disrupted again, they quickly fall back into that same bantering dynamic. The volatile nature of their relationship is so perfectly portrayed within this short scene that it actually makes me sick, I genuinely don't think it could have been more perfect

Anyway. Chuuya has realised, at this stage, that Dazai had multiple goals when he allowed himself to be kidnapped, and one of those was to piss Chuuya off (which is something I think he could've managed even if Chuuya wasn't physically there). This, in turn, pisses Chuuya off, especially when he realises the predicament Dazai has left him in- let him escape, or the Mafia suffers. A test of loyalty, Chuuya's greatest weakness. Do you understand why I am tearing my hair out and howling at the moon??? This is fucking insanity.

And then, the final moment! The part we all know and love! Not only does Chuuya choose to err on the side of caution, allowing Dazai to escape- he also leaves with the repetition of another inside joke. And Dazai laughs- he looks genuinely happy, too.

That is all. I'm gonna go cry now ಥ_ಥ

read this original thread on twitter

[salemrph]

Breaking down "Where Drakeshadows Fall"

We are far from done, breaking down Sylus Myth. Grab pens and paper. This feels like connecting dots on a crime scene.

I came across this comment under a video on TikTok, the creator explains everything so well. Here is the video: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGd6j4Eb2/

@Gem: sylus mentions that one of those weapons in the cave was used 108 times or something, and I thought "maybe the 109th time it will actually work with MC" and then I thought "109....109??? 109!!"

I will try to connect every moment we have seen on the current timeline to reference the Myth. (If I'm forgetting something, leave it in the comments)

We start at the very beginning. Sit back this may be long.

Our first encounter.

Violent, just like the first time they met in the Abyss.

MC attacks Sylus with her knife, cutting under his eye.

He strangles her. In the Myth, she is the one—

The voice in her head urging her to claim the power inside Sylus’s eye.

"After all, you and I are the same. True kindred spirits." This hit different too. Now that we know that they're bond by their soul.

And again, the second attempt. He hands her the gun and pulls the trigger himself. MC doesn’t truly want him to die, so she presses against the wound, and Sylus heals.

"Save that for the day you actually succeed in killing me."

Main Story: Cap. 1-8

MC and Stylus are at Philip's Lab (I think that was the name of the Shopkeeper). So, Sylus is desperate to resonate. And Philip is just like "she is either rejecting you, scared of you or disgusting by you..."

Um… yeah, that must’ve hurt. A lot.

There she is—his beloved, weak, without her memories, and outright rejecting him. Maybe he’s angry at her, but maybe he’s also furious about whatever happened to bring them to this point.

We know he isn't a patient man.

Main Story: Chapter 2-1

Little Girl "... He's a monster with huge wings that never dies. And he has horns!"

Midnight Stealth

MC sneaking in the cave, where Sylus was laying on the a pile of treasures. Obviously he caught her because her footsteps were too noise. Well, we have the same with the brooch.

Sylus recreating the scenario with MC, playing that game to get the brooch. Which I think never was important. He would have helped us, anyways, right?

Oh, and the drawing of Sylus with horn and tail.

The Auction: Chapter 2-10

Of course we have the flashback to the Myth before MC is finally able to resonate with Sylus.

"That life you own me—now is not the time to repay me."

When they return to the base, the MC brings up her vision, asking if it was real. His response:

"If I say yes, will you give me a sincere apology?"

I suppose the apology would be related to the curse—like, "Hey, you killed me, and then you brought me back. So…"

Nightplumes

"Do you know what you look right now?"

We hear in both the same sentences. I just love Nightplumes.

Midnight Warmth

"I want to leave a mark too"

Even if he isn't a vampire, the need to leave a mark on MC. Argh... Just beautiful.

Continuous Symphony.

The song and the conversation.

*A wounded person might never wake up again if they fall asleep"

We have the dream and the song. I don't need to explain but...

MC asked him why he stopped playing the song and him replying "There is no “after”". Which is not the whole true. She refused to continue because it’s a requiem for the departed. Since he was injured because of her, she didn’t want to be the last thing Sylus heard.

"Sincere feelings are hard to forget"

Grassland romance

Both talking about where Home is...

"I can adapt to any location and call it home as long as I'm willing. But... now I have one condition. If you're not there then I am not interested"

I would relate this to their conversation and this dream-like memory we have in black Chapel. Being their home.

This happens in the Event of Grassland. When Sylus gives MC the self-made crown, maybe he is just responding to the flower MC put him in hair at the Chapel.

Melodic Weave

"Unfortunately... the string of fate connecting us can't be cut that easily."

Immobilized

The Snake analogy about their evol linkage, made me remind what MC said in the Myth: "...Sylus, did you already know that we would instinctively want to devour each other?"

This also a reference the curse they share.

"When two snakes are devouring each other, one will inevitably be crowned the victory"

I'm 90% sure that Sylus must know why the evol linkage appears.

"Does this mean, that one day, even without the linkage, you'll choose to stand by my side?"

Destiny Café

The Hand interaction: Sylus bites our / MC hand. Like she did before.

Heartbeat cheeking: "If our heart rates sync up, then maybe we can resonate" After bonding their soul, they were like one. More coordinated then begin just one. This made me think about Luke and Kieran. (That's another topic).

Outfit "Soft Distance": The Golden Crow's Feather of Eternity was something from the cave—can’t remember if it was a weapon or not. Either way, there’s a little nod to it in his outfit: a golden feather on his shirt that ties back to the artifact.

Maybe there is more, but I'm just Lvl 76 with Sylus.

Anecdotes

MC and Sylus are the two faces of the same coin. Is insane.

Searing Touch & Call: Remote Support

I'm mentioning the call because, with Searing Touch, we learn or in another way, he admits once more that MC is his biggest weakness.

"Who could ever do anything to me except you?" (Call)

After the Myth, we have the absolute and devastating confirmation: She is life and death for him. In the broadest sense.

MC asked him about why he was at that place. Half joking if it was because of her. Well...

"Yeah, you're right. I went there for you."

"I'd rather risk exposing my weaknesses when I protect you then see you injured."

Again, he would rather sacrifice himself...

Gem Hunting: Charon

No need to say much, the N109 Zone is basically Taurus City. No need for over-explaining.

If destiny continues their way, maybe MC will leave the Hunter Association. Maybe she’ll end up branded as a traitor. But like Sylus said, if she really wants to understand his world, she has to step beyond light and shadow.

Back to the event. I love their interaction and the style.

By the end, after finding the gem split in two, MC comes up with a great idea. She decides to use the gem and add it to the two bracelets she bought.

MC doesn’t care about the bad omen—in fact, she actually prefers it this way. Once again, she gives Sylus the curse of being tied to her forever.

"Living and dying by your side doesn't sound like a bad curse"

So that all, for now. Maybe I update this when I find more connecting points.

[joels-shitty-puns]

The Key To Your Heart - Track 9

Pairing: Pedro Pascal x Musician!Reader

Series Summary: After writing your feelings for Pedro into a song, it gains a lot more popularity than expected. Ultimately it brings both criticism and support, with new possibilities around the corner.

Series Warnings: 18+ only (MDNI). Panic/Anxiety attack. Alluding to sexual scenarios. Kissing. Fat shaming, name calling. Mentions of food, weight loss, weight gain, dieting, weighing, potential eating disorder, food guilt. Potential for puns/dad jokes (name of my blog, and the fic) should give that away. This is my first fic which should be its own warning, lol. Also some cursing. Mentions of masturbation (f) maybe more smut later idk. Sadness, reader is pretty depressed. Poor body image. Rude people. Bullying-ish and just lack of support? Anxiety. Age gap! Reader is in her mid 20's, Pedro is current age (48).

Other stuff: Reader is plus sized. AFAB. Inexperienced. Also has a dog, but you can pretend it is another creature probably. Further, in case it isn't clear, italics almost always are the reader's inner thoughts!

Word Count: 2.7K

Series List: Here!

Miss Chapter 8? Here!

Hi everyone!! I really don't feel great about this chapter, I'm sorry if it sucks. I kinda just want to get it out there though because I don't see my brain thinking up anything better. A lot of writer's block surrounding this scene. Anywho, hopefully next chapter will be better, but I still hope you like it. Although we allude to a little bit of sexual situations now that they are together, I likely will avoid explicit smut being that Pedro is a real human and I am a guilty, guilty human for writing any smut at all. I don't want to offend Pedro (not that he'd ever see it anyway, I am delusional), but I also know people find real person fiction uncomfy as a whole. That being said, I think this story may be coming to a close pretty soon. I plan to have maybe one more full storyline chapter, and at least one little side bonus chapter :) Please let me know what you think in the comments, or DM me if you wanna chat! I love hearing all your thoughts. Thank you for reading and hanging in here with me.

Before the screen even had a chance to load, you canceled the request. Nervously looking at Pedro, he held your hand under the table. “What is it?” he asked gently.

“I just realized,” you replied. “What if they ask about us? About those pictures? What should I say?”

Pedro answered with a gentle stroke of his thumb on your cheek. “Whatever you feel comfortable with. I'm sure I'll be fine with whatever you say, baby. I know your privacy is important to you, and I trust you. I'm all in with you.”

“Okay.” You took a deep breath and once again began the stream.

“Live in 3…”

“2…”

“1…”

The fans began to file in, and before you knew it, you had thousands of viewers. Opting to start with your screen covered, you wanted to give an intro first before the big reveal. 

It wasn't long before the comments flowed across the screen. 

You took a deep breath, squeezing Pedro’s hand, and jumping in. “Hi everyone! It's me… a lot has been happening lately and I decided it might be time to show a little more of myself.”

-“First!”

-“Did she mean to start a live video ??"

-"Hiii! I'm a big fan"

-“Is she there??”

-“Do you guys see anything?”

“So… Here's me.” You turned on your camera, waving at the screen, your stomach twisting in deeper knots.

-“No fucking way.”

-“!?!!!!!”

-“SCREAMING”

“Hi… Some of you might know me, some might be surprised. But this is me. This is the girl behind the music.”

The comments flooded in, entirely too fast for you to read.

“I want to thank all of you for being fans and listening to my songs. It really means a lot and I hope you liked the album. Your support blows me away, especially with what little information about myself I've given.”

More comments.

“Well, I uh… guess I should read some of these comments and answer some questions. I'm sure there’s a lot you all are wondering about,” you stated nervously, starting to read.

-“Why did you hide your identity?”

“Why did I hide my identity�� I hid my identity mostly based on poor self image. I never expected my music to gain popularity, never expected celebrities to know it. Never expected any of it, and it certainly brought its share of criticism. I was scared to be in the spotlight and I didn't feel like I looked good enough to be someone famous. You know? I'm not skinny, I have flaws, and that doesn't always sit well with the Internet. I guess I was mainly scared of how I would be perceived. I'm just a normal girl who had her whole life flipped upside down when I wrote my feelings down,” you laughed anxiously.

Choosing to ignore the storm brewing in the comments below, you addressed the earlier comment. “Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad I can make you feel more accepted by seeing more plus-sized people in the entertainment business. Everyone should feel seen and have a place at the table, no matter what you look like, or who you are.”

-“I think it's nice to have more celebrities that look kinda like me.”

-“You're so humble!!”

-“You should've stayed hidden lmao”

-“Shut up, asshole. Why are you here if you're going to be rude?”

-“I'm sure you're a real supermodel behind that keyboard bravery.. smh”

You weren't expecting someone to actually feel like you were representing them and making them feel seen. You didn't think you had enough of an impact for that. You certainly weren't treated that way when you weren't famous. Nobody really even noticed you before.

You could feel Pedro’s eyes on your face, his thumb swirling circles and hearts over the space of skin on the top of your hand, below your thumb. The place where his bullseye resides on his own. Does he trace that tattoo when he's nervous, the same way he is with me? Perhaps his tracing of your hand is calming himself as much as it is for you.

Desperately, you wanted to look over at him and be comforted by his deep brown eyes, but doing so would cause people to wonder who you made eye contact with and smiled at. So instead, you gave a gentle squeeze and a smile towards the screen, hoping he would understand. 

-“Hi, I'm a big fan of yours. Can I ask… is what you said on your album true? You've never been kissed before? I haven't either and I was starting to feel like I'm just a freak.”

“Oh, honey, you aren't a freak. Everyone has things happen at different times in their life. But yes, everything I wrote in my album at the time I wrote it was true. And don't worry, I have felt the same way. Seeing others be kissed, falling in love… having the things I wasn't, it really hurts. But it'll be okay.. nothing is wrong with you. You're deserving of love.”

You hoped they wouldn't pick up on your usage of past-tense wording. Pedro, still holding your hand, rubbed his other hand over your arm gently.

-“Wait… at the time you wrote it? What about now?”

The comments were going wild.

Welp…

Your hands shook, and you used your opposite hand to place on top of Pedro’s that gripped yours. He squeezed gently, feeling the nervous tremors pass through your body, continuing to rub gentle strokes over your arm with his opposite hand.

“Uhm…” your cheeks heated and your stomach sank.

“I've changed a lot since this album was first written. Experienced new things. But I'm still the same person.”

Shit.

-“Who did you kiss?! Is it the guy in your song?”

-“Will you tell us who the song is about?”

-“Wait a second… you're that girl aren't you!?!!!! The one in the pictures with Pedro Pascal!!!!”

-“OMG IT IS”

-“!!!!!!!”

-“IS HE THE GUY!?!”

-“ARE YOU DATING!?!”

The nervous tremors continued, now threatening to cause your teeth to chatter. A full panic attack was brewing. Pedro squeezed your hand again, touching your knee and trying to do his best to ground you without speaking up on your live video. Skipper could feel the waves of anxiousness pooling off of you as well and crawled forward to settle his body across your feet. You took a few calming breaths, but when you went to speak, your voice still betrayed you.

“I..” your voice cracked, shakiness evident as you could feel tears starting to edge their way towards your vision.

I can't do this. I can't do this. I need to shut it off.

You shut your eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to ease your nausea and stress. 

Keeping your eyes closed, you spoke. “Yes.”

You took another deep breath. “Yes it was me, yes the song was about him. Yes.”

You opened your eyes to read the comments, tears pooling down your cheeks as you couldn't hold back your emotion anymore.

This is so embarrassing. The first time I show my face I'm crying and having an anxiety attack in front of the whole world.

You swallowed, choking back the full sobs that your body wanted to let loose. Wiping your face with the back of your hand, you began to read the comments, expecting laughter, criticism, and bullying. Instead, you were met with kindness.

Coming back to your senses, you gave a shaky smile. “Thank you guys. I'm sorry for my emotions.” You sniffled. Pedro was still rubbing your hands and arms, comforting you, having never stopped. His eyes still bore into the side of your head, and you knew he was struggling to not speak up or grab you fully. 

-“Oh my God, are you okay?”

-“I didn't mean to make you cry I'm so sorry”

-“You and Pedro make a cute couple”

-“Oh no, please don't cry”

-“Idk if you guys are dating but you seem cute”

-“I'm so glad you guys are spending time together when he's the guy in your song”

-“It'll be okay, please don't be upset”

-“You're amazing, we love you”

“Yes, Pedro and I have been spending a lot of time talking after he publicly commented on my song a few months ago. The party was the first time we met in person and we're still figuring things out,” you let go of your worries and broke eye contact with the camera, looking to your side to meet Pedro’s gaze. “But… we're happy.” You smiled at him. He smiled back gently, squeezing your hand, worry and sadness plaguing his face over your well-being. Breaking eye contact, you looked back at the screen.

You giggled before answering “well, I think that's all we have time for today. Thank you all for joining me!” You silently clicked off the stream, closing the browser, turning off the computer, and turning to Pedro. He grabbed your other hand in his, now holding both. “Are you okay?” He asked, concern etched in his face.

-“AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!”

-“IS HE THERE WITH YOU!?!”

-“whaaaaat”

-“SCREAMING”

-“Shut. Up. This is insane.”

-“YOU GUYS ARE SO CUTE I CAN'T TAKE IT”

“I think so,” you nodded.

“Seeing you panic and not being able to do anything without potentially making it worse… It killed me. I'm so sorry. I just wanted to pull you into my arms and end that video myself. I hated seeing you so upset.” He stared down at your intertwined hands, rubbing his thumb over them again. 

“I appreciate you being here for me,” you let go of his hand to stroke his cheek. “I couldn't have done that without you.” You met his eyes, leaning forward to rest against his forehead. He let out a shaky breath. “I love you. I'm so proud of you.”

“I love you too,” you replied with a smile. “Let's move to the couch, huh?” You asked, pulling him up from the chair. He stood, just as your phone rang, a call from Rose. You quickly answered.

“I saw the live stream. You did wonderful! Don't worry about any of the negative comments you saw or any stories that come out of this. I'll handle it all.”

“Thanks, Rose.”

“Anytime. Take care.” She hung up.

You updated Pedro as the two of you walked towards the couch. “Do you want breakfast?” He asked.

“Maybe in a minute. Can I just hold onto you for a few minutes?”

“I would love nothing more.”

He sat on the couch, you sitting next to him, before he gave you a look. “What?” you laughed. He patted his leg.

“Let me hold you.”

“I'm too heavy for that Pedro, don't be ridiculous,” you shook your head.

“You're the one being ridiculous.” He reached over, pulling you into his lap. “I'm too heavy! You're going to hurt yourself,” you whined.

“You're not too heavy. You're the perfect size, baby. Come here,” he pulled you forward, your body sliding down his thighs as he wrapped his arms around you. You straddled his lap, knees on either side of his hips while he rubbed your back gently. You placed your arms around him, nuzzling into his neck and closing your eyes. You both sighed, and he grabbed a blanket next to him to pull over your bodies. “I could stay like this for hours, wrapped in your arms” you sighed comfortably. 

“Why don't you?” He turned his head to kiss your lips. You lifted your face up, taking your head off his shoulder to kiss him deeper. The kisses were lazy and comfortable, holding each other and enjoying the warmth of being in each other's arms.

Finally the two of you broke the kiss, settling back on his shoulder, him tilting his head to lean against yours. His hands sprawled over your back, pulling you forward a bit to adjust in his lap. You let out a soft whimper at the contact, fully aware of the location your bodies connected at the moment. “Feel how much you mean to me?” He asked, his breath ghosting your ear as he pulled your hips forward again. You whined. “Yes..” you answered breathlessly. The temptation to keep doing that was overwhelming. But he once again wrapped his arms around you, rubbing your back as the two of you comfortably dozed off, finally relaxed after so much stress of the morning.

Hours later, you stirred, feeling Pedro still underneath you. At the feel of you moving, he stretched a bit before settling with his arms around you again. “Morning, baby” he hummed. “Guess we fell asleep,” you smiled.

“Some of the best sleep I've had in a while, here with you.”

“Same here.” You blinked your eyes open, kissing him on the lips with a peck. “What time is it?”

He turned his head to look at the clock on your TV. “5 o’clock” he laughed. “Guess we both needed some rest.” 

“Mmmm, I guess so,” you hummed, settling into him more.

“Good thing I brought nonperishables. Are you hungry?”

You pondered. “Yeah, I am,” you looked into his deep brown eyes. “Breakfast for dinner?” You smiled at him.

“Sounds perfect.” He pecked your lips before you slid off his lap, the two of you standing to stretch. It wasn't long that you two stood apart before you leapt forward again to give him a hug. He laughed, hugging you back. “I'll never get tired of being in your arms,” you smiled into his chest, breathing in his scent.

“I'll never get tired of holding you in mine,” he pulled his face back to look at you.

“Now let's eat! I'm starved,” you scampered towards the kitchen, him giving a gentle pat to your butt before hugging you from behind as you grabbed the breakfast foods. You giggled, setting food on plates as he kissed your neck, still wrapped around you from behind. “I'm starving too,” he replied back to your earlier statement with a growl, biting your ear.

“Pedro!” You giggled, smacking his arm gently. He chuckled, pulling away and grabbing his plate as you both headed to the table.

The two of you ate, filling the space with light conversation, both of you occasionally sneaking Skipper some bites under the table. He could get used to having two humans spoiling him.

The chatter came to a natural pause, eating in silence and smiling at each other across the table. Pedro stopped eating, wiping his hands and continuing to stare at you. You laughed, asking him what was up. Suddenly, he looked nervous.

“I, uh…” he rubbed his neck. “I was going to wait until after we had at least a first date to say this, but…” he trailed off, and your mind spiraled. Is he breaking up with me? Is he not interested anymore? What's wrong?

“I was wondering if… you'd be my girlfriend? Exclusively?” His cheeks flushed.

You stammered, dropping your fork on the plate. “You… you want… me to be your girlfriend?” You smiled.

He nodded. “If… you'll have me.”

“You want to be my boyfriend?” He nodded again, looking down at the table.

“Yes. Yes, are you kidding? Please! I'd love nothing more.” You grinned, jumping out of your chair to move to him.

He stood, pulling you into a hug. “Really?” He smiled at you.

“Really,” you nodded. “Now kiss me,” you held his face.

“Gladly,” he pulled you closer, kissing you deeply, his tongue asking for entrance to your mouth. You squealed, surprised, but letting him in. You'd never experienced this sensation before. But it was… incredible.

He licked your lips, the two of you exploring the inside of each other's mouths, tongues dancing together. The kiss was heated and deeper than ever before, both of you finally pulling away for air, him coming back in to peck your lips a few times, sucking your lip between his own. You sighed shakily. “Wow.”

“I love kissing you,” he smiled against your lips.

“I love kissing you. You're a good kisser,” you smiled back.

“So are you,” he smirked. “My beautiful girlfriend.” He gave a kiss. “How about that date tomorrow?” He pulled away to look at you, letting his hand rub across your lower back, just above your butt.

“I'd love to,” you stroked his face. “My handsome boyfriend.” You wrapped your arms around him again, blissfully.

“Tomorrow,” you two sighed in unison.

@pedrotonin @starcrossed02 @lightupsketchersperson @cartoon-garbage04 @tyferbebe @maryfanson @gwendibley84 @faithfullyyours2000 @brilliantopposite187 @hc-geralt-23 @jenniferpendragon @winchestergypsy90 @red-red-rogue @theendwhereibegin @lottieellz101 @oliversaurus @kyga01 @milly-louise @titabel @taz-97 @stefanibear003 @marantha @fandomoniumflurry @ilovemybrown-eyedbabygirl @leiadjarin @hmneighbors

Thank you for reading!!! Let me know what you think ❤️

Taglist: (Want in? Let me know!)

[juuuulez]

📰 | part one: capulet.

info: Carl Grimes x Saviour!Reader, female reader I’m so sorry!!!!, mostly scene setting..next chapter will get juicy.

summary: You meet Carl whilst the Satellite station is being raided, where they take you as prisoner.

previous | next

This is gonna be an ongoing fic!!! I’ve already got like,, 8 parts mapped out, but will likely add more stuff here and there. It also currently has no name……but I’ll think of something. It will follow canon loosely, mostly at the start, and then I’ll just diverge into whatever I want to write about LOL. Let me know what you think, if you like it, want more soon etc etc.

It’s Saviour!Reader, with very heavy father-figure Negan because I am sorry but I LOVE HIM! Slow burn, enemies to lovers with Carl, teenage squabbling, you get the gist.

I’m also open for requests!!

It feels like you can’t breathe.

It’s dark, so dark. Almost pitch black, if not for the moonlight shining through the windows, spaced out near the rooftops to allow some visibility. You try to keep your footsteps light, one hand clutched around a metal baseball bat, the other feeling the wall to make sure you don’t trip. Everybody else is asleep.

Everybody else is dead.

You have no idea who’s done this. But it’s multiple people, from what you’ve gathered. A group uninvolved with the Saviours. Until now, you suppose.

It was no secret that your father was a tyrant, and had his fair share of enemies, but this? Talk about retaliation. If you’d been sleeping, too, you’d be dead. Maybe it was some sort of fate that you weren’t. Divine intervention. Whatever, it didn’t matter.

Then an alarm blares, disturbing the calculating silence, awakening anybody who remained unconscious. Panic spreads throughout the satellite station, followed by the relentless noise of machine guns. Your grip on the bat tightens as you sprint down the hallway, searching for salvage, somewhere to hide. They’d overpower you, no doubt. Though you were strong, a dedicated fighter, there was only so much a 17 year old girl could do. Facing them was too risky.

And to come home in a body bag? Not an option; Negan would kill every last person alive.

You round the corner, facing a door that you knew led to a supply room. The perfect hiding spot. So, you check your surroundings, weapon at the ready before entering the small space.

The door slams behind you.

“Hands up.”

You panic, momentarily, yet don’t obey. Spinning on your heels, you meet the source of this threat, a pistol pointed in your direction.

But behind it stands a boy, likely no older than yourself. Messy brown hair, stupid looking hat. Eyepatch. Definitely not a soldier.

He takes your silence as offence, “I said, hands up!” The boy barks at you, pulling back the safety with a distinct click.

It feels like there’s a lump in your throat, yet you speak anyway, arms still caged defensively at your sides. “You wanna kill me?”

The question clearly takes this boy off guard, judging by the way his jaw clenches, displeased by the ambiguous attitude you��re holding.

“Haven’t decided yet.” He answers, tone cold and steely.

But the gun isn’t pointed at your head. It’s a little to the right, just past your ear. If he shot it now, the bullet would hit the concrete wall. Lack of depth perception, you decide. One eye.

And so, you take that chance. With one motion, you’re swinging your bat towards him, using all the strength in your body. For some reason, he doesn’t shoot, but does duck down, the swift motion causing that stupid sheriff’s hat to fall to the ground.

The minuscule moment of shock, uncertainty, is your window of opportunity: it doesn’t take much to barrel towards him, your shoulders colliding with a thud as you disarm the boy, letting the pistol fall to the ground.

You don’t bother to pick it up, kicking the weapon away from the two of you, letting it skid across the concrete and hit the opposing wall. But in the time it takes him to retrieve the gun, you’re already out the door.

It doesn’t take long to navigate your way out of the station. Sprinting through hallways, narrowly avoiding tripping over limp bodies of people you once knew. Then the doors are right there, so close. You could even see cracks of sunrise seeping through the gaps.

Fresh air assaults your face, filling your parched lungs, and it takes everything in you not to fall to the ground in relief.

But it doesn’t matter.

There’s shouting, the figures of people coming into view. It floods your system with panic, suddenly alert at the newfound danger. Your sprinting comes to the stop, skidding on wet grass, blanketed with morning dew.

You fall flat on your ass.

The moment of clumsiness is all it takes for these people to approach you, shouting, demanding a name. A gun in your face. You grit your teeth, spotting the metal bat a few feet away, too far to reach.

And that boy, with the stupid hat. He picks it up. It makes you want to scream.

They demand you take them to Negan. To the next outpost. Locate their friends. There’s talking, bargaining on a radio. You stood in silence, childishly frustrated about being used like a pawn on a board. Exchange of you, for their two friends. That, or they’d kill you.

This immature silence lasts the whole trip.

The handcuffs around your wrists are irritating. There’s an itch on your cheek you can’t scratch. Your shoulders begin to hurt from being twisted into such a position.

But the worst of it? That boy, with his stupid hat, holding your baseball bat.

You swallow your anger.

You swallow your anger as they leave you in the RV to raid the Saviour outpost.

You swallow your anger when they come out with their two friends, but none of yours.

You swallow your anger when they tell you that Negan is dead, he’s been killed. That you’ll be put in a cell until they know what to do with you.

“Let me see the body.” You demand, brows furrowed, attempting to shield your inner confliction. Concern.

The man with the curly hair and beard answers, already distracted, moving onto the next task. Like the life of your father was meaningless. “Ain’t no time, we gotta move. Get back to Alexandria before nightfall.”

You swallow your anger.

Until you can’t anymore.

It hasn’t even been that long. The end to a long, gruelling day. At least, it appears to be, judging by the dimming light seeping through tiny windows. You’ve never been in a prison cell before. Though, granted, it was probably time you got some semblance of consequence for your morally-grey actions.

There’s footsteps. Once person approaching, then another walking away. Keeping guard on your cell, you presume. The same process had happened twice already.

Except this time, the footsteps continue a little further. The jingle of keys, a metal door creaking open.

Then he’s standing in front of you, on the other side of the bars. You want to burn that stupid hat.

“Your hat looks stupid.”

His face twists, brows furrowed, but otherwise ignores the harsh statement. The hat remains on his head.

“What’s your name?” He asks, standing a few meters away, warily. As if he’s afraid you’ll squirm through the bars and attack him. Maybe that’s a good thing.

You don’t answer.

But the boy continues talking anyway, “Mine’s Carl.”

It’s like an olive branch, a truce. An ounce of humility amongst this whole, terrible experience.

You roll your eyes, but tell him your name anyway. Carl seems to take this as permission to continue, as he now sits down on the cold concrete floor, though still maintains the distance between the two of you.

“Were your parents back there?” He asks you, though doesn’t sound particularly curious, nor judgemental. It’s that same, weird, stony tone. Like he only wants to know simply for the benefit of information.

So, you humour him.

With a shrug, you mumble, “No.”

“Is Negan your dad?” Carl asks almost immediately, already having a path of conversation in mind. This boy knows what he wants, and intends on figuring it out. That, or he’s just really blunt.

Once again, you shrug, giving a pointed look that conveys how you don’t intent to cooperate.

In response, Carl narrows his eyes, taking your lack of cooperation as hostility.

A few moments pass, and he’s getting up again, storming towards the door. The keys jingle. Metal creaks.

And he’s gone.

Another few days pass.

Nobody had interacted with you; it felt like you were going insane. Four walls and a dinky bed.

At least Carl tried to talk to you, nobody else seemed interested.

Until the curly-haired man is back, who you presume is named Rick, and is getting you out of the cell, once again adorning handcuffs.

“You’re going to Hilltop,” He tells you, snapping your wrists together once more, but this time offers the reprieve of cuffing your hands in front of you, “Somebody will watch you, give you a new home. You misbehave? It’s back in the cell.”

Though displeased, you have no choice but to follow. Suspicion stews in your gut, as these people appear to be in a rush, ever so slightly frantic. An energy in the air.

You remain impartial, annoyance radiating from your being as they drive, all these people packed into an RV. Everybody is having their seperate conversations, though you remain alone, handcuffed at the back of the vehicle.

A few hours in… and the road is blocked.

Blocked by people. A few cars parked nearby.

Disruption stirs in the RV, weapons suddenly gripped, prepared for a threat. Just before Rick can go to investigate: you hear it.

Whistling.

Your face must clearly light up, a hint of hope, and you’re rushing to stand. Though you can only make it two steps forward, deeper into the RV, when suddenly hands are gripping your shoulders, a firm hold keeping you in place.

Keeping you from escaping.

You twist and turn, aggressive curses leaving your mouth, but are unable to fully face your captor.

But from the corner of your eye, you see the rim of that that stupid, stupid hat.

[accio-victuuri]

XZ’s GQ February issue candies 🍬

now that we all had the time to appreciate the lovely photos and videos from that cover & collab — which is honestly a whole meal on it’s own, now is the time for some sweets. 🫶🏼 nothing too extravagant, a few similarities and clues we have connected only. i think the best candy still is the fact that it’s now confirmed that zz & wyb both have a good relationship with gq. even rocco going as far as choosing xz to start having simultaneous cover releases with other countries. sit tight and wait for all the toxic narratives to be proven wrong. don’t sweat it. the road ahead is long. let’s enjoy life and support the boys! 🫶🏼

One thing i noticed, and was actually surprised about was WYB posting an ad for Super X as early as 8:00 AM. Tho he may post at 8:05, which is rare, he usually does ad posts at 10:00. The 8:05 is mostly done by the brands. We have talked about them trying their best not have work overlap, this is a minor one, but as soon as GQ posted at 9:30 i feel like i know what’s happening. Then it didn’t stop till 12:00 nn. It doesn’t help cause i’m clowning that the short film feature for this cover was assigned Chapter 8. WYB posted at 8, the full short film is 8. What a nice coincidence!

Knowing WYB is not a stranger to doing short films with GQ and their love for movies! It wouldn’t really surprise me now if GG does a full feature about LOCH with them. These two really chose the same publication to do exclusive for their projects 😌😌

the similarity that i love is them in the bathroom and then looking at the mirror. tho wyb’s are scenes from HB, these stills were first seen @ GQ.

there is a story here 👀👀

it’s nice too how GQ used ZZ’s photos and put them in the frames. what a nice touch! since this is essentially his dream 💭

+ peter pan pop up art book on the bed too!

overall, there is really not that much we can clown about when it comes to photos alone. tho what gg is wearing has an interesting story as shared by @rainbowsky here. some may say it’s the stylist and magazine’s choice but we still love seeing the association. In addition, the clothes were inspired by Nicole Kidman’s clothes in a Chanel perfume ad. i love the unconventional wedding dress choice here, it fits them! <3

moving on to the biggest way we can cpn tho is the interview & cover story.

i especially liked the questions, it wasn’t cutesy. it asked what needed to be asked.

here are some of the similarities i found with them and their outlook in life and career. 🤍

First of all, being professional is an unavoidable topic. You can have a non-major background, but you must have excellent professional skills. This is what I want to do, this is who I am. I feel that I am not enough, and i’m too far behind.

I think (improving acting skills) is a cumulative process. You can’t make a big step forward with just one movie. This is difficult for me to happen. So you have to keep filming, but you have to keep filming good films and don't consume yourself.

It’s the intent to be a better actor and the self awareness of not having that “background” people expect them to have. However, they can compensate by being professional. by being the hardest working person in the room. Sometimes I feel like it’s okay for them to praise themselves and not always be this critical, but i guess that’s what make them the best too cause they have high standards for themselves.

At present, I want to be an actor who makes the audience like you. Maybe everyone is not your fan, or even not particularly interested in you, but you know that he has a drama, Do you want to watch it? His dramas are all good. I want to do this. This is my current goal. Is it possible to become the actor I like? This is a rule.

THIS. This!!!!!! I feel like they both have this outlook. They don’t need every single person to be their “fan” but the goal is to become known and liked by the general public. That people are familiar with them as good actors with excellent works. It’s why there is absolutely no need to beat yourself up on who is the better fan. It doesn’t keep the boys up at night. Lol.

There are many. For example, Zhou Xun has always been my favorite actor.

Zhou Xun! Who has worked with WYB in various projects, primarily with Chanel! I hope ZZ gets to work with her too.

I used to take the subway every day. for me there’s nothing I can't do. What do you think I can do? Say hello and leave. It’s just that I don’t want to cause confusion and trouble for everyone or cause a bad reaction.

The two of them have the same intention of not wanting to cause trouble to the people. That means making sure their fans do not cause unnecessary public issues like gathering in certain places.

Everyone has their own boundaries, and some people have no sense of propriety. I stay away from such people, but when the boundaries are broken again and again and the bottom line is touched, I will get very angry.

Chongqing pepper is here! lol. I see them being very patient and understanding cause they know what people expect of celebrities. But they won’t also take things lying down. They will fight if need be.

In principle, I am a very rigid person. If I insist on something and I think it is right, it will be difficult to be convinced. For example, if I want to be an actor, I don’t want to do anything other than being an actor.

I just want to do it well, just try my best right now. Maybe the result is not good, but what should I do? This is all I can do.

Sounds familiar? Especially the part that says I want to do it well? They have the same braincell 🙃

Now let’s look at the cover story. First, i wanna point out the comment of the interviewer about ZZ: “Before meeting, I thought Xiao Zhan would be very cautious about interviews. To my surprise, Xiao Zhan had a rare sense of relaxation, answered all questions, and even had some humor.”

Which is actually a common misconception about XZ or — you know what? he was kind cautious before but as time goes by, he became more relaxed and candid with his answers. It’s still insightful, but not as practiced. In the Q&A, he mentioned that there are things that cannot be said. Setting boundaries like that. Similarly, WYB is the same. We’ve heard stuff saying that he is in a more relaxed state now. I love that for them!

I still sneak out to ride a bicycle, take a walk, and do a CityWalk. Only once, just now in after walking in the alley for 5 minutes, I was recognized. I also sneaked into the cinema to watch a movie. No one will care about you, really. after leaving the Internet, many things will be solved easily. Sometimes the world is right in front of us.

This goes out to everyone that says how can they go out? How are the CPNs of them spending time together be true? Well this is the answer. Sneaked into a cinema to watch a movie? I hope they do that together too ^^

When he goes to different cities, Xiao Zhan will bring the same type of pillows and quilts. "I will bring everything that can help me sleep well." He has also tried aromatherapy lamps, lavender essential oil, and various other products that make him fall asleep when applied on his body.

This is such an easy cpn for us. Remember that time DLS clowned WYB about the aromatherapy candles? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

-END.

[suffarustuffaru]

Hello!

A bit of a weird ask, so sorry in advance.

What methods/sites would you recommend using for reading Arcs 5-8 of Re:Zero?

I’ve almost finished season 2 of the anime, and I’m pretty sure this has become one of my new favourite anime/works of media in general. 

And considering I keep spoiling myself anyway when I look at Re: Zero tumblr blogs, I figured I should just find a way to catch up with the rest of the series. 

You seem smart, and have clearly read Arcs 5-8, so I was hoping that you would be able to provide some advice. 

Thanks!

NOTE; this post is now outdated esp when this was written pre-s3!! i may make a new post if people are interested

hi there!! :D no worries for the ask, its cool to have another rezero fan join in the fandom especially on tumblr (which is a very small, curated circle of a bunch of us trading posts around a campfire HAH) and i hope youve really been enjoying the anime and your stay here so far!! :o this is absolutely one of my favorite media as well (if. if you couldnt tell by the blog pfft) and thanks for the compliments haah i am glad to seem smart.

but yes i gotchu on where to read!! ill be giving you a pretty detailed explanation/guide. (this explanation also goes mainly for english speakers / people who wanna experience rezero in english.) (and of course if any other seasoned fans are seeing this feel free to add on if i miss anything or correct me if needed)

Main Route Stuff:

witchculttranslations is where you can find the translations for the entire main route (which is arcs 1-8). this page is where youll find the main table of contents for each arc and you can find arcs 5-8 there!

note that arc 8, at the time of me writing this ask, is still a work-in-progress and the team of translators in this fandom are always hard at work to translate each chapter. also note that arcs 7-8 are "conjoined arcs" - think of it like arc 7 is part 1 and arc 8 is part 2. so if you happen to get caught up to where rezero is currently at, the rezero subreddit regularly updates chat + update threads whenever new rezero novel content comes out in general. youll find updates on translations or summaries for new chapters there.

there's also distinction between web novel and light novel - web novel are the chapters that tappei releases online, light novel are the official finished versions of the chapters that are released for sale. sometimes there's changes between the web novel and the light novel, but for the most part it's either minor changes to improve on the web novel - sometimes it's major, but for arcs 5-8 iirc there isnt any major changes that you need to worry about.

just note that in the wn translations, all/almost all dialogue is written in script-style. let me show a small excerpt from arc 5 chapter 1:

???: “Good job, Subaru, I suppose.” A small silhouette enters Subaru’s view from above. A loveable girl with long, cream hair and an extravagant outfit—Beatrice. Her fluttering dress looks out of place in the meadow as she presents Subaru with a towel. He accepts it and vigorously towels his head dry. Subaru: “Ah, thanks. Was looking to cool down so this’s perfect.”

so yeah the wn will be formatted like this by the way, just in case you didnt know this yet!! i hope thats not much of a turnoff or anything, but dont worry you get used to it - and the story is still pretty great anyway!!

also dont bother with arcs 1-3 wn. its not so important (and you already know all the major info because youve seen the anime) and also arcs 1-3 wn doesnt have the Best writing. tappei himself had to make extremely major changes for the light novel and the light novel (along with the anime and manga) is the finished and polished result.

and of course the light novel comes with illustrations for each arc. the web novel sometimes includes images as well at the beginning of each chapter, but if youd like to see finished and official illustrations for various scenes throughout arc 5-8 its easy to find them if you search them up online!!

the anime also has a few bits of Important cut content from arcs 3-4 - unfortunately i dont have any resources on hand for this ;-;;; but you can look this up on rezero reddit or online in general since a lot of people have made summaries about this. from what i remember in arc 3 (which is the royal selection/white whale/petelgeuse half of season 1!), the main thing is just the reveal that al has some sort of connection to ram (and rem by extension), some sort of connection to satella possibly, and he is ALSO someone that was isekaied into rezero's fantasy world.

as for arc 4 (which is season 2 of course), the anime got down almost all of the general important info you need to know, but there's a lot of important information in the last parts of arc 4 that the anime didnt include. the anime may include this information (and the al stuff from arc 3) later, but you'll need to know it for arcs 5-8. you can find the witchcultranslations guide for arc 4 here - scroll down and youll find the chapter called Appendix: Advent!! you'll need the info in that chapter for later.

if you want, you can also read the chapters after that - theyre sorted under One Day II and are the official arc 4 interludes that take place before arc 5. i do recommend reading through them, but theyre mainly characterization stuff, character dynamics post-arc 4, everyone trying to recover after arc 4, etc etc. the most important info in there is leadup for arc 5 (all the post-arc 4 aftermath stuff) and also some info/introduction on clind and annerose (who are characters that are briefly shown in the anime for like two seconds). these two do play minor roles in arc 4/beginning of 5, but theyre hinted to be important for later. if youre in a hurry to get to arc 5, totally fine to just skim through it, get basic info on clind and annerose then continue into arc 5 or something. or you can look at their wiki pages - totally cool to enjoy rezero however you wish. it's a LOT of reading dont get me wrong HAH.

as for the manga - this is not required reading or anything, the manga has only done arcs 1-4 atm so it's not really super relevant to you since youre almost done with arc 4 already via the anime!! but of course if you havent done so youre welcome to check it out if youd like, the manga artists are pretty great imo. im just gonna show some art from the manga artists here:

isnt it pretty? :O very nice stuff.

anyway thats it for main route content!! now i gotta explain side content.

Side Content:

you can find witchculttranslations' side story table of contents here, which very neatly shows you Every Single Side Story and is updated regularly every time tappei comes out with new side content. and trust me, tappei makes A Lot of side content. i guarantee you a lot of rezero fans havent read every side story (and i still have a lot of side stories to catch up on myself), so theres absolutely no need to read every single side story!! honestly just read the ones you find interesting + the ones that are required reading! im not sure how much of the side content youve heard about, but ill give you a rundown:

this extremely helpful google spreadsheet here (thats also regularly updated) tells you how important each side story is and where you can find it so you dont have to go on a wild goose chase wondering which ones you need to read for the main story. rezero side stories are on a sliding scale of just silly stuff tappei wrote for fun to this is VERY crucial for the main story. that google spreadsheet should help you out with that - both the spreadsheet and witchculttranslations have links to almost every side story available.

(the spreadsheet also tells you important details and who it's centered around + when each side story is safe to read free of spoilers after a certain point - so it's easy to decide when you wanna read the side stories and WHICH side stories you'd like to read!)

also i guarantee you that if you have a favorite character in rezero that character Probably has a ton of side content theyre featured in - so i recommend just hunting down all their side content and devouring it whole because im sure youll have a fun time with that. a lot of side content also fleshes out a ton of side characters as well in general - people who Looked shallow in the anime ARENT shallow at all, i promise. many people have hidden depths, which is one of the fun parts of rezero!

witchculttranslations and the google spreadsheet also tell you what order you might wanna read in terms of when each one takes place. i recommend following that order for the most part if youd like, but if you wanna binge read side content or something later you can also do that after reading arc 6.

that's how i experienced the side stories myself (i started reading them after finishing up with the arcs 5-6 plot) and in a way, i would say that might just be the easiest way to do it given a lot of the side stories take place during arcs 1-6 or before the events of arcs 1-6. itll make you go "ohhh thats what was happening with these background characters during *insert event here that was focused on in the main story*" or "ohhh thats why These Guys are like this" a lot pfft. so its easier to just get out the most important ones / the ones thatre most interesting to you all in a row after finishing up with arc 6 👍

The Ex Novels:

these are THE MOST IMPORTANT side stories. :o theyll be extremely important for arcs 7-8 especially!! also because these are light novels the dialogue is written in normal narrative format so hooray for that!!

anyway theres five ex novels. i recommend reading these after arc 6 so you got them fresh on the brain for arcs 7-8.

however if you happen to be a crusch camp fan, you can read ex novels 1-3 at any time youd like!! these flesh out characters like crusch, felix, wilhelm, and theresia (some of the wilhelm and theresia content was shown a bit in season 1 of the anime!) so youd probably enjoy these even more if youre a fan of any of them. ex novel four also features felix, julius, and reinhard too, if that interests you! (as a knight fan ex novel 4 was my favorite akdndn and i loved ex 1!!). but yeah in general though read the ex novels in order (from 1 to 5 of course) so you dont spoil yourself for other ex novels, but as i said - you can read 1-3 at any time, and in general its best to read the rest of the ex novels after arc 6.

the ex novels in general mainly focus on important historical events in the rezero world and stuff that happens before arc 1. the ex novels are also our first introduction to the nation and empire of vollachia—this is also the country that priscilla is from (and al also came from there)!! you get introduced to vollachia's whole deal in these novels. youll need this info for later!

anyway witchculttranslations and the google sheet dont have links to them because theyre published + officially translated light novels that are easiest to access by buying them, so harder to get a free pdf of them. however i got you (and your wallet) covered because i got pdfs for all of them right here (if these links dont work let me know!):

ex novel 1 - crusch and felix-centric

ex novel 2 - wilhelm and theresia-centric

ex novel 3 - wilhelm and theresia-centric

ex novel 4 - felix, julius, and reinhard-centric

ex novel 5 - priscilla and al-centric

anyway thats the ex novels in a nutshell!! and of course if you want a physical copy of these books (or any of the rezero light novels in general) in english you can buy these online (sites like amazon has them) or at a bookstore. if you live in the US like i do, barnes and noble has them irl as well. or if you happen to live near a kinokuniya store, they also sell rezero irl. kinokuniya is also specifically for japanese media so i highly recommend giving it a try if you happen to be near one (i got a rezero keychain from there also hah, rezero merch is a little hard to get a hold of sometimes).

rezero light novels are also translated in a few other languages (iirc spanish and polish are some of the other languages its translated in) so if youd like that too you can look into it and buy some!!

The If Routes:

if youre not familiar with these by now, theyre basically "what if"/ alternate universe stories where subaru makes a different and Very Major choice at different points of the main route. theyre not necessarily required reading, but some do have some important lore regarding several of the characters and in general most of them are extremely important AUs for rezero that emphasize all the themes of the story. they also show the Insane butterfly effect of subaru’s decisions.

and if youve gotten this far with the anime already im gonna assume you probably like subaru at least a little bit? :o yeah his character gets fleshed out in Very Interesting ways in these routes. other characters also get changed in various ways due to his decisions!

new ifs are also released typically every year on subaru's birthday - april 1. so with every april 1 the entire fandom plays russian roulette because either the if will be a super silly one or a Very Important one LMAO.

also these ifs tend to be mentioned a lot in fandom bc theyre very beloved and interesting side stories, so i highly recommend choosing which ones you find interesting and just have fun reading them!! you can find them on the spreadsheet, if you want to read them in a more chronological order, or you can find them on the main witchculttranslations website as tabs on the side underneath Re:Zero If Stories. (but ill provide the links to each separate one in this post also.)

all current if routes at the moment take place somewhere in the arcs 1-6 range, so you can look at them either after arc 6, like i said, or in order as you read along with the main route. ill give a quick breakdown of each if just in case!!

Pride If - diverges from arc 1; subaru doesnt call for help when fighting the three thugs in the alleyway. slight spoilers for one part of arc 5 in like One Scene of pride if.

Wrath If - diverges from arc 2; subaru accepts beatrice’s offer to help in the loop where rem dies + subaru tries to run away from the mansion. very minor spoilers for ex novels/arc 7-8 (characters who appear in those arcs appear in wrath if).

Sloth If - diverges from arc 3; subaru gives up and runs away with rem instead of dealing with the arc 3 conflict. very minor spoilers (a character who later appears in arc 8 appears here).

Aganau If - diverges from arc 3; in the loop where rem dies in the cave and subaru carries her back to the mansion, he decides to go down another route away from the mansion instead. years later, he’s now older and still alive after almost everyone else has died. this if is one of the routes in the now discontinued lost in memories mobile game (and this is The Most Important route out of the whole bunch anyway). you can find a playthrough + english translation of it here.

Greed If - diverges from arc 4; subaru accepts echidna’s contract. major spoilers for arc 4 of course. minor spoilers for arc 5+ (small plot beats are mentioned iirc). a bit of important lore for characters like echidna and clind. the first edition of it can be found here - make sure to read this first. this is because this if was also given a longer and polished light novel version of it (it was a special that came with some of the season 2 blueray dvd packages?) and you can find an english translation for the extended + final version under the Blueray Novels and Databooks section of witchculttranslations' side content page.

Gluttony If - diverges from arc 6. major spoilers for arcs 5-6.

Mimigau If - this is just a genderbend au that tappei made that starts from arc 1!! almost nothing is changed besides the characters’ genders, biological sex, names, etc. i sadly dont have a link to this one, but iirc this hasnt been fully translated yet? and it's also very much not that important of an if lore-wise so you're not missing out on much. the genderbent character names are really fun though!

Lust If - this is, supposedly, an if that tappei wrote in one sitting and then decided to delete off of the official rezero wn site. this if is just an april fools joke where subaru gets a harem of various rezero girls. and imo its not Particularly Good, but it was meant to be a joke and tappei just wrote it for no reason so ig the quality makes sense haah. and also sadly that harem includes petra iirc which. yeah. not what id call great.

Vainglory If / School If - basically a canon high school au for all of rezero! not a necessary read at all but it's super silly and fun. and if you like anastasia and/or priscilla they have a lot of Fun Interactions in this one. im not sure if all of this if is english translated yet, but you can find chapter one here.

Other Various Ifs from Lost In Memories - i dont have the links to all of these, but lost in memories has a lot of other more minor aus as well, aganau if is just the most important + the darkest one. the other ifs are more lighthearted and just extra stuff for funsies. other big examples include a julius if (subaru calls for help in arc 1 and julius is the one who comes to help), a reinhard if of sorts (takes place around arcs 1-2, it's a sillier story where reinhard just keeps appearing out of nowhere to help subaru every time he needs help), and also an otto if (arc 1 divergence; subaru gets involved with otto and the two of them decide to start a mayonnaise business).

A Side Note About Rezero Video Games:

ok i know your ask is mainly about how to READ rezero but i figured i might as well explain this really quick just in case!!

there are a bunch of rezero video games and none of them are really Necessary, so dont worry about it. theyre either like - silly alternate universe stuff or theyre a bit more of the serious au variety (like aganau if, as mentioned earlier. i dont know every single rezero video game out there (and i think theres still new ones in the works at the time of me writing this??) and also almost none of them are english translated so its hard to experience them if you dont understand japanese.

the two most important ones (aka the ones with more story in them) are gonna be prophecy of the throne and lost in memories (which i mentioned earlier!). and again, these games are not necessary content - theyre mostly just side content that you can look at/watch/play through for fun and if you just wanna see more of your faves. you can check them out at any time since they dont have any major arc 5-8 spoilers.

Prophecy of the Throne - this is visual novel + a divergence of arc 3 where a new and sixth royal candidate emerges and it looks like emilia is the fake royal candidate here.... so yeah the plot is just. it's like a game of among us. but it's a fun story with a lot of different character interactions (so if you really like the entire cast of rezero youre in luck!!) and features a tiny bit of lore about some powerful groups in the fantasy world. a few of subarus failed loops in this one are also Particularly Brutal. you can watch gameplay of it on youtube or play through it yourself (i know that the game IS on steam too) since it's fully english translated (and all the jp vas and english vas reprised their roles as well).

Lost In Memories - as mentioned earlier, this is a now discontinued mobile game. iirc it was a gacha game? a sort of fighting game? and also it's narrative driven with a bunch of different routes. you can find the wiki for it here - it summarizes a lot of the main story beats. theres no official english translations for this game, but theres a lot of fan translations that you can find on stuff like youtube if youre ever interested in any part of the game. also it has a really fun opening song and animated sequence. nonoc's rezero music is great <3

A Side Note About Rezero Youtube:

theres a lot of summary videos for both main content chapters and side stories on youtube. im not sure how accurate these videos are, but i know that at the very least they can give you a brief rundown on the main points for certain chapters/side stories if thats something youd like to have!

theres also an entire team of people making a fan-run audiobook for arc 5. ive given some of their episodes a listen, and i can confirm that theyre absolutely great. you can find their readings of chapter 1-47 on spotify, and on their youtube channel theyre up to chapter 62. i think theyve also expressed their interest in branching out into other rezero content as well? :o so if thats also something youre interested in you can check them out there!

In Conclusion

anyway, that should be all you need to know - thats a summary of basically all important rezero content from here on out!! i know this is like. Super detailed. so i hope that this was helpful and didnt scare you away or anything hah. and i hope you have fun reading through rezero :o !! you got a lot of content to choose from thats for sure!!

but yeah ty for the ask, i hope i explained everything clearly enough :o !! and if you need any clarification feel free to ask!!

[theonewhonothingknows]

Power Rangers (2017) fic rec list: (UPDATED: Jan, 2024)

Hello there, as someone who loves this movie, I decided to make a list of fics that’ve read, or am about to read, to anyone who is interested:

Note: I’m only putting here fics that I’ve read. So if someone knows a fic they might want to recommend, let me know! XD  There are currently almost two thousand works on the power rangers 2017 tag on AO3, so be sure to look around and dig for stuff you might like.

NOTE: Remember to check out the author if you like their stories! Leave comments and kudos and reblog stuff you like, apreciation is always important

Illustrated Story: @theone-with-thestuff​ ‘s power rangers sequel: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5 , part 6, part 7 , part 8

MultiChapter fics (post-canon)

Rangers with Attitude by SmokeyCut : A sequel to the movie that is very in synch with the power rangers universe, both in how the story is told and how light it feels. THat doesn’t stop the drama from happening though. Awesome battle scenes and a very engaging take on Tommy, and the 2017 universe as a whole.

Power Rangers 2: Sythesis by SatanSpeaks (mature) : This fic is a piece, it’s another sequel to the movie, but with a much more bleak look on the universe as a well, however, it doesn’t dive too much into it and it has plenty of hopeful moments to spare. It’s a fic that leaves you on the edge of your seat, start to finish, biting your nails hoping everything will work out.

we gladiate but i guess we're really fighting ourselves by sunnydalehart: “The rangers don't really know what they're doing, but they really are trying their best.” -- Another post-canon fic with good romance, and team-bonding, check it out!!! (Trimberly) (Billy/ Jason/Zack)

Power Rangers 2: Rise of the Green Ranger by IzzyIniguez: Rita loses her coin, but finds a new power.  The rangers learn to be a team and meet the Tommy and Tamsin Oliver, the new (twin) kids in town. Sparks fly and tempers flare between Kim and Tommy, and Trini and Tamsin. I think this might be one of the most original takes on 2017 Tommy Oliver out there.

Short-stories:

 5 Times Jason Scott Was Protective of His Team by notawriters: Jason-centric goodness!!!!      

Zack Taylor Designated Driver Squad by iwasnthere622 : Zack didn't have the best school record. His friends help him fix that. -- This isn’t as much a sequel fic as it is a Zack sequel fic, exploring his life after becoming a ranger, and how he relates to his new friends. The chapters go through his bond with each of the rangers, and it’s an amazing piece of Zack Taylor fanfic, enriching what we already saw in the movie. One of my all time favourites!!

Been There, Done That by TaikoTurtle: The team has a bonding camping trip up on the mountains, but after a series of unfortunate events, Kimberly has to figure out how to make things right, including her feelings.

One More Ride by magimumu: (NEW!) : Uber driver Trini picks up Kim on a rainy evening. (TRIMBERLY)   (This short one is amazing! Like poetry! Can’t recommend enough!)

One-Shots:

***NEW!!!!! - (This is) Good Weird -  by Laslus -----  Poly Rangers fic!!! -  Or: The Huge Colective Denial of FeelingsThe first time Trini notices, they are around the fire. She looked at the whole picture, feeling the warmness she usually felt when hanging with them, how she finally felt like she belonged somewhere. She should focus on that, on the happiness she felt as they sang off tune, how they were a picture together. Oh.

All of the Above  by songofsunset : This short one shot is a perfetc mood setting piece, with rangers hanging out. In a few senteces, it grasps both each ranger’s personallities and the nature of their both. Sweet fluffiness all around.

Just let me love you when your heart is tired by milkyegg_carton: A cure little fluff about the aftermath of the battle with Goldar!!

walk me home by twoorangecookies: A nice little, well, it’s canon complaint but it’s sort of a missing scene, but it’s also sort of an AU where Kim asks Trini to walk her home.

Campfire Dance-Off by Skyland2704: team bonding fluffiness!

we carry each other (we’re just different colors) by hearden: This is a fascinating fic, about the rangers before being rangers! Seriously! There are so many character beats, and a very good grasp on the characters!!

am i the only living soul around by younglegends: A story told backwards,going from the aftermath of the movie to the very beginning. Again, another rich story exploring the characters and their core! An awesome read about the power rangers that really makes a point about their evolution and their bond in face of their sttrugles. I always go back to this fic for inspiration.

Do Better by iwasnthere622: One of the best jason centtric fics out there, exploring his role as leader and the way he shoulders the burden.

Dildo Wars  by cabooseachievables : I think this is one of the most fun pieces of fanwork I’ve ever read, seriously, just pure delight from start to finish as the rangers start a prank war between themselves.

**********NEW!!!!!!!!! Riding Shot Gun by zipzipnada:   --Kimberly finds out her new friends have never tried weed before, and knows for a fact Jason is a shotgun king.

Shipping Fics:

BY THE WAY, THE AUTHOR tworangecookies has plenty of Trimberly works if you’re interested, I can’t recommend enough to check them out, you’ll definetly find something for your tastes, both on AO3 and on tumblr @5ivebyfive. Another tumblr with fics in this universe is @magicmumu2

you’re my sunshine by titaniaeli: Short, fluff, and engaging, basically a tale of Jason falling in love with his team. (RANGER POLYCULE)

 in a hopeless place by twoorangecookies: (AU) This is one of my favorite fics. It’s an Outsiders AU, and I never had contact with The Outsiders, but I do love how consistent the rangers are even in an Alternative universe. This fic is well paced, and leaves tense with each cliffhanger, not to mention the forbidden romance, which is just *cheff’s kiss. (TRIMBERLY)

The Heart part 1 by The Otter Limits: While this fic is a sequel to the movie, I’m putting it here, because its main focus is the relationship between Trini and Kimberly. I really love this fic because it has a very heavy dose of Angst. I’m not sure it’s everyone’s cup of tea, but I do love the melodrama involved. Also, there is some neat world building about the rangers’ powers and the universe they live in. (TRIMBERLY)

The Hunt For Love by magicmumu: Awesome Valentine’s day Fluff, what else can you wish for? Honestly, the dialog between the characters as they go on an scavenge hunt it’s so amazing, you can’t help reading this with a smile on your face. Can’t recomment enough. (TRIMBERLY)

Fire meet gasoline by twoorangecookies: (mature) A cute little soccer AU, with that good old rivals to lovers premise. What more can I say? Go check it out!! (TRIMBERLY)

Clarity by thebrightestbird: I think this was the first time I read about this ship, and interestingly it immediately spread to be fond of it in the tv show universe as well. Great stuff!!!  (ZACK/JASON) 

with my feelings on fire (guess I'm a bad liar) by movingforthesakeofmotion: The one where a date night turns into exposed secrets and discoveries. (TRIMBERLY, CRANSCOTT)

We can have all that we ever wanted by theshipstorulethemallwrites: 5 Times Someone Thought The Rangers Were Dating and 1 Time They Were

EXPLICIT FICS:

Turning sweet love into poison by twoorangecookies: (EXPLICIT) this fic is Intense, and I really advise you to look into the tags before going in. It deals with heavy subjects like body dysmorphia, so be mindful. Now that that’s out of the way, this fic is delicious to read, two traumatize characters navigating a complex situation, it has all those spices for those who love some heavy Angst in their romance. (TRIMBERLY)

Legacy of Power by Hearden (Mature, but the collection has Explicit fics): (INCOMPLETE) .This fic is interesting because it’s sort of a nice multiverse mix between the tv show and the movie, with the simple premisse of having TV Kimberly and Tommy meeting the 2017 rangers. It’s one amazing fic, very well written with an awesome premisse and solid character work. It’s specially awesome to see two versions of Kimberly knowing and interacting with one another.

*****NEW !!!! -- Shut up and Drive -  by Twoorangecookies --  (Sort of a power rangers meet Fast and Furious, but R rated 😈)  Trini is looking forward to start her new career as a rookie cop. She isn't the best at relationships, so she goes out one night just looking for a thrill. Then she stumbles on a scene that is not her scene at all and more thrill than she asked for, and she meets a woman that is the most annoying, obnoxious woman she's ever met. A woman she wouldn't go for in a million years. At least...that's what she thinks.

PS: I have to say, it’s really interesting to go through fandoms, not only to meet how diverse people’s interpretations can be, but how rich and creative they are as well. Just the ammount of Tommy Olivers I’ve seen for the 2017 universe is stagering, not one version is the same, and that, I think, is also very precious.

Anyway, remember to comment, reblog, and all that stuff that shows authors your apreciation. Feel free to add fics you might’ve read and are not here, I’ll sure try to do so as I find new ones. I tried to categorize stuff as best as I could.

[bookish-bogwitch]

an ask game for writers to procrastinate working on your WIP(s)

thanks for tagging me @wellbelesbian!

1. 🦈Tell us the name of your/ one of your WIP(s): Basil Pitch's Diary. It's literally my only WIP.

2. 🍄Describe your WIP/one of your WIP(s) in the format of “___ + ___ =___” Bridget Jones's Diary + Carry On = We Love Baz, Just As He Is

3. 🌍What tags or warnings will one of your WIP(s) need if you intend to share it? Internalized homophobia, gaslighting, self-hatred. 😬

4. 🧭An alternative title to one of your WIP(s)? I never considered an alternative title to BPD, but the one that comes to mind now would be a huge spoiler. The alternative title to the next chapter is "I Fortunately Know a Little Magic," which is sassy and snappy (R.I.P. Howard Ashman) but less thematically relevant than the title I chose.

5. ⚠️Which WIP your most likely to finish or update next? Basil Pitch's Diary. Literally every other fic I've ever posted has been while "taking a break" from BPD, which could go on indefinitely if I let it, so I am bound and determined to finish this fucker before starting something else.

6. 💾What is your document of your WIP/ a WIP called? (not the stories actual title but what you’ve saved it as) I have a list for BPD called "Chapter Checklist." It contains subtle insights "Baz is an UNRELIABLE narrator."

7. 🖍Post Any sentence(s) from your WIP. Here's Baz and Dev in ch. 7:

“Will you stay for dinner?” 

“Can’t. Dev and I…”

As Niall told me about their plans I grabbed one of the football’s nylon loops and let Rusty tug on it as we walked. It seemed too late for Niall to have a date all the way in London, but what do I know about dates.

“Come with us,” said Niall. 

I grimaced. “No thanks. I’ll catch up with Dev when he’s not on molly and climbing down your throat.”

“You don’t ‘catch up’ at Beast Night. You dance.”

“With whom?”

“Men.”

8. ♻️A scrapped idea for your current WIP. I just looked in the trash folder of the BPD Scrivener project and found this note I don't remember writing:

Renée Zellweger would play Baz. People would be skeptical but she’d fucking nail it. Gaining weight for a role? How about growing eight inches, sprouting a happy trail, and joining the legions of undead. (Might as well cast Oscar bait.)

9. 🤔What’s a story you’d love to write but haven’t even started yet? A Watford-era get-together magickal mishap involving animal transformation and beloved children's literature. So, you know. The usual.

10. 🤡How many WIPS are you actively working on? Just the one. @facewithoutheart and I have a secret side project going that involves back-and-forth writing and it's stalled out on me. It's very fun and silly and I plan to return to it when I need a break from some of the angstier parts of BPD.

11. 🛠Is there a scene or anything in the WIP you are struggling with right now? I'm not working on any one BPD scene right now, but trying to map out the rest of the fic in greater detail so that I can roll from one chapter to the next. I was struggling for a couple of weeks with how to make an unavoidable canon plot point emotionally relevant to Baz's arc, but I think I figured it out last night. Phew.

12. ❤️Not a question, just a second Kudos to send. Kudos and tags to @cutestkilla, @thewholelemon, @whatevertheweather, @brilla-brilla-estrellita, @monbons, @onepintobean, @ileadacharmedlife, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @skeedelvee, @im-gettingby, @imagineacoolusername, @iamamythologicalcreature, @youre-an-apocryphal-concept-223, @rimeswithpurple, @goblindad-emoshit, @facewithoutheart, @artsyunderstudy, @alleycat0306, @erzbethluna, @ebbpettier, @emeryhall, @f-ing-ruthless-baz, @hushed-chorus, @hertragedyconnoisseur, @ionlydrinkhotwater, @ic3-que3n.

[nine-one-wanton]

20 Questions for fic writers!

How many works do you have on AO3?

What’s your total AO3 word count?

What fandoms do you write for?

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Do you respond to comments? Why? Why not?

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Do you get hate on fics?

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

What’s your all time favourite ship?

What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

What are your writing strengths?

What are your writing weaknesses?

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

First fandom you wrote for?

Favourite fics you’ve written?

Also tagged by @cliophilyra and @bangpop91

This was a lot of writing, now you have to look at it 😝

1. How many works do you have on АОЗ?

45 for this fandom!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

174,785

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently, 9-1-1 and a skosh of Lone Star

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Far and away: #1 - Breathing (Both Ways)

#2 - Rinse and Repeat

#3 - W

#4 - Locker Room Talk

#5 - Netflix and Chills

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yes! 100% Even if just an emoji.

Why? Why not?

Because, I appreciate’cha; and I have the bandwidth.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Pretty much everything in this SalTommy series 💔(🐢)

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Breathing! (Generally, my fics do have happy/hopeful endings! But when they don’t.. hooooo boy, see above! )

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not yet 👀 But never say never 🥴

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Mostly! Usually the kind that makes you feel things in your chest as well as in your pants.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Ah yes. Anything But Conventional. My beloved (by me!) Bucktommy/Tarlos fic.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yes! Not in this fandom, but in a previous one - it was a whole thing. A bunch of people in the fandom had their fics lifted, serial numbers filed off, and posted on Wattpad for another fandom 🤡

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes 🥰 W is available for Russian pals that enjoy a fun sexting fic.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not in this fandom.

14. What's your all time favourite ship?

I’m yet again sticking with current fandom: bucktommy 💜

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Apologies to my previous fandom. But my muse is in another castle.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I say: emotions, characters’ inner lives

Others have said: characterization, smut

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Action. If it’s outside the bedroom.. Action. Bad news now that I write for a fandom where it would be beneficial to have a knack for writing exciting action scenes, emergency calls, disasters, etc.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

Not for me. Not worldly enough for this.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Disregard 😌

20. Favourite fics you've written?

I feel like this one is obvious:

Breathing. It was one of my first BuckTommy fics I started posting in this fandom. I made most my fandom pals through interactions surrounding this fic. It took my by surprise how much it resonates with people; I genuinely didn’t think it would have an audience, but I was compelled to tell the story. I can’t believe I’m posting the FINAL chapter this Tuesday. Who even am I if I’m not working on this fic?!

This one is.. less obvious:

I Don’t Know How to Love Him. This is when I randomly decided to participate in SalTommy even though I ‘didn’t really go there’. My friends were excited about it and I wanted to play. This story got its hooks in me in a way that no other one has. I do not write fast, but I wrote this so fast. I do not truck in angst or unhappily ever afters, but.. I wrote this doomed thing. I think I’m more obsessed with it than anyone reading it, but I do not care 💜

Tagging a 🕳️ bunch of people:

@typicalopposite @30somethingautisticteacher @judymarch15 @herrmannhalsteadproduction @sunnywithachanceofbi

+

@girlwonder-writes @rdng1230 @marvelousbuckley @do-androids-dream-ao3acc @racerchix21

[aristocratic-otter]

An Ask Game for Writers to Procrastinate Working on Your WIP(s)

Thank you to @theearlgreymage and @wellbelesbian for the tag. I haven't done this one before

(Original Ask Game)

1. 🦈Tell us the name of your/ one of your WIP(s):

I'll go with TikTok dancer, because it's one of only two I haven't published yet, and the other is my COBB so I can't give too much away on it.

2. 🍄Describe your WIP/one of your WIP(s) in the format of “___ + ___ =___”

Simon Snow + the Pacific Ocean = Dancing Sea Lion

3. 🌍What tags or warnings will your / one of your WIP(s) need if you intend to share it?

It is very very explicit. Simon is a slut in this one.

4. 🧭An alternative title to your/ one of your WIP(s)?

Honestly? This is the only name I've come up with for it. I may change it, but I tend to be fairly resolute when it comes to my titles.

5. ⚠️Which WIP your most likely to finish or update next?

Probably Cupid's Shield. I'll be updating Cupid's Shield and Saving Simon Snow in the next few days. The next chapter of Stars, Flowers, and Children ought to go up by Wednesday.

6. 💾What is your document of your WIP/ a WIP called? (not the stories actual title but what you’ve saved it as)

I always save my docs under their title once I have the title. Before that, I call it by a descriptive phrase, like "cobb 2024" or "Tiktok AU"

7. 🖍Post Any sentence(s) from your WIP.

Simon Snow is standing above me, looking at me with a perplexed expression. I quickly get my own expression under control. “Hello?” I say coolly.

“Baz,” he says, and my eyes widen. I wouldn’t have thought he’d remember my name, given the many similar encounters he must have had over the years. 

“Snow,” I say, neither encouraging nor discouraging this discourse.

For some strange reason though, his eyes light up at the sound of his name and he beams at me. “What?” I say sharply, confused.

He shakes his head and his curls fly about with the motion. “Nothing. It’s just, I like it when you call me that.”

That’s distinctly odd. Don’t people generally prefer to be called by their first names?

8. ♻️A scrapped idea for your current WIP.

I originally had this ending two different ways, and one of them was mpreg. I shifted away from that idea before I started typing though.

9. 🤔What’s a story you’d love to write but haven’t even started yet?

My friend denticles (sorry, forgot your Tumblr user) gifted me an idea that involves Baz being a fanfic writer during the Watford years. I'm excited to start it, but I am determined to finish The Heart in The Well first.

10. 🤡How many WIPS are you actively working on?

lol, you know me. Too many. 8 at the moment.

11. 🛠Is there a scene or anything in the WIP you are struggling with right now?

Not currently. I'm more fighting with deciding how detailed to make upcoming scenes.

12. ❤️Not a question, just a second Kudos to send.

🥰

I'll tag most everyone I know who (I think) has a current WIP, why not?

@iamamythologicalcreature, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe, @chen-chen-chen-again-chen, @palimpsessed, @frjsti, @fatalfangirl, @melodysmash, @onepintobean, @tea-brigade, @messofthejess, @larkral, @confused-bi-queer, @mooncello, @j-nipper-95, @facewithoutheart, @best--dress, @nightimedreamersghost,  @thewholelemon, @youarenevertooold, @cutestkilla, @artsyunderstudy, @ileadacharmedlife, @hushed-chorus, @prettygoododds, @whatevertheweather, @angelsfalling16, @noblecorgi, @bookish-bogwitch, and @blackberrysummerblog 

[corviiids]

8, 18, 23, and all the other numbers you haven't answered yet

ooohoho really enabling me there thank you very much. answered 23 in the last one! i wont do all of them or this'll get super long but ill put a few more under the cut!!

8. if you had to write a sequel to a fic, you’d write one for…

tbh ive been contemplating a silly oneshot sequel to as you like it but i do have to actually finish the damn thing before i even think about that so ill leave it there.

18. if you keep them, share a deleted sentence or paragraph from a published fic

im actually notoriously bad at killing my darlings so i didn't think i'd have that many deleted scenes, but i did find a few older versions of the makoto&ren scene in chapter 6 of as you like it that i had completely forgotten about. looking back on these i actually still like them

v1.0 of the grounding sequence ren goes through after his nightmares. i think i cut this because it was too long and didn't flow well in context, but im sort of fond of it in isolation:

this was from an alternate version of the scene altogether, where they go to harajuku instead of inokashira so ren can find some featherman merch futaba wanted. i dont like this version as much as the final but i am fond of the extremely long spiralled potato:

then a completely unrelated ren/akc date that i cut because it wasn't doing any work and i didn't think it was fun enough to be kept in:

...

a few more answers for fun (1-5)

writer asks

the last sentence you wrote

i cant remember which line i actually last wrote so here's the last line in current wip

He laughs again. In the silence where Ren tries to re-examine his own complexes, Akechi draws ahead on the wall.

2. a character whose POV you’re currently exploring

ren! i think he's fun because he's the player character and the protags are generally designed to be pretty malleable (or personalityless if you're feeling uncharitable... or wrong) so obviously there's a temptation to just make him whatever your story needs him to be, but i think he's a really tempting and interesting opportunity to really get your claws into a guy who has a personality but refuses to show it and have that be one of his character traits. he's so adaptable to every situation but there are so many moments where his stubbornness and inner values shine through in his limited dialogue, so the challenge becomes like, how do you deduce the rest of a character's hidden personality based on the little they show you? how do you unpack someone whose character is that he wants to be whoever you want him to be? what's going on in his mind? how do you understand him and fill in the gaps in a way that's consistent with what he does in canon when he gives you so little to work with? this is an irresistible challenge to me so he just lives in my brain. he's not even renting he owns the place and he doesnt have a mortgage

3. how you feel about your current WIP

i think palacefic is the project that ignites the most personal passion and excitement in me so im really so excited to finish writing it so i can share it and also so i can read it instead of reading my own chickenscratch notes and think about how excited i am to write it

4. a story idea you haven’t written yet

i keep coming back to circle this idea of postcanon akeshu and how they navigate a relationship (word used free of connotation) where they are constantly circling each other and obviously cant do without each other but also like. are so codependent and not at all functional enough to really have a normal romantic relationship or even friendship. i wrote like a short scene of this which i put on twitter a while back i might actually post it here. and i also started a short fic just to get some thoughts down but never had any plans for how to continue it

5. first sentence of the fifth paragraph of an unpublished WIP

im self conscious about how much of this has been about palacefic, so have a line from my death note longfic instead (i cheated this is like the tenth paragraph because the first paragraph is introductory and none of the lines make sense in isolation or they're too spoilery)

Well, when you eliminate the impossible.

[solivagantingrebel]

Fanfic writer questions!

How many works do you have on ao3?

8! But if we count my other account that I abandoned, 10.

What's your total ao3 word count?

So far, roughly 142k words.

What fandoms do you write for?

Mostly just COD fandom (exclusively Ghostsoap!)

Top five fics by kudos:

Leaving Your Heart On Fire - omegaverse smut amirite? (first attempt at smut fic too, which is, something!)

carry me in your teeth (with tender jaws of sympathy) - seal!soap x orca!ghost with hurt/comfort, biting and other shenanigans. honestly, i never thought people would like it that much since i hallucinated the plot & the first chapter within a day lmaoo.

Only Yours - another omegaverse smut! second one in the series, but whatever. wall sex galore tho <33

Sweetest Gift - lingerie & shibari & bdsm. need i say more

With The Softness Of Your Breath - what if hallmark movies were good, and ghoap? ALSO childhood friends and retired au + all the christmas goodness. this one is very deserved and i will literally kiss everyone who read this on the mouth for giving it a chance even tho i know first person pov isn't favoured in fandom spaces. i poured my heart into it, ty <3

Do you respond to comments?

I try my best to! Miss some sometimes because i'm too busy giggling and kicking my feet over the sheer amount of elation i feel whenever i get the notification.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Happy ending kind of guy, so none. Unless you count the letter. MCD 😔

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

CHRISTMAS FIC,, but all of them are going to be happy ending so we'll see!! my current longfics will take the rest of the year, or more, to end though, so who knows.

Do you get hate on fics?

No? But I did get a comment about how first person pov was something that a reader hated and they were looking forward to reading the fic with the tags & summary. Oh well, their loss.

Do you write smut?

ABSOLUTELY,,, i adore writing smut. right after fluff and angst, i have to say.

Craziest crossover:

None yet :(

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No, not that I know of.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

Nope! I wouldn't mind it though.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No but Alex. i am looking at you with the softest, darkest brown eyes ever.

All time favourite ship?

GHOSTSOAP. but also capitaru and cami. if you know you know. i don't mind ghoap x reader too, but i swear they NEED to be fucking each other as well, no ghoap 'thinking' of each other as friends and nothing more. all of us are in love and fucking and that is final, or there is nothing.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Beyond Life and Death,,, im so sorry my first attempt at a longfic but i really overestimated everything before i started writing it. Still hold it in my heart, since it was how I taught myself to write fanfics in general but it's a mess, honestly.

What are your writing strengths?

I. have no idea. I've been told I'm good at setting scene (emotional, erotic, angsty) so maybe that? Words also fly out of my mind at the speed of light whenever I am deeply dissecting a character's inner monologue, feelings and thought process AND ALSO TRAUMA, so that too.

What are your writing weaknesses?

I would say action if it were me from the past,, but I've gotten better at it. So, for now, plot, but I'm working on it!

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

HELL YEAH!!

First fandom you wrote in?

......JJK. You will not find that fic though.

Favourite fic you've written?

All of them are my babies don't make me choose 😭

I have no idea who has done this tag game and who hasn't. it was trending like months ago, so open tag for now! do feel free to yap about your fics and tag me if you, i'd love to know <3 (get some recs meself) ill tag a few but feel free to ignore me if youve already done it lmao @eiraeths @myriadblvck

[photogirl894]

🥳Photogirl894's "Sun and Rain" Fanfic Three Year Celebration!!🥳

As of today, it has now been THREE whole years since I started writing and posting "Sun and Rain", my Bad Batch fanfic and love story between Hunter and my OC, Kimber!

Crazy how time flies when you're having fun, right?? 😆

I've added a bit more to my story since last year and I'm insanely happy with how it's progressing! This year, the story continued on through events of season one of the Bad Batch (a little slower than I had hoped for, but progress is progress) and there was lots of angst, but also lots of good moments. We're officially halfway through season one! With the show ending this year, it got my thoughts turning more to how Kimber's story would go throughout season three and I think a lot of you will like what I have planned in the future. There's still a lot more to come and at least we know that there's gonna officially be a happy ending 🥰 (Though, I would've had that happen no matter what, but now, I don't have to break canon to get it!)

A huge thank you to everyone on my taglist as well as those who are currently reading my fic! I've gained a few more loyal readers and it makes me so happy! Your guys love, support, comments and messages are what keep me going! 😊

@the-sad-batch , @nimata-beroya , @intrepidmare , @legolkenxbi , @tech-aficionado ,

@ladykatakuri , @d1n0-dan , @sammi9498 , @darthzero22 , @scarlettrose9901 ,

@thebadbatchscyare , @chxpsi , @ilikemymendarkandfictional , @4pplecider , @locitapurplepink ,

@l-lend , @nekotaetae , @eternalwaffle , @merkitty49 , @avathebestx ,

@idoubleswearimawriter , @techs-stitches , @fantasyproductions , @totallyunidentified and @dreamsandrosies

To celebrate the three year anniversary of "Sun and Rain", I would absolutely love to talk about the story with my readers again like I did the last couple years, especially since I've gained a few new readers in that time and I honestly think it's a lot of fun! 😊 I want to know some things you guys like about it so far and I'm curious if anyone has questions for me about it, so once again, I have a list of things anyone can send to me in my ask box: things you can tell me from your own perspective or things you can ask me personally! (For those who may be reading and aren't caught up all the way yet, there most likely will be spoilers, so you've officially been warned 😅)

Tell me...

1. Your favorite moment

2. Your favorite line(s)

3. Your favorite relationship

4. Your favorite chapter

5. What scene/line made you laugh the most?

6. What scene/line made you smile the most?

7. What scene/line made you cry/angry the most?

8. A song recommendation for my "Sun and Rain" playlist that you think fits Kimber or her relationships with other characters and I'll give it a listen

9. What you'd like to see later on in the story (and maybe I'll tell you if it'll happen)

10. Your theories for "Sun and Rain" and where it's going to go

Ask me...

1. Anything you want to know about my OC, Kimber (within reason) or my Koriena Force girls (Lex, Kida and Irys. Any questions about Rina will be directed to @l-lend since she belongs to her)

2. What was my inspiration for (insert scene/chapter)?

3. What was my inspiration for (insert certain line/paragraph)?

4. What chapter am I most proud of?

5. What certain lines am I most proud of?

6. What was my favorite moment(s) to write?

7. What was my least favorite moment(s) to write?

8. For a hint of upcoming chapters/events and how Kimber's role might change certain things (if you want to know about particular upcoming events from the show, please specify)

9. For a sneak peek into future scenes I already have written (though it's mostly dialogue and I only have a couple, so I can only do this a certain number of times)

10. Anything else you want to know from me about "Sun and Rain" or my experience writing it thus far

I look forward to talking about this with all of you! And stay tuned for another fun surprise later today! 🥰 I love you all so much!!

[cleavetheclover]

Any Nighttime in Las Vegas spoilers/hints/tidbits to keep us fed? 👀

Nighttime in Las Vegas - author notes on future updates!!

Okay first of all, thank you for the ask!! I am extremely honored by your investment in the fic 🥰

Note: I am not sure how heavy you wanted the spoilers to be when you submitted the ask, so I kept it on the more vague side. I hope this satisfies what you were looking for!

This work is my most ambitious to date and has been an inspiring and invigorating challenge. The effort I have put into this work has been enourmous, and I am incredibly grateful for all the attention the work has gotten. Thank you!! 🎉💕

More info below cut! Non-spoiler (chapter 5) updates first, then Major Spoilers (chapters 6, 7, and 8) next.

Chapter 5 (most recently uploaded chapter):

- Chapter 5 (specifically scenes 11/Medbay and 12/Brimstone’s Office) currently being re-written. I thought that scene 11 was pretty sloppily written and there was a lot of key info that didn’t get properly communicated, and the changes are intended to communicate the plot line with better storytelling/use of characters and dialogue. The major changes in scene 11 are complete and I am doing minor fixes to scene 12 to keep the story consistent.

- To elaborate on the above, scenes 11 and 12 establish that: 1) Omen was rescued per his Distress Call, and Cypher was not. 2) Omen needed to be revived, and is still injured. 3) Fade has been sent on a Search and Rescue mission for Cypher. 4) in discussion with Sage and Brimstone, it is discovered that the mission Cypher and Omen were on was not approved, and that the documents Omen has access to are not in the database and likely forged. 5) Killjoy performs an assessment showing that there have been no external threats / sources of tampering that could be responsible for this incident. 6) Sage and Brimstone bring up Cypher’s history of secret missions, defying orders, and otherwise sketchy business. 7) Omen insists that he was not aware of this history, and asks to compare his own mission history to that of the database to see what else he has been unknowingly doing. He finds three other missions of suspicious origin.

Chapter 6 (in the works):

- Chapter 6 will begin with Cypher’s return. Brimstone interrogates him about his actions and motivations and Cypher attempts to gaslight gatekeep girlboss his way out of guilt, but it backfires and only makes him look worse.

- He does not tell the entire truth about himself, but he specifies that Omen is innocent. Omen is thus cleared of all charges of treason.

- Omen, having discovered that Cypher has lied to him about their joint missions, is furious. He has conflicting loyalties— one to the Protocol, his home, his entire livelihood; and to Cypher, his mission partner, his protector and protected, and his good friend. To have one betray the other is world-shattering.

- Cypher is placed under arrest at HQ. His duties are distributed among the other Agents including Sova, Fade, and Killjoy.

- Omen overhears a conversation where Cypher is begging Fade to let him go with her to Las Vegas, stating that she knows what happens to him there and he can’t let the same happen to her. Fade brushes him off and says her Radiant abilities will ensure her safety.

- Omen visits Cypher in jail to confront him. An argument ensues.

- At the end of the argument, Cypher tells Omen to bring the Box to Viper. He thinks she can help.

Chapter 7 (not drafted):

- chapter 7 deals with the fallout between Cypher and Omen.

- Cypher is in jail, but as you might imagine, he tries to break out. He manages to escape Headquarters without setting off any alarms, because well, he built them himself and can take them apart just as easily.

- By happenstance, Omen sees him escape through the portal at headquarters but is unable to stop him. He follows Cypher through the portal.

- Cypher reveals some information about his past, i.e. everything he didn’t say during his interrogation.

- When Omen realized that he can’t convince Cypher to come back to the Protocol on his own, he shoots him neatly in the head and princess-carries his body back to the Medbay.

Chapter 8

- cypher realizes he is stuck in HQ jail again. Screaming crying throwing up (RIP babygirl but he did it to himself)

- Omen takes the box to viper. He tells her outright not to lie, he’s already had enough of Cypher’s bullshit.

- Sabine tells him what she knows.

More notes:

I am doing my best to publish chapters that are well-planned and well-refined. Unfortunately, having ADHD + fretting over details 24/7 means I am not a very speedy writer, and I apologize for the long waits between chapters.

The document I have in my computer is much more extensive and includes dialogue and additional scenes, but I’d classify those as major spoilers and didn’t include them here. I also have plot points planned out for the rest of the fic, but those are major spoilers in addition to being undecided/malleable so I didn’t want to set them in stone here.

[ririchanva]

Chapter Nineteen: A Glitch In Time

░❇┊Previous┊❇ ░ ❇┊Next┊❇ ░ ❇┊Masterlist┊❇ ┊AO3 ┊❇░

░❇ Buy Me Some Coffee~? ❇░

Chapter Warning: Time-Reality bending shenanigans. Spoilers for Miraculous London (slightly) along with a sprinkle of cameos from other Zag Cartoonz. Some political stuff, past talk of domestic abuse and family drama.

A/n: It...*looks back at calender* has been 8 months? Is that how long since the last chapter? Holy canole...that is long. Anywyas, er, so...the reason I didn't update for so long is because I let MHA manga finish itself and had to wait until Season 5 was truly over along with the London Special. I wanted to see how much of my plans have to be rewritten and double check considering a lot has happened. That, and real life stuff happens so I had to focus on work and keeping up my social life xD But now it is the new year, and I AM HOPEFUL I can be a bit more active in this story. So, just to note a few things:

I have seen spoilers for Season 6 of Miraculous. My opinion on it? It won't change the story too much so I'm thankful for that.

London Special will be mentioned in this chapter, but the London Special for this story will be different from Canon so yeah, ALSO thankful for that (and that particular special WILL be in London)

About Lila and her identities...yeah, those are out the window. She is Lila Rossi in this story. Not...whatever identity she is currently.

I am spoilt on the MHA manga ending. ALSO won't change much of what I have planned already, so that's good.

That's pretty much it. So without further ado, let's get on with the chapter~!

    Nathaniel tilted his head as he entered Momo’s room, observing the scene before him. Gathering his thoughts for a moment, cyan coloured eyes then looked at the flustered and shocked face of the Japanese girl and a new floating creature right next to her. He just wanted to check on Momo and ask if she was alright…but apparently something happened in the span of an hour or so since he, Alix and Marc were gone from her room.

   “So…wanna explain this?”

    Momo bit her lower lip with an unsure look, looking at the new being as she helplessly shrugged, “I…I am not sure myself?”

    “As I have told you before, Princess Momo, I am here to guide you into being my new mistress and be a heroine~” A swan looking Kwami spoke, ruffling her feathers for a moment with a coo, “My name is Detty, the kwami of Wind.”

    “How did you even get here?” Nathaniel asked while walking closer, Duusu now popping out from his jacket and observing the new Kwami. 

     “Naturally, I felt Princess Momo’s presence, so I ended up following that feeling and it lead me to her.” Detty explained as they then looked over at Duusu and eyes widened, “Oho~? Another just like me? How interesting~”

    Duusu cooed in happiness as she reached out to hug the other being, and giggled, “Oh wow~! You are so cuuuuute~ Another friend to join our big growing family~”

    Nathaniel watched them with a frown before glancing at Momo with a raised brow. He mouthed the word ‘princess?’ with an inquisitive look, but the girl just looked sheepish while holding what seems to be a Miracle Box and a black and white pearl broach shaped in wings and a crown inside. The red head sat on the edge of the bed and picked up the trinket, observing it.

    “So, from what I am understanding, you just happen to have sensed Momo as your holder?” He asked curiously as he glanced over at the Swan Kwami, “Are you sure that maybe someone else might’ve dropped you off here instead?” 

    “You think that someone maybe snuck Detty in here when I wasn’t looking?”

    Nathaniel nodded to Momo’s reply, “It’s possible. Although coming to a hospital that has high security, thanks to the heroes coming in and out of here, is pretty risky business. It is shocking that there was not one staff noticing anyone coming in and out of your room. Even if they were to come in by your window, someone was bound to see something.”

    Momo frowned, now looking troubled, “This is serious news. If anyone walks in while I was unconscious without notice—“

    “I can look into it for you,” Nathaniel interrupted before he looked at the window and blinked when he saw the Ghost Force flying past them and disappearing, then sighed, “I’m going to assume that there’s gonna be more things going on today, so I think for now, I better see what’s up.”

    “Let me know what’s going on, alright?” Momo spoke up softly as Nathaniel handed the broach back to her, “I don’t like being helpless.”

    “Hey, none of that.” Nathaniel stopped her as he patted her hand resting on the bed, smiling softly, “You are recovering. You were crucial help during the fight against the villains, not to mention you assisted taking down the majority of Nomus that came to New York. Give yourself some credit, Momo.”

    The dark haired girl felt her cheeks flush for a moment, then smiled weakly, “…Thank you, Nath-kun.”

     The red head nodded, and once he deemed Momo okay to be left alone once more, he stepped out of the room. Just in time to almost bump into Adrien and Marinette…along with some newcomers that he’s never seen before.

     “Nath?” Adrien spoke up first, looking surprised.

     “Er, friends of yours?” Nathaniel nodded to the four strangers behind him with high feelings of apprehension, “And where have you and Marinette been?”

    “It’s a long story,” Marinette let out an exasperated sound, but then heard footsteps behind her and was surprised to see Kagami and Kirishima coming their way…and there was something floating on the red head’s shoulder, “…buuuut first, Eijiro?”

    The guy smiled with slight embarrassment as he looked over at the Kwami near him and then laughed weakly, “Long story…”

    “Seems everyone has long stories to tell,” Nathaniel snorted with a quirk of his brow then let out a tired breath, already feeling heat pooling behind his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose, Duusu flying over to Nepp and cooing, “Alright. Let’s take this somewhere private?”

    “And with a lot of room.” Adrien pointed out, “Because I think everyone needs to hear about this…”

    Bakugo felt his eye twitch, staring at all the teens in the room, including faces that he’s never seen before.

     “…What the hell are even more extras doing in here?”

     “Well, technically your room is the biggest out of everyone here. It fits all of us, plus, it seems sound proof enough for no one else to hear what we’re about to reveal. Not to mention no nurses want to come in here too often because of your angry demeanour~” Andy pointed out cheekily before looking at the four newcomers, “Anyways, go ahead and introduce yourselves for everyone.” 

    Grady was the first to start, as he coughed, “M-My name is Grady Kasenti. I am the son of Nolan Kasenti, the CEO of KassKorp Tech, and in secret…I am the holder of the Angel Miraculous and the hero: Seraph.”

    Kagami noticed something of him then softened, “…We have met before.”

    Grady glanced over to where he heard her voice and then smiled, “…Kagami-san. You sound a lot different than I remember…more warmer.”

    “You have grown since I have last seen you. Your father has told us that…you died of an illness that had to do with your blindness.”

     A snort came from the dark haired male, “Ah, is that the cover story he went with? That’s boring.”

    Kagami looked at him in sadness, making Eijiro look worriedly at her.

    “Tell me, Kagami-san, how is your mother these days? I know that both our parents are competitors, but I do share sympathetic admiration to her considering we are alike with…our conditions.” Grady asked casually, although when he heard the tiny sound of distraught coming from her, then tilted his head, “…Did I say something out of the ordinary?”

    “Mother was…taken. Taken by some bad people,” Kagami managed to say, despite the red head next to her wanting to speak up, but she held his hand to signal that she can handle this, “I do not know who they are, but I am going to find them and rescue my mother.”

     Grady was silent for a moment before speaking up seriously, “And you never thought the possible suspect of your mother’s kidnapping might be my father?”

    Marinette gasped, “How can you say that?”

    “Is that possible?” Shinso immediately asked, ignoring how Marinette looked absolutely gobsmacked at the idea of a parent being that awful. 

     But as she thought about it some more, Gabriel was like that to Adrien—

    “I wouldn’t put it past him, really.” Grady shrugged, as Kagami looked like she was almost considering his words, “Nolan Kasenti is a ‘whatever it takes’ kind of man. For wealth, for power…Always has been, even when my mother was alive and before I was even born.”

    “Sounds like Gabriel,” Nino grumbled, but yelped when Sabrina nudged him, “Ow!”

    “Gabriel Agreste, right?” Grady asked, blinking his tired, faded eyes, “The fashion mogul?”

    Adrien tried not to wince at the name, but his face couldn’t control how he grimaced.

     “…Yes.” He managed to answer, even when Marinette looked at him in sympathy. 

    Deciding it was time to introduce another person, the one in green raised a hand up and began to sign with his hands. Although not everyone could understand, Adrien had to raise a hand to the male and sign to him quietly, before then pulling out what seems to be a small tablet. Smiling, the dark skinned male took the tablet and began typing, a robotic male voice speaking through it.

     “Greetings. My name is Sam Spancer. I’m just an ordinary kid  who loves basketball that happens to be roped into this Miraculous business by my best friend, Grady. My Kwami, Yunni, is part of my Miraculous, the Unicorn. And with it, I become the hero, Greenhorn.”

   Alix, seeing the hearing aids in his ears, then mouthed clear to his face for him to see before pointing to her ear with a concerned look, “Is your aids not working?“

    Sam looked distraught as he then tapped on the tablet quickly as the automated voice spoke once more. “Somehow since coming back, the sounds emitted to me are warped. I think it is broken?”

    “We can have Melissa fix it for you. I am sure she can have it good again.” Izuku spoke this time, sitting up from his bed.

     “Wait, can’t he talk?” Shoto asked curiously, looking to Sam as he asked, “Is your voice broken too?”

    “Hey, man…” Kirishima started with a frown, and Shoto looked at him in confusion, “That’s not cool to ask.”

    Adrien saw that Sam signed something as the blond then hummed.

    “Sam said that he’s scared to speak because he thinks his voice might sound weird if he tries…apparently kids in his old school made fun of him for it.”

    Marinette then looked to the remaining newcomers and breathed out, “Go ahead, girls.”

   The pink haired girl let out a silent sigh, as she too started signing, and Bakugo raised a brow.

    “…Is she also hard of hearing?”

    The girl snapped her head towards him and glared, before patting over her neck and Marinette gasped.

   “Oh. You can’t speak?”

    The girl shook her head before Grady spoke up for her.

    “Natalia Richenbach. We call her Nat. Her grandfather was a leading scientist that handled Paranormal Activity and has done many Nobel Prize winning research for it,” He explained but suddenly looked solemn, “The reason that she is mute is due to a poltergeist attack that happened many years before we met.”

    “A…poltergeist  attack?” Fei asked.

    “It’s not my story to tell.” Grady said in finality, and everyone agreed not to ask anymore. 

    Finally, the last girl smiled weakly as she stood up.

    “My name is Mariposa Sereno. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, but I moved to New York with my mum after her divorce, and have been living here since. I have a little sister, who I haven’t seen in a long time—” She paused when she saw Grady making a hand gesture and nodded, “—Sorry, sorry. Rambling. A-anyways, I…am the holder of the Butterfly Miraculous with my kwami, Letta. Together, we become Lady Butterfly…a-and I was best friends with the previous Pixie Girl.”

    “C-can you tell us more about her?” Holly spoke up with a strain in her voice, and Marinette softened with the knowledge that the blonde American was still feeling upset about the whole thing.

    “Diana Watson. She…she was an amazing girl,” Mariposa smiled softly, as she then felt herself tear up, “S-she was someone that loved to help people in need, even if it’s not a major magical bad guy trying to destroy New York or some sort of Troll invasion…no, she even helped normal civilians out when big heroes couldn’t be bothered. She was…”

    “Miraculous,” Marinette helpfully finished with a kind smile, and Mariposa laughed quietly.

    “Yeah. But this was even before she became Pixie Girl. She was just…an everyday hero.”

    Everyone was quiet for a moment before Mariposa continued.

     “A-anyways, the story of how she got Florra and became Pixie Girl…well, it’s nothing exciting. Just some monk handing her the Pixie Miraculous and telling her she was going to be a great hero, even more so than she was then.”

    “Just like that?” Nathaniel scoffed, “It couldn’t have been that easy?”

    Adrien hummed a little, “I dunno…the way Master Fu said that he picked me and Marinette as Chat Noir and Ladybug was basically testing us randomly and then…ah…”

    He saw the deadpanned looks on some of his friends and smiled sheepishly, then made a zipping motion across his mouth and shuts up.

    Marinette gestured Mariposa to continue on.

    “I think she was sought after by some group? She said that they were going to make her a Celestial Guardian, or something like that…and she was given a few Miraculous to guard. That’s how she gave me one. Which, I was surprised at….”

    “This is where we came in,” Grady spoke up as he laced his fingers together, resting his hands over his lap, “Miss Diana chose myself, Sam and Natto be part of her Miraculous team, despite us being so young at the time. Miss Diana told us we were specifically chosen carefully. Apparently the group wanted to start training children into being warriors for some upcoming war they were predicting.”

   “I wonder…” Shinso hummed, tapping at his chin, “What did this group look like? Were they monks?”

   “Diana didn’t say. She kinda kept hush hush about a few things…said that she had a Master that told her to not reveal everything. Whenever I tried asking her and raising my concerns about stuff, she would shut me down or change subject. Not to mention she also ran off a lot on her own, almost lasting for days on end. It got to the point where she cut friends off, skipping school and worried her family.” 

    Adrien and Marinette looked at each other for a moment, before Marinette spoke up.

    “Imagine if I would’ve ended up like that and Master Fu was gone…”

    “But you didn’t.” Adrien pointed out with a small smile, “You have me. You have Izuku, Katsuki…and the rest of us backing you up. And Master Fu is still here, so you aren’t alone.”

    Marinette felt better with those words. Although what if…?

    “Then…Mama Witch happened.” Mariposa looked away, making her three companions stiffen.

    Aster narrowed his eyes, “Oh, we are very familiar with her.”

    This time, Grady spoke up, “We were investigating a case of missing children and there were magical forces at play. When we found out that Mama Witch was a prime suspect, we tried to ambush her…”

    Sam looked grim as he signed something and Adrien winced.

    “You were ambushed instead?” The former model answered, and Sam nodded.

    “Thus how we ended up underground.” Grady spoke forlornly with a sigh, “I believe before I was brought to my sort of doom at the time, Pixie Girl then was grabbing what remaining Miraculous she had and fled the scene. While one would think it was cowardice on her part, leaving us there under Mama Witch’s curse…it was something we planned ahead of time if things were to go sideways.”

    “…But wait, you said she was holding various Miraculous?” Holly pointed out with a frown, “But she didn’t have anymore other than passing me Florra and the Pixie Miraculous to me before—?”

    “She might’ve hidden some,” Felix theorised, then glanced over at Kirishima petting Nepp in his hands gently, “Which explains Eijiro’s story of how Nepp found him.”

     “There’s something that still bothers me,” Liv spoke up this time, as she looked to Grady, “You said before that your father had something to do with you being buried?”

     “Ah, I was wondering which one of you would point that one out,” Grady grinned almost sarcastically before he then chuckled, “My father knows about everything about the many Miraculous and much of it’s origins and lore. In total fact, there happens to be a society that are looking for them. He’s part of that cult, by the way, and has dabbled into partnering people like Mama Witch.“

     “And how do you know all this?” Mike asked this time, and Grady hummed.

     “Because I once snuck into his studies and saw all the notes about hunting down Miraculous and some information about the Temple of Celestial Guardians. I wanted to steal them, but my father had placed quite the high security on them since catching me in that study that time.”

     Andy raised a brow, “So…does he know you’re…?”

     Grady shook his head, “Heavens no. If that were the case, I would’ve been trapped in his labs long ago.”

    Adrien looked thoughtful for a moment, catching Felix’s attention but decided to not say anything for now.

    “Can’t believe that Kirishima has a Miraculous of his own,” Shoto spoke up out of the blue, looking at red head with his new Kwami, “Not to mention how he and Kagami-san had a run in with who is supposed to be the New Hawkmoth…”

    “Unexpected, but now we know that Gabriel Agreste is no longer in the picture,” Shinso said calmly, even when glancing over at a conflicted Adrien and sighed, looking at Izuku, “But to use Tomoe Tsurugi?”

     “I know what you’re thinking, Shin-kun. And yes, I believe this new Hawkmoth is currently watching us and possibly using Kagami’s mother as some sort of bait. Perhaps even trying to lure Kagami out herself…”

    “Here’s something we might have to consider since it seems none of you are saying it,” Bakugo spoke up once more, as his eyes turned to Kagami, “What are the chances that your mother might be working for this new villain?”

    Kagami felt herself grow angry, standing up with a growl, “My mother would never work for evil! She has honour and values of justice! While she disciplines me harshly in the eyes of many and seems cold-hearted, she is still my family and she has her morals!”

     Izuku stepped in between them as he waved his hands, trying to calm them down, “Easy, easy! Not that Kacchan is wrong, but it is just a theory. No one is saying all that…”

     “Unless she’s mind-controlled~?” Lila suggested with a shrug, “Or maybe this new Hawkmoth is offering Kagami’s mom something she can’t refuse. You can’t expect me to believe a powerful woman like her won’t think of using the villain for her own gain? I mean, Gabriel and his assistant did it in a way, right~?”

     Kagami gaped at her for a moment, and Kirishima was quick to pull her back down to sit next to him in case the Rooster holder decided to throttle Lila. Adrien shifted in place at the mention of Gabriel and Nathalie, and Marinette had to touch his hand in comfort. 

     Feeling she needs to cool off, Kagami stood up to leave the room, and even gave a silent hand up towards Eijiro as to stop him from following her. The red head looked hurt, but understood, as he stayed where he was when the girl left the room.

     Awkwardly, Nathaniel then spoke up, “Momo has a Miraculous of her own too.”

     Everyone snapped their heads towards him and Marinette gaped at him.

     “S-since when?”

     “Since today. When I went to check on her,” The Peacock holder explained as Duusu appeared on his shoulder, “Someone left a Miracle Box to her while she was resting. But according to the Kwami inside of it, apparently they magically just knew Momo was their new holder and appeared to her like magic.”

    “You really think someone left a Miracle Box to Momo?” Marc asked out loud, as Nathaniel hummed.

    “Might also be the same person that might’ve been involved in Eijiro getting a Miraculous too. There is no way that it’s coincidence that the very two people that are training as Guardians get their own Miraculous?”

    “So maybe…” Sabrina looked to Deku, Bakugo and Shoto, “You guys might be next?”

    Bakugo snorted, while both Deku and Shoto almost considered the thought. 

    “Well…it’s not that far off?” The green haired male said slowly, tapping his chin.

    “Is this something that you’ve seen as a possible outcome when you were Usadori?” Shoto asked, but then frowned when Deku shook his head.

     “I’m afraid not. But this is a good thing,” Izuku grinned a little, “This way, the less we know, the more the enemies don’t know much either.”

    “Are we still talking about what Sir Nighteye said before? About being watched? A possible spy among us?” Nino asked quietly in between them.

     Shinso heard this and both he and Izuku looked at each other with weird looks, the brain-washer frowning while Izuku’s eyes were wide and lips were thinly tight. Which also worried Nino himself as he tired to figure out why they were looking so…scared. 

     “This would mean that we have to be careful in what we say. Even if I do trust you all, there’s no telling who is listening in,” Marinette said finally, and Grady had to tilt his head.

    “I thought I’d ask this, but…a-are you the lead Guardian for everyone here?”

    “Actually, there are seven of us,” Izuku interrupted before the pig-tailed girl could say anything, smiling, “Although we are in training under Master Fu until we are deemed ready. Buuuuut even then, we are all figuring out how to not erase all of Master Fu’s memories once he relinquish Guardianship to us.”

    This caused Mariposa to frown, “Is this….Master Fu, also a monk?”

    ��Yes.” Marinette said before Mariposa hummed.

    “I wonder if it would be the same monk, or a different one…”

    “Doubt it. Master Fu would’ve mentioned you all if he was.”

    “Master is like, hundreds of years old, isn’t he?” Chloe pointed out, “You think he’d have a good memory of everything?”

     “…” A curious look came upon Fei’s face, “I understand how Master Fu is still living for this long…but how old is Miss Marianne?”

     Adrien and Marinette both looked at each other with twin confused looks, before looking back at Fei. What was she implying?

    Suddenly, the door opened and all the teens looked over to see a tired and sad looking Amelie along with a stone-faced Aizawa.

     Fei stood, not seeing Sir Nighteye anywhere, “W-where is Baba? What happened with the search?”

    “Nighteye went to report to All Might and Victory of our findings…but before that,” Aizawa then turned to see the four newcomers and narrowed his eyes, “These kids are…?”

    “Long story short, they are Miraculous heroes we found.” Rody gestured before he then looked concerned at the not so cheerful Amelie, “Did…something happen?”

     The woman looked at the kids for a moment, but as her eyes landed on Marinette, she felt herself sob. Adrien and Felix were alert and rushed over to their mom, hugging her and asking what was wrong. Aizawa placed a hand over his eyes as he then tried to calm the wave of a migraine forming. 

    “I am so sorry. I wished…I wished I saved her…” Amelie lamented, “But i-it happened all too fast…”

    “Saved who?” Rose asked in concern, as Marinette watched silently with bated breath.

    “B-Bridgette…she found us and…she was gone. And I believe Onez suffered the same fate…”

    Marinette and Nino gasped, and Chloe looked appalled. 

    “Then who’s protecting Paris if they’re gone?!”

    It was then that Izuku reached for the remote and switched on the TV, his eyes narrowed as he watched the news come on. A woman with curly auburn brown hair and in a three-pinned suit was seen on screen talking, and Sam suddenly was making some noises and signing rapidly. Adrien looked concerned since Sam’s signing didn’t make sense, but then his eyes soon locked on the screen and saw the name of the reporteron the very corner of the TV screen.

     Alice Spancer.

    Adrien was quick to sign in front of Sam, “Is she your relative?“

    Sam was nodding his head, happy tears in his eyes as he then signed back, “That’s my older sister. I can’t believe she made it! It has been her life-long dream to be a New York Reporter!“

   “Alice Spancer here, covering the news on emergency foreign affairs~! We have gotten word from Paris that the city is apparently gone rampant with not just Akumas and Nomus, but a ton of meta-related crimes and villains coming out of the shadows. And with the supposedly beloved heroes, Ladybug and Tech-K10 gone, it seems that the City of Love is turned into a City of Chaos, and will soon spread all over France, according to some sources saying so~”

    Marinette felt her heart crumble at the sight of the television, on how there was so much destruction, and she almost let out a cry of despair at seeing a broken down Boulangerie Patisserie…her home.

    “Oh no…” Rose let out with a gasp, both Juleka and Shinso were quick to hold her hands.

    The female reporter hummed as she looked down at her paper.

    “Although all seems lost, a new hero stepped into the fray~”

     This got everyone’s attention as the screen soon panned to a mystery figure, showing it to be a curvaceous and slightly mocha brown skinned female with striking reddish brown hair that had the tips a sunset orange. Marinette had to squint at the sight of this mystery heroine. 

     Something about her seems familiar.

    “She calls herself the Titan Heroine: Themis, and she indeed lives up to her name~! Let’s go to our Parisian reporter, Clara Contard, who is live on the scene to give us the scoop~”

    “Is she a Miraculous holder? Or a legit hero with a quirk?” Adrien breathed out questionably as the screen now showed a blonde haired woman standing next to the young heroine.

    “Thank you, Alice. Yes, indeed we were ALL disappointed that our dynamic Miraculous duo, Ladybug and her sidekick: Tech-K10, were not able to save our city from the tyranny of these disasters. We did have word of Ladybug and some other heroes being in New York, aiding those from that country from utter devastation. However, it was a good thing this new rising heroine had graced her presence of justice and managed to take down ALL the creatures that appeared and arrest various villains. Not to mention, she pioneered into gathering all the citizens of Paris and getting them to safety.”

   Clara soon turned to the young woman that was waving to the side of the camera before drawing back her attention to the blonde reporter. 

    “Themis, I have to ask…where did you come from? What drove you to save Paris?”

    The blindfolded heroine adorned in armour looked to Clara and then gave a warm smile. Taking the microphone gently, she then looked to the camera and spoke strongly.

    “At one point in my life, I used to look up to Ladybug.“

     Marinette let out a choked gasp as her heart constricted. That voice…

     “O-oh?” Clara looked awkward since her microphone was taken all of a sudden, and smiled sheepishly, “You did? Is that what inspired you to be a heroine—?”

     “It should. But no,” Themis shook her head when she glanced at Clara with a chuckle, “No, no…like all of the Parisians in this city, I too, was let down by her and Chat Noir.”

    Adrien looked over to Marinette and saw how she was gripping the front of her shirt, her eyes glued while chewing on her lower lip nervously. Shinso saw this as well, and he couldn’t help but give Deku a look, the green haired hero moving closer to Marinette to touch her arm with concern.

    Clara looked surprised for a moment, before Themis looked to the camera again with a serious tone.

    “Paris…Ladybug has abandoned us.”

    “What?!” Nino stood with a yell, looking miffed as everyone else in the room looked appalled.

    Themis then continued, “She easily drops allies in the drop of a hat when it suits her. Rena Rouge. Carapace. Even that so-called Horse Hero, Kirin. Where have all those heroes gone? Why was it easy to replace Chat Noir, who she claims so ever proudly to be her partner and equal?”

    Pictures of Kurogane, Dyna-Cat, Cat Walker and Tech-K10 were plastered on the screen next to her.

    “And now she leaves her home, the very city she’s sworn to protect, for the likes of the United States which has MANY heroes of their own to solve their own battles and villains? This including big heroes like Majestia, Star and Stripe…All Might?”

    Pictures of All Might were seen around Paris, and even some looks of Hawks also being shown along with Eraserhead and Amelie jumping from building to building and fighting against Mayura.

    “Why, Ladybug? Why have you deserted the people you promised to save? Why did you let the likes of Hawkmoth run rampant to terrorize the citizens each and every day? Do you enjoy watching them suffer? Just for your benefit of fame? For the glory of being the only competent heroine? How selfish.”

    Even Bakugo had to sit next to Marinette with a frown when she started hyperventilating, Izuku wrapping his arms around her and rubbing her back.

    “She’s really stating things out of context for her own narrative.” Nathaniel said with annoyance, not liking how Themis was painting Ladybug like some corrupted hero, then huffed, “Who does she think she is?!“

    “Why is Daddy letting this witch talk like that?!” Chloe argued as she was already reaching for her phone, but then blinked when the screen changed to show Mayor Bourgeois on screen, “D-Daddy?”

    “Even the very Mayor of Paris allows his people to be akumatized daily, and has been shown to have horrid practices and shady schemes the same way her daughter, Chloe Bourgeois, does. A spoiled brat who also caused the many akumatizations in her peers and many other innocent people.“

    Clara looked horrified for a moment, and coughed as she then calmed herself, “I-I see—”

    Themis held a finger up, and pursed her lips.

    “Which is why, I am happy to announce that the Mayor has been impeached and removed from office.”

    Chloe dropped her phone in shock, as Sabrina was quick to pick it back up and Shoto was also quick to catch Chloe before she fell to her knees.

    “W-what did you say?? The Mayor—?“

    “You heard me right, Mlle. Contard. Thanks to the good people of the French Parliament, we have found a NEW elected Mayor of Paris. Someone that will do right by the people and keep them safe~!”

    “C-can they do that? Is that allowed?” Andy asked unsurely, but all the Parisian teens stayed quiet as the kept watching the screen.

    A scared looking André Bourgeois was seen now being kicked out from his office by a satisfied Officer Roger Raincomprix, and a new person stepped into the room. Everyone in the hospital room gasped as on screen was—

    “I-It can’t be…” Adrien let out with a cry, as Felix narrowed his eyes.

    “I thought he was fried and takenby that Dabi fellow?”

    Amelie almost looked like she wanted to rip the TV off the wall as Aizawa looked pressed.

    Gabriel Agreste stood proudly next to Themis, who was handing the microphone to him. He looked different from the last time they saw him. He…didn’t look like he was burnt by Dabi at all. His hair was also a lot more whiter than his platinum blonde in the past.He was dressed neatly, wearing a white high collar dress shirt underneath a white vest with a white zipper and a white dress jacket, without buttons, along with a white tie, along with a white dress pants and a pair of white dress shoes. Plus, he wore white gloves on his hands, and his glasses were new, being rectangular lenses with a white frame. 

    He smiled kindly at the camera as he spoke with a softer tone, which made the Graham de Vanily’s shudder visibly. 

    “My dear viewers, I am truly honoured that many of you sought me to be a candidate to oversee Paris and lead our great city. Although I do not have much political experience and have only been familiar with the fashion world and business side of things, I am confident that I can help the people feel safe and at home of their city once more.“

     “Don’t they know who he is!? HE WAS HAWKMOTH!” Nino yelled once again in disbelief, making Aurore, Mirelle and Socqueline look at him in shock at the news, “WHY ARE THEY TREATING HIM LIKE THEY DON’T KNOW—“

    “Because it was never announced publicly,” Aizawa looked regretful about that, “There are only a few people that know about Gabriel being Hawkmoth, but it’s not that hard to piece it together when Nathalie Sancoeur was leaked to be Mayura.”

    “So are people just…stupid?!” Chloe managed to snap out of it before she then started pulling at her hair, “How could they let this monster be Mayor?! And to kick out my father?!”

    Lila snorted, “Is that a serious question?”

    Izuku looked at her imploringly but then saw Gabriel talking once more.

    “Unlike Monsieur Bourgeois, I will not be careless nor will I abuse my newfound position. I am willing to listen to the people, and make it my life mission to keep not just Paris, but extending to all of France as a free and independent country. Starting with accepting META-HUMAN SOCIETY~!”

    This caused a lot of whispers in the background from citizens that happen to be around the camera crew, including a concerned looking Clara looking at Gabriel as if he had lost his mind.

    “There is no way that the Union in the Europe division is going to accept this. Especially with how they tend to go head to head with the U.S. and Japan on the meta-human matter,” Amelie scoffed.

  However, she then blinked when the screen was showing two people at each of his sides, making Chloe once more let out a shriek and Kirishima felt glad that Kagami was out of the room for this.

  “And I shall not be doing so alone.”

   Standing tall and proud, was a smirking Audrey Bourgeois and a calm and collected looking Tomoe Tsurugi.

   “Well, that answers my question.” Bakugo grumbled, and he saw Kirishima rushing out of the room frantically. 

   “W-wait, Mayor Agreste, I don’t understand…?“ Clara Contard spoke quietly as she shakily smiled, “T-There has never been a widely accepting country in all of Europe of m-meta humans! We try not to give in to the eighty percent of the populace of the world order, even if London had plans to—”

    “And yet we allowed Ladybug and Chat Noir to be gallivanting around with magic, which is not far from “quirks” as you have called them,” Tomoe spoke confidently, just in time as soon as Kirishima and Kagami came back into the room, “It is time to make a change. Tsurugi Industries supports Gabriel Agreste’s cause to become united in solidarity, to be equals. To not see those like Ladybug and Chat Noir as Gods. It is time for those that are different, those that deem not normal, to come out of the shadows. To not fear and to be liberated from thier shackles of oppression and discrimination~!”

    “Mother…” Kagami breathed out, and Kirishima held her hand tightly. 

    It wasn’t until Nadja Chamack came in her own screen, looking appalled. 

    “Are you saying we are now going to be the ever first country in Europe to open to Hero Society?” 

    Audrey stepped forward as she brushed her hair back, her sunglasses gleaming.

    “Why of course~ If America and Japan are getting ahead of us in numbers, then what does that say about our country~? Ridiculous, I should say! We are not going to be weak!“

    Nadja narrowed her eyes, “Are you not foremost an American citizen yourself?”

    Audrey smirked, “My birthplace is France. And so, my loyalty is here…unlike some people.”

    Themis took her turn to speak now as she then held up a red book that had a symbol on it. 

    “Ladybug has left a mess that she didn’t bother to clean up. It almost destroyed Paris. Heck, almost to all of France and could’ve gone beyond to other allied countries.” 

     Videos of the fight against Sombre Swift, along with many other past videos of Akumatized villains popping up and Nomus showing up left and right.

    “And now, we have to make a stand! With the help of the new Mayor and his party, I shall be your new champion for France. If you will have me, of course. I can protect our people better than Ladybug ever could. And can even destroy all evil that comes our way!“

    Clapping sounds could be heard in the background, and Clara Contard was sweating as the microphone is passed back to her. Themis, Gabriel, Tomoe and Audrey soon were walking off, bodyguards surrounding them as they were heading to some fancy cars.

   “T-There you have it, folks. It seems the first order of business for Gabriel Agreste as new Mayor of Paris is to be the ever first in all of Europe to be open of quirked meta-humans integration into society. We shall know more when we get news from the Union soon…b-back to you, Alice.”

    “Turn it off.”

    Hearing Shoto’s gritted words, Izuku turned off the TV, everyone just deathly silent to wrap around what they just witnessed.

   “…Well, we can now see that the so called cult we were looking for has made their move. And it seems they have the upper hand in publicity and social media,” Amelie looked to her phone as she then made a tsk sound, “I mean, it’s practically trending!”

    “There’s already videos of people interviewing Monsieur Agreste,” Sabrina said slowly, scrolling on her phone as she looked at everyone, “Aren’t many of his business partners of his Anti-Quirk? Like the Graham de Vanily’s?”

     “True…how is he going to keep them in his pockets with this announcement he just made,” Felix frowned, “There is no way Grandmother and Grandfather would side with him now…”

     Chole nodded, “I even don’t understand why my mother is involved in this. She’s not really a superhero fanatic either…then again, she did fool around with one,” She said, reminded of Mister Plastic. 

     Kagami was quiet for the most part, still in shock seeing her mother was there alive and well as if she wasn’t kidnapped just weeks ago.

    Aizawa went rigid when his phone started to ring, then sighed as he then pressed accept to the call and placed it on loud speaker, “I assume you heard the news, All Might?”

    A worried sound came from the speaker of Aizawa’s phone, “Indeed. Camilla and I just finished listening in and I can assume that soon the United Nations are going to talk about this development…”

     It was then Master Fu had stepped inside the room as well, having a serious look.

    “I just came off the phone with Marianne. She has told me London has also made a statement…”

    “Master?” Marinette questioned as she watched Master Fu holding up his phone, then passing it to her. 

    On the screen seems to be a message from Marianne, and in it, there was a link. Marinette felt a little nervous, but soon clicked on the link to reveal a video. Once it started to play, the screen soon showed five teenagers in dark costumes, almost looking like akumatized villains. One was dressed in all black, almost like a Chat Noir fitted suit but his face was fully covered, white lines shown near the edges of where his mouth should be. Next to him was a lady in red, almost taking on a devilish appearance with her horns and spade-tail swishing behind her. Behind them was a VERY LARGE dog like creature and right next to him was a grotesque mossy coloured being that looked a lot like a monster version of Carapace. And floating behind them was a wispy looking being in blue and white, almost looking like some sort of spectre. 

    “Katelyn Williams here, reporting for London News~!” She greeted cheerfully with her posh accent, “After the news from Paris, France and their announcement of a new hero; it was decided by the London Parliament that we too must introduce our own champions for our fair city~! Joining us today are the Moonlight Hunters!”

   Everyone gathered around Marinette to watch the news that was shown on screen, all of them looking sort of worried. Who was this group, anyways?

    “They’re pretty fast on creating a team after Paris announcing a new heroine,” Rody stated with a whistle, but Fei frowned in suspicion.

     “Unless London has prepared beforehand and waited for the right time.”

    “That’s also possible.” Amelie said, clearly upset about the whole thing as the video continued.

    “So tell us more about yourselves and what is it you are planning to do to keep our city safe~”

     The reporter held her microphone up to the first person in the group, their blood coloured glowing eyes looking at her then to the camera. 

     “I am Vampire, leader of Moonlight Hunters.” A Romanian male accent left the person, then gestured behind him, “Next to me are comrades. Devil. Wolf. Gargoyle. Ghost.”

    “Not creative on the naming department…” Felix murmured sarcastically, looking miffed.

    “It’s look like they are mimicking the dynamic of Ladybug, Chat Noir and the Team during Heroes Day,” Adrien pointed out as he then sighed, “They look like an edgy and cooler version of us…”

    “Won’t take long before Themis and those supporting her do the same,” Izuku said quietly, his eyes focused on the teens on screen, “If Gabriel Agreste is correct and is planning on opening a Meta-Society to Paris, there’s a chance they’ll be recruiting young potential heroes…and even open a school for them.”

    Bakugo grunted, “Great, more trouble for us…”

    Sabrina gasped all of a sudden, alerting everyone.

    “What’s wrong?” Shoto asked as Sabrina soon clicked her phone and turned up the volume.

    In the video was Gabriel Agreste being stopped by another reporter, and the question they asked made everyone look tense.

     “Mayor Agreste! Was this the reason why you seem to not be seen for the past few weeks? Because of your campaign to be running office?”

     “Indeed. It was a suggestion from my party and those that were supporting me that I should “lay low” as the young ones say, until I was to be announced to take over the previous Mayor. Rest assured, that I shall do my upmost best to serve the people well.”

    “Mayor Agreste, tell us about the rumours of your former secretary being a villainess that worked with Hawkmoth?“

     Gabriel had a calm smile as he then placed a hand over his heart.

     “I admit, I never saw it coming. Mlle. Sancoeur and I were good friends foremost before employer and employee. Thankfully, she is locked up along with Hawkmoth thanks to those heroes that came (illegally I might add!)”

     Everyone let out surprised shouts and angered yells, their eyes wide when they saw a clip of Hawkmoth and Mayura being inside a jail cell, looking all gloomy.

     “I…do hope Mlle. Sancoeur can get help. For she wasn’t always evil,” Gabriel said with a sorrowful tone, dramatically looking away as if he was hurt by all this, “Which is why Tsurugi Industries are finding programs that could rehabilitate Hawkmoth and Mayura into Liberated Individuals—”

    “What a load of garbage!” Amelie yelled, as Aizawa had to calm her down, “Those dirty—”

   Suddenly, Chloe’s phone rang and Shoto looked at it perplexed while Sabrina and Chloe were paling at the name on the screen.

     Mom.

    “W-why is your mom calling, Chloe?” Sabrina shakily asked as Chloe was unsure to answer or not.

     Kagami’s phone also rang, and the girl narrowed her eyes at the screen revealing her Mom’s name and picture on it. Adrien also was shocked when his own phone rang and he looked down at the name on the screen, his face suddenly pale and hands shaking. 

     Père is calling…

     Chloe took a breath and answered her phone, “…Mom?”

     Both Adrien and Marinette whirled their heads towards Chloe, honestly wondering what the blonde was thinking.

     “Cleo. I am coming to take you home along with your sister, Zara. Do not worry darlings, I have the best of the best to pick you up and take down those that kidnapped you.”

      Was all that was said from Audrey and she hung up.

      Chloe’s eyes widened, which caused Bakugo and Deku to stiffen.

      Kagami threw the phone down and stepped on it hard, and growled.

     “Mother might be tracking my phone, and Audrey Bourgeois must be doing so as well.”

      Grady tilted his head as he stood up, “It won’t be long before we are found and taken away.”

      Adrien felt the phone taken away from his hand as Bakugo exploded it and threw it up in the air, Izuku quick to use Black Whip to grab it and throw it out the window, the two then spoke at the same time. 

     “Then we go. Now.”

     Marc was quick to call for Kaalki and transform into Star Stallion, creating a portal before he then blinked.

     “Er, w-where are we going?” 

     “U.A.” Izuku told the Horse Hero and patted their shoulder, “I trust you remember where?”

     Marc nodded, “Y-Yeah, I do…”

    “Hurry up and go already!”

    The angry blond was soon jumping into the portal, and Izuku followed behind him. One by one, everyone ran into the portal quickly, until Marinette, Adrien, Nathaniel, Master Fu, Amelie and Aizawa were the last ones.

    “Wait! Momo is still in her room!” Adrien said in worry as Aizawa peeked out in the hallway, “We should go get her now!”

     “We can handle it, Adrien,” Amelie assured her son as Aizawa was rushing out the room and Master Fu was also following behind him, “You, Nathaniel and Marinette go. You can find someone named Present Mic and he’ll help you all get into U.A. safely. Now go, I think we are running out of time.”

      Sounds of yells and fighting was going on outside the room and the teenagers jumped in surprise. Nathaniel was soon calling for Duusu, transforming into Avarius and rushed out the door.

     “Wait!” Marinette called but squeaked when Amelie pushed her and Adrien in the portal, watching it disappear before she sighed.

     ‘Okay. The children are safe…now for the hard part…’

     As that was going on, Momo was in her room and indeed heard the noises outside her door. She felt Detty hiding in her shirt, causing the girl to look at her newfound Kwami in concern.

     “What is the matter?”

     “I can smell many bad auras outside…”

     Momo frowned, pushing the blanket away to get off the bed, but blinked when she saw the door open. She was about to ready herself for a fight, but was relieved when she saw it was Avarius.

     “Momo, are you okay?” Avarius asked softly, closing the door behind him, then brought a chair to block it after locking it

     “What is going on?” She asked in concern, but yelped when she was suddenly picked up in his arms, “W-why—??”

     “No time to explain, we’re being attacked.”

      The two then looked up when a portal appeared before them, seeing Star Stallion pop his head out.

      “I-I came to get you two, c’mon!”

      Avarius nodded, gently bringing Momo into the portal, even when there was multiple banging on the door. Frowning, he soon placed Momo in Star Stallion’s arms, who was surprised and almost dropped her.

     “A-Avarius? What are you doing?” The Japanese girl questioned when Avarius was pulling out his fan, pulling out a few feathers, “Don’t tell me—“

     “I am going to help Master Fu, Monsieur Aizawa and Madame Amelie,” The Peacock holder responded seriously, glancing over at the two of them and then smiled weakly, “I will buy you guys some time. Just tell Alix that I’m sorry and I’ll get to you guys soon. Star, go take Momo and close the portal!”

     “Natha—“

     “CLOSE THE PORTAL NOW!” 

     Star Stallion yelped and soon closed the portal immediately, Avarius ignoring Momo’s cry of his name. Closing his eyes, he waited until the door was smashed open, then opened his eyes to expect his opponents.

     …Only to be surprised that it was just one woman. 

     She had pale light grayish purple skin, vivd red eyes with dark purple sclera, dark purple lips, a pair of pince nez type glasses and her hair was slicked back with her red streak being more evident and vibrant. Her attire seemed straight from a jungle cruise, consisting of a dark purple turtleneck short-sleeved sweater, a camouflage hunting short-sleeved jacket and shorts, dark purple fingerless gloves and black knee high boots with laces at the front.

     “…Who are you?”

     The woman smirked, already bringing what seems to be crossbow.

     “I am Safari, and I come to hunt down any Miraculous holders my way~!”

      Avarius narrowed his eyes, but then grinned sharply as he threw his feathers in the air, then brought five tiny silver bells out from his coat and threw it to the ground. Watching the feathers embedded into the bells, they all suddenly transformed into sapphire coloured dogs, the creatures growling and forming a barrier to protect their master.

     “I see you managed to control your Amoks.”

     “Wait ’til you see them in action. Go, my Amok Hounds!”

    “Aw man! I can’t believe I’m lost!”

    A girl sighed as she scratched the top of her head, frowning. Garnet colored eyes darted around the street for a moment with a nervous look, chewing her lower lip in nervousness. She was supposed to find her new school, by herself, and now she felt regretful for not listening to her father about maybe having company to help for directions. Especially when her Japanese was still a bit rusty.

    Fiddling with her rose colored sun-glasses and pushing back on top of her head, she was about to look into her app once more, until she felt a wind rush past her. Alert, the girl turned her head to the side to see some glowing portal inside an alleyway. Curiosity got the best of her, and soon approached the bright looking gateway, her lips pursed tightly with narrowed eyes. 

    Suddenly, explosions sounded as something flew above her head, and she almost fell back with a shout if not someone’s arms catching her from crashing on the ground.

    “Wha—?”

    “Are you alright, Miss?”

     The girl blinked for a moment as she looked up at the voice of her ‘saviour’ and then felt her cheeks flush. Bright forest green eyes looked down at her for a moment in shock, the pupils almost reflecting the same shine as the portal behind them. Something about those eyes…it made the girl’s heart skip a beat.

     “…Hi.” The girl supplied stupidly, feeling the boy straighten her up to stand, then looked behind him to see more people coming out of the portal and squeaked, “W-who are—?!”

    “Ah, please, Miss! Do not be afraid!” The green haired boy with the shining eyes spoke up, waving his hands in front of him and stood in front of her, “M-My name is Izuku Midoriya, a-and I’m sorry you’re seeing something you shouldn’t, but my friends and I are heading to U.A. and—“ 

    “Y-You said you were heading to U.A.? As in, the hero school?” The girl’s eyes shined as she then looked relieved, “Oh thank goodness! Maybe you can help me. My name is Peni Lane, I’m actually a transfer student from London!”

    Felix looked alarmed for a moment before he squinted his eyes, looking at her carefully, “You…look familiar.”

    Peni blinked for a moment, tilting her head, “Um, and you are?”

    “Can you extras hurry the hell up?!?” The voice of Bakugo yelled as he was landing himself in front of the U.A. gates, hands on his hips and glaring over at them, “Or do you wanna waste time?”

    “H-Hold on, Katsuki! Slow down!” 

     Marinette stepped forward but then looked at Peni for a moment and felt a weird sense of dejavu hitting her. But ignored it in favour of calming the now concerned looking girl.

     “Um, sorry, we’re kinda in a rush, but we’re heading the same way. So you could follow us if you want. I’m Marinette.”

    “Nice to meet you, Marinette,” Peni smiled shyly and Marinette couldn’t stop staring at her with a mix of trouble and confusion, “Er, you okay?”

     Suddenly, Star Stallion jumped out of the portal he while holding onto Momo and immediately closed the portal.

     “W-wait, Nath’s missing!” Alix looked around for a moment before looking at Marc, who de-transformed, “Where is he, Marc?”

    Marc looked nervous at this, and glanced over at Momo, who looked upset.

    “U-um…he stayed behind. He used Duusu and is helping the adults.”

    “…What?” The pink haired skater looked furious at this, growling, “Why would—?”

    “Hey, hey~! You the listeners Eraserhead told me to look out for~?”

    Everyone looked up to see a very tall blond slick-back haired man in all black and amber sunglasses grinning at them, waving them over from the gates of U.A.

    “That’s Present Mic. We should go.” Shinso told them as he was soon taking both Juleka and Rose’s hands before going towards the Voice Hero.

     Everyone soon follow suit, but Alix remained where she was and Adrien noticed quickly.

     “Alix…”

     “I’m going to get Nath.”

     “How?”

     Alix looked back at the blond before lifting up what seems to be the Rabbit Miraculous and Adrien’s eyes widened.

    “…Does Rose know you have that?”

    Alix grinned, “I actually asked her to swap with me for a bit, but don’t worry, I’m just gonna help Nath and get him here.”

    Adrien frowned, but then transformed into Chat Noir, “Then, let me come with you.”

    With a nod, Alix clicked her Miraculous as she transformed into Bunnyx, then created a portal. Together, both teens rushed into the portal back to the NYC hospital and blinked when they saw what state it was in. 

     “Looks like a bomb went off in here,” Chat Noir noted as he glanced around, Bunnyx nodding.

     “Let’s just find Nath and the adults so we can get out of here fast,” She stated but paused as she heard a noise, her arm going out in front of the cat hero to prevent from going any further, “Wait.”

     Chat Noir followed her lead and. Kept himself quiet, holding up his baton at the ready for anything. The two pressed their backs against the wall, using the shadows as a cover to not be seen. It was then the two heard footsteps and were ready to attack when they spotted Nathaniel coming around the corner and he looked hurt. Bunnyx rushed over to catch him before he fell, and Chat Noir helped in bringing them to a random room, locking the door behind them.

    “Nath, where are the adults?”

    The red head looked towards Chat Noir and groaned, “They are trying to give Safari a chase while I escape. I had to de-transform because she apparently can track me as Avarius easily thanks to her akuma.”

    “Safari?” Bunnyx questioned.

    “An akumatized villain that seems to be looking for us. Not only that, but Audrey Bourgeois is already here with her security along with Tsurugi Industries and Gabriel Agreste’s party.”

   “M-My father is here?” Chat felt panicked and Bunnyx placed a hand on his to calm him, and the feline hero soon moved into action, “Then we should leave. Now.”

    Bunnyx nodded, already getting a portal open when she gasped as the door opened. Safari stood there smirking with what seems to be a crossbow.

    ���I have you now!”

     Chat Noir was quick to push Nathaniel into the portal before she could see him, and soon picked up Bunnyx in his arms before activating his powers, “CATACLYSM!”

    He quickly bent down to touch the ground, watching the floor crumble before he jumped into the time portal with Bunnyx, not seeing if Safari fell or backed off. Either way, she won’t be catching up to them since Bunnyx closed the portal in time. Once inside the burrows, Chat placed the rabbit heroine down before taking a breath, but not before seeing Nathaniel was quiet and looking at one burrow.

    “Nath?”  

    Chat Noir saddled up right beside him and took a look at what his friend was staring at, then his eyes widened. It was Paris, but it was submerged into water as there was a white suited cat hero sitting by himself at the top of the Eiffel Tower, humming hauntingly.

    “♪~Little Kitty on the rooftop, no longer with his Lady~♬”

    It was then the two boys spotted a cold pale looking Ladybug in his arms, unmoving.

    Chat Noir then tilted his head when he spotted another burrow and walked over to it, Nathaniel also snapping out of his reverie. The blond cat hero then gasped as he saw Bugnoir, knowing that Marinette somehow is using the Cat and Ladybug at the same time, and fighting what seems to be a messed up version of Hawkmoth…at least, that’s what he looked like, and wearing rings with the same symbols as the other seventeen Miraculous. The boys looked at each other before they saw how this villain, Monarch, turned into Gabriel Agreste and saw Marinette’s lips moving as she transformed back as herself.

    “…I suppose something happened to you, thus why it seems that you’re not here in this battle…”

    Chat Noir didn’t answer the red head as he continued to watch the scene, gulping when seeing Gabriel succeeding in getting Tikki and Plagg, and summoning—

    “Guys, let’s get back to the others,” Bunnyx told them, snapping them out of their trance.

    Nathaniel nodded, even grabbing Chat Noir’s wrist and tugging it gently, “C’mon…”

    Chat Noir was quiet, but the trio walked into a portal that led inside U.A. and thankfully bumped into Marinette and Izuku, who were waiting for them.

     Marinette was the first approach, hugging Adrien once he de-transformed and noticed how frozen he looked, “Are…you okay?”

    “Adrien saw Chat Blanc...and we saw Gabriel Agreste summoning Gimmi.”

    Izuku’s eyes widened at Bunnyx’s words and almost held his breath, heart constricted. He watched Adrien’s expression, and he knew the blond saw something he shouldn’t have. Marinette looked confused for a moment and Nathaniel…well, he also looked spooked out. 

     Alix de-transformed, and spoke again, “The only reason I know about it, is because Rose told me to watch out for that in case…”

     “What do you mean?” Izuku asked before she looked to him.

     The skater raised a brow, hands on her hips, “She told me that you told her that there have been entities trying to come into this world.”

     Marinette whirled around to face him, almost looking livid, “You did???”

     “One was a Chat Blanc, yes. Mostly because while I was training with Fu at the time, I accidentally let him spot me,” Izuku explained while rubbing the side of his neck, “But there’s also another that’s trying to get over to this side too. Thing is, I thought it was that Chat Blanc…but thinking about it now, it just might be another Rabbit Hero…”

    Marinette looked like she wanted to say more, but she sighed and shook her head.

    “Where are the others?”

     Izuku was glad that Nathaniel changed the subject, but then nodded his head towards the school.

    “They’re all inside. And…everyone is getting acquainted. So c’mon, I’d like for you to meet them.”

    Alix, Adrien and Nathaniel followed Izuku while Marinette watched from behind them, mostly her keeping an eye out for Adrien and his mood. The pigtail haired girl noticed how Adrien looked disturbed, and it worried her that the former model might need someone to talk with…and she knew she might have to do so when they were alone. Once they were inside the building, they walked into what seems to be a large classroom, and Present Mic was already inside with a few students in uniforms along with their friends…in addition to a tall, curvaceous woman with sky blue eyes behind her red glasses and dark purple hair. And her outfit…it caused both Adrien and Nathaniel to look away with red faces.

    “Heh, I reacted the same way,” Nino appeared beside Adrien while wrapping an arm around his shoulder, but then noticed Adrien’s face, “Hey, you okay, dude?”

     “Y-Yeah, I’m…okay,” The blond smiled weakly before the voluptuous woman clapped her hands.

     “Alrighty kiddies. Since we’ve got new students, we should make sure that they are feeling welcomed~! My name is Miss Midnight, and I am the Modern Hero Art History Teacher~ And you already know Present Mic,”

     “Right~! So as we wait for Class-B and their homeroom teacher, Vlad King, why don’t we all get to know each other and introduce one another?”

     “Deku!” A bubbly looking brunette bounced over to Izuku, as she brought him to a hug while Izuku chuckled, “You’re back!”

     “Heh, y-yeah, Uraraka. I’m back,” Izuku looked to Alix, Adrien and Nathaniel, “Guys, this is one of my good friends, Ochako Uraraka.”

     “Oh! Hello! It’s nice to meet new friends!” Ochako chirped happily with a smile, and Nathaniel almost looked in awe while Adrien smiled and greeted back in return.

     “Nice to meet you, Ochako!”

      Marinette felt relieved that Adrien was looking like himself again. 

      Lila suddenly appeared by Izuku’s side, easily wrapping her arms around his and pressed close, giving a tight smile at Ochako, “Ohhh, Izu~ You’re back~”

     Ochako looked confused for a moment, backing off for a moment with an awkward smile, while Lila just gripped on Izuku even tighter as if to tell Ochako a silent warning to not come close. Izuku sighed, just reaching to pinch Lila’s side in warning while giving her a look, and Lila pouted. 

     “My god, there are so many pretty girls,” A voice spoke, which belonged to a boy with wild blonde hair with a black lightning-shaped streak on the left of his side fringe and golden eyes, eyes sparkling and having a excited smile, “Foreign pretty girls. From France~”

     A smaller boy with grape like hair was snickering to himself beside the other, nodding his head, “Totally, Kaminari! Plus Ultra, it’s like a smorgasbord of hotties~”

    “You guys are gross,” A cool looking girl with short dark hair and plug-like earphone jacks hanging from each of her earlobes spoke with a sigh, rolling her eyes.

    Adrien stared at her for a moment as he titled his head, his cheeks reddening once more. It was then that Marinette noticed this look and had to look back at the girl twirling one of her jacks around her finger nonchalantly. Marinette gasped, quickly pulling Izuku towards her and ignoring Lila’s growl and glare.

    “Izuku, who is that girl?” Marinette pointed to the girl with the rocker look, and Izuku glanced to see who Marinette was pointing at before he chuckled when seeing the girl was raising a fist threateningly at the blond boy and grape haired one.

    “Oh, that’s Kyoka Jiro. She’s a good friend that loves music,”

    Marinette hummed, nodding her head, and Izuku spoke up once more with a fond eye roll.

    “I know that look. And I suggest to not go crazy over match-making just yet~”

     A pout was seen on the Ladybug holder’s face, and Izuku gave a cheeky smile back.

    It was then the door opened once more and everyone looked behind to see a very large man in a red suit and white hair, although his grumpy face made some of the Parisian teens look nervous. A few teens in uniform also appeared behind them, although one jumped out and started yelling loudly.

    “I WELCOME THOSE IN U.A. THAT WISH TO JOIN THE SUPERIOR CLASS THAT IS CLASS B~” slick blond hair and periwinkle blue eyes, grinning from ear to ear while striking a pose.

    Shinso sighed as he rubbed his temple for a moment, “I forgot about this idiot…”

   “Who is he, Hitoshi?” Rose chirped in question, while Juleka just watched the boy warily as the blond just kept on rambling.

     “Neito Monoma. He’s…a lot,” Shinso murmured, as if already tired as he just took the girls’ hands and dragged them to the back of the class. No need to get themselves involved.

     “Knock it off, Monoma.” 

     A ginger haired girl walked in, karate-chopping the boy’s back of the neck and watching him slump to the ground. But before he could hit the ground,  a dark haired boy with a headband around his forehead to hold his hair up caught Monoma in his arms.

     “Nice catch, Awase.”

     The boy, Awase, gave a silent thumbs up to the girl while Monoma just groaned in pain. 

     “Is…he okay?” Sabrina asked in concern, but heard a chuckle beside her and turned to see a tall, lean young man with dark hair and dark almond-shaped eyes, and she blushed as she recognised him, “Oh!”

     “He should be fine. Speaking of fine, I remember you were one of Midoriya’s friends that came to the School Festival last time. Sabrina-chan right?”

     “And you are…Sero? Hanta Sero?”

     Sero grinned, “Ahh, so you do remember me~”

     Sabrina felt her cheeks flush. Indeed, when she came to the annual School Festival a few months ago with Izuku, Alix and Nathaniel. It was a good time before the whole Sombre Swift thing, seeing Izuku’s class with a live band and music…and she had befriended a few people. This included her interaction with Sero.

     Sabrina felt herself lost in U.A. High as she looked among the crowd of people. After the Class-A’s song ended, she was supposed to go and check on Izuku along with Alix and Nathaniel. But with so many people clambering to get out of the hall used for the concert, Sabrina ended up losing track of where her friends were, being swept up by a crowd of other students. And thus, she was outside in the court yard, trying to find her way back.

    “Are you lost?”

    Sabrina jumped with a gasp, almost falling over until she felt strong arms supporting her, and the girl in glasses looked up to see a wide grinning young man staring down back at her.

    “Sorry, didn’t mean to spook you…” He saw Sabrina looking at her strangely and switched his Japanese to English perfectly, “You don’t seem to be from around here?”

    Sabrina, in turn, spoke shakily in Japanese with a smile, “A-ah, I speak Japanese, don’t worry! A-and yes, I…am just visiting. Oh! Er, I’m trying to find Class-A…?”

     “What a coincident. I’m a student of Class-A. Did you come from our concert?”

     “Yes! Er, I was with my friends to meet with, ah…M-Midoriya?”

    “Oh! You’re a friend of Mido’s!” The boy chuckled, then offered his arm, “I can take you to him and your friends, I’m sure they are with our class right now so since I’m heading there, let’s go together? I’m Sero by the way. Hanta Sero.”

   “My name is Sabrina,” With a shy and gentle approach, she took the other’s arm and walked side by side with him, “It’s nice to meet you, Hanta…”

   Sabrina hummed as she gave a small smile, “It’s good to see you again.”

    “You still owe me a little date, langga~” Sero chuckled as he took her hand and kissed the back of it, making Sabrina blush even more, “It was a real shame I couldn’t take your around the festival since you and your friends disappeared after that. Thought I’d never see you again, so I’m glad to see your cute face too~”

     “Wait, this is the guy that you were lost with last time?” Alix leaned over to Sabrina as she then grinned cheekily, “Oooh, no wonder you were all red that time~ Didn’t think you got a boyfriend in just one day~”

     “Sabrina, you kept this from me?” Chloe huffed, pouting a bit while her best friend was waving her hands.

     “I-It’s not like that! I wasn’t hiding anything! And Alix, he’s not my boyfriend!”

     “Hindi pa man lang~” Sero murmured quietly with a small smile, but felt the back of his shirt pulled as he faced an angry looking duo, “What?”

      “What?! WHAT?!” Kaminari was raising his arms up as he yelled, “You actually scored one of these hotties without me and Mineta looking?! Not cool dude!”

      “Kaminari is right!” Mineta nodded, “You always shit on us when it comes to the ladies, and yet here you are, being all suave with one of them!”

      “That’s because I ain’t a pervert like you, you little shit.” Sero glared at Mineta but the blinked as the door opened.

      Everyone was surprised to see that the person stepping inside was All Might.

      “All Might…” Izuku walked over to his mentor, “Where is Aizawl-sensei and the others?”

      “Don’t worry, Young Midoriya. The heroes are safe and should be here. soon. They managed to buy time against Audrey Bourgeois, Tomoe Tsurugi and Gabriel Agreste,” The former number one hero said tiredly, raising a hand, “Thanks to Sir Nighteye, we managed to divert them for now by declaring their children as emancipated.”

      “Wait, that doesn’t make any sense?” Marinette titled her head as she glanced at Chloe, Adrien and Kagami, “How does that work for them?”

       “They are sixteen, after all. Minimum age for consent is fifteen,” Felix slowly understood as he then breathed out, “You knew this might happen and had the three of them sign for emancipation,”

     “You have Miss Amelie to thank for that,” All Might smiled weakly, “She talked with both Sir Nighteye and Miss Lenoir into getting the kids free from their parents in case they try and fight, then take them back.”

     “Oh, I thought they were consent forms to come to Japan,” Adrien felt stupid for a second, “I didn’t even read what I was signing when Mom showed me some papers before we were leaving America…”

     Kagami and Chloe also looked sheepish, and Marinette had a feeling they too didn’t know what they were signing either. 

     Kirishima looked to Kagami and took her hand, “…You okay?”

    “…Maybe it is good to be separated from the Tsurugi Clan. While I’m…still at a loss about my mother, I know that this was the right call,” She squeezed his hand gently, smiling up at the red head, “I’ll be fine eventually.”

    “AND KIRISHIMA HAS A GIRLFRIEND TOO?!” Mineta yelled all of a sudden, breaking the mood and Kaminari had to sigh.

     “Dude. Time and place, man. Even I know that!”

    Bakugo glanced at Marinette and nudged at her, “What now?”

    “What do you mean?” She asked as the blond shrugged.

    “Considering that we have to prepare not only for these political and rich people that are after us, but we have to worry about a new Butterfly villain. Do you even have a plan of attack?”

     Marinette hummed, “We’ll figure this out. When Master Fu comes back, I’m sure he’ll be ready to have the seven of us as Guardians,” She gestured to herself, him, Shoto, Momo, Kirishima, Adrien and Izuku, “And we can prep the rest of the team.”

     Alix walked over to Rose and held up the Rabbit Miraculous, handing it over to her while Rose smiled and returned the Fox Miraculous.

     “I’m glad you guys are okay,” Rose chirped, feeling Fluff appear, the kwami nuzzling against her.

     Alix hummed, Trixx appearing beside her, “I guess. Sometimes it’s so trippy to be inside the burrows that I can’t wrap my head around it. Dunno how you and Hitoshi deal with having this Miraculous.”

      “It’s fine with me. Although Hitoshi said that it made him lose sleep and sanity, the same with Izuku,” Rose hummed as she petted Fluff while feeding her some baby carrots, then looked at Alix seriously, “Did you see anything weird while in there?”

       “…No. Although I’ve seen a lot of burrows that had some scenes that I can’t quite understand,” Alix frowned, giving Trixx some grapes, “The fact that there are timelines that had either Adrien or Marinette find out about their identities, fall in love and Gabriel finding out that it always ended up with the world ending. I’m kinda freaked out, to be honest.”

     Rose patted her shoulder in comfort, giving a knowing smile. Alix understood, nodding her head in return.

     “Sometimes I think that the Rabbit Miraculous should belong to you,” Rose pointed out as Alix laughed.

     “I-I feel like I’d lose patience if I had that Miraculous. Nah, I think my skills lie more on the sneaky side of things~” She winked at Trixx, “Besides, I’m too fond of Trixx now to let them go~”

     “The feelings mutual, little kit~” The Fox Kwami cooed, nuzzling against Alix.

     Rose smiled, and soon walked back towards Juleka and Shinso, the two keeping away from the others and their conversations. The blonde stepped towards the purple haired male and tapped at his shoulder, Shinso glancing over at her immediately.

      “Got your Miraculous back?” He asked, and Rose nodded in response, “You look like you wanna ask me something,”

       Juleka just watched them, listening.

       Rose hummed, “Hito, I just want to know…do you think we have a chance of preventing the future you came from?”

       Shinso was surprised at this, and was quick to ask back, “What did you see?”

       Rose pursed her lips, “Answer me first.”

       “…”

       Shinso rubbed the side of his neck and sighed.

      “Honestly? I’m…not all that confident,” He glanced over at where Marinette, Adrien, Bakugo and Deku were, and then closed his eyes, “But if I know anything. Those four are the trump cards into going the right direction. So while I’m not entirely sure if we will win this time or not, I put my faith in them to find a way.”

     That was enough for Rose, as she sighed in relief.

     “Good. So, I’ll answer your question,”

     Juleka and Shinso were listening as Rose twiddled with her thumbs, before taking a breath.

     “I don’t know who they were, but they weren’t a Miraculous holder, at least I think? Moreover, they were watching me and Izuku when we were in the burrows and I think they are still inside there. They have the power to jump around in time and maybe other realities.”

     Shinso hummed, “I thought that was the case. So it might be someone that has a Quirk of time travel.”

     “W-what did they look like,” Juleka whispered in question, and Rose hummed.

     “They were…ghostly. Their face had a mask and they were all navy blue with bright white.” 

     Shinso sighed, shaking his head, “That’s someone I don’t recognise. So it’s a foe that we don’t know…”

     “W-what if they’re not there to harm us? But just an observer?” Juleka suggested.

     Rose looked impressed, “That’s one possibility. If they really were a bad guy, they would’ve just attacked us and snatched our Miraculous already.”

     “Unless the Miraculous wasn’t their goal. Might be something else, and they are finding the right moment to strike. Meaning they can be dangerous,” Shinso made a face as he was rubbing his head, “Maybe I should borrow Fluff and be Kazesagi again to check it out—”

     “You three are talking something interesting here~”

     The trio jumped when Deku appeared before them with a quirked brow and a tight smile.

     “Deku—“

     “Let’s talk outside. There are many eyes and ears watching us.” 

      The green haired hero smile dead and soon lead them outside the classroom. 

      Kaminari watched them curiously and decided to follow sneakily. Although he didn’t go far as he felt a hand around his wrist and looked back up to see Kirishima and Kagami.

     “Where you going?”

     The blond smiled weakly as Kirishima released his hold on him, and raised his hands up, “Hey, hey~! Don’t be looking at me like some kind of weirdo stalker. I’m not creepin’, I promise!”

     “Why were you about to follow them then?” Kagami demanded, but Kirishima hushed her gently to calm her down.

     Kaminari hummed, “I thought it was sus how Shinso has two girlfriends, despite how emo and introverted he looked. And the fact that Deku was in on it, it makes a guy curious, ya know?”

    Both Kirishima and Kagami looked at each other strangely, but then they sighed in disappointment.

    “Just leave it alone for now, Denks. It’s none of your business anyways.” Kirishima scolded softly, before he and Kagami walked off.

     “Sure, sure~” Kaminari smiled, just folding his arms behind him and walked back in the classroom while whistling innocently. 

    “That was close.” 

     Izuku had seen what had happened and was glad both Kirishima and Kagami sent Kaminari away and didn’t follow them. Once he knew that all four of them were truly alone, he turned to look at the trio and had a calm and patient smile.

    “Now, about what you guys we’re talking about~?”

    “You probably already deduced what we were talking about anyways, so there’s no point in repeating ourselves,” Shinso retorted coolly before folding his arms, “Besides, I’m sure that you have a lot to say.”

     Izuku’s smile fell for a moment, before he ran a finger through his messy hair, “…Are you really going to the burrows to check out the mystery time / reality jumper of ours?”

     “You didn’t see this coming, huh?”

      Izuku didn’t make a joke this time around, and Shinso knew that he hit the mark perfectly. The green haired hero let out a frustrated sound, rubbing at his head now in slight aggravation. 

     “I had a feeling we were being followed, ever since Master Fu was training me as Usadori. But I didn’t really tackle the situation or the person until I could be completely sure.”

    “And?” Shinso raised a brow, “What did you learn from it all?”

    “They aren’t dangerous. But they also aren’t ones to trust completely. They won’t be willing to listen to us and want to make things better for the future.”

     “Our way or the high way, huh?”

      Izuku narrowed his eyes, “The right way. Whatever their plans are, it’s something selfish. I’m sure of it.”

      “And you think that your plans weren’t entirely selfless themselves?”

      “…Wow. That was below the belt, for someone that is preventing a certain Princess in Pink from her fate,”

      Shinso flared up, “That is not the same!”

       “How so?”

      “I’m saving people. How can I be sure that your plans can even save anyone?”

      “What I’m doing is for the greater good.”

      “As if those words aren’t very cliche!”

      Rose and Juleka watched both the boys quietly, the girls looking at each other warily as if wondering how long are they going to argue. Rose then noticed that someone was coming towards them, but the person placed a finger up against their lips as if to tell her keep quiet, and Rose nodded. Juleka saw this as well, and of course, followed Rose’s lead. 

       After a minute, Shinso sighed, placing a hand up before he pinched the bridge of his nose.

       “Alright, alright. I get it. I know that we both just want what’s best friend everyone and trying to fix the future of the villains winning and taking over the world. This also means, preventing this new Hawkmoth in getting the Miraculous. Although, it doesn’t seem like that’s their overall aim, unlike Gabriel.”

    “They want Ladybug and Chat Noir, mostly the earrings and ring,” Izuku summarised, tapping his chin, “And they’re planning to get other Miraculous outside from the Chinese Box to do it. To not use the Miraculous, but for something else. Then, there’s the stranger in the burrow…”

    “You mean there really is someone in the burrow?”

     Izuku and Shinso both yelped when they whirled around to see Alix coolly standing in between a sheepish looking Juleka and an innocent smiling Rose. The skater girl had her arms folded over her chest, squaring up and her face holding a smug smirk. 

      “How long have you been standing there?” Izuku asked before the pink haired girl hummed as if thinking.

      “Mmm, around the time that you said you had a feeling of being followed?”

      “…Big yikes,” Izuku whistled, then chuckled a little, “I guess the jig is up.”

     Shinso whirled around to stare at him, “This isn’t the time to be laughing, Deku!”

     Alix jutted her hips and tilted her head to the side, staring at Izuku, “Is that why I was stopped by a Future Me when I was bringing Adrien and Nath back here?”

    This caught everyone by surprise. “What?!”

     Alix took a breath, “Yeah. You see…”

    “Guys, let’s get back to the others,” Bunnyx told them, snapping Chat Noir and Nathaniel out of their trance.

    The temporary Rabbit heroine watched as Nathaniel was leading Chat Noir into the burrow that will lead them back to the present time in U.A. and Bunnyx was about to step in and follow them, but something stopped her. She squeaked when someone grabbed the end of her umbrella and pulled her backwards from the portal. Bunnyx snapped her head up and was surprised to see an older version of herself.

    Well, she was way older. Like a grandma.

    “Wha—?”

    “There’s no time to explain, Mini-Me.” The older looking Bunnyx smiled, leaning onto her own umbrella, “I need to warn you about something before my cute yet stubborn husband finds me.”

     “What? What are you talking abou—we got married???” 

      The Rabbit heroine made a face before the elderly Bunnyx chortled.

     “You’ll find out later. Or sooner than you think, if you’re any smarter than we think.” She winked, but then turned serious, “Listen. There’s a traitor among you. I cannot tell you who, but just keep an eye out. Even the adults aren’t to be trusted. The only one you can trust, are those that have used the rabbit like us.”

    “So, basically Hitoshi, Izuku and Rose?”

    Elderly Bunnyx nodded. 

    “…Why tell me this?”

    This caused the elderly woman to smile sadly.

    “….Right, the less told, the better?”

   “You are smarter than I thought. Then again, we are the same person, so I knew you’d catch on quick.”

   “…Does this mean Rose isn’t going to hold the Rabbit Miraculous for long in the future?” Bunnyx asked and her elderly future self sighed, “With the way you sighed like that, I’m guessing I was always destined to have Fluff, huh?”

    “To be fair, a lot of us kwami-swap often, that’s how much we bonded and gotten closer as time went on,” The elder Bunnyx hummed, “In fact, my husband used Trixx a while ago, even when he already has his own permanent Miraculous—oops, spoilers.”

    “Careful, honey. Keep talking like that, and the time stream is gonna be wonkier than I remember.“

    Bunnyx had to look behind her elderly self as they heard the amused voice, and Future Bunnyx smiled fondly at a burrow that seems to be glowing and pulsating to life.

    “I should be heading back. Before my husband will use the sweet little lamb of a Miraculous of his to pull me out and scold me.”

    “Wait! I need to know more about this traitor you were talking about! Is it the same one that was watching us a few minutes ago? Or was that you?”

    Older Bunnyx smiled wryly, “That’s not the traitor. That…is a different story. One you can’t know of yet.”

    Bunnyx huffed, folding her arms “Man, sometimes time shenanigans sucks…”

    “Heh, I know right? But just…trust your instincts? Okay?”

    “And she left, then I returned. That’s pretty much it,” Alix concluded and Izuku sighed.

   “I was aware of the U.A. traitor, but to think that Future Alix was giving a heads up about it now must mean that something major is about to happen soon. Probably around the time when the Joint Training begins,”

    “Joint Training?” The three girls questioned, and Shinso nodded.

    “Class A and B are going to be going through a battle test against each other.” He explained, then glanced over at Izuku, “Did you see anything for this Joint Training?”

     “A few things. All in all, we’ll follow Future Alix’s warning. Although,” Izuku looked over at Alix, “Future Alix said that the traitor wasn’t the person that was lurking in the burrows?”

    Alix nodded, “Nope. She just told me that she and her husband will handle it.” 

    “Well that’s that,” Shinso looked at his watch, “We should head back to the classroom. I think the adults are going to set everyone up in their respective classes and believe me, I want to find out which one I’ll be in.”

     “You mean you’re not sure this time around?” Izuku wondered.

     Shinso shrugged, “In my previous life, I was in Class B…”

     “Huh…”

     The brain-washer took both Juleka and Rose’s hands once more, leading them back to the classroom. Izuku was about to follow but then paused, seeing that Alix wasn’t moving. In fact, she was staring at him strangely, and Izuku felt his stomach bubble over. He wasn’t too sure if that was good or bad, and tried to smile.

    “Er, what’s up?”

    Alix then started to smile, almost teasing, “…When are you going to ask me out?”

    This caught Izuku off guard, turning red and started stuttering like crazy.

    “W-w-what at the heck are you talking about?!”

    “Don’t act dumb, Iz. I know that you know who Granny-Me’s husband is~”

    “Wha—how’d you know it was—Wait…” Izuku then trailed off, seeing Alix’s shit-eating grin growing wider and the freckled male groaned, “You were testing my reaction.”

     The pink haired girl laughed, “Well, to be fair, I wasn’t too sure...at least at first. I was trying to gauge your reaction to see if my gut was right. Guess Granny-Me was on the nose, my instincts are too good.”

     “Just…trust your instinct, okay?”

     Bunnyx nodded, promising her and keeping her words to heart. They said their goodbyes and Bunnyx turned to leave, while Elder Bunnyx was making her way to her own portal and go back home. But not before the young Rabbit heroine took a quick peek behind her and gasped quietly. She saw a green and white gloved hand reached out to Granny Bunnyx, followed by a head of green popping out, smiling lovingly at the elder rabbit user. And it seems this older man was wearing a sheep motif.

     And then, it clicked.

     “Looks like you were supposed to find a Sheep Miraculous in the future, which, I didn’t think there was one since there’s already a Goat Miraculous in existence.”

     Izuku placed his hands over his face, then let out a shaky breath, “Aw man, I guess I didn’t think you’d question me about all that so soon.”

     “Yup~” Alix nodded then waggled her brow as she leaned closer to him, “So, future husband, when do I expect the wedding?”

      “Har har, very funny.” Izuku laughed sarcastically, shaking his head, “Nice try. I’m not going to make a move on you just yet.”

    “Yet. Meaning there’s still a chance~”

     “Alix, I’m not going to be asking you out anytime soon.”

    “Awww, why not? We already know that you are gonna be head over heels for me~ So there’s no point in pretending that you aren’t gonna try and woo me when we know it’s bound to happen~” Alix hopped in front of him, poking at his chest, “Why beat around the bush and just get together now rather than later?”

    “Because I don’t want you to be swayed by what you saw and it influences your choices,” Izuku explained seriously, and even looked…like he wasn’t sure of himself, and even somewhat insecurely scared of being hopeful, “I want you to just be with me for me and not because you think the future is set in stone. Let me get to know you, and you can get to know me in a timely pace, in the moment…is…i-is that okay?”

     Alix gets it. She really did. And in all honestly, she didn’t think of Izuku in that way until she met Granny Bunnyx. So maybe Izuku did have a point about all this. With everything going on, there was no time to think about feelings. This was an easy recipe for drama and akumatizations, which they do not need right now. 

    Alix pouted, sighing, “…Fiiiiiine. You’re no fun. But, how long have you known?”

    Izuku tilted his head from side to side, “Since my training with Master Fu.”

    “That long!?” Alix cried out as she then whined, “Hnnnngh, man! That’s so unfair…but wait, what about Lila?”

     This confused Izuku, “What about her?”

     Alix huffed, “Don’t be stupid. You must’ve noticed that she clings to you like crazy as if she’s your girlfriend?”

     It was Izuku’s turn to sigh, massaging his eyelids to prevent himself from getting a headache.

     “We’re not like that. She’s just…vulnerable, not used to having friends. So I just…kinda let her be by my side. I’m sure she eventually warm up to the others. She just needs a little more time.”

    “I get it. And this isn’t me being jealous, but you gotta set her straight. Ya know that, right?” Alix warned, raising a brow, “It’s not nice to lead her on, even if it wasn’t your intention. You can’t let her continue to think that there’s hope for her to be with you in that way.“

    The green haired hero nodded, “You’re right….Okay, fine. I’ll talk to her soon. I promise.”

    “Good,” And with a sneaky grin, she quickly pecked his lips and started walking off, “I can’t wait for the day that you man up and take me on our first date for real~”

     Izuku balked for a moment and chased after her, “Alix!”

     The pink haired girl laughed, skipping towards the classroom and about to turn her head and tease him some more, when she suddenly stopped. Izuku almost toppled over her, and looked to her face while calling her name again, worry etched in his voice. The skater winced as she had a look that said she was apologetic and guilty, and Izuku had to look at where she was looking at…and he winced as well.

    Lila was standing there, and looked furious but mostly hurt.

    “Lila…”

    The Italian didn’t say a word, but she did run off and Izuku was about to chase her when a hand stopped her. He expected it to be Alix, but blinked when he saw it was Marinette instead.

    “Let me talk to her.”

    Izuku was reluctant but nodded, and Marinette rushed after Lila. Izuku and Alix both glanced at each other, now feeling awkward as they then looked away from each other. This is bad…

    Marinette soon found herself in some sort of school courtyard with a fountain and saw Lila hunched over with her face buried into her folded arms that were resting on her knees. This caused the Ladybug holder to soften, feeling sympathy in her heart. While they weren’t close, Marinette knew that Lila wasn’t as bad as she was before. Like Chloe, Lila was slowly giving into changing for the better…even if sometimes Lila tended to have her guard up and talk to people sharply as if to keep them at arms’ length. And with good reason now, with what both her and Marinette witnessed just a minute ago.

   ‘I just wanted to check on what was keeping Izuku so long…I didn’t think Lila would be following behind me,’ Marinette sighed with that thought, and approached Lila while awkwardly shifting in place, “Lila?”

     “Fuck off, Mari-brat.” Lila growled, not looking up.

      Marinette raised her hands in surrender, but didn’t move, “I just…wanted to check if you’re okay.”

    “Does it look I’m okay?!” The Italian finally lifted her head up and seethed, Marinette reeling back for a moment, “What? You going to make me feel better and try to cheer me up? Well I just want to be left alone!”

     Marinette was at a loss for a moment, until she steeled herself and took a seat next to her, “…Believe me, I know what you’re feeling.”

     Lila quirked a brow, tears still slipping down her cheeks even though she tried to wipe them away, “Yeah, right. Little Miss Perfect actually gets her heart broken? Since when?”

     “When I found out Adrien is Chat Noir.”

    “….Oh.”

    Marinette hummed, “While our circumstances are different, the feelings are the same. You felt betrayed at the fact that the person you were close with isn’t the version you had in your head. You wanted to delude yourself into being someone special in that person’s heart, placing them on a pedestal instead of seeing them for who they are…and that they can never look at you the way that you looked at them.”

    Lila groaned, thumping her head against her knees, “I feel so stupid. Boys eat in the palm of my hands for my attention, not the other way around.”

     “….Suuuure. Whatever you say.”

     The brunette glared at Marinette’s sarcastic tone but then sighed, “…Maybe deep down, I knew Izuku didn’t like me in that way. But with him being so close to me, and…the fact he didn’t seem to push away in my advances and never said no, meant that I had a chance with him.”

     Marinette listened, as Lila continued.

     “He’s only one that was willing to put up with me. And…I didn’t want to lose that. To anyone.”

     Marinette was hesitant at first, but she soon reached out and wrapped an arm around Lila, pulling her into a side hug.

     “…What are you doing?”

     “Comforting you,” Marinette replied smartly, then smiled, “It’s what a friend does when another friend is feeling down. Even if you don’t think you want it.”

     Lila rolled her eyes, but didn’t move away from the hug, closing her eyes, “…Fine. I’ll allow it. But you better not tell anyone about this.”

    “Kinda late for that…”

     Lila snapped her eyes open as Marinette looked apologetic and then saw Adrien was standing there, giving a sheepish smile.

     “Oh for fuck’s sake—“

     “Heyyyyy, I just came to check on you since I saw Marinette chasing after you…” The blond soon made his way on Lila’s other side and pulled her into the hug too, “Good thing that you have two friends to comfort you~”

     “Please kill me.”

     “Nope~ Too late~ Adrien Agreste is going to give you the Chat Noir Hug of Comfort~”

     “With some Lucky Charm added in the Ladybug special friend hug!” Marinette followed teasingly, the two heroes grinning while Lila was squirming in between them and whining.

     “You losers better get the fuck off me before I punt your heads together!”

     “Awwww, we love you too, Lila~” They chimed in a sing-song voice, Lila finally losing her temper as she screamed and yelled.

     “Awww, she’s so huffy.”

    “I guess we should hug her some more?”

     “BOTH OF YOU GET OFF ME NOW!”