#i know the civilians had a heart attack every time robin came to save them and he was fighting criminals in front of them

[mikakuna]

the absolute insanity of dick and jason in their robin eras wearing fucking panties and t-shirts to fight the same murderous criminals/supervillains as bruce, a grown man covered from head to toe in thick plated, impenetrable armor

like here's a grade A villain strapped with ten guns, seven bombs, and fourteen knives. you look to the left and see THE batman, decked out head-to-toe in his heavy armor with numerous weapons, making clanky metal sounds when he moves, a cape for a shield, and not a single patch of skin exposed.

and then you see fucking robin, a 12 year old child, wearing panties, cowboy boots, and a cape that doesn't even reach his toes- skin almost completely exposed

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Seized

An addition to Approval. Do not read this until reading that first. 

Character: Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader // Damian Wayne x Batmom

Summary: What happens when Talia Al Ghul learns that someone has stolen the affections of her past lover and her son?

Word Count: 3,000 [One Shot]

“Delinquents have been detained. I can hear the sirens,” Damian stated calmly in his comms.

“Good work, Robin. You know where to meet me. You have a minute,” Bruce responded as he whipped the bat mobile through Crime Alley to grab his son.

Just as Damian opened the door and hopped in, an alarm went off within the vehicle.

“The Manor,” Damian thought aloud as he read the screens with his father.

Bruce ignored his comment and was calling Alfred immediately.

“Master Wayne,” the butler instantly picked up. “I followed protocol, but they were already gone when I arrived.”

“Y/N…” Bruce immediately asked.

“They took her,” Alfred told him, distress clear in his tone.

Damian’s head whipped to his father to watch his reaction.

But Bruce’s jaw only tightened and he sped the batmobile even faster.

Returning faster to Wayne Manor than ever before, Bruce jumped out of the batmobile and up the secret entrance to get to the main house.

Damian was hot on his heels. He’d already sent an encrypted message to his brothers, informing them of the situation. It was only a matter of time before they were at the manor as well. Though Damian suspected Jason would not come, instead already starting to scour the streets of Gotham for Y/N and her captors.

Alfred was already waiting for them. “Master Wayne, I am so sorry.”

Bruce ignored him and walked to the master bedroom. Y/N would’ve been sleeping when the attack occurred. It wouldn’t have mattered if she had been awake, she had no training in self defense. She was merely an innocent civilian.

“Father,” Damian muttered quietly.

Bruce turned around to find his son ripping a shuriken out of the door frame.

They shared a look, both recognizing the particular shape and color.

“The League…” Damian muttered quietly, saying what they both were thinking.

——————

Y/N was barely awake.

They clearly had drugged her with something to make her more compliant. Everything was foggy and muffled.

Yet they still tied her hands and ankles together, as if her brain could even manage to get her body to move.

But Y/N could feel the effects of the drugs losing their strength, yet keeping their hold on her.

She squinted as she looked around. The air felt different. It was colder and dryer, making Y/N believe that she was no longer in Gotham. Little did she know, she wasn’t even in the country any longer.

“I do not know what he sees in you,” a woman hummed from somewhere in the room.

Y/N blinked as he listened, but her eyes could not adjust to the low lighting and she didn’t even have the strength to turn her head.

“You are weak. Ripped from your own bed without so much as a fight.”

Then she heard the grunts and clashing of metal.

The woman smiled. “Right as expected, my son.”

Y/N’s brow furrowed at ‘my son.’ Then she finally lifted her head and took in her surroundings. There were swords and other weapons stored everywhere, and there was armor hung from the walls.

“Talia?” She whispered.

The woman chuckled. “Weak, but not utterly foolish.”

Then the door of the room was thrown open.

Y/N looked to see Damian in his Robin uniform.

“My son, finally returned," Talia greeted with a smirk.

“Mother.” Then his gaze flickered to Y/N. Very subtly, he was scanning her body to access any possible injuries.

His gaze turned back to his mother. “What is the meaning of this?”

“You have forgotten where you come from, Damian. You are not just the heir to the Wayne family. Before anything else, you are my son and the heir to Ra's al Ghul’s throne.”

“She has nothing to do with this,” Damian said with a gesture to Y/N.

“She has everything to do with this,” Talia snapped. “She has made you weak.”

Damian said nothing.

“She has taken you both from me,” Talia growled.

“Father does not love you,” he growled.

“A small lapse in judgment on his part, but not something that cannot be remedied. Our love gave us you, and I fully believe he will return to me.”

“His heart belongs to someone else. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can give up your fantasy.” Then he hesitated to say the next part. “I never plan on returning to The League of Shadows. I wish to stay with father.”

Talia’s amusement vanished at her sons words.

The next second, she unsheathed her sword. “Perhaps I should just kill her and remind you of your place, my son.”

With that, Damian rushed forward and intercepted Talia’s attack with his own sword.

“Do not touch her,” Damian growled.

Their swords continued to clash as the mother and son fought each other. The fight raged on for what felt like forever. Too evenly matched, but also both too terrible at hiding that neither actually wanted to kill the other.

In the distance, Y/N could hear even more fighting. She could only assume it was Bruce fighting his way to her and his son.

Talia and Damian’s swords locked again, both of their stances shaking from the hold.

“Do you really think you and your father stand a chance against the entire League? Why do you think we lured you all the way here? You are outnumbered.” Talia hissed.

“You think us foolish enough to come alone?” Damian smirked right before there was a boom that shook the entire compound.

Talia’s focus slipped half a second, allowing Damian a window to go on the offense.

He flipped his mother’s sword out of her grip and held his own to her throat.

“Yield,” he growled down to her.

“You truly choose her over your own mother?” The hurt in her eyes was clear.

“You abandoned me, used me as a tool to disrupt father’s life. She taught me that there is more to life than killing and destroying. She loves me and care for me, even when I gave her no reason to do so.”

“And it will be the death of you,” Talia warned.

He glared at her. “Yield!”

But he knew she would never. So he whipped out a dart and blew it to her neck – a sedative.  It knocked her out within seconds.

Waiting until he was sure it had worked, Damian sheathed his sword once again and ran to Y/N’s side.

With a knife, he cut the ropes around her wrists and ankles.

“D-Damian,” her voice was still slurred from the drugs and she was weak. How long had she been here without food or water? “I don’t think I can walk."

Damian helped her to her feet. “Y/N, please try,” he begged as he wrapped her around around his shoulders. He was still just a boy, one that was shorter than her. But he wouldn’t give up that easily.

There was another explosion.

“What’s-What’s happening?” Y/N asked as she dragged her feet and held on tightly.

“That would be Todd, most likely taking his job of distracting to an unnecessary level.”

“You all came?” She asked in shock.

“Of course,” Damian scoffed.

Suddenly an object came flying at them and Y/N cried out in pain.

“No!” Damian bellowed as he looked up to see that another League member was attempting to stop their escape. And with it, they had thrown a shuriken that had landed in Y/N’s side.

She dropped to the ground.

Damian screamed as he unsheathed his sword once again and charged the assassin. It wouldn’t take him long. He knew that every minute spent fighting was a minute Y/N was bleeding out and edging closer to death.

He didn’t hold back like he had with his mother and quickly disarmed the enemy. Then thrusting his sword into a nonfatal area of his body, enough to neutralize him. 

Damian rushed back to Y/N’s side, where a pool of blood was forming from her wound.

He knew it was useless, but he still tried to lift Y/N into his arms to carry her. He cried out in both panic and frustration.

The building had now caught aflame due to Jason’s explosions. Damian would need to call for backup, hoping one of his older brothers could help.

Then a shadow was cast over him.

Damian tensed, believing it to be another attack.

But he looked up to find his father standing before them.

However, Bruce’s gaze was on his unconscious girlfriend.

With the arrival of his father, Damian’s cold and calculating disposition melted.

“She’s hurt,” his voice trembled and tears formed in his eyes. “Help her.”

Damian rarely cried. He cried less than grown men. He was raised that way. It didn’t help that his father was not a great example of healthy emotional expression.

But Bruce knew what his sons tears were for: Damian was frustrated, he felt weak, and he thought he had failed his mission. But most of all, Bruce knew his son was crying for fear of Y/N’s death. Because the boy had grown to love her.

As if there were a world when Bruce wouldn’t give his own life to save Y/N.

Bruce bent down and carefully brought Y/N into his arms.

Damian heard her mutter his father’s name, though still delirious from both the drugs he’s sure his mother pumped into her and the blood loss.

“Red Robin, get the jet to my coordinates immediately,” Bruce instructed through his comms.

Damian wondered how his father could be so calm when the woman he loved was bleeding out in his arms. This wasn’t bat business, this was personal. But Bruce spoke like it was just another night of patrol.

A few minuets later, Damian and Bruce had fought their way through the flames and burning compound.

Tim lowered the platform of the jet.

Damian made sure his father and Y/N got on before he followed. He turned and gave one last look at the burning compound that would no longer exist come morning. He did not fear for his mother’s life. He knew someone from the League would come for her – if she didn’t save herself first.

When he boarded the jet, his father already had Y/N on the surgical table that elevated from the jet floor.

Bruce had taken off his cowl, allowing Damian and his brothers to study his expressions.

Damian had been wrong about his father handling the situation like any other mission. For now he could see the terror and worry in his father’s eyes, despite him trying to control his emotions.

Damian looked to Jason, who still had his Red Hood helmet on.

“My grandfather?” He asked his brother.

“Escaped,” Jason muttered.  

Damian stepped forward to help Bruce with Y/N’s injuries.

“She’ll be OK,” he muttered to his father.

All of them had high-level medical training to know.

Thankfully the assassin’s aim was not great and didn’t land in lethal place on Y/N’s body. But she still lost a lot of blood and would need many stitches.

All the brother’s shared a look when Bruce ignored the statement. 

———

Y/N woke up to someone gripping her hand. She recognized from the smell and the feel of the bedding that she was in Bruce’s bed at the manor.

She winced as she opened her eyes to find Bruce was the one holding her hand as he sat in a chair only inches away from the side of the bed.

“Hi,” she whispered to him with a sad smile.

“Hi,” he said back with a smirk.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“Two days.”

Then Y/N looked past Bruce to realize there was someone else in the room.

Damian passed out on the velvet chaise that was pushed against the windows.

“He hasn’t left your side,” Bruce told her. “Dick had to convince him just to take a shower for 5 minutes when we first got back.”

Y/N’s heart melted at the revelation.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

The sound of Bruce’s voice as he said it made Y/N’s gaze snap back to him. Had it shook? Or was she imagining it?

Y/N squeezed his hand that was still wrapped around hers. 

“I know,” she told him with a sympathetic look.

He hid it well, but Y/N knew Bruce. And she knew that her being kidnapped from his own home probably drove him mad with guilt. She wouldn’t be surprised if he’d already designed an entirely new security system to prevent something like that ever happening again.

Bruce took in a shaky breath and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

He wanted to say that he always feared her being with him would put her in danger like this. 

He wanted to say that maybe she should stay away from him. 

He wanted to say that him and the kids didn’t deserve her. 

He wanted to say that the only reason this happened is because Talia hated that she loved her son better than she ever did.

But Bruce had never been good at saying how he actually felt – or even acknowledging he had any feelings at all.

So Y/N brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “Bruce, I know,” she said once again.

“I won’t let it happen again. I promise you,” he told her evenly.

“Bruce, I knew what I signed up for when you told me you were Batman. If I wasn’t willing to face the reality of it, I wouldn’t have stayed.”

“No one would’ve blamed you if you hadn’t.”

There was a knock at the door and then it opened a second later.

Damian jumped awake at the sound. But then he quickly brought his attention to Y/N. “You’re awake.”

But everyone’s attention was on Dick, who was standing at the open doorway.

“Hey,” he greeted Y/N, surprised to see that she was awake. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. Tired. But I’ll be alright.”

He seemed to relax from her answer.

Then he winced when he looked at Bruce. “They put the signal up.”

Bruce’s jaw tightened.

He was about to open his mouth to ask them to handle it, not wanting to leave Y/N alone now that she had woken up.

“Go, Bruce. I’ll be OK.” Y/N told him, reading his mind.

“I think it’s the Joker,” Dick added with a serious frown.

“Bruce, go.” Y/N repeated.

And he saw the sincerity in her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, deciding he didn’t care if his two sons were witnesses to the intimacy.

Then Bruce kissed her forward. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Alfred will be here if you need anything. Do not hesitate to call.”

Y/N nodded.

Bruce stood up and acknowledged Damian and Dick. “Let’s go.”

Once they were ways down the hall, Bruce heard Damian stop.

“Father?”

Bruce and Dick both turned to face Damian.

“I wish to stay with Y/N.”

Bruce and Dick shared a look, and then Dick decided to give the two a moment alone and muttered something about waiting in the cave.

Bruce walked back to his youngest son.

Damian’s gaze was glued on the floor. “Mother truly would’ve killed her?”

Bruce sighed. “Most likely, yes.” He saw no point in lying to his son.

“Because she knows that you and I love her?”

“Yes.”

Damian was quiet for a moment. But Bruce knew he had more to say.

“I used to think I had to earn it.”

Bruce frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Mother’s love. I had to earn it. Win in combat. Successfully execute a target. Outsmart a puzzle or challenge.” Damian looked up at his father with a broken expression. “Her love always came with a price.”

Bruce kneeled down to his son.

The boy shook his head. “But Y/N made me realize that I don’t have to earn anyone’s love. I don’t have to prove that I’m worthy of it.” He bit his lip. “She’s not my father or my brother. She didn’t have to love me. But she does…even when I did nothing to earn it.”

“Everyone is deserving of love, Damian.” Bruce gripped his son’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for not teaching you that myself.”

Damian nodded. “So, may I please stay with her tonight? I don’t want her to be alone.” But then he quickly corrected himself. “Unless of course, you require my assistance, father.”

Bruce smirked at him. “I think we will manage, Damian.” Then he squeezed his shoulder. “Look after her for me, alright?”

Damian relaxed and quickly nodded his head. “Of course, father.”

When Bruce returned hours later, Damian was cuddled next to Y/N in the bed. But clearly laying in a position to be mindful of her injuries. Both were fast asleep. The bright television was the only thing lighting the room, as it played a Pixar movie.

Bruce couldn’t help but grin at the sight.

“I got him,” Dick whispered to him before stepping into the room and carefully lifting the boy in his arms, clearing the space in the bed for Bruce to join Y/N.

Bruce moved about the room as he changed into cotton shorts and went without a shirt.

Y/N woke slightly as he joined her in bed.

“Everything OK?” She whispered sleepily.

“Everything’s fine. Did Damian keep you company?”

Y/N smiled and shifted her body so she was cuddle into him. “Yes…my little protector.”

Bruce smiled at that. “Don’t let him hear the ‘little’ part…”

She chuckled. “Good call.” 

And then she was fast asleep once again.

-----------------------

Please, please, please let me know what you think! 

[lunarianillusion]

a change in fate

a maribat fanfic

Chapter 03

Timothy really wanted to know who thought it was a good idea to put Guy Gardner on monitor duty, because this was clearly not a prank.

Let’s backtrack a bit, the young alpha had gone out after having put all his stuff at his new loft, to go and gather information. He had done some research beforehand on the internet but the blog that had started out decently had turned into nothing but a gossip site. He had not been as thorough as he normally was since he was still a bit skeptical of the situation. He also needed to get a coffee machine.

He had just walked through a few blocks when a loud explosion penetrated the air and made his ears ring like a train conductor was whistling directly into his ears. It took a minute to stop but that did not stop him from scouting the surroundings for the source of the explosion.

He found it in the form of a horrendously colour coordinated person with a large neon orange helmet on top of a circle form glider a few streets away. An akuma. It was real.

He pulled up his hood before slipping into the shadows, like he was trained to and pulled out his hidden utility belt. The Bat pack ways will not be leaving him anytime soon. He then quickly took to the rooftops, applying a scent blocker and ear plugs along the way, towards the danger zone.

Upon arriving on the danger zone another explosion rung loudly through the air making Tim very grateful for the special function earplugs he put in. He took to perch on one of the higher rooftops to observe the situation. By the looks of it the two Parisian heroes had already arrived, but he was not impressed by what he saw. Rather disappointed if not disgusted.

First the akuma; The male threw golden balls, that he got from a metal backpack, that exploded upon impact. Though the explosions them self were small and would only leave any physical damage if they exploded a foot away from you. They had already destroyed some parts of the surrounding buildings though. The explosions were however very loud, as he found out himself and it would be a miracle if the bystanders weren’t deaf by the end of it.

Then came the heroes, if you could even call them that.

Chat Noir was acting like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum over not getting his favourite toy. He kept on trying to trip the new ladybug up while screaming and whining at her to tell were the real ladybug was. Or he was taunting the akuma, who in turn threw more bombs that the mangy cat dodged but then those bombs got dangerously close to the civilians that were still in the area. Did he not realize that his actions could get people killed like that? Was this a game to him and did not like the rules of?

Then there was the new ladybug at first, she had his sympathies for chat trying to trip her up on every possible occasion. That changed when he saw how she subtly led the akuma to the bystanders, bringing them into danger, only to ‘save’ them at the last moment. Oh, how that made Timothy’s blood boil.

He made these observations within a few seconds and he quickly sprang from his perch and into the action. He was not going to let the innocent bystanders become unnecessarily injured by their ‘heroes’ reckless actions, if he could help it.

The moment he safely hit the ground he bolted to a small group of civilians, that were desperately clutching their ears. He placed his hand on the back of the smallest of the group and gaining the attention of the surrounding people. They looked at him with utterly confused and scared looks. Likely they were tourists given by their attire. He motioned for them to follow him, since they would not be able to hear him over the explosions and ringing, and swiftly guided them away from the danger.

Once he got them far enough from the danger zone, picking some more bystanders along the way, he motioned for them to book it out of dodge. Then went to get any left behind stragglers out. There was only one left and the child had gone to hide behind some of the rubble. Looking around frantically and calling out for help as tears run down their cheeks.

He began to run towards the young pup, only to watch in horror as one of the bombs exploded at the base of the rubble. The bomb having been intended for Chat noir who had dodged to the side without a care and allowed the rubble to crush the scared pup underneath. The terrified look would be haunting Tim’s nightmares to come, as blood pooled from underneath the rock. A small hand was sticking out as if desperately reaching out for safety.

Chat noir should be eternally grateful that hawkmoth is only capable of akumatizing one person at a time without aid. Otherwise they would have a super-powered ex-robin on his tail.

It was time to stop this madness. His secrecy might become compromised but so be it. Taking out his grappling gun he took to get a better vantage and knock the immediate danger of his glider. Then he had to destroy the backpack to keep the Akuma  from getting or making any more bombs. Grabbing several explosive birdarangs he took aim.

“IN COMING!!!”

A blue blur of a person slammed feet first into the akuma’s back. Knocking the akuma off their glider and crashing onto the ground, creating a spiderweb patterning on the ground. A loud crack rang through the air as the metal backpack shattered.

The person clad in blue rolled upon impact over the akuma and then flipped backward creating some distance between the two of them, then taking on a battle stance and giving Tim the chance to examine them.

The female was clad in a dark blue tunic and matching leggings with thigh high boots. Around her waist she wore a silver cloth belt and light blue faded skirt that was open in the front and had a peacock motif, given by the fuchsia eyes at the tips of the skirt. Her blue tipped hair was pulled into a messy braided ponytail with two feathers sticking out. Her weapon, a fan, was poised and ready to attack.

The akuma stands back up and lets out a fierce snarl but the unknown female was unfazed by it. She only narrowed her rose coloured eyes into an ice-cold glare, that sent shivers down the spines of all who were watching. The akuma sent their glider to attack the blue clad female, but she easily jumped over it and used their fan too slice through the glider itself. Then she sprinted to her target with great speed. He tried to defend themselves but with their atrocious combat abilities, blue easily throws them over her shoulder before slamming the bud of her fan onto the helmet splitting it in two. Final someone competent has shown up.

A sickly looking black butterfly flew out of the helmet and the peacock themed person turned to the new L.B.  “Ladybug! Purify it!” she commanded shocking said ‘hero’ into action. The spotted girl stumbled a bit and had to throw her yoyo out for a second time before being able to catch the butterfly and then letting it go, now as a healthy-looking white butterfly. She only then then summoned her lucky charm, a bow, and threw it into the air calling out to her power. The bow transformed into a large swarm of ladybugs that went around restoring the wreckage back to its original state and brought back those that lost their life. Like in the videos from the tabloid blog.

Seeing the young child, that had just been crushed, alive and look around absolutely confused brought the Gothamite a certain feeling of wonder and overwhelming dread. Because if these heroes could reverse death how many had already died.

A strange black and purple goop surrounded the akuma bringing the hidden alpha’s attention back to him and the blue clad female. Once the goop receded in the place of the akuma now sat a teenage boy with mousy hair and a pair of round glasses on their face and was looking around completely confused. The peacock theme hero sat infront of the boy and began to talk to him. She seemed to be comforting the boy, but Timothy was too far away to hear what she was saying.

As he saw Chat and LB advance on the two however, he decided it to be best to listen in and gain some first-hand information. He also had a prominent theory running through his head upon having observed unknown hero’s combative skills and actions and needed to see if he was correct.

As the akuma victim was taking away to a therapist, hopefully, the blue clad hero turned to the so-called heroes of Paris. Before she could get a word out however Chat Noir lunged at her with a yell to call out his own power. Luckily though the peafowl easily grabbed the cat boy’s wrist and redirected him into destroying a nearby café chair. Before hurling him to the ground and knocking the wind out of him, but not letting go of his wrist.

“Are you going to attack every person that is not ‘your’ ladybug and is trying to help,” she spoke in a voice that sounded so done with the world. Chat let out a hiss. “I am not going to fall for your lies Mayura,” the blond snapped.

“Do not ever align me with the likes of Mayura,” the bluenette hissed in return, voice filled with a cold malice that made the boy feel a shiver. “I do not expect you to trust me right now, but at least give me a chance to prove myself,” She spoke more calmly now as she helped Chat noir back on his feet, before taking a few steps back.

“How did you even acquire the peacock miraculous?” Ladybug asked skeptically, her eyes glaring into the other girl. Who did not seem to care.

“It was intrusted to me and I was told to use it for the good of Paris. Which I intend to do, no matter what. Paris is my home and Hawkmoth has been tormenting it for too long,” She spoke with conviction her own rose-coloured eyes alight with fire. “Now I belief I should introduce myself. You may call me Blue Royal” She said while placing here fan over her heart and bow her head ever so slightly.

The other heroes wanted to interrogate her more, but a beeping sound stopped  them. A timer. “A month trial period, for both of you, at the end we will meet on Saturday at midnight on the top of the Eifel tower. We will decide how to proceed afterwards,” Chat Noir stated. Gaining an affronted gasp from ladybug.

“Why am I being put on a trial period!” She exclaimed.

“Because you refuse to tell us any information about what happened and where the real Ladybug is! If she were here, we would have no need for you or this hero wannabe,” Chat Noir yelled back in frustration. Tim’s eye twitched in annoyance. ‘You did not do much to help the situation either.’ Timothy thought bitterly and the sentiment seemed to resonate with Royal, given by the way she glared at the two when they weren’t looking.

The two children wanted to argue some more but the beeping sound interrupted them once more. Good they might have turned into an akuma themselves if they continued. Just as the news crew, along with miss tabloid, entered the area the ladybug and cat ‘heroes’ left the scene. They immediately tried to swarm to Blue Royal, but to everyone slight surprise her skirt unfurled from her waist into two large wings. The wings beet down as she jumped into the air leaving gobsmacked reporters and curious Gothamite in her wake.

Though Timothy could have gone in pursue, he decided it best to lay contact at a later time. He got some information to process and work on.

He also really needed coffee.

taglist:

@moonlightstar64, @iloontjeboontje, @mickylikesstuff, @scribblinggraveyard, @faunrasthewinterelf, @myazael, @incredulous-reader

Authors note: special thank you to @moonlightstar64 for helping me with how to tag people. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and happy holidays.

[fuckingdeadbutroyal]

Jasonette July- Soulmate AU- Part 5

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 -

“The fuck"

That was NOT what Chat was expecting to happen. Yeah sure he has never experienced a First Meeting before, but he was certain that they didn't usually go down like this.

Chat really wanted to laugh about how they were in fact, literally going down, but thought it to be funnier if the endangered couple would be actually concious to hear it. That's how he found himself, a cat may I add, diving for two sleeping heroes. It was only thanks to his superstrength, that he could lift the gigantic man of a soulmate back to the surface and heave him over one of the upside down boat benches, hoping for it not to break under his and Ladybugs combined weight. Not that the girls weight was of any significance in that equation, with her currently looking as fragile and weak as a corpse. Usually Adrien would never even think of comparing her to anything but beautiful and gracious. Right then and there though, she did not look delicate and fit, did not seem like her outer appearance was just a bluff meant to hide her true skill and strength. No, the heroine looked completely worn out. Chat was debating over taking her to an akuma-shelter and asking for help. If that’s what she looked like with Tikkis’ protection, what would happen if she were to detransform? Chat made sure she was laying down safely before turning his attention to his other rescuee.

The man next to Ladybug looked much healthier in comparison. Somehow he even seemed familiar. Adrien swam around him, trying to decipher who it was he had just saved. He noticed heavy combat boots, a red hood with cut outs on eye-level, a utility belt and several guns. The man's hair was incredibly dark, the blackness only enhanced by the bright grey patch of hair right above his forehead and the cold water dripping down from it. His eyes were closed, an eyebrow slit by a clean white scar and his lips tugged into a small and serene smile.

Adrien had to admit he was pretty good looking. Apart from that, the Cat was weirdly relieved to find him armed. That meant he was capable of protecting his lady instead of Chat. The boy knew that she was capable of protecting herself but he needed that reassurance. His best friend had to be safe, especially in situations as dire as the one they were currently facing.

A few moments had passed with Adrien deep in thought about what to do next and how to act out their plan in case she didn’t wake up in time. The city was quiet, with everyone hiding in their shelters (or simply dead). The akuma was waiting. Everyone felt it’s presence and no one dared disturb it’s silence . Another quiet before the storm. Only it wasn’t actually quiet, not silent at least. Adrien noticed a tiny voice coming from the sleeping mans ear, firmly demanding attention.

---------------------------

“Red Hood are you there?”

“Red Hood I’m sending Batman to get you.”

“Red Hood your heart rate is very low, are you asleep?”

“Batman is almost there, hang o-” “What do you mean “Batman”?!”

Tim jumped. Alfred, who was standing next to him and worriedly observing Jasons unmoving red dot on the screen, only blinked in surprise.

“Who are you? What happened to Red Hood?”, Tims voice was firm, but Alfred saw the hidden fear in his posture. Tim loved his brother dearly and was understandably worried about him. The CEO of Wayne Enterprises didn’t like letting his emotions seep into his work, but he really couldn’t help it, It was a scary situation.

“I am Chat Noir, hero of Paris. I am currently protecting Red Hood and Ladybug. Who am I talking to?”

“Red Robin, from Gotham. Batman is coming to help you. Any precautions he should know about?”

Chat told him everything they knew about the akuma and explained their situation. Tim transfered it to Batman who immediatly ordered every member of the family to move to a shelter each. He claimed for it to be necessary so they could protect the civilians in case of an emergency. Everyone knew though, that he was mostly worried about his childrens safety.

“Chat Noir, are you aware of a place near you, where we could place them to let them recover?”

Chat didn’t like his idea. It was disturbing to say the least and made his skin crawl with unease. But it was close, and it has already paid the price for helping them.

“Yes, but we’ll need a distraction.”

“On it.”

---------------------

Stephanie didn’t like following orders. Especially not such uneffective orders as Batmans. To explain the following operation, there are a few things you need to know: Her bond to Tim constisted of two parts. For one, there was the literal, string like, red bond connecting their hearts. For the other, she could hear everything he heard, only if he happened to keep the link open, of course. 

They needed a distraction and were currently coming up with something loud and ultra visible. Stephanie Browns father was a literal villain, so she knew how to think like one and was fairly certain that neither Hawkmoth nor the akuma would fall for the improvised bullshit Dick and Damian were about to pull off. No, Spoiler did not want to be seen. Aside from scanning the streets for any lost victims, she tried to seek cover in the debris all around them. Steph had a plan. Tim did not approve of it and Batsy hasn’t even heard about it but she honestly just did not give a damn. Stephanie has been handling things on her own for a while now. She was not about to start following orders today, not if she did not agree to their necessity.

Her plan? It was risky, very much so. She could not depend on succeeding, but for once she could allow herself to take the risk without fearing the consequences. If it were to come to the worst case, she could always just hope for the miraculous cure to bring her back to life. Now, when she tried to “not be seen”, that did not apply to the villain they were currently chasing. She had a tracker on herself and was connected to Red Robin but she knew that for once, hiding in plain sight would have worked. “Plain sight” was the akumas weakness. If the Dustybitch were to see her baiting him while walking down the streets, he wouldn’t even spare her a second glance. While she’s “hiding” in it’s dirty habitat though? While she’s pretending to be all alone and vulnerable? If Hawkmoth and the akuma believe that keeping the “tiny blonde girl” hostage could be benefitial and she just walks right into their arms?

It had to work, she had to get closer to the Dirtmonster and gain his attention, even if just for a bit. If she could figure out it’s weakness, get it’s akumatized object to Ladybug or at least inform her about it’s whereabouts while doing so? She’s all for it. They could fix this...no, they would.

-------------------------

A large flying shadow emerged from between the debris. Bruce somehow wished for a mask similar to Jasons. Red Hoods red hood at least covered his mouth and therefore made it easier to breath in the dust. But even as he came out to the river, he still couldn’t allow himself to breathe freely. His son was asleep on the battlefield, with whom Chat Noir claims to be his soulmate being the cause of his situation. Bruce knew Jason had one, a soulmate that is, but he for sure did not expect them to be a french heroine in a red spotted suit.

“Red Robin, is the distraction ready?”

“She... Yes. Wait for my signal.”

-------------------------

Tim was so, so done. The “game” he had formerly enjoyed in his overcaffeinated state, has just taken an unpleasant turn. “Why are you so stubborn? Your plan is foolish, you will die!” “No I won’t.” “Stephanie! Plea-” “Just make sure I don’t sacrifice myself in vain, will you? I am doing the right thing. I can feel it. Trust me.” “It already is in vain! There are other options-”

“I love you.”

And with that she stepped into the abandoned ruin of a building, eyes wide and innocent, voice loud and echoing, calling for Ladybug and Chat Noir. She knew they were on the other end of Paris, the akuma did too. But damn, Hawkmoth could not pass out on such an opportunity. A weak hero as a hostage?

“Let’s end this battle for good.”

-------------------------

Tim was listening in horror. His hand was trembling and even Alfred throwing a blanket over his shoulders did not help. That didn’t stop him from doing his job, though.

He heard the akuma by using Stephanies ears, recognizing him even before she did.

“Now.”

With that, Batman jumped onto the boats, running towards the one he noticed moving, not knowing that his daughters life was depending solely on his success.

A second message went out to Chat Noir. Upon hearing it he grabbed the sleeping beauties and tugged them under water. There he positioned them on his shoulders and used his hands to hold on to his baton so he could use it as a jumpstarter. It expanded both up- and downwards, hitting the ground and catapulting the trio out of the water. While in the air, Chat caught side of the big bat, who was kind of comically standing on a red-spotted boat. “Catch!” he called while locking eyes with him and dropping Ladybug in his arms. Adrien knew that giving him the man was not an option, no matter how strong Batman was. The Cat knew it’s physics and could not trust the vigilante to withstand the impact of catching a body of the same mass as his own, while literally standing on water, without toppling over.

Instead of toppling over from the weight of his son, Bruce caught the petite girl, followed the flying cat back to the shore and into one of the destroyed buildings, a former bakery, it seemed.

----------------------------------

Meanwhile, Stephanie was standing in a cloud of dust, caughing and trying to cover her eyes to stop the dirt from blinding her. She had expected the akuma to attack, but did not think he’d drop to such low methods. He didn’t give her a chance of fighting back, did not face her. Instead he started another earthquake right beneath her feet, just weakened her to near suffocation. 

Tim, with his one hand on his soulmatebond and his eyes on the rescuing mission, listened as the villain grabbed her. “Red, there’s a violet light, he’s still connected”, his soulmate whispered. After that she went completely silent, having finally given in to the akumas torture and lost conciousness. 

----------------------------------

Chat really wanted to close his eyes. Even more so, he really did not want to be in the room of his recently deceased friend Marinette, especially after having been the cause of her and her parents death. They were upstairs when it happened, right where the dustsnakes attack was the most powerful. ‘All because of me’, Adrien thought, ‘all because I called for them from above. I shouldn’t have let them come up the stairs, I should have joined them down in their basement.’

That’s where they were in that moment. In the Dupain-Cheng-Bakeries’ basement. It was a dark, dry and surprisingly clean place. It’s walls were covered in shelves full of cheese, wine and flour, with the middle kept empty. The empty space was being used by four sleepingbags and several full bottles of water laying on the floor. They were probably meant for each one of the family members and a possible plus one. Marinettes soulmate, maybe? One of the sleeping bags was surprisingly big, though it did make sense if you knew about Tom Dupains size. Chat reluctantly placed the man from his shoulder into the sleeping bag, which turned out to be far more difficult than he had expected it to be.

While he was at it, Batman managed to place Ladybug into the one next to his son, and contact Red Robin for an update. Chat detransformed, completely disregarding the fact that his identity was no longer secret and let Plagg fly off to recharge on the endless supply of cheese. Adrien himself chugged down a bottle of water and crawled into the fourth sleeping bag, smelling Marinettes home, curling up into a ball and silently crying himself into an exhausted sleep.

Bruce, who was for once thankful to be the only concious person in the room, slid down the door he had previously barricaded, not holding back his tears. Tim had just told him about Stephanies sacrifice. Sure, she wasn’t dead yet, but she might as well be. Bruce was so tired of loosing his Robins, so tired of losing his family. He couldn’t be tired now, though. He had people to protect and lives to safe. Currently that meant staying in this basement and keeping an eye on those broken heroes.

Chat Noir was laying there in front of him and Bruce was afraid. Afraid for him, afraid of the past he had to live through and afraid of what the future held for him. He was 17, maybe 18. So young, too young to carry such a burden. Bruce Wayne did not understand how two single heroes have managed to deal with this on their own. He knew he that if he were in their place, he would have succumbed to it a long time ago. Though who said they haven’t lost to it aswell?

They really did look broken, Ladybug especially. Bruce noticed her and Jason shivering in unison. Slowly he stood up and walked over to them, carefully lifting the girl and placing her in Jasons much to wide sleeping bag. They immediatly stopped shivering, laying there with the Red Lady safe and secure in Red Hoods arms. He even proceeded to hug her closer, with a smile gracing both their lips.

“Welcome to the family”, Bruce whispered. She was going to fit right in.

---------------------------------

Marinette was in a tower, standing in front of a gigantic panorama window. The city in front of her was all black and blue, shining, illuminating the dark as if it were full of aquamarine stars. But no stars were visible. “How sad”, she thought to herself. “All that sky, all those people, all these lights. But no one sees their home.”

“We build our own home, here on earth.”, a voice behind her made it’s appearance. She wasn’t surprised. He should be here, in her dimension, her world. It felt right. “How could we build a new home with our ancestry staring us down?”, she asked looking down at the city beneath their feet. The cloud they were standing on felt like a cold shower, light and unbinding, but firm. 

“Those are my favourite clouds”

“Cumulonimbus?”

“The mightiest of them all.”

Jason looked up at the stars. “Do you fear them?”

“I use their power.”

Black and blue filled his vision. Her soft skin was white as marble, with bruises forming colorful paintings of history, present, past and future. 

She stood next to a little boy, looking up at him. Her summerdress was so very pink, his hands were so very red, the wheels of the Batmobil were so very black. He lifted the wheel into the air and began soundlessly rolling it away. A black figure illuminated by blue light was watching him. “Hey! What are you looking at, weirdo?”, her tiny voice spoke, filling the air like thunder. Metall flashed behind the tall figures head, hitting and breaking him. He dissolved into bits and pieces of stone, onyx and sapphire glistening in the dark. The boy took her hand and they ran, giggles and huffs filling the silent streets. 

Jason sat with his eyes closed and his back leaning on Marinettes. She was leaning on his back, too. Each others weight was crushing their partner. “They aren’t staring at you.” “Our ancestors?” “They are staring at the ones who tried to hurt you.” Their weight found a balance, he was holding her heart in his hands, lifting her off the ground she was afraid of sinking in. 

Eyes opened, sapphire blue met aquamarine cyan.

“The stars never left.”

Black and Blue and White. 

Bruises and Scars.

Silk hair, Vibrant eyes and Shining hope.

Black. Sleep. Night.

---------------------------------

Jason awoke in the middle of the night. He felt weirdly serene, comfortable. He needed a moment to remember where he was. The memories were coming back slowly, his mind took it’s time emerging from the fog it has been swimming in. The sound of two voices talking next to him startled him, reminding him of every danger he had endured in the past 24 hours. His senses sharpened, he suddenly recognized that the body laying next to him was not his own. It felt weird, he could sense everything she was sensing, after all. Jasons breathing was unusually calm, her breath was a bit too fast for someone who was in deep sleep. They were completly synced. He should be feeling creeped out, like his personal space was being invaded. Jason didn’t though. He liked it. It felt... safe. 

The voices, one of which he now recognized as his fathers, while the other was unusually high, startled him out of his thoughts. Wanting to find the source of the second voice, he reluctantly let the girl next to him go, though they never really lost contact. He sat up, immediatly sensing the seperation and already regretting his decision. She didn’t move in the slightest, as he stood up and walked over to the man who sat there with his back foolishly turned towards the sleeping heroes. Jason didn’t silent his steps, wanting Bruce to hear him. He could’ve used the moment to mess with him, but he didn’t want to wake the parisians behind him, so he painfully discarded the urge. The high voice stopped in it’s speech. Jason still couldn’t see where it was coming from, but Bruce was calm so he trusted it to be safe. His father turned his head, looking up at his son from his seating position, before standing up and pulling him into a firm embrace. Jason was not at all used to physical contact from his father so hee stiffened for a few moments, but when the young adult realised that the man was not about to let go, he relaxed and returned the hug. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”, he heard the gruff Batman voice, though he was quite certain it wasn’t intentional, probably just a result of stress and exhaustion. 

“Yes, I’m good. What about you?”

He knew he wasn’t, he could tell just by looking at the unmasked face with those deep bags under his eyes. This man needed some rest.

“Ah, I guess I’m getting old. Time to retire soon, don’t you think?”

A chuckle escaped Jasons throat. Yeah, maybe he should retire too.

“I won’t be able to stay much longer. I need to get back to the team and follow Barbaras traces. She said that Hawkmoth has to be someone from the upper class, since they are the only ones who aren’t hiding in the shelters. And with Spoilers and Reds inside-information we-” “Wait, hold on. How did they get inside?” 

Bruce winced. It was a ridiculously miniscule movement, but Jason still noticed. He waited for the other man to tell him in his own pace. Such patience was unusual for the Red Hood, but he saw how it comforted the older man so he was grateful for his new personality trait. It wasn’t patience per se, he’d rather call it empathy. Something he has almost forgotten since his resurrection in the Lazarus Pits.

“Spoiler she... she offered herself as a distraction so we could get you, Ladybug and Chat Noir to safety. She... baited the akuma and is now being held hostage. Tim can hear what the akuma is doing, now that Stephanie is back to conciousness and keeping us updated.” Batman voice was even, which either meant he was collected or he was in rage. Jason bet it was the second option.

Instead of adressing it though, Red Hood just nodded. He was worried for Stephanie and sorry for Tim, but unlike his father he wasn’t mad. He knew that if he were in her place, he would’ve done the same.

Speaking of the devil, Tim chose that very moment to contact the both of them: “Hood! Glad to see you’re awake, please go back to sleep. Batsy, Orakel is waiting for you. She has coffee, so rise and shine and good luck! I’ve sent you your route. Check those mansions and make sure to download the local roomplans, I’m certain some of them have hidden rooms and dungeons full of dragons they haven’t mentioned in their tax-reports.”

“Red, when was the last time you slept?”

“What, you want me to go to bed? Let Alfred handle the situation? I mean he can do that but who will take care of your fucking Wayne Enterprises while he’s keeping y’all company? Fucking Catwoman? Harley?? The Joker?!? No? Now get your ass up and drink your coffee, we’ve got work to do.”

With that the line went silent. 

Bruce let out a huff, glancing at Jason and the parisian duo.

“He’s right you know, go back to sleep. Ladybug needs your strength just as much as you need hers. Tikki here, promised to keep an eye on you and wake you in case of an emergency.” Before Jason could even ask who he was talking about he noticed a tiny red creature float up from behind his back, munching on a cookie twice her size. They were peering into his very soul with eyes way to terrifying for someone of their mass. The man couldn’t help but compare them to Damian, though the boys deathglare wasn’t even coming close to the sheer power of the creatures gaze.

Suddenly a second, similar creature joined the first ones side. Jason vaguely recognized it looking slightly catlike, which led to the information he was currently bombarded with finally making sense: “You are Ladybugs and Chat Noirs metas.”, he stated, recognition clear in his voice.

“Kwamis, actually, but yes, c’est nous.”, answered the cat-creature, “allow me to introduce myself. My name is Plagg, I am the God of Chaos and Destruction and this-” he lifted his tiny, finlike limb in the direction of the ladybug-themed Kwami, “-is Tikki, the Godess of Luck and Creation.” 

Jason nodded, for whatever reason not feeling surprised, feeling just like Marinette did whenever she picked up a new book and already new it’s contents. Their partner has already implanted the information into the other ones head, all that was left was to refreshen it. “My name is Jason Todd. I am a vigilante from Gotham. I work under the name of Red Hood. We came to help you deal with Hawkmoth, though I’m sure Batman has already told you as much.”, speaking of his boss he turned to look at him. The men wordlessly bid their good-byes. A “please be careful”, was hanging in the air for both to hear. No need for voicing it. As Batman was leaving, Jason turned his gaze back to the two flying creatures in front him. His gaze landed on Tikki specifically. “I’m also sure you already know that as well, but I am Ladybugs soulmate.”

This was the first time he said it out loud. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, letting himself feel the impact of those words. It felt like... vulnerability. But as he opened his eyes again and met the azure eyes of the godess, that feeling shifted into something different. Something better. He felt empowered.

A moment passed, a connection between the two was forming and no-one dared complain (apart from Plagg, who was quietly grumbling about being left out.) Then, the godess’ demeanor changed completely, a smile now visible and a softness Jason wouldn’t have thought were possible redesigning her whole appearance. She flew up to him and, much to Jasons surprise, softly landed in his hair. “I approve.”

Jason let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Now go back to sleep, my chosen is still unstable and you have to help her get back on track. Go, go!”

The man did not dare argue, didn’t even want to, really. So he just made sure the door was properly barricaded, gulped down a bottle of water and layed down next to his soulmate. She immediatly nuzzled herself closer into his embrace, a smile now gracing their lips, again. 

“I could get used to that...”, Jason thought as he drifted back off to sleep.

---------------------------------

The other vigilantes had spent their nights in the shelters and were ready to go out the next day, on their way to handling more damage control. 

The last earthquake has moved the debris a bit, but it hasn’t destroyed any new buildings. The city now consisted of ruins, with only the Eiffeltower, the lower levels of “Le Grand Paris” and a few high security mansions still standing. Only a few of the rich houses, who’s owners could afford the most secure stability precautions for earthquakes the world had to offer, were offering to share with the refugees who had lost their homes. Adrien was ashamed to see that his fathers home did not belong to the chosen few.

One way or another, Chat Noir was about to find out. Having waken up before the others, he decided to use the little time before the realization of Ladybugs plan to make sure there was enough space for every surviver, which mostly meant breaking and entering into the homes of the rich, if they didn’t open the gates after his first time asking. His fathers home he had saved for the end, not certain what to expect and definetly not wanting to deal with possible emotional effects. Adrien didn’t actually know what he was hoping for: for his father to be dead, which would explain that “decision” or for him to be alive and well, which would simply mean that his family was safe and sound.

“I’m coming home...coming home, tell the world I’m coming home...”, his quiet voice echoed through the derserted streets of the City he once loved so dearly.

No tune and not a single lullaby could have prepared him for what he was about to find.

-------------------------

Hey!

So todays chapter is literaly twice as long as the last one, but I could not divide it into two seperate chapters because of the Jasonette percentage the chapter legally has to fullfill. Writing my world down took so long but it was so fun and now i have the build up I wanted “on paper” so I am mostly happy with the outcome. I honestly feared their relationship would be moving too fast but I guess my real life commitment issues did the trick, so HERE WE GOoooo...

Talking about commitment: THANK YOU DEAR MESSAGE LEAVERS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH if it weren’t for you, I probably would have given in to my doubts and stopped writing. You know, fun anxiety stuff. But you make my anxietini evaporini and I (as always) just can’t stress enough how much it means to me.

Also, my taglist has grown! Your existance fills my heart with joy. If you want to be added to that fabulous group of names you are about to read, feel free to message me in any way. I’ll be happy to add you to the circle of the constantly updated \o/

(Also if you want to be removed from the list, please don’t be afraid to ask me, I will not bite and I pinky promise not to cry~ )

Tag List ^^:

@maribat-is-lifeblood @lokilex @amayakans @readingismyoxygen @zalladane @sunspritethedestroyer @toodaloo-kangaroo @purplesundaze @yeet-this-bitch @ratherbereading125 

Thanks for reading ^^

[wordsfromthesol]

Safety Precautions (2/2)

Author: @wordsfromthesol Taglist: @zphilophobiaz @malfoys-demigod Pairing: Dick Grayson x Reader Summary: Things got a little complicated and the bats definitely know way too much about your personal life now. Too bad they are necessary in stopping your past.  Warnings:  Fighting, wounds, cursing, all the good stuff. Word Count: 2.1k

Part One

“Well, where is she?!” You almost screamed as you rushed into the batcave, only to realize no one was there. 

“Give Red Robin time, we don’t know how far away she was.” Nightwing tried to settle you down, as Red Hood disappeared in the elevator.

“Shouldn’t have been more than 2 hours. That’s what we agreed on.” You paced back and forth as Red Hood reappeared with Alfred.

“Miss Y/N. May I check your wounds? I hear there was another scuffle.”

You glared at Hood, but ultimately complied. Alfred had just finished putting fresh bandages on when you heard footsteps. You raced over, enveloping Lily in your arms.

“He found you. Oh thank god, I thought I may have been too late.”

“I was hesitant to come with the brat, but then…he’s back?”

“Back with a vengeance. Though I suppose he never really left.”

“No, but we escaped.”

“Some of us.”

“Sister, you can’t keep blaming –” Lily cut off as she realized the three vigilantes staring at the two of you. “Maybe we should discuss this somewhere private.”

“Oh, uhm, of course.” Nightwing stuttered and motioned for you to follow him into a room. As the door shut he raced back out, to find Red Robin had already pulled up the video and audio feed from the room.

“You know they are probably still listening.” You chuckled out.

“Yes, but I can pretend. And hopefully still get some real answers from you. You didn’t meet up with me. That day.”

“I, uhm,” you looked around, hoping to find the listening device before you had to tell your story. You sighed when nothing caught your eye and continued. “I didn’t get out. I had to make sure the girls did. Helios did not let me go. After that, he made sure I was always injured, never able to get too far from him. That day…he ruptured my femur and branded me.” You tugged at your shirt to reveal his mark burned into the skin over your heart. “He said this way I would know that I was always his. He made a slight error 6 months ago, that the simple pain of a dislocated shoulder and some bruised ribs was enough to keep me there. I made allies with those out there almost as soon as I escaped, I think that’s the only reason he didn’t attack sooner. Once he saw I enlisted there help to find you, he knew he had to act soon.”

“How do you know he hasn’t gone after the girls?”

“Sister, he wishes for you and I. He knows we were Eclipse. That we got the other girls to safety.”

“But I wasn’t Eclipse.”

“Maybe not all the theatrics, but you helped form the plan. You gave me courage and you gave me hope. I could not have donned the persona without you. And I thought I had lost you, my beautiful sister.”

“You forget that bastard trained me as well.”

You smirked, “and he unknowingly brought upon his own demise with that.” The two of you walked out of the room, well aware that the costumed men before you heard every word. “Alright, we need to find him. He wants me, I’ll be bait.”

“Like hell you will.” Nightwing said almost before you finished your sentence.

“I agree. He wants me more. I’ll do it.” Lily spoke up.

“I can’t really agree with that either. You are a civilian.” Nightwing played along as if he hadn’t heard your conversation.

“I’m hardly a civilian. Now, let’s head out.”

**

You stood on the nearby rooftop gazing down at your sister when Nightwing came to your side.

“You can’t be okay with this.”

“I do not like it, but it’s the right play. I trust her to keep herself safe, just as she trusts me to take out Helios.”

“Hm –” Nightwing’s words were cut short when Tim came over the comms.

“I see movement coming from the south. Be ready.”

Helios was there in seconds. Grasping for Lily when you swooped down, kicking him back. Red Robin, Red Hood, and Nightwing landing just behind you.

“You didn’t really think I would leave her here alone, did you?”

“No. In fact I was hoping you’d be here, to see my work.”

“Your work?” Just as the question left your lips 6 girls appeared behind Helios. “No,” a gasp escaped from your throat.

“Oh yes, now. I’ll take Lily.”

“Wait!” Helios tilted his head, an invitation for you to continue. “You can have me. Just let Lily and these girls go. Let them have a choice and I’ll be yours again.”

“Deal.” Helios raced over and grabbed you before anyone could protest. “Girls, you are free once I am.” They all nodded and turned towards the heroes before them. However, as soon as Helios was out of view they collectively stopped. Without hesitation Nightwing sped after you. One of the girls looked at remaining people, settling on Lily.

“She was Eclipse.”

“She was.”

“We all thought she was but a myth.”

“Who are you all exactly?” Tim questioned.

“I’m not sure –” Lily was cut off by the girl.

“It is not a happy tale, but perhaps it will help your friend find Eclipse. So I will tell it.” Red Hood nodded in agreement, passing his earpiece over.

“So Nightwing can hear.”

The girl took it from him and placed it securely in her ear before beginning. “I’m sorry,” she looked towards Lily, “if this was not meant to be shared. Helios trains us, molds us. Beginning at the age of 8 he is a benefactor, supplying our family with the means to make us succeed in both school and athletics. By 10, if we are deemed good enough, he slaughters our family and takes us under his tutelage. A school of assassins. Eclipse, however, was different. She was not under observation; her older sister was, Lily.”

A cracked sigh came from Lily as the young girl mentioned her name. Tim passed her his earpiece in an instant. She continued the story, looking at the girl.

“I am her. Lily.”

“Helios did not kill you?!” The girl was shocked, clearly the myth of Eclipse had been distorted over time.

“No, but Eclipse made sure everyone thought he had. To keep me safe. I took our mother’s maiden name, to distinguish us even further. Eclipse was only 6 when I was to be taken. When she was to be murdered, along with our parents. Helios slayed our parents in front of her, but when he turned the knife on her…well she did not go down easy. The frightened child he expected was not present. So instead, he took her as well. Eclipse was born that day. His best student. She plotted against him from the day he brought her in. I don’t even think he knows how many girls were saved from his wrath because of her.”

“The count, in the stories passed, is over three thousand. We were being trained in a two-story wooden house 16 and a half miles from this location.” Tim quickly pulled up a map and showed it to the girl. “Here.” As she pointed Tim sent the location to Nightwing, motioning back for his earpiece.

“Nightwing, is that where they are headed?”

“Looks like it. You coming to join the party?”

“Always. Me and Hood are on the way.”

“And me. She’s my sister. My baby sister.”

Red Hood looked at her dead in the eyes, “Be ready for a fight.”

**

Helios slung you against the wall as you entered the building. “You know they are going to follow me, right?” You wiped the blood from your lip.

“Of course, but I don’t plan on keeping you alive long.”

“All of this just to kill me?”

“All of this?! Your little persona has created chaos in my schools. They think there is some savior coming to rescue them. They’re wrong. Once I have that stupid mask as a trophy, they’ll all know.”

You screamed as you charged at him. Both of you dodging and throwing punches, knowing each other’s exact moves. It felt more like sparring, after all, you’d done this thousands of times before. Helios pushed you back towards the door, as he did you heard the faint sounds of a motorcycle. Nightwing. Suddenly, you charged at Helios, vaulting over him and forcing him to keep his back to the door. Watching the door creak open, you slid to the ground hitting Helios’ legs as Nightwing jump kicked his back. Scrambling you pinned him, his face pressing into the ground. You knew you couldn’t hold him long, so you pulled out a dagger and lodged it into his bicep and the floorboard below. You then focused your strength to holding him down.

“Do you even know their names?!”

“Of course not. I know them by what matters, their rank. Still no one has been able to surpass you, number one.”

“Don’t call me that.” You gritted through your teeth. If Nightwing wasn’t standing there, you would’ve killed him by now. Instead, you planted one final punch. Hearing his skull crack as it embedded itself further into the flooring. Just as you were standing, Red Robin, Red Hood, and Lily came through the door. You ran to your sister, enveloping her in a hug and pulling her away from this place. It was too similar to your own childhood in Helios’ clutches.

Nightwing looked at his brothers, “We need to get him to Arkham.”

“Heh, well don’t ask me. If I’m alone with that bastard, I will put a bullet through his skull.” Red Hood commented as he sauntered out to meet up with you and Lily. “So you’re a legend now?”

“Heh, tragic backstory and all.” You chuckled out. “At least those kids have a say now. We didn’t get one.” You blinked trying to contain the tears brimming at your lids. “Caden didn’t get one.”

“Woah, I thought it was a girl’s only school…” Red Hood questioned you.

“Yeah, he was our brother. Four years old. Helios took Lily to the school and then came back for us. We were both forced to watch as he slit our parent’s throats. As he came towards me, I bit him and yelled at Caden to run. I would’ve bit his finger off, but he slung he across the room and ran after Caden. When I caught up to him, his fingers were wrapped around Caden’s throat. He forced me to watch the life drain out of our brother’s eyes.” You had forgotten the comms were still on. Nightwing’s voice rang in your ears.

“I’ll kill him!” You looked back at the house, as Red Robin was attempting to hold NIghtwing back.

“I better go get him.” Hood commented.

“You never told me that before…” Lily whispered to you after Hood left.

“I didn’t want it to burden you, as it has me. I always think, if I had been a little faster, or brought a knife with me, or I don’t know. Done something different.”

“The result would’ve been the same. You were six. You should’ve never had to endure that to begin with.” You looked up from your sister and watched Nightwing exit the building.

“Hey, uhm, can I bring you home?” He mumbled.

“Lily, will you be alright?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m not leaving this bastard until I see him surrounded by steel.”

You nodded and followed Nightwing to his bike. The two of you rode in silence to your apartment, but when you got there, you couldn’t seem to dismount the bike. You sat there, arms tightly wrapped around Nightwing’s waist, unwavering. After a few minutes he finally spoke.

“I’m going to take you to my place, is that okay?” You still didn’t speak, just nodded. Once he felt the movement of your head on his back, he took off. Even at this unfamiliar place, it took you several minutes before you got the courage to let go of him. He didn’t press you, just took your hand in his and led you in the right direction. Before you realized, you were sitting on his bed, him in sweatpants, a tshirt, and no mask sitting next to you.

“It’s over.” You finally stuttered out. You turned towards him and collapsed in his arms.

“I’ve got you. You can rest now.”

[shaehey]

Your Halcyon Heart - Pt. 2

Read part one here

“You fractured a rib? Again?” As expected, his manager wasn’t pleased. “How?”

Wren grimaced. “Two actually,” he said, holding the phone up to his ear. “It was a rock-climbing accident.” He was proud of himself for that lie. It was much better than trying to claim that he’d fallen off his roof for the third time.

“You don’t rock climb,” Meghan said, voice low with suspicion.

“Hey, I could!” He protested, a little offended. Sure, he didn’t get out a lot. But he was interesting enough to be a rock climber. He could do cool things, theoretically. “But… you’re right. I don’t, normally. Which is why I fell.” Another good lie. Impenetrable logic. He was on a roll today.

“On your ribs?”

He nodded. “They hit a rock.”

Meghan’s sigh, low and tired, crackled through the speakers. Guilt kicked in his stomach. “I can still work,” Wren said, quieter. “I mean, my ribs hurt, but that’s nothing a bit of ibuprofen can’t fix.”

“I hope so. Wren, they’re-“ She stopped, another sigh breaking through the line. She didn’t sound like her usual fiery self. “The fans are getting impatient, and the producers are really breathing down our necks to get this done. We can’t delay the new season any longer. Just, please, stay healthy.”

“I will,” he said, wincing. He hated hearing Meghan sound so defeated. She had helped him so much over the years, and put up with so much of his shit and excuses over the years. He owed her so much. “I’ll be careful.”

“Please do.” Then, with a bit of the usual fire in her voice: “Or Hyperion will look like a harmless ladybug compared to me.”

Wren laughed, feeling better, but for the next week he couldn’t shake a deep guilt that itched beneath his skin. He wanted to be a good hero. He wanted to be a good voice actor. But he couldn’t find the time to truly succeed at either, and lately he was left feeling as if he was half-assing them both. 

His general mood wasn’t helped by the fact that Karma knew his identity.

Wren wasn’t an idiot. Just because he’d had one pleasant interaction with a villain didn’t mean that he was safe. Super villains weren’t exactly known for their trustworthy nature. 

But with two fractured ribs, Karma laying completely low since the art heist, and a season of Starstruck that needed to finished, what else was there to do but go to the studio every day and work?

Besides, it was nice to finally push through the undone work that had been piling up. With every session, he could see the Starstruck team get a little less tense, breathe a little easier as they came closer to finishing. So long as he didn’t look at the news, didn’t see the tragedies that he could have prevented if only he’d been out there, he could pretend like things were okay. Yes, everything was fine.

He only lasted a week before he was dragging his hero costume out of the closet.

● ● ●

Wren didn’t have a problem with people breaking into banks or sabotaging wealthy monopolies, he really didn’t, but could they at least make sure that innocent people were safely out of the way before staging their attacks? If one more villain announced they were a modern-day robin hood before doing shit that risked the lives of uninvolved bystanders, Wren was going to burn something.

All Robin Hoodie had to do was check the area beforehand and make sure that people would easily be able to escape. But no, apparently that was too much work, so now Wren had to rise to the occasion by helping tellers and guests to an exit before the entire bank went up in a very unpleasant explosion.

Every step sent a spike of pain through his ribs. He ignored it. He only had one more rooms to check, and then he could leave. 

The last thing that he expected to see was a familiar cloaked figure sitting beneath a teller’s desk, head bowed and hair uncharacteristically disheveled. Wren blinked. No one had mentioned that Karma was here- not the news outlets, not the radios, not even Robin Hoodie during his grand monologue- and Wren hadn’t seen even a single one of Karma’s goons bustling about. It didn’t make sense for him to be here, especially not alone and injured. “What are you doing here?”

Karma’s head jerked up, eyes narrowing into a glare. “What are you doing here?” He asked, jaw tight. “I told you to stay home.” He jabbed his finger the ground. “It’s barely been a week!” 

Unsurprisingly, Karma was less than happy to see his favorite voice actor out in the field yet again. But what was the villain going to do about it? Kill him? Wren didn’t think so. The delay it would cause in Starstruck’s production would be awful. He shook his head. “Uh uh,” he sang, clicking his tongue. “I asked first.”

Karma exhaled, slumping into himself, a gloved hand keeping pressed against his stomach. It shined in the light, wet with blood. “What does it look like I’m doing?” He whispered.

Wren flicked his eyes over Karma, taking in the injury, the lack of color on the villain’s skin. “Sitting on the floor, bleeding.” The villain needed stitches and care, but here he was, alone and pale in a room that would soon be turned to rubble.

Karma nodded, resting his back against the desk. “There’s your answer,” he said. “Now, what are you doing here?” He demanded. “If Starstruck gets delayed again, I’ll, I’ll…!” The villain didn’t seem to know where to from there, the outrage seeming to drain from his body. He looked away then, hand pressing more tightly to his stomach. “Be very upset.”

“Well,” Wren began, keeping his voice light as he stepped forward. “I was saving civilians,” he said, crossing the space between them. “But now I guess I’m saving you.” Gently, he put Karma’s free arm across his shoulders. The villain didn’t resist, only hissed in pain when Wren pulled him to his feet. “Sorry.”

“But… why?” Karma wouldn’t stop frowning, even as he leaned his weight into Wren’s.

Wren was kind enough to pretend that he didn’t hear the slight wobble in the villain’s voice. “Well, I can’t let Starstruck’s number one fan die in an explosion, can I?”

Karma froze, back tense, and then relaxed. Wren could almost swear that there was a faint blush on Karma’s face. “Thank you.” It was barely more than a whisper.

[astranne]

Crossover MCU/DC

So... it’s more like a Crossover between Dr. Strange and the DC universe but yeah... anyway

Dr. Strange is the Sorcerer Supreme, the protector of earth and all this shit. But he’s also the protector of the multiverse. And I think, as the protector, he needs to travel between all this worlds. And one of these worlds is the DC universe. I’m more a Marvel fan, know much about the MCU but DC... uhhh, I often read some post about facts of some charakters and often use wikipedia and all. But I haven’t read comics, just watched some movies, so if I have something wrong, it’s fanfic my dudes. 

Anyway (I use this word to much) through this whole protecting shit, travels among the universes, he meets the Justice League and becomes a member. He’s often called, when some mogic villians attack the earth. But Stephen realizes, that’s just too much work. So he creates Kamar Taj in the DC universe, Wong becomes a teacher and so on and on. And Kamar Taj becomes like a door/portal for travels between the two universes Dr. Strange lives. 

Anyway. Because of Thanos the whole multiverse is screwed up and when the Avengers defeat him five years later, it’s repaired, but not like before. The Infinity Stones are the most powerful things in the multiverse, they are beings (creepy) and decide, they need a host. Because Thanos is absolut shit and who says, there are not more like him? So... after the multiverse was screwed up, Dr. Strange goes to the heart? idk if that exists in the comics, but everything has a zentrum and yeah. He goes there and everything is in absolut chaos. He tries to ‘clean’ up, but it doesn’t help much. Then he realizes, that this whole energy can’t be guided in the different universes with some simple speels. So he starts to collect the Infinity Stones and places all six of them in the middle of this whole energy stuff. Uhh, it’s really hard do describe? Hope it still works

Anyway. The stones ‘realize’ that they are finally at their right place and think Stephen is worthy. But he’s still human and humans can be corrupted. So they basically make him a father and create their ‘host’/heir whatever. Basically, Stephen has a daughter now. Who controls and holds the power of the Infinity Stones. And because she was created in the heart of the multiverse, she controls also the universes? This is just an excuse to make my charakter overpowered :) But Stephen can have the Time Stone back, and places all the other Stones back where they come from. They can still be ‘used’, but everytime this happens, Stephen’s daughter knows this and can block the stone or summon it. So basically she protects the stones and the multiverse. 

And now I need a name. Uhm... I’ll call her Thea (greek for goddess) So, Stephen has now a teenage daughter, who is too powerful, wise and yeah. But he treats her still like she’s a teenager and she loosens up? Yk, becomes a little bit more human. So, now, he introduces her to the Avengers and the Justice League (the both groups don’t know each other). But yeah, he tells them, that this is his daughter and now the hero Infinity. When she’s in her ‘hero’ persona, her eyes become glowing white, her voice echoes and her hair has the colors of the stones. And yeah... another excuse to make her absolutly gorgeous and badass and powerful-

Anyway. Thea never shows her real power, just uses magic like her father. All heroes think she’s the host of an Elder, a group of immortal beings, who existet before the Big Bang. Probalby the goddess of life or something like that.

So... now. Ra’s al Ghul hears of her and her powers, well what everybody think her powers are. The villians and civilians don’t know, what the heroes know. So, Ra’s thinks she’s just a powerful sorceress, after all her father is the most powerful of them. He gathers all the magic users together and tries to capture her. And Thea thinks, why not. Let’s play with mortals. (I have no idea, if I should make her immortal or just half human, half universe. Like after her death she becomes one with the multiverse...)

Anyway. She comes to the League of assassins, her magic ‘stolen’ or that’s what everybody thinks. Because they are not Mordo, who can steal the magic from people like in the MCU. So, Ra’s thinks, she’s magicless and trains her. Thea plays the scared teenager, almost adult woman and learns fast. And then she meets Jason, who’s the pet project of Talia. The two of them often train together. When he finally escapes or whatever he does and goes back to Gotham, she tells him to go to Kamar Taj, that the people there can help with the pit madness. Jason still wants revenge and tries to kill Bruce, but when then Bruce tries to help and he can’t really, Jason searches Kamar Taj. Stephen finds him and becomes his teacher. So Jason learns about the multiverse and that Stephen protectes it and suddendly feels very small. He wants to help and becomes fast a Master of the Mystic Arts. One day, Thea comes back, tired of pretending she’s a helpless girl agains the League. She blows up the whole place, and nearly kills Ra’s. 

So, Jason meets Thea again, accepts the fact, that she’s literally the child of some stones and the multiverse. He also meets tha Avengers and wants to become one. Because they don’t have a problem with killings, not like the Justice League or Batman. 

Anyway. Jason still becomes Red Hood, that he has magic now is his biggest secret. Thea becomes his right hand, names herself Hela (like the sister of Thor), basically becomes her, with her powers and all the stuff. But she only uses them, when it’s necessary. So, Jason takes over Gotham, controls crime and slowls reduces it. Bruce doesn’t really notice it, because Jason let’s all the Bosses (like Black Mask) life, and controls them. But then Bruce hears them talking about Red Hood and his right hand Hela. He never saw them and first thinks this are just rumors, but the talk never stops about them. Bruce begins to search this Red Hood, becomes a drug boss, while Jason watches every step of him. 

It takes some time, but Bruce becomes a part of the Big Bosses of Gotham. Probably has some ridiculous name and a mask, which hides his face. And then he’s finally a part of the meeting with Red Hood. There are many drug bosses there, some villians and the Joker... They all wait for Red Hood, but first meet Hela. If some people don’t know her, here is a picture.

This is so big... anyway. 

So, she stalks in this room and sits at the head of the table, grins like she’s crazy. And then comes Red Hood in, in a neat suit and I’m just putting another picture here..

Something like that. And Jason just sits there, Thea at his right side and stares at the people. Suddendly he points his gun at Bruce, who starts to freak out, because no way this Red Hood knows he’s Batman- Jason shoots the Bodyguard behind him. Bruce just blinks, while Thea summons some daggers/swords? whatever this weapons of Hela are and kills all the rest of the Bodyguards. 

“Now we are finally alone...” Jason glares at Joker, who grins like the madman he is. 

“I’m sure, everybody of you wants to know, why am I doing this?” Bruce wants to sigh, now this typical ‘I’m the bad guy, I need to monologue’ stuff. 

“It’s rather easy. I grew up in Gotham, I lived through the good and the bad things, I lived as a poor boy and as a rich boy. I died here and came back.”

“Thanks to me”, Thea grins, while Jason chuckles. 

“Yes, thanks to Hela. Don’t worry, she’s not some pretender, she’s the real goddess of death.” Now most of the bad guys start sweating, because there is a fucking goddess and she’s the right hand of this guy-

“But we’re not finished yet... I died, in the hands of a madman, because my own mother betrayed me and my... father couldn’t save me.” 

“I didn’t really intruduce myself. My name is Red Hood and before I died, I was the second Robin.” Now Bruce really started to panic. Before anybody can do something, Jason kills the Joker. 

“I always hated his stupid grin...” Thea slowly stands up and kneels beside the body of the Joker and brings him back to life. Joker is just confused and Bruce’s now thinking, that this was a really really bad idea. 

“I’m going to torture you later, but I really needed to shoot you in your stupid face. And don’t think, that Batman is going to save you.” The other villians are shocked, because their new boss was once a hero, a Robin and now he kills people?

“Now... let’s start the real buisness.” Bruce knows, that he’s fucked, because there is a goddess and he’s pretty sure, that this goddess knows, that he’s Batman. 

When the whole meetings ends and everyone is starting to go, Jason calls Bruce by his fake name. Everybody stops, because this is a new guy. Either he dies or he becomes rewared. 

“I always hated Batman for being so cold, almost heartless. But he never seemed to do the bad thing, he was a hero after all. I was rather shocked, when I learned, that he had killed before and from who he had learned... but he never hurt innocents. Not before and not now. So... what is different now? Why does he send you, an innoncent, to the middle of the lion’s den? Tell me, Bruce, what is different now?” 

“You always seem to protect Batman, is he your secret lover? Or just a friend? Or your enemy? After all, you allowed him, that I could be his sidekick... tell me, Bruce, why are you taking this burden? To help him, to do his dirty work?”

Jason doesn’t expose Bruce to all the villians there, just warns him. When he ever steps a foot in his ‘kingdom’, he’s dead. Just like all his allies. And Bruce now knows, Jason is able to do that. So, Bruce distances himself of Red Hood, but tries to find Jason. Jason doesn’t cares about that, he’s happy, he protects Gotham, well, as good as he can and he protects the multiverse.

I think Thea would become his lover and maybe one day, Red Hood becomes part of the Batfam and they meet ‘Hela’. And Infinity is together with Drákon, the right hand of Dr. Strange. Jason is choosen by an ancient sword, which holds the power of dragons. (something like Genji of overwatch) So yeah... Jason and Thea have many personas and love to confuse people

If anyone wants to write a story about this, tag me, so I can read it! This is one of my favourite ideas :) and if anything is confusing about my writing style... I’m swiss, I have like no idea how to write in english ._.

Masterlist

[recentanimenews]

Some Of The Best Anime Scenes Ever Are Only A Few Seconds Long

By the time you get to the end of this sentence, another brand-new anime will have come out. True, it might be another unfinished, hilarious mess like My Sister, My Writer, but you won’t know that until you actually watch it. Before you know it, you’ll be spending your entire free time catching up on new releases instead of doing what’s really important, like re-watching Cowboy Bebop. Why don’t anime series include one short scene that could tell you instantly what the whole show is about in just a few short seconds? Well, surprise--they do, and here are the four best of them.

  *SPOILERS AHEAD*

  4. Eren’s Mother Losing Her Resolve (Attack on Titan)

  The terrifying power of Attack on Titan is that it strips its characters of their dignity. The anime is gory, true, but every death in it is made so much worse because it comes at the hands (or, more commonly, the mouths) of naked, human-eating giants that move like drunk toddlers. This way, the anime can torture its characters with primal, humiliating fear. You see this perfectly in Episode 1.

    That’s when Carla Jaeger is trapped underneath her house while a nightmare-inducing Smiling Titan approaches her. Ordering her son Eren to run and save himself, Carla tells him for the last time that she loves him, accepting her fate because she knew that at least her child was safe. Well... for like a second. She then flashes back to her family life and, through tears and desperately gagging herself with her hand, she whispers: “Don’t leave me…”

    When I got to that scene, I wanted to scream: “MA’AM! THIS WASN’T PART OF THE DEAL!” Carla was supposed to die her quiet, traumatizing death as part of Eren’s standard-issue tragic backstory. With her silent and cowardly (but very human) pleas, though, everything became so much more real. On some level, we know that characters facing death must feel fear, but we don’t like to think about it to preserve the magic of escapism. But this is precisely what Attack on Titan does.

  It doesn’t make bad stuff “cool” for us. It makes us confront every ugly aspect of it. I’m convinced that if Hajime Isayama had directed a Batman movie, he’d have made the Waynes’ last words: “I don’t want to die...” And then they’d crap their pants. Because that’s the true face of tragedy and fear, encapsulated perfectly by Carla’s three words.

  3. Whitebeard Embracing His Foolish “Son” (One Piece)

  The flashy, supersonic fights in One Piece have always been one of the anime’s biggest selling points, like the Luffy vs. Katakuri punch-up. I use it as an example mainly because, whether you read this article when it’s first published or years later, chances are that fight will probably still be going on. But, for all its action, that’s not what One Piece is ultimately about. To find out what that is, we have to look at episode 472.

  The episode takes place during Whitebeard’s attempt to rescue Ace from the Navy. It was an epic arc full of action, excitement, and plot twists, the biggest one being when Whitebeard’s subordinate Squard was tricked into betraying everyone and turned his boss into an entrée at a Brazilian steakhouse.

    After that happened, you sort of expected Whitebeard to literally break Squard in half. But then… he just hugged him. Not only that, he told him that he forgave his foolish “son” and still loved him. The Whitebeard Pirates always had this thing where the captain was called “father” and everyone else were his “sons” but you never thought it was so… literal.

    When you think about it, though, this is what One Piece has been getting at from the get-go: the power of non-biological family. Literally every major character on the show was raised by people they weren’t related to. Luffy and Ace had Dadan. Sanji had Zeff. Nami had Bell-mère and Nojiko, Tony had Dr. Hiriluk, Robin had the archeologists at the Tree of Knowledge, Franky had Tom, etc.

  Still, the message about the importance of family works best with Whitebeard and Squard. See, it’s easy to love your non-biological family members when everyone gets along and, in the case of the Straw Hats, sacrifices their life for you. It’s harder and therefore more powerful when one person unwittingly screws up, but can still know that they’re forgiven and loved. That’s just beautiful. That's One Piece.

  2. The Humanoid Typhoon’s Wounds (Trigun)

  There aren’t many western anime out there. One might almost think that Japan never had a Wild West or cowboys. But that’s just one reason to appreciate Trigun (or, to call it by its proper name: Gun Gun Gun.) The other reason, of course, is the show’s main character, Vash the Stampede, the Humanoid Typhoon, The Sixty Billion Double-Dollar Man, a gunslinger who can level entire towns… without actually killing anyone there. It’s actually nice to have an action character out there who believes in pacifism, even if it comes easy to them on account of being one of the most powerful people on the planet.

  Hey, apropos of nothing, let’s check out a random scene from Episode 13 when Meryl and Milly see Vash getting out of the shower because why not?

    Oh… dear.  That is… that is just unfortunate. I mean, he sorta looks like a Ken doll that was operated on by Sid from Toy Story while he was going through a Cronenberg phase. Even Frankenstein’s monster is recoiling at the sight of Vash’s body, from the gigantic scars to the missing arm and metal literally bolted to his flesh. But the thing is, every wound tells the story about the high price of pacifism.

  Every scar is a reminder of the time when Vash could easily have killed but ended up saving the day with his wits and acting like an idiot. Every mark is a reminder that choosing life will often carry with it a great cost. A cost that Vash paid gladly because, to him, pacifism isn’t just something he believes in when things are easy. Even in the darkest of times, he is going to be himself and stick to his principles. But he doesn’t want to bum everyone out so he ultimately diffuses the situation in a way only he can:

    THAT is Trigun.

1. Tsuyu Befriending Habuko (My Hero Academia)

  I’ve gone on record saying that I think the world of My Hero Academia is horrifying, but I mainly think so because their world is so young. Their society has accepted people with superpowers (sorry, Quirks) only very recently and although over 80% of the global population has a Quirk, it doesn’t mean they eliminated all prejudice. Just look at My Hero Academia - Training of the Dead, the second OVA that introduced the character of schoolgirl Habuko Mongoose, who has a snake head. And people are afraid of her.

    Yeah, she was a bit awkward and she could paralyze you by looking at you, but her awkwardness came from her loneliness caused by social isolation. She was so lonely that she actually started stalking one student, Tsuyu Asui, to be closer to another human. Then one day, while being followed by Habuko, Tsuyu simply turned to Voldermorticia and asked: “Do you want to be friends?”

    That’s all it took to completely change the life of this lonely girl while quickly summarizing what My Hero Academia stands for. Their world is at peace thanks to All Might, whose catchphrase is “Plus Ultra”–“Go Beyond.” This doesn’t just apply to going beyond your physical abilities and punching the villains just a little harder. It’s a philosophy that implores us to do more, to be our best selves especially in our everyday lives. That is precisely what Tsuyu did.

    She did more. She saw past Habuko’s appearance and gave her a chance. If the world of MHA is to survive, it will be thanks to people like Tsuyu, always going that extra step not just as a superhero but also as a civilian. She is the true embodiment of All Might’s words and, as such, the true heart of My Hero Academia. Let’s hear it for the show’s best girl.

  Are there any other scenes that you think sum up your favorite anime? Let us know about them in the comments!

---

Cezary writes words on the internet. Follow him on Twitter or check out his two comedy websites.

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[iphoenixrising]

I can't stop thinking about your Dr!Tim verse (This isnt a prompt btw, I just wanted you to know that Ive been thinking about your writing and how much its inspired me. Sorry for how long this is). I keep imagining the man on the bridge being the hot topic on every news station and paper, even more than Batman and Robin. Everyone wants to know who he is. Is he ok? Did he give his life saving his fellow Gotham citizens? There are a lot of questions

(2)and few answers. Those in the loop are more than content to leave it that way,but somehow it gets leaked that Gothams new hero is a young prodigy doctor atGotham General. Tim is not made aware of this until he gets mobbed by reportersas he’s leaving his 36 hour shift and getting asked a lot of innapropriatepersonal questions. And it’s not nearly as funny as you seem to think it is,Jason.

(3)Of course his boyfriends quickly stop finding the situation funny once the joboffers from all over the world start rolling in. Dozens of them, all offeringthings like millions of dollars in salary, positions like chief of surgery, allin state of the art hospitals that are properly funded and don’t reside incities with crazy clown attacks. And it hurts because, how could they ask himto stay? How could they ask their genius sugar to tie himself down to a city

(4)that chews everyone in it up and spits them out, to be a doctor in a hospitalbarely scraping by, how could they ask their genius boy to refuse a once in alifetime opportunity to escape this shithole of a city and make something bigof himself, all to stay with two vigilantes who cant guarantee they’ll make ithome each night. They couldn’t do it, they want whats best for their boy, evenif it means he leaves them. They can’t ask him to stay.

(5)Damian of course has no such qualms about blackmailing, er requesting Drakestay in the city, and subsequently with his older brothers (Because if he hurtsthem, Damian will hurt Tim twice as bad). Which leads to a very awkwardconversation in which Damian threatens Tim not to leave, Tim is confusedbecause “who said anything about leaving?” And then they have a heartto heart about how Tim isn’t stuck at Gotham general, he chose that hospital.And that he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

**

So, hi babe :D  Iknow this has been sitting in my inbox for a minute, sorry >.

Brilliant, babe. Justbrilliant.

I also get to play withanother back-and-forth I haven’t really gotten to yet in these little things,so I’m super excited for B and Tony Stark to just have a little snark-fest,yeah?  

**

Tony showed up a fewweeks early for his quarterly “visit” to Gotham.

It’s disconcertingbecause Tony Stark goes between creating new innovations to privatelyconsulting around the US on the most dire of cases in need of a precise handand large enough ego to make miracles happen. He might have to do somebookkeeping even though Pepper is his CEO and runs his company with iron heels. When he’s not working, he has a nice relationship waiting for himat home.

All of it didn’t leaveTony much time to be running to Gotham before schedule to do someridiculous amount of pouting.

And yet?

Here they are.

When Tim actually getsto turn away from the stack of charts he’s updating, he has an oh shitmoment because Tony…isn’t immediately talking. No white coat, just asnazzy three-piece, arms crossed over his chest, and utterly

Silent.

Tim automaticallystands, taking in his old mentor from head to foot, looking for clues toadd to the inevitable diagnosis hovering in his brain pan.

(Because, you know, thattime when he was still a lowly bachelor and could take a month off of Mercy topretty much live in Tony’s facility while things like brain tumors threatenedhis Tony Stark’s life. His hands didn’t shake the whole time he was rootingaround that famous mound of grey matter–that’s when he knew he’d hit the bigleagues.)

“If you even think,”Tony starts, low and angry, “of taking the offer from UCLA over mine, Iwill be an even bigger asshole about your terrible life choices.”

Oh.

Oh shit.

Word has apparently gottenaround.

It started out with aquick blurb on the news, blurry camera phone picture of emergency workers andplain clothes civilians jumping to action in the middle of a crisis, a humaninterest story and all that. A glimmer of goodness among the chaos.

More picture with betterquality once the shock and aftermath died down, started to flood Social Media,even various videos of cables snapping and people running, trying not to gettrampled. One the media latched onto just happened to be of him carrying thelittle girl from the car and helping her mother up in the back of a truck tosend them to safety.

The one with himbreaking through the fallen debris made Dick gasp from the table where he waspatching his suit and Jay wrap a big hand around his ankle to squeeze.

The one where he almostlost his grip climbing the wall of broken shit and flaming car remains isprobably where someone saw the connection because the class of kids went on thenews, holding up colorful signs with Thank-You, Dr. Drake!

He was happy they allseemed fine and after an uncomfortable call from Channel 11 Gotham (howthey found out his name is still a mystery even though he suspects B is an evenbigger troll than he’d already surmised), in which he stipulated nocameras this time, went by the elementary school for a visit. They gripped hisnerd shirt with excited hands, and his arms are long enough for a lot ofhugs.

But while Channel 11agreed to his term of no cameras, no interviews, that didn’t really panout when it came to the story later on that night.

His picture flashed allover the damn place, the resident angel on the bridge as one Dr. Drakefrom Mercy General trying to save as many lives as he could. More video clipsand interviews after the fact (he’s so glad to see that Karmen and her mom areokay), and dammit, he’s being literally attacked outside thedouble doors to his ER after a very long shift without Steph. He mighthave been a little mean when he told them in no specific terms that he was onlytrying to make sure people didn’t, you know, die horribly, as is hisnormal, every-day job, and please let him go home where he can pass outfor a day or he’s going to lie down on someone’s shoes and take a nap.

Jay was predictablyentertained at the whole of it. Dick merely told him his kick-ass doctorinstincts deserved appropriate accolades.

Both of them areassholes, but still, they’re his assholes.

But eventually, likeeverything in Gotham, those videos became old news and the next wave ofinevitable oh shit became front and center. Which, should have meant hisfifteen seconds of fame was pretty much over (thankfully)–if he hadn’tstarted getting other interest.

Several offers startedcoming first by mail to the Penthouse, more by phone and email. Unassumingproper stationary with silver and gold lettering, bright voicemails about his“heroism” and obvious skill in emergency situations, emails from high-rankingdoctors or board members extending an invitation to visit their campus and seeif his career might be going in a new direction.

(Gag)

It was pretty easy atfirst, chucking those finely detailed introduction letters in the trashdiscreetly, sending back appreciative declines without Dick or Jason gettingwise as to how many there actually were.

(John Hopkinsthough…that one he had to think about)

A month later and thingsslacked off (or might be routed through Drake Industries so they stop coming tothe Penthouse). Apparently, though, the attention had been somewhat noticeable.

“I don’t know what youmay have heard, Tony, but–” he starts out calmly, putting the penpointedly down.

“Let me start with the shortlist,” it’s the usual sarcasm laying the mood, mimicking an imaginarychecklist, “John Hopkins, Department Head of Emergency Medicine. Mayo, General Surgery Residency Program Director. MassachusettsGeneral, Chief of Surgery. UCSF, Chief of Residents. UCLA, Chief of Staff.Cedars-Sinai, Neuroscience research grants out the ass. Sound morefamiliar?”

Well, there’s only oneway to get this conversation started.

Bonding over coffee.

Gathering up hischarts with a sigh, Tim shakes his head a little and grabs the cane he’s beenusing since his leg is finally starting to get with it (and no Steph,the House MD jokes were funny a week ago, now you need new material). Heshoos Tony out of the room and down the corridor to the chaos that is his ER.

“Notice I didn’tmention the very generous and consistent offer from StarkMedical, Tim,” because Tony really has nothing to be mad about per sayand falls in step beside him anyway, slowing down his unusually fast strides toaccount for the limp. “Because I’m not here to smooze.”

He pauses at the maindesk to arrange the charts in order, gets the approving nod from his favoriteHead Nurse.

“There’s story behindthis,” he fills in casually, “it’s more complicated than just–”

“You almost died,”Tony interrupts smoothly, “on a bridge. You ran around on a crumbling bridgeinstead of getting people the hell off while you got the hell off. Halfthe nation saw that guy with the crazy bat fetish catch someone out in openwater wearing purple scrubs, Tim.”

Well, none of that isa lie really.

Hands free, Tim gripsTony’s elbow and steers them pointedly into the break room, closes the door.With Dr. Stark roaming around Mercy, most everyone would stay clear unless somecatastrophe hits anyway.

He lets Tony stew fora few minutes while he makes a fresh pot of coffee and thinks very, very hardabout how this is going to go.

“You were worriedabout me,” Tim finally gives a half-grin in the face of Tony’s nope, andputs a fresh paper cup in his hand, “you can bluster all you want, but you wereworried, and I appreciate it.”

“That is absolute crapand you know it. I’m here to make sure no other hospitals or researchfacilities snatch you up, Drake. Not after all the effort I put into you overthe last few years.”

Sure, Tony. “The bridge. I survived. A lot of otherpeople survived, so you can ignore whatever crap the news stations aresaying–”

“All of it is true.You stupidly risked your life when the structural integrity was compromised,and since it just happened to involve that wing-nut in the cape, thenation is going to pay the fuck attention.”

Which is probably whyhe’s suddenly Mr. Popular in his field. Well, that does answer some questions.

“You’re taking thisout of proportion,” even if it’s fruitless, he’s still going to try,“there really haven’t been that many–”

“Twenty of the topfacilities in the world have made offers that would put this place to shame.Three of your last publications have shown up in recent journals. The nextsymposium you’re supposed to be at is already sold out.”

And well, shit.He…he didn’t know all of that.

“Besides, if I wasblowing it out of proportion, we wouldn’t be talking about it in thedeserted break room, Drake.”

Tim groans out loud,rubbing a tired hand down his face. How is he going to explain without soundinglike a complete moron?

“Tony, the offersare…nice, okay? I’m not going to say it isn’t cool to be wanted by someof these places. I mean Cedars… they have equipment and research facilitiesmost places couldn’t even dream of. Just the possibilities–”

A very pointedclearing of the throat makes him take a pause to breathe, count to ten becausehe has to get in the mindset to deal with Tony like this again (it’s been aminute) when he’s being incredibly stubborn.

Neither of them noticethe dark blue against black right at the side of the building, but the presenceunder the open window narrows white eyes and stays hidden in the Gotham shadow. Who even knew how long he’d been there.

“Excuse me,Cedars has equipment most facilities–aside from Stark Medical of course–couldn’teven dream of.”

The look he gets backis unimpressed at most, but Tim can see past the usual Tony Stark mask. Theexuding confidence is there like the nice, expensive suits he wears, but underneaththe brilliance and the snark, Tony’s eyes are bloodshot and the dark circlesunderneath look like bruises. He keeps his dominant hand in the pocket of hispants, probably to hide the slight tremble (which is why he isn’t wearing acoat, right? If Tony’s riding the sleep dep train, he won’t operate if hishands are starting to shake).

Tim eases back alittle, sips on his terrible sludge while idly thumbing his phone open.

“I’m very well awareof the opportunities right in front of you, Tim,” Tony starts moving, a shortwhirlwind of movement, activity, and energy. “I’m just saying–”

“What I told you ayear ago is still true,” Tim comes back, finishing up the quick text to one ofTony’s significant others, (just a little knowledge drop on how exhausted hismentor really is). He puts his phone away and crosses his arms over his chestin a firm sign of ‘this is how the discussion is going to go.’

“You can’t be serious.”And yes, that’s Tony Stark without all the touchy-feely, I care if you diekind of thing. “I’m outraged. I’m outraged on your behalf, Tim.”

“You can’t be,” hedeadpans.

“The hell I can’t.You’re going to stay here, in this death trap of a city and practicemedicine in this ill-equipped, dilapidated chop-shop hold-over from the secondWorld War–”

“Tony, c’mon.”

“While half thegoddamned world is out for you?! Do you have any idea what kindof direction your career could go if you accepted even one of thoseoffers?”

“I–”

“Anything else isliterally going to be professional suicide.”

“When you put it like that–”he snarks back, getting a little closer to his patience. It had taken longerthan usual because Tony, like Layla, needed to adults to lay it out for themonce and awhile.

“It’s time to listento reason, Tim. You’ve had plenty of time to try, I don’t know, winningthe Nobel for putting up with terrible conditions and homicidal maniacs withbomb fetishes. Isn’t it time you started challenging yourself again, and notby trying to die in this trash-dump city?”

And the shadowsoundlessly slides away in the night, leaving the conversation to finish up anecessary patrol. The rushing wind doesn’t take away anything he’s alreadylearned.

Dr. Drake, blissfullyunaware of the company, narrows his eyes dangerously, straightens up because dammit,he thought he handled this.

“I. Am. Not.Interested.” He tries, wondering if the emphasis counts. “As appealing as theresearch capabilities are, I’m not taking any of the offers. At all, atall. I’m staying right the fuck here where I choose to be.”

And he sees Tony startto open his mouth to start-up with another fast and furious argument on whyGotham is a cesspool of death and more death, but Tim walks right overanything he might have started in on by just getting right up in Tony’s faceand laying it all out.

“I appreciate the fuckout of the interest, Dr. Stark. Thanks but no thanks.”

“I need someone tocheck you out obviously.”

“I like ithere.”

“Oh? And what’s hername Mister I-Like-It-Here?”

“His name,Tony, and their names for your information.”

That has the intendedeffect and makes his old mentor pretty much pause on the next syllable.   

“But just so you know,they aren’t the only reasons why I’m staying in Gotham City. It’s more thanbeing close to my parents’ graves or close to my best friend and my niece. It’smore than just finally coming home, Tony. I belong here. I’m neededhere. It’s dirty and dangerous and so fucking what if there’s a guy in aBat suit running around kicking the shit out of criminals? It’s my city,so no. I’m not going anywhere.”

And Tony just blinksdown at him for long moments, this scene so painfully familiar from their daysof arguing back and forth during his “internship” with Stark Medical. It hadn’ttaken him long to understand what needed to be done to make someone like TonyStark change his mind.

Get all up in his faceand drop some truth bombs.

“I really, really hatethis,” Tony finally replies flatly, but his eyes are scrunched in amusement.

“I know. If I ever dowant to leave it behind, then you know the first place I’m going to go,” Timcomes back more gently, giving Tony a smirk.

Even though he’sobvious not happy about it, some of the pissed off fades out of Tony’sstiff posture. “Promise me, Drake. No one gets to kill you before I pick yourbrain about the neuro-stimulation device we’re working on.”

And with the obviouspun, he leans over laughing until his damn leg starts to ache and Tony has tohold him up by the arm so he doesn’t fall over.

**

The very impressiveRolls Royce greets Dr. Stark when he finally makes his way out the front doorsto attempt finding some palatable coffee.

The older man waitingby the passenger-side door is familiar enough that a smile cuts across Tony’sface.

“Alfred! Long time, nosee.” He smirks at the irony since his “visits” to Gotham didn’t alwayscoordinate with Pepper’s insistence he at least be in the city for SMbusiness.

“Master Stark, apleasure to see you again, Sir.”

“Always. Let me guess.You have some incredible coffee in there waiting for me?”

“Of course, Sir. Flavoredjust how you prefer.”

“You are a master ofall things, Alfred. Don’t even let Bruce tell you any differently.”

“I shall remind him atevery opportunity. However, you may do me a service and tell him yourself,”Alfred opened the back door with a slight flourish to show the billionairehimself sitting in the back, drinking from a thick, glass tumbler.

“Aw, Bruce, is that autility belt under your shirt or are you just happy to see me?”

The surgeon foldshimself down to get in, eyes sparkling for the slight scowl on his old friend’sface. He pays little attention to Alfred getting back in the driver’s seat andstarting the car. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you didn’t trust me inyour city.”

Tony stick up hispointer fingers at the side of his head, wiggling them to mimic the ears on theside of the cowl.

He’s smiling likecrazy when B just rolls his eyes and takes a deep pull from the tumbler.“You’re early, even after you’ve been running the gambit at your facility andStark Industries for the past few weeks. Forgive me for being curious.”

“I had to see anotherdoctor about a job prospect.”

“The doctor we have amutual interest in?”

“That would be theone. Next time he needs to be saved, leave the tights at home. Don’t you have aWE helicopter for a reason?”

“And exactly how wouldI explain that one away?”

“You have PR people,Bruce, let them have a field day with ‘rich socialite accidentally savespeople on a crumbling bridge.’”

“That would make morework for me as Bruce Wayne. Batman is a better figurehead for that kind ofthing.”

“Figurehead? Oh,you mean the persona you’ve gone to great lengths to hide as some kindof myth or urban legend all these years? That guy just suddenly shows up in thedaytime?”

“He’s beenphotographed before, Tony. Sometimes even with other superheroes, likeSuperman and Wonder Woman. All drawback of being on a team.”

“Teams are wonderfulthings, Bruce.

“Says you.”

And from a pocket inthe door, Bruce finally has a little bit of mercy on the overworked genius bypulling out a warm travel mug with the Batman logo on the front.

Tony laughs maniacallyfor long, painful moments, earning another eye-roll. The contents, however, arejust as Alfred promised: full of caffeine and just as tasty.

After a long moment ofsatisfaction, Tony lays his head back on the cushy seat and just sighs.

“You’re pushingyourself too hard,” Bruce admonishes gently. “I’m going to send the WE chopperto pick up Jim and Steve instead.”

That wakes him up.

“Don’t you even dare,B. I’ll never forgive you.”

“I’ve made worseenemies.”

Tony doesn’t snortcoffee up his nose, but really, it’s a close thing.

“You obviously can’ttake care of yourself,” Bruce is his usual brusk, no-nonsense about it, butTony can see there’s already some kind of plan in the making. “I can seewhy the two of them have such a hard time with you.”

“Says the guy thatneeded an emergency arthroscopy for meniscus tears.”

“Then I guess I’m verylucky you were in town.”

Tony hums, but hiseyes are sparkling. “How is the knee doing by the way?”

“It hurts when I breaksomeone’s jaw. Other than that, it’s fine.” And because it’s Bruce, he wavesit away without a second thought.

Tony hums again, buthis eyes go down to the knee in question.

Bruce sips his drinkagain while Alfred continues driving and Tony makes him wait for it.

Finally, once they’repassing the old Mylar building, B looks at him head-on, “all right. What did hehave to say?”

Trying not to grin,Tony shrugs a shoulder, “you’ve got nothing to worry about. Drake is staying inGotham, even with the more-than-generous offer I’ve made him. Believe me, B,I’m not happy about it, but he doesn’t seem too keen on leaving Mercy General.”

And as Tony is well-awarein their long and industrious friendship, the real Bruce Wayne is like a closedbook, doesn’t let even the smallest twitch break his facade (well, except infront of his boys, which is when BatDad makes an appearance), but thesigns of relief are really hard to miss for someone that literally kept B’sright arm moving after that rotator cuff injury.

“Dick and Jay will behappy to hear that, I suppose.” Tony observes with false cheer becausehonestly, who wouldn’t put two and two together at this juncture.

(Bruce isn’t the onlydetective. As a surgeon, Tony has to deduce with little evidence, so it’s notreally a shocker to find out the vigilantes have a doctor for a sweetie. Smartmove all around.)

“…yes, they will.Tim…?”

“He didn’t have to.You just told me yourself, Mr. Wayne.”

At the frown, Tonygives himself a mental point. The day he can get one up on the Batman is reallya day he needs to remember.

“All right, fine. Jayand Dick might have mentioned he’s been getting attention outside Gotham. I’vealready taken some steps to try making it seem like staying in the city mightbe a better deal.”

And Tony’s jaw drops,“you’ve been trying to get Mercy to partner with WE! That’s why they aren’tplaying nice with Pepper! Bruce, you devil.”

“Demon, actually, ifyou believe the stories,” and now it’s Bruce smirking into his tumbler. “We’lltalk more about it over dinner. Besides, the Batcomputer is on the fritz again.You can dazzle me over filet mignon.”

“Flatterer. How can Ipossibly say no?”

Bruce taps theintercom to tell Alfred they’re ready to go back to the Manor and Dr. Starkwill be joining them for the evening. Alfred gives him an affirmative and the planis set into motion. If there just happens to be a comfortable surfacefor Tony to pass out on during the visit, well, the pictures for Jim and Stevewould be well-worth the effort.

**

The conversation withTony didn’t end well, leaving him with a mental hangover by the time his shiftis finally over.

Night hadn’t startedbreaking away into dawn yet, so he’s still walking by dark alleys where thestreet lights are flickering.

He gets out a, “whatthe fuck–!?” before he’s just suddenly swept up off his feet by a strongarm holding him up hundreds of feet in the air.

Really, he should beused to things like this by now.

Robin undoubtedly givesno shits about how tight he’s holding onto the doctor or, the obviousdifferences in their height as punctuated by the botched landing, putting himliterally on his ass.

“Wow, thanks for the warning,Rob. I really didn’t need legs anyway.”

In some way that mightactually show he’s sorry, Robin bends down to pick up the cane and handsit over so Tim can get back on his feet.

“Alright, what’s goingon? Where are you hurt?” He doesn’t bother with niceties, just grips Robin bythe bicep and turns him, uses the cane to hold the cape out of the way. “Pleasetell me no one stabbed you because wouldn’t that just be ironic?”

He sees no blood ortorn suit. Takes a second look just to make sure.

Robin, in a creepyparody of his conversation with Tony earlier in the evening, is silent.

“Rob? Robin, what isit?”

A litany of oh shitruns through his brain pain in the form of toxins, mind control, and bloodborne pathogens (oh my).

“I have beeninformed,” the youngest vigilante starts slowly, “you are considering other opportunitiesoutside of Gotham, Drake.”

He blinks once. Doesit again while staring down at the whiteouts.

“Opportunities? Rob–Dami,what are you talking about?”

“Facilities are vyingfor you, offering you more advantages than any in Gotham possibly could.I understand the temptation of such offers–”

“Whoa, what? Wait aminute. Just. Wait.”

“However,” Robin goeson, his tone low in the night, “I am here to offer you a bargain.”

And that in no waywhatsoever sound anything less than ominous. Like, ‘I’ll promise not to takeout your spleen’ kind ominous.

He leans down a littleso the crime fighter doesn’t have to look up at him, “First: yes, I’ve gottensome job offers. It’s nice they’re thinking of me, really, but those offers arebased off a one-time emergency incident, not because they’ve seen me inaction or know anything about my…hobbies. They’re not offering a jobto me, Dami. Do you get that?”

The ensuing silenceand Bat-stillness are signs of the younger processing.

“Besides, I choseto come back to Gotham when I could have gone pretty much anywhere after myinternship with Stark Medical. You have no idea how many places wantedme on staff after I survived Tony Stark. If I wanted a job outside of the city,I could have had it in spades. The point is I chose to be here. I wantedto stay, and that? Isn’t going to change, okay? No bargains, no threats,nothing. I’m not leaving–”

He stops himselfbefore saying I’m not leaving Dick and Jay because really, he isnot, repeat Not talking to Dami about his relationship. Poor kid mightbe traumatized for life, so nope, not happening.

(Their last littleconvo to the vibe of ‘harm my brother and I shall eviscerate you per one ofyour textbooks. I shall do it slowly and methodically. Your screams would nottrouble me’ turned into a pretty good discussion on the best possiblescenario in effectively ripping someone’s spine out. His argument against thelogistics of it had spurned Robin out of the killing mood).

The obvious relief inthe small crime fighter is right there in how his shoulders sag just slightly.

“So, you’re going tohave to put up with me saving your ass when you do stupid shit like take on anarmy of zombified Jokers without backup.”

“Then…I shall haveno other option but to deal with your meddling when necessary,” the youngerwaves off his concern, but a corner of his mouth is tilted up just enough tonotice.

**

It’s really nice ofDami to drop him off on his fire escape. Walking would have been fine, but whenyou can travel Air-Robin, well, why not?

He pushes his windowup and gingerly eases in, maneuvering the cane to steady his leg. Hands are onhim before his head is inside and he wacks himself a good one in surprise.

Dick is smiling gentlydown at him, still gripping his elbow to steady him.

“That sounded like ithurt,” is a failed attempt at a joke because the mirth doesn’t reach the darkblue of Dick’s eyes.

Oh. OH. Welp, that’swhere Dami got this nonsense from, is it?

His stern lecture isgoing to have to wait for at least one cup of half-way decent coffee because hereally need to wind it up so the message hits home.

Jay is already there,his chair pulled out from the kitchen table and the pot filled with somethingdarker than the night.

“Hi honey,” he tiredlycalls, “did my boys have a good time kicking the shit out of bad guys tonight?”

Making grabby hand athim, Dick is one of his hugging moods, and pretty much lifts him off hisfeet to nuzzle/carry him to the table where blessed coffee awaited. Fine.Lecture pending.

He gets a last goodnuzzle to the face before the smell of pizza hits and a plate appears in frontof him. Jason leans down to blow a breath across his jugular before his mouthpresses just enough to be a kiss, the usual effect takes his nerve endings up anotch or two before the tease pulls away.

The three of them eatin sluggish silence, the strain of their night jobs hitting a little close tohome. The call of a communal shower and their large, comfortable bed a siren’ssong to the over-worked, sleep-deprived do-gooders.

But Tim knows them bynow, knows what’s already running them further down.

Through the last yearof their relationship, they’d already been through the whole we’re puttingyou in danger just by being with you argument.

Yes, yes it possiblywas.

Yes, he is fullyaware.

Yes, he can make hisown choices fuck you very much.  Apparently, his no, not changing mymind is going to come out for a second time tonight.

“Robin picked me up onthe way home,” he starts out while the two of them are finishing up and lookingless likely to start up arguing before he’s made his point.

“Dami was still out?”

“What? Baby Bat ain’tget enough in that warehouse down on 23rd?”

Tim finishes off hiscoffee and finally sets his eyes on first Jason and then Dick. “Going to ask mewhat he wanted?”

Both crime fighters gostill, doing that eye slide thing they can still pull off with a domino andhelmet.

“Lay it on us,Timmers.”

“He pretty much askedwhat offer I was accepting for some mystery job half a continent away,”and now he’s glaring, eyes narrowing when Dick looks quickly away and Jasonsits back with a tense jaw jutting out.

“Which is absolutelyfucking ridiculous considering I like right where the hell I am.Where could he have heard such a thing, I wonder?”

Oh yeah, that’s Dick’sguilty expression.

“It’s fine if theywant to offer me a position, but the nice thing about it is that I can politelydecline, you know.”

“Top twenty facilitiesin the world, Timmy?” Dick’s voice is softer than he’d like, shakingly unsurefor a vigilante that literally risks his life every night to keep peoplehe doesn’t even know safe. “That’s not something to take…lightly.”

His mouth drops openwith an are you even kidding me?

“‘Sides,” Jayintejects without really looking at him, “ain’t like this is the fucking centero’ the world fer a fella like you, Sweets. Smart, sassy, moves like yerass is on fucking fire when someone’s on the line. Ya got moreguts than anyone outta the cape I ever met.”

“Gotham doesn’t haveto be the hill you die on,” Dick picks up, looking down into the sludge left atthe bottom of his coffee mug, “we would absolutely understand andsupport you if you even wanted to look into any of these places–”

“Even go ta seewhatcha might be lookin’ at,” Jay shrugs indifferently, “make sure ya’d findsomewhere safe ta build a nest.”

“The kind oftechnology they could offer you would be, like, ground-breaking stuff and…andGotham just can’t give you that, Tim.”

“No motherfuckersgonna break inta yer shit, I guaran-fucking-tee ya on that.”

“It’s not just beingin the ER or in surgery, it’s moving up to management or teaching or being afull-time researcher with grants and–and everything.”

“Make a safe routethere n’ back, you feel me? Me n’ Dickie’ll scope it out a few days, check the scene.”

“We would never wantto hold you back, baby. Not when the only thing Gotham has to offer you isexploding bridges and insane mad men that kidnap you and ninjas that are readyto attack at any second, and…and Timmy, you could never be safe, notreally, not here. Not even with us and B and Dami and everyone else,it’ll never be completely safe for you.”

“But fucking believeit, Timmers, we’ll make any place ya wanna lay yer head down as safe as wecan, yeah?”

“We…we love you, andwe want the best for you.”

“If leavin’ is what’sbest, Sweets, then we’ll make it fucking happen.”

It’s DIck’s voicecracking and Jay’s shiny, averted eyes that end it for him right then andthere.

He shoves himself upfrom the table abruptly, a jarring motion. The sound of the chair fallingbackwards a loud clatter against the softness of their voices. He keeps a handon the table top to walk around the damn thing and almost strangle Jason bylooping an arm around the base of his throat and pull the Red Hood into hischest. He holds out his other hand to Dick, glaring with the best of hisabilities.

It’s a tremulous thingwhen Dick rises tiredly out of his seat and takes that hand, lets Tim pull himover and secure the both of them to him.

“I’m going to say thisbecause it’s obvious the two of you are too tired to use your detective skillsfor anything more than superficial clues.”

Slowly, Jay’s face isin his stomach, arms wrapping around his waist while Dick secures his chest,the two of them almost holding him up.

“After all thefighting I’ve had to do to get here, to get this far, I’m not giving up jackshit. I run the gauntlet because that exactly where I want to be. I staywith my people because that’s my fucking team and no, I don’t wantor need another. I can watch Layla grow up into this kick ass little person andmake sure Steph has someone to Netflix and chill with while we kill a pint ofBen & Jerry’s. But what matters the most, what I can’t fucking give upis being here with the two of you in whatever capacity I can. Asyour boyfriend, as your surgeon, as the guy that is totally, you know, inlove with you. As someone that can share your lives like this. All of it isexactly what I want and what I get to choose. You two? Don’t get to tellme what’s best for me. I decide that. Got it?”

The quiet, still menattached to him give half-shuffling nods where they’re buried in him.

“I don’t want to hearanything else about leaving Gotham, like at all, okay? The answer is no.I’m not going anywhere to tour the facilities or listen to stupid speechesabout what they have to offer or how good the benefits package is. None of thatshit. They can’t offer me my ER, they can’t offer me time doing research in theBatCave, they can’t let me play around with alien DNA for a minute, and theycan’t give me you two. So? No. Case closed.”

Dick lets up justenough for him to tilt Jay’s head back and lean down to slide their lipstogether, giving the Red Hood a little something to seal the deal. Those eyesare bluer when he pulls back, making him smirk before he straightens up to giveDick the same treatment.

(Because they’re bothtall, he has to pull them down to effectively fuck his tongue in their mouths.Such a pain in the ass.)

When he pulls back,Dick gasps in a little, tightens his hold around Tim’s chest.

But the reliefpervades the air between them, giving him a reason to go a little more lax,just to feel them pretty much ready to hold him up completely.

“So the plan is,”he continues easily, one hand on the back of Jay’s neck to rub the tensionaway, and the other gripping Dick’s wrist tight enough to bruise tomorrow, “weget a nice, hot shower with plenty of scrubbing and maybe a little play time.Then, we climb in bed and pass the fuck out. You can fix your suits tomorrow,and we’ll all feel up to having dangerous acrobatic vigilante sex after about eight hours. If you’re both good,I’ll…I’ll wear that thing you got me for my birthday. Deal?”

He knows he’s alreadygot their acquiescence when both his boyfriends noticeably perk.

“That sounds like adeal to me,” Dick tries to be mock-grave, but he’s laughing in the back ofTim’s neck, running his nose over the knob of bone.

“Fucking righteous,Sweetheart. I been waiting ta see that.” Jay is grinning up at him with thatlook– all kinds of anticipation without any of the previous hesitation.

“Good. Peel yourselvesoff of me and lets get naked. For mostly clean purposes. Or not. Really, I’mpretty beyond compromised, so I’d probably like to make you both come at leastonce before I’m unconscious.”

“Sweet-talker,” Dickteases and steps to the side so he can be the first to lift their civilianboyfriend up in a princess hold that has become way too reminiscent in the pasttwo months.

“He’s just talkin’ my language, ‘at’s all, Baby Boy,” Jaystands to give him a fast n’ dirty before he gets their mugs to the sink andfills them with water to wash tomorrow. He hits the lights and follows his boysdown the hallway where slippery skin and things like I’m not giving upare waiting.

[camsthisky]

good luck in italy ❤️❤️ if it wouldnt screw w the tact series i'd love to see Finally Coming Home from wally's pov

Thank you! I only did the first half, because the second half has a few things that I don’t want to reveal quite yet, but even this has a few hints about what I’m planning for No Amount of Time and Space.

Also, writing this made me realize that I haven’t written for the Tact series in a few months. Which means I haven’t written in past tense in that long. So I apologize if there’s any tense confusion.

ao3 | ff.net

“Nightwing?” Wally called after hetied up the unconscious man that had just been holding a gun—a gun—to Dick’s forehead. He kneeleddown by Dick slowly, watching as his friend (was that what they still wereanymore? He hopes so. That was what he’d come here to find out, after all. Ifhe still had Dick as a best friend, or not), as Dick fell to pieces.

Dick was crying, his breathhitching and speeding up as his face scrunched up in some wasted effort not tocry. It broke Wally’s heart to see.

“Hey, hey,” Wally tried to soothe,but it didn’t seem to work, because Dick didn’t calm down in the least. Ifanything, his breathing got faster. Wally tried again, because this was Dick. And even if it wasn’t, this wassomeone in need, and it was Wally’s job to help—in or out of costume. “Hey, you’reokay, ‘Wing. Just, uh, take a deep breath. In, then out, yeah?”

Dick was staring at him, and hewasn’t calming down, and Wally didn’t know what else to do. Once upon a time, before things got complicated—before Kaldurfaked defection, before Dick became the leader of the Team, before Wally andArtemis had quit, before Tim became Robin, before Jason died, before Wally andDick grew up—back then, Wally wouldn’thave hesitated to try to calm his best friend down the only way he knew.

But now? Now, his hands werehovering hesitantly over Dick’s face, and he couldn’t make himself press themto Dick’s cheeks, to try and ground Dick in this time and space. And he didn’tknow why. He wouldn’t have hesitated to lighten the mood, to make sure that Dickfelt safe. But that was before, and now Wally wasn’t even sure if Dick stillfelt safe with Wally around.

He couldn’t make himself pretendthat things were normal. That wouldn’t fix things. And for all Wally knew, itwould just make Dick’s panic attack worse.

But he could talk to Dick. Talkingwas something that Wally never failed at.

“Dick,” Wally said, peeling offDick’s mask so he could see those blue eyes. They weren’t blank, but they weredistant. Like there was muted pain there, and Wally’s heart constricted again. “Dick,look at me. I need you to look at me, okay?” Dick’s eyes didn’t move, so Wallymoved on. “Listen to my voice. You’re okay, alright? You’re fine. Just, just,uh, goddammit, I need you to breathe, Dick!”

And just as Wally spoke those wordsout loud, Dick stopped breathing. Wally’s own breath stuttered to a stop insurprise, because, with Dick’s distant eyes and the lack of breath, it lookedlike—it looked like Dick was—

“Dick?” Wally whispered, histrembling fingers finally falling to Dick’s jaw, not being able to help himselfas he cupped his best friend’s face. Wally’s brain had screeched to a halt, andthere’s something in him that almost believed that he really hadn’t made it ontime. Was there some injury that he’d missed? Wally had sworn that he’d gotten there before the gun went off, but Wallyshould have looked for something. Maybe Dick had been bleeding out and Wallyhad just sat there and contemplated whether or not he should touch Dick’s face. “Dick, stay with me.”

Dick let his breath out, and Wally’sheart restarted along with it. Dick was okay. Dick was alright.

“Why,” Dick said, the word barelyaudible, but Wally froze at the sound. It was the first time Dick had spokensince Wally had gotten here, and Wally hated that it wasn’t confirmation thathe was okay, or anybody’s name. It was a question. It was rage and anger, andall of it was aimed at Wally. Dick’s face crumpled. “WHY!”

Wally flinched back involuntarily.This was the moment he’d been dreading since coming here. Maybe if he couldjust explain himself. “Dick—”

“Why, Wally?” Dick sobbed. “Why did you think I wasn’t doingeverything I could possibly do to make sure everyone came out alive?!”

“Dick,” Wally pleaded, because theywere in an alleyway where anybody could hear. And most importantly, Dick washaving a panic attack. “Please don’t,Dick. Not right now.”

“I tried,” Dick told himdesperately, his hands scrabbling for Wally’s arms. He found them and grippedtight, and Wally tried not to wince. Dick wasn’t listening. He was too farinside his panic attack. Inside his own head. “I tried so hard to keep everyone safe. I tried. And it wasn’t enough.” Dickchoked, but kept going. Wally kept his mouth shut. “Jason died, Wally, and Ithought that was the worst of it. And then I had to send Kaldur undercover likeit wasn’t the hardest fucking thing I’d ever done!

“And you know what?” Dick asked,and Wally closed his eyes so he wouldn’t have to see Dick’s scared, angry, betrayedexpression anymore. It was agonizing enough just to listen to the words. “Iagonized over it every single day. I wanted to tell someone, anyone, what I haddone, but I didn’t know how! I didn’t know how to admit that I was slowly dyinginside because I had just sent on of my best friends on a suicide mission.

“I didn’t know who else to go to,”Dick cried, his shoulders shaking. “So I went to you, even though you andArtemis had quit the team. I went to you thinking you would support me. And thankgod you did, but then I had to get Artemis involved. I had to, Wally. There was no way I couldn’t. Kaldur needed help, andI couldn’t do it without compromisingeverything Kaldur had worked for, no matter how much I wanted to.

“And then Mount Justice blew up,and I was alone. I was completely alone,” Dick told him, squeezing Wally’s armsharder. Wally winced again, but he couldn’t pull away. Not when he deservedthis so much. Not when he hadn’t realized how much Dick had been going throughwhile Wally had been complaining about not being with Artemis.

Wally hated this. That he’d basicallyabandoned his friend to the weight of responsibility. Instead of leading Dickout of the darkness that he’d wanted to escape from so much when they wereyounger, instead of shouldering that weight with him, Wally had left Dick tofend for himself.

He’d doomed Dick. Dick didn’t wantto turn out like Batman, but like Dick had said all those weeks ago, he hadn’thad any choice. Dick hadn’t had any support, someone to tell him that heshouldn’t do everything alone, and that was on Wally.

Dick continued, stabbing Wallyexactly where Wally was stabbing himself, “There was no one else to go to,Wally! You turned your back on me, and I was already drowning. I was the goddamn Batman,patrolling Gotham and then turning around and patrolling Blüdhaven, and keepingtabs on Kaldur and Artemis and the Light and the Reach, and then doing damagecontrol for the Justice League with the public, and running the team.”

And outside of all that, Dick hadbeen trying to go to college, too. He’d been trying to get into the policeacademy and taking a few online classes, and Wally had heard from Bart theother week that Tim said that those things had been the first things Dick had dropped.

Knowing Dick, he’d probably thoughtthey hadn’t meant anything at the moment. Not when the world came first. ButWally had prioritized college and a civilian life over saving the world. OverDick. And he knew that it probably hadn’t gone over well when Wally had yelledat him all those months ago. Dick hadbeen making his own personal sacrifices, too, and Wally was such an idiot fornot realizing that. For not trying to understand that Dick had been doing whathe believed was right while putting it all on his own shoulders. Bringing asfew people into this as possible.

“It was so much, Wally,” Dicksobbed, and Wally’s heart shattered into a million pieces for Dick. This wassomeone he loved dearly. His best friend. And Wally had just walked away. Hecouldn’t be sorrier for that, but Dick’s next words kicked Wally right in thegut. “It was so much, and I was all alone.”

Wally didn’t know what to say tothat, because it was all true. This wasn’t something Wally could just say, “I’msorry” for and move on. He’d probably have to get on his hands and knees and beg Dick for forgiveness, and Dick wouldprobably still reach down and pull him to his feet and—he probably wouldn’t forgive Wally, but he would give Wally anotherchance. And that was more than Wally deserved.

“Say something!” Dick yelled,before his voice yelled to a whisper. “Please. Just say something, Wally.”

But he couldn’t. He didn’t knowhow. So, he reached down and pulled his best friend—yes, Dick was and alwayswould be, his best friend, no matter what—into his arms. Into a hug. And Dickburied his head into Wally’s shoulder and he cried. And he cried and cried, andWally thought that maybe he should have a talk with everybody else about justhow much they all messed up.

[nerddface]

Rooftops

Characters: Nightwing!Dick, civvie!reader

Warnings: Nah

Word count: 2509

Notes: Just a fun little thing, really. Post-Robin, but barely, right in between S1 & S2 of Young Justice if it helps to have a visual reference. Not that it makes a world of difference. I just really like Grayson.

More like BAE-son amiright????

Anyways ignore me.

Enjoy!

Based off of this (or these) (x)

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Living in a world of superheroes was... a task. Sometimes it was bearable-- sometimes Gotham could go an entire week without some wild attack. Other times it was her entire apartment building going up in smoke after someone’s jet crashed into it. Most of the time it was dodging racing people and vehicles and another trip to the barber after a near-miss projectile singed off a chunk of your hair.

This week for Y/N was all about small heart attacks as a human-sized shadow passed by her bedroom window at night and across the sidewalk in her path. Every time she looked up to see who made it, all she caught was the heel of a boot, or the tail end of a cape. She was never sure of the boots or capes belonged to heroes or villains; both of them used the rooftops as their playground, and it was not advised to run into either. Heroes protected the people, but you could get your head knocked off if you startled one of them in their domain.

But despite being skittish of late, Y/N would not let anyone ruin her fun, and if she wanted to make a cocktail and cook a burger on that little outdoor grill she found in the storage unit from college, she was going to, superheroes or no.

The sun was set to sink below the horizon of Gotham in the next forty-five minutes, so Y/N gathered her little wheeled cooler stocked with the few ingredients she’d need for the evening in one hand, her grill in the other, slung a bag over her shoulder and set off for the elevator.

Two dings and a flight of stairs later, she was opening the roof access door to the evening sky. Lilac and scarlet dragged their fingertips across the rosy orange face of the horizon, curtained only sporadically by long, thin clouds. The breeze that blew across her shoulders held a slight chill, but with warm charcoal and a drink it wouldn’t bother her.

Rick, the man next door, had left a plastic chair up here for the times he’d sit and chat with his girlfriend in London with a cigarette. He was visiting her now, so the chair was free for use, and she dragged it across the loose gravel to where she’d parked her cooler and grill.

The charcoal lit quickly (amen, kingsford) and within fifteen minutes she had a whitened, glowing bed in her grill, ready to use. She tossed one of the frozen patties she’d pressed earlier that week onto the metal with a satisfying sizzle (it took a little more effort, but it was easier to grind her own beef and shape it with some spices than it was to buy pre-ground beef or pre-made patties, plus it made her feel like she was on the food network channel). She left the lid off and sank back into her seat, reaching for her cocktail mixer, a glass, and a book..

She set the book down in her lap and watched the light dance through the plastic cup, shaking her drink somewhat absentmindedly with her other hand. Suddenly that damn shadow flew over her, close enough to create a breeze that made the hairs on her neck stand on end.

“Christ!” She fumbled with her shaker and dropped her plastic glass with a clackety racket. When she looked back up at the culprit, he was still.

The dying light of day shimmered across his skin-tight, raven’s-wing-black suit, half-illuminating the bright blue bird logo sprawled across his chest. He looked at her through the lenses of his sharply pointed mask, crouched atop the stairwell casing, for what felt like an hour but what was probably less than five seconds, and then stood and leapt off, towards another rooftop.

Y/N snorted good riddance and gave her drink a vigorous shake. “I’m too sober for this.”

~

She was halfway through a chapter and her burger when the masked man returned, his spiky black hair shading the pages of her book.

“For the love of fuck!” she exclaimed, nearly dropping her dinner and flipping a stray piece of lettuce over the back of her hand when she flinched. “Are you really a superhero? Because I don’t think it’s part of your job description to scare the shit out of civilians just trying to have a nice evening!”

“Sorry,” he said, his voice low.

She looked up at him, feeling the voice was familiar, somehow, and beneath the mask and the shadow of his hair she noticed the illuminated edge of a scar on his cheekbone. The sun set, the sliver of light on his face squeezing away into nothing, but she kept studying him, tilting her head a little as if that would help her discern who he was. He shifted his weight and his blue eyes narrowed behind the mask. She looked away, muttering a half-hearted apology and shifting her weight, setting her book down to wrangle her greens. Just as she was about to make a quip about what the hell are you doing just standing around, don’t you have someplace to be, saving people or something, a name that matched the messy black hair and deep voice came to mind, and she froze, looking back up.

“Wait, hang on, Matt?”

She’d know that voice anywhere-- she was surprised she didn’t recognize those shoulders and the dark mop of hair before now. Matt lived across the hallway from her, but she’d only really see him early in the morning when her shift ended. Being an E.M.T. in Gotham meant unpredictable hours, and more often than not, sleepless nights. He always seemed to do his laundry at 3 a.m.; a good while into the time Y/N had to use the key and special permission from the landlord to get into the laundromat. She always assumed he had a key as well, but now she wasn’t so sure. At any rate, he didn’t talk much, then, either, but Y/N supposed that only added to the appeal of the tight-lipped, dark-haired hunk that never slept.

He looked startled, and turned, picking up a rapid pace to the edge of the building, probably with the intent to get the hell out of there. Y/N wasn’t about to let that happen.

“Hey!” she shouted after him.

Surprisingly, he paused. “Listen, it’s not like I have anything to gain from telling anybody, okay, so the least you can do is humor a girl for five minutes. You know, I had a friend who dated the Flash for like two years, right, and I had no idea until I found him halfway out of his suit in the bathroom at six a.m.”

Even more surprisingly, he turned. “Really?”

Y/N offered him a grin. He hesitated for a long moment, but eventually accepted it and pulled up a discarded box to sit on.

“Want a burger? I brought an extra, in case...”

She left the question open ended, and again, he hesitated. Y/N supposed if he didn’t eat it, she would, so she tossed it on anyway and continued her story. “Yeah, I had spent the night because we-- my friend and I-- had gone out the night before because I was off-shift, and he either didn’t know I was there or didn’t know we had come back at all. I got up early to take a shower, but he didn’t even shut the door the whole way, let alone lock it, for whatever reason, I don’t know, but so I open the door and he’s got that obnoxious red suit of his halfway off, and I’m like: ‘Barry?!’ and he’s like: ‘Y/N?!’. Now don’t get me wrong, he’s-” she snorted. “-snatched, but he also spends all day in that spandex monstrosity, and I really could have lived my whole life without seeing my best friend’s boyfriend’s pasty ass!”

Recalling the incident sent her into giggles, and she was pleased to see what may have been a smile developing on her new dinner-mate’s lips. She reached for her shaker and another plastic glass, thankful that she’d brought spare. They were cheap, thus unreliable, and it always helped to have extra, just in case, though she hoped this one wouldn’t be faulty. A thought occurred to her as she gave the mixer an extra shake and poured a glass, and it made her laugh a little harder.

“Wait, you’re bound to have worked with him, right? I must have just given you some prime blackmail material.”

Surprisingly, this pulled a chuckle from him. “You did.”

Another thought bubbled in Y/N’s mind as she handed him the drink.

“What’s your ... hero name? That sounds cheesy.”

“Nightwing,” he replied. “You get used to it.”

She studied his face for a moment. “Your name isn’t really Matt, is it?”

The corner of his mouth turned up and twitched the healing cut on his cheek, infuriatingly attractive. “No.”

She drew a deep breath. “At any rate, Matt, which I’m still going to call you, at least I know why you’re always doing your laundry at 3 am. You know for a while I wondered if maybe you were like a bouncer or something, because who works a desk job with those arms and laundry that needs doing in the wee hours of the morning, and--” she reined herself in swiftly. “I’m rambling. Sorry, I don’t drink much, I’m a lightweight. Must be getting to my head already.” She peered into her drink as though it would answer her.

“I guess bouncer is an appropriate term,” Matt-not-really-Matt offered.

Y/N huffed, reining in her dinner. “Bouncer for the entirety of Gotham. How does Batman feel about another hero in his territory?”

Matt shrugged noncommittally, seemingly warming up to her. “He and Robin can’t cover everything. We’re...” there was a long pause, here. “Colleagues, in a way.”

“Guess they are only two people, and even with Batgirl, Gotham is a big city. I know the ambulances can’t be everywhere at once.”

“You’re a nurse?” her new companion asked somewhat quietly.

“EMT,” Y/N corrected. “I wanted to help people, but I'm not nearly brave enough to be a hero. Or flexible. All that... spandex, on all of... this?” She gestured loosely with her food to herself, and took another bite.

“I don’t think it would be so bad,” Matt spoke quietly. A flirt?

“Mm-mm. No, really, it’s like putting that suit on this.” she pointed to her burger, drawing another little smile to his face. Silence fell for a moment as she lifted the patty on the grill to check. It looked good and done, so she flipped it and took the last bite of her dinner.

“It’s dangerous up here at night,” Matt commented on the diminishing light. Y/N met his eye steadily, watching his gaze flicker from one of her eyes to the other, down slightly, then back up.

“Yeah?” she challenged.

“I can think of a dozen villains who would snatch you up, no hesitation.”

“Aren’t heroes here to keep that from happening?”

“He and Robin can’t cover everything.”

Y/N shifted her weight and inclined her head. “Yes, but isn’t that what you’re for? Or the Justice League?”

“We’re only human,” Matt argued.

“I can think of more than half a dozen who aren’t even close.”

“Touché.”

With a smile on her lips, she flipped open the cooler to retrieve the housing for the patty on the grill. “Cheese?” she asked, and retrieved a slice when she got a short nod in response.

“Should be done in a hot second,” she informed him as she tossed it atop the patty to melt. “You’re gonna drink that?”

Mat looked down at his glass, which had been largely unmoved from his lap. “Honestly, probably not. Sorry, gotta keep the senses sharp, you know?”

“Mm-hm. I don’t make them strong, like I said, I can’t drink much, but whatever floats your boat.”

SIlence fell again, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. A breeze brushed the pages of her discarded book, and she stared at them distraitly.

“What made you want to become a hero?” She looked back up to her dinner-mate, whose gaze was fixed on her grill, also blank.

“I--” he grit his teeth. “I didn’t. At first. It’s not-- it isn’t always a blessing.”

Y/N held her tongue, despite a hundred more questions running through her head.

“Being a paramedic is hard, too,” she empathized, trying to reach out to him without crossing any boundaries. “You can’t save everyone. I don’t know if you... if it’s different...”

“It isn’t.” He sounded like he was going to continue, but didn’t. “It isn’t,” he repeated, quieter.

Y/N didn’t want to let a wet blanket fall over their dinner, so she shook her head and lifted the patty again to peer under it.

“Well!” she chirped. “Looks ready!”

She lifted the burger onto its bun, set down her spatula, and handed it to its recipient. He set down his glass and took it, thanking her quietly.

“EMT?” he asked. “I’m curious.”

“Yeah,” Y/N looked up, watching the stars twinkle to life. “My mom was a doctor.”

She told him her story, for whatever worth, as he ate, listening to his hums of acknowledgement. The light of day gave way to the dark blanket of night, slowly turning the sky black as Matt-Nightwing’s burger disappeared.

He waited a moment after he was finished, probably out of courtesy, until she was wrapped up, and stood. The awakening lights of the city cinched his already taught midsection, and the blue bird seemed a little lighter in color, but it was probably just the light. “I oughtta split,” he relented.

Y/N nodded slowly, watching him stand. “Thanks for putting up with me. I’ll see you some morning?”

A short pause, and a shake of his head. “No.”

Oh. “Does that mean you’re moving out?”

He nodded solemnly. “Knowing me could put us both in danger. It’s been nice knowing you... through your laundry.”

For some reason, she was disappointed beyond not getting to see those shoulders again. She felt like she was losing a friend; they’d never spoken, really, before tonight, but they’d sat together for plenty of quiet hours while the washing machines rumbled in the background. It was nice to be able to sit with someone without the pressure of conversation or responsibility. The laundry room would be lonely in the future. But she supposed he had a point; he had no reason to trust her to keep his identity a secret, and if anyone found out she knew, she could become a target.

“Well... if you ever need a patch up on short notice, you know where to find me. And thanks for keeping my scrubs company.”

He gave her a kind, genuine smile, raised his hand in a casual wave, and turned, somersaulting off the building and into the night.

[forcedapotheosis-blog]

Promise

So, I somehow had the urge to write another oneshot. At least I think it’s one, as it has a rather soft ending that would enable me to continue this story. First things first, it’s AU taking place in some fantasy middle ages, I’ve deliberately not been very precise when it came to that. Second, I can’t deny that the main inspirations were drawn from (besides One Piece, obviously) A Song of Ice and Fire, a little Berserk (though not nearly as dark and crapsacky, thank you very much), Demon’s Souls and probably something I forgot mentioning. Beware that Sanji is probably more than a little OOC since he uses weapons in battle (small nod to a tad of realism, sorry about that), but I tried to stay in character when it came to the others, only adjusting them a bit to fit the setting. Also, I have some literature concerning the design of coats of arms, but I didn’t really look into it because it would have disturbed my flow. If you’re a connaisseur of the middle ages, please don’t be offended. I swear I could’ve done that part a little better, but I just didn’t feel that it would add depth to the story as a whole. Well, I don’t think there’s a whole lot more to say for me, as always: Try to enjoy the story and, if you would, please let me know whether or not you think I should continue writing it since I’m pretty indecisive right now. 

Promise (AU; Possible Oneshot)

If someone was to put his mind into it, I'm sure he'd be able to actually grab the tension in this shitty tent., the Prince thought, straightening his back and stretching his arms to the sides, so his two squires could continue their work. Personally, he hated wearing heavy plate armor. Usually, in sparring sessions and even mêlées, he preferred light leather armor, relying more on his agility and sharpened reflexes. But a battlefield was just so very different from sparring or fighting duels. On a battlefield, a stray arrow or spear that he'd never see coming would be enough to either knock him out cold or kill him. Can't have that now, can we?, his trail of thoughts was interrupted when Sir Usopp spoke out to voice his concerns once again.

"Even if we could somehow manage to join forces with the defending troops, the Sawshark and the traitors will still outnumber us two to one. And not only that, but their soldiers are most likely well rested and, as our vanguard found out, their main camp is well enough entrenched to repel even a force of knights for hours! There has to be another option for us, my dear friends!", he waved his arms around to support his statement.

"Don't be so timid, Usopp!", a deep voice interrupted his gestures. "Each of our men is worth five of theirs, and if that doesn't suffice, I'm worth a thousand of them!", the Prince sighed silently. If every other man would've said that, he would damn well have laughed. But, even though he'd never admit it aloud, Count Zoro was right. He was a warrior of unmatched prowess, boldly leading his troops from the front and wearing the heaviest armor the Prince had ever seen. Granted, he wasn't much of a tactician, but he was one of the finest fighters to ever walk the earth. It was annoying though that he never grew tired of mentioning it. "I'd say we strike directly into the heart of his host and get the Sawshark's head. That would kill the morale of his troops and put an end to this play right away.", again, he wasn't wrong about one thing. Many a soldier would instantly lose his lust for battle if they managed to kill the Sawshark, but the price would be too high.

"I'm not going to sacrifice the lives of my men to satiate your lust for glory, Count Marimo.", the squires were nearly finished with cladding his body into the armor. Shit, it's heavier than I remember. Been a while since I was in the field, huh?, the Prince stood up, trying to once again get used to the additional weight. At least he would be on horseback when the fighting began, but there was always the possibility to lose the horse and be forced to fight on foot. "What's your grandiose plan then, Prince Eyebrow?!", Zoro did nothing to conceal his aggravation and if one was a stranger to the court of the Kingdom of Baratie, it would have possibly been quite shocking to see a count talking like that to a son of his king. But things were different here, the royal family had well established connections to their vassals and all of them, even the somewhat timid Sir Usopp and the wayward Count Zoro, were fiercely loyal to them.

"First of, the situation is not as bleak as Sir Usopp describes it. Two days ago, word reached us that the Ape has pledged his allegiance to the Kingdom of Cocoyashi and took to the field right away. Since then we've received many reports of him reinforcing their left flank, which has been unwavering since. Chances are that the Sawshark will attack him with most of his available forces to save the morale of his troops. That could be the opportunity you're looking for. On the other hand, since this is a coinflip, if the Shark was to attack the weaker right flank, he could very well force his way into the capital. And I probably don't need to remind anyone of you that we're not sufficiently equipped for a siege, especially not against greater numbers than ours.", he started to walk around in the tent while his body was trying to get used to the weight of his armor. "Sword and shield, boys.", he ordered his squires and both were quick on their feet, fastening the kite shield to his left arm and his sword-belt to his hips. He unsheathed the sword and and threw a few strikes into thin air. At least my arm remembers how to use this., he contemplated, somewhat satisfied, before sheathing the weapon again.

"I'm fairly sure that Arlong will be trying to crush the Ape as soon as the fighting resumes. Father told me that he's reckless on the field, not giving a damn about his men or strategy. It mostly worked out for him in the past, I have to admit, but he never faced a foe such as us. As you know, he's relying on heavily armored infantry to slowly crush and overwhelm his opposition, so it should be rather easy to follow the movements of his banner on the field. That is were you come in, Marimo. As soon as he attacks the Ape, I want you to attack his rear. If in any way possible, take him out of the equation. Maybe you shouldn't go all out as you're used to, since the success of it heavily depends on how the Ape will react to your attack. If he starts advancing his troops, commit to the fight. If not, just make sure the flank doesn't break. And don't give me that look! I know that you're itching to face the Sawshark, but I value the lives of your men higher than your lust for glory.", he shook his head, turned to the long-nosed Sir Usopp and pondered for a moment. He had to make a decision. On one hand, there was the matter of honour. Defeating the Sawshark and saving the city were the most prestigious tasks to be fulfilled, no questions asked. But someone had to reinforce the capital's right flank against the attackers. Sure, there also was fighting to be had, there were names to be taken. But the Sawshark's vassals were rather small fish in the pond, maybe two or three of them were worth mentioning.

"Usopp, you will be leading the main part of our host. When the battle begins, you'll be riding with me and I'll be sure to clear a path for your force to get into the city, after that I'll be reinforcing their right flank. Your task is to secure the city as quickly as possible, throw out all eventual invaders or traitorous troops and when that's done, secure all of their gates. There's four of them, the main gate, that's the eastern one, will be were most of the fighting will take place, you might want to keep a special eye on that. After that, send out troops to where they're needed. I'm afraid that we won't be able to carry supplies into the city, so we have to achieve a quick and decisive victory to keep the townsfolk and our troops fed. You might be able to secure one of the gates quickly enough for our troops to get additional supplies in, the northern gate might be predestined to be the best place for a maneuver such as this. And before any of you asks, I was fostered here for a few years, that's the reason I know. And .. if any of your men, the same goes to you, Marimo, try as much as to lay a hand on a civilian or steal food from them, I expect them to be gelded. No matter their rank.", both of them simply nodded at the remark. Of course, they trusted their troops. But soldiers could turn into beasts at any time. Their objective was to relieve the city, not to harm the inhabitants or steal what little they had left. "Usopp, one last thing. When you've secured the city and you somehow get the opportunity, try to capture the male members of the families of the traitorous lords. The chance is slim, but maybe some of them are still in the city. The women, you will protect and escort to their families. Maybe we can enforce submission if we hold the men as hostages. It's not the most honourable thing to do, but there is no honour in war, anyway."

"Two hours until the break of dawn, my Prince.", a soft, female voice resounded within the tent and the three of them turned their heads towards the owner of it. The Prince wasn't surprised to see her at all. His father was adamant about Nico Robin travelling with the host since she was his most trusted adviser, and even though the peasants and some nobles were wary of the air of mystery surrounding her and the knowledge she possessed, she was sure to give sound advice regarding almost any problems. The first time that the word of her being a witch, a dark sorceress, a seductress and whatnot reached the ear of King Zeff, he let out a booming laugh and challenged the respective noble to a duel on behalf of protecting her honour. Needless to say, the noble renounced his words and after that, no one dared to publicly denounce her again. Sanji, that being the name of the Prince, was mildly amused to see Count Zoros reaction to her appearance. Whenever he strode over the field of battle, no man could stand against him, but when she was in his vicinity, he seemed to shrink, sometimes even remembering how to behave in a courteous fashion. Not that I wouldn't understand his behaviour, she's as fair as a woman can get., he thought with a slight smile on his lips, walking towards the entrance. "Count Marimo, Sir Usopp, wake your men. I want them to be ready in one hour, we will engage the enemy before the break of dawn. Oh, don't forget to fly the king's banner next to your own. We don't know if word reached the Queen and her daughters that we finally arrived. Sending a messenger would be too dangerous, since I don't want to give away our current position and the blockade might prove to solid to get him through. And then we'll see if my plan gets all of us killed. Squires, head out and arm yourselves.", arriving outside of the tent, he waited for a few seconds to catch a breath and enjoy the peacefulness of the night. It would be gone in less than two hours now. Usopp was quick to follow him to rouse his men. The man was cautious, sure, never reckless, but steadfast in his loyalty. And whenever the task arose, he was there to help, usually very well prepared.

Just as the Prince started moving to wake his honour guard, he heard the faint voice of his father's advisor from within the tent, obviously talking to the Count.

"Don't look so troubled, dear Count. No harm will come to me.", he couldn't make out what Zoro replied and didn't have any interest in eavesdropping, only when he heard her last words, he stopped again. Those were the words of a very old blessing, not only in the Kingdom of Baratie, but all around the known world.

"Let strength be granted, so the world might be mended."

- - -

15 years ago, Kingdom of Cocoyashi

"It's an honour to me to finally make your acquaintance, King Zeff. And that of the charming young man hiding behind your leg.", the fair woman – no, the Queen of this country – rose from her throne, smiling gently when she took the hands of the two girls who kept her company. "These are my daughters, Lady Nojiko, my firstborn, and my dear Nami.", the three of them approached Sanji and his father. The Queen herself was striding in the most graceful way possible, her daughters trying to imitate her every step. When they were finally close enough, both of the girls curtseyed rather clumsily and Sanji felt the strong hand of his father grabbing his neck, forcing him to give up the hiding spot behind his leg. "Don't dishonour me, eggplant!", he hissed and Sanji was compelled to kneel in front of the three women. Surprisingly enough, he didn't do bad at all, at least for such a young age. He was able to hold his balance quite well. Whilst he was kneeling, he recited the words his father figuratively (and sometimes literally) beat into him during their long travel. They came out in a rather shy, silent voice, but the Queen with the fuchsia-coloured hair did understand them nonetheless. "Queen Belle-mère, on behalf of my dear father and myself, I thank you for the honour of offering your home as a foster home to me. And if you would, please hear my .. my solemn oath.

In .. no, no, no!

Before the eyes and ears of all the Gods who might listen and those who don't, my dear father, King Zeff, you, most honoured Queen Belle-mère and your most venerable daughters, the ladies Nojiko and Nami, and before the eyes of every honourable man and woman in this venerated hall, I, Sanji, Prince of the Kingdom of Baratie, solemnly swear that I will always pay the utmost respect towards your family, your house, your country and your laws, heed your wise guidance and will never, neither in foul thought nor deed, raise sword or voice against you. And if the hour of need ever arises for you or your family, now or in the future, I will be your most stalwart defender, forever revering the gracious deeds you're bestowing on me by offering your hearth and home.", he paused, trying not to look at his father's reaction. Did he do it correctly? At least there was no slap, maybe he actually did alright?

Sanji was still staring at the ground when he heard her steps drawing near. The next moment, he felt gentle hands on his shoulders, helping him to stand up. The Queen herself looked at him with a warm smile on her lips.

"May the Gods heed your words, Prince Sanji of the Kingdom of Baratie, for I, my daughters and every honourable man and woman in this hall have. I hereby accept your oath and promise to treat you as if you'd be mine own child, offering you the warmth and shelter of my hearth and home and the counsel you're so eager to hear. If the hour of need ever arises for you, I shall be your shield, if sickness ever befells your body, I shall nurture it back to good health and if you ever grow hungry, it shall never go unheard.", with those words, she cupped his chin and raised his face. Gracefully kneeling herself now, she breathed the customary, soft kiss of friendship on his cheek.

In the very next moment, he was blushing in a most radiant red colour, forcing even his father to smile.

- - -

10 years ago, Kingdom of Cocoyashi

"I'm sorry, Zeff, but there is no other way. The fate of my kingdom is at stake.", Sanji was in a sorrowful mood, sitting down next to a heavy wooden door, trying to make out what his father and the Queen were talking about, giving his best to understand the muffled voices from inside the conference room. Had he done anything wrong? It seemed like it, his father wasn't paying any attention to him when he arrived, heading straight for Belle-mère. Would he be forced to go away now? Silent tears were running down his cheeks as he pulled his knees closer to his body. He didn't want to disappoint his father, the queen or her family. And somehow, it seemed, he had done it anyway.

"My vassals have grown distrustful of you and your son, Zeff. Many of them think that you gave him to me to secure marriage with one of my daughters. And the more I try to deny it, the more distrustful they grow. And you know as well as I that a kingdom is dependent on it's vassals, no way around it. Don't be mistaken, Zeff, I beg you. I and my daughters, especially my younger one, have grown very fond of the boy, but that only nourishes the flames. I can't guarantee his safety anymore, you have to take him with you. And, even if it pains me to say, we have to cut ties until the storm has calmed down. It's not only my vassals, but the whole of this situation. Year after year, the crops yield less and less, marauders and reavers from the neighbouring kingdoms are terrorising my people and without the full support of my vassals, there is no way to stop them. Zeff, take him with you and .. don't let him return. At least not until both my daughters are in wedlock. I wouldn't know what to do if my subjects would rise in rebellion."

In this very moment, his heart was breaking. Sure, he was just a boy of twelve and anyone would have told him that he didn't yet know what love really meant, but the prospect of never seeing Nami again, who had become his best friend over the course of the last five years, did nearly physically hurt him. How would she react to these bleak news? What would her mother tell her? The truth? No, probably not. The truth was hard and Nami needed to be able to trust her vassals, and if he knew her any good, these facts would put a very dangerous strain on this relationship.

Only years later would he learn that Belle-mère had told her daughter that Sanji left not only because he was homesick, but because Zeff had arranged a marriage for him. She felt terrible for lying to her beloved daughter, but the truth was too complicated to explain to her back then. The young boy had grown too close to her young heart and she couldn't risk straining the affiliation to her lords any more just because her daughter was stubborn and hurt. Someday, if the Gods were kind, she would understand.

There was nothing else to do for Sanji but cry and when his father finally left the room, he surprised him by taking his hand. Both of them respectfully bowed to Belle-mère, the young Prince didn't even try to conceal his tears. For years now, even the thought of being forcefully seperated from Nami, maybe forever, would break his heart a little more.

"We must take our leave, then."

- - -

3 months ago, Kingdom of Baratie

Everyone of importance was here. All of them seemed to grasp the gravity of this situation.

About a minute ago, the ambassador sank to his knees, but he didn't stop at that. This heavily scarred man with a majestic black moustache went further, putting his face against the ground, stretching out his arms to the sides as if he was nailed to a wooden cross. Talking in a position like this was incredibly difficult, but that didn't stop him either. He raised his voice as for every man in the hall to hear him. Because their decisions mattered too.

"Wise King Zeff, war has swept over the lands of Cocoyashi. The dreaded Sawshark, Arlong, has gathered a massive force and is by now threatening our capital. Several former, traitorous vassals of my beloved queen have been drawn to his banner and unsheathed their swords for his horrible cause. Our allies are of no help either, as they do not dare to wake the wrath of the Sawshark and the situation is dire, if there will be no help, the capital will fall and he will take my Queen's crown. Therefor I took this long and perilous journey, to beg for your help, since I am one of those who always aspired good relations with your proud realm. Please, wise King Zeff, heed my words. I would rather die here of starvation, outstretched on the cold floor, than to leave kingdom without your support. The Queen and her daughters need you, the people of Cocoyashi need you. The land would lie down on agony when the Shark would take the crown. Please, wise King, I beg of you."

There was silent talking in the room. Sanji knew what the nobles were thinking about. If this was some kind of a rescue and relieve-task, there was no loot to be gained. Plundering was forbidden and King Zeff was strict about how to handle civilians, no matter if they were subject to friend or foe. For the nobles, it would be the same as sacrificing their time and men, even putting their own lifes on the stake. What Sanji didn't know was what his father was thinking. After he was expelled from Cocoyashi, they rarely talked about the incident and even his time there. There was no way of reading the old man.

"Even if I was willing to lend you my support, ambassador, what would it matter? I'm too old to play these war games, and, as you might have seen, I'm lacking one leg. And my nobles have a mind of their own. They know that there will be no plunder, no looting. How many, do you think, would be happy to sacrifice their men, their lives and their ressources for nothing but honour to be gained?", the situation was even more dire than that. Usually, when an ambassador arrived with a plea of such gravity, secret negotiations would have taken place. But time was of the essence and as soon as the ambassador arrived, he took his pledge right to the king and his court. Nobody was really prepared for it and it showed.

"Then .. I have failed. My Queen, my country .. please, let me die here or end my life with thine own hands, for I cannot return to see Cocoyashi go to ruin. For the kind Queen and her daughters to be dishonoured. I have failed thee and am not worthy to live another day.", his words, even though Sanji thought they were touching, did not move the majority of the nobles. Most averted their gaze from him, he observed. When he himself looked to his left, he saw his father staring at him, as if he wanted to say 'Don't you have anything to say about that matter, eggplant? The nobles know that out of all the people in this court, sans the ambassador himself, your ties to Cocoyashi have been the strongest.'.

But he has been banished. Were past ties of any importance anymore? He was forced to leave his best friend behind, just because people thought that his mere presence was part of a ploy to find a suitable match for one of the princesses. They destroyed the happiest time of his life, and now they begged his father to save them? Even though, what did it matter?

He rose from his chair next to his father's throne and silence fell upon everyone in this hall. "I can't stand to see you starving to death, ambassador, it would be an unworthy end for a brave man such as yourself. Thus it shall be me who will grant you your wish. Sword.", he gracefully and slowly strode towards the lying man and one of his squires rushed to his side, kneeling down and offering his longsword to the Prince. While he was still walking towards the ambassador, his right hand took hold of the hilt of his weapon and unsheathed the delicate blade.

"I have been banished from the Kingdom of Cocoyashi, for people feared that I was part of a ruse. I have been banished from the Kingdom of Cocoyashi, for the very nobles who are now begging for help, wished my father and myself ill. I was banished from the Kingdom of Cocoyashi and had to leave my best friend behind, living with a lie, forced to never talk to her again, for your nobles trembled in fear of a boy of twelve.", his voice was as cold as ice, tediously containing the wrath that was underneath. The Prince had finally reached the ambassador, sword in hand and ready to grant this old man his last request.

Raising his sword a little, he finally stabbed. The point of his blade hit the cold floor, but nothing else. All throughout the hall, hearts skipped a beat. And then Sanji finally knelt down besides the lying man, leaning on his sword's crossguard with his left arm, gently touching the ambassador's shoulder with his right hand. His voice was but a whisper, but the hall had grown silent enough for every man to hear.

"Rise, Genzo. You were there, fiveteen years ago.

'And if the hour of need ever arises for you or your family, now or in the future, I will be your most stalwart defender, forever revering the gracious deeds you're bestowing on me by offering your hearth and home.'.

I swore a vow and have not yet released myself from it. Have you forgotten the veritable words of a seven year old boy?"

Sanji helped to man to raise himself into a kneeling position, leading the right hand of the ambassador towards the hilt of his sword.

"You have my sword, and others will follow. Rise now, my friend, kneeling does not befit a staunch and true servant of the good Queen Belle-mère."

The old man's eyes were filled with tears of gratitude, and finally he was smiling.

"I have not forgotten one word, young Prince, but .. I thought that you had."

- - -

The present, Kingdom of Cocoyashi

He hated the minutes before a battle began with all of his heart. But they were ready, finally, and the sun had not yet risen. Even though Sir Usopp and his men had taken every possible precaution to conceal their position, by now word must have reached the Sawshark that another force would enter the field. They could only hunt down so many scouts.

Sanji put on his adorned helmet and fastened it, leaving the visor open for the time being.

"Take that hill, we will start our assault from the high ground. It's still dark, so order your bowmen to loose only when they know for sure that the arrows are going to hit the Sawshark's troops. As soon as the hill is taken and our troops are gathered, we will push through the center for you to be able to secure the city.", Sir Usopp nodded in agreement and closed the visor of his helmet that looked like it was having a the bill of some sort of bird, owed to the rather unconventional form of his nose.

"Marimo, lead your troops towards the left flank of the capital now, when our assault has started, you'll only have a few minutes until the fighting will resume. Make it quick and decisive. If you manage to crush the Sawshark's forces, join the Ape and sweep over the battlefield. Be wary of his heavy infantry and don't sacrifice too many of your knights against his spear wall.", finally, Count Zoro put on his own helmet. A beast made of steel, fashioned to look like a demon from the deepest pits of Hell. He never cared about the horns being impractical on the fields, the terrified look his foes usually gave him was enough to go with it. That man is a force of nature on two legs., Sanji thought and closed his eyes.

"Don't you dare get yourself killed, Eyebrows. Your father would be upset with me.", he grumbled, unsheathing one of his swords to raise his men, setting them in motion.

"Queen Belle-mère, Lady Nojiko .. Nami .. Nami .. Nami .. I, Sanji, Prince of the Kingdom of Baratie, have come to uphold my vow. May the rays of the sun kiss thine realm for the sake of a new morrow."

With those silent words on his lips, he closed his visor and attached the heavy war lance one of his squires was holding to his right arm.

And finally, all the fighting began. The force Sir Usopp lead was quick, brutal and efficient with taking the hill, only taking minor casualties. Even though by now Arlong should have known of their presence, the time was too short to move enought troops onto the hill to defend it. Plus the surprise attack, even though it wasn't entirely unknown, did what it was supposed to be. The cover of the night worked perfectly to their advantage. Soon after, Zoro and his troops had taken position, ready to sweep down the hill and encircle the forces of the Sawshark. Sanji and Usopp had taken to the top of the hill when the new dawn finally arrived to take a first glance at the field.

"Looks like everything is happening just as you expected. Arlong knows that we're here and he's trying to take the city with all the forces he has left. See, his banner and at least three of his vassals are marching on to crush the Ape. God speed, Count. He needs you.", he handed over the nifty little tool he was looking through to his Prince. The telescope had time and time again brought advantage to them and it would be more than useful now, too.

"I earnestly hope that the Mosshead remembers my advice and doesn't commit until the Ape started his counter offensive. The Sawshark is wary of our presence and positioned some troops in his back to repel our cavalry. God, those spears look ugly..", after that, he fixed the sight of the telescope to the already wavering right flank of the capital. "We're not too late, there's something good to be found in here .. but we need to make haste, the Ray has started to reinforce his attack. I fear that their lines might be breaking sooner rather than later. And who do we have here ..?", he stared at the new banner he laid his eyes on for a few more seconds until he spoke again.

"I can see the Queen's banner, the Crowned Tangerine Tree, but there's one I can't recall. Squires! Three storm clouds on a background of orange and blue?", both of them looked at each other and simultaneously shrugged. "Might be a new vassal, my Prince. Maybe a landed knight or some other upstart, I don't remember that banner.", the one who was holding his personal ancient, consisting his coat of arms, replied dryly.

But why would an upstart be allowed to ride next to the Queen's banner? No, there's something more to it .. weather .. storm .. could it be?! No, she would never be allowed to take the field .. and if I'm wrong? What if .. just for the off chance ..?

"Usopp, we ride. Now."

The knight seemed to be taken aback. "Didn't you want to wait for an opening?! What about sacrificing your men?! Sanji, we need to wait for a better opportunity!"

The Prince shut his visor and spurred his horse. "Sorry Usopp, can't wait. I need to crush the Ray now or it might be too late! Men! Rally now and prove to me that your oaths are made of steel and stone! Follow Sir Usopp through the center and secure the town! Honour Guard, I want you at my side all the time! We're going to annihilate the Ray! Spear point formation! Advance!", with a last prayer on his lips, Usopp also shut his visor and took the lead of his division and only a minute later, they were riding down hill in full force. The Prince had taken his place to the left of him to support the capital's right flank and with his silver-white armor that was glowing in the rising sun, he looked like some hero from the old tales.

But this was war and not some old tale and every vision of heroism faded the second as the mighty war lance of the Prince pierced right through the armor of the first foe he reached. His force crashed into the rear of the ever advancing troops of the Ray and took a heavy toll on their lives, having such a powerful impact on the soldiers that some of them just let their weapons fall to the ground to flee this screaming madman. Somewhere along the line, he had lost his lance, buried too deep into the chest of a dying foe. But there was no more time to think about that, now he was riding sword in hand, flanked by his two squires. One of them held the banner of the Kingdom of Baratie, a wooden  leg crossed with a sword on a red background, while the other was outfitted with his personal coat of arms, a crystal blue sea with a bright orange sun above it. Close behind followed the knights of his honour guard, all of them young men very well versed in the arts of war, second sons of noble families from all the realm.

"Take them right on, don't let these thugs scare you! Follow me to the Queen's banner!", he shouted again, felling another foe with a vicious blow from the back of his horse. And soon enough, surprisingly, they reached what they were looking for. The knights stuck to the plan and formed a protective circle around the defenders to offer them a little respite from the battle. The Prince though rode straight ahead towards the unknown banner. As was expected, the defenders greeted them with cheers and prayers, but that was not what he was here for. When he laid his eyes on the person holding the banner, he felt his heart beating heavily against his chest, and not from the exhaustion of battle. An elegant figure on horseback, holding the banner in the left hand and a short spear in the right. The person looked at him from beyond a closed visor and the voice he was greeted with seemed strangely familiar and female, if muffled because of the helmet.

"And whom do I have to thank for the honour of this heroic rescue?", there was gratefulness in her voice, mixed with sarcasm. Maybe because she thought that they could have come earlier?

The Prince sheathed his sword for the time being and answered without opening his visor.

"I, Sanji, Prince of the ..", but before he was able to finish the sentence, he witnessed her throwing her spear into the ground, letting go of her banner and unhorsing, rather ungracefully and frantic. And she nearly ran to where he was standing, roughly loosening the buckles of her helmet and, after finishing, throwing it to the ground.

His heart might have skipped more than a couple of beats, then.

Gods ..

A stranger to his own body, he didn't have any control over his actions. Or at least that was what he would say in the aftermath of the battle. Grace and elegance were forgotten when he dismounted from his horse, throwing his own helmet to the ground while he was approaching her.

And after ten years, they were finally together again, sharing a rather clumsy embrace (though that was owed to the fact that both of them were still wearing armor), but an embrace nonetheless.

"I knew you'd come ..", she whispered softly.

"I feared for your life ..", his voice was sore from all the shouting.

"Will you leave me again?", she asked, sounding all the more afraid.

"Never.", he made his stand.

And then, to shock and awe of every surrounding person, be he peasant, knight or even lord, the fiery woman grabbed Sanji's hair at the back of his head and pulled his face down to hers. And the two of them shared a kiss so passionate that every other kiss paled in comparison, no matter if they had been taken from the real life or a fairy tale.

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1151

Monday, February 13, 2017

 Ottawa got about 20 centimetres of snow in the last 24 hours. I heard the grader go by at about 2 AM and I was out there before 5 AM clearing the near meter high snow bank plugging our driveway so that Penny could leave. I should have been more careful. Forgot that it's the thirteenth. Went to throw a big shovelful of snow and my back seized so bad the pain put me on my knees. I was a little over half done then. Did the rest very slowly in a lot of pain and managed to get it all cleared away. Stupid back.

 Kingpin #1 - Matthew Rosenberg (writer) Ben Torres (art) Jordan Boyd (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). I almost didn't take this book off the rack to read because the Civil War II: Kingpin mini didn't thrill me. I'm glad I had a change of heart and read this. Here is a Wilson Fisk trying to change the public's perception of him as a brutal crime lord. Matthew makes him more like the sympathetic character that was on the first season of Netflix's Daredevil TV show. That portrayal by Vincent D'Onofrio was very convincing. There is a scene next to a town car in this issue that flashed me back to the show where the Kingpin kills someone with a car door. The other main character is a beautiful writer who Wilson wants to hire to write his biography. Ben's art is really good, and he drew Sarah in a red haute couture gown that made me weak in the knees. This is being added to my "must read" list.

 Justice League of America #1 - Steve Orlando (writer) Ivan Reis (pencils) Joe Prado & Oclair Albert (inks) Marcelo Maiolo (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). I almost didn't take this book off the rack to read because Steve did not impress me with the Monsters story in Batman and Detective recently. I gave him another chance and I'm sorry I did. I don't like this team that Batman is putting together. His reason for gathering these characters is to show that a team of super humans can protect the Earth just as well as the other League that has a couple of gods on it. I get that but Steve belabours the point. Some fans might think it's cool to have Killer Frost, Black Canary, Lobo, the Asian Atom, the Ray and Vixen on a team but I think it's a stunt to create conflict within this team for drama. I'm taking a pass on this for now.

 Death Be Damned #1 - Ben Acker, Ben Blacker & Andrew Miller (writers) Hannah Christenson (art) Juan Useche (colours) Colin Bell (letters). The title should give you a clue to what this 4-issue mini is about. We're looking at some frontier folks what can't die. It's 1873 in Wyoming and a farmer's wife is looking for the men who killed her and her family. She doesn't realize that she can't be killed, but the undertaker finds out soon enough. This isn't simply a story of revenge however. There is some Native American Indian lore and rituals involved that makes for some spooky goings on. I found the art to be crude but serviceable so if you like old west ghost stories this may raise the hairs on your arms.

 Ms. Marvel #15 - G. Willow Wilson (writer) Takeshi Miyazawa (art) Ian Herring (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). This Troll villain just got a lot more interesting. Kamala thought she found the hacker that could expose her secret identity but she was wrong. I can't wait for the next issue.

 Wonder Woman #16 - Greg Rucka (writer) Bilquis Evely (pencils) Bilquis Evely, Mark Morales, Andrew Hennessy & Raul Fernandez (inks) Romulo Fajardo Jr. (colours) Jodi Wynne (letters). A new story starts this issue. "Godwatch" starts six months after Diana left Themyscira with a corporate C.E.O. being blackmailed by Gemini twins Phobos and Deimos. The C.E.O. Veronica Cale reminds me of the old Lex Luthor. Some high tech mind melding machine goes haywire and off we go.

 Moonshine #5 - Brian Azzarello (writer) Eduardo Risso (art & colours) Cristian Rossi (colour assistant) Jared K. Fletcher (letters). There's a full moon. Let the werewolves out.

 Black Widow # 11 - Chris Samnee & Mark Waid (writers) Chris Samnee (art) Matthew Wilson (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). A S.H.I.E.L.D. facility is under attack by the Red Room Runts and Natasha makes it her mission to stop them and try to save the girls at the same time. There are some cool fights scenes in here.

 Detective Comics #950 - James Tynion IV (writer) Marcio Takara (art) Dean White (colours) Marilyn Patrizio (letters). This giant sized anniversary issue starts off with the prologue to "League of Shadows" which features Cassandra Cain, my favourite Batgirl, who is now called Orphan. The last page made me happy we only have to wait two weeks before the next issue hits the racks. In "Higher Powers" by James Tynion IV (writer) Alvaro Martinez (pencils) Raul Fernandez (inks) Brad Anderson (colours) Marilyn Patrizio (letters), Azrael and Batwing have a discussion about the power of faith and Jean-Paul's connection to the Order of Dumas. It ends with the activation of Ascalon and I'm itching to find out more about this new character. The final short by James Tynion IV (writer) Eddy Barrows (pencils) Eber Ferreira (inks) Adriano Lucas (colours) Marilyn Patrizio (letters), flashes back a few months ago to show Red Robin asking Batman what he's gearing everyone up for. This ties into what Batman is up to with his Justice League of America as well as his Detective Comics team. The big DC event of 2017 will be "Dark Days" so don't miss it.

 Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #4 - Kieron Gillen (writer) Kev Walker (pencils) Marc Deering (inks) Antonio Fabela (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). That was a quick read. Lots of explosions and storm troopers shooting and missing.

 Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #14 - Robert Venditti (writer) Rafa Sandoval (pencils) Jordi Tarragona (inks) Tomeu Morey (colours) Dave Sharpe (letters). This issue has one of my pet peeves about comic books. One of the covers has Hal yelling at a Blue Lantern "You crazy fool. Your abuse of blue power destroyed every person on Earth". So a fan would see that and think "I want to read that comic book", only to find that the story inside is totally different. I hate that. Plus it's Kevin Nowlan swiping a Gil Kane cover. It's not even original. This issue is still worth reading though. The Green Lantern Corps and the Sinestro Corps are joining forces so that's new. Kyle and Hal are sent on a mission by Ganthet and that's where the Blue Lantern comes in. Just ignore the hype.

 Totally Awesome Hulk #16 - Greg Pak (writer) Mahmud Asrar (art) Nolan Woodward (colours) Cory Petit (letters). I like this impromptu team that Amadeus has found himself in. The alien invasion takes a turn for the worse as they are whisked away into space along with some civilians. If you know what Soylent Green is you'll know what the threat is.

 Action Comics #973 - Dan Jurgens (writer) Patch Zircher & Stephen Segovia (pencils) Patch Zircher & Art Thibert (inks) Arif Prianto (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). I love a good mystery and now they are going to solve the one about the human Clark Kent. Part 1 of "Mild Mannered" has Lois Lane on the case. Meanwhile, Superman and Steel try to save Superwoman/Lana Lang's life. There's plenty going on to keep this book interesting.

 Jessica Jones #5 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Michael Gaydos (art) Matt Hollingsworth (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Whoa, what an existential issue. I'm glad to see us getting back to the Alison Greene mystery woman storyline though.

 Guardians of the Galaxy #17 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Valerio Schiti (art) Richard Isanove (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Gamora grounded is an opportunity to show what she's got. Here she tries to break into the Triskelion to get at Thanos. She's sort of successful. I love the way Valerio draws Sasquatch.

 Inhumans vs. X-Men #4 - Jeff Lemire & Charles Soule (writers) Javier Garron (art) David Curiel (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). So Gorgon isn't in a wheelchair anymore? One of the things I love about reading these massive crossover events is learning about characters that I don't read about all the time. This issue made me appreciate how Jeff and Charles take the time to use the names of each character and show their super powers. They also gave the unfamiliar characters (at least to me) personalities that made them more interesting. This came close to making me want to read Inhumans and X-Men comic books again. We know that both teams survive this was because they are already promoting new books for them so now I just want to find out how they all get along or don't.

 All New Wolverine #17 - Tom Taylor (writer) Djibril Morissette-Phan (art) Michael Garland (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Did you see who's going to be in Hugh Jackman's last Wolverine movie? It's Laura Kinney/X-23, our girl right here. I'm actually excited right now. This issue tackles the problem of Laura's uncontrollable killing sprees brought on by a special pheromone. It's used when her enemies want her to eliminate their rivals. Kimura used it recently but Laura's friends arrived to save her from killing. I would have benched this book because of the art but Tom's writing made it possible for me to enjoy this issue anyways.

 Unworthy Thor #4 - Jason Aaron (writer) Olivier Coipel with Kim Jacinto (present day art) Frazer Irving (Young Thor art) Esad Ribic (Worthy Thor art) Russell Dauterman (Unworthy Thor art) Matthew Wilson, Matt Milla &  Frazer Irving (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). I loved the flashbacks showing the Odinson's history with Mjolnir as he struggles to retrieve Jarnbjorn from the Collector's collection. I can't wait to see if Jason makes the Odinson worthy of wielding a hammer again.