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not-too-many-eyes · 10 months ago

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Unexplainable Tragedies

(Also Known as: Reverse is a story about the apocalypse)

I always found the concept of The Storm fascinating. When I started playing Reverse I messaged a friend saying that I was really upset that I didn't think of it first since the concept of it is so interesting. A storm of time that (usually) brings the world back in time. It's such a compelling concept for a time travel story.

As a result, I've done a lot of thinking about it and it's place in the game's narrative. So, I have now decided to write this post so that I may articulate my opinions and feelings when it comes to it.

So, with that out of the way:

The Foundational Blocks of Society

Reverse depicts a world in which society is never safe. It's a world where at a single drop of rain the entire world as we know it can be destroyed and reverted back to a "backwards" version of it. Nothing is sacred because nothing ever stays minus a few pockets of the world that were lucky enough to be safe from it.

The Headquarters of St. Pavlov Foundation exists in of those pockets and it has existed even before The Storm. As a result it's a bastion of Pre-Storm Society. They are Worldwide and seek unite humans and arcanists so that they may return the world to it's "normal state" the one they used to exist in before. The one before all this tragedy occurred.

This, on it's surface, is an altruistic venture. But, considering the name of this place comes from Ivan Pavlov. The one who discovered Classical Conditioning. I think the intentions of these people should be questioned, just a tad.

The Foundation have consistently shown themselves as comprised of bad actors and feuding parties. Bigotry runs deeply in the Foundation's...foundations. Their modus operandi for "recruiting" Arcanists is to find the youngest ones who are disenfranchised and "teach" them what is proper in SPDM. Where they are taught the Foundation's ideology. That:

(Chapter 4 Part 2: Frog and Toffee)

Sonetto: We are born to die Martyrs

Later on, Matilda remarks that she was almost refused from the school because she's too old.

(Chapter 4 Part 10: O' Captain)

Matilda: My name is Matilda Bouanich! I am the most senior transfer student in the school- in fact, I was too senior to be taken in, if nor for that special approval. That is to say. I remember the outside world a lot more than you do...

She remembers things that she shouldn't.

Outside of this. Arcanists from the outside world who know the Foundation are critical of them. A lot of the ones we've seen like Regulus and Kakania don't want anything to do with them, and the ones inside have...mixed feelings on them as a whole.

Ms. Mossian: Although the Foundation is well-known for their effective ways of teaching, they always overlooked each student's character and personality. Hmm… I find their teaching philosophy difficult to comment on.

Even Sonetto and Mesmer Jr, some of the most ardent members of the Foundation have Undoubtedly been negatively affected by them. With Sonetto always wanting for freedom, and Mesmer Jr having and being on the verge of a mental breakdown every second of the day.

The world The Foundation creates isn't a just one. But this was Always part of it's institution. It's premise of wanting to unite humans and arcanists has Always had the asterisk that says "as long as we humans rule"

(Revival! The Uluru Games, Part 10: Let's Play House)

Spathodea: Make life better? Get out! You think I never saw the ad of Laplace? Spathodea: "Guide arcanum with science, tame the orderless power with sense." That's what you tell the people!

This isn't a new change. It wants to return the world to how it was before, and the world of 1999 doesn't seem to have been in the hands of arcanists.

They justify themselves, say that arcanists are inherently more emotional and that's why they Must exist. Without them the world would be out of control.

But, frankly, this is a bold fucking thing to say from a Institution who's vice president has beef with a teenager.

Humans cannot claim to be reasonable compared to the "irrational" arcanists when so much of this game showcases human irrationality. Even before the Storm people were competing to make it big in the stock market. Even before the Storm people burned witches and panicked in the streets over Y2K.

As much as arcanists perceive and understand the world differently, any existing evidence in perception or emotion sensitivity is greatly exaggerated to fit the narrative that The Foundation (that Humans) Must Exist to control them.

Greta Hofmann says it best in this chapter.

(Chapter 6 Part 15: With Hope Rekindled)

Hofmann: We have all heard it, humans are more rational and arcanists are more emotional. Hofmann: Their sensitive to the darkness of the world, so they can easily become absorbed in their own emotions and ignore reality Hofmann: But, if we put a human child in the position of an arcanist, who always takes on the world because of his uniqueness, who is never understood for his talents... Hoffmann: Maybe he too will become impulsive, sensitive immature and unstable Hoffmann: And that's why it sometimes dwans on me that if we put an arcanist child in the position of a human being who receives enough love, education, and positive feedback... Hoffmann: These 'instabilities' might be controllable. At least enough to keep them from hurting themselves or others.

This the world the Foundation wants to return to,the one unaffected by the changes that The Storm brought. The one where humans and arcanists were together but we all knew who was Really in charge.

"This the true path to the future!" They say. "We just need to return to the past. The beautiful past that was taken away from us!"

However, The Foundation isn't the only organization in this game.

The Rapture.

The Manus Vindictae are the arcanist parallel to The Foundation. A group of arcanists dedicated to arcanist supremacy in the same way The Foundation is dedicated to human supremacy. They believe that the Storm is actually a cleansing of impurity. Eliminating the bad habits of that era.

The also believe in The Guiding One/Arcana, and that arcanists are the ones Chosen to lead the world into a brighter era and leave this world of humans behind. The chosen ones of the new civilization that will bring everything to a new era of peace, they just need to go far back enough in time until:

(Chapter 1, Part 14: The Eye of The Storm)

Vertin: Which past do you want to return to? Fifty years ago? A century ago? Or... Forget Me Not: The past with the right order, of course

Of course this is rather...unethical, to say the least. However, this is not unique to the Manus in the slightest.

Again, The Foundation wants to return to the past before the Storm, and Matilda was almost refused from the school for the crime of being older than they would have liked her to be.

As the arks of the Foundation become more filled, less people are allowed to enter, and a lot are refused entry due to similar unethical reasoning,

(Chapter 4, Part 18: Road of a Puppy)

Sonetto: Schneider...a friend we met in Chicago Sonetto: She once chose to join The Foundation under the pressure of both the "Storm" and Manus Vindictae. Sonetto: But instead of offering any solution or help, you just gave her a rejection letter. Sonetto: I found this letter in her suit pocket. Sonetto: It had a small line written on it, "Paupers fuck off" (...) Sonetto: I do not understand...why there was such wording on it. Sonetto: Was it because she did not pay enough "shelter fee" to qualify for sheltering? Sonetto: Or was it because the wand she used was transformed by arcanum, which made you think she was an arcanist?

Really, the Manus are just more "honest" about their intentions. There's not much to discuss when there so open about it.

Still, there's a sort of, religious leaning to the way the Manus and it's affiliates talk. The idea that it's a trial, the idea that this is salvation, the idea that they are the ones chosen.

When the Y2K bug was something people were panicking about there was an expectation for it to be an Apocalyptic Event. Religious groups and similar organizations were all about being the ones chosen.

What the Manus exhbits here is it's own form of rationalization, which is funny considering how much they insistent that rational is a human thing.

If a tragedy occurs, then it's a tragedy in the favor of your organization. You will be rid of a world where cruel things happen and be brought up to one where your holiness will be confirmed and you will be happy forever as everyone who has ever committed evil rots below you.

It's a joke to think The Storm cares though.

The Pre/Post-Apocalypse

Something I've been leaving out about The Storm until now is that we do know Why it starts.

It starts due to:

Vertin: Community conflicts, turbulent history, new technology...all of these may lead to the "Storm."

Y2K, The Great Depression, World War 1. All important moments where time reversed, and all events that caused fear, panic and instability in the world.

Y2K isn't even disastrous, nothing actually apocalyptic Happened at the turn of the millennium. But it was such a terrifying concept it made the world go backwards before it could continue. We never see the after of these events, only the start. The panic is enough for a Storm to be caused.

It's a joke to think the Storm cares because the Storm isn't a person. It's an event, a tragedy, a change in the world. A moment in time that consumes anything that's within it's radius. Trying to explain it through something inherent is silly. Arcanists may be able to see through it but they still get consumed by it all the same.

You can formulate theories, maybe even pin down exactly what caused it, but that doesn't change what it did. The characters have been living in the moments before an apocalypse and the moments after one for ages now. You can't bring the world back to how it was before because that world simply doesn't exist anymore.

The Manus may accelerate it but really if it wasn't them it was going to be someone else. You can't keep everything in static normalcy forever. Especially a normal that's so cruel to people. Eventually someone is going to say that this sucks and try to change it, for good or for ill.

But, the beautiful past where nothing was wrong also Doesn't Exist. It's a fiction. But it's one that's easier to believe in than the future full of tragedy and suffering.

(Chapter 6, Part 20: War and Peace)

Isolde: Heads full of holes! Heads covered in shrapnel! Empty Stomachs! Even the ghosts of little children...I can see them all! Cities bombed to the ground, and trains full of people headed straight to death! Isolde: It is coming! IT IS COMING! By then, the guts hanging from the trees will be more vibrant than spring flowers. There will be bullets, helmets, gauze! Hahaha! Isolde: We have no future, doctor!

Everyone in Reverse is marked by that existential terror in a way. That the world is ending, that the world is going to end, that the world has already ended and they just have to pick up the pieces. That nothing really matters because nothing is permanent and nothing can be truly understood.

The Foundation and The Manus believe that:

Sonetto: As the instructors have told us, to live is to lose things around us until the day we lose life itself to death. That's why we should only focus on the supreme missions.

And, if they are right, if to live is to lose things around us. What Should we do? Do we do as they say and focus only on things larger than us? Survive the Storm by detaching ourselves from the world around us?

...

I'll let the end of Chapter 2 present my counter-argument for me.

#reverse 1999 #r1999 #metaposting #I did not know how to end this and it shows but its FINE I will LIVE #I am a TUMBLR USER not a PHILOSOPHER

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vampyreelf · 2 years ago

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Just A Nobody

A/N: might feel silly and write a Part 2 of this, lmk if I should.

Summary: Homelander wants you, and you find an unlikely ally in Soldier Boy, at least that's what you think.

Soldier Boy x Reader

Warnings: not a lot of smut, manipulation, degradation.

GIF by @coppoladelrey

You started working at Vought while you finished college, Ashley needed a new assistant and she wanted someone young to be able to relate to the younger demographic that you represented. To say that your job was a nightmare was the understatement of the year, everyone treated you like a doormat, especially people in the Seven, except Starlight but when she left you were in the lion’s den again.

You had a system of how to navigate the supes, if it was The Deep, never be in a room alone with him under no circumstances. If it was Noir, it didn't matter because he never talked to you or anyone else for that matter so he was harmless, A Train was a mess and Ashley was very strict with you, never do any favours for him so you stayed away, Queen Maeve was always unpleasant with you so you stayed away. The only person Ashley said that you needed to do anything they asked was Homelander, which resulted in him rentelesly flirting with you.

The different ways that you were avoiding him were insanely creative, you knew that no one could stop Homelander if he decided to attack you so you had to rely only on yourself and your intelligence. You were constantly stressed, every time you went to work you were on the verge of a panic attack and you were so close to quitting when Vought took it upon themselves to pay for your college.

“Ashley? What is this?” You were so pissed, you had written up your resignation letter and everything.

“You’re welcome are the only words that should be coming out of your mouth right now, darling.” You despised her tone, it was filled with a superiority complex.

“I didn't ask for this.” You protested.

“It wasn’t me, alright? It was Homelander! You made quite an impression on him, if I were you I’d express some gratitude.” She left, tears were already running down your cheeks. Homelander basically owned you and he would come back to claim you.

After freaking out and hyperventilating for hours in Ashley’s office, you decided to take a sick day and go to your apartment. You needed a way out of this but you had no idea of how yet, you took the subway and went home after warning Ashley.

At home you were thinking about what to do, if you ran away Homelander would eventually find you. He found his son and the mother and was with Vought’s help, you wouldn’t even last a day. While you were freaking out and thinking about all of the worst possible scenarios Ashley was blowing up your phone.

WHERE ARE YOU?????

SOLDIER BOY WAS FOUND

NEED YOU HERE STAT

NOWWWWWWWWWW

You thought that Soldier Boy was dead since before your father was born, maybe Ashley was mistaken? Maybe Vought being in disarray about this person would clear you from being away from Homelander for a while. You got up from your sofa and you were ready to get back to work and deal with Ashley almost having a mental breakdown. When you opened the door you saw him there, your blood ran cold.

“Homelander.” You whispered and he smiled, his smile always unsettled you. “What you’re doing here?” You had no idea that he knew you where you lived, that made you so fucking scared.

“I wanted to explain myself, I paid for your college tuition and we barely spoke before.” He entered your apartment and looked everywhere, you felt so violated.

“It’s gonna have to wait, Ashley needs me.” You were about to touch him so he could leave your apartment but his facade fell.

“She can wait.” You felt the urge to cry but somehow you didn't.

“Not really, Soldier Boy is back.” That was the first time you saw Homelander scared, and for a second you were more afraid of Soldier Boy than Homelander. Who was he that even the strongest man on earth is afraid of? “So I really need to go. You understand that, right?” You had no idea what he was going to do, you sighed relieved when he got out of your apartment.

“It’s fine, I’ll take you back to the tower.” Homelander motioned for you to follow him and you looked confused.

“No worries, I’ll take the subway.” He invaded your personal space and got inches near your face.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman here, girl. I said, I’ll take you.” Homelander was definetly getting off on the fact that you were scared of him, the way you smelled when you were scared and he didn't hide the fact that he enjoyed it. You simply nodded and the two of you walked in silence outside.

Outside, Homelander scooped you up and flew with you that made you so scared but you didn't even had the mental capacity to scream. You were at Vought in less than two minutes, you were about to remove yourself from Homelander when he kept you in place.

“Meet me in my room at 10, hm?” He smiled wickedly at you and released you. It felt as if you couldn’t breathe and Ashley’s words were repeating in your head:

“If I were you I’d express some gratitude.”

You knew what was implied but you didn't want to do this, why it had to be you? Why couldn’t Homelander just find you unnatractive? You were just a nobody, why couldn’t it continue that way?

Ashley was waiting for you, and apparently all of the testing proved that it was Soldier Boy. How he was able to look the same age or get captured are questions that need to be answered. The two of you entered the room Soldier Boy was being held, Ashley needed to talk to him about all of the optics, how he was going to be in the Seven, if he insisted on it. Vought was more than happy to keep him under wraps, you can’t really control a supe, no matter how hard you tried.

Soldier Boy had his head down, he didn't look at Ashley when she introduced herself and started rambling about PR and how to mitigate the situation and you could tell that he wasn’t interested in the slightest. That’s when he looked at you, and the look he gave you was not one you describe, no one ever looked at you that way before.

“Shut the fuck up.” His voice boomed around the room and Ashley stopped talking instantly. “I’ll talk to her and her only.” Soldier Boy pointed at you and the two of you were speechless. Ashley quickly left the room and the two of you were alone, you sat down in the chair that your boss was sat a couple of seconds ago.

“Why do you want to talk to me?” You whispered, you have no idea why you had the courage to speak first maybe because since Homelander wanted you in his room, you had nothing to lose.

“I want to know what you do you think I should do, doll?” He looked genuinely interested in your opinion, but the reason behind it was totally lost on you.

“But why?” The look on your face could only be described as utter confusion making Soldier Boy laugh.

“You seem the only person I’ve seen so far to have integrity.” That took you by surprise and you simply nodded. “So? What do you think I should do?” He asked again, this time it seemed that was impatient.

“Well, you’ve been tortured by Russians all this time. The thing that seemingly makes the most sense is getting revenge?” It sounded more like a question than a statement and Soldier Boy picked up on that.

“You’re not sure? Speak up, woman.” He banged his hand on the table and startled you, making you jump slightly.

“If I was you, I would take the time to decompress and enjoy something before going on a suicide mission killing everyone that wronged you.” You said rather quickly and he grinned at you.

“You’re not wrong, doll. Tell Vought that I want a private island, and if you want a promotion you can come live with me and be my handler, I’ll need one since mine is fucking dead.” He laughed and you were about to refuse when Homelander’s demand for you to be in his room flashed in your mind.

“Alright, I accept.” If that meant being as far away from Homelander as possible, you’d accept whatever job in a heartbeat.

“Great to hear, sweetheart.” Soldier Boy smiled at you, there’s no denying that he’s the most handsome man you’ve ever laid eyes on. “Are we done here?” He spoke in the direction of the glass, you could tell that he was annoyed but he wasn’t as scary as Homelander, you felt at ease with Soldier Boy.

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

You didn't leave Soldier Boy’s side, the deadline to meet Homelander was approaching and if you were with a supe that wanted you near there’s nothing that Homelander can do, right? So you took full advantage of your brand new position, Ashley was annoyed about the fact that she needs a new assistant. But she wasn’t about to go against Soldier Boy, so she kept quiet.

Homelander was not happy about your new predicament, he was supposed to have you all to himself. He was looking for you, but you were packing all of Soldier Boy’s clothes that Vought even after all this time, that was very handy. Packing was always something that brought you peace, so you were humming your favourite songs whilst doing this chore. You gasped when you realised that Homelander was right behind you, he was angry you could tell that much, you looked around and realised that Soldier Boy probably went to the bathroon so you were all alone with Homelander.

“Let me get this straight, you’re going to jump on Soldier Boy’s dick the moment I pay for your college tuition? Talk about being an ungrateful brat.” He walked slowly towards you, and you took a step back.

“It was a job opportunity, a really good one…I…” Homelander raised his finger to stop you from talking.

“No, no.” He got closer to you, this was it. He was going to kill you, he raised his hand and caressed your cheek. “You’re not his, you’re mine.” You started crying, that’s when you heard someone clearing their throat.

“Do we have a problem here?” It was Soldier Boy and you were relieved, Homelander was pissed and your saviour was as cool as cucumber.

“No, we do not.” It was the first time you saw fear in Homelander’s features, and he quickly got away from you and he left without saying another word. After he left you sat down in Soldier Boy’s bed and sighed relieved.

“What’s going on between the two of you? Do I have to kill a supe to keep my handler?” Soldier Boy snickered and you let out a small laugh.

“He…always wanted…me.” The awkwardness seeping through every pore of your body makes you cringe. “He also demanded me to be in his room now…so…he came to talk.” Soldier Boy had a strange look on his face, the only thing that you could place was jealousy? That wasn’t possible, he barely knew you? You just ignored it.

“He’s never gonna bother you again, don’t worry.” Soldier Boy placed his hand on your thigh and it felt…nice. You knew that Soldier Boy was attractive, but him being comforting? The icing on the cake.

“Thank you, Soldier Boy.” You gave him a genuine smile.

“Ben.” You looked at him confused. “My name is Ben.” He clarified and the two of you smiled.

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You and Ben, as he insisted to be called were now in this private island. You realised quite quick that besides some members of staff that took care of cooking and cleaning, the two of you were all by yourselves. But other than that, you had the most amazing bedroom ever, it was bigger than your apartment and you couldn’t be happier to be away from Homelander.

Ben was always flirting with you, he never stopped. He was also touching you constantly but it never made you uncomfortable, it felt natural to have that intimacy with him. Your days consisted of just making sure that Ben was comfortable and if Vought had any plans for him, which they never did. That made the supe on the edge, you could that he wanted something and you had no idea what.

Until you found out.

It was raining, so neither of you left the house. Ben still hasn’t come out of his bedroom which was odd, he was the first one to wake up at 5 AM. You needed to ask him about what he wanted to eat, so you approached his door before you could knock you heard his gruntings and moaning, he was masturbating in there.

“I know you can hear me, doll. I can smell your arousal from a mile away.” You got caught and there was no way out, so you opened the door and there he was was, his dick was huge, it felt that it should be on a porn actor not a super hero. “There she is, why don’t you come here and let me fuck your mouth, huh?” It felt that he had power over you, so that was exactly what you did.

When you took his cock in your mouth, Ben grabbed your head and started fucking your throat. You tapped his leg so he could slow down but he didn't, you were gagging around his cock, it was painful but he never slowed down. Tears were running down your face, and you could hear Ben’s grunts and moans.

“Fuck, I’m gonna cum doll.” He warned and you felt the thick ropes of cum and that made you gag but you did your best to swallow it all, after you were done, you looked at him and he was trying to catch his breath.

“I knew that I made a good deal with Vought.” You looked at him confused. “They let me keep you to do whatever I want in return I don’t appear in public.” He kissed you but you didn't have the ability to kiss him back. “If I was you, I’d warm up to me real quick. There’s nowhere for you to go, and remember sweetheart, you’re just a nobody.” He laughed and went to clean himself, it was going to be a very different stay on this island now, Ben would make sure of it.

#soldier boy x reader #soldier boy x you #soldier boy smut #soldier boy x female reader #soldier boy #the boys fanfic

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vinziel · 1 year ago

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Hug Time? Male Reader x John Dory

A/N: First time writing angst. Yay.

Throughout the saving Floyd mission, you've noticed John Dory always tried to hug his siblings and you, but neither you nor his brothers hugged him. It seems you and his brothers are still uncomfortable. After a few months have passed since that day and you've grown accustomed to being touchy with John Dory but his brothers still need a bit of time, which was understandable, yet John Dory felt...distanced from his brothers, no matter how hard or how much he tried they never seem to get around and be comfortable with him. He thinks that maybe he'll never convince them but you always assure him that he can and it'll take time. John Dory felt assured but the feeling still lingered inside of him. One day, you were going out to buy some groceries, Bruce also came to visit at this time, John Dory, Poppy, Branch, Viva and the rest of the Brozone brothers were all talking inside the bunker, talking about anything really. Then the hug time bracelets went off and everyone started to hug each other, except for John Dory, whenever he would try to hug one of his brothers someone hugged them first, and he didn't want to just hug them still since he knew that they may not be so comfortable still. Now everyone has hugged someone.

John Dory was on the verge of a mental breakdown, he felt like crying, he was slightly trembling, thinking to himself "No John Dory, don't do it. Don't ruin the mood" He stands up and leaves without anyone noticing, he then goes to his shared room with you, locks the door and just quietly cries in bed. He had you and he was grateful but he still wanted at least one of his brothers to hug him or show the same affection he was giving them. He knew that he brought this upon himself but, it still hurts, to know your brothers still don't feel comfortable enough with you. Time passes by and Poppy notices John Dory is gone, and she gets a little concerned "Wait, did anyone hug John Dory?" She says. The brothers and Viva look at each other and shrug. All of them then went to your bedroom with John Dory room knocking on his door to no response.

You finally got back home with groceries, putting them on the table, you see a small commotion outside your room. "What's going on?" You ask, concerned and curious. "Well we're not sure. I think no one hugged John Dory during hug time, and we're trying to let him let us inside his room to maybe help him feel better" Poppy says before continuing "But he's not opening the door" You sigh, a frown on your face, visibly worried about how John Dory's feeling "Let me handle this" You say knocking on the door saying "John? Can you let me in? It's me, Y/N" The door then opens and you enter it, and close it, while the rest of the group goes back to the living room.

It was now just you and John Dory. He guys you, still quietly sobbing, as you take him to bed, sitting beside him "How are you feeling?" You ask, your voice is soft, stroking his hair, as you take off his goggles that cover his tear filled eyes, John Dory then just let's it all out on you, as you comfort him "It's fine, just let it all out" after a while of crying John Dory stops, it's been a while since he's ever actually cried so this was new, John Dory felt good letting it all out, as you both continue to hug "I just feel that maybe they still don't love me like a big brother. Maybe they'll never love me like a big brother, maybe I'll never get them to be comfortable with me. I-I" You sush him "Nonesense" John Dory then removes your hand and says "No! It's not nonesense! They still can't bring themselves to hug me, and every time it's just me and one of my brothers alone it's always awkward!" He yells, the walls were thankfully thick enough to make it soundproof which you're glad "I don't know what I can do to make them like me anymore. It seems no matter how hard I try, they still have resentment over me, no matter how hard they try to hide it, and maybe I deserve it. I-I just wish I can get them to at least not be awkward with me anymore, to be comfortable with me" He continues, his voice is breaking, he isn't yelling anymore, tears rolling down his cheek, he stopped hugging you, as he just puts his hands on the bed.

You always saw John Dory as being a bit too confident but now, it seems like this whole new side of him is new to you, he was being vulnerable with you, and he was letting himself cry, he's letting himself be all sad around you. You have a frown on your face, concerned for John Dory's mental health, you sigh and say "Look....sure it's true, you may have deserved this kind of treatment from your brothers but I assure you they still love you. It just takes time to get used to being around the person who was the reason you ran away from home, the person trying to force them to be perfect, so please John, don't give up and don't think that just because they haven't gotten comfortable with you doesn't mean they won't ever will" You kiss John Dory, in hopes it'll make him feel a bit better, John Dory kisses you back, and after pulling away, he smiles and wipes his tears "You're right, maybe they'll come around some day." He says "That's the spirit! Now let's go back to the living room." You exclaim.

Once you two are back in the living room, the Brozone brothers, Poppy and Viva, all hug John Dory, he's quite shocked by this, then Bruce starts to talk "We're sorry for not hugging you John. We know we may have been a bit resentful towards you at times but we want to assure you that we do still love you" Branch continues by saying "Yeah, we've seen your efforts in trying to make us be comfortable around you and we have been too harsh on you" All the brothers, Poppy and Viva then nod in agreement of Bruce and Branch's statement, John Dory starts to cry tears of joy "I love you guys. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that." He says. You watch this unfold with a smile on your face, appreciating the heartfelt moment. The day continues on as Bruce decides to cook you all dinner, you all eat together and The brothers now seem to be more comfortable around John Dory. Sharing laughs, sharing embarrassing stories about each other during the Brozone days (Mostly from John Dory). Yes this is truly the start of a new beginning among the brothers.

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ladybellissima · 1 year ago

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Special Ending Finding Love Katakuri Charlotte x Reader

Step after step, she walked along the corridor of their shared home, deep in thought. Like a robot her hands glided over her already big stomach, concentrated to feel every little message her body might was sending to her. "(Y/N)…keep calm. Everythings alright. Your child is alright. You are alright. The doctors told you so…", she whispered with a deep sigh, nevertheless a smile spread across her face. Anytime she was going to be a mother. Anytime Katakuri would be called a father. How fast things could change. And how fast 9 months could pass. Again a certain pain errupted at her back and slowly crawled torwards her stomach.

"You will definately know the moment your baby wants to come."

Definately, (Y/N) knew that she was completely clueless. Sighing she thought about Katakuri, who she already brought on the verge of a mental breakdown, because of her uneasiness. And by god she felt huge. How was her stomach able to grow so much? And why did she feel happy and devasted at the same time?

"Something's wrong?", a certain deep voice cut through her thoughts and let her stop in her tracks. Turning (Y/N) was met with Katakuri's calm expression, still eyebrows raised in question of her sudden activity. Normally he found his wife sleeping or relaxing, waiting paitently for their special day. Or better, she wasn't really able to do much moving with her latest size. Katakuri couldn't but feel helpless about not being able to support her more. Only able to watch over her and listen to her worries, in hope to make things easier. And again he was right in finishing his work earlier, feeling that something was off. (Y/N) on the other side felt exhausted and strained of causing him to worry again. She couldn't help it. Couldn't hide her inner conflict.

"Nothing's wrong, Katakuri. I am just restless today..i..i know that everything's fine..yeah.", (Y/N) spoke with a short smile, while accepting his hug and sweet kiss onto her forehead.

"Tell me (Y/N)…", he whispered, while kissing her cheek. Avoiding his strong gaze, she felt uneasy to start.

"At the beginning of your pregnancy you've told me every little detail. Literally every little detail…", he spoke and had to chuckle of this certain call he got from her. Quickly he rushed back home, thought she was sick and needed help. With pride (Y/N) announced that she felt miserable and had to puke for hours.

"Back then, i thought you were terribly sick, but you just tried to tell me that you were pregnant.", he added and felt relieved to make her chuckle.

"Yeah, i just knew something was going on. I felt lightheaded all the time..", (Y/N) whispered with a sigh, while brushing across her stomach, till Katakuri took her hand. To think that this rough start was just the beginning of a honestly nightmare.

"Not to mention your sudden outbursts of anger about well… nothing. ", he joked and gave her hand a kiss. Oh how helpless he felt of (Y/N)'s tired and angered mood. Not that he never experienced a fight with his wife, but this was on a whole different level. Easily she left annoyed or grumbled and complained about simple things, like his leaving for his duties or on special days his breathing.

"Well but there was a beautiful answer, why all this happened. Alongside endless calls and visits of doctors…", (Y/N) started kind of ashamed. "To think how often we called out to the doctors..how stupid of me..", she spoke uneasy, while avoiding his strong gaze.

"You were afraid… that's okay (Y/N). It's your first. Better we check and ease your worries than let your fears haunting your mind..", Katakuri spoke, while touching her stomach to maybe feel his baby's push. How excited (Y/N) was bursting into his office at whole cake chateau, ignoring his complains how on earth she could travel without proper protection and pregnant on a ship, to grab his hands and lay them onto her stomach. And how dissapointed she was after Katakuri felt nothing, explaining that sure she felt a push and moving. To be honest he also felt slightly annoyed about the fact that he still didn't receive a push against his hand till today. Like getting already rejected.

"Yeah but it got out of hand. I honestly couldn't really calm down..is he or she okay? Still moving, still growing and not in danger..still alive.", she whispered afraid, while Katakuri gave her a short nod of approval. He knew and honestly he expected this journey to be more sweeter. Was beyond happy to have a child with (Y/N). Felt overwhelmed, proud and powerful.

But it wasn't an easy pregnancy.

At first (Y/N) felt excited, couldn't believe that she really was becoming a mother. But beside feeling terribly sick for a long time, (Y/N) felt like suffocating. Often panicked of this overwhelming feeling to lose control of her body, while her stomach grew. She felt mentally exhausted, ugly, fat. Never would she be herself again. And after all her personal conflicts, she felt uneasy of her baby's health either. How could the baby be okay, if she felt so damn sick all the time?

Sighing of thinking about their pregnancy journey, (Y/N) felt unbelievable grateful to have Katakuri by her side. He never complained and brought her even late at night to their doctor. (Y/N) knew that he was worried too. Sure terrified. Fighting with his inner self how to help her, but honestly there was nothing to do. It was fate. It was pure luck and patience that they had come this far. Slowly she reached for his face, pulling his scarf away to kiss him deeply, but a sudden shot of pain let her struggle.

"Tell me (Y/N)…", Katakuri spoke seriously, while watching his wife taking a seat. Sighing (Y/N) bite her lips in frustration.

" Okay. Well i feel a strange uncomfortable pain. Coming from my back and it's also spreading till here. ", she spoke with a hectic voice, while pointing at the certain spots at her stomach.

"You feel what!?!"

Holding her breath, (Y/N)'s body froze in the spot of her husband's sudden outburst.

"Isn't that bad!!? Pain is bad or not?", Katakuri suddenly spoke - shouted, quickly made sure she stays in her position in holding her shoulders. "Don't move so much! You make it worse! I've read that you shouldn't move and stay in bed, if you are in pain! Why were you rushing around like a maniac!?", he spoke shocked, while thinking of what to do first.

Blinking in surprise, (Y/N) scratched her head irritated. "You've read those pregnancy books too? In some way you sure are right, but i was thinking more about the pain of giving birth…maybe?" , (Y/N) asked frustrated, holding her stomach of another shot of pain.

"Well…well..maybe this was part at the beginning..i can't remember..hell..you tell me! Are you giving birth (Y/N)? Now?", Katakuri stuttered helplessly, while feeling drops of sweat already forming onto his forehead.

"I…i am not sure. It's not that bad. Maybe it's just a stomach ache. I don't want to cause another ruckus at whole cake..God Katakuri i don't know, what to do. Wait. Not wait. Maybe something's off. Maybe not. Hell what about all this lovey dovey shit in those shitty books about a beautiful pregnant woman with a small bump and no worries at all. Going for a daily walk, laughing and chatting with her prince charming and then blop…it's here!", (Y/N) growled pissed, balling her fists in anger. Katakuri knew right away to keep a safe distance and let his wife calm down.

"Okay..well think ..let's think ..", Katakuri spoke stressed, while walking up and down the corridor, like his lovely wife used to. Watching the sweet commander with a short smile, (Y/N) felt tears stinging at the corner of her eyes of another shot of pain.

"Katakuri…", (Y/N) whispered and made him stop in his tracks of her faint and shaken voice.

She knew.

"Please..bring me to the doctor.."

He didn't have to use his skills to know that things got out of hand from now on. And even if he had read books about pregnancies to be prepared, he wasn't prepared for this at all.

(Y/N) knew that it wasn't a piece of cake. Knew all too well that it would hurt badly, after already going through different stages of pain during her pregnancy. Starting from back pain, stomach ache, even her legs hurt endlessly and got swollen.

But

The pain of giving birth was overwhelming. On top of not knowing, if you are really in labor at the beginning. The more (Y/N)'s nervousness raise, the more pain shot through her back and stomach. Unbearable long cramps, which made her vision slightly blurry. In a way she felt kind of in a trance, everytime another shot of pain errupted inside her. Was this her final day? It felt surreal. Faces passed her vision, pale, afraid, shocked. Voices around her got louder, while she was carried secure in Katakuri's arms, whos voice cut through her shocked state. Shouting and ordering servants around. The next moment (Y/N) felt herself placed onto a soft mattress, while Brulee spoke soothing words to calm her down. But honestly, (Y/N) wasn't able to really listen to anyone, while Katakuri got pale like a ghost, after she couldn't but had to scream. Couldn't but had to plead. Couldn't but had to shout, while doctors just gave her an supportive smile and advice to breath. She felt lost. Helpless. Frustrated of not being able to escape. And there it was the point of regret. There was no going back. While (Y/N) went through hours of pain, Katakuri got pushed outside by his sister to calm his shaking form and prevent him screaming at the doctors, who waited paitently and observed his wife's Odyssey.

"This isn't normal!!! This can't be normal!", he growled frutrated, while holding his head in distress. Rubbing his back, Brulee tried to support him as good as possible.

"You've heard the doctors.. everything's fine. She is going through a natural birth. It's sadly normal to go through hours of pain. Believe in her…i know it's hard to watch her suffer…she is becoming a mother..can't believe it Katakuri. I am so excited..", she spoke and gave him all the time he needed to calm down, but the sudden call of a doctor let him freeze in the spot.

"Master Katakuri. It won't take long anymore."

Like a robot Katakuri stepped back into the room, ears drumming of (Y/N)'s screams, slowly stepping to her side. He never saw her like that. Never heard such screams, deep and filled with pure pain and horror. Helpless digging her nails into his skin, while clinging onto his arm.

(Y/N) didn't get a sign, but pushed. Pushed against the pain, till a sudden shot released her amniotic fluid. For a moment her body froze in the spot of comprehending the situation, till the waves of pain got her back into screaming. Doctors called out to her to wait, till she was ready, but all she was able to was push. Push to stop this nightmare. Push like an inner instinct to survive.

And suddenly her big bump got smaller, while the feeling of losing something overwhelmed her form. Shaken her body got kind of cold, sweat glistered on her exposed skin, realizing that she was completely exposed down under.

But it wasn't important, because a loud unknown voice echoed through the room. Took her place in screaming at the top of its lungs.

Shaken like crazy, (Y/N) started to cry bitterly. Pressing a hand onto her mouth, she tried to control her outburst of emotions. It wasn't possible. Overwhelmed her baby was placed onto her chest, the weight unexpected heavy, pressing down onto her. Crying she watched her child for the first time. Her beautiful little boy with crimson hair. Speechless her look wandered up to Katakuri, who watched his son with wide eyes.

"Katakuri …we have a son…he is finally here…", her raspy voice called out to him. Shaking his head of hearing her normal voice again, Katakuri took her hand to press it softly. "(Y/N)…", he whispered exhausted, while watching her in disbelief. He didn't need to say a word. She herself had to still come back to her senses. Calming down, slowly realizing that the pain was completely gone.

"Congratulation!! What's his name?", a voice called out to them to pull them back to reality.

Smiling at each other, (Y/N) and Katakuri touched their son's hand, still couldn't really believe that this little one was their own.

"You are already special and you will become so much more.. whatever path you choose..ours is already settled in believing in you…Okashi"

Hopefully it is the way you all wished 🥳❤️💚❤️ let me know 🎉🎊 and Okashi means Sweet in japanese 💚

#katakuri x reader #charlotte katakuri #one piece #karakuricharlotte #romance #fanfiction

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all-pacas · 1 month ago

Note

fake fanfic titles 🐬🐬:

-intermezzo

-chekhov’s gun

-time slip

intermezzo: set during early s6, in the time between dibala and the divorce. chase is still avoiding the hell out cameron, but they're still living in the same house, not talking. and the story would just be - a moment in the middle of that month where they both kind of... forget about dibala. they just have a normal couple of days. they don't talk about it, they're both consciously ignoring the elephant in the room, they both think maybe we're getting past this. they joke around over dinner and things feel briefly normal.

chekhov's gun: two halves of a story without much direct connection. there was a book i read a while back - asymmetry by lisa halliday - i'm thinking of here. first half is a story from when chase was a teenager: a friend of his is clearly struggling mentally and going to chase for help, but chase is also going through it. he is careless and thoughtless if not intentionally cruel; the friend is closeted and it's the 80s and chase makes some insensitive "stop being so clingy, what are you, gay?" joke that ends their friendship; he feels badly but doesn't think about it much; he is being parentified and on the verge of a breakdown and doesn't apologize or mend fences. the second half follows adult chase: he is struggling post-stabbing, he wants to reach out for help despite his every instinct telling him that's a terrible idea. he snaps at adams and park. he rebuffs foreman. thirteen is recruited (by foreman, by phone) in a "we're just going to keep trying people until you talk to someone" act of care; he rebuffs her, too.

time slip: a miraculous drug is invented that allows you to relive one day of the past and make changes. they aren't real changes, it's just a very heightened dream; it's promoted for ptsd and therapy purposes, you know, get closure, see your relatives one last time, etc. lots of think pieces about what would you do if you could go back in time for a day? cameron is super eager to try; she gets a little addicted to it. one last day with her dead husband (not what she hoped for). redo the house date (she tries to groundhog day it). tries to fix everything, change everything, even though it isn't actually time travel and has no lasting impacts. but if she does it enough, she'll figure everything out, right? she becomes more and more obsessed with "solving" the loose end of her divorce - what made chase turn into a heartless murderer? - but never thinks to talk to the real chase about it until the end, where he reveals only tried the drug once, to break up with her before they ever got married. ("better loved than lost" -- not this guy!)

#malpractice posting

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phantomdoofer · 21 days ago

Text

Tower Town, Chapter 35 - Baby's Day Out

Peppino walked down the street, carrying Tony in the crook of his arm. The youngster, almost three now, was looking around, pointing at anything that caught his eye, telling his Papa all about it in laughing tones. Peppino dutifully oohed and ahhed at every single one. The world was still new and bright to the child.

He was careful to keep those feelings at the front of his mind. The little boy’s telepathy was getting strong now, almost uncontrollable, and as keyed up as Peppino was, he didn't want to scare the child more than he could help.

For once, Giuseppe wasn't available. Understandable, at least. Anita was in labor with their second child, and Giuseppe already had his hands full keeping Sofia, now a rambunctious toddler, out of trouble while supporting his wife. Gustavo was working. Even Margherita was feeling under the weather. So, for the first time ever, Peppino was having to leave the boy at a daycare. It would be the first time Tony had been left alone, without someone he already knew.

The thought was giving Peppino fits.

As he walked through the doors of the daycare, a matronly Pig walked from behind the counter. “Hello there, Mr. Spaghetti!” She greeted him airily, “I suppose this is little Tony, eh?” She held her hands out to take him.

Peppino hesitated. He'd been extremely unsure about the entire situation, and now he was having second, third, and fourth thoughts. He mentally shook himself. It's just for a few hours, Pino, he thought, and they're the best-vetted place in town! Reluctantly, he handed over his son.

Immediately Tony turned and looked up at the woman's face. He seemed curious, but then he turned and held his arms out to Peppino. “Papa? Wanna come back now.”

For the umpteenth time that morning, Peppino's heart clenched. He put on a smile, but it was very forced. “You'll be staying with Mrs. Iggsley for a few hours, my little polpetta,” he said, trying to keep the quaver out of his voice, “I'll be back very soon to get you, bene?”

The way Tony's face shifted was almost a caricature - his bottom lip was stuck out in a frown, and his eyes were huge, shimmering with unshed tears. He'd inherited a powerful set of emotions, and they frequently overloaded the little boy. He's too young to learn to control them yet, Peppino thought sadly.

Peppino put a hand on Tony's head. “It'll just be for a few hours, Antonio. I have to go…”

Immediately Tony burst out into a full-throated bawl, his eyes showering tears, and he reached up and grabbed Peppino's forearm with both little fists, gripping on with superhuman strength.

Peppino was on the verge of a breakdown. He hated doing this, but he didn't have any other choice. Gently (but having to use his own super-strength) he prized the boy's hands off his arm. “I'm sorry, polpetta, I'll be back as soon as I can!” He looked up at Mrs. Iggsley. “I hope he doesn't give you too much trouble…”

The woman shrugged and smiled. “He's not the first, and he won't be the last, Mr. Spaghetti. If anything happens we'll let you know, all right?”

As she turned to walk away, Tony's wails turned into full-on screams, and Peppino reached out a hand reflexively. “You, ah, you-a know about-a his strength, tu no?”

She turned, smiling. “Oh, yes. We'll take good care of him, Mr. Spaghetti, never fear!”

Peppino nodded sadly. He knew there was no way yet to make his son understand that this was only a temporary thing - even as developed as he was, some things just took time to understand.

So he waved, turned, and left.

He broke into a run so fast he had to check himself from breaking the glass around him with a sonic boom.

~~~~

Fake was in the kitchen, happily grumbling to themself, when the young woman who Peppino had recently hired came quietly through the doors.

“Mister, um, Mister Fake…” she said meekly.

Fake turned gently, carefully trying not to surprise her, but not so slowly they seemed more creepy than they already were. She'd already proven a shy, nervous type. “Yes, Carrie? Can I help you?”

She looked down and shuffled her feet. “It's, um, it's Mr. Peppino, sir. He's acting… strange.”

Fake nodded. “Morrrre than usual, you mean?”

She looked up and nodded. “Could you please come check on him?”

Fake quickly wiped their hands on a towel. “Of courrrrrse.”

The young woman quickly went back outside, moving towards the register. Fake followed behind.

Peppino leaned forward onto the counter, one arm draped and dangling off, the other clutching his chef's hat. He was staring off into space, his eyes distant and blank. He seemed to be muttering to himself.

Fake felt a twinge of concern. While he was much better than he'd been before (by Peppino's own words, anyway - Fake hadn't been there for Peppino's many, many breakdowns), and especially so since Tony's birth, he seemed in the middle of a full meltdown.

Fake glanced around - the pizzeria was empty for the moment. A mercy, there. They moved forward, gently touching the man's shoulder. “Peppino?” Fake said quietly. “Arrrre you all right?”

The man seemed to be muttering to himself in Italian. “Come potresti farlo? Si fida di te! E lo hai lasciato solo! Deve odiarmi! Come potrei farlo? Mio figlio! Sono un padre orribile…”

Fake leaned back. He was castigating himself over leaving Tony. It's a daycare, it's not like he abandoned the boy on a street corner! Fake shook his shoulder. “Peppino. Peppino! Stop! You'rrre spooking the customerrrrrs!”

The man seemed not to hear them. He continued muttering imprecations on himself.

Fake harrumphed. We have to snap him out of this! Then they had an idea. This is a bit dirty, but it should work…

Fake leaned back and carefully reshaped their voicebox to as close as they could remember. In a great bellow, Bruno's voice rang out…

“Spaghetti! Vieni qui ORA!”

Peppino yelped and leapt to his feet, spinning, his eyes wild with anxiety. He looked around quickly, confused. “Signore Tagliatelle! Mi dispiace! Non volevo... aspettare, questo non è…” He paused, his eyes cleared, and he glared at Fake, who was crouching back down. “That was a nasty-a trick, Fake.”

Fake shook their head, but they didn't seem too contrite. “It worked, didn't it?”

Peppino grumbled, but agreed.

Fake put their hands on their hips. “So, what's the problem, Peppino? If we had any customerrrrrs right now, you'd be spooking them quite nicely."

Peppino looked to the side, rubbing his right arm. “I-a feel so bad, leaving-a Tony with-a strangers. He was bawling his little-a eyes out when I left…”

Fake shook their head. “We're harrrrdly the person to come to for parental advice, Peppino,” they said, “but we do know that it had to happen evennnnntually. We can't stay with them forever.”

“I know, I know,” Peppino grumbled. “But…”

Carrie ambled over. “Mr. Peppino, I know I'm just butting in, but… I have to say, you acting this way about it just means you really care.” She paused, nodded, and scurried back to the register, looking terrified.

The two men, looking a little stunned, turned back to each other. “She's got a point, Peppino,” Fake said.

“But what do I do??” Peppino said, almost wailing. “I can't-a stand it!”

“I'd say look forward to getting him back,” Fake said cautiously. “It's not forever, Peppino, just a day. One that you'll have to repeat. It's part of life.”

Peppino stroked his goatee, thinking on Fake's words, as the being ambled back to the kitchen. Why am I reacting so badly to this?

The answer came almost immediately. I'm afraid of hurting him. Of hurting someone I care about again. Of failing them.

Despite his realization, he knew it wouldn't be as simple as that to resolve. He resolved to call his Mama that night. I could use some motherly advice.

Peppino felt his pocket vibrate, and quickly pulled it out. Giuseppe! He clicked the link from his brother -

The image showed Anita, looking tired but smug, in a hospital bed, in the background. In the foreground, a hugely-smiling Giuseppe held a small bundle, out of which peered a red, wrinkled face.

Meet Gustavo Sergio Spaghetti!

Peppino smiled brilliantly. The name said a lot. After all the vitriol they felt towards him after our breakup, at least they've managed to remember who he is, not just how he was, for a time. “Hey, Fake! Come-a back out here for a minute!” He waved Carrie over. “Let me show you my new nephew!”

The young woman seemed reluctant, but moved over. Fake came back out and leaned over Peppino's shoulder.

The young woman’s demeanor changed entirely. “Aww, he's adorable!” She cooed. She leaned in closer, making baby talk at the screen.

Fake and Peppino looked at each other, smiling. “Didn't take herrrr long, did it?”

Peppino chuckled. “Optimized health can-a do that. And it's-a not like it's her first. Mothers often-a have less trouble with later births.”

Carrie leaned over, making a questioning noise. “Mr. Peppino? Is something wrong with the baby's eye?”

“Giuseppe didn't say anything about it…” Peppino said, zooming the image in; then, seeing what it was, he laughed loudly. “Ha ha ha! Those are-a crosshairs! He's-a inherited Anita's power!”

Carrie looked at Peppino, confused. “She has powers, too?”

“Oh, just-a the one,” Peppino said airily, “but it's a doozy! She can zoom in and-a out like a scope, and once she's-a locked on to something, she almost never misses!”

“Like Sheriff Lantte?” She said.

“Yep! Exactly alike, in fact,” Peppino crowed. “Strange-a coincidence, that.”

“Does… does everyone in your family have powers?” Carrie said quietly.

Peppino nodded. “Sì, everyone I know, anyway.” She looked uncomfortable. “Does no one in-a your family have powers?” Peppino said, surprised.

“No,” she said. “Well, I think one cousin can make wood change color or something, but no big, special powers.” She looked envious.

Peppino turned to her. “Ragazza, having powers is as much a curse as a blessing,” he said firmly.

“It must be nice, though,” she said wistfully.

Peppino reflected on all his broken furniture over the years, the repair bills… the number of times I've almost killed someone by losing my temper… “It has-a its problems.” He pulled at his beard. “I mean, look at-a little Tony. He's-a already showing the same strength that Seppe and I have. But he's so young… he can't control it. I'm afraid…” his eyes lit up.

Carrie looked surprised. “What is it, Mr. Spaghetti?”

“Call me Peppino,” he said absently. “I think I just-a figured out the other reason I'm-a worried. I'm afraid Tony could-a hurt someone… or himself.”

Carrie giggled. “There's probably a good dose of daddy-worry in there, too.” Then she put her hands over her mouth and gasped. “I'm so sorry, Mr - I mean, Peppino! I didn't mean to be so familiar!”

Peppino shook his head, coming back to reality, and laughed. “Non c'è problema, ragazza. I told you before, I don't stand on ceremony.”

“But Mr. Brando calls you Signore,” she countered.

“Brando is… a special case,” Peppino said. “He’s-a my student, not-a my employee. He insists. I'd prefer others weren't-a so… formal.”

“Oh, right,” she said hurriedly. “He's so good that I forgot you said he's still in his apprenticeship.”

Peppino chuckled. “He insists I still have a lot to teach him… but I'm-a not so sure. As you said, he's-a quite good.” Peppino shrugged. “He just-a needs to realize that.”

“He seems to enjoy working here, though,” Carrie said. “Maybe he just doesn't feel ready to go out on his own yet?”

“Probabilmente è vero,” Peppino said. “You have another good point, ragazza.” He waved a hand. “Now, as-a your boss, I'm ordering you to be less-a stiff and-a more relaxed. Inteso?”

The girl seemed to argue with herself, then stomped her foot. “All right! I'll try!”

“Bene,” Peppino said, smiling. “Now. I'm-a sorry for spooking everyone. That's-a being said…” he said, scratching the back of his head and looking embarrassed, “I think I'll-a call and just… check in.”

“All right,” she said, smiling. “I think I can handle out here. I can always ask Mr. Fake for help.”

“Grazie for understanding, ragazza,” Peppino said. “You know, you should-a be more assertive more often, too. You're sharper than-a you seem.”

As the chef went back through the doors, Carrie contemplated what he'd said. Then she felt a wave of suppressed panic wash over her, and she sat down, giddy. I can't believe I talked to my boss like that! And he was Ok with it! Even told me to do it more often!

As she sat, turning her thoughts over in her head, the bell jingled, and sheleapt to her feet. “Oh, so sorry! Welcome to Peppino's!”

~~~~

Peppino sat down at the desk in his new office. A recent addition, everyone other than Peppino had insisted. “Listen, Pep, if you're gonna run a franchise, it's not gonna look good to be doing it out of the closet of your kitchen,” Gustavo had said.

It wasn't as big as everyone had wanted it to be, but it was well-appointed.

He leaned back in the chair. He'd splurged a bit more with it; well-padded and sturdy, he leaned back and smiled. I really should do things like this more often. Pulling out his phone, he dialed the daycare. After several rings, a perky female voice chimed through. "Little Smiles Daycare, can I help you?"

Behind the chirpy voice, Peppino heard several little voices screaming. Peppino's alarm rose. Oh Mio Dio, I hope that isn't Tony! “Ciao, signora, this is Peppino Spaghetti, I was just calling to check on-a my son, Tony?”

What sounded like a small avalanche came through the phone, and Mrs. Iggsley's voice clearly said, “get off of that, you little devil!”

“Mio Dio, signora, is everything all right?” Peppino said.

The young woman laughed. “Thank you, sir, but this is nothing unusual. In fact, your son is the only one that isn't causing trouble. He's just been playing by himself. Until, um…”

Peppino's heart jumped. “ ‘Until-a, um’ what?”

“Er, well, one of the other kids decided they wanted the toy Tony was playing with, and, um, a scuffle broke out.”

“Is he OK??” Peppino tried not to yell, standing up in alarm.

“He's fine, sir, he's fine,” she said hurriedly, “but when the other child tried to hit him, he pushed them away… across the room.”

Peppino sat back down heavily. “Oh, Madonna Santa… are they alright?”

The voice perked back up. “Oh, it's nothing unusual here! The walls are quite well padded! The other child received no real injuries. Just a bruise. And frankly, the child in question is quite a little bully. Always terrorizing the other children. Personally, I think little Tony put some much-needed fear in them!”

Peppino relaxed, but just a little. “So he's-a OK? They're not-a filing charges or anything?”

“No worries, Mr. Spaghetti,” she responded. “We have very good insurance. Everyone knows some children are powered. We keep an eye on them.”

“So, um, why-a all the noise?” Peppino said, perplexed.

The woman snorted. “Your son isn't the only one here with a strong power, sir. Mrs. Iggsley can handle it.” A pause. “Did you want to come pick him up?”

Peppino thought for a moment. “No. No, I think we'll be fine. Thank you for-a humoring me.”

“It's nothing unusual,” she said happily. “Especially for first-timers! If anything happens, we'll let you know ASAP, okay?”

Peppino agreed mechanically, and they hung up.

Fake slipped in while he looked at the ceiling. “Everything allllll right?”

Peppino filled Fake in, and the clone chuckled. “Glee hee hee. Kids will be kids, we suppose.” They paused, then crouched down a bit farther. “Peppino, can we suggest something?”

Peppino raised his eyebrows. “Have you come up with something new to put on-a the menu?”

Fake shook their head. “No, something for you. Go pick up your son early.”

Peppino leaned back. “Weren't you the one who was suggesting I don't-a do that earlier?”

Fake shrugged. “The day is slow. And your son is probably missing you. He's used to his uncle caring for him, after all. And…” they stopped.

“And…?” Peppino prompted.

“Peppino, we must ask - is anything different between you and…”

Peppino sighed. “We still talk, Fake, but it's-a purely business,” Peppino said. “Gustavo… from what I hear, he hasn't so much as-a glanced at another partner since our breakup.”

“But… how do you feel?” Fake prompted.

Peppino turned, looking out the small window. “I wish… I wish he would come back. Everyone has buried the hatchet… except-a him. It's-a been a year.”

The pair sat in silence for several minutes. “Doooo you really think he's reformed?” Fake finally said.

“I think… I think he's not ready to forgive himself,” Peppino said quietly. “He hurt us all badly, Fake. And I think he hurt-a himself, in the deal. I've-a talked to his employees, and… they say that, while he puts on a smile for-a the customers, as soon as he's alone, he's almost… mechanical.”

Fake looked thoughtful. “Perrrhaps he should seek the assistance of a professional. A therapist. Not everrryone can manage on their own.”

Peppino shrugged. “Probabilmente. I'll-a mention it to him.”

Peppino's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at the screen. Gustavo. “Speak of the devil…” He clicked the Connect button. “Pronto?”

“Peppino!?” Gustavo's voice was high-pitched, frantic.

Immediately Peppino's adrenaline shot up, and he started shaking a little. “Gustavo? Amico, what's wrong?”

“Peppino! Turn on the TV! Hurry!”

Immediately Peppino ran to the dining room of the restaurant - the TV in the dining room was always on.

“This is a National News special report… members of the infamous Susapien League have launched an assault on several locations in the city of La Crosta, taking hostages of friends and family members of their recent targets. The police, as well as local Special Operations agents, are working to resolve the issue, but tensions are high. The Leaguers have taken hostages, including several children, and weapons have been brandished as…”

Peppino's mind seemed to crash. Tony.

Mechanically, he raised the phone to his ear again.

Gustavo was almost babbling, and his voice was edged with fear. "They attacked here, the hospital, and the daycare. We fought them off here, and Giuseppe took down the ones at the hospital, but they surprised him, and he's unconscious, injured. And the daycare…!”

Peppino felt his heart stop… and then his head exploded in murderous rage. My son! My friend! My brother!! They could have hurt Sofia and Gus and Anita!!

They're threatening MY FAMILY!!!

A blood-red haze filled the edges of his vision…

A hand landed on Peppino's shoulder.

He spun around, his eyes bloodshot -

Fake stood, their expression as cold as ice. “Peppino, we know you are furious now. We are, as well. Soon, we will likely hear as much from our friends. But we must be cautious. Haste could result in these terroristi harming someone.”

Peppino's rage began to temper itself. He breathed hard for several seconds… then growled. “Damn you, you're right. We can't-a just charge into this.” He heard a crack in front of him. Looking down, he realized he'd unconsciously shattered the edge of the stone counter in front of him.

Peppino pointedly pulled his hand away from it before he broke something more expensive.

Several patrons rushed to the counter, their faces a mixture of fury and concern. The babble of voices, asking questions, offering support, expressing anger and worry and concern, both comforted and irritated the big Italian.

Peppino raised the phone back to his ear. Gustavo was still frantic. “Peppino! They have Tony!! What do we do? I heard you say we shouldn't charge in, but- !”

Despite his burning fury, mixed with the terrified shaking of his body, Peppino managed to keep his voice even. “Amico, respirare. I'm-a sure the polizia will let us know our-a options as soon as they know. We…”

The front door bell jingled…

Peppino looked up in time to see Vigi ooze quickly into the restaurant. The cheeseslime had the same expression on his face he'd had when he and Peppino had faced off in the Tower, years before - a look of cold fury.

He waved his gloved hands at the crowd as he oozed up. “Alright, alright, folks, give the man some room. Understand yer concern - we share it - but right now I bet he needs air.”

The patrons all expressed agreement, and backed off.

“Gustavo, Vigi just-a came in. I'm-a gonna put you on speaker.” He clicked the button, setting the phone down on the semi-fractured counter between them. “Go ahead, sceriffo.”

Vigi climbed up onto a stool. “Kinda surprised yer not already on yer way to La Crosta, Peppino,” he said.

Peppino snarled. “I started to, but Fake talked some-a sense into me.”

Vigi nodded. “That's good. The ones at that daycare are the only ones left. They're th’ only ones who actually took hostages.” Vigi snarled the last word out with undisguised disgust, spitting to the side.

For once, Peppino didn't chastise him for the mess.

“They didn't just attack yer people, Peppino… but you were one of th’ biggest targets,” Vigi growled. “Giuseppe took a hit t’ the head. One of ‘em had th’ brass to try and come inta the nursery! Nurse told me yer brother did some real damage. An' it was a good thing they were at th’ hospital already. Heard it got a little… bloody.”

Peppino recalled the talk they'd had on the roof, years ago, when he and his brother had discussed their respective murderous insanity when they truly snapped. “They should-a count themselves lucky.”

He heard Gustavo snarl in absolute fury over the speaker. “I swear, I’ll kill them all. Just let me at them-”

“Gustavo, as a friend, I understand, but as a Sheriff, I gotta say - stop talkin’. Yer getting on dangerous grounds w’ words like that. I already had t’ send some of my people over stop Noisette - whoop, there she goes…”

An almighty ruckus broke out outside, and everyone looked out through the broad windows just in time to see Noisette burst out the front door of her cafè. The little rabbit-woman, normally gregarious and happy, was practically shrieking at the poor officer in front of her, who was backing away with their hands held up defensively. Noisette's eyes and hair were literally on fire with rage.

Everyone's eyes were wide with fear… except for Peppino, Vigi, and Fake. Noise always said she was the most dangerous of us after Fake, myself and Seppe, Peppino thought bemusedly.

Waving a finger in the officer's face, Noisette turned, stalking towards Peppino's. Peppino saw Noise quietly walking behind her, their toddler son, Timmy, on his hip. He looked unusually serious.

Noisette slammed the door open, striding over to the counter, the crowd parting like an ocean in front of an oddly-cute prophet. She slammed her hands down on the counter. “I'm gonna kill ‘em,” she said.

Vigi growled. “Listen, y'all are friends, but y'all can't be sayin’ stuff like that! I gotta take it seriously.” He turned to Peppino, who was grim but quiet. “Honestly a little surprised at how quiet y'are, Peppino.”

Peppino's lip twisted. “Trust-a me, it's-a taking real effort.”

Noise, standing behind Noisette and looking upset, cleared his throat. “Uh, I know I ain't normally th’ voice o’ reason, but Vigi’s right. We gotta play this cool.”

Noisette rounded on her husband, who stepped back. She was as fond of Tony and Giuseppe's kids as her own. “I ain't standin’ around and letting some brain-rotted Pigs hurt those kids!” She shouted.

Timmy whimpered, and Noise bounced the child with unexpected tenderness. “Sette, yer scarin’ Timmy. And me.”

Noisette leaned back, and the flames in her eyes and hair died down. She blinked. “Oh, Timmy-poo, I'm so sorry. Mama's just a little upset, is all.” She turned back to the counter. “But what're we gonna do?”

Fake leaned down. “Weee could go into camouflage mode. Sneak in, take back the child."

Vigi shook his head. “But what about th’ other kids? An’ this bunch have guns. They could start shootin’. Naw. We gotta let experts handle this.”

Everyone other than Noise growled in frustration. Peppino shook his head. “Experts or-a no, I'm-a gonna be there. I'm-a not going to stand by and leave-a my son alone.”

Noise nodded. “Tell ya what, Peppino. I'll get one of my cars t’ take ya. All of ya.” He bounced Timmy up. “I'll stay here with the nugget.”

Peppino’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “That's… molto carino da parte tua, Noise.”

Noise looked his son in the eyes. “Y’know, I wasn't sure about havin’ a kid, but…” he grinned a bit, and Timmy giggled, “the little guy has grown on me. I know how I'd be behavin’ if it was mine.” He grinned wickedly, his teeth shifting into vicious fangs. “Half the city'd be a crater by now.”

Vigi looked from Noise to Peppino. “Y’know they won't be able t’ let you get very close. Y’know that, right, Pep?”

Peppino nodded. “Lo so. But I'm-a not going to stand around when-a mio figlio is in periglio!”

Vigi nodded. “All right, Peppino. I'll go with ya, say yer with me.” He raised a gloved finger, looking stern. “But if I say to do or not do somethin’, ya do what I say, OK? Hero or no, they'll run ya off if they think yer a problem.”

Peppino nodded.

“I'll meet you there,” Gustavo's voice piped up from the phone. “I'm not gonna leave my son alone, either.”

~~~~

The car, just big enough for all of them, stopped several blocks away. “Sorry, folks, can't get no closer,” the Pig driver called over his shoulder.

Vigi opened the door. “S’alright, son, we can walk. Thanks for the ride.”

The others - Peppino, Noisette, and Fake - called agreement and piled out.

As Peppino passed the driver's window, the Pig waved a hand. “Hey, Mr. Spaghetti, I need to tell you something.”

Peppino paused, curious.

The Pig blushed just a little. “Just want you to know… not all us Pigs agree with the Susapiens. I hope it all goes all right.”

Peppino smiled and shook his head. “I never even enter-a-tained the idea you would, young man. But grazie, nonetheless.”

The Pig smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Spaghetti. Take care.”

Peppino looked ahead as the car slowly turned away. This part of the city was tightly packed at the best of times… and now it was cramped with police and Spec Ops. Ahead, beside a distinguished-looking human, stood Gustavo and Brando.

Brando and Gustavo turned, quickly moving towards the group. Brando locked arms with Peppino, his face stricken. “Signore, I'm so sorry this has happened. I wish there was something I could do.”

Peppino did his best to stifle his shaking. “Lo apprezzo, amico. But we must be prudente.”

Gustavo looked up into Peppino's eyes, his face quivering with fear and grief. “Peppino… our son…”

This is the most emotion he's shown in ages, Peppino mused. He knelt down, and the gnome wrapped his arms around the Italian, bawling out his grief.

Peppino felt his own resolve break, and he bent his head down, choking out his own tears.

As the two fathers shared their pain, Vigi spoke to the officer beside them. “Sheriff Lantte,” he said, shaking hands.

“Captain Kowalczyk,” the man replied. He turned, seeing the others behind them. “You're… you're Peppino Spaghetti,” with a slight bit of awe.

Peppino looked up and stood, flushed a little as tears continued streaming down his face. “Sì. My-a son is in there… I couldn't just stay away.”

Kowalczyk frowned. “I understand, but it's a delicate situation,” he said, his words terse and clipped. “These Susapiens have lost their minds. Their sponsors have already publicly renounced them - the ones that survived themselves.”

Noisette's ears perked up. “What do you mean?”

The captain grimaced. “These fanatics staged a coup. They murdered most of their financial backers, stole their fortunes, and did - this. There never were a huge number of them, but…”

Everyone's eyes went wide. “Mi… mio dio,” Brando whispered.

Captain Kowalczyk nodded. “Yep. In fact, only one survived.” He pointed at a well-dressed Pig - one Peppino found to be familiar.

Peppino growled deeply and marched towards the Pig, the others following, swept up in his wake.

The Pig, shivering and cowering, turned, saw the Italian, and squealed in abject terror. “Please! Don't hurt me! I'm sorry! We didn't know - how could we -” he stopped, unable to speak anymore. “We didn't want this,” he choked out. “We just wanted… justice!”

Peppino went blood-red with rage, but managed to hold his temper in check… mostly. “Justice? Justice?” He grabbed the Pig by the lapels, picking him up.

Kowalczyk raised a hand, but Vigi stopped him. “Let it play out, Captain.”

Peppino held the terrified Pig up to his face. “What kind of-a fucking justice is there in-a what you’ve-a done?? Shutting down small-a businesses? For serving pork?? How-a many poor lost their livelihoods - their dreams - for your god-damned so-a-called JUSTICE??” Peppino was practically shooting steam out of his nose. “How many-a lives have you ruined? For what?? You arrogante, odioso, MALVAGIO-”

Peppino paused - the Pig was almost delirious with fear.

Peppino took a deep breath, and set the Pig down… but didn't let go. “Listen to me, you fucking sciocco arrogante. People have been hurt. People have-a died, because of you. Now a group of people - children, one of whom is-a my infant son - are being threatened with pain and-a death. Because of-a you, and-a your so-called fucking justice.” He pulled the Pig back into the air. “I swear… if-a anything happens to-a my son… or any of these-a people, for-a that matter… I will make it my life's-a work to make sure you spend the rest of-a your days in the deepest prison in the world, paying the price for your-a justice.”

The last word was spat with the vilest venom Peppino could muster.

The Pig whimpered. “I… I…”

Peppino set the Pig down, his rage having transmuted into nauseated disgust, and turned back to his friends. “Mi dispiace, Capitano. Had a bit of atemper-a tantrum. So. Tell me what's going on.”

Kowalczyk cleared his throat, pointedly ignoring what had been perilously close to a death threat against the Pig. “Well… right now we have negotiators speaking to the terrorists.” They turned, and Peppino noticed several Spec Ops agents speaking into radios, and even one with a megaphone. “So far, all we've gotten is demands for ‘justice.’ Whatever they mean by that,” Kowalczyk said.

The Pig spoke up. “We… the Susapiens made it our mission to have all pork products eliminated from public use,” he said quietly. “In truth, we knew it couldn't be completely eliminated, but… some of our number apparently took it far more seriously.” He put his cloven hoof-digits to his face. “At our most recent meeting - this morning - we were actually discussing… giving in. But some of them… some of them…” the Pig's eyes began to water. “They turned on us. I happened to be… out of the room. They… they murdered the others. Seized what funds they had on them. Then… they did this. There was a helicopter on the roof - that's how I eacaped.” The Pig looked up at the tall Captain. “I swear to you… we never intended this.”

Everyone stood in stunned silence. Finally, Vigi spoke. “Intended or no, it's your teachins’ that have these folks in a tizzy. Ya got blood on yer hands, sir.” He turned towards the daycare. “If anythin’ happens to these people… I'll be helpin’ Peppino put you away.”

Everyone other than Kowalczyk added their affirmations to Vigi's words.

Kowalczyk cleared his throat again. “Anyway. They're getting nowhere so far. The worker in the daycare are refusing to leave. Say they want to protect the kids.”

Gustavo smiled weakly, looking up at Peppino. “Told you it was well-vetted.”

“We can't risk an assault. They have too many hostages,” Kowalczyk said.

“Have they made any demands?” Noisette said, strangely serious.

Kowalczyk shook his head. “None, actually. They seem to be… locked-up. They don't want to give in, but they don't seem to know what they want.” He sighed. “It's a true standoff.”

Fake growled - the sound reverberated like a giant frog’s croaking. “Is there nothing we can do?”

Suddenly Brando’s eyes lit up. “Un attimo… I think I saw one of their weapons earlier. It didn't look like a standard gun.”

Kowalczyk nodded. “They're energy weapons, based off Old Tech.”

Brando’s smile turned almost malicious. “Could Paolo do something about that? Almost all Old Tech these days is descended from the stuff from the Tower, no?”

Everyone looked perplexed. Finally Kowalczyk spoke. “I suppose it's worth a try. Can one of you contact him?”

“Way ahead of ya, big guy,” Noisette said; she already had her phone out.

Gustavo looked unconvinced. “But… Paolo's in Boiler City. Maybe he could remotely access them eventually, but… what could he do right now?”

Noisette grinned mischievously. “Watch and learn, Gussy-wussy,” she said. “Noisette got me the latest phone tech! I can do so much with this thing,” she said in a happy sing-song voice.

Everyone stared at the rabbit-woman, looking a little stunned. “I guess it pays to have connections,” Kowalczyk said weakly.

Vigi shook his head. “T’ be fair, even we didn' expect that,” he said with a hint of amusement. “Noisette, that's all well ‘n good, but that still leaves us with a bunch o’ hostages.”

“Aaaand there's no guarantee they do not have other weapons. Knives, for one,” Fake rumbled.

“But maybe if they realize their weapons are disabled, they'll give up?” Brando volunteered.

Everyone shook their heads. “Going by what… what he said,” Gustavo said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the quivering Pig, “these guys are zealots. Fanatics. I bet… I bet they know the cops know about the murders.” His eyes walked up. “All those kids… they…” he sucked in a shaky breath.

Brando placed a hand on the gnome's shoulder, and Gustavo turned, weeping into the man's shirt.

Peppino felt his own heart breaking at the sight. If anyone doubted his real feelings, this ought to set them straight.

Then he noticed something else: the gnome was twisting something in between his hands. Looks like a shank of… gray fur?

His eyes widened. Gray. Rat fur? Brick?

Peppino walked over, kneeling down. “Gustavo,” he said quietly, “has-a something happened to Brick?”

Everyone froze, turning towards the little man.

Gustavo shivered, twisting the hank of hair. “She… she disappeared a while ago. I don't know why. Not long before… before everything happened. She was just… just gone.” He choked, barely able to speak. “I was… I was alone. So alone. Here, alone, everyone gone, expecting me to come to them…” his face was streaming with tears. “I couldn't… I couldn't stand it! Not… not again! So I… I started… and then… then you found out, and everyone was so angry, and-and I hated myself for treating everyone so bad, and… and…”

Peppino felt his throat close up. “Oh, mio caro amico…” He wrapped the gnome up in a bear hug… and found himself surrounded by the entire group. “Mi dispiace tanto, amico. If I'd only known…”

Gustavo sniffed. “That's doesn't excuse what I did, Peppino,” he whispered. “To you. To Tony. To Anita and Giuseppe and everyone. I… I deserve to be alone.”

Everyone broke away. “Everybody deserves a second chance, Gussy,” Noisette said, her eyes misty. “Everybody.”

Fake nodded. “Nearrrrly everyone here is here noww because of second chances,” he croaked.

Gustavo looked around, his eyes wobbling. After several moments, he looked down. “Grazie mille, i miei amici. I'll… I'll try to be worthy.”

Kowalczyk cleared his throat. “I hate to interrupt this heartfelt moment, but… we still have a group of fanatical murderers holding a bunch of toddlers hostage.”

Noisette's phone started ringing,and everyone broke away so she could answer… but Peppino out his hands on Gustavo's shoulders. “Lo giuro, amico, when this is-a over, we'll all help you find-a Brick.”

Gustavo nodded.

Noisette was chatting amiably to whoever was on the phone, then paused. “Actually, hang on, the guys here should hear this, too. I'm gonna put you on speaker.” She clicked, holding the phone up. “Go ahead, Paolo.”

“All right,” the voice of the Ninda rang out. Noisette wasn't kidding, it doesn't even sound like a phone call! “I saw what's going on - it's all over the news. I think I can help, at least a little. Captain… sorry, didn't get your name?”

The captain cleared his throat. “Captain Kowalczyk, sir, of the La Crosta PD. I assume you're Mr. Totino?”

“More’s the pity, sometimes,” Paolo said ascerbically. “Noisette's right; if I can find out what kind of weapons they have, I can give her a code to disable them. You don't happen to have a picture of one, do you?”

“No need,” a quavery voice said behind them. Kowalczyk turned; the Pig had stepped forward, shaking but looking determined. “They're PT-307 Fireflys. I recognized them from one of my cohort’s private stores.”

Kowalczyk shuddered. “Small but powerful. Glad we didn't try to rush in.”

“On the other hand, I'm familiar with those,” Paolo said smugly.

Kowalczyk looked unconvinced. “And you can… shut those down, Mr. Totino?”

“Most of that sort of tech is descended from the Tech we took out of the Pizza Tower, Captain,” Paolo said. “As such, some of the code of the Tower is there… and I know override codes.” Noisette's phone beeped. “I just sent you the current codes you can use, Noisette. You should be able to send a Lock command from your phone. Be careful, it'll only work for twenty minutes.”

Noisette saluted. “On it, Paolo! Thanks!”

As the woman typed furiously, Kowalczyk leaned over. “Not that I'm not grateful, Mr. Totino, but… doesn't this mean you could essentially shut down any advanced tech, anywhere in the world, at any time?”

“Anything descended from my tech, yes,” Paolo said. “But I don't give that information out to just anyone. And I know better than to exploit that sort of thing.” Pause. “I’m not my ancestor, Captain. I'll take these secrets to my grave. I'm only doing it now to help those kids.”

Kowalczyk nodded. “It's appreciated, then, Mr. Totino. Thank you.”

Peppino could almost hear the wide grin. “Happy to help, sir. Everyone? Take care.”

The line clicked as he signed off.

Shortly Peppino's phone buzzed.

A message from Paolo. Your son is in there, isn't he?

Peppino shuddered, and replied. Yes.

The phone buzzed again. Didn't want to call you out. I'm sorry. It'll be Ok. With all of you there, I know it.

Peppino smiled. Thank you, amico.

He stared into the distance. Hard to believe we used to be mortal enemies.

Noisette dramatically pressed a button on her screen, and a grating brrrrp sounded. “Aaaand done! Those guns are no better than toys now!”

The group turned towards the daycare. “Now we just have to figure out how to get a group of murderous fanatics to give back their hostages,” Kowalczyk muttered.

~~~~

An hour later, the group stood just outside the police line. Peppino was trying to maintain his composure, but the wait had been excruciating.

Giuseppe had messaged him about the minutes in. I'm OK. Anita and the kids are OK. But I heard about the daycare and the restaurant. Is Gus OK?

A few scrapes, he said, but they're OK, Peppino sent back. But there's a standoff at the daycare. They're at a standstill.

Do you want me to come down there? He sent back.

Peppino felt his heart lfit at that. To offer to be away from his wife and children… he thought. No, fratello, he sent back, there are plenty of us here. And someone might try again. Stay with your family. I'll feel more at ease knowing you're safe.

Well, Spec Ops has this place locked down tight, Giuseppe replied, but all right. I had to talk them down, to be honest. Guess these guys take attacking a retired general's family seriously.

Peppino smirked. As they should. Be careful, fratello.

Same, fratellino.

Kowalczyk walked over; he'd been speaking to Fake. “Your friend's camouflage abilities are coming in handy, Mr. Spaghetti. They've been scouting.”

“And what did they find?” Gustavo said.

“Something… strange is happening,” Kowalczyk said. “The people are… disappearing.”

Everyone paused. “Disappearin’?” Vigi said, confused. “How?”

“Weee’re not sure,” Fake said. “Any person not in the hands of a terrrrrorist disppearrrrs. The terrorists, as well.” They smiled grimly. “Onnnnly Tony and one other are left.”

Kowalczyk nodded. “Whatever's going on, they're probably getting desperate. No weapons and almost no hostages… we have to be very careful.”

“ATTENTION!” A voice called from inside the daycare. “OUR DEMANDS HAVE CHANGED!”

“I’ll bet,” Kowalczyk muttered. He turned to the Spec Ops officer near him, a tall Ninda. “You're the negotiator, Major Ingerah,” he said.

The brown-skinned man raised a megaphone. “We hear you! What are your demands?”

“WE KNOW SOME OF THE PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN ARE HERE,” the voice called. “ONE IN PARTICULAR. WE DEMAND TO SPEAK TO MR. PEPPINO SPAGHETTI!”

Everyone turned to Peppino, who had gone white. “M-me?” Peppino stammered. “Why-a me?”

Ingerah and Kowalczyk looked at each other and frowned. “They probably feel like they can get something from you,” Ingerah said.

Peppino felt a panic attack already starting. Gustavo reached out and took one arm, Noisette the other.

Their touch calmed his nerves… slightly. “What… what should I-a do?”

Ingerah held out the megaphone. “Ask,” he said.

Hesitantly, Peppino stepped forward. The crowd had gone quiet; everyone knew the situation was delicate. He held up the megaphone… “I am Peppino Spaghetti! What do you need?”

“WE KNOW WE STILL HAVE YOUR SON,” the voice replied. “WE DEMAND ASYLUM!”

Peppino turned; Ingerah shook their head. “They can't ask asylum, they're all citizens! Tell them that.”

Peppino relayed the message, and there was a pause. “WE REFUSE TO BOW TO CANNIBALS!”

Peppino turned again, and Ingerah shrugged. “We've been hitting this snag all day. They're fanatics.” He pursed his lips, then nodded. See if you can get him out in plain view. Maybe we can take him out.”

“He's sure to have the kid, though,” Kowalczyk countered heatedly. “We're not risking the child!”

Ingerah nodded. “Agreed. But we need to see if the kid is still OK. Mr. Spaghetti? Over to you.”

Peppino was shaking badly, but nodded. “I-a need to see if-a my son is hurt! Step out-a-side so we can see you!”

The voice replied with derision. “OF COURSE! SO SOME SNIPER CAN GUN ME DOWN?”

“I-a promise, that won’t-a happen,” Peppino called back. “Please. I just-a want to know my son is OK.”

There was a long pause, and finally, a response. “ALL RIGHT, I'M STEPPING OUT! ALL OF YOU, LOWER YOUR WEAPONS!”

Kowalczyk and Ingerah both signaled to their people, and everyone lowered their weapons. “All-a right, you're safe, whoever you are!”

Shortly, a surprisingly-thin Pig stepped out, with Tony in his arms… and a gun to the boy's temple.

Brando had to restrain Gustavo. “TONY!” The gnome cried out. Noisette put her hands to her face. Fake growled loudly, and Vigi put a hand on Peppino's leg. “Easy, amigo.”

The Pig looked disheveled, wild-eyed. “I don't know how you got the other hostages, or what you did to my friends, but… I refuse to go down alone!” He hoisted the child up, brandishing the gun. “I'll… I'll have justice!”

Peppino put the megaphone down. “Giustizia?” he said. “What-a giustizia is-a there in threatening to murder a small child, Signore?”

In the throes of instinct, Peppino stepped around the blocking tape. Ingerah reached for him, but Kowalczyk grabbed his shoulder. “Wait,” he whispered.

The Pig terrorist was wild-eyed. “I-I know what you can do! You can kill me at super-speed! I'll-I-I’ll kill the boy first!”

Peppino held out his hands to the side. “I won't-a do that,” he said calmly. The shaking had stopped. Saving my son is most important. “Please. Just… give me my son. We can-a talk. I won't-a let them hurt you.”

Suddenly, from the side, a huge gray blur shot past…

And Tony was gone.

Behind him, Peppino heard everyone cry out. He turned…

Gustavo was holding Tony, and both of them were bawling. Beside them stood -

Brick?? Peppino thought incredulously.

Then he remembered the Pig in front of him. He turned…

Unsurprisingly, the Pig now had his gun trained on Peppino's chest.

“How did you do that??” The Pig squalled. “You planned that, didn't you??”

Peppino shook his head. “Sinceramente, I'm as-a surprised as you are,” he muttered. “But we can still talk, amico. Please. Put-a the gun down.”

Peppino held out a hand.

The Pig, tears in his eyes, lifted the gun.

He pulled the trigger…

And nothing happened.

The Pig's eyes went wide, and he slumped to the ground. “How - how did…”

Peppino knelt, smiling sadly. “Friends in high places, amico. Now-a please. Give-a yourself up quietly. It'll go better for you.”

The Pig looked up, defeated, and nodded.

As the police and military took him into custody, Peppino walked back to the crowd. Everyone was cheering.

Peppino had only eyes for his son.

As he walked up, Tony held out his arms. “Papa,” he said. “Papa!”

Peppino wrapped the boy up in his arms, pulling him close, and started bawling. “Mi dispiace,” he blubbered. “Mi dispiace tanto, mio figlio.”

Peppino heard new voices around him, and looked up…

Giant Rats were appearing from everywhere, carrying children, escorting adults.

Peppino turned to Brick. “Did… did-a you save them all?”

Brick nodded, squeaking proudly. Then she knelt to nuzzle Gustavo.

The gnome reached up, rubbing her muzzle. “Oh, amica, I've missed you so! Tell me-”

Suddenly both gnome and rat froze, and Brick stood up, looking surprised.

“Brick?” Gustavo whispered.

Brick nosed the gnome over, looking confused.

Brando walked over. “What's wrong, Signore?”

“I… I can't hear her,” Gustavo whispered. “I can't hear her!” He looked up, grabbing fistfuls of Brick's fur. “Can you hear me?” he said, his eyes full of tears, his voice desperate.

Brick sadly shook her head.

Everyone stared as Gustavo buried his face in the Rat's fur, sobbing.

#pizza tower #my stuff #pizzatower #peppino spaghetti #pt #pizza tower au #peppino #pizza tower fanfic #tower town au #tt au #the noise #noisette #the vigilante #gustavo #brick the rat #original characters #fanchild #day care

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ravennasgf · 3 months ago

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Minerva McGonagall: Detention

TW: none let me know if there are any

Fred, George and I are sitting in professor McGonagall's classroom after becoming suspects of the food fight at dinner.

"As entertaining as that was Dumbledore is not happy about it."

"You two." she says looking at the twins. "Are already on this ice for the prank you pulled earlier."

"We're sorry professor." george starts

"We swear our hands are clean of this." Fred finishes.

"Go" she says

"Now I may not have evidence of the twins involvement however i saw you mutter the first spell to start the food fight."

That was the moment I knew it was all over. I accept my fate lowering my head, looking at my shoes.

"You'll be spending a lot of time with me in detention Miss y/l/n."

I don't bother to argue.

For the next few months I spent every waking moment pretty much tied to the woman. McGonagall was a busy woman. When I'm not in class so free periods, free time before curfew, the time at the end of the day, the hour before breakfast, I'm with her. Homework and studying completed in her classroom.

At first, it was hell she wouldn't talk to me, she would ignore me. Eventually we started talk. Now we talk about anything that came up. Eventually my childhood came up in, so I told her about my Aunt and Uncle who have "looked" after me when my parents died. Not even the twins knew that.

Often falling asleep at my desk doing homework and waking up in my dorm confused as to how i got there.

Anyway I'm at the verge of a mental breakdown due to the assignment she set for transfiguration. She was at a meeting and I know that leaving her office would land me in more trouble and more detention, so there was no point. After staring at the work for I don't even know how long, tears blurred my vision as they fell.

To engulfed in my current of emotions I didn't realise McGonagall had returned.

"y/n you didn't escape, I'm surprised." I quickly pull myself together.

"It wouldn't be my smartest move," I say looking at my work, my voice cracking slightly. Tears still falling down my face. I feel so stupid. She walks to her desk. Thankfully she doesn't notice me crying. I try to do the assignment again but after about ten minutes of silent crying and berating of my own stupidity I throw my quill down standing up frustrated and still upset.

I start mumbling to myself about how stupid I am. She gets up walking towards me.

"Darling, hey, look at me," she says turning me to face her. She takes one look at me and pulls me into a hug making me break down completely into loud sobs. She leads me to the chair i was sitting on earlier sitting down and placing me on her lap. She holds me close.

"It's ok darling," she says as she whispers comforting words into my ear helping me calm me down.

"I'm sorry professor," I mumble through sobs.

"It's ok darling, what's the matter?"

"I'm beyond stuck on the assignment you set for transfiguration, I've been trying to do it for over an hour and a half and I just feel so stupid and..."

"Oh darling, it's ok you're not stupid you are very, very smart my dear we all have our days when we get stuck and that's ok, now do you want some help?"

"It's ok you've got your own work to do," I go to get up. I make it to a standing position before she pulls me back down.

"My work can wait, come on where did you get stuck?" We sit there not moving as she helps me through the work, we finally finish it.

"Good job my dear, you're all finished,"

"Thank you, professor,"

"It's quite alright darling if you've got any questions on any subject just let me know, and I'll help,"

"Thank you,"

maybe detention wasn't the worst thing to happen to me.

#minervamcgonagallxreader #minerva mcgonagall x reader #minerva mcgonagall imagine #minerva mcgonagall

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mitsuki91 · 1 year ago

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Mega meta post about Coriolanus Snow, somehow copypasted from a discord chat.

The start point was the summary of a tiktok video (I will link it later): "Snow is not an evil genius, he is super emotional and everyone can see through his shit, he is constantly on the verge of a panic attack, and Sejanus and Ma' ignore it because they are desperate to feel they belong with someone"

So this are some takes:

About Sejanus: For me Coriolanus doesn't even think through, he was on the verge of panic attack and act, and then regret, and then try to justify himself, and then Sejanus was put in jail and he is in full panic attack mode and try to call Strabo because he doesn't want to kill his only friend for real (he can tell himself he despise him how many times he wants but in reality he grows fond of him) and then he is only defeated. He crossed the line. He can not go back. He doesn't know how to forgive himself.

That's why "the third one" line exist, because he feels real guilt. No ammount of self-justification is going to explain this in the deep of his heart.

If Coryo was only a cold mastermind he never even slip the "third" in that sentence.

Also, let's not forget, that until he found Sejanus was lying to him the thought of betraying him never ever cross his mind. Even if that makes him a rebel too.

He did it only because of the spiraling of paranoia. "If he lies to me like this then I can not trust him then even if I try to save him he can make me hanged".

Not that Sejanus was wrong for lying, in his own way he was trying to protect him so even if he was caught Coryo was clean.

About Lucy Gray and the downfall: Even the spiraling with Lucy Gray. He is so... He contraddict himself a lot and he ignite because in his own mind she lied to him.

I mean, he found the weapons, his first thought was "I'm leaving her".

NEVER in his mind cross the thought about "she can sell me to the soldier". EVER.

It's only after. After the shawl. Beside the snake that okay, enraged him... But the shawl is where he sees the first lie of Lucy Gray. And if she, a person who he trusts with all himself because she told him that trust is everything, can lie to him... Not having care of his precious shawl after she promised... What else could be lying about?

Then of course the snake, the fear for his life, the worst betrayal of all of this added together. But at the end of the day... Even after he try to kill her in the mental breakdown induced rage, he sees the food and thinks "well the Covey can have it or Lucy Gray can use it to survive".

He wants her to survive.

Deep down.

Because he knew he was wrong and he lost it but it's a wrong so wrong, so bad, he can never think about it directly.

I think if he had succed in killing her he could even commit suicide after. He was not in a good mental state. He was saved by... Hope.

(And I want to point out Lucy Gray has all of the reasons to do what she did and I will never deny that.)

Even at the end, because I re-read the passage in the book yesterday, he said something like "Talking about Lucy Gray with someone always make him sad".

He didn't want to erase her for erasing her, at the end of the day. He want to do it to try to not feel guilty, to not have a reminder everyday to see with his own eyes that he wronged her so bad he lost her forever.

I think now (years later in thg saga) everytime he watches the reaping at the start of every hunger games and the mayor tells the name of the past victor... "Lucy Gray Baird"... He is forced to remember and his heart ache and he feels anger at the same time, in a way like "How dare you say her name she was nothing for you she is nothing for you all how dare you".

About Gaul's philosophy take on humanity, that is bad and corrupted at the core: I mean he can say that out loud. He can even think that. But he knews, deep down he knews, that this is wrong. And he does it, he continue the hunger games and all. Because it hurts less this way.

Because what if he become a better president? If he try to hear people, to improve the quality of life of everyone?

Then he still had lost his Lucy Gray. The world is dark anyway. His heart is shattered anyway.

There is not point. At least he can try to belive that he is destined to darkness and greatness. He can become a killer, he knew how to kill. If he continue to do something unforgivable, sinking deep and deep and deep, at least Lucy Gray is really safe so far away from him. She will never came back because there is no point. She can be happy somewhere else.

He can be a real monster and it will not be... A waste.

Link of the tiktok:

#coriolanus snow #coriolanus snow meta #lucy gray baird #sejanus plinth #tbosas analysis #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #tbosas #snowbaird #angst #fix my grammar anon pls 😂

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90sbutterfly3 · 5 months ago

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No Contact

In November 2020, I chose to have no contact with my family (mom, sibling, etc.). My dad died in 2016 from cancer.

The reason behind this is a bunch of things, from the way they talk to me and treat me to even feeling like an only child.

Now, there have been a few times since then that my sister reached out and tried, but once my nephew, who is her son, passed away, I never really spoke to her again.

I tried relating to her since I lost a son, too, when she called with the news, but I should have kept quiet. She said that I didn't need to go through the trouble to go since I had my 2 kids and lived in another state. I felt it was in a tone I wasn't welcome, and with only one car that my husband needed for work he couldn't get out of, and no one offering help and me not comfortable asking, I didn't go. Perhaps I should have tried hard to get there. we shall never know.

I haven't talked to my two brothers since November 2020, after two different hurricanes around that time.

I was the youngest of 4, with my brother before me, 9 years older than me.

The following is the last I spoke with my mom through email after simply sharing pictures of my kids through Messenger and then being questioned why on Messenger.

(Reasons why. Wed, May 8 2024, 5:30 AM)

Reasons why.

You asked why.

Where should I start?

Honestly I feel like I shouldn’t need to explain myself but here we are.

Most of my life I was told sorry didn’t want to bother you since you have kids or sorry thought your sister called you whom also forgot about me.

Did you know throughout my life I have been jealous of Denise because she had a mom that checked on her every day and if she didn’t call mom, mom actually worried about her?

Oh sorry I had Adam so I was left alone.

I mean like what logic is that? Denise had kids along with pets,Tony had Jacob and Joe had his pets. Why am I different?

November 2020 is where I will start I was on the verge of a mental breakdown, career stressing me out had babysitting issues every time I turned around and an extended family that didn’t understand what I was going through.

We were homeless with two kids living on my brother n laws living room for the kids. Couldn’t go back to were we were living do to mold.

So yes I walked away from all of it with my kids. Adam got an job opportunity in Galveston with his company and we decided to take it.

From there we lived in a hotel then moved from there 3 times now settling here.

From gillis to ragely to lake Charles to Texas we have moved 5 times.

My extended not ever helping.

It was just the four of us most of the time. The two kids, Adam and I.

My extended?

Judging me that I didn’t help mom I am sure.

Joe calling me at one point fussing about mom and the kids when mom should have called me directly. I haven’t talked to Joe since because he is not my dad and I am not a kid.

Sorry my priority is my kids over mom.

Tony. He isn’t the brother I grew up with. Tony told me once after I graduated high school to not cause trouble with mom and dad they are to old. What a hypocrite. Most fights that I listened to growing up were from him starting it. I don’t feel safe around him and didn’t when I last saw him unwillingly and mom left me with him and my two kids. Yes I am sour about that.

I am a very logical and simple person that as a.d.d. and anxiety. I don’t play games with people.

I am not going to pretend that we are a happy normal family.

Denise once told me that she no longer as a older brother then the next week it was expected to act like it never happened. I was always confused by this.

I don’t say one thing and do another.

I don’t know how mom found out I have been back on many occasions to lake Charles. Perhaps it was common sense.

You or my siblings seen me and couldn’t be bothered to come to me seeing I didn’t see you. Most hurtful I must say.

Someone reported back to you of such information.

Either way no matter the answer before yesterday and since Denise communicated with me before Michael Scott died anyone could have called me. My phone was open. No one did though.

I don’t respond well to random questions on messenger I would rather you call me. Talk to me but none of you have ever done that.

It’s a two way street and I gave up some years ago with me being the only one trying to communicate.

Last time I talked to Denise she told me to not go through any trouble going to Michael’s funeral. She told me this several times in a tone that I took as I wasn’t really welcome. At the time we had one car and Adam worked 7 days a week most of the time still does. No one called me offering a ride or called me asking why I wasn’t there. I haven’t ever talked to Denise since.

I haven’t talked to my brothers since November 2020.

I was mostly raised as a only child with siblings in and out only ever causing trouble and a dad that was gone two weeks.

I refuse to talk about dad I have made my peace with him years ago.

I will say this:

Did you know I asked dad once before he sick why won’t either of you call me why do I always have to call. He told me that mom is the way she is, in the tone of it’s just the way it is.

When it comes to Adam I find it insulting that he is judged upon his family and I am given the tone none of yall like him. Adam is not his family. No I don’t communicate with them they are his family and his problem not mine.

Reasons why. Why?

Perhaps it’s because I don’t want to bother. I don’t want to deal with the questions, fussing and undertone of y’all being mad. Which is why I stopped asking for help when yall couldn’t ever help.

Before any of you try to say well you could have gone to Denise’s. Splitting my little family up wasn’t an option for me.

Why after all these years do you want to bother now? Why do you now care?

I think logically. And answering you in messenger would have been to much.

I will say this once. Yes I am bisexual. No I didn’t ever act on it and won’t ever. No reason to thus no point in explaining this or “coming out”. No good would come of it. Yes Adam knows.

I have tried to move on, put it in my past for the kids and keep the communication open for the kids. So any of you can still see them grow up. I tried talking to mom in video calls and it was like pulling out teeth. Why bother?

I have long ago accepted that I am the black sheep of the family.

After this I am done. Don’t bother calling I blocked everyone yesterday.

I have nothing more to say.

(her response May 8, 2024, 7:22 AM)

I am sorry you still have all this angry in you for me and your sister and brothers. You need to get help. Don’t you realize we reacted to you because of your attitude towards us.

As for not helping you, you didn’t ask. I was going through a lot getting over losing Don. I still struggle some days. And now Michael is gone. He finally got himself clean when the accident happened. .

Hurricane Laura did a lot of damage to the house. I stayed 6 months at Dee’s. But I am home. The house is so much better but I still struggle. I have had knee surgery twice. But get along on my own fine.

Please get over your problems Anne, life is too short. Please believe me, I love you and the kids so much. I miss you. Thanks for the pictures, they look happy and well. When you come into Lake Charles, please call. That’s all I ask.

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

Since then, I haven't spoken to any of them because I finally gave up. I haven't gotten any messages, emails, texts, or calls, although, for a while, they were blocked; I am positive I could have found a way around it.

Now, though no one is blocked, I don't care anymore. I just want peace and to move on. I wish I could call them and talk about my kids, but I know I can't without being questioned and talked to like I was a teenager.

Most of the time, it plagues my mind if no contact was the right decision. If everything is my fault and it is all in my head.

I would like to think it was what I thought was best for my kids and to live happily with my husband.

It feels good to journal this here. I stay to myself and help take care of my family besides writing, FNaF graphic novels and diamond painting now.

Thank you,

Until next time, Ann

#reflection #self reflecting #toxic family #no contact

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writertitan · 1 year ago

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Perennial // Part 1

A/N: Hello! This is also being posted chapter by chapter on AO3. I'll be posting 2 to 3 chapters at a time here on Tumblr, just to keep things a little more condensed and organized for this platform. Enjoy!

pairing: levi x fem!reader

overall themes: fantasy AU, strangers to lovers, traveling through realms, explicit content

part 1 themes: traveling through realms, first meeting, reader's on the verge of a mental breakdown

word count: 4.9k

There was nothing left for you here and you knew that. Still, it was hard to look around at the place you’d called home for nearly five years and see nothing but pain and moving boxes. Your whole life was packed away in those boxes and yet there were still memories scattered around the house. The faded wine stain on the carpet from two years ago after you’d gotten too drunk and spilled a newly opened bottle was where it always was. On the top right corner of the front door, you could see the little flower your friend drew; you hoped the landlord wouldn’t notice it so that it could stay.

You’d lived here since you were 18 years old and now it was done.

The movers would be done soon. They were finishing up here and meeting you at your new place. Any second now, you’d be driving out of town to begin the newest chapter of your life.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive with you?”

You blinked and then there was Pieck, looking concerned and sad.

“I’ll be okay,” you assured her quietly, your arms hugging your torso. “Besides, it’ll be stormy soon. I know you hate driving in the rain.”

Her frown deepened and you knew she was going to press the issue with you, say something about how she’d drive in the rain for you any day, but you weren’t having it.

“I’ll share my location with you, so you know I made it safely. I’m kind of looking forward to the drive,” you said. It was a lie – you were dreading the drive. You were dreading this whole thing.

Pieck knew that but kept her mouth shut, nodding once with sympathetic eyes before turning her attention to the movers.

“Be careful with that box! It says ‘fragile’ on every side, can’t you read?” she nagged, stomping away to deal with them.

You smiled sadly and turned back to the front door, eyeing that little flower in the corner again. With a sigh, you bent down to grab your backpack from the floor, plucking your car keys from the top of it. You took off the apartment key and walked to the kitchen counter, leaving it there for your landlord, and you could feel tears sting along your lash line as Pieck approached you again.

“I’ll see you soon,” you promised her, pulling her in for a tight hug. She returned it and your heart broke at her sniffles.

“Be safe,” she whispered in your ear before breaking away, wiping her eyes. “I can stay here and see the movers out.”

You nodded and swallowed thickly, taking one last look around. You could only hope that the new tenants would make as many memories as you did. This was a good home, a good apartment. It had kept you safe for so many years.

Before you could really break down, you hurried out of the door with your backpack slung over your shoulder, smiling weakly at Pieck before closing the door.

Thunder rolled across the sky as you ran to your car, still parked in its designated space, and you took a deep breath as you unlocked it and tossed your backpack in the passenger seat. Just as you shut your door and put the key in the ignition, lightning flashed, and a few droplets of rain splattered across your windshield. You turned your car on and drove away from your home, and it took everything in your power to not look in the rearview mirror.

The rain started out as a drizzle, a peaceful and steady patter over your car that lulled you as you drove on the highway. You’d turned the radio on, keeping it at low volume, a mellow song playing quietly as your mind drifted between concentrating on the road and thinking about all the new changes in your life. It felt like you were always on the verge of spiraling these days.

As the rain picked up, your car also alerted you that you were low on gas, and you had to pull off the highway and enter the edges of a small town. The only option for gas that you could see was a dingy gas station, so it would have to do. Parking at a pump, you got out after pulling your hood up on your jacket, shivering as the humid, cold air hit your face. Usually, you liked the rain, but having to drive in it and get wet with a long drive still ahead was not helping your mood at all.

“Ah, fuck,” you cursed as you stood in front of the pump. There was a soaking wet note taped to the pump where the card machine was and, upon inspecting the only other pump available, saw that it held the same taped note.

CASH ONLY – PAY INSIDE.

Sketchy. So sketchy.

Still, you couldn’t make it that much farther on the little gas you had left, and there didn’t seem to be another option at the moment. However, one look at the gas station made you dubious that this was even a good option, either. The inside looked closed and desolate, and you weren’t sure you could see anyone inside.

You reached into your car to grab your backpack before locking it, just to be safe, and headed to the little gas station, where only dim fluorescent light flickered out from the windows, swallowed by the buzzing neon lights outside. The door wasn’t locked and so you entered slowly, a little startled when the bell above you jingled to signal your arrival. There was no one at the counter. Boring oldies music played faintly throughout the little store, and it smelled like someone had recently mopped. A good sign, then.

“Hello?” you called out, maybe not as loud as you could have, but hopefully loud enough that somebody could have heard you. It wasn’t like you were in a particularly large space.

You took another step toward the counter, wishing and yet dreading that someone would appear. To keep yourself occupied, you shrugged your backpack off your shoulder and unzipped the smaller pouch to grab your wallet, relieved to see that you had enough cash for a full tank.

However, you were still all alone, and another step towards the counter told you why.

Another note lay on the counter, this time with a different message that made you groan.

BACK IN 20 MINUTES.

How long that note had been there, you had no idea. However, considering it didn’t seem like someone had stepped away that long ago, you had some hope that the wait would be fairly short.

“As long as I’m here…,” you muttered to yourself, looking around. You were already running out of road trip snacks, so it would be smart to stock up again.

You perused each aisle, occasionally glancing back at the counter while you grabbed some chips, then some candy bars, before moving on to the drinks. As you took in the limited selection, fingers brushing over some off brand ginger ale, your ears perked up at a new sound. It wasn’t the sound of someone coming back to their post, but it was a sound you hadn’t noticed before. And it was indescribable. It was like a pulse, but more electric, but not like a buzzing sound. At first there didn’t seem to be an origin to it, but as you turned your head, you realized it was probably coming from outside.

It was like you couldn’t help yourself. You moved towards the door like you were possessed, feeling more and more in a daze the closer you got to the door. It didn’t make any sense, but you could have sworn that the door itself was the cause of the noise, and even though it was impossible, it looked off. It looked like it was warping, a little distorted if you looked too hard, but then back in focus once you realized something was wrong.

Without thinking, and without hesitation, you pushed it open.

You had no idea what to expect from opening the door. In fact, it hardly felt like it was your own choice at all, but more of a compulsion, like you had to do it.

At first, you were blinded by the neon lights outside, which didn’t make sense because they hadn’t been all that bright to begin with. But your vision was assaulted by those vibrant yellows and oranges and reds until you suddenly just felt…different.

You squinted your eyes to relieve them of the brightness, noticing that the pulsing sound seemed to be all around you, inside of you, in your head, until it all just stopped. The light slowly faded, until you were able to blink your eyes open again, and what you saw made no sense.

Your car was gone, the gas station pumps were gone. When you turned to look behind you, the dingy gas station was gone as well. In its place was a small wooden building painted red, with a white wooden door. When you tried to open it and go inside, you found it was locked. The only thing that proved you’d ever been inside a gas station was the armful of snacks you were still holding, which you promptly dropped out of pure shock.

“What the…,” you whispered. It was taking everything in you not to freak out.

This didn’t make any sense. Had you been drugged? Were you tripping out right now? Were you dreaming? Were you hallucinating? Were you dead?

You turned back around, blinking hard, but the view didn’t change. Your car was gone, the little road leading to the highway was gone, and now you were looking at a narrow street with colorful buildings pressed against one another, as if leaning on one another. If you weren’t so shocked, you would have admired how it looked.

You swallowed thickly, trying to get your bearings, and the only thing you could think to do was gather your dropped snacks and stuff them into your backpack, feeling a little bad that you’d taken them without paying. It was a silly worry, considering it should have been the last thing on your mind.

Fear and panic radiated down to your very bones as you stiffly craned your neck to look around, afraid to even take a step forward, but another attempt at the white door was useless. There was a window next to it, though it was impossible to look inside because a thick curtain blocked the view.

There was only one thing to do and you knew it. As much as you hated to admit it, you knew you had to venture out and figure out what was going on. The only way to get answers was to solve this very jarring and horrific mystery.

You weren’t the courageous type. Taking risks was nausea-inducing and having a predictable routine was your idea of nirvana. That’s why uprooting your entire life was more stressful and painful than you could admit out loud; the unknown had always been too scary. So this? This was going to fuck you up for life.

You swore loudly and banged on the door, the only time you’d allow your emotions to show physically, before taking a deep breath to calm yourself.

Once your backpack was securely on both shoulders, you gripped the straps tightly and took a tentative step forward, a shaky breath of relief leaving you once you realized you hadn’t exploded.

The street’s concrete was worn but looked sort of maintained, no potholes or deep cracks. You looked to your left, then to your right, unsure of which direction to go. To your left, the road and buildings seemed to open up around a circular marketplace, empty and quiet right now, which was unnerving. To your right, the street continued, even seemed to connect with other small streets and, in the distance, you could see that this little town eventually gave into a forest. That’s where you would go first.

“Wait…why would I go there first?” you asked yourself out loud, hesitating in the middle of the street. It seemed so counterintuitive, and yet…your heart tugged towards that forest. It looked so serene and inviting. Plus, there wasn’t much going on over at the market square.

The sun was setting, and a gorgeous golden glow bathed your surroundings, making you realize that it wasn’t raining anymore. Or, rather, it wasn’t raining here, wherever you were. Maybe it was still raining where you had been before.

As scared and wary as you were, you had to admit that this place emitted a very calm energy. Peaceful. Though you couldn’t find traces of a single other person as you walked, you could hear crickets and some birds singing to each other, echoing each other’s song. You peeled your hands off your backpack straps and pushed your jacket hood off your head, tilting your head up to the sky. It was a beautiful sunset, the colors rich and bleeding into each other effortlessly. It felt different from other sunsets you’d seen before, as if you’d only ever seen watercolor sunsets and this was your first oil painting.

You passed by a few other streets that formed intersections with the street you were on, paying no mind to them. The buildings all looked the same, crammed together and cozy and as picturesque as the next. As the sunset faded and twilight arrived, the part of town you were in grew darker, while something about the forest seemed to beckon you, because it seemed to come alive. As you looked around, you noted that the buildings that were all squished together didn’t have lights of any kind. The only things lighting your way were the old-fashioned streetlamps, flicking on one by one, as if guiding you towards your destination.

The fear that had ebbed and flowed within you was coming back now that night was approaching, and you quickened your pace, hands grasping at your backpack straps again. You surprisingly felt more relieved the closer you got to the forest. Fireflies swirled at the edges of the forest, where civilization met the trees and greenery, and a sense of invitation called you closer and closer. Birds still chirped, and the crickets were even louder, and everything seemed so vibrant even as the sunlight died.

And then, finally, as the stars twinkled and took the sun’s place, everything came to life.

It startled you, going from being all alone and scared to being surrounded by people and scared. They spilled from the forest and bustled around you, busy and determined and loud. Throngs of them emerged from the trees, laughter and chatter filling your ears. Fireflies flew around them, creating an amazing light show, but you felt stuck in place as everyone moved past you. You didn’t know what to do. You wanted to scream at the top of your lungs for someone to help you, but then what would you tell them? That you teleported? That you’d been drugged? That maybe you were on some alien planet after an alien abduction gone wrong?

You felt invisible. Everyone pushed past you and barely seemed to notice you at all. It didn’t matter that you radiated panic or that you looked scared and desperate for even an ounce of attention from somebody, anybody. And the more you looked at the people around you, the more you realized that they also seemed strange. They looked like normal people, yes, but were dressed oddly, nothing modern at all, but more like period costumes. Maybe this was some type of movie set? A weird Edwardian LARPING session?

When you tried to move, you found it difficult to maneuver around the swarms of people. Finally, when you pushed your way through the crowd to get some leeway, you drew attention to yourself. Suddenly, being ignored hadn’t seemed so bad, after all.

More and more eyes landed on you, staring in shock or confusion or both, and it made you shrink into yourself. Again, you wanted to use your voice and ask for help, but your throat felt like it had closed up so no sound could come out.

“Hey! What are you doing here?!” a voice asked, and then it felt like the crowd was closing in on you.

You gulped and then made a run for it, barreling past people and running fast, not even knowing where you were running, exactly. The only clue you got was hitting a few branches as you ran, a hint that you were entering the forest. Hopefully you could find some seclusion and get your bearings again, away from all those people.

So, you were unwelcome. That was good to know.

Eventually, the trees became larger and taller, and there were less traveled dirt paths to follow, and the sounds of people became faint. At the same time, it became darker, less fireflies and less moonlight reaching your eyes. That fear of the unknown pricked at your chest again. You dared to take a few steps farther before leaning against a gigantic tree trunk to catch your breath, tears pricking at your eyes.

What a horrible day. It felt like your mind was breaking. It didn’t even feel like any of this was real. Was any of this real? Why was everyone so…startled by you?

“There you are,” a voice spoke up from your right, making you jump in surprise and whirl your heard in that direction.

At first, you didn’t say anything, only took the sight of the man in. There was just enough light to see he had black hair and piercing eyes, a short but strong build, his gaze calm and collected, different from the shocked looks you’d been getting.

At last, you finally found your voice.

“Can you help me?” you asked, disregarding the way he’d greeted you, as if he’d been looking for you. “I’m…I’m lost, I think.”

“I’ll say,” the man scoffed, taking a slow step towards, probably in order to not frighten you more than you already were. “How did you even get here?”

“I don’t know,” you choked out, the tears coming back full force. “I think I was drugged or something, and then maybe someone tried to traffic me, or kidnap me? Because I was at a gas station and then suddenly, I was here instead, and all I did was open a door, and I didn’t pay for my snacks—”

The man lifted a hand in a gesture that was meant to shush you, and you did so immediately.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“My name is…,” you began, your voice barely above a whisper, but you hesitated, unsure of whether or not you wanted to trust him. But there was no use in delaying it – you needed help.

But the man suddenly gave you a curious look, a look of bewilderment flashing through his grey eyes before it vanished just as quickly.

“Embla,” he muttered, sounding a little surprised.

“That’s definitely not my name,” you told him, confused at what he’d called you. But even when you told him your name, he seemed to disregard it.

“My name is Levi,” the man, Levi, said. “I can help you, but you have to trust me. Can you do that?”

Slowly, you nodded once, after a moment of thought. There was no other way. You couldn’t get out of this by yourself. You had no idea where you were or what was going on.

“Why are you helping me?” you asked, taking a step towards him.

It was his turn to ponder your question, until he eventually just shrugged. “I’ll ease you into everything as slowly as possible.”

That wasn’t much of an answer, but you let it slide for the time being.

“Everyone knows you’re here now, so we’re going to have to take some less traveled paths to get you someplace safe,” Levi explained.

“Why? Is it bad that I’m here?” you asked, worry creeping back into your bones.

“Not bad, per se, just…unexpected,” Levi answered, not looking at you. “Try not ask too many questions right now. It’s better if you dip your toes in. I think that’s the right phrase.”

It took a lot of willpower, but you swallowed back your millions of questions and let Levi lead you farther into the forest. You felt like you were rats in a maze, twisting around these enormous trees and tripping over logs and bushes and whatever else, until the trees began shrinking in size and volume and you finally stepped into a clearing.

You blinked in wonder, in awe at the vastness of the clearing.

Even in the night, the field was a rich green, pockets of wildflowers dotting it. Up above, the moon, full and bright, glowed proudly amongst the stars. Beyond the field, thin trees like the ones surrounding you subtly hid a very large lake that didn’t seem to end, it could have even been an ocean. Moonlight glinted off of it, and you were sure you saw fireflies dancing on the water’s surface. But in the middle of it was a short and bulky building. It looked more like a glorified shed than anything else, sitting on top of a small tuft of land that poked out from the water.

“That’s where we’re going,” Levi said.

The two of you stepped out into the field, the moon bright overhead, and you suddenly felt exposed. Strangely, you found yourself scooting a little closer to Levi, hoping for some added protection. You hadn’t come across any animals just yet, and you hoped it stayed that way. The last thing you needed was a run-in with a wolf. Or even something worse.

You tilted your head up to the sky, blinking once in surprise when you finally took a good look.

You’d never seen so many stars in all your life, and it seemed as though a falling star shot across the sky every couple of seconds. The moon looked so big, too. Had it always been this big? Or maybe in this place, the moon was bigger? The deeper you looked into the sky, you could have sworn you saw more…

“Hey. Embla,” Levi called out, snapping you out of your thoughts. “Keep up.”

You blinked again and tilted your head down to look at him. You hadn’t realized you’d stopped walking; you’d been so entranced with everything.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, jogging up to where he was and matching his pace, your eyes back on the lake and the little hut you were headed toward.

Then you realized what he’d called you, and you asked, “Why are you calling me that? I already told you my name.”

Levi seemed reluctant to answer you, and only gave you the brief response of, “It’s what you are.”

Huh. Maybe it was some term here in this strange place. But you didn’t know what it meant.

You pondered that for a while and then turned to Levi again, nodding your head in the general direction of the shed-thing, then asked, “What’s in there?”

“I told you not to ask too many questions,” Levi answered curtly, and you huffed a little in response, slightly offended.

“I’ve barely asked any even though I have a million of them,” you protested, frowning at him. You tripped a little on a small rock and felt your face grow hot, but Levi didn’t comment on that.

Levi debated for a moment, then gave you a sidelong glance as he answered, “That’s the Norchek Temple. It’s just a…pit stop. It’s going to take us someplace safe.”

“Take us someplace safe,” you repeated, a little confused. Was there some sort of underground tunnel there? You couldn’t even see a way to get to the temple from where you were, no bridge or boat of any kind. Did Levi expect you to swim? And why were you not safe where you currently were?

You mulled over his words as you approached the edge of the lake, your eyes scrutinizing the temple. Before you could say a word, a ripple in the water caught your attention, and you watched in disbelief as a small stone bridge slowly rose from the water. It rose high enough for the narrow path to not be submerged in water, and then it stopped, and the water was as still as if the bridge had always been there.

“Ladies first,” Levi said, and you hesitated for a moment, looking towards him with a scrunched-up brow.

“Is it safe?” you asked.

“Haven’t you ever heard the term ‘act now, ask later’?” Levi quipped, and you gave him a glare.

“I can’t say that I have,” you snapped back, but gulped down your fear and squeezed your backpack straps for comfort as you took a hesitant step onto the bridge. When you realized it would likely hold your weight, you stepped onto it with both feet, your pace already hurried as you crossed the narrow bridge. It was so narrow that you couldn’t stand side by side with Levi, but he was close behind.

As soon as the two of you stepped onto the small tuft of land harboring the temple, you turned to see that the bridge was lowering itself once again, slowly submerging itself back into the moonlit water. And, only a small ripple happened before the water was as still as ever, like nothing had ever disturbed it. You stood there, mesmerized by the way the surface reflected the night sky and those trillions of stars and meteors flashing by, until Levi cleared his throat and snapped you out of it.

“You have to keep moving,” he instructed. “Don’t get too moon-eyed over everything and freeze up like that. There’ll be plenty of time to do that later.”

He led the way into the temple, and you stayed quiet, taking in the wooden structure. The sun-bleached panels splintered and glistened with droplets of water, and the inside of the temple smelled humid, but also faintly of incense.

You could barely see inside the temple and felt that surge of panic inside of you again, gripping your insides and squeezing tight. You were so caught up in the panic that you accidentally bumped into Levi.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, a hand over your thumping heart. “I can’t see that well and I’m kind of freaking out.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Levi said.

A second later, you were surprised to see a glimmer of light in front of you. Your eyes adjusted until you could make out what was emitting the light: a mirror.

How strange. It didn’t help your panicky attitude at all.

“How is it doing that?” you asked, mostly to yourself, knowing Levi was probably going to be too vexed to answer another question.

There was something strange about the mirror, other than the fact that it was somehow lighting up the little room. It held your reflection in it, and you could see Levi right next to you, his arm brushing against yours, but it was like there was something behind your reflection. Like a two-way mirror.

All it took was two small steps to be right in front of it, close enough to reach up and tough the glass. Before you could do that, however, Levi’s fingers wrapped around your hand and yanked it back down to your side.

“Not yet,” he said, his reflection staring at you.

Still holding your hand, he outstretched his other hand towards the mirror, his eyes closing as though he were concentrating very hard on something. You were surprised to see him break out into a sweat, until slowly, the mirror began to emit even more light, until you also had to close your eyes.

“Do you feel it?” you heard Levi ask from beside you.

You were about to ask what he meant, since you felt nothing but anxiety, but then you paused. Something stirred in your chest and mind, like something was waking up inside of you. It felt familiar and you tried to place the feeling to no avail.

“I feel it,” you whispered, a hand moving to your chest.

It felt electric inside of you now, and somehow it felt loud, and –

You froze, recalling the last time you’d had this feeling. It was the same thing you’d experienced when you went from the gas station to wherever you were now.

“Step through,” Levi urged you, and you felt that prick of fear again, the fear of the unknown. You knew what he meant. Step through the mirror. It was some type of doorway. But your feet didn’t want to move at first, until the feeling got stronger inside of you and it felt like you were compelled to walk forward, a hand outstretched in front of you, waiting for the feeling of your fingertips pressing against glass, but it never came. Levi’s hand was the only thing that even felt tangible at that moment. The light snuffed out as soon as you felt yourself pass through some invisible barrier, and the electric feeling inside of you faded quickly. It felt too much like last time. Finally, you opened your eyes, and were stunned.

read part two here

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