#it was mostly because of our pets and the dangers of flying

[homehauntsyou]

i understand that one con person who measured how far away their brother would be at college by how long it would take to drive because when my family moved across the country we didn’t fly and instead spent 13 days in a car

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for letting my dog correct (nip) my niece to prove a point and refusing to punish him?

I own an ex-K9 called Biggles. Biggles is impeccably trained, a total gentleman when you're not being an asshole to him, but also has no time for your bullshit. He'll tolerate a lot more hassle from the younger kids in our family, but if they're allowed to persist in bullying him, he will correct them, just like he would the adults of the family.

Mostly Biggles will just push them over and walk away. Its his way of saying to leave him alone. Sometimes he'll bark loudly, a kind of 'fuck off now' bark. At the very extreme, he'll give them a tiny little warning nip on the arm or hand.

(Biggles has only ever nip corrected kids twice in all the years I've had him. Once when my cousin thought it was 'cute' to dump her toddler right on top of Biggles and let him rip at his fur and try to bite at his face, and once when my nephew was having a tantrum, Biggles tried to snuggle up to him to soothe him and my nephew hit him in the face.)

I firmly believe in learning how your pet communicates and respecting their reasonable boundaries. To me, if you're yanking on a dog's tail and ignoring everyone warning you to stop and you get a nip to the back of the hand for it, that's a valid consequence of your actions and you've just learned to respect the dog enough not to try pulling its tail out of its spine.

(This likely seems unfathomable to a lot of you, but I must clarify that Biggles isn't some hyper-reactive aggressive, dangerous dog like my sister thinks. He will more than happily play around with the little ones, faux wrestle with them, let them paw all over him and fuss at him, ect. He loves children, they're his babies. He does not love being in pain, and if the person causing it will not respect him or me enough to listen to my warnings, I believe they earn it when he warns them too.)

Anyway. Like you might've guessed, yanking on his tail was what my niece was doing at the beer-and-barbeque this weekend. I told her not to. My parents told her not to. Even my sister half-assedly suggested 'maybe Biggles wants to play a different game.' Biggles got up and moved away from her twice and she followed him both times to 'keep playing.'

My entire family knows how Biggles works. I warned my sister Biggles wouldn't tolerate what was happening. My sister told me I shouldn't own such a dangerous, unpredictable dog and he should be put down if he can't handle some 'rough love from a kid.'

(This was not rough love. This was my niece literally ripping at his tail thinking his pain responses were funny.)

I didn't want to cause a scene or subject Biggles to further harassment so I decided just once I'd cave and take Biggles inside so he could get some peace and I could enjoy my burnt ends without my sister squealing in my ear about being cruel to her child by telling her off.

Unfortunately, Biggles' patience ran out before I could make my way over. My niece yanked at his tail again, hard enough that it actually jolted him on the grass, and Biggles whipped around and nipped at her hand. I got to see her hand afterward and there was just a little red mark, no blood or broken skin. He'd just pinched her a little.

My niece screamed bloody murder like he'd taken her hand off and my sister screamed bloody murder about my 'vicious animal.' It devolved into a massive family-wide argument against my sister because my entire family knows its just basic respect and kindness not to cause an animal pain deliberately, and that its my sister's fault for not listening to anyone when we all told her and my niece not to hurt Biggles.

My sister stormed off and has since been blowing up the entire family demanding that Biggles be put down. She's threatened to call the cops, animal control, you name it. None of us are worried about that. There wasn't even a proper mark left on her hand and Biggles will pass any behavioral test with flying colors, but my sister is giving everyone grief and is refusing to attend any family events if Biggles will be there.

My dad is firmly on my side, but my mom is imploring me to just fake apologise to get some peace back. When I recounted the story to my colleague this morning, he said she got what she earned, but also why would I bring Biggles to an event I knew a disrespectful little shit of a kid was at?

I don't feel like an asshole in terms of allowing my dog to establish his boundaries. In my and my family's opinion pets are their own entities and should be treated with belonging and respect when part of a family. Its also just common sense not to cause an animal pain for the fun of it.

However, I'm also very aware that getting nipped by a dog, especially at such a young age, can be catastrophic. My niece could be terrified of dogs for the rest of her life, and while I don't feel guilty she got corrected, I do feel somewhat guilty that I didn't intervene sooner and have possibly set her up for failure in the future. And I do feel like an asshole for letting it get to that point, but it did all happen pretty quickly.

All things considered I do love my niece, she's family, she just gets away with murder because my sister thinks being a little girl is an automatic pass to do whatever you want without consequence.

I've probably painted Biggles out in a real bad light here, but I can assure you that in general Biggles is the perfect family dog. He's loving, playful, he tries to share his kibble with everyone at dinner, he helped us teach my uncle's puppy tricks and how to behave and potty outside ect.

So I guess I'm really asking am I the asshole in this situation, as the one responsible for Biggles?

What are these acronyms?

[aki-draws-things]

Hey! Saw that you wanted to write so I thought I’d pass along a few ideas I hadn’t gotten around to writing yet-

Ron’s experience to the first time Chris does something dangerous while firefighting. I’m thinking Chris went back for a kid but got trapped. Emotionally destroy Ron accordingly please and thank youuu.

Discretely destroyed, chris is mostly fine, Ron is not.

Mav is a bit too nice to Ron.

Ron knew fear.

Hell, he was a fighter pilot. His best friend was Thomas Jacob Kazansky. His other best friend used to be Goose, once upon an academy. He surely knew what fear was, thank you not so very much.

When Chris' captain called he thought he would fucking die. Straight-up fucking drop on the floor and die right here and there. It doesn't help that he's out with the boys. A nice catch-up one time when Hollywood and Wolfman were around to meet with them, they arrived home something like 10 minutes before.

"Slider? Jesus, man, are you okay? Do you need to... I don't know... sit down?"

"I'd say lay down, Wolf. He looks ready to topple over."

Yeah, that's exactly what Ron felt at that moment.

"Ron?"

Tom's voice was a lifeline. Ron blinked, God he felt-- oh... oh lord. Oh good fucking lord who forsake this world---

"Talk to me, Ronnie."

He couldn't talk, his mouth refused to work, his throat closed up, his brain ran and ran and ran. He dropped the phone, staggered back, blinked again, and his legs hit the couch.

What--?

Oh, arms around his shoulders, Tom standing in front of him, his lips moving, he couldn't hear him.

"Get him to sit. I'll grab some water."

"Does anyone know who just called? Guys, that doesn't look good."

A cold glass pressed against his lips.

"Just a sip or two, Slider, come on, for me?" Mav inclined the glass, wetting Ron's lips. It took a bit more coaxing before he managed to gulp down some water.

"Ron..."

"Chris."

He blinked again, he felt lightheaded now, and so damn tired.

"What about him? Do I have to call the station?" Tom hesitated a moment, he swallowed, his hands on Ron's face. "Am I not enough? Tell me what to do, guide me through."

Ron leaned against him, his finger grasping at Tom's shirt, his other hand found Mav's.

"Was Chris' captain. Said Chris got hurt. He's at the hospital."

Fuck. Fuck fuck. Fuuuuuck.

Was that what Chris felt all the time he got injured in the most stupid ways? Or when it happened while flying? Was that what Tom felt, too? That terrifying sense of helplessness? Oh, he owed them an apology, a very big apology. The biggest ever. Perhaps with a gift, too. A dinner.

"Do I need to drive you there?"

Ron almost said yes.

Then his eyes fixed on Hollywood and Wolfman. He owed an apology to them, too.

Jesus bloody Christ.

"I ruined our day out. Fuck-- I'm sorry, guys... I'm so--"

"No, no man, you have nothing to apologize for. You couldn't know something would happen or whatever."

Hollywood's hand was warm against his skin. God, he felt bad. Sick. It was a nightmare. One he tried to keep at bay for so long, one he knew was doomed to happen one day or another because that was Chris, and he was good and kind and selfless.

Doomed to happen.

"Mav, you drive."

It wasn't a request, and Ron didn't care anyway, he leaned against Tom and prayed he wouldn't be sick right here and there.

(He got sick right before stepping inside the car, he's glad he didn't do it inside, he would feel so guilty.)

"It's alright, it's alright... take your time, sweetheart."

He barely registered their voices, Tom opened the door, and they got him to sit. It's Chris who's hurt, he should be strong and be there for him. He doesn't even know how he would face him, he's not sure he can. Probably not.

"Think we can start the car without you puking around, hon?"

It took him a little longer before he realized that it had been Mav talking earlier too. Well, he shouldn't be that surprised, Tom is not one for pet names when they're not alone.

He nodded.

He still felt sick. He felt faint.

Chris.

Chris Chris Chris.

Hurt.

At the hospital.

Nightmare.

Gone.

"Ronnie, he's gonna be alright. They would've told you if it wasn't."

They're not bound by our secrecy. It was unspoken, and yet--

"Maybe they can't. Maybe they don't know yet--"

In all honesty, Ron thought that if something was to happen, something bad, it would happen to him. He was the one that would die first, he knew it, Chris knew it, and Tom and Mav did too. Him. Not Chris.

Chris had to be fine.

"Mav, I'll leave him to you and go search for Chris's captain."

"Is he even conscious?"

For a second Tom asked him who he meant. He had no idea if Chris was--

"Hey, darling, still with us?"

Ron blinked, he looked disoriented and didn't look fully conscious.

For a moment, Tom stepped back. When did Mav grow that close to Ron? Besides the part where they all mostly spent their days together. But one thing was that one thing was growing close to Chris, especially after he and Ron went MIA. But Ron? They've never been close, he saw them try to antagonize each other, both joking and not (or so Tom hoped). Yet now-- there was a gentleness in the way Mav acted, in the way he brushed his sweaty hair back.

"I'll be right back."

Chris's captain was not surprised when he saw Tom first. For a moment, they stared at each other, neither knowing who wanted to speak first.

"Just tell me he's okay."

"He is."

Tom scrunched up his nose a little and studied his face.

"You're not saying that to make me happy, right? You know Ron, it's not gonna be easy."

"Is he alright?"

Tom nodded. Well, he left him with Mav, still conscious, he was as good as he could be.

"Chris's fine. A bit intoxicated by smoke, and a burn on his forearm, they're giving him oxygen. He's even conscious, all considered what happened."

Tom stopped himself before asking what the fuck happened, he nodded and went to get Ron.

Chris opened his arms when Ron stepped into the room. He looked tired, and a bit pale. But he was alive.

Was that how they felt when he got hurt, really? Ron was supposed to be strong. Shit. He promised. He promised to always be strong for them. For his boyfriend, for his pilots. (He swore at Goose's grave to never let Maverick down and to keep him safe for him.) He didn't feel strong now as he collapsed like a broken puppet into Chris's arms.

"I'm okay. I'm okay, Ron. I promise I'm--"

"Don't. Stop talking. Don't---"

He choked out a sob, the hold he had on Chris was delicate, like he was holding something fragile. Like the day he first held tiny Jake.

"Sorry."

Chris mumbled into his hair. He swears to never, ever let go.

"So, how?"

Mav asks, some time later, sitting on a chair waiting for Tom to return with some coffee, with Ron asleep, his head on the mattress. Chris hesitates, his fingers don't stop the gentle carding through his boyfriend's hair, but he hesitates. (He knows, if he stops Ron would wake up. He looks bad enough, if possible worse than Chris.)

"There was a kid trapped. Tell me you wouldn't have done the same."

"You know I would. You know he would too."

Yeah, and they both knew that Ron got in trouble because of kids before.

"Was it that bad? How he react?"

Mav considered lying. In the end, he chose to lie.

"After all the time he makes you worry? Does Tom worry too? He deserves to have a taste of it."

They both know it's a lie.

"You wanna know how bad, Chris?"

Tom had coffee in hand and a pained look when he noticed Ron.

"The day after Goose. You didn't see him, I did."

Mav stepped outside, he looked at Tom briefly, the way he seemed to contemplate the cigarette in his hand.

"You smoke?"

"Ron hates it. Says it'll cause problems. I say he will cause worse problems even when he's not the one getting hurt."

"What did you mean after Goose?"

"You called him darling." Tom smiled, and he deflected the question. "He's grown on you, mh?"

"How close was he to Goose?"

"I guess that happens when living together, right?"

"Ice--"

"Rio and pilot. Mav, you didn't see him. And if Heavens can spare us, you'll never will."

"You smell of cigs. I don't like it."

"Yeah, well, I don't like my family hurt. We're even."

They weren't, they would.

Somehow.

[sassypotatoe1]

Vultures are one of my favorite birds. Mostly my favorites are the cute or very pretty ornamental ones. Tits and finches are up there, starlings are really high on the list go look at south african starling variations you will not regret it! Canaries and doves are high on the list too because I grew up with my dad keeping them. I don't know the official name of the bird but we have a shiny black bird with ridiculously long tail feathers that move like gymnastics ribbons when they fly that we call troupant voëls (older name means wedding band birds when directly translated).

So you'd think me liking dainty, pretty, cute birds would mean I wouldn't like vultures. Besties have you seen those things? They're the most dinosaur after chickens, emus and ostriches that's cool as fuck! That's just visually speaking idk about evolutionary lines. Most importantly though they're incredibly important to the ecosystem when it comes to scavenging decaying animal matter and neutralizing pathogens. Vultures have stomach acid so strong they can digest botulism.

In case y'all don't know by now botulism is an extremely dangerous disease caused by a bacteria that creates the botulinum toxin, which literally paralyzes literally anything else that consumes it until they can't eat or breathe and slowly die of starvation, asphyxiation, both, or being killed by a predator because they're paralyzed. Once paralysis sets in it's over there is no treatment beyond that point.

Botulism does not have a smell or taste, it grows anaerobically, meaning without the presence of oxygen, and the only thing that can kill it is a strong acid or high heat. Vultures have stomach acid with a ph of 1.0. When canning food, especially meat or animal products, it's recommended to use distilled vinegar with a dilution of 5% acetic acid or more, because any less is not acidic enough to kill botulism.

Many animals get it from wildlife infected with the bacteria, and it spreads among predators because pack predators or scavengers all eat from the same animal. And then they die from it and other omnivores or scavengers eat them. Vultures are largely responsible for stopping botulism from becoming a major issue because they eat rotting meat and have badass stomach acid. This stops the bacteria from infecting other scavengers who will then continue the spread of the disease.

You might be wondering how this affects you in any way, you eat domesticated livestock not rotting wildlife, how would botulism even make it into your food? Vultures help wildlife sure but they do nothing for you, right? Wrong! Pets catch rodents, and livestock do too. Cows and sheep may be herbivores, but they're not above eating a little rodent every now and then if they're peckish or need minerals. Pigs and chickens are omnivores and will kill and eat any rodents small and slow enough. Those rodents can sometimes be carriers of the botulinum bacteria, because rodents are... You guessed it! Scavengers!

Now you've got a negligible amount of botulism bacteria in your livestock. It's not a problem, their immune system and stellar veterinary care keeps the levels so low that if you were to eat it you very likely won't get infected. Unless you preserve the raw meat. Aging, drying and canning takes high acid vinegar for a reason, because once that meat with no white blood cells hits room temperature that bacteria starts to grow. And as it grows it makes the botulinum toxin as a metabolic by-product. We process our food so well in this day and age that we have very very few cases of botulism among humans. If you don't use these processing guidelines you greatly increase your risk of getting botulism.

We are however seeing a rising trend of people consuming unprocessed animal products because of this delusion that it's "healthier and safer" than processed food. What they fail to realize is that we developed these methods of food processing over centuries BECAUSE we were fucking dying. Pasteurization? Developed because tuberculosis was being transmitted to people from the milk and people died. Canning guidelines? Developed specifically because the bacterial and fungal growth was studied intensively with the use of different canning media. 5% acetic acid killed botulism. Any less and you'll still get colony growth. When you dry or age meat you also use strong distilled vinegar. Or very low temperatures. Because botulism likes room temp.

A lot of people think that if you don't use the acid content guidelines you'll be fine as long as you vacuum seal your cans. Remember when I said botulism grows anaerobically? Yeah that means that it grows in the absence of oxygen. It not only thrives when there's a vacuum seal and no air, it needs it!

So we get a few centuries where a only couple dumb idiots or starving poor people get botulism because they didn't or couldn't properly process their food, and then crunchy moms and roided up body builders on tiktok insist on eating unprocessed animal products and spread misinformation about the safety of this, and people start getting tuberculosis from their cows and botulism from their animal products, because a cow nibbled on a mouse that nibbled on a dead and rotting rabbit and the end user decided that it's healthier to leave the steak at room temperature with no vinegar or seasoning and then eat it raw. Because processed food labels use the chemicals names for their processing products instead of common names and some health influencer once said "if I can't pronounce it it's not going in my body".

Vegs might be thinking "but sassy, I don't eat meat or animal products so I should be fine, right?" wrong! Plants can grow botulism too! It's much much much less likely, but botulism just needs a protein, a not-too-acidic and anaerobic environment, and time and the right temperature range to grow. If you're canning vegetables and you don't use strong enough acid, you could get botulism. Fruits often are already acidic enough on their own but roots, tubors, stems, leaves and florettes often aren't. Beet, cucumber and beans are canned in vinegar for a reason. If your vinegar isn't 5% acetic acid or more you could get botulism. If you ferment veggies and you don't use a strong enough acid you could get botulism.

Botulism is also like the only bacteria that can still somewhat grow in honey. There's a reason they tell you not to feed babies, who have very weak immune systems that can't combat negligible levels of botulism, honey.

Anyway everyone thank vultures for making sure there's small enough amounts of botulism in the ecosystem that idiot influencers haven't killed us all yet by making us eat raw meat.

every single day I think about how american black vultures are known for engaging in allopreening (preening between different species)

and they have a specific relationship with crested caracaras, in which the black vultures assist them by not only preening them after meals but also leading them to food in the first place— due to their superior sense of smell— while the caracaras assist the black vultures by acting as a warning signal in case of danger

and while this is more typical of black vultures, this is not common at all for any member of the falconidae family— it’s a special bond!

yet another post in favor of vultures everyone , hope you enjoy:) and I implore you to do some more research on these incredible birds !!

[saiyan98]

Estelle and The Mark of Arachnid: The Trident of Poseidon (Chapter 6)

[First Chapter] - [Previous Chapter] - [Next Chapter]

Chapter 6: Surprise! My Brother is Joseph Joestar!

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit, fanbase series. Percy Jackson and the Olympians; Heroes of Olympus; Trials of Apollo; Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard are owned by Rick Riordan. Spiderman or any concept of him are owned by Marvel Comics and Sony Entertainment. Please support the official releases.

Percy gave us the tour of Camp Half-Blood.

Camp Half-Blood is a safe haven for demigods so that they can train and learn to defend themselves. Many of these kids have unique powers and abilities they can use to protect themselves. But, the moment these kids find out about their origin, their scents become more active and monsters are able to sniff them out. Which is why many of them are still out there, in hiding. Most of them are even shunned by society because they are different and nobody will know why. That would explain about Percy and Sam being bullied in the past. And the crazy part? Sometimes the kids will head out to the world for some crazy adventures, fight monsters and save the world. 

“So, let me get this straight,” I said. “This is a place for those with godly blood in them and are learning to control their powers and do fun camp activities and go out and save the world by doing missions called quests?” 

“Pretty much, yeah,” Percy answered. 

“…This is just like the X-Men,” I replied. 

“Oh my god, it is!” Sam agreed.

Percy was gonna argue with me about comparing it to a comic book series. But, I mean, come on! They both are a safe place for kids with powers; do normal people activities like school or summer camp and send them to do dangerous missions and save the world; even the adults are demigods teaching the younger generations how to fight and survive! The only thing missing is if the camp was being counseled by a crippled Patrick Stewart.

Ugh, getting off track here. Anyways, after our talk, Sam got even more excited. 

“Do you tend to have people with powers to shoot lasers or teleport? What about telekinesis or transformation?” 

Sam was asking a lot of X-Men related questions about Camp Half-Blood. Percy tried to explain to us how the Camp is different to the X-Men. But it’s gonna be really difficult to convince Sam otherwise. Anyways, Percy showed us more about the camp. The infirmary was near the center of Camp which mostly involved the cabins for the campers. So far it seems that there’s dozen of cabins and each one represents a different god. I noticed that they also have both Greek and Roman names of the gods. When I asked, Percy said it was because there’s also Roman demigods too. I found that confusing because it’s literally the same thing, just with different names. Though I can tell from Percy that it was gonna be a long story to tell. He said that once he finishes the tour, he’ll talk about how this all happened around the time he found out about himself. 

He showed us a lot of stuff here at Camp. Apparently, the Camp is being protected by a giant energy barrier that prevents monsters from attacking. They even got some regular camp events such as Arts and Crafts; canoeing; volleyball, and they even  have a strawberry field. It looks like an ordinary summer camp with an Ancient Greek theme to it. The only difference? The camp also has an Arena for combat training, an Amphitheater for camp meetings; even a freaking Forge and Armory area too. And get this, they even have a Pegasus stable.

Pegasus!

Literal flying horses exist!

Sam and I have dreamed of riding one since we were little and watched My Little Pony. Tell anyone and I will hunt you down. 

Percy showed us around the stables and… we were just amazed by the pegasi and wanted to pet them. Percy told us it’s not safe to pet them because some of them are a little mischievous. I asked how he knew that.

“I can talk to them.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah,” Percy replied. “I can talk to horses and fishes. I’ll tell you about that later.”

Percy did not elaborate and continued the tour. 

I… I don’t know what else to say at this point… 

So let's just move on; As Percy continues the tour, we reach toward the counselor’s house. Percy calls it The Big House.

“This is where our counselor, Chiron, lives. It’s pretty much where we can plan for camp activities, battle plans and prepping for quests.”

“I’m sorry, battle plans?” I asked.

“He’s referring to strategies for capturing the flag activity,” Said another voice. Sam and I looked toward the entrance and saw a man in a wheelchair, he looked about the same age as Percy and had a scruffy beard. And unlike Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), he has hair. 

At this point, you might as well cue the X-Men 90’s theme song. 

“Estelle, meet Chiron, the Camp Counselor, a centaur… and a friend.”

I look at Percy with a raised eyebrow.

“Percy, the counselor is on a wheelchair. Like Charles Xavier.”

Chiron laughed.

“You must be Estelle Blofis. Percy told me a lot about you.”

“I hope they’re good things,” I replied. 

Chiron chuckles, “In case you’re wondering, I am indeed a centaur, but I am greeting you in my human form. So that way I don’t shock you too much about everything.”

“Well, I appreciate that, Mr. Chiron, sir. But, we got attacked by  Tweety the bird and her big ogre friend.”

“Actually, that was the Minotaur.”

“…I’m sorry, what?”

“The Minotaur, a half-human and hal-”

“I know what a minotaur is,” I interrupted. “I meant, why was the freaking minotaur involved?!”

Chiron replied, “On that, I do not know. But, it seems he was very delighted to have his rematch with Percy.”

“I’m sorry, WHAT?!” 

After asking many (and I mean a lot) questions, Percy said he’ll explain it all later. For now, we had to discuss Sam's situation. 

“Percy explained to me about the situation. Unfortunately, I do not know why Vulture and the Minotaur were near you two.”

“Vulture did say something about scouting. Maybe she was looking at a place she was planning to attack?” I said. 

Chiron seemed pale as Percy spoke, “Chiron, you think they’re gonna attempt to attack Olympus?” 

“Olympus? You mean Mt. Olympus?” I asked. 

Chiron and Percy explained to me how Olympus actually exists in New York, right on top of the Empire State Building. I used to go there sometimes with mom and dad. To think that this whole time it was a meeting ground for gods. 

“But why would she attack what would most likely be a heavily secured place?” Percy said.

“She did say something about her master. She may have been working for someone,” I added. 

“Chiron?” Percy asked. “Do you know something?”

Chiron took a deep breath and nodded, “I will tell you about it later, Percy. For now, let’s get the girls some rest for today. In a couple of days, we will be having our Capture-the-Flag event.”

Sam gasped excitedly, “Can we join?!” 

“You will, Samantha Stacy. For now, we need to introduce you to the campers tonight.”

“What about me?” I asked. “Can’t I join?” 

“No,” Percy answered. “You can’t join, Estelle. Camp activities are a lot different here.”

I scoffed, “Come on, it can’t be that bad. What, you guys use foam swords and shields to pretend to be Greek warriors?”

Chiron laughs, “You, Estelle Blofis, are a lot like your brother.”

“Oh, that’s not a good thing, Chiron. One Percy is too much for this world to handle.”

He and Sam laughed hysterically while Percy was frowning. 

“Oh I love her, Percy,” Chiron said. “I just hope she doesn’t get any influence from you.” 

“W-whatever; look, just know that Camp Half-Blood’s activities are a lot different then regular camp activities. I’ll explain it all in the meantime.”

I rolled my eyes. 

Clearly, Percy is just being an overprotective big brother. I mean, how bad can Camp Half-Blood be? It’s not like kids die here? Right?

“Well, for now, Estelle will be staying with you at your Cabin, Percy; and Sam will be staying in the Unclaimed Cabin for now. Tomorrow, we will send Estelle back home and-”

“I’m staying,” I interrupted. “Look, I may not be a demigod; have super powers or anything supernatural. But, I’ve been by Sam’s side ever since we were kids. I have been her partner in crime and kept her safe until now. And I will continue doing so, with or without your permission. 

Percy sighed in frustration. He tries to convince me that Sam is going to be okay here. But even so, I can’t leave her on her own. She just lost her only family. I’m all she has left. 

And we all know how gods are with their children; I read the mythologies. So whoever Sam’s mother is, it won’t be enough. 

I’m all she got left.

Before Percy could convince me otherwise, Chiron spoke. 

“We can continue this conversation for another time. For now, get some rest and eat at the Mess Hall. Tomorrow, I’ll announce to the campers our newest member here and then the following day, We’ll start the event for Capture the Flag.”

Percy agreed and guided me and Sam to the cabins. 

Before I could ask which cabin he and I were staying in, Percy already showed us his cabin. The cabin was blue and had several marine-like decorations with a sign in Greek terms. I couldn’t tell what it says, but I can guess just from how the cabin looks. 

“Percy… is your dad, Poseidon?”

He nodded, “Yeah, God of the Sea.” 

Honestly, that explains so much. 

Sam gasped in excitement, “You’re a son of Poseidon? Of the Big Three?”

“That does explain a lot of things about you, bro. For example, you never get wet during rainstorms, fishes seem to like you in aquariums and you ARE the best swimmer I know out there.”

Percy opens his cabin door. 

The entire room describes Percy. The messy bundle of clothes; the unmade sheets on the bed; some leftover snacks by the side and there was also some armor and weapons by the side. The interior was Ocean-based  decoration and colored with a blue-green mix color. Sam and I were amazed by the size of the cabin. 

“Each Cabin has a different look and tends to show each unique style similar to the Olympians and their children. You should see the others, theirs are much bigger than mine.”

“Is it because the gods tend to be busy hooking up with humans?” I asked. 

Percy chuckled, “Yeah, and as you can see, I’m an only child. Or rather, an only human-child.”

I was confused for a second, then I recalled the myths.

“Wait.. are all horses-”

“Yep,” Percy replied.

Well… at least we’ll know what most of Percy’s siblings like to eat. 

“That explains why every horse reminds me of you, Percy. Your untamable hair, your sloppy eating habits, your-”

Percy ruffles my hair, “Okay, you little brat, just set your stuff on the bed next to mine. I’m gonna show Sam her cabin.”

“Hold on,” I said as I looked at the end table next to Percy’s bed. I saw a picture and saw several familiar faces. 

“Is that you and Annabeth around my age? And is that.. It is!” I yelled as I recognized the faces. 

I knew most of the faces in this picture, Frank, Hazel, Leo and… I was shocked at the next person I saw. 

“Is that Piper McClean?! The actress?!” I yelled. 

Sam and Percy walked towards me and looked at the picture. 

Sam squealed in excitement. Piper McClean is this really beautiful and amazing actress that me and Sam always love watching. She is confident; kind and funny, especially off-screen too. We always hope to meet her in person someday, but never did I think that my idiotic brother actually knew her in person.

“Yeah, that’s Piper. We all had to travel to Italy and Greece with them to save the world. It was crazy, dangerous and we almost died. But… I knew we’d win when I had them by my side, especially Annabeth,” He said with a nostalgic tone. I also recognize there was a seventh person in the picture. He was tall, handsome, a bit muscular, had blonde hair and was wearing glasses. 

“Who’s that?” I asked. Percy looked and replied. 

“That’s… Jason. Son of Jupiter, or Zeus in Greek terms.”

“How come I never met him?” I asked. Besides Piper McClean, I met Frank, Hazel and Leo before and I considered them as family; so did mom and dad. But I never heard of Jason, nor met him. 

“Let me guess, he’s out there saving the world like some Superman, right?” I said with a teasing tone.

Percy didn’t show any change of emotion in his face, but I can tell from his eyes. They were filled with loss and grief.

“Jason’s… not around… anymore…” 

“Oh…” 

“We can talk about that later, at the Mess Hall. For now, I’m gonna show Sam where she is sleeping. In the meantime, call mom and Paul and let them know you’re okay. I left some of your stuff by the bed. We’ll be back.” 

I nodded as Sam and Percy left while I contacted my parents. 

After I contacted my parents and told them I was okay, I also asked a lot of things about Annabeth. Turns out, she’s a daughter of Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. That also explains so much about her; she always seems to know anything, anywhere, anytime. So my next big question is what did Percy do to get a girl like Annabeth? 

Well, I’m sure he’ll tell me. 

After my talk with Annabeth, I reassured my parents that I will be staying with Sam at Camp. I was half-expecting them to deny the idea; but instead agreed to it because it was much safer here than back home. Especially since the monsters now got my scent. 

After we got settled in our cabins, we headed toward the mess hall and ate some food. Percy took me and Sam to the mess hall, or what it’s usually called the Dining Pavilion, and food was already by the table. Percy told us how each table is arranged for a god and that it’s forbidden for a demigod of another god to sit at another table. However, he said that Poseidon is a chill guy and wouldn’t mind if Sam and I sit with him. I hope I get to meet Papa Neptune someday; he sounds like a fun guy, when he’s not giving tsunamis. Plus, this would give Percy the chance to finally answer all my questions. 

“So, Sam, what do you think of the camp?” Percy asked. 

“Well, other than the fact that I’m basically a Mutant.”

“Demigod,” Percy corrected.

“Same thing; anyways, I think this place is amazing. I never went to summer camp before, but I can’t wait to try out all the activities.” Sam sighs, “I wonder if this is what my dad wanted to tell me about. How my mom is actually a goddess, how I’m different from normal people.”

“I’m sorry, Sam.” Percy apologized. “I should’ve been more careful. I didn’t think Vulture would be this relentless. Lately, monster activities have been under the radar; I don’t know why exactly she was there. But, don’t worry, I’ll deal with her and her partner when the time comes.” 

Sam nodded, “Thank you, Percy.” 

Sam is taking the whole “dead dad” thing pretty well. Makes sense, her dad’s a cop and whenever he heads out on patrol or on a case, she’d fear it would be the last night she’d see her dad. She was mentally strong for it, but that doesn’t mean she won’t grieve for him. After all, he was the only family she had.

“Anyways, now that we got that out of the way, I think it’s time you tell us how your Odyssey began.” I chuckled at her joke and agreed with Sam; Percy finally told his tales. 

How he was framed for stealing Zeus’ Lightning Bolt and ending up fighting Ares, the God of War. (Not Kratos, the ORIGINAL god of war. Let’s be real, if Percy fought Kratos, he wouldn’t last a minute.)

How he traveled the Sea of Monsters, which is really just the Bermuda Triangle, and reclaimed the Golden Fleece to save the camp. 

How he sneaked out of camp to save Annabeth from Atlas AND carry the sky for her. 

How he arrived at his own funeral after being healed from a volcano eruption that he caused because he was fighting an immortal being. (Quite… bizarre…)

How he fought a war against an immortal being that can control time.

How he arrived in New Rome and saved death (Literally) and went on a quest to fight Mama Earth. 

How he and Annabeth fell and survived Tartarus, a hell worse than hell. A Super Hell.

How he fought alongside Egyptian Sorcerers and Norse Demigods and saved the world countless times. 

Percy has… been through a lot. A LOT. Like, I’m surprised that he’s not in therapy nor gone criminally insane with immense PTSD. I mean, he literally went through SEVERAL kinds of hell, both metaphorically and literally. It really brought me a lot of respect and pity for him; and, it really explains why he’s so overprotective and caring. He wants me to live the life he never got. 

But, of all this, only one thing was certain about Percy. 

“You’re Joseph Joestar.”

“What?” Percy asked.

“Oh my god! I was gonna say the same thing, Stella!” Sam replied. “Like, Percy, you've been through about 80% of the exact same thing as Joseph Joestar.” 

Percy groaned in annoyance. “Can we not talk about anime at the moment.”

“Think about it!” Sam yelled as she listed down the comparison.

“Look, you’re a New Yorker who obtained power at a very young age. You went on a journey to fight a guy who has issues with his dad and obtained powers involving time. You encounter an Italian and befriend them. Then, one of them gave up their lives for you to continue your quest. You fought an experienced warrior and won; not with skills and powers, but just out of sheer dumb luck and tricking them.”

Percy shrugged, “Okay, but how does that relate to-”

“-AND!” Sam interrupted. “You literally arrived at your own funeral after being healed from a volcano eruption that YOU caused because you were fighting an immortal being.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Who’s Joseph Joestar?

Well first: I can’t believe you don’t know Joseph Joestar! What, have you been living under a rock? Second: Joseph Joestar is one of the main characters of the animated hit series: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. He’s basically like Percy but British, flamboyant and is just a bit smarter. Just a bit… well… it’s debatable…

Don’t believe me? Go Watch Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 2: Battle Tendency and tell me, he doesn’t remind you of him. And no part jumping; It’s crucial you watch Part 1 before Part 2, no matter how boring it is. Although in my opinion, it is really good and- oh my god, I’m rambling. I’m sorry, I’m a huge Jojo Fan mostly because of the musical reference and it was one of the first anime I watched because of Sam. I’ll tone it down, for now. 

Though… if I had an editor who refused to watch it… This will be one of my methods to convince him.

“Percy,” I spoke. “You gotta admit, what you do is… kinda bizarre.”

Percy groaned in annoyance. 

“Only three things remain, Percy,” Sam started listing. “You need to either lose an arm; befriend a cybernetic german scientist or have an affair with a japanese woman.”

“None of that is happening,” Percy replied instantly.  Sam and I laughed. If you have heard of any of Percy’s tales AND watched Jojo, you’d see the resemblance. “Look, my point is, my life has been anything but normal. I’m telling you all this because I know you, Estelle. You think that this seems like fun and adventurous. But it’s not…”

“Percy, I know it isn’t. That’s why I want to be a part of it. Saving people, hunting monsters.” 

“Estelle, it’s not like Supernatural.”

I rolled my eyes; of course he knows Supernatural, one of my favorite Tv Series. I mean, who doesn’t wanna explore the country fighting monsters while listening to 80’s rock music in your ‘69 Chevy Impala? Now that’s a dream come true for me. 

“I’m not changing my mind, Percy.” 

Percy sighs.

“Fine, we’ll talk more about it later. Did you tell mom and Paul about it today?”

I nodded.

“What’d they say?”

I smirked, “Don’t cause too much trouble in camp.”

Percy is the only one in our family that seems to be VERY protective over me. Mom and dad trust me enough to make the right choice, but Percy is the only one who can’t accept the fact that I’m growing up. 

Siblings, am I right?

“How about you, Sam? You think camp is good for you?”

“Yeah,” Sam replied. “I mean, it’s not like I can go back home. Dad… gave his life for me to be here. Least I can do is give this place a shot.”

“Well don’t worry, Sam.” I said. “You’re not doing this alone. I’m with you, to the end.”

After we finished eating, Percy took us to one of the campfire sites to just relax and take a minute to reel it all in. 

I mean, last week, my only concern was how I’m gonna be prepared for my exams. Now, my best friend watched her dad get murdered by a harpy and my brother attacked by a hooded Minotaur. Just a couple of days ago, I didn’t think supernatural creatures existed; now, it turns out my brother is the son of Poseidon and most of the horses in the world are his relatives. 

My whole world was changed, forever.

“Hey, Percy?”

“Yeah?” 

“How come Piper McClean never comes to visit us? Almost everyone in that picture does, other than her and Jason.”

“...To be honest, I don’t know. She… distanced herself from camp. From all of us, especially Leo.”

“Leo?” I asked. 

“Yeah, they’re like siblings. Always had each other’s back. But ever since Jason…”

There’s that name again, Jason. 

Who was he? 

What happened to them in the past? 

“I… don’t really want to talk about it, Estelle.” Percy replied. “It’s… too painful to talk about.”

“I understand,” I said. “So, what are we going to be doing tomorrow?”

“Well,” He answered. “First, Chiron is going to introduce Sam to the camp. Just pray they don't follow the tradition.”

“And that is…?” Sam asked.

“They dump you in the camp bathroom toilet.”

“Over my dead body they will!” I yelled. “They so much put Sam anywhere near a toilet, not even Zeus will protect them from me!”

“Relax, Estelle. I’ll make sure they won’t, I promise.” Percy reassured me. “Anyways, afterwards, I’ll be teaching you both how to fight. You got lucky with Vulture and the minotaur. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.”

I smirked, “Are you gonna show us the Jackson Family secret battle technique?” 

Sam snickered because she understood the reference. 

“Ha ha,” Percy said sarcastically. “No, I’m gonna show you how to fight with a weapon. I was pretty experienced with a sword back in the days. So after the announcement, I’m taking you both to the barracks and helping you pick out your own weapons.”

“Wait, weapons?” Sam said. “As in, actual sharpened and deadly weapons that could most likely kill a person?” 

“No, they’re enchanted weapons, they can only kill monsters. They have no effect on mortals, unless you’re a demigod.” 

Isn’t my brother just the poster boy of safety?

Percy continues telling us more tales of the past and tells me more about the others. How Frank is a son of Mars and can shapeshift into animals; how Hazel is a daughter of Pluto and can summon cursed jewel stones; and how Leo is a son of Hephaestus and has a giant mechanical dragon and can burst into flames. 

Funny thing, it doesn’t shock me about Leo. Frank’s shapeshifting powers, maybe. Hazel’s curse stones? Quite unusual.

But Leo? Everytime he comes over, mom has to have a fire extinguisher ready just in case. I wasn’t sure if it’s because every time he’s around, something catches on fire or if he’s just “too hot to handle” (his words, not mine). 

Unfortunately, it was getting late so we all had to head to bed and get some rest. 

“Hey Percy?”

“Yeah, Estelle?”

“I’m sorry you had to go through so much when you were at my age.”

“It’s fine… even though I've been through hell, I gained a family from it.”

“You mean Annabeth?” I asked. 

“No, not just her. My friends, my dad, this camp… even you,” He said as he patted my head. 

I always hated when he did that.

But just this once, I’ll allow it. He’s been through enough. 

Maybe I will learn more about Percy’s life here at camp. Sam and I might see more mythological creatures and maybe go on some epic adventures. 

Who knows… This might be the best Summer we’ll ever have.

Author's Note:

Hello there! I'm sorry for the delay post. Been very busy these couple of months, work-related and family-related. But, regardless, I will do my best to keep writing at least monthly for this story and I'm committed to it. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and to help you understand Estelle and Sam, here it is:

Estelle "Stella" Blofis:

She loves music and books and is a huge fan to the TV Series, Supernatural. It was one of her reasons why she got into the Myth's and Folklores. She's kind and loyal along with a humor similar to Percy. She got into anime because of Sam and is a huge fan to Jojo's Bizarre Adventures due to the musical references. She is just as stubborn as Percy and has a big heart just like her mother. Whenever she see's anyone in need of help, she'd always lend a hand. She would recommend books or songs for Sam to read/listen to.

Samantha "Sam" Stacy:

She loves games and animes and has a huge love for history. She has a quirky personality but is hidden due to her shyness and social anxiety along with the caution her father gives her when talking to people (Mostly because she's a demigod and monsters can hide in the open). She tends to be herself when she's with the Jackson or her dad for they're the only ones who knew her best. She would also recommend animes and play videogames with Estelle every now and then for she likes having Estelle enjoy the same things she likes; as well as enjoying the things Estelle likes. In this series, she will gain confidence in herself and be more open to people.

Also, there will be Jojo references once a while but they're only minor and not really important to understand (Unless it's about Percy Jackson being an Alternate Universe Joseph Joestar). So if any Jojo fans understood the reference, awesome; if not, that's okay for I'm also giving musical references for you to try out too. My editor (Who I joked about in this chapter) has not seen the show but I tend to get him into it even though I know he never will for he keeps refusing to. We just like to have some fun here.

Finally, I still have not finish reading ToA for I'm still feeling the shock about Jason and how Jiper (#3 on my favorite ships in PJO-verse) relationship went along with Caleo (#1 ship tied with Percabeth). I will do my very best to finish the series before crucial scenes about any characters involved in ToA, Especially about Jason, Piper and Leo. These three are crucial for Estelle's development to become a hero herself. So for any fans (Or haters, I won't judge, everyone has their own opinion) of these three, please bear with me for now. Let's just say that one of them will suffer the LEAST. That is all.

[theramseyloft]

Diet

Woooo, is this subject ever a pain in my ass for something so simple...

There is just... SO much misinformation out there, from sources that should otherwise be credible.

So let me set the record straight as a specialist in the care of pigeons:

Pigeons are strict granivores. 

They can’t digest any part of a plant but seeds.

No leafy greens. No stems. No roots, no tubers, no bulbs, no flowers... 

ESPECIALLY not the fruit!!!

They can neither taste nor process the sugar!

Nothing but seeds.

Not even as a treat.

Vets often suggest greens and fruit and florets for literally every companion bird, going off the parrot template.

If a small animal (non-farm) vet gets to see a companion bird, you can reliably wager that it’s either a psittacine or finch, and win that bet most of the time.

Hardly any one ever brings pigeons to a vet.

Breeders consider it cheaper to kill the sick ones than try to find out what’s wrong with them, and pigeons as companion birds are still extremely niche.

The only way to change this is for people with pet pigeons to bring them to their vet like they would a cat, dog, rabbit, or other pet for regular check ups so that a base line can be established before that animal gets ill.

The more vets provided with base lines of healthy pigeons, the more accurately they will be able to treat pet pigeons.

Parrots in captivity that are fed the fruit and nut heavy diet that most species eat in the wild will develop fatty liver disease and die very young.

Wild parrots fly for MILES every day to forage that sugar and fat rich diet, which fuels their long foraging flights.

Their diet is adapted to their lifestyle, and their lifestyle is adapted to their diet, as is the case with most species.

Parrots have only been captive bred for the last 70 or so years. The larger species take up to 5 to sexually mature, and can live into their 70′s or 80′s

We have been breeding them in captivity for less than the lifetime of a single healthy individual.

Parrots simply have not had the time to physiologically adapt to the utterly sedentary life they live as human house pets.

We take these birds built for a high stamina nomadic lifestyle supported by a diet high in fat and sugar, and have them live most of their lives in a single room.

To keep them alive, we have had to make up for their lack of opportunity to adapt their physiology by adapting their captive diet to this drastic change in their life style.

Even finches (primarily seed and insect eaters, mostly) are usually kept in such extreme confinement that their captive diet has needed to be modified to avoid being dragged to an early grave by a fatty liver.

Pigeons were the first birds humanity domesticated. 

Even before chickens.

About the time camels were domesticated; in the dawn of agriculture and stationary settlements.

What made them easy to domesticate was that, being desert/scrubland birds, seed was the diet they were already adapted to.

It was easy enough to share enough grain with them to make living in a dovecote worth while.

In exchange, humans got some of the most nutritious fertilizer known to man to this day.

Being picky about what kind of seed you eat isn’t beneficial of a desert bird, and wild rock doves already adjusted the volume of their feed intake with the natural fluctuation of seed availability through out the year; eating more when they had to fly further afield to find it, and needing to eat less per foraging trip when there was enough nearby that they didn’t have to range as far.

Because adjusting their food intake according to how close and plentiful food was already came naturally to rock doves, the only transition in the development of domestic pigeons was that food would always be close and plentiful.

Pigeons have had THOUSANDS of years to adapt to not having to fly nearly so far to find enough to eat in human care as their rock dove ancestors did in the wild.

Here is the basic break down of nutritional requirements for racing homers (the breed that serves as the base line for domestic pigeons), according to Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications. Ritchie, Harrison and Harrison;

Pet shops are starting to sell dove and pigeon diets now, lots of which would make decent bases, but still need extra protein or fat added.

There are also lots of wild bird blends that make good bases.

I used to love royal wing Classic Mix from TSC, as it was easily accessible, but it needs a lot added to it, and that can get pretty expensive.

Chewy sells an excellent diet designed for pigeons breeding and performing: https://www.chewy.com/versele-laga-classic-pigeon-food/dp/259128 , which is what we order for the flock now.

But for a house pet or two, it’s often easier and less expensive to mix your own blend.

Pigeons can eat pretty much any whole (in the hull) seed that they can comfortably swallow.

Birds that are performing, raising peeps, or under weight need all the fat and protein they can get, so lots of dried legumes for protein (Mung beans, lentils, and split green peas are favorites), millet (fatty and high protein, especially easy to digest), safflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds (rich in oil and extremely fatty).

Non-breeding House pets tend not to need as much fat, so their feed should be higher grain like wheat, barley, and oats with lower fatty or high protein seeds.

The more confined the bird (unless the bird is sick or healing from an injury), the less fat it needs in its diet.

So the owners of a pet or two are free and encouraged to experiment with their blends.

Most pigeon’s can’t comfortably swallow striped sunflower seeds, so keep your selection below that in size.

Chopped up tree nuts or peanuts are an EXTREMELY high fat treat (think pigeon cheese cake) and should be given *very* sparingly.

Chia seeds have a very high caffeine content and need to be avoided.

Other than that, you can experiment with any grain, legume, or other seed small enough for them to swallow, provided nutritional parameters are maintained.

Do not used hulled seeds!

The hull is important, not because they can digest cellulose, but because they can’t. (which is why they can’t process any part of a plant except the seed)

The hulls of seeds they eat make up the vast bulk of solid fecal matter and act as vital dietary fiber.

That pigeons need grit to grind down food in their gizzard is a myth.

They need it to obtain dietary minerals, and that distinction is a matter of life and death.

Avoid the starter chick grit for chickens, and the charcoal grit for song birds, as these are both made with a base of Granite, which is made by leeching the calcium out of lime stone. 

Galliformes need granite grit because it won’t break down in their gizzard, where they use it as a mechanical aid to grind food.

That’s exactly what makes granite based grit a serious intestinal impaction risk for a columbiform like our domestic pigeons.

Because what they need grit for is dietary minerals, it’s important that their grit dissolve in the gizzard to be absorbed by the small intestine.

Hens will lay eggs with or with out a cock, and the cock also has a skeleton to maintain, so calcium supplements are a necessity.

Hens and breeding cocks can also get salt deficient from both producing eggs and feeding peeps.

My breeding flock has Oyster Shell grit offered free choice and free access to a salt and mineral brick for horses.

It is generally safest to assume that a new pigeon has not been adequately supplemented, because birds who have not will gorge on grit and salt to their detriment.

Pigeons deficient enough t crave it can poison themselves overdosing on salt. Salt poisoning is nearly always fatal!!! so do not ever offer pigeons any kind of salt based grit in a loose, granular form.

I use the salt and mineral brick because their beaks are not hard enough and they do not have sufficient bite strength to get large enough quantities off of the brick to sicken themselves before the craving for that mineral is satisfied.

A single indoor pet can be given one of the little salt/mineral wheels for hamsters.

Calcium deficient pigeons craving grit can impact their crops gorging on it.

As stated earlier, my loft birds have free choice access to oyster shell grit next to their feed.

To prevent new birds form gorging dangerously on it, a tiny pinch is sprinkled over their meals every morning during their 4 week quarantine.

By the time quarantine ends, they are not deficient, and will not be craving grit ravenously enough to hurt themselves on it.

Bon appetite to your sweet cooey friends and house mates. ^v^

[phoenixyfriend]

Anakin and the Jedi Babies: Names and Faces

Context:  Anakin and the Jedi Babies, chrono

Word Count: 6,477

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

It goes like this:

Nobody wants to separate Anakin from the children in his care until they know more about why he’s here. The gamble paid off, to some degree, and he thanks the Force that it did.

He hasn’t felt that cold in years.

He knows the logic of why the Mandalorians he’s fallen in with aren’t doing anything yet. He’s an obvious Jedi, and they don’t know why he’s here or what he’s doing. Hedging on the Mando’a and the cultural obligation to childcare hadn’t been anything close to sure, but it was... enough. He got lucky that these Mandalorians leaned on those obligations, at least to the point of keeping them all in the same room. He can sense that much, even before he opens his eyes, and he has to be grateful.

The looming hypothermia had probably nudged things in his favor.

Anakin opens his eyes to a guest room of a cell, something well-furnished and cozy, but definitely not meant to be something he can escape from. His saber is gone, and there are Force-nullifying cuffs on his wrists, and he’s pretty sure they’ve taken his--yep, vibroblade’s gone.

Fuck.

His body doesn’t want to move, and he’s still shivering a bit, but he’s mostly back to normal. When he sits up, he notices that there is, in fact, only one Force-nullifying cuff. They detached his arm.

He closes his eyes and breathes deep and tells himself it was probably medically necessary. Large pieces of metal aren’t great for maintaining homeostasis. He’ll get it back.

Probably.

“Ah!”

The voice makes him jolt, and his eyes fly open.

Two cribs, one much bigger than the other. Both are occupied. The larger one has bars, and through it...

“Snips,” he breathes, lurching to his feet and then crashing to his knees, about as graceful as a newborn eopie.

“Bah!”

“Just--just one second,” Anakin grits out, grimacing as he tries to pull himself to standing again. The fact that he’s down an arm doesn’t impact him much, but the shakiness of his legs is... a problem.

“Owwww,” Ahsoka coos with an exaggerated grimace, reacting to his pain with the innocent sympathy of a toddler. She looks, what, two? Maybe? He’s not sure if there’s anything particular about how Togruta babies age. She’s too young for words, clearly.

“I’m fine,” Anakin assures her, even as his heart sinks. She’s Ahsoka, clearly, he knows her in the Force and it can’t be anyone else, but her memories...

She recognizes him, but that’s not saying much.

He manages to get over to the chair next to the crib, but doesn’t trust himself to take her out right now. The snow and the mess of a fight before that haven’t been kind to him. Instead, he just sticks his hand through the bars and lets her grab at his fingers.

He can’t help but smile, really. She’s adorable, and she’s so damn happy to see him.

“Skyguy!”

“Oh, so you are talking,” Anakin says, part of him relaxing just a tad. “I was worried.”

“Mine,” she stresses, patting at his wrist.

“Yeah, your Skyguy,” he says. So she remembers... some things, at least. “And you’re my Snips.”

She squeals and yanks on his hand, just enough that the Force-suppressing cuff clanks against the bars of the crib. “Sky, Sky, Sky!”

Oh, she’s precious.

“You having fun?” he asks, filling the air with words faster than his head can fill with doubts. “Has everyone been nice?”

“Mmmmm,” she grumbles, falling to her butt with a huff. “Doc!”

“Oh, a doctor?” he asks, wondering at his own tone. He never expected to be one for baby-talk. “Was the doctor mean?”

“Cold!” she tells him. “Cold here!”

She taps at her chest, right where someone might check her heartbeat or breathing; the metal would be cold, and also necessary. He doesn’t fault anyone for it. Considering how poorly Anakin had fared, he’s just happy they’re all alive and mostly fine.

He doesn’t know what year it is. He knows he’s not in the year he should be. He’s vaguely aware of the name Jaster--one of the Mandos had said it while bringing him in--but he doesn’t know when Mereel’s reign ended and Fett’s began. He does know both are supposed to be dead.

Has Anakin been born yet? Has Ahsoka? Hell, has Obi-Wan?

Can he give out any real names?

A series of small, upset noises start coming up from the other, smaller crib.

He stands, but Ahsoka clings to his hand and refuses to let go. He can’t pry her off, not without his other arm, but he pulls away with quiet reassurances that he just has to check on... on...

Her brother, he says, aware that there’s more than a slight chance someone has the room bugged. He’s a Jedi in Mando custody. They aren’t stupid, and neither is he.

Obi-Wan’s the most likely to have already been born. Having the same name and face will draw attention, will cause questions, but... he can’t just rename his master like a recently-adopted pet. That’s just... wrong.

Anakin’s less shaky than when he first woke up, but he still has no way of safely picking up the kids. He reaches into the small crib, something twisting behind his sternum, and tickles under Obi-Wan’s chin.

The baby--the infant--looks up at him with wide eyes, too blue for the Obi-Wan he knows, but full of wonder and--

Love, the Force whispers through the cracks in the effects of the cuff.

“Love you too,” Anakin whispers, though he wonders if Obi-Wan would really feel like this as an adult again. Babies love easily, he thinks, and he’s the only adult that Obi-Wan knows right now. Maybe it’s just chemicals.

He stands there for longer than is probably a good idea, with the state of his body, but he can’t help it. Obi-Wan keeps grabbing at his finger and kicking with tiny legs, and sticking a tiny, tiny fist in his mouth as he tries watches Anakin.

It’s all Anakin can do to mutter a stream of meaningless nonsense as he struggles not to cry. He’s always had too many emotions, and right now he’s the only person these two can rely on. He’s the adult.

The door whooshes open.

“The medic said you were awake.”

He knows that voice. He closes his eyes and doesn’t turn, because there are a million feelings in his chest and he’s not sure which one is going to come out first.

“Sky?” Ahsoka questions, likely feeling his worry. “Issokay! Good!”

No, she wouldn’t have the mind to recognize why this familiar face she knows as friend is quite the opposite.

Anakin turns away from the crib, and smiles. “Mando.”

“Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker,” the teenager in the door says. He’s not wearing his bucket, but the rest of his armor is in place. Anakin would peg him as younger than Ahsoka was, before. Not by much, but... fourteen, maybe fifteen. The face is painfully familiar, and stays utterly neutral as he answers the question Anakin didn’t ask. “We found your Ident card after you passed out.”

Cool, so, Anakin definitely can’t change his name.

“Are they yours?” the teenager that will one day create an army says.

“They have no one else,” Anakin tells him. It’s true enough. Still, he gets the feeling that’s not what Fett’s asking. “They’re family.”

Jango squints at him. “I was told Jedi can’t have families.”

Anakin’s mind flashes to Padme and the fantasies he’d long harbored of children born free, and tears himself away. He can’t think about that right now. He can’t think of who he’s--

“Jetii!”

Anakin’s head snaps up, and he realizes he’s shaking. Fett’s not neutral anymore, just... concerned.

“I’m fine,” Anakin spits out, and leans on the crib behind him. He can hear the little ones whimpering. He has to pull his thoughts in and bundle them up into something that won’t hurt the incredibly Force-Sensitive babies behind him. “I’m--I’m all they have. They’re all I have. Are the exact words important?”

Fett doesn’t grimace, exactly, but his expression isn’t pleasant. “I guess.”

Anakin waits to see if there’s anything else coming, but no. Just an awkward silence. He holds onto his frustration, but it still gets the better of him.

“What are my chances of getting my arm back?” he asks.

“Hm?”

Anakin waves what’s left of that arm, the tied-off sleeve flapping about. “My arm. If you don’t want to give me mine back, can I at least have some kind of placeholder? I can’t pick up the babies without worrying that I’m going to drop them.”

“I can ask the medics,” Fett says. He stares at Anakin for a little more, and then asks, “Aren’t you going to ask about our plans for you, or...?”

“If you wanted to kill me, you already would have,” Anakin mutters. “Right now, these two are my only priority. I’m more likely to keep them safe and alive here than I am if I try to break out. I can be patient. I would also assume they wouldn’t have been left in a room with me, alone, if any of us were in danger of medical complications.”

Fett flushes and turns. “I’ll tell buir you’re up and active. There’s a nurse droid in the hall, I can have it handle feedings until you get an arm.”

“Thanks,” Anakin drawls, aware that he’s a little bitchy right now, but not in any mood to temper himself.

He settles himself on the floor next to Ahsoka’s crib, lets her play with his hair while the nurse droid feeds Obi-Wan, and then feeds Ahsoka herself. Anakin thinks he could probably pull the droid apart for an escape attempt if it came down to it. He hopes it won’t be necessary. He’s barely existing in the moment as it is. The droid asks Anakin if he needs anything, and he... shrugs.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Perhaps some non-perishables,” the nurse droids suggests. “Ration bars, for if you are hungry before one of the Mando’ade returns.”

Anakin shrugs again. “Alright.”

He ignores the droid after that. He’s only mostly cut off from the Force by the single cuff. He can’t blanket his Master and Padawan in his own Force presence, try to make them feel safe and calm with the fact that he’s here and ready to protect them, but he can monitor them. He can meditate, even if it’s not the way he prefers to do it. He doesn’t have the strength for moving meditation right now, but a regular meditation... he can do that.

He needs to do that, because no other stress relief option is available to him right now.

Anakin lets himself feel the babies fall asleep, the two of them radiating contentment and warmth. He lets himself trust that, for the moment, he doesn’t need to worry. He lets himself sink into an absence of thought, and then the Force guides him deeper still.

“Anakin!”

His eyes fly open.

This is not the real world.

This is not the room-cell in the Haat Mando’ade base he’s managed to stumble across.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan says again, a smile hidden in a beard and worn laugh lines about his eyes. The right age, the right size, reaching for him and--

There’s only a moment’s hesitation for Anakin to process, and then he sprints forward and yanks his Master into a hug.

“You’re good,” Obi-Wan mutters to him, rubbing his back as they both sink to their knees. There’s a click of bootheels against the empty white not-space that they’re in, and Ahsoka buries herself into their sides. Anakin pulls her in a little closer too.

They stay that for longer than is maybe necessary, but Anakin’s stress levels are sky high right now, and he needs this. A hug, even one that’s technically only taking place in his head, is important.

“Sorry, Skyguy,” Ahsoka whispers. “Thinking in the real world is... really hard right now.”

He pulls away from the desperate hug he’d started them off with, rearranges things so he’s leaning against Obi-Wan, lets Ahsoka lie down with her head in his lap, on her back and legs stretched out across the white nothingness.

“I don’t know what happened,” Anakin says. “I mean, Sith stuff, probably, but... we’re in the wrong year.”

“I’d wondered,” Obi-Wan admits. “I thought it odd that I couldn’t feel the clones, but I only have so much energy to think right now...”

“Please tell me there’s a way to fix it,” Anakin begs. “I can’t be the adult, Obi-Wan. I haven’t even been born yet, that’s how far back we are. I don’t know what to do, and I can’t just bang around making bad decisions without you there to pull me back and--”

“Breathe,” Obi-Wan tells him.

“We’re in the Force,” Anakin says, just a little hysterically. “We don’t need to breathe!”

“Actually, I think we’re in your head,” Ahsoka says. She’s pointing and stretching her feet like a dancer, but looks up to grin at Anakin like the little shit she is. “You’re the only one whose brain is big enough right now.”

“Hey,” Anakin complains, putting his entire palm over her face as revenge. She giggles and swats him away. “That any way to talk to the guy who taught you how to kill five guys in one move?”

She sticks her tongue out at him. He rolls his eyes and runs a hand over her montrals, smiling when she wriggles and makes a little chirruping noise.

“She’s not wrong,” Obi-Wan says. “Though the phrasing was unfortunate, it does stand to reason that as the only person without the brain of a toddler, you’re hosting. Our minds can’t handle the strain of our own selves, let alone sharing space.”

“Infant.”

“Hm?”

“Ahsoka’s a toddler. You’re an infant. Maybe six months.” Anakin grins, just this side of brittle. He doesn’t want to joke about a problem he can’t fix, but what else is there? “You’re the literal baby of the lineage now.”

Obi-Wan sighs over the riot of Ahsoka’s laugh. “Of course I am.”

“It’s okay, Master,” Ahsoka assures him. “Skyguy’s gonna take care of us until we can fight again.”

“Yes,” Obi-Wan says, grimacing slightly. “I am sorry for you being put in such a position, Anakin. It’s certainly not an easy one.”

Anakin wishes he could say that his immediate reaction isn’t a sense of hurt, a you don’t trust me, a you don’t think I can do this, a you’re disappointed someone else wasn’t here to handle things instead.

He wishes he could make that claim and have anyone believe him, but they are in a shared meditation, and in this moment there are very, very few secrets. He does not make the effort to hide his reaction in time, and Obi-Wan catches it.

Anakin turns away as Obi-Wan’s face fills with surprise and horror. “Anakin--”

“Can we just pretend you didn’t feel that?” Anakin asks, and flinches when Ahsoka pops up from where she lies and scurries around to hug him like a vise. “Can we just pretend I’m not--”

“Dear one, there are very few people I would trust as much as you in this,” Obi-Wan says. “Those who match up are largely the people who helped me raise me when I was actually this age.”

“Being completely reliant on your padawan isn’t--”

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan says, cutting him off there. “I can trust you to care for me in ways that don’t just come down to making me a useful general again. I already trust you to risk your life and safety and freedom to see us survive, given what little I remember of that storm.”

“You handed yourself over to Mandalorians you knew nothing about so we’d be safe,” Ahsoka mutters into the fabric somewhere over his ribs. “That could have gone really badly, and you still did it because you were worried about us.”

“We trust you, Anakin,” Obi-Wan says, pulling Anakin to his chest and resting his chin on Anakin’s head. “We know you.”

“You don’t even know what happened in the storm,” Anakin mutters. “You were asleep.”

“I caught enough listening to the doctors,” Obi-Wan says. He runs a hand over Anakin’s head and through his hair. “You did well, Anakin.”

Anakin wonders why they don’t do this in real life. Obi-Wan doesn’t usually hug him, let alone cuddle. Maybe it’s because they’re all stuck in too much truth in this shared meditation, and the other two are currently stuck in child bodies that crave physical affection in ways they don’t realize they’re expressing in here as well. Maybe it’s the stress.

“What even can you hear?” Anakin mutters, still in Obi-Wan’s arms. Ahsoka giggles at him, nuzzling into his side in a way he doesn’t think she’d ever let herself, normally.

“We can’t really think in the real world right now,” she muses. “Only when we’re sleeping, and probably when we’re meditating once we’re bigger. If I try to think too hard, my head hurts worse than that time Ventress got me in the head with the back of her saber.”

“Everything takes up more space than it should,” Obi-Wan adds. “It’s... all of my senses are bigger and brighter and take up more of my attention, but they aren’t very clear, really. They’re just more. I can’t focus on anything, either, except... well, the feedings.”

Ahsoka makes an annoyed noise. “The whole diapers and bottles thing is really embarrassing, by the way. Only here, though, I barely notice when I’m awake because...”

“Because you’re a toddler,” Anakin says drily.

She huffs. “How would you feel if you were stuck like that?”

That’s fair.

“I don’t remember much,” Obi-Wan says carefully. “But part of me recognizes familiar things, even if I can’t quite make the connection.”

“Was that Fett, earlier?” Ahsoka asks. “Because I thought I saw a friend, and I pretty much forgot the face as soon as they left, but--”

“It’s Fett,” Anakin confirms. “But I guess that’s good to know? You saw his face and your baby brain just assumed it was one of the clones?”

“Pretty much.”

“And we know we trust you,” Obi-Wan adds, and tightens the hug when Anakin stiffens. “Anakin, I can barely understand the world around me at all right now. It’s like being on the painkillers that don’t knock you out but leave you saying only the most ridiculous things that come to mind. You have a general understanding of what’s going on, but all your emotions are too much and the room spins, you can’t stay on one track mentally, you can’t remember what you’ve done and what you haven’t--”

“You can’t control your bladder,” Ahsoka mutters, just a touch spitefully.

Obi-Wan grimaces and nods. “An unfortunate commonality in the experiences, yes. What I was aiming to address, however, is the fact that I only remember a very few things with any reliability. Most of my adult mind, so to speak, appears to be stored in a stasis form in the Force itself, because the infant mind can only handle the barest edges of who I am. But what that infant mind knows, and what I remember thinking once I have some sense of my full self in sleep, is that there is no one I react to as positively as you, Anakin.”

“What he’s trying to say,” Ahsoka interrupts, “but can’t because he’s trying to be a serene Jedi Councilor who definitely doesn’t break the code, nosiree, is that we don’t remember much about ourselves when we’re awake, but we remember you, and we know that we love you, Skyguy.”

Anakin stares at her, and then twists around to look at Obi-Wan instead.

“Master Kenobi,” Ahsoka croons. “Stop being emotionally constipated. We’re literal babies right not, which sucks, but we’re like 90% emotion. Tell Skyguy.”

“Yes, er, Ahsoka was not incorrect,” Obi-Wan says, stroking his beard and refusing to meet Anakin’s eyes. “I, that is to say, we...”

“Master Kenobi,” Ahsoka says, a touch sharper than she might have dared if not for the reversal of their ages.

“I do love you, Anakin, and it’s one of the only things my child mind knows consistently.”

The Force does, in fact, sing with the truth of this. It circles them like a delighted tornado of emotional reality, pulsing like a coat of positivity.

Anakin buries his face in Obi-Wan’s shoulder and hugs him as tightly as possible.

“Oh! Oh dear, I--Anakin, really, this isn’t news.”

“Master Kenobi, you’re allergic to actually talking about your emotions. Let him hug you.”

“Anakin, I’ve raised you since you were nine, it would be nearly impossible for me to not care, why are you--”

“Master Kenobi, stop questioning him!” Ahsoka whines. “It’s affirmation time.”

“Ahsoka, have you been spending time with the mind healers again?”

“I was a teenager in a warzone and also Barriss bullied me into it for my own good.” Ahsoka shrugs. “I learned some stuff. You two should have gone, too. You were more karked up than I was.”

“Ahsoka,” Obi-Wan scolds.

“What are you going to do, spit up on me? You can’t exactly make me run laps, Master.”

“Both of you shut up,” Anakin mumbles, and tries to push as much of his own affection as possible into a little ball of feelings that he can just drop on the two of them while he’s still in his own brain and not somewhere he can’t touch the Force. “Just--just shut.”

Apparently, Anakin’s feelings are a lot, because Ahsoka bursts into tears and Obi-Wan zones out so hard Anakin starts worrying about him.

They’re in a mindscape, a thing that he didn’t really think happened, but does. He shouldn’t have to worry about his--

“Oh, Anakin,” Obi-Wan says, pulling him in tighter. “Why did you...”

“Skyguy, I don’t think you planned on putting in the part where you worry about nobody loving you back as much as you loved them,” Ahsoka says, raw and uneven. “Because, uh, we got that? Skyguy, that’s really wrong!”

Oh shit.

“No, you were... you were not supposed to get that,” he says, just a little strangled. “I am so sorry, that wasn’t--”

“Be our dad.”

Anakin stares down at his Padawan. She stares determinedly back.

“What?”

“Fett asked if we were yours, and you edged around the question by saying we were family, but he was asking if you were our dad. I’m guessing you didn’t want to claim that when we couldn’t agree to it, so I’m telling you now: do it. Adopt us the Mandalorian way or whatever. You were already my older brother, basically, this is just a step sideways in how we talk about it.”

He stares at her a bit more. He doesn’t have words, and his emotions are such a cyclone of conflicting thoughts that he’s surprised the Force hasn’t tossed him out.

“I don’t know if I’m going to be born, but if I am, then I need a name so I don’t have the same one as future me,” she says. She takes his hands, holds them tight and leans in close. “You’re going to be raising us anyway. The Force already made it clear there’s no fixing this, we tried asking while you were unconscious, it wants us to grow up the long way. You’re going to be our dad. Just make it official. Make me a Skywalker.”

Anakin sits up straight, looks her up and down, the determination and affection and--

He turns to look at Obi-Wan. “Master?”

“...yes, Anakin?”

“I know she said ‘we’ and ‘us,’ but I’m not letting anyone speak for anyone else. Not for something this important.”

Obi-Wan blinks at him, and then rearranges himself to something a tad more formal. He takes one of Anakin’s hands in his own. “Anakin, we’ve been family since you were nine. This is just redefining the terms. We can adjust as we go forward, but for all intents and purposes, the majority of the time, I will be that youngling in the cot. For all intents and purposes, I will be your child, and... and I would be honored for you to make that official.”

“Even if it breaks the Code?” Anakin presses.

“All is as the Force wills it,” Obi-Wan says, almost but not quite overriding Ahsoka’s, “This doesn’t break the Code.”

They both turn to look at her. She shrugs. “What? You guys are always arguing about it and Skyguy was married. I went and did some digging about what is and isn’t allowed. This adoption would be skirting the edges of some rules, since we should be taken to the creche to be raised in a communal manner, and official adoptions are discouraged for reasons relating to later padawan stuff, but since the Force is also insisting we stay with the Mandalorians, I think it qualifies as an exception and will be treated as such, retroactively, by the Council. You also won’t be able to take either of us as Padawan once that time comes. It does not, however, violate the Code in and of itself.”

“What the hell, Snips?”

“I’m impressed, young one,” Obi-Wan says, with a smile Anakin can feel. “I could have expected to see you in court in a few years, with an argument like that.”

“You knew I was married?” Anakin squeaks.

“Rex isn’t a very good liar,” she says. She then droops. “Or, he wasn’t. Wouldn’t be. He tried, at least, but I caught on. That was against the Code, though. Just so you know.”

Anakin runs a hand over his face, tries very hard not to think about what and whom he’s left behind. He can save that breakdown for later.

He chances a look at Obi-Wan.

He gets a raised eyebrow in response.

“You’re not mad?”

“I knew you and the Senator were close, considering all the kissing you did in the Arena,” Obi-Wan says drily. Anakin isn’t stupid enough to ask how he knows it’s Padme. “I didn’t know you were married, and am a little disappointed you didn’t at least tell me, or consult me before you did it, considering you were still a padawan... but no, I’m not mad. Even if I were--and I am not--we’ve time-traveled, so I’m fairly certain that qualifies as annulment. It’s a non-issue.”

Anakin pushes down the tidal wave of grief for people who haven’t been born yet, and just breathes instead. This is important. This is too important for him to just kriff it up.

“Names,” he says.

“I still want part of it to be ‘Soka,’ if you don’t think it’s too risky.”

Obi-Wan shrugs with a smile. “Almost every time I’ve posed as a Mandalorian, since my first mission with Satine, I’ve gone by Ben. It would be fitting that, now that we’re here and apparently staying, I take the name for real.”

Anakin nods. He closes his eyes, and breathes deep, and thinks that they may be among Mandalorians on a world of snow, but he has the desert in his bones and will never forget it.

“Ahsoka Tano, sister of my heart,” he says, hoping he’s getting the words right, and takes her hands in his. It’ll have more meaning here and now, where they’re both of full mind. He holds her gaze. “You ask to join my family, to be of those who walk the sky. You shed your old name as you shed the chains of your past. You become my daughter, not of blood, but of love, loyalty, and survival. My wells are your wells, and all I own and earn is to set the path of your freedom. I name you Sokanth Skywalker, she who slips through every hunter’s trap, and you are my child.”

She smiles brightly at him, and looks like she might cry. He presses his lips to her forehead. He turns to his Master. He hesitates, because it’s one thing to redefine his little sister, but...

“Obi-Wan Kenobi, father of my heart,” he says, his voice catching where it shouldn’t. He can do this. It’s weird but he can do this. “You ask to join my family, to be of those who walk the sky. You shed your old name as you shed the chains of your past. You become my son, not of blood, but of love, loyalty, and survival. My wells are your wells, and all I own and earn is to set the path of your freedom. I name you Ylliben Skywalker, he who hunts the monsters of the darkest nights, and you are my child.”

The man before him almost laughs, well aware of how absurd it is for Anakin to be the one adopting him, but keeps it limited to just a twinkle in his eye and a quirk to his lips. Anakin presses his lips to his teacher’s forehead.

He pulls both of them in close. Padawan and Master. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan.

Daughter and son. Soka and Ben. His.

“I’m still gonna call you Skyguy,” Soka says wetly. “But Mas--um, Ben. Ben can call you buir, all the Mandos are gonna love it.”

“Fine by me,” Anakin says. “I’m going to be telling you Tatooine bedtime stories, by the way. You’ll remember creche stories as you grow, but these’ll be new.”

“I do believe that would be appropriate,” Ben says, laughing just a touch. “I also think we should perhaps disband this, unless you have something else to address. You’re going to be dealing with two very cranky younglings soon.”

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah, we’re gonna have headaches after this,” Soka laughs, rubbing her face against his shoulder. “But it’s okay, we got what we ne--”

“No, shut up, what you do mean, headaches? You said that was only when you were awake!”

“I mean, we’d be sobbing after like three minutes if we were awake,” Soka says cheerfully. “This way, it’s been like... an hour or whatever between all the talking and the hugging and the crying and the feelings, and we’re just gonna be grumpy.”

“Oh my--wake up!” Anakin growls at both of them. “I’m responsible for you now, wake up.”

He ignores Soka’s laughter and drags himself back to wakefulness. Behind him, he feels slight confusion and pain mixed with love and delight. Ben starts fussing.

Anakin drags a hand over his face and groans. He gets to his feet, nods to the nurse droid, and steps over to the cribs.

“Can we put them in the same one until I get my arm back?” he asks. The droid obliges, moving Ben to Soka’s crib. She immediately crawls over to him and envelops him in a hug. She pouts up at Anakin, eyes going watery, and he drops into the chair next to her and offers his hand through the bars. She grabs it.

“You’re going to be trouble for a long, long time, huh?”

She sticks her tongue out at him, and he smiles at her. Yes, trouble in spades, his Snips.

He starts telling her one of the fables of Tatooine, the really sanitized ones meant for children her age, before they got to the slave stories and haunt-tales. She falls asleep for real, no Force Shenanigans, shortly after. Ben is dead to the world by that point, making small snuffling noises whenever the blanket tickles his nose.

Anakin knows he’s got the galaxy’s dopiest smile on his face. It’s fine.

It’s a few more hours before someone stops by. He’s used the fresher by that point, helped the nurse droid coax Ben through a feeding, and helped Soka play with the little stuffed eopie they’ve given her.

“They got names, aruetti?”

He looks up and over. “Yes.”

The middle-aged man ambles over, arms crossed. “Jango said you claimed to be all they had left.”

He is. “They’re family. I’ve had a few hours to think it over, now that I’m not getting shot at or dying in the snow. To any system that allows it, I’ll be their father.”

“No chance of returning them to their people?”

Anakin shakes his head. “Soka has none who would recognize her, and I already--I already babysat her regularly, and she thought of me as a brother. It’s an easy next step.”

“And the human?”

“I... the master-padawan relationship is often one that is compared to that of parent and child,” Anakin says carefully. “My own master was like a father to me, and Ben is... Ben is all I have left of him.”

There. Not quite the truth, but... technically not lying.

Ben makes a small noise in his sleep, fussing, and Anakin reaches through the bars to brush his thumb across the infant’s chubby cheek. He smiles helplessly as Ben whines and curls in tighter on himself, pressing a tiny fist to his mouth.

“You’re good,” Anakin whispers. “We’re fine, Ylliben.”

“I don’t know what you’re hiding,” the Mando says. “But I do believe you’re doing what you can for those kids.”

“That’s all that matters,” Anakin agrees, finally looking away from his... his son.

Mine, the greedy krayt in his chest whispers.

“When are you planning on going back to Coruscanta?”

“I’m not,” Anakin says, standing and looking the man head-on. Anakin’s taller than him. That’s usually useful. “I don’t know why, but the Force wants me to stay here, or at least with the Mandalorians.”

“You want me to believe that you support my cause?”

“I don’t know your cause,” Anakin admits. “But I don’t like Death Watch, and I know you don’t either. Nobody on Coruscant is going to know to miss me, and the Force is warning me away from trying to go back. Whatever it is that needs doing, I’m supposed to be doing it here.”

The man steps forward. “Anyone tell you who I am?”

“No.”

“I’m Jaster Mereel.”

Good for you, Anakin thinks, and doesn’t say. “I’m pretty sure you already know my name.”

“I do,” Mereel says. “Wanna tell me how a Knight with a seemingly valid ident card claims nobody will know to miss him?”

“No.”

Mereel doesn’t even blink. “Try that again.”

“It means exactly what I said,” Anakin says. “The ident card is real. My training and rank are earned and deserved and bestowed by protocol. All of it was done at the Temple in Coruscant, but if you phone up the Temple with my name and face, nobody will know who I am.”

“And you’re not going to tell me why,” Mereel grouses. “What’s stopping me from calling them up anyway and asking them to come fetch your hypothermic ass?”

“...the fact that I already offered to help you?” Anakin manages. “I... I did say that part, right? That I’d help?”

“What’s stopping you from wanting to go back? And don’t give me any of that ��will of the force’ banthashit.”

“I broke the Code,” Anakain says. The words sit heavy in his mouth, but one of his violations is lesser than the other, and-- “I married, and we’re not supposed to do that. She’s... not around anymore, but it still stands that I did it.”

The Tuskens weigh on his mind, suddenly and intensely. He hasn’t thought about them in ages, has always pushed those memories down, down, down, but--

“And they won’t take you back?”

“They might,” Anakin admits. They probably would, with his full title and everything, especially if he told them about the future. “But they wouldn’t let me keep the kids.”

Understanding flickers. “Not allowed kids?”

“It’s not... technically against the code,” he hedges. “But they’d find out about my marriage while investigating my past--” maybe, he’s not sure what kind of investigation they’d justify for a complete stranger of a knight, especially to confirm the future, but if they had a psychometric so much as touch his saber or arm, once he gets those back, there’d be a risk, “--and after already breaking the code by marrying, they’d be far less willing to bend the rules about the babies.”

He doesn’t realize how likely the risk is until after he says it, because he’s just been focusing on staying alive and following the Force, but.. they’d want the kids in the creche. He’s broken the code enough that any investigation they set to prove he’s legitimately a Jedi Knight that isn’t recorded and isn’t in the system is going to uncover something through the Force. They might not let him keep his family.

“What are their names?”

“I already--”

“Jango kept his last name,” Mereel cuts him off. “Did yours?”

Anakin looks the man in the eye, and then attempts to cross his arms in response, to mirror the pose and hold his ground. Unfortunately, he’s forgotten that he’s only got the one arm, which is really kriffing irritating.

“I gave them my name,” he says. “They’ll know where they came from, but they are mine.”

Yeah, no shit they’ll know where they came from.

Mereel’s face twitches, but the man is unreadable in the Force. Still, there’s something in the air... “So, those names?”

“Sokanth and Ylliben Skywalker,” Anakin tells him. He spells it out when the droid asks. He assumes it’s just for the medical data their droids are collecting.

“How well can you fight without your laser sword?”

“You mean unarmed?” Anakin asks, and then smiles brightly and tauntingly and waves his empty sleeve around. Mereel does not appreciate the humor. “Pretty well, but I do better when I have the Force, and am not still recovering from hypothermia. And I’m a fair shot with a blaster, but no specialist.”

Mereel eyes him for a moment, and then nods. “One of my snipers is Force-Sensitive. Never was enough to get more than some basic training in mental shields and the control to not hurt herself, but when we mentioned bringing in a Jetii, someone asked her what she thought. Came by the room while you were unconscious and said she thought you felt sad, angry, and desperate... but that she had a good feeling about where you’d be going.”

“Sad, angry, and desperate?” Anakin repeats, a little offended.

“You act like a veteran, kid,” Mereel says. He shrugs. “Damn near everyone that goes through some kind of war has all that going on. S’normal. You got Kamira’s approval, though, and that means a damn sight more. Keep your secrets for now. We’ll get there eventually.”

No we won’t, Anakin thinks. Out loud, he asks, “So, how much of what kind of work would I have to do to borrow a ship to Tatooine and earn enough to free a slave girl?”

[duplicitywrites]

pspspspsp heya dupli i have a list of. questions you can answer if you feel so obliged

1. what was the fic you wrote that went the smoothest ?

2. what is your favourite/fic series that you’ve written for the two frenemies

3. what is the favourite variation of tomarry you’ve written

4. if tom became a worm what do you think harry would do

many thank and hug

HELLO thank you for your curiosity. i will try to answer these.

QUESTION ONE: what was the fic you wrote that went the smoothest ?

if i'm being dramatic and a masochist, then everything i write is some form of torture. the more realistic answer is that there are actually quite a few stories that just kind of flowed out of me.

i mostly judge smoothness based on how fast i was able to write it, so i'll name a few here of my older works that fit the bill since i can't really pick one shining example.

But For You, I Did (20976 words)

this is my most kudosed fic on AO3, i think i wrote it in a little over a week?

When 11-year-old Tom Riddle finally arrives at Platform 9 and ¾, he meets fifth-year Prefect Harry Evans, a Muggleborn Slytherin at the top of his year.

The Office Tribute (12433 words)

i was flying by the seat of my pants with this one. writing it was a daze

Tom Riddle is a domineering boss with a stick up his ass, and Harry has just volunteered for the potentially lethal task of getting him to cheer the hell up.

Eudaimonia (15643 words)

i think this was three days? of writing, then however long editing took afterwards

Harry travels back in time to save Merope Gaunt from dying. He takes her in, heals her illness, helps her when she gives birth to her son... and then falls prey to her love potion.

Thanks for Harry (4313 words)

slapped this one out in a day

One night, Tom gets drunk and sends a fancy thank-you card to Harry's parents, thanking them for bringing their son into the world. The problem? He and Harry aren't actually together.

On the Hotline (8268 words)

also only took a day. but i was writing literally all day

When Harry calls an assassin hotline, he's expecting it to be a fun prank that's good for a laugh. What he gets is Tom Riddle, a budding assassin who takes his job very seriously.

more answers under the cut!

QUESTION TWO: what is your favourite/fic series that you’ve written for the two frenemies

every time someone asks me this i get a year knocked off my lifespan. i have too many children to be able to pick favourites 😭  😭  so my answer is: sorry... i have no answer? once my children get too old i even start to ignore them. it’s not a good way to live my life.

QUESTION THREE: what is the favourite variation of tomarry you’ve written

i actually have vague mental categories of all the tomarry dynamics i write in my head. there are concepts that float around in my tomarrymort brain soup.

some of these concepts are simple like ‘simp tom’ and ‘low self-esteem harry’, but some of them are more complex like... ‘harry is an absolute crackhead and tom is both a danger slut and a morosexual’.

i don’t have a favourite because they’re all so different but there are definite flavours of tomarry that exist in my writing.

QUESTION FOUR: if tom became a worm what do you think harry would do

first of all, thank you for bringing the concept of tomworm into my inbox, i genuinely mean this with 100% sincerity, i think we all need a tomworm in our lives

second of all, i think harry would take really good care of his new pet worm because it was the right thing to do

[arcadejohn127-9]

Hi! Could i request the brothers and undateables with a MC that has this massive guard dog who's really intimidating and aggressive towards whoever tried to lay a hand on MC but he has a huge soft spot for kids? Like, the MC is at rad and the dog is glaring at the demons but as soon as Luke enters the room he's running up to him wanting to be petted by the young angel and he's WAY more friendly with him (and his owner) than the others and he's protective of him as well as the MC. Bonus if the doggo dislikes Lucifer and Belphie with a burning passion lmao-

(my dogs LOVE children, they go crazy when they see one. they just wanna be pet😔👊🏻)

I respect that, pets can understand what's up about people. If my pet didn't trust someone on instinct then I wouldn't either

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your dog was massive! It was a guard dog you've had for most of your recent years. He was fluffy and bulky; perfect for softer moments and still able to appear threatening. He's been helping you feel safe and journey through the Devildom. Your dog HATED Everyone and it was fitting; whilst most of people in your social circle was kind to you and wanted your safety, they were powerful and many of them were demons.

Mammon has been chased around by your 'monster' dog. At one point you spotted him climbing up the walls to get away from the furious barks of your dog. Flying away when he got rushed after when he thought it was safe.

Levithan was too scared to go near you; he was already fearful of Cerberus and that was an actual monster dog! So he would mostly just talk to you through text or at a distance. Has even thrown food at you because he got scared by your dog snarling at him.

Asmo screamed whenever your dog tried to fight him. You felt bad whenever you saw our scared they got but your dog just wanted to keep you safe. Belphegor got mad at asmodeus for screaming but only ended up getting sat on because he tried to grab you. He ended up falling asleep but for awhile he was struggling to wiggle away from your dog's bottom.

Beezlebub was the closest one to sooth your dog, his hand did get bit but he's been able to groom your dog. He has handled Cerberus many times so your dog was but an easier challenge. But most of the brothers have learnt to not touch you if the dog can see or be more careful in their approach.

But simeon, Solomon and Lucifer were a one braincell trio. They believed they could do as they wish and be able to calm your dog. Solomon was just a smug idioit who thought he could get away with it meanwhile Simeon hoped being an angel would reassure your dog he was not a threat. You blame those dangerous shoulders of his.

Lucifer tried to be the alpha to your dog and ended up getting his foot chewed. He tried to shake your dog off his shoe but it only made him fall over. Your dog practically dragging him across the floor as it snarled at him.

Lucifer was absolutely humiliated. Diavolo and barbatos were smart enough not to intervene but all of the collectively got concerned when they remembered Luke. The child of all of them. Your dog was overly protective and could get aggressive if people got too confident.

Normally they'd never be around to see how soft your dog could be as he'd ignore Luke and focus on keeping you safe but you haven't seen the little angel in a few days. You could tell your dog was really missing him.

He doesn't understand why everyone is so wary of your dog. He can't help but grin whenever he sees you and your dog. Everyone watched in fear as Luke came skipping in, waving at you.

He grabbed your hand with excitement. Looking between you and your dog. Your dog ran towards Luke and Everyone in the room felt their blood go cold.

"Gummy! Hey boy! Have you been a good guard dog?! Have you?! Awww you're such a good boy!"

He's hugging your dog, squishing it's cheeks. You laughed as you glanced at the others, all staring in shock at how happy your dog was. It's fluffy tag wagging rapidly as Luke nuzzled against the dogs cheek.

"He missed you, Luke, did you miss him aswell?"

Luke nodded, unable to stop smiling as your dog licked his cheek.

"Simeon, you wouldn't mind me and Luke going out shopping, would you? I agreed to check out the-"

Luke puffed his cheeks and glared at you. Trying to appear threatening whilst your massive dog was snuggling him and giving him cheek kisses. Your heart never felt more soft but you took his glare, understanding his embarassment.

"'Merchandise' store by the food stand."

It was actually the plushie and kid toys store. Simeon clocked what you meant and nodded. "Of course, be careful you two, get me some 'merchandise' whilst you're there."

You took Luke's hand and Gummy followed, returning back to his serious mode. As soon as you left the hall your dog went protect node on a demon that accidentally bumped into you.

[gaitwae]

"I would rather die a thousand times;" with loki please?

Warnings: argument, hurt/comfort, cringey crying, ambiguous ending.

Summary: You decided to ask Loki if the two of you could ever have a romantic relationship. Loki, who knows this question might be from some weird Midgardian infatuation instead, gets defensive.

Tags: @make-me-imagine @thorfanficwriter  @bwemph @myraiswack @rorybutnotgilmore @loki-snape-our-hero @wolfish-trickster @lucywrites02 @mostly-marvel-musings @winterfrostsarmy @superheroesandstardust @castiels-majestic-wings @geekns @lokis-high-priestess @natandersonnla @cozy-the-overlord @megthemewlingquim @frostedgiant @whatafuckingdumbass @thebookbakery @delightfulheartdream @twhiddlestonsstuff @lokistan @the-emo-asgardian @amwolowicz

Happy ending! I’m sorry for the (mostly) angst!

+-+--

The sun sank low beneath the horizon long before Loki had said a word. You were biting at your nails silently. The god was yet to make his decision. Time dragged on and on, ticking along with the clock on the mantle. The sound it made was horrendous. The sound of silence would have been worse. You wanted an answer, but it would take years and years before the two of you could reach an agreement. 

You just wanted to know if there was a possibility.

“Loki?” you whispered. You couldn’t keep your mouth shut any longer.

“Hmm?” Loki picked up his head and faced you. He had that sad look in his eyes, again, his fingers curling nervously. “Oh, yes,” he said quietly. “I was still thinking, Y/N, I apologize.” He pulled his hands over his knees, then back over his thighs. “You really think that he’s out there, don’t you?”

“Who?” you asked, knowing exactly what he was referring to. You didn’t want to give in to his let-down — not when you still had some shred of honor left. You found your feet very appealing, suddenly. 

“That man; the ‘One,’ you’ve called him.” Loki heaved a heavy sigh and shook his head. He wiped his face. Your heart plummeted. Dipped. Your belly was set ablaze and your eyes felt scratchy. You knew what was coming. “Listen, I don’t know if we’d ever be… together, but I would feel much better if I knew your ‘One’ was still searching for you, too.”

“Loki,” you pleaded, “that isn’t fair.” You swallowed the tears down — if you cried now, it would show how weak you were — how much you relied on him. He would be scared off, wouldn’t he? Would he lose respect for you? Would he despise you? What would be the outcome? What would happen? “That’s not fair at all…”

“No, it isn’t,” he conceded. He turned his head away from you. You knew he couldn’t handle your tears well. His voice raised slightly as he continued, “But asking such a fragile question isn’t fair to me, is it?”

You felt the tears slip down. You wiped them away quickly, trying to regain your composure. “Loki…”

“Is it?” he snapped, causing you to jump. “Did you have to ask now, Y/N? Did you have to let your emotions get the better of you when we’re trying to escape this blasted planet?” With each word, more rage slipped into his voice, his tone, his whole manner. He was furious with you. You had upset him.

“Loki, I —” 

“Asking me to be your partner is out of the question! I would be dead first, Y/N! The situation we’re in, the pressure we’re under, I would rather die a thousand times than put our lives at risk for your silly fantasy!” He threw his hands down. You didn’t remember them flying so high. “Dying like a hero is far better than dying to protect your flimsy, mortal heart.” His chest peaked, then fell harshly. “You change so frequently; I’m surprised you even figured out that you wanted me. Perhaps it’s the thrill of danger, yes? The possibility of becoming a legend? An idol? Or is that too much glory for you? Are you hoping for rescue? To be saved like you had been taught from so young?”

You couldn’t speak. You didn’t move. You didn’t know how; after all, you hadn’t really been on the receiving end of his scolding. Well, that wasn’t really scolding. That was just… degrading. He was insulting you, peeling away your confidence layer by layer with a steady glare. He was angry — no, he was embarrassed — at your query. If you knew he would react this way, you would have sewn your own lips shut. You thought you could trust him. You wanted to trust him. You wanted that more than anything.

“You’re being cruel,” you pushed out. “You have no idea what I want.”

“I know you’re a small, witless child,” he growled. Loki stood from his seat. You ducked your head and stared at your knuckles. He grabbed your chin, jerking your face up without hurting you. “You’re simply an… an insect in the grand scheme of things who imagines greatness for yourself. I’m something you haven’t attained, that you haven’t experienced. You don’t want me for who I am, but rather what. Y/N, you’re a dreamer. That is why you follow me. Yes?” The god’s eyes searched yours with a frantic need. You clenched your jaw, removing his hand from your face. 

You said nothing.

“Answer me,” he spat. He dropped his arms, spreading his legs apart in a warrior’s stance. He was battling this topic more than you had imagined. Unless you were seeing things, Loki’s blue eyes were shining. His lips were tight against each other. Why was he losing his temper so? “Answer!” 

You kept your eyes focused on his; you wouldn’t say anything, you couldn’t, your tongue wouldn’t let you. Your knees shook. Your hands tingled. Your cheekbones tingled, too. Your throat hurt. Your nose burned. The longer Loki saw your tears, the wetter his own orbs became. Your body hadn’t racked with sobs yet, but they were waiting to erupt any moment. 

“Why could you possibly want a relationship with me, Y/N? I’m not yours to study, to toy with. Greatness cannot be the basis of love.” He looked between you and the door. His escape was too far away. The confrontation was hurting far too much — it was evident, written all over his face. “You can’t love me. Why would you?”

“Because you’re a hero,” you whispered. Your eyes followed him, but your limbs disobeyed every order to stand, to turn away, and walk out the door. Your last chance to spare your own feelings was slipping through the door. “If you weren’t, I would have been gone long before asking the question.”

“So… it is greatness,” he said quietly. “You want the persona.” He sniffed sharply, settling back into his chair. He raked his hands through his hair, once, twice, three times. He couldn’t sit still, but you still couldn’t move. “Not… me.” He wiped under his eye with his thumb. Finally, you understood why Loki was so offended by your question.

After all, who could ever love a man if he was a concept? What woman was loved wholly when the world focused on her beauty?

Your own heart shattered as you watched his crumble. Before you understood what was happening, you stood and walked to the prince. The forgotten prince. The prodigal son who had been thrown away, cast aside, and crushed like a cigarette under a boot. Once a bright flame, but quickly reduced to dying embers. Oh, and you had the nerve to ask him if there was a possibility of having his heart… you were like a child asking to hold something frustratingly delicate. 

You held his head, petting his hair for him. Your lip wobbled, as did Loki’s. He shook his head with agony. He buried his face in your body, clinging onto your hips with arms wrapped tight. You kept running your fingers on his head, scratching his scalp, and playing with his hair. His arms shook against your person. He tugged you between his knees to grip you better.

“I love you,” your voice came, echoing the ringing thought in your nearly empty mind. “I would love you even if you weren’t a god; I would love you if you lived under a bridge and smoked gasoline.” You tried for some humor. Loki’s fingers dug into your shirt. “Your greatness comes from your heart, Loki. Isn’t that what matters? Your heart?”

His shoulders jerked forward, the pace faster and faster as a heart-wrenching noise escaped from him. You tightened your grip on him. His sobs kept coming, over and over and over. They weren’t loud —  they sounded more like whimpers than anything else. It didn’t mean that the sound wasn’t enough to tear someone’s soul in half. It was tearing your soul in half. Seeing him like this… you didn’t know what to do other than to be his anchor. This was so unlike Loki; at the same time, this was Loki. 

This was every piece of hurt he had been holding onto for who knows how long. You had just found the weak spot in his armor. Loki loved you deeply and you could care less if it was platonic or romantic. Your stupid selfishness had caused a breakdown… 

Yet, it was healthy. He needed this. He needed this. 

You didn’t need an answer tonight. You didn’t need an answer for a while. 

This was more important. You’d rather die a thousand times than walk out on him in a moment of need.

The clock passed midnight long before Loki calmed. By the time he had stopped making that tear-jerking sound, the clock was seconds away from chiming. When he stopped shaking, it was almost one o’clock in the morning. You had moved to sit next to him then. Loki rested his head on your chest and shoulder. The only words spoken were your affirmations and your coos. For the Norns’ sakes, the crying was awkward; just by the way he stared off into space, you could tell he wouldn’t want to talk about this.

Ever.

“I’m sorry,” he said once it was over. “That wasn’t very… very heroic of me, was it? He laughed sourly. You continued to stroke his hair. “I wail like an infant and you’re still here…”

“I thought it was very brave,” you said honestly. “Breaking down in front of someone who might not truly love you? I’d just run away and hide.”

“You’re pushing it,” he mumbled, deadpan. “If this was me years ago, I don’t suppose I would have even let you see me like that. I would rather be dead, first.”

“I’m glad we solved something, tonight,” you told the giant in your arms. “But next time, I think we should talk about it slowly.”

“Agreed.” Loki closed his eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Oh, you’re excused,” you yawned. The clock ticked quietly. It was like a lure to sleep. You felt safe, squished in this seat with Loki. 

If someone wanted to take you from Loki, you’d have to be dead first.

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #148: Jaguar Warrior

Today on Fate and Phantasms we’re making the fast and the furryous Jaguar Warrior, the vessel for an anime girl, and to a lesser extent, a god. Taiga is a Totem Warrior Barbarian for some animal instincts, and a Drunken Master Monk to turn her unorthodox fighting style into a force to be reckoned with.

Check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

Next up: Mr. Break Yo Meta

Race and Background

Taiga’s still mostly Human (er, servant), and we’ll use the variant rules, because feats are fun. This gives you +1 Dexterity, +1 Wisdom, Animal Handling proficiency to watch over Quetz’s pets, and the Mobile feat for ten feet of extra movement speed and the ability to ignore attacks of opportunity from creatures you hit.

You’re technically on the same side as Quetz for this one, so that makes you a Goddess Alliance Legionnaire too, giving you proficiency with Athletics and Intimidation. 

Ability Scores

You definitely have some force behind your strikes, but you’re also really mobile, so we’ll start with Dexterity being highest. You’re really mobile, but you also have some force behind your strikes, so Strength is next. Your power partially comes from being a jaguar, so your Wisdom should be next. Your Constitution isn’t bad either- anyone who can survive a direct blow from Quetz is tough. Your Charisma isn’t amazing- you’re quick with a joke, but your main audience isn’t a big fan. Finally, dump Intelligence.

Class Levels

1. Monk 1: Starting as a barbarian would give you a lot more HP, but you only get the first Unarmored Defense you come across, and we like basing our AC off of Dexterity and Wisdom more than constitution. Now you can wear your fancy outfits without worrying too much about dying.

While you’re here though you also get Martial Arts, giving you a baseline of 1d4 damage when using monk weapons. You can also use dexterity instead of strength when using monk weapons, and if you attack with your main action you can make an unarmed attack as a bonus action.

You also gain proficiency with Strength and Dexterity saves, as well as Acrobatics and Stealth.

2. Barbarian 1: Barbarian gives us our real meat an potatoes of combat, with a Rage that you can activate as a bonus action for up to one minute, or until the fighting stops. Currently you can rage twice per long rest, but that will change as you level up. 

While raging, you get advantage on strength checks and saves, deal extra damage with strength-based attacks, and have resistance to physical damage.

You also get another Unarmored Defense, but it doesn’t stack with the first, so it’s not that important.

3. Barbarian 2: Your Reckless Attacks make you a terror on the battlefield, giving you advantage on your attacks for a turn in exchange for other creatures having advantage against you for the next round.

You also get a Danger Sense, giving you advantage on dexterity saves against things you can see. You’ll really want to avoid that fireball, burnt fur smells terrible, trust me. 

4. Barbarian 3: While you get your power from being a Jaguar Warrior you don’t actually turn into a big cat, so Totem Warrior is probably your best option. When you take the subclass, you become a Spirit Seeker, letting you cast Beast Sense and Speak with Animals as rituals. You also gain a Tiger Totem Spirit, adding 10 feet to your long jump distance and 3 feet to your high jump. Cats got ups. 

Finally, you get Primal Knowledge as well, giving you proficiency with Nature checks. You are literally an animal, you know a thing or two about animals.

5. Barbarian 4: Use your first Ability Score Improvement to bump up your Dexterity for more accurate attacks and a higher AC.

6. Barbarian 5: Fifth level barbarians get an Extra Attack each attack action, letting you attack twice per action or three times with your bonus action. You also get Fast Movement, increasing your movement speed by 10 feet.

7. Monk 2: Going back to monk gives you Ki points equal to your monk level each short rest. You can spend them to attack twice, dodge, disengage, or dash on your bonus action. 

You also get Unarmored Movement, increasing your speed by another 10 feet, and growing as you level up.

8. Monk 3: Drunken Masters have surprisingly little to do with actual alcohol, and much more to do with acting drunk, which you do every day. You get proficiency with the Performance skill, as well as a Drunken Technique when you use your Flurry of Blows. Attacking twice with your bonus action now comes with the benefits of disengaging, and your walking speed increases by yet another 10 feet.

You can also Deflect Missiles as a reaction, blocking damage from an arrow or thrown weapon. If you reduce it to zero, you can also spend a ki point to throw it at another creature.

9. Monk 4: Use this ASI to bump up your Strength for stronger rage attacks. You can also Slow Fall as a reaction, reducing falling damage thanks to landing on your feet.

You can also spend ki as an action for Quickened Healing for a bit of spirit origin correction.

10. Barbarian 6: Going back into barbarian gives you the Aspect of the Beast, though unfortunately Tiger’s kind of useless to us at this point. Grab Wolf instead for fast paced tracking and normal paced stealthing while traveling. 

11. Barbarian 7: Seventh level barbarians get a Feral Instinct, giving you advantage on initiative rolls. You also can ignore being surprised if you rage at the start of combat. If you’re going to overreact in a comedic fashion, it’s best not to overstay your welcome.

You also gain an Instinctive Pounce, letting you move up to half your speed when you enter a rage. Your base speed is currently 60 feet, so that’s not a small jump.

12. Barbarian 8: Use this ASI to bump up your Strength so your rage attacks can match your non-rage attacks, and to further increase the power of your ups.

13. Barbarian 9: Ninth level barbs get a Brutal Critical, giving you an extra die of damage when you deal a critical hit to a creature. You’ve got four attacks per turn with advantage, it’ll happen at some point.

14. Monk 5: Fifth level monks get an extra attack you can’t use, but they also get a Stunning Strike by spending a ki point to force a constitution save (dc 8+wis mod +proficiency) on a creature they’ve hit. On a failure, that creature is then stunned for a round, giving you free advantage against them without having to be reckless about it.

You can also spend ki points on your Focused Aim to try and turn a missed attack into a hit, with each ki point spent adding 2 to the attack roll.

15. Monk 6: Our last round of monk gives you Ki-Empowered Strikes, making your unarmed attacks magical for overcoming resistances. Like half the people you fight in Babylonia are some kind of god, that’ll be useful. You also gain a Tipsy Sway, letting you stand up from being knocked prone for only 5′ of movement and spend ki to redirect attacks that miss you, sending them towards another nearby creature instead as a reaction.

16. Barbarian 10: Tenth level totbars are Spirit Walkers, letting you Commune with Nature as a ritual, giving you near info about the area around you through your Nagual. 

You also get another round of Primal Knowledge for Survival proficiency.

17. Barbarian 11: Your Relentless Rage lets you make a DC 10 constitution save when you drop to 0 hp to try and stick around at 1 hp again. Each time you succeed, the DC goes up by 5. After a long rest, the DC resets. Do you want guts? Cus this is how you get guts.

18. Barbarian 12: You may have noticed by now that we haven’t even touched your final ascension. Well no longer! Use your final ASI to become a Master of Disguise, bumping up your charisma score by one, giving you proficiency with the disguise kit, and letting you make a disguise after spending an hour watching a creature and eight hours crafting the disguise. The important thing here is that you can don the disguise in 1 action, letting you quickly change into your “you, but a mafia boss” disguise faster than most people can put on their armor.

19. Barbarian 13: Thirteenth level barbarians get another Brutal Critical, giving you yet another extra die of damage on critical hits.

20. Barbarian 14: Your capstone level grants you a Totemic Attunement, and while the tiger and wolf options are both cool, I think the Eagle totem option suits you the best, giving you a flying speed while raging, with the caveat that you can’t end your turn in mid-air. Before this level, you could jump 56 feet horizontally, and 20 feet vertically. Now you can jump 195 feet in any direction if you use your action and bonus action to dash.

Pros

You’ve got a base speed of 65 feet and the ability to fly for five minutes a day. You’re really, really mobile, is what I’m getting at. Heck, you’re technically better than Quetz at piledriving people, if you really wanted to go that route (don’t tell her I said that).

This also means that, similar to our other cat-themed build, you can combine point one with your burst damage for solid hit and run tactics. You can run in, hit an enemy four times with advantage and suped up crits, and run out past most people’s normal movement range with no problem. That makes you very scary for anything that lacks a ranged attack.

You also come jam packed with a lot of Utility, with plenty of skills and random little bits of knowledge to have use outside of combat.

Cons

Your Ki is very limited, stunting the amount of times you can use flurry of blows to boost your speed and power with flurry of blows.

Master of Disguise is a neat little gimmick for playing to character, but it’s not actually that good for the build. I’d either take the Tough or Resilient feats for the extra not-dying they afford.

Our two big stats for this build are Strength and Dexterity, which have a lot of overlap in their use. We easily could have just focused on dexterity and ignored the bit of damage from rage, and we’d have way more HP and AC to show for it. It’s probably not going to be a huge issue when you’re half a mile from combat anyway, but it’s still something to note.

[remmushound]

Bay/rise 39!! @errorfreak88 @yarchurr @digitl-art-monstr @brightlotusmoon @sprinklestheditty @dakotafinely @sententiously-sarcastic

Content warning!! Mentions of Violence, Blood, and mental/body trauma!!

It was just dumb luck that Krang happened to look up and see them. Eight turtles staring down at him, white eyes glowing as they looked more like ghosts than mutants. Almost as if some avenging spirits had come out of hiding to enact revenge on the ones that did them wrong in life. Following Krang’s gaze, both Cassandra and Draxum looked upward as well.

“Complete the ceremony.” Draxum whispered to Cassandra before turning his attention to the turtles. “VILE CREATURES! What gives you the right to step foot in the home of my Grand Oni?! You will suffer for this injustice!”

“GET THEM!” Krang hissed, and at the command Shredder gave a roar and charged. He jumped up against the wall, the force of his strike making the technodrone shake as his claws dug into the metal.

“Master Krang!” Draxum pleaded quite suddenly, “You must keep Master Shredder in the circle for the ceremony to work! Please, great oni, let me handle the turtles!”

Krang watched him for a moment, and Draxum felt as if he might finally be called out for his treachery before Krang called Shredder to return. Shredder looked to Krang, and then jumped off the walls of the technodrone and landed right where Krang had commanded him to. Draxum smiled and finally stood to face the turtles. His thin vines shot out fast and tried to strike the brothers out of their hiding place.

***

Leonardo recognized what was happening almost immediately. Without a word to his companions, Leonardo jumped. His feet found holds on the whipping and swiping vines that carried him just as much as they tried to knock him over.

“LEO!” Raphael jumped after him, and under his bigger feet the vines grew thicker to support him. 

Michelangelo and Donatello were soon to follow, and Raph was more than ready to jump after them before Leo held out his arm to stop his brute of a brother.

“Can’t just sit here, Leo!” Raph growled.

“Just wait.” Leo whispered to his brother.

Leonardo reached the ground, and his brothers were right behind him. Raphael stood as equals with Leonardo, their other two brothers hanging slightly behind them. Leonardo flashed his odachi.

“Leo, what are you—“ Raphael went to say.

“Listen here, Draxum!” Leonardo declared loudly, “If you want my clan, then you’re gonna have to go through me!”

Draxum’s eyes widened just the slightest bit before he caught on, his vines wiping around him in a dangerous display of power as he played along. “Leonardo. Leading your brothers to die? How pathetic!”

“Leo…?” Raphael whispered softly.

“Just trust me, bro.” Leonardo said before quickly stepping up to stand before the full strength of Baron Draxum. “To get to my brothers, you’ll have to go through me first!”

“Very well…” Draxum narrowed his eyes. All at once, Draxum’s vines shot out at Leonardo.

With all the speed he could muster, Leonardo faced the attacks head-on in a charge. Weaving in and out and up and down and dodging the blows that were coming at him like they were actual attacks because they were! Baron Draxum never pulled his punches. When Leonardo got within danger-distance, Baron Draxum side stepped in a manner that Leonardo recognized immediately because he had just gone through the same thing with Leo! Maybe that spar had helped something after all...

Leonardo immediately knew what to do.

Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo charged to their brothers aid. Raphael’s eyes searched up at the glint of metal and he saw Krang first, and then the great monster beside him. Raphael’s blue eyes went wide, and then even wider as he pulled back and stopped his charge. He knew Shredder was going to be here, he had been warned of that, but now he was standing before the great beast that had shred through his carapace like it was paper. And he looked even bigger Raphael remembered him being. Raphael couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t move, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to!

Donatello stopped much the same. Imagining those claws coming down on him, breaking his brother in two. The sound of shattering bone rang in his ears and even though he knew it was only a memory, he had to look around to check on his brothers. To make sure they were whole! Michelangelo was the only one to continue his charge, his eyes screwed so tightly shut that no light could get through them. He didn't need to see to know where to go, he could feel it! And sure enough, his shoulder struck Cassandra hard and tossed her to the ground.

Leonardo did a flip, mostly just to show up, and made a portal on the ground on his way down. He made the exit portal a few feet above Draxum’s head. He used the force from his flip and fall and turned it into a stronger attack, flashing his odachi and preparing to slam it down hard on Draxum. The yokai’s ears gave the slightest twitch, and then he spun to face upward, balancing on one hoof as he grabbed one of his vines and it used it as a barrier to block Leonardo’s attack. Leonardo’s sword sank deep into the flesh of the vine, but Draxum still held strong, though sweating.

“I need to get the others out of here.” Leonardo said, “Can you help me?”

Draxum gave only the slightest grunt before tossing Leonardo carelessly. The slider landed hard but was quick to recover against the sting of his flesh and he scrambled to grab his disarmed sword. He grabbed it just in time for a large vine to come slamming down at him.

Raph was helpless as he watched, each passing second only serving to fuel him with even more anxious energy until he thought screw it! And he jumped from the platform without Leo’s command.

“Raph!” Donnie jumped after him, and then Mikey after Donnie. Leo, without much else of a choice, jumped with his brothers.

“RRRRR GET THEM!” Krang commanded, pointing at the brothers as they fell.

Shredder gave a furious roar and charged them like a cat, bounding effortlessly over the fighting below him as his eyes were locked on his target.

Raph’s ivy eyes went wide. “Oh… that’s guys a lot bigger than our Shredder. 

“STAY AWAY FROM MY SONS!” Splinter roared, struggling with all the might of his ten years of training. He started to gnaw at the vines that held him.

The eyes of Leonardo’s brothers, Cassandra, and Krang all followed Shredder’s movements, and Draxum saw his chance. He grabbed Leonardo quite forcefully around his plastron and spoke quickly.

“Portal now.”

He tossed Leonardo hard at the wall, but Leonardo cut his way to safety by the means of a portal before he could hit. Draxum charged after him, and the portal closed the second Draxum passed through.

Then they were somewhere cold and dark and, most importantly, alone.

“Where did you take us?” Draxum asked.

“Don’t ask me!” Leonardo said, “You said make a portal, I made a portal! It’s freezing in here…”

“We don’t have much time.” Draxum spoke urgently, “You have a plan, what is it?”

Leonardo went to answer but hesitated. “I have… a question.”

“Well then ask it!” Draxum spat.

“Hueso said you needed a sacrifice of Hamato blood to defeat Shredder.” Leonardo said quickly, “Does it have to be dad?”

“It must be Hamato!”

“I know that.” Leonardo put his hand to his chest and smile weakly, “But I am Hamato…”

***

The battle roared on upstairs. In Draxum’s absence, his vines disappeared, and Splinter dropped hard to the floor with a sickening crack. Leo hardly had time to process the heart-wrenching sound before Shredder was upon them, his claws flashing his fury at the invaders. With a quick-thought swipe of his bo, Donnie knocked all his brothers out of the way of the swipe and took the hit himself.

Leo prepared for Donnie to be shredded, but he wasn’t. Shredder swiped him like a cat with a mouse toy, pinning Donnie beneath the weight of his claw and lowering his head to look at the box turtle with a monstrous smile before wrapping his hand around the mutant and carrying him off. Leo swiped at Shredder’s feet trying to get him to drop Donnie, but Shredder delivered a simple, sharp kick to Leo that sent him flying far and hard. Shredder took his position back in the ceremony and waited.

In a flash of swords and vines, Leonardo and Draxum fell from high up in the technodrone. Draxum used his vine to soften their fall ever so slightly, the thorns slicing into him and Leonardo both and leaving long, jacked cuts across their flesh. Draxum landed on top of Leonardo, his hoof planted firmly on the slider's neck. 

“ENOUGH OF THIS!” Draxum summoned up what remained of his power into a final, all-out strike that sent his vines flying outward and striking all turtles who dared make a mockery of his ceremony. Michelangelo was shoved off of Cassandra, and Raphael and Donatello were tossed into the remaining Mikey and Raph. Then the vines all pulled back to form a solid wall around Krang and his prisoners, Draxum, Cassandra, and Leonardo. “The ceremony is almost complete.”

His words were directed in equal parts to Krang and Leonardo as Draxum stepped back to help Cassandra finish her work quickly. Krang finally stepped up, his patience quickly worn thin, and he armed his blasters to fire.

“You were interesting for a time, but it’s time for something far more entertaining.” Krang laughed, “What do you think, Draxum? Should I let my new pet take care of him?”

“Your pet’s savagery knows no bounds.” Draxum commented with a laugh, “He would tear and rip all that flesh and its pretty patterns! Surely you’d want it more preserved if you plan to showcase him.”

“Fair point…” Krang smiled evilly. 

***

“NO!” The roar of both Raph’s sounded out.

Raphael charged the vines with all his force and tried to slam into them to no luck. He took his sai and both he and Raph tried to slash and cut at the ever-thickening wall. For a moment, Leo was stuck in his own shock and horror, still near the crevice his shell made upon his impact, before he recovered and charged to join. Each slash his katana landed was more quickly mended, but he didn't stop. Mikey and Michelangelo and Donatello all joined in as well, trying to hack and slash and cut away at the vines to get to their brothers.

Raphael was the first to back up. His eyes were like a sea, the shoreline receding in on itself to foretell of a tsunami about to break free. He knew something was up with Leonardo the minute they got there, and now that there was a wall between them and Leonardo was alone in that place with Draxum and Shredder and Krang, the cold truth smacked Raphael worse than any of the blows Shredder could ever deal to him. The tsunami spilled out of his eyes in the form of a torrent of tears and his sobs were like the howl of the storming winds the nature disaster would bring with it. He was the leader, it should be him in there, and if he had his mystic weapons, he could have just busted through those walls! He looked down at the bloody mess of his hands, torn open by the thorns he hardly noticed as he had punched the walls. His Hamato blood flowed out of the wounds and dripped down his knuckles. The faintest sound the drops made when they plopped on the ground were like the sharpest thunder in Raphael’s mind. Then he made two tight fists as the true tsunami made itself known.

He didn't need his tonfa! He was strong with them, sure, but he was just as strong without them! He had survived Shredder without his tonfa, and he had survived fourteen years of his life without the need for them! He didn't need them, but Leonardo needed him. Raphael felt a burning in his chest and at the base of his spine, and this time when his eyes turned white, he was still in control. His tears flowed just as openly as ever, but his lips betrayed them by pulling back in a roar that seemed to shake the very foundation of the structure at his feet. 

Eyes focused. Elbows locked. Stance low. 

***

“Before I preserve you, I have a show I’d like you to see.” Krang motioned to Cassandra as she eagerly held a blade to Yoshi’s neck, waiting for her cue to slice it.

“Is it Land Before Time? Because those movies? Awesome!” Leonardo risked a few steps forward. He tensed his muscles and grabbed at his wounds to try and make the blood flow from himself faster.

“You’re very obnoxious. It’s obvious your father taught you no manners. So, allow me to be you teacher.”

“You mean I have to stare at your bubblegum-looking self for eight hours Monday through Friday? No thanks!”

“Laugh while you can, little turtle…” Krang went to give the motion for Cassandra to carry through with the ceremony, but at that moment he stopped for some reason, and he looked at Leonardo. No, he looked behind Leonardo.

Leonardo turned in time to see the vines bust open and reveal a furious, almost floating Raphael. His feet just barely graded the ground, his chest emblazoned red with the Hamato Clan sigil, and his eyes glowing like white fire. The vines continued to try and tug and pull at him, resealing themselves behind him. He pulled the vines right back, snapping them in both his hands and his teeth.

“Woah…” Donnie gulped from where he was still in Shredder’s hand, trapped by the force of the great beast.

Raphael stood facing Krang for one long moment before charging. Krang charged up his blasters in preparation to meet Raphael in battle.

“RAPH NO!”

Then Raphael did the strangest thing yet. He stopped his charge, his eyes still locked on Krang though with no intent to attack him. Leonardo could see that now. Raphael slammed his fist down hard into the stone, his blood leaking out into the ceremonial markings and staining them red.

[whittakerjodie]

Ex Machina

Request: Can u pls do a 13 x reader where when first judoon catch 13, reader is with her and ended up in prison too when u tried to shield the doctor? But 13 negotiate ur release from prison despite ur protest. She assumed ur safe back on earth. After jack broke her out, she found out from the fam that they never see u again. What happened to u?

Words: 1.7k 

Authors Note: This isn’t like, super explicit love stuff I guess? but I really liked the concept and stuff. I hope you like it regardless! Thank you for requesting. SPOILERS FOR REVOLUTION OF THE DALEKS

Nothing was ever supposed to get onto the TARDIS, through its defenses. Yet the Judoon had broken in with extreme ease, with the sole intent of taking the Doctor away. Although she was usually the one protecting you, the roles were reversed since she was the target. You stepped in front of her as they vaguely stated her sentence, not realizing what exactly you’d just gotten yourself into.

With a flash, you were no longer on the space-time machine but in a dark room. The only light source was a small window, if you could call it that. In reality, it was just a small rectangular cut out of the wall, which appeared to be made of rock. Slowly, though, other lights worked to make things visible for you. You were standing on another rock, in the center of the room. Quickly you stepped off of it, looking around frantically.

The Doctor and the Judoon were nowhere to be found; you were alone.

“Hello?!?” You yelled. You sprinted over to the wall, setting your hands against it. It was cold to the touch and non responsive. Knocking against it hurt your knuckles, but you couldn’t give up. You shouted again, hoping to catch the attention of someone nearby. The only response you got, though, was a loud snarl from the other side of the wall. You jumped back with a gasp. You were alone in the room, but not in the entire building. (Assuming you were in a building in the first place)

“Where am I?” You whispered to yourself. There was another underlying question at the forefront of your mind: where was the Doctor?

______

Immediately when she arrived in her own cell, the Doctor thought of you. She knew you weren’t dead; the Judoon had simply used a teleportation device. But you had jumped in front of her, and likely experienced the effects of that. At that point, she had to assume that you were in the same place as her, just in a different room or area. If not- no, she didn’t want to consider the idea of you being lost somewhere.

It was a couple of days later when she was able to talk with a Judoon representative. Just asking wasn’t enough, but her questionable behaviour- such as attempting to eat part of her cage- was enough to earn some scolding. It was annoying, but a nice enough opening for her to be able to ask about her situation.

“Where is my friend? Y/N, they were in front of me when you brought me here. I think they might have come here too.”

“Judoon officers are not allowed to disclose prisoner information,” The Judoon grunted. The Doctor tensed against her chair. She could deal with whatever punishment they thought necessary for her. But she wouldn’t accept your imprisonment for no reason. They’d also mentioned a life sentence when they took the both of you. Her life sentence in particular- and that was significantly longer than however long you could last.

“What if I give you something in return?” the Doctor tried. It was her last bargaining chip- her only bargaining chip, in fact. “Y/n didn’t do anything. They don’t know as much as I know about the universe. For all they knew they were protecting me from danger. They don’t deserve to be here, please.”

The Judoon paused, then looked at what the Doctor assumed was one-way glass. They nodded at the glass after a few moments. “What information can be offered?”

“Information about me. Who I am, what I've done. I don’t know everything but I’m willing to tell you everything you do know.”

Almost a day and 7000 extra charges later, she had finally finished telling the Judoon whatever information they asked for. Nearly her entire life; everything she knew to be true as of that moment. It was a lot, and she wasn’t looking forward to dealing with the consequences of admitting it. But the Judoon promised that they would release you, and that was enough for her to justify it all.

______

Promises are rarely ever kept, unfortunately, especially when it comes to law enforcement and the justice system. Completely unaware of what the Doctor had just given up for you, the days dragged on. At one point, a Judoon officer came. They explained that your charges were minor enough to warrant an exchange to a smaller, less solitary prison.

Your heart rate was nearly strong enough to drill through the rock walls as another Judoon joined you. The two officers lead you through the corridors where you could see nothing, hear nothing, feel nothing except for your own fear. How were the Doctor or your friends supposed to get you out when they were moving you? They would have no idea where you were going…

Your throat felt tighter than the shackles around your wrist as you were brought further and further away from the cell you’d already spent a couple weeks in. Panic was beginning to fully take hold of you, preventing you from making any decisions or ideas of escape. You weren’t sure what to do, if anything could be done at all.

“Prisoner 5506, yes?” A familiar voice. 

________

“Hi, I was in space jail!” The Doctor said cheerfully. Yaz, Graham, and Ryan were staring at her with wild eyes, the contents of the flat tossed about in the wind the TARDIS had created. She could’ve landed in a better place, but she was much too excited to see you and her other companions.

The confusion set in, though, when she noticed there were only three people in the flat. That confusion was exacerbated when Yaz roughly shoved her back, yelling that they were worried about her. As her face fell, the reality settled in. Clearly she’d been late again. How could she have been so careless flying the TARDIS? She had imagined that everything had been programmed right. She was wrong- and her best friends had paid a hard price because of it.

“How long have I been gone? A week?” the three shook their heads. “Two weeks?”

When they told her that she had been gone 10 months, she felt even more weight be suddenly added to the one she was already struggling to bear. The gap, which she had initially assumed to be small, had expanded into a massive chasm. With you not in the room, she began to feel worried that you’d fallen into it.

“Where’s Y/N?”

Neither of them needed to speak; the confusion in their eyes was enough to answer the Doctor’s question. Any following words were a courtesy that only served to pause her hearts in her chest.

“They were with you,” Ryan said darkly.

“Th-They left, ran after you-” Graham added. The Doctor broke through his words with her own.

“No, no, I know that, they were in jail with me, then the Judoon sent them back” She searched the faces of Ryan, Yaz, and Graham. Even Jack, who seemed just as confused. “They sent them back.” She finished with a whisper.

“I only came there for you,” Jack said. Before the Doctor could protest, he clarified: “I only came there for you, because you were the only one there.”

“No, no, that can’t be true,” She shook her head, panic starting to build. “I was in there for- for years, decades and if I was..”

She trailed off, unable to finish the question. The room felt silent as the horrible probability crawled across everyone.

Had you…?

_________

In hindsight, you shouldn’t have gone with him. You could’ve told the Juddoon who he was, what he did, why he did it. What he was probably going to do with you now. But your mouth would not open, your tongue would not move. Your legs, however, were operating on a different agenda. You followed him into the transport vehicle, knowing that it was not such a simple transport.

When the door shut, you felt like your fate had been sealed.

“Why?” Was all you could ask.

“That’s a stupid question,” The Master scolded. “Not sure what I was expecting, though.”

He grumbled his way through the sentence, though his face portrayed a dangerous level of glee. Like he’d laid a trap. He hadn’t, though. He was simply reaping the benefits of another's. How fitting of the Master, to essentially get another to do his dirty work for him.

“Sit.” He commanded. His TARDIS was still mostly the dirty shack that O had lived in. You were surprised, given the Master’s flair, that he had not improved on the design. The couch nearly sunk to the floor as you followed his command. You supposed, with the speed you followed his orders, that he could’ve hypnotized you. But truthfully, you were just too scared to do anything else. “First try, hm? Is this how far her pets have fallen...?”

“I’m not her pet-”

“But you went to prison for her didn’t you? And you know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t come to get you, don’t you.” By this time, he had walked across the length of his TARDIS to stare down at you from above. Another way to show who had the upper hand here.

“I would’ve…” Hell, you didn’t know. You’d been in there for a week, at least, judging by how many times you’d slept and done the odd daily routine. How much longer would they have kept you in there?

“Aww,” The Master cooed mockingly. “Too bad. One prison to the next!”

“But I’m not worth anything to you,” You tried, voice accidentally dripping with anxiety. “You can’t even fight the Doctor, she's still in prison.”

“Oh, but not for long.” The Master pointed out, returning to his console. The space time machine was in flight, taking you far away from the prison you’d been kept in. Far away from the Doctor. “I think we both know she’ll find her own way out. And when she does, I have a nice little bargaining chip for our next meeting”

You shrunk back into the couch as he threw his head back and began to laugh, wondering when exactly this next meeting would be- and how it would end.

[ninjakasuga]

Sonally Celebration Week! Year Three, Day Six: Rescue

Sonally Celebration Week, Year Three, Day Six: Rescue

Day six, and admittedly the toughest piece to write since well, action scenes require more finesse than a domestic/slice of life story. The journey continues, and since my main focus mostly centers on Sonic and Sally’s post Robotnik/Eggman war peace time lives, I like to flex different events when the prompts give way to good inspiration. When one has to do with rescuing, well, let’s just say, if you’re dumb enough to harm someone’s children, woe comes to you in waves.

Day Six: Rescue.

It was supposed to have been a nice, pleasant day. Go to Spagonia with your big bro and his wife, enjoy flying in a fancy transport ship. While Sonic and Sally do the diplomatic thing, Sonia and Manic would watch J.C. and Kathy as they got to enjoy the city. See the sights, enjoy some ice cream and crepes from the city vendors, and just have a good old time! However, it wasn’t to last, the day was ruined when the sound of their ‘secret tail’ security guards crying out after being, well truthfully Sonia didn’t get to hear what exactly happened to their bodyguards (she hoped they were alive). All she heard was some muffled noise; some people screaming, and suddenly a van rolled up, and people in masks and jumpsuits grabbed and knocked them all out.

After coming too, she woke up to a bag over her head, only to have it torn off, and bright lights flashing in her face. A camera was aimed at them as some jerkoff using a voice-modulating helmet to obscure his identity was making some long list of demands and basically laid out they were collateral if those demands were not met. She tried to make everything out, but she was still groggy from waking up from whatever they used to knock her out. Manic was no better when she asked him if he gleaned anything she missed, sadly he was as groggy as she had been. She knew better than to ask the kids, clearly the six-year-olds were ‘terrified’ and wanted nothing more than to go home and jump into their parents arms.

Hell, the sixteen year old herself wanted to hug her parents just as badly. After that song and dance with the camera, all four were dragged to this cell of sorts, and left there with a guard detail. Whatever they wanted, they seemed to be serious, or at least wanted to come off that way. Her keen eye noticed some of their guards seemed unsettled. Like they were not keen they had kidnapped children. Maybe she, or Manic could use that? A little of the ol’ duo-charm to-.

“Auntie Sonia?” The small, childish voice snapped the older hedgehog out of her thoughts. Instantly her head snapped to the small child resting in her lap.

Forcing a calm smile, Sonia gently petted Kathleen’s soft auburn hair, which had blue tips at the end. Many thought it was dyed, but it was merely something that seemed to happen to both children, who inherited their Mother’s auburn tresses. Yet at the tips, bits of blue would form over time. No doubt the stubbornness of her big brother’s genes at work. Just hand to mingle with Sally’s.

“What’s up kiddo?” She asked her niece as she continued to stroke her head, and did her best to seem calm and collected. She and Manic were the adults here, they needed to be strong for these precious babies.

Green eyes look up, then over to the cell door, then back to Sonia’s own. “I wanna go home.” A simple request, but what child wouldn’t want to go home with this kind of situation abound? “Why do these guys wanna be mean to Mommy and Daddy?”

Another voice spoke up, the disdain high and snark on full. “Cuz they’re- and I quote.” Manic Hedgehog interjected, keeping his voice calm, and then upping the volume as he aimed his words at their guard. “A BUNCHA COWARDS WHO RESORT TO KIDNAPPING KIDS!!” He shouted with full malice at their captors, which made both children recoil, and his sister wince.

“Manic!” Hissed Sonia as she reached out and yanked at his ear. “Stop it! You’re just making it harder for J.C. and Kathy!” She growled at her brother, her eyes going to the door to their cell and sure enough their masked guard had turned to regard them. Thankfully he just turned away and went back to guarding.

“Well these bozos need to know what kind of d*ckless, wussies they are!” Retorted Manic, the green-dyed-furred hedgehog with a growl in his voice. Usually Manic was chill, and easy-going with a touch of mischief. He was running red right now, his niece, nephew and sister being put in danger can do that to someone. “Plus they’re f*cking idiots!”

“Manic, language!” Sonia chastised further as she covered his mouth with a hand. “Not that I disagree with you, but is antagonizing our captors the wisest idea?!”

Removing her hand from his mouth, Manic let out a dismissive snort. Yet his gaze softened some as he saw the kids were looking antsy again. “Maybe not, but seriously what kind of idiots kidnaps the Prince and Princess of a Kingdom? I mean, you want a war? Plus think of their parents, heroes of the war against the Big Robo and Big Eggy! I mean that’s a recipe for doom more than my Taco Tuesday Blowout Cookout.” The food wasn’t the issue, so much as the aftermath, but worth it in Manic’s eyes.

A small rumbling was heard and J.C. blushed as eyes rested on him. “...I’m hungry, and Uncle Manic makes great tacos.” He managed a smile, despite clearly still being scared.”

“Heheh, once we get out I’ll make us all some.” Manic promised as he lovingly scratched the back of his nephew’s ears. He did the same for Kathleen, not wanting her to feel left out. “Also, sorry about the yelling and language, I’m just pis-er-pointedly angry at the bad guys.”

“We’re ‘not’ the bad guys.” Their guard finally spoke, snorting loudly. The way he seemed to clutch his weapon and his covered tail (they seemed intent to make it hard to guess their species) twitch and move, hinted at his anger at such an accusation.

Despite having just chastised Manic for antagonizing their captors; Sonia found herself unable to not engage them. “Not from where we’re standing. Uncouth as my brother put it, he called it right. Nobody who kidnaps children are the good guys.”

“We’re not going to harm you, we’re just sending a message.” His steadfast tone, carried a firmness of whatever convictions he carried about their unknown ‘cause’.

“What sort of message? We’re kidnapping your kids, so we invite you to come kick our butts? Seriously, what else do you expect?” Sonia inquired, keeping her tone polite, hoping perhaps this guard might spill some kernel of information they could use. Then a thought occurred to her. “What happened to the bodyguards watching us? I heard them cry out, did you capture them too or did you kill them?”

“We shot them, but we didn’t shoot to kill.” The guard callously responded. “They should live.”

“Do you know that for a fact? Even a crippling gunshot can lead to death if they bleed out before they get help or the injury causes the right amount of trauma. I heard multiple muffled sounds… If they got shot multiple times that increases the chances they didn’t make it.” The magenta-dyed hedgehog stated with cold, medical fact. “They also had families, so nice job dipwad, you possibly widowed and orphaned two families.” It was petty, but seeing his body language shift and just slightly shake before firming back up gave Sonia a sense of satisfaction. “You could have used stun-blasters.”

The guard hissed back his reply, but she could tell he was trying to justify his words to himself. “You can’t silence stun-blasters.”

Rolling his eyes, Manic decided to chime in. “So you bozos prioritized not making noise, over making your little power grab as bloodless as possible.”

“If they die, our leaders will make it right, all of this has a purpose! It’s to make things better-!”

It wasn’t Sonia or Manic that cut the man off, but J.C.’s small but clearly angry voice. “So making Mr. Hunigan and Mrs. Fletcher dead is alright when you say so?” The boy’s fists clenched tightly. “They were nice people, and we know their kids, they’re our friends… you took their Dad n’ Mom from them you-you, j-jerk!”

“Gee, even the six year old can see it clear as day.” Sonia icily sneered at their captor, scooting closer she slid both her arms around her family and kept them close.

“Mommy, sh-she and Daddy are gonna find us.” Kathleen managed to speak up, wiping her eyes, like her brother managed the most fearsome glare she could. “They’ll find us and kick your butts! They’re heroes, they always save the day!”

Turning, the guard’s helmet, visor and cloth covering their mouth obscured whatever Mobian species they were. “Your parents are part of the problem! If not for the Acorn Kingdom’s meddling along with the other outsider nations, we wouldn’t need to do this!”

“Only meanies justify their actions by blaming others!” Humphed the young princess as she turned her head away, as if to utterly disregard her captor. Oh Sonia and Manic’s heart swelled.

“I gotta agree with Kathy here, sounds like blame-gaming here-.” Manic mused, only to be cut off by their clearly irate captor.

“If they hadn’t meddled with the trade tariffs making exporting goods harder, not to mention their invasive meddling with our affiliate cities-!”

A lightbulb went off in Sonia’s head. “Wait, wait, time out!” She put her hands together in the referee gesture to hopefully get a word in. “You guys are blaming them for the trade issues and the Acorn Kingdom’s presence in your sister cities? Um, dude, hoo boy, you are probably being played by whoever your leaders are.”

“Bite your tongue-!” “Okay you know what, screw that, and kids I’m sorry but-.” After giving her niece and nephew an apologetic look, she quickly sent her captor a fiery glare. “First off, F*CK you! Second, the Kingdom sent delegations to those cities BY REQUEST! The mayors asked for aid in looking into some oddities with exports from Spagonia going in and out because they realized something was hinky with the weird laws and micro-managing coming out of Spagonia’s Trade & Commerce Ministry. Any of your Minister’s calling the investigations meddling or preludes to occupation are trying to play the dodge game moron! Second of all, the tariff problem? I shouldn’t say this, but I love talking shop with my sis-in-law, and boy a lot of the issues stem from how they were set up, like someone ‘wanted’ the tariffs to cause issues and sow discord. It’s a big political set-up but my big-brained Sis likes big-brained chess and she’s onto some corruption from within Spagonia’s Trade & Commerce Ministry.”

She watched as the guard looked uneasy, and his compatriot to the far way seemed to be listening in as well and had lowered his weapon some. “That, that can’t be possible.”

Footsteps could be heard as another similarly dressed guard walked into view of the first one. “Ignore them comrade, they’re trying to unnerve you.” “What if it’s true our leaders are lying to us? Given who some of them are-.” “Shut your mouth before you give anything away!” The other, more burly guard hissed as he raised a gloved hand, poised to smack his comrade if he didn’t do as he said. With his associate cowed, he turned to the cell and pointed his weapon. “Shut your mouths or I might just have to shut it for you.”

Manic moved in front of his sister, nephew and niece, arms out. “Touch them buddy, and you and I are gonna tussle!”

“Uncle Manny don’t!” “D-don’t get hurt!” “Manny…” Sonia held the children close, but tried to soothe her brother. “Don’t, they’re clearly too deluded to listen.”

“You will see it is you who is delusional!” The burly captor spoke, with a zeal of a true-believer. “Once it’s clear your Queen and your treacherous nation are outed as the villains they are, things will become bet-.”

Suddenly the entire room rumbled, and the sound of muffled shouts, and fighting could be heard in the other room. All their captors turned toward the metal door just out of view of Sonia, Manic and the children. Suddenly the door flies off its hinges, slamming into the far guard who cried out in pain and terror as they are taken out. A familiar ‘rev up’ sound is heard and then a blue blur slams into the burly captor sending him flying. As the sounds of fists fly, another far off captor raises their weapon, only for the sound of jets to get clouder and a familiar southern drawl is heard shouting. “TAKE A NAP YA’ CREEP!” A blaster bolt is heard firing off screen. Soon a blue energy blast hits the captor, causing them to drop their weapon as the stun-bolt freezes their whole body. As another guard attempts to fight, the flying Rabbot zooms him and body-tackles the would-be-attacker, a loud, thick ‘crunch’ of metal hitting flesh is heard. Clearly a one-hit-KO.

The original guard readies their weapon, trying to pick a target, clearly panicking. “Ho-hold or I’ll shoot!”

*KER-SLICE!!*

Their weapon is cleaved in two, falling from their hands, and in the next half-second, the tip of the weapon responsible is held at their throat. This man finds himself looking into the very, angry blue eyes of the Queen of the Acorn Kingdom herself, Sally Acorn. Wielding an ornate sword with the crest of her family on the hilt, and ornate lines etched into the blade. For a second the guard swore the weapon’s blade glowed for a moment, but whatever the case, it was clear the Sword of Acorns (reforged and imbued with Sally’s residue Super energy) was capable of cutting quite nicely.

Her voice was ever commanding, calm and serene, yet deadly and potent. She was clearly angry, but using said anger as a laser-focused weapon instead of being consumed by it. For now.

“You will let my babies and my younger siblings out of that cell. Now, no questions. If you so much as dare do anything but I ask, you will regret it. Do not force me to spill blood before my children, because you WILL live to regret it.” She vowed.

“N’ she ain’t the only one you need ta’ worry about.” Uttered Bunnie Rabbot, as she got up from pummeling her foe into unconsciousness. She flexed both of her cybernetic arms which transformed into blaster mode on the right, and nasty energy axe on the left. “You further threaten my God-Children or Manny and Sonia’s well-being. I might just forget I’m a Southern Lady.” While plain and frank, there was a menace in her eyes mirroring Sally’s, and the hum of her weapons furthered showed she was not playing games.

A small ‘boom’ and a flash of blue from across the room, and the guard found Sonic the Hedgehog on the other side of him, arms crossed, and foot tapping rapidly. “Door, open, my kids and siblings safely in arms, now!’ He didn’t bother making threats, he didn’t need to.

The guard simply let out a pathetic sound, wet himself and passed out onto the floor.

Without a word, Sonic dug at their belt, found the key and quickly as he could unlocked the cell door, and threw it open. All anger, and intimidation left his face (as well as Sally and Bunnie who put away their weapons) as the look of a worried parent and brother overcame all else. “Are you four okay?! Did they hurt you any-?!” “DADDY, MOMMY!!” Instantly Kathleen, and J.C. dashed into the arms of their Father, with their Mother soon joining in the hug, checking them over.

“Oh my babies!” Sally clutched her family tightly, kissing the children all over their faces and tops of their heads, as she checked them for injuries. “It’s okay now, Daddy and Mommy are here, oh God I’m so sorry this happened, that we weren’t there to stop you from being taken.” She babbled, as the kept-in-check emotions burst from the dam she erected to focus on the rescue.

“We’re sorry, we’re sorry…” Sonic murmured, his heart still racing even with all his joy held firmly in his arms. Lifting his gaze, tear-stained he looked to his siblings worriedly. “How’re you two holding up? They didn’t hurt any of you did they?”

“Nah, they just… dragged us around at most.” Manic shrugged, but was clearly relieved this whole thing was over. As he stood he found his legs shaking, and leaned against his equally leg-shakey sister. “All that said, glad you guys found us so soon.” Moving closer, Bunnie shifted her arms, what was metal now, began to flash with energy and seemingly disassemble back to flesh and blood. The wonders of bio-nanite tech. Once her arms were organic again she pulled the two hedgehog siblings into a hug. “Sorry we didn’t get here sooner sugah, but we had to basically strong-arm some of the Spagonia government to give us the okay to act. Though once Sally n’ Sonic scared these bozos' supposed leaders into talkin’ they squealed like- well sumthin I can’t say within earshot of kiddos.”

Sonia let herself chuckle, relief and a sense of security flooding her being as she leaned into the hug. “So, lemme guess, the Trade Minister and his flunkies were the culprits?”

“Yeah, I mean we were gonna confront em’ with the evidence Nicole uncovered, but you all bein’ taken kinda forced our hands.” Bunnie further explained as she scratched the back of their ears soothingly. “U-Uncle Manny and Auntie Sonia, looked after us, we’re okay…” J.C. managed to speak once his throat wasn’t sore from crying (this time from happiness).

“Hmm-hmm, they’re the best as always!” Kathleen agreed, sniffling and wiping her eyes as she remained cocooned by her parents and brother.

Smiling, Sonic reached over and managed to give each of his younger siblings an affectionate arm-punch. “Somehow I knew they’d have it under control.” Well more hoped, but he didn’t want to devalue his sibling’s efforts. No if anything he wanted them to ride the pride of keeping themselves and the kids safe.

“Lucky for us, as Sonia called it, these guys were morons. Dangerous ones, but morons.” The green-furred hedgehog blew out a breath, and then he recalled something. “Um, ah, how’re Agent Fletcher and Hunigan?”

“Alive.” Sally replied, still nuzzling her children, still unwilling to let them go. Her own heartbeat was finally starting to calm down and the adrenaline high was crashing. “They were hurt badly, but both are tenacious and they got help just in time. They might have to retire from active duty early but we’ll be sure they’ll be looked after, their families too.”

“Oh thank goodness!” The two teens, and the younger children exclaimed, as joy at the news eased their hearts from the dread they felt prior.

Footsteps could be heard approaching, but the boot clomps’ were familiar. So no one tensed or got ready for another fight. Especially once Captain of the Royal Guard, Antoine D’Coolette emerged, wiping his sword blade clean with a cloth before sheathing it into its scabbard. “My Queen, ze fools have been disarmed, and rounded up. As you requested, we managed to take them all alive, if injured.” After a beat, he contemplated making a joke about some being ‘literally’ disarmed, but with the children there, he decided against it. “How are ze young ones?” He asked, decorum giving way to concerned God-Father, and as a fellow parent.

“Thankfully unhurt Sugah-Twan.” His wife replied, flashing a smile his way. “Where’s Tangle n’ Whisper?”

“Helping out Tails to ensure we didn’t miss anyone and secure the location.” Informed Antoine as he walked over, making sure all were fine, if to soothe his own fretful nature. They also will wish to zee’ that our rescuee’s are le’fine.”

Sniffing away the last of her tears, Kathleen looked up at her Mother. “Uncle Tails came too? I thought he was testing his new plane in the South Seas?”

“Once he heard the news, he jetted over as fast as he could and offered to help.” replied Sonic with a wide smirk of pride and relief for his ‘not-so-little’ bro. “Family sticks together, and well you guys are as much family as his own. Which by the way, I’m sure Tails will wanna set up a face-chat so Mina can see you’re all fine.”

“She is very fond of her biggest fans.” Chuckled Sally, who internally still found it ‘very’ weird, that Tails and Mina Mongoose hooked up. Their age gap wasn’t too bad, and clearly whatever happened to bring about their dating didn’t occur until Tais was eighteen/nineteen-ish. Then again he clearly had a thing for older women, at least his choices after Fiona Fox were an improved taste. As long as Mina was good to Tails, that was all she cared about, and they did seem like a good couple. Still weird but that was on her.

“Can we leave now?” J.C. asked softly looking up at both his parents hopefully.

“You got it son, we’ll juice n’ jam out of here and get you guys some food and tucked in for the night.”

“Can we have a sleepover in the hotel suite? Like all of us with blankets on the floor and pillows nests?” Asked Kathleen with big, hopefully eyes. A look her brother mirrored and nodded to her suggestion.

“Yeah, can we have a sleepover?!” Manic echoed, doing his best impersonation of the look.

“I don’t see why not, if everyone else is on board.” “Wouldn’t be hard for us all to fit in, big ol’ space, and like you could ask us to stay away after today.” Bunnie voiced her opinion with a warm smile at the children. Giving them assurance she was on board.

“Like the saying goes, the more the merrier.” Antoine stated to voice his blessing. “Plus I’m sure Bunnie and my own angels would love the idea as they too were worried about you four. As was your Nanny Miss Cream.” The coyote gently ruffled the hair of the two youngsters, his mind drifting to his children two years their senior. Yes, if they had been through this, he’d gladly acquiesce any whimsy they wanted within reason, and a sleepover to help soothe their nerves? A piece of cake.

Kathleen’s face fell as childish concern flooded her mind. “Oh no, that’s right, we were supposed to meet Jacque, Belle and Miss Cream after lunch…” “Hey they know we didn’t stand 'em’ up by choice.” Manic interjected as he flashed a smile and reached over to ruffle his niece’s cheek tufts.

“Let’s blow this pop stand, I want a hot bath, lots of bubbles and all the cheese cake…” Sonia muttered, feeling her own adrenaline rush and the weight of the whole ordeal finally sapping her energy.

“I hear that, let’s go home everyone.

[gloomybabygirl]

{mrs.} Poe Dameron x fem!reader

A/N: this is plagiarized from inspired by the last scene in Pride and Prejudice (2005, the only acceptable version). I’ve loved this story for as long as I can remember and have had this scene memorized for the longest time. I couldn’t get a Poe version out of my head today :) if you haven’t seen the movie what in the fuck are you doing go watch it?? but even if you have, I’ll link the scene below so you can refresh your memory <3 p.s. it has just occurred to me that this is only the ending in the U.S. version so if you are from somewhere else please you need to see this 

warnings: mentions of sex?, plagiarism, pure fluff, danger of falling in love with Poe, bad writing :) this is fem reader bc of the mrs. i’m so sorry!!

word count: 

song: Mrs. Darcy- Original Film Score!! highly recommend listening while you read

link to scene 

You hoped the novelty of calling Poe Dameron your husband would never wear off. The way saying the word husband when referring to him made your stomach flutter and heat creep up to your cheeks. It filled you up to the brim with happiness and love that you got to call him your own. 

The first few days of married life were being spent on Yavin IV so Poe could show you where he intended to raise a family with you once the war was over. You loved nothing more than hearing this man talk about the future. It was something he didn’t dare to do for a long, long time. But something about your love and hope showed him the stunning glimmer of a light at the end of the tunnel. Now, the thing that kept him going through each mission was the thought of one day being able to tell his kids about them. 

While your honeymoon had been mostly spent... honeymooning, you were falling more in love seeing Poe like this. Childlike almost. Taking you to all the places he remembered from his youth. 

He dragged you to a huge tree, with a hole through the base of the trunk, big enough to fly a tie fighter though. It was easily the tallest tree you had seen on Yavin and it must have been around for at least a thousand years.

“Under here,” he said stepping into the hollowed trunk of the ancient tree “is where I had my first kiss.” 

“Hm, should I be jealous?” You asked, smirking at the man boy. 

“Nah, because now you’ll be my favorite kiss inside this tree.” He gently pulled your wrist, and wrapped his arm around your waist. His free hand cupped the side of your face and brought you in for a sweet, lingering kiss. 

He pulled away for a moment and just looked at you in adoration. You saw a change in his eyes and caught a devilish gleam before he said: 

“Come on, I’ll show you were I lost my virginity!” and ran from the kissing tree.

“Poe! I don’t want to see that!” You yelled, laughing and running after him.

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He did not, in fact, show you where he lost his virginity. 

He instead lead you up a small mountain that was closer to his childhood home. About midway up the mountain was a circle of light colored boulders, in a oblong circle. Poe had a soft smile on his lips, but when you met his eyes, there was a shadow of sadness.

“Over by all these rocks here, this is where I would play with all my toy A-Wings. I wanted to be just like my mom.”  

You grabbed his hand and squeezed, silently letting him know you were there for him. He squeezed back and gave you a swift kiss on the cheek. 

“This is where our kids will play with toy X-Wings because they want to be just like their dad.” He laughed at your eyeroll following the comment. “The I’ll have a whole squadron of just Damerons.” 

“I’m sure Leia will be thrilled to pieces to have that many trigger- happy flypeople under her command.” 

He chuckled again, kissing your temple this time. 

Once again, taking off at light speed, he started running further up the mountain. 

“Come on, I have one more place I want to show you today!” 

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“Poe, baby it’s getting dark.” You had been following him up this mountain for several minutes (not that you minded the view). 

“I know,” he threw you a grin over his shoulder. “Don’t worry Princess, we’re at the top,” he extended his hand back to help you up the rest of the way, kissing the back of your hand tenderly when you got to him. 

He walked you over to a small clearing and laid down on the thick grass, pulling you down with him. 

You lay your head on his chest so you could hear the quiet, steady beating of his golden heart. Your hand clasped tightly in his was laying next to your face on his chest. Perfect for giving him sweet kisses across his scarred knuckles. 

You angled your chin to look up at him. “So... is this where you lost your virginity?” You asked, only half joking. 

He laughed lightly, “Nah, I can show you that tomorrow. This is where I would go when I was scared, or sad, or just... whatever. I would look up at the stars and it would remind me of how small and miniscule my problems were. That there were so many other people out there who needed help. My help. reminding myself of that would ground me and get me it of whatever mood I was in. I wanted to bring you here because this was my special secret place where even my dad couldn’t find me.” 

You stayed silent, letting him have this moment for himself. The thick feeling of nostalgia for a childhood that wasn’t even yours filled the space between the two of you. Suddenly, he sat up and sat cross legged facing you, wanting to look at you. He took your hands in his roughed up calloused ones and studied your face for a moment. 

“How are you tonight, honey?” He asked, making you wince slightly. 

“Very well. Only, I don’t like it when you call me ‘honey’,” you said gently. 

He looked a little hurt, causing you to reach out to cup his cheek, his stubble tickling your palm. “Why not?” 

You giggled a little at his hurt expression. “Because it’s what my dad always called my mom when he was mad about something.” 

Relief flooded his sweet, brown eyes. “Then what pet names am I allowed to call you?” 

“Well let me think... ‘Baby’, for everyday,” He beamed at you. “’Princess’ for holidays. And ‘kitten’ but only on very special occasions,” You said winking at him referring to a nickname he had grown fond of using in the bedroom. 

“Okay,” he was still grinning from ear to ear, “Then what should I call you when I’m mad? Mrs. Dameron?” 

“No!” You would never want him to use your favorite title in a negative way. You kissed the small gold band around his ring ringer. “No. You can only call me Mrs. Dameron when you are completely and perfectly and incandescently happy.” You said smiling up to him. 

“Well then how are you tonight, Mrs. Dameron?” He asked, kissing your forehead with featherlike softness. 

He looked at you, smiling lightly, before whispering again, “Mrs. Dameron.” He then leaned to press a kiss to your cheek, causing the blood to rush there. 

“Mrs. Dameron,” He moved to warm the frosty tip of your nose with his tender kiss.

He couldn’t get enough of how that pet name rolled off his tongue and fit you perfectly. “Mrs. Dameron,” He hesitated for a brief moment to take in your scent and then kissed your other cheek, feeling you smile under his lips. 

“Mrs. Dameron,” He whispered one last time before finally capturing your lips in his own. 

You knew this feeling would last forever.

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taglist (currently open, message me!): @softly-sad​ @clumsy-writing-rdb​

[kieraelieson]

Centaur AU 6

Thomas was woken by the sound of a barn door opening, and an exasperated “there you are.”

He blinked, trying to sit up and figure out where he was and what was going on. He was practically cuddled up to Emile, who was also just waking up, and Remy went to stand between them and the man at the door.

“Who are you, and what do you want here?” Remy snapped, hands on his hips.

The man rolled his eyes, reaching into his suit pocket to pull out a thick envelope. “I’m one of the Authier’s lawyers. I was supposed to draw up and finalize an agreement with Thomas this morning, but I have to be somewhere by 10 and it’s a bit of a drive.”

Thomas stood up, looking for the clock and wincing when he saw the time. 8:43. He was supposed to be at the stable by nine. Ugh, that was the danger of sleeping away from an alarm clock.

“Um, thank you for coming, I’m sorry I wasn’t available earlier.”

The man just looked him up and down, probably noticing every wrinkle and bit of dirt and hay. “No, I expected it. Mrs. Authier does like to hire people that ‘play the party’ so to speak. I’ve drawn up the agreement already, I just need your signature.”

“What, um, what does it all say?” Thomas asked, trying to rub his eyes with it being obvious.

“To summarize, you may either stay in the stable or in the bunk room with the other employees, free of charge. Your centaurs will be able to stay there and eat and receive medical care free of charge as well. You will be paid double what you are now, but will be considered ‘on call’ twenty-four seven. The other eight hours of on call will pay for your housing and your centaurs. If your centaurs get registered for any kind of public engagements the prizes for those will go to the Authiers, and it will be allowed to be assumed that they are owned by the Authiers. However, you still are the legal owner, and retain full possession, provided you allow the pretense to continue. You will decide whether or not to register your centaurs in anything at your own discretion, though if you choose to do so they will have the same advantages as any of the Authiers’.”

Thomas’s mind was more than a little spinning, but it sounded relatively ok. He didn’t really want to register Remy or Emile for anything, and everything else seemed good.

“O-ok.”

“Excellent. Sign here, and here, and here. I’ve had a key to the bunk room delivered to the stable. And also here is a card. You are allowed to use it for any discretionary purchases for the centaurs, provided you keep a record of those purchases and deliver the record to me monthly. Here is my card, the number is on the back.”

Thomas’s mind was still spinning. He just managed to nod and sign and accept.

The lawyer smiled. “Thank you, Thomas. Please call me with any questions or problems.”

And then he left. Leaving Thomas feeling like his brain had been stuffed with cotton.

“That… was a lot.” Emile said.

“You’re sure he isn’t all sneaky and tricking you?” Remy asked.

Thomas just shrugged helplessly. “I… need a shower.”

He took a quick shower and then packed a backpack as quickly as he could, rolling up a blanket and a pillow and shoving them into a pillowcase. That’d be enough for tonight, and he would have more opportunity later to get more of his things.

“Oh, no, I have to get those things for Patton too. Ugh… I’m gonna be so late.” Thomas scrubbed a hand over his face. Well, he was trying his best. He could make it. Maybe late, but he’d make it.

Remy and Emile had also packed up a few things, and Remy was wearing the ‘carry-saddle’ when Thomas got back. It was a cobbled-together thing, an old saddle with hooks and straps on it. Thomas was able to hang his backpack from a hook, and tie on the pillowcase bundle.

“Do you mind if I ride, Emile?”

“Not at all,” Emile said, holding a hand down to help pull Thomas up.

“We have to stop at the pet shop on our way, I promised Patton a rat cage and toys.”

“They have rats?” Remy asked, screwing his face up.

“Not loose, not for much longer. I have to get a cat too. And probably cat supplies. Are you good with carrying all that?”

“Not the cat, but I can carry the rest.”

“If the cat’s in a carrier, I don’t mind,” Emile said.

Thomas agreed readily. A carrier would be a good thing to have anyway.

It felt strange to rush through a pet store, almost wrong, and he was a bit surprised they just let him adopt a cat when he was so frayed and hurried, but they did. He got an old, black cat that seemed calm. He didn’t want anyone to worry about a frisky little kitten darting around underfoot.

Everything packed up, they were finally on their way.

When they arrived, Thomas opened the door, alarmed to hear soft sniffling and Roman speaking softly but harshly. “...and that’s why you can’t do that!”

“Whoa, hey, can’t do what?” Thomas asked, careful to keep his tone gentle.

Roman frowned, crossing his arms and turning slightly away. “Can’t talk. Not when it’s not safe.”

Thomas looked to see Patton rather teary, holding his arm, but not in the usual embarrassed-type pose.

“What happened?”

“Oliver did,” Virgil said, his tone dark and bitter.

Thomas turned to see Virgil in Logan’s stall, smushed between him and the wall.

“Ok,” Remy said, “I’m sick of this dancing around. What happened, completely, and who’s this asshole?”

“Oliver is the Authier’s… I think nephew,” Patton said quietly. “He came in earlier and was mad about Virgil being in Logan’s stall. I tried to get him to leave, but he got mad at me too.”

Patton moved his hand to show a red wheal on his arm.

Thomas set the carrier down immediately, rushing to get the cream.

“But then why would you fuss at him?” Remy asked sharply.

“Because he could avoid getting hurt like that if he just shut up!” Roman snapped. “And the whole thing wouldn’t have happened if everyone was following the rules!”

“Yeah, like victim-blaming is helping anything,” Remy said caustically.

“That’s not-- If they do it right it does help!”

“Remy, Roman, please,” Thomas said firmly. “Don’t argue.” He gently tended the mark on Patton’s arm, and the stable grew very quiet and still, only Emile coming over to be on hand to help Patton, and to subtly direct Thomas’ attention to Roman.

Once he was done Thomas turned around to Roman, who backed up a step, a sudden, but genuine fear flickering through his eyes, especially when Thomas opened his stall. Things were clicking together in Thomas’s mind, things Roman had done, had said, as well as certain behaviors he recognized as being similar to Remy a long time ago.

Thomas moved slowly, deliberately, holding out a hand to Roman.

Roman stared at his hand, eyes wide and alarmed, before finally reaching out tentatively to take it.

“Roman,” Thomas faltered seeing the repressed flinch, but took a breath, almost sure he understood the situation. “You’re trying to protect your friends.”

Roman made no response.

“It’s worked for you before. You made sure that by following all the rules and laying low that you were safe, and you just want them to be safe too.”

There was a tiny nod, and Roman’s face pinched, the slightest glimmer of tears in his eyes.

“You did well. I’m sure they all appreciate you trying to protect them. You did enough. They’re safe now.” Thomas echoed some of the words Roman had said to him the day before, and Roman blinked tears back, scrubbing away the one that made it past. “The things you protected them from are not right. Not ok. Not at all. I’m throwing out all those rules. You don’t need to keep them anymore.”

Roman took in a shuddering breath, looking like he was trying hard to control his emotions.

“I’m going to be here for you all as much as I possibly can be. You don’t have to be strong for them all, you can call me and I’ll help, ok?”

Roman nodded, scrubbing at his eyes.

“Roman?” Patton said. Emile had moved close to him, and it seemed they had talked about something.

Roman nodded in acknowledgement that he was listening.

“Thank you for trying to protect me. Protecting all of us.”

Roman shook with a half-sob, turning away and trying to hide his face from all of them. “Y-you’re welcome.”

“But… you… also hurt me, with the way you were doing it.” Patton said hesitantly.

A ragged sound tore out of Roman’s throat. “I-I know. A-and-- and I’m sorry. I thought-- I thought it would be better, cause I could-- I’d just fuss at you-- but the humans hurt you!”

Roman suddenly turned, and Thomas stepped out of his way, Emile moving Patton’s door, and Roman crashed into a hug with Patton, shoulders hitching with sobs he tried to keep quiet. “I’m so sorry, Patton. I-- I never wanted to hold you back, I just wanted you safe…”

Patton hugged back tightly.

Thomas figured they’d appreciate a bit of privacy, at least by not having him staring, so he started unpacking things carefully and quietly. Remy also seemed a bit ashamed, and very quietly helped.

There was a soft rustle, and Thomas saw out of the corner of his eye, since he was still trying to not stare at anyone, that Virgil and Logan were having some kind of conversation composed mostly of stares and touches. It was slightly odd. He was used to those silent conversations, when he’d seen them before, being mostly facial expressions and hand motions. He was beginning to realize that something, though what he had no idea, was going on that he was missing. Something with Logan.

And then Logan spoke up, clearing his throat and drawing attention to himself. “I would assume that the two of you are Remy and Emile?”

“Yes, we are,” Emile said politely. “I think we may have arrived more suddenly than was expected.”

Logan nodded. “Indeed. We hadn’t been aware you were coming at all.”

Emile shot a look at Thomas, who raised both hands. “I didn’t really know either, I’m kinda flying by the seat of my pants here. I’m… I’m sorry if it’s uncomfortable for you guys though. I should’ve found a way to make sure it was ok first.”

Logan nodded slowly, looking like he was rolling information over and over in his mind. “I see. I don’t believe any of us would strongly object to new stable-mates.”

Virgil shook his head a little in hesitant agreement.

Roman and Patton weren’t full hugging anymore, standing pressed against each other side-by-side, much like Logan and Virgil, though much more evenly sized. They were holding hands though, and both were trying not to look as teary as they were.

“It’s fine,” Patton said. “I’m happy to have new friends.”

Roman just nodded, a hand covering his face as he tried to calm down.

“I’m glad,” Thomas said, his mind whirring a bit trying to figure out where was best to put Remy and Emile so that no one would argue, but then he stopped abruptly. He was literally treating all of them like pawns in his mind right now. “Um, where do you guys think would be best for Remy and Emile to stay?”

There was a lot of looking back and forth between the centaurs. Apparently none of them had considered that yet.

“We can stay wherever is most convenient,” Emile said.

Gradually all the stares converged on Logan. He frowned slightly. “I believe it would be best if Remy was not near Virgil or Roman. And I think it likely that the two of you would prefer to be closer to each other. And seeing as the rat cage was intended to be mounted in the stall adjoining Patton’s, there will be less room there. It seems the best option would be if Remy was housed in the stall next to mine, and Emile next to Virgil’s.”

There were nods all around, though Remy’s was more hesitant.

Emile tried to lessen the tension by walking into the stall suggested for him and looking around. He then looked around the rest of the barn. “You only have standing beds here.”

“That is correct,” Logan said.

Emile just nodded, looking around the stall some more. “Thomas, would you help me make a straw bed?”

Thomas nodded quickly, hoping that doing something helpful would release the tension he was feeling. “Yeah, absolutely. And I think we need to make one for Logan too. He isn’t supposed to be standing up nearly as much.”

Logan blinked. “I am curious as to how you could make a bed sufficiently comfortable for sleeping out of straw.”

“I’d love to show you,” Emile said cheerfully, smiling at Logan.

So for the next hour or so Thomas hefted down the rectangular bales of hay, and Emile helped stack and arrange, and eventually tore a few open for a softer top layer. Finally, Thomas got out some heavy blankets to lay over the top, noting that to have enough he was using all the blankets there were in the closet.

“This is the last one, but I can buy more. I’ve been given permission to buy whatever you guys need.” Thomas said.

Logan looked at the bed suspiciously. It took up a good half of his stall, and Virgil had had to leave while they made it. But then slowly, carefully, he knelt and flopped to the side, and then let out a long breath with so much relief in it Thomas felt a sudden pang of guilt for not having remembered to get him more pain medicine right away.

Thomas sat down on the floor outside of his stall. “I think the vet is coming back sometime this morning. It’s mostly just so she can prescribe medication so you can get better. And then after that, I think you all have a mostly free day. Patton has something this evening, but the afternoon is fine. So I think I’ll go shopping to get whatever you all need. I’d really like it if you mostly just laid around for the next bunch of weeks, so is there anything I can get you? Books maybe? Or craft supplies?”

Logan squinted at him suspiciously. Thomas tried not to worry, or to get defensive, but it seemed he’d gone and said something dumb or unknowingly hurtful again.

“You are unaware that I am farsighted.” Logan said, his tone perfectly flat.

Thomas’s eyes widened. “Yes. Yes, I was completely unaware. Patton has glasses, why wouldn’t you, if you needed them? Did they break?” He caught himself before he just rambled endlessly and shut his mouth.

Logan just sighed. “I think you’re a good person Thomas.”

Thomas was caught entirely off guard by the sudden change of subject. “Um… thank you? I certainly try to be.”

“But you’re also quite unobservant.”

Thomas frowned slightly, but just nodded.

Logan raised his voice just slightly. “And we’ve made matters worse by assuming the opposite of you in both cases.”

There was a slight acknowledging grumble from behind him.

Thomas just nodded again, hoping to figure out where this was going.

“I believe my glasses are somewhere amongst the paperwork,” Logan said. “And I would greatly appreciate books to read.”

Thomas nodded quickly. “Yes. I’ll see if I can find them.”

He shuffled through the paperwork until he found a pair of glasses, vaguely remembering having seen them before, and assuming they were a backup pair for Patton, as they looked almost exactly the same.

“Are these them?” He asked, handing them to Logan.

Logan put the glasses on, and nodded, studying Thomas’s face, and then turned to look at Remy and Emile. Then he laid back and seemed to fall asleep very quickly.

And now all eyes were on Thomas again. He’d have to get used to this.

“Um… I guess, let’s set up the rat cage, and then hopefully the vet will come, and if any of you want anything, let’s get it all on a list for me to go get it?”

There was a general nodding and a couple ‘thank you’s, and Thomas forced a confident smile onto his face. Maybe he didn’t have everything under control, but he was certainly about to do his best.