#location white buffalo suite

[ded-and-gonne]

[abookishdreamer]

Character Intro: Neicus (Kingdom of Ichor)

Nickname- The Blond Brain by Dione

Age- 35 (immortal)

Location- Skyline district, New Olympus

Personality- He's intellectual, cool, & suave, viewing debate as one of the greatest intellectual arts. He's single.

He has the standard abilities of a god except shapeshifting. As the god of debate & appeal his other powers/abilities include speech manipulation, dispute inducement, vocal projection, and seductive magnetism.

Some members of his family includes his younger sister Dimósia (goddess of debate) & niece Peitho (goddess of persuasion & sensuality). His relationship with his sister is good despite their busy schedules, but he hasn't been around his niece much.

Neicus shares a condo in the Skyline neighborhood of New Olympus. He lives in The Parthenos Plaza with his best friend Favian (god of philosophy). Neicus gets around in a sleek silver sports car & has been thinking about possibly getting a pet griffin!

He takes great pride in his appearance and physicality. Neicus has a whole skincare routine & keeps his facial hair neatly trimmed. He often frequents the medical office of Paean (goddess of physicians) at the royal palace on Mt. Olympus for teeth whitening, the plaza's gym for a high cardio workout, and the Gold Rays tanning studio for a healthy looking golden bronze glow. Neicus describes his personal style as "sophisticated casual." He opts for quality over quantity when it comes to his wardrobe- pressed silk shirts, khakis, as well as fine leather shoes, sneakers, & sandals going upward of 500 drachmas a pop! He also has his suits expertly tailored.

A go-to drink for him is a white russian. He also likes dry martinis, scotch on the rocks, pinot grigio, champagne, negronis, rum & cokes, and beer. His usual from The Roasted Bean is a large decaf espresso.

His go-to thing to eat for breakfast is the chipotle chicken, scrambled egg, & avacado sandwich on ciabatta bread from The Bread Box. He'll also order hash browns, sweet potato home fries, and turkey sausage patties from The Hearthside Diner.

Neicus' bond with Favian is deep. They like to think of themselves as brothers. They even got matching friendship tattoos on the inside of their wrists.

A guilty pleasure for him are buffalo wings! He opts for a 20 piece whenever he goes to Olympic Chef.

Neicus' main source of income comes from being the head of the communications department at New Olympus University. He personally teaches the new media communications class. Neicus is also an esteemed speechwriter, even writing the speech that King Zeus delivered on the country's millennial anniversary celebration! For other means of income he models for/endorses Platinum Alchemy, Cerulean Stone, Ouránio Théama, & Thunderstruck (Zeus' underwear brand). Neicus is also a frequent political commentator on The Agnostic Network. With his personal ventures, he's trying to step into the world of professional boxing.

His favorite dessert is the mille-feuille from Salon du Sucre, the patisserie owned by Aphrodite (goddess of love & beauty).

In the pantheon Neicus is friends with Pathos (god of emotion), Litismós (goddess of culture), Sophia (goddess of thought); his best friend's sister, Porus (god of resourcefulness), Eikono (goddess of iconography & literature), Nomos (god of laws), Horkos (god of oaths), Kéfi (goddess of mirth), Aion (god of time, eternity, & the zodiacs), Aplistos (god of avarice), Dione, Momus (god of mockery, satire, & ridicule), Amphictyonis (Amy) (goddess of diplomacy), Hydros (god of water), several river gods including Achelous (god of freshwater), Priapus (god of fertility, vegetable gardens, livestock, sexuality, & masculinity), Rhapso (goddess of sewing), and Chiron (the immortal centaur).

As for his love life, Neicus is enjoying not being tied down in a relationship. A new development has been him & Rhapso getting more flirtatious and familiar with each other, including a situation that happened in her dressing room where Neicus gave her a foot massage after she was complaining about her stiletto heels. Despite finding her incredibly attractive, he hasn't made a real move for fear of ruining their friendship. Neicus shared a kiss with Apheleia (goddess of simplicity) at an induction ceremony & has dated Nymphe (goddess of self-care). He's currently seeing a theater actress, a mortal woman named Petroula Aetos.

His all time favorite food are king crab sushi rolls.

In his free time Neicus enjoys reading, writing, playing video games, football (soccer), swimming, golf, sunbathing, basketball, poker, tennis, bike riding, playing pool, and surfing.

"You don't win a debate by suppressing discussion. You win it with a better argument."

[tourwithroots]

Tanzania Tour Packages: Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure with Roots Tours & Travel

Tanzania, a land of untamed beauty and diverse landscapes, offers travelers a chance to explore everything from thrilling safaris to pristine beaches. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone looking to relax and unwind, Roots Tours & Travel has the perfect package for you.

Why Choose Roots Tours & Travel?

Roots Tours & Travel is dedicated to providing personalized, top-quality experiences for all our clients. Our expert team ensures that every tour package is crafted to cater to your unique preferences, whether you're planning a safari in the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or lounging on the beaches of Zanzibar. Here’s why we stand out:

Customized Itineraries: No two travelers are alike, which is why we create flexible, customized itineraries to suit your interests.

Expert Guides: Our professional guides are not only knowledgeable but passionate about showcasing the best of Tanzania.

Comprehensive Packages: From accommodation to transportation and meals, we take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

Safari Adventures: Explore Tanzania’s Wildlife

Tanzania is renowned for its incredible wildlife and vast national parks. Our safari packages give you the chance to witness the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos) in their natural habitat. Explore iconic locations like:

Serengeti National Park: Home to the famous wildebeest migration, Serengeti offers an unmatched safari experience.

Ngorongoro Crater: Known as the "Garden of Eden," this UNESCO World Heritage site is teeming with wildlife.

Tarangire National Park: Famous for its large herds of elephants and scenic baobab trees.

Mount Kilimanjaro: Conquer Africa’s Highest Peak

For the adventurous at heart, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge. Roots Tours & Travel offers fully-supported treks up Kilimanjaro, where you can choose from various routes to match your experience and fitness level. Reaching the summit at 5,895 meters is a life-changing accomplishment that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Zanzibar Beaches: Relax in Paradise

After your thrilling safari adventure, take the opportunity to unwind on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar. White sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs await. Whether you prefer snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun, Zanzibar provides the perfect tropical escape. Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or indulge in the rich culture and cuisine of the island.

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At Roots Tours & Travel, we understand that every traveler has different expectations. Whether you're a solo explorer, a family, or a group of friends, our team ensures that your trip is personalized to meet your needs. Our Tanzania tour packages include:

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Booking your Tanzania tour with Roots Tours & Travel is simple. Our passionate team is here to help you craft the perfect itinerary for your dream getaway, ensuring every detail is tailored to your vision. Whether you're looking for a short getaway or a longer adventure, we offer a range of packages designed to create lifelong memories.

Get in touch today to learn more about our Tanzania tour packages and start planning the trip of a lifetime!

Conclusion

Tanzania is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences waiting for you to discover. With Roots Tours & Travel, your journey will be smooth, well-planned, and filled with awe-inspiring moments. From the iconic Serengeti to the relaxing shores of Zanzibar, your adventure of a lifetime begins here. Let us be your guide to one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Africa.

[golive-event-center]

GoLive Event Center

Baytown, Texas, is in Harris and Chambers counties, forming part of the Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. Located on the northern edge of the Galveston Bay complex, it is near the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou. It ranks as the sixth-largest city in the metropolitan area and the seventh-largest community, including The Woodlands CDP. Major Baytown highways include State Highway 99, 146, and Interstate 10. According to the 2020 U.S. census, Baytown's population was 83,701, estimated to have grown to 84,324 by 2022.

The area now known as Baytown saw its first White American settlers in 1822. Among these early settlers was Nathaniel Lynch, who established a ferry crossing at the junction of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou, a service still in operation today as the Lynchburg Ferry. Other notable early settlers included William Scott, one of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred, and Ashbel Smith, who owned a plantation in the area.

Initially, Baytown consisted of three separate towns. The first, Goose Creek, was named after the nearby bayou where Canada geese would winter, a name still reflected in the Goose Creek school district established before 1850. The discovery of the Goose Creek Oil Field led to the development of the rival communities of Pelly in the late 1910s and East Baytown in the early 1920s, both emerging as early boomtowns. The "East" in East Baytown was later dropped as it was located west of Goose Creek.

Discussions about merging the three cities began shortly after World War I, but Baytown initially resisted. However, in 1947, the three towns agreed to consolidate under Baytown, officially forming the city on January 24, 1948.

In 1916, the Humble Oil and Refining Company, founded by former Texas governor Ross S. Sterling and his associates, developed the Goose Creek Oil Field, establishing Texas's first offshore drilling operation and the second in the United States. The company later built the Baytown Refinery, one of the world's largest Exxon refineries. Today, ExxonMobil remains a significant employer in the city, operating over ten plants in the area, including a newly announced $2 billion expansion to its chemical facilities in 2019.

The discovery of oil spurred significant population growth in Baytown and the surrounding tri-cities area. This period saw an influx of immigrants, including Jewish families who established the K’nesseth Israel synagogue in 1930.

Steel manufacturing in Baytown began in 1970 when United States Steel opened the Texas Works near the city. The plant was closed in July 1986 due to economic challenges and the decline of American steel in the 1980s. Jindal Steel acquired the facility and now operates as JSW Steel USA, Inc.

Featured Business:

GoLive Event Center is a versatile venue perfect for hosting various events, from youth sports leagues and tournaments to birthday parties, special events, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, and community charity events. Our booking process is user-friendly, with customizable options to suit your unique needs. Our fully-equipped gyms are ready for volleyball, basketball, futsal, and other indoor sports, providing top-notch facilities and ample seating for spectators. Additionally, we offer on-site catering, ample parking, and a dedicated event planning team to ensure every detail is covered. Whether you're organizing a small or large gathering, GoLive Event Center is committed to delivering a seamless and memorable experience.

Contact: GoLive Event Center 6333 FM 3180 Rd Building E, Baytown, TX 77523, United States Q4QW+53 Baytown, Texas, USA (832) 318-0370 https://www.golivegolive.com/

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[victoriafallsactivitiescentre]

Activities You Can Plan To Do In Victoria Falls, Livingstone & Chobe

Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and Chobe are all located in Southern Africa and offer a wide range of activities for visitors. Here are some popular activities you can plan to do in each destination:

Victoria Falls:

There are many Best package deals to Victoria Falls, offering a range of activities and accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Adventure package includes activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, and zip lining, as well as accommodation in a hotel or lodge near the falls. Whereas safari package includes a safari in one of the nearby game reserves, as well as a visit to Victoria Falls and accommodations in a safari lodge.

Visit Victoria Falls: This is a must-see attraction for everyone travelling to the area and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Take a helicopter or microlight flight: Get a bird's eye view of the falls and surrounding area on a scenic flight.

Bungee jumping or zip lining: Thrill-seekers can experience an adrenaline rush by bungee jumping or zip lining over the Zambezi River.

Sunset cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Zambezi River while watching the sunset.

Safari: Go on a wildlife safari in one of the nearby game reserves to see elephants, lions, and other African animals.

Livingstone:

Visit the Livingstone Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the area at this museum.

Take a walking tour of the city: Explore the streets of Livingstone and see the colonial-era architecture and local markets.

Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Go on a safari to see zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife, or visit the park's rhino sanctuary.

Whitewater rafting: Brave the rapids of the Zambezi River on a whitewater rafting trip.

Cultural tours: Learn about the customs and traditions of the local people by taking a cultural tour.

Chobe:

Go on a safari: Chobe National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Go on safari to fulfil your wildlife fantasies.

Take a sunset river cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Chobe River while watching the sunset and spotting wildlife along the banks.

Visit a local village: Learn about the culture and way of life of the local people by visiting a nearby village.

Birdwatching: Chobe is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 bird species to spot.

Fishing: The Chobe River is a popular destination for fishing, with species such as tigerfish and bream to be caught.

[nashotahwi]

Explore the Lifestyle of Nashotah Wisconsin

Nashotah, Wisconsin is a small village located approximately half an hour west of Milwaukee. The community of Nashotah is centered around its small downtown area, which is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses. The village is known for its strong sense of community, commitment to preserving its rural character, and its desirable quality of life.

Nashotah is primarily a residential community, but it offers plenty of recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, golfing, and hiking. There is also a small business district with a grocery store, hardware store, flower shop, and dry cleaners. Nature lovers will find plenty of opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, including a bike trail and nature preserve. Nashotah is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a slower pace of life.

The lifestyle in Nashotah is focused on family, nature, and community. With its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere, Nashotah is the perfect place to call home. From an abundance of outdoor activities and recreational areas to a growing number of wineries, craft breweries and small businesses, Nashotah is a great place to put down roots. Nashotah boasts a variety of dining options and amenities that appeal to all ages. The town is home to a number of traditional restaurants, from Italian to Mexican, as well as to several craft breweries, wineries and small businesses. Nashotah’s Main Street is a great place for curb-side shopping, including art galleries and gift boutiques. In addition, the University of Wisconsin - Baraboo/Sauk County Extension offers cultural activities such as art classes and nature hikes. Nashotah has strong roots in rural traditions, with its Victorian-era architecture, working Amish farms and beloved local festivals. Each year, the town hosts local events such as the Chrysler Classic of Greater Milwaukee in June and the Harvest Moon Festival in September. Nashotah is a wonderful place to call home; a vibrant, small town where a sense of community, a love of nature and rural traditions still thrive.

The Natural Beauty of Nashotah

Known as the "Little Switzerland of the Midwest", Nashotah is home to numerous natural locations, making it the perfect spot for exploring the wonders of the great outdoors. From the scenic views at Stone Bank Hill to the numerous trails, Nashotah offers something for everyone. During the fall and winter, Nashotah is transformed into a winter wonderland of snow-dusted trees and sparkling ice on the lake. Take a stroll along one of the many trails amidst colorful leaves, or venture into the forest to uncover the area’s hidden gems. Birdwatching is an enjoyable pastime in Nashotah. Lake Nashotah is home to a great variety of birds. Among them are the white-throated sparrow, great blue heron, common loon, and northern flicker. Nature lovers are also sure to spot many other birds including warblers and woodpeckers.

Nashotah is also home to one of the largest prairies in the state of Wisconsin. The prairie is a fantastic place to take a leisurely hike and observe wildlife including coyotes, beavers, turkeys, and white-tailed deer. No matter the season, Nashotah offers an abundance of natural beauty ready to be explored and appreciated. From day trips to week-long hikes, or boat rides to fishing trips, Nashotah is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. So take a break from everyday life and explore the natural beauty that is Nashotah. Nashotah's rustic atmosphere provides an opportunity to observe and appreciate the area's natural beauty. In the fall, Nashotah’s rolling hills are painted in stunning colors. For those looking for a tranquil escape, Nashotah has plenty of natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Member Spotlight 

The Joint Chiropractic

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The Joint Chiropractic — Waukesha is a well renowned place for their high-quality chiropractic services. They are very affordable, convenient and specialized when it comes to providing pain relief from neck, head, knee & back.

They are offering $29 New Patient Special which includes a consultation, exam, and adjustment. One can even schedule an appointment at night or on the weekends. If you don’t have insurance, it doesn’t matter! 

Open nights and weekends, walk-in chiropractor, no insurance needed.

[seconds-not-decades]

Time and Oblivion

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Fem! OC

Author's Note: Hello and welcome. This is my long-awaited season three fic and I will be posting daily.

Warnings: Season 3 spoilers, REALLY long post, cursing, blood, violence, major injury, and major character death.

Previous | Next

Oblivion

~ * ~

On the 12th hour of the first day of October 1989, 16 women around the world gave birth. This was unusual only in the fact that none of these women had been pregnant when the day first began. Sir Reginald Hargreeves, eccentric billionaire and adventurer, resolved to locate and adopt as many of the children as possible.

He got seven of them.

~ * ~

Going down the tunnel was an experience within itself. Soon, Lila kicked the door open and everyone came out of it rather breathlessly. The White Buffalo suite seemed the same, except everything was backwards.

"Let's never do that again," Viktor panted some.

"What, narrowly escape the apocalypse?" Five remarked, keeping a comforting hold on Karina.

"It's kind of our thing, isn't it?" Diego checked the room protectively.

"There's something very wrong about that," Allison eyed the buffalo's rear end sticking out of the wall.

"Same suite, just ass-backward," Lila returned.

"No hyperbole there," Karina muttered.

"This is some hardcore Alice in Wonderland shit," Ben commented.

"Yeah, it only gets weirder," Diego admitted.

Sir Reginald was the last to come out of the tunnel, and he was out of breath as he shut the door. "At last, the other side."

"Wait. Where's Klaus?" Viktor asked and Five stared at Sir Reginald in shock.

"Children, I'm sorry, but your brother…" he trailed off. "I did all I could, but he didn't make it through in time. The Kugelblitz has claimed its last victim."

"No, he was right behind us when we entered the tunnel," Five argued.

"I saw him behind me," Karina nearly choked out.

"We need to go back," Sloane added.

"There's nothing to go back to. Children, there will be time for tears later," Sir Reginald set off in determination. "Right now, we have to keep moving." He left the room quickly.

"Wait. Luther and Klaus?" Viktor looked around at everyone's somber expressions.

Everyone followed Sir Reginald out of the suite. The hotel seemed to be the same, but there was a lingering feeling in the air that nobody could shake. The feeling that something was off about the hotel.

~ * ~

Everyone rode the elevator down to the main floor and it dinged. The door slid open and Sir Reginald led them out.

"This is magnificent!" Sir Reginald exclaimed.

"You guys should've stayed here," Ben commented as he looked around. "This place is way nicer."

"Lila and I barely got out alive last time. Remember?" Diego reminded him.

"But I'm here this time, and the numbers are in our favor," he boasted.

"Well, whatever it was, it was strong, fast, and super pissed," Lila put in.

Diego went over to the front desk. "Alright, so, whatever you do, do not ring this bell. Unless you wanna lose a finger or a tentacle."

"I'll take my chances-" Sloane began.

"Don't!" Lila stopped her.

"Get out of my way."

"To take out this thing, we need to be in the right state of mind, okay?"

"State of mind? Do you mean, am I angry?" Sloane questioned, her voice thick with grief. "Yes, I am angry. I wanna kill whatever it is that hurt Luther!"

"Luther isn't the only one that's gone," Viktor calmly spoke up. "We lost Klaus too. I'm angry, okay? We all are. We have to be smart about this."

Karina saw Five slowly go towards the doors and for a split second, she hesitated to follow him. However, the stars on the floor caught her eye and she frowned, wondering why they looked familiar to her.

"Yeah. When the time is right, we'll act," Lila told Sloane.

"Don't even try it, Five," Diego told him. "Doors won't let you out."

"So, what, we're stuck here?" Karina was in blatant disbelief as Five blinked over to her side.

"This place is a test and a trap and a means of salvation, all at once," Sir Reginald announced.

"Does anyone know what that sign says?" Viktor looked at it.

"Yeah, it says "Do not ring the bell"," Diego answered. "That's what that means."

"We get it, Diego. Bell bad," Five went over to them.

"What do we do? Does anybody know?" Karina asked quietly.

"Reggie?" Allison tried to get his attention. "Reggie."

Sir Reginald flipped some pages in his journal.

"I'm hungry. Does anyone fancy an unagi roll?" Lila spoke up as she headed off.

"How can you possibly eat at a time like this?" Ben questioned.

"I don't know. How can you be a dick at a time like this?"

"Hey!" Diego walked over.

"Oh, you'll-" Ben began.

"Back off, all right?" Diego interrupted. "She's eating for-"

"Strength," Lila cut him off. "In these trying times. Diego, can you come with me for a second?"

The two left the others, heading over to the cafeteria area. Meanwhile Five, Karina, and Viktor were sitting in a corner, watching Sir Reginald thoughtfully.

"Nah, it's like the old man said. Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, and three times ain't gonna happen 'cause I'm not a gibbering idiot," Five rambled.

"Well, we can't be sure he killed Klaus or Luther," Viktor pointed out.

Five stared at him. "You serious? This is his modus operandi. We've seen this before. Have you forgotten how we all came together in the first place?"

"Dad's funeral."

"Exactly. He pulled this on you rubes before, and he's doing it again now."

"Come on, Five," Viktor disagreed.

"No, he has a point, Viktor," Karina was anxiously fiddling with her ring. "Think about it. He lost the vote to come through the tunnel, yet here we are. He comes in mere moments after we all do upon finding Luther's body. Almost as if he already knew. And as for Klaus, the only two people left in the tunnel were them. I saw them, but something in the tunnel forced me to go forward. I'm telling you, something isn't right!"

"Which unnerves me because, well, I've never seen her so uncharacteristically worked up like this over something before," Five added, grabbing Karina's shaking hand.

"Are you really sure that he could kill Luther?" Viktor was hesitant.

"I think he could kill Luther, Klaus, and the rest of us without breaking a moral sweat," Five leaned forward. "And what's worse, we think Allison is involved."

"No. No," Viktor scoffed and shook his head. "No, she…she was with Sloane in the tunnel."

"I'm not talking about Klaus," Five bit out.

"Luther? What?" Viktor was even more shocked. "No, she would never do that."

"She's been unraveling since we got to this timeline," Karina pointed out.

"Yeah, she lost her daughter."

"And she killed Harlan."

"Look, even if you're right, I can't imagine they're just gonna come clean if we confront them," Viktor commented.

"We agree," Five sighed as all three eyed Allison tending to Sloane.

"Gather up, children," Sir Reginald announced, descending down the stairs quickly. "Now that we've had a chance to catch our breath, the real work can begin."

"Ah, the myth of the seven bells, eh?" Five stood up with the other two.

"Exactly. Somebody's been paying attention."

"Okay, so we find the bells, then what?" Diego questioned.

"No, no, no. The bells are just a metaphor for this," Sir Reginald showed a familiar drawing to everyone.

Five clicked his tongue. "The sigil."

"Correct, Number Five. The sigil is the key to the seven bells," Sir Reginald explained, "Once we find this symbol, we're one step closer to resetting the universe."

"What do we do when we find it?" Karina crossed her arms.

"I don't know."

Sloane gasped.

"Excuse me?" Viktor piped up. "We're here because you said you have a plan."

"I do, up to a point," Sir Reginald admitted.

Lila snickered. "Great. So we'll just stay in the hotel forever, staring at the walls and eating bad sushi."

"Finding the sigil is our only way out of here and the best chance we have of resetting the universe," Allison spoke up.

"Funny how you and Dad are on the same page again," Five observed coolly.

"Not to mention you suddenly know so much about the sigil and apparently resetting the universe," Karina raised her eyebrow.

Allison was glaring at them. "You know, sometimes I really miss the days where your wife just quietly followed you around and barely spoke a word," she shot at Five and he clenched his jaw angrily.

"Okay, uh, where do we start?" Viktor cut through the tension.

"We'll split into groups," Sir Reginald replied. "I will go with Allison, Karina, and Sloane, Ben and Five, you're with Viktor."

"No, we want Allison," Viktor argued.

"Rina stays with me no matter what group you force us to be with. Try to split us up again and I will kill you," Five threatened Sir Reginald. "Ben for Allison. We've trained together, so it makes more sense if we take Allison."

"Yeah. No, thanks," Allison remarked.

"Why not?" Karina looked at her narrowly and suspiciously.

Allison subtly glanced at Sir Reginald.

"Splendid idea," he announced. "Allison, you go with the Umbrellas. Sparrows, stick together. Everyone take a different floor. We must find that sigil."

"What about us?" Lila asked as everyone began to split up.

"You're a duo. Nobody wants to listen to your endless bickering," Sir Reginald answered. "Now, spread out, leave no stone unturned, and meet back here in 30 minutes," he instructed in everyone's wake.

~ * ~

Allison, Viktor, Five, and Karina slowly sauntered into a room.

"Someone went through a lot of trouble to hide this thing," Allison went over to a cabinet.

"How big is it supposed to be?" Viktor glanced around.

"You know, dear old Reg didn't say."

Five walked into the room a bit more. "Really? Hm. That's surprising. I figured you'd know more about his plan," he commented.

"Sorry, what's that supposed to mean?" Allison looked at him.

"Rina and I saw you and him in the White Buffalo Suite during the wedding," he accused.

"I don't know if now's the right time-" Viktor began.

Allison cut him off. "You know, I heard that you blacked out last night and Karina tended to your side. Big shocker."

"I did, and it took me a while to remember what I saw, but I do remember, Allison," Five remarked. "You and Dad made some kind of deal."

Allison chuckled in disbelief, watching him walk over to her.

"What did you agree to?" Five continued relentlessly.

"A deal?"

"Mm-hmm."

"With Dad? Please tell me you're joking."

"He's not," Karina was watching Allison closely.

"Answer the question," Five nearly dared her.

"You're out of your mind. Both of you," Allison retorted.

"You and Sir Reginald make a deal, now Luther is dead. Looks pretty suspicious to me," Karina put in.

Allison chuckled again. "Okay. Luther was killed by whatever the hell that thing is."

"And Klaus?" Five prodded her.

"He didn't make it into the tunnel."

"You know, your deal is costing people their lives," Five accused.

"Do you really think that I made a deal with Dad to kill Luther and Klaus?" Allison seethed, looking at them. "I'm done. I'll meet you in the lobby." She stormed out.

"Hey…Hey, wait, no," Viktor sighed. "Wait…Five," he scoffed in disbelief, running out after her. "Allison. No, just listen to me."

Five and Karina left the room, but the hallway looked different. Instead of a hall, there was a wall.

"Viktor? Allison?" Five called out, pulling Karina close to his side.

"Okay, this just keeps getting worse by the second," she was pressed against him tightly.

The two continued to find a way out. But they kept running into dead ends.

Five sighed. "All right, so now the fun starts."

"You and I have very different definitions of fun," Karina remarked.

"Come on. Let's find a way out of this hellhole," Five gave her forehead a comforting kiss.

The two wandered around the floor, wondering if there was an end to it. What felt like hours later, they found Sloane and Ben.

"I can't believe I'm saying this. I'm actually glad to see you guys," Five greeted.

"What's wrong?" Sloane looked and sounded like she was a mix between angry and upset.

"The hotel is changing," Karina replied. "We've been walking around in circles, but it's like the thing is alive."

"We should get to the lobby," Ben snarled some.

"Tried it. Whatever direction we choose, we end up in the same spot," Five returned.

"Or maybe you have no sense of direction," Ben fired off.

"Calm it, calamari," Karina snapped.

"Okay, lead the way, Magellan," Five added in a snarky tone.

Ben hesitated for a split second and then shook his head, scoffing as he went off. The three followed him. Not much longer after that, suddenly what sounded like a gong resonated in the air. The lights flickered and took on an eerie gold glow. The floor rumbled ever so slightly and the four exchanged a nervous look.

They rounded a corner only to see a guardian appear. He twirled his sword around menacingly.

"Really? A samurai?" Ben was exasperated.

The samurai growled. However, Sloane yelled angrily and charged at it, jumping over it and landing on the other side. The guardian turned with his sword raised, but, she conjured two orbs in her hands and tried destroying it from the inside, straining.

"Revenge looks good on her," Ben commented.

Five eyed him in exasperation. "Would you shut up and help us kill this thing?"

He grabbed an axe off the wall and Karina grabbed a katana hanging below it. He blinked them out and over to the guardian, hitting and stabbing at it. Sloane kept using her power to keep the guardian in place as Ben hung out on the sideline, watching them fight.

That fight eventually led to the four hiding in the laundry room behind a bunch of machines.

"You've hit him with your axe five times and that katana twice as much. He should be dead by now," Ben pointed out.

"The armor. It's like hitting cement," Five replied.

"There's a space between the backplates," Sloane was out of breath.

"We need to get behind him," Karina caught on.

The guardian was snarling and waiting for them to make their next move.

"Let's kill this thing," Five nodded, seeing Sloane jump to her feet. "Wait-Sloane!"

"Hey, asshоlе!" Sloane shouted.

"Shit!" Five blinked out with Karina.

Sloane leapt over a table as the guardian threw a knife, slicing her arm. She wailed in pain, groaning when she hit the floor. The guardian roared as Five and Karina appeared in front of him. Karina ducked as the guardian hit Five, sending him to the ground.

"Well, fuck you too!" Karina dodged the guardian's sword. She blocked it, starting to sword fight him, though it was kind of useless on her behalf. "Shit! Come on!" she was losing her strength quickly as the guardian growled and snarled.

"Rina!" Five groggily sat up, feeling his head swimming chaotically as Sloane looked up.

The guardian knocked the katana out of her hand.

"Shit!" she cried as he grabbed her throat, starting to choke her.

"NO!" Five staggered to his feet.

Ben suddenly joined the fray and yelled, sending his tentacles out. They wrapped around the guardian as one grabbed Karina by the waist to save her.

The guardian growled, fighting against the tentacles constricting him. Ben strained, making the tentacle around the guardian's arm squeeze it hard. The guardian released Karina as the tentacle around her saved her from falling.

She and Ben wailed in pain when the guardian snarled and broke through all the tentacles, slicing one of them and slicing through Karina's side.

She screamed and fell to the floor at Five's feet, gasping and choking for air. He angrily grabbed the axe and yelled, slamming it into the guardian's back. The guardian fell to his knees and then onto the floor. The four looked around breathlessly.

"Rina!" Five raced to her.

She coughed, sputtering some. "I'm okay. I'm okay," she wheezed, unaware of her injured side.

He carefully helped her to her feet and gazed into her eyes. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Thank you for saving me," she weakly managed to say to Ben.

Ben nodded solemnly and the four quickly rushed out of the laundry room.

~ * ~

The four got back to the lobby, only to see Viktor and Allison surrounding an alive Klaus.

"Klaus," Five breathed out in shock.

"You look like hell," Viktor saw the four.

"Why don't you try killing a guardian?" Five remarked.

"We just did."

"So did we," Ben responded.

Before anyone could say anything else, Karina inhaled sharply and her legs gave out from beneath her.

"Rina! Shit!" Five barely caught her with Ben's help. "Rina, what's wrong?"

Karina was grimacing in pain, grabbing her side as she yelped.

"Oh my God-" Sloane was horrified.

"Shit, my darling, why didn't you say something?" Five cursed, tearing off his jacket to try to stop the bleeding.

"I…I…didn't feel it…" Karina grabbed his arm. "S-Stop…"

"No! You're not dying on me!" he pressed the jacket onto her side, making her wail in pain.

"What's going on?" Lila raced over with Diego. She gasped when she saw them on the ground.

"Goddamnit, not her, too…" Diego breathed out.

"Help me out for God's sake! Somebody, find a place where I can stitch her wound!" Five demanded, seeing her blood soak through the jacket and puddle onto the floor.

"Five, no. It's no use," Karina strained out.

"Shhh. Save your breath while I save your life."

"Five, please, stop," she grabbed his bloody hand. She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "Stop, it's no use. I'm already dying."

Five was choking up as he gently scooped her into his arms, letting her head rest on his lap. "Don't leave me. Don't you dare leave me. I need you."

"You need to save the world," Karina coughed.

That was when it all came crashing down on Five. He looked down at her in realization. Old Five was warning him that not saving the world was the only way to save his world. He didn't mean the universe.

He meant his wife.

"My love, you are my world," Five was fighting desperately not to let the tears fall. "We should have stayed behind. I should have listened to you. I'm so sorry…"

"How did this happen anyway?" Lila glanced around.

"I'll tell you!" Klaus piped up rather angrily. "What you guys need to know right now is that Dad killed Luther. And he locked me out of the tunnel, and he rang that stupid bell!"

That fueled the fire in everyone.

"What's your plan, old man?" Five spat angrily, grasping Karina to his chest.

"We don't have time for this," Sir Reginald dismissed him.

"You killed Luther! And now Karina is dying no thanks to you!" Sloane cried.

"I had no choice with him. You refused to come together as a team," Sir Reginald remarked.

"All of your stupid myths and stories. There were never seven bells or Norsemen. You brought us here to die!" Ben snapped.

"That's not so. Somewhere in this hotel is the key to resetting the universe. We just need to find the sigil!"

"I don't care about your sigil! None of us do!" Sloane seethed.

"We barely survived that guardian with his stupid helmet and his sickle!" Diego exclaimed.

Viktor paused. "The guardian we killed had an axe."

"Ours had a sword," Karina breathed out as her eyes started to flutter.

"No, no no, stay with me. Don't leave me!" Five lightly tapped her face in a panic. "Rina, listen to me! Come on, don't die! Don't do this to me, love of mine!"

"How many more of us have to die for your mission?" Sloane bit out. "HOW MANY?!"

Klaus knelt down next to Five and Karina. Her head lulled some and Five tried to steady it on his chest.

"This is what you wanted, huh? Funerals to bring everyone together?" Five snarled to Sir Reginald.

"Your wife was unlucky and not someone I expected to go, but she was getting too smart for her own good. She was getting too close to the truth."

"That doesn't justify her bleeding to death in my arms!"

"Five," Karina whimpered slightly.

Five looked down at her. "Hey, it's okay. It's me. I'm here," he took her hand. "What is it, my darling?"

"I-I'm scared."

"Don't be. Where you go is probably going to be somewhere peaceful and nice. I imagine you'll find yourself tucked away in a nice cottage with a lot of fresh, open air. Maybe you'll find a bakery or two nearby. And you might get a dog? You look like a dog person," Klaus comforted her.

"Maybe your parents will be there to greet you," Five failed miserably to smile. "And they'll take care of you for me. I know they would."

Karina winced some more. "I…I hope so…" she felt her eyelids growing heavier. "I'm getting really tired now."

"You should…you should sleep now, my angel," Five shakily brushed some hair out of her face. "Sleep and rest. I'll save the world, I promise."

"I know you will," Karina looked at him weakly. "I love you."

"I love you, too. So, so much, no matter what. Apocalypses and timelines be damned," Five choked out. "I love you, my darling, no matter what timeline we're in or what apocalypse we stop."

"I'll see you on the other side, I hope," Karina faintly smiled.

Desperately, Five took her face and kissed her, letting his tears fall freely now.

"Please don't leave me, Karina," he quietly sobbed out, his lips brushing against hers. "I love you."

When he pulled back, her eyes were closed and she had fallen still.

Perfectly, peacefully still.

Karina Hargreeves, the love of his life, was gone.

~ * ~

"Mommy, where are we going?" five year old Karina's voice asked.

"Away for a little bit. You and I get to go on a vacation," her mother's voice replied.

"Mommy, he keeps hurting us. I'm scared!" ten year old Karina exclaimed.

"I know, my love bug. But there's no need to be scared. I'm here and I'll protect you no matter what," her mother reassured her.

"I have a job for you. A job that meets all your skill sets and one that will help you and your mother escape that monster she calls an ex-boyfriend," the Handler's voice proposed.

"Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you. I'm Five Hargreeves. That being said, will you please put that down?" the voice of eighteen year old Five asked.

"I'm gonna find us a way home, I swear," Five promised.

"Marry me. I know it won't be the dream wedding you imagined but, I want you to marry me."

"I've found us a way home, Rina. We're going back to 2019."

"I'm never going to leave you."

"I swore to myself that I would always protect you, but, I realize now that I can't always do that and I need to learn to trust myself that you can handle things."

"Wouldn't mind a few more minutes breathing air through the old windbags and spending a little more time with you, my love."

"I love you no matter what timeline we're in or what apocalypse we stop."

"Please don't leave me, Karina. I love you."

~ * ~

Karina gasped and sat up, finding herself in a gorgeous white suite. But it didn't feel sinister like Hotel Obsidian or suspicious like The Commission. The suite felt soothing and peaceful.

"Where am I?" she muttered, going over to the vanity. She noticed though that her injury was gone.

Hair styling products and a case of makeup littered the countertop. There was a small jewelry case showing off a sparkling set. Karina frowned, turning to see a lovely wedding dress and a veil hanging from the bedpost.

"What?" she whispered, hearing a bicycle bell ring out in the hall. Karina went out of the room, seeing a little girl riding down the hall on a bicycle. "Excuse me?"

The little girl turned around. "Oh. You. I didn't expect you to be here this soon."

"Where is here?" Karina frowned. "I'm dead. Aren't I?"

"Well, not exactly. You've fallen unconscious. There's still a small part of you that's alive. Not much though. You're about on the brink of death."

"That's not comforting at all. Is that why this place is so empty? I'm not fully dead?"

"You're very perceptive."

"But am I wrong?"

The little girl slowly rode her bicycle over to her. "No."

"So, this is it? When I fully die, wherever I am will become chock full of people?" Karina bit her lip.

"Maybe. Maybe not. You might get sent back."

"Sent back? Sent where?"

"Back to life."

"Is that even possible?"

The little girl shrugged. "I don't know. All I know is you're here very early."

"Blame the guardian for killing me when I wasn't ready to die yet," Karina commented bitterly.

The little girl looked at her.

"What do I do now? Even in the afterlife I'm alone?" Karina sank to the floor. "I don't even have my parents?"

"You probably won't be here for much longer."

"How do you know that? You said I'm on the brink of death's doorstep. Who's to say that I won't die for real?" Karina sulked, feeling tears well up in her eyes.

"Hard to say."

"Of course it is!" Karina burst out, starting to cry now. "For all my life I've been running from people, trying to save people, and for what? I thought I was saving my mother, but I signed my teenaged years away. I thought I was saving myself, but I stranded myself in an apocalypse. I thought Five and I were saving the world, but instead we doomed our families. I've lost more than I've gained. I thought I'd at least be given the chance of reuniting with my parents when I'm dead, but even then I'm alone! And my husband is fighting for his life in that hell hole and who knows what he's being put through! I just want peace for once!" she cried even harder, not even realizing how much pent up trauma she had yet to release. "I never asked for my life to be so broken."

The air filled with her quiet sobs and all she wished was for someone to hold her. She didn't care who. She yearned for her mother, but she ached for her husband. She just wanted to know that she wouldn't be alone.

Eventually, her tears ceased and she miserably wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she choked out, attempting to recompose herself.

The little girl nodded. "I hope you find comfort in knowing you won't be alone soon."

"Beg pardon?" Karina looked up at her in confusion.

"You're not needed here right now. You need to wake up."

"Wake up? How?" Karina slowly stood up, hearing a faint wind begin to whistle around her.

"Like this is all some surreal dream. You're waking up right now," the little girl told her over the noise.

"Wait! Where am I going?!" Karina exclaimed.

"Someplace better than here for the moment. You'll see!"

Suddenly, a bright light flashed and her surroundings vanished.

~ * ~

Karina found herself standing in a park. It was nighttime and a cool breeze swept through the trees. But, she didn't feel dead. She felt…

Alive.

"Luther?" Viktor sounded from behind her. "Luther?"

Karina whipped around to see Luther, Viktor, Diego, Lila, Ben, and Five.

"Oh shit. You can see me?" Luther gasped.

"Yes!" Viktor exclaimed.

"I'm alive? I'm alive!" he cheered.

"Yes!" Viktor gasped as Luther excitedly picked him up in a huge hug.

"Oh!" Luther was relieved.

Five glanced over and his whole face lit up when he saw Karina standing there.

"RINA!" he shouted.

"Five!" Karina inhaled and the two ran to one another.

Five grabbed her in a hug, spinning her around happily.

"Rina, my love! Oh my God, I thought I lost you! You're alive!" Five checked over her after he set her on her feet.

"Yes! I'm here, my darling, I'm here," Karina nodded with a growing smile.

Five beamed and smothered kisses all over her face, making her laugh.

"Oh, Five!" she giggled as he pulled back breathlessly, cupping her face and gazing at her. "I think you missed a spot."

Five grinned and pulled her in for a deep kiss, never wanting to let her go.

"Luther and Karina are alive!" Klaus cheered.

"Oh my God!" Lila perked up when she saw Karina.

"Karina!" Diego beamed.

"You're back!" Viktor smiled and went over to hug her.

"I am," Karina nodded as the happy couple rejoined the others and she hugged him back.

Viktor pulled back and looked at Luther in realization. "And, that's not all, big guy," he pointed to Luther.

"Huh?" he was confused, before he noticed his normal body. "Whoa! Oh shit! My body! Wait." He looked at himself in awe. "I look amazing."

"Luther's all svelte now," Klaus wiggled his brows.

"Wait. I gotta show Sloane!" Luther gasped.

Five was stunned as he looked at his left arm. "I got my arm back."

"Did you lose it?" Karina immediately grew concerned.

"Shhh. It's all right. I'm fine now, my darling. I'll tell you later," he immediately soothed her.

"This is so cool," Luther paused when he looked around. "W-Wait. Where's Sloane?"

"Oh, she was, uh…" Klaus glanced at him. "She was right behind me-"

"When Allison hit the bloody button," Lila finished.

"She's gone too," Diego noticed.

"You know, I don't know about you guys, but I have not felt this good in years," Klaus spoke as Five, Karina, and some of the others began to look around for the others.

"Does anyone know where the hell we are?" Ben questioned.

"The hotel. Or at least this is where it used to be," Lila responded.

"I think the old man did it," Five commented, glancing at Karina. "I think he reset the universe."

"You got your fingers back," Lila laughed as Diego held up his hand.

"Sloane? Sloane!" Luther was frantic now. "Hey," he went over and grabbed Five by his jacket. "I don't care about any resets, all right? I want my wife back. Where is she, Five?"

"Luther, calm down, maybe she's somewhere else," Karina spoke up nervously.

"Rina's right. I'm glad you're alive, but take your hand off me," Five told him calmly.

"Not until you give me an answer," Luther shook him some and Five glared at him.

"Okay, screw this," Five jerked forward, but he didn't go anywhere.

Karina inhaled sharply as he looked at her in a bit of a panic before glancing around at everyone in concern.

"Something's wrong," Five tried to blink again.

"That's right. You're about to get your ass kicked," Luther taunted.

"Yeah, kick his ass," Diego grinned and both Lila and Karina shot him a look.

"No, you moron. My power. I can't blink," Five remarked.

"Yeah, right," Luther slowly let him go.

Diego unsheathed a knife and tried to do one of his tricks, but the knife clattered onto the ground. "That's not good."

Viktor tried to summon his power, but failed. Ben strained to conjure his tentacles, however nothing happened.

"Okay. Come on," Klaus waved his hand around. "Alakazam…ghosties." He paused. "This means I'm mortal again? Aw man!"

Five looked at his left wrist.

"Your Umbrella tattoo," Karina softly noticed.

"It's gone," he glanced up at her.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Ben exclaimed. "How do we get 'em back, you idiots?"

"Shit," Klaus whispered.

"I gotta…I gotta go find my wife," Luther stuttered as he ran off.

"No! Luther, you can't go. You were dead five minutes ago. You're fragile!" Klaus whined in his wake. "I gotta go after him."

"No. Wa-Klaus, wait!" Diego tried to stop him, but Klaus left too.

"I'm out, bitches," Ben angrily snarled and stalked off.

"No, guys, wait!" Viktor looked around. "Come on. We should stick together and figure this out!"

"What are we supposed to do?" Diego pointed out.

Lila looked up at him. "Live our lives?"

He glanced down, taking her hand. He nodded and the two left as well. All that remained were Five, Karina, and Viktor. Viktor looked at them pleadingly, but Five sighed and shook his head.

"They're right. Live our lives is all we can do right now," Five admitted quietly.

"So, that's it? We all just go our separate ways?" Viktor was disheartened.

"For now, that is. I'm sorry," Karina hugged him sadly. "Goodbye, Viktor. I hope we'll see everyone again soon."

Viktor just nodded.

"Come on, my angel," Five gently slipped his hand into Karina's.

The two left the garden as well, off to try to navigate their way through this strange new world together.

~ * ~

Time is a cruel thief to rob us of our former selves.

We lose as much to life as we do to death.

~ Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey

~ * ~

[starfiring]

here’s my thoughts on tua season 3 (spoilers ofc):

you can essentially throw the first seven episodes out, because everything that happens doesn't REALLY affect the last three episodes. like you have this thing that’s ending the universe and can’t be undone or stopped. there’s a reset button that can fix the universe. at least seven of the forty-three children who were born on the same day need to be there to power the reset with their life forces. they also have to fight three (?) powerful guardians. the season could have been them finding out about the kugelblitz pretty early (like episode one) realizing they can’t stop it, then the rest of the season would be finding out about hotel oblivion, what it is, who created it, where it is, and how to use it. 

the kugelblitz was probably the least interesting apocalypse so far. in both season one and two, the apocalypse was something that would either happen or not depending on the choices of the characters, and you followed the story in reverse to see how it led up to the apocalyptic scenario, and everything that happened was important and influential to the apocalypse/climax. it was like putting a puzzle together while looking at the picture on the box, where every single piece mattered and was necessary. there was very little fat. however, in this season, the apocalypse has already been started, not really by them, and it can’t be stopped. that’s it. the characters and their choices have absolutely no effect on the main conflict. basically everything could have been cut.

it’s repeated time and time again that there is absolutely no way at all to stop the kugelblitz from ending the world no matter what, but once they gain access to the kugelblitz, they immediately know how to contain it. it’s not discussed or built up at all. just, hi, this is what we’re doing, we’re doing it, it’s done, all in the same episode. worse, it also gets stupidly undone in the exact same episode. like the method and therefore risks are never explained or explored so when it fails you never know it was a possibility you’re just like. okay. so what was the point of the entire episode.

speaking of things that go nowhere, the sparrows were absolutely nothing. their conflict with the umbrellas takes up a big portion of the season but they have absolutely no teeth plot wise. you can summarize them all in one sentence, and most of them just die randomly and no one gives a shit. the most interesting sparrow was marcus, and he died literally episode one. the least compelling character other than the cube was sloan. she didn’t have any drive or desires (outside of having a relationship with luther) or even character traits. she was just luther’s love interest. she was the girlfriend/wife character. as someone who can manipulate gravity, i think she could have an interest in space and celestial bodies, which would very naturally link her to luther, who had lived on and studied the moon for literally years. in the story its just shes attracted to him and hes attracted to her and shes nice to him and hes nice to her so they start dating but their families dont like that (but honestly they dont actually care that much). there’s no grit or teeth or tension at all.

klaus was the only character who’s choices had weight from the beginning to the end. like he found out about the birth mothers dying, he found the location of the kugelblitz, he (and stan) were the first people in the white buffalo suite, he weaned reginald off of the pills, he explored his powers in a way that impacted the finale, and if he hadn't been there, reginald would have never been in a position to manipulate the rest of them into going into hotel oblivion. like 5/9 of them were totally okay with the universe being completely destroyed because they didn't trust reginald. even then, klaus dying was what really made the rest of them suspicious of reginald. def the best character this season, but that’s because every other character had no agency in the plot, and didn’t really make consequential decisions.

on a positive note, i loved luther’s character development this season, especially in his relationship to victor. he made victor his best man, guys. he wated to throw victor a big stupid party so he felt loved. did he feel loved? yeah. yeah he did. :’). didn’t influence the plot that much though.

another thing i really, really liked was lila’s character development, and the development of her relationship with diego. like it feels like a good continuation of how they were developed last season, and i think the arc of it all was for the most part pretty satisfying. not too much bearing on the larger plot though!

i do wish that diego feeling overly protective of lila had been well handled before he locked her in the closet though. maybe she protected him from the guardian and that’s like see? i don’t need you to protect me. as it is that never happens, because lila busts out  of the closet (happy pride) and starts fighting against the guardian with victor. diego doesn’t even see that. he’s just like how did you get out of the closet. and they move on. 

stan as a character was nothing… you could have replaced him with a non sexy lamp. diego never actually spends time with him or bonds with him and when he dies literally in front of him diego is like well i learned five seconds ago you’re not actually my kid. so i don’t care. and then they both moved on. guys…

overall this season was poorly written. pretty disappointing honestly. the first two seasons were so fucking good that i really wanted to like this one, but i just couldn’t. also, they are soooooooooooooooooo wrong for building up the sparrow academy so hard only for them to basically not matter at all.

[ded-and-gonne]

Yes indeed, they are all different.

[the-delta-42]

New Car

New Car

Marinette couldn’t help grinning as her parents guided her outside. She could hear the excited chatter from her friends. She had a feeling that the thing her parents were guiding her too was a car, but she couldn’t be certain.

“Are you’re eyes closed?” Asked her father, making Marinette laugh.

“Papa, you’re literally covering my eyes.” Teased Marinette, provoking a laugh from her mother.

“Well, you remember that car you were so enamoured with?” Asked her mother, making Marinette frown.

“You mean the red one that was bought by someone else the day after I saw it?” Responded Marinette, it was a red, beat-up hatch-back that had seen better days, but Marinette had loved it. Ever since she passed her driving test, she’d looking at cars. Her parents had made it clear that they thought her motorcycle wasn’t safe enough for them. Said bike had been totalled after Kim took it for a joyride and was still being fixed.

“Well, we may have known more about it that you thought.” Said her father, removing his hands, allowing to Marinette to see in front of her.

A red, beat-up hatch-back that had clearly seen better days. It was the car Marinette had fallen in love with after seeing it, only it had been cleaned, fixed up and given a fresh coat of paint. Marinette numbly approached the car looked inside it. The interior was the same, dark grey seats, with a matching carpet, the dashboard was the same colour. Marinette suddenly grinned, before sprinting to her parents and hugging them.

“Thank you.” Said Marinette, her voice muffled by her father’s shirt, before she took the key he held out for her.

“It looks tacky.” Came Chloe’s voice, scrolling on her phone.

“Chloe, not everyone can afford the latest Lamborghini or Ferrari.” Said Adrien, looking in the car, before gasping, “There are cup holders!”

Everyone looked at Adrien.

“I’m guessing that fancy sports car your dad got you doesn’t have them.” Said Nino, frowning at Adrien.

“It did, but then he had them removed because he ‘didn’t want me making a mess of myself or the car’.” Said Adrien, looking at the back seats, “There are only two doors.”

Marinette gently pushed Adrien to the side and unlocked the door, swinging it open, she leaned over the seat and pulled it forwards, allowing access for someone to sit in the back seat.

“Oooh.” Said Adrien, leaning forwards.

“Yeah, ooh.” Said Alya, leaning against the bonnet, “I call first ride.”

Adrien, Nino and Kim protested, but Alya just smirked and sat in the passenger seat, waiting for Marinette to get in and start driving.

“Sorry.” Said Marinette, before getting in the car and driving off.

“Did my girlfriend just steal your girlfriend?” Asked Nino, making Adrien shrug.

NC

Marinette returned an hour later, grinning, with Alya laughing about something. The rest of the day passed without incident, except when Marinette’s car alarm went off, because a dog had taken a leak against it.

Marinette was curled up in her bed when she heard what sounded like a car driving off, with a groan, she pulled a pillow over her head and went back to sleep.

The next morning, when Marinette went downstairs, she found a police officer sitting in the living room. Her parents looked nervous, while the officer just looked tired.

“Good morning?” Said Marinette, looking around.

“Ms. Dupain-Cheng?” Asked the Officer, getting a nod from Marinette, “I’m afraid we picked up a car thief last night, we found him driving a red Honda Civic, we pursued him on foot, but when we went back for the car, we found he’d placed an incendiary device in the vehicle.”

Marinette’s face fell, already dreading what the officer was going to say.

“The car was deemed unsalvageable, but” Said the Officer, making Marinette look up, “we managed to clear it with our superiors, and we’ll be sending one of the cars confiscated from the thief’s parking lot.”

Marinette numbly nodded, before heading back to her room. She’d sent a text, telling Alya about the incident and, after getting dressed, decided to design some clothes until she felt better. Alya and some of Marinette’s other classmates turned up, offering condolences over Marinette’s, now destroyed, car.

Around three in the afternoon, Marinette heard a truck stop outside the bakery. Kim looked out the window and did a double take.

“No way!” Gasped Kim, getting Marinette and some of the other to go over to him, “Marinette, they brought a Dodge.”

Marinette looked out the window and nearly choked on her drink, as the tow truck unhooked a red Dodge Challenger with a pair of, what Marinette assumed were, buffalo horn on the end of the bonnet. Marinette rushed downstairs, skidding to a stop when she reached the ground floor.

“Normally, we wouldn’t give her a muscle car, but it was the only one that was, 1. Fit to be on the road and, 2. Didn’t have anything wrong with it.”

Her mother turned around and spotted her standing at the bottom of the stairs, “Marinette, we were just about to call you.”

Marinette went to the window and looked at the car, “Is that it?”

“Yeah, it’s the only one we can’t find a problem with.” Said the Officer, holding the key out for Marinette to take.

Numbly, Marinette took the key and the officer left. Marinette exited the bakery and looked at the car, there were a few dents in it, but other than that, it looked to be in working order. Grinning, Marinette got in the car and started up the engine, quickly putting on her seat belt, Marinette drove off.

NC

Chloe let out an inhuman screech at the sight of Marinette’s new car, “Where’d you get that?”

“My car got stolen and wrecked, this was the only one that didn’t have a problem with it.” Shrugged Marinette, locking her car up.

Adrien grinned at the car, as Chloe stormed off in a huff, “Okay, I’ll admit it, your car is cooler than mine.”

Marinette looked at the dark grey Lamborghini that Adrien’s father bought after he passed his driving test. For some reason, Marinette felt something was off about the car.

“How long be-” Adrien was cut off by screaming.

“How does he work so fast?” Asked Marinette, as she and Adrien ran off to find a place to transform.

Within minutes, Ladybug and Chat Noir had subdued the Akuma, Chloe, and had purified the Akuma. Ladybug cast Miraculous Ladybug, as the ladybugs flew across the city, a red muscle car suddenly was brought back online.

The car silently observed his surroundings, before a young woman with pigtails approached him, “That’s got to be a new record.”

“What, five minutes?” Asked a blond-haired man, “I’m pretty sure Mr. Pigeon was under a minute.”

“I still can’t believe she got akumatized over a car.” Said the woman, unlocking the cars door.

“Marinette,” Said the blond-haired man, “You know Chloe, she’ll get akumatized over anything.”

Marinette sighed, and slumped against the car, “Still, Adrien, it’s starting to get old, either she should be sectioned or go to counselling.”

“Knowing Chloe,” Said Adrien, as Marinette got into the car, “She’ll probably get them to say she’s in perfect health.”

Marinette snorted, as she closed the car door.

NC

A giant, white and orange robot grumbled at a monitor screen.

“What is it, Ratchet?” Asked a bigger red and blue robot, his voice a deep baritone.

“Optimus, Cliffjumpers’ signal has just come back online,” Said Ratchet, glaring at the screen, “Again.”

“Once due to the presence of Dark Energon.” Said Optimus narrowing his optics at the screen.

“Yes, but unlike last time,” Said Ratchet, staring at the screen, “it’s not corrupted, if anything, it’s in perfect condition.”

“Where is it located?” Asked Optimus, looking down at Ratchet.

“Paris, France.” Said Ratchet, looking at the screen, “Didn’t Agent Fowler say something about ‘superheroes’ there?”

Optimus was silent, just before he heard multiple engines rolling into the base. A blue motorcycle, yellow muscle car and a green 4x4 drove into the main area of the base. With them were three humans, at the other entrance to the main area, two more robots, one white and blue, the other white, green and red walked in.

“’Jackie!” Yelled a giant green robot, after transforming from the 4x4. The yellow muscle car and the motorcycle following suit, turning into a yellow robot and a blue and silver female robot, respectively.

“Hey, Bulk.” Greeted the red, white and green robot, before turning his attention to Ratchet, “The Doc just said something about a ‘bots signal coming back online.”

“Cliffjumpers’ signal has come back online, again.” Huffed Ratchet, checking the programs software, “However, unlike last time, it’s in peak condition.”

“Think it might be a ‘con trick?” Asked the female robot, placing a hand on her hip.

“I doubt it, Arcee,” Said Ratchet, as the three human’s stood close to his work station, “Since we last saw Cliffjumpers’ remains being welded back together by MECH, it is possible they may have done what, frankly, seems impossible.”

“We saw them using energon to power his t-cog,” Said a short boy, with wild brown hair and glasses, “they could’ve transformed him.”

“And when they couldn’t control him,” Said a tall, young man with black hair and blue/silver eyes, “They just pawned his vehicle mode off to a collector.”

“Where’s the signal coming from?” Asked Arcee, her optics narrowing.

“Paris, France.” Said Ratchet, making all the human go still.

“Wait,” Said a young woman, with gold/amber eyes and pigtails and a braid, “you mean one of the cities with actual superheroes?”

The two males just stared at Ratchet in surprise.

“Yes, Miko,” Sighed Ratchet, focussing on the screen, “one of the cities with actual ‘superheroes’.”

“Doesn’t Ladybug have a sort-of healing power?” Asked the tall male, getting surprised looks from the bots.

“What was that Jack?” Asked Arcee, looking at her charge.

“Yeah, Ladybug can literally fix a destroyed city!” Exclaimed Miko, slinging an arm around Jack’s shoulders, “There’s a video of her fixing Paris after it was entirely flattened during an Akuma attack!”

The Autobots all stared at them.

“Rafael, translation if you please.” Said Ratchet, after a couple of moments.

“There’s someone in Paris that can turn people into monsters, by using their victims emotions.” Said the short boy, Raf, “The first akuma was called Stoneheart and the heroes were thirteen when Hawkmoth first appeared.”

There was the tell-tale sign of the Autobot’s optics flickering that showed they were using the internet. Arcee frowned and looked impressed.

“Yeah, each time they meet Hawkmoth in person,” Said Miko, getting the bots attention, “they keep gaining ground on him and he always runs off.”

“Then why haven’t they beaten him yet?” Asked Bulkhead, getting a sigh from Miko.

“A few years back they had a team,” Said Miko, looking down, “a pretty big team, until they were betrayed by one of the team members that had outed their identity to the public.”

“After that, the Akumas got worse and, eventually,” Said Jack, shrugging, “Ladybug and her partner build a new team, hand picking the individuals, and if anyone of them pulled the same stunt as Bourgeois, instant memory wipe.”

“Which made taking tests a whole lot harder.” Joked Miko, getting a snort from Jack.

“So, this Ladybug can literally fix anything?” Asked Ratchet, getting the humans’ attention.

“Yeah, as long as she knows enough about it and how much need to be fixed.” Said Jack, as Ratchet had a thoughtful look on his face.

“No.” Said Optimus, before Ratchet could even voice his opinion, “I’ve seen the footage of her restoring the city, if she were to do the same with Cybertron, she would most certainly perish.”

Ratchet’s shoulders slumped.

“School has a trip to Paris planned next month,” Said Jack, making the bots look at him, “We all signed up for it, if Cliffjumpers’ signal is still there by then, we can all check it out.”

Optimus frowned, before nodding.

NC

Miko and Jack shared a suffering look, the tour of the Agreste fashion company was duller than when the principle giving a speech. The woman showing them around had the same attitude as she was barely pointing things out as they passed them.

“And if you look to your left, you’ll see all the models posing naked to emulate ancient Greece.” Said the woman, Marinette.

Jack and Miko didn’t both looking, but the groan from Vince told them it wasn’t what Marinette said it was.

“If any of you looked, you would now know that it just the fabric dying department.” Said Marinette, looking back at them, “It also tells me which ones of you should be observed.”

There was a louder groan from everyone else.

“Now, here’s the fun areas of the business,” Said Marinette, as the tour group walked into a large open room, “This is where we model clothes, cars and any other random crap that can be modelled.”

A blond-haired man, reclining on the bonnet of a sports car immediately perked up, “Marinette!”

In a matter of seconds, the man had picked Marinette up, kissed her, spun her around and stared at her as if she was the only thing in the universe.

“Adrien, working.” Said Marinette, getting the man to put her down.

“That’s the Tsurugi LX-10 Model.” Said Jack, getting everyone to look at him.

“You’re familiar?” Asked Adrien, looking at Jack.

“I know that they’re illegal in the States because of the number of times previous models had to be recalled.” Said Jack, before scowling, “Not to mention the number of people that died after their cars crushed them against a wall.”

“Well, this model doesn’t have the self-driving gimmick,” Said Adrien, frowning at the car, “but it does have a feature called incognito mode.”

“Which is?” Asked Marinette, as the car turned from silver to black.

“That.” Said Adrien, folding his arms, “Madam Tsurugi had it designed for the police, but then she put it on the common market and now, they’re facing a metric fuck ton of lawsuits.”

“Then why are you modelling it?” Asked Miko, making Adrien smirk.

“I wasn’t,” Said Adrien, folding his arms, “I was taking a nap.”

A screwed-up ball of paper hit the back of Adrien’s head.

“Work now, flirt with your girlfriend later.” Yelled a photographer, while a red-haired, dark skinned journalist laughed.

Adrien grinned, before charging at them, soon all three were on the floor with Adrien squeezing them.

“Ms. Dupain-Cheng, what’s going on?” Asked a cold voice.

“Alya’s here for the interview, Adrien was catching up on his sleep and I’m showing the tour group around.” Said Marinette, turning to face a tall, white haired man.

The man looked at the car and then to Adrien greeting the journalist and her camera man.

“And, no, nothing out of the ordinary happened.” Said Marinette, as the man frowned.

“I believe I told Rossi to show them around.” Said the man, looking at Marinette.

“She didn’t show this morning.” Said Marinette, pulling out her phone, “She didn’t respond to any of the messages I sent her, either.”

“This is the fifth day running?” Asked the man, making Marinette nod, “Notify the Police, she might’ve had another accident, seeing how she became prone to them after the incident.”

Marinette nodded and put her phone away, “I contacted the police after I was told she didn’t turn up, I also called Tsurugi Motors, told them the car wouldn’t start and I’ve heard nothing since.”

“What wrong with it?” Asked Jack, getting a look from Marinette and, presumably, her boss.

“It won’t start.” Said Marinette, as she walked over to the car.

“Does it make any strange noises when you try to start it?” Asked Jack, following her.

“It clicks.” Said Marinette, before Jack frowned.

“Vince, come here.” Said Jack, leaning inside the car and pulling the latch from the bonnet.

Vince came without question, lifting it up and looking inside.

“Found the problem.” Said Vince, as Jack joined him, “There’s no engine.”

Everyone looked inside the car and saw an empty compartment. Jack then went to the back of the car, checking the rear end for an engine, “It’s back here.”

“It looks like it’s been scooped out and dumped back here.” Said Vince, as Jack rolled up his sleeves.

“Help me lift this out,” Said Jack, as Vince took the side opposite to Jack, “on three. One. Two. Three.”

Carefully and with great effort, Jack and Vince lifted the Engine out and placed it on the floor. As they were straightening up, both froze at the sight of a small, blinking device.

“We should leave.” Said Jack, his tone leaving no room for argument, “Now.”

Marinette and her boss joined them and saw the bomb.

“Sound the alarm.” Said the boss, while Marinette went over to the PA system, saying something about a ‘code silver’.

Half-an-hour later, the tour group and the employees were standing on the other side of the park away from the building.

“Maybe it’s defective.” Said Raf, just as the building shook and collapsed knocking everyone to the ground and producing a massive dust cloud, “Or not.”

“It was delayed by 30 minutes.” coughed Jack, standing up and looking at where the building had been, “If we hadn’t spotted it, then we would’ve been near the top floors.”

Everyone sat on the sidewalk as Ambulances arrived, the ones closest to the explosion were being treated, while masks to deal with the dust and other debris were passed around.

“Still like explosions Miko?” Asked Jack, as Miko was having a cut on her head examined.

The Japanese girl groaned in response to Jack’s question. Jack felt a twinge of sympathy for her, before he saw Marinette approaching a red car with bull horns on the hood. Jack watched as she sat in the drivers’ seat, before resting her head against the steering wheel.

“That, is a nice car.” Said Vince, staring at the car.

“It looks like a Dodge Challenger.” Said One of Vince’s friends.

Marinette suddenly turned her head towards the teens, before getting out of the car and walking towards them.

“I should’ve checked earlier, but are any of you hurt?” Asked Marinette, just as a silver Aston Martin pulled up.

“Miko hit her head when we all fell.” Said Jack, as a young Japanese woman got out of the Aston Martin and rushed towards them.

“Marinette,” Yelled the woman, as she came close to them, “I heard there’d been an explosion.”

“Someone placed a bomb in the back of one of your mothers’ cars.” Said Marinette, turning to face the woman, “It was actually one of the visiting students who discovered it.”

Marinette paused, before looking at Jack, “Speaking of, how did you know what a bomb looks like?”

Jack suddenly felt uncomfortable, “Movies.”

Marinette frowned, but didn’t say anything, “Apparently, the only one hurt was Miko.” Marinette pointed towards the Japanese teen, who still had a paramedic looking at her head wound.

The woman looked at Miko, before turning back to face Marinette, “The Police will probably be along shortly, I’ll see you later.”

Marinette nodded, before turning back to the students, “So, how’re you finding Paris?”

NC

After everyone had been collected and taken back to the hotel and the employee sent home, Marinette opened the door to her shared apartment, she could hear Kagami and Adrien talking in the kitchen.

“I can hardly smell the pesticides.” Said Marinette, in lieu of announcing her presence.

“Yeah, and the rats are gone as well.” Said Adrien, poking his head out, “How’d everything go?”

“If you mean by everything, having to deal with insulting phone calls from the Tsurugi’s, as well as having to deal with the Police,” Said Marinette, slipping her shoes off, “it went great.”

“What’s my mother threatened to do now?” Asked Kagami, seasoning the food.

“She didn’t threaten to do anything,” Replied Marinette, dropping onto the sofa, “She just used the entire call to hurl insults at me.”

Kagami blew air through her teeth.

“Yeah, my thoughts exactly.” Said Marinette, before the sound of glass shattering made her look towards the window. She approached the window and looked outside, just in time to see Adrien’s Lamborghini race down the street.

“Adrien, your car’s jut been stolen.” Said Marinette, looking out the window.

“I’ve been thinking of getting a new car anyway.” Said Adrien, as he finished setting the table.

As if on cue, a motorcycle, 4x4 and two sports cars peeled down the street.

“Fucking kids.” Said Marinette, closing the curtains.

NC

Arcee drew close of Lockdown, half-transforming so she could shoot at him without falling behind, Bumblebee and Smokescreen started to head the bounty hunter off, before he transformed and dove through a billboard. The Autobots all came to a stop, Arcee scowling at the hole left behind by Lockdown.

Arcee collapsed back into her vehicle mode and started to head back to where they found Lockdown. A red Dodge Challenger with bull horns sat waiting for them, Arcee considered kicking Cliffjumper, just to get a reaction from him.

Cliffjumper prevented her from following through, transforming and stretching his arms out, “You’ll not believe the month I’ve had.”

Arcee transformed and glared at him.

“I suddenly feel like I’ve got a few seconds to live.” Said Cliffjumper, before Arcee tackled him.

Arcee kept hitting him, until a torch shone on them, making the Femme turn in the direction of the light.

Cliffjumper froze at the sight of Marinette, behind her were her sparkmates, at least he thought they were her sparkmates, all three just staring at the sight in front of him.

“Akuma?” Asked Adrien, cocking his head.

“Nope, they haven’t started yelling yet.” Said Marinette, approaching them, “Where the fuck has my car gone?”

Cliffjumper pushed Arcee off him, before collapsing into the familiar, red Dodge Challenger with bullhorns on the end of the hood, that Marinette had been driving for the past month.

Marinette just let out a long-suffering sigh, “Just my fucking luck.”

NC

Ratchet watched as the Autobots all drove into base via the ground bridge. Optimus frowned at the sight of Cliffjumper, then at the sight of three humans climbing out of him. The red Autobot transformed and looked up at Optimus.

“There’s a really funny story here.” Said Cliffjumper, before a purse hit his side.

Cliffjumper looked down at Marinette, before wincing and looking back at Optimus. Optimus nodded and Cliffjumper crouched down and looked in Marinette’s eye.

“Hey, kid.” Said Cliffjumper, as Marinette glared at him, “You’re probably wanting an explanation.”

“Probably?” Groused Marinette, her glare intensifying, “I just found out my car, which I got after someone stole and torched my actual car, is some giant robot, gundam thing.”

Adrien brightened up.

“Actually, I’m not a gundamn thing,” Said Cliffjumper, making Marinette frown, “I’m an Autobot, my name is Cliffjumper.”

“An Auto-what-now?” Asked Marinette, as the horned bot sighed.

“If I may,” Said Optimus, making Marinette look up at him, “I believe proper introductions are in order. My name is Optimus Prime, we are Autonomous Robotic Organisms from the Planet Cybertron.”

“Ah, aliens.” Said Marinette, folding her arms and frowning.

“This,” Said Optimus, gesturing to Ratchet, “is our medical Officer, Ratchet,” he then gestured to the four Autobots behind Cliffjumper, “You have already met Arcee, Bumblebee, Bulkhead and Smokescreen.”

Marinette looked at the four of them, before her eyes widened, “Hold on, weren’t you the jokers that followed the guy that stole Adrien’s car?”

“Actually,” Said Arcee, folding her arms, “that was another one of our kind, his name’s Lockdown.”

“Lockdown?!” Gasped Ratchet, getting looks from the rest of the team, “Here?!”

“Adrien’s car, was a robot?” Asked Marinette, folding her arms and cocking an eyebrow.

“And not a good one.” Said Arcee, before spotting Tikki poking her head out of Marinette’s pocket, “What’s that?”

Marinette withdrew Tikki from her pocket, making Optimus frown.

“Honoured, Creator.” Greeted Optimus, making Marinette look down at the Kwami.

“‘Honoured Creator’?” Asked Marinette, getting a sheepish look from Tikki.

NC

Marinette scowled at Cliffjumper’s dashboard, as the Autobot played around with his radio. Marinette had taken the whole reveal of an alien race hiding on Earth, what she didn’t take well was Cliffjumper outing her and Adrien’s identities to the other Autobots, namely after Tikki had been spotted.

“Can you please stop that?” Asked Marinette, as Cliffjumper jumped from a station playing classic rock to one playing Bulgarian shriek metal.

“Sorry.” Apologised Cliffjumper, as Marinette got out.

“Don’t drive off anywhere, I won’t be able to explain to anyone why my car is out driving itself.” Said Marinette, before closing the door.

Adrien looked at Marinette, before going back to watching the Agreste legal team and Tsurugi legal team yelling at each other.

“Father’s trying to pin the bomb on the Tsurugi’s.” Said Adrien, just as one legal aid picked up a chair and threw it, “I don’t know why people watch wrestling, we’re seeing the same thing, but we didn’t pay for anything.”

“How’d your dad take your car being ‘stolen’?” Asked Marinette, making Adrien wince.

“He thinks Madam Tsurugi’s behind it.” Replied Adrien, “Kagami’s consented for her car to be searched, in case there’s anything that’s been placed in it.”

“You know, I actually thought the person who’d have the problem with our relationship would be your father.” Said Marinette, folding her arms.

“He did, until I said that your skill, and potential, would be under the Agreste name.” Said Adrien, shrugging, “He became silent after that.”

“I’m sure it had nothing to do with Nathalie falling pregnant.” Said Marinette, making Adrien snort.

There was the sound of glass breaking, as one of the legal aids was sent through the window. Marinette didn’t even blink as she pulled out her phone and called the police, while Adrien looked at his phone, grinning when he saw it was still recording.

Down in the car park, Cliffjumper watched as a silver Aston Martin pulled up and Kagami step out. Giving Cliffjumper a subtle wave, Kagami headed straight for the elevator, leaving the Autobot with the car. There was the sound of grinding metal as Cliffjumper transformed and crouched down next to the car.

“What are you?” Whispered Cliffjumper, changing the angle for which he looked at the car.

Cliffjumper froze, there was an insignia that was hidden in the front wheel arch. The winged Autobot symbol of the Elite Guard.

“Optimus.” Said Cliffjumper, contacting the Autobot Base.

“Optimus is otherwise occupied, Cliffjumper, what do you need?” Came Ratchet’s voice.

“There’s a car here with Elite Guard Markings, are you picking anything up on your scanners?” Relayed Cliffjumper, waiting for Ratchet to respond.

“I’m not detecting any- wait, I’ve just focused on your immediate area, there’s one Autobot signal in the vicinity, there’s no name associated to it, but it’s definitely there.” Said Ratchet, just as Cliffjumper heard the lift ring. The red Autobot collapsed into his Dodge Challenger alt, waiting for the person to leave.

A brunette with hair tails that resembled sausages stood in front of Cliffjumper.

“So,” Said the girl, her voice oily and demanding, “You’re the pile of crap that Dupain-Cheng got.”

Cliffjumper decided he didn’t like this girl, she reminded him too much of Starscream. The girl rummaged around her bag, before pulling out a can of spray paint.

“Let’s see how she likes this.” Smirked the girl, shaking the can.

Cliffjumper immediately honked his horn and set off his alarm, before revving his engine and advancing towards the girl. She dropped the can and fell backward before scrambling away from the vehicle.

A security guard appeared from around the corner and spotted the red Dodge Challenger blaring it’s alarm, with one of Gabriel Agreste’s models, Lila something, screaming at it.

“What the hell is going on?” Demanded the security guard, before asking Ms. Dupain-Cheng down to silence her car.

“I-I was walking past it and it started driving at me!” Cried Lila, as the guard frowned.

Marinette arrived and silenced the car.

“Your car isn’t one of those self-driving types, is it?” Asked the guard, getting a confused look from Marinette.

“Are you kidding?” Asked Marinette, frowning, “I got this after my last car was totalled after some meth head stole it.”

“Ms. Rossi says it drove at her.” Said the Guard, as Marinette took a step forwards and slipped on something.

“What the hell?” Said Marinette, picking up a can of black spray paint, “I don’t suppose you were going to be painting anything, Lila?”

Lila stuttered out some excuse, while Marinette gave the can to the guard and went back up to the design office.

“What happened?” Asked Adrien, his glasses rest on his head.

“Lila was scared by Cliff.” Said Marinette, frowning at one of the designs.

Adrien nodded, before looking back at the computer, “What was I thinking when I asked my father to teach me how to run a business?”

NC

Marinette and Adrien climbed out of Cliffjumper, while Kagami drove her car after them. Ratchet shooed them towards the seating area, all three spotting three of the children that were on the field trip.

“You know, I’m not even surprised.” Said Marinette, dropping into one of the chairs.

Miko rushed towards Ratchet and Cliffjumper, her eyes zeroing on Cliffjumper.

“Who are you?” Asked Miko, as Wheeljack and Smokescreen entered the main area.

“Name’s Cliffjumper, I heard a lot about you and your friends from the others.” Said Cliffjumper, just as Ratchet jumped backwards when the Autobot transformed. Everyone froze when his head rolled off.

“Oh no.” Said Raf, approaching from behind Miko.

“Oh no what?” Asked Cliffjumper, picking up the Autobot’s head.

“He’s dead, isn’t he?” Asked Jack, looking at the Autobots.

“Nah, this is Cogman,” Said Cliffjumper, gesturing to the Autobot, “He’s a Headmaster, meaning his he can detach and transform into a smaller bot.”

Cliffjumper held the head in place, as Ratchet started to insert energon into Cogman’s body. There was silence, then Cogman lurched and grabbed Ratchet and Cliffjumper and threw them into Bulkhead.

There was a grinding sound and Cogman dragged a broadsword from his back, stumbling around the base.

“Wha, when, where am I?” Demanded Cogman, his optics flickering.

“You’re in our base, Cogman.” Said Optimus, advancing towards the clearly wounded Headmaster, “My name is Optimus Prime.”

“Optimus, leader, commander,” Muttered Cogman, looking around, “I, damaged, Lockdown, Lord Bur-, Hot Rod.”

With those final words, Cogman lost consciousness and collapsed, his head rolling off once more.

The Autobots and humans all stared at the fallen Transformer.

“I’ll prepare an energon feed.” Said Ratchet, just as the proximity alarm went off.

“Really? Now?” Grumbled Ratchet, as the elevator opened.

“Prime, what’s this I hear about your ‘bots tearing up Paris?” Demanded Fowler, before catching sight of Marinette, Adrien and Kagami, “Again?!”

Marinette stared at the man, before Cliffjumper coughed.

“You!” Yelled Fowler, “I thought you were dead!”

“It’s a long story.” Said Cliffjumper, as Bumblebee and Bulkhead helped move Cogman.

NC

Lockdown was seething, he’d spent months hunting down Cogman, finding him in Stasis Lock in the possession of some human insect, then a dead Autobot showed up, followed by Team Prime. Lockdown had made the deal with the human, Agreste, in the hopes of rounding up the rest of the Knights, hiding as Agreste’s son’s car, dealing with the humiliation of that boy driving him, spilling liquids inside him. Megatron had instructed him to find something called a Miraculous, and after seeing what it could do first hand, he could see why. If such small objects could fix a destroyed city, restore hundreds, if not thousands, of lives and bring back a dead Autobot, what could they do to Cybertron?

Lockdown transformed and stalked towards Agreste’s window, breaking it and waking the human up.

“Your child has friends,” Snarled Lockdown, glaring at the human, “of the Autobot variety.”

NC

Hot Rod aimlessly drove around the dark streets of Paris, Sir Edmund Burton had instructed him to come to the city before he was killed by Lockdown. Hot Rod hadn’t seen Cogman since that day, but maintained radio silence until he reappeared on his scanners.

A swirling green vortex opened up in front of him, making the disguised Autobot skid to a halt. He recognised the sight of a space bridge, despite the power levels being significantly lower that what was required for interstellar travel.

A tall, red and blue figure walked out of the bridge. Hot Rod transformed and stared up at Optimus.

“Prime?” Asked Hot Rod, not believing his optics.

“Hello, Hot Rod.” Said Optimus, turning back, gesturing the bot to follow.

“H-how long have you been on the planet?” Asked Hot Rod, as he followed Optimus through the bridge.

The ground bridge closed behind him, leaving a seething Lockdown hidden in the shadows, Gabriel Agreste secured tightly in his seat.

NC

Fowler watched as the French Autobot spoke with Bumblebee and Arcee, while the British one was being checked over by Ratchet. Fowler’s phone went off, making the agent turn away from the Bots.

“Fowler here.” Said Fowler, frowning.

“Bill,” Said General Bryce, his tone grave, “I suggest you look at the French News.”

Fowler frowned, “Why?”

“You’ll understand when you see it.” Said Bryce, before hanging up.

Fowler walked over to the TV, unplugged the game the kids were playing, getting a protest from Miko, and turned it over to the French news channel.

And would’ve spat out his coffee if he’d remember to pick it up.

“Prime, you’re going to want to see this.” Called Fowler, getting the Autobot leaders’ attention.

Optimus made his way over, his optics barely concealing the shock he felt. Megatron and the Decepticons were attacking Paris. Optimus didn’t bother to translate what the newscaster was saying, only frowned and turned to Ratchet.

“Ratchet, activate the ground bridge.” Commanded Optimus, before looking at his team, “Autobots, prepare to roll out.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Said Jack, looking at the Autobot’s Leader, “What happened to Robots in Disguise?”

“Take a look, Jack,” Said Arcee, gesturing to the screen, “Megatron’s just blown that cover away for us.”

“No, what I mean is, what is Megatron hoping to gain?” Reiterated Jack, looking around the team.

“There’s nothing in Paris that would interest them.” Said Fowler, looking at the Autobots, before Marinette fiddled with her earrings.

“How much do you think Lockdown learned before his cover was blown?” Asked Marinette, looking at the floor.

The Autobots froze, “He’s after the jewels.” Said Optimus, frowning.

“What those magical pieces of Jewellery?” Asked Fowler, before scowling, “I can have what heroes we have to locate them, and their owners or wielder or whatever.”

“That will not be necessary, Agent Fowler.” Said Optimus, looking at the agent, “They are already safe.”

“How can you be sure?” Demanded Fowler, as Marinette removed something from her pocket.

“Because they’re already here.” Said Marinette, removing the earrings, making them return to their usual red and black spotted appearance.

Fowler froze, as Optimus and the Autobots prepared to depart.

“If Megatron knows what they can do, he no doubts plans on using them to restore Cybertron.” Said Optimus, getting a snort from Ratchet.

“And, no doubt, ridding himself of his Dark Energon poisoning.” Snarked Ratchet, before revealing a scan of Megatron, “I took this scan back when we were dealing with Unicron, Megatron had at most, three Earth decades left before he becomes one of those mindless beasts he loves controlling.”

Optimus stared at the scan, “Ratchet, if we were to wound him enough, would Megatron become a ‘mindless beast’?”

“It’d have to be extensive, like,” Said Ratchet, frowning, “the spark extractor or beating him into a pile scrap with the Forge of Solus Prime.”

“What about Plagg?” Asked Adrien, as the small, black Kwami snored in his hand.

The Autobots stared at the embodiment of destruction, as he burped and grumbled about needing cheese.

“To get either of you close enough, would be too much of a risk.” Said Optimus, as Tikki hummed.

“I could make them Cybertronian.” Said Tikki, making everyone freeze.

“You can do that?” Asked Marinette, cocking her head slightly.

“If I really wanted to, Marinette, I could turn you into a squirrel.” Said Tikki, frowning, “However, the change would be permanent.”

Everyone was quiet, before Miko giggled, “I’ll do it!”

“No.” Was the unanimous response.

“The city’s burning, Prime,” Said Fowler, leaning against the railing, “The casualty list is already in the thousands.”

The base was silent, until Marinette noticed how tense Jack was.

“You okay?” Asked Marinette, touching Jack’s shoulder.

“My mom’s attending a medical conference there.” Was Jack’s short answer.

“Jack, she could be hidden somewhere, somewhere safe.” Said Miko, a small frown gracing her lips.

Marinette gave Miko a sideways look, before smirking. She’d noticed the concern the Jack had for Miko had gone deeper than simple friendship, or even family, she just didn’t notice that it went both ways.

“Paris is my home, if you’re going there, I’m coming with.” Said Marinette, looking up at Optimus.

Optimus frowned, before Adrien and Kagami joined Marinette and looked up at Optimus, their decision made.

“Ratchet, activate the ground bridge.” Said Optimus, silently allowing the human to accompany them.

Jack watched the Autobots leave with Marinette, Adrien and Kagami, before scowling and making a break for the ground bridge, Miko and Raf quickly following after him.

He had to find his mom, she was the only family he had left, he didn’t care that he was running into hell.

NC

Marinette stared at the charred remains on the park and, subsequently, her parent’s bakery. The Eiffel Tower was on its side, one of its leg torn off, Decepticons were tearing the city apart.

“It’s here,” Came a gravelly, growling voice, “I know it.”

The group all froze when Jack shot past them, disappearing into the smoke.

“Jack!” Yelled Miko, before she too disappeared.

Raf was a couple feet behind the girl, before he tripped and fell over. The distant screams of the civilians filling the air, Optimus closed his optics and sighed. He believed at least half of the city’s population had been caught up in the crossfire.

“Autobots, evacuate the civilians.” Commanded Optimus, his battle mask sliding into place, “You three, I suggest you find whatever you need and guide them to the ground bridge, Bulkhead, Wheeljack and Smokescreen, remain with me to guard the bridge.”

Arcee, Bumblebee, Hot Rod, Cliffjumper and Cogman, ran out into the city, carefully instructing anyone they met towards the ground bridge, killing any Decepticons stupid enough to charge at them. Arcee kept her optics open for Jack and Miko, before spotting the two, Jack slumped over something in front of the remains the hotel. Arcee’s spark froze, realising what Jack was leaning over.

Miko was holding onto Jack as he cradled what remained of his mother, her lower half had been vapourised, her eyes were glassy and unseeing. Tears were falling onto her face and Jack sobbed.

“Jack.” Said Arcee, kneeling down next to him and Miko, before she caught sight of June.

“She was all I had left.” Gasped Jack, looking down at his mother.

“I’m sorry, Jack,” Said Arcee, hanging her head, “but we need to go.”

Jack swallowed and closed his mother’s eyes. Jack got to his feet, before the rubble in front of him and Miko exploded, sending shards of rock and metal through the two humans.

“NO!” Screamed Arcee, as she saw blood appearing on the two.

NC

Optimus and his portion of the team were fighting of the Decepticons as Bumblebee ushered the humans through the ground bridge, some were reluctant, while other jumped at the opportunity.

“Optimus, I’ve found Jack and Miko.” Came Arcee from over the comm.

“Excellent work, Arcee, bring them back to our position and send them through the ground bridge.” Commended Optimus, shooting the head of a Vehicion and lobbing a sizeable statue at Dreadwing, knocking the seeker down.

“Optimus, they’re hurt, I, I think they’re going to die.” Said Arcee, making Optimus pause.

“Locate Marinette and Tikki,” Said Optimus, unsheathing his sword and gutting a decepticon, “if what the Creator said is true, she may be our only hope to save Jack and Miko.”

“Change their species?! Optimus, don’t you remember what she also said? That the change would be permanent?” Demanded Arcee, as Bulkhead threw Knockout to Wheeljack, who punched the Decepticon medic.

“I am aware, Arcee,” Said Optimus, knocking an Insecticon’s head off, “but we are past the point of debate, our base doesn’t have required facilities to aid them in their recovery.”

“But if they were Cybertronian, Ratchet could patch them up no problem.” Realised Arcee, went silent.

NC

Arcee skidded to a halt in front of Marinette and Tikki. The two gaped at the sight of Jack and Miko’s bloodied bodies.

“Optimus said you could save them.” Said Arcee, holding the two humans out.

“I said I could change them and that the change would be permanent.” Stressed Tikki, looking at the two.

“Optimus said that if you changed them, Ratchet could patch them back up.” Said Arcee, as Tikki frowned.

“Okay, but you’re going to need help carrying them.” Said Tikki, as the spots on her body glowed and her eyes went white.

A flash of light later, a male, silver, black and blue coloured mech lied on the ground, another flash had a pink and black with gold detailing femme lying next to the Mech.

“I can move Miko, no problem,” Said Arcee, before activating her comm, “Bumblebee, I need your help with something.”

NC

Ratchet watched as Agent Fowler did his best to calm the humans down, he was monitoring the Autobot life signals, when two suddenly came online. A few minutes later, Arcee and Bumblebee entered the base with the two unidentified Cybertronians.

“Ratchet, these two need patching up.” Said Arcee, as she clumsily sat the Femme down.

“I’m not even going to ask where you found a Triple-Changer.” Said Ratchet, as he set to work, “Bumblebee, monitor the team while I work.”

Bumblebee nodded and took position at the monitor screen. The wounds had pierced multiple important areas, but it wasn’t anything couldn’t fix. The triple changer, roughly the size of Optimus muttered something.

“Mom…” Said the Triple-Changer, with Jack’s voice.

NC

“I’m not picking up any human life signs, Optimus.” Said Smokescreen, as Marinette, Adrien and Kagami re-joined them.

“Tikki’s not picking up anything either.” Said Marinette, as Optimus nodded.

“Autobots, fall back!” Commanded Optimus, as he, the Autobots and humans retreated, leaving a city empty of living humans and full of Decepticons.

NC

Marinette looked through the crowd, her classmates were safe, Alya had grilled her about the Autobots, she’d met Nadja and Manon, bumped into Nathalie and Lianne and various other citizens of Paris that had to be evacuated. Marinette stopped when she saw her parents, handing out food they’d managed to save from the bakery.

General Bryce and Optimus were having a meeting with government officials and high rank armed forces officer. All of them looked confused, especially when Optimus had relayed, he’d chosen to save the surviving citizens, over destroying Megatron.

Chloe was the only survivor from her family, having been with Sabrina for the night. The same story was with Alix, but she’d been with Kim and Max. Adrien’s father and Lila were nowhere to be found, with them officially being declared dead.

Jack and Miko had been taken somewhere private, giving them both time to readjust to their new bodies.

A Decepticon scout that had been captured had relayed that Megatron wasn’t looking for the Miraculous, but rather, The All Spark, believing it to be buried under the city.

“What exactly is this ‘All Spark’?” Asked General Bryce, as Optimus frowned.

“It is an ancient force from Cybertron, that allows new sparks to be formed,” Said Optimus, “in essence, it could create worlds and fill them, with life.”

“And that’s how your race began.” Said the head of the CIA, “But why would it be under a city, who put it there.”

“Mr. Edmund, I doubt the All Spark was placed on earth, it is more likely it was drifting through space and entered Earth’s atmosphere, where it crashed down onto the planet with enough force to block out the sun.” Said Optimus, before looking at the other human officials, “It is likely that the All Spark was aboard a ship that no doubt was destroyed upon impact with the Earth.”

The Officials were silent.

“The secret’s out.” Said the President, “The whole world now knows about you, amazingly, some terrorist groups are now claiming responsibility for the attack, only to be attacked themselves.”

“There is also the issue of the two humans that had their species changed.” Said Bryce, as Fowler coughed.

“Sir, they were both grievously injured in Paris,” Said Fowler, “The only way to save them was to get them immediate medical attention.”

“Facilities that the Autobot base doesn’t possess.” Said Bryce, glancing out at the sea of people, “And since you were evacuating civilians, you couldn’t spare the bots or resources to get them to a hospital.” “Had the change not taken place, they would’ve perish passing through the Ground Bridge.” Said Optimus, as there was a cough from the entrance to the room.

Optimus, and the Human officials, turned and looked at the source of the cough. Bulkhead stood in the entrance.

“Miko’s awake.” Said Bulkhead, as Optimus nodded.

“I’m afraid, Gentlemen,” Said Optimus, turning back to the Officials, “that my presence is needed elsewhere.”

Optimus turned and walked out of the room, looking at Bulkhead, “Has Jack shown any signs of regaining consciousness?”

Bulkhead shook his head, “Miko was demanding to seem him, but, frankly, I’m not sure how he’d react if his woke up to his current state.”

Optimus frowned, “Has there been any response to our message?”

“Jackie hasn’t received anything, but they might be maintaining radio silence until they reach earth.” Replied Bulkhead, as he opened a door and a wrench his Optimus in the chest.

“Whoa, Miko!” Yelled Bulkhead, getting in front of Optimus, “Calm down!”

“Where’s Jack?!” Screamed Miko, picking up a barrel and throwing it.

“Jack is still under observation, Miko,” Said Optimus, internally groaning about his shattered wind screen, “he has yet to regain consciousness and his emotional state will be greatly unstable.”

“Unstable?!” Screeched Miko, throwing a crate with circuit boards at the two, “That’s a fucking understatement! He just saw his mother bisected corpse!”

Optimus couldn’t contain the wince, before the comm went off.

“Optimus, we have a problem.” Said Smokescreen.

“What is it, Smokescreen?” Asked Optimus, keeping an eye on Miko.

“Jack’s awake, and he’s kicking the scrap out of us.” There was the sound of Smokescreen being hit, before there was silence.

“Smokescreen?!” Demanded Optimus, before heading out the door, already knowing that Smokescreen was out of action.

Marinette saw Optimus, Bulkhead and Miko run across the base, no doubt trying to reach Jack.

NC

Megatron glared at the burning city from the throne that had been made from the hideous structure that the humans dared to call ‘art’. Lockdown had told him about these ‘miraculous’ but Megatron’s prize was something far more powerful. Soundwave had detected the All-Spark underneath the city, spurring Megatron to claim it as his new capital, with the power of the All Spark, and his own scientists work, Megatron would be able to cyberform this entire world and then move on to Cybertron, Primus and Unicron. Creation and Destruction. Life and Death. Soon, Megatron would be taking his place amongst the gods.

Megatron heard frantic pleading, spotting Dreadwing dragging Starscream towards him. Shockwave had been returned to them, mostly thanks to Soundwave who’s detected some unusual activity on Cybertron.

“Starscream.” Growled Megatron, getting to his feet, “What feeble excuse do you have for us this time?”

“P-p-please, Master,” Whimpered Starcream, trying to pry Dreadwing’s hand off his head, “I-I-I only came here to re-pledge my undying loyalty to you!”

Megatron glared down at Starscream, before throwing is head back and laughing, “You are many things, Starscream, but, frankly, I no longer have any need of you.”

Starscream’s eyes widened, as Megatron levelled his fusion cannon with the Seeker’s head. The last thing the treacherous Decepticon saw was Megatron’s displeased snarl and the cannon discharging.

Starscream’s lifeless husk fell to the ground.

“Shockwave, I believe you have some experiments that required… test subjects.” Said Megatron, as two Vehicon’s started dragging Starscream’s body, as Megatron held his hand out to Soundwave. The Silent Decepticon dropped a spark into his hand, “And someone find out where the real Starscream is and bring him here.”

The Decepticons dispersed, leaving the warlord alone with his thoughts.

NC

Optimus and Bulkhead pinned a squirming Jack to the ground, while Ratchet tried to sedate him. One of Bumblebee’s door wings had been torn off, while Smokescreen had lost an arm, Wheeljack, Arcee and Cliffjumper had sported minor injuries. Wheeljack was working with Arcee to reattach Smokescreen’s arm, fortunately it was a clean cut. Miko sat on the ground next to Jack, doing her best to calm him down. After a few minutes of struggling, Miko had calmed Jack down enough for Ratchet to give him the sedative.

“That went well.” Said Arcee, as Smokescreen rotated his arm and Ratchet worked to reattaching Bumblebee’s missing door wing.

“Never would’ve thought it.” Groaned Smokescreen, jerking his arm around.

“Is he going to be okay?” Asked Miko, making the Autobots look at her.

“Jack was under a great deal of mental and emotional stress when the change occurred,” Said Ratchet, looking at the monitor on his arm, “I’m afraid that I can only help patch up his wounds, I don’t that the necessary skills to help with his emotional wellbeing.”

“You, you said he was a triple changer,” Said Miko, her gold optics looking up at Optimus, “What is that?”

“A triple changer, Miko,” Said Optimus, after a moment, “Is a Cybertronian who had two alt modes, most of them joined the Decepticons, with very few siding with the Autobots.”

Miko blinked a couple of times, before looking back down at Marinette.

“Where’re Hot Rod and Cogman?” Asked Arcee, looking around for the two Autobots.

“Cogman is on the roof of the base,” Said Ratchet, as he pulled a piece of shrapnel out of Jack’s shoulder, “Hot Rod is seeking a new alt mode.”

Optimus frowned, before leaving the room and heading to the roof. Cogman’s back was to Optimus.

“Seven Autobots have broken Earth’s atmosphere and heading to the surrounding desert.” Said Cogman, looking up at the sky.

“Have you been able to discern their identities?” Asked Optimus, stopping next to Cogman.

“Jazz, Prowl, Ironhide, Sideswipe, Mirage and Jetfire have sent out identifying signals,” Said Cogman, not looking at the Prime, “The seventh hasn’t responded and there are four more Autobot signals entering the system.”

Optimus frowned, the six Cogman had listed would be excellent additions to Team Prime, but he couldn’t help but worry that the seventh signal was some Decepticon trap. Optimus was broken from his musings when a ship appeared above them. Optimus squinted his optics, identifying the ship at the Iron Will.

Cogman went to draw his weapons, “Stand down, Cogman, it’s Ultra Magnus.”

The Cybertronian Knight froze, before scowling. The ship touched down beside the base, prompting Optimus to head back inside the base.

NC

Marinette laughed as Kim finished his story. There was an idle chatter amongst the Parisians, some were laughing, while others were simply basking in the silence of their group. Arcee watched the humans.

“It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Asked Smokescreen, joining Arcee, “They just lost everything and they’re acting as if nothing’s changed.”

“Smokescreen,” Said Arcee, after a moment, “they lost objects and those who lost family found others who share their grief. At the end of the day, they still have each other.”

Smokescreen looked at Arcee, “You sounded just like Optimus.”

“I’ve serving under his command for years, frag me.” Snarked the motorcycle, as Optimus walked back into the base.

“I’m not sure I want to know.” Said Optimus, walking over to the monitor station, “Seven new Autobots have arrived on this world, with another four approaching.”

“Any idea who they are?” Asked Arcee, as Smokescreen returned to watching the humans.

“Ultra Magnus has landed his ship outside,” Said Optimus, observing the screen, “Cogman has identified the other signals of valued allies, they will need picking up before Megatron comes for them.”

Arcee frowned, before the monitor beeped and an Autobot life signal lit up the screen, “Wait, is that Ironhide?”

“Cogman identified Ironhide as one of the signals that arrived,” Said Optimus, as he programmed the ground bridge, “Arcee, Smokescreen, come with me.”

NC

Ultra Magnus raised an eyebrow as he scanned the planet, he heard one of his passengers snort at him.

“If you have something to say, soldier, now’s the time.” Said Ultra Magnus, turning around.

The Autobot who snorted at him, Brawn, folded his arms, “You just said we landed outside of Prime’s base, why don’t we just knock on the front door.”

Brawn was primarily green and yellow and resembled Bulkhead. Behind Brawn, Springer, a green triple changer, coughed and Kup, a teal warrior with a cigar in his mouth scowled.

“Whether we’re outside Optimus’s base or not, we cannot risk being seen by the natives of this world.” Said a rose-and-white femme, Elita One, looking around the mechs, “Optimus is concerned about someone.”

“Attention, Autobot Ship Iron Will,” Came Ratchet’s voice through the comms, “The main entrance to the base is open, I’d like to suggest you come in, before Ironhide destroys any more of my equipment.”

“I heard that, Doc.” Came Ironhide’s famous drawl.

The Autobots heard Ratchet sigh, before terminating the connection.

“I think it’s safe to go in.” Said Brawn, standing up, “I hate being in this tiny ship.”

The Autobots filed out of the ship and into the base, with Ultra Magnus activating the cloak as soon as they were off the ship. Elita smiled at the sight of Arcee, before freezing at the sight of two Cybertronians she didn’t recognise. Arcee followed her sisters gaze and winced.

“It’s a long story.” Said Arcee, as Optimus re-entered the base, followed by Jazz, Prowl and Jetfire.

“I think we’re going to need a bigger base.” Said Smokescreen, looking around.

Springer was accosted by Ratchet and practically dragged to the med bay, “Finally, someone who might be compatible with my patient.”

“What?” Asked Springer, as Ratchet forced him onto a berth.

The ground bridge opened again, as Bulkhead lead Sideswipe and Mirage into the base.

“Wow, what a dump.” Said Sideswipe, as Arcee went back to looking into the room she’d been looking in before Elita arrived.

Ultra Magnus approached Arcee, before catching sight of the sea of humans.

“What are they doing in the base?” Asked Ultra Magnus, making Arcee look up.

“Long story.” Came Arcee’s response, “Optimus will fill you in once everyone’s here.”

“Optimus the four signal Cogman said were entering the system that just broken the atmosphere.” Called Ratchet, squinting at the screen, “It’s Hound, Crosshair, Drift and Warpath.”

Smokescreen let out a low whistle, “Is it me or are we getting a ton of heavy hitters?”

NC

Marinette looked at all the people getting ready to leave, they were being taken back to France and were going to be placed in temporary housing until Paris had been reclaimed. The Autobots had taken the news about Jack and Miko with mixed results, Ultra Magnus and Kup didn’t believe it, until they spoke with Miko, while Crosshairs thought it’d be funny to get a rise out of Jack. Crosshairs still had trouble with his arm.

Ironhide, Springer and Jetfire had taken to training the newly turned Cybertronians, while Optimus dealt with the press. The rest of Team Prime had started ferrying the Parisians back to France. Cliffjumper crouched next to Marinette, making her look up.

“We’re doing everything we can it make it like it was.” Said Cliffjumper, looking over the sea of Humans.

“Optimus is going to try and take the city back, isn’t he?” Asked Marinette, looking back at the crowd.

“Yeah,” Said Cliffjumper, as Elita One directed Mirage and Sideswipe in their tasks, “I know it’s gonna seem a bit empty, but I promise, we’ll do everything in our power for you to go home.”

“Thanks,” Responded Marinette, smiling slightly, “It means a lot.”

“Marinette!” Called Kagami, as she prepared to get on a truck, “It’s time to go!”

Marinette nodded, before looking up at Cliffjumper, “I guess this is goodbye.”

“I prefer a ‘see you soon’.” Said Cliffjumper, before crouching lower, allowing Marinette to hug his head, “I’ll miss ya, kid.”

“I’m gonna miss you too.” Replied Marinette, before heading away from the Autobot.

“There’s nothing you can do,” Said Hound, his cigar bouncing as he spoke, “we’re gonna out live ‘em all anyway.”

The last of the trucks vanished through the ground bridge, leaving the Autobots alone.

NC

Cliffjumper looked at the crowd of humans, a task force specially designed to fight the Decepticons, the Non-biological Extra-terrestrial Species Treaty. Optimus frowned as Bumblebee and Jetfire returned from their scouting missions.

“They are surrounding the city like a fortress, so that no one can see what they’re up to on the inside.” Mused Optimus, frowning, “Our only chance is through the element of surprise.”

“How are we supposed to retake it?” Asked Sideswipe, scowling at the wreckages.

“Earth is our home now, Sideswipe, while we call it our home, we must defend it.” Said Optimus, looking at the red Autobot, “I can only ask you to follow me into battle.”

“Optimus, you don’t even need to ask.” Said Konton, Miko, cracking her knuckles. Wheeljack had adopted her, to prevent her spark from failing, with Optimus and Elita doing the same for Jack, who’d taken the name Trion, in reference to his three forms.

“Then, today, in the name of freedom, we shall take the battle to them.” Said Optimus, turning away from the group, “Autobots, Transform and Roll Out!”

[five-miles-over]

Joaquin Phoenix Characters as Comfort Foods

(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or images. This is just a fun listicle, not designed to offend anyone. As always, please feel free to leave comments and/or constructive criticism below. I’m always happy to learn more about various dishes and cuisines. Thank you, and without any further ado, please enjoy!)

Characters in this List: Arthur Fleck, Joker, Theodore Twombly, Jimmy Emmett, Doug Holt, Doc Sportello, Freddie Quell, Johnny Cash, Max California, Merrill Hess, Ray Elwood, Bruno Weiss, Abbé de Coulmier, Joe, Lucius Hunt, and Emperor Commodus.

Also, most of the foods in this listicle are savory, so let me know if you want me to do a listicle with sweet comfort foods too!

 Arthur Fleck from Joker: Fairy Bread

Fairy bread is a treat from Australia, made with white bread, butter (or margarine), and sprinkles (or as they call them in Australia, hundreds and thousands). Just like Arthur, this comfort food is quite simplistic but it’s extremely cherished. Plus, the colorful sprinkles would appeal to the inner child inside of Arthur Fleck.

The Joker from Joker: Prawn Mee

Prawn mee (also called hokkien hae mee) is a spicy street food from Malaysia made with prawns (of course), pork slices, noodles, and water spinach. 

Much like Joker’s antics, this noodle dish is never dull with its spicy and savory flavors. In fact, there are many variations to this dish, with some adding eggs or squid along with different kinds of vegetables.

(Plus, I chose this dish keeping in mind a scene from The Dark Night Rises in which Heath Ledger’s Joker eats a piece of shrimp while crashing a party.)

Theodore Twombly from Her : Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese (aka Cheese Toasties)

I’ve mentioned before how the color red seems to be quite significant to Theodore in this film - he wears it a lot, many of his things are red. So the tomato soup is a good fit.

Also, the warmth of this dish (and the gooey cheese) is a perfect analogy for the way Theodore wears his heart on his sleeve. He can be quite a mushy romantic, and often feels nostalgic for a simpler time of love.

Personally, this dish also brings nostalgia because I used to love it when I was twelve.

Jimmy Emmett from To Die For: Chili Dogs

It’s quite ‘grungy’ in appearance, much like Jimmy Emmett. And the intensity of the bold meat flavors and cheese do quite represent the intense obsession that Jimmy has with Nicole Kidman’s character.

(And I’ve heard it’s a great hangover/munchies food best served with potato chips)

Doug Holt from Inventing the Abbotts: Matzo Ball Soup

Matzo balls are soup dumplings made of unleavened bread flour, that are usually added to chicken or vegetable broth. Just like Doug Holt, they are absolutely wholesome and comforting no matter what.

Doc Sportello from Inherent Vice: Omurice

Omurice is a Japanese dish that combines an omelette and fried rice, which sounds like a nice representation of someone who combines the best of both words, being a private investigator and a hippie.

Also, out of all of Joaquin’s characters, I’m pretty sure Doc would be totally down to try this as an alternate breakfast or snack.

Freddie Quell from The Master: Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

One of the running storylines in The Master is Freddie’s interest in alcohol - and getting drunk off of it. He mixes various chemicals and substances to create concoctions (that may not be for everyone) to get a buzz. So it only makes sense that his comfort food comes from the word for ‘drunkard’.

These noodles don’t actually contain any alcohol, but the flavors of black pepper and red chile give it a distinct hotness. (Kind of like how Freddie’s hot-headed nature can be quite dangerous at times.)

Johnny Cash from Walk The Line: Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is quite popular in Kingsland, Alabama - Cash’s hometown - so it would be a nice choice to represent this iconic singer. Also, the movie showed fishing as one of Johnny Cash’s hobbies.

Max California from 8 MM: Poutine

Emerging in the 1950s, poutine is a Canadian dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy (usually beef or turkey-flavored). The word ‘poutine’ itself comes from the French word ‘poutine’ (meaning “pudding”) and was used to describe the “sloppy” appearance of this dish.

Much like Max California’s job as a porn vendor, poutine can look quite messy on the outside. However, it has a comforting, warm taste that matches how genuine Max really is on the inside. 

Also, I can imagine Max’s work costing him some long nights that call for fast food (meaning fries!).

Merrill Hess from Signs: Philly Cheesesteak

Philly cheesesteaks are named for the American city Philadelphia, which is quite close to Bucks County, Pennsylvania (the location for many of the scenes filmed  for Signs). 

This greasy sandwich made of steak, onions, peppers, and (lots of!) cheese is an integral part of American cuisine, just like how baseball - Merrill’s passion - is fondly known as “America’s pastime”. 

Also, I can imagine Merrill having quite an appetite, so a cheesesteak would satisfy him.

Ray Elwood from Buffalo Soldiers: Beans on Toast

While being a staple in the United Kingdom, beans on toast would probably suit a soldier like Ray Elwood. Given that the ingredients are nothing more than canned beans and bread, it would be the best choice of comfort food for someone always staying in an army bunker.

(Not to mention, it’s pretty easy to make - he could make this while taking a break from shipping illegal drugs around Berlin)

Bruno Weiss from The Immigrant: Schnitzel with Mushroom Gravy

Bruno Weiss may seem like a hedonist on the outside, being a ruthless pimp and entertainer who will do anything to make a profit. However on the inside, his character craves for warmth and affection. 

Schnitzel is a German comfort food consisting of a piece of meat (or cheese) that is breaded and fried before being coated in a flavorful gravy. Much like Bruno himself, schnitzel has quite a hard, distinctive exteriors and a tender interior.

Abbé de Coulmier from Quills: Ratatouille

(This dish has a fun name, I’m not going to lie) What better choice for a French priest than a summer entrée that originates in Nice, France? Ratatouille is a vegetable stew made with various types of squash, tomatoes, zucchini (or courgette), and eggplant (aka aubergine). 

Much like Abbé, this dish may seem quite simple (based on its ingredients, which are primarily vegetables) but it is quite filling and comforting. This dish is surprisingly warm during cold nights, just like how Abbé’s presence brings warmth to Charenton.

Joe from You Were Never Really Here: Spaghetti Alla Norma

Spaghetti is already a popular comfort food in itself, but Joe’s maturity as a character definitely calls for a slightly elegant version of pasta. Spaghetti alla Norma is made with fried eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and basil to garnish. The eggplant definitely adds a meaty component to this dish, just like Joe’s complicated past makes his storyline in the film quite compelling.

Lucius Hunt from The Village: Minestrone

Minestrone is an Italian vegetarian soup usually consisting of carrots, celery, beans, and pasta in a tomato-based broth. The herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano) flavoring it definitely offer a rustic type of taste. Not to mention, a warm bowl of this soup does wonders after a long day of walking through the woods.

Emperor Commodus from Gladiator: Chicken Tikka Masala

As always, my favorite is saved for last. *sighs* Honestly, I think the rich, creamy nature of the gravy, along with the blend of spices, makes this perfect for an emperor’s lavish and robust palette. Also, it is by far one of the most popular dishes around the world (especially in the United Kingdom) - just like how Commodus is one of Phoenix’s most iconic roles. 

[shamandrummer]

Pipestone’s Sacred Story

On Aug. 25, 1937, the U.S. established Pipestone National Monument in Southwest Minnesota. The monument covers 301 acres and includes quarry pits and the prairie landscape surrounding them. Today indigenous people from across North America come to the site to work the pipestone at 56 active pits, offering up the soft red stone so famously used for ceremonial pipes and other items. A gentle slope marks the eastern edge of a long plateau that begins in the Dakotas and runs southeast to Iowa. In Pipestone County, the slope is broken by stone outcroppings that native peoples have quarried for centuries.

For Native Americans, this land is sacred. For the Oceti Sakowin, the people of the Seven Council Fires, which includes Dakota and Lakota speaking tribes, it’s a place of creation. Among the Oceti Sakowin, the Yankton Sioux of South Dakota are known as the protectors of the quarry. Though pipestone exists at many locations in North America, the quarries at Pipestone National Monument became the preferred source of pipestone among tribes living on the Great Plains because of the quality of the stone.

Pipestone is a relatively soft stone that’s well-suited to hand carving. However, it’s typically found sandwiched between extremely hard layers of Sioux quartzite, and extracting the stone can be hard work. Contemporary indigenous people maintain the tradition of hand-quarrying stone using only sledgehammers, chisels, pry bars and wedges. They’re taught to��use all the quarried stone, if possible, or return it to Mother Earth. Over the years, skilled artisans have created many pipe designs, including long-stemmed pipes, elbow and disk forms and a T-shaped calumet. Carvers also have made elaborate animal and human effigies.

Oral traditions of the Oceti Sakowin tell how pipestone was created by the red blood of the ancestors, and of how smoke carries prayers to the Great Spirit, making the pipes created from the red rock highly sacred. Pipestone pipes have been, and are still, used in ceremonies, given as gifts and traded. Native Americans store pipe bowls, stems and tobacco with other sacred objects. They also bury pipes with the dead. Sacred pipes have inspired stories that have been passed down for generations.

According to Lakota legend, the first pipe was brought to Earth 19 generations ago by a divine messenger known as White Buffalo Calf Woman (known in the Lakota language as Pte-san Win-yan). The pipe was given to the people who would not forget--the Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations. The Buffalo Calf Woman came to the tribes when there was a great famine and instructed them about living in balance with nature. She gifted the people with a sacred bundle containing the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, which still exists to this day and is kept by Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Other members of the tribes are also pipe carriers: stewards entrusted with the care of particular ceremonial and personal pipes.

White Buffalo Calf Woman taught them all the things they needed to know about making, handling and caring for the pipe, and about how to use it for praying. She explained to the people that the pipe was a symbol of everything in the world. She told them that the red stone bowl of the pipe represented the Earth Mother and the feminine aspects of the world. The buffalo calf carved in the stone represented all the four-legged animals which live upon the Mother. She told them that the wooden pipe stem represented the Sky Father, the plants and the masculine aspects of the world.

The Buffalo Calf Woman explained that when the stem and bowl were joined, they symbolized a union and a balance between the sacred masculine and the sacred feminine. She told them that the smoking of the pipe linked the smoker to all things in the universe. The smoke from the pipe carried the prayers of the people directly to the Creator. When the pipe was used properly, the buffalo would return and the people would be able to eat well.

Over a period of four days, White Buffalo Calf Woman instructed the people in the Seven Sacred Rites: the seven traditional rituals that use the sacred pipe. When the teaching of the sacred rites was complete, she told the people that she must return to the spirit world. She asked them to honor the teachings of the pipe and to keep it in a sacred manner. Before leaving, the woman told them that within her were four ages, and that she would look upon the people in each age, returning at the end of the fourth age to restore harmony and balance to a troubled world. She said she would send a sign that her return was near in the form of an unusual buffalo, which would be born white.

The holy woman then took leave of the people. As she walked away, she stopped and rolled over four times, changing appearance each time. The first time, she turned into a black buffalo calf; the second time into a red one; the third time into a yellow buckskin one; and finally, the fourth time she rolled over, she turned into a white buffalo calf. These four colors then became associated with the powers of the four directions for the    Lakota. The holy entity then disappeared over the horizon. It is said after that day the people honored their pipe, and the buffalo were plentiful.