#pirated as soon as I could and wow! awesome so far

[isaac--r]

NEVER DATE A COP

[sadwizardgirl]

My Campaign 2 Thoughts

Alrighty folks. We're here. We made it. I’m running on like, 3 hours of sleep and my coffee hasn't kicked in yet so bear with me if I ramble/don't make sense. I’ll take things by character I think? 

Once I finally typed everything I wanted out, I decided to put a keep reading thing. Its a long one I’m so sorry haha. But yeah, click on it if you want to hear someone’s tired ramblings about how much they love the Mighty Nein. Obviously spoilers below... <3

One last thing - I want to say thank you to everyone who I have interacted on here with. I would have never, ever thought that I would live blog Critical Role when I started watching it. And because I have, it makes me happy that I’ve found lots of nice Critters like me to follow, like, reblog, laugh and cry with all at the same time. You guys are really cool, so thanks for letting me be a small part of it all <3 

Molly/Kingsley - 

I’m honestly not fully shocked that we didn’t get Molly back after all that. I think Tal has said that Molly is gone and will stay gone. Maybe this is how Molly was when he first woke up, but we obviously didn’t see that part, and neither did Yasha. So honestly, the only people to know would be the people down at the circus. I’m personally okay with the differences in Kingsley and Molly but I like that Kingsley wanted to call Molly his brother at least and learn about him later on. Remember when Molly said he didn't want to learn who his previous self/selves were? The pirate life for Kingsley is --- interesting haha. I’m not hating it, I can definitely see a Jack Sparrow kind of vibe. I just didn't think Tal would go for a pirate type life for him. Thats all :) 

Cad - 

I’m also not surprised at what Cad chose either. It was interesting to see his whole EMPATHY routine with Trent. Thats been a side of Cad no one has seen. I know I’ve seen some people say that they were sad that after all this adventuring, that Cad would just chose to live at the Blooming Grove and never leave again. But didn't Tal say that Cad would take walks out of there and explore for segments of time? Like 6 months, then a year, then a couple years. I could have sworn he said that and that he would go visit his friends in those spans too. But I could have totally imagined it/took it that way. 

Veth- 

This totally makes sense. I was sad to see her go before the whole Trent thing, I would have loved to see her stand by Calebs side during it but I get it, She missed her family and they would see each other again anyway. I 100% would love if the M9 had a summer camp. Like, I’m just saying. That needs to be a one shot. I don't have much else to say other than I’m glad that this is the ending for Veth and nothing else. 

Yasha- 

Again, I’m super happy with this one. It makes sense that she would want to go see her wife and the whole Stormlord thing???? Fucking awesome. I’m glad that Yasha has finally found peace and love with someone and is content. Thats all I want for Yasha. I’m glad that Kingsley seeks her out to find out about Molly too. 

Beau - 

WOW. Okay. So not only does she help take down Trent but also her dad stuff? Fucking great! I’m so glad that Beau has gotten to this point in her life. Not only has she brought down corrupt people, but also learned to love throughout everything she's been through. I’m sorry, I with my tired brain can think of more good things but I’m just super happy about this. 

Fjord -

For some reason, Fjord’s ending made me cry. I don't know if its because its been awhile since we’ve gotten true Fjord lore stuff where Travis absolutely NAILS the roleplaying or what. But literally as soon as he raised his hand to say hi to Vandran, I started crying. He’s been looking for answers for so long and he finally got them. I think its very on brand that he just sailed out willy nilly knowing what happens but at least Matt was merciful haha. I think That plus his love for Jester and suggesting they find a place was so very sweet and totally them. I’m sort of glad that he left his ending so vague. Because imagine the sea one shots we can have with Fjord going to Darktow or finding Sabien once and for all etc. 

Jester - 

I’m --- I’m torn with Jester. I’m glad that Jester wants to travel more and see the world still and thats what she's doing with Fjord. I think I’m more of torn just because I’m so used to Jester being SO over the top with everything she does (in a good way) but then I guess that means she's maturing and growing up. I’m glad that she left her ending vague as well for the same reasons as Fjord. SIDENOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if any of this leads into the VM vs M9 show off and if there's going to be canon involved or what. 

Caleb - 

I left Caleb for last. Not only because he's been my favorite character all campaign long. But because most of the buzz is coming from his ending. I’ll preface this first --- I’ve never been an outright Essek/Caleb shipper. I’ve loved their moments together and am not against them in any shape or form. I’m just not one of the die hards shippers. Same with Caleb/Astrid/Wulf. 

BUT - With that being said, I’m very happy with Calebs ending. I’ve seen some people that are mad that he didn't do what he set out to do - which was take down the corruption. But Liam said that he sees that aspect of his life as a life long endeavor. So just because he takes up the teaching gig - which I’m so happy with btw; more on that in a bit- doesn't mean he stopped. You can root out the corruption from within and I think Caleb started to realize that was going to be the best way. I’m glad he didn't take the place of Trent. I think things could have gone horribly wrong even if he was at the top. Am I thrilled that Astrid is there? Not particularly no but its better than Trent. Caleb being a teacher makes so much sense. At the beginning of the campaign, Nott was always telling people that Caleb was the one teaching her the magic she had, plus the trading notes with Yussa and Essek over the years. It all leads to him teaching. Finally being the teacher --- the right teacher for the future generations of wizards. He was never going to accomplish that in Trents place. 

Now --- the elephant in the room, Essek. I’m 100% okay with this part of Caleb’s story. I’m glad that he did go back to Aeor and learn what he could. I think its what Essek said. That he wouldn't change his past because it led him to that moment with Caleb, but then still offered to help Caleb if thats what he wanted to do for himself. I’m happy that Caleb finally let go of the part of his past that kept his guilt so present. He’ll always remember his parents and what he did, but he's allowing himself to walk through that door and to start finally healing. Let me tell you how much I ugly cried when we finally heard what his plan had been all these years AND what that second book was that he never told us about. Liam O’Brien you poetic son of a bitch I love you so much. But damn did I ugly cry literally during that whole time. Okay sorry, now Essek. I think them realizing the age differences, being in the relationship for however long they were but then remained friends is so very much like both of them. They are both logical people. To me this makes so much sense. I think I’m in the minority here but it does. Essek will outlive the rest of the M9 so of course they realized eventually there was going to be this elephant in the room when Caleb grew old. I’d like to think Caleb wouldn't want the extra heartbreak on Essek when Caleb eventually dies, then the rest of Essek’s friends die on top of that. Liam said that this campaign, romance in any shape or form was not a priority and I think also that had a part to do with it. I’m glad Caleb just didn’t be alone for the rest of his life and only teaching. I’m glad he reached out to Essek and did that stuff, and then taught Luc. It’s far from the sad wizard boy who was ready to leave the M9 at a moments notice to be alone. 

Sorry for the rambling and VERY LONG post. oh my god I’m so sorry but it just kept coming. haha I’m very sad to see the Mighty Nein go. This campaign was the reason I got into D&D and where I fell in love with it. I fell in love with these nerdy ass voice actors and their characters. BUT it makes me excited for campaign 3 and the future of Critical Role. 

SIDENOTE: WHAT THOUGHTS DO YOU GUYS HAVE ON THE PROJECT THEYRE GOING TO ANNOUNCE NEXT WEEK HUH? I’m glad they mentioned that they aren't ready for Campaign 3 just yet, but Marisha made it at least seem that its on the horizon. I’m sure they want to take the break they deserve and have time to transition from their M9 characters to their new ones. so yeah anyway 

Thank you, Mighty Nein. Long may you all reign. 

[colour-outside-the-liness]

Oh wow, you two have been friends for a long time then! I know what's that like, I've known my best friend who lives in Spain since we were 8! Definitely awesome to have someone like that in your life. Are you still going to be roommates when the baby comes? And that was really thoughtful of your ex making sure you didn't travel alone.

Canada is really cold tho, so if you're okay with that you should def move there! Ah well, I'm doing better now so that's what matters, all the horrible worries I had when I lived back home are gone atm.

Yeah, that's the spirit! you can do all US states even if it takes you 43 years, that's plenty of time! hahaha And your welcome, it's one of my favourite fics.

Your mind is great, don't worry. At least something good came out of it haha.

Oh so people make her a pisces then, I see. I've met a pisces who was kinda like Dani once so that's why I said she has that kind of energy, but she def has fire on her chart too. And yeah I can see some virgo traits in her, but she's very sensitive and a bit naive so I guess pisces makes more sense.

I had to look up what a badger was hahaha never heard of them before.

I'm sorry you had to go through that. Sounds scary. And you still have to take medication bc of it. The threat of catching covid must've made that 10x worse too. And I can only hope to learn from my mistakes at the very least.

People who made thobm are fucking savages tbh hahaha. 😂 Kinda wish they had cast Oliver as Jamie like they originally intended but then we wouldn't have our damie... don't know what's worse honestly.

Oh Yorkshire accent is pretty cool too, isn't the lead singer of the Arctic Monkeys from Yorkshire? Honestly think all the language variations and different accents that come with each region are really fascinating. And that happens with all languages, not just English. Wish I could speak all languages in the world, that would be a cool superpower! I guess it makes sense you like American accents more bc it's so different from yours. I've become desensitized to North American accents just bc I hear them all the time, but I see how it would be more appealing to you.

Oooh I love that possibility of it becoming a real fic soon hahaha. Worst part of letting it cook is that I already have the finished illustration in my head but the transferring to reality part is not working rn. Wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy tbh.

You def had a busy weekend and start of the week! I have a virgo in my life rn too I know the struggle. Her birthday is this weekend in fact. I had an okay weekend thank you! Managed to catch up with that pirate AU you recommended and I'm already planning fanart for it that will probably never see the light of day haha! Are we going to have more smut this next MoU update? (need to know for scientific purposes 🔬)

Yeah we've been friends for years we met when we were 14 and are still friends now at 27 so it's been one of my longest friendships I have a friend that I met at 4 but we're not as close as we once were still really good friends but not best friends haha!! aww that's so cool that you guys have been friends for that long!! Yeah we're still gonna live together when the baby comes- we're looking for a bigger place right now to make room for the baby and her boyfriend (he still doesn't live with us yet but will soon.... *insert gif of Monica Gellar one friends saying "And now I have to live with a boy" while crying* Yeah my ex is a super thoughtful person and she just didn't want me travelling so far alone when I had never flown before because when I went to Paris with my college we drove there and went on the Eurostar and it took us 13 hours to get there but I had never flown before going to LA and I picked an 11 hour flight for my first one so she wanted someone to fly with me she's a very thoughtful person I LOVE the cold weather I am so sad right now because it's bene quite warm in the north of England I can't wait until it's like -3 degrees Celsius during the winter nights again so I am sure I would love Canada I am fine with it taking me 43 years if that's what it takes haha I just wanna hit all 50 states I think it would be so fun to do it and to be able to say I'd done it.  Haha thank you!! As long as something good comes out of it that's all I can hope for but there are times I've done things and people are like "And you're allowed to teach kids?" Like I can be really dumb sometimes haha.  Yeah I've seen a couple of fics where she has been a pisces I think with it never being said and with VP never saying what she thinks she is people have looked at her personality and matched it up to zodiac signs- a lot of the pisces I've met haven't been like Dani like I said but I do trust what people who know more about zodiac signs say because I know nothing and I just pick a random date each time so CBML she's a Leo and MoU she's a virgo and in SLS she's gonna be a Scorpio because that's just how I've done it haha but I really know nothing about zodiac signs other than what you have told me!! There different types of badgers there are honey badgers and they're more in America here we have a different type of badger and they look so cute but they are really vicious if they feel attacked or scared so try snd avoid badgers... more than that though we just have cows, geese, ducks, swans... lots of foxes but noting dangerous like bears or anything its a very boring place to live!! Yeah it is pretty scary but I just take everything one day at a time- I actually caught Covid last year because of how much time I was in the hospital having treatments for my condition I caught Covid and ended up in the hospital for a week while they had to give me loads of medication and blood transfusions and had to put me on a fluid drip because I was really dehydrated and that was really scary but luckily I was okay and now I am fully vaccinated so hopefully I won't catch it again. I think you will definitely learn from your mistakes I feel like some mistakes have to be made in life so you can grow from them Oh they were definitely savage but I love Bly Manor so much and I will watch it so many more times I can't wait for it to come out on DVD!! Like it was heart breaking but so beautiful and we got such an incredible wlw relationship from it and some great representation and I love that!! Would be interesting to see how it would've affected people had Oliver played Jamie though Yeah Alex Turner is from Sheffield which is South Yorkshire so again we have a similar accent but it's different because I am from further North but there are things that we say in a similar way because we’re from Yorkshire just different parts of Yorkshire... there are four Yorkshires: North, East, West, and South haha and all are in the north of England  Yeah I think that’s the case every where I think accents and languages are so interesting and I would love to be able to speak any other language but I only speak English in my school it wasn’t seen as being overly important to learn a language and I have tried learning them since leaving school but I struggle now  There are some American accents I love (Southern and Midwestern) so when I heard Dani speak I was like 😍🥵🥰 because I love that type of accent I have become desensitised to some American accents that are just standard ones from watching so many movies and TV shows but there are some accents that just make me do heart eyes haha  I am hoping it can become a real fic soon but I am struggling with some stuff but keeping hopeful with it!! Awwh no I’m sorry it’s so hard for you I hope it gets better soon that you’re able to get it onto a page!!  I have had such a busy weekend and part of the week had a bit of a busy day today too and looking after my niece again tomorrow not rest for me it would seem but it’s fine I don’t mind keeping busy!! Well happy birthday to her I hope she has a great day!!  Oh yay I’m glad had an okay weekend and that you were able to catch up on the pirate AU and that you already have fan art planned for it- even if no one ever sees that fanart!! No there is no smut in this chapter of MoU some implied smut but no actual smut- there will probably be smut in chapter 9 though because y’know... it’s me haha 😂 

[purplerose244]

Thinking journal for season 12 Prime Empire 😎😎😎 (1/2)

So, I'm keeping this during all of season 12 to put down my thoughts as they appear. It's mostly for not ranting every single time a new episode comes out so please don't mind me too much 😅 I'm following the English release so please no spoilers 😙

I'm gonna split it in two, since apparently the season has 16 episodes. So this is the first part, enjoy my rambling 💜💜

It's the 30th of March and here we go!

IN GENERAL

I'm so, SO HAPPY, we have a theme for this season. For my experience apparently silly themes (tech ninja, ghosts, pirates) had brought very surprising results so I'm SO DOWN FOR THIS 😍😍

It seems that they fixed the mood, there is a specific mystery and a specific mission to follow. I like it too

THE NEW WHIP IS DOPE AS ALWAYS

I'm really glad there are plenty of references to past episodes, comebacks are my jam

The only thing that still kinda bothers me is the length of the episodes. It's not all bad, I just think the 20 minutes format was better. One thing is splitting 20 in 10 minutes, another is putting together 11 minutes of important stuff. Doesn't bother me too much, I just wish there was more time for my favorite show 🤷‍♀���

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENTER PRIME EMPIRE?

Is it normal for me to feel really old after they made the "what is a VCR?" joke? Like, I'm a uni student so still pretty young, but I lived through the transition from that to the DVD so... eh, I laughed anyway👵

Jay is smart, I really believe he is. Yet I saw him putting a possibly corrupted motherboard into a legendary game randomly found into a villain's lair, and I was like "Of course he did that, I love you you dumb*ss" raising my glass of juice towards him 😎

Okay, I'm down for this Lloyd. I'm down for a season with Lloyd being creeped out just because, being silly, just a ninja helping his friends and- (remembers there's a Harumi avatar in the sets) I'M NOT READY

The ending was actually nicely creepy. Cool nods in approval

DYER ISLAND

THAT INTRO THOUGH, THAT WAS EPIC! Love the techno sounds, love the clear gaming connection, I rate it 10/HECK YEAH LONG LIVE THE FOLD

I was scared about how the shorts were supposed to play along with the season, but it looks fine so far with the mechanic and later for Scott. Good 👍

Ah, Fist to Face, that game came all over from the nostalgic season 1. That's what I'm talking about 😎

So they just associated that Unagami is probably Dyer's avatar like that? Like sure, I thought about it, but it looks a little rushed. Mm, I wonder if there's something more behind it?

LEVEL 13

Cyrus Borg is back and he TALKS!!! Finally, he gets some action! Go tech dad!

I'm so happy he referenced the Digiverse, I would have been very disappointed if he hadn't. Time flies Borg...

Not gonna lie, I thought the next to follow up Jay's spot as best in videigames was going to be Kai or Lloyd. It's not disappointing though, since pretty much all the ninja have been seen playing, and to be honest I like the implication that Cole and Jay probably played a lot together. As bruiseshipping or as BrOTP, I still love them together no matter what 💙🖤💙🖤

Ooooohhhhh, that's why Zane and Pixal are left behind. It makes sense, sure, but I don't understand the implication of the plan: they saw Dyer entering Prime Empire, so why looking for him in real life? Mm, maybe they will investigate about his life and what happened... PIXANE ON THE CASE 😍

Already saw Prime Empire's world in the shorts, of course it looks DOPE, still very happy to finally being there!

SUPERSTAR ROCKIN' JAY

I don't know why, but Kai questioning the double jump made me laugh. Also poor him, he just got his powers back from last season and they're already gone again 😂

And of course. Them. Wow. It must be the most amazing and CURSED thing I've ever seen so far, the League of Jay ��� I'm so happy they exist and they freaking use past seasons' suits!!! Awesome!!! Never thought I was going to see Jay's old plain haircut again... yeah, he got better with the curly one, but I'm feeling nostalgic 🤷‍♀️

Their nick are histerical omg, Jaybird, Dee-Jay, Jaywalkin, I'm loving this way more than I should 😂 Also they freaking screamed "JAY-NJA GOO!!!" and I don't know what to do with that, it's too great for me to comprehend 👏👏

And then, THIS happened:

Your Honor, I would like to confirm this as THE MOST SECRET DREAM I'VE EVER HAD FOR THIS SHOW FINALLY COMING TRUE!!! A NINJA FROM NINJAGO DOING THE NARUTO RUN!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Done, I'm done, conclude the season, this is more than enough for me 😍

First Kai gets hit and fall from a building, DYING, then Lloyd gets desperate for his brother (MY BROTP 💚❤💚❤), then Kai respawns and Lloyd looks so relieved and Kai is all panting while slowly realizing it's a game and MY HEART CAN'T HANDLE THIS MUCH OKAY???

As a very passionate Kai fangirl I always expect the cringy moment, it really is inevitable for my favorite hothead. I love that idiot so much it's unbelievable, even if it's an absolute and costant suffering 😅 Holy Garmadon it was painful seeing his VERY slow realization that in this game you only have four lives

... SO HE HAS ONE NOW!?! NINJAGO CREW YOU ALREADY KILLED ZANE, NYA AND LLOYD ONCE AT THE END OF A SEASON, DON'T YOU DARE PLAY WITH ME AGAIN 😱😱😱

Okay, I did not expect to hear about Mr. Cuddly Wamp ever again since Hands of Time and BOY if I'm happy it was actually a password, I love this show 😂

SCOTT FINALLY!!! YESS!!! 😍😍😍

Okay, for as long as it is not debunked, I will hold onto the Scott is Jay's brother/twin theory. I'm sorry but: his jacket has dragons AND lightnings on it, they have very similar skin in avatar mode, he said he was waiting for him in the short, he could very well have his same hair under cap and hoodie and he's a mechanic too. I know, I know, they could have the same skin because Scott helped him for the avatar, and there might be shadier reason behind the 'I was waiting for you' thing, and there are tons of good mechanics in Ninjago... STILL HOW COOL WOULD THAT BE??? 😍

SCOTT HAS ONE LIFE POINT TOO??? NO! NOOO!!! NOOOOOOO!!! Don't you dare appear and steal my heart only to die at the end of the season, come on!! 😭

So for now it seems like he just wants to survive. Can we actually confirm he's an avatar and not an NPC? I mean he could be, but I don't see the point of an NPC self aware of his life points. Idk, maybe I'm overthinking this 🤷‍♀️

Lol, Kai is the only one weirded out by the Jay-con all around him. Probably because he hasn't heard from his fans since Skybound 😅 (I'M STILL HERE MY FLAME BABE, ILY ❤❤❤)

And in all of his glory, freaking Superstar Rockin' Jay!!! 😎😎 Okay, I loved the design since the first time I saw it, but it looks possibly even better in the show 😍😍😍 And Jay looks absolutely adorable in it, and he's got a guitar, and he was waiting for his friends, and he hugs them (I'm weak for LEGO hugs for some reason) and he is so happy and AAAHHH 💙💙💙💙💙

I'm very curious about how Scott will play into the situation, clearly he will provide some kind of insight about Prime Empire. I can't wait to know more about him!! 😍

I AM OKINO

I did not expect this when I saw this Okino guy in the trailer... and I'm so happy I was surprised, I love him 👌

And he's voiced by Alessandro Juliani?? HECK YEAH!!! With all the hype about the DnD 13th season, and consequentially the knight theme, I really miss Nexo Knights and having Aaron's VA around makes me happy... any hope to have Giles Panton as well? I miss Clay the most 💙💙

This is what I'm talking about, the game theme needs this stuff! I was already happy to see life points, double jumps and respawns, but this? The NPC guide? Awesome 👍 It's nice to see the take on the matter, the guide seeing so many players getting killed, first because they did not listen, then because they were actually just unlucky. The touchy matter I always expect watching Ninjago 👏👏

At least I THINK he's an NPC? For now I don't really see a way of knowing, and it doesn't look like it matters. He didn't show life points so maybe? Does this mean he can't die? I have questions people

Which brings me to the cube thingies. That's what happens to the dead players? I mean, I would understand if they just become pixels, but there's also the drone that takes the datas every time. Idk, feels like there's more behind it. And honestly? It looks like great material for angst, like one of the ninja dies but then they discover they just need to get where Unagami stores all of the players! I hope it's something like this!

They designs of the players are really cool, I already saw them in the other episodes, but seeing them this close just confirmed it. Between this and Jay's awesome avatar, I see lots of great cosplay ideas coming 😍 I wonder when will Kai and Lloyd use their avatars, and why would they since I'm guessing Jay did for disguise and to distinguish himself from his fans

PLEASE TELL ME WE'LL SEE SCOTT SOON, I ALREADY MISS HIM!!! 💙💙💙 I have too many theories about that tech dude, I'm so excited about who he might turn out to be!

I was a little skeptical about the new ninja suits, but seeing them in the show convinced me, very cool! Especially on Nya 💕💕💕

THE GLITCH

Alright, Okino is indeed an NPC. Cool the fact that at first he could not understand the fact that he was in a game, but when reality changed he was forced to. Welcome into the crew! 😙

I'm kinda worried about it though, either they will shut down the game and he will stay inside or he will sacrifice for them. He's a very loyal samurai, I can see that happening and I'm SCARED

I WAS SWEATING BULLETS AT THE AMBUSH!!! I 100% saw it coming, we all freaking saw it coming, even the ninja did but where like 'we can walk and die or we can risk and die so might as well'. But still, my babies DYING and respawning so fast was not pretty 😱😱

Nya got the scariest death until now in my opinion, holy Garmadon Dyer DOES have a twisted mind...

Seeing Kai so scared of being in a new situation and with one HP reminds me A LOT of the Digiverse, and that's actually a nice touch. Give him a cellphone, hothead is a social media expert, but put him in a game and... huuhhh... 😅

Have I mentioned I love the ninja's new emoji masks??

BECAUSE I DO!!! 😂😂😂😂

So Unagami knows about them trying to stop him and he sent the rat people because of it. Considering how little we know about this guy, I'm wondering what we are about to discover

Alright, going to the next challenge, very curious about this adventure. So... beware of the rats, ninja? Still not sure what I think about the rats 😅

THE CLIFFS OF HYSTERIA

I would like to say Okino is the edgiest character of the show I've ever seen... but I've seen MORRO. But still poor guy, he got a case of the Matrix

Oooohhhh, the major question in videogames: better go grinding for more money to get the better stuff but while losing lots of time, or get the least expensive just to go on with the story but definitely risking to lose lives?

Ah there we go, so the energy cubes mean something! Also reference to the Sushimi guy of the set (gosh that name, I can't 😂). So do people actually die in Prime Empire or they are just kidnapped kinda? Can the ninja just bring back? ANGST POTENTIAL

Cole please don't die please don't die please don't die for the love of Garmadon please don't die somebody help-

HOLY FSM KAI I MEANT HELP FROM SOMEONE WITH MORE THAN ONE LIFE DON'T DO THAT BE CAREFUL PLEASE I FREAKING LOVE YOU YOU RECKLESS HOTHEAD ❤❤❤

Nya giving Kai a sweet look after seeing her brother is okay, that's what I live for 😍

So apparently Unagami is trying to build some kind of device using the energy cubes of the dead players (sounds kinda creepy like this 😱) to create some kind of portal? To Ninjago? I don't understand, if Unagami is Milton Dyer then why this? Just to bring his army and conquer? I mean I guess, sounds a little simple though. Then again, if it turns out it's not Dyer, it could be Unagami wanting to be real and get into his creator's world? Mm...

I like the message, having the ability to choose your own path. Very fitting for a game themed season, I hope it gets explored even more!

More for the "I love the ninja emoji masks of this season"'s compilation 😂😂😂

THE MAZE OF THE RED DRAGON

Duuuude, Jay being good at mazes comes all the way from Possession, the Tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master! 😍 ... or maybe I just rewatch this show too much... could be both really 😅

Unagami is NASTY!

Confirmed the thing about going into the real world, what scares me is how much powers Unagami seems to actually possess. Like, can he do the block thingy whenever he wants? Just straight up pause and do whatever? Wow...

Jay being extra 😎

I mean, of course he is, he's got better statics! 😂 I like how he seems so focused and in charge, I still hope we see more of him... and Scott... WHERE IS SCOTT???

I love dragons, this metal one is cute 😍

So now we have two ronin: a samurai looking for a path on his own in a digital world... and a shady guy named Ronin 😛 Total respect for Okino, he really showed the values he believes in. No matter he was programmed his way, I hope he finds what he's looking for. Better come back for the final battle!

One Keytana down, two more to go. I know one is the price of the race, while the last one... I don't really know.

More of the masks because I love them 😂 Here we have Vegeta Lloyd and Kawai Cole ✌✌

[clownsgobeepbeep]

I look like a crime scene

“I still can’t believe my nana owns all of this stuff. She’s so rich.”

“Yeah, she definitely is.”

“Do you think she’s gonna buy more stuff?”

“I don’t really know about that stuff. Last I heard, she might end up retiring when you and your cousins are older. She’s been doing this for years.” 

On a fine summer day was Felix, away from his siblings who were doing their own things. His sister was having a day with their aunt Ula and her eldest girls, and his brother was probably in their own home doing as he usually did. Felix however could hear each of his footsteps make an almost satisfying sound when they walked over the wood that created the pier owned by his grandma.

He had personally asked Cordelia if she could send the word that he wanted a certain somebody to watch over him while she did her own things, and he was rather gleeful when said person accepted.

“Hey! That’s a weird looking carousel.” Felix pointed to the center of the bridge that they finally reached, seeing the line that was formed around it. “What are those little pink critters called again?”

“Axolotls.” 

“Wow Carney, you’re so smart.” Felix nodded as he watched the carousel start up, its calliope music being heard from that distance.

“Do you know why they have axolotls?”

“Why.”

“Because it was a birthday gift from your grandma to your aunt.” Carney stated as he too looked at the carousel. “Before Davey and Cordelia were born of course.”

“Whoa! That’s awesome!” Felix’s eyes widened, thoughts now pouring into his mind.

“Pretty sure you guys will also get something like that. She likes to spoil all of the kids.” Carney shrugged before patting Felix’s shoulder. “Come on now, we gotta get some food before going to the rock-climbing place.”

“Fooooooooooooood!” Felix exclaimed, already on the run before he didn’t realize that he was running in the air after Carney picked him up to prevent him from zooming away. “I’m sooo glad you mentioned food! I saw some corn dogs and cotton candy and popcorn on the way here! Rowan told me about the pirate themed restaurant, and, and the sushi! All the fish and-”

“Yo, wait.” Carney had now placed Felix under his arm, bringing his free hand to his lips so that he could shush him with a finger. “Promise no zooming off and I will also take you to the arcade.”

“Yes!” Felix pumped his air in the fist, not minding that he was under Carney’s strong arm. A rather strong arm that caught sight of a certain young man in the distance, having minded his business until hearing Felix’s rambling.

“Can we get some nachos first?”

And so, Carney walked around the pier with Felix still under his arm. They had received a few strange looks, but most assumed they were just siblings acting in a silly manner. Others thought...it was almost attractive on Carney’s part, such a good man with kids.

“Whadd’ya want on them?” Carney asked as he stood in line, really not bothering to put Felix’s figure down. “Just cheese?”

“How much even are they?”

“Doesn’t matter, just tell me what you want.”

“Whatever...I want?”

Carney glanced down at Felix, a small smirk forming on his lips before he slowly nodded his head.

In that moment, it was almost as if stars had appeared in Felix’s eyes.

“EVERYTHING!” Felix demanded, going as far as startling the vendor who was too intimidated by Carney to say anything. “From the melted cheese to the olives! Pack it up, my good sir!”

“You heard him, make it loaded.” Carney waved a finger at the vendor, the latter nodding before the two watched as a large tray was brought out, being loaded with a good amount of nachos that soon had cheese poured all over them.

Felix was practically salivating at the sight, nodding as more and more of the toppings were brought out and placed on top of the nachos. Ever since Cordelia brought her friends and family into his and his siblings’ lives, they had been spoiled by nearly everybody. But this? This was probably one of the best things by far, since Carney had been nice enough to purchase other things for him.

Once the vendor was done with the large tray, no doubt meant for more than one person, it was handed over to the still-being-carried Felix who gasped and shook with excitement. 

“Can we sit by the aquarium? Can we go into the aquarium!?”

“I dunno if we have enough time for the aquarium and the rock-climbing.” Carney scrunched up his face, making his way to the secondary bridge that connected the pier to an area leading to the nearby aquarium. “But we are here already, might as well go in.”

“Let’s goooo!” Felix kicked around, somehow being careful not to drop his tray of nachos.

But before Carney could actually reach the other bridge, he stopped in his tracks when his eyes caught red hair not too far from the area.

“Why’d you stop?”  Felix looked up at Carney then followed his gaze to where he spotted a good friend of Carney’s. “Oh?”

“Just give me a minute kid.” Carney turned from the bridge to head to the railing where a red-haired male stood, the latter pretending that he had not seen Carney and instead enjoyed the breeze. “Hey, Harper.”

“Oh! Hi Felix, hi Carney.~” Harper replied after dramatically turning his head to Carney, fluttering his eyelashes with a coy smile. “I didn’t see you there.”

“Sup!”

“Ha. Hope I didn’t spook you.” Carney quietly chuckled as his cheeks now had a tint of pink on them.

“You could never.” Harper giggled, taking notice of how Felix gave him a strange look of confusion. “What brings you around here?”

“Just taking Felix around town, having fun.” Carney shrugged with a smile, not realizing that Felix was also giving him a strange look. “We were on our way to the aquarium, but thought we’d sit out here to eat first.”

“The aquarium! How nice.” Harper fake gasped while twirling a bit of his hair, his other arm placed on a table that was behind him, now beside him. “A good place to have a date on this fine day, with all the colorful fish. Especially the heart-shaped one.~”

“Don’t think Tuesday would be the best day for a date. Maybe Friday or Saturday would be nicer.” Carney tapped his chin, once again not realizing that he was receiving a squint from Felix. “Though a date would be nice there.”

“Uuuh, yeah.” Harper had to take a moment to blink, shaking his head to shake away the slight astonishment. “Well, how are you two boys doing? I see you have a nice tray of nachos.”

“Oh yeah, Carney bought these for me!” Felix made a thumbs up before shoving a few nachos into his mouth. “He also bought some ice cream over by the beach! We were thinking of going rock-climbing but we might be going to the aquarium instead.”

“Rock-climbing?” Harper quirked an eyebrow, purposely making his eyes trail down to Carney’s arms. “Carney’s arms are perfect for that.”

“Definitely! Like,” Felix began but soon stopped himself, eyeing Harper who fluttered his eyelashes like before. “Wait a minute…”

“But even with those strong arms, it must be tiring caring that hand around.” Harper continued before offering his own hand. “How about I hold it for you?”

“I mean, it’s not heavy. I am holding Felix after all, so I think I can bear with it.” Carney smiled in reassurance, Felix now looking back at him. “I don’t mean to brag but I can carry a lot of heavy stuff.”

“I know you can.” Harper ignored the previous comment, having made a face that immediately turned back into his flirtatious one. “Pretty sure you could even carry me.~”

“Of course I can!” Carney scoffed jokingly as Felix continued to watch him. “You have a nice body that I can easily carry.”

Felix’s eyes widened as Harper’s did, the latter having his cheeks flare up before Carney spoke again.

“So if you ever need a boost or something, I’ll come in clutch.” Carney made a finger gun before a still flustered Harper gave a laugh, placing a hand on Carney’s bicep. 

“Oh Carney, you must be a camera.”

“Huh?” Carney blinked a few times after his smile had drooped. “Why’s that?”

“Because being around you always makes me smile.” Harper flashed a grin before Carney smiled back.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

“I mean seriously, I’m no photographer but I definitely picture us together.”

“We are together though?” Carney made a weird face while still smiling.

“Oh my god.” Felix now came to a realization after watching the men’s interactions for a while.

“Y-Yeah, we are.” Harper attempted to laugh off Carney’s comment while still twirling his hair. “But…”

Harper was having a crisis in that moment, wondering if Carney was just yanking his chain. He couldn’t have been...this oblivious. Even Felix knew what was happening!”

“Do I look like a crime scene?” Harper whispered to Felix who shrugged as best as he could, both then looking back up at Carney.

“But like, we can definitely hang out more. I like hanging out with you.”

“Oh, you do?” Harper suddenly perked up, cutely clasping his hands together as he fluttered his eyelashes.

“Yeah. Like, I appreciate those moments when my sisters leave me for their boyfriends, and you stay with me.” Carney darted his eyes away, ignoring the blush that had formed on his cheeks. “Hanging out with you is always nice.”

“Oh stop,” Harper giggled as he made a coy hand motion. “You flatter me.~”

“Ha, and-”

“Hey!”

Harper and Carney snapped back to the actual reality rather than remaining in their little shared world, looking under Carney’s arm where Felix had already finished eating his nachos.

“This talk is cool and all but I’m still hungry. Can we go to my nana’s sushi place inside the aquarium?” Felix grinned before seeing Harper once again place a hand on Carney’s arm.

“I would love to.~” he watched Carney with half-lidded eyes. “How about you Carney?”

Carney blinked for a bit, looking down at Felix who offered a thumbs-up and enthusiastic nod.

“Sounds great.” Carney nodded before feeling Felix wiggle out of his grip, giving Harper the perfect chance to snake his arm into Carney’s. “Maybe we can hang out at the aquarium too?”

“Sounds great.~” Harper fluttered his eyelashes one last time, walking alongside a confused yet flustered and delighted Carney as Felix snickered behind them.

[devotedrigelianflower]

My reaction/thoughts to Act 2 of Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

//Well this is the second part to my play through of this game. You can check out part 1 that I will make sure to link if you missed it. This act I was less familiar due to well Rinea not being in it and skipped it because well...Alm’s route has Rinea stuff lol. Sorry @jasperlion​ but I am making up for it now! Well let’s see how Act 2 went for me. 

‘Oh hey it’s that cut scene!...Oh well that happened.’ Great start to my not playing attention to the context and point of that why that cut scene was important. Besides it looking epic of course.

Hi Celica. Well of to an adventure as well I see. Bye priest dude whose name I can’t remember at the moment. 

Hi Celica’s friends! Yes you count as this too Genny. 

Mages huh...I miss my tanks...

Oh yeah Saber is on this route!

Celica gives her golden dagger up only for me to use just give it back to her anyway lol. 

Necrodragons? Noooooo I have to grind to get Celica that spell she needs. 

Saber is pretty attractive and also has a nice voice too!

‘EWWWW CREEPY EYE!! AHHHH!!!!’ Was my exact reaction to seeing that cut scene with jedah and duma. I almost threw my ds in shock by the way.

Forgot I did not watch much of jedah’s stuff because I thought he was too creepy. 

Ah yes back to fighting pirates and going to fight the main pirate dude!

Oh sweet! It’s Valbar and his crew! My favorite people!

That one epic second battle with pirates and everyone just crits. Like it was super easy because of that. Good job guys!

A cantor...noooooo I heard bad things about those guys.

Stop summoning! Noooo! Just die already.

‘Pay attention to the cantor’s words’ Wulf said. 

“So you’re the girl eh?” Cantor said. ‘Yes she is a girl but not the only one on the team.’ My brain’s first thought. Why...brain...why. 

Wulf had to explain the context of this whole thing by the way before it made sense to me XD. It took a bit but I did understand eventually. I’m so sorry you had to do that!

Necrodragon fight was pretty much went like. Use genny to summon illusions, use leon to weaken him and then let Celica kill the thing. That’s it. It’s my main strategy so far. 

Ugh no more grinding!

Terrors are still gross. Ew. 

Oh new looking gross things...great...

Oh cool awesome sword!...And back to grinding I go!

Got Saber, Leon and Kamui to promote before I finally left that place. 

Yay more pirates...

Got to those arcanist dudes...and my over leveling just stomped them out. 

Leon has been the best archer so far for me. Good job dude!

Finally at Zofia harbor!

Celica can be very modest I see. Rinea and her have something in common then. 

‘Now look what you have done, you boob!’ Ah Mae. I laughed way harder than I should have. 

‘Wharf’ that location name also gave me a good laugh.

‘ a wharf is a dock/pier!’ - Thanks Wulf. I have no idea at all! Still a funny word.

Celica is concerned for Alm being the leader of the deliverance. Understandable. 

Oh hey! It’s Palla and Catria! They look very nice in this artwork!

...and I can’t get them yet, darn it.

Oh well hope to see you guys soon to find Est!

Oh back to the castle and Saber can tell something is up with Celica. You are pretty perceptive Saber.

Ah things are getting intense after the two mages leave to see the castle.

And there is that masked hero! 

Wait...nooo I want the rest of my team!!

Welp...masked knight killed most of the things, but at least Celica got 3 kills. Yay?

Yes why do they want you Celica? I’m pretty sure we are both going to find out why.

Comparing Alm’s reactions to the castle and Celica’s new info is interesting to see.

Hello Mycen! Fancy seeing you here. Aww look at you Mycen being a sweet grandpapa. 

And now the famous cut scene! Aww it’s adorable but I know things are going to go south from here. It’s only act 2 after all. But seeing Celica knock down Alm in excitement is funny.

But you wasted oranges that we could have used!

...And now the drama happens...

Having to ask Wulf what ‘blue blood’ meant. It’s royal/noble which makes sense. Although he does not know the truth yet. 

...and then it all goes bad due to different stances of war.

I now understand why Celica reacted the way she did. It makes sense why she was so angry at Alm.

...what that’s it?! Wow uh bye act 2. 

Well there you guys go. This act made me understand Celica a lot more and I appreciate it. I still don’t know how I feel about her so I need more time to get to know her. Alm is similar but I do understand why he acted the way he did too. It will be interesting to see how they will react to the events coming up. Overall I am enjoying this game very much. With that I will see you all in act 3 and hopefully see Rinea again!

@sireneia​, @pieman1112​, @convxction​, @vallablooded​

[thislassishooked]

Wake Me Up Inside (1/?)

Wow, the day has come. Thank you so much to @resident-of-storybrooke for her awesome beta skills and for being the cheerleader I never knew I needed. Thanks to @tennant-the-tigger for not one, but two amazing artworks. She really nailed it with those. And last, but not least thanks to the mods of @cssns for letting me include this fic.

Some of you have already read chapters 1 & 2 since this wasn’t originally a cssns fic so I’ll post chapter 2 very soon or you can cheat and use the AO3 link below ;)

Summary:  Killian Jones has lived longer than any man has a right to live. Most would argue that what he was doing was not living, but merely existing. The day he lost his love was the day he lost the will to live, but instead of ending his life he inadvertently became the strongest being on earth and unfortunately indestructible. His mortal enemy followed him into immortality and craves the power only Killian possesses. With his brother by his side and the help of a quirky blonde hematologist, who makes him question whether he is ready for death after all, he will fight against evil, but more importantly, for the cure.

Rated: M for violence, language and sexual content.

AO3

Chapter 1

He kept his eyes glued to the sliding glass doors, scrutinizing every face that exited the biomedical research facility for the evening. He had a panoramic view of everything that went on around him from the tall oak tree he sat atop, but dusk was approaching and Barnett’s gang of misfit wannabe kidnappers would be appearing shortly and he was in no mood to establish dominance with one of his idiot underlings.

The traffic that had been flowing through the sliding doors had ceased, but two lights in the building were still lit, signaling his target was still in the building. He had been asked to keep watch over her nearly two months ago and she had been making it quite easy for him by keeping herself shut in until the wee hours of the morning. He settled himself in for another calm night, tagging every set of glowing eyes that were fixed on the building. Emma Swan was an enigma. She kept to herself as far as he could gather and staved off any advances from interested men. And there were plenty of interested men. Ms. Swan had grown into a remarkably attractive young woman. The last time he had set eyes on her she had been a gangly spitfire, barely a teenager. The woman she had grown into had glorious emerald eyes that were surrounded by illustrious golden locks, usually pulled back out of necessity. Her thick, too-long bangs that now framed her face always pulled his attention to her dark, long lashes that fluttered every time a colleague approached her. He determined, through his surveillance, that she did not like her research interrupted. She was, however, composed and considerate when forced to interact, and her associates were always met with a genuine smile.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a snap of branches. With his fangs bared, his eyes darted in all directions. His defenses diminished slightly when he heard a familiar, slightly demonic, female giggle.

“Evening Zelena,” he sighed, keeping his eyes locked on the two lit up windows. “Isn’t it a little early for breakfast?”

A pale, frizzy red haired vamp dropped from the branch above him and continued to giggle, as if tickled by an unseen force.

“Silly Killy,” she spoke, inching her mouth closer to his ear. “I’m always hungry.”

He flinched at her revelation, but stayed vigilant, painfully aware that he was not the only vampire keeping a watchful eye on Ms. Swan. Until tonight, the others had been minions, useless in a fight with an older, stronger vampire, such as himself. The appearance of Zelena had him worried. She was half his age, but her psychotic temperament made her a force to be reckoned with. She was a fiercely protective follower of Jonathan Barnett, which put him on high alert.

“Tell me love,” he lamented with a lulling British accent, “when did you develop a taste for intellectuals?”

She giggled again, and then suddenly graced a mock frown.

“What are you insinuating?”

He studied her for a moment, but let the conversation die. She seemed to notice his hesitation and her mood quickly turned giddy again.

“Poor Killian, you seem so lost.” She locked eyes with his and he could see burning desire pulsing in her black, soulless gaze. “You could accompany me home right now. I’d give you everything and Jonathan would welcome you back to the family.”

“So that his minions can rip that poor girl’s throat out in my absence?” he scoffed. “I’m not going anywhere my dear, especially with a demon such as yourself.”

Her disposition suddenly turned fowl.

“You know that Jonathan can’t be stopped. You’ll fail once again and the family Rogers will finally be wiped out for good.” She giggled sardonically. “Let me guess, mummy and daddy have been keeping secrets from you, haven’t they? Keep a weathered eye on your pretty little bookworm, pirate.”

He stiffened at her insinuation. He had noticed he was no longer alone in his nightly stalking a few weeks ago. They had noticed him too and wisely kept their distance.

“When you decide you’re bored with babysitting,” she paused, lowering her lips just inches from his ear, “you know where to find me.” With that, Zelena jumped from the tree and disappeared into the night.

Killian decided that at dawn he would confront his parents. He needed to know why, after all this time, James Roger’s granddaughter was being hunted again.

____________________

The glowing red numbers on her clock kept reminding her that it was time to go. Her eyes were heavy and her brain had turned to mush, but night was when she did her best work and lately walking in the dark alone had become unnerving. She had never been afraid of the dark, always found comfort in its simplicity. In recent weeks, however, she started to feel like she was being watched. The rational part of her brain told her that there was no reason for anyone, or anything, to stalk her. Nevertheless, every time she stepped foot out of the lab at night, the hair on the back of her neck stood at attention.

She could see a hint of pink outside her office window, signaling that dawn had arrived. She’d still be able to catch a few hours of sleep and a shower before she had to be back. She had finally refined her drug formula to the point that she was ready to present her findings to her superior today. She took one last look around the room, flicked off the light and locked her office before heading out into the chilly September morning air.

____________________

Killian threw open the large double doors to his parent’s quarters, making his presence clear to the shocked, middle-aged couple. He made sure to close the doors behind him to secure their privacy. The couple exchanged knowing expressions and his father sighed in defeat.

Killian recognized the worry on their faces. “I take it you know why I’m here?”

His father simply nodded. “Tell me everything.”

His father stood from his place at the large dinner table and made his way to his defiant son. Killian’s piercing stare revealed that he would not be discouraged from his current path of truth seeking. The pair had been throwing excuses at Killian for far longer than either of them thought possible. He had been exceedingly patient with them, but they knew it wouldn’t last and the time for revelation had arrived.

Killian stood his ground, unsure if his demands would be met. His mother and father had never kept secrets from him before. His eyes darted between the pair of vampires that had called him son for over 200 years. He felt a tinge of regret for his abrupt intrusion, but resolved to get some answers.

“Son…” his father began. “You’re right to be angry.”

“I’m not angry,” Killian interrupted, “not yet.” He popped the “t” of both words for extra emphasis.

Something akin to a relieved sigh escaped his mother’s lips. Although vampires do not need to breathe, they are always practicing so as not to arouse suspicions from the living. After so many years, it becomes a natural habit again.

“Right.” His father hesitated, undoubtedly searching for the right words to begin his confession. “We have been keeping much from you and for that we apologize.”

Killian’s brows furrowed in confusion. His flustered blue eyes softened a bit at his father’s words. He had not expected his stubborn parents to relent so early in what should have been an argument. He ran his hand through his dark, tousled hair in a bid to regain his composure. “Right then, let’s hear it.” He gestured with his hand for his father to continue.

After a couple false starts, the older vampire cleared his throat and handed Killian a file that he had fished out of a locked desk drawer from his office. It contained surveillance photos as well as a short bio on the young woman he had been observing.

“As you know, Emma’s parents died when she was 13 and she was sent to live with her grandparents after the accident.” Killian winced, knowing full well that what had happened was no accident.

“Aye, and Barnett was convinced that she had died as well. James kept her identity a secret long enough to satisfy Barnett’s assumption and he disappeared from our lives. That was 15 years ago, how did he find her?”

“She’s pursuing a doctorate in hematology and came to Cambridge last year with grant money to complete her research on a new drug she’s developing.”

Killian studied the information he had just been given. “You believe her arrival in Cambridge was enough to garner Barnett’s attention?” he asked, still gazing at the images.

The hesitation in his father’s voice was clear. “No, it’s more than that. The drug, if formulated successfully, would be the first known cure for Porphyria.”

Killian’s eyes shot up at the mention of the devastating disease. His mind was racing. Could his father possibly believe that this woman could cure vampirism? He scrutinized the last photo in his hand, as if looking for some sign of deception. She was smiling in the picture, warmly receiving praise from a colleague. He considered the date the photo was taken. A year ago on September 30th. Ms. Swan had just begun her research that would consume her every waking moment. In just under a year, she had transformed into a shell of her former bright, confident self. The work had obviously taken a toll on her. The woman in the photo did not have bags under her eyes, and her hair was styled. She was dressed to impress, unlike the baggy scrubs that she sported since he saw her that first night. The most shocking difference was the lack of light in her eyes. In her photo, she was goal-oriented, determined. What he had seen this morning as she hesitantly exited the laboratory at the first signs of daylight was a nearly defeated, exhausted ghost of her former self.

“What does Barnett want with her?”

His father wandered to a large window on the opposite side of the room and slowly drew the curtains, as daylight was creeping in.

“He doesn’t want her to succeed.” he stated flatly.

Killian huffed in frustration.

“He has never hesitated before.” Killian furrowed his prominent brows. “Why is he waiting? If he means to stop her from following through, would it not be advantageous to kill her now?”

“This, we do not know. We have known of her overzealous ambitions since the day she was hired. Our informant at the biomedical labs has kept us updated on her progress, but we never imagined that she would get this far. She has proven herself quite competent, and in doing so, has caught the attention of a very dangerous foe.”

Just then, the double doors swung open and another vampire sauntered in with a mock scowl on his face. “Little brother,” he stated with his brows furrowed and arms folded, “it’s been far too long.”

Killian feigned annoyance and turned to his brother. “Always a pleasure to see you as well, Liam. And it’s younger brother.” The two men stared stoned faced until Liam finally ended the contest and pulled Killian in for a tight hug.

“Hello Liam,” Killian’s mother said with a smile. “Are Mary and Will with you this morning?”

Liam made his way to the soft-spoken older woman and gave her a much lighter, yet just as sincere hug. “Just me today Judith. I was hoping to catch my younger brother” he eyed Killian pointedly, “before he disappeared to his cave.”

“I don’t live in a cave,” Killian muttered.

Killian was genuinely happy to see his big brother. Unlike Martin and Judith, his adoptive parents, Liam was in fact his blood brother. The two were a strong contrast to one another. Liam was taller with broad shoulders. His hair was a soft yet thick blond mess of curls that sat upon a clean-shaven face. The brothers Jones did share one feature that always gave their kinship away, their brilliant blue eyes. Killian’s eyes were cerulean blue, bright and vibrant with a hint of hazel encircling the iris. They resembled the open ocean that he loved so much. The mess of dark brown hair that always looked slightly windblown as well as the kohl he continued to line his eyes with complemented his intense, glimmering gaze.

Liam seemed to detect that he had interrupted a rather serious discussion. “I’m sorry, should I come back?”

Martin waved away his trepidation. “This concerns you as well Liam. You have a family to protect.” Liam’s features dropped at the insinuation that his wife and child could be in danger. Martin repeated to Liam what he had divulged to Killian only moments ago. He turned to Killian, exhaustion clearly written across the older vampire’s features. “Killian, because of your rather unique talent, you are the only one who can get close to Miss Swan.” A flash of sympathy shown in Martin’s eyes and Killian knew exactly what talent his father was referring to. He was, to date, the only vampire to have developed immunity to the sun. Procuring the unexpected ability had been a long and painful process that he preferred to forget.

Nodding, Killian ran his hand through his hair once again, a nervous habit that he had been unable to break for over 300 years. “What would you like me to do?”

“Judith and I will contact our informant at Cambridge, we would like you to get to know the reclusive Miss Swan. Form a friendship with her and earn her trust. We may need it later.”

Killian gaped at his father, but sighed in defeat. Liam was not so silently snickering at the idea of Killian being social.

Martin huffed in annoyance and Liam immediately straightened his face. Killian smiled triumphantly at the admonishment of his brother.

As Killian and Liam were shuffling out of his parent’s chamber, Martin placed a hand on Killian’s shoulder. “Just keep in mind, my boy, that James never revealed any of this to Emma. As far as she in concerned vampires are supernatural beings in movies. Proceed with caution and don’t let her out of your sight.” Killian assured his parents that nothing would happen to the young woman while she was in his charge.

*

Killian smirked as he exited the extravagant home, dressed in a blue plaid button-up flannel shirt and dark jeans that his brother insisted would help him fit in with the modern streets of Cambridge. He shrugged on a leather biker jacket, a much shorter version of the long, heavy duster he was used to and swung his leg over the sleek motorcycle he rarely drove and took off toward town.

Failure was not an option when it came to this particular mission. If any harm came to Emma Swan he would be guilty of breaking an oath that he had made centuries ago.

[bleachanimefan1]

King And Queen Of The Pirates

Chapter One, The Adventure Begins! I'm Gonna Be King/Queen of the Pirates!

It was a peaceful and calm day on the seas. The sun was shinning high in the sky. The seagulls were flying overhead. However, there was a huge whirlpool in the ocean. Suddenly, a giant ship passed by and two sailors on the starboard side shivered at the sight of the whirlpool. Then the two of them heard a thump and looked down. Floating in the water, was a barrel. The two men blinked and looked at each other in confusion. 

Brushing it off, the two men tried to hoist the barrel out of the water and onto the ship. Another sailor was on the mast, looking around until he spotted something. Another ship heading towards theirs. A pirate ship. It was pink with hearts on it's sails. The ship fired it's cannons at the other ship.  "Alarm the captain! The ship's under attack!" Shouted the sailor on the mast. The two men had managed to pull the barrel onto the ship heard the sailor, dropped the barrel onto the deck, which rolled away. The sailors ran into the ship's ballroom.

"The ship's under attack by pirates!" Exclaimed the sailors.

Everyone screamed and started panicking and running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. However, one girl was not afraid. She had short, light orange hair and light brown eyes. As soon as she heard that there was another ship, she darted out of the room.

Suddenly, the doors busted open as it was kicked and the ballroom was filled with blood-thirsty, vicious looking pirates. They all smirked at the scared passengers. "Heh, don't worry. We ain't gonna kill ya. Though, we will take all the rare stuff you got here." snickered one of the pirates.

"Anyone who tries to resist will be spending the rest of their lives at the bottom of the ocean," A new voice shouted.

A large heavy set woman walked into the room. She had greasy looking hair and beady narrow eyes. On her head was a white cowgirl hat and was wielding a spiked mace in her hand. Everyone trembled, not moving a muscle. The orange haired girl watched from a far while she hid, with a light smile on her face. She tore off her dress and was now wearing a blue and white stripped shirt with black shorts and a bandanna tied to her head. She ran off the ship and jumped onto the other one, while everyone was distracted.

During the chaos, the barrel had rolled itself into the kitchen. The ship's kitchen doors open and a small timid looking boy walked into the room. He had light pink hair and grey eyes and was wearing blue glasses and a cabin boy's uniform. "Is anyone here?" The boy asked. He received no response. He sighed and started looking around the kitchen. Then he spotted a barrel.

"Wow, that's the biggest barrel I ever seen," He said to himself as he started to push the barrel. Suddenly, three pirates blocked his away as he did as they walked into the kitchen.

"Hey, Coby. You're not hiding from us, are ya?" One of the pirates asked. Coby began to sputter. His whole body began to tremble, terrified.

"N-n-n-n-o way, g-g-guys! I-I was just talking to this b-barrel I found back to the ship. It looks like it's full of s-sake." The three pirates smirked.

"Sake, huh? Why don't we inspect it to make sure. Are you with me, boys?" One of the pirates asked as he took the barrel. 

"But Lady Alvida will kill us!" Shouted Coby. The other pirates smirked.

"We won't be killed as long as you keep your trap shut! Now quiet!" Snapped one of the pirates. Coby trembled. The biggest pirate cracked his knuckles. "Hold on, boys. Let me open this the old fashion way," He said as he raised his fist and threw them down onto the barrel.

"I SLEPT SOOO GRREATTT!!!"

Suddenly, the barrel's lid popped open as someone busted out of it and shot out, colliding his fist with the bigger pirates face, knocking him out. The other two pirates and Coby gasped as their mouth's dropped as they gaped at the boy in the barrel. The boy looked like he was seventeen. He had short black hair, light tan skin, and small beady onyx-black eyes. Under his left eye was a small scar. He wore a red vest with a light blue shorts which reached his knees, straw sandals, and resting on his head was a straw hat. He blinked before he looked around at his surroundings.

"Who's he?" He asked as he saw the pirate he knocked out on the floor. He looked and also saw the other two pirates and Coby. "Who the hell are you guys?" He asked.

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" shouted the other two pirates, angrily. The boy stepped out of the barrel.

"Your friend will catch a cold if he sleeping like that," He said.

"You're the one who knocked him out!!!" Shouted the other two pirates. One of them pulled out his sword. "Hold on. Are you playing with us, when you know we're vicious pirates!?" He demanded.

"I'm starved. Is there any food on this ship?" The boy asked Coby, ignoring the other pirates.

"I'm talking to you, brat!" Shouted the pirate as he and the other one raised their swords and slashed at the boy. Crack! Somehow, their swords broke in two. The two pirates stumbled back as they gaped in shock seeing that the boy was unharmed.

"What's wrong with you guys?" The boy asked.

"W-who are you? What are you?" Asked the pirates as they stared at the boy in horror. The boy brushed off the dirt off of his vest and smiled.

"Me? Oh, my name is Money D. Luffy! Hi!" Said Luffy as he grinned widely, showing his teeth. The pirates screamed in fear as they grabbed their knocked out comrade and ran out of the room, terrified.

"What...what just happened?" Asked Coby. Luffy shrugged his shoulders.

"Beats me." He said. Coby stood up.

"Quick! You gotta run! If they come back with their buddies, then you'll be killed on the spot!" He shouted. Luffy smiled.

"I don't care. Where's the food? I'm hungry." He said.

"How can you not care?! They are hundreds of them and they're willing to kill anybody!" Shouted Coby. Luffy wasn't listening. His nose twitched as he smelled a wonderful scent. He tried to walk towards the source while Coby was trying to hold him back. Luffy made it to the cellar and his eyes lit up.

"Food, hooray!" Luffy cheered. He ran around the room with his mouth drooling. Coby looked around making sure no one was coming as Luffy began to dig into a crate full of apples. 

"Um...hi, my name is Coby. You're Luffy, right? It was really cool what you did back there." Said Coby as Luffy wolfed down the apples.

"These are so awesome." Luffy said as he wiped off the juice from his lips. He smiled. "I bet she would love some. I'd better save some for later." He thought as he stashed some in the pockets of his vest. "So, are we on a pirate ship or what?" Asked Luffy as he continued to eat.

"No. We are on a passenger ship that's being raided by pirates. Pirates under control of Lady Alvida." Coby said.

"Ah, I don't care about that. I just wanna know if there are any little boats on this ship," Luffy said.

"I think there might be a few," Coby said.

"Great! I need a new one 'cause my old one got sucked in by some whirlpool." Luffy said.

"You mean that huge one outside! And you survived?" Coby asked. Luffy smiled.

"Yep. You can say it was a great way to wake up after a long nap," He laughed. Coby smiled timidly. "So are you a pirate or a passenger?" Luffy asked. Coby looked down.

"Neither. I'm just some cabin boy. I was forced to be one because Lady Alvida's pirates captured me. They found out I was a great navigator, so, they let me live. That was two years ago." He confessed, sadly. Luffy stopped eating.

"You're pretty stupid, you know that?" He asked bluntly. Coby sunk his head.

"Gee, thanks for your honesty." He said, sarcastically.

"If you don't like it here so much, then leave," Said Luffy. Coby shook his head.

"No way! There's no way I can do that! I can't!" He yelled. Luffy smiled.

"Ha! You're stupid and cowardly. I hate people like you," He joked. Coby sulked then he smiled weakly.

"Heh, you're right. If I had any courage, I could sail away in a barrel and be free. I could live out my dream." He said. Luffy was quiet. "Oh, what about you, Luffy? What's the thing that drove you to sail on the seas?" Asked Coby. Luffy grinned.

"I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!" He exclaimed. Coby's mouth dropped.

"K-King? Are you serious?" He asked quietly with disbelief.

"Yep. You heard me," Luffy said, smiling.

"But-but that would mean you're a pirate too," Said Coby.

"That's right." Said Luffy.

"Your crew?" Asked Coby. Luffy shook his head.

"I don't have one yet, well, except for one,-"

Suddenly, the door slammed open and the two looked to see a girl standing there, sopping wet from head to toe as her clothes were completely drenched. Coby had to do a double take as his eyes darted back and forth at Luffy then back towards the girl.  He saw that the girl was identical to Luffy. A twin in fact. 

The only thing that was different, was that she had long black hair, which reach the middle of her back. Her skin was a lighter tone to her brother. It was a sickly pale white, which looked like she didn't go outside much. She was wearing a blue shirt with short sleeves and brown pants which reached down to her ankles and black sandals. What really draw his attention, was that she also had shimmering sea foam green eyes, instead dark black, like Luffy's. Then the girl narrowed her eyes as she glared at Luffy. She began to stalk over to them.

"Aya! You made it!" Luffy shouted happily.

"IDIOT!" Aya smacked Luffy hard on the back of his head with her fist. 

Coby immediately backed away from the two, watching in fear. Aya grabbed Luffy by his shirt and began shaking him violently like a rag doll. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I HAD TO GO THROUGH TO GET HERE?!"

"You're alive aren't ya?" Luffy groaned.

Aya repeatedly smacked him. "I had to swim across with sea infested sharks! Nearly drowned in the whirlpool! And almost died in a barrage of gunfire!!! All because of your stupidity!" She screamed.

"Love you too, sis," Luffy smiled and laughed. His face was now swollen and beaten up. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an apple holding it to Aya's face "Want one?" Asked Luffy. Aya blinked as she stared at the apple. She felt her stomach growl at the sight of it.

Aya rolled her eyes and sighed. She snatched the apple from his hand and dropped Luffy as she let go of his shirt. He slumped to the floor, rubbing his head. "This doesn't mean I'm letting you off easy," Aya murmured as she took a bite of the apple. "You're still in the dog house." Luffy smiled.

Then the girl noticed Coby cowering in the corner.

"And who the hell are you?" Aya asked. Coby jumped when she spoke to him.

"C-Coby," Coby sputtered, "Who are you?"

"I'm Aya, I'm this idiots sister," Aya said as she jerked her thumb at Luffy. "I'm gonna be Queen of the Pirates."

"Q-Queen?!" Coby sputtered.

"Geez, what a wimp," Aya said as she finished her apple and tossed the core away.

"So, you two are gonna be King and Queen of the Pirates. You're talking about gaining the treasure of fame, wealth, and power! The treasure you want is the One Piece!" Coby shouted. Luffy smiled.

"Yeah, you've got it all right," Luffy said.

"But, practically all the pirates in the world are looking for that treasure!" Coby yelled.

"Yeah, so?" Aya asked, shrugging.

"No way! There's no way you could survive them! They're ruthless and mean and they'll kill you right where you-oww!" Coby shouted as Aya and Luffy both punched him on the head. "Why did you hit me?" Coby asked as he rubbed his head.

 "Cause I felt like it." The two twins said together.

"Ah well, I'm used to stuff like that. My shipmates bash me on the head all the time," Coby mumbled. 

"It's not about if I can. I'm doing this because I want to," Luffy said. "My sister and I decided long ago that we wanted to be King and Queen of the Pirates. If we have to die fighting for that, then we die," said Luffy as he placed his hat on his head. Coby stood frozen in his spot.

"Well, I'm off. Now that my belly's full, I might as well get my new boat. I bet if I ask nice enough, they'll give me it," Luffy said as he and his sister began to walk out of the room.

"I never though about it like that. If I had that much courage, then do you think I could do it too?" asked Coby. Luffy and Aya turned to look at him.

"Do what?" asked Aya.

"Do you think...do you think I could ever join the Marines?" asked Coby. Luffy tilted his head.

"The Marines?" He asked.

"Y-yeah! Catching bad guys is the only thing I ever wanted to do! It's been my dream ever since I was a child! Do you think I could do it?" asked Coby. Luffy smiled and shrugged.

"I don't know. Do what you want to do." He said. Coby nodded.

"Ok, I will then! I won't be a cabin boy for the rest of my life! I'll leave and then become a Marine and then I can capture Alvida!" He shouted. Suddenly, the room started to shake then the ceiling came crashing down. As the dust settled, it was revealed to be Alvida.

"Who is it you're going to capture, Coby? You really think that these pieces of crap are going to help you!" Roared Alvida. Coby quivered at the sight of her. Alvida looked up and saw Luffy and Aya. "My guess is you're not Zoro, the pirate hunter, aren't you?" She asked Luffy.

"Zoro?" Luffy asked, tilting his head, blinking.

"Who's he?" Aya asked.

"Coby! Who is the most beautiful of all the seas!?" Demanded Alvida. Coby flinched and nervously looked around.

Aya leaned and whispered to Luffy "She's kidding, right?" She asked.

"w-w-w-well, um...I, um,"

"Hey, Coby, who's the old hag?" Luffy asked. A dead silence filled the room with Alvida's and Coby's mouth dropped open. Aya was laughing. Alvida grinded her teeth as many veins appeared, pulsing on her face.

"Don't you ever think before you speak?" Asked Aya, still laughing as she tried to catch her breath.

"What?" Luffy asked as he shrugged his shoulders. "She's huge! This lady's a bloated whale!" Aya lost it and keeled over in laughter.

"Luffy, shut up!" Coby shouted.

"YOU LITTLE RAT!!!" Shouted Alvida. She brings her mace down on top of Luffy, narrowly missing him as he dodged it. Luffy grabbed Aya's wrist and Coby's shoulder and jumped out of the cellar and on to the deck. He landed on his feet and smirked at Alvida's crew. Several men charged at them. Aya pushed Coby away as a pirate came at her with a sword. She dodged out of the way as she stepped to the side and the sword sliced in the air between her and Coby, missing them. Coby stared in wide eyes, with his knees shaking. Aya quickly kneed the pirate in the gut and he fell down and she kicked him on the back of his head, knocking him out. Coby scurried away as the pirate fell at his feet. Several pirates charged at Luffy but he managed to evade them. A pirate was sneaking up from behind, but Luffy dodged out of the way.

"How rude. Attacking from behind is cheating," Luffy said. He turned and saw more pirates glaring at him, with large swords.  He blinked and started running. "Why is everyone ganging up on me?!" He shouted as the pirates were right behind him, chasing after him. Then Luffy grabbed onto a post and continued running. His arm began to stretch as he did. The pirates stopped, and watched in confusion then saw Luffy coming back towards them as he slingshot himself. They tried to run away but it was already to late. Luffy smirked. "Gum-Gum Rocket!" He shouted as he charged through the men. All of them were knocked out from the blow as they fell to the floor one by one. Alvida and Coby stared in shock and awe. Aya smiled. Luffy smiled and fixed his hat.

"L-Luffy, what are you?" Asked Coby.

Luffy smiled and pulled on the corners of his lips and stretched them. "I'm a rubber man," He said. Coby stared at him with disbelief while Alvida jumped onto the deck, shaking the boat. Coby trembled and he ran behind Luffy and Aya. Alvida glared at the two of them.

"So, you've eaten one of the legendary Devil Fruit, haven't you?" She asked. Luffy smiled and nodded.

"Yeah. It was the Gum-Gum one," He said.

"Ah, I've heard rumors that they existed. But I never seen evidence of them until today. You're very skilled for just a young man. Tell me, are you a bounty hunter or a Marine?" Asked Alvida.

"We're pirates." Said Aya.

"Pirates? By yourselves? How stupid are you?" Taunted Alvida.

"Who are you calling stupid, fatty?" Asked Aya. The veins on Alvida's face looked like they were about to pop as she glared at the girl, angrily.

"It's just us for now. But we're going to start building up a crew. Maybe ten or more guys in a week or two. I don't know yet," Luffy said, shrugging.

"Ha! Tell me, if we're both pirates, and we're not under the same flag," Alvida held up her mace. "That make's us both enemies, correct?" She asked.

"Luffy, Aya,..." Coby whispered. Luffy winked at him. Coby blinked before remembering Luffy's words. "My sister and I decided long ago that we wanted to become King and Queen of the Pirates. If we have to die fighting for that, the we die."

"Well, Coby? What is it you wanted to say?" Alvida asked, smugly. Coby blinked then he glared at Alvida.

"YOU'RE THE BIGGEST AND UGLIEST PIRATE OF ALL THE SEAS!" He shouted. Silence filled the whole ship as Alvida and her crew jaws dropped. Alvida looked even more madder than she did before. Luffy threw his head back laughing, really hard. Aya covered her mouth and snickered.

"What did you say?" Growled Alvida.

"I'm leaving and joining the Marines! And I'm going to lock away dirty pirates like you!" Shouted Coby. 

"Do you have any idea what you're saying to me?" Alvida growled.

"I know what I said and I'll do what I want! I'll go to the Marines and I'll join them! And as soon as I do that, I'm gonna catch your fat ass first!" Shouted Coby. Alvida roared in anger and thrusted her mace at Coby. Coby froze in his spot.

"Spoken like a true Marine!" Shouted Luffy as he stood in front of Coby. The mace came down on his head. Alvida gave a shocked look, seeing that Luffy was unharmed. Luffy grinned. "That won't work. I'm made of rubber," He said in a sing-song voice.  He threw his fist back and it stretched all the way into the sky. "Gummm-Gummm..." Luffy started as his fist came back. "PISTOL!" Shouted Luffy as his fist connected in Alvida's gut as he punched her, sending her flying. Aya smiled seeing Alvida sail off in the sky, drifting farther away. Coby and the crew stood with a dumbfound look on their faces.

"Hey!" The crew flinched when Luffy turned to them. "Go and find a boat and give it to Coby. He's leaving the ship and joining the Marines. Don't stop him alright?" He asked.

"Y-Yes!" The crew stuttered. Coby blinked before smiling.

"Thanks, Luffy, Aya," He stuttered. Luffy smiled. Suddenly, there were cannon balls being fired at the ship, landing near it. The ship tilted side to side as the rough waves hit against it. Luffy, Aya and Coby looked and saw a Marine ship a few feet away.

"Those are Marine boats." Said Coby.

"Sweet! What luck, huh? Let's say our hellos!" Said Luffy as he ran towards to where a group of boats were.

"Luffy, we'll get arrested on the spot! Think about it first!" Aya scolded.

"Wait up! We'll get captured if they spot us!" Shouted Coby as he followed after her. The three jumped into the boat and the boat went crashing into the water. Aya and Coby nearly fell overboard as it did. Coby clinged to Aya and she tried to get him off of her. As the two fought, Luffy noticed another boat next to theirs and saw the orange hair girl. Their eyes met each other briefly before the girl started paddling away, leaving them.

Luffy, Aya and Coby were now sailing in the middle of the ocean.  "I can't believe we managed to escape." Coby said as he looked at the water.

"Yeah, what fun!" Luffy exclaimed as he laughed.

"Hey, you two. If you're searching for the elusive One Piece, that means you're heading for the Grand Line, right?" Coby asked. The two nodded. "You know, a lot of people call that place the Pirate's Graveyard." Coby said grimly.

"Yep. That's why we need a really strong crew. You guys were talking about some pirate hunter, right? What's he like?" asked Luffy.

"Yeah, who is he?" Aya asked.

"Oh, you mean Roronoa Zoro? Last time I heard, he was held prisoner at some Marine base." Coby said. Luffy looked a little disappointed.

"Oh, so a weakling, right?" He asked. Coby stood up and shook his head.

"No way! Roronoa Zoro is as vicious and violent as a demon and three times as horrifying! Wait, why are you asking about him anyway?" Coby asked. Luffy made a grin.

"I guess if he's strong as you say, he could be good enough to join my crew," He said.

"Yeah, he sounds like a bad ass!" Aya said, agreeing. Coby nearly fell out of the boat.

"You're kidding, right? He could kill you two with one strike," He said. Luffy shrugged.

"You never know. He might jump at the chance to join us," Luffy said.

"No way! He's one of the most wanted men ever! He's big and mean and-oww!" Shouted Coby as the two twins hit him on the head again.

"Why'd you hit me?"

"'Cause we felt like it." The two twins said together. Aya smirked. "Ow!" Luffy groaned, as he rubbed his arm as Aya punched him hard. 

"Jinx!" She exclaimed.

While Luffy and Coby stared at the ocean, Aya leaned back and reached into pocket and pulled out a necklace with a round gold coin attached to it. She held up into the sky staring at it, twirling with her fingers. The coin had a skull in the center of it. "I wonder what the One Piece is?" She thought as she stared at the coin.

"What's that?" A voice called out to her.

Aya looked to see Coby looking at the coin. She sat up showing it to him. "I don't know. It's something I had ever since I was a baby." Aya said. Coby took it looking over the details of the coin, tracing his finger of the rough and detailed edges. "It's beautiful," Coby said as he stared.

 "Yeah, it's great," Aya said sarcastically. "Can I have it back?" She asked holding her hand out.

"I'd give it back if I were you," Luffy laughed. "The last time I tried to look at it and wouldn't give it back. Aya tried to break my arm."

Coby yelped and immediately gave Aya back the coin. She took it and put it back into her pocket. The three of them sailed off heading towards the Marine base.

[neverwatchedonepiece]

617: "Caesar's Defeat! The Powerful Grizzly Magnum!"

Basically Caesar: “REEEEEEEEEEEEE, SCIENCE!!!”

Only had time for one episode today but caught a snippet of the preview and it seems like posting for one episode here will fit in terms of the story arc. 

Caesar is down and out, Law has done what he came to do, and Luffy has executed step one of his plan to kick ass and kidnap! Now all he needs is the fantastically badass Usopp to come through with the cuffs and step two will be on the cards!

It’s all a matter of escaping Punk Hazard with Caesar in tow, plus Law, the Strawhats, a bunch of kids and maybe some surviving Minions and the G5 and Smoker and Tashigi and Foxfire and Momonosuke and Brownbeard.

Yeah, I hope Franky has some extra bed rolls hidden away in storage because that is a lot of extra bodies on Sunny.

Sanji will be fine. He worked at Baratie. He’s used to mass catering.

Law Tries Out His Stand Up Material On Vergo

In other news, Vergo is still alive. I kind of hoped Law might have taken him out but this is One Piece and you guys have always said that Oda sees a future for most of his characters. (Even Wapol. Yes, I am still salty about Wapol.) Smoker was on the ground, breathing hard. Getting fresh air for once, instead of dat tasty tobacco.

Vergo is also still shit-talking. “You broke the gear? There’s no turning back? That’s hysterical.” 

Brave for a guy who was (at that point) in two pieces with a building crumbling rapidly around him. Not to mention the noxious clouds of gas.

Then he used his hands to spring from the ground and attack Law. He was Roomed and doomed in two seconds, chopped into fractions and hung on the railings. (Approaching Nightmare Fuel territory if you think too much about it.)

Vergo totally reminds me of the Black Knight from Monty Python’s Life of Brian. If you’ve never heard of it, he’s basically this dude who keeps getting up and shit-talking his opponents even after the removal of all his limbs. It’s funny. Vergo even made a joke about it. “How will I eat breakfast tomorrow?” Yeah, he almost went full Black Knight there.

Except for the little serious turn when he threatened Law with Doflamingo’s past.

“How dare you, Law? This is an upset. But I know you’re going to regret it. Keep that in mind. You don’t know Joker’s past and that will cost you your life. Upstarts like you can’t hope to take over the world. It’s filled with those who are much stronger. Tell him, Smoker!”

First of all, why was he appealing to Smoker to back him up like a kid in a playground? The brazen cheek of it. As if. I’m glad Smoker blanked him and sparked up a fat Cuban cigar.

Secondly, what is all this about Doflamingo’s past? Why would that matter to Law? I’m trying to think what could possibly affect Law as much as Vergo says and I’m drawing a blank.The only thing that might be a bit meh is if Doflamingo was once a Marine. We already had that twist with Vergo.

At any rate, Law had had enough with Vergo running his mouth, and chopped his head into two pieces.

“Don’t worry about me. Just worry about yourself. This room will explode soon. Goodbye, Vergo the pirate.”

I ain’t bothered about Vergo. That guy is too arrogant for his own good and Law gave him a well-deserved taste of defeat. I just hope Law took Smoker with him.(It’d be hilarious if Law carried Smoker over his shoulder and they ran into Zoro carrying Tashigi over his shoulder. xD)

Speaking of Well-Deserved Tastes of Defeat...

This guy...

I love a charismatic, melodramatic, total piece of crap villain, but Oda did a great job of making me loathe Caesar here. I think Luffy lamping him square on the chops unhinged him a little. Law destroying the SAD factory and the labs as a result probably finished Caesar off. His arrogance and cruelty was off the charts! I thought Spandam was bad. Caesar makes Spanda look like a playground bully.

I loved how when he realised Law had unleashed merry hell, Caesar’s reaction was, “Damn! Who caused that? I bet it was Law. What is Vergo doing? You Strawhats RUINED MY PARADISE!”

His paradise. Wow, that sure does give you a little peek into this dude’s mind. 

And it gets better. 

Caesar had a last-ditch plan to defeat Luffy. He called his Minions in the Secret Room. “R-Building, can you hear me? Secret Room, come in! Open the air vents now! Let Shinokuni flow into this room.”

The Minions, understandably, were reticent to do this because they are the kind of people who, like the Strawhats, look after their own. They asked, “but wouldn’t it kill our guys?”

Caesar was like, “Well, I’m a gas man. I’m not gonna die. You’re just guinea pigs. No one would care if hundreds of you died. You are just the dregs of society! What are you doing? Hurry up. I can find replacements for you fools so easily.”

Uh oh. 

The mask came off. Caesar must have been so riled that he didn’t care if everyone saw his true nature. The poor, deluded Minions still clung to their vision of Caesar as their benevolent Master, their saviour.

“Oh, the Master is trying to fool the enemies. He must have a plan to do with the gas. It would hurt him to know we suspected him.”

Hurt him? Mate, Caesar has no feelings to be hurt. He has an ego the size of Laboon. That’s not the same thing.

So, of course the Minions pulled the lever. Shinokuni flowed into the room. And I had a facepalm moment at those poor, brainwashed Minions.

Caesar Does A Moria

“Yes! About time,” Caesar shouted. “Dregs shouldn’t think. Now, become my power, Shinokuni. Look, Strawhat! Look at his amazing appearance. This is my scientific power. Through this experiment, two countries have already expressed interest in the weapon. They are both quite peaceful but when humans get serious about defending themselves, they’ll look for any way possible to kill their enemies. Everybody needs me! I’ll spread weapons all over the world and become King of the Land of Death.”

There are a couple of things to unpack here.

First of all, Caesar is completely demented. I mean, that was always obvious. But that ambition of his is twisted and terrifying. Worse, that Doflamingo gave him the traction to actually make it happen.

Secondly, he’s insane but he’s not stupid. Caesar has an eye for business and is, weirdly, able to charm people into believing his bullshit. He also knows the darker side of human nature and how to exploit it, like he has done with those peaceful islands. He is also smug in the knowledge that big shots in governments everywhere will always want him in their corner, so there will always be a place for someone like him. That was a definite Art Mirroring Life moment right there. Harsh but true, I guess. The guy who first split the atom and invented the atomic bomb was a hot commodity, right?

Third, Caesar basically did a Gekko Moria. Caesar took it a step further because he actually gleefully killed all his Minions. Moria just took the shadows back from already dead bodies. This was the logical conclusion of Caesar seeing other people as objects or commodities to be manipulated, used or destroyed as he sees fit. The way he happily killed them all was just nasty.  “It’s amazing, if I do say so myself. Look at how fast it acts on their nerves. It’s almost an art!” And when they begged him to stop, “I am your saviour and I can make efficient use of you good-for-nothings. You are just crumbs. You should not stand against your Master. Die like dogs!”

Crumbs. Dogs. Guinea pigs. Caesar always uses dehumanising language on his poor Minions. And everyone else for that matter. He really is a psychotic, nasty piece of work. If this guy is working for Doflamingo, I cannot wait to see what a horrible bastard Doflamingo turns out to be. xD

Caesar’s Off The Deep End Behaviour and his treatment of his own people caused Luffy to have the veiniest, super frown I have seen on his face so far. Luffy does not like people who betray and used their own crew/soldiers/comrades. 

Luffy said to Momo, “Look after Brownbeard.” Then ran in the opposite direction. Of course, I knew Luffy was just looking to gain some distance. Caesar, of course, mistook it for Luffy chickening out all of a sudden.

There was one person who knew with absolute certainty that this was not the case.

Usopp Was Awesome Here

Can I just talk for a moment about how awesome Usopp was here?

All through this arc, he’s been ridiculously brave. He volunteered to split up with Brook and Foxfire so he could work on his own to find the Sea Prism Stone cuffs for Luffy. He was creeping round the labs on his own and when he found the Secret Room, he did not run upon being confronted with a full squad of Minions. He simply used his smarts to evade capture. Because he knew there was something in there of value and Luffy needed his help. 

When the Minions saw Caesar’s true nature over the DDM feed and were finally like, “OMG this guy is awful.” Usopp just walked up to them and said, “I know you’re all broken hearted here but could I sit in that control seat for a second? I wanna save my friends from the gas.”

See that? Usopp’s loyalty to his friends trumps all sense of fear. 

When the Minions tried to shake Usopp by saying, “Yeah, you’ll never escape because your Captain just cut and run. He left you guys behind.“ Usopp was Not Having One Bit Of It. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa... Are you dissing our captain right in front of me? If he were the kind of person who’d betray us, this whole thing would’ve been much easier for me. I would’ve just run away with my tail between my legs. But he never, ever stops believing in us. So we have no choice but to support him. We pledged to live up to his expectations as long as we can breathe!”

There you have it. Right from the horse’s mouth. Luffy’s faith in his crew inspires them to greater heights. And in Usopp, this is bravery. Absolutely beautiful. 

And when the Minions said, “But what can we do? We can’t beat such a powerful man?” (Referring to Caesar) Usopp replied, “Yes, you can. You guys should just believe in our Captain. Caesar is the type of person that Luffy hates the most. Luffy won’t forgive Caesar.”

Usopp knows Luffy pretty well.

That Grizzly Magnum was really something else. I was expecting it to take out Caesar straight awayt but I liked that it didn’t. Caesar is the kind of villain who needs to have his pride thoroughly broken and to taste bitter, bitter defeat. If not, he’ll just tank the hit, pick himself up again and it’s back to his same old tricks.

The best portrayal of that was when Caesar was wrestling with Luffy, the Shinokuni slowly turning his hands to white powder, and he screamed, “Kneel before my power!”

Luffy will never kneel to anyone. Now, I’m not sure what those pulses of power were that drove Caesar back (Conqueror’s Haki?) but Luffy’s hit finally landed and, in a perfect moment of symbolism, Caesar’s self-made crown shattered.

He is no longer the tyrannical ruler of Punk Hazard. Caesar’s reign has come to an end.

And I can’t wait to see what happens next, because Doflamingo sent one of his lackeys to help him out. 

The plot chickens.

Well, you’re gonna kidnap him, so that might be a tough one to get round.

[jq37]

sooo.... what’s the tea on the new ep? :)

**spoilers for family in flames**

I have so much to say I’m not drafting this on tumblr lest it crash and I lose a soul-crushing amount of yelling into the void.

And, I gotta say, THIS episode is the reason I haven’t posted my adult rankings list yet. THIS RIGHT HERE. I KNEW some crap was gonna go down and force me to make some HUGE adjustments.

Also, We are feeling vindicated in this house today! But let’s start from the top and work our way down.

“Raise your hands if you really care about your parents.”

Fabian having to be like, “Look, your parents suck but don’t you have siblings?” (Kristen: Ugh, I guess)

Adaine pointing out that she cares about Gorgug’s parents.

Brennan listening to them argue about what to do like he doesn’t know they’re about to be arrested for a whole ass MONTH.

Fig wanting to method act while texting the phone, pretending to be scared.

So is the arcade owner (Frank Dunford) relevant? Brennan had the name on hand. But maybe it was just him being a good worldbuilder and anticipating the question. I feel like it’s probably that because this is late in the game to be introducing new people who are super relevant.

“Gilear’s got a little knife”

I KNEW those arcade prizes were gonna be gear they could pick up! ALWAYS RAID THE ROOM. Some of that stuff might have helped in the fight. I loved the group silently reading the cards and exchanging them to whoever they thought it would help most in the background as Brennan did the ID spell.

“This has been, if I may say so, the *best* use of the identify spell.”

I love that Adaine thanks everyone, including her inanimate spells. She’s just a good person.

OK so this episode addressed a LOT of questions I had about how these literal children were getting away with all of these murders and such. Apparently, the adventuring academy kids traditionally just get away with this stuff because of Arthur’s influence and the nature of adventurers.

Adaine coming in hot with the diplomatic immunity and then remembering, oh wait, we’re at war w/ Falinel.

Fig immediately starting smoking when she gets arrested.

I love the federal agent outsider with perspective coming in and being rightfully horrified by the absolute nonsense that’s been going on the past 15 episodes.

Is Riz’s mom the only competent cop at this station? Is there a one competent adult per location rule?

Bill Seacaster Upon Learning the Bad Kids are In Jail: Did you try to escape?

“How are things going?”/“I mean bad. I’m in jail.”

Fig upon offhandedly and indirectly being called a vigilante by Sklonda: Thank you.

Emily loses it whenever anything happens in Gilear’s orbit.

Wild that Adaine decided to spontaneously call Goldenhoard considering what happened later. Like, it wasn’t a completely out of nowhere decision and it was totally logical but they could have easily overlooked that decision. 

Like, I know things happen later that make this kinda moot but I loved Goldenhoard’s conversation with Adaine in jail. “Don’t to talk to anyone without a lawyer and kill anyone you have to to get out. The school will pay for the rezzes.”/“That’s exactly what our plan was. God, I love this school.”

Although, sidenote, I feel like you can only easily rez someone within a minute? Like, I know there are other D&D spells that let you do it after a longer period of time but with the whole phoenix egg thing and the fact that they haven’t come up so far, I feel like Brennan isn’t using the in this setting for stakes reasons.

Man that whole conversation with Fig and her mom. Emily plays Fig so balls to the wall that I kinda forget sometimes that she’s actually an intelligent adult woman who knows what she’s doing with the character so I really shouldn’t be surprised with how well she stuck the emotional beats of this episode.

Gorthalax man! TyraWeWereAllRootingForYou.gif If he left, like, actually left and isn’t just held up somehow, then that’s gonna be really not great for Fig’s general psyche. 

Kristen COMPLETELY undercutting the moment by point blank asking if they had sex.

No wonder Sandra-Lynn was so worried about Fig. She was totally Fig growing up. Which, lol, she’s not even half tiefling. She was just *like that*

Oh so Gilear has always been super lame. Good to know.

Fig: I think I have mommy issues./The Rest of the Party: You have all the issues.

Fabian: You’re trying to hook up with a 25 year old adult./Fig: What do you mean trying?I’m successfully kissing him once every couple weeks. (Which, lol but also I’m glad that’s as far as it got…you know if it has to go any amount forward).

They just let Bill into the cell?????

Lou when Zac rolls a 1 for perception on Bill Secaster and he knows what’s coming: Don’t fucking do this. (Everyone else: Already trying not to lose it)

Zac’s Gorgug being contemplative and also completely wrong face is so funny to me every time.

“Why would you kill me?”/“Why would you know that?”

Who is more insane? Gorgug for suggesting him and Fabian could be twins (aren’t they different ages????) or Bill for thinking he’s so awesome he could somehow do that?

Kristen trying to help FIg distract Bill by blurting out, “Have you ever had sex?” After the conversation where he said point blank he’s slept with 100s of orc women. 

Fabian yelling at his dad is kinda undercut by continuing to call him papa in the most poncy accent.

I don’t think I’ve articulated this properly before but this episode really drove it home: Fabian and Bill have a *close* relationship but not an entirely healthy one. Like, better than Adaine and her parents by leaps and bounds but he wrestled his son in a jail cell while his friends just watched. Like, who does that?

Imagine if Riz had tried to get between Bill and Fabian. 

Also imagine being the rest of the party just sitting there, watching that go down.

“We’ve spent so much of our lives obsessed with our dads and we’ve completely ignored our moms.”/“You’re just again talking about yourself.”

I can’t believe Fig’s suggestion spell would have worked if head boss in charge fed lady hadn’t been there. Speaking of her, as soon as she showed up I knew they weren’t going to be able to shenanigan their way out of this one (which is literally the word Emily used, hilariously). I don’t think even a nat 20 would have gotten them very far. Remember last week when I said that I was sure there was going to be a prom finale but I was also pretty sure there was still a good chunk of time before prom? As soon as they got arrested and the feds showed up I was like, “Oh they are not getting out until prom for sure.”

Siobhan trying not to laugh while Emily tries a ridiculous plan that might have worked in a different episode honestly.

Ally trying to Pirates of the Carribean her way out of the jail cell.

The cops didn’t even take their stuff in a month!

“I’m glad this is in my head and no one else can hear things like this.”

I love how Fabian rolls his eyes at Adaine for thanking her spells but he always thanks the Hangman.

Realistically the Hangman would have told Fabian the plan before it happened but the way it played out was soooo good.

The return of Mr. Cubby!!!! I was hoping it would be him but man! It was still so awesome to see happen. I wonder if Brennan introduced that family specifically in case the group ever needed to be busted out of jail (a likely need).

“Laws are threats made by the dominant socioeconomic ethnic group of a given nation.”

“You guys wanna make some bacon?”

“That was on fire the whole time? You’re so brave!” Adaine likes adults who aren’t her parents so much.

Riz being like uhhhhh my mom works here.

“To the AV club!”/“It’s been months!”

OK so they took a palimpsest from Bill in this episode. That was there to tip them off that he’s up to something I’m sure, but I feel like that could also turn out to be a Chekov’s gun for next ep. I’m sure the ability to trap someone’s should would be useful in the finale.

S/O to Brennan for his excellent foreshadowing throughout the episode and honestly the whole series.

Siobhan thinking to check the trash folder of his computer was a good move, even if it didn’t end up being the right one.

OK, strap in guys. This is where things get WILD.

Siobhan’s “Oh shit!” when she got halfway down the page of Watches and Wards and then that Harry Potter sounding sting in the background.

(Before I get any further, I love that Adaine’s first thought was well that means my sister isn’t Kal Vaxis because she thinks her sister is the root of all evil).

But WOW. After all the trash talking of the old oracle, it turns out Adaine is the new eleven oracle! And she has been since EPISODE ONE. I almost thought she was gonna be *that* elven oracle because of the questions the cast was asking but nope. It is, as Zac and Siobhan put it, a The Santa Clause situation where the last one dies and someone else gets the job.

Brennan’s faint amusement as they work through that is so good.

You know what’s kinda hilarious in hindsight about that? I said before that, so far, every person Adaine has pegged as trash has ended up being trash of the highest order and an enemy of the party and of course she’s been good at predicting things! She’s the literal oracle.

Am I reading this wrong or is the Religious Studies teacher name Yolanda Badgood?

Also the sheet says “Lunchlad (Official Title)” RIP dude.

Emily low key thinking this is going to be about pay disparity between the races.

Will putting the book back retroactively get rid of anything bad currently cast in school?

Brennan going, “Nothing happens.”/“You see an upside down waste paper basket.” Is such a GM mood. I had a session once where I spent half an hour just saying, “You’re looking at the door,” in various ways.

No one knows what Goldenhoard’s name actually is and it’s the second to last episode.

I feel like Brennan must have gotten forehead/cheek kissed a lot as a child because he’s constantly having NPCs do it. 

Are elves in this setting actually immortal (barring being actually killed) or just long lived? Because Adaine talks like she’s immortal but I wasn’t sure. Anyway, newsflash Adaine. You’ve been mortal this whole campaign! Because apparently, the elven oracle always eventually dies. 

I love that Adaine finally confronted the oracle about sinking on a ship and actually ended up kinda sympathizing with her. I can’t believe this is how that running joke ends.

Fabian at the ghost of the past eleven oracle who’s imparting wisdom on Adaine: Who are you?

Ally: Can I do something weird? (Dude, when do you not?)

Ally mumbling through an inspiring spell as Murph clues in to the paperwork discrepancy that blows the plot twist wide open. And then miming the whole thing in the background as the scene goes on.

“He was mean so I thought that meant he was a good guy.” More stern than mean really but yeah! Same Murph!

You know how you know things are about to get real? When the DM starts letting you do stuff like bust down doors without even rolling for it because there are bigger fish to fry.

The 69 glyphs of binding. Nice.

But in seriousness, Kal Vaxis (apparently it’s spelled Kalvaxus but I can’t be bothered to change that in this post) was apparently trapped by Arthur and bound to work at Aguefort (as Goldenhoard) because…he’s a wildcard I guess. Sidenote, can you imagine what this season might have looked like if Arthur hadn’t died? Or was that always the plan for him to die in some way? Like to resurrect an NPC maybe if the crew hadn’t lost 2 party members.

Man when he said last ep that the girls were going back to school I thought OK that makes sense because it’s the AV computer that Biz used or maybe it’s Penelope. But I totally overlooked teachers.

OK so the binding spell specifically says “as long as I live” and Arthur is dead. So….what does that mean exactly? And this plan seems to have been in motion from before Arthur died. What does that mean? Also, if that wording means he’s freed when Arthur dies, what was Arthur thinking killing himself???? Did he need Kristen to sneak him into heaven so he could talk to Sol and do some scheming or something? AHHHHH I have so many questions.

Also in the binding is a clause about tea. Now, first of all, Arthur, bro. Come on. Second of all, a lawyer really should have looked at that. “I will drink anything you give me”? I work at a law firm. I’m a lowly first year but even I know that’s a terrible thing to put in a contract. I’m sure y'all non lawyers know that too!

Karam-Kajam (the binding spell words) kinda looks like “magic maker” backwards. That doesn’t mean anything. I just wanted y'all to know I was freeze framing every thing that might be a clue.

OK ok ok, so I’ve been saying for a while now (in posts but mainly over chat) that all this bad stuff must be like connected to a central person in service of a central goal but the players were probably all unconnected wild cards acting in self interest. The one thing I couldn’t quite put together was what because these plots have been mainly unconnected. But now, we have it! All the weird things starting a war (by manipulating the harvestmen), getting 7 maidens (by manipulating Biz), and reinstating prom king/queen (by manipulating (?) Penelope and Dayne, also yes! my wild card guess was that prom king/queen was going to be part of a spell or curse or something. Guess it was prophecy but yes! vindication!) are parts of a prophecy on how to bring back Kalvaxis! (Along with him getting his “glittering treasure”?)

But yeah! No wonder it was so hard to put the pieces together! They all connected but only through a prophecy. Good job Bren!

“The sun shall fall from the heavens” is part of the prophecy which makes me think Sol or Helios might be involved in this somehow.

Ally: There are definitely going to be 7 virgins at prom. (That deserved a rim shot).

Good on Murph for making sure none of them were on the virgin list bc that would have been a pain in the ass to find out mid-fight. Also, I KNEW “Where are their bodies” was the question to ask last ep when Biz said they were going back to their bodies.

“Who told you that? An oracle?”

I hope Adaine just uses her oracle status to make sick one liners like, “I predict this is gonna hurt,” before she witchbolts someone. She never does her actual job. 

Adaine who hates her family, righteously indignant: Between our houses and the world, you expect us to choose our houses?

The rest of the group who loves their family: BYEEEEE.

Well, no. Kristen also had reservations before she remembered her brothers existed.

Adaine texting her mom: You should probably leave.

Siobahn and Ally fistbumping over their mutual not caring about their parents.

OK so what’s up with the rat? What’s so important about the rat? And what’s up with Zayne? We still haven’t figured out what’s up with him.

Still not clear on if the crystals trap your physical body or just your spirit and leave your physical body dormant irl.

So that’s how they got rid of the adults for the fight. Nice job again Brennan.

As far as I can tell, Brennan made up this usage of the word palimpsest and I’d never heard of the word before and now I type it so much. Wild.

“I’m calling an Uber. You use the minute to go look at as much shit as you can. Jump in the Uber with me, come to my house. Look Rudolpho will be here in two minutes in a Honda Civic. Use one of those minutes. Go.”

A Knight to Remember. 

They freaking Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Kristen’s house.

I love how Uber Drivers in this world are still gunning for 5 stars.

OK, time for the most stressful 30 minutes of Fantasy High (so far).

I think the wagering mechanic Brennan used for the fights was brilliant. For each conflict a d20 was rolled. 1-6=epic fail. 7-14=bad but not awful. 15-20=favorable outcome. The twist was that if the person chose to help their family they could give up half their HP and 14 spell levels and he would roll with advantage.

Everyone quickly took that deal except Adaine who truly does not give a damn about her family (and also, reasonably, thought that they wouldn’t even be at home. Idk why they apparently were tbh).

When Emily said, “She’s a complex person and she’s allowed to be,” that was the moment I was like, “Oh yeah. She’s not actually Fig. IRL she knows what’s happening.”

Siobhan uses her divination roll of 18 to save Kristen’s family without having to risk anything but the Ally turns around and decides to take the deal to try and save Adaine’s family WHEN ADAINE DOESN’T EVEN CARE. But it makes sense that Kristen would.

Lou’s monolog as Brennan rolls about how nerve wracking and terrible it is to have no idea what’s going on.

“This is the worst thing I’ve been a part of.”

“I was wondering why my mom visited me and humanized herself and this is exactly why.”

Lou/Fabian: What if my fucking family dies? (F O R E S H A D O W I N G, albeit unknowingly)

Brennan (sagely): It couldn’t have been any other way./Siobhan: It could’ve been!

lol at Adaine trying to trigger that ice cream later wish at their darkest moment (so far). Also, not that I think Brennan ever forgot about it but now I’m for sure it’s gonna come up next ep bc if nothing else that would have reminded him.

OK first up, Fig and her mom.

“Dang they’re already organized with costumes?”

That was so boss, her mom getting revived and then IMMEDIATELY shooting two guys w/ her bow.

Emily LEGIT crying through that scene. The whole room was on an emotional tightrope. You can tell.

Where in the mountains Sandra-Lynn!? I want specifics Sandra-Lynn!!

I love the idea of her jumping out of a window onto a dope griffin’s back. Fig’s mom just bought herself a bunch of spots on my grown-up rankings list.

Ally: THAT WAS NUMBER ONE

Me: SAME.

Next Riz at Strongtower

I knew Sklonda was going to be in the secret room!

I love that apparently Riz can recognize his mom’s gun by hearing it.

I know it was in the promo but Riz’s mom being like, “I was so scared you were gonna ask me to prom” was hysterical.

You just know Sklonda and Agent Angela have been fighting like cats and dogs this past month.

Riz and his mom high fiving. They have the best relationship.

Gorgug and the Thistlesprings

lol, looks like his parents had the easiest time wrecking their intruders.

But based on how it was described as compared to everyone else (bar Fabian–we’re getting there), it sounds like he got pretty dang hurt.

And I guess they have a tank (which they usually use to mow the lawn) and a bomb chest? Wild.

Anyway, if anything had happened to them insert Rosa B99 meme.

“You come to the tree, you better be ready to never fucking leave, you understand?” So boss. (Also, is that a pun?)

Gorgug’s parents launched a satellite while Gorgug was in jail.

Kristen and co.

Kristen’s dad (who is the worst): You think these guys were illegals, what?

Kristen: I’m gonna take the car, byeeee.

Kristen and Adaine bonding over their terrible parents.

I’m Concerned about Kristen’s brothers.

Abernants

They poofed out. Idk why they were still there to begin with.

So the damage they took was supposed to represent the danger the took in their respective fights. Kristen got Adaine’s divination roll meaning her family was fine either way but she did take damage for Adaine’s family. But the fight was already over by the time they got there. So, in story, any injuries sustained must have been from the fight at her house, even though that wasn’t technically the deal.

Anyway, Adaine doesn’t care about her family so let’s not waste any time moving onto

Seacaster manor

Geez

OK, you guys. Let me tell you my buildup to the realization that Bill had to die.

In the first set of episodes, when tone was established, I said to myself, a parent is going to die. I don’t know who, but someone will.

Then, Bill gave them a training montage and I thought, curse of the mentor. He’s going to die. Besides, he’s one of the biggest parental figures and he’s larger than life–perfect for a fall.

Then Sklonda took down the Harvestmen and I briefly shifted my worry to her.

But then Fabian started clashing with Bill. And I remembered all the constant talk of his mortality.

And then, this ep, Brennan made him choose between his mom and dad and I was pretty sure. (sidenote: Fabian yelling at his mom the same ep Adaine said he has a great relationship with his mom. But, like, compared to her, maybe. Also, mean Brennan.)

And then Fabian lost an eye (with a description that still makes me wince) and I KNEW. Once he lost his eye, there was no way Bill could leave the fight alive, thematically.

Honestly, it was a wrap when Fabian played the video from his dad. I was worried he’d die before he got there. 

(It was a low blow, and I credit you that.)

Why were there Harvestmen attacking Fabian’s house and no one elses?

Fabian’s mom just drinking while the house is being raided.

I was so sure the tuxed Harvestman who attacked Fabian was going to turn out to somehow be Daybreak or something. Anyway, it has to come up again. There’s no reason for that level of detail otherwise. And tux sounds like prom attire.

Lou rolls a nat 1 and then rerolls it because he has the lucky trait. What’s funny is just started listening to NADNDPod and Murph (who reminded Lou about the lucky thing) disallowed one of his players from rerolling a nat 1 even w/ the lucky in the last ep I listened to. I don’t remember if the circumstances were different though.

Bill handcuffing himself up to keep fighting. Yikes.

Anyway, ugh that whole death scene. I would write more but this is closing in on 4k words and I’ve been working on this for hours. I just wanna say, that was a perfect way to go out for him. Killing 60 people and then getting stabbed by his son and exploding. So baller (as was Fabian jumping out the window onto his bike and catching Bill’s sword. He has so many cool swords now).

It’s a crime no one does animatics for this show.

We also got a piece of the puzzle. Bill was the one supplying the palimpsests (or at least one of the ones. who was doing it before?) not for an evil reason. Just a chaotic neutral reason of wanting to recapture the glory days. So now we know that.

I mentioned this before but…Fabian is Thor.

“I SHALL LEAP INTO HELL AND KILL THE DEVIL HIMSELF” and Bill Seacaster is dril apparently.

I love Fabian destroying the nice thing Bill said about him to preserve his legacy.

Ally: HE COULD HAVE SURVIVED.

I appreciate so much that Lou knew his character so well that without any hesitation he stabbed Bill and that was the right choice.

Whew, that was a lot.

Also, not that I don’t trust Brennan but it’s wild that Bill, the most thematically appropriate parent to die, was the only one who failed his roll apparently. 

Aww at Zelda’s message to Gorgug. She made him a playlist! So 80’s high school. It gives him a bonus! Also I really wanna know what’s on the list. Like, is it all fantasy rock puns or actual songs? Yay for Brennan giving them cool items for good RPing. 

Live band. Nice.

Emily and Zac both rolled 20’s for initiative for next week’s fight. Hopefully that’s a good omen. We have no way of knowing because THERE’S NO PROMO FOR NEXT WEEK.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

This isn’t edited. This is more than 4000 words. This is so long my computer is about to die. Thank you and goodnight. 

[theonceoverthinker]

OUAT 3X08 - Think Lovely Thoughts

We’re nearing the end of the arc and it’s just utter PANdemonium!

Shut up, Rumple! That was funny!

Anyway, to find out why, venture below the cut!

Press Release

Pan leads Henry to a secret cave, where he has convinced the boy that he alone can save magic and Neverland itself. But a showdown between good and evil is about to go down as Emma, Mary Margaret, David, Regina, Mr. Gold and Hook find themselves directly on a path to Pan in an effort to save Henry. Meanwhile, back in the Fairy Tale Land that was, young Rumplestiltskin is given a magical item that could help him make a fresh start with his father – who has been anything but a good dad.

Main Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness

Past

This flashback may have one of OUAT’s most mature messages: Sometimes, family can be bad and they need to be cut away from you. There’s no hope of reconciliation and not even a removed heart to blame for it all. Sometimes, they’re just garbage people and trying to keep them in your life will only hurt you.

Malcolm’s abandonemt is one of the most malicious abandonments ever shown on the show. Like, had it not been for Gothel, it would probably be number 1. Malcolm sneers as he tells Rumple he’s the only thing holding him back and then just throws him to the metaphorical wolves. It’s the meanest kind of break up and making it familial just makes it so much sadder.

Present

Our present segment is kind of like “Into the Deep.” Like that episode, its character work is expressed not through more open-and-shut story, but through character interactions in the midst of plot progression. For a series like OUAT, I think these episodes are important because there’s always so much going on and this style keeps up the momentum of the season and of the two I’ve seen, I’ve liked them both!

It’s fantastic seeing everyone come together, flaws and and anger and all. We haven’t reached the “look how far we’ve come moment” yet, but the payoff is starting to emerge. We see bits of hope of reconciliation between Rumple and Neal, Neal forcing Rumple to do right by David, Neal and Killian working together better...yeah, there’s a lot of Neal, and I like that! Neal’s becoming a real favorite of mine and I’m really sad we’re gonna lose him soon.

But honestly, Pan is the true star of this episode again. What makes Pan such a good villain is how well he exploits tropes. He knows what buttons to press to make heroes do what he wants them to. “All heroes are tested.” He knew Henry would go tip over to his side with a line like that. Because Henry loves these tropes so well, Pan has been able to play him like a fiddle and that bit of manipulation is terrifying and fascinating.

Insights - Stream of Consciousness

-”Follow the lead, gents.” Not even being subtle (And I use subtle loosely), are we? XD

-”You’d be better off without him [Rumple’s Papa].” Fuck yeah, he would be!

-Wow, watching this again shows me just how much “The Black Fairy’s” flashback fucked us over. Like, here, Malcolm doesn’t outright detest Rumple, there are just a million things he’d rather do than take care of Rumple. In “The Black Fairy’s” flashback, well, he outright hates Rumple from the second he learns of Fiona’s fate.

-Pan’s influence and manipulation, not over just Henry, but all of the Lost Boys, is incredible!

-I fucking love the Spinsters. They are such sweet old ladies! They offer to teach Rumple and they’re so friendly! Rumple, stay with them forever. Tell Malcolm to fuck off!

-”Names always make things better.” FUCK. YOU.

-”I didn’t think I had any talent.” Damn! That is so sad! Baby Rumple went through a good chunk of his childhood without any real positive reinforcement. Like, I want to say what that does to a person, but we already know and...DAMNN.

-”Your father will always be your burden, Rumplestiltskin.” Honey, you don’t know the half of it.

-OMG! Malcolm did the Rumple laugh! I love this show!

-”But you trust me. Don’t you son?” “I want to.” Holy shit. That line could’ve come JUST AS EASILY out of Rumple and Bae’s mouths.

-Rumple’s family is so freakin’ ass-y with fathers and sons! Gideon, either don’t have kids or have those Belle genes kick themselves into high gear!

-”You suddenly interesting in what I have to say? Thought I wasn’t to be trusted.” Rumple, shut up. Your karma evaporated for a damn good reason! Don’t act hoity toity!

-”No deals, no favors, understand?” YESS KING! This is what I’m talking about with Neal. He’s not giving Rumple a fucking INCH and why should he? I said this before and I’ll say it again. Neal’s death had nothing to do with Emma but EVERYTHING to do with Rumple because Rumple would never be allowed to be sleazy again had Neal stayed alive.

-*Rumple grabs Killian’s sword right from his waist* *Jenna grins like a fucking idiot*

-”Thanks mate.” *A bro nod is exchanged* *Jenna grins harder*

-”You did that for me?” Let’s talk about this line. This fucking line! Neal never had anyone try to save him like this as a kid and now he learns that the Darling family was even more amazing than he ever thought! I love this show!

-”You told her I was dead?” NOT NOW, RUMPLE!

-”It was easier than telling the truth -- my own father abandoned me.” *Jenna cries like a little bitch*

-*Malcom falls* KARMA, BITCH!

-God, Malcolm is creepy as fuck as he remembers Neverland. He looks like he belongs in an asylum.

-”Well apparently, that’s the only thanks I need these days.” *sighs* You don’t get it now, Rumple, but you will in about four seasons.

-”You promise not to be long?” More like, “You promise not to BELONG?”

-“Because you don’t belong.” Holy crap! I wasn’t wrong!

-”Are you okay?” Neal, Emma just did a fucking back flip! You tell me!

-Blocking the moon out to get rid of shadows? Emma, you are a fucking genius! <3

-Is it any coincidence that I’m fucking humming “Brandy” while watching this episode? Damn, Guardians 2 hit me.

-”Oh, it’s for the best, Rumple.” Part of me isn’t sure if that’s the best bedside manner or not. On one hand, Fuck Malcolm with a rusty nail-covered bat. On the other hand, he’s an emotionally distraught child.

-”Pleasure to see you too, Baelfire.” Pan is such a little shit!

Arcs - How Are These Storylines Progressing?

The Mission to Save Henry - “We’re all going back. Together.” I love how everyone is together for the crescendo of the arc’s “climax” (Or one of like, three of them)! As I said before, it really delivers on the payoff promised at the end of Season 2 and the beginning of Season 3.

Emma Accepting Your Parents - “Maybe it’s just you rubbing off on me, but I refuse to believe that.” Until that line was said, to be honest, I was torn between being cynical of Emma for her rigid thoughts on family and her inability to understand the nuance of the situation and prideful in the character development she showed by fighting for her family. But once that line was said, I was on the latter side HARD! Also, this follows Emma’s line of thinking throughout the rest of the episode! She really wants to keep her parents!

Regina’s Redemption - Another small, yet big sign of Regina’s redemption is Regina apologizing for insinuating that Emma shouldn’t have rescued Neal right to Rumple’s face. Good job!!!

Killian’s Redemption - If my arch enemy called me a “cowardly pirate,” I wouldn’t smile. I’d gut him. I’m gonna give Killian points for being better than me in that regard!

Rumple’s Redemption - Rumple’s redemption is handled so well here! He’s still an asshole, almost charging David for the Dreamshade cure, but he’s really cooperating with the group because he knows he’s the center of a lot of bad blood. He’s trying to earn their trust because he knows Henry’s life means more than him being the top dog. And seeing him overcome his internal issues with Pan only to still lose hurts so much as a result!

Favorite Dynamic

The Nevengers and Rumple. Oh My Stars! The group teamup against Rumple was dramatic in the best way EVER. Just...everyone slowly making these points against Rumple as he weakly tries to throw a case for himself together was dramatic, tense, and incredible. All of Rumple’s bad karma comes to a head at the worst possible time and it is GLORIOUS! And the tense peace they reach is just as great! All of that distrust still remains, threatening to shake things up going forward. ”You life so much as a finger to perform magic, you’re gonna spend eternity in this box.” YESSS, Neal! And eventually, Rumple’s honorable decisions are recognized by Emma, Neal, and Regina!

Writer

David Goodman and Robert Hull are today’s writers and after their stellar start this season with “Nasty Habits,” I had high hopes for them. And they did a fantastic job here! Everything comes together very naturally, the dialogue is super en pointe, and the pacing for the packed story is just amazing!

Rating

Golden Apple. What an awesome episode. It’s a great rush seeing the final pieces come together for the grand Neverland rescue, seeing everyone work together as a team and sniping at each other while cooperating, and getting a great and comprehensive flashback at the same time! Also, everyone feels really intelligent and earnest to who they are and want to be, making this episode feel more real. It’s honestly such a great time watching it!

-----

Thank you for reading and sorry again for the smaller review. I got caught up by my backlog after coming home from the con and losing two of my review days, so it looks like you’ll probably be getting four reviews next week. Still, I promise I’ll make something a lot better for next time to redeem myself! In the meantime, I really appreciate your patience with me! <3

Also, thanks as always to the fine folks at @watchingfairytales for putting this project together!

Season 3 Total (76/220)

Writer’s Scores: Adam and Eddy (19/60) Kalinda Vazquez (17/40) Andrew Chambliss (17/50) Jane Espenson (10/30) David Goodman (20/40) Robert Hull (20/40) Christine Boylan (10/20) Daniel Thomsen (10/30)

Operation Rewatch Archives

[killian-whump]

OUAT 3x04: Rewatch Liveblog

Hey guys! I'm back again with another rewatch liveblog. Man, I'm kinda storming through S3 so far, due to the lack of Killian whump in a lot of these early episodes. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll make up for that by spending a quarter of a century on the next episode :P

But before THAT episode, we have THIS one! It's episode 3x04, and it's called "Nasty Habits". Unfortunately, none of those habits seem to be torturing pirates, because there's only some Killian angst in this one.

Well, let's watch it anyway... ;)

Neal bondage. Way to start off an episode!

Shame I'm not that into Neal, though :/

Hahaha, and Felix isn't even good at tying people up. Theeeere goes Bae.

Gotta admit, his "I'm not a boy anymore, and I sure ain't lost" is kinda hot XD

Bae: "Papa, I told you: I don't want anymore gifts from the people you terrorize." Ummm. Rumple, that's super fucking creepy. Rumple: "Then what do you want?" LIKE, LITERALLY ANYTHING THAT ISN'T THAT.

Hey, solid question here, but why IS the Dark One still living in a hovel at this point?

Oh, totally unnecessary but kinda awesome warpaint time.

And creepy Belle conjuring time. I mean, kudos to you for maintaining your child-like wonder, Rumple, but having invisible friends at your age IS kinda weird. Just saying.

Although, I mean, it DOES do a solid job of giving Rumple a chance to tell the audience his own inner doubts and fears in a far less creepy way than having him literally talking to himself.

So there's that.

Wow, that's a really nice little miniature "Pan's Compound" made out of rocks and sticks. Did they all work together to gather the rocks and arrange everything so artfully? Or did one of them just sit there and do this on their own like the world's loneliest middle school art project? And if so, who?

"It's not the sticks you need to worry about. It's the poison they're dipped in." MEANINGFUL OMINOUS CAPTAIN CHARMING LOOK BEHOOOOOOOOLD

Tink: "One nick, and you'll spend the rest of yo-" Dave: "Poison sticks equal death. We got it." No, no, Dave. Let her finish. This sounds relevant to my interests.

Tink looks so cheerful as she says she's ready to go as soon as they tell her the exit plan. Oh, sweet summer child. You're obviously new here.

...ALL of their faces right here. They're all like, "Oh shit, we were hoping you wouldn't ask us that." Except Hook, who looks as vaguely amused by their reactions as we are.

Regina's SO happy to hear of Greg's demise. I FEEL YOU, GIRL. I FEEL YOU.

David: "what about you, Hook? You got off this island before." Hook: "Yes. Aboard my ship, which would require some form of magic to create a portal, which... I got from Pan, in a deal I don't think he's ready to repeat." TELL US MORE OR I SWEAR TO GOD

He can't even meet anyone's eyes as he says it, either. Just what WAS that deal, Hook? Don't make me imagine it. You won't like what I imagine. Mmmm. I like what I'm imagining...

More angst. Yum.

Ahh... Rumple hears the murmurings of conversation...

BAM! Poppy dust to the face! Why did he use poppy dust, though? I mean, I assume it's poppy dust, since it looked the same as when Tink knocked Regina out last episode - which was pointed out to be done with poppy dust.

OH, HEY LOOK, GUYS, IT'S BAELFIRE

HE'S NOT DEAD, EVERYBODY!

Don't act like you've already known that since last season, because that's just gonna make Rumple feel bad for being so behind on the news.

THIS IS WHERE A COMMERCIAL WOULD BE IF WE HAD ANY

True Story: I meant to do this rewatch post the other day, but when I sat down to watch the episode, it turned out my copy of 3x04 was somehow episode 4 of Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, so I had to go online and re-download the right episode, because of course I’m too lazy to rip my own videos. I just download them like the dirty pirate I am. Yarrrrrr.

Anyway, this episode seems to have slightly longer black breaks where the commercials were. Weird. Anyway...

SERIOUSLY, RUMPLE?!

We've already talked about how creepy it is, giving your kid "gifts" you stole from the people you torment with your dark magic.

Oh, look. Rumple's gone to Hamelin. And the children are missing. And there's a piper. And he wears a pied cloak. THIS SOUNDS FAMILIAR... (and I don't mean from the previous times I've seen this episode, you smart asses.)

Rumple: "Pan is too powerful. You can only beat him if you're willing to die... which I am." Ummm. But you were willing to die to save Henry because Baelfire was dead, and... and... I mean... *gestures vaguely* Neal: "What if I told you there was another way?"

No, apparently it involves attacking one of Kraken-san's friends and relations. Don't worry, guys, no krakens were harmed in the harvesting of this squid ink. This particular kraken lived long after this, and sired a bunch of tiny kraken babies who went on to plunder pirate butts all along the shores of Neverland after the realms were united in S7.

It's true. I made it up just now.

Hahahahaha, Regina. "What is this supposed to be?" Well, it looks like... a gigantic rock of some kind, but I'm no expert or anything.

Oh, it's the "hot" conversation. I love it XD And the way David snaps the rope away from Hook, like he doesn't need his piddly help. "And I'm plenty hot." Yeah, you sure are, Dave XD

Mmmm... Hook's so intense when he's talking to Dave. "Why don't you?"

"Oh, if there's one thing I've gleaned from you hero types, it's that there's always hope." <3

"Is there something you're not telling me... mate?" Oh, NOW he's your mate XD

"Alas, hope and reality are most often worlds apart." T_T

Sure, just shove him, Dave. Can't you see he's going through something here? Look how angsty he is. Like an angst burrito wrapped in black leather.

OH SHIT. NOT THIS AGAIN.

I love the way Emma calls out Hook’s name. It's so familiar <3

Come on, baby. You can light the torch this time. Just keep trying. You can do i- DAMMIT DAVE. Every time I watch this episode, you shove him out of the way and use your fancy shmancy modern lighter to light the torch. He's just an angsty pirate, trying the best he can with one hand and a hook T_T

Showin' him up in front of Emma and all that... SO MEAN T_T

Hook's face, tho XD

...and Emma's not even paying attention, anyway XD

On a more serious note, these kinds of bestings make me laugh. I love them all <3

Oh, back to Hamelin.

Yeah, follow those kids, Rumple. This is probably the only time saying that wouldn’t be super duper creepy.

Gee, that piper on the other side of the fire looks a bit familiar...

OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS, IT'S PETER FUCKING PAN D:

Pan really IS a little shit, though, isn't he? Hahaha. Such absolutely horrible things to say to your own kid. WORST PARENT ON THE SHOW. And there's a LOT of competition for that spot, let me tell you.

NM, I don't need to tell you. You all already know XD

"After all, being abandoned is what you're good at, isn't it?" JFC, dude, chill out or something. This isn't the Cruelty Olympics up in here. I'd know if it was. I'd be taking part... AND STILL SIDE-EYEING YOUR NASTY ASS.

Just kidding. Love you, boo. Keep being the best little shit this side of the sewage plant.

Hey, thanks a lot whichever one of you is responsible for this one. Now I can't watch this scene without thinking they're out of paper towels D:

Henry: "Sorry. I don't hear anything." Pan: "Interesting." I'll say.

Oh, so the sentries were knocked out by a sleeping spell... that looks exactly like a puff of poppy dust. Busy year in the effects department?

Pan: "Now, now, Felix. Where's your sense of adventure?" See, that's why I still love Pan, even though he's a complete piece of shit. He's a fun piece of shit. He really gets into his dastardly and deviant behavior.

JFC KNOCK IT OUT WITH THE LANTERNS NOW. I can only have so many orgas- OH, HI GUYS.

The way Colin pops those consonants on the word "important" XD I fucking love this man. Why is he so much the way he is?!

Hook: "He got it from his mother." OH GOD, BABY. Somebody hold me. I can't handle the look on his face after he says that. Oh shit. I've revealed feelings. RUN AWAY.

"Yes, because pre-teen Baelfire probably made lots of pasta." Never change, Regina. You’re my boo and you always will be <3

This scene is really pretty, though. I love the soft yellow glow coming out of the coconut and the stars across the ceiling. Pretty <3

THEY'RE STILL OUT OF PAPER TOWELS. Goddammit, you guys.

Wow. That was a powerful gust of magic. I wonder who could've been responsible for that?

Pan: "We have a guest!" Ummm... Hate to break it to you, but your party literally dropped dead asleep about 2 seconds ago, so nobody's listening XD

Pan: "Who could it be?" I WONDER.

Slick move there, Neal. I might just start to like you again, after all. Hope you don't die in the second half of the season or anything...

Awww. The sad thing is, the viewer knows Rumple actually isn't here to murder Henry, but poor Rumple - Neal doesn't know that :/

I actually hate storylines like this. I'd rather be kept in the dark. It's so frustrating when you know shit that the characters don't know. Key reason why I'm not into S1 very much, actually. But you didn't hear that from me. Remember: I only dislike it 'cos there's no pirates ;)

Neal: "It's Neal!" Wow. Getting really loud there, Bae- sorry, Neal. Oops.

Ahhhhh, Peter Pan, you little shit. Causing more trouble.

Neal: "We're safer without you." Ummm... Are you, though? Are you really?

"Nothing is going to happen to you. Not while I'm here." Oh, Mary Margaret. About that... Heh. Heh heh. Hmm.

Hey, look guys. It's Neal, and he's found the heroes' campsite!

...and now he's been caught by Pan. I hate to say I told you so, Neal, and I hate to say Rumple told you so, as well, but...

LITERALLY EVERYONE TOLD YOU SO, YOU IDIOT.

Ahahahaha, "Never break in somewhere unless you know the way out." Peter Pan taught him that. Nice one, show. I forgot about that detail.

"I'll remember that for next time." Ummm... Wait. What.

Dammit show. You giveth and you taketh away.

Poor Jared, hahaha. He spends most of this episode being fireman carried by various people. Acting is so glamorous.

Ooooh, a good old-fashioned manhandling right here. Love it.

It still bothers me that Rumple's entire reason for living is Bae. I mean, having (Rumple!)Belle literally saying that now that Neal's alive, Rumple has a reason for living again... It just makes me feel bad about that ship?

:/

JFC WOULD SOMEONE GO TO THE STORE AND BUY MORE PAPER TOWELS FOR THESE BOYS?!?!

NOW HENRY HAS THE EMPTY PAPER TOWEL ROLLS

What are they even paying you people for?!

Wait. I'm not getting paid. Why are you guys getting paid if I'm not getting paid? Dammit, I quit.

PEW PEW PEW PEEEEEEEEEEW

[taaroko]

Post-IW MCU Rewatch: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Here we go, Winter Soldier. I somehow never watch this one outside of marathons, even though I know it’s amazing. 

ON YOUR LEFT

Steve and Nat’s friendship is awesome. I love how invested she is in his love life and how confused he is by that.

“Well, all the guys from my barbershop quartet are dead, so no, not really.” I’m still trying to figure out how to define Steve’s sense of humor. It’s like quiet, deadpan understatement? I guess? I love it.

That shield looks pretty dingy, Cap. Could do with a wash.

There’s a really random sting in the score when Nat attacks a dude, and for a second you think it’s going to be a kinda retro spy score, but then it’s just over. Weird.

Steve has by now adjusted quite well to being a part of modern tactical missions, if less so to being a part of modern everyday life.

This French pirate dude really likes his unnecessary acrobatics.

Bonus points to Cap for doing trash talk in French.

One of the best parts about Steve and Nat’s friendship is how seamlessly they work together in battle. Whenever there’s something dangerous (especially explosions) on the way, she hunkers down or grabs onto him and lets him and his shield do the work, and they don’t even have to signal each other.

“Last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye.” Oooooh I wonder if that has anything to do with the Skrulls in Captain Marvel. Can’t wait to find out.

“I thought the punishment usually came after the crime.” “By holding a gun to everyone on earth and calling it protection.” “This isn’t freedom. This is fear.” Cap is not down with your surveillance state or pre-crime nonsense.

I love the awed little kid who spots him. So cute.

*pauses on Bucky’s memorial* “When Bucky Barnes first met Steve Rogers on the playgrounds of Brooklyn, little did he know that he was forging a bond that would take him to the battlefields of Europe and beyond. Born in 1916, Barnes grew up the oldest child of four. An excellent athlete who also excelled in the classroom, Barnes enlisted in the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After winter training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, Barnes and the rest of the 107th shipped out to the Italian front. Captured by Hydra troops later that fall, Barnes endured long periods of isolation, depravation, and torture. But his will was strong. In an ironic twist of fate, his prison camp was liberated by none other than his childhood friend, Steve Rogers, now Captain America. Reunited, Barnes and Rogers led Captain America’s newly formed unit, the Howling Commandos. Barnes’s marksmanship was invaluable as Rogers and his team destroyed Hydra bases and disrupted Nazi troop movements throughout the European Theater.

Wait a second. Up top, the thing says he was born in 1916, but at the bottom, it says he lived from 1917-1944. Wow. Nice continuity there, guy in charge of putting words and numbers on a single pane of glass.

Peggy! “He saved over a thousand men, including the man who would become my husband.” Yes and that man was Daniel Sousa. Oh hey, photos of Peggy with her kids! She had at least one son and one daughter. It’s hard to tell if the girl with her in the first picture is the same one as in the second picture.

The effect to make Hayley look old isn’t nearly as good as the effect to make Chris look skinny. It’s rather off-putting, actually. But oh man her dementia is so heartbreaking. “Well I couldn’t leave my best girl. Not when she owes me a dance.” *sobbing*

“What makes you happy?” “I don’t know.” *more sobbing* Everything that made Steve happy is seventy years gone. Steve is never not sad. No wonder he refuses to compromise for a second when it comes to Bucky.

The attack on Fury’s car is so nerve-wracking and he handles it so well. I wonder if Sam Jackson imagined he was going to get so much cool stuff to do in this role when he agreed to be in the end credits stinger of Iron Man.

The Winter Soldier’s introduction is masterful.

So...Fury pretty much got out of that by using his lightsaber. :D

Hi Sharon! This is some cute flirting.

“My wife kicked me out.” Was it because you insisted on taking your super-suit out for some daring do?

There it is. That Winter Soldier music. *shiver*

I totally bought Fury’s death when I saw this in theaters. Not sad that it turned out to be a ruse (I will never be sad about Marvel pulling character death-related punches), but I do think those bullet wounds were a little too convincing.

“To build a really better world sometimes means having to tear the old one down.” Heh. Except Cap is going to be tearing down your “better” world and standing up for the best parts of the old one.

Elevator fight! I love how observant Steve is. He’s always been that way. Just quietly taking in everything around him and putting it together. He’s brilliant. And then “It kinda feels personal.” Bahaha.

So if Steve falls a couple hundred feet and lands on his shield, it absorbs the impact ‘cause it’s vibranium?

Holy crap he took down a quinjet with just his shield.

I am not a fan of Nat’s straight hair in this one, especially with that center part. But it’s still better than how it looks in Infinity War. Especially the eyebrows.

Undercover engaged hipster couple Steve/Nat is so great. Steve is so bad at it and it’s adorable.

“Public displays of affection make people very uncomfortable.” “Yes, they do.”

I love Nat putting her feet on the dash.

There’s no way Nat didn’t know who Peggy Carter was. She asked Steve to gage his reaction.

They are pretty far underground, in a bunker. How did the missile even affect them? Did they make a special chute for the missile to go into in case they needed to blow up the base? Doesn’t look like it.

The design for Zola’s computer face is effectively creepy.

Hydra’s plan is so insidious and horrifying. Screw up the world on purpose until people want to trade their privacy and freedom for security.

That’s a really pathetic amount of milk Pierce poured himself. Like two inches in a really tall glass. Weird.

So...I guess Sam has a straightener. For some reason. Why couldn’t they have just let Nat’s hair stay wavy?

Steve is so sweet with Nat. She’s numbly horrified that she might’ve been working for the bad guys this whole time and he’s all nice and reassuring. Aww.

Senator Stern arranging for a young prostitute with Sitwell is gross.

Nat: *kicks a guy off the roof* *immediately transitions to asking Steve about girls he could be asking out*

Okay how does Sam have access to military equipment like his wing pack when he’s not on active duty?

STEPHEN STRANGE. How is he already on Hydra’s radar? There’s no way Zola’s algorithm accounts for magic, and even if it does, how can it possibly predict that he’d become a master of it several years down the line? It’s not like he was dabbling in it in his surgeon days. That came about as the result of a freak car accident! Pfft. They clearly only threw that reference in there to get people freaking out about a possible future Doctor Strange movie. 

Bye Sitwell.

Hehe, as soon as the Winter Soldier shows up, Nat crawls into Steve’s lap ‘cause she knows he’s gonna have to make an insane exit and she will be PREPARED.

Okay I never noticed that Bucky ripped the freaking steering wheel out.

Gah, Steve getting tossed off the bridge and into the bus looks so incredibly painful.

So Bucky has now shot Nat twice. (I still ship it.)

There are some excellent kicks and knife fighting moves in this showdown. And the way the music ramps up is hair-raising.

I hate Runlow so much.

Maria is awesome.

Um, hi, Joe Russo. He plays Fury’s doctor! Dang! No role for Anthony, though.

“I’m with you to the end of the line.”

Yesss. Vintage Cap. And the shield is clean now! Symbolism!

HI DANNY PUDI. (Apparently Alison Brie was going to be Sharon Carter, but she had scheduling conflicts.)

I love this brave curly-haired kid. This is courage. He has no power and he’s so scared he might wet himself, but he will not launch those helicarriers even with a gun to his head.

Shouldn’t have helped SHIELD with that repulsor tech, Tony.

Okay, I guess Steve can tuck and roll to land a fifty foot drop without using the shield.

These helicarriers store their data in a really strange way.

“We’re the only air support Captain Rogers has got!” *all immediately get shot down and blown up by the Winter Soldier* Whoops.

I wonder if we’re gonna find out more about Bogota in Captain Marvel.

STEVE IS A CRAZY PERSON. You do not jump before you know you have your ride!

It’s a good thing Bucky neither knew nor cared what that data blade was.

I’d love to read a fic that’s just Steve and Thor sitting around talking about all the times Bucky and Loki have shot and/or stabbed them.

Sam has the correct reaction to Runlow’s nonsense.

Why is Jeremy Irons on the list of targets? I wish they’d put more Easter eggs in here, like the names of the Netflix Marvel characters and the Agents of Shield characters. It would’ve been an extremely unobtrusive way for the movies to reference the shows, instead of it always being one-sided.

It’s a good thing they were planning on firing after the count of 3, not on the count of 3.

Steve, you really need to work on your attitude towards exit strategies.

HOW did Runlow survive that?!

Steve would rather Bucky kill him than live in a world where Bucky can’t be saved. And that’s what saves Bucky. *wibble*

“On your left.” Bahaha.

Hi Pietro and Wanda!

Winter Soldier is awesome. I love a well-earned, narratively consistent game changer. One thing I definitely did not expect the MCU to do back then was buck the status quo, but they did it in a huge way, and they did it extremely effectively. I was deeply impressed. And it still holds up even looking back now. The way they tackle the issue of surveillance is very effective. Probably the best thing about this movie is that they realized that Steve Rogers was not going to work as a character if he adapted too much to modern times. Instead, they derived much of their conflict from the disconnect between Steve and his surroundings, and they added a deeply emotional connection at the core of it. Steve ultimately succeeds against Hydra and in getting through to Bucky by shedding his modern trappings and affiliations and going back to what he always was, complete with the old outfit and the shiny clean shield. Steve Rogers reminds us of the ideals America is supposed to stand for. Freedom, justice, honor, and truth. He makes us want to be more like that. Take a note, DC; this is the kind of thing you should’ve been doing with Superman. This is how you make a paragon character we can still be deeply invested in even as we look up to him. (They did a pretty good job with Diana, but the real test will be how she adapts in a more modern stand-alone film.)

Another great thing about this is that they kind of dumped all the side characters from Avengers into Steve’s story. As the First Avenger and as a man out of time, this a brilliant way to give him a new supporting cast without it being jarring and forcing us to spend a ton of time getting to know everyone. We already know Fury, Nat, and Maria and like them, so we’re perfectly prepared to watch them being awesome without feeling like it takes something away from Steve. We know the World Security Council. We know SHIELD. And then there’s Peggy, the Smithsonian exhibit, and Bucky that are all from Steve’s time. It’s a very solid foundation onto which we can add Sam, Sharon, Pierce, and Runlow. It just works so well. And Hydra manages to be even more frightening as an evil organization than it was in the first movie, when it was honestly kind of silly. (So many bonus points for how that played out in Agents of SHIELD, too. As far as I’m concerned, that was when the show finally got good, and it has steadily gotten better since.)

[blueares]

Ruination Rewrite: Bilgewater

Bilgewater Part I

The next day, you step into the map room to find that all the Sentinels have already gathered… All but one.

“Where’s Jayce?”

“Aren’t we missing somebody?”

Jayce: “Sorry for the wait, everyone. It took longer than I thought, but the Mercury Hammer MK II is ready to go.”

Gwen: “My goodness! That’s quite the contraption you’ve made, Mr. Hammer.”

Lucian: “Hot damn, you really pulled it off? Hextech plus Relicstone… Think you could upgrade one of my guns, son?”

Jayce: “If I had a proper lap here, maybe. That said, the MK II is still in its experimental phases. I’ll need to test it out in the field to get more conclusive data.”

“Uh, that thing won’t explode, right?”

“So you don’t even know if it works?”

Jayce: “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. I just need some targets to test this baby out on.”

Senna: “Then I guess you’re in luck. If there are no objections, our next stop is Buhru in the Blue Flame Isles. We were in contact with the Sentinel outpost there when it fell, but with any luck, Fetu and his allies may have survived.”

“No objections here, ma’am!”

“Destination set! Next stop: the Blue Flame Isles!”

In a flash, the Wayfinder brings you to Buhru, where you quickly find that the Sentinel Outpost stands in ruins. You look around briefly, hoping for some sign of Fetu, but to no avail.

Riven: “Doesn’t look like anyone’s here.”

Lucian: “Plenty of Mist, though. The fetter’s bound to be around here, somewhere.”

You peer out across the ocean toward the neighboring isles, hoping for some clue as to what direction the Black Mist is heading. As you search, you hear stones skidding behind you, as well as the cocking of a gun.

???: “Nobody move!”

You wheel around to see a scruffy-looking man with a sizable, double-barreled cannon staring you down.

???: “Well well, looks like I finally caught the perpetrators in the act.”

“Perpetrators? Whatever you think we’ve done, we’re innocent!”

“Uh, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding…”

Graves: “Uh huh. You really think it’s that ease to pull one over on Malcom Graves? Only one man I know who can make a whole group of people appear in an instant. So…”

Graves casually places a cigar in his mouth, his shotgun leveled at you the entire time.

Graves: “I’m gonna give you all one chance to fess up ��fore I blow ya into the water. Where the hell is Twisted Fate!?”

Bilgewater Part II

“Twisted Fate? That’s a dumb name.”

“Twisted Fate? That’s an awesome name!”

Graves response 1: “That’s what I keep tellin’ him, but… Oh no, you’re not gonna distract me that easy.”

Graves response 2: “…Son, you got a lot to learn, not that you’ll have the chance if ya don’t fess up!”

Diana: “We know no one by that name. It was the Wayfinder’s light that brought us here.”

Graves: “The what now? Now you’re just makin’ up-”

Graves is cut short as the sound of wagon wheels suddenly fills the air, accompanied by the sound of inhuman growling.

Olaf: “Wait! Something approaches!”

Graves: “Ah hell, he’s back!”

Suddenly, a shadow passes over you and the other Sentinels. You gaze up to witness something that defies belief: an undead warrior riding through the air on a chariot pulled by a trio of spectral sharks.

Lucian: “…You have got to be kidding me.”

Jayce: “Heads up! That thing’s coming right for us!”

Sure enough, the charioteer turns around and makes a divebomb right for your group. At Senna’s command, the Sentinels open fire, causing the spectral sharks to turn and slam into the ruins. The charioteer soon loses control and finds himself being dragged back out to sea, vanishing into the Black Mist.

Graves: “Well I’ll be… That bastard’s been followin’ me for days, but he didn’t so much as flinch when I shot at him! You all, though… You actually managed to scare him off!”

“We’re Sentinels. It’s what we do.”

“Our guns are better than yours.”

Shen: “We haven’t the time to boast. We must find the fetter as soon as possible.”

Graves: “Now hold on a damn minute! You lot still haven’t told me where my partner is!”

Vayne: “Don’t know, don’t care. You’re outnumbered and outgunned, so I’d suggest you get out of the way before we BLOW you into ocean.”

Gwen: “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Scruffy. I do wish we could help you find your friend, but we… Oh!”

As Gwen approaches Graves, a familiar light emanates from her chest. That same begins to shine from an item on Graves’ belt. Perplexed, Graves unhooks the item in question to reveal a silver handbell that resonates with Gwen and Senna.

Graves: “What in tarnation?”

“It’s the fetter!”

“He’s got it!”

Jayce: “Huh. That was surprisingly easy.”

The Sentinels quickly advance on Graves, who tries to keep you at bay by raising his shotgun.

Graves: “Now hold on a minute. I’ve still got a lot of questions for you all, and- What the!?”

A familiar shadow appears behind Graves and snatches the bell from his hand.

Vex: “I’ll just be taking that.”

Vex turns and begins running further inland, fetter in hand.

Graves: “Hey! Come back here you little rodent!”

Senna: “She’s got the fetter! Sentinels, after her!”

Bilgewater Part III

The Sentinels give chase through the thick vegetation of Buhru, pushing through the undead that try to hinder their path. Vex and her shadow remain a step ahead, getting further and further away despite your best efforts.

Graves: *Pant. Pant.* “Get back here with my meal ticket, ya little rascal!”

Vayne: “Why is he still here?”

Senna: “Nevermind him! Just don’t lose sight the fetter!”

Graves: “This is why I hate yordles!”

“Shen, can’t you do something?”

“Jayce, can’t you do something?”

Shen (if option 1 is picked): “Something in this land is barring my entry to the Spirit Realm! We will have to pursue on foot!”

Jayce (if option 2 is picked): “Sorry, I used up my last Acceleration Gate back in Viktor’s lab! Haven’t had a chance to make more!”

With no other options, you continue to follow Vex on foot. Finally, you see her racing up a flight of stone stairs toward before vanishing from sight. By the time you reach the top of the stairs, all that awaits you is an empty village.

Riven: “Where did she go!?”

Lucian: “Damn it… We lost her.”

Senna: “She can’t have gotten far! Spread out and search for her!”

On Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels fan out across the village, searching through the remnants of homes for any trace of Vex and the fetter.

Graves: “Tch. No sign of the furball anywhere. It’s just like Tobias always says: don’t mess with yordles.”

“Tobias? You mean Twisted Fate?”

“Why are you following me?”

Graves response 1: “Yup. Tobias Felix. Better known, for better or worse, as Twisted Fate. But, uh, you didn’t hear his real name from me, got it?”

Graves response 2: “Well, given my prior experience with yordles, I’m thinkin’ you could use the backup.” (Better you get turned into a frog this time instead of me, kid.)

You and Graves continue to explore the village together, peeking into abandoned houses and under crumbling serpent statues. Your search yields no results, until…

*BOOM!*

A building further uphill suddenly explodes, starling you and Graves to your feet.

“What was that!?”

“Please tell me there aren’t exploding ghosts here.”

Graves: “No idea, but in my professional experience, runnin’ TOWARD explosions ain’t exactly conventionally wise. That said, conventional wisdom also don’t make much of a profit in Bilgewater. Come on!”

You follow Graves toward the source of the explosion to the burning building. You find Vex laying on the ground, pulling herself out of the fire.

Vex: *Cough* *Wheeze* “WHAT THE HECK!? Did you seriously just try to BLOW ME UP!?”

A figure leans down to snatch the fetter out of Vex’s hand, keeping a gun trained on her the entire time.

???: “I know it’ll take more than THAT to kill a yordle, but your little shadow friend won’t be disturbin’ us for a while, at least. Now then, what have we here…?”

Graves: “Oh hell. Are my eyes playin’ tricks on me? That can’t be…”

???: “Malcolm Graves. Well well, today is just full o’ surprises!”

Graves: “Damn. It IS you. You’re supposed to be dead! Ah, but hell… This is the Mist’s doin’ too, ain’t it? Missy fortune blew you and your ship to the bottom of the ocean!”

???: “Oh I remember, but much like the yordle here, it’ll take more than a few dozen barrels of gunpowder to kill ME.”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but I’m gonna need that bell, if you don’t mind.”

“Wow, that was pretty impressive, taking down Vex like that. Now, about the fetter…”

???: “Hmph. What’s this, Graves? Got yourself a new partner? Good. I can send him to the bottom of the sees with ya!”

Graves: “Kid, remember what I said earlier about conventional wisdom? Well, this here’s just plain common sense: you don’t wanna pick a fight with Gangplank.”

Bilgewater Part IV

Gangplank stares you down as the flames burn behind him. Wraiths begin to emerge from the Mist all around you, drawn by the commotion, but seem hesitant to approach. Behind you, the Sentinels race onto the scene, weapons ready.

Lucian: “Rookie, what’s goin’ on?”

“This old pirate took the fetter!”

“This old pirate managed to take down Vex!”

Diana: “Seriously? Maybe we should invite HIM to join us.”

Gangplank: “I’m not interested in joinin’ YOUR crew, girl. I’m getting back my own, and this bell here… This bell’s the key to doing just that.”

Shen: “You know not what you hold. Surrender the fetter, or there will be consequences.”

Olaf: “Don’t just stand around and threaten him! Let’s grab it!”

Vayne: “For once, I agree with this idiot.”

The Sentinels quickly begin to advance on Gangplank, only to find themselves unable to take a single step toward him. Looking down, you see a massive shadow spanning the ground beneath your feet. Vex quickly stands and brushes herself off.

Vex: “Wow. They actually fell for it. You Sentinels are bigger losers than I thought.”

Gangplank: “It’s like I said, Vex: to catch a fish, you just need the right bait.”

“You two are working together?”

“What’s going on here?”

Vex: “Isn’t it obvious? Ugh, whatever. I’m not obligated to explain myself.”

The wraiths begin to close in on you, though your movements are still sluggish thanks to Vex’s shadow. You and the other Sentinels struggle to free yourselves, though you quickly realize that you are completely at Vex’s mercy. Even so, as you look around amongst your allies, you get the sense that someone is missing…

Gangplank: “Don’t get the wrong idea: this is nothing personal. I just need you Sentinels out of the way if I’m to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

The wraiths latch onto, their claws digging into your flesh. You can feel them sapping your life force, but just as your vision starts to blur, something lands between Gangplank and Vex: a metal cannister. Suddenly, another explosion knocks the two of them off their feet, causing the shadow beneath you to dissipate.

Graves: “Common sense ain’t exactly my forte either!”

Now unfettered by Vex’s magic, the Sentinels are free to draw their weapons and retaliate against the onslaught of undead. You feel a sudden revitalizing energy course through your body as Senna drives the wraiths off of you.

Senna: “You alright, Rookie?”

“I’m fine! Thanks!”

“Don’t worry about me! Get the fetter!”

You turn to see Gangplank and Vex quickly scrambling to their feet.

Vex: “Ugh! This is so not cool! You were all supposed to like, fall into despair while getting turned into wraiths!”

Gangplank: “This isn’t over yet! Vex, get me to Bilgewater, and you’ll see their despairing faces yet!”

Vex: “Ugh, you’re not the boss of me… Fine. Guess I don’t have much choice!”

Vex summons her shadow again and conjures a portal in the Mist, through which she and Gangplank beat a hasty retreat.

Jayce: “Damn! They’re getting away!”

Senna: “Not for long! After them, Sentinels!”

On Senna’s orders, you all give chase through the shadowy gateway, diving in one after the order. Finally, you dive in last, finding yourself utterly drenches in darkness as the portal closes behind you…  

Bilgewater Part V

You stumble out of the darkness to find yourself assaulted by the most putrid smell you’ve ever experienced. All around you are the remnants of decaying sea creatures, most of which are several times larger than a person.

Gwen: “My word! What is this awful place!?”

Graves: “I’d recognize this homely smell anywhere! This is the Slaughter Docks!”

Vayne: “You’re still here?”

Graves: “Can’t get rid of Malcolm Graves that easy! ‘Sides, divin’ through an ominous portal beats fightin’ a whole pack of undyin’ ghosts on my own… Not that I was really takin’ all that into account at the time.”

“Where’s Gangplank?”

“Where’s Vex?”

Diana: “That cannot have gone far… Look! There they are!”

Diana points to far end of the dock. Sure enough, you see Gangplank and Vex talking at the far end, as well as a third figure…

Viego: “Well done, Captain… And you as well, Vex.”

Riven: “Uh oh.”

Lucian: “Viego!”

Jayce: “THAT’S the Ruined King? Huh. I thought he’d be bigger.”

Olaf: “Aye, but don’t be fooled! He’s a worthy foe, indeed…”

Viego: “Ah, the Sentinels. I see you have survived. No matter. You are far too late to stop me now.”

Senna: “We’ll see about that! Everyone, in formation! This is what we trained for!”

Vex: “Ugh, seriously? Do you guys ever stop? Your whole ‘never say die’ thing is really getting on my nerves.”

Viego: “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to waste on entertaining you all now, as I did in Ionia. I have simply come to retrieve what is mine and take my leave.”

Viego takes the bell out of Gangplank’s hand and clutches it tight. As he did in Demacia, the Ruined King appears to absorb the power within the fetter, leaving it hollow.

Senna: “Open fire!”

Senna, Lucian, Jayce and Vayne all let loose a volley of Relic light that briefly illuminates the docks. Shortly thereafter, Gwen charges into the fray with Olaf and Riven, surrounding them in Hallowed Mist to keep the wraiths at bay. Shen takes hold if Diana and vanishes into the spirit realm. Moments later, the two of them reappear behind Viego and lash out with their blades while Riven, Gwen and Olaf attempt to catch him in a pincer attack.

Viego raises his blade to deflect the blow Shen and Diana, while Vex summons her shadow to keep the other three at bay.

Viego: “I see you have improved since our last encounter, but it is still not enough!”

With a snap of his fingers, Viego wills the Black Mist into the dead sea beasts littered across the Slaughter Docks. Giants squids, razor fins, and all manner of other creatures roar to unlife as they pry themselves free of their hooks. Soon, the Sentinels find themselves cut off from Viego by the reborn creatures of the deep.

Viego: “Do you see? My influence knows no bounds.”

Gangplank: “Aye, you’re the real deal, alright. And speakin’ of deals, I kept up my end of the bargain: I help you reclaim your queen, you help me take back my throne!”

Viego: “Hmph. Very well. I am a generous king, and I always keep my word.”

To your horror, Viego plunges his sword through Gangplank’s chest. Black Mist courses around the old pirate, transforming him in the blink of an eye.

Lucian: “Damn it! What’s that old fool doing?”

Gangplank: “I’m reclaiming… WHAT’S MINE!”

Gangplank raises his sword, which ignites with spectral green flame.

Gangplank: “My ship, my crew, my city! Everything Sarah Fortune took from me!”

Suddenly, a massive ship erupts from the ocean behind Gangplank. Its sails are tattered, its hull covered in holes and barnacles, and its crew consisting entirely of spectres.

Graves: “Ah, hell! That’s the Dead Pool! I barely got off that ship alive!”

Gangplank: “Oh yes Graves, I remember. This time, I’ll finish what I started. Volley fire!”

The Dead Pool’s cannons angle upwards and rain down a volley of spectral iron across the Slaughter Docks. At Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels run for cover within a nearby alcove, while Viego and Vex calmly slip away among the chaos.

Riven: “We’ve got to get out of here!”

Senna: “Damn it, I know! Rookie, get us out of here!”

At Senna’s command, you wind of the Wayfinder and allow its light to carry you all out of danger. The cries of undead sea monsters and the sound of cannonfire fall silent as you stumble back into headquarters.

“That was too close.”

“Is everyone alright?”

Gwen response 1: “Quite right. Although… It seems we have another unexpected guest!”

Gwen response 2: “Everyone seems present and accounted for… Including Mr. Scruffy!”

Graves: *Whistles* “So that’s the Wayfinder doohickey you mentioned? Bet somethin’ like that would go for a lot of money on black market.”

A bolt of light suddenly whizzes past Graves’ head, trimming off a few hairs.

Graves: “YOW!”

Vayne: “Why. Are you. Still here?”

Senna: “Rookie, you’ve gotta start checking your surroundings before you use that Wayfinder.”

“My bad.”

“In my defense, it was a pretty chaotic situation.”

Lucian: “Now hang on. Maybe this ain’t as bad as it looks.”

Senna: “Lucian, please tell me you’re not about suggest what I think you are.”

Lucian: “He DID save our hides back in Buhru.”

Senna: “He’s also an outlaw and a thief. He stole the fetter AND just admitted to wanting to steal the Wayfinder.”

Lucian: “Look, we’ve dealt with worse, and we can’t be too picky when we’re trying to save the world.”

Graves: “Now just hold on a minute. Save the world? Listen, buddy, I ain’t no hero-type. I only came along to keep from getting blow apart by Gangplank or eaten alive by ghost fish. I ain’t plannin’ to stick around.”

“What if we could help you find your missing partner?”

“What if we could help you hide from Gangplank?”

Graves: “…Although, upon reconsiderin’, I hear the hero business is very profitable these days.”

Vayne: “Rookie, for once, could it have hurt to keep your mouth shut?”

Olaf: “Hmph. I like this man. He reminds me of Lokfar!”

Senna: *Sigh* “Alright, fine. Gwen, you know what to do. Just… Keep an eye on him.”

Gwen: “Yes, ma’am!”

Gwen leads Graves further into the Sentinel vault, though Vayne accompanies them to assist in keeping Graves out of trouble. After several minutes, the three finally re-emerged with Vayne pointing her crossbow at Graves’ back.

Vayne: “I caught him eyeing the fetter. Are you sure we can’t just shoot him?”

Graves: “Hey now, I was only lookin’! Out of curiosity, though, how much would ya say that fancy parasol is worth?”

Senna: “I know I’m gonna regret this, but… Come on, Sentinel Graves. Let’s get you sworn in.”

[infinite-xerath]

Runeterra Retcons: Ruination Episode (Bilgewater)

Bilgewater Part I

The next day, you step into the map room to find that all the Sentinels have already gathered… All but one.

“Where’s Jayce?”

“Aren’t we missing somebody?”

Jayce: “Sorry for the wait, everyone. It took longer than I thought, but the Mercury Hammer MK II is ready to go.”

Gwen: “My goodness! That’s quite the contraption you’ve made, Mr. Hammer.”

Lucian: “Hot damn, you really pulled it off? Hextech plus Relicstone… Think you could upgrade one of my guns, son?”

Jayce: “If I had a proper lap here, maybe. That said, the MK II is still in its experimental phases. I’ll need to test it out in the field to get more conclusive data.”

“Uh, that thing won’t explode, right?”

“So you don’t even know if it works?”

Jayce: “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. I just need some targets to test this baby out on.”

Senna: “Then I guess you’re in luck. If there are no objections, our next stop is Buhru in the Blue Flame Isles. We were in contact with the Sentinel outpost there when it fell, but with any luck, Fetu and his allies may have survived.”

“No objections here, ma’am!”

“Destination set! Next stop: the Blue Flame Isles!”

In a flash, the Wayfinder brings you to Buhru, where you quickly find that the Sentinel Outpost stands in ruins. You look around briefly, hoping for some sign of Fetu, but to no avail.

Riven: “Doesn’t look like anyone’s here.”

Lucian: “Plenty of Mist, though. The fetter’s bound to be around here, somewhere.”

You peer out across the ocean toward the neighboring isles, hoping for some clue as to what direction the Black Mist is heading. As you search, you hear stones skidding behind you, as well as the cocking of a gun.

???: “Nobody move!”

You wheel around to see a scruffy-looking man with a sizable, double-barreled cannon staring you down.

???: “Well well, looks like I finally caught the perpetrators in the act.”

“Perpetrators? Whatever you think we’ve done, we’re innocent!”

“Uh, I think there’s been some kind of misunderstanding…”

Graves: “Uh huh. You really think it’s that ease to pull one over on Malcom Graves? Only one man I know who can make a whole group of people appear in an instant. So…”

Graves casually places a cigar in his mouth, his shotgun leveled at you the entire time.

Graves: “I’m gonna give you all one chance to fess up ‘fore I blow ya into the water. Where the hell is Twisted Fate!?”

Bilgewater Part II

“Twisted Fate? That’s a dumb name.”

“Twisted Fate? That’s an awesome name!”

Graves response 1: “That’s what I keep tellin’ him, but… Oh no, you’re not gonna distract me that easy.”

Graves response 2: “…Son, you got a lot to learn, not that you’ll have the chance if ya don’t fess up!”

Diana: “We know no one by that name. It was the Wayfinder’s light that brought us here.”

Graves: “The what now? Now you’re just makin’ up-”

Graves is cut short as the sound of wagon wheels suddenly fills the air, accompanied by the sound of inhuman growling.

Olaf: “Wait! Something approaches!”

Graves: “Ah hell, he’s back!”

Suddenly, a shadow passes over you and the other Sentinels. You gaze up to witness something that defies belief: an undead warrior riding through the air on a chariot pulled by a trio of spectral sharks.

Lucian: “…You have got to be kidding me.”

Jayce: “Heads up! That thing’s coming right for us!”

Sure enough, the charioteer turns around and makes a divebomb right for your group. At Senna’s command, the Sentinels open fire, causing the spectral sharks to turn and slam into the ruins. The charioteer soon loses control and finds himself being dragged back out to sea, vanishing into the Black Mist.

Graves: “Well I’ll be… That bastard’s been followin’ me for days, but he didn’t so much as flinch when I shot at him! You all, though… You actually managed to scare him off!”

“We’re Sentinels. It’s what we do.”

“Our guns are better than yours.”

Shen: “We haven’t the time to boast. We must find the fetter as soon as possible.”

Graves: “Now hold on a damn minute! You lot still haven’t told me where my partner is!”

Vayne: “Don’t know, don’t care. You’re outnumbered and outgunned, so I’d suggest you get out of the way before we BLOW you into ocean.”

Gwen: “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Scruffy. I do wish we could help you find your friend, but we… Oh!”

As Gwen approaches Graves, a familiar light emanates from her chest. That same begins to shine from an item on Graves’ belt. Perplexed, Graves unhooks the item in question to reveal a silver handbell that resonates with Gwen and Senna.

Graves: “What in tarnation?”

“It’s the fetter!”

“He’s got it!”

Jayce: “Huh. That was surprisingly easy.”

The Sentinels quickly advance on Graves, who tries to keep you at bay by raising his shotgun.

Graves: “Now hold on a minute. I’ve still got a lot of questions for you all, and- What the!?”

A familiar shadow appears behind Graves and snatches the bell from his hand.

Vex: “I’ll just be taking that.”

Vex turns and begins running further inland, fetter in hand.

Graves: “Hey! Come back here you little rodent!”

Senna: “She’s got the fetter! Sentinels, after her!”

Bilgewater Part III

The Sentinels give chase through the thick vegetation of Buhru, pushing through the undead that try to hinder their path. Vex and her shadow remain a step ahead, getting further and further away despite your best efforts.

Graves: *Pant. Pant.* “Get back here with my meal ticket, ya little rascal!”

Vayne: “Why is he still here?”

Senna: “Nevermind him! Just don’t lose sight the fetter!”

Graves: “This is why I hate yordles!”

“Shen, can’t you do something?”

“Jayce, can’t you do something?”

Shen (if option 1 is picked): “Something in this land is barring my entry to the Spirit Realm! We will have to pursue on foot!”

Jayce (if option 2 is picked): “Sorry, I used up my last Acceleration Gate back in Viktor’s lab! Haven’t had a chance to make more!”

With no other options, you continue to follow Vex on foot. Finally, you see her racing up a flight of stone stairs toward before vanishing from sight. By the time you reach the top of the stairs, all that awaits you is an empty village.

Riven: “Where did she go!?”

Lucian: “Damn it… We lost her.”

Senna: “She can’t have gotten far! Spread out and search for her!”

On Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels fan out across the village, searching through the remnants of homes for any trace of Vex and the fetter.

Graves: “Tch. No sign of the furball anywhere. It’s just like Tobias always says: don’t mess with yordles.”

“Tobias? You mean Twisted Fate?”

“Why are you following me?”

Graves response 1: “Yup. Tobias Felix. Better known, for better or worse, as Twisted Fate. But, uh, you didn’t hear his real name from me, got it?”

Graves response 2: “Well, given my prior experience with yordles, I’m thinkin’ you could use the backup.” (Better you get turned into a frog this time instead of me, kid.)

You and Graves continue to explore the village together, peeking into abandoned houses and under crumbling serpent statues. Your search yields no results, until…

*BOOM!*

A building further uphill suddenly explodes, starling you and Graves to your feet.

“What was that!?”

“Please tell me there aren’t exploding ghosts here.”

Graves: “No idea, but in my professional experience, runnin’ TOWARD explosions ain’t exactly conventionally wise. That said, conventional wisdom also don’t make much of a profit in Bilgewater. Come on!”

You follow Graves toward the source of the explosion to the burning building. You find Vex laying on the ground, pulling herself out of the fire.

Vex: *Cough* *Wheeze* “WHAT THE HECK!? Did you seriously just try to BLOW ME UP!?”

A figure leans down to snatch the fetter out of Vex’s hand, keeping a gun trained on her the entire time.

???: “I know it’ll take more than THAT to kill a yordle, but your little shadow friend won’t be disturbin’ us for a while, at least. Now then, what have we here…?”

Graves: “Oh hell. Are my eyes playin’ tricks on me? That can’t be…”

???: “Malcolm Graves. Well well, today is just full o’ surprises!”

Graves: “Damn. It IS you. You’re supposed to be dead! Ah, but hell… This is the Mist’s doin’ too, ain’t it? Missy fortune blew you and your ship to the bottom of the ocean!”

???: “Oh I remember, but much like the yordle here, it’ll take more than a few dozen barrels of gunpowder to kill ME.”

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but I’m gonna need that bell, if you don’t mind.”

“Wow, that was pretty impressive, taking down Vex like that. Now, about the fetter…”

???: “Hmph. What’s this, Graves? Got yourself a new partner? Good. I can send him to the bottom of the sees with ya!”

Graves: “Kid, remember what I said earlier about conventional wisdom? Well, this here’s just plain common sense: you don’t wanna pick a fight with Gangplank.”

Bilgewater Part IV

Gangplank stares you down as the flames burn behind him. Wraiths begin to emerge from the Mist all around you, drawn by the commotion, but seem hesitant to approach. Behind you, the Sentinels race onto the scene, weapons ready.

Lucian: “Rookie, what’s goin’ on?”

“This old pirate took the fetter!”

“This old pirate managed to take down Vex!”

Diana: “Seriously? Maybe we should invite HIM to join us.”

Gangplank: “I’m not interested in joinin’ YOUR crew, girl. I’m getting back my own, and this bell here… This bell’s the key to doing just that.”

Shen: “You know not what you hold. Surrender the fetter, or there will be consequences.”

Olaf: “Don’t just stand around and threaten him! Let’s grab it!”

Vayne: “For once, I agree with this idiot.”

The Sentinels quickly begin to advance on Gangplank, only to find themselves unable to take a single step toward him. Looking down, you see a massive shadow spanning the ground beneath your feet. Vex quickly stands and brushes herself off.

Vex: “Wow. They actually fell for it. You Sentinels are bigger losers than I thought.”

Gangplank: “It’s like I said, Vex: to catch a fish, you just need the right bait.”

“You two are working together?”

“What’s going on here?”

Vex: “Isn’t it obvious? Ugh, whatever. I’m not obligated to explain myself.”

The wraiths begin to close in on you, though your movements are still sluggish thanks to Vex’s shadow. You and the other Sentinels struggle to free yourselves, though you quickly realize that you are completely at Vex’s mercy. Even so, as you look around amongst your allies, you get the sense that someone is missing…

Gangplank: “Don’t get the wrong idea: this is nothing personal. I just need you Sentinels out of the way if I’m to reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”

The wraiths latch onto, their claws digging into your flesh. You can feel them sapping your life force, but just as your vision starts to blur, something lands between Gangplank and Vex: a metal cannister. Suddenly, another explosion knocks the two of them off their feet, causing the shadow beneath you to dissipate.

Graves: “Common sense ain’t exactly my forte either!”

Now unfettered by Vex’s magic, the Sentinels are free to draw their weapons and retaliate against the onslaught of undead. You feel a sudden revitalizing energy course through your body as Senna drives the wraiths off of you.

Senna: “You alright, Rookie?”

“I’m fine! Thanks!”

“Don’t worry about me! Get the fetter!”

You turn to see Gangplank and Vex quickly scrambling to their feet.

Vex: “Ugh! This is so not cool! You were all supposed to like, fall into despair while getting turned into wraiths!”

Gangplank: “This isn’t over yet! Vex, get me to Bilgewater, and you’ll see their despairing faces yet!”

Vex: “Ugh, you’re not the boss of me… Fine. Guess I don’t have much choice!”

Vex summons her shadow again and conjures a portal in the Mist, through which she and Gangplank beat a hasty retreat.

Jayce: “Damn! They’re getting away!”

Senna: “Not for long! After them, Sentinels!”

On Senna’s orders, you all give chase through the shadowy gateway, diving in one after the order. Finally, you dive in last, finding yourself utterly drenches in darkness as the portal closes behind you…  

Bilgewater Part V

You stumble out of the darkness to find yourself assaulted by the most putrid smell you’ve ever experienced. All around you are the remnants of decaying sea creatures, most of which are several times larger than a person.

Gwen: “My word! What is this awful place!?”

Graves: “I’d recognize this homely smell anywhere! This is the Slaughter Docks!”

Vayne: “You’re still here?”

Graves: “Can’t get rid of Malcolm Graves that easy! ‘Sides, divin’ through an ominous portal beats fightin’ a whole pack of undyin’ ghosts on my own… Not that I was really takin’ all that into account at the time.”

“Where’s Gangplank?”

“Where’s Vex?”

Diana: “That cannot have gone far… Look! There they are!”

Diana points to far end of the dock. Sure enough, you see Gangplank and Vex talking at the far end, as well as a third figure…

Viego: “Well done, Captain… And you as well, Vex.”

Riven: “Uh oh.”

Lucian: “Viego!”

Jayce: “THAT’S the Ruined King? Huh. I thought he’d be bigger.”

Olaf: “Aye, but don’t be fooled! He’s a worthy foe, indeed…”

Viego: “Ah, the Sentinels. I see you have survived. No matter. You are far too late to stop me now.”

Senna: “We’ll see about that! Everyone, in formation! This is what we trained for!”

Vex: “Ugh, seriously? Do you guys ever stop? Your whole ‘never say die’ thing is really getting on my nerves.”

Viego: “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to waste on entertaining you all now, as I did in Ionia. I have simply come to retrieve what is mine and take my leave.”

Viego takes the bell out of Gangplank’s hand and clutches it tight. As he did in Demacia, the Ruined King appears to absorb the power within the fetter, leaving it hollow.

Senna: “Open fire!”

Senna, Lucian, Jayce and Vayne all let loose a volley of Relic light that briefly illuminates the docks. Shortly thereafter, Gwen charges into the fray with Olaf and Riven, surrounding them in Hallowed Mist to keep the wraiths at bay. Shen takes hold if Diana and vanishes into the spirit realm. Moments later, the two of them reappear behind Viego and lash out with their blades while Riven, Gwen and Olaf attempt to catch him in a pincer attack.

Viego raises his blade to deflect the blow Shen and Diana, while Vex summons her shadow to keep the other three at bay.

Viego: “I see you have improved since our last encounter, but it is still not enough!”

With a snap of his fingers, Viego wills the Black Mist into the dead sea beasts littered across the Slaughter Docks. Giants squids, razor fins, and all manner of other creatures roar to unlife as they pry themselves free of their hooks. Soon, the Sentinels find themselves cut off from Viego by the reborn creatures of the deep.

Viego: “Do you see? My influence knows no bounds.”

Gangplank: “Aye, you’re the real deal, alright. And speakin’ of deals, I kept up my end of the bargain: I help you reclaim your queen, you help me take back my throne!”

Viego: “Hmph. Very well. I am a generous king, and I always keep my word.”

To your horror, Viego plunges his sword through Gangplank’s chest. Black Mist courses around the old pirate, transforming him in the blink of an eye.

Lucian: “Damn it! What’s that old fool doing?”

Gangplank: “I’m reclaiming… WHAT’S MINE!”

Gangplank raises his sword, which ignites with spectral green flame.

Gangplank: “My ship, my crew, my city! Everything Sarah Fortune took from me!”

Suddenly, a massive ship erupts from the ocean behind Gangplank. Its sails are tattered, its hull covered in holes and barnacles, and its crew consisting entirely of spectres.

Graves: “Ah, hell! That’s the Dead Pool! I barely got off that ship alive!”

Gangplank: “Oh yes Graves, I remember. This time, I’ll finish what I started. Volley fire!”

The Dead Pool’s cannons angle upwards and rain down a volley of spectral iron across the Slaughter Docks. At Senna’s command, you and the other Sentinels run for cover within a nearby alcove, while Viego and Vex calmly slip away among the chaos.

Riven: “We’ve got to get out of here!”

Senna: “Damn it, I know! Rookie, get us out of here!”

At Senna’s command, you wind of the Wayfinder and allow its light to carry you all out of danger. The cries of undead sea monsters and the sound of cannonfire fall silent as you stumble back into headquarters.

“That was too close.”

“Is everyone alright?”

Gwen response 1: “Quite right. Although… It seems we have another unexpected guest!”

Gwen response 2: “Everyone seems present and accounted for… Including Mr. Scruffy!”

Graves: *Whistles* “So that’s the Wayfinder doohickey you mentioned? Bet somethin’ like that would go for a lot of money on black market.”

A bolt of light suddenly whizzes past Graves’ head, trimming off a few hairs.

Graves: “YOW!”

Vayne: “Why. Are you. Still here?”

Senna: “Rookie, you’ve gotta start checking your surroundings before you use that Wayfinder.”

“My bad.”

“In my defense, it was a pretty chaotic situation.”

Lucian: “Now hang on. Maybe this ain’t as bad as it looks.”

Senna: “Lucian, please tell me you’re not about suggest what I think you are.”

Lucian: “He DID save our hides back in Buhru.”

Senna: “He’s also an outlaw and a thief. He stole the fetter AND just admitted to wanting to steal the Wayfinder.”

Lucian: “Look, we’ve dealt with worse, and we can’t be too picky when we’re trying to save the world.”

Graves: “Now just hold on a minute. Save the world? Listen, buddy, I ain’t no hero-type. I only came along to keep from getting blow apart by Gangplank or eaten alive by ghost fish. I ain’t plannin’ to stick around.”

“What if we could help you find your missing partner?”

“What if we could help you hide from Gangplank?”

Graves: “…Although, upon reconsiderin’, I hear the hero business is very profitable these days.”

Vayne: “Rookie, for once, could it have hurt to keep your mouth shut?”

Olaf: “Hmph. I like this man. He reminds me of Lokfar!”

Senna: *Sigh* “Alright, fine. Gwen, you know what to do. Just… Keep an eye on him.”

Gwen: “Yes, ma’am!”

Gwen leads Graves further into the Sentinel vault, though Vayne accompanies them to assist in keeping Graves out of trouble. After several minutes, the three finally re-emerged with Vayne pointing her crossbow at Graves’ back.

Vayne: “I caught him eyeing the fetter. Are you sure we can’t just shoot him?”

Graves: “Hey now, I was only lookin’! Out of curiosity, though, how much would ya say that fancy parasol is worth?”

Senna: “I know I’m gonna regret this, but… Come on, Sentinel Graves. Let’s get you sworn in.”

[imgonnabeyourbubblegumwitch]

I Love You, You Pay My Rent: Chapter Six

First Chapter (Prologue)

Previous Chapter (Chapter Five)

Nico had been living with Will solace for one month and one day. He had grown used to waking up in his new room, had even put up a couple of posters and tried to make it his. He wasn’t used to waking up with his head pounding and his mouth dry and barren as the Sahara. He lay in bed for a long time whimpering to himself but eventually he dragged himself up, step by careful step, propelled by the need to find painkillers and water.

He vaguely remembered going to a fancy restaurant on a pretend date with Will and several attempts to recreate Nico’s pirate cocktail. He also thought he remembered inviting Will to Percy’s engagement but he hoped that was part of the strange dream he’d had about a zebra and a line of life sized toy soldiers.

When he stumbled out into the kitchen he saw Will sitting neatly in one of the armchairs.  Nico was about to question how Will looked so awake when a dark head popped up and suddenly Percy was grinning at Nico. Nico nearly dropped the glass he was holding.

“Afternoon Neeks,” Percy said. “Is my face really that frightening?”

“Don’t call me Neeks,” Nico snapped back automatically.  

He got his water, and then sat down near Will. Something about having Percy around felt wrong, and Nico felt weirdly protective of Will, even though that made no sense because he was pretty sure Will could handle himself and Percy wasn’t exactly a threat.

But Will’s body language wasn’t saying that. Perhaps it was just the horrendous hangover he probably had and was doing very well to hide, but Will seemed uncomfortable. He was stiffer than normal, and when he spoke it was almost like he did when he was around Drew, like he thought he was on show.

“Turns out we’ve got a couple of biology classes together,” Percy said gesturing to Will.

“And you never noticed before now?” Nico asked somewhat waspishly.

“He’s hardly ever there,” Percy said with a shrug not really picking up on, or perhaps simply just ignoring, Nico’s tone. “Still gets amazing grades though, not sure how he does it.”

He gave Will a big, friendly grin and Will smiled back automatically, wan and so far removed from the smiles he gave Nico that Nico was simultaneously smug and immensely pleased, and a little worried.

“Anyway, so I came over to invite him to the engagement. Thought if he was going to he’d be able to drag you out the house if you suddenly decide you don’t want to do the party thing. Besides I might need a biology tutor at some point, so seems like a good idea to make friends with someone so good they don’t need to turn up right?”

“I’d tutor you anyway,” Will said quietly. “You don’t need to bribe me.”

Nico had never felt uncomfortable around Percy before. Actually, that was a lie, he had felt uncomfortable around Percy pretty much constantly for several years but that was because of his crush. But now his skin felt like it was itching and all he wanted to do was pull Will away from Percy’s clutches.

It probably wasn’t Percy’s fault: he was being friendly and cheerful and there probably wasn’t any malice in the invitation. Knowing Percy he really was just interested in getting to know Nico’s housemate. Percy had been lax on things like that before and it had cost them both, so Nico did appreciate that Percy was at least trying to learn from his mistakes. But couldn’t he do it somewhere else, to someone else who wasn’t Will?

When Will’s phone went off, Nico used it as an excuse to gently encourage him to leave the room. With an apology, Will left to take the call in his room and Nico was left with Percy. There was a moment of blissful silence and then Percy ruined it.

“Are you okay Nico?”

“Hungover. Fed up of interacting so soon after waking up. Completely uninterested in answering that question. Otherwise I’m coping.”

Percy pulled a face.

“Just coping?” he asked. “You used to be like my fun, annoying kid brother. You didn’t stop talking – it drove me up the wall. Now you get annoyed if I’m around for more than five minutes and you barely say a thing. What happened?”

Nico stared at him in complete disbelief.

“What happened?” he hissed. “You got my sister killed!”

Percy blanched but steadied himself.

“You have to know I regret that!” he said pleadingly. “Every day Nico, and I swear if I’d known –“

“It’s not good enough!”

Nico was standing before he realised it, the glass of water tumbling to the floor.

“You ruined my life and I still-“

Despite the waves of anger and despair Nico could feel choking him, he managed to silence the next words. I still loved you, he wanted to say. After everything I was still in love with you and you didn’t deserve it. You didn’t even notice. He snapped his jaw shut, clamping his teeth together to stop the words forcing their way out along with his anger.

Percy looked kind of small all of a sudden.

“It was a mistake,” he said hollowly. “It was a stupid mistake. And now I can’t make another mistake and lose you too Nico, can’t you understand that?”

Nico just glared at him, holding his gaze.

“I wish you’d died instead of her,” he told him, words sharp and dagger like.

Percy went even paler. He looked like he was fighting back tears, but he was resigned too like he kind of expected it. He didn’t bother arguing or trying to fight back, just left leaving Nico to wonder whether it was just the anger and rage he tried to keep locked away talking, or whether he’d really meant what he said.

It just went to prove, really, that he and Percy really didn’t do well when they were alone together.

He felt too edgy and vulnerable after his fight with Percy to want to see anyone, even – maybe especially – Will, so he confined himself to his room in a self-imposed exile and wondered if there was a special place in hell reserved for people who told someone that they wished they were dead.

To his surprise, given Will’s usual interest in his health and wellbeing, Will left him alone. Maybe he’d heard a part of the fight or had just picked up on the bad vibes, but he seemed to sense Nico needed space for which Nico was eternally grateful. He left food out for Nico and then disappeared off out, presumably to one of his friends since Nico thought classes were probably over for the day.

Jason texted him telling him he’d heard about his argument with Percy and asking if he was alright. It was a stupid question, so Nico ignored it. He probably shouldn’t have because the next person to text him was Hazel who didn’t waste time with questions and just announced she was coming to visit for the weekend.

No matter how much he might hate the rest of his family, he couldn’t say no to Hazel. So he settled for scolding Jason for telling on him to his baby sister, and then grumpily gave Hazel his new address. Then he wondered if maybe he should have asked Will first. But then Will was always insisting this was Nico’s place too. So if Nico wanted to bring someone round, surely that was fine?

He posed the question to Will the next day.

“You have a sister?” Will asked.

Nico sighed.

“She’s called Hazel. She’s actually technically my half-sister. But yes. She won’t be any trouble.”

“You know I don’t’ care what you do,” Will said in response. “It’ll be cool to meet her.”

And that’s when Nico finally put together living with Will and inviting Hazel over and got Will was going to meet Hazel. Hazel was going to meet Will.

“Oh no,” he said quietly.

“What’s that?”

“Nothing.”

Nico went to meet Hazel at the station. She gave him a huge hug as soon as she saw him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She might have been tiny - one of the few people he knew smaller than him - but she was strong.

“Can’t breathe Hazel,” he muttered.

“I’ve missed you,” she replied, but did loosen her grip.

“So you said you’d moved. Does that mean I don’t get to see Leo?”

“He betrayed me by going on some extended roadtrip with Calypso,” Nico said.

“That’s pretty awesome.”

“He’s a traitor,” Nico insisted. “Made me find somewhere else to live with a total stranger.”

“And what’s this total stranger like?” Hazel asked.

Nico sniffed.

“Tolerable I suppose,” he said, turning away so Hazel wouldn’t’ see the blush he could feel creeping into his cheeks.

“Tolerable?” Hazel asked. “Isn’t that your version of my new best friend?”

“Tolerable,” Nico repeated, but he couldn’t stop a smile.

Hazel filled Nico in on her life as the two went back to the apartment. She was still working hard, still went riding on the weekends. She was still with Frank which Nico was glad about. Frank was a good guy and he’d been a little worried that the two might find the distance hard when Frank, who was a year older, went to college.

Nico in turn was supposed to tell her about his life. He glossed over the fight with Percy even though it felt like a lead weight in his chest, the fact that he was fake-dating the person who he might have slightly fallen for, and the fact he’d been stupid enough to invite Will to the engagement party as his pretend boyfriend. Instead he told her about Reyna’s birthday because it satisfied the obligation to tell Hazel stuff while simultaneously being completely harmless.

Hazel was full of questions when they got to the apartment. Her eyes were so round they were practically saucers, probably because the last time she’d come to visit him he hadn’t owned plates but had had custody of several interesting times of mould.

“Wow, Nico,” Hazel said as he let her in. “This place is really nice. You’ve moved up in the world!”

“It is pretty nice,” Nico agreed. “The apparently endless supply of take out left overs is the best bit. Will always orders way too much food for himself.”

“Is Will around?” Hazel asked as she dumped her rucksack on the floor and threw herself onto the sofa. “I want to meet him.”

“He’s just some guy I’m living with,” Nico said. “What’s so interesting about him?”

“You tell me,” Hazel replied eyes far too knowing.

Nico gave her an unimpressed look but dutifully knocked on Will’s door and called his name. Wil didn’t answer so Nico assumed he was out. Nico turned to report this to Hazel and found her kneeling by the TV.

“I’m assuming these are Will’s,” she said with a slight grin. “He’s got a good taste in films. I love the Princess and the Frog!”

Nico gave a half shrug as Hazel wandered around the room, poking and investigating things. Nico hadn’t realised how much had changed since he had moved in. He remembered how clinical and impersonal the place had seemed. Now there was stuff everywhere, Will’s and his. It startled him how settled he’d become, almost without realising. It was one thing to have posters up in his own room, but even with Leo, his stuff had remained firmly in his room confined to space that was solely his own.

“Nico?”

“I’m fine,” he told Hazel. “What do you want to do tonight?”

“Movie marathon?” Hazel suggested.

It really wasn’t the worst thing she could have come up with so Nico agreed readily enough and suggested she order something to eat, handing her his card.

“Do you think Will wants anything?” she asked.

Nico shrugged.

“He eats most things. Just order double of whatever you want. Oh, and if you’re getting Chinese he doesn’t want fortune cookies. He’s got a thing about them.”

“Noted.”

“He likes pineapple but not pepperoni.”

“Okay,” Hazel said with a slight smile.

“His favourite at the moment is dim sum.”

“Got it,” Hazel said, her grin suddenly very wide. Nico felt his cheeks heating up again.

“We get food a lot,” he said defensively.

“I didn’t say a thing,” Hazel replied innocently.

Nico huffed and told her he needed a shower. He escaped to his room, leaving her to sort out food and a line-up of movies, and lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. He wondered if Hazel knew. She was certainly perceptive enough to pick up on it, and was eerily good at telling who would likely end up with who a skill that only Piper surpassed her in. But he’d thought he’d kept his feelings for Percy well hidden. He knew at some point he was going to have to tell her he was gay, and it would be far easier admitting his feelings for Will than Percy. But somehow it didn’t quite feel right.

Soon, he promised himself. I’ll tell her soon.

He took a shower because otherwise Hazel might question why his hair wasn’t damp and realise he’d just been ducking out from the conversation. The warm water felt good, relaxing him when he didn’t realise he’d been tense, and by the time he’d come out and re-dressed Will was sitting next to Hazel, chatting cheerfully. They had cartoons on but neither were really paying attention as Hazel told Will about one of her classes at school. If he hadn’t known better he would have thought they were old friends with how comfortable they looked with each other.

Seeing Will interacting with Hazel didn’t feel weird in the way that seeing Will with Percy did and he left them talking, taking his time making his coffee. He tried not to think about how his heart felt too big for his chest, or how he felt all warm and kind of fuzzy.

“What did you order?” he asked Hazel as he sat down on the other side of her.

“I didn’t. I mentioned I wanted to try cooking pizza from scratch and Will said we could try. You don’t mind right?”

“Whatever you want Hazel.”

Hazel grinned.

“We’ll need to go out for ingredients,” Will commented.

“You cooking though,” Nico said. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Might burn the building down.”

“And as tragic as that would be,” Will answered, “think how much that would annoy Octavian.”

Nico laughed. He could perfectly picture Octavian’s face as he came home and saw smoke pouring out from under their door.

“Sold,” Nico said. “But shotgun not going out.”

The pizza took a ridiculously long time to make and Nico could have complained that it would have been quicker to order it. But Hazel was having fun and he had to admit he was too. It didn’t matter that their pizzas went horribly wrong and Nico could practically hear his mother yelling at him from beyond the grave about his cooking skills. Nico liked hanging out with Will and Hazel. The only hard thing was trying to act normal so Hazel wouldn’t keep giving him side-long glances with accompanied by mysterious knowing little smiles that put Mona Lisa to shame. He hoped he was imagining it but as the pizzas were cooking and Will was getting out plates, Hazel suddenly attacked.

“So Will,” she said as she finished telling him about Frank. “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Uh no I – “

“Boyfriend?” Hazel asked sweetly. Nico glared at her but Hazel feigned ignorance.

“Not at the moment,” Will said.

Hazel gave him a big grin.

“I’m sure you’ll find someone soon,” she said.

Nico intensified his glare. Hazel stuck out her tongue behind Will’s back. She looked like she was going to say something else and Nico was considering tackling her to the ground, and whether Will would notice, when the timer rang and Will left to get the pizzas out.

“What are you doing?” Nico hissed.

“Taking an interest in his life,” Hazel said loftily but she couldn’t quite keep the mischievous little grin off her face.

“I can take an interest in yours too if you like. You usually complain though.”

“Hazel –“

“Do you have a girlfriend? Boyfriend?” She knew. She definitely knew. He could just admit it here and now, but it was too difficult with Will only in the kitchen and he just shoved her arm instead.

“Hazel!” he snapped.

Hazel burst out laughing and Nico tried to hush her. “You’re such an annoyance,” he told her irritably and shoved her down into a chair.

“Now behave. Quit grilling Will about his love life.”

Hazel pulled a face but dutifully pretended to zip her lips shut. Nico gestured that he’d be watching her as Will came back with their dinner, and sat down trying to pretend like everything was normal.

He got through dinner without embarrassing himself and Hazel surprised him by keeping quiet on the topic of romance and they talked instead about what they were going to do tomorrow for Hazel’s only full day in the city. Hazel wanted to go to a museum and Will suggested an exhibit on the greek gods.

“Since you love mythomagic so much,” Will said with a grin.

“That sounds pretty cool actually,” Hazel said. “I’d like to see that.”

“I’m up for it,” Nico told her, licking ice cream off his spoon.

“Great. Now you promised me a movie marathon and that I could pick,” Hazel said. “You haven’t seen Princess and the Frog yet right?”

Nico let Hazel sleep in his bed and crashed out on his floor. Hazel dropped off almost immediately and began snoring gently. He found it much harder to get to sleep. He blamed it on the hard floor but it could possibly also have been because his heart was jumping all over the place in his chest. Every time he closed his eyes all he could think about was Will.

You’re in way too deep, he told himself but he got the feeling his warning was way too late.

The next morning he found Will helping Hazel with some biology homework, the two sat at the dining table together. It was weirdly domestic but also weirdly not all that strange a sight. Nico poured himself cereal and ate as Will explained some minutiae of the circulatory system.  

He left to get ready and when he got back he found Will was watching TV.

“What are you up to today?” he asked, going over to sit on the edge of the armchair.

“Nothing in particular,” Will said. “I was going to catch a movie with Lou Ellen but she cancelled last minute and everyone else is busy.”

Nico knew what he was going to say a split second before he said it and it still managed to be a surprise when the words left his mouth.

“Well maybe you could come with us?” he suggested. Will looked up at him.

“It was supposed to be your day with Hazel,” he said.

“She won’t mind. You’re her new BFF, she’s totally in love with you.”

Will laughed.

“I’m just that good,” he said. “Charm the dads, flowers for the mums, become BFFs with the little sisters.”

Nico laughed too.

“You’re full of yourself Solace,” he told him.

Hazel came out of the bathroom then, hair brushed and up, and saw the two of them. She grinned but didn’t say anything as she pulled on her jacket.

The Greek gods exhibition was pretty good. Hazael was enjoying it anyway. She jumped from statue to vase to painting, taking pictures with her camera and stopping at random points to sketch in the little notebook she kept in her pocket. She’d barely spent two seconds with them, just kept running off in a way Nico was starting to think was deliberate since it felt less like he’d come here with Hazel and a lot more like he’d come here with Will.

They wandered along, side by side, close enough that their hands occasionally brushed. Will didn’t move away though and Nico didn’t think he could if he wanted too, it was like Will had some kind of gravitational force that kept pulling Nico in. When Will stopped to admire a statue, Nico stopped to admire Will admiring the statue.

“Kind of looks like you,” Will commented.

“It looks nothing like me,” Nico retorted. “Who is it anyway?”

Will looked around for a plaque.

“Hades, Lord of the Dead,” he read with the beginnings of a grin.

“Great,” Nico said. “Thanks a lot.”

“Suits you, Death Boy,” Will teased lightly.

“He doesn’t look like me!” Nico protested shoving Will lightly in the arm.

“Well okay you’d have to put in some more hours in the gym to get those arms,” Will conceded.

“Are you insulting my figure Solace?”

“Not at all,” Will said. “You’re figure’s fine with me.”

Nico looked at him in surprise and was even more surprised when he saw Will’s cheeks were suddenly tinged pink. He was hit once again with how freaking beautiful Will was and wondered if he could constantly say things to make Will blush just so his cheeks could stay that rosy. Nico kind of wanted to kiss him and he realised with horror he’d actually leant in slightly and this wasn’t supposed to happen and Will’s eyes had gone wide and this was all wrong and –

He was incredibly relieved when Hazel pinged up by their sides and said that she wanted to visit the gift shop. Nico answered automatically and he’d never know what he said, or how he’d managed to speak at all when all the breath felt like it had left his body.

He’d been expecting Hazel to corner him about Will all weekend so when she began packing things back up in her rucksack he wasn’t especially surprised (even if he also wasn’t thrilled) when she brought him up.

“So Will’s pretty great,” she said. “You got lucky on the housemate lottery.”

It was tame compared to what she could have said so Nico gave her an honest answer instead of brushing her off.

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

“Nico?”

“Yes, Hazel?” Nico asked with a sigh. She was fidgeting, looking surprisingly unsure.

“You could do worse.”

Nico’s heart skipped ten beats. He swallowed and even though Hazel was accepting and sweet it was still insanely difficult to speak. He managed to nod mutely and Hazel smiled back, nodding too. She turned to leave the room but Nico called her back.  

“Hazel?”

She looked at him but he didn’t have the words so he hugged her and hoped she understood.

Next Chapter