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korgidorgi · 4 years ago

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TLOU&Supergirl Crossover x Reader - Part 6

Word Count: 2303

Warnings: Nightmare, violence, not real death, swearing

Part 1 - P2 - P3 - P4 - P5

You find yourself falling. It's a short drop, but it hurts once you land on your back, squishing the Clicker between you and a polished table. You let out a groan of pain before you slip off the edge and onto the polished floor. Some items fall off with you, some of them breaking. You yelp in pain as a few glass shards embed themselves into your skin. The bright lights of the object that dropped you from the ceiling and the room hinder your sense briefly, but your eyes soon adjust. The Clicker rolls over and quickly gets on top of you, screeching at you as you desperately try to fight it off.

“Fuck, get off me!” You yell at it, trying to keep it's face away from you. “Abby! Lev!”

The Bloater across the room screams at you, locating you before charging. You quickly shiv the Clicker, pushing its body off of you and you quickly duck out of the way, quickly grabbing your new molotov and yeeting it at the creature, setting it alight. It flails about as the flames lick at it's fungal skin. The fire finally dies on it and you’ve already found a new position. The doors on the opposite side of the room slide open just as the Bloater starts charging you.

“Look out!” The person screams.

You roll out of the Bloaters path just in time, but the Bloater gives you no time to recover and charges again, knocking you down.

…

“Alright, this should work.” Lena says, plugging things into a tablet to operate her and Brainy’s device. “We might have to go through a few different portals so we don't give you the wrong one.”

“But, if we match the energy reading up to the one you came through, we’ll have a better chance of locating the exact portal you came through.” Brainy adds, looking at his own tablet to monitor the device's energy levels.

The two start the device up, trying to find the right wormholes to open up to connect you back to your world. You can finally see Abby and Lev again! You bounce on your feet in anticipation as you watch a familiar light blue glow begin from the portal. It finally opens wide enough and Lena and Brainy double and triple check everything on their monitors and tablets.

“Alright, just step through and check if it's your world.” Lena says. “We’ll hold it open for you. Just step back through to tell us whether it's right or not.”

You take a breath before stepping through. You’re back in the lab where it all happened. The dark lab is illuminated by your flashlight and the light of the portal. You take a few cautious steps forward, looking around the room. It’s empty.

“Abby? Lev?” You call out, stepping over broken glass and other wreckage.

There’s no response, so you push into the building, gun now in hand. You quickly make your way to the ground floor to look for the two.

“Abby?” You call, coming up the stairs. “Lev?”

You reach the top of the stairs to the ground floor and spot them. They’re both laying on the ground. Your heart rate picks up at the sight. You rush over to them to make sure they’re okay and as you get closer, you notice that there's blood everywhere.

“Shit. No no no no no…” You mutter, kneeling by their bodies.

They’ve got scratches and tears all over their bodies. It looks like Infected did this.

“Lev… Abby...” Tears start rolling down your face as you cry over them. “Please, move, speak, anything.” You beg, holding onto Abby’s limp hand. “Please…”

…

Your eyes shoot open and are met with the familiar sight of the dark ceiling. You sit up, shoving the blankets back a bit. You swing your legs over the side of the bed and stand up to make your way to the living room. You glance at the clock: 3:07 am. You sigh, running your fingers through your hair, pacing silently about the room trying to forget your dream. It was just so real. After a while of pacing around and standing at the window, you take a seat at Kara’s kitchen island on the stool. You reach into your pocket and pull out the tag and look over it before closing your hand over it. You place your elbows on the table and fold your other hand over your fist and rest your chin on top of your hands.

Not too long after, Kara emerges, softly padding down the short hallway and leaning on the wall.

“Still not sleeping well?” She sleepily asks, yawning.

“No.” You admit, turning the tag on your hands.

“Whatcha got there?” She asks referring to the tag.

“It belongs to a friend.” You answer, thinking back to the day you met your friends. “She gave it to me after I found her when she and this kid brought their boat ashore Catalina Island.”

“What’re their names?” She asks, making her way over to sit next to you.

“Abby and Lev.” You answer.

“What are they like?” She presses on.

“Well, when I first met them, they were very defensive. They were weak, so they were kind of forced to let me take care of them.” You begin to think about the events from back then. “They’ve grown to like me, since they both invited me to join them. Abby is very strong and protective, though she can be stand-offish at times. Lev is quite wise for his age. He came from this weird cult in Seattle. He’s still learning some things about ‘Old World’ things.”

“What do you mean by ‘Old World’?” Kara wonders.

“The people he came from, Seraphites, didn’t believe in technology like electricity or powered items. They had some exceptions for their soldiers, who used guns as well as bows and arrows. They used wood to make their houses and watch towers and other structures on their island.” You explain.

“How long have you known them?”

“I’ve lost track.” You answer. “I’d say a long time, maybe a year and a half, two years.”

“Were you guys looking for something before this all happened?”

“Actually, yeah. Abby wants to find a group she used to be a part of called the Fireflies.” You look over your pendant. “That’s what this is from.” You set it down for her to look at. “The two got a lead for Catalina Island, but by the time they arrived and recovered, the base was no more. We still don’t know where they are. We’ve heard some rumors saying somewhere around National City. Some sort of Desert Facility.” You explain. “We have no clue where it is, just that it’s close to National City.”

“I think I know what you’re talking about.” Kara announces, placing the pendant back on the table.

“You do?” You perk up at her answer.

“Yeah, Alex used to work there.” She says, turning to fully face you. “I can take you there sometime!”

“You can?” You’re in shock at the news.

“Yeah, so as long as our two worlds are parallel and everything is just… abandoned in your world, it would still be there in your world.” She says, getting excited. “And depending on what else has changed about your world's environment, it would pretty much be the same route in both worlds. Of course I would have to ask Alex about taking you there, but I doubt she’ll say no to me.”

“That sounds great!” You exclaim, heart rate picking up a bit in your excitement.

Kara glances at the clock. “It's only 6:35. We gotta be at the DEO by 8. I doubt you feel like going back to sleep for 40 minutes.”

“Yeah, not really.”

“How do you want to kill some time?” She asks and you shrug in response. “Why don’t you tell me more about Abby and Lev?”

The two of you go back and forth, her asking questions about them, and you answering them. You share a few major stories about your encounters with Infected, and some small lighthearted memories; ones without danger. You then start asking questions about Kara’s friends, and she returns the favor by answering and telling stories about them. You continue to talk through breakfast before finally calling it and heading out to drive to the DEO. Upon arrival, Alex is waiting by the circular table as usual.

“Alex, so in her world, her and her friends are trying to find a group called the Fireflies. I think their base is the Desert Facility.” Kara explains. “So, I was going to make sure it was okay with you to show her where the facility is so when she goes back, she can help her friends get there.”

“They won't let you in.” Alex warns.

“Yeah, I know, I just want to show her where it is so she can find it when she goes back.” Kara acknowledges.

“Alright, I don’t see a problem with it.” Alex says, putting her hands on her hips.

“Thank you, Alex!” She excitedly bounces on her feet. “Can I take her later today?”

“Sure, as long as she’s back before you have to take her home for the night.” Alex approves.

“Alright! I’ll go tell her!” Kara briskly makes her way into the Lab you’re hanging out in under the supervision of Lena and Brainy.

She opens the door and enters, shooting the two scientists a smile and greeting. “Y/N! Great news!” She walks over to your puzzled form. “Alex is going to let me take you to the Desert Facility!”

“Really?” You ask, surprised.

She nods her head ecstatically.

“Wow, I- Thank you, Kara.” You say.

“I’ll take you later today, I’ve got to check into work first, but I’ll swing by around noon, yeah?” Kara asks.

“Yeah, that's- that works.” You beam at her.

“Great, I’ll see you then!” She confirms.

She then makes her way out of the building, leaving you alone with the two geniuses. To kill time, you start to write a little bit in your journal, sketching a few things to go along with it.

…

Around 12, Kara pokes her head in, just as she had said earlier. You jump to your feet, grabbing your stuff and shoving it in your bag.

“You ready?” She asks, giggling at your antics.

She leads you to her car, waving goodbye to Alex, before making your way down and out of the building. You both get in her car and strap in before taking off. During the ride, Kara tries her best to point out all the street names that she takes, which direction, and whatnot. You dig out your journal and begin to write down the directions as she talks. She points out different notable features of the environment to maybe help as a marker to let you know if you were on the right trail. The cityscape soon becomes residences, small roads, and finally a desert. She continues down the roads, continuing to give you information about the directions. She turns off of the main road and onto a dirt road. She continues for a few minutes before signs start popping up about trespassing. She stops the vehicle and the two of you get out to look around the area.

The dust covered tundra stretches for miles. It's almost impossible to see the skyscrapers of National city. The ridges of the small mountains you two passed through on the way there stand proudly in the distance as the sun beats down on the two of you.

“Okay, so the Facility is just a couple miles ahead.” Kara explains. “This is just the border to the property. If you just continue this way, you should start to see it soon.”

She stands with you for a few more minutes, letting you take in the scenery before she heads back to get in the car. You join her moments after and she hands you a folded piece of paper.

“This is a map of the city, I almost forgot to give it to you.” She turns to help you unfold the map and she takes a pen to it, circling a few buildings in the city. “This is the DEO.” She notes on the map and aloud, moving to circle another building. “This is L-Corp, and this is the exit we took out of the city.” She circles and labels them on the map. “Hope this is helpful for when you go back to your world.” She smiles.

“Thank you, you’re such a big help.” You respond.

She gives you another smile before starting the car to take you back to the DEO.

…

“How was it?” Alex greets the two of you.

“I think it went well.” Kara responds.

“Yeah, thanks for letting us go.” You thank her for her gesture.

“Well, I think Lena and Brainy have some news for you.” Alex informs you, gesturing to the Lab they’re working in.

You push the door open and enter, catching the two scientists' attention.

“Hello, how was your outing?” Lena greets.

“It was fine.” You respond. “Uh, Alex said you have some news for me.”

“Ah, yes. Well, so we found a model that worked with the computers” She states. “We have the stuff to make it, it will just take some time.”

“Do you know approximately how long?” You ask.

“Maybe a week, if everything goes smoothly.” She informs.

“Which I calculated to be an 86.626% chance of success.” Brainy interrupts, spilling a bunch of numbers.

“We’ll need your participation to find your world, of course, when we have tested it.” Lena adds.

“Alright, that’s great. Thank you.”

#supergirl #supergirl crossover #tlou crossover #tlou #tlou2 #deo #alex danvers #kara danvers #lena luthor #querl dox #nightmare ah #fanfiction #x reader #abby anderson #Lev

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jay-and-dean · 5 years ago

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Rescue You Chapter 11 : December 2 and 3

Dean x reader

Summary : My name is Y/n. I’m the outcast of my witch community. This is the story of how I rescued Dean Winchester, the story of how he saved me.

Serie Warnings : Swearing. Injuries. Smut. Fluff. Angst.

Chapter warning : Angst, angst, angst and fluff.

Words : 2.9 k

Author note : There will be 14 chapters, the schedule of the editing is added in the Masterlist. If everything goes as planned, I will stick to that schedule.

***Rescue You Masterlist***

***Want to read more ? => MASTERLIST***

__________________________

December 2, 9pm.

…My love is afraid of me.

I look at his bedroom and don’t recognize anything. The picture of Dean with his mom is not even in its pretty frame anymore. It’s like the room was padded. I’m dangerous.

A sudden urge to cry crawls up my spine and I need to see Dean, I know he’s the only one that can kill that panic growing inside of me.

I turn around and walk toward the library, impatient to hear the only voice that helps me win against those horrible overwhelming feelings and the din inside my head.

But whispered voices catch the attention even more than screams sometimes, and when I hear Dean talk so low, I start to listen.

“No Sammy, you don’t understand, we don’t have a month or even a week to find one… It’s getting worse…”

“I know Dean” Sam says but my boyfriend cuts him.

“No you don’t know. I… During the night she loses control, last time snakes appeared,Sam ! Freaking snakes ! I have no idea how to deal with that and our feelings for each other won’t be enough for long to hold these powers. She will hurt someone. If… If she hurts me Sam, she will never forgive herself. I know her.”

When tears reach my shirt, I notice it is blood and frown. My hands are shining like hot lava. I have no memories of snakes and… He’s right, I would never forgive myself. I look at him one last time from the shadow and walk back.

Entering the garage, I look around, I don’t have a driving license, of course I don’t, I wasn’t supposed to leave that shitty town. I have to get away for a time, I will miss him so much and I have no idea how I will deal with this without Sam and Dean, but I can’t take the risk to hurt him. I just can’t. I put my fingers on my temples in a desperate attempt to ease the noises and headache.

Get away… you’re a danger. You’re a monster…

I close my eyes and sigh, I could drive anyway, but then I would be a danger for everyone again.

December 2, around noon.

I regret not taking my phone before I left. I would love to tell Dean I love him but I just can’t be around him lately. I regret not taking a coat or shoes, but not because I’m cold-I’m not with that burning fire inside of me-, just because I can’t hitchhike, take a bus or anything, I would look crazy. But again : dangerous anyway.

I know where I want to be right now. I want to be in that cabin, my own little home. I saw it grow from its ashes and I have no idea if it was a dream or if I did it for real. I have to see it with my eyes.

I can picture the inside of my cabin in my head, like I was watching a movie, I can see it so clearly. I start to cry and lift my hands to try and reach it but it’s in my head. The room is exactly how it was when I left it running, the sheets still have Dean’s print and there are bandages everywhere, some of them with Dean’s blood on it. There are food papers and blood stains on the bed.

I can feel the cold air coming from the poorly insulated window now and the wood under my feet. I close my eyes but still can see everything. The floor where he slept for days before I could move him….

I touch the sheets and bring them to my nose, it smells like Dean, I take the cover and roll myself in it.

And when I open my eyes again, I’m in the cabin.

I stayed for hours in those covers, trying to remember how it was when I wasn’t afraid to hurt Dean, when I did more good than bad. Remembering the beautiful amazed look he gave me when I was patching him up, like it was the first time someone actually took care of him.

But now you are what he hunts…

I look at the small dusty TV that occupied him for hours, probably preventing him to be totally overwhelmed by pain on the first days. I turn it on, searching the few functioning channels for something like Scooby doo to remind me of nights with him. But I stop on the news.

They’re talking about that town, mine, where a strange cult has been massacred by maybe some others. It’s on national info. They found hundreds of corpses, something the United States hadn’t seen in decades. A shiver makes me whine when I see the aerial view…

You did that and now you dare coming back here. The cabin may be fixed but everything is destroyed… You should be locked here forever.

I turn it off, curl up in the bed and try to ignore the panic raging deep inside of me. Outside, the night seems to be falling. Weird, I was sure it was still early…

Darkness wraps me and I try to calm, thinking of Dean, trying to replay some of our moments in my blurry mind, counting in my head the wounds I had to clean every day to distract myself from the storm with a comforting routine…

December 3, 2am

“Y/n !” I hear far away. “Y/N !”

I open my eyes, I fell asleep. I’m still in the cabin and the night is totally dark but my eyes can see clearly. I shiver, did I really hear him ?

“Y/n !it’s me !” Dean’s voice becomes clearer.

I get up and take a deep breath, he found me. Of course my baby found me, the cabin was not the best idea to hide. Why is he calling me from so far ?

“Y/n ! I’m begging you, let me enter !”

Maybe he’s in danger, I get up quickly and lift my eyes to the window : It’s totally covered in wood ! Branches tightly mixed, covering it totally. That’s why night seems so dark. I run to the door and open it, but it’s exactly the same, like trees and creepers had grown to wrap the cabin in a box of wood.

“Y/N !” Sam’s voice joins Dean’s and a loud noise makes me take a step back.

They are trying to break the magic wall.

“BABY !” Dean finally calls and my heart starts aching.

“DEAN !” I answer, suddenly having trouble to breathe at the idea that I can’t get out.

Another loud shock.

“Let me in…” his voice has changed, it’s still worried, but there is no panic in it anymore.

“I can’t ! I don’t know how…”

“SAM !” he yells suddenly and I put my hands on the wood.

“What ?” I call. “Dean ?... DEAN !”

I put my head on the wood and start begging I don’t know who. They came here, and now I’m may be hurting them. Please Please Please… Stop !

The ropes of wood tighten and Dean’s voice becomes further. I start to panic, and the structure of the cabin cracks, like its box was a constrictor snake.

“Oh my God…” I murmur when dust falls off the roof. “No nono… Dean… DEAN!”

He can’t hear me now.

What have I done ! I can’t control those powers and now the trap is closing. The cabin cracks again and this time the window shatters. My heart beats way faster than humanly possible, and the floor starts to shake, everything falls of the floor.

If Dean dies…

If Sam dies…

If…

My head is spinning and my hair start floating and glowing.

Dean will die.

Sam will die.

You’re the monster they have to put down.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I can’t let that happen, I won’t. I have to think of the good times, I’m the one doing this, that means I can stop it, just like that. I will. I close my fists and struggle hard to hear my thoughts inside of my head.

Dean.

The man I love has a smile like no other, and when we made love for the first time, just here, he gave me one of them. A smile I will always remember, with sweat on his forehead and love in his dilated pupils, his skin was still cold from that shower and his lips were swollen by my kisses. I can’t stop kissing him, I won’t. Ever. I want to see his smile.

The cabin stops cracking but I still can’t hear them outside, the night is still so dark and I pray that I’m not too late.

Please… Let me see him again, let him be safe. I’ll take the burden, I’ll take every blame but let him go home.

A loud noise against the wood again. My love is alive ! I focus even more : When he will reach me, he will put his arms around me, I live for his arms around me, holding me so tight I don’t have to carry any weight.

Another punch on the walls of my wooden prison. The deafening whispers in my head harass me and right now I know I won’t be able to fight that evil for long, a few more days, maybe weeks… But after that, if there is no other way to keep them safe, I will have to end it.

Another punch and something cracks. I just realized I have to kill myself and burning tears roll on my face, evaporating before they reach the floor. I don’t want to die, I just started to live ! I don’t want Dean to loose someone else, but I can’t afford to hurt any of them.

“Y/n !” I finally hear him and a strangled sob escapes me.

“Dean !”

“Baby ! Baby you hear me ?” he half shouts half sighs.

“I’m sorry ! I can’t control it ! I can’t open !” I sob, starting to scratch the wood.

“Hold on ! And don’t panic okay ! I will reach you baby !”

“Where is Sam ?” I ask shakily.

A silence and my heart seems to fall on my lower stomach.

“Dean where is Sam ?”

“He’s… he will be okay, we’ll deal with him later” he growls and I know what is pain when I hear it.

“Oh my God !”

I hurt Sammy.

“Y/n focus on my voice, don’t start panicking. Sam will be okay !”

“I hurt Sam ! Did I… I hurt Sammy ! Oh my God !”

The floor starts to shake again.

He was right to be afraid of you, he wasn’t even careful enough, now it’s too late.

“YOU WERE RIGHT TO BE AFRAID OF ME !” I cry out, feeling that incontrollable wish to close that prison tighter.

The shocks on the wood stop and it’s like I could feel Dean’s palm on it.

“Y/n… I’m not afraid of you” he says more calmly. “I am afraid for you. Listen to me now. Breathe. It’s going to be okay, we will find a way, we always do, we’re close to find a way…”

I pant, my breathing strangled by panic and he hears me.

“Breathe calmly. You remember when I talked to you about that mark… What was its name ?” he asks to make me focus.

“C-cain” I stammer. “The Mark of Cain.”

“I thought it will never be okay again, just like you do right now. But I got rid of it, it was awful, baby. This force fighting me every second, the urges… But it’s over now. You will find peace too baby… Let me give you peace. I will break that, just stay calm for me.”

I fall on my knees and the din in my head fades a little. Dean starts hitting the wood again and after a while, a tiny ray of night light pierces the wall of my airtight prison. The hole becomes wider and Dean’s hands finally appear to tear the branches in growls.

When he can slip in, my love enters and falls on his knees to take me in his arms.

“I’m so sorry” I sob, clinging to him. "Dean I didn't mean... I'm so sorry !"

He hushes me and grabs my face to stare at me with his intense eyes, checking on my face and body, his thumbs grazing my cheekbones. He’s sweaty and out of breath. When he moves his palms just a little on my cheeks, I notice they’re wet and very hot, the smell of blood comes to my nose and I realize he must have open his palms with the branches. But before I can react, he puts his lips on mine.

“Don’t leave me” he pleads against my lips. “ Don't ever leave me again. I’m not afraid of you, and I need you. I won’t lose you.”

“Sam ?” I ask below my breath.

“I called Cas…”

“Tell me Dean. Please.”

You've hurt Sam.

“The branches… Y/n… It’s not your fault…” he looks down.

I get up to run outside, but Dean catches me by the arm quickly, tugging to crush me in his arms, holding me with my head against his chest.

“The branches crushed him like they were snakes. He’s breathing but… I think his bones… his bones are broken. He fainted.”

I grab Dean’s flannel and sob in his arms, muttering pleading apologies in loop.

And while we wait for Castiel, Dean never lets go.

December 3, 5pm

Castiel came and Sam was alive. Dean never wanted me to see him broken, but I can only imagine the amount of pain he went through. After a while, the angel broke more wood in the door frame, and Sam came in, I was in tears, not daring to look at him in the eyes even if he was trying to reassure me.

After a long talk, I finally told them I needed them to be safe, that I couldn't let it happen, and that it could happen in the bunker too. I suggested that maybe I shouldn’t come back in the bunker just now… Sam agreed. I ignored the pain on my chest, still entertaining the idea of ending it myself. But Dean’s answer was clear : He will stay here with me, until Sam finds a cure.

I couldn’t fight him long, he was determined and argued that he was the only one that could keep me safe. I was terrified, both by being alone and hurting Dean ; so when he asked me to trust him, I just did.

Sam went to his car to give us the few snacks he had there, and said he will come back tomorrow, no matter what.

Now here I am, using that first aid kit that helped so much in the past to take care of my boyfriend's palms. He’s sitting on the bed and I kneeled before him, like I used to do, except this time he's strong and well, mostly. Taking care of him calms me and the light of the old oil lamp too somehow. The delicious smell of Dean is embracing me, keeping the loud whispers at bay for now.

“There is a piece of wood under your skin” I whisper, looking up to find his eyes seaching my face.

“You know I love you right ?” he answers and my heart starts racing like the first time I heard it.

“I know. Thank you so much for loving me…” I look down, still tortured by the guilt.

He chuckles and pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. I tug at the thorn but my wolf barely winces.

“Sam is close to find something…” he smiles while I examine his beautiful strong hands carefully. “He says he could transfer the powers to someone else, turn the spell you used, there is just a little more details to think of.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea” I frown, sincerely worried by that idea.

“We just have to find an evil witch of the Coven, we know some ran.”

“Evil, Dean, that’s the whole problem…” I take bandages to stay focused on taking care of him.

“Yeah but that knocked you up… What if I put a witch killing bullet in her head before she thinks clear again ?” he grins.

“I don’t know…”

“I do” he states. Now come here, it’s still freezing in that cabin, even with, you know... the new weather-proofing” he chuckles.

I get up and join him on the bed, cuddling against him when he lays down. A loud sigh of relief escapes my lungs and I flatten my palm on his chest to feel his heart.

“I’m going to make love to you all the time when this is fixed” he groans, managing to make me chuckle slightly.

That man is not only the strongest of the world, physically; after all he's been through... his heart also is made of the toughest diamond.

_______________________________

***Feedback is Gold***

Forever Tags : @parinarain @animegirlgeeky @mogaruke @masterof-agony @rainflowermoon @tftumblin @deans-baby-momma @roonyxx @thefaithfulwriter @vicariouslythruspn @emeow1496@daryldixonandfrogs @holylulusworld @cocklesbelli @sandlee44 @mogaruke @screenchingartisancashbailiff @donnaintx @hawaiianohana31 @akshi8278 @magssteenkamp @sister-winchesters99 @neii3n @alanegaming @im-a-shrub @sadwaywardkid @hopelesslydevotedtoyou1912 @slyqueenj @i-love-superhero @waywardsisterandpie

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Tags are open (Some tags don’t work even if I tried everything, I’m sorry)

#supernatural #spn #spn fic #dean winchester #dean winchester fic #dean x y/n #dean x reader #spn dean x reader #Smut #fluff #dean winchester fluff #angst #flangst #SPNFamily #jay-and-dean

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gaamagirl565 · 5 years ago

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Matters of the heart S2 ep 7

Matters of the heart Season 2 Episode 7 How the tides turn Special thanks to @1a-lchemist for help with the Romanian {OPENING CREDITS} {Zapada comes down the stairs to see Isaiah sewing something} Zapada: Copilul meu? Isaiah: Oh! Good morning Zapada! Zapada: what happens here? Isaiah: oh, I’m sewing something for my baby brother or sister! Zapada: May I see? {Isaiah holds up a tiny red bear with jingle bells attached to the limbs} Zapada: Ohhh! Isaiah! That is so…*sobs* Isaiah:...Zapada? {Zapada pulls him into a tight hug} Isaiah: ACK! Zapada: Copilul meu dulce! {Varian walks in with a cup of tea but stops when he sees them} Isaiah: Dad! Wait! Save me! {Varian sneaks back out} Isaiah: Ah!..W-wait!...no! You traitor!! {Varian smirks and goes to walk away when a villager runs through the front door; Varian drops his teacup and Zapada and Isaiah are immediately at attention} Villager: Varian! Sir! Message from the King and Queen! Varian: What’s wrong? Villager: The cult made an unprovoked attack on a neighboring kingdom! Multiple casualties, homes destroyed and crops burnt… {Isaiah gasps and Varian covers his mouth in horror} Varian: a-anything else? Villager: The King and Queen are going with a small group to help aid the survivors. The Queen requests the Royal engineer’s attendance. Varian: Understood. Tell Rapunzel I’m on my way. Villager: As you wish sir. The group will leave at noon. {The villager leaves and Varian hurries over to his desk and begins packing a satchel; Zapada walks over to him} Zapada: Varian? Varian: I don’t understand...they’ve never made an unprovoked attack before… {She takes his hand} Zapada: are you alright? Varian:...I’m...I’m fine…*he brushes her cheek*...I’m just confused and I feel like I could have prevented this... Zapada: Perhaps we have answers when we get there? Varian: We? Zapada: Isaiah and I are going with you! Varian: Zapada no! You’re too heavy with child! I won’t risk losing all of you. Zapada: Varian! Te iubesc, dar oprește această protejare obsesivă stupidă sau te voi sugruma până la ultima răsuflare!

{Isaiah looks on shocked and Varian shrinks back} Varian: I...Have no idea what you just said but I feel like I should fear for my life... Isaiah: Dad please let the severely hormonal albino lady go with you...I don’t wanna die. Varian: *sigh*....fine Zapada: good...I go pack my saddlebag… {She walks away; Varian slumps against his work bench} Varian:....Get married dad said...it’ll be fun dad said...ugh. {Cut to the forest with Noremoth sitting in a tree with Catalina} Catalina: haha! Stop it! Noremoth: and why would I do that? You make the funniest face! Boop the nose! Catalina: haha...I can’t believe your mission is almost over… Noremoth: yeah… Catalina: You’re gonna come back sometime right? You’re super fun to hang out with… Noremoth:...*sad smile*...Yeah...I’ll be coming back. Keira: Hey love birds! Catalina: Keira! Stop calling us that! We’re not “love birds”! Keira: Whatever, Eugene and Rapunzel need us… Catalina: what for? Keira: that cult attacked another kingdom last night. {Noremoth jumps down} Noremoth: WHAT!? Catalina: You know about them? Noremoth:....yeah… I heard of them...I have to go… {Noremoth runs over and mounts his horse} Noremoth: Catalina it was lovely to meet you...Keira...bye…. {He gallops off; cut to Isaiah on a horse looking conflicted and Eugene notices and rides up next to him} Eugene: Hey kiddo. You alright? Isaiah: yeah...just...I kinda feel like this is my fault. Eugene: W-what? How? Isaiah: I made the cult mad cause I attacked miss Cass...and then she attacked me and now I have some of her power. And...now they’re attacking innocent people and it’s all because they want the moonstone sliver! {Pink magic crackles around him} Eugene: Hey easy buddy...deep breaths okay? Isaiah: sorry… Eugene: it’s not your fault..these people are...unstable...they’re crazy with anger and I bet half of them aren’t even angry they just are cruel and bloodthirsty. Isaiah: Then how do we stop them? {Rapunzel rides up} Rapunzel: With Corona spirit! Eugene: Sunshine! Rapunzel: We’ll all get through this...it may seem bleak and hopeless at times but as long as we have each other and keep the faith we’ll make it through. {Isaiah smiles at her} Eugene: Oh my god… {Isaiah looks and gasps in horror as they ride up to the kingdom; in the distance, Noremoth rides over a hill and sees the carnage and looks shellshocked; the place is practically burnt to the ground with people trying to dig through the remains and set things back in place} Varian:...They’ve never gone this far. Rapunzel:...Varian go with Eugene and help make plans to rebuild, Angry and Catalina look for survivors, Zapada and Isaiah you can help the wounded, I’m going to go find the leader here and get what happened. All: Yes you’re majesty… {Everyone goes to do their respective jobs and of in the background Noremoth skulks in the shadows looking at the destruction in utter horror} Noremoth:...I don’t understand...why did they…? {He steps on something and it crunches; he lifts his foot and picks up a singed toy wooden horse; his eyes widen and he drops it and covers his mouth as he runs over to a wall and gags; after a few moments he just rubs his head against the stone wall} {begin song “fighting”} {NOREMOTH} So many things happen in a year

But mostly bloodshed paints all my time I watch eyes fill with fear So many things in my life I regret but still I’m fighting So many days I wondered “was my birth a crime?” But as I grew I realized my only crime

Was being an orphan! “A drain on society” “a filthy pest” Well maybe now they’ll feel Remorseful. As I run my sword through their chest So many times I wonder is it worth it? To keep on going or to give up and die. My existence until now had no meaning. So why? Why do I keep Fighting!? I see the destruction that I cause and kills me It kills me deep inside. I hear children cry the same cry I did I wish to help but my hands are tied I ask in my mind that they forgive me. So why? Why do I keep fighting? Oh, why? I’m fighting… But why...do I still fight?

{End song with Noremoth wiping his tears and overhearing talking and he lurks closer in the shadows to evesdrop} Kingdom leader: It was just terrible you’re majesty...we stood no chance… Rapunzel: Just take a breath and try to explain it. Kingdom leader: Well they came in the middle of the night... none of us were expecting them. they were like animals. setting fire to everything, pillaging, they killed a great many of us, but I know what they mainly wanted, they broke into the treasury of our kingdom... they took so much I fear for my people… there was one woman who I assume is the leader once she had what she needed from our Treasury she told her band to retreat... but by then... the damage has already been done. {Noremoth growls with anger and slinks away} Rapunzel: I assure you Corona will do whatever they can to help this Kingdom get back on their feet… Kingdom leader: Thank you, your majesty… {Cut to evening and Isaiah walks over to a basin and washes blood from his hands with a sigh} Varian: Hey buddy… Isaiah: Dad… {Isaiah hugs Varian and snuggles into his torso} Varian: Rough day? Isaiah: a lot of these people are really hurt...Dad, why are people so mean? Varian:...That...That’s a good question, buddy. And unfortunately, I don't think anyone will ever have the answer to that one. {Zapada walks over} Zapada: Isaiah was quite the little helper today... he helps me tend a lot of burns and cuts today. He’s a little hero. Varian: tell me something I don't already know. {Isaiah smiles and suddenly Zapada jumps and grabs her stomach} Zapada: Oh! Varian: Zapada!? Are you alright!? Zapada: I’m fine!...little one is kicking me!..wanna feel? {Isaiah nods and gently puts his hand on her stomach} Isaiah: ….wow...hi there!... Varian: we still need to decide on a name… Zapada: we said Clover for girl...we need boy name. Isaiah: I got one! Varian: Oh ho...really? Let’s hear it. Isaiah: Sterling! Zapada: Sterling? Varian: Like sterling silver? Pfft.. {Zapada smacks his vest} Varian: OW! Zapada: act nice! Isaiah: *laughs* {Cut to the Cult HQ where Larkspur sits drinking from a goblet; Noremoth then storms in and walks up to her} Noremoth: YOU HEARTLESS WENCH! Larkspur: Well you're back... how was your mission did you learn any valuable information? Noremoth: Yeah I learned your backstabbing cutthroat! Larkspur: oh am I now? Noremoth: you knew I would never agree with a plan to pillage and commit genocide Larkspur: I wouldn't call what we did “genocide”. {Noremoth slaps the drink from her hand} Noremoth: what would you call it then!? did you even see what you left behind!? both men, women, and children slaughtered like pigs! when I joined this movement I joined because I too wanted to see a new world order and I also wanted Corona to pay for what they did to me. I did not join to slaughter countless innocent civilians. do we even need the money you stole!? or was this just a little fun Rendezvous for you!? Larkspur: you know how the men can get...they tend to get a little tense when they haven't battled something in a while. and our vessel did need the exercise. I needed to make sure her powers were still at full potential. well potential enough without the moonstone that is. Noremoth: this is not what we originally stood for. Larkspur: is that so? and pray tell how do you plan to fix it in your little mind? {Noremoth unsheathes his swords} Noremoth: it's time we got back on track. Larkspur:... are you truly sure you want this, Norie? {Noremoth swings his sword at her and she blocks it with her dagger} Larkspur: you filthy bugger… {Larkspur shoves him away and they circle one another} Larkspur: who would have thought this is how it ends? you know I did like you, Noremoth. Noremoth: no you didn't…. {she shoots some throwing knives at him; he deflects them with his sword and charges her; Cassandra hears the fighting from her cell} Cassandra: What the hell? Larkspur: Urgh! Noremoth: you know I always wondered why you never listen to me but now that I'm fighting you I think I finally understand. Larkspur: oh really? Noremoth: your pathetic little girl who's had nothing go right for her in life. what's wrong mommy and daddy didn't love you enough? {Larkspur charges with a scream and swings down at him; they lock swords} Noremoth: admit it I'm right! aren't I!? you're pathetic and scared, and were pushed around all your life! you put on this front acting like you care but in reality, you don't care at all you just want everyone to suffer under your thumb for the crappy hand you were dealt! you're no better than a whiney child! {Larkspur punches him and Noremoth falls back on the ground; Larkspur goes to jump on him with a knife and cuts his arm but he kicks up and flips her over; Larkspur lands harshly on the ground} Larkspur: AUGH! {Noremoth gets up and points his sword at her and wipes the blood from his lip} Noremoth: as I said before... pathetic. you don't even know how to fight. Larkspur: ….. that maybe but I do have one thing that you will never have… Noremoth: and that is? {suddenly swords are at his throat with cult members surrounding him} Larkspur: I have faithful followers… Cult member 1: what should we do with him, Mistress? Larkspur: Throw him in the dankest little cell that we have here... and let him rot for the time being... I'll figure out what to do with him eventually… Cult member 1: yes mistress… {The grab Noremoth and drag him away} Larkspur: Buh-bye Norie… {He’s taken to a cell and harshly thrown in; Cassandra looks up and sees him in the cell across from her; Noremoth groans and clutches his injured arm; Cassandra tears part of her clothes} Noremoth: Urgh!... Cassandra: Hey!... {Noremoth looks up and sees her toss some bread with a cloth wrapped around it to his cell} Cassandra: tie the cloth around your arm tightly... it'll stop the bleeding. and I was saving that bread but you can have it… Noremoth: ...Thank you… {END CREDITS}

#tangled #TTS #RTA #tangled the series #rapunzel’s tangled adventure #fanfic #matters of the heart #MotH #Isaiah #Varian #Zapada #Rapunzel #Noremoth #Eugene Fitzherbert

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honeypiehotchner · 5 years ago

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Trust -- part thirty-five

It’s been a moment, hello! My mood took one of worse turns it has in a while the past couple weeks, but I think I’m back on track now (go to therapy, kids).

Also! I move into college in three weeks, and I won’t have as much free time. My goal is to finish this story before I move, though, so this is your warning that the end is near. Love you guys xx.

(Listen I don’t really like this part and idk if it’s my brain still in the weird mood or if it genuinely does suck, so be gentle lol)

“Sherlock,” you call, tucking your legs underneath you on the sofa.

“Hm.”

“When was the last time you went out?”

He gives his violin a strange look – he’s tuning it before he plays – but you know that look was meant for you if he wasn’t preoccupied. “What do you mean?”

“A case,” you clarify for him. “When was the last time you and John went out on a case together?”

“We just did a case last week.”

“No, that wasn’t a case, that was a small outing and you solved it in five minutes,” you reply tiredly. “I mean an actual case.”

“Oh,” he hums, lifting his violin to his chin. “I don’t know.”

“I thought you didn’t like not knowing.”

A glare is the next expression sent your way as he picks up his bow and begins to play. He’s been working on a waltz for John and Mary. He’s told them (promised, more like) he’ll play it for their first dance at the wedding, which, again you try not to think about the dreams you had. But it’s incredibly hard when life is appearing to imitate them in the smallest of ways.

“I’m just saying,” you speak over his playing. “I think it’d be good if the two of you got out and did a case together.”

The violin falls from his neck as he gives you a pointed stare. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” you chuckle. “I just don’t want to be the reason you’re stuck in this flat for the rest of your life.”

“You’re not,” he replies firmly, lifting his instrument once more. “If I wanted to leave, I would. My brother’s security won’t be reason to stop me.”

“I know that,” you breathe. “Speaking of, if you were to go out, I’m sure Mycroft would send an extra guard. Or I could ask Mary to come over. Speaking of Mary, what time did they say they were coming over?”

“Noon,” comes Sherlock’s short reply.

It’s barely ten now. This is one of the rare mornings where you and Sherlock are actually awake in the morning.

“Well,” you heave out a sigh, standing to your feet. “I’m going to get dressed. Try not to make the waltz minor. I can hear it drifting that way.”

You’re not trying to annoy Sherlock necessarily, but you’d be lying if you said you aren’t trying to push his buttons a little more.

He’s been cooped up in this flat with you for two weeks now. Yes, you’ve gone out occasionally, but after one instance of cameras swarming the two of you in a café, you’ve kept the outings to a bare minimum. The “case” last week was less hectic, you’re assuming because reporters didn’t want Lestrade arresting them, but it was short lived.

You’ve both become somewhat of a celebrity couple since returning from the hospital. It became known that Sherlock and his girlfriend – that’s you, even though, again, you and Sherlock still haven’t discussed labels – investigated and brought down a religious cult right here in London.

The case alone was intriguing enough for people to praise Sherlock, but throw in the fact that this seemingly emotionless human being has a romantic partner? Everyone is all over that now, and it hasn’t died down like John had hoped.

Which is why Mycroft still has security stationed at the bottom of the stairs, and eyes all on Baker Street at all times. You’re – meaning you and Sherlock – are no longer allowed to take cabs. Mycroft has a driver – his name is Ed, he’s nice – for the both of you and that is how you are supposed to get around. You think the only reason Sherlock doesn’t protest is because he knows how much of a concern your safety is – especially to him.

But still. You and Mary have been talking. Even John is a little antsy. The wedding planning is in the final stages, and the last thing really to tackle is seating and fitting for the bridesmaid dresses. Mary has her wedding dress, John has his tux, as does Sherlock, but the bridesmaids – you included as Maid of Honor – don’t. You’ve got the color, at least.

The point is, you and Mary have seen that both of your boys need to go out and work a case together. Just to get them out. And to give you two some girl time, but that’s irrelevant. You need to get them out of the house again, like they used to do.

And you’ve got a plan.

~~~

“Need to work on your half of the church, Mary. Looking a bit thin.”

You roll your eyes at Sherlock’s statement as Mary answers him. “Ah, orphan’s lot. Friends, that’s all I have. Lots of friends.”

You reach over and squeeze her hand gently, earning a small smile. Mary’s past has always been a sore subject, and one that isn’t brought up often – except by Sherlock, in moments like these.

“We should have the organ music to begin at precisely 11:48—”

“But the rehearsal’s not for another two weeks, just calm down.”

“Calm? I am calm. I’m extremely calm.”

“Sherlock, love,” you chime in, ignoring the way your brother’s eyebrows raise at your use of the word love. “I’ve never seen you more stressed. Just – take a deep breath.”

“Let’s get back to the reception, come on,” Mary suggests, ushering him over.

You nod your head, urging him to join her. You sit curled up in his chair with a book, planning to help Mary after Sherlock and John leave, but of course neither of them know they’re going to be leaving just yet.

“John’s cousin, top table?”

Sherlock scrunches his nose. “Hm. Hates you. Can’t even bear to think about you.”

“Seriously?”

“Second-class post. Cheap card. Bought at a petrol station. Look at the stamp. Three attempts at licking. She’s obviously unconsciously retaining saliva.”

“Aw, let’s stick her by the bogs.”

“Oh yes.”

You watch at Mary discreetly looks over her should, clearing her throat before asking, “Who else hates me?”

And of course, Sherlock being Sherlock, he hands her a list.

“Oh great, thanks.”

You snicker at Mary’s way of dealing with family troubles, not that John cares either way. He’s been scrolling through his phone the entire time.

“‘Priceless painting nicked.’ Looks interesting.”

“Table four?” Mary continues.

“Done,” Sherlock replies quickly.

John chuckles. “‘My husband is three people.’”

“Table five?”

“Major James Sholto. Who he?”

“Oh, John’s old commanding officer. I don’t think he’s coming.”

Your ears perk up at the mention of him. You’ve always known John was in the military, but he never talks about it all that much. And he’s especially never mentioned an old commanding officer before.

“He’ll be there,” John speaks up, so he’s clearly listening.

“Well, he needs to RSVP, then,” Mary counters.

“He’ll be there,” John assures her once more, still gazing at his phone.

Sherlock looks about as confused as you feel. He’s clearly curious about this and you’re almost certain you’ll find him Googling Major Sholto later.

“‘My husband is three people.’ It’s interesting.”

You give John a strange look.

“Says he has three distinct patterns of moles on his skin.”

“Identical triplets. One in half a million births. Solved it without leaving the flat,” Sherlock speaks quickly as he suddenly stands and floats (as you like to say) down to the floor. “Now, serviettes. Swan or Sydney Opera House?”

“Where’d you learn to do that?” Mary’s excitement and surprise is clearly written all over her face as Sherlock proudly displays the napkins. You even crane your neck to see.

“Many unexpected skills required in the field of criminal investigation—”

“Fibbing, love,” you call out, shaking your head.

He sighs. “I once broke an alibi by demonstrating the exact severity of…”

“We’re not John, we can tell when you’re fibbing,” Mary interrupts.

“Okay, I learnt it on YouTube.”

You snicker. “That’s more like it.”

“Opera House, please,” Mary chooses, satisfied that she got the truth. “Oh, hang on, I’m buzzing.”

Your eyebrows raise slightly. That’s the first code phrase.

“Oh, hi, Beth!”

And there’s the other.

You close your book, standing and following Mary into the kitchen. Sherlock is too busy folding serviettes to notice you’ve gone, and you smack John lightly on the shoulder as you pass.

“Yeah, yeah, I don’t see why not,” Mary continues the act.

You stand over by the kettle, actually putting it on because you would like some tea, which gives you a plausible excuse for being in here.

“Actually, if that’s Beth, it’s probably for me, too. Hang on.”

John walks into the kitchen a second later, giving both you and Mary a tired look.

“He knows we don’t have a friend called Beth. He’s gonna figure out that it’s code.”

“He’s YouTubing serviettes,” Mary hisses.

“He’s thorough.”

“He’s terrified!”

“Of course he’s not.”

“He is,” you mutter from the kettle, looking up to John. “He is.”

“Right, you know when you’re scared of something, you start wishing it sooner just to get it all going? That’s what he’s doing.”

“Why would he be scared that we’re getting married?”

You leave the couple to continue bickering, part of you wanting a small private moment with Sherlock while they’re occupied.

You walk over to Sherlock where he’s quickly folding, and you make him pause, your hand smoothing over his shoulder. He turns his head to look up at you, his free hand bringing your knuckles to his lips.

“Would you fold me a swan?” You ask.

“Of course,” comes his reply, and you didn’t exactly mean for him to fold it for you right then, but he does, and a few seconds later, he’s handing you a swan.

“Thank you,” you chuckle. “I love it.” You carry it gingerly over to the mantle and place it next to where he’s got something stabbed onto the wood. “What is it now, love?” Upon closer inspection you see it’s a note. “Another one?” You ask.

Sherlock barely nods and hums.

You sigh. “And how long has this one been up here?”

“Two days.”

“Where did you get it?”

“Homeless network.”

“Someone in your homeless network handed you a note with ‘I O U’ written on it? Are you joking?”

“No,” Sherlock replies. “But Mycroft has them now.”

“So, your brother knew, too,” you mutter. “Lovely.”

“Don’t be cross. It’s only out of—”

“Sherlock Holmes,” you turn around to glare at him. “If you tell me you’re trying to protect me, I’m going to throw you out that window.”

He smirks as he stands, ushering you to come over to him, which you do. He’s like a damn magnet, this man.

“No need to throw me out the window,” he murmurs, tilting your head back to look in his eyes. “I only didn’t want you to worry.”

“You realize to me it seems like you’re keeping things from me.”

“I apologize.”

“Hm,” You fight back a smile. “Not good enough.”

He hears what you’re implying, so he leans down, pressing his lips to yours. “Better?”

You nod. “Better. One more.”

He grants your wish, pressing a kiss to your lips once again, pulling your body up against his in a way that would promise something more if John and Mary weren’t in the kitchen.

But they are, so you pull away, grinning. “I forgive you.”

“Seriously?”

“No,” you shake your head. “But you are a good kisser.”

He hums again, getting interrupted by Mary practically shoving John out of the kitchen. Your older brother stumbles into the room, giving you and Sherlock a weird – but not disgusted for the first time – look.

“Uh, kettle’s just boiled.”

You nod. “I’ll go help Mary with the tea.”

Leaving Sherlock and John in the living area, you disappear into the kitchen to help Mary with tea. When you round the corner, she’s sitting at the table, sipping tea and looking through a newspaper.

“They’re talking,” you whisper. “Fingers crossed.”

After a few minutes, Mary taps you on the arm. Time to see if they ever decided on anything.

You wrap your hands around the warm mug, raising your eyebrows expectantly as Sherlock and John fumble through an explanation on where they’re heading.

“Why don’t you go with socks?” You ask.

“You’ve gotta get the right ones,” Mary adds, earning a serious nod from both men. “It’ll take a while, right?”

“Yeah, my coat…”

“In there,” you nod. You flash Sherlock a smile that he returns. “Have fun.”

“Text me if you need me.”

“Mary is going to be here with me, Sherlock. Go out and have fun. And don’t come back for a while. We need some girl time.”

“Okay. The guard is just downstairs, and Mycroft—”

“I know!” You laugh. “Now get out of here.”

Sherlock and John disappear down the stairs for what seems like the first time in absolute ages. You and Mary let out of a shared sigh of relief as the front door closes.

“Now,” Mary begins, giving you a look. “Now that he’s gone, I have to ask, how are you doing?”

“I’m fine,” you reply, sipping your tea as you sit down on the couch. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, with all this marriage talk, I just wondered how that head of yours was dealing,” she moves to sit next to you. “Have you mentioned it to him?”

“No, God no,” you laugh. “We haven’t even talked about whether or not we’re ‘dating,’ which sounds ridiculous. The papers say I’m his girlfriend, but he and I haven’t even talked about it.”

“I think it’s safe to say he is your boyfriend.”

“It sounds so primary school when you say it like that,” you grimace.

“Well the two of you act like you’re in primary school because you haven’t talked about it!”

“Okay,” you give her a look. “I don’t mind that we haven’t talked about it.”

“You don’t want clarity?”

“Maybe?” You shrug. “And maybe when I do, I’ll ask him, but right now, I’m happy with where we are. I’m content just being with him.”

“Alright,” she pats my leg. “I can tell he makes you happy. And I think John is coming around.”

“I think so, too,” you smile. “Or I hope he is, at least.”

“No, I think he is,” Mary nods firmly. “I’ve talked with him about it and I think he sees how protective Sherlock is and he values that. John wants someone that’ll keep you safe. And Sherlock does.”

“I feel safer than I ever have when I’m with him,” you admit quietly. “I felt safe with Tony, sure, but never like this.”

“And that’s what I like to hear,” she smiles brightly. “Now, what’s for lunch?”

You sigh. “I might be able to convince the guard to let us out.”

She grins, a bit mischievously. “Let’s do it.”

#i'm too lazy to really tag #bbc sherlock #bbc sherlock fanfiction #bbc sherlock fanfic #Sherlock Holmes #sherlock #sherlock x reader #sherlock holmes x reader #john watson #mary morstan #the sign of three #the bloody guardsman #half-sibling!reader #soft #a bit of tender romance

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pinknerdpanda · 7 years ago

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Dumble-dorks

Word Count: 3,500

Characters: Dean, Sam, Reader

Warnings: Grumpy!Dean, Gratuitous HP References, language

A/N: This was written for the @sisterhoodofsam and their Rejects of Supernatural Challenge. Thank you all for giving me some extra time to get this done. Hope you enjoy! (tagging @moonlitskinwalker and @idreamofhazel from SOS)

Betas: @hannahindie - “I didn't see that coming and I should have but you're clever.” and @wheresthekillswitch - “I could sense Dean's perturbed dimples throughout the whole thing.” - Thank you both so much for beta-ing this for me and also listening to me complain about my writer’s block through this whole thing. Love you!

As always, tags are at the bottom. If you would like to be added (or removed) please send me an ASK.

Gifs - x, x

Dumble-dorks

“Hey nerds. Hand check.” Dean’s booming voice filled the room, causing y/n to jump and Sam to glare at him. He chuckled as y/n’s cheeks flared a deep rosy pink. “What are you two crazy kids up to?” Dean chose a chair across from y/n, lowered himself into it and leaned back before kicking up one foot and then the other to rest on the surface of the wooden table.

“Sam thinks he’s found a case,” y/n’s excitement won out over her annoyance and her eyes glittered as she looked back at Sam.

“Great. Another case,” Dean sighed. Clearly the weekend of rest and relaxation he’d had planned was about to be thrown out of the window. He pulled his phone from his pocket and quickly checked his Words with Friends game, before turning the screen off and looking back at them. “So what is it this time? Demons? It seems like it’s always demons lately.”

“Actually, it’s not,” Sam smirked and turned his laptop around, pushing it across the table to Dean. “Ever heard of Freetown-Fall River State Forest?”

Dean looked at his younger brother blankly for a moment before realization dawned and his mouth fell open. “Wait, seriously? THE Freetown-Fall River!?” Dean’s legs dropped from the table and he grabbed the laptop eagerly. “I don’t think there’s a hunter alive that hasn’t heard of it! Every kind of supernatural being known to man has been rumored to have been there at one time or another. So what’s up? Ghouls? Poltergeists? Man, it’s been awhile since we’ve had a simple ghost case. Are you sure it isn’t demons? I’ve heard dozens of satanist cults use that place for rituals.” His eyes scanned the screen and found three separate newspaper articles. He skimmed each of them, frowned and read the headline of the last one out loud. “‘UMass Frat rush gone wrong or mythical beast? You decide.’ Really guys? This is what’s got you so worked up?”

Sam and y/n giggled and nodded. Dean rolled his eyes and shoved the laptop back towards them.

“It definitely sounds like our kind of thing.” Sam sobered and leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. “Get this, one of the fraternities from UMass Dartmouth brings their pledges on a camping/initiation trip for the weekend, right? Out of the 22 guys on the trip, three fall off a cliff in different areas of the park, two suffer permanent eye damage from having sand thrown in their face and six wake up with mysterious deep cuts, each one with a different type of poison in their blood. Not to mention all their stuff mysteriously caught on fire - all of this with zero explanation.”

“No explanation? Sam...did you miss the part where you said it was an initiation trip for a fraternity? Didn’t you watch Animal House?”

“I know how fraternities work, Dean. I was in one at Stanford.” Sam’s face fell slightly and a pang of guilt slammed into Dean, who cleared his throat gently.

“OK, so, you’re telling me that out of all the monsters that are in that forest, you want to drive who-knows-how-many-miles…”

“1,643 miles,” y/n blurted out, cutting Dean off, the blush from earlier returning. “Give or take.”

Dean blinked at her, his face blank, before he glanced at Sam, hoping to find some sign on his brother’s face that he didn’t support this hair-brained idea. Sam’s face regained some of the excited glow he’d shown before, the barest hint of a dimple forming on one cheek; clearly he had no problem with this plan.

Dean blew out a forceful sigh. “Fine, but I get to pick the hotel this time. I need me some magic fingers.”

-----

Dean loved his Impala - truly. But after 23 hours of driving, he was beyond grateful to put her in park for more than a few moments at a gas station. The trip had been normal enough, except Sam, usually chief shotgun-rider had opted to join y/n in the backseat for a good portion of the journey.

Sam heaved Dean’s bag in his direction before pulling the strap of his own over his shoulder. Y/n reached for her bag, but Sam was quicker and slung it over his as he smiled down at her. Dean turned from them, smiling, and strode toward number 27; their room. He hadn’t had many places to choose from, but as his eyes slid across the room and fell on the small slot machine next to the beds, he knew he’d made the right choice.

“Come to papa,” he crooned, tossing his bag aside and digging quarters from the pocket of his jeans. He fed the box three coins and pushed the button before falling backwards onto the threadbare, sun-faded green and yellow coverlet. The subtle vibrations from the magic fingers he loved so much lulled him into a dreamy, euphoric state as Sam and y/n entered. Sam made a face that showed both discomfort and mild disgust, but Dean was too far gone to react and he simply closed his eyes and allowed the exhaustion to consume him.

-----

The next day was spent interviewing the witnesses. They’d all decided to split the list up to cover more ground and agreed to meet for lunch at noon to compare notes. The bells above the diner door tinkled softly as Dean entered, surprised to find Sam and y/n already seated, their heads once again bowed together. This whole thing was starting to get a bit old, he decided, beginning to feel like a third wheel. He slid into the booth, frowning as they both looked up, startled. Dean glanced down to see that they’d been looking at a book, it’s tattered cover hidden from view as it lay open between them. Y/n hurriedly snatched the book and snapped it closed before shoving it into her purse and looking back at Dean, her face flushed.

“Well, were your interviews as mind numbing as mine?” Dean murmured as he turned his attention to the menu. He wasn’t looking at them, but he still caught the nearly imperceptible glance they’d shared.

“No. Actually I feel like I got a lot of really good stuff from the guys I talked to,” Y/n smiled, picking up her coffee and taking a cautious sniff before sipping it. “They told me about some of the hazing rituals and initiations in the past.”

“Yeah, mine too. I was actually kind of surprised,” the corners of Sam’s mouth dipped down toward his chin for a moment before returning to their normal resting place in a look Dean recognized as one of utter astonishment. “What happened with yours?”

“Well, first of all, somehow I ended up with all the stoners,” Dean set the menu down as Sam and y/n chuckled. “Seriously, it was straight up Fast Times at Ridgemont High but with the added bonus of a contact high.”

“What did they say?” Sam’s eyebrows narrowed in curiosity.

“One kept talking about little grey men with pointy ears and spears. Dude was a little overbaked if you ask me.” Dean winked at the waitress as she approached their table and took down their order.

“What else did he say?” y/n asked as she handed the menus to the waitress without looking up, her voice was higher than normal and her words ran together. “Did it glow? Was he short?”

“The guy I interviewed?” Dean scowled. “Not really. I mean I think I was about…”

“Not the guy, the little grey man?” Sam interrupted, looking at Dean just as expectantly as y/n was.

“Ok. Enough already. What are you two up to?” Dean leaned forward and jabbed a finger at the table. “You guys have been acting weird this whole time. You’ve been whispering and giggling like school girls. And...and...reading things...” Dean trailed off.

“Pukwudgies.” Y/n said and wiggled her eyebrows at Dean. He blinked.

“Excuse me?”

“Pukwudgies.” This time Sam and Y/n said it in unison.

“Are you trying to piss me off? Or is it just a delightful side effect of what-the-hell-ever is going on here?” Dean sat back and crossed his arms across his chest, glaring at his companions.

“We think it’s Pukwudgies, Dean. The forest is supposed to be full of them,” Sam lowered his voice. “There are variations of the legends all over the country. They are humanoid creatures, with grey skin; long fingers, ears and noses. The Native American stories all say that they started out as kind but at some point turned on humans. You’re supposed to leave them be and they will leave you alone. But, when they get messed with, they turn nasty and people get hurt.”

“Ok, so if you thought it was a Pukwedgie...Pukwudgie?...whatever. Why didn’t you just say that from the beginning?”

“No reason,” y/n said quickly.

Dean opened his mouth to respond at the same moment the waitress arrived with their lunch. One look at his burger was all the distraction Dean needed; he’d worry about the little grey men later.

-----

“GROPE? Really?” Dean scoffed incredulously as he gaped at the sign on the side of the weather-worn mobile home.

“It’s the Greater Regional Order of Paranormal Experts, Dean. They have a lot of experience with Pukwudgies.” Y/n gave Dean a sideways glare as he put the car into park.

“Ok, but how is this any better than working with those two idiots...what did they call themselves? The Ghostpunchers?” Dean climbed out of the car and slammed the door.

“It’s Ghostfacers and this is completely different. Ghosts we know, but there is nothing in the library at the bunker or in Dad’s journal about these, Dean. I don’t know if a hunter has actually ever seen one before.” Sam led the way up the short sidewalk and knocked on the door.

Seconds later, a short balding man wearing glasses and a maroon shirt with gold letters reading “Quidditch Team Captain” answered, his eyes going wide as he craned his neck to see Sam.

“Hi! Are you Bob?” The man nodded and Sam continued. “I spoke to you earlier, my name is Sam Weasley, from the Not Natural Podcast?”

“Oh right. Yes, the pre-interview. Please come in.” Bob stepped back and the three hunters entered. “You look more like a cop than a podcaster.” He snorted.

“I’ve heard that before. These are my co-hosts. Y/n Granger, and Dean Riddle.”

“I like your shirt, Bob,” y/n smiled warmly as she shook his hand. Bob flushed a bright shade of pink and smiled back, clearly unable to make eye contact.

“Fellow Gryffindor, then?” Bob choked out.

“Dean’s a Gryffindor. Y/n and I are both Ravenclaws.” Dean cleared his throat, but Sam ignored him.

“Oh, brilliant. I have a whole closet devoted to my Harry Potter collection.” Bob turned and led them down a small hallway, opening the doors at the end. Floor to ceiling, every inch of every shelf was covered in knick-knacks, charms, bobbleheads, books, ticket stubs, action figures and every other type of collectible one could imagine. Sam and y/n gasped in awed reverence.

“Cool.” Sam breathed, tossing an impressed look back at Dean, whose arms were crossed over his chest, an irritated scowl twisting his face. Sam frowned and cleared his throat.

“Bob, I was hoping that you could tell us more about the Pukwudgies.”

-----

“I can’t just leave her, Sam. Not here, not now.” Dean crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at his brother as he slammed the trunk. Sam and y/n came around the side of the car to stand in front of Dean.

“You have to, Dean. There’s no road,” Sam sighed, trying hard to suppress his annoyance. “But if you wanna off-road it and risk scratching her up, I mean, be my guest. I just thought you cared about her more than that.”

“How dare you.” Dean gaped open mouthed at Sam. “Fine! I am so done with little glowing, grey men and their bullshit.” He mumbled and patted the Impala’s driver side door affectionately. He frowned before trudging behind Sam and y/n, who’d already started walking through the darkening forest.

The Winchesters have seen their fair share of shit; probably more than double their fair share. This place, however - with its gnarled, thin pine trees looming around them, a thick blanket of fog swirling overhead and the ominous lack of sound - this place seemed to be climbing it’s way to the top of their lists. Large, weathered boulders swelled beneath a carpet of moss and leaves as the trio picked their way through the thickening foliage for what seemed like hours.

“Ok so let me get this straight,” Dean’s voice echoed eerily through the trees. “Ol’ Bob back there, he says we need to go into the darkest, most remote part of the most haunted forest in America and we are just supposed to believe him.”

“For the last time, Bob is a local investigator and…” Sam stopped so suddenly, Dean collided with his back and cursed under his breath. Sam held up a finger as he reached with his other hand for the gun tucked into the waistband of his jeans. The echo of a stick cracking made Dean and y/n freeze, their eyes scanning the forest in search of the source of the sound.

The faint sound of muttering could be heard as the hunters moved stealthily over the uneven, leaf strewn path. As they came to a small clearing, a throaty chuckle seemed to mock them.

“Well, I never would’ve expected to be glad to see a Winchester, let alone two!” The unsettlingly high pitched voice teased. Dean squinted as his gazed flicked around the open space and found a pair of red eyes glaring back at him. He tensed and palmed the demon knife, tucked carefully into the pocket of his jacket. A thin, attractive woman in a worn and dirty black dress stood in the middle of the clearing, her dark hair unkempt and her face contorted in a merciless scowl.

“What the hell is a crossroads demon doing out here in the middle of a haunted forest?” Dean smirked as he looked down. A crudely drawn devil’s trap was scrawled into the ground under her feet and she shifted her weight irritably. “Aww...the little hell bitch is stuck. What happened...got stood up for the prom?”

“Some half-wit, amateur Lucifer lover thought they would try their hand at summoning their dark lord and got me instead. Needless to say, no one was very happy about this arrangement. I’ve been stuck here in the middle of who-fucking-knows-where for the last two months.” Her chest swelled as she straightened her spine in an attempt to regain some level of dignity.

Dean turned to look at Sam and y/n who both nodded so subtly, he wondered if he’d seen it clearly. He turned to face the demon and shrugged casually.

“That sucks,” He scratched absently at the back of his head with the butt of the knife.”Well, see ya around.”

The three hunters turned and began walking away as the demon shrieked in irritation.They all glanced back at the moonlit figure in the clearing.

“Seriously!? You’re just going to LEAVE me here?” She stomped her foot and blew at a stray hair hanging limply in her face.

“Yep,” they all said in unison and went back to their original task, a loud and creative string of curses following them as they cut deeper into the brush.

The air hung thick around their heads as the sky darkened from murky grey to inky black. Dean trailed quietly behind his brother and friend, silently mimicking them as they laughed and whispered up ahead. At last Sam’s long stride slowed as they approached a second clearing. Unlike the last one, there was no demon - stuck or otherwise, and it was clear that the sparseness of the area was done by means other than the force of nature. A shiver ran down y/n’s spine and she shoved her hand into the bag draped across her shoulder. She glanced up at Sam and he nodded encouragingly.

Both Winchesters held their hands in the air as though to indicate they were not armed. Y/n stepped between them as she bent and began tracing an intricate pattern in the dirt. The trees lining the clearing rustled softly and y/n’s hand began to tremble. As she finished the sigil, she pulled the object from her bag and set it carefully in the center before standing and lifting her hands in the air too.

“We beg audience with your council elders,” Sam’s voice boomed through the night air and suddenly the rustling stopped, the silence more eerie than the prospect of undetected eyes watching you through limbs and weeds.

As the seconds stretched on, Dean’s hands began to sag. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, however, the air around them began to shimmer and bubble. Seeming to grow from thin air, three short creatures appeared - their noses long with small white tufts of hair protruding from their ears, their small beady eyes bored into Sam’s as though they could read the thoughts in his head as if from the pages of a book. The tallest creature cleared his throat and began speaking in a surprisingly low voice.

“Who are you, human, that you would enter our realm and summon us as you please?” The two smaller creatures, flanking this one on each side gripped their spears tightly, their grey skinned lips stretched menacingly across their jagged teeth as they glared up at Sam.

“My name is Sam and this is my brother, Dean and our friend, y/n. We only want to talk.”

“Yeah,” Dean piped up, smirking. “We come in peace.” Sam and y/n shot him matching looks of annoyance and his face fell. The Pukwudgie surveyed them for a moment.

“Proceed.”

-----

“Ok...explain to me again why we aren't killing the little grey wedgie men?” Dean frowned at Sam and Y/n’s backs as they replaced their unnecessary weapons into the trunk.

“Well, I’d read somewhere that giving a Pukwudgie a gift ingratiates them to you. I figured it was worth a shot.” Sam slammed the trunk before continuing. “They are now bound to honor our request to leave people alone. There's no telling how many of them are actually in the forest; seemed like the easiest approach.”

“I can’t believe that worked!” y/n exclaimed, untangling a twig from her hair and wiping her hands on her jeans.

“I can’t believe you asked to have your picture taken with him!” Dean frowned as he fiddled mindlessly with his keys and glanced back at the entrance to the forest. “Someone care to explain what the hell that was all about?”

“That sigil though, y/n,” Sam seemed unable to hear his brother. “That was artfully done. Where'd you pick that up?”

“It was kind of a combination of few traditions, I don't know if it had much effect, really....”

Dean cut her off, his tone more forceful that necessary. “If one of you doesn't tell me what the hell this whole damn trip has really been about, I’m leaving your asses here in the damn haunted forest with ol’ Red-Eyes back there in the fancy dress.” He glared at Sam and Y/n through narrowed eyes.

“Y/n is a Pukwudgie, Dean.” Sam sighed as y/n chewed on her bottom lip to stifle the grin on her face.

“I swear to god, Sammy…”

“I had to get a picture with my house mascot, and I get double points if it's the Ilvermorny house.” Y/n’s face lit up as she spoke, but Dean continued to look at her sourly.

“In English, please?”

“Well it's double points because the American house mascots are far more rare than the houses at Hogwarts...”

“Hogwarts?” Dean interrupted in a manner that was too calm. “As in Harry Potter?”

Sam looked at Dean, his mouth slightly agape and nodded.

“See we are part of this online scavenger hunt, and our team is called The Crumple-Horned Snorkacks and we get points when we…”

Dean raised his hand, silencing y/n.

“Harry-freaking-Potter. That son of a bitch is ruining my life. I friggin’ hate witches.”

“Actually, he’s a wizard, Dean. See, women are…”

Dean opened the door and slid into the front seat, jamming the key in the ignition before y/n could finish her sentence. Sam and y/n traded uncomfortable glances over the hood of the Impala.

“Are you coming, or not? I’ve got five hours worth of magic fingers left before we have to check out and I don't want to waste ‘em.” The doors squeaked as they opened them and took their places in the backseat. “Alright, Dumble-dorks. Let's roll.”

Like what you see? Want more? My Masterlist is here. Thanks for reading! :)

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terrifyingrenegadelibrary · 8 years ago

Text

Chapter 7

We are a go!

The Sorcerer’s Apprentices

-open over Morgan battling a Makhai, scythe to sword-

Makhai: You cannot prevent the triumph of our lady Vorn!

Morgan: Heard it.

Makhai: Our ritual will turn this town against itself in maddened rage! Or at least mild irritation!

Morgan: Seen it.

Makhai: Cower before the strength of War!

Morgan: Beat it.

-she slashes the Makhai across the chest with her scythe-

Makhai: Ow!

Morgan: No, seriously, beat it. Screw off. Battle’s over, you lost, enough.

Makhai: Excuse—

-Morgan conjures another several scythes-

Makhai: …Okay, okay, I’m going.

-it turns tail and runs-

Morgan: Ugh.

-cut to her meeting up with Laura and Evan. Evan seems cheerful, Laura less so-

Laura: …Hey, Morgan.

-Morgan doesn’t respond-

Evan: …Well, I’ll take point on this briefing then. Makhai routed?

Morgan: Yeah.

Evan: Janice and Richard talked down?

Laura: Got it.

Evan: Ritual destroyed?

-both Morgan and Laura tilt their heads-

Evan: Oh, right, I did that. Go me. Now, relationships mended?

-a long silence occurs-

Evan: That’s what I thought. Which is why I’m just going to leave you two here. Ciao.

-he skips off-

-Morgan and Laura stare at each other awkwardly-

Laura: …Can we talk?

Morgan: I think we’ve said plenty.

Laura: I—

-Morgan’s gone-

-Morgan stalks through the town, kicking random pebbles in her way. A lone Makhai attempts to sneak by-

Morgan: You really want to be running right now.

-it does-

???: Hey, Morgan!

-Morgan is already spinning around, a scythe forming in her hand-

-and consequently, she nearly decapitates Quinn-

Quinn: …Hi, Morgan. Under stress?

Morgan: …You could say that.

Quinn: Want to talk about it?

Morgan: Might help.

Quinn: I know an ice cream place.

-cut to the place in question-

Morgan: …How do I keep ending up here?

Quinn: You’ve been here before? I only just found out about it; it’s mindblowing.

Morgan: Everyone keeps saying that.

Quinn: Ooh, who’s everyone?

-she props her elbows on the table and leers-

Quinn: It wouldn’t be Laura, would it?

-Morgan frowns-

Morgan: Holly didn’t tell you?

Quinn: Tell me what?

Morgan: We’re not dating.

-Quinn blinks-

Quinn: O-oh.

Morgan: Yeah.

Quinn: That’s…uh…sorry?

Morgan: Don’t be.

Quinn: Uh…did something happen?

Morgan: It’s complicated. We kissed, but…we haven’t spoken at all since.

Quinn: Doesn’t sound that complicated.

Morgan: It was under weird circumstances, and…I just don’t think I can see her right now.

-Quinn tilts her head-

Morgan: I know, I know, it’s a mess.

Quinn: Sounds like.

Morgan: Can we change the subject? What’s been going on in your life lately?

-Quinn blinks-

Quinn: You’ve kind of been there for most of it.

Morgan: Really? Nothing going on?

Quinn: …Nope.

Morgan: Darn. I was hoping I could live vicariously through you for a bit.

Quinn: Sorry.

-beat-

Quinn: Hey, would you—

???: Excuse me?

-the two turn to see a young man wearing a neat white suit-

Morgan: Uh, sorry, but we’ve both found God.

Man: Have you, though?

-he leans over the table, using his body to hide himself from the rest of the shop, and holds out a palm, flames licking off it-

Man: You are also a Magician.

Morgan: What?

Man: Don’t bother lying, please, I have been given a spell to sense these sorts of things.

Quinn: Morgan, what’s going on?

Morgan: I have no idea.

Man: You know why we have been granted magic, right?

Morgan: Uh, no. Nobody does.

Man: That’s incorrect. I do. And more importantly, Nicholas Langer does.

Quinn: Wait, what?

Morgan: Who?

-the man’s face takes on a beatific quality-

Man: A new kind of god.

Morgan: What.

Man: Have a blessed day.

-he bows slightly, and exits the store-

Morgan: What was all that about?

-she turns back to Quinn, who looks horrified-

Morgan: What?

Quinn: We have to go.

Morgan: Why? Who’s Nicholas Langer?

-Quinn drags Morgan out of the restaurant, an impressive feat given the height disparity, and into an alleyway-

Quinn: Nicholas Langer is a traveling Magician.

Morgan: Oh. So what? Maybe I could get some part-time wo—

Quinn: He’s not a band, he’s a cult leader.

Morgan: Come again?

Quinn: Nobody understands how, but he’s way more powerful than Magicians usually are. He goes from city to city, recruiting other Magicians, and then he’ll take them with him when he moves on.

Morgan: Oh.

Quinn: If he’s in town, the best thing you can do is just lie low until he’s gone. Trust me.

Morgan: How do you know all this?

Quinn: Never mind that right now. Just keep yourself safe.

Morgan: Everyone keeps telling me that.

Quinn: You hang out in graveyards at random hours of the day, you’ve nearly smashed the school twice, and I’ve seen you sprinting down the street at night alone. You’ll forgive me if I worry about my friends.

Morgan: Would you be this worried about Jacob?

Quinn: You can’t blame all your problems on Jacob, you know.

Morgan: Can so.

Quinn: Just stay home for the day. I’ll come with you, we can play some video games and make fun of Holly.

Morgan: Sounds good to me.

-Quinn smiles-

Quinn: Okay, let’s—

-Morgan’s phone buzzes-

-she checks it, it’s a text from Laura-

-she rolls her eyes and deletes it-

Morgan: What are we waiting for?

-cut to Morgan’s house, where she and Quinn are watching an old film. Another couple texts have shown up on Morgan’s phone, but she’s ignoring them-

-then there’s a knock on the door-

Morgan: Ugh. Can you pause? I’ll be right back.

-she gets up and walks to the door-

Morgan: Laura, I know you want to talk, but I don’t! So can you please just—

-she flings the door open. A tall man dressed in the same white as the one from earlier is at the door. A long thorny vine of pink light extends from one of his fingers, and is coiled around Laura, who looks very uncomfortable-

Man: Don’t be angry with your friend. She was brought here under extreme duress.

-he smiles-

Man: Hello, my name is Nicholas Langer, and I’d like to share some truth with you. Is anybody else home?

-Morgan reacts immediately, multiple scythes exploding from her and swinging towards Nicholas. He holds up his other hand, and branches made of green energy twirl out, each one wrapping around a scythe and holding it steady-

-Morgan glares, and the scythes flicker darker, but make no headway-

Nicholas: Life magic. Many types of magic have special interactions, and Life counteracts Death. You’ll learn.

-Morgan ignores him-

Morgan: Laura, are you okay?

Laura: …For a given value?

Morgan: How are you doing that, anyway?

-she gestures at the pink light-

Morgan: That’s Love magic, isn’t it? A Magician can’t use more than one kind of magic at once. Everyone knows that.

Nicholas: People know much less about magic than they think they do. Put those away before you burn out.

-she withdraws the scythes, but doesn’t relax-

Nicholas: I’m sure that you’ve heard my spiel before, so I’ll make this quick. I’ve heard that you are a Magician of some power—

-Morgan blinks-

Nicholas: --and when I leave this town at noon tomorrow, I expect you to have joined my retainer. If you, or any of the other Magicians I have selected to join me, refuse to accompany me, I will reduce everything within three miles to rubble. Are those conditions amenable to you?

Morgan: …No!

Nicholas: That’s alright. I’m releasing your friend now. Please do not attack me.

-Quinn walks up-

Quinn: Hey, Morgan, is something going—

-she sees the situation-

Quinn: …Oh.

Nicholas: Hmm?

-his demeanor immediately changes-

Nicholas: Have a blessed day, miss.

-he dismisses the vine around Laura, bows, and walks away-

Morgan: …Laura, what’s going on?

Laura: We need to get to the graveyard.

Quinn: Whoa, what? Aren’t you two not speaking?

-Laura makes the universal face of someone struggling with the universe, and gives Morgan a look-

Quinn: Don’t give me that. Why are you here?

Laura: Uh…well, I was held hostage by the missionary who just left, and he forced me to bring him over to Morgan’s house, since she’s an incredibly powerful Magician and he wanted her as a recruit.

-Quinn scoffs-

Quinn: You know, I get it if you don’t feel like telling me everything about what’s going on, but you could at least be a little more polite about it. Morgan, permission to slam the door?

Morgan: …Actually, I should go.

Quinn: What?

Morgan: Uh…that guy? At the door? Yeah, that was Nicholas Langer.

Quinn: …Are you serious?

Laura: Wait, Quinn, you know about Nicholas Langer?

Quinn: Doesn’t everyone?

-Laura makes a face-

Quinn: Morgan, if he’s actually looking for you, you need to stay here.

Laura: Where he already found her?

Quinn: Whose fault was that?

Laura: I—

Morgan: Hey!

-both turn to look at her-

Morgan: …I’m going with Laura. Sorry. I’ll explain later.

-she’s off, leaving Quinn looking concerned-

Laura: Okay, so—

Morgan: Are you alright?

Laura: I’m fine—

Morgan: Good, then we don’t need to talk.

-cut to the graveyard, where Zaresi’s forces are gathered. Notably, however, Vorn and her troops are also there, as is Erian, flanked by her Forecasters. Laura immediately places Zaresi’s forces between herself and Morgan. Morgan, meanwhile, finds a place near Evan, who is lounging against a tombstone, and Liz, who is glaring at him-

Liz: Took you two long enough.

Morgan: We ran into some difficulties. Zaresi knows what’s going on?

Liz: No, this is just our annual ice cream social.

Evan: Ooh, I want ice cream. Are you holding out?

Liz: You get nothing.

Evan: Not cool.

Liz: Precisely.

-she turns to Morgan-

Liz: Novju and Nalis aren’t helping. Novju cited a lack of active followers, and Nalis…well, he’s Nalis.

Morgan: So is Zaresi almost here?

Zaresi: Better.

-Zaresi appears in a rush of darkness-

Erian: Ooh, fancy.

-Vorn glares at Erian-

Vorn: Take this seriously.

Zaresi: I trust everyone understands the situation. Our town is, though subtly, unmistakably under attack.

Morgan: I wouldn’t call threatening to turn the town to rubble subtle exactly.

Evan: Ssh.

Zaresi: Before we begin, it is important that we know if any of the Magicians present today have been approached by Nicholas or his entourage.

-Morgan, Laura, and Janice raise their hands-

Evan: Really? They wanted you?

Liz: Ssh.

Vorn: Tell us what you heard. Exact words. Janice!

Janice: Yes ma’am!

-they skip forward-

Janice: Someone came up to me while I was making some ex—uh, some dinner in my garage. Told me she knew I was a Magician, and that if I knew what was good for me I’d join up with her. I told her I’d shoot her if I saw her again. She said she’d be sure to burn my house down herself. It was a pretty good talk.

Morgan: Yikes.

Zaresi: Laura.

Laura: Some guy came to talk to me, so I told you about it. But later, I ran into him personally. He was looking for…Morgan, actually. Made me take him to her.

Zaresi: What?

Morgan: Yeah, and he was using two different kinds of magic. One was pink, one was a sort of light green. Is that normal?

-it isn’t. There’s a general muttering-

Vorn: He’s a Sorcerer?

Zaresi: It would explain a great deal.

Morgan: A what?

Evan: Why are you here? Do we need you here?

Liz: Quiet. Pay attention.

Morgan: Okay, but what’s a Sorcerer?

Evan: Seriously, why are you he—

-Liz snaps her fingers and mutters something under her breath. A wall of darkness shuts Evan off-

Liz: I’ll fill him in when we’re done.

Morgan: That was awesome.

Liz: It is what it is.

Morgan: So, um, Sorcerer?

-Evan blows a raspberry, and slumps to the ground-

Liz: Fundamentally, there are three types of casters. You are Magicians, and I used to be. Our naturally more reactive magic allows us to form a Contract with a god or goddess, using their divinity and drawing on some of their power to awaken our latent magical abilities.

Morgan: That’s the part I know.

Liz: There are Witches and Warlocks too, and they make their magic more reactive with outside assistance. Usually they know a Magician who casts a ritual for them.

Evan: (shouting) Posers!

Liz: People do their best. Anyway, Witches and Warlocks, if they can get someone to help them make their magic react, become functionally the same as Magicians. My point is that normally, to perform any kind of magic, you need that bond. So a Magician’s weakness is their corporeal form, and as a Spirit, I don’t produce energy on my own, so while I don’t have to worry about exploding like you do, I still have a limited pool to draw on unless I have a source somewhere.

Morgan: But a Sorcerer?

Liz: A Sorcerer is a rarity, even among Magicians. Not only can they latently produce magic, they can shape it without the assistance of a god.

Morgan: What?

Liz: They’re not constrained by Domain, since they have no sponsors. They have a corporeal body, so they can just keep producing energy to draw on for magic. And they haven’t formed a Contract, so they can just keep on casting without breaks. It’s a perfect medium.

Morgan: Scary.

Liz: That isn’t the half of it. There’s no chance all of Nicholas’s followers could be Sorcerers, which means that he has Magicians that can cast. Either he’s backed up by a god of some power, or he’s somehow made himself into one, and he’s letting his followers form Contracts with him.

Morgan: How would he do that?

Liz: Sorcerers can access magic in its purest sense. Their spells and rituals are an order higher than anything even I can do. It’s entirely possible he found himself a way to become a sort of pseudo-god.

Evan: (practically screaming) Sorcerers aren’t gods, they’re just freaks of nature! If Nicholas thinks he can stand up to Zaresi, I’m happy to show him how wrong he is!

-the bubble, by this point, has fallen, and Evan is shouting at the top of his lungs within earshot of everyone-

Zaresi: An admirable sentiment, Evan.

-Evan glares at Liz, who smirks-

Nicholas: Certainly is.

-everyone turns, to see Nicholas at the entrance to the graveyard, flanked by two followers, a man and a woman-

-everyone immediately summons weapons. Evan takes out his knife, but Nicholas doesn’t seem bothered-

Nicholas: I can only assume a convocation has been called in the interest of removing me?

-tendrils of white light drift up from him-

Nicholas: I should clarify something though. I am not removed. I leave when I please, and I take what I want along the way. My emissary ought to have explained things before I did, but he unfortunately ran a tad amok. That’s what I get for merging three Spirits at once, I suppose.

Vorn: Three Spirits at—

-she trails off-

Zaresi: You created Eneril?

Nicholas: Is that what he calls himself now? I made a Dragon and sent him ahead to announce my arrival, certainly. Allow me to demonstrate.

-the tendrils arc out, spearing a Makhai and a Reaper, and then join together, forming a circuit-

Morgan: What.

Liz: Remember how I said that most fused Spirits are made due to strange magic? This is the kind of thing I mean. Get back.

-Morgan does, and Liz steps between the arcs of magic and the various Magicians and Spirits, spreading her wings. There’s a flicker, and suddenly, where there were two Spirits, there’s one-

-It’s dressed in red and black armor, with a ragged cloak over it. It’s taller than either the Reaper or Makhai, and it has an impassive, undistinguishing face made from a deep red metal-

Morgan: What is that?

Liz: A Valkyrie.

Nicholas: I’ll leave you to deal with that while I get myself some lunch. Assuming any are left surviving, please send your Magicians to the forest within the next 24 hours. Ta.

-off he goes. The Valkyrie stares at the assembled Magicians-

Valkyrie: Wait, so…who do I work for?

Zaresi: Whom.

Vorn: Me.

Zaresi: Excuse you?

Laura: Actually, it would be “for whom do I work”…but maybe this isn’t the time.

Valkyrie: Um…

Zaresi: You work for me. Come here, please.

Vorn: Get over here!

-the Valkyrie twitches slightly, looking between the two goddesses-

-and then crouches-

Valkyrie: Actually, I think I’m meant to kill you both. Sorry.

Morgan: Uh-oh.

Liz: Zaresi?

Zaresi: If you would.

-the Valkyrie tenses-

-and Liz strikes, sending dozens of feathers flying towards it. The Valkyrie generates a pair of bracers, one red and one black, and uses them to ward off the feathers, the resulting detonation shrouding it in smoke-

Liz: Don’t let it get close, it can kill you with a touch!

-she leans back as the Valkyrie bursts from the smoke, its claws coming within an inch of her face and trailing Death in their wake. She reaches up and grabs the Valkyrie’s arm. Immediately, Death magic starts seeping down towards Liz-

Morgan: No!

Liz: Buddy, what do they teach you about biting off more than you can chew?

-suddenly, her arm rearranges itself into the shape of a sigil, a strangely-pitched hum emitting from it-

-and the magic reverses itself, tearing the Valkyrie apart instantly-

Liz: It’s too bad Spirits don’t leave a body behind. Would have loved to have sent that to Nicky.

Morgan: I cannot believe I didn’t get a picture of that.

Evan: Under normal circumstances, I would point out that Spirits don’t show up in pictures and that you’re an idiot. But…I think I need to make a ritual to fix that.

Liz: Gratifying.

-she grins and walks off. Morgan makes an attempt to catch Laura’s eye before catching herself and looking away-

-meanwhile, everyone else is staring with varying expressions-

Zaresi: So. We have seen what Nicholas is willing to do.

Vorn: But do we fear him?!

All Makhai: We do not!

Zaresi: …Reapers?

-there is some vague muttering-

Vorn: You really are an inspiration to your troops, Zaresi.

Zaresi: Silence.

Erian: Can I make the speech?

Vorn: No.

-she turns to everyone-

Vorn: Nicholas has asked us for our Magicians. We will go to him, and we will tell him to come and take them!

-the Makhai and Janice cheer. Richard nods grimly. Evan, Laura, Morgan, and the Reapers seem indifferent-

Erian: …You cribbed that from 300.

Vorn: Shut up!

Zaresi: I cannot lie, this fight will be dangerous. While I would prefer to have all of you involved, if anyone steps out now, that is their right.

Vorn: Not on my end. You’re in this for the long haul.

Erian: …Forecasters, you’re sticking around, right?

-they nod-

-Morgan and Laura step forwards. Evan, on the other hand, does not-

Zaresi: Ah. Yes. You may go.

Laura: Evan. Are you serious?

Evan: I wouldn’t be much help in a fight this big. My bag of tricks only runs so deep.

Morgan: You’re just going to chicken out now?

-Evans’ face twists for a moment-

Evan: Okay, Morgan. Have you ever created a ritual?

Morgan: Um, no? They always blow up in my face.

Evan: Then you don’t know anything about me.

-and he stalks off-

Morgan: …Asshole.

Zaresi: Now.

Vorn: Let the war council begin!

-some time later, Morgan arrives at home-

Holly: Hey, Morgan. Someone was here looking for you earlier. Did you make friends with any missionaries earlier?

Morgan: Um…no.

Holly: I sort of thought.

Morgan: Hey, you know I love you, right?

Holly: You say that an awful lot.

Morgan: I always mean it.

Holly: If you say so.

-Morgan ruffles Holly’s hair, passes by her, and sighs-

-cut to Morgan back in the graveyard. It’s now late evening-

Morgan: Hey, creepy angel statue. I know that you’re actually just a part-time vessel for Zaresi’s voice, but we’ve still had some great conversations in the past. So…maybe you can settle something for me.

-she sits down in front of the statue-

Morgan: I keep getting into situations where I’m risking my life. I’ve nearly died twice in the past few months alone, and tomorrow, I’m going to do it again.

-she shrugs-

Zaresi: You certainly are.

-Morgan turns around to see Zaresi behind her. Unlike her usual appearance, she’s taken on the form of a young woman, only slightly older than Morgan, wearing a neat black cloak and with freakishly pale skin, eyes, and hair-

Morgan: Oh. You…look nice.

Zaresi: I cannot be a grim specter all the time.

-she sits down in front of the angel statue-

Zaresi: Everyone reaches this point eventually, you know. The thrill of magic use can only sustain one for so long. Laura mentioned to me that you had been concerned with your work consuming your life, so I thought I should talk with you.

-she places a hand on Morgan’s shoulder-

Zaresi: Past a certain point, I can no longer really call debts into the equation. Any favors you might owe me have long since been paid back, so if you wanted to, I suppose you could go your own way.

Morgan: …I could?

Zaresi: I offered an out of fighting Nicholas, and I would offer you a similar out from my servitude.

-she tilts her head-

Zaresi: But I have to ask. Would you take it?

-Morgan’s eyes widen-

Zaresi: You agreed to fight Nicholas, which nobody is making you do. Why?

-pause-

Morgan: I fought a Reaper to save Quinn. I agreed to work for you to save Holly. And I don’t want to go with Nicholas or see anyone else go with him, so I’ll fight him too so he can’t destroy the town.

Zaresi: Why?

Morgan: …To keep people safe.

Zaresi: Why?

Morgan: …Because that’s what I want to do. I want to keep everyone safe. My family, my friends…everyone. I won’t let anyone hurt them.

Zaresi: Then you will stay?

Morgan: Yeah.

-she summons her scythe-

Morgan: Let’s go kick some Sorcerer butt.

-Zaresi smiles-

-cut to outside the forest, the next day. Nicholas has gathered up his Magicians. One of them, a young woman, steps up to him-

Woman: Lord, are they not coming?

-Nicholas strokes her head-

Nicholas: We must always hold out hope, my dear Martha.

-a figure appears in front of them. It’s Liz-

Nicholas: Hello?

Liz: Hey, Nicky. I’m here to accept your surrender.

Nicholas: …Pardon me?

Liz: In writing is preferred, but a verbal agreement will suffice if you leave now.

Nicholas: How dare you?

Liz: Really? You come here and make your demands, and you ask how dare I? Men, honestly.

-Martha immediately leaps forwards, hurling a column of flame at Liz, who casually steps aside, spreading her wings, taking flight, and hurling feathers at the Magician. Another one of Nicholas’s followers steps forward, and a wall of rock intercepts the feathers. Martha smashes through it, to find Liz gone-

Martha: Where the hell are you? Come back here so I can burn you to the ground!

Janice: You want to burn Liz too? I thought we had something!

-Janice, Laura, and Morgan sprint onto the scene, all three of them opening fire on Martha. She parries with a wall of flames-

Martha: Jonathan! Get them!

-the other follower grunts and steps forwards, slamming his palms into the ground. A pillar of rock emerges, pointing towards the three, but Janice pulverizes it with a stream of bullets. Laura, meanwhile, lunges at Jonathan, who is forced to step back to dodge. Janice returns to focusing fire on Martha, and Morgan circles around to catch a glimpse of Nicholas, but is intercepted by two of his followers, and begins dueling them-

Nicholas: What are you waiting for? Kill them!

-however, as Nicholas’s forces start to advance, bolts of lightning start to strike around them. A howling wind keeps them off-balance, and hail begins to pour down-

-pan up to the Forecasters, who are floating above the battlefield, casting spells-

Forecaster #2: Fair is foul, and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air!

Forecaster #1: …No.

Forecaster #3: Please keep your foolishness to yourself.

-Pan back down. Nicholas’s forces are in disarray-

-meanwhile, Richard walks up, hurling down a piece of paper-

Richard: Tiamat! Come out and play!

-light streams out of the paper, arranging itself into the shape of a massive serpentine dragon, which tramples through Nicholas’s Magicians, scattering them-

Morgan: I have never been this in awe of anything in my life.

-Janice is grinning wildly-

Janice: That’s Richard for you!

Morgan’s Opponent: Excuse me, but aren’t you going to pay attention to your fight?

Morgan: Eh. Not seeing a compelling reason. Besides…

-and the Reapers and Makhai join the fight, crashing against Nicholas’s forces and shattering them-

-at which point, one of Nicholas’s Magicians flickers, and is replaced by Liz-

Liz: Thanks for the distraction, everyone.

-her fingers elongate into long blades, wrapping around the other Magicians’ throats-

Liz: Hey, Nicholas! Look what I’ve got?

-Nicholas examines the situation. His entire entourage is now held at Lizpoint, a storm is disrupting outgoing spells, and there’s a dragon wreaking havoc-

Nicholas: Well-played.

Liz: I’m ready to accept your surrender any time.

Nicholas: I have a different plan.

-he points a finger at the dragon tulpa, and a beam of Death magic blasts it into nothingness-

Liz: Well, if you insist.

-Liz slashes the throats of everyone she’s holding. Morgan is shocked for a moment, but she follows the others in charging Nicholas-

Nicholas: Unfortunate.

-he waves a hand, and a massive gust of wind forces the others back, forming barriers that repel the storm. He flicks another hand, and bolts of War magic strike the Forecasters out of the sky as he marches forward-

Morgan: Hey!

-she rushes Nicholas, swinging scythes, but he parries them with green branches-

Nicholas: You Magicians really are laughable. One Domain at a time?

-he knocks Morgan aside as well, followed by Janice, Richard, and Laura-

Nicholas: It’s sad. This is why I’ll be your new god.

-he walks up to Liz, who stares at him-

Nicholas: Well?

Liz: Well, what? Your people are dead.

Nicholas: Not yet.

-he holds out his palms, green light streaming out of them. Liz spreads her wings, but it’s not an attack. The light soaks into Nicholas’s forces…and they stand back up-

Morgan: What.

Liz: …Life magic.

Nicholas: Life magic.

Liz: Damn it.

-attacks begin coming again from all sides-

Morgan: Did we just get surrounded?

Liz: Not to put too fine a point on it…yes.

Morgan: Oh.

-everyone puts up barriers, but it’s clear they’re about to give out. Nicholas strides up-

Nicholas: It’s a shame you weren’t willing to take my first offer. Let me show you my second.

-and he fires a stream of white light into the barriers, piercing them instantly-

-there’s a flash of light-

-and everyone’s gone-

Morgan: Wha—where are we?

Liz: We’re in…a parking lot. That doesn’t make any…oh. Oh.

???: Everybody gets one.

-a woman appears out of nowhere. She has dark skin and hair, and is wearing an electric blue dress-

Liz: Novju?

Morgan: …That’s Novju?

Novju: The same.

Liz: You claimed to have no active worshippers.

Novju: (in a slightly irritated tone) I don’t. What I do have is a large passive worshipper base. Death and war may affect many, but everyone needs parking. So I offered a hand.

Liz: Under normal circumstances, I might point out that your direct interference is in stark violation of the Convocation. But…thank you for the save.

Novju: Don’t expect another.

-and she vanishes, leaving behind some papers-

Morgan: …Are those parking tickets?

Liz: …Hm.

-she walks off-

Morgan: That was perhaps the strangest thing I have seen today.

Evan: Really? That’s disappointing.

Morgan: Oh. Of course you’re here.

Evan: I’m not happy about it either. How’s the fight going?

Morgan: We pretty much got stomped.

Evan: Sucks to be you.

Morgan: Maybe it would have gone better if you’d been helping.

-Evan yawns-

Evan: Maybe it would have gone better if you and Laura were willing to talk. Really, get it together.

Morgan: Are you serious?

Evan: Besides, I’m fighting this time.

Morgan: Dare we dream?

-he twirls his knife-

Evan: It’s going to work this time. Guaranteed. All I need is for the rest of you to provide me a distraction.

Morgan: …You can’t be serious.

Evan: Excuse you?

Morgan: Since we have met, I have never once seen you treat anyone with anything less than total disdain. Do you have friends I don’t know about that put up with this? Do you have a single redeeming feature?

Evan: Are you going somewhere with this?

Morgan: You wipe people’s minds for fun, you sit out important fights when we’re already outnumbered, and now that you’re actually fighting, you want the rest of us to cover for you? I don’t know what kind of egocentric jackass world you live in but it’s over! You want to fight, you fight, or you stay out like you were doing before and let someone with some guts handle things!

-there’s a pause-

Evan: (coolly) Are you done?

Morgan: For now.

-Evan looks from side to side-

Evan: Sorry.

Morgan: What?

Evan: Sorry, I said. I…I should probably just show you.

-he holds out his arms. Upon closer inspection, they’re covered with scars-

Morgan: Evan…

Evan: I admit it. I’m not a fighter like you or Laura. I can’t channel as much magic as either of you; that’s the real reason I stick to rituals so much. I can keep up with a Makhai or two, and maybe even hold my own against Janice, but against an army of Magicians, I’m not worth the space I’m taking up.

-he takes out his knife to show it to Morgan-

Evan: I’ve been working nonstop on this ritual since Nicholas got here, but in order to make it, I need to give up a little blood. And to make it over and over again as many times as I have…

-he sighs-

Morgan: I had no idea.

Evan: Confidential missions are confidential for a reason. I know this ritual is going to work this time, and no matter how much magic Nicholas gathered up, it will kill him. But the only way I’m going to find out is if I can get close to Nicholas, and I can’t do that without help.

-there’s another pause-

Morgan: You’ve got it.

-she steps forward and hugs Evan-

-as she lets go, his mask returns, and his face returns to his usual grin-

Evan: So, Morgan. If we make it out of here, will you put in a good word for me with your sister?

Morgan: …Don’t push it.

Evan: Well, what are we waiting for? We’ve got a war to win.

-cut to the battle lines reforming. Evan is standing between Laura and Morgan, who are determinedly not looking at each other-

Evan: I just want you both to know that if we die here…

Morgan: It’s been an honor.

Evan: I was just going to say it’ll really suck. Yours is probably better, though.

-Nicholas enters the garage, flanked by his Magicians. He’s holding on to Forecaster #2 and another Spirit, which resembles a young, vaguely human figure wearing bright pink-

Nicholas: I thought you might not be dead. Fortunately, I caught these two along the way.

Morgan: What’s with the Plastic?

Evan: Nymph. Love Spirit. Nalis won’t be happy.

-there’s a flash, and the two Spirits become one, a parasol-toting feminine figure dressed in pink and pale blue. The other two Forecasters wince-

Nicholas: What to call a Spirit of Weather and Love…how about a Bus Stop?

Morgan: Really?

Nicholas: I’m a god, not a namer.

Evan: You’re neither, actually.

Nicholas: Who are you again?

Evan: Okay, let’s kill him.

-Evan sprints straight forward. The Bus Stop moves to intercept him, but is itself intercepted by Liz and a tulpa in the shape of a massive knight. It lashes out at the two with gusts of wind and streams of pink ribbons, Liz parrying with her wings and Richard standing behind the knight-

-Martha then gets in Evan’s way, grabbing his arm-

Martha: You will not touch Lord Nicholas!

Evan: Please. Some loser calling himself a god? I’ll do what I like.

-he grabs a small pouch from his pocket, and upends it, pouring out sand-

Evan: Pitohui!

-the sand glows black and whirls around Martha’s arm, burning into it. She shrieks and lets go of Evan, who immediately ducks into Nicholas’s troops-

Janice: Okay, you two, are we really going to let Evan be cooler than us?

-They sprint forward, opening fire on Martha, but Jonathan steps in front, catching the bullets with a wall of stone. Morgan and Laura glance at each other, look away, and follow after. Laura spins her spheres around the wall, but Martha blocks them. Morgan, meanwhile, uses a scythe to lever herself over the wall, and goes right for Nicholas-

Janice: Kick his ass for me!

Laura: (softly) Be careful.

-as Nicholas’s other Magicians move forward, they’re interrupted by the collected Spirits-

Iggy: Where are you going?

Magician #1: Step aside, Spirit.

Iggy: I’d love to but unfortunately I’m under orders…

-Iggy summons a longsword made of Death magic, and begins to duel the Magician, gradually drawing him and the other followers out of the garage-

-meanwhile, Morgan rushes Nicholas, summoning a scythe and swinging it, but Nicholas deflects it with a branch of Life magic-

Nicholas: Attacking me on your own? Brave of you.

Morgan: You’re nothing special.

Nicholas: You’re quite wrong there.

-Nicholas conjures up a thorny vine of pink light, which twists around Morgan’s scythe, casually yanking it out of her hands-

Morgan: Hey!

-she sidesteps as he swings her own scythe at her, conjuring up another one to fight with-

Nicholas: Magicians are pigeonholed, you know. The only thing your magic might possibly be worthwhile having for is to serve me. It seems only logical that that’s why it’s there.

-he summons a snakelike whip, catching the scythe. Suddenly, the energy of the scythe reverses itself, and Morgan yelps in pain, dismissing the weapon-

Nicholas: I have so many ways to kill you. The hardest thing about this fight is deciding how I want to go about it, really. Lightning?

-he casts a series of lightning bolts at Morgan. She runs out of the way as they splinter the ground around her-

Nicholas: Or perhaps…

-Nicholas places a hand on the ground, and the ground shatters in a straight line, forcing Morgan to stop cold-

Nicholas: Oh, have you ever been caught out in a snowstorm?

-he swings out his other hand, and a wall of ice cuts Morgan off in the other direction-

Nicholas: Your gods are outmoded.

-a gust of wind echoes between the two barriers, knocking Morgan to the ground-

Nicholas: If you won’t join my garden, then you can join the rest of the past and die.

-flickers of pure magic accumulate, forming into a spear-

-cut to Laura and Janice vs. Martha and Jonathan. Laura looks to the side, and sees Nicholas gaining the upper hand against Morgan-

Laura: No!

Martha: Eyes on your own opponent.

-Martha forms a fireball, and Laura ducks it, sizing up the situation as Janice raises a rifle and Martha forms a wall of fire to block the incoming shot-

Laura: …You know what, you’re the smaller problem here. Janice, can you take rock guy?

Janice: I’ve never been this insulted. Obviously I can.

Laura: Good.

-and she slashes her spheres through the air, gathering Death magic into them. The spheres strike Martha’s flames, which instantly gutter out-

-and then they strike Martha…-

-who drops like a puppet with her strings cut-

-Laura barely seems to pay attention to this however, still watching Nicholas-

Laura: This is going to suck.

-and she sprints at full tilt between Morgan and Nicholas, forming a barrier and taking the spear-

-she’s sent flying, crashes to the ground, and doesn’t move-

Morgan: Laura!

-she stares at Laura, before looking back at Nicholas, who sighs and conjures up another spear-

Flashback!

Morgan: …Because that’s what I want to do. I want to keep everyone safe. My family, my friends…everyone. I won’t let anyone hurt them.

End flashback!

-Morgan turns to Nicholas, scythe after scythe flashing into existence around her-

Morgan: Nicholas, your actions stand in violation of something something something I’m going to kill you.

Nicholas: That’s exciting.

-and she lunges, using the scythes as grappling hooks to move quickly. Nicholas parries with thorny vines and snakes, but this time the other scythes simply cut through them before they can get any offense done. She brings another scythe to slash at him, and he vanishes in a burst of blue light-

-Morgan swears, and sprints out of the garage-

-meanwhile, Richard and Liz are still dueling the Bus Stop-

-until Morgan slashes it into particles offhand-

Liz: …Handy.

Richard: Did she have to destroy the tulpa too?

-outside of the garage, Morgan catches up to Nicholas, using a scythe as a hook to change directions and slashing at him again. He deflects it with War magic and teleports again, to the top of a building, but Morgan vaults onto it and continues her pursuit-

Morgan: Get back here!

Nicholas: Aren’t you worried about giving something away?

Morgan: The only one who should be worried here is you!

-slashy slash-

-Morgan bats Nicholas off of the roof, and then into the ground. She lands easily, using her scythes as springboards-

-she stands up, spreading out dozens of scythes and slashing at Nicholas from multiple angles. He puts up barriers to stop them, but they keep coming-

Morgan: You think you can just waltz in and take whatever you want? Well, take this!

-slash-

-and suddenly, Quinn comes around the corner. She freezes. Morgan sees her, and freezes as well-

Morgan: …Quinn? What are you doing?

Quinn: …What are you doing?

Morgan: …You have to run. Now. I’ll explain later.

-she does-

-Morgan turns back to Nicholas, and is immediately blasted into a wall by a stream of War magic. She picks herself back up, summoning more scythes, but her distraction has given Nicholas an advantage. He continues firing attacks, starting to overwhelm Morgan-

-when a streak of pink light appears out of nowhere, striking one of the attacks and diverting it off to the side-

Nicholas: Wha—

-he looks to the side, but nothing’s there. Meanwhile, Morgan’s recuperated-

-scythes everywhere. So many scythes. Scythes growing out of the ground, out of Morgan, even, somewhat awkwardly, out of Nicholas. The Sorcerer is instantly on the defensive, overwhelmed and about to be turned into a light pink smoothie-

-Morgan gasps-

-and crumples to the ground, the scythes disappearing-

Nicholas: Well then.

-he stands up-

Nicholas: You really are powerful. But even you are vulnerable to the inherent weakness of any Magician. A shame, but such is life.

-he casually kicks Morgan, forming another spear of magic-

Nicholas: Or in this case, death.

???: You’re so right.

-and a knife goes through his back-

Evan: As distractions go, A+ for commitment. You really are good at those.

Morgan: …What?

Evan: Now, let’s see this works this time around, shall we? Necrosyrtes.

-Once again, the black aura forms…-

-And a stream of light flows from Nicholas into the knife. He disintegrates into dust.-

Evan: I think I can officially label this ritual a success.

-he offers Morgan a hand-

Morgan: …I hate to admit it, but that was impressive.

Evan: Wasn’t it?

Morgan: Hey, did you see whoever cast that spell?

Evan: What spell?

Morgan: Just a moment ago. I got distracted, and Nicholas was going to kill me, but a pink arrow came out of nowhere and deflected his spell. Love magic, right?

Evan: …Huh, really? I guess Nalis must have been annoyed over his Nymph.

-he shrugs-

Evan: Speaking of unexpected, though, we should probably find that friend of yours and mind-wipe her before she gives anything away.

-Morgan’s eyes go wide-

Morgan: …Should we?

-Evan tilts his head, looking around at the battlefield. Aside from a small crack in the pavement where Morgan batted Nicholas into the ground, there’s very little signs of battle-

Evan: You know what? I’m feeling nice today. If you can explain yourself decently, I’ll pass on the wipe. Just make it snappy.

-and Morgan sprints off-

-she finds Quinn a block or two away-

Quinn: Morgan! Are you okay?

Morgan: Yeah, I’m just fine. Me and Nicholas worked out our differences and he left town.

-Quinn blinks. Morgan makes a passable attempt at a smile-

Quinn: …Huh.

Morgan: Everything’s okay.

Quinn: That’s…good.

-beat-

-Morgan hugs Quinn. Quinn seems a little surprised, but hugs Morgan back-

Morgan: I’m glad you’re my friend, you know that, right?

Quinn: I do know that, but also you are crushing me to death.

-Morgan lets go-

Morgan: Whoops.

Quinn: …Did you want to talk about something?

Morgan: Just checking in.

-she boops Quinn’s head-

Morgan: I’ll see you around, okay?

Quinn: Yeah.

-Morgan walks away, rejoining Evan around the corner-

Morgan: Well?

Evan: …Yeah, it’s all good.

-cut to Morgan and Laura sitting in a hospital, Laura in a bed and Morgan on a chair. They’re not saying anything-

Evan: You two seem gloomy.

-neither responds-

Evan: I’m not sure what you’ve got to mope about. We won!

Laura: Well, I do sort of hurt everywhere.

Evan: Are you really so surprised? You broke literally every bone in your body. You’d be very dead if not for…well, let me show you.

-he holds up a bell jar, filled with glowing white light-

Laura: …Is that—

Evan: 200 ccs of Nicholas Langer.

-he breaks into a wide, only slightly wicked grin-

Evan: The ritual worked! Even better than I thought! Not only did it drain all the magic out of Old Nick, it actually managed to store it for future use! All I have to do is a little ritual, and I can even make this into other kinds of magic! Fire—

-he shakes the jar, and flames flicker out of it-

Evan: Death—

-he shakes it again, and it glows black-

Evan: And most importantly, Life!

-and it glows green-

Evan: I patched you up nice and good. No need to thank me, I’m doing it for the art.

Laura: Thank you anyway.

Evan: Seriously, if it hadn’t been an interesting test of all this magic, I’d have let you die.

Laura: You’re welcome to stop talking.

Evan: Whatever. Anyway, the day is saved, thanks to me.

-Iggy passes by-

Iggy: You know, I’m the one who got rid of Nicholas’s Magicians by leading them into the forest so the Fae could eat them…

Evan: Oh, shut up, Iggy. They all lost their Contracts after Nicholas died, and now we can’t even recruit them.

-Iggy sighs and drifts away-

Evan: Speaking of which, I should probably go over there and see what’s salvageable.

-beat-

Evan: Or at least recognizable. See you!

-he skips away-

Laura: …He came by earlier to leave me a magical alarm clock just out of reach. I had to get Liz to smash it for me.

-Morgan laughs-

Laura: It was playing “Small World” on vuvuzela. I don’t even know how he got his hands on that.

Morgan: …So I guess we’re talking again?

Laura: I guess we are. What brought this on?

Morgan: Well, nothing like a good near-death experience to force you to reanalyze your priorities, right?

Laura: You have a point.

-pause-

Morgan: Okay, I know you were kind of out of it, but was I or was I not awesome?

Laura: I heard you were pretty damn awesome.

-there’s another pause-

Morgan: Laura, I’m sorry about what I said. I know I’ve been difficult, and complicated, and I’ve acted like I didn’t want to be here, but I’m here to protect people. My family, my friends…and you.

Laura: …Are we not friends now?

-beat-

-Morgan leans in and kisses Laura-

Morgan: …

Laura: …Oh.

Morgan: …Yeah.

Laura: …Are we going to talk about that one?

Morgan: Talking wasn’t quite what I had in mind.

-they kiss again-

Laura: You know, I’m not totally sure how I feel about you only ever kissing me after we’ve almost died.

Morgan: Then ask me again tomorrow.

-she winks. Laura flushes-

Laura: I don’t know if I really want to wait that long.

-Morgan smiles-

Morgan: Works for me.

-they kiss again as the scene fades out-

#This Show Sponsored by Death!#writing

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constanzemachiavelli · 5 years ago

Text

The Journey (Lord of War, part II)

Thurn had gone out for a walk of fresh air in middle of the night. His sleep was uneasy, something disturbing it. Probably just a bad dream, but it was enough for him to not be able to go back to sleep. So he went out, putting on a thicker coat to keep away the cold winds of the night. He went on a small circle around the fort, first going around the courtyard, streching and breathing in, then continuining on the walls.

A shocking sight came upon him as he went up the walls – a lying body on the wall, noone had noticed it yet except for him. He ran to check on the body and found Tanef lying in pool of blood and vomit.

Tanef was waking up.

She was in her bed, with Loth nearby.

“Wh...what happened...?” she asked, barely regaining her counciosness.

“Please lay down, you need rest.” Loth said, the band's healer.

“We don't know what happened to you, we found you uncounciouss 2 days ago. You lost a lot of blood.” she said.

“But...what...?” Tanef tried to make sense of the situation.

“You suffered no physical injuries, but yet you regugitated lots of blood. Just rest for now.”

“No... I must...” Tanef tried to say something but fell back to sleep.

And so went 5 days, with Tanef slowly recovering from what came on her. Loth was taking care of her and making sure she recovers soon. She woke up many more times, in similiar state to when she first woke up. Eventually, she woke up and could finally form concise thoughts and speech.

“So... i was like this for 5 days?” She asked Loth, with Thurn nearby.

“Yes, as i said again, we found you unconciouss atop the wall. In a pool of blood and vomit.” Loth explained.

“Sometihng was... calling me... thats all i remember and then i was... here.” Tanef said. “Did you figure out waht happened, Loth?”

“I believe it was... metaphysical. Did someone physically call you or did you simply sense it?”

“It was... more of a feeling. Sometihng to the east... I dont know, but i feel like i must go out and seek it.”

She tried to to stand up and managed to do it, but had to sit back down, her legs still weak from 5 days of laying down.

“I need to recover soon and seek out whatever is calling me! I can't sit still, everything in my body, every bone and organ, is pulling me to go east! I must go!” Tanef said, while looking to the ground, in a fanatic craze.

“What are you talking about? A war is coming near, we can't just leave--”

“I NEED TO GO!” Tanef interupted Thurn, looking deep inside his eyes.

Tanef was strapping her supplies on her horseback as she heard someone approaching from her back.

“You will not get me to stay. You have no idea of this feeling, this urge to go. And even if you tried to stop me, you know my growing power! You will not be able to stop me even if you tried.,” she said, to Thurn, possibly, behind her back.

“I am not here to stop you.” Thurn said. “I'm here to join you!”

“Didn't i tell you to stay behind and see to the derfenses and dispatching orders for when the time comes?”

“Shirra can handle that, plus, she has a falcon that she can send after us. We can exchange orders via it.”

“And what are you doing here?” Tanef said, looking at Loth with her packs. “You really are the most important piece here. What if there's a battle and we need a healer?”

“But who will look after you when you fall uncounciouss once more?” Loth countered.

“I won't be able to stop you coming, would I?” Tanef asked, in defeat.

“You can't make this journey, wherever it heads, alone.” Thurn said.

“Fine... join me, i can't have you not come.”

“Great!” Thurn said, strapping his own supplies to his horse and getting his greatsword ready for the journey, Loth following them with her own horse and her supplies.

After they were ready, Tanef issued some last orders to Shirra and left for the east.

They headed northwards, along a path to Reval. They were entering boderlands between the two realms, somewhere where no law existed and barely any hospitable soul resided. This is where Tanef's mercenary band was active the most, scouting around for enemy patrols in case of a surprise attack in the service of their masters who hired them – Amelgalia.

They rode north until one point where Tanef came to halt and headed east, along a barely seen path. She was basically trusting her gut for the directions, because all she knew is to head east. She would lead the small group of her, Thurn and Loth as far east as possible along this small path until she would need to reorient herself or the path changed directions, based on her senses.

The weather seemed calm and they were entering a hilly region, where traversing was hard. Thankfully, they were on horseback so the jourey went easier than if they would have done it 3 years ago, with barely any money on them. City of Amelgalia rewarded them greatly for their service scouting out the borderlands and clearing bandit nest and doing other routine jobs around their northern border.

They named the fort they resided in for the time being Fort Havyn, in the memory of the hellish stronghold they all met. The fort didn't experience any other sieges during the 3 years they were serving under the city. They had repaired the gate and made some more refurbishments, like repairing and making the barracks livable and creating a proper courtyard for training the new recruits that flocked to the band in the opportunity to seek glory. Unfortunately, all they have seen so far is harsh drilling and scouting the wilderness, with infrequent and quite routine jobs of cracking down on criminal gangs around the area.

Along their way, as the evening neared, they passed an old campsite, seemingly left in a rush with charred remain of a fireplace. There were various tools left around, like pylons for tents and pencils. Seemingly not a camop of any hostile forces but of peaceful commoers. Propably spooked away by some wild beast they wouldn't have been able to take care themselves.

They rode a bit more and as the night set properly, they decided to camp. They set up their tents and layed down for the night, with Tanef, as usual, staying up to keep guard of the place. For some reason, her body had required less and less sleep over the 3 years she had spent here. It wasn't just her powers that had gotten stronger, but her body seemed to become more resilient. She ate less, she slept less, but she was stronger than anyone else. Something in this world was making her more powerful, which made her companions a bit worried what might happen in the future. Loth had made a prediction that given how fast her body is evolving, she might combust one day!

It was no worry to Tanef, though, as she didn't realoly see much combat herself since she took up the position of Captain. She has kept behind lines mostly, issuing orders and taking care of logistics, gaining renown among other mercenary captains as an efficient leader. Her band has so far not suffered any casualties, but its still young and lots of things can change over the upcoming years.

Next morning they resumed their travel. They reoriented north along the path, just as Tanef's pull pushed her northwards. They climbed higher and higher in the hills. It got colder and at one point it started to snow.

Tanef couldn't hold it anymore, so she pushed her worse in a full gallop. Her companions didn't manage to catch up at how fast she changed her tempe, but follow soon, even though she was way ahead of them now.

Very soon, not even an hour later, they came upon a black temple-like building. It had very bizzare, nonsensical architecture, with pillars going through other pillars in weird angles and even curving in ways a stonecuter would never be able to cut it without combing stones. Tanef was standing near the enterance, with her swords drawn as her companions came at her from behind.

“Is everything alright?” Thurn asked, preparing his own damaged greatsword.

“I sense... something.” Tanef said and entered the building.

***

Zhango was raised in a cult.

It would be wrong to say otherwise. His parents were fantaic arcehologists who had found a book about ancient deities and spent their whole lives decyphering it, and then following by its principles. That a god would walk the land once more. They didn't know when it would take place, or if ever, but they believe that with their faith they would be able to pull one near them.

They were killed, burned at the stake for heresy. But their son – Zhango – survived. He kept following his parents' teachings and eventually found a magical object through searcihng various ancient sites. A magical orb, made from a metal not like from this world.

It was 5 years ago when her found it. He didn't know what to do with it, but he kept it safely guarded until one day a mysterious temple appeared out of nowhere and the orb was attracted like a magnet towards it. It was 3 years ago when he finally found the building and found a pedestal, perfect for the orb, and inserted the orb inside.

For a few years after that he worked closely with his findings in the temple and eventually came upon an eureka – a sacrfice would be needed. But not just any sacrifice – a sacrifice of an erudite was what was necessary. So he searched in the cities, disguised a simple traveler fro the wilderness, around and spread news about the temple around acadamies, in case someone sparked an interest in it – and he did. An old acedemic by the name of Maxime came upon and loked for a guide to safely lead them to this building. He was ready to pay everytihng to get to there – but Zhango was not interested in any monetary value. He just wanted to get this old man to the orb and slit his throat and pour his blood on the orb.

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