#powers in flux fanfiction

[psychic-refugee]

[kiraoho]

Doctor Who: One Small Change to Flux

This idea has been bugging me for two years now, so now you have to see it. Imagine:

e01: Halloween Apocalypse The Doctor has a vision, we don't see what it is. Naturally, she doesn't tell Yaz anything. Since that vision she starts acting strange: says random things, starts running away, calls Yaz an Ood a couple of times. At one point she urgently, like her life depends on it, sonics at... nothing (I imagine this particular shot taking place on Dan's street). It's not a burst, it's a gradual thing throughout the episode. It ends when the Flux finally hits the TARDIS at the end of e01.

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

e05: The Survivors of the Flux Swarm and the Doctor have a huge discussion about morals.

Swarm: But then again, you wouldn't understand. How could you? How could you possibly comprehend the raw force of time?

The Doctor: I'm a Time Lord. Try me.

Swarm: (laughing) Time Lord... Your people, for all your talks of timeys and wimeys, are still such *linear* creatures. I wonder what it'd be like for you to truly experience time. Just... a touch...

He lightly touches the Doctor's temple. She screams in agony.

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

e06: The Vanquishers The Doctor is in... the TARDIS?

Yaz: Doctor! Doctor! Have you seen this? It's like the TARDIS is... leaking.

We've seen this already.

The Doctor sonics the leak fluid -- suddenly back she's on the Division station, soniccing around. No signs of Swarm. The station is falling apart.

The Doctor: What? Where is he?

She gets up and starts running sporadically, looking for an exit or a way out.

Yaz: Doctor! Where are you going? What's going on with you?

They're in Liverpool.

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

For a chunk of this episode (and e01) her timeline's folded on itself. She's experiencing two periods of time simultaneously.

For the rest of the episode, we see her irregular behavior in e01 make sense in e06 events. If the crew decides so, the two episodes could be timed just right in the editing so the episodes can be watched side-by-side, synchronized.

Maybe she's getting hints on what to do in e01 from the e06 events. This does require serious planning, and maybe one day I'll delve into writing it.

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

e06 epilogue. The Doctor and Yaz finally have a heart-to-heart. The Doctor has her hands behind her back, casually leaning back on the console.

The Doctor: I want to tell you everything.

Yaz: I'd like that.

Yaz leaves the console room to show Dan around.

The Doctor makes sure she's alone, then looks at her hands. She was right -- it's already started. Faint golden glow. She doesn't have much time.

She shakes her hands until the glow is gone. She won't tell Yaz until it's too late.

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

Also I feel setting this inevitable timer sets a better tone for the specials. Maybe the Doctor's initially happy to be stuck in a time loop with Yaz until she realizes what's going on.

Plus, the time itself wearing the Doctor down is an infinitely cooler cause of regeneration than the Master randomly shooting her.

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

Bonus: The Power of the Doctor

The Master: I'm going old school, Doctor. A tribute to our elders. Do you remember the ultimate sanction for breaking our laws?

Pause.

The Master: Forced regeneration. They even did it to you once, didn't they? Well, maybe more than once, who knows? Not you.

The Doctor: You don't have the technology. The power requirements alone would be... colossal!

The Master: Oh, absolutely. Even a whole Cybermoon wouldn't cover it. Unless! The subject is on the brink of regeneration already!

The Doctor looks terrified. The Master is studying her reaction closely.

The Master: Yes. You know I'm right. I can see you doing the calculations in your head already. Don't bother. Already ahead of you.

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

And now the whole plot happens because the Doctor was too stubborn to regenerate. It's her own character flaws biting her in the ass! Like fiction is supposed to function!

[quizmasterfred]

This fanfic has been MONTHS in the making, and it’s finally finished 💕

Basically re-tooling a bunch of scenes from “The Timeless Children” up to “The Giggle” where the goal is just “a happy Thasmin endgame”.

I hate watching a whole series and then the lesbians just get together at the end, and we don’t see any of the actual relationship - you know, the bit that’s supposed to be fun and what they’ve been wanting this whole time! (Obviously the nature of Doctor Who makes it difficult to even get that far, but hey, that’s what fanfic is for!)

So this is me just going “slap their relationship front and centre and see how that changes the story and their dynamic together”. I’m really proud of it, it’s taken ages, and I’m so happy it’s done now!

[maya-the-skaven]

Much Ado About Rats: A Skaven Story

Greetings everyone and welcome to the very first of my series of posts that will follow as I write my fanfiction about Skaven in the Warhammer: Age of Sigmar setting. While my fanfiction is something rather private and will probably go through a long and thorough process of writing, editing, proofreading and even rewriting before I am comfortable publishing it, I would still like to talk about its worldbuilding, its characters and my personal headcanon on all matters Skaven.

It's easy to consider Skaven as just cannon fodder for the good guys of the setting, nothing but a mass of hungry and inherently if not comically evil vermin that exist only to multiply, destroy and die, not too dissimilar from the Tyranids of the 40k setting. They represent all the worst traits both on individual and societal level and, more importantly, they're not human and kind of ugly and monstrous, you'd get weird looks if you told anyone you empathise with them, similar to reactions you'd get from the common audience if you said you feel nothing but pity for the orcs of the Lord of the Rings setting.

However, to me the Skaven are much like the Imperium of the 40k - they are independent individuals trapped in and molded by from their very birth to their rather short death by a highly institutionalized and hierarchical society with ruthless inner politics, warlordism and a merciless system of economics and labour. The Skaven who are not ready to do everything in their power to survive and chase the power are either destined for death or slavery. They fanatically worship a god that doesn't care that much for his children if not bestows constant malice onto them, but any deviation from that worship is tightly controlled by a tyranical sect of wizard-priests. The Skaven either conquer, ruthlessly exploiting their surroundings until their utter desolation, or stagnate forced to literally cannibalize each other to survive. They are essentially trapped in a vicious circle where the society forms natural selection where the most power-hungry, cruel and vicious individuals win and these individuals, in turn, do all in their power so that this society stays that way, with them in power and their subordinates in various forms of slavery. I don't know about you, but most of the above doesn't sound to me that different from average life of an Imperial citizen in a Hive World. Moreover, isn't that also what happened in real world many times? How the ultra-rich of today stay in power, how Nazis brainwashed the entirety of Germany into genocide and complete ruin, how medieval tyrants and their aristocrat countries held entire countries in serfdom, how USSR bureaucrats reproduced their own power by what amounted to negative selection?

The main difference between Imperium and the Skaven is that, while the Imperium also exists in a constant flux of decay, misery, exploitation and treachery, it still gets many stories about individuals that manage to represent better aspects of being human, in spite of their culture, their upbringing, their status. Skaven, however, are for some reason excluded from humanity and human stories, despite having the same sapience and free will as humans do, they almost never get any stories that center them and everywhere else they are just there to do something horrible (and sometimes funny) and then be defeated by the heroes of the story. Despite this, we got more intricate glimpses of Skaven in the Queek Headtaker novel, it turns out they can be loyal, they can have a conscience, they can be brave, they can reflect on the poor state of their species, they can actually care for each other for other reasons than power, however rare that is and however corrupted and abusive that care might be.

Skaven also make me reflect a lot about our own world. In a way they are kind of like Ferengi from Star Trek series, their culture on one hand seems completely alien from ours, but on the other hand it has direct connection to our culture because it is a huge exaggeration of it. We exist, function and prop up systems that cause suffering, we compete even if that means that someone else will go hungry, we punch down our most marginalised and miserable, we entrap people into economic system where the line must go always up propped by extremely underpaid labour or everyone will be scrounging for food, we exploit and destroy our environment without care for neither other living creatures nor even other humans, our current cultural mindset is thoroughly hierarchical and power-seeking with even those critical our the current state of things rarely escaping from it. It's easy to sneer at the Skaven as the utterly evil "monster" species of the setting, but they are only doing what we are doing, but dispensing with our dislike of grotesque, with our flimsy morals and with our ever so cautious self-preservation instinct. But in our world we have many stories of people prevailing despite tyranny, misery, poverty, people going to great lengths to help each other, people protesting and fighting injustice, even if their mind was still polluted by bigotry, cruelty or selfishness. If Rom from DS9 can unionize in spite of his entire species and culture, why not give a chance at better characterisation and characters for Skaven that doesn't revolve around being comically evil? Something akin to Queek's bravery and care for Ska, even if completely insane and abusive by our standards, Ska's unquestioning loyalty, Gnawdwell's refined composure and genuine pride for Queek, Sharpwit's recognition of Skaven being doomed to be trapped in their vicious cycle and never learning from any mistakes.

Source: https://twitter.com/nan_ivel/status/1460612547887910914

My motivation for writing a fanfic about Skaven is thus motivated by this unfair treatment of simultaneously portraying the Skaven as sapient and free willed individuals completely capable of forming a society woes many traits and woes of our own and other similar societies in fiction, while they are always treated as non-persons, never get any kind of diversity despite numbering trillions and stories about them that delve deeper into their psyche are practically non-existent. My story will be focused on a band of Skaven finding their own ways and detaching their personalities from the society that made them what they are, it's an escape story, a story of change, a story of experiencing and feelings things you could never put a name to. This is not necessarily a story about redemption, bad guys becoming good, the Skaven being goodie-two-shoes, it's much more about a seed of hope that exists even for cruelest and vilest of beings to change in whatever way, it's humanising Skaven in a way how our own evil is deeply human and it's about negating the idea of evil being ontological and immutable for sapient persons of free will.

The fact that there are trillions of Skaven and tens of thousands of clans should be, on the contrary, taken as a reason for the fans and creators to experiment with imagining diverse environments, individuals, sub-cultures of the Skaven society, sprawling like a tumour, growing in every which way. Similarly the fact that there is not really a lot of actual established lore about the Skaven and either very old bits that can be easily considered not even close to canon, short paragraphs that describe the trope of Skaven, but rarely go into any nuance or expand on them or things that could be very easily supplemented by additional lore, rather than be contradicted.

For example, what is the true nature of Great Horned Rat, is he even a real god of Chaos, as his aspects, domains and character seems to change all the time? Or maybe he is the truest of them, since even his nature changes chaotically, usually following the constant dynamic flux Skaven as a whole find themselves in? What is the relationship of Skaven with gender? Are breeders just an irrelevant lore tidbit that could be disregarded, or maybe it could be expanded, for example, how clans that don't have the means to purchase Moulder monstrocities operate? What of cloned Skaven? How is Skaven biology influenced by their constant misuse of warpstone, permanent overexertion, starvation and lack of sleep? Are we to believe Black Hunger isn't a psychological reaction that a half-starved sleepless human couldn't experience? A lore purist could disregard all these questions, but they'll end up without a backbone to their faction and barely anything interesting to write or ponder, apart from them being just mindless characterless beasts of ruin.

Next posts will answer these questions and go more into detail about some of my personal headcanon that informs my fic, such as diversity and function of Skaven society, their biology and its relationship with warpstone and exertion, their reproductive cycle, basic details of Blight City are the protagonists come from and what Great Horned Rat represents in essence. But, of course, that’s just my interpretation.

[raccoonfallsharder]

Do you have any advice on making time for writing and avoiding burnout? I'm impressed by the amount of projects you have and how they're consistently high quality.

oh love. sunshine. you tiny fresh vanilla seed (precious & delightful // it is a luxury to interact with you). so first i’m gonna apologize because there’s a 99% chance this is not the advice you’re looking for and SURPRISE i wrote another novel. (so also jot this down… my being prolific is helped by the fact that i literally cannot shut the fuck up to save my life). anyway here are my rules for writing

1. don’t look at the man behind the curtain (in this case that’s me). I had 70% of window and probably 90% of sweatshirt girl drafted before i even started revising && posting individual chapters/ installments. it gives the illusion of me cranking out a new chapter every week but i do NOT do that. i just try to revise once a week. maybe write a half+ chapter of something new. it’s not an illusion i create on purpose. i just know i need TIME to rest my brain before I come back and revise or it’ll start all looking the same to me. so i def frontload my writing before i start posting.

i also do this because i need at least the ghost of an ending to keep writing

i also never originally intended to post window or sweatshirt girl - i was originally just writing for me. so they were mostly done before i even decided to post

i ALSO work at a school and while i do have hours over the summer, i am doing much less (imo) important things when there aren’t students around, sooooo i end up daydreaming and drafting a lot

my writing is also powered by depression (“write the world as i want it to be”) and frankly i don’t recommend that to anyone ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

so if i look like i’m producing a lot it’s just because of the way this year has unfolded, and once we get through the next few chapters of window i’m sure I’ll hit a lull because I’m still struggling to write those chapters (sorry in advance folksss)

2. i swear to god creativity (like everything in nature) happens in cycles. blah blah no flower blooms all year && no tree bears fruit every season. fallowness is IMPORTANT for growing gardens. if you are in a slow space - let yourself be slow. sink into the quiet season. speed&&quantity are SO overrated and if you overcultivate your soil there will be no nutrients left for your crops. let the snows come in && blanket you on occasion. they are their own kind of blank page (i swear to fuck sometimes i sound like some kind of ai generating bad proverbs but you knew what you were getting when you came to my asks i guess! i am unashamed)

tbh i have a modest art side-hustle and am working on painting a project that WILL take YEARS - and this whole summer, i have neglected that project in lieu of being a rocket fangirl because frankly my brain needed a break. guess what? my followers understand and it has not been a problem. because any fellow creative should know that the process takes time and is always in flux

(3) a lot of people will tell you - write a little every day. write even if it’s bad. you can always come back with fresh eyes later. I support these ideas in theory. i keep my writing && my sketchbooks where i can access them almost anytime, and even if it’s only for ten minutes, i do write something most days. but more than this - listen to your body and your brain and your heart. and for fanfiction especially - ONLY write when it’s fun. if you start writing from obligation instead of love, you will burn out faster, create less, and even resent this thing that should be an escape for you. (and your readers will feel it, even if they don’t know why). (also your readers - if they are good people - will understand this && support you) (and if they’re not good people, they don’t deserve your heart like that). if your body says take time off then TAKE TIME OFF. don’t let capitalism brainwash you into believing all your joys must entail consistent labor, that every good thing comes with a side of drudgery, or that you can’t stop something once you start it. they don’t. it doesn’t. you can. let yourself have a scrap of unfettered && unpressured happiness in this place. you deserve it, i fuckin swear that to you on my goddamn life.

(4) maybe im inadvertently repeating myself but please. be kind to yourself. let your community be kind to you too. we are supposed to take care of each other. give yourself grace && know we are on your side

okay wow i’m so sorry. fuck me that’s not what you were asking for but it is the best && most earnest && most true advice i can give you. “carve some time out every day” is nice and aspirational and maybe give it a try, but life is hard and don’t blame yourself if you can’t. let fanfiction be a force for joy in your days/nights, not a chore. nope im just saying the same shit over and over LOOK. i love you. you are good. life is short. have fun. that’s truly all & the most important things I have inside me, and I’m sorry for my limitations. for whatever that is worth

♡♡♡

[radexchangeprogram]

This is a random one but can I request head cannons of the Brothers and Dateables reacting to an MC that’s actually a half demon but was really great at hiding her demon side since she grew up in the human world? They see a demon man just bounding towards MC before the boys could do anything MC’s like “DAD! 😃” before jumping in his arms like a child. Around her Dad she gains fangs and horns like him but she reverts back to normal when she wants to. The boys are like “Why didn’t you say anything?” And she’s like “I’m just used to my human side” or “You never asked 🤷🏾‍♀️”

Of course! I love this idea. I didn’t get a chance to proof read this so I apologize for any grammatical mistakes.

Author’s notes at the end (marked by *s)

Spoiler warning for up to chapter 17 to be safe. Especially with Belphie.

Half Demon GN!MC Headcanons

General

Everyone noticed that you never seemed too bothered by the fact that you were surrounded by demons, but figured you were just rather good at adapting.

This theory was proven wrong at a party Lord Diavolo hosted.

As you chatted with the brothers, a large demon with griffon wings, a lion’s mane, and horns similar to a gazelle began to head in the direction of your group.

The demon, who the others instantly recognized as Duke Vapula, walked up to them with a cheeky grin.

The brothers were instantly on guard, Mammon even growling slightly, as it was extremely uncommon for anyone to approach them so casually.

Diavolo, Barbatos, Simeon, Luke, and Solomon all took notice and were prepared to intervine should something happen.

You turned around to see what the issue was and let out a loud gasp.

“DAD!”

Lucifer

Absolutely dumbfounded. How did he not know about this? He read your files to the point of practically memorizing them before you came here and he swears there was nothing about you being a half demon.

He was honestly a bit embarrassed that he didn’t know about something this major.

When confronting you, all you did was say that it wasn’t that big of a deal and that you figured they already knew.

You really give him a migraine sometimes.

He feels a bit relieved that he doesn’t have to worry as much about you dying, though.

If you wish, he may start teaching you demonic etiquette, such as having you shift form at formal events.

If you prefer your human heritage, he won’t pressure you to conform to your demonic ancestory.

Mammon

WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN HIS HUMAN ISN’T ENTIRELY HUMAN?!?

The loudest about his displeasure about not knowing.

“I’m your first man! I’m supposed to know everything about you!”

When you explain to him that you’re more comfortable with your human half, he calms down a little.

Tries to call you ‘stupid half-demon’ but it doesn’t feel the same as ‘stupid human’ :(

You tell him he can just keep calling you ‘stupid human’ :D

Wonders if he can get your dad to pay him for ‘providing his child with such incredible protection’.

You immediately tell him no.

Leviathan

Holy shit this sounds like something straight out of an anime!!!

Very upset that you didn’t tell him, you’re his Henry! You’re supposed to tell him these kind of things!

When you shrug and simply say that no one asked, he gets even more pouty.

You make up with him quickly by offering to play games with him all night.

Extremely curious about your demonic form for the primary purpose of cosplay. Do you know how many more characters you can be if you have a tail or wings?!?

You might inspire some fanfiction. (half demon Henry x Lord of Shadows au slow burn 100k words, def not Leviathan projecting no not at all-)

Satan

He is extremely shocked. Not only did he have no idea, but half demons are extremely rare.

From what he’s read, most half-human half-demon offspring don’t survive past birth and all documented cases that have survived reside in the Devildom so that their powers can be better managed.

He asks you about this and you reply that you’re actually quite good at controlling your powers, but that you prefer living as a normal human.

He’s not upset that you didn’t tell him, but he has a billion questions.

How long is your lifespan? Do you take more after your demonic father or your human mother in terms of power?What are your weaknesses?

He really wants to learn more about human-demon hybrids and will ask you to help in his studies.

Also a bit excited as your father is well known for some for his knowledge and writing about the sciences. He wants to discuss some of it with you, assuming you’ve read what your father has written.*

Asmodeus

Oh he is so excited.

A bit relieved that his charm isn’t wearing off, it just doesn’t work because you’re the child of a demonic duke!

You know those boiling hot springs he talks about visiting? Well he’s happy to learn that you actually can join him without fear of your skin melting off!

He’s not upset that you didn’t tell him, getting mad over stuff like that can cause wrinkles.

He will absolutely want to help you groom your horns/wings/scales/tail.

He already has shown you a lot about demonic fashion trends, such as extra clothing that can be fitted around demonic extremities, but now he actually can actually have you try on some! Do you prefer gold tail bangles or jeweled horn cuffs?

Beelzebub

Relieved that Duke Vapula wasn’t looking for a fight.

He can’t help but smile a little when you hug your dad. It makes him happy that you love your family.

When you blush and tell him that it just slipped your mind to tell everyone about your heritage, he isn’t upset.

Happy that he doesn’t have to be so scared of accidentally hurting you with how strong he is.

If you’re able to safely eat some more demonic food, he will absolutely get you to try some of his favorite foods that normal humans would die upon eating.

Overall, you’re still the MC he has grown to love and doesn’t treat you too differently.

Belphegor

Is now more awake than he has been the entire evening.

Half demon? Nah this is just some dream.

Is understanding when you explain to him that you prefer being human and living as a human.

He’s happy he found out after making amends with you. He used to despise half-demons just as much as normal humans, seeing them as repulsive.

He still very much treats you the same, but is a bit annoyed with his brothers.

With knowledge of your demonic blood coming to light, they drag you out even more often and naps with you are becoming rarer.

If you get too overwhelmed with his brothers constantly wanting to try things they thought would previously kill you, he will be more than happy to lend you some of his hiding spots. He does charge the small fee of getting to take a nap with you though.

Diavolo

Similar to Lucifer, is shocked that he didn’t know before you came to the Devildom.

You aren’t the first half-demon he’s met, but he is surprised that a demon of Duke Vapula’s rank had a child with a human.

He’s actually very excited to learn that you’re a half-demon who is in more in touch with your human side. He feels a lot more relieved that you aren’t as defenseless as previously thought.

He does, however, make absolute sure that you have full control over your demonic powers. Every other half-demon lives in the Devildom for a reason and he can’t have someone who is technically one of his subjects accidentally cause mass destruction.

He invites you for tea more frequently, asking so many questions about how being raised in the human world as a half-demon was.

He likes to exchange stories with you about your younger years and the power fluxes you both struggled with as you grew.

Tells you that should you ever wish to live in the Devildom that he would be more than happy to make the needed arrangements.

Barbatos

He knew the whole time. When Diavolo asked him to look into the success of the program, he made note of your heritage right away.

However, he decided that keeping this information hidden when he saw that you were raised human and preferred to be seen as human.

When he explains this to everyone, you can’t help but feel thankful.

While some of the others make no effort to hide how annoyed this makes them, he doesn’t mind. He knows he made the right choice keeping this from everyone and doesn’t regret it at all.

Barbatos is actually a pretty good friend of your father’s and grew up with him. He actually met you when you were a baby because of this.*

Solomon

He has seen a lot in his years in the world of magic, but nothing like this.

Usually, half-demons were very easy to spot as they struggled to control their powers, but you practically had it down to an art!

You explain to him that you’re actually pretty good at keeping your powers under control. He’s rather impressed by this and will ask to see your spell work.

Thinks it’s a little funny that he has a pact with your dad.*

Like Satan, he wants to know all about you. Unlike Satan, he is going to actually conduct experiments instead of stick to interviews.

He has a new potion that he wants you to try almost every day now.

Can half-demons make pacts? If so, you have now been added to the list of demonic beings he wants to make a pact with.

Simeon

Very surprised considering he’s blessed you before.

Blessings aren’t supposed to work on anything of demonic nature so he’s baffled.

When you explain to him that you were raised human and prefer to live as human, he smiles.

He comes to the conclusion that you being a good person must be greater than the demonic blood in your veins.

He treats you the same overall, knowing that you’re still you no matter your heritage.

Luke

Absolute denial.

There is no way someone as nice as you is part demon! He refuses to believe it!

Gets upset and accuses you of trying to manipulate him, which you quickly deny.

When you explain to him that you prefer being human, he huffs.

Simeon gives him a bit of a talking to, about how you’re still the same MC who he sees as a big sibling.

He bakes you some apology cupcakes for being rude to you.

You sometimes shift form to mess around with him, it never fails to make him let out a shocked yelp before he snaps at you for picking on him.

Everyone (except Luke) thinks it’s funny tbh.

Author’s Notes:

*Duke Vapula is described as being able to bestow knowledge about all science contained in books.

*Barbatos is also a duke in The Goetia. I thought a fun nod to this would be to have them as friends.

*The Goetia talks about the 72 demons that King Solomon evoked. Vapula is one of the demons that he evoked. The game actually references this by talking about his 72 pacts. Asmodeus and Barbatos are both included in the 72 demons which is why he has pacts with both of them in the game :)

[codylabs]

Forest of Daggers Behind the Scenes

I was just going through and organizing my old art, and found the old Forest of Daggers folder. I decided to relive the memories, and discovered some art I never posted. Stuff like concept drawings, deleted scenes, and stuff doodled in the margins of my college notes. Some of it was kind of interesting, so I may as well post it here.

This was gonna be some kind of fancy section divider/chapter-ender, if I ever printed the book out. I may still use it one day; who knows?

Ahhh now these are old. These drawings were made years and years before I started the story, years before I'd seen Gravity Falls or even knew the word 'fanfiction.' These were the original ideas that became the Forest's titular metallic ecosystem. You can see here the original 'lions', though these are lion-like in function only, and more closely resemble shell-less hermit crabs or perhaps blenders; they were originally imagined to be native to an Earth-like world with oxygen and water, and thus their bodies were in a perpetual state of rusting and molting and regrowing, as you see with the brown (which is a detail I ignored in the actual story, to my shame). There were also solar-powered floating cranes (a symbiosis between a hanging herbivore and a colony of hydrogen-filled solar creatures) which never made it into the story. I think I liked the final version of things better, but these early ideas had a certain unearthly character.

A few more creatures that were actually in the story, which for whatever reason never made it into illustrations proper. Left are a few concepts for the little birds that fly with thermal rockets, above is one of the swarming piranha bugs Dipper and Wendy encountered in the tunnels, and speaking of tunnels, there's one of the drilling worms that dug them, because you know Frank Herbert ain't gonna reference himself.

Heyyy it's Betty and Barney! I love these two. All they wanted was to live peacefully on a quaint farm. They're like metal hobbits.

OH BABY I can't tell you how badly I wanted to have this scene somewhere in the story. It would be Dipper and Wendy in excavators fighting a couple alien lions, and the scene would be framed as some monumental, epic Pacific-Rim-style kaiju-vs-mecha fight, and I would play it 100% straight, or even straighter than straight, because the personal stakes and the amount of realism here means that I and the audience could take it much more seriously than any traditional japanese monster flick. The lumbering clumsy only-one-arm-ed-ness of the excavators puts our heroes at a distinct disadvantage, with them needing to coordinate closely together to block the much faster and more agile lions. Alas, the events of the book never played out in a way that allowed this scene to happen, but perhaps it will when I rewrite it someday. Perhaps perhaps. If I recall correctly, the idea of this scene was one of the reasons I started the story in the first place.

The finale of Wendy's story, where she confronts the mother shapeshifter in her lair, was in a state of authorial flux for quite awhile before I decided on a version of events that I liked. Here's one version of events where the mother shows up already disguised as a Time Warrior, while Sam is at gunpoint.

And another version of events where the shapeshifter is disguised as her as they fight, and you can tell who's who because the shapeshifter is mimicking a clean, perfect, idealized version of her. I'm not sure what the symbolism of that meant to me at the time, and I'm not sure why I put had in her underwear, I guess I just thought it made the scene more poignant. I wish Disney censored me like they censored the show, so we wouldn't end up with this sort of edgy, cringe nonsense.

Wendy after the finale, wielding the Time Tape and the death ray, triumphant but beat up and exhausted. I liked this scene, which is probably why I drew it twice. That's a lot more blood than I think is actually realistic for a person to have outside their body (censor me Disney, please.)

Speaking of, remember that time I posted a drawing of a penis on Tumblr dot com and got away scot free? Good times.

[bleachbleachbleach]

i'm really interested in the spiritual arts academy in bleach. and i like that they introduced a mentorship programme in the future. anyway here are my headcanons: (1) yamamoto came up with the idea for the academy after the other royal guards (pre-promotion) came up with the ideas for their inventions, so yama wanted a way to teach others how to use them. (2) rangiku was in the same class as shuhei. (3) we know toshiro joined the academy in momo's 5th year, but i assume he graduated the next year alongside her, izuru, and renji. (4) the graduation exam for the academy is a tournament. captains watch the tournament to choose their recruits. (5) toshiro vs. renji would be the final match of the 2066th year tournament. (6) ichika finished her studies after 1 year (instead of four) and is already an intern. (7) ichika is mentored by rikichi. (8) after meeting ichika, kazui asks to be mentored by ryunosuke as an unofficial student. (9) hikone will join the academy later. (10) my fanfiction is that the "evil students" are sent to join the "court guard squads of hell" instead. (11) and there's a west branch academy too for human witches/wizards.

OMG YES. Thank you for sharing these!!!!! I love the Academy almost as much as I love Seireitei Communications. I think of Soul Society's various powerful institutions, the Academy is one the "less garbage" side of the garbage spectrum, in that it does not appear to be fundamentally broken, even if some shifts in pedagogy may be in order. I think part of why I feel that way is because the curriculum does appear to be in flux in some capacities--instituting a mentorship program, the fact that Hinamori has been part of updating the textbook illustrations, things like that. We have a post about Renji-sensei, too, because Abarai "Mr. Teamwork" Renji would be a great teacher. I think really the main "oof well that's awkward" for the Academy is that Aizen was so involved, LOL. Welp.

I also think it's interesting that it's explicitly not within the purview of the Council of 46. Separation of school and state?

But yeah, my IRL job is such that I think a lot about pedagogy and wow WHAT I WOULD GIVE to see the core course expectations of the Academy!! Particularly given that the gap between the curriculum and what you actually need in order to not die in the Gotei 13 is rather... large.

I also want to know how much (well, let's be real, how little) of their studies are dedicated to history/theory/how Soul Society/Seireitei/the Gotei 13 runs. Because for all intents and purposes it's a vocational school but also their entire existence is also based around said vocation. And you KNOW when they fast-track students they just skip all those classes.

Omg at the idea of (4) a graduation tournament, also--I can totally see that. In my mind graduation is without fanfare and it's just like "congratulations, now you work here (or don't) and you can never leave unless you die." But SS also appears to have a penchant for ostentatious events with low attendance (semi-public executions! film festivals!) so a selection tournament seems totally on brand.

And lolll (5) adds some extra context to these two exchanges, AKA panels I return to SO REGULARLY I knew exactly which chapters to go to just now to fetch them:

This is from the part where the VCs are assembling for their first meeting during the SS arc, and Renji sure went from "I don't know who Matsumoto's captain is" to "oh THAT guy, bleh" real fast, especially considering his captain is Byakuya lolol. And then we get this a bit later, after Renji's been laid out by Ichigo:

Extreme Casual Mode Hitsugaya™️ is hilarious/endearing to me in general, but like damn, he really just out here coming for Renji's life like "lmao this mf" lol. Especially since this is like what, the second thing Hitsugaya's ever even said in the entire series.

Anyway, tl;dr but THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing these! I loved reading and thinking with them!!

[umblebumble]

Dragon Age: Inquisition Daemons

So here’s another group daemon selection. I make my choices based off of a mix of analysis (The Daemon Forum is my favourite spot, link) and general vibe as well as plot/thematic things. For this, a lot of inspiration has come from fanfiction I’ve read where the daemon choice just makes sense. There will be minor spoilers for these characters personal plot arcs. Please let me know what you think, and share your own headcannons!

*As a note I tend to pick more mammals than anything else and I am working on widening my selections, but I still run very mammal-centric.

Solas - Common Raven. Raven’s are very clever birds and are great problem solvers and strategists. They go after what they want, and while they can roam in groups, they can work on their own as well. They are also mischievous and cocky; they will pull the tail feathers of larger birds to distract them from food or just for fun. This clever, cocky, proud bird is a very good match for our not-so-humble apostate. Thematically, ravens can be seen as death omens since they often eat carrion. However, they are also called ‘wolf birds’ because they have been known to have working relationships with wolves for hunting. Therefore a raven on the shoulder of a wolf would just make sense thematically to me.

Dorian - Scarlet Macaw. Parrots are far too clever for their own good and boredom is their worst enemy. Along with being bright and flashy to match the sparkly mage, their also very loud and opinionated and dramatic about everything just for the hell of it. I think a Macaw would be bold and striking on Dorian’s shoulder, and would have a razor tongue like the mage. However macaws can also be easily stressed and fall into self-destructive behaviour in bad environments. Thematically I think this parrot would have little bald patches hidden under its wings from where it would stress pluck. An interesting healing arc would be the bald patches growing back in as Dorian is accepted for who he is and doesn’t have to hide himself anymore.

Vivienne - Mute Swan. It can be said of water fowl that they appear graceful and serene on the surface but that’s because you can’t see the intricate paddling going on underneath. I feel that summarizes Vivienne well; she is serene and powerful and graceful at first glance, but behind the scenes there’s a lot of work and whispers and gathering of information. Swans are also very strong and assured. They could break bone with the strength of their wings, and they are confident and assured in their place and their power and status. Furthermore, they’re dedicated to their goals and will put in the work to reach them. However, I also like a swan for Vivienne because they mate for life. They are devoted to a single partner, and when that partner dies they mourn heavily. Vivienne appears unruffled and absolutely pristine to everyone around her and that’s because very few are allowed past her mask to see the softer heart inside that loves and then mourns her loved ones.

Iron Bull - Wild hog/Boar. Pigs are very underestimated animals - they appear big and slow, but they are vicious and incredibly intelligent. Pigs are seriously violent and I think this matches Bulls blood-thirsty battle-lust. But like Bull, his daemon would be underestimated; a war machine on the outside but the mind of a great spy on the inside. They’re social animals, and highly adaptable to a range of environments, and they can be very defensive and protective of themselves and those they care about. Overall I think a boar just suits every aspect of Bull visually and thematically.

Cassandra - Ram. *I initially said Mountain Goat but I had meant a Ram/Big Horned Sheep. Usually I headcanon Cassandra with a dog, a hound of some sort, but this was just very interesting and I quite liked it. When looking at a description of a Ram*, I just felt like it spoke for itself: “ Thick-skinned, competitive, and proud... Assertive and quick to put others in their place when they're crossed, definitely the confrontational sort. Highly defensive of their personal projects and themselves. Highly confident, not ones to doubt their abilities... Likely stubborn and highly straightforward, possibly blunt. Possibly planners, probably quite determined and persistent.” Cassandra is a hard-worker, determined and stubborn. She’s definitely the kind to attack a problem head-first, but she does have the capability to be quick, light on her feet and strategic about her approach. Rams are of the sheep family, and thus are very loyal and close to the people that belong in their circle.

Blackwall - Milksnake. Snakes are generally non-confrontational. They don’t pick fights but they will finish them, which is something I can see reflected in Blackwall’s more laid back attitude towards battle than the other warrior companions. Milksnakes are also very adaptable and will do well wherever they are. They’re a mix of solitary and social, they like being around others but also need their own space. They’re also rather internal and have a lot going on inside they don’t let show, not the kind to wear their heart on their sleeve. Mainly I enjoy the thematic meaning of a milksnake. Milksnakes are adapted to mimic a poisonous snake. Their colour pattern is close to that of a much more dangerous snake, and as such they often trick predators into thinking they are something they’re not. I like this thematically for the not-Warden who is pretending to be something much more fearsome than he is.

Sera - Rat. The common rat is an incredibly adaptable, resourceful, hardy creature. They will find a way in whatever circumstances and use whatever they have to their advantage. They are highly social beings and are made to work in groups, in teams and with others - a network much like the Red Jennies or little people. They’re bold, assertive, and even a little aggressive at times.  A rat is seen as vermin and unwanted, but they’re everywhere and are clever and have their little hands in everything. Also, rats are thought of to be tricksters in mythos - the Chinese zodiac being an example of a rat tricking its way to the top. Sera uses her tricky playfulness mainly to pull pranks and cause mayhem, but she also uses it to stick up for others and assert her place in the world.

Varric - Vampire bat. Now I like the headcanon that dwarves don’t have daemons due to Fade-connection stuff and instead have weapons/armour like Armored Bears, but for the sake of argument I wanted to find what his daemon could be. A vampire bat is an unusual animal, and I think it, like Varric, would be the kind of person you don’t easily forget encountering. They are very sensitive, aware animals and are very in-tune with their surroundings and whats going on. They’re very social animals and thrive in groups. They have great communication skills and form close bonds with those they’re close to. Varric would do anything for the people he is closest to, and his natural environment is surrounded by people spinning tales and connecting with others. I think it’s an unusual daemon choice but I also like the idea that its a fun parallel to a surface dwarf - an underground animal, i.e. a rat, but in the sky with wings.

Cole - Unsettled. I think that if Cole did have a daemon, it would be unsettled. He is a spirit and he is in constant state of flux, despite having a central purpose of compassion. And even if he becomes more human, he is very reminiscent of a child learning the world and as such I do not think he would be settled until he becomes more settled in himself. (I do have further headcanon ideas about this spirit-daemon stuff but that may be another post, or a later addition to this one. Let me know if you’re interested)

Leliana - Mongoose. Leliana was harder for me because I don’t know her as well. I didn’t play Origins, but from what I know she was a much younger, more playful, less burdened and jaded person back then. I think this suits a mongoose very well. They can be very inquisitive and open and playful in their youth, unfearful of the wide world and ready to investigate anything to learn more. But as an adult they are more cautious and guarded. Mongoose are incredible predators and are very adaptive, able to take on even snakes that others don’t dare attack. They are more solitary and secretive, and I think an elusive, mysterious mongoose would be a wonderful hint at the fierce power hidden behind the cooler facade of her everyday persona. Brutal, subtle, and unexpected, a mongoose fits the spymaster well as far as I know her.

Cullen - Border Collie. I always knew Cullen would have a dog daemon, it was just a matter of which. He’s loyal and extremely hardworking, and so I decided on herding dogs. I chose Border Collie specifically because of their intelligence, independence and ability to think strategically. This is the kind of dog that will happily take orders and follow command, but will also work on its own to get a job done. Of herding dogs, Border Collies also have the ability to be a bit more ruthless, I feel. They aren’t timid dogs and if left to their own devices could become destructive and rough due to boredom and lack of stimulation. Also, they are predisposed to listen and obey and thus could fall prey to poor leadership (as seen in Kirkwall). Any dog I think could fit for our loyal, hardworking Commander, but I think Border Collie is a good fit. A bit of a farm-boy turned soldier, follower turned commander aesthetic fits thematically with his overall arc.

Josephine - Zebra Longwing. This kind of butterfly is beautiful and poisonous, a perfect combination for our ambassador. Butterfly’s are social creatures and do well around others. Furthermore this kind of butterfly works in groups to achieve its goal, suggesting a calm, diplomatic mind that is good at working with others towards a goal. Furthermore, butterflies are very sensitive and aware creatures; they pay attention to their surroundings and are very intuitive about the environment and others. Lastly, with a slightly toxic nature, these insects warn off predators with their flashy pattern that advertise them as dangerous. I like this because I think Josephine’s daemon would be a great hint at how not-helpless she is, a bit of a giveaway to her power and abilities. Plus I think a pretty butterfly perched like a beautiful broach suits her aesthetic.

[loominggaia]

Fanfiction: New York (part 10)

Anonymous submitted another chapter of their fanfic! Check it out under the cut.

Check out the fanfic tag for more.

Back in Gaia things where not looking so well for the Steel knuckle squad and Glenvar. It had been nearly a month since Evan went missing and since the rest of the crew went looking for him. In that time the freelance good guys headquarters had gone down hill. Balthazar, Javan, Skel, Linde and Glenvar where struggling to both get and finish contracts. Tensions where high between them, especially with Skel trying (and failing) to pin himself as the de facto leader without Evan their

Much to everyone’s collective annoyance and has actually been starting fights between them. Shadow was getting restless, the big bird was missing Issac everyday he was gone. She’d been getting very moody and depressed, becoming rather difficult to handle. Villagers where filing more complaints for increasingly unprofessional behavior, making tensions even worse. While they each told themselves they could do this on their own, it was becoming increasingly clear they needed Evan back!

This afternoon had been especially rough, Skel and Glenvar where in yet another fight over who was in charge. Their shouting could be heard all across the facility, the others didn’t care to hear it untill it started turning physical. Skel threw Glenvar with a psychic blast, Glenvar punched Skel in the face knocking him to the floor. Before anymore damage could be done the others intervened, Balthazar grabbing Skel and Javan grabbing Glenvar while Linde scolded them both, they’d all had enough.

What started as an argument between just Glenvar and Skel quickly erupted into yet another group argument. Things couldn’t keep going on like this, at this rate they’d just tear each other apart before the rest of the crew returns. The next morning a team meeting was held, Linde announced her plan to hopefully bring the crew back together by holding their own search for Evan. Since the rest of the crew has failed to return with him yet they could do their own hunt for him.

The crew seemed unsure about this, they honestly didn’t have much to go off of. All the info they had was of a white truck and it possibly having something to do with Zareen? It took some convincing but eventually the whole crew decided that they could do this and who knows, maybe they could find Evan faster then the rest of them! With that the second rescue crew set off to zareen empire, hoping to get this done and over with.

Upon arrival the new rescue crew quickly set to work. Spending afew days searching yielded no results, not finding any info about Evan or a white truck nor even a single trace of the rest of the crew. After a week of searching they turned up squat, wandering where even the rest of the crew went as they had yet to have any contact with them? An unsettling worry was starting to overtake them at the revelation that first the captain disappears, then the whole crew disappears while looking for him?!

Believing someone might have kidnapped the rest of the crew as well their search efforts double. They end up catching a break when they discover where the crew was last seen, that being some dingy hotel on the border between Zareen and Mogdir. Finding the room they enter, only to discover one hell of a mess. They see a giant magic sigil drawn on the floor, pages of notes scatteeed around and the dusty remains of what where once magic crystals.

To discover what the hell happened here they start reading the notes, obviously Jeimos’s handwriting. The notes are mentioning some place called “earth” and endless pages talking about magic theory, transdimensional travel theory, and other things they could barley understand. Balthazar, Javan and Glenvar had no understanding of what they where looking at while Linde and Skel’s heads where spinning trying to comprehend the incredibly complex spell that Jeimos must of cast to get to This “earth”

Linde and Skel had to explain to them what little of the magic they understood. Explaining that whoever took Evan took him to some other dimension called “Earth” and Jeimos had somehow concocted a teleportation spell that allowed them to get their. Glenvar was pissed, yelling that that didn’t make any sense! How could they be in another world? Their where no other worlds then Gaia and the afterlife, right. Fear and worry leaked through his rant, fear he may never see his friends again.

Fear he may never see Alaine again. Balthazar and Javan had similar feelings of dread, questioning if such a thing could even be possible. Linde had no answers, Skel had no answers, Jeimos’s notes didn’t give them any answers. A long pause persisted, that feeling of dread overtaking them, what if the spell went wrong? Where are the rest of the crew and are they still even alive? They had answers and their was only one real way to find out, and that lied with the spell sigil on the floor.

Despite some protest, especially by Glenvar against using this clearly dangerous magic a decision was made. They only way they where gonna figure anything out was to use this convoluted spell Jeimos concocted and see where it takes them, hopefully towards this earth place. From all the crystal dust on the floor it took a lot of power, ALOT of power to fuel. How they got their hands on so many magic crystals was unclear but what was clear is they needed to do the same.

With Javan’s expertise the crew pull a crystal heist, finding a large source of magic crystals they could use for that spell. It wasn't gonna be easy as apparently their was a large crystal heist that happened last week and guards where on high alert. It wasent easy but they manage to succeed in the crystal heist, stealing a huge shipment and taking it straight back to the hotel room to prepare the spell.

With the crystals ready Linde and Skel attempt to cast the spell. However mid cast something seems to be wrong? The magic is fluxing way to much and Linde and Skel are starting to panic, before the the crew could flee the sigil the spell activates, sending them all crashing through the void between worlds, knocking them all out. It was awhile before any of them came to, Glenvar being the first to wake up, thankfully everyone’s still alive but something didn’t seem right about where they landed.

The floor was squishy and smelled of old, musty carpet, looking down it was old, musty yellow carpet. The irritating buzzing of fluorescent lights could be hear above and looking around him he saw nothing but but walls and walkways as far as the eye could see, all covered in an ugly, peeling yellow wallpaper. “What the bloody hell is this place”? Glenvar thought to himself., the rest of the crew was starting to come to. Happy to be alive but just as confused as Glenvar upon seeing where they are

This couldn’t be earth, right? An even greater sense of dread overtook them as they realized something was wrong. Very, very wrong!

*

Great chapter! Cool to see all the Guys putting their abilities to good use, nice work there! Also do I detect a backrooms reference? That’s just excellent, I love it lol

TO BE CONTINUED...?

[psychic-refugee]

Chapter 8

FFN: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14205682/8/powers-in-fluX

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45481537/chapters/130316377

[ficauthor]

You can erase memories but not love.

Jimmy neutron fanfiction? in 2020? on my blog? more likely than you think.

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25206202

Pairing: Jimmy/ Cindy

Warnings: none

Jimmy Neutron 2005

Simplicity was the best form of action in this sort of situation. He just needed to not overthink it. That was all, just pop in and out. A quick bullet point to strike off his to-do list. He just needed to… he just needed to check. That was all. Just to be sure. Double check that there weren’t any stray mistakes. Just to be certain that he’d actually truly fixed the timeline. It’d been awhile, far too long if he thought about it logically, since Libby’s party. Should have checked as soon as it happened. 

Really he should have jumped over to his lab fifteen whole years in the future the second everything had blown over. As soon as Libby and Ci- as soon as Libby stopped berating him. Instead he let it fester, the worry, scientific curiosity overtaking more processing power than strictly necessary. After all, he reasoned day after day, week after week, Robocop had disappeared with his failed gift. That was the truest proof anyone needed to see that the alternate future had been broken. Unfortunately that wasn’t what he was worried about. Well that wasn’t strictly true, there was some small concern, even without the serum turning Libby evil there was always the risk of adverse effects. Regardless, that wasn’t what he wanted to check. Not truly. No the true source of his worry was more personal in nature. Yet…

Every time he went down to his lab, fully intending to turn forward time on the arch, his stomach churned. The thought alone of what may lay on the other side setting everything within him off. The future was much more delicate than he’d assumed. All Hypotheses he’d banked on had predicted that time was a constant, something only partially malleable by him or anyone else. Everything that had happened would happen and had always happened. Jumps to the past, even when it came with a change to his present never felt real in the same way. There was a tangibility in them that felt more like a series of options, like they were diverging paths he could always retread. They were paths that he had retread. After the first mistake of time it was as simple as reversing what he’d done. But now? 

He didn’t know where those paths went, and couldn't see their ends. Couldn’t predict where they would lead. Hypothesis was hypothesis for a reason, there was always room for interpretation or mistake. Time wasn't exactly something they could cement into a full theory. Though he liked to think of all the scientists he was possibly the closest to understanding it. Maybe that was ego, he’d seen how fast his own future had dwindled.  It’d smacked him in the face, how in so little time, in just fifteen years he could be so stupid. Lose what he found so valuable to himself.  Crammed even further in his head was that angry bitter marriage. Washing Cindy’s mother’s feet and getting yelled at by her.

Set in the in between He worked about making a much smaller version of his Chrono arch. Heart clambering up his throat beating faster should be physically possible. He ran the final batch of tests on the mini arch. If he knew not better, He’d think his heart had grown arms and was clawing its way out. 

But it was time. 

After a month of putting it off it was finally time. No longer could he go on without knowing. Without checking, his future self would remain in his mind in that constant state of being. Stupid to the point of farse, and genius to Nobel prize level, both consistent and remaining at the same time. Regardless of impossibility. Married and miserable and unmarried and successful. A schrodinger's problem of his own twisted making, both back to normal in the exact state of being that he wanted, and also in a fate he didn’t want. Was it better or worse that it was a marriage to Vortex of all people? That his fate was tied to hers in specific? A state of flux where they were either miserable together or happy apart. All of this would be simpler, so much simpler, if he just understood where they stood. That blasted Island had done nothing but muddy the lines further. He wasn’t going to become a victim of time. Unlike all of the greats he had a time machine, he had succeeded where all the others had failed and had made himself able to predict and escape his folly.

He fiddled with his watch as the arch thrummed to life... his modifications to make it more stable seemed to help. It'd really taken some damage when the cop bot went through even, the mini double seemed stubborn from the damages caused by that. He supposed it was the paradoxical nature of it, it was changing the timeline by going back thus scrambling things. Though he could not be certain.  Time wasn’t exactly the constant that He’d hoped it was. 

All his calculations seemed to point towards the portal remaining stable if he went through and back with no major deviation. Especially since he wasn’t going to change anything if he didn’t need to. Quick pop in at the lab, check Vox’s records, and then head home. This time the hole was going to be much much smaller even to mitigate the damage. Just large enough to carry him. It was even collapsible stored with just enough energy to transport one person there and back, hopefully. He’d run the numbers at least twenty times to be sure, time was after all not what he thought it to be. Roughly though the smaller the hole the better. At least he hoped. Last thing he needed was to rip an irreparable wound in time.

Goddard barked, circling around him no doubt eager to join him on an adventure. He’d have to go over Goddard's code and systems. Just to make sure, he didn't like the way the other Goddard’s shining plating had rusted and corroded, his processors no longer sparking or glowing with as much vigor. That however was a problem for him when he returned from his trip.

"No boy!" Jimmy called him down while Goddard wasn’t exactly living flesh he didn't know how much energy transporting him to would exert in the arch. If he was lucky Goddard would just be counted as inanimate, if he wasn't? Well it was just easier to go on his own.

Goddard whimpered looking down.

"Awh I'm sorry boy," he kneeled down scratching his chin the gesture soothed his dog," but it's better this way. Fewer variables. You understand... don't cha Goddard?"

He let out an excited yip wagging his tail before rushing over to his lab bed and curling up on it. Jimmy turned back to the Chrono-arch with any luck his adult counterpart shouldn't even know he's there.  He’d set the arch to send him there at roughly mid-day, a time where most people were at work or school.

Easy in, easy out.

  James Neutron 2020

"Aw, our little boy is moving out!" His mom cried out her voice filled with emotion. She’d gotten a little clingier in the weeks leading up to this. Her green eyes crinkled at the edges in the evenings as she pushed for him to stay longer with them. Tea and cookies always set out as she tried to squeeze in as much bonding as possible. 

He usually acquiesced. After all who was he to refuse her baking?

They were in their fifties now. Weren’t getting any younger, their streaking grey making that clear. Dad’s solid blocks that grew from the temple's hair still roughly the same as always.  Made sense there really wasn't much for him to change, His dad liked his haircut and wasn’t going to change it. His mothers own greys took root from the center of her hairline. Swirling down long and loosely curled, his mother always managed to look elegant even in the most bizarre of situations. She’d long since ditched the bangs that had framed her face in his youth and now went for a much more modern layered look. Both not quite elderly Neutrons were in surprisingly good shape for their ages. Mom ran a cycling club and Dad a dancing troupe in their retirement. Though, James supposed that a little over a decade of running from his experiments and nemesis will keep one in shape. Nothing quite got the blood pumping like running for your life! His dad often joked. He wasn’t wrong, most of the town was able to run a recent marathon better than expected for a reason. Still even with their firmly grasped remnants of youth he wasn’t about  to squander what was left. Dad’s recent accident had made the dwindling time clear as glass.

"Mom," James whined out," I moved out four years ago!” he reminded her with a laugh as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a smothering hug,” I'm just finalizing my lab movement."

They were smiling but there was something off about it. If he hadn’t grown up watching them try to hide their fear or sadness because of experiments he wouldn’t have been able to read it. Underlying his theory there was a twinge of uncertainty. While his Autism Diagnosis a few years ago had largely altered nothing in his life he found himself less and less certain about his abilities to read people because of it. He’d always been an awkward kid but he’d assumed for the longest time that it was just the disparity between intelligence's. Yet those little handbooks and pamphlets he’d been handed made him uncertain. It’d helped in some ways to know concretely where his differences lay, yet naming it alone added a veneer of difference. He was not like others.

Especially those diagrams of facial expressions. You couldn’t really quantify human emotion like that, and believe him he’d tried, he’d done his best to figure out the exact chemical balances that correlated to happiness, sadness, anger, all of them, but time and time again the results were meddling at best. Even his old invention designed to scan and read expressions had truly backfired.

"And I'm not a kid anymore,” he pouted at his mother,  he was a grown man thank you very much! He didn't see Teen or child him going out and paying taxes or arranging their own therapy sessions now did he? ” I'm 27 and-"

His father put an arm around his shoulder effectively silencing him," we know Jimbo but you'll always be our little boy!"

James smiled leaning ever so slightly into his father's embrace. Embarrassing as he was, he wasn’t exactly about to turn down a patented Hugh Neutron hug, even a half sideways one. Something about the warmth and softness of his sweater vests and the steadiness of his arms was comforting in a way so few things were.

"Well I'm not gonna be far,” he reassured the last thing any of them needed was for one of them to cry, because then they’d all be crying. As soon as Dad’s big eyes spilled it was over for all of them,” our new apartment is only 40 minutes out and the new lab 45 I'll text you the location I swear."

Mother smiled a weak trembling thing held with emotions he could hardly read, half translated and murky with multiple meanings," I know honey and we're both very happy for you both, it's a big deal that you're both living together now but it just won't be the same." She brushed a strand of hair from his eyes, he’d forgone the gel today, even with most of the work done his hair usually fell out of it by the end of it. “We won’t be able to check up on you to make sure you’re sleeping and eating right anymore.”

“You also won’t have anymore explosions shaking the foundation of the house,” he offered in a half joke,” just think of how much better the insurance will be without needing to worry about it cracking?”

She laughed,” I’d be fine with the price sweetheart.”

"And of course, we'll miss Goddard!" His father exclaimed, bending down and petting the aforementioned dog. He had some slight rust in his joints, James was due to replace them soon, and his code was a little messy having originally written it when he was still in elementary school but he still glowed bright and jumped as eager as ever. There was nary of creak in his body.

A smile cracked on James' face at the mention," I actually got you guys something!" He rummaged through his satchel

"Awh Jimmy!" his mom’s voice cracked.

"Now, son,” the raw sound was in his fathers tone as well,” housewarming gifts normally go the other way around."

"I know,” His friends made sure to remind him of that fact when he’d made them but it wasn’t like that. “Think of this as a 'thanks for putting up with me putting you guys in mortal peril for so long' gift."

He pulled out a space compressor box, the newest and most stable. Man the explosion from the first one had really been a wake up call, he’d since made sure to tighten the math and double check for dangerous variables. He fiddled with the buttons until the gifts popped out. Gasps came from his parents.

"They have some of Goddard's tamer features,” he started looking away from the pair scratching the side of his face,” None of the really experimental ones, so they won’t burn the carpet or anything,” he reassured eyes catching a particularly bad mark near the stairs,” but if either of you ever gets in trouble they can defend you in a pinch."

"Oh, Jimmy!" His mother exclaimed tears welling up in her eyes. She picked up the one that was clearly hers, a small compact Cat bot. In the years since designing Goddard he’d ironed out how to curve metal more consistently. Goddard, like most old dogs, was resistant to change. Further than that, resistant to an entire overhaul of his design, but the test pieces couldn’t just go to waste. So the usable ones, the ones not weakened by too much soldering, went towards this project. 

Dad’s bot was of course a Duck, though he did have a few extra, secret features that were a surprise.

"I haven't named them," he said, rubbing the back of his neck as their gazes pierced him again. God how had he ever thought he was neurotypical? He kind of laughed at the idea now, it was lucky that he ,Carl, and Sheen had found each other at such young ages. Their connection at being outcasts made more and more sense the more they learned with age. "I thought you'd both want to do that-" He inhaled sharply as they collected him in a hug. The warmth of the cat's servos pressed into his gut. It was kind of nice. 

“Thank you son,” His father murmured as his mother collected herself.

When they finally separated from their embrace he didn't comment on the wetness in either of their eyes, and they returned the same courtesy.

His father was quick to speak,a hand offered in assistance as always," Need any help with your equipment."

Flashes of his father trying to help him but inevitably causing some sort of mess played before his eyes. Not to mention the older man’s knee was still in repair. His glowing brace made that clear, not that the man would heed it any attention. There was a reason James had made certain that his brace wasn't going to leave until the projected date it was healed. Well meaning as the man was he wasn’t going to forget the way his father had crashed the Hover car anytime soon.

"Thanks, dad but Sheen and Carl already helped me with the really heavy stuff a few weeks ago. Goddard and I should be able to handle this on our own. It's mostly collecting the last remnants of Vox's hard drive and a few odd projects.” Specifically some of his oldest ones that had been pushed the furthest into corners of his lab,” Besides Cindy should be here soon, she gets off work in a bit."

His mother placed a kiss on his forehead she had to lean up and James crouched down to help but the sentiment was there regardless. 

"Just call us if you need anything."

"I will mom!" He shouted back as he headed to the old lab.

The house hadn't changed much since his youth.

The pictures of the family were updated and the wallpaper replaced (it desperately needed it after that chemical accident), but most of the original furniture was still there. It was honestly jarring for James. The change was good, he knew that, his parents knew that, hell even his therapist knew that but it was still hard to deal with. Something in his brain was just hardwired to detest change. Kind of like Goddard if he thought about it. Even the best of coders put a bit of themselves into their projects.

He sighed," you ready to get the last of it all Goddard?" He asked, hair hesitantly held just out of range of the scanner.

The canine barked his tail wiring as he wiggled excitedly. Even ran in a little circle, his high energy even now infectious. James smiled at it, if there was at least one thing consistent in his life it was Goddard.

"Then let's take a trip down memory lane," he said, scanning his hair for the last time.

  Jimmy Neutron 2020 

Stepping through the pink and purple light was once again a jarring swirling mess. His vision swam and stars flew past his eyes but after a vigorous head shake it was cleared. If he ever wanted to travel through time again he’d have to find a better way.

Best to get started as soon as possible

"Alright, Vo- He stumbled looking around in shock.

 The Lab was very empty.

Exceedingly so, it looked like back when it was just a basement, well bigger than before but just as barren. The lack of projects in the room made his voice echo around bouncing on the concrete. Had he been robbed? There was nothing there, nothing! Just a few boxes pushed far in the corner with a mess of wires spilling out. His remnants of the Chrono-arch were gone, the cloning machine... well that one was probably good.  His hover car, rocket, alien space car. Everything. All of those memories were gone! Burn marks from inventions and stains from spills were covered by other less familiar scorches and discolourations. There was nothing left of what was once his lab.

His giant costume fit computer screen for Vox was missing! Everything was gone! All that was really left were a few... well he was pretty sure they were computers but they looked nothing like the bulky ones he retrofitted at home. Computers back at home were much thicker, the monitors taking up large swaths of space and the clunky towers that housed everything important were so big head to get help to move them. Instead the one he was looking at was nothing like that. It was sleeker, thinner, with nicer screens and a cleaner color palette. Not to mention he couldn't see where the hardware as a whole was being stored; there was no tower for it.

Huh, he might have to consider making his own computers thin like these.The keys on the keyboard were much sleeker too. Each of them shallower than the mismatched ones on his custom keyboard, each of them rounded into a smooth flat shape. Carefully he picked it up. To his surprise, the screen came up with a keyboard. Once it was lifted he could hear the hum of the electronics and the gentle whir of his fan. All of the hardware was internal, and much more compact than he thought feasible. Genius it really allowed for a more compact and portable design. 

"Vox?" He asked the device. Perhaps his future self had set her code into this form. It would be more convenient to have a more portable Vox. Maybe when he returned it be good to set on a cleaner smoother design like this.

Something whirred to life behind him. There were some bigger monitors that he’d missed somehow. When off they blended cleanly with the wall, now one he could see that they had no discernible edges. Still they were smaller than the one at home. Furthermore they looked much more temporary, like they were set to be removed.

"Analyzing voice pattern. Please state name and age."

"Jimmy Neutron age 12 and a half."

More noise went off as the system compared notes.

"Partial match to James Issac Newton Age 12 from the year 2005. Confirm please?"

Jimmy wasn't too sure what to say to that," uh?"

"Analysing," Vox's smooth voice reverbed," analyzation inconclusive. Intruder, Intruder, Intruder." 

The entire lab was screaming with Vox's synthesized voice.

"AUgh ah!" Jimmy cowered, covering his ears," No no no no, Vox it's me! it's Jimmy!"

He motioned his hands up and down trying to get it to register that it was too loud. He’d programmed her to understand his body language, it could read certain gestures but it wasn’t working instead she continued on. Its voice echoing in the near-empty lab.

  James Neutron 2020 

He was halfway down the stairs to his lab, when Vox started to go off. Loud and screaming, maybe his next alert system should be a bit less shrill.

"That can't be good!" he exclaimed, glancing at Goddard before hurrying down the stairs. It wasn’t like Vox to go off at nothing, which meant something was really wrong. Vox only went off for really bad cases. After some really bad break ins he had to change the protocols. Still he could hope it was just one of his friends messing around in the lab accidentally setting off something they shouldn't 

Something told him that wasn't the case.

"Goddard warm-up your stun ray, we don't know who's in there." 

At the foot of the stairs was his hand scanner still clearly dormant. It shouldn’t be dormant like that. Especially if it was Just Carl or Sheen goofing off in there. Shoulders tense and raised he put his hand on the scanner causing it to light up. His scanner would stay on for an hour after use. And after that the Light above the door would glow until whoever entered left. Neither were alight right then. He usually used it to alert either him or Cindy to the other being in there. Meaning that someone had gotten in either long ago and stayed past someone else leaving, or without having to go through his precautions. 

Unsheathing his own stun gun from his pants he opened the door to the lab and crept in. 

His eyes bounced around frantically searching for the intruder. His mind instantly went to all his different foes from when he was younger. He'd defeated them. They all had. But there was still that lingering thread of fear. Even with all of his moves for redemption he was still wary of his clone. It’d have been an awfully long time for him to have waited to turn but it wouldn't be the first time that his doppelganger had tried to trick him. Or the second, or the third, or the fourth.

Okay so he might be a little gullible.

Then there were the others. If his clone could escape his own dark matter dimension hell then the others could escape the prison. Maybe he should have let them all stay in the past but that wasn't safe. It was never going to be stable to allow them to linger in the cretaceous period and the BTSO had promised that their containment was the most secure in the country. If even one of them had gotten out again... The threats alone some of them made, some of the actions they’d followed through on. It made him jumpy sometimes, gave him nightmares. His therapist said it was trauma. Lingering on the past wasn’t going to get him anywhere, he allowed his blaster to make a threatening high pitched whine as he moved it side to side. The sound didn't do anything but people found it more threatening when a malfunction had led to it so he wasn’t going to disable it.

Finally, his gaze lowered a bit and he was met with-

"You! You're!" the high pitched stunned voice of his own past self stammered. The boy looked shell shocked and nervous to be anything but the real deal. Even little Eddie with his intelligence hadn’t quite hammered down cloning. No his specialty was still firmly in the realm of weapons. Though his therapy was helping him unpack some of his anger. Seemed tempers ran in the family a bit.

"Intruder, intruder, intruder! engaging Attack mode in 5. 4-"

"Vox disengage."

"Affirmative James Neutron. Attack mode Disengaged.

“Goddard you too boy,” he added on at the remaining weapons all clicked back into place and powered down.

With a whir and bark, he powered down his stun gun before turning to Jimmy cocking his head to the side. His younger self looked up at him, his hand rubbing the back of his neck," Uh hi..." he waved, lifting his free hand up slowly.

“Vox confirm voice sample as Jimmy Neutron circa 2004 to 2006.”

“Affirmative,” her voice echoed. The room filled with a recording dated from moments before, “Jimmy Neutron,” his own younger voice repeated from the speakers. “Conclusive, voice belongs to Jimmy Neutron from 2005. This is improbable, Prime weapons sir?”

"No, continue to disengage. Thank you Vox."

"You're welcome sir."

Well that settled it, it was in fact him and not some trick, even his clones had different voices that Vox didn't really quite read the same. James examined him looking for injuries or some sort of explanation on his person for his arrival. He was still wearing the big baggy t-shirts James saw. He also hadn't reached his growth spurt yet either. Hair was still styled to be half his height. He looked like he was about ten or eleven. Which made sense, that was about when he had developed the Chrono-Arch. He didn't remember this visit as a kid though, despite even his best attempts. He desperately racked his brain but it was foggy and indistinct almost as if something was keeping the memory from him. There had to be some reason for his past self’s visit. He must have just forgotten it in the mess of everything that had happened since then. He could hardly be blamed if he did forget, there was a lot that happened to him during his school career.

"What's this?" the younger him asked, pointing to the table.

James looked," That? oh, that's my laptop. I guess those weren't really common when I was young huh..."

He racked his brain for the technology that was available as a kid. Much of it was deeply disappointing, part of why he went into invention so young.

Recognition flitted on Jimmy's face," A laptop? but the ones commercially available are so bulky! Not to mention expensive!"

"Yeah, well," James said," innovation does that."

Jimmy nodded in understanding. He was accepting this all fairly well," where is everything?"

"Well, I'm moving out."

"Why?"

"It's just time."

Jimmy nodded, seeming to take that information in as he reexamined the now empty lab in a new light. What he’d give to remember this, it’d be nice to have insight into what was rattling in the boy's head. 

“What about all of that?” Jimmy asked, pointing to a pile of his oldest intentions, at the top was one of his later models of the hypo-ray.

“Less refined inventions,” he supplied,” I didn’t need it right away so I was storing it here till now.”

“Oh.”

A beat of silence filled the room as neither James nor Jimmy spoke up. 

"So, Jimmy," he said, eventually chewing out the syllables. "What brings you to my time? Any disaster that you need advice on or something?" He didn't know what to do with his hands. He never did but there was something about seeing himself, as a kid at his most insecure that made him doubly unsure. Little him was still hardly taller than his elbows.God had he really been so small? He remembered hitting his growth spurt late and being the shortest of the group but this was extreme. 

"No, I'm just here to, uh, double-check the timeline, I have to ensure that it wasn't ruined by the tampering." he smiled, but there was something off about it. He must be rattled from the time travel if he remembered correctly traveling to the bad timeline had been jarring to the senses.  The portal wasn't really designed for comfort like some of his other inventions. It was strictly utilitarian,a lot of his inventions back then were. 

"Well," he said, racking his brain to remember all of the important beats," Libby is not in power enslaving Retroville to do her bidding and listen to all her music. So that’s good. In fact, people listen to her music willing. She's a pretty good singer. Somewhat popular in niche communities.”

"Really?" Jimmy asked,”She'll be glad to know that, she's still a little mad at Carl, Sheen, and me for the whole party thing."

Probably for the best if he didn't mention the fact that she’d be upset about that for a while. Looking back on it he really couldn't blame her for her reaction. Almost all of her gifts had been destroyed.

James chuckled," yeah she still brings up time to time when we all get together."

Just last week at their semi-regular game night she’d used it to make Sheen give her the upper hand in game. A dirty tactic but she was right, all was fair in love and war and unfortunately for Sheen and everyone else she was going to use Sheen’s big heart against them to win.

"Oh, we're still friends with her?" Jimmy asked, seeming genuinely caught off guard.

"Well yeah," James said," why wouldn't we?"

As mad as Libby had gotten about the gift thing it wasn’t like the group of them hadn’t gone through worse together. Even if she would’ve stopped talking to them for awhile she would have come back for whatever the next adventure was. They were all just to invested in that back then.

Jimmy shuffled his feet," Libby and Cindy just always seem so annoyed with me, I just kind of assumed they stuck around because Libby was seeing Sheen."

James nodded, memories of those feelings were starting to filter back in. Time however had softened their edges and left it blurred like looking through fogged glass," No we're all still friends, Me, Carl, Sheen, Libby, and Cindy. In fact Ci-"

"Are Carl and Sheen still doing what they're supposed to?" Jimmy interrupted, almost too eagerly.

James looked at him. It was weird of him to cut James off. Sure He used to be really bad about letting people finish a sentence but Jimmy had cut him off like there was something he didn't want to hear yet," uh I guess, it's been a while so I don't remember the predictions fully but Carl is breeding Llamas, and Sheen is a successful male model. He also stars in Libby's music videos sometimes. Reasonably she refuses to let him sing."

Jimmy nodded," Makes sense, his singing is so bad that the school chorus rejected someone for the first time in fifty years."

"Well he hasn't improved with time I'll tell you that." James smiled as he remembered the last time Sheen had tried," He just croaks out the most out of tune lyrics and we all have to put in earplugs till he tires out."

Jimmy chucked. The smile didn't stay long, however," and me- you?"

That might be it. Why the other him was so nervous? Now that he thought about it the alternate future for him was simply to be a normal dude. "Well I'm moving to the city, just received a couple of Nobel prizes with my team," Jimmy's smile returned in full. He was proud of himself too, he and his experiment partners had worked really hard on that. Having the group push him to accept the award was really warming. Though they all should've gotten to go up there too.

"I knew it!" Jimmy exclaimed jumping up excitedly," my genius was finally recognized by the scientific community, now she'll have to recognize I'm smarter, because that contract didn't mean anything to her! She sti-"

"Wow," James laughed, he’d forgotten that he used to be like this," Cind was right, I really did have a pride issue." He’d have to apologize to her later for doubting her claims. Chalk his disbelief up to pride if you will.

"Cind? Do you mean Cindy? Vortex?" the bashful look returned to his face as he looked down and shuffled his feet," You and her aren't, she and I? I mean you aren't?"

James furrowed his brow examining his younger self. "Aren't?" It’d be so much easier if the younger boy would just spit it out. He couldn’t understand what he was getting at.

"Well you know," he ducked his head," mar-"

The sliding door opened," James," a voice called out softly, speak of the devil," you almost done? we have to get home- is that?"

"Cindy?!" Jimmy called out, looking panicked.

Cindy gave James an exasperated look," what did you do Neutron?" she asked almost fondly," did you test another time machine? After what happened last time?"

James sputtered," me? I didn't do anything. It was him! And in my defense it was partially Eddie’s fault!" Really his cousin's penchant for violence and fondness for weapons wasn’t his fault.

Cindy gave him a look," I thought you were supposed to be a genius?

“Hey!” Both of the Neutron’s present and past called out, though James' younger version sounded much more indignant.

“ He is you!"

James quickly quipped back in return. “Well sorry for the inconvenience madam I guess you were right and the density of my enormous skull has finally caved in.” This was their element of comfortable bickering back and forth. Trading light insults and criticisms in one breath and then calm and soft words in the next.

She snorted at him,” I’m always right, you nerd.”

“Well of cour-”

"How did you get in here!" Jimmy called out, interrupting their banter," I erased your memory of how to get into my lab!"

Cindy gave him an incredulous look. " you mean to tell me that you wouldn't tell your girlfriend how to get into your lab?"

Jimmy gagged," Girlfriend?" 

Cindy turned to James," thanks I'm really feeling the love."

"I'm not the one saying anything," he gestured wildly. 

Cindy pinched the bridge of her nose," need I repeat myself again. He is you."

"I don't even remember this happening?”

Cindy stepped forward and moved his head around. She ignored his younger self's protests to their interactions, moving right past the little Neutron to James,“What are you doing?” James finally asked with a laugh as she held open one of his eyes and peered into it. Not that he’d complain her eyes were a pretty shade of green, but his own were now drying in the crisp lab air.

“Checking for brain damage obviously,” she returned,” clearly if you can't remember you spent one to many nights down here soldering without proper ventilation.”

“That was one time!” She gave him a look,” okay but it only happened for a month!”

‘Stop!” Jimmy squeaked out,” this is weird.”

“Newsflash kid this whole situation is weird,” Cindy said, James noted, however, as she said that she stepped back. “You sure this isn’t one of their shenanigans?”

He nodded,” I don’t remember this but Vox ran an analysis and confirmed. I think it didn't work the first time though because the weapons were engaged.”

Cindy looked up at their storage seems and said,” Yeah I can see that Number three is stuck again,” she pointed up to the one crammed blaster that was half shut in the mechanism. He swore under his breath that it would be so finicky to repair later. He reached up and pushed it into the ceiling hole. The metal squeaked shut.

“You’re right.”

“I’m always right,” she pushed with a laugh.

“Eh,” he gestured vaguely his own smile cracking through.

Cindy laughed,” shut up.”

“This is bad,” his younger counterpart muttered, drawing them back to him.

“Huh?”

“This is really bad,” the boy repeated,” really really bad I didn’t fix the timeline at all!”

“Fix the-?” Cindy gave him a look.”What did you do?”

“I think this is still about the evil Libby timeline.”

“Oh that would make sense,” She nodded. “But then why would you not remember anything?”

James tapped his chin with his knuckle as he thought muttering under his breath, “I don’t know.”

“Personally I’m still voting on brain damage,” Cindy offered with a smile,” But knowing you it’s probably also an experiment gone wrong.”

Hypno-ray still tucked in the corner caught his eye," That’s it! Of course. You're a genius Cind!" 

“What?” his younger self asked.

“It is?” Cindy pressed.”

He hit his own head," that's why I don't remember, older me, or me now erased my memory of this event happening!"

Cindy nodded a mildly impressed look in her eye,” Gotta Say Neutron that smoothly removes worries of ruined timelines.”

“It does doesn’t it,” he preened feeling distinctly proud of himself.

"No!" Jimmy exclaimed panicked," I have to fix the timeline!"

“Fix?” He and Cindy both asked.

“This!” Jimmy gestured to the two of them,”Whatever is going one between you two!”

He tilted his head, really taking in his younger panicked self. "There's nothing to fix, I'm happy."

The responding scoff surprised James," well I'm not! I don't even like Cindy!"

Cindy rolled her eyes,"Sure, tell me one thing though,” Jimmy looked up at her defensively,” has the island incident happened yet?"

His blush told them all they needed to know.

"See you do like her," James smiled gently gazing at Cindy.

"N-no,” his younger self floundered eyes darting around desperately for an answer he wasn’t going to find,” I don't- I- that's just a residual effect of love potion 976/J!" he was clenching his fists now as if he were going to fight them. Wouldn’t be the first time he'd gone for the violence route. Maybe he should also Hypno-ray himself into therapy.

Cindy turned to James with a shrug," I'm not dealing with the exhaustion that comes from dealing with an eleven-year-old you, I'll just take some stuff to the hovercar and meet me when you're done."

“I’m twelve and a half!” Jimmy exclaimed indignantly.

James nodded. "We'll talk later I promise," gently grabbed her hand. She smiled nodding, and with a kiss on the cheek, she left the lab.

  Jimmy Neutron 2020 

This future was not what he’d expected. It was not what he had wanted. Adult him was tall and weird. His hair was long enough to reach past his shoulders and was pooled into a low ponytail save a few stray strands. He held himself with more confidence than the bad timeline, that future possibility of him was hunched, his shoulders turned as inward as possible. But he wasn’t the same as before either. There was something less rigid in his shoulders, he just appeared to be expressed in a different tone than before. Even clothes were also more casual. Then there was Cindy. She looked physically similar to the adult Cindy of the bad timeline but now her hair was in a messy bun and her clothes were much more casual. Her face was even devoid of the blue eye shadow and glittery lip gloss that his, that current Cindy wore. Not that he actively payed attention to that sort of thing, their relationship was strictly professional after all. Sometimes the glitter just caught the lights of the lab. As soon as Cindy left he fell into an awkward seating position on the concrete. It was cold down there. Older him, James, was stupid after all.

"So here's the thing,” James sat next to him on the cold concrete. The Hypnosis-ray was held in his hand but powered off. His voice was soft, much softer than Jimmy had ever managed to get it. He sounded like mom did when she comforted him after something went wrong,” the love potion didn't really work like how we thought."

"What?" There wasn’t anyway, he’d run all of the tests, he had perfectly emulated the pheromones and chemicals related to love. He knew what he was doing gosh dang-it!

James chuckled," you can't make people fall in love. It was, an infatuation potion. All it did was mimic a lot of the physiological responses that come with attraction, eventually, it wears off," there was something in his tone, like how Jimmy sounded when his experiments went wrong. The disappointment at another failure.

His brain twisted at the words. He’d been so certain. The math alone had shown it, had he really been so wrong? "But Carl still likes mom!" he grasped onto finally, if anything didn’t prove the potion then maybe that would. He couldn't be wrong. Not again. What kind of genius was wrong as often as he was right?

James winced," yeah that one was embarrassing,” that was putting it lightly,” he eventually got over it though. He's even seeing someone now."

"Really Carl got a girlfriend?" Not a lot of girls in the class really liked Carl that way. At least that he was aware of. 

James shook his head,” Nah you’ll forget this anyways but he’s got a boyfriend now, after high school, he realized he was bisexual."

"Oh..." he paused, unsure what to do with this information.

They were quiet again for a while, the both of them looking around the lab examining what was left, and the stains left on the floor from what was taken. It was empty and hollow in the glorified basement. He didn’t think he could ever leave his Lab.

"Er, how long..." He finally spoke up.

His older self jolted, "What?"

"Till the love potion wears off?"

"A week, if that.” he shrugged,” it was hard to tell really since each of us already had feelings for each person the potion worked on. The potion just made it harder to ignore.”

So he couldn’t even master chemical reactions in the human body. That was deeply disappointing, then maybe his disaster with the perfect candy should have clued him into that fact.

“W-when did you-” he took in a breath,” we start liking her?”

There was a pause as James thought,” Do you remember the first Yolkian attack?"

Jimmy nodded slowly, apprehensively. He remembered that event in perfect clarity. Everyone was so disappointed in him when they learned about his hand in it. All of it was his fault.

"Well, that was the start of it. If I'm honest,” a gentle smile crossed his face. It seemed to soften the features of his face into something rounder than before,” when she came to comfort me and over time that grew."

Despite himself he was thinking of that moment. Dark and cold in that prison, the metal and alien concrete much much colder than that of home. His tears rolling down his face while all his friends, classmates, everyone blamed him. Yelled at him for effectively signing their parents death warrants. Regardless of their feud though it was Cindy who came to him. Who comforted him. Propped him back up. As soon it was all over though they went back to normal. She hated him again. It didn't make sense.

"But I hate her!" Jimmy insisted but he knew didn't sound as sure as he had before. Cindy was mean, she made fun of him all the time, and she didn’t take his experiments as seriously. She was the one person that was the hardest to impress, no matter how hard he worked she always found some flaw. Some details that he could improve on. Regrettably she was always right. It was always something that made the invention better (when she wasn’t suggesting he paint it pink or put her name on it that is).

Worst of all he trusted her judgement, she was always right when she pointed out a danger, or flaw. She’d never really steered him wrong since they’d become friends.

James shrugged," it sometimes felt like that, but that's just cause I'm bad at handling my emotions. Trust me this stuff gets a lot clearer with a therapist and when you're no longer constantly in denial about hating your own body."

"I-I don-"

"I'm gonna stop you there little-me.” There was a sigh as his older self sunk into himself. Bizarrely he found himself recognizing it at the way he sighed when he had to admit something he didn’t want to. ”Okay, so, we were jealous of Cindy.”

“That’s ridiculous! I-I’m not jealous of Cindy of all people! She’s- she’s a girl,” he stressed the unspoken clear, he wasn’t. He wasn’t a girl. 

James winced muttering something indistinct below his breath,” Not because she was a girl but because she found comfort in it like we couldn't. It-” he faltered, almost pained like the words were hurting him to admit,” It’s wrong but I was jealous that she could have had what we wanted but made the choice to honor that wasn’t her. It felt like a slap in the face even though we were just doing the best we could do. Both me and her. But eventually, I stopped being jealous of her for that. I grew up, because they were my emotions to deal with not hers. My hurt. And there were other things I didn't like, sure. The fact that she always told me I was wrong. Even though I definitely needed the ego check. And she constantly made fun of me for my height and head. But once she learned how uncomfortable it made me and why she stopped. Not to mention, we were just as bad you have to admit. We gave as good as we got."

"Cindy wouldn't- she's mean and bullies me all the time! That wouldn't be the line for her!"

A deep pained sigh racked through James' body," of course she stopped. You know why she wouldn't cross that line.”

"So you never erased it from her mind?"

James shook his head," I thought about it even ages after the body swapping thing, I always feared she'd bring it back up. But she didn't. And eventually I told Carl and Sheen. The whole class ended up learning eventually," he winced at something," but everyone was fine with it. Even Butch knew not to touch that with a ten-foot pole…” he snickered,” Cindy and Nikki would have murdered him."

"Okay," he said eventually, slowly he didn't believe the words James was saying. How could he? none of this made sense. It felt like these were things that happened to someone else. Not to mention he had no clue who the hell this Nikki was.

"How did you stop being jealous?'

James blinked, something about that question was clearly tripping him up," I don't really know I can't exactly remember. I just woke up one day and it was easier, eventually I did the rest an- oh."

"Oh?"

A wry chuckle echoed in the lab, "I'm pretty sure I just Hypno-rayed some of my jealousy away when I-you- augh whichever. When I was Hypno-rayed to forget this I think I also did a two for one and got rid of the biggest parts of my jealousy."

Jimmy looked down," so I really don't get a say in this? I don't get a chance to change it?"

James sighed," do you really want to? Wouldn't this information affect how you act around her? Your friendship? Do you want to lose that?"

  Jimmy Neutron 2005

"Hey, Jimmy!" Carl was at the entrance of the lab waving at the camera," they just got a new baby llama at the petting zoo!"

Jimmy blinked, clearing his eyes, he was hunched over a project in the corner. Was it really that late already? He asked himself, looking at the clock. He didn't really remember a good chunk of the day. "I guess time flies when you're inventing," he muttered. There was some dried spit on the side of his mouth, he whipped it and tilted his head to his computer, "Vox let Carl in."

Carl screamed as he fell down to the chute into the lab," Jeez Jimmy can't you have an elevator, I feel like my scapula is gonna pop!"

"You were saying about the llamas?" he asked dully his brain still struggling to focus on the missing hours of the day.

"Oh!" Carl was smiling wide now," yeah they got a new one, it's small and spotted-"

Jimmy had already turned to his worktable the words of his friend being tuned out. His brain was just so unfocused, and he’d heard this llama rant before.

"That's nice Carl," he said in the spot he did last time they had this conversation. It'd been a long week since the Zoo had welcomed their newest llama

"And Sheen is going with Libby and Libby is dragging Cindy over-"

"Uh-huh - wait Cindy's going to be there?" Jimmy asked, trying to sound like he wasn't interested.

"Yeah," Carl dismissively waved his hand," and the baby llama has a Cat friend that was abandoned in the llama pin. And the llama mother took the kitten in to now they're friends," Carl's voice was pitched high and soft like it always did when he talked about llamas. 

But Jimmy wasn't thinking about the llamas.

"Well I guess, I do need a break from inventing..." he slowly admitted.

"Yay!" Carl did a tiny hop," Come on let's go everyone is meeting up at the Candy Bar!"

"Okay," he said with a smile as he removed his goggles and gloves.

   James Neutron 2020

"Did it all work out okay?" Cindy asked her boyfriend. A smirk on her face

"Yeah," James said with a returned smile,”you enjoyed that all entirely too much.”

“I was just teasing him,” she grinned,” you used to be so uptight.”

He rolled his eyes, putting down the heavy box holding the last of his things from the lab in the back of the hover-car. He gently kissed her on her cheek. "Sorry about all of that."

Cindy giggled," so I take it since the world isn't warping around us that you erased his memory?"

"You already know the answer to that Vortex."

She smiled," Yeah but what was it he was saying? That he doesn't like young me?" She batted her eyes dramatically. “How ever will I recover from this.”

James crawled into the seat next to her," Oh can it, you know I was a mess then, besides you weren't any better!"

She blushed," that's not the point Nerdtron."

"Oh it's not?" he asked with a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned forward his lips a breath away from her ear," cause I remember a certain someone wanting to abandon her life and live on a deserted island with me forever? Someone blonde and very pretty?"

"You promised to never bring that up again!" she squeaked out her ears lighting up just as red.

James laughed punching in the codes to his hover-car," you're the one that brought it up first."

"Did not!" She shrieked back with an embarrassed chuckle.

"Did too in the lab!"

As Cindy sputtered and argued back with fire in her eyes and a broad smile on her face James felt content. It took them a long time to get where they were. Yet in the end, it was worth it. he leaned in and kissed her gently effectively shutting her up while he started take off.

"What was that for?" she asked as they started home.

"Nothing," he shrugged," I just love you."

[tragedybunny]

The Blade’s Edge - A League of Legends Fanfiction - Chapter 15

Hello Lovelies! Here's Chapter 15 for you. My housing situation is in flux so I will keep working on this as much as possible. Please remember to like, comment, and reblog if you like what I'm doing! It means a lot to see notes!  Your playlist song: Monsters - Ruelle ❤Tragedybunny❤ Follow me on Twitter as well if you're so inclined

They had a simple arrangement. She was the weapon to be used on his enemies. Things get more complicated when emotions bleed into what should simple. Now the two of them find themselves on the precipice of something that was entirely unexpected.

Get married in less than a week, it sounded simple enough once I bought into this notion of his. But no, nothing was ever simple, and there was one particularly irritating complication I had to deal with tonight after I finished with the Capitol Guard Commander. 

My target had been ineffective in dealing with the attacks on the black powder weapon factories Jericho had helped establish since the meeting at Solstice. They’d been dismissed as the acts of agitated citizens, inflamed by the reshaping of the waterfront district for the optimal placement of the steam-driven machines. Jericho had interpreted them as personal attacks on his supply line of the new weapons. He claimed it was likely another move in the plot against him, maybe even nothing more than a distractionary tactic, nevertheless, the Commander would be the one to pay.

The Guild ledger snaps shut as I finish reviewing contracts and assignments. Seated across from me, Inara impatiently drums her fingers on the desk, head leaned on her hand. “Everything to your satisfaction, Commander?”

I glower at the spiky attitude but decide to give it a pass since so much falls to her when I have to deal with official Intelligence business. “You know this all needs to pass through me eventually, I’m supposed to be in charge here.” I think of the meager size of the member logs again, still not nearly as many names as I’d like to see. “I’ll get us an invite to recruit from the Military Academy, see if we can find anyone more talented than an infantry grunt. We’re the only operation in this damned city, we should be thriving.”

“Well.” She shakes her head side to side as if she’s trying to decide, it’s too expressive, like a performance. “I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell you. I’m hearing from some old contacts, someone is recruiting against you. Independents are moving underground if they don’t want to take a side. It would appear they are looking to topple your regime.” There’s an odd inflection to some of her words, again, like she’s rehearsed this.

“Damn it.” I slam my fist on the desk. I’d let myself get complacent after my stalker had seemingly disappeared. And now this, everything I fought for is being threatened.  I should have made more of an effort to catch them. “Then we recruit younger, build some loyalty from the ground up.”  I fling the ledger book adown, looking at it is tiresome.

“I assume that can wait until you’ve said your wedding vows, Madame Swain.” She grins at me, a much more natural expression than earlier, daring my wrath to come down on her. She hasn’t let up with the name since she found out about all this.

“Someday I’ll have a Second that doesn’t test me.” I push myself back from the desk, suddenly anxious to be out on the rooftops tracking down my target. “Speaking of, have you seen Lark lately? I’ve noticed a bit of hesitation to take on assignments.”

She fiddles with the ledger in her hands. “He’s with Alrich quite a bit. That poor little thing has been quite sick lately.”

“While I empathize, he’s neglecting his duties here.” I would hate to have to reprimand Lark, I’ve grown quite fond of him.

She shrugs. “Young love. You should know how it goes.”

I refuse to acknowledge the teasing tone that has returned to her voice. “Since you’ve kept everything in such a satisfactory order, I’ll leave you to continue it. I’ve got a private assignment.”

“Have fun. Don’t go getting your face bruised up again before the wedding.” I wave her off and head out into the night to hunt down my target. This one could be problematic, I’ve been instructed to keep it deniable.

Alessa Braun is a veteran of a harsh reputation. She’s kept an iron grip on the Capitol Guard even during the upheaval of Jericho’s ascent to Grand General and the purges that followed. Either her age was beginning to catch up with her or she had been caught up in the plot that was winding its roots into every facet of the Capitol. She couldn’t be easily dismissed from her position either, due to heavy support from within High Command. Gwen’s ring of servant-spies came through for me again, Commander Braun was just finishing dinner with her only son, a burgeoning battle mage,  when I steal in and conceal myself to lie in wait.

It isn’t long before I hear them exchanging heated words on the stairs. The tone of harsh whispers carries to me, but the words themselves are lost. I ponder if it is about her rumored weakness, some were saying frailty was creeping up on her even before this latest turn of events. Another tidbit from the spies tells me some of her closest staff are working to hide something. It won’t matter much longer either way. I slip into the bath, her destination,  as I hear her dismiss those attending her. She’s a soldier first and noble second, she’ll not want to be fussed over in her private moments.

She never checks behind her, intent on filling the tub, her movements slow and a bit stiff. With hands that clearly lack the strength of their younger days, she begins to disrobe. “Hello, Commander Braun.”

She freezes. “Ah, the Blade herself comes to me. How have I offended the Grand General that I am graced with your presence?”  

“You’re failure to protect the future of Noxus.” I’ve already moved between her and the door, there is no escape.

“So you’ve come to kill me for that? Because I cannot stop every act of violence done in this teeming mess of a city?” Her frustration is palpable and her eyes are haunted with grief. In this moment I believe that she is not part of that plot, but she is hopelessly beyond her prime, and that famous iron grip has finally faltered.

“No, you’re going to kill yourself for me.” I hold out one of her own personal daggers I lifted from her room when I first arrived. “You’re going to get in that tub of lovely warm water, and open up your veins.”

She starts forward, as though she means to shove her way through me, but her hands tremble so much she sharply pulls back. “Why would I do that?” She snarls, trying desperately to sound like the intimidating warrior she no longer is.

“For your son. Prove to me that you are indeed still loyal to the Trifarix, to Noxus, and he will be clear of suspicion. His magical talents could lead him to a brilliant career, but if he is the son of a traitor he will be nothing.” She tries to interrupt, but I raise my hand and with a gesture silence her. This is why they all deride me, they fear me. I am an extension of him, of his will and power, in a way that haunts their nightmares and causes their souls to quake. “You are old, your body is quite obviously failing you. Even if you lived through tonight, you would not hold your position long. Accusations surround you, many say you have been bought. Show me your loyalty, give your son his future.”

Hot tears fill her eyes and spill out. “Damn you and the monster that sent you.” She snatches the blade from my hand, and turns from me, placing it on the edge of the tub. With the water at its peak, she cuts off the tap before finally removing the last of her clothes. Even with her age, she’s maintained the lean muscle of a warrior, covered in the scars from a lifetime of battle. She lowers herself into the water with precise care, but without a trace of hesitation, I note. I cross my arms and wait, eyes never leaving her. If she decided to fight, it would at the least draw unwanted attention. “Bear witness, this is my pledge of loyalty. For Noxus.” The dagger rends the flesh of her wrist easily and quickly she shifts hands, the second opening just as efficiently.

Crimson tendrils flow into the water around her as she lies back and sighs as though her burdens have been lifted from her. I remain with her, keeping watch as her breathing slows and the flow from her wounds turns into a trickle. When at last there is no life left in her, I take my leave.

If only my next task was as simple. I backtrack from the modern little estate of the Braun family in Goldstone to the aged monoliths of Old Town, the path where I’m headed so horribly familiar. I slip over the garden wall where I know the guards have a blindspot and make it to the weathered stones I’ve climbed a thousand times before anyone can catch sight of me. The window I’m looking for is open to let in the cool night air, as I anticipated. I don’t hesitate, instead leaping through it before I let myself overthink this.

She looks up from the pristine desk she’s working at, the second-floor study has always been her little kingdom. “Well, this is unexpected.”

“Hello, Mother.” I stride toward her, intent on remaining intimidating.

“Have you come at last to kill me, Daughter?” She stares me down with that glower I know so well from childhood.

I haven’t seen her since the night of the Solstice revels. I’d been admittedly out of my element in the pressing crowd and she pounced on that weakness when she’d seen it. Her words had disarmed me, making me that small child being disapproved of all over again. Its familiarity had been awful, and to my humiliation, I’d frozen, trapped in the past. Now here I was confronting her. After we’d come to an agreement on his proposal we’d both realized this little snag. It had fallen to me to handle this and clear the way for our wedding.

“Sadly no, it’s been deemed unnecessary.” I loom over her, one hand resting on the handle of a dagger, the other removing a document from a pouch on my belt and tossing it on the desk. “I only require your signature, and then I’ll be on my way, nothing more than a slight interruption to your evening.”

She snatches it up from where it landed and quickly scans through it before howling with laughter, much to my irritation. “You want my permission to get married?”

“No, legality requires permission from my head of household. If you refuse I’ll be more than happy to remove you from that position.” I keep my tone neutral, any sign of the resentment that burns against her and she’ll twist it to her own advantage.

“Oh my dear little girl, why ever would I stand in your way? Wife of the Grand General, that’s a match I could never have dreamed of, even for Cassiopeia. Then again, look at what it has cost to get you there.” She focuses back on the document, pouring over every detail.

“Will you just hurry and sign it! I’m not feeling particularly patient tonight.” I shove the pen on her desk at her with no small amount of violence.

She holds her hand up in a gesture to silence me and I let our frustrated growl. “ ‘She comes into this marriage with no familial assets.’ We have to change that.” She’s scandalized.

“I have been living with him this whole time with nothing from you. It. Is. Fine.” I spit the words at her and my hand goes back to the dagger. This would be so much easier if I was allowed to kill her.

“This is a legal document. It will become a matter of record that I sent my daughter off to her marriage with nothing to call her own.” That would be the real tragedy, that her name would be dishonored. It is always about her.

The blade flashes out of its sheath and I bury it in the desk.  Much to my satisfaction, she jumps back a bit, colliding with her chair. “Just sign it.”

She huffs. “Fine, always so much like your father.” I feel my jaw tighten, how dare she mention him. She’s the one that led him down the path to his destruction. She takes pen in hand finally and applies her immaculate signature. When the ink is dry she hands it back to me finally. “I hope your marriage is everything you desire. You and Jericho Swain deserve one another.”

I pull my dagger from her desk. “Throw stones if you must.” I’ve already begun to walk away, intent on leaving her behind.

“Then allow me to offer you a warning instead, even though you’ve refused to listen to others that have been offered to you. The Usurper will not retain his hold on Noxus forever. You will share his fate if you remain at his side.” Her words drip venom, her hatred is a living thing, creeping about in the space between us.

“More talk Mother? That’s all you and the Black Rose seem to be capable of. My decision is made and I will hold to it.” I try again to walk away from her.

“This has always been your problem. You’re stubborn beyond reason and insist you are never wrong. No wonder your Father…” I don’t think, the blade cuts through the air towards her. I know it goes wide, I only want to scare her again. In seconds I’m back through the window, taking a leap toward the ground. I land, tuck and roll. I need to get out of here, I feel like I can’t breathe. No turning back, over the wall before anyone can see. Damn it all, she wasn’t supposed to get to me. Damn her.

To my shock, the sound of the guards being roused doesn’t follow me. I still sprint away from the house, not wanting her to change her mind. When I finally slow my head is spinning and I’ve pointed myself in the direction of a much seedier area of the city. I need a drink and a drinking partner. Thankfully I know where I can find both.

I find Draven occupying his usual table at the Maiden's Bowery, a few lovely young things surrounding him. For him it’s not so much man or woman, but what flattery you can give his ego. He waves some of his retinue away when he spots me headed towards him, full bottle of wine in hand. “Look what the cat dragged in.” He chuckles like it’s not the thousandth time he’s said that.

“I see you’re still a bastion of wit.” I drop in the seat cleared for me while his companions eye me warily.

“That’s a big word, fitting for the wife of the Grand General.” He grins widely but it fades after a moment. “Speaking of, should you be here the night before your wedding?” There’s trepidation in his voice. If anyone knows what Jericho is truly capable of, it’s him.

He watches my face, looking for tells, wanting to assure himself he won’t wake to a world of trouble in the morning. “It’s not until later. Plenty of time to sober up.” I lift the bottle to my lips and take a drink, continuing for several seconds, to prove my point.

The showman in him can’t resist and he begins to clap and cheer, encouraging those around us to join in. I continue the long pull until my stomach lurches a bit and I slam the bottle down on the table, nearly half of it gone. The room begins to spin almost as soon as I release my grip on it. Draven hoots again and roughly claps me on the back. “Well, let’s enjoy one more wild night before you’re too important and proper for all this, eh Kitty-Kat.”

I groan as he motions to the barkeep. “As long as you promise to stop calling me that.”

Bottles and cups appear almost instantly around us as Draven settles into the seat next to me. “How about I treat instead? All the questionable quality wine you can stomach!”

His enthusiasm lifts my mood and I find myself giving him a genuine smile. “Deal.” I pour a glass for us and raise a toast. “To Draven, best friend to those in need of a strong drink.” The haziness I was feeling continues to wrap around my mind and I surrender to it, letting myself float away in the moment.

I’m on my second or maybe third and an immense shadow falls over the table. I lean back in my seat, my head lolling to the side so I can peer up at the shadow’s owner. “DarDar!” I stumble out of my seat to rush at him and attempt to throw my arms around his impossibly broad chest. “When was the last time I saw you?”

He puts his massive hands on my shoulders and pushes me back ever so softly, causing me to relinquish my hold on him. “Been a while. What’re you doing in this hole? Isn’t tomorrow important?”

I huff, everyone wants to ruin my fun. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just blowing off a little steam.” I nearly fall back into my seat and gesture to the raucous crowd around me. “Why don’t you join us?”

To my left Draven snickers and slides a bottle across the table toward his brother. “Yeah ‘DarDar’ have some fun for once.”

He snorts before finally giving in and sitting. “I’ll join, but only to keep you two out of trouble.”

“Don’t be so mean.” I pout and pour myself another glass. “We’re celebrating tonight. Here’s to me, finally achieving my Mother’s dreams.” I drain it in one single drink.

He sighs. “Nothing but trouble, the two of you.”

I feel myself fading as the wine goes down my throat. The tavern becomes sweltering, and all the light and noise blur together, the edges of my vision becoming an indistinct haze. Slowly, the sights and sounds begin to spin. I close my eyes, head resting in my hand for a moment.

Draven is leading the crowd in a song. I think it’s about him. It’s an old melody all children know and every so often you need to clap. I clap loudly at the wrong time and laugh to cover my mistake. I glance at Darius and he at least seems to be bearing his brother’s antics with amusement. I try to pour myself another glass and lose control of the bottle. It smashes into the table and cracks. I stare at it, for some reason it’s heartbreaking and I fight back tears.

Darius is removing me from his lap, just forcefully enough that I comply. “Aww, what’s wrong? It never bothered you before. Back when we used to…”

“That was then. You have had way too much. Sit down and sober up Kat.” The stern tone he takes irritates me.

“Don’t scold me. I’m not a child!” I sit back in my chair anyway, I’m suddenly too tired to do anything else.

I’m being separated from a man roaring with fury and covered in blood. I think it’s his. “He had it coming. Get off me.”

The barkeep sounds at his wit’s end. “Can someone keep control of her?”

“Stay out of it!” I snap, shaking off the hands clasping at me.

“That’s quite enough Katarina.” His voice always sounds like silk, even when I can tell he’s displeased.

“Jericho!” I turn behind me and leap at him, wrapping my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. I’m overjoyed to see him until I realize why he sounded so aggravated. “Oh, you’re mad at me, aren’t you?”

[melissagt]

12, 14, 15, 20 (Fanfiction questions)

Questions here - 

12. Who is your current OT3? Theron Shan/Lelu Kallig (my OC Sith Inquisitor)/Andronikos Revel. It is a “V” relationship, in that Lelu is involved romantically with both of her boys, but Theron and Andronikos are not involved that way with each other. They are best friends, though, and they do all share their lives together. It was just easier that way, the living together part, because of who she is (my Outlander) and because their lives are all in a rather constant state of flux. It took a long time to get there, and yes, jealousy can be and still is a thing from time to time (we all suffer from it - it’s what we do about it that can make it unhealthy). They have to work at it, negotiate and learn as they go, and it’s always going to be that way. There are four relationships that make up this one whole…and each one is as important as the next - there’s the relationship Lelu has with Andronikos, the one she has with Theron, the friendship between Andronikos and Theron, and then the dynamic they all share together. If one suffers, they all suffer. 

(artwork by the lovely @dingoat)

14. Go on, who are your BroTPs? Well of course Theron and Andronikos have a rather important BroTP. It wasn’t always that way. Theron kind of belly-flopped into the happy little life Andronikos had going with Lelu, and Nik was rightfully pissed off, jealous, and apprehensive. There was a lot of tension at first. I wouldn’t say hatred…kind of pissy? Dick measurey? But then Lelu was taken away from both of them when she was captured by the Eternal Empire and locked in carbonite, and the boys were forced to overcome their differences and work together…first to stay alive and to maintain some semblance of a foothold as the power of the Eternal Empire washed across the known galaxy…then to form the beginnings of what would become the Alliance…and finally to find and recover the one who would lead them, the woman they both loved. 

Andronikos is also very good friends with Lieutenant (and eventual Major) Mason Pierce. Nik was never able to really get along with Imperial military, they had history…bad history…and he couldn’t stand that they all had gigantic sticks up their collective bungholes. But Pierce pretty much broke that mold. He was still Imperial, and still towed the line when he had to, but he was also laid back, and knew how to relax and be a person and not just a walking regulation. They hit it off almost immediately, and they continue to work together from within the Alliance. 

I suppose I could call it a BroTP, even though one of the members isn’t a “bro” - can I? I dun care, I will - Theron is very close with Raz, my Jedi Knight. One night in the Jedi temple on Coruscant, a very youngling Theron encountered a sniffling little Twi’lek girl, huddled in a corner, crying for her grandmother. It was Raz’s first night as a youngling and she was scared. He gave her a hug, and stayed with her all night, and they’ve been joined at the hip ever since…absolutely partners in crime. 

15. Is there an obscure ship which you love? I suppose SW x Pierce is kind of obscure. There aren’t many loud shippers for that one, Quinn almost always wins out, but I just love those two together. Quinn is okay, I have nothing against that ship at all, but I really just love my SW with her Pierce. Last time I checked I think there were only like 7 or 8 fics with a SW x Pierce tag, and three of them were mine! *gigglesnort* Come, join me in my Pierce canoe!

With LoTRO, I have a couple of obscure ships, and I’d say they’re obscure only because there aren’t any actual romances in the game. But I do have two main characters, and I ship each of them with different NPC’s. My Rohirrim Captain, Rosawyn I ship with Jajax, a quest-giving Corsair encountered in the Gondor region. He has turned his back on his people to support the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. My Dunedan Loremaster (ok, you can’t actually play a Dunedan but I HC it, so fight me), Lengariel aka Lennie, I ship with Lothrandir, a Dunedan Ranger who joins the Grey Company to journey south and answer the call to fight for the heir of Isildur. 

20. Any ships which you surprised yourself by liking? Honestly? SI x Andronikos. It took me a couple playthroughs and writing about it to see the depth of Nik’s character and just how awesome he is. And wow, yeah…to go from “meh” to the top of my list was a giant move…and I’m totally glad it happened. 

Thanks for asking!

[thisspaceintentionallyleftblank]

Try, Try Again

This is a Rex lives AU where, at the end of the movie, the flux capacitor is not destroyed, and Rex escapes to the past. This time, he arrives early, disguises himself, and takes Emmet’s place in Apocalypseburg. In this way, he plans to toughen Emmet up while simultaneously keeping a closer eye on Lucy. 

I have not ever done fanfiction before... so hopefully this turned out okay! 

Chapter 1 (2668 words)

The Rexcelsior appeared in a brilliant flash of light, with bright bolts of raw electric power coursing across its hull before flickering away into nothingness. The ship, despite the dark blue of its exterior, stood in stark contrast against the backdrop of space due to the faint glow of its many humming engines. Inside, pacing back and forth across the main control bridge, an increasingly anxious Rex was attempting to re-evaluate his master plan.  

He had come much too close to failure for comfort. If he hadn’t used his Deus Ex Block-ina at the last moment in order to teleport back to the ship, then Lucy could have very well destroyed his flux capacitor and, by extension, everything that he’d worked and suffered for. His scowl deepened at the thought of all that planning, effort, and pain flushed down the drain because simply because he’d failed to properly prepare for every possibility.

The weight of failure sat heavily on his shoulders. It’s not fair, he thought. I was so close. His plan had been so perfect, and he’d carried out the execution flawlessly. Tricking Emmet and destroying the Queen’s space temple had been child’s play. All they had left to do was make a clean getaway, but… everything had just started falling apart.

Rex hadn’t wanted to take Emmet to Dryar. If he had had any other option, he wouldn’t have. But, of course, Emmet hadn’t given him a choice, had he? Emmet was just being stubborn; he just didn’t understand.

Rex couldn’t be blamed for that.

He stopped pacing. The repetitive motion had started making him nauseous at some point. With a weary, tough-guy sigh, he walked over to the main console. The instruments adorning the dash lit the room with a soft, ambient blue glow. On top of them sat the Block-ina, a conveniently pocket-sized tool that apparently taken up the worrisome habit of intermittently spitting out sparks and smoke sometime between now and when Rex had first left it here.

Another sigh escaped Rex at the sight of how badly it had been damaged. He wasn’t especially broken up over the loss of the device, after all it had served its purpose well, and he could just build another one pretty easily.

Of course, he thought bitterly, I wouldn’t have even needed to use it if it hadn’t had been for... her.

He had been surprised when Lucy had shown up in Undar, having never entertaining the thought that she might have followed him. Thinking about it made something in his gut twist uncomfortably. She must have… It was… She had probably come there to stop him personally, right? Finding Emmet was just a nice bonus, was all. That made a lot more sense, in Rex’s opinion. After all, Lucy had always been about the world-saving, rebel hero aesthetic. The knot in his gut unraveled, content with his explanation.   

However, if Lucy was willing to go that far in trying to save the world, then Rex couldn’t afford to let her get the drop on him a second time. He would just need to keep a closer eye on her this time.

Rex smiled, an easy cocksure grin. A new plan started formulating in his mind, one in which he could easily arrange to keep watch on Lucy, with her being none the wiser.

“COBRA!” He barked out, turning away from the console. A nearby raptor stopped typing, twisting her long neck to look over in his direction.

“Give me a current time readout on the Giant Screen.” At his command, the raptor nodded and clicked a few buttons on her keyboard. Turning back to the windshield, Rex watched as the display flickered to life, printing out the date in an oversized, white, blocky font.

JUNE 4TH   |   06:20   |   MONDAY

Rex hummed in approval. “Excellent work, team. Looks like we’ve got a whole week left before Our-mom-agedon starts.” With a smug grin, Rex leaning onto the dashboard, adopting a particularly cavalier pose. “Obviously,” he continued, “that’s waaay more time than I’ll need to work my magic.”

A raptor screeched from somewhere in one of the weapon hangers. “Does that mean we could take a day off?”

Rex laughed.

“No.”

If raptors could sigh in resignation, they would have done so now. As it was, they settled for screeching slightly quieter. Unfazed, Rex continued with some gratuitous exposition.

“Here’s the plan, squad. We should begin to break orbit over Apocalypseburg shortly after o’eight hundred hours. At that time, we’ll activate the super secret cloaking technology that I lifted from Wonder Woman’s invisible jet. Once we’ve landed, I’ll find Emmet and get him onboard.”

One of the raptors screeched up at him questioningly. “How will we find Emmet?”

Another raptor, one standing near the fax machine, screeched back. “I could make wanted posters!”

“No need,” Rex replied dismissively. “It’s a Monday.” Mondays were Lucy’s day to patrol the wasteland, which meant that she and Emmet would have to hang out in the morning, before she left. Usually that meant that he that Emmet would start his day off with a coffee run and then meet up with her afterwards.

“If we play our cards right, which of course we will, then we can intercept him at the base of the Statue of Un-Liberty.” Rex tapped a few of the console’s controls, pulling up a large digital map of Apocalypseburg. A blinking red dot appeared at the spot he’d described.

“Everyone got that?” Rex asked, watching as a sea of raptor heads started bobbing up and down in affirmation. “Awesome. Start bringing us into orbit then. Meanwhile, Ripley, Connor, I want you two to start readying the cloaking device.” The raptors screeched to confirm their orders, and then turned to their respective workstations with a renewed sense of urgency.

Leaving them to their tasks, Rex once more turned his attention to the windshield. The sounds of raptor noises and clicking keyboards seemed to fade into the distance. Somewhere beyond the dark glass, Apocalypseburg was waiting. With a start, Rex realized that, after everything that had happened to him, he’d gotten so distracted with time travel and scheming that he had just, never bothered trying to go home.

For a moment, he wondered when exactly that had stopped being one of his goals.

At the thought, a cold, hollow feeling seeped into his chest. It was an almost alien sensation, one that he thought he had left behind in the deserts of Undar. Fortunately, Rex was tough now. He knew how to deal with these kinds of feelings, how to patch and fill the places of him that felt empty. His tool of choice, anger, had never failed him yet.

Summoning strength from his internal well of rage, Rex clenched his fists at his sides and forced his mouth into a vicious grin.

I’m going back home, he thought, and those suckers aren’t gonna know what hit ‘em.

*******************

The sun was shining in Apocalypseburg this morning. Sure, it shone every morning, to the point that it had long since baked the ground into desert sands, but that fact didn’t mean that Emmet couldn’t enjoy a little bit of morning sunshine.

As usual, electronic strains of music were playing in his ears as Emmet jauntily made his way towards the giant statue on the edge of town. He was beginning to consider singing along with the peppy song when something else suddenly drew his attention.

It had only lasted for a second, but Emmet would have sworn he’d just seen a shooting star. Instinctively, he squeezed his eyes shut, concentrating on his wish.

More wishes, he thought as hard as he could, more wishes, more wishes, mo-

“Hey there, buddy!”

Emmet’s eyes snapped open at the sound of someone’s voice. Sure enough, standing in front of him was a stranger, some guy in blue, with disheveled hair and a cocky grin.

“Whoa,” Emmet whispered to himself. Something about this stranger seemed to exude charisma and toughness. Maybe it had something to do with the way he was trying to inconspicuously flex his biceps. Whatever it was, Emmet was definitely intrigued.  

“Hi there!” He shouted, causing the stranger to flinch slightly at his volume. Abashedly, Emmet shrugged off his headphones.

“Sorry about that, friendo,” he chuckled. “Um, but my name’s Emmet! What’s your name? Are you new here? I feel like I’ve never seen you before. Which is weird because I know like, everybody here.” Emmet bobbed up and down in excitement.

“Whoa, whoa, slow down there, compadre!” The stranger laughed as he strolled towards Emmet, stopping at his side and giving him a friendly, albeit rather forceful, slap on the back.

“Oh,” Emmet jolted forwards from the impact, juggling his cups in an attempt to not drop either of them. “Sorry about that.”

“Why don’t you just take a breath, and I’ll introduce myself.” The stranger walked over to a nondescript hunk of debris, kicking a foot up onto it and striking a cool pose - one which would have likely made a dope freeze frame.

“The name’s Rex Dangervest,” he announced loudly. “Ace spaceship pilot, world-class dinosaur trainer, and all-around tough guy extraordinaire.”

He took a dramatic pause, before stepping back down, and continuing. “And, I've been looking for you, Emmet.”

“For me?” Emmet asked incredulously. “But why?” For a moment, his face grew uncharacteristically serious. “Did Jeff send you?”

“No, no, no,” Rex replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I’m just a big fan of yours.”

“A fan of mine?” Emmet’s jaw dropped. “But why?”

“Well, you’re the Special, right? Emmet Brickowski? The guy that saved the universe from Lord Business five years ago?” Rex stepped in closer, swinging an arm around Emmet’s shoulder.

“I… I guess?” Emmet sputtered. “I wasn’t really the Special though, you know.”

“So what,” Rex shrugged nonchalantly, causing Emmet to glance up in disbelief.

“So- So what? But it- that- I wasn’t really a hero! That’s so what. I know you’re new here, but seriously, just ask anyone and they’ll tell you that I’m not.”

“Really?” Rex asked, a hard edge entering his tone.

“Yeah,” Emmet’s voice grew soft, as he lowered his gaze. “I’m, um, not tough enough, they say.”  

Rex hummed thoughtfully, stroking at his chin in a deliberately pensive motion. “Not tough enough, huh?”

“Yeah,” Emmet replied. “I mean, I don’t really get it, if I’m being honest. Personally, I’m not a fan of all the spikes and stuff, but still. It’s what everyone says.”

“What if I could fix that?”

“What do you mean?” Emmet looked back up at Rex, who was grinning widely now. What a friendly guy, Emmet thought.

“What if I could help you become tougher? Become the guy that all your friends want you to be?” Something eager bubbled up in Rex’s voice as he asked.

“I don’t- ”

“Become the guy that Lucy wants you to be?”

In retrospect, this should have been the moment that Emmet realized something was terribly wrong about this interaction. There was no way that this stranger could have known Lucy’s name. However, in the moment, his thoughts were somewhere else. Yesterday, he’d asked Lucy if he might be able to patrol with her, just once. She’d said no, on the grounds that “things can get like, really real out there, Emmet”. He saw the look in her eyes, like she was kind of scared for him, or maybe just disappointed in him. He saw that look a lot recently.

But, if he was tough… like Rex was promising… then maybe things could change.

“Okay,” Emmet said, his newfound conviction clear in his voice

“Hah! You made the right choice, kid.” Rex reached up and ruffled Emmet’s hair with a gloved hand. “Come on then, and I’ll show you to my ship.” Rex started to walk off, with his arm still around Emmet’s shoulder, but Emmet didn’t move to follow.

“Oh, um,” Emmet muttered, as Rex turned to look at him suspiciously. “It’s just… I’ve got to meet up with Lucy first. I always get her a morning coffee before we hang out and talk. But, uh, if I explain that I can’t stay today, she’ll totally understand.”

“Emmet, I want you to take a look at this.” Rex reached into one of his vest pockets, pulling out a small, colorful flyer. Emblazoned across the front was an advertisement for Rex Dangervest’s Toughness Seminar and Obstacle Course.

“Can you tell me what it says in the small print at the bottom?” Rex asked, pushing the paper towards Emmet’s face.

“Um, it says ‘A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity’.”

“That’s right.” Rex’s voice was low and serious. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Do you know what that means, Emmet?”

“That one of my shooting star wishes came true?”

“No, Emmet. It means that I’m only going to make this offer once.” Rex’s grip tightened on Emmet’s shoulder. “If you don’t come with me now, then you’ll be stuck as a soft, hufflepuff loser forever.”

Dread pooled in Emmet’s gut at the thought. A future of disappointing his friends? When the chance to make them proud was right here?

“I mean, I guess Lucy will understand if I have to miss one hang out sesh...”

Rex’s benevolent smile returned. “Exactly! And think about how happy she’ll be when you show her how tough you’ve gotten.”

“Yeah!” Emmet cheered. “You’re right! And then we can hang out even more because I could do patrols with her and the other guys.”

“Totally,” Rex agreed. And, while maintaining his firm grip on Emmet, the two walked off into the desert.

*******************

It wasn’t very far to the Rexcelsior, but it still took a while. Rex had made it to Emmet so fast earlier because he’d done a super cool flip out of the hanger bay while the ship was still a few hundred feet above ground. Of course, that meant that now Rex wasn’t… super sure where the ship was parked. Fortunately, the Rexcelsior like most top of the line vehicles had come with a keychain dongle that made the ship beep obnoxiously whenever pressed. Rex had pawned the thing off on Emmet, who seemed pretty content with pressing the button over and over. In return, Rex had taken one of the coffee cups and started helping himself to its contents.  

Emmet wasn’t really drinking from his cup anymore. Rex had said that drinking black coffee was the first step to becoming tough, but the caustic, bitter taste was making it a pretty tricky first step to master. Little sips made it much more tolerable, but also unfortunately made the drink take even longer. Emmet’s own cup must have been pretty bad too, seeing as how Rex kept making comments about how gross and sugary it was. He had finished it awfully fast, though.

Probably because he’s already so tough, Emmet thought, taking another tiny sip of his still disappointing coffee.

When he next pressed the dongle button, the previously distant beeping was much closer than he’d expected.

“We’re here.” Rex said, as he took the keychain back from Emmet’s hand and stepped past him.

“Really?” Emmet asked, looking around in confusion. “So, is your ship just like… really small?”

Rex snickered. “Not quite.” As if on cue, the ship materialized, looming impressively over the two men.

Emmet gasped, and continued to gasp for such a long time that it almost seemed like an action designed to garner laughter from an adoring studio audience. Rex stood nearby, patiently waiting for him to run out of air.

“This,” Rex gestured dramatically once he had regained Emmet’s attention, “is the Rexcelsior - the absolute toughest ship in the universe.”

A panel hissed open behind him, prompting Emmet to gasp once again. With a huff, Rex took his arm, pulling the two of them together into the maw of the ship. Once through, the door slid shut behind them, and the ship vanished back into transparency.

[icypantherwrites]

I'm really sad to hear about the hiatus, but I understand why you're doing it. I hope you do eventually come back to writing fanfiction for yourself, but I wish you nothing but the best going forward. On the other hand, I am excited to hear you're working on your own original novel. Do you have any details you can share about that, because I am very curious because I love your writing, and seeing something you've created from the ground up is incredibly exciting. Wishing you all the best!

All these asks about my novel, goshhhhhh ♥ You guys make me feel so loved. 

Long story short here, I’ve had this ideas since I was in high school, wrote four chapters early in college, re-read them a bit ago and almost puked, and scrapped it entirely. BUT that said, while a lot of my characters are going to have to undergo some severe changes I do still like the world I created for them and the overall archng idea... which even now is in flux so I can’t give too straight of an answer.

But overall the story is a YA fantasy novel. Our main protagonist is a 16-year-old-ish named Ariana who is a Kahliet (which is the tentative title of the novel although if it ends up going into a trilogy like I’m low-key hoping that will change). A Kahliet is, for basic bones here, a cross between a human and a cat but it’s much more than that as they are imbued with fire magic and were created to be villains to unite the people of (I legit had the name Penam as my country but given Panam of Hunger Games years later I’m gonna be changing that xD) in a common enemy.

I won’t give spoilers away here but our story follows Arianna as she rescues a human (Zaran, who will later be her love interest and follows some parallels to the story of Kahliets and Humans and how the war ultimately ceased) against the desires of her mother (who like most Kahliets hates all humans, especially as they murdered her husband and Arianna’s father). 

It’s me though so there’s a whole cast of other characters. We’ll have another Kahliet (Aseia, who was raised by humans after her parents were murdered), Lilika (a young battle maid trying to prove herself to the empire) and Hajari (one of the Dijin, (shadow people) who were originally created to unite the empire but were instead enslaved by the Humans) and their stories will overlap all about while the current king is plotting in the background as his power over not-Penam wanes and he needs to reignite the hatred and war against the Kahliets. 

It’s still got a long way to go and I know I’ll be breaking off on tangents once I really begin to write it, but that’s the overall gist. I have so so so much artwork too that I drew for this thing and while most of it is cringe-worthy I have a couple pieces of characters I can share so you can get an idea ♥ Some are actually commission pieces from my good ol’ Gaia days but unfortunately I lost most of them when photobucket went stupid and I had them on an old account i no longer have access too *sobbing*

Arianna, main character, drawn by moi in 2007 xD

more characters and pictures below cut

Lilika, not drawn by me xD (Drawn by Rachel but I have no idea who that is now xD)

Zaran, drawn by me 2008

Aseia, drawn by me 2007

Hajari, drawn by Razanil 2009 

Ahhh, this was probably more than you wanted, but enjoy? xD