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mysticotta · 2 years ago

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Endgame: Chapter 1

So I was writing this with a group of my friends, and we kinda let it die. I’ve been working on finishing it, so here’s the first couple sections of it. Let me know if you want me to keep posting it.

I don’t believe those friends are on Tumblr .(Sam or Katie, DM me and I’ll add your usernames on here). This is a Renegades fanfic where Katie wrote Lady Phaser, Sam wrote Wolfsbane, and I wrote Mirage.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

NEUTRAL

WOLFSBANE ㄧ Petra Devan

Can speak to and control plants

THE RENEGADE COUNCIL AND FAMILY

SKETCH (LORD)ㄧ Adrian Everhart

Can bring his drawings and artwork to life

LADY PHASER ㄧ Vivienne Wade-Rae

Can teleport through space

CAPTAIN CHROMIUMㄧ Hugh Everhart

Has super strength and is nearly invincible to physical attacks; can generate Chromium weaponry

THE DREAD WARDEN ㄧ Simon Westwood

Can turn invisible

TSUNAMI ㄧ Kasumi Hasegawa

Generates and manipulates water

THUNDERBIRD ㄧ Taymaya Rae

Generates thunder and lighting; can fly

BLACKLIGHT ㄧ Evander Wade

Creates and manipulates light and darkness

THE ANARCHISTS

NIGHTMAREㄧ Nova Artino

Never sleeps, and can put others to sleep with her touch

THE DETONATOR ㄧ Ingrid Thompson

Creates explosives from the air that can be detonated at will

PHOBIA ㄧ True Name Unknown

Transforms his body and scythe into the embodiment of various fears

THE PUPPETEER ㄧ Winston Pratt

Turns people into mindless puppets who do his bidding

QUEEN BEE ㄧ Honey Harper

Exerts control over all bees, hornets, and wasps

CYANIDE ㄧ Leroy Flinn

Generates acidic poisons through his skin

MIRAGE ㄧ True Name Unknown

Creates illusions and hallucinations, fools all five senses.

Week 1 Day 3

Wolfsbane placed the small plant pots onto the floor where instructed. She straightened and looked at Mirage, who was watching her intently. Mirage was wearing a flowy, lacy white dress, and it was a miracle that it wasn’t dirty in the filthy subway tunnels. Wolfsbane or pretty much anyone didn't know her true identity. Mirage’s face was an illusion of blurriness, making any of her features unable to focus. Mirage silently led her toward the exit of the subway station. The girls were currently walking across abandoned train tracks when they came across a train car that wasn't there the week before. The windows were painted out, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway. There was no light pouring out onto the tracks. The door on the car was different from the other train cars. It had a very secure lock on it, preventing anyone from getting in or out of the car.

“What's this?” Wolfsbane asked, stopping to look at the new car.

“Oh, nothing important to you,” Mirage replied, continuing to walk. Responses were normal like this, Mirage was not the most talkative person.

“Important or not, I want to know what is inside,” Wolfsbane said forcefully. Mirage turned around and glared at her.

“No. Do you want trouble or not? We will see you next week,” Mirage said, even more forcefully. They continued walking. Mirage left Wolfsbane at the entrance to the subway. She then retreated into the darkness. Wolfsbane walked out of the tunnels, glaring at the place where Mirage was. She was walking backward when she walked straight into a light post.

Week 2 Day 11

Wolfsbane was greeted by Mirage as she walked down into the subway tunnels, small pots of plants in her arms. Wolfsbane was wearing a long cloak that was cropped in the front, with a small leaf clasp. The hood of her cloak was just thin enough so she could see out and still hide her eyes, although her nose and mouth were showing. She was wearing a mint green dress with pine green leggings. She wore black gardening gloves and had a messenger bag draped over her shoulder. Inside the bag was a waterproof layer, and she had filled the bag with soil. She had planted what appeared to be mint inside. Its bright, green leaves complemented Wolfsbane’s pale skin, and a small stem of the plant had begun trailing down the side of the bag.

Wolfsbane brushed the leftover dirt from her sleeves and subtly lifted the mint plant’s stem so it wasn’t in danger of hitting anything.

“So, what are you using my plants for anyway?” Wolfsbane asked, her voice echoing through the tunnels.

“Why do you need to know?” Mirage responded. Wolfsbane sighed.

“I suppose not knowing won’t kill me,” Wolfsbane followed Mirage again but stopped at the same but slightly less new train car. “What’s this?” she asked again. Again, Mirage glared at her.

“It's a prison car,” said Mirage, Wolfsbane couldn't tell if Mirage was being sarcastic or not.

“Really?” asked Wolfsbane. Mirage sighed, irritated.

“Yes,” said Mirage.

“Who is in there?” asked Wolfsbane, peering at the window. Trying to see if she could make out any movement. Mirage scoffed.

“Someone.”

“Can I see them?” asked Wolfsbane. Mirage sighed, pondering it,

“Fine, but if you tell anyone about her, I will kill you myself,” Mirage said. “Wait here I have to go get the gloves from Honey.”

“Gloves?” Wolfsbane asked, but she was utterly ignored as Mirage walked away. Mirage came back a few minutes later with a pair of fingerless gloves.

“Follow me,” she said, and Wolfsbane did as instructed as Mirage opened the lock with some difficulty and stepped into the dark prison car. Wolfsbane followed, giving herself a few seconds to adjust to the dim light. There was a petite girl who appeared to be curled into a ball on the floor. She had pale skin with matted dark brown hair. She was wearing a white shirt streaked with dirt, a black skirt with expanders over her shoulders. One of her legs was cuffed to a pole in the car. Her bare feet must have been cold in the damp, underground air. The girl looked up when she heard Mirage and Wolfsbane enter. Her small size seemed even smaller in the expansive train car. Her eyes were a startling grey, like a cloudy afternoon, turning stormy.

“I brought a visitor,” said Mirage. The girl’s eyes flicked to look at Wolfsbane then they focused back on Mirage. Mirage tossed the gloves to the girl and the girl caught them. Putting them on her slender hands. She then started to move her hands, signaling in sign language. The gloves were sophisticated technology that sensed the girl’s hand signs and movements, which then translated them into audio.

“Hello, what's your name? And why did they bring you here? Are you an Anarchist?” asked the girl, the gloves were a robotic voice: female British, giving the girl little personality. Mirage glared at the girl, watching the girl’s every movement. Wolfsbane was just confused.

“Uh... my name’s Wolfsbane and Mirage brought me here because I was curious. And no, I’m not an anarchist,” said Wolfsbane, the girl frowned.

“Why?” asked the girl. “Why aren't you an anarchist?”

“I prefer to work alone,” Wolfsbane responded. The girl glanced at Mirage, then back at Wolfsbane.

“I suppose you have a question to ask?” asked the girl. “I can try to answer, Mirage just might not let me.” signed the girl cryptically.

“Why is she here?” Wolfsbane directed the question at Mirage instead.

“That’s none of your business,” Mirage replied. The girl frowned,

“Then what is her business?” asked the robotic voice coming from the gloves.

“That’s none of your business,” Wolfsbane said, slightly mockingly. The girl huffed annoyed,

“Fine, then can you please tell me something interesting?” asked the girl. Mirage huffed, leaning back against the wall, Wolfsbane stood near the door. Unsure if this girl was dangerous or not.

“About what?” Wolfsbane asked.

“Anything! It's not like I've been in touch with the normal world,” signed the girl. It was hard to tell if the girl was exasperated or not. Her tone of voice never really changed it. Was the same flat melodic. No highs and lows.

“I mean, what category? I don’t want to bore you.” Wolfsbane said.

“No offense to you, but anything you say won’t bore me. I have nothing else to do.”

“Did you know that vanilla comes from orchids?” Wolfsbane blurted. Mirage sighed, and the girl looked intrigued.

“No, I didn't know that. So how do orchids become vanilla?” asked the girl.

“I’m pretty sure the vanilla is the seed pods of the plant, although I still need to research orchids more. I just can’t get them to stay alive,” Wolfsbane complained.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Mirage said. “Time to go.” The girl huffed taking off the gloves and handing them to Mirage. They then left the car.

“Is she dangerous?” Wolfsbane asked as she stepped out of the car, Mirage closing the door behind them. Locking the door with struggle. She then answered Wolfsbane’s question.

“Not anymore, but if she escaped, she would be,” Mirage replied.

"Why not anymore?” asked Wolfsbane, a little impulsively.

“You don't need to know that,” Mirage said.

“Fine, I can argue with you about this later. For now, I need to tend to my garden.” Wolfsbane said before showing herself to the exit.

#renegades #marissa meyer #superhero #fanfic

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ptbf2002 · 1 year ago

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My Team Hates A Really Haunted Loud House

What The Actual Fuck! Another Live Action Special On Halloween?! This Is Just Bullshit! Why Would Nickelodeon Has Made That Shit?! i'd rather watch Tricked Than This Shit Anyway!

The Powerpuff Girls Belongs To Craig McCracken, Rough Draft Korea Co., Ltd. Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Inc. Cartoon Network Studios, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Hilda Belongs To Luke Pearson, Mercury Filmworks, Atomic Cartoons Inc. Thunderbird Entertainment Group Inc. Nobrow Press, Flying Eye Books, Silvergate Media Limited, Sony Pictures Television Kids, Sony Pictures Television Studios, Sony Pictures Television Inc. Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Sony Entertainment, Inc. Sony Corporation of America, Sony Group Corporation, And Netflix, Inc.

The Loud House Belongs To Chris Savino, Jam Filled Entertainment, Boat Rocker Media Inc. Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Nickelodeon Productions, Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nickelodeon Group, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Paramount International Networks, Paramount Domestic Media Networks, Paramount Media Networks, Inc. And Paramount Global

Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi Belongs To Sam Register, Renegade Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, Cartoon Network, The Cartoon Network, Inc. Warner Bros. Discovery Networks, Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution Warner Bros. Television Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WarnerMedia And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Harvey Street Kids/Harvey Girls Forever! Belongs To Alfred Harvey, Emily Brundige, Dave Enterprises, Digital Emation, Inc. NE4U, Inc. The Harvey Entertainment Company, Classic Media, LLC, DreamWorks Classics, DreamWorks Animation Television, DreamWorks Animation LLC, Universal Pictures, Universal City Studios LLC, NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Comcast Corporation, NBCUniversal Media, LLC And Netflix Inc.

Magiki Belongs To Eryk Casemiro, Cyril Deydier, Pegbar Animation, Animasia Studio, Rainbow S.P.A. Paramount Media Networks, Inc. Paramount Global, DeAgostini Publishing Italy S.P.A. DeAgostini Editore S.P.A. DeAKids, DeA Junior, DeAgostini S.P.A. DeAPlaneta Kids And Family, DeAPlaneta Entertainment, Télé Images Productions, Zodiak Kids Studios France, Banijay S.A. Ketchup TV, KidsMe S.R.L. Gulli, TiJi, Metropole Télévision S.A. Groupe M6, Frisbee, Switchover Media, Discovery Italia S.R.L. Discovery Networks Italia, Discovery Networks EMEA, Discovery Networks International, Discovery, Inc. And Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Star vs the Forces of Evil Belongs To Daron Nefcy, Mercury Filmworks Toon City Animation, Inc. Rough Draft Korea Co, Ltd. Sugarcube Animation, Disney Television Animation, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Branded Television, Disney–ABC Home Entertainment and Television Distribution, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment, Disney Enterprises, Inc. And The Walt Disney Company

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incorrect-renegades-quotes · 2 years ago

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Hugh: I have an excellent gaydar! If someone’s gay, I can always tell within-

Tamaya: Simon’s been in love with you for years.

Hugh: w h a t

#hugh everhart #simon westwood #tamaya rae #captain chromium #dread warden #thunderbird #renegades trilogy #incorrect renegades quotes #incorrct quotes #marissa meyer

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healing-winston-pratt · 3 years ago

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02 - 07

Alexa play Thunder by Imagine Dragons

#renegades trilogy #renegades fanart #renegades art #my art #winnie draws #tamaya rae #thunderbird #the council #renegades council #renegades fandom #renegades marissa meyer #archenemies #archenemies marissa meyer #supernova #supernova marissa meyer #marissa meyer

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fair-crimson · 2 years ago

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Tamaya Rae, alias Thunderbird

That veil is sus

This one wasn't as good as Kasumi's and I spent approximately 1/3 of the time on this one as I did with Kasumi's.

It doesn't have much to do with her backstory

(Pssst spoiler: she wasn't born with her wings)

HaHaHaHaHaHaHa cliffhanger

Her backstory does slightly have to do with Kasumi's, though, and it's going to send Kasumi raging when she finds out.

#@-the-wee-woo-royal #marissa meyer #thunderbird #renegades trilogy #renegade #tamaya rae #hiddenbackstorieslol #nemesis(spoileralert)#the renegade council

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the-wee-woo-royal · 3 years ago

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Christmas Surprises

Merry Christmas, friends!!!!!!! Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, I hope today is full of happiness. I also hope I can contribute to the cheer with this little fic. Don’t worry, I'll say this now, there is no angst, I wouldn't do that to you today.

Or would I?

Jkjk… not not… maybe there’s a little. Maybe…

Quick note- I headcanon Simon had a bad drinking problem a year after The Battle of Galton (trying to forget the AoA and “be happy” ya know?) that lasted 4 years (there's been a few relapses since then and it got bad again after Supernova and lasted for no more than a year - not counting the ‘accidents’ once in a while) Just so y'all know. There's also another character in one of the parts that's said to have a problem… you'll understand why Hugh reacts the way he does…

Ok so maybe a little angst…. hehe……

In all seriousness, I am in no way making fun of anyone with an actual drinking problem. I understand it is a serious addiction. This is a work of fiction and is no way tied to anyone with it, anything otherwise is a complete coincidence.

I hope you enjoy this Humon with a little Nodian fic today.

LOVE YOU ALLLLLLL

Tagging (pple who were on my rsw one+a few others- comment or dm me if you would like to be added/removed): @obsidianfr3sk @greenalmond @galaxy-creationz @healing-winston-pratt @deprivedmusicaljunkie @unorganisedbookshelf @honey-hippie-harper @blub3rrysoda @kenmas-hair-dye @justsomerandomficsforrenegades @/other mutuals or/and fans who are interested!

Fic under cut:

Holidays in Galton were really the biggest thing. Yes, families would visit others and eat what food they had. Some families indulge a little too much and starve until the next paycheck comes though, sometimes it never does. Then those families would never be heard from again.

It wasn’t a surprise anymore.

But there were different surprises during the Christmas season.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon - Age: 9

“Don’t be dumb, it would cause a lot of attention. Your Dad would never.” Simon scoffed. Not that he would love to see a tree when he came over to Hugh’s, but it wasn’t smart. A tree meant you had money, money meant you were going to get robbed.

He didn't want Hugh to get robbed. He liked his friend.

Hugh frowned, “It would look cool,” he defended and Simon rolled his eyes, “I bet you’ll look cool dead.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

“It would if you’d stop being dumb.”

“I'm not dumb. My mom used to say I'm very smart for my age.”

“Your dumb and I’m leaving.”

Simon took it back. He didn't like his friend very much when he was dumb.

Hugh stumbled on his words and reached out to him in an attempt to make Simon stay, “Wait- No! D-don’t leave. Pl- please.” Simon sat back down next to him. Hugh’s floor was carpeted. His house didn't have any carpet so it was a nice change. Simon stuck his tongue out and Hugh copied him.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before Hugh smiled. When Hugh smiled, so did Simon, then Hugh laughed and Simon did too. The anger went away immediately as they laughed together.

______________________________________

They had migrated outside to lay on the grass. It was a little wet but neither boy cared, they were both bundled up because Hugh’s Dad said that if they went outside in the cold they would die.

Simon didn’t want to die and assumed Hugh didn't either from how fast he put on his sweater and beanie. Simon left some back up clothes for himself in Hugh’s closet but still stole a sweater. Hugh was a little bigger than him so he could curl up in it.

So outside they roughhoused for a little while before Hugh stopped them saying that he was too strong for Simon. Simon was a little hurt. He was small but not that small. Hugh said that he would tell him later.

It was later and laying on the grass when Hugh turned to him and blurted out, “I'm a prodigy.”

Simon blinked at him and didn’t say anything. Hugh sat up, playing with his hands, “I was born one. I- I can't get hurt or feel any pain. Mom said I'm industrial or something. I’m strong too. Like really really strong. It's why I did't wanna wrestle anymore, it can be hard to control when I'm not paying attention and I don't wanna hurt you.”

Simon sat up slowly to be next to him, this was surely a surprise, “Indestructible,” he whispered.

Hugh made a noise of confusion and Simon chuckled, “For someone that ‘smart for their age’, you should know that the word is indestructible… not industrial.”

Hugh rubbed his face, “I have more worries than my wording. Like making sure you don't start running screaming ‘monster’ or something…”

Simon whacked him but Hugh was unfazed. Hmm.. indestructible. Simon would definitely have fun with that later.

“Dummy, I'm one too. Surprised you haven’t caught on. I'm not exactly the best at hiding it.”

Hugh gaped at him, “A prodigy?”

The boy nodded, “Yeah, I wasn't born with it though. I only have it for like… 2 years, I think.”

Hugh smiled at the news, and that his friend wasn’t scared of him… that he was like him. Hugh has never met another prodigy but his mom but she's been dead for a long time and his dad sucked butt and was very unhelpful in this area of life.

“So what can you do?!” Hugh put all his attention on his friend who was blushing not meeting his eyes anymore, “It's not as cool as being strong and indestructible.”

Hugh scoffed, “And I’m the dummy. Being strong isn't exactly exciting. It's not like I could use it without breaking things. I'd rather fix them.”

Simon hesitated, “... I- I can be invisible,” he whispered.

Hugh’s eyes immediately widened and he basically yelled in excitement, “INVISIBLE!”

Simon launched forward to cover his friend’s loud mouth, knocking them both down.

“Shut up! I don't wanna die!” Simon whispered aggressively.

“Sorry,” Hugh whispered back, “Can you show me?”

Simon glared at him but Hugh smiled and he wasn’t angry anymore. Hugh was just a person that one couldn’t stay mad at. At least to him.

“Let's go back into your room,” Simon answered, being cautious was the key to survival nowadays.

When they went inside and took off their slightly damp clothes Simon asked Hugh, “Do you get cold.”

Hugh laughed, “Not easily, actually.”

Simon snorted, “Then why did your dad say we-you were going to die? And why did you listen?”

Hugh shrugged, “Because he’s dumb and drunk and dumb.”

“Your dumber.”

Hugh threw a shoe at him, barely missing his chest, “I guess I also didn’t want you to suspect anything before I told you. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

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Hugh and Simon - Age: 17

Apparently one neighborhood in the city had them for the first time in forever and Simon wanted to see them. He didn’t know when he’d ever get the chance again. The rest of the ragtag team of wanna be heroes said no to Simon when he asked each of them to come with him to see some Christmas lights. Yeah it was cold, wet, and far but… Christmas lights! Evander and Georgia said they needed to patrol somewhere and Kasumi invited herself to go with them when Simon asked. Tamaya just outright said no.

Simon didn’t even have to drag Hugh out to see some lights. He just said he wanted to go and Hugh started putting on his shoes immediately, Simon didn't even have to ask.

Now that was a real friend right there.

But Hugh was hungry. By the time they got bundled up they left right away, they forgot to eat. It took awhile for Hugh to understand that he just couldn’t go out into the cold winter in a muscle tank no matter how he protested. Yes, he didn’t get cold like a normal person but he would look like a prodigy. It's what everyone's mind went to at anything considered not normal or ordinary. Or that he was on lots and lots of drugs. Simon didn't want either and when he explained that Hugh finally gave in. Mostly because of the drugs. Hugh hated drugs with a passion and when he caught Simon smoking once, it calmed his nerves, but Hugh nearly had a heart attack and was very passive-aggressive for a couple days. Simon knew the reaction was because of his dad, may his soul rest in- nope, bullshit he can rot, so Simon never tried it again.

So here they were at some food truck that was a few blocks away from the street with the lights. They ordered food that seemed to take the least preparation and human contact. After they ordered, Hugh paid while Simon got a table. That's how it usually was because sometimes Simon got nervous and if he flickered invisible in front of the wrong person that would be very bad.

Hugh came back with the food, or a mutation of some kind that would take over their bodies the second they consumed it.

“Bon Appétite…" Hugh said with a strained smile on his face, seeing how Simon's lip curled in disgust, Hugh sighed, “We paid for it so… we have to eat it." He then gave Simon the wallet, which he put in the small bag he brought.

So they did. It tasted a little better than it looked. A little.

A few moments later Hugh decided to stop Simon's little heart.

“Do you wanna get a girlfriend, Si?” Hugh said picking at the abomination the seller tried to say was food. It was from a truck that was definitely not up to code. It's what they could afford though, so they just had to eat it. Or starve… which was tempting.

Simon coughed, but tried to play it off as swallowing wrong, “Girls are gross.”

Hugh’s reaction was weird, he almost seemed happy at Simon's lock of love interests. But then he looked down at his food, Hugh opened and closed his mouth a few times. “What- What a- about… a b-boyfriend,” he finally stuttered.

Simon bit his lip harder than he meant to, he tasted the copper but that was the least of his worries at the moment, “Are you saying that in a good way or bad?”

Hugh glanced up at him, a small smirk on his face, “Good.”

Simon matched his attempt of a smile. His stomach was churning, but the fear was gone.

Stupid street food messing with him.

He shrugged, “Then boys are gross too.”

Hugh nodded, “Yeah, you don't- we don't need girlfriends.... Or boyfriends. We can be best friends forever.”

Simon nodded, his stomach still doing flips, “Yeah… just us. Forever. I’d like that”

“I like it too.”

Stupid fucking street food.

______________________________________

So the lights were apparently just a rumor. A trap for families to get robbed when they came.

When a couple of the guys, all dressed like a pimp from a movie, pulled guns on them, Simon knew there were no lights. He got his hopes up for no reason.

Simon put his hands up slowly, keeping eye contact with Hugh, mentally telling him to do the same. Hugh may be indestructible but Simon wasn't. They needed to think this one through and not muscle their way out of them. Meaning Hugh. He would need to chill for a second.

They went to pat Hugh down but they saw the fucking bag Simon had on him.

Yeah, muscling their way out of it is what they had to do. The second one man touched Simon Hugh became the great and strong Captain Chromium everyone either loved or feared.

Simon helped a bit but Hugh whopped them like he was their mama. Maybe would have done worse if Simon had not grabbed Hugh and ran. They were outnumbered and out weaponed, it was a matter of time before their luck ran out.

They ran for many blocks, they lost count after the third.

Hugh stopped and Simon did with him.

“Yo-you think w-were far eno-enough a-away?” Simon said breathlessly, trying to even out his breath so he didn’t start having a panic attack.

Hugh answered after a moment of heavy breaths, “I sure as hell hope so.”

He then sat down, patting the ground next to him invitingly.

“That's very unsanitary, Hugh.”

“Sit the fuck down. You look like you're gonna faint.”

So Simon did, Hugh would’ve wrestled him to the ground, nevertheless. Simon didn't need that in public.

There was a few minutes of silence before Simon sighed, “I'm sorry…” Hugh put all his attention on him, “what for?”

“I should’ve known that it was a trap. Lights. In this Galton. I’m so stupid.“ Simon scoffed.

Hugh stared at him, “That's just dumb.“ Simon threw his hands up, “I KNOW!“ Hugh laughed and shook his head, “No. You thought this was your fault. I came too, willingly, to the same place. Shouldn’t have I known too“

“But-’’

“Shush. No buts.”

______________________________________

Simon being unhappy about not seeing any lights was simply not going to work. Hugh had seen some… interesting places while out on patrols so he had a place in mind to cheer him up.

“Surprise!” Hugh smiled, doing little jazz hands.

Though it was meant to cheer Simon up, it actually broke his heart for a moment.

“Hugh, you brought me to a… strip club.”

Hugh grinned, they were on a rooftop, the street was a no-no with the prostitutes and druggies that prayed on the men -and women- that passed by. Not that it was shameful, it was just these ones were determined and relentless… Hugh knew from experience.

Simon looked around again, “Multiple.” He scoffed, “This might cheer you up,” he looked at Hugh with a little betrayal, not that it was his business. He didn't own him, they had no claim to each other, Hugh was a partially a grown man with grown men… needs. It was fine.

“But this isn't my idea of fun,” he finished, feeling a little sick.

Hugh’s smile disappeared, “No! I- I’ve never gone inside! Not my idea of fun either.”

“Then why are we here? I don't feel like having my virginity taken today.”

“THE LIGHTS!” Hugh said aggressively, “I thought you’d enjoy some knockoff strip lights.”

Simon turned back to the street. All the different clubs were lit up, it was pretty in some type of way.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, ‘oh’,” Hugh laughed, standing next to him, “I know they're not as pretty as the ones you were envisioning but… they’re lights.”

Simon crashed into Hugh unexpectedly, hugging him, “I love it.”

Hugh hugged him back and that's when Simon knew he couldn’t hide anymore.

“I lied when I said I didn't want love. That it was gross.”

Hugh pulled back, perplexed and a little uncomfortable, “Do you want to go inside? I don’t know if they’d let you in but-”

“Oh my god, Hugh. NO! Neither of us are going into the club.” Simon laughed and Hugh did too, though he was a little strained, “Then what did you mean? Why’d you lie?”

Simon buried his face into his friend's chest, “I meant I’m in love with someone. I just didn't want you to know.”

Hugh frowned to himself, “Why? You're my best friend so unless it was Ace Anarchy or any of the Anarchists, I'm pretty sure I would approve.”

Simon looked up at him, his eyes wide and full of… love.

Hugh of course just thought he was being cute, per usual, “You can tell me, Si.”

Simon just blinked up at Hugh and hugged him tighter.

Hugh stared back, waiting for an answer… if there ever was one.

Simon sighed, going on his toes and kissing him on the cheek.

Oh my god

“I hope my surprise is as good as yours.” Simon said, his smile mischievous.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon: Age- 28

Being a Council member usually required going to bed late and waking up early. Naturally, when they had a break they loved to sleep in.

But they couldn’t.

“Papa! Dad! Come on! WAKE UP!” Adrian yelled the second their room door was opened. Hugh groaned and Simon put the blanket over his head.

There was a little pitter-patter of small feet before they felt the bed dip.

Adrian tried to pull on the blanket to reveal Simon's face but he wasn’t having it, “Papa, come on, it's Christmas!”

“10 more min- hours…” Simon groaned, Adrian had freed him but Simon grabbed him, pulling him down to cuddle. Adrian wiggled free after a few minutes and went to try and fully wake Hugh.

“Daddy, can you wake up?” Adrian asked, poking his face. Simon snorted and grumbled, “Why does he get a calm awakening.”

Adrian just ignored him and kept poking Hugh’s face until he responded, “Ok. Ok, I’m up.”

Hugh sat up, knowing that fighting Adrian was useless. The kid was relentless.

He pulled his son into his lap, “How about we let Papa sleep for just a little bit longer? We wanna have a good Christmas, right?” He false-whispered, loud enough for Simon to hear.

“I totally agree,” He mumbled back, thankful for his husband's gratitude

“But Daddy-'' Adrian started but Hugh cut him off, “If we don't let him sleep he’ll be grouchy, tired, slow, irrit- Hey!” Hugh yelped when Simon hit him with a pillow.

“Go make breakfast.”

“Hey, Adrian, let's make breakfast.”

Adrian giggled as Hugh lifted him up and over his shoulder.

“BYE PAPA!” He yelled as they left the room.

______________________________________

“Is everyone ready to go!” Simon yelled. Despite being the last one up, the other two guys were the last ones ready.

“I CAN'T FIND MY SHOES!” Adrian yelled from his room. Simon sighed and made his way toward his son. He passed the office, catching his husband looking at some papers.

Oh, hell to the no. NOT today. “If you don't exit this office by the time I come back you're gonna regret marrying me.”

Hugh set the papers down with a deep and loving, exaggerated, sigh, “Baby, I could never, ” he smiled, playing the innocent role. Simon just rolled his eyes and walked to his son’s room.

“Ok, darling, where did you put them la- They are literally right here!” Simon pointed to the shoes next to his bed.

“Oops, sorry papa.” Adrian began putting his shoes on and Simon spotted a wrapped square, about the size of a laptop, on Adrian's desk, “Adrian, what's this?”

Adrian glanced at him, then shot up, “Don't open it!” He rushed over, not caring that one of his shoes wasn’t tied yet, “You can look yet. It's not present time.” Adrian grabbed the square, tucking under his arm, and rushed both of them out.

“Come on. We're gonna be late!” Adrian said, ushering his dads to the door. Simon stopped moving, fighting against Adrian's pushes, “Oh I’m sorry. Am I taking too long?”

“YES!”

Simon moved forward unexpectedly, making Adrian jolt forward and crash into his back. Adrian stared at him, opened mouth, but there was a slight lingering smile.

______________________________________

Since Max was in his quarantine, the last two Christmases had been at Renegades headquarters. It felt wrong not being there for his son, though he was only two and probably hadn't grasped the concept of the holiday. The rest of the family completely understood and was onboard with it.

Their lead scientist and doctors have yet to find some type of solution to get Max to control his powers. Until then, Simon was content watching Hugh hold him up to the glass. Simon would hold his son sooner or later, he believed it with all his heart.

They had set up a curtain around them for privacy, since they were in the center of HQ and training mats on the floor, which is where they were sitting. There were a couple of bean-bags and pillows too. Someone, probably Evander, had put up some old Christmas lights. The presents were piled in a corner.

It was dingy but perfect.

“Can you say it again? You said it a few days ago!” Tamaya said, her voice slightly pitched to mimic a baby. Hugh was sitting against the glass bringing Max as close as comfortably possible. He had said Tamayas name, not Maya or Tam, but her whole name a few days ago when she walked past. Max just wiggled, trying to escape Hugh’s arms, his attention on getting a dropped toy a few feet away.

“Oh, give it a rest. He’ll say it when he does.” Evander laughed. Tamaya whipped around and threw a candy at him, which Adrian, who was sitting in his lap, surprisingly caught, “Oh shut it! If he wasn't in there he would have all but teleported to you.”

Evander sighed and sat back more, “It's not my fault I'm just beloved by all.”

This time the candy hit him straight in the face. Adrian grabbed it before Evander could and stuffed it into his mouth.

Simon put his attention on his husband with their child. Hugh had stolen a handful, which was a lot given the massive size of his hands, of gummies and was teasing Max with them. Hugh was holding it a little above his head and Max was trying his best to jump and get it.

It was cruel yet cute.

“Is it present time?” Adrian said when Kasumi whispered something definitely not present related in his ear. Unsurprisingly she was the first to answer, “I think it's about time!” They two passed out presents for a few minutes, Hugh came out of the quarantine to grab his and Max’s.

Everyone was opening presents and Tamaya left and came back with a pack of seasonal canned beer and hot chocolate.

It was seasonal beer. One just couldn't get it any other time, but despite all Simon erges, all it took was one begging and pained look from Hugh had him sipping on a hot chocolate moments later. They both knew too well that once he started he couldn’t stop and he couldn't ruin today. No one else knew yet so Simon could only try to ignore the pack that was within his reach, so goddamn close he could sneak one with no one knowing, until Hugh asked it to be moved far away from ‘Adrian’.

Other than that the day was going really well. Hugh was trying to get a toy out of its case for Max, but was struggling. It was hilarious. He didn't wanna rip it open in fear of breaking it so the team just watched him get red faced at the zip ties that would snap open.

“Can someone please hand me something sharp?!” Hugh laughed with an edge of embarrassment in his voice. Kasumi did her best to put on a straight face, “I think you're doing ju-,” she snorted but swallowed down a full laugh, “I think you're doing just great, Cap,” he squeaked before laughing, the rest of them following suit.

“Hey, Max, we should run away and start a new, better family!” Hugh groaned. Max just continued sitting across from him, waiting for his toy. Evander sighed, “this is getting sad now.” he sighed with a hint of a smile on his face, “here, Hugh,” he smiled, holding out a pocket knife.

Hugh looked at him from his side of the glass, flabbergasted, “you had that the whole time.”

“Yup,” Evander nodded like it was no big deal, “You need it?” Hugh growled, “I actually hate you,” and went through the door.

There was a scare when Max tried to follow his dad, or more his toy out, then turned invisible when all the adults jumped up and yelled something along the lines of “No!” and “Stay there!” they all stayed perfectly still, not trying to scare Max anymore.

There was a heartbreaking sound of sniffles that broke their hearts. Hugh reentered the quarantine, trying to look for his son.

“We're sorry, baby, come out. Come to daddy.” Hugh belts down slowly, extending his arms, waiting.

There were a few agonizing seconds before Hugh had a surprise look on his face and he wrapped his arms around something that couldn’t be seen.

Hugh kissed Max, on the head it seemed, “Are you ok, Darling?”

“Y-you a-ll sc-scary m-m-me.” Max sniffed and Hugh pulled him closer. Simon went up to the glass, “We’re sorry, Honey. So sorry.”

Hugh tickled the boy, causing a little laugh, ”Daddy!” he squealed.

“Can I see you now? I wanna see your laughing face. Not a sad invisible one.” Hugh said, not letting up on the boy.

Adrian ran up to the glass next to Simon, his mysterious gift in hand, “If you go un-invisible, you can see the present.” There was a little moment before they saw Max again. He ran, or more like waddled over to them. He clapped his hands, “Open! Open!”

Adrian sat down on the mat and everyone else followed suit, except Max who was leaning on the glass between them.

“It’s actually for you Daddy and Papa,” he said to Max, handing it over to Simon, “I wanted to save it for last because it's the best.”

“I bet it is,” Simon said, carefully removing the wrapping. He gasped when he saw it. He then held it up for Hugh to see and he smiled down at his son.

“Oh, Adrian, Honey, it's perfect.” Simon was not going to cry. Not right now. No. No tears. No matter how cute this painting was.

It was a framed painting of their family, including Evander, Tamaya, and Kasumi with her cat around a christmas tree. The boy's talent never ceases to amaze him, he seemed to get better with every doodle.

It was really good, like good enough to sell. NOT that anyone would ever, but it was that good. Everyone could tell he put a lot of time and effort into it and that was a gift in itself.

“And look,” Adrian said pointing to the top of the tree, “Mommy’s the angle on top of the tree.”

It was crying time now.

Simon used one arm to pull his son into a hug and the other to wipe his tears, “We are going to hang this up the second we get home.”

Adrian looked up at him, “Can we hang it here? So everyone knows that we are a big family? We can hang it right there, Papa,” he pointed to a spot on the wall of Max’s quarantine that would allow anyone who walked by to see it. “I think that's a great idea, Honey.”

They gave the picture to Hugh who hung it up in a matter of minutes.

Adrian cuddled next to Simon again, “Did I surprise you, Papa?”

“Yes, you did. In the best way.

“Good! I know you love surprises!”

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Hugh and Simon: Age- 37

Adrian sucked on his teeth, not knowing how to start this conversation. Yes, his Dads and Nova made their peace and were civil but allowing someone to work in the same building and spending a holiday dinner together was very different.

But Adrian knew Nova would be alone. Everyone she used to be with was either dead or incarcerated for the time being. It was sad. Nova said that she was fine, that holidays haven’t been a big thing to her since her parents died. That was even sadder.

He convinced Nova to at least have a holiday dinner with him and his family… if his dads allowed. That was actually Nova’s ultimatum. She had to get a nice personal invite. From one of his dads.

So that meant actually asking and not just telling her they said yes and surprising everyone when he told them she was coming.

He was going to ask Simon first, but he was nursing his fourth cup of wine today. Simon had only been up an hour, he had slept in late from the hangover from yesterday. Adrian could tell from his slurred good afternoon that he obviously was not fully recovered but was pumping more into his system. It scared him but he learned not to ask questions. He knew Pops would get better, he had before. At least he hoped he knew that.

So it was up to Hugh.

All on Dad.

Yay.

Adrian shamefully lingered outside the home office waiting to hear his Dad’s voice get off the phone. When that did happen he knocked fast so he wouldn’t chicken out.

“Come in,” Hugh's deep voice called and Adrian eased up a bit. This was his dad. It’s not like Hugh would do anything bad.

Adrian peaked his head in before stepping fully into the room.

Hugh looked up at him, “What’s up kid.”

“Ok two things…” Adrian took in a deep breath, “Can.. um..”

Hugh raised an eyebrow, silently questioning him.

He let the break go, spewing everything out, “CanNovaspendChristmasdinnerwithusbecuaseshehasnowhereelsetogo?”

Hugh blinked at him, “I only heard Nova and Christmas dinner, kid. I'm guessing you asked if she could celebrate it with us?”

Adrian nodded slowly, “Yeah… she's got no one.”

Hugh frowned, guilt taking over his facial features. “Ahh. Then... of course.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Hugh smiled, making Adrian relax.

Adrian smiled, but it vanished with a tainted thought, “It's not a pity thing, right? You actually want her here?” Adrian knew that if Nova sensed she was here out of pity she would leave without another word.

Hugh sighed, “No. I would never. If you two are going to rebuild your relationship… then Simon and I should also get more comfortable with her too.”

Adrian smiled again, “Thanks, Dad.”

“Anytime, kiddo. You said there were two things? What was the second?”

Adrian opened his mouth but stopped himself. He wanted to tell Hugh that Simon had found the wine and beer Hugh had cleared out of their alcohol cabinet and hid in the garage until he could find time to donate it someplace where someone wouldn’t abuse it. But Simon found it and was currently passed out on the couch.

Hugh’s smile waiver and Adrian didn’t want it either. Not right now.

“Um… I forgot.” He said before leaving his Dad to his work.

Adrian could donate the rest of the alcohol himself right now, actually.

______________________________________

Few days later

Hugh had made Simon go to bed directly after dinner. Hugh saw how he swayed in his seat and ate really slowly at dinner. Hugh had gone through this before, it was futile for Simon to even think Hugh wouldn’t notice.

Simon will be sober tomorrow. Hugh would make damn sure of it.

He giggled uncontrollably when Hugh took off his clothes, Simon opened his legs and parted his lips, waiting for him. Usually Hugh wouldn’t hesitate to do whatever Simon wanted in this position. But Simon didn’t know what he wanted right now… not fully and Hugh respected his husband.

Hugh helped Simon into his pajamas and then into bed.

He sighed and went to walk out the room. He made it to the base of their bed before Simon noticed he was leaving, “wait!” Simon's voice cracked, he tried to sit up but gave up quickly, “you're not going to cuddle?”

Hugh sighed, “Not while you're like this. I'll be back when you're asleep.”

Simon looked like he wanted to say something else but just cuddled up with the blankets.

And Hugh left.

______________________________________

Next Morning

“You're not going to drink at all today. You hear me?” Hugh said from his side of the counter. Simon was slightly hungover but it was manageable, “Loud and clear,” he said, putting a finger to his temple.

Simon eyed his coffee with distaste, “Didn’t you get rid of anything that would make me feel good anyway? How can I drink what's not there?” Simon ended with a slight laugh. Hugh sighed even deeper, “I know you have your stashes, wherever they are. Just… don’t”

“I don't have a stash.”

Hugh stared into Simon's eyes. Simon saw the anger and pain filling his husband’s, “I'm not going to get into this right now because I don't wanna ruin the day, but don’t you dare lie to me,” Hugh said in a low tone, aggressively, “Not now, not ever.”

It was almost worse than actual yelling.

Simon looked back down at his coffee, “I’m sorry.”

“I know.”

“I’m trying.”

Hugh said nothing and Simon looked back at him, “I really am.”

Hugh nodded, “I've seen you try harder. Way, way, harder.”

They both sighed and Hugh made his way to the other side of the counter, giving his husband a lingering kiss on the forehead, “I love you… I’m gonna wake the kids now.”

Simon blew on his coffee. He will be good today. He just had too.

______________________________________

Later that day

Nova at the Everhart-Westwood mansion arrived 5 minutes before she actually had to and debated sitting out in the snow. Honey had always told her to be a little late. That it was ‘fashionable’.

But the bus there was faster than she planned for and she forgot that the security thing scanned her.

So here she was.

Nova hadn’t mentally prepared herself for this yet.

Not that it was too hard. Just awkward.

Even more awkward since Nova presented the bottle of wine to she brought as a peace offering. She looked up what the best gift was for adults and wine was number one.

Apparently it wasn't?

Max was the one to meet her at the door and took it instantly. He said hello before running off with it.

Adrian presented himself next and Nova smiled at him, “I think your brother has gone off to get drunk?”

Adrian cocked his head, “What?”

“I- uh, brought some wine for your Dads but he just… dipped?”

Adrian chuckled humorlessly, “oh yeah… I don't wanna lie… so he’s probably dumping it out.”

Nova blinked, “Why?” She said slowly.

“There's a bit of a problem in our house right now. We don't want to… encourage it.”

Nova covered her mouth, “Oh shit? I'm so sorry,” she bit her lip, “Simon?” Adrian nodded, “How'd you know?” She clicked her tongue, “Honey… um… talked about… karma and irony… a while back. I didn't pay much attention but did get enough to hear that he had some sort of problem…”

Adrian helped Nova remove her jacket. She could’ve easily don't it herself but didn't mind the help, “Karma and irony? I get the karma part, looking at it through the eyes of a villain… but irony?” Adrian questioned.

“Yeah, it was ironic because she said that he and the rest of the council would get on her for being drunk during the Age of Anarchy years and a little after the battle. After that we just couldn’t afford it so she was forced to stop. Then the tabloids got news of it and… I heard it was a big thing.”

Adrian sighed, “It was really bad. He had to go away for a few months to this… institute. It worked, though. But Hugh is… he ignored it too long last time and is acting faster and better this time.” Adrian smiled, “He is hell bent on making sure Simon doesn't get the bad again…”

Nova sighed, “Aww,” Adrian gave her a puzzling look, “it's romantic in a sort-of sad way,” she defended.

“I guess it is.”

______________________________________

Dinner was fun. One of the funnest in a while. The awkwardness disappeared with Max’s help. The kid is like a happiness ray. Constantly making things better with just a few words.

The kids were currently playing some video games. Hugh tried it out but he’d never really been good at those things and lost pretty badly.

He went out into the backyard to get some air. It was so cold he could see his breath but it's not like it fazed him.

It fazed Simon though, “Holy- Ah!”

Hugh turned with a smile on his face to the love of his life.

“I was gonna make this a nice moment. You know, but damn. It's cold.” Simon groaned from inside. Hugh laughed, “Winter tends to do that, Love.”

Simon rolled his eyes, “Stay here,” he pointed and Hugh raised his hands in surrender, “staying.”

Simon ran off into the house and Hugh’s eyes followed as long as they could.

He loved it when Simon was like this.

Happy. Funny. Adorably stupid.

Sober.

Roughly five minutes later he heard Simon open the door from behind him. Simon sat directly on Hugh’s lap, who had moved to sit at the lounge table, never mind it was covered with snow. Then placed a cardboard box at their feet. Hugh looked at the box then back at Simon, who just stared back at him, “well, are you going to tell me what's in the box?”

Simon nodded, “I'm about to do something I'll probably regret later when I'm feeling down but… it’s what's best. For me, our family. For us.”

Hugh had a slightly concerned look on his face but stayed silent, letting Simon speak, “Our second guest bedroom. No one ever goes in there. And certainly not in the walk in closet where my, what I stupidly thought was secret, box of booze was.” Simon gestured to the box on the ground and Hugh wanted nothing more than to crush it and it’s contents, but Simon continued, “It was the perfect place to hide while… I didn't want you to see because I know just seeing me drink hurts you more than me being unresponsive. I know why, ‘cuz of you-know-who… so I hide but then I'm alone and I spiral and-” Simon paused , closing his eyes, trying to stop the tears from coming, “I almost ruined us last time. I fought every ounce of help anyone tried to give me because I was convinced that I was ok. Not the best but I didn't see what you guys saw. I was coping very… very badly an- and I'm doing it again.”

Hugh kissed away a few tears that trailed down his husband's face, “I promise you I will not let it get bad again. It's only been a few months. You’re not gonna end up like him. I can-”

“It's not all on you though,” Simon interrupted, “I don't wanna just be sober just for a holiday. Last time I only got better because I chose too. I need to choose the right path too, I can't rely on you every time. That's part of what nearly broke us. I need to do it. I know you'll help, I couldn't do it all without you, but I need to do some by myself.”

Hugh nodded along, “That- I can do that. I’ll let you… do you. With some slight hovering. And you're doing so well today. You could've gone to your hideout but you didn’t. You could have kept it a secret but you didn't. But… Why did you bring the box down?”

“I wanna make fairy lights in a bottle type thing. With fake flowers and leaves They are so pretty and I've always wanted to do my own.”

“I’m not following, Darling…”

Simon got up and opened the box, plucking a bottle from the many in there, “Well, they need to be empty right.”

“Still not following,” Hugh snapped, getting a little mad seeing the dreadful bottle in his husband’s hand.

Simon pulled a corkscrew from the box and walked a few steps away, opening it. He then tipped it and it spilled over the grass, painting the snow red.

He walked back over and set the empty glass in Hugh’s hands, “I know that I'll undoubtedly get more. I'm not gonna get better in a single day… but a day is still a day. Because that day will lead to another day soon. And another and so on. I'm willing to keep taking those days. For Adrian and Max. They shouldn't grow up scared and worried for me like you did to your dad.” Simon picked up another one, using the table to open it, “You shouldn't have to see him when you look at me. You don't deserve that.”

He raised the bottle in a ‘cheers’ motion, “Here's to day by day, my love,” he smiled and tipped it over.

That's how it went for a while. Simon would grab a bottle or two, open it and dump it out. Then walk back, hand it to Hugh, who would set it on the table beside him… and the cycle would repeat.

They didn't say anything more. They were done for the night.

It didn’t matter how much time it took.

All that mattered at the moment was Simon healing.

And he looked beautiful doing it.

The lights that covered the house reflected off him like he was some angle. Far from it but in Hugh’s eyes, it was he was. When Simon would hand him another empty bottle he would smile. He was so proud of himself and Hugh was too.

He deserved to be. Tonight he was doing what some would say near impossible.

For him, Simon was doing the impossible.

So yeah, it took a while, who cares. Simon did it.

When Simon reached down to not find any bottles left he started crying. Not exactly in happy or sad tears. Just tears.

He did it all by himself, but with Hugh right there.

He did it.

Simon took his place on his husband's lap again. He evened out his breathing before looking up at Hugh, who whipped away his tears with his thumb, “Love, soon.. At least I hope I'm going to surprise you by waking up level headed, by my own accord, and giving you a big fat kisses all over your face,” he sniffled, “I’m gonna get better and I'm gonna do that.”

“Simon, my heart… My love, that will be one of the greatest surprises in a long time.”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh.

Well i hope i brought something to the table today.

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mikodrawnnarratives · 1 year ago

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My headcanon for Magpie is that her love language is gifts. (unrelated but Max's is quality time)

Mainly I think she'll find small things that remind her of someone and become valuable gifts.

Often these are small rocks/pebbles but she also likes gems and quartz, other kinds of rocks that are magical to her

#i'm thinking obsidian for Nova or thunderbird #renegades trilogy #maggie white #magpie #renegades magpie #evie artino

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gerryandersontv · 3 years ago

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Missile Menace! - A Gerry Anderson A21 News Story

Missile Menace! – A Gerry Anderson A21 News Story

Alert signals rang out across the control room of Space Tracking Station Galileo. Within moments a pair of operators had trained powerful scanner beams on the unidentified space object that had triggered the alert. A sophisticated auto-analyser rattled out the details on a strip of info-tape. Object classification: Alien missile armed with Neutomic Warhead Projected impact area: Western United…

View On WordPress

#captain scarlet #fireball xl5 #renegade rocket #spectrum #stingray #thunderbirds

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koco-coko · 2 years ago

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Risen / A Renegades fanfic

Chapter 1: A Lonely Grave

previous chapter, next chapter

As the Renegades underwent many, many reforms, such as a decrease in power that the council had, better laws, a reinstatement of the Miranda Rights, and so much more, Riley spun a keyring around her finger. Ever since she got promoted, days have been the same. She used to dream of working so closely with the dead, but it was cruel what they did to her. ‘Her skills would be useful here?’ Ha! She wasn’t even allowed to examine them. For now, she mainly sat at the desk in the small cabin that the Renegades transformed into a quaint office space, waiting days on end for a visitor that she could guide to a grave. Malcom was the one who did all the fun stuff. Tearing them apart, stuffing them, making sure they didn’t look like they were decapitated. Sometimes he let her help, though, by sending her to get an extra pair of clothes or hold the cotton used to stuff the corpses for open-casket funerals. Those were Riley’s favorite part, actually. Learning about all the heroes and villains that passed on. It was just so strange and weird that it piqued her interest just right.

Of course, nobody else saw that. Hell, they thought Malcom and her were the creepy ones, lingering by the door of every funeral with their figures covered in black. Even among the Renegades, they thought she was a weirdo. So what if she was? Did it really deserve being called creepy behind her back?

Lazily, she flipped through the pages of her occult practices. Sometimes, she wished she could go out into the graveyard and summon the spirit of those unjustly killed. Especially Winston. What happened at the arena filled her with so much rage Riley could’ve swarmed the city with an army of the undead. But she didn’t. She would just stay as complacent as she always was.

The door opened. “Hi Malcom,” she mumbled. He was back earlier than usual. He usually came back for the night shift while complaining about how boring patrols were.

“It’s… not Malcom,” a girl’s voice said.

Riley instantly sat up, slamming the leather-bound book closed. She pushed it aside in a rush. “Magpie!” Riley shouted. Then, she covered her mouth. “Maggie. Sorry. It’s Maggie. Maggie, right? Yeah. Maggie,” she repeated the name a few times.

“Uh, yeah. Maggie,” she responded, scuffing her shoes against the old wood floor. She looked nervous, but Riley couldn’t tell about what. She was just happy to have a visitor. (Especially one that wasn’t sobbing their eyes out!) Maggie had a single flower in her hand and shifted anxiously on her feet. She didn’t want to be here at all.

Awkward silence filled the room. Only Riley beating her hands on the receptionist desk interrupted it.

“So, um,” Riley spoke up after a minute or so, “I thought you quit the Renegades. What’ca doin’ here?”

Maggie’s shoulders tensed and she looked away. She tried to shrug it off. “I could ask the same for you. I thought you were in cleanup crew,” She would slowly approach the desk. She had to look up to see Riley sitting on the tall chair. Maggie could hear the clerk’s legs kicking the desk.

“Oh, right! Yeah, I used to be, but I got promoted! Thunderbird came to me and said something about ‘Due to recent events, we need more hands on deck to take care of the graveyard. Would you mind?’ and then I said ‘Absolutely!’ and now I’m here!” she explained. “So, once again, why are you here?”

Maggie ignored most of what she said, much to Riley’s dismay, and simply looked off to the side. Her hands were shoved deep into her pockets. “Yeah, cool, great,” she spoke absentmindedly, “Um, anyways, is it true that Callum Treadwell is buried here?” her brows knit as she said the name, uncomfortably with just mentioning it.

“You mean Wonder Boy?” Riley smiled. With every word, it looked as if Maggie wanted to crawl out of her own skin and escape. Riley was always very happy-go-lucky when it came to mentioning the dead, but even she could feel the girl’s sinking heart. “Uh, yeah, I think we have him. Do you want me to bring you to him?”

—

The Gravekeeper led her down the hill the small, wooden building lived atop. From the top of the hill, it seemed as if the black metal fencing attached to cinder blocks went on for miles over the horizon. It wasn’t a gloomy day, even though that’s what Maggie believed it should’ve been. It should’ve been pouring rain in the dead of night– Her heart told her so. The Gravekeeper didn’t say a word as she twisted a key into the iron gate and pushed opening the creaking doors.

Maggie’s mood seemed to infect Riley, spreading onto her skin and causing her to walk softly on the dirt. Maggie felt her feet sink into the fresh patches of it. How many bodies were really hidden under the grassy path? Stones surrounded them for miles, but none of them were anything special to note. Bouquets and teddy bears littered about most of them, but occasionally there would be a lonely grave with nothing to its name. The pair kept walking. Maggie watched Riley closely, scanning each detail that she couldn’t see before. The collar of her dress, the dress socks and shoes that were already filthy, the belt around her waist with a keyring, book pouch, and lantern dangling off the sides. The most noticeable was the metal, latched bracelet that had a coffin charm attached to it. Even with a fancier outfit, she was still the same Riley– obsessed with the macabre and all its eccentricities.

Her shiny metal bracelet shone in the sun. Maggie couldn’t help that the latch started to jiggle a bit, loosening as she concentrated on it. It’d sell for a good hundred at the pawn shop, at least. Maybe she could trick two hundred out of that sucker. Then Riley stopped. “You said Callum Treadwell, right?” She asked, turning around. She began to fidget with the little bracelet on her wrist. “Um, since the sun is setting, I’m not supposed to leave any visitors in the dark, so, um, I’ll just stand here. If you want me to turn the lamp on, just shout,” The Gravekeeper stepped aside and faced the other way, revealing the full tombstone. Maggie’s eyes widened.

It should’ve been bigger. It was simply a plague in the ground with a flower laying next to it. Where was the statue honoring him? Where were the ceremonies? Where was anything to celebrate him? Did they really just see him as nothing but another dead guy? The floats of villains that he got lumped into were insulting enough, but this? This was disrespectful! This wasn’t right! She had to punch something, steal something, do anything but look at the name carved into a rocky plate.

Callum Treadwell. Alias, Wonder Boy.

A true wonder among us.

Her jaw clenched tightly. How dare they. Nothing about his sacrifice, his life, not even his birthday. Her grip tightened around the petite rose in her hands, snapping the stem.

“Did you know him?” Riley whispered. The setting sky was now a deep shade of purple. How long was she standing there? Why did she feel these strange little wet streaks down her cheeks? “Sorry,” Riley forced a nervous laugh, “Malcom says I shouldn’t talk to visitors about this stuff, but…” She turned to face Maggie. Her eyes were watering as well. “I knew him, too. And I really admire what he tried to do.”

Maggie stared at the Gravekeeper. Someone else knew Callum. Someone else cared. She didn’t know if she felt jealous or thankful. On one hand, she wasn’t alone. On the other, she preferred to be alone. “Yeah. He really was a great guy, huh?” she said, slowly placing down the flower over his name.

Riley wiped her face with her sleeve. She had to try to be professional, even if she really couldn’t. “It’s a shame, really. Tragic they didn’t build some sort of memorial.” Maggie nodded with her. Riley stood by her side, staring down at the name. The dirt was soft beneath them. Twilight was turning into dusk quickly. Riley reached for the lantern on her belt and turned the knob. It was designed like an old-fashioned oil lamp but had the same functionality of an automatic, modern version. “I’m supposed to kick you out now, but I don’t feel like it,” she admitted, holding the light up to her face. Maggie watched pink bloom on her face. It got worse when Riley noticed her staring and they locked eyes. “Malcom won’t be back until nine, so I’m on patrol duty until then. It’d… um, It’d be nice to have some company,” Riley said, fiddling with her bracelet again, “If you want to stay, of course. This place is a bit sad.”

Maggie kept her gaze on Callum’s grave. Magpie always worked alone. Things were better that way. She survived all by herself, and there would never be someone to lean on. She learned that solitude really was the best for her. Even so…

“Sure. I got nothing better to do.”

Besides, maybe Maggie could get some information out of her. That helmet had to be somewhere. Even better, Ace could be buried here, too.

#the renegades trilogy #the renagades #evie artino #maggie white #nova artino #adrian everhart #callum #winston pratt #ocs #fanfic #writing #ao3 fanfic

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