#they're all going to die from heart attacks at 20

[kayberrie]

SW Headcannons

The first time Rex has real, good coffee, he starts crying (happy tears). All the coffee on the ship slowly starts disappearing, and the next day Ahsoka finds him in a storage closet, surrounded by a mountain of coffee rations. She promises not to tell, as long as he shares. They make a pinky-promise on it (because that is totally something the clones would do, no I am not taking questions).

The first close call, though, came when Cody was making a routine inspection on the ship. He passed right by, but with his mom-friend powers he 'sensed' something wrong with one of the storage spaces. Rex has to subtly comm Ahsoka, who's busy with Jedi stuff. He must use the last resort. Fives answers immediately, and doesn't question why his captain wants him to blow something up. It works, and Cody bolts out to find out where the fire came from.

Unfortunately, though, Fives gets curious, and the secret eventually spreads to the entire 501st. Most of them find it amusing, but don't particularly care. But there's a few, like Jesse and Hardcase, who take it to heart. Other battalions begin to notice their coffee rations are disappearing. Nobody ever catches the 501st, because although they're often a hot mess, those boys are terrifying when united for a cause.

Soon, the 501st has turned into an unstoppable menace due to the unhealthy amount of caffeine they're drinking.

The one brother who can never know, though, is Kix. The vod even have to avoid drinking too much before their check-ins, as he might get suspicious about the crazy amounts of caffeine in their bodies. Despite their terrible lying skills, he never finds out. He might even steal from the stash on particularly late shifts (they'll never ask, because Kix is scary. Don't mess with the medic).

They're so overcaffinated that nobody questions it when Fives and Ahsoka disappear for a few days, and Palpatine mysteriously dies. Everybody lives happily ever after, and Senator Amidala makes sure that the clones all get extra coffee rations (Ahsoka too, because she couldn't escape her crazy brother's antics).

[the-cat-and-the-birdie]

Hey, you.

If you're American, and you've been having a hard week egg for.. reasons -

I have something to say to the Americans.

Just remember.

They aren't immortal.

Nobility has lied for centuries. They told us they were placed on the throne by God - the rule of the king being the will of the Creator.

The French proved them wrong.

You are young. They are human. They will one day die.

And on the day they die - regardless of if hell is real or not - there will be a movement when they are laying on that death bed. They will feel their live slipping from their grasp.

And they will feel the fear.

The possiblity of eternal consequence.

They will fear what waiting for them on the other side. The one journey they cannot buy their way out of. The moment the bell tolls for thee.

And honestly, the thought brings me peace.

Trumo and Elon AREN'T demons - though it's so easy to think of them as so.

They are evil humans. And all humans die. Trump? He's 80. He's over three times my age. He's older than my grandmother. He eats McDonald's and Diet Coke like no one's business. Knock on wood I'm betting he's got ten years TOPS.

('I'll be the last president' - my ass. If you take a bad fall it's game over dude. You won't release your health records cause you're most likely due for a heart attack soon mfer. Your minions don't like your candy ass Junior enough to have him as a successor and Baron doesn't fucking care so realistically speaking whats your game plan here? 🤨 Elon's kids have too many daddy issues to take your place. You can't even use a sword. Napoleon would slay you where you fucking stand you pansy)

So if you've been struggling this week, I just wanted to remind you.

Black people won our civil rights without the support from the media, without online social networks, without the support from 90% of white people.

70 years ago, around when my grandma was born - I could not sit next a white person in school. If a white man was walking towards me on the street, I'd have to step into the gutter and let him pass. At risk of being actually killed by the whole town if not.

Nowadays in my city I could tell a white guy my age 'Fuck you!!' to your face. Middle finger and all. And they're not gonna put me in jail for it. No stranger is gonna jump in. The whole town isn't gonna care. If anything, people will just record.

That all happened in ONE generation.

So no matter what Trump does.

Remember. He's not immortal. He will die like we all do.

You're young. You'll have the rest of your life to reverse everything he's done.

That's the thing about personality cults. Once the personality is removed, the whole thing falls apart. And the personality in question is once again - an 80 year old who eats Big Macs and wears suits two sizes too large. A man who would probably get genuinely upset if you asked him to recite his 8 times tables.

If Trump dies in the next 10-20 years, before he turns 100, I'll be 35-45. a.k.a - my generation will be entering the older majority. Our generation will be the eldest and the most influencial. What then?

The Trumpettes won't have their leader for their personality cult so they'll have no one - not even their republican parents - to tell them who to think.

We'll be older, wiser. We'll teach our kids the signs. We'll tell them stories what to do, and invest pubic funds to conserve the history of our fight - to never be erased.

If you're scared this week, I understand.

But remember. We've fought harder with less - and we still won.

So keep your head up. Doom is the tool of the enemy. You keep going, you keep living, and you survive to tear down their legacy while the bastard spins in his grave.

Keep going. Keep your angry hearts and clenched fists. Hold on tight to your love and rage. And keep going.

That's what Hobie would want. That's what a Hobie is there to teach us.

Hope this helped someone, anyone, even if it was a little bit. If this helps you get through the day, or the next hour, with the smallest bit of hope - that's all I want.

Thanks for reading this far! Here's Hobie :)

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

And bonus:

Ayo I just gotta add this in here -

Word to god, and when I say this I say this with my whole chest -

I'd be DAMNED before I ever say I'm scared of Donald Trump.

First of all, I'm black and poor. There's been a white man wanting me dead since the moment I left my Mama's hoohaa and guess what, I'm still here. That mfer ain't special. Call me when the klansmen come not when done mfers with tiki torches cosplay call of duty.

Cause none of them coming to the hood..tf.. Try that shit in neighborhood with Bloods and Crips.. Y'all not the only ones with automatics and lots of money. It's just the black people with money and automatics keep shit quiet. If these racist mfers had ppl breaking in they house the way Kendrick had mfers breaking in Drake's with choppers they'd be terrified as fuuuckkk

And secondly there's 4chan fellas out there that probably legit jack off to the idea of a black queer trans person crying in fear. And those mfers can kiss my black ass and kick rocks cause I wake up every day smiling. So -

Anyway I'm done lol

I just had to get this out of my system lol. OKAY BYE FOR REAL

[hyperthusiast]

To celebrate the completion of my longest fic yet (115,106 words - how the fuck did that happen???), I thought I'd share all my current Hazbin Hotel fic plans! (Yeah, this is partially so I have a written list, cause I keep adding more.)

Red with Envy

Obviously, this is still my AppleMedia WIP, and I have no idea how long it's going to end up being. I have a rough idea of the next 5-6 chapters, but I'll be honest, I don't know where it's going after that. (And no, that is NOT a good ending point; there is a very big issue that will need to be solved, I just currently have no idea how that will be done.)

Cherri Bang Fic

I'm writing a fic for @cherribangevent but I can't share much about it. All I can say is that it will be StaticApple.

A Killer Internship (working title)

This will be another long RadioStatic fic, that will start when they're alive and go into post-Season 1. In life, Vox (then Victor) interns at a radio station under Alastor, but his eyes are set on the prize money for catching the local serial killer. The two men become close, and Victor struggles with some of the things he's feeling for his boss (it's the 20s, so yeah, we're getting internalized homophobia from Mr. Gotta-Be-the-Perfect-Son - daddy issues thrown in for free!), but eventually the shoe drops, and Alastor realizes that Victor's gotten too close to learning the truth and their goals are not compatible. Years later, the old friends reunite in Hell, and Vox is determined that things will be different this time when he approaches his old mentor for an internship under a new name. It's a fresh start, and it has to go better than how things went on Earth - right?

Virgin Sacrifice

This is a StaticApple fic that also takes place when Vox was alive, and it's not as smutty as the title makes it sound. Vox is the leader of a devil-worshipping cult, and he's decided to attempt a summoning. It may be risky, but he has several virgin followers that he's convinced to offer themselves as a sacrifice. Except when Lucifer appears before them, he's not interested in any of them. He's only interested in Vox, and he's... not what Vox expected. And now there's a risk that Vox hadn't anticipated - that he might actually be falling for the devil. Side note: This fic has the potential for a sequel, depending on demand, which would take place with Vox and Lucifer meeting again after Season 1. But there would be a strong possibility for that going in an AppleMedia direction cause Alastor is demanding, and he'd have to be involved.

Cruel Mercy

This is another long AppleMedia fic, and is the one I have the least planned for currently. Vox miscalculated when he attacked the Hazbin Hotel. He'd thought he'd be able to destroy Alastor and his little pet project once and for all, but instead he's ended up at the wrong end of an angelic spear. Except, Little Miss Bleeding Heart wants to offer him a chance, all he has to do is join the Hazbin Hotel. It's the last thing that Vox wants - or perhaps the second to last thing because he also doesn't want to die. So, he agrees. Vox joins the Hazbin Hotel under the constant supervision of both Alastor and Lucifer, and if this is what mercy feels like, it's suspiciously similar to torture.

And that's all I have right now! (Hopefully all I'll have for a while, cause it'll take me forever to get through all of these.) Right now, I'm just focusing on Red with Envy and my Cherri Bang fic, but I'm so excited for all of these.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Alberta's COVID-19 death toll more than 4 times higher than flu over past year - Published Sept 9, 2024

By: Jennifer Lee

A year's worth of respiratory virus data for Alberta reveals, once again, COVID-19 is far deadlier than the flu.

The death toll due to the two illnesses, combined, topped 900 over the past year.

More than four times as many Albertans died due to COVID compared to influenza.

Alberta's respiratory dashboard shows flu was responsible for 177 deaths while 732 people died of COVID-19 (between Aug. 27, 2023, and Aug. 24, 2024).

"This is continual evidence that COVID is not just another flu," said Craig Jenne, professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Calgary, noting influenza is not a benign virus.

"This is the most we've ever lost to flu, and COVID has still put up many more deaths than flu. So these remain significant viral diseases in Alberta. They remain a significant risk to some Albertans. And unfortunately, and tragically, they continue to take lives at a really unacceptable rate."

While they're high compared to influenza, Alberta's COVID deaths are trending down from a peak of 2,409 during 2021-22.

As a critical care specialist in Edmonton, Dr. Shelley Duggan sees the toll the disease continues to take on Albertans.

"We're seeing people who have COVID and all of the sudden are coming into hospital with blood clots, heart attacks, strokes. So we still are very much living in a COVID world," said Duggan.

There were 3,348 flu hospitalizations, and 6,070 people were admitted with COVID in the past year.

The province counts hospitalizations where the illnesses are either a primary or contributing factor.

Duggan points out COVID-19 is not seasonal but it ebbs and flows through the year.

Unlike early during the pandemic, she doesn't admit many patients to the ICU for severe COVID-related pneumonia. Instead, she treats people for whom the disease has exacerbated other health problems.

"We also have that at-risk population [including] people on chemotherapy, people post-transplant — people really who are immuno-suppressed and are at risk — or the frail elderly who we see," said Duggan, the president-elect of the Alberta Medical Association.

Alberta Health data shows 632 of the people who died of COVID were ages 70 and up, 81 were between 50 and 69 and 15 were in the 20 to 49 age range.

Four children under the age of 10 died of COVID in the past year.

The provincial government's dashboard states influenza and COVID deaths are counted when the illnesses are the cause of death or a contributing factor.

"We still have a significant proportion of people who will die either directly from COVID or having COVID that is going to set in motion other things. So we still have to be cognizant of it."

Both Jenne and Duggan say reversing the slumping vaccination rates will be essential for the next respiratory virus season.

Just under a quarter of Albertans received their flu shot during the 2023-24 season, while 16.9 per cent were immunized against COVID.

"It's going to be very vital that people get vaccinated this year to protect themselves, of course, but to also protect the vulnerable and to protect the hospital system, because we are already overflowing," said Duggan.

Alberta stopped offering XBB COVID-19 vaccines as of Aug. 31, following a Health Canada directive, an Alberta Health spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Vaccines targeting more recent strains have yet to be approved by Health Canada.

A federal government notice to health professionals states that updated COVID-19 vaccines (designed to target the JN.1 or KP.2 strains) are expected to be authorized in time for fall immunization campaigns.

The province said more information on its upcoming immunization program will be made available in the coming weeks.

[panthera-tigris-venenata]

18) Who talks to the other while they are sleeping?

19) Who drives and who has the window seat?

20) Who falls asleep in the others lap and who carries them to bed?

21) Who cuts the others hair?

28) Who writes poems/stories and love songs about the other? Do they sing the songs the write for them?

8) Who likes to wear the others sweatshirts?

for either mutually destructive threesome or Ivy/Claudine!

I think I'm gonna do both. I'm bored ✨

First, mutually destructive threesome:

Who talks to the other when they sleep?

...All of them. They're Isle kids, it's easier to do feelings when the other can't hear it, yeah?

Not that. Not that they do feelings. At all.

Also, they're drama queens.

Who drives and who has the window seat?

Harriet drives most often. She should NOT be driving.

For one, her drivers license consists of a post it note with „I can do what I want to“ with Ben's signature and „Please, let her."

She should not be driving anyway but she likes the control. Being in a car someone else drives is Not Good.

Anthony drives sometimes. He's safer driver than Harriet. He likes to do the hand on gear shift - hand on knee thing.

Ginny is passenger princess.

Unless she wants to drive somewhere with Maddy - well. Harriet saw that once and proceeded to give them a lift from there on.

Who falls asleep in others lap and who carries them to bed?

They take turns collapsing ✨

Isle kids who refuse to take care of themselves and also are mostly just feral cats.

Who cuts others hair?

Anthony.

No question about this one. I mean, look at him.

Sometimes, the girls give themselves or eachother a "haircut" with a knife, which just means Anthony has to fix it.

Who writes poems//songs?

They do NO such thing, thank you for asking.

Harriet. She's a pretentious bitch like that. But you'd die very painfully long before getting to the diary in her drawer.

Who likes to wear the others sweatshirts?

None of them wear sweatshirts!

Ew-

(Ginny.)

Okay, moving on: Ivy and Claudine:

Who talks to the other when they're sleeping?

I'd say Claudine. Again, it's easier to deal with feelings when the other can't hear.

I don't think Ivy wants to extend effort for something that Claudine won't remember anyway though.

Who drives and who has the window seat?

Ivy drives. She also does the hand thing like Anthony.

And she also shouldn't be driving. You see, she just doesn't believe in driving laws. They're boring and slowing her down. Plus any car the de Vil cousins drive is tuned to hell and back. Plus there's enough funky shit going on with her brain that she shouldn't be granted a license. Don't worry tho Auradon didn't do mental assesments for that until WAY after Isle kids started driving.

Needless to say, it takes near act of god do get Claudine to a car every time.

Who falls asleep on others lap?

Ivy and Claudine just has to deal with it.

Who cuts others hair?

Given that Claudine still refuses to enter the Tremaine salon, Ivy.

She also gives a haircut to herself whe she is at it and yes it is for the sole purpose of giving the Tremaines a heart attack the next time she shows up.

Who writes poems/song?

Well maybe Claudine, repressed feelings and all, but it ends up in a fire real fast.

Probably good thing, too, Ivy would be insufferable if she found it.

Who likes to wear the others sweatshirts?

Again, they do NOT wear sweatshirts, what is WRONG with you?!

(Ivy refuses to touch these with a ten feet pole and while she has a bunch of coats liberated or given from Auntie's closet, she might be a tiny bit too jealous of these. Also, Claudine mostly refuses to wear them anyway.)

Frankly I don't think Claudine knows what a sweatshirt is.

[wanderingmind867]

Paul Kupperberg did, what, 17 issues of the Doom Patrol before killing off most of his own characters? I raise him one better. I can at least plot out 20 issues, and I can have none of the Doom Patrol members die. So while i'm at school waiting for class to start, i'm gonna start planning this out:

Issues #1-2: I'd have this be a two parter, and I'd have it keep the same general concept as Paul Kupperberg's Doom Patrol storyline. In issue one, we watch as Arani goes to the remains of the caribbean island where the original Doom Patrol died, and she discovers proof that the original members of the Doom Patrol might still be alive. Larry's bandages, Rita's headband and Niles' Wheelchair were all floating in the waters. This makes her deeply suspicious, so she decides to investigate the bottom of the island for a closer look. Then she falls into a trap, and part one ends with her having to call the other members of the Doom Patrol for help.

Cliff, Josh and Valentina receive her signal, and they rush to the caribbean to rescue Arani. It turns out she fell into a trap laid by Niles. Back when Niles first set up his secondary headquarters on this island, he built a series of deathtraps to protect himself and his allies from enemies. Turns out the traps still work, and they're now being used against the Doom Patrol (the group they were initially designed to protect). So the Doom Patrol have to break free of The Chief's old traps.

But once they have, they see the floating debris Arani found floating in the water earlier. And that's when they all realize: the original members of the Doom Patrol might still be alive, somewhere. But where? And how to find them? Those are the questions at hand…

Issues #3-4: Following up on the only lead they still have, the Doom Patrol realizes that they have to find Madame Rouge and General Zahl; to interrogate them on the events of many years past. But in order to find them, they're gonna need some help. Which means the re-entrance of Mento (Steve Dayton), who's absolutely ecstatic that his wife might still be alive somewhere. After she died, he lost all the humility she helped him to gain. Now he's a washed up, deeply bitter man. And only the news of her possible survival is enough to pull him out of his slump.

Anyways, he uses his wealth and connections to help the New Doom Patrol locate Madame Rouge and General Zahl. From there, it's all a simple matter of infiltrating their new hideout and getting them to tell them everything they know. But of course, nothing ever goes according to plan. They manage to find and fight their way to Madame Rouge and the General, and they do manage to learn that they barely recall the events of that night. It's all a blur to them, almost as though someone was dictating their actions…

But before either of them can say any more on the subject, General Zahl drops dead from a heart attack, and Madame Rouge turns into mist and fades away in front of their very eyes. Nobody knows what's going on, but they realize they have to flee before anyone gets suspicious of them and thinks they killed these people. So they flee in a helicopter and begin heading back to the US.

In case anyone was wondering what did happen to Zahl and Rouge, by the way: it's Mister Nobody. He used these two as pawns to strike back at the Doom Patrol years ago, and he can't have them leaking his secrets. So he used his powers to kill Zahl and abduct Rouge. And now he realizes the Doom Patrol is slowly figuring out the truth, too. They're so close to finding his trail. So now he has to deal with them…

Issue #5: Mister Nobody needs to get rid of the Doom Patrol fast, and he's found a very weak willed pawn, capable of doing exactly what he needs. Specifically, he manages to use his sanity draining powers to short circuit Mento's helmet, and make him think the New Doom Patrol are the ones who actually killed Rita, Larry and The Chief. Now that the insane but powerful delusion has been placed into his brain, Mento turns on them and starts using his strength and his telekinetic helmet to try and force the others out of the helicopter.

A struggle ensues, a violent struggle on the very thin battleground that is the helicopter. And as can be expected from a battle in the skies over the atlantic ocean, it goes very poorly for our heroes. Mento successfully manages to push them off the helicopter, and then he flies back to his estate on the mainland, all alone. In the meantime, Cliff, Valentina, Josh and Arani all fall into the ocean; hitting the water hard enough to knock all of them unconscious (besides cliff, who was powered down by mento's helmet). And then they drift out to sea, all in different directions…

[b3anieperson]

THE LETTER - An Epilouge To Fourth Wing - Part 1 - Part 2 -

Xaden's letter is marked with the same seal I've seen the last three years, a blue wax seal with a rising dragon. I snap open the seal, the wax breaking quietly.

Dear Sloane,

I'm so, so sorry.

My gaze shifts at the letter, sorry for what? As I pay attention to the paper, trying not to read ahead, the corner of one letter is torn, and slight dark spots appear on the paper, like tear stains.

Liam stands with Malek now.

My heart shatters, as I read.

We were attacked by Gryphons, while we were going to save a nearby village. Deigh died, and we didn't have long to say goodbye to Liam before we had to fight.

I am so sorry, I tried, he died in mine and Violet's arms- and so did Soleil.

I'm used to reading through the lines at this point, its how most words to me look. 'Gryphons" always the same, and yet, never Gryphons, Venin.

I barely remember Soleil, her mother was a lieutenant under my mother, and I maybe met her once- but Liam? He was my brother. I'm alone now, no family, no mom, no dad, no Liam. I continue reading, letting the tears spill onto the page as I try not to cry out in pain.

I wish I could be there, I'm leaving in a few days, as soon as we get back to Basgiath, we're currently waiting for Violet to wake up, we're in-

The next word is scribbled out, but I know what he means, they're in Aretia. Letting the one who lived- Violet Sorrengail- heal, while Liam is in a burn pit with his dragon and Soleil.

I don't bother reading the rest, I throw the letter across my bed and reach for Garrick's. This one is sealed with brown wax- I rip it open, and worry my lip as more tears fall.

Sloane,

I wish I could bring you good news.

Please don't be stupid- do something stupid more importantly.

I'll give you what the report says, but I'm sure you've already read Xaden's letter, or Eya's.

Included in his letter is his own personal report, since there were no scribes to write it down.

Name: Garrick Tavis

Rank: Third Year Flame Section Leader, Fourth Wing

Location: Athbyne

Beyond Wards Y/N: Yes.

Commanding Officer: Xaden Riorson

Riders Available: Masen Sandborne, Eya Wrenwrought, Garrick Tavis, Liam Mairi, Soleil Telery, Violet Sorrengail, Ciaran Jun, Bodhi Durran, Imogen Cardulo

Incident Report: June 24, 633 AU

War Games 633 of Basgiath War College, Gaurd and Riot of Wing Leader Xaden Riorson was set down at a lake 20 minutes out from Athbyne.

10 minutes in on break a scream was heard from the west side of the lake, in the woods.

A drift of Six Gryphons attacked and killed Deighabron-- a Red Daggertail belonging to Liam Mairi, saving Violet Sorrengail from impailment.

Soleil and Fuilinstrogh were killed in action by suprise attack.

In action Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson took out two Gryphons as well as rider. Violet was then impailed by poisoned dagger (awaiting condition updates), and incapacitated.

Eya Wrenwrought, Imogen Cardulo and Bodhi Durran fought the remaining Gryphons.

-INCIDENT END-

Injuries sustained:

Bodhi Durran: Broken Arm

Garrick Tavis: Six Inch Cut from Temple to Jaw

Eya Wrenwrought: Twisted Ankle

Violet Sorrengail: Stab Wound (poison)

Imogen Cardulo: Several Fleshed and Treated Knife wounds, (unpoisoned)

Liam Mairi: Deceased

Soleil Telery: Deceased

I don't bother to read the rest of the report. I throw it aside and ravage through Imogen and Eya's letters. All I can focus on is that he died for Violet, saved her, and she still got stabbed and might even die. He died for fucking nothing.

My heart pounds in my chest as I rip at a rouge peice of paper. Tears fall down my cheeks, and make my face sticky with grief.

When Helena walks in, towel wrapped around her head, I'm hugging myself, looking at my sheets instead of the letters. Her face drops as she sits next to me, an arm wrapped lightly around my shoulder as she consoles quietly.

When I think I've cried out every tear that ever existed in my body. Helena asks me quietly what's wrong.

"H-he's gone." I whimper out, my voice breaking.

"Fuck," I hear from another voice, I glance up. Fynn stands there, against my bedpost, and his hair is slicked back with sweat.

"Liam?" Helena asks quietly and Fynn and I nod simultaneously. A gasp escapes her mouth, and she tries not to shudder.

When Emek sticks his head in through door, Fynn shakes his head and waves him out.

"I'm sorry Sloane." Fynn whispers, but I begin to shut everything out. I haven't done this since- since I watched my mother be incinerated- six years ago.

My heart sits in the bottom of my stomach, and I find myself shrugging away from Helena's touch.

When others walk in, they sit adjacent to the bed, or like Fynn; against the bedpost. They ask hushed questions, "What happened?", "Why is Sloane-", "Is she going-". I shut my eyes closed, and just scream.

The room quiets. Nobody speaks. No one moves, then quietly, a hand clasps my shoulder. "Out." He whispers.

I don't bother looking up at Emek, I know it's him. Everyone leaves, and I slowly collapse in on myself, crying again. He shushes quietly, sitting down on the bed, running his fingers through my hair.

His hand passes in front of my vision, and he picks up a letter. He let's out a breath, and sets it down, no doubt reading what Eya had wrote.

Dear Sloane,

We lost Liam two days ago.

We were in a battle at Resson.

I'm not going to sugarcoat this, you know that's not my thing, and I guarantee you've read Xaden's letter.

You know what took him out. We tried, I couldn't get there in time. I will see you at Parapet. I'll be on the other side, you know I will be.

Just remember: You are strong, and you will get through this, you have gotten through worse, and you are amazing.

I love you kid.

-Eya Wrenwrought, Second Wing, Claw Section, Second Squad.

Emek takes my hand, "I know." I shake my head, a few tears falling.

"Y-you don't." I whisper, even though I know his older sister fell at Gauntlet two years ago. "Emma fell at Gauntlet. Liam was eviscerated with his fucking dragon. Emma died before her threshing. Liam did not."

Emek sighs. "Mom died by Venin, if you remember." He says, not trying to guilt-trip me, but informing. Pain flares in the back of my mind, a headache swirling. I fall back on Emek, and he catches me.

"I- I'm sorry." I let out.

"Don't be, we all know the sacrifices that are made."

And I know, from all experiences, it never gets better.

"I'm sorry Sloane."

[shadoedseptmbr]

20 Questions for fic writers

tagged by @wrathoscribbles Thank you!!! <3

hmm, i am where these things go to die but feel free to tag me if you get the urge to run with it!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

115 uh, doesn't seem like that much, really

2. What’s your total A03 word count?

832,340

3. What fandoms do you write for?

well, let's see- Mass Effect, Dragon Age, MCU (caveat, all my Marvel knowledge goes into anything I write. My Hawkeye is an amalgam of the Clint i grew up with, the Clint from Fraction's run of Hawkeye, and what we were given in the MCU with all the...uh, blatantly weird dad vibes thrown out the window. I really like Laura and the kids but i have no idea what to do with Dad!Clint. He is the least Dad-shaped Avenger and i'm including like, Speedball). I haven't written Buffy or the fandom that shall not be named in literally over a decade but i do have a couple stories for each on my AO3.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

In Cupid's Little Bag of Trix

Fandoms: Thor, The Avengers (2012), MCU by way of every Marvel 'verse M Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis background Natasha/Steve Summary Darcy might have a little crush. And possibly a kink. Look, it's been a long couple of years.

Shelter

Fandoms: Dragon Age 2 E OCf!Hawke/Sebastian Summary In whom do we seek shelter? Sebastian and Hawke, figuring things out over the course of a story. mind the tags, this one goes dark and sideways but ends happy. Written before extreme tagging was a thing.

apodyopis (SO *thirsty* lol)

Fandoms: Thor The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types M Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis voyeurism but not like...no one is actually having sex Clint's just like that

Summary

Clint likes to watch his girl work. Kind of a sequel to Cupid's Little Bag of Trix but can be read alone

Steal Away Home

Fandoms: Dragon Age 2 Explicit Graphic Depictions Of Violence F/M, Multi Work in Progress Sebastian Vael/Hawke (F) Aeryn is a menace Aeryn is also an assassin Child endangerment Panic attacks fantasy PTSD childhood neglect everyone here has issues

Summary Post-game adventure including the reclaiming of Starkhaven. Sequel to Shelter. This one needs tags updated, too. Several panic attacks, several people with control issues, lots of childhood neglect and out right abuse and endangerment. We used to just assume everyone knew that was par for the course with DA but honestly.

anchor the night

Fandoms: Mass Effect Teen And Up Audiences Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings F/M Summary After the date at Apollo’s. After the bit that would fade to black, too. Mind the tags.

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

oh absolutely, fandom is built on the life blood of comments and i've made some of my dearest friends fangirling over each other's fic. Plus, i've never been particularly overwhelmed by comments so it's never been a particular hardship.

6. What’s the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

dolore broke my own heart with that one

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

In Cupid's Little Bag of Trix, probably. Clint and Darcy are a barrel of monkeys and they're both so fucking full of zest.

8. Do you get hate on your fic?

Not that I've ever noticed. I'm fortunate enough to just get readers who want to be chill. i had someone once scold me for being mean to Alec Ryder, lol.

9. Do you write smut?

so much smut- less in Mass Effect, which is mildly hilarious given Aedan's penchants, lol.

10. Do you write crossovers?

Not unless you count the various branchings of Marvel. I don't really get the appeal.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not as far as I know.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

again, not as far as I know

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

I have! I had the high honor of writing Shep/Shep with my buddy @nightmarestudio606 with The End is Where We Begin

14. What‘s your all-time favourite ship?

I sail an armada, lol. I multiship and my favorite varies with what day it is. Right now, Codywan is winning, heh. My favorite to *write* though... Shenko is right up there but Clint/Darcy was so much fun.

15. What’s the WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

none of my WIPs are abandoned. I don't know if I'll ever finish Steal Away Home the way i want to, though.

16. What’s your writing strengths?

Dialogue and characterization, I think. Structurally, I have an excellent grasp of nuance when it comes to word choice in a way that lets me say a lot with not much.

17. What’s your writing weaknesses?

I'm not particularly focused and it can take a long time for me to finish work. And I tend to write without outline and that can lead to a wandering, meander of a fic.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

Do it all the time, do my best to make it accurate. I use a smattering of Scots Gaelic for my version of Starkhaven and my source is mostly old books because i like the archaic texture of it. Several of my characters have american south accents and i elide words and use slang and drop g's. '"I am going to the store, mother," she said in her Texas twang' does not read like "Goin' t'the store, ma." and you can't make me believe you don't lose vast amounts of characterization by trying to force it to work. And overly correct dialogue is one of the first reasons i'll drop out of reading fic.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

First written? The Black Stallion (book not movie) First published online? Trixie Belden

20. Favourite fic you’ve ever written?

hard to pick from my favorite children, lol

Cupid's Little Bag of Trix is a (now fairly heavily edited) mess of stream of consciousness that grew a plot from when i was writing quick switch omniscient pov and just expected my readers to figure it out. But i love it. And it remains the biggest boost to my writing ego as ten years after posting, i still get kudos Verge (post Omega DLC) is when i really figured out who Aedan and Kaidan are, together and it manages to wreck me all over again, every time i re-read it.

[razberrypuck]

JRWI EP 100 LIVEBLOG UNDER THE CUT FOR EXTRA SPOILER PROTECTION

"the journey begins, for the 100th time" "you bet your tiddies it does" JWJFJEJTJH

ohh they're having a good time something's gonna go horribly wrong

earl bbeg real

wetma gills

"words hard. me tired. me drunk." jay I love you jsjfjejf

enza gonna help jay make a new body for alphonze 👀

drey disconnected w/the group?

"the longer you're down there, the more it twists you" ohh that's not good. instantly worried about arlin.

"if arlin's still down there, it's because it couldn't." "that man had a big ol' heart, even that giant body couldn't fit it." DREYYYYYY

"Sometimes I think I should dive in there alone. But I know I'm not strong enough without them" CHIP. CHIP YOURE GONNA KILL ME.

chip and drey are gonna KILL me augh

"we're gonna go down there, and we're gonna bust him out. whatever happens happens. we'll survive. we always do." RRGHHDHHDG

AW GILLION JSHFJJEJGJFJF

"sometimes its good to be bad jay give me the word" LMAOOOOO

GILLION SOUNDS LIKE HES GONNA START CRYING BRO JSHFJDJ

QUEEN KSHFJDJDUW

WOOO DOWNTIME❗️❗️❗️

HES MAILING CASPIAN'S PRESENTS!!!!!!!!

"happy birdday! you can nae nae, but now you can... ;)" JSJFJDJG GILL

" 'Well, for you...' he gets lost in your eyes for a second" JWJFJSJGJEJJTJ

NAT 20 ON RIZZING RIZZ RIZZ

"EVERYONE now has cannons and healing potions except for ME!!!!!!!!" gill in his spoiled brat arc

NEW TITLE GILLION TIDESTRIDER RIZZ REVEREND

"We are so, so unbelievably wanted" "they WANT us"

TWO CANNONS AND ONE BALLISTA HELL YES????

ohh I love enza

forgot abt cliff hangar

IS HE RIZZING UP CLIFF???????

"To know the books, you need to have read the books, where the FUCK are the books, Jay???????"

GILL TRYING TO RIZZ UP CLIFF NOW

HES PLAYING ALONG??? JAY TRIED TO GIVE HIM THE GOLD AND HE STOPPED HER??????????

"A world that's turned it's back / it's seas be turned to black / the black sea is all that's left / history be put to rest / the survivors will rewrite it / fight on, fight on until united / hope our wrongs be righted / flee the black sea at last / free from it at last

why are gill and chip so down to flirt with people today jsjfjsjd

CAPTAIN FIVE O' CLOCK SHADOW JSIFJDJJF

CAPTAIN HENDRIX. TIEFLING. REGAL BUT RELAXED. IF THIS MFER ISNT NIKLAUS HES GOTTA BE RELATED TO HIM RIGHT

FINN TIDESTRIDER FINN TIDESTRIDER FINN TIDESTRIDER

the island of frozen roses ooh

ohhhh he just wrote about their journeys. ik its like obvious but that means so much to be actually.

OHHHHHHH OLLIES ROOM OH MY GODDDDDDD

OH FUCK OFF HES GIVING HIM ARLIN'S COIN OH MY GOD OH MY GOD

BIZLY YOURE GOING TO KILL ME IM GOING TO DIE BIZLY THIS IS SO NICE

"even when you are old and decrepit, you will always be our small boy, who we keep on the ship, and in our hearts" thank you gill

chip don't grill her about this now godddd.

CAPTAIN SHADOWBEARD IS OLLIES DAD

bellamy. oh bellamy. im so sorry.

captain shadowbeard was the last pirate lord that went missing ohhh my god. it was a year ago. and when ollie went missing months later. oh my god this poor woman.

"You guys are gonna get attacked tonight" grizz ik you're joking but I don't fucking trust you at all

ALPHOZE ALPHONZE ALPHONZE

DANGER INCOMING???

THEY JUST LEFT THE ISLAND

KIRA I LOVE YOU BUT NO

JAY YOURE GONNA BOARD THEIR SHIP????

THERE HE IS. FUCK OFF JAYSON GO AWAY GO AWAY GO AWAY

Gillion what are you planning 👀

"jay who did you see" "oh just my father and kira you know" "oh"

THE SWORD IS IN HIS FUCKING CHEST STILL LMAOOOOOOOOOOO

DREY PANICKING LMAO

FUCK OFF JAYSON FUCK OFF JAYSON FUCK OFF JAYSON FUCK OFF JAYSON FUCK OFF JAYSON

YOOOOOOOOOO GILLION CLUTCH??????

GILLION CLUTCH GILLION CLUTCH

JAYSON YOU CHEATING BASTARD

HELLO PIXEL ART THIS IS SO COOL?????????

CHIP DONT LEAVE THEM????

DONT FUCKING LAUGH LIKE THAT GRIZZ

gillion less clutch than expected.........

alphonze is gonna die again bro they JUST got him back! AND the boat!

Gillion absorb elements pog

QUEEN JSHFJDJFJFH LOVE YOU

thank you alphonze we love you alphonze <3

USING THE WHALEBONE SWORD TO CAST SPELLS ON JAYSON????

jayson I hate you smile

TRAP HIM IN THE FUCKING MIRROR JAY GET HIS ASS

GET HIS ASS JAY GET HIS ASS

"You could be found innocent, by the way" "not for what I'm about to do :)"

MOTHER MOON JSJFJDJ

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT GILL ISNT SCARED OF JAYSON ANYMORE❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️

GILLION CLUTCH ONCE AGAIN

MOTHEFUCKER HAS LEGENDARY ACTIONS I FORGOT

HE STOLE JAY'S BRAND BRO

"DAMN looks like you're as good a shot as you are a PARENT" "your quips only seal your fate" "damn, were you already burning?" gillion tidestrider I love you

"Your fighting is meaningless, for your gods have fallen" HELLO JAYSON WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???? IM NOT MOVING ON FROM THIS DID THE ARTIFICIAL LEVIATHAN PLAN WORK??????? ARE YOU JUST PSYCHING GILL OUT?????????????

YOOOOO GRYFFON MVP FOURTH CAPTAIN

"If they miss, I will roll to hit gillion"

CANNON #1 HITS JAYSON FUCK YES QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!

EARL FUCKING WHIFS IT

gets harpooned in the ass and stabbed further in the chest sjfjeh

gill is so fucking funny engaging w/jayson lmao

"she's a BIRD are you PROUD OF HER YET? she has WINGS and they're COOLER THAN YOURS and they generate more LIFT" gill hyping up jay to her dad my beloved

makes eye contact with a fucking wizard. drops disguise and said "aight you handle these monkeys I got shit to do"

isn't the whole crew on the ship? or does grizz just mean on top deck

gryffon I love you

RETURN OF 5 FT GILL

HOLY SHIT?????? 10 FT TALL THUNDER GOD GILLION

YOU MOTHEFUCKER???????

NAT 20 DEX SAVE FROM GILLION HOLY SHIT HE DESERVES THIS❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️ GILLION ON THAT KING SHIT TODAY

ANOTHER SHIP????

MARSHALL JOHN THE GRANDBERRY PIRATES MY FUCKING BELOVED

"IF YOU KILLED MY GODS HOW IS MARSHALL JOHN RIGHT HERE?!"

PROPHETIC SCREW UP STRIKES ONCE AGAIN

CASPIAAAAAAN

"YO IS THIS GUY FUCKING BOTHERING YOU?!" LOVE YOU LIZZIE

"I can deal with that later. But right now, you're attacking my friends. And I can tell you have no intention to spare them. So I'll give you the same treatment back. So you're gonna attack me, or...I'm gonna take you down." JAY JAY JAY JAY JAY JAYYYYYY

APPLY HUNTERS MARK BY PUNCHING HIM IN HIS UGLY ASS FUCKING FACE GET HIS ASS GET HIS ASS GET HIS ASS

"I thought you said next time you saw me, I wouldn't be your daughter anymore." "Now that I've seen how much you've changed, I mean it" go fuck yourself jayson <3

GRYFFON WAIT GRYFFON ARE YOU OKAY GRYFFON IF YOU DIE I WILL LOSE MY MIND

GILLION HEAL YOURSELF FOR THE LOVE OF GOD

GRIZZ IF YOU FUCKING KILL GILL AGAIN ISTG

GILLION HEAL YOURSELF

"if Jay's still fighting, I am too."

"Nice try, but Ollie's mom was way more pissed 😎"

lizzie??? did you??? did you actually kill ava or are you surprised???

GILL GOING CRAZY WITH THE NAT 20s

"It's okay I can dodge it!" the mentality of the episode

JSJFJSJF HE ABANDONS SHIP WITH THE WIZARD HES TAKING THE WIZARD HES A FRIEND

I fully believe lizzie didn't kill ava actually. don't believe jayson at all fuck this guy

If Gryffon is dead. If Gryffon is dead.

GILLION. GILLION ASKING JAY IF SHE CAN DO THIS. GILLION SUPPORTING JAY THIS WHOLE EP. RRRRIVHFGR IM GONNA DIE

gillion: just let me know where you need me. And I'll be there.

jay: right now you're right where you need to be. thank you.

gillion: aye aye, captain.

MARSHALL JOHN SOLOS

john and gill immediately going bro mode jsjfjsj

don't make me feel bad for jayson. I won't do it. piece of shit.

GILLION. IF YOU DIE.

GOES DOWN PROTECTING JAY GILLION YOURE GONNA KILL ME.

THE NAVY HAS GRYFFON

THANK YOU JAY THANK YOU JAY THANK YOU JAY

"You keep saying that people took me away from you. No one took me away from you, dad. You haven't had me for a long time. You lost me. You lost me in the lies, the training, your obsession with your work, it was all you cared about. Things change, dad. After ava died, you weren't there. You weren't there for me or for mom. And when I tell you we hurt, we struggled, I say we hurt and struggled so goddamn much. And I'm sure you did too, but you made it so goddamn clear where your priorities lied with the family. And in my grieving, you were the only one who wasn't there. Jayson Ferin, you are someone I've known my entire life. You've known me longer than I can remember, and maybe I've made decisions that you don't agree with, but they are my decisions, and I would've hoped that in the years you've known me, that you would give me even a modicum of trust, a modicum of what I saw in you my entire goddamn childhood. And now, you stand here in front of me again, you're making the same mistakes... You don't get to just take me back, you need to earn it. And the way it stands, you're on a fast track to lose both me, and your wife. You are the strongest man I've ever known but you are a fucking pathetic father. So come on. Go ahead, finish it, do your fucking job, if that's where your priorities still lay, as they always have."

persuasion with advantage and dm inspiration. so deserved holy shit jay. i am. speechless.

"For the first time in my life, since I became a pirate, I was able to feel free."

get the fuck OUT of here jayson go AWAY

jayson I'd ask why you don't fucking ask may yourself but I don't want you anywhere near her :)

thank fucking god hes gone.

"that's my boy right there, that's my BOY, I'm on your ass, I'm like glue on something that glues on" "this is the beginning of something, this is the beginning of a whirlwind of whoopass on kira I'm telling you now" bizly has the right idea get the panda man back

gill still didn't get the whalebone sword back ✌️😔

[midnightactual]

So, this scene in TYBW Episode 24, right?

In CFYOW Volume III, Chapter 22, we get Ichibē saying:

“It is said that the Shiba clan’s ancestor attempted to persuade him, but in that opening, the Tsunayashiro clan’s ancestor sealed the Reio into a crystal. I did not view what had happened then firsthand, but everything that followed is the history of the Soul Society itself.”

Everybody is now saying Ichibē is a liar because of this scene. They're wrong. Ichibē didn't lie. CFYOW is not just shy of a thousand pages of propaganda. Let's cover what else he said a little later:

At that point, the Osho cast his eyes down and returned to his telling. “However, the Tsunayashiro ancestor doubted even the Reio’s nonresistance. He was most frightened of the Reio using his powers to escape the seal and destroy them. And so, without letting the Reio live or die, they tossed him into a contradictory spiral of simultaneous, continuous life and death. They even tore away his right and left arms that ruled ‘stillness’ and ‘advancement.’” The new soldiers held their breath while the members of Squad Zero, not including the Osho, remained silent, each with a unique expression on their face. Then the Osho himself uttered a cruel fact in the same tone he might use to merely discuss the weather. “Well, that likely was not enough. With the Tsunayashiro leading them, several of the ancestors spent a great deal of time carving out the Reio’s heart, whittling away his legs, scraping out all of his internal organs and removing them from his body. They did this in order to carve away his power and to render him simply a convenient figurehead for their benefit.”

This part is very detailed, so presumably Ichibē was actually there for it. He never claimed not to be there for the dismemberment.

Okay, so what do we get in this scene?

This is the Soul King.

This is the seal.

This is the "contradictory spiral."

The Soul King is then being butchered, but still has at least one arm.

Then he loses all his limbs. Notice you only see one arm?

We get an indistinct figure which may be Ichibē.

And finally we get Ichibē for sure.

Now, notice that nothing Ichibē says is at all contradicted by these events. He isn't present when the Soul King is sealed. We don't see him attack the Soul King. He isn't there, just as he claimed. He only shows up perhaps during or after the butchering, which fits with his testimony.

You might thus ask, who is relating these visions then? Well it's Pernida. Which was the Soul King's arm at the time. These are Pernida's visions, not Ichibē's. That's why you only see the one arm during the shot of all the limbs.

In short, everyone telling you that Ichibē was lying in CFYOW because of what they see in the TYBW anime, has no idea what they just watched. I get that everyone thinks the dude is sus, but he was absolutely telling the truth.

And of course he was, because while Kubo is a huge troll, dude was not going to make CFYOW pure propaganda and lies only to have to overturn it all probably 20 years later whenever he actually finally finishes dealing with the Hell Arc. It's not Nineteen Eighty-Four, it's not that complicated. Also, making Ichibē into The Big Bad would both be frankly not that impressive since he already took an L to a base-state Yhwach, and also because having a big singular villain doesn't fit Bleach thematically, because the theme of Bleach is that the system is the real bad guy. The problem isn't some dude you can kill. It's everyone.

Also, while I'm here, note that Ichibē said "several" of the ancestors butchered the Soul King. When you have 5 people, several implies 3, as it does more generally. This means 2 ancestors did not participate. Obviously, Shiba would be one of them. Who was the other? Well, Byakuya had no problem removing Tsukishima's heart, and I doubt Another Clan who apparently live in Hell really have any scruples at all. It's a toss-up between the latter and the Shihōin, but the Shihōin are consistently "the good guys" in so far as there is any such thing, even more so than the Kuchiki—they have a history of subversion, rebellious behavior, and showing up for the good fight.

[gali-la]

for the fanfic writer asks!! i got a whole bunch so answer whatever you feel like (or all of them!)

7, 16, 20, 41, 58, 62

thank you my dearest 💖

you know I love a challenge, darling, here we go!!

It ended up being long, so take a peek under the cut <3

7: tell us about the plot of the first fanfic you ever wrote

The first fanfic I ever wrote... I had to dig this one up, tbh, it is from a while ago. it was deathbed confession, or, well, what they thought was their deathbed—I'm too fuckin' sappy to let people die XD God, it was in first person POV. Ugh, I cringed just reading it. Thank god no one will ever find it!

16: where is your favorite place to write?

I'm not sure I have one, to be completely honest. I do a lot of my writing sitting at the kitchen table, or—oh!! That's a lie; my favorite place is the couch, when my beloved dog decides that it is a good day for cuddles. Happens once in a blue moon, though, so I guess I'll stick with my kitchen table :(

20: what is your favorite trope to write?

My favorite trope... god, what a good question. There's so manyyyyy A while ago, I was very fond of coffeeshop AUs. The simplicity just made me so happy, the lack of extra-terrestrial worries and whatnot... Now, I think I'd have to go with soulmate aus. they're so versatile!! they have the potential to be shoved in anywhere, canon-compliant or not, alternate universe or not! I'm just a big sad romantic, I love the idea of people destined to be together. Or, destined not to be alone, sometimes. makes my heart flutter 🥰

41: what is the weirdest story idea you’ve ever had.

Awww, fudge, I dunno. There's probably weirder ones, but the one I can remember/is on my list is.... oh. It's not that weird, but the general idea was that Marco, for some reason or another, encounters the straw hats, and is persuaded into eating one of chopper's rumble balls. it was quite chaotic after that.

Another one I had was a Cora Lives AU, but he was for some reason on Zou with some disease that kept him comatose for 14 years. and then bam, happy reunion with Law. That one... wasn't great. Thank god I didn't spend a lot of time on it XD

58: what is the last thing that a fic made you google when you were writing it?

Okay, I have a feeling you know where this is going, so I'm going to go with the second to last thing I had to google, which was... the blueprints/x-ray of the Wholecake Chateau. That isn't really all that interesting, though, so let's pull up another one...

Ah, yes! The flavor of the filling of a common jelly donut. If ya know, ya know 😏

and, last but not least, 62: what’s the weirdest reason you’ve ever shipped something?

Well, damn. Really makin' me go through my history here, huh? I think I've got to settle on Armin/Eren from Attack on Titan. I wish I could say I saw some pretty flowers intertwined blasting their souls at me but no. I just wanted them to be so mercilessly violent and murdery and arson-y together. Was that too much to ask??

I just wanted to watch them burn down the world together T^T

That was a fun mental exercise!! thank you for the ask, my dear <3 I hope this has satisfied some of your curiosity

[emmy-dekarios-bg3]

Heart of the Weave: Part 2

Neeve is Gale and Emmy's second daughter, a sorceress who can age, unlike their infant Jenevelle Dekarios, who is forever frozen at four months old. Gale and Emmy also can't age, due to selling their souls so Jenevelle will always have family around and she won't be abandoned.

Neeve, however, will eventually die, leaving her family behind. She and Maddox Ravengard, Karlach and Wyll's son, grew up together as kids, but who knew sparks would begin to fly?

Chapter 20 (Neeve's Point of View)

The forest around us is practically enchanted; I sense magic all around us as we venture through unknown paths. Asher is leading us through the forests, but both him and Maddox make sure I'm on their trail and don't get lost. 

  “I've hunted here for as long as I can remember. Not animals, mind you, unless they're attacking someone. Halsin always taught me the ways of the forest,” Asher mentions, leading the way, his ginger hair extra vibrant from the beams of the sunlight. “I can't believe you've never been out in the woods, Neeve.”

  “Well, I have been using a lot of magic since I was a baby. My parents took me outside of course but I have turned animals into people and…vice versa. Plus, I’m a bookworm. You know that.”

  “Fair point. Not everyone likes the outdoors.”

  “Never said I didn't like it, I'm just a nerd like my dad.” Asher’s laughter is like music to my ears; soft, contagious, and a sound to be desired by many. “Hey now.”

  “True, you are just like your father. Hey, are you both up to going to the top where can see all of Waterdeep? Ya know, after I hunt down my target?” Before we can answer, a sound of human footsteps can be heard bolting in the distance, leaves rustled as if someone is chasing after something; an animal, perhaps? “Oh damn! There he is!” Asher pulls out his bow and bolts after the human figure, noticing the abuser right away. 

 “Asher, hold on!” Maddox shouts, darting after him but then immediately pauses. “Neeve–” I take his hand, holding it within mine as I nod at him, urging him to lead me after Asher. A smile grows on his perfectly structured face, and off we go, chasing after our  fearless nature-obsessed friend. The smell of pine overwhelms my senses beautifully, and with my hand in Maddox’s, I realize how lovely the world can be. 

We eventually catch up to Asher, noticing him standing above a body, his bow on his back. He seems proud, relieved even. 

“Are you sure that's the guy?” Maddox asks as we stand above the body of an older human man, his skin covered in claw marks from an animal, as if it was fighting back against him. “I mean, I believe you.”

“Positive. Caught him beating up on some owlbear cubs. And his own dog, and unfortunately for this guy, it was in the distance from where I was. He just tortured animals and I'm not having it any longer. I…didn't exactly intend to kill him. Just wounded. But…” Asher sighs as he stares at the dead man below us on the ground, obviously questioning himself. “Damn…”

“Asher? Are you alright?” I ask, placing a hand on his shoulder. “If it's any consolation, I think it was the right thing to do. Besides, animal abusers end up killing people a lot of the time. You prevented future harm to the innocent.” Asher turns to look at me with his glistening emerald eyes, flashing a light smile in my direction. 

“Thank you Neeve. That does help quite a bit. I'm glad you both could be here. Anyway… Let’s head up to the lookout, sound good? Pick some berries and have a delicious meal Maddox packed for us. I might make some jam with the berries we pick. I'll lead the way.��  Asher bolts ahead of us swiftly with no hesitation, and there's no doubt he will make it up there before Maddox and I do. “Hurry up!’

“Hey now, neither of us are built for speed! At least I'm not,” Maddox teases. “No need to–”

“What was that, Maddox? I can't hear you, I'm almost to the top!” We both sigh at Asher’s eagerness, but proceed to take our time as we hike up the trail. The leaves are beginning to change to a rich crimson, and the cool air is starting to pick up a little. Ah, how I love the presence of autumn. During this moment I'm admiring the scenery, I begin wonder why I never wanted to play outside as a child. I missed out on so much! Father even took me to the beach but I was always so antsy to go inside. Why was I like that? Oh right…I loved books too much. 

“Regret coming out with us yet?” Maddox asks, his voice playful as we enjoy each other's company through the pine forest. “It's okay if you say yes, I won't be offended.”

“Actually… I'm very glad I came. I'm finally having the chance to admire nature in its true form. You were the only reason I wanted to come originally, but after actually being present in all of this… I want to do it again.” I glance at Maddox for a moment, noticing him smiling and looking down at the dirt. I can see a tint of red flourishing in his rich maroon skin. 

 

 “Well, Ms. Dekarios, I'm glad you came as well. What's not to like about a spontaneous adventure out in the woods? Besides, I can't think of anyone else I’d rather spend time with.” He delicately  takes my hand and stops me in our tracks for a brief moment, staring heavily into my eyes with his. The red glow of his own eyes  is so mesmerizing, and I can't seem to turn away from them. He hesitates, as if a thought is lingering in his mind that he can't unleash verbally, yet I wait patiently. 

“Maddox?” He chuckles, and I immediately notice the cute dimples in his cheeks make a wonderful appearance on his face. “Is everything alright?” As he's about to speak, I hear Asher up at the top, making loud animal sounds; he’s mimicking a crow. 

“Come on! It's beautiful up here!” Maddox and I smile at one another, then race up to the lookout of the mountain. I’m curious what he wanted to tell me; whatever it is, if he doesn't tell me as soon as we get to the top, I will be annoying and bug him until he has the courage to tell me. 

The lookout is more beautiful than I originally imagined. Asher was right, I really can see the entirety of Waterdeep…and then some. The way the sunset is causing the ocean waters to glisten? The way candles are being lit all across the city so couples can enjoy a date night out on the town? Sigh. 

“You both kept me waiting long enough, so I started eating.” Asher laughs at himself for a moment, then gestures us to sit down on the logs next to him. “While I actually did eat, it's my own fault for being way too eager to make it up here. I come here all the time.” 

“I blame Halsin for your undying love of nature,” I tease. “All those years he babysat, even just once a week, while Shadowheart and Astarion went out. That short period of time really can affect a person, huh?”

“Yep! Once a week for two or three hours. My mum enjoys it too, though now she comes out with me to hunt. Ya know…she's a vampire now. Thanks dad. Regardless, it's nice to have my parents come out here with me too.” Maddox sits down on the log with me with a basket of fruit in his arms. We begin to devour it together, enjoying the sweet and savory taste…until I realized I was still hungry and demolished an entire sandwich after that. When I say demolished, I mean I ate it in less than a minute. Asher and Maddox both looked at me with surprised yet impressed expressions. 

“Sorry. You are in the presence of a sorcerer who enjoys food. Get used to it,” I grumble, winking at them both. 

“No, it's good you have an appetite. Just means I get to spoil you,” Maddox implies, then places his hands over his mouth. “I mean…”

“Shut up Maddox, we all know what you meant. Anyway, I'll let you two love birds sit here for awhile. I'm going to feed the deer. Holler at me when you're ready to go.” Asher quietly wanders off into the woods for a little while, leaving Maddox and I here alone by the sunset. I can feel my heart racing with nervousness, my hands shaking as I try to find the right words to say. 

“Anyway, what I wanted to tell you earlier was…” He  takes a deep breath, staring off into the evening sky. 

“You can tell me, Maddox. I mean, I've only known you my entire life for crying out loud. You can tell me anything.” 

“I–” Before he can finish his statement, I cusp my hands on his cheeks and pull him in, our lips locking with intensity and passion. Gods, how I don't want to ever  let him go.  The touch of our lips lingers for a long time, and I almost forget where I am. The moment we release from each other’s lip grasp, he stares at me with eyes of wonder, his lips curling into a perfect smile that just makes me want to kiss him more. “I'm in love with you.” 

 “Maddox Ravengard, you have no fucking idea how long I've been waiting for you to say those words. I'm in love with you too.” 

As much as I wanted to spend so much time with him – the entire night, to be exact – I can't handle the thought of my parents worrying about me. Especially my father. We all head back to my home before it got too dark out, and luckily I made it back in time before the moon introduced itself to the world again. 

I open the door to the living room, inhaling the fresh smell of venison and squash waiting for me on the kitchen table. 

[sanloss]

Alright, but consider this:

Rex also got bit by the werewolf. And Ahsoka has no fucking clue. (It happened during her exile)

Rex: Find Fives

Ahsoka: What?

Rex: *Turns into Wolf*

Ahsoka: ohshitfuck- *starts running away*

And then we have two options: Reasonable, and Pure Crack.

Reasonable:

Things go the same as they did in canon, only Ahsoka doesn't need to trick Rex into the medical chamber to remove his chip- she only needs to kick his ass into it. They try the "She's not a jedi anymore" thing, it doesn't work, etc etc, Ahsoka gets to dig a mass grave and thousands of SW fans everywhere get to cry their hearts out.

Crack:

The troopers on the bridge start shooting Ahsoka, and Rex's big brother/papa wolf instincts go mental, and he bites one of them.

Cue Wolf!Jesse staring at Wolf!Rex like:

*In Wolf*

Jesse: What the kriff?

Rex: All of the 501st has chips in their heads.

Jesse: !?!

Rex: The chips make us follow orders. Our orders are to kill Ahsoka.

Jesse: !!!

Rex: But Wolves don't follow orders.

Jesse: ... I see...

(And the reason why they aren't getting shot at is because Werewolf Fur is very resistant to blaster bolts + the Chipped Clones not really knowing what to do about them? Cause like, they're wolves- and wolves can't really be expected to follow orders- so are they traitors?)

The two of them go on a biting spree, turning the entire ship into werewolves. Ahsoka and Maul are very confused.

Maul: Did you know they could do that!?!

Ahsoka: I'm as surprised as you are-

*a single wolf takes down 12 clones without a scratch*

Maul: Would you like a truce?

Ahsoka: Truce.

Once the entire ship has been sufficiently fluffy-fied, the two no-longer-affiliated force users approach. Through various charades, mimicry, and one shiny- now called Paws- discovering that werewolf paws are dexterous enough to write with on whiteboard, a plan to de-chip Ahsoka's portion of the 501st is formed:

One of the clones (in wolf form) gets in the tube, and two wolves lay down on him. After they transform back into humans, Maul holds one arm still enough to let Ahsoka (and eventually, a medic) inject them with a sedative while they get their chip removed.

Since Ahsoka didn't need to free Maul as a distraction, the Hyperdrive is fine.

They get to Coruscant just in time to hear Palps go "I'M THE EMPEROR NOW!"

Maul goes :< but they rush to the Temple anyways- he can't resist the puppy dog eyes (not all the clones got de-chipped yet, but they need to go save the younglings now.

(Also, because I'm not a heartless monster, Liberty dies during the assault on the temple, not after.)

The rest of the 501st gets turned by Ahsoka's party, while Maul and Ahsoka attack Anakin. Rex goes to get Padme- and turn most of the Corrie Guard- to get her to stop Ani from killing everyone.

Rex: Girl, come get your husband, he's committing war crimes.

Padme: WTF?

Rex: He's about to kill children

Padme: D:

So they go to the temple. Ani gets slapped upside the head (before or after killing younglings, depends on how evil you want to be) and gets dragged to the healers by 20 different werewolves with familiar markings (The Werewolf!Clones have markings like their helmets).

The Younglings all latch onto the Fluffy Saviors, and a whole bunch of them now think Maul is the coolest guy ever. The Crechemasters sigh and get the Fluffiest clones to guard Maul.

Maul has no idea what to do with the attention.

Bail and the Boys + Fluffy Cody show up, and get very confused.

Bail: Where did all these dogs come from?

Ahsoka: ...Therapy dogs?

Yoda: *looking at the newfound Light coming from Maul* Legit, this seems.

They go kill Palpatine- by "They", I also mean the hundreds of Werewolf!Clones. Maul gets the killing blow, along with Wolf!Fox. This is televised, and All The Younglings now think that Maul is the Coolest Thing Ever.

Palpatine's empire is dead before it can really even begin. The Purge is incomplete- While a lot of Jedi did die, the Younglings, Crechemasters, and a lot of the Corps survived.

Anakin gets kicked out of the order, but seeing as he had been manipulated by Palpatine since he was nine, he was given quite a lot of leniencies. That, and he never actually killed any younglings.

He gets to be Padme's House Husband and take care of his children.

Ahsoka, Maul, and Rex all get the Republic version of a Purple Heart. Maul gets to be the Coolest Guy Ever with the Younglings.

Cody gets bitten by a werewolf sometime during the war, and can transform at will with no full moon requirement, effectively becoming himself as a very large dog

he and Obi-Wan conspire to keep this fact hidden, as they're very aware of the danger of the Kaminoans finding out and disappearing him into their labs

when Order 66 goes out, Cody has a split second to fight it

and, well. wolves aren't exactly good soldiers, and you can only sort of expect them to follow orders.

transformed, Cody runs straight to the General, but when he gets there, he realizes that he can't actually warn him of the danger, because he can't transform back to explain without the Order taking hold

but he can whine sadly and pull on Obi-Wan's ridiculous sleeves with his teeth until Obi-Wan gets the hint and lets him lead him away to safety in a stolen ship

they make the rendezvous with Bail and Yoda

(Bail: what's with the dog Obi-Wan?

Obi-Wan, sweating: it's, um, a service dog

Yoda: ...fake, that sounds, but okay)

and then Cody and Obi-Wan make the trip to the Temple to disable the beacon, with Cody fighting off his brothers as nonlethally as he can while Obi-Wan does his best to follow his lead

after they find the evidence of Anakin's betrayal and receive Yoda's assignment, Obi-Wan sobs into Cody's fur the whole flight to Padme's apartment, and then silently the whole flight out to Mustafar hidden aboard her ship

while Obi-Wan is busy fighting with Vader, Cody manages to drag Padme's unconscious body back aboard her ship, then sneaks back closer to the fighting just in time to see the end of the duel

(if he waits to act until Obi-Wan is just far enough to not notice when Anakin's screams cut out, well, that's his own business)

he follows Obi-Wan back to the ship and drapes himself across the man's lap the whole way to Polis Massa

after Padme's death and her children's birth, Cody demands that they keep at least one of the babies

(look at his puppy dog eyes. how can you so cruelly deprive him of tubies like this.)

so Luke grows up with his Uncle Ben and their very strange, very large dog, Cody

when they end up on the Death Star nearly two decades later, Cody materializes from wherever he'd been lurking on the station just in time to drag Obi-Wan to safety during his duel with the Grand Inquisitor

as soon as their bedraggled group arrives on Yavin, Rex shows up to eagerly greet his former General; Cody, while thrilled to see his brother alive, starts viciously growling at him as he approaches: he might not understand in detail how the chips work, but he knows what he experienced that day, and he's seen what his brothers have done since then

Obi-Wan explains the situation to the man from the Cody-approved distance of half the hangar away, how Cody transformed one day and has refused to turn back since, and Rex immediately expresses his confusion, asking if they haven't removed Cody's chip

(Cody: I assure you, I did NOT let anyone microchip me!)

following Rex's explanation, Cody rushes them all to the medbay to undergo surgery, leaving Obi-Wan to explain to Luke how their 'dog' is actually his other Uncle

while Obi-Wan and Cody are distracted desperately making out with each other in the medbay, Luke sneaks off to destroy the Death Star, setting them up to all live happily ever after

[evolvingsidekick]

I'm on a 10h car ride

1. Yes, I'm also Ella irl

2. 3rd November 2003

3. 171-172cm / ~ 5ft 7.5 in

4. single

5. It's directly from my instagram, my main dance acc was evolving.transcendence, that comes from Evolve being one of my fave studios and Kensington's Transcendence being one of my favourite solos. Then at some point I made a spam account so I just took sidekick from 24Seven, I thought it was cute

6. I'm not a big animal person, but I like cats more, I think they're pretty cute and chill. I don't like dogs

7. I don't watch movies

8. A Finnish book called Punainen Viiva from 1909, it's a fictional book about the first parliamental election

9. I have basic earrings, that's enough for me. I think Helix is cute but I wouldn't get one

10. Honestly probably like go cross-country skiing and to a ski-cafe

11. We only have one Starbucks and I've never been there

12. Journalist, either news desk or economy. I also value regional news papers a lot so I'd like to work in one.

13. Here in uni we do 0–5, my highest is 5 and lowest is 3

14. pasta

15. Sheep

16. Skiing, ice skating, stretching, Excel sheets

17. Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Tunisia

18. Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Czechia, Poland, Hungary

19. maybe Russian, it would be a super relevant skill in journalism right now

20. Finnish, English, Swedish and German. I can also understand written Danish and Norwegian pretty well

21. Winter

22. I have like 8 of the same bunnies in different colours

23. Carbonara, my favourite pasta

24. I'm really good at walking backwards

25. Idk? Run and hide?

26. I like to be "a little extra/formal for school" like my favourite outfit is black straight/wide leg pants, black chiffon high-neck blouse with small white dots, bronze heart earrings and my hair in a braided bun

27. 28. 29. idk

30. 31

31. I haven't read or watched HP but I've taken the sorting hat and gotten all except Hufflepuff. I think I would be a Ravenclaw

32. Coffee but I've been on a tea era recently

33. ^ I have this chocolate tea that smells amazing

34. 35. 36. 37. I don't have an answer

38. From different artists rn: Storytime by Nightwish, Camera Obscura by Ignea, Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet by Fall Out Boy, Massive Addictive by Amaranthe, Heile Heile Segen by Mono Inc., Screi es in die Winde by Faun

39. Mint with chocolate cookie chunks

40. New Nightwish album to be released soon, to get a summer job at the newspaper I want to work in, Russian attack to end and other wars and conflicts to end as well

[aspenmissing]

𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚆𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍 (𝙿𝚝 𝟸)

Back at the hospital, Sam, Dean, and Y/N come down a hallway, quickly ducking back when they see Dr. Hydecker.

"Good night, Dr. Hydecker," a nurse says.

"See you tomorrow, Betty."

"Try to get some sleep." Sam, Dean, and Y/N hide until Hydecker passes, then continue on to the old woman's room. They open the door and sneak in, Dean and Y/N taking the front, Sam hanging back with guns drawn. The woman is in her wheelchair facing toward the corner. She seems to be sleeping. Dean slowly leans in closer to her face.

"Dean? I don't think we should give her a heart attack," Y/N whispers. The old woman then turns her head.

"Who the hell are you?!" Dean freaks, leaping back against the wall cabinet, pulling Y/N back and raising his gun.

"I was wrong. I don't think she should give you a heart attack," Y/N says.

"Who's there? You trying to steal my stuff?" The old woman grumbles, "They're always stealing around here." Sam turns the light on, and they see she has cataracts.

"No! Ah, ma'am, we're maintenance. We're sorry. We thought you were sleeping."

"Ahhh, nonsense. I was sleeping with my peepers open," she laughs, then gestures at the wall, "And fix that crucifix, would ya? I've asked four damn times already!" Dean, still slightly freaked out, adjusts the crucifix.

===

The Impala pulls up to the motel parking lot, and Sam, Dean, and Y/N get out.

"I was sleeping with my peepers open? Hahahaha," Sam laughs.

"I almost smoked that old girl, I swear. It's not funny!"

"Oh man, you shoulda seen your face," Sam says, snickering.

"Yeah, laugh it off. Now we're back to square one," Dean sees the owner's son sitting behind the office looking forlorn, "Hang on." The three go over to him, "Hey, what's wrong?"

"My brother's sick," the boy says.

"The little guy?" The boy nods.

"Pneumonia. He's in the hospital. It's my fault."

"Ah c’mom, how?" Dean asks.

"I shoulda made sure the window was latched. He wouldn't've got pneumonia if the window was latched." Dean looks away for a moment. Sam and Y/N watch him, both frowning thoughtfully.

"Listen to me. I can promise you that this is not your fault. Okay?"

"It's my job to look after him," Sam looks back and forth from Dean to the kid. The boy’s mother hurries out of the motel towards her car.

"Michael, I want you to turn on the no vacancy sign while I'm gone. I've got Denise covering room service, so don't bother with any of the rooms."

"I'm going with you."

"Not now, Michael."

"But I gotta see Asher!" Michael says.

"Hey Michael. Hey. I know how you feel -- I'm a big brother too -- but you gotta go easy on your mom right now, ok?" The mom drops her handbag in her haste.

"Dammit!"

"I got it," Sam says, picking it up for her.

"Thank you."

"Listen, you're in no condition to drive -- why don't you let me give you a lift to the hospital?" Dean says.

"No, I couldn't possibly..."

"No, it's no trouble. I insist," Dean takes her keys.

"Thanks." The mom looks at Michael and kisses his head, "Be good." Dean helps her into her seat then turns to Sam and Y/N.

"We're gonna kill this thing. I want it dead; you hear me?" Dean asks.

===

Sam and Y/N sit at a microfiche machine. Sam picks up her phone, and Y/N leans in to listen.

"Hey," Dean whispers.

Hey. How's the kid?" Sam asks.

"He's not good. Where you two at?"

"We're at the library. We've been trying to find out as much as we can about this Shtriga," Y/N says.

"Yeah, what have you got?"

"Well, bad news. I started with Fort Douglas around the time you said Dad was there?"

"Yeah?"

"Same deal. Before that, there was, uh, Odenville, before that North Haverbrook, and Brockway. Every 15 to 20 years it hits a new town. Dean, this thing is just getting started in Fitzburgh. In all these other places it goes on for months. Dozens of kids before the shtriga finally moves on. The kids just ... languish in comas and then they die."

"How far back's this thing go?" Dean asks.

"Ah, I don't know. The earliest mention we could find is this place called 'Black River Falls' back in the 1890s. Talk about a horror show.... Whoa," Y/N says.

"Y/N?"

"Hold on.... I'm looking at a photograph right now of a bunch of doctors standing around a kid's bed. One of the Doctors is Hydecker."

"And?"

"And this picture was taken in 1893."

"You two sure?" Dean asks.

"Yeah. Yeah, absolutely," Dean hangs up and turns to watch Hydecker sitting on Asher's bed.

"Don't worry. Your son's in good hands. I'm going to take care of him," Hydecker says to Asher's mom. Hydecker moves towards Dean, who is standing in the doorway. Dean looks ready to slit his throat, "So what's the CDC come up with so far?"

"Well. we're still working on a few theories. You'll know something as soon as we do."

"Well, nothing's more important to me than these kids. Just let me know if I can help."

"I'll do that."

===

"We should have thought of this before. A doctor's a perfect disguise. You're trusted, you can control the whole thing."

"That son of a bitch," Dean says, throwing off his jacket, pacing agitatedly.

"I'm surprised you didn't draw on him right there," Y/N says.

"Yeah well, first of all, I'm not going to open fire in a freakin' paediatrics ward."

"Good call."

"Second, wouldn't have done any good, because the bastard's bulletproof unless he's chowing down on something. And third, I wasn't packing, which is probably a really good thing cause I probably would have just burned a clip in him on principle alone."

"You're getting wise in your old age Dean."

"Hey! I'm the same age as him," Sam gives her a sheepishly smile.

"You don't look a day over 20," He covers.

"Now I know how we're going to get it," Dean says.

"What do you mean?" Sam asks.

"Shtriga, works through siblings, right?"

"Right."

"Well last night...."

"It went after Asher."

"So, I'm thinking tonight it's probably gonna come after Michael," Dean says.

"Well, we gotta get him outta here," Sam says.

"No. No, that would blow the whole deal."

"What?"

"Yeah."

"You wanna use the kid as bait? Are you nuts? No! Forget it. That's out of the question."

"It's not out of the question Sam it's the only way. If this thing disappears it could be years before we get another chance."

"Michael's a kid. And I'm not going to dangle him in front of that thing like a worm on a hook."

"Dad did not send me here to walk away," Dean says.

"Send YOU here? He didn't send you here -- he sent us here."

"Guys," Y/N says, but she's ignored.

"This isn't about you, Sam. I'm the one who screwed up, alright. It's my fault. There's no telling how many kids have gotten hurt because of me."

"It's not your fault, Dean. I should have been stronger," Y/N says.

"What are you saying, Dean? Y/N? How is it your faults?" There is a long pause. Sam sighs. "Dean, Y/N. You've been hiding something from the get-go. Since when does Dad bail on a hunt? Since when does he let something get away? Now talk to me, Guys. Tell me what's going on." Y/N and Dean look at each other, and she nods at him.

"Fort Douglas, Wisconsin. It was our third night in this crap room, and I was climbing the walls. Man, I needed to get some air."

==Flashback==

Young Dean sits watching TV. He turns it off and goes to the front door, looking back at Sammy cuddled into Y/N, both asleep in the other room before he leaves, locking the door behind him. He plays arcade games in reception.

"Kid. We're closing," the owner tells him. Returning to the room he sees a strange light coming from Sammy and Y/N's room. He moves closer and sees the shtriga leaning over Sammy and Y/N unconscious on the floor, her gun laid beside her. Dean reaches for the rifle by the door, but the shtriga hears him cock it and rears up, hissing. Dean hesitates, terrified. As he does, John bursts through the front door, gun raised.

"Get out of the way!" John shouts. Dean ducks, and John shoots the shtriga multiple times with his handgun. The shtriga jumps through the bedroom window, glass shattering. John rushes to Sam's bed and pulls him close, cradling him.

"Sammy. Sammy. Sammy. You, okay?"

"Yeah Dad, what's going on?" Sammy says, confused and sleepy.

"You all right?" John then gets off the bed and goes over to Y/N and checks her pulse. She's breathing. "Princess? Princess, wake up." She shifts and groans, and he picks her up and holds Sammy and Y/N close while turning to glare at Dean.

"What happened?" John asks. Dean is hesitant.

"I-I-I just went out."

"What!?"

"Just for a second. I'm sorry."

"I told you not to leave this room. I told you not to let them out of your sight!" John feels a grip on his arm and sees Y/N looking up at him.

"It's not his fault, Dad. I should have been stronger and protected Sammy," she mumbles.

"It's not your fault, princess. Never blame yourself." Young Dean watches sadly as John cradles Sammy and Y/N.

==Flashback Ends==

"Dad just ... grabbed us and booked. Dropped us off at Pastor Jim's about three hours away, but by the time he got back to Fort Douglas, the shtriga had disappeared, it was just gone. It never surfaced until now. You know, Dad never spoke about it again, I didn't ask. But he...ah...he looked at me different, you know? Which was worse. Not that I blame him. He gave me an order and I didn't listen, I almost got you and Y/N killed.

"You were just a kid," Sam says softly.

"Don't. Don't. Dad knew this was unfinished business for me. He sent me here to finish it."

"But using Michael -- I don't know Dean. I mean, how 'bout one of us hides under the covers, you know, we'll be the bait."

"No, it won't work. It's gotta get close enough to feed -- it'll see us. Believe me, I don't like it, but it's gotta be the kid," Dean says. Sam looks at Y/N with a begging face, but she looks away.

==

The three are in the motel reception talking to Michael.

"You're crazy! Just go away or I'm calling the cops," he says, holding the phone up.

"Hang on a second. Just listen to me. You have to believe me, ok? This thing came through the window and it attacked your brother. I've seen it. I know what it looks like. Cause it attacked my brother once too."

"This thing...is it...like...it has this long... black robe?" He says, slowly hanging up the phone.

"You saw it last night, didn't you?" Dean asks.

"I thought I was having a nightmare."

"I'd give anything not to tell you this, but sometimes nightmares are real."

"So, why are you telling me?" Michael asks.

"Because we need your help."

"My help?"

"We can kill it. Me and him, that's what we do. But we can't do it without you," Dean says.

"What? No!"

"Michael, listen to me. This thing hurt Asher. And it's gonna keep hurting kids unless we stop it, understand me?" Michael stares at Dean, horrified.

==

Dean heads back to their motel room.

"Well, that went crappy. Now what?"

"What did you expect? You can't ask an adult to do something like that, much less a kid," There's a knock at the door, and Y/N opens it.

"If you kill it, will Asher get better?" He asks, looking at Dean.

"Honestly? We don't know."

"You said you were a big brother," Dean nods.

"Yeah."

"You'd take care of your little brother? You'd do anything for him?"

"Yeah, I would."

"Me too. I'll help."

==

Dean completes hooking up a security camera in the corner of the room, staring into the Lense. Michael is behind him in bed, Y/N sitting beside him. Arm over his shoulders, comforting him. Sam is watching the security feed in the other room.

"This camera has night vision on it so we'll be able to see clear as day," Dean says to Michael, then turns to Sam. "Are we good?"

"A hair to the right," Dean adjusts the camera. "There, there."

"What do I do?" Michael asks, looking up at Y/N.

"Just stay under the covers," she says.

"And if it shows up?" Dean moves to sit on the bed.

"We'll be right in the next room. We're gonna come in with guns. So, as soon as we do you roll off this bed and you crawl under it."

"What if you shoot me?"

"We won't shoot you. We're good shots. We're not going to fire until you're clear, okay?" Y/N says. Michael nods tentatively. "Have you heard a gunshot before?"

"Like in the movies?"

"It's gonna be a lot louder than in the movies. So, I want you to stay under the bed, cover your ears, do not come out until we say so. You understand?" Y/N says. Michael nods slowly, looking scared.

"Michael, you sure you wanna do this?" Dean asks. Michael doesn't answer for a long moment. "You don't have to, it's okay, I won't be mad."

"No, I'm okay. Just don't shoot me."

"We're not going to let anything happen to you. I promise," Y/N says. She rubs his arm. The three then go outside the room and sit watching the security camera feed.

"What time is it?" Y/N asks.

"Three. You sure these iron rounds are gonna work?"

"Consecrated iron rounds, and yeah it's what Dad uses last time."

"Hey Dean, Y/N, I'm sorry."

"For what?" The twins say in unison.

"You know, I've really given you two a lot of crap, for always following Dad's orders. But I know why you two do it."

"Oh, god, kill me now," Dean says and Y/N smiles while Sam laughs softly. They sit in silence for a moment.

"Wait, look." There is movement outside the window. It slides open. Sam, Y/N, and Dean pick up their guns. The shtriga is inside MICHAEL's room.

"Now?" Sam asks.

"Not yet." The shtriga moves closer and leans over the bed, Michael is terrified but frozen, unable to move. The shtriga leans closer and opens his mouth, starting to draw Michael's energy. Dean, Sam, and Y/N burst in.

"Hey!"

"Michael, down!" Y/N shouts. Michael rolls off and under the bed, and Sam, Dean, and Y/N open fire, shooting the shtriga multiple times each. It falls to the ground.

"Mike, you alright?" Dean asks.

"Yeah," He replies from under the bed.

"Just sit tight." Dean approaches the shtriga, gun at the ready. There is no movement. He relaxes slightly and glances at Sam and Y/N. The shtriga suddenly rises, grabs Dean by the throat and throws him against the wall.

"Dean!" Sam and Y/N shout in unison. The shtriga moves and throws Y/N onto the floor. It then goes to Sam and throws him into the wall; he hits the ground, and the shtriga comes on him and forces his mouth open. Sam struggles to reach his gun. The shtriga begins drawing his energy and Sam stills and starts going grey.

"Hey!" The shtriga looks up and Y/N shoots it between the eyes. It falls backward, and Sam lies gasping.

"You okay, little brother?" She asks. Sam nods and unsteadily holds up two thumbs-up. They both pull themselves to their feet, and Y/N then goes over to Dean, helping him up. They then look to the shtriga. The energy the shtriga stole begins to escape from its mouth. Y/N raises her gun, shooting it three more times at point-blank range. More energy escapes. The shtriga falls in on itself, disintegrating. Michael peeks from the side of the bed.

"It's okay, Michael, you can come on out." Michael comes to stand beside them, smiling tentatively. Dean places his hand on Michael's shoulder and smiles. Y/N places her hand on his head and ruffles it, also smiling.

==

Dean, Y/N, and Sam are packing the Impala ready to head out. Michael's Mom comes out of the back of reception.

"Hey, Joanna. How's Asher doing?"

"Have you seen Michael?" She asks. Michael runs up.

"Mom! Mom!"

"Hey!" She says, hugging him.

"How's Ash?" Michael asks.

"Got some good news. Your brother's gonna be fine."

"Really?" Michael asks, grinning.

"Yeah. Really. No one can explain it -- it's a miracle. They're going to keep him in overnight for observation and then he's coming home."

"That's great," Y/N says.

"How are all the other kids doing?" Sam asks.

"Good. Real good. A bunch of them should be checking out in a few days. Dr. Travis says the ward's going to be like a ghost town."

"Dr. Travis? What about Dr. Hydecker?"

"Oh, he wasn't in today. Must have been sick or something."

"Yeah. Yeah, must have."

"So, did anything happen while I was gone?" Joanna asks Michael. He glances up at Dean.

"Nah, same old stuff."

"Okay. You can go see Ash."

"Now?" He says, excited. Michael looks to Y/N who nods slightly.

"Only if you want to." Michael runs to the car. Joanna laughs. "I, ah, I'd better get going before he hotwires the car and drives himself." Smiling goodbye, she leaves, and Sam, Dean, and Y/N turn back to the Impala.

"It's too bad."

"Oh, they'll be fine."

"That's not what I meant. I meant Michael. He'll always know there are things out there in the dark -- he'll never be the same, you know?" There's a long pause "Sometimes I wish that...."

"What...?" Y/N asks.

"I wish I could have that kinda innocence." They watch Joanna and Michael drive away.

"If it means anything, sometimes I wish you could too." They exchange a look. Dean climbs in the car and starts the engine. Y/N follows then Sam, and they pull out of the motel car park and back onto the freeway.

[taiscerayne2426]

MEDICAL ISSUES AHEAD

I'm not asking for money, just need to get some things off my chest

So back in October of 2022, I started having extreme heart palpitations, randomly and seemingly without any provocation. I could be sitting, walking, laughing, eating, even sleeping and my heart would just pound upwards of 130 bpm for 10, 20 minutes at a time. I'd struggle to breathe, fight passing out, and try to stay upright.

As these episodes got more and more frequent and severe, my partner insisted I go into the ER. I didn't have a primary Dr at the time, so I didn't have anyone else to go to. The ER ran a bunch of tests, found nothing at all wrong, and sent me home with a heart monitor.

I met with a cardiologist, and I'll be honest he was by far one of the worst doctors I've ever seen. He dismissed everything I said, belittled my experience, diagnosed me with POTTS, then sent me home on what he said was a beta-blocker to slow down my heart. Fine. Not great, but fine. Until I get to the pharmacy and they say "This isn't a beta-blocker, this is an anti-depressant. I wonder why he told you that?" Never saw that cardiologist again.

Fast-forward to December 2022. My job has let me go because I'm barely able to hold myself upright and can pass out at any time so I'm not medically cleared to drive. My partner is burning both ends of the candle trying to keep me safe and manage his college classes. We're struggling to survive off one income in the city.

My episodes get rapidly worse, then slowly start tapering off until they're only happening once a day. Then it's once a week, but the worst it'd been thus far. Then, for no discernable reason, they stop in February 2023.

I was overjoyed. Finally, FINALLY I could get back to life. We moved to a new town, a smaller quieter place with cheaper rent and less violence. I got a new job nannying two amazing kids and babysitting a third once a week. My partner and I both continued college. Everything was going so, so well.

They came back. About 4 weeks ago, beginning of June 2023. It was slow at first but it's getting worse and worse.

And it's fucking scary, dude. I find myself physically incapable of taking a breath for so long that I sob when it finally comes. It's like everything in my body just. freezes. goes stiff. I can't feel anything, I can't move anything. I can barely signal my partner so he notices. We can't find anything that helps.

I'm not able to drive anymore. I can barely support myself to move from the bed to my desk. I pass out if I stand in the kitchen too long pondering what to eat. I'm on a cane now, for the first time. It helps a bit, makes me feel a bit less useless.

I'm barely eating. Don't have an appetite. I've lost more weight in the last few weeks than I want to admit, and I was already dangerously underweight.

The scariest part, though, is that I can feel myself fighting to hold on every time I have an attack. I fight so fucking hard to stay, because I can FEEL that if I lose consciousness, I'm gone. And it's getting harder and harder to fight. Don't misunderstand, I have no desire to die. I'm fighting for a reason after all. I'm just getting weaker, and it's getting more and more difficult.

I let my PCP know that bit today. She won't see it til she's in the office next, but until this new heart monitor comes off on Monday they won't be able to give me any answers anyway. 2 more weeks. Just 2 more weeks til I hopefully get some results. Because if I don't, I'm... gods. I'm fucking scared.