#they're not actively suicidal. but he can give them what he thinks they 'truly' long for like him

[mirrorhouse]

"after what you've put me through here i deserve this" armand says about killing the crying, exhausted boy in his arms and it's not about a meal or cleaning up the mess, really, it's about how this boy's been brought to the edge of accepting death; he's right there, longing for it, and armand can give it. and while he gives it, he feels it too. armand has been drowning for centuries, but he keeps himself afloat this way, by tasting death and feeling just the smallest respite, chasing his victims' slowing heartbeats right down into the dark until he backs away at the last moment. "the comfort we all long for." the comfort armand longs for -- the end.

[tornoleander]

Wow, you're the beta reader for bbnb? I didn't know that. (So you can confirm that Hat is infact not dead because I haven't seen any activity from them in a while and my brain always jumps to worst case scenarios)

Anyway, definitely didn't forget to respond for like a week, but here are some of my theories/scenarios:

-I still think Cole's the one who'll remember bits and pieces because A. He's a ghost B. Hat used he/him when talking about who will remember and C. It would be incredibly emotionaly impactful

-HOWEVER, I think Pixal could also remember some stuff. None of the emotional stuff but she did technically die when Nadakhan erased her. Besides, it could be fun to see her try to let Jay or Nya know she remembers while still stuck to Zane.

-also Zane's falcon died but he was never mentioned in this fic so 😔

-Jay DEFINITELY has c-ptsd. Like, 100%, I'm sure the nurse/psychologist whose name I forgor would agree with me

-I'm pretty sure Wu just died by some falling island or something like that. Or he could've died by the storm, that would be cool.

-I know he said that swearing is a sign of weak verbal skills but I feel like Jay would start swearing more for comfort. Like, Nadakhan hated it but never truly did anything horrible to him because of it :)

most of the scenarios in my head play out with the ninja being captured again

-for example, Jay using his internal electricity to shock someone when they all have vengestone

-or them getting tazed and Jay sending the current back like he did in the electric chair

-or they're all traped and saying shit like "there's no other option" or something and Jay replying with "suicide's still an option" like that's a normal thing to say which obviously worries the others

And then there's the non captured scenarios

-something something Jay falling into autopilot after being told/asked to clean to ship and ends up also cleaning the hull "Why are you cleaning the bottom? We're in the air and you're not even tied to anything???" ".... trauma response?"

-or just straight up Jay having a panic attack out of seemingly sowhere (Cole said he wished he could eat cake again)

Anyway, those are the things I could think of right now, there's more but it's 3:39am and I'm tired :3

Hope it's not too long lol

Yep! As of ch 15. Me and hat have been chatting for a while and I bug them for feedback on Art accuracy so I help them with some writing corrections too!

I have been working on beta reading earlier chapters as well currently half way through 4. It is certainly an experience but now I yell my feelings into comment instead of just the void

*reaches through horrific horror to correct spelling mistake.

Yup Hat is alive! They were just fixated on something else for a while but they are back.

Ok now for scenarios

-Cole remembering bits……. I will refrain from giving my thoughts.

-Pixal and Zane’s falcon died pretty early so I do think they may remember up till then but It probably wouldn’t help understand much.

-I don’t think Wu died? But it’s not impossible.

-CPTSD?

I will ask hat about this one but seeing as bbnb events qualify as at least 4/6 of these causes of it AND ptsd is a tag I’m going to give it a yeah. Cause non complex ptsd is typically less prolonged.

-the swearing I do think he might do more but not necessarily for comfort

-For your head scenarios I am not sure all the ways hat is planned show how the events of the fic messed him up. But I know they’re a big fan of consequences for events…

From what I’m guessing he is going to be trying his best to hide everything and it’ll be somewhat canon compliant? But to be fair He is pretty consistently the most mentally unstable ninja. Take This with a big grain of salt I’m saving the analysis for my skybound video, but his behavior does generally line up well with SA surivers. the first time that Jays a prisoner post Skybound is when he says “You don’t argue with a man who’s navel is that close”

Which

Drives me insane by the way

Side tangent, I’ve been doing a lot of Skybound digging for my eventual video essay. And my current best theory on why this is a line has to do with SA of men being played for laughs.

Like older audiences are supposed to hear that and find it fucking funny. It’s unfortunately not uncommon in kids programming. My quest to best explain why S6 is so uncomfortable has been… enlightening. Terrified of approaching a controversial topic so I have been learning a-lot about approach and how to not be awful. But my fixation is being channeled led into the eventual Skybound video.

Hope I answered what you wanted to know and It wasn’t purely my Adhd rambling

[crossdressingdeath]

Kyvir: Think of Bhaal, think of blood. Narrator: *Your soul opens to their divine power.* Narrator: *Father claws into your heart and stops it for a single moment. As you begin to fear for your life, you know his love is close.* [...] Kyvir: Make an offering to Bhaal. (1000) Narrator: *You offer your paltry gold to the void, like a child at the sweet shop.* Narrator: *There is no response, and you know why - Bhaal will accept the world from you, and nothing less.*

I would like to kill Bhaal please. 0/10 worst father.

To start with the slightly less horrible bit, 1000 gold being referred to as paltry is bad enough to begin with (that's. that's quite a lot of money actually. Dad's so greedy) but the way he gives you nothing in return because nothing short of the whole world will ever be good enough for him is... y'know, awful. There's also an element where... okay, I'm getting this dialogue before the fight with Orin (which. I'm going to have to come back here after that whole situation has played out just to see what happens) and Kyvir did kill Isobel so he's Father's favourite little fantasy Antichrist. He's going into this fight at a pretty severe disadvantage what with the serious brain damage! You'd think Bhaal might want to give the child he wants to win a leg up, at least enough to put the two of them on a more equal level! But Bhaal offers nothing. Durge is expected to end the bloody world, and Bhaal won't even give them something to help counteract the damage Orin did to them or some shit? Bhaal demands Durge end the world and all they get is the promise of dying on his altar at the end of everything. And the worst part is that before Orin broke their brain Bhaal managed to get Durge into a headspace where they seem to have genuinely wanted that. Either that or they got really good at faking enthusiasm for kick-starting the apocalypse... Honestly both options are upsetting, either Durge was in a state where they actually wanted to kill everyone in Faerûn and then slit their own throat in their father's name—and whether that was out of them being "put them all out of my misery" suicidal or them being conditioned to believe that this truly is the "right" course of action or whatever else it's. bad—or they had to follow a path they really didn't want to knowing it would end in their death and the deaths of everyone currently alive. Such a light and cheery story, the Durge origin.

And Durge views Bhaal stopping their heart until they genuinely fear for their life as a sign of love. Or possibly given his love is "close" when he stops their heart maybe he'll only truly love them when they're dead? God, the way love is talked about with Durge is so much. It's very much tied to fear and pain for them! Which I suspect has something to do with the implication that Bhaal may have made something of a habit of forcing them to kill anyone they grew to genuinely care about, or at least saw that as an excellent punishment when they slipped up. I'm really looking forward to actually talking to Bhaal, I'm sure it'll be deeply upsetting. From the moment they remember who they are at least part of them is longing for their father's love and they remember him as being devoted, and then it turns out they actually feel closest to his love when he's killing them. That says... absolutely nothing good about what their time in Bhaal's temple serving him directly was like. Also the fact that he can just stop and start their heart at will, at least when they're actively reaching out to him, is... concerning. I don't think that's normal...? I suspect this will come up again.

[violstonesofficial]

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,...” 2 Corinthians 10:5 

When I first read this verse, it struck me as a clear guide for managing my mental illness. The phrase “take every thought captive” stuck out to me as a simple and direct command from my loving Father to choose my thoughts wisely. Having a background in CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for my depression, it resonated as both a logical and now biblical method of healing. This verse was a launching pad for my recovery. 

But what does it truly mean to take thoughts captive? And what about the rest of the verse? How do we take our thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ? As far as I understand it, it is simply another way we lay our burdens down at the foot of the cross, giving them to Jesus so he can bear them for us. Making our thoughts obedient to Christ is just remembering to focus on what He called us to: love, gentleness, hope, faith, and all that is lovely and good. 

Imagine if we could replace dark and heavy thoughts, like suicidality and fear, bitterness and resentment, with beautiful thoughts like joy and peace, hope and compassion. I think that is what this verse is asking us to do. It asks us to do the difficult work of challenging our thoughts, but it also gives us the solution to making that process more manageable. As it is with changing behaviors, if you are going to quit a bad habit, you need to replace it with a new and healthier one. This is what Jesus is asking us to do here. Replace the dark thoughts with the thoughts he offers us as our savior. He gives us peace, healing, and love, which means we have those feelings always available to us. It's our job to choose those thoughts over the ones we usually think.

This process is more accessible than it might seem; it's not a totally spiritual practice. And this can be applied even if you're not a Christian. Just remember the basic premise: challenge your negative thoughts and choose to replace them with more uplifting ones. Here is a small list of everyday practices to help you go about doing just that: 

CBT- the cognitive behavioral therapy model is heavily aligned with this method as it actively teaches us to challenge our thoughts as they arise. For anything that is causing us more distress than hope, CBT asks us to slow down, question it, and logic it out. Here is an abbreviated explanation of how CBT works: when a negative thought comes, ask yourself: Is it true? What are some other possible truths surrounding this thought or belief? How is this thought making us feel? Can we think of something else to help us feel better instead of worse? YouTube and Google can provide many more resources on where to get started. And, of course, seeking out a therapist experienced in this modality is always reccomended. 

Meditation- Meditating is a great way to train yourself to start noticing your thoughts in the first place. Recognizing your thoughts as they pop up but letting them go without judgment or following them down the rabbit hole of negativity is crucial in separating yourself from your thoughts enough to understand that they're not always true or beneficial. That distance allows you to reject them if they're not serving you.

Gratitude- Practicing gratitude is another simple way reframe your thoughts and retrain them to be more positive. Scientific studies have shown this to be a viable and practical way to “rewire” the brain to focus on the positive rather than the negative. Simply being thankful for something shifts your mind's focus to reject any complaints or discontent that may have been growing.

Prayer- Finally, there's prayer: The act of calling out to God, or whatever higher power you connect with, is in itself an act of arresting our thoughts and keeping them from overwhelming us. When your thoughts feel like they are getting the best of you and you stop yourself long enough to focus on the one who can help, you have effectively stopped that train of thought. And that moment of reprieve can be the space you need to evaluate and challenge those thoughts for truthfulness and validity. And then, let's not forget that taking those thoughts to God is exactly what the verse asks us to do. Jesus wants us to reach out for his help. He knows challenging our thoughts is difficult, but he offers his wisdom and compassion to help us do it. 

I hope this sheds some light on how one might go about "taking thoughts captive" and how you might practice it even if you are not a Christian. Please know that the process is not as esoteric as it might seem and that our dark thoughts won't always get the best of us. There is hope to fight intrusive, heavy feelings. It is possible, and we are not alone.

Have you taken your thoughts captive before? Is it something you've found helpful? What other ways do you challenge negative feelings? Let me know in the comments below. 

Til next time,

Take care!

[heartfullofleeches]

from all your ocs, which ones can deal with your death in a less worse manner kinda living on ig and which ones just, cease to be themselves after their beloved is gone? like a range id say

(Death, heavy angst, implied suicide)

Well in the case of Host, Maddox, Alasdair, and maaaaybe Baron and his siblings; they have a chance to bring you back/see you in the afterlife. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt.

I'd say the ones who take it the absolute worse are Baron, Selene, Lee, Daina, Static, and Casper.

Baron is already a destructive force, but your death only adds fuel to the fire. He will slaughter everyone in his path. With Selene, her hallucinations/ghosts(still unknown as to what they really are) and grief would drive her past insanity, especially if you became one of them. She may even make an attempt on her life as she has nothing else to live for and the voices won't let her rest

Lee's whole life is a facade. She is not completely human, she can never be human; only act like one. Her emotions are still real to a degree, but after losing you they become an afterthought and could lead her down a path of bloodshed with an empty end. It's hard to explain with no context, but in cases of danger or extreme distress her kind do something know as "abandoning the host personality" meaning she will become truly hollow and not who's she's grown to be.

Daina goes out with you in a big blast. As you'd most likely die being a murder with being the final girl, she traps the people in question and whatever innocents around in whatever the location they're in and lights the place ablaze. Throws a middle finger to the sky and pours one out for you before getting completely trashed. Either gets caught by the police, or never seen again in classic horror fashion

Static and Casper are monsters, but ones with big hearts. Static is slightly more aggressive, actively going against whatever humans come by. Living off fear of the people it finds for the rest of its days. The loneliness it felt before you arrived returning.

Casper is only hostile to people who near your grave. Unlike other humans, they see your body as something that has to be protected and will do so as long as it lives. Sometimes tries to speak with you through their veil of nativity and leaves candy by the gravestone.

On the other hand there are the ones who can take it a little "better" Verona, Alasdair, and Travis

Verona understands its the way human life goes, even if it hurts. She'll try to form a pact with you before your death so she could potentially still be with you, but if not she just becomes numb. Alasdair also has another chance as your guardian angel, and clings onto that hope. Travis will "move on" by burying himself in his work. There is a high chance of him working himself to death, but he tries his hardest to live on for you.

Onto those I can't really put into a category. Host either makes you a new body or copies your conscious if you've become part of the collective. If somehow neither work, he relives the days when you were his co-host constantly, but eventually starts a new show. Gives the new contestants absolutely no mercy.

Depending on the way you died, Jeremiah either loses faith in humanity or pushing for salvation further. There's a possibility he can bring you back through weird sorta God means.

Maddox is used to death as a reaper, but if they cannot see you after you die they'll remain alone in the sands of time for eternity; thinking of you and unable to cope with the grief

C.C is similar to Baron, but on a smaller scale. Completely sees humans as mere objects and will not interact with them afterwards. He tries to deny missing you, but is a wreck inside and destructive to everyone and even himself. Disgusted by the touch of another, as he can never feel yours again.

[chaniters]

Fallen Hero AU Fanfic 6. Ranger Adventures

Part 6

Beginning to steer this to it’s conclusion. Spoilers for Fallen Hero Series as always. 

Some thoughts on how MC would be treated by the world if they were not  forced to hide their secrets. How far would Ortega fight for them? Herald and Sidestep centered plot. Also, explores some of the (original?) villains I came up with for this. I’m trying to get better at writing villains right now.   

Hope you like It ! 

And thanks to Malin! 

Inhuman

Ranger HQ. Evening.

"Any changes?" Steel asked Moira, one of the professionals on their strike force. She was a military doctor.

The Dark Energy Man lied motionless on his bed. He had just barely eaten some food.

"We have biometric Id. Jake Black. His wife got died to overdose so no surprise he hates the cartel. But changes ? No. He's got brief periods of activity where he gets really excited, and then falls unresponsive. I think he's hallucinating too, we've seen him talk to himself."

"Hmr.. and we can't get Sidestep to check trough an energy absorber..."

"Not unless he wants to run the risk of getting his brain fried" She smiled

"I'll keep it as a last resort" Steel said, impossible to tell if he was serious.

"What's your assessment?."

"He only took the Hero drugs what four days ago? His body must be still adjusting. Changing"

"Very well.. keep me informed. I'll go meet the others..."

Steel strolled to an elevator to the ready room. He adjusted his shirt and pants examining himself in the mirror. It was kind of a routine. Their headquarter had many floors now. Ever since Sidestep had the old one destroyed by HG that is. That's how Steel lost almost all the clothing that used to fit him. Stupid Sidestep. He had to buy new sets of everything and it wasn't easy for someone with so many mods.

"... and that's how they'r creating the Demons" Herald finished explaining. Steel already knew that part.

"So what happened to Cyrus? He didn't seem alright"

"I'm not sure.. I thought I'd lost him. He was't listening to me at all, he was just petrified... and then he went back to normal... sort of."

"He's got a history with mad scientists experimenting on people" Argent pointed out.

"He told me he just needed some time." Ortega spoke a bit worried "He's not sure why, but he admitted he was a bit spooked. I'd be more worried if he had denied the whole thing, which is what he usually did in the past. I.. I think he needs a bit of alone time. Then i'll go talk to him."

"True. Very well... what's your take, Anderson?"

"We have enough to go on against Ellison now. The pictures you got really tell the whole tale Herald. They'r developing a hero drug, it got stolen, sold on the streets, and then they killed the thief to cover it up. Oh and let’s not forget  they are turning people into demons. I think that qualifies as an exception to the west-coast protection he has."

Steel nodded. Time for action then.

"Ortega. You and me go to the Last Gate church along with our strike team... we have to put an end to the experiments"

"Argent... Ellison's car was seen entering FarmaCore's main building's garage so..."

"I get to kick his ass"

Steel smiled "Yes. You and Anderson head to FarmaCore and arrest that twisted shit before he can do anything else."

"What about me?" Herald asked

"You get to stay at the base this time."

"What? Why?"

"Because, we have an immensely powerful boost in our cell, and if contention fails, I don't want Sidestep to be alone to stop him"

"He's not coming either?"

"Not this time... for the same reasons as you. Also, I don't like taking chances if he's not at his best. You tell him. We'll get ready".  

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

Sidestep's room.

Cyrus lied back on his bean bag, completely covered by a blanket on top of it. Hidden from the world.

He didn't know what got to him. The voice had been silent. He had made an *almost* full recovery. He had taken his medication on the hour every hour every day. He hadn't missed a single therapy appointment. He had a fucking psych report saying he was ALMOST normal.

And he just walked into that fucking basement and it triggered next level hallucinations, a panic attack and a complete recalling of the Heartbreak and his first attempt on his life. He had been close. He had tried a few times later after that...

The last one was when he had almost made Herald drop him. The teleporting ray had also been one, he didn't like to admit it but he had hoped it would fail, and that he would just disappear.

But he didn't feel suicidal. Not anymore.

He was starting to like this life he had bargained for.

Even if he wasn't human.

Even if he didn't really had rights.

How.. how had he relapsed so strongly?

He felt he was failing... failing at getting better.  

He didn't want to fall into that hole again. He didn't know if he could crawl his way out again.

"I have to get better" he said aloud. He owed it to Ortega.

After He had pushed Ortega into signing that deal for him...

He owed him for his new life.

Just like he owed him for teaching him about all the things that made him a real person after he broke out.

He owed him so damn much, and he was going to disappoint him. Again.

He remembered what Steel said.

Don't fuck it up.

Well he was going ahead and doing just that just to keep things interesting.

He closed his eyes and covered his face, trying to escape his own thoughts.

On his bean-bag, under his blanket.   -----------------------------------------------------

6 months ago.

"Say again?"

"I want to take the deal"

"You can't be serious!"

"I am serious."

"But this is just... insulting! It's like... like a license to own a dog! No Cyrus! I can't let you...I'm not going to ..."

"Ricardo..."

"No. Definitely not. I won't..."

"...Ricardo"

"Out of the question!"

"Ricardo please. Can you not fight me on this?"

Silence.

The governor took the chance to speak

"Look,  I can't legally make you a human. But nothing stops me from doing THIS under the economic free zone regulations. It's a middle ground"

"If he takes this, people will think this is how it's supposed to end... there is momentum in the media! If we keep at it we can..."

"I can't."

"But this is your fight!"

"I know.. but... i just... can't do it anymore.. please"

Ortega just stood silent. He couldn't give up. He couldn't let Cyrus give up. They had fought so hard... there were online petitions .. people mobilizing to protest in the streets...

Then he looked at Cyrus. He was pleading with him.  With testimony to congress, along with reporters all day long and the hate groups that had emerged against the re-gene cause, the last month had certainly been hell. Panic attacks. Nightmares. His psych test had been a total mess. He was furious at having to use the wheelchair after HG shot him. The physical pain of rehab itself... Trying to walk again....

He couldn't ignore it... he was falling apart with each day. If they continued... he would pay the price.

He took a deep breath and tried to swallow every emotion and intuition telling him this was the wrong choice.

He looked at Cyrus straight in the eyes and asked.

"Look... if we do this, there's no turning back. So I need you to to tell me. Are you completely sure? Is this what you really want?"

Cyrus took a few moments to answer. "Y...Yes. Yes, I want to have a life now, not in 10 years.

Ortega rubbed his face as he tried to cool down.

"Shit...” This was hard... 

“Ok then." I'll sign. I'll sign the thing.. whatever you have to throw at us, i'll sign it. Just... " he pointed a finger at the governor "Just don't cheat us. Please, just don't cheat us later" he pleaded. He felt defeated.

"It's in everybody's best interests. I do stand for the Re-gene cause, but there's only so much I can do without a congress law" He slided the papers to them. "Maybe congress will solve this in the near future, and this doesn't mean others won't continue the fight he started"

Only Ortega signed. Cyrus's signature wasn't valid, since only humans could sign legally binding documents.

"So" he forced himself to ask, as he signed, paper after paper. "How will this... how's this going to work?" He spoke in the most neutral tone he could manage, when in truth he wanted to break the table with his modded fist.

"You'll be assigned guardianship. You are entitled to acquire the equivalent of monthly payment of that of a ranger as long as Cyrus works as a "Honorary" member. You can administer it as you see fit to cover his expenses. Also you can ..."  And they went on, and on, explaining how Cyrus's legal non-humanhood, whatever it was, would work.

Other re-genes where being offered similar deals. Not as good as this one tough, they couldn't even choose guardians they trusted.

"Non human person". A new legal status, only valid in the west coast.

If Cyrus agreed to this, most of the others would too, that was a given. And they would probably forfeit the right to be truly heard by the public... they would become yesterday's news. The legal case would be off the front page.

The Governor nodded as he signed the papers as well.

"Very well then... it's done."

....

"I know you think i'm giving up" Cyrus spoke as Ortega pushed the wheelchair through the underground tunnel to avoid the media.

"I understand why... But it feels so wrong."

"I know but... yesterday I was just a piece of property  owned by the state Ricardo."

"And what are you now?"

"A protected piece of property"

"That's still not a human"

"We've talked to the lawyers... It's better than spending 10 more years in limbo. I don't think i can do that Ricardo. This way I can join the rangers... I can be someone useful..."

"Even if you'r protected, it's not..." Ortega began

"Protected by you." Cyrus interrupted "And that's enough for me"

Ortega hadn't known what to answer to that. He still didn’t. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The present.

As the ranger vehicles left the headquarters, a man in a nearby bar dialed a number

"It's time"

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

Herald was at the situation room.

Steel and Ortega had found and defeated a few demons in the church's grounds after a small skirmish. After that, the church had surrendered and the leaders where being arrested. Several people being held in cells were released too.

Argent and Anderson had faced resistance from FamaCore's security. They were looking for Ellison inside the premises.

Patrol cars were at his homes, and several other locations... still no sign of him.

He was about to call Steel again for an update, when an explosion shook the building. He braced himself. All the lights turned red, then the security cameras died. All of them. Then the alarm sounded.

Gunfire and screams. Herald ran to help,.  

A group of veteran strike team members where fighting the creatures already emerging from the elevator shaft. Demons.

One of them  was already lying on the floor, bleeding from several energy weapon wounds.

He activated his wrist energy emitter and took cover, firing at the things as well. Another one fell down the shaft. Two more came from the stairs. He activated a panel on the wall, sealing the entrance with a thick metal bars coming off the ceiling. 

“Quick! To the emergency staircase!" They did as he said. He flew trough the corridors towards the armory. He was going to need heavy weapons to face these things.

He couldn't prepare for the figure materializing in front of him.

"Going somewhere?" The fist connected straight to his gut, and given his current speed, it made him bend over in the air.

Herald managed to roll away. Durability was a good power to have sometimes.

He looked up at the grinning figure.

A dark ninja-style suit. A mercenary villain called Darkfist. Ortega, and Argent had been beaten by this one in single combat before. Shit.

"What's the matter? Giving up already?"

Herald remembered. Darkfist's powers was very specific. when he attacked, he could teleport short distance, with energy infused fists. So anyone fighting the Villain usually got pummeled before he could do respond.

"Just warming up" he stood up. He had to distract Darkfist so the personnel would be safe.

He aimed his wrist emitter and took his shot... Darkfist teleported in a puff of black smoke... he braced for the worst.    

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

The building shook. An explosions. Alarm sounds. Sidestep removed his blanket. All lights were red.

Fuck.

He rushed out of his room. He had to get to the stairs to get to the ready room... Only there was a demon in the stairs. He froze. He could feel the minds.. many demons.

There was an emergency stair hidden behind a panel in the living-room. He could get up trough it and...

"Hello Cyrus. I hear that is the name you took now?"

He paused. He hadn't sensed this mind. An old, thin and tall man, with grey hear and a black diamond mask, with brass engraved cane. He wore a dark suit, black gloves and a black sweater. Not the most creative Villain suit. Standing in his way.

"Who are you supposed to be?"

"You can call me Phatos."

"I can call you whatever I want after i beat you down!" No time for this. Sidestep lunged for a quick takedown.

The old man just moved out of the way and he missed by a longshot.

"Oh.. you've goten slower" He pushed Sidestep with the tip of his cane, and he almost lost balance

"What the...?" He attacked again, but this time, his enemy wasn't even there. He hit a wall, and cursed at his pained fingers.

"Tsk Tsk... What a disappointment. And you had made such a name for yourself. Sidestep and all."

"Who the fuck are you?" Sidestep knew the voice... but he couldn't place it. And he could not sense his mind at all.

"Oh come now. Don't you remember me ?" He lips turned into a smile under his mask.

Sidestep focused. There it was. He could sense it. It was hiding... but no longer. He could sense it's shields. Strong shields. Very like his own.... familiar shields...

He took a step back.

He knew this man... he had trained with him. Him and his brothers. He had been at the farm.. he had taught them... everything.

"Carl?" Sidestep asked finally

"It's Pathos now... But i'm glad to see you brain hasn't melted... yet" He took a step forward.

"What the heck are you doing here?" Sidestep said assuming a defensive stance

"What does it look i'm doing?" He clicked a button on his cane and a short blade emerged from the tip.

He trusted the cane and Sidestep dodged... but the blade wasn't where it was supposed to be. He got a nasty cut on his arm.

Pathos sneered. "You know ever since i retired, I've found there's a really enormous demand for people like me. I do charge a lot for my services, but i'm doing you for free"

Pathos slashed again, but Sidestep trapped the blade with his bare hands.

"Oh. I see you haven't gone totally soft"

Sidestep took the cane off his hands and pointed it at him.

"Why? What could you possibly gain from this?"

"You really don't remember?"

Sidestep felt the immediate pressure against his shields. He strengthened them as hard as he could... but his mind just went trough as if they weren't there...

"Wha..."

"It's no use being in the strongest of Alpha leagues if your opponent, even a Beta like me has the key to your  front door Fivofour."

"I'm Cyrus!" He strengthened his shields again and pushed him back. He trusted the cane at Pathos... but it became a snake in his hands, hissing and biting at him. He dropped it. "How the fuck.."

"Experience makes the master. Remember I taught you everything you know. And you have let yourself develop a huge weakness... let it fester even" Pathos smiled. "It's a secret we share, do you remember Doll? Do you remember how I fixed you after they brought to me in pieces?" For the Briefest instant, his face turned into that of the monster... the origin of the voice... the Heartbreak.

Sidestep recoiled... but his back hit the wall.

"Do you remember when I came to help you because you wanted to kill yourself ? When you made me your tool, and tried to have me strangle you?  This obsession you gave me.. it never went away." Phatos continued, clearly enjoying Sidestep’s pained expression.

The old man raised his cane and attacked again. Sidestep dodged and blocked trying to disarm him once more, but he just couldn't outsmart his old mentor. Every move, he did, Pathos could predict. He gave him another cut on the left leg this time.

"When you escaped I realized i had lost my chance... only killing others gave me some respite...But we both know how these induced obsessions work right?.. If i finally kill you.. Then maybe if I'll be free, don’t you agree?."

They engaged once more. Sidestep was stronger... faster.. but there was little he could do against someone who could dodge faster than he could think.

With a final deception, Pathos knocked him down, driving his head against a wall. ......................................

Three strikes in quick succession. Each time, Darkfist had teleported in the middle of his swing. There wasn't any time to react... Herald was just getting beaten over and over against this guy.

His back was against a window when... A window.

He shot his wrist weapon shattering the glass.

Darkfist ran at him, ready to strike again.

Herald waited.. he waited...until...

Now!

The moment Darkfist's body started blurring and preparing his teleportation, he jumped backwards.

As predicted, he got another brutal fist to the face.... but after that he flew upwards.

Darkfist didn't fly at all. His powers where teleporting to attack. There was no reports of him ever teleporting without performing his "Dark Punch". So he had no way to avoid the fall.

The 7th floor was probably high enough.

“Splat” Herald said.

..........................................

Ellison entered some commands in the console, and the power dampener device deactivated, opening the containment cell.

Pathos entered the room followed by a Demon carrying the unconscious Sidestep.

The Dark Energy man stood up, with a smile on his lips.

"Ahh.. High priest. It’s good to see you again. It’s been so many years"

Ellison bowed to the man.

"I am sorry. We didn't expect your return to take place in this unclean vessel... one of our workers was... unfaithful. He has been dealt with."

The Dark Energy man simply walked out of the cell.

"It is of no consequence. I have almost consumed this man's personality. I am in control. His quests for vengeance was pointless.. but entertaining" The inhuman thing behind his eyes smiled. "Your technology and the teachings of the Elder one have created the right tool to tear the veil between our realms. I am pleased."

"You honor us. If you would follow us, we will guide you to our preparations, oh great one"

They began walking towards the exit, as countless demons cleared the path outside.

Ellison whispered to Phatos. "Where is Darkfist?"

"The flyboy killed him. Can't say I saw that coming."

The Dark Energy Man stopped and turned to the Demon holding Sidestep.

"An offering? The one that killed my last vessel too.  Most appropriate high priest." He nodded to Ellison "The elder one will devour his power immediately after his coming." Pathos smiled as well.

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My Fanfics: https://chaniters.tumblr.com/post/181692759294/my-fanfiction-for-fallen-hero

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and the setting of the Fallen Hero: Rebirth and upcoming Fallen Hero: Retribution games written by Malin Riden. I do not claim ownership of any characters from the Fallen Hero wold. These stories are a work of my imagination, and I do not ascribe them to the official story canon. These works are intended for entertainment outside the official storyline owned by the author. I am not profiting financially from the creation of these stories, and thank the author for her wonderful game/s, without which these works would not exist.