#this is what happens when there's maintenance and I should be studying for my test on mortgage loans <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[sebille]

rotating them in my head 24/7

[lgbtq-history-museum-cfl-intern]

Am I What I Am?

How often do you feel “Imposter Syndrome”?

Imposter Syndrome is that feeling like you’re somehow not qualified for what you’re doing.

That even though you’ve been invited into a space, you somehow don’t belong there.

Like you’ve tricked everyone into thinking that you’re, say, a public historian, and now they’re just letting you design an entire exhibit!

Okay, so by now you can probably tell this is personal (lol).

My last post definitely gave away some of this brewing self-doubt, but I remained positive. However, I had one day where it all overwhelmed me at once.

That happens as students with everything going on PLUS school. As a student living with disabilities, I carry the extra load of the maintenance work that comes with chronic health conditions, and this was just one of those weeks when I had to balance my academic responsibilities with a wad of follow-up appointments and testing!

So, it all just felt like too much for a day and the imposter syndrome sunk in as I was preparing for the meeting with the Board. It was so bad that I questioned whether I even wanted to keep pursuing public history anymore! The field I have been actively building relationships and experience in for over 2 years now!

I know I’m not the only one who has been there, though. If you’re doing things right, you’re frequently entering spaces where you question your place until it becomes familiar.

Well, you can imagine my relief when I met the rest of the board, and they were incredibly warm and inviting. And to top it off, they were all very excited about what I brought to the table! They gave great feedback and suggestions giving me direction as I transition into the writing and design process.

The pressure I have felt this semester to impress is all my own because everyone around me has only been happy with my work and encouraging about my ideas.

After reflecting, I found that as an Interdisciplinary Studies major, I find it intimidating speaking to fellow students or professors who’ve specialized in History for years (or literally any of the disciplines I’ve covered in my degree program like sociology and anthropology, or humanities and Latin American Studies.)

And so there I was, in a room with incredibly smart and experienced individuals, most of whom I’d never met, about to present my research and exhibit idea for the first time. You hear the word “Board” and titles like “Doctor” and as a student, you can feel so inexperienced in just the worst ways.

However, something to remember in moments like these is that sometimes we build others up in our heads as figures to look up to. And yes, they may be accomplished and admirable people; And yes, we should respect them, but they are just people.

I think if we try to reframe these “figures” in our lives - humanize them, remembering that although they are professionally your superior, they’re normal people too – we can overcome some of that imposter syndrome.

They were in your shoes once, just starting their career and perhaps with less ground under their feet.

They can be just as endeared by your accomplishments as you are by theirs.  

So, the next time you’re nervous about meeting with that potential mentor whose positive reputation and track record overwhelm you with excitement and anxiety, remember: They also misplace their files; their emails also get stuck in their outbox/drafts; They also fumble with their materials; They also forget that one very important thing they needed today.

So, claim your place and remember you are where you’re meant to be!

Thanks for following along 😊

[rhine-gold-archive]

oh my god, I loved your Diluc fic! Sub!Ayato pretty please for the requests? People only seem to write him as a top :(

Sub! Ayato x Dom! gn reader

Warnings: not safe for work or minors, edging, bondage, overstimulation, slight degradation, power play, anal sex, spanking. I’m gonna mostly say “cock” for the reader, but it stands for both cock and strap, it’s just unwieldy to specify every time and I usually call strap “cock” irl anyway.

Words: 4k

A\n: wait for the filth, it’s under the cut, after the character study. And again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, it’s just my personal interpretation of a character.

Ayato is the biggest pillow princess out there. The entitlement on this one.

A connoisseur, seeks the thrill of new combinations of exciting experiences, both physical and mental, but is also a brat. Not in a usual sense of being deliberately antagonistic and difficult, it’s just that if you don’t keep him in check, he will steamroll you with sheer demanding presence, all with a pleasant little smile.

He wants to be surprised and lose control, but also has a compulsive need to plan and manipulate everything from the backstage. So he’s a handful for sure. If you’re into his kind of mind games, he can be exquisite like no one else, but he’s so high-maintenance, just energy and attention-wise, constantly testing your willpower.

“A luxury few can afford” meme, but it's on a diamond-encrusted choker.

You know how his story quest just stops dead to have a Boba Tea Interlude, where he orders tea with the weirdest ingredients and everyone around is openly disgusted? And they could’ve stopped the joke here, but no.

Ayato goes on to have a whole discussion about the nature of pleasure with Paimon, who is btw entirely out of her depth and can only master “Ugh?? Food should taste good?” 

And this mf proceeds to argue that actually, things that just straightforwardly feel good are boring. And it’s better to experiment and seek out new interesting experiences that push your limits, even if they end up not feeling good.  And those things that don’t feel good, but in interesting and exciting ways, are better than straightforward good-feeling.

Like, just say you’re into kink and stop confusing poor Paimon. You don’t have to give a whole ass philosophical speech about wanting exciting things that feel bad to be inflicted upon you. 

And he likes obedience, sure. A nice service top who just does everything he wants entirely according to a pre-approved script is probably his comfort zone.

But you know what’s a fun thing to do with a bossy brat like him? Tease him. Throw him off his script. Wipe that mild, confident, slightly bored smile off his face and see genuine emotions. See him come undone.

Also, you know he’s so used to being indulged. The experience of being challenged, loss of control, the inability to predict what’s gonna happen next is going to feel much more exciting than a bad-tasting boba tea.

Like, his only friend outside of the circle of people actively dependent on him, like Ayaka and Thoma, is Itto, the most irreverent delinquent in the city. And sure, Ayato tries to minimize the connection in his voice line (bc he’s a fake bitch), but from Itto’s line it’s clear that they are in continuous contact. They are actively hanging out, all the while Ayato doesn’t disclose his station. 

Ayato found one dude in the entire city who doesn’t know who he is and is not gonna bow down to him. In fact, he’s gonna treat him in a way that would be considered scandalously rude for a head of the commission. But they are playing Magic the Gathering at a local McDonalds while Yashiro ninjas keep the cashier at a knifepoint so he doesn’t accidentally expose who Ayato really is to Itto.

He obviously wants to be seen for something else than the social image he created when he had to become the leader of his clan. He had to be so tightly wound up and in control all the time, impeccable and untouchable, or not only him, but his closest people would pay the price. Of course he wants to be able to let go, to feel human and imperfect, but accepted with the imperfections nonetheless. He just doesn’t know how, since he’s been living in nothing but a PR performance since he was a young teen.

Unless he’s literally forced to. 

Ayato is never gonna admit that he wants to be put in his place, but he will certainly enjoy it.

Specifics-wise, I'm getting strong bondage vibes. Especially rope bondage, shibari knots. Popular choice for the pillow princesses in general, and rope instead of handcuffs gives both interesting texture and flexibility, you can change it up in many ways from session to session to keep it fresh. 

But honestly, that’s details. What’s important is the mind games. The power play. The exciting stakes, even if inside of play. The rollercoaster of ups and downs. The push and pull of an invisible leash will matter much more than the physical one.

He’s so casual and calm when you start tying him up, even though he’s already naked. Sometimes you tie him in his clothes ruffled, halfway undone, but today you want his bare skin. You start with his chest and shoulders, and the purple rope looks amazing against his pale flesh.

Nudity doesn’t make him vulnerable though. He stands there languid, loose and long-limbed, follows your instructions to move his hands back so you can tie them with poise and elegance, like he’s getting an expensive suit tailored. Sometimes, you’d want to break his posture, throw him on the floor and fuck him until he’s a screaming mess, and only then finish the bondage. 

There are always so many options to consider with Ayato.

But today you want to play the longer prelude. You know that the slow, almost ritualistic adjusting of the ropes over his body winds him up even if he doesn’t show it. 

You work on tying his hands behind his back, then move to his torso. The ropes over ribs and stomach don’t actually hold much, but by god, they look pretty, the rhombs in the center and the violet lines going across his taut muscles.

You move deliberately slowly, handling him with long practiced firmness and effectiveness, except for the fleeting moments when your fingers linger, lightly trace the lines of his body, but leave before he can even react. A stroke from his sharp collarbones to the shoulders, a flick on the pink nipples, a caress across the sculpted abs.

This is a game where you almost pretend to be professional, and he almost keeps up the indifference. It’s a shaky pyramid of glass, barely balancing on the edge, the anticipation of waiting for exactly when it’ll fall down and shatter into tiny pieces.

The fun part about this is watching his cock hardening with your every move, how it slowly grows from soft to aroused, pointing up on his stomach. He can pretend to be indifferent all he wants, you have the evidence of how much he needs this right there.

He watches you intensely, even if it’s only in half-glances, his upper body is already covered in an intricate, beautiful harness.  

“Lean against the table and lift your leg, please”, you direct him to the high table beside the bed and he obeys with the same casual confidence. You tie his ankle to his thigh, moving the rope across the tender, sensitive skin of the inner thigh, and watch his cock twitch and redden. You then continue to fix his bent leg with ropes so that it’s pushed sideways and keeps his thigh open, working slow, methodical. He’s almost fully hard by the time you’re done.

“Violet really is your color,” you say casually, and slide the rope between his legs, under his balls and between his asscheeks. “Really brings out your eyes.”

His hips flinch, his cock fully erect now, but his voice is even and mild when he answers, “So nice of you to approve.”

It’s a stalemate of sorts, who is going to expose themselves first, but you have the advantage of not being naked, tied, and unable to close your legs. The chances are in your favor even against the calculating Yashiro commissioner. 

You smile and lay your hand on his hipbone. He expects you to move to his dick and when you don’t, glances down and back up at your face in a politely hidden frustration.

“I’d prefer to continue this on the proper bed,” he says, still calmly, but with an insistent undercurrent in his tone, like a VIP client demanding a luxury section of the restaurant.

The fucking entitlement. Exactly what you were waiting for.

“Oh,” you smile, deceptively soft and lift your hand to stroke his sharp cheekbones. “You’d prefer the bed?”

He senses the shift in your tone, his muscles tightening, but he doesn’t flinch away. Not just entitled, but so self-assured too.

“Yes,” he answers, holding up your gaze. “I think it’d be beneficial to the both of us.”

You smile wider, from soft to mocking, “I wasn’t aware of your priorities,” your voice is calm, but when you swipe your thumb across his lips, it’s harsh, applying enough pressure to force his mouth open.

Your other hand finally grabs his cock, roughly, sending a jolt through his entire body. You stroke him and slide your fingers down between his legs, cup his balls and then move farther, to his tight hole, to show that everything he has is open to you. 

“I was under the impression that you want to be fucked,” you say, looking into his eyes and he breathes out through the mouth you’re still keeping open.

You smile again and remove your hand from between his legs. “But apparently you just want the bed. Perhaps I should just leave you there alone like this.”

His eyes are stormy violet, but his body leans so receptively against you, shudders with obvious need. The tip of his cock is leaking pearly precum.

“I never said that,” he answers with strained tightness in his voice.

You sigh and lean into him, pressed close enough to feel him struggling not to arch into you, and tenderly kiss his lower lip, then the tiny mole under it.

“Then stop making demands or I’ll shut your pretty mouth.”

He looks so scandalized, it’d be funny if it wasn’t so hot. His mouth *is* really pretty, especially half-open and breathing heavily like this. It’s a challenge, almost a dare. ‘Oh, you think this is bad? Just wait for what I do next’.

You don’t tell him that, though. Why ruin a nice surprise. 

You step back a little, grab him, turn him around and throw him roughly over the table, enjoying his shocked gasp. The elegant porcelain vase that was standing on the edge falls down and breaks, delicate petals of white camellias that were kept there scattering on the floor. You press your hand between Ayato’s shoulderblades, keeping him in place when he struggles to move, and hoist his tied leg up on the table, forcing him to balance on his free leg, his ass entirely exposed. He glares angrily at you over the shoulder, his cheek pressed to the table, but you just smile and arch your eyebrow expectantly, looking over him splayed like that in front of you.

It sends shivers to his core, the rough handling, demeaning exposure of being bent over the desk like a common whore, the anticipation of being used, but not knowing how exactly… But he will try to keep up the appearances even like that.

“This was an expensive vase”, he says flatly. 

You lean down, still smiling, and close your hand over his dick, squeeze painfully so that he arches, his thighs shudder. “More expensive than this cock?”

“...No,” he finally lets out, strained.

“Then I can afford it,” you tell him with a smirk and watch with satisfaction an angry blush appearing on his cheeks. It’s only the beginning, though. Time to escalate.

You move away and and soon come back, catching his jaw and forcing a gag into his mouth. His indignant protests are muffled, but still loud enough.

“What’s wrong, your Highness?” you ask pleasantly, looking into his stormy eyes and stroking the exposed curve of his asscheek while he writhes in front of you. “I told you I’ll shut your mouth if you make demands, so you thought you can keep talking back at me if you don’t technically demand anything, because you’re so clever?”

You can see in his affronted glare that it’s exactly what he thought. You grin at him and slap the skin you were just caressing. He yelps, a sound choked by the gag, tries to move, but you press your hand against the back of his neck, pinning him to the table, as you keep laying blows across his ass and thighs. His flesh is so pale and tender, a true aristocrat, it turns a bright red immediately, in gorgeous contrast with the dark ropes. 

When he shuts his eyes, long lashes squeezed tightly, and his grunts turn from protesting to shaky, you start alternating pain with caresses. You stroke the skin that is still stinging from a hit a second ago, slide your fingers between his legs to cup his balls, grab his painfully hard, leaking dick. The noises he makes, tiny muffled half-gasps, half-moans, are delicious. He bucks his hips as you twist the sensitive head of his cock with one hand and strike his ass with the other. This time his moan is loud, needy.

“So nice of you to approve,” you say teasingly and reach for the lube. You pour it on your fingers and press them against his hole. He tenses in anticipation, you see the muscles of his tied arms strain against the ropes. You start massaging his entrance and run your free hand over the sharp knobs on his spine. 

“Relax,” you tell him softly and slide your fingers inside. Shudder runs through his body, his back arching, forehead pressed to the table and hair falling to cover his face. You lean down to kiss a small mole on the back of his shoulder, your fingers working inside of him, opening him up, hitting the sweet spot until he whimpers, his hips twitching under you. You lightly bite his shoulder and with your free hand you grab the criss-crossed ropes on his back and pull them slowly, making them taut, pressed harshly against his skin, so that he moans hoarsely, clenches around your fingers. You fuck him faster and faster, watch how the trembling turns into writhing and moans grow louder. 

“Are you already close, your Highness?” you hook your fingers inside him, and he arches deliriously, exquisitely, thrusting into your hand. You can tell that he’s on the edge and you slap his ass harshly.

“Come on, cum for me then,” you tell him and drag your nails over his sensitive, stinging flesh. He comes with a long, shaky scream barely muffled by the gag, and goes limp under your hands.

You take your fingers out of his ass and gag out of his mouth, and smile, looking at his trembling form sprawled on the table.

“I’m sorry, did you say something? I didn’t quite get it.”

He coughs a little, his throat dry from screaming, breathing heavily through his mouth to regain his composure, then swallows harshly and licks his lips.

“My title is not “Highness”,” he finally says, meeting your eyes, his voice a little hoarse, but still haughty. You can’ help but smile. He couldn’t very well say he screamed because he loved how you fucked him, but there’s no one else who could be bent over the table and fucked like that, turned into a screaming, writhing mess, and then still glare at you with this dignified primness, all the while with his ass still exposed and arched up.

“Why not?” you turn him over and pull him up by the rope harness on his chest, so that he’s standing up face to face with you.

“I’m not a prince, obviously,” he says calmly, rolling his eyes just so, and you chuckle, catch his chin and trail kisses down his jawline teasingly, your body pressed flat against him.

“You are to me,” you tell him, grinning, and this earns a fond, surprised chuckle from him. You kiss his smiling mouth, and he answers eagerly back, his tongue sliding against yours, his body arching in your hands.

Ayato doesn’t really have a praise kink, but he loves to be complimented and feel special for the reasons other than his heritage or political status, especially from the people who otherwise treat him as equal. The pointed irreverence is what makes the endearment count.

“I’ll even get you to the bed, isn’t it a royalty treatment that you wanted?” you tell him, breaking the kiss, turn him and push him down, so that he falls on the bed next to the table. He lands on the mass of pillows, and grins with a smug satisfaction, a cat that’s gotten what he wanted.

It’s worth getting him to the bed for the view alone, though. He’s insanely gorgeous, sprawled on the dark silk like that, pale sculpted body against the sleek black of the sheets, managing to look both elegant and ravished, the red marks from your touch decadently obscene on his tender skin, light hair looking even better when disheveled. The temptation to just fuck him right there, wreck him immediately, roughly, is immense. 

But that’s obviously what he wants. He knows how exquisite he is, the honed, cherished masterpiece, the way he looks at you from under half lowered eyelids, languorous, confident, not even as much demanding, as sure you won’t be able to resist him. 

Is he worth the trouble? Gods yes. But it doesn’t mean you’ll play along to his tune.

You kneel over him, kiss his soft, expectant lips, run your hands over him greedily. You move your mouth down, to claim what’s eagerly offered to you, the arch of his neck, the slopes of his delicate collarbones, the broad chest, heavily rising as he breathes feverishly, pink nipples, hardened under your caress, sculpted abs and carved hipbones. 

He’s throbbing hard when you get down there, but you don’t touch his dick. You reach for the rope and start tying his free leg in the same position, ankle to the thigh. 

He groans in frustration, rolls his head back on the silken pillows, he’s breathing heavily, impatient. You kiss the line from his exposed inner thigh to the tender juncture where his leg meets the torso, and finish up the knots. He trembles under your touch, arches as much as he can, fixated as he is. 

You raise from the bed and step back, admiring your handiwork. He’s splayed on the bed, thighs forced open, shoulders slightly drawn back and chest arched due to his hands being tied behind his back, his gorgeous long cock is throbbing hard, violet ropes drawn over his body like the edges on the luminous stained glass, he’s breathing feverishly from his parted, swollen mouth, silver-blue hair falling around his face like a tangled halo, his eyes a wild, delirious lavender. 

You sit back in a chair and watch over him with a smile, as he struggles and finally lets out, huskily. “What are you waiting for?”

“I remember we had an agreement. I get you to the bed and leave you there by yourself,” you say, smirking, and meet his angry glare.

“You wouldn’t,” he grits out.

“Why not?”

“You wouldn’t…” he stops himself, takes a deep breath, licking his lips, realizing that saying ‘You wouldn’t dare’ could only spur you on. “What would you gain from it?”

He really thinks that fucking him is the limit of human aspirations. You smile teasingly.

“Oh, for a start, I’d enjoy immensely watching you writhe and beg desperately like a common slut, my princeling. Maybe I’ll roll you onto a pillow and tease you until you start humping it like a dog.”

His eyes widen, horrified, breath catching in his throat at the imagined humiliation. Oh, this is too good. You should absolutely do it to him. But not today. Let him stew in this thought, be both aroused when he thinks about it afterwards and appalled at his own desire, let him wait with a baited breath if you do it to him for the next few sessions, be both relieved and - secretly - a little disappointed that you don’t. Then you can spring it on him when he least expects this.

It always pays off to play the long game with Ayato.

You don’t show your decision though, sitting impassively yet, watching him squirm.

“Don’t do it,” he breezes out, looking you in the eyes, biting his lip, almost anxiously for someone always so confident as him. 

“Convince me then,” you tell him with a smirk, move to sit on the edge of the bed, looming over him, but not touching.

“Please,” he manages, strained. “I’m so close. Let me finish.”

You scoff, lean down and run your thumb over his cheekbones teasingly. He trembles nonetheless, too overstimmed and wound up, raw and sensitive to every touch, his eyes hazy from desire, his breath laborious.

“Is that the best you can do? Is this your famed eloquence? If so, it’s not giving me much motivation.”

He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, licks his dry lips. When he meets your eyes again, he doesn’t look necessarily calm or collected, but focused, determined, his raw hunger sharpened into a thin cutting edge.

“Please, I want you to fuck me,” he says, his voice deep, low, shameless, almost purring. “Take me, fuck me hard, wreck me, I beg of you. I am yours to use.”

You can barely restrain yourself to let him finish the sentence before you claim his mouth. You move to position yourself between his legs and slide your strap\cock into him, slowly, but forcefully, in one long thrust. He arches under you and you drink a sweet, shuddering moan from his lips. You fuck him hard, quickening the pace, gripping the ropes that are digging into his hips, and his moans turn into erratic, desperate screams, his head lolling back helplessly

You lean down to him, slide your hand into his hair and tug, forcing him to expose his throat, close your other hand over his leaking cock, feel him choke on his breath and tremble feverishly, his open, tied legs shaking. 

“That’s right, come for me, baby,” you tell into his ear, his soft hair tickling your face as he leans into you. You roll your hips, cock buried deep inside him, and squeeze his dick. “Let me see you fall apart.”

He comes, crying out against your skin, trying desperately to thrust into your hand. You stroke him through it until pleasure becomes blinding as the pain and he starts trashing under you, whimpering incoherent pleas, completely unraveled. 

He goes limp when you slide out of him and get to untying the ropes. You get to the knots on his upper back when he turns to you over the shoulder, catches your mouth in a softly tired, lazy kiss. 

“How are you?” you ask, undoing the last knots. “Limbs didn’t fall asleep?”

“No, I’m fine,” he says mildly, but his fingers close on your forearm, asking you to stay close a little longer. You circle your arm around his shoulders in reassurance and he leans into you. You kiss his temple softly, and he smells of expensive perfume, sweat and an incoming summer rain, that didn’t yet catch you, but already echoes in the wind. 

You glance down at him, because he is too quiet, and sure enough, he’s thinking. And not just thinking, his lips are pressed, eyelids half-closed, but tight around the corners, brows furrowed just so. Oh no. This is the Strategizing face.

“Ayato, don’t do your fucking deluge thing or I swear to fucking gods! No, it’s not a suitable substitute for a shower, you absolute…”

“I wasn’t going to!” he laughs with an exaggeratedly affronted look, breaking the concentration. “You made your opinion perfectly clear last time, no need to yell at me again.”

“Then what are you scheming about?”

He doesn’t try to deny that he’s scheming. 

“I want you to choke me next time,” he says matter of factly.

“We’ve discussed this before. Your skin is too tender, marks are going to be too obvious.”

“I’m going to get a high-collared outfit.”

“Do they even make collars that go right under the chin?”’

“Of course they don’t,” he scoffs. “I will get one custom-ordered.”

You laugh. “Of course you will, your Highness. Is there going to be a new fashion trend in Inazuma city because the Yashiro commissioner really wants to have his pretty throat choked?”

“It’s a good look anyway, so I don’t see the problem. As a fallback option, there are some suitable paints I can get from our festival supplies. And of course, if all else fails I can always blame it on the assassination attempt.”

“I wish you were more careful about the assassins than the custom-made collars.”

“I don’t even get that many assassins these days,” he shrugs dismissively with one shoulder, the other pressed against you. “Just a few Fatui strugglers, grasping at the straws. They are bound to run out soon.” 

“I still don’t know if you’ve planned this thoroughly enough,” you tease him. “What if you cause an international diplomatic incident by accusing the Fatui of trying to kill you by choking and spanking your ass?”

You catch a sharp elbow under your ribs, but it’s worth it.

[urfavstargirl1]

The Empress, Part III

A/n: Hi everyone! things are starting to get spicier in this chapter ;) i’m still figuring out the pacing and how long I want this fic to go on, but I’ve definitely got a few more chapters in me so hold on tight!

AO3 Link

Kylo Ren x Female Reader

Words: 3440

Chapters: 3/10 

Chapter Summary: A few weeks into y/n and Kylo Ren’s relationship and things have been equally exhilarating and challenging. 

Story Summary: (tentative) As Kylo Ren steps into power as Supreme Leader, he struggles to use his power to effectively lead the Empire. Y/N is a renowned Commander eagerly working her way up the ranks. Her loyalty to the Empire is tested when the Supreme Leader suddenly takes an interest in her. When one date becomes several and she is ultimately tasked with becoming Empress and wife of the Supreme Leader, will Y/N be able to handle that kind of power outside the commander’s uniform?

CW: angst, romance, light making out (??), kissing, fluff

“Commander y/n,” a voice calls out to me.

“Yes?”

“Your presence on the Korr mission has been authorized by the Supreme Leader,” General Hux commands.

“Oh okay,” I nod, accepting the instruction.

“We take off in 48 hours. The mission will be three days long. Prepare however you must.”

“Yes, sir. May I ask who else will be on this mission?”

“The mission has been restricted to you, me, General Ameen from the Star Brigade, and the Supreme Leader, of course,” Hux discloses. The Supreme Leader. Of course. I gulp.

“If there are no further questions, I will leave you with your mission packet. We will meet at the Hanger in Zone F.”

“Yes sir. I will make sure to become familiar with its contents.”

“I’ll see you in 48 hours, Commander,” Hux nods. I return the nod and walk back to my station.

It’s the day I’ve been waiting for since that bizarre meeting almost a month ago. I’ll have to brief my unit and prepare them for my absence. I’ll also need to study my mission materials. I’ll take a look at those during my lunch hour and whatever I don’t get to I’ll go over tonight. Shoot I also need to pack a bag too. And I should probably send Balia and Karmir a message letting them know I’ll be on mission for the next few days. 

Kylo and I have been talking about this mission for a while. Sometimes we talk about it in his office during brief one-on ones to discuss strategy and other times we talk in his library about what we think might happen when we get to Korr.

     “I haven’t been to Korr in years.”

     “Do you miss it?”

     “Sort of. I guess in a way it was like my second home, but I've heard it’s changed a lot in the past few years and with the rebel base there now, I don’t really know what to expect.”

     “Does your cousin still live there?”

     “No, she and my aunt and uncle moved away a couple years ago. Does your friend from Jedi training live there?”

     “I wouldn’t know. We fell out of touch shortly after Jedi training,” he says solemnly. I reach for his hand and he sighs.

     “Do you miss him?”

     “Not anymore.”

     “Why do you say that?”

     “We were very good friends at one point. He was perhaps the closest confidant I ever had, until I joined the Dark Side that is. I wanted him to join me, but he refused. He said I was no longer the man he once thought I was. He ended up joining the Rebel Forces and I haven’t heard from him since.”

Conversations like that were shared between Kylo and I. For the past month, I’ve snuck out practically every other night to see him. About a week and a half in, there was one night I almost got caught. When leaving my quarters, a pair of stormtroopers happened to be patrolling the area and asked my whereabouts. I panicked at first, then lied and said that I was going to retrieve something I had left in my office by accident. They bought the lie, but they still didn’t let me leave. They said that leaving your quarters was prohibited for the night in my hall due to maintenance of some sort. After that night, I talked to Kylo and his solution was to have his assigned stormtrooper guards escort me from my quarters to our meeting locations.

“Kylo, it’s not fair. At any given time, no one questions where you’re going or why. I don’t have that luxury. You’re putting me in a position to get in trouble.”

“But if you’re escorted by the guards then our problems are solved: no one will question your whereabouts.” 

“I’m not a child. I don’t want to have to be escorted anywhere. Plus, I already feel bad making them look after us when they could be doing something far more important.” 

“I know, but let’s look at the alternative. What does it look like for the Supreme Leader to be knocking on the door of a commander’s quarters after hours?” I freeze at the thought. I’ve never let a man in my quarters before. Friends sure, but there’s usually other places to spend time, I never really had to worry about that before.

“For the time being, there are only a few places on the ship where we can be together and only a few ways we can make that happen. This is our only option.”  

After that night, I received a personal escort to see him in his library or some secret location on the ship that I have no idea how he knows about. Sometimes we talk and eat. Other times we read or play card games I’ve taught him. There’s only so much to do when you’re dating the most famous man in the Empire in secret, but it’s enough for now. To my surprise, he’s quite a lot of fun to be around and we have a lot more in common than I would have imagined. 

Sometimes I wake up to a handwritten letter from Kylo delivered to my quarters. It’s usually just an invitation to our meeting place that night, but on days we don’t meet up, his letters say things like ‘I look forward to our next union’ or whatever random thought he wishes to share with me. It’s safe to say I’ve kept all of them in a collection stashed at the back of my closet. It makes me feel like a teenager again! Sometimes I reread his notes and run my finger along the chicken scrawl of his handwriting. No one ever said the Supreme Leader was perfect, but it does amuse me. My own handwriting isn’t much neater, but it just feels so Kylo to see his written thoughts like that.

Tomorrow will be the first mission that I go on with the Supreme Leader. This is also the first trip I go on with Kylo. I prefer to only think of the former because it’s much easier that way. Plus, it feels weird and kind of early to think about taking a trip with Kylo after only a few weeks of getting to know each other. For now, I need to focus on getting things in order and having a good night's rest. Oh stars, please let this be a good mission.

---

I groggily make my way over to Hux, Kylo, and a man whom I’m assuming is General Ameen huddled next to two cruisers. Take-off time is way too early.

“Ah, Commander y/n, now that you’re here and we’re all accounted for, we can prepare for take-off. I was just giving General Ameen and the Supreme Leader the coordinates I received from the Amian leaders on where our designated landing spots are located. Each cruiser seats two and since General Ameen and Supreme Leader are the only ones pilot trained, we’ll each be flying with them. I will fly with General Ameen and you will fly with the Supreme Leader,” Hux instructs. Um… WHAT? I want to protest and look at Kylo and ask why I got paired with him, but if I react like that they’ll definitely know something’s up. I would never question a direct order otherwise.

“Yes sir,” I respond. Up until now, I thought we were doing a good enough job at keeping this a secret. I thought we were acting normally enough at work to not make anyone suspect us. Fortunately it’s not like I work one on one with him all the time so there’s less of an opportunity for most people to see us and suspect something. But this mission is bringing us closer together and that could be enough to make someone like Hux suspicious.

“Commander y/n,” Kylo commands, taking me out of my worried trance. I see Hux and Ameen heading toward their cruiser and Kylo walking toward ours. I jog to catch up while deciding just how I’m going to ambush Kylo about this seating arrangement. We enter the ship and the panel closes shut. We take our seats, him in the pilot and me in the passenger.

“I didn’t know you received pilot training,” I wonder aloud.

“Man of many talents, remember?” he says with a smirk and I nod tensely, still furious at the situation and by extension, him.

Kylo puts on his headset and turns on the microphone. He barks commands to Ameen on the other side. They both press random buttons across the control panel and then look at one another. Ameen salutes and flies off. Kylo does the same and soon we’re reaching light speed. I stare out the window and admire the blurring starlight. 

Kylo conveys several more commands and directions and I look over to him. His fluffy black hair sticks out of his head set in the cutest way. His hands gracefully and methodically scatter about the control panel. After our first dinner together, I made it a point to jokingly gift him a bottle of hand lotion and he’s been using it ever since. “It actually feels so much better when I wear my gloves now,” he commented, like it was the biggest discovery ever. The thought makes me smile.

Seeing how animated he gets while flying is something new. It’s kind of adorable, like watching a little boy play flying an imaginary airplane. He makes a joke to Ameen and he laughs from whatever Ameen had said in response. Seeing him so in control and in his element makes something in my heart stir. It’s a side of him I realize has always been there, but now, I am one of the select few who is privileged enough to see it.

“Haha, okay. Tell Hux not to eat all the snacks… Yes, okay… I’ll sign off for now… Yes… Yes, Commander y/n and I will see you two on Planet Korr… Okay, Supreme Leader signing off,” Kylo exclaims into the microphone. Then he turns it off and hangs up his headset.

“The mic is off right?”

“Yes my worried darling, no one can hear us right now.”

“Okay.”

“Sorry about all that. Ameen is a bit of a joker, but he’s funny enough that I don’t even mind.”

“I’ve never met him before embarking on this mission.”

“Oh yes, the brigade he leads works in a different region of the ship.”

“Oh okay,” I respond. I’m not really up for the chit chat. 

“Yeah, I think you’ll like him. He’s a very smart and cunning leader.”

“Mhm.” I turn to look out the window and distract my thoughts with the stars.

“Hey, is something wrong, y/n?”

“Kylo, why did we get paired up to ride in the cruiser together?”

“Oh that! That’s actually a funny story.”

“It’s not funny to me, Kylo. If people find out–,”

“Y/n, please, I haven’t even told you what happened yet. Just hear me out okay?”

I glare upward at him with furrowed eyebrows, eyelashes pressed against my upper eyelids. “Okay.”

“Well, believe it or not, I'm not the only one who's taken notice of you. General Hux thinks you're a very fine up-and-coming young leader," he says the last part in a voice mimicking the stern but calm general. I can't help but laugh at how accurate he sounds.

“He told me that he sees a lot of potential in you and that you could benefit from some mentorship. I agreed with him and he suggested I take you under my wing. I rejected his idea, for obvious reasons, but offered that maybe we first bring you into meetings where you could meet other leaders or work on assignments with more responsibility, like this one. He still insisted we spend some one-on-one time, I guess to impart any wisdom a supreme leader might have. But I promise this wasn't my doing.”

Wow, I can’t believe it. Way to go Hux for being my wingman, cheerleader, and coach. I'll have to thank him for that when I get a chance. 

“Y/n”

“I had no idea. I can't believe he said that ,” I say, reflecting on the image of Hux and Kylo talking about me behind closed doors. 

“Wait, did he really say that or are you just making that up because you actually pleaded to him oh please, please let me sit next to the beautiful wonderful y/n on this mission,” I say mocking him in a high pitched voice.

“First of all, I do not sound like that,” he scolds teasingly and I chuckle.

“I know, Kylo. I know I just… Things are really good right now and I’m afraid they won’t last long.”

“Nothing good can last forever,” Kylo dictates and it makes me shrink in my seat. I can feel my bottom lip quiver and I start blinking really fast. He must take notice of my reaction because then he adds, “Sorry. That was something I heard a lot growing up, it’s kind of instilled in me... I find it to be true, but still, I want this to last as long as possible too.”

I think about his words and can’t imagine how much it must’ve taken for him to admit that. We sit in silence as I reflect on what just transpired. Once I get comfortable again, I start a conversation.

“So how long have you been a pilot?”

“Longer than you can imagine, little star. I always wanted to learn how to fly when I was a boy. The first chance I had to attend pilot training, I seized it. It’s served me pretty well since.”

“Do you think we’ll be able to do anything fun on this mission?”

“Y/n it’s a mission. What do you think?”

“Yeah but we aren’t going to be on duty the whole entire time. We’ll have some personal time right?”

“Is this your first mission?” he quickly looks over at me before returning his gaze to the path ahead of him.

“Kylo, you don’t get to be a commander without going on a few missions!’

“I don’t know y/n, I guess it just depends on how things go. Perhaps if they go smoothly, we might have some time to spare for fun,” he shrugs.

“Hm.. okay.”

“Why do you ask?”

“Um… I was just thinking about…,” I start, trying to find a subtle way to introduce my idea to him.

“Thinking about what?”

“Well… maybe if we had some time to spare… we could do something fun.”

He gives me a side eye paired with a growing smirk. 

“Okay,” he says with amusement. “What kind of something fun were you thinking about?”

Oh Kylo, I have quite a few things in mind, but there’s one in particular I want. I think back to a night we shared in the hidden chamber in his library with the windows to the stars and nebulae. It was almost a week ago when we shared our first kiss in that very room. We had shared embraces, light touches of the hands, and things like that before, but it was all building up to that one hypnotic evening.

I was going on about something unimportant, so unimportant that I don’t even remember what it was anymore. And then, he interrupted me by grabbing my face and pulling me into an absolutely face-melting kiss. “You talk too much,” he had whispered in between soft kisses. I’d brought my hands up to his neck while his snaked around my waist, pulling me toward him. The heat from his body seeped into my own. The scent of soap, musk, and possibly a hint of cologne on his body was enough to make me feel delirious and thrilled by the surprising act. When his tongue slipped its way into my mouth, it was game over. I mimicked his movement and our mouths were in a perfectly choreographed routine. Our lips danced and tongues explored the other's mouth. We stood there devouring each other. I raised my fingers to card through his coarse hair. With a light tug to the locks, a groan involuntarily escaped from his lips and traveled its way into my own mouth. Oh. Oh. Wow. Heat spread throughout my entire body and a wave of thrill overcame me, making me smile into the kiss. Kylo’s ungloved hands pressed into the soft and clothed flesh of my waist. We stood like that for several moments. It felt like a lifetime and at the same time, not long enough.

     “Kylo,” I whispered between kisses.

     “Hmph,” he responded.

     “Kylo,” I repeated, slightly pulling apart from the kiss. He whimpered. We remained holding each other, with our foreheads touching. I looked at him, waiting for him to open his eyes.

     “Maybe we should… stop… for now,” I whispered, holding his face in my hands. I rubbed my thumb in small circles along his left cheek. I made sure to place gentle touches along the part of his scar I could reach. He nodded ever so slightly and leaned into my left hand. I drew my right thumb over his lips and he pressed a light kiss to it. His eyes fluttered open slowly.

     “That was… otherworldly, y/n” he says in a low sexy growl I don’t think I’ve ever heard him use before. I wonder where he learned to kiss like that? Hypothetically speaking, because I never want to know the answer to that. But man, did he kiss me like his life depended on it.

     “I could say the same. All this time, I never would have guessed the Supreme Leader was such a good kisser,” I quipped.

     “Next time you question my authority I’ll have to attack you with…,” he roars then exclaims, “kisses!” He leaves several pecks all across my face and a long languid kiss on my lips. 

“The kinds of things we do in your library... in the hidden chamber,” I say nonchalantly. He raises an eyebrow.

“Oh, those things,” he nods with curiosity. “To that, I say… keep it in your robes y/n this is a work event,” he yells and sends me into a fit of giggles.

“Wow, okay is that what we’re doing? Fine, if we’re going to wear our professional hats right now, why don’t you impart some of this alleged Supreme Leadery wisdom on me,” I tease.

“Oh you want wisdom, well, tip number one, don’t date someone you met at work, it never ends well.” I swat at his arm.

“Kylo!”

“Kidding, kidding. Um, let me see… There’s a… well… no.”

“This is it? This is the wisdom General Hux was raving about?”

“No, no. I… C’mon y/n, throw me a bone. What do you want to know?”

“I don’t know! I guess is there anything you would tell your younger self if you could?”

“Hm… Well, there is something. People told me this all the time, but i didn’t listen. It’s true what they say, you know. It does get lonely at the top... Keep those friends of yours close. You’re going to need them where you’re going,” he says and it strikes me odd. He can be so callous in public yet so endearing in private. His statement also makes me wonder just how much he’s had to go through all alone.

“I’ve known Balia and Karmir for ages, they’re my best friends in the whole galaxy. I can’t wait for you to meet them someday,” I comment.

“If they are people you keep close to your heart, then I wouldn’t mind being acquainted with them.”

“They can’t wait to meet you too. When I told them how good of a kisser you are, they were so shocked.”

“You told them WHAT?” Kylo angrily shouts.

“Kylo, I’m just kidding,” I plead while stifling a laugh. He exhales in frustration.

“I only told them we kissed, not that you were any good at it,” I tease again.

“Y/n! Why would you do such a thing?”

“Kylo, I’m sorry. I’m kidding, for real this time,” I assure and place a hand on his thigh close to his knee and squeeze. “I swear I didn’t tell them anything about the kiss. In fact. I actually haven’t told them much of what’s happened between us. I promised myself that I wouldn’t say much beyond if things are going well or not. The less they know the better, plus it’s still early enough that I want to keep things to myself for a bit longer.”

He sighs in relief.

“I see. But if you keep joking like that, you’re going give me a heart attack before we even land on this planet,” he gruffly responds.

“I know. It’s so funny to see you get all riled up though,” I smirk and he glares at me before turning his gaze back to the path.

“This is going to be a long mission, isn’t it?” I ask. He looks over at me and I give him my softest eyes and pout my lips a bit. I’m sorry, I try to convey with my face.

“Yes,” my expression brings a half grin to his face,”but there is no one else I’d rather have by my side,” he says, holding back a smile.

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

Taglist:  @ickleronniekinsemotionalrange​ // @asherrenwrites  // @g-l-pierce​ // @livi-s​  // @gruffle1​ // @hueanhdang

[thewildwaffle]

Humans are Weird - Helium

It's been a while since I got a new story up. I'd been working on some other projects, then had some pretty unhappy life events happen. I am doing fine, so don't worry. Hopefully, now my muse is back and will stick around a while :)

This story is from a prompt ao3

*** *** ***

When you bring together a wide variety of races from different planets and environments, you tend to have an equally wide variety of needs that need to be met from species to species. Ships were typically staffed by a food and nutrients safety team. Custodial teams were careful about residual chemical and oil cross-contamination between particular races. Sections of hab suites had controlled ventilation systems that could be set to various atmospheric needs. Outside the hab suites, at work stations or in communal areas, some species have to be fitted with atmospheric filters. Over the years, these devices have gotten less uncomfortable, thankfully. They weren’t the best, they were a bit bulky, noisy, and in some cases obstructive to the wearer, but hey, being able to properly breathe on a ship with beings who had different atmospheric needs than you was more important than comfort. When the humans joined the galactic community, the newer filters started becoming noticeably smaller and less obtrusive. Many were concerned that the changes would make them less effective, but leave it to the humans to tinker around and invent the impossible when they really wanted to. The latest models were supposed to be so small and comfortable, you could sleep with them on. Heck for some races, you could barely tell they were wearing an atmospheric filter at all. Not only that, they were up to 40% more effective at filtration and gas delivery for many species. This opened up crew rosters for ships. Species who couldn't reasonably be stationed in the same ship due to the gases they breathe being dangerous to others, or vice versa could now be on the same crew.

That included duibs like Marvi who breathe large amounts of helium. She’d been serving aboard Galactic Coalition ships for more standard solar rotations than many of her fellow crewmates had been alive. It helped that duibs were long-lived, of course, and in her time, she’d seen many new technologies come and go. If you pressed her hard enough, she’d likely say that the atmospheric filters the humans developed were by far her favorite. Being able to safely and comfortably pass through different atmospheric biomes was an important ability when you had a long list of custodial and maintenance duties each rotation. Marvi huffed a deep sigh as she rounded another corner. Lighting beam replacements weren’t heavy, but maneuvering them around corners like this was a bit of a pain. “Need a helping paw Marvi?” Marvi turned to see a dark gray priso steadying the end lighting beam she was carrying. The furry face was relatively expressionless, but a clear look at his flicking whiskers and triangular, alert ears and bright eyes told her that he was holding back laughter. He must have just come up from around the other corner and seen the small duib struggling. “Oh, hello Aurrin. I definitely would appreciate some aid, though I would understand if you are busy right now,” Marvi replied politely. Honestly, the help would be very nice and she hoped the offer was serious. “I’m waiting for Human Karl, I can help until he gets here,” Aurrin rose to his back paws awkwardly and grabbed the ends of the light beams in his dexterous front paws. Priso were normally quadrupedal on flat ground, but the forested terrains of their homeworld meant they were at least somewhat adept at grabbing and climbing. He followed along, holding on to the light beams and kept them away from the walls and corners as the pair walked. “I was actually just installing something by the hab suites over there,” he tilted his head back to gesture behind them, “I’ve got something I wanted to test before I go off duty. After that, I’m looking forward to two whole cycles of rest and whatever I want to do.” The corridor here was darker and Marvi stopped walking. This was where she needed to replace the light beam. “Two whole cycles, huh?” She set down the light beam carefully, Aurrin following suit. She pulled out a tool from her hip pack and started working on opening the control panel. In order to open the panels to install the new light beams, she had to make sure power was redirected for safety. “What are you going to do with your time off? Any fun plans?” “A few plans. They might change depending on how my experiment goes.” Marvi worked quietly, waiting on the priso to expound, but other than chuckling to himself, he didn’t say anything more on the topic. Well, Marvi supposed it was not really her business, so she changed the subject and chatted cordially until the new light beam was installed and she rerouted power back to the panel. The darkened hall was filled with bright, cheerful light and Marvi let out a satisfied sigh. “Well, that’s that. Another task down.” The old light beam would need to be taken back to her shop for a repair and gas exchange, or refill, or whatever it ended up needing to get it up and running again. “Thank you again for your help. I should be able to get these back alright myself, I don’t want to take up too much of your time if you’ve still got your experiment to run.” From around the corner of the corridor, the distinct sound of a hab suite door opening was followed by approaching footsteps. A light on Aurrin’s comm device flashed and the priso’s long tail flicked excitedly back and forth. “No worries, it looks like my experiment is already underway.” Marvi felt the frills all along her body perk in curiosity, but before she could ask anything else, Human Karl rounded the corner. He grinned without showing his teeth, as it would have been a sign of aggression to many species on the ship, and gave a small wave as he approached. “Hey Karl,” Aurrin started. Marvi only partially listened as he started in on a spiel about his upcoming off-duty

plans. Instead, she was more interested in a quiet hissing noise and was trying to pinpoint where it was coming from. It sounded like… well it sounded almost like an atmospheric filter, one beside her own. Hers was in light operation since she was in a sector of the ship that was tuned to a generalized setting, but this noise sounded like a filter at full power output. Did Human Karl hear it? Could he hear it? Surely Aurrin could? She studied them, they didn’t seem to notice. The noise had started when Karl arrived, did that mean…? Her suspicions were confirmed the moment Karl opened his mouth to reply to Aurrin. “I’m actually on my way to…” What. The. Frewan? Human Karl’s voice, which was usually a calming deep tone, was disturbingly high and unnatural. The surprised expression on his face made Marvi’s core freeze. That meant this vocal change wasn’t some weird human thing? What was going on?! “I, woah,” the squeaky voice stuttered, “is this… helium? What is this? What’s going on?” He looked at the comm device strapped to his wrist and pulled up the readout. Sure enough, it was an increase of helium output from his atmospheric filter. The skin on his forehead wrinkled as he looked from the readout to Marvi and Aurrin, his eyes finally locking on the latter who was fiddling with something on his own comm device readout. “You punk! How did you do this? Change it back!” Karl started laughing a bit, Marvi wasn’t sure if it was directed at the ridiculousness of his voice or if it was because the helium was affecting his cognitive functions. She worried it was the latter. Panicking, Marvi approached to see if there was some sort of override. She had to act fast! Humans didn’t breathe helium, he could die! Before she could do anything though, Aurrin spoke up while trying to muffle his laughter. “Okay, okay, hoooo… I’ve deactivated it, you’re good. Keep talking though while your voice turns back to normal, you’re hilarious.” Karl gave him a look that Marvi couldn’t interpret. “What was that? How did you do that?” His voice was already back to normal and it sounded like a mix between annoyed, intrigued and amused. “When you came out of your hab suite, you passed a sensor I set up that overrode your atmospheric filter controls. My latest invention. Imagine this: a ship gets attacked and boarded. Normal defenses prove insufficient and the crew is in grave danger. As the hostiles pass hidden sensors, their atmospheric filters are overridden and they fall asleep, get loopy and confused, or simply pass out before they can get to and harm any crew.” Marvi and Karl blinked in unison while Aurrin’s tail swept side to side proudly. Marvi was the first to find words. “Your… your experiment?” Marvi glanced between Aurrin and Karl worriedly, “Is this what you were experimenting with? You ran it on a crewmate?!” “Well,” Aurrin’s ears pulled back slightly, but his whiskers still kept their amused look, “I say experiment pretty loosely. This was more of a field test. I ran all the actual experiments long ago. I knew exactly what would happen. And I did research on humans and I found out what effects helium has on them and I had to see it for myself. That’s why I was waiting for Karl.” The human in question was still laughing a bit - of course, a human would be able to laugh after nearly being asphyxiated, they’re crazy - before he ran his hand over his head to compose himself. “So this was a prank?” “For science.” “Of course. For science.” Karl’s smile suddenly morphed into a thoughtful frown. “Wait. Is this payback for the soap thing I pulled on you last week?” Aurrin’s face was statuesque and solemn as he stared silently at the human for a moment. “Yes.” “You’re the worst.” “Thank you.” “Want to go do this again in front of Aylin? She and Maruti-kar would think it’s hilarious.” “I had been planning on it. But only if we can get video evidence of it.” “For science?” “Naturally.” Marvi watched, hearts still beating rapidly from her panic, as Aurrin and Karl deactivated and retrieved the sensor to reenact the stunt she had just been a witness

to. Almost reflexively, she started tracing the side of her atmospheric filter. The quiet hum and hiss were calming. Helium to her was life. She’d thought it was toxic to others. And yet Aurrin thought it fine to use it on a human, and Karl was not only unworried about it but found it funny. Was it not dangerous?! And his voice? Why did it do that? She pulled up a search screen on her comm device and searched in the human database. Helium. Breathing. Voices. Apparently, helium took up space in their lungs that normally would be filled by oxygen, so yes, it was dangerous because they could asphyxiate. It also amplified higher-pitched tones of their vocal tract while simultaneously dampening lower tones because of the gas’s low density. That explained the voice change. And for some reason, the funny noise was enough of a reason to play around with deadly materials. Well, if anything, she supposed humans did keep to their MO pretty well. She picked the spent light beams back up and headed back to her shop, careful to not hit the ends on any walls or corners.

[pukanavis]

Main Story Chapter 1 Part 5 “I’m Home”

Alto: What do I…plan to do with them…?

Esora: I respect that this decision is entirely up to you.

If it's too much for you to handle, then we can put them back to sleep…or find somewhere suitable to leave them.

Alto: …

Cobalt: I’m fine with whatever you decide, Doctor.

Alto: Cobalt?

Cobalt: Well, if you never came and found us, we’d still be asleep, right?

But you were able to wake us up and we’ve had a real fun time!

So I’m alright with whatever happens from here!

Chrom: I agree. Whatever conclusion you reach, I’ll abide by your decision.

Kei: You don’t have to worry about us, just make your choice. If you ask us to leave we’ll just find somewhere to head back to sleep.

Neon: Mh…I’m fine with that too.

Alto: …I’ve made my decision, Sensei.

I want to help them. If they have no memories, then I’ll search for answers…

In the meantime, I’ll teach them all kinds of things that’ll help them get by in life.

There’s also the matter of “Babel”. If these four are going to continue challenging it then I want to assist them with that as well.

Esora: …I understand.

Then I suppose we’ll need to find somewhere for them to stay in the meantime. Where could we keep unregistered androids?

Alto: If it’s alright then…here.

Esora: Here? This is my home.

Alto: …

Dialogue Option: Please!

Alto: –S-Sensei!

Cobalt: Woah!? What’s with that pose!?

Chrom: I believe it’s called dogeza?

Alto: I understand that this is a completely audacious request to be making as a mere lodger!!

But I beg of you! Please let the four of them stay in your home, Sensei!

Esora: That’s fine.

Alto: They don’t have any memories so surely you realise that they have nowhere to go! I can’t just abandon them while they’re like this–

–Wait, did you just say it’s fine?

Esora: Of course. To be honest, I actually had the same plan as you from the beginning.

Sorry, Alto. I was just doing a little testing to see how prepared you were.

Alto: So then…

Esora: I have more than enough rooms. Everyone, feel free to use them however you like.

There is one condition, however. You must continue to look after the house during the periods when I'm not home.

Alright, Alto. Now that you’ve made your decision, be sure to take proper care of the four of them! Do you understand?

Alto: I…I do! Thank you so much!

Esora: Then it’s settled.

Oh, that reminds me. There’s a spare room in my lab without any equipment in it…

If you’re going to be challenging “Babel” then I think it could be used as a lesson room. Feel free to do whatever you like with it.

Cobalt: Seriously!? That’s great! Thanks Sensei!

This is gonna be a blast! What should we do? Have a party!?

Chrom: I think a little get-together is a nice idea.

Neon: …Can I sleep?

Kei: Geez, you’re hopeless…

Alto: Hey, hey, don’t be so loud…!

Cobalt: Why? Don’t times like this call for a big celebration!?

I’m gonna dance! Spinspinspin–

???: So much noise—!!!

Cobalt: !?

Alto: Ah, she’s here…

Esora: Hello, Eliza. I’m home.

Eliza: Welcome back, Dr. Esora. However, just when I notice that you've returned, you’re making all kinds of clamorous noises…

This level impedes my system management. I would appreciate it if you were a little quieter.

Cobalt: Who’s this? A girl!? I can see through her!

Eliza: –Pleased to meet you. I am Dr. Esora’s AI assistant, Eliza.

I manage everything in relation to the house. For example, controlling the electronics and appliances…

By the way…Alto?

Alto: Wh-What?

Eliza: I overheard your conversation. I for one abide by the decisions made by the head of this household, Dr. Esora.

However…is it not a tad bit careless to be taking in these four androids whose pasts we know nothing of?

Alto: Maybe…but there’s no way I could leave them alone like this!

Eliza: How can an inexperienced technician like yourself suddenly take on the responsibility for four androids?

Alto: Ugh.

Eliza: Charging, study, daily maintenance…and not to mention the costs involved. This is nothing like looking after a dog or cat.

Alto: Aghhh!

Kei: …I’m guessing those two don’t get along?

Esora: Hmm~ this is just how they always are. But maybe it’s actually a good thing?

–It’s alright, Eliza. Alto didn’t make the decision to take them in lightly.

Anyhow, whatever they have trouble with, you and I can assist with.

Eliza: Good grief. You are too kind, Doctor. Isn’t that nice, Alto? Do not let the Doctor’s kindness be for nothing.

Alto: I get it, I get it!

Eliza: On a side note…you mentioned that you found and rebooted them, correct?

Alto: Yeah…

Eliza: Then I must ask, how on earth were you able to activate them?

Alto: I…don’t remember.

Eliza: Sounds about right.

Alto: Huh!? What do you mean “sounds about right” !?

Eliza: Do not worry about it. I just made the mistake of expecting you to have a good memory.

Alto: What’s your problem!?

Cobalt: Ahaha! You look like you’re having fun, Doctor!

Alto: How!?

Esora: …Fufu.

Eliza: …You seem pleased, Doctor.

Esora: This house is enormous. I'm just happy to see some liveliness around here.

Eliza: I am concerned that too much bustle will interfere with your work…

–Anyhow. Everyone, what do you have to say to Dr. Esora?

Alto: Ah, right! C’mon, everyone…!

Once again, thank you so much, Esora-Sensei!

Cobalt: Thank you sooo much!!

Kei: We’re in your debt.

Chrom: Thank you for all your help both now and in the future.

Neon: …Thanks.

Esora: You should say, “I’m home”.

KNoCC: Huh?

Esora: This is your house now too. So you should say, “I’m home.”

Cobalt: “I’m home”…? I see. When you come back to your house you say, “I’m home!”

Doctor! Esora-Sensei! Eliza! I’m home!

Kei: I’m home, huh?

Chrom: I am…home.

Neon: Mh…I’m home.

Alto: Mhm…! Welcome home!

Esora: Welcome home, everyone. I look forward to what’s to come.

♡　♡　♡

???: Four androids asleep at “Babel”...? “KNoCC”, huh…?

How unexpected for them to be there of all places…

Is this Da Capo? Or even Dal Segno…?

Well, it doesn’t matter. We’ll do what must be done. No matter what–

–Until we finally reach Fermata.

Prev | Next

[masterjedilenawrites]

Blueberries and Cowboys: Chapter 2

A choose-your-own-adventure style fic. First, 2 platonic chapters for set-up/build-up. And then, the story will split into 2 paths depending on your romantic pairing preference: You and Thrawn, or You and Eli.

Chapter Masterlist

Chapter 2: The Plan

Pairing: None...yet...

Chapter Warnings: Mentions of bullying

Length: 2k

AO3 Link (In case you like it better over there, it’s okay, no judgement)

The rest of the week saw the three of you using every bit of free time outside your classes and studies to gather information for Thrawn to build a solid plan.

Eli tailed his pesky classmate Arden everywhere, even skipping a class one day to break into his dorm, trying to learn anything about the guy that could be useful to get him involved in the plot. Thrawn analyzed the simulation software and protocols that would be used to administer the tests, mapping out every possible way Commander Burdick could hijack it. And you were the one spying on the Burdick himself. Since the commander didn't seem too interested in your grades, you were able to shadow him without suspicion, and had been able to slip a bug into his offices to eavesdrop on any potential conversations about his plans for sabotage.

Your classmates and the staff were none the wiser. That was the advantage of being social outcasts. Half of them avoided you all like the plague, and the other half already thought you were weird people doing weird things. So it wasn't long before you'd all gotten enough intel to work with.

It was late in the evening at the end of the week. You found yourself in Thrawn and Eli's shared dorm, which looked identical to your own in the opposite wing, because the Empire couldn't bother with things like individuality or comfort. Eli sat on the edge of his top bunk, his legs swinging casually, and his coat unbuttoned to reveal a wrinkled undershirt you knew he hadn't bothered to wash all week. Thrawn paced about in the middle of the room, his long strides only allowing him about four good steps before he had to turn around. He still had his uniform on, boots and badges and all.

You leaned against the railing of the bed, watching Thrawn as he went back and forth. Sometimes he sat still when he was scheming, with his fingers steepled and his gaze seemingly reaching into some unknown dimension beyond your comprehension. That usually happened when he was running through variables that didn't concern you, at least from his perspective. You and Eli had accepted long ago there would always be parts of his plans he would never share with you. He was kind of a control freak like that.

But tonight, he seemed to be more welcoming of collaboration, hence his steady rhythm of pacing in front of you.

"Only one variable remains, as I see it," he was saying. "We understand how the commander will manipulate the system to cause a redundancy in the simulation, thus rendering the test impossible to finish successfully."

You and Eli shared a glance; the only person who truly understood how that was going to happen was Thrawn. He'd tried explaining numerous times but when it came to codes and tech, the two of you weren't able to fully keep up.

"We also know through your investigating," Thrawn motioned to you with what you thought was an impressed look, causing you to feel a little pride, "that the commander plans to only sabotage my test, believing it will be too suspicious if Eli also fails. He will also manipulate his false code to originate from the computer of his former lover Eva Carroway, who currently works in HR. So if an investigation does ensue, it will be traced to her and not him."

You and Eli chuckled under your breaths. It had been a little amusing when you'd discovered Commander Burdick was using this plan to not only undermine Thrawn, but also get revenge on his ex-girlfriend. But even more hilarious was how awkward Thrawn treated the subject. He had been quite perplexed to learn people could be so vindictive after a break-up. And any time he explained that detail of the plan, like he was doing now, he hesitated over his word choice. You couldn't tell if he only pretended to be confused about romantic relations, or if that was truly an area he found himself lost in.

If Thrawn noticed your snickering, he didn't respond to it, only continued to recap the plan. "We have also determined how we will expose the altered code naturally, so it does not cast suspicion on us... What was the word you used?"

"Backfire," said Eli.

"Yes. It would not due to have anyone suspect that we altered the test ourselves, or to have our concerns disregarded altogether. Thus, arranging for the maintenance crew to get a mild case of food poisoning so their performance checks are postponed to occur right before the tests will take care of that variable. At the least, they will fix the altered code and I will take the test as normal. At the most, they will report it and the commander faces expulsion."

"So..." said Eli through a yawn as he stretched. "What's left to work out, then?"

Now it was time for you and Thrawn to share a look.

"Were you not interested in involving your classmate, Arden Fey?" asked Thrawn in his soft, contemplative voice.

Eli shrugged. "Yeah. But Burdick's already got his scapegoat, his ex. So it'll be easier to keep him out of it. Whatever."

You could tell he was trying to be nonchalant. But just this morning, he had spent the entire walk between classes ranting about some new insults Arden had come up with, and how badly he wanted to show the guy up once and for all. You knew your friend wasn't feeling "whatever" about it.

"It's not a matter of ease or difficulty," Thrawn stated plainly. He had stopped pacing and was standing with hands behind his back, highlighting the broadness of his shoulders and the height of his stance. His presence seemed to fill up the whole room, and not for the first time, you were glad to be his friend and not his enemy.

"Yeah," you added in encouragement. "We just have to get creative. Find a way to make Arden a more appealing scapegoat than Burdick's ex. In fact...."

You trailed off as an idea occurred to you. You darted out of the room, surely leaving your two friends perplexed, but you would only be a second. You sprinted down the corridor toward the lifts, where a bulletin hung against the wall with fliers and pamphlets. One notice was a bit larger than the others, a promotion of an upcoming gala event to celebrate the Academy's anniversary. You ripped it off and went racing back to the boys' dorm room.

Eli had come down from the bunk and held a concerned look, probably prepared to follow you if you hadn't returned so quickly. Thrawn was still standing composed, but there was a curiosity in his eyes that made you smile.

You held up the poster in front of your chest. "What do you think the likelihood is of us playing successful matchmakers this week?"

Thrawn understood your idea almost immediately, looking down on you with a pleased smirk. It made you flush a little, to know the Chiss was impressed. You rarely had a chance to contribute good ideas when his mind worked so much faster than yours.

Eli caught on next, and he started to grin, the happiest you'd seen him in a while. His smile was infectious and you grinned back. Happy looked good on him.

"We know Eva's not shy with younger guys," you explained. "Before Burdick, she was fooling around with some intern in the med bay."

"And Arden's vain enough," added Eli. "If he thinks anyone's interested, he'll go for 'em."

"So we get him to ask her to the gala as his date...." you said.

"Burdick sees the two of them together...." said Eli.

"And realizes he can get back at his lover in another way, by pinning the sabotage on another student...." joined Thrawn.

The three of you stood together, proud and satisfied that yet another plan had finally worked out. It was almost worth the stressful studying and petty bullying and all the other unpleasant things you had to endure at this god-forsaken school, just to have fun moments like this with trusted friends.

"We should attend this gala as well," Thrawn said eventually, holding out a hand for the poster. He inspected it thoughtfully. "It is only a few days before the tests, so I hadn't planned to pay it any mind. But now...."

"Yeah, we should make sure Burdick's as jealous as we want 'im," nodded Eli.

You were secretly pleased. The plan was already a win-win, but now you would be able to go to the event yourself, too. You hadn't mentioned your desire to go to either of them before, figuring they weren't interested and not wanting to sound silly if you suggested it. But you did love dancing, and it was so very rare you got a chance to wear something other than your Imperial uniform.

"It's a dance," you noted, in case they couldn't tell by the details on the poster. "We'll need to go in pairs."

"I suppose it would make the most sense for you and Eli to go together," said Thrawn quietly.

You looked between the two, realizing both of them were flushed slightly. Eli's cheeks were dotted with pink, standing out amongst his dark brown features, while Thrawn had more of a purple tint to his face now, a color you'd never seen there before. You could feel yourself growing warm and uncomfortable as well. It was only a dance... only a way for you to enact a much more important plan... but it was the first time your trio had had to engage in anything other than platonic friendship. The balance of your group seemed to be shifting ever so slightly in this moment, and you had no way of knowing if it was for good or ill.

You cleared your throat, pushing away any feelings that might have been brewing in your chest, and instead calling focus back to the mission at hand.

"Actually, I think I'd better go with Thrawn. Whoever doesn't go with me would have to find their own date, and no offense Thrawn, but I think Eli has the better chance of asking someone else."

You hoped they hadn't noticed how hollow your voice sounded, how hard you were trying to keep yourself emotionless.

Eli was pinker than ever. "Uh, I highly doubt that..."

"You're not completely hated around here, you know," you said quickly. "Definitely not with the girls. You're not bad looking, you can be charming if you try, and you're... you know, human." You glanced at Thrawn and added again quietly, "No offense."

Thrawn shook his head. His color and demeanor had already slipped back into his usual neutral self. "No, I agree. Those are the dynamics of our peers and we must work with it. I will take you to the gala, Eli will find his own date, and all three of us will push Arden and Eva together as well. It's a good plan."

You all nodded in agreement. But there was a knot in your stomach, a nervousness you didn't quite understand. You cared very much for both Thrawn and Eli. They were your best friends, your only friends. As a group, you were bonded by your ostracism, protecting and supporting each other on your journey out of this hell-hole.

And separately, you had something special with each, too. You and Eli came from similar backgrounds, and had the same need to disconnect from your surroundings and just have a bit of fun every once in a while. The two of you had spent many late nights together, either hopping between bars, exploring the city, making each other laugh uncontrollably, or quietly sharing the honest thoughts you both buried far too deeply inside. Some nights you'd done all of the above, and returned to your dorm feeling both exhausted and renewed.

But Eli didn't always appreciate the finer things in life, and that's where you connected with Thrawn. He wasn't necessarily an optimist, but he had this way of noticing the beauty that existed everywhere around you, even in the most simple or mundane of moments. Everything had the potential to be interesting. His calm but strong presence had kept you grounded and sane throughout your studies here so far. Sometimes you would talk, other times you would simply be in the same space. And either way, you felt better about life.

You didn't exactly want your relationship with them to change. But you couldn't help but feel this gala would do just that....

Next Chapter: The Preparation >

Blueberry Path | Thrawn x reader

Cowboy Path | Eli x reader

[wandcrng]

morning.

@daemonusdea​    

That anger sat over her for most of the night, pettiness sunken into the crevices of every inch of her being. To be reduced to a bed companion for nightmare comforting was so fucking embarrassing. Uncomfortable, awkward, writhing in her skin at the indignity of it all. She was a Goddess who slaughtered thousands– not a snuggle buddy.

  It was all she could do when he still couldn’t manage to settle, and thus kept her blaringly awake. God damn it fucking hell– this was the first and last time she stayed overnight with him. The only thoughts to brew around her head in her miserable state while he fidgeted around in his spot. None of her concern…

  …She fucking wished. Rover had made it her immediate concern when he began inching towards her. By the time she’d caught on, it was already too late. He’d snared her within a blink of her lone eye, a rabbit trap of two arms pulling her frigid corpse of a body tight to his– all burning, all rigid. She’s as tense as a loaded spring, not enough time to grab her sword…he skates so precisely under her neck and it’s almost more than she can handle right there not to snap. The overwhelming sensation has her breathing roughly through her teeth, hands shaking, and as she’s pulled skin to skin, a rush of goosebumps bloom with a shiver.

  She lets out a quick breath. As soon as he himself settles down once again, she finds she’s able to quell the panic that had rattled her. His raw voice mumbles near her ear, freezing her in her spot. He was finally, finally resting. But how could she relax now?…Could she relax? Could she allow herself that? Well, not truly. Not in such a close situation, as nice as it felt…her head tucked onto his shoulder, the warmth seeping into her tired, cold bones. Why did he have to do this?…

 Zero curls just gently, at least letting her arms relax. She’d stay here for the night if he’d wanted, but scant sleep would be had on her part. Too busy keeping vigilant on the situation, a sick obsessive brain that could never drop old habits formed from days she still lived. Studying and observing her companion, simply resting her eye for moments here and there. Funny how the anger disappeared entirely like this, out of his view. No need for pretense or the guise of someone untouchably cold and vicious, she could do as she pleased. The scars were bared, his face in full view…and her finger raises to fleetingly brush with skittish strokes against his skin. Testing the waters. The bridge of his nose, the cut of his jaw, over the implant in his throat, all scrutinized under the carefully featherlight touch of her finger.

  A fleeting moment of that, and it was gone. She’d find herself staying there until sometime after dawn, hours of silently watching, listening to his heartbeat and steady breathing, chest rising and falling. Alive. It’s this that pricks her nerves, something squirming in her chest at the thought. It was best not to dwell there. So gingerly does she remove herself from his arms, a slow process in order not to wake him in his deepened slumber. It should be fine now, shouldn’t it? Or– whatever. It wasn’t her problem…

  She pads back out to the couch, returning to her original spot, back to her position of curling up with her sword. Just as if the night hadn’t happened at all. And unfortunately, her sleep stays in the realm of half-consciousness, stirred at the drop of a pin, but more when Rover begins to stir again. As he does, she keeps to her show of feigning sleep, just for peace’s sake.

Huh. It was late morning. Late morning. Rover sat up confused in his bed, gazing out of his window at the light filtering into his room. What the f-- He looked around for something, anything to give him an inclination of how the fuck he slept so well last night. His watch had a notification; Looper, asking if he was coming into work today. Rover let it sit for a while, before replying with a simple “No.”

Looper could handle running the business for today. He was going to relish this good night’s rest.

Then he remembered. Zero was in his apartment. She must have gone back to her room last night after forcing him back to bed. It would be better for him to be quiet this morning, she must have been more exhausted than he was.

“Vis,” he whispered, “start the coffee and the fireplace, please.” He excused himself from bed and put on a loose flannel shirt and a pair of sweatpants. Maybe I should get a cat. The scent of coffee began to filter through the apartment as he brushed his teeth. His morning routine felt a little more... calming. He’d done so much of this before first light, the bright neon and LED lights from Leviathan was what he saw when he did this. He performed some light maintenance on his facial hair and washed his face, preparing himself to deal with Zero.

Rover stepped out into the living room, looking at Zero attempting to seem like she’s sleeping. He’d let her try and deceive him a little longer, maybe get some vestige of rest. He entered the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee as quietly as possible, turning on the hard-light screen in the island and taking a look at local news. Nothing’s ever interesting around here. I’d trade my job to never have to hear about who married who ever again.

He set out another mug in the event that Zero wanted coffee that morning, but that was all he did; content to surf the internet until she decided to grace him with her presence. He stole a glance at her, observing her face for a moment. She looked almost... beautiful peaceful, like a normal person just taking a nap on a couch save for the sword she cradled. Oh well. She'll be back to normal soon.

[actuallybarb]

The Aftermath ~ Part 9

Summary: y/n finally goes to a safe house and lo and behold, still isn’t safe. y/n, like thor, has no regard for lawn maintenance 

Pairing: peter parker x reader

Warnings: swearing, angst, fluff, trauma

Word Count: 3744

A/N: yes i did indulge more sleepy trope, you’re welcome, but there’s a lot of angst right before it

                                                        //////////

Happy was outside of the school with a car, waiting for me, when I got out of my last class. I had to finish my chem test during lunch, but that was fine, because it was sloppy joe’s that day, and I prefer to know the kind of meat I’m putting in my body. I talked to the rest of my teachers about being gone for the week, and with Mr. Morita backing me up, none of them put up a big fuss.

“Hey, Happy.”

“Ready to go?”

“You have my stuff, right?” He nodded. “Then I’m ready.”

“Woah, you're the guy who works for Spider-Man!” Eugene stopped beside me while he was walking to his own car and his jaw dropped to the floor. “Are you taking Y/N so she can be an Avenger?”

I slapped my hand over his mouth and slowly started heating it up. “Eugene?” He looked at me. “Shut up.” I took my hand off before I could do anything more than scare him, but he looked like he was ready to piss himself. “Remember how I turned into a lava monster in London and killed a lot of people?” I whispered. “Now someone is trying to kill me for it. So I’d appreciate it if you would keep all of this to yourself, okay?” He nodded, and I took my hand off his shoulder. He hurried away. “Let’s get out of here before anyone else recognizes you, Happy.”

“Happy? Y/N?”

“Hey, Pete,” Happy called over my shoulder.

He stopped beside me. “Are you going to the compound?”

“The detectives are insisting I go to a safe house, so we compromised.” I leaned close and whispered, “One of the detectives wants Spider-Man’s autograph. Think you can make that happen?”

“I’ll practice my cursive,” he whispered back with a smile. He pulled me into a hug and said, “Take care of yourself, Y/N. I’ll see you on Friday.”

“You too, Pete.” I threw my backpack into the back seat and sat beside Happy in the front, which took him by surprise, but he just started the car and drove away.

“So, you and Peter?”

I looked over at Happy and scowled. “Nothing’s happening, no matter what Sam says otherwise.”

He just shrugged. “Hey, I haven’t heard anything. I just see the way you two look at each other.”

Despite my best efforts to keep my heart under control, it jumped at his words and the butterflies started flapping around in my stomach. Could Happy read minds? The thought had crossed my mind before, but now more than ever I thought it was true.

“Like what?”

He scoffed and rolled his eyes. “I don’t know, Y/N, it’s just the look.” He glanced at me again, but I was actively avoiding eye contact. I knew if I did look at him I would just start crying, and I had avoided crying this whole time. But damn it, Happy was going to try. “You doing okay, kid?”

“Fucking peachy.”

“Yeah that’s what I thought.” He pulled off the road and into a five-minute parking spot, then turned and looked at me head on. “You can’t run away from this, Y/N. Try as you might, this is the real world, and it’s scaring the shit out of everyone. Why didn’t you come to Pepper after your mom disappeared?”

“I never thought to,” I admitted. “Sure, I hang out at the compound and get to pretend that I’m a superhero every other weekend, but I’ve known everyone for maybe two months? I — it just —“ I hung my head, the tears burning the corner of my eyes. “I’m just a kid, Happy. A kid that no one is especially attached to. I still had my dad, and I thought it could be handled.” I gestured at the car and him. “Clearly that isn’t the case.” I quickly wiped away the tears that had spilled over, hoping he didn’t see.

Well, he did. And he surprised me even more by pulling me across the center console into a quick hug. “You mean a lot more to everyone than you give yourself credit for, Y/N. Bucky nearly broke my arm for the keys because he wanted to be the one to pick you up. Pepper started calling private investigators the second you got off the phone last night and had FRIDAY checking cameras. Sam was ready to fly over all of Brooklyn to look for your dad. Don’t sell yourself short.” He pulled the car back onto the road and we slowly made our way to the compound, my chest a little less heavy.

Bucky practically dragged me out of the car and into a bone crushing hug the second Happy put it in park. “Thank god you’re okay.”

“It was a two hour drive, Bucky,” I said back. But I let myself completely relax in his arms. This was probably the safest I had felt in the last three days, and my body was feeling the difference. “Can we go inside?”

“‘Course.” He let go, but kept his metal arm wrapped around my shoulders. He grabbed one of my duffel bags and slowly walked with me into the compound. “Sam has a fat stack of pancakes waiting for you.”

An equally bone-crushing hug came from Captain America, and I almost broke down completely. “You’re okay, Y/N, we won’t let anything else happen to you.”

Anything else. God, the straw that broke the camel’s back. Because he knew what had already happened, but so help him if he wasn’t going to try and stop whatever happened next. “Thank you.”

“Come on, I got pancakes burning on the stove.”

Bucky put the rest of my stuff in my room, and the rest of the evening everyone watched movies and ate popcorn and tried to ignore the mounting terror that was growing in my throat.

It was around midnight when I walked into my own room, too tired to turn the light on. I kicked off my shoes and crawled into bed, jeans and all, but I felt something wet and sticky when I laid down completely. This wouldn’t have been the first prank pulled between myself and the Star Spangled Man with a Plan, but this felt different.

“FRIDAY, turn the lights on.”

I almost threw up. The sheets of my bed were covered in blood. I could feel it seeping into my clothes and hair. Who the hell got into the compound? Who the hell knew I was coming?

I started screaming — a perfectly natural response to the situation — and Wanda burst into my room. Her eyes were gleaming red and her magic was dancing on her hands. “Y/N, what the hell?”

I sat up completely and tried (and failed) to keep my voice from quivering as I said, “Wanda, can you call nine-one-one and get the officer from the patrol car in here, please?” She ran away quickly, already shouting out to FRIDAY.

I had seen enough cop shows to know not to move, because even my hair became evidence the second I laid down. “FRIDAY?”

“Yes, Ms. Y/L/N?”

“Y/N, what the hell, Wanda just told us —“ Sam and Bucky came crashing in, but stopped short at the sight of me covered in blood.

“Can one of you grab my phone and call ‘Detective Peralta?’”

Sam stepped forward and put the phone to his ear. “Yeah, this is Y/N Y/L/N’s phone. She has a couple things she wants to tell you.“ He put the call on speaker and held it close.

At this point, I was moving from my unbelievably-terrified phase to unbelievably-frantic phase. That didn’t make my urge to cry any less potent, but it at least helped me get through the next conversation. “Jake? Can I call you Jake? I feel like you’ve seen so much into my life in the last few days that I’ve earned the right to call you by your first name. Anyways, if you knew who you had just talked to on the phone you’d piss yourself. You’ll never —“

“Breathe, Y/N. Just shut up for a second and breathe.” I inhaled sharply, which was a bad call, because now all I could smell and taste was blood, which almost made me throw up all over again. “Okay, what did you call me about?”

“I’m laying in a pool of blood and I need you and the Nine-Nine to get here and do your fucking jobs because I’m freaking out.”

“Are you still at the safe house?”

“Yeah, and I don’t know where your patrol car officer is, but shouldn’t they be out here protecting me?” I would’ve kept chewing him and his precinct out, but Sam took the phone from my hand and gave Jake the ‘OK’ to come to the compound.

Wanda ran back with the officer behind her, both breathing heavy. “I brought. The officer.”

“About fucking time,” I muttered.

You’re acting like a bitch, Y/N.

Yeah, well, you unknowingly lay down in a pool of blood and tell me how pleasant you’re feeling afterward. ‘Frantic’ had left the building and ‘pissed as hell’ had taken full residence in my attitude. And the brunt of it was directed at the undeserving.

“Can you take some goddamn pictures already so I can get out of these clothes?”

“I, uh, should really wait for forensics.”

I groaned and looked at Bucky. “Do me a favor and give me something to throw.” He just stepped forward and held out his metal arm.

“How ‘bout something to hold onto.”

I ended up getting blood between the grooves of his plating, but Bucky assured me it was easy to clean. It took over an hour — even with all of their sirens — for the Nine-Nine to get to the compound, and another half hour on top of that for all of their pictures to be taken before I could shower and change clothes. Do you know how humiliating it is for a teenage girl to have to change and leave behind blood-soaked clothes for an entire forensics team to investigate and study? I hope you never have to know for yourself, because nothing made me want to claw my own eyes out and burn myself alive more than that.

I used Wanda’s shower, because her room was just across the hall, but I refused to sleep in a closed room anymore. I refused to even close my eyes, because it seemed that every time I blinked some other sort of shit hit the fan.

“Y/N?”

I was so fucking tired of hearing the sound of my own name.

“What’s the message this time, Jake?”

He didn’t bother sugar-coating it. He handed his phone over and I was too tired to stop the panic I felt in my throat as I looked at the barely-legible letters.

I will always find you.

“They are really milking this whole ‘five word message’ thing.” I handed his phone back to him. “It’s my blood, isn’t it?”

“You’re way better at this than you let on. Yeah, it’s your blood. Hopefully we can get something from the video footage, but given all of the connecting evidence, I’m thinking whoever is responsible will reach out in some way.” This was the part where he sighed heavily and looked disappointed in himself. “Unfortunately, because of the current state of the investigation, the FBI is going to be taking over this case. They’re already on their way to start their own investigation.”

“Of fucking course.” I stood up and started pacing, and before I knew it I was throwing pillows across the room. I reached for his glass of water and was ready to throw, but someone came up behind me and pulled my fingers away before I could cause any real damage. “Hey —“

Jess stood behind me and set the glass on the table. “Don’t start pulling that shit, Y/N. You haven’t thrown stuff since you were twelve.” Jake awkwardly stepped out of the living room, but it didn’t matter; you could’ve heard our conversation no matter where you were in the compound

I wiped at the tears on my cheeks. “Well I was twelve last time my parents left me, so, old habits.”

“Don’t go back to that, you’ve come too far.”

“Of course I’m acting like a twelve year old, that’s how I feel!” I groaned and grabbed another pillow, but this time I threw it at her. “I lost both of my parents in less than three days just when we were getting back to a good place! And all I want to do is scream and cry and burst into flame, but I have to be the adult and keep it all together when I feel like I’m dying!”

I didn’t care about how badly I was crying. I didn’t care about much of anything. I just wanted to finally have something as tangible and damaging in front of me as I did inside of me.

“Don’t tell me that I’m moving backwards, because I’m doing everything I can just to stand up straight.” I left her and ran through the front door, all the way to the edge of the property.

In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Iroh says lightning can only be handled by someone who is in balance. Well, that’s not necessarily true. Creating it, sure. But harnessing it from a different source? That’s a lot of emotion that has to be channeled into draining the power from one source and using it for yourself.

And boy did I have plenty of emotion.

I pulled the energy straight out of the sky. (Thor who?) It probably wasn’t the best idea, considering the sprinklers made everything in sight slightly damp, but I didn’t care; I couldn’t get fried, and anyone else stupid enough to follow me out here would soon learn a very important lesson.

My hands were glowing white with electricity. And I just kept pulling more and more of it out of the sky until all I could see was white.

And then I let it all go.

I screamed until my throat was raw. I screamed until I saw red. I screamed until there was nothing left in me, and then I kept screaming. The ground around me caved in and the blackened grass started smoldering and I still screamed.

And then I sobbed. I knelt on the grass and sobbed.

////////////

I was determined to just sleep outside that night, but the adult-ier adults had a different idea. It was Bucky who finally braved coming outside and getting me. “C’mon, Y/N, let’s get you in bed.” He ended up just carrying me back to the compound, but instead of going to Wanda’s room — where I thought he was headed — he skipped that hallway completely and chose the next one.

The one with Peter’s room.

He lightly kicked open the door and gently put me on the bed, but someone sat beside me on the bed. My eyes flew open, ready to attack, but when they adjusted to the darkness, I just gasped and jumped into his arms.

Peter.

“Take care of her,” was all I heard Bucky say, and I felt Peter nod, but I didn’t dare look up. For a girl who’s barely known him for a year, I’ve become strongly attached to Peter Parker, and I was realizing now that he was a constant in my life that I sorely depended on (not so good in the long run, but I could worry about that later).

“How did you get here so fast?” A part of me wanted to look at his face and know it was Peter, but I kept my head in the crook of his neck, listening to his steady heartbeat and reassuring myself that was all I needed.

“Doctor Strange. Sam called him after you ran outside.”

I did finally look up at him, and tears I didn’t even know I had left decided to make an appearance. “Yeah, you never would’ve made it past the police line.”

He smiled softly (I would never get over that smile) and then leaned back. “Get some sleep, Y/N.”

He immediately felt the affect his words had on me. My heart jumped and started racing, my breathing picked up, my fists clenched. “Hey, hey, hey.” But one reassuring hand on my neck and jaw and I calmed down. Slightly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” I choked out, “because I can’t lose anyone else I care about.”

I don’t remember falling asleep. I only remember a tangle of legs and Peter’s heartbeat under my ear.

////////////

Quentin Beck was holding me by the throat. “You couldn’t stop me from killing all of those people. You couldn’t stop me from hurting Peter. And now you can’t stop me from taking your parents.” MJ and Ned and Flash and Betty and Peter and Mom and Dad all formed out of the rubble and then disappeared before I could save them. Beck squeezed my neck tighter and tighter —

I gasped awake. I couldn’t breathe deeply enough, my lungs refused to fill completely, and it was still dark enough outside that I couldn’t see anything around me. “It wasn’t real, it wasn’t real, it wasn’t real.” I rubbed my hands over my eyes, trying to erase the nightmare, but it wouldn’t go away; Beck’s hands around my throat were still there, like a phantom pain.

Then a hand gently grabbed my leg and I heard a yelp as I blew a gust of air at whoever it was.

Peter landed on the ground with a thud.

I crawled to the edge and let my adjusted eyes focus on his outline. “Shit, Peter, I’m so sorry.”

He rubbed his elbow for a second but then looked up at me. “Are you okay?”

“I just airbended you off the bed and you’re asking me if I’m okay?”

He stood up and sat beside me, his hand finding mine. “You weren’t breathing, Y/N. You were choking on air and it was scaring the hell out of me.”

“It-“ I wrapped my fingers around his and took a shaky breath, finally feeling like I had enough air. “It was just a nightmare.”

“Okay.” He glanced around and his eyes landed on the alarm clock. 5:13. “Want to go train?”

I was fucking exhausted. But at this point, I was taking Jake’s word and waiting for the next move. So maybe training would do some good. “Yeah, okay.”

We trained well after the sun came up. Peter kept to the higher alcoves of the gym, while I liked to stay on the ground. But we did a couple ‘blindfold rounds’ until we could easily pick each other out amongst the ‘noise.’

“One more blindfold round,” he said through his teeth. One of the bots clipped him in the side and he was leaning heavily, but he insisted. “As hard as you’ve got, FRIDAY.”

We tied our blindfolds around our eyes one more time and took our stances. At this point, we weren’t just practicing our gifts; we were (at least I was) letting go of our inhibitions toward each other. My attention was on him and the bots and nothing else. (If I wasn’t sure how head over heels I was for this guy, I was pretty positive about it now.)

“Three.”

I wiggled my fingers in anticipation.

“Two.”

Peter’s shoes rubbed against the floor.

“One.”

Don’t ask me how the tech worked. I still have no idea how they managed to create simulations that were actually tangible, but I was really grateful, because it meant Peter and I got accurate practice. I rolled forward, a shot barely edging above me, while Peter immediately went for the high ground, dodging the bots that tried to keep up.

I didn’t just try to feel them while they were on the ground, I honed in on the metal surrounding them and the electricity coursing through them. I ripped the bots to shreds and made them collapse in on themselves and caused sparks to flash across the room when I doused others with water.

Peter jumped on top of different bots and used his taser webs to take most of them down, but he threw some my way, and vice versa. The whole point of the training session was to build trust, and we were trying our best to be successful.

I couldn’t feel any more bots with electricity in the room, and Peter came down to the ground, but before either of us took our blindfolds off, I felt someone else step onto the mat. Someone I didn’t recognize.

I formed a water whip and wrapped it around the foreign person, then I ripped off my blindfold, only to see my water whip attached to thin air. Or —

“Who the hell are you?”

They were invisible. But I knew without a doubt that a person was on the other end of my whip. I walked closer and froze the rest of the water around their body with jagged edges leading to their head — at least what I assumed was their head.

“I said,” I reached my hands out and tried to find some purchase, “who the hell are you?” My fingers wrapped around what I assumed was their throat and I squeezed.

His facade gave out quickly. I didn’t recognize him, but that didn’t matter; FRIDAY was always monitoring.

“Hey,” Peter said quietly and put a hand on my shoulder, but I didn’t relent.

“Answer the goddamn question, or you’ll have more to worry about than some slight freezer burn.”

“It doesn’t matter who I am. They’re coming for you, Y/N, and they won’t stop until you’ve paid for what you’ve done.”

My grip lessened, just a bit. “When?”

“Soon.” A haggard cough escaped his lips. “You really shouldn’t have left your friends so vulnerable.”

My eyes went wide, and just as my grip slackened some more, Wanda and Sam barged into the room. Her red magic kept him trapped, and Sam put duct tape over his mouth. “FBI is already on their way. How did you know he was here?”

“I just did.” I let go completely and let the water thaw to a puddle. “How fast can we get to the city?”

Sam’s eyebrows creased. “Strange could have you there in seconds, why?”

“Something else is going to happen, and it’s going to happen there.”

tags: @eridanuswave​ @vampirestrawberries​ @yougottalovefandoms​

[currentfandomkick]

Marinette did not sign up for this part 10: Mari plots plotting

So long time no post. I live. Ish. Also finally figured out readmore on mobile, so yay. Will take forever to edit posts now though. Explanation at the bottom First part here previous part here. Ao3 here

Marinette wanted to go on record that Mandeliev did not, in fact, give her an extra day or so to study for the test. Why? Instead, she was told she may do a paper on the application of physics in gymnastics and principles of evasion in urban areas and how to combine the two to maximize one’s ability to run away from akumas and other dangers.

Or as Nino put it: “I am tormenting you into running better, the eight page essay.”

Alya dubbed it the “Run Better Paper.”

Aurore said it should include more formulas when Marinette showed her the draft. (as Adrien would complain about lack of theories and how she should have used this advanced formula she’d never heard of instead and then Marinette would have to forcibly stop him from taking over her paper. Again.)

Kim had taken to keeping her in his hoodie, escorting her to the bakery and didn’t leave her alone until Adrien said it was his “Marinette Anxiety Watch” shift.

Which she would like to go on record, is just plain mean to say. She has Liar 100% under control when world ending things and metaphorical bomb drops aren’t happening to her constantly.

—-

Bruce tried to contact Diana and Arthur again. Hal was off world, and therefore useless.

Why?

As his missing son hadn’t contacted them yet. Was still in the Miraculous team’s custody. And he saw the footage of Robin—Damian—being hunted by a lving shadow, an element casting swordswoman, and a strategist that seemed to know exactly what to do to keep Robin cornered in battle. The living shadows—Chat Noir—tried to kill his son with Cataclysm.

That was when they were in public, and had Hal watching over them.

He didn’t want to think about what the kids might do unsupervised to someone that tried to kill Ladybug, openly stalked her civilian self, and apparently tried stalk her again, in broad daylight. And possibly may have revealed her secret identity…

From the comments, it seemed that the Parisians hadn’t connected his sons aliases to the pair, writing it off as “Copy-cat Vigilantes” thankfully. And none of them were revealing more than “so the Fashion Disaster tried to go after Chat and Ryuko’s civvie… Not A Smart CopyBird” was the most he was able to get.

His children, on the other hand…

——

“I Fucking KNEW IT!” Tim yelled. “I knew it was her!”

“But,” Jason smirked. “You didn’t tell us.”

“Soup girl, baby bat!” Cass said gleefully.

“Wait, we both talked to her—and you didn’t say you thought it was her either Cass!”

“So what I’m hearing, if my ears don’t deceive me,” Jason continued. “Is that you all lost too.”

“What—“

“Wait a minute!”

“No way—”

Cass shrugged. She was the least invested in winning. She got to meet soup girl, who is very nice and her parents are safe for Baby Bat.

“We don’t have proof,” Dick pointed out. “Didn’t you say something about her being a mouse?”

“I—”

“Well—”

“Yes.” Cass cut through Tim and Stephanie’s waffling. “She is.”

Dick rubbed his forehead. “How many secrets can one kid have?”

“Five?” Jason said without much thought. “Limit is definitely five.”

—-

“Let me get this straight,” Miss Sting began, watching Ladybug very, very carefully. Rena and Carapace were busy that night and couldn’t act as the team’s Common Sense Filter in person. and texts only went so far.

So the job fell to Aurore. To talk (probably Marinette) Ladybug out of a Very, Stupendously, Inconceivably Bad Idea.

“You want to trust Robin—the kid who tried to kill you—to contact his mother—an assassin—to talk strategy about how to take down Hawkmoth’s civilian life’s business, not kill him, and trust that they won’t kill you?”

“…I’m bringing Chat with me.”

“Ladybug.”

“What, do you want me to use a Lucky Charm to prove this is our best bet?”

“You know what?” Miss Sting threw her hands up. “Yes, yes I do.”

“Fine.” Ladybug threw her yoyo skyward. “Lucky Charm!”

A red, spotted ball with an 8 on it came down.

“… you have got to be kidding me.”

Ladybug shrugged. “Uh, Magic Eightball, is it okay to trust Robin with this?”

One shake later and the floating die window read “Without a Doubt.”

“Give me that.” Miss Sting scowled, shaking as she asked. “Should she bring someone besides Chat and Robin—like someone from our team or Wonder Woman or Aquaman?”

The ball answered “Outlook not so good.”

Miss Sting glared at the magic eight ball. “I can’t believe this!”

Ladybug shrugged. “Lucky Charms are Lucky Charms—and I gotta go.”

Miss Sting checked her beeping spinning top. Someone was just akumatized.

“Re-charge first!” Miss Sting yelled before swinging ahead.

—-

“Oh, hey, when’s Demon Spawn going to contact us?” Jason asked as other bats calmed down.

“He’s not answering his communicator.” Bruce growled. “Hal took it earlier.”

The bats paused at that.

“Well then. Trackers?”

“Disabled—what? We didn’t need anyone crashing the apology and he ran off before I could stop him,” Dick defended. He is not Damian’s keeper. Just his Batman (as yes Bruce, he is Damian’s Batman and Damian is his Robin. Current masks not-withstanding).

“Then how are we supposed to find him?” Stephanie asked as the room grew uneasy.

No one answered that.

“How’s this,” Tim began. “Me, Steph and Cass agreed on who Hawkmoth probably is, each of us has a different set of evidence for it—and I’m counting breaking into his evil Liar and the cameras catching him mid-act a few minutes ago as absolute proof.”

“I’m sorry, you did what!” Stephanie leaned over Tim’s shoulder to see. “Oh shit. Isn’t that guy—”

“One of her friends? According to their private Instagram accounts, more like partner in crime and possible Chat Noir. I mean, he’s the one that calls her his “everyday Ladybug” and voices Chat Noir in everything." Tim answered idly. “My money’s on him not knowing at all.”

Bruce twitched. Then began to add ‘stalking social media feeds’ to his to-do list tonight.

“So,” Tim stepped forward. “I suggest we send this to the Wonder Woman and ask for Robin’s comm to be returned, and failing that, I bugged the video so anything they play it on, we get access to its IP and can find where they are.”

“Have Oracle go over the bug, just in case,” Bruce told them. “In the mean time, the rest of you suit up for the night. Gotham needs its vigilantes.”

—-

Marinette wanted to go on the record that her plan (to keep the bats away) was going well. Deciding what to do with Mu—R—Damian. Damian. Damian and his offer, was a challenge.

For obvious reasons, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Aquaman were against her asking a bunch of assassins for their help. Chat has more than a few reservations. Carapace, Rena and Miss Sting gave her looks for that plan.

But.

But it would work. She needs more information on how to make the plan burning in the back of her mind work. It’s a lot of chaos (and she may thrive in chaotic battles but this wasn’t her usual battlefield, and her team didn’t know who they were going up against for once). And Marinette? She needs to know its not just her doing this when its so out of her depths.

So despite literally everyone and their disagreements she had Chat on her right side with Damian on her left, meeting up with his Crazy, Semi-Immortal mother. And possibly his Immortal, former Black Cat candidate, grandfather.

Why?

As Marinette isn’t trusting the likely cult that makes up the Gotham Ghost Gang (Batfam if you like them) when she can get real advice and vague directions to immortal and allied (loyal and terrifying) assassins.

And yes, she wasn’t sure if Liar was wrong or right when they said it was a bad idea too.

But fuckit she’s already got Kaalki at her shoulder, looking a bit bored at the deserted rooftop that Kaalki chose for their meeting.

“داميان*,” the woman smiled at her son. “It’s good to see you.”

“Mother,” Robin greeted. “This is Ladybug and Chat Noir. Ladybug wished to speak to you about potential strategies to take down an enemy outside of battle without violence,” Damian stressed.

“I am well-aware of the Kwami and their Chosen, اِبْن.**” The woman spoke calmly. “The League of Assassins formed to act as the Black Cat to restore the world to balance and un-burden the Order with its maintenance.” The woman offer Ladybug her hand. “I am Talia al Ghul, and I am at your service, with or without violence Ladybug.”

Marinette took her hand. “Thank you Talia. Our target being directly exposed like I planned would have…” Ladybug trailed off, thinking over the ramifications not only to Adrien, but to the whole of Gabriel’s brand, workers and all that worked with them. “Some intense ramifications I’d rather avoid.”

Talia nodded her head, waiting for more information.

“I believe its possible to topple them without affecting their employees by uncoupling them from their business, but doing so is, well, stocks and economics isn’t my strongest point.” Ladybug admitted a bit sheepishly.

“I would suggest,” Talia began, “to create a bit of chaos in the stock market. Perhaps a rumor here and there, let investors pull out and grab the abandoned stocks quickly. Consolidate them under one owner and become the company’s owner.”

Marinette twitched a bit at that. “That… sounds complicated.”

“Oh, but it isn’t. My son knows just how to that, or did you forget our lessons?” Talia asked coolly.

Damian twitched at Marinette’s side. “I did not.”

“You know,” Chat chimed in. “I do know a few things about those things. If its general chaos, well…” Chat’s face twisted in a way Marinette forgot he could do after that Chat Blanc episode.

“… I will take that into consideration.”

“Anything else?” Talia asked, watching Ladybug and her son. Specifically, how her son seemed glued to the girl’s side. “I am certain my son is able to take out your target, if all else fails.”

Damian scowled at Marinette’s side.

“However, I do believe that whatever is happening, whatever has you active, might require a more… experience hand.”

Damian brushed against her side. Code for ‘Possible Danger.’

“Thank you for the offer,” Chat moved in front of Marinette. “But mi’lady and the Guardians have that much handled.”

Talia’s eyes shifted from Chat to Ladybug, staying on her. “Is that so?”

“Yes. I merely needed more information on how to execute this type of plan, that’s all!” Ladybug almost, almost slipped into Marinette while Liar, while silenced for the moment, prodded the back of her mind. “I want to minimize collateral damage as much as I can, to everyone. The kwami already said they get to chose the target’s punishment.”

“Ah, I see.” Talia relaxed then. “You are following the kwami’s wishes. I will respect their wishes as well, Chosen.”

Marinette categorized this interaction as one of the “not too horrible, but will avoid a repeat” once they left.

—

*Damian in arabic

**son

so we have Talia now as a Player, sort of. she plays by her word pretty well so hopefully its a cameo more than anything else.

any ideas on how JL will handle the video, and if Miraculous Team should see it and freak out or only LB and keep on the dl while JL assissts in her Chaos Plot?

End of update. Will have to repost from ao3 on my phone now as desktop tumblr is being exceptionally rude. Tags always open, just takes me a bit to do—sorry to vixen for vanishing from tags

TAGS:  @heldtogetherbysafetypins @laurcad123 @raisuke06 @chaosace @jeminiikrystal @toodaloo-kangaroo @kris-pines04 @bisha43rbs @izang @dreamykitty25 @emu-lumberjack @vixen-uchiha

[admin-in-residence]

Merci

Request:  Hello! Any chance we can get a one shot/fic where the reader speaks a foreign language besides English, and the Bad Batch decides to teach her how to speak English? They give the reader daily lessons on speaking the English language and help her practice her English speaking skills

This is a cute idea, I just hope I did it justice...and hopefully google translate translated everything correctly? I studied french briefly, but I remember practically nothing...translations are located at the bottom of the fic.

Length: 1757 Words

When Commander Cody had called them in for a protection detail, Hunter had assumed it would be like any other detail the Batch had ever done. Go in, establish a contact with their charge, follow them around until the threat could be eliminated or deescalated, and then be on their way to some peaceful planet until the next job came through.

You weren’t like any other charge however...and by the sounds of it you’d be stuck with them for a long time.

“They have valuable information about the separatists.” Cody explained, “They came from a separatist's controlled planet and left everything behind in order to help the Republic. But now the planet authorities, the separatist council and the sith are after her.”

“Why can’t you just get the information and put them into safe housing?” Tech inquired.

“Well...we can’t really understand them.” Cody said, looking over to you.

You looked confusedly between the men in front of you, their language strange and foreign in your ears...what were they talking about?

“Peut-être qu'un droïde peut traduire?” You said, interrupting the men’s conversation.

Cody smiled sheepishly.

“You see...we have very little information about their planet or their language...the Republic destroyed most of it’s history after it aligned with the Separatists.” Cody explained, “We had a translation droid on it’s way, but they only have limited phrases in their databanks.”

“So why did you call us in?” Crosshair glared.

“Tech may be able to decipher the language and report back to us. He was the only person I could think of that may be able to help.” Cody said, “Plus, you guys can be her security detail. Just take her with you, decipher her information and then we can find safe housing for her until the end of the war.”

“The Commander is right...there’s not a lot of information about the language, but I think i’ll be able to figure it out eventually.” Tech said.

“Well then. I guess  we’re on the job.” Hunter stated.

*

The strange goggled man had managed to explain to you that they were your protector’s and had you accomony you back to the ship...that was only a few days ago and you were starting to get sick of everything.

“Les séparatistes construisent une nouvelle usine de droïdes, avec de nouveaux droïdes que vous n'avez jamais vus. Ils sont grands et dangereux ... ils peuvent détruire des villages entiers.” You urged.

“What is she saying Tech?” Hunter asked.

The strange man with the bandanna seemed to be the mediator, knowing exactly when you were about to lunge across the table to strangle the goggled man when he misunderstood your words.

“Droids...something about droids. I’m assuming a factory...but...” The goggled man said.

“Apprend moi! Apprend moi-e-english.” You willed your tongue to conform to the strange lanquage.

“English?” Crosshair asked. “She just spoke our language.”

“You want us to teach you english?” Wrecker asked.

You excitedly pointed to the big guy.

“Oui!” You exclaimed excitedly. “Teach-English.”

“That may be able to work better...” Tech said. “If we can teach her our language, she would be able to tell us exactly what she needs to...and even if that prove’s difficult, learning some of our words in her language may help me decipher things faster.”

“Great now we’re teachers? Count me out.” Crosshair groaned, walking away from the table.

“What do you think sir?” Tech looked to Hunter.

“Let’s teach her.” Hunter said.

*

The week’s flew by as you began your teachings.

The first lesson Tech had completed with you was important item’s, like food, water, and feelings, you were able to tell them now if you wanted a ration pack, or needed some water.

“Je suis fatigue.” You smiled to the goggled man, who’s name was not in fact goggled man but actually Tech.

“English please.” Tech smiled back.

You still had a habit of slipping into your language, especially when you began to get tired, or get super excited.

“Désolée, I am tired?” You apologized before raising your arms up by your head in a sleeping motion.

“Yes, it’s been a long day. We should get some rest.” Tech replied.

The Batch had landed on a simple planet on the outer rim. White sandy beaches and warm weather greeted you when you went for a walk in the mornings.The water was crystal clear, and you could see little fish swimming by the shore.

The next morning you went out for your walk, and in the distance you saw one of the Batch sitting in the sand cleaning his gun.

The silver haired clone looked up at you as you approached.

“Bonjour.” You waved.

Crosshair sighed.

“It means good morning.” You explained. “But perhap’s your morning is bad.”

You had become friends with most of the Batch, Hunter was patient with you, Tech was always eager to learn and teach, and Wrecker was just a big gentle giant. Every day you grew closer and closer with the batch.

Hug’s were a constant with you, constantly thanking them with a quick hug. And they had even begun to reciprocate those hug’s when you learned something new or memorized a statement.

But Crosshair had distanced himself from you very early on.He wasn’t willing to listen to you try to speak english, nor listen to any of your language. It seemed like he was always upset with you for one reason or another.

And as you grew closer and closer with the others, he grew farther and farther.

“No...it’s not bad.” The man said. “Go ahead and sit.”

You smiled brightly at him as he pat the ground next to him and you eagerly sat down before shuffling closer to him.

“Your awfully close.” Crosshair grunted, pulling back a bit.

You tilted your head.

“Close.” He explained, poking your shoulder and then touching his.

“I need space.” He said widening his hands futher.

Ah...he was feeling crowded by you. You moved back some.

“Thanks.”

“Merci.” You replied. “That’s what you just said to me...it means Thank you.”

“Well then...merci.” He said.

“You do not- your uncomfortable with me.” You said, trying to explain in his language.

Crosshair glanced up from his gun.

“No.”

“You do not like me?” You asked.

“No thats not it either...” Crosshair grunted.

“Hmph.” You sighed. “I do not understand.”

Crosshair chuckled as he looked at you. Your arm’s we’re crossed tightly and your eyes narrowed as you looked out to the sea.

“It’s always been me and my brothers.” He said. “And then you came in.”

Your looked to him.

“I thought that even though you spoke a different language that Tech would be able to decipher it, get the information and you’d be gone like everyone else.” He explained, “Uh...you understand me right.”

“I have learned lot’s.” You explained, “Keep going...if I grow confused I will ask.”

“Right.” Crosshair answered. “Well...it’s been weeks and we havn’t even begun to report your info. But my Batch. My brothers, they’ve grown close to you. They’ve accepted you into our family.”

You nodded.

“But one day, your going to finally give out the information we need and then your going to be gone...and my brother’s will hurt. I will hurt.” Crosshair admitted.

Yes, Crosshair thought, despite pushing you and further away you had still found a place in his heart. You cared for his brothers...and for him. You had created food from your planet for them, helped fix things on the ship...you were a part of them.

“Well...she doesn’t have to go away.”

Crosshair turned, finding Hunter standing behind the two of you.

“What place is safer then with us. We know her language almost as much as she knows our’s. Cody will stick up for us...the best place for you is with us.” Hunter smiled at you.

“So no more push?” You asked, lightly pushing his shoulder.

“La famille reste solidaire. Tu es ma famille maintenant.” You said, “Family stick’s together. You are my family now.”

Crosshair smiled, ducking his head down to hide it from you.

*

The Batch stood behind you as you greeted the Jedi standing before you. Cody and his general, Obi-Wan Kenobi had met on Coruscant to confer with you.

“You have valuable information for us young one.”

“Yes I do.” You replied.

“There is a droid factory being built on a planet in the outer rim. The droid’s being build are not like any you have seen. They are bigger and meaner, they have the capabilities of taking out entire villages.” You explained.

“This is concerning.” Obi-Wan admitted. “But do you have any proof?”

“I can only offer you my word. But perhap’s sharing a fraction of my pain is enough. My own village was a test subject with the new droids, they tore it to shreds, they killed so many, I was lucky to make it out alive with my family. But that is when I knew I could not allow this to happen to anyone else.” You admitted.

“It is thanks to my new family.” You gestured behind you, “That I am able to tell you these things. They have worked hard to protect me and learn my language to translate...but they taught me even more with their language so that I could tell you myself.”

Obi-Wan brought a hand up to his beard, deep in thought.

“I will bring this to the council’s attention.” Obi-Wan stated. “I believe it is in your best interest-”

Everyone stiffened as you waited for his next words.

Was this it?

Would you lose your new family?

“-That you remain in protection with Clone Force 99.  They have done well...and I believe they will continue to do so.” Obi-Wan bowed to you and then took his leave.

“Very good work. I will contact you when I have new orders. Get some rest.” Cody smiled following his general.

Turning around you launched yourself into Hunter’s arms, the rest of the Batch joining in on the hug.

“I’m proud of you.” Hunter smiled.

“We all are.” Crosshair butted in.

“Well...I did have the best teachers.” You admitted. “But where are we going to go next?”

The Batch looked at each other before smiling.

“How about you decide this time?” Hunter said.

“Well, I heard about this planet, Naboo! I hear it’s absolutely perfect.” You said, following Wrecker and Crosshair as you began walking back to the Marauder.

“She fit’s right in.” Tech said.

“Think we could get some armor on her, teach her to shoot?” Hunter asked.

“Armor, yes. Shooting no. Crosshair already did that.”

*

Translations:

Peut-être qu'un droïde peut traduire : Maybe a droid can translate

Les séparatistes construisent une nouvelle usine de droïdes, avec de nouveaux droïdes que vous n'avez jamais vus. Ils sont grands et dangereux ... ils peuvent détruire des villages entiers : The sepratists are building a new droid factory, with new droids you’ve never seen, they are big and dangerous...they can destroy whole villages.

Apprend moi : Teach me

Oui : Yes

Je suis fatigue : I am tired

La famille reste solidaire. Tu es ma famille maintenant : Family sticks together. You are my familiy now.

[brkndark]

Somewhere To Hide

It is also on ao3  

He found that with deviancy, came more of a need for relaxation, and there were very few things that relaxed Connor like a good game of fetch did.

He liked the repetitive sensation of it. Reel back, look to Sumo, aim precisely, toss and then follow through. It was like the most enjoyable maintenance check ever. Hank hated that he called it that. Just throw the damn ball.

Through fault of his excitement, there were times when Sumo missed the ball. After all, he was a living creature with imperfections. After a few previous successful rounds, Connor watched this time as Sumo overcalculated, snapping his jaws shut as the ball bounced off of his face, onto the ground, back up into the air and then sailed into the bushes. The St. Bernard looked like he wanted to pounce for it but likely due to past experiences, he jumped around the bush, ultimately not being able to fit through. Connor smiled and wandered over to the bush.

“It’s okay, Sumo,” he said. He would not have done that before, knowing that the dog couldn't possibly understand him. Just something he picked up while being here. “I will retrieve it for you, and then we can get on with our game.”

Sumo seemed satisfied, panting happily away. He'd have to take that as some confirmation he understood. Connor smiled again and crouched on the ground, seeking the lost ball.

He reached out a hand, feeling over the soil. That was another thing he would have done differently before the humans came into his life. Usually he would have gone straight for the scan, but lately he had found delight in stalling his tasks to just enjoy being in the moment. He liked feeling the earth beneath him. Just being alive. 

Still, there wasn't any use in wasting your talents. Connor found the brush to be thick and mostly opaque and his fingers grasped nothing. He resigned to using his environmental scan. Hank was always jealous whenever he lost something. 

Connor got on his knees as the world turned gray and he looked around. As expected, a yellow notification popped up and Connor double scanned it, confirming that it was indeed the tennis ball.

“Bingo.”

Reaching for it, he pulled his arm back, projecting it onto the grass. A chipper bark from Sumo confirmed that it was free and Connor heard snuffling about. He was likely ready to continue. 

“I’m coming, boy.” Connor called, starting to retreat back. “Just one...second.”

His arm moved back and another notification popped up in his vision. Something else in the bush, foreign like the tennis ball. It didn't belong there so it had to come out. Connor would be the one to do that. 

He tilted his head and reached for it, hand curling around a slab of concrete. He picked it up carefully and when he brought it closer, he noticed some writing scrawled onto it under a layer of dirt. He wiped away so he could comfortably scan it. He didn't anticipate feeling the blue blood freeze in his veins.

Markus Manfred

2038-2039

May he rise again

All systems were operational, yet Connor found that he could suddenly not move. An icy fist gripped his thirium pump as he stared at the stone, seemingly hypnotized. He wanted to look away, but he couldn't. Events started to play out in his mind. Markus was dead. That didn't make sense. But he absolutely should be. Connor had almost made sure of it. He saw the gun. Fire. blue blood. Tears. Explosions. The sound of someone shrieking. A disapproving look. From who? Connor couldn't tell. The images fled too fast for him to keep track, yet he still felt their presence. Markus’ mangled body was on the ground; something he couldn't remember. But he could see it, clear as day. A wave of darkness washed over him, dragging him under.

He had to get out of here.

He launched himself backwards. Or he would have had his jacket not gotten snagged on a prickly branch. He yanked it around, finding himself trapped in its puncture. It shook stubbornly as he struggled. He tried to reach behind him but he slipped, hands planting themselves in the dirt and leaves cascaded below. He stretched his legs out, grounding his knees and pulled with his shoulders. 

The nature he had recently found so comforting was now suffocating him as he became uncomfortably aware of every leaf, stick and pebble touching him. This wasn't the sweet sanctuary he worked so hard to build. Instead, it morphed into something hauntingly familiar. Water flowed from somewhere in the distance. The sun beat down on him like a searchlight and the sickly sweet aroma of flowers filled his senses. Someone who wasn't there felt like they were closing in. Connor’s eyes darted frantically as he began to panic. 

Finally, the branch let go with a riiip! and Connor fell onto his side, scrambling away from the bush. For a moment he just lied there, frozen in time. It was silent, save for the wind rustling the leaves and the thirium roaring in his ears. His thirium pump pounded in his vacant chest intrudingly so. An uncomfortable heat was building inside of him and he wanted it out. 

Instead of breathing, androids had a program in them that ventilated by pushing air through them in a circular motion. The air comes in, it goes through, and then comes out in a calming pattern. The next “breath” was guaranteed to replenish you, but Connor found that now the air was only going up and down, like he was pumping up a balloon with no progress. The heat was trapped. He was trapped and he would never escape.

   Suddenly, there was a new sound. He heard footsteps pounding against the ground in a hurry. There must have been something amis. If there was an emergency then he should be able to help. Get up, Connor.

“Connor? Connor! What the fuck happened?”

He was jostled into a sitting position and being supported upwards. Connor tried running a diagnostic test but to no avail; his vision began to cloud with static. On the edges of it he found Hank’s gaze, firm and concerned. The feeling of comfort left just as quickly as it arrived.

After several more failed diagnostic attempts, Connor reached out in the only way he could remember how. Grabbing Hank’s arms at his elbows, he trained his eyes on Hank’s face. 

“That’s it, son,” Hank breathed, somewhat relieved at the joined eye contact. “I think you're...hyperventilating. Think we can slow that down?”

What? Connor sucked in a greedy breath and held it to snuff out the panting he had been replicating involuntarily. He followed Hank’s example; in and out. In and out.

Throughout this, Hank watched him closely, careful to take it one step at a time. He had never seen such a sight with Connor before. The yard was dug up and he was a mess, his jacket ripped open from the back and dirt and mud all over him. He had to slow down just to take it all in. Connor looked absolutely frightened. Once he was quieter, Hank commented again. 

“Let's get you cleaned up. You’re bleeding all over my arm here, c’mon.”

Connor looked down at himself and sure enough, there was a nasty gash on his palm. It had stained both his hand and Hank’s arm blue. That was the second thing he had failed to detect.

Much like his legs wobbling as they made their way to the house, Connor’s lip quivered as he threatened to succumb to the fear bubbling over inside of him. He tried to focus on the man beside him. Hank was here right now. Cyberlife was...elsewhere. Always watching with their hand on the button. Out of sight.

Once they stepped inside, Connor lost all of his composure and crumpled to the ground, holding himself tightly and squeezing his eyes shut, but it was no use. Tears leaked out of his eyes as he began to sob brokenly. Hank was gone for only a second before he returned, pressing something soft into Connor’s hand. 

“Jesus, Connor. What’s going on?” worried Hank.

Connor squeezed the cotton with a shaking fist as it absorbed the thirium leaking out of him.

“We were playing,” Connor started, his voice shaking. “Sumo and I were playing in the yard and the ball rolled into the Garden…” his breath hitched with a hiccup. Hank quirked an eyebrow, beginning to rub his hands up and down Connor’s arms with comfort. 

“I wouldn't exactly call it a garden, kid. One sad looking bush, maybe. I’ve never even touched it.”

They were quiet for a minute, Connor struggling to find some speaking room while Hank mulled over his words.

“Sorry, that...wasn’t right.”

“The Garden,” Connor continued. “There was something else, a-a gravestone. Markus’ name was on it i-i…”

Sumo took this opportune moment to come back inside with said stone in his mouth. He dropped it before them on the ground and Connor jumped slightly. 

“There!” he gasped, covering his face with his hands. “It’s his name on it, he's dead I…”

Hank picked it up with one hand, shifting it around under the light. He studied it high and low but ultimately came up inconclusive. 

“Con, this thing’s blank. Are you messing with me?”

Connor slowly lowered his hands, ready to counter that statement. But sure enough, Hank was right. He scanned it but came up with nothing. It was ordinary. Connor shook his head.

“No...no, Sumo must have retrieved the wrong one-”

“Connor,” Hank soothed, pushing his hair back. “It’s okay. You're just a little freaked out.”

He paused. “I think you confused this crap for...something else. Markus is fine. Remember? The whole revolution thing? We won. We just saw him a couple of days ago.”

Connor looked broken, tilting his head back as tears streamed down his cheeks. He searched his memory again and saw himself conversing with Markus. Their first casual conversation. Standing on the steps of Carl’s house. He was laughing. He was alive.

“Yes” he whispered. “I remember now. I…” he looked at the stone. It was blank now. It should have made him feel better, but he gripped it with fury.

“This never happened. It could have, but...it didn't.”

“Right,” Hank confirmed. “You’re just remembering shit from the past.”  This was all so bizarre and new to the both of them. “It’s a part of being human, kid. Stuff creeps up on you.”

Connor sniffled, gritting his teeth. “I find that inapplicable. Sumo and I were just playing. Why would I resift through irrelevant information? Events that never even occurred?” Hank sighed and shook his head.

“You’ve had a lot to process. Trauma is...well, it’s shit kid. It sure as hell ain’t convenient. That’s how it goes.”

Connor couldn’t wrap his head around it. He grimaced at this confusing information.

 “I hate it!” he wailed. “I don't want to feel like this.” 

He went silent for a while, but Hank was patient. A flash of something grim crossed his eyes before he took a shuddering breath.

“I am going to purge my memory.”

Hank’s eyebrows shot up in alarm. “Hey hey hey hold on. You're not going to purge anything.” He held Connor’s face in his hands, watching as the tears poured over. “You do that and youre just gonna fuck yourself up. I wish I could do that, kid. I really do,” his voice cracked. “But you can’t when you're human. That's a part of the experience.”

Connor sniffled again, looking at him with wide, questioning eyes.

“Life?”

Hank sighed and then nodded.

“Yeah. That’s life. Sucks I know. But I think it’s probably better than…”

A glance at poor Connor told him that whatever he was about to say was better left unsaid. 

“Forget it. Uh…” he seemed at a loss for words. He looked down at Connor’s hand. “Let’s take a look at this, okay?”

Connor nodded and let Hank take away the cotton. It was still bleeding slowly but that was not what unnerved Hank. Connor was shaking profusely and when Hank dabbed at the wound, he found the area to be surprisingly hot. He frowned.

“Tell me this temperature is normal.”

Connor let out a shaky sigh, looking defeated. “It is not. I am in distress and trying to keep self destruction at bay. This is the best my body can do.”

Hank nodded, wiping the horrified expression off of his face quickly. “Yeah okay. It would be great if you could keep that up.” 

Hank felt silly thinking this all would be easy. In his opinion, androids were designed to be the perfect human, never out of line and rarely an inconvenience. Of course it did not seem like that way for him from the start, but he now found that the positives outweighed the negatives. The gap between android and human was there, but Hank felt that Connor was more human than most of the people he knew. He learned something new about him everyday. Usually pleasant. And even though this was definitely an unpleasant situation, it presented him with an opportunity.

Coming back to the present, Hank realized that Connor had started to cry again. The poor kid was totally overwhelmed. As if finally sensing the tension, Sumo padded up and sniffed at the android’s face. Connor sagged into the dog’s touch, reveling in the feeling of the soft fur against his skin while Hank mulled over his dilemma. He felt useless, not knowing what being an android was like. On the other hand, he had tons of experience being a human.

He reached a tentative hand for Connor going unnoticed and settled on his shoulder, rubbing calming sensations that hopefully conveyed what he wanted to say. Connor jumped a little, but it was apparently the right thing to do, because he switched from the dog’s embrace to the man’s and clung to him desperately. Hank closed his eyes, swallowing a lump in his throat as he did his best to comfort Connor.

“That’s it, kid. You’ll be okay. I’ll be right here when you are.”

It wasn't much, but it seemed to do the trick and Hank felt Connor relax ever so slightly in his hold. If it weren't for their proximity, Hank would have missed Connor’s small sweet voice.

“It may take many trials and we are likely to experience more difficulties like this. Deviancy has proven to be a lot less predictable than I hoped.”

Hank smiled and pulled away so he could look at Connor’s face. “Shit’s always difficult. You're taking it like a champ. Don't beat yourself up.” he ruffled Connors' hair playfully. “Let me know if there's anything i can do.”

Connor looked grateful, finally giving him a small smile. He looked at him through soft, weary eyes. “Do you think we could give Markus a call?”

Hank nodded almost immediately. “Sure, kid. I think you both could use one of those. First, you should get out of these rags; there's clothes in the laundry. Go crazy.”

Connor selected an oversized sweatshirt, warm and dry from the dryer. Once his old clothes were taken care of, he slipped the sweatshirt over his head and sighed under the toasty weight. It smelled of whiskey and sweets, immediately replacing the stench of the garden.

Not another word about it was uttered that night, but when later that week Connor had noticed the shrub missing from its roots, he made sure to not let his gratitude go unsaid.

[golden-masquerade]

Apartmentseeker.com reviews for Sunny Hollow Apartments

Note: Original fiction, might be something more with time, I’m not sure yet

Really wanted one of those templates where you make fake stuff, like those fake tweet and face text stuff, but I guess those don’t exist. Oh well, maybe someday.

Enjoy!

ApartmentSeeker.com reviews

Sunny Hollow Apartments

Average 3.9 stars

Highest rated reviews:

**** Nice place with strict rules (Jonas J)

My sister and I moved here a couple of years ago because of the cheap rent, and it's been pretty great. The apartments are close to the town square and convention center, which works out well for us. There's also a beautiful garden and swimming pool with hot tub on the back lot which has been pretty great. The HOA in place has lots of complicated rules so anyone new to apartments are gonna feel a little over their head, but my sister and I adjusted quickly. I recommend getting a room in Sunny Hollow if you need cheap rent and don't mind the iron fist of the HOA.

-Reply from Owner-

Thank you for the kind words, JJ. I just wanted to clarify that the building doesn't have an HOA. It has a Building Management Team, and we work hard to ensure that our tenants are happy and safe in their homes. It makes us happy to hear that you love Sunny Hollow! Please give us a call if you need maintenance or anything at all! -Sasha S.

***** Cheap rent for great apartments! (Dash C.)

I absolutely LOVE Sunny Hollow! While the rooms are on the small side (hence so cheap), the building is close to the center of everything (except a school). While there's some rules the HOA has you follow, it's easy to get into a routine and life couldn't be better. Neighbors are nice, the pool and hot tub are fantastic perks, and the building itself is pretty quiet. It's been great rooming here while studying for Uni. Highly recommend to the average Uni student who can afford apartment housing!

-Reply from Owner-

Hi, Dash! Thanks for the kind words! I just wanted to clarify that the building doesn't have an HOA. It has a Building Management Team, and we work hard to ensure that our tenants are happy and safe in their homes. Please give us a call if you need maintenance or anything at all! -Sasha S.

*** Too many rules to follow (Miche P.)

I came to live here a week ago, and while the 1B1B room is nice and affordable for one person, there's a giant rules packet that comes with the place. A lot of the rules are pretty weird and make no sense, and I specifically moved into this place because I was told it was anti-HOA, when there is, in fact, an HOA. I'm breaking the lease and moving out. I vowed to never live under another HOA again.

-Reply from Owner-

Hi Miche! We're sorry that living in Sunny Hollow was unpleasant I want to clarify that the building does not have an HOA. Apartment buildings cannot have an HOA by law. We do have the Building Maintenance Team, which maintains the property and does not govern how tenants live their lives like an HOA does. We do have a lot of rules, yes, which were designed by happenings in the past to keep everyone safe and in harmony. Please stop by the office on the front floor so we can go over your paperwork. And we thank you for giving Sunny Hollow a try. Wishing all the best, Sasha S.

*** Small rooms with thin walls (Travis D.)

Like it says, all the rooms here are 1B1B, and that's fine but the walls are paper thin! I can hear everything from my other neighbors, and they keep me up at night! And I can hear everything outside too, don't even get me started on that nonsense! I'm only here because this is the cheapest place in town, and now I'm starting to see why! Come here only if you're as desperate as I am!

-Reply from Owner-

Hi Travis, thank you for your honest feedback! We're sorry to hear about the noise levels from your room. You must be on the sixth floor? It's a recent addition that we were sure we added our sound proofing to. Please come stop by the office so we can address this and help you live more comfortably in your apartment. Regards, Sasha S.

** Nice place but HOA doesn't care (Heather I.)

I moved here six months ago because the rent was ridiculously cheap, and now I'm starting to see why. I foster stray cats and kittens, and they either all go missing or are found dead in a matter of days. The building staff all say that the coyotes are doing it, and don't want to stop it. I can't deny that the room is nice, but there's so many pointless rules to follow and they refuse to do anything about the apparently dangerous wildlife in the area. Will move out soon.

-Reply from Owner-

Hi Heather! Unfortunately, owning pets or having animals in the apartments goes against the leasing agreement. We would also like to remind you that the building does not have an HOA. It does have the Building Maintenance Team, which works hard to keep you happy and safe in your apartment every day. We're sorry that Coyote managed to get to your animals, but there really is nothing we can do in that regard. Please come by the office at your earliest convenience so we can discuss what happened and what we can do moving foreword. Thank you, Sasha S.

*** Nice place but rules are weird (anon)

Me and two roommates are managing in our apartment because it's so small. But the giant rules packet they gave us with the place is a huge headache. Cover our open sockets? Only air freshener allowed is cinnamon apple? Cover shiny objects with cloth if planning to leave the apartment for an hour? It's weird. I don't get it, but the rent is cheap and we have nowhere else to go. So, come live here if you need cheap rent!

-Reply from Owner-

Hi Ashley, John, and Avery! We're sorry if living in Sunny Hollow is a little tough right now. The rules for the building are in place to be sure everyone is safe and happy in their apartment. We have socket covers, air fresheners, the proper thick cloths, fluffy towels, and mix of bird songs in the rain for everyone who needs them, completely for free, to help make following the rules easier. We do also offer a lock box for your shiny objects, however there is a fee for rental. The Building Management Team is doing its best to ensure that living in Sunny Hollow is the best for you it can be. Please come see us in the office on the first floor so we can help make living in your apartment the happy experience it should be. Thank you, Sasha S.

(one star) HOA WILL THROW YOU OUT IF YOU'RE PREGNANT! (Tammy J.)

AS SOON AS THE HOA HEARD THAT MY PREGNANCY TEST WAS POSITIVE, THEY GAVE ME AN EVICTION NOTICE! THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS AND ILLEGAL! HOA IS A BUNCH OF JERKS! DO NOT LIVE HERE! WILL BE SUING!

-Reply from Owner-

Flagged for trolling. Sasha S.

**** Cheap apartments for single occupant (Jason S.)

I've lived here for five years, and I really enjoy these apartments. While they are small (1B1B), they're perfect for living on your own and really affordable for single occupancy. The neighbors are nice, and its close to nearly everything in town. The area is quiet, and the building has a garden to walk in and relax and a swimming pool that open in the spring and summer. I highly recommend to anyone looking for an affordable place to live on their own without roommates Sunny Hollow is the best!

** HOA IN PLACE DESPITE BUILDING BEING ANTI-HOA! (anon)

They lied about there being an HOA owning the place! I don't care what they call it, it's an HOA! I don't like being lied to! I'm moving out as soon as I can! Fuck HOAS!

-Reply from Owner-

Sunny Hollow does not have an HOA. We have a Building Management Team, which works hard on making life in your apartment happy and safe. Please come see us in our office on the first floor to work out the lease breaking process. We're so sorry that we couldn't make your stay a happy one, Jeoff. Regards, Sasha S.

*** Small space, both good and bad (Preston S.)

I've been here for six months, and am happy with Sunny Hollow. The rooms are VERY SMALL 1B1B, so not good for large groups or families. But we get access to a swimming pool in the summer, and a quiet place to study and rest. It's just me here, so the space is just about perfect. Recommended for single person who wants to live independently

(one star) Will not rent to families (anon)

Was hoping to stay here because the rent is cheap, but the property owner wouldn't even let us in. They sited our five year old son! They say the property is strictly a no children allowed property, which I'm pretty sure is illegal! What residence doesn't allow children to live there?! Avoid this place if at all possible! We'd sue if we had the money!

-Reply from Owner-

Sunny Hollow does not allow children to live in our apartments, as is covered by Rule 1 of our Apartment Guide and Rules. Sasha S.

*** Giant rule book comes with the place! (anon)

First day I was here, there's this giant book of rules for the room and building, like wtf? It makes a great doormat. Place is alright, but why all the rules?

-Reply from Owner-

Hi, Jack! Sunny Hallow has a Building Management Team to ensure that everyone's residency is safe and happy. We understand that there are a lot of rules to follow, and we would be happy to explain them to you at your leisure. The state of the rule book does not matter to us, as long as you follow the rules. Please see us in our office on the first floor for any questions or concerns that you have. Thank you, Sasha S.

(one star) Can't live here because of my dog? (anon)

Was turned away because I have a chihuahua?! It's not even a dangerous dog breed? Apartments are supposed to be pet friendly, wtf?

-Reply from Owner-

Sunny Hollow does not permit pets of any kind or animals, as is explained on our website as well as Rule 2 of the Apartment Guide and Rules. We are sorry we couldn't provide you with a home and wish you well on apartment hunting. Sasha S.

(one star) SOMETHING ATE ALL MY FISH! (anon)

DAY AFTER I MOVED IN ALL THE FISH IN MY FISHTANK WERE GONE! HOA WON'T DO ANYTHING! MOVING OUT TODAY! WHAT THE FUCK?! WHAT THE FUCK ATE MY FISH?!

-Reply from Owner-

Sunny Hollow does not permit pets of any kind or animals, as is explained on our website as well as Rule 2 of the Apartment Guide and Rules.

Flagged for trolling. -Sasha S.

*** 1B1B, cozy but has pests (Cassie Q.)

The rooms are alright, but after three days I heard something scratching and crawling through the walls. I'm worried about pests, but building management said they'd take care of it at no extra charge. It's good that the owners are always on top of things, but I really don't like mice or bugs and I was told that there's no pests in the building at all. Weird, but affordable, so I can't complain too much.

-Reply from Owner-

Hi Cassie! We're sorry about the night noises, and will work with you so you can get a good night's rest. We can assure you that Sunny Hollow is pest free, and we have an exterminator coming in every month to monitor the building as per town sanction. We can assure you that you'll never see a single mouse or bug considered a pest in your apartment. You're welcome to come by the office on the first floor if you'd like to see the appropriate paperwork, or pick up any supplies you need to ensure that your home is pest free. Regards, Sasha S.

***** THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS PLACE! (anon)

YOU NEED TO READ THIS! DO NOT GO TO SUNNY HOLLOW! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BUILDING! THERE'S SOMETHING LIVING IN IT! OR LOTS OF SOMETHINGS! THEY EAT PETS! THEY KILL PEOPLE! THE HOA DOESN'T CARE! I'M NOT CRAZY, WE'VE ALL SEEN IT! WE'VE SEEN THEM! DON'T BE FOOLED! THE RENT IS LOW FOR A REASON! DON'T GO THERE!

-Reply from the owner-

Flagged for trolling. Sasha S.

[parachutingkitten]

Good Morning, Mr. Borg

My goodness, it’s been a while. Good to get back into it though.

The whole thing was feeling more and more like a horrifically elaborate escape room. We had been dropped into a Borg Tower on full lockdown and given no clues as to how to get out again. Even though we hadn’t been given a time limit, every second that ticked by seemed to get progressively more urgent- And none of us wanted to know what would happen if that urgency caught up with us.

“It can’t be that easy, can it?” Cryptor insisted. “A reset button just seems too obvious.”

“Technically, it’s a reset switch,” I corrected him. 

“Cutting all of building power seems dangerous, especially during this storm,” Mr. Borg shook his head.

“Yeah, well, so is whatever is in control of the tower right now,” Cryptor shrugged.

“It’s the only option I could find in all of the notes. Cutting the power would force the security system into a hard reset. Whatever is in the system would be gone in an instant, and we’d get control back within a few minutes.”

Cyrus still seemed unconvinced. We had been pouring over blueprints and building documents for a few hours now. We had fallen into the trap of false hope a few times before. Everything we found seemed to be a dead end. I didn’t blame him for being skeptical. We were all getting antsy. It was already late afternoon. If we couldn’t even figure out what the problem was at this point, how long would it take us to actually get out? “Well, where is it?” He asked, his eyes still frantically studying the blueprints.

“There’s one on each maintenance floor. The closest one to us would be on the 93rd,” I explained.

“How sure are we that this will work?” Cryptor asked.

“I don’t know, how much do you trust Pixal’s understanding? They’re her notes.”

His face soured as he looked down at the table, taking in all the factors. “Well, I guess at this point it’s the only option we’ve got,” he sighed.

“You two will have to go down without me. I’m not risking using the elevator again.” Cyrus shook his head.

“Why even two of us?” Cryptor countered. “It only takes one person to flip the switch, right?”

Mr. Borg stared pensively down at the blueprints, his nerves obviously catching up with him a bit. “I’d feel better if you didn’t go alone.”

“Well, I don’t exactly feel good about leaving you alone,” I returned.

“Look,” he sighed. “We know that this level is safe, at least for now. But the switch is seven floors down. We don’t know what’s down there.”

Cryptor and I glanced at each other, his implication striking both of us.

“You could monitor up here to see if system status changes or anything,” I suggested.

“And then we could just use some hand radios to communicate.” My. Borg agreed. “But first, we should fit you up with your arm,” he turned to Cryptor.

“Yeah, I guess that might help,” Cryptor chuckled, looking down at his stub. 

“I’ll go get our supplies,” I offered. 

And with that we split up. I was off to a storage room to find radios, flashlights and anything else we might need on our journey downstairs. As I found myself alone for the first time that day I caught myself thinking of my new companion. It was strange. Strange that a man that caused so much destruction would act the way he did. Everything about him seemed more subdued and lighthearted than I could have imagined just yesterday. It didn’t make sense. Had they done something to him in prison to make him act this way? Some sort of reprogramming? It didn’t seem like an act. He seemed to genuinely be this decent person. I got along with him so easily. Maybe that says something about me. The most boring girl on earth and one of Ninjago’s most infamous war criminals certainly doesn’t seem like a natural match up. And yet there we were, about to venture down to the depths of an unstable building together and the one thing I wasn’t worried about… was him.

After finding what we needed I made my way back to the main room, meeting them on the production floor.

“How’s the new arm?” I asked, grabbing Cryptor’s attention. 

“It actually works this time.” He smiled, wiggling it a bit.

“Well, I’ve got flashlights for the two of us.” I tossed him one, his new arm moving to catch it quite effortlessly. “And coms for everyone.” I placed the carrier down on the desk, disconnecting them and handing them out.

“Is this thing working?” Cryptor tested the radio, the sound echoing on the other coms as I attached mine to my belt.

“No messing around while you're down there,” Borg pressed. “Just get in and get out.”

“And no stupid horror movie stuff either,” I added. “No splitting up or anything, I will freak out.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry about it,” Cryptor flipped on his flashlight, shining it around the room. 

“This is serious, I don’t want to get abandoned down there.” 

Cryptor clicked his flashlight off again, his eyes returning to me. “And neither do I.”

“Here,” I switched my flashlight to my other hand, extending my free one. “I pinky promise.”

He raised an eyebrow, now officially skeptical. 

“Come on, it’s a very solemn swear as long as both of us respect it. I won’t abandon you, and you won’t abandon me.”

He looked at it a moment, still hesitant, but reluctantly raised his hand to meet mine, our fingers interlocking. 

“There,” I smiled. “Now, lets go flip a switch.”

“Remember,” Borg chimed in as we started towards the stairs. “93rd floor, second left.”

“Got it.” I nodded.

“Best of luck to you.”

I gave him a shy smile, my mind already fixed on the dark corridor awaiting me. 

A soft click came from behind me, my eyes still fixed on Mr. Borg.

“You ready for this sticky note?”

My eyes narrowed as I spun around. “I don’t know, marshmallow, are you ready?” I clicked on my own flashlight, joining his in illuminating the hallway. 

He glanced at me, sighing. “Well, there’s no point in just standing here looking at it.” He took a tentative step forward into the darkness, my own footsteps shortly following behind. 

“Borg tower is so… different with the lights off.”

“You mean creepy.” He corrected me. “It’s creepy with the lights out.”

“Not necessarily.” I shook my head as we reached the first landing. “It’s just so empty and lifeless. The whole point of the building is to be this sort of lighthouse in the middle of the city. When the lights are out it just feels… wrong.”

Cryptor continued down the steps, my words hanging unresponded in the air for a moment.

“You know, most technology still at least has a warning light activated when it’s broken. The only time it ever goes dark is when it’s completely dead."

His words echoed through the corridors, soon fading into the walls, the space filling only with the continued click of my heals as we continued down the hypnotically repetitive stairways.

One two three four five six seven eight nine 

Turn

One two three four five six seven eight nine 

96

One two three four five six seven eight nine

Turn

One two three four five six seven eight nine

95

The floor numbers counted down to our eventual destination, a chill running up my back as we got closer. Perhaps it was the cold seeping in from the storm outside, or maybe just the spirit of whatever it was that was keeping us here rushing past. My eyes turned up to see the increasing number of flights we had descended down stretching up into the darkness- fading away as if our path back no longer existed. 

“I get the strange feeling we’re being lured into something.” I murmured as we reached the last landing. “And the only way to escape it is going to be running up a dozen flights of stairs.”

Cryptor turned around, his light shifting towards me. “Or down a hundred,” he countered.

I lifted my radio, clicking it on for the first time. “We’ve made it to the 93rd floor,” I told Mr. Borg. 

“The switch will be in the main control room.” He answered back. “Take your second left, and it should be at the end of the hall,” He directed us. 

Even with our directions, we both stood frozen, neither of us willing to open the door.  

“You ready for whatever’s behind there?” I asked.

“I mean... assuming what’s behind there is probably nothing.”

“...I don’t love those odds.”

Cryptor’s flashlight shifted, landing on the emergency fire axe sitting in a conveniently marked box next to the door. He glanced at me, questioningly. 

“I’m not sure how much safer I’d feel with you swinging an axe around.” 

“You could take the axe,” he offered.

“I’m not sure that’d make it any better.”

 His light turned again to the door. “Let’s just hope there’s nothing behind the door then.”

And with that, he pushed open the door, our eyes gracing the other side. Our first few steps came with more caution than I think I’ve ever given anything. There were no lights left on in the hall, but nothing seemed off aside from that. If something else was on this floor with us, it certainly hadn’t touched anything. 

“See, nothing here,” Cryptor sighed. “Second left he said?”

“...yeah,” I answered, both of us moving down the corridor a touch quicker now. “We just have to get in, flip the switch, and get out. That’s it.”

“Exactly. Like I said, we didn’t even need two of us to do this.” Cryptor mused as we passed the first left. 

“You can’t blame Borg for wanting to be cautious.” I countered as we rounded the next corner. “I mean last time what was down here was-”

And there it was. Right in front of me. As if my words had willed them into existence, there they were. At least a dozen pairs of unflinching red eyes, staring through the darkness back at us. 

“...the Overlord.”

Something about them was almost hypnotic in a way. Magnetic. They drew me to them in a dreamlike trance, only my subconscious really in control. I started towards them, my feet moving beneath me in an unspoken need to know more, perhaps drunk on the shock of standing in front of my possible death.

It was only a few steps more before my light could reach the end of the hall, finally illuminating the phantom nindroids. 

“They’re just screens,” I sighed. “From inside the lab, they’re not real.”

I glanced over my shoulder, trying to find Cryptor, but he wasn’t behind me. I turned around, finding him stuck at the beginning of the hallway. He hadn’t moved since we had rounded the corner.

“Cryptor?” His stare went straight through me to the displays behind me. He was lost. 

“Whatever it is must have replaced the security camera feeds.” I moved my flashlight to better illuminate them to try and bring him back. The two large double doors to the control room were wide open, exposing the whole area. Although, the fact that our mystery bug had already hacked this control room shed some doubt on our plan. “You think it means anything?”

“...I-” Cryptor glanced around, snapping out of his trance. “I don’t know.” His steps moved to join me as I again turned my attention to the room.

“We just need to find the switch,” I reasserted. “Let’s not get distracted.”

“Right.” Cryptor sighed, finally catching up with me. “Just flip the switch and get out of here.”

I took a few more steps into the room, scanning for any other evidence of our mystery intruder. 

“I don’t like that it knew we were coming here,” Cryptor muttered. 

“I just don’t understand how it got into the system to begin with,” I pondered. “It must have entered between yesterday and this morning, and the tower’s been closed that whole time, no one’s had access to the system besides us. I mean, what’s changed since then?”

I could hear Cryptor’s footsteps stop behind me. “...me.”

“What? Are you self-admitting to having a secret evil agenda?” I chuckled. 

“No,” he sighed. “But the day I get back, the tower goes back into Overlord mode, projecting those nindroid eyes everywhere… that’s not a coincidence.”

“Well, I don’t think-”

I was stopped by a sudden and loud burst of music from behind me, startling us both. We both turned to the source of the sound, one of the monitors now showing an extremely familiar video. 

“Welcome to Borg Industries,” Pixal’s voice echoed through the room as her image faded onto screen. “Where the future-”

           CRASH!

She was cut short by Cryptor, violently smashing the screen with his flashlight. We both stood in silence for a moment, his reaction surprising the both of us. “…I can’t stand that video,” he sighed. “Her voice is so annoying.” He brushed it off, turning to continue the search. 

I felt a smile slip onto my face as I followed him. “I swear, that video will always be ingrained in my head, I must have listened to it a thousand times.”

“Maybe it really is the Overlord back again, because only he could truly appreciate how agonizing that video is to use it against us like that.” He glanced back at me, smirking.

I chuckled a bit, deadening my voice a bit, “Where the future is what you make it,”

“Let me be your guide as we step into that future together!” Cryptor joined me in reciting the line, our cadences matching as we continued to wander past the monitors. 

“Woah, is this it?” Cryptor’s light landed on a large lever sticking up from the floor.

I crouched down, examining the handle. Large capital letters spelling out POWER were printed on the side. “I think so.”  

“I was imaging something a little smaller,” He mused as I stood again.

“You want to do the honors?” I offered.

“Why not?” he shrugged, placing down his flashlight.

I pulled my com from my belt as he approached the lever. “We’re ready to flip the switch,” I announced. 

“You should be clear to go,” Mr. Borg responded.

I looked up at Cryptor as he nodded, gripping the handle, and beginning to move it. It let out a large groan, as if never before been used, struggling to move into position before-

THUD

Everything stopped. The monitors were blank. The humming had ceased. And for a moment it seemed as if the entire world had halted. Cryptor and I glanced at each other, neither of us breathing.

“Looks like it worked.” Mr. Borg’s voice came over the radio. “Hopefully that took care of the problem. Flip it back so we can get things moving again.”

“Got it,” I sighed, letting out my breath.

Cryptor began to switch the lever, it again letting out a nasty creek as it switched. But once it got to the other side… 

Nothing. 

We both stood there a moment, waiting for the lights to buzz on or the monitors to start up… but nothing.

“Well, this isn’t good,” Cryptor picked up his flashlight again, taking a few steps through the room.

“Are you getting anything upstairs?” I asked Mr. Borg, hoping that everything was simply on a bit of a delay.

“No, nothing.” He responded. 

“Well, should we try again?” I asked.

I waited a moment for a response, all of us at a loss of what to do.

“Well, at least we know my arm works,” Cryptor shrugged, finally resigning to one of the seats by the monitors. 

“I’m glad the second one is working for you.”

“Me too,” he smiled. “Even if the first one did work, I’d probably be a bit suspicious. The first one never works right.”

“Drew, why don’t you wait a few minutes before trying again,” Mr. Borg’s response came. “As long as the power’s off, we should be safe, and we don’t want to over trigger the system.”

“Got it.” I responded, moving to join Cryptor as we waited. 

“I just don’t get why we would be able to turn the power off, but not back on.”

“It means we’re not in control,” Cryptor concluded. “Which means whatever it is is still in control.”

“But we turned off the power,” I countered, sitting down.

“We don’t know that,” he shook his head. “We turned off the power on this floor and the top floor, that’s all we know for sure.”

“You don’t think we turned off the power?”

“I think it let us turn off the power.”

I sighed, still stumped at our situation. “But what would have such complete autonomy over the tower like that? To override the overrides?”

“I did,” he shrugged. “I don’t anymore, obviously, but when I was first built, I had complete access to every function in Borg Tower, final override authority. Which is obviously insane, no one should have that amount of control, but… I guess that’s the responsibility the Overlord gives you when you’re the first one off his factory line.”

His words stirred with me for a moment as I thought. What could be doing this to us? What would want to do this to us? And now? My eyes trailed off as I thought, eventually catching hold of Cryptor’s new arm. 

“...Maybe it’s you.” I sat up, the pieces falling into place in my head. 

“Me?” He asked. 

“You said you were the first one off the factory line, right?”

“Right,” He nodded.

“But we know that can’t be right,” I continued. 

“Why not?”

“...Because the first one never works right.” I grabbed my com. “Mr. Borg, were there any nindroids manufactured before the main line?” I asked. 

“Um… yes, actually,” he responded. “We made one test droid before starting on the rest. Good thing too, it had some issues. We couldn’t get the vocal transmission to work, everything always came out all garbled. Fixed it for the main line though. Why?”

I turned to Cryptor, now convinced. “A malfunctioning nindroid who had all the same programming and accesses as you, and was likely disposed of in the basement furnace-”

“When I plugged in to the tower’s system for the diagnostic, that’s when everything started acting up, that’s what probably activated his code.”

“Drew?” Borg’s voice came again. “Did you two flip the switch down there?”

Cryptor and I looked at each other in panic for a moment. 

“No why? What’s happening?” I stood up, moving towards the door. 

“Well, I think things may have just taken a moment to start up, the production line at least seems to be working.”

“No. No, this is bad.” Cryptor stood as well, starting for the door.

“Why, what’s happening?” I could feel myself growing more panicked by the moment.

“He’s making himself a body.” 

“How do you know?” I asked, following after him.

“...Because it’s exactly what I would do.”

Prologue - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3

[prongsisabadger]

The Wolf Pack Chapter 7

The gathering had only been the beginning. We still had to assemble our lightsabers on our own, granted with the help of professor Huyang. It was quite shocking for us younglings to have a droid for a teacher and not a Jedi master. The temple employed droids for maintenance only, so having one serving as a professor was a little disorienting. But professor Huyang was professional, knowledgeable and patient. He explained things clearly and reformulated concepts if one of us hadn't understood something. He had taught thousands of generations, he'd said, and we would be no different.

A lightsaber was part of who a Jedi was, so personal design was often encouraged. Most Jedi chose something familiar to them, oftentimes reminiscent of their own cultures. I decided I wanted to pay homage to the Tuskens. Rough around the edges, practical, ruthless, but honest, and humble and honorable. Most metals used in weaponry in the outer rim was second hand or recycled at best, scavenging was a full-time job in Tatooine, and it was the biggest provider of raw materials. So I did what no one expected, but I knew was right: I asked huyang to give me all the pieces no one wanted, those that had been in storage the longest. He did seem quite surprised but didn't question my decision, and neither did Master Yoda.

Once we had been given everything we needed, it was time to get to work. Each youngling had their own working space, and in the middle of the room there was a hologram with the plans to lightsaber building. We were told to use the force to build it, and so we did.

I didn't start building right away, instead, I studied the plans closely, took notes and tried to figure out where the best place to start was. It wasn't easy, Jedi were no engineers unless they'd had training before being taken into the order or studying to become one after being knighted. So I had to use every ounce of logic and common sense I had. I might not have been brilliant, but I knew how to read instructions and think for myself.

There were at least two failed attempts in the other workstations. If built wrong, lightsabers would explode and leave you with nothing but your crystal. One of those explosions was Nahdar's, but I didn't dare tease him or I'd lose my concentration. It was tricky, it was complicated and it was also a very long process, but once I figured out the best way to assemble the weapon that would be with me the rest of my life, I got to work.

I closed my eyes and reset my breathing pattern. The pieces lifted up in the air before me and aligned as I had pictured them in my mind's eye. Slowly, patiently, I put them together, one by one. Piece by piece, fuse, cable crystal and switch. They all came together as if they'd been meant to be there, the final step was to put all of it within the outer casing: a cylinder made out of a matte gray metal that resembled an upcycled exhaust pipe. The outer casing was not just that, it had been modified to be as ergonomic as possible, so the grip was non-slip and there was a metal hook in the end to attach it to a belt.

When I opened my eyes, my lightsaber was finished and spinning lazily in front of me.

"Oh, good. That looks very good, Kriari," Said Huyang beside me. "May I see it?"

I smiled lightly and grabbed the lightsaber from where it was floating and handed it over.

Huyang turned the saber on and the green light of my saber illuminated the dimly lit room. I was mesmerized to say the least. It was beautiful, harmonic and powerful. But it also had the potential to be dangerous. It was a weapon that inspired both awe and respect, and I loved it.

"A job well done, that is, young Foreas. Yes." Said Master Yoda when he saw me staring at my new companion. "Care for it you shall, and care for you it will. Hmmm"

"Yes, Master Yoda." I said before turning it off and hooking it to my belt.

…

The graduation trial was simply put, a lightsaber competition. For us to have made it to the top ten of our class, we already had to have excelled in every other discipline and class, so the only thing left to test was our skill in combat. There was no point system, we were not graded, but that didn't make lightsaber dueling more important than the other disciplines. Masters looking for a Padawan were given a report on each of us, which detailed how we had done in each of our classes and any thing of note our instructors believed to be important. But that did not mean the lightsaber competition wasn't the main event. It was. They took place in the Temple's Arena, and most members of the order attended: Masters, Knights, Younglings, and even Members of the council. It was stressful, nerve wracking and there was nothing for me to do other than my best.

We would duel each other at random until only one was left. The duels were not to death, of course, but the aim was either disarm the opponent or incapacitate them. All while blindfolded. Being blindfolded was not something that concerned me, in fact it gave me a little comfort to know I wouldn't be able to see all the people around me. It had become a habit of mine after all these years, to close my eyes and feel for the Force when I was stressed or trying to concentrate.

And then the trials started. One by one we got called into the ring and given our blindfolds. One by one we gave all we had to try and secure our place as a padawan. When my turn came, I had a strange sense of peace. I should have been nervous, I should have been afraid of what would happen if I failed. It was what I would have done in any other circumstance. But not that day. That day I decided to meditate before going in, and the Force took all my fear, all my anxiety, all my worry and spirited it away. When I stepped into the ring, I bowed before my opponent, a girl from Naboo two years my senior. We were given our blindfolds and were told to start on the master's mark. The lights went out and I couldn't see, but that was okay. The arena went silent, and then I heard her left foot shift. Being unable to see was not a hindrance, in fact it was a blessing in it's own way. I had been forced to concentrate, to feel around me through the Force, to hear my opponent move and act accordingly. I didn't give her time to go on the offensive. I struck first. Blow after blow I struck once, twice. Reversed my grip, turned my saber left then right then right again. I sweeped it under her feet and pushed and pushed against her defences. I was at peace, I was concentrating and I was being ruthless and merciless, but there was no malice behind it. She was just my opponent for the day, she just happened to be there. Finally, I managed to disarm her, and once her saber hit the floor, I powered mine off.

I was sweating and a little out of breath, but that was all. My opponent on the other hand, was not. The resentment and hatred in her eyes when she took her blindfold off shocked me. I hadn't meant it as a personal attack on her person. I had just been doing what I had to. She didn't stay to bow before leaving the ring. She simply called her saber to her with the force and left. And that was the end of my first duel.

The rest of my duels were nothing like the first. We were all evenly matched, and I only came out in third place because Nahdar had managed to find a pattern in my fighting style.

"You rely too much on your physical strength and tire yourself out," He explained as we left the ring. "You should try to incorporate the Force and increase your stamina."

He was right, of course so I took his advice and continued to talk about the trials. Nahdar came out on top, followed by a Twi'lek boy and finally me in third place. Now, all there was left was to wait for a Master to choose us as their Padawan. It didn't take long, Master Kit Fisto chose Nahdar as his Padawan that very day, and the Twi'lek boy got selected by a master I didn't know. No one came for me that day, but that was okay, I was in no rush.

I spent the rest of the day talking to Ahsoka. We discussed the trials, the new Padawan, what she hoped to accomplish when her time came. Ahsoka had always been ambitious, and I'd always supported her because there had never been malicious intentions behind that ambition. I simply wanted to become a Jedi Knight and help keep the peace. We balanced eachother out, always had.

We were outside laying in the afternoon Coruscant sun when a master finally approached me. It was Master Plo Koon. Ahsoka greeted him with a smile before leaving us and winked at me before rounding the corner.

"I believe you know why I'm here, young one." He said before sitting on one of the benches.

"I do, Master." I answered.

"Have you decided if you want to embark on this journey with me? The road ahead will be treacherous, many trials await you."

"I know, master. But I believe there is no one that could guide me like you. It was you who found me, it is only fitting that you are the one to guide me the rest of the way."

"Then so be it, we will depart for Dorin in the morning."

"Yes Master."

[vannminner]

-

Where Magic Flows

-

A03

FanFiction

 -

Part Two: Of the Water (XI)

-

 She awoke warmer than she had in a long while. It reminded Elsa of winter evenings when her bedroom fireplace had been forcibly lit. Yet, this wasn’t quite the same. It was a surprising warmth, stemming from the steady pressure applied to her abdomen. It roused her from sleep; a deep sleep.  

Driven curious, Elsa opened her eyes. She looked down, but her head held in place. Something had braced itself under her chin and tickled at her nose. She looked to the side. Tangles of brown hair splayed out across her chest and pillow, masking her view and blending with her own. 

Honeymaren had evidently stayed the night. Knowing she needed the comfort of a friend, and quite appreciating the closeness herself, Elsa didn’t mind. In fact, she enjoyed it. Elsa felt giddied by this new warmth, and considered she might not be as cold as she always believed she was. 

During the night, Elsa had remained impossibly still. Subconsciously, she must have believed moving would jar Honeymaren from sleep. Instead, Elsa’s arms had wrapped around her. Her hand caught protectively at Honeymaren’s waist, and the second ran the length of her back. 

Honeymaren, however, must have spent the whole night tossing and turning. She rotated completely onto her side and buried her face into Elsa’s neck. Her right leg stretched, pining Elsa’s knees to the mattress. Even Honeymaren’s hands grappled on desperately. Like a leetch, she secured each part of her to Elsa, seemingly afraid she might leave her while she slept. 

Elsa wondered if she should feel embarrassed by their predicament. She certainly didn’t feel that way. She felt calm and sedated by the warmth surrounding her, but Elsa was also cautious. She considered how it would feel to be caught in this manner, by her sister or someone in the village. Was it appropriate for Honeymaren to be here with her? Were they breaking some unspoken rule for conduct by engaging in closeness? In that moment, Elsa wasn’t the only one thinking this. As Honeymaren stirred beside her, she quickly retracted herself from Elsa’s arms with a swift tug.

“Gah!” she nearly shouted. She sat up straight, eyes wild with concern. “I am so sorry!”

Rising to follow, Elsa shrugged. “It’s alright. I told you to stay... You didn’t do anything wrong.” 

“I know, but,” Honeymaren paused, blushing madly. “I never meant to fall asleep here! You were being so kind to me, and I would never want to take advantage, and- I’m sorry!” 

Elsa giggled. “Aren’t I always kind to you? Besides, like I said, it’s really okay…”

Despite the subtle upward movement of Elsa’s brow, Honeymaren didn’t appear convinced. Her eyes trailed over Elsa’s face. She began to sweat. With her gaze flickering between the bed and the door, Honeymaren tilted her head. 

Her expression brightened noticeably. A laxidasical smirk tugged at her lips and she stood. Honeymaren said nothing as she moved toward the door. Humor bloomed behind her eyes, and she turned back to Elsa. 

“You like me.” Honeymaren smiled. Hand caressing the tarp, her shoulder pulled into her ear. A small giggle escaped her throat and she quickly left the hut.

- 

“Mercury?” The word left Anna’s lips with ease. She felt it rolling awkwardly over her tongue. 

Standing beside her was Doctor Laugen and Mattias. They stood at the edge of the dock, overlooking the fjord. The doctor handed Anna a small vial from his pocket. Squinting, she lowered her eyes to the silver liquid behind the glass and frowned. 

“It was discovered along the shore by one of our merchants, your majesty.” Mattias explained. “It appears to have spread two kilometers south of the town.”

Anna blinked. She turned to Doctor Laugen. “You believe this to be the culprit behind the illness? It looks harmless!” 

Seeing her face scrunch in confusion, Doctor Laugen’s eyes lifted. “When this discovery was brought to my attention, I had to go back to my books. I remembered reading about mercury during my study years at the academy. It was used in ancient Chinese medical practices as an attempt to aid in the healing of epidermis infections. That was, until they learned of the long term health effects it caused. Patients treated with mercury began developing stomach sickness. In extreme cases, patients died. You see, what mercury does is it builds up in our bodies. During prolonged exposure, it poisons and breaks down the different organ systems that allow us to function.

“The reason mercury has affected the children so drastically is because their young age and manner of digestion. It has made them vulnerable to immediate illness. It’s summer. They’ve been playing in, and drinking from the fjord. Their underdeveloped nervous system is weak to the poisonous nature of mercury. Overtime, the adults would have been at risk for the same decline in health. The longer we ate from our fish supply and drank the infected waters, we would have fallen ill as well; and with no known way of counteracting it.”

Shaking the vial, Anna’s frown deepened. “I don’t understand. How does this amount of mercury end up in our water supply? Has it always been there? Were we at risk of poisoning all along- my sister never said…”

“This is difficult for me to answer because mercury is a naturally occurring element. It derives from an ore called cinnabar, found in tropical climates and deep-well mines. However, because both cinnabar and mercury are highly coveted exports, I imagine large shipments of ores navigate through our trade routes on a monthly basis.”

Anna’s expression only continued to darken. “What you’re saying is, this whole ordeal could have been as simple as an overturned shipping vessel?”

Taking a deep breath, Doctor Laugen’s hands turned at his sides. “Again… difficult. Cinnabar must be mined in order to extract the mercury, and to produce the levels we are seeing in our fjord- that would require multiple overturned vessels. Or-” he paused. His face flickered cautiously. “-or this would have required a strategic exploit of our waterways.”

Anna hummed. “Many ships, dumping many supplies…”  

Nodding, Doctor Laugen watched her eyes pull back toward the vial. Anna’s nail tapped against the glass and she sighed once more. 

“Where do we go from here, then?” She asked. Her attention returned. “ I’m aware it falls to me to locate our culprit still, and to lead the motion to make amends, but what do we do about the fjord? How do we protect ourselves from being poisoned?”

“Really, it’s as simple as finding an uncontaminated supply, and it is as complex as flooding the fjord with fresh water to dilute the mercury concentration. Neither is without caution, of course, and constant testing efforts, but it is reversible. Until then, we will have to be diligent about avoiding drinking and eating from the fjord.”

Biting her lip, Anna’s shoulders drew to her ears. “This will create complications amongst the markets. We will have to direct all fishing efforts out to sea.”

“We will put more men on ships to assist.” Mattias suggested. “If we double our fishing efforts we will still be able to meet our winter stock quota.”

Anna returned the vial to Doctor Laugen before burying her hands in the fold of her dress. “The Royal Guard will address the fish supply. I will meet with the counsel and report to the village, and Doctor Laugen, if you could, see to it that your apprentices locate trainees for water maintenance. With those efforts, we will be off to a good start.”

“Of course,” The doctor nodded. “I will put together a team of our best scientists from the area. I will teach them what they need to know and put them in charge of conservation.”

WIth her lips pursed, Anna lowered her eyes. “Good,” Her chin jerked downward sharply. “Let’s get this behind us, and I will worry about finding out how and why it happened in the first place.”

-

“We will be relocating South of the forest entrance.” 

Standing before her people, Yelena addressed them calmly. Her hands wrung patiently at her waist, and her wide eyes scanned the crowd. 

She waited for their chatter to die down before continuing. 

“It would be foolish to wait for the final leg of this revolt before making moves toward safety. Having said this, it is in our best interest to seek refuge beyond the borders of our home. Graciously, Elsa has offered up her palace in the North Mountain for our people to recollect, while we plan how to take back our lands.”

As she finished, the villagers' commentary surfaced all at once. Confusion stuck their faces and their words scrambled over each other’s.

“But when will we be leaving?” “What of our supplies?” “When will we return?”

Batting her hands, Yelena silenced them.

“We will be leaving before mid-day. I suggest everyone partakes in breakfast, and collects any necessity that will ensure our survival for at least two remote weeks.”

“Yelena, Yelena!” Their voices barreled together once more. 

“Yelena, what about the reindeer?” It was Ryder. He was frowning as he hobbled forward against his crutch.

Stifling a sigh, Yelena turned to the herders. “We will drive the reindeer to the northern border, but that is as far as we can take them. As I understand it, the mountain impasse is too narrow. The deer would not be expected to survive the trip.” 

As the questions continued, Honeymaren pulled Elsa aside. “You knew about this?” she frowned. “-last night, you knew about this, but you didn’t say anything to me?”

Her tone was flat, but showed no indication that she was angry. 

“It didn’t come up. We had other matters to discuss, and I knew it would not change the outcome…”

Honeymaren’s hands pulled under her arms. A spike of anxiety shot through her spine. She had never left the forest before. 

“I do want you to know, though, I will not be going with you.” When Elsa continued, Honeymaren’s gaze turned wide. “I told Yelena this morning that I intend to stay in the forest. I must be here to protect our home after the last of our magic fades. Perhaps once our defenses are down, our culprit will finally show its face...”

Honeymaren shook her head. “Are you crazy?” she balked. “You can’t take on the Nokk by yourself! It’s not safe, and it’s insane for you to stand in harm's way because you believe there’s a small chance you might find an answer!”

Pulling in a deep breath, Elsa kept her emotioned reined in. “I tamed the Nokk on my own. He is no match for my powers.”

“Yeah, except it was only yesterday you told me that your powers were failing! May I remind you of that? What if Nokk rebels and you find yourself without the ability to counter his attack? You would plan to sacrifice yourself all because of a theory that whoever is behind this is waiting until the spirits fall before attacking us?”

Elsa reached to take her hand, but Honeymaren stepped back out of reach. “I’m sorry." she replied with a snap. "-but there is nothing you can say that will change my mind. I will be staying here with or without your support.”

“And what does Yelena have to say about you risking your life for us?” she hummed. “I can hardly see her agreeing to something as idiotic as this plan!”

She folded her arms. Elsa’s eyes lowered sharply. “She is not thrilled about it, but she knows that it is pointless to try and convince me otherwise.”

“If you do this, I am staying with you!”

It felt wrong to smile, but Elsa couldn’t help it. Honeymaren sounded so much like Anna at that moment; wanting to throw everything aside to help her. The sentiment had Elsa feeling warm with affection.

“You know I would never allow that to happen.” she whispered. “No sooner than I would decide to leave, would I permit you to stay behind with me.”

Honeymaren fell silent. Her attention dropped to her feet. Agitated, tight fists drew to her sides and she scoffed as she kicked at the dirt. 

“You will be traveling to a secluded mountain; the location of a home I built for myself when I had nowhere else to turn.” Elsa explained. “It is well-hidden, and you will be safe there, and that is exactly how I would like for you to remain.”

She stood there for a long moment. Honeymaren’s face was stern and her eyes flickered while her mind drew quickly between thoughts. Finally, feeling her anger spike, she stomped away. 

Elsa painfully watched her go, forcing herself to believe that at the end of the day this would all be for the best. 

 - 

Within the hour, the Northuldra village was packed for their departure. Elsa meant to see them off, but she found herself walking away when the herders set out with the reindeer. It was more upsetting than she anticipated; to watch her family leave the forest. The sense of guilt that came with it was devastating, and Elsa couldn’t help but blame herself. 

When Honeymaren drew her bag to her shoulder, she turned her head to find Elsa. Her friend was nowhere to be seen. Angry or not, her disappearance stung. Part of her wondered if she would ever see Elsa again, and now Honeymaren had been robbed of that final opportunity to do so.

She was made to hold back tears as the village moved forward. Her nails dug into her palm, and she struggled for a deep breath. Honeymaren’s eyes directed to the South. She took up the rear of the group, and forced herself follow as her people began heading... into the unknown. 

A mile North, Elsa was seated on the bank of the Dark Sea. Her eyes glued to the horizon, leading out to Ahtohallan. 

Nokk was stationed calmly at her side. He brayed into her open hand, nuzzling Elsa softly. 

She knew he’d turn soon. It was only a matter of time, but he had come to her on his own. While she softly cried against the shore, Nokk conjured up from the sea. Allowing her fingers to drift over his cool form, Elsa wanted to savor the moment.

In a matter of a few weeks, she had lost the earth giants, Bruni, and Gale; her most treasured friends. Elsa was on the brink of losing Nokk now, too, and she wanted the peace of knowing she would get to say goodbye. 

“If I may ask you for one favor,” Elsa turned to him. “-please, try and fight this.

“Don’t leave me to care for Northuldra on my own. I need you at my side.” she pleaded. 

 -

Cheers,

-M.