#unbelievaball

[akinachiri]

she crazy but i love her

[doomfisthero]

Peace Talks - The Father Rewrite

For those who don’t know, a while back me and my dear buddy Matty (@im-your-paladin​) did a few RP sessions set after the main story of Nebula Nine, dealing with Keaton and the problems he has transitioning to life after the fall of Hyperspace. Recently I’ve been thinking about rewriting a couple of them - fleshing them out and adding and moving some ideas around - and he gave me his blessing. Here’s the first, between Keaton and Thuban. Enjoy! 

Thuban didn’t quite know what to expect when his son asked him for a private chat, but he was ready to help with whatever the issue at hand was. He was currently seated in his room, awaiting Keaton’s arrival with all of his sixty-seven years of patience. 

Keaton wandered in, carrying his tablet computer under his arm. “Hi, Papa,” he murmured. “Thanks for agreeing to talk to me. I’ve got kind of a lot on my mind.” His expression was calm, but his eyes refused to meet his father’s. 

Thuban nodded, used to Keaton’s behavior patterns. “Take a seat and we’ll talk. And unless you wish it, not a word of this will leave this room.” He patted the rich violet comforter on his bed, motioning for Keaton to seat himself. 

Keaton fell onto the comforter next to Thuban. He set his tablet onto his lap and stared at the black mirror that was its screen. “How…how long did it take for you to make it big as an actor?” He asked. “I mean, when did you star in that romantic comedy? That…the one you told me about?”

Thuban’s whiskers twitched thoughtfully. “Oh, Fool Me Thrice? That was about three years after I began walking the boards, I believe.” He smiled, thinking back to those old days. “It was a wonderful feeling, that all my efforts had finally borne such fruit.”

Keaton turned his head toward the dragon. “What about…before then? Was it mostly practice, like what we’re doing here? Did you end up getting any bit roles in the mean time?”

“Well, yes, I put in a good deal of work to earn that opportunity,” the dragon admitted. “And I wouldn’t say they were entirely bit roles, but I did perform some smaller parts before I could act in a greater capacity.”

“…Did you ever get tired of waiting for that big lead role?” Keaton asked quietly. “I…you must have wondered if it was worth it sometimes.”

Thuban gave his son a concerned glance, though he had his suspicions. Likely his student was growing discouraged by his seeming lack of progress and needed solace. He’d been expecting this to happen at some point.

He reached out and gently cupped his son’s hand in his own. “I did wonder, Keaton. There were days when it all felt insurmountable, when the weight of my dreams was a burden. I promise you, there’s nothing unusual about those doubts.” Thuban met Keaton’s sapphire blue eyes with his own wine-red gaze, trying to convey all the love of a proud father and teacher.

“I know that perhaps it doesn’t seem as though you’re progressing quickly, but I assure you I couldn’t be prouder of how much you’ve grown, my dear cub. It’s been an honor to watch you learn, and there isn’t a doubt in my mind that you’ll become a superb actor in time.” He smiled warmly and laid a soft hand on Keaton’s shoulder. “And I look forward to the day when all of us Rangers will come together to witness your grand performances.”

Keaton’s lips curled up into a shadow of a smile, but the sudden glistening in his eyes made it seem much sadder. He took a deep breath and blinked the shimmer away. “Thanks, Papa,” he said. His air of cheer faded. “But what if…what if just being good enough isn’t good enough?”

Thuban looked oddly at his son. “Keaton? What do you mean?” He asked, confused and worried.

Keaton took another deep breath. “I knew when I asked you to teach me that I wasn’t being promised success. And I know that there are countless actors out there, good actors, who put in the time and don’t get anything out of it. I don’t-” Keaton’s voice caught, and he cleared his throat. “I don’t want to be one of them. I want my time to mean something, to pay off in the end. What’s the point of it otherwise?”

Thuban let out a soft gasp and reached out to pull the boy close. “Keaton…my darling boy, that’s okay. You haven’t even attended a single audition yet. There’s so much to teach you before then,” he murmured, cupping Keaton’s head to his chest. He was glad, in that moment, that he’d worn his Draco hoodie to this meeting; Keaton could rest comfortably upon the soft fabric. “You still have so much time, Keaton. I promise I would never abandon you while you were still finding your way.”

Keaton didn’t reply, but Thuban could hear his breathing quicken. He seemed almost in combat with himself, the sound of his breath vacillating between tight and watery and loose and calm as he fought for control against an inner turmoil that Thuban had failed to see.

All the while, the dragon’s embrace never loosened.

Eventually, Keaton’s breath grew soft against his father’s shirt as he regained some balance. “I…I’ve been having nightmares, Papa. About everyone,” he murmured, not looking up.

Thuban moved from the bed and knelt before Keaton on bended knee, never moving his hands from the boy’s shoulders. “Oh, Keaton. I had no idea,” he said quietly. His eyes were remorseful – he’d grown well-acquainted with nightmares over the years. “Would you care to tell me about them? I promise I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Keaton gave a small nod. Thinking of his nightmares made his breath tighten again, but he forced it back to normal. “I’m…working,” he began. “It always starts with me working. Usually I’m in a restaurant waiting tables or something, but sometimes I’m somewhere else. It’s always a service job, something to pay rent while I’m trying to become an actor.

“Then the other Rangers start coming in where I’m working,” he continued. “A bunch of them, usually. And…” Keaton stopped to let out a quiet sob. “And they’re always so successful. Champ’s a famous cop, Solomon and Raz are rock stars, Shaula’s got her r-royal entourage. And I’m just…just waiting tables.”

He convulsed for a moment in Thuban’s grasp, and furiously shook away his tears.

“Then when they recognize me, they ask me to spend some time with them. Or I ask them the same. But…I’m always too busy working to pay rent, or they always have somewhere to be. It just never works out.”

“Keaton…” Thuban murmured, his stunned eyes open wide.

“And then it…it keeps going,” Keaton said. “Suddenly, I’m years older, but nothing’s changed. I’m still…still working and waiting for something to change, but everything’s the same. And everyone else…they all moved on long ago. They didn’t – they didn’t need me anymore.” He clenched his teeth, and despondent tears slipped down his face. “And I…I couldn’t live with myself if I let that dream come true.”

Immediately, Thuban pulled him into a hug much firmer than his usual embraces. “My dear boy…I had no idea,” the dragon said, clutching his son tight. “I’m so sorry that I didn’t notice, Keaton. I had no idea that you missed everyone so much.” Thuban stroked his son’s back with a gentle touch. “And that dream will never come true, Keaton. I swear it. Tell me, what would make you feel better? Seeing everybody again?”

“I…” Keaton stopped. It would be nice, seeing everyone again. But it wouldn’t change what lay at the heart of the issue.

They had their lives. Keaton had his. He couldn’t live constantly calling everyone to his side whenever he was in pain. Even if that was all that he knew.

“I can’t…do that,” he whimpered into Thuban’s shoulder, despite his efforts to throttle back his tears. “They’re…finally living, now that Hyperspace is gone. They deserve to live. They’re going to be amazing. I can’t just take that away whenever. I have to be like them, or else…”

He shook and sobbed into Thuban’s embrace. "I’m scared, Papa. I’m so scared that I’m going to lose everyone. They all think I’m going to be amazing too, and I have to be what they think I can be, or else…they’re going to leave me behind!” Keaton cried against his father, finally letting his pain out. In the midst of it, he couldn’t see where he was going. He could only hold on, and he did. 

“Keaton…Son…” Thuban felt tears leak from his own eyes, holding his shaking child tight to his chest. “My little bear…” Regret welled in him, and his hands clenched involuntarily around Keaton’s shoulders. “You wouldn’t be taking that away. They adore you, just as I do. And you’re not the only one who needs support, Keaton. Do you recall that night, the one when you all congregated to help me get over my recurring nightmare? We all have our weaknesses, our injuries, our scars, and it is our duty to unite and help one another heal.”

He began to cry too. “My shining star, none of us would ever leave you behind. I’m so sorry we’ve made you-I’ve made you think that…” 

Keaton hiccuped and held onto his father as the dragon’s words stroked his mind. That was right…that was a wonderful night, the night Raptor dragged Thuban out of the shower so they could all be with him. All they had was words, but Keaton had grown up knowing the power of words, and now Thuban’s cradled him gently. They wouldn’t leave him, they adored him, they needed help just like he did. 

Eventually, Keaton felt like he could speak again. “I’m not – not saying you’d want to leave me,” Keaton said, voice still wet. “But…that’s life. We’re all going our own way, trying to find out where we belong. We can’t…we can’t be together forever. Not anymore.”

He shook against Thuban, who cradled the back of Keaton’s head in hand and looked down at him, surprise evident through the tears in his eyes.

“Is that truly what you want, Keaton?” Thuban asked. “For everything to be as it was? To be together with everyone again?”

Keaton looked down to hide his shame. “I-I know I shouldn’t. We were only together because of Hyperspace. Now that they’re gone, you guys can finally just live.” He sniffled. “Goggit, I don’t know how to do that. Just live. Just be normal. I’ve never been normal, and I-I didn’t have a life worth living until I met you all.”

Fresh tears dripped from his eyes into Thuban’s lap. “You all taught me so much,” he cried. “I don’t know what to do without you guys.”

“I know just what that’s like, Keaton,” Thuban said softly. “To have nothing to return to at the end of everything, and nothing to save you from feeling lost and frightened.” The dragon spared a moment’s thought for the loss of his people – just enough to sympathize with his son’s plight. “I know it’s difficult, and I’m sorry that you’ve had so little time to experience normal life before now. Perhaps this would have been much kinder to you then.”

He kissed the top of his son’s head, patting his back. “As I said, we all have injuries deep within us…You don’t have to act okay until you truly feel it.” He smiled, the expression’s warmth undiminished by the track of tears that soiled his fur. “And know this, my son – we will always stand with you, in body or in spirit, as you have stood with us.”

Keaton looked up at his father’s loving countenance, giving a wispy smile in return. “Thanks, Papa. But…I’m not sure the bonds of spirit are enough for me anymore. I…” He debated internally for a moment before continuing. “I’ve been looking at something for a little while, trying to make a choice about what to do. Can I…?” He wriggled slightly against Thuban, holding up the tablet in his lap as best he could.

Quickly, Thuban understood and broke his hold on the boy. “Oh, of course,” he said, shifting back onto the bed next to Keaton. He looked down at the black mirror of the tablet screen, keeping one arm loosely around his son’s body.

Keaton woke the tablet from slumber, dwelling for a moment on the lockscreen photo of him and his new family before unlocking the device with a few deft motions on the touchscreen.

The browser was already open, holding a number of tabbed pages. The current page displayed the proud logo of Mazura System University, as well as scrolling pictures of people of many species studying and smiling and having fun. Keaton was pretty sure that Liz, Feli, or Champ would show up if they waited. 

“You know about Mazura System University, right? I’ve thought about applying for a while, sort of a…backup plan in case I need to sustain myself without acting,” Keaton said. He tabbed over to a few of the other pages, bringing up information on various majors, clubs, and University culture. “I was really considering it, too, but…now I’m not so sure it’s the right choice.”

The dragon’s red eyes widened. “Keaton, that’s… that’s a capital idea,” he said quietly. “And Felipe, Champ, and Lizbeth would be there to support you and connect with you. Why ever would you reconsider?” His brows were furrowed in confusion. 

Keaton tabbed over to a page marked “Drama” that promised instruction in acting, singing, and stage crew. “I saw this. It…made me realize what I’d be giving up with you. A good life, being trained by someone who really knows and cares about me. I was…gonna abandon all of that.” He sighed. “Besides, I…I can’t help but feel like I need to get used to being on my own now. Everyone else has their life, and they’re figuring things out fine by themselves. They can’t always be around to help me. Sometimes I need to help myself.”

Thuban’s eyebrows knit into a look of contemplation as he thought for a moment. He looked up at Keaton and gently pulled his arm back to rest it on the boy’s shoulder. “Keaton, after everything you’ve told me, I think you would be best helping yourself by remaining closer to your loved ones. I do understand your intentions, but I think further isolating yourself would only continue this cycle of harm. Does that make sense?”

Keaton nodded.

“Excellent,” Thuban smiled. “I’d gladly support you if you’d like to go to college - perhaps I could dock the Asclepius on the University’s planet and make guest appearances for the drama courses you take. I am a former star, after all, I imagine they’d love having me as a guest speaker!” He laughed a little bit, but sobered up quickly after. “Regardless, you’re already making a good step by talking to me.” One of his clawed fingers wiped away the remnants of Keaton’s tears. “I think you should discuss this with your siblings, and with the others as well should you wish it.” 

Keaton was silent for a moment. “Yeah…I definitely need to talk to Felipe and Champ. I haven’t…treated them very well as of late.” 

“They video called me soon after that altercation,” Thuban remembered. “Both were very worried about you after your outburst, and they wanted to know if you were injured, ill, or otherwise harmed.”

“Did they seem mad?”

“Not at all,” Thuban replied. “Merely concerned for your well-being.” He sighed. “I absolutely urge that you speak to them - and Raptor, too.” 

Keaton blinked. “Raptor?” He asked. “I mean, nothing against her, but she hasn’t…I mean, I haven’t drawn her into this yet, like with you and my bros.”

“She’s still just as much my daughter and your sister as you are my son and her brother.” The dragon chuckled. “On top of that, she is the leader of the original Nebula Nine, back when we numbered nine. If there’s anyone who can offer you some pertinent advice about teamwork, it’s her.” 

“…Alright. I’ll send her a message sometime,” he decided. “And Felipe and Champ would…probably be free soon,” he added, calling on his memory of their schedules. “I guess I have a lot to talk about with them.” 

“Indubitably,” said Thuban. He sighed softly. “Keaton, I’m glad you came to me to talk about this. If only I had known sooner how deeply you were hurting, my sweet boy… But enough about that. I love you, son. I’m grateful that you are in my life, and I will always support you and your decisions, no matter what.” 

The corners of Keaton’s lips turned upward as one last, gentle sob bubbled up from his chest. This, he knew, was what mattered most. Not the origins of his birth, not the moments even now when he was at his worst. This feeling of love, of being wanted, was the life that he had chosen. It still wasn’t always easy, and he still felt, many days, that he wouldn’t make it through. The poison in him was thinner now, but perhaps one day, it would be gone - even if it took sharing it with everyone to truly dilute it. That was the most he could hope for, for now. 

Keaton took a breath, an easier breath than before. “Thank you, Papa. I love you, too. I’m…I still have a lot to think about, but…I’m happy I talked to you. I think I’d be lost without you. Without any of you.” 

“As would I.” Thuban took his own deep, calming breath. “Would you like to stay with me, perhaps have some tea? Or would you rather take your leave of me and do something else?” His words were, per the norm, nonjudgmental. 

Keaton thought for a moment. “Tea sounds good right now. After that, I’ll get in touch with Felipe, Champ, and Raptor and… give MSU a calmer look,” he said. “And while I have you, Papa, I’ve, uh…” His eyes slid back down toward the tablet on his lap, a bit embarrassed. “A while ago, I was thinking about how Razia’s Shadow brought you a lot of fame, and I sort of set out writing a play of my own. It’s…mostly a jumble of potential concepts written at my lowest point, but maybe there’s something there. Would you mind maybe helping me go through everything, while we’re having tea?” 

Thuban raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” he asked. “But of course, my boy! Let’s see what you have for me to look at!” His own heart’s turmoil quelled, seeing his son in higher spirits, and he rose from the bed to begin making tea, wondering what Keaton had created. 

They enjoyed their tea, and Keaton showed Thuban the fragments that he had pieced together; stories of villains protecting heroes in need, of a grand odyssey through a midnight abyss, of lonesome spirits and angels of glass, and others. All incomplete, but many full of promise.

And now that he’d shared his burden, Keaton found that things didn’t seem so dire anymore. He could take small steps instead of needing to sprint toward his future. He could enjoy the company of his family without fear that he was doing the wrong thing.

He could watch everyone else in peace instead of fearing they’d slip away if he let go.

For the first time in quite a while, Keaton didn’t worry about tomorrow being better. 

[cosmicangel888]

Life is = What you know 

You are your depth of knowing - or not

Know Thyself = your reality

What is that you create, believe and know of Creation, reality, your own body, is exactly what you are, is, and around you -

We are, all life is energy - your choice is exactly what is within, and before you - and all is changeable - however there is none to blame but the choices you choose to make, continue to take, make, cycle in;

All is energy -

None have any right to gang-stalk, bully, or thwart you into a story of any energy, group, cult activities that are ill will - any 'spiritual' groups that are of the benevolence of spirit, would never, ever be asked, offered, or told, demanded of sacrifice in any way, of any aspect of who you are - as a unified soul, spirit, body, mind;

Even if you are the only one standing, for what is right, for what is kind and good, caring, and bringing in ultimate higher vibrational energy, wisdoms, and if there is true benevolence; there is never any need to 'secretly' work behind the scenes or doors; so be discerning of such shady and nefarious workings; if it is not transparent, be discerning for Spirit is always transparent and always empowering you to use and honour your spirit, nourish your spirit of good will, promise of balance and harmony and free will of the most high - period.

There is good will, then there is those that portray such and have community title of such, and then behind closed doors are something entirely different - all will be the unveiling as spirit bathes what we have been unseen to - and in such, we equally, including those stuck in such toxic cycles, will be the ones to create new healing systems of 'reclaiming your power' in which none are harmed, no violence or corruption is needed for the healing of communities and eons of control and subjugation -

Any, all crime is unnecessary and unbelievabale in this day and age;

We have and are the intelligence of higher resolve, we each have access to the most high and the direct alignment to the divine and God; a God beyond religions and limiting dogmatic reform of behaviour and creativity of the spirit - we are rewriting it all - anyone that puts anyone in harms way, of harmful behaviour of action is not of spiritual leadership or higher knowing; go within to discern why anyone would think, logically this would be so, and why certain eons of behaviour of mind control, brain washing of hatred and separation, or mind-scraping be a part of some devaluing systems way to continue the cycles of control that have been -

Whether it is an abuse of information, energy, resources, power, or manipulating energy of someone you have no permission from; misusing energy, or creating illusions to the innocent for their buy-in, resources, or time, mental light, power, - none have such right and truth will always, in all ways be exposed - the game of such dark-light, is over - sort out your oneness for it will always be offered and the games of scheming for power over another is over -

however know, there is none that escape the karma involved; all must know the damage and pain, suffering, cellularly and otherwise the degrading sense of self that is karmic in nature, all must account and clear -

See humanity arising to higher vibrational healing systems, and self proclamation, self healing, self radiation of light, promise, pride, and joy - this is our 5D earth - all have the opportunity to heal and jump in - or not - but the harming of innocent will no longer be a game that will be accepted - spirit has spoken for eons of this; now is the time for getting off the fence - karma is a real thing - the universe is unbiased to its creation and energy - energy is energy and all have the return of what was created - be of good will and that is what you will receive - the dynamics of our universe will be shown for all to play and be of great joy in - so be of great enlightenment - be of great inner exploration and so too will this ride be for you - all is rewarded equally - the question is, what have you been radiating, and creating within -

See humanity transcending in peace and unity and resolving all and any issues about one having something over another - going within and seeking your own gifts are vital in all moments - rather than your projecting your less than, or lack and then acting criminally to take what is not yours - how all corrupt activities are founded in; not enough, not belonging, not of safety, and so on - ownership, control, and power, all illusory - it takes but going within and healing - to see, know, sense, feel all is possible to all -  ©

None will ever bypass what is our birthright to bring peace, health, unity, and gentleness back to our communities and live in safety and in joy of being fully pure in our own creative explorations without the fear of exploitation - all deserve their human rights, universal rights to be upheld and I am a voice of survival on such - the thwarting and deceitful ways that some hide behind to claim their place in social standing is quite different behind closed doors and how such breaks away the threading and fabric of who we truly are and it is not until such is exposed that all see, clearly see what we have been asleep to - how have we devalued who we are to allow, or have the energy of such creations in which beings, people are being degrading, used, abused, and how we have all be touched by it, directly or indirectly?

Reclaim who you are and what is your reality design, within = without?

You are the creator of such things - of all things

Regardless of the claims, or ideas, spawning of mistruth of any other that says they know of me, my intention from day one is to passionately offer my wisdoms, light, honour of the Heavens to help in the ascension of humanity, our planet, and higher vibrational ways, healings, education, systems of abundance - none of which has been misleading to our human potential but to be the alignment of the highest wisdoms, honour, blessings of sacred ancestors, family and a truth beyond the beyond - none again, ever deserving of the treatment and games of thwarting to stop or silence me in being me; for the betterment of humanity, our own private and collective healing to real and profound suppression and issues of harm, and to the knowing we are all worthy of feeling, knowing, uplifting one another to new levels of beingness -

all are worthy, all are children of the Creation Father and Mother - and so I will be as God wishes - God is my guide - my partner, my alliance - and none have access to my inner circle, my inner whispers; I have been alone but not lonely for over 11 years on this path - none know, or have been a partner in my creations, in my writings, besides that of spirit- it is all between God and I - my teams, ancestors, and life with Gaia and that I am devoted to her upliftment and joy for her embodying her pure and precious 5D harmony - humanity is ONE with all life - how may we begin such a loving journey within - God is

The behaviour of 'belonging' is the lack of belonging within and what, why organizations of such initiations, cult-like activity or beliefs, pry on such demands, and further end up in greater harm, handing power over to those that truly do not have your highest and best interest at heart - remember, anyone having your highest and best, would never ask that you swear anything in secrecy, to live in veils of fog of deceit, hiding, or harming, or spell work, mental manipulation and slavery tactics - and again, how has this ever been activity that would be normalized to be 'ok' in any level of our society?

HEALING FROM THE DAMAGE OF CONTROL

Hold yourself high is first and foremost, that is essential to not, never allow any other to control any aspect of your life; body, mind, spirit, energy, time, resources, or truth - your truth is your truth

Daily Self care, journaling, working through your own inner pain, wounding, and never giving your power to those that simply do not care, or even care for themselves, or hand over any decision or choice, voice, of you, that is yours to reclaim and live from -

None have authority of you, over you, in you - none.

None have any right to write your story or define you, or your truth, or your experiences - you know who you are and what you experienced and this is the portal to your offering to humanity, your gifts, and your talents - why we go through what we do - it is how unity and healing becomes real and tangible and how you reclaim your belonging and leadership in a world of greater intelligence and ways of becoming - 3D - is not 5D but we all must walk through all dark nights of the soul that awaken us to who we truly are - and then heal what was - right action, moving beyond the deceit, lies, and living purely in honouring transparency - those that speak of and act of altruism - socio-altruism, and have the wisdoms, vibration of truth will be the leaders of 5D;

5D LEADERSHIP & HEAVENLY COUNCILS - Aligning of 5D First Contact

it requires experience and none can be of such, spiritual leadership, or guide that have not done the inner work and connected with God, Spirit, your highest self - otherwise you are not guided by your highest self, the greater good, you are aligned with ego, and whatever entities are serving the ego -  ©

As we smooth out our collective karma, heal separation, control and subjugation, its harm and its profound trajectory forward into mastery - that all have the potential to tap into - every human ailment is where the power of mastery resides and all have the free will and the beautiful gift to transcend into - this is a very sacred gift and all walk into it, succumb to it when they finally awaken to their worthiness to feel good, feel happy, be at peace, to experience receiving, and being honoured and valued and what the divine is truly in our partnership with in all Creation -  ©

All have the right to feel healthy, to feel good, to feel safe, to feel abundant and wise - all is possible and it is the sacred journey to each - God is our matching thread to all possibility and it transcends all religions of limitation and separation of right, wrong, judgment, pain, suffering or sacrifice - period.

This is our sacred journey to oneness and it will be a profound calling to each, to live purely and squarely in their own life and use that as the very tool to move into higher light, life, codes of love, and being love

Why again the healing is necessary - self reflection, observation, studying the patterns of dysfunction and healing it, calling it, and bathing it as it is brought forth and all have the responsibility to take account and heal - it is not a 1 person job - all are responsible for their actions, choices, and respecting others as they make their way to higher ground -  ©

None have authority to claim your power path, or choice in such - all have human rights to express, experience, and explore as we create new earth - aligned with our galactic and universal honorary committees of oneness - Heavenly programs that would never ever step into anyones free will path of evolution - and why when you experience such, or are asked of handing over of such; be very discerning the energy that one serves in doing so and offering so.

All is healable and all is unnecessary and know the damage that is affecting the all and how all must account for, all must come back to and return to what has been created, sent to others, or wished or preyed on others - all must be transmuted by that which was created - corruption, crime, unnecessary and all is healable, and towers, blocks, derailing will continue until the lessons of those involved come to the awakening of the healing of the wounds that created such; and the damage to those impaled upon to be healed made right - God is the writer of what justice, what paths, what unfolds to each - all have a part to play.

The way that one action affects the all and how can each take ownership of dysfunction in the home, and heal it - create familial healing systems and if you are met with deflection, and subjugation, or aggression to your truth, to what is so obvious before you - then keep speaking keep working with spirit to bring justice to those that have forgotten their importance and voice to know they are valued enough to speak on behalf of IT.

If you are the only one standing for light, gentleness, and healing corruption, then so be it, for how is 'human trafficking, or human degradation, in any way, any one person acting, or taking revenge on any one a clue for greater healing systems so those can understand energy, how their wounds create such behaviour of lack, less than, and activities of degrading the body, mind spirit, soul?

THE CONTINUATION of Ascension Energies; Imbalance & CONTROL - Healing Familial Dysfunction, Pain, Wounding

Anyone that behaves, from their wounding of lack, abandonment, safety, or doing all in their power to have power, is a safety imbalance and issue, wound; if there is no calling on the imbalances, beliefs, and wounds, there will only be more imbalance as we all accelerate into greater light and ascension energies; How can we take every opportunity to alter our community vibration and move on with grace, compassion, gentleness and passion to know we are each worthy of a safe and loving home, community, space.

However, if we are in the veils of illusions of lack, less than, if we have had no teaching of 'self value, self worth, self honour,' and we believe that normalizing such degrading behaviour is ok, then the wounding and nourishing of light within is where each begin - all begins within and be very discerning of any group, person, being suggesting you give anything away, sacrifice anything for what is loyalty or your name, your time, energy, or resources to - this is not of benevolence of the most high - it is manipulation of deceitful entities and programs of control -

Each have the opportunity to seek what is not working, what is feeling devaluing, limiting, controlling, subjugating in any way, and why, how such activities; be it in any social structure, it occurs, and what part has each played - corruption in all and every level of our social platforms and how it has gone unrecognized for so long- or such have not been called on to face the injustice cause to so many because of - why it lives in an 'underground' and non-transparent manner, way, mentality' - it is a collective co-creation that all must be a part of accepting and bringing to higher ground, higher resolve and knowing healing and taking ownership of your own inner wounds; no crime, injustice, harm, or taking would ever have to occur.

Spirit, is of Spirit, of the divine honouring the free will, the free will of our own health, safety and choice to honour our energy, our bodies, and what is balanced without negative entities causing chaos attached to the mental field and bodies; those that do not care about their safety, bodies, minds, spirit, have no right to throw such on the innocent and the kind and pure - Spirit is benevolence; all in greater good and never to thwart, harm, or impale, force, stalk, anyone to be less than;

Choosing to manipulate, in any way is the creation of karma and each will have to clear every stitch of manipulation created; for the purpose of being a master and the path to pave for healing - all will be offered such - it is not the punishment factor; it is unconditionally in love that spirit, God, your teams are constantly sending warning, triggers, and visions, synchronicity to stop, to realign, to direct anew and why such energies use such tactics to sway the collective energy; for it has worked for eons, and when you choose to leave such dysfunctional and toxic cycles, circles, you see how truly balanced and loving life can be - and why you stayed or allowed such to continue will be your healing and forgiveness of self to know you are changing and altering your lineage in doing so, being so - be gentle on yourself -

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS & COMMUNITY REBUILDING

forgive now, and make your way to higher ground where abuse, or deceit, manipulation is not normalized or offered as 'usual, everyday, natural behaviour' - for it is not when you are healed and balanced and self loving; let no one tell you abuse is normal or that you are only worthy of such - slavery, abuse, and devaluing or degrading any level of life is not necessary or normal -

What is your truth - truth, love is flowing, light, happy, joyful; trust and tune in - how you feel is everything and as we awaken in our gifts, all will be more and more evident to what is truly going on, and regardless of what is 'said' the truth will be felt, known, seen, and unveiled in such collective and individual ways - truth is truth and truth is a vibration undeniable -

all and every choice must be accounted for by each;

None have authority over you, your mind, your body, your spirit and be discerning if anyone, any person, any group that calls you to give your power, choice, body, and otherwise - this is a way some use power, energy, and choice to sway

Be mindful of your own inner power, inner claim to light, to call in light, to be of light to speak of light and know your own claiming of a more loving and meaningful life is your way that alters all of creation - and taking your own power back from debilitating situations, people and circles is exactly the healing way for a 5D potential for all -

Be the voice, be the light, even if you are the only one.

Be the voice, be the pillar of what is what others will align to in their own unique way of knowing what is possible with the 'Alliance with Light' and the threading with God, Spirit, beyond the beyond that is not textbooks of sacred text written from perspectives that are ready and more than blessed to be re-written in powerful and loving ways that include all beings, all nature, all life -

You are meant to feel joy, pride, honour of you, and who you are, and those that are steeped in self denial, self regret, will be triggered by your light, by your self ownership, and this is the way energy works; then the elements within the group get activated of another vibration, there will be those forced to look at themselves and forced to take ownership of their own choices and their own behaviour - another opportunity to heal.

Jealousy, hate, anger, the throwing or impaling blocks, and hailing blasphemy at any other is only the lacking within - when one is self loving, self defining, one would never feel 'threatened' and if one understands energy, the teams helping, guiding you, and one would never ever thwart or choose to harm another - for it absolutely returns - and the lessons are needed to be learned -

heal the jealousy and envy - none have the right to harm another because it does not align with their own sense of lack, or self limitations, or beliefs - we are liberated and free to explore, express, and experience in that does not harm or cause interference of any other - FREE WILL and the sovereign path of all is our #1 law - we are aligning to be in our galactic honour of oneness and unity - go within and heal the sense of lack - God is, Spirit is,  ©

thank you God, Thank you from the beyond the beyond and knowing of all that is light, is and will be lighted, and profound in all daily light - we will transcend and none will have authority to tell you, or suppress you to be less than - so they feel ok; whether it be doing spell work on your work, subscriber list, or financial incoming, none have such right - and spirit will show you each their part and their healing portal -

EACH are their own God in good will - feeling good, healthy, balanced, and pure of mind, spirit - is so utterly liberating and all have this right, birthright - without any other choosing for them, or writing for them - none have control over any other - period! ©

I see humanity healing beyond and creating happy endings to all that was ill and dysfunctionally imbalanced; I see the healing to all hearts that feel the need to harm another simply because someone does not fit within a hating controlling program - I see all children knowing, and honouring their light, voice, choice and bodies to never be manipulated into lower vibrational behaviour -

I see Gaia being our greatest teacher, and all life and all nature is our symbiosis of all life - none have the right to sway and thwart any path of anyone - liberated choice and self design of our own consciousness and liberation of love; light, feeling light, feeling loving and honouring, feeling joyful, expressive and uplifting -

Pay attention how you feel - heal what is heavy and imbalanced - carry on

All is a gift for higher intelligence that is always always all ways - love, light, truth, integrity - we are becoming 5D healing all that was controlling, ill of will to others, and controlling or separation of spirit within - there are universal laws of all life- none transcend such life balance - God is,

How can you imagine your situation right now with a happy ending that does not hinder, or include anyone outside of you - this is mastery - for your happiness is not of any other - it is you all you -

Every person in a debilitating sense of self, drug dealers, criminals of past actions, all have a profound now moment, of their own pure heart choosing anew - all have potential to change, to choose new light - spirit will direct, will guide, will offer healing pathways - there is always higher potential - always this is Divine Relationship - held surly and squarely within the center of all moments -

I have come with Divine intelligence and access to that which God offers - I am learning in every new day to becoming of my own great self, higher self - and all is our practicing to greater human-spirited becoming - to become one with our galactic families and preparing for such higher ground - all have a part to play -

Spirit, God will grant when the intention is pure enough - God and the soul are the only ones that choose such life altering miracles and there are millions of books written on such life changing people, experiences and moments -

Those feeling less than or hopeless to a higher vibrational life choice, healing moment of their own body, all are capable and have infinite heavenly gifts, and how the infinite stories of those that have been in great harms way choosing a way that is profound and honouring of who they truly are -

And so be it

Joanna

World Ascension Healing Classes, Intuitive Sessions, Healing Sessions, Ascension Books, Healing Systems, 5D human-socio-altruistic re-write ~

DONATIONS - see our PayPal link here; paypal.me/JoannaLRoss * JoannaCosmicAngel@yahoo.com

I am a messenger and I will not silence and I will be the voice of the forgotten and those that have not found their voice - I have great divine gifts of many, much inter-dimensional, multi-dimensional profundity of God, spirit, Creation, Gaia, nature, and I will continue my loving exploration in inspiration for all humanity - Gaia, Terra, and all life within without - I AM THAT I AM

This is my birthright - and it is your birthright as well - be fully you and celebratory of it - You are divine!©

#ascension

#ascensionbooks

#joanna

#5dearth

#destiny

#lifepurpose

#5Dleadership

#healinghumanity

#Gaia

#higherintelligence

#5Dearth

#lovinglaws

#lawsofOne

#God

[craftdisservices-blog]

Episode 5: The Adventures of Ford Fairlane

This week, @DroningEnnui rolls the dice with us on The Adventures of Ford Fairlane! #unbelievable

Hickory dickory your dock because it’s time to rock out to The Adventures of Ford Fairlane! Writer, actor, and podcaster Sam Landman joins the show this week, as we wade into the septic masculinity of this 1990 headstone to Andrew Dice Clay’s shtick and career . . . and we maybe find a watchable movie in there? We take on the “Delirious Dilemma” as we ask ourselves if a film that has aged poorly…

[blizzardinc]

Previous ZvT on #WCS was unbelievabale, will this one match its height? Coming up 🇫🇮@ENCE_Serral vs. 🇰🇷@PsiGumiho on blizzcon.com/watch

[aristotels]

i just finished the first season of fargo, and let me tell you, im absolutely blown away. ive seen the movie a few years ago, and while i should rewatch it, i remember the movie being great too. coen brothers, yall!

anyway, lemme rant a bit. spoilers free, its just me telling you why you should give fargo a chance.

- what i adore about fargo is that fargo is an incredible synthesis of really fucked up psychological crime thriller and an absurd comedy. go to the wikia and youll see that fargo is listed as “black comedy - crime drama”. the problem i have with most of crime dramas and thrillers is that theyre unneccessarily pathetic and dark. fargo isnt. all things happening in fargo are disturbing, theres no discussion about that - they stem from something really dark in people, but its told in such a marvelous way that its... not edgy. its just not. the show breathes with ease, and absurd humour is very deserving of that. fargo is full of life. it has funny moments, it has thrilling moments, it has dramatic moments. however, the humour isnt a chickflick one - its funny in dark, absurd way. the jokes arent always obvious, and a whole scene can be funny without it being a “joke”.

- the acting is fantastic. absolutely fantastic. i love martin freeman a lot and was really happy to hear he stars in it! and omg, he did not disappoint me. he did an incredible job on lester nygaard. the rest of crew is absolutely amazing as well - theres not a single actor whose character seemed unbelievabale. everyone did amazing jobs on their roles.allison tolman who plays molly won critics choice tv award for the best supporting actress, billy bob thornton gave an exceptional villain performance, you have colin hanks...etc etc.

- the writing is incredible. you’ll be cheering for the villain in the end. molly is definitely one of the most adorable and sympathetic protags ive ever seen - her determination and wits are so cute and inspiring and you’ll love her in a second. and then, theres of course, lester nygaard - the main guy of season 1, starred by martin freeman. its so hard to talk about lester without spoiling anything, and i totally wanna keep you spoiler free - but what is great about all of these people is that theyre not simple. theyre all two dimensional, and lester’s character shows that perfectly.

SOME WIKIPEDIA CRITS

The series has been nominated for a total of 164 awards, having won thirty-nine of those nominations.

- IGN reviewer Roth Cornet gave the first season a 9.7 out of 10 score, praising the casting, its thematic ties to the movie, and the writing.[32]The A.V. Club named it the sixth best TV series of 2014.[33]

-  The second season has been met with overwhelming acclaim from television critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, it received an average score of 96 based on 33 reviews, which indicates "universal acclaim".[34] Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% "certified fresh" rating with an average rating of 9.2 out of 10 based on 59 reviews, with the site's consensus, "Season two of Fargo retains all the elements that made the series an award-winning hit, successfully delivering another stellar saga powered by fascinating characters, cheeky cynicism, and just a touch of the absurd."[35]

[doomfisthero]

Anyone, take your pick: That is so sad. Solomon, play “Despacito”.

[doomfisthero]

Fun with Felt

*Zeke is playing with his Nebula Nine plushies*

Zeke, as Raptor: Everyone, stick together! This forest is full of chondrofeyrs, and they won’t hesitate to pick off stragglers. 

Zeke, as Lizbeth: It sucks that we’re on a mission now. I’ve always wanted to study them up close. I’ve heard their bioluminescence is beautiful!

Zeke, as Seph: There’ll be plenty of time for that later. For now, we’ve got a Malicestrate to depose.  

Zeke, as Ze’ev: Is everybody good so far? Zeke, how are you doing? 

Zeke, as himself: Oh, uh, I’m good. Pretty good. Just really, uh, glad to be here. Thanks for asking me to-

Quinn, coming in: Hey, Zeke, Rasmus needs - stop freaking out, it’s just me - Rasmus needs you to track somebody. 

BONUS:

Yong-mi, as Champ: C’mon losers, stop whining. Cylopen’s getting away!

Janus, as Solomon: But we mustn’t be careless! Slow and steady, and all!

Rasmus, as Felipe: Um, yeah, I suppose we’d best not...lose our heads, after all.

Zeke, massaging his temples: I hate this...(muffled) the worst...not even a (muffled) pun...

[doomfisthero]

The Punlady’s Coronation

Quinn: Hang on. If Taliesin’s a bard, and they’re trying to raise the dead...

Rasmus: No. 

Quinn: ...that would make them...

Yong-mi, catching on: Yeah...

Rasmus, futilely: Stop this. 

Quinn: A Ouija bard. 

*Rasmus groans*

Vesper: Hm, I would have said ‘necrodancer’.

Shen: Nay, for that title hath been claimed by Janus, since he hath recalled the art of the two-step. 

[doomfisthero]

Peace Talks - The Sister

Picking up from where I left off last night, here’s the third RP between Matty and I, starring Keaton and Raptor! Enjoy!

"Raptor Chuan requesting permission to dock!" came the sharp, strident voice of Raptor over the comm, startling Keaton and Thuban, who had been having a mock swordfight in an impromptu performance of Macbeth (Keaton was Macduff). When Raptor had replied to Keaton's message with an affirmative that they could talk soon, neither he nor his father had expected her to arrive in person. 

"Er, permission granted," Thuban answered as loud as he could, speaking into his Stella Buster. The duo felt the ship rock slightly as Raptor's craft connected with it, and soon the Aquila Ranger was striding into the main roon, full of purpose as usual. "Father, Keaton, it's been a while!" she greeted.

"Hi, Raptor!" Keaton said with a smile, waving to his sister. He felt his familiar nerves tense up again, but fought them loose. Raptor was his sister. He could trust her. "How's flying been? Are you and Hasard doing alright?"

"I'm fine, but Hasard is impossible as ever," Raptor confessed, holding a hand to her forehead and groaning. "Criticizing every choice I make and teasing me about Mister Pointer." 

"You do have to admit that he is a valuable asset in your flight education," Thuban pointed out gently, Raptor sighing and nodding to admit that such was indeed the case. 

She straightened her tie, a handsome pink one she was wearing with her normal blue shirt, and looked at her younger brother seriously. "Alright, Keaton, you wanted to talk, so let's start," she said. "Father, not to be rude, but this is going to be a private conversation, so..." 

"I'll let you two be," Thuban promised, collecting the mock sword he had used against Keaton and making his graceful exit. Raptor waved him off, then waited for Keaton to speak.

Keaton took a breath and settled down into a chair, setting his sword on the floor. "First of all, thank you for agreeing to talk with me," Keaton said. "I know I brought up some pretty heavy stuff in my message - I figured it'd do best if I was upfront with you. I've already talked about it with Papa and our brothers, so you're next, I guess." 

Keaton sighed, twiddling his thumbs in his lap. "I just...I miss you all. A lot. And I don't know how to deal with that. I never had to before now, because we were always together. Now that we're not, I don't really...know where to go from here. How to change my entire life to keep up with you guys. It's...just been overwhelming me lately." He looked at Raptor, not entirely pleading but receptive to her aid.

Raptor nodded, mulling his words over and trying to come up with a satisfactory response. "I think I understand," she said at last. "You're struggling with separation anxiety and eking out your individual identity." She sighed. "I've had experience with that too, Keaton. For the longest time, I thought I was just the pilot. The team leader and guide. I kind of... forced myself into that role and forgot that there's more to me." Her wings flared briefly, brilliant pink light illuminating her from behind.

Keaton watched his sister's wings spread out and then dissipate into sparkles. It was a sight that never truly ceased to amaze him, a reminder of how incredible his sister was. Still, he couldn't ignore the darker rumblings in his gut that accompanied it. "Well, how'd you do it, then?" Keaton asked. "How did you remember...everything else? You're doing so well, and I..." Keaton's voice grew heated for a moment, but then he caught himself and collapsed. "I can't understand why." he admitted softly.

Raptor's expression softened, and she held Keaton's hand. "It happened when we were all separated, after our first fight with Tana," she said, shivering a bit- the memory of the corrupted Cygnus Ranger still gave her chills. "I landed on a scrapyard planet where a bunch of other robots, junked ones who had been abandoned there after being damaged so badly they couldn't do what they were built for, gave me a pep talk of sorts. They reminded me that even though I had a purpose, I still had things I liked and disliked, things I wanted to do and people I care about- like you, little brother," she added, pressing her thumb against Keaton's. "And trust me. I am not doing well. If I were, I'd be kicking Hasard back to Horologium and telling him to stick it where the stars don't shine."

Keaton chuffed quietly. There was that assumption again, that everyone else was doing better than he was. It was an easy trap to fall into, even after Felipe and Champ had already pointed it out to him. "Okay, but...you're still working toward something, I guess. Something great." He looked up at Raptor with quiet certainty. "I don't doubt that you or any of the others will do great things someday. I've seen it in you. And I'm here..." Keaton sighed. "I love acting, and I love being with Papa. I couldn't ask for a better guide and teacher. But it's not...a guarantee of anything. There are countless actors with dreams that come out a zero sum. If I end up as one of them, while you're all off being amazing..." He shook away the urge to tear up. "Where does that leave me?"

"Not as a complete failure," Raptor answered decisively, "nor as some chaff that We The Rangers discarded along the wayside. If you ever fell into that position, all of us would drop everything to rush to your side and help you. I have it on good authority." She withdrew her pointer from its hiding place in her shirt pocket and flicked it to emphasize her point. "If you fail, there isn't one of us who wouldn't help you back on your feet and guide you back towards success, contentment, or whatever else you want out of your life. And you don't have to be an actor, either, even if that's what you want right now. If it doesn't work out, you still have options- philanthropy, maybe, or research into magical theory. I've seen you use ferrokinesis in ways that would make some of the greatest academics tear their hair out."

"...That's fair," Keaton admitted, then chuckled as laughter bubbled up inside of him. "Oh Goldar, now I'm thinking of when I made myself a lightning rod for Champ. I still can't believe I survived." He laughed again, feeling the coldness inside him grow warm. "And I've been...thinking of taking philanthropy if I decide to go to college. I've always wanted to help everyone around the universe rebuild. Maybe I can do that and drama, as a backup plan. I'm sure I could find some time every now and then to ask Papa to teach me some more." Keaton's mind started to spin, weaving ideas and plans to stitch the holes in his future back together.

Raptor laughed too, her clear chuckle harmonizing with Keaton's. "See? There you go," she said, her voice's usual determined steel softened by her own warmth. The android couldn't help a big smile on her face as well. "And I remember that- I can't believe you didn't get fried like an onion ring either. Philanthropy and drama, huh? I like it! And Father would be proud, too." She cupped her chin thoughtfully. "You know what we should do, Keaton? We should tell Father what you just decided, and ask him to make a special lunch for you as a celebration!"

"Really?" Keaton asked, surprise turning to excitement. "Yeah, that'd be wonderful! I think he'd love to hear about all this, and I'd love to talk more about what's been going on with you." Keaton stood up, then bent back down to grab his sword for later return. "Thanks for listening, sis," Keaton said. "I feel better about a lot of this now."

Raptor stood as well, crossing her arms and smiling confidently. "You're always welcome, bro," she replied, patting his shoulder. "Now let's go! There's a lunch in the making with your name on it!" She took off towards the kitchen, grinning as she used her wings to give herself a speed boost.

Keaton followed her at a brisk pace, giving himself time to think. What he was considering was probably a lot to take on, but somehow he didn't think much of it. He'd already learned plenty just by living to this point; it hadn't been ideal until recently, but he'd taken what he'd been given and turned it into strength and ability. It was why Thuban had yet to find something to teach that Keaton couldn't pick up, and when he had his head together, Keaton didn't doubt that he was more than capable of handling whatever he wanted.

[doomfisthero]

Peace Talks - The Family

And lastly, the fourth and final Peace Talk RP that Matty and I did together - in which the Rangers reunite for a very special day, and Keaton is reminded once again that he is loved. Enjoy!

Lizbeth fidgeted in her seat, holding on to her present for Keaton. It was a big day- more than big, monumental! Stupendous! Monumentous, even! It was Keaton's eighteenth birthday, and on top of that, Thuban had recently recieved a letter that he told all of the other members of the Rangers was Keaton's acceptance letter to Mazura System University, Lizbeth, Felipe, and Champ's alma mater. Liz had squealed in glee when she heard, and immediately set out to buy Keaton a present. She'd even consulted with Chancellor Metzer, the school's head honcho, to get him this! 

"Ze'ev, when's he gonna get here?" she asked impatiently of the person sitting nearest to her in the Asclepius's main lounge, tapping her feet and holding her wrapped package tightly. "I can't wait!" 

"Thuban said that he and the rest of the Chuan family are intercepting him at the door and leading him here," Ze'ev replied, fidgeting with his own present. "I'm having so much trouble waiting myself, I haven't seen my sunshine bear in so long!"

As if heeded by his boyfriend's words, Keaton wandered into the lounge, flanked by his brothers on his left, his sister on his right, and his father behind them all. He smiled - a genuine, heartfelt smile - and waved. "Hey, everyone! It's been a while!"

"Keaton!" cried Shaula with glee, standing up to embrace him tightly. "By the scorching suns of Parrthix, it's been far too long!" 

"We've all missed you a super duper bunch, Blueberry Bear!" Solomon chimed in, flashing finger-guns at the Sky Blue Ranger. 

"What he said," chuckled Seph, who was setting the dining table with a full-course meal that included all of Keaton's favorite dishes. "Happy birthday, Keaton! You're eighteen now- how's it feel?" 

Rasalhague acknowledged Keaton with a slow nod and a smile. "We truly have missed you, Keaton," he said, affection coloring his voice. "I believe you would like to greet your romantic partner?" 

"I sure know I do!" Ze'ev confirmed. He set his gift down and got up, rushing to hold his lover tightly. "It's so, so good to see you again, Keaty!"

Keaton chuckled and hugged his wolf back, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Yeah, you too, puppy," he murmured. "How's your family doing? You guys having some good talks?" He looked over his boyfriend's shoulder at the spread of presents, people, and food. "And Seph, to answer your question, I'm feeling alright right now." It was true. On the Asclepius, with all of the people he loved the most surrounding him - for the first time in a while, Keaton couldn't say that things weren't alright. "Eighteen...doesn't feel that much different right now. A lot like before...maybe a little calmer, I guess? A little more focused on what's before me? I mean, I'm going to college, so that's something new to look forward to."

"My family is fine!" Ze'ev broke the hug and smiled earnestly. "They're all so relieved that I'm okay, and we're all sorting out how to be a family again, after the kidnapping and the... whole delinquent thing." 

Seph grinned. "Good to know, kid. You're doing great." 

"Yeah! You're heading to our college!" Lizbeth burst out, beaming. She approached Keaton, and held out her present. "This is for you, Keaton! I got Chancellor Metzer to help me get it, I hope you like it!" 

"Lizbeth, we all got presents for him, don't try to monopolize it!" chuckled Shaula. She cocked her head slightly, turning to Keaton. "Would you like to take a look at our gifts first, or would you prefer to eat?"

"Uh, I don't want to leave the food sitting, and it's better hot anyway, so I'd like to eat!" Keaton exclaimed.

"Alright, sit down and buen provecho!" Seph allowed him to eat, and everyone sat down for a hearty, filling meal. It took some time, given that the Yellow Ranger had cooked a lot, but eventually, it was demolished by ten eager mouths (and Solomon's eager food-metabolism compartment), and Ze'ev patted his belly- he'd eaten the most out of everyone. 

"That was great!" he announced, before turning again to his boyfriend. "Just like old times, huh, cuddle bear?" he asked.

Keaton's smile hadn't left his face, but at that moment, it grew bright enough to eclipse the sun. "Y-yeah, like old times. It's perfect," he said. Something bubbled in the corners of his eyes, but he couldn't bring himself to wipe it away.

Keaton's heart leaped as he turned the key, and hummed along as the song began to play - a happy piano rendition of "A Beautiful Day". Though it had been months since that day, he still remembered the lyrics - his lyrics - perfectly. That had been...an emotional day, a day of sudden realizations, but it had helped him open up to his family, and he was getting better every day now. 

 "Thanks, you two! I love it!" Keaton breathed, clutching it to his chest and feeling pinpricks of water splash onto his hand. He'd been hoping to hold them in until at least the presents were all unwrapped, but maybe this way was better.

"Woooo, he liked it, he liked it!"Solomon did one of his odd little victory dances. "You're super duper ally-ooper welcome, Keeto!" 

"And there's more where that came from." Indeed, there were- a book of plays from Thuban, a cookbook of Italian recipes from Seph, a Scorpian royal cloak from Shaula (who proclaimed that it was "made by hand from the finest fabric of the Scorpius system!"), a scrapbook from Champ and Felipe (the first few pages already with photos of the Nebula Nine having a great time together), and a very large, deep blue plush toy of a grizzly bear that Lizbeth had apparently picked out with the help of Chancellor Metzer. Keaton noticed an uncanny resemblance of the toy to Ursa, the constellation god who had Chosen him. Ze'ev's present was the only one left to open, and the blue Ulvenkind was blushing and tapping his feet as he waited for Keaton to get done opening everyone else's gifts.

Keaton set the stack of books on the table, near the music box and grizzly plush (he was presently wearing the cloak), and took Ze'ev's gift gently in his hands. He shook it delicately, then ripped the paper off.

Beneath the paper was a picture frame depicting a woodland scene, and in the frame was a drawing on artist-quality paper, colored with watercolor. The illustration was of Ze'ev and Keaton, in Ranger armor sans helmets, embracing one another and looking into each other's eyes with loving smiles. They were surrounded by a night sky glimmering with stars. Every detail of the drawing was near perfect- the artist had captured every element of their subjects perfectly, right down to the exact placement of the silver marking on Ze'ev's face, which the wolf proclaimed caricature artists always got wrong. The light of the stars and moon in the scene seemed to glitter in the drawn Ranger duo's eyes, and in the bottom right corner of the picture, Keaton could see, painted in the bottom right corner in what looked like white acrylic, the words "Z.A. for K.V., with love."

"...It took me months to get everything right," Ze'ev said shyly, twiddling his fingers. "I... I drew it and painted it all by myself. I hope... you like it."

Looking at his love's masterwork, Keaton forgot for a moment how to breathe. He traced his finger gently over the small details, the leaves on the trees and the stars in the sky - Ze'ev even included some of the constellations in that sky. Keaton circled the moon and brought his finger back down to himself and Ze'ev, tapping both of their faces like he couldn't believe they were real. He brought his finger down to the bottom and traced the declaration of love that his most precious treasure had given him, mouthing the words softly to himself. 

He looked away from the picture and at his wolf, eyes wet again. "Ze'ev...it's beautiful," Keaton murmured. "You...you made this? It's, I...I love it." His voice cracked. He set the picture on the table like it was made of crystal, then strode forward and took his wolf into his arms and kissed him, cloak swishing around them both like a cloud. "I love it, and I love you, puppy pie," Keaton whispered, voice breaking as he held Ze'ev against himself and the tears he'd succeeded in holding back began to pour down his face. "I-I love you so, so much and goggit, I thought I could get through this without losing it." His whole body trembled as he rested his head of Ze'ev's shoulder, wetting it as well.

"It's okay, honey bear. It's okay." Ze'ev whispered in his usual sweet, dulcet tones. His own eyes began to well with tears, and they soon started spilling down his face silently. "I love you too, Keaton. I'm so, so glad you like it..." He held Keaton tight to his chest, still talking. "I managed to get in contact with the rest of your family a few times... they told me- told all of us how bad you were doing. We all wanted to make this special for you... We all want you to be happy, you know? And we'll always support you. Especially me. We love you, Keaton. I love you."

Ze'ev's words, salient and soft, pierced Keaton's pity and he stopped sobbing for a moment, although the tears continued to slip. He pulled away from Ze'ev, enough to look around the room at everyone else. Seeing their faces, he noticed that none of them seemed particularly surprised by this, but all of them were filled with sorrow and empathy. They knew. 

Keaton caught the eyes of his father and siblings and saw in them assurance and love. It made his chest loosen and allowed him to breathe. He looked back into Ze'ev's eyes and chuckled, despite himself. "Okay, I...wasn't expecting this," he admitted. "I thought-I was expecting this big, uh, reveal where I admit everything I've been going through and how it's been really hard for me since karaoke night when all of this..." He took a breath. "...kind of became clear to me." He gave everyone a watery smile. "But, you know...this kind of works, too. It's easier, if nothing else. How-how long have you guys known?"

"Several weeks," Shaula answered. "After your talk with Felipe and Champ, Champ got in contact with Ze'ev, who frantically emailed the rest of us, so sick was he with worry over you, and Raptor sent us all a brief email outlining the situation as well." 

"Sorry, Little Buddy," Champ apologized, rubbing the back of his neck. "Felipe kept worrying over if we weren't respectin' your privacy or what, but I thought Ze'ev oughta know, since he's yer boyfriend 'n all." 

"We heard about everything you discussed amongst your siblings and father," added Rasalhague. "He mentioned that you have already talked this out amongst your family, but... if it is worth anything, we wish to convey to you our own support." 

"Yup-a-dee-yup!" Solomon confirmed. "And we all remembered your birthday, too, so we got together to plan a party and get gifts and everything! We thought it would sweeten the deal a bit, nyeh heh!"

"That long...Okay," Keaton thought aloud. "First off, I'm not upset at you, Champ, or at anyone. I promise. I didn't...really expect any of this, but like I said, I guess this simplifies things a bit. I..." He slumped a bit in Ze'ev's arms. "I probably should've confided in you guys sooner, and I'm sorry I didn't. I just...well, there was a few reasons, but I couldn't bring myself to, I don't know, pull you guys away from your lives, now that you were finally living them." He looked at Ze'ev, shamefaced. "Especially you, puppy. I know this was...something that you've been fighting a long time for, and I wanted you to enjoy it. I'm sorry."

"Kee, don't!" Ze'ev gave Keaton his best "puppy dog eyes", a big pout on his face. "You don't have to apologize for needing help. All of us- every single one- dropped everything as soon as we could. I told my parents all about you, by the way, all about how you're my boyfriend now and how you helped save them and everything!" 

"What good is being a primo rockstar when your friend is sad?" Solomon asked. "You don't ever ever ever ever ever need to worry about us bein' too busy for you, little guy. We can take time off to jam with you whenever you need it!" 

Seph put a comforting hand on Keaton's shoulder. "Kid, you're just as much part of this team as us. We have a responsibility to each other, and I'd never be able to forgive myself if I weren't able to help you or the others when the chips were down," they said. "We're teammates, friends, and family, and we care for our own."

Keaton thought about that, and for the first time in a while, found no doubt within himself that his family spoke the truth. They had lives, their own orbits, taking them to amazing places with amazing sights, and surely one day to do amazing things. He knew all of this. 

 But there was still no reason that they couldn't keep him within those orbits, or that he couldn't keep them. It was new and strange and sometimes confusing, but wonderful and humbling as well, having a family like this one. They came from some of the strangest places, but together they made each other whole. They made him whole, and he did the same for them. Like the stars the in sky made into a constellation, they created their own shape. He knew all of this. 

Keaton smiled, dry of tears but radiant with warmth. "Guys...you don't know how happy that makes me," he said. "I love you all so much. I know you're going to have amazing lives, and I'm so glad that mine crosses paths with all of yours."

"We love you too, Keat!" Lizbeth gave him two thumbs up. "We know your life's gonna be just as awesome. Now come on! The day's still young, and there's a party with your name on it!"

Keaton wiped away the last remnants of his tears and beamed. "Right, let's do it! Can we do karaoke again? I've got a couple of songs I've been working on for fun..."

"Sure, lead the way!" Solomon shepherded him over to the lounge area and started setting up the karaoke machine, eager to hear Keaton croon.

[doomfisthero]

Peace Talks - The Brothers

Here’s the second RP Matty and I did, starring Keaton’s older brothers, Felipe and Champ! Enjoy!

I’m sorry I yelled at you guys and hung up. Are you free to talk soon? 

As Keaton looked down at the message that he’d sent his brothers a couple of days ago, shortly after his talk with Thuban, he found it inadequate compared to everything that he was trying to make up for. It was just so…short. It felt pathetic. The message he’d sent Raptor had been longer, but his sister was a different person – thorough and proper, and lacking, to Keaton’s knowledge, any awareness of his troubles. He’d spelled out his issues in much greater detail to her: his separation anxiety, his fear of abandonment, and his fear at the unfamiliarity of normal life. 

She hadn’t responded yet, but that was understandable. Her life as a pilot kept her busy. Keaton’s brothers, on the other hand, had replied within the end of the day. They’d both assured him that they weren’t upset at all, and that they were more than happy to talk with him. It helped Keaton to know that his brothers weren’t angry, but he was still ashamed. From what they and Thuban had said, he’d caused them a bit of worry. 

It weighed on Keaton, forcing him down as though forcing him into a space too small for him. His shoulders sagged, and his head tilted down without meaning to. 

A few minutes after the time they’d decided on, the video call begin to ring on Keaton’s tablet. As quickly as he could, the boy answered it.

A video popped up of Felipe and Champ in their dorm room. Champ was wearing a T-shirt and jeans instead of his cape, vest, and shorts, which was normal as of recently because of university dress code, but surprisingly, Felipe's hair streak was sky blue instead of its normal bright red. Had he re-dyed his hair? Another odd, awkward change.

"Keeto!" Champ thundered, a big smile on his face once Keaton came into view on their end. Felipe nodded and smiled as well, his pale eyes filled with warmth.

"Hey, guys," Keaton said, giving his brothers a small wave. "Felipe, I really like your hair. Any reason for the change?" Keaton's first instinct was that it was related to him somehow - sky blue was his color - but he didn't want to assume.

"Oh, this?" The Leo Ranger looked up at the streak and chuckled. "Well, your eighteenth birthday is soon, right? I wanted to dye it in your honor."

"I helped!" Champ announced proudly. He took a seat on the couch of their dorm room and crossed his arms, arching an "eyebrow". "So, what's up, little bear? Pops told us you were having some serious zarking issues a few days ago, but he said you'd tell us more." 

"Is it... related to that outburst you had?" Felipe fielded, sitting next to his older brother and angling the cellphone he and Champ were using to communicate so that Keaton could see both of them in the frame.

Keaton took a shaky breath and nodded. "Yeah," he muttered, feeling himself close off further. He forced his shoulders still. He'd already spoken with Papa, but this was a different feeling. He'd been scared then, a young boy in need of comfort. Now he was shameful. He'd done something wrong. This was his fault. 

"I'm...I'm sorry, guys," he murmured, feeling tears of shame pool under his eyes. "I'm so sorry I yelled at you, that I said what I said." He felt his chest tighten. "And I-I'm sorry I pretended to be busy for so long before so I couldn't talk to you. And I'm sorry our first meeting in a while ended with me reaming you guys out and hanging up. And I'm sorry I didn't take any of your calls after that. I love you guys so, so much, believe me. I just..." He bowed his head slightly as the tears began falling. "I'm just...having a really bad time right now."

The elder Chuan brothers looked to one another, then at Keaton. Felipe bit his lip. Champ tapped his hoof. Neither of them had expected Keaton to start crying because of what happened. However, they were his brothers. They had to do something. 

And so, something they did. 

"Keaton..." Felipe started. "Keaton, whatever is going on, it's... I can't say it's okay, but we aren't mad at you or upset with you for whatever the zark happened that lead to you freaking out." He sighed. "I have no idea what's wrong, but I want to help you however I can." 

"I do too," Champ rumbled in a softer, more sedate tone than his ordinary one. "Little bear, whatever you gotta let out, you can let out with us. Tell your big bros what's up."

Keaton shook for a moment, then nodded and murmured, "Okay." He looked up at his tablet and wiped away his tears. "There's, um, a lot of stuff I've been talking about with Papa, just stuff in general, and then there's...some stuff specific to the two of you. I'll start with the-the general problem." He took a few deep breaths. His brothers were here with him. He trusted them. "I miss you all," Keaton began. "A lot. We were always...together on the Asclepius, and now it's just me and Papa, and I'm not used to that. It's...different. And you're all...off doing amazing things with your lives, now that Hyperspace has fallen, and I...I don't know what to do with mine. Papa's been teaching me how to act, and I'm learning a lot and I know you guys think I'm going to be great, but I...I'm scared that if I can't...keep up with you guys, I'm going to fall behind and, I don't know, lose sight of you all."

"Baloney!" Champ blurted out before he could stop himself. "Kee, you're only just turning eighteen! None of us really have it together except Shaula, Solomon, and Raz, either- whaddaya think Feli and I are in college with Liz for?" 

"Champ, have a little tact, please?" groused Felipe. He cleared his throat. "Uh, I'm no good at this either, but Keaton, Champ is right. We really... aren't doing that amazing, not even Shaula. We're all just on the path to... hopefully finding success, just like you." He shrugged, shifting a little uncomfortably. "And I know you must be lonely with only Dad for company, and... we can't really do too much about that, but all of us are here for you in spirit." 

Champ butted in again, pushing Felipe slightly off to the side- to his credit, the Red Ranger took it with the knowledge that he didn't mean anything by it. "You don't hafta figure out what to do with your life right away, either. Felipe actually only just decided he wanted to go to college since he never thought he could. He had to drop out of high school, for crying out loud!" 

"Yes, dredge up that unfortunate little tidbit, why don't we," Felipe said with a dry smirk. "Ze'ev dropped out too, after he had to leave his friend Mr. Levenson and hide out on that vine-choked nightmare of a planet where we found him before you came along. We're all taking small steps towards our goals, little bro. It's alright to be a little lost, because we're all together to help one another along, even if it isn't physically, and we're all... bouncing back from all the crap we've had to deal with."

"That's..." Keaton thought for a moment and sighed. "I hadn't thought about it like that," he admitted. He'd only seen that everyone in his family was doing something. He hadn't much opportunity to see what they were doing, through their eyes. Maybe he and his family were on a much more even level than he'd expected. "I just..." he debated his next words for a moment, then said them aloud. "I didn't...really have an opportunity to live, to be a person, y'know?" He rubbed his forehead. "I've always been an heir, or a prisoner, or a Ranger. I've always been fighting against my family. What if I'm...too used to that?" That was his deepest fear - that his final birthright, the poison within him, would keep him from happiness for the rest of his life. "What if...I can't do anything else because...I never had the chance to be anything else? What happens then?"

"Keaton, that's the biggest load of crud I've ever heard come out of your mouth!" snorted Champ. "That ain't gonna happen. You're getting that chance right now! Hyperspace is gone, you're hanging with us, and life is finally better than it was!" 

"Tact!!" hissed Felipe, facepalming in exasperation. "Ugh, what the Steel Steer over here is trying to say is that things are different now. I never thought I'd be anything more than a taxidermied head mounted on some Malicetrate's wall when I became a fugitive. I never thought I'd actually have people who fought for me, who taught me how to fight and how to believe that this world is worth fighting for, and helped me get over the worst parts of my depression and trauma. You don't need to be one of those things anymore, buddy... you can be an actor, a friend, a spacefarer, a little brother, a boyfriend, or anything else you want to be. And no matter what, you'll always have us to turn to, no matter what goes wrong." 

"And you're a hero now, Kee," Champ added. "You helped kick Hyperspace out on its fascist ass and saved the universe from an eternity of tyranny. We aren't just our background. Otherwise I'd still be nothing but a fighting machine and Felipe would still be Mister Mopey." 

"Plus, we're technically in the same boat as you," Felipe pointed out. "All of us are from Hyperspace famiglias by birth. But we're past that, and we're getting written about in news articles and history books as heroes!"

Keaton chuckled. "Yeah, I guess that's all true," he said. "It's...I don't want to say funny, but serendipitous that you mention our birth. That...sort of ties into the other thing I mentioned, the thing I've been going through specific to the two of you. Why I lost my mind at you two. I, um, don't mean to bring down the mood, since it's gotten better, but should I...?"

"Go right ahead," both of his brothers chorused. It was funny hearing them speak in such perfect unison.

Keaton chuckled again. "Okay, so...none of this is your fault. I want to make that clear. Nothing that you have said or done or been is responsible for how I've been," he stated. "I have always thought of us as equals. Not just because we're brothers, or our signatures on the adoption papers, but because we came from the same place. Hyperspace. But we've all overcome that. We're the same." Keaton formed a triangle out of his thumbs and index fingers - equal on all sides - and held it up. "This is us. Let's say I'm the point on top, and you two are on the bottom. The space between us is equal, and so are we. 

"But now - and again, I swear this isn't your fault - you guys are not only gone like everyone else, you're together. You can...do things with each other that I can't. You can share experiences that I have no place in. And I know, believe me, I know that this is petty, but...I feel like I'm drifting away from you guys." Keaton slid his thumbs past each other, and the equilateral triangle became isoceles; smaller on the base, but equally far on the sides. "And when we used to talk, I started to realize that...I didn't understand what you two were talking about. What you were laughing about. I wasn't... equal like you guys anymore. And that hurt." Keaton lowered his hands. "That's why I stopped talking to you guys for a while. I thought that-that if I isolated myself from you, I could make myself feel better, but all it did was make me even lonelier. And when I came back, I still didn't understand, and it still hurt, but now I knew that I couldn't leave without it hurting too, and I..." Keaton's voice cracked, but no tears fell. "I didn't know what to do. And I feel terrible telling you guys this, but...it's how I've felt for a while now."

Both boys on the other end of the connection became progressively more wide-eyed as Keaton's explanation went on. They sat in silence, staring quietly, but the silence was broken soon by a sniffle from Felipe and a soft, involuntary whimper from Champ. Oily tears were leaking out of Champ's eyes, and he lifted his shirt up to wipe them, getting stains on it. "Keet," he said softly, "I- I never knew you felt that way, bud.."

"Neither did I," said Felipe. "We... we should've tried to make you feel more included. All those stupid inside jokes and ga'ak like that... we had no idea you felt excluded because you didn't understand." He looked down in shame. "We should have asked if you were okay sooner. I- I mean, you don't want us to feel like this is our fault, I know, but... we still could've at least tried to bridge the gap for you..."

"It's not your fault," Keaton said reassuringly, shaking his head. "I didn't want to tell you guys anything because, well, you're just living your lives. You're finally living your lives, now that Hyperspace is gone. And I was...scared and confused, and I didn't want to speak up because I didn't want you to feel bad about that. I love hearing that you're happy, I do. It's my problem, not yours."

"It's all of our problems if anything..." Champ looked like he was restraining himself from bawling. "Keaton, we've missed out on so much with you, too! Don't take everything on yourself!"

"You should be able to live your life too, Keaton." Felipe managed to choke his own tears back briefly. "We should have made a better effort to connect to you and keep you updated." As he spoke, he wiped his eyes repeatedly, his forearm becoming wetter and wetter with each try. "And we miss you too... It isn't the same without you or Dad around, i-it really isn't."

"Hey, it's okay," Keaton said, wiping fresh tears from his own eyes. "Don't hold anything back on my account. Let it out."

(Next segment skipped to avoid drowning of both role-playing parties in a flood of fictional and real tears. Insert whatever you like into here. I, for one, like to believe it involved many tearful declarations and reassurances of love, and a number of recent happenings shared between all characters.

Resuming in progress...)

"Alright, you guys okay?" Keaton hiccuped. The last of his tears dried on his face, but even with the trails there was no denying that he was in a better mood. "Ah, that felt good. I missed doing stuff like this with you guys. I didn't realize you guys were feeling lonely, too." A thought occurred to him. "Actually, that works out really well, because now I have some really good news." Keaton smiled. "For a while now, I've been thinking about enrolling in college with college with you guys. It was meant to be a backup plan, but now more than anything, I think I was trying to run away from my problems." He waved it away. "Anyway, I brought it up with Papa, and he was really supportive. He said it could be nice for me to have you guys and Liz around to support me. Nothing's set in stone, but there's a visiting day coming up, and I'm thinking of attending. So...maybe I'll be seeing more of you guys soon."

The boys smiled at that news. "You're really thinking of that?" asked Champ. "Well, hey, that'd be great! We can show you our dorm and everything!" 

"Y-yeah, that'd be awesome!" Felipe nodded exuberantly. "And you'll get to see my new 'do up close, too." He flipped the dyed portion of his hair and grinned. "Keaton, it's so good to be able to talk to you, you know that? You're the best little bro anyone could ask for."

Keaton smiled, the expression every bit as warm as the fuzziness growing inside of him. "Aw, thanks, guys. I wouldn't trade you two for anything either. I can't wait to see you again. I'm gonna give you two all the hugs."

"We'll be sure to return them in spades!" Felipe pumped a fist in a very Champlike attitude. An alarm dinged somewhere in the distance, and both of their eyes widened. 

"That'll be the pizza we were making," Champ said. "Better go get that out of the oven before it burns. I wish you were here to share it with us!" He wiped a few more stray tears away, and made a motion like he was trying to air-hug Keaton. "We should probably go for now, but take care, alright? We love you, baby bro, and don't you ever forget it!"

"I love you, too," Keaton grinned. "I'll see you guys soon! It's gonna be great!"

"Yeah! See you real soon!" Felipe waved goodbye, and the call cut out on his and Champ's smiling faces, full of love for their little brother.

[doomfisthero]

Keaton: Champ’s a real swell guy, but he doesn’t always think things through before doing them. Some people would say he’s an oxy-moron, but I happen to know that he’s just impulsive...Felipe? Did I do that right?

[doomfisthero]

Initial Contact

Another RP between me and @grampa-lion​, one with some self-insert elements to it. With Matty’s permission, I’m planning on writing some more occasional forays into the Nebula Nine universe as myself and not merely through Keaton; I’m working on one now, so I figured I’d upload this as a prologue of sorts. Edited slightly for narrative consistency, and to indicate direct communication between me and Matty.

Keaton takes a deep breath next to me, grinning ear to ear, as the elevator descends from the front deck of the Asclepius into her inner quarters. From what I’ve seen of the ship so far (Keaton promised me a full tour after we’ve met the others), she’s a beautiful and majestic vessel. I can only imagine standing on the surface of a planet ravaged by chaos and disarray, and looking up to see salvation coming in the form of a graceful ship, filled with heroes of justice and light.

What’s it like, soaring through the universe on a craft like this? I can watch Star Wars and Kyuranger all I want, but I can only hope that the Rangers will let me experience it for myself. Maybe if I get along with them…

I forcefully set it aside. It’s a thought for later. I have a more pressing matter waiting for me at the bottom of this elevator.

As if by magic (but probably not), the door opens at that moment into a short hallway with a door at the end. I’ve read and written enough stories in this universe to know that door opens onto the bridge of the ship, where Keaton claims that everyone awaits us. My stomach does a few more turns.

“You ready, Jake?” Keaton asks, walking out of the elevator with me shortly in tow.

“Uh, yeah, I think so,” I say, failing to keep the tremble out of my voice.

Keaton turns back to me. “Hey, it’s gonna be okay, buddy,” he says, giving me a look of gentle concern. “Trust me, everyone’s overjoyed to finally meet you – the Rangers and Matty both. You’re a great guy, Jacob, and I know they’re going to love you as much as you love them. By the end of today, you’ll all be amazing friends.”

We stop right in front of the bridge door. Keaton puts his hand on my shoulder – normally that would bother me, but Keaton gives me a sense of comfort that few people do. “This doesn’t have to go like any of your fantasies, no matter how much time you’ve spent on them. It can go better. It will.”

“They don’t all go that badly, Keaton,” I say, but I have to concede his point. Angst is one of those things that always comes easily to me. It permeates a great deal of what I write, especially for Nebula Nine, even if a happy ending is rarely far behind. “I wouldn’t mind skipping past the rough stuff this time, though,” I admit.

Keaton pats my shoulder. “And you will.” His face lights up, and he brings his fists to his chest. “This is going to be great, Jacob. I’m so, so happy you’re finally here. I can’t wait for you to meet my family.”

Looking into the eyes of my creation, those joyous, gleaming gems, I can’t help but get excited too. A warm smile creeps across my face, and a warm feeling settle into my stomach, vanquishing the evil butterflies. I’m going to meet the Rangers – not only that, I’m going to meet Matty. Has it really been only seven months since our friendship begun? It feels like I’ve known him for so much longer. Seven months have created a brother, someone I love like my own blood relatives. And finally, we’re going to meet in flesh and blood! (Or paper and ink, rather, but we’re meeting.)

I’ve been waiting quite a while for this – how can I not be stoked? “I’m happy to be here too, Keaton. Let’s do this.”

Keaton pumps his fists and reaches for the door access panel, then pulls back. “Uh, sorry, one last thing,” he begins, looking sheepish. “The rest of the Rangers are really excited to meet you, and I’m sure you know they can be…affectionate. I’m pretty sure a few of them will be eager to hug you. I’m certain Matty will be. I know you aren’t crazy about touching…is that okay?”

Weirdly, it feels just fine. It’s true that physical contact is something I shy away from even among those I love, but the thought about getting and giving an embrace from the people on the other side of the door feels…right. How can I not want a hug from any of them?

“Yeah,” I say. “Yeah, that sounds pretty good.”

A joyful laugh bubbles up from Keaton’s throat as he taps the panel and the door slides open, giving me my first glimpse at the bridge of the Asclepius. Almost immediately, my eyes are drawn to the large round booth surrounded by soft, squishy-looking seats – the one the Rangers sat around whilst talking to Thuban about his nightmares quite a while ago.

I’ve seen the people seated around that table many times before, through ink on paper or words on a page, but seeing them in person is a sight to behold. As I peer through the door at them, the Rangers peer back at me, and their eyes shine like stars as they placed me.

And there’s one more with them, who I recognize from his pictures. His eyes shine brightest of all.

Keaton leaps through the door and bounds down the steps. “Hey, everybody! I brought him! He’s here! Jacob, get down here and say hi! We’re dying to meet you!”

I laugh and step down the stairs myself. What to say? “Hey, how’s it going?” It’s my usual, and a versatile greeting, but they deserve better, more. I reach the bottom in a heartbeat, and I just talk.

“Hey, everyone,” I say, giving the Rangers and Matty a small wave. I’m beaming – I can feel it on my face. “I’m…I’m so happy to be here. I—you don’t know how long I’ve wanted to meet you all. This…this is gonna be great.”

Upon seeing you my eyes practically go supernova with glee, and I suck in a small gasp of delighted surprise. Seven months in the making and finally, I get to meet my brother! Even if it's only virtual rather than in person, I couldn't be happier! The more talkative among the Rangers all break out into excited chatter ("It's Jacob! He's finally here! Wow his glasses look cool!" -that last one was Lizbeth), and I stand up, approaching with glee and the biggest smile I can possibly muster. A brief whirl of anxiety over my appearance breaks out- being self-conscious about your personal attributes is no fun- but I suppress it with the knowledge that I've prepared for this, that I've wanted this for sweet holy moly who knows how long.

"Jacob- Jake!" I manage to get out, barely able to speak at first. "I... Howdy, big bro! You have no idea how glad I am to see you! Did you get here okay? How do you like the Asclepius? Everyone's been so hyped to meet you, especially me!"

"JACOOOOOOB!" Champ practically roars, opening his arms wide. "THERE'S the guy who gave me the sweetest zarkin' baby bro in the universe! C'mere and gimme a hug once you're done with Matty!"

The sound of the Rangers' chatter hits my ears, and I try to move it into the background and focus on my little brother. He looks good, hair slicked back, a small beard, and glasses of his own. It's different seeing him in full - he's so much taller than I realized, taller than me by a few inches. 'Little' brother may be a bit of a misnomer. That thought makes me laugh, clears away some of my doubt. I walk forward and give my little bro a hug. I worry myself that I'm a little awkward at it, but if he notices, he doesn't say anything.

"Hey, Matty. It's great to meet you," I say, my own voice brimming with joy. "Keaton picked me up in his Voyager - I'm so happy to finally see this place with my own eyes. It's already amazing, and I've barely seen any of it yet." I look up at him a bit. "I didn't expect to see you so soon. I kinda figured I'd be flying out to California or something after I graduate. I think I like this better - doesn't cost me anything either."

"You should have seen him while we were flying here," Keaton chimes in from behind. "I thought he was gonna faint when he saw the ship. He couldn't put two words together." He's smiling, despite his words.

"I'm just happy to be here, Keaton." I pull back from Matty after a brief period and turn first to Champ. He's even bigger-than-life in person than he is on a page, and he towers over even Matty with arms outstretched. I don't even consider not rushing over to him and giving him a hug of his own, and before I know it, I'm doing just that. "Champ, I've waited a while to see you, too," I say, laughing. "It's great to finally see you in person, you big cowpuncher. You were always one of my favorites."

As I wipe a few stray tears of joy from my eyes, cherishing your embrace, Champ hugs you back firmly, laughing. "Gahahahaha! Cowpuncher- you took that from Keaton, didn't ya!?" he accuses lightheartedly. "Oh Taurus, I'm happy to meet you, buddy. Everyone has been."

"I can verify that," adds Rasalhague, bowing to you gently in the tradition of Ophiuchus Gamma and extending a hand for a handshake once Champ lets you go. Up close, his eyes- silvery pupils with black irises- don't look as eerie as they did in the early stages of his character arc, because of how much quiet kindness fills them now.

"Matty's been in a bit of a writing block on Nebula Nine lately, to be honest." Seph shrugs and reclines in their space in the booth, making the water in their oxygenation collar swish. "But he's been really excited to finally get the story out thanks to all the support you've been giving him. His main problem right now is making a suitable character arc for me, something to do with my issues regarding trust and loyalty- but I'll spare you that for now, heh." The Exelcian youth chuckles easily. "I've read some of your works in my downtime, by the way- dunno what all that Five Nights At Freddy's stuff is about, never played it, but I liked the Bonnie character. I feel like he'd get along famously with me."

I wrestle an arm from Champ's iron (in more ways than one) embrace and shake Rasalhague's hand firmly, greeting him. He does have fascinating eyes.

"Yeah, Five Nights at Freddy's, survive a week with killer animatronics in a pizza place," I tell Seph. "I was big on it a while back, and couldn't find any really good fics for it, so I thought I'd roll up my sleeves and make one. I'm really proud of how it turned out." I chuckle. "And yeah, I had fun with Bonnie too. And Matty, I can help you out sometime. I've already got an idea or two that might work."

"Involving me and my big reveal?" Keaton asks, non-judgmentally.

"Maybe a bit."

I nod and smile at the offer of assistance. "Geez, bro, thanks!" I say gratefully. "I've been tearing my hair out over it- uh, figuratively, I assure you, don't worry. So knowing you'd offer to help is really great!"

Quiet Felipe chooses this moment to pipe up. "Hey, uh... Jacob?" he asks in a tone stilted by nerves, averting his eyes in shyness. Lizbeth puts a comforting hand on his back, and it bolsters him to continue. "Um... Thanks," the healer manages. "For. Y'know. Sending in all those asks and stuff about us all. And for allowing Keaton to be my little brother too."

I smile - it's reassuring to know that they didn't mind my occasional barrage of questions. "Hey, it was nothing, Felipe. Thank you for being so open to talking every now and then," I say. "You're a cool guy, Felipe. No matter what you may think."

"...thanks again..." Felipe's face darkens with a flattered blush, and he buries his face in his hands, letting out a low noise that can only be described as a fanboy's squee. Lizbeth chuckles and pats him again.

"Felipe's a big fan of you," she says with a wink. "Really, though, it's great to meet you, especially because you're autistic too! I was so happy you thought it was great that Felipe and I are autie. That aside you wrote with me and Keaton talking about "libra" was hilarious!" She chuckles a little. "I hope you'll really like the story itself once it releases, I've got a big role in the first chapter!"

"Don't forget about me or Seph, we're the other two Rangers who appear before Felipe gets his Power Sphere!" Raptor scolds lightly. "Anyway, Jacob, can I say one thing? You're an amazing writer, and... we've all honestly admired your work a lot. When I heard from Keaton that you'd ended up with Nebula Nine as a special interest of sorts, it... filled me with pride, really, because I'm the team leader. I hope we all can continue to meet and surpass your expectations."

"I know you will. I've never thought anything else," I tell her. "And I'm...really happy you guys enjoy my work, too. I'm not...really working on any of my big projects right now, so it's nice to hear that - that people, uh, enjoy my work anyway. Makes me feel good." Indeed, I feel warm inside, knowing that the freaking Nebula Nine enjoy what I've done, and hopefully what I one day do.

Ze'ev catches on and chuckles a little. "Starstruck?" he asks with the slightest hint of a mischievous giggle. "We are too!" Coming over to you, he gives you a big, soft hug of his own, his tail wagging just like a normal dog's, and his ears splay back. "You probably already know how I feel about you, big guy, but... I'm so grateful for you coming into Matty's life! You've helped him develop us all way beyond our initial character concepts, and he always tells us how much he cares about you and loves you. You make him so happy!" He looks up into your eyes, his eyes big and loving.

"Easy, don't smother 'im!" Solomon jokes. "Seriously, yer gonna drown him in all that fluff of yours!"

"I'm five feet tall, you shush!" Ze'ev replies, shooting Solomon a quick glare. "Ignore Jerk Cobain over there, Jacob, he's as happy to see you as the rest of us."

"Darn right! I swear I'll compose a song in your name!" Solomon holds up his lute and strums a bright-sounding chord.

"Ah, fluff sounds pretty good right now," I reply, giving Ze'ev a hug of my own. His fur is soft and fluffy, and the temptation to revel in it is strong, but that feels a little too much like making a move on him. I rub him softly, just a bit. "You make Keaton really happy, you know?" I tell Ze'ev. "Even I can tell. He gushes about you every chance he gets when we talk. It's honestly a little overwhelming."

"No regrets," Keaton declares from behind me. People chuckle, and I'm one of them.

"My point is, I was really looking forward to meeting you, Ze'ev. See a little bit of what Keaton sees. I'm really happy you two are so happy together." I shoot Matty a grateful look.

"Wheee~" he coos a little bit at your rub, before breaking from the hug. "That's so nice to hear- C'mere, honeybear!" He embraces Keaton next, kissing his cheek and giggling, and while the Forever Blue duo are occupied, I smile softly at my big brother.

"I'm happy too," I say, holding my hands behind my back and sighing in contentment.

Finally, Shaula and Thuban make their presence known. Shaula has been sizing you up this whole time, looking you up and down, and she rewards you with a confident smile. "You are just as Matty says," the warrior princess declares, her own tail bobbing slightly. "A capable and kind young man who is worthy of admiration! Were you a member of the Scorpian court I have it on good authority that you would be treated with honor and many accolades."

Thuban strokes his beard, looking deep in concentration. "Ahh... There's much I wish to say myself," he admits. "How to condense it... Jacob, you are a wonderful young man. You've brightened the lives of my charges immeasurably, both through your work and you being yourself. And I cannot thank you enough for inspiring Matthew to declare that my family will grow beyond myself and Raptor." He puts a hand on Raptor's shoulder, and the two of them smile at one another, then at you. "It is my fond hope that you will always shine bright, good sir."

As I'm not much of a fighter, I'm not sure how I'd actually fare in the Scorpian court, but I take Shaula's words for what they are and thank her graciously. I turn to Thuban, the ever admirable dragon, and take a breath. "Thank you, Thuban. I, um, hope you're right about me. There's...stuff I want to do, and well, it doesn't always seem surmountable. But I hope I can do it, too. I think I can, if I try. I'm really grateful that you believe in me." The butterflies in my belly start to flutter again, even though I'm certain that I've nothing to fear. "Uh, I don't usually...ask this, but...Thuban, I really want to hug you...can I, please?"

Shaula nods and crosses her arms, evidently approving of you, and Thuban's whiskers twitch, his gentle red eyes widening at the request.

"My, my," he says softly. "You truly desire an embrace from this old man? If you wish it, then of course you can have it, Jacob." Stretching out his arms, the dragon takes a step closer to you, greatcoat swishing at his feet, and pulls you into a firm, warm hug, one that can't be called anything less than paternal. "I do believe in you, Jacob, as do we all. Know this: that even in the depths of your darkest fears and worries, you may look to us, and know that we all support you- that we love you, I dare say."

I embrace Thuban as he embraces me, wrapping my arms as far around his greatcoat as I can and pressing my face into his chest. "Thank you," I say. My voice twists on the words, and I can feel nascent tears in my eyes, but I don't cry; I don't think they'd mind, but I don't feel comfortable crying about this in front of them. Maybe someday.

"I...I love you guys, too. All of you. I've wanted to meet you guys for a long time," I admit. "I'm so, so happy that you guys like me. It usually takes a while in my fantasies to get to this point, but we just skipped right to it. Thank you, for caring about me, for supporting me, loving me, even. I love you all too, so much."

Not a Dark Matter or Antimatter Power Sphere in sight, and yet we reached this point so quickly, all on our own. It feels wonderful.

I approach once more, embracing gently from the side. "I don't think any of them could ever bear a grudge towards you for anything. We talk about you a lot," I remind, tilting my head a little. "I'm really glad I got to do this for you- I love your characters like you love mine, and... this feels amazing, being able to introduce you to them after all this time..." My own voice chokes up slightly, and before I know it, I'm blinking back tears of my own. "Gah, zarkit... there I go, being a crybaby..." I wipe my tears away and offer a big, wobbly grin. "Jake, I'm so happy right now..."

I gently pull away from Thuban and wrap my arms around you, Matty. "Yeah, I get that. And I'm sure we'll feel this way plenty more in the future. I certainly hope so. I love you, little bro."

"I love you too, big bro." I hug you back, breaking down into open tears of joy that I got to do something like this for someone I cherish so dearly.

"Hey, hey, it's alright," I murmur. "I'm just glad you're glad, Matty."

"Eheh..." I look into your eyes and nod, still overwhelmed with happiness. "So... Let's have some fun, eh? Maybe sit down, have a meal, play some video games, talk about writing a little more? Whatever you wanna do, bro, you're the guest of honor!"

"Ah..." I pinch a lock of hair between my fingers and twist it around. "I...kinda want to see more of the ship right now, to start. It's just...incredible, really."

"Oh yeah!" Keaton exclaims. "I promised you a tour of the place! There's plenty to see, and I'm sure you'll love it!"

"Yeah, yeah!" I nod. "Can we start with that and then...go from there? I'd love to do more with you guys when we're done!"

"Hey, that's perfect!" Lizbeth says, standing. "You've gotta check out the library, it's filled with all the classics!"

"Library nothing, the training gym's where it's at," Seph replies with a grin. "It's great that the Asclepius is so darn big, we can fit a lot of stuff in here! Come on, Jacob, it's gonna be amazing!"

"I don't doubt it!" I laugh. "Lead on, and I'll faithfully follow!"

"Sir yes sir!" all of the Rangers chorus, getting up and striding towards the elevator, all cheerfully bickering about where to show him first. The deciding vote seems to be Thuban, and I take your hand in mine as we follow the colorful crew we've created.

"Matty?" I say quietly, drawing your attention. I look your way. "Thanks for bringing me here. I love you."

And then I walk into the doorframe and hit the side of my head, stumbling back. "I'm okay! I'm fine!" I shake my head. "Let's go, everyone!"

"Ack!" Ze'ev yelps, shocked.

"He's okay, peeps!" I shout, looking at you with worry, but I can't help a quick laugh because I know exactly what that kind of mishap is like. Everyone clamors around you briefly, but their worries are assuaged when they see that you're okay, and they sigh in relief, Champ patting your back and trailing behind you to make sure it doesn't happen again.

[doomfisthero]

Headcanon: Keaton does a really good pod person scream from Invasion of the Body Snatchers. After the Rangers watch the movie together, he does it a few times to screw with people, and he tries to teach Rasalhague to do it before the others force him to stop.