#vaanti swears | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

whatisreggieshortfor · 2 years ago

Text

After Vaanu

Five years after you left with Vaanu, they’re ready for you to come home.

Jake x M!MC

Their faces flashed in front of your eyes. Diego’s bright eyes as he talked about some movie you had never seen, Grace’s cautious smile as she talked about something she was afraid no one would find as interesting as she did, Michelle’s concentration as she worked to help dress wounds on the others, Quinn’s unwavering optimism even as her body fought against her, Jake’s lazy grin as he asked you to marry him- even though no one imagined they’d actually get out alive.

Five years, my child. You are living in your memories again?

“Huh- Oh, uh, I’m sorry, Vaanu. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate that you allowed me to continue living with you, rather than absorbing my energy back into yourself. But I-“ You shook your head.

You miss your friends. You miss your love. I understand. I could not fix the world if I left you behind. My essence needed to be cleared for the world to be repaired.

“It’s okay, Vaanu. They got their families back. They got their futures back. And I- well, I still carry them with me.” Your mind once again filled with memories of laughter, and love. Fear and bravery.

Vaanu looked over at its missing piece, watched the love and grief that filled your eyes, and wished it could be honest about what it knew. But then the surprise would be ruined.

“To five years, everyone.” Diego raised a toast as the rest group raised their drinks in return. The nine other former Hartfeld students, the pilot, and the former Vaanti ely’shar sat on a beach together, reminiscing, “And to Y/N.”

Jake’s eyes were misty, the ghost of a smile on his face, “Do you think Boy Scout’s happy?”

Quinine gave him a gentle smile, “I want to say yes. He made the decision he did to give us a chance to see our families again. And think about what we’ve managed to do since then? Grace and Aleister got married and had a baby. Zahra and Craig, Sean and Michelle, Diego and Varyyn. I think he’d be happy to see us now. And he loved you so much-“

“Loves, Quinn.” Grace interrupted quietly, “Don’t forget that Y/N didn’t die that day. He just left with Vaanu.”

“Right.” The redhead gave a firm nod, “He loves you. You finally got to make your case and earned your freedom to be able to see your family again. I’m sure he’d be overjoyed to know that you finally got to make Rebecca proud.”

“If only he could know, Ariel.” Jake sighed.

“There is a way for him to.” Aleister interjected, gently, as if trying to gauge response.

“What are you talking about, Malfoy? My husband’s lost somewhere in space. We got no idea where. So unless-“ Jake narrowed his eyes at the poorly hidden excitement in Grace’s face, “Unless you two have something to share with the rest of the class…”

“Oh, Aleister, I can’t wait any longer. Can we please tell them?”

The taller man sighed happily as he gazed at his wife, “I suppose we have to know. Zahra, if you would please join us over here while we explain.” He paused as the three of them stood in front of the rest of the group, “Over the course of the last five years, Zahra, Grace, and myself have been at work. As my father was deemed insane by his spouting of Crystal people, I was able to use my access to his DNA profile to assist Zahra in hacking into his systems. I’ve inherited Rourke International. With my financing, Zahra’s technical skills, and Grace’s gift for science and mathematics, well…”

“Last week, we were able to finally track down the end of the trail of Vaanu’s energy!” Grace excitedly interrupted, “Zahra and Aleister have been at work for years developing a ship that will take the willing parties into space. We can get Y/N back!”

Jake’s face was slack, disbelief clear as his eyes welled with tears, “If you’re pulling my leg, Brain Trust, I swear-“ His voice cut out, a choked sound leaving him as Michelle and Sean reached over, each gripping one of his shoulders.

“I assure you, we are quite serious.” Aleister answered, a small smile on his own face, “I will not be taking the mission, as I promised Reginald all the love and care my father would never give. Grace and I agreed that one of us should stay behind with our son.”

“But I rigged up Iris’s old hologram program, made a few adjustments to it, and a piece of Grace will stay behind with him. The hologram will also serve as our communication system, and I’ve updated her to understand your pop culture nicknames. The real Grace will be riding as my copilot, so to speak.” Zahra smirked. “But we aren’t sure how long this will take, so if any of you don’t want to go, or if you can’t get away from responsibilities-“

“Ah, Skrillex, you already know my ass’ll be on that ship. Even if Vaanu absorbed Y/N back into itself, maybe it’d let me see ‘im again one last time.” Jake couldn’t help the hopeful smile on his face, “The rest of these guys might have things they need ta do, but me- I just gotta let my sister know I’ll be back this time.”

“You’ll need a doctor for this trip, no doubt. Space does funny things to the human body.” Michelle grinned, “I guess I can tag along.”

Estela shrugged, “I just took down a dictatorship, I need to get away for a while anyway.” The others blinked at her, unsure if she was serious, before deciding it best not to question it. “Besides, Vaanu may not be the only alien form out there, and most of you are probably still useless in a fight.”

Diego snorted, “I’m coming! That’s my best friend!”

“You’ll need someone to cook food every day! So I’m in! Resident chef back in the hoooouse!” Ran cheered.

“I think all of us are.” Craig and Sean grinned.

Aleister nodded, “For all of you that will need to step away from work, my assistant is already preparing documents to show you taking part in an outreach through my company. There will be virtually no existence of this trip.”

Jake just gave him a watery grin, “When do we leave, Aleister?”

Within two days time, the eleven of them were onboard a shuttle that seemed impossibly large. Grace defended that by saying that Aleister insisted each couple have separate rooms, in case they were on different watch shifts, to ensure one didn’t interrupt the others sleep.

“Okay, everybody!” Grace spoke enthusiastically, “For the beginning of the trip, we’ll just take turns running the show, but after a couple of weeks, we’ll be taking turns in the hyperstasis tubes that Rourke designed to save oxygen and food- but don’t worry! Zahra and I changed them so there won’t be any medical issues upon awaking, and the two of us will be alternating our shifts so that one of us will be able to operate them safely!”

It wasn’t long before they were breaking atmosphere, most of them marveling at the stars, except for one.

Jake sat almost completely still, nearly looking like a statue as he sat in the seat Grace had guided him to. The others shared worried looks, wondering if he was okay, before Quinn finally decided to voice their concern, “Hey, Jake…” she waited, but it was as if he didn’t hear her, “…Jake?”

Sean looked a little concerned, but Diego’s eyes lit up with an idea, before anyone could question it, he called out, “Yo, Top Gun!”

Jake’s head snapped over immediately, retort ready, the old nickname sticking in his instincts to respond before he realized who it was, “What’s up, Pop Culture Petey?”

“Quinn called your name a couple times, dude. Wanna tell us what’s on your mind?”

Jake looked almost pained, like he was still wrestling with the idea to open up to them again, but the words seemed to dislodge from his throat as he realized how much he trusted them, “…what if- what if he doesn’t remember us? Remember me? What if he- what if he doesn’t feel the same anymore?”

Various ranges of shock filled their faces, before a snort rang out and everyone turned to see Zahra trying to hold in her laughter. Craig was the first to follow suit, until eventually everyone was laughing as Jake scowled at them. Quinn took his hand, giving him a bright smile, “The chances of Y/N not still loving you, are about as good as the chances that I had a healthy childhood.” Jake’s scowl vanished at the mention of her Rotterdam’s, but Quinn continued, “From the moment he entered that cockpit to check how much longer the flight would be, we could all see it. The way you both looked at each other. And I know you know that. You two are meant to be.”

“Heh.” The pilot cracked a small grin at her, shaking his head, “I said that to ‘im once. After me and Katniss over there found ‘im, when we got separated after the whole MASADA b.s.” His eyes took on a nostalgic appearance, “We were sittin’ in a time rift of a place that looked like home. You’re right, Ariel. Guess I’m jus’ nervous.”

“And that’s okay!” Quinn beamed, “We’re all right there with you!”

When the hologram announced what would have been night time for them on Earth, Diego wandered over to Jake as they joined Varyyn, Zahra, and Craig for the first watch. “Jake…I’ve got a question for you. And I don’t want you to feel like you need to be defensive or- I mean he’s been gone five years and-“

“You wanna know if I saw anyone else while Y/N was gone. That right?”

Diego gulped back a small number of nerves at the look in the pilot’s eye, “….yes.”

Jake sighed, “I ain’t been with nobody since he left. My sister set me up on a date. Once. About two years back. But I made ‘im uncomfortable. He could tell I was comparin’ ‘im to my husband. He left within the first ten minutes. She ain’t tried since. I’ll be honest with Y/N about it.”

Diego nodded seriously, “I don’t mean to make it seem like-“

Jake shook his head, “Naw, I get it, Petey. He’s your best friend, you’re just looking out. Just…let me wait for a day before I tell him. Just enjoy seeing him first.”

Diego shook his head, “As far as I’m concerned, that wasn’t anything. But I trust you to know what’s best for the two of you. Even if you had- ya know, I think he would have understood. He’s been away…gone, for five years. I don’t think he expected you to go through life alone when he left.”

“I ain’t been alone.” Jake shook his head, smirking, “I’ve had the Odd Squad backing me up.” Your best friend laughed, knocking his shoulder against the pilot’s.

They were getting closer, following the trail Grace had mapped out. It was close to three months, floating around in space and taking turns in hyperstasis. Michelle insisted on staying out of the tube, just in case anyone had any medical issues that would need tending to, and no one was dumb enough to fight her about it. Sean was on watch when a beeping on the control panel snagged his attention, “Hey! Grace, what’s this indicator?”

Grace hurried over, looking over the instruments before beaming back at him, “That means it’s time to wake everyone up.”

You were lost in your memories again when you heard it. The voices, talking to each other as they seemed to be searching for something. Climbing onto a crystal formation, you followed the sound until you saw them. “Vaanu! You promised you’d stop with the mirages!”

It is not me, my child.

“If it’s not you then what else-“ the words lodged solidly in your throat as you stared back at Vaanu.

They have traveled a great distance for you. Are you not going to greet them?

You vaulted off the crystals without another word, racing across the planet’s surface, until you collided with the first body you could reach, “If this is a dream, I never wanna wake up again.” You muttered desperately into their chest.

The laugh that rumbled through felt like your memories, as did the arms that wrapped around you, “Come on, Y/N! We came all this way, let us see your face!”

You pulled back to look your best friend in the eyes, grinning at him with a watery smile, “You’re- you’re real this time.”

“Aw, you’ve been dreaming about us again?” You turned to see Sean, and sped over to wrap him a hug as well, when he pulled back he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, “Come on, now, the others are over this way. We split up to search.”

You couldn’t focus on how long the walk was as you followed the two of them, but you heard Craig clear as day, “Chyeah, boiiiii! Y/N!” He rushed over to you this time, lifting you off the ground, while Zahra offered you a lazy fist bump. Though even she couldn’t hide her grin.

Estela and Quinn were next, and you lifted Quinn onto your back to keep moving when it became clear she wasn’t going to let go on her own. Grace wrapped both of you in a hug when you found her and Varyyn.

“I can’t believe you guys came all this way…” You sniffled, happy but tearful to be reunited with so many of your friends.

And then you heard him.

“Believe it, Boy Scout. I told ya I’d cross every mile of space to get ya back.” You barely registered Sean lifting Quinn off your back as you blinked, trying to clear away the daydream.

“Top Gun…” Your voice was choked, and your feet moved before you could tell them to, carrying you into his waiting arms. “I’m so sorry, Jake. I didn’t want to leave you- but it was the only way and-“

“Shhh, baby, I got you.” Jake pulled back long enough to wipe your flowing tears with his thumbs, even as his own streamed down his face, “I get it. Yeah, it sucked. But at least I wasn’t alone. Thanks to you, we all found a family to hold onto. People we could remember ya with. I would’ve given anythin’ to have ya with me, but thanks to the Brain Trust and Skrillex over there, I get to have ya back in my arms where ya belong.” You sniffled, at a loss for words, and just wrapped yourself firmly around him. Belatedly, you noticed Michelle watching the scene with her own teary smile, and you reached out to clasp her hand in your own, hoping she understood how much you loved her as well without letting go of your long lost husband. To your mild surprise, she threw her arms around the two of you, and you felt the others join, until you were in the center of a group hug of your favorite people. Pulling away, you dabbed at your eyes, keeping a firm hold on Jake’s hand, “I missed you guys more than you could possibly imagine. Vaanu tried to help- it used to make visions of you, but I couldn’t hold them.”

Vaanu floated over, I apologize. I thought it warranted the surprise this time.

“Whoa! Poltergeist can talk!”

You snapped your head over to Jake, “You guys can understand it?”

Unlike on Earth, here in my home planet I can project my words directly to each of you.

“Speaking of your home planet, how is it that we can all breath here and stuff?” You had never really pondered Craig’s question before, assuming that you could because Vaanu could.

Y/N has a body developed for Earth’s conditions. To sustain his form I had to alter the conditions here to match.

“Vaanu…” You hesitated in asking your question, unsure how much the answer would hurt, “How long can they stay here?”

You watched as the ghostly shape cocked its head, They can survive here as long as they like, did you not want to return with them?

“I-I can go back?”

It nodded, and you could almost feel it’s happiness, I could not take you back, without risking leaving an imprint of my energy again. But they have found you. They can take you back.

You looked into each of their faces, tears still streaming down your cheeks. Jake gave you a smile, “What d’ya say, Boy Scout? Ya ready to go home?”

“Home…” you mumbled the word to yourself, “I don’t think I have one.”

Diego shook his head, “Course you do. You’ve had one this whole time, it’s been waiting for you.”

Your brow furrowed as you looked at him, and he just sent a pointed look at Jake. You smirked, “That sounds pretty good actually.”

Jake hadn’t let go of your hand the entire trip back to the ship, until he handed you a bag. You looked at him curiously, noting the way his cheeks flushed and he wouldn’t look at you, “It’s- it’s your clothes and shit from the island. Kept it in case.” He shrugged, but you surged forward and pulled him into your arms. He inhaled shakily, tightening his hold for a few seconds before he pulled away and cleared his throat, “Julio Child is toiling away in the kitchen. Hurry up so we can get down there.” You snorted to yourself, turning around and pulling some clothes from the bag, not particularly caring which outfit you chose, before starting to pull the old clothes off. You heard his sharp intake of breath as you pulled on new pants and tried to find the front of your new shirt, and attempted to suppress the smile you felt twitching onto your face as he fingertips brushed with a featherlight touch over your back. “This is…this is new.”

“Vaanu did it. So I could carry everyone with me. Everyone that had my back is immortalized on it.” Neither of you spoke above a whisper as he marveled at your tattoos.

“There’s Petey’s dog…Katniss’s dragon…Cap’s Eagle…Ariel’s mermaid…Malfoy’s snake…” you followed the pattern in your head as he whispered each one, and you could almost feel the frown in his voice when he reach the end. “You- There’s no wolf?”

You felt your lips curl into a smile as you mused out loud, “That pesky lone wolf. Where did he run off to?” You turned to your husband, face twisted in faux concentration, finger tapping your chin. You recognized the moment he saw it, his eyes alighting on the wolf design emblazoned on your chest, as his fingers slowly reached out to trace it.

Jake groaned, low in his chest, as he buried his face in your neck, “Ya makin’ me not even want to join the others.”

You chuckled to yourself as you brushed your fingers through his hair, “Just for a little while, please? I promise I’ll make it up to you later.”

He heaved a sigh, “The things I endure for ya. Fine. But no shirt. Let them see your pretty new ink.”

You laughed loudly as he pulled on your hand, dragging you out into the hall and toward the dining area.

You felt light for the first time in five years. Back with the people that brought you to life, and gave you the love that made it worth living.

Masterlist

#endless summer #choices #choices fanfic #choices endless summer #choices es #jake mckenzie #Jake McKenzie x mc

66 notes · View notes

lovehugsandcandy · 5 years ago

Text

Paradise (Quinn x MC, ES)

A/N: I am so so so sorry that this took SOOOO long @alegria1580. I am desperately ashamed (I needed to play ES again and watch videos and ask my dear friend @brightpinkpeppercorn THANK YOU LOVE because I was so confused about the plot and it took forever and I am so sorry!). I hope you enjoy this (the request was the scene from the end of Book 2, Chapter 6, on the bridge with Quinn).

Pairing: Quinn x m!MC, Endless Summer

Length: ~750 words

Rating: R (swearing, cannon-compliant illness/fainting)

Summary: La Huerta is beautiful. La Huerta is deadly.

Taylor walked out of the throne room, blinking furiously so he could see through the sunlight pouring through the cloudless sky. He was exhausted, relieved, but Uqzhaal’s warning still echoed in his mind: the greatest storm lies ahead.

However, there was absolutely no storm in sight. La Huerta was stunning. It had amazed him since he crashed onto this island, plane landing in untainted wilderness. Flowers bloomed in colors and textures unimaginable before his trip. In the distance, a waterfall was barely audible, tinkling in precious melody over the roar of waves below. Even with the rubble from Cetus’ attack marring the city around him, it still stood tall amidst the massive tree, majestic and proud above the verdant forest below.

La Huerta was something out of a dream. Deadly, but oh so beautiful.

The sea rolled out endlessly into the horizon and Taylor caught sight of yet another gorgeous island sight, perched on a walkway balancing in midair, solemnly staring into the waves.

“Quinn…” He took a seat next to her, bridge shifting beneath his weight, legs dangling over the wooden planks. She turned, sunlight bouncing off her hair, a fiery glow rivaled only by her kind smile; she still looked pale but he was grateful she was upright, recovered from her spell during the ceremony.

“Oh...I’m glad it’s you.”

“We did it, Quinn. We saved the day. Can you believe it?”

“As a matter of fact, I can.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...because of you, Taylor. More than this place, more than everything that’s happened to us….it’s you that makes me believe in the impossible.”

He pursed his lips. Something wasn’t right. He had been feeling an eerie sense of deja vu ever since he arrived at La Huerta, even on the plane, moments of time flying from past and future into his consciousness with an intensity, a vividness, that left him reeling. But this dread in his stomach? This was important, something tugging at him, just out of reach. “Good. Because we’ve still got a long road ahead if we’re ever going to get out of here.”

“Not me.”

His heart stopped, a weightless pause in his chest before it started again, triple-time roar thundering in his ears. Her words. The dread roiled over, churning in his stomach. He saw this before; he lived this before. “Quinn? Quinn, stay with me. Something bad’s about to happen!”

She leaned against him; normally, he would relish this small intimacy but the terror was building, as if he could sense danger approaching, from somewhere, something, hidden in every vibrant flower, under every peaceful wave. Her eyes welled, sheen making their depths shine brilliantly in the sunlight. “Everyone fights so hard to have some say in their own life...to have some control over themselves.”

“Quinn, no! You can’t let this happen! I didn’t have time to change it yet!” Fuck. Why was this the prophecy coming true? The other visions flashed through his mind, lightening-fast images of horror: the shock in Raj’s face as the harpoon hit, Sean leaping headstrong over the cliff, the eerie silence of the cave of graves. Why was this one real? Why did it have to be her?

“But in the end...all we really have control over…” He needed to focus to hear the words as her voice weakened, fading to a whisper, eyes fluttering as she sagged against his side. “Is whether we appreciated what we had.”

“No...no, don’t leave me.”

Her voice was barely breath, and tears dripped from his eyes into her hair. “And when you finally make it...to the other side…”

“HELP! SOMEONE, COME QUICK! WE NEED HELP!” he bellowed, scream pulled from his lungs as an arm desperately winded around her waist.

“You’ll be the queen...you always carried….”

“...inside you.” Just as he finished her sentence, she went limp, head lolling against his shoulder. He could feel her shoulders rise, barely, weakly, breaths coming slower and slower as he pulled her close, clutching her tight, letting the tears pour down.

Inside, he was begging, pleading to the heavens for help. The only response was the sun gleaming overhead, shining onto the softly lapping water below. He had defeated Cetus, escaped Sharktooth Isle, rescued Diego from the Vaanti’s imprisonment. But now? Now, all he could do was cry, tears falling from his eyes off the bridge, plunging into the teal depths below, ocean stretched underneath him for miles, dangling high above in a city in the trees, clutching a girl as beautiful as the flowers that lined the island.

La Huerta was stunning.

Tags:

Perma @desireepow-1986 @leelee10898 @emichelle @client-327 @choicesgremlin @brightpinkpeppercorn @thequeenofcronuts @lilyofchoices @choicesarehard

#playchoices fanfic #quinn kelly #quinn x mc #endless summer #amy writes

13 notes · View notes

casharlow · 4 years ago

Note

22, 23, 24?

22- Which books have you diamond mined?

i never played books purely for the sake of diamond mining because i was extremely stingy about spending diamonds so i always had a lot and never had to worry about getting more now i use the [redacted] so it doesn’t ever matter anymore lmao

23- What is a book that is not popular, but you still really like?

i already answered this previously talking about TRM but now i can use this as an excuse to talk about another book that the fandom sleeps on: LoveHacks! i swear this book is literal comedic gold, i have tons of screenshots of all lines that made me laugh

i literally have so much more screenshots that i wanted to share but i’m trying to have some self control 😳

24- Which book would you want an extra book for most?

more endless summer- not even like another fully fledged book but like one of those holiday mini books- it would take place on the ending where you stay on the island and it’s all about you celebrating holidays with the vaanti and seeing all their traditions and just pure wholesomeness with the whole gang

also ride or die 2 i’m praying it’s not gonna get the hero/most wanted treatment 🙏

play choices ask game

#ask #thanks for the ask! <3

2 notes · View notes

mysteli · 6 years ago

Text

freaky-fridayed (es crack one-shot)

A/N: now this fic is basically just a bad joke and i had the idea when i watched jumanji 2 today. got reminded of the scene in the last endless summer chapter where michelle and aleister switch bodies. thought it would be pretty funny. all the rights go to choices and the jumanji 2 script. hope you enjoy this!

Warning: just a few inappropriate jokes

Words: 1775

PERMA TAG LIST: @brightpinkpeppercorn@cocomaxley@hopefulmoonobject@alesana45 @jellybean-marshmellow@mymandrake@regrettingnathan@dobie2112@princessstellaris@mechaspirit@skyila @mind-reader1 @xo-endlessmayhem-xo@sakaily@justboredtrash@regina-and-happiness@annekebbphotography. @endlessly-searching-for-you@reginasayeed@zigortega4life@eileendannie@diamondoasis@speedyoperarascalparty@emomoustache@lostlightningbug@endlesstaylormckenzie @alekai-sayeed@akrenich@vickypoo91@nitta-jaeguet@femmeshep @hayden-park@mkatschoicesblog

Let me know if you wanna be tagged! 💗and let me know if the tags work because Tumblr is acting up.

Masterlist

ENDLESS SUMMER FAN FICTION FREAKY-FRIDAYED

It feels like forever since they’ve been walking. Exhaustion is kicking in everyone as they slowly trudge through the trees, trying to make their way back to the Vaanti. Luckily, they were able to escape the MASADA complex before Rourke managed to catch them. Good news is everyone is happy and healthy. Well... almost everyone.

Michelle and Aleister definitely suffered the most in the aftermath of this crazy mission. Everyone may be alive and well, which is a clear relief but... Michelle and Aleister still lost contact with their bodies. That’s right. In the words of Diego, they’ve been Freaky-Fridayed! Of course, this isn’t the worst thing that could have happened but to them it is.

What makes it worse is that it’s extremely amusing to the rest of the group, especially Craig and Zahra, who have been teasing the switches two about it since they escaped. So far, there hasn’t been a real way to reverse it but there is hope that the Vaanti might know what to do.

They’re about halfway back to Elystel, when suddenly Michelle (in Aleister’s body stops walking) clutching her knees out of exhaustion. “Oh my god... Aleister. How do you walk on these?” She questions in disbelief, causing Aleister (in Michelle’s body) to swerve around and narrow his eyes at her.

“The real question is, how do you walk around with all this makeup caked on your face? Especially when it’s this hot out and it feels like your face is melting the entire time! The only perk is making you look and feel slightly less terrible. It’s preposterous!”

Everyone else stops in their tracks, watching the situation play out with curiosity.

Michelle shakes her head harshly, pointing sharply at Aleister. “No, dude! Don’t be putting posh ass words in my mouth!”

“Oh really? You’re not a fan of that? Well then I’ll just do it more!”

Before Aleister can play out his joke, Sean steps in and forms his worried expression that painfully convincing, especially in situations like these.

“Can you guys please calm down? We’re gonna get to the Vaanti any faster with you two fighting this way?” Sean complains, folding his arms solemnly and eyeing the two with expectance, signalling for them to set aside their differences and wait patiently for this to be over.

“Fine. I refuse to apologise however!” Aleister clarifies, throwing his hands on his hips and stomping towards the front.

“Yeah. Well, I wasn’t gonna fucking say sorry either!” Michelle calls after him, squinting as Aleister wanders off in a huff.

The journey continues back to the Vaanti and things only seem to get worse and more awkward as the adventure goes on. Michelle and Aleister share unmissable glares from time to time and it’s insanely clear that they cannot wait to be back in their own bodies. Safe and sound.

Suddenly, Michelle pauses once more and pokes Sean’s shoulder, alerting him to look at her and he can’t help but reveal his shock and alarm when he’s reminded about the whole freaky friday situation. He takes a deep breath and shakes off his surprise, forming a small smile.

“What’s up... Michelle.” Sean struggles to get her name out while only seeing Aleister’s appearance before him.

“Sean... this may be kinda awkward and I’ve been dreading it for about an hour now but... I really need to go the bathroom.” Michelle abruptly declares, her embarrassed tone a mere whisper and Sean furrows his brows out of confusion.

“Can’t you hold it in?” He questions and Michelle simply shakes her head.

“Ah shit.” Sean curses under his breath, hesitantly turning to Jake for assistance. “Yo, Jake. We got kind of an emergency over here.”

Jake pecks his princess on the forehead before following Sean over to Michelle. He barely manages to hold back a laugh when he notices her. “Well, fuck. Don’t you look happy?”

“Shut the fuck up, Jake.” Michelle snaps, clenching her fists out of annoyance.

“Now, now. Malfoy would never swear. You gotta at least get in character, Meech.” Jake counters, his classic smirk making an appearance and Michelle is too tempted to slap him in return. “I’m kidding. What’s the problem?”

Sean reluctantly exhales and prepares to speak. “...Michelle needs to use the bathroom.”

Jake barely stifles a laugh, biting the inside of his mouth hard. “Oh... were like a couple of miles from the Vaanti. Can’t it wait?”

Michelle shakes her head in response. “If you make me wait... I will piss in Aleister’s pants.”

“Holy shit. That might actually be funny!” Jake retorts, clapping his hands together proudly and releasing an ounce of his laughter before being silenced by Michelle’s deadly glare. “What exactly do you need from me then?”

“I really don’t wanna do this alone so can you like... show me how it’s done?” Michelle awkwardly requests and Sean and Jake are immediately repulsed.

“Please tell me you’re joking!” Jake pleads, running a hand through his sandy hair in slight embarrassment.

Sean raises an eyebrow in suspicion. “Come on Meech. You had to have heard it the way we heard it, right? It’s... weird.”

“Trust me, boys. This is much weirder for me than it is for you. I won’t look, I promise! You just need to tell me what to do!” Michelle tries to reason with both men and it’s clear their resistance is beginning to break.

Sean glances at Jake timidly, shooting him an unreadable look. “Uh... she’s got a point, Jake. She said she won’t look so...”

Jake is still clearly not convinced, face palming hard. “So what?! Why not ask Raj or Craig or even ask Aleister how his dick works!”

“Come on... its not that bad. I promise we’ll never speak of it. Just tell everyone we’re taking a break and going to collect some firewood or something?” Michelle suggests and that seems to be Jake’s breaking point.

“Fine.”

So they come up with the excuse and they go to “collect firewood”, which will be the result of this story no matter what. This will never be spoken of by any of them. They can’t risk embarrassment over something this fucking ridiculous. It’s so weird and confusing but if it’ll help Michelle, they should probably do it.

They find a deserted, secluded part of the woods. Soon, they feel safe that no one or anything will pass by. It’s a mostly empty island anyway, who would come by? With that, Michelle, Sean and Jake all find a tree, spaced out but still close. Sean and Jake are especially careful about where they hide themselves because they’re not ready to reveal their... privacy to Michelle quite yet.

Michelle watches in amusement as Sean adjusts himself behind a rock, making sure the bottom half of him is not in anyone’s view. “Sean, what’s the big deal? I’ve seen your dick hundreds of times.” She suddenly claps back and Sean’s eyes widen with shock. Jake scoffs mockingly and chuckles like there’s no tomorrow.

“Still, Michelle! We’re not with each other like that anymore so it’s weird plus... you’re Aleister!” Sean retorts but his words are mostly weakened by Jake’s obnoxious laughter.

“Tell me, Chanel. Is it big or small?” Jake randomly asks and Sean launches a jagged rock at the pilot in reaction. Michelle just raises an eyebrow skeptically.

“Oh, are you interested, Jacob?” She teases and Jake’s expression falls defensive instantly.

“What? Fuck no. It was a joke.”

Sean decides to play along with the joke, smirking slyly. “Are you sure, Pilot? You sure you haven’t been thinking too much?”

Jake just falls quiet and a momentary silence intoxicates in the air, making the energy even more awkward then before. By then, Michelle feels a desperate urge to chime in.

“Okay... so how do we do this?”

Sean swallows hard, realising the moment he’s been dreading is finally here. “Oh... it’s, uh, easy. You unzip... take it out... fire away.” He instructs and Michelle processes his words as Jake clears his throat to add an extra thing.

“Remember to aim, Maybelline. It’s very important.” Jake mutters and another silence invades thanks to his unusual words. He simply shrugs his shoulders in return. The only sounds heard are the guys (and Michelle) unzipping their pants and preparing to ‘fire away’.

The icy silence is suddenly broken by Michelle gasping as she begins to act out Sean’s instructions. “Oh my god, guys! There is literally a penis attached to my body right now! Though, I really wish it wasn’t Aleister’s penis because this is an image I will never be able to erase from my memory.”

“Oh god... I don’t even wanna know what that looks like.” Jake chimes in, forcing a fake vomiting sound effect and Michelle giggles in response.

“Still, it’s kinda cool! Oh my god, this is so weird.” Michelle’s growing excitement is kind of worrying. “Logan! Come look at my penis!”

“No! Don’t you dare bring Princess over here!” Jake snaps and Michelle shakes off his irritation.

“See it’s not that bad, is it Meech?” Sean assures, turning to face Michelle only to find her tilting her head in an attempt to catch a glimpse of Sean. “What the fuck, Michelle?” He reacts, moving his body further away from her view. “You don’t look over here!”

“Sorry.” She responds idly, clearly unfazed.

“You never look... it’s a thing.” Jake informs Michelle and she nods understandingly, turning her head back towards the situation before her. She narrows her eyes, trying to focus.

“Ok... good boy. We’re gonna take this nice and slow and no one is gonna get hurt.” Michelle adjusts the pitch of her voice and it’s almost as if she’s communicating with... the penis? Jake and Sean share a look before barely holding back more laughter. “Now what?”

“Blast off!” Jake exclaims. “And aim! Don’t forget to aim!” He adds once again, causing Sean to eye him skeptically.

“What is with you and the aiming? Seriously, Jake, what happened to you?”

“Can we not talk about this in mixed company?”

All of a sudden, their confrontation is interrupted by the slow sound of liquid dripping down the rock. Clearly, Michelle has finally done it. “Wow... wow... wow!” She’s genuinely amazed that she’s managed to pull this off. “Oh, this is so much easier!”

“Right?”

“Yeah, because you have like a handle!” She exclaims. It’s almost frightening how fascinated she is by this. Before, she was complaining her ass off about being in a male body but now it’s appearing like she never wants to leave. “The fact that I’m not instagramming this right now is insane!”

#kind of an uneven ending but I hope you enjoyed it none the less #playchoices #choices #pixelberry #choices stories you play #fan fiction #crack fic #choices crack fic #endless summer #es #choices es #Jake mckenzie #Sean gayle #michelle nguyen #writing

39 notes · View notes

vertiny-main · 6 years ago

Text

BOOK 3, CHAPTER 10

Masterlist here.

Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn, @roonarific, @sceptilemasterr, @endlessly-searching-for-you, @irrelevanthough, @likethetailofacomet, @indiacater.

Reactions under the ‘Keep Reading’ cut.

- So, one can assume MC and LI are getting married today?

- Awh, can I wrap Aleister in a hug?

- I love them.

- T’KAL! HEY BUDDY!

- Seraxa and Taari better be okay!

- Oh thank god, Taari is okay!

- Let’s be optimistic. A better future starts today.

- Awh, Vaanti are getting married today, heck yeah!

- Let’s fuckin’ get married.

- ‘Your friends begin to applaud and cheer! Raj runs around high five-ing everyone!’ I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I love this group.

- Diego is acting like an emotional parent would. I love him.

- Again, I love the bromance all the ES dudes have together.

- That’s such a pretty dress! Ahhh!

- “And that is how to look like a goddess on your wedding day.” Michelle, I love you so much.

- ‘A soft smile appears on Sean’s lips, and tears in his eyes.’ BOI ME TOO, THE HELL??

- !!!! ARE THEY GETTING HANDFASTED TOO???????!!!!!

- WHY ASK ME?!?!? IF YOU LOVE HIM, WHICH YOU CLEARLY DO, SAY YES!

- YEAH BOIS!

- *voice cracks* I love you too, Sean.

- Hell yeah! Raj is my wedding planner! I love him.

- Uuuuuhhhh, Michelle is gonna be my maid of honor!

- Ahh, it’s The Endless’ book. What secrets are we gonna find in there?

- ‘7 0 5′ ‘2 4 6′ ‘3 8 1′ Well, they all equal 12 from the ways you can look at them?

- Aye! I got it right!

- “Are you ready to make your entrance?” FUCK NOPE!

- ‘Jake grins as you pass, offering a quick salute and a wink.’ PFFFT

- YVONNE! MALATESTA! HIIII!

- ‘Estela simply nods, her affection for you glowing in her dark eyes.’ Sweetheart, I’m gonna cry.

- Hey there, handsome boy!

- OOOO, we get to pick our own vows?

- Oooo, Quinn and Kele, huh?

- Do y’all need me, because if you don’t I’m gonna cry in a corner. This is too sweet and soft and pure, and I just, love.

- You already know what flower I’m going with.

- I. Love. Them.

- MC just called Sean husband, and I just... *gestures into the corner* Emotions.

- There’s dust in my eye, I swear.

- gncvgfnjdx.

- ^^ I can’t convey my feelings into words rn.

- Give Sean and MC kids!!!

- Oh no. Did I say something wrong with picking the kids option? Whoops, no regrets.

- ‘Romance Up! Sean is now in love with you!’ HELL YEAH LADS!

- I know he’s just a bunch of pixels programmed to say all this stuff, but like... my heart is so full?

- I know it’s real sad that MC can’t remember their parents or anything, but really, aside from HSS, HSS:CA and TF, PB doesn’t really give MC family/parents.

- I love him. Geez, this chapter is turning me soft.

- Honey, if I didn’t trust you in the slightest, do you really think I’d have gotten handfasted to you?

- *insert side eye emojis*

- *suggestive eyebrows*

- Y’all know I picked the “Kiss lower” option.

- Michelle was crying. Why is she crying?!

- Y’all already know I’m getting my girl’s Ember!

- Awh, I want Sean’s mum to be happy and healthy and I want Michelle to be okay.

- Awh, Sean gave her apology flowers! Good job PB for actually checking out the meaning!

- So, process of elimination means that Zahra’s Ember is next?

- GASP! SO THIS IS WHERE THAT ES SELFIE COMES FROM!

- Wait, I wanted to screenshot that photo :/ but it came across in a portrait mode???

- I wanted that photo goddamit.

BONUS SCENE

- Awh, bye Endless!

- Rourke and Lundgren can piss off.

- Wait, whose Rourke’s Daughter?

#playchoices #endless summer #es #choices es #sarah's liveblog

12 notes · View notes

sarasummer101-blog · 6 years ago

Text

A Saber’s Lie

This is the first time I wrote fanfic. I had a good time with this. I’m thinking about having a part 2.

I do not own any of these characters or plots, these are all owned by Pixelberry Studios, and their book Endless Summer.

Rated: T

Word Count: 2077

Summary: Sara must make a sacrifice, everyone thinks she is dead. Sara is trying to convince everyone to join her with the Vaanti. (F!MC-Jake)

A Saber’s Lie

Jake watched as the flames engulfed Delilah. He put everything into his airplane, finally something to call his own, goes up in flames. He did not see Sara go into the hanger, the tail of flames started to lead to the tank. Without thinking he grabbed her and pulled her out of the inferno. Jake tackled her to the ground, as the plane exploded into millions of pieces.

Sara couldn’t stop hearing a high- pitched ringing in her ears and her throat was dry. She was starting to feel weak from getting scratched by the saber-tooth tiger and the heat from the inferno was rolling in constant waves. Sara could not hear anything that Jake was saying.

Jake asked Sara if she was alright, but she just pointed to her ears. She tried to speak, but her voice was coming out as raspy gasps. Diego came over and noticed how she was winching in pain as she tried to sit up. Jake checked the wound and it did not look great, but it could have been worse. Diego and Jake slowly helped Sara to her feet, she looked like she had taken a bad beating. Although Jake can’t help but admire how she is holding up, after everything that she had been through. Jake looked up when he heard someone swear.

Sara looked at Diego and saw that his eyes were bigger than normal. Everyone turned and saw the saber-tooth tiger had walked through the ferns. Sara noticed how Jake slowly started to step in front of her and Diego had stepped closer to her. She only thought of two options, the first was run and probably die. The second was to sacrifice someone by creating a diversion, while the others run. Sara already had made up her mind and was going to stick with it, no matter what.

Sara turned to Diego and tried to quietly say, “I have an idea, but I want everyone to turn and run back to the resort as fast as you can. Don’t try to stop me.”

She then made her way over to Jake and said, “Thanks for trying to save my life, now let me return the favor.” She then handed him the padlock, that she found in the hanger.

Jake was confused and looked at Diego, who’s face was starting to lose all color. He turned and saw that Sara had picked up a few rocks and started to walk forward. She threw a rock at Tony the Tiger and started sprinting in the opposite direction. Diego’s heart dropped to his stomach, but he knew there was nothing he could have done. Jake turned and saw that everyone looked just as shocked has he did.

Diego said, “I made her a promise. Let’s run back to the resort before it comes back for more.”

Everyone slowly jogged back to the resort, Jake kept looking over his shoulder. He told himself it was to check if anything was following them, but he really knew it was because he hoped to see her one last time. Diego would pass back a forth, checking the closed gate though the binoculars, hoping to see Sara again. Everyone was still shocked and miserable for at least two or three days. For seven days Diego would cry himself to sleep. Jake kept drinking, but he ended up throwing half of the glasses at the wall, it took him four to six days to stop. Diego and Jake felt like they were empty, hollow shells of themselves. Jake was able to hide his feelings better than Diego. It was a heavy lost for Quinn, Raj, Sean, Grace, and Lila.

Zahra, Michelle, Estela, Craig, and Aleister had just started to get to know her. Although Zahra, Estela, Craig, and Aleister were quieter than usual. Once they finished their grieving stages, they started to hold onto some small hope that she was still alive. For them the days passed slowly, little did they know that they were in for a big surprise.

Sara was racing through the jungle, until she reached the beach. ‘Sabers’ can’t swim, right?’ she thought. Without much else to do she ran into the sea. The saber stopped and started to pace. She waited for hours, until she noticed the saber fell asleep. She swam a few feet to the left, until she found a tall tree to climb. She tied herself to the branches using vines, then fell asleep.

When Sara woke up, she could not believe her eyes. Standing around the tree were blue and green tall people with pointy ears and long braided black hair. What she found curious was that they carried weapons that looked like they were made of amber and they were wearing masks. Then she panicked, because they were looking right at her. Sara heard a deep voice talking very close to her. She looked up and almost fell out of the tree. There was a tall blue guy squatting in front of her. He repeated what he said, she didn’t understand, so she just untied the vines. She carefully climbed down. The man jumped down and she started to see a knee bent, sheathed knife, and an open palm. Sara tried to repeat what he was saying, he seemed to accept it. She started to feel him trying to read her mind. She breathed in and let him into her mind. She saw different visions and felt multiple different senses.

Then the feeling left, and she heard his voice in her head, “Impossible, you’re a mind-talker.”

She responded, “Wait, I can understand you?”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Sara.”

“No. You are the mystery. You must come with us. You must get everyone else.”

“What if I don’t?”

His response was to show her the earth burning, it started at La Huerta.

Sara said, “I will help you, but before I get the others. Can you help heal me?” He nodded his head and helped her up. She quickly passed out, from losing blood. Sara was carried by the Vaanti, to their treehouse.

Sara came in and out of consciousness, until on the fifth day she wakes up and saw that the blue guy, an elegant green woman, an elderly blue shaman, and a green female warrior. They were all standing around her bed talking to Varyyn, the guy who carried her to his home. How she already knew his name, she does not know. Sara ties to sit up, but Varyyn gently tells her to sit back, and to drink something. She falls asleep shortly after.

Sara wakes up two days later feeling better than ever. Varyyn introduces his mother, the queen, Ximaedra. The fierce female warrior as, Seraxa, and the shaman, as Uqzhaal. They ask her a lot of questions, some of which she isn’t sure how to answer. She tells them that she would bring her friends back but warns them that they may not come peacefully. All she requests it to have Varyyn come with her. They agree and they left to go back to the resort the same day. Sara told Varyyn to hide the foliage, until she signaled for him to come over.

Once Sara reached the gate, she yelled at them to open them. It took a few minutes, but Diego came running out and then went back inside to get help and (by help I mean everyone). They all hugged her and started to ask her questions while trying to get her inside. Sara stayed rooted in place and waited until her friends calmed down.

She started out saying, “You will never believe me if I tell you, but here’s what happened…” She then proceeded to tell them all what had happened. All twelve did not believe her, until she told Varyyn to come out. You can imagine the responses. Jake, Sean, Craig, and Estela were getting ready to fight their way out. Sara and stepped in between them and told them to relax that Varyyn saved her and that they need their help to save the world. Varyyn and Sara even openly talked in front of the group to prove their bond. Everyone looked at them in shock.

Sara said, “I know it is hard to believe, but we need to help.” She looks around and they all look unsure.

Diego steps forward and stands next to Sara, saying, “We just got you back, I am having a hard time believing that this is real, but the evidence is hard to ignore. I am going with you, no matter what.”

She looked at Diego with gratitude and she looked at everyone. She then said, “I know it is a lot to ask for you to do this, I will give all of you some time to think it over. I will come back every day to see who will want to come.”

Sara, Diego, and Varyyn turned and left. Leaving everyone alone with what had just transpired. The next day she was true to her word, she came back, but with Diego in tow. He talked to the others about what he had saw. Quinn, Raj, and Sean decided to see if the giant treehouse was real. Plus, Raj wanted to experiment with the food.

Each day, Sara would come back with the friends she had taken the day before. They would in turn talk about what they saw. Eventually everyone started to trust the Vaanti. There was only one more person she needed to convince, Jake.

Sara walked to the resort, by her-self, to talk to Jake about joining the rest. She figured that her chances of him taking her side, were higher if she went by her-self. Plus, she wanted to see if she could talk to him about the day his plane exploded. In all honesty, she is attracted to Jake. She feels like she has known him her whole life, instead of a couple of weeks. Sara started to wonder if Jake cared for her as well.

Sara reached the resort by the mid-afternoon. She found Jake out by the pool, drink in hand, laying in the hammock. She went behind the bar and grab some whiskey and sat with her feet in the water. She was gathering the courage to confront Jake with a sensitive topic. She took in a deep breath and got up.

Sara walked over to him and said, “Jake, I want to talk to you.”

Jake looked over at her but wasn’t making eye contact. He replied, “What do you want to talk about?”

“Why did you push me out of the way, when your plane exploded?”

Jake hesitated, seeing different scenarios playing out in his head. He wanted to be honest about how he felt. At the same time, he knows that he should keep his distance. On the other hand, if this ‘relationship’ goes no where and is just a summer fling than he should make the most of it. That is the thing though, Jake wants to be with her, no matter what. But she deserves better, a life on the run is not suited for a princess.

Jake sighed and responded with, “I honestly like you, I did not want anything bad to happen. Then something did.”

Sara replied, “I am here now.”

Jake looked at her and saw how she was wearing her heart on her sleeve. He got up and put his hand on her face. He tucked back her hair. He looked at her in her eyes.

He said, “Are you sure about this?”

Sara’s responded with pulling Jake closer and softly kissing him. Jake relaxed and put his hand in her hair and the other on her waist. He pulled her body closer to his.

Sara put one hand on his chest, the other on his neck. She wanted to test Jake’s boundaries. She pulled away and put her forehead on his. She felt his breath on her face. Sara saw Jake’s eyes had darken. They both needed this.

6 notes · View notes

ladyseaheart1668 · 6 years ago

Text

Endless Summer Book 4: Daughter of Vaanu (Chapter 22)

Description: Alodia tells all. An alliance is solidified.

Tagging: @xo-endlessmayhem-xo , @princesstopgun ; @mysteli

Alodia

They know almost everything. I know what Jake and Diego meant to tell them. They know now what the Prism Crystal is. What I am. But some secrets had to be kept until they met me. Because some secrets are only mine to tell. Our guests sit down. After a moment of exchanging glances, they introduce themselves.

“We can guess who you are,” Grayson Prescott says with a nervous laugh. “We have heard a lot about you. But we don't know who the...um...blue gentleman is...?”

I bite my cheek to keep from laughing. “The 'blue gentleman' is Varyyn. Diego's husband. He also happens to be a Vaanti.”

Varyyn passes me an amused glance, then looks back at Grayson. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Grayson. To answer your next question, no this is not a costume. The Vaanti are the inhabitants of the La Huerta. Our people were human once, but became what we are through exposure to the sap from the great trees that were nurtured by the Island's Heart. Kenji and Eva, that is actually the origin of your powers.”

“...What is?”

“Your ancestors were somehow exposed to the Island's Heart. To the sap of one of the Great Trees, to the energy of the time bubble...perhaps at one point, they even breathed in the ash from an eruption of Mount Atropo. However it happened, their blood was altered, just as my ancestors' blood was altered. The difference is that while my ancestors remained on the island and continued to be exposed, yours left the time bubble and returned to the world outside of it. That is true of you and every other superhuman in Northbridge, save Tahira.”

“...Because Tahira is fully alien,” Dax finishes. “And Alodia's biological relative. That's why the crystal reacted to her first. And why her energy readings were so much stronger.”

“But...then why wasn't my mother affected?” Kenji asks. “I mean, she was there, too...”

“It could be that it was your father's bloodline that was exposed to the Island's Heart,” I suggest. “Or...and this is just a thought...maybe the genetic mutation is strongest in the youngest generation. I don't know. True to form, the Endless gave us answers that only lead to more questions.”

“Where exactly does the Endless fit into all of this?” Rochelle asks. “Am I allowed to ask that?”

I feel my eyebrows lift in surprise. “I would have thought that much would have been obvious. But then...I suppose you only met her once. Maybe it's more obvious when we're side by side.”

“...What is?”

I sigh a little. This one is my secret to tell. Only mine. I don't want to tell it. But they need to know. “That I am the Endless. Or rather...she is—was—an alternate version of me.” I reach for Jake's hand, and he folds my hand between his palms while I tell them the story of the Endless. How the first version of me survived while everyone else died and learned to reset the time loop. I explain how she guided us from the shadows, how she went back further than she ever had when it became clear that she had to change the Vaanti or else we would continue to be slaughtered. I explain how it took over two thousand cycles to get it right, for the naive version of me to reach the Threshold with all twelve idols and everyone alive. I hesitate before telling them that the Endless was prepared to sacrifice the world in order to give me a life and an existence with the only family she had ever known.

“None of this is actually relevant to the situation at hand. The Vaanti...the Endless...any of it. But I did say I was going to tell you everything.”

“We appreciate your trust,” Grayson replies. “But...as to the matter at hand: do you know how to get Tahira back?”

“I know that I have the ability to get her back,” I answer. “Exactly how it's going to end up working, that's going to take a little figuring out. But I do have a good idea of where to start.”

“Where is that?”

“Tahira first came through the Prism Gate as a baby, right? I don't know for sure, but the concept ultimately seems similar to the Lernaean Gate.”

“But the crystal shards weren't enough to power the Lernaean Gate on their own,” Diego points out. “It needed half the Island's Heart.”

“Right. But clearly the Prism Crystal was enough to make a portal strong enough to send an infant child through. Clearly having my life energy contained in it makes it a little more powerful than the average crystal shard. Maybe not on the level of the Island's Heart, but there's enough energy in there to at least make a one-way portal.” I look at Grayson and Rochelle. “...I've been to Vaanu's homeworld before. Psychically, anyway. When I was touching the crystal pillar on the rooftop of The Celestial. The crystal shards had a way of...communicating with me. I have an idea that I may be able to find a way to communicate with Tahira. To guide her back through the Prism Gate.”

Rochelle swallows hard. “Do you really think that would work?”

“It might. I mean...I was able to reach Varyyn from Hartfeld with Diego's help. And Quinn was able to find the Island's Heart. It's a larger distance obviously, but we won't know until we try. But before we know anything, I'll need to get my hands on the Prism Crystal.”

“But we don't know where it is,” Grayson says grimly. “It was recovered after the gala, but we don't know what Dad did with it after that.”

“...Actually...we do. Sort of.” Dax looks thoughtfully past me, gazing out the window over my shoulder. “Silas Prescott briefly held Tahira captive before the big battle went down. She...escaped when her birth parents' voices came through the repaired Prism Gate. They somehow provided her with the power and strength she needed to escape.”

I feel my eyebrows lift. “...Well, that's a new one.”

“Only problem is...we don't know where she was held.”

“She never told you?”

“...Things were a little...crazy. I guess that bit of information slipped through the cracks.”

I sigh. “Well...perhaps if I'm in Northbridge, I can track it. I mean...it is my life energy. That's gotta be worth something, right?”

“That worked when we were looking for the idols,” Jake points out.

“But maybe we don't have to waste the time,” Poppy says slowly. “...Wasn't Caleb held captive with her?”

“We haven't seen Caleb at all since the Battle of Northbridge,” Eva protests.

“Normally, I'd say 'good riddance',” Kenji sighs. “But it would help if we don't have to send Alodia all over Northbridge, hoping she'll be able to track the Prism Crystal. Not to mention that if the Gate is intact...”

“Are you sure Caleb can be trusted?” Dax asks uncertainly.

“Hell, no!” Kenji snorts. “I have a policy of not trusting anyone who has literally put a flaming sword through my gut.”

“Good policy,” Jake agrees, smirking.

I smile faintly, but I don't comment. I've been suddenly reminded of Lila, and how she came down on the right side in the end. And that reminds me that the Endless said that Lila had been revived. ...And then I think of the woman I saw at the In-N-Out a few months ago...

“But,” Kenji goes on, breaking into my thoughts, “we need the Prism Crystal, and the Prism Gate. For Tahira.”

“We'll find them,” Eva promises. “We'll find Caleb and get it out of him. Even if it takes...force.”

I look at them for a long moment, taking each of them in. Finally, I say, “Perhaps this is a good thing. In the time it takes you to locate the Prism Gate, we can arrange to take the time off and fly to Northbridge.”

“I've already been planning to invent a family emergency,” Diego says. “Possibly in Mexico.”

“I know your reputation probably works in your favor when it comes to getting time off,” I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice. But then my smile slips. “...But Uncle Rob might not be so generous to Jake.”

“Nepotism isn't always all it's cracked up to be,” Grayson sighs. “We'll fly home first thing in the morning, and we'll contact you as soon as we have any information.”

* * *

Morning sickness prevents me from properly seeing them off the next morning—and Jake, since he refuses to leave my side while I've got my head down the toilet bowl.

“You feel crappy enough already,” he declares. “If you get it in your hair, you'll just add frustration to the mix.”

Problem is, I already feel frustrated that the puking hasn't stopped yet, and his goddamn thoughfulness is making me feel so fucking grateful, and for some reason, I'm furious about that, which only makes me feel guilty, and by the time I stop puking, I'm sobbing. I curl up in his arms, dabbing at my face with a wad of toilet paper, hiccupping and gulping while he rocks me tenderly and strokes my hair.

“I'm still waiting for this whole pregnancy thing to feel magical,” I grumble. “Right now, it's all puke and sore boobs and I'm tired all the time...and I swear to God, if you're laughing at me, you're a dead man.”

The soft chuckling above my head stops. “Not laughing, Princess. Promise. At least, I'm not laughing at you.” I feel him kiss my hair. “I admit, I don't actually have a lot of experience with pregnant women and their troubles. I'm gonna do my best because I love you and it's my kid doing all this to you. But Grace and Michelle are gonna be the ones to talk to about this.”

“...Just a few minutes ago, I was actually furious with you for being wonderful and holding my hair.”

“Not sure that makes a whole lotta sense. But when you got a new human growing in your gut like an alien and pumping your brain full of chemicals, I don't think you gotta worry too much about making sense.”

I groan a little, getting to my feet. Jake braces me on one side. “Like an alien is right. I've been wondering if the reason my parents had so much trouble conceiving is because my father was an alien.”

“Maybe,” he muses as I make my way to the sink and squeeze toothpaste onto my toothbrush. “We didn't seem to have any trouble, though.”

“...True. Vaanu and my mother had to use IVF...” I stick the end of my toothbrush in my mouth and scrub like I'm angry at my teeth and gums.

“Well...you're half-human. That probably makes a difference.”

I spit in the sink and notice a couple flecks of red mixed in the with the white foam. When I take a gulp from the sink to swish around my teeth, there's a faint coppery taste. I spit that out and straighten, meeting Jake's eyes in the mirror.

“...I worry about River. I worry that something will be wrong with them.”

“Ahh, Princess...” He comes up behind me, cinching his arms around my waist, letting his hands rest on my abdomen. “Every mom worries about that kind of stuff.”

“Not every mom had an alien father,” I murmur as Jake plants kisses along the curve of my neck. I feel tears starting to rise behind my eyes again. “...Jake...I wish my mother were here...”

Jake's mouth pauses on my neck. “Your mother...?”

“Someone who loves me, whose been through this and could help me through it...”

“What about Diego's mom? She was basically your mother growing up.”

“Yeah, but...” I draw in a shuddering breath. I don't want to start crying again. “I don't know, Jake. I just felt so envious of Tahira yesterday. To have her mother fighting for her like that. ...That's what I want.”

“Since Tahira is adopted and an only child, I must say I don't think Rochelle would be someone you could swap pregnancy stories with. At least...none that would do anything to ease your anxieties.”

“Maybe not. But that's such a small part of what I want. I mean...I was adopted, but it's not like the people who adopted me actually wanted me. The closest things I had to parents were somebody else's.”

“I want you. Your real family wants you.”

I sigh. “I know, Jake. I know...”

He is quiet for a moment, his arms tightening around me. “...I wish I knew what to say...”

“There's really no need to say anything,” I murmur, leaning into his embrace. “...Just hold me.”

“Well, that I can do.” He nuzzles my neck. “...I will say this, though: it ain't wrong to wish for something you didn't have. But your past also ain't gonna stop you from being a good mother, if you were ever worried about that. Hell, just look at what history Aleister and Grace had to overcome, but they're doing all right with Reggie.”

I smile a little. I probably know their histories more intimately than Jake or any of the others. “That's true.” I sigh a little. As I gaze in the mirror, it seems to me that I can see a bit of a potbelly starting to push out from underneath my babydoll pajama top. “I'm not sure if I'm starting to show, or if that's just bloating.”

“Hmm. I dunno. You do look different.”

“Different good or different bad?”

He chuckles. “You'll never look bad to me unless you're not healthy.”

I turn in his arms to wind my arms around his neck. “...You are very good at saying the right things,” I inform him, and capture his mouth in a tender kiss. I've got months left to worry about my baby. Right now, I just want to be with my love.

Kenji

I am entering my mother's office in disguise. Bronze all over my body to visit my own mother at work. If I were to visit as myself, she'd be annoyed with me for interrupting her day. The thought is a bitter one, and I feel guilty for it. Our relationship has improved by leaps and bounds lately, but there's still a big difference between the way she treats me and the way she treats Talos. Though, to be fair, her relationship with Talos has improved by leaps and bounds, too. It's how Minuet and I are able to walk into the DA's office without an appointment and not only be shown right in, but offered coffee while we wait in cushy office chairs in front of her desk.

It's about twenty minutes before my mother comes in and takes her seat behind the desk. She sighs as she sits down. She must be having a stressful day, because I recognize the way her eyelids droop slightly as she sinks into the chair. She's been known to make the same face sinking into her armchair at home after a particularly exhausting day at work. This chair is heaven right now, she often sighs. After taking a moment to savor the sensation of being seated, she seems to remember that we're here.

“Sorry to have kept you both waiting.”

“Not at all, DA Katsaros,” I reply, waving my hand dismissively. “We didn't have an appointment. We knew we might be waiting awhile.”

“How can I help you?”

“We were wondering if you have received any new information on either Stonewall or the Man on Fire. The latter in particular.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Why the latter in particular?”

“Well, for a couple reasons. In spite of Dragonness recruiting him at least temporarily before the Battle of Northbridge, he hasn't been seen since. The alliance was a shaky one to begin with, built on questionable ground.”

“He joined us to promote anarchy and chaos by taking out this city's unofficial ruler,” Minuet adds. “We're concerned that with Dragonness MIA, he may revert to his old habits.”

“We're also hoping to persuade you to let us deal with him first.”

“And why is that?”

“Because we need him. We need some information from him. Information that will help us bring Dragonness back.”

Mom raises her eyebrows. “Back? Back from where? I had rather assumed she was dead.”

“So did we, to be honest. But she isn't. She's alive. But she's trapped in another dimension.”

“How do you know?”

“Never mind how we know. You'll just have to trust us on that. We know she is alive, and we know that we need access to the Prism Gate to bring her back.” I exhale slowly. “Silas Prescott repaired the Prism Gate. Dragonness and Man on Fire were both held captive in his facility where it was stored two days before the Battle of Northbridge. ...Man on Fire has been escaping from prisons and handcuffs probably about as long as you've been the DA, give or take. Let us find him and get the location of the Prism Gate out of him, and you'll also gain the location of the only cell that's ever been able to hold him. Certainly the only one you can trust to hold him since he gained his abilities.”

Mom pins me with a penetrating gaze. As the silence stretches on, I feel myself starting to squirm. I'm disguised as Talos, but I'm still Kenji. And nothing unsettles Kenji more than Mom's penetrating stare. Finally, she clears her throat.

“We don't currently have any solid leads on either Stonewall or Man on Fire. ...However, there were reports last week from some beat cops who came across a few petty criminals with a stash of liquid prism in an abandoned apartment complex in Bayside. The criminals were arrested before they had a chance to inject themselves and the liquid prism was confiscated and returned to Prescott Industries.”

“Are those criminals still in custody?” Minuet asks.

“For now. I expect you want to question them?”

Minuet smiles placidly, leaning back in her chair. “Oh, yes,” she replies, her voice somehow tranquil and gleeful at once. “Very much.”

Estela

My mother has been wondering about my comings and goings the past week or two. I explain the situation to her over breakfast a few days after the Prescott entourage get back from California. She watches me quietly while I lay out the facts for her, her expression carefully neutral.

“I had been wondering if you think you might be able to help us,” I remark.

“Help you? I'm not sure how I could.”

“Well, you were the first person to work out the Endless' abilities. You also worked on the Lernaean Gate. I suppose I just wondered if you might have some insights.”

She sighs. “I don't know. I mean, it's a possibility...but...”

“...But what?”

She doesn't answer right away. Silence stretches on for several minutes. I don't press her, but I can't help but grow impatient as she puts her chin down in her hand and turns to gaze out the kitchen window.

“...Working with crystals again...working with the Omega specimen--”

“She isn't a specimen, Mom. Her name is Alodia, and she's a person.”

“Yes, Estelita, I know. But...the point is that I thought I was leaving this all behind. I tried to leave because the things we were working with were dangerous. Because I didn't want to be a part of it. Because I wanted to stop it.”

“...It's all more complicated than what it appeared to be when you were working for Rourke,” I murmur. “An innocent...no, more than innocent...a woman who tried to protect people from a man just like Rourke and the corrupted power he was weilding now needs our help. ...Her mom needs us to bring her daughter home.”

“I know, Estelita. ...I will help you if I can. But I will not try to pretend I am not afraid.”

I feel my chest tighten. I reach across the table to take my mother's hand.

“...We're all afraid, Mom. ...I spent a long time feeling afraid. But then I found my friends.” I feel a smile form on my mouth. “...And now you and I have each other, too.”

She smiles back at me. “Even that feels a little frightening, though. ...I thought I was dead and gone...”

“I think you and Alodia might be able empathize with each other about that.” We lapse into silence for a moment, sipping on our coffee. Then as a thought occurs to me, I feel a frown crease my forehead. “Hey...Mom...?”

“Yes?”

“...When I first saw you again at the Prescott masquerade, you were dressed like Flora Sullivan.”

“Like who...?”

“The Bride? The Vaanti Bride? The woman who was one of the Vaanti's first human ancestors?”

“Oh, is that who I was dressed as? You mentioned her, but I don't know if you ever told me her name.”

I feel my frown deepen. “...Why that costume? If you didn't know anything about her...?”

My mother shrugs, looking a little uncomfortable. “To tell you the honest truth, the costume turned up in a package on my doorstep. The return address was from Rourke International. Although I realized the sensible thing to do might have been to throw it away, I figured that Rourke wasn't actually managing the company anymore, and in fact, my own daughter was in charge now--”

“Well, with Aleister.”

“Of course. ...I thought maybe you had realized I was alive and you were trying to reach out to me. In the box, though, all I found was the costume with a note telling me to wear it to the Prescott masquerade. Oh, and of course a ticket to the ball. The handwriting wasn't yours, though...”

“May I see the note? If you still have it?”

“Well...all right. I think I might still have it in the junk drawer here...”

She goes to open the drawer and rummage through it. I hear the rattle of pens and pencils for a moment, and then she returns to the table with a folded piece of lined flashcard paper. I take it from her and unfold it. I study the note, with its hand-printed letters neat and precise, each one perfectly placed between the blue lines. Each stroke of the pen is bold, as if whoever wrote it was pressing hard. It's instantly familiar. I saw it once in a small book that Zahra was passing around while Alodia and Jake were off on their honeymoon. I saw it before that, as I hunched over a piece of paper in Rourke's office at The Celestial with Alodia and Aleister, laboriously working out the password to his computer. Alodia pressed the pen hard to the page, her tongue caught between her teeth and her forehead creased with concentration as she matched constellations to names and months, and the pen left behind neat, precise printed letters.

...The note that brought my mother into my path was the work of the Endless.

Eva

It takes a bit of...persuasion, but the two petty crooks eventually give us a lead on Caleb. Unfortunately, that lead is irritatingly at least thirty miles outside the Northbridge city limits, in some podunk town halfway to Hartfeld. Seems Caleb wasn't keen to stay in Northbridge with Stonewall still at large. He's taken up with a squatter gang in some abandoned buildings at the edge of a forest preserve. Kenji and I have to park our car on the side of a crumbling road and hike up a hill through a maze of trees to reach the place. I wait to put my mask on until we're safely concealed by the trees. Following my lead, Kenji transforms into Talos when he's sure the coast is clear. Ultimately, though, it seems are caution was unnecessary, since we can't find anyone in the derelict village. But it is clear that people are still living here, if not legally, than at least relatively comfortably. There are mattresses, pillows, and blankets on the floors. Portable generators in each abandoned home power space heaters, fans, lights, microwaves, portable stoves, and mini fridges stocked with bottled water. An unlocked footlocker contains non-perishable edibles. There's no running water, but there are porta-potties. I don't know how they keep clean here, but maybe they aren't overly concerned with that. At the least, there are bottles of hand sanitizer and a first aid kit under the sink.

“Well, this place seems...not terrible,” Kenji remarks. “Well-stocked. Mostly liveable...”

“If you don't mind the faint smell of urine and...other stuff...” I mutter, well aware that I am breathing through my mouth as much as possible.

“Now if we could only find...” He trails off abruptly, his gaze drifting to the window. “Oh! Well, speak of the devil.”

I follow his gaze and see Caleb coming down the hill with a backpack on his shoulders. I press my back flush against the wall, keeping out of sight as I watch him. He glances furtively over his shoulder, but doesn't peek in our direction. When he seems satisfied that he's alone, he creeps toward another abandoned building. I slip towards the door, keeping him in my sight. Stretching out a hand, I gather my power. It's taken me awhile to gain as much control over time as I have now. At first, I was limited to slowing it down within the field, and I couldn't control who was affected, or how long it lasted, or how slow time went for them. But I have been practicing. While slow motion is still my speciality and the most useful, I've also learned how to accelerate time. I've gotten better at controlling the speed of it, too. For now, though, I go with the old standby. I reach out, grasping time around Caleb and stretching it like a piece of taffy. Within the narrow field, time slows to a crawl, and Caleb moves like he's suddenly swimming in syrup. I hear him swear under his breath.

“MINUET!” he groans. “What the hell?!”

I narrow the field further as Talos comes up behind him to wrap his arms around him. Caleb's arms are pinned to his sides. As I withdraw the slow-motion field entirely, moving into his line of sight, he struggles, his expression irritated more than anything.

“Don't try anything funny,” Talos warns. “You can't do much damage to me from your current position.”

“I'm not planning on doing anything funny!” he whines. “At least nothing that would concern you two idiots! What the hell do you want with me!”

“Just information,” I purr. “We want to know where Silas Prescott held you and Dragonness.”

He blinks. “...That's it? I'd have thought she'd have told you.”

“Unfortunately, she was a little distracted with the task of protecting Northbridge from Prescott,” Talos says flatly.

Caleb frowns. “Why do you need to know?”

“We need access to the Prism Gate. We understand that Prescott repaired it, and it was contained in the same facility where he held you.”

He starts to struggle again, his eyes darting back and forth. “Look...guys...I got some stuff I gotta take care of before Gigi gets back...”

“Gigi?” Talos repeats. “You got yourself a girlfriend?”

Caleb lets out a bitter bark of laughter. “Gigi? A girlfriend? Good one. I wouldn't wish that sadistic bitch on my worst enemy.” In an instant, his smile fades and his head snaps back up. He looks around wildly again, almost as if he's worried that this Gigi person heard him. “Look, the point is, I gotta take care of this stuff. If I tell you what you need to know, will you let me go?”

Talos and I exchange a glance. His eyes may be mostly concealed by a bronze film, but the brief incline of his head tells me what I need to know. I pin my gaze on Caleb.

“Start talking. Tell us what we need to know, and I won't leave you moving in slow-motion for Gigi to find.”

Blaire Hall

Cassandra Chandler. Who is Cassandra Chandler? Apparently, she used to work for my company, but she died about twenty-seven years ago. Back then I was still climbing the ladder at Mansingh Transglobal, not yet CEO, but well on my way. Her personnel files don't seem to exist anymore, at least not anywhere that I can reach them. I would have left it there, but the fact that Everett Rourke Senior was asking...my daughter's father-in-law...the man whose insanity almost got her killed...

I can't just leave it at that. Her name keeps creeping into my mind when I should be focused on other things. She's a song that's gotten stuck in my head, an itch at the back of my mind that needs scratching. I should be asleep right now, but instead, I'm digging on the internet for a ghost. I let Rourke keep talking long enough to gather that she died in an aviation accident, so that's where I begin. It takes almost an hour of clicking and searching and chasing down clues like breadcrumbs, but at last, I come across an obituary from a New York City paper. I sip at tea that's long gone cold while I read it.

Matthew Chandler and his wife, Cassandra (nee Sullivan) of Manhattan were victims of Wednesday's deadly plane crash. Cassandra, originally of Boston, MA, received both her BS in Communications and her Masters in Computer Science from Hartfeld University before moving to New York City to work for Mansingh Transglobal as a researcher. It was in Manhattan that she met Matthew, a history scholar who worked for the local library. The couple lived in SoHo.

The couple is survived by a seven-month-old daughter, Alodia Rose. Cassandra is survived by one sister, Molly (Robert) Fisher, of Riverside, CA.

...Alodia. Alodia Chandler. So that's it. Cassandra Chandler was the mother of Alodia Chandler. The girl who spent five years in suspended animation because of Rourke's insane obsession with her. I exhale slowly. It's no mystery why he would want information on her. What exactly made him fixate on that girl is anyone's guess, but obviously anyone associated with her would fascinate him, too.

Still...why, after five years, would he just be looking into Alodia's family now? Why now, when he and I have not spoke for years, would he suddenly call me asking for information on this woman? If he didn't know before that she had worked for Mansingh Transglobal, how did he find out when he is supposed to be locked away in a hospital for the insane?

I push back from my desk and stand up, wandering toward the kitchen. I need to put on a pot of coffee. I realize now I'm not going to be sleeping very much tonight.

8 notes · View notes

kennadavenportgayle · 7 years ago

Text

I swear to the Vaanti the only thing getting me through finals is the endless summer soundtrack

#its such a pop #but im dying #send sean gayle please #and becca davenport #thx

8 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 2 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 2, Scene 5 - A New Year Dawns

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: It's New Year's Eve on La Huerta, and the Catalysts are determined to make the most of it.

Previous Scene: Any Port in a Storm

Masterlist: Link

INT. ELYSIAN LODGE RESORT - LOBBY

Several hours later, the sun is just beginning to set outside the windows of the Elysian Lodge’s expansive lobby, which has been completely transformed into an ornate party room, complete with marked-out dance floor in the center of the area. A series of tables laden with food have been set up near the walls, with a haphazard arrangement of various candles scattered around. Craig, dressed in a tight-fitting dress shirt and tie, leads Furball around the room as the little fox freeze a series of impromptu “ice coolers” around the bottles of champagne and other drinks scattered about.

CRAIG: Nice job, little guy!

FURBALL (proudly): Mrrrrrffff!

Raj emerges from the kitchen, dressed in a suit and tie with an apron over it, bringing another food-laden tray out into the lobby. Quinn follows close behind with a tray of desserts, a similar apron to Raj covering her ornate blue dress.

QUINN: Where should I put these?

RAJ: Over here is good!

He indicates a table, and she sets her tray down. Raj looks down at one of the fruit trays and frowns.

RAJ: Hey… has someone been eating all the strawberries?

CRAIG: Don’t look at me… but I think I spotted Alyssa usin’ some strawberries to practice her Time Lord stuff.

RAJ: Aww… (brightens) Ah, never mind! Good for her. If I know anything, it’s that the Time Twins are gonna be the key to getting us out of this place. Besides, there’s still a bunch more fresh strawberries in the kitchen fridge!

FURBALL (excitedly): Ffrrrruuulll!

A few of the Vaanti trickle in, all wearing haphazard mismatches of formalwear. Varyyn, dressed impeccably in a suit and tie, accompanies them.

VARYYN: Hello, Centaurus. I am told today is your people’s New Year celebration. I thank you for inviting us.

Varyyn bows deeply. Raj blushes and laughs.

RAJ: No need to be so formal, Varyyn! You invited us to your festival the other day, the least we can do is return the favor!

Michelle and Ian enter the lobby, chatting animatedly about school. Michelle is wearing a sparkling golden dress, while Ian is dressed in a black tuxedo with matching bowtie.

MICHELLE: --so I think you’d only need one more bio elective if you already finished Genetics and Ecology. And the MCAT, of course, but I’m pretty sure you can take that anytime…

Michelle’s voice trails off as she sees the newly redecorated lobby. Behind her, Sean and Grace walk in, chatting excitedly to one another.

MICHELLE: Wow! Look at this place; Raj, you did all this?

Raj turns and grins broadly at her.

RAJ: Yep! With plenty of help, of course. Quinn here was--

He stops abruptly when he turns and sees Quinn is no longer in the lobby. He frowns, puzzled.

RAJ: …Uh, Quinn was right here a minute ago. Huh.

IAN: This place looks amazing! Perfect for a Raj party!

RAJ: Haha, thanks!

ALYSSA (O.S.): Alright, let’s get this thing started!

Alyssa strides confidently into the lobby, wearing a long white dress with a plunging neckline. Michelle looks her up and down approvingly.

MICHELLE: Wow. Looking good, Alyssa!

ALYSSA: Thanks, Michelle! You too!

Alyssa frowns as she looks around the room, evidently searching for something.

RAJ: Hey, Alyssa, everything okay?

ALYSSA: Yeah, I’m fine, just.. y’seen Top Gun anywhere?

It takes Raj a moment to realize who she is referring to.

RAJ: Oh, you mean Jake? Actually, I haven’t seen him since--

A sudden commotion from the top of the lobby stairs draws Raj’s (and everyone else’s) attention. Emerging from the second-floor hallway, Jake, Estela, Quinn, Diego, Aleister, and Zahra stand on the landing, all fully done-up and impeccably dressed. Alyssa, Ian, Michelle, Varyyn, Grace, and Craig all stare open-mouthed at the sight of their respective significant others, completely lost for words. Estela frowns.

ESTELA: What? What are you all looking at?

RAJ: Hey, there you all are! Come and join the party!

All of them descend the staircase, though Estela is blushing heavily as she does so. She doesn’t look entirely comfortable in her formal dress. When she reaches the bottom of the stairs, she beelines immediately for Ian.

IAN (stunned): I… uh. You. Wow.

ESTELA (shyly): I… I know Raj wanted us to dress up for New Year’s, but I never… really went to big parties or anything. Is this right?

Ian smiles warmly at her as he takes her hand in his.

IAN: More than right. Wow. Uh... I actually can’t even think of any other words right now.

In spite of herself, Estela giggles.

ESTELA: You… uh, you’re looking pretty good yourself.

Ian blushes heavily. Near the back of the room, Raj plugs his phone into the stereo system, but nothing happens. He frowns.

RAJ (frustrated): Damn, and here I thought this would work…

Craig and Zahra approach him.

CRAIG: Man, can’t believe it’s been a whole year already.

ZAHRA (frowning): …It hasn’t. We skipped six months, remember?

CRAIG: Oh. Right. Duh. I knew that!

ZAHRA: Raj, y’need some help?

RAJ: Yeah, I’m tryin’ to get the music working, but…

Zahra takes his phone in her hands and fiddles with it for a few moments. Before long, party music starts playing through the whole resort.

RAJ: Awesome! Thanks, my dudes!

CRAIG: Anytime!

ZAHRA: Craig, you didn’t do anything.

CRAIG: What? Naw, I… uh…

Any retort he may have had is cut short when he looks back at her in her formal dress. Craig can only stare open-mouthed.

ZAHRA: Huh. Guess there may be perks to dressin’ up like this after all…

Zahra playfully reaches out a finger and closes Craig’s mouth for him. Near one of the tables, Jake pours himself a glass of whiskey and raises it into the air.

JAKE: So! Who’s up for a toast?

ALYSSA: Personally, I can’t believe I’m still sober. Drink, please!

ESTELA: What are we having?

Jake grins and glances toward Ian.

JAKE: Why don’t we let Hero Boy pick?

IAN (surprised): I… what?!

ALYSSA (smirks): You heard him, “Hero Boy.”

Ian looks nervously at the assortment of drinks laid out on the table, feeling put on the spot.

IAN: I, uh…

Alyssa nudges him, glancing meaningfully toward the glass of whiskey in Jake’s hand.

IAN: Alright, how about this one?

He grabs a similar glass to Jake and pours himself some whiskey as well, then pours two more glasses for Alyssa and Estela. Estela takes a sniff of her glass and frowns.

ESTELA: What is this? It smells like sawdust.

JAKE: Trust me, there’s an art to whiskey. Now, the key to appreciating it is--

ESTELA: Getting it over with. Cheers.

She clinks her glass against Ian’s and throws back the whiskey. She winces.

ESTELA: It burns.

IAN: That bad, huh? Sorry, I--

ESTELA: Pour me another.

JAKE: Looks like Dragon Rage’s a fan, y’all.

Ian pours Estela another shot of whiskey as the four of them clink glasses and toast to the new year. In another area of the party, Varyyn and a few of his Vaanti warriors sip their own drinks as they chat with Diego, Lila, Raj, and Quinn.

VARYYN: It is interesting that your people count your years. You say this year is…?

DIEGO: Well, in a few more hours, it’s about to be 2018.

RAJ: Y’know what Varyyn here needs? One of those party sunglasses with the year on ‘em. Then he’ll never forget!

He, Quinn, Lila, and Diego burst into laughter. Diego claps Varyyn’s shoulder and pulls him into a hug.

DIEGO: Varyyn, I know you probably don’t get it right now, but we will take a picture next year while wearing those, okay?

VARYYN (warmly): I trust your judgement, my light.

Diego and Varyyn snuggle into one another as Quinn glances wistfully across the room. The camera follows her gaze to where Michelle stands chatting idly with a few of the others…

Some time later, the sun has set and most of the Catalysts are noticeably tipsier than they were previously. Several of the Vaanti warriors excitedly clink glasses of whiskey together with a triumphant cheer, then all down their drinks in one shot as Zahra looks on approvingly after downing her own glass.

ZAHRA: Doin’ great, guys! Now this is a New Year’s party!

Behind her, Aleister takes a seat at the grand piano as Michelle stands beside him. The others all crowd around. Aleister begins to play Auld Lang Syne.

MICHELLE (singing): Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never come to mind…

Aleister accompanies her, infusing each note with a delicate, classical touch. A few people sniff back tears, including Quinn and Grace.

MICHELLE (singing): For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne…

Alyssa looks pensively up toward the ceiling while Jake wraps an arm around her. Estela and Ian look deep into one another’s eyes. Raj sniffs back a tear. As Michelle begins the final part of the song, Quinn stands up and joins her:

MICHELLE AND QUINN (singing): We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

Everyone bursts into applause. Aleister stands and takes a formal bow. Quinn and Michelle look at one another; Michelle is the first to blush and look away. Jake walks up and claps Aleister on the back.

JAKE: Nice job, Schroeder. Didn’t think you had it in you.

ALEISTER: Ah. You are most welcome. I did enjoy that quite--

RAJ: Whoa! Everyone, hold up! I almost forgot; we still gotta sing “Happy Birthday!”

Everyone looks back at Raj. He grins broadly and gestures to the crowd.

RAJ: Dunno if I mentioned it to everyone yet, but with the skip forward in time, we missed a bunch of birthdays! Including Aleister, and the Time Twins here! …Not to mention myself, of course!

He steps between Alyssa and Ian, pulling them both into a group hug.

RAJ: Anybody else we missed? Who’s had a birthday between… uh…

GRACE: June 6th and December 26th!

Aleister, Michelle, Craig, Quinn, Estela, Zahra, Raj himself, and the Czasa twins all raise their hands.

RAJ: Alright, cool! Aleister, if you don’t mind?

He gestures to the piano. Aleister nods and takes his seat once again at the keys.

DIEGO: Are we even allowed to sing it? I heard it was copyrighted--

CRAIG: Who’s gonna stop us, bro? Unless… (completely seriously) Dude, does Rourke own the rights to Happy Birthday? That’d be his most evil plan yet!

Zahra shakes her head and sighs. Aleister begins to play, and everyone else starts singing along, with the Vaanti catching on after the first few bars…

EVERYONE (singing): Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear…

A variety of names are all shouted out at once. Ian makes a point to sing Estela’s name rather than his own, and she likewise sings his name in return. They both smile warmly at one another.

RAJ (excitedly): Dudes, that was flawless! Best birthday song ever!

CRAIG: Ha! Take that, Rourke!

Everyone applauds and hugs one another after the song. Lila stands off to one side, glancing around at the others with a strange expression on her face. She glances around furtively for a moment, then quietly slips upstairs as the others continue celebrating.

SEAN (shouting): Hey! Don’t forget, it’s only a few minutes ‘til midnight!

Everyone startles at this pronouncement, glancing at various clocks… which all show completely different times. Sean shrugs.

SEAN: Well… as close as I can tell, anyway. Who knows on this island?

ALYSSA (laughing): Fair enough. Alright, let’s do this!

RAJ: Craig, you ready for our master surprise?

CRAIG: You know it!

Craig and Raj lead the others up onto the roof of the Elysian Lodge. A large crate full of red flares has been set against one edge of the roof; Craig rushes toward it excitedly with a lighter in his hand.

MICHELLE (worriedly): Uh… guys?

JAKE: Are those flares?

Craig stops and turns around, grinning broadly.

CRAIG: Yup! One of those commando dudes dropped ‘em! Me and Raj thought--

JAKE (fiercely): Don’t you dare light those--

RAJ: Aww, c’mon, don’t ruin our fun! I’d have thought you’d be all about this! What’s the harm in--

Estela crosses her arms and steps closer to Raj, glaring angrily.

ESTELA: So, right now, we’re hiding from a death squad of highly trained, well-armed mercenaries… and your plan is to shoot off a bunch of flares directly over our location.

She holds her death glare on the two of them. There is an awkward silence before Craig and Raj finally glance at each other, both clearly embarrassed.

CRAIG: Okay, when you put it like that…

RAJ: Sorry guys. No fireworks this year.

Raj looks down dejectedly and starts heading toward the stairs, when suddenly:

GRACE: Wait! Look!

Everyone follows her gaze off toward a distant mountain range, where the sky is lighting up in beautiful, otherworldly colors. Jake and Alyssa exchange a shocked glance: the colors are identical to those they had seen during their first day on La Huerta, back at the airstrip.

SEAN: What is that?!

VARYYN: Ah, the Lights of Vaanu. Among our people, they are believed to be a sign of good fortune to come.

JAKE: Dunno about y’all, but I’d say we could definitely use some good fortune right about now.

Raj shrugs.

RAJ: Well, it’s not fireworks, but it’s close enough for me! Fifteen seconds ‘til midnight!

Everyone starts looking around at one another, most of them pairing off: Alyssa with Jake, Aleister with Grace, Craig with Zahra, Diego with Varyyn, and two of the Vaanti with one another. Quinn looks as though she is about to approach Michelle, but shies away at the last minute. Ian nods toward Estela, who approaches him. Ian starts to turn away, when Alyssa not-so-subtly kicks him with her heel, pushing him back toward Estela.

IAN (annoyed): ‘Lyss!

He bumps into Estela, who awkwardly catches him in her arms.

ESTELA: Oh! …Hey.

IAN (awkwardly): …Hey.

Everyone else starts counting down from ten. Ian scratches the back of his neck and glances away from Estela. Alyssa shoots him an “are you kidding me?” glance, while Diego raises his eyebrows so far that they nearly vanish into his hairline. Ian sighs and nods in acknowledgement, then takes a deep breath.

EVERYONE: Five… four… three…

Estela steps close, the brilliant otherworldly lights reflecting in her deep brown eyes as she and Ian gaze at one another.

ESTELA: I…

EVERYONE: Two… one… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The other couples all pull one another into New Year’s kisses as those who are single celebrate in their own ways. Ian starts to hesitate, then relents and pulls Estela into a deep kiss. When they part, Estela smiles up at him.

ESTELA (laughs): I almost thought I would have to do everything myself. Again.

IAN (laughs): Guess I just thought… I was worried you might not want--

He is interrupted by Estela pulling him back in for another kiss. Elsewhere, near the rooftop jacuzzi, Diego and Varyyn sit side-by-side, just breaking apart from their own midnight kiss.

VARYYN: This tradition of yours. Kissing at midnight.

DIEGO (awkwardly): Well, it’s not exactly my tradition--

VARYYN (warmly): I enjoy it quite a lot. Does it apply only to midnight?

DIEGO: Well, uh, if you’re asking if we can kiss again… I won’t say no.

VARYYN (ecstatic): Wonderful! Then, may I…?

Diego nods, and he and Varyyn kiss once more. In the background, Raj can be seen nodding at the two of them, and Craig groans and hands over some cash. Elsewhere, Jake and Alyssa stand hand-in-hand, gazing off at the multicolored lights.

JAKE: Looks familiar, huh?

ALYSSA: How could I forget? That was kind of a big day for me. Y’know.

JAKE: Why, ‘cuz you met me?

ALYSSA (teasingly): Don’t get too excited, Top Gun. A lot more happened than just that.

JAKE: Alright, answer this: were you really looking at those lights the whole time?

ALYSSA: I--

She laughs and rolls her eyes in tacit admission that her attention had indeed been elsewhere at the time. Jake wraps his arms around her and pulls her in close.

ALYSSA: What do you say we take this somewhere else?

JAKE: What were you thinkin’, Princess?

ALYSSA: Somewhere with a bed, if you know what I mean…?

JAKE: I am never gonna say no to that. Lead on.

Alyssa takes him by the hand and leads him back downstairs. As the night continues on, several other couples do the same. Diego and Varyyn are on their way toward the stairs when Diego stops for a moment near where Ian and Estela are sitting.

DIEGO: Go ahead, Varyyn, I’ll catch up. I’ve just gotta check on something first.

Varyyn nods and continues down the stairs. Diego approaches Ian and Estela, resting a hand on the former’s shoulder.

IAN: What’s up?

DIEGO: Can I talk to you for a sec?

IAN: Uh… sure?

Ian gives Estela an apologetic look, and she nods in response. Diego leads him over to a secluded area of the rooftop and lowers his voice.

DIEGO: You know the night’s not over yet, right?

IAN (genuinely confused): What?

DIEGO: Ian! Seriously! Surely you noticed the other couples heading off, right? Me included?

IAN: Yes… and?

Diego seems to be fighting the urge to facepalm.

DIEGO: You. Estela. Do I need to say anything more?

IAN (nervously): Okay, I get what you’re saying, but… where would we even go? It’s not like the lobby is exactly private, and--

DIEGO: This is a hotel, Ian! Are you kidding right now? All the bedrooms you could possibly want! Just go find one!

IAN (laughs): Alright, alright. I’ll ask her. You know, she might say ‘no’--

DIEGO: With how she’s been looking at you all this time? If she says ‘no,’ I’ll literally eat my shoe. Not even kidding. (sighs) Just ask her, would you?

IAN: Will do, Diego. And thanks for the push.

DIEGO (shrugs): What can I say? It’s kinda my job.

He nods at Ian, then turns to rejoin Varyyn and head back downstairs. Ian steels himself, then heads back toward Estela.

ESTELA: What was that all about?

IAN (awkwardly): Diego. He, uh, not-so-subtly hinted that… we should… y’know, ‘find a bedroom.’

ESTELA (coyly): Oh? And what did you think about that?

Ian scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.

IAN: Well, uh… if you said ‘no,’ I’d definitely understand--

ESTELA (genuinely confused): …Why would I say ‘no?’

IAN: Dunno, guess I just thought--

She holds a finger up to his lips and smiles.

ESTELA: You think too much.

With a wink, she takes him by the hand and leads him downstairs…

_______________________

Note: If anyone was wondering, Ian was born at 11:59 PM December 31st, 1995, and Alyssa was born at 12:01 AM January 1st, 1996.

Next: The Fourteenth Vaalta (Coming soon!)

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

10 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 2, Scene 3 - An Unpleasant Reunion

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: While braving the snowy wastes of the island's northern region, the Catalysts are confronted by a new enemy.

Previous Scene: Climate Change

Masterlist: Link

EXT. LA HUERTA - NIXEBEG REGION - EVENING

It is almost impossible to see anything in the severe blizzard that now blows around the Catalysts and their Vaanti escorts as they make their way steadily northward. Almost everyone is wincing and struggling against the fierce winds and pounding snowfall… all except Furball, who freely skips ahead of the others.

FURBALL (happily): Mrrrmph! Murrrrr!

Then, Furball abruptly stops. The little fox-like creature raises his head, sniffing cautiously, before turning back to look concerned at the others.

FURBALL: …Mrroo?

QUINN: Huh? What’s wrong, little guy?

Estela holds up a hand, stopping everyone else in their tracks. The others look at her, confused.

ESTELA: Someone’s there.

Ian and Alyssa look ahead, where the faint outline of a human silhouette can barely be seen amid the white haze. This is REX LUNDGREN, Jake’s former commander, although he is unrecognizable at this time. The Catalysts and the Vaanti stay silent, struggling to keep quiet as a small circle glows red near the outline’s face. An angry, deep voice shouts over the howling blizzard:

LUNDGREN (angrily): McKenzie! Where are you, ya miserable pile of shit?!

At a look from Estela, the others remain silent, though Jake is visibly struggling with some internal conflict. The voice calls out once again:

LUNDGREN (mockingly): Your family’s disappointed in you, McKenzie! First you sold American arms to a foreign dictator, then you resisted arrest, then took yourself off the grid…

Alyssa looks at Jake with surprise. Jake shakes his head frantically, motioning her to stay quiet.

LUNDGREN: Had to break the news to your mama myself. (mockingly) “Sorry ma’am, your son betrayed his country and endangered his fellow soldiers!” Then I held her. As she cried hysterically. Least I could do--

JAKE (seething with rage): Don’t. You. DARE!

Jake finally snaps and lunges toward the voice!

JAKE: Lundgren! Where the hell are you?! Come fight me face-to-face, you piece of--

LUNDGREN: C’mon, where’s the fun in that? As much as I’d love to catch up on old times…

Jake is sent sprawling face-first in the snow as Lundgren draws close enough for Jake (and the audience) to make out his scowling, bald face, as well as the elaborate powered exoskeleton he wears. Lundgren plants a boot on Jake’s back and aims a pistol at his head.

LUNDGREN: You’re dead either way. But if you don’t want your new friends to get hurt… you’d better tell ‘em to come out and surrender.

JAKE (spits): Go to hell, Lundgren.

Estela hisses, her voice so low it’s barely a whisper:

ESTELA: Ian, he’s on his own, I can take him easily. If Jake keeps him distracted for a few more minutes, I’ll just--

LUNDGREN: Arachnids! Into position!

Lundgren gestures with his free hand, and a series of armored Hummers suddenly come roaring over a nearby ridge. Soldiers in face concealing high-tech powered armor emerge from the vehicles, readying their rifles. For the first time since arriving on La Huerta, Estela looks truly nervous.

ESTELA: Uh…never mind.

RAJ: You’ve gotta be kidding me!

DIEGO (terrified): A whole army of evil Master Chiefs is not something I wanna deal with!

JAKE (struggling): Princess, it’s me he wants! Get outta here, all of you!

ALYSSA: No way, Top Gun! I can’t leave you!

MICHELLE: Seriously, Alyssa? You’re doing this now?!

FURBALL: Hff-huff!

Furball suddenly darts forward toward Lundgren! Startled, Lundgren pulls the trigger… but Furball blows a beam of ice from his mouth, fully encasing the gun in ice and causing it to misfire!

LUNDGREN: Stupid dog! All of you, fire!

CRAIG: Get ‘em!

Craig, Zahra, and Sean start pelting Lundgren and the other soldiers with a series of hard-packed snowballs they had been gathering during the previous confrontation. Lundgren grunts in pain.

VARYYN: Warriors, loose arrows!

Varyyn’s scouts draw their bows and fire at the soldiers! Bullets ring out across the canyon, most of the shots going wide. One Vaanti scout goes down as the other Vaanti and the Catalysts sprint toward a nearby outcropping of rocks.

LUNDGREN: Find them! They can’t have gone far!

Concealed by the blinding snow, the Catalysts wait with bated breath as several Arachnid soldiers march around them. One of the soldiers, a woman codenamed FIDDLER, calls out:

FIDDLER: Damn it! Lundgren, are you sure Wolf’s even here? I can’t see shit in this blizzard!

LUNDGREN: He’s here, all right! Had ‘im in my sights before that damned raccoon got in my way!

Another Arachnid, a man codenamed TETRA, responds:

TETRA: Want me to break this ice? I can definitely do that!

LUNDGREN (angrily): And drown us all in the process? No, Tetra! (to himself, annoyed) Why am I surrounded by idiots?

The footsteps recede, headed away from where the Catalysts and Vaanti are hiding. After a few tense moments, Alyssa lets out a huge sigh of relief.

ALYSSA: Okay, are they gone? Because that was literally the most terrifying moment of my life.

JAKE: I think we’re safe. Listen, Princess, I never meant to get you--

ESTELA: Can we do this later? We need to find shelter, right away! Those soldiers may be gone, but we still have no food, no shelter, and barely any drinkable water, remember?

VARYYN: Draco speaks true. We must find shelter immediately. Catalysts, are any of you capable of overcoming the Hydra’s security?

ZAHRA: What, you mean Rourke? Yeah, we’ve beaten that before thanks to Aleister here--

Varyyn visibly brightens.

VARYYN: Excellent! In that case, I know the perfect destination. Come, Catalysts, follow me!

SEAN: Uh, Varyyn? I can barely see you…

DIEGO: I’ve got his hand! Follow my voice!

RAJ: Okay!

DIEGO: C’mon, this way, guys!

As Diego continues to call out, one-by-one the other Catalysts manage to find him and Varyyn and begin following them through the blizzard. After a few minutes of walking, Craig shouts:

CRAIG: Whoa! I think that’s a building over there!

VARYYN: Indeed, Ursus. We have reached another of the Hydra’s caches… and if your--er, if Corvus is correct, we may be able to access this one.

They all draw closer as the blizzard begins to gradually subside. A large ski lodge looms up in front of them. A sign nearby reads “ELYSIAN LODGE RESORT.” Sean frowns in puzzlement.

SEAN: Another resort? All the way up here?

LILA (brightly): Yes, of course! The Elysian! We’re saved!

ALEISTER: Oh, thank goodness. Quickly, let us get inside!

He darts ahead of the others, resting a hand on the doorknob at the entrance. Nothing happens at first, and he frowns as the others arrive.

ZAHRA: What are you waitin’ for, an invitation? Open it up!

ALEISTER: Yes, of course. Just one moment…

He glances down at his palms, as though some secret will reveal itself there. With an annoyed huff, Estela slams a fist against the door as Aleister tries the doorknob once again. This time, he is greeted with a click as the lock opens. He turns the handle and opens the doors, revealing a cozy lobby a bit smaller than the Celestial’s, with an ornate double staircase leading up to the second floor. The others all file in, gaping in wonder at their surroundings.

VARYYN: So this is what the Hydra was keeping from us all this time…

CRAIG: Holy shit, this is awesome!

ZAHRA: Point me to the nearest couch. I’m practically unconscious already.

QUINN: Wow! Look at this place!

Everyone quickly files in, grabbing the first couches, armchairs, or rugs they can find to fall asleep on. Alyssa practically collapses onto a couch nearby; Jake takes a seat beside her, stroking her hair gently.

JAKE: Princess… listen. I’m sorry--

Alyssa waves a hand dismissively and yawns.

ALYSSA: Right now, I’m tired. Whatever’s goin’ on, you can tell me in the morning. Okay?

Jake smiles and shakes his head in amusement, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

JAKE: Alright. ‘Night, Princess.

ALYSSA (sleepily): ‘Night, Top Gun.

Alyssa flops face-first onto her couch. Jake sighs, lost in thought. Then he shrugs and leans back against the couch, closing his eyes. In no time at all, the two of them are sound asleep.

_______________________

Next: Any Port in a Storm

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

5 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 2, Scene 1 - Portal to Home

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: Lila brings news of a way for the Catalysts to get home... but can she be trusted?

Previous Scene: Valinorim

Masterlist: Link

INT. ELYYS'TEL THRONE ROOM - DAY

The next day, Varyyn, Seraxa, and Uqzhaal meet with most of the Catalysts within the throne room. Craig and Zahra are absent, as Craig is presumably recovering from a severe hangover after the events of the previous day’s celebration. Lila stands apart from the others, in a similar position to where the other Catalysts had been during the Tribunal.

RAJ: You’re sayin’ Rourke has a magic teleport portal?! ...Actually, now that I think about it, that’s not all that weird compared with everything else that’s happened.

LILA: Technically, it’s called a “Prismatic Interdimensional Transporter.” But yes, you’re basically right. With the proper power source--what you call the “Vaanusor”--the device could be used to instantly transport all of you home!

Jake crosses his arms and scowls.

JAKE (skeptically): And you expect us to just believe that? I dunno about the rest of you, but I don’t remember any magic portals back at the Celestial.

LILA: It’s not at the Celestial. Rourke has several facilities all over the island. The Gate is kept in his experimental research installation, codenamed “MASADA.”

ALYSSA: Yeah, this is smelling more and more like a trap every second.

LILA: No, I swear I’m not lying! I told you, Rourke nearly killed me! I did whatever I could to escape!

ALEISTER: That does seem in-line with what my father would do...

DIEGO: Where is this place, Lila?

LILA: It’s just off the tip of the island’s northernmost peninsula.

SERAXA: The northern reaches. The most dangerous part of the island.

ALYSSA: You’re saying this part with the sabertooth tigers, killer crab, and giant sea monster is the un-dangerous part of the island? Well, that’s just fantastic.

RAJ: I mean, this place ain’t so bad now that you Vaanti dudes are on our side! Do we even need to leave?

MICHELLE: Given the number of times we’ve almost died since coming here... I’d say “yes.”

JAKE: The real question is, can we trust Dimples?

SEAN: Varyyn’s the elyyshar. Why don’t we let him make the final say? Varyyn?

He gives Varyyn a respectful nod.

VARYYN: Hmm... There is much to think about when it comes to Auriga. I am not certain--

LILA: Wait!

She seems to suddenly remember something, pulling out her pack and rummaging through it. A second later, she pulls out another vaalta statue much like the others that had been seen, depicting a toga-clad woman riding in a chariot. Uqzhaal gasps in surprise at the sight.

UQZHAAL: Ah! This vaalta... it is yours--

LILA: Yes! I took it from Rourke’s collection before coming here. I know it’s important to you Hos--uh, Vaanti. You really think Rourke would let me just give this to you?

Uqzhaal approaches, and she hands the statue over to him. Ian and Alyssa both gaze at it curiously.

IAN: Keeper Uqzhaal... should we, y’know--

He mimes touching the idol. For a split-second, Lila tenses up, then sighs in relief a moment later when Uqzhaal shakes his head.

UQZHAAL: There is no need, Perseus. It shall be brought safely to the Temple of Auriga where it belongs, alongside the others.

ALYSSA: Oh, that reminds me...

She pulls out Sean’s vaalta and hands it to the old Keeper. A second later, Ian does the same with Michelle’s.

UQZHAAL: Excellent! We have nearly all of them now. This is truly a joyous day!

VARYYN: Yes, but still... I will need to think on all of this. Auriga, thank you for bringing this back to us. I will make my decision later, after conferring with... those I trust most.

He smiles briefly at Diego, who blushes and smiles shyly back. Then he turns back to face Lila.

VARYYN: Until my decision is made, you are to remain in the city. Understand?

LILA: Of... of course. Thank you.

Lila nods respectfully and nervously backs out of the council chamber. Taking their cue, most of the others do the same, aside from Diego. Jake shakes his head as he walks toward the entrance alongside Alyssa.

JAKE: I dunno, Princess. Just... somethin’ really rubs me the wrong way here.

ALYSSA: The statue, though. This is one elaborate trap if it involves Rourke willingly handing one of those over. Especially with how important they supposedly are.

JAKE: Yeah... (sighs) I just can’t shake this feeling. This all seems too easy.

ALYSSA: Y’know, Top Gun, there’s no law that says you have to be paranoid 24/7. It’s okay to lighten up once in a while!

Jake nods.

JAKE: You’re right.

ALYSSA (teasingly): Aren’t I always?

JAKE: Except for when you said I was asleep on the plane, which I definitely wasn’t--

She shoves him playfully.

ALYSSA: You were asleep, and I’m never gonna let that one go.

JAKE: ‘Course not. You’re too stubborn for that.

ALYSSA: Right back at you.

She hesitates at the doorway, catching sight of Ian and Estela a short distance away.

ALYSSA: Go ahead, I’ll catch up. I’ve gotta ask my brother about something first.

JAKE: Alright, Princess. See ya around.

He gives her a quick kiss before turning and leaving the throne room. Alyssa dashes over to her brother and Estela.

ALYSSA: Ian! Este--

Ian fixes her with a look, jerking his head toward where Lila stands just out of earshot. Alyssa quickly understands and drops her voice to a low whisper.

ALYSSA: Lila doesn’t know?

ESTELA: No. And I’d like to keep it that way, at least for now.

ALYSSA: Uh... this is embarrassing, but I kinda forgot your alias. Sorry. Guess I’m not used to friends needing to use--

ESTELA (surprised): I’m... I’m your friend?

ALYSSA: Well, yeah! Duh? Of course you are!

ESTELA: Sorry. I just... that surprised me, that’s all. Thank you.

ALYSSA (laughs): No problem. Anyway, your name...?

ESTELA: Oh, right. “Elena Hernandez.”

ALYSSA: Got it. Sorry. (no longer whispering) Hey, “Elena!” Hey, Ian!

Ian gives her a subtle nod.

IAN: Great. So, what’s up?

ALYSSA: ...Right, almost forgot. Ian, can I talk to you?

He and Estela exchange a quick glance. Estela nods.

ESTELA: Come find me.

She turns and leaves the throne room.

ALYSSA: Bye, “Elena!”

IAN (whispering): Okay, you’re overdoing it a little.

ALYSSA (whispering): Oops. Sorry. (normally) Anyway, I, uh... so y’know how I’ve been kinda scared about this... power thing we can do?

IAN: Yeah...?

Lila walks past them, leaving the room, as Alyssa holds up a hand and concentrates. Small wisps of energy dance around her fingers for a moment.

IAN (impressed): Wow! ‘Lyss, you’re--

ALYSSA: Yeah. I talked with Zahra the other day. Promised to stop being afraid of myself. But so far, this is all I can do... Got any tips? I mean, you yanked me back onto that log the other day, that was pretty cool.

Ian shakes his head.

IAN: All instinct. When I actually try to do anything, I can’t do much more than you. I mean, it’s gotten a little easier with practice, but...

He demonstrates, achieving a similar series of energy wisps with significantly less effort than Alyssa needed.

IAN: No idea how to scale it up.

ALYSSA: Damn. So what are we supposed to--

Their conversation is interrupted by Kele, having finally recovered from his battle with Cetus, entering the chamber.

KELE: Elyyshar! I apologize for my long recovery. I am...

He stops as he realizes Varyyn is still deep in conversation with Diego, Seraxa, and Uqzhaal, none of whom have noticed his arrival. Then he spots the twins.

KELE: As long as I’m waiting... Good to see you two. How have you been?

The Czasa twins look up in surprise.

ALYSSA: Oh! It’s you! Water guy!

KELE (laughs): It’s “Wave-Lord,” actually, but really I’d rather just be Kele.

IAN: Fair enough. Glad you’re back up and about. That stuff you pulled off... how many times do we owe you our lives now?

KELE: Doesn’t matter. I’m happy to help. ...Actually, speaking of helping, I’ve been meaning to talk with you two for a while.

ALYSSA: With us?

KELE: That power of yours. It’s a lot like mine. I suppose you wouldn’t mind some friendly advice?

ALYSSA: I mean, sure, but I don’t think it’ll help much. I definitely haven’t been able to control water--which is super cool, by the way. All we can do is--

KELE: No, no, that’s not what I meant. I mean that your power is a form of stoicheal energy, like mine. They function on the same principle, even if they manifest differently.

IAN: “Stoich”-what?

KELE: Where I’m from, there’s all kinds of people like us. Some, like me, control water. Others control metal, fire, air, earth, wood... The point is, you two seem to have what I would call Time Stoichi. Similar in effect to my own Water Stoichi, at least enough that I could give you some basic pointers. So?

Alyssa and Ian look at each other and nod.

ALYSSA: Sounds great! So, what have you got for us?

Kele reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handful of small berries.

KELE: These are mezzberries. Watch.

He summons a swirl of water in his hand. Then, with pinpoint precision, he sends the water out to perfectly envelop a single berry, holding it in place within a watery shell. A moment later, he snaps his fingers and the water evaporates instantly into the air, leaving the berry unharmed.

KELE: First step: precision targeting. Try picking one of these berries out of the group, then holding it in place. Okay?

IAN: Got it. Alright, let me try.

He concentrates, summoning the energy around his fingertips. Then, he squints, concentrating hard on one of the berries. A faint greenish-golden glow starts to surround his entire body.

KELE: Good so far!

IAN: And... here!

He points one finger at one of the berries. The power leaps from his skin and toward the set of berries... but instead of surrounding one of them, it slams into the whole bunch, scattering them all to the ground! ‘Lyss doubles over in laughter as Kele stoops to pick the berries back up.

ALYSSA: He said hold the berry, not knock ‘em all on the ground!

IAN: You try, then!

ALYSSA: Alright, fine! Watch this!

She concentrates, a similar glow erupting around herself much like her brother had done previously. Kele nods in approval.

KELE: Keep it up. You’re doing--

VARYYN: Wave-Lord! You’ve returned!

Kele looks up and smiles at Varyyn.

KELE: Indeed. I apologize for my long recovery.

VARYYN: Please, no need for that. Come. We have... a situation. We require your input.

Kele nods to the twins.

KELE: Keep it up, you two. I’ll have some more basic exercises for you later, alright?

He heads over to confer with Varyyn while Alyssa manages to capture two of the berries in a time-field. She concentrates harder, sweat beading down her forehead, when suddenly the berries squish together, exploding with a POP and spraying berry juice all over her face!

IAN (mockingly): “He said hold the berry, not make it explode into juice!”

ALYSSA: Ha ha, very funny.

She picks up a berry and throws it at him. It smacks him right in the face, exploding into juice.

IAN: Hey!

ALYSSA: There, now we’re even!

IAN: That isn’t how that works at all--

ALYSSA: Hey, if I have to be covered in juice, then so do you!

The two continue to bicker playfully as Diego watches them, laughing to himself. Kele, Varyyn, Seraxa, and Uqzhaal continue debating Lila’s claims, as the camera shifts to the platform just outside the throne room...

EXT. ELYYS’TEL - MORNING

Lila sits on a bench, her head in her hands, as she gazes out across the city. Taari sprints across a rope bridge just below them, while Sean and Quinn chase him, all three giggling and laughing. On a platform above, Jake helps a pair of Vaanti repair the damaged hang gliders. Raj busily cooks something over a large cooking fire, with several Vaanti civilians looking on curiously. Lila sighs as she watches everyone enjoying themselves.

ESTELA (O.S.): Lila.

Lila looks up in surprise as Estela walks into the scene and approaches her. She takes a seat on the bench.

ESTELA: So...

LILA: I don’t know what you or anyone else expects me to say. I’ve told you all everything that happened. Still, you don’t believe me.

ESTELA: Can you blame us? With everything that man has done...

LILA: I know. I wasn’t lying, Elena. He tried to kill me! The longer I stayed with him, the more afraid I got. That all it would take was one mistake, one wrong step, and I’d make Mr. Rourke angry... and that would be the end of me.

Estela’s expression softens. She nods in understanding of Rourke’s cruelty.

LILA: All I ever wanted to do was be a good employee! Do my best to help Mr. Rourke! And still... he almost shot me. Almost killed me. I... I...

Her eyes start watering. Estela hesitates before awkwardly resting a hand on her shoulder.

LILA: I’m sorry, Elena. I shouldn’t be... I should be stronger. Better. It’s my job to be cheerful, happy, optimistic. I’m a Rourke International tour guide! And yet--

ESTELA: Rourke hurt you. It’s okay to be affected by that.

Lila sniffs.

LILA: Thank you. You’re right. It’s just...

ESTELA: I’ve been hurt too, y’know. Rourke is not a good man. He puts on such a show for the world, yet deep down... I think we both know what he really is.

LILA: I suppose we do.

They sit side-by-side in silence for a few moments. Then, the door to the throne room swings open, with Ian and Alyssa emerging, both of them laughing and covered in berry juice.

IAN: Oh! Hey, Es--Elena. Lila. Hi.

ESTELA: Why is your face covered in... whatever that is?

Ian shrugs.

IAN: Mezzberry juice. ‘Lyss and I were practicing with our... powers. Turns out Kele is a pretty helpful teacher!

ALYSSA (shouting): Yo, Top Gun!

She sprints toward the nearest ascending ramp toward the hang glider platform.

IAN: Everything okay?

LILA: I’m alright. Thank you, Ian.

ESTELA: Yeah. We just... y’know, I don’t think she was lying about Rourke trying to kill her.

Estela stands up and moves closer to Ian.

ESTELA (quietly): Nobody can fake that kind of emotion. At least about that, she was telling the truth.

IAN: Good to know. Varyyn wants us all to gather again. He’s ready to make his decision.

INT. ELYYS’TEL THRONE ROOM - MORNING

Everyone has gathered in the throne room once again: even a tired, groaning Craig has managed to make his way down, being propped up on one side by an annoyed-looking Zahra. Varyyn looks down at Lila from his seat on his throne.

VARYYN: After much deliberation... I have decided. The Catalysts have done much for our people. It is only right that we help them return to their own people... and to that end, I myself along with my best warriors shall accompany them to this device. This way, we can ensure that the Vaanusor stays safe until it is time to use it.

UQZHAAL: After all, what better use for Vaanu’s heart than to assist their children?

Ian and Alyssa smile at each other.

VARYYN: We depart tomorrow morning. Seraxa, Uqzhaal, and the Wave-Lord are in charge of the city whilst I am away.

LILA: Thank you. I’ll guide you all to the Gate with the best of my ability, I promise!

ESTELA: I know you will. Thanks, Lila.

QUINN: This is so exciting! We’re going home!

She pulls Michelle into a hug as Furball darts around at her feet, yipping excitedly. Diego squeezes Varyyn’s hand.

DIEGO: Look at you, Varyyn! You’re really taking to leadership well. It suits you.

VARYYN: Thank you, my light. The burden of leadership is lessened with you at my side.

DIEGO: Yeah. I just wish this could last forever.

He sighs and gazes pensively up at the ceiling, knowing that at the end of their journey, he and Varyyn will need to go their separate ways...

_______________________

Scene Notes: And so Act 2 begins... with the journey to MASADA! Good thing the twins have finally started really learning to use their powers, thanks to Kele...

_______________________

Next: Climate Change

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

13 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 1, Scene 12 - Valinorim

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: The Catalysts participate in a Vaanti festival of music, food, and games!

Previous Scene: Sunset Chat

Masterlist: Link

EXT. ELYYS’TEL - MORNING

The next day, the city is filled with colorful banners, Vaanti dancing and singing, the sounds of horns and drums, and multiple plates and bowls of food set out everywhere. From within a small hut near the top of the city, Jake emerges, wincing against the morning sunlight as he yawns loudly.

JAKE: Damn... these Vaanti start their parties early.

ALYSSA (O.S.) (groggily): Top Gun, can you tell ‘em to shut that light off?

Jake laughs and glances back at the hut.

JAKE: That’s the sun, Princess. I could ask your brother, see if he can undo it for ya--

ALYSSA (yawning): Ha ha, very funny. Alright, I’m up. Give me a sec.

The camera pans away from Jake and down through the city until arriving at the city’s central platform. Most of the other Catalysts are already there, as is Seraxa along with a large crowd of other Vaanti. Varyyn stands atop a platform, looking resplendent in the ornate robes and brilliant red headdress of the elyyshar. He raises his arms over the crowd.

VARYYN: This has been a time of great loss... and yet, also a time for celebration. Cetus has been driven back. The Children of Vaanu have returned to us. Delphinus’s life has been restored by the grace of Vaanu!

He spares a glance for Quinn, who is smiling broadly as she leans against Michelle. Her skin is back to its normal color and she looks healthier than ever. Michelle smiles back at her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

RAJ: Yeah! Go Quinn!

ALEISTER: Curing Rotterdam’s Syndrome in an hour? Let’s see my father do that!

From his position at Varyyn’s left side, Uqzhaal adds:

UQZHAAL: And let us not forget: we have also crowned a new elyyshar! Varyyn Ximaeiho!

Varyyn blushes a faint blue as the crowd erupts into cheers. Diego cheers the loudest of all. As the cheers die down, Varyyn speaks once again.

VARYYN: Yes... there is much to celebrate today. So let us put aside the pain we have suffered, and enjoy this day of joy! Let the 212th Valinorim begin!

As the crowd erupts into jovial cheering, Varyyn climbs down from his platform. Seraxa approaches him and bows respectfully.

SERAXA: My elyyshar. I must apologize for my harsh words yesterday. I misjudged you and the Catalysts, and I am sorry. I--

VARYYN: There is no need, Seraxa. I am just happy to have you here today with us. Now, go! Enjoy the Valinorim; I certainly shall!

Seraxa smiles faintly as Varyyn heads straight to Diego.

DIEGO: That speech was incredible! Nice job, Varyyn. And I agree with Uqzhaal: you are definitely a reason to celebrate, too!

VARYYN: I thank you, Diego. Truth be told, it all feels a bit... much.

DIEGO: Nah. It’s great! Speaking of which, what exactly do we do here? This is my first time seeing one of these... uh...

VARYYN: “Valinorim.” It is a day of celebration held after the crowning of a new elyyshar. It is one of our oldest rituals, and is traditionally celebrated with dancing, music, games, food, and drinks!

JAKE: You had me at “drinks,” Kermit the Chief.

He and Alyssa approach from a nearby ramp. Alyssa yawns, clearly still waking up.

ALYSSA: Somebody said something about food?

DIEGO: Yeah! You don’t wanna miss the Valinorim!

RAJ: It’s time to party!

A set of four Vaanti walk past, a large table laden with food being carried between them. Raj stares excitedly at it.

RAJ: Alright, that looks amazing! Where you going?

SERAXA: Only the bravest of souls dares take on the Challenge of the Feast. It is not for the faint-of... stomach.

RAJ (excitedly): You’re sayin’ it’s an eating contest? I am so in!

SERAXA: Eating, yes, as well as the imbibing of liquors. You will also need a partner--

CRAIG: Count me in, bro!

Craig claps Raj on the back.

CRAIG: Humans vs. Vaanti, let’s go!

Zahra smiles at Craig, nudging him playfully.

ZAHRA: Make humanity proud.

CRAIG: You know it. I got this!

He smiles back at her before he and Raj head off in pursuit of the group of Vaanti and their table. Alyssa sidles up to Zahra.

ALYSSA: ...I assume things worked out last night?

ZAHRA: You bet. Thanks for the support.

ALYSSA (shrugs): Guess Diego’s matchmaking instinct must’ve rubbed off on me. Glad I could help.

ZAHRA: And your half of the deal...?

Alyssa holds up a hand and shuts her eyes tightly, concentrating. A few small wisps of greenish-golden energy dance around her fingertips before vanishing.

ZAHRA: Nice. It’s a start.

ALYSSA: Thanks.

Varyyn approaches the two of them, a happy spring in his step.

VARYYN: Andromeda! Corvus! Come, you must celebrate with the rest of us. Most of my people will be gathered down at the beach.

ALYSSA: Alright, point us to the party!

Varyyn reaches out and literally points down in the direction of the water’s edge. Alyssa and Zahra double over in laughter.

ALYSSA (laughing): Sorry--that wasn’t--it’s a figure of speech!

ZAHRA (laughing): Aw, man! That was hilarious!

Varyyn stares in puzzlement for a moment... then starts laughing as well.

VARYYN: I suppose even as elyyshar, I still have much to learn. Come, let us join in the festivities!

He leads them along with most of the other Catalysts toward a nearby ramp. As they leave the area, Quinn lingers, looking into the sky, her gaze unfocused. Michelle hesitates.

MICHELLE: Quinn?

She walks back to stand beside Quinn.

MICHELLE: How are you feeling? Gonna head down to the party?

QUINN: Yeah. Just need a moment to collect my thoughts, I guess. It’s...

Michelle nods.

MICHELLE: You’ve been through a lot. Understandable.

QUINN: It’s... I feel completely fine. Even better than before, and I still don’t know what to do with this weird “feeling” I’ve got inside now. But it’s not that.

Michelle waits patiently for Quinn to continue.

QUINN: Michelle, I’ve been defined by my illness my whole life. Every moment, every choice, everything I ever did or tried... it was because I was Quinn, the Dying Girl. Even when I started at Hartfeld and decided not to tell anyone, to not let it define me... somehow, I guess I ended up letting it define me to myself.

MICHELLE (suddenly understanding): That’s why you were so secretive about it. I’m so sorry, Quinn. I never meant to pry, I was just worried--

QUINN: It’s fine. I know you meant well. All of you did. And it caught up to me anyway. No matter how hard I tried to hide it, I’d always be “That Girl Whose Days Are Numbered.”

MICHELLE: You were always more than that, Quinn.

QUINN: Sure, I found ways to cope. To stay optimistic. To keep living my life. But I always knew my time was limited. I’d never get married... have a family of my own...

A single tear drips down Quinn’s cheek as she gazes into Michelle’s eyes.

MICHELLE: Quinn...

QUINN: I’d accepted all of that. I’d come to terms with it. And now... it’s all just gone? Magic cure, poof, just like that? I...

She laughs weakly.

QUINN: It sounds stupid, I know. I should be happy. But I don’t know how to accept that. I don’t know who I am now, without my illness.

MICHELLE: It’s okay to feel sad.

QUINN: ...It is?

MICHELLE: Sure. In a way, someone did die last night. The old you. Now, you’ve been given a second chance, a blank slate... the chance to be someone new. Yeah, you should be happy about that, but it’s okay to mourn the person you were, too. It’s a big adjustment, and it’s not easy.

QUINN: Thanks, Michelle. That seriously helped a lot.

Michelle reaches out and gently touches her shoulder. She follows Quinn’s gaze toward the celebration going on at the beach below.

MICHELLE: I’m glad. So, uh... you ready to check out the festival?

QUINN: The old me always lived life to the fullest... and that’s one thing that hasn’t changed. Let’s go!

Michelle extends her hand, and Quinn takes it. Together, the two of them start walking across the wooden platform toward a nearby ramp.

MICHELLE: I know it’s not exactly the same situation, but if you’re looking for someone to talk to... the twins could probably relate to handling a sudden, drastic change in what they know about themselves--

QUINN: I hadn’t thought about that! You’re right.

MICHELLE: I mean, it can’t hurt. But only if you’re comfortable with it.

QUINN: It’s a really good idea. I think I will talk to them about it. But later! Right now, it’s time to celebrate!

Quinn grins happily and starts running toward the ramp, pulling Michelle along behind her. As they run, the camera zooms in on the floor beneath their feet. Tiny green shoots are instantly sprouting up from the spots where her feet touch the wooden platform...

MONTAGE

Quinn and Michelle emerge onto the beach, where the festival is already in full swing. Hundreds of Vaanti mingle, play games, eat, drink, and dance. A Vaanti band plays a bouncy tune on flutes, horns, and drums. At the shore, Sean eyes a set of windsurfing rigs docked on the sand as a pair of Vaanti enthusiastically explain something to him. Jake and Alyssa stand at one of the feast tables; Jake guzzles down some type of Vaanti alcoholic drink while Alyssa valiantly attempts to fit a sample of every available food selection onto a single plate. Furball follows, eagerly gobbling up any food that she drops. Zahra sits nearby, sipping a blue Vaanti drink with an actual flame flickering across its surface; Seraxa sits beside her, sipping an equally “fiery” drink while regaling Zahra with a story about some long-ago battle.

ZAHRA: Dude. Seriously. How many did you fight off?

SERAXA: Alone, I vanquished twenty-seven of the foes before requiring assistance--

Zahra spits out some of her drink in astonishment. A nearby Vaanti yelps as the spray drenches his legs.

ZAHRA: No. Freakin'. Way. Badass.

SERAXA: What is wrong with my “ass?”

Zahra is unable to hold in her snort of laughter.

ZAHRA: Oh, right. It’s a figure of speech. Sorry, but that was hilarious. “Badass” means...

* * *

A short ways off from the crowd, Estela and Ian walk along the beach, hand-in-hand as they talk quietly amongst themselves. Diego and Varyyn come sprinting up behind them; Estela whirls around instinctively, already raising her spear to attack before she realizes who it is.

ESTELA (awkwardly): Oh. It’s just you two. Sorry.

DIEGO: Geez, please don’t skewer me next time!

VARYYN: I would not let her “skewer” you, Diego. I would vanquish her in a heartbeat if she tried.

ESTELA: You’re lucky I’m not trying to hurt Diego, or I’d beat you easily--

VARYYN: Ha! As though anyone could defeat me in combat, one-on-one!

ESTELA: Oh, I bet I could--

DIEGO: Whoa, Varyyn, Estela, Ian, calm down!

IAN (confused): ...What did I do?

Diego grins broadly.

DIEGO: So, Varyyn and I have a great way to solve this. We challenge you to quuk'vaalanan!

He pauses expectantly. Estela and Ian simply stare blankly.

ESTELA: Care to explain?

VARYYN: The Challenge of the Body. A contest of strength which we Vaanti have been celebrating with since ancient times. Myself and Canis, against the two of you: Perseus and Draco. Do you accept?

Estela and Ian exchange a quick glance, a silent conversation passing between them in an instant. Then they both turn back to face Varyyn, nodding in unison.

IAN: Bring it on.

* * *

Raj sits across from a Vaanti named PAACHEL, who is wearing an elephant mask. The two of them shovel as much food as they can into their mouths. Paachel’s partner sits beside him with a series of empty drink glasses laid out on the table. He and Craig each guzzle down drink after drink, with both starting to show clear signs of intoxication. Raj takes another heaping helping of food and looks his opponent in the eye.

RAJ: Alright, dude, ready to give up yet?

Raj shovels another pile of food into his mouth. Paachel struggles to push another spoonful of food into his own mouth. Craig laughs and cheers.

CRAIG: Whassa’ matter, elephant man? Can’t handle it?

Raj and Paachel continue attempting to ingest more food; Raj is clearly winning. Paachel’s partner downs another drink as Craig attempts to do the same, but misses and knocks one of the drinks off of the table instead. He points at Paachel.

CRAIG: Maybe we should call ya... “Ele-pants!” ‘Cuz your pants are gonna... are gonna...

Craig flops over face-first onto the table, completely passed out.

PAACHEL: It is two against one now, Centaurus... do you surrender?

RAJ: Nah. I’m just gettin’ started!

* * *

In the jungle not far from the city, Uqzhaal leads Aleister, Grace, and little Taari down a trail. Aleister is deep in thought, clearly puzzling over something.

ALEISTER: “Always at home...” “...strong and mindful...”

TAARI (singing): Zawak na bahom, matapoten vo maistrom!

GRACE: I suppose one wouldn’t expect the riddle to rhyme in English as well as in Vaant’igua.

ALEISTER: Thus far, all of the answers have been natural aspects of the world around us. Therefore, this clue is most likely something in nature as well. “Always at home...” Ah! Perhaps a snail? They forever carry their “home” in their shells along with them.

UQZHAAL: Is this truly your answer, Serpens?

GRACE: No! No, it’s not. Al, snails aren’t exactly “strong,” are they? I don’t think that fits.

ALEISTER: Hmm. You are correct.

As he and Grace struggle to think of the answer, Taari skips around them excitedly.

TAARI (singsong): Pastudo, pastudo, the answer’s a pastudo!

UQZHAAL: Taari! Do not give away the answer to the Catalysts! They must solve this riddle on their own!

TAARI: I didn’t say it in their language! They won’t understand--

GRACE (thinking out loud): “Pastudo...” “always at home...” I feel like I’m missing something.

ALEISTER: Hmm... (with sudden realization) Of course! "Pastudo..." “Studo...” Testudines!

ALEISTER AND GRACE: It’s a turtle!

UQZHAAL (sighs): You are correct. And this is why certain children ought to stay silent and not spoil the answer for others.

TAARI: I didn’t know! How do you know our language, Cat-a-lissus?

Aleister and Grace exchange a glance.

ALEISTER: We... we don’t. It would seem much of your language is derived from Latin, which we both have studied extensively.

GRACE: Right! Even the Catalyst names you’ve given us... Serpens, Cygnus...

She gestures to Aleister and then herself respectively as she says the names.

GRACE: Both Latin. “The Serpent, The Swan.”

UQZHAAL: That cannot be. Our ancestors arrived to this place thousands of years ago. How do you know--

ALEISTER: Latin is an ancient language in our world. It is entirely possible your people were influenced by Latin in some way when developing their language.

Uqzhaal frowns, clearly unsure what to make of this statement.

UQZHAAL: Much of our people’s early days on this island remains shrouded in myth. I shall have to think on this more.

Taari frowns, tugging on Uqzhaal’s cloak.

TAARI: I promise not to spoil anything else! Keeper, Keeper, give them the next riddle!

Uqzhaal smiles at the young Vaanti boy.

UQZHAAL: ...Very well. The Challenge of the Mind continues.

GRACE: We’ve got this. Right, Al?

They exchange warm smiles.

ALEISTER: Naturally. There is no test of intellect the two of us cannot overcome!

UQZHAAL: We shall see, Catalysts. Now then, the next riddle is as follows...

* * *

Out on the water, not far from Elyys’tel’s beach, Jake, Sean, and Alyssa play a game against the three Vaanti who Sean was talking with earlier. The six of them all ride windsurfing boards as the two teams each attempt to gain control of a wooden ring in an effort to score points by slinging it over an ancient wooden buoy. One of the Vaanti, RIALA, speeds past Sean, her board’s wake causing him to nearly capsize. As he struggles to stay upright on the board, Riala snatches the wooden disc out of his hands.

RIALA: Too slow, Aquila! The Wind-Disc is mine!

She beelines straight toward the buoy. Alyssa and Jake follow in hot pursuit as Riala’s teammates attempt to block them. At the last possible second, however, Alyssa and Jake expertly dodge around the two other Vaanti and head straight for Riala in a perfectly timed pincer. As they draw closer, the faint glow of a Cuhupla bond becomes clearly visible in their eyes. Riala panics in surprise and accidentally drops the wind-disc; Jake deftly scoops it up and passes it to Alyssa with perfect precision. She jams the disc onto the buoy; the bond dispels shortly afterward.

RIALA: A Cuhupla bond?! That is not fair--

JAKE (shrugs): Hey, all’s fair in love, war, and... uh, whatever this game’s called.

ALYSSA: That’s not how that phrase goes, Top Gun--

RIALA: It is called quuk’tanoi! The Challenge of the Sea!

JAKE: ...Yeah. That.

Riala and her teammates circle around the buoy, picking up the disc and bringing it back to the shore to “reset” the game. Jake and Alyssa follow, joining up with Sean along the way.

RIALA: Fine, Catalysts. Let us play again. We are ready for your tricks this time, Daughter of Vaanu!

ALYSSA: Best two outta three? You’re on!

She, Jake, and Sean move close enough to each other to exchange high-fives before returning to their starting positions.

* * *

Further down the shore, Quinn and Michelle hold hands as they cheer in excitement from within a crowd of Vaanti spectators. A series of dozens of narrow wooden posts stick up out of the water a short distance away. Estela and Ian face off against Varyyn and Diego, leaping from post to post in an effort to knock the opposing team into the water with their wooden sparring-staffs.

QUINN: I don’t know who to root for! I want Estela and Ian to win... but I don’t want Diego to lose, either!

MICHELLE: I don’t care who wins. I’m just cheering for the fun of it!

Quinn smiles at her.

QUINN: Y’know? That’s a great idea! Gotta just have fun, right?

She takes a sip from a fiery drink much like the one Zahra was drinking earlier and lets out a loud whoop of excitement.

QUINN: GO EVERYONE! WOOOOO!

Diego leaps toward another post to avoid a swing from Ian... but he overbalances and wobbles precariously!

DIEGO: Whoaaaa!

IAN: Sorry, Diego... but I gotta play to win!

He prods Diego in the back with his staff, gently but strong enough to send him falling into the water with a splash. Much of the Vaanti crowd boos, but Diego quickly stands up in the waist-deep water, laughing.

DIEGO (dramatically): Avenge me, Varyyn!

Varyyn leaps to a post next to Ian and swings his staff. Ian catches it on his own staff; as they struggle to push each other back, Diego starts making lightsaber noises in the background. Finally, Varyyn overpowers Ian, sending him splashing into the water right next to Diego. The two boys exchange a brief, amused look at each other before breaking into laughter.

DIEGO: Y’know, I think the lightsaber noises did the trick. (shouting) Use the Force, Varyyn!

VARYYN: I am using much force, Canis!

IAN: C’mon, you’ve been here for six months and he doesn’t know Star Wars?

DIEGO (shrugs): They don’t exactly have online streaming out here, y’know.

IAN: Sure, but you’re great at recaps. You could tell him the story!

DIEGO: What, like Threepio with the Ewoks?

IAN: Yes, exactly like that!

DIEGO: Huh... hadn’t thought about it before--

Another splash makes them both look up. Varyyn has fallen into the water on the other side of the posts. Estela twirls her staff, turning to smile triumphantly at Ian. Diego nudges Ian as he smiles back at her.

DIEGO: Well, that was a predictable ending.

IAN: Hey, your boyfriend put up a good fight--

DIEGO: Who, Varyyn? I mean... he’s not...

IAN: Is this opposite day or something? Because me teasing you about your relationship feels backwards.

DIEGO: I... (laughs) Alright, fair enough. If I can dish it out, I can take it. I mean, it’s been six months. Varyyn and I...

* * *

Some time later, Raj staggers back toward the rest of the party, his belly full to bursting with food as he supports a barely-conscious Craig. When he spots the others, Raj shouts excitedly to them.

RAJ: Catalysts win! We are the champions of eating contests!

CRAIG (slurring heavily): We... yeah... we win... whooooo...

The other Catalysts all start cheering.

ALL CATALYSTS EXCEPT RAJ AND CRAIG (chanting): Raj! Raj! Raj! Raj!

RAJ: You know it! ...Though I don’t wanna look at food again for a while. Another few days, at least.

SERAXA: Congratulations on your victory, Centaurus.

RAJ: Thanks!

VARYYN: This has been an enjoyable time. Truly a Valinorim that will go down in our people’s memory for many years to come. Now, then, let us continue with--

A sudden commotion from the direction of Elyys’tel’s entrance catches everyone’s attention. Estela immediately tenses up, ready to fight, while the other Catalysts all look toward the entrance with apprehension.

GRACE: ...What’s going on?

DIEGO: Varyyn? Is, uh... is this a normal part of the Valinorim?

VARYYN: No... I do not know what is happening. (authoritatively) Warriors! What is the meaning of this--

The crowd of Vaanti parts, and the warrior Calvia roughly shoves someone down onto the floor in front of Varyyn. The figure is clearly human, not Vaanti... her hair is a mess, filled with stray twigs and leaves, and the yellow shirt she wears is wrinkled, torn, and covered with dirt. She looks up at the assembled crowd, and the Catalysts gasp in recognition.

ESTELA (suspiciously): Lila? What is she doing here--

Quinn rushes forward to help her up as Calvia nods to Varyyn.

CALVIA: My elyyshar. We found this one wandering the nearby jungles. She was previously seen assisting Hydra at the Temple of Canis--

LILA: No, wait! Please! I had no choice... Rourke would’ve killed me if I hadn’t gone with him. I escaped as soon as I could and came straight here! There’s something you need to know--something he’s kept secret from all of you...

UQZHAAL: It cannot be a coincidence that one of the First Catalysts has arisen in our midst so soon after the Valinorim. Auriga, what brings you here?

She looks at the Catalysts one by one.

LILA: Rourke wants to keep you all trapped here. But I know a way home.

_______________________

Scene Notes: And so Lila returns to the story! Just like Kele and Varyyn, she's been given a Catalyst name as well, "Auriga." Also, we've reached the end of Act 1!

_______________________

Next: Portal to Home

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

9 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 1, Scene 8 - High Council of the Vaanti

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: The Catalysts are escorted through the city of Elyys'tel, where their fates will be decided.

Previous Scene: Lord of the Waves

Masterlist: Link

CONTENT WARNING: This chapter contains a scene involving a character's struggles after being outed as gay. If such content is triggering or otherwise discomforting for you, please feel free to skip over this chapter; a link to the next one has been provided here for your convenience:

Next Chapter: Trial by Water

EXT. ELYYS’TEL - DAY

Escorted by a troop of warriors, Estela helps a still half-conscious Ian along as they and the others are brought to the base of the great tree that was seen earlier. Kele is notably absent from the group as they approach the tree. From up close, its true scale becomes apparent: the trunk alone is wider than a skyscraper, and countless branches strewn with walkways and staircases crisscross the area, making it seem even more massive. Seraxa signals to someone up above, and a wooden elevator descends, allowing the group to enter the city itself.

RAJ: Duuuuude... this is so dope--

One of the warriors pokes him in the back with a spear, and he yelps in surprise.

RAJ: Okay, okay! I’m going!

The remainder of their journey continues in silence as they are escorted along the winding walkways. Countless Vaanti civilians stare at them, a myriad of emotions evident on their faces: fear, awe, surprise, reverence, curiosity. As they continue walking, Varyyn starts to stir.

VARYYN (groggily): Marr sahn...

The two warriors carrying him immediately stop, setting him gently on his feet. Varyyn looks around, confused, and then spots Diego.

VARYYN: Diego! I do not-- What has happened?

DIEGO (shrugs): It’s... a long story.

As they continue through the city, Diego fills Varyyn in on what he missed. Finally, the group arrives at the entrance of an ornate set of double doors, carved into the trunk of the great tree itself. Seraxa turns to face Alyssa and the others, a prideful smirk upon her face.

SERAXA: Prepare yourselves, Catalysts. The Tribunal awaits.

_______________________

INT. ELYYS’TEL THRONE ROOM - DAY

The great double doors swing open, revealing a vast chamber into which the Hartfeld students and Jake are quickly shepherded inside. The Vaanti warriors file in behind them. At the far end of the room is an ornate wooden throne that appears to grow directly into the wall of the tree itself. Seated in the throne is an older Vaanti woman, her clothing significantly more ornate than anything seen previously. She wears an elaborate red headdress and gazes down at the new arrivals with a stern expression mixed with curiosity. This is XIMAEDRA.

XIMAEDRA: War-Chief Seraxa. Keeper Uqzhaal. What is the meaning of this?

SERAXA: These outsiders attacked our prince! They attempted to destroy the Temple of Canis, and--

MICHELLE: What? No we didn’t--

TUPAAN, a Vaanti wearing a ram’s head mask, hits Michelle sharply in the leg with the blunt end of his spear.

TUPAAN: Quiet!

XIMAEDRA (dismissively): And why bring them here? Exile them to Sharktooth Isle and be done with it.

Seraxa nods, her expression triumphant, but before she can give any orders to her warriors, Uqzhaal hobbles forward. He declares, surprisingly loudly:

UQZHAAL: I would invoke the Rule of Tribunal!

Seraxa glares at him as Varyyn’s jaw drops. Diego looks over at him, confused, as the other Vaanti all begin talking excitedly amongst themselves in the Vaant’igua language. Seraxa and two other Vaanti warriors, a man named VILOKO and a woman named CALVIA, take up positions on either side of Ximaedra’s throne.

ALEISTER: What on Earth is a “Rule of Tribunal?”

VARYYN: A process by which they shall judge your fate. Three will speak against you, and three in your defense...

SEAN: All right, that’s not so bad. I’ll do it--

Sean approaches the throne, but another warrior pushes him back. Varyyn shakes his head and frowns.

VARYYN: The speakers must be citizens of Elyys'tel. Outsiders are not permitted to speak for the Tribunal--

ZAHRA: What? That’s bullshit! How the hell are we supposed to--

Uqzhaal hobbles back toward the group, turning to face Seraxa, Calvia, and Viloko.

UQZHAAL: I shall speak for the accused.

Varyyn and Diego exchange a glance. Varyyn then nods and steps forward to stand beside Uqzhaal.

VARYYN: As shall I.

XIMAEDRA: Varyyn, what is the meaning of--

VARYYN: I know Diego’s heart. He is no destroyer.

Ximaedra sighs.

XIMAEDRA: ...Very well. And the third?

Uqzhaal and Varyyn exchange a glance. Jake nudges Diego.

JAKE: Any chance you’re close enough with these guys to step up?

Diego shakes his head.

DIEGO (apologetically): Sure, I know them well enough, but I’m still an outsider. Sorry.

XIMAEDRA: ...Does a third citizen of Elyys’tel deign to speak in defense of the accused?

There is an awkward silence. Seraxa crosses her arms and gazes triumphantly down at Uqzhaal and Varyyn. Varyyn looks back at the other warriors in the room, hoping for assistance, but no one volunteers.

SERAXA: As we are all well aware, without a third citizen willing to stand in defense of the accused, the Tribunal is forfeit. It would seem--

A thick mist suddenly fills the entire chamber, making it impossible to see anything.

VILOKO: Saneha?! Anco jest--

XIMAEDRA (calmly): It would seem they have their third defender, War-Chief.

The mist dissipates as abruptly as it had appeared, swirling out the windows and doors. Kele is now standing beside Varyyn and Uqzhaal, facing the throne.

RAJ: Wait a sec... who the...

KELE: That’s right, Elyyshar. I will speak for the accused.

SERAXA: You would interfere again, Wave-Lord?

KELE: I’m a citizen, aren’t I? I have that right.

Seraxa sighs and crosses her arms, but says nothing more. Kele nods back at the Hartfeld group.

KELE: Looks like I’m saving you all again, aren’t I?

JAKE: Listen, Mr. Waterbender, you owe us a lot of explanation after all this--

XIMAEDRA: Silence. The defenders may speak first. Varyyn?

Varyyn takes a step forward, addressing Ximaedra directly.

VARYYN: Mother. Members of the Tribunal. You know that I have never given any of you reason to distrust me. And neither has the one we call Canis.

He turns, gesturing toward Diego.

VARYYN: For five sheaves of days now, I have spent more time with Diego than has any other citizen of Elyys’tel. I have worked alongside him, traveled with him, stood by him. I have taught him of our ways, and in turn he has taught all of us his language. And I wish to point out that in all this time, he did not once attempt to harm us or flee from us. In truth, as you all have witnessed, he has made every effort to try to understand us.

Diego gives Varyyn a grateful smile. The Vaanti warrior turns back to face the crowd.

VARYYN: And so I ask all of you, citizens of Elyys’tel: do we not owe him that same courtesy? Should we not make the effort to try and understand Diego’s people, just as he was willing to understand us? I believe we should. “For Time’s great cycle ever repeats, and that which is given, in Time one shall receive.”

There is a brief muttering among the Vaanti warriors. Varyyn gives a short bow and steps backward. Ximaedra smiles proudly for a moment, then turns serious.

XIMAEDRA: Well said, Varyyn. And now for the opposition. War-Chief Seraxa?

Seraxa nods and steps forward, glaring angrily at Varyyn before turning to face the rest of the crowd.

SERAXA: Hydra. Lyra.

Fear and anger ripple through the room in equal measure. Estela frowns in confusion as she leans in to whisper to Ian:

ESTELA: That’s the second time now she’s mentioned “Hydra.” What’s that about?

IAN (whispering): No idea.

SERAXA: We trusted outsiders once before, and we all remember how that story ended. They betrayed us. Tried to destroy us! Kidnapped the children of Vaanu from this very city! And now you would repeat that very same mistake? I refuse to risk another betrayal. Exile them and be done with it.

Seraxa stops talking and takes a step back, gazing out at the assembled Vaanti warriors around the chamber. Ximaedra nods.

XIMAEDRA: You are finished, War-Chief?

SERAXA: I am.

XIMAEDRA: Very well. Keeper Uqzhaal, you may speak.

Uqzhaal takes a few slow steps forward.

GRACE (quietly): I don’t like this.

ALYSSA: Yeah, the war-chief really hates us. I hope the old guy’s got a good argument...

UQZHAAL: War-Chief, you speak of the one we call Hydra, and the betrayal that he committed. Yet you would treat these outsiders the same, despite Hydra being their enemy as well! You forget that I was with them when the Temple of Canis was set alight. I witnessed with my own eyes as Hydra attempted to burn them alive within it! They are no friends of his, I can assure you that much.

SERAXA (angrily): They are still outsiders! This--

XIMAEDRA: Silence, War-Chief. You speak out of turn.

Seraxa bows her head, embarrassed at her sudden outburst. After a moment, Uqzhaal continues:

UQZHAAL: You mentioned as well the betrayal that Lyra inflicted upon us. How she took the children of Vaanu from our people, depriving us of such a blessing, and then sent her warriors to attack us, nearly burning Elyys’tel to the ground.

JAKE (whispering): Hey, ain’t he supposed to be on our side? That doesn’t sound like a defense.

SEAN (whispering): Yeah, I really hope he knows what he’s doing...

UQZHAAL: Yet none of you have recognized what is plain to see! That betrayal--that tragedy--has been corrected!

Uqzhaal suddenly turns and approaches the Hartfeld group, walking straight toward Alyssa and Ian. He uses his staff to reach out and pull the two of them forward, out of the group and into the space directly in front of Ximaedra’s throne. The Czasa twins look around in confusion as Uqzhaal declares:

UQZHAAL (proudly): At long last, the children of Vaanu are returned to us!

The entire chamber erupts in an uproar. Excitement, anger, and confusion can be felt in equal measure despite most of the words spoken being in the Vaant’igua language. Alyssa and Ian exchange confused glances, clearly bewildered.

SERAXA: Uqzhaal, how can you know that? Your gluptala fantasies have blinded you--

UQZHAAL (exasperated): Hydra vezm, War-Chief! I was there! I saw that one summon the Vaanulux with my own eyes!

He points to Ian.

IAN: What’s a ‘Vaan...’ uh, thing?

SERAXA: You see?! They do not even know our ways! They cannot be--

XIMAEDRA (booming): ENOUGH!

The entire room immediately goes silent. Ximaedra rises from her throne, stepping forward to stand between Seraxa and Uqzhaal. She takes a moment to allow her analytical gaze to sweep over first Ian, then Alyssa.

XIMAEDRA: If what you say is true, Keeper Uqzhaal... then we have not only the children of Vaanu, but truly the Thirteen Catalysts of legend standing in our midst. It may be a grave mistake to punish them.

Seraxa flinches, looking as though she desperately wants to object, but she holds her tongue. Ximaedra turns back to face Uqzhaal.

XIMAEDRA: If what you say is true. In order to know for certain, we shall need proof of this matter before proceeding. Tupaan? Sixal?

Tupaan and SIXAL, a female warrior wearing a golden mask, step forward.

XIMAEDRA: Go to the Temple of... hmm, Cygnus should do. Retrieve the vaalta there and bring it to us. We shall know the truth of Keeper Uqzhaal’s claim soon enough.

SIXAL: Yes, my elyyshar.

She and Tupaan move to leave the throne room, but Uqzhaal stops them with his staff.

UQZHAAL: Wait! There is no need. I have the vaalta of Canis right here.

He reaches into his satchel and withdraws the dog-headed statue he had taken from the temple earlier, holding it out before Ximaedra.

XIMAEDRA: Ah! Yes, this will work nicely. Keeper Uqzhaal, you have said nothing to the outsiders of the vaalta?

UQZHAAL: That is correct. They know nothing of our stories.

XIMAEDRA: Excellent. Will this suffice, War-Chief?

SERAXA: Yes. We shall witness their ignorance soon enough.

Uqzhaal turns and gestures to Diego, who steps nervously forward. Uqzhaal hands him the statue.

UQZHAAL: Canis. Take the vaalta.

DIEGO (hesitantly): Uh... okay.

He takes it, but nothing happens. Uqzhaal gestures toward the twins.

UQZHAAL: Let them touch it.

Diego approaches the twins and holds out the idol. Realization dawns on both Alyssa and Ian as they understand what the Vaanti are trying to do.

ALYSSA: Oh! They want us to--

IAN (simultaneously): Is this about the--

They reach out to touch the statue. The moment all three of them are touching it, a familiar blinding flash of light envelops the twins. When it clears, they are standing in the living room of a small house, near the front door. Ian and Alyssa stumble back in shock when they see it.

ALYSSA (emotionally): I... this is...

IAN (shocked): Home.

The two of them look almost on the verge of tears at the familiar sight. Before they can react further, the door swings open to reveal YOUNG IAN and YOUNG ALYSSA, about 12 years old, their backpacks slung over their shoulders. Behind them, looking terrified and so nervous that he seems to wish he could disappear on the spot, is an equally YOUNG DIEGO. He is disheveled, his hair messy and his clothes wrinkled. His own backpack is stuffed to bursting, and he holds a wrinkled bedsheet in his hands.

YOUNG IAN: It’ll be okay. I promise! They love you.

YOUNG DIEGO (shakily): I thought m-my parents did, too. And then--

YOUNG ALYSSA: Well, they’re stupid! None of that should matter. Want me to go yell at them for you? I could totally do that!

The adult Ian and Alyssa exchange a glance.

ALYSSA: This is... It’s another memory.

IAN: Yeah. Wait--you’ve seen this, too?

ALYSSA: Not this one, but... same concept. Wait, hang on--!

IAN (sighs): Yeah, I’ve seen one too. Gotta say, it’s really weird seeing ourselves like this.

ALYSSA: No kidding--

She stops talking as footsteps can be heard from upstairs. The younger Alyssa, Ian, and Diego enter the living room and shut the door. A woman in her late 40’s, her black hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, walks down the stairs as the adult twins’ gazes are immediately drawn to her. This is BECKY CZASA, Alyssa and Ian’s adoptive mother.

IAN: Mom!

ALYSSA (simultaneously): Mom!

Without thinking, the two of them approach their mother, only to be interrupted as the younger Ian runs up to Becky, sprinting right through his older self in the process. The older Ian glances down and sighs, shaking his head.

IAN: Right. Memory.

BECKY: Hi, Ian! How was schoo--

She abruptly stops talking mid-sentence as she catches sight of Diego, taking in his disheveled appearance.

BECKY (concerned): Diego! Oh my Lord, what happened? You look like a mess! What’s wrong--

Diego flinches and attempts to hide behind Alyssa. Ian takes a deep breath and looks back at his sister and his best friend. Alyssa gives him a nod.

YOUNG IAN (nervously): Mom... uh... something did happen. It’s kind of a big deal. I... um... I don’t really know where to start. How to explain... um... it’s...

YOUNG ALYSSA (shouting): Diego’s gay, Mom!

Diego looks even more terrified. Ian fixes his sister with an angry glare.

YOUNG IAN: ‘Lyss!

YOUNG ALYSSA: What? You were taking too long. (furiously) Mom, if you think you’re about to kick Diego out like his mom did, then I’m kicking myself out, too! Nobody deserves to be treated like this for somethin’ they don’t choose! You don’t--

BECKY: What? Alyssa, please, I am not--

YOUNG ALYSSA: --and it's such a big bunch of crap, too! He’s so scared, and everyone keeps bullying him, and now even his own family won’t--

BECKY: Alyssa, listen to me--

YOUNG ALYSSA: --so if you and Dad think you can keep treating him like this, like everyone else does, than me and Ian are runnin’ away with him, you got that? You kick him out, you kick all of us out! I'm not gonna--

BECKY (suddenly shouting): Alyssa Meghan Agbayani Czasa!

Alyssa abruptly stops talking. Becky shakes her head, an amused smile on her face.

BECKY: I know you care about your friend. But your father and I would never dream of treating him any different because of who he loves! Diego, you have always been welcome in our home, and that has not changed. That will never change, do you understand?

The younger Alyssa blushes heavily at the realization that her whole rant was for nothing. The adult Alyssa, watching the vision, blushes heavily as well, from secondhand embarrassment. Ian gives her an amused smile.

ALYSSA: God, was I really that quick to start yelling all the time back then?

IAN: And I could barely work up the nerve to say anything at all. Wow...

ALYSSA (playfully): Not much has changed on that front.

IAN: That goes for both of us, y’know.

They share an amused grin before turning their attention back to the memory. Becky approaches Diego and bends down to pull him into a tight hug as Diego starts sobbing into her shoulder.

BECKY: Shh. It’s okay. You’re safe here.

YOUNG DIEGO (sobbing): I thought... I thought you’d--

YOUNG IAN: Mom? That’s why... I wanted to ask if he can stay with us. His parents kicked him out. He had to sleep on a couch in the library last night! And he barely had anything to eat besides my lunch from today! He needs--

BECKY: Of course he can stay. As long as he needs to, he can stay.

Becky stands up and gives young Ian a smile.

BECKY: He’s no stranger to that guest room of ours, after all! Come on, you three. Let’s get you all some food.

YOUNG DIEGO (tearfully): Thank you, Mrs. Czasa. Thank you. I-- thank you!

As the older Ian and Alyssa move to follow their younger selves into the kitchen, the blinding flash of light returns once again and the twins are yanked backward. Within the light, they hear a familiar voice:

VOICE (V.O.): Canis. Always quick to cast his own needs aside for fear of rejection. He must accept himself for who he is, in order to find the true strength he carries within. All of you must, if you wish to find the sole path forward.

In a flash, they are back in the throne room of Elyys’tel. The twins stare at Diego in shock.

DIEGO (confused): Uh... did something happen? Are you two okay?

IAN: We, er... we saw...

XIMAEDRA: Describe your experience upon touching the vaalta.

IAN: I... uh... it was kinda...

ALYSSA: We saw a vision. A memory. Diego’s memory.

DIEGO: Wait, what?

UQZHAAL (triumphantly): Oho! You see?

ALYSSA: We could, like, walk around and stuff. But we couldn’t interact with anything. We saw it as clear as day!

DIEGO: Wait, what memory?

IAN: From when we were little. The day you--

SERAXA: They lie!

XIMAEDRA: And how could they lie about this, War-Chief? They have no way of knowing what the correct answer could be--

Uqzhaal takes the statue from Diego’s hand and holds it aloft.

UQZHAAL: It is a proven truth! They are indeed the long-lost children of Vaanu, returned to us at last! Which means... before us stand the Thirteen Catalysts of legend!

Gasps of astonishment come from the surrounding crowd of Vaanti. The Hartfeld group simply look even more confused.

SERAXA: Claq shen zarvii, Uqzhaal. It is said that they will bring about great change, yes? And change itself can be good... or very, very bad. The Catalysts may prove to be our enemies yet.

Uqzhaal scowls in annoyance.

UQZHAAL: And you would make enemies out of them in the process? That is not--

XIMAEDRA: Keeper Uqzhaal. Tell me, is it not true that the Endless Ones once spoke of the Catalysts’ capacity for salvation and destruction?

UQZHAAL: It... it is true, my elyyshar.

XIMAEDRA: Then we may in fact be enemies, after all. Even the Catalysts--indeed, even the children of Vaanu--are not without the ability to choose. Even to choose evil, should they wish.

VARYYN: Diego is not--

Ximaedra holds out a hand for silence as she settles back into her throne.

XIMAEDRA: The Tribunal continues. Keeper Uqzhaal, you have said your peace. Warrior Viloko, step forward.

The male Vaanti warrior standing beside Seraxa takes a step forward and nods at the assembled crowd.

VILOKO: Our War-Chief speaks the truth! Even if they are the Catalysts, it changes nothing. We all know of what happened when our warriors went to retrieve them from the Torehydra! They attacked us without cause!

He points accusingly at Varyyn.

VILOKO: Varyyn, you should know full well that the Catalysts are our enemies! You were with us in that battle that should not have been a battle! We have no need to wonder. It has already been made clear: the Catalysts are our enemies!

He draws a ceremonial knife from its sheath at his waist and holds it aloft.

VILOKO: Why are we talking? We should be acting!

SERAXA: Heed my warrior’s words! He speaks the truth!

Piercing war cries erupt from the crowd. Ximaedra raises both hands in an attempt to quiet the crowd as Uqzhaal pounds his staff on the ground. The Vaanti warriors press closer toward the Catalysts, who huddle in more tightly together. As the din crescendoes, Kele stomps a foot on the ground and makes a few quick gestures. A thin surge of water whips in through a window to impact with a resounding CRACK! against the opposite wall. Immediately, the room goes quiet.

KELE: HEY! Tribunal’s not over.

He bows quickly to Ximaedra before stepping back to his original position.

KELE (respectfully): Elyyshar. Proceed.

Ximaedra nods gratefully in his direction before returning her gaze to Viloko and Seraxa.

XIMAEDRA: There is a time for war-frenzy, and a time for order. You would do well to remember this.

VILOKO (ashamed): Yes, my elyyshar.

XIMAEDRA: Have you any more to say, Warrior Viloko?

VILOKO: Only that I stand by my words. We must treat the Catalysts as our enemies, lest we wish to be--

He stops talking as a deep, shuddering rumble echoes throughout the chamber. The other Vaanti all look up in fear, as do the Catalysts.

SERAXA: Wave-Lord! What trick of yours is this?!

KELE: This isn’t me. I’m not--

An impossibly tall wave crashes into the side of the chamber, water dripping through the windows. Kele quickly runs toward the water, doing his best to keep the torrent from drowning everyone inside the chamber. He visibly strains to send the water pouring harmlessly out another window.

SERAXA: Go! Tell us what happened!

Calvia nods to her War-Chief and dashes out of the chamber. Not fifteen seconds later, she comes sprinting back inside, wide-eyed with terror.

CALVIA (quaking with fear): Elyyshar. War-Chief.

She swallows hard, then looks back up at Ximaedra nervously.

CALVIA: Cetus has returned.

_______________________

Scene Notes: Yes, we're skipping Yvonne's entrance for now. Don't worry, I'd never miss including her in the story! She'll show up eventually. Next up: the battle with Cetus!

also I can finally start referring to them as 'Catalysts,' that was getting annoying

_______________________

Next: Trial by Water

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

9 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) MASTERLIST

Title: Endless Winter

Fandom: Choices: Endless Summer

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Sean, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: Endless Summer, Book 2 in screenplay form! A direct sequel to my ES Book 1 screenplay rewrite.

Author’s Notes: Well, it's about time! If you're unfamiliar with my Choices Interconnected Universe series, think Choices books adapted to film scripts, all taking place in the same universe and building off of one another a la Marvel. The only one I'd say is absolutely REQUIRED for this story is ES Book 1, linked above. For the series as a whole, a Most Wanted rewrite and an Elementalists Book 1 rewrite have both been released as well. Check those out if you're interested! As for details on THIS fic, well:

What’s Changed:

The basic format has been altered to fit a screenplay format (or as best as I can do on Tumblr)

The MC has been divided into a pair of twins, Ian and Alyssa (credit once again to @blightarts, the inspiration for that idea!

The origin of the MCs will be somewhat different

Diego and Varyyn’s relationship has been altered to be significantly less problematic (for example: at the end of Book 1, Diego has voluntarily surrendered to the Vaanti rather than being captured against his will.)

Several scenes, characters, and backstories have been altered for the purpose of connecting them more tightly with other Choices stories and the overarching storyline being built up.

For other changes, you’ll have to read it and see!

Links below:

PROLOGUE:

Scene 1: Parting Words

ACT 1:

Scene 1: The Dragon's Fury

Scene 2: Uncomfortable Elevator Moment

Scene 3: Next Steps

Scene 4: You Can't Trust Anyone

Scene 5: Emits Time

Scene 6: Strategy Meeting

Scene 7: Lord of the Waves

Scene 8: High Council of the Vaanti

Scene 9: Trial by Water

Scene 10: Heart of the Island

Scene 11: Sunset Chat

Scene 12: Valinorim

ACT 2:

Scene 1: Portal to Home

Scene 2: Climate Change

Scene 3: An Unpleasant Reunion

Scene 4: Any Port in a Storm

Scene 5: A New Year Dawns

Scene 6: The Fourteenth Vaalta

Scene 7: Betrayal

Scene 8: Steeling Themselves

ACT 3:

Scene 1: Zahra and Craig's 100% Foolproof Infiltration Plan

Scene 2: A Matter of Pragmatism

Scene 3: An Endless Rescue

Scene 4: Close Quarters

Scene 5: No Way Home

Scene 6: The Power of the Ocean

Scene 7: A Soldier in Winter

Scene 8: Aerial Battle

Scene 9: Scattered

FINALE:

"End Credits" (includes Post-Credits Scenes)

OTHER:

Ian and Alyssa Screenshots (Choices MCs)

_______________________

As always, please let me know if you wish to be tagged! Thanks!

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you

16 notes · View notes

sceptilemasterr · 3 years ago

Text

Endless Winter (ES Book 2) Act 1, Scene 10 - Heart of the Island

Title: Endless Winter

Main Pairings: Estela x Ian (M!MC), Jake x Alyssa (F!MC)

Other Pairings: Craig x Zahra, Grace x Aleister, Michelle x Quinn, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Full Rewrite

Rating: PG-13 for swearing, violence, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: Quinn's secret finally catches up to her following the battle with Cetus.

Previous Scene: Trial by Water

Masterlist: Link

INT. ELYYS'TEL THRONE ROOM - EVENING

Light from the setting sun shines through the throne room’s eastern windows along with a series of large holes left by Cetus’s teeth. The Catalysts all stand inside the room; Ian, Alyssa, Jake, Estela, and Diego are now clad in Vaanti warrior garb. Kele is notably absent, as he is still recovering. A large number of Vaanti civilians begin filing inside. Varyyn, seated on the throne, taps his feet nervously.

DIEGO: Relax. You’re gonna do great. The people love you!

VARYYN: I am not... I am not ready for this burden, Diego. Compared to my mother, I am only--

DIEGO: “Only” a hero! “Only” a city-saving, tower-raiding, Cetus-butt-kicking amazing warrior!

VARYYN (completely seriously): I do not believe Cetus has what one could properly call a “butt.”

Nearby, Zahra and Craig start giggling uncontrollably. Varyyn looks at them in confusion.

VARYYN: Why was this funny? I do not understand...

Uqzhaal enters the throne room, carrying Ximaedra’s headdress in his hands, and the room immediately goes quiet. Diego gives Varyyn’s hand a quick squeeze before taking a few steps away to take his spot between Ian and Raj. The crowd of Vaanti part, allowing Uqzhaal to approach Varyyn, who nods to the old shaman.

UQZHAAL: And so the cycle renews once again. Just as all life begins and ends through Vaanu, so to does the hope of all Elyys’tel rest upon the shoulders of our elyyshar.

At the mention of Vaanu, the entire crowd of Vaanti involuntarily glances toward Ian and Alyssa. Alyssa shrugs and waves at them while Ian simply shuffles his feet awkwardly.

UQZHAAL: Rise now, Elyyshar Varyyn Ximaeiho, Orion of the Catalysts.

Uqzhaal places the crown atop Varyyn’s head. Varyyn takes a deep breath, then slowly stands up as the other Vaanti kneel in reverence. Raj and several of the other Catalysts break out into applause.

RAJ: Whooooo! Yeah! Go Varyyn!

Uqzhaal and several of the Vaanti give him a look.

RAJ (embarrassed): ...Guess you guys don’t do clapping. Whoops.

VARYYN: Fear not, Centaurus. I understand that this is a show of respect and appreciation among your people. Please, do continue!

Raj resumes clapping, and this time all of the other Catalysts join in enthusiastically. Many of the Vaanti begin attempting to do the same, though not always properly (clapping only with the fingers, or using the entire length of the forearms to clap, or waving one’s arms around aimlessly). Varyyn smiles at the assembled crowd, and eventually the applause dies down.

VARYYN: We have much to answer for. Nearly six sheaves of days ago, I led a war party to the Torehydra. Rather than making an effort to explain ourselves to the Catalysts, we made the mistake of resorting to violence in our efforts to bring them here to Elyys’tel. For that, I do formally apologize.

He looks over at the Catalysts, who all shake their head and smile back at him.

SEAN: It’s in the past. We’re here now, aren’t we?

VARYYN: Indeed we are. Thank you, Aquila.

He turns back to face the assembled crowd.

VARYYN: Now, we move forward together. Catalyst and Vaanti, side by side. The Children of Vaanu have returned to us... and yet we nearly exiled them earlier this very day. We shall not repeat these mistakes. We shall look ahead, to the future, which we shall face as one!

The Vaanti look on in silence, until Varyyn sits back down in his throne. The Catalysts all break out into more applause... and soon the Vaanti follow suit!

CRAIG (chanting): Var-yyn! Var-yyn! Var-yyn!

The others join in on his chant, and the hall is quickly filled with the sounds of jubilant cheering. Diego pulls Varyyn into a brief embrace.

DIEGO: Told you! You were awesome!

VARYYN: I--!

Varyyn quickly recovers his composure.

VARYYN: Yes. Thank you, Diego. For believing in me.

DIEGO: Any time!

As everyone is celebrating, Quinn places a hand to her forehead, wincing in pain. She starts to sneak her way around the edges of the throne room, heading for the exit. Michelle gazes after her, concerned. She nudges Ian.

MICHELLE (whispering): Quinn doesn’t look good. I’m worried. Somebody should--

IAN (whispering): She trusts you more than anyone, Michelle. Except maybe ‘Lyss.

He nods toward his sister, who is currently deep in conversation with Jake, Diego, Zahra, and Craig.

IAN (whispering): Better go after her. Ceremony or no, she needs you.

Michelle gives him a grateful smile.

MICHELLE (whispering): Thanks, Ian. Be right back.

She follows Quinn’s lead, sneaking her way around the edges of the crowd and out of the throne room as well. Ian watches her go for a moment, then turns his attention back to the quickly-dispersing crowd as Sean claps him on the shoulder.

SEAN: Hey, Mr. Big-Shot. “Son of Vaanu” and all that. How are you feeling?

IAN (laughing): Yeah... it’s a lot to take in. But I’m not getting attacked by a sea monster anymore, which is a plus.

SEAN: Ha. True. (more seriously) Listen. Just because the Vaanti gave you this huge destiny, that doesn’t mean you and your sister have to handle everything alone. We’re all still here for you. I’m still here.

Ian smiles at him and pulls him into a quick hug.

IAN: Thanks, Sean. Seriously. It’s nice to know you’ve got my back.

He looks back at Varyyn and Diego, then over to Alyssa, before returning his gaze to Sean.

IAN: Honestly? This whole “children of Vaanu” thing kind of explains a lot. I might not understand all of it, but it’s starting to make some kinda sense. So, that’s a plus.

SEAN: Great attitude. Keep it up!

IAN: I will--

MICHELLE (O.S.) (shouting): HELP! SOMEONE, QUICK! WE NEED HELP!

The Catalysts all tense up, glancing toward the entrance of the throne room. Michelle sprints in a moment later, Quinn’s limp form cradled in her arms. Sean immediately dashes to her side, helping her carry Quinn.

SEAN: What can I do?

MICHELLE: Find something to lie her down on! Quick!

Varyyn leaps to his feet, grabbing the cushions off of the throne and arranging them in a neat pile on the floor. Michelle and Sean gently lower Quinn onto the cushions. Quinn is completely unconscious, breathing shallowly. Michelle looks over her with concern.

MICHELLE: I’m such an idiot! I should’ve figured it out before! The fatigue, nosebleeds, coughing, severe weakness... textbook Rotterdam’s Syndrome! I should’ve-- I could’ve--

Furball brushes his nose up against Quinn’s comatose body, purring sadly. Michelle pounds her fist on the floor, making the little creature yelp in surprise.

MICHELLE (angrily): I’m so stupid! Why didn’t I see it earlier?

In the background, Uqzhaal approaches Varyyn, and the two begin doing something with the elyyshar’s throne. Alyssa rests a gentle hand on Michelle’s shoulder.

ALYSSA: Michelle...

IAN: I can try... y’know, ‘reversing’ her? Maybe that would--

MICHELLE: This isn’t an injury. It’s a genetic disorder. You won’t change the fact that she’ll inevitably progress slowly from slight fatigue, to respiratory difficulties, to bleeding and weakness, then end up in a coma...

RAJ (confused): But... none of that was slow at all! When we landed here, she was fine, right? All that only started a few days ago.

ZAHRA: Yeah. Just after we jumped... forward... in time...

Alyssa stares down at Quinn’s comatose form in shocked realization.

ALYSSA (horrified): No... I can’t... I didn’t...

IAN: ‘Lyss, it’s not--

JAKE: Princess--!

She shuts her eyes tightly and sprints out of the throne room, tears streaming down her face. Jake starts to go after her, but Estela holds out an arm, stopping him.

JAKE: Move it, Dragon Rage--

Estela says nothing, simply fixing him with a look. She shakes her head.

JAKE: ...Ah, you’re right. She needs her space. Dammit, I wish she’d stop beatin’ herself up over all this.

ESTELA: She’s strong. She’ll pull through.

JAKE: Yeah... just wish we could say the same for Ariel back there.

He nods his head in Quinn’s direction, where Michelle is hovering over her worriedly, clearly wracking her brain for some kind of solution to the illness.

MICHELLE: Ugh, this is--no. I wish we were at the Celestial! At least there we had some kind of supplies... but here I’m even more helpless. Quinn, please! I can’t--

Tears begin streaming down her face as she gazes at Quinn’s unconscious face helplessly. Uqzhaal and Varyyn approach her; the old Keeper holds an unusual glowing, crystalline orb in his hands, encased in vines. It glows with the same greenish-golden light as the energy from Alyssa and Ian’s powers. Michelle looks up at Uqzhaal curiously, as beside them, Ian gazes with rapt attention at the orb.

IAN: What... that thing... What is that? It’s almost calling to me. Is anyone else feeling that?

CRAIG: Nah, dude, that’s all you. Somethin’ to do with that crazy “Veenoo” stuff?

ZAHRA: It’s “Vaanu,” you moron.

CRAIG: Yeah, that’s what I said!

Zahra sighs and rolls her eyes.

MICHELLE: Uqzhaal...?

UQZHAAL: The vine intertwined with Delphinus’s branches has woefully pulled her down. But... the Endless Ones spoke of this moment. The Catalysts must live... all of the Catalysts.

Michelle blinks at him, his words beginning to register. She is hesitant, afraid to hope.

MICHELLE: "The Catalysts must live..." you can...?

VARYYN: Keeper Uqzhaal holds our most sacred treasure. The Vaanusor: the heart of this island itself. A single touch from the Heart is said to renew any living thing.

MICHELLE (laughs weakly): About a week ago, I would’ve called that nonsense. But... now...

She glances at Ian, remembering all the incredible things she has already witnessed since coming to the island. Then she nods at Uqzhaal and Varyyn.

UQZHAAL: Our legends warn us never to use it ourselves. But the Endless Ones have spoken. As Catalysts, any one of you will be able to benefit from its power. To be renewed.

JAKE: Hold up. “Any one of us?”

UQZHAAL: So the Endless Ones said.

MICHELLE: I...

She looks back down at Quinn, then swallows and nods resolutely.

MICHELLE: Do it.

UQZHAAL: Prince Varr--ahem. My elyyshar. The honor is yours.

Uqzhaal hands the Vaanusor to Varyyn, who takes it reverently. Vaanu kneels and sets the orb beside Quinn’s head, then unties the knot of vines from the top of the orb, allowing them to fall away. The orb pulses with a faint light, which almost seems to be flowing into Quinn. Ian can barely take his eyes off of the orb.

MICHELLE: What now?

UQZHAAL: Now we wait... and hope.

As the others begin to talk softly amongst themselves, Zahra looks down at Quinn, a pained expression on her face. Then her gaze drifts over toward the exit. She sighs.

ZAHRA: I need some air.

Craig stares after her, confused, as she turns and leaves the room without another word. Behind him, on the makeshift bed of pillows, Quinn lies comatose... and her skin begins to glow a faint dark green...

_______________________

Scene Notes: Finally, an explanation for some of the deviances from canon: turns out the Endless One(s) have been taking care of a few more things behind the scenes! Hence the Island's Heart being already found here, and the time-loop crystal having already been broken in an earlier chapter. It's also a convenient way to streamline the plot a bit more, of course!

_______________________

Next: Sunset Chat

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie @mauvecatfic

Endless Summer Tag List: @mysteli @edgydepressedchoicesthot @endlessly-searching-for-you @lovelywrites

3 notes · View notes