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artificial-transmutations · 1 year ago

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The road trip

College was finally over! Randy and Danny, who had spent the last four years living in the same dorm room, were celebrating their graduation with a dream they had nurtured for the past few months: A road trip across the country! They would travel together, spend the time driving and the nights in motels, and finally visit some famous places along the way.

Both of them had the money for it and the time to spare. Danny, of course, who was the more reliable of the duo, was the one who had planned out the whole trip in advance. He had the maps, the motels and the sights all written down, and now they were driving through the countryside to the west.

All went according to plan and the two friends were already a few days on the road, when the accident happened. Randy, who didn't get much sleep the night before was driving while Danny was taking a nap in the seat next to him. The monotonous sight of the country road was not helping much, and Danny found it more and more difficult to stay awake. In hindsight, the sensible choice of action would have been to park the car and take a nap as well. But Randy wasn't the type for sensible choices. He just kept driving and driving until...

*BANG!*

Randy's car hit something, a rock, a stone, a tree. Danny woke up with a jolt and looked around. Everything had happened so fast. The front window was broken, and the airbag had exploded.

Danny couldn't see because of the airbag and tried to open the door. Luckily, it wasn't jammed, and he could work himself out of the car just in time to see Randy crawl out on the driver's side as well.

"Randy! Are you hurt? What happened?"

"No, I'm okay, but the car... "

Danny, who had managed to stand up by now, took a look at the front of the car. They had collided with a large rock next to the road. Even without any mechanical expertise, Danny recognized that the car was wrecked, damaged beyond repair. Next to one of the car's wheels, he spotted something on the ground. When he picked it up, however, it was just some old coin that he quickly pocketed.

"Fuck." was all Danny remarked. It was unlike him to swear, but the situation called for it.

Randy was still looking at the wreck of his car in disbelief. A thousand thoughts spun around in his head, ranging from "my dad's gonna kill me" to "I should really have been more careful". He finally decided on:

"How are we going to get back to civilization?"

"I'm not sure, but we'll figure something out. We should really get the rest of our luggage and call for help."

The two former students did as suggested and collected their luggage from the car. Luckily, everything that had been in the trunk was more or less intact. Calling for help, however, was a bigger problem than anticipated.

"No reception." Randy stated and Danny nodded, adding only another "Fuck.".

"Perhaps, there's some sort of service station nearby. We should probably walk in the direction we were driving." Danny said after a short consideration.

Neither of them knew how far it was going to be - but surely, at some point, they would be able to use their phones.

After walking for about twenty minutes in the blazing heat, Danny suddenly stopped.

"What's the matter?", Randy asked.

"It's fucking hot, that's what it is", Danny answered. His voice sounded scruff, but that was probably just because of the lack of water. After a short bit of hesitation, he pulled his white t-shirt over his head and used it to wipe away his sweat before dropping it to the ground.

"Better." he mumbled, but it didn't take long for the sweat to return.

Randy, who had also stopped when Danny did, looked at him and his surprisingly well defined torso, glistening in the sun. He had known Danny for a long time, and had seen him shirtless more than once, but his friends exposed chest was way more impressive than he remembered.

"Aren't you hot?"

Randy was interrupted in his thoughts by the question.

"No, actually... I'm not sweating one bit." he answered truthfully. That earned him a strange look from Danny, but no further comment.

Danny was hot, really hot. His mind was clouded, and it was difficult for him to think straight. After another short while, he cursed again.

"Fuck this shit! We're not getting anywhere like that."

Absentmindedly, he scratched his chest, which showed a coating of fine dark hairs now. Randy was pretty sure they weren't there some moments ago. What was going on?! Randy really didn't want to stare, but there were some not-so-subtle changed in his friend. The chest, the hair, the sudden change in behavior... and was that a tattoo on his shoulder? Randy was very, very certain that Danny didn't have any tattoos and yet, here was one. It looked like a crest or something, perhaps a military motive? That was impossible, of course, Danny was a gentle pacifist.

It didn't look bad on him, though. Randy found his eyes glued to his friends body, taking everything in, the muscles, the tattoo, the hair, the... bulge.

"Are you enjoying the view?" the question was snarky, almost aggressive, and definitely not what Randy was used to.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to-" Randy began, but Danny had already closed the distance between them and closed his hand (Randy could swear it was bigger and rougher than before) around Randy's crotch. Only now that it had been touched, Randy realized that he had grown hard.

"Don't act innocent, you little fag", Danny growled. "You're enjoying the view."

"Yes." Randy breathed. The whole situation was weird, and definitely not good, but his friend's hand on his cock felt so incredibly good. Of course, Randy wasn't gay... was he?

When he looked up, he saw Danny grinning a superior grin, despite his harsh words. He had grown significantly, Randy noticed. Not taller, but broader, with big, strong muscles. More tattoos had appeared on his other arm as well, and his chin was covered in bristly stubble now.

Most importantly, though, Danny, too was obviously hard in his pants. The bulge was big, way bigger than what Randy would have expected, even though he had never seen Danny's member hard before. The sight was mouth-watering.

Danny laughed and pressed his groin into Randy's, letting him feel the hardness.

"Yeah, I know what you want."

He opened his pants with his free hand and dropped them, revealing a huge member.

"Do you like what you see?"

Randy couldn't do much else than nod. The sight was just mesmerizing. He was still vaguely aware that they were open in public, on a road, but he couldn't help but stare at his friend's huge cock.

"Come on, give it a kiss."

Randy did as he was told and started to kneel down in front of his friend, but he was interrupted again by Danny's big hand that stopped him.

"But first...", Danny's voice sounded lower, more manly now, as he reached into Randy's pants and underpants and closed his hand around Randy's very stiff dick before he continued:

"I'll take this."

With that, he suddenly *yanked* at Randy's cock and balls, who was expecting the pain of a lifetime. Surprisingly enough, it didn't feel too bad. There was an odd pulling sensation for a moment, but it passed quickly. Even as Danny had retracted his arm, Randy could still feel his firm hand gripping his cock and balls - and he could *see* them, too: Danny was still holding them in his hand, detached from Randy's body.

"Ah, a perfect toy. This should keep you busy while I make use of your mouth."

The realization of what had happened was overwhelming, but it didn't stop Randy from feeling horny. It didn't help that Danny was idly playing with his detached cock, making him moan.

"Didn't you hear me? On. Your. Knees."

Randy was surprised, and even scared a little. How could Danny speak with such authority, like he was a superior man? Like he was... Randy's master.

As he finally went down on his knees, he looked up and was confronted with a different kind of surprise: Danny had been wearing blue jeans before, but now he was greeted by old and worn, and, most importantly, smelly, camo pants, held by a leather belt with a big metal buckle. The pants were open and his giant dick, still hard, hung out between the legs, resting on the heavy balls.

"Suck it." Danny said.

Randy did as he was told, putting his lips around the giant cock and started to suck. It felt more than weird, sucking another man's cock while having his own member detached and being slowly rubbed by the manly hands of his frie...

No, Danny was clearly superior to him now, much too superior to be a peer of his. He was his master, his owner perhaps. He was the one who held his cock in his hand, quite literally. The thought was thrilling for Randy, and he moaned out of pure pleasure.

Danny seemed to enjoy the blowjob as well, and, surprisingly, his cock grew even larger. With a low growl, Danny came in Randy's mouth. It was an incredible amount of cum, filling his mouth and making him gag.

"Good." Danny smirked and zipped up his pants. "And now you're gonna replace the car you crashed."

With these words, Randy found himself beginning to change. He fell to the ground and watched as both his hands and feet became larger, black and rubbery. There was no doubt: They were turning into... tires!

His whole body exploded in size, shredding his clothing as if they were made of paper. His skin turned hard and metallic and took on a bright yellow color. His body hollowed out and glass formed on the front, the sides and the back, as Randy, the human quickly became Randy, the car. And not just any car. He was becoming a brand new, modern, yellow jeep. His intestines turned into one of the most powerful engines you could own, while his mind underwent another transformation.

Randy's thoughts became clearer, simpler, more mechanical, as his mind was being absorbed into the on-board computer, effectively becoming nothing more than a subservient AI. With all his sensors, Randy noticed of course, as the rugged redneck, Dan the man, entered his interior and took a deep breath of Randy's new car smell.

"Alright, let's get going." Danny mumbled to no one in particular and inserted the key, which had been Randy's cock before, into the keyhole that had been Randy's mouth.

Immediately, Randy roared to life, and at the touch of his owner accelerated down the long country road.

#male transformation #muscle transformation #dumbing down #straight to gay #inanimate transformation

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toastedjeans · 11 months ago

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Siren Tower Maurice, Doise and Peddito!

The main cast is over here!

I just realized Doise's gloves should be more white but I'm too lazy to change that, just imagine they're white okay?

Some info about them down here

Maurice

Peppino's older brother and a piece of shit, who constantly belittles him and calls him a disappointment. His apartment has water damage or something similar, or maybe it got destroyed, so now he temporarily lives with Peppino until his flat is repaired. (Alternative: he didn't pay rent and got kicked out, continues not to pay rent to Peppino because "we're family, you can't charge your own brother.") He's either divorced or his girlfriend left him, is only allowed to see his son once a month. It's probably for the better.

Peppino is incredibly fed up with him but he tries to endure it, until he one day snaps and probably slaps him, they end up both kicking the shit out of each other (but Peppino is stronger because i said so).

Maurice invites himself to poker night and other activities Pep and the others do after work times, then complains that he's bored or something (M: "This sucks, why did you invite me?" P: "I didn't??"). He gets along a little with Mr. Stick, but only because they're both gamblers, he's somehow even more unlucky than Stick and keeps losing almost all his money. Doesn't get along with Hazel cause he doesn't take her seriously, thinks she's childish and stupid.

Doise

Goblin shark. He's basically Noise but blue. Noise hates him because he thinks Doise is imitating him, but they're just the same species of siren. He's a little more mellow and doesn't go feral as much or as easily as Noise. He throws rocks cause he doesn't know he's immune to sea urchin and puffer fish poison / venom. He can also go on land but needs water nearby.

He has heterochromia (one eye is blue, the other is purple-ish brown), and has the same "whiskers" as Noise, just turned down.

Absolutely terrified of Peddito, as he seems to always want to kill him, and has tried doing so a few times. Sometimes plays dead hoping that Peddito leaves him alone, it doesn't really work though.

Peddito

A failed clone of Peppino, made before Fakey. Pizzahead didn't like him as much because he didn't get the eyes right so he threw him out (basically the Other Eye problem, but he ended up leaving his eye sockets empty out of frustration). He can't see because of this, but he can still navigate through the water effortlessly. There's way less sea creature DNA in him, so he looks almost completely human just with a fin on his back and webbed hands. It's unclear where his vibrant coloring comes from.

He's strangely obsessed with Doise for some reason and doesn't interact with anyone cause he's just not interested in anyone else. He actually wants to be friends with Doise, but since Pizzahead designed him to be a killing machine, he doesn't know his own strength and ends up almost killing Doise several times. His "killer side" comes out every time he's near Doise, and he can sense his presence because of this.

When not near Doise, Peddito seems almost dead, he moves very little, and is unresponsive. He can't talk, neither human nor siren language, but he understands both. He doesn't swim, just floats through the water like a dead fish, despite this he's incredibly agile and fast. Would follow Doise on land, and could survive with pretty much no problems. He just slides across the floor when on land, as if he was on rails. The bottoms of his feet are always slippy, making it easier for him to move. Might leave a trail wherever he goes.

And here's your reward for reading, some doodles of various age and messiness

Also some shippy stuff hehe

#pizza tower #pizza tower au #Siren Tower AU #toasted art #toast doodles #maurice spaghetti #the doise #peddito #the noise #fake peppino #peppino spaghetti #gustavo pizza tower #pepstavo #noisecouple

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gsirvitor · 6 days ago

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Just to be clear, is there a way to make modern roads more substantial, while still making them smooth enough for modern cars and trucks?

Or does asphalt just inevitably tear up over time, and we have no choice but to imagine Sisyphus to be happy?

Asphalt will always wear, crack and tear over time, but it isn't the asphalt that makes roads shit, it's what lies beneath the asphalt.

Many roads simply compress the ground beneath and then pave over with asphalt, or lay a layer of sediment, usually compacted soil and gravel, then paving over it.

This is quick, cheap and easy to do, meanwhile roads used in highways utilize the techniques Romans used to make them.

Highways are constructed by first clearing the land, then excavating and leveling the ground to create a stable base, followed by laying down layers of aggregate, crushed rock, gravel and sand, compacting them, and finally paving the surface with either asphalt or concrete.

Though not immune to the freeze-thaw cycle, concrete is more resistant, where asphalt tends to embrittle over time, concrete is more hearty.

Another issue is that modern roads aren't designed to fully drain water, look at the Roman road for instance;

It's designed for water to seep in, and drain between the gaps, allowing the roads to weather a freeze-thaw cycle, though, they also had drainage systems, while modern roads;

Are designed to be water resistant, preventing water from draining through them, instead relying on nearby drainage and runoffs instead.

While, in the short term this allows modern roads to withstand water damage, in the long term, it means these roads can't shift, leading to cracks, erosion and potholes.

The issue with modern roads is mainly they're designed for upkeep, to create jobs, to aid the economy, whole Roman roads are built for longevity, as it would have been more costly to need to repair them constantly, especially for an Empire that relied heavily on roads.

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true-blue-sonic · 4 months ago

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To Make Amends

In which Silver and Tails talk out what happened in Sonic Rivals 2.

----

This isn’t precisely how Silver envisioned an alleged super genius would live.

The little workshop tucked away in the forest is nothing remarkable. It’s tiny and quaint, made of wood and metal sheets with a large water wheel spurring and prattling around on one side. In the light of the afternoon sun it looks charming enough, if it weren’t for the fact this place is supposed to be Tails’ bastion of knowledge where he invents new creations up the wazoo. The exterior of the place hardly looks impressive enough for that, Silver decrees. But Espio and Amy had assured him that in here, magic could happen: Tails is able to repair anything, they had said.

Hopefully also futuristic Extreme Gears made with materials that the past has never even seen.

Oh well. The only thing he has to lose is a race wherein he’s ended right in the stands with his Gear on the fritz, the hedgehog figures. Either Tails is able to repair the thing and all is well, or he isn’t and Silver’s got weeks left to find another solution before he’s going to partake in the competition. And thus the psychic flies over to the large metal doors on one side of the building, adorned with a logo of Tails’ namesakes. At least he knows he’s at the right place, a firm knock getting bonked against them.

“Coming!” resounds from inside, footsteps running over and the doors sliding open to reveal Tails.

…Whose eyes first widen as they meet Silver’s, before blinking, before furrowing into a deep frown.

“Silver,” the greeting comes. If Silver didn’t know better, he would describe it as icy.

“Hey,” the hedgehog nods back. “My Extreme Gear is broken and Amy and Espio said I just had to go to you so you could help me out.”

“Oh.” Tails makes very few attempts at moving out of the way. “Is that so.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with it. It keeps twisting to the left when I want it to go straight,” Silver explains further.

Slowly blue eyes drop from glaring at him to the Gear in question. “Really now.”

“Yes,” the hedgehog agrees; the beginning of a long, long silence wherein he stands with his Gear under one arm and wherein Tails’ narrow-eyed leer has flitter back up to him to stare. Intriguing, Silver muses. And awkward. Apparently it’s not a custom to invite people into a house in the past, or something. Doesn’t fit with Amy altogether dragging him into her apartment the few times he paid her a visit, but whatever. “Should I put it inside so you can take a look?” he thus speaks up, giving the Gear a little hoist.

An awkward clearing of Tails’ throat follows. “Actually, I’m a bit… busy?”

“I can put it down so you can look at it when you’re not anymore, if you want. Amy and Espio said that you’ve always got things to do, but it’s still weeks before the race.” Manoeuvring the Gear so it doesn’t hit Tails right in the face as he enters Silver walks past the fox cub, studying the interior of the place with a hum. Lots of technology, and tables with gadgets and items galore strewn about on them, and in their midst a bright red vehicle that gives the hedgehog pause. “You own a plane?”

Tails comes rushing closer, all but throwing himself in front of the thing. “Well, it’s Sonic’s!” the response comes, a tad yelp-y. “But, uh… Maybe you should-!”

“That’s cool. I won’t put the Gear close to it, then,” Silver assures him. His Gear is big; he can’t fault Tails for being worried the plane is getting damaged, with how delicate and outdated it looks. So somewhere tucked away it is; like in the corner between two tables, that looks like a nice spot without anything nearby to break if it falls over. “There,” the hedgehog nods, placing his Gear down. “Do you need my help with anything for it?”

Turning around back to Tails he perks his ears up helpfully; except Tails is looking a tad… frazzled. Awkwardly the fox tugs at his gloves, mouth open as if he wants to say something yet nothing coming out. “Or is this not a good spot,” Silver figures the problem is.

“That’s not… Sorry,” Tails mumbles back. “But, uh… Perhaps it’s, well… a bit audacious to put your stuff down just like that while asking- uh, you know?”

Audacious, Silver muses. That means that he’s bold? Or something. “I don’t follow,” he speaks up, Tails swallowing. But something more dour and irked crosses the other’s face the longer he stares at Silver, twin tails flicking most irked behind his back.

“I mean that you’re just waltzing into my lab like this.”

“Amy and Espio said I could,” Silver naturally responds, because they did and told him Tails would be happy to help.

Even if the sight of the fox cub in front of him is, well, very much not that. “I don’t think they meant like this,” Tails grumbles back, whipping around to return to a table with a ton of stuff and trinkets strewn about on it. “Anyway, you’d best leave. The sooner I can concentrate, the sooner I can work on your Gear.”

“Great! Thanks,” Silver nods at him…

And no response follows, other than a huff and a shrug.

And even Silver can tell that’s not the reaction of someone more than happy to lend a hand.

“You’re annoyed, aren’t you?” the hedgehog speaks up slowly.

Tails tenses, just a bit. “Hmh.”

“If you’re too busy, I can just take the Gear to someone else. That is no problem.”

“That’s not… it.”

Right, Silver muses. That tells him absolutely nothing indeed. But there is something going on, and if it’s not the Gear, he can think of a handful of other things: either Tails is so busy that he’s just stressed, or he’s annoyed by Silver. And only one thing is something he can tackle.

“It’s something I did,” the hedgehog guesses next.

A deep sigh follows, Tails shooting a look over his shoulder. “Silver, I appreciate you’re trying to talk to me about this, but maybe you’d really better leave.”

“I want to know what’s going on,” Silver shoots back, arms crossing. How can he solve whatever it is if Tails won’t even tell him? But the fox turns away once more, fiddling with some of the stuff laying on his table.

“You don’t. It’s in the past.”

In the past… This is honestly the first time he’s ever talked to Tails face-to-face, so they don’t have a lot of past together. “Something about when we met?” Silver thus guesses next. Not much remarkable about that, except the fact the world was literally on the brink of destruction and the only person being even remotely helpful in that situation had been Espio…

Yet Tails tenses only more. “It is!” the hedgehog promptly figures. “What precisely?”

Shooting Silver a look that he’s received from many a person before and that always makes him bristle – it’s the “You’re so dense” look, the “Why are you not following us, what isn’t making sense about this to you, stop being so wilfully ignorant” kind of mocking leer that makes Silver see red – Tails scoffs. “I’m just saying that you’re walking in with a lot of audacity asking for me to repair your Gear after you stole my rings.”

And Silver blinks.

Oh, he remembers. Oh, yes. He did very much do that.

“I needed them,” he answers, running a finger over the glowing cyan mark on his other hand. Espio had come up with the plan; he’d looked altogether horrified by how Silver had been shambling along with trembling limbs and body swaying like it could collapse any second, his powers exhausted entirely. That collapse had been mere moments away if Silver hadn’t gotten the rings in time, even if the hedgehog had refused to tell his friend that lest Espio would be too worried. But he has to commend the chameleon for how efficiently that situation had been resolved… even if it apparently still leaves Tails bothered.

The fox’s eyes narrow even more. “And you called me small.”

“That’s not true. I called you a half-pint,” Silver helpfully jogs his memory. “Because you’re smaller than me. That’s quite obvious.”

…And apparently also the wrong thing to say, because Tails is looking altogether peeved.

Raising an eyebrow at the sharp teeth getting bared in his direction and the way the fox’s ears pin right against his head Silver opens his mouth for something to add; before faltering. He also doesn’t like being called a half-pint, and if anyone were to lay a finger on the things he rightfully collected he’d probably just murder them on the spot. Same with anyone idiotic enough to call him a half-pint, actually. “You’re mad about it,” he concludes instead, a scoff following.

“You could say that.”

Right. That is easy to figure out, honestly, but it does leave Silver wondering. “What did you need the rings for, actually?” he prods some more. If that’s not resolved yet, he can just go get a bunch of them right now!

“Knuckles and Rouge asked us for help to collect rings for their Emerald detector. Not that we were able to lend it in the end,” Tails grumbles back at him, whipping around to return to his tinkering and leaving Silver disappointed.

“I see… So getting you rings now to make up for it wouldn’t do much, huh?”

“No.”

“Hmm.” That’s one potential way to make amends down the drain, Silver figures. And asking Tails about what he wants seems risky, considering the altogether murderous way he pokes a screwdriver into his gadget. But then what… “I understand that you’re angry,” Silver tries a new angle. “I wouldn’t appreciate being called small either.”

Tails makes a noise not unlike an overheating kettle. “Then why did you say it?!”

“I was about to collapse and you were in my way,” Silver recounts, twitching his ears as Tails glares at him disbelievingly. “No, really. My powers were completely exhausted. You and Sonic had collected all of the rings in the area already, so taking them from you was my next best shot. It was either that or fainting and then the world would have been completely destroyed because I couldn’t have done anything to stop the Ifrit.”

“…Right.” With his angry movements slowing down Tails stares some more; up and down over Silver’s body before halting at the marks on his hands, brow furrowing. “What exhausted you so much?”

“Running around collecting Chao for days, mostly.”

“Did you not… sleep? Rest?”

“No!” Silver huffs; Espio had asked the same, with his opinion that Silver had been pushing himself far too much clear to even the hedgehog, and yet the agitation inside Silver had spiked up in the exact same way as it does now. “How could I rest, when every moment I’m not working is one wherein more Chao could have been stolen and the chances that the Ifrit would destroy us all could have become bigger?”

A hum follows at that. “I see what you mean, even if you can’t know for sure that would have happened… But then, why didn’t you ask if you could have some rings? If it was that important?” Tails inquires, more pensively.

Promptly it’s Silver’s turn to bristle. “Because we’re not friends? Or on good terms?”

“So?”

“So you wouldn’t have given them to me because we’re not friends or on good terms? And you were already collecting them for someone else?” Silver repeats, spelling it out slowly. Jeez, he thought Tails was smart.

Yet one of Tails’ ears flicks. “Silver, even so, if you tell me that you’re actively dying and need rings, I’d have shared some with you. Maybe that’s hard to see in such a moment, but…”

“It would have earned you nothing.” And it wouldn’t; if anything, it would have earned Tails the ire from Knuckles and Rouge for not having enough rings to help them out, Silver figures. Although now maybe he earned their ire for not having any, even if there’s a reason for that. Hmm.

Slowly Tails shakes his head. “It would have earned me the knowledge I helped someone in need. Is that not something good to achieve? Do you not get happy when you’re able to lend others a hand?”

And Silver’s eyes widen.

“Oh. If you put it like that…” the hedgehog mumbles, gaze flicking up to the ceiling. If he had rings and someone came up to him proclaiming they needed them imminently¸ he would have given them all away… Heck, if he didn’t have rings, he’d have torn the planet asunder if that was needed to find someone. Even for a stranger… “I know what you mean. Knowing that you helped someone… It’s a nice feeling,” he adds.

Something just a bit more warm flickers over Tails’ face, though the tiniest twitch of a smile on there dissipates moments later. “But now you just took them from me.”

“And I called you a half-pint,” Silver recounts further. “And you’re angry about both.”

A scoff follows. “You could say that,” Tails sighs back; and with that, he turns around to return to tinkering once more.

That leaves Silver, pensively staring at the ceiling. Tails is mad, and Silver understands why Tails is mad, and if he’d been in such a situation himself he’d also be mad, and if he’d been mad, he would have appreciated it if…

“I’m sorry,” he speaks up. “For insulting you. And stealing your rings.”

The flicking of twin tails freezes. “…You are?” Tails asks, turning around slowly as Silver nods.

“I hurt you. And especially if you’d just have given them to me if asked, that’s… not nice of me. So, sorry.”

Blue eyes regard him warily, Tails’ head tipping to the side. “Would you have been sorry if I hadn’t told you about this?”

“Probably not. But I am now, and that means I won’t say it again. You’re not even that much smaller than I am, really, so I was wrong about that too,” Silver shrugs back earnestly.

For a few seconds Tails just stares. A prickle of discomfort goes over Silver’s spine at it; was that also the wrong thing to say…?

…But then a snort follows. “You’re a really interesting person,” the fox remarks, with a smile on his face; but this is a true smile, Silver is sure of it. “Apology accepted. Promise that if you ever find yourself in such a situation again, you’ll ask us to help you?”

Ask for help… He didn’t ask Espio for help, not at first, the hedgehog muses. Only after extensively running into each other with the chameleon relentlessly following him did they even get to talking. But he’d asked then: if Espio would help or keep getting in his way, and his not-yet-a-friend had chosen the former. And that had made them be friends, the working together and the aid Espio had given him when he needed it most. “If I ask you for help, will that make us be friends?” Silver inquires, Tails hesitating for a second before nodding.

“I think so. If you’d like that.”

“People in the past are nice,” the hedgehog tells him; not the most competent when it comes to mitigating calamities, clearly, but Amy has welcomed him with open arms and the Chaotix are an altogether amiable bunch. Who is to say Tails isn’t the same? “And is there really nothing I can do to make up for it?” Silver does add, after a pause. “I’d feel bad if I didn’t at least try to do something for you.”

“I’d feel bad for asking,” Tails notes back, screwdriver dropping on his desk as he turns to Silver’s Extreme Gear. “Although… You can tell me everything about your Gear and how it works and what it’s made of, and then it’s okay. Deal?”

Studying his broken Gear too Silver nods. “I’m not a technologist. That’s why Amy and Espio said I had to go to you instead, because you’re the greatest at it. But I can do my best, if you want.”

“Heh.” Tails blushes at that, the hedgehog swears, even if it’s hard to see with how the windows mute the light from the afternoon sun. “The greatest?”

“That’s what they said,” Silver recounts. “And, I mean, you do have a plane here. That’s pretty cool!”

“She’s Sonic’s pride and joy. I’m happy to take care of her until we need her for adventures,” Tails all but beams, the little vehicle getting a few pats on her side. “I can tell you all about the Tornado and the versions I made, if you want…?”

“I’d be happy to listen,” the hedgehog agrees; and Tails’ eyes light up, the Extreme Gear grabbed and hoisted onto a table as a torrent of words about technology and planes and Eggman ploys and gadgets begins bursting out.

Silver can’t follow even half of it, but he listens closely, and Tails marvels at his ability to psychokinetically lift up dozens of items at once to move them closer or put them back in their place, and before he knows it the sun has sunken away in full and all the light outside comes from Tails’ lamps and the stars. “It should work again just fine!” the fox tells him, handing over the Gear with a beaming smile of pride.

“Thanks, Tails. I’ll give it a spin immediately.” With careful touches Silver runs a hand over his Gear; it looks just as sleek and pristine as always, but Tails had found tons of little points and places to improve it, he’d said. Amy and Espio hadn’t lied one bit; he truly does know what he is talking about, the hedgehog concedes. Even if his lab is still a bit on the tiny side as Silver walks out of it, but perhaps also here there’s tons of things hidden that the hedgehog would have no knowledge of. Tails definitely has surprised him today.

“If anything is wrong, just come back and I’ll take a look at it.” Following Silver outside Tails rubs behind his head, a more awkward little cough following. “And if you’ve got any other tech from the future, or maybe something with your powers, ah…”

Muffling a chuckle at the shy but inquiring peek sent at him Silver nods. “You’ll be the first to see it, promise.”

“Thank you!” gets grinned at him, Tails’ namesakes twitching eagerly. That hopefully won’t cause any paradoxes or anything, Silver prays to the gods, but so far he’s been to the past a couple of times already and everything has been a-okay. “Take care in the dark, and don’t do anything reckless,” the other adds, giving the Gear a final pat.

“Will do. And thanks again,” Silver agrees, readying himself to go run with his board before jumping up. But before he does so, he draws a deep breath; leaving matters unresolved is not something he’ll ever accept doing. “And thank you for letting me stay. And that we could talk about what happened,” he adds. He’d never have figured out Tails was angry about it otherwise, probably, and that just won’t do for someone he's friends with.

His companion jolts, just a bit. “Oh! It’s really no issue,” the response comes, almost hurriedly… before it falters, and Tails squares his shoulders up as well. “But, it’s also… kind of you that you apologised,” he smiles. “I appreciate it.”

With a nod Silver returns the warm look. “Of course! I’m glad it made you feel better.”

“Hmh,” Tails agrees, ears twitching… before he peeks up and adds a: “And now you’ll never do it again, right?”

Head tipping to the side Silver studies Tails close; but where his words are sharp, something playful twinkles in the fox’s eyes, head tipped to the side and little grin on his face. So he’s joking, the hedgehog figures. “I promise to not call you a half-pint again and not to steal your rings again,” he thus nods back gravely, a snort following.

“Also for Sonic?”

Quite promptly Silver finds himself overtaken by a dour glumness. “Sonic’s on thin ice. Can’t promise anything about him, sorry.”

“Too bad. Any friend of mine is a friend of Sonic. You two will befriend each other as well, and that is a threat,” Tails winks back. And he remains unrelenting in that statement even as Silver huffs and shrugs him off, eventually leaving the fox in stitches with laughter at Silver’s protests while the hedgehog rolls his eyes and gets ready to blast off on his gear.

But there’s something happy and fuzzy bubbling in his chest as well, that Silver can’t exactly place but which he appreciates. And if befriending Sonic will feel like that too, and if Sonic is willing to have him around in the first place, then…!

Maybe he should go hang out with Tails more often, Silver decrees, and the trip back to where he’s staying at Amy’s is a happy one indeed.

#this shit is NOT showing up in the tags as the Ao3 link so we're also getting it like this lol #silver the hedgehog #miles tails prower #blue's writing #sonic rivals 2 #fanfic

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violettduchess · 9 months ago

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A/N: It's been a long haul but it's finally done! Thank you to @lorei-writes for all the encouragement and advice and for helping me take a step into an area of fanfic I never really considered exploring before!

OC Captain Leyla Quinn x Silvio Ricci

Their first meeting

WC: 4k

The sight of sunlight glistening off the waters of the bay never fails to bring Leyla a sense of calm. The brightness dancing along the wavering surface feels like it echoes through her bones, steadying and strengthening her, as real and solid as the wooden dock beneath her boots or the hand that suddenly clamps down on her shoulder.

What the….

With a sharp intake of air, she turns to find Kai, her trusted Quartermaster, has joined her on the pier. The sunlight winks off his bald head and the gold hoop in his ear. Leyla isn’t a short woman but next to Kai, anyone would feel small. He reminds her of the giant Oak trees found in the forests of his native Obsidian: tall, broad, imposing. He gestures with one muscular arm and the orange kraken tattooed from wrist to elbow undulates with the movement.

“Shipwright says repairs will be done by tomorrow.”

Siren’s Call, her ship, took some minor damage before reaching the Tourmaline port thanks to a particularly nasty storm that harrowed them on the last day of their journey. She knew the damage was minimal but keeping the ship in tip-top shape was one of Leyla’s biggest concerns. She had seen firsthand what could happen when a captain became lackadaisical with the care of their ship and when she had become Siren’s Call’s owner, she vowed to never be so complacent.

She shifts her sky-blue gaze over to where the ship is docked. Several figures can be seen scurrying around the deck. She recognizes several members of her crew and grins slowly when she notices Amani, her boatswain, is among them.

“Amani's got a handle on things, I’m sure.” Fiery Amani from the mystical land of Tanzanite with her explosion of lilac curls and stormy gray eyes sometimes scares Leyla with how well she knows Siren’s Call, almost as if she and the ship share a mind and a soul. She wouldn’t let them get away with so much as an off-center nail.

Kai’s laughter greets her ears like a roll of jolly thunder. “She’s probably the reason they’re almost done, the little terror.”

“Captain Quinn!”

Leyla and Kai both turn at the same time to see a grizzled man with a thick white beard and skin like aged leather approaching, his arms held out wide in jubilant greeting.

“Rumford, you old pirate!” Leyla’s voice is warm with affection as she claps the old man on the back heartily. Kai’s large hand grips his arm in greeting, his smile also welcoming.

The older man’s green eyes twinkle like sea glass as he nods towards the docks. “Ship’s lookin’ good, Captain. I heard ‘bout your troubles with the storm but it seems Lady Luck still favors ya.”

Leyla throws the dark waves of her hair over her shoulder as she glances at her ship and then back to Rumford who is now leaning against one of the nearby wooden pillars.

“Ah, but that's less to do with luck and more to do with the skill of my crew.” Her voice swells with pride. Her crew is her family and it's obvious to anyone who speaks to her how fiercely she treasures them.

Rumford scratches at the edges of his worn blue bandana, shrugging one bony shoulder. “Fair enough, lass, fair enough. Lord knows ya got one of the best…” He pauses, eyes bright as he remembers something and he motions for her and Kai to come closer. “I do have a bit of interestin’ news for ya both.”

Kai can never resist gossip and immediately moves a step closer. Leyla, a bit more skeptical, crosses her arms slowly and grins.

“Go on then, old timer.”

Rumford clears his throat. “The storm wasn’t the only thing makin’ waves around here." He lowers his voice conspiratorially. "The Red Queen herself was around these parts not several days ago.”

Leyla’s dark brows rise. “You don’t say.”

He nods sagely. “Aye. Ya see, a slave ship carryin’ cargo from the Peridot Islands was sunk not that far from here. One lone crew member survived and he was scared shitless. Claimed the ship moved silent as a ghost and the attack was so brutal it was over in a matter of seconds. All the captives disappeared. No other crew members survived.” Rumford’s voice is a loud, stage whisper. “Folks say that ship and her Captain are cursed but I say, they’re doin’ the angels work, takin’ out scum like that.” He punctuates his words by spitting on the dock.

He rambles on for a few more minutes before excusing himself with a hiccup and a wave. Leyla watches him amble back towards the ramshackle wooden buildings that make up the portside town.

“I told you one had gotten away.” Her voice is low as she watches Rumford’s frame grow smaller with distance.

Kai crosses his burly arms. “It was dark. He wouldn’t have seen much. Besides.” He turns, mouth tilting in a grin. “That’s what we wear the fancy red scarves for.”

She snorts, biting back a laugh. Kai hated the red silk scarves they all wore on the bottom halves of their faces when they were on The Crimson Scorn. He knew they had to protect their identities. Some of the ships they had taken down belonged to powerful people, black market merchants or corrupt government officials who would love to find the Red Queen and her crew and send them to a watery grave.

“We should be hearing from Morganite in a few days then.” The small country of Morganite was where they had sent those they freed. A contact was waiting for them there and would help relocate all those who had originally been heading for the torment of slavery.

Kai nods. “I’ll let you know the minute I do.” A seagull cuts a dark figure across the clear sky, its loud call directing their attention towards a ship in the distance, heading towards the port. Even from far away, every part of it screams wealth, from its many billowing white sails to the rich color of its wood.

Leyla squints and then shakes her head. Her disdain for the fancy ship radiates off her like heat waves and Kai laughs, patting his captain on the shoulder.

“C’mon. There’s a pint in The Loaded Cannon with your name on it.”

She watches the gaudy merchant ship for another moment, something uneasy fluttering in the pit of her stomach. A feeling that she can’t quite pinpoint. Like that ship is a harbinger of some kind. But of what....she doesn't know.

“Captain?” Kai is looking down at her with concern in his hazel eyes.

Leyla clears her throat, turning on the heel of her black boot.

“Let’s go. We got some celebrating to do.”

The Loaded Cannon isn’t much, but it has warm food, strong ale and good service which is more than one can say for many seaside taverns. As the sun sinks, painting the sky in dramatic pink and orange, Captain Leyla Quinn is squinting, one blue eye focused with blazing intensity on the crude chalk outline of a person against the far wall of the tavern. Those who are seated nearby or leaning against tables watch, slanted forward in anticipation but not daring to make a sound.

Right……there……

The small dagger leaves her hand, flying with a precision that belies the amount of drink she has consumed already. It strikes the wall right where the painted man’s heart would be with a loud thunk. The grizzled seafarers cheer, sloshing their ale as they raise their mugs in a toast. Leyla whoops with joy, throwing her arm up in celebration before reaching for her own tankard and taking a long, deep pull.

“And that’s how you do it, folks!” Her eyes shine as she sets down her mug, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and laughing at a joke one of the craggy patrons makes about never messing with Captain Quinn.

“You’re good."

A voice cuts through the crowd and she turns, her radiant exuberance slowly shifting from smile to frown as a stranger approaches. In the hush that falls over the tavern, she can hear the sound of his ornate clothing jangling before he even steps into the hazy orange light of the overhead lantern.

Even in the dim room his blue eyes gleam like molten sapphire.

“But I’m better.”

Heat swarms inside her veins, an immediate buzzing that has her straightening her shoulders, lifting her chin as he comes fully into view. He is staggeringly handsome with pale hair the color of moonlight and a face made to be sculpted in marble. His body is long and lean, lines that beg the eye to follow them. His lips are quirked in a smile painted in equal shades arrogance and confidence. A smile that has her suck in a breath and there it sticks, right in her chest, as she finds herself locked into that brilliant gaze.

She could drown in all that blue, sink into it like a wrecked ship into the hungry ocean, all without putting up a fight.

Attraction has unexpectedly roared like a beast unearthed, sinking its claws into her heart and stomach, driving heat across her skin.

But she is also very aware of her surroundings, of the many gazes jumping with bright interest between her and this tall stranger with golden jewelry that drinks in the ochre light.

Fighting the shocking tidal wave of sudden desire he has unleashed, she slips into a pose of casual interest, her head tilted as she regards him, hoping in the back of her mind that she has managed to look mildly intrigued.

“Aren’t we sure of ourselves,” she says loudly, lifting her mug of ale and taking a sip, grateful for the cool rush of liquid. Her eyes never leave the stranger and he seems amused, head cocked to one side, waiting to see what she’ll do.

She sets down her tankard, turning to face him fully. “You have a very loud bark, sea dog. And it’s my experience that dogs that yap the loudest are the least dangerous.”

A collective chuckle rolls through the patrons as they continue watching the exchange. It gives Leyla a boost of confidence as she winks at the sailor seated just to her right, a gesture of comradery and conspiracy.

The stranger grins slowly, placing a hand on his hip.

“Brave enough to make a bet of it, lady?”

Leyla scoffs. “I don’t make bets with strangers.”

He takes a step closer, looking at her as if she is the only person in the whole tavern.

“We ain't strangers. We’ve been talkin’ for at least a minute.”

“You can take him!”, one of the men calls from the back and the patrons all nod, yelling their support, some banging their mugs on the scarred wooden tables.

Leyla glances around, bolstered by the sight of so many supportive grins, then turns back to the pale-haired man. Alright then. This may be a way to temper some of the heat tornadoing through her. Focus that energy on competition.

“What’s your bet?”

He reaches up, rubbing his chin as if in thought. She can’t help but notice his hands. What a paradox they seem to be. He has the calloused palms of a sailor but with long, elegant fingers bedecked in a variety of expensive rings.

“One throw. Whoever gets closest to the center of the heart, wins. When I win….” There’s a pause as he allows himself the liberty of drinking in the sight of her, from her knee-high black boots to the ends of her wavy ebon hair. “.....you kiss me.”

The patrons in the tavern roar, some with protective annoyance, others with astounded delight. There are an equal number of “Now wait a minutes” mixed in with “He’s got guts, I tell ya.”

That tornado she was hoping to temper rips through her at the thought.

Goddamn it.

Leyla holds up her hand to quiet the room, ignoring the wild hammering of her heart and keeping her breathing as even as possible. However confident this man is, she knows her own skill with a dagger.

“And when I win….” She pauses, imitating the way he looked at her a moment before, then smiles slowly. “I get that fancy sword of yours.”

His hand automatically comes up the sword at his hip, to touch the beautiful gold hilt inlaid with elegant azure gemstones. She’s struck a nerve, picking something that obviously holds value to him. Their gazes meet and lock, like the antlers of stags locked in combat.

“It’s a bet.” His voice is light, easygoing but she notices the way his hand is still possessively wrapped around the hilt of his sword. “Ladies first.”

She reaches down, slipping her fingers into the inside of her boot and removes the dagger she has carried with her ever since her first journey across the sea. She has wielded it a thousand times, knows its heft, its dynamics, its length. She could throw it with her eyes bound and it would hit its mark.

The patrons hold their breath. Never has she experienced the tavern as quiet as it is now. She turns, facing the chalky outline of the man on the wooden wall.

The only sign of nervousness is the slight press of her lips, the thin line they form as she breathes in deeply.

Once.

Twice.

And then she throws. The dagger sails from her hand as sure and steady an arrow from Diana’s bow where it lands with a satisfying thunk right where the man’s heart would be. The tavern erupts into cheers and she feels a wave of pure relief wash over her as she steps aside, unable to keep from grinning.

There’s no way–

He moves with the litheness of a predator, elegance and unbelievable speed blending together in the extension of his arm as his jeweled dagger flies towards the outline. There is another thunk, followed by the hollow thud of Leyla’s dagger as it is dislodged from the wall and falls in a dramatic swoon to the dusty floorboards. In its place, the silver and sapphire dagger gleams victorious.

The tavern erupts again, this time louder than before. It sounds like one loud roar as patrons jump up, some cheering, some in shock, some even clapping this stranger in his elegant clothing on the shoulder.

Well, fuck.

He passes her, going to retrieve the daggers and she’s hit with the smell of sea salt and something else, something tangy and expensive. Her heart thunders in her chest as the crowd around her calls out teasing words and praise for them both.

The stranger flashes her a smile, all white teeth and triumph, as he holds out her dagger to her, hilt first.

“Told ya,” he says in a low, infuriatingly attractive whisper.

She takes the dagger from him with a loud exhale. She can’t help but notice the eager look on many of the patron’s faces. After all, she did agree to kiss him if she lost….

“Not here,” she snaps, turning on her boot heel and marching straight out of the tavern and into the cool night air. Losing has temporarily doused some of the heat his presence had ignited in her.

Maybe he won’t follow her.

He follows her.

And she has to admit to herself….she’s not sorry.

When she reaches her destination, he barks out a laugh. She’s literally marched across the street, stopping on the wooden portico of the boarding house directly across from the tavern. The raucous sounds of the patrons within The Loaded Cannon are still audible as they float along on the cool sea breeze.

“Too good for a room in the tavern?”

Now they are ostensibly alone, standing in the dim light of the single lantern hanging next to the wooden sign of the boarding house. She thought he was handsome before but now, up close and away from other people, his presence swallows everything else around her, as strong as the unyielding pull of the bright moon on the tide. Has she ever, ever been so immediately drawn to a person like this?

“I like my privacy.” The word hangs in the air between them, sparkling like a gemstone, smooth as silk.

He takes a step towards her and for the first time, she can see the effect she is having on him. His eyes are dark as the sea at midnight, his body radiating an electric tension as he draws closer to her.

So it's not just her. He feels it too.

“Ya lost, sea witch. Time to pay up.”

Something inside Leyla bursts.

Like a sea anemone opening its explosively bright body to the current.

Like cannon fire.

Like lust.

She reaches out, grabbing him by the wrist, feeling the softness of his white silk tunic under her palm and pulls him to her, stretching up to press her mouth to his.

Oh……

……..oh…….

………………fuck.

He tastes sweet as rose liquor and twice as potent. She wraps her arms around him, immediately wanting to get closer, drinking him in like he might disappear at any second as something ferocious is let loose. Something wild that winds itself around them. Something blistering. Something that feels like vague danger and crystal-clear want. Those long fingers are curling themselves into her black hair, wearing it like his golden rings. He pulls slightly to shift her head, giving him a better position to plunder the heat of her mouth, to swallow every gasp she makes. And when she groans, he yanks her even closer, like he can’t take it, and she swears she can feel his heart banging like drumfire in his chest.

A loud whistling breaks through the feverish haze and she sees several sailors grinning as they exit the tavern, having spotted them wrapped in each other’s arms.

“Fuck,” she murmurs as the rowdy, ale-drunk group continues with playful catcalls and whistles. Drawing a deep breath, she tilts her head to meet his gaze straight on. “Let’s go to my room.” She starts to reach for his hand but then stops. “I mean….if you want to.” Maybe he doesn’t want to go any further. She shouldn’t assume–

He grins and the sight of it has her heart resume beating at breakneck speed.

“If ya think my answer is gonna be anything except ‘yes, immediately’--” He’s cut off by her yanking him through the doors of the boarding house, hand now held confidently and very firmly in hers.

She kisses not with lips and tongue, but with fire.

Silvio didn’t see her when he walked into The Loaded Cannon. He heard her. A laugh that broke through the smoky din like a burst of sunlight through faded gray clouds. It immediately turned his head, diverting him from his mission to see what he could find out about the captain he would be meeting with tomorrow concerning his trip to Pyrite.

That laughter wound its way through the air, danced over the rumble of low voices, the drunken cheers, the mumbles until he found its source. She was standing, shoulders back, stance wide, wavy hair the color of a moonless midnight sky falling in waves past her shoulders, and a grin so cocky he felt his own lips curving upwards in response. She was jerking her thumb towards the wall where a dagger was embedded within the outline of a person, defying anyone to deny what skill a throw like that would take.

She wasn’t the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. There wasn’t any physical feature that stood out as extraordinary. And yet here he was, unable to tear his gaze away from her. He watched as she lifted her tankard, turning in a way that he got a good look at the pale blue of her eyes, the cloudless sky at midday, and he noticed the small black beauty mark at the corner of her left eye. His fingers curled with the sudden, inexplicable urge to touch it.

“And that’s how you do it, folks!” Her voice surprised him. Deeper than he expected, huskier than he would have imagined. He wanted to hear more.

And then he was on his feet, walking towards her.

“You’re good……but I’m better.”

And those five words lead him to this moment, right now. To this woman who has invaded every one of his senses with lightning speed, her fingers brazenly roaming through his hair as she leaves a trail of kisses across his bare shoulder like droplets of lava. A tornado of hunger tears its way through his body, tangling his veins and burning up any thoughts other than how much he wants her, this blue-eyed siren who smells like orange blossoms and feels like heaven under his palms.

Her name…..it doesn’t matter. Who needs something so unimportant? His mouth has other things to do. Like an unspoken agreement, neither one of them has said a word since stumbling into her room. The seconds are for tasting as much of the other as they can, as quickly as they can. They fall in tandem onto the bed, never letting go. Two people drowning and grasping each other as they sink down into the storm of need.

Has he ever been so lost, so completely immersed in another person like this? Has he ever felt so frantic from just a touch, a sigh?

And then she wraps her arms around his shoulders, her legs around his waist and there is room for nothing else in his mind. Just her. And he plans to enjoy every second he has, swimming in this tempestuous sea of lust and longing, until the dawn kisses the night and the sky turns pale with morning’s glow.

Leyla’s eyes open just as the last blush of peach is fading from the clouds and the sun continues its climb through the morning sky. Her body feels languid with the memory of the night, heavy with satisfaction. She stretches with a slow yawn, running a hand over the side of her neck and down the tender slope to her shoulder, an expanse of skin peppered with the rosy echoes of a stranger's passionate kisses. Her hips are marked by the strong grip of his nimble fingers. Ah, but it can't be just her. Oh, no. His body must carry the same evidence of their night together. She remembers well the feel of his muscular back under her fingernails, the softness of his earlobe between her teeth.

A shiver runs through her at the thought. One of the most memorable nights of her life and she doesn’t even know his name.

She turns towards the nightstand with the intention of checking the time on her pocket watch and freezes.

There, leaning against the wooden night table, is his sword. A parting gift. A thank you.

Her grin rivals the brightening sky.

“Had a good night, did you?” Kai glances at his captain as they head down the street towards the Merchant’s Guild, one of the better constructed and larger buildings in the entire town.

Leyla adjusts her fitted long coat. It is a deep royal blue and decorated with gold filigree, the one she always wears when she needs to make a strong impression. Her blouse is white and crisp and a black leather sword baldric is strapped across her body. And hanging at her side is the sword, its golden handle and sapphire stones winking cheerily in the sunlight.

“That is for me to know. And you to never ask about again.” But she knows he can read her like a seafarer can the stars. He notices the extra bounce in her step, the white silk scarf tied strategically around her neck, the small, secretive smile that hasn’t left her lips since he picked her up.

He laughs as they approach the building, the sound buoyant and warm.

“Alright, alright. Let’s focus on the task at hand then. Remind me who exactly set up this meeting?”

She pauses at the foot of the stairs that lead up to the wide, ornately carved double doors.

“An emissary from Benitoite has been sniffing around different port towns. Some prince is looking for a crew who knows these waters. Apparently he’s been searching for a captain willing to take him through Blackwater Strait. He’s got cargo that needs to be delivered to Pyrite.”

Kai nods in recollection, now remembering the first time she told him this story. “I only know one captain who is crazy enough to do that.”

They share a grin and Leyla adjusts the blue velvet tricorn hat on her head, fingers brushing against the elegant white feather it boasts. “Should be easy money.”

They walk in step with each other through the heavy double doors and are immediately met by a slender man with dark curls and glasses. He's dressed in the elegant clothing of a royal adjutant.

“Ahh Captain Quinn, right this way.” He glances at her and then up up up at Kai nervously before leading them down the hallway and through another set of doors that open into a large, airy meeting room.

Kai steps in confidently but for the second time that morning, Leyla freezes.

The man waiting by the window, the one dressed in ornate finery, absurdly trimmed with white and black fur. The one whose golden jewelry jangles as he turns to face them. The one with pale hair the color of moonlight and a face made to be sculpted in marble.

“Prince Silvio of Benitoite,” the aide says formally.

It can’t be……

He’s the prince?

“Captain Leyla Quinn, of the Siren’s Call.”

Silvio’s shocked expression is a mirror of her own.

She’s the captain?

The same word leaves both their lips, at the same time.

“Fuck.”

Taglist: @alexxavicry @queengiuliettafirstlady @bellerose-arcana @thewitchofbooks @aria-chikage

@redheadkittys @tele86 @dear-mrs-otome @olivermorningstar @writingwhimsey

@mxrmaid-poet @silver-dahlia @wendolrea @nightfoxqueen @myonlyjknight

@ikesimpleton @ikemenlibrary @namine-somebodies-nobody @cellophanediamond @whatever-fanfics

@justpeachyteastea @chirp-a-chirp @got7igot7family @kookie-my-little-sunshine @mastering-procrastinating

@portrait-ninja @starlitmanor-network @queen-dahlia @themysticalbeing @nightghoul381

@whitelittlebunny @chi-the-idiot @bubblexly @ozalysss

Note: If you do not want to be tagged in OC fics, please DM me and let me know!

#ikemen series #ikemen prince #ikepri #silvio ricci #ikepri silvio #ikemen silvio #ikepri oc #ikemen oc #leyla quinn #leyla x silvio #ikemen fanfiction #ikemen fanfic #otome fanfiction #violettwrites

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soaringthroughthegalaxy · 1 year ago

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Wash Away the Pain #3 - Tech

The fall of Kamino, and the brief reunion with Crosshair, brings up feelings that Tech doesn’t think he can logic away.

Pairing: Tech x gn!reader (can be seen as platonic or romantic)

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: whump, guilt, hurt and comfort, discussion around choices and emotions, hopeful ending.

A/N: I was heavily inspired by these gorgeous drawings by @thattoothpick.

This is part of a mini-series I’m writing, where each of our boys will get their angsty shower time.

Each can be read as a standalone or as a continuation. Check out the others in the series: Echo, Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair.

The soft sound of muffled crying made you pause, stopping before the fresher door.

Kamino had fallen. Crosshair had decided to stay behind. You’d all left, retreating before the Empire could come sniffing.

The atmosphere in Cid’s bar was solemn, the boys nursing drinks and talking quietly as Omega napped in the back. Tech had excused himself, citing some repairs he needed to continue. You’d sat with the boys for a while before checking on Omega. A quick tip of your head into one of the back rooms had reassured you she was still asleep, but as you’d been walking back to the bar, the sounds from the fresher had stopped you.

Lifting your hand, you rap against the door. “Tech?” You call out gently.

Startling at the noise, Tech swipes a hand over his face, brushing away the tears. “I will be out momentarily.” He calls out.

“It’s okay, take your time.” You’re quick to reassure him, not wanting him to believe that he needs to bottle whatever he’s feeling back up. He wasn’t one to burden others with his problems, preferring to quietly work through them while projecting an air of ease to anyone nearby. For years, you’d tended to the boy’s physical wounds as their nat-born medic, but more recently, you’d noticed an uptick of emotional wounds between them all that needed just as much care. “You…want company?” You offer, eyes darting down the corridor towards the bar, catching his brothers still conversing around a table.

Tech contemplates your offer. He knows you’re a good listener and frequently there for his siblings, but he doesn’t wish to bother you with this. He often found peace in his own company and thoughts, but with the guilt and sadness currently churning in his gut, he wonders if it’s healthy to keep this to himself.

Making his choice, he reaches a hand out of the spray of the shower, turning the lock on the door.

The click of the lock is all the permission you need, and you step into the room, closing and locking the door behind you. Tech’s back is to you, rivulets of water rolling down the expanse of tanned skin. One hand clutches at his goggles, the other hanging limply by his side.

Not caring about his nudity – too many years at their side for you to be bothered by it – you step into the shower with him. Smoothing a hand down his arm, you gently squeeze his wrist. Soft brown eyes turn towards you, clouded with sadness. “Talk to me.” You encourage.

Tech’s eyes flit from yours, landing on the wall over your shoulder. “I am struggling with guilt.” He states. Naming his feelings had never been the problem – handling them had been. He knew he processed things differently than his siblings, that they embraced how they were feeling. But Tech…he intellectualised them.

“And why’s that?” You ask gently, hand dipping down to grasp his goggles, unfurling his fingers around them. You lean out, placing them on the nearby counter so they won’t get damaged.

“Our escape from the cruiser on Bracca was a success. However, I did not account for the falling cone to divert the force of the engine towards Crosshair and ultimately leave him disfigured.” Tech’s admission hangs heavy in the steam-filled air. Seeing his brother – his twin – on Kamino had been painful. Seeing what his decision had done to him, the scarring that now covered the side of Crosshair’s head.

Objectively, he knew it was ridiculous. They were soldiers; scars were inevitable, and they all had them. Some were more visible than others. It was just that they usually came from the enemy, not each other.

You watch him closely, sensing the weight of his words. The shower water cascades down, a rhythmic backdrop to his internal turmoil. Leaning against the cool tiles, you consider your response carefully. “What happened to Crosshair wasn’t your fault. We were in a tight spot – it was that or be incinerated. You made the best decision with the information you had.” You say, your voice steady and reassuring. “You can’t blame yourself for things beyond your control.”

Tech’s gaze remains fixed on the wall, his brow furrowed in contemplation. “I should have calculated the potential consequences more thoroughly. My oversight directly resulted in Crosshair’s injuries.”

You reach out to tilt his face so you can meet his gaze. “Tech, you’re brilliant, but you’re not infallible. None of us could have predicted every variable in that situation. Crosshair chose to have the engines turned on, and with limited time we chose to use the explosives.”

His eyes meet yours searchingly. “I understand the concept of choices, but it does not alleviate the guilt.”

A soft sigh leaves your lips, hand leaving his chin to brush across the near-permanent red marks around his eyes from his goggles. It had taken a while for Tech to accept your touch so freely, and you were still silently pleased every time he didn’t shy away from it. “That’s not the only thing upsetting you, is it?” You push a little. Years by their side meant they were like open books to you.

Tech’s jaw clenches before he sighs, gaze dropping to rest on the hollow of your throat. “The same logic applies. I understand Crosshair chose to remain on Kamino. I accept his choice, but that does not mean I agree.”

You nod in understanding. “It’s okay to disagree with his choice, Tech. You care about him, and it’s natural to feel conflicted when someone you love decides against what you believe is best.”

Tech’s shoulders sag slightly, the weight of his conflicting emotions evident in the slump of his posture. “I cannot help but think that if I had been more persuasive, had found the right words or presented a better argument, maybe he would have come with us.”

Gently, you cup his face in your hands, forcing him to meet your gaze again. “You can’t shoulder the responsibility for someone else’s decisions, especially when they’re driven by personal convictions. Crosshair is his own person and chose based on his own beliefs. You did everything you could, and sometimes, people must find their own path, even if it means diverging from ours.”

Tech’s gaze finally shifts from your throat to your eyes, and you see rare vulnerability. “I do not want to lose him.” He confesses, the weight of his emotions palpable in the tiny shower space.

“You won’t lose him.” You assure him, your voice steady. “He’s tough, and he knows our comm channels when he's ready. Sometimes, people need time and space to figure things out. We can’t control everything, Tech. We can only control how we respond and support each other.” You tell him. “And thank you, for opening up and telling me how you're feeling.”

Tech nods, your words sinking in, and his stoic demeanour begins to crack as he allows himself to absorb your reassurance, letting a single tear escape.

“I...I appreciate your understanding.” He admits, his voice softer than usual. The vulnerability he’s displaying is a testament to the depth of his connection with Crosshair and the internal struggle he’s facing.

You offer a warm smile, your thumb gently wiping away the tear from his cheek. “We’re a team, Tech. We face challenges together, and we support each other. You’re not alone in this.”

As the water cascades around you both, you stay with him in that small, steam-filled space, providing the comfort and understanding he needs. The air becomes thick with emotion, but it’s a necessary release for Tech, who has spent so much time rationalising and compartmentalising his feelings.

“I do not want to burden the others,” Tech confesses, a hint of concern in his eyes.

“You’re not a burden.” You reassure him. “We all have our moments of struggle, and it’s okay to lean on each other. That’s what makes us strong.”

Tech nods, the weight on his shoulders visibly lightening as he allows himself to accept the support you’re offering. After a moment, Tech takes a deep breath, his resolve returning. “Thank you.” He says, his tone carrying genuine gratitude.

“Anytime.” You reply, giving his cheek a final reassuring stroke before reaching for his goggles. As you hand them back to him, a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips.

Exiting the shower, you leave Tech to finish cleaning up, knowing he’s not entirely rid of his inner turmoil but might be better equipped to face it.

You dip into the back rooms to change into some dry clothes before you step back into the bar, finding the others still engaged in conversation. Omega is now awake, perched in Hunter’s lap, and the atmosphere, while still sombre, carries a thread of hope. As a team, you’ll navigate the uncertainties ahead, supporting each other through the darkest moments and cherishing the victories, no matter how small.

Tag list: @clonethirstingisreal @littlemissmanga @starrylothcat @cw80831 @dreamie411 @issa-me-bry-blog

#the bad batch x reader #the bad batch x you #bad batch x reader #bad batch x you #tbb x reader #tbb x you #tbb tech x you #tbb tech x reader #tbb tech #tech x you #tech x reader #tech bad batch #tech tbb #clone force 99 #star wars the bad batch #the bad batch

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master-john-uk · 2 months ago

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Farmers across the UK have been helping to clear debris from roads following Storm Bert and Storm Conall. Thank you.

The lads and ladies at my Dorset farm have been very busy. Not only have they helped re-open nearby rural roads, they have also assisted a number of neighbouring properties, including a horse farm which suffered significant damage. On top of this, they have been making temporary repairs to a few of our own farm buildings. None of our livestock have suffered injury. How the heavy rain affected our early sown grain crops will be assessed tomorrow.

Today (27th November2024) the very heavy rain of Storm Conall affected the area around my home in Kent. It is the worst road flooding I have witnessed for several years. The village of Sundridge was badly hit... with flood water from the River Darent to the north, and the run off water of sodden fields in the Greensand Ridge to the south. The main A25 road between Westerham and Sevenoaks was closed for a time. And the railway line between Redhill and Tonbridge was closed due to flooding.

My adopted cat's former home also suffered some flood damage. The property is downhill from my estate. After I installed a drainage system to stop my wine cellar from flooding in 1988/89, my elderly neighbour's kitchen would often be flooded. I did not find out about this until 2020... and I still feel very guilty! In 2021, I paid to have my neighbour's garden landscaped so the excess rainwater would be diverted away from her front door. It didn't work today! (Luckily the house is currently unoccupied.)

We have suffered less than many other people have. My heart goes out to everybody who has had to leave their homes due to the horrendous weather over the last week.

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mariacallous · 4 months ago

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Ukraine is set to face its toughest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion as Russia eyes cutting off its nuclear power after already bombing out capacity from half of its electricity generation sector in large-scale air strikes.

For now, Russia is not directly striking the plants with missiles and kamikaze drones. But Moscow has increasingly targeted nearby infrastructure, such as substations containing crucial equipment like transformers and power lines connecting nuclear plants to the grid.

“We're in a world where (Ukraine) has a deficit of functioning infrastructure. This is going to be the hardest winter yet,” International Energy Agency (IEA) Chief Economist Tim Gould told the Kyiv Independent.

If Russian attacks successfully disconnect all the power plants from the grid, then Ukraine’s only stable power source is gone, said Warsaw-based energy analyst Wojciech Jakobik.

“(Nuclear power) is a baseload capacity, which is irreplaceable by renewables, other sources, and especially not by energy imports,” he told the Kyiv Independent.

“With a smaller nuclear capacity in place, Ukraine will have less flexibility and less ability to stabilize (energy) generation.”

Ukraine has lost 9 gigawatts of power generation, including eight thermal plants and five hydro plants, due to Russian strikes this year. While companies scramble to repair their damaged assets, Russia is gearing up to attack Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure, the Energy Ministry's press office told the Kyiv Independent, which would freeze out Ukrainians and cause a humanitarian crisis if the country can’t swiftly repair and protect its infrastructure.

After the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in 2022, Ukraine relies heavily on three nuclear plants remaining under government control. They are the lifeline of the country, providing 60% of its power. The last mass attack on Aug. 26 forced Ukraine to disconnect three units at the Rivne and South Ukraine plants, causing weeks of power outages.

The country’s state-owned nuclear company, Energoatom, told the Kyiv Independent that all its power units are ready to operate at “maximum capacity” during the heating season, and the company connected a refurbished one-gigawatt nuclear power unit to the grid on Oct. 1. However, it has only recently announced plans to build additional fortifications to protect power plants from attacks.

Without stable power, Ukrainians will face another round of blackouts similar to the ones in the summer which could last as long as eight hours a day, according to Kyiv-based think tank DiXi Group. Brutally cold winter temperatures during power outages will freeze pipes, cutting off Ukrainians’ access to water and heating, and may lead to another wave of refugees, the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) told the Kyiv Independent.

At the same time, attacks on nuclear infrastructure massively heighten the risks of accidents, the Energy Ministry's press office said. While Jakobik believes a Chernobyl-like scenario is unlikely as reactors are well protected, damage to substations could prevent backup supplies of electricity that ensure the safety of reactors, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The EU and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv both told the Kyiv Independent that they are pitching in to bolster the energy sector in time for winter with financial support, backup equipment, and humanitarian aid. But with Russia relentlessly churning out and firing its missiles and drones, the only tangible tool for energy security is stronger air defense, the Energy Ministry's press office said.

Running out of time and options

During the first years of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine relied on different facilities within its massive energy sector to survive the initial attacks on energy infrastructure and even managed to export electricity to the EU. But that changed this year after mass attacks beginning in March wiped out 50% of its energy assets. Now, Ukraine has run out of options and switched from exporting to importing 2 gigawatts of electricity from its European neighbors. Winter power outages appear inevitable. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission (UNHRMM) expects blackouts to last between 4-18 hours a day, depending on attacks and the weather, causing living conditions to crumble for millions of citizens. “The deficit of electricity supply could be up to 6 gigawatts. That's the equivalent of peak demand in Denmark,” Gould said. With nuclear power as the remaining foundation for Ukraine’s energy stability, it is the prime target for Russian strikes, the Energy Ministry's press office said. Ukraine’s government seeks to decentralize the power grid as quickly as possible, but this is unlikely to happen by the winter and private energy companies are desperately restoring their assets to strengthen the grid.

Ukraine hopes to recover 3 gigawatts by the end of the year, said Olena Lapenko, general manager in the Field of Security and Resilience at DiXi Group. But this depends on critical funding, which state electricity grid operator Ukrenergo puts at $1.5 billion for rapid repairs this season. So far, Ukraine has received nearly 700 million euros ($766 million) from its energy support fund in cooperation with the European Commission, and winter is fast approaching.

Part of the fund covers much-needed equipment, such as autotransformers, to patch up facilities damaged by Russian air strikes as fast as possible. Simple repairs around nuclear plants, like power lines, can be fixed within 24 hours, said Jakobik. But specialized equipment depends on deliveries from Western allies, which can take months unless there are readily available stockpiles, he said. “The tough part is, you replace the old infrastructure with new parts and Russia attacks it once again,” he added. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company owned by its richest man Rinat Akhmetov, has lost 90% of its thermal plants capacity to Russian attacks. By winter, the company hopes to restore 60-65% of its thermal power that was damaged in spring. But even this would not be enough to replace nuclear power if all the plants are disconnected, said Oleksiy Povolotskiy, DTEK’s head of Recovery Office. Another issue, said Povolotskiy, is that the war has bitten a chunk out of Ukraine’s manual workforce while the scale of the damage is massive. DTEK is bringing in workers from other enterprises, like miners, to help clear debris. The company has asked European states to send engineers and machinery for more complex repairs.

The costs of Russian attacks are piling up for Ukraine. DTEK has already funneled $80 million into repairs from its own budget. Instead of relying on equipment that softens the fallout of attacks and power outages, Povolotskiy believes the most efficient solution is for Western allies to provide Ukraine with additional air-defense systems.

“Partners should understand that it is much cheaper and much more efficient to protect (energy facilities) than to repair,” he said.

The U.S. embassy in Ukraine told Kyiv Independent that the Defense Department will provide an additional Patriot battery and missiles but did not specify if this was directly for the protection of energy facilities. For now, this is the only confirmed delivery of an additional air defense battery, although Washington pledged a $2.6 billion aid package on Sept. 26 that includes munitions and support for air defense systems.

Ill prepared and ultra exposed

With no other extra air-defense systems currently in the pipeline, Ukraine’s government is building protective constructions for substations against falling debris and drones. However, not enough constructions have been built in time for winter and contractors have allegedly not been fully paid.

“More concrete constructions must be built as soon as possible,” Povolotskiy said.

Yuliia Kyian, an official at the Energy Ministry, told the Kyiv Independent during a discussion in Kyiv on Oct. 2, that the constructions are expensive and take time to build. They also cannot withstand ballistic missile strikes, she added.

Energoatom has faced criticism. In September and October, the company signed contracts to construct a $12.3 million shield around the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant and a $14.4 million worth of protection around the South Ukraine plant in Mykolaiv Oblast. Ukrainian anti-corruption watchdog Nashi Groshi reported that the contracts were concluded only after President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN Security Council that Russia was preparing an attack on the three operating nuclear plants.

“It is difficult to assess why this was not done earlier,” said DiXi Group’s Lapenko. “Probably no one could imagine that the Russians would aim directly at the nuclear power sites as this is a serious threat to nuclear safety. But we can’t exclude such a scenario.”

A nuclear disaster would threaten the whole of Europe, the Energy Ministry's press office said, adding that the global community must unite to prevent a catastrophe. Kyiv has reached out to the UN’s nuclear agency (IAEA) to place more observation missions around its power plants, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

International observers will ensure that safety standards are enforced at the plants and combat disinformation, as Moscow frequently denies Ukraine’s accusations of endangering nuclear safety, Jakobik said. Nevertheless, Russia could pummel nuclear facilities to the point that it is dangerous for people to remain and force evacuations.

“Russia is not a responsible stakeholder in the nuclear sector,” he said.

“It's using energy terrorism against Ukraine. You cannot be sure about what Russia is doing,” the energy analyst added.

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autumngracy · 3 months ago

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So my county (Orange County, New York) is in a drought rn with no real end in sight; it's been two and half months since we got any substantial rain, and in that time it's only lightly drizzled for a maybe a few hours, like twice.

There is currently a wildfire burning close by, which has burned over 2000 acres already and was started by a guy in New Jersey illegally firing tracer bullets (which contain magnesium) at the Central Jersey Firing Range. (He has since been charged with arson.)

This morning, the sky was red at sunrise. The air quality is getting steadily worse. The wildfires are a 0% containment. A firefighter has already died because of a tree falling on him. People are worried about the fire (which is burning on BOTH sides of the Hudson) reaching large residential areas nearby.

The only thing that can help us now is rain, but it has to be a slow and steady rain, because the ground is so dry and hard-packed that if we get a heavy rainfall, the ground will not be able to absorb it fast enough, and it will cause flash flooding.

There was a massive flash flood last year, considered a "once in a thousand years" event, that damaged or destroyed a huge amount of infrastructure, roads, and buildings in this area, many of which still have not been fully repaired or protected from further storm damage.

About 30% of the land at our house was literally washed away down the creek that runs though it, which had been at a trickle before, and turned into a 8 foot flood surge in the course of few hours.

The government had promised disaster relief money for our town (and surrounding towns) due to the damage from this event, but later, after much of the repair had already gotten underway, backed out and left the towns to foot the bill themselves.

My family would have been completely financially devastated if we had been forced to pay for the repairs to our property (we're talking like, over a million dollars of damage; SEVERAL times what the property is worth), but because there were key public infrastructure elements running through it (a storm drain, a sewer manhole, and an overpass for the road that went over the creek) the town ended up paying for ALL of the repairs, because they were all issues that needed to be fixed immediately and affected everyone in the town.

I am so fucking worried right now that either the wildfires are going to reach us, or rain comes in time to stave them off but it comes too heavy and causes another massive flash flood.

I need people to understand how completely bonkers it is that this is happening in this area. Like. I've lived here for around 15 years and that WHOLE time this area has only ever had like, one other official drought, and only for like, a day or two. We are RIGHT on the Hudson river, with creeks running all over, but the creeks have mostly dried up, we've been under a Red Flag burn ban for weeks, and our town is having a water shortage.

Also, besides the lack of rain, it's the second fucking week of November, but we've been having days in the high 60's, 70's, and even 80's, and there's only been a few days recently that dropped down into 50's, 40's or 30's, and only in the coolest parts of the night.

I've only had to wear an actual coat so far this season like, twice. It was in the high 70's and low to mid 80's all through the week of Halloween. When I stood in line for 2+ hours to vote, during sunset, it was balmy out. The previous presidential election, at the same location and time, had been so cold that I'd been freezing despite many layers of warm clothing, and I couldn't feel my extremities by the time I was able to cast my vote. But last week? It was BALMY.

There are still flowers blooming and putting out buds. There are tomatoes ripening on the vine. There are still flying insects outside. All these things should have been getting hit by frost like a month ago and started the process of going dormant. Now, if cold does suddenly hit, it's probably going to shock and kill off a lot of plant life.

This shit is NOT normal. Climate change is real.

#wildfires #Hudson Valley #New York #flooding #flash flooding #Jennings Creek wildfire #climate change

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bleucaesura · 10 months ago

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STOLITZØ - THIRTY TWO

The group sat in awkward silence for what felt like an eternity after Stolas returned. Asmodeus arrived with food shortly afterward Stolas, as promised. He had overcompensated and then some. He had something from any place he could think of that was nearby and a veritable feast lay before them. But no one could eat. They all sat and poked at their plates, moving the food around, helping the time pass.

A few times a nurse or doctor had come by, giving them false hope, only to turn out to be administrative crap for Stolas to deal with.

Asmodeus pulled Stolas aside, out of the room, after the last false alarm.

“Everything alright?”

“Of course?” Stolas avoided eye contact. “Why do you ask?”

Asmodeus raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms.

Stolas rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Just a miscommunication about Blitzø’s care.”

“Stolas…” Asmodeus laid a hand on his shoulder. “What’s going on?”

Stolas sighed heavily and turned away.

“It seems Stella had a word with my father,” Stolas said angrily. “And my father, being who he is, got wind from the hospital about Blitzø…”

“Oh dear…” Asmodeus sighed.

“Indeed.” Stolas rubbed his hands over his face.

“Long story short, my father was demanding they refuse care, I made some threats, there will likely be consequences later, but Blitzø will be getting the care he needs.” Stolas leaned against a wall and looked down at his feet somberly.

“Oh damn! Well…” Asmodeus leaned next to Stolas and squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll help however I can.”

“Thank you,” Stolas looked at Asmodeus and smiled meekly.

The two remained in comfortable silence a few moments longer. Stolas thought about how it felt nice to have someone’s support in the Royal courts after a lifetime of not belonging.

Maybe I could be making another friend…

Stolas smiled to himself.

Asmodeus nudged Stolas, smiled, and they returned to the room to sit with the others.

A while later another doctor arrived. This time with news of Blitzø. Everyone leapt out of their seats.

“Mr. Blitzø is out of recovery and has been moved to a private room, as per your request, your Majesty,” the doctor nod-bowed to Stolas.

“What the f*ck are we waiting for?!” Loona headed to the door. “Where is he?”

“Hun” Millie grabbed Loona’s tail before she could escape out the door. “Give’em a sec. I think he’s got more to say.”

Loona growled low in her throat. Her ears flattened back. But she stopped and waited in the doorway.

The doctor looked around nervously. Stolas gestured for him to continue.

“His external wounds were minor. But the cerebral damage was extensive.”

The tension in the room rose exponentially. Loona hunched and hugged herself trying to make herself small.

“We did what we could in surgery. Our best and brightest repaired the damage.” The doctor nodded to Stolas.

Looking for a pat on the back I’m sure. ‘Look at us doing our jobs like we were told to.’

It took a lot of restraint from Stolas to not punt the little shit through a portal.

“He hasn’t regained consciousness yet,” the doctor continued. “It may be hours. It might be days…”

“It could be never,” Loona interjected, looking out the door.

“It’s impossible to say,” the doctor replied. “We’ll just need to be patient. Give his body time to heal.”

Everyone was struck by silence.

Fizzarolli broke the silence, stepping around Asmodeus and clearing his throat.

“So uh… Which way to the vegetable’s room then doc?”

M&M, the doctor, and Octavia looked at Fizzarolli in shock, Loona looked ready to kill him, and Asmodeus looked completely at a loss.

Stolas couldn’t help himself. He snickered. His goofy owl hoots started to spill out and soon he was laughing so hard his eyes were watering.

Stolas’s laughter shattered the tension in the room. Everyone looked at each other awkwardly, some exchanged nervous laughter.

Fizzarolli smiled sheepishly at Stolas and gave him the smallest nod.

Blitzø would have loved that joke… Blitzø would have MADE that joke.

Stolas mouthed a silent “Thank you” to Fizzarolli, collected himself, and asked the doctor, “Yes. Where is Mr. Blitzø’s room please?”

The doctor left to lead the group to Blitzø’s private room. Stolas was the last to follow.

He took a deep ragged breath.

You’ve got another chance… If he wakes up…

Stolas’s eyes welled with tears.

NO… WHEN he wakes up! You’ll tell him you love him.

“Dad?” Octavia poked her head in the doorway, looking around. When she saw him she stepped inside. “Aren't you coming?”

“Yes, dear.” Stolas wiped the tears from his eyes and joined her at the door. “Lead the way.”

*****

#helluva boss #stolas #blitzø #fanfic #stolitz #vivziepop #vivzieverse #blitzo #vivienne medrano #brandon rogers #fizzarolli #fizzarozzie

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marvelshifter111 · 1 month ago

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🧸 here again!

I’d love a kinetic ability list please!

Thank you !

- 🧸

Sorry it took me some time ❤️

Kinetic beings

- Elemental, energy, mechanical and cosmic beings

Elemental beings

Born of nature's raw power, elemental creatures are living embodiments of fire, water, earth, and air. Fire spirits blaze with passion, leaving trails of ash; water elementals flow gracefully, nurturing life or unleashing floods; earth golems embody strength and resilience, shaping landscapes; and air sylphs dance invisibly, whispering through storms.

Elementokinesis - The power to manipulate elements, such as earth, water, air, fire, electricity, heat, cold, light, shadow, energy etc.

Elemental psychology - User with this ability either is or can transform into an elemental; a creature with a natural affinity towards elements fire, water, lightning, wind, earth.

Elemental energy manipulation - Users can create, shape and manipulate elemental energy.

Elemental boundary - The users possesses the ability to separate any and all elements from anything and everything else.

Elemental generation - The user can generate various elements such as earth, water, air, fire, electricity etc.

Environmental manipulation - Altering the environment (water creatures creating floods, earth creatures shaping terrain).

Elemental blast - The user can release elements/energy over a specific target area causing great damage and/or delivering great shock waves of pure force.

Energy beings

Vibrating with raw energy, these beings are in constant motion, their forms flickering between light and matter. Their presence crackles with intensity, and they can harness ambient energy to obliterate obstacles or illuminate the darkest spaces.

Energy mimicry - The user is made up of or can transform their body completely into energy. A user's transformed form is anatomically identical to their normal form, aside of being made of energy

Energy teleportation - The user can stimulate teleportation via energy.

Energy independence - The user has an independence from energy, having no need to eat, drink, sleep

Invulnerability - The user possesses complete invulnerability to all forms of physical damage or harm, encompassing any and all damage types or magnitudes with being incapable of experiencing physical pain.

Intangibility - The user can move through solid objects and ignore most physical effects in their way

Invisibility - Users can render themselves unseen by the naked eye and become invisible in the visible spectrum.

Energy manipulation

Mechanical beings

Created by ingenious minds or ancient magic, mechanical creatures are marvels of artifice. Their intricate gears and circuits hum with purpose as they execute tasks with machine-like precision. Some serve as loyal guardians, others as relentless hunters, their metal frames impervious to most harm.

Adaptive reconfiguration - Reassemble their body into different shapes or forms (e.g., weapons, shields, tools).

Energy sfficiency - Draw power from any available energy source (sunlight, electricity, magic) to remain operational.

Self-repair - Automatically repair damaged parts using nearby materials or nanotechnology.

Data integration - Interface with machines or networks to gather information or manipulate systems.

Overclock mode - Temporarily enhance speed, strength, or precision by pushing their systems to maximum capacity.

Projectile launching - Fire mechanical parts or energy-based projectiles at targets.

Magnetic manipulation - The user can manipulate magnetism and magnetic fields.

Cosmic beings

Born in the cradle of stars, cosmic creatures are beings of celestial majesty and awe-inspiring power. Their forms shimmer with the light of distant galaxies, and their presence warps reality itself. Gravity bends to their will, and time itself falters in their presence.

Cosmic awareness - User is aware of and knows absolutely everything that happens on a universal scale including planets being destroyed, mortal threats and dangers, knowledge about the cosmos

Cosmic conversion - The user can absorb cosmic energy and convert it to other forms.

Cosmic embodiment - The user becomes a physical manifestation or personification of cosmic forces.

Cosmic warping - Users can use cosmic force/energy to warp/manipulate reality to various degrees.

Cosmic constructs - The user can turn cosmic energy into different forms and objects, ranging from simple shapes and images, to functional items

Gravity control

Cosmic manipulation

Names | Masterlist

This took hours to make, and I'm pretty sure this is one of the longest things i made

And i konda doubt people are gonna look at it, so if you did, thank you

Have a cookie 🍪

#shiftblr #reality shifting #desired reality #shifting community #reality shift #shifting #shifting realities

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mareislandfoundation · 3 months ago

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Raw Courage

Christmas Day 1941 Seaman First Class Donald Stratton arrived at the Mare Island Hospital with life threating burns over much of his body. A little over two weeks before he was trapped with six shipmates high above the main deck on the sky control platform of the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39). A surprise attack by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy had turned the battleship into a burning hell on earth from which there could be no escape. As he told the story "A bomb blew up the forward magazine of the USS Arizona and the ship was engulfed in flames. I and five others were located on the anti-aircraft gun director’s platform above the bridge when the forward powder magazine blew. All of us were badly burned. I was burned over 80% of my body. At that point, the only possibility to evacuate the ship was to dive in the water, which was 80 feet below and was fully engulfed in flame. That was not an option for survival.”

The United States was at peace as earlier when General Quarters sounded aboard the USS Arizona while moored at the huge naval base at Pearl Harbor. Japanese planes had just been sighted bombing nearby Ford Island. Hearing the alarm, Seaman Stratton rushed to his battle station as a sight setter in the Port Anti-Aircraft fire director. Within minutes of his arrival at his battle station a Japanese high-altitude bomber dropped an armor piercing bomb that tore through the deck of the ship and ignited a million pounds of explosive, and thousands of gallons of aviation gas and fuel oil. The massive explosion completely enveloped Stratton’s battle station as the ship settled to the bottom of the harbor, her back broken and her sides blown out. Trapped above the flaming wreckage Stratton and six others were saved when another sailor, Joe George, aboard the repair ship USS Vestal that was moored alongside the Arizona acted. Despite direct orders Joe George threw the men a line and refused to cut it until the men made it to safety. Stratton and five other survivors from the sky control platform managed to make it over the flaming seas surrounding the burning hulk of the Arizona to the deck of the Vestal by climbing hand over hand down the line as the Japanese continued to attack.

The burns on Stratton’s arms were so bad that his skin sloughed off as he worked his way down the line to the Vestal. With burns over much of his body he was taken to the Naval Hospital at Pearl which was overwhelmed with patients. The decision was made to evacuate some of the patients to the mainland thus Seaman Stratton and 196 other seriously wounded sailors and Marines were transported on the blacked-out transport USS Scott arriving at the Mare Island Hospital on Christmas Day 1941. Seaman Stratton was successfully treated at Mare Island with what were then innovative burn treatments for several months until he was transferred to Corona, California for a convalescence. Due to the severity of the damage to his arm and leg he was medically discharged in September 1942. Unbelievably, when his injuries allowed, Donald Stratton re-enlisted in the Navy and went aboard the destroyer USS Stack at Naval Station Treasure Island in 1944. Aboard the Stack Seaman Stratton turned the tables on the enemy as he and the Stack participated in the invasions of New Guinea, Halmahera, Leyte, Luzon and Okinawa.

After the war Stratton took up the cause to secure a posthumous medal for Joe George, the sailor from the Vestal who helped rescue the six men from the sky control platform. Joe George was never recognized for his role in saving the men because he disobeyed a direct order in not cutting the line to the Arizona until Seaman Stratton and five others had made it across. Lest you think the Navy was being too cold-hearted in denying recognition for Joe George, the Vestal was at risk from the ongoing explosions and fires from USS Arizona as well as the ongoing attack. Vestal had been hit with two bombs and was sinking when Joe George was ordered to cut the line. The fact is, Vestal could likely have pulled away snapping the line, but the site of those desperate men likely influenced more than just Joe George on that awful day. Despite the circumstances, in 2017 the US Navy acceded to Donald Stratton’s persistence and posthumously awarded Joe George the Bronze Medal for Valor.

Dennis Kelly

#mare island #naval history #san francisco bay #us navy #vallejo #san francisco #world war 2 #world war ii #world war two #california #Donald Stratton #Joe George #USS Vestal #USS Arizona #USS Stack #Pearl Harbor #Japan #Attack #Arizona Memorial

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niqhtlord01 · 2 years ago

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Humans are weird: Purple to the rescue ( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)

“Damage report!” captain Muk’tal shouted as the console he was monitoring shot out a shower of sparks before powering down. He waited for his second in command to respond and when there was no reply he turned his head to see them lying dead at his feet.

Smoke filled the bridge and clouded the captain’s eyes. He could barely see a few feet ahead of him and the alarms blaring only further hindered his senses. What’s worse was that with each breath he took it felt like he was swallowing fire and exhaling coals. Never before had Muk’tal experienced such a nightmarish situation, let alone on the bridge of his own ship.

Thirteen hours ago he had been part of a coalition fleet sent to halt Arganian expansion in the system. When coalition forces arrived they were set upon by a waiting Arganian armada. Across the entire system the two fleets raged as the empty space between the planets and asteroid belts became crisscrossed with massed energy weapon discharge. Coalition forces fought hard but after such intense continuous fighting the order was given to retreat.

Muk’tal’s ship had just begun to turn and make its way back to the jump point out of system when a plasma barrage struck home and fried half the ships systems and sent the rest into chaotic overdrive. Navigational control went haywire and sent the ship hurtling through the system away from the fighting into a nearby asteroid belt.

Muk’tal felt a pair of hands grab him from behind suddenly and was pulled backwards.

“Captain, we need to get off the bridge.”

Muk’tal heard the voice speaking to him but couldn’t make out who it was. He found his vision growing darker and darker until finally there was nothing at all.

When he awoke next he found himself laying down and looking up at the ceiling. A set of lights were dangling lazily from it having been knocked out of place. Several of the bulkhead panels had come loose and he could see wires frayed and fizzling, sometimes sending a shower of sparks down to the decking next to him.

Uneasily the captain moved to get up and felt a pair of hands supporting him once more.

‘Thought we lost you there.” He heard the voice say and recognized it as the one that had spoken to him on the bridge. Muk’tal tilted his head and saw it was a human crewman helping him.

“You were on the bridge?” Muk’tal asked, finding his voice weaker than he had realized. The human nodded and handed him a broken glass of water. He took it thankfully and sipped from it, delicately avoiding the jagged edges.

“I was in the engine room when we lost contact with the bridge.” The human explained, “Coms went down across the entire ship so chief engineer Morgas sent me to give a status report; but when I arrived everything was on fire and I saw injured.”

“My thanks Mr….” Muk’tal began before he realized he did not know the human’s name.

“Engineer Marvin Biggs,” the human said as he saluted, “I was assigned to your ship as part of the coalition united engineer program.”

“You have my thanks Mr. Biggs.” Muk’tal replied. The captain swung his legs over the side of the table and tried to stand. The ground felt like it was quick sand shifting underneath his feet so instead he settled for just resting against the table.

Footsteps could be heard coming closer and Muk’tal looked up to see several figures enter the room. He looked over their faces and quickly realized that they must be what were left of the ranking officers onboard the ship. One face was missing though and it troubled him.

“Where is Morgas?”

The officers looked at each other uneasily before Teli, the head engineer under Morgas spoke up. “He was repairing one of the power conduits to try and get communications operational again when the power spiked.” She looked down at the floor crest fallen for a moment before finishing. “It was over in a flash, I don’t think he felt any pain.”

Muk’tal ran his hands over his face. It was a poor attempt to hide the tears forming in his three eyes but it was the best he could do. He and Morgas had served together since they both graduated the academy some thirty years ago. Losing him felt like a part of him had been ripped away.

There was a silent moment amongst the officers, but a moment was all Muk’tal could spare. He still had a ship and crew that needed saving, and the time for grief was not now.

“Teli, give me a status report.”

The head engineer leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “Navigation control is shot to hell, weapons are completely fried, and we have minimal shield status.”

A collective groan of despair came from the remaining officers in the burnt remains of the mess hall. Captain Muk’tal had decided this would be the best location for an officer meeting as it was the most secluded area still with life support. The things that were to be discussed could not reach the rest of the crew lest the already shaky morale plummet further.

“Any good news for us?” Muk’tal inquired, to which Teli nodded.

“Our jump drive is still operational. All we need to do is reach the edge of the system to escape the gravity well and we can jump out of here.”

A chorus of soft approval came from the other officers, but not from Muk’tal.

“Now you’re going to tell me something that makes that task seem impossible.”

“Our sublight engines are damaged beyond our means to repair, and even if they were functional there still is an entire Arganian armada between us and the edge of the system; there’s no way we’d make it without one of them spotting us.”

No one said a Teli’s words set in. It was beginning to appear that the only two options open to them were either surrender, or wait for supplies to run out and die. Just as it felt like the gloom of defeat would swallow them whole Marvin spoke up.

“Do we still have any neutron warheads onboard?”

The group looked at the human as if they had forgotten that he had been standing amongst them the entire time. Weapons master Dogra was the one to answer “We do, but as stated the launchers cannot be used.”

Marvin shook his head. “I was thinking more of sending it out the nearest airlock.”

This only further confused the gathered group and Dogra was going to ask if the human had been injured during the attack when Muk’tal forestalled him.

“What are you thinking?”

Marvin looked around the mess hall and reached down to pick up several items and set them down next to the captain. He arrayed them out in a specific manner as the rest of the officers gathered around.

“This,” Marvin began as he pointed at the broken cup, “is our ship.” He then placed down a small fungal berry fruit next to the cup and said “And this is the neutron warhead.”

“If we can rig it up to position itself at a certain angle and then detonate…” He stretched out his hand over the berry to mimic an explosion while with his other slowly moved the cup away the captain realized what the human was getting at.

“We could use the force of the explosion to push us and ride the kinetic energy all the way to the edge of the system.”

The gathered group looked at Dogra who was silent. His eyes darted back and forth between the fruit and the cup while blinking rapidly, no doubt calculating and plotting trajectories in his head. After nearly two minutes of this Dogra looked up and nodded to the captain.

“If calculated properly, the force of the explosion would be enough to push us to the edge of the system within a day or so.”

“But that still leaves the Arganian fleet to deal with,” Teli pointed out, “and if we set off a neutron warhead it’ll leave a pretty big energy signature that’ll draw their attention.”

“The radiation from the blast should mask our signature to their scanners and make us appear like battle debris.” Marvin countered. Several of the officers nodded in agreement. Arganian scanner systems could be overloaded if enough radiation was applied to them. It was a tactic the coalition had used many times before to great effect when launching surprise attacks or even the opening attack upon the fleet that had just decimated them several hours earlier.

“It could work, so long as none of them looked out their window to watch us floating by.” Muk’tal chuckled. At this a devilish grin crept its way on to Marvin’s face.

“I have an idea for that is well, but I’ll need to check your store room first.” ------------------------------------

*72 hours later*

*200 light years away in Kendibi Cluster, Coalition fleet rally point*

Admiral Dun looked over the remnants of his fleet and sighed. He had gone into battle with some five hundred ships, and now less than two hundred had returned. What he had been informed was a minor segment of the Arganian navy turned out to be the entire Arganian navy and he had been foolish enough to try and engage them head on.

If his career survived the next few days he would not make that same mistake again.

“Admiral, we are detecting an inbound ship about to exit a jump.”

He turned to see captain Nadia standing behind him with one of the sensor officers.

“I thought we had accounted for every ship that made the jump?” he asked Nadia. She nodded and waved the sensor officer away. “We had but with how chaotic the jump was we could have missed one or two of them.”

“And they waited three days to jump after us?”

The admiral shook his head. “It’s probably an Arganian scout ship come to report on our remaining strength with the rest of their navy not long behind.”

He tapped the com badge on his uniform and addressed the fleet. “This is Admiral Dun to all ships, we have a possible enemy ship about to exit jump space. I want all ships to stand to and prepare for battle; lock targeting vectors to my ship.”

“I wanted every gun pointed at their most likely exit point.” he said to Nadia after releasing the com badge, “The first sight of this fleet will be their last.”

The captain nodded and strode away from the admiral as she began issuing a rapid succession of orders. Turning back to the view screen the admiral gripped his fists tightly. The coalition navy barely survived the last fight and if the Arganian’s had come to finish them off they very well could end the war.

As the battle ready ships in the fleet took up position alongside the flagship the sensor officer began a countdown. “Ship exiting jump in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…”

They trailed off as a breach in space suddenly opened up and a vessel was thrown from it violently. The admiral’s eyes went wide in disbelief. He slapped his com badge as fast as he could and shouted,

“All ships hold fire!”

The bridge crew stopped their duties for a moment and looked out at the view screen. A hush falling over the bridge as the cameras enlarged the image to show a coalition ship, badly mauled and trailing smoke, slowly trudging its way to join up with the rest of the fleet.

Many would have been surprised at how such a heavily damaged vessel had been able to not only escape the Arganian armada, but also last long enough to jump safely back to the home fleet. Yet what was at the foremost of everyone’s mind, including the admiral, was the color of the ship’s exterior and wondered the question…

Why is it purple? ------------------------------------

“We made it!”

A cheer broke out across the gathered crew as a wave of relief swept across them. Officers and crew alike held each other and wept, kissed, and in some cases frolicked in joy as their long and dangerous journey had finally come to an end.

They were home again.

Captain Muk’tal looked over at the human Marvin and held out a taloned hand. “Well done Mr. Biggs.”

Marvin took the hand shook it gratefully as the crew continued in their revelry. “Thank you sir.” He replied just as Teli stammered into him and kissed him on the mouth. Both the captain and human Marvin appeared taken aback by the display, though the captain imagined Marvin less so, before Teli let go and straightened herself out. She looked at the captain and shrugged.

“I promised him if he could get us home I’d kiss him.” She stated before shuffling off to rejoin the rest of the crew.

The captain leaned forward and motioned for Marvin to come closer. “How did you know Arganian’s can’t perceive the color purple?”

“When I was living back on Teven III I had one as a roommate before I enlisted.” Marvin began. “The guy was a bit of a dick if I am honest, but I needed the money for rent and he paid in full.”

Muk’tal grunted and Marvin cut to the point. “I had these purple dishes that I put food on and one day when I was walking out with a burger on it they saw me and recoiled in fear. They demanded to know if all humans were telekinetic and why he wasn’t told before applying.”

Marvin then smiled remembering the fond memory. “It wasn’t until I tested my theory and painted his bedroom door purple while he was away that I then confirmed his people’s lack of perception of the color.”

“Why did you paint their door purple?” Muk’tal asked.

“I never got tired of seeing him walk headfirst into it and then falling over like a drunkard, sir.”

Whatever answer Muk’tal had been expecting, this certainly was not it.

At a loss for words, the captain saluted again to the human. “Carry on Mr. Biggs.”

#HUMANS ARE WEIRD #humans are insane #humans are space orcs #humans are space oddities #scifi #story #writing #original writing #niqhtlord01 #ai generated art #deviantart dreamup #purple

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stealingyourspins · 9 months ago

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Can you expand on your mermaid au? (Nothing specific, I just wanted to know more about it)

oh aBSOLUTELY! :D behold: How the Ninja pod met Zane.

Zane, a merdroid, has some issues figuring out the nuances of merfolk culture and went out of his way to find a group of merfolk to help him understand their lifestyle. Initially the ninja wanted absolutely nothing to do with Zane. He was evidently a robot sent down by the humans to collect data on them. He did seem kind and genuinely curious and wanted to make friends, but he was not to be trusted. (Merfolk have a stigma against humans still generations after a massive 100 year war between the merfolk and humans. Both species stay to their own corners of Ninjago now).

While evading a nearby feeding frenzy of sharks, Jay didn’t notice the ship above him. Zane, seeing that Jay was about to become mincemeat from the massive propellers of the ship, swam as fast as he could and pushed him out of the way, leaving himself to be left to the mercy of the propeller.

Zane, left arm ripped from his socket, torso gouged with deep scars as his wiring and protective outer casing now filled with water, damaging some of his more fragile internal components, looked at Jay as the eel Mer swam to him and was horrified at the wreckage that was this merdroid he and his friends were so distrusting of.

Jay looked at the broken mangled form of Zane as the merdroid moved his remaining arm to cup Jay’s cheek as his UI on his HUD flashed red with dozens of errors and a wall of injuries in a scrolling status report covering half of his vision.

Jay was horrified as Zane asked him simply “are you alright?” In the most concerned and heartfelt that Jay didn’t expect to hear out of a being made of metal and wires.

Jay didn’t even know this man but he cried for this being who put their own safety before his, a being they shunned and ignored and yet saved his life. Jay choked out a “yes”, his hands going to hold Zane’s hand that held his cheek.

Zane smiled, his voice now staticky and skipping like a scratched disk, “g-goo-g-good.” Before his eyes dimmed and his face went slack.

Jay barely registers the rest of his friends surrounding him, some of them also sporting tears in their eyes.

This robot was made to collect data on them and they believed it was faking its attitude to get on their good side, but looking back on it, the merdroid was genuinely wanting to get to know them. Its questions about various actions they were doing or methods of harvesting kelp and capturing food wasn’t ones of data harvesting (although it might’ve been pre programmed by its creators), but ones of genuine curiosity and out of a willingness to learn.

Zane didn’t deserve this.

Jay needed to fix his and his friends mistake.

—-

It’s been weeks since The Boat Incident. Jay is holed up in an underwater alcove nestled next to the shore. Himself, Nya, and Kai have been slowly repairing Zane’s injuries in an arduously slow task. They have no blueprints besides engraved markings on the inside of Zane’s stomach plate, presumably for situations just like this, but they had no idea how to decipher the technically complicated blueprints that went way above their realm of knowledge.

Slowly welding, repairing, and fitting Zane back together has been an extremely grueling and exhaustive process. They don’t need to fully fix him at the moment, they just need to bring him online so he can inform them how to properly repair him.

The trio finally manages to properly repair Zane’s power source, a strange contraption that lays where one’s heart should be, and turn the merdroid back on and wait with a baited breath.

Zane’s eyes flicker for a moment before turning on fully with the beautiful blue light that had been there previous to the boat accident.

They all were close to crying. After all of that hard arduous work they brought back the man that saved Jay’s life.

The android noticed the Mers and perked up, “Jay! You’re alright! Thank the heavens, I was worried I was too late.”

Zane frowned, “I believe I may have said that before. It appears my memory banks have been damaged.”

Zane’s eyes glanced down, noticing the still exposed damage of his torso, “it appears my memory banks might be the least of my worries right now.”

He looks up back at Jay, smiling with those perfect metal teeth, radiating kindness and warmth, “none the less, I’m glad you’re alright. I was worried I didn’t make it in time.”

—-

It took many more months to completely repair Zane, the collection of scrap metal to repair the merdroid was no simple task, nor was the switch from human technology to the blend of merfolk and human tech that made Zane more comparable with his underwater existence.

One of Zane’s many issues was his disconnected continuous audio and visual feeds for the researchers at Julian Laboratories. After many email chains sent from Zane (he was programmed to make weekly summary reports as an ever continuous email chain) and the researchers, they allowed him to choose what visual and audio files to send to them on a daily basis and had permission to omit data if it would harm the trust of the mers he befriended (the investors at Borg Industries were NOT happy to hear this but after hearing about the merfolk tech that enhanced the androids abilities and skills tenfold, they relented and agreed to the terms, as did the researchers but with far easier acceptance).

The researchers were initially worried that Zane wouldn’t send any information, twisting their new rules to prevent any data from coming through, but they were delighted to be sent incredibly well sorted files of mer hunting practices, interesting aquatic species may they be new species or showing interesting and unseen movements like breeding, hunting, or caring for their young.

Zane omitted personal moments with his friends, secrets they shared to him, moments they explicitly said to not record, and other bits and pieces of information he chose not to inform the researchers about.

Although it was an unorthodox way of making friends and establishing a pod for Zane to be in, it was successful. Zane could complete his mission of discovery and data collection and gain a family. That day was an incredibly harrowing one but he wouldn’t change it a bit if he could. He loves his friends and wouldn’t change it for the world

#ninjago #ninjago headcanons #ninjago mermaid au #spins writes #spins replies #ishusi #hope u like my writing! :D #and i hope i wrote the ninja properly this is my first time ever actually writing the fuckers with dialogue

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