#we're world building the medical team

[deathfavor]

Anonymous said: Seiroku, did your medbay friends know about your relationship with Soma or did they hear about it when you got engaged? What reaction did they have?

" Chima was the first to figure it out. I didn't explicitly tell her, but she caught on extremely quick. She's a smart girl, quick to learn. I can't say I'm all too surprised. " She'd long proven her abilities, a bright young woman. Plus, she had also been the first person that Seiroku had really started to get close to when he was first joining. She was young and determined, eager to help and learn. ( Perhaps it was the fact she reminded him of what he had once been like before hatred and suffering took hold. ) She'd been eager to learn and his expertise was undoubted - so he'd somewhat taken her under his wing. Soma knew him best, but she was a close second. It'd be more surprising if she hadn't noticed. Despite himself, a quiet laugh leaves his lips. " She was so excited once it became official. You'd think it was her wedding day. But if you mean before that, and just at the relationship, it was rather funny. Big doe eyes and trying to subtly ask little questions. Always tried to give a minute or two for just Soma and I if he came to visit. "

" As for the others... " Seiroku tilts his head. " They suspected it as well eventually. Some were sooner than others. I suppose it probably wasn't terribly hard. I think only one or two had no idea until the engagement actually happened. " Which had been hilarious and they'd certainly not lived it down when everyone saw how shocked they were. " Most were pretty happy over it. Some were a bit awkward after on how to interact since it was official. One or two weren't quite sure how to feel I think. But, they've been rather enthusiastic about it. " It was...strange to have so much support. It wasn't as though Seiroku had particularly cared except for Soma's sake and reputation on how people would receive it. He was used to the world against him. But to have that much support had suddenly made him feel warm and deeply moved in a way he hadn't expected.

[estellan0vella]

Firefighters ❀ includes: Levi, Eren, Jean, Connie, Armin, Mikasa, Annie, Sasha & Historia Masterlist

Levi Ackerman

The world seems to shift beneath you, a rumble that grows into a violent quake, shaking the ground and everything on it. You instinctively grab hold of Pongo, your Dalmatian, and take cover under a sturdy table. The tremors last for what feels like an eternity, causing objects to fall and shatter around you.

When the shaking finally subsides, you breathe a sigh of relief, but it's cut short. The ceiling above you groans and cracks. You barely have time to pull Pongo closer to you before the plaster and beams come crashing down. You shield Pongo with your body, pain shooting through you as the debris traps you.

"Stay calm, Pongo," you whisper, your voice shaky. Your loyal companion whimpers, nuzzling against you.

Hours pass. Your limbs grow numb from the pressure and the awkward position you're in. You try to stay conscious, but it's a struggle. Then, you hear it – the distant sound of sirens, growing louder, closer. Pongo's ears perk up, and he begins to bark.

"Help!" you manage to shout, though your voice is hoarse and weak. "Over here! Help!"

Pongo's barking grows more frantic. You hear voices, heavy boots on rubble, the clatter of tools. Relief washes over you – they're here. But you're still buried, unable to move.

"Pongo, go get help," you whisper, hoping he understands. "Find someone."

Pongo hesitates, but then he scrambles out from under the table and through a small gap in the debris. You pray he'll find someone who can save you.

Captain Levi Ackerman wipes sweat from his brow, surveying the chaotic scene. Buildings lie in ruins, smoke and dust filling the air. His team moves swiftly, searching for survivors. His sharp eyes catch movement – a Dalmatian, dashing towards them.

"Hey, buddy," he says, bending down as the dog approaches. The Dalmatian grabs Levi's trousers with his teeth, tugging insistently.

Levi's brows furrow. "What is wrong with you? You're going to rip my trousers"

The dog pulls harder, not letting go. It's clear he wants Levi to follow. Trusting the animal's instincts, Levi signals to his team. "I'm going with him. Keep searching this area."

Pongo leads Levi through the rubble, his determination unrelenting. He pulls Levi down narrow passages, over broken beams, and through precarious gaps. Levi follows, impressed by the dog's intelligence and persistence.

Finally, Pongo stops and starts digging at a particular spot, barking furiously. Levi drops to his knees and starts clearing the debris with his gloved hands. "Hang in there! We're coming!"

Your voice is weak but audible. "Over here! Please, help!"

Levi's heart pounds as he works faster. He uncovers a part of your arm and gently squeezes it. "Hey, I'm Levi. I've got you. Just stay with me."

Pongo licks your face, whining softly. Levi calls over his shoulder, "I need help over here!"

Two firefighters join him, and together they lift the heavier beams, carefully extracting you from the wreckage. You're bruised and dusty, but alive. As they pull you free, an aftershock hits, the ground trembling once more.

Without hesitation, Levi throws himself over you, shielding your body with his. His arms encircle you protectively, his weight pressing you into the ground. "Stay still," he murmurs into your ear, his breath warm against your skin. "It's going to be okay."

The aftershock passes, and Levi slowly eases off you, helping you sit up. "Are you hurt badly? Can you move?"

"I think I'm okay," you say, though your voice shakes. "Just a bit banged up."

Levi helps you to your feet, keeping a steadying hand on your arm. "Let's get you checked out by the medics."

You nod, leaning on him as you walk. Pongo stays close by your side, his tail wagging with relief.

As you reach the triage area, Levi hands you over to the medical team but stays nearby. After a thorough check-up, they determine you have no major injuries – just some cuts and bruises, and dehydration. You're given water and a blanket to keep warm.

Levi approaches you, a small smile playing on his lips. "Looks like you're going to be just fine."

"Thanks to you," you reply, feeling a rush of gratitude. "And Pongo, of course."

Levi kneels down, scratching Pongo behind the ears. "You've got quite the dog here. He's a real hero."

Pongo barks happily, licking Levi's face. You laugh, the sound a welcome release after the day's ordeal. "Yeah, he's my brave boy."

Levi stands, meeting your eyes with a soft gaze. "I'd like to get to know him better. Maybe his owner too."

Your cheeks flush at his words. "Oh? Are you flirting with me, Mr. Firefighter?"

"Maybe I am," he says with a playful glint in his eye. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card, handing it to you. "Here's my number. In case you want to thank me properly some time. Or if Pongo wants to see me again."

You take the card, smiling. "I might just do that."

Levi gives you a nod, then turns to leave, but not before giving Pongo one last pat. "Take care, both of you."

As he walks away, you feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Today has been a whirlwind, but in the midst of the chaos, something unexpected has happened. You look at the card in your hand, then at Pongo, who looks up at you with those loyal, loving eyes.

"Well, Pongo," you say, scratching his head. "Looks like we've made a new friend today."

Pongo barks in agreement, and you can't help but smile. The world may have shaken, but here in this moment, you feel a sense of stability, hope, and maybe the beginning of something new.

Eren Jaeger

The shrill sound of the fire alarm slices through the calm of your office, wrenching you from the spreadsheet on your screen. Startled, you glance around at your coworkers, who are equally confused and alarmed. The usual hum of keyboards and muted conversations is replaced by a rising tide of panic. Smoke begins to seep under the door to your office, curling in ominous tendrils that make your heart race.

You stand, the chair screeching against the floor, and grab your phone and purse. "Everybody out! Let's go!" you shout, trying to maintain a semblance of calm. The urgency in your voice propels everyone into action. Feet pound against the carpet as your colleagues scramble towards the exit, their voices a cacophony of fear.

As you push into the hallway, the thickening smoke and growing heat become overwhelming. You cover your mouth with a sleeve, coughing as you make your way to the stairwell. But the sight that greets you stops you cold. Flames lick the walls, blocking the way down. The fire is spreading faster than you ever imagined.

"Shit," you mutter, turning back. Your mind races, trying to recall the layout of the building. The only option left is the balcony in your office. You sprint back, hoping against hope that help is on its way.

When you burst back into your office, you're met with the roar of flames and a wave of intense heat. Your coworkers are nowhere to be seen—they must have found another way out. Panic claws at your chest as you rush to the balcony door and fling it open. The fresh air is a brief relief from the smoke, but you're still trapped.

Below, a scene of chaos unfolds. Fire trucks are parked haphazardly, their sirens blaring. Firefighters are everywhere, some aiming powerful jets of water at the building, others coordinating the evacuation. You spot a large inflatable airbag directly below your balcony, and a flicker of hope ignites within you.

"Hey! Up here!" you shout, waving your arms. The movement catches the attention of a firefighter, his face partially obscured by his helmet and the smoke. He motions to his team and points up at you. Relief floods through you as you realize you're not alone.

Moments later, the firefighter appears on the balcony using the ladder, his face now fully visible. He's tall, with striking green eyes that are filled with determination. His gear is covered in soot, but he moves with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what he's doing.

"I'm Eren Jaeger," he says, his voice steady despite the chaos. "We're going to get you out of here."

You nod, your fear momentarily quelled by his presence. "Y/N," you manage to say through the smoke. "How do we get down?"

He steps closer, assessing the situation. "The stairwell's blocked, and the fire's spreading too fast for us to wait for backup. We need to jump."

Your heart skips a beat. "Jump? Are you serious?"

He nods, his expression serious but reassuring. "It's the safest way, you do not have ladder-appropriate shoes on. We have an airbag set up down there. I'll go with you."

The thought of jumping off a balcony is terrifying, but the alternative is far worse. You take a deep breath, trying to calm your racing heart. "Okay. What do I do?"

Eren moves to the edge of the balcony and looks down, then back at you. "I'll count to three. On three, we jump together. I'll hold onto you, so you don't need to worry about anything."

You nod again, trying to steady yourself. The heat is almost unbearable now, and the smoke is making it hard to breathe. Eren positions himself next to you, his grip firm and reassuring.

"Ready?" he asks, his voice cutting through the haze of your fear.

"As I'll ever be," you reply, your voice trembling.

He gives you a tight nod. "Alright. One, two—" Before you can register what's happening, he grabs you and leaps off the balcony. A scream rips from your throat as the ground rushes up to meet you.

You hit the airbag with a jarring thud, Eren's strong arms cushioning you. The world spins for a moment before you realize you're safe. You scramble to your feet, adrenaline still coursing through your veins.

"What the fuck happened to three?" you shout, your voice a mix of relief and anger.

Eren chuckles, his eyes sparkling with amusement despite the soot on his face. "Sorry, Y/N. It's easier if you don't expect it. Less time to panic."

You can't help but laugh, the tension of the moment breaking. "You could have warned me!"

"Where's the fun in that?" he teases, pulling off his helmet. His hair is damp with sweat, but he runs a hand through it, giving you a lopsided grin.

Despite the chaos around you, the heat of the flames, and the residual fear, you find yourself smiling back. "Thank you, Eren. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up."

He shrugs, a modest gesture that doesn't quite match the heroism of his actions. "Just doing my job. But I'm glad I could help." He pauses, his gaze lingering on you for a moment. "You did great up there."

You feel a blush creeping up your cheeks, the adrenaline making it hard to come up with a witty response. "I just followed orders."

Eren laughs, a warm sound that cuts through the lingering fear. "Well, if you ever need saving again, you know who to call." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a slightly crumpled business card, handing it to you.

You take it, your fingers brushing against his. "Eren Jaeger, firefighter," you read aloud, then glance up at him. "You really carry these around?"

He gives a sheepish shrug. "Never know when you might need to network."

You chuckle, slipping the card into your pocket. "Well, I appreciate it. And I might just take you up on that."

His smile widens, and he steps closer, his expression earnest. "Or, you know, if you ever want to grab a coffee or something. I promise it's a lot less dangerous than jumping off balconies."

You raise an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at your lips. "Are you asking me out, Eren?"

He meets your gaze, unabashed. "Maybe I am. What do you say?"

You glance around at the chaos slowly being brought under control, then back at him. "I think I'd like that."

He grins, and for a moment, the world feels a little less chaotic. "Great. I'll wait for your call."

Jean Kirstein

The streets are quiet tonight, the city wrapped in a blanket of calm as the clock nears midnight. The rhythmic wail of distant sirens is a faint reminder that peace can be shattered at any moment. For you, the tranquillity of your drive home is shattered when, out of nowhere, a car swerves wildly into your lane. The impact is sudden and violent, metal screeching and glass shattering as your car is wedged between two others.

You're trapped. Panic surges through you, the acrid smell of gasoline and burnt rubber filling your nostrils. You try to move, but the pain in your arm is excruciating. Your breath comes in short, panicked gasps. The world outside is a blur of flashing lights and muffled shouts.

"Hang on! We're gonna get you out of there!" The voice is firm, and authoritative, cutting through your panic. You turn your head, vision swimming, and see a man in a firefighter's uniform. His helmet reads 'Kirstein.'

"I'm Jean. Can you tell me your name?" he asks, his voice steady and reassuring despite the chaos around him.

"Y/N," you manage to say, wincing as a sharp pain shoots through your arm.

"Okay, Y/N. We're gonna get you out. Just stay with me, alright?"

Jean turns to his team, issuing rapid commands. "We need the jaws of life over here! This car door's not budging without them."

You watch as they work with practised efficiency, feeling a strange sense of calm wash over you despite the pain. Jean returns to your side, his eyes scanning you for injuries.

"How are you holding up?" he asks, his tone softer now.

"My arm... it hurts a lot," you reply, trying to keep your voice steady.

He nods, glancing at your arm. "Looks like it might be broken. We'll get you out and take care of that, I promise."

The next few minutes are a blur of noise and motion. The jaws of life whirr and groan as they pry your car open. Jean's team works quickly, and soon there's enough space for him to reach in and start easing you out.

"This might hurt a bit," he warns, slipping an arm around your shoulders and helping you manoeuvre out of the wreckage. You bite back a cry as pain flares in your arm, but Jean's grip is strong and steady.

Once you're free, he helps you over to a nearby ambulance, easing you onto a stretcher. "Let's take a look at that arm," he says, examining it with gentle hands. You watch his face, noting the concentration etched into his features.

"Definitely broken," he confirms, looking up at you with a reassuring smile. "But don't worry, we'll fix you up."

As he works, you can't help but notice his eyes – a warm brown that seems to reflect the concern and determination within him. He wraps your arm, immobilizing it with a sling.

"There, that should hold until we get you to the hospital," he says, his voice gentle. "How's the pain?"

"It's... manageable," you reply, grateful for the relief the sling provides.

"Good," Jean says, standing back slightly to give you some space. "You're doing great, Y/N. Just hang in there a little longer."

You nod, feeling a mix of exhaustion and relief. The adrenaline is starting to wear off, leaving you feeling drained.

"Thank you," you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Jean smiles, a warm, genuine expression that reaches his eyes. "Just doing my job. Besides, you made it easy on me."

As the paramedics prepare to transport you to the hospital, Jean stays by your side, offering words of comfort and support. His presence is a steady anchor in the midst of the chaos.

Once you're settled in the ambulance, he leans in, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I don't usually give out my number to people I rescue," he says, his tone teasing.

You raise an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at your lips despite the pain. "Oh? And why is that?"

"Well," he says, pulling a card from his pocket and handing it to you, "I like to make sure they're worth the trouble first."

You laugh softly, taking the card. "And what makes you think I'm worth the trouble?"

He grins, his eyes twinkling. "Call it a hunch. Plus, I figure anyone who can handle a night like this with such grace deserves a chance."

You glance at the card, then back at him. "I'll think about it," you say, slipping the card into your pocket.

"That's all I can ask for," Jean replies, stepping back as the ambulance doors start to close. "Take care, Y/N. And don't be a stranger."

Connie Springer

The storm rages around you, its howling winds and torrential rain turning the night into a tempestuous nightmare. You cling to the hope that help will arrive soon as you lie pinned beneath a heavy tree that fell on your porch. The pain is excruciating, but you manage to stay conscious, your breath coming in short, laboured gasps.

Suddenly, you hear the faint wail of sirens approaching, growing louder with each passing second. Relief floods through you as you realize that rescue is on its way. A moment later, you catch sight of flashing lights and the unmistakable red of a fire truck.

"Hang on! We're coming!" a voice calls out, and you turn your head slightly to see a group of firefighters rushing towards you. One of them, a young man with a buzz cut and a determined expression, quickly rushes to you.

"Hey, can you hear me?" he asks, kneeling beside you. His voice is warm and reassuring despite the urgency of the situation.

"Y-yes," you manage to croak out. "I'm... I'm stuck."

"Hi Stuck, I'm Connie Springer," he says with a small smile, trying to keep you calm and you let out a weak snort. "Hey, that's laughter and laughter is good. We're going to get you out of here. Just hang tight, okay?"

You nod weakly, your eyes flickering to the other firefighters gathering around. Connie follows your gaze and starts pointing them out, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"See that guy over there with the horse face?" he says, pointing to a tall, lanky firefighter. "That's Jean. Don't worry about him, he's more scared of you than you are of him."

You can't help but let out a small, pained laugh. Connie's light-hearted insults are a welcome distraction from the pain.

"And the one with the permanent scowl?" Connie continues, indicating a dark-haired young man who looks like he's never smiled a day in his life. "That's Eren. He's angry because the rain ruined his hair."

Eren shoots Connie a glare but doesn't say anything, focusing instead on assessing the situation.

"Then we've got Armin," Connie says, pointing to a blond firefighter with a kind face. "He's the brains of the operation."

Armin gives you a reassuring smile. "We'll have you out of here in no time," he says.

"And last but not least," Connie adds, gesturing to a woman with messy hair and a wide grin, "that's Sasha. She'd probably eat the tree if she thought it would taste good."

"Hey!" Sasha protests, though she's laughing too.

Connie turns his attention back to you. "Alright, Y/N, we're going to lift this tree off you and get you out. Just keep talking to me, okay? It'll help keep your mind off things."

As his colleagues get to work, you try to focus on Connie's voice. "What do you do, Y/N? What's your job?"

"I'm... I'm a voice actress," you say, wincing as the pain flares up again.

"No way," Connie says, eyes widening in surprise. "Anything we might've heard of?"

"Well, I'm the voice of Maomao in 'The Apothecary Diaries,'" you reply, managing a small smile despite the pain.

Connie's face lights up. "No way! We watch that show all the time at the station! Guys, did you hear that? We've got Maomao here!"

The others pause in their work for a moment, looking at you with renewed interest and excitement.

"No kidding?" Jean says, his tone softening. "That's awesome."

"Yeah, it's one of our favourite shows," Eren admits, though he still looks focused on the task at hand.

Armin nods. "It's true. We watch it together whenever we get the chance."

Sasha grins. "Can you say one of her lines for us?"

You chuckle softly, despite the situation. "Sure. How about, 'This is poison'?"

As you say the line in Maomao's voice, you notice their expressions light up, even in the midst of the storm and chaos. It's a small moment of joy amidst the danger.

"That was perfect!" Sasha exclaims, her grin widening.

"Alright, let's focus," Connie says, though he's smiling too. "Y/N, we're almost there. Just a little longer, okay?"

You nod, doing your best to stay calm as the team works to lift the tree off you. Connie stays by your side the entire time, his presence a comforting anchor.

Finally, with a coordinated effort, they manage to lift the tree just enough for you to be pulled free. Connie gently helps you up, careful not to jostle you too much.

"You did great, Y/N," he says, his tone soft and encouraging. "We're going to get you checked out now, make sure everything's okay."

As they guide you towards the ambulance, you feel a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you," you say, looking at each of them. "All of you."

"Just doing our job," Jean says with a smile.

"Yeah, but we've never rescued someone as cool as you before," Sasha adds, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

Connie stays by your side as the paramedics check you over, his hand resting lightly on your shoulder. "Hey, Y/N," he says quietly, "when you're feeling better, maybe we could grab a coffee or something? I'd love to hear more about your work."

You raise an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at your lips. "Are you flirting with me, Connie?"

He grins, unabashed. "Maybe a little. But can you blame me?"

Before you can respond, a stern voice interrupts. "Springer!"

You turn to see a short, intimidating man with dark hair and piercing eyes approaching. He must be the captain.

"Cap," Connie says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

"What's going on here?" Levi demands, his gaze sharp. "I expected this kind of behaviour from Jean, but not from you."

Connie scratches the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Cap. But we've never rescued someone as pretty as Y/N before."

Levi's eyes flicker to you, a hint of recognition in them. Before he can say anything, Eren steps forward. "Captain, you know who this is, right? This is Y/N, the voice of Maomao from 'The Apothecary Diaries.'"

Levi's expression softens ever so slightly, though he tries to hide it. "I see."

Jean, Sasha, Eren, and Armin gather around, their excitement palpable. "Y/N, could you say a few more lines from the show?" Jean asks, his eyes bright with anticipation.

"Yeah, please?" Sasha adds, her grin infectious.

You can't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. How about, 'The key to understanding poisons is understanding people'?"

Their reactions are priceless, a mix of awe and joy. Even Levi seems slightly impressed, though he quickly regains his composure.

"Thank you," Armin says, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "That was amazing."

As the paramedics finish up, Connie slips a piece of paper into your hand. "That's my number," he says with a wink. "In case you ever want that coffee."

You smile, tucking the paper into your pocket. "Thanks, Connie. I'll think about it."

Levi clears his throat, giving Connie a pointed look. "Let's get back to work, Springer."

Connie nods, giving you one last smile before turning to join his team. As they head back to the fire truck, you hear Sasha teasing him. "Connie's got a crush!"

"Shut up, Sasha," Connie mutters, though he's grinning.

Maybe, just maybe, you'll take him up on that coffee.

Armin Arlert

You stand on the edge of the bridge, the river flowing ominously below. The cold night air bites at your cheeks as you scan the surroundings, your heart pounding in your chest. You've received a call about a potential jumper, and your instincts are on high alert. Your hand rests on the grip of your gun as you inch closer, eyes searching for any sign of movement.

"Hello?" you call out, your voice echoing slightly. "This is Officer Y/N L/N. Can you hear me? Are you alright?"

Silence stretches on for what feels like an eternity. Just as you're about to take another step forward, you hear a rustling sound. Your training kicks in, and you reach for your radio to call for backup, but before you can do so, a large figure emerges from the shadows and lunges at you. You barely have time to react as you're knocked off balance, your gun slipping from its holster.

"Don't move," a gruff voice growls in your ear, and you feel the cold metal of your own gun pressed against your temple.

You don't need to see his face to recognize him. Reiner Braun, the escaped convict you've been briefed about. The realization sends a jolt of fear through you, but you force yourself to stay calm.

"Well, isn't this just great," you mutter sarcastically. "An ambush. Very creative, asshole."

"Shut up," he snaps, tightening his grip on you. "You're gonna do exactly what I say, or I'll blow your brains out right here."

You grit your teeth, frustration bubbling up inside you. "You're an idiot, you know that? This whole plan of yours is idiotic."

Before he can respond, the sound of sirens fills the air. The fire department has arrived for the reported jumper. You see the flashing lights reflecting off the water below, and a glimmer of hope ignites within you. Help is here.

From the corner of your eye, you spot Captain Levi Ackerman stepping out of the fire truck, followed by Armin Arlert and the rest of the crew. Levi's eyes lock onto yours, and you can see the concern in them, though his face remains stoic.

"Y/N," Levi calls out, his voice steady. "How's it going?"

"Got my own gun to my head, so not great, thanks for asking, Levi," you reply dryly. "While you're here, do you mind giving this oaf a lecture on oral hygiene? His breath is gonna kill me before a bullet."

"Y/N, you fucking idiot! Stop antagonizing him!" Jean yells from behind Levi, his expression a mix of anger and fear.

"Get his bitch ass, Y/N!" Connie shouts, earning a glare from Levi.

Reiner's grip on you tightens, and you can feel his agitation growing. "Shut up, all of you! Or I'll—"

Before he can finish his threat, you take a deep breath and slam the back of your head against his nose with all your might. The impact sends stars dancing across your vision, but it also causes Reiner to loosen his grip on you. You use the moment of distraction to twist out of his grasp, but his hand catches your arm, and you both tumble over the edge of the bridge.

The cold water engulfs you, the shock of it stealing your breath away. You struggle against the current, trying to wrestle Reiner as he thrashes beside you. Your training kicks in, and you manage to land a few solid punches, but he's strong, and the water makes it difficult to gain any leverage.

Suddenly, you see Eren, Levi, and Armin wading into the water, determination etched on their faces. Eren reaches you first, grabbing Reiner by the collar and delivering a punch to his jaw that leaves him momentarily stunned. Levi is next, his movements precise and efficient as he helps you wrestle Reiner into submission. Armin is there too, his hands steady as he assists in securing Reiner's hands behind his back with the cuffs you've managed to retrieve.

As you finally drag Reiner out of the water, panting and shivering, Jean and Sasha rush over with foil blankets. They wrap one around you, and you can feel the warmth seeping into your bones, but the adrenaline still courses through your veins.

"You're a real piece of work, Y/N," Jean mutters as he cleans the cuts on your hands and face.

"Yeah, well, it worked, didn't it?" you reply, wincing as he dabs at a particularly nasty gash.

Connie, ever the joker, grins at you. "Maybe next time we should get you some floaties, huh? Just in case."

You manage a laugh, despite the situation. "I'll keep that in mind, Con."

As the chaos begins to settle, you notice Armin watching you with a mixture of admiration and concern. With Eren's encouragement, he steps forward, his eyes soft but determined.

"Hey, Y/N," Armin begins, his voice gentle. "That was incredibly brave, what you did. Are you alright?"

You nod, still catching your breath. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thanks for the help, Armin."

He hesitates for a moment before continuing. "I was wondering if maybe, after all this, you'd like to go to a book cafe with me? I know it's a bit sudden, but I thought it might be a nice way to unwind."

You blink in surprise, a smile slowly spreading across your face. "I'd like that, Armin. I'd like that a lot."

Eren claps Armin on the back, grinning. "Told you she'd say yes."

Mikasa Ackerman

The day is supposed to be perfect. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is warm against your skin, and you have just finished an exhilarating photo shoot. You get into your car, ready to head home and unwind. Everything seems normal until you start descending the hill towards the river. You press the brake pedal, but instead of slowing down, the car continues to pick up speed. Panic surges through you as you realize the brakes have failed.

The steering wheel shakes violently as you attempt to control the car, but it's no use. The river looms closer, and in a split second, the car breaks through the barrier and plunges into the icy water. The impact jolts you, and water begins to flood into the vehicle. You fumble with your seatbelt, but it's jammed. You scream for help, knowing the chances of someone hearing you are slim. The water rises swiftly, and you feel your hope diminishing with every passing second.

As your car is nearly submerged, you hear the muffled sounds of sirens and see flashing lights through the water. Relief washes over you when you see a figure in a firefighter's uniform wading towards your car. She reaches your window, her eyes locking with yours, and you see a determination that makes you believe you might just survive this.

"Hey, are you okay in there?" the firefighter shouts, her voice barely audible over the roar of the river.

You nod frantically, your eyes wide with fear. She gives you a reassuring smile, her dark hair plastered to her face by the water.

"Hold on! I'm going to get you out of there. What's your name?"

"Y/N!" you shout back, your voice shaking.

"Y/N, I'm Mikasa. Just keep looking at me, okay? We're going to get you out of here." Her voice is steady and calm, a stark contrast to the chaos around you. "You know, you're really pretty, Y/N"

You feel a blush despite the dire situation. Mikasa's words keep you focused as she works on the door, her strong arms straining against the pressure. She mutters to herself, cursing the stubbornness of the vehicle.

Finally, the door gives way, and water rushes in, submerging you completely. You thrash in the cold water, but Mikasa's arms are around you in an instant. She pulls you out of the car with a strength you wouldn't have believed possible.

"Hold on to me!" she commands, her voice firm. You cling to her, your hands trembling from the cold and fear. She swims powerfully towards the shore, where a team of firefighters is waiting. You hear shouts and see the worried faces of Mikasa's colleagues as they help pull you both out of the water.

"Are you alright?" one of them asks, a stern-looking man with piercing eyes. "I'm Captain Levi. Can you tell me if you're hurt?"

"I think I'm okay," you manage to say, your teeth chattering. "Just a cut on my forehead."

Levi examines the cut, his touch surprisingly gentle. "It's not too deep. Let me clean it up and get some sterile strips on it." He moves efficiently, cleaning the wound and applying the strips. Then he wraps you in a foil blanket, the metallic crinkling sound oddly comforting.

As Levi works, Mikasa introduces you to the rest of her team. "That's Eren, my best friend. The blonde over there is Armin. Connie and Sasha are the goofballs of the group. And Jean... well, he's Jean."

Jean and Connie step forward, their eyes wide with excitement. "Oh my God, you're Y/N L/N! We have your posters!" Connie blurts out.

Jean nods vigorously. "Yeah, the Hot Summer Nights shoot was incredible. And the Victoria's Secret Lingerie one—wow!"

Levi shoots them both a stern look and slaps them upside the head. "Be respectful, you two. She's just been through a traumatic experience."

"But Captain, you let us pin the firefighter poster in the station!" Connie protests, rubbing his head.

You can't help but laugh at their antics, despite everything. "Thank you for rescuing me. All of you."

Mikasa smiles at you, her eyes softening. "It's our job, but I'm glad you're okay. By the way, would you like to go out sometime?"

Surprised, you blink at her. "Really? I'd like that."

She grins and, without missing a beat, steals a pen and notepad from Levi's jacket pocket. "Sorry, Captain. Need this for a moment." She scribbles her number down and hands it to you. "Call me."

Levi rolls his eyes but doesn't comment. You take the paper, your fingers brushing against Mikasa's. "I will. Thank you, Mikasa. For everything."

As the team packs up their gear and prepares to leave, Mikasa stays by your side. "We'll get you checked out at the hospital just to be safe. Come on, let's get you warmed up."

She helps you into the ambulance, her presence a steady anchor in the whirlwind of your emotions. You glance at the notepad in your hand, feeling a glimmer of excitement amidst the aftermath of your ordeal. Maybe something good can come out of this terrifying experience after all.

Mikasa sits next to you in the ambulance, her hand gently holding yours. "So, Y/N, how does a famous model end up in a place like this?"

You smile, a bit sheepishly. "Just bad luck, I guess. But I'm glad you were the one to save me."

"Me too," Mikasa says softly, her eyes never leaving yours. "Me too."

Annie Leonhart

You're lounging against the wall of the opulent elevator, tapping your heel against the polished marble floor. The gleaming doors reflect your short black cocktail dress, which fits you perfectly for the big charity event you're supposed to be attending. As an escort for some rich old businessman, your job tonight is to make him look good. But right now, all you can think about is that cigarette break you desperately need.

Just as the elevator starts moving, it jerks violently. You stumble, and your heel snaps. Pain shoots up your leg, and you cry out, collapsing to the floor. The realization hits you—your ankle is broken.

"Great," you mutter to yourself, wincing as you try to shift into a more comfortable position. "This is just peachy."

Minutes pass, and panic starts to set in. You're stuck in an elevator, alone, in pain, and no one knows you're here. You fumble for your phone, but there's no signal. You press the emergency button, hoping it'll bring some help.

It feels like an eternity, but finally, you hear muffled voices and the sound of someone climbing onto the roof of the elevator. A small panel in the ceiling opens, and a blonde head pops through. The firefighter's blue eyes meet yours.

"Hey," she says, her voice calm and soothing. "How are you doing?"

You manage a weak smile. "Peachy keen. Never been better."

She smirks at your sarcasm, clearly appreciating your wit. "I'm Annie. We're gonna get you out of here, alright?"

"Sounds good, Annie. I'd give you a hand, but as you can see, I'm a bit stuck." You gesture to your broken ankle and broken heel, both of which make your current situation even more ridiculous.

Annie descends into the elevator, landing gracefully beside you. She kneels down and examines your ankle with gentle fingers, making you wince. "Definitely broken. We'll get you to the hospital as soon as we're out of here."

You roll your eyes. "Fantastic. And here I thought this night couldn't get any worse."

Annie chuckles. "You've got quite the sense of humour. I like that."

Just as you're starting to feel a bit more at ease, the elevator suddenly lurches. The lights flicker, and you both freeze. "What was that?" you ask, panic creeping into your voice.

Annie looks up, her face serious. "The cable must be unstable. Stay calm."

You don't have time to respond before the cable snaps, and the elevator plunges downward. You let out a scream, grabbing onto Annie as she wraps her arms around you, trying to shield you from the impact. "This is so not elevator death plunge appropriate attire!" you yell over the deafening noise.

Despite the dire situation, you hear Annie laugh. It's a short, genuine sound that somehow makes you feel a little bit better. The elevator crashes into the basement, the impact jarring. Pain flares up in your ankle, and you let out a groan. Annie's grip on you tightens, her body shielding you from the worst of it.

"We're alive," she murmurs, sounding a bit surprised.

"Thank God for small miracles," you reply, breathing heavily.

Not long after, the sound of more voices echoes through the shaft. Two more firefighters rappel down to the ruined elevator. One has a buzz cut and a wide grin, and the other has a longer face and a slightly more serious expression.

"Hey there!" the one with the buzz cut greets cheerfully. "I'm Connie, and this is Jean. We're here to rescue you."

"Thanks, Connie," you say, offering a pained smile. "I'd stand and greet you properly, but, you know..." You wave at your broken ankle.

Jean shakes his head, chuckling. "We'll get you out of here. Just sit tight."

As they work to open the elevator doors, you glance at Annie. "Do me a favour and make sure I don't flash anyone, okay? The dirty old bastard I'm here with did not pay for the peepshow package."

The three firefighters stare at you for a moment before Connie bursts out laughing. "What do you do for work, anyway?"

You give him a sly smile. "People pay for the pleasure of my company."

Connie's eyes widen, and Jean coughs, trying to hide his laughter. Annie just shakes her head, still smirking.

With the doors finally pried open, they carefully lift you out. "We're gonna take you to the hospital," Jean explains. "But first, you said the guy you came here with owes you, right?"

You nod. "Yeah. He owes me my fee."

Annie stands and nods. "I'll find him. Be right back."

As Jean and Connie help you towards the exit, you notice another firefighter waiting outside. He's short with an air of authority, and you recognize him immediately. "Levi! Hi!" you call out, waving with a grin.

Levi raises an eyebrow. "Long time no see Y/N, I heard you broke up with Miche."

You laugh, shaking your head. "Hired me, Levi. He hired me."

Levi's lips twitch into a rare grin, which seems to unsettle Jean and Connie. He pulls out his phone. "Let's take a picture. Miche needs to see this."

You pose with Levi, Jean, Connie, and Annie, who returns just in time with the businessman in tow. Levi snaps the photo and sends it off with a smirk.

"Alright," Levi says, turning to Annie. "Make sure this guy pays her extra for the trouble."

Annie nods, stepping up to the businessman who looks thoroughly uncomfortable. "You're gonna pay her extra compensation for what she went through," she says firmly.

The man gulps and nods hastily. "Of course, of course."

Once everything is settled, you're finally on your way to the hospital. As you're being wheeled out on a stretcher, Annie walks beside you. "You're quite the character, you know that?"

You grin up at her. "I try."

She pauses for a moment, then hands you a piece of paper. "Here's my number. Call me when you're feeling better. Maybe we can go out sometime?"

You take the paper, feeling a flutter of excitement despite the pain. "I'd like that, Annie."

As you're loaded into the ambulance, you watch her through the open doors. She's smiling, and you can't help but feel that maybe this night wasn't so bad after all.

Sasha Braus

The pulsing beat of the music vibrates through the walls of the club, an undercurrent of energy that makes the air feel alive. You're in your element, moving around the stage, eyes flickering to the various patrons who've come for the show. The night's been pretty standard—until now.

You've just finished a particularly energetic routine and stepped offstage to head toward the private rooms. You glance at your phone. Another client, another dollar. But the moment you open the door to the private room, you're confronted with something you never expected—a man holding a large boa constrictor.

You pause at the threshold, mouth slightly agape. "Is that...a snake?"

The man grins, seemingly pleased with your reaction. "Don't worry, sweetheart. It's not venomous."

You force a smile, even as your stomach churns. "Okay, let's just get this over with."

He gestures for you to come closer, but as you approach, the snake's head darts forward and its teeth sink into your ankle. You yelp in pain, instinctively pulling back. The man seems more surprised than concerned, which only adds to your irritation.

"Shit!" You scramble onto a nearby table, your ankle throbbing and blood trickling down. The snake, now agitated, turns its attention to the man who brought it. Before he can react, it's wrapped around his neck, squeezing.

Panicked, you grab your phone. "Hello? Emergency services? I'm at Angel's Paradise. A boa constrictor just bit me and now it's strangling some fucking idiot in a private room. Please hurry."

It feels like an eternity before you hear the telltale sounds of the fire department's sirens. You stay perched on the table, cradling your injured ankle, and trying to ignore the growing chaos in the room below.

Moments later, the door bursts open and a group of firefighters rushes in. You recognize some of them—Connie, Jean, and Eren are regulars at the club. But tonight, they're here in full gear, ready to save the day.

"Y/N!" Connie calls out, eyes scanning the room until he spots you on the table. "Are you okay?"

You manage a weak smile. "Another day, another fucking idiot. Seriously, who brings a snake to a strip club?"

Jean steps forward, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to you. "Here, take this." He lifts you off the table with ease, and you quickly find yourself hiding behind him, the comfort of his presence grounding you.

Eren eyes the man struggling with the snake and smirks. "Should we, uh, help him?"

You peek out from behind Jean. "Can't we just let the guy get strangled? He wasted my time and now I'm bleeding."

A new voice cuts through the conversation. "I wish we could," Levi, the captain, says dryly as he enters the room. His eyes are sharp, taking in the situation with an air of disapproval. "But we're here to save lives, unfortunately."

Your attention is drawn to the new firefighter who steps forward to check on your ankle. She's got a friendly face, framed by brown hair and warm, empathetic eyes. "Hi, I'm Sasha. Let me see that bite."

You wince as she gently examines the wound. "Looks like it took a chunk out of you. We'll get you patched up."

Sasha's touch is gentle but sure, and despite the pain, you find yourself oddly comforted. She finishes bandaging your ankle and looks up at you with a smile. "You okay? Want something to eat? I've got some snacks in the truck."

Before you can respond, the snake suddenly lunges for you again. "Fuck no!" you shout, darting out of the room with surprising speed, even in your heels. The firefighters exchange impressed looks.

"Did you see how fast she ran?" Eren laughs.

Levi nods, impressed. "And in heels. Didn't even snap her ankle."

Sasha grins. "Did you see the way her boobs bounced? Damn."

Jean chuckles. "Why do you think we're regulars?"

Eren agrees, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yeah, she's the main attraction."

You're still wearing Jean's firefighter jacket as you limp back into the room, feeling slightly more composed. Sasha approaches you again, concern etched on her face. "Hey, you did great back there. Seriously. Are you sure you're okay?"

You nod, though the adrenaline is still coursing through your veins. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just...what a night."

Sasha smiles, pulling a small card from her pocket and handing it to you. "Here's my number. In case you need anything. Or, you know, if you ever want to hang out."

You take the card, a small smile playing on your lips. "Thanks, Sasha. I might just do that."

Connie, overhearing, nudges Sasha with a grin. "So, you gonna join us next time we come here?"

Sasha laughs, shaking her head. "Only if Y/N is working."

Jean turns to Levi with a grin. "What about you, Captain? You gonna join us?"

Levi's expression is as stern as ever. "Piss off, Jean."

Historia Reiss

The bus ride starts off as any other ordinary day for you and your twin brother, Megumi. You're on your way home, chatting casually and occasionally glancing out the window. The bus is moderately full, a mix of commuters and students, some dozing off, others absorbed in their phones or conversations.

You and Megumi have always had a dark sense of humour, a coping mechanism that has seen you through tough times. But nothing could prepare you for the sudden, violent jolt that sends the bus careening off the road. The world spins, screams fill the air, and then everything goes black.

When you come to, you're disoriented and in pain. The bus has flipped, and you're trapped under what you quickly realize are the bodies of other passengers. The weight pressing down on you is immense, and the stench of blood and something worse fills your nostrils.

You shift slightly, wincing at the pain from a gash on your forehead and a cut running from your cheekbone across your nose. Megumi is next to you, his face smeared with blood from a cut on his cheek and one in his eyebrow. Despite the dire situation, your gallows humour kicks in.

"I think the guy that's on top of me eats for a living," you say, trying to keep your voice steady.

Megumi groans softly as he corrects you. "Ate for a living."

You can't help but chuckle, though it quickly turns into a wince of pain. "God, this guy fucking stinks. Not only is he squashing me, he smells too."

Megumi snorts, which sounds more like a pained wheeze. "Probably didn't bathe much. Figures our luck to get stuck under the smelly ones."

You manage a laugh, though it's more out of desperation than amusement. "Well, if I'm gonna die, at least I'm going out with a good story. 'Death by smelly fat guy.'"

The weight of the bodies pressing down on you and Megumi is almost unbearable. Your breaths come in short, painful gasps, each one a struggle against the crushing mass. The dark humour you and your brother share is your only lifeline, a fragile thread keeping you from succumbing to despair.

"You know," you manage to say between wheezing breaths, "I always thought I'd die in some dramatic, heroic way. Not suffocating under a pile of corpses."

Megumi, his face smeared with blood, chuckles weakly. "Yeah, like saving a kitten from a burning building or something. Instead, it's 'Crushed by Smelly McFatso and Friends.'"

"Holy shit, Megumi," you groan, shifting slightly to alleviate the pressure on your chest. "You have a way with words."

"Hey, it's a gift," he replies, his voice strained.

Minutes feel like hours, every second dragging as you fight for each breath. The sounds of chaos outside the bus filter through, but they feel distant, almost unreal. Sirens, shouted orders and the hiss of extinguishers are faint background noise compared to the oppressive reality of your situation.

"Think we'll make the evening news?" you wheeze, trying to keep your voice light.

Megumi manages a weak chuckle. "Maybe they'll call it 'Bus Tragedy: Two Survivors and a Smelly Fatso.'"

"Hey, give the guy some respect," you retort, grimacing in pain. "He's our ticket to fame."

Outside, the firefighters work frantically, pulling bodies from the wreckage. Their faces are grim as they navigate the twisted metal and shattered glass. Levi, the captain, directs the efforts with a steely gaze. He's seen a lot in his career, but the sheer devastation of this scene is heart-wrenching.

Jean hauls a body out, his expression hardening as he glances back into the bus. "How many more, Captain?"

Levi doesn't answer immediately, his attention caught by the faint sound of laughter coming from inside the wreckage. It's so out of place, so bizarre amidst the carnage, that it takes him a moment to process it.

"Do you hear that?" Connie asks, pausing beside Levi.

Levi nods, frowning. "Yeah, I hear it. Keep pulling bodies out. Do not judge them for laughing, they're probably in shock and trying to cope"

The team works with renewed urgency, driven by the faint but unmistakable sound of laughter. As they pull away more debris, the source becomes clearer. Two young adults, battered and bloodied, are trapped under a pile of bodies, holding hands and exchanging dark jokes to cope.

"If I don't make it, tell Mom I went out fighting Smelly McFatso," Megumi says, his voice a strained whisper.

"Megumi, Mom's dead," you remind him, managing a pained smile.

"Then tell her when you see her," he replies, coughing.

"Hey, maybe she's got a comfy spot saved for us," you retort, trying to keep the mood light as the firefighters work frantically around you. "Hopefully not next to our new friend, though."

"Oh God, please no," Megumi groans, wincing as another piece of debris is moved, relieving some of the pressure on his legs. "I'd rather haunt the bus station."

"You know," you say, wincing as a particularly heavy body is lifted off you, "if this is the afterlife, it seriously needs a redesign."

Megumi chuckles weakly, his voice strained. "Yeah, I was expecting more clouds and harps, fewer dead bodies and stink."

Levi, who's now close enough to hear you, shakes his head with a faint smile. "Just hold on a bit longer. We're almost there."

"Hey," Megumi gasps, "think we can get a refund on this bus ride?"

Levi doesn't miss a beat. "I'll see what I can do."

"If we get out of here, I'm leaving a review," You mutter. "Zero stars, do not recommend, may be crushed by corpses"

Megumi snorts, squeezing your hand as the firefighters work above you. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the last of the debris is lifted, and you and Megumi are gently pulled free. The fresh air hits you like a blessing, though it's tainted with the scent of smoke and blood. You take a deep breath, savouring the relief despite the pain.

As the rescuers help you to safety, a horde of news anchors and journalists surge towards you, shouting invasive questions. The chaos is overwhelming, their voices blending into a cacophony of noise. You and Megumi, dazed and in pain, try to shield your faces from the relentless flashes of cameras.

"Are you the only survivors?"

"How do you feel right now?"

"Can you describe what happened?"

You wince as a particularly aggressive reporter shoves a microphone into your face. "How does it feel to be covered in other people's blood?"

Before you can respond, another reporter grabs Megumi by the arm. "What were your last words to each other, thinking you were going to die?"

"Get the fuck off me!" Megumi snaps, trying to pull away, but the reporter's grip is firm.

Jean, Connie, and Levi quickly move to shield you both, pushing back the reporters. "Back off!" Jean yells, his face set in a hard line. "Give them some space!"

Connie places a hand on your shoulder, guiding you away from the chaos. "Let's get you to the medics," he says gently, his concern evident despite the tough exterior.

As you're led away, the rude comments continue to fly. "Those cuts are going to leave some nasty scars," one reporter sneers. "Real shame for such young faces."

Another reaches out, trying to grab you again, but Levi steps in, his expression thunderous. "I said back off!" His authoritative tone finally makes the crowd of journalists hesitate.

You and Megumi are ushered to a nearby ambulance where Historia and Eren are waiting with first aid kits. Historia's face is a mask of calm as she carefully cleans the gash on your forehead, her touch gentle but firm.

"These are going to leave scars," she says softly, meeting your eyes with a kind yet serious expression. "But they'll heal well with time."

Eren is working on Megumi, dabbing at the cut on his cheek and eyebrow with careful precision. "You'll look tough with these scars," he says. "Chicks dig scars, right?"

Megumi chuckles weakly. "Not exactly my demographic."

As Eren finishes, he gives Megumi a thoughtful look. "You know, once you're feeling better... would you like to go out sometime? Maybe grab a coffee?"

Megumi blinks, momentarily taken aback. "You're asking me out? Now?"

Eren shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. "Life's short. Why not?"

Megumi laughs, the sound lighter than it's been since the crash. "Alright, why not? Coffee sounds good."

You watch the exchange with a faint smile, feeling a strange sense of normalcy returning. Historia finishes tending to your wounds and stands back, her eyes lingering on your face.

"You know," she begins, her tone slightly hesitant but hopeful, "I think you're incredibly brave. And I'd love to get to know you better. Maybe we could go out sometime, too?"

You're surprised but pleasantly so. "Are you asking for my number?" you ask, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips despite the pain.

"Yes, I am," Historia replies, her own smile warm and genuine. "What do you say?"

"I'd like that," you respond, feeling a spark of something hopeful and new amidst the chaos of the day.

[sjsmith56]

Letting Go

Summary: Bucky is critically injured, trapped in a building destroyed by a bomb. He orders his team to leave him behind but they refuse and Peter calls for help. It comes from several sources.

Length: 5.4 K

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Peter Parker, Scott Lang, Hope Van Dyne, Wanda Maximoff, with cameos by other Avengers, named OFC (seen in flashbacks).

Warnings: Bucky injured, feeling unworthy, accepting death, good and bad memories, medical emergency.

Author notes: Believe it or not I dreamed the first part of this and wrote down a summary as soon as I woke up so I wouldn’t forget it. This one shot imagines a post-FATWS Avengers that brings in several of the newer characters as well as some older ones. Thunderbolts* and Captain America: Brave New World have not happened.

⏳ ⌛️

If he had to do it all over again, Bucky would have made the same decision. Leading a mission with the newest Avengers under his supervision, meant that he felt responsible for their safety. It was his choice to enter the building first, assessing the risk before they came in with him. Just as it was his choice to tell them to leave him behind after the bomb went off, an event that sent tons of debris raining down on him. Now, as he laid injured in the dark, with his metal arm twisted and lodged behind him and both his legs broken he knew he wasn't getting out alive. Those who had worked with him before, specifically Peter and Yelena, begged him not to make them leave but he made it clear.

"There is nothing you can do for me," he said, with what he hoped was finality. "It's too risky for even a sorcerer and with Dr. Strange off somewhere in the multiverse I don't think he can activate the time stone and reverse this."

He stopped for a moment to cough, feeling the metallic taste of blood in his mouth, likely from bleeding internally.

"Bucky?" asked Peter over the comms. "What about Cara?"

Cara ... his girlfriend of 8 months that he planned to propose to. This would devastate her, but she knew the risks, being a SHIELD employee herself.

"Tell her I love her and that I'm sorry," he replied, then he refused to answer his comms after that.

Outside the team sat, despondent. Shaun, Joaquin, Kate, Yelena, and Peter looked at each other, feeling sick inside. Then Peter strode into the quinjet and asked Friday to patch him through to the Avengers compound.

"Sam? We need help." He filled him in on what happened and what Bucky ordered them to do, explaining none of them wanted to leave. "We don't leave a team member behind. I don't care if he made it an order. It's not right."

As Sam listened to Peter, he got Carol Danvers' attention. After listening to the gist of the conversation between him and Peter, she asked Friday to alert the remaining Avengers to suit up. She also asked Friday to contact Wong, thinking they were going to need some magic to rescue Bucky.

"Peter, stay there," he said. "We're on our way and you're right, no matter what, we don't leave a team member behind."

⏳ ⌛️

It's strange where your mind takes you when it's the only thing still working. Practically immobilized in the dark, close confines of what Bucky accepted was his tomb, he thought back over his life. The first twenty years went by fast, not surprising considering it was so long ago and he wasn't even sure he had regained all those memories back. He thought of his mother's hands. Not an unusual thing because they were always busy. Housewives in the 1920s and 1930s were always on the go and his mother was no different; washing clothes by hand, ironing everything, including the sheets, cooking, baking, darning, soothing a fevered brow when he was sick, tying his necktie the first time he wore one. He sighed at how much he missed her, wished he had been able to see her just once before .... If he had just been man enough to tell her he loved her before he left for England, the last time he saw her, or Dad, or Rebecca when she was still young. At least he saw his sister again before she died. That meant something.

Then he thought of Cara, a bright moment in his life when he met her, although he didn't think so at the time. He had returned from a mission and forgot about the comms pieces that were still in the front chest pocket of his tactical suit, given to the staff responsible for cleaning them, and repairing any damage done to them. Taking his time in the locker room by having a long, hot shower, then getting dressed at his own pace, he was surprised to see a strange woman waiting for him outside the door.

"Sergeant Barnes?" she asked, looking him in the eye, even though she was a good six inches shorter than him. "I'm Comm Tech Laskey. You were supposed to return your comms pieces on your return."

"I thought I did," he answered.

"No, Sergeant." She checked the small tablet in her hand. "You returned your weapons to the armoury, and your tactical suit to Uniform Maintenance for cleaning and repair but the person taking in communications equipment didn't check them off and there is no sign of them. Until they are returned, you're financially responsible."

"You're kidding, right?" She stared at him. "I guess I left them in my tactical suit. Why don't you go there?"

"Not my responsibility."

"Listen, Laskey, is it? I'm tired and hungry and really need a beer. Can't you just go check for me this one time and see if they're in my uniform? I promise I'll make it up to you and that it will never happen again."

"This one time?" She looked at her tablet again. "You used that excuse four times on my predecessor. She left me notes on not taking you at your word. I don't want to know how you made it up to her, but I'm not her and think that you asking me to do your job is taking advantage of your position. Now, I can either declare them missing and have you invoiced, or you can go right now to find them and bring them to me in Communications. Those are your options, Sergeant. I'll give you 10 minutes."

She turned around and walked away, not looking back even once. He watched her, wondering why the previous tech left. He had made it up to Marin, taking her for drinks at least once. Laskey had to be wrong that he didn't turn in his comms equipment four times. It wasn't that many times, was it? With a sigh, he headed towards Uniform Maintenance, explained his problem, and was given his suit to examine. The earpieces were still in his front chest pocket.

"Good thing you came now, Sarge," said the cleaner. "Was just going to process your suit. It would have wrecked those. Someone told me those are worth 5 grand a pair."

He looked at the two small earpieces in his hand, not believing they cost that much. Returning to the communications department, he entered, looking for Laskey but he didn't see her. Seeing a guy sitting in front of several computer monitors in a secure room he knocked on the window. The guy flipped a switch to speak with him.

"Yes, Sergeant, what can I do for you?"

"I'm here to return my comms pieces to Comm Tech Laskey," he said, holding up the two comms pieces.

"She's gone for the evening," said the guy, Martino. "She waited for you then said your 10 minutes was up. Sorry, you'll have to give them to her tomorrow. I'm not authorized to unlock the door so I can't receive them."

A rumble above him interrupted his train of thought and he strained to see what was happening in the darkness. Then a large piece of debris shifted, landing on his right arm. He could hear the snap as the pain of his arm being broken shot up from his forearm, making him scream in agony. Fuck, he was completely trapped now, every part of him broken or pinned in place.

"Bucky?" Peter's voice was in his comms piece. "Was that you?"

"I ordered you to go," he gritted out between clenched teeth. "Why are you still here?"

"We're not leaving you behind," said Yelena. "Help is coming."

"What did you do?"

"We called for help and it's coming," replied Peter. "Now, what's your status?"

"Damn it," muttered Bucky. "I gave you an order."

"Yeah, and I ignored it," answered the younger man. "You can discipline me later. Now, what's your status, Bucky?"

Angrily, he breathed several times then calmed himself. "Both legs broken, my metal arm is pinned behind my back, and I can't move it, and that scream was my right arm being broken by a piece of debris landing on it. I can taste blood coming up into my throat, so I likely have internal bleeding. The building is unstable, Peter. They won't be able to do anything."

"You let them figure that out," said the younger man. "Don't give up yet, Bucky. Please."

He closed his eyes, unnecessary in the dark but it was the only thing he could still do in the circumstances. He felt as helpless as he did when he came to after falling from the train. Everything was broken then, except for his left arm, which was gone. It was true he survived that, and the hypothermia that should have killed him, if he didn't already have the serum flowing through his veins. But something told him that this time the serum wouldn't be enough to keep him alive.

The sad thing was that he was okay with it. He really was. He was older than he had a right to be, had done terrible things that had sent other men to death row for less. His defence of involuntary mind control and torture was accepted for his pardon, but that was little comfort to the families of those he killed. Even though he made his amends a big part of him always felt that he got away with murder. That was the same part of him that was telling him to let go, to accept that this time, he had to pay the piper. Why couldn't Peter just obey orders?

You know why.

Great, now he was hearing a voice in his head, and it wasn't coming from the comms.

"Why?" he whispered, not wanting the others to hear him.

He had to watch Tony Stark die, then his Aunt May. Don't you think if he left you behind to die that it would hurt him as much as those deaths did?

"I don't mean that much to him. I barely talk to him."

You mean more to him than you know, Bucky, and he means more to you than you realize.

He had nothing to say to that because he couldn't see it. Peter was still a kid, living in Queens, trying to get the marks to be accepted into engineering at college, while still patrolling the streets at night and being an Avenger.

You don't see it, do you?

"See what?" asked Bucky, out loud.

"What did you say, Bucky? Are you okay?"

"Sorry, just thinking out loud," he replied to Peter. "Has your help arrived yet?"

"No, but they'll be here in a couple of minutes. They're just getting some things sorted out first."

Bucky closed his eyes again and tried to calm his mind.

You're a survivor, Bucky. Peter looks up to you, because you went through hell, and you survived it. You're a good leader who treats everyone with respect like the sergeant you are. You're fair, firm, and you make sure that everyone knows their job before you take them on a mission. If anyone gets hurt, you're the first one there, the first one to assure them that they'll be okay. He admires you for that. So do the others.

A scoff erupted from Bucky's lips, causing him to cough and he tasted blood again. Personally, he didn't want to believe what that inner voice was telling him. He barely said anything to the younger ones. They were always on their phones, or playing video games; silly pastimes in his mind. Still, Peter helped him set up his smartphone without making him feel stupid or out of touch. It still impressed him that the kid was stronger than him, even though he was a lot shorter and lighter than Bucky.

He often reminds you of Steve, doesn't he? Except without the anger. Orphan, living on his own on a shoestring budget, until you and Sam convinced him to live at the tower. He helps people who have been pushed around, and you admire his mind, because it reminds you of you, when you were younger and still had hopes of college.

Well, maybe there was some truth in all of that but as far as Bucky was concerned, it wasn't enough to warrant Peter disobeying a direct order and bringing in help. He probably called Sam, first. He wasn't looking forward to that conversation.

"Bucky? How you doing, man?"

Well, shit, speak of the devil.

"Sam. I assume Peter gave you a status report, so I won't repeat myself. I don't think I'm getting out of this one."

"You let us assess the situation before we make that decision. I've got Carol, Thor, Wong, Hope, and Scott here. Bruce, Dr. Cho, and a couple of paramedics are on standby to treat your injuries. We've set up a little trauma centre just to stabilize you before we transport you to the tower."

"The building is really unstable, Sam. Whatever you do can make it worse for me."

"Buck, we know." Sam's voice was more serious. "We've got a couple of structural engineers here to determine the best way to get that debris pile off of you. Hope and Scott are going to fly in and try to get into your space to make a scan of your situation. Then we'll make a plan of action. We're not leaving you behind, you hear?"

Despite his stoic acceptance of his fate, Bucky couldn't help the little sob that erupted from his throat. It took a lot to get his single word answer out.

"Okay."

He didn't know how long it was before he was aware he wasn't alone. A small light approached him in the darkness, revealing Hope carrying Scott. She had a light on one arm with a small scanner on the other, while Scott carried the same sort of scanner. She hovered over Bucky's face and flipped her face shield up, making her face visible to him.

"Hey, Buck," she said. "Scott is going to stand on your chest. If it hurts, you let us know. While he scans this pocket, I'm going to your sides and underneath to scan there. Just relax. Sorry, I know you can't really do that."

He nodded his head slightly, but didn't say anything. As she left, Scott activated the light on his arm.

"I'm not too heavy for you, am I?" he asked as he began to laser scan the space Bucky was trapped in.

"No, it's not too heavy," replied Bucky. "I'm sorry to bring you in here. I don't think much can be done for me."

"Well, it's easy to feel that way when you're the one who's trapped." Scott looked back at him. "Understandably so but it always amazes me that even in the most backward areas, when there's a landslide or an earthquake and people get trapped that they are still able to rescue people with just their bare hands. We have a full team out there and a couple of cranes setting up to lift debris off from above you. It's kind of like a 3D jigsaw puzzle or more likely a house of cards that we're taking apart, without destabilizing it. It's challenging but with the right moves and respect for the task, it can be done. I have faith in us, Bucky. You just have to trust us to do our jobs. Your only job is to hang on."

"I don't know how much longer I can do that." Scott turned so he could see Bucky's face. "I'm bleeding internally. If it's bad enough I don't know if the serum can heal it before I bleed out."

"Do your best."

There was no answer from the former assassin for a while as Scott continued scanning. He kept checking on Bucky's face, making sure he was still conscious. Turning towards Bucky's face after a few moments, Scott noticed that he had relaxed completely, and his eyes were closed. Putting the scanner down he moved closer and tapped Bucky's cheek.

"Hey, Buck, you still with me?"

A small groan followed by his eyes trying to open was his answer. He was slipping away.

"Sam! He's losing consciousness. What do I do?"

He could hear Bruce and Helen discussing what could be done to bring him back. They all involved Hope flying back, getting a stimulant in an injector, then bringing it back and jamming it into Bucky's neck but it might not be in time and the effect wouldn't be enough if they didn't enlarge the injector. Then Scott thought that perhaps a pain stimulus would work.

"Hope! Get up here, I need you," called Scott. She appeared from the side moments later. "Sting him. He's losing consciousness and I figured a pain stimulus would bring him back. I don't have anything on me, but you do with your stingers. It won't hurt him, but he should feel it."

"Do it," said Bruce, who had been listening in. "It's the only thing we've got to offer and it's better than nothing."

Aiming at Bucky's cheek, Hope fired on him. The response was minimal, so she did it again and this time Bucky opened his eyes.

"That hurt," he mumbled. "What did you do?"

"Sorry, Buck," she answered. "You were passing out and we need to keep you conscious. I stung you."

"Cut it out." Then he grinned lightly. "It's okay. You did what you had to."

She returned to scanning underneath while Scott continued his scan. He looked at Bucky frequently, not wanting to miss the signs of him passing out again. Then he cleared his throat.

"Buck?" He could feel the super soldier's eyes on him. "I've heard you wanted to get into engineering when you were young. You know I'm an electrical engineer by training. What field were you interested in?"

"Mechanical," answered Bucky. "I was always interested in how things work and worked a lot on engines. But the Depression pretty much wiped out any chance of going to college. I quit school to work on the docks. It didn't require a lot of thought, but it paid the bills."

"What about Steve? What was he into?"

"Art. He could draw anything. He spent a year in art school then ran out of money to continue." Bucky was silent for a moment. "So, you left engineering to become Ant Man?"

"Not exactly," replied Scott. "I worked for a corporation that was robbing its customers and kind of stole from them to give back to the people they were stealing from. One thing led to another, I got caught and I spent a few years in prison. Couldn't get a job when I got out, then I got involved with Hank Pym, became Ant Man and here I am."

"You did prison time." The disbelief was strong in Bucky's voice as he always thought Lang was a bit of a softy.

"Yeah, I managed. I kept my head down, didn't rat anyone out, tried to stay pleasant. It seemed to work. It's where I met Luis ... you've met Luis, haven't you?"

"The guy that can't shut up? Yeah, he's hilarious."

"Hey, he's been a good friend and has had my back whenever I've needed him. That's worth a lot in this world."

Bucky felt bad about being dismissive. By everything he had heard about Luis, he had been a good friend to Scott, helping him bring in some dangerous people.

"I guess he's kind of your Steve in that you watch out for each other." He watched as Scott continued scanning. "It's good to have someone like that in your life."

"Like Sam. I know on the surface that you two are always bugging each other, but he'd drop everything to help you and so would you." Bucky grunted. "Don't deny it. It's why you're partners."

"Co-workers."

Scott laughed. "Okay, have it your way." He finished his scan and came close so that Bucky could see him. "Right now, that co-worker is looking over the results of my scan and figuring out with the others where to start saving your life. Hope, are you done?"

"Yes, I've already transmitted the data." She was quiet for a moment. "You know, Scott, I think with a little nudge we can help Bucky free his left arm. I just need to size up slightly and raise him enough so that he can pull it free. Bucky, do you want to give it a try?"

They cleared it with Sam, who, along with the others, was looking at the scans. There was concern that they could destabilize the debris pile, but Bruce was also concerned that Bucky had already lost consciousness briefly. Scott pointed out that with both of them there, they could enlarge themselves quickly enough to push the debris aside and open up access to Bucky. It wouldn't be pretty, but it could get him out sooner.

"Remember, I did it at the compound after Thanos blew us up and we were buried underground," he said. "We won't let him get hurt any further."

"Alright," said Sam. "Do it, but be prepared for both of you to go giant sized."

Hope returned to an open spot below Bucky, while Scott remained on his chest, although he changed his footing somewhat so that if he went large, he wouldn't step on the super soldier. She counted down from three, then Bucky could feel his body lift slightly, and then a slight tug on his left arm. It moved a little, then he felt more pressure on his back as Hope pushed him further up. Suddenly, his arm was free and by his side. He flexed his hand, then the pressure beneath him eased as Hope shrank down.

"It's free," he said. "Thanks."

Then everything went black and silent.

"Guys, what's going on?" asked Bucky. "Where are you?"

"It's okay, Bucky," said a familiar female voice.

A red glow appeared near him, and he saw Wanda, sitting cross-legged in the dark with him.

"Wanda? What are you doing here? It's dangerous."

"You're not trapped, Bucky," she answered, in her soft melodious voice. "At least, the inner you isn't. Your body is and right now, Scott and Hope are trying to revive you while the others are ready to have them go giant size just to get you out of there. I just wanted a chance to talk to you face to face before they wake you up. I've been with you since you first were trapped."

"That was your voice in my head, wasn't it?" he asked. "You know how I feel about that."

"I know, and I'm sorry for invading your privacy but I hated that you seemed to have given up. The younger Avengers were so upset when you told them to leave you behind. I felt their distress. Shame on you for not thinking that you're worth it."

"You know what I was and what I did."

"I know because I did things that were just as bad or worse; things that I'm truly sorry for." She was right beside him now, red tendrils of light snaking off her body and dissipating into the dark. "You've done a lot of good since HYDRA and have more than paid back your dues. You're respected, people care about you, and someone loves you very much."

"Cara will move on," he replied. "She deserves better."

"Hmmm," she voiced. Then she brought up an image of Cara in the air. "She doesn't think so. In her eyes, you're someone who makes her feel like she's the most beautiful woman in the world. Let's continue with the memory of when you first met her. I was enjoying that until the building fell on your right arm."

The morning after he tried to return the comms pieces, Bucky got up early and waited outside the office, until the first staff member came in, Cara Laskey herself.

"I have the comms pieces," said Bucky. "I tried to return them last night, but you had already gone."

She unlocked the door without comment, then went to the counter and pulled out a form. Putting her hand out to Bucky, she examined the two earpieces, then wrote a note on the form before turning it towards him and handing him a pen.

"Sign here. You're accepting any penalties that might have accrued for the late return of classified equipment. I'll submit this to the supervisor, and you'll be hearing what the penalty is."

He looked at her, dumbfounded. "You're kidding, right? I just handed them to you. It wasn't my fault that it took me longer than 10 minutes to get to Uniform Maintenance, explain why I needed my suit and then go through the pockets before returning here to find you already gone. This is bullshit."

"Sergeant Barnes, may I remind you that there is a code of conduct in place governing interactions between frontline and support staff. I don't have to take this kind of verbal abuse from you."

He ran his hand over his face, breathing heavily, then he looked down at her, noticing for the first time, she had flecks of gold in her hazel irises.

"You're right, I apologize," he said. "I would just like to ask respectfully, that you verify that I was here to return the items last night, then was here first thing in the morning to return them. Considering that I made every effort to get here on time, I just object to a penalty being assessed arbitrarily. Surely, there must be some leeway, in the spirit of inter-departmental cooperation."

A small smile graced Laskey's face, then she looked down at the form, picked it up and put it through the paper shredder.

"Since you put it that way and asked so nicely, I'll make an exception this time," she said. "Just don't forget them again."

"That was smooth," said Wanda. "So how did you get from inter-departmental cooperation to wanting to ask her to marry you?"

"I wish I knew," said Bucky. "It just seemed that I saw her more around the compound. It was formal between us at first; she called me Sergeant Barnes and I called her Comm Tech Laskey. Then I stepped outside one night and she was changing her tire. It went flat during the day, and she was having a hard time getting it done in the dark as the light above where she parked had burnt out. I offered to help if she lit up the scene with her phone flashlight. We talked and found we liked some things in common. I told her to call me Bucky and she said to call her Cara." He smiled. "We began having coffee together, worked out together, and then I'd wait for her to finish work to see if she wanted to join us for drinks."

His voice trailed off as he thought about them meeting as a group for drinks. She wasn't the only support staff that came out, but she was the one he always tried to sit beside. Then one Friday night, the place they went to had dancing and one of the weapons techs asked her to dance. As he watched her dance with the guy, he couldn't stop feeling angry. Why was she dancing with him? He wasn't good enough for her. The guy bragged about his body count all the time in the locker room.

"Sam saw it, didn't he?" Wanda asked him gently. "He told you to stop wasting time and ask her to dance yourself. So, you did. What was the song again?"

"Holding Back the Years," replied Bucky. "Not a romantic song at all but that voice and the feeling behind it just got to me. I held back from opening myself up to others for so long, afraid of hurting them but with her, it was suddenly clear that I wanted her in my life. I kissed her, right on the dance floor and she kissed me back. That was eight months ago."

"So why were you so ready to leave her behind?"

He didn't answer for the longest time. "I was angry at myself for not telling her how much I love her. I've had the ring for a month working up the courage to ask her to marry me. She keeps me honest. Doesn't take my bullshit. She makes me laugh and when we're together, making love, it's like the first time every time. I learn something new about her every day. I guess, I figured if I gave her up then it wouldn't hurt so much if I didn't make it. It doesn't make sense, I know. I don't want to die, and I don't want to lose her."

"So, you do think you're good enough for her?"

"I'll spend every day of our lives together being worthy of her." He looked at the young woman who had her own HYDRA story. "Can you send me back?"

"Of course," she smiled. "I just wanted to make sure that you don't want to let go of life, that you really wanted to go back, and not just to Cara but all of them. They're all fond of you, Bucky, and even love you. It's because you're worth loving. It's why Steve risked so much to find you and make sure you were free."

"But he left."

"Yeah." Her face softened. "Sometimes, the people who love us have to make a hard decision. He chose to leave you for reasons only he really knows. You're choosing to stay because you love these people, and they love you. That's a good thing, Bucky. Love is always a good thing."

🩺

He squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the tears flooding them. When he opened them, he was inside a tent, with Bruce and Helen hovering over him, while a paramedic was holding paddles in the air, and another had a mask over his mouth squeezing air into his lungs.

"Normal sinus rhythm," said someone. "He's conscious."

Bruce came closer. "Bucky?"

He nodded. "How long was I out?"

"Over a minute. Scott and Hope went giant and cleared the debris pile, while Wong levitated you out of there and directly into the tent. Your heart stopped and we had to shock you three times. You gave us quite the scare." He nodded to someone out of Bucky's view. "We're going to transport you directly to the compound via a portal. You need surgery to repair a bleeding artery. Plus, we have to set the breaks in your legs and right arm."

They transferred him to a gurney, strapping him on, and putting his IV bag on a stand. An oxygen mask was placed over his mouth, then the two paramedics began wheeling him towards the portal, while Bruce and Helen followed. The other Avengers were lined up before the portal. He heard murmurs of good luck from them, plus received numerous smiles. Putting his hand up when it got to Peter, he grasped the younger man's hand.

"Thanks," he said softly. "You're still in trouble but we'll talk later about it."

Peter smiled. "Sure, Bucky."

With another wave to Scott and Hope, Bucky nodded, and the gurney went through the portal, coming out to the medical centre surgical suite. They cut his gear off and he had the thought that the uniform tech wouldn't be happy with him. It made him smile. Then he thought of another thing.

"Make sure Cara gets my comms earpieces," he said out loud. "Don't want to get in trouble with the woman I love."

There were chuckles at that, and he relaxed. As soon as he woke up from this surgery, he was going to tell Cara he loved her and wanted to marry her. It was then he remembered something Wanda said. How did she know he wanted to ask Cara to marry him? No one knew, not even Sam.  It really didn't matter because Wanda was right. Love was a good thing. It was everything.

One Shots Masterlist

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[euphoricimagination]

Summary: The second selection is about to start after days of rigorous training, you end up meeting new faces, confronting some; but who will you team up with?

Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 -> Masterlist

You are chilling in the dorm room the next day, giving yourselves a free day to rest after such an intense match from yesterday so you could recover properly. You were coming back from the bathroom when you heard Raichi scream, not something unusual, but something that still made you rush towards it.

"HUH" he says as you enter "WE'RE NOT STARTING THE SECOND SELECTION ROUND RIGHT AWAY?!"

"Keep it down, there's a waiting period before the second round begins" Ego says, you sit next to Chigiri

"What did I miss?" You ask him

"Not much, just Ego saying that there's some time in between and Raichi freaking out"

"Got it"

"You'll be doing some rigorous strength training, however, you're not allowed to touch a ball. Anyone who breaks this rule or refuses to participate will be expelled" Ego keeps explaining

You start zoning out as Ego keeps talking, just thinking how exhausting this whole new regimen would be. You managed to pass, but it was barely over, so everyone needed to be stronger than you already are.

And just like that the next day started your training from hell:

9:00: 2 HOUR ENDURANCE RUN X 2 SETS

14:00: EXTREME CORE TRAINING 1 HOUR X 2 SETS

16:00: WEIGHT TRAINING

18:00: SPRINTING 100 ROUNDS

20:00: MEALTIME

You barely are able to breathe at the end of day one, laying on the grass alongside Chigiri after just finishing your sprinting rounds.

"This can't be legal" you say in between short breaths

"I'm wondering the same" Chigiri says chuckling "Do they want to kill us?"

"Couldn't he build this up? Like, did he rea-" you try to add, getting cut up by the speaker

«Player Yn, please come to get a health check up»

"Eh?" You sit up

"I guess they want to make sure you're doing ok, after all you passed out on a match"

"True"

"Go, save yourself from this misery" Chigiri helps you stand up.

You starts walking towards the where the medical check is, undoing your binder in the way assuming the medics already knew about you. You sat down on the couch while waiting for them when the door opened, revealing Ego and Anri there.

"This ain't a health check up, isn't it?" You sigh

"Nope" Ego brings a chair to sit in front of you "I need to discuss something with you"

"I tried to stop him Yn-chan, but this time it seems a reasonable thing to talk about" adds Anri, looking at you worried

"It's alright, Anri-san, go ahead"

"Well, I'll put it simply" Ego starts "To be honest, I wasn't expecting you to pass the first selection. I did want Team Z to grow, but considering who their opponents were, I had little hope. You, however, became the top scorer with no yellow or red cards, meaning that even if your team lost, you would pass"

"Okay…"

"I initially just wanted you to join for the first selection only, you already accomplished your job and helped them bloom, but I can't eliminate you now. You became friends with your team, so the excuse of you dropping out or having health problems wouldn't work on them now. My only option is for you to continue"

"I don't get it, it's that good?" You ask

"I can't eliminate you without raising suspicions, so I just wanted to remind you that you can't become the world's best striker, as long as you remember that we'll be fine"

"I know, you don't have to worry"

"You may leave then" Ego says, making you stand up towards the door while thinking, you need to find a way to drop out without making it look weird, but how? Do you actually want to leave just yet? Sure, this was a lot to deal with, the training, the whole binder thing, but at the same time, it was one of the first times you have had so much fun. Well, for now you just have to survive this hell of a training, then you'd think of that.

And you survive one, two, three…you survive the whole 10 days of that, barely, but you do.

On the eleventh day, a loud alarm starts sounding at 6:30 am

«DING DONG DING DOOONG» You barely are able to open your eyes, hearing a bunch of groans around you as everyone starts waking up. You notice a red hair weirdly close to your face, soon realizing that you and Chigiri were laying close to each other; however, it doesn't worry you much, after all the whole team barely manages to get into bed after training

«AT THIS TIME BLUE LOCK'S FIRST SELECTION ROUND HAS BEEN COMPLETED FOR ALL WINGS. ALL PLAYERS WHO HAVE CLEARED THE FIRST ROUND, PLEASE PUT ON YOUR TRAINING SUITS»

Since everyone was so tired to properly think, a combination of how early it was plus the pure exhaustion in your bodies, that you all change your clothes in automatic mode, quickly going down stairs as the loud ones hype everyone up.

"You look awful" Chigiri says to you once you start to pass the second selection sign

"So do you" you retort "nervous?"

"Kinda, but I'm mostly excited"

The moment you enter the area you see a bunch of other players entering too, players that you haven't seen before and yet they were wearing armbands with Team W, X and Y on their arms. You can see Barou, Niko, Nagi and Reo close to you, meaning that the 25 players of Wing 5 were here…then who were the other ones and why do they have those letters on them?

"Hi there, you lumps of talent" Ego appears on the giant TV "Good job on your physical training"

"Your kidding" you mumble to yourself once it clicked, both Chigiri and Kunigami look at you waiting for you to continue "everyone here thought that they were at the bottom of the ranks, every wing was Wing 5 with teams from V to Z"

"That's messed up" Kunigami says

"It is" you move behind Chigiri, plopping your head into his back without processing your movements much "let me know if he says something important"

As Ego explains this to the rest of the players a bunch of complaints start to arise, which sends Ego into a long rant about how all professional players had lived through the worst and soccer became their only way to survive.

"Now, let's start with the second selection round" Ego says "in our brand new training fields, you'll be fighting to turn your 1 into a 100. The second selection round has five stages, only the ones who clear a particular stage are able to level up and advance to the next one. Clearing the challenge in the first stage is your next objective, and those who are able to clear all five stages in the second selection will participate in a special training camp with top players from around the world who I’ve selected"

Everyone seems amazed by this revelation, and you can't help but wonder what is he talking about, he never told you something about these top players that were going to challenge you, but then again, you weren't supposed to get this far in the first place

"Once you've prepared yourself, enter the gate one at a time. The first stage is an individual battle, once you go in, you can't go back. This second selection will sort out the garbage, only the true egoists will remain. Good Luck"

With that, the TV turns off, an unsettling feeling fills the room, everyone chatter about what's happening and what will happen after.

"It's that…all?" Chigiri asks

"Well, what more do you want?" You ask starting to stretch to do the challenge as soon as possible "it's simple, you enter, pass and we see each other again"

"Only you would be so calm about this" he pats your head "but yeah, when you put it like that it doesn't sound so bad"

"It really doesn't sound bad" Kunigami adds, much more relaxed "Look, it seems like he's going"

You turn around and see a dude, quite emo looking to be honest, taking two balls out of the basket, kicking one in a high trajectory and the other with a low trajectory, both balls hitting each other in the middle. He then enters the door without even looking back at anyone. Itoshi Rin can be read on the screen.

"That was cool" you whisper, you feel a slight tension build up after that, so you just keep stretching while looking around to see potential players. A dude with redish color hair and a single braid, a cyan hair that looks similar to your height and a dude with curly black hair and glasses caught your eyes. Suddenly, you feel a hand grab your arm, pulling you into an almost closed circle.

"Don't forget about us so quickly" Chigiri laughs as he ruffles your hair, his arm passing through your shoulders "you were the more badass of all"

"You have to say it though, it doesn't count if an egoist doesn't say it" Kunigami smirks

"But i already know my goals were amazing" you say, making the two laugh

"Talking like a true egoist" says Iemon "LET'S ALL MEET IN THE NEXT ROUND!!"

"YEAH!!"

"Saying that…" you start, making all eyes turn to you "I'll go first, see you!"

"EH?! HOW DARE YOU? WAIT! YN, YOU IDIOT!" you hear Raichi scream as you quickly go into the gate. You turn around quickly, seeing Bachira laughing alongside Isagi while waving their hands at you, Chigiri just shaking his head with a smirk and Kunigami laughing while stopping Raichi's whines.

Walking through the hallways you couldn't help but to feel excited, it was finally time to let your abilities shine by yourself without having to care about the others.

You enter the first stage, a big, white room with barely anything on it. Suddenly you hear a loud noise from behind, a cannon-looking thing appearing on the wall and shooting a ball at you. You trap it easily, a blue hologram appearing as soon as you do that. In the walls behind him appear a goal zone, a sign with a clock of 90 minutes, and a light shines on you, a light that slowly starts getting smaller the more seconds pass. The only conclusion that you arrived at was that you had to score a goal past the goalie and before the light became too small, so you just lifted the ball a little to pretend to hit it high before actually sending it low.

You mark a goal easily and soon after the ball comes from the other side of the room; you keep shooting and scoring, the game getting harder each goal you make. You end up doing it almost flawlessly, missing only a few shots in the beginning of each level, leaving the first stage with 25 minutes to spare.

You were the second one to enter the second stage, only Itoshi Rin was already there. He barely raised his head once he saw you enter, a slight confusion appearing at the number in your arm and how short you took to complete the first stage.

"Hey" he says, almost with disdain as he examines you "you were fast, join me"

"..." You look at him with the same look he was giving you "why would i do that?"

"Eh? I just need two more, it doesn't really matter who those are"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, to me you are just a stepping stone to become the best in the world"

"Well, I'm nobody's 'stepping stone', so kindly fuck off" you say with a sarcastic smile, receiving an annoyed sound from the boy.

You sit there in silence for a good 10 minutes before the next player arrives.

The next one is the boy with curly hair and glasses that you saw right before the first stage; he, when seeing Rin looking at him with a sour expression, decided to come to sit near you, arriving with a polite smile.

"Hi" he says as he sits down "have we played with each other?"

"Hey, no we haven't, I'm Yn"

"Nice to meet you, Yukimiya Kenyu" he presents himself "how long ago did you finish?"

"About ten minutes ago, I've been here with that ass alone for way too long" you say, making the boy chuckle

"That was fast, you must be good then"

"I guess" in that moment the door opened again, revealing a familiar white hair who almost immediately comes to your side and plops down

"What a pain" is the first thing Nagi says "so now we have to make teams of 3?"

"It looks like it, are you gonna wait for Reo?"

"Yeah, I guess, you for that Red head? You two look close"

"If he arrives soon then sure, I'm down to try to team up with others though. What about your third teammate? Any idea?"

"Yeah, i want Isagi Yoichi"

"Thanks for the consideration" you joke, making Nagi look at you with an indecipherable look

"You're good too, but in that match that we lost i decided i wanted to try to play with him, i want to become better"

"I get it, don't worry. Look Reo's here" you say when the door opened, revealing the purple hair boy, who immediately starts talking to Nagi after he greets you

"So…" you hear from beside you "waiting on someone?"

"I guess, I don't know if he wants to team up though, and I can't wait for much longer in case the good options run out"

"Kind of brutal, but I get it, you want to team up with good options or ones that compliment you well. You're lucky though, not everyone has someone that they work together here"

"You don't?"

"Not really, my team managed to win a lot, but nobody tried to get too close to anyone" he smiles "I'm gonna go talk to some of them in the meantime, should we team up if things don't go to our plans?"

"Sure, if not I'll see you later"

"Good luck" with that Yukimiya leaves to talk to other players

At that moment you noticed Isagi, and closed after Bachira, entering the room. You crossed eyes with him, he seemed indecisive about coming to where you were or not before the decision was made for him. Nagi went to where he was, followed by Reo and said something that left everyone shocked, probably asking Isagi if he wanted to join his team with Reo. But something happened, something that left Reo shocked before Isagi, Bachira and Nagi start walking towards the door.

"Hey Yn" Isagi says "we thought about you joining us, but Nagi…"

"I get it, if Nagi asked me I too wouldn't have thought much about it and let him join. I'll wait for Chigiri"

"Okay, see you then"

"See you Yn-chan!!" Bachira adds and Nagi nods at you

Reo comes back where you are, looking depressed as he sits down again. The door opens again, Chigiri finally coming in.

"Finally, what took you so long?" You say, high fiving him as he came closer

"Some of us actually went in turns to enter, you know?" He answers with a smirk "Waiting for me?"

"Well, yeah, wanted to make sure you pass" you say, making him laugh, ruffling your hair

"So, a three man team? Should we wait for Isagi?" He asks, already teaming you together

"Isagi already went on with Bachira and Nagi"

"They left you here? They left us here? Those assholes"

"Right? But Nagi wanted to play with him, and honestly, if Nagi had ask me to join with him, i would leave behind too"

"Fair"

"So..do we wait for Kunigami or..?" He asks

"I have an idea…" you say, looking at Reo at your side. Chigiri follows your gaze, also looking at Reo before raising his eyebrow, a questioning look on his eyes "i would love Kunigami in our team, but realistically, we need someone that can help us bring the best of us, so…"

"I see" Chigiri pouts slightly, thinking "I'll trust you, I'm sure Kunigami will understand"

"Hey Reo" you call him, the boy looking up at you with a sad look "wanna team up with us?"

[criticalpraisefilm]

Alien: Romulus - first impressions

There are, off the top of my head, two major sci-fi franchises where the first movie was a straight up horror, and the second skewed more towards action, in which the popular opinion is that the action sequel is the better movie. In the case of both Alien and Terminator, people in my experience generally prefer the action heavy sequels. I, however, in both cases, prefer the original. This opinion is not heretical, but is not often agreed upon, but it does mean that I will never complain about Alien going back to straight horror, and oh boy does Romulus go for horror.

The movie presents three sets of orphaned siblings: Rain (Cailee Spaeny) is a miner who looks after her adopted brother Andy (David Jonsson), a reprogrammed synthetic; Tyler (Archie Renaux), Rain's ex-boyfriend and his sister Kay (Isabela Merced); and finally Tyler and Kay's cousin Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and his adopted sister Navarro (Aileen Wu). After Rain's attempts to get herself and Andy away from the miserable world they live on are thwarted by a forcibly extended work contract, she teams up with the others to raid a decommisioned space station and steal cyrosleep pods to get them to paradise. Unfortunately the space station was decommisioned after it retrieved remains from the wreck of the Nostromo from the first movie, so naturally there are deadly aliens aboard and things go south, leading to the team having to find a way to escape with the help of the station's half-dead medical officer Rook (Daniel Betts), while being hunted by facehuggers and Xenomorphs.

Okay I'm getting this out of the way now: deepfaked Ian Holm as the physical presence of Rook is weird and distracting and pointless and dystopian. Not even death can get movie studios to stop you reprising your role time and time again for nostalgia's sake. I hate it. Moving on.

While we're on the negativity train, let's start with the biggest problem, which is that while Rain and Andy get plenty of development and scenes to make us feel for them and build tension when they're threatened, nobody else really gets that. They get moments to show that they're people with lives, but it's mostly just small things: praying while taking off into space, or doing silly tricks with gravity while taking off into space, or getting sick while taking off into space because they're secretly pregnant. In fact, the takeoff into space scene does quite a lot to show us that these people have rich inner lives and personalities. It's really the only scene that does that.

There is an attempt at banter between the characters, but it's mostly quite shallow. One character is consistently unpleasant to Andy because he doesn't like synthetics, and another character tells us it's because a synthetic made a decision that killed his parents. He doesn't really get any other character traits, and any horror movie needs an unpleasant character we don't like to be the first victim and establish the stakes and the scares, but nobody else gets much after the first couple scenes either. Truth be told, I didn't realise that Rain and Tyler were supposed to be ex-partners while watching the movie, because I missed the dialogue in the very noisy beginning establishing that and nothing about their businesslike and perfunctory interactions throughout the rest of the movie gave me that impression. We care about the people because they're people, but we're given no reason to connect to one character besides the fact that she's pregnant, and she has little personality outside of that.

Rain, Tyler and Andy get the best of it, but Tyler is mostly practical besides a few moments, and Andy spends much of the movie with his personality being overwritten by a module that grants him power, but forces him to prioritise the interests of the company over his friends and family. A good indication of the company valuing profit and property over people's lives and safety, and a rather effective exploration of the theme of capitalism ruining everything, certainly, but not something that endears you to the character.

When Rain puts herself in danger to save her brother, despite having spent much of the movie hiding a pretty major secret from him, and her brother having spent much of the movie putting her friends in danger for profit (granted against his will) the decision seems noble, but not built up to, since the movie has gone out of its way to show us how unpleasant Andy is now. I don't disagree with the decision, but maybe more indications on how her brother is still in there throughout the movie would have worked better than the likeable character being completely subsumed by the character we hate would have worked better.

Okay, negativity over, and despite my ranting I did really like the movie because it does a good job with the tension and the scares and really does a great job at selling how deadly and terrifying the xenomorphs are. Quickly establishing how many extremely prepared people on the space station were annihilated by a single xenomorph, the movie, once in the dangerous situation, does a wonderful job in rapid escalation, putting characters in danger, tearing the group dynamic apart due to the stress and different priorities, only to then make everything fall apart by tearing someone's chest open because, well, that's what these aliens do, and it's terrifying. The effects work is spectacular and the character/creature work on the creatures is gorgeously scary. I spent half of the movie with my hand over my mouth, both because of the tension (and there are a few cheap jumpscares, I'll say, but most of the scares are well earned and very effective) and because of the horrifying imagery.

While everyone else is just sort of there, our main protagonist is likeable, reacts in interesting and believable and mostly intelligent ways to the bad situation she's in, and we want to see her do well, which makes it very tense when she's about to get got by one of the multiple horrifying creatures stalking her and her friends throughout the setting, and Cailee Spaeny sells every moment. She really is the standout here, and her slow evolution comes across less as arbitrary action heroine-fication and more like desensitisation: by the end of the movie she's seen enough horrors that the thing she's staring down now seems less scary, but no less threatening, and you never lose the sense that this character you want to succeed is in just so much danger at all times, which makes her decision to put herself in more danger to help her friends make her even more noble and makes you want to see her succeed, especially juxtaposed with the somewhat selfish place she started from.

I'll admit I've spent more time on the negative than the positive here. It's strange that the criticisms are somewhat more interesting to talk about. The praise is perhaps generic praise for a good Alien movie, but this is a really good Alien movie with some characterisation issues sprinkled throughout. Basic, perhaps, but if you're going into an Alien movie looking for sci-fi horror, it gives you what you want.

Oh and the turn the movie takes in the third act is gross and I love it so much. Extremely good and distressing imagery on display here, it's awful and it's amazing.

[dovithedarklord]

Age of Monsters - Chapter Fourteen

Pairing: OFC x Simon "Ghost" Riley, OFC x König

Tags: Slow Burn, Slow Build, Enemies to Lovers, Alternate Universe, Blood and Gore, Blood and Violence, Eventual Romance, Eventual Smut, POV First Person, Not Beta Read, Medical Inaccuracies, Military Inaccuracies, AFAB OC

Trigger Warning: The story will contain violance, blood and smut in detail. Please, keep that in mind!

⚠️MDNI⚠️

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Author's Note

New developments are revealed, and the small team gets involved in interesting new adventures.

Hello!

A little late, but Merry Christmas to you all!

I have a few trigger warning for this chapter! Detailed description of blood, violence and injury.

Have fun! :D

I.M.L. – Infected Mammal Lifeform I.H.L. – Infected Humanoid Lifeform

if you're interested you can find the story on AO3: Chapter Fourteen

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The soft ringing of the communicator fills the silence that settled between the walls of the office with a deafening sharpness, and with each passing second, the urge to smash the wretched device against the wall grows more and more. As I glance at the two Hunters standing next to me on my periphery, I can immediately identify that they are also raging with the exact same helpless fury and astonishment that is driving my consciousness towards a complete nervous breakdown. There is no denying that our little trip started rather unluckily, and ended with such a surprise that helps us slowly sink into a mess from which it's not certain that we will be able to climb out anytime soon. And although the burglars ransacked the whole place quite skillfully, we were left with enough clues to piece together what the hell could have happened in the slaughterhouse that the facility had become. After our little research, at Alejandro's suggestion, we made our way back to the base, and I had the opportunity to admire what kind of crumbs we managed to collect, and the fact that I became a naked, shredded nerve fiber is an understatement. Life has dragged many fools into this world from the womb of their mother, but Alviar surpasses all of them, with which the only non-negligible problem is, that we bear the brunt of his stupid god-role-play. Or rather, humanity.

Suddenly, the blue hologram appears from the device, and in the small window of the call our two friends forgotten at home take shape, who presumably retreated to Price's office and were already waiting for us on the edge of their seats to finally give word about the progress of our investigation. And it doesn't take the captain's keen eyes more than a few seconds to realize that something is very wrong, because as soon as he sees our trio and the gloom sitting on us, then any hopeful expression with which he might have joined our chat disappears from his face in a blink of an eye.

"Is there a problem?" Price inquires cautiously, and although his voice comes through the communicator crackling, I can clearly make out the seriousness in his tone. And judging by the way his eyebrows slowly meet on his forehead in a troubled grimace, it's evident that he's already started making theories in that sharp brain of his, wondering what we might have discovered during our hike in the mountains that helped us put on this gentle, ominous radiance in such beautiful unison.

"We're in some deep shit." MacTavish says almost immediately, perfectly summing up the conclusion of the clues we found with this one sentence. There is no mistake in my Scottish friend's statement, because as soon as we shared what we came across in the maze of the research institute, we quickly realized that the fucking chaos we experienced on the city mission was just a friendly little party compared to what the good doc cooked up in the basement of his humble residence. Because Alviar's handiwork has the potential to make us think back fondly to the experience that we enjoyed in or failed mission.

"To say the least." I add, pulling the corner of my mouth into a sour line, and as the very fresh sight of the strange corpse discovered in the lab pops up in my head, I don't try to stop the frown that moves to my face from the nervousness that has moved into my head. And this is enough for the two men waiting at the other end of the call to put on the well-recognizable features of confusion, now probably burning with the desire to finally have someone blurt out what the hell could have happened.

"What did you find?" The bearded Hunter asks, and even in the faint glow of the hologram, I can see doubt creeping into his blue eyes with insidious certainty, as he slowly realizes that we haven't contacted him in the company of the fantastic developments he was hoping for. At the beginning of our little adventure here, even I had the foolish hope that maybe fate would be kind and throw a complication in our path that we are able to iron out. But now I've learned that I shouldn't beg for karma, because every single time the bastard proves that it can and wants to show me surprises that make me lose my mind.

"The research institute is destroyed. Someone got there before us and killed everyone." My Scottish friend begins to elaborate on the events, and I catch it only from the corner of my eye, as his mouth presses into a thin line, and his unfocused gaze settles on the table, as if he wandered off to somewhere else in his mind for a moment. And I have a inkling that he is projecting the victims of the senseless bloodshed on the canvas of his consciousness again, as if he is looking for more motivation to brace himself for revenge, which he is no doubt considering. What a shame that we are once again left without a culprit, so there is no one to vent all the creative tricks of his brutality out on.

"Alviar created a mutant-human hybrid." I share this little tidbit with the captain quickly, leaving no time for him and Garrick to react to the first unfortunate incident. Because this is the detail that, in addition to the tragic silence of the facility, contributed to the tension inside me, which slowly helps my stomach shrink to the size of a tennis ball. And it seems that I'm not the only one who is filled with a sufficient amount of anxiety by the new information, because when the two Hunters on the other side of the line understand what I have shared with them, the icy shock of recognition appears on their faces with definite outlines. Because they also know very well that this is a catastrophic turn for us even in the best-case scenario.

"What?" The surprised question breaks out from Price, and I could swear that I have never had the pleasure of seeing the man so astounded. For a moment, the self-confident calmness slips from his face, and if the situation weren't so terribly serious, I would surely enjoy watching his mouth open in astonishment, like fish washed up to the shore, starving for oxygen. But now, even my witty little mind doesn't want to dwell on this, because the stress dancing on my nerves helps to direct my thoughts back to the topic immediately.

"Based on the notes found in the lab, he created a serum from the DNA of multigenerational mutants, which is capable of creating a lifeform from humans that is more intelligent than an I.H.L."  I summarize the knowledge of the myriad of documents I found, and this very simple fact sounds even more impossible when said out loud. I wasn't mistaken that I managed to stumble upon a whole gold mine on the computer, because I got my sly little hands on every single research and experimental log, observation record, and other similarly interesting tidbits created up to that point. And among the data I found in these documents, I had plenty of options as to what I wanted to be more horrified by. Alviar bit off more than one could chew with his entire work, because the virus that subverted humanity was too fast-changing from the beginning to even be able to make a vaccine against it. Although it became obvious after the appearance of I.H.L.s that the human body is also a suitable host for the pathogen, my dear colleague soon realized that he wouldn't be able to achieve results different from the original course of the infection if he tried to play with the virus itself. And even I can't deny what a brilliant idea it was on his part to use multigenerational mutants, because the changes of the infection in their genetic material remained stable enough for the doc to be able to work with it. The doctor made an amazing breakthrough, but it doesn't change the fact that only a full-blown idiotic fool would do something like that if he knew there was even the slightest chance of shit hitting the fan. And it did hit the fan, big time. "According to the test records, their physical strength and endurance is similar to that of other infected lifeforms, but in the case of hybrids, their cognitive abilities remain completely intact." I continue my not-so-rosy explanation, laying out the most important pieces of information in broad outlines, because I have a feeling that no one is interested in the exciting scientific details, but rather in the shit we are sinking deeper and deeper into every day.

As the shock on the faces of the two men freezes for a frightening moment on the projected image, it occurs to me that maybe technology is playing a cruel joke on us, and the connection with the home base has been lost. It's only then that I realize that only my little presentation has been too effective, when Garrick pushes himself away from the table with some colorful curses rolling off from his tongue, running his palms over his head in an angry motion, as though he wanted to test that he was really in reality and not just in some morbid dream. And I can sympathize with the existential crisis he must be going through, because even my brain had a hard time accepting that there are indeed such ambitious but extremely single-minded people who are willing to risk the fate of the world for the sake of their powerful friends and a fat credit or two.

"Bloody hell..." Garrick mumbles his insults under his breath, slowly clasping his hands behind the back of his head, directing his dark eyes to the ceiling, maybe looking for an answer there to those troubling doubts that are surely already filling his consciousness with ever-increasing enthusiasm. "But why?" The very legitimate question emerges from him, as he finally turns back towards the conversation and spreads his hands wide, channeling all his frustration in this one movement.

"They want to replace us." Riley also joins the conversation, and his voice reaches such dangerous depths that I can almost feel the poison raging inside him, hidden behind his mask of indifference, on my skin. His anger is understandable, because we were faced not only with the fact that my colleague cooked up a catastrophic new danger in the darkness of his basement, but also with the reality that with this thoughtless experiment, they also wanted to reshape the system that had been standing on an unsteady ground, to begin with. "There aren't enough of us, and there are more and more of the I.M.L.s."

From this one statement, the face of the Hunters on the other side suddenly turns into something quite scary, and the somber mood creeping into Price's features inevitably awakens the instinct of flight in me. Even though we are separated by thousands of kilometers, even through the image from the communicator, I can feel every single spark of hatred burning in those pair of bright eyes, which tells me that the doctor is almost lucky that someone else blew a hole into his head, because I suspect it was a still kinder death, than what the bearded man would want to give him after what he had heard.

"Based on the research data, they wanted to create artificial soldiers akin to the Hunters. But since they had no luck synthesizing the DNA of the Hunters, when they saw that during the new evolution of the virus, humans could also survive the infection, they thought they would give it a shot." I attach my explanation next to the masked Hunter's grim comment, briefly outlining the quite logical, but no less spineless and immoral solution, with which Alviar wanted to remedy the problems that have arisen in recent years. There is no doubt that the doctor started his work along a very real and pressing issue, no matter how much he went astray on a path full of dangers and moral questions. I also don't argue with the fact that with the spread of the virus and the interbreeding of the I.M.L.s, the amount of beasts to be exterminated has greatly multiplied, compared to which the Hunters, unfortunately, didn't manage to be born in sufficient numbers, of course. Several decades ago, with highly questionable reproduction experiments, the government already tried to create Hunters in a natural way, practically forcing both male and female Hunters to mate with each other. Of course, they realized the problem very quickly, because sadly both the Hunter and the Healer genes showed recessive inheritance, so although, with a sour taste in their mouth, the authorities were forced to leave the right to create their little butchers to nature and luck. And it seems that after many years the attempts have started again, first with the DNA of the Hunters, then after the failure, with that of the mutants. The goal was obviously to increase the number of people fighting against mutants with this new invention, and to create a species with whom there is no need to fear that they erase half a colony without regeneration. And this would indeed have been a very tempting solution if Alviar hadn't completely ignored the fact that the basic properties of the virus include not only the boosting of physical strength, but also aggression for its easy spread. Of course, this didn't stop my colleague from trying to make the new superweapon since the appearance of the first I.H.L.

"Nothin' is enough for these fuckin' bastards." MacTavish hisses from between his clenched teeth, shaking his head resignedly, and his voice is filled with such bitter anger that it makes me feel sorry for him for a fleeting moment. He feels betrayed, and even I can admit that he is right. He and his companions have put their whole lives on the line so that the people can live out their days in safety within the walls of the colonies, without having to worry about a beast gutting them alive. The same peace is enjoyed by the upstanding member of the government, who rest in the warmth of their offices, behind their desks, in the peace that their loyal dogs create for them by wading in blood. All this so that they can reach for the first solution, weak even as a hypothesis, with the greatest peace of mind, which may bring even more tamed fools to their feet to serve them. One might think that they do this out of love for their people, but only morons are so naive. The government knows too that a new tool is needed against the growing threat, so why not create something whose mental stability is not tied to conditions and can be sacrificed, because they can produce a new one to replace the dead at any time? They don't have to spend years and huge resources on their training, but with a tiny ampoule of miracle medicine, they can turn anyone into a weapon. It's just a bonus that they managed to get a large number of subjects for the experiments from the many law-breaking prison inmates. How fucking smart.

"And what about the I.H.L. from the city? Is that a hybrid too?" Garrick suddenly speaks up, thus diverting the conversation to another interesting component, which caused me quite a headache at first. Because the hybrid found in the morgue and the mutant-rider I.H.L. have very visible differences between them. While our friend observed in the city remained surprisingly human, it was disfigured in the same way as the rest of its species, although it hadn't turned into a grotesque, lanky creature, as unsuspecting victims do after being bitten. But the hybrid... It's a different story. Alviar produced a spitting copy of a full-grown, at least S-class Hunter, except for the abnormal sharpness of the teeth, the characteristic whiteness of the eyes, and the sickly paleness of the skin. That creature, with one or two negligible differences, is a human, not a degenerate monster.

"Oh, no. That one was bitten by a hybrid." I give this very simple answer, and as a wry smile makes its way to my lips, my two friends appearing on the hologram know as well that this isn't a joke. "The bite of the hybrid only affects humans, and the infection creates a less intelligent lifeform. Smart, but just enough to obey the hybrid and be able to attack in an organized manner. Only an improved I.H.L." I further elaborate on this subtlety, deepening the gloom of our companions listening to us in our small home, because this is certainly a fact that brings the mess we've fallen into full circle. If the existence of the hybrid itself were not enough, which according to the data easily rivals a Hunter in terms of physical strength and endurance, then we also have to face the fact that the bastard is also able to make its own little minions, thus creating an entire deformed army for itself. And the icing on the cake is that, unsurprisingly, the hybrid gets along very well with the other members of its little mutant family, and is able to play the role of the leader if it feels like it, thus bringing the diverse multitude of infected lifeforms under its power.

"If the hybrid was in the research institute, how could it bite anyone?" Garrick continues his quizzing, leaning on Price's desk with his palm, and it seems that his brain, stimulated by stress, is pouring out better and better insights, one after another. And I'm not surprised, because my little fan boy's mind is sharp as a knife, and he immediately put together the rather small detail that I couldn't grasp with my mind either, until we found the embarrassingly simple answer to it. "And how did that I.H.L. get this far?

"Easily. Because the hybrid was made-to-order."  Riley answers, spitting the words with contempt, and although he seems to be a model of composure and coolness even after such serious discoveries, I only need to observe the furrows slowly appearing around his eyes and the strong line of his jaw clenching under the material of the mask to know that it's not as easy to restrain his anger with an iron fist as it seems.

"What are you talking about?" Price frowns in confusion, and it seems that this statement fills him with a sufficient amount of foreboding to hold on to his desk and look for a way to ground himself. Although I suspect he guessed as well, that Alviar didn't choose this very interesting field of research out of pure passion, after we learned that the new threats were created by the hands of humans. With many years of experience behind his back, he knows all too well that in this wretched world, only the things that the authorities know about can be executed in the greatest secrecy. Because it's in their interest to hide problematic elements.

"I found Laswell's report in Alviar's office." MacTavish gets to the juicy bit of information he found in the doc's extravagant grave. As it turned out later, I was indeed not mistaken about the poetic sense of fate, because Alviar was executed in his own neat hole of an office. Based on the Scottish man's clever reconnaissance, the intruder probably killed the good doctor with a well-aimed shot after he conjured up the serum hidden in his safe. And I could pat myself on the back for my flawless intuition again, but it would be tasteless to make fun of the dead. His pathetic death is shameful enough for him even in the afterlife. "They wanted to deliver the final product to the customer a month ago, but a little whoopsie happened on the way and the bastard got out. Before he was captured, he bit two guards, one was killed on the spot, and the other was brought home so that the doc would have somethin' to examine."

After the Scottish Hunter shared the content of the report with us in the car, several of our burning questions were answered quite easily. The I.H.L. was able to travel thousands of kilometers undetected to the neighbor of Colony No. 17, because they were traveling there with what was able to create our mutant-riding friend in the first place. Alviar believed that after much effort, he had finally succeeded in creating the perfect specimen, which he could finally show off to his customer. However, he was quite ignorant about how sophisticated the hybrid he created was able to communicate, and he forgot to take into account the very small detail in his big experiment, that the mutants are also able to contact each other with pheromones. So why shouldn't a hybrid be able to perform such a magic trick? So, when the mutant intended for a weapon released its small chemical signals in the wild and the rescue army arrived in the form of monsters, the well-laid plan was overturned. Although the threat was defeated, the hybrid broke free and gleefully munched on two guards, who underwent a transformation so rapid, compared to what had been observed so far, that it was quite impressive. Under normal circumstances, it would take a few days for the changes to kick in, but here the two victims began to mutate very quickly in a matter of minutes. One was shot dead immediately, but Alviar insisted that the other to be saved, so that his sneaky hands could get closer to him. So the tattooed man survived the entire ordeal to turn into an experimental subject, and the one, who was believed to have been left behind to die, easily healed himself with the abilities he developed from the virus and set off to the nest where we later met him. It's a real fucking bedtime story.

"Who was the customer?"  Comes the question from Price, and by the sinister curve of his mouth, it's quite clear that although he wants to hear it with his own ears, he has a candidate who is so reckless as to commit such a despicable act. And before, I would have made fun of the man for so blindly ignoring the many small steps that led up to this point. Because there could have been a whole series of subtle little signs that the sharp-eyed captain should have noticed much sooner. But the fact that fate has once again confirmed another theory of mine doesn't fill me with joy, because my soul aches from the bitter lines of betrayal slowly settling between the Hunter's features.

"Shepherd." Riley shares the name that rests next to Alviar's signature on every single research document, his deep voice filled with a piercing loathing that makes it painfully obvious how much he feels stabbed in the back. It's impossible not to notice the way his broad shoulders tense up as his hands clench into fists, as if he wanted to keep chaining his body to immobility with this, before the anger that burns beneath the surface with the heat of slowly bubbling lava erupts.

The masked man isn't the only one who is disturbed by this development, because the room is enveloped in stunned silence as the two Hunters on the other side of the hologram fall quiet upon hearing the shocking information. And I suspect that the fact, that the hand of the leader of Colony No. 17 reaches so deeply into this slow-boiling, bloody upheaval can be enough to make anyone sick. The very person who decided to manufacture disposable replacements was the one who entrusted the unit with the noble task of cleaning up his dirt. Of course, it makes sense why the colony leader entrusted the small team with the task of eradicating the nest, and why he wanted to end the case as quietly as possible. He probably knew what made the I.M.L.s befriend their humanoid counterparts from the moment that wretched footage of the merchant's attack surfaced. He was well aware that the frenzy of his new toy had created the fuckup into which he was most happy to send us to erase, along with every little trace of his crime. The only thing the old man didn't consider was what would happen when his loyal subjects started asking questions, when they found themselves face to face with the terrible mess he had managed to create with the doc. Shepherd was conceited enough to think he didn't have to fear the bites of his loyal dogs. And most of the time it's this presumptuous stupidity that causes the fall.

"That fuckin' scumbag." Garrick snaps in disbelief, filtering the words between his teeth as his expression slowly turns into a snarl of rage. And he isn't alone in his indignation, because I suspect, that the only thing that keeps the Scottish Hunter and his threatening bosom friend in a transient state of calm is that it wouldn't be their own equipment on which they would vent out their anger, should they decide to let the ire pulsing through them in sure waves take control over them.  But unfortunately, it's not the time for legitimate resentment, because we have to face a much more urgent complication than the grievances of Unit 141 against the colony leader.

"The hybrid was eliminated after that because it was found to be too dangerous. But the serum was very much preserved. And someone found it long before us." I sprinkled this tiny little nothing that gives me far more cause for concern now than Shepherd's and Alviar's questionable business dealings. For although there is no evidence that the serum was stolen by those who turned the whole facility upside down with such great enthusiasm, it doesn't take more than a few working brain cells to realize what could have been so terribly valuable, that made them visit the facility at all. This drug contains a myriad of horrible possibilities if it falls into the wrong hands, and surely the person who ransacked Alviar's nice home was aware that there was a market niche that he could serve with it.

"We need to find out who took it." Price states almost immediately, formulating the obvious next step for our little team. Because there is no doubt that the culprit needs to be found before they have a chance to pass on the goods. Once we lose the trace of that serum, I have a feeling that the next time we have a chance to catch up with it is when someone has already destroyed half the world using it.

"The bastards tricked the security system, but they weren't thorough enough." Alejandro joins the discussion of the clues, who has been following our increasingly tense discussion silently from a small corner of his office. With determined steps, he gallops closer to our little trio to conjure up from the depths of his pocket the one small object what's existence equals the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. "We found this." He raises the insignia in front of the hologram, on which a rather morbid skeleton-like creature announces the sign of the organization whose brave members have wandered into the research institute for a bloodshed-filled holiday. Although the perpetrators were resourceful enough to temporarily disable the security system in some clever way, they probably didn't have enough brainpower left in the middle of the rampage to not leave one of their dead comrades behind with the clear marking that Alejandro can now show off from his gloved hand to the two men on the other side of the call. Very stupid from the scumbags who had time to play tag with the poor staff of the research institute.

"It doesn't look familiar to me."  Garrick comments, shaking his head in confusion, after squinting at the symbol embroidered on the emblem, giving voice to the not-inconsiderable dilemma that crushed our joy in two. Because we found this precious little thing in vain, if none of my fellow knowledgeable Hunters even have the faintest idea about who it belonged to. However, it can be a very organized team if they have produced such a scout badge for themselves.

"Neither to us. But there is someone who knows everyone." Alejandro notes, bringing up the juicy bit of information he shared with us not long ago, giving us a possible way out of the rather hopeless situation in which we found ourselves. "El Sin Nombre. A lowly criminal, but might know who this symbol belongs to." He explains, and his mouth curls in such a sour scowl that it is clear that the unknown villain was involved in enough quastionable deals to establish the Hunter's dislike.

"Catch the bloody arsehole." Our captain issues his firm instructions, giving us the starting push for our next action. "Until then, we make sure that Shepherd won't have another peaceful night." He assures us, and there is an edge to his voice that I can hear from what painful threat he has in store for the colony leader. Because the dark expression that slowly spreads across the face of the bearded man instills that icy temper in his eyes, that promises nothing but revenge and suffering. As I turn my gaze to the unfriendly pair of MacTavish and Riley, I know that they are quite inspired by their captain's drive as well, because even though they can't personally approach the leader of our colony for a little chat, there is someone else they can let out their frustration on. And the poor fool has no idea what kind of storm is approaching.

⃰

Booming music fills the peace of the night, and the flashes of colorful lights from the building not far from us announce what kind of fun is taking place within its walls. And even I think, that it's quite brave that anyone dares to party so cheerfully in the orange zone, even if they are criminals. Of course, I understand that such people have to keep up the act of coolness when they are passing the time behind god's back in the middle of important business negotiations, but I doubt that these tough guys would feel so peachy in pieces if this ruckus encouraged a mutant to join in the fun. And it doesn't matter how many traps they have set up around their little hideout, if anyone can disarm it with playful ease. Although it could also be true that only my Hunter friends have such unique skills, with which they eliminated the tricky little surprises that greeted us when we came to them in a pitifully short time.

Although it must be said that the run-down building in the middle of the wilderness is, if not from the point of view of the mutants, in a perfect place for hiding from the authorities. Just far enough from the colony to avoid prying eyes, and just close enough to return to the walls for a leisurely business meeting at any time. And while one would think that the patrols would easily find a dilapidated structure in the middle of the forest, according to Alejandro's information, this misled them many times so far. Dozens of such crumbling piles of bricks lie in the jungle surrounding the colony, and these cunning little thugs move from one to another so quickly that by the time the authorities get wind of where they hide, they have already done a disappearing act, leaving behind nothing but empty ruins. So terribly sly.

And maybe that's the reason why it took Alejandro two full days to find any kind of usable clue, which told him where this scoundrel named El Sin Nombre wanted to show up again. He'd had to break quite a few noses to get the coordinates of our date tonight out of someone, but I wasn't wrong about him being able to get anything if his fiery drive pushed him to act. Because although it took time, he led us to the abandoned warehouse, where we now lurk under the cover of night like a pack of wolves on the hunt for prey.

The bass drifting away with the wind fills me with an almost nostalgic feeling, because it instantly reminds me of those carefree times, when I didn't have to kneel in the mud, behind a bush and hide without a sound, but I scouted my dinner for the day to a similar rhythm. Those were indeed the easier times when I roamed the streets of the colony as I pleased, but now that life is nothing more than a fond memory left behind. Because for some reason, I don't regret for a minute that I can indulge in the umpteenth excitement of the last few days together with my small team. My eyes automatically search for my two companions, and although I see nothing but shadows moving in the distance and the fleeting flashes of two pairs of glowing red eyes, I know that not far from me they too are following with the same intense attention as I am, how Alejandro and his men slowly sneaks closer to the building.

The Hunter and his soldiers tiptoe between the cars parked in front of the crime den with such invisibility that even I have to concentrate to spot the metallic glint when the knife of one of the men dressed in black sinks into the tires of one of the cars. And suddenly, Alejandro's teaching, which he shared with me while improvising today's action plan, dawns on me. Or there is only one way to catch pests. They have to be smoked out of their nests, so that they then voluntarily run into the outstretched arms of the predator waiting for them. And I have to admit that even I was impressed by Alejandro's slyness, with which he invented the details of our mission, after the interrogated moron finally got chatty enough to spill the info after the unit leader’s rather forceful nagging. And if I take into account that this method also works on mutants, why wouldn't it work on a couple of bandits who will flee the moment the ground gets even a little hot under their feet.

The infiltrating team eliminates the guards lurking around the building with ruthless efficiency, and their victims have no chance to defend themselves, because the soldiers ambushing them appear and cut their throats as quickly as a snake attacking its prey. And when, after a few minutes, the last guard is on the ground, they all gather in front of the entrance of the warehouse, ready to begin the part of the operation where they make the rabbit jump out of the bush, which has no idea how dangerous guests wandered to the threshold of its humble abode.

"Victor 1-1 here. We're moving in " Comes the announcement of the head of the unit on the radio, and my hands automatically wrap tighter around the grip of my pistol, as the adrenaline awakening in my body prepares me for action. The two soldiers hiding not far from me ready themselves for the fun as well, and through the scope of their weapons, they are looking for every small opening that serves as a possible exit from the building, so that they can immediately pounce on anyone who dares to show up from there.

"Copy. We're ready." Riley answers, and as the cruel calmness hiding in his voice creeps into my ears, the excitement in my stomach also stirs up. I could have gotten used to how quickly the man gathers his cool composure, but I'm more and more impressed by the icy purposefulness that fills his thick-accented baritone when he takes on the role of the fearless Hunter. And that makes my heart rate go up, and excitedly pumps the energy ready for action in my body, which makes all my senses suddenly become a thousand times sharper. Because now that I finally don't have to fight for my survival, and I don't have to worry about my own bodily integrity, I can enjoy this adventure a little more.

Alejandro only hesitates for a minute, and in the dull light coming from the building I see him slowly counting down on his hands, so that when he gives the starting push with a wave, he opens the huge door with a single kick to throw the smoke bombs into the crowd inside, and taking advantage of this sudden surprise, pushes into the warehouse with his men. The sound of gunshots mixes with the melodious sound of music, almost providing an undertone to the rapidly developing chaos. Loud shouts penetrate the noise, as the flash of the firing weapons breaks through the colorful dance of the rhythmically changing lights, and the startled members of the crowd caught in the act appear as dark silhouettes on the dirt-obscured glass of the windows. The leader of the unit was indeed right, because although one or two of the more reckless gang members start to fight the soldiers, the others decide to escape ridiculously quickly. As soon as the first window is broken, and a figure dressed in a tacky shirt jumps out to start running toward the depths of the forest, then a rifle is fired from among the trees, and the man falls to the ground, like a sack of flour. This part of our plan may even seem cruel, where we take down all those who try to escape one by one, strictly avoiding to cause a fatal wound if possible, but I have no doubt that if the roles were reversed they would be more than happy to send a bullet into the skull of any of us. We need only one person, and only she must stay alive.

"Take down everyone except the woman!" The noise of the slowly unfolding disorder is interrupted by the yelling of the masked man on the radio, reminding everyone of the most important task of our small group waiting in ambush, and upon hearing the order, the soldiers kneeling next to me aim at the figures rushing out of the building without hesitation. It seems that we may have disturbed a very important party, because each of the thugs, emerging from the structure like frightened birds, are loaded with jewels and weapons that are way beyond the reach of ordinary people. And they start a headlong rush immediately, taking off with pathetic terror for being big-shot criminals. There are a few halfwits among them who jump into their cars to try to get away, but they soon realize that our sly team deprived them of the chance of this escape route a long time ago. And when they become aware of this, they decide to seek cover behind the vehicles and try to target us with their guns instead, but all in vain, because they cannot find any of us, hidden by the protective cover of the bushes and trees.

"The target has disappeared! She left the building!" Alejandro's infuriated yelling disturbs my tense observations, and this is enough information for everyone to get nervous all at once. It's no wonder that everyone tenses up in the blink of an eye, and I hear my Scottish friend's angry swearing in my ears, because this is not good news at all. Because the criminal, which we threw this whole party together for, according to the plan, should have been caught inside by the intruding team already. Since, according to Alejandro, the woman has a bad habit of fleeing as soon as there is even the slightest chance of escaping, and she vanishes again and again just when she is within arm's reach. And if we lose sight of her, we lose the chance to find out who stole our serum.

And this fills my body with just enough adrenaline to turn towards the firefight unfolding in front of the warehouse with intense concentration. But slowly it becomes impossible to make out which new unknown thug burst out of the building, who are the ones who are running and speeding towards the thick of the forest, or who are the ones who are bold enough to try to fight back against their invisible attackers. Suddenly, everything turns into a cavalcade of raining bullets, inarticulate yelling, and shadow-like figures, and it becomes more difficult by the minute to make out anything in the upheaval.

Maybe it's due to my sharp eyes, or the universe is finally smiling at me, because as my gaze darts around in the madness of the fight, for a moment I catch a slender figure on my periphery sneaking almost imperceptibly between the barrels lined up behind the warehouse. A single cry is heard in my brain almost immediately, and it echoes in my skull that I must not let the lowlife escape. My body moves on its own, and almost without thinking, I jump up to back away from our hiding place, ignoring the soldiers who look up in confusion from their weapons, keeping my eyes on the target. Someone is throwing rushed Spanish words at me, probably trying to figure out what the hell I'm doing, but it's muffled by the sound of gunshots. They don't have the chance to react, because I start running with such hasty steps that by the time they come to their senses, I'm already gone.

My legs nimbly carry me through the ground of the forest teeming with roots, and I don't pay attention to the attack of the twigs cutting into my face, because the momentum of the stress hormones raging in my muscles drives me forward instinctively. And as I emerge from the underbrush and bolt forward, avoiding the thousand and one rust-gnawed junk lying on the edge of the battlefield, left behind by the people who worked here perhaps decades ago, then I continue to sprint, embraced by the background noise of the gunshots, like a predator that has caught a scent. Maybe the enemy also sees me, and I feel something whizzing past my ear, but luck seems to be on my side, because not a single bullet hits me, and suddenly a cold determination takes over me that allows me to focus on just one thing. On the woman heading toward the trees, who rushes forward without caring about the turmoil unfolding behind her, leaving each of her accomplices to their fate, like a real cowardly scumbag. But I won't let her disappear.

As soon as I get close enough, I aim my pistol at the gangster who reaches the tree line, and even though I know that my skills are nowhere near sophisticated enough, I pull the trigger before I can talk myself out of it. And I'm even amazed at how close I came to hitting her, because it was only because of the woman's sudden movement that the bullet pierced the trunk of the tree instead of her shoulder. But unfortunately, this is enough of a warning for her to realize that she is caught, and when she flashes her irritated eyes at me, I know that I have to hurry, because from now on I won't be able to surprise her. I start firing again, taking advantage of the opportunity while I still find her in my field of vision, and when she suddenly disappears in the darkness of the forest, I only suppress the colorful words that climb to my tongue and increase my already fast speed.

Without hesitation, I throw myself between the trees to immediately follow the woman's trail, but I can hardly get inside, when suddenly out of nowhere a stick the size of my forearm swings towards me, and it hits my hand clutching the pistol with such deadly accuracy that my fingers involuntarily release their grip due to the force of the blow. I halt with a gasp, as the pain radiates through my arm, and I know from the slow throbbing ache in the back of my hand that I will collect a nice little bruise from this. My gun lands in the leaves with a soft thud as it slips out of my grasp, and I don't have enough time to get over my surprise and reach for a new weapon, because my attacker steps forward from behind one of the thick tree trunks, and unlike me, these few seconds were enough for her to prepare for the fight.

The hunting knife clutched in her gloved hand glints metallically in the light that penetrates through the foliage, and it's only thanks to my sharp reflexes that she doesn't slits my throat as the blade swings towards me, when she charges at me without further hesitation. But she doesn't let up, she strikes again almost immediately, and I thank Price for every punch, kick, and injury, because it's only due to his skillful and consistent teaching that I have any chance of escaping the woman's onslaught. Perhaps it's this muscle memory that allows me to parry her attack long enough to understand that she is far too practiced for me to compete with her abilities. Her movements are like those of a cat, light but deadly, and each of her moves can be the result of years of hard work, which she probably showed off successfully even against more professional opponents than me. And as I hastily back away from her, it becomes painfully obvious that this confrontation can have two very simple outcomes. She either slips away or kills me. And while I'm able to patch myself up, if she manages to drag me off my feet here for long enough, then she will vanish without a trace. And I can't let that happen.

And my brain goes through my options in a minute, and it soon becomes clear that I have only one option to get close to her and handle her with my own technique. And the fiery energy raging inside me doesn't allow me to doubt even a little bit that my plan will work, because I don't have another shot. It's either now or never.

My enemy seems to sense that something is wrong, she takes advantage of my hesitation almost immediately, and when she lunges at me, thrusting her arm forward, I prepare myself for the counterattack, grounding my feet. The knife cuts through my vest like butter, and as the blade sinks into my stomach, only the sensation of dull pressure reaches my brain. I don't give myself time to be shocked, but I suddenly grab the woman's arm holding the weapon so that my free hand reaches towards her with the speed of a venomous snake. And it seems that I finally manage to startle her too, because she doesn't have a chance to react when my hand clamps down on her face and my dull nails dig into her delicate skin. The energy surging inside me rushes along my hand with impatient speed, and as it reaches her, her eyes almost roll back into her skull in surprise. It takes only a moment, and I let go of her arm to let her fall limply to the ground like a rag doll.

When I realize that I have succeeded, the adrenaline racing through my veins begins to dissipate, and suddenly the fact that a blade punctured my stomach reaches my brain. Blinding pain pierces my insides, and I stagger backward groaning, as my body slowly sinks into the shock caused by the agony. All of a sudden, all the strength escapes from my legs, and I fall to my knees, panting, as every single nerve gets paralyzed by the suffering spreading inside me, and my hands just manage to support me, before I too fall face forward in the dirt next to the woman. The quiet little voice in my brain cuts through the screams of misery buzzing in my head and warns me that I need to signal where I am before I even attempt to treat myself.

With trembling hands, I reach for the many devices resting on my vest, and when, after a few moments that seem like decades, my fingers find one of the signal flares trapped in a narrow little loop, I yank it out, crushing the ache that ripples through my body as I pull the blasted thing out of its place. I clumsily snap off the small cap, and gritting my teeth, I push myself off the ground to sit on my heels to keep the signaling device away from me before I even collect a burn injury on top of my existing torment. And as I pull out the cord, and the bright red, sparking flames burst out of the tube, I throw it further away and, taking a deep breath, gather all my remaining concentration to find my radio to inform my little companions about my fruitful private stunt.

"This is Viper... I caught the target."  I speak up as soon as I find my voice, focusing with every cell on the movement of my mouth, instead of the heat of the blood soaking the fabric of my shirt. "I'm at the signal flare..." I add, suppressing the painful moan that is bubbling up in my throat, because I don't need the whole team to witness my torture, which I voluntarily caused to myself.

Even if there is an answer, I can't understand it clearly, because I can't make out the crackling hum that comes through the radio over the noise of my ever-accelerating heartbeat drumming in my ears. I can feel how the shock is slowly taking over my limbs, and I, falling back into the dust, try to gather all my remaining strength, because I have to overcome the pain that paralyzes my muscles. Squeezing my eyes shut, I take one deep breath after another, but with each breath, the tension of the blade penetrating my stomach only grows stronger, and I have the stray thought that I should finally start healing myself before I bleed to death here after the successful completion of the mission.

"Woods!" The roar of a familiar voice penetrates the fog that has descended on my head, and the pounding of heavy footsteps only faintly reaches me, with which the one who came to save me gets closer to me. And as I feel a large, warm palm on my arm, my eyes slowly open to look to the side, and it takes a few seconds for me to recognize MacTavish crouching next to me, his face distorted by worry. "What the hell..." He would begin his speech, as his eyes glowing in crimson find the weapon wedged into my stomach, but before he can sink into his shock, I weakly gesture forward with my head.

"Take the woman... I'll handle this..." I hiss clenching my teeth, trying not to let too much of the pain radiating through my every nerve ending leak through. Because even through my greatest suffering, I know that there is no need to give way to my weaknesses, because they only draw the attention of those around me to the fact that I'm vulnerable. And even though my hazy consciousness is aware that the man would probably not take advantage of my defenseless situation, it's difficult to overcome old habits, especially when my survival instincts guide my every action.

The Scottish Hunter only spares one glance at the woman lying unconscious not far in front of us, but instead of doing as I tell him, he just wraps his fingers more firmly around my arm, as if to help me find my balance. And I don't have the strength to argue with him anymore, so I surrender myself to the action and search for the handle of the knife with my hand, finding the courage to pull it out after a few shaky breaths. No matter how hard I try to stifle the scream that creeps up my throat, a tortured whimper escapes from my pursed lips, making me look like a wounded, whining dog. Dark spots suddenly swim in front of my eyes from the burning pain, and I try to blink away the dizziness that slowly settles into my head, when finally the last inch of the blade leaves my body. The knife falls out of my hand, but it doesn't bother me, because with an almost instinctive urge, I smooth my palm over the wound, my fingers carefully digging under the material of the torn shirt. Closing my eyes, I look for the panicked energy pulsating in me, and it obeys my pleas and starts its slow journey towards my injury, so when I feel the first cooling waves, as they begin to weave together the torn tissues, I can let out a relieved sigh. It takes a few minutes for my clever little ability to restore my body to its undamaged state, but with each moment my head becomes clearer, and when the last mangled layer of skin closes, I push myself up onto my knees. 

"Woods, ya scared the livin' shit out of me!" MacTavish breaks the tense silence, and now I have the free brain capacity to study how his eyebrows are furrowed in disapproval, and the reprimanding curve at the corner of his mouth, which makes it look like he's considering congratulating or scolding me after my stunt. And I'm quite moved by the knowledge that I managed to arouse such concerns in the Hunter, even though I know that I should be ashamed of myself after my little performance. Although I don't think that anyone who throws themselves, without thinking, in front of the enemy for the sake of protecting others has the right to look at me in such a reproachful way.

"As long as they don't aim at my head, I'm fine." I soothe him, putting a small sly smile on my face, graciously allowing him to finally help me up to a standing position. "Don't worry, MacTavish, I won’t kick the bucket so easily!" I assure the man that, contrary to appearances, it's not nearly as easy to send me to the afterlife, merely noting to myself as a side note that our target would have managed to come close to this if she had had a little more time to show off her skills. And as I turn my gaze to the woman immersed in her beauty sleep, I realize that we didn't come across a simple criminal, because I doubt that she would have acquired these amazing moves during the mandatory school training. And something tells me that she didn't manage to hone her skills so effectively during his illegal games either.

"It's not me ya have to convince."  The Scottish Hunter announces, gesturing behind my back with his head, and it would be impossible not to notice the line of the faint nasty smile appearing on his mouth, with which he leaves when he finally decides to comply with my earlier request and collect our prey.

And I, confused, tear my eyes away from the man slowly gathering the unconscious woman into his arms, to turn around to find who the hell he could be referring to so mysteriously. Almost immediately, I find Riley standing in the shadows with the stiffness of a statue, his gaze fixed on me almost motionlessly, not paying attention to his companion, who just saunters past me with a wide grin, patting my shoulder absent-mindedly, as tough he wanted to wish me good luck. And for a moment, I don't really understand what the problem could be, because my brain is unable to find a fault in the series of actions that led me up to this point. But as the masked Hunter stalks towards me with measured steps after we are left alone, like a cat about to break the neck of a small bird, I understand that my stunt did not please him nearly as much as I thought. And suddenly I can't understand what got his knickers in a bunch, because for once I didn't disobey orders, I may have improvised a bit, but I did exactly what I was supposed to do.

"It's stupid to risk your own physical safety." He remarks, and his voice sounds unreasonably harsh to my ears, as if the fact of the extremes I'm willing to go to in order to achieve my goal would really bother him. Of course, I know that I don't reach the final destination with conventional means, but without his superpowers and experience, I'm forced to use sneaky tactics. Because these were the solutions that got me out of trouble all my life and were at my service. Obviously, my current idea wasn't very smooth, but it was the only logical step that my brain could create. If I stopped the attack she would have run away, if I continued to fight her she would definitely do more damage to me. Getting stabbed was the smallest collateral damage I could suffer as the result of the situation. "There will come a time when you won't be able to heal yourself." He informs me, and as I see his flaming eyes narrow, I sense the irritation in them, and I just tilt my head to the side in interest, because I'm seriously starting to lose track. He is undoubtedly right about this detail, which Price has already pointed out to me a couple of times as well. There will indeed be times when my sly strategies won't work, but so far they've served me well. All my life I had to take care of such unpleasant problems by myself, and every single time I solved the complications that life threw me into. And since I could never count on the help of others, I quickly learned that there are situations where you have to take realistic risks in order to succeed. Like, for example, in order to prevent the shitstorm threatening the whole world, I'm unfortunately forced to allow someone to stab me. And luckily for me, the blessed ability of my kind always supported my cunning tricks.

"Are you worried about me, perhaps?" I raise one of my arched eyebrows, twisting a lazy, cheeky smile on my mouth as I slowly immerse myself in the smoldering gaze intertwined with mine. And when he settles, just a few narrow steps from me, I feel the pulsation of heat emanating from his body, which makes the warm tingling under my skin come alive with reflexive speed, further encouraging my brave little teasing. Despite the fact that we buried our differences, and even though during our outing at the research institute, he showed me how beneficial it is for me if he turns to me with goodwill, I'm unable to resist the temptation to poke a little at his feelings swirling under the surface. Because every time I see another emotion flash in those eyes, and his undivided attention is directed at me, I'm filled with satisfaction. And maybe sometimes I don't even want to fight the feeling.

"I prefer to see you alive." He states simply, but my heart skips a beat excitedly from the breath of tenderness in his tone, and I try to guide my pulse back to its normal rhythm with a small swallow, before the stupid thoughts that start in my head divert me into questionable side streets. Even though he has already stated covertly that he cares about the fate of my survival, but now that he is finally voicing this openly, I'm unable to banish the evil little joy that flares up inside me, which settles in my chest contently. Because this terrifying man is genuinely concerned about my pretty little body, and this is a development in our relationship that I would never have been able to predict.

"If I evoke such deep emotions in you, then maybe I should get injured more." I take another reckless step towards him, almost masochistically enjoying the tiny glint of danger in his eyes. Slowly, perhaps, I could start to get over the fact that something is not right in my head, because it's more than worrying, as the burning tremble wakes up in my stomach, when he leans down and gets temptingly close to me. And I have to force my hands to stay still, so they don't reach for him, because my fingertips start to tingle almost desperately to touch him.

"You've been a good girl so far, Woods. Don't make me change my mind." He warns, and I can almost feel his voice resonating along his chest, as it suddenly deepens in a delicious way, as if a big cat were just starting to purr. But I'm much more surprised by what he wants to convey to me with his words, because I doubt that I only imagine the praise disguised as scolding, which he gifts me for the first time since our complicated acquaintance. To others, his little statement might not mean anything, but I'm getting more and more accustomed to seeing behind his dubious comments. It's almost ridiculous how my mouth dries up from these two sentences, and it's downright desperate how quickly the excitement rushes through me, as I replay in my head how guilty it was to hear "good girl" from his mouth. And I don't think he used this wording by accident. Because every little move of this man is intentional.

And this quite simply encourages me to let my guard down for a fleeting moment and give in to the damned little voice lurking in my head, which wakes up again and encourages me to play with fire just a little, just this once. And as my fingers slowly crawl up between the many holsters and pockets of his vest, and settle at the edge to look for a grip there, I only reach up on my toes and pull myself closer to him, tracing the parting line of his lips through the dark material of the mask with my hot breath.

"I'll be a good girl for you, Riley." I tease and let the intensity of the flames dancing under my skin make my voice even more lustful. And I know it's not just a hallucination when I see his pupils slowly absorb the scarlet glow shining in his eyes. "Pinky swear."

When I see one of his gloved hands move in my periphery, I just back away from him with a wicked little grin, enjoying the way a very interesting hoarse growl emerges from his throat. And as I walk past him and head towards our small group, I can almost feel his gaze burning the back of my neck. It may not be time to entertain myself in the shadow of this new threat, but sometimes I can afford to have a little fun. Especially when it's the easiest way to silence the tangled thoughts swirling in my head. Because this is really not the best time to figure out what to do with my attraction for the man, which I can no longer deny. This is the problem for future Leona.

[faketokufan]

Man... I'ma just be real with y'all. I don't give a shit about Palworld. It's all Ive funken heard about the past week or so and I just... I just don't care! On one side of the Halo 1 ass team death match y'all are in the trenches of you have the overly zealous Pokemon fans who will needle the game to death over the slightest shortcomings and similarities. Buddy, pal, friend... GameFreak will be fine. They're gunna be ok ...

But equally bad are the ones who will take any criticism of their new personality defining game as an attack on the sanctity of their marriage or something. I'm sorry guys, the game looks painfully boring, if it didn't look like pokemon with guns you wouldn't be playing it.

But this isn't why I'm tired... If that was all I had to say about this issue I wouldn't have made a post about it on what is supposed to be a tokusatsu blog... Shit this is supposed to be a toku blog... What episode of Kingohger are we on?... We're in the 40s!?...... Man I let that one get away from me... okay!!! Not the point, not the point, we'll deal with that later. The point is! We already HAD Pokemon with guns and murder and even more obvious furry bait.

WHERE WERE YALL WHEN MY MAIN MAN AGUMON WAS FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE HUH?

Look at em...

Y'all wanted a more mature Pokemon? Man we've had that since the 90s! We already have Palworld at home! We are not stopping and spending more money on edgy monsters when you barely play with the ones I got you last week! You want guns? You want your cute scrunkle squinkle toodle pops to have guns?

Do Gargomon and his funny little pants mean nothing to you?! Fucken ... This one is just a gun!

Gundramon is just 30 guns in a trench coat...

Death?... Ya want death and mature themes? Some real stakes and some real consequences for our sins and transgressions? Ya want to Nuzlocke and pop your way though a story where Fido can die if you forget to give him his ear medication?

Eat my ENTIRE ass.

Slavery? You want... Wait y'all want actually want that?... Like the whole putting y'all's dog on the assembly line to build Mitsubishi Outlanders thing has been in a LOT of the back and forth... I'm not sure what y'all are talking about.... Yeah...

Anyway yeah Digimon... Digital monsters. Digimon are the champions here. Play Palworld if you want, I haven't seen anything that indicates it's actually funding anything uncouth... And hate pal world if you want! I always advocate for more hate in the world. Hating things is fun!... Just... I don't care. I just don't care about monsuno for men. Bakugan for big boys. Telefang for taxpayers... Uh... Monster rancher for retirees....

...

...are we really in the 40s with Kingohger?...

[je-doute-donc-je-suis]

Please, I've scourged through all the official medical articles, median tag, parasian tag, osdd 1a tag, reddit and more

There's nothing, barely any help, and even less that actually fits

How the hell do you people see distinction between facets/alters. How the hell do you communicate. Figure out who's who

I saw that facets mostly all think that we're the same person, just slightly to the left. That there's no full switches, just personality influence. So how can you separate them and have different names and know who you are and who's there

I don't know...feels extra blurry while writing this, really hard to put into words, like someone is putting in a mental block to stop me from talking about this

Idk who i or anyone is. Idk how to communicate. There's no answers in the post it notes or simply plural or our private discord, because "i" never black out with someone else taking over. I don't hear voices. I feel stuff or see images, and have no idea how to tell if that's "someone" else

I tried acting close and really friendly and supportive and like we're a team. But saw posts that says that some alters aren't friendly in a way that implies that it's like physical people with having to slowly build a relationship. Idk what to do, they may have reacted badly at me acting like we're buddies? It's not like i can tell anything that's going on in there or how many there are...

So fucking blurry

Feels like someone was deeply anchored in the body from December to july or august, slowly building an identity and feeling really connected to how the body looks. Which has never happened before, always wanted something else for the body. Then suddenly in august/September, it's like someone or something blew at us, and sent us all twirling like dandelions bits away from the controls, and now we're still twirling above the controls in a blurry cloud

There's no one we can talk to, or help available in this country

So lost on what to do...have no idea what I'm doing. Or when "i" will finally stop being just a grammar thing, and finally get a real connection to a real identity, because "i" am just a static cloud

Don't even know if we're really median or osdd, i could straight up just be a front stuck host with the role of never learning about us being plural to keep us safe, while everyone else has already been aware of each other for ages, and are actively interacting in an inner world i can't access...

Or i could be wrong about all of this and making up all the signs and possible switches and the bad reaction I've got from insinuating no one else is real and it's all just cptsd and audhd

[thebesthealthcareprovider]

Smile Bright in Dubai: Your Guide to the City's Best Dentists 🦷✨

Hey Tumblr fam! 👋 Are you in Dubai and on the hunt for a top-notch dentist? Or maybe you're planning a trip and want to combine it with some dental work? (Hello, dental tourism!) 🏙️🦷 Well, you're in luck because we're about to dive into the world of the best dentists in Dubai!

Why Dubai for Your Dental Needs? 🌟

Dubai isn't just about sky-high buildings and luxury shopping. It's also becoming a hotspot for world-class medical care, including dentistry! Here's why:

- 🏆 Top-tier facilities with cutting-edge tech

- 🌍 Internationally trained dental pros

- 💼 A perfect blend of tourism and treatment

What Makes a Dentist the Best? 🏅

Before we spill the tea on Dubai's dental scene, let's break down what makes a dentist truly shine:

1. 📚 Qualifications and experience (because you want someone who knows their stuff!)

2. 🦷 Range of services (one-stop-shop, anyone?)

3. 🖥️ High-tech equipment (because old-school isn't always cool)

4. 👍 Glowing patient reviews (real talk from real people)

5. 📍 Convenient location (because Dubai traffic, am I right?)

6. 💰 Fair pricing and insurance options (your wallet will thank you)

Dubai's Dental A-List: The Cream of the Crop 🎖️

Here are some of the most highly regarded dental clinics in Dubai:

1. Dubai Smile Dental Clinic

Specialties: General dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics

Location: Jumeirah Beach Road

Why they stand out: Experienced international team, cutting-edge technology

2. American Medical Clinic

Specialties: Implantology, periodontics, endodontics

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road

Why they stand out: American-trained dentists, comprehensive dental care

3. Prime Health Clinic

Specialties

Routine Dental Treatment: Both adult and child dentistry

Dental Extractions: both simple and complex, including Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Dental treatment under Sedation / General 

Location: Airport Rd - next to Le Meridian Hotel - Al Garhoud - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Why they stand out: Family-friendly environment, multilingual staff

4. Dr. Joy Dental Clinic

Vibe: Family-friendly and warm

Specialty: Invisalign for that stealth teeth-straightening

Cool factor: Multiple locations, so there's always one near you!

5. Boston Dental Center

- Vibe: Holistic care with a side of expertise

-Specialty: From simple cleanings to complex oral surgeries

- Cool factor: Marina views while you get your teeth cleaned? Yes, please!

Keep That Smile Shining! ✨

Now that you're in the know about the **best dentists in Dubai**, here are some quick tips to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly and white:

- 🪥 Brush twice a day (you know the drill!)

- 🦷 Floss like a boss

- 🍬 Say "no" to too many sweets (your dentist will be so proud)

- 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Regular check-ups are your BFF

 Wrap It Up With a Smile 😁

There you have it, folks! Whether you're a Dubai resident or just passing through, you now know where to find the **best dentists in Dubai**. Your smile deserves the best, so why settle for less?

Remember, a great smile is always in style, especially in a city as glamorous as Dubai. So book that appointment, snap that post-dentist selfie, and let your smile shine as bright as the Dubai skyline! ✨🏙️

[sadghoststudios]

STATE OF PLAY 12/23: a little news and updates roundup!

Howdy all! Squeaking in just before the new year, I thought now's as good a time as ever for a little roundup of anything you might have missed, and what we're currently working on! Aiming to do these quarterly from now on 🫡✨

If you wanna keep up with posts like this from us without relying on social media, you can also sub to our newsletter! Promise not to annoy you. Good emails only.

Recap and news under the cut!

2023 Roundup

DemiDato

We had two releases this year, but DemiDato was the big one! For those that don't know, this game spent a long 5+ years in and out of development hell, so it was a big relief to finally put everyone's hard work out into the world back in March.

We were also lucky enough to feature DD in the Queer Games & Queer Halloween bundles this year, so even if you haven't had a chance to grab the game outright, check your itch library - you might already own it!

As for the future of our monsters, a 1.1 update is still on the cards! The bulk of it is already complete - there's some script tidying and quality of life improvements already in the WIP build, as well as a fancy schmancy CG Gallery (which you can see a little preview of in the devlog I wrote). 

1.1 development has admittedly stalled a little, as I really want to implement some animated video transitions plus an animated intro and trailer into its final build, but it's been hard to find the time to teach myself a whole new skillset while also being in preproduction for our new title (more on that in a bit!). In my head for all the years of development, the game has always had a really cheesy reality show intro with horribl(y good) graphics, just like the real life shows that inspired it. So even if the feature didn't make it to 1.0, I still really want it to happen eventually. (Plus, when we do eventually rerelease on Steam, a trailer is very important for the store page! That means it counts as futureproofing, right...?)

If you want to hear some more about what the release was like, my dear friend Kaiju of Digital Diversity interviewed me right after the game came out! You can read the interview on Digital Diversity over here.

GrandNya

Our second game of the year was a short little nugget written for 2023's Josei Jam, and devved almost solo by timepatches (hi! that's me!)

It'd been a long time since I managed to get anything off the ground in a jam setting, and I still find it a little intimidating (it's really difficult for me to get new ideas & iterate on them fast enough to meet the start deadline and recruit others), so solo dev it was! My art is hardly intricate but it gets the story across, and I'm proud of the VN as a whole - whatever you think of 'wholesome games' as a movement, it's hard to deny that we all need a cosy space now and then, and that’s the kind of story I like to tell most. And it's not like GrandNya is all sunshine, either, which you'll know if you got to the end!

I also managed to apply to Hand-Eye Society's Super FESTival with GrandNya, and was somehow accepted, which I'm still pinching myself about! What a stellar lineup of games to share a page with.

Fest aside, it was a pretty quiet release all things considered, so don't worry if you missed it! Your grandmas are still there on our itch page anytime, to give you a lil’ pocket of safe queer story to live in whenever you need it.

Intoxicated

Now for something completely different!! Despite some prior medical commitments around the jam date (which then got moved, typical), I was VERY stoked to be able to hop on the team for Kristi HusbandoGoddess' Yuri Jam game, Intoxicated!

It was an absolute blast. Turtles were drawn in the group chat for reasons I can no longer remember. It singlehandedly made me decide that I want to do more jam work on others' teams, because I forgot how fun it can be working toward a common goal in a more relaxed environment! 

And the game turned out incredible. Check it out if you support women's wrongs! ♡

Plans for 2024

[Codename BAT 🦇] (the big otome/amare game)

Oh yeah. It's big.

I won't spill too much just yet, but just know that I've had this idea as a vague plot bunny in the back of my mind for years. Then, as my dear friend Charlie and I were on VC beta testing a late DemiDato build, it came up and they were so excited about the idea that I couldn't help but start seriously thinking about how to make it.

Well. That was in March. After I took a break and worked on GrandNya, I've been working ever since on building out the world (it's set in the same universe as the rest of our library, but deals a bit more with the actual ramifications of it all, so I had to set some things in stone I haven't before). More recently I've been building out the most coherent, easy-to-follow outline I can (not my strong point, and bless my beta readers for their support while I complain about it). 

Very soon I should be able to start writing! Terrifying! I can't wait. Once I'm a fair way into the script writing you'll get to hear about exactly what I'm cooking, and I think... you'll like where we're going.

[Other Redacted Thing]

Not my project so I won't spoil exactly what it is, but I get to do some UI work for an upcoming jam project and I am SO excited! I get to work with some very familiar faces again! You'll know what it is as soon as I'm allowed to tell you 👀

What I will say is that it shares a coincidental similarity with my long project...

That's it!! ✨

Thank you for reading all my waffle (being long winded is my special talent), and for sticking with us through the inevitable periods of radio silence! We're still just little fish in a very big pond, but every time someone plays something I made and feels some type of way, I remember what the point of all this is. 

It makes me very happy to be able to share stories with y'all. Here's to more in 2024!

♡ Madi Wander (@timepatches)

[atiny-for-life]

Ateez's Full Storyline Explained - Part 18

Masterlist

Outlaw - The World Ep. 2 Diary Entries:

The Intro picks up right where the last entries left of: we're in the hideout with Ateez, Left Eye and the Black Pirates where the boy has just requested help.

We're now given a bit of background information regarding Prestige Academy; how it looks, how it's security works (much like immigration in our world), how students are picked (medical evaluations 6 months after being born - only the ones deemed most subservient and capable get picked), and how students are separated into 5 classes, each of which will shape them for a predetermined path (5 different ways of helping the government run the world the way they see fit)

To keep the promise of freeing the boy's older brother and as means of carrying out their initial plan of shaking this world's foundation by waking up their youngest (their future work force), Ateez infiltrate the academy

Thanks to the hacking skills of Left Eye and the Black Pirates, Ateez manage to blend in with the others; Wooyoung and Mingi specifically become part of the security team

After the two helped divide the newest kids into their classes, they spot the brother (whose photo they'd been shown by the boy) and alert the others via a transmitter

Yeosang manages to talk to the brother long enough to reassure him they want to help and give him a meeting spot - a bathroom on the first floor

Seonghwa and Yeosang talk to the brother in the bathroom; they try to help him understand that having emotions isn't a bad thing but he's struggling with 40 years of ideology ingrained in his brain (remember, the average lifespan in the Z-World is 200 years and education lasts 40 years)

Just when the brother begins to come around, someone bangs on the door and threatens to report them if they don't unlock it

-> it's a group of students with "THUNDER" inscribed on a symbol stitched onto their uniforms

They're a group of elite students in charge of reporting any students who show emotions and their leader turns out to be a girl Seonghwa remembers from the A-World - she was the one who'd danced, the one who'd dropped the 'Be Free' bracelet

She shows a flicker of emotion when confronted with the trio and the badly suppressed emotions of Seonghwa and the panicky brother but quickly suppresses it, though she does let them go with a warning

To repay the girl for the deep impact her alternate self had unknowingly had on his life, Seonghwa vows to himself he'll free her from the shackles of this world

Ateez planned on gathering out in the courtyard with the brothers (where they'd already hidden smoke bombs as part of their escape plan) while class is being held but it turns out the brother has gotten too overwhelmed by the situation

He broke an upper floor window and was standing on the ledge overlooking the quad, ready to jump off

Wooyoung and Yunho try to talk him down - the younger brother is crying down in the courtyard, Yunho is trying to make him see how devastating it is to lose a brother - but just as they're getting through to him, a guardian disrupts them and the older brother slips off the edge, fingers scraping past Wooyoung's where he'd tried to grab him

Using the Cromer, Yunho manages to teleport and grab the older brother mid air and return him safely to his younger brother

With everyone except Wooyoung now down in the quad, they take their positions, leaving Wooyoung pouting for a moment before he, too, disappears with a quick flash (presumably Yunho teleported up to snatch him) and thus dodges a guardian before reappearing in his assigned spot

Loud music begins to blast as a huge black tent covered the building; its walls are lined with neon art and the signature A is looking down at the crowd from the center of the ceiling as breakers rain down

The Black Pirates and Ateez dodge the guardians, keeping them engaged and confused while more and more students are using the breakers on themselves, opening themselves up to a world of emotion

Soon after, a ball of light descends from the ceiling and shoots out hologram images of the students, allowing them to see themselves as they would in a mirror

Ateez and the Black Pirates teleport all around the place as they begin to sing and dance, putting on a concert for the cheering students as leaflets rain down which are picked up and read by the kids whose minds are quick to open up to a new world of opportunity

The leader of the guardians gives the first order since the situation escalated: "Catch anyone who's awakened. We need hostages."

They grab kids at random before presenting the Revolutionists with a deal: either all the caught students are disposed of without replacement of their chips or they put down the Cromer and surrender to the guardians

Just then, the previously installed smoke bombs go off, each a different color to form a rainbow; they use the opportunity to free the hostages and dash out the building

Once outside, Seonghwa falls back as he hears the scream of the younger brother who'd gotten captured on his way out

San and Yeosang take notice but are too busy getting remaining students out to go over and check

On his way back into the smoke, Seonghwa's arm is caught by the leader of Thunder; the girl tugs him along into the smoke and he willingly follows

When Yeosang and San hurry over shortly after, everyone was already gone - no guardian, no boy, no Seonghwa, no girl

Yeosang is left anxiously calling out Seonghwa's name

We end at Z's headquarters where the Guardian leader and the principal of Prestige Academy have been called into Z's office

Z is quick to lay out the situation: the principal needs to take responsibility for what happened, a replacement is already on standby, and the principal shall be disposed of quietly as to not alert the Sense Offenders (the Revolutionists)

The Z-Only Guardians (aka Z's personal guards) are quick to shoot the principal in the head and heart, killing him instantly

[republicsecurity]

"Paramedics: Where Fitness Meets Adventure!"

Hey there, fellow enthusiasts of the extraordinary! Ever wondered how those brave paramedics stay so fit and ready to save lives? Well, hold onto your helmets because we're about to unveil the exciting world of sports in the Paramedic Corps! Get ready to be inspired and get moving, just like these real-life heroes!

1. Fitness Freaks: Paramedics believe in staying fit to save lives effectively. From early morning runs to intense CrossFit sessions, these fitness aficionados sculpt their bodies and build endurance. Picture those strong arms and legs helping them carry heavy medical equipment effortlessly!

"You want to know the secret of my sculpted abs? It's 50% gym, 50% diet, and 100% the motivational power of this little chastity companion right here!"

2. Skiing Saviors: When the snow falls, paramedics hit the slopes! Skiing not only keeps them agile but also prepares them for winter rescue missions. Imagine gliding down the slopes with grace, just like they glide through emergency situations with precision.

3. Hiking Heroes: Nature lovers at heart, paramedics often go on hiking adventures. Trekking through challenging terrains builds resilience, teamwork, and navigation skills. Their love for the great outdoors is as boundless as their determination to save lives.

"I find solace in the mountains, the quiet whispers of the wind, and the challenge of conquering rugged terrains. As for the chastity, well, it's like having a secret power, a reminder of the discipline that runs through my veins as I conquer each peak."

4. Riding Rescuers: Equipped with equestrian skills, some paramedics are expert riders! Whether it's maneuvering through crowded streets or patrolling vast areas, riding helps them reach patients swiftly. Plus, the bond between these heroes and their horses is truly heartwarming!

5. Climbing Champions: Scaling heights both literally and metaphorically, paramedics practice rock climbing. This sport hones their focus, balance, and problem-solving abilities – essential skills when they're rappelling down a cliffside to reach someone in need.

"You see, climbing isn't just a sport; it's a lifestyle. And when you're suspended halfway up a cliff, the world below seems so small. The chastity? It's like having a personal cheerleader, reminding me that my focus should always be upward!"

Through these sports, paramedics not only stay in peak physical condition but also foster camaraderie and team spirit. So, grab your gear, hit the gym, or head outdoors – who knows, you might just find your passion in the thrilling world of paramedic sports! Stay active, stay inspired, and who knows, you might be the next paramedic hero we'll be talking about!

[cinemaspoppycornuwu]

[Another work for Giogio month. @mrsgiovanna this is for u. Sorry if it is too short]

[Prompt: in pink]

"One more push, Mrs. Giovanna! I can see the baby's head already! Once the head is out, it will be easier!"

"Bria, my love, you can do this..."

"A-Alright..." within all of her strenght she had left, Bria did what the doctor said, but still letting out a painful cry from a mother bringing it's child to the world. And in less than one minute, she could hear their baby cry before the medical team could take the baby away to do the protocol of a normal birth. As she panted, Giorno gently kissed her sweaty temple and told her he'd be right back in a moment. "G-Giogio... Please... I don't wanna be alone here..."

"Bria, I won't take too long... I'll just check how the baby is..." he gently held her hands, gazing at her teary eyes with long lashes. He ordered something to the nurse who had been taking care of his wife and ran after the doctor and his team. And then Bria was all by her own.

. . .

The raven haired woman woke up in her room and Giorno had layed his head on her bed to rest closer to her. Her hands gently caressed his hair. As soon as he felt the movement, his head rised up and carefully held her hands as if she was at this moment the most delicate thing, like if even the lightest wind blowed could make her fall. "You did it, Bria... It is a healthy young Joestar-Adal..."

"Our healthy young Joestar-Adal..." she smiled and wipped one tear. Giorno and Bria dreamed of building a family together. On this day, december 10 [2010], this dream came true. From the moment she did the surprise of the baby reveal to Giorno until now, these moments were special. Even her golden retriever, Oro, gave all of the support to her, laying his head on her belly, trying to feel his "baby human brother". Once Bruno knew, he even screamed for half a second and hugged tight both of them (of course, Bucciarati still was trying to have one with his beloved Aria, but was happy for the two of his "apprentices"). Mista and Narancia were excited saying "SIAMO ZIOS" (WE'RE UNCLES), while Leone smiled in aproval of the new incoming member of Passione. While Fugo, he was also impressed, even letting his favourite teacup fall on the floor.

"My apologies to interrumpt, mr. and mrs. Giovanna. But little one wanted to see you!" the nurse said in a soft tone.

"Please, come in!" Bria feel her eyes getting wetter as each step the nurse took with the tiny 'package' on her arms.

"He is such a beautiful baby, mrs. Giovanna... If you two need anything, please, just call me." She said before leaving to help some old lady walk with their walking cane.

"H-Hello, sweetie... It is mommy..." her tears began to drop when the little baby held her finger "Yeah... I am so glad I can finally meet you here... Your daddy and I were so excited!" While the young queen of Passione spoke to her little prince, it was Giorno's turn to have his emerald green eyes wet. Two angels were in front of him right now at that exact moment. And he couldn't be more happier. It was one of the best moments in his life and nothing could replace that "Giorno, look! I can see the Joestar birthmark! It is exactly like yours... It's matching...!"

"Y-Yeah..." he kissed his son's tiny hand and said "Hey, piccolo ragazzo... It's me... Your papa... You resemble your mom... That is great, because she is really really really gorgeous..." slowly, he got more and more emotional with the baby getting more calm with their two voices. Giorno made sure to keep doing belly-talks sessions when he could, that's why he recognizes quite well his father's voice "Bri... I can't believe we did something that amazing..."

"We did it, amore mio..." she kissed his cheek. But their mini romance moment was cut when baby boy started crying because of hunger "I am sorry, little Giogio!" She kissed his head multiple times "You get kissies too and food! Giorno, could you help me untie this?"

"For sure" doing as he said, he helped his wife adjust her breast and her posture to properly breastfeed him.

"There, little Giordano..." it was the name both had decided, to keep the traditions "Hmm... What if he doesn't feed himself proper enough?"

"It must be normal on the first three days. But he needs to keep this stimulation. Feeling any discomfort?"

"It is my very first time doing this so it is a little bit strange. But I'll get used to it~♡"

The blonde young don sat closer to his golden hearted empress and thought: so this is happiness.

"Your family would be happy to meet him..."

"They would... But you're my family too. The one I currently need to protect and take care of..."

"Oh, Giogio..." she gave a quick peck on his lips before turning her attention back again to Giordano, closing and opening his little baby hands.

[srmthfgrimworld]

Game 1: Part 30 (Ending)

The team finally managed to build their new spaceship, Mandarin couldn't believe it, after all this time and so many years, they'd done it.

However, they only had enough space for six.

After a lot of debate, they decided who was going, they would get help and bring a ship back to this world to get the rest of them later.

The team, consisted of Otto, Gibson, Nova, Comet, Amara and Kai.

Mandarin, after all this time, decided to stay, he was deaf from his injuries' and wanted to stay behind to look after the kids. Selena stayed because she was a good medic and didn't want to leave them alone without one.

Gibson promised her he'd be back.

Two weeks passed, the ship was ready, they had suffered many raids from those who were trying to destroy or wanted a spot on the ship, but they managed to hold them back.

And then, they were gone.

It was a strange feeling, Mandarin sat on a hill top watching the night sky, as the rocket slowly became a point of light.

It was then he sensed something behind him.

Mandarin turned and aimed his gun, surprised to see a robot monkey, but he felt... a deep fear well up inside of him as he stared at it.

"I am Zero" It said.

Mandarin blinked, he heard it speak, but how? Zero smiled.

Suddenly, Mandarin was back on the super robot inside of his sleeping pod, alarms were blaring. He tried to open it with a button but nothing happened, he pushed it open forcefully and got out, running to the control room.

There, stood another Mandarin, he had a claw for a hand, bones on his body and a skull on his head. This Mandarin explained to him how the hyperforce were going to betray him one day and he was here to change fate.

Our Mandarin disagreed, he explained how loyal they were, that they'd never turn their back on him and that they were as close as a family. Skeleton Mandarin laughed and said he was a fool, even family could betray him. It was then that the screen lit up, a warning sign of a time portal in space flashed on it, Mandarin ran to the controls to try and change course, but Skeleton Mandarin fought him away from it and knocked him out.

Mandarin blinked, he was standing in a void, he looked around and Zero appeared infront of him. Mandarin jumped and stepped back.

"Now do you understand what happened to you?" Zero asked.

"I..." Mandarin hesitated. "The super robot... fell into the time portal?"

Zero nodded, "Your future self put you back into a sleeping pod to save you, before the super robot was torn to pieces."

Mandarin stared. "But... what now? And who are you?"

Zero tilted it's head.

"Who I am doesn't matter, but, what happens next is very interesting" He monkey appeared closer to him.

"You see, you and your friends are still in the portal, you never left, your still in here." It smiled.

Mandarin stared. "We're... still in the portal? But, what about the planet we were on? My children!?"

Zero grinned. "I made the planet for you and your friends, infact, everyone who falls into the time portal, I send them to that planet, your friend Nevil has been here for a very long time."

Mandarin turned away, shaking his head. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. But he was happy Nevil and Antauri were actually alive.

"So everything we went through... it was pointless?"

"No"

Mandarin looked at Zero, he wanted to attack him, but every time he looked at him, he felt terrified.

"Every time you meet me, I will grant you one wish for your next life"

"... What does that mean, exactly?"

Zero smiled. "It could be that you remember something from this life, or maybe you'd like to use your wish to set one of your friends free from the portal, it could really be anything."

Mandarin glared. "How about letting me and my friends out of the portal right now?"

It laughed. "No, that's too many wishes"

"What about my children?"

"They only exist inside the time portal, they can't leave."

Mandarin growled and stepped away, he didn't want to believe any of this, but it did make sense. The other robot monkeys, the raids, the bizarre happenings over the 'years'.

"Also, your next life won't be the same as this one, I decide what memories you have, if any, unless you specify something to remember."

"So you're basically.. playing a game with us?" Mandarin growled.

"Yes, and you're in here forever, with me, unless you play by the rules and get out fairly" It smiled.

"What if... I kill myself on purpose, so I meet you over and over to get my wishes?"

Zero smiled. "That's against the rules, I'm actually surprised, you did fairly well for your first life. One of the 'win conditions' for my game is that you leave the planet, but.. maybe you can discover faster ways to 'win'."

Mandarin sighed.

"... What about the others, are you talking to them?"

Zero shook it's head. "No, just you, but you could pass on your life to someone else, I will explain to them the situation as I have done to you and grant them a wish instead."

Mandarin thought about it.

"... Antauri, I want you to pass it onto him"

Zero grinned. "Are you sure? You may not even remember who you were, I can rewrite everything" it teased.

Mandarin glared and nodded.

"He deserves a chance, maybe he can figure a way out of this."

---

Antauri woke up, he stood up and looked around the void, he tried to use the power primate but nothing happened.

He suddenly heard a voice in his head and quickly understood what was happening through some kind of mind link. He shook his head.

"My wish, is that I am aware this is a game that we need to win."

[chronal-anomaly]

Nope today we're writing the illness hc.

I think I've mentioned this in the past, and I've definitely talked about it over discord so if this is a repeat, too bad.

Preparing for the Slipstream, Lena went through many, many, many medical assurances and checkups. First, to insure that she was healthy enough to take this journey and second, to prepare her body for the trip.

Lena's age during the Slipstream may have felt rushed to many, given her "inexperience" (despite the fact that she was regarded as one of the best pilots in the world at this point). There were many, many naysayers who rejected the idea that Lena could be the pilot, both given her gender and her age. I digress.

During the later portion of the testing and subsequent training for the Slipstream, Lena was in the medical bay almost weekly. These sessions included full body scans of her brain and organs, skeletal structures, nerves, and the PNS/CNS to ensure that she was in peak health. They also included rounds and rounds and rounds of vaccinations.

Pretty much anything under the sun, Lena got vaccinated for. Diseases that had long been eradicated, including yellowfever, smallpox, COVID, the bubonic plague, and everything in between. Side effects of these vaccines often led to days spent sweating out fevers in a dark room and large, painful bruises at the injection sights.

Fast forward to today, Lena very rarely gets sick. An immune system the size of the empire state building, plus the germs and bacteria she was exposed to while lost, means that it only happens once every couple of years.

However.

When she does get sick? It hits her like a freight train. Lena can spend 4-5 days in bed as her body fights off the infection, trying to sleep her away through it. Fevers get dangerously high, there's risk of dehydration and hunger difficulties from the inability to keep food down.

Lena may seek out medical help, but only if it continues to progress beyond what she's expecting. Otherwise, she'll lock the door and request Athena inform Jack of days off. Most visitors are turned away, though close friends/people she considers family may get more of a response than others.

Because of her experiences with the medical teams both before and after the Slipstream - and the installation of the accelerator - Lena has enough medical trauma to avoid the medical bay at almost all costs. Either they tell her the opposite of what she wants to hear, like bed orders for the next two weeks, or have some kind of painful procedure they want her to go through. Additionally, the lack of answers contributes to that. They can't give her a cure, they can't help with some of the chronic pain, they can't give her anything that Lena needs. As a result, getting her to the medical bay can be like pulling teeth.

[lorbanery]

FOR REAL

Even when the story of "why this place is haunted" focuses on the horrific and inhumane practices of the medical staff, the scary ghosts who are trying to murder the protagonist(s) and therefore the main antagonists of the story are still the patients.

Like, I get that one of the big narratives for why someone lingers around as a ghost is that they suffered in that space in life and/or were unjustly killed, whether intentionally or not. So of course under those circumstances it makes sense that an abandoned asylum would be haunted by the patients who suffered and died there. But you could still do that without making them the badguys.

Consider this:

Your story is based around a group of ghost hunters (they can be making a show, but that's a little dated and corny at this point, so it's not required, there's certainly plenty of non-TV ghost hunters in the world). They're going to investigate an allegedly haunted asylum.

The first thing we're going to do differently from most stories is, rather than just a passing mention about it, we're going to acknowledge that the laws reforming the psych industry that started revamping these asylums into modern day psych facilities and just straight up shutting down the worst of them didn't really get going until the '60s. We're going to acknowledge that the last of these places didn't shut down until the '90s. And most importantly, we're going to acknowledge that the 1960-1990 wasn't that long ago.

That is most important because some of the people who worked in those facilities are still alive — and our ghost hunting team is going to reach out to some of them to get some first-person history about what took place there. They could speak to multiple people, just conduct some interviews, which could be an opportunity to start seeding some doubt about our main staff character. See, one of them is going to either offer or agree to go with the team on their ghost hunt. Maybe this gets mentioned to the other former staff and they express some surprise that he agreed to go, or that he wants to go, which can easily be interpreted as him just not wanting to go back into that horrible place; but the team seems to have the impression that he thinks it's important to share what really happened in there.

So they go in with Staff Character and he starts showing them around the place, of course starting with some more light things, fonder memories, because of course the first areas they see as they enter the building are the lobbies and recreational areas, thee things that visitors would see and so were kept tidy and well-lit and nicely decorated. But the spaces get darker and more ominous and the stories get more horrific and gruesome the further in they get.

The haunting activity goes the same way. At first it's just stuff that they could write off as just the consequences of being in a gigantic building that's been left to deteriorate for decades — creaks, knocks, cold spots, sounds that less scrupulous ghost hunters might claim were whispers but were probably just gusts of wind through broken/boarded up windows. As they go in deeper it starts to become more deliberate and obvious — they turn to find a door open that they're sure they closed; an object in a different location. They start feeling touches, hearing voices they think are another hunter at first. Eagle-eyed audience members start seeing dark figures in the background.

Then things start ramping up. They start hearing noises that are very clearly being made by someone else — footsteps, banging, voices that audibly don't belong to anyone on the team. They start seeing things move. Ghostly touches become stronger, some of them feel themselves getting pushed or yanked. Staff Character gets scratched.

He's shaken (I mean who wouldn't be?) but he agrees to keep going. The hunters are really excited, after all, there's so much activity and they haven't even explored the reportedly most active parts of the building yet.

As they keep going, though, and the stories get more gruesome, the activity also intensifies. And some audience members might pick up that a lot of the activity seems to be focused on Staff Character. It all climaxes as they enter the operating room. This is when the ghost hunters start catching on that something's off. Staff Character starts describing some of the procedures that were performed on patients, of course there were tons of lobotomies, and there's something odd about the way Staff Character is answering questions. The amount of detail, the particular wording, like he was performing the procedures himself.

Simultaneously as he starts getting into more gruesome detail, the haunting activity ramps up to become truly violent. Objects and furniture are hurled across the room; banging loud and hard enough that the doors and walls shake; and screaming. So many screams, deafening screams, of pain, of despair, and of pure anger. But the screaming isn't coming from somewhere in the room. It's coming from behind a door, opposite from the one they came in through. A door that seems to be heaving, like something strong is trying to push through it.

The hunters ask where that door leads, they'd already been through most of the building, after all, and according to the layout that door should be on an exterior wall, there should be another room beyond there. Staff Character, sweating now, eyes transfixed on the door, stepping slowly towards it like he's being drawn in, explains that there isn't a room beyond it. There's a tunnel. More screams and wails and banging. The hunters try to approach Staff Character to pull him back, to keep him away from the door, you shouldn't go over there, dude, come on. But they're pushed back. Staff Character continues to explain, you see so many patients died at the facility, and they were buried on the grounds. But seeing the bodies being transported upset the other patients, or sometimes the patient came from a powerful family that would make trouble if they found out the patient had died, so they built a tunnel system to transport the bodies to the graveyard without anyone seeing them. And it only made sense, given how many patients died during procedures, to have access to the tunnel directly from the OR.

The screams start becoming more coherent, one word being screamed over and over by the voices of the dead patients behind the door: "Doctor".

You see, the ghost hunters thought that Staff Character was just an orderly or a caretaker or a janitor. Someone who worked at the facility when it was open, but was mostly just a witness to the things that happened there. Maybe he lied to them, maybe they just never clarified what his role was and he didn't offer the information up. But it's at this point that they discover that he was the head doctor at the facility up to it shutting down.

Maybe he agreed to go because he was ashamed of his actions there and thought sharing the truth of what he'd done after all this time was the right thing to do. Maybe he agreed to go because he thought it was an important part of history. That he arrogantly thought that he couldn't really be held accountable for what he did to his patients back then because "we thought that was the best treatment back then, even if we know better now".

Either way the ghost hunters realize that all of the haunting activity was focused on Dr. Character. That even when they were being shoved, it was to get to Dr. Character, or to get them away from him. That the spirits of the patients — his victims — recognized him the second he stepped into the building. That's why the activity's been so off the charts, because the patients still lingering, trapped, in the building want and can finally take revenge on the man who tortured and killed them and discarded them like dirty little secrets.

Finally the doors to the tunnel burst open and the OR is flooded in darkness. The audience can see just enough to see dark, shadowy figures stalk over to Dr. Character and drag him into the tunnel, screaming.

As some of the dim light comes back, some of the hunters hurry over to the tunnel, calling for Dr. Character, fully intending to go in after him. But they're shoved back one last time, pushed out of the tunnel, the doors slam shut, and facility, finally, is completely quiet.

The worst thing is that there is so much potential for exploring the horror of psych wards from the angle of medical abuse, ableism, forced treatment/drugging, loss of autonomy, power imbalance, demonization, dehumanization, etc, and YET the horror genre keeps defaulting to "insane asylums and psych wards are scary because there are mentally ill people in there"