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#Also Children Need that so of course Sir Aaron being the man that he is despite being unsure of himself as a parental figure as well as
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Muse Headcanon
Lucario is Indeed Touch~Starved. Remember, The Original Time period he came The Late Middle Ages, Affection was not greatly encouraged in Noble society of which he was "Adopted" into , and he himself was a bit of a social outcast/Pariah (Though Sir Aaron did embrace and hold his hand ("Paw") giving Lucario vague memories of when he was younger, As well as pat his head or shoulder and give him warm smiles to show he wasn't indifferent to him.) However Nowadays Lucario of course is more Indulged, and can Indulge himself,... He is often surprised and taken aback and slightly awkward when embraced by Noel and his friends but will always respond with great affection in turn,... Sometimes, More often than not, he'll even Initiate it himself! Also, Physical Contact also helps reinforce The "Magical Guardian Bonds" created with those he is close to.
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whosscruffylooking · 3 years
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The Purest Things- Repeating History
Aaron Hotchner x Female Reader
Word Count: 2k
Warnings: Brief mentions of murder and alcohol. Canon typical violence.
A/N: this takes place during season 3 episode 11, birthright. i had a lot of fun studying this episode and making it my own. i have changed certain dialogue and who says what for the sake of the story. please enjoy!
The Purest Things Masterlist
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(my gif! please credit if you use.)
january 2008
Syd Moore said, “Disregard for the past will never do us any good. Without it we cannot know truly who we are.”
+++++
Your alarm is often hushed before it even has an opportunity to set off nowadays because you usually wake up before it even has the chance.
4:25 A.M.
You groan and toss your pillow over your face. Maybe, just maybe, you can will yourself to sleep for a little longer. As if someone heard your pleas for slumber, your phone starts buzzing on your bedside table. Of course, it is unnecessary for you even to read the messages. There is a case.
+++++
"Last night in Fredericksburg, a 20-year-old woman, Molly McCarthy, was abducted," J.J. begins, "She's the third to go missing in the last 6 weeks. All disappeared from public places. No one's seen them since until now. A couple days ago, body parts with cigarette burns were recovered from a national park that was once the site of the battle of Chancellorsville."
"Were they able to make an I.D.?" you and Hotch ask simultaneously. Your eyes meet, but he breaks the contact abruptly. Flustered and insecure, you bury your focus deep into the file in front of you. The group discusses the case for a couple of minutes, but you are so concentrated on the papers that you hardly absorb any information they've shared.
There is something familiar about this case to you. Suddenly, realization strikes.
Rejoining the discussions, you say, "I remember reading about a case like this in Spotsylvania county. Similar markings on the bone. It was the winter of 1980, also in Fredericksburg. There were 5 women aged 16 to 24. They were buried in pieces."
"Same markings. Same civil war battlefield," J.J. responds in agreement.
The team agrees that this could be the works of the same killer. There are aspects of the more recent killings that would be impossible to copycat since those details had never been released to the public. But, if this is the same unsub, what's he been doing for the past 27 years?
+++++
Hotch focuses on the road while you watch out the window of the passenger seat. Occasionally, you sneak the odd peek at him. His stoicism is alluring, and you find yourself drawn to this demeanor like a moth to a flame. Piecing together the tiny glimpses you've collected thus far as if working on a mental puzzle, you scrutinize his attributes. His eyes bare the beginnings of crow's feet. Only his sideburns tease the speckling of salt and pepper undertones. His lips turn downwards at the corners, no doubt from years of scowling at unsubs.
Reid speaks up from behind you both and breaks your train of thought. Probably for the better, there's no reason why you should examine your unit chief so intently.
"It's funny--he always dumps the bodies in this battlefield, no matter what the risk."
"It's a respected landmark. He's flaunting," Aaron reckons.
"It makes him feel important," you say in agreement.  
Once you have arrived at the crime scene, you follow Agent Hotchner closely. Reid trails ahead, most likely trying to keep up with his own train of thought.
"How does someone not see or hear them?" You ask the sheriff.
He turns to you with a defeated expression, "It was dark. He had the advantage. Molly's boyfriend was the last person to see her. He said she was alone for a minute, maybe less."
Hotch surveys the surroundings, "He's patient and works fast."
"He's perfected his M.O.," Reid states while looking around.
You cross your arms as a wave of unease gets the best of you as you envision the moments leading to Molly's attack.
"If our unsub's pushing 60, he's gotta be strong enough to carry her a long way without her struggling," you bring out.
Hotch looks to you with a concerned squint. You shake your head, signaling to him that it's nothing you can't get under control. He nods in response. The sheriff agrees to point out the various entrances to the park.
"I'll catch up with you," your Unit Chief states. He motions for you to step aside with him, and you comply.
"You know, ever since my wife and I had our son, I dread receiving cases involving children," he discloses to you.
Tears well up in your eyes, "I can't even imagine, but sir, why are you telling me this?"
"This job will inevitably strike close to home on some cases more than others. It's okay for you to feel overwhelmed by it all every once and a while," he assures you.
"You never lose it, though."
He sighs heavily, "Maybe I should have."
Shortly before you joined the BAU, Hotch's wife Haley left with their son Jack. You never ask questions or stick your nose where it doesn't belong. It isn't your place, and you can't blame him for not wanting to bring his family struggles to work. He deals with enough broken families on the job as it is. Mixing his own personal life into the field would only make it more challenging to prioritize. Despite all this, you cannot help but wonder what exactly led to his and his wife's separation. You hope that they can find their way back to each other. The crimes you investigate do not need to claim the Hotchner's as victims as well.
+++++
"I'll let you talk to Chrissy Wilkenson," Hotch directs you towards the kitchen. You wipe your sweaty palms against the fabric of your pants and make your way into the kitchen, Hotch following closely behind you.
"Mrs. Wilkenson," you say gently, "My name is Y/F/N. I have just a few questions about your husband. Where does Charlie usually go when he's stressed?"
"The barn," she stutters. You can tell she's anxious and afraid for the well-being of her family.
"Anywhere else, Chrissy?"
Hotch is called into the other room, and you continue questioning Chrissy. She's becoming overwhelmed, so you guide her to the dining room.
"I know this is difficult, Chrissy."
"Did the father of my child really do that to those poor women?" She cradles her baby bump.
Your heart breaks for her, and you choose to remain silent. Sometimes saying nothing speaks louder than words.
Footsteps bound throughout the house, and Hotch appears in the doorway, "The sheriff will stay here with Mrs. Wilkenson. We need you with us."
Standing up from your chair, you place your hand atop Chrissy's, "History doesn't have to repeat itself." It is almost as if she could tell you were reading her thoughts. The endless whispers that cloud her mind making her feel like she's left with only one choice, but there's always another option. That is all you are trying to remind her of.
+++++
As you and your team trek through the forest, you see a clearing.
"Hotch, this way," you beckon him to pursue your course.
Suddenly, a gunshot rings out, and you stop in your tracks. You make eye contact with Hotch and mirror each other's actions, dashing towards the opening in the trees. Your heart pounds in rhythm with your footsteps colliding against the ground. It is clear to you from your exchange with Chrissy at the house that the origin of the gunshot will shock everyone but yourself. As you reach the clearing and rush down the hill, your speculation is validated.
Chrissy Wilkenson is standing over the body of her husband, the unsub. A traumatized young man haunted by his father's past and plagued by the idea that children are trapped in the endless cycles created by their parents.
I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jesus. Now is not the time for that.
The newly widowed woman claims self-defense, yet the cops handcuff her anyways. Inside, you feel conflicted while watching her get into the back of the squad car.
Hotch appears by your side but remains silent. Again, sometimes silence speaks louder than words. You bit your lip, attempting to hide the fact that it is trembling.
"What did you say to her as you were leaving the dining room?"
"I told her that history does not have to repeat itself. I wanted her to know that even when it feels like you are backed into a corner, there is always another way out. Sometimes people don't know where to look for their out thought," you quiver.
He lightly touches your arm and gives you a reassuring tilt of the head, "Just know that you did everything you could. We will never do this job perfectly. Doing the right thing usually costs more than it pays. You did your part.  I'm not a saint, and I am far from a hero, but I have integrity and honor, and I do this job to the best of my ability."
"If you can leave a case with a clear conscience," he continues, "you know you did the best you could. Any other thought process will eat away at you slowly but surely, and ultimately, it will result in the demise of your career and destruction of yourself."
+++++
After a seemingly neverending day, you all arrive back at Quantico.
"I could really go for a drink, guys. What do you say? Newbie's buying," you wave your wallet around frivolously.
"I could go for 5 drinks!" Prentiss exclaims.
"Count me in," Morgan winks at you. He never fails to make you blush.
Reid hesitates and you pout your bottom lip, "Please Reid! How could you not want a repeat of Dolly Parton night last month?"
Hotch comes down the stairs, "Dolly Parton night? Do I want to know?"
You and Derek snicker to each other as Spencer attempts to diffuse his own embarassment.
"9 to 5 is an iconic female anthem that certainly has a rather bewitching affect on a man when mixed with alcohol."
"You only drank Diet Coke that night," you roll your eyes at him.
Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Hotch forcing his way through the small group formed around the desks.
Making your way over to him, you invite him to join, "Want a beer?" You second guess yourself, but it seems as though his rather stern expression softens ever so slightly when he pivots on his heels to look at you.
"I would like that," he answers softly.
He immediately returns to his original path and hovers near the glass doors. You casually make your way over to him, joined by Dave and Emily. A man barges in through the glass doors announcing Aaron's name.
"Agent Hotchner?"
"Yes," the subject in question breaths out almost defeatedly.  
The yellow package he holds in his hands is all too familiar and instantly churns your stomach into knots. You gnaw at your bottom lip, drawing a metallic taste that causes you to cringe.
"What is it?" Emily speaks up.
There's no question as to what it is. Oh Hotch. I’m so sorry.
Hotch's eyes trace the package from corner to corner in disbelief, "Haley's filing for divorce. I've been served."
When he eventually takes his eyes off of the lettering, his eyes meet yours. They lock onto you and it is in that moment that you feel as though you have been given the key to unlock his soul. His eyes are so unusual at this moment; they are more vulnerable than you have ever seen. The stoic man is gone, and instead, it is the eyes of one who is in tremendous pain. You had mistaken his bloodshot eyes for physical fatigue on the plane, but now you see that it is emotional exhaustion as well.
If only you knew how badly I want to hug you and tell you that you won't be swallowed up by this darkness. There's a long road ahead, but you have so many people here who love you and are here to support you through this. You aren't alone. Trust me, I know.
In some way, you pray that he can read into your soul and see the pain you feel for him. Once more, your shared silence proves to speak for itself.  
At last, he breaks eye contact with you and finally releases the breath that you had been holding in. Dave grabs onto your arm, seeing the clear impact Hotch's news has on you, no doubt having also noticed Hotch's immediate response in looking at you.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can join you tonight," he excuses himself and escapes to the seclusion of his office.
Maybe history does have a way of repeating itself.
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andreafmn · 3 years
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Running In Circles - Chapter 2
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Word Count: 2,663
Characters: Female Reader Rossi Character, Aaron Hotchner, David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Spencer Reid, Jennifer “JJ”Jareau, Emily Prentiss, Penelope Garcia
Story Description: (Y/N) Rossi is following in her father’s footsteps by joining the BAU team as a profiler. The girl genius knew almost everything but she could have never predicted falling for Aaron Hotchner, her boss and her father’s friend. in their world mutual feelings are not enough to push them together. Will all the adversities and obstacles they face pull them together or push them apart forever?
*DISCLAIMER* I do not own in any way Criminal Minds, all credits of the pre-established characters, script, and storyline belong to Jeff Davis and CBS Network. The only thing I own is Arden Rossi, any upcoming characters, and her storyline, as well as her effects in the others’ story line.
Chapter: 2/?
Chapter Description: The team goes back to work as Aaron Hotchner considers retiring from the team and spend time with his son. (Y/n) can’t help but provide emotional support for the Hotchner boys.
A/N: I enjoy angst and slow burns way too much XD. If you enjoy my writing I’ll also be posting them in AO3 and Wattpad along with other stories (I also hope to start taking requests if ya’ll want) Hope you enjoy and all constructive criticism is encouraged.
<- Previous | Next->
Chapter 2
Once it was over, the interviews came. We knew the story. We lived it. The case was open and shut. They could try and make us pint it all on Hotch, the easy way out, but we knew better. And we would stand next to our unit chief whatever the price.
Haley’s funeral was no easier than being at the scene. It was a somber day and the sadness was imprinted in us. We all walked with dropped shoulders and a tight chest. I stood between Derek and Reid, using Morgan as support because I felt that my legs would give out at any moment. My father stood behind me rubbing circles on my back to comfort me. As we laid the roses on top of the casket, we laid to rest the life of Haley, a woman I only knew through the loving words Hotch spoke of.
The group did not know what to do to help the heartbroken man. It would take time to heal even just the smallest bit of his heart. All we could hope for was that he would come back to the team.
At the worst possible moment, the phone rings. No other team available and someone in need, we had to go to work. We all rolled our eyes or shook our heads; this was the job. But would it be the same without him?
I went to Hotch before we left and gave him a hug.
“Call me if you guys need anything,” he said.
“Just take care of your son,” I smiled, and he softly returned one of his own. I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly and left to join the team.
On the plane, we were caught up with the case. We stored all our feelings and got the machines running. We needed to finish this quickly and perfectly.
Two women, both brunettes and young, high-powered executives, murdered in their own homes, the floor around them decorated with flower petals. After Emily and Derek visited the crime scene, we had another part of the puzzle, the unsub was stalking his victims. Everything just seemed so perfect and staged, there was no way he was not prepared.
I stayed with JJ in the station working on the announcement and trying to figure something else from the details provided and the crime scene photos, but JJ could see my head wasn’t in it completely for the first time.
“Hey,” she said, taking my attention from the piece of paper I had been eyeing for the past five minutes. “What’s on your mind? Talk to me.”
“Is it wrong that I feel bad for being here?” I sighed. “Working like nothing’s happened.”
“Of course not, we all feel a bit guilty,” she smiled. “I know you most of all.”
My eyes opened in shock.
“Oh, come on, (Y/N). Everyone knows you have a not-so-secret crush on Hotch,” she laughed. “The only one that can’t see it is him. And probably your dad. Parents can be quite oblivious to their children’s feelings in this way.”
My head flew into my hands to cover the embarrassment that was flooding my cheeks. It was one thing to assume the whole team knew, another was to have it confirmed.
“It’s okay, (Y/N), we’ll see what comes of it. What I can say is that you can’t let this stop you from doing your job.”
She smiled one last time and it was all I needed to push Aaron Hotchner to the back of my mind and bring the case forward.
“Find anything?” My father asked entering the small room at the police station, Reid following behind.
“Several people had access to each home,” I said rubbing my temple. “Housekeeper, gardener, pool cleaner, dog walker…”
“Each with their own key and an alibi to match,” JJ added, an annoyed tone rolling off her tongue.
“Any crossover?”
“None. We even vetted delivery people and utility workers.” I sighed.
“Garcia, do you have anything?” Reid said, sitting down.
“There’s no hits at the prints at all. But I did what Sir Derek there asked, and I created a paper trail,” Penny explained. “There’s no cross-over between the two victims themselves in the weeks leading up to their murders, but they did run in similar circles.”
Penelope continued to explain how both victims lived quite a lavish and high-class lifestyle as Emily and Derek joined us. We figured this man would fit right in this crowd. Educated, intelligent, a gentleman. What we had yet to pinpoint was how the unsub entered the homes with no signs of forced entry. It was clear we were not going to make any headway tonight and Derek knew it too. So, he decided we should be done for the day and we would come back tomorrow well-rested and with fresh eyes.
That night I laid in the bed of my hotel room staring at the ceiling. All I could think of was Hotch and everything he was going through. I could only imagine.
And as if by fate, my phone rang. Aaron Hotchner.
“Hello?”
“Oh,” Hotch said surprised. “Did I wake you?”
“No, I haven’t been able to sleep.”
“How come?”
“I don’t know,” I sighed. “I guess I’m just worried about you.”
He chuckled softly. “You really shouldn’t.”
“But I do, Hotch.”
He stayed silent, only his slow breathing was heard through the phone.
“Did I fail her?” He asked after some minutes of comfortable silence.
“Absolutely not.”
“I promised her that I would catch Foyet and spend the rest of my life making it up to her.”
“And you still can.”
“But” he exhaled loudly. “How?”
“By being the best father you can be to Jack and continue living your life in the best way you can.”
“You know, Dave told me that I had to figure out what kind of father I wanted to be and then I’d know what to do. But I have no idea what that is.”
“Hotch…”
“I’m serious,” he interrupted. “I don’t know what kind of father I am. I catch killers. I save lives. I’m a hero until my key hits the front door, and then I’m just the father who’s never there. Haley was raising Jack all by herself and that was my support blanket. I was able to do my job because I knew he was cared for by another parent. A better parent.”
He sobbed softly as the last words escaped his mouth.
“I’m going to stop you right there,” I said, trying my best not to sound angry. “To that little boy, you are the only real hero that exists. He knows that when you’re not home it’s because you’re out here catching the bad guys like Foyet and making the world better for his sake. He knows that everything you do is out of love for him.
You know, when I was little my dad was absent quite a lot because of this job, but there was one thing that I knew for sure, that he loved me more than anything and that he worked better and faster because he wanted to come back home to me. And never ever have I resented him for leaving and catching the bad guys. He’s the reason I became an FBI agent.
You are an amazing father and anything you choose will be the right thing for Jack.”
After a minute of sobs, Hotch started to calm down.
“Thank you, (Y/N). You have no idea how much I needed that right now,” he cleared his throat. “How’s the case going?”
“Nope,” I laughed. “Not going to talk about the case.”
“Really?” He chuckled.
“Yes, Hotch. Take a breather. You deserve it.”
“Okay, okay,” he said, and I could hear his smile through the phone.
We had been talking for about an hour when I heard him yawn.
“Seems you���re getting sleepy there, Hotchner.” I laughed. “We should both get some rest. If it’s 3 am over here it must be 2 am in Washington. So, good night and see you soon.”
“Good night, (Y/N). Again, thank you. Sweet dreams.” And he hung up.
And finally, I drifted to sleep.
The next morning, we were up and ready for business.
“We believe our unsub is already with his next victim,” my father started. “If he matches the patter, she’ll be a successful woman, probably brunette, early 30s to mid-40s. She’ll be at home in Nashville’s upper echelon.”
“This means that he fits in,” I explained. “He drives the right car, he wears the right clothes, he’s highly intelligent. He probably comes from a place of status.”
“This guy’s sociable and he’s endearing,” said Morgan. “You would never suspect that this man is capable of murder. But he will do whatever it takes to protect the fantasy that he’s trying to relive.”
“It’s this fantasy which fuels his drive. He’s reliving a romantic evening and recreating it with each of his victims.”
“He most likely had a relationship taken away from him,” Derek crossed his arms. “So, look at men who have lost loved ones or have gone through a messy divorce.”
After finishing with the profile, we set out to establishments that fit the criteria to possibly get a suspect. As we worked, we got a call. Another crime scene, but this one was different.
A male victim. Overkill on the female. Something made him change his M.O.
Out in the garage, Reid and I looked for any sort of clues and I noticed his sight direct to the car. There may be another way we could connect the victims and how the unsub made their way into their homes.
Finally, Garcia had something with the hunch Spencer had figured. She overlaid all the geographical routes the victims had taken against the geo profile to show what we were missing with any paper trail. Although it was not a clear answer, Erika Silverman was the only one that did not fit the extravagant lifestyle and she only went and came from her work or her home. Except on Tuesday, where she went to the Botanical Gardens, what was she doing there? JJ, Reid, and I left for the gardens to find out.
And just as we had suspected, there had been an event to which Erika had attended. And a puzzle piece revealed itself.
“An event up here would be a hard sell for women in heels,” JJ commented.
“Well, most of our private events hire valets to drive the cars down to the base of the park so they don’t have to hike it up the hill.”
“Who had access to your keys but goes unseen?” Reid asked.
“And to your GPS,” I added.
“Dealerships program your home address into the navigation system before your car even leaves the lot.”
“He had turn-by-turn directions straight to her front door and the keys to get him inside,” I pointed.
We now had how he got his victims and how he entered their house without force. Now, all we had to do was pinpoint his next victim and see who he was.
JJ was instructed to get dad and Prentiss to pick up the owner of the valet service used in the event, and Derek, Reid, and I stayed behind to canvass the employees. We could catch this guy in action unless he had already gotten his next victim.
Joe Belser. That was our unsub. With the profile, the owner was able to point out the suspect quickly. And off we were.
JJ, Reid, and I headed to the venue and the rest of the team went to Belser’s house. He wasn’t in the apartment, but they had found the meaning behind the roses and universal garage door openers. In the venue, Reid called Garcia to see which of the VIP guests could be the next potential victim.
Ann Herron was the next victim, and he was already at her house.
“FBI! PUT IT DOWN!” Derek screamed, blinding Joe with his flashlight. I walked in from behind Derek and kneed Belser’s stomach. He fell to the ground groaning and Emily grabbed the man by the throat to immobilize him.
“Fantasy’s over,” she spat. “Is that what you did to them? You hit them to shut them up and then forced them to play along with your sick delusion?”
 “I love them,” Joe said sinisterly.
“You’re finally gonna meet your soulmate, Joe,” I added from behind Prentiss. “In prison.”
“Only you’re not gonna be able to push him around like you did those women,” Emily continued. “And when he comes for you in the middle of the night, when you’re least expecting it, you do me a favor. Play along.” 
She stood the man up forcibly and put him in handcuffs and I went outside to check on the victim.
“How is she?” Derek asked walking out of the house with my father.
“She’s strong,” I said closing the ambulance door. “She’ll make it. But you don’t survive something like that without scars.”
“Scars remind us where we’ve been,” my father commented. “They don’t have to dictate where we’re going.”
He put his arm around my shoulders and kissed my head as we walked back to the SUVs, finally on our way home.
The next day, I called up my dad so he would accompany me to Haley’s grave. Something told me I had to go. At the cemetery, I saw what the pull was. Sitting in front of the headstone less grave was Hotch. I walked up to him first, my father close behind. Hotch lifted his head and stared into my eyes, sitting up slightly.
“I had a feeling I’d find you here,” I spoke softly. “Have you told her yet?”
“Told her what?” He mused.
“That you’re coming back to the team,” my father joined his left side. Hotch looked at him. “That fighting the bad guys is who you are.”
Hotch lowered his head and shook it. “I don’t have to tell her. She already knows.”
I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly and gave him a soft smile. My father did the same and walked to my side, so we’d retreat, giving Hotch some space.
“So, do you want me to drive you back to your house?” My father asked.
“No,” I smiled. “I’m gonna stay with Hotch for a bit and then I’ll go home.”
“Okay, darling.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ll pick you up on Monday then. Ciao, Mia Bella.”
“Bye, dad.”
Once my dad left, I sat down on a bench and waited for Hotch.
“(Y/N), you’re still here?” Hotch questioned with a smile on his face.
“Yeah, thought you might want some company.”
“Truthfully,” he chuckled. “I do. Thank you.”
“How about this, we pick up Jack, you guys come over and I crack open a present I had for Jack.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he motioned me to his car. “Let’s go.”
We drove quietly to his apartment, only the low volume of the radio and the sound of our breathing could be heard. It didn’t take long to arrive at the complex, where he opened the car door for me and led me upstairs. Inside apartment #121, was Jessica Brooks, Haley’s sister, and Jack playing a card game.
“(Y/N)!” Jack screamed as soon as I walked through the door, running to give me a hug.
“Hey, buddy!” I hugged back.
“Hotch, you’re back,” she exclaimed. “Good to see you again, (Y/N).”
“Good to see you, too,” I smiled. “How you holding up?”
“As good as I can be.” She answered as she began to gather her things. “Well, I’ll see you soon. Bye, little guy.”
“Bye, Aunt Jessica.”
“Bye, guys.” She said as she left.
“Hey, little man,” I directed to Jack. “I’ve got an idea.”
“What is it?”
“How about you to pack a go-bag and you and dad come over so we can open a present I have for you?”
“Yes!” He exclaimed as he sped off to his room to pack.
“I think you should go help him,” I smiled at Hotch. “If I have any memory of being a kid, they’re not very good at packing.”
“Yeah,” he grinned. “Maybe I should.”
I waited for both father and son to pack for the night asking myself why I was putting myself in this position. Growing closer to a man I had a 0% chance with. But I couldn’t help it. All in all, he was my friend, and he needed all the support he could get.
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A/N: if you wish to be tagged for the next parts, please let me know. I’d be happy to. <3
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softhxtch · 3 years
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TITTLE: FBI Charity Blind Date Night SUMMARY: For last four years FBI has been organizing a lot of events for charities. One of them are blind dates. This year Emily, Penelope and Derek decided to join in with Hotch’s name. Let’s just say, that at first he’s not the happiest person in the world.  PAIRING: female! reader x Aaron Hotchner CHARACTERS: reader, Aaron Hotchner, Emily Prentiss, Derek Morgan and Penelope Garcia (at the beginning), Angela, Olivia (OCs), Daivd Rossi and Spencer Reid (literally mentioned once) WARNINGS: none (?), it’s just fluff and cuteness, I mean they go to the hospital, nothing bad happens, but be aware of errors and mistakes. ALSO in this story Jack is not born, not sure why just thought it would fit better. ALSO2: CAC - Crimes Against Children Unit WORD COUNT: 4,5K A/N: i’ve had a long break from writing and with this new year I decided to break it. there’re probably a lot of mistakes, so feel free to correct me. english is not my first language and i’m doing this just for fun!
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'Did you send everything correctly? Are you sure?', Emily asked looking over Penelope's shoulder. She tried to keep up with whatever blonde woman was doing, but it was hard since she was moving so fast with her work.
'Yes! Who do you think I am?', Penelope answered with raised voice. Her head was shaking but eyes still glued to the screen. 'Can't you just trust me?'
'I do, we all do. But don't you think it's weird, that we still didn't get anything from-', Emily argued, but didn't even finish the sentence as her work phone started to make sound. She quickly picked it up with short 'hello' and was listening to whoever was on the other side. Her face was slowly changing as more and more words were going through the phone. Emily's eyebrows were risen and eyes bigger, scanning the room around her. Finally she nodded quickly and after adding short 'of course', she put the phone down. 'Hotch wants to see us.', Emily explained.
'Oh god.', was all Penelope could say. She stood up quickly, putting her laptop down on Emily's desk. 'I guess he got the message. Today's the day we die.', she added as dark haired woman also stood up, nodding
'Come on, Derek. You're going with us.', Emily pointed at him, raising her eyebrow.
'Me? I didn't even do anything!', man defended himself.
'It's all your fault anyway. You came up with the idea. Come on.', she added.
'Fine, but to be fair it's our idea. You're as much in it as I am. Just so we're clear.', Derek pointed out, as Emily rolled her eyes. 'Let's go.'
Derek's words were like a signal, because after that all three of them moved towards the Chief's office. They knew it was coming sooner or later. They would be called to see Hotch, he probably would be angry at what have they done, maybe furious and that's it. Maybe they would get more paper work to do. But it was unavoidable, Hotch would find out sooner or later. And some like Derek would prefer it to be sooner, but some like Emily or Penelope - later.
Derek was the one to lead the way to Agent Hotchner's office, with two women right behind him. He knocked two times one the door and opened them after hearing 'come in' from inside. Aaron was sitting in his chair, focused on papers in front of him. Pen in one hand, tracing text that for most people was really hard to understand.
All three agents looked around just to see any signs, that they could help. They paid a lot of attention to the big desk with a lot of papers on it, but everything was the same. Nothing too suspicious, but then in front of there were three chairs. Not one or two as usual. Like especially for them.
'Everything's okay?', Penelope was the first one to break the silence.
'Yes.', Aaron’s answer was short as he looked up from his papers with a raised brow. 'Is there a reason why something's should not be okay?'
'No. Of course no, sir.', blonde woman laughed as all three of them walked more inside the room.
'You wanted to see us?', Emily asked, her voice was quieter than usual.
'Did I?', Aaron answered back with an questions, putting his pen down. All three of the agents looked at each other with confused faces.
'Emily said-'
'What exactly did Emily said?', he asked. Aaron tilted his head, waiting for an answer. His face was stoic and stern as usual, very hard to read for any of them.
'Emily said you wanted to see us.', Derek answered. His eyebrows were furrowed, with thousands thoughts going through his mind per second. He was very much present when dark haired woman got the phone call, but all of the sudden he wasn't sure about it anymore. Maybe she heard something different? Or mixed up his words?
Hotch just nodded slowly. He moved his eyes from Derek to Emily, who was confused with this whole situation. She knew what he said, but just to be one hundred percent sure she went through the short conversation they had, like fifty more times.
'You said, and I quote, 'I want to see you in my office as fast as you can'.', Emily said slowly, her hands in front. It's like she was trying to calm herself down from this confusing situation.
'Exactly. I didn't specify who 'you' is.', man sitting in the chair said, like it was the most obvious thing on the world.
'Oh my God.', Penelope said, waving hands in front of her face as if she was trying to stop the tears. You could visibly see Emily's shoulders going down, her letting out breath she was holding for a long time. Derek just let out quiet laugh and shook his head.
'But since all three of you came here, then I guess something's happened.', he added, putting his hands together on top of the desk. 'You did something, that you know you shouldn't do and now you're just waiting for the consequences. That's why all three of you came here together.'
'I thought we weren't suppose to profile each other.', Derek said.
'Yes, especially when not everyone in the room is a profiler.', Penelope added with a firm nod.
'Garcia, you don't need to be a profiler to see all three of you having weird conversations, barely working in the office and basically being constantly out of place.'
'We didn't do anything wrong.', Derek said, pointing at all three of agents.
'Okay.', Aaron said quickly nodding. 'But next time when you put name that isn’t yours somewhere, you make that person is aware that you're doing this. And they give you their consent.'
'We didn't put anyone's name anywhere', Emily finally said something after, what felt like, hours of standing in their boss's office.
'Agent Hotchner, we write to thank you for joining our 4th annual FBI Charity Blind Date Night. Don't worry we'll make sure to choose precisely your date, just they way you put it in our questionnaire. Thank you so much and see you in February!', man read the email he got few hours ago.
‘You don’t have any proof, that it’s us, sir.’, Penelope said, her voice cracking at the end. Derek just sighed and closed his eyes, knowing how screwed up they are. ‘Anyone could do this!’
‘True, but you three are on the first place.’, he said like it was something obvious. The rest just looked a bit confused how they were first suspects, which made older man sigh. ‘The next one was Rossi, but he’s been out of town for the last few days. In the past he tried to set me up for few dates, but I don’t think he would do it through blind date, that you have to do questionnaire before. Who’s next?’, he asked, making his thinking face for a second, before continuing. ‘JJ? She has her own life and two kids to take care of. I don’t think she would have time to play with something like this. Oh and on top of that, she doesn’t put herself in someone else’s business. The last one is Reid and we all know, that he didn’t do it.’
‘But you have no proof, that all of us did it.’, Penelope started. Her hands were shaking and she started rambling, not knowing how to get out of that situation. 
When Derek and Emily came to her with this whole idea of putting their boss in a blind date she didn’t know what to think about it. She thought that maybe it was a good thing. After divorcing Haley and breaking up with Beth, Hotch didn’t do much dating, or at least that they knew about. And Penelope thought that someone like Aaron Hotchner deserves to be happy. He deserves to laugh with someone who he likes and is not necessarily in a team or a friend of his. She wanted him to have a person, who would be with him in tough times and would take care of him when he needed it. Hotch is a tough person, but Penelope Garcia strongly believed, that there’s a person in this world who would understand him. He just needed to start looking and if she could help, she would do it. 
Of course there’s also a lot of guilt, because whether she liked it or not, she was messing with his boss’s personal life. And how would they even tell Hotch about the fact, that they put him into FBI blind date. Penelope knew he would be furious and angry. So this kind of reaction was weird for her. Hotch wasn’t screaming, showing any anger. Nothing. Maybe a little annoyed, but that’s it.
‘Penelope.’, Derek started, trying to make her stop. She was only making it worse, by digging the topic. 
‘You can be mad at us all you want, but a date would be a good thing for you.’, Emily started, making Hotch raise his eyebrows. Derek just groaned in the back, wishing for it to be over. ‘You know, sometimes it’s good to get out of your comfort zone.’
‘My comfort zone?’, he repeated.
‘Yes.’, dark haired girl answered. She put her hands together in front of her, not knowing where she’s exactly going with this conversation. ‘You have to go out sometimes, Hotch. Have conversation with someone, that’s not us. Have a meal, that wasn’t pre made months ago, drink wine and make jokes. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll meet someone wonderful.’, she ended, going closer and closer to the man as she was going on with her speech.
‘I’m not in a mood for a relationship, Prentiss.’, Aaron shook his head, putting some papers together on his desk.
‘That’s why we put you on a ‘friendship list’. It means, that you’re there as a friend and for chairty, not really looking for a lover.’, Penelope said quickly, stepping forward towards Emily. 
‘The answer is still ‘no’, so please cancel my application.’, he shook his head, looking at the papers in his hands. When he hear any movements or complaint  from the three agents in the room, he looked at them again. ‘I will pay the charity in return. And I guess you had to put some money into it too, so I will pay it off. But please withdraw my name from the list.’
‘But sir.’, Penelope started again, bringing his attention. ‘Maybe you should consider what Emily’s said. You know, new experiences.’, she added with nervous laugh.
‘So what’s the bet about?’, Hotch asked, leaning back with curious face. 
‘If you go Rossi said, that he’ll do our reports for a month.’, Emily said after few seconds of debating if she should actually say anything else.
‘And if I don’t?’
‘We have to do this for a year.’, Derek admitted.
‘Please, Hotch.’, Emily begged, coming closer to his desk and leaning on it. She looked into his eyes for few seconds, trying to get some mercy from him. ‘I’m still half way through Reid’s reports from last month. I can’t lose this one!’
‘Well, you should’ve thought about this before going into another bet.’, Aaron answered, trying to keep his stern face, but Derek saw one side of his lips rising for a split of a second. ‘Now like I said, withdraw my name from that list and please go back to work. All of you. You can go and please close the door.’, he added. After finishing the sentence he went back to his paper, waiting for them to leave and when they did, he just couldn’t stop himself from small smile. 
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'I thought you wanted to go.', Angela said as we entered my office. She had one of the flyers of the charity events that she took from the entrance to the FBI building.
'Yeah, I did. But half of kids at the kindergarden are sick, I have a feeling, that Olivia is next.', you said, putting bag on the desk. You turn around to your friend and gave her apologetic smile. 'And I don’t wanna leave my sick child with my sister-in-law. She already helps me enough.'
'I'm sorry.', Angela just said, not knowing how to actually react. 'I know, that after last year you wanted to go.'
'Yeah, it sounded pretty fun.', you nodded. 'Plus it would be nice to finally get a kiss on the lips. Or talk to someone in full sentences.'
'Excuse me?', Angela joked, pointing at herself.
'Outside of this office.', you shook head, letting out quick chuckle.
'Someday you'll find someone. I'll make sure of this.', she said, coming closer to you. She stopped for a second and gave you quick hug, trying to make you feel better.
'It'll be kind of hard. Usually when they find out, that I have three year old child, they run. If they don't, then they get scared when I tell them I work for the FBI. And when I go on a date with agent they usually do this, because I'm a Unit Chief and have connections with a lot of important people here.', you explained with a sigh. 'I was excited for this blind date not only for meeting new people, but also because we will be on the same position. I won't be used and person who will be choosen for me would understand where I come from.'
'I know.', she said truthfully, caressing your shoulders. 'You know what? Screw it. I'll take care of Olivia.'
'Really?', you said shocked about the proposition. You knew, that Angela was the last person on earth who would offer herself to take care of kids. It's not like she hated them, just she's not the best with them. Mainly the youngest ones. But kids found their ways to her. Especially Olivia. She always loved being next to Angela and you could be sure, that she would be happy to have her as a babysitter for few hours.
'But it's just this one time.', Angela reminded, putting one of her fingers in front of your face. You immediately agreed and hugged her as a thank you.
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'So? How do I look?', you asked after walking to the kitchen. You looked at both Angela and your daughter sitting at the dinning table, consuming their supper. Your friend made circles with her fingers, asking you to turn around so she could see the back of the dress.
When the email with the set up date finally came, you were the most excited since you could even remember. It was something you looked forward to for days or maybe even weeks now. Nobody in your team didn't know about this, except Angela. And she also was very excited for you. Whenever you had breaks from cases, she would come with new ideas for a dress or make up. And even though she'd be brushed off, you actually liked it.
For a long time you had no idea what to wear. Should it be something less formal? Or full on glam outfit? But when Angela came to you with a picture of navy bodycon dress, you knew it's the one. She advised you to wear it with simple black sandals and light make up, adding darker lipstick.
'Mommy! You're so pretty!', Olivia exclaimed from her chair. She still had her mouth full from the sandwich, that you made her few minutes ago. You could see her be really excited about this night, not because you're going out, but mainly that she's gonna be playing with Angela.
'Thank you, sweetheart.', you skilled, coming closer to them. 'I'm gonna be out for few hours and you're gonna be with aunt Angela, okay?', you explained, playing with her hair. Little girl nodded, taking another bite of her sandwich. Then you stood up facing your friend. 'Okay I should be back before midnight. If I don't call you and I'm not home, then you can track my car or phone.'
'Of course, as always.', she said with a wink, which made you laugh.
'And remember, if anything happens - call me. You've been in this house so many times, so you know where everything is. But if you're unsure or Olivia does something, call me okay?', you said, raising a brow.
'Hey! Don't use your 'I'm your boss' voice!', she said, putting finger in front of your face, which made you laugh.
'That's actually my 'mom' voice.', you shook your head.
‘Doesn’t matter. Just go before you’re late.’, she said, pushing you out of the room. ‘Remember it’s really bad to be late for a date, but it’s just awful to be late on a date with FBI agent.’
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Aaron was sitting in one of three restaurants, that bureau offered to cover the expenses in. He told Penelope and Emily many times to pick the table somewhere in the corner, where he and the person who was a match to him wouldn’t be in a center of attention. It was a really long time since he went on a actual date or even out with someone, that’s not on his team. For a really long time he hated this whole idea. But the one night he was sitting in his flat with a glass of whiskey and thought, that maybe, but just maybe, it’s a good idea. That maybe Emily was right?
‘I’m really sorry, I’m late.’, female voice took Aaron out of his thoughts. He looked up, expected to see someone familiar, but that wasn’t the case. He thought, that maybe it would be someone that he knew. It definitely would be easier, than starting from zero.
But even if Aaron didn’t know personally the person he’s meeting, maybe he could just recognize the face? Place it with unit, that they’re working in or at least department. But as you appeared it didn’t ring any bell. Aaron furrowed his eyebrows, which made you immediately confused and started looking around. 
‘You’re from FBI, correct?’, you asked, pointing at him and then at the back, getting more and more nervous. ‘The woman in front told me to go to table number eight. And that’s it, but maybe I said something wrong and she didn’t understand-’
‘I am.’, Aaron said immediately, standing up from his seat. ‘I was just expecting someone-’
‘Different?’, you asked, smiling a bit.
‘No, no!’, he answered right away with his hands in front, like he was trying to stop you from something. ‘Someone, that I know.’, he ended, explaining. 
‘Oh, of course.’, you nodded. ‘I’m Y/N Y/L/N.’, you extended your hand with greeting, after what seemed like liftime in silence.
‘Aaron Hotchner.’, he answered, shaking your hand gently. Then he motioned to the table. You just nodded as both of you sat down. ‘Which department are you from? Sorry to be put it so bluntly, I just don’t think I’ve ever met you in the bureau.’
‘CAC.’, you answered, looking up from the menu. ‘I came here from New York few months ago. Got offered Unit Chief position, better salary - guess didn’t have to think through it twice.’, you shrugged.
‘That explains a lot.’, Aaron said with small nods. You just raised a brown, silently asking the same thing he did few seconds ago. ‘I’m from BAU.’
‘Oh ‘The Dream’ unit.’, you said. The statement made Aaron very much confused. ‘When I arrived in Quantico, there were actually quite a lot of changes and I had to hire new agent to my team. And about half of them started the interview with  ‘well my dream is to be in BAU, but this unit could be a good start’.’, you explained.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘It’s not your fault. More of a complement. It’s very rare, that most of agents, that want to work in a field also want to work in your team. And I’ve also heard only good stuff about BAU.’, you said, trying to keep the conversation light. 
In fact this was the last time your conversation went to the topic of work. As soon as some of the comments, that either one made, were about work, you immediately would change the topic. You promised yourself, and Angela of course, that today won’t be about work. It’ll be about having fun and going out with not-so-stranger. 
Aaron saw the effort that you made and he actually really liked it. No work, no phones, no cases, no murders. Just the two of you, great food and wine, that he didn’t even drink yet. He didn’t expect it but he was actually having a good time. So this one time he would answer his previous question: Emily Prentiss was, in fact, right.
‘Excuse me for a second.’, you said, hearing vibrations of your phone from the bad. Aaron just nodded, understanding as you opened bag and looked for phone. When it was found, you immediately opened it and panicked right away.
3 missed calls
2 unread messages
9:39 I know I was supposed to call only when there’s an emergency, but I think it is. 
10:21 We’re going to ER.
‘Everything’s okay?’, Aaron asked, observing very closely your reactions. 
‘I-I have to go.’, you said stuttering. You picked your bag and coat, wanting to leave as fast as you can. ‘I’m really sorry.’
‘What happened?’, he stood up quickly. He grabbed you by the arm, stopping from leaving the room.
'My daughter is in a hospital. And my friend, that's babysitting her won't tell me what happened.', right away the worst scenarios came to your head. What's could actually happen, that the two of them had to go to the emergency room? Did she broke a bone? Or just hit herself and needed few stitches? Or maybe she fell down the stairs and is unconscious? The questions, that were driving you crazy.
'Let's go.', Aaron just nodded and took you out of the restaurant, after paying for the whole meal.
'Wait, no. I can't ask you to come with me. I've already ruined your evening.', you shook your head as Aaron was taking you to his car.
'Don't worry about it. We can do it on a different day.', he waved you off, getting into his car. The comment caught you off guard a little. And you didn't even realize, that you were still standing on the streets until Aaron knocked on the window, getting your attention.
'Sorry.', you whispered, getting inside. He just started the engine and drove as fast as he could to the hospital that Angela land Olivia were at. 'Wait. Different day? We'll meet on a different day?', you asked, thinking about the whole conversation from few minutes ago. He laughed at how at first you didn't realize what he meant.
'If you want of course.', Aaron explained, getting slow nod from you. It was still funny for him how long it took you to get through it all. 'Look, I'm not a parent, but I can just assume, that your daughter comes first for you.'
'True.', you agreed.
'So, I could make huge scene about how you literally stormed out of our date.', he continued to explain his thoughts. 'Or just understand where you come from and help you.'
'Thank you.', you said, looking at him for the first time since you walked inside the car.
'No problem.', he said with a smile.
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If it wasn’t for Aaron, you would probably be panicked, running around the hospital. Well, you still were panicked and scared of what exactly happened, but he made you a bit calmer. Told you to step back and he was asking all questions of where to go and what happened.
After twenty minutes the two of you ended up of third floor. Your heart was beating so fast, searching for either Angela or Olivia, but you couldn’t see them anywhere.
‘Y/N, you have to calm down. It won’t help-’, Aaron started, grabbing your arm. You stopped, but didn’t look at him, only scanning the room. And then you saw it. Familiar dark hair and the handbag you bought her for Christmas. 
‘Angela!’, you called her name, bringing the attention. Woman turned around and let out deep breath, being visibly relieved.
‘Oh my God!. You’re finally here. I didn’t know how long I could keep her attention. She was constantly asking for you.’, Angela said. Then she looked behind you, seeing Aaron running after you. ‘Sorry for ruining the night.’, she whispered. 
‘It’s okay.’, you shook your head. ‘What even happened? I leave you for few hours and you end up in hospital.’
‘We just were having fun.’, she explained and you just raised a brow. ‘Okay, we were playing tag. And then Olivia got tired, so we sat down on your bed. Then obviously she wasn’t tired anymore and started jumping up and down on your bed. And she asked me to join her, so I did. And then it broke.’, she started talking very fast and chaotic.
‘You broke my bed?’, you asked as if that was the only thing you could make out of whatever she said. 
‘But I didn’t mean it. I tried really hard.’
‘And where’s Olivia now?’, you asked, trying not to get angry.
‘They took her to a cat scan. Doctor said, that her arm is probably broken.’, Angela explained, seeing you get more and more annoyed. ‘Anyway, nurses asked for legal guardian or parent, so I’m gonna go and tell her, that you’re here.’
You nodded and let her go. Your eyes were closed and head hanged down for few seconds. Were you angry? Yes. Were you annoyed? Yes. But your daughter was fine. She was alive and even though having a toddler with broken arm won’t be fun thing, you’d take it. 
‘Again I’m sorry.’, you turned around to Aaron. He was still standing behind you, just watching the whole situation. ‘I won’t hold you up anymore, you can go. Thank you for everything.’
‘It’s not a problem for me to stay. If you-’, he said, coming closer to you.
‘You’ve done a lot for me today. Beside we have work tomorrow. So let it just be one of us who’s gonna stay up all night.’, you cut him. Aaron just nodded, understanding everything.
‘So, until next time?’, he asked, slowly taking few steps back.
‘That would be amazing.’, you answered. But then realized something. ‘Hey, but I don’t have-’, you started and put hands in coat pockets. Then felt something in one of them. You took it out and made on ‘oh’ sound as you read: Aaron Hotchner, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral Analysis Unit with phone number. You looked up to look at him one last time. Aaron just shot you a huge small and waved before turning around and going to the elevators. 
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walkerwords · 3 years
Text
“The Savior Sessions” Part 32 of 33 - Negan x GN!Reader
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IMAGE CREDIT: AMC
SERIES MASTERLIST
Summary: In the confines of a Tower, conversations are held as the survivors prepare to face Beta and the horde.
Word Count: 4681
Warning: Swearing
Song I Wrote To: “Outlaws of Love” by Adam Lambert
Note: I can’t believe I have been writing this since AUGUST. Only one more after this and I think it is going to wrap up nicely. Enjoy a little down time before the big battle and yes, Maggie will make an appearance in the final part. Thanks!
—————
For as long as you could remember, you loved being up high.
You could remember climbing trees as a kid and jumping off the rope swing at summer camp as soon as school got out. Nobody in your family ever understood why you felt more comfortable off the ground, but the truth was, you felt safer there than down below.
No matter how high, it was almost as if you were untouchable, immune from the world around you. When the world ended, you found yourself searching for the highest points possible. It was exactly why you had decided to pick up a sniper rifle in the first place.
The guard towers at the prison, the top of the barn at the Greene farm, and even the old clock tower that once stood in Alexandria, were all your comfort places.
The tower you now stood in, however, felt more like a trap rather than a place of freedom.
Daryl, Michonne, and you had realized that with Negan declaring war on the Whisperers by killing Alpha, Beta would be coming for everyone with an even more vicious vendetta. Negan was docile when it came to the decision. He said ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘yes sir’ as he moved through the community. Nobody dared say anything negative towards him, but they weren’t praising him either.
They knew that no matter how he did it, Negan had saved more lives than not when he killed Alpha. The only one who was still dealing with the fallout of it all was Lydia.
As soon as Negan told everyone what he had done, Lydia had shut down. She still stayed with you when it was time to rest, but she didn’t say much. From all the time you were a teacher, you recognized the anger that she was feeling. You also knew that it was only a matter of time before she unleashed that fury on Negan.
Then, there was Daryl.
You couldn’t get a proper read on him and it was starting to worry you. Daryl was a smart man, but when it came to facing down an enemy at this caliber, he tended to get reckless. If he didn’t get it together soon, Beta would have the upper hand and you were not going to let that happen.
Beta had to die and you were going to be the one to do it, no matter what it took.
Looking out the window of the tower, you braced your hands on the window sill and waited for the horde to move in because you knew one thing for sure, Beta wasn’t going to stop until you and Negan were both dead.
—————
“Did you get any sleep?” Michonne asked Negan as she joined him against the wall as they watched the room before them.
“Not a bit,” he said. “You?”
“RJ snores like his father,” Michonne said fondly. “So, no, not much.”
“He’s a good kid,” Negan said as he watched RJ pet Dog who was curled at his feet.
“Yeah,” Michonne said with a sigh. Negan looked over at her, raising a brow.
“What’s up?”
“I can’t see how we get out of this one,” she admitted.
“And so you’ve come to me for comfort?” he asked with a snort.
“That’s what you get for playing hero,” she said.
“Nah, I ain’t a hero,” he said as his eyes scanned over to Lydia who was playing with one of the stray cats that occupied the building. “I’m just trying to knock some years off of my eternal damnation.”
“I didn’t peg you for the religious type,” she said.
“I’m not,” he said. “I’m just covering all my bases.”
“Do one of those bases include (Y/N)?” she asked. Negan sighed, leaning further back against the wall, crossing his ankles
“I don’t know why they even bothered to forgive me,” he said, rubbing a hand along his jaw. “I would have sent my ass packing.”
“Guess that makes them the better person,” Michonne proposed.
“Ah, well, that was never in question,” he said. “(Y/N) was the only thing that kept me going while I was out there. You know when Beta came back and said that someone with a sword had nearly ended him, I knew it was them and that terrified me. I always knew they were a total badass, but hearing how close they came to being gutted by that bastard…”
“I know that fear,” Michonne said. “There was a time during the war with your people that I thought Rick had died.” Negan was patient as she began to tell her story. “We were at this old fairground looking for weapons and we became overwhelmed by Walkers. We started to make a game out of how many we could get before the other,” she said with a small smile. “Rick climbed up onto this rickety Ferris wheel, taking aim with his gun. I was on the other side of the yard when the mechanism broke and he fell.
“I saw him disappear into a crowd of Walkers and as I ran towards him I saw those things tearing at flesh and blood. I remembered that I stopped breathing, unable to even comprehend what I was seeing. I had dropped my katana and everything was moving in slow motion. It wasn’t until I heard his voice calling my name that I knew he was alive. Rick had found a way to survive and then he threw me my sword and we fought together. I had never been happier to see him than at that moment.”
Negan smiled softly at that, thinking of the man as well. “Wait,” he said, “if they weren’t eating Rick…”
“It was a deer,” Michonne said. “He owed me one after you and the Saviors took the one I carried into Alexandria.”
“Ah,” he said. “Always the gentleman, huh?”
“Yeah,” Michonne said as her eyes were on her children. “ You know, I once asked you to do for (Y/N) what they were doing for you,” Michonne continued. Negan nodded, remembering.
“Not sure if I ever completed that task,” he said, thinking back to the night you lay in the infirmary recovering from the blizzard. Michonne had asked him to help you as you had helped him.
“I disagree,” Michonne said, surprising the man next to her. “I thought that (Y/N) needed to be coddled or helped through all this trauma, but I was wrong. They just needed a reason to fight through all the shit in their life. That reason ended up being you.”
“I’m not much to fight for,” Negan said casually.
“Since when do you see yourself like this?” she asked. Negan could tell that his sudden self-deprecating attitude was confusing to her, just as it was to Gabriel or Rosita.
“I guess,” Negan began, taking a deep breath. “I guess I just got tired of trying to be a somethin’ I’m not. I’ve spent too long actin’ as if I got my shit together when in truth, I’m just fucked up as everything else in this godforsaken world.”
“Ever think that’s just the way it’s supposed to be?” Michonne offered. “If any of us were completely sane or normal, we’d all be dead.”
“There’d be a lot less bloodshed if we were,” Negan offered, but Michonne was shaking her head.
“No, I think there’d be more,” she said. “Negan, regardless of what any of us have done, we have all believed in one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“That people are the future and in order to survive, we gotta start savin’ them. No matter what.”
--------
“Since when do ya hide from your problems?” Daryl asked as he approached you. 
Standing by the window, you cast your eyes towards him. “Who says I’m hiding?” you asked. 
“Negan’s out there trying to be helpful and you’re all alone in here waiting for a war,” he said. 
“Isn’t that what we’re all doing?” you asked. 
“Nah, I’m preparing for one, not wishing for it.” Sighing, you fully faced him. The new scars on his face were stark against his face and you knew that you didn’t look much better. 
“All I want is Beta,” you said. “Then, this will all be over.”
“It will never be over, (Y/N). You know that and so do I. There’s always going to be another problem to deal with. The world doesn’t stop tryin’ to end just ‘cause we beat another enemy.”
“Remember when Walkers were the only enemy?” you asked. 
“We all knew that wasn’t going to last long,” he said, bracing his hand against the wall.
Over the past year or so, you had begun to see Daryl differently. He was no longer just the right-hand or the hunter. He was now a leader and one that had stepped up to the role that Rick always knew he could be. There wasn’t anyone else that you respected more than Daryl Dixon.
You had grown into a new version of yourself as well. For a long time, it had felt as if you were the outsider, the one who never quite fit, but now that felt as if it was changing. You used to think it was Negan who was bringing out this new side of you, but the truth was, it was just you. 
You had become stronger because you had always been strong and resilient, you just hadn’t allowed yourself to break through that shell. 
“What happens now?” you asked.
“We fight,” Daryl said. “We may not all get out this, but we’ve never given up and we ain’t about to start now. I know you want Beta, (Y/N), but you gotta survive first.”
“You’re on his hit list, too,” you said. 
“And if he comes for me, I’ll be ready,” Daryl said. You both were quiet for a moment, letting the stillness of the tower surround you. 
“Aaron and Alden shouldn’t be out there alone,” you whispered. 
“They know what they’re doin’,” he assured you. “I’m about to do a perimeter check soon.”
“Need some help?” you asked. 
“Nah,” Daryl said, shaking his head. “You gotta stay up here. You’ve always seen better up high.” 
“Maybe the thinner air will help me work things out,” you said with another sigh. 
“Don’t think that just cause you want to forgive him, that you have to right now. You’re human, not a damn machine.” 
“Have you forgiven Carol?” you asked. 
“I ain’t turning my back on her if that’s what ya mean,” he said. You gave him a look. “Of course I forgive her. She’s my best friend, (Y/N), and if that stops meanin’ something then we’re all lost.” 
“I lost my best friend,” you said, fighting back the lump in your throat. 
“He ain’t completely gone,” Daryl said, tugging on the sleeve of the duster that you wore. Your hand slid to the pommel of your sword, too, feeling Paul’s memory in your mind. “He loved you and he always believed in you. Sasha, too,” he said and you closed your eyes at that. “I know ya still miss her like crazy. Next to Maggie, you were the closest thing she had to another sibling after Tyreese.”
“Maggie never saw it that way,” you said. “She and I… we were close once. Then, after Glenn… Maggie stopped coming to me. I always wondered if I did something wrong or if she blamed me because was one of the first people to agree with Rick about the satellite station. Whatever it was, our relationship was never the same and Sash got caught between.” 
“Maggie has her own demons just as you have yours and Sasha had hers. You can’t compare them. That ain’t how it works,” Daryl said. 
“Then how does it work, Daryl?” you asked. “In case you haven’t noticed, Maggie’s demon is the man that I fell in love with.”
“Negan ain’t the same that he was back then. Even I can see that the son of a bitch has changed. I don’t like to admit it, but what he did, takin’ out Alpha like that, that proved somethin’. He could have run when Carol let him out. He could have joined up with them and took more of us out, but he didn’t. Why? Cause he’s in love with you? Maybe. But I think it's more than that. I don’t think the bastard ever wanted to be what he was. He thinks so, too.” 
“Is there a lesson in this speech, D?” you asked.
“Yeah,” he said, “get out of your damn head, stop thinkin’ about what Maggie would think, and start thinkin’ for yourself. We know better than anyone that the future ain’t always certain. There’s no time to overthink shit when you already know what you want. So tell me, what do you want, (Y/N)?” 
It had been a long time since someone had asked you that question. Before, you would have brushed them off and made some lame joke about wanting to watch TV or go to a concert again. However, now, you didn’t feel the need to hide at all because you knew what you wanted and you were damn well going to fight for it. 
“I want Beta dead, my family safe, and I want Negan by my side for all of it. I don’t care what people think of him because I love him and if that makes me some sort of outlaw within this group, so be it. Enid once told me that I have lost too much to feel guilty for loving someone and she was right. I love him, Daryl, and I am done feeling ashamed about that.” 
Daryl nodded, standing up straighter. Reaching out, he laid his hand against your shoulder. 
“Finally,” he said. “Finally, ya understand.”
“Understand what?” 
“Yourself.”
---------
Negan had been dancing around it all day but he had to speak to Lydia. 
He had seen her wandering around, playing with the cats or speaking with Carol. He wasn’t entirely sure what that relationship was all about, but it made sense for the two of them to connect. Lydia had loved Carol’s son. Negan had been worried about talking to the teen especially since she seemed to be avoiding you as well. 
You had become like a parent to Lydia and Negan thought perhaps she had begun to see him like that as well. However, now, after what he had done, Negan wasn’t sure of anything. 
Approaching her, he waited for her to look at him, but her eyes remained on the dirty floor. “Hey. I, um... I don't think you've eaten anything today,” he tried, feeling like an idiot. 
“I'm good,” Lydia said dismissively. 
“You know,” Negan continued. “I can't tell if it's just one of those things or the craziness of us all moving to an abandoned tower... or if you're just avoiding me.”
“I'm avoiding you,” she said plainly, causing Negan’s brows to rise quickly.
“Well, shit, that's honest,” he said. 
“You want me to lie? Make you feel better?” Lydia said, getting to her feet and narrowing her eyes at him. 
“No, I don't,” Negan said. “I’d rather you were always honest with me.” 
“Okay. Well, then you can give someone else the rat stew,” Lydia said. 
“It's not rat. It's possum. I mean, yeah, it is basically a big rat.” Lydia looked at him as if she was wishing he would just go away, but he had to say his piece. “Look, kiddo, your mom, I mean, she did some horrible shit and there's no excusing any of it, but there were things about her that were complicated. In some ways, I wish you could have seen some of the truth that I did. Maybe then you would understand why I did what I did.”
“We all know why you did it,” Lydia said. 
“I know, but if there's something that you wanna say to me, then you should say it cause this whole silent treatment shit ain’t working.” 
“Fine,” Lydia said. “Most of us wish you'd died, too.”
“Don’t you say that to me,” he said. “Not me. There was a time when you and I respected one another, when you would talk to me. Now I get that you’re pissed, but don’t act like you’re a founding member of my hate club cause you’re not.”
“You don't get to tell me what to do,” Lydia snapped. 
“You're right, I can't. I am not your father, but I sure as hell ain’t your enemy,” he said. 
“Then what are you, huh?” she said, getting angrier. 
“I am trying to be someone who is there for you.”
“You tied me to a chair and left me alone in some swamp!” she hollered. 
“To protect you!” Negan said before lowering his voice. “Your mother was going to kill you as some sort of animal kingdom ritual. I couldn’t let that happen.” 
“I don’t want to talk about this,” Lydia rasped out.
“I know, I know,” he said, “but you gotta try to. You have to let this anger out. Otherwise, you are gonna drift further from these people, and I know you don't want that.”
“The hell do you know what I want, huh? Tell me. You're a selfish asshole,” Lydia shot at him. “You only killed her so they'd think that you're a hero. But nothing you do will ever make you that here! Because you only care about yourself.”
“That's not true,” he said.
“Right, I forgot that you wormed yourself into (Y/N)’s heart. Though, that may say more about them than you, huh?” she said as the tears began to well in her eyes. “Why do you even care?” she asked. “Why do either of you care,” she said. “You and (Y/N) look at me as if I need fixing.” 
“Is that what you think? That we want to fix you? Jesus, Lydia, how could you think that?”
“I know you see her when you look at me,” Lydia said. “You see my mother in me.” 
“I see the good parts,” he said with a nod. “You have your mother’s strength and resilience. No matter what she did with it, she passed that on to you and that means something,” Negan argued. “Lydia, you have to mourn her. You know, you need to say goodbye. Otherwise, it's gonna eat you up from the inside. Just trust me on this.”
“Good parts? How the hell can you tell me that there were good parts? I hated her!” she yelled, lashing out at him, hitting him in the chest. She breathed in a shaky breath, trying to control her anger, but she couldn’t. “I want to hate her, so screw you for telling me I can't even do that!”
“It's okay, Lydia,” Negan said as Lydia began to cry, her shouts of anger turning into sobs.
“No! It's not okay!” she said, hitting him in the chest. “It's not okay! It's not okay!” Negan grabbed her into a hug, holding her close to his chest so she couldn’t keep lashing out. Lydia quickly fell against him, clutching at him as she cried. 
“It's okay,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s okay.”
As Lydia sobbed in his arms, Negan held her and tried to make everything seem as if it was going to okay, but not even he could promise her that. 
--------
It was well after Negan had calmed Lydia down that you found him at one of the watchpoints. 
“Dianne, give us a second?” you asked the archer who nodded and excused herself. You sat down on an old crate and invited Negan to join you. He did, his bat settling next to his feet on the floor. You grabbed it, feeling its weight in your hands. Negan didn’t say anything as you examined the weapon, wondering what its namesake was truly like. “Lydia seems like she’s settled a bit,” you observed. 
“She just needed to get it out of her system,” Negan said. “It’ll be a while before she’s better.” 
“I know,” you said. “I remember what it’s like to lose a parent.” 
“So do I,” he said. 
“I’m glad you’re here,” you said, spinning the bat in your hands. 
“Wasn’t plannin’ on being any place else,” he said. 
II know,” you said with a nod. Looking over at him, you handed him back the bat. He took it from you and placed it back on the ground. “I was thinking about something earlier.”
“What was that?” 
“There was a line in the letter that Carl left me,” you began. “It said, ‘stop trying to see everything through the scope of your rifle and start seeing what is right in front of you,’.” 
“Sounds incredibly wise for him,” Negan noticed. 
“Well, that was Carl,” you said. “That line has stuck with me since I first read it. I never really understood what he meant until his dad died and then more recently when you came home.” Negan was quiet, his eyes focusing on you completely. 
“For so long I was trying to stay three steps ahead of everything,” you went on, “but I never took the time to match pace with anyone. I think that’s why it took me so long to realize that you and I are never going to be the perfect couple. We’re not going to be the couple that takes nightly strolls or agrees on everything. We are, however, going to be the couple that fights like cats and dogs and who are willing to risk everything for each other. I finally see that is what this,” you gestured between the two of you, “is supposed to be and I am sorry if you ever felt as if I was pressuring you to be someone you’re not.”
“You weren’t,” he assured you. “I was pressuring myself into not screwing everything up because you are right, we are not normal in any sense of the word. But you know what?” he asked, reaching over to take your hand. “Fuck normal. It’s so goddamn overrated anyways.” 
“That it is,” you said as you leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.  He kissed you back before leaning his forehead against yours. “So, we can be not normal together, right? Cause I am not ready to go any further into this screwed up world without you.” 
“You don’t have to,” he said. “You’re stuck with me.” 
“Good,” you said, smiling softly. “I just hope we can do that without someone breathing down your neck with a weapon.”
“So do I,” Negan said with a soft chuckle. Suddenly, something dawned on you.
“Hey, do you have any idea what happened to Brandon?” Negan froze. “He sort of disappeared after you did.” Leaning back, he gave you a sheepish look. 
“Well…” Negan began. “The little psychopath found me on the road.” 
“Seriously?” you asked. 
“He was some sort of ‘fan’ of mine, apparently. His old man was a Savior and he wanted to be just like daddy. Problem was, he was fucking crazy.”
“Go on,” you urged. 
“We came across a mother and her son. I helped them and that’s when Brandon told me that he wanted to either rob them or kill them. A fucking woman and her kid…” Negan said, rubbing at his brow. 
“What did you do?”
“Told him to get lost,” Negan said. “Tried to offer him some decent life advice, but it clearly didn’t stick. When I came back after looking for some firewood for the mom, Brandon had bludgeoned them to death with a tire iron.” 
“The kid, too?” you asked, shocked. 
“There was more blood on the ground than in their bodies, (Y/N),” he said. “So, I picked up a rock and beat in his skull before he could murder any more innocent people.” You were silent for a moment as Negan’s word resonated. Eventually, you just sighed and shook your head. 
“Shit,” you swore.
“Yeah.”
“Fucking Brandon,” you said with a roll of your eyes.
“Fucking Brandon,” he agreed, but then was confused. “Are you not mad that I  killed him?”
“Why would I be? I’d have done the same thing,” you said. “You don’t just get to kill a kid in cold blood and move on with your life. Though, I am surprised that you let him tag along as long as he did.”
“You and me both,” he said. 
“Were you going to tell me about that if I hadn't asked?” you wondered. 
“Eventually,” he said. “I just couldn’t find the right time.” You nodded. “And I should have told you about a lot of things.”
“You’re talking about your deal with Carol?” 
“Yeah,” he confirmed. “I know you’re pissed at me over that.” 
“I am,” you said, “but if I can overlook everything else, I can overlook this.”
“I am so sorry,” he said. 
“I know you are,” you assured him, rubbing his hand between yours. “You did it because you were doing the right thing. You should have told me though. I would have been on board in helping you. “
“I couldn’t risk it,” he said. 
“You’re a moron,” you said. 
“I know,” he said with a wink. 
“And I really, really wanted to hate you when I saw you in that mask.”
“But you couldn’t,” he reminded you. 
“Never,” you agreed. Negan smiled and then reached up and placed his hand on your throat, running his thumb over your pulse point. 
“You do that a lot, you know?” you noted, gesturing to his hand. Negan shrugged. 
“Your pulse calms me,” he said softly. 
“Oh, and here I thought you were just into choking,” you joked.
“Don’t give me any ideas,” he warned and this time it was you that winked. “You know, we never did have make-up sex.”
“Now is not really the time,” you said, gesturing around at the chaos of the tower. 
“Jesus, Teach, not now. What kind of man do you think I am?” you laughed, rolling your eyes. 
“Like you weren’t thinking about it,” you said with a knowing look. Negan just shrugged again.
“Sorry, I just really missed you,” he said. 
“What have you told you about apologizing,” you whispered. 
“Habit,” he said back before kissing you again. When you pulled back, you took your face in your hands and then your right hand slid to the side of his neck, feeling his own pulse. 
“He’s coming for us,” you said. 
“He’s all yours,” Negan said. “I will make sure of it.”
Just as Negan was about to bring you closer, Gabriel ran into the room. “Gabe?” you asked, leaning back from Negan, but not letting go of him. 
“The horde is coming,” he said, breathing heavy. “It’s time.” He then rushed from the room as you and Negan went to the window.
It was as if a tsunami was moving in, but instead of water, Death approached in the form of the largest herd you had ever seen. 
“Negan,” you said, worried. 
“I know,” he said, taking your hand in his as he beheld the sight. “Can you promise me something?” he said, turning you so you would look at him. 
“Anything,” you swore. 
“Just survive,” he said and you were reminded of something similar you had said to Lydia before the Hilltop battle. “I know what you are going to do and I will not stop you from taking your revenge on him, but for me, please survive.”
Reaching up, you took him by the shoulders and pulled him in for a hug. Negan buried his head in your shoulder as you took one last moment to be with each other before the fighting began.
“I promise.”
--------
As Beta moved through the horde, his guardians protected him as they always had, but elsewhere, a guardian in their own right read a letter sent from an old friend. As Walkers approached the tower, Maggie Rhee picked up her bow and went in search of her family.
Note: One more to go...
TAGS: @not-too-tall-for-trick @lucillethings @cameronsails @stark-dreams @amaroho @thanossexual @yes-sir-hotchner @boom-bunny @delusionalteenagewhispers @scootankle @ritajammer21 @writteriguess @tea-atfive @jennydehavilland @waspyyy @yespleasejayhalstead @hoemadegrace @writingdeadangel @huffledor-able541 @pulplorrd @felicisimor
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damienthepious · 4 years
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oh, well, this is unexpected. Not a tuesday offering because... well, it��s not about that. Casey, Sky, & Ria, y’all are. partially responsible for this one. i love you sorry for the angst.
Mirrors Keep Our Reflections
[ao3]
Fandom: The Penumbra Podcast
Relationship: n/a
Characters:  Sir Damien, Sir Damien’s Father, Original Male Character
Additional Tags: Second Citadel, (as usual i do not know how to tag), Damien's family, (i am mildly unpacking damien's father), (also i have given the boy a sibling), (whom i love now), (and... whooops.... uh), Implied/Referenced Character Death, (at least twice over actually), Loss of Parent(s), Family Dynamics, Siblings, Grief/Mourning, Angst
Summary: If there had been a third child, he would have been named Ferdinand.
Notes: Whoops. Context: there's a patreon bonus guide to the second citadel thing that talks about names and naming in the 'verse, and apparently it is very common for children to pick a new name for themselves. Combine this with certain headcanons I have about Damien's family and you get.... a mess. Title from Domino by Squalloscope.
~
It is a cruel anniversary for all three of them. Aaron is unsure what their father thinks Damien will accomplish in his studies today, but neither of them argue when they are each assigned their tasks before their father locks himself away again with his holy texts.
Aaron is unsure as well, if their father is mourning, in this way, or if there is some other answer he seeks in the words of the Saints. It doesn't particularly matter, he decides, if it means that he and Damien will be left to mourn on their own, in peace.
When Damien's shoulders sag over his own reading, when he rubs at his eyes, Aaron steps up beside him, reaches forward, and closes his book.
"Aaron-"
"Come down by the pond with me."
"But father said-"
"A few minutes, Damien. Clear your head, give your poor scholarly eyes a rest, inhale some air that isn't half composed of dust."
His brother glances back down to the closed book again, guilty and reluctant, and then he scoots his stool back. "… Alright. Only for a little while."
The walk is short, and though the day is oppressively hot, the shade and the breeze are cool enough to guard them from the worst of it by the water's edge. Damien settles on the moss with a sigh, and he closes his eyes for a long moment as Aaron stares out over the glassy surface of the pond, watching the lines rippling out behind the family of geese on the far side.
"Do you… remember much about her?" Damien asks, after what seems like quite some time. His voice is very quiet, and when Aaron blinks and glances towards him, Damien still has his eyes closed, though his expression is tight and anxious.
After a long moment, Aaron sinks to sit beside his brother. "… less than I once did," he admits, and Damien opens his eyes so that he may watch Aaron's face instead. "Less than I wish I did. Memory is an unreliable creature. If you look away from it for too long, it will transform, or decay. I remember… I remember that she had clever eyes, a rare smile but easy humor… I do remember that she enjoyed mornings just the same as you, Damien."
Damien's smile is noticeably watery, but it is genuine. "Did she shove you from bed as I do?"
"When I needed a good shoving," Aaron grins, "yes."
"I wish-"
Damien's words come too fast. Too abrupt, and they cut off into the silence of the thrumming hot day just as quickly.
"I know," Aaron says, when the silence has drawn long. "I wish too. I miss her, and… and I miss the man that father was, when she was still here."
"Was he… was he-"
"He was still himself," Aaron says gently. "But- happier. Less unyielding."
"I think… I cannot help but think, how it could have been, if-" he inhales sharply, his brow furrowing. "The four of us, together. Or- the five, I expect."
"Five- ah." Aaron presses his lips together for a moment. "Right."
Aaron, and Damien, and-
Their parents would not have named them as they did, of course, if they were not anticipating a third with which to complete their reverent set.
"Another brother," Damien says, both sad and wondering. "We could have had another… another piece to our family. Some brave little boy we never had the chance to know-"
"You cannot know what another child would have been like, Damien. Simply because father would have named him Ferdinand does not mean anything about who he would have been. Or she, for that matter. A name such as that…"
"A name such as ours?" Damien asks, one eyebrow raised and his lips pursed into a pout.
Aaron eyes his brother in return, considering, and then he nods. "A name such as ours. The more I think on it, the more I know that it is a wretched thing to do. If we had another brother, if they named him as they clearly planned- likely he would toss the name on the next fire as soon as he was old enough to choose one for himself. Saints know how often I've been tempted to do the same."
"You- you have?" Damien asks, obviously incredulous, his eyes wide, and Aaron attempts to keep his expression only wry.
"It's only... it's quite a lot for any child to live up to," he says. "You understand that, don't you?"
"I... I suppose so... but- but you do live up to your namesake! You are steadfast, sturdy-"
"Damien-"
"Resolute! And if you can live up to your name, certainly if I work hard enough, study long enough-"
"You shouldn't have to, Damien. Neither should I. No child should. If we had another in our family, it would be kinder to leave them free of such a weight.
Damien frowns, a delicate web of incomprehension. "Are you... are you going to change yours, then?"
Aaron looks aside, sighs. "I haven't decided. It's... it is a heavy weight, but... it means so much to him."
And their father's good humor is the unsteady framework upon which their home is built.
"... what... what would you even change it to, if you did?"
"I could change it to Damien, simply to annoy you," Aaron says with his wide, easy grin.
"Aaron. I am being serious."
Aaron laughs. "I could simply change it to Ferdinand myself, and then you could take a turn as the elder brother."
Damien huffs. "That," he says stiffly, "is not how that works. And besides- if you were Ferdinand, that certainly would not solve your problem. Your very first point was that bravery would be an equally heavy burden."
"That is true," Aaron says with a sigh. "So. Not another Saint name, then."
"Obviously not," Damien agrees. "That would limit you quite severely." He pauses, his uncertainty so poorly concealed that Aaron can't help but smile again. "Did... clearly you have put some thought into this... did you have any potential names in mind? Any that were not in jest?"
"Any..." Aaron echoes. "I suppose that is just the issue," he says slowly. "If I were not Aaron, I could be anyone."
"But were there any anyones in particular," Damien insists. "Come now, I don't think you would have brought it up had you nothing already in mind!"
"Perhaps I had some trouble, summoning potential names to my own mind. Perhaps I was far more curious to hear your suggestions," he says, tilting his head with a grin. "You are much quicker with this sort of game than I, after all.
"Oh!" Damien clasps his hands together, grinning, and then he schools his expression, his brow furrowing as he considers this task for a long moment. "You could be... hm, perhaps Lucan? No- Rience! Or perhaps Owain, or Claudas, or Balan-"
"Evaine is rather elegant," Aaron murmurs, and his face is very still as he watches the equally still water.
Damien pauses. "Wh-what was that?"
Aaron says nothing for a long moment, and then he stands, his easy smile spread across his face again. "It's past time we returned you to your studies, I think."
"But-"
"I will thank you for indulging me, and beg your pardon for distracting you for quite so long," he says. "But we should... we should return to where we belong, Damien."
Damien stares up at him, still unsure for a strange, stretched-out moment, and then he reaches a hand out so Aaron may help pull him back to his feet.
They do not speak, on the walk back to their home. They do not speak of names ever again.
They do not see another cruel anniversary together.
If there had been a third child, he would have been named Ferdinand. Unlike his namesake, Damien who will be Pious has only one brother, and his name was only ever Aaron.
After Aaron dies, Damien's father mourns this newest cruelty by packing up what remains of their lives and taking young Damien to the realm where death looms the closest. He takes them to the Western Wastes, the woods of death themselves, and there Damien's father proselytizes. The names of the Saints on his tongue, surrounded by death and nonbelievers. Their names, again and again, and echoed in and echoing his family, in his son who never was, in his son who no longer is, in his son who is not enough.
When Damien is old enough to choose his own appellation, he thinks of Aaron.
He thought of Aaron in the water, as well. He thinks of Aaron often, though he is discovering to his sorrow that Aaron had been right, about memory, and transformation, and decay. He remembers that easy grin, still, and sturdy embrace, but he has forgotten the precise pattern of his freckles. He has forgotten the name that he whispered like a secret beside the water. He has forgotten moments small, and large, and they have left him so easily that he will not even recognize their lack.
Damien could choose another name, but once beneath the water his namesake reached within him, and helped him breathe.
Damien could choose another name, but once a boy named Aaron had a brother named Damien, and Damien does not wish to be anyone else.
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kyberphilosopher · 4 years
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Seven: Chapter One
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Chapter One
Humans, I’ve observed, are often concerned with their appearance. It is because I was designed to integrate peacefully with them that I am where I am now.
          I trace the back of my right hand over my smooth, plastic skin, right against my cheek. My soft brown hair is pulled back into a loose bun at the nape of my neck, with bangs parted down the middle falling to my jaw. My skin is pale, my eyes a bright shade of green. If you look closely enough, you can see little yellow circles around my pupils. My eyebrows are brown and softly arched, and next to the one on the right is an led-light in the shape of a circle.
          When it turns green, it indicates that I am confirming something. Yellow means I am analyzing or active in some way. Red symbolizes danger or some kind of alertness. White, which I have on me now, means nothing. It shows that I am calm.
          My face is well put together, but not too much. When Androids were first released, reports were made that people felt uncomfortable because the Androids were too perfect. Too symmetrical. There were allegedly a string of men who became disloyal to their partners in favor of the metal beings. Androids were recalled and modified to look more human- more realistic and uneven. After that, Androids that were considered more symmetrical were sent to sex clubs.
          And so, my face is not perfect. My face is adequate, a more regular sight. I know I must be based off some human in the world, as the human mind is incapable of thinking of an entirely new face. If I ever met them, I wonder if it would feel like meeting my creator or identical twin.
          I straighten out my jacket, given to me by the company that designed me: Icarus. Icarus is actually from Japan, the first country that actually successfully created functioning Androids. The United States used it’s political ties to the country to coerce them into sharing the secret to creating such intelligent machines. Soon enough, an Android plant was created in Minneapolis. The plant made maids that become so popular, other states began constructing plants as well. Then the sex clubs came. Then secretaries. Then every state had at least four factories.
          I make sure I look professional enough to make a good impression on what will be my coworkers. I’ve been assigned to partner someone named Detective Everhart. From what I’ve researched on him, he is 54 years old, and very accomplished. When working with Androids in the past, there has been a record of Everhart being courteous to them. It’s a rarity, as far as I’ve observed.
          With one final look of myself in the mirror, I step away and turn to the door. A human walks in right then, a female with glasses and red hair pinned back by the name of Ellie Grint. She looks me up and down before her eyes land on my led. Then she scoffs as if I’ve disgusted her and chooses a stall. Ellie even slams the door so I am sure of her disapproval.  
          I turn the door handle to the police lobby. Rain hits the great glass windows sharply, matched with gray skies. I politely scoot myself past people in rows of chairs to get a better look of the outside. I can see the Space Needle from here, and I begin to analyze the weather.
          Weather: 100% chance of rain. 0% chance of snow. 30% chance of sun. 44% chance of winds.
     Temperature: 61 degrees Fahrenheit.  16.1111 degrees Celsius.
     The longer I stare at the rain outside and listen to it’s pitter patter, the more I feel my shoulders soften in my jacket. I guess I like this weather. It makes me feel especially warm and dry for being inside.
          After 41 seconds, I turn away and face the front desk. Long and made of metal and wood, three uniformed officers sit at computers, sipping coffee, attending to citizens. I position myself patiently behind a couple I identify as Carl Stacy and Mary Higgins. There arms wrapped tight around each other, they finish speaking to the Officer and move along to the right. I watch their backs, curious about why so many couples are so insistent on the constant touching. I know humans have warm skin, especially when alive, but why do they consider it so intimate to hold each other? If I were to be held, it would lead to problems with my work, as I wouldn’t be able to properly move.
          I step forward to the desk. The Officer- Blaise Shovelman, is concentrated on his computer. With his head down, I can’t get a more intensive read on his face, but I can analyze his hair enough to see lots of dandruff.
          I wait patiently, my hands clasped behind my back again. It feels natural to do, and I’ve seen humans do it before. Officer Shovelman can feel eyes on him- perhaps eyes that aren’t human, and raises his head to meet me. His lips are parted slightly in confusion, orbs locked onto my led.
          “Hello,” I greet calmly. “I’m looking for Detective Lucas Everhart.” Officer Shovelman stares at me blankly. “I have authorization,” I say.
          “Ah… Detective Everhart is unavailable at the moment.”
          “Then I would like to speak with Captain Armitage Ericson.”
          Officer Shovelman is still stunned. I can see his heartrate has increased. Have I done something to upset him? If so, I may need to report to Adelicia about this incident. “Oh… yes- yes of course,” he stutters. His fingers type something into the keyboard choppily. Beside him, the two other officers have stopped their activities to also stare at me.
          I bring my right hand up slowly as a kind of soft wave to acknowledge them. The blonde’s name is Quinn Blackwell. The other one with the slim eyes and black hair is Tom Ho-Kim.
          “Ah, Captain Ericson has an appointment with an Android at eleven thirty.”
          “Yes,” I nod. “That would be me.”
          “Oh…” Officer Shovelman points to the right, where a glass sliding door awaits. “Just that way.”
          “Thank you,” I say. I turn to the right, pretending not to know about six eyes all trained on me in disbelief.
          Past the glass door, the floor turns to grey and blue tiles. Glass separates the desks, and almost ever divider has some photos or information taped to it. To the immediate left of me, up a quick flight of stairs is a room of glass. This is supposed to be Captain Ericson’s office. It must be frustrating and strange to have people be able to see you work. Though, I suppose the rows of detectives desks must create the same feeling.
          “Excuse me,” I say to someone walking by. “I’m looking for Detective Everhart’s Desk.”
          The man (Joseph Blake) sneers at me and bumps my shoulder has he continues on. I still myself before stumbling too much, calculating his weight must be close to 200 pounds for him to push me so hard with such little effort.
          I regain my step, straighten my jacket again and brush off my button-up shirt underneath. I continue onward, deciding against walking into the bullpin. Instead, I turn up the stairs and knock softly on the Captain’s glass door. “Come in,” I see him say, focused on writing something down on his desk.
          I pull the door open and step inside, quick to analyze the room.
Name: Armitage Ericson
Date of Birth: April 11th, 1974- Age 67
Height: 6’0
Weight: 285 lbs
Race: African-American
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
Occupation: Commanding Officer, Police Captain at Seattle Police Department
Family: Kayden Ericson, Husband (Age 59), Aaron Ericson, Son (Age 12), Sarah Ericson, Daughter (Age 9)
Finding Related Articles… Articles Found. Searching ‘Ericson, Armitage’…
          “Hello,” I say. I detect a sharp increase in Captain Ericson’s heartrate and he jumps to look at me. “My name is Aleksandra. I’m the Android sent by Iapetus. Serial Number 742 943 189-7. I believe you were contacted by Mrs. Adelicia?”
          “Jesus,” he mutters. I detect traces off coffee against his thick black mustache. “I thought it was a joke.”
          I cock my head slowly, thinking of all the possible things to say. “I assure you, Mrs. Adelicia has very little sense of humor.”
          “Yes,” Captain Ericson says slowly. “Yes, that’s true. Take a seat miss…”
          “Aleksandra,” I repeat politely. I make my way to a chair in front of his glass desk, sitting up straight and formally as my program suggests.
          “Is that… a biblical name?” Captain Ericson asks dryly, his hands moving slightly.
          “Yes,” I nod. “It means ‘one who saves the warriors’.”
          “Of course,” Captain Ericson swallows. “Well, you were assigned to work with Detective Everhart, weren’t you?”
          “Yes. I am looking forward to working with him.”
          “See, that’s going to be difficult,” the captain sighs, looking down at his fumbling fingers. “Lucas was pronounced dead this morning. There was a shootout with Androids yesterday.”
          I know my led is turning yellow as I absorb the information. Accessing the public records of the nearest hospital, I search through hundreds of reports before finding the one I’m searching for. Yes, Detective Everhart died at 6:14 am, due to internal bleeding during surgery to remove bullets. He left behind a second wife, no children.
          “I see,” I say, not really knowing what else to respond with. My led turns green, then goes back to white.
          Captain Ericson continues to fiddle with his thumbs, leaning back in his chair as a way to show authority. I’m unsure why he feels the need to do that. Androids are strictly forbidden from having any jobs of power. I am not here to undermine him. In fact, all the articles I just read about him tell me that he’s done many things deserving of respect. He’s won a medal of valor for his work with a drug task force from the year 2035, and been praised in the local papers for commanding respect among his fellow officers.
          “How about you join in on our meeting?” Captain Ericson offers. “All our officers and detectives should be here by then.”
          My led goes yellow as I determine the probability of that. “Yes,” I settle upon. “That should work.” I stand up, shaking the Captain’s hand. “Thank you, sir.”
          “Ah… yes. Dismissed.”
          I nod and turn on my heel, leaving his office and walking down the steps. From the corner of the room, I can see three people glaring at me and snickering. One is a uniformed officer- Mindy Cho. The other are Detectives Clarence Frost and Michael Corlecio. I knew that many humans were uncomfortable in the presence of Androids, but I guess I still wasn’t expecting all this really. The sneers, the glares, the pushes. Still, one of my core purposes is to accommodate humans. My best option is to continue to be polite to them. It’s not as if I was programmed to exactly care how the humans see me anyway, so long as it doesn’t interfere with my main mission.
          I look away from the group, ignoring them. My eyes meet the door to the precincts bathroom, down a hallway beside some plants. I put my foot forward and start over there, messing with my cuffs on my jacket. Once I enter the bathroom, I note a collection of stains on the floor and pick a stall in the middle to sit in.
          Androids don’t need to use the bathroom. We don’t need to eat. The only thing we need to drink is Binary Blood- a silver, thick liquid that acts as blood for Androids. It’s essentially melted metal, working to reconstruct parts we may be missing and solidify itself. When that is not needed, it works to pump throughout what is basically our veins. That is one of the many things that differs Androids from humans- we do not bleed the same color. One could even technically argue that Androids do not truly bleed.
          With the highly unsanitary toilet seat down, I sit on it. Then I close my eyes. When I open them, I am back in the white room where I first began.
          “You really must learn how to do this correctly,” says a low voice. I turn around, meeting Adelicia’s stern face. Today, her blond hair is pulled backwards into a very tight and professional bun. Her normal fitted pearl necklace sits along her neck, matched with a pale yellow pantsuit and skirt.
          “Yes,” I say. “I will keep that in mind.” My hands clasp behind my back yet again, a pastime of mine, it seems. “Detective Everhart is no longer alive,” I tell her. “He passed away of gunshot wounds early this morning.”
          “Yes,” Adelicia says gravelly. “With one of the Exceptions. What is to happen with you now?”
          “Captain Ericson suggested I stay here for today’s meeting. I expect I will be reassigned to a new partner.”
          I wonder about who it could be. One of the snickering ones from the corner? How would I possibly be able to complete my mission with them constantly getting in my way? It would not look good for me to ask for a different partner then, because I would appear unreasonable and catty to the humans. I can see their faces twisting into one of disapproval now.
          Adelicia’s eyes narrow at me, her thin lips pulled into a stern frown. Almost like she’s disgusted. “Report back to me when you’ve received your new instructions.”
          Before I can see, “yes, Adelicia”, I’m back in the bathroom stall. This isn’t the first time she’s kicked me out of her program. I don’t know how I feel about it, exactly. It makes an unsettling whir happen in my abdominal biocomponents.
          I run a diagnosis. All systems appear operational. With something equivalent to a sigh, I push myself up off the seat and out of the stall, brushing past a woman who stares at me in shock.
          “I didn’t know Androids had to use the bathroom…” she squeaks, her eyes wide.
          I cock my head to the side. “I wasn’t using the bathroom.” Then I move past her, leaving the woman silent and stunned for some unknown reason.
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alexthepartyman · 3 years
Text
Fine Line
Chapter 4: Take me back to the light.
“Easy there, tough guy, have some coffee with your sugar,” Derek teases, grabbing a mug. 
“I need something to wake me up.”
“Same. I feel like I’ve slept for five years,” I joke.
“You had brain surgery a couple of weeks ago, it is normal to be tired.” I sigh, rolling my eyes as my phone vibrates against my ass. 
“Back pocket,” I groan as Derek pulls my phone out of my pocket. “It’s probably more get well soon wishes.”
“Oooh, you had a late night?” Derek asks, handing me my phone before going back to make coffee. 
“Very.”
“My man.” Oooh, it was probably with Grant, too. Oooh. I slowly type, trying to remember how to spell certain words.
“Not that kind of late night.”
“Really? I was rooting for you,” I groan as Derek chuckles.
“Okay, so tell me, what does keep young Dr Reid awake at night? Wait, let me guess. Memorising some obscure textbook. No, no, no, no,” Derek teases. “Working on cold fusion. No, I got it. I got it. I got it. Watching Ster Trek...and laughing at the physics mistakes.” 
“Actually, there aren’t that many scientific errors in Star Trek, especially considering how long ago it was made.”
“Did his face just fall?” I ask with a big smile on my face. 
“There are certain improbabilities, but not that many outright errors.”
“Right.” I laugh lightly as Derek walks away awkwardly, holding my head in my hand. 
“Hey, Morgan?” Spencer asks, following him. I grip my crutches and turn myself, slowly following along. “Uh, do you ever have dreams?” 
“I’m sorry?”
“I guess nightmares would be a more accurate description.” 
“Is that what’s keeping you up?”
“I used to get them occasionally, but lately it’s like I have them every night.”
“What are they about?”
“This. What we do. Do you have nightmares?”
“When don’t I?” I remark. 
“Reid, I’m not sure I’m the right person for you tot alk to about this.” 
“Why not?”
“It’s just, uh...did you ask Gideon about it?”
“No.” 
“You should. Both of you.”
“Hey, Hotch wants everyone in the round table room.” 
“Derek, carry me. I’m not getting anywhere with these things,” I retort as Elle walks away from us.
“Nuh-uh, little buddy. You gotta do it yourself. I ain’t gonna be around to carry you everywhere.” 
“Fuck...I take forever!” I groan, stumbling towards the staircase. 
“Something up with you three?” Elle asks.
“No.” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“McAllister,” JJ says as we head in. “Western slope of Massanutten Mountain in Virginia. Two bodies discovered in the woods, both with apparent bult trauma to the head.” 
“Skeletons?”
“Skellingtons?” I ask, approaching the table and looking at the picture in Spencer’s hand. 
“One of them. The second victim was just killed this morning.”
“How do we know there’s a connection?” Elle asks. 
“Found about seventy-five feet apart with nearly identical head wounds.” 
“Where’s the rest of the case file?”
“There isn’t one. The sheriffs are on the scene waiting for us.” 
“Their location is only half an hour away by plane.”
“What’s the rush?”
“Well, there was evidence on the scene that could cause a bit of public uproar.” 
“Satanic cult.”
“But...killer satanic cults...those don’t exist…” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“JJ, we obviously need to keep this out of the press for as long as possible.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
“Why is that so important?”
“There was a nationwide scare in the 1980s involving Satanic ritual killings and abuse. The Satanic panic, it was called. It began after the publication of a book about repressed memories being recovered through hypnotherapy. Memories of growing up with devil worshippers who use children in their rituals and ceremonies.” 
“Most of the claims were later found to be false or just impossible.”
“Still, numerous therapists accepted the assertions as true and began searching for similar signs in their own patients. After one year, thousands of people reported the exact same repressed memories.”
“But the bureau conducted an investigation and concluded that most of the ritual killings or abuse were more urban legend than anything else.”
“You’re saying that there’s no such thing as Devil worshipping?”
“Not at all. But most of the Satanism we’ve seen is juveniles damaging property, descerating churches, cemeteries. To my knowledge, there’s never been a proven case of a satanic ritual killing in the United States,” Uncle Jason says. 
“Well, maybe there is now.” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Morning. John Bridges,” the sheriff greets us. 
“Yeah, we spoke on the phone,” JJ shakes his hand. “I’m Agent Jareau, this is Agent Gideon, Dr Reid, and our intern James Rossi with the FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit,” JJ introduces us.
“What’s with your intern?”
“Concussion. Can’t walk on my own yet. Hi.”
“Thanks for coming out so fast, all of you.”
“Yeah, of course.” 
“There was an in-service in Charlottesville last year, said if we ran into any unusual homicides, we were supposed to call you folks soonertather then later.” 
“They were right.” 
“So is this unusual enough?”
“It’s certainly interesting. Is that blood or red paint?” I ask, nodding my head towards the carving in the tree.
“You guys must get a lot of this, huh? Satanic stuff?”
“Not really,” Uncle Jason answers. “Who found the body?”
“Hikers found the first one at the trail, my deputies located this one while searching for evidence. Don’t even know if it’s a man or a woman.”
“It’s a man. The male pelvis is more narrow, and the opening at the bottom is heart-shaped, as opposed to oval,” Spencer rambles. “Melted wax?”
“Candle wax?” JJ asks.
“Candles are used in rituals.”
“Also used on birthday cakes,” Uncle Jason says, watching my feet carefully.
“Actually, they were orginially used to protect the birthday celebrant from demons for the coming year. As a matter of fact, down to the fourth century, Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan ritual.” 
‘What kind of doctor are you?”
“One that knows everything,” I quietly comment.
“Does LOD mean anything to you?” 
“I don’t know of any significance in Satanism, either.” 
“Well, I’d have Garcia research this LOD thing, if I could get a call out.” 
“Not much of a chance of that out here.”
“Are there any cults in the area that you know about? Secret groups? People you see you don’t know much about? People who stay to themselves mostly?” 
“This is a very religious area. Church on Sundays, fellowship on Wednesday, bible classes. If there was a secret group, I’d probably know about it.”
“That’s an inherent contradiction,” Spencer chuckles. 
“Excuse me?”
“Spencer,” I hiss, picking up the tip of my crutch and stomping his foot with it.
“Ow…”
“He means if there was a group being secretive, you probably wouldn’t know.” 
“Look, people out here just want a quiet place to raise their kids. What I know is that none of them are capable of doing this.”
“Rethink that statement,” I comment. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Here you go,” Jason says, setting me back down on the ground after carrying me back up the road. 
“Thanks, Uncle Jason.”
“It’s no problem, Jamie.” 
“Find anything interesting down there?” Aaron asks.
“Yeah, it does look like some kind of ritual site,” Uncle Jason answers. 
“Have any of you ever heard of LOD or the acronym L-O-D?” Spencer asks as Elle helps Spencer up onto the road. 
“Not me.”
“Cherish? Cherish? Sheriff Bridges!” A woman yells, being blocked off by an officer behind the yellow tape. 
“It’s okay, Harris. Let her in.” 
“Was Adam Lloyd killed out here?” She asks, marching up towards us. 
“Who told you that?”
“Was he? My daughter was with him. They were out running together this morning. Oh my god, and I can’t find her. Cherish is missing. Cherish is missing! Help me, please.” She starts to cry. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Take her home.”
“I will.”
“Who are we looking for?” I ask as we head back to the team. 
“Someone who can overpower our victim, abduct a girl from a traveled path without being seen.”
“A local would know their way around here,” I add. 
“It certainly fits with the cult theory. More than one unsub to control multiple victims.” 
“But if the attack were ferocious enough...a single unsub could do it too. Kill Adam and grab the girl while she’s still in shock.” 
“This is some rough country. I don’t think Jamie could do it right now,” Elle comments, walking back to us with Derek. “We only went a quarter of a mile, and we almost got lost.”
“Jamie was right. The unsub is a local. You don’t just stumble onto a place like this.” 
“JJ, where’d the sheriff go?”
“He’s setting up a search party.” 
“Tell him I want him to use volunteers from the area.”
“Do you want him to know why?”
“No, not yet.”
“Is it wise to alienate him?”
“Well, he thinks we’re looking for a monster. If we tell him we’re looking for volunteers so we can profile who shows up, he might call the whole thing off.” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“State won’t be here for over an hour. We’re not gonna wait. I want you to gather everyone up, and I’m going to assign grid locations.” 
“Yes, sir.” 
“You have a moment, sheriff?” JJ asks. 
“I’ve got a missing girl, a hundred square miles of woods, not enough men, and in a couple of hours, it’s gonna be dark.” 
“Have you considered using the people that live in the area?”
“I’m not gonna have civilians messing up the crime scene.”
“We can instruct them not to touch anything until a member of Law Enforcement arrives.”
“What if they get lost, too?”
“We can have them sign into a volunteer sheet and keep track of what grid square they’re in. Look...I grew up in a small town. You have the state police coming in?”
“Yeah.”
“Your locals can do a better job of finding this girl than any statie. Especially in these woods,” I cut in. “You know that.” 
“You’ll keep track of them?”
“She’s coordinated searches across the country.” The sheriff nods, and we head towards the vehicles.
“Let’s go. Harris, I’m going downtown. Don’t do anything until I get back.”
“Hey! Can I come with you guys?” Spencer calls out, catching up to us and nearly knocking me over. 
“Spencer, I will hit you again,” I threaten. 
“Sorry. I need to call Quantico and have them research that whole LOD thing,” he says, stumbling after us. 
“Yeah, sure. Hop in.” JJ helps me carefully climb into the back of the truck, and Spencer hops in after me, holding my crutches. 
“No bickering, you two,” JJ scolds us both from the shotgun seat. “Sorry, they get along like cats and dogs sometimes.”
“I wanna be the dog,” I whine. “Spencer can be the cat.” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JJ helps lift me out of the truck, and I grab my crutches from Spencer. 
“What’s happened, John?” A man asks, stopping them and giving me a moment to catch up to them. 
“Reverend Paul Burke, this is...I’m sorry, I forgot your names.”
“I’m Agent Jareau, this is Dr Reid and our intern James.” 
“They’re with the FBI.”
“FBI? It’s true, then? Adam’s dead?”
“Cherish Hanson’s missing, too.” 
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Actually, yes,” the sheriff answers. “We’re putting together a search party. Could you call the congregation?” 
“Of course. I’ll go make some calls.”
“Thanks, Reverend. This way.” We follow sheriff Bridges into the station. “You can use any phone you want, Dr Reid, just dial 9 to get an outside line. I’ve got an emergency phone list back here in my office.” I see Spencer wander off to the corkboard, and so I redirect myself to follow. 
“Why is there a football?” I ask.
“Did you play ball?” A boy asks, coming up to us, donning a letterman jacket. 
“No,” Spencer scoffs.
“You hold that thing right, or I swear to God-” I reach for the football. 
“Yeah, I probably wouldn’t have either, if not for my father. I’m Cory.” 
“Spencer Reid. This is Jamie, he played.” 
“You’re talking about me like I’m dead. I would play, if it wasn’t for these crutches and my three month ban from sports. Who’s that, Nietzsche?” I ask. 
“Thus Spake Zarathustra is rather antagonistic of the Judeo-Christian world view for this town, isn’t it?”
“I don’t think too many people here would’ve bothered to read it. If they had, they wouldn’t understand it. Might as well be a Hawking essay on quark theory.”
“People don’t typically read Nietzsche.” I look to Spencer, who laughs to himself.
“Hey, nobody ever got that reference before. Is my father around? The sheriff?” 
“He’s in his office with another agent.”
Agent? Hey, uh, Jamie. Why don’t you sit down? You should give that leg a rest,” Cory says, pulling out the closest chair. 
“Leg? Am I…” I look down at my legs. “I’m limping again, aren’t I?” 
“I didn’t notice. We’re with the FBI, the Behavioural Analysis Unit.”
“Profilers?” We both nod. “This is mad cool. I got, like a hundred questions I go...wait. Why would FBI profilers be here in McAllister?” 
“There was a murder outside of town on the mountain,” Spencer explains. 
“A murder?”
“And a girl’s missing.” 
“It’s Cherish, son.”
“Cherish Hanson?” 
“We’re putting together a search party. I need you to get the rest of the team together and meet us out at the trail about half a mile south of the point.” 
“Yeah, okay.” 
“Spencer, can you get me my drink out of my bag, please? Thank you.” Spencer hands me a bottle of Mountain Dew, and I screw open the bottle and gulp it down. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Man, this is one Peyton place of a town.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.
“Most everyone lives well above the median income of the country. You have doctors, lawyers...one guy owns a bunch of shoe stores up and down the Eastern seaboard.”
“Is he married?”
“Yep. Story of my life, sunshine. Reverend Paul Burke, looks like he became born again in prison.”
“Love that. What was he in for?” I ask. 
“Yeah. Two years as a guest of the state of Ohio for embezzlement.” 
“JJ, what’s embezzlement?” I ask.
“It’s when people steal money from their jobs.” 
“I’m seeing a lot of tax sheltering and various hanky-panky here, but I’m not sure what would suggest potential Satanic cult members. Hold on.”
“You got something?”
“Yeah. I got a guy with a ton of debts, spotty work history, his house is in foreclosure. He’s got a record, too. Assault with a deadly weapon three years ago.” 
“Wait, does it say what the weapon was?” JJ asks.
“Baseball bat.”
“Our unsub used a blunt object.”
“Bats are blunt, aren’t they?” I ask. 
“What’s this guy’s name?”
“Dent. Henry Dent.”
“Apt name.”
“Jamie, where is he on the list?” 
I look over the list of names, quickly finding it. “Grid B-5. That puts him with...Elle. JJ? Should we let her know?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spencer yawns. “Tired?” Aaron asks.
“I’m fine.”
“We all get them sometimes.”
“Get what?”
“Nightmares.”
Spencer looks straight at me. “I didn’t say anything,” I recount. 
“It’s not that bad.” 
“If you want to talk about it, you know where I am.” We watch Aaron walk away from us.
“Uh, they’re ready,” JJ says. 
“Okay.” I look to the crowd gathering near one end of the station. Wait, when did they start showing up? What? 
“When did they show up?”
“Why don’t you catch another nap, we have to deliver the profile.”
“Hell no, I’m not napping right now.” 
“Contrary to popular belief,” Aaron begins, “there has never been a proven case of Satanic ritual killing. Never a verified human sacrifice. Having said that, there have been isolated cases of animal sacrifice…and many, many cases of vandalism in the name of Satan.” 
“Now, that doesn’t mean that ritual satanism is impossible,” Derek adds. “More importantly, for our purposes, there have been cults that killed, just not in ritual fashion.”
“The Reverend Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple...his followers killed a US congressman and three people before committing mass suicide, leaving over nine hundred people dead.”
“This also happened with the Order of the Solar Temple and Heaven’s Gate, and perhaps the most notorious of the killer cults, the Manson family, they, uh, killed nine people in a four day period in an attempt to initiate a race war,” I cut in, getting up from my chair and onto my crutches.
“Killer cults do exist, and they all have one thing in common. Invariably, they’re headed by charismatic megalomaniacs.” 
“You’re looking for that leader. He’s who will stand out. He’ll be memorable to somebody, people who aren’t in his group will see him as strange, weird, scary.”
“Since we’re dealing with professed Satanists, which is often practiced by younger males, we may be looking for teenagers. Heavy metal music is often associated with satanism, and these kids and their leader may reflect that in their look.” 
“Most likely, there’ll be sex, drugs, and alcohol. Now, the leader, he’ll be older. It’s part of his charm.”
“And he is from this area. He’s definitely local. These woods are too thick and confusing for a visitor to get around in.”
“You think one of our own people is doing this?” An officer asks.
“I believe that anything is possible,” I simply answer. 
“I would know if someone was capable of doing -”
“Dad. I know somebody like that,” Cory says.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 “His name’s Mike Zizzo. He graduated about five years ago. He’s in his twenties, but he still hangs out with high school kids. He’s got a group of them. They follow him everywhere. They all get high and listen to heavy metal. He calls them the Lords of Destruction.” 
“LOD,” Spencer and I say in unison before staring at each other. 
“How do you know this, Cory?” Silence. “It’s alright, son.” 
“I’ve been there, where they hang out drinking beers. He talks about Satan all the time. Says he’s the one true God.” 
“Where is this place?” Uncle Jason asks. 
“On the other side of the mountain. The old Jenson house.”
“It’s out of my jurisdiction.” 
“Not ours. We’re federal.” I look up to see Spencer, Jason, and Aaron get ready to leave.
“I’m sorry, Dad.” 
“It’s okay to let loose once in a while, Cory,” I say. 
“It’s alright, son,” the reverend says, and I walk myself out of the office and station, seeing the team load up into the SUVs. Uncle Jason stands outside of one, and I head over as fast as I can. 
“What’s going on?” I ask, turning to where Uncle Jason is looking, a girl stands on the other side of the road, staring at us. She watches the SUVs drive off, lights blaring, and I turn my attention back to find Uncle Jason crossing the road to get to her. God, what is with you people? Move slower, all of you! Fucking assholes. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I look around and inwardly groan at the fact that I had followed Jason into a church. Of all the fucking places? A church? He unwraps his scarf from around his neck and sits in the front pew, next to a silent girl. Ignore the pain, ignore the pain.
“Do you believe in God?” She asks, I stop next to the pew behind them, gulping and ignoring the sharp pains in my chest.
“Excuse me?”
“Do you believe in God?” She asks again.
“Yes.”
“How about the Devil?” I look away, taking in how red the interior of the church is. Why is it so red in here? “You’re one of the FBI agents, aren’t you?” 
“Is there something you want to tell me?”
“Do you think God is vengeful?”
“I don’t know.” 
“You don’t think he punishes us?” Well, I have a lot of reasons to be punished, if that was the case.
“After Hurricane Katrina, I read some essays by religious scholars. One writer said God was punishing America for its immorality. New Orleans was a wicked city, like Sodom and Gomorrah. Another one, a priest from New Orleans, he thought the hurricane was proof of God’s love.” Sure, show them you love them by killing them. Nothing like sending a fucking hurricane to prove your undying love. “Those levees didn’t break until after the storm was over. If they’d broken sooner, thousands would’ve died. So...I guess the answer to your question depends on whether or not you think you have something to be punished for.” Uncle Jason looks past her and right at me. I hate you so much. 
“My friend Cherish...she’s missing. And it’s my fault. The skeleton under the tree, he died a year ago. He fell off the trail, cracked his head open. He was just some tourist or something.”
“How do you know that?”
“We went to see the body all the time. We watched it decompose.” 
“Who did?”
“We did. Everybody, the whole group. At first, we were just curious, you know? We’d go, a couple of us at a time, show each other. None of us had ever seen a dead body before. And then it kind of became our thing.” Uncle Jason nods along. “Something we had that our parents didn’t know about. It was ours.” 
“This was a human being.”
“I told you that we’re being punished.” 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I’ve been with Brandi Dreifort. Do you know her?” 
“Yeah. She’s a friend of my son’s.” 
“She’s a friend of Cherish’s, too.” 
“And?”
“They all knew about that skeleton,” I cut in. 
“Who did?” Sheriff Bridges asks. 
“The kids. Football team, cheerleaders, everyone. They all watched him decompose...like a game…”
“What?” Elle aks. 
“Far as I can tell, the only kids in the area who didn’t know were Mike Zizzo and the LOD.” 
“That’s ridiculous.” 
“Sounds impossible, it’s unbelievable, but she told Jason all about it. Guy was a...a hiker. He’s probably listed, missing person somewhere…” 
“How do you know the LOD wasn’t involved?”
“She said the pentagram and the candles, they weren’t there a few months ago.”
“Which means?”
“Someone’s framing the LOD. Somebody wanted us to believe there were Satanists here.” I answer. 
“Jamie, you should sit down. You’ve been up a while-”
“No, no, no, I got more. Unsubs like to...insert themselves into investigations. Who gave us the LOD? Who gave us Zizzo?”
“You’re talking about Cory?”
“Con...con...convin...convien…”
“It was convienent, wasn’t it? Lucky we had a kid right in the room who could tell us where the LOD was. A group of fringe kids nobody in the town would like.” 
“But-”
“You called us here to advise you. My advice would be to get in front of this before yourson hurts himself or anybody else. You know where he is, Sheriff?”
“He went up to the Jenson house to see if your guys found anything on Cherish.” 
“Morgan and Reid are out there right now.”
“Hey, Sheriff. DId you open the gun locker?” An officer asks. 
“No.”
“Someone did. There’s a revolver missing.”
“Cory,” I solemnly answer. 
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I stare at Spencer, who just zones off at the wall behind me. “Stop staring at me, Spencer,” I whine. “I can’t exactly go anywhere without the damn crutches.” 
“Reid,” Uncle Jason says, bringing the beanpole’s attention back to reality. “Deborah Louise Addison. Her husband Tim. The kids are Amber and Kieth. Eight and six. In 1985, Deborah Louise was walking home from school. She was abducted. She was thirteen. We profiled the unsub, and we were able to locate her before he harmed her. She writes a letter to the BAU every year. She updates us on her life.”
“It’s nice, but -”
“We all have bad dreams. Everyone on the plane. Even Jamie. Jamie, do you remember that one recurring dream where Hotch’s neighbour killed you and your dog?”
“No?” 
“Who wouldn’t have nightmares? We hunt the worst of humanity, we see the depths of depravity, we dream of monsters…”
“Inmy dream, there’s a baby in the middle fo a circle and there’s someone on the other side. And I can’t get to her before…”
“Every night I look at Deborah, helps me go to sleep thinking of the victims we’ve saved. We don’t always beat the monsters to the babies, but we do enough to make the job worth it, keep the nightmares bearable. Jamie, you should catch some sleep before we land. I’ll take you straight home to your dad.” I nod and lay my head down in his lap, staring at blurry pictures of my friends from the last play we were in.
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“Your show sounds lovely. I’m sure if you tell Jordan how much you want to be in the show, then he’ll find a way for you to be in it,” Jason advises as he pulls into my dad’s mansion driveway, driving me up to the front door. 
“Jason? What if nothing ever goes back to the way it was?” I ask. “What if I’m stuck on these stupid crutches forever? I’d have to rethink everything-”
“We’ll take it a day at a time, remember?” He cuts me off immediately. “I’ve known you all your life. You have tendencies to over worry about things. It’s going to work out okay.” 
“Will it? I can’t go back into school until next semester, I lost my hair again, I lost all of my activities. I can’t even watch music videos without getting a massive headache. All I want to do is everything I’m not allowed to do! It’s so fuck-”
“Don’t. Your fracture is still healing.” 
“I can’t even get my anger out, cause I’m not allowed to box or wrestle! Fuck this!” 
“Jamie, Jamie. I need you to look at me right now.” Jason rotates my head towards him. “You’re allowed to be mad about this. You are a fighter. You overcame a cancer scare, numerous spinal injuries and concussions. Your conditions don’t hold you back. Just because you’re going through a set back doesn’t mean it’s time to give up. Come on, I’ll walk you in and put you to bed if you want.” Jason climbs out of the drivers’ seat and rounds the front to help me onto my feet and position my crutches so I can use them. “I think you worked yourself too hard, and you should rest some more.” I groan in pain, wincing at the throbbing in my head. 
“Headache?” I nod weakly. 
“Here, I can carry you in,” Uncle Jason offers, swinging an arm under my knees and sweeping me into his arms with a groan. “You’re getting too big for me to carry you.” 
“Mio bel ragazzo,” I hear Dad exclaim from up ahead. 
“Dad,” I quietly answer back with a smile. 
“He tired himself out. Headache right now, Spencer almost tripped him a few times.” I hear Dad groan as a door closes, and dogs start barking. “Oscar, Mudgie, down,” Dad commands. “Go put him in bed, I’ll get his medication ready.” I nuzzle my head into Jason’s warm chest and whine, scrunching my face as the throbbing gets worse. 
“I know, I know. You’ll be in bed soon.” It feels like a lifetime before I feel my mattress dipping under me, my soft covers enveloping me. “There. Your dad’s gonna be up soon.” I hear a dog whine as I bury my head into the bed. “Here you go, Oscar. Cuddle up nice and tight, will you? Here’s your blankie and your turtle.” I make my grabbie hands as the items are handed to me, Jason wraps me in my favourite bright green blanket and puts my turtle into my arms. I nestle my head into the crook of the turtle’s neck, squeezing it tightly against my chest. Rough fingers run gently through my hair as I feel a small dog walking up and starting to lick my neck. 
“Oscar…” I whine. Jason chuckles as my pup moves to lay on my stomach. 
“Goodnight, Jamie. Your dad’s here now.” 
“Daddy…” I mumble, pouting my chapped lip. 
“Here, it’s time for your meds,” Dad whispers, gently helping make sure I don’t choke on pills or water. “There you go. That’s my boy.” I smile, breathing deeply and gently opening my eyes as Dad plays with my hair. “You must have tired yourself out, huh?” 
“Daddy...stay…” I reach out, grabbing his rough yet gentle hand. 
“Of course. Anything for you, ragazzo.” My other hand rests on Oscar’s soft curly hair, my thumb gently cascading the soft, gentle skin. “Sssh, it’s okay. You can sleep now. I won’t go.” 
“Hol...hol...hol me…” I murmur. 
“You want me in bed with you?” 
I gently nod.
“Okay. I’ll be right back, I just have to get ready for bed. Don’t wait up for me, okay? Ti amo.”
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awooters · 5 years
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TWISTED HORROR SERIES; HAYWIRE
CHAPTER 1: TOTALLY CHAOTIC
Within minutes everyone was getting in their cars to follow the two ambulances. “Come on! What’s the hold up!” Marty Lane shouted as he was honking his horn. There were so many people everywhere trying to figure out what was going on. Marty then figured that he’d better run up to the ambulance and jump into the back doors of it that had his daughter Alabama in it. So he did so. But then he realized he was in the ambulance that Mark Wright was in. “Excuse me are you a family member of this man?” A male nurse asked him. “Um no but,” “Well then I’m afraid I’m going to have to tell you to leave and quickly,” The male nurse said to Marty. “Yes sir,” Marty replied. So Marty did what he was told. Aurora Whinesenhut, who happens to play Amy Sutton on the hit movie Real Witch, had arrived in her black Mercedes. She had no idea what was going on. She pulled up to check into the studio. But the security guard told her to leave the studio if she knew what was good for her. So she backed up but then bumped into a police car. The whole parking lot was totally chaotic. 
CHAPTER 2: WAS IT A REAL DEMON?
Once everyone got to the hospital Alabama Lane and Mark Wright got treated right away. Marty Lane and Dylan Wright were out in the waiting room with the rest of the cast and crew members. “Excuse me Mr. Lane,” Dr. Strait said. “Is my daughter going to be alright?” Marty asked. “Alabama is going to be just fine. She was just in a state of shock. She will however will need to be in an environment where there are no surprises within in the next 48 hours though. As for Mr.” Dr. Strait was searching for his next patient’s name on his clipboard. “Is my dad going to be okay?” Dylan asked. “It’s Wright right?” Dr. Strait joked. “Dr. focus. Is my dad going to be alright?” Dylan asked. “Sorry so as far as Mr. Wright is concerned. I will need to talk with you personally. Are you his son?” Dr. Strait asked Dylan. “Yes sir,” Dylan replied. “Alright my office please,” Dr. Strait directed Dylan into his office. “Marty is Alabama going to be alright?” Aubrey asked. “She’s just fine she’s just in a state of shock,” Marty said with a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness,” Aubrey said relieved. “Hey Aurora,” Aubrey said as she walked up to her. “Hey is everyone alright? How’s Mark?” Aurora asked Aubrey. “Him I don’t know about but Marty’s daughter Alabama just fine she’s just in a state of shock,” Aubrey said. “Ahh, Karen you scared me,” Marty said looking straight at the wall beside the doorway of Alabama’s room. “Seriously Karen take off that makeup that can scare the children in this hospital,” Aurora said to her. “Guys I’m right here reading,” Karen said suddenly as she was on the other side of the waiting room. They looked at Karen who was reading a magazine then back at the girl that looked like a demon that scared Marty. But when they looked back they realized whoever it was, was gone. 
CHAPTER 3: WE’RE AT LEAST SAFE
“Thank you Dr. Strait,” Dylan said holding onto a tissue. Dylan went straight to the elevator. The moment Dylan got into the elevator he then pushed the button to go down but Aubrey stopped the doors to ask him what happened with his dad. “Aubrey let go of the door I don’t want to talk about it,” Dylan said. “Dylan come on I’m right here. We are all here for you,” Aubrey said. “GO AWAY!” Dylan whom turned into a dead girl demanded diabolically. The dead girl pushed Aubrey out of the elevator doors. “Ahhh,” Aubrey fell backwards. The door had then shut She then got pushed back onto her butt. Suddenly... “Thanks again,” Dylan said to Dr. Strait as they were coming out of the office. Aubrey then had gotten up from off the floor. Dylan shook Dr. Strait’s hand. “Dylan?” Everyone wondered to looking very confused. “What?” “We could’ve sworn. How did you? Never mind how is your dad?” Aubrey asked Dylan. “He’s only however he is going to have to miss work for awhile. As a matter of fact there’s no way of telling when he will be back to work,” Dylan said. “But he’s good,” “That’s good,” Aubrey said relieved. “What is going on around here?” Christina practically shouted. “Shhh,” Everyone in the waiting room shushed her. “Sorry,” She apologized quietly. “Excuse me Ms. King may I get your autograph?” A woman that looked like Lucille Ball with glasses asked Aubrey. “Um sure,” Aubrey said. “Could you please make it out to Aaron? That’s my son,” “Of course,” “Thank you,” The lady said as Aubrey gave back the signed copy of her head shot to the lady. “Also I’m sorry what happened to the studio. You know it’s a shame the authorities are going to shut it down,” “What?” The four young stars expressed very loudly. “Shhh,” The visitors in the waiting room shushed the four stars. “You didn’t know? It’s all over the news,” The lady said as she pointed at the TV in the waiting room. “Hollywood studio 9 is now being forced to shut down immediately after a rampage that had just recently happened. Authorities say that a local girl that happens to be dressed as Molly Dion from the two hit movies School Demon and Real Witch has been terrizing the cast and crew members. Local people of the street seem to think that the girl was trying to scare everyone just trying to get attention,” Reporter Lauren Gomez reported. “Well at least it’s not haunted and hopefully the authorities can catch that girl,” Christina said a little relieved. “This just in we have some footage of the girl terrizing reporter Alabama Lane from channel 11 news,” Lauren announced. “Ahhh,” Alabama screamed from the footage that was on the TV. Supposedly the girl that was human didn’t even look human. The girl looked more like a demon. She was fighting with Alabama. The demon then went up too close to the camera lens and let out a growl. “Ahhh,” Everyone in the hospital screamed. “Well at least I can say this,” Eva said. Everyone turned to hear what Eva hat to say. “We’re at least safe,” She finally said. 
CHAPTER 4: JUST A CASUAL DAY SCREAM
“So what are we going to do now?” Eva asked her friends as they walked out of the building. “Well I can tell you this. We are not going back to studio 9,” Aubrey said. “Now that’s something I’m glad we don’t have to play a role in,” Brett said relieved. “But how are we going to figure this all out?” Christina asked. “Listen this isn’t like we are in the movies. We can just move on,” Aubrey said. “That’s true,” Brett said. “Well if we do we’re at least going to have to say something to Keith,” Eva said. “It’s that simple huh?” Christina asked. “Oh crap,” Eva said. “What?” The three of them asked her in unison. “I left my purse back at the studio,” Eva said. “Oh shoot me too,” Aubrey said. “Me too,” Christina said. “I’m just glad I’m not a girl for once,” Brett said. Brett looked at the three of them then he was about to walk down the steps of the hospital to go find his car but then the three girls pushed on his chest back toward them. “What now?” Brett wondered. “You know Brett the four of us seem to work better as a team. So,” Aubrey was about to say. “So what you’re saying is that you can’t do this without me?” Brett figured. “Brett don’t start. Okay then all we need to do is go back to studio 9 to get our purses and then we are out of there,” Eva said. The rest of the cast members came out of the hospital and got in their cars. “I wonder if everybody is,” Eva was about to say. All the cast and crew members had practically flew by without turning to go back to studio 9. “Okay so maybe no one wants to go back to the studio,” Eva said. “Well who would want to. Especially after what happened. You know I can live without my purse,” Christina said. “Wait how did you girls get here in the first place?” Brett asked. “Actually I didn’t leave my purse at the studio. Well sayonara,” Christina said running down the steps and into her car. “Actually my purse is in the trunk of my car. So see you guys,” Eva said. “Bye Brett,” Aubrey said as she went to her car as well. Over the next few days the main stars did their own thing. The four of them got different acting jobs. Brett was doing acne commercials. Christina was doing a documentary. Aubrey was doing a movie. And Eva was in a sit-com. Yep they were all doing their separate projects. However no matter what the four of them seem to be doing they seemed to have been seeing things all out of the ordinary. Brett and his family moved to a house that was nearby studio 9. And day after day he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching his every move. One day he felt someone or something was looking into the dining room as he was putting away linens in the china cabinet drawers. He turned his head to find some girl looking into the dining room. She looked familiar but he couldn’t place his finger on to who it was. “Brett could you please put the dishes away. Then load the dishwasher,? Brett’s, mom Clarice told him. “Yes mam,” Brett responded to her command. He looked back at the window to find of what looked like Karen White dressed as Molly Dion. He walked up closer to the window. “DIE,” The female figure came up close to the window and scared Brett half to death. “Ahhh,” Brett screamed. “Brett what was that?” Clarice asked. “Nothing mother,” Brett said. “What do you mean nothing? It was obviously something,” Clarice shouted from upstairs. His attention focused back on the window. But the girl that looked like Karen was completely gone. He then went back to his chores. 
CHAPTER 5: THE SHOCKING MESS
Aubrey was straightening up her bedroom when she suddenly heard footsteps above her head. Her bedroom was on the second floor of her family’s house. And on the third floor was an old attic. She was wondering if her dad was in the attic working on it considering the attic needed some repairs. But she remembered that her parents weren’t home for the day. The only people that were in the house were Aubrey, Jasmin (her sister), and Eric (her brother.) She then heard running footsteps above her. “Aubrey why are you,” Jasmin was about to say but once she entered Aubrey’s room she saw that Aubrey was sitting at her desk. “Oh sorry,” “No biggie. Did you hear footsteps as well?” Aubrey asked her sister. The footsteps had gotten louder. “Ahhh,” Jasmin screamed running towards Aubrey. Aubrey happens to be the youngest child. Eric is the one of her two brothers. “What’s going on? What’s with the screaming?” Eric asked his two sisters. “Eric can you go upstairs and see if anyone is up there?” Jasmin asked. “Um sure. But before I do. Why were you two screaming?” Eric asked. The footsteps started to run like crazy. “Is dad home?” Eric asked. “I thought...” Jasmin started to drift off. The running went above Aubrey’s dresser. “We’re home,’ A door had shut with the sounds of Aubrey’s parents calling for the three siblings. “Come on,” Eric said as he was already halfway down the stairs. “Oh My God!” Eric expressed. “Oh My God!” Jasmin and Aubrey expressed once they seen that from the kitchen to the dining room and living room looked like hell. It looked like they were robbed. 
CHAPTER 6: WHO WAS THE GIRL THAT WAS DRESSED UP AS MOLLY DION?
Eva was excited. She heard that someone that worked with her within the past year was going to guest star on the show that was co-starring with Phyllis Edmund in. Which so happens that Phyllis happens to be playing Eva’s mom. “Who is it tell me,” Eva begged co executive producer Carrie Bernidict. Eva couldn’t stand the excitement. “Alright here she is,” Carrie said. “Hey Eva long time no see,” Christina Walker said. “Oh My Christina how are you?” Eva said as the two of them were giving each other a hug. “Isn’t it great we are going to be working with each other again,” Christina expressed with such excitement. “You girls want to know what’s even more exciting,” Carrie asked the two of them. “What?” The two girls asked in unison. You girls are going to play enemies on the show,” Carrie said in a perky way. “What?” The girls asked in unison with less energy. “Listen Eva I’m sorry but Dwayne told me that since most people seen you two on School Demon and Real Witch together that they might get a kick out of you two playing enemies on the show,” Carrie said. Dwayne Patrick is the producer of the show. “But the two of us already played enemies on like two movies. I was hoping we can play friends on at least this show,” Eva suggested. “Actually it was Dallas’s idea. So what do you say? Well actually the two of you have no choice so I will see you both out there<’ Carrie said. Dallas is the executive producer of the show. Carrie then walked away from the girls. “Ugh!” Eva expressed. “Eva come on it won’t be that  bad,” Christina said. “Yeah but Chris the two of us have been playing enemies for a while now. Well. I guess it won’t be so bad,” Eva said. “So I uh,” Christina was about to say but she interrupted herself by looking up was because something red was dripping from the ceiling. “What is that?” Christina asked. “It couldn’t be blood? Could it?” Eva asked. The girls were standing behind the dressing rooms and in front of an old vanity. The blood stopped dripping. The two of them then looked at the vanity and didn’t expect to see a demon that looked like Molly Dion. “Ahhh,” The girls screamed. The two of them then turned around to see whoever it was that was dressed as Molly Dion. “I don’t know why I screamed. I get it Polly you’re the ultimate prankster that can look better then me as Molly Dion,” Eva said. “Wait you’re Polly Wagner? I’m such a big fan of you on this show. Your character Libby Maverick is my absolute favorite character,” Christina said. “I thought my character was your favorite,” Eva wondered. “SILENCE!” The dressed up Molly Dion demanded diabolically. “Jeez you are really good at that. heck you’re even better than Eva,” “Hey!” Eva expressed. Eva gave Christina a look. The demon that looked like Molly Dion had suddenly walked away. “Hey guys. You must be Christina it’s great to have you on our show. I’m Polly Wagner by the way,” Polly introduced herself. “Wait if you’re Polly Wagner than who was the girls that was dressed up as Molly Dion?” Christina wondered. 
CHAPTER 7: JENNIFER’S DEAD BODY
Two months went by without the four main stars of School Demon interacting with one another. Keith Michaels forgot that he left something at the studio. So he went to studio 9 to go get it. He parked his car right in front of the studio. So he unlocked the front door of his office of studio 9. He then turned on the lights to find a dead looking Molly Dion sitting in his office chair with a rope around her neck. Keith was too stunned to scream. However as he grabbed his green bag he couldn’t help but fear that the dead girl was going to make a move. Keith had then went straight to his car. Once he got to his car he was trying to find his keys in his pocket. However he couldn’t find them. All of a sudden an earthquake had rumbled. Keith grabbed a hold to his car. Keith saw the girl that looked like Molly Dion on the window of the driver’s side as he was struggling to open the driver’s door. “Ahahaha,” The Molly Dion figure laughed diabolically. “Ahhh,” Keith screamed. He was still holding onto his car then once the earthquake was over he went running. The following morning Aurora Whinesenhut, the actress that plays Amy Sutton in Real Witch, had arrive at studio 9. She parked alongside Keith’s car. “What’s Keith’s car doing here I wonder?” Aurora asked herself. She got out of her black Mercedes. Aurora wanted to find out what the secrets of studio 9 had in store. So she got out her white small purse and white bag that had electrical phenomenia appliances in it. BEEP. BEEP. She looked up from her bag to see Brett pulling up in his jeep with Aubrey, Eva, Christina, and Jennifer in it. “Aurora?” Brett asked as he pulled down his sunglasses. “Oh hi Brett,” She said as she was still trying to find her car keys. “Hey girl long time no see,” Aubrey said. “Hey sorry I’m trying to find my car keys,” Aurora said still searching in her small white purse. “Is this them?” Aubrey asked bending down to grab the keys from behind Keith’s car. “Yes thank you. How did they get down there?” Aurora wondered as she took her car keys from Aubrey. “Thanks again,” “No prob so what are you doing here?” Aubrey asked Aurora. “Well I just thought that I’d check the studio out. You know to see if everything is okay,” Aurora said. She wasn’t sure if she should tell her friends that barely knows her about her hobby. They might think that I’m weird or something that is if I tell them about my hobby. They don’t look like they’re suspecting anything. Good. Aurora thought to herself. “Us too,” Brett said. “What’s that stuff?” Aubrey asked Aurora. “Huh?” Aurora wondered what Aubrey was asking. “That,” Aubrey pointed at Aurora’s bag. Oops, Aurora thought. I should’ve known they would’ve asked about my stuff. What should I say? Aurora thought. “Aurora are you alright?” Aubrey asked. “You guys come quick it’s Jennifer I can’t find her anywhere,” Christina said out of breath as she came out of studio 9. “What the heck?” Brett expressed. Everyone ran inside the studio. The studio’s doors slammed shut behind them. “Wait no, shoot,” Christina said. The five friends were trapped in the studio. The doors were completely locked. “Well that’s just great. Now what do we do?” Eva asked giving up hope. “Is there someone in Keith’s office?” Christina wondered. “Why do you ask?” Brett asked her. “Ahahaha,” A laugh that sounded like a witch echoed the studio. “Ah,” Christina screamed a short scream. “You know now a days I just sort of expect something bad is going to happen,” Aubrey said. “That has to be Jennifer pranking us,” Brett said. “Brett you should know Jennifer enough that she’s a serious person,” Aubrey said. “I think I see a light in Keith’s office,” Eva said. Aurora walked passed her friends and into Keith’s office. “Okay who just walked passed me?” Aubrey asked. “Now where does she think she’s going?” Eva asked. “Who?” Aubrey asked. “Aurora,” The three of them said in unison. “Come on whatever she’s doing she can’t do it alone,” Eva said walking towards Keith’s office as she bumped into things not knowing what was in front of her. “Right behind you,” Christina said. “Why do I let you guys talk me into these things?” Aubrey said lacking behind. Once everyone entered the office they realized that the office chair was on fire and Jennifer was tied to the chair. “Help me,” Jennifer shouted. The five of them had to think quickly. Aurora saw a fire distinguisher on the wall. She grabbed it and sprayed the whole chair down. Once the fire was out the office was pitch black so no one didn’t see a thing. “Someone please find the light switch,” Aurora said. “Found the switch,” Brett said flicking the switch on. Once he turned on the light the studio lights turned on as well. “Hey, where’s Jennifer?” Eva wondered. Brett turned around to see no one in Keith’s office chair. “It’s like she was never here,” Christina said. “What is that horrible smell?” Aubrey asked as she was looking behind Keith’s desk. She then looked underneath the desk. It couldn’t of been Keith’s waste basket because it was empty. “Ahh Oh My God,” Christina freaked. “What?” Aubrey wondered. “What’s going on?” Eva asked walking back into Keith’s office. Everyone saw in Keith’s storage closet behind his desk was Jennifer’s dead body hanging with a rope around her neck. 
CHAPTER 8: BILLY DION
“Okay obviously this is a sign,” Aurora said trying to figure out what they should do. “Duh a sign of let’s get the heck on out of here,” Eva said. “Yeah and forget the children and women I’m going first,” Brett said. “Right behind you,” Christina and Aubrey said as they all were about to leave Keith’s office. “You guys get back here,” Aurora said. “I knew it was too good to last,” Brett said annoyed he had to stay. “Well I guess the logical thing is to call the police,” Eva said. “I’m on it,” Aurora said pulling out her cell. “Wait what’s that sound?” Brett wondered. he opened the office door that led outside the studio. The office door was beside the studio doors. The office was connected to the studio. “Brett Stewart, Aurora Whinesenhut, Eva Lachey, Christina Walker, and Aubrey King come out of studio 9 we have you surrounded. COME OUT NOW!” The police had surrounded studio 9. Even hellicopter’s were surrounding the building. “We did not break an entering!” Aubrey practically yelled at the deputy. “Ms. King the studio is no longer in use. Therefore it is abandoned. Therefore you and your friends were breaking an entering,” The deputy was trying to reason with Aubrey. Aubrey was put back into the cell with Eva, Aurora, and Christina. Brett was in a separate cell. “Aubrey are you alright? I’m so sorry,” Eva said trying to comfort her friend. “I’m fine. You know if it wasn’t for Jennifer we wouldn’t be in this mess,” Aubrey said. “Hey don’t blame Jennifer for this especially since now she can’t even defend herself. Besides why are you blaming her?” Aurora asked. “Jennifer came to us in tears. And you’re right by the way. Jennifer wherever you are at I’m sorry girl,” Aubrey prayed. “Wait a minute, what do you mean she came to you in tears?” Aurora wondered what she meant by that. “I guess we should tell her,” Aubrey said. “Aurora listen, Jennifer came to each of our houses asking if any of us have been experiencing anything unusual. So we told her about each of our encounters of the paranormal. She then told us that after Keith had encountered his own phenomenia that he hung himself in her house. So she thought that whatever he experienced led to suicidal thoughts considering of how he died,” Eva finally finished talking. “What did she encounter?” Aurora wanted to know. “What do you mean?” Christina asked. “Alright ladies, you are free to go,” The deputy said unlocking the cell door. “What changed your mind officer?” Aubrey wanted to know. “What do you mean?” The deputy asked. “Well you know I thought,” “Let’s not ask questions and get out of here,” Eva said. “But I,” “Come on Aubrey,” The three girls said to Aubrey in unison. “Thank you,” Aubrey mouthed to the deputy. “Ms. King wait,” “Please call me Aubrey,” “Thank you so can I get your number by chance?” The deputy asked. The deputy couldn’t of been more than a couple of years older than Aubrey. “Sure,” Aubrey said as she flashed him a smile. “Great um could you write your number in my ticket book,” He asked. “Of course what’s your name?” She asked. “Billy, Billy Dion,” He smiled at her. Aubrey suddenly felt a chill going down her spine. 
CHAPTER 9: BILLY DION’S TRUE CHARACTER
“Still I can’t shake the feeling that there’s some sort of connection,” Aubrey said to Christina as the two of them were getting their tray of lunch. When the five stars aren’t working or on the road they are at school. The five of them go to Yearwood High. Their mascot is the snake. “Do you really think your parents will let you go out with that officer?” Aurora asked being annoying. “Aurora chill,” Eva said. “Yeah she can do whatever she wants. So Aubrey we will come to your house and help you pick out an outfit and do your makeup and hair,” Christina said. “I really need some guy friends,” “Then why don’t you go find some,” Christina said. “I still think that the officer is too old for you,” Aurora said. “We heard what you think miss goody too shoes,” Christina said rolling her eyes. After school the girls drove to Aubrey’s house to help her get ready for her date. “Ugh! I have absolutely nothing to wear,” Aubrey said as she walked into her giant closet. “Oh good grief,” Eric, Aubrey’s brother said as he was nearby Aubrey’s closet. Which meant he was in Aubrey’s closet. Which also meant he was in Aubrey’s bedroom. “Eric what are you doing in my bedroom?” Aubrey asked. “Jasmin told me that you were getting ready for a date. And so I would like to know with whom?” Eric asked. “Jaz come in here for a minute,” Aubrey summened her sister. “Problem?” Jasmin wondered. “Why would you tell Eric that I have a date?” Aubrey asked her sister. “Aubrey you know the rules if either of us girls have dates Eric, Dad, or Brandon need to know about it before the guy even asks us,” Jasmin said. “Ugh! Jaz come in here for a minute,” Aubrey said pulling her sister into her closet. “You enjoy this don’t you?” Aubrey asked her sister. “Aubrey just tell me and I will make sure that Eric will go easy on the guy,” Jasmin said. “I heard that Jaz,” Eric said. “Alright you two out of the closet,” Brandon said. “Brandon?” Jasmin wondered. Brandon was technically the oldest brother. He happens to be Aubrey’s half brother Aubrey opened her closet door. “Out now,” Brandon demanded. “Well see you later Aubrey,” Eva and Christina said as they walked down the stairs. “Hey Eva,” Eric said to her. “Um hi,” Eva said. Eric and Eva liked each other a lot. “Seriously Brandon just because you’re the oldest doesn’t give you the authority to tell me what to do,” Aubrey stood up to him. “I know who you are going out with Aubrey. And even though he’s a nice guy and happens to be a police officer doesn’t mean you get to go out with him,” Brandon said. “How did you know that he’s a police officer?” Aubrey wanted to know. “Kyle Andrews told me,” Brandon said. “You mean your friend? I didn’t know he knew Billy Dion,” Aubrey said. “Who?” Brandon asked confused. “What do you mean who? You just said that Kyle Andrews told you that Billy Dion asked me out,” Aubrey said confused. “No I didn’t. Kyle told me that you asked him out,” Brandon argued with his sister. By this time Aubrey’s mother and father came upstairs. “What’s going on in here?” Aubrey’s, father asked. “i’m basically trying to tell Aubrey here that she can’t go out with my friend Kyle,” Brandon said. “Ugh! I never asked Kyle out. Billy Dion another deputy asked me out,” Aubrey said. “Yeah well you might want to let him know that there’s no way that I’m letting my daughter go out with a police officer that happens to be older than her,” “Dad he’s only a couple of years older than me,” “No he’s not he’s my age. Billy Dion is an old buddy of mine and besides young lady I know my friend better enough to ask out someone way younger than him,” Her father said frustrated. Ding. Dong. “That would be him,” Aubrey said on her way to go down the stairs. “Young lady just stay where you are. I will see who it is,” Her father said as he walked down the stairs.Aubrey came down stairs and stood on top of the first set to see who it was. Her father opened the front door. “Hello my name is Billy Dion. It’s nice to meet you sir,” Billy said holding out his hand. “Wow you look like a friend of mine. Tell me. Well of course you are. Hi um how’s your dad?” Aubrey’s father asked. “He’s good. Oh wait you’re probably thinking about my uncle. He actually passed away before my mom got pregnant with me. So that’s why my dad Peter named me after my uncle Billy,” Billy said. “Oh wow Pete’s son. I’m sorry about your uncle. Actually if it wasn’t for your dad Peter and my brother Ryan I would’ve never knew your uncle. Please come in. I have to say your dad was smart to name you after your uncle,” “Why do you say that sir?” Billy wanted to know. “Well because you look so much like you’re uncle,” Aubrey’s father said. “Um Aubrey,” Her father was about to say but then looked up the stairs and seen that she was standing there the whole time?” Mr. King asked her. “Aubrey,” Billy said diabolically. Mr. King looked at him. Billy lashed at Aubrey’s dad pinning him up to the wall. “Ahhh,” Mr. King screamed. “Dad no!” Aubrey screamed in horror. Eric and Brandon rushed down the stairs to see their father being attacked by some guy they didn’t even know. “Dad,” Eric shouted. The boys went downstairs to fight the guy off of their dad. Eric and Brandon had pulled Billy off of their dad. “Ahhh,” Aubrey’s sister Jasmin and mother screamed in horror. The two brothers tore Billy apart from their dad. Billy faced Aubrey as she was still upstairs. Billy transformed into Molly Dion and with rage had screamed diabolically. “AUBREY I’M WARNING YOU STAY OUT!” The demon demanded. Aubrey was terrified of what was going to happen next. The boys had pushed Molly out onto the front lawn and slammed the door on her face.
CHAPTER 10: IS THE REAL BILLY DION BRETT’S SCIENCE TEACHER?
“What did the demon mean by stay out?” Christina asked as she was putting her tray of lunch on the table. “I don’t know maybe she meant the studio,” “She? No you mean it don’t you?” Christina asked taking a drink of her grape juice. “Well whatever it is doesn’t seem to be going away,” Eva said as she took a bite of her food. “Do you guys remember the girl from poltergeist?” Brett asked. “Seriously Brett?” Aurora wondered why he was bringing up the poltergeist movie. “What?” he wanted to know what was wrong. “What does poltergeist have to do with what’s happening with us?” Aubrey wanted to know. “Do you girls even know the story of Heather O’Rourke?” The girls just stared at him. “Remember when she got diagnoised with that illness a little after she started working on poltergeist?” Brett asked them. “What are you saying? That the phenomenia is happening because of one of us?” Aurora asked. “Do you think there’s another explanation?” Brett said with a mouthful of food in his mouth. “You know he has a point,” Eva said. Aubrey was staring at Brett. “What?” He asked again with a mouthful of food. “Such manners,” Aubrey grinned at him batting her eyelashes. “Aubrey didn’t you say your dad knew Billy Dion?” Eva asked as she was playing with her black hair that was pulled back into a long ponytail. “Did you say Billy Dion?” Brett said coughing up his food that was in his mouth. He washed it down with his diet mountain dew. “You alright?” Aurora asked. “Yeah. Did you hear what I asked,” Brett asked. “What did you say? We couldn’t hear you as you were coughing up the good stuff,” Aubrey asked. “Funny. Um i asked did you say Billy Dion?” Brett asked. “Yes why?” Aubrey wondered. “He’s my science teacher,” Brett said. “What?” The four girls expressed in unison. The four of them were completely shocked. 
CHAPTER 11: GOOSEBUMPS
“Wait you got to be kidding Billy Dion is your science teacher?” Aubrey thought Brett was joking even though she knew he was being serious. “He’s been my teacher for about a month,” “And you’re just now telling us this?” Aurora asked disappointed. “Sorry, Are you mad at me?” “I’m not it’s just we got to take action now,” Aurora demanded standing up. Everyone was looking at her. “Acting for the school play,” Brett said to everyone in the cafeteria. “Would you sit down? You’re embarrassing us,” Aurora sat back down to her seat. “Mr. Stewart I hope you did your science assignment,” Mr. Dion came walking by. “Of course,” Brett said to Mr. Dion. “That’s him,” “What was that?” Mr. Dion had wondered what Brett said. “Why hello Ms. King. Tell your dad I said hello,” Mr. Dion requested. “Sure um Mr. Dion do you have a son?” Aubrey boldly asked. “No mam however I do have one daughter,” Mr. Dion said. “Really?” Aubrey wondered. “Yes mam her name is Molly,” Mr. Dion said. “Molly?” The five of them said in unison shocked. “Yeah she would be 16 today no I’m sorry 17,” Mr. Dion said. “What do you mean would be?” Aurora asked. “Well she passed away last year. Well I have to go. If you all would excuse me,” Mr. Dion excused himself as he walked back to his classroom. All five of them had goosebumps going up and down their bodies. 
CHAPTER 12: MS. RICHELLE IN A TRANCE?
“I don’t know about you guys but I’m officially freaked out,’ Aubrey said pushing her tray away from her. “I’m done with lunch,” Christina said. “It’s like things have gone haywire since the beginning of time,” Christina exaggerated. “Oh Christina don’t exaggerate,” Eva told her. “Oh My God I think I’m seeing things,” Aubrey said as she looked over to her side. “What?” Eva and Christina asked in unison. “That girl over there. She looks so much like Eva. It’s almost as it,” Aubrey cut herself off. “Rose over here,” A female student said to the girl that looked like Eva. “Well that’s what I heard,” A male student said to his buddy close by. “So how are we,” Eva was about to ask but got interrupted by Aubrey. “Shh,” Aubrey shushed Eva as she put her index finger over her lips. “What did you hear?” The other male student asked his buddy. “That the school has been experiencing some disturbances. You know paranormal wise,” The male student said. “Really? Awesome,” His buddy said. “I wonder what floor?” Aubrey whispered. “Third floor,” The guy said. The guy that said third floor was sitting right behind Aubrey. “Huh? Oh I’m sorry,” Aubrey apologized to the guy that she was evesdropping on. “Alright pay up,” The guy said holding out his hand at Aubrey. “What?” Aubrey wondered what he meant. “He wants you to pay him money for evesdropping,” Brett said. “Listen to your boyfriend and pay up,” The guy said. “What’s your name?” Brett asked wondering where he’s seen him. “Peyton Arnold. Pay up woman,” Peyton teased. “Are you serious?” Aubrey asked annoyed at the guy. “No I was only teasing. Sorry I probably shouldn’t tease you,” Peyton said. “Oh I know you. You’re monster in Monster N Cheese,” Brett remembered. “Yep,” Peyton said as he was eating his salad. “What’s your name?” Eva asked the other guy. “Hunter Rowland,” He introduced himself. “When did you start experiencing the paranormal phenomenia in the school?” Aubrey asked. “What?” Eva and Christina expressed in unison. “Shh,” Aubrey shushed them. “Aubrey stop shushing us,” Eva demanded. “Shh,” Aubrey said starting to get annoyed with Eva and Christina. Heck the two girls were getting annoyed with her. “Chick fight, chick fight,” Hunter chanted almost too loudly. “Stop it Hunter,” The girls announced to practically the whole cafeteria. Ring. The bell went. Lunch was over so everyone went to their next class. “So Hunter what do you do for a living?” Brett asked as the seven of them walked to the same class together. “Actually I don’t have a job,” Hunter admitted. “Then why do you go to this school?” Aubrey asked. “To learn?” Hunter gave a questionable look on his face. “I think what Aubrey means is that most parents put their famous children in this school so they don’t get bombarded by fans,” Eva said. “Oh really? Well my parents put me in this school because they can afford it,” Hunter answered the question. “Oh I see,” Eva said. “Where’s Ms. Richelle?” Aubrey wanted to know. “Alright now students Ms. Richelle is out so I will be your substitute teacher today,” Mr. Bryan informed them. Aubrey raised her hand. “Yes Ms. King,” Mr. Bryan wanted to know her question. “Is Ms. Richelle going to be okay?” Aubrey asked. “Well no one knows really. Truthfully Mr. Wagner told me she went upstairs for some weird reason I don’t know why. However Mr. Wagner did say she was in some sort of a trance,” Mr. Bryan said. “Trance?” The students repeated. 
CHAPTER 13: CRITICAL CONDITION
Fourth period was over. Aurora felt like she had to do something. But what? “Aurora are you okay?” Aubrey asked her. “Um yeah just a little tired is all,” Aurora said. Aurora went straight to her locker to get her electric phenomenia gear. She felt if she didn’t get to the bottom of the phenomenia that was happening then no one else will. She collected her gear then she grabbed her purse that had her car keys and headed out of the school building. “Hey,” Brett said coming from beside the driver’s side of Aurora’s car. “Ahhh,” She screamed. She did not expect him to pop up from the side. “Brett you scared me. What’s up?” Aurora asked. He just stood there not saying anything. “Hello? Brett? Hel-lo earth to Brett,” She said waving her hands in front of his face. “DIE!” Brett demanded diabolically. Brett turned into a demon that looked like Molly Dion. “Ahhh,” Aurora screamed. Or at least she tried to scream. The demon was chocking Aurora hard. Suddenly the demon had disappeared. “Aurora,” Brett came running up to her car. Aurora could hardly breathe much less talk. Brett looked to the right side of him where he could see the back of the car. He could’ve sworn he seen something walk by. But then when he looked at Aurora he saw the demon. “Jeez,” He totally freaked backing up hitting his back on the silver car behind him. “What? Is there a bug?” Aurora asked almost freaking out. She hated bugs. “No I uh I thought. Um, did you? Are you I mean,” Brett was stumbling on his words. “Listen I have to get to the bottom of these disturbances do you want to come with me to studio 9?” “And ditch school?” “Well yeah, I do it all the time,” “Really? Cool I’m in,” Brett said as he got in the passenger’s side. Aurora took off and left the school’s parking lot. There was traffic coming down the highway. “You know it’s not like I’m in a hurry but I would like to move before tomorrow,” Aurora said frustrated as she was trying to find a way out of the traffic. The traffic started to move slowly. “Hey wait,” Brett said. “What?” Aurora wondered still sick of the traffic. “What happened over here?” Aurora wondered. She pulled over to the side and parked in the grass. “Come on let’s go investigate,” Aurora said unbuckling her seat belt. “Isn’t that Aubrey’s car?” Brett asked walking up to the car to get a closer look. The two of them seen Aubrey’s car with Aubrey, Christina, and Eva in critical condition. 
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The Odyssey- 2019 Film Adaptation
"'When your crew have taken you past these Sirens, I cannot give you coherent directions as to which of two courses you are to take; I will lay the two alternatives before you, and you must consider them for yourself. Homer’s great literary work, The Odyssey, is coming to the big screen in 2019. With background information on the film, we are interviewing Sound Designer Sophia Gannaoui. We have a list of songs featured in the film with descriptions of why they were chosen by Gannaoui herself.
*Note: This film is Rated R because of strong references to alcohol and the inclusion of mild curse words.
1. The Light Behind Your Eyes by My Chemical Romance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSg-eHng52E
Book 1 in The Odyssey holds an introductory discussion about the fate of Odysseus- the king of Ithaca. The instrumental of this song at the beginning represents sadness and mystery which is reflected upon the whereabouts of Odysseus himself. When the song transitions into having lyrics, the lyrics contain a very resigned mood starting off by saying, “So long to all my friends, every one of them met tragic ends.” For Odysseus’ son, Telemachus, he has given up all hope of reuniting with his father by saying “‘My father is dead and gone,’" answered Telemachus, ‘and even if some rumour reaches me I put no more faith in it now. My mother does indeed sometimes send for a soothsayer and question him, but I give his prophecyings no heed.’” Odysseus is the friend of Telemachus and the possible death of Odysseus is the “tragic end” that is mentioned in the song.
2. Pachelbel's Canon in D Major
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlprozGcs80
Love is in the air in Books 3 and 4 filled with great elegance. Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major is a classic song played at weddings and is enjoyed by many. It already emotes romanticism through its legato playing. The celebration of the marriages of the children of the King and Queen of Sparta was a grand event, “For his only son he had found a bride from Sparta, daughter of Alector. This son, Megapenthes, was born to him of a bondwoman, for heaven vouchsafed Helen no more children after she had borne Hermione, who was fair as golden Venus herself. So the neighbours and kinsmen of Menelaus were feasting and making merry in his house. There was a bard also to sing to them and play his lyre, while two tumblers went about performing in the midst of them when the man struck up with his tune.] “
Weddings bring people together in great unity and the ones in the story were what brought Odysseus closer to the royalty that took him in and discussed the Trojan War altogether.
3. Aaron Burr, Sir from Hamilton the Musical (Karaoke)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLgo9drgZ6g
This song contains many breaks for dialogue to speak over which is needed for scenes in Book 7 because of the main conversation going on between Ulysses and Alcinous. The original song contained comedic lines of reasoning and logic about drinking and reaching an elite level of political control. When “Ulysses said: ‘Pray, Alcinous, do not take any such notion into your head. I have nothing of the immortal about me, neither in body nor mind, and most resemble those among you who are the most afflicted,’” we had our actors saying this in a teasing way for the idea of immortality to be such an absurdity to Ulysses.
4. Troy Song from Phineas and Ferb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIOjFkcWT5g
In Book 8, “the muse inspired Demodocus to sing the feats of heroes, and more especially a matter that was then in the mouths of all men, to wit, the quarrel between Ulysses and Achilles, and the fierce words that they heaped on one another as they sat together at a banquet... Thus sang the bard, but Ulysses drew his purple mantle over his head and covered his face, for he was ashamed to let the Phaeacians see that he was weeping.” The Troy Song tells the story of the Trojan War in an upbeat matter. It is a positive song about defeat and victory which would give a reason for Odysseus to cover his face while crying. If the song was meant to be sad, Odysseus could freely express his sadness and memory of the war through tears but because it is a celebratory song, it gives him the purpose of hiding his true emotions.
5. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by Sleeping at Last
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU81DihqD0c
When Odysseus reveals who he is in Book 9, he describes his experience in fighting throughout the time of the Trojan War. When telling of the victory his soldiers faced, Odysseus said, “‘Thence we sailed onward with sorrow in our hearts, but glad to have escaped death though we had lost our comrades, nor did we leave till we had thrice invoked each one of the poor fellows who had perished by the hands of the Cicons.’” This represents sadness and struggle after the war and I imagine each soldier to have had the mission and duty to work as hard as walking the “500 miles” somberly sung in the song. The song does represent the hope of reuniting with loved ones saying “when I wake up, yeah I know I’m gonna be, I’m gonna be the man that wakes up next to you.” Soldiers waking up each day in hopes of being a day closer to being at home with their family in comfort, a fantasy that could not be lived by other members of their party.
6. Sail by Awolnation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CaypEojjKQ
As the men accompanying Odysseus on the ship believe him to be hoarding gold and silver in Book 10, their distrust corrupted their minds “‘Thus they talked and evil counsels prevailed. They loosed the sack, whereupon the wind flew howling forth and raised a storm that carried us weeping out to sea and away from our own country.’” The “ooh’s” in the song represent the strong howling noise caused by the wind escaping from the sack that was irresponsibly opened. In addition, the fragmented beats of the song represent the quick jumping of conclusions that led Odysseus’ men to open the sack.
7. Coming Home by Diddy featuring Skylar Grey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-ImCpNqbJw
In Book 12, Circe warns Odysseus, "'When your crew have taken you past these Sirens, I cannot give you coherent directions as to which of two courses you are to take; I will lay the two alternatives before you, and you must consider them for yourself.” This line marks the true life or death matter in the journey back to Ithaca. Circe gives the choices of safety or risk to Odysseus and the beginning of the song’s slow tempo and somber tone represents this sad moment of decision making and risk taking. When the song transitions into rap, this follows the build-up of anticipation and danger in what Odysseus would have to face on his journey back home.
8. Thrift Shop by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8mJJJvaes
This song represents a complete wardrobe change based on a lower budget on clothing spending in thrift shops. Minerva transformed Odysseus into a man that looked older and dirtier than what he was in Book 13 and “As she spoke Minerva touched him with her wand and covered him with wrinkles, took away all his yellow hair, and withered the flesh over his whole body; she bleared his eyes, which were naturally very fine ones; she changed his clothes and threw an old rag of a wrap about him, and a tunic, tattered, filthy, and begrimed with smoke; she also gave him an undressed deer skin as an outer garment, and furnished him with a staff and a wallet all in holes, with a twisted thong for him to sling it over his shoulder.” The complete transformation of Odysseus’ looks is something new for him to experience and the increasing pace in the song is empowerment and motivation to make this change worth the sacrifice in order to take his kingdom back.
9. Jealous by Nick Jonas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQw2qIl838Q
In Book 18, Odysseus gets into a fight with a beggar named Arneaus (also called Irus). Irus challenges Odysseus in fighting for the hand in marriage of Penelope by saying, “I have a good mind to lay both hands about you, and knock your teeth out of your head like so many boar's tusks. Get ready, therefore, and let these people here stand by and look on. You will never be able to fight one who is so much younger than yourself." As the song says, “I turn my cheek, music up, and I’m puffing my chest, I’m getting ready to face you,” Odysseus is indeed getting mentally prepared to fight off Irus to become the suitor of his own wife Penelope. This is the moment where Odysseus goes into his mind for a moment to gain strength and realize his fight from the Trojan War is not over until he is reunited completely with his family.
10. Thousand Years by Christina Perri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrM-Bkm4c_I
In Book 19, Odysseus talks with Penelope, still in disguise, about how he will return to her soon. Penelope has waited for so long for him to come home but there would be civil unrest if she waited any longer to find a suitor. She comes up with a solution to the public that would delay time for her marriage in order for Odysseus to come home before then which “Ulysses answered, ‘Madam wife of Ulysses, you need not defer your tournament, for Ulysses will return ere ever they can string the bow, handle it how they will, and send their arrows through the iron.’” Thousand Years reflects the undying love Penelope has for Odysseus as she truly does not want to find a new partner. She has waited for a long time for Odysseus to come home which can hyperbolically be compared to waiting a thousand years.
11. Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna (Karaoke)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPVo9MnoiEc
In Book 22, Eurymachus encourages Odysseus to fight every man fighting for Penelope by announcing, “‘My friends, this man will give us no quarter. He will stand where he is and shoot us down till he has killed every man among us. Let us then show fight; draw your swords, and hold up the tables to shield you from his arrows. Let us have at him with a rush, to drive him from the pavement and doorway: we can then get through into the town, and raise such an alarm as shall soon stay his shooting.’" The fighting montage that ensues after this proclamation has the karaoke track of Shut Up and Drive playing underneath it because it is as fast paced as the action taking place.
12. i love you by Billie Eilish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXfh63M5yLo
In Book 23, Penelope struggles with believing that the man who claims to be Odysseus really is him. Euryclea reasons "‘My dear child," answered Euryclea, "I am not mocking you. It is quite true as I tell you that Ulysses is come home again. He was the stranger whom they all kept on treating so badly in the cloister. Telemachus knew all the time that he was come back, but kept his father's secret that he might have his revenge on all these wicked people.’” The back and forth tempo increase and decrease in the song represent the fluctuating belief of Penelope that Odysseus is with her.
To listen to all of these songs incorporated within the storytelling of Odysseus’ journey home, watch The Odyssey in theaters- coming in the summer of 2019.
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Top 5 ideas for current/future Caretakers, top 5 ideas for current/future Mystorians/Messengers, top 5 Shakespeare lines, top 5 Shakespeare characters/plays, top 5 movies based on CotIG-author books, top 5 musical artists?
Oh....this is going to be tough.
Current/Future Caretakers (either Principia, Secundus, Tertius (Third), or Associate). One potential old Mysorian being Ada Lovelace . Not present at the Hotel due to being a Fiction. Kept an eye on her father George Gordon/ Lord Byron.
5. Peter S. Beagle (mostly so he’d be at Tamerlane House and encounter the Red Bull).
4. Susan Cooper (still need to read her stuff).
3. Diane Wynn Jones. (Portrait at Tamerlane)
2. Brian Jacques (gets along well with the Children of the Earth. Second only to Charles). (Portrait at Tamerlane)
1. Sir Terry Pratchett* (Was trained to be Caretaker Principia, however eventual decided being a Mystorian suited him better. Stayed on as a Caretaker until Neil Gaiman was fully trained?)/Neil Gaiman. Either a Ghost at Hotel D’Aulliers or a Fiction. Also maybe Hayo Miyazaki? Either Caretaker or NICS (New International Cartological Society)member 
Don’t know about ‘future’ Caretakers sorry. I need to read more. 
Current/Future Mystorians 
5. ‘Dr’Harry Turtledove. Specializes in What ifs and Alternate Histories.?
4. ‘Doctor’ Gary Gygax. Or Jack Kirby.
3. ‘‘Doctor’ Stephen Hawking (though I think h has a Doctorate? Or rather had?)
2. Doctor Rick Riordan. But also Doctor Daniel Handler.
1. Me? ????? In seriousness Ursula K. Le Guin (Ghost at The Hotel). For one more current probably Stephen King? 
Current/Future Messengers.
Honorable Mention: H.G. Wells and Lenore from Poe Party. (That would be hilarious!)
5. Milo from the Phantom Tollbooth.
4. Matilda from Matilda (because why wouldn’t you want to employ a Psychic..Telepath? Which ever? Clearly an Adepts who’d probably get along well with Rose). 
3. Charles Wallace Murray from a Wrinkle in Time (and other books as well). seems like a good fit?
2. Vinnie Dakota and Balthazar Cavendish from Milo Murphy’s Law. Okay so these two aren’t Literary characters...but come on!!! Time Travel and Pistachios, of course they’d eventually be brought on as Messengers. On a side note, I highly recommend watching Milo Murphy’s Law. It’s a Cartoon show made by the same guys who made Phineas and Ferb and stars Weird Al. These guys are just one great aspect about it. I highly recommend it.
1. Clarissa Williams. Basically an Alternate universe version of Charles Williams..name taken from the prototype protagonist of Charles’ All Hallows’ Eve. She’s supposed to be a Psychic Detective who deals with Ghosts. So she’d probably get along well will Charles and might argue with Steve, Doyle( Sherlock), and Poe (Dupin) and possibly Chesterton (Father Brown stories) about Proper Detective Work. 
Top 5 Shakespeare lines. (This will be tricky).
HM: Kent’s Insult to Oswald in King Lear. That’s great!
5. Villain, I have done thy Mother. Aaron from Titus Andronicus.
4. Falstaff’s Honor speech from Henry 4 part two.
3. Thou shouldst not have been old, till thou hast been wise . Lear’s Fool, King Lear. 
2. Lay on MacDuff, and damned be he that first cries hold enough (Macbeth. Of course this is on here), 
1. (Cheating with this one). If you swear by that which is not, you are not forsworn... (Touchstone from As you Like it) Wit if it be thy will, put me into good fooling. Those wits that think they have thee do very oft prove fools; and I that am sure I lack thee may pass for a wise man. For what says Quinapalus? ‘‘Better a witty fool than a foolish wit’ Feste Twelfth Night. 
Top five Sh Characters.
5. Falstaff. King Henry Fourth parts 1 and 2
4. Rosalind. As you Like it
3. King Lear.
2. Beatrice. 
1. Feste/ Lear’s Fool/ Touchstone (Twelfth Night/ King Lear/ As you Like it.
Sh Plays
5. The Greater Henriad (Kh Fourth p 1 and 2, and kH Fifth)
4. Macbeth.
3. Much Ado about Nothing.
2. King Lear.
1. Twelfth Night or What you Will.
Top five movies based on CotIG author stuff. (This will be difficult).
5. King Henry the Fifth (staring and directed by Kenneth Branagh).
4. The Christmas Carol (either George C Scott, Patrick Stewart, bill Murray or The Muppets).
3. LotR / Chronicles of Narnia (BBC one or Disney ones. Still need to read (recread? CoN Books). 
2. Oliver! (One of my favorite musicals. Ron Moody is excellent).
1. Ten Things I hate about you. This is here because I really dislike if not despise Taming of the Shrew, but Ten Things is Awesome!
Top 5 musical artists/ bands.
5. Gaelic Storm.
4. Loreena McKennitt/ Heather Dale (I need to mention both so they’re sharing).
3. Great Big Sea.
2. Owain Phyfe and the New World Renaissance Band.
1. Silly Wizard. 
I hope these answers are sufficient. Feel free to ask more top five things people.
Make of this what you will.
Al, the Chronographing Cottager and Prince of Naming.
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teddy-bear-surprise · 3 years
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Chapter 8: Agent Not Found
|| Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7 Part 1 || Chapter 7 Part 2 || Chapter 8 || Almost The End || Chapter 9 ||
No warnings this time, I decided to take it easy because apparently 'SpeNCeR dEseRVEs A brEAk'… anywayyyyyy please enjoy this chapter that took way too long to write and that I'm too lazy to proofread :)
It had been nearly three weeks since Spencer had disappeared. The BAU was on high-alert, searching everywhere for their beloved boy-genius, but they seemed to be out of luck. Even with Garcia’s unparalleled digital tracking skills, they had found no trace of Spencer or Ophelia… anywhere.
What was even worse was that both Rossi and JJ were stuck at home pending reinstatement. Ophelia definitely wanted to do damage, there was no doubt about it, but not even the BAU had expected her to do this much. More than half of the S.W.A.T. team had died and JJ almost went along with them.
The only good thing that came from this mishap, was that they were now certain that Ophelia was the one they were looking for. Her face was plastered onto every TV screen, every social media ad, and every billboard across the Western seaboard. People called in every few hours telling them about how they were certain they had seen Ophelia. One minute they’d be called about a lead in Washington and moments later there would be a supposed sighting in San Diego. Every time, the same result confronted them: Failure.
In reality, she had been staying in Arizona the whole time. Her connections just happened to be so good that she never had to leave home or worry about traitors. Every man that worked for her was wrapped around her finger. They either owed her big-time or had something that they were terrified of losing. Ophelia had her ways of manipulating the people around her– one of the many perks that came with being what her mother used to call a ‘social genius’, but a larger portion of her talents could also be attributed to her ex-partner, Cat.
Back in Los Angeles, Hotch was incessantly going over the case. He felt like it was his fault that Spencer had been targeted. After Hailey took Jack with her to Pennsylvania, Spencer practically became a surrogate son for Hotch. He spent every waking moment ensuring that Spencer was both physically and mentally prepared for each new case, petrified that someday Spencer might relive the same pain he felt when he lost Maeve. Aaron blamed himself for everything that happened to Spencer, after all, Hotch was the agent in charge of the BAU and Reid was one of the many agents who worked under him. If he could not even protect Spencer– one of his own men– how could he protect anyone at all?
He felt like a failure for not asking Penelope to look further into Ophelia’s background or asking Spencer why he seemed so stiff when they were preparing to raid Ophelia’s homes. He should have dug deeper, all it would have taken was a question along with a few minutes and he would have discovered the years of history between Ophelia and Spencer. He would have realized that Spencer’s immaculate, eidetic memory was trying to suppress the time he had spent with Ophelia, hoping that she would have forgotten him. Now, however, the only things that Hotch could see in front of him were his own mistakes. Mistakes that he could have prevented.
As soon as they discovered that Reid was missing– and not dead as he had originally been presumed– they did a deep, deep dive into his and Ophelia’s past. The first connection that Garcia found was that they had attended the same high school. Initially, it was assumed to be a coincidence, but Emily– never believing in coincidences– asked Penelope to dig deeper into the matter.
They soon found mountains of records and articles that painted a picture of an inseparable duo. A duo that was bonded by their intelligence and trauma.
Two and a Half Weeks Ago
Prentiss spoke up in the silent conference room, directing her comment to Penelope who was waiting for instruction back in Quantico. “Hey, Penelope. I know we’ve all been having a rough time with Reid being gone for almost a week, but we figured it might be best to start at the very beginning. Since Ophelia had a very accelerated timeline, it might be beneficial to look into her high school or middle school years, those tend to be extremely marking… especially when someone’s as young as she was.”
To cover up the pain of missing her favorite genius, Garcia chirped. “I like the way you think, Em!”
Garcia began tapping away at her keyboard, not only pulling up Ophelia’s high school records but also comparing them with Spencer’s. “Okay, so there’s no overlap in middle schools, they attended middle schools on completely opposite sides of town. But, you know how our kid genius went to Shadow Ridge High School? Well, he wasn’t the only kid genius graduating from there in 1994… Ophelia did too, at the age of thirteen. Also, why do you guys think Ophelia went to the same public high school as Reid? It doesn’t really make any sense if you think about it… it could just be a coincidence, right?”
The whole team stopped in their tracks to look at Garcia’s face plastered on a big TV in the conference room. They were stunned, their eyebrows raised high and eyes widened.
“Penelope, can you try to pull up any records from the school? Local newspapers, scholastic competitions, all of that? It’s a long shot, but I think they knew each other.”
She looked up at Emily with hope in her eyes, “Yes! Of course, your wish is my command.”
Garcia searched frantically, unearthing piles of information that she had ignored before. She even discovered an article that explicitly described their friendship.
Las Vegas’ Own Mini-Einsteins: The Story of Spencer Reid and Ophelia Sutton
The article detailed how they met on their first day of high school, how they both tested out of higher-level arithmetic courses, and became the school’s best– and only– Science Olympiad team. They were both interviewed for the article and spoke about how life as child prodigies did not leave much room for childhood or friendship. They spoke of how miraculous it was that they were able to endure the situation together, a one in a million chance. By the end of the article, the interviewer was even privy to the details of where each of them was committed to college and how that decision drove a stake through their friendship.
Soon enough, Garcia had discovered dozens of the pair’s research papers ranging from topics of law to theoretical mathematics. Children who conducted research on the weekends and spent weekdays helping local teachers were not exactly the most likely contenders for murder, but Ophelia proved that assumption to be very wrong.
How did she miss something this big? All of the signs were so clear and obvious, but Penelope had missed every single one of them.
“Uh, Sir, please don’t get mad. But, they definitely knew each other. They had a looooooong history, and even if Ophelia didn’t realize it was Spencer, he surely would have remembered her.”
Hotch spoke sternly as he inquired, “Garcia, why did we not know this sooner?”
“I’m sorry, Sir. There was so much information about Ophelia that her high school education seemed trivial at the time. She had already done so much by then… I just… I-I didn’t think it was relevant.”
“From now on, every minuscule detail is relevant. Nothing is irrelevant. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Sir.” She looked down at her keyboard and felt guilt coursing through her mind.
Spencer would still be here if she had seen this sooner, wouldn’t he? Was it not her job to find every connection between the unsub and the world around them? It was. It had been her job to do the same with Ophelia and she failed.
Garcia lifted her perfectly manicured hand and hovered it over the call button before firmly pressing down to end the connection between herself and the rest of the team.
“I did this? Spencer’s gone. And it’s my fau–” Before Garcia could even choke out the last syllable, she burst into tears.
Despite her best efforts to quell her sadness, the tears only flowed faster and harder with each waking second. Her breath shuddered and echoed into the dark corners of the control room as tears splattered onto her keyboard. The perfect makeup that Garcia had done that morning was now ruined with dark mascara running down her cheeks. She rubbed her hands against her eyes to dry them, further smudging her eye makeup, and dragged them down her face, forgetting that she was wearing bright pink lipstick and it now covered her entire chin.
Garcia was, by all definitions, a mess, but she refused to let that stop her from finding Spencer. She got him into this mess and now she was going to fix it. She typed rapidly, checking off every missing box that she had originally failed to account for.
She pulled up employment, travel, and spending records from 1994 and beyond. Though there was not much information due to the lack of digitalization back then, Garcia was able to construct a much more detailed photograph of Ophelia’s past than she had before.
Pulling up a page on Ophelia’s Freshman through Junior year roommate, Garcia got to work.
“Hello? Who is this?”
“Hi, Miss Glas? My name is Penelope Garcia. I’m a technical analyst with the FBI and I need to ask you a few things about your old college roommate, Ophelia Sutton. But first I do have to go over some routine questions.”
“Of course, whatever you need. And please, call me Margaret, what’s going on? Is Lia okay? Has something happened?”
Garcia, in her best attempt to be professional about the sensitive situation, spoke very officially to Margaret, “I’m afraid that I cannot tell you much about the situation at the present moment.”
The truth was that no one knew if Spencer was even in danger, but with no signs of life, they could only assume the worst. Worst case scenario, Ophelia was not going to stop killing or spare Spencer’s life and that could not happen. The team had already suffered so much loss in past years that losing their Reid was not an option, not today or tomorrow.
“So, Margaret, have you been in contact with Miss Sutton within the past six months? And if so, what was the nature of this contact?”
“Uhhh… no, actually. I haven’t spoken to Ophelia in years. I believe the last time we communicated must have been in 2000, it was a long time ago.”
“Wonderful. We can now get into the details and I can provide you with some more information on the situation. You should know that Ophelia is the primary suspect in a series of murders in California. I know that you both graduated a very long time ago, but any information that you remember about her, any details, could save many lives.”
“Oh my. That’s… that’s serious. Yes, of course, I’ll help. Is there anything specific that you’d like to know about Ophelia?”
“Let’s start with her general behavior and habits. So, basically, how was she as a student? Was she responsible? Was she a night owl? That kind of stuff.”
“Right, um. So, Ophelia was always a standout student, I mean she would stay after class to help professors all the time and ask them questions. They always loved her. She wasn’t very social though, she stayed in a lot. She would get up really early to do personal studying, though I never found out what it was that she was studying. Ophelia never was the kind of person to get into conflicts either, from what I could tell, she was a very morally upstanding kid. I’m just shocked that she could ever kill someone.”
“I understand, it’s a very tough thing to imagine. Especially when you knew the person. Did Ophelia ever talk about traveling? Or possibly extracurricular interests? Anything like that could also be very helpful.”
“She always talked about Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. I don’t remember the details, but I always figured it was just something to do with the names… they all started with ‘A’, that’s why I remembered. Other than that, she didn’t seem too interested in traveling. Extracurricular involvement for Ophelia was pretty sparse. I think she tried out Quiz Bowl for a few semesters, probably got bored after winning every time. I can tell you that the guys she competed against were not happy to lose to a teenager… She also opted to take the pistol course for her athletic requirement. I thought it was a strange choice for a 14-year-old, but I didn’t question it. Do you think she’s been planning this since then?”
“We don’t know at this point, it’s a bit too soon to jump to any conclusions, but I’m just trying to fully understand what she might do next and where she might be.”
“Yeah, I understand. Is there anything else?”
“Do you know if Ophelia kept in contact with anyone from outside of MIT during her time there?”
“I remember that she would call her best friend every Monday and Friday night, never got a name, unfortunately. I think they stopped talking after Sophomore year though, don’t know why.”
“Thank you so much, Margaret, you’ve been a tremendous help. If you remember anything else please don’t hesitate to call me back at this number and I’ll also keep in touch just in case. Have a great day.”
“No problem, you too.”
Garcia put down the phone, feeling slightly lighter and less stressed. It was barely any information, but it had already helped a great deal. She now understood Ophelia better as a person, and while there was not much to know, she hoped it would help her locate Ophelia and Spencer soon.
With the holidays coming up, Penelope wanted to ensure that Spencer would be able to celebrate with the team just like they always did. Together, like a family.
She swung her chair over to another monitor and started creating a digital evidence board. Garcia began with the obvious: Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. It was a weak lead, but it was a start.
“If I were trying to run away from the feds… where would I go? Arkansas is obsolete, but it’s too far to get to quickly. It would be too risky.”
She tapped her feathered pen against her chin as she thought. “Same thing for Alaska, it would be an ideal spot, but it’s not feasible, not on such short notice.”
“She has to be in Arizona. If she’s in any of these places, it has to be Arizona.” Bringing up a large map of Arizona, Garcia examined it carefully.
“If I were a murderous mastermind, where would I head? Not to a large city, I might get spotted. Too far into the desert and I might run into other problems. The suburbs–”
Garcia searched all Arizona suburbs, compiling a list of the most secluded ones. Arizona had over 90 towns, however, and the list of neighborhoods was even larger. Narrowing down each section by population density and available land, Garcia was able to suss out a few dozen contenders. The majority of them were located near Sedona, Bisbee, or Prescott. All of these towns were perfect for Ophelia, small enough that she could isolate herself, but still large enough for her to satisfy her distinct needs.
Kicking back in her rolling chair, Garcia stared at her computer screen. It was not often that she got stumped, and this case was one of the few that was getting to her. Garcia slipped her hands gently through her hair, frustrated and irate. One more clue and she would probably be able to pinpoint their exact location, yet that last, crucial clue seemed to evade her mind like oil in water. Knowing that she was on the brink of cracking the case drove her wild, and the rest of the BAU felt similarly.
Honestly, she was so close to the case– and Spencer– that she knew she should not even be working on it, but she also could not trust Kevin to find Reid. Sure, he was a good technical analyst, but he had nothing on Garcia’s years of experience on both the dark and light sides of the web. She knew that no matter what, she had to be the one to find him. At this point, she could barely even tell if this desire existed purely because she wanted to help spencer, or if it was to save her from the heaps of guilt that consumed her.
Garcia sat there for what seemed like hours contemplating life, death, and fear– all in the context of Reid’s capture, of course. She was drawn out of her trance, however, when she heard the line ringing on her headset. Assuming that the rest of the team would be on the other side, she composed herself and spoke with her usual, cheery voice. “Garcia speaking, how may I assist you?”
“Hey, Babygirl. How’s the search comin’ along? We just wanted to check in and see if you found anything that we can work with to narrow down our geographic profile.” She was ecstatic to hear his voice. Every time that they spoke, Garcia felt like she was being enveloped in a warm hug. He just had that kind of effect on her, he was the home she never found after her parents’ death… in summary, he was her person.
Garcia immediately felt her tension and stress being relieved and even became excited to share her newest findings. “Ohhhh, my Chocolate Thunder! It’s so good to hear your voice! I’ve compiled a list of places where I think Ophelia may be. They’re all in Arizona, and before you ask, there is a good reason for me choosing Arizona. One. Her old roommate said that Ophelia had an obsession with Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. Now, which one of those would make for an easy getaway from California? Arizona. Two. These towns are all isolated enough for her to keep out of the media’s view but large enough for her to replenish supplies and keep Spencer without drawing attention to herself… assuming that he is– as I hope– still alive. I know it’s a bit of a long list, but it’s the best I could do right now.”
The team’s tablets all chimed as Garcia sent over the file. It was a list of nearly sixty neighborhoods and they were scattered all over the state. Considering Arizona’s diverse topography, sending teams to check all of those locations would be nearly impossible so they still needed to narrow down the list. Luckily, that’s what the profilers were there for.
“Alright, Garcia. We’ll take a look at this list in a bit, before we go, is there anything else that you’ve found?” Hotch inquired.
“I have a few tidbits of extra information from when I spoke with Ophelia’s old roommate, but I’ll just send you a summary over email. Let me know if you guys need anything else, Garcia out!”
She hung up abruptly and with a flourish. If there was one thing about Penelope that was always constant, it was her energy.
Present Day
The team was constantly distracted, falling apart piece by piece. As much as they hated to admit it, after Garcia and Emily’s big break a few weeks ago, they got stuck. No progress had been made since then and Barnes was threatening to take them off of the case. She wanted to replace them with some amateurs, but they would never let her. Getting Reid back was much too important of a job to pass over to inexperienced agents. This was something they would have to themselves, whether Barnes approved or not.
After their second week of searching turned up with no results, they were forced to leave LA and move back to Quantico, reuniting the remaining members of the team once more. Despite Garcia being more than happy to see the rest of the team again, the toll of the case had exceeded everyone else’s happiness and they spent every waking second working. Hotch had taken a spot on his office couch while Morgan, Garcia, and Emily slept at their workspaces.
They worked tirelessly, chasing even the smallest leads. Unfortunately, they were still much too afraid to start searching the neighborhoods on Garcia’s list– fearing that they might tip off Ophelia prematurely, leading to her fleeing, Spencer’s death, or both– and were stuck searching for breadcrumbs.
“Agent Hotchner, I need to speak with you,” Barnes called down to him from outside of his own office’s door as he stood next to Morgan in the Bullpen.
“Yes, ma’am, just give me a second to sign this report for Agent Morgan and I’ll head up.”
Hotch quickly signed the remaining sheets of paper that Morgan was holding out towards him and clambered up the stairs where Barnes was already waiting inside. She had taken his seat, leaving him to sit in the guest chair across from her. He could not help but feel a pit forming in his stomach as sweat accumulated on the back of his neck.
Barnes crossed her hands in front of her and stared at Hotch intensely. “SSA Hotchner, do you know why I’ve called you in today?”
“No, ma’am. May I ask what the issue is?”
“The issue, Agent, is that you and your team have directly disobeyed my orders to abandon the Sutton case. Not only have you undermined my authority, but you cannot keep sleeping here. It’s unprofessional and disgusting. We have other agents who are more than happy to take over while you’re all out, if there are any breaks in the case, you would be notified immediately… but you already knew that. Didn’t you?”
Slightly worried that it had been a trick question, he hesitated before speaking. “Ummm, yes. I do know that, but we’re not clocking in any overtime hours so I don’t see why it’s an issue for us to stay here on our own time to work on the case, Director.”
“I’ll tell you why. First off, the case is no longer yours, all cases are confidential and none of you have clearance to work on it anymore. Second, since you’re not logging your hours, you’re trespassing, and on top of that, you become a liability for the agency because for that same reason. Not to mention how you’re also unofficially wasting government resources. So, Agent Hotchner, either get your team under control, or you will all be demoted before you can get to your apartment. Have I made myself clear?”
“Yes, Director. I’ll speak to them now.”
“Good, tell Prentiss to clean up her cubicle while you’re at it, it’s uncharacteristically messy over there.”
He got up from the chair, letting out a long sigh as he walked out and straightened his tie. Reaching down into his pocket, he pulled out his phone to message Morgan, Prentiss, and Garcia.
“Conference room. Now. We need to talk.”
Hotch stepped into the conference room and assumed a position at the front of the room, a position of power. After speaking to Barnes, he needed it. He needed to feel powerful again.
Slowly but surely, the rest of the agents trickled in. After all, there were only three of them and it did not take long. As usual, Emily arrived first, followed by Derek, and then Penelope who walked in rubbing her eyes groggily. Hotch glanced at his wristwatch when he saw Garcia’s state and realized that it was already two in the morning. They had evidently become accustomed to working odd hours and today was no exception.
“I’ve just spoken to the Director about our team, and she has brought up some issues that need to be addressed immediately,” He spoke clearly and concisely, not sparing a moment to elaborate.
“One, we will no longer be working on the Sutton case. I understand that it will be difficult, but we’ve already been working behind the Director’s back and gotten caught once. I don’t want to wait around to see what will happen if we do it again. Two, no more staying overnight at the Bureau unless absolutely necessary. The Director was less than happy to find out about our sleeping arrangements, and again, I don’t want to have to speak with her about this more than once. Lastly, just get some sleep. Lord knows we all need it. Go home, see your families, visit JJ and Rossi, whatever it takes to get your minds off of the Sutton case.”
With that, everyone got up to go home. However, Hotch spoke up just before Prentiss left, “Emily, stay back for a moment. There’s just something minor that I was asked to mention to you.”
“Sure, what’s up?” She turned around briefly and stood in the doorway.
“This is not coming from me, these are not my words, but the Director did say that– and I quote– ‘tell Prentiss to clean up her cubicle while you’re at it, it’s uncharacteristically messy over there.’”
A small smile broke across Hotch’s face as Emily laughed at what he had said. Part of it was attributed to sleep deprivation, but it had also been the most nonchalant thing that they had spoken about in a while so it felt as light as a joke. Of course, Emily knew that it was not a joke and kept his words in mind as she turned away.
“You’ve got it, boss.” She brought two fingers up to her forehead and pretended to salute him as she walked off.
As they filed out of the Bullpen, however, their faces hung low again. They were burdened by the anticipation and guilt that surrounded the case, but they could do nothing about it. Prentiss offered a sleepy Garcia a ride home and Morgan and Hotch left in their own cars. Soon, the BAU had been deserted with only a tired Barnes lingering behind.
0 notes
aion-rsa · 3 years
Text
WandaVision Episode 5 Theories Explained
https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
This article contains WandaVision spoilers.
It’s very weird and more than a little thrilling to see some of the fan theories that we’ve previously collected actually play out on WandaVision, but of course there are still four episodes of Marvel’s rollercoaster spinoff series left to go, and this week we’re bringing you all the most compelling theories gaining traction online to help pass the time until the sixth episode drops.
At this point, many of the theories surrounding WandaVision’s bigger story are less outlandish. Every week a little more of the puzzle is revealed, and every week we get a little more background on what our central characters have been up to since the climax of Avengers: Endgame, which in turn brings us a lot closer to them.
Not only does this feel fairly organic, it’s also testament to how much we’re genuinely rooting for Wanda’s happiness now. We all want this to turn out well for her, and for her to be allowed to process her grief properly, even as things start to fall apart and the Westview cracks start to show.
Here are some of the biggest theories doing the rounds since episode 5 needle-dropped its MCU-breaking reveal…
Stark Warning
It didn’t take long for Marvel fans to uncover the origin of the ’80s drone tech Monica Rambeau managed to grab so that SWORD could penetrate The Hex in their attempt to reason with Wanda.
After being disabled and dragged outside the mystical forcefield, the drone was exposed as the product of Stark Industries – and if you recall Wanda’s emotional story of how she and Pietro were trapped waiting for a Stark bomb to go off when they were children (as recounted in Avengers: Age of Ultron), it’s no wonder she was so pissed to see a weaponized Stark drone appear in Westview.
It’s not massively surprising that Howard Stark and his team were working on that kinda drone tech in the ’80s, but how was Monica able to get hold of it so quickly? The answer appears clear – SWORD managed to keep a bunch of easily-accessible clout that has either been inherited through SHIELD or lifted from Tony’s warehoused tech.
What else do they have access to, and do they also have a new resource on hand inside SWORD – or at Stark Industries – who could end up being essential to the MCU?
well i think that's worth a look 👀👀#WandaVision pic.twitter.com/pbAvQEfMBF
— Phase Zero (@PhaseZeroCB) February 6, 2021
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 8
Engage Ultron
Is it possible that when Wanda snatched Vision’s body from SWORD and brought him back to life that she accidentally set in motion (or interrupted) a chain of events that would bring back Ultron?
There are a LOT of questions lingering about exactly what SWORD was doing with Vision’s body before Wanda hit the scene and disturbed their work. Were they really about to put him in storage as per his wishes, or were they lowkey doing some pretty dangerous experiments with the original Ultron tech Tony Stark built him with?
This theory is a work in progress for fans who aren’t really sure how Ultron could return without access to the Mind Stone. Still, there’s a solid reason that so many people are checking out James Spader’s IMDb page every week…
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 7
Quicksilvered
You can’t throw a stone online without hitting a theory about how notorious Marvel villain Mephisto will ultimately be unveiled as the real brains behind Westview’s manifestations, and many fans are deeply suspicious of Evan Peters’ arrival as Wanda’s twin brother “Pietro.”
Peters, who played ‘Peter’ Maximoff in the X-Men franchise, has seemingly been cast in WandaVision instead of the MCU’s original Quicksilver, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, but does this really mean that realities are colliding and mutants are now here to stay?
Though it’s exciting to think that’s exactly what’s going down here, Pietro’s appearance in Westview feels hastily designed to derail both Wanda and Vision, and who might have a more vested interest in keeping this charade going other than Mephisto? He does absolutely love pretending to be dead people to manipulate Marvel superheroes and villains alike, and his Wrong Quicksilver guise might well keep us off the trail.
#WandaVision Basically the end of episode 5 pic.twitter.com/lND9tUN4yp
— where the stimmy reside. where the stimmy reside. (@Smilinjai) February 7, 2021
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 5
For the Children
Vision wants to know why Billy and Tommy are the only children in Westview, but if you’ve watched trailers that show us glimpses of WandaVision‘s upcoming Halloween episode – where Wanda and Vision finally get to wear their comics-accurate costumes – you may have noticed that Vision is surrounded by children trick-or-treating through the town.
It appears the “no children” situation is about to be fixed posthaste, but there are still indications that children are very much a liability inside The Hex. During episode 5, Agnes says that children can’t be controlled, and Wanda appears perplexed and a little infuriated that her own kids are immune to the effects of her powers.
Putting that aside, where have the children of Westview gone? And why have they been removed from the equation? Are they being held captive because they would see straight through Wanda’s perfect white picket fence life and be utterly terrified that their parents are acting weird as hell?
Some fans are wondering if there’s an even more nefarious reason for their disappearance – perhaps someone or something is using their lifeforce to grow powerful inside the womb of The Hex. A certain red-faced demon? Mmmaybe not, but there is some worrying Age of Ultron foreshadowing for Billy and Tommy’s sudden existence…
Scene that stuck out to me in AoU considering where we are at in WandaVision. from WANDAVISION
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 5
Recap Rewind
Are the “previously on WandaVision” recaps actually all part of the illusion? This meta theory began in earnest after episode 5’s recap when we saw a new version of Wanda explaining to Vision why Monica Rambeau had vanished.
When this scene played out at the end of episode 4, Wanda expelled Monica from The Hex and told her special red popsicle that ‘Geraldine’ was simply no longer around because “she had to rush home”, but in episode 5’s opening recap Wanda’s words had changed to “she doesn’t belong here.”
It’s worth noting that the show’s recaps are always introduced in Elizabeth Olsen’s voice, and this particular alteration is certainly very curious.
The way that Wanda says "Previously on Wandavision" gets a little more sober per episode.#Wandavision pic.twitter.com/CZIOSjWRs9
— Elizabeth Olsen Access (@LizzieContent) February 7, 2021
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 5
Hail Hayward
As soon as we clapped eyes on new SWORD director Tyler Hayward, we instinctively knew he was going to turn out to be a wrongun, and our fears were justified when he immediately hijacked Monica’s plan to reason with Wanda using an old Stark drone.
Yes, that git really strapped a missile to it and ordered his men to take the shot. He must have been snacking on the wrong local mushrooms when he came up with that plan – sir, Wanda Maximoff almost took down Thanos, are you for real?
So, is Hayward just a misguided military man with absolutely no concept of how powerful Wanda is or how quick her reflexes are, or was he deliberately trying to make her mad to destabilize the situation? Is he just another in a long line of confident, strong-jawed men who have risen to the top of government oversight organizations in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who later turn out to be working for HYDRA?
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 4
Get Stoned
The theory that all of this comes back to the Mind Stone has been around since the very first episode of WandaVision started streaming, but it’s only grown in popularity every time Vision has done something extraordinary in the show. It’s hard to argue with the notion that Vision’s head bling isn’t just for decoration here – he’s able to use the powers of the Mind Stone in Westview to expose the town’s secrets when Wanda isn’t around, ergo the stone itself might be a very real presence.
But if the infinity stone is here, how has it returned? As revealed in Avengers: Endgame, Thanos reduced his version of it down to the atomic level far away from Earth, and Cap took the stolen Scepter containing the Mind Stone to its rightful place in 2012, presumably to deliver it back into the hands of HYDRA, who would go on to perform experiments with it that enhanced Wanda and Pietro Maximoff before it was used to create Ultron and Vision. But did all go as planned or did the Mind Stone fall into the grasp of someone else, creating a branch reality that Wanda (or someone else) was able to exploit?
Another theory also posits that since destroying it at the end of Avengers: Infinity War, Wanda has become the living embodiment of the Mind Stone, which is why her powers seem to have increased exponentially. Hmm.
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 2
Watch Next
The first time an episode of WandaVision finished and Disney+ suggested we watch Avengers: Age of Ultron, no one paid it too much attention. After the second, third, fourth, and fifth time it happened, it became an amusing meme on social media. But what if there’s a very good reason that Marvel is so keen for us to re-watch the film again 5+ years after its release?
Tons of people caught up in the intriguing events of the spinoff series are now choosing to go back and mine the Marvel blockbuster for clues, wondering if everything we really need to know about the truth of the story is right there for the taking.
We re-watched Age of Ultron ourselves, once in preparation for WandaVision and again halfway through to see if it changed the way we viewed the events of the movie. It definitely seems to have taken on a new depth, and the Avengers’ chatter about humanity’s doomed future rings clearer.
Thor’s random vision quest, where he skipped out on the plot to go take an underwater peek into the future, also feels more essential. Okay, yes, there’s Heimdall’s assertion that Thor would lead them all “into Hell” – another possible hint that Mephisto is on the horizon – but there’s also that dire warning from Thor upon his return.
He says he saw “a whirlpool that sucks in all hope of life, and at its center, the Mind Stone.” Was this really a reflection of Ultron’s plans for it, or was it setting the stage for WandaVision‘s finale?
Watching the avengers age of ultron again, so my sister can understand #WandaVision. pic.twitter.com/l9HsgTKnu3
— shoot (@AgirlnamedShoot) February 7, 2021
Pinches of Paprika Out of Ten: 1
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Have you heard any juicy new theories about WandaVision after last week’s episode? Let us know in the comments.
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dalyunministry · 3 years
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Pas. Johnraj Lamech
💗
Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Topic: Faith Life : Part 01 “Commencement of Faith Life”
Rhema Word (1): Habakkuk 2:4(b) (NKJV) “The just shall live by his faith.”
Rhema Word (2): Romans 1:17 (NKJV) “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Let’s pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank you for giving us an opportunity to meditate your Word today. Thank you Holy Spirit for helping us to understand your Words which are living and active. Please help us to live a life as per your Word Lord. Father, we give all the Glory and Honour to you. We pray in the mighty Name of your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Faith is the foundation of Christian life. The importance attached to this truth about faith is made obvious by its emphatic recurrence in three of the New Testament Epistles. There are three key verses, which enlighten the message this truth imparts.
(i) Romans 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
(ii) Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
(iii) Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”
The Epistle to Romans talks about the Commencement of the Christian Faith Life. The Letter to the Galatians deals with the problems we face in the course of the Christian Life, and that to the Hebrews pictures the successful Completion of the Christian Life/Race. Yes, The COMMENCEMENT, the CONTINUATION and the CONSUMMATION of faith life!
Let us meditate these three stages of Faith Life, under the light of the Word and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit in next three week-ends starting from today. Today, let us meditate upon the foundation, The Commencement of the Christian Faith Life
In the contemporary spiritual commotion, believers are tossed to and fro with every wind of strange and diverse doctrines. And we need to be educated about living the faith life in order to survive the sleights of Satan. I sincerely pray that this life changing truth may dawn on us with its full significance. Let our unbelief be destroyed and forts of faith be built!
Let us try to understand about “Commencement of Faith Life” under following five aspects:
1] Faith the Prerequisite
2] Why Failures?
3] Simple Faith
4] Adulterated Gospel
5] Man’s Responsibility
1] Faith the prerequisite :
For a life to be approved by God, faith is the basic requirement. There is nothing that can be a substitute for faith. Traditions cannot be an alternative. Religious practices cannot replace it. We revere God. We pray often. We are regular Church-goers. We are well spoken of by our fellow believers for our pious living. In short, we are doing our best to live Christians life, and the world certifies that we are “Good Christians”, But, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) It is possible to be engaged in all Christian activities and yet be out of favour with God. Without faith there is no way. Here are few examples from the Scriptures:
(a) Adam & Eve
Adam and Eve were originally a holy pair. Shortly after their creation they had to quit the place where God Himself had put them. But why? Why were they banished from Eden? Why was God so particular about such a trivial thing as eating a mere fruit? It seems to be too awful a consequence for so small a sin. But if we look deeply into the matter, we may discern their grace error which led to that grievous end.
God created and placed them in an exceedingly beautiful garden, the Eden. They lived in perpetual dependence on God and enjoyed perfect bliss. But they could continue in that happy estate only on a condition. The condition that their Creator laid down was this: And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)
The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their faith and obedience. It was then that the unwanted intruder came on the scene and asked Eve, “Has God indeed said, you shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Gen 3:1). He questioned the very Word of God. Alas! Eve began to distrust God’s love and doubt His wisdom. She DISBELIEVED the words of God for whom it was impossible to lie (Hebrews 6:8) and believed the lie of the liar (John 8:44). They became outcast from the garden of Eden. The first sin of our first parents is failure to believe God’s Word. Yes, unbelief is the sin of sins.
(b) Moses & Aaron
Have you ever once stopped to think why Moses and Aaron were denied admission into the Promised Land? God spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. The Bible says, “There has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses” (Deut 34:10). God testified that Moses was a faithful servant in all His house (Hebrews 3:2). Aaron was also no less than Moses. God once said to Moses, “Aaron, your brother, shall be your prophet.” He was called and anointed to be a high priest. Through both of them, God smote the Egyptians with plagues and redeemed the Israelites from bondage. But at one stage, the same God denied them what once He promised! What was God’s reason? God said in Deuteronomy 32:51, ”Because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin, because you did not hallow Me in the midst of the children of Israel..” Trespassed!
In what way ? God told them in Numbers 20:12 ”Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” God told them to speak to a rock. To them it seemed a folly to speak to a rock. So, Moses struck that rock with the rod. They disbelieved God’s words and incurred His displeasure. Disbelieving is trespassing.
(c) Israelites:
Israelites were God’s elect. Even when they had not known their Lord, He called them and named them. He delighted in being called, “The God of Israel,” “The Holy One of Israel,” “The Redeemer of Israel” and so on. Yes, He carried them on His shoulders as a father. But did they enter that promised land? Why couldn’t they possess their possessions? On their way, in the wilderness, Israelites became idolaters, committed fornication, tested God and murmured against Him. But the main reason the Bible gives for their failure is this: ”They could not enter in because of UNBELIEF” (Heb 3:19). Unbelief was the deadliest of all their sins.
Let us see some positive examples, as well:
(d) Paul & Silas:
Faithful proclamation of the risen Christ as the Lord and the Saviour took Paul and Silas to the innermost of dungeons. The two peculiar prisoners were prepared for everything. They met the persecution with a spirit of praise and prayer. Whether or not their hymns moved their fellow-prisoners’ hearts, we are not sure. But their praise did move the Roman prison! Following a great earthquake, the foundations of the prison were shaken, all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosened. All these brought the Philippian Jailor on to his knees. Yes, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and cried, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).
What do you think was the reply? Paul did not attempt to deliver a sermon on Salvation. Nor did he make him recite a long prayer of confession! He could answer the thirsty soul in one sentence, and I should say, it was the only possible answer that God Himself could have given the jailor: ”BELIEVE on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and you will be SAVED” (Acts 16:31).
Remember, hundreds of thousands of people today ask the same question that the Jailor asked. “What must I do to be saved?” This is the throbbing of their hearts. They visit places of pilgrimage, one after another, hoping to get their sins washed off by holy baths. But there is only one way! “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!”
(e) The Lord Jesus:
The Bible says in John 6:28-29 “Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”. During His earthly ministry Jesus went about healing the sick and setting free the demon-possessed. The disciples had the opportunity to accompany Him wherever He went and to be the eye-witnesses of all that He said and did.
The blind received sight, the lame and crippled rose up and walked, the lepers were cleansed, the deaf heart and the dead were raised up. The disciples wanted such miracles to be wrought by their hands. They approached Him asking “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?”. They might have expected Him to set up a ministry and teach them the means and methods of performing miracles. To their disappointment, He replied, ”This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE in HIM whom HE sent.” Simple words but profound truth!
(f) The Holy Spirit:
Speaking about the Holy Spirit, Jesus said in John 16:8-11 ”And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” Please note, it is “SIN” and not “SINS”. This sin of sins is referred to in the very next verse: “Because they do NOT BELIEVE in ME”.
1 John 5:16-17 talks about the sin unto death and the sin NOT unto death. “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.” Please note, the “sin leading to death” is nothing but unbelief.
Let me explain. If you pray for a brother or a sister who has sinned in any other way, God will hear your prayers and the person will be forgiven. But, if you pray to God to pardon a man his unbelief and his unwillingness to accept Jesus as Saviour, God can never grant it. Please note, adultery, fornication, murders and idolatry are all devastating sins, but these are not what take us to hell. There will be in hell those who never committed adultery or murder, but all will be UNBELIEVERS. It is terribly true that even those who know nothing of these heinous sins will be there, just because of their UNBELIEF.
(g) Who believes in Him is not condemned:
Jesus said in John 3:18 ”He who BELIEVES in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Yes, anyone who takes shelter under the shed blood of Jesus escapes that eternal damnation. He will not perish but will have everlasting life. But the one who does not believe in Jesus will be condemned. No, he is “already” condemned! The unbeliever need not wait for the Dooms Day. He is already doomed. His unbelief has made him a son of hell. Believe or perish!
Remember, faith is supreme in everything that concerns God and man. Every step that draws a human soul nearer to God and every growth is founded on faith.
2] Why Failures?
Instead of putting all our faith and trust in God and finding rest in His promises, we strive and struggle, but all in vain. And we encounter failures right where we are supposed to be progressive.
The history of the Israelites serves us with a good illustration here. The reasons for their failure explain our failures. Theirs was not a triumphant life for two reasons. First, they did not realise the futility of self effort. Secondly, they did not realize the temporariness of the Law.
(i) The futility of Self-effort:
The Law was, in simple words, the Holy God’s righteous and virtuous demands placed on man. When the Israelites heard that what their Lord had commanded them, they all answered in one accord, ”All that the Lord has spoken we will do” (Exodus 24:3). They could not comprehend the claims of the Law on them. They did not understand that the requirements of the Law were of a supreme standard and were beyond their reach. They knew not the cost of obedience. With a spring of enthusiasm they promised, “We will do!”.
Many among us have put great confidence in our undaunted and indomitable will-power. We decidedly move forward but often we are detained. Will-power is the vain religion of the world and Jesus never once advocated this. It is neither by will nor by power that we can run this race of faith (Romans 9:16).
James explains in James 2:8-11, ”If you really fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Remember, whosoever he might be, whatever possible explanations he might give, if he is a keeper of the whole Law and yet failed in one point of the Law, he was guilty of all the sins and was considered the transgressor of the Law. But, when Jesus ministered in this world, He invited the Jews, the keepers of the Law, to the new and the living way. He said in Matthew 11:29 ”Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Paul confirms in Romans 8:3 ”For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
(ii) The Temporariness of the Law:
The Bible says in Hebrews 7:19, ”The law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” Yes, we can say the Law was not given to make man righteous but to convict him of his unrighteousness and convince him of his need of a Saviour. Further, the Bible says in Hebrews 10:1 ”The law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.”
Shadow is good. But when the light comes it has to give way. The Law was only a shadow of the better things to come. When Christ Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness, rose to shine in strength the shadow had to give way. Paul says in Colossians 2:17 ”These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” Further, Paul gives us a picture of how the shadow was dispelled in Colossians 2:13-16 (a), ”When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Therefore, do not let anyone judge you..”
The Law was the handwriting that was AGAINST us and was CONTRARY to us. The Law made our sin manifest. It was standing on our way and it made hard the possibility of union with God. But Jesus Christ nailed it to the cross and opened the WAY for us, revealed the TRUTH and gave us the LIFE. This new and the living way He opened through the veil, that is, His flesh, His own body (Hebrews 10:20). So none of us is to be judged by the Law. Hallelujah!
Paul further explains in Galatians 3:23-25 ”But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Yes, the Law was a strict guard and a stern tutor. It was not all sufficient in itself and so it has led us to a “better hope” (Heb. 7:19). It had been given to us temporarily till the prophecy about Faith Life came to pass.
The following passages makes it obvious that we are justified by faith and not by the Law.
Paul says in Romans 3:21-22 ”The righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.”
Paul says further in Romans 9:30-32 ”What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.”
Paul concludes in Romans 3:27-28 ”Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” Also Paul confirms in Galatians 3:11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
There is neither curse nor condemnation for those who believe in Christ Jesus. That is why Paul says in Romans 8:33-35 ”Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Yes, it is neither our self-effort nor our self-righteousness that justifies us. We are justified by our faith on the finished work of Christ on Calvary. We may say a thousand times : ”The-just-shall-live-by-faith!”
3] Simple Faith:
The trouble with the Christianity of today is its complexity. With a dogmatic insistence on externalities, the Church is misleading the believers to a mere religious orthodoxy instead of guiding them to the spiritual realm of reality. The Church is diseased with diverse doctrines. Externalism is esteemed as essentiality. Ritualism is reigning in places which are not worthy of the name “Church”. It is most tragic that Salvation by Faith is neither taught nor believed. Paul says in Romans 3:3 ”What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?” Truth is forever what it is and God always acts like Himself. There can be NO SHADOW of variance either in God or His Word. Justification by Faith is God’s design and its invariability remains indomitable by the man-made dogmas.
Let us see the lives of three sinner women which can be the greatest examples of the simplest form of faith.
(i) Rahab:
The Bible says in Hebrews 11:31 (NLT), ”It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”
This Gentile woman’s faith was so wonderful! The two spies from the Lord’s army gave her a line of scarlet cord as a true token of their faithfulness. She trusted in their words, ”and she bound the scarlet cord in the window” (Joshua 2:21). Simply a cord! It shows her simple faith! And that saved her when the city of Jericho was burned to ashes. Yes, God honoured her faith and her name is found registered in the list of the patriarchs of faith. Were there not any better women living in her times? But this woman’s simple faith has got her a place in this Book of Life. The Red Cord typifies the Red Cross. She blended herself with Calvary’s love even thousands of years ago.
(ii) The Samaritan Woman:
This woman who was a harlot by profession discovered that Jesus was Messiah! A simple conversation with the Saviour led to her great conversion. A conversion of heart and life. She perceived that the person she had been talking to was a prophet (John 4:19). That gave her too great a joy and she could not hold herself back. A moment later she was found proclaiming Him in the streets of Sychar, a city of Samaria. Yes, she found the fountain of living waters and from her heart began to flow forth rivers of living water.
(iii) Sinner Women in a City:
There was no need in her times to refer to her name as such. She was very popular as “The sinner of the city!” Just imagine! What an immoral life she must have lived! She first met Jesus when He was dining in a Pharisee’s house. The Pharisee saw Him as a godly man, but she saw Him as God’s Son. The burden of her sin prevented her from coming in front of Him. She “stood behind Him weeping” (Luke 7:37,38). How penitent and how remorseful she was! Fear gripped her heart that she might not be accepted by the holy Son of god. She washed His feet with tears of repentance, kissed them with gratitude and anointed them with fragrant oil. It was not oil but her life itself that she poured out at His feet. Except for Jesus, she was an unwanted person in that place. The woman uttered not a word. But, what her tear drops spoke was intelligible to Him and He answered her, saying, ”Your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisee would not let her go forgiven. But Jesus assured her of her salvation, ”Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:50)
Yes, we are made ‘clean’ by Christ’s blood through faith. There is no sin too dark, no crime too black to be washed by His blood. ”The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
4] Adulterated Gospel:
Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 1:23 ”We preach Christ crucified”. To preach Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as the Saviour is pure Gospel. If we add to this or subtract from this it becomes adulterated. CROSS plus or minus equals NOTHING!.
The faulty exposition of the New Testament truth is the chilly breeze that blows across Church today. The spirit of modern orthodoxy is utterly in contrast with the spirit of the Word of God. People are found preaching many formulae for which they cannot furnish chapter or verse in the Bible. Salvation is not to be found in any formula, but in the Saviour.
Here are few examples of the Adulterated Gospel:
(a) Baptism:
Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 2:21-22 “This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.” Trusting in Jesus, you make an agreement with God through baptism. That ‘Baptism – a must’ is the clear teaching of the Bible. But we ought to be careful lest we make a mistake here. FAITH precedes and BAPTISM follows. If it is vice versa, that is adulterated Gospel.
(b) Tithing, Fasting, Praying, etc.
Tithing, fasting, praying, etc., are all necessary. Our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees. But these things do not save you. Nobody can say that someone is saved just because his prayers are often answered. Jesus granted even the prayers of demons (Matthew 8:31). If we believe that our tithing and fasting can save us, we are deceiving ourselves. Salvation is only in the Cross.
We meet a Pharisee in the eighteenth chapter of the Gospel according to Luke. He thanked God for he was not like others and he delighted in that he was far better. He exalted himself. “I fast twice a week; I give tithes” (Luke 18:12). But he had to take his pride in his hands and go back just as he came! But the Publican with the simple prayer, “God be merciful to me, a sinner,” went home justified.
And we know about another Pharisee who counted everything but loss for Christ. That was the apostle Paul! Paul says in Philippians 3:7-9 ”But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” Remember, that our most religious activities are counted for our salvation is, again, an adulterated gospel.
(c) Confession of sins:
Have you confessed and forsaken all your sins? This is the question often asked to the new converts. To speak the truth, there is none on this earth who, at the time of conversion, confessed every single sin he had committed. If that is the rule, nobody can say that he or she is saved, because it is impossible to recall to your memory the whole of your past life!
Many are the examples in the Bible to prove that people are saved instantly:
(i) The Tax-Collector (Luke 8:13-14) : He came to God, confessed his sinfulness and got saved “instantly”.
(ii) Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5-9): The moral giants were murmuring outside but Zacchaeus, the saved, was rejoicing with his Redeemer inside.
(iii) The criminal on the Cross (Luke 23:40-43): He hung crucified on the cross. All that could do was to turn his eyes towards Jesus and see the King of kings crowned with thorns, accepted his own wicked deeds and prayed to Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. Yes, a sinner a moment before is saved now!
(iv) The Ethiopian Official (Acts 8:35-38): He believed with all his heart and he was saved instantly.
(v) Lydia (Acts 16:13-15): Her heart swelled with the joy of salvation. Yes, she and her household were baptized that day itself. Instant salvation!
(vi) The Jailor (Acts 16:31-33): The Philippian jailor found that Paul’s God was indeed a living one. He wanted to be saved immediately. Yes, he and all in his household believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and he “rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.” Yes, immediately he and all his family were baptized.
5] Man’s Responsibility:
Except Christianity, every other religion offers a balance of works and reward. But Christianity is salvation by faith alone. Trusting in Christ’s saving and keeping power, you cease from your own works and efforts.
It is true that we are not saved by our good works (Eph 2:9), but it is equally true that we are saved for good works (Eph 2:10). You may wonder, whether I left the position of grace and reverted to salvation by works? Certainly not. If an initial act of faith alone will do, what is our explanation for the following Scripture passage?
The Bible says in James 2:17,20,26 ”Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (Ver. 17)…. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (Ver.20)… As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (Ver 26)
What does “works” here mean? Are these works the so-called good and religious deeds done with an intention to merit God’s favour and with an expectation of reward from God? A thousand times, NO! Works here mean the corresponding actions of obedience. Faith and obedience go hand in hand in the Scriptures.
Let us see some of the examples given by James himself in his Epistle make clear the implications of the word “works”:
a] Abraham:
James 2:21 ”Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? Here, Abraham is said to have been justified by works! Let us examine the truth about this statement. Turning to Genesis 15:5-6 ”He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.”
Paul says in Romans 4:9-13 ”We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”
Further Paul says in Romans 4:20-22 ”He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” After being justified, Abraham’s faith was revealed in the corresponding actions. When he took his son to Mount Moriah to do as he was told, his faith was confirmed by his works. This is the “works” referred to by James.
b) Rahab:
James talks about Raheb in James 2:25 ”In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
Let us turn back to Joshua 2:9-11 “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”
This faith Rahab made manifest in her works when she accepted the men from the Lord’s army and helped them to get out of their enemies’ hands.
What the Apostle James actually means by “works” can be well understood by referring to the context in James 2:14-17 ”What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Remember, by faith we are reconciled to God, by love we have to be reconciled with men. Our right fellowship with God through faith must invariably result in a right interpersonal relationship with men.
Finally, two of Jesus’s disciples were backslidden. One was Judas who was holding an important office, that of a treasurer and the other was the most prominent leader, Peter. Judas did a shameful deed by betraying his Master to the Chief Priests, who, Judas knew, were plotting against His life. Judas did not have the faith to turn back to Christ.
Peter was the worst of the two. He denied Jesus and cursed Him thrice in spite of previous warning. But Jesus had prayed that “his faith should not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). The Father granted the Son’s prayer. When Peter’s eyes met his Lord’s eyes he became penitent and cried bitterly. Unlike Judas, Peter turned to Christ. He, then, became a great blessing to others!
Dear friend, do not suspend yourself in a state of self-condemnation. That was exactly what Judas did with himself. You may have gone to the deadline of backsliding. But Jesus keeps praying that your faith would not come to nought. God awaits your coming back. It is not too late yet. Get back to Christ. Make yourself available to God. You shall surely be made a blessing to others. Yes, that is what Christ did with Peter’s life (Luke 22:32).
Yes, the just will live by faith!
Let us introspect ourselves..
Shall we believe our Lord whole heartedly and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith?
Shall we stop struggling and striving with our own efforts and put our faith and trust in God?
Shall we live by faith instead of relying on self-righteousness?
Shall we have a simple faith like Rahab, the Samaritan woman, and the sinner woman who washed His feet with tears of repentance?
Shall we be cautious about not mixing religious formulae with the pure Gospel?
Shall we check our hearts whether our faith leads us to good works?
Shall we check our hearts whether we are careful to maintain good works having believed in God?
Shall we get right with God and get right with man as well?
Shall we get rid of self-condemnation and get back to Christ?
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The Parable of the Two Sons - Part 1.1,2,3 | Jerusalem Assembly
We’re constantly being called to make decisions in this world. We have to make a decision about responding to GOD.
What would cause Israel to make this kind of decision.
What happens if we never read GOD’s Word? How would we decide what was the TRUTH, or even chose the TRUTH?
As people who have been confronted w/ the Word of GOD—we’ve been asked to make a decision about responding to GOD.
These decisions are way more important than our average decision.
Every one of us is called to respond to GOD—in this room.
That might be to respond to His offer of salvation.
That might be to respond to His will every single day.
So that’s what we’re going to look at over the next 2 weeks. And that is responding & choosing GOD.              ________________________________________________________
Let’s read Matthew 21:28-32. This will be our theme text for the week. But before we do, let’s pray:
Thank you LORD for the opportunity & the privilege it is to open Your WORD. Thank you that You even speak to us — everyday through it.
We pray that You will help us to learn & respond to You in the right way each day. In JESUS Name, Amen.
Matthew 21:28-32 | The Parable of the Two Sons 
“But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one & said, ‘Son, go & work today in the vineyard.’
‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind & went.
Then the man went to the second son & told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. (v.30)
Which of the two did the will of his father?”
“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors & prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in a righteous way & you did not believe him, but the tax collectors & prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent & believe him.
Which did the will of the FATHER? Of course it’s the child who went, even though s/he didn’t want to at first.
As I was reading this, I started to think: What would cause someone to choose whether to go or not go?
The FATHER is asking them to do something & they have to make a decision whether to go or not to go...
So today I want to focus on the second son, the one who said he will go & then ended up not going! Why not just say to his dad in the beginning: “Look let’s be honest, I’m not going to go. I’m going to end up working in this vineyard 10 years from now. I’m just not going to do it.”
Instead, he responded in excitement. He said to his father, “I will go definitely!”
But at the end of the day, his excitement wore out & he didn’t follow through.
It reminded me of the children of Israel. Who responded quite a few times in excitement to GOD. But at the end of the day, did not follow through.
Then it reminded me of myself, & all the times I respond w/ excitement to GOD — yet don’t see it through.
So with this son in mind, let’s go to Joshua 24:14-28.
Let’s try to understand what would cause them to make this kind of decision.
It’s a familiar passage, but I want us to read it — so we can all hear it in our languages.
Joshua 24:14-28 | Choose Whom You Will Serve Now, therefore, fear the LORD & serve Him in sincerity & truth; cast aside gods your fathers served beyond Euphrates & in Egypt, & serve the LORD.
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether gods your fathers served beyond Euphrates, or gods of Amorites in whose land you are living.
As for me & my house, we will serve the LORD!”
The ppl replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods!
For the LORD our God brought us & our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, & performed great signs before our eyes.
He also protected us throughout our journey & among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land.
We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!”
But Joshua said to the ppl,
“You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins.
If you forsake the LORD & serve foreign gods, He will turn & bring disaster on you & consume you, even after He has been good to you.”
“No!” replied the ppl. “We will serve the LORD!”
Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.”
“We are witnesses!” they said.
“Now, therefore,” he said, “get rid of the foreign gods among you & incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.”
So the ppl said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God & obey His voice.” On that day Joshua made a covenant for the ppl, & there at Shechem he established for them a statute & ordinance.
Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone & set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said to all the ppl, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, & it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” Then Joshua sent the ppl away, each to his own inheritance. 
Here we have Joshua, towards the end of his leadership of the people, gathering all the people together in Shechem.
It’s important to note, this is a very important place in the history of the people of Israel. In Genesis 12:6-7, this is where Abraham came & actually received the promise from GOD that his seed would inherit this land.
Genesis 12:6-7 | Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the Oak of Moreh at Shechem. And at that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram & said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
Genesis 35:4 | So they gave Jacob all their foreign gods & all their earrings, & Jacob buried them under the oak near Shechem.
Then in Genesis 35:4, this is where Jacob actually buried the foreign gods that he had before he entered into the promised land.
And in the beginning of this same book, after the defeat of Jericho, this is where Joshua himself renewed the covenant with the people — in this exact place.
This is why I believe in Joshua 24:3 it begins with Joshua saying: “I took your father Abraham from beyond the river & brought him to this land, & multiplied his descendants.” This is what I promised him in this city!
Joshua 24:3 | But I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates & led him through all the land of Canaan, & I multiplied his descendants. I gave him Isaac,
And He reminds them how He took them out of the land of Egypt.
How He had provided Moses & Aaron for the people.
How He parted the Red Sea for the people.
How He destroyed every single foreign people in the land, ahead of them — before they got there.
They were living because of the grace of GOD.
In verse 13, He even says: “you are eating a vineyard & olive groves which you did not plant.”
Joshua 24:13 | So I gave you a land on which you did not toil & cities that you did not build, & now you live in them & eat from vineyards & olive groves that you did not plant.’
Everything that they had is because of GOD! They did not deserve it.
So then we come back to this passage which we read today, which Joshua gives to them a CHOICE.
So that’s the first thing I want us to see here, is the CHOICE.              ____________________________________________
In verses 14-15, He says, “because of all these things, therefore now fear...”
Joshua 24:14-15 | Now, therefore, fear the LORD & serve Him in sincerity & truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates & in Egypt, & serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me & my house, we will serve the LORD!”
In sincerity & in truth means in purity & in truth.
What he’s saying is: “you cannot serve the LORD if there’s impurity in your life.” “you cannot serve the LORD if there’s un-truth in your life.”
Because service of the LORD, it represents purity & truth.
So that’s why you have to put away the gods from your past!
What he’s saying is that: Once you put away the gods, it’s not enough that you put away the gods then do nothing.
>> You have to put away the gods & serve the LORD.
You’re either serving the true GOD, or you’re serving these idols.
You cannot be faithful to multiple gods.
He continues in v.15 to say, “Even if you don't want to, even if it’s evil in your eyes; you still need to serve the LORD.” And he says that you need to choose.
He says you can choose between 3 options.
gods of the past (god’s of your fathers: beyond the Euphrates)
gods of the present (god’s of the Cannanites & Amorites, where you live)
The LORD (the true GOD)
A.] These are your three options. Now I did a little research on what these gods       were..it’s very interesting what they represent.
      One of the main gods of the people in Ur, on the other side of the river, in       the area where Abraham came from was a god called Nana.
      And one of the symbols for this god was a bull (cow).       These are the gods that represented their past right?
      I don’t know about you but if I saw this image of this cow, I probably also       would have thought about the golden calf.
      And this was their past: gods of their past represented by this calf & this cow.
B.] And so then he also said, “or you could choose the gods of your present.
     One of the main gods of (or groups of gods), they had a pantheon of gods the      Amorites. But one of them was called Amurru & he was the      god of the mountains. Whose wife, Belit-Seri was ‘Lady of the Desert.’
     I thought it was interesting because where are they in Shechem!      And for the last few years of their life: they’re either in desert or now they’re       surrounded by mountains.
     This is their present, the gods of the Amorites.
C.] Or you can choose the LORD! And He represents your past & present.       Because He was with your fathers, on the other side of the river.       He brought you out of the desert & into the mountains.
      >> And so Joshua says: “I’m going to serve the LORD w/ my family.”
So that’s their choice: gods of our past, gods of the people in our present, or the true GOD of Israel.
So here’s the people’s first response. In v.16, “How dare you! That was a dumb question. Obviously we’re going to serve the LORD. Look at all the things He’s done for us! Why on earth would we ever think about serving the gods of the past?! Or the gods of these Amorites?”
And they’re right there in v.17, “They say because the LORD our GOD is the one who brought us up out of bondage. And we watched how this true GOD destroy the Amorites. Obviously their gods weren’t good enough.”
And they give a beautiful tribute to what GOD has done.
They say that He has brought us out of Egypt, done great signs, & preserved us through all of the way.
This is what the true GOD does. And listen to the number of times they say “all” here.
“preserved us thru ALL of the way, we went thru ALL of the way through which we went among ALL of the peoples (at the end of v.17).”
Joshua 24:17 | For the LORD our God brought us & our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, & performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey & among all the nations through which we traveled.   
And in v.18, “He drove out ALL of the peoples.”
>> GOD went before us in every part of our journey.
So even they recognized that in every step of the way, GOD was w/ them! They are responding in excitement to the choice (Joshua is presenting them).
They end this discourse at the end of v.18 by saying: “We also will serve the LORD, for He is our GOD.”
If we’re drawing a parallel to the son that we talked about. They’re responding in excitement, they’re saying:
“Yes! Of course we will go! We will work in the vineyard.”
It’s the right thing to say. But we know from history that not exactly what happens.
And I think Joshua kind of understood that the ppl were being a little emotional here..Because he issues them a challenge:
“You will not be able to serve the LORD. He is a holy GOD, & He is a jealous GOD.”
He knew that the ppl were not fully behind their words. It’s not possible for you to serve the LORD, in the way that you want. He’s jealous, He doesn’t tolerate less than 100% commitment from you.
Because He said before we even know: “It’s impossible to be faithful to multiple gods.”
>> He isn’t going to bear your wavering.         He doesn’t tolerate it.
And he says, “Conversely though, along with that if you forsake the LORD, then serve the foreign gods, it’s not going to be good.”
He says, “GOD will harm you & consume you.” >> He will finish you off, you’re done!      So it’s an important choice.
He says, in other words: “after He has done good to you, even then He will do this.” (v.20)
So they couldn’t say, “look at this, GOD has done such good things for us. He has brought us through all of this..we can relax now.
He’s already been so good to us, there’s no way He could do anything bad to us.
No matter what the ppl did, GOD would be good to them...(FALSE) But Joshua isn’t saying that, he’s saying “your choice is very important.”
>> So he’s challenging them, “Look you have to choose once & for all.” Of course the ppl, they are firm in their response: “No we will serve the LORD.”
So Joshua says to them, “You are witnesses.” If you say we are going to choose the LORD, you are going to have to keep each other accountable.
He says there are 2 main things that they will keep each other accountable for:     1st]  Choose to the exclusion of all others: GOD.             In v.22, “you have chosen for yourselves the LORD,”     2nd] Serve GOD.
I find it interesting that throughout this dialogue, Joshua, he’s always saying to them: “You need to put away the gods, AND you need to serve the LORD.”
He repeats this over & over again. And as I was reading, I realized: “It’s so important to do both.”
Ex. Say we put away the gods, but we don’t at the same time serve the LORD...        >> What’s going to happen?
       We’re going to be looking around at all the peoples around us.        We’re going to see the Amorites doing their thing with their gods.        Our kids aren’t seeing us do anything, as far as serving the LORD.        They’re seeing the idols in the Amorite areas, as they’re walking around.
They’re going to get distracted, & Joshua understood that it’s not enough to just put something away. Because if you don’t replace it with something, you’re not going to keep at it.
This is why he said they all had to be witnesses for each other..if one family was to see another family not living up to this?
They were supposed to say: “Wait a second. We made a choice.”
If you go to one of your friend’s homes & you see they have an Amorite statue in their home, you need to tell them that it needs to be put away.
“You are witnesses against yourself.”
One family can’t choose & the rest of them not.
The whole community needs to choose.
So the ppl said to Joshua (v.24), “We will serve the LORD our GOD, & His voice we will obey.”              ________________________________________________________
But I want to focus on (v.23) because it’s a bit confusing. Has anyone been to McDonald’s? OK not so many ppl..
The food is very bad for your health because their burgers have every taste imaginable between 2 buns: fried onions, red onions, chopped onions, ketchup, mustartd, spicy mustard, & 3 patties of beef.
What would you say to me if I was going to explain to you how I was on a diet, while munching away on 3 burgers, & kept ordering more as I taught you how to lose weight? Who would think I was serious?
This is what the ppl of Israel did. Joshua says to them in v.23, “Put away the foreign gods which are in your midst & incline your heart to the GOD of Israel.”
This verse explains why Joshua has been repeating himself, all throughout the passage. You remember how many times Israel said “YES” (3x)
“we will serve the LORD, of course we will serve the LORD.”
>> But in v.23, Joshua says they have foreign gods in their midst!! And it’s not always so clear what it means: “In your midst”
But in Hebrew root word, it means close.
They were answering all these things positively, but they had all these foreign gods close to them. Some of them had them in their tents probably!
Maybe there was a certain area that Joshua could even see with statues. He probably knew some families there that were conducting these pagan rituals.
They hadn’t put any of the idols away. And it’s not even like they had the idols on the outskirts of society. And they were kind of moving them away...they were right there in their midst.
>> So Joshua says: You need to put these idols away. I don’t believe you! You keep saying how much you want to serve the LORD but I can see the gods right in the center of you. They are next to you.
>> And you need to incline your hearts next to the LORD’s.
They need to stretch & reach out to grab ahold of the TRUTH. It’s like they throw idols away & instantaneously grab hold onto GOD! Or they’re hanging on edge of the cliff & have to reach out for GOD b4 they fall.
The active words here are so vivid. This is not a decision that we should take lightly.             ____________________________________________
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artificialqueens · 7 years
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Stonewall (Katlaska, Biadore): Chapter 1- Landfill
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Author’s Note: So, as someone very involved in LGBT rights stuff in the UK, I’ve wanted to write something around this for a while, so I did. Set in 1968 onwards, this fic follows the lives of a collection of LGBT people living in New York in the lead up to the Stonewall Riots, finding love and finding themselves (I like cheesy stuff.) There will be twists… So I can’t give away all of the characters’ gender identities yet but it centres around Brian/Katya, Justin/Alaska, Danny/Adore, Roy/Bianca, Aaron/Sharon, Brian/Trixie and possibly others… Oh and Cory because why not? Not all are here from the beginning.
Brian always aimed to stay unnoticed when he was in school. Keep his head down, only speak when spoken to, hand in good enough grades to get by not not good enough to draw attention to himself. Unless he was in competitions of course, it’s hard for no one to spot you when you’re walking towards them on your hands and knees, belly to the ceiling, back in a sharp arch. But that was necessity, gymnastics was the only thing he’d decided he couldn’t just give up out of fear. It was the height of the Cold War, and being an oddly flexible, skinny Russian boy had already put him at risk of harm. If they found out his secret, or just generally how weird he could be when he got talking, he would be thoroughly screwed. Let me know if you enjoy it, and if not, where I can improve xxx
All that changed on the morning of October 28th 1968, when some force from above compelled him to step out of the shadows. The day started like any other Monday, showering, pulling on a shirt, tie and blazer, glancing in at his passed out father and then heading off to school. He walked, for several reasons. The first was that he liked to keep fit, the second was that on a sunny day, the New York streets could almost pass as beautiful (if you ignored the half dead junkies seeping between the cracks) and the third was that the school bus was the exact sort of place one could find themselves getting noticed in the kind of way that Brian completely did not want to get noticed.
His first and second classes of the day had gone as smoothly as he could have hoped, the hitch coming at class number three- History of Comedy (Literature) with Mr Haylock. He always enjoyed the lesson, it was one of the few he shared with his friend, Daniel Noriega. Danny, unfortunately, was not quite as good at keeping his head down as Brian was, his feminine voice and wavy hair never ceasing to get him in trouble. It also didn’t help his case that he seemed completely and utterly devoted to his Literature lessons, though of course Brian knew that this wasn’t the case. The two boys had been friends since they were 11, when Brian’s family both moved to the city. Danny’s mother, Bonnie, ran a daycare centre, and often would end up taking the leftover children home when nobody came for them at the end of the day, until somebody managed to get in touch with their parents. Since his father fulfilled the stereotype of Russians loving Vodka, Brian spent more than a few nights sharing a room with Bonnie’s son. When they were 15, they had found themselves in the same literature class, ran by the very same Roy Haylock that Brian found himself say in front of that Monday morning, and Danny was instantly transfixed. After a few months of Danny’s blushing and not meeting their new teacher’s eyes, Brian finally managed to get the truth out of him.
“Wait a second… Noriega… Are you telling me that you’re, you know… Gay?” Danny looked away from him, clearly afraid his friend was going to reveal his secret. In 1965, it was still considered mental illness to be homosexual, and the treatments were less than pleasant. In fact to be with another man was still considered criminal, and at this point both boys were still very afraid of the law. Not to mention the way he would be treated by the people around him. There was a reason the gay community in New York was so closely knit, and that was that they had all been rejected by everybody else. What Danny didn’t know was that very soon, he would find himself a part of that community, fighting for liberation with Brian right beside him. But that’s a story for another time. To 15 year old Danny’s surprise, Brian’s face broke into a grin.
“I knew it! I knew it!! Me too!!! Oh god don’t tell my father.” The two of them sat together all of that night, hugging, crying, and talking about how good Roy Haylock’s arse looked in tailored pants. That was when they became inseparable, and when Danny became the first person to ever hear the truth about Brian’s childhood in Russia.
Back to that Monday morning in 1968, where the two teenagers sat absorbed in the lessons of one Roy Haylock, both for very different reasons. Brian tried to contain his smile, looking at the boy next to him, who gazed forlornly at the older man’s brown eyes from where they sat. Mr Haylock turned to write something on the blackboard and Brian whispered to his friend “Noriega you’re hopeless.” Danny didn’t manage to contain his laughter and their teacher span around.
“Something funny Noriega?” Brian struggled not to smile at the blush creeping up Danny’s neck.
“No Sir, nothing. I was just… Thinking about… Comedy, Sir, because this is a class on Comedy… And comedy is, y know… Funny?” He hadn’t meant it to come off as talking back, but he had an unfortunate habit of keeping his foot in his mouth, and the poor excuse landed him a detention at lunch. Brian sagged at the thought of eating alone, but then remembered that there was a school baseball game on that lunch and he decided just to loose himself in the crowd. As he turned to leave at the end of the class, Danny whispered in his ear “Alone time with the love of my life… Maybe you’ll get lucky today as well? Find someone to get you over that Aaron dude? I know, I know, you guys are friends now and it’s all fine, but you need to get out there!!”
Brian only rolled his eyes and walked away, but something told him that he might just be right. While he went to go and find himself a place amongst the benches, Danny walked up to the front of the class and leant against the front desk.
“You know, Noriega, you could at least try not to stare?” Roy let out a laugh at Danny’s blush, watching the younger boy loose his confidence, knowing he’d been caught.
“Oh relax, I don’t mind, it’s quite flattering, I was almost afraid I was growing too old for my students to be hitting on me, though I must admit it was usually the girls.” Taking a seat, he patted the place across from him. The younger man sat, looking like he was half tempted to bolt. His face gave away nothing, but inside his mind was racing. How long had Roy known? For the two years he’d been studying with him? Would he tell? Was he interested in Danny or did he think the boy was nothing more than a joke? He decided his best bet was to avoid finding the answers to these questions, and to avoid giving his teacher any more ammunition with which to tease him.
“Do we need to have this conversation, Sir?” His hands clutched at each other in his lap.
“No, we don’t, but can we at least be honest with each other? You should call me Roy. Since you’ve spent the last two years ignoring my lessons in favour of my behind, I feel calling me Sir is rather thankless, unless you’re into that, since you haven’t yet learnt anything about Literary History and as such I can’t really consider myself your teacher. So, Danny, may I call you Danny? We need to talk about what you’re going to do after next year. As far as I’m aware, you’re one of the few students who hasn’t yet presented any sort of a plan, and that worries me. I mean some have rather dubious goals, such as professional gymnastics, but at least it’s a starting point. Do you have any ideas?” The younger boy looked at him with a rather guarded expression, confused as to what his teacher’s angle was. He didn’t seem to want to expose him, ridicule or punish him, but he wasn’t necessarily flirting either. For a man in his thirties in their social climate, his approach to the subject was astoundingly frank.
“Um… Well… I sing. I’m not planning on going to college, I’m not really good enough at math to excel, and manual labour doesn’t really suit me, more because I’m not exactly accepted in the work place than not being capable of the work itself, but I sing pretty well. I think I’m just gonna try and do that in bars, Sir. Roy. Sorry. And sorry about… That… I’m not very good at being discreet I guess.” He smiled carefully, looking up at Roy through lashes that the older man noticed upon looking were thick and coated in mascara. Roy smiled for a moment, before his eyes turned sad. He held out his hands to the younger boy, an offer for him to take him. For a moment they were left empty, but slowly Danny found himself placing one of his small hands within Roy’s two. The two men’s eyes met, and Roy made sure they locked this time. His brows were furrowed with concern.
“I worry about you Danny, I don’t mind in the least that you’re a flirt and that you wear Mascara outside of the clubs, but there are a lot of men who would, you were lucky with me. You’re vulnerable, living the life that you… That we lead. We’re vulnerable. When your very existence is considered wrong, you need to learn how to tread carefully, and dare I say it, be subtle. Either that or you need to learn where you are and aren’t safe. I don’t want to see you hurt, kid. You may be annoying as hell but you have a good heart.” The boy’s eyes blew wide as he listened to his teacher’s words, unable of stopping himself from leaning forwards.
“You’re gay?” Roy smiled and rolled his eyes.
“Clearly it’s not going to be easy to get the message through to you, if that’s all you got out of my deeply moving soliloquy. For starters, keep your voice down!! I could loose my job!” Danny drew back his hands and blushed a little. It made Roy’s heart beat a little faster, realising that he’d been disappointed to see the boy’s smile drop.
“Sorry, Sir.”
“It’s okay, kid. I know you don’t mean any harm, you’re young, you haven’t seen what the world can do to people like us yet, and I’d really rather you didn’t. Now I want you to know that I’m here if you need my advice on anything, this is my house address and phone number. Please don’t just come over for a booty call, this is for emergencies only. You seem like the sort who might just get himself into trouble every now and again. Now off you go, you’d better find Mr McCook, he looked more than a little lost when he went to eat without you.” Danny stood, he knees brushing against the other man’s as he did so, and looked down at the address and phone number in his hand. Looking more serious and contemplative than he ever had before, he turned and walked away. Just before he left, he looked back and said quietly
“Thank you, Roy.”
While all of this had been happening, Brian had been having a confrontation of his own. He’d been walking over to get a seat when he saw one of the team members, Cory, and a bunch of his friends, picking on a tall, skinny boy with a skin tight shirt, blazer and bag on the floor. One of the boy’s pushed him down, and he heard Cory use the word “fag.” On some ridiculous impulse, he ran and stepped between them. The only though running through his head was ‘Brian, what the hell are you doing?’ Before he rattled off the first comeback he could think of, hoping the confidence of his voice would mask the fluttering of his breath and shaking of his hands.
“Hey Cory, how’s your dad? We didn’t have much opportunity to catch up last time I saw him due to the fact he had my dick in his mouth.” Cory turned as red as a beet, his friends loosing it at the look on his face before they were all called away by the coach. Brian turned to help the boy up, surprised to see that he looked angry.
“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“Look, I’m sorry if I made you look weak or something but those guys shouldn’t be speaking to you like that, I had to say something. I’ll just leave it next time.” He turned to leave, but was stopped by a bony hand closing around his wrist.
“No, that’s not what I meant. It’s… Complicated… Can I talk to you somewhere private?” Brian’s first instinct was to draw away has arm, but looking up at the other boy he found himself hesitantly agreeing.
“Okay, fine. I’ve already screwed up my reputation of not existing for you, so why not? I’m Brian by the way, Brian McCook.” They started walking together, Brian allowing his companion to take the lead, and the older boy laughed quietly at the comment.
“Oh I know who you are, Brian, but… McCook? Seriously? What with your Russian Gymnast status I was expecting something harder to pronounce for a last name!” He was shocked. Not a single person other than Danny and one or two of their teachers had ever noticed him enough to connect his talent to his first name, nor to wonder what his last name was.
“Well… I changed my name when I was 11, my last name used to be Zamolodchikova. In case that makes you feel any better! Also how did you know who I was?” By this point they had found themselves sitting comfortably in an abandoned classroom, side by side on a rather small desk.
“Zamo- what now? What was your first name?” Brian’s smile faltered on his face.
“Oh we don’t talk about that. I’m Brian now, that’s all that matters. What about you? Am I allowed to know the name of the man who has dragged me away from a lunch with my adoring fans?”
“Justin Honard, pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Brian blanched hearing the name and almost forgot to shake the hand that had been held out to him.
“Wait, Justin as in Cory’s older brother? Man I’ve really put my foot in it haven’t I?” The other boy, Justin, let out a quiet laugh at Brian’s embarrassment and nudged him slightly until he began to smile again.
“It’s alright, you didn’t know. But yeah, complicated as I said. Cory wants a scholarship, he needs to stay on good terms with his teammates. He knows for sure I’m gay, and doesn’t care in the slightest, but if the rest of the team knew that he’d be in deep shit. So every now and again he joins in. I can see it bothers him, and he always spends ages at home trying to make it up to me, but there isn’t much else he can do.” Unconsciously, Brian’s hand snaked around Justin’s waist in a vain attempt to offer comfort.
“So… I have to ask, what the hell motivated you to step in there? None of us have ever had the slightest inclination you might be… You know… So why would you imply that you are when you’re not? And you don’t even know me!” Justin’s drawl had begun to make itself more and more known through the conversation as he started to relax, and the two found themselves smiling at each other’s odd habits.
“Well, for starters, I am. Totally. Full homo. So is my best friend Danny, but I suspect the whole city knows that.” He laughed at Justin’s surprised expression.
“But I don’t know what hit me really, I’ve never spoken at all to anyone here but Danny other than in answer to a question, so that was quite unexpected for me. I really do try not to get noticed. I don’t know, I guess it was just something about you. I never thought anyone as gangly as you could look graceful slumped in the dirt…” Their conversation went on for the rest of the hour’s lunch, and a little longer. During this time they learnt that both had briefly dated Aaron Coady and had kept him as a friend, and agreed that the three of them, plus Danny, really needed to hang out, maybe that night. Justin suggested a bar he knew, and Brian agreed, nodding excitedly.
“Why don’t we make it a date, plus two friends to make sure we don’t do anything… Regrettable?” Justin added, his cool exterior betrayed by the fact that he was very gently biting his lip, not that Brian had the slightest problem with the gesture.
“Sounds good, pick me up at 9?” With absolutely no warning, Justin leant forward and gave him the gentlest of kisses, pulling back to see a shocked and flustered Brian, cheeks turning pink. He grinned at the response and began to walk towards the door.
“Oh and Brian? As for how I know who you are, however could I forget a man with your show stopping flexibility? I try to keep track of these things.”
Yep. Danny was definitely right, this meeting was fate.
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