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dollscircus · 3 years

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Adenn Baar’ur - Chapter 2

(Merciless Medic)

(Inspired by Stubbychaos Paz x Nurse!Reader fic)

Summary: Finding an injured Mandalorian wasn’t how you expected the night to end; surprisingly forming a strange friendship with “Big Blue” however he begins to realise that you have a connection with another mandalorian which was unknown to you.

Paring: Paz Vizsla x F!Reader. F!Reader & Din Djarin (Siblings)

Includes: Wounds, swearing - Canon typical stuff. Also flirting and fluff.

Words: 2,226

Chapter 1 Chapter 3

A03. (Sometimes chapters are posted earlier on A03)

Tag list is open! Just send me an ask!

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As you woke up, your body felt so stiff. Letting out a quiet and drawn out groan, you turned your head towards the shuffling sounds. Aki and your cots were only separated by a flimsy scrap of fabric, she was always a morning person which greatly irritated you and you curl into yourself and let out a shudder but you let out a yell when the fabric was suddenly pulled to the side and a body dropping on top of you. Aki shook your shoulders while demanding you to wake up while your arm flew and your hip bucked up trying to kick her off. After a few moments of you and Aki yelling and fighting you both stopped. The woman was still straddling your waist when you picked the pillow up and covered your face with it.

“Get up- Y/N. You oughta get up.” She dropped her head so it rested on your shoulder, her breath brushing against your neck. It sent a shiver up your spine so you rolled to the side and that caused Aki to fall next to you.

“Nope. Didn’t get much sleep last night.” You said through the pillow but after you finished you removed the pillow and stared at the ceiling. Aki playfully scoffed and turned her to you.

“Yeah because you took in a patient when you had just done a twelve hour-“ She stopped when seeing your expression, it was tired and soulful. She saw the dried tear tracks under and on your cheeks, her lips parted slightly and her eyebrow furrowed slightly.

“Oh, you had-“ She trailed off as you nodded your head and let out a quiet and sad chuckle, “Alright, get some more sleep.” She leaned in and placed a kiss on your temple.

Aki disappeared down into the infirmary leaving you in the cot again, exhaustion still lingered on your body and mind yet your brain refused to let you fall back asleep. Scrunching up your face and you brought your hands up to your face, cupping your face. Letting out an annoyed groan. Your mind was still groggy as you were waking up so the memories were slowly coming back to you. The thought of Big Blue crossed your mind, your thoughts apron these memories fondly. Smiling slightly as your arms dropped to your side than the memories of Blue mentioning rumours. Rumours about you. You didn’t know if you should be insulted or flattered.

You sat in silence for way too long, after laying in bed for an unknown amount of time. You threw yourself up and off the cot quickly dressing yourself after deciding that you might as well get on with work. You mean, you were already awake. You walked into the infirmary as Aki was sending someone away when seeing you she scoffed and pointed towards the door;

“You barely slept, go back to bed. Medic.” Aki was careful not to say your name aloud. She didn’t know why but you’ve only told your name to her. You never wanted anyone to know your name so you earned the simple name of ‘medic’ or ‘nurse’ around Navarro. However, you must’ve earned a couple of other names that you weren’t aware of.

“‘M can’t sleep.” You scratched the bad of your head, “Might as well work.”

The day went as most days do until the evening - people came in bloodied and bruised you and Aki would patch them up then send them on their way however when it got dark a typically when you would really get the crazies. As you threw away the last bits of bloodies rag, Aki worked to restock the supplies but let out a sharp curse causing you to glance in her direction;

“We’re outta bacta spray.” She groaned while closing the cabinet, “Guess we’ll get some tomorrow-“

You sighed and rubbed the back of your neck, trying to soothe the soreness you felt in your neck. Your whole body was sore, practically begging for you to rest but you continued to work even saying to Aki that you’ll go get some from your usual supple guy.

“You really don’t have to-“ She started, “It’s late and I’m pretty sure Karkolt has a thing for you.” Karkolt was one creepy son of a bitch but small so relatively harmless, you put of a fake smile and replied with a light chuckle that

“I’ll use that to get them for cheap prices then!” Before Aki could protest anymore, you slung a bag over your shoulder and left the building.

Karkolt was your supplier. You weren’t sure where he got his supply’s from but you weren’t going to pass up the discounts you get for having a cute face. Despite how late it was, Karkolt never seemed to sleep so when you arrived at his house you weren’t worried about waking him up. Knocking on the door, you waited for a couple of moments before he opened it without sounding like a horrible person. The best way to describe Karkolt would be unsightly. However, you offered your typical fake smile and tone while greeting him.

“Medic! Lovely to see you!” He greeted, you could smell his breath from where you were standing but you’ve been around him enough time to be used to it.

“Karkolt.” You said, “You got any bacta spray left?”

He smiled, a smile that sent shivers up your spine as he gestured for you to come in. As you walked, his hand hovered over the small of your back. Maker, you were thankful he never actually touched you than all self restraint would’ve gone out the window. Sitting down on a chair as Karkolt disappeared into a separate room, you silence for a few moments while listening to the distant sounds of rustling.

The door slowly opening caused you to jump and your hand to rest your weapon. You've never run into Karkolt’s other customers but you guessed they weren’t all upstanding folks. However, you were presently surprised by who opened the door. Big Blue. It was comical how huge he looked in the door frame, the thought caused you to giggle before greeting him.

“Nice to see you haven’t been stabbed again-“ You said with a smile. He looked you over before replying with an amused voice.

“You following me, Adenn Baar’ur?” Maker, you had forgotten how those words sounded when he spoke them. Please keep speaking. You shook your head trying to rid yourself of that train of thought as you rose to your feet and pointed at him.

“I was here first- Blue. If anything, you’re following me.” Playfully, you tilted your head to the side in mock suspicion before adding, “Besides, I don’t chase after men. Do I look desperate?’ The following few second of silence made you frown but Blue spoke before you could,

“Of course not, mesh’la.”

“Oi, don’t use words I don’t understand. Mandalorian.”

“Or what?” His tone was increasingly playful and you felt a real smile plagued your lips, “You'll throw me across a table?”

Did he just- He did! How did he hear about that? You don’t like fighting- you never go out of your way to start a fight but where you work and who you work with might cause you to. You thought the advent he was referring to was when you had to stop by the cantina to speak to Greef about a payment and one of the hunters decided to get handsy with you. So naturally you threw him across a table- you're deceptively strong and he had to learn that the hard way. You felt your cheek grow warm in embarrassment, is that what you're known for?

“How did you-“ You began to question but much to your annoyance Karkolt returned with bags apron bags in his hands. His presence reminded you, why was Blue even here? Karkolt looked to Blue and greeted him with,

“Ah, I was wondering why you hadn’t picked up your shipment! Nice to see you aren’t dead.”

You glanced up at Blue and he simply nodded at the other man, who seemed to notice how close you were standing to Blue, which you hadn’t even noticed until Karkolt did a double take.

“I wasn’t aware that you too knew each other.” The way he said it was odd, there was annoyance laced in with his fake cheerful attitude. You coughed while moving away from Blue, painfully aware of your actions now. Taking the bags from Karkolt, you pack your own bag while he disappears again presumably to retrieve whatever Blue was here for. You dropped a few credits on a nearby table while throwing the bag over your shoulder. Looking to Blue before leaving you smiled and uttered,

“Goodnight Mandalorian.”

“Goodnight, mech’la.”

“That better be a nice word you’re calling me.”

He followed you to the door, as you stood outside looking in he tilted his helmet to the side as he spoke; “what else am I meant to call you? I don’t know your name.”

“That’s by design. You don’t get that until the fourth date.” You stopped for a second to playfully smirk, “Besides, I don’t know your name either.”

“Also by design.”

“Of course, Blue.”

“Then two dates to go.” You could hear the smirk in his voice, hearing it caused you to bite down a wide smile.

“No this isn’t a date- chance encounter and first time you were stabbed. Not sure about mandalorians but I like my dates to be romantic and not bloody.” You teased but the hardy chuckle from Blue caused you to falter, made even worse by him leaning down so his helmet was closer to your face.

“Then what would class as a date?”

“Are you asking me on one?” Your teasing didn’t give up though, who would break first. Surly not you, you didn’t have an delusions that he was only joking so-

“What if I say I am?“ He cooed, MAKER- dammit. You broke first.

“Then- I would say; I’m almost always at the infirmary. Stop by sometimes.”

“You didn’t answer my question- what would class be as a date? What do you class as a romantic little medic?”

“I dunno.” You tapped a finger on his helmet guessing where his nose was, “Figure it out, Blue.”

Finally you pulled your eyes away from Blue and turned away, hiding the wide smile that shaped your lips and stifling a giggle. You felt like a schoolgirl, giggling over a guy but you said screw it to yourself. This might not be anything, could just be some playful flirting. Whatever this was, it was interesting. You were in a good mood as you approached the infirmary and opened the door. Calling out to Aki but you were greeted by something slightly more concerning.

Standing in the center of the room was a human. You had seen him before- knew he was a bounty hunter. His blaster was pointed towards you, you narrowed your eyes and reached your hand toward your weapon, however he shot at the wall next to you, demanding that you don’t move. Your heart was rapidly beating in your chest, you felt a slight tremble in your hands and legs.

“How may I help you?” You stared, the fear just about visible in your voice.

“The mandalorian- he was here.” You looked him over, finally noticing his poorly patched up wounds and bruised face; You barely hid the amusement at the thought of Blue beating the snot out of him.

“Yes, but he’s not here now-“ You explained

“Where did he go?” He yelled, starting to approach you.

“I don’t know- I don’t follow the people I-“ He was close enough to now so struck the blaster against your skull startling you with the sudden pain, the shock caused you to freeze for a second so you didn’t reach for your weapon. Grasping the collar of your shirt he lifted you up and slammed you into the wall, you couldn’t hear much from the ringing in your ears.

“Where did he go!” He demanded, you could feel him wrapping your weapon and threw it to the side. You grasped his wrists as stared him in the eyes.

“I don’t. Know.” He growled and swung and punched you in the ribs. Winded, you tried to draw in a breath but failed to. Much to your horror, you heard a crack.

“Where.Is.He?” You weren’t a stupid person, so you carried two weapon, a blade withdrawing it you plunged it into his hip. He yelled and pulled back and stared at you before raising the blaster at you. About to fire you raised an arm to defend yourself but the shot never came but a shuffle and loud thud instead.

Opening your eyes while gasping for air, the throbbing pain in your rib kept you from moving too much. The bounty hunter was on the ground while Blue stood above him, relief washed over you as your body tried to fall over but Blue caught you in his arms. You let out a pathetic whimper as the pain clogged his mind.

“So you’re following me?” You teased, your voice was quiet and painful.

“Baar’ur.” He said sadly, “I’ve got you.”

Your vision was fading and your body gave up while you passed out.

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clanoffetts · 3 years

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someday. | paz vizsla x fem!reader

Chapter V

masterlist

synopsis: Paz Vizsla finds himself stuck on Dantooine with a broken ship and no credits. Luckily, he finds you, a mechanic that will fix his ship for passage to Hosnian Prime. Over the course of your time together, a courtship blooms.

warnings: none? i think?

word count: 2.5k

Han Solo could be punctual when he really wanted to. He really didn’t care to be, though. Leia had told him they had guests, and she’d like him back on Hosnian Prime in time for brunch. Han Solo didn’t care to have brunch with what he’d assumed were diplomats or royals. And diplomats and royals didn’t really care to dine with Han Solo.

“I’m sorry Han is so late,” Leia said, sitting next to you on the couch as you wrapped a braid around the crown of her head. “I should’ve known, I guess.”

You laughed a little. “I counted on him being late. I don’t know Han like you do, but I know him well enough.”

Leia smiled. Of course you knew Han well enough to count on him being late. Leia blames her forgetfulness about you on pregnancy, but she knows it was the time apart. She’s more than excited to bridge those gaps.

“I don’t want Mando to feel disrespected,” she said. “I know he’s important to you.”

You smiled at the mention of Paz. “He won’t feel disrespected, Leia, I promise. He knows who Han Solo is, you know. He’s a bit of a hero to those who do, uhm, illegal things.”

“Mando does illegal things?”

You shrugged. “He has.” Paz had smuggled things when the Tribe was really struggling and bounties were low, he had told you as your conversations got deeper.

“Well, I guess we have, too, technically,” Leia says. “And Alderaanian girls like bad boys. That’s what my mother used to say.”

You laughed and shook your head. “Let’s go ahead and eat. I don’t think Han would be mad if we started without him.”

“Alright, I’ll go tell Threepio we’re ready,” she said, standing up and smoothing her grey dress. “You go get your Mando, if he’d like to join.”

“I’m sure he will,” you say, standing up as well. Earlier that morning Leia had brought some comfortable lounging clothes to you, and you’d chosen loose grey pants and a matching crop top. You’d slipped on some house shoes to go with them. You and Leia had been braiding each other's hair while waiting for Han, something sisters on Alderaan held sacred and learned to do for all hair types and lengths. The braids both of you wore in your hair carried a deeper meaning today.

You caught a glance of yourself in the hallway mirror as you went to get Paz. You looked like a woman from Alderaan again. It was bittersweet, reminding you of years past. But it was also comforting, being wrapped in Alderaan again was daunting when you first arrived, but maybe it wasn’t so bad.

You knocked on the door of the aptly named Blue Room. “Paz? Can I come in?”

“One second,” he calls, voice unmodulated. You could hear him walking across the room to put on his helmet. A moment later, his voice rings through the vocoder telling you it’s safe.

You open the door as he’s strapping on his thigh plates, cuirass and pauldrons already in place. “I don’t think all that’s necessary,” you say. “Leia says it’s very secure here.”

“Maybe it’s not,” he says, fiddling with the clasp. “But this is the Way, kebiin’ika.” You nodded. You still didn’t know much about this Way, and you doubt you’ll ever fully understand it.

His visor is trained on you, he’s looking you up and down. Paz’s face grew warm as he admired your clothes, new and soft and classic Alderaan white. And your hair, kriff, it’s beautiful and intricate. You look very different to how you looked on Dantooine when he first met you, but just as beautiful. And even more relaxed. “You look very nice,” he said, silently cursing himself for saying something awkward.

Your face grew hot now. “Thank you, Paz,” you smile up at him. “That’s very sweet.”

“Just telling the truth, mesh’la,” he says.

“We’re going to eat breakfast, if you want to join,” you say, changing the subject away from yourself. “Han isn’t here yet, though.”

“Yeah, yeah I’ll join you,” he says, motioning you to go out the door first. Paz was relaxed today, and you wish his clothing could reflect it. He deserved to wear soft flowy fabrics so he could feel the breeze of Hosnian Prime and feel the soft fabric of Leia’s many couches and chairs. But maybe that wasn’t what he wanted, what he wanted was to wear his armor.

Leia was sitting in the sunroom at the back of the house, plates of small sandwiches and eggs cooked all types of ways and plenty of other foods lay out on the table before her. She stood up when the two of you entered the room, royal protocol continuing to persevere after all these years. “Good morning, Mando,” she says.

“Goodmorning, your highness,” Paz says with a bow of his head.

“Good!” C-3PO says as he brings in a kettle of tea. “You’re catching on, Master Mandalorian.”

Leia shakes her head with a laugh. “Don’t worry about the protocol, Mando. I don’t want to be too proper in my own home.”

Paz just nods, moving to sit in the chair next to yours. He’s eyeing the sandwiches, wishing he could have one, but in his four decades he’s gotten used to the temptation of food and to the long days without food.

You pick up a sandwich, some fruit, and some eggs to start with. Leia is working on doing the same when the sound of a ship gets deafening above the house. “Han!” Leia exclaimed, setting her plate down.

She went to the door of the sunroom that led into the back yard, watching as Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon settled down in the yard. As the ship hits the ground, Leia throws open the door and runs outside.

Han emerges from the hull, and you’re shocked to not see Chewbacca with him. Han and Leia hug and kiss, and Leia starts explaining something. You know Leia’s tells, the woman explains with her hands. You assume she’s explaining your and Paz’s presence, probably giving him a heads up that Paz is a Mandalorian, like Boba Fett.

Paz watches you watch your friends. A smile grows across your face as you watch Han’s hand splay across Leia’s pregnant belly, telling the baby something. His mind drifts as you start to eat, he imagines the two of you on Yavin with little Vizsla foundling running around as his hand splays across your belly, telling your baby something.

“Why if it isn’t my favorite mechanic!” Han says as he walks in.

He pulls you into a hug as you say, “You only flatter me when the Falcon needs fixing.”

“She’s good for now,” Han says, letting you go. “But if she ever isn’t, I know who to call.”

“Where’s Chewie?” You ask. Paz doesn’t know who Chewie is, but if he had to guess, it was the Wookie that always appeared with Han in holos.

Han took a bite before answering, but Leia was tired of scolding him for talking with his mouth full. “Back on Kashyyyk, helping them rebuild.”

“Good, that’s good,” you smile softly at the fond memories of the Wookie. “And congratulations, Han. On the baby.”

He smiles and his eyes flit to Leia’s stomach. “Thank you, it’s hard work for me, this baby.”

Leia slaps Han’s shoulder with one hand while the other caresses her stomach. “Oh, hush,” she says. “Hard work,” she mocks with a roll of her eyes.

“So, Mando,” Han says, turning to face Paz. “You’re with our prized mechanic, or so Leia tells me.”

Paz turns to Han. “I am.”

“Man of few words, this one,” he says, pointing his thumb over to Paz. “You know if you hurt her in any way, you’ll have pissed off almost all of the New Republic, right?”

Paz nodded. “I don’t plan to hurt her, Han Solo. I plan to keep doing the opposite.”

“Good, good,” Han says. “She’s like our sister, that one.”

“You know I’m right here, right?”

Han scoffs. “I haven’t lost that many brain cells.”

You laugh, taking a drink of some water. “Can never be too sure with you.”

The brunch went well, Han’s banter was a welcome change to conversation. Han even got Paz to talk more, engaging in conversations about racing and smuggling stories. It was nice to hear Paz converse, not as natural as he was when he was alone with you, but he seemed to be enjoying himself.

Now you and Leia sat on the couches in the study again, and Paz was out with Han, being shown the Millennium Falcon. You knew Paz probably didn’t care as much as he let on, but Han was always excited to show off his ship.

“They seem to be getting along,” Leia says.

You nod. “I’m surprised. I didn’t think Han would like him.”

“Han can get along with anyone, if he wants to,” Leia says. “He’s really excited about the baby, you know.”

You nod. “I can tell,” you say. “Though I figured he’d want to name the baby Falcon or something.”

Leia lets out a belly laugh, throwing her head back. “You know,” she says between laughs. “He did consider the names Millie and Falcon.”

“Maker, of course he did,” you laugh with her.

Once the laughter dies down, Leia speaks. “I’m not wanting you to leave,” she starts. “Just wondering how long you’ll be here. The senate session starts again in a week, and I’m going to be gone a lot.”

You shrugged. “I didn’t really have a plan. I’m sure he’ll be wanting to get back to Yavin IV soon, though. His tribe will need him. Maybe we’ll leave tomorrow.”

“I don’t want you to leave so soon, you could stay here, if you wanted.”

You shook your head. “I don’t know…I want to be with my Mando. He told me last night he planned to marry me.”

“You know I love you, right? I care about you?” You nod. “Ok, good. Because you barely know this man, and you’re going to marry him?”

You felt yourself getting defensive. “I’ve known him for a week, I know that it seems insane, but I am getting to know him. He’s very sweet, Leia. And it’s not like we’re getting married now.”

“I know, I just worry,” she sighs.

“I know, and I’m glad,” you say. “We spent three days alone in hyperspace, he’s an open book if he wants to be.”

The rest of the day was relaxed, but you could tell Paz was exhausted from Han’s talking when the two of you finally retired for the evening. Paz was stripping his armor off and stretching when you came out of the fresher in a nightgown Leia gave you. It was white, somewhat sheer if the light hit you right. And it took Paz’s breath away. He still had his thigh plates on when he approached you, hands falling to your waist as he looked down at you. His gloves were off, and you saw the small scars that covered his deep brown hands as they rested on your hips. “This is really pretty,” he says.

You giggle. “You like sheer things. Noted.”

He chuckles a little, too. “You’re just really beautiful is all. Especially in that,” he’s looking you up and down again, the helmet moving dramatically as he takes you in. “I really wish I could kiss you, you know.”

Your hands find his forearms, rubbing circles with your thumbs. “I wish you could, too.” The two of you are standing so close. Sure, you’d cuddled, you’d reclined between his legs, but this feels so much closer.

Paz must’ve been thinking the same thing, and it must’ve scared him, because he took a few steps back. “Sorry,” he apologized quietly.

You tilted your head, brow arching. “Why are you sorry?”

“I don’t know,” he replies, even quieter. He turns around and goes back to the chair where he had stacked his armor, moving to unclasp the thigh plates and add them to the pile.

“You don’t have to be sorry about wanting to kiss me,” you tell him, walking over to the bed and starting to pull the duvet back. “Or telling me you want to kiss me. It’s not strange, it’s hot.”

He laughs a little at that. “It’s not weird?”

You’re shocked at this forty year old man asking you a question like a teenager. “No, Paz, it’s not weird. It’s good, giving people a heads up.”

He’s nodding, obviously not completely convinced. “Told the droid I needed our clothes washed,” he says. “Don’t have my sleep pants. Is it ok if I wear shorts?”

You’re a little confused, but you try not to show it. “Yeah, love, that’s fine. I don’t care.”

He enters the ‘fresher, shorts and sweatshirt in hand. When he returned, it was your turn to ogle. His thighs, kriff, his thighs. Paz was a big man, obviously his thighs would be big, too. But seeing them without the armor or the sweats was something else.

“You look nice.”

He laughed. “Haven’t had my legs out in a long time.”

You smile. “I like it. It’s hot.” He makes his way to the bed, sitting next to you. You look at his legs, and they’re littered with a few deep scars, blaster wounds, and a few smaller scars.

“I’ll tell you about them someday,” he says when he realizes that you’re staring. “Not tonight though.”

You nod. “You know what you should do tonight?” He hums. “You should kiss me.”

“Kebiin’ika,” he says. “You sure?”

“Paz Vizsla, you told me last night that you planned to marry me. I’m sure,” you say.

“Close your eyes,” he says, and you obey. You hear the lights click off and the helmet land with a clunk on the nightstand. You feel his hand on your cheek, large and warm and comforting. “You’re so pretty, mesh’la,” he whispers.

You smile. “Just kiss me, Vizsla.”

He’s the one who obeys this time, closing the gap between the two of you. His lips are large and soft and warm, and they fit so well between your own.

Your hand wanders to his cheek, feeling his stubble under your palm as your lips find a rhythm with his.

He breaks the kiss first, resting his forehead against yours. “We call this a keldabe kiss in Mando’a,” he says, a little breathless. “Because Mandos can’t kiss with their helmets on.”

You smile, your hand still on his cheek, thumb slowing caressing him. “I wish I could see your face.” Your thumb stops, you freeze, scared that you’d offended him.

“You will, mesh’la, you will,” he whispers. “Someday.”

tags: @remmysbounty @snipskixandbeskar

#paz vizla x reader #paz vizsla x reader #paz vizla #paz vizsla

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fandom-blackhole · 3 years

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Oooh oh oh! Me!! I have an AU!! Maybe even two? Both are modern!AU’s so feel free to go with anything modern in general + bucketheads but I also had these in mind:

1. Lately I’ve read this yoga instructor Din AU from @gaiuswrites and I was wondering about instructor-like AUs in general? Yoga Din owns my heart now but like if you want to go with like idk math tutor Paz or motorcycle instructor Boba or something - by all means: go ahead

2. KINDERGARTEN AU. Are they the teacher?? Or do they have a crush on the teacher???? Who knows? Perhaps even a babysitter??? Just kids + mandos make me vibrating with excitement (*ahem* I’m sure it keeps them excited in another way too but that’s a thot for another day)

Ooooohhh this is good, I like both of these. And since I'm doing two im doing them under a cut so the post isn't super long...

Instructor AU & Kindergarten AU

Din-

Instructor AU

Ok so for this AU I think Din being a sign language instructor would be an interesting concept. And you are taking his classes because you need them for your job or you have a family member that is deaf.

Din's classes aren't that big and he usually has his son, Grogu, with him, who is mute and only speaks through sign

One evening you came to class and you were the only one to show up that night so the two of you mostly talked and got to know each other

That’s how you found out that Din himself was deaf in one ear and that’s why he knew sign even before he got Grogu

The two of you grew closer and after that night, Din asked you on a date

Kindergarten AU

So for Din, you are Grogu’s kindergarten teacher and Din is one of the dads that you just watch and are like goddamn if only he was single, what only made it worse was he was on the local fire department

Then Grogu bites another child and you have to call Din into your class after school to have a small talk. That small talk ends up taking a lot longer than you thought and as Grogu played the two of you chatted, Din explained that he was a single parent and had adopted Grogu because after he saved him from an abandoned building Grogu clung to Din and refused to leave his side

After that Din started waiting longer when he picked up Grogu just so he could chat with you for a little bit, and finally one day you shyly had him your phone number saying that you’d like to chat more away from the school

After that, the two of you end up going on numerous dates, both with and without Grogu. You find out Din is a secret romantic and he is always super sweet on the dates

Then he picked you up for a date one night and drove you to a small park away from town. There he set up a picnic and it was so cute and sweet and perfect, but then he had proposed. (After you said yes, it was practically night and Din may or may not have made love to you on that picnic blanket)

Boba-

Instructor AU

So for Boba, I thought it would be really cool for him to be a self-defense instructor and you just moved to the city and wanted to take classes because you worked late at night and just wanted to be prepared

Boba usually taught in bigger classes, but when he saw that you were struggling with a few things he invited you to come at a different time so he could teach you one on one (and it had nothing to do with the fact that he had found himself very attracted to you, or how his co-instructor Fennec had been teasing him about you)

The first solo session went smoothly and you found yourself blushes and biting your lip whenever Boba would come up behind you to show how to move your arm or move your hips

The tension only grew within your solo lessons with Boba, but neither of you acknowledged it and just working around it

Then one lesson Boba decided to test your skills in a one-on-one spar, the first few times he overcame you, but to both of your surprise, you were able to get him on the floor and pin him. That tension, yeah that doesn’t exactly exist anymore but you do need help walking to Boba’s car afterward

Kindergarten AU

So Boba in this AU is going to be more of a Babysitter AU. So Boba owns some big corporation and that means he works late nights often so he doesnt get to be home often in the evenings, so enter you a poor college student that comes in and watches his son, Jango.

You never ask about little Jango’s mother and Boba never talks about it, which doesn’t bother you.

Boba pays you more than he should but shrugs it off saying that you are a good babysitter, Jango loves you, and he remembers being a broke college student

The nights that you work for Boba,you always make sure to cook a warm meal for both Jango and Boba, keeping Boba’s portion in the microwave for when he gets home and making sure there is enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow for Boba

You tend to work on homework on his coffee table after Jango goes to bed until Boba comes home. One night you end up falling asleep while studying and when you wake up you findyourself in Boba’s bed. You jump up surprised only for Boba to walk out from his ensuite bathroom saying, “Easy little one, youre too tired to drive hime tonight so you are staying here.”

Bonus: You both definitely end up fucking and the next morning you wake up cuddled to his chest and without even opening his eyes Boba tlls you you should move in with them

Paz-

Instructor AU

So Paz is like canonically a man that knows his way around weapons, so for this AU I want to make Paz a shooting/gun instructor

You take his class for some reason or another and you are just instantly taken by this huge man that is just so gentle with how he hands both his guns and the people he is teaching

Once one of the girls in your small class brought her small child because she didn’t have anyone to watch him so Paz puts earmuffs of the kid and carries him around on his shoulders the whole time, and you watched him sneak the kid a sucker after the class was over

Paz tends to linger around you alot when teaching or watching you hold or handle the guns, and the two of you just pine after eachother throughout the entire course

On the last day of class you ask Paz shyly if he had plans after class, he had planned to go drinking with Din but he canceled immediately, and told you no and the two of you went to a small restaurant and ended up staying and talking so long that you were there until closing

Kindergarten AU

Paz is the teacher in this AU and you are a single mother of twins, a boy and girl

One day you are late to pick them up because your boss had been being a jackass to you, and you walk in ready to start apologizing only to stop speechless, finding Paz on the floor redoing your little girl’s hair and telling a story that had both children captivated

When your kids notice you they get upset, not wanting to leave Paz’s company, you just turn to apologize to Paz for being late, he just tells you that it was fine. But you still feel guilty so you invite him over for dinner as a thank you

That night the four of you each a homemade meal and Paz does nothing but compliment your small home and cooking all the while keeping your kids entertained

Paz stays well after the kids go to bed and as the two of you sit on the couch you talking you find yourself eventually kissing him while sitting on his lap

Sorry for taking so long with this, but I hope you like it!

#anon thots #din djarin x reader #din x reader #boba fett x reader #boba x reader #paz vizsla x reader #paz x reader

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cora-vizsla · 3 years

Text

Cabur Chapter 5

Rating: Explicit (18+)

Word Count: 7.5K

Warnings: Mentions of death (nothing explicit or described), violence, shooting, punching, sadness, angst, I'm so sorry I wrote this in a mood, talking about loss of parents, implied panic attack (character doesn’t know what it is), fluff, love

A/N: This part is pretty sad. If you have an issue with death (nothing is talked about in great detail at ALL but it does mention it, please just shoot me a message or ask for a synopsis so you can skip the chapter. Reader has some issues with panic but is helped through it. Also, I know I usually put the translations at the bottom but this chapter is heavy with Mando’a so I put the translations right after the conversation so you aren’t flipping back and forth trying to figure out what it meant. If I missed tags or you think something should be added PLEASE let me know! Much love to all of you!!

It was easy being with Paz. Once the helmet issue was out of the way there wasn’t much to fight about. Months went by in a comfortable routine of helping the village while getting to know each other better. You both were happy.

Your favorite part was being able to walk around again without the helmet. It wasn’t just you without the helmet though. Looking at Paz always put a smile on your face. You had heard of Mandalorians being smitten once they saw each other’s faces and you’d always wondered if it was due to the already established relationship. You knew without a doubt that Paz was the most handsome man you had ever laid eyes on. It should have been illegal to make him cover his face.

The village had noticed that you now wore the same symbol that Paz wore on his armor. You had explained that you were now part of his clan. They had wanted to throw a huge celebration but the elder explained to everyone else that your vows were simple as was the life you lived. They had all brought you different meals for two weeks after the announcement, but you didn’t have the heart to turn them away. They just wanted to show how much they appreciated and celebrated your happiness.

The communication with the Armorer had been much easier. She was pleased that you agreed to marrying Paz and was planning new armor for you. You let her know that anything that would be replaced would be donated back to the tribe for foundlings. She wasn’t surprised at all but thanked you all the same. It still wasn’t safe for either of you to go to her, but the time was nearing.

The idea of leaving was hard. The village had been your home. It didn’t help that you were getting increasingly close to Lahta. She had been confused at first by Paz being around all the time but eventually she loved him just as much. She loved riding on his shoulders and being taller than everyone in the village. You loved hearing him laughing fully right along with her. You hadn’t been lying when you said you wanted a family. You just knew Paz was going to be a great biur.

“What color do you want your new armor to be?”

You were sitting on the porch between Paz’s legs. He had his arms wrapped around you so you could lean back against him. He often kissed you on the top of your head and your temple whenever you were close enough. It was one of the sweetest things he did, and you were sure he did it without even thinking.

“Hmm. I was thinking pure silver like Din. That was we can match.”

You smirked back at him when he growled and tightened his arms.

“I think you would look beautiful in blue.”

“You think I look beautiful in anything.”

“Not true. I think you’re also beautiful in absolutely nothing.”

“You are insatiable.”

“Then stop being so alluring, cyare.”

You laughed and nuzzled yourself into his neck.

“I don’t think we should take Lahta.”

Paz sighed and turned you so he could actually look at you. It had been a conversation you both skated by more times than not. You both loved her.

“Why?”

“The village is safe. It’s been really quiet lately. There isn’t even a safe place for the tribe to settle. When it’s time for us to leave here, we would be taking her from safety to that. I don’t think that it’s fair to her. If she were older, I’d give her the decision but she’s still so young.”

“She’s going to be sad when we do leave.”

“I know. I will be too. I just think that as long as this is a safe place it’s the best option for her.”

“I can’t argue that. We should be hearing from the Armorer any day.”

It was your turn to sigh. He held you tighter and you nestled back into him.

“I’ll miss our cabin.”

“As will I, cyare. Gar cuyir ner yaim.” (You are my home.)

“I know, Paz. We are one.”

He nodded and kissed you deeply. You moved forward to straddle him, wrapping yourself around him. Both of you jumped when a deafening boom came from the distance.

“The village.”

You both scrambled to your feet and pulled your helmets on, running towards the village as more explosions rang out. You could hear his footsteps behind you, almost as loud as your heart pounding in your ears. You were quicker than him, but he wasn’t slow by any means. You were just quicker at navigating around trees and brush.

When you burst through the clearing you skid to a stop, pulling your blaster. You heard Paz do the same thing as he came up on you. Your chest was heaving as you looked around.

There wasn’t a village left in front of you.

You started running towards where the elders and the school used to be. The kids should have been in school, but you couldn’t see any standing buildings. Panic was rising up in your throat until you saw three men laughing and running away. You quickly shot two of them, dropping them with one shot each. The third you shot in the leg and walked over to him. You stepped on his chest and pointed the blaster at his face.

“What did you do!?”

He laughed again and winced when you ground your boot into him.

“Boss said you’d be here. Shouldn’t have stopped him from raiding it before. Now there’s nothing left. Some protector you are.”

He cackled again and you dropped, your knee slamming into his chest.

“Who the fuck is your boss?”

“Figure it out yourself, bitch.”

You climbed on top of him and punched him square across the face.

“Tell me!”

“What does it matter? They’re all dead. We took them all out first. The explosion was just to get your attention. You failed them, Mandalorian.”

You screamed out in anger and hit him again. And again. You lost count of how many times you pounded your fist into his face as tears started streaming down your face. You felt a hand grab the back of your armor as you were lifted off the now unconscious man. Or maybe he was dead. You hardly cared at that point.

“Cayre. Stop. You got him.”

“No. He needs to feel the pain. He needs to know.”

“He does.”

Paz tried to pull you into his arms, but you ripped away, running over to where the school was. Your sobs were unfiltered as you tried to search for someone; anyone. You heard Paz calling your name, but you kept ignoring him, full panic starting to set into your bones. You turned in a circle looking at the entire carnage but of all the horrible things you saw, you didn’t see the children.

“Paz, where are they? The kids? I-I don’t see the kids.”

He looked around and stiffened.

“Did they take them?”

You switched your vision over to tracking and only saw the three sets of footprints from the men you had stopped.

“No. No they didn’t go with them.”

You turned towards the woods behind the school and saw a mess of footprints. You took off in the direction with Paz on your heels. You ran for at least ten minutes until you saw a cabin. You put your blaster away and heard Paz protest, but you walked directly to the door, listening intently. You could hear the children crying and murmuring to each other and it shattered your heart.

“Ad’ika, are you in there? Lahta?”

“Cabur!”

The door burst open and you barely had enough time to catch Lahta when she flung herself at you. You clung her to your chest, keeping one hand on the back of her head. She sobbed into you as you dropped to your knees.

“Cabur, oh Cabur I was so sc-scared! I th-thought they g-got y-you too!”

“No, ad’ika. No, I’m here.”

Paz glanced at you but walked past and into the doorway, dropping to a knee to get himself closer to the kids. They all came out of their hiding with tear-stained faces.

“Verd, we saw them come. The adults told us to run. We came here s-so they wouldn’t find us.”

One of the older children had stepped forward, holding the hands of some of the smallest around him. Paz put his hand on the side of his neck and pressed his helmet to his forehead gently.

“You did good. You did very good.”

“Is the.. it’s all gone isn’t it. We.. we heard the explosions.”

“Where are the other children?”

“Their parents took them and ran.”

You looked up and saw that there were only eight kids. You sighed hoping that the rest had gotten away unscathed. Lahta tightened herself around you and you spoke to her softly letting her know that you wouldn’t let her go. She whimpered into you in response.

“Verd, what do we do now? We’re all alone.”

“You come with us.”

“You’d take us?”

You looked up, speaking partially to the children with Paz and partially to Lahta.

“Yes. You are all coming with us. We will keep you safe.”

Paz stood and turned to you.

“I’ll go get the ship and get ahold of the Armorer. It’s going to be a tight fit, but we will make it work.”

You stood as he got closer, still clinging Lahta to your chest.

“Do you think we could get them around the village and to the cabin? It would be closer, and we wouldn’t need to be split up as far. If either one of us are alone and they come back..”

He nodded and gently put his hand on Lahta’s back.

“Alright kiddos. We’re going to go for a walk. How does that sound?”

None of them sounded happy, not that you thought they should, but they all perked up at the idea of leaving with you. You tried to shift Lahta to the side, but she clung tighter. You had Paz put one of the kids on your back and he put two on his own. The five left were more than able to walk the distance even if it was slower than you were used to.

You just hoped the Armorer was set up so there was somewhere you could bring them to.

---

You settled the kids in the cabin quicker than expected. Between the beds and the couch, all the kids were comfortable and sleeping off their exhaustion. The only one still awake was the smallest one. She had allowed herself to let go of you just a little, but you had yet to put her down. Part of that had to do with how scared you had been that she was gone.

“I like your cabin, Cabur.”

“Thank you, ad’ika. Would you like to see my favorite part?”

She nodded as you walked outside, quietly shutting the door behind you. You sat down on the top step to the porch and nestled her against your side. She looked around and then up at you.

“I thought you were going to show me something?”

“I am. I sit here often and just listen to the trees. Where I come from it was very dry and dirty. There were no trees or vegetation.”

“Were there people?”

“A lot of people. Not all of them nice.”

“Like the men that came today?”

You sighed and nodded.

“Yes. They attacked my people too.”

“Woah, they did? But you’re so tough! And so is Verd. What happened?”

“A very dear friend of mine had a child, an ad’ika. There were very mean and bad people that wanted to hurt him, so the tribe fought to protect them. People like us aren’t liked very much in many places. They found where we had been hiding and hurt us. A lot of people left because they were scared but some of them died.”

“That makes me angry.”

“Why angry, sweetheart?”

“B-because you and Verd are nice! I’ll yell at anyone who is mean to you.”

You smiled at her and wrapped your arms around her tighter.

“I know, ad’ika. You’ve grown so much in the cycle and a half that I’ve known you.”

“I remembered what you said. I’m strong because I’m me. So, I’ll be strong.”

You both looked over as Paz walked into the clearing, sporting more weapons than he had left with. He came over and sat next to you, tucking Lahta’s hair behind her ear.

“Why is it that you’re the only one awake?”

“I want to stay with Cabur.”

She let out the cutest yawn you had ever seen. You wished that she could see your smile and to know that she was safe with you.

“You can stay right here. I won’t leave your side unless I have to.”

She nodded and nestled into you, falling asleep quickly. You listened to the small breaths coming from her and shut your eyes, thanking the stars that she was still alive.

“The Armorer is settled. The space is smaller than Nevarro but cleaner. Plenty of space for the nine kids.”

“Eight.”

His head snapped up and looked at you.

“She’s not going anywhere. Not unless she wants to. A-almost losing her today I-”

Your voice cracked and Paz reached over to take your hand in his.

“We will figure it all out. You already know how I feel cayre. Whatever she wants.”

You nodded and shuffled yourself and Lahta closer to Paz, who wrapped his arms around you. You knew it was going to be a long night and a long day with energized kids with no sleep. There was no way you were going to sleep though. You already felt guilty enough that you had failed the very village you swore to protect.

---

Fitting all the kids in Paz’s ship was a challenge. Luckily most of them got along with each other and most of all they were grateful that they were safe. You had explained to them what it would be like to take off and that your journey would be long. They all had questions about the planet you were going to and the kind of people they would live with.

You told them about how you had been on the street as a child. You had lost your parents and your biur had found you and taken you in. Although you left out the condition that had been given to you, they children understood that Mandalorians took in anyone that needed help. They were community above all and cherished their children. They were all excited that they would be surrounded by more people like yourself and Paz. Their elders had taught them that Mandalorians were saviors and protectors, so it didn’t take much convincing for them.

You noticed that Lahta stayed in the back not paying much attention to what you were saying. When you were done with your stories the rest of the kids spread out as much as they could and talked about their new adventure. You turned your head to the side but kept your eyes trained on the small girl. She kept looking up at you and chewing at her lip.

“Lahta?”

Her head popped back up and she stood up quickly.

“Can you help me with something?”

She walked over to you and gave you a huge smile. You helped her up into the cockpit and climbed in after her. You sat next to Paz and pulled her on your lap. She gasped as she looked out at the stars.

“Do you like the view, sarad’ika?”

“Yes. Wow. Wait, what does that mean?”

Paz turned to look at the both of you fully.

“Little flower.”

She beamed up at Paz and you couldn’t help but smile.

“I like that.”

Paz chuckled and rustled her hair playfully.

“What was bothering you earlier, Lahta?”

She looked up at you and shrugged.

“You can talk to me. I will always listen.”

“I.. I don’t want to go to your tribe.”

“Why not?”

“I want to stay with you.”

“Why is that?”

“You two always listen to me. And you’re nice. And your armor is pretty. And the others might not be nice. And what if I don’t fit in? And-“

“Shh sweetheart. You will always fit in with our tribe. I promise you that. But if you want to stay with us, you can stay with us. For as long as you want to.”

She squealed and tossed her arms around your neck.

“Really!? I can stay with you!?”

“Of course, sarad’ika.”

“Then I’ll stay! Until you two want a baby and then I’ll go back to the tribe.”

You looked at each other then back down at her.

“What?”

“At the village I got to stay places until they had a baby then I needed a new home.”

“We don’t believe in that, sarad’ika. Family is more than blood. Family is who you choose to love and cherish. You could never be replaced.”

She smiled and nestled into you, letting you wrap your arms around her.

“Cuyir ibic meg gar copad, mesh’la?” (is this what you want, beautiful?)

“Vaabir gar mirdir vi liser keep kaysh morut'yc?” (Do you think we can keep her safe?)

“Ni mirdir vi liser kar'taylir darasuum kaysh. Vaabir gar copad at cuyir a buir?” (I think we can love her. Do you want to be a mother?)

“Ni don't kar'taylir pehea. Kelir gar Gaa'tayl ni?” (I don’t know how. Will you help me?)

“Elek ner kar'taylir darasuum. Ni cuy' de gar eso. Vi cuyir solus.” (Yes my love. I am by your side. We are one.)

“This is the way.”

Lahta stirred on your lap and giggled.

“You two talk funny. Will you teach me your language?”

“Ad’ika, I will teach you anything you ever want to know.”

“Haa'taylir? gar cuyir already a buir. Vi Kelir raise kaysh at cuyir kovid. Creed ra nayc creed. Vi cuyir alit.” (See? You are already a mother. We will raise her to be strong. Creed or no creed. We are family.)

“Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum, Paz. Vor entye.” (Thank you, Paz. I love you.)

“Naas Ru'lis Gev ner kar'taylir darasuum par gar, mesh'la.” (Nothing could stop my love for you, beautiful.)

You smiled at him as he squeezed your knee.

“Ibic Kelir borarir. Bic Kelir cuyir jate. Vi Kelir cuyir jate. Cuun clan cuyir kovid, mesh'la. Gar ganar given ni or'atu than Ni Ru'lis tionir par.” (This will work. It will be good. We will be good. Our clan is strong, beautiful. You have given me more than I could ask for.)

“Ni'll cuyir giving gar or'atu tion'tuur vi rusur.” (I’ll be giving you more when we land.)

Paz growled at the insinuation you purred out and you laughed lightly, looking down at the sleeping form on your lap. He was right; everything was going to be okay. You could feel it deep in your bones.

---

The Armorer was waiting with a few other Mandalorians when you landed. Paz walked out first full of confidence and pride. You had Lahta buried into your neck with her arms wrapped tightly around your neck. The rest of the children tentatively followed Paz and you followed them.

“It looks as if you have completed your task, Paz Vizla. And some.”

He nodded at the woman standing tall in front of him.

“I am safe to assume your clan has grown?”

“Yes.”

“De Tion'solet?” (By how many?)

The other Mando’s looked at you and almost in sync moved their visors down to the signet resting brightly on your chest.

“Vi enteyor jorhaa'ir.” (We must speak.)

“About te adiik ra gar riduur?” (About the child or your wife?)

“Bintar. Vi enteyor jorhaa'ir be bintar.” (Both. We must speak of both.)

You smiled at Paz and felt a small hand reach up to grab yours. You knelt down keeping the small girl balanced on you.

“Cabur, I am afraid.”

You looked at the sweet boy in front of you. His face was tear stained and even more were threatening to fall down his face. You wiped his tears gently after you pulled your glove off.

“Do not be afraid, ad’ika. All of those around you that wear the armor as I do will protect you.”

“They speak weird.”

You chuckled and cupped the side of his head with your hand.

“You will learn that too, if you wish.”

He nodded at you and peeked at everyone standing around them. When you stood you saw that the Armorer was watching you intently.

“The children will be safe while we speak. Follow me. We can stop to drop them off in the nursery. They can eat and play.”

The kids perked up at the idea of eating. You followed Paz and the group of kids followed you. It was a much nicer area, but they were right to say it was smaller. Though, if all the Mando had come out when you arrived there wasn’t going to be an issue with space.

It took no time at all to get into the building and where the nursery was. There were only a few children but the Mando taking care of them perked up when you walked in with the new additions. They were ushered in and led to a table with promise of food and water. It took no time at all for them to start chirping to each other and starting to connect with the younglings already there.

“Lahta, we need you to go join the other children.”

She mumbled a no and buried herself deeper into you. You figured it couldn’t be comfortable against the metal you were covered with, but she didn’t want to let go.

“Lahta, ner sarad’ika, Cabur and I will be back. The sooner we get this done the sooner you can see us again.”

“You won’t leave without me?”

She finally turned to look at Paz and you felt her grip start to loosen.

“Of course not.”

Paz bumped his forehead to hers and she giggled. She finally let you put her down and walked slowly over to the table. When she saw there was food she perked up and started talking to some of the kids she knew. Your heart swelled at just how strong she was being.

“Cyare, let’s go.”

You looked up at Paz and nodded. You almost missed the way Lahta looked at the two of you before you walked out of the room. You hoped that she wanted to stay with you as much as you wanted her to.

---

You sat next to Paz as the Armorer and a senior member of the tribe sat across from you. It had been so long since you had seen anyone but Din and Paz that you felt nervous. You were also used to being around people who had readable expressions. Even with Paz you were used to seeing him.

“Welcome back. I was afraid that Paz had failed in his mission.”

“He almost did.”

“Don’t let her downplay. She shot me when I showed up.”

The Armorer let out an amused huff.

“I would expect nothing less from you. The children called you cabur. Do they not know your name?”

“No. They had an elder that knew a bit of our culture. They never pushed for a name nor did they push to see my face.”

“So, no one has seen your face?”

“No one but my riduur.”

She nodded once, seemingly satisfied with your answer.

“The children will be safe here. Their home is gone?”

“Destroyed. They are all alone.”

“They are safe here until they decide to stay or go.”

“Armorer, they won’t be forced, right?”

“No. To take the creed or not will be their choice, not a condition for their safety.”

You felt Paz tense up next to you. Without thinking you reached over and touched his hand gently to assure him that it was okay. You noticed the two across from you look down slightly then back up. Paz gave you a nod that he was okay.

“What of the girl that seemed attached to you?”

You sighed, not sure where to start.

“Her name is Lahta. Her parents were killed long before I showed up to the village. Paz and I have grown close with her. We would like to take her in as a foundling if she wishes it.”

“Is this a new decision?”

“No.”

You looked up at Paz and nodded, letting him finish.

“We have spoken of it before. We were going to let the idea go because she was safe. She no longer was and the idea of leaving her was.. difficult.”

“Then you will give her the choice. She may choose to become part of your clan or stay here until she makes the same decision the others must make.”

“This is the way.”

All of you stood and you were ready to get back to Lahta. You wanted to talk to her and hoped she would choose to stay with you.

“You have shared quarters set up. I had backup provisions in place, but it seems like the two of you are on good enough terms.”

You felt your face heat up but gave her a quick nod.

“Paz you may go. I wish for a minute alone with your riduur.”

Paz looked down at you and you nodded. He touched the pendant lightly and walked away. You smiled at the gesture. It was harder to be intimate with him when both of you were wearing armor, but you understood what he was trying to tell you.

I’m with you.

Once the two men left you sat back down.

“Tell me, young warrior, why did you not return here when your helmet was removed?”

“I knew what my options would be.”

“We could have voted for an exemption. From what he tells me, it saved your life.”

“It did. He did.”

“Did you agree to be his riduur to come back?”

“No. I know it was his goal and at first I think he saw it as more of an obligation but now.. it’s changed. We are together because we want to be. I am glad that I can be back here, and I think part of my decision was made for the tribe.”

“But part was decided for you. For happiness.”

You nodded and hoped she wouldn’t be angry.

“Your biur were particularly hard on you. Even before you took your oath you never wore a smile. Now I can hear it in your voice when you speak to him. We are a community, but your happiness is important too. Din Djarin left behind enough beskar for new armor for you.”

“I don’t wish to take away from the tribe.”

“You aren’t. Those who left also left behind a lot. Din just made it clear that if no foundlings were in need of it that you should have it. He knows how hard it has been for you to get to this point.”

You nodded and looked down at your own armor.

“I think you becoming part of the Vizla clan is a fresh start for you. You deserve the honor of the signet you represent now. You deserve armor that you have earned.”

You nodded and stood.

“Thank you.”

“I have already started it. It will be done in a day’s time. This is the way.”

“This is the way.”

You went to walk out of the room but stopped, turning slightly.

“Din wasn’t there when Paz and I had worked things out.”

“He said he had a feeling.”

“When did you start my armor?”

“Does it matter?”

You sighed but shook your head. It was starting to feel like everyone knew you better than you knew yourself.

---

You walked in the room to Paz making the bed. You shut the door behind you and locked it before slipping your helmet off. He stood up tall and took his off as well, smiling at you. You returned the smile and walked over to kiss him.

“How did your talk go?”

“Apparently I’m getting all new armor.”

“Like a whole new set?”

“Din left the rest of the beskar for me. He talked to her after he left us, and the armor is already almost done.”

He smirked and shook his head.

“How are you feeling about it? I know I feel connected to my armor.”

You shrugged and sat on the bed, groaning when you twisted as much as possible to alleviate the kink you had been holding between your shoulders since the explosion went off.

“I earned this armor with my biur. Other than the memories it holds no sentiment to me. Even the memories aren’t always the best.”

“Did you regret taking your oath?”

“I think at first. It was more that the hardships were turning into resentment because of being forced. I knew what I needed to do and what it meant but it’s not like I grew up seeing it or even was able to see it knowing I could choose.”

He sat next to you and put his arm over you, pulling you to him. You leaned against him and sighed.

“I think you would have taken it. I vaguely remember when they brought you in. You’ve always been full of it.”

You laughed and shook your head.

“I don’t remember you.”

“Yeah, because you saw Din and immediately latched onto him.”

“Oh, shut up I did not latch onto him.”

“He calls you his shadow, cyare.”

You laughed and shrugged. He pulled you back, so you were lying next to him still wrapped up in his arms. You started to feel just how exhausted you were after not sleeping much on the trip. There always to be at least one kid needing attention or assurance. You loved them all, but you were damn tired.

“So, tell me, how long did you have a crush on Din for?”

“What?”

“Oh, come on. I saw the way you followed him around. We used to pick at him for it.”

“How did that end?”

“A lot of fights.”

You laughed and shook your head.

“Maybe a childhood girlish crush but I think it was more admiration than anything. He was strong. I mean everyone in the tribe was strong, but he didn’t look at me like I was different. He didn’t.. uhm.. he never saw me as aruetii.”

Paz stiffened beside you. The silence between the two of you was deafening. You had talked about a lot of things with him, but you had never brought up how harsh his words had been. You pulled away, moving so you were lying flat on your back.

“I was so horrible to you.”

“Yes, you were.”

“How could you possibly forgive that? Called your aruetii and pulled your helmet off. What an asshole.”

You laughed and turned your head to look at him. He was staring up at the ceiling with a small frown tugging at his lips.

“I did shoot you.”

He finally laughed which brought a smile to your face.

“You did shoot me. You know, you may be the only person who has shot me and lived to tell the tale.”

“Wow, I feel so lucky. You were so enamored by being shot at you gave me your signet and a spot in your clan. Good thing some other woman didn’t do it first.”

He growled and rolled over, propping himself up over you. You were laughing up at him, knowing there was no way you could move. Between how hard the bed was and the fact that the man above you was a giant covered in beskar, you were pinned.

“You’re the only one for me, cyare. Don’t you dare think differently.”

“Hmm, and what happens if I do?”

“Then I’ll have to remind you over and over until it gets through that pretty skull of yours.”

“That sounds like it could be.. interesting. Maybe I need you to remind me.”

He growled again and pressed his lips to yours. He kissed you passionately but broke away sooner than you wanted him to.

“We have things we need to do first.”

“I’m so tired.”

“I know, cyare. Let’s get these things finished then I will not let anyone disturb us until tomorrow afternoon.”

“You say that now but you’re their big bad warrior. There are foundlings and younglings to teach. There are security protocols that need to be looked over.”

“I also have a riduur that needs to be fucked until she can’t move.”

You gasped and looked up at him.

“Paz Vizla. Listen to you getting all dirty. I like it.”

He kissed you again, nipping at your lip before climbing off of you. You grabbed his extended hand and laughed when he pulled you to his chest. He gently grabbed your chin and made you look at him with a sly smile on his face.

“Just you wait, mesh’la.”

---

When you walked into the nursery room, all the kids from the village ran over. You noticed the younglings that were already there looked at you cautiously but lit up when Paz followed you. You both sat on the floor and listened to them all talking about their food and how everyone is nice. You could have lived forever in that moment finally seeing smiling faces and barely any tears.

“Cabur?”

You turned your head to the oldest boy from the group and took his hands in yours. Those in your tribe weren’t usually so touchy but you found the children responded better when they knew you were paying attention to them. Your face couldn’t be seen so you had to show them in other ways that they had your attention. You thought hard to remember his name until it dawned on you. Spending most of your time with Lahta had made it harder to get to know the other kids on a more personal level.

“What is it Thomas?”

“Why did those men come and hurt everyone?”

“Sometimes people are bad for no reason. They do horrible things without a cause. I don’t know why those men attacked, not really.”

Paz placed his hand on your leg and gave you a light squeeze. You did know why they were there, but it was only because you had been protecting them.

“Why didn’t you stop them?”

You weren’t sure if the room actually went quiet or if it was just the blood pounding in your ears. Your entire body was stiff and the panic you felt was only rivaled by the panic when you couldn’t find the kids. Paz’s hand clamped down on your thigh which started to bring you back, but you had no idea how to answer him. You didn’t know how to answer any of them.

“You were there to protect us, Cabur. But everyone is gone. My mom and dad are-“

The small boy lunged at you as he began sobbing. You wrapped your arms around him and held him close. The guilt and pain had been nagging at you, but you had been so busy it didn’t have time to fully hit you. Not until Thomas asked you the same questions you had been dying to ask yourself.

“I’m so sorry, Thomas. I would give anything to go back and change what happened.”

“I miss my mom.”

His voice hiccupped and you bit your bottom lip to stop yourself from crying.

“I know, sweetheart. I know ad’ika. Your m-mom would be so proud of you.”

“She would?”

He sat up and wiped at his face, resting all his weight on one of your legs.

“Yes. You saved them. You saved the rest of the children. You listened and you were so brave. You kept them all safe until I could get to you. I was so scared when I couldn’t find any of you, but you went exactly where you were supposed to. Your p-parents would be so so proud of you. I promise you that.”

“I-I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You did the right thing. You’re already so strong. You have a warrior’s heart.”

You poked gently at his chest and he beamed at you through his tears.

“You are safe now. All of you. We spoke with the Alor, our leader. This is your home for as long as you want to be here.”

“Will we get to wear a helmet like you?”

You looked back at Thomas and nodded once.

“If that is what you want. You all are welcome to learn the creed and take it as you grow older. You do not have to though. It will be your choice. You are safe and welcome until you are ready and able to make a decision.”

Thomas leaned in closer and whispered, hoping only you could hear him.

“I want to be a warrior like Paz.”

“You can be whatever you want to be, ad’ika.”

You could tell by the way Paz puffed his chest out that he had absolutely heard the childs confession.

You forced yourself through sitting with the kids for a few hours. You could see as they became more comfortable not only with their surroundings but the others in your tribe. You were glad that the rest of your tribe seemed to understand just how hard things had been for them.

“You doing okay, cyare?”

You looked over at Paz and nodded once. He continued looking at you. There was no way he didn’t know that you weren’t being truthful but for the sake of the kids, you were glad you had your helmet on.

“Cuyir gar jate?” (Are you good?)

You smiled at his change to Mando’a.

“Ni cuy' o'r aaray.” (I am in pain)

“Vaii?” (Where?)

You touched over where your heart is. After that you touched the side of your head.

“Oh. Cyare-“

“Not here.”

He sat up straighter but nodded.

“Liser gar rejorhaa'ir Lahta ni kelir haa'taylir kaysh nusujii?” (Can you tell Lahta I will see her soon?)

“Elek. Slanar.” (Yes. Go.)

You slipped out of the room and made your way towards your chambers. It was hard to breathe and you knew it was another episode. You didn’t know what to call them, but you had them often when you were living alone, and you became too overwhelmed. You made it into your room and locked the door. The only person coming in would be Paz.

You whipped around when the door opened, surprised that Paz had shown up so quickly. He locked the door and walked right to you, pulling your helmet off gently so he could set it on the floor. He yanked his own off and dropped it to the ground with a thud.

“Talk to me.”

“I just.. can’t breathe. It’s like.. It’s like my beskar is too heavy.”

He gently led you into the bedroom and started to carefully pull all the beskar off your body. You tried to control your chest from heaving, but it didn’t feel any better. Once it was done, he backed you up, so you were sitting on the edge of the bed. He knelt down between your legs and put his hands on the sides of your face.

“Have you been like this before?”

You nodded and finally felt tears start to well up in your eyes.

“How often does it happen? I’ve been with you for half a cycle and I haven’t seen it.”

“Ever since.. I left. They just.. happen.”

“Your mind is troubled. Your biur never taught you this?”

You shook your head and felt even worse. He pulled his armor off quickly and tossed it to the ground so he could pull you to his chest. You let him hold you tight and focused in on the steady heartbeat coming from his chest. He murmured to you in basic and Mando’a. After a while your breathing returned to normal and your body started to relax.

“Is your breathing okay?”

You nodded against him and finally wrapped your arms around his waist. You were absolutely exhausted. He helped you lay down and after shucking off the rest of his armor and his boots he joined you. You looked at his chest, embarrassed that he had seen you like that.

“The first time my biur felt like that around me, he destroyed his entire room. Din and I had been waiting for him to return after a hunt. He had run into some really bad trouble. He never talked about it, but he finally just snapped. He explained later that sometimes when you see things so terrible that they eat at you until you can process it.”

“Have you ever felt like that?”

“Yes. There is nothing embarrassing about this. I’m just sorry that you had to go through this alone for so long.”

“I thought I was losing my mind.”

He tilted your chin up so you had to look at him. He gave you a soft smile and shook his head.

“No, cyare. Everyone has their breaking points in different situations. You’ve had a lot of weight on your chest in the last cycle. Just please remember that you’re not alone anymore. These burdens are not yours alone to carry.”

Your chest tightened up as you felt tears sting your eyes again.

“I failed them, Paz. I failed every single one of them, even the ones left living.”

“What do you think would have happened if you hadn’t been there?”

“They came there because of me.”

“No. Stop. They came there because they are horrible creatures hellbent on hurting others. They were there before you got there. You gave them almost two cycles of peace. Who knows if the children would have survived if you hadn’t shown up. They all could be gone.”

“I should have protected them I should have-“

Paz silenced you by pressing his lips to yours. You wanted to continue speaking but when you moved your hands up to push him away at his chest, he wrapped his hands around yours. You finally huffed against him and couldn’t help but smile when he chuckled.

“If one Mandalorian could save the galaxy we wouldn’t have lost so many during the purge. Right?”

“I guess.”

“You did great things for them, cyare. Those who are lost are living on through the little ones that are now safe here. Grieve those who are lost but cherish the ones still here.”

“I just wish I could have done more.”

“I know the feeling. When the guild attacked, I felt like I didn’t do enough. I felt the same way when I found out you had left.”

“I’m sorry I-“

“No. You owed me nothing. I was the one who hurt you. Don’t apologize for reacting to being hurt.”

You nodded and sighed. Not feeling much better but you felt peace at least being with him.

“I thought of you, you know. On Nevarro.”

“When the guild attacked?”

“More often than that, but that is what I’m referencing.”

“Why?”

“Part of me wished you were there so I could apologize. I didn’t know if I was going to be standing by the end of that fight. Then I was just overwhelmingly glad you weren’t there as I watched our family fall. I know that you are tough, and I know you can hold your own. I just knew that if you were still out there then our strength would carry on.”

“Or was it because I’m beautiful when I’m dying.”

His hands stilled on your body and the pause between the two of you was deafening. You burst out laughing and he grumbled against your skin.

“Would you shut up?”

“No. No you aren’t living that one down.”

You laughed again and he pulled you further into him. He finally chuckled and buried his face into your neck.

“Remind me to never misspeak around you again.”

“It was cute, Paz.”

He huffed out a sigh.

“I do wish I had been next to you fighting.”

“It wasn’t time for us to be together yet. Now is the time and I will do what I can to make sure you are by my side for as long as possible.”

“I love you. I’m so glad you came to find me. I’m so glad I’m not alone anymore.”

“Never. Never again.”

He wrapped his arms around you, letting you nestle into his chest. You felt the blanket being pulled across you as your eyes started flutter.

“Sleep, my sweet riduur. Sleep knowing that you are a strong warrior worthy of the love and admiration of those around you. I will remind you every day just how strong you are.”

Cabur Tag List:

@computeringturtle @mrsdaamneron @finnisrioting

Permanent Tag List:

@mapplestrudel @cannedsoupsucks

If I missed you or you want to be added/removed please let me know!

#paz x female!reader #paz x you #paz x reader #paz vizsla #paz vizla x reader #paz vizla x you #the mandalorian #fanfic #Cabur

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mickeymouse-moshpit · 3 years

Text

street lights, people

A/N: In the biker AU I learned about through the amazing @maybege‘s Biker!Paz and Biker!Boba upcoming stories, I created a pediatrician!reader who falls in love (eventually, I’m talking a few parts here) with Biker!Fennec Shand. I use as much gender neutral language as possible, but reader is AFAB and uses she/they pronouns. Also hi, May! it’s me that anon who dropped by a couple times. I hope you all enjoy this, I'm sorry there isn’t more Fennec/peds!reader interaction, but I will have more in the future I promise!

P.s: let’s all suspend our disbelief when it comes to the judge doing strange things, had to have conflict somewhere

Summary: When the local pediatrician has to go to a hearing for one of her patients, she stumbles across Fennec Shand, the head of the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).

Rating: T for now, E in the future (possibly)

Warnings: References to past child abuse, domestic violence, NO descriptions of the actual acts

Chapter One: January 8th

“Okay, Seb. You look good, I don’t see any reason why you can’t go back to school on Monday.”

“Really, Doc? I can’t even stay out one more week?”

“Sorry, bud. I know another week of winter break would be nice, but you gotta go back to the real world. Sucks, but I got told nope too when I asked for Monday off.”

“Fiiiiiine I’ll go back.”

“Good, good. Mom, how are we feeling today?”

“Much better, things have been stable at home but I’m nervous that something is going to happen tonight.”

“Do you have BACA’s contact? If not, I can get Max to give it to you when you check out. They can swing by tonight after the hearing to make sure nothing happens to you and Seb.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that. Do you think they would mind?”

“From what I’ve seen, they won’t mind at all. When I was in residency, there was a kiddo that the chapter there took day and night shifts for three weeks while the father was out on bail while the trial happened. If a kid needs it, they’ll make it happen.”

“Thank you, for everything. Will we see you this afternoon?”

“For sure, I’ve got to get all my notes signed then I’ll be heading over there.”

“Doc, will you sit with me after you’re finished?”

“Of course, Seb. Do you want me to bring anything with me?”

“Do you have any of those peanut butter cookies?”

“Seb! She’s a busy person!”

“It’s okay, and yes I do. I made them last night just in case you might want some today.” You smiled at him and he beamed back. “Okay you two, head on out and Max will take care of you. I’ll see you over there.”

Seb bounced out of the room, his mom following behind them.

You shook your head and headed out of the exam room and into your office, closing the door behind you. You unlocked your computer and pulled up his chart, finished typing up the note you had started that morning before he arrived. You read and reread the note, making sure it was as accurate and representative of Seb’s course since discharge from the hospital as you could make it without having seen him every day. Finally satisfied, you signed it and called CPS to make sure they knew it was done.

You leaned back in the black leather chair, pondering how much of your credibility you would lose if you showed up in the Winnie the Pooh dress you had worn because of the proportion of toddlers on the schedule that morning. You sighed and pushed yourself up and toward the hook on the door to your office and pulled down the suit that lived there. It was plain black but tailored perfectly. You cut an imposing picture when you paired it with the sharp white button down and simple black pumps that you wore when you needed a confidence boost. You slid the pants on, and ditched the dress before buttoning up the shirt and tucking it in. You put the jacket on, then your boots. The pumps would have to wait until you got to the courthouse, seeing as they were currently sitting on the passenger seat of your car. You gathered your things and made sure the computer was locked again before clicking off the lights and shutting the door behind you.

You stopped at the front desk where Max handed you the sealed manilla envelope that held the morning’s note before they went to lunch. You grabbed your overcoat, the soft wool soothing under your fingertips as you put it on over your suit. It had started to snow while you were in clinic, coating everything with fresh white powder. You would be more excited about it if you weren’t about to go have a hand in deciding a young kid’s fate. You shivered as you turned on the seat warmer and let the car warm up while you plugged your phone in and got your seatbelt on. You pulled out of the spot and onto the highway.

***

You sat for a moment more, closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths, counting in and out. Satisfied, you made sure the document was in your briefcase before putting on your dress shoes and getting out. You stepped carefully, not wanting to show up wet and shivering from the snow. You smiled when you saw the few bikes parked outside the courthouse. You knew BACA had been working with Seb and his family as long as you knew him, but this was the first time you had been to the courthouse for a hearing.

You almost made it inside but skidded on a small patch of ice a few feet from the door. You would have fallen, but a couple of strong arms grabbed and steadied you.

“Whoa, there! I would ask where the non-skid footwear is but the more important thing, are you okay?”

You looked at the woman who had caught you, struck dumb for a moment. She was wearing a leather jacket with a charcoal grey wool sweater underneath. Her hair was pulled into a braid that disappeared down her back and she was wearing a smirk that made you blush.

“Sorry about that. I almost made it too, ugh! Yeah, I’m fine. I remembered too late that my boots don’t fit in my briefcase so had to risk it. Thanks for saving me.”

She kept one hand on your midback as you walked through the door.

“It’s no problem, just maybe wear the boots next time.” She let you go as you got past the mats that kept the floors from being too slippery. You nodded in response and walked to the stairs that led up to the courtrooms. You steadied your breathing as you walked up the marble. You pushed the door and stepped inside, sitting just behind Seb and his mom.

***

“… and plan for follow up in four weeks, or sooner if needed.” You finished reading the note.

“Thank you, doctor. You may step down. We will reconvene after a fifteen-minute recess.” The judged banged the gavel once and left for their chambers.

You made it down the step in one piece and headed for the door, grabbing your briefcase as you went. You wanted a drink of water and needed to give Seb his cookies before he had to go back inside. You grabbed your briefcase and sat down on the bench with Seb. His mom was a few feet away, whispering to the lawyer and social worker on the case. She looked worried.

“How’re you feeling, kiddo?” You pulled a water bottle and the baggie of cookies out, handing them to Seb before getting out your own water.

“I’m okay, I think.” He took a sip of water. “Mom’s worried, she won’t say anything to me, but I know she is.”

“She’s your mom and doesn’t have control over this outcome. That’s enough to make anyone worry. Are you worried?”

“I don’t know, a little. This time it was really bad, and I know we’ve got plans for leaving but it just hasn’t happened yet. I think something happened, but I don’t know. I don’t want to leave.”

“It’s okay to be worried, whatever happens, you two will take it in stride. You’ve got a lot of people rooting for you.”

“Thanks, Doc. And thanks for the cookies, I know mom wasn’t happy I asked about them but I’m really glad you made them.”

“No problem, Seb.” You took the cookie he offered and savored it, wondering what the new judge was going to say. They were new to the town, new to the case. You just hoped they would be fair.

***

You walked out of the marble building with a silent Seb and mom beside you. 30 days. They had 30 days to find a way out of that house or Seb would be sent to live with his grandparents two counties away and barred from seeing his mom until she was out of the house. You could have sworn you heard disgust when you heard the judge reference Seb’s mom. But the gavel had fallen and now there was an due date on the plan.

***

You considered yourself lucky that you had avoided any more stumbles between your car and the door of the pub. You swirled the whiskey in your glass and took a sip, savoring the flavors that washed over your tongue. You didn’t usually come here, but as you started to drive home, you found your mind running around and around the afternoon’s events and you couldn’t make them stop.

Unknown to you, Fennec was sitting in the same pub, watching you. She took a sip of the beer she had been nursing for the last thirty minutes since you walked in.

“I’m just glad she’s got her boots on,” she mumbled to Boba.

“Would you just go talk to her? You haven’t stopped staring or shut up about her since she walked in.” He was nothing if not an effective wingman.

“I don’t know, will she think I’m following her? She’s some new in town lawyer type that probably doesn’t go for that.”

“Shand, if you don’t go make a move, I’m going to go point you out to her myself.” Boba had done it before.

“Fine, fine.” She scooched out of the booth, leather jacket squeaking against the vinyl as she got up. She tugged at the sleeves as she sidled up to the opposite end from where you were.

“Another one, Fennec?”

“No, I want to buy her next round.” She nodded in your direction, wondering what it would be.

“Sure thing.” The bartender side stepped away out of Fennec’s line of sight and filled a glass with ice and club soda. He finished it with a slice of lime before setting it down in front of you.

“What’s this?” You looked up with your brow wrinkled.

“Lady with the braid over there wanted to buy your next round but I remembered what you told me last time someone wanted to do that.”

“Oh, thanks.” You looked in her direction, meeting her gaze. You gave a small wave to thank her and she disappeared into the growing crowd. You went back to your drink and finished the whiskey off. You felt a familiar hand on your midback as she sat on the stool next to yours.

“Good to see you’ve got appropriate footwear on.” There was her smirk again.

“Well, they just go so much better with a suit and slush,” you quipped at her. “I don’t make it a habit of falling into the arms of strangers, you know.”

“Oh, I’m sure, I’m just glad they were mine.” Your eyes widened ever so slightly. “And I’m also glad you accepted…whatever the hell that is. I’m Fennec by the way.”

“Inside joke with the bartender.” You winked at her before giving her your name.

“How have you been in town long enough to have inside jokes with Karga?”

“I’ve lived here two and a half years, that’s plenty of time, don’t you think?” It was her turn to wrinkle her brow. “What, didn’t think I knew what winter was or something?”

“I—I don’t know. I thought—two and a half years and you didn’t know the steps ice over?”

“First time going in the winter, usually I give my depositions in a conference room in the office building around the corner from the courthouse.”

“Dep—you’re not a lawyer?” You pressed your lips together as you suppressed a laugh. “From how you walked away from me I thought you were about to put away a murderer or something.”

“No, I’m a pediatrician. I work with CPS and do advocacy work for my kiddos in bad situations. This was the first time a judge actually wanted me to read my note into the record at a hearing, something about they wanted to make a decision today and didn’t want to wait on me.”

“Wait, you were there for Seb?” She set her hand on your forearm. “How did I not know? BACA is supposed to know all the people coming in for a case.”

“Not sure.” You took a sip of the club soda. “I didn’t even know I was going to be there until three days ago when I got a call.”

“Huh. Well, I have to say I’m glad you were there, even though the circumstances weren’t ideal.” Her thigh bumped yours and her hand came up to brush your hair out of your face. “And while I don’t think you should wear those shoes outside again, I’m happy I was there to catch you.”

“Me too.” You let out a small huff of laughter. “BACA head, yeah?”

“Yeah, just appointed a few months ago after the last guy retired.”

“I like women in powerful roles.” You held her gaze and you let your knee bump hers this time.

“Bye, Shand. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Fennec could hear Boba laughing as he strode out of the pub after clapping her on the shoulder. Wingman indeed, you were looking at your drink again.

“Hey, don’t mind him. He can be a dick sometimes, but he means well.” She rested a hand on your shoulder as you turned to face her fully. You tilted your head and you held eye contact for a moment.

“It’s okay, we’ve all got those friends, mine just happen to be working tonight.” You chanced a glance at your watch. “Which, I actually need to leave soon. I have to be at the hospital early in the morning to round or the residents will have my head. I would go tonight, but the whiskey and the afternoon in court make that a no go.”

Fennec rested a hand on your knee while she reached for a napkin and the pen you had signed the bill with. She scribbled something and folded it before tucking it into the pocket on your suit jacket.

“Text me when you get home.” She slid off the stool and pressed a kiss to your cheek. “See you around, Doc.”

#fennec shand #Fennec Shand x reader #the mandalorian fan fiction #wlw fanfic #sw fanfic #Star Wars fan fiction #biker AU #biker!Fennec

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andrewmoocow · 3 years

Text

Steven Universe Alternate Future chapter 15: The Warning (originally posted on April 26, 2021)

AN: Dread it, run from it, the end is near. Part 1 of the two-part Part 2 finale has arrived. And with this two-parter, we will officially be halfway through Alternate Future. What could Parts 3 and 4 possibly hold for us? Well, that's for later. Right now, we return to Homeworld which means we once again won't be fully focusing on Steven, and we will also see a certain Gem in action.

Synopsis: Lars and the Off-Colors return to Earth with an urgent message.

Cast:

Matthew Moy as Lars, Dante

Enuka Okuma as Rhodonite

Kathleen Fisher as Fluorite

Ashly Burch as Rutile Twins

Erica Luttrell as Padparadscha Sapphire

Christine Baranski as Hessonite

Shelby Rabara as Squaridot, Demantoid's Peridots

Olivia Olson as Citrine

Jinkx Monsoon as Emerald

Noël Wells as Black Rutile

Lauren Ash as White Topaz

Amy Sedaris as Yellow Zircon, Blue Zircon

Christine Pedi as Holly Blue Agate

Hayley Kiyoko as Morganite

Jennifer Paz as Mean Lapis

Charlyne Yi as Navy, Eyeball

Della Saba as Aquamarine

Kari Wahlgren as Pyrope

Melissa Fahn as Demantoid

Uzo Aduba as Demantoid's Bismuths

Miriam Hyman as Demantoid's Bismuths

Deedee Magno-Hall as Black Pearl

Dee Bradley Baker as George the Light Prism

Zach Callison as Steven

Kate Micucci as Sadie

Indya Moore as Shep

Nancy Linari as Martha

Featuring Hugh Laurie as Doctor Laurie

Hushed whispers filled the grand hall as many former Gem aristocrats filed in. Behind a holographic podium were posters of the prosecuting Zircon's smug face with the word "HOPE" underneath the picture in very big letters. When the last of the ex-nobles arrived and the doors shut behind them, out came Yellow Zircon with a prideful spring in her step as she took her place at the podium.

"Good day to you all." Yellow Zircon announced as she presented the speech prepared for her today. "As you all know, the Gem race has now entered a new golden age thanks to Steven Universe, the son of Pink Diamond, and the Crystal Gems." As she spoke, an image of Steven and the Gems appeared behind her. "But don't think they have good intentions."

Suddenly, the hall turned a bright red as a big red X was crossed over the Crystal Gems. "With the loss of our caste system, our weapons, armies, colonies, and the Diamonds' control over us, our kind has become weak. Perhaps weak enough to be conquered."

The former nobles began muttering to each other with concern while Yellow Zircon stared at the speech in confusion. "Wait, this is my speech?" she quietly asked herself before returning to the subject at hand. "Anyways, their pacifistic ways could soon be the end of us all. That is why as a potential democratic leader of the Gems, I promise to restore our old ways so that we may be better prepared for a possible invasion. Thank you everyone for your time."

The other Gems began clapping and cheering while Yellow Zircon walked backstage, continuing to examine her speech when she ran into her campaign manager, a seemingly docile Ruby with her gem on her stomach. "Oh, Navy was it?" she asked the Ruby. "I'm pretty sure my speech is all wrong. I could've sworn I had something different planned earlier!"

"Oh don't be such a worrywart Zircon!" Navy laughed, slapping the taller Gem on the leg. "I just made a few changes, that's all! Which reminds me, you got some special guests arranged for your next speech, so do make a good impression on them!"

"Okay, if you say so." Yellow Zircon reluctantly obliged and kept walking, leaving Navy alone to snicker maliciously as she pulled a black egg-shaped communicator from her gem. "This is Agent Navy, come in Black Rutile." She said to the egg as it produced a holographic image of her superior.

"Ah, Ruby, so glad of you to call." Black Rutile said delightedly. "How has your infiltration of the Zircon's campaign going?"

"All according to plan my Rutile." Navy saluted the hologram. "She doesn't suspect a thing."

"Excellent." Black Rutile grinned. "Once she's in power, we'll come in, reveal our goal to the galaxy and initiate our coup. I knew I chose the right Gem for the job."

"Oh, you're too kind my Rutile." Navy giggled. "My magnanimous, visionary, absolutely gorgeous Rutile!"

"Okay, now you're just brown-nosing." Black Rutile scowled. "Morganite should be meeting with you shortly, so keep an eye out for her while I go gather forces." She commanded. "Over and out."

Meanwhile, on a different part of the Gem Homeworld, the Sun Incinerator began to make its landing at a spaceport where many Gems were either departing from Homeworld by spaceship or returning home. But this crew in particular was only here for a quick pitstop.

"Well, here we are back on Homeworld Off-Colors." Lars declared as he and his motley crew of Off-Color Gems disembarked from their pilfered vessel to look around the spaceport. "Man, it's wonderful how much Steven has changed everything."

"Yeah, once these ships were out conquering worlds." The left Rutile replied.

"But now they're out spreading peace and fixing what they broke." The right Rutile remarked.

"We can sing Steven's praises later." Rhodonite said, getting her fellow Gems back on track. "We came back here to refuel."

"Yes, we know Rhodonite." Fluorite said slowly. "I'm just going to take a breather over there." She then pointed over to a little hangout spot where different Gems were striking up conversations. "How about you?"

"I'm just going to explore a bit." Lars answered. "Anyone coming with?"

"I'm gonna go over there to where those other fusions are." Rhodonite replied as she pointed to another hangout spot populated with cross-Gem fusions just like her.

"Guess that leaves me and Paddy to watch over the ship." The left Rutile said.

"Our crew shall go their separate ways for the time being." Padparadscha declared sweetly.

However, as the Off-Colors briefly split up to relax, a sinister plot was brewing without their knowledge. Emerald and a squad of Black Pearls were hiding inside one of the unoccupied ships, having been spying on the Gem team this whole time. "My Rutile, I have visual on the Sun Incinerator." Emerald said into a communicator. "At long last, it'll finally be mine!"

"Yes Emerald, the sole reason you joined my alliance." Black Rutile said sarcastically. "But remember that once you finally reacquire the Incinerator, you are to rendezvous with your teammates and provide our transport to Earth."

"But what about your dropship, my Rutile?" one of the Black Pearls inquired. "Can't you use that to come to Earth instead?"

"I'm currently using it to reach Blue 4." Black Rutile explained. "Lars will no doubt use another ship to reach Earth, but by then it'll be too late for him"

"Understood." Emerald nodded as the communicator shut off, and then she turned to the Pearls. "You heard her, move out!"

"Yes, your Emerald." The Black Pearls monotonously replied and marched towards the Sun Incinerator.

The Rutile twins noticed the squad of Pearls marching to them and decided to ask what was up. "Uh, hello there." The left Rutile nervously greeted. "Don't think we've ever seen you Pearls around before."

"Forgive our intrusion, we were only created not too long ago." The leading Black Pearl apologized with a bow. "My fellow Pearls and I are working for a higher power who believes she can bring peace to Homeworld."

"Ooh, look at those Pearls over there!" Padparadscha exclaimed. "I don't like the looks of them Rutiles, they look suspicious!"

"Yeah, that reminds me." The right Rutile said. "Who is this higher power you're working for?"

"She refuses to disclose her identity at the moment," another of the Pearls said. "but she doesn't like a certain friend of yours very much."

Before the Rutiles and Padparadscha could comprehend what the Pearl said, a pair of crystalline thigh-high boots clinked loudly as their owner snuck aboard the Sun Incinerator, and they turned around to discover that it was Emerald.

"We've been discovered!" Emerald yelled before she raced further into the ship. "Pearls, seize them!"

"Emerald?!" the Rutile twins exclaimed in shock.

"Emerald has stolen the ship!" Padparadscha added as Lars, Rhodonite, and Fluorite raced to discover what had happened.

"So we meet again Emerald!" Lars said angrily as Emerald began to take off in her reclaimed ship. "What do you have planned this time?!"

"I think the better question is, what do WE have planned!" Emerald corrected just as furiously. "You're so distracted by the destruction that Steven has caused, you're just as blind to his impending fall! Now Pearls!"

The Pearls summoned their spears and threateningly pointed them at Lars and the Off-Colors. But just then, three silhouettes that have been watching things play out made themselves known by emerging from the shadows to strike.

The first Gem had orange skin, a red-orange gemstone at the center of her chest, a red and white jumpsuit with black shoulder pads, a blue-purple cape, and a pale yellow afro that came together at a widow's peak. She was the first of the trio to attack, plunging her sword into a Black Pearl's chest and causing her to poof.

The second Gem was a Peridot with rectangular chartreuse-yellow hair, her triangular gem replacing her left eye, a medium green jumpsuit with dark green shoulder pads and a four-pointed star symbol on the torso, a light green cape, dark green leggings, and medium green boots with yellow triangles on her knees. She lifted a metal crate into the air with ferrokinesis and tossed it at another group of Black Pearls, poofing them as well.

Finally, there was a Gem Lars easily recognized. Citrine was also a member of this trio, whaling on Black Pearls as they tried to dogpile her, and she was wearing a cape as well. It was black, matching the mask she wore over her eyes.

"Citrine!" Lars cried excitedly as the three Gems fought off the seemingly growing mob of Pearls. "Hey, who are those other two Gems?"

"Lars, long time no see!" Citrine replied while backhanding a Black Pearl in the face. "I can introduce you to my new partners later, now help us out!"

"Finally time to put my new musti-yuddha skills to use." Lars declared while taking off his cape and gloves to fight the Black Pearls. "Come at me bros!" he challenged the Gems as he put up his fists, using his newfound Indian boxing skills to punch, kick, grab, knee, and elbow his way through the Pearls.

"Nice moves there my friend!" the yellow afroed Gem complimented Lars before they, along with Citrine and the Peridot, stood back to back against the Pearls while the Off-Colors watched. "What do you call that kind of fighting?"

"It's an Earth type of combat called musti-yuddha." Lars explained as yet another Black Pearl charged at him. "SHORYUKEN!" he yelled, uppercutting the Pearl into the air before it poofed, and her gem clattered on the ground.

"I've got to get me some of those lessons." Rhodonite said to herself.

"The human is stronger than we were led to believe!" one of the remaining Black Pearls gasped in shock. "Everybody retreat!"

With that, the Black Pearl squadron officially withdrew from combat, leaving Lars and his Gem allies to collect themselves.

"So, like I was gonna say, meet some new friends I made since you were last here." Citrine introduced her new partners.

"You may call me Hessonite." Hessonite greeted Lars with a handshake. "Former commander of Yellow Diamond's army turned ally of the Crystal Gems and Gem vigilante. Pleased to meet you."

"I'm her sidekick, Peridot Facet-4E3M Cut-7ZY." The Peridot introduced herself. "Though most call me Squaridot due to my hair. Much like my former commander turned partner, I have once antagonized the Crystal Gems before Steven showed me the light. Well, after quite a few setbacks, of course."

"I'm Lars." Lars replied as he pointed to himself, and then to the Off-Colors. "Meet my teammates, the-"

"We know full well about you and your exploits Lars." Hessonite cut Lars off. "Citrine told us about you when we first crossed paths, and she has proven useful to my cause."

"Excuse me, but what cause?" Fluorite asked Hessonite.

"The detainment of a Gem revolutionary known as Black Rutile!" Squaridot dramatically announced as she presented an image of the Gem in question. "For the past couple years ever since Steven began the process of reforming the Gem empire, this felon has been gathering up an army to rebel against him and the Crystal Gems, and now that the Spinel incident has come and gone, Black Rutile has finally decided now to initiate her plans to destroy him and conquer the Gem race!"

"Wait, why does Black Rutile have it out for Steven?" Lars asked when he came to a realization. "Wait, I remember her! She came to Earth once and interviewed me about my experiences with Steven! Is that all a part of her plan?"

"Indubitably," Citrine answered. "She's been gathering as much info as she can on Steven, the Crystal Gems, and almost everyone they've ever met in preparation for her forthcoming invasion. She knows everyone's strengths and weaknesses, and will use them against us with extreme prejudice."

"Black Rutile may seem like a genial reporter," Hessonite continued her sidekicks' explanation. "But it's all an act to disguise the cunning, devious, opportunistic, sociopathic monster she is underneath. Black Rutile was a former member of White Diamond's court and a fearsome warrior during the Rebellion with a burning vendetta against Pink Diamond because she believed Pink always got what she wanted by whining & crying all the time instead of doing any actual hard work to deserve things."

"So she hates Pink, big whoop." Rhodonite snarked.

"It's not just Pink, my dear fusion." Hessonite stated, putting a gloved hand on Rhodonite's shoulder. "By proxy, she has a hatred for Steven and the Crystal Gems because they continued her work by reforming our society, and some aren't very kind towards Steven's decisions."

"We were surrounded by those Black Pearls, but a trio of caped crusaders have come to save us!" Padparadscha cheered.

"Yes, thank you for adding to the conversation Sapphire." Hessonite muttered, glaring at Padparadscha before she turned back to Lars. "Recent intel we have gathered tells us that Black Rutile has inserted a Ruby spy into Yellow Zircon's democratic campaign, feeding her nothing but lies to inspire Gems to rebel against Era 3. I'm planning on infiltrating a speech she is giving, but I need help." She grabbed Lars by the hand and gazed at him with determined eyes. "Tell me Lars of the Stars, are you with us?"

"Well, with intel like that, I don't see why not." Lars declared, taking Hessonite's hand and giving it a firm shake. "I'm in!"

With that, the Off-Colors had some new allies by their side, and a new adventure to go on. One that might be their most dangerous yet.

Meanwhile, the remaining Black Pearls continued fleeing from Hessonite's squad and found somewhere safe to hide, where their leader turned on a communicator on her wrist.

"Black Pearl-6G9, report!" Black Rutile barked to her subordinates.

"It is the Hessonite, she has struck once again." The Pearl stated. "And it seems she has allied with the so-called "Lars of the Stars" to undermine your hard work."

"That traitor has been a thorn in my side for too long." Black Rutile snarled irritatedly. "A real shame too. She and I got along quite swimmingly before she went to retrieve that Prism." She then remarked nostalgically. "But enough about my backstory. The Zircon is preparing to make her speech soon. I need what's left of your force to protect her at the auditorium in Igneous Square no matter what. Affirmative?"

"Affirmative, my Rutile." Black Pearl-6G9 nodded and shut off her communicator before she turned to her fellow Pearls, nodding to them as well.

Later that day, Lars & Hessonite stood atop a building and gazed down upon the Gems gathered at Igneous Square where Yellow Zircon was set to make another speech. Also on stage with her were a group of Black Pearls, her mysterious campaign manager Navy and their special guest Morganite.

"Good day my fellow Gems." Yellow Zircon announced while Lars followed Hessonite down the building and blending in with the crowd. "As you can see, I brought a very special guest with me. I'd like you all to please give a warm welcome to the legendary designer, Morganite!"

"Wait, she's with them?" Lars whispered to Hessonite as Morganite stepped up to the podium. "But she seemed so chill when we first met her!"

"Looks can be very deceiving Lars." Hessonite advised her human ally. "Black Rutile has supporters all across Homeworld and their former colonies, but Morganite here is a part of her inner circle."

"Wait, inner circle?" Lars asked. "You mean she's got, like, a whole legion of doom by her side?"

"I wouldn't put it that way, but yes." Hessonite answered. "Now shush."

"Thank you Zircon for the marvelous introduction." Morganite said gratefully to the Zircon before she turned to the audience with a speech prepared. "Today shall be the end of Era 3. The end of the Crystal Gems, who have acquiesced to gaslighting and manipulation for thousands of years. At this very moment, hundreds of lightyears away, Steven Universe continues lying to the Gem race and brainwashing the mindless masses to his so-called "peace and love", while hypocritically abandoning all in actual need of his alleged assistance!" As Morganite went on, her speaking became more and more dictatorial until she began outright shrieking every word that came out of her mouth. "Once WE are in power, we shall return to our ways of conquering and terraforming, starting WITH PLANET EARTH! AND SOON STEVEN SHALL REALIZE THAT IF HE AND HIS MOTHER WEREN'T SUCH IRRITATING BRATS, HE WOULDN'T BE HIS OWN UNDOING!"

The Gems in the audience all began cheering and pumping their fists, chanting Morganite's name as she took a bow and began to leave the unnerved Yellow Zircon to take back her podium, until someone else took the microphone.

"Steven gaslighting and manipulating?" Lars hijacked the podium to make his own speech. "Frankly my friends, you're all dead wrong! Sure, he and I got off on the wrong foot more times than I can count, but I know that he is an actual good person. A fact that you are all just blind to for the sake of being mouthpieces for a complete maniac! You're no revolutionaries; you're just a bunch of proud clods! And another thing-"

"Hey pinky, get off the stage!" one Agate jeered while the Black Pearls began to surround Lars onstage.

"You shall come quietly human for questioning." The lead Pearl ordered, spear pointed directing across Lars's neck.

"Uh Hess, little help here!" Lars cried out nervously. Suddenly, a golden blur emerged from the crowd and easily dispatched the Pearls, along with any other Gems trying to get on the stage to attack Lars.

"Come on, let's head to my lair!" Hessonite stated before the screen behind the podium began to short-circuit before finally, Black Rutile appeared on it. "You."

"Ah Hessonite, so glad you could make it to the eve of my grand takeover." Black Rutile purred in greeting. "And look, you even brought a plus-one! Lars of the Stars, am I right?"

"Master, I sincerely apologize for my failure!" Morganite dropped on her knees and begged for Black Rutile's mercy. "It was the human who tried to expose me!"

"Save the apologies Morganite, I'll send in reinforcements later." Black Rutile replied before turning back to her pair of foes. "And as for you, go ahead and run around this planet all you like, 'cause you won't find me anywhere on it!"

"Well, where are you?!" Lars yelled.

"That is highly classified." Black Rutile responded with a sneer. "Not that you would care, you rose-colored hippie. Toodles!" With that, she disappeared from the screen, leaving the pair aghast at her sudden appearance before one of the Gems spoke up.

"Can't you see, Steven is forcing us to waste ourselves away being all caring and helping, when we should be returning to enslaving!" a particularly vigorous Pyrope yelled. "Who's with me?! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE!"

"YEAH, OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE!" a Jasper agreed, inspiring the other Gems to chant those same words.

"OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE! OUR HEARTS AND GEMS TO HER CAUSE!"

"It's worse than I thought." Hessonite muttered nervously while she and Lars made their escape. "She's manipulated them all."

"Do the Diamonds know about this?" Lars asked his new ally.

"I'm not sure, but that will definitely get their attention." Hessonite replied as they got further away from Igneous Square, where the chanting kept on going and Yellow Zircon stared in shock at what just happened.

"Was I just a tool for a fascist cause?" Yellow Zircon muttered in utter despondence while Navy stood behind her with an evil grin.

"Fascist cause? No." Navy grinned as she retreated into the shadows. "Tool? Oh so very much."

Not too far away from Homeworld was the former colony of Blue 4, a once pristine colony that has fallen on hard times due to its ruler's neglect of her subjects. And far from Blue 4 on its own little asteroid was the Palace of Light, formerly the capital of Blue 4 that was the current residence, or rather a prison, of the ex-elite Gems Pyrope and Demantoid.

"Day….I've lost count, of our imprisonment in the Palace of Light." Demantoid muttered robotically to herself as she sat across from Pyrope in their shared cell. "I have been making countless plans to break out of this cell and exact our revenge, but a certain someone just keeps debunking them all."

"Well, it's not my fault that most of your plans will fail!" Pyrope said haughtily. "Kind of like how it was your fault that we lost to Steven!"

"My fault?!" Demantoid yelled back as she hopped up and marched over to meet Pyrope's gaze. "If it weren't for your arrogance, we wouldn't be stuck in here with no status, no weapons, and no hope of escaping!"

Suddenly, the destabilizing forcefield that prevented the pair of Garnets from escaping shut off, allowing them to leave their cell with no trouble.

"Who could've possibly done this?" Pyrope wondered, looking around at how only their cell was deactivated while the others were still operational.

"I believe I can answer that for you." A voice answered pridefully as she marched towards the Garnets and revealed her identity. "Black Rutile, at your service. Long time no see you two."

"My stars, THE Black Rutile?!" Demantoid gasped in recognition of the Rutile. "Where have you been all this time?! Why are you only now helping us when you could've been useful during our clashes with the Crystal Gems?!"

"I've been plotting their downfall for quite some time Demantoid." Black Rutile answered. "I suppose you have been disenfranchised by Steven, much like my compatriots here, no?" she then asked as White Topaz, Aquamarine, Eyeball, Lapis 1J9G and Holly Blue emerged from behind her.

"So, you've been plotting your own rebellion, just like Rose Quartz?" Pyrope asked as she gazed at the Gems Black Rutile has gathered for her alliance.

"Indeed, and I believe you both deserve seats in it." Black Rutile replied as she took the pair's hands. "Now then, are you with me?"

"I am with you." Demantoid accepted the offer. "But only if she gets left here."

"No no no, she should be left to rot while I join you!" Pyrope demanded.

"Uh, something wrong you two?" White Topaz asked.

"It's all her fault we lost!" the Garnets blamed each other with fingers pointed, but they were quickly proven wrong.

"No, it's neither of your faults." Black Rutile stated as she brought up a projection of the pair's final battle with the Crystal Gems using the Light Prisms. "It's all because of Steven that you lost. That cunning, devious, opportunistic, sociopathic monster wanted you out of the way because you had no place in his dystopia, but there is room for you in the utopia I will soon build. Now let me repeat myself," She deactivated the hologram and looked back at Pyrope & Demantoid. "are you with me?"

"Okay, we're in!" Pyrope exclaimed, shaking the fearsome Rutile's hand. "Now tell us, what do you need us for?"

"I am planning on going down to Earth to strike at the Gems when they least expect it." Black Rutile explained, leading the group out into the main area of the Palace while pulling out another hologram from her visor detailing her plans. "Once we detain them once and for all, we shall indoctrinate the Gems they have brainwashed into their so-called Little Homeschool to our cause and overwhelm the Diamonds with our superior armies. After that, we'll have to discuss lat-"

Suddenly, the signaling of an urgent message cut off Black Rutile's plans. "One second everyone." She muttered before taking the message. "Ruby, report!"

"My Rutile, we need you!" Navy exclaimed fearfully. "The Zircon has already been seized since the speech, and now Morganite & I are on the run!"

"Yes, I'm well aware of that." Black Rutile said while pinching the gem on her face. "That Morganite, always such a self-important coward. I shall send in backup posthaste!"

"Oh thank you my glamorous Rutile!" Navy cheered. "I am so honored to be in your presence like always!"

"What did I say about the brownnosing?" Black Rutile shut Navy up before the message ended, then she turned to her minions. "Holly Blue, 1J9G, keep Lars of the Stars away from Earth no matter the cost."

"Understood my Rutile." Holly Blue obliged with her master's salute. "Come along terraformer."

"Really, we're going all this way just to get revenge on Steven?" Lapis 1J9G snarked. "You know, we don't have to make all these super complicated plans, we can just go down and kill everyone."

"Bite your tongue Lapis!" Holly barked at the Lapis Lazuli. "Is that the way you want to speak about someone who promised you your friend back?"

"No your clarity!" 1J9G squeaked in fear of the Agate's terror.

"Very good." Holly Blue replied pleasantly. "Now, let's return to Homeworld."

As the pair of blue Gems departed, 1J9G looked back at Black Rutile with a sneer while the alliance was being unknowingly watched.

The Light Prism George let out a gasp at what he just witnessed and began speaking in Gem Glyph to his fellow Prisms, who had now taken forms similar to his own. The three of them nodded, knowing just who to call.

Meanwhile, back on Homeworld, Lars and Hessonite had finally escaped the mob of furious Gems and found themselves standing before a pair of large doors at a tower.

"Welcome to my lair, Lars." Hessonite declared as she placed her palm on a scanner that allowed her entrance into the room. At the top of the steps was a large & elaborate computer system, along with the Off-Colors, Squaridot, and Citrine all waiting for the pair's return. "This was once Yellow Diamond's bubbling chamber before Era 3, and I've heavily repurposed it to suit my vigilante needs."

"Lars, you're back!" Rhodonite cried, and the Off-Colors all gave Lars a big hug as soon as he reached the top of the steps.

"Lars is coming back!" Padparadscha cheered.

"So, what's the situation like out there?" the right Rutile asked Lars as he took a seat at a workbench covered with gadgets either being built or fixed.

"It's worse than what Hessonite led us to believe." Lars muttered. "Black Rutile has brainwashed so many Gems into thinking Steven is the bad guy by using that Zircon's presidential campaign as a mouthpiece for her beliefs. And remember Morganite? She's one of her supporters."

"Are you serious?!" Rhodonite exclaimed in shock, since the last time she met her former superior, Morganite seemed so ambivalent towards Era 3. "I could never forgive her for how she treated us, but this is just going too far!"

"My thoughts exactly." Lars agreed. "Morganite gave a big speech about how the Crystal Gems are even more oppressive than the Diamonds were, but I took to the stage to argue against her claims. And then came a message from Black Rutile."

"What was she like?" Fluorite asked the undead human.

"She seemed so condescending, yet utterly monstrous at the same time." Lars answered. "When Black Rutile ended her message, all the Gems at the auditorium started chanting about their support for her. It's almost like those fascist regimes I read about."

"Holy revolution Lars!" Squaridot cried out. "We must warn someone, pronto!"

As Lars continued discussing the events at Igneous Square, Hessonite sat down at her massive computer and began putting down her findings on the screen before calling up Blue Zircon. "Zircon, this is Hessonite."

"Hessonite, glad to hear from you." Blue Zircon greeted the Garnet. "How's your investigation of my opponent going?"

"I had a little help exposing her." Hessonite stated, turning her screen to focus on Lars a bit. "This human and his Off-Color friends were at Spaceport Epsilon when their vessel, the Sun Incinerator, was hijacked by its former owner Emerald. Now I've enlisted them in helping me stop Black Rutile, and even had Lars accompany me to Igneous Square where Morganite made a speech at Yellow Zircon's conference."

"What were you two able to gather?" Blue Zircon asked.

"She turned out to be merely a puppet for Black Rutile's syndicate through the installation of a navel-Gem Ruby as her campaign manager." Hessonite continued with her findings before another message came through. "One second, have to take this." She tapped on the new message, which came out as a series of symbols that seemed unrecognizable to Lars when he took his place by Hessonite's side.

"What is that?" Lars asked, gazing at what he believed to be gibberish.

"It's Gem Glyph, the language of our people. Allow me to translate." Hessonite answered. "FROM GEORGE. SOS, PYROPE, AND DEMANTOID ESCAPED. BLACK RUTILE AND OTHER GEMS BROKE THEM OUT OF PALACE OF LIGHT. PLEASE SEND-, and then it just stops. Like the writer was captured before they could finish."

"Uh, one question." Lars said. "Who's George, and who are those Gems he's talking about?"

"George is what your friend Steven calls one of the Light Prisms that formerly belonged to yours truly." Hessonite answered as she stood up from her chair. "And Pyrope and Demantoid are a pair of high-ranking Garnets much like I who owned two other Light Prisms, before Steven confiscated them and we defeated the pair. It seems Black Rutile has recruited them into her alliance." Then she turned to Blue Zircon. "Zircon, send a warning to Steven!"

"I'm sorry Hessonite, but it seems my communication line to Earth has been compromised!" Blue Zircon exclaimed nervously. "How can we possibly warn the Crystal Gems now?!"

"Simple," Lars answered courageously. "we go back to Earth."

"You all can go ahead, I'll hunt down Ruby and Morganite." Citrine announced.

"Right, good luck out there big guy." Lars agreed before Citrine hugged him. "And thanks for the hug, but can you let me go?"

Later, Lars and the team returned to the spaceport where the Sun Incinerator was once in to search for another ship. "Where do we find a ship now?" Squaridot asked hurriedly.

"Simple, we take mine." Hessonite answered as she pointed to her warship, a large, orange inverted pyramid that stood tall and proud over all the others. At least, until it was destroyed by a saw blade made of water that instantly cut the ship in half.

"Oops, sorry about your ship!" Lapis 1J9G called from above with a laugh. "But seriously, I'm being forced to do this because my boss loves to make everything super-complex."

"Now what do we do?" Rhodonite asked nervously while the terraformer flew off.

"Easy, we take another ship." Hessonite instantly formed another plan and dashed to a different vessel parked nearby.

It was a green spaceship that was in the shape of a massive octahedron and had four long, claw-like prongs extending from all four sides. Lars instantly recognized this other ship as the Destiny Destroyer, the one that Emerald used to chase him and the Off-Colors after they stole the Sun Incinerator.

"So, taking another one of Emerald's ships, huh?" Lars wondered. "Ah, just like the old days when Emerald was after our heads, eh gang?"

"We are going to steal the Destiny Destroyer!" Padparadscha answered while everyone boarded Emerald's warship, all except Citrine, who had already volunteered to remain on Homeworld.

"Stay safe there Citrine." Lars promised Citrine before he went inside to pilot the ship out of Homeworld.

"Godspeed Lars of the Stars." Citrine replied as the Destiny Destroyer finally took off and left the planet. "There goes one of the bravest creatures I've ever had the pleasure of meeting."

"Where is he?!" Citrine heard Holly Blue scream as she, Morganite, Navy, and a squad of Gem guards stormed Spaceport Epsilon in search of Lars. "You, Citrine, where is Lars?!"

"Lars isn't here right now." Citrine answered sardonically as she summoned her weapon from the gem on her stomach, a massive war hammer. "But if you'd like, I'll tell them you said hi and you give up."

"Well, it seems you finally caught us." Morganite announced as she put up her hands. "Go ahead, cuff us all."

"Quit acting so defeatist, our old ways are on the line here!" Holly Blue yelled before summoning her whip. "Now, any last words before I execute you for defying our master?!"

With an uncomfortable twitch in her eye, Citrine dropped her hammer and spread out her arms. "Go ahead." She snarled. "Bring it on."

"You really believed you can try to stop us little Prism?" Pyrope cooed mockingly to the three captive Light Prisms on Black Rutile's dropship. "Once we get rid of Steven once and for all, we'll use you three to raze everything he loves to the ground, and you'll be utterly powerless to stop us."

While the other two Light Prisms hugged each other in fear, George bravely took a stand against the Garnet, and yelled some form of retort in Gem Glyph.

"Oh keep quiet you." Pyrope shut George down immediately before turning away from the Prisms to meet Demantoid, who had now received perfect replicas of her former limb enhancers. "And how are you doing Demantoid?"

"Splendidly!" Demantoid exclaimed. "I feel like we've never met Steven to begin with!"

"Yes, you can compliment me for recreating your limb enhancers later." Black Rutile said to Demantoid. "Right now, I've set a course for one of your old colonies because I require your Peridots and Bismuths for a special task."

"What kind of task?" Demantoid asked while the dropship settled down on a planet covered with green hi-tech structures.

"You shall see." Black Rutile said as she, Demantoid, Pyrope, White Topaz, Eyeball, and Aquamarine disembarked to greet some Peridots and Bismuths nearby. "Salutations worker Gems!" she energetically greeted them. "Have I got an offer you certainly can't refuse."

"Demantoid?" one of the Peridots gasped at the sight of her former superior. "But we were told the Crystal Gems stopped you!"

"Well, you were wrong." Demantoid stated. "Black Rutile here has broken me and Pyrope out, and now we've joined her for revenge!"

"We have come to this little planet because we want you." Aquamarine announced. "We need more soldiers for our army, and you have the perfect amount of brains & brawn for the job."

"Fat chance you uppercrusts!" One of the Bismuths yelled as she stepped forward. "Steven would never allow you to control anyone in this era!"

"That's because this era will soon be over!" Black Rutile argued with the Bismuth. "Once I am in power, I will be the sole ruler of all Gemkind! You really think this is any way to talk back to your future empress?!"

"Oh, they will find out about this." The Bismuth said, quietly angering Black Rutile. "And they will stop you no matter what."

Black Rutile was utterly enraged at this kind of rebellion, but she kept a cool head even as she pulled a bowie knife from her gem and held it at the Bismuth's gem. Then suddenly, as if a completely different Gem replaced her, Black Rutile abruptly stabbed that Bismuth in the gem on her chest, and slowly scraped it down her gem while the Bismuth screeched in pain. When Black Rutile removed her knife, the Bismuth's form split in half just like her gem before she was finally shattered.

"Get rid of her remains." Black Rutile ruthlessly commanded to the frightened masses. As another Bismuth picked up her coworker's remains, Black Rutile turned to the other worker Gems. "Now let me repeat myself. I have an offer you most certainly can't refuse!" she said to the Peridots and Bismuth with cheer like she didn't just sadistically shatter another Gem. "Are you with me?"

"We're with you." Demantoid's terrified subordinates muttered.

"I can't hear you." Black Rutile insisted.

"We're with you!" the scared Gems repeated much louder than before.

"Peridots?" Black Rutile then asked the Peridots.

"We're with you!"

"Bismuths?" Black Rutile asked the surviving Bismuths.

"We're with you."

"And what about you?" Black Rutile said to the Bismuth she just shattered with her knife. "Oh right, shattered!" Then she started giving out orders. "Topaz, I need you with me to find more recruits. Aquamarine, Ruby, keep watch over our new recruits." She once again turned back to the Peridots. "And I got a few questions for you."

"What do you mean Rutile?" one of the Peridots with her gem on her chest asked.

"First off, can you call me "my Rutile" from here on out?" Black Rutile commanded. "Second, what's a Gem gotta do to find some corrupted Gems in this era? And three," She reached for her gem and pulled out a massive bubble containing various chunks of Cactus Steven. "what can you do with these?"

At long last, Lars, the Off-Colors, Hessonite, and Squaridot had left Homeworld via the Destiny Destroyer, ready to jump to hyperspeed, return to Earth and warn Steven of Black Rutile's plans.

"Ugh, I'm pooped!" Lars groaned as he slumped back in the captain's chair. "Think when we get to Earth, I'll go back to my old house and take a nice long nap before we save the planet and then head back into space."

"It would be nice to see Earth again, without threatening its existence though." Hessonite smirked, gazing out at the infinite sea of stars, planets, comets, and all sorts of cosmic scenery. "How about any of you?"

"Uh captains, we have a problem!" Rhodonite yelped as she stared at the radar screen. "It's the Sun Incinerator, and it's shooting right at us!"

"Emerald!" Lars grumbled as he pounded his fist on the armrest. "Come out and fight like the so-called commander you call yourself!"

A viewing screen turned on, allowing the team to see Emerald, sadistically excited to finally get her revenge. "How are you Off-Colors, now that you're on your way to destruction?"

"You won't take us down Emerald!" Lars bravely declared.

"Famous last words human filth." Emerald responded hatefully. "I've been begging, no, pleading to get my vengeance only for Steven to heartlessly take it away from me with his dumb little Era 3! Well, once Black Rutile is in power, she will render all of this era's laws null and void in favor of returning the Gems to the terrifying conquerors they were born to be!"

"Fat chance One-Eyed Jerk!" Squaridot cried out before she suddenly realized the hypocrisy of her retort.

"Engines to hyperspeed, quick!" Lars commanded his crew.

"Already on it Lars." Fluorite announced as she retreated to the engine room.

"We are under attack by Emerald, but we shall win!" Padparadscha declared eagerly.

The Destiny Destroyer's thrusters burned brightly as the ship prepared to leave the space above Homeworld and make a break for Earth, leaving the Sun Incinerator in the dust.

"Oh no, you don't!" Emerald yelled, forcing her ship to go into hyperspeed as well in hot pursuit.

The chase soon began in hyperspace, with Emerald continuing to pursue her purloined Destiny Destroyer while Lars and his crew were set on their path to Earth.

"Keep firing!" Emerald yelled, commanding her subordinates to fire her ship's blasters.

"Do a barrel roll!" Lars yelled in response.

"I'm sorry, a what now?" the Rutiles wondered in unison.

"You know, like in the video games!" Lars added. The Rutiles quickly caught onto this and began spinning the ship in a perfect circle.

"Actually, I don't believe that qualified as a barrel roll." Hessonite snidely corrected. "It seemed to me more like a-"

"Can't let you do that Hessonite!" Lars interrupted the orange Gem in a thick accent.

"Do what?" Hessonite replied.

"Ruin the joke." Lars answered. "Turn this around and start firing!"

With that, the Destiny Destroyer was flipped around to face the Sun Incinerator and began firing from its prongs.

The Sun Incinerator began to sustain heavy damage, much to Emerald's fury, and she gave another command to her subordinates. "RAIN FIRE!"

"But my Emerald, your Destroyer!" one of the Citrines serving as a part of Emerald's crew replied fearfully.

"JUST DO IT!" Emerald roared. The Citrines did as they were told and fired the Incinerator's blasters at the Destroyer, now causing the enemy ship to start falling apart as well.

"She's falling apart!" Lars cried as alarms sounded, signaling that the Destiny Destroyer didn't have much time left. "How much longer till we leave hyperspace?!"

"We've just arrived at our destination!" Squaridot yelled when the Destiny Destroyer finally left hyperspace and now hovered close to the planet Earth. "And good timing too, this ship is gonna fall apart!"

With not much time left till the Destiny Destroyer's destiny is to be destroyed, Lars thought up a plan right on the spot. "Everyone in my hair!"

"Come again?" Hessonite asked, one half of her monobrow raised.

"My hair's like a portal, and on the other end there's a lion Steven owns who's been brought back to life with powers like mine!" Lars explained. "But I think we're all gonna have to get in one at a time, so fusions are out of the picture!"

"You got it." Fluorite replied as she de-fused into Titanite, Lavender Jade, Iolite, Rubellite, Indicolite, and Verdelite, who all dove into Lars's hair.

"Don't forget us!" Rhodonite said as she de-fused into her Ruby and Pearl, who got into Lars's hair next.

"I wonder how this even works." Squaridot wondered just as Hessonite grabbed her and shoved her into the hairy portal. "Hey, quit it!"

"Lars has made an unorthodox plan to escape Emerald!" Padparadscha yelled while Hessonite grabbed her under her arm and dove in after Squaridot.

"What about you Lars?" the left Rutile asked, sticking her hand in Lars's hair.

"I'll cover things from here, just find Steven on the other end if he's nearby!" Lars ordered.

"Okay, be safe." The right Rutile said before both twins fully dove into the portal, leaving Lars as the only one onboard the Destiny Destroyer as he slowly stepped forward. Just then, Emerald showed up on the viewscreen.

"Any last words before I finally destroy you, Lars?" Emerald grinned maliciously.

"Yes, yes I do." Lars declared, glancing at a big red button that really stuck out from the rest of the green ship, and then looking back at Emerald with a smirk. "Hope you don't mind losing another ship!"

And so, Lars punched the button, causing the alarms to sound. "WARNING, SELF DESTRUCT SYSTEM ACTIVATED!" an automated voice declared. "PLEASE REMAIN CALM AND PROCEED TO THE ESCAPE PODS!"

"No, what are you doing?!" Emerald shrieked in terror at what was in store for her beloved ship.

"Saving the universe, that's what!" Lars declared before he shut his eyes and dropped to his knees. "Sadie, Shep, Mom and Dad, Steven, everyone." He whispered to himself. "I'm sorry."

With that, the Destiny Destroyer finally detonated, and its remains began careening towards Earth's surface. As Emerald watched from her prized Incinerator, she went ballistic. "NOOOOOO! YOU MAY HAVE OUTSMARTED ME AGAIN LARS, BUT I STILL HAVE THE SUN INCINERATOR!" she screamed angrily while her Citrines stared awkwardly at her. "Mourn with me!"

"Emerald!" Black Rutile yelled as her hologram appeared behind her green subordinate, giving her a scare. "I've been watching the entire battle. You almost had Lars right there, but then he had to press the self-destruct button!"

"I apologize my Rutile, please forgive me!" Emerald bowed for her black-colored master.

"Eh, you win some, you lose some." Black Rutile rolled her eyes. "Head to my current location at once. It's finally time."

"Yes, master." Emerald nodded in compliance as the hologram disappeared. "At long last, vengeance will be mine."

After the Destiny Destroyer began falling to Earth, everything else was but a blur to Lars. All he could remember were all his friends from Beach City gathering around the wreckage before being taken away somewhere.

As he slowly opened his eyes, he could barely make out four people standing by him in a hospital bed.

"Astounding, his heart rate has slowed dramatically, but he is still alive!" the muffled voice of a doctor exclaimed in astonishment. "Also, is the pink skin something he had all his life?"

"No doctor, it's been a thing for almost three years now." Lars's mother Martha answered. "I think it all started when he was abducted by aliens."

"S-Steven. Steven." Lars groaned lethargically as he fruitlessly reached out his hands for Steven. "Steven!"

"Doc, I think he's coming to!" Sadie yelled.

"Lars!" Dante Barriga exclaimed as he and his wife raced to their son's side. "Please, give us a sign that you're all right!"

"Steven, need Steven!" Lars cried out as he tried to get up out of bed.

"Mr. Barriga, please remain in your bed!" the doctor advised Lars. "You thankfully suffered no serious injuries, but you've just woken up from a coma sustained from that crash!"

"No, I think he's trying to tell us something!" Shep stated as they kept Lars stuck in his hospital bed. "You want to see Steven, right?"

"I need Steven, he in big trouble!" Lars replied, slowly beginning to regain some grasp of his words just as a nurse came in.

"Doctor Laurie, our patient has one more visitor." The nurse told the doctor. "He said a bunch of "Off-Colors" told him everything."

"I'm here Lars!" Steven exclaimed as he rushed into the hospital room to be by Lars's side. "Hessonite and the Off-Colors told me what happened when they came flying out of Lion's mane!"

"Steven, finally!" Lars cried happily as he grabbed Steven's shoulders. "Listen, I need to warn you! You and the entire planet are doomed!"

Meanwhile, as men in black suits began cleaning up the Destiny Destroyer's remains and taking them away for further inspection, the Sun Incinerator zoomed past Beach City, now with Black Rutile, White Topaz, Aquamarine, Eyeball, Lapis 1J9G, Demantoid & Pyrope, some Peridots and an army of cybernetically-enhanced Cactus Stevens on board.

"My Rutile, I've got bad news!" Eyeball exclaimed as she got reports back from Homeworld. "It's about our forces back on Homeworld. Holly Blue and Morganite have successfully been detained by a Citrine in league with Hessonite."

"Is that so?" Black Rutile wondered while she sat in a meditative pose, examining all the data she had collected on Steven and the Crystal Gems. "Well, they weren't going to be useful to me until further notice anyway." She got back to looking at all her data and began deleting what she found to be useless. Most of them involved Ronaldo. "Seriously, why do they keep hanging out with this human if he's such an irritating rat?!"

"My Rutile, we are en route to the Alpha Kindergarten and Facet Five." One of the Peridots announced. "There, you will find the Cluster Gems you seek."

"Excellent." Black Rutile replied, steepling her fingers together before she stood up. "My friends, our finest hour will soon be upon us. Once we have enough fodder to terminate the Crystal Gems, our next stop will be returning to Homeworld, where we shall overthrow the Diamonds and take their empire for ourselves."

"Yeah!" Aquamarine, Eyeball, Emerald, Demantoid, and Pyrope cheered. White Topaz was very unsure of herself while 1J9G just rolled her eyes irritatedly.

"We're here." Black Rutile added as the Incinerator finally touched down in the Alpha Kindergarten, and she disembarked from the ship. "Ah, reminds me of the Zeta Kindergarten where I first emerged. So many memories of far happier times. Now tell me, where is the control room?"

"It should be nearby." A Peridot announced as she used a GPS on her screens to guide the rebellious Gems through the Kindergarten until they discovered a green elevator pad that led them straight down to a large, green hexagonal room. "We have arrived."

"Finally." Black Rutile muttered as she looked around at the tube-like structures littered about the control room. Poking one of them with her bowie knife, the tube began to shake a bit before it began growing into a strange Gem monster with multiple limbs that had a gemstone made from the shattered remains of other Gems. "It's alive! Alive!" she gasped excitedly. "Everyone, wake them all up!"

"Uh, are you sure boss?" White Topaz stuttered, insanely unnerved at the creepy atmosphere of the control room. "I think I'll just wait back at the ship with those cactus things."

"You are not leaving us, you coward." Aquamarine barked, holding White Topaz back with her newly reclaimed wand. "You will assist us in awakening these experiments so we can use them against Steven! Are we clear?!"

"Yes ma'am." White Topaz replied meekly and got to work on awakening the other Cluster Gems.

"Hey, I'm just as scared as you are Topaz." 1J9G said to White Topaz. "I'm only here so I can get back at Steven for taking my friends away, so I'm not that interested in the boss's psycho vendetta either."

Soon, more and more Cluster Gems began to awaken from their slumber, feebly grasping at their captors while their gems projected other Gems in pain. And Black Rutile was utterly excited to see them all.

"Yes, yes!" Black Rutile cheered, her cries of joy echoing throughout the control room. "THEY'RE ALL ALIVE!"

And so it begins. This was quite probably the longest chapter of Alternate Future I've written yet, and I'm definitely quite proud of it. Was Black Rutile to your liking folks? Was she evil enough yet still had some form of a point? Well, I hope you're excited to see more of her as she takes center stage in the final chapter of Part 2, Enemy of my Enemy! After that, I'll be going on another hiatus. But when we meet again for Part 3, I've got tons more where that came from!

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verysharpteeth · 4 years

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There seems to be some evidence that while Din is extremely committed to being a Mandalorian, is is some what insecure about his place in Mandalorian society or at least holds himself in a very socially isolated place in said society. I’m led to believe this based off the fact that even though Din is a fully mature man in at least his late 30s he doesn’t seem to have any deeply personal connections, particularly Mandalorians. We see other Mandalorians interacting in a friendly, personal way, but Din doesn’t visibly interact with anyone other than the Armorer. Some of this might be because he’s allowed out differently than the others, but the one interaction we see is hostile. Yes, he and Paz are later supportive of each other and Paz seems friendly, but there’s no indication that Din and Paz are actually friendly. Also in their altercation, Paz seems to hit Din right where he’s sensitive by questioning his integrity as a Mandalorian in a way that could have been interpreted by Din as a challenge of whether he belonged or not. Yes, Din does have a job that seems more suited to a loner, but the part that strikes odd to me is that he seems to have no deep connections. He’s well into the age where he could have a family and kids, yet keeps himself distant from other Mandalorians. He has no clan, which would indicate that while he might have been taken in by the Mandalorians, he doesn’t have a deep personal family connection to anyone there. He still seems to see himself as the kid whose family died in front of him. Din has an incredibly solitary place in Mandalorian society. The saddest part of that is the fact that Din is SOFT. If anyone has a capacity to deeply care about someone and BE loved, it’s Din. Some of his awkwardness with the baby isn’t so much him being Mandalorian as it is him being ALONE. He doesn’t always know what to do with another person to think about, particularly a baby. He tries. Lor does he try. But he has the righteous panic of “what no I’m not ready for this” of a new father when the Armorer tells him YOU ARE THE FATHER and shoos him on his way with the baby. I’m not saying the distance is something necessarily cultivated by the Mandalorians (though face hiding armor can’t help), but could be more a symptom of Din’s trauma. There’s a push and pull to Din that seems to want to connect, yet also seems scared of that or at least unsure that he’s worth connecting to. There’s a casualness to his own well being that is possibly more a trait of Din’s than Mandalorians on the whole. Yes the whole group is sort of just balls out insane, but Din takes the isolation and lack of self preservation to extremes sometimes. You’re left wondering if Din has put himself into the position he has to try to cut down on the pain of loss. If he doesn’t allow himself to personally deeply care about people, perhaps the risk of losing them won’t be as big a factor for him. He takes the murder of the covert hard, but there’s no evidence he knew anyone on a deep personal level. He bonds with the baby fairly quickly, but there’s no evidence he ever bonded with a bounty before. He honestly considers settling with Omera, but that’s only after he thinks he’s going into witness protection of sorts. Every indication is of a man who has such a huge heart and really cares about things in a deeply moral way who is running scared of people caring about him. It took his interaction with the pure baby guilelessness of the child to scratch the surface of the fact that sometimes you need to let yourself be cared about and loved.

#the mandalorian #the din djarin self preservation squad

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starfirette · 4 years

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Every Which Way: Chapter Three

The Way To Safety

➡️a/n: CUIDADO! This chapter contains violence on the same level as the Mandalorian tv series.

➡️ prev chapters found on masterlist

➡️ Included original characters: Wendi Q’ohl + Ryder Vizsla

➡️ JOIN THE TAGLIST | VIEW SCHEDULE | >> CONTINUE ! <<

Din does not want to speak with you.

The days go by slowly and almost painfully. You have no friends in the covert besides Paz, and Paz is, if anything, your tutor. Conversations rarely extend beyond the hour long lessons he gives you each night. He doesnt’t have much time to give you outside of that as he sleeps during the day then stands guard during the night. Your hourly sessions are carved out of his meticulous schedule to begin with, so interaction with him is all routine. You are thankful for him, though.

WIthout him, you’d be going insane.

There isn’t anything for you to do aside from practice your letters and general literacy. It’s a pain, honestly, but Paz’s methods make it easier. Sounding out each letter takes time on its own, but having a pre-established vocabulary does help a little. Overall, you’ve adjusted to your new lifestyle.

You’d gone a week without seeing Din. You tried to get messages to him via Gold but she had just as much knowledge of his whereabouts as you. According to her, Din often times goes out to track bounties. His position in the covert is a bit vague, but most of his earnings go to the covert. He funds foundlings and repairs to the tunnel. The more foundlings rescued, the more rooms need to be built, the more armor needs to be built; it’s always difficult to tell when he’ll be back. From what you’ve heard, bounties can take several weeks. And Din, being as skilled as he is, tends to take on the most difficult bounties out there.

Life among the covert is deafening; you are not one of them, not really. Paz goes out of his way to invite you to the meetings in the main hall. Gold does as much as she can by answering all of your questions concerning your new life and the covert’s ‘Way”. You don’t officially understand everything. Not even close.

What you know so far is Mandalorians are extremely reclusive. You’ve never seen any of them without their helmet or weapon of choice. They never eat with anyone. The closest they get to that is filling up baskets with meat and cheese, then retreating to their rooms. Although strange, it’s nice to be alone in the gathering hall in the dead middle of night, nibbling at the cheese and berries in the dark.

Among being reclusive, they are also loyal. Their creed depends on loyalty. No one does anything that can betray the covert.

You are sure that’s the only reason you’re remaining there. Several Mandalorians have made their feelings about you clear, such as Ryder and Wendi. Ryder is rude, overall. As for Wendi, she has her moments. She pretty much ignores you majority of the time, though she can be surprising. She’ll check up on you time to time, asking you blandly if you’d want to join the covert meetings; you know Gold had put her up to it, but still, she wasn’t too resigned.

Pressing matters always seemed to have her consumed in her angsty bubble. You yearned to know the gossip that lurked over the covert. You want to help. You also want to know the status of your life.

Aniri would no doubt have you listed as a fugitive.

Emelea being who she is would not easily give up losing you. Despite being a ‘lowly servant’ she feels threatened by the idea of someone escaping her ranks. You know that since Din essentially betrayed her, (in her eyes she would see it as a betrayal) she would be targetting every Mandalorian she could get her hands on.

The death of her brother would have driven her into a frenzy. She never seemed to care for Melv, but she and Riz were always inseperable.

Thinking of Melv, you become sad. Melv was the kindest of the entire family. He made points to fight for rights for the women and the peasant people of the village. He brought food to the punished maids and intervened in several, several execution attempts. You’d always hoped Melv would inherit the throne, but he was a weak young man. The weakest of the triplets, small and frail and soft spoken. The idea that Melv had been killed by his own brother did not shock you but it did break your heart. He did not deserve that.

He would have been a kind king.

You think of this as you shower in the early morning.

The shower stalls are seperated with thick screens so the girls can remove their helmets but also have friendly conversation with their friends. You opt out of the chatter; no one would want to talk to you anyways.

While you lather the soap into your hair, you can’t help but think of Din. You miss him. That is undeniable. You miss his looming presence. Your first days of true life were spent with him by your side, and now that he is gone, you feel lost.

As the warm water streams down your body you look at your hands. The true color of your skin is a blessing to be proud of. The shape of your body is something you are grateful to embrace.

You shouldn’t feel unhappy. You should feel glad and excited; as much as you’d like to credit that to adjusting solely, you know deep down it’s the lack of Din Djarren that is killing you.

Rinsing yourself of soap, you sigh. Life must carry on. Din Djarren would likely never be in your life again. You must go on without him. As painful as that feels you must accept it.

Drying off slowly is a luxury. You still roll in the happiness of being able to take your grand time doing whatever you want; sleeping as late as you want.

In your stall you pull on a long sleeved shirt and beige trousers that feel soft around your hips. Over your clothes you slide on the armor plates, and you then use your shirt to clean off the fingerprints.

Your wet hair gets pulled out of your face with hair clips Wendi had given to you (unwillingly).

Feeling clean and prepared to face the day, you leave the stall, ignoring the chattering of the Mandalorian young girls and women around you.

In the hall you wander, thinking. You’ve learned a new word from Paz, and it’s contemplation. It’s thinking but maximised. You contemplate all the cornerstones of your new life you are trying to build. There has been no outcome so far. Aniri did publish you as a fugitive to the galaxy but that had been several days ago. Din Djarren was safe from the slander. Under his guild code he was protected. His identity is essentially unknown beyond the covert. Given that you were not the bounty in question, he hadn’t done anything wrong--by the guild’s standards. This would not matter if Mandalorians were not in a negative, pre-coined light. The Empire wants cooperation from everyone. As far as you know, the covert here has no intentions of cooperating.

You don’t know much about the war, or the Empire, or about anything. You gathered over the week here that Mandalorians are in hiding and don’t like ‘Imperial Scum.’

You suspect they are housing you partially to get under the Empire’s skin.

Contemplation. It’s tiring.

Given you can only stroll through the tunnel, you do so, walking the lengths a few times before you abruptly run into Wendi.

You can feel her steely gaze past her helmet’s visor and you want to sink into the shadows. Ah, but you shouldn’t.

You raise your chin, trying to seem confident, and you ask her what she needs. She doesn’t stop you for pleasantries like chatting.

“Have you seen Paz?” she asks.

You hadn’t. “Not since last night,” you offered.

“Have you seen Ryder?” she followed up.

Repressing a shudder, you shake your head. “Ryder and I are not friends.” That would have to suffice her.

You, though, are not sufficed. “Why? Is something wrong?” You cared for Paz’s well being.

“Paz has not returned from his nightly watch,” Wendi says. She sounds gritty through her modulator. “You haven’t seen him at all? He didn’t...didn’t come to see you?”

You couldn’t contain a mask of confusion. “Why would he?” you wonder.

Wendi sighs, impatiently, and she shakes her hand dismissively. “Never mind.” She stomps away, the metal soles of her boots clattering against the cobblestone. You ran after her. Muddled by her confusing words, you struggled to speak. “What’s going on?” you asked.

“It’s none of your buisness,” Wendi sighed impatiently. She burst into the furnace, obviously going to the next best person, who was and always will be the Armorer.

“Nothing,” Wendi says exasperatedly.

Gold had been doing nothing, simply standing in front of her boiling pot with her hands folded behind her back. “I have not recieved any transmissions,” Gold says quietly.

“What’s happening?” you asked, loudly now.

With an irritated huff, Wendi turned to you. “Ryder and Paz are the nightwatch guards. They have not returned and they are meant to be back at dawn. Neither are responding to transmissions.”

“Then let’s go up to find them,” you say. “Wouldn’t that be best?”

Wendi scoffed. “Leave the work to us, girl.”

“Q’Ohl, k’uur,” Gold says coaxingly. “Y/n. I implore you for help.”

You’re stunned. With burning ears, you looked to Gold with wide eyes. “How could I help?”

“There has always been one rule here,” Gold explained. “Not to leave the tunnel. This rule applies to everyone. The covert is in hiding, so we may only leave here a few at a time. A group of even three Mandalorians attracts attention. The only ones who are ever in then out are Din, Ryder, and Paz. Din is gone. Ryder and Paz have not returned from the nightwatch. I suggest you and Wendi both go above ground to search. A single Mandalorian with a normal woman would not raise many questions.”

A sound of frustration passed through Wendi’s modulator. “If that is your official advice, I will take it,” she said finally. Though I will take it with reluctance. The silent words hung over your head like a spider dangling on its web. “Will weapons be required?” Wendi asked.

“Take the bare minimum,” Gold instructed. She passed by to open her safe of weaponry. To you she offered a leather belt that strapped around your hips and to your thighs. “This is,” she says while handing you a small gun, “a blaster. The side clip is the safety. Seeing the orange means it is on. Point and shoot. Blasters are realtively easy to aim with. This particular blaster fires plasma shots, which will strike and splatter onto your opponent.”

You hesitantly attatched the blaster to a holster on your right hip.

“This,” Gold says again, “Is a besbev.”

You stared at what she held. You lifted your eyebrows. “A...a flute?”

Gold twirled the instrument in hand, showing to you the opposite edge. “See, now?”

See, you did; the opposite end had a razor sharp blade. “This will be a weapon in hiding. It’s perfectly safe and normal looking, considering it is a real instrument. Use it the way you would use a blade.”

You slip the flute into the holster that runs down the outside of your thigh.

“You’re giving her the-! Fine. Y/n, let’s leave now.” Wendi snapped as she grabbed a larger blaster and sword from the weapons locker.

You felt a bit on edge with your arsonal of weapons now on your body. “Y/n, you will be alright,” Gold says when she notices your discomfort. “I have one more weapon for you.”

She returns to the locker and sifts about. She reveals a long knife with a smooth hilt. It curves out and you grasp it weakly. “The beskad,” Gold says. “A traditional Mandalorian weapon. Quite literal in its use. I made it myself, out of pure beskar. The end of the hilt has a hidden compartment,” she explains, tapping the underside, “with a line of what we call whistling birds. The side button,” she then says, gesturing to the frog of the hilt, “activates the stream. Aim the underside of the handle towards the opponent and double tap the button. Whistling birds are rare but effective. This beskad is yours to keep. Use the birds wisely.”

You nod. “Thank you,” you say before sheathing the beskad in your inner thigh holster.

“This is the Way,” Gold says.

You nod, taking a breath. “This is the Way,” you repeat, softly. You follow after Wendi.

Wendi leads you to the exit of the tunnel. You’d been here with Din, who had put his arm around you to guide you through the darkness. Your eyes have since adjusted to the dim lighting underground and you stepped over the loose rocks that were scattered across the ground.

Emerging into the sunlight hurts your eyes. You winced, averting your gaze from the sky. It smelled of early morning and the aftermath of a storm. Despite the desert and lack of complete greenery, you could still pick out the scent of rainwater.

“Where do we start?” you asked Wendi.

“We’ll have to split up,” Wendi said. She looked around the alley way for a moment, no doubt ‘contemplating’ her plan. “Yell for help if you need it,” she says in a flat tone. “I’ll hear you.”

With that not-so comforting promise in mind, you split up from Wendi. Venturing around the city alone is thrilling.

You’re not sure where to look, or even who you should be trying to avoid. Troopers are lurking around with blasters in hand, but they’re occupied and distracted by their own conversations. Easy enough. Maybe.

You lurked about, making sure to duck into alley ways as you keep your eyes peeled for any Mandalorian.

The thumping of your heart sets the tempo for your steps. You race around and search. Should you call for them? Should you regroup with Wendi?

Just as you consider doing it, something crinkles behind you.

A stormtrooper has approached you. You freeze under the pressure of his gaze.

“Hey,” he said. His modulator is different sounding. It’s unfamiliar and terrifying. “Can I see some identification?”

“I don’t have a card,” you say, trying not to tremble.

“Can I get a name?” he tried.

“Melvanna Weslyn,” you stuttered out. The queen had been the first name that came to mind, but you’d deviated. Melvanne somehow deviated into Melvanna and you couldn’t really tell how. “You lookin’ for something, Anna?” the trooper asked.

“M-my husband,” you stumbled over the words. “Late night...he never came home. Drunk, I think. “

“Which bar?”

“Dunno. We live out on a farm. He comes in town occasionally, so I don’t know his usual spots.”

The trooper tapped his comlink and put in an information request on your husband, Riz. Again, that had been the first name that came to mind.

You thanked the trooper, trying not to show how anxious you are. You’ve become dreadfully aware of the weight of your weapons on your legs.

“Come with me, ma’am, I’ll help you look.” The trooper didn’t seem like he would take no for an answer.

You followed him; you are nervous that he would spontaneously be able to read your thoughts.

You took note of all his armor, the white sheen and the rifle on his back. You don’t know how to fight. You don’t know how you will fight him off. You don’t know how you will resist him taking you prisoner.

Every alley is empty, every building cleared.

“Sorry, ma’am,” the trooper says finally after you have both scoured the entire village. “Good luck.”

You bowed your head. “Thanks for your help.” You turned to scurry away. You had almost gotten away with it before the trooper grabbed you by the wrist, holding you from leaving. “Whatcha’ got there?” he asked.

You grimmaced.

“What are you talking about?” you asked, feigning confusion.

“The blade,” he says, pointing to your inner holster. “That real beskar?”

“What’s beskar?” you asked. That might have been a mistake because the trooper reached for cuffs from his belt. “You have any information on the whereabouts of a Mandalorian covert?”

“No, sir. Why, sir?”

“Imperial higer ups want to know,” the trooper said with a shrug. “You sure? You’ll be rewarded for any information. Where’d you get the beskar, lady?”

You shrugged back. “Gift from my husband. I’m only looking for my husband. Sorry, sir.”

The trooper sighed, but relented. He set the cuffs back on his waist. “Have a good day, ma’am.”

You sighed a heavy breath of relief when he left your line of view. You collapsed against a wall of an alleyway, still heaving from your chest. Goodness.

How curiously abnormal your day has been! More like your entire week, actually.

You rubbed your chest, trying to coax your heart into settling down.

Veering out of the alley you searched for a new place to look. But a shriek tore your throat as a set of hands grabbed you by the waist. You’re being yanked back into the alley while you thrash; you grabbed for your flute and fumbled with it in your hand.

“Hey,” a voice hissed in your ear. “It’s me.”

You fell back into the grip of Din who had arrived from nowhere. You turned to look at him. The flute nearly slippe from your hand, but Din caught it. He gripped the flute and pressed it into your palm, wrapping your fingers around it. “Curve your wrist like this,” Din instructed as he made the motion for you, his bare hands adjusting your form. “Aim here,” Mando then said as he guided your hand to his torso. The blade of the flute knicked his armored plates with a squeal that phurt your ears.

“Where have you been?” You gasped. Your hands curled into fists against his chest. “You’ve been gone.” I’ve missed you, you want to say. I missed you every day this week.

“Bounties don’t catch themselves,” Din said softly, trying to make you laugh. You didn’t. You wrench away from him and sheathe the flute at your side. With a burning face you stuttered a goodbye before turning to run away.

Din caught your wrist before you could depart.

His hands are bare, and warm, and calloused. “Why,” he says in a low voice, “are you out?”

You yanked your wrist back. “Paz and Ryder are missing. You were missing.”

“You’re meant to stay with the covert,” Din said carefully. “I’ll take you back.”

You stumbled over your feet as you moved back. “No,” you said sternly. “I’m not leaving until Paz is back.”

“Paz?” Din repeated; his teeth snapped shut, a sound you could hear dimly through the beskar. You frown at his reaction.

“So you’ve met Paz,” Din muttered to himself. He cast his gaze to the ground. Overwhelmed with frustration, you lifted your chin high. “Yes,” you snipped. “You cannot attempt to—to have a say in my social life when you’ve been gone the entire week I’ve known you.”

“It’s been a week,” Din insisted, “and I always intended on coming back.”

Your frown deepens. “Why should it matter? You said no attachments.”

“I said I’m not a good person to be attached to,” Din corrected. His shoulders squared out as he leaned over you, visor tilted down to peer into your eyes. “I never said we shouldn’t become attached.”

With trembling lips, you turned away. “What do you want, then? What is ‘attachment’ to you?”

You’d been dying to know since that first night he spoke to you.

“That’s just why I am sorry. I’m not a good person to become attached to.”

“It’s not an option for us,” Din snapped. “Go back to the covert and stay put.”

“No,” you snapped back, teeth clenched tight. “I’m looking for my friend.”

“Who let you go?” Din demanded.

“The Armorer sent me,” you replied. You felt a sense of victory when Din failed to say anything to that. “I came with Wendi, but she said we ought to split up.”

Hearing this, Din balled his fists up tight. “Wendi left you,” he seethed. “You’re going back now.”

“I am not!” you yelled.

It frightened you to hear your voice raised so loud. The chance to stand your ground had finally come and you were not going to let it pass you by. With taught brows, you said again, “I’m looking for Paz and Ryder.”

Din caught your wrist, holding onto you tightly. “It’s unsafe.”

“Let go of me!” You screeched as you tried to free yourself. His grip is like iron. He does not yield while you make a show of struggle.

“You can’t even get away from me,” Din mutters. “I’m staying with you.”

He released your hand. You stumbled back, dirt kicking around your boots. “Fine,” you hissed.

Standing under the blazing sun you and Din stared at each other for a long moment. Silent. It felt like a challenge which you eventually came to lose; the weight of his eyes, while they are unseen, is too much to bear. You flushed down to your neck; breaking the stare, you looked for a lame excuse to readjust your holster.

“You have weapons,” Din noted. You scowled through your sweat. “An exceptional discovery,” you snap. “The Armorer gave them to me.”

“And you know how to use them?” Din asked.

You paused before answering. “I know the general premise of how to use them,” you finally allowed. Let’s see where he can go with that one.

You heard the beginnings of a retort break through his modulator; cutting him off mid word was a distant, though loud, explosion. Your heart dropped into your stomach like a stone in water. You whirled around, searching for the source.

Running into the main square you look all around the sky for smoke, fire, anything that would be an Anirian sign.

“Would that be them?” you asked.

“Paz? Maybe not. Ryder? Possibly.”

Following Din‘s sprint left you wheezing. At the side of a speed bike did Din stop. He straddled the seat and looked over his shoulder, waiting for you.

Furious, you mounted the seat behind him. You wrapped your arms around his torso, wishing you could yell at him some more as the bike sped out of the village.

You kept your face tucked into his cape, a bruise forming on your forehead as the bike flew by sand dunes. You held on for your literal life. A fall from the bike at such a speed, even onto sand, would no doubt hurt like nothing you’ve ever felt.

When you dared to peek up, you could see a small battle taking course in the distant of the desert. Figures bobbed back and forth under the blaring sun. Echoes of blasters bounced around the caverns and canyons Din’s bike began to approach. Half a mile from the fight, Din stopped the bike and spun to look at you, holding you by the shoulder. “Stay here,” Din shouted over the brawl.

Nothing could escape you aside the measly “Alright” you squeaked.

The upclose gunfire and wrestling brought you to a memory that felt distant but had been not even ten days ago. Din rescued a servant girl and ran with her from a similar scene: court guardians and guns. Now you saw three Mandalorians in the midst of a fight rather than one.

Trembling, you reached for your blaster. Aim and shoot. Aim and shoot.

Plasma. It’s only plasma. It would hit the target more or less. It would.

You darted forward, pushing through the thick sands. The recoil of each shot you fired hurt in the joint of your shoulder but you fought past it. You shot roughly four times before taking down a single court guardian. In the back of your mind you wondered if it was murder. Perhaps you’d taken a life.

Perhaps you’d care later.

You don’t really think much of it in the blurring moment.

Once you’d been registered by the other guardians as a threat, more approached you.

You see Paz’s armor dart forward and tackle a guardian to the ground. You urged yourself to keep pointing and shooting. It was working, to your complete shock. A shot ricocheted past Paz and into the back of a man that had been wrestling with Din. You hoped Din would thank you for that later.

Raising your hand again to shoot another guardian left you defenseless-you’d been swept up in the adrenaline and hadn’t noticed a man creeping up behind you. Grabbing you by the torso he tugged you into his back, hugging your arms so they got pinned to your sides.

You fearfully shot the blaster. It burned into the guardian’s foot and he howled in pain. You grabbed the besbev and twirled it twixt your fingers. With as much strength as you could summon, you thrusted the blade of the besbev into the guardian. He scattered back, landing into the sand with a thud. You couldn’t look at him. You couldn’t see the blood that bloomed over his uniform, not because you couldn’t handle it, but because you feared you’d want to do more.

A part of you yearned to get the ultimate revenge on every Anirian you could find. Keeping that piece of yourself in check is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do in your life.

The fight stuttered to a halt as the remaining men (including you) held one another at gunpoint. Three Mandalorians and a servant girl had cleared a swarm of 12 court guardians into five.

Din stormed your way in an instant, pushing you behind him while your arms shook with pain, desperate to keep your blaster up and aimed.

“I see we’ve reached the point of negotiation,” a guardian says. The wind whistles in your ears. The surreal scene couldn’t register in your brain. Half of you wanted to run and never look back; another half wanted to kill and maim.

“There will be no negotiation,” Paz declares. “The lady stays with us.”

“That girl is property of the Anirian council,” a guardian says. “She is property of the Empire.”

“Not anymore,” Ryder snarled.

“She bears no beskar helmet,” another guardian points out. “You have no claim to her.”

“The woman is mine,” Din boomed. “She isn’t going anywhere.”

“The law says-”

“We’ll take her by means of the law,” Paz cut in smoothly. “She’ll stay with us, fairly. This does not have to end in bloodshed.”

“How do you intend on keeping her?” a guardian spats. “She is a fugitive of the planet Aniri. If she cannot be aprehended in twenty four more hours, the law says she must be killed.”

“Let’s kill her now,” a different guardian sneers. “A servant girl like her has already been defiled. There’s no reedming an indecent whore.”

BANG.

You flinched, a gasp wrenching in your gut.

Din’s gun had shot four shots in a matter of a second. Four of the five court guardians collapsed into the sand. You hadn’t realized how quick it had been until Din spoke a moment later. “Send the word back to your people that Y/n will not be returning,” he instructed. “Or, you can be killed. Here and now.”

The final guardian raised his arms above his head, clearly as stunned as you were. “I require,” the guardian fumbled over his words, “proof of ownership or citizenship within twenty four hours. If this is not delievered, more will come for her.”

The three Mandalorians exchanged a glance. They all had their own way of communication. You couldn’t even understand what was going on in their heads.

Ryder jutted his chin. “Walk over here, slowly.”

“Drop the blaster,” Paz added.

The guardian dropped the blaster in the sand. You stared in shock as the guardian got cuffed by Paz.

“Take Y/n back,” Paz said, careful to leave out specific details. “We will reconvene tonight, Djarren.”

Din nodded.

Paz and Ryder took the court guardian in their large grip and pushed him forward to walk. Your jaw had dropped when you were escorted back to the speed bike by Din.

“You...how did you do that?” you guffaw. The four men dropped like rain in a split second, right before your eyes.

“Get on the bike,” Din instructed as he mounted.

As you shyly wrapped your arms around his waist, Din said something so softly you almost missed it before the bike sped back towards the village. “I had to keep you safe.”

>>next chapter

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lostbutterflyutau · 4 years

Text

Soothing the Storm

Note: Originally written for weekly challenge prompt “storm” on the Fandom of Avalor. Now, I know I actually missed that deadline, but considering it is a ship fic, I feel it fits both that prompt and “Love” as well.

I’d also like to take time to thank @ograndebatata for suggestions throughout and taking time, as always, to beta for me.

***

“What do you think, Cleo? Will Audrina choose Marcelo or Nathaniel?” Carla asked as she turned a page in the book she was reading, gave a quick glance to the stuffed cat tucked in her left arm. “I mean, sure. Marcelo has that typical ‘suave prince’ thing going on, but Nathaniel is the one who’s sending those letters. I just know it!”

Of course, Cleo didn’t respond. The soft, innocent expression on her face stayed the same as it always had, but Carla still laughed to herself. She knew she wouldn’t get an answer, but she still liked talking to Cleo from time to time. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to explain ‘why’ if asked, but she still did it. She wondered for a moment if it was a sign that she’d become too attached to her or some lingering echo of the past loneliness she had felt as a child and then shook off the idea. She didn’t need to justify it. Point was, she just liked talking to her sometimes, usually when trying to work out complicated homework or, as she was doing now, the plot of her latest romance novel.

Carla looked at her companion again, sighed as she leaned further back into her pillow, “But first she needs to do something about that aunt of hers.” She frowned at the thought, turned focus back to the book. Somewhere in her mind, she knew she should be studying for her upcoming potions exam but was quick to shrug that off as well. She deserved a little break. Especially with how hard she’d already been working in regard to that exam. Besides, she just had to know how this chapter ended.

She turned another page, a silly grin returning at the letter in the following scene and how, after reading it, Audrina decided to meet the sender at the ball as requested. It was the oldest, most cliché plot device ever, but Carla found herself hooked on every word. There were many reasons she hid her love of these books from pretty much everyone, the stupidly cliché plotlines being one of them. While she knew they weren’t meant to be taken seriously, she was also aware of how other people viewed such novels and the stereotype of people who indulged in them and wasn’t interested in being one of them.

‘Please, don’t let this be another one of those misunderstandings that sends her after the wrong man,’ Carla thought to herself as she read on. Despite having promised herself that she would stop at the next chapter, she kept going, told herself she’d get up after finishing this one. This was the masquerade ball. The typical turning point for such stories. Whoever Audrina’s love was, they would finally get to talk face to face and – hopefully – share their first, honest kiss without any more disguises. And, given the rating of the book, she guessed that the kissing would be followed by another way of conveying their feelings. One that was more intense than kissing, but from what she knew of the author, just as loving.

She gave first a dreamy sigh and then a soft giggle at the thought before continuing on through that chapter and then part of the next one, forgetting what she’d promised herself. She just had to see that kiss, which seemed like it was finally going to happen when, after navigating a room full of curious people, Audrina finally made her way to the garden in hopes that her mystery man would be there just as the letter said. And then she saw him with his back turned to her, mask in hand. Her heart racing, she opened her mouth to speak and…

“Ah!” Carla startled out of the story, her book flying up when she jumped at the loud crack of thunder that sounded outside.

‘What the – ?’ She turned to look at the double-doors that led to her balcony, raised an eyebrow at the sound of the rain pattering against the glass. It had been raining on and off most of the day, but now seemed more intense than before. She frowned, turned, and slid off the bed, shivering a little when her bare feet hit the cold ground. She then took in a breath when she reached the doors and grabbed one of the violet drapes, hoping that there wouldn’t be any unpleasant surprises as she gently peeled it back, eyes widening when she saw how dark the sky had gotten. She quickly glanced at the clock, thinking that maybe it was simply later than she thought. Of course, it wasn’t. Dinner had only ended two hours ago, and while it was past sunset, she had to concede to the fact that this wasn’t ordinary darkness. It was storm darkness.

Her frown deepened at the very word. Storm.

Carla slunk behind the curtain, one hand holding tight to the fabric as her eyes scanned the sky. On a logical level she knew that there was nothing to be afraid of. Not while she was safe and protected in the palace. Yet, she couldn’t help the dread that came along each time those type of clouds rolled in. Part of her hated it. Hated herself for still holding to such a silly childhood fear. The other jumped again when a flash of lightning broke through, a startled squeal leaving her lips as she stumbled backward, her foot getting caught in an upturned corner of the rug.

“Ow,” She muttered, rubbed the sore spot on her backside and took a moment to gather herself before she sighed and moved to stand back up. Despite her better judgement, she stepped towards the window again and gave the sky another hesitant glance, shivering at both the clouds and the rumbling she heard in the distance.

***

Meanwhile, upon hearing that same rumble, Gabe briefly looked up from his paperwork, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had expected a storm given the day’s weather but had thought it would be a light one. He set the finished report on top of the others, tried to shake off the rising uneasiness in the pit of his stomach. It wasn’t that he had a problem with heavy storms, it was that Carla did and he hated how much they stressed her out. Not that it was her fault. It was just… there was only so much comfort he could offer during such times. Especially when he wasn’t even near her.

‘It’s still more than what you can offer by staying here,’ A voice pointed out from the back of his mind.

Gabe’s eyes narrowed another fraction. Yes. He could do more if he were with her at the moment, and he did want to be there comforting her to the best of his ability, but he also had things to do still. He had to get through this stack. It was already two days late and if he pushed it off any longer, more would just pile up on top of it. Besides, it wasn’t like she was completely alone. She had plenty of other people she could turn to if she really needed it. Elena even resided in the same hallway. If she really needed company, she could go to her. Or even come down to his office if it was him she needed. He wouldn’t turn her away, not on a night like this.

Though reluctant to do so, he turned back to his paperwork, tried to push the thought out of his mind as he picked up the next report. Unfortunately, changing focus didn’t do much. Thoughts of Carla and how she was coping remained in the back of his mind.

‘Stop it,’ He told himself. ‘She’s fine.’

He paused for a moment and took in a slow breath to recentre himself, turned the page over. He shifted his thoughts back to his work, determined to keep focus as he read over the page before him, making notes when needed.

Before he knew it, he had gotten through that report, and then another, a mix of pride and relief seeping through him as he closed it, glad to see that, for the most part, the guard was doing well. Of course, there were a few things to address. There always were. New recruit Arias looked like he needed a good dose of humility similar to the one Gabe himself had gotten in his early days. Then there were Rojas and Paz, who were butting heads often enough that he was considering separating them into different units. But those were both relatively minor infractions. Overall, he was proud to have maintained consistently good results since being appointed Captain.

A small smile breaking through at the thought, Gabe set the finished report on top of the designated pile and grabbed the next unread one, hoping that it would continue the trend of good news. The moment he opened it, however, a deafening thunderclap suddenly crashed into his ears, the impact making him flinch violently enough that he dropped the report.

He sat up, turned toward the window just in time to see two separate flashes of lightning cross the sky. His mind immediately turned back to Carla, the last storm they’d weathered together and how she’d showed up at his bedroom door in the middle of the night. While she tried her best to stay composed, when he opened the door, a violent rumble had her jumping into his arms. She ended up staying for the rest of that night, curled up close and clinging to him as he gently rubbed her back and soothed her through the howling winds and booming thunder until she finally fell back asleep, hand still intertwined with his.

As cheesy as it sounded, Gabe liked being that comforting presence for her. Sure, she could go to someone else, but it wouldn’t be the same. They wouldn’t know what was wrong or how to help. By her own admission, only he and Victor knew about her fear. She was too ashamed to tell anyone else because of how silly she felt it was and how she – Carla Delgado – Princess of Harmony, Royal Event Coordinator and Malvaga in training – could be brought down by some rain and thunder.

His frown returned at the thought just as another streak of light flashed across the sky. It was then that he set down his pen, decided that the reports could wait. It didn’t matter if more piled up later. What mattered now was Carla and how lonely she probably was at the moment. She hated feeling alone. Years of having no one to rely on but her father had been responsible for that. Not that he blamed anyone. It was simply the nature of her lifestyle. But simply understanding why she felt that way didn’t make him feel for her any less. And knowing both about her dislike of being alone and her fear of storms, he couldn’t help but be worried. He had to make sure she was alright.

***

“Carla?” Gabe called, gently rapping on her bedroom door once he arrived and giving a quiet sigh when she didn’t answer. He didn’t know why he expected her to. She was probably hiding. Even he had been startled by how booming the thunder was as he made his way through the halls. He tried knocking again, called her name a second time and put his ear to the door, listening for any sign of movement.

He waited another few seconds before pushing down the handle, announcing as he opened the door, “I’m coming in.”

Once inside, his eyes quickly scanned the room, seeing nothing out of place until they fell over the bed. While he didn’t actually see Carla, he did see a lump of purple that told him she was there curled up underneath her blanket. He smiled at the sight. Not because she was scared, but because of how cute she looked in acting as if she could use her blanket for protection from the storm.

“Carla,” He said, this time in a softer tone as he crossed the room to the bed, set a gentle hand on her back.

‘Gabe?’ Carla thought, though she didn’t respond out loud, only clutched Cleo tighter. While part of her was happy to have his company, she also wondered why he was there. She hadn’t expected to see him at all, especially after he turned down her offer for a parlour date earlier, saying that he’d be busy catching up on reports all evening. They’d both already had dinner, so what else could…

‘Oh no…’ She stopped, silently groaned when she realised what it was. Of course the weather had tipped him off. He was the only other person besides her father that knew about the storm thing. She wanted to be grateful that he cared so much, but instead she was annoyed. How would she ever learn how to handle herself if he kept swooping in to rescue her? If she wanted him there, she would have either sent for him or taken the trip down to the barracks herself, just as she’d done before.

She then realised that, in all the times she’d done so, Gabe never turned her away and never judged her for the reason, whether it be a thunderstorm, nightmare or stomach-ache. Instead, he let her in and did his best to make her feel comfortable regardless of the ailment. Which is exactly what he wanted to do now. Except that instead of her coming to him, he found her first.

She sighed to herself, the guilt briefly making her forget the raging storm outside until a fierce thunderclap broke her thoughts. She whimpered, curled into herself even more.

“Come on, Carla,” Gabe coaxed as he carefully rubbed her back. “You can’t stay under there all night.”

“Why not?” She replied. It was safe there. She was warm and cozy and had a friend with her. Sure, she could still hear the thunder and the constant pattering of the rain against the windows, but at least she couldn’t see it or the lightning.

He smiled as an idea came to mind, teased, “Because if you do, I won’t get to see your pretty eyes.”

“You look at them all the time.”

“Doesn’t mean I get tired of it.”

Unable to help it, she quietly giggled at his teasing, figured that, at the very least, she owed him some kind of appearance for coming all this way.

Gabe went to speak again, stopping when he saw and heard shuffling along with the soft jingle of a bell as Carla shifted around and finally pulled the blanket back and off of her head, the smile returning at the thought that she looked like a ruffled little kitten coming out to explore the world after a nap.

“There’s my Cutie!” He said with a laugh, eyes soon falling on the ‘actual kitten’ still tucked in her arms who also had her head sticking out. “Hi, Cleo.”

“What do you want?” She asked and moved to sit up, the blanket still around her shoulders.

He reached over, moved a loose strand of hair out of her face, “I just came to check on you. I know how you get when the weather’s like this.”

She frowned, “Not that I’m ungrateful, but I don’t need checking, Gabe. I’m not a baby.”

He gave her a sympathetic look. Even after all this time she still had trouble with being seen as vulnerable. And he didn’t blame her. From an outside perspective it could be seen as “just a silly fear”, but for her it was very real. “I know you’re not a baby. But you are my Cutie. And you’re scared. I can see it in your eyes.”

“No I’m not,” She retorted, crossed her arms.

He chuckled, pointed out, “Carla, you’re hiding under the blanket with your kitty.”

“Well… Um…” Realising she was caught, her eyes widened slightly before shifting around and finally settling on Cleo. “That’s because Cleo is scared,” She argued, holding the cat closer to her chest.

Gabe smiled, replied, “And so is her owner.”

Immediately, her eyes shifted downward, that same wave of shame she felt when he first entered the room coming back over her. “Yeah, but…” She started and then stopped, took a minute to think over what she wanted to say as her hands idly ran over Cleo’s back.

“But?” Gabe pressed.

She sighed, admitted, “I shouldn’t be scared. I know that I’m safe here. Far safer than I ever was during some of those roadside stops with Papa. And yet –”

“Carla,” He started, slipping a careful finger under her chin. “Look at me.”

She did, the warm, comforting look in his eyes reassuring her as he continued.

“I get how you feel. Fears like this aren’t exactly rational. I mean, look at me. I’ve taken on all sorts of evildoers and yet, I’m terrified by something as small and harmless as a gecko.”

A brief giggle escaped Carla’s lips at the reference as she recalled the day she learned about his fear during a brief weekend getaway to Ophidian Island with their friends and how silly it seemed at the time. But, despite thinking it was silly, she also reassured him that she didn’t think any less of him for it.

“But even if I wasn’t, that’s not the point. The point is that it’s okay to be scared. Even if the reason might seem silly to others, it’s real to you and the people who care about you,” He finished, sliding the finger he hand on her chin upward until he was cupping her cheek.

Carla didn’t respond, not right away, only closed her eyes and leaned into his hand. When she opened them again, he was still there giving her that same reassuring look. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could even think of a word, she was interrupted by yet another thunderclap accompanied by a harsh streak of lightning that instead of speaking, had her gasping as she pulled the blanket back over her head and resumed “kitten mode.”

“Come here,” Gabe encouraged, returning his hand to her back and waiting while she first peeked out, looking from him to Cleo and back again before carefully setting the cat aside and then crawling across the bed and over to him. He gave her a moment to settle herself across his lap, her arms coming to wrap around his neck while his own hands found their places, one settling on her back and the other on top of her leg.

She nestled her head into the crook of his shoulder and let out a breathy sigh, eyes fluttering closed as his hand moved up and down her back. She felt stupid for being stubborn initially. Gabe was right. It was not only okay for her to be frightened; it was also safe for her to let him know.

He smiled at the way she easily settled into him, grateful that he was able to make her feel better, even for a little bit. All he wanted was for her to feel safe and loved, especially during times like this. Storms often left her feeling lonely, helpless, and distressed, things that she’d felt more than enough times in her life and that, if he had his way, she wouldn’t feel again. Unfortunately, he knew that his ability to make that happen was limited. Life wasn’t exactly the most predictable foe. But he would still try his best whenever he could.

The thought driving a wave of protectiveness through him, he tightened his hold on her, hoping to convey through his touch that he was there for her. Then, his heart leapt as another deafening thunderclap boomed overhead, accompanied by a particularly bright flash that lit up the whole room and drew a startled yelp from Carla as she clung even more tightly to him, burrowing her head further into his shoulder.

“I know,” He soothed, his hand resuming its up-and-down motions on her back while the other shifted, fingers brushing against the black ruffle on her dress. He was then suddenly aware of the fact that Carla was still in her daytime dress. He threw a quick glance to the clock, which told him that it was past her usual bath time. On any other night, she would either be in the bath or already in her nightclothes and curled up with a book or looking over her studies. The thought reminded him of how those long baths relaxed her and sparked an idea in his mind.

“I have an idea,” He said, getting a curious look in response once Carla lifted her head. “Why don’t I set you a bath? Something perfume-y with extra bubbles.”

Carla raised an eyebrow. “Why? Do I smell or something?”

“What? No! Of course not. I just thought it might relax you,” He explained, continued with an inviting look in his eyes, “When the door is closed the bathroom is relatively quiet. We could draw the drapes and set you up one of those ‘cheesy’ candlelight baths like in your books.”

Carla giggled at his last comment, added, “Only if there’s rose petals too.”

“Well, I can’t make any promises on that front.”

She faked a sigh, said as she slid off of his lap, “I guess I’ll have to settle for a rose scent instead.”

He chuckled, promised as he crossed the room, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She giggled again, moved to shut the curtains again before stepping over to her armoire to pull and set aside both her usual nightgown and bathrobe. She then turned her attention to the drawer at the bottom and opened it, taking a minute to rifle through its contents before finding his pyjamas. He hadn’t said anything about staying, but she hoped he would. No one could say how long the storm would last and if it ended up going through the night, she would prefer to not sleep alone.

Once both sets of clothing were laid out on the bed, Carla moved onto her vanity and winced when she saw how static from the blanket had mussed her hair.

“Good thing I’m done for the night,” She muttered to herself as she started to take down and brush out her hair, shivering halfway through when a smaller thunderclap sounded. She hoped the bath would do some good in distracting her for a bit. Warm, lustred water and perfumed bubbles sounded more than inviting and far better than huddling under blankets like a child. She stood, gave a delicate sigh at the thought of sliding into the water and letting it take over her body and her fears as she tossed aside and traded her clothes for her robe, finishing with the tie just as Gabe called her into the bathroom.

Once she crossed the doorway, she let out a small gasp. He’d not only put out the tea candles like she suggested, but rearranged some of her flowers around them, even tossing a few into the water.

“You like?” Gabe asked, a teasing hint in both his voice and gaze.

“I do,” Carla replied, her smile curving into a smirk as she stepped over to him, slid her hands around his neck. “But… I’d like it even more if you’d stay.”

Gabe blinked. It wasn’t an unfair request. Nor an unexpected one. He’d had a feeling that she would ask him to join her given the current weather situation. And since resolving to see her, he hadn’t planned on going back to work. Especially not after seeing how badly this particular storm had frightened her.

“Come on, Gabe,” She said, her voice cutting through the fog of his thoughts. “Join me?” She encouraged and tilted her head slightly, the eager yet pleading look in her eyes slowly working its magic.

He met her gaze, thinking just how sincere she looked. Somehow, he knew that, more than anything, she wanted his company. The bath was an afterthought. Sure, it would be nice to sit back and relax with her while the water worked its own magic on them, but the best part would be the two of them just being together and enjoying each other’s company.

“Of course,” He finally agreed, lips turning up into the smallest of smiles at the way her eyes lit up in response.

She didn’t say anything, only leaned up to touch her lips to his in a soft kiss that she hoped conveyed her appreciation for him, what he’d already done for her that night and how happy she was that he was willing to stay.

***

Sometime later, once they were both properly bathed, dried, and dressed, they returned to the bed, this time to snuggle up under the covers, each one holding a hand onto the book Carla finally picked up off the floor.

Gabe turned a page at her nod, asked, “So, let me get this straight… Iduna – ” “Audrina,” She corrected him with a huff, shifting her free arm and Cleo over slightly.

“Right. Audrina,” He nodded to himself, continued, “So, Audrina is in love with this guy she only knows through letters?”

Carla shrugged. “Yes and no. She knows Nathaniel. He’s a family friend. But she doesn’t know that he’s the one writing the letters.”

“Oookay. And where does this Marcelo guy fit in?”

“He’s the prince that’s been chasing Audrina since childhood. And it would be a great marriage if she picked him, but she’s not so sure. Her aunt, however, is. And she’s going to do everything she can to get her daughter into his good graces instead, including humiliating her niece.”

“Huh. I guess these books are a little more complicated than I thought,” Gabe mused, absentmindedly playing with the ruffle on the end of her sleeve.

She carefully pulled the book out of his hand, marked the page before handing it back. “And what did you think?” She asked, looking up at him with a smirk as if she already knew what he was going to say.

Knowing what she wanted, Gabe took the book, said as he set it on the nightstand to his right, “That they were all about torrid displays of fantasy with bits of plot sprinkled in to make it feel like more than cheap smut.”

It wasn’t exactly the answer she was expecting, but close enough. She had figured he would say they were all cheap smut. She shifted again, moved to wrap her arm around him so she could snuggle in closer. “I guess that’s fair,” She admitted. “There are romance novels like that. This just isn’t one.”

“Oh?” He said, lips curving into a teasing smile, “Any I should know about?”

“Like I’d tell you,” She teased back, nestled her head against his chest.

A playful chuckle escaped his lips, his smile still in place as he moved his hand to run it over her hair. “Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

She playfully swatted his arm and rolled her eyes in mock annoyance, earned another laugh from him in response as he continued stroking her hair, his teasing smile melting into a warm, reassuring one.

Another thunderclap sounded overhead, making Carla’s heart jump. She didn’t flinch, however, only tightened her hold on both Cleo and Gabe as he hugged her, her heart slowly settling as her eyes did, his warmth and the soft beating of his heart against her ear helping to lull her to sleep.

He kissed her head, reached over to shut off the lamp on the nightstand. He then adjusted first her blanket and then his as he settled down with her, comfort and peace claiming them both for the night despite the raging storm outside.

#Elena of Avalor #fanfiction #Carla Delgado #Gabe Nunez #Gabela #Gabe x Carla #Mirror World AU #my fanfiction #my fanfic #EoA Discord #Weekly Challenge #Storm #Love

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Ep 12 Transcript: Jet Ski Romeo

Episode 12

[intro music]

PAZ: Um, we have to do this intro. It's been a second, um. Hi, everyone, welcome back to Stairway to StarClan. I'm Paz.

JULIAN: I'm Julian.

LIZ: And I'm Liz.

PAZ: And we're back from our hiatus. Yay. I hope everyone's been on the edge of their seat for this drama. Yeah, I don't know. We took a little break, but we are back. And I started a new job, so sorry if my energy levels are low.

LIZ: We're all stronger than before.

PAZ: Are we?

JULIAN: We are.

LIZ: Yeah.

PAZ: Oh yeah.

LIZ: I think we've all been-- we've been juiced. Some of us are recovering from things.

JULIAN: I got a rib out.

LIZ: And have mended stronger. Yeah.

PAZ: Yeah, that is very powerful of you.

JULIAN: StarClan took my rib.

PAZ: Oh no. Is this like, Warrior Cats Adam and Eve? Fireheart has become Catholic again.

LIZ: From this rib we'll make a cat.

PAZ: Damn. That's the true ending.

LIZ: I think if they take a bone, they should give you one back.

JULIAN: I-- [sighs] I asked if I could keep it, but they don't take it out all at once. They only take it in little chunks, so they would not give me it.

LIZ: Boo.

PAZ: If you could have a new bone, where would it be?

JULIAN: Very easy. I would give myself horns.

PAZ: Oh fuck yeah.

LIZ: Oh yeah.

JULIAN: What about y'all?

LIZ: Hmm.

PAZ: Um, I want some backup knees.

JULIAN: By backup knees, do you mean like for when your knees fail, or like, you want the knees that go backwards like on...

PAZ: No, no, I have like a failsafe.

LIZ: So does it like come out? Or do you just want it like in a box so you can put it in like a battery?

PAZ: You know, whichever works. I guess--

JULIAN: Just like an Nendroid figure. You just snap it in.

PAZ: Yeah, exactly. How about you, Liz?

LIZ: Um, you know, I want an extra rib.

JULIAN: There you go.

PAZ: For what?

LIZ: Because if I've got to take one out, then I'll just have like an even set after that.

JULIAN: Oh, there you go.

PAZ: Like kidneys.

JULIAN: Would it be a extra rib down near your stomach or near your neck?

LIZ: You know, let's mix it up. Let's put it near the neck. Yeah, I don't know. That could be a fun little shelf or something.

JULIAN: Three Collarbones Liz.

PAZ: Gee, Liz, how come you get three collarbones.

LIZ: You know why.

PAZ: Yeah, cause of your extra rib. Okay, that discussion is completely unrelated to Warrior Cats. But now you know.

LIZ: Wait till chapter 19. Fireheart gets another rib.

PAZ: It's because he's vaccinated.

LIZ: Kittypets do not get rabies, will not get certain illnesses, and they--

JULIAN: It's equivalent exchange for his balls.

LIZ: Yeah, they're like well, you can have fun with this.

PAZ: Okay, well, I can do these chapter summaries now, I guess. In case anyone forgot, like us, we read chapters 15 through 18.

[engine rumbles]

That was a loud car. Okay. So just as a reminder, I think chapter 14 ended with Fireheart trying to go find Silverstream to be like, stop. So chapter 15 opens with Fireheart looking for Silverstream in RiverClan territory. Silverstream finds him first before the other RiverClan warriors and tries to warn him off, assuring him she wouldn't reveal him. Fireheart is skeptic, even when Silverstream says she can keep him safe because she is a clan leader's daughter. When Fireheart says her and Graystripe's relationship only makes situation worse for the tension between their clans, she says she can't stop seeing him because she loves him.

Fireheart isn't very impressed by that, though he does feel some sympathy when she confesses that Twolegs are encroaching on their territory and RiverClan is going hungry. He realizes that Graystripe must also know this and feels guilty because he himself also feels torn between two places: ThunderClan and his kittypet sister Princess. Fireheart still says that Silverstream and Graystripe have to stop seeing each other for the sake of their clans. He leaves without saying anything else.

When he returns to camp, it's revealed that much of ThunderClan has been getting sicker and that Yellowfang is too busy helping everyone to go hunting. He brings her some food and encourages some kits to take their medicine. And then Yellowfang tells him that Bluestar has a bad case of whitecough. Both she and Fireheart are worried, and he wonders if she already knows that Bluestar only has two lives left.

In chapter 16, Fireheart stays around camp to keep watch on Bluestar while Tigerclaw is away. Yellowfang reveals that Bluestar has greencough and asks Fireheart to find her some catnip from the Twolegplace. Dustpaw returns, saying that Tigerclaw wants to see Bluestar, but Fireheart refuses on her behalf. Dustpaw says that Tigerclaw wants to show her some evidence of ShadowClan warriors hunting in their territory. Fireheart goes to get the catnip, and Cinderpaw volunteers to go see Tigerclaw, but he says it's too dangerous for her.

Fireheart gets the catnip, feeling conflicted for a moment as it's close to where he grew up as a kittypet. When he returns, he noticed that Cinderpaw has left anyway and that Graystripe is also missing. As he runs to look for her, he hears the same cry he heard in his dream. He sees Tigerclaw in the distance where he wanted to meet Bluestar and tries to call out to him. Then Fireheart hears a monster on the Thunderpath and finally sees Cinderpaw's body lying besides it.

Chapter 17, Cinderpaw is still alive but badly injured, and Tigerclaw carries her back to camp. Fireheart is wracked with guilt as they both realize he couldn't train her well enough to make her stay home. Yellowfang sees to Cinderpaw and tells Fireheart that Bluestar wants to see him. Bluestar reveals she has lost another life, which Fireheart already suspected.

Fireheart has a small standoff with Tigerclaw, who asks how Bluestar is doing. He shrugs him off, not wanting to reveal anything, and goes to see Cinderpaw and Yellowfang. Fireheart asks how Cinderpaw is, and Yellowfang tells him she'll never be a warrior now, even if she lives. Firepaw is even more despondent and asks Yellowfang-- Fireheart. Firepaw. Fireheart is even more despondent, and Yellowfang tells him to get some rest. When he asks if Yellowfang already knew about Bluestar's life, she says yes, and that the clan will not be able to tell.

Graystripe is back in the den and angrily accuses Fireheart of trying to warn Silverstream away from him. He tells Fireheart to mind his own business, and Fireheart doesn't reply. He is angry himself because Graystripe wasn't around to help with Cinderpaw, and goes to sleep.

And then in chapter 18, it starts out snowing, and Fireheart falls in a whole lot of snow. Liz wrote these summaries, so this is their inclusion. "Loser." Graystripe has found out about Bluestar losing another life. And Fireheart says he already knew because he was with her. When Graystripe asks why he didn't tell him, Fireheart replies angrily about Graystripe's own mood last night. Graystripe is uncomfortable and says he's sorry about Cinderpaw.

Speckletail reveals that the nursery has greencough. Fireheart is worried about the kits and feels frustrated at all the danger and loss the clan is experiencing. He goes to get more catnip for Yellowfang from around his old home and feels lots of nostalgia and sadness. Then he goes to see Princess, who's had her kittens. Fireheart tells her everything about what has happened lately, including the news about Cinderpaw and his suspicions about Tigerclaw wanting to hurt Bluestar. After more talking, she tells him to take care of himself and that she doesn't want to lose him. Fireheart promises she won't.

When Fireheart returns, Tigerclaw asks him where Graystripe has been going and he doesn't tell him. Tigerclaw says that Graystripe is to be confined to the fallen oak because of his sickness. Fireheart goes to see Cinderpaw, who is still unconscious. He apologizes to her mother, Frostfur, on the way out. But Frostfur says she doesn't blame him. Fireheart has another fraught conversation with Graystripe about Silverstream, is angry that he doesn't even ask about Cinderpaw, and then thinks about his sister and how much he wants to see her too. And that's the end of our readings.

JULIAN: Lot happening in these chapters.

LIZ: For sure.

PAZ: Yeah, it's a lot of like, interpersonal drama. And then also everyone's dying, I guess.

JULIAN: Yeah, everyone's dying. Fireheart is going through it.

PAZ: Graystripe continues to be the worst friend in the world.

LIZ: What happened to him?

PAZ: He became heterosexual.

LIZ: Ugh, that's even worse than greencough.

PAZ: Yeah, okay. Did Graystripe like indirectly murder Bluestar? Cause he's the one who got sick first.

JULIAN: Fuckin Greencough Graystripe, out here. Vector of disease.

PAZ: God, Greencough Graystripe.

LIZ: God.

PAZ: Yeah, Graystripe has committed like, involuntary manslaughter twice now.

JULIAN: He's also endangered all the kits.

PAZ: Yeah.

LIZ: I think he also got over his first one pretty fast just given all things.

PAZ: Oh, like his first manslaughter? Yeah.

LIZ: Yeah, and we're on his second one.

PAZ: He drowned his sadness in his secret romance. It's fine.

JULIAN: God. And then he wants to talk about it after his friend has just seen his apprentice get horribly injured. And it's like no one cares about your teen romance.

PAZ: Right? Graystripe is like in a different book with different stakes here.

LIZ: Graystripe is in like, a YA novel.

PAZ: This is a YA novel.

LIZ: Yeah but like--

JULIAN: Graystripe is in West Side Story and then everyone else is in Game of Thrones.

PAZ: Yes. Should have seen this coming when he was like, actually, I don't care about Tigerclaw being a murderer. Don't involve me, like at the beginning of this book.

JULIAN: Ugh. Graystripe. I don't know why, like as a kid, I was like, No. Graystripe is right. This is romantic. Like it's not. Fuck off.

PAZ: Yeah. I have to agree with the Graystripe haters right now. He's really-- he's not redeeming himself in my eyes.

JULIAN: Even when he like, tries to make nice, I just have a little note that says "too late, you asshole."

PAZ: He barely even tries. He like-- he doesn't like change what he's doing.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: And I don't think he goes to see Cinderpaw either or anything like that. Um, nor is he helping around the camp while everyone's dying.

JULIAN: Yeah, and you would expect him to because like, he helped train Cinderpaw. They were training the apprentices together.

PAZ: Yeah. And his poor actual apprentice Brackenpaw just seems to have just no mentor anymore. Like he was out training with like, Whitestorm or something. Everyone's just like, yeah, Graystripe's not gonna do it.

JULIAN: They're so short on warriors that fucking Cinderpaw ran off to the Thunderpath, because Graystripe was off canoodling.

PAZ: Yeah, right. If there had been like another adult around to watch her, maybe that wouldn't have happened.

LIZ: [sighs]

PAZ: It's all Graystripe's fault. Domino effect.

JULIAN: Everything comes back to him.

LIZ: This is not a Graystripe respect zone.

PAZ: No. Sorry if there's any Graystripe fans out there.

LIZ: Yeah, I thought like when he showed up again, it would be like another escalation of like, incredible conflict happening. Like maybe he went to see Silverstream and like other stuff is also going on in RiverClan. But I think it was just a regular degular meeting for him, like a date. And he just got back and like everything's going to shit.

JULIAN: Yeah. Imagine you come back from like dinner and a movie, and like, your leader has died. A kid got hit by a car.

PAZ: The newborns are like, gravely ill.

JULIAN: Do you think he realizes it's his fault?

PAZ: No.

LIZ: No.

JULIAN: Like do you think he accepts any culpability? I mean, I know--

PAZ: Absolutely not.

JULIAN: Ugh, ugh.

LIZ: Mr. Centrist? No. I don't think so.

JULIAN: Also, it's so like-- Silverstream just seems incredibly-- I know they're all supposed to be like fairly young. But Silverstream, as the daughter of a leader, seems incredibly naive about how politics work.

PAZ: Right? I guess they're perfect for each other because they both have no consideration for what their actions may cause.

JULIAN: She's like, Oh, no, I can keep the patrols away. It's like, No, you can't.

LIZ: How? How would you do this? It'd be like, (weakly) don't. Oh no.

PAZ: Also like, cats have so many children like. Unless like Crookedstar only ever had one child. I'm like why are you so important?

JULIAN: I mean, how many of them survived to adulthood though?

PAZ: I guess so.

LIZ: I don't know. Maybe she's like Silverstream number five, after he lost the four previous ones.

JULIAN: I do feel bad about the food scarcity in RiverClan. I have a solution for them, which is to go be kittypets, where there's unlimited food.

PAZ: Right? Okay. That's another thing about this set of chapters is Fireheart having those second thoughts, like, damn, being a kittypet might be better? To which I say yes.

LIZ: Damn, I miss my family being near me and also not microaggressing me at every possible like, point. And wow, they have unlimited catnip, just like right here.

PAZ: Don't have to be out in the snow.

LIZ: They have Temptations.

PAZ: No one's dying.

LIZ: They've got health care that isn't just one person.

JULIAN: They have health care that isn't berries.

PAZ: And ass ticks.

JULIAN: Also I have another note that's "Warriors Cats is actually about ecological collapse." But, uh.

LIZ: God.

PAZ: Right? They're--

JULIAN: Given the impact of like a feral cat colony on local wildlife populations.

PAZ: Yeah, I think um... I don't think these cats have a leg to stand on here. But yeah, there's that like, background plot of like, human development causing scarcity going on. Thanks, Warriors.

JULIAN: There is a sweet moment when Fireheart is like encouraging that kit to take his medicine. I thought that was cute.

PAZ: Yeah, that was cute. He had some sweet moments with like, Yellowfang in the den, too, in general. I think like Yellowfang was, like, feeling despondent if I'm remembering, and he like comforted her. It was nice.

JULIAN: Yeah, it seems like they really have like-- it feels like they really have each other's backs in a way that I think is really nice.

PAZ: Yeah. Unlike Graystripe.

JULIAN: He can learn something.

LIZ: I think it's also good that like-- oh, sorry. Go ahead.

JULIAN: No, no, no, go ahead.

LIZ: I mean, it's also nice that she's like the other person he can actually talk about all this secret stuff with because he doesn't really have anyone else. Cause his best friend has just fucked off.

PAZ: He should tell her about Tigerclaw. I bet she'd be like, yeah, I don't like his vibes.

LIZ: She's like yeah, I already knew.

JULIAN: I feel like she would be like a really-- like as sort of an outsider to the clan and also like someone who has seen shady shit go down before, I feel like she would be a really good person to like talk about this stuff with.

PAZ: Yeah, right. I can't remember if they ever had like a brief convo about that in book one, but I can't remember.

JULIAN: I think they might have, but it was when like Tigerclaw was very clearly gunning for her. I don't know if they've had a convo about like his shadiness generally.

PAZ: Yeah, I'm not sure. But considering Tigerclaw plotted another murder this set of chapters, maybe Fireheart should get on that.

JULIAN: Yeah, God. It's like, I'm glad that Fireheart is like coming back around to like, Oh yeah, no Tigerclaw is-- because in the earlier chapters, he was kind of doubting himself about whether Tigerclaw was the most evil person, or most evil cat. But like, now he's done it again.

PAZ: Yeah, this is the second time he's tried to murder someone by just having them get hit by a car, because he tried to do it with Ravenpaw when they were going to Moonstone or whatever.

JULIAN: Oh god, I forgot about that.

PAZ: I know.

LIZ: Don't fucking get between Tigerclaw and a crosswalk. Jesus.

PAZ: Tigerclaw cannot be the clan traffic guard.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: It would be a disaster.

JULIAN: It's also like, well, everyone believes him. If Tigerclaw says it-- I wonder like, do you think Dustpaw knew?

PAZ: I don't think so.

JULIAN: That the whole prey stuff was fake? He's just such a dick that I don't like him.

PAZ: Yeah, he does suck. He's the guy who sucks.

LIZ: He is the guy-- I think he's probably getting encouraged by Tigerclaw. Just like getting better treatment, and they're probably bitching about Fireheart on the off side.

PAZ: God, Sandpaw wasn't in these chapters at all, now that I'm thinking about it.

LIZ: No.

JULIAN: Yeah.

PAZ: What is she doing?

JULIAN: I will say for Dustpaw, he's a racist dick. But he does have a point about why doesn't he go while Fireheart goes, like go back to Tigerclaw instead of Fireheart going to get catnip, running back to the camp, and then running... like that doesn't...

LIZ: Yeah. And like his main contention is that-- I mean with Fireheart-- is that one of them is like a warrior while the other one's still an apprentice. And getting catnip is definitely an apprentice job, right?

JULIAN: Yeah.

PAZ: Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, I guess it would be.

JULIAN: I forget. In the book, is it clear that Fireheart... like, do other people know that Fireheart is getting the catnip from the Twolegplace? Is that why other people might not be-- might not want to go?

PAZ: I mean Yellowfang says that's where it is, right?

LIZ: Yeah.

PAZ: I don't think that's like secret knowledge.

JULIAN: Okay.

LIZ: No.

JULIAN: I was unclear on that. The other note I have, which is completely like counter to the tone of these scenes, but like Fireheart has just been carrying catnip in his mouth, right before all this shit goes down. He's going to be high as hell.

PAZ: Maybe he needs that. Some stressful stuff happening. It's very funny that the solution to horrible deathly illness is get high, I guess. Hey, Bluestar.

LIZ: Get Bluestar one of those like little hyper realistic fish toys with the catnip inside.

PAZ: See, if you're a kittypet, you could have that and more.

LIZ: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

JULIAN: There you go. As much catnip as you could desire.

PAZ: Yeah. I really like the scene with Princess, speaking of kittypets. Where--

JULIAN: Yeah, it's really sweet.

PAZ: Yeah, it's really sweet. And she's also just like, yeah, Tigerclaw sounds shady as fuck. Glad to see she has some brains.

JULIAN: Yeah, there also is like a really nice moment where she's like, yeah, like, you know, sometimes I think about being a warrior. I think it'd be cool. But then I go back inside.

PAZ: I like the contrast of like, Fireheart asking how her kits were, and she's like, yeah, they're all great and healthy. Meanwhile, like all the children back in ThunderClan are dying.

JULIAN: Yeah, God.

LIZ: Wow, I wonder if there's a solution to that.

PAZ: This book-- really this set of chapters is not convincing me that the warrior way of life is the way to go.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: I guess it's not shying away from the realism of living in the woods.

JULIAN: Eugh.

LIZ: I think it's also-- it must be very interesting to be Princess, because you're just having like a normal cat life. And then your brother just went to live in the woods, and he comes back now and then just to tell you all this wild shit, so it must be like, she's just like nodding, like, wow, that's crazy.

PAZ: Yeah, Princess found out about cat heaven. She's like, excuse me?

LIZ: You get how many lives? What? But only if you're the president.

JULIAN: God, from Princess's point of view, she must think her brother joined a cult.

PAZ: Right?

LIZ: She's like, I would hate to lose you to the cult.

JULIAN: Like literally, they like isolate him from his friends and family.

PAZ: Oh my god. Yeah.

JULIAN: Like only one member is like, allowed to like make all the decisions. Everyone is like, frantically competing for a few resources so they don't notice the consolidation of power.

PAZ: Oh my God. You're right.

LIZ: He also keeps getting like microaggressed for being an outsider. Let's not forget that.

JULIAN: Mm-hmm.

PAZ: Uh-huh, yeah.

JULIAN: Yeah. All of the like, in group/out group stuff.

PAZ: He joined a TikTok cult.

JULIAN: Oh, God. Fireheart went to Guatemala to find himself.

PAZ: Exactly.

JULIAN: And, uh.

[pages rustle]

I mean, the Cinderpaw stuff is just miserable.

PAZ: Yeah.

LIZ: Yeah.

JULIAN: Like, I think we'll probably talk more about it in the next episode.

PAZ: Yeah.

JULIAN: Because like, the way that that storyline plays out sucks.

PAZ: Yeah, for sure. I wasn't sure if we'd talk about it this week or next week, but I think next week will probably be like-- there's probably more to build off of there. Yeah, but needless to say, Cinderpaw gets gravely injured, and you can see the beginnings of this plotline about how like, oh, she'll never recover. She'll never be a warrior. And it's not great.

JULIAN: Well, it's also just like, did y'all try to set her leg? Like.

PAZ: I don't know if they know about that.

JULIAN: I mean, they're, like--

LIZ: I'm-- they can come back to life. I think, from a writing point of view, you know.

JULIAN: Yeah.

LIZ: Come on. This is... ugh.

JULIAN: Yeah.

LIZ: Is it cause of the thumbs?

JULIAN: Just like immediately, they're like, oh, well, it's over for her.

PAZ: Yeah, they haven't even seen her recover.

JULIAN: She hasn't even woken up yet.

PAZ: Right? Like not to hammer the point of realism, because that doesn't matter, because this is a book about cat society. But like, three-legged cats do just fine also. It is not the end of the world.

JULIAN: I mean, there's also like, there is a three-legged deputy. Or like a deputy with a busted-- Deadfoot in whichever. Like he has a busted foot.

PAZ: Right? He's a deputy.

JULIAN: Which is pointed out kindly and helpfully in his name.

PAZ: Thanks Warriors.

JULIAN: But like, thanks Warriors. But like, you know, he's a deputy. He's a respected warrior.

PAZ: Right? Guess only WindClan lets--

LIZ: I mean, it's not like there isn't precedent. God.

PAZ: Ugh. And she's so young.

LIZ: Yeah, she's just like, ugh.

JULIAN: Like she's so-- it's not like she has... she just started training. It would not be difficult to like, be like, okay, we're going to train you differently now.

PAZ: Right? Exactly.

LIZ: It's just like, they always talk about how like, oh, she's such a good student or whatever. And then like the instant something like this happens to her, it's like, just, they totally give up. Like, there's no hope for her. No one's really doing anything except for like, being very, like, oh no, that's it. I guess we should just give up now. And it's so, so depressing.

JULIAN: Yeah. It's like, well, it's up to StarClan. Like, come on.

LIZ: Like some sort of framework for when she recovers, because she's alive. I don't know.

JULIAN: No, and it sucks. And it's like y'all have a shortage of warriors. You're just gonna... no? Nothing? Okay.

PAZ: Yeah, it's real bad. And unfortunately, like a continuing theme in Warriors.

LIZ: Yeah, I just... like, there could be a framework for it because they've written into like, their little cat society precedent for taking care of like elders and having like forms of, I guess like public care. That's not really the right word for it. But like, people have resources and are provided for and aren't just like, you know, exposed on a hill for anything.

PAZ: Well, that's not like... that's not what they're planning to do. But it's the like taking away like... there's no more autonomy for her. Like, you're just gonna be disabled, and you can't be a warrior, which is bonkers.

JULIAN: It does feel like though, like that this society that has like... that initially seems to have this like underpinning of like, everyone is valuable. And like, everyone has something to, like, give the clan, it's weird that they write her off immediately and like, don't find a way to make being a warrior work when warriors are so needed. It just doesn't feel consistent. And also, it sucks in a children's book. But.

It also-- there's like a... there's one moment where like... let me see if I can find it. But like Tigerclaw is talking about, like, illness in a way that Fireheart's like, oh, he doesn't... like he seems to think... oh, here it is. Tigerclaw is like, okay, we're going to do a quarantine. And like, everyone who's sick has to stay at the fallen oak. And "Fireheart wondered if he thought of illness as a sign of weakness." And so it's like, they're kind of trying to lampshade it, I guess. But it's like, well, you're... everyone else is also ableist. So it's not just the fascist deputy.

LIZ: It's just like, it's baked into the structure of it now.

PAZ: I mean, we're gonna talk about this more later, but like, reading some critiques, people pointed out a lot of times in Warriors, disability or disabled characters come up as a way to be a plot point for other characters' pain, which is definitely the case here, because I feel like a big part of this is gonna lead to Fireheart feeling bad about not being a good mentor and stuff, more than it is about like Cinderpaw herself.

JULIAN: Yeah, definitely.

LIZ: Oh, god. It's just so disappointing.

PAZ: But we'll see more of what happens with her character soon. So we--

JULIAN: Like I do think-- I don't like her arc, but I think she's a very compelling character.

PAZ: Yeah, I like her a lot as a character.

JULIAN: I like her a lot.

PAZ: But yeah, not a well handled arc at all.

LIZ: God, where do we go from here?

PAZ: I mean, Tigerclaw developed germ theory, I guess is of note.

JULIAN: He did. I can't believe the cats understand germs and are not like oh, it's a miasma.

LIZ: Yeah. Why don't they just think it's bad vibes? That...

PAZ: Right? Fucking quarantine?

JULIAN: I can't wait for Tigerclaw to figure out that Graystripe has been sneaking out and brought the plague.

PAZ: You know what, Graystripe deserves it right now. Get his ass.

LIZ: Graystripe fuckin out eating at IHOP, no mask. Graystripe is Isle of Man gf guy.

JULIAN: God. Fuck!

[Liz cackles]

PAZ: He is.

JULIAN: Graystripe skidding over to RiverClan on a jetski.

PAZ: He's never ridden a jetski in his life, but he's gonna fucking do it. Oh my god. If people don't know what we're talking about, please look up Isle of Man... I don't know, jetski guy.

JULIAN: Jetski guy. Jetski Romeo.

PAZ: Yeah, jetski Romeo is what he was called. Please do yourself a favor.

JULIAN: Oh yeah, I forget that the wider internet is probably not up on the news on the Isle of Man.

PAZ: Well, they should be.

LIZ: Oh, god. They should be. It's very good. It's very compelling. I don't know... [laughs] I lost my summaries. Where are they?

JULIAN: Oh yeah, I was scrolling through Liz's summaries instead of looking at my own.

PAZ: All of my notes for chapter 17 are anti-Graystripe. That's it.

LIZ: I don't know how he's gonna come back from this. He's a real bitch right now. Sorry to swear in the sacred Warriors zone.

JULIAN: Oh, there is one line in chapter 18, where Fireheart is like, "how can the clan tolerate these tragedies?" And like, good question.

PAZ: Yeah. Fireheart I think you're onto something, maybe, about how this sucks.

JULIAN: I think you've found the crux of it. God, AU where instead of everything else that happens, Fireheart realizes that clan life is fundamentally flawed.

PAZ: Like if you're gonna be out in the woods, at least develop like communism or communal society.

JULIAN: They got like halfway there and then they fucked it up so bad.

PAZ: They said, we're gonna have communism, but in our own separate nation states. Thank you.

JULIAN: We're gonna create a socialist commune that is so full of fascism.

PAZ: Isn't that how it goes.

JULIAN: It's just like, if all of the clans pooled their resources, they wouldn't be so vulnerable to shit like the Twolegs fishing all of the things, or like, you know, if they all had multiple sources of food, maybe things would be better.

PAZ: Yeah, they need to special-- not specialize. Need to generalize here.

JULIAN: Or like they can still specialize, but like, you know if RiverClan provides fish for everyone and WindClan provides rabbits? For everyone?

LIZ: Yeah, they have this concept. It's like the little freshkill pile. Just make it a big one.

JULIAN: There you go.

PAZ: No, you're suggesting--

LIZ: I guess make a bigger hole.

PAZ: They need to make a bigger hole.

JULIAN: Because you can't-- the prey doesn't last very long.

LIZ: Make a whole bunch of same size holes, but they're all in one area.

JULIAN: Stale kill.

LIZ: Yeah. Listen, if they have come back from from the dead medical care, they can figure out like how to preserve squirrel meat.

PAZ: Okay, Tigerclaw also made a refrigerator.

JULIAN: That's true, he did.

PAZ: Tigerclaw is like on the cutting edge of science and technology here.

LIZ: And if he wasn't an evil murderer, you know.

JULIAN: Tigerclaw is Elon Musk.

PAZ: Oh, no.

LIZ: Oh, no.

PAZ: No, but Tigerclaw actually presumably comes up with some ideas.

JULIAN: That's true. He does. Elon Musk has never had an idea.

PAZ: No.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: The scene where Fireheart encounters snow for the first time was cute though. But also like--

JULIAN: It was really cute.

PAZ: Also like, damn, you don't have to deal with this if you lived inside.

LIZ: Or you could only just deal with it for like a minute. It's like those videos of house cats being led to like a little patch of the backyard to see snow and they just go back in.

JULIAN: I've always been tempted to do that with Chickpea but she would just run up the stairs and freak herself out.

PAZ: I don't know how my cats would react.

LIZ: Have you guys seen that video where these people made a little cat patio, like it's an enclosed patio thing, and it's just like they dumped like a whole shovel full of snow just on the floor, and they let their cat go crazy in there.

PAZ: No, I don't think--

LIZ: Just roll in it.

JULIAN: Oh, that's so cute.

PAZ: That's the life.

LIZ: Oh my god. Snow inside? For me?

PAZ: Also, I do need to rescind one bad thing I said about Graystripe. He did go see Cinderpaw. I'm looking back now. So thanks, I guess. But then he leaves again, I think, so, not thanks.

LIZ: Cinderpaw is... I'm just very sad. She's just a baby.

PAZ: Yeah. Is there anything else we have to say about the readings before that?

LIZ: Um, no. It just seems bad to be a Warrior cat. I wouldn't do it. If I was a cat, I simply wouldn't be a Warrior cat.

JULIAN: You wouldn't try to reform it from the inside?

LIZ: No, I would be inside the house of a human. And I'd be getting like, just my little Temptations, and health care, and a realistic fish shaped toy full of catnip, I guess.

JULIAN: Yeah, that's the thing. Warrior cats-- Chickpea's favorite toy-- my cat Chickpea's favorite toy is this long length of plastic that came off a box. It's like a ribbon of plastic that she absolutely loves because it skitters really nicely. Warrior cats have never seen plastic.

PAZ: No.

LIZ: So sad.

PAZ: No plastic bags, no cardboard boxes.

LIZ: Not even like crinkly paper balls.

PAZ: No. But if that's it, we didn't really have a long thing planned because it's our first episode back after hiatus. We're all a little scatterbrained. But as a treat, I think we can read off some old forum threads from the archived Warrior Cats forum. I just pulled up a random page from the Wayback Machine.

JULIAN: Oh great news.

PAZ: So I pulled up--

LIZ: God.

PAZ: --the fan polls forum.

JULIAN: Oh, these are so good.

PAZ: They're so good.

JULIAN: Phoenixfire asks on 24th of December, 2009, "How many of you think I'm evil?" Oh, tragically the poll was not saved, so we will never know.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: Mudstripe447 said in December of 2009, "Kitstealers, hang out here."

LIZ: I'd like to point out a post one post above that, from Aquasplash, which says, "KRRAC: Kit Rescue Recovery and Adoption Center."

PAZ: Oh. They got little rival groups going on there.

LIZ: Or is it a sting?

JULIAN: Oh, here's a real battle of the clans. Raincloud33: "OutcastClan versus DemonicClan?" DominicClan? It's spelled D-o-m-o-n-i-c Clan. "And PainClan."

LIZ: Well, which one are you from?

PAZ: Oh my God.

JULIAN: Oh.

PAZ: DominicClan.

LIZ: Great post from Spottedtalon7761, and it's just called "Give me your phone and I will do something to it."

PAZ: Is Spottedtalon gonna hack our phones?

LIZ: Maybe they already did.

PAZ: Ah, there's one--

LIZ: Check the Gmail login. Who is it?

PAZ: Spottedtalon7761 also posted, "Super hard warriors quiz." I'm very sad I cannot access that.

LIZ: No.

JULIAN: Wildfeather has a lot of things that are, "Please do not click this!!!" Three exclamation marks. "Whatever you do, don't click this!" Unfortunately, it does look like a lot of people have clicked it because there are 19 replies.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: People never listen to warnings. Here's one from Icestar ForestClan. "Is Lionblaze hot or what? She-cats only!" Exclamation mark.

JULIAN: Icestar, come on!

PAZ: Yeah, that's not very inclusive of you, Icestar.

LIZ: Very rude.

JULIAN: No! "Some of these kits are dying! Donate kits! Kit play center, help wanted," by Birchie.

LIZ: There's a post from someone just called Demi. "Do you belive in Santa Claus?"

PAZ: That's a hard question to ask here on warriorcats.com.

JULIAN: Firestorm28, not listening to Internet safety. "How old are you???" Question mark question mark question mark. "Not cat wise."

PAZ: No. Here's-- I went on to the second page. Here's one from Brooksong of RiverClan. "What would you do if you were Ravenpaw? A funny poll."

JULIAN: Is it funny?!

PAZ: I might do what Ravenpaw already did. I'd just fucking leave. Oh my god. Lionpath.

[Julian gasps]

"If you play Pirates of the Caribbean online click here."

JULIAN: Right underneath it, tragic story from Rainheart42. "Kits on the way and my last mate just dumped me. I need a father for the kits." You don't. That's not how this works.

LIZ: My god.

PAZ: Be a single mother.

JULIAN: They're all single mothers. They live in a den together and they all raise the kits together.

PAZ: Wait, yeah, you're right.

JULIAN: That's in the books.

LIZ: Can I--

PAZ: Some of these, I don't know if they're polls or not, I'm just saying.

LIZ: There's three great posts from someone called Maplewind almost like consecutively. One is just "Slap (one)." "The great space," and "A DANGER AMONG US." All capitals.

PAZ: I'm so intrigued.

JULIAN: Yeah, a lot of these do not seem like polls.

PAZ: Nope.

JULIAN: Oh, Mudstar is asking the real questions. "Percy Jackson or Warriors."

PAZ: Oh.

JULIAN: Who's more active in the Nook-- the Barnes and Noble Nook forums?

LIZ: Quick, post a comment there with a poll. We have to find out.

JULIAN: It had 40 replies.

PAZ: Damn, that's a hot topic.

LIZ: Wow.

JULIAN: I'm gonna go to the last page and see if the last page of this was archived. Ah, it wasn't.

LIZ: No.

PAZ: One from Sunstep. "Which of these would be the hottest tom?" There's zero replies.

JULIAN: Oh no.

LIZ: There's a post from Runningstar just called "Do you believe in global warming?"

JULIAN: Oh no.

PAZ: Yeah, read the first book, first series. Here's one from Hot--

JULIAN: Blackstar--

PAZ: Oh, go ahead.

JULIAN: Oh sorry, go ahead.

PAZ: You can go.

JULIAN: Okay, here's one from Blackstar15. "Please help me find out what the prophece means."

PAZ: The "pro-feece"?

LIZ: Did anyone help them?

JULIAN: Four people did.

PAZ: Oh thank God.

LIZ: Oh good.

PAZ: Um, here's a very popular thread from Hollystorm with 181 replies.

JULIAN: Oh my.

PAZ: It is simply titled "Evil mates."

LIZ: God, I'm so sad I can't click this.

JULIAN: I know. These are all so tempting.

LIZ: The one that's just called poll, but it's like p-o-l-e.

PAZ: There's so many good ones. It's so sad that this was shut down.

LIZ: Okay, I have a question for you guys just based on the contents of this forum and your experience. Was kit stealing in RPing like a thing? Like a very big thing?

PAZ: I...

JULIAN: It certainly never happened in our RP.

PAZ: Yeah, I don't think it was that common on Neopets, but I was actually reading something somebody had written about like the history of Warrior Cats forums. And apparently that was like a staple there.

LIZ: Wow.

PAZ: So I guess that's a special of forums.warriorcats.com.

JULIAN: I wonder if it was like-- well, maybe this wouldn't hold up because it wasn't common on Neopets. Like, I think it would have been really weird on our forum because it was mostly people who actually knew each other in real life. And like all of the kits were our friends who had like, we had bullied into joining our particular clan.

PAZ: Don't want to cause bad blood.

JULIAN: Yeah, and there wasn't anyone who was like-- like we had a lot of trouble driving conflict in the story because no one wanted to be mad at each other.

LIZ: Aw.

PAZ: It could have been happening on Neopets, but I don't-- I never did it. So maybe it's just not in my memory. But you know, that sounds... yeah, that would make sense.

JULIAN: It seems like it would be very popular among like, a certain subset of like very edgy roleplayers.

PAZ: Yeah, exactly.

JULIAN: Listeners, if you RPed via Warriors, or if you did Warriors RP and you stole kits or were yourself a stolen kit, let us know how that played out.

PAZ: Yeah, please. I would love to know how you RP being a stolen kit. Please write in. Oh, I love that one you posted, Liz. How would you pronounce that?

LIZ: Eeevil.

JULIAN: Ayvil.

PAZ: Well, yeah, that's my advice. If you want a laugh, go to Wayback Machine and look at some forum titles. It's a goldmine.

JULIAN: We can tweet out the link.

PAZ: Yeah, of the one we were looking at. Um, but I guess that's gonna be it for us today. Glad to be back.

JULIAN: Yeah.

LIZ: I'd like to end with one more.

PAZ: Please.

LIZ: So this is on the first page right near the top. And it's called "Hello, I'm the author Erin Hunter, by Erin Hunter."

JULIAN: Now, do we think this is in fact, the author Erin Hunter?

LIZ: Well, they did spell author a-u-t-h-e-r. But maybe that's just like how British people do it?

JULIAN: I don't think it is!

PAZ: I believe this person. Why wouldn't I?

JULIAN: I've never been so sad that I can't click on...

PAZ: It's heartbreaking.

LIZ: Oh, it's got 432 views.

JULIAN: Only 28 replies, though. That's not nearly as many as Goldenshadow's "Super hard quiz: Who are we?"

PAZ: Okay, well, next week, you can join us again. We'll be reading chapters 19 up to chapter 22. So that's like 19 through 21. 19 through 21. And that's gonna do it for us this week. As always, you can find the show @staircast on Twitter. You can write into our empty email inbox, [email protected]. And yeah. Oh, and we're like on a lot of podcast platforms so you can find us there if you want and leave a review, I guess, if you want.

JULIAN: I haven't looked to see if we have any reviews.

PAZ: I think we do. I think we have a few. Whoever did that, thank you so much. We really appreciate it.

LIZ: Thank you.

PAZ: Thank you for listening. Do you guys have anything else to add?

JULIAN: Uh, no.

LIZ: Have a cool summer.

JULIAN: Yeah.

LIZ: Yep.

JULIAN: Have a cool summer. Um, enjoy... swimming? I'm sorry. I tried to think of a summer activity and ended up sounding like an alien.

PAZ: Real RiverClan hours this summer. Okay, well, until next time, everyone, may StarClan light your path. Bye.

JULIAN: Bye.

LIZ: Bye.

[outro music]

#ep 12 #fire and ice ep #transcript #jetski romeo

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