#girl he didn’t ‘sacrifice his life for justice’ he was MURDERED !!!!!!

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing with Ghosts in Your Garden~ Year 3: December (Part III)

Ao3 link

Ventress no longer got enjoyment from Kenobi’s suffering.

This was something she’d learned in the flash of pain that crossed his face after she’d effectively planted one on him in order to save the press event from being a colossal waste of time. When she’d done it, it had seemed worth it and it had always been her intention to spin him into a hurt that would drive her own wants and needs forward.

Pain was emotion and the audience needed to see something from Obi-Wan Kenobi beyond blank stares and stern faces. He resembled his father when he acted as such, but she never cared to linger on it. Like him, Ventress often mentally pretended that this faction of her life would never happen.

Hell, she’d tried desperately last year to ensure that it wouldn’t. But she failed and that failure was bruising with every fake smile and every touch she had to make towards Ravenclaw’s disinterested Head Boy. She knew she would never get him to want her, per say, especially with how his eyes roamed over his corresponding Head Girl every chance they got, but to derive emotion was to be given a tool. And she had hoped to wield that tool effectively enough to carry them to the altar, through a pregnancy, and to the grave in a sacrifice that the community would see as tragic and untimely, but Ventress would finally carve a true future from.

She’d spent so much time hashing out the details in her mind, assuring herself that it would be worth it and while she wouldn’t enjoy the steps taken, she would at least garner satisfaction that Kenobi was alongside her in that disdain. He was pompous and snarky, absolutely insufferable to spend extensive time with, and looked soft in a way that made her want to vomit.

So, when she’d seen her opportunity to seal their fates, to rip his heart in two, she’d gone for it and she’d done it with justifiable purpose on the matter.

But… when she pulled away and saw the black mark she’d pressed into his mouth and the look of horror in his eyes, she didn’t feel the emboldened sense to take down the world and bring about a vengeance for her fallen people. No, instead, she was met with a threshold that stung to cross, a seal that felt as though it shouldn’t be popped.

Dooku would have referred to it as a weakness, and maybe Ventress would have agreed, but emotional warfare had never bothered her nearly as much as it had just then.

What’s more, she hated that she didn’t like it. It was why she put up zero argument about his sudden retreat to follow Kryze down whatever emotional hurricane Ventress had inspired. She was left with the true emptiness of her own actions, of how isolated she truly was, even in the midst of the dozen cameras and Quick-Quotes Quills that were shoved in her face.

What was once supposed to be a pleasant recap of the night from the four champions and their dates had devolved into nothing short of a spectacle. Months, weeks, or even days ago, this might have been exactly what Ventress had wanted. It was certainly in accordance with her plans to gain public approval and sympathy, to drown out her own failures from last year and eventually bring about true justice.

But it was near impossible to focus on any of that, when suddenly that void in her chest, which had been empty for as long as she could remember, save for those precious moments when she’d been given hope that there was more out there for her, was throbbing in the sudden grief towards her own expectations.

She hadn’t been able to pull the trigger, to murder Kryze in cold blood. Back then, she’d chalked it up to the situation, to her own ignorance of what Dooku was holding over her. It hadn’t been justified.

She hadn’t murdered anyone at all, actually, instead having opted to freeze them in stone. Something about that seemed more elegant and she’d excused it as a greater suffering in the end, but still, she hadn’t quite taken that final step.

And here she was, hurt over a stupid kiss with someone she didn’t want.

All Ventress was left with- not glory or pride- was a sense of weakness.

For right then and there, Obi-Wan Kenobi was not her enemy. Perhaps, he never was. Instead, he was a reflection of some of the hidden parts of herself. The parts that wanted nothing more than to run and hide and pretend as though this wasn’t what she needed to do. All the reminders of revenge, pain, and suffering in the world couldn’t completely numb out how gratingly unsatisfying the means to such an end were.

And that was the worst feeling of all.

“Ventress, was that your first kiss?”

“Where is Obi-Wan going? Is there trouble in paradise?”

“When did you realize Obi-Wan was the man of your dreams?”

If there was a moment to kill, it could have been this one. She felt that untapered sense of anger rise up her throat like bile, hot and tempting to unleash across all of them. Her reflection in Javis Tyrr’s camera reflected one of complete neutrality. Perhaps, this was a trait all pureblood children grew accustomed to mastering. So often they were not allowed to have what they wanted, but were forced into a mold of what was perceived as necessary.

She hadn’t answered any of them, perhaps a more damning statement than any after the previous events. Oh, she could see it now in the headlines:

Ventress Terribly Rejected By Kenobi with an instruction to read more on page six. The Kenobis would interview. It seemed they were already in the midst of doing so with Perre Needmo and would likely speak out against their son’s rudeness, insisting that this was not how they raised him or coming up with an excuse for his sudden absence.

She knew they were glad he wasn’t here, though. Surely, he’d be more damaging to the image if he was. In fact, both Kenobi parents looked quite pleased all things considered. That should make Ventress semi happy, but she couldn’t bring herself to find the emotion.

It was all so overwhelming, being alone at the center of a publicity stunt and she’d never harped on that fact before until now, until she realized this was very well how the next few years of her life was going to go.

It almost completely absorbed her entirely when a firm hand rested on her shoulder at the same time another reached out in front of her, as though creating a physical barrier between herself and the hoard of paparazzi that were swarming in for the kill.

“Hey, give her some space!” Quinlan Vos, absent of his usual playfulness and eccentricism, ordered with a deep voice that demanded he be heard. Even Ventress turned her focus onto his strong profile. His brows were furrowed and his eyes were dark and focused. His jaw was set and for the barest of moments, Ventress caught a glimpse of the aforementioned severity that existed within him.

He was tortured and finally, she could see it. And he owned it, molded it into something he wanted to be.

Briefly, he turned to look in her eyes and she almost recoiled at the intensity found behind his dark brown eyes. They were locked in place on her, though almost completely unreadable.

Why had he told her that story earlier? The one that showed he was not as put together and beautiful as the people desperately wanted him to be. He was supposed to be Durmstrang’s prize boy, their champion, and yet he could have effectively ruined himself in sharing his past indiscretions.

And yet, she hadn’t said anything to anyone. She’d certainly had ample time to tell the entire outlet of reporters in front of her if she’d wished to do so. In fact, pushing such a negative spectacle onto Vos had its merit in assisting with Kenobi’s and her own image. It would have been a classic case of scapegoating and one that he would have walked into almost willingly.

But truly, the thought had never occurred to her.

Ventress’ own crimes had been published for all to read and hear, even if her family had taken strong action in softening the sharper details and immediately began to act in damage control.

But losing positive notoriety wasn’t a big jump for her. It wasn’t like she made it her life’s mission to be well liked during her tenure at Hogwarts. No true Slytherin did. She was ambitious and would cut out another’s tongue if only for the opportunity to speak her own case. It’s what made her a powerful witch and it’s what made her very difficult to hurt.

Difficult, but not impossible.

But Vos… He enjoyed the kindness bestowed upon him by strangers for his heroics. Maybe it wasn’t the reason behind his actions, but losing that, and being looked at like a leper, would have hurt him.

And as much as Ventress no longer enjoyed Obi-Wan Kenobi’s suffering, she hadn’t wanted to be the cause of Quinlan Vos’ either.

She didn’t know what to say to him now, as they looked at each other for more than a second longer than they should. She couldn’t quite pinpoint what she was feeling, but only that it was too much.

So, like a stone ricocheting against glass, Ventress darted away, leaving the mess in her wake, and trying terribly hard to erase the image of Quinlan Vos from her mind.

She didn’t get far, only to the hallway just before her escape would be final, when she was spun around to face him. The press hadn’t followed and she didn’t have the space of mind to even consider what chaos was ensuing. The only champion present at this point was Hera Syndulla, and she just simply wasn’t as interesting as a torrid love affair or even Skywalker’s comeback story.

“What?” She snapped, leaning into her usual vibrato. It was easier to fall into old habits.

“You know what .” He replied with just as much edge. He teetered on the limits of calm and outburst, trying to find a middle ground that wouldn’t be quite so explosive. If Ventress were being truly honest with herself, she was hoping he did fly off the handle. Seeing him struggle to contain himself was a sight to behold on its own. “That bothered you, what you did there, admit it.”

“I don’t owe you shit ,” She growled, shaking off his hand with fervor. That’s right. She didn’t owe anyone anything at all, even this stupid lunk of a boy who couldn’t seem to know when to call it quits.

Except he really wasn’t stupid to begin with.

“You sure as hell owe yourself, though.” He fired back, taking a step towards her, “Face it, you’re a whole lot less evil than you thought you are, try as you might to ignore it.”

“Shut up,” She said.

“You talk big game about hating everyone and not caring what anyone else thinks, but as far as I could tell, the only person you hated in that room was yourself.” He said.

That wasn’t completely true. She did hate the Kenobis and the reporters and a lot of other people in their class as well, but that didn’t mean they were the most loathed people in the room. That spot, unfortunately, had been filled.

“You don’t know me!”

“Yes I do!” He said, “Because that was me not long ago! You want to be bad, because it’s easier, but you’re wrong as hell about that!”

“Would you quit trying to save me?” She shouted, “I am not one of your villages on fire or your cats to pull from a tree. I am what I am and the sooner you get that through your big head, the better off you’ll be!”

“No, you’re trying to be something you’re not,” He scoffed, “Don’t act like you didn’t come running out here crying because you hate yourself. And frankly, it’s getting a little pathetic.”

She swung before she even thought of it, striking him clean across his sculpted face in an open-hand slap that echoed off the stone hall around them. He hardly flinched and kept his own hands in his pockets.

His jaw was clenched and she could see the beginnings of bright red accentuated his cheek bone.

“The only thing pathetic is you. Just because you were held against your will and forced into darkness does not mean the rest of us were.” She gritted, rubbing the sting in her hand against her gown, “Some of us choose it for a reason.”

“I grapple every day with it, Asajj,” He said tightly, “But even while I was in its midst I knew I didn’t belong there, even if some part of me liked it.”

“Maybe I do belong here,” She said.

“You’re trying to force a square peg into a circle,” He said, “You want to be the person who is willing to burn down cities, but you aren’t.”

“I can control the darkness,” She said, “I will. I’ve no other choice.”

“There’s always a choice,” He said firmly, “You just continue to make the wrong one.”

“Tell that to my fallen sisters then,” Ventress could feel the stakes of this argument tumbling around her. The slap she’d given him had been a turn in the tide, ultimately releasing any control or power into the universe and revealing just how distressed she was, “I do what I do not because it’s what I want , but what I need.”

“And would they support your revenge?”

“It is in our very creed,” She said in a low whisper, eyeing him carefully and waiting for the retribution to come. The last person she’d truly discussed this at any legitimate length with had been Dooku.

And that hadn’t exactly worked out in her favor.

“But do you take your revenge on the right people?” He asked.

It was a peculiar question, one that harked back to a very poignant evening in March, when Satine Kryze had been at her mercy. It was the first shred of doubt she’d developed over Dooku’s ingenuity over their agreement. Now, it was a reflection of her own failure.

“The ends justify the means.” She said dismissively, because once again, she didn’t truly owe him any explanation.

But he was right, loathe as she was to admit it. She did owe herself.

“Are you sure about that?” He asked, “Because you look pretty upset-”

“-I will do anything to get my family.” She screeched, “And not you or Dooku or any of those mudblood bastards are going to get in my way! Because I have always been alone, so don’t you dare come through here acting like I don’t know what I’m doing or judging me. Because I don’t care! They have been desecrated and tread upon for years and so have I! So I will have what I want and I will do what it takes to get there.”

After a long period of just staring at one another with enough intensity for possible combustion, Vos merely nodded slowly, “Alright.”

“Excuse me?” She asked, head spinning from this unprecedented turn of events.

“Alright, I understand.” He said, “You’re not going to be able to see the other side until you free your sisters.”

“That… I don’t need to see anything. I’ve already told you-”

“-You’re going to get your family,” He said in a voice that was much more gratingly similar to his usual nonchalance. “And I’m going to help you do it.”

“I don’t need you.” She hissed.

“Maybe not, but I want to help.” He said.

“Why?”

“Because I do,” He sighed, “Because I think you’d be better not being alone while trying to find them.”

“I don’t want any charity, Vos.” She spat.

“And I’m sure there is plenty that you could teach me in return if you’re so afraid of this seemingly unbalanced dynamic.” He explained, “So tell me what I need to do.”

Ventress balked at him for a moment longer, trying to process what he was really telling her. He had no underlying motive as far as she could see. Really, what would he, a halfblood from Durmstrang, stand to gain in helping her plans to resurrect her fallen sisters? Perhaps, he was trying to build allies, but really, that wasn’t consequential enough to be a problem for her. She was a more powerful witch than he was, with gifts he would never have, and his own experiences with dark magic could be useful down the line.

Maybe she could show him that darkness was just another shade that didn’t need to be rejected as brazenly as he did.

“Asajj?” He pressed. “If you don’t want me around, I’ll go.”

And without thoughts of future plans or motivations, for the first time in so long, Ventress simply acted on instinct. To her surprise and likely his as well, this led to a bruising kiss against the staircase railing, one that nearly knocked him clean off balance.

He caught her though and after only a moment’s pause, wrapped strong arms tight around her midsection, as though to hold her steady. He kissed her back with untapped fervor, a passion she’d been seeking for longer than she’d care to admit.

It batted away the cold feeling that took residence so long and kindled into something warm and bright.

She pulled back only for a moment, appreciating that she had once again taken control of this dynamic judging by the flustered expression that dotted his face.

“Don’t stop and don’t you dare tell anyone about this,” She ordered and pulled him in for another kiss.

******************************************************************************

Perhaps, Hera should have been more insulted by the way crowds dwindled once the chaos that clouded around Asajj Ventress dissipated. However, she couldn’t help but feel relief at being spared more time with the bloodthirsty reporters. She’d never been one for politics, as negotiating had always been more of her father’s trade rather than her own. Cham was as much of a speaker as he was a fighter and Hera much preferred to let her actions speak for herself.

That didn’t mean she lacked the capacity of eloquence. Somehow, she’d been marketed as an exquisite dame who was elusive and sophisticated in her attacks.

That projection spell most likely did not have the best clarity, because she distinctly remembered tumbling through the air and slapping herself in the face with her own lekku. Either way, she knew how to play assumptions to her benefit.

And currently, she was more concerned with solving the next task than she was caring what the press thought of her dress. Even if being questioned on who she was wearing while she could overhear Quinlan and Anakin receiving genuine questions about their merit was absolutely infuriating.

Obi-Wan had received a rough go of it in regards to most of the focus being turned on his love life. Well, judging by the way all three members of the school’s hottest love triangle stormed off, it was safe to assume it was more of a lack thereof in regards to romance. Still, she was the only one to receive such stupid questions.

“What are you wearing?”

“Who are you wearing?”

“Did you eat before the ball to fit into that dress?”

“What made you go with those shoes?”

“Why not go for red and look like a walking Christmas ornament?”

It was as though Hera was merely a shiny silver trophy meant to look pretty on display while the boys were grilled on real topics. The reporters designated to interview her had quickly gone bored and run out of topics as though she hadn’t just taken second in the most tumultuous first task to date.

Plus, it was probably getting a little clear that she was sick of the fashion questions. If Hera had it her way, she’d be dressed in her work jumpsuit all the time, the very same she wore consistently on breaks from school to help around the shop and to assist with repairs. That was where she thrived the most.

“I’m wearing a silver dress, there’s really not much more to it.” She’d answered flatly and at that point, everyone had quickly become more invested in what was going on in the Kenobi camp and everything practically blew up.

But now, it was over and Headmaster Yoda had all but blasted the lingering paparazzi out of the room and out of the castle. Since the champions were clearly no longer consenting to being poked and prodded at, he held a bit more jurisdiction in removing them from the premises. Hera wondered why it wasn’t made clear that they had the option of rejecting it in the first place.

Then again, judging by how much Mr. and Mrs. Kenobi seemed to care about having their son plastered on the front page of the Daily Prophet and how Anakin wanted the attention; she doubted she’d be in the majority with her desire to keep the ball free from the press.

“Well, that was kind of insane,” Huffed Caleb as they walked away from the stage and back towards the dancefloor. Most students slipped from the scene after the pictures had started, quickly realizing that the ball was no longer about them, but others stayed behind to dance or chat with friends.

Light once again illuminated the makeshift ballroom entirely and exposed the bright white walls and the crystal floor. To her, it made Hogwarts look more like an ice castle than even Beauxbatons, which actually took such a design into consideration.

“Indeed it was,” She hummed, happy to be able to hear herself think once again.

“They er… really seemed to care about your dress,” He said awkwardly, keeping his hands in his pockets and his beryl eyes on the drifters that debated on whether or not to attend some unofficial after party that was supposedly being held in Slytherin’s dungeons.

“Ugh,” She rolled her eyes and gestured to herself, “Like I get it, I look good, but would it have been so hard to ask me how Quidditch scouting is going?”

“You’re being scouted?” He raised his eyebrows in intrigue.

“Well, I’m trying to,” She shrugged, “I’ve had some conversations with a few coaches, but they need to see me play at some point this year. They did say they might come by Hogwarts.”

“That’s way more interesting than a sparkly dress,” He agreed, but then flushed, “Not that you don’t look great- beautiful, even- I just thought it was weird how obsessed they seemed when… Well, there are so many other amazing qualities about you that they could have brought up. Even without the Quidditch scouting.”

She smiled, her own cheeks surely bright from his praise, “You know, most would say that flattery will get you nowhere.”

“Yeah, of course,” He nodded quickly.

“But I am not most people,” She quirked an eyebrow at him and poked him in the chest, earning a chuckle that made her heart skip, “So, keep that in mind.”

“Duly noted,” He smiled and for a moment, they just looked at each other and Hera felt her heart do another little flip in her chest. There was no denying the cold hard fact that Caleb Dume was utterly adorable. With soft brown hair that he was in the process of growing out, much to her pleasure, and green eyes that seemed to deviate in shade depending on the lighting, and a crooked smile that made him look like he was up to no good… He’d manage to slip under her radar with teasing lines and stolen stares.

When he hadn’t made a move to ask her out, it frustrated her in ways she’d never allowed a boy to get under her skin before. But now that they were here and he watched her with such soft reverence, she felt alight with hope and possibilities. Not to mention a warmth that something very good had come from this year.

Finally, he cleared his throat, “Do you want to hang around here or…”

“If I’m honest, my feet might fall off from another dance,” She said with a slight laugh. She wasn’t going to bring up the topic of her shoes again, but they really were hurting, “Even if this has been fun.”

Because she needed him to know that up until that stupid press junket, it had been fun. She’d never laughed so much in her life and it felt like they were a bit under their own trance.

“Okay,” He said, “Well, I’ll walk you back then.”

“We can walk slowly,” She suggested.

“I’d like that,” He grinned wryly and she found that she very much enjoyed this side of him, the side that wasn’t cowering every time she got close. She knew very little about how Hogwarts organized their students before she’d arrived, but now understood that Gryffindor students should not be the sort to get trapped in their own heads.

“I’m sure you would,” She smirked and took the arm he outstretched towards her, immediately appreciating how warm he was when pulled close. The room itself was warm from all the bodies contained in one space, but once they exited the great hall, there was definitely a change in temperature.

“You know, you never did give me a tour of the place,” She said teasingly, “I believe you offered me such a proposition when I first arrived here this year.”

“Really? That was pretty brazen of me,” He smirked, “Because I don’t think anyone has gotten lost within this castle more than I have.”

“Ah, so you were trying to sabotage the competition, I see,” She continued, her tone full of exaggeration and playfulness, “Trying to get me eternally lost within these hallowed halls so I never see the light of day or competition.”

“Need you speak so loudly of my exploits?” He laughed, “I don’t need everyone knowing my secrets.”

“It can stay between you, me and that couple that is obviously shagging in that broom closet,” She pointed to their right, where a few thumps and bumps against the door spoke volumes of how rampant students were running this evening.

“More power to them,” He shrugged and gave her a sheepish expression, “What? I’m not on duty.”

“What a fine and diligent prefect you are,” She returned dryly as they continued along their way.

“I like to think so,” He sighed, “Plus, if the professors can’t keep their heads on straight enough to catch some students getting frisky, then perhaps they don’t deserve to be caught.”

“Seems like quite a complicated way of saying you don’t feel like filling out the demerit.” She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t seem to stop smiling.

“Are you questioning my authority, ma’am?” He teased, “I might have to fill out a demerit towards you.”

“And what would that detention entail?” She asked, surprisingly confident and light in this banter. It was easy to talk to him. In many ways, it felt like she’d known him all her life.

“Nothing major, but only because I like you,” He said, “I wouldn’t make you write any essays or anything.”

“Ah, how merciful,” She narrowed her eyes at his handsome profile, “Why do I feel like you only say that because you’d have to be the one to read such a paper?’

“Nonsense, I’d cherish anything written by you,” He tossed her a shy look, his bright eyes shining in the gentle lighting offered by candelabras that were decorated in boughs of holly and tinsel.

“Well, that’s a bit of a relief, seeing as I’d hoped you would write me over break,” She was still maintaining her composure that they were being lighthearted, but Hera did sincerely hope for such a thing.

“I can’t promise my break will be all that interesting,” He said, “But I’ll be sure to inundate you with updates on my daily meals and mischief with Zeb if it’s what you desire.”

“It is,” She said, “I need to make sure you don’t fall off your broom too many times, after all.”

“Oh I definitely can’t promise that,” He laughed, “Especially if Zeb is around. He’s a bit of a wildcard. I think you’d like him.”

“I’ll like him a lot more if he keeps your head attached to your neck,” She winked as they made their way through the greenhouse. Passing by was Anakin Skywalker, who buzzed by in a blur of blond dishevelment that even Hera didn’t bother questioning. This school had surely become a mad house for the evening.

“Skywalker? What are you up to?” It seemed even Caleb had a line to draw in the sand.

“Nothing!” He called back, his voice echoing off the walls, “Can’t talk!”

Caleb sighed, pinching his nose, “Okay, that might be a problem for someone.”

“Hopefully not for that poor couple in the broom closet.” Hera smiled. “Anakin’s a good kid, a troublesome one at times, but he’ll grow out of it.”

“I don’t know, you weren’t the one who ended up with eels in your slippers.” He grunted as they moved on their way. While the greenhouse was kept at a decent temperature to preserve some of the more sensitive plants, she certainly didn’t mind how close he stood next to her.

She was even more grateful when they crossed the entryway and out into the December night, a blast of unforgiving wind piercing her skin and causing little bumps to rise. Did Beauxbatons’ carriage have to be parked so far away? In the snow? It hardly seemed practical in times like these.

She must have involuntarily let on that she was cold, because Caleb jolted beside her just a few steps down the walkway.

“Oh god, I’m a bloody idiot,” He detached from her for a moment, horrified at himself as he quickly and quite haphazardly flung his jacket off and quickly wrapped her tight in his jacket. “Better?”

“Won’t you be cold?” She returned, though she found herself gripping tighter on his jacket, appreciating the way his body heat cocooned her, making her feel not only infinitely more comfortable, but safer somehow.

“I really doubt you want to hear how horribly hot I was in there,” He grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. “Really, I was dying in that thing. Please take it.”

Though she doubted he was being fully honest, she allowed the slip only because it seemed very important to him that she be more comfortable. She did deny needing to be carried on his back though.

“And they say chivalry is dead,” She sighed, a puff of cold air fogging around them, and they continued on their way, huddled together for warmth, and very careful not to slip on the stone path that led towards the light blue carriage in the distance. The gigantic palomino horses drawn to the front seemed unfazed by the climate, instead nudging ice balls at one another in some effort of play.

A few lights had already flickered on, indicating that some of her classmates were already in for the night. She wouldn’t be surprised if Nala Se had retired as well. She appeared quite weary after speaking with Ziro.

Hera was sure when she crossed into the enchanted carriage, where everyone was likely gossiping about the events of the night, that whatever fairytale haze she’d found herself in this evening would inevitably come to an end. However, what awaited them going forward was just as interesting to her.

When her hand had slipped into Caleb’s, she was unsure, but regardless of the lie he told her earlier about how impenetrably hot he was, his hand felt frigid so she tucked their joint grasp in the pocket of his jacket.

Until finally, they stopped in front of the doorstep where Hera would soon take her leave. However, she couldn’t help but appreciate the snowfall that had dotted his hair, wetting it and almost making it sparkle in candlelight. His eyes were hooded a bit, but taking her in as though he would never see her again. Hera would ensure this was not the case.

“I really did have fun tonight,” Caleb added finally after several moments where it had only been the whistling wind and rustling leaves to occupy their ears. “I’ve never seen myself as the kind of guy to really like balls.”

He cringed, “Dances, I mean. The Quidditch variety, I’ve always been a fan of-”

“-Right, and?” She laughed, the effort of which caused a rush of cold air to flood her lungs and spread throughout her body. In spite of this, she was warm and happy.

“But hey, if there’s ever another one, you know,” He cleared his throat, “I’d be interested.”

“Oh, that’s good to know,” She nodded, squeezing his hand in hers, “I’ll be sure to be on the lookout then. You were a far better dancer than I expected.”

“I had a good partner,” He shifted on his feet and she could tell he was suppressing a shiver.

He needed to leave soon, lest the poor boy freeze out here, but she would not be parting without a proper bookend to a proper date.

“How lucky for you,” She took a step closer to him and he followed, eyes trailing down to her mouth as he tilted his head and leaned to meet her in the middle…

Except the middle never came and all she heard was an unceremonious splat!

She opened her eyes to see bird poop of all things dripping down the side of her date’s horrified face.

She darted her gaze to the sky where Chopper chirped and squawked happily as he flew in circles, far too pleased with himself for ruining the moment.

“You blasted bird!” She yelled, leaning down to scoop up a snowball in her bare hands and chucking it into the sky, only missing Chopper by a hair thanks to the erratic wind current. This seemed to delight the mischievous owl all the more as he fluttered back and forth in a taunting motion.

“Get out of here!” She hissed, but Chopper did not relent, instead trying to divebomb them instead. “I’m going to turn you into Christmas dinner if you aren’t careful.”

She got him the second time, because if there was one thing she knew, it was that misplaced pride was so often the key to downfall. He shrieked a bit, likely not a fan of the cold, but soared away and towards the owlery, likely prepared to bully some of the other birds that lived there.

“He really doesn’t like me,” Caleb muttered, whipping out his wand to perform a cleaning spell.

“Oh please, at least let me do it,” Hera sighed, another puff of cold air surrounding them like a wreath as she carefully dissipated the gunk from his hair and face, “Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” He said, “Though I don’t think I wear bird poop that well.”

“I’m afraid nobody does,” She chuckled and even after the spell was done, allowed her hand to linger on his cheek as though to further inspect him, “You were as close as one could get to such a feat though.”

He raised an eyebrow at her, “That’s only because he missed you.”

“He was not aiming for me, he’d never dare,” She said, “But hey, maybe you could look at it as a Christmas gift from him.”

“Just an hour or so too early,” He laughed weakly but then seemed to remember himself because he suddenly grew very serious, “Which reminds me, I got you something.”

Her eyes widened, “What? I hadn’t-”

“-I didn’t expect anything, really,” He smiled, “And I know we’re not… Officially anything at the moment, but I wanted to exchange something to show that I’d like to be.”

“Caleb Dume, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” She put her hands on her hips, “Without any crazy fanfare or ill-fated broomstick tricks?”

“I could try some right now if you’d let me borrow yours.” He replied cheekily and then pulled a small box out of his pocket. It was a little wooden charm, clearly handcarved in the shape of a snitch, on the end of a bracelet.

“I know your kalikori is supposed to be for your family lineage, but I thought the designs were really pretty and that even if this wasn’t added to it someday, you could have it. You know, to wear. I doubt the paparazzi would heckle you for it, but anyway, you’ve captured my heart a bit like a snitch,” He was so charmingly red while saying all of this, even if he did maintain his cool in the process unlike all the other times. Even if he did cringe a bit at the end, “The boys were right, that did sound a bit cheese-”

She didn’t let him finish though, because she didn’t want to risk any chance of him rescinding such a speech with insecurity or nervousness. Instead, she opted to preserve it as it was and sealed it with a kiss.

It was chaste and sweet, but it still managed to warm her up from head to toe. So much so, that she moved to take off his jacket and drape it back around his shoulders. She most certainly wouldn’t be needing it.

Caleb, standing there in absolute awe after the fact, blinked only twice before leaning in and kissing her again, this time much more swiftly, as though he needed a reminder that yes, this was reality.

“Is that your answer?” He asked after they parted again.

“What do you think?” She smiled and this time, pecked him on the cheek, “Happy Christmas, Caleb.”

“Happy Christmas, Hera,” He said softly.

******************************************************************************

Rex had been reasonably quite bored the entire duration of the Yule Ball, seeing as he had very little to do to occupy himself beyond playing Wizard’s Chess with some of his fellow underclassmen or catching up on some of the comic books that Anakin lent him. Most of the other students who weren’t old enough to attend the ball went home, but those like Rex, who had older siblings that did, were usually saddled with waiting around until the next day.

And as humorous as watching them all struggle and wrestle around with their suits had been, the excitement had died down pretty quickly once they all left. It wasn’t like Rex even really wanted to go. It was more of the fact that everyone else he elected to spend his time with had gone.

“I need more friends,” He sighed, particularly friends that were not involved in every dangerous event that plagued the school.

Anakin had promised to come back as early as he could, but he wouldn’t be surprised if he chose dancing with Padmé over playing marbles with Rex. The kid had skyrocketed back up to popularity again and while it didn’t seem like he was purposefully leaving Rex out of the mix, these things were bound to happen every now and then.

He decided to take a walk around the school, hoping that maybe he’d run into someone or something exciting. The ghosts were especially miffed that the school had been inhabited. Winter holiday usually occurred this week and they had their freedom to roam as they pleased. With students crawling around every nook and cranny, they were certainly frustrated to be intruded upon.

“Rex, did you happen to know if your brother went to the ball with anyone special?” Meetra asked rather desperately the moment he passed through the Fat Lady painting.

“Were you waiting for me?” He asked, a bit taken back.

“I was waiting for any of you Fett boys, really.” She crossed her arms. If it were possible for a ghost to be flushed, he was certain the eternally youthful ghost would be on fire.

“I believe he did go with a date, yes.” Rex said slowly, “Not quite sure how serious they are.”

“Hm, that’s what I thought,” She said icily, “How dare he cheat on me?”

“Er, I wasn’t aware you were a thing.” He said.

“He’s simply playing hard to get is all.” She said, “And besides, what do you know about romance? I don’t see you at the ball!”

That was partially because the ghosts weren’t invited out of fear that they might cause something to spontaneously combust. No one really wanted that sort of reputation for Hogwarts’ resident unliving.

“I’m too young,” He pointed out. “And frankly, if you are that pressed over who my brother is actually dating, I recommend you take it up with him. I doubt he’s going to be far along. Cody hates getting dressed up.”

“Oh, but he looked so handsome,” She sighed dreamily, “Especially with his Quidditch robe as contrast. Very few can pull off that sort of jockishly elegant style.”

“Not sure Cody can either,” Rex muttered, wondering if Cody’s real and alive date saw it that way. In another life, maybe Meetra would have been the one.

It was a shame she was missing a pulse.

“I could always drift near the doors,” She said thoughtfully, “Find that little harlot and give her a piece of my-”

“-Don’t do that! It’s Cody you want, after all.” Rex said.

“She probably seduced him with her mysterious wiles. He’s a simple boy, your brother, I doubt he’d be immune to such hypnosis.” She said.

“I really don’t think it’s all that deep, Meetra,” He slipped around her, knowing that while he could theoretically pass right through her, that was a quick way of getting yourself haunted for the rest of your days at Hogwarts. Plus, ghosts talk, and he really didn’t need another finding him post graduation.

“Ugh, you’re useless, maybe the twins will be more helpful…” She called after him.

“Yeah, I’m sure they will!” Rex didn’t necessarily like to get into the business of selling out his brothers, but when it came to paranormal crushes, every man was on their own.

He trotted away, amused to find that many students were hanging out in the corridors rather than the actual great hall. Many of which crowded in small pockets, trying to avoid the professors that couldn’t be far off.

“Slytherin’s party was a bust, Professor Palpatine was there within three seconds flat of it starting,” Complained Ryder Azadi, “Rumor has it, Hondo had a keg smuggled in and everything.”

“I guess he’s never seeing the light of day from detention this year,” Fenn Rau said.

“He’ll be lucky to graduate,” Commented Saw Gerrara, who looked a little worse for wear. When he spotted Rex passing by, he shot him a suspicious glare that undoubtedly had to do with the standoff that occurred prior to the ball.

The other two older boys didn’t appear nearly as annoyed, instead opting to wave to Rex as he walked along his way.

As he turned a corner, he heard Professor Plo ushering them to either get inside the hall or to go back to their respective dormitories. It seemed professors were locking everything down once again.

He probably should have been concerned about getting tossed with detention for being out after curfew, but really, he knew where the main focus of the staff would be tonight. As he essentially drifted along unscathed to the wrath of irritable chaperones trying to prevent parties and hookups from happening, no one paid much mind to the third year student walking about in his pajamas.

And really, Rex was more or less just looking for whoever turned up first: his brothers or Anakin.

He tried not to gag as Pong Krell had been caught in a nearby broom closet with a very embarrassed girl, whose face transformed into a reptile under the scrutiny of Professor Windu.

“While I am no longer in charge of your punishment, Mr. Krell, I can assure you that Ziro will not be pleased to hear about this,” He said sternly. “Now, off to bed for the both of you… Separately, of course.”

Rex walked in search of his brothers, surprised when he looked through the window to find that none of them were throwing snowballs on the Quidditch pitches. A few other students were, but it looked like Nala Se and Professor Ti were on their cases about it.

It seemed this was what happened when students were allowed to run loose around the castle without any classes to weigh them down. The limited staffing on account of it being the typical holiday week certainly hadn’t helped anyone.

It was in his trek that he heard something echoing off the castle walls, something that resembled a shriek or a cry. His blood turned cold and he turned around, facing a corridor that led down towards Ravenclaw tower. It was persistent and desperate and it seemed as though no one was around to help.

He waited for a moment, hoping to hear increasing footsteps or Windu barreling around the corner to storm into action, but no one came. In fact, aside from the distant cries, there was no sound at all.

His first thought was Dooku, strangely enough, even if that wouldn’t make any sense at all with the protective charms Yoda had placed on the school. Through his window, he’d seen the way the reporters were sent flying out into the snow and away from the circumference that surrounded the castle. While Maul had made his way inside, that easily was attributed to the lack of the little green Headmaster’s presence.

But what if there was a different threat, one that Yoda hadn’t accounted for. One that was welcomed in with open arms.

Certainly, Krell and the rest of Durmstrang seemed to fit that mold, not to mention how shady Ziro was.

What if he was making someone cry out in pain?

Rex swallowed, pushing down the fear that arose when he considered what could possibly be making someone cry so helplessly. He wasn’t sure what he could necessarily do in a given dangerous situation, but he had to help. Or at least, he had to try.

He treaded slowly at first, but as the sobs grew louder and more shrill, he broke out into a sprint, listening as it became closer.

Until finally, he was standing in front of a closed classroom door.

Specifically, Professor Tahl’s door.

“Cody, how much longer do we have to do this?” Fives gritted as the three of them posed on the bridge for the array of pictures that Cody had insisted upon. Naturally, all of them were sporting their Quidditch gear, even whilst also sporting dress robes.

“Don’t be a wuss, mate, mum is going to love these! It’ll be like a Christmas card!” Cody cheered, keeping that bright smile on his face as he kneeled on the floor, posed and central to this Quidditch themed photo shoot.

“Something tells me she isn’t going to love that you didn’t take a single picture with your date,” Echo chimed in.

“She disappeared! What was I going to do?” Cody asked. “Besides, I was busy.”

“Busy having your friends rip each other’s throats out, probably.” He retorted.

“Now, now, that was likely bound to happen anyway.” Reasoned Fives, “I mean, I could hear them from inside with the music on. There was a lot of tension there.”

Cody sighed, “Just smile for the pictures, I’ll deal with that mess tomorrow.”

“So… How many more do I have to take?” Asked Hogan Tinmar, who really just looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. He’d been roped into taking pictures for the Fetts when he’d already showed off his new camera to the girls and somehow this had gotten through the chain of onlookers back to Cody.

“Hey, you’re the one who wanted to flex those new lenses so badly,” Cody responded, which for Hogan, likely wasn’t the answer he wanted to receive.

But luckily for the younger Gryffindor, the shoot was suddenly interrupted by a very distressed Rex Fett burst through the exit with a bundle of blankets in his arms. His tan face was actually quite pale and sweat glazed across his skin.

“We need to talk, now.” He said urgently and Hogan shot Cody a confused glance.

“Alright, take five,” Cody sighed, waiting for Hogan to gather his equipment and grumble under his breath as he exited through the very same door that Rex had just burst through. “What happened, Rex? Bad dream?”

“I- no!” He was first and foremost offended by that insinuation, “Why would I come running and crying out here for that?”

“Maybe you wet the bed,” Teased Fives, which earned him a sharp glare.

“I do not wet the bed!” Rex protested, but all three other Fett’s snapped out of their jovial spirit when a shrill and needy cry came from the blankets that Rex clutched tightly in between his arms.

Carefully, Cody moved aside the white linens, freezing entirely when he was met with a brown, wriggly, little slug-looking creature, with bright orange eyes and a wide gummy mouth.

“That thing might though,” Echo quipped.

“Rex…” Cody said slowly as the little huttlet reached out and grasped Cody’s index finger within its little hand, “What the hell did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything!” He said desperately. “I found it crying and alone all by itself in Professor’s Tahl’s office.”

“In Tahl’s office?” Fives frowned, “What the hell would she want with a Hutt?”

“She is new to the school,” Echo said with a shrug, “Who knows what her motive could be?”

“But why just leave it in her office like that?” Cody asked.

“We should bring him to the Headmaster, right?” Rex asked.

“I don’t know,” Echo said, “Because if it gets out that he was here the entire time, Ziro is going to have a field day.”

“Maybe send us all to war,” Rex finished, “Jabba basically told Ziro that if Yoda or anyone within the Ministry is held responsible, that he’ll burn the place to the ground.”

“But we can’t keep him!” Cody frowned, “Pretty sure if we’re found with him, it’ll be instant expulsion. Or worse.”

“Yeah, I heard Durmstrang has hung people by their thumbs for less.” Echo said nervously.

“We can’t exactly leave the kid.” Fives said, “That would be worse!”

“Can someone else hold him? He’s slimey,” Rex grumbled, wrapping him more securely.

“No way, you’re the one who kidnapped the little thing.” Echo said.

“I was trying to help!” Rex said indignantly, “And really, I was looking for Anakin.”

“As if that kid knows anything about what to do with a baby!” Cody rolled his eyes, “You’re lucky you found us.”

“Doing… What, exactly?” Rex gave all three of them a curious look.

“Nothing,” They all said in unison.

“Ah man, he’s getting fussy,” Rex made the move to bop the baby up and down as though to soothe him, “And he stinks.”

“That might just be because he’s a Hutt.” Said Echo. “Well, we have to do something with him until we figure out why Tahl had the Huttlet and what our best move is.”

“I’d say we tell Kenobi, but he’s got enough to deal with tonight,” Cody said, “And that probably wouldn’t help the case of people out to get him.”

“Yeah, the less people we involve, the better,” Fives agreed and then looked to Rex, “And that means Skywalker. We all know he can’t keep his trap shut.”

“Fine, but what are we supposed to do with it? We can’t bring him home! Dad would freak out!”

“He is a baby,” Cody said, cringing, “Even if a really ugly baby. Someone has to take care of him.”

Either offended by that comment or just frustrated to be outside in the cold for so long, Rotta the Hutt, as he had been referenced as, let out a sharp wail that was only dulled when Cody shoved his finger in the Hutt’s mouth. Serving as a pacifier of sorts, Rotta sucked happily on the finger.

“Gross,” He gagged, “C’mon, let’s get him out of here. I know exactly where we should go.”

******************************************************************************

Ninety-Nine hadn’t been expecting to see his brothers this evening, not when they had dates to spend time with and dances to be experienced, but he was nonetheless pleased to see them when they turned up on his doorstep with a picnic basket in Cody’s right hand.

“It’s a bit late for a picnic, isn’t it boys?” He asked.

“It would be, if there was actually food in this basket,” Cody said as he lifted the front flap to reveal the notoriously missing Rotta the Hutt. “We don’t know much about childcare, so we figured we’d come to the best choice we knew of.”

Ninety-Nine looked at his brothers, who looked just as bewildered by this situation as he was, back at the little Huttlet, who was cute in an ugly sort of way that Ninety-Nine could appreciate, and back at his brothers. Rex was the most horrified, that much was clear, and he sighed, ushering them to come inside.

“Come in,” He said, “I’ll put some tea on, but really, I thought that the infamous rabid Murtlap situation would be the last time you brought home a pet.”

******************************************************************************

They didn’t know.

Satine tried to remember that when she entered the common room. The younger students were playing games and chatting, but their eyes roamed towards her as her heels clicked on the stone steps. She kept her head down, letting her hair, which she’d practically ripped down to cover her face, shield her eyes from their gazes. It was only simple logic. You hear a noise, you look towards it. They didn’t know. They didn’t know that Satine had just shared poisoned words with her… with Obi-Wan in a snow courtyard only moments ago.

They didn’t know that her heart was shattered somehow, into a thousand more pieces.

Still each eye that fell off of her was a blessing. Did they notice her smudged makeup? The way she carried herself was likely quite opposite to how they usually saw her, a strong leader, steadfast, bold. Now she walked not with purpose, but with the sort of heaviness that could not be explained by logic.

She wasted little time walking past them, letting her legs fall into long strides, crossing the common room as quickly as possible. When the hidden door in the bookcase fell shut behind her though, she didn’t feel as relieved as one would expect. Candle light flickered, filling the small corridor with a soft warm light that felt rather opposite to herself. She was still, in a way, stuck back in that snowy courtyard, icy, cold, loud. Here it was silent, warm, dust floated up from its resting place as she slowly stepped up the stairs.

Her dormitory laid empty. Likely everyone was still enjoying the festivities. She wondered briefly if they had heard anything. It wasn’t like either of them had made it a point not to be horridly loud. Stass and Aayla would ask if she was okay. She caught her own eye in a mirror that had been pushed into the center of the room earlier.

She was glad they weren’t here to ask yet, because she would say yes, but they wouldn’t believe her. She wouldn’t have believed her.

She let herself fall, let her legs finally giving out from standing so strongly.

“I’m doing all of this to protect you from them, to keep them away from you,”

This wasn’t something they could come back from. She was used to him being self sacrificial, but to do something like this? Give himself a life of hell in some ill suited attempt to save her when she didn’t need to be saved. It wasn’t noble. It wasn’t kind. Even her wildest dreams, her wildest nightmares , wouldn’t have even been so cruel.

She wouldn’t think of what he’d tried to say next.

This whole time, she’d thought he simply didn’t realize he was allowed to make choices, to fight. Instead he had known, had known the entire time that he could make a choice. And then when he did he chose a life that would hate him and hurt him for as long as he lived. Any chance of them being able to maintain a friendship was most thoroughly thrown to the curb. Because if this was his choice, and it clearly and most certainly was. She would not watch as he was silenced and locked away in his castle like the most ghastly, horrid fairy tale.

She looked at herself in the mirror. It was time to care about herself. She stood, making her way towards her set of drawers. She reached behind her and unzipped her dress, letting it fall into a pool of fabric on the floor. She kicked it with a burst of anger she didn’t know she still had. It had been beautiful, serving its purpose and yet… looking at it made her feel the sting of finality over and over again.

She selected a pair of pajamas, comfortable and familiar and soft. It was really the familiarity that she preferred the most. Gossiping with her friends late into the night or playing silly games when they really ought to be winding down for the evening. Replacing one set of memories for another.

She went to the vanity next, wiping away the way her mascara had run, wiping away the crimson red on her lips and the soft pink blush dusting her cheeks. At the end of it all she looked the same as she always did. It could be any night, any night at all where she hadn’t had her heart broken even though she’d thought there was no way for it to shatter any more. But it had and she still looked the same. That was the thing about people, no matter how much they change, they stayed the same.

Some that was the case more than others.

With the night out of sight, disappeared from her person she had hoped she wouldn’t feel so different, so thoroughly changed. But instead she felt the gnawing of emptiness in her chest, the pain of loss, the low thrum of persistent disappointment.

In this moment it was hard to imagine her future. There would be a tomorrow of course, but what would that entail… At breakfast would she sit with Stass and Aayla or should she seek out Quinlan, when she boarded the train to go home where would she sit? Losing Obi-Wan, not just watching him slip through her fingers all year, but truly losing him, meant a rather large piece of her life had gone as well. What was normality without sitting next to him in front of the fire, what was normality without their table in the library. Yes there would be a tomorrow and someday a future, but for now all she had was tonight.

She was plucking a stray bobby pin from where it dangled haphazardly in her hair when there was a knock at the door. She froze, eyes darting to her four-poster bed, wanting to lock herself within her curtains before she had to confront anyone, but herself.

“Scream if you're indecent!”

The voice behind the door froze her where she sat. Was that-? But it couldn’t be. He wouldn’t be so horribly stupid-

“Okay I’m coming in!”

Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin Skywalker, in what she could only presume was the stupidest thing he’d decided to do all year, pushed open the door grinning at her like the Cheshire Cat. If he had a riddle for her though, she didn’t want to hear it, she was no Alice, and this certainly would not be some fairy tale meeting.

“I don’t believe you’re meant to be here,” She stood, the stool behind her fell with a crack. Her voice was pure ice, but quite stupidly he didn’t react.

“And I don’t believe you’re meant to be all wet!” She didn’t even have time to pick up her wand before he raised his own shouting far too cheerfully, “Augementi!”

Water shot from his wand, dousing her from top to bottom. And when he lowered it, all that could be heard between them for a moment was the persistent dripping of water skating off of her and onto the floor. She really had thought she’d gotten all her anger out on Obi-Wan, but she found there was a deep well of anger reserved specifically for such a mean spirited prank. Steam practically poured from her nose. Had she not had a seventh year’s mastery over her magic, she was sure she might have actually burst into flames.

All of this seemed to finally click with Anakin who went wide eyed, “Uh oh,” He had the decency to pale as she reached for her wand before turning and sprinting from her room. She didn’t miss a beat, chasing straight after him without a second thought. She’d left her wand, she didn’t need it. Fury drove each of her foot falls as they raced through the common room and out into the corridors.

Perhaps it was because while Anakin realized that his own knowledge of the school was vast, Satine herself had spent the better part of three years patrolling it and knew it better than almost anyone, he seemed to grow a little more sporadic in choosing halls. She didn’t get it, he was leading her practically to a dead end, but whatever he thought he knew that she didn’t, he wouldn’t be getting away. Not tonight.

He turned and practically skidded into an empty classroom. An odd choice, but perhaps he thought if he couldn’t run, he could hide. She followed, before pausing, anger being traded for confusion. Floating specks of light were dotted through the room twisting and floating like dustmotes often did in the light of a window. Snow fell softly, from the ceiling, disappearing before it touched anything at all. There were books piled high like pillars, none of the titles held any clue as to why they were here. There was frost, beautifully swirling across the walls in intricate decorative designs. It looked as if someone had tried to throw their own Yule Ball, but despite clearly being skilled, they had lacked preparation time.

“Why is she all wet?” A whispered voice, not Anakin, hissed.

“You told me to get her here!” That was Anakin. So he’d been an accomplice, no matter she could easily punish two.

“Not like- nevermind,” The counterspell was whispered and she felt the moisture pull itself away from her skin and out of her clothes as she surveyed the room, just patient enough to wait until whatever idiot thought that tonight was the night to-

“Satine.”

No.

No. No. No!

He couldn’t be so cruel to engage with her so soon. So utterly daft so, so-

But of course when she turned he was there, not even having changed clothes from their argument, bringing back those wretched memories to the forefront of her mind. He’d lost his vest, leaving him in just his dress shirt, still tucked in, and suspenders. His hair was mused, the previous style completely ruined. He’d run his hand through it far too many times. And yet in all of his clear overthinking he’d still decided to drag her right back into his misery.

“I thought I made myself abundantly clear,” She left no room for argument, no room in her voice to show the fragile state of her emotions. Just enough room for him to realize the huge mistake he was making and let her go without a word.

“You did,” He didn’t budge, standing just enough in front of the door that she’d have to push past him to leave, though not enough to keep her there.

She growled, “Then leave me alone!” She took a step towards him, testing to see if he would simply bow out and step aside, but he refused, “I don’t wish to repeat such a song and dance. I will not allow you to hold me hostage and tell me all the terrible things you’ve done, not for me, but for the damsel you’ve confused me with.”

“I’m not asking you to,” His voice was infuriatingly calm even as he held up his hands and looked at her with wide worried eyes. And of course he was worried, he should feel worried, he’d gone and lost her. Even if only through the windows of his eyes, she could see him flounder, panic really, over the thought of it. It only made her feel worse, feel like she was betraying him. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t stand to keep letting herself be hurt, over and over and over for the rest of her life.

“You certainly have a funny way of showing it,” She would do what she needed to do to move forward. Her eyes burned as unshed tears threatened to well up.

“I wanted to tell you, well needed to really, to show you-”

“What you need is not relevant to me,” She would not stand to be seen as a caretaker for his guilty conscience, “I am not simply a tool to comfort you over your own misgivings.”

“I know!” His fists clenched, but he still went on with it, “You were right. You were right about everything.”

“I know,” She spat, “I know! I don’t need you or anyone else to tell me what I already know.”

“No you don’t,” He agreed, “You’re the best of Ravenclaw house, in both grade and merit. And in kindness, and loyalty, and dedication-”

“Certainly wit,” She said haughtily, “Do you have a point here because I believe I know where I stand in Ravenclaw house,” She stood at the top, the only difference now was she would no longer be standing next to him.

“My point is,” He leaned forward just a hair, hands gently extended, palm up, like he was trying to placate her, “That you are the best person I know and I have been a fool.”

“And again I don’t need you telling me what I already know,” She considered leaving now, pushing past him and moving forward, but as much as she wished it wasn’t still true; she still felt captured in place by his clear blue eyes, by his words, and more dangerously by her own morbid curiosity at what he was trying to get at.

“Let me get on with it then, and say a few things that you don’t,” He stepped forward, not a full step just a few extra centimeters.

“I suggest you do, because you’re not giving me any reason to stay,” She eyed him carefully, a warning, an invitation, but one that she was not giving without consequence.

He ran a hand through his hair, messing it up even more so as he caught her with those blue eyes again. He didn’t need to know, but really she was rooted to the spot, for better or for worse.

“My parents,” For once, when he said so his voice was not level and even, but clipped and strained. His shell cracked just enough for her to see that he had realized, really truly realized , that they were not good to him, to anyone really, “They knew that they had little left to keep me on the path that they desired. When I was younger I thought that they simply had my best interest at heart, but after all this time…” After we showed you , Satine wanted to cut in, but held her tongue, after we showed you how cruel they are .

“My mother,” He continued, “found out where I’d been that day, Screed and Sons.” Satine’s heart leapt at the words, whether the memory or the implications she wasn’t sure, “I think it was then that she realized that my feelings for you were not something so easily forgotten,” If her heart had not already leapt it would have done so. Instead she let her breath be taken at the admission, even though she had already known and that it still changed nothing. Her lungs were treacherous, but she would allow them to be so her mind could stay sharp, “She thought in perhaps a final move she could hold your safety over my head like an ax of exquisite beauty.”

“And you bowed down like a weak willed tree to the wind,” She needlessly reminded him, arms crossed tightly across her chest, “Without thinking of me and without much of a word,” She expected then that this would cause anger to ignite within him, he’d get this one last fight and then she could go back to sweeping up the pieces of her broken heart.

“I did,” He answered easily, but not without a tone of seriousness, “But in other ways, I planned.”

He walked over to the stack of books closest to him and pulled a tome from the middle. The stack did not fall, didn’t even waver as one of its own was removed. Obi-Wan held the book in his hands, opened it, ran his thumb through its pages before closing it again.

“I did a lot of research into my contract with Ventress and her family. As you already know, there’s not a lot of weight to it, in a court of law.” He showed her the cover, it was a newer book, the title boasting that it explored pureblood traditions under current society, before setting it back in place between two very heavy books about law.

“Because you were a child,” She didn’t need to remind him, but that was all so obvious she felt she had to spell it out, “I didn’t need a book to tell me that.”

“I had to make sure it wasn’t more than that,” He pulled another book, “For awhile I thought about running away.” He pulled a book from the bottom inspecting the cover, “I hear Egypt is quite lovely and their ministry does have some laws that certainly would have helped me.” And she could see it, too terribly well. Obi-Wan disappearing out of King’s Cross Station and never coming back.

He slipped the book back into the stack, “I promise you,” He looked at her with severe sincerity, “I promise , I wasn’t trying to take this whole thing lying down. I’ve read through countless law books, looked into other countries. I didn’t- I don’t want to marry Ventress.” She was pretty sure that was the first time he’d said it outloud by how absolutely nervous he seemed to say it. Even as it was the truth, there was something to be said about years of abuse pushing down on him that had him scared to say it. He seemed to notice the way he’d sounded too because he straightened and said again, purposely clear, louder, “I won’t be marrying Ventress.”

“And,” He looked at her again, softly, quieter, “I had been planning to ask you to the ball.”

“So what changed?” She accused, hurt painting her voice because if all this was true, why hadn’t he? He winced, nose scrunching up, eyes turning sad.

“Hogwarts has always been my home,” His eyes skated past her to the wall, the window where she could just see the edge of Ravenclaw tower in the distance. “But this year it’s felt quite a lot like it is at the manor .” He didn’t really elaborate on that, didn’t need to, “I wasn’t expecting that, even with the tournament, even after the whole engagement debacle,” He crossed his arms, “Then it was a pre-arranged date, then it was Mas Amedda, then we’d gone to get dress robes and it was them .” He looked a little like he was folding in on himself the stress of the semester finally truly showing its wear on him, “I was happy and then- It was unexpected. I don’t know how they knew we were there…”

He took a minute to pause, collect himself and let his arms fall back to his sides, “They’re very powerful people, they know people, and if they want answers they find them.” He didn’t add too much to that, “I’m their only son, and I suppose it makes sense to keep tabs on me, but never have they ever cared so much. I’m used to their overseeing, their criticism, but not their invasion into my life.”

He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. It paired well with the howling of the wind against the window’s glass, “I stepped in front of you, said the things I did because I thought I was placing myself in front of you like a shield.” He shook his head, “Now I see the way I must have looked to you, like I was groveling at their feet for mercy.”

“They can’t hurt me,” She told him firmly, “Not anymore, and certainly not without a fight. If you’d just talked to me-!”

“I know!” He spat out, “I know and I should have!” He grit his teeth a bit of red painting his cheeks, perhaps embarrassed or angry with himself, likely a mix of both.

“Have I not made myself clear enough,” She asked slowly, “that I’m here for you? For years have I not said you can talk to me about anything ?”

“You were right about what you said to me,” He looked across at her firmly and for a minute she felt her stomach flip, “I had made up my mind. Everything I did, in my mind, was to put you before me. I thought I was doing the right thing.”

“And now?” She felt her nails dig into her arms, “Are you or are you not going to lie down at their feet like a dog?” Because he couldn’t be implying that he’d changed, not this fast.

“I should have discussed it with you. I really should have talked to you, told you anything about what they’d said,” He admitted, “But I was a coward. And then when we fought and you showed me what I’d done, done completely,” She locked eyes with him as he moved just a hair closer, “In my quest to put you first, above all else, it was simply the idea of you. Your feelings, your true desires, I unwittingly placed last.”

Whether by the words or the cold in the room she shivered slightly. He let out a breath he’d no doubt been holding for a while, the ghost of it brushing her lips, yet he stepped back.

“All this to say, in usual long winded form,” He smiled half heartedly, “Is that I apologize for every misstep I’ve taken this year and every year prior.” His lips curled downwards again as his face turned serious once more, “I never, ever want to hurt you again, and whatever that means for us moving forward,” He looked resigned, determined as he spoke, “I will do whatever you need, you only need to say the word.”

“I’m tired, Obi-Wan,” Her eyes skated across his face. She was calm only because she wasn’t sure what other emotion she could pull from the swirling cloud threatening to become a storm, “This year alone has been enough to put me in an early grave. You’ve hurt me, led me on, lied to me, even if by omission.”

She could see it the way he deflated, even if it was microscopic, shoulders barely falling down, but she knew. Because she knew him. Just as she had known all year that he was hiding things and just as she knew that in this moment he was being honest with her. All she’d wanted all year, all the time she’d known him was his complete and open honesty. She could see it in his eyes, his walls had crumbled before her and now she got to see the full view of his emotions, his own hurt, even as subtle as it was.

“Don’t you think if all it took was me ‘saying the word’, as you put it, that we would be in this mess in the first place?” She took a firm step towards him, “I could give you every sign I can, every word I could possibly say, every breath I could possibly breathe, but in the end I cannot ‘say the word,’” She met his stare with fierceness with every bit of her soul she still had left to give because even still in this moment, she would never be able to give him any less, “It’s only you who can make such a decision for yourself.”

“Satine I’ve hurt you, I don’t believe it is in my right to-” He began, brows already pulling inward at the prospect of perhaps leaning into any sort of desire or want.

“Would you stop thinking,” She chastised, “Whatever you say here, to me, tonight,” Her heart leapt though she made no movements to sell herself out, “There will never be any assurances. I refuse quite ardently to make any decisions for you and I certainly will not make promises to words unspoken, not again. But I think you’ve forgotten one very important factor.”

“And that is?” He searched her face for the answer.

“I haven’t left yet,” Saying it outloud, felt like spelling out her own feelings once more. The words were stolen from her mouth, breath rushing out of her like she’d been knocked clean over. Part of her, a much more logical side, warned her that she shouldn’t leave herself vulnerable again, she’d already been through enough. Her heart, however, demanded selfishness because it beat quickly as he looked at her with a spark of understanding.

“You haven’t left,” He seemed surprised and she really was herself, she’d practically vowed not to give him the time of day no matter how much he pleaded and yet the moment they’d found each other alone again, she’d caved.

“And don’t you think I could have?” She prompted.

“Satine, I-” His tongue seemed to have gone a bit numb in his mouth as he paused, mind likely whirring. She would have laughed if she wasn’t so focused on keeping her heart from beating itself out, “You’re wonderful,” he blurted out as if he could think of nothing more eloquent to say. He brought a hand up to try and hide the way his cheeks started going red, “That is to say…

He paused again, clearly nervous.

“Satine, the moment we first met, had seemed so unremarkable at the time. I wasn’t sure what disdain you held for me, but you wouldn’t have been the first to have some grudge against me or my family. In a hundred other ways, however, you were the first. My first real friend, my first partner for debate, and eventually… my first crush,” His face had grown impossibly more red and his eyes flickered away from hers at the admission. Certainly, neither had said so quite so blatantly or so childish, but he was still talking so she didn’t deign to respond, “Even if it’s quite more than that now.”

Her heart thudded rapidly as she was reminded of his almost confession in the snow. This one held no such remorse and much more warmth.

“Your mind is so sharp and you’re intelligent, smarter than me although I know you believe us well matched. I like everything about you, the way you sign your name with a flourish in your letters, or the way you bite your lip while focusing on a complex spell. I like it when you call me Ben, and tease me even though it used to bother me and I didn’t know why. But now I do and it’s because it’s you doing these things.”

He paused for a breath and she found herself taking one too. She shouldn’t have even been able to hear him over the rushing sound in her ears. His face was still red and now she was sure hers must be too. He was looking at her as if she had descended from the heavens right in front of him, like she was the only person in the entire world. She almost didn’t know how to feel, the emotional whiplash had her practically gasping for breath every moment she could take one. She’d been waiting to hear such things for long enough as it was.

“The thought,” He began again, honest and devoted, “of having to go on without you in my life, makes me feel like someone cast me out to sea. I don’t want to go a day without you, not now, not ever. You complete me in a way no one else ever has and to imagine you no longer there only fills me with unending loneliness,” His eyes were wide, surprised at his own honesty, but clear as he’d made up his mind, “It’s a lot to ask, in general, and especially after everything that’s happened tonight, been happening really...” He trailed off a bit of nervousness creeping up on him despite the way his eyes were still very sure, “Would you give me the chance to make it up to you, truly and in the way I should have all along?”

“That depends,” She found herself saying, surprised her voice hadn’t fled her all together, “What would that entail?” He took a step closer to her, gently grabbing her hand. His hands were calloused and warm and wrapped around hers like pieces of a puzzle.

“I believe first,” He lifted her hand, watching her cautiously to make sure he wasn’t over stepping, he let his lips brush the knuckles of her hands. It felt like she’d fallen back in time to the last time he’d done it, just before fighting Maul. Except this time was much more proper, his eyes were watchful, yet practically twinkling in the candlelight and for once they had nothing else to worry about, “I owe you a proper dance.”

Around the edges of the room instruments rose into the air and music began to play. Softly at first as he put a hand on her waist and she set a hand on his shoulder. He started trying to lead them in a real dance, a waltz, but it quickly dissolved into something more simple. They swayed back and forth, each slow turn punctuated by pulling each other a little closer. He was gazing at her like he was amazed to have her there. His hand was warm against her own, but she yearned to be closer. When the Yule Ball had first been announced she’d hoped, mutinously dreamed, that this could be them. Dancing close together as she gazed into his beautiful blue eyes. In a world filled with falling snow and icicle chandeliers. It made her a little lightheaded to think that this was actually happening, his hands on her, his lips twisted up in a soft smile. Her heart twisted.

Satine felt herself remove her hand from his and loop them around his neck instead. She let her head fall, tucking it just under his chin. He didn’t seem to know what to do with his hand, now that they’d deviated from all he’d ever known, but eventually she felt it fall onto her back. Being so close, every time she breathed she caught his scent. Old leather books and crisp pine, a hint of mint. Familiar and always welcome. He shifted so he could lay his cheek on her head. She was reminded of the times she’d fallen asleep on his shoulder on a cold night in front of the fire. The emotions that had been building this entire time crashed into a wave of fondness, desire, calm. For once between them there was only silence.

They continued to dance under the moonlight as the snow fell softly outside of the window. The soft melody, the way the wind rattled the glass of the window, each step against the stone floor, each breath they took wove together to create a masterpiece. No other song would ever again compare. It was less flashy than they’d been at the dance, but it felt warm and comfortable and so right . He held her so firmly and just like she had there, at the ball, she knew he’d catch her if she fell and oh, wasn’t she falling? She felt a tear slip down her cheek and she pulled back to look at him in the eyes.

His eyes were clear and she was reminded of a thousand other memories. When they’d first met his eyes had been so thoroughly guarded she never thought she’d see through them. When she first got him to smile, he’d done so with hesitance, but his eyes had softened. A thousand small instances of him smiling, laughing, teasing had led them here, to eyes that showed her clearly his admiration. She’d fallen for that smile, that laugh, those eyes just as many times as she’d seen them.

The music was winding down and with it they stopped their dance. Satine reached up and delicately let her fingers skate across his forehead, brushing back one of the stray hairs that had sat there. His eyes fluttered shut for a moment, and a moment was all she needed. Out of the hold of his gaze she was reminded of herself. She’d been hurt, she wouldn’t simply forget such a thing. However she also knew when he was being truthful and he’d been nothing, but honest tonight. Ultimately now it really was up to her. What did she want to do? His eyes opened up and he was looking at her with a soft gaze that took her breath away.

“Ben?” She caught his attention, though she hadn’t needed to, he didn’t seem to be able to take his eyes off her, “The answer to your question? It’s yes.” Because Satine wanted to. She’d always wanted to.

Ben grinned so bright it nearly split his face, delight in his eyes. He swooped down and his lips found hers.

She was stunned for a second, eyes wide open before they fluttered close. He pulled back much too soon with a delighted laugh that made his eyes shine and the corners crinkle and she found herself smiling softly at him.

“Sorry I suppose I should have asked,” He began, but she rolled her eyes.

“Ben please , in this sort of case, words aren’t needed,” She twisted her hands in his suspenders and pulled him back down to her. Lips meeting again, but with much less brevity. Satine felt warmth blossom in her chest. All the years of waiting, the stress of the entire back and forth fell away as she leaned into him. She moved her hands up and into his hair, determined to run her hands through it and down his face like she’d quietly imagined for longer than she cared to admit. His own hands had found her back at some point before slowly ghosting upwards, a hand now cupping her cheek and one gently combed through her hair. Distantly she heard the clock tower chime, but it was only the need for air that caused them to part from one another.

They stood there gasping for breath, lips a bit red and cheeks flushed, refusing to move out of each other's arms and staring into each other's eyes like they were alone in the universe.

“Gross! I thought you were going to eat each other’s faces off!” Satine and Obi-Wan both ripped their hands away from each other and she turned looking rightfully furious to see Anakin pop up from where he was hiding under a table.

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan was trying to be angry, but his voice was just a little too high. Satine however had no issues putting her hands on her hips and letting ice fill her voice despite the warmth still sitting in her chest.

“Oh, Anakin, I believe I still owe you a month’s worth of detention,” She glared and Anakin stood quickly.

“Hey without me you guys wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to snog-!”

“And without me you would be getting points for being out after curfew,” Obi-Wan had recovered and stood at her side, a touch closer than normal.

“So are you!” Anakin pointed at the both of them as if he had an argument to win, “I could go tell Professor Tahl!”

“And who would they believe?” Obi-Wan asked him, although he was looking towards Satine, “The Head Boy and Girl or a third year?”

“I’m not just a third year! I’m the Chosen One! A Hogwarts Champion!” Although he defended himself he was still edging towards the door so Satine turned to him and narrowed her eyes.

“If you leave now, and don’t mention this,” She looked towards Ben, “I’ll let you off with a night's worth of detention.”

“But that’s-!” Anakin tried to argue, but Ben just smiled.

“That’s probably the best you’re going to get, Anakin,” He shrugged, “You did douse her with water, which wasn’t part of the plan by the way,” He added after she turned her glare onto him.

“Alright! Alright, I’m going,” He rolled his eyes, before grinning and sending a wink towards Obi-Wan, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” Before he rushed out the door and left them standing in the center of the classroom.

“What does he mean by that?” Satine turned, eyes full of mirth and Obi-Wan just let his hands run down her back and she shivered.

“No idea,” He smiled softly at her. “And most likely, neither does he.”

“We ought to get to bed,” She frowned, “It’s surely late and we have to be up early tomorrow.”

“It’s only 12:02,” He pointed out, the watch she made for him still firmly wrapped around his wrist years later, “Perhaps we have time for maybe one more kiss?” He looked at her, eyes pleading.

“Well I suppose there’s time for one more,” She stood up on her toes, her lips brushing against his one more time. Her arms looped back around his neck and he found her waist easily.

She pulled away with a soft smile, “We’ll have time for more later, but I for one, was getting ready for bed,” She looked down at her pajamas, at least it was one of her nicer pairs, “I look absolutely wretched and you’re over here looking like prince charming, that’s entirely not fair,” She accused and he shook his head.

“You look lovely, sleeping beauty,” He joked, but the compliment was genuine, “You’d look lovely in anything, my dear.”

“Well at least it was only I in my pajamas, because certainly yours would have killed the mood before it began,” She considered and he laughed before they let their hands knit together.

“Since you’re so tired,” Obi-Wan tilted his head towards her, “Let me escort you back to the Ravenclaw common room.”

“Lead the way,” She tightened her grip on his hands, “I’d hate for you to have to carry me back if I fell asleep watching you clean up your apology display.”

“Oh yes,” He rolled his eyes, “We’d hate for that to happen.”

******************************************************************************

He usually woke before the sun could climb its way into the sky and on the days he didn’t his curtains blocked what light leaked into the dormitories. He prefered the privacy so he found it odd when it was the light of daylight that slowly roused him from his dreams.

It had been a wonderful dream too. Her hands winding themselves around his neck, in his hair. Soft lips on his…

Obi-Wan’s eyes snapped open and his face turned red. He sat up, gazing around. It seemed he had fallen asleep still in his clothes from the night before, and hadn’t even found the edge of the bed’s covers to tuck himself in, choosing instead just to pass out on top of them.

But even as silly as those things were, could his memory truly be proving itself correctly, had he finally gone and done it? Had he truly swept Satine into his arms and kissed her without much thought at all?

He accidentally caught eyes with Eeth Koth, who was already dressed for the day. Koth raised an eyebrow and opened his mouth to say something, but Obi-Wan practically ripped the curtains from the rod with how fast he closed them. Concealing himself from any other watchful eyes as the blush slowly faded from his cheeks.

It surely had to have been a dream.

He remembered the fight quite vividly. The snow whipping around and lashing out at him, not as sharply as Satine’s words however. He would never be able to erase Satine’s hurt expression from his mind, perfect memory or not.

He’d ended up teaming up with Anakin to set up a grand apology. It was likely good he’d enlisted the boy's help, otherwise he’d have spent too long trying to make such a thing perfect and not gotten around to talking with her at all.

The rest of the night seemed fuzzy though, too bright, too wonderful, too dreamlike. His heart started picking up in his chest and he stared hard at the navy blue curtains. What if he hadn’t gone through with it? He needed to be absolutely sure, absolutely sure that he had apologized.

He covered his face with a hand as he felt his cheeks heat up again. Then maybe after he was sure, he could clear up a certain memory of her pulling him in for a fierce kiss.

He ripped the curtains open and started getting dressed post-haste. Eeth, who apparently was the latest riser in his room, had a foot out the door, but paused taking in the way fabric was flying.

“Uhhh, you good Kenobi?" Eeth, like many, had likely witnessed the fight last night, or at least heard of it, but he hadn’t the time to explain. Obi-Wan simply waved a hand in dismissal as he tripped over himself trying to jam on his shoes.

“Yes, yes I’m fine, you can go!” He hissed and his fearsome Quidditch captain fled without another word.

He didn’t bother to tie his tie and simply slung his robe over his shoulders before rushing to the mirror to brush his teeth and try to spell his hair into place. He was distracted and his spell was mumbled around a tooth brush, but his new wand didn’t rebel like his previous would have. Still as he double checked his appearance and shoved his arms into his robe sleeves, a few stray strands fell loose from their spot.

To hell with that.

He didn’t particularly care at the moment. Not when he was taking the stairs down two at a time and pushing the bookcase door open with enough force he almost tumbled out of it.

Across from him, someone had clearly done the same. He straightened as did she and he locked eyes with Satine Kryze, eyes bright and alert which was quite unlike her this early in the morning. She had a comb tangled in her hair and she moved just as quickly as he did, meeting right in the center of Ravenclaw's common room.

“Ben,” She greeted him first, while he was too busy unsticking his tongue from the top of his mouth.

“Satine,” He replied, almost in relief, seeing no anger in her expression at all.

“Did we-?” She said at the same time he tried his own question.

“Are you-?” They both cut off, nervous laughter broke out and Obi-Wan ran a hand through his hair, likely knocking more of it off kilter.

“You first,” Satine decided, her voice was soft and unlike anything he’d really heard from her before. He hoped he’d get to hear such a thing again, over and over for the rest of his life.

“I- Well I suppose- I, um,” He broke off feeling a bit ridiculous, but it was as if she’d stolen whatever words he could find the moment he found them, “I’m sorry, I suppose I’m not familiar with a situation like this.” He said, eyes flicking away, but only for a second before hers pulled them back in.

“And what situation would that be?” There was a bit more guard in her tone and he hurried to erase her fears, alongside his own.

“Relationship, situations,” He managed with a small smile. He reached out and gently pulled the comb from her hair, grinning a bit more at the slightly embarrassed look she shot it as it came into view.

“I believe, I know someone who would be happy to help you study such a topic,” She smiled slyly and he blinked before mirroring her wit with his own.

“Do you, Head Girl?” He handed over her comb as he put a finger to his chin, “They’d have to be something quite special to catch my attention.”

“I believe they’ve caught your attention for quite some time, Mr. Head Boy,” She stepped closer, freezing him in place, she brushed the strands of hair out of his face and frowned, “Did you not even manage to tie your tie this morning?”

“I was in a bit of a hurry,” He grumbled as he moved to swiftly wrangle the thing into a presentable knot as Satine moved back, but only a hair, “At least I didn’t come out with a new hair accessory.”

“Are you saying I didn’t wear it well?” She asked, holding the blue plastic comb up like a crown.

“I’ve not once found you anything, but lovely to behold,” He admitted and delighted in watching her face turn a bit red, “Even with a bit of plastic in your hair.”

“Hey barretts were a good look for me,” She smiled innocently, “Was it not you who was enamored by the ones that were shaped like little animals?”

“And need I remind you, that those were clearly meant to be placed in your hair?” He was quite sure they could have gone on for ages longer. Talking each other into an early grave, or perhaps something with a little more heat, but they both lost their train of thought when their hands brushed against one another.

Satine, always one to see an opportunity, intertwined her fingers with his own and he found himself staring down at their hands as if they hadn’t snogged the previous night. Still it was all very new to him and he was sure his ears may have turned red if they hadn’t already.

“Did you perhaps, want to get breakfast?” Satine asked, breaking out of the bubble they had found themselves in and glancing around the common room which was thankfully empty, “It seems we’re running a bit behind schedule.”

“I suppose we should if we wanted to make the train,” He glanced at his watch.

“Don’t sound so excited, Ben,” Satine rolled her eyes, “I’m sure they’ll have something sweet for you down there.”

“I suppose if we go together, there will be,” He turned his head away, suddenly shy though he needn’t be.

Satine laughed before grabbing his arm gently and tugging him towards the stairs, “I think I’m all good on dairy this morning, because I can think of nothing cheesier.”

******************************************************************************

“Where do you think you’re going?” Sneered a familiar voice from somewhere behind Cody as slipped in through one of the side doors in hopes of going unnoticed at this early time of day.

Cody had been having a very rough go of it. It wasn’t enough that the entire school decided to forgo Quidditch season in favor of Triwizard activities, or for his own house to have effectively been accusing him of treason, or the fact that he was now aiding and abetting to technical kidnapping, but Pong Krell had to be on school grounds yet again. Cody’s loyalty to Gryffindor may have been called into question for his persisting friendship and support of Kenobi, but no one could ever say he favored one of the other schools.

The same could not be said for Gryffindor’s keeper, Caleb Dume, who couldn’t seem to stop spending time with Beauxbatons’ champion, Hera Syndulla. Judging by the way Dume had been floating on a cloud that morning, he doubted he cared much.

“Krell.” Cody addressed him stiffly, because despite his efforts, he’d managed to mostly avoid the beady-eyed besalisk this entire semester. It was just as well that the very last day before winter break he ran into him.

After the events of the previous night, he and his other brothers hadn’t gotten much of anywhere in hedging out a plan on what to do with the little Huttlet. For now, he would be safe with Ninety-Nine over winter holiday.

It was never a good time to put yourself on the map for potential execution by the Hutts, but they couldn’t do anything until they figured out why the Huttlet was kidnapped in the first place. They also very well couldn’t let Hogwarts or Yoda be seen as responsible.

Then, instead of playing Quidditch, Cody would likely find himself in the midst of a war, which was a thought he could only grimace at.

“I was wondering what that horrible stench was.” He said.

“Must have been Gryffindor’s track record since I left the team.” Krell said smugly.

“Don’t make it sound like if Kenobi hadn’t busted you, like you wouldn’t still be here.” Cody said, “You ran away from Hogwarts like the scared little womp rat you are.”

Ironically, he chose one of the most physically imposing wizarding schools in the world to run to.

“I knew Hogwarts was going downhill.” Krell argued, “Hence why the best of the best is a child and a spineless bookworm.”

“That spineless bookworm had you on your knees crying if my memory serves me right.” Cody retorted, and noticed from the corner of his eye that students were starting to gather around them. It wouldn’t be long before a professor got wind of the conversation. Cody really didn't need the scrutiny.

“I think you’ve been knocked around by too many bludgers, Fett.” He blanched, “Good to know your loyalty to lost causes still holds true. How pathetically predictable of you.”

Cody clenched his jaw, “I don’t appreciate all lost causes. Never had much hope in you, after all.”

“Speaking of losses, I hear you got yourself dumped last night.” He snorted, “Wouldn’t be the first time you choked. I’d say it won’t be the last, but you’re not even going to get the chance to prove otherwise, now are you?”

This wasn’t completely untrue on paper. Zam Wesell, while beautiful (in standard human form), had caught Cody’s attention when she’d dominated Cody at Wizard’s Chess earlier in the year and coyly suggested she could teach him how to properly play sometime.

He’d taken her up on the offer once and by the end of her tutoring session, he’d asked her to the dance as simple as that. However, during the actual ball, it had become very apparent that maybe they weren’t suited for each other.

For one thing, she didn’t actually care for the Quidditch at all and seemed rather bored whenever Cody drawled on about it. He didn’t understand why she never mentioned an annoyance for it in the past when they were playing chess, but she should have been more up front with her disinterest in it. Everyone knew he lived and breathed the sport. To Zam’s defense, when Cody wasn’t discussing the history behind how the golden snitch came to be, he was consistently distracted in the sideshow that was the feud between his two best friends.

And he’d disappeared to take pictures with his brothers, have an intense dance-off with Quinlan Vos, and forgot to wait for her outside the restroom.

Maybe he wasn’t the best date ever.

“Don’t worry,” Krell’s smile turned wicked, “I kept her company when you wouldn’t.”

“You can have her,” Cody shrugged, “Though you always did have a habit of going after my seconds, didn’t you?”

While he found the thought that someone he had romantically considered (even if briefly) would also settle for someone of the likes of Krell very disturbing, beyond wondering if she shifted into looking as scaly and ugly as Krell, he didn’t give it much thought or care. Really, he had bigger things to worry about.

Like the fact that his oldest brother was now housing the very thing the entire wizarding community was looking for.

His lack of reaction seemed to infuriate his former rival all the more, who seethed, “No punch line this time, Fett?”

Cody thought about it, if only because seeing as there was no Quidditch season, he didn’t have much to lose, but ultimately decided it really wasn’t worth the effort. Plus, he was pleasantly surprised to find he didn’t care much for Krell anymore on the level of emotional investment. It just didn’t matter. Krell was little more than a washed up bully at this point.

Rex might have his own demons to settle in that regard, and should Krell decide to poke the bear on that front again, that would be a different story.

So, Cody did the best thing he could think to do and that was simply walk away. It took very little effort to ignore more of Krell’s taunts, which grew weaker and weaker the further he walked away from him. Some students appeared a bit disappointed by the lack of a real show stopping fight, but he swore as he continued down the hall and caught Professor Windu’s stare, the straight line that was usually his mouth was turned up in a slight smile.

“I’m proud of you, Mr. Fett.” He said with a stern nod, “That showed a lot of maturity.”

“It was bound to happen.” He said with a sly shrug, “If he goes for my baby brother again, I might have to give him a fat lip though.”

“I’ll be sure to patrol elsewhere if that were to happen,” Windu sighed.

It was almost enough of a shock for him to forget about the previous night’s enthralling events. Really, any student that had been hoping from a fight between him and Krell should have been satiated by the fiery ammunition that Kenobi and Satine had delivered last night. He had spent the better part of seven years watching them bicker or argue with one another, but never like that. They always seemed to pull their verbal punches a little bit, so as not to risk irreparable damage, but though he wasn’t sure exactly what was said, the nature of it was apparent enough for all that knew them.

Enough to send Satine off crying and Kenobi to disappear into the shadows.

Sure, tensions had been climbing and spilling over as of recently, but Cody always maintained a slight hope that they’d pull it together to some extent. That, or they’d pretend that it never happened and at least go on being friends. It got awkward like that sometimes, but it still worked enough for the three of them to continue as the unit they were.

He sighed, knowing in his gut that it would just be easier to sit with Gryffindor this morning for breakfast so as not to have to choose sides. Skywalker had caught the tail end of their big blowout last night and all the cards were apparently on the table. Both had basically confessed their feelings, as well as the roadblocks that held them back. There was no backing away from that.

Strangely, he hadn’t seen much of the youngest champion that night after he spilled the bad news.

A hungry Rex and Anakin plopped down to his right while Fives and Echo joined him on his left without saying anything on the matter. Cody loved his brothers, but he saw enough of them at home and wouldn’t have minded just a little bit more elbow room. He watched with mild amusement as Fives and Rex practically squished him like the center of an ice cream sandwich.

Neither were going to discuss their own situation, not with Skywalker around. Involving either of the Champions was just a recipe for disaster. If they were caught, it’d be unleashed as some sort of conspiracy and Hogwarts would really be in trouble. Still, thinking about this was easier than his splintering friend group.

Expectedly, he hadn’t slept well the night before, but this was mainly because he couldn’t seem to stop fixating on one particular question:

What was Rotta doing in Professor Tahl’s office last night?

“You all right, Cody?” Anakin asked around a mouthful of pancakes.

“Yeah. Nice breakfast by the way.” He said in reference to Anakin’s talking with his mouth full.

“I know, right?” The kid chirped as he stabbed his fork into a juicy sausage link and continued along completely unbothered.

He was about to ask him how he’d worked up such an appetite, but was instantly distracted by none other than Kenobi and Satine, who were approaching their table… Together?

Fives seemed to read his mind, because he leaned towards Cody, “Uh, are we dreaming or do they not look like they’re about to kill each other?”

It was true, like something straight out of Cody’s meager hopes, the two walked alongside each other and eventually found where he sat, not appearing the least bit angry or uptight. Maybe a bit quiet, but it was a far cry from the passionate waltz they’d found themselves in nor the ferocious fight that occurred shortly thereafter.

Instead, they seemed relatively normal?

“Yeah, really, I’d assumed that would be the end of that.” Echo added with the roll of his eyes. “Unless they’re playing the tried and true method of forcing things back to the way they were before.”

Cody didn’t comment, but couldn’t help but notice that Rex and Anakin were snickering about something to his other side. Still, he eyed his friends carefully, trying to see if they were merely getting along for his benefit or if they were, in fact, carrying on with business as per usual.

“Good morning!” Satine chirped in a perky voice that was brighter than how she typically resonated this early and her demeanor seemed to match. Physically, she looked a bit tired, like she hadn’t slept all that much, but she still seemed to encapsulate more energy than all the Fetts combined.

“Morning…?” Cody couldn’t help but sound confused as he said it, but neither acknowledged this.

Kenobi moved to let Satine sit first- as per the norm- and she even looked up at him with an unreadable expression before both quickly turned to face everyone else rather suddenly before anything between them could transpire. Maybe they were resisting an argument, but the energy that lingered in the air lacked any of the malice that had been dredged up just last night.

She busied herself with gathering some pancakes and fruit onto her plate and Kenobi was not far behind her. He sat right next to her as always- shoulders brushing against each other even when the spacing didn’t necessitate such close quarters. They carefully avoided each other’s eyes even as they accidentally brushed hands here and there while reaching for various foods and condiments.

Clearly, there was still tension.

It was different, though. Typically, they would simply opt to cover up their budding feelings with a proper argument or debate. They’d practically become experts of arguing over one thing while actually expressing their upset over another completely different thing. Cody often found his head spinning over this tactic, but it happened enough that he could decipher it fairly easily.

No, there were no fights in sight. Perhaps, they simply lacked the energy for it, but he couldn’t see them just waking up and deciding to start fresh after that fight. Satine had told Kenobi she never wanted to see him again.

And now they were eating breakfast alongside one another like that never happened? Maybe Skywalker had it wrong? But that also didn’t seem right.

Even though different, it was still incredibly awkward to watch, but he couldn’t seem to stop analyzing them. They were practicing neutrality for whatever reason, that was for sure, but it wasn’t anger they were tampering down. Cody could swear there was a certain level of mirth in Kenobi’s eyes, which yes, the guy always had an eye for sweets as was currently doubling up on chocolate chip pancakes, but it wasn’t worth getting that excited about.

“Can someone please pass the butter?” Satine asked and while anyone could have done it, Kenobi, despite being the farthest from it, practically lunged at the opportunity to hand it over to her.

When he did, they looked each other in the eyes and stopped, not quite smiling, but definitely not with poisonous rage. Both held the butter tray for a moment longer than necessary and then continued with what they were doing.

“Um, there you are.” Kenobi stammered and took a bite from his bacon. “I’ll take that when you’re done, please.”

“Of course.” She said evenly.

It was all very calm. Too calm.

He suddenly slammed his hand on the table, jarring just about everyone who inhabited it into dropping their utensils and eyeing him like he was crazy. Anakin had been so startled that he managed to accidentally jab his nose with his straw.

“Well, bloody hell!” He exclaimed, banging his fist once more on the table for good measure. This time, the others seemed to predict it more, though everyone still looked at him with genuine concern.

“Oi, boys, he’s finally gone mad.” Rex teased.

“What happened?” Kenobi asked, eyes wide and clear.

“You two finally went ahead and gave each other a good snog, that’s what happened!” Cody grinned and Echo and Fives whipped their heads to Kenobi and Satine in complete bewilderment.

All the confirmation or proof they needed could be found on the reigning Head Boy and Head Girl’s bright red faces.

“That’s not- It didn’t happen like that.” Kenobi argued.

“But it did happen.” Cody waggled his eyebrows cheekily.

“Must you be so crass?” Satine finally choked after a damning beat of silence that only furthered his point. Cody was practically tickled giddy. He didn’t care how flustered his conspiring friends were. He was going to enjoy this moment- not only because he was right, but because they wouldn’t have to be going to war every other day. Now, he could just suggest they go make out to ease off their rising tensions.

“And it all happened because of me!” Anakin said proudly.

“Not true!” Kenobi argued, still blazing red, but not denying any of what Cody had previously said, much to his delight.

“It is so true! I was there! Enchanted instruments and all.” The third year said proudly.

“Hey, wait a minute!” Cody held up a hand in mock-affront, “I’ve got seniority over this kid. Why did he get to watch you snog?”

“We didn’t let him watch us snog!” Satine hissed, somehow turning redder, which possibly could have been at the eyes that were peering over at their section of the table. Admittedly, many were curious about the relationship status of Hogwarts’ Head Boy and Head Girl.

“He was hiding,” Kenobi clarified, his voice an octave higher than usual.

“Yeah, unfortunately, they looked like a couple of wild animals,” Anakin cringed.

Cody and the others laughed while the happy couple looked a bit murderous towards a very unfazed Anakin.

“I’m still considering upping that detention,” Kenobi leaned on his forearms.

“You can’t! It’s a past transgression.” Anakin pointed his fork at him.

“Oh now he reads the rules.” Satine rolled her eyes.

“Look, the moral of the story is you two snogged.” Echo said simply.

“And you will continue to do so.” Fives said, “Which you’ll be happy to hear, is making me very rich.”

“You were taking bets on us?” Satine asked, incredulous.

“Oh, they’ve been doing that for years.” Kenobi added with a shrug when she gave him a pointed look he shrugged, “What? It’s not like I participated.”

“Might have happened a lot sooner if you had.” She muttered.

“But then I would have missed out on seeing you in that lovely pajama ensemble.” He smiled wryly.

She leaned on her forearms and smiled archly, “My dear, you are of no position to judge on that realm.”

“I said lovely, didn’t I?” Kenobi smirked.

“You might have, but sometimes, it bears repeating.” She retorted. “Especially if I suspect sarcasm is at play.”

“Me? Never .” He beamed and they stared at each other, seeming to go somewhere else entirely. It didn’t help that Kenobi had somehow gotten whipped cream on his mouth in the process of eating his pancakes and Satine seemed quite fixated on this. Thinking better of it, she simply handed him a cloth napkin, but didn’t take her eyes off of where the whipped cream had been.

“Good grief, I might miss it when they were tearing each other’s heads off all the time.” Rex muttered while the new couple was lost in their own banter.

“I don’t.” Cody said, thinking back to only 24 hours prior. “At all.”

“How the hell did you even figure that out?” Echo whined and was paying out a handful of sickles to Fives in what was clearly the resolution of a bet. Fives looked equally surprised to have won, but was pleased to have some change for chocolate frogs on the train ride back.

“Yeah, they hardly spoke!” His twin added, much less irate over the matter.

“Oh come on!” Cody said, “It was obvious to anyone who’s not a total amateur. The accidental touching, the nervous glances, the bursting happiness? They were practically all over each other.”

His brothers looked at him even more confused and he waved them off. “It’s all in the body language.”

“If it’s all the same, I’ll stay unfluent.” Rex shrugged and took a bite from his food.

“Yeah I saw enough of their body language when they were playing tonsil hockey-” Anakin’s loud voice was cut off by Kenobi’s harsh shushing.

“If it’s all the same, it’s probably best to maintain some discretion for the time being,” Satine said, both halves of the newest couple facing them all again with a tad more severity.

“Which means not telling anyone, Anakin .” Kenobi gave his mentee a rather pointed stare, which given how outright Skywalker had been about the whole thing, wasn’t entirely unwarranted. Satine took care to pass a scathing look amongst the rest of them so they all felt properly chastised, but Cody couldn’t seem to stop grinning.

“Hey! I won’t tell! I kept it a secret this long!” Anakin insisted.

“You told me the moment you got back last night,” Rex deadpanned.

Upon Kenobi and Satine’s shared look of discontent, the third year champion coughed and paid closer attention to the eggs on his plate.

“We’d hate for this to make its way to the wrong people so soon,” She added, shooting a quick glance towards her new boyfriend, making it clear just who they really didn’t want this getting back to.

Cody very nearly groaned. Somehow, in the midst of his amazement and relief, he’d forgotten all about Obi-Wan’s dreadful parents and just what they would do if they found out that in spite of the media circus that became the kiss Ventress had given their son, he’d still opted to choose the very girl they despised.

It seemed almost poetic, but Cody was never one for poetry so he really wouldn’t know.

“Hey,” He grinned, “Your secret is safe with us, lovebirds .”

******************************************************************************

After she’d effectively been banished from Sith dealings back in the spring, Ventress had paid very little mind to the enchanted map that once belonged to Anakin Skywalker. She’d snatched it the last time he’d lost it and believed it would be an effective means of stalking her prey, but was all the more disappointed to find that her final year at Hogwarts would not include such antics.

Never did she think she’d pick it up again for anything as trivial as seeing where a boy was.

Aggravated with herself for even playing with the idea of checking up on Quinlan Vos after such an unexpected turn of events, she couldn’t rest easy that morning without scouring over the water-stained piece of parchment. She’d finally found him in the swell of students that already gathered in the great hall and stared at the little flourish of footsteps that appeared beneath his name.

Even after making him swear not to tell a soul of their impassioned dalliance in the potion’s closet, she still felt unnerved. Not for the physicality of it, as Ventress was hardly a prude about such things, but how she felt afterwards.

How she’d nestled against him and sighed contentedly. The thought of that, alone, made her feel ill. That wasn’t her, was it? She was not the sort to need and seek out comfort.

But he’d been so earnest in his pledge to assist her in bringing back her family, in righting the wrongs committed by those who perpetrated them. Though he couldn’t possibly understand the gravity of that statement, the sentiment behind it was enough to throw her off balance and leave herself vulnerable.

It was a dangerous game and she knew it, but she couldn’t help but be interested in Vos’ own past dealings and to see if he was truly as well-adjusted to his life in the light as he made himself out to be. Maybe he was right, maybe she did have lines that she didn’t want to cross and maybe she shouldn’t be disappointed in herself for sticking to them. It wasn’t as though killing Kryze last year would have accomplished anything for her in the first place.

She needed to be more calculated anyway, but even with this reasoning in mind, her brain still felt fuzzy and warm in a way she wasn’t used to. When she’d first woken up, she believed she had to have caught something from Durmstrang’s finest. After all, he spent his free time wrestling giant earthworms and wrangling dragons. Surely, he was a breeding ground for some newfound disease.

She flopped backwards onto her pillow again, frustrated beyond all else that she couldn’t find something about him to be disgusted over. Even the thought of him belly-deep in the guts of some monster didn’t deter her. If anything, she lingered onto his strength and power as well as his determination.

She’d certainly been purposeful in her own ignorance, that was for sure. Looking back on the semester, it was apparent he’d always caught her eye the way she’d found his. It was grossly cliche in ways that Ventress never wanted to be, but it still felt right .

And the thought of addressing the matter left her rather unbalanced.

Conceptually, the idea of wiping the slate clean and calling last night a wash was the easier and far superior choice given her current circumstance. She was in a vulnerable state and could certainly attribute any actions taken to that. He would be upset about it, but pretend he wasn’t, especially with his friends around. Those Durmstrang blokes were all about acting like lunkhead brutes. On the other hand, saying goodbye would haunt her for the coming week of pretending as though Obi-Wan Kenobi was the love of her life. Maybe, there was some other option she wasn’t seeing, but she really didn’t want to be a girlfriend, but she also found she secretly loathed the idea of bringing pain back to Quinlan Vos’ handsome face.

She could smother herself in her pillow and completely remove herself out of the equation entirely.

She rolled her eyes at her own theatrics and picked the map up again. Briefly, she found Kenobi’s name and was surprised to see that he was right beside Kryze in the great hall. After such a big blow-out last night (admittedly instigated by Ventress), everyone likely found that to be suspicious at best.

Unless…

A slow smile spread across Ventress’ face. So, Kenobi was choosing to live in denial once again and have a little bit of fun. It was foolish and futile, for certain. His parents were even more committed to the concept of their arrangement than her own. It will surely cause more heartache in the end, but he’d finally figured out how to be selfish. A part of her felt a spark of pride as it showed that Kenobi wasn’t truly infallible.

Well, so be it. Maybe, she could allow herself to indulge as well. Just for a little bit.

Once that was settled, Ventress believed she would find relief in the space of her own needless panicking. Instead, her eyes drifted to the farthest edge of the page, where a name that was both foreign and familiar paced quickly seemingly from nowhere to meet with Professor Gunray and Headmaster Ziro.

“Rael Averross.” She repeated it out loud, as though hearing it would make far more sense than just seeing it in black ink.

******************************************************************************

“What do you mean the child is actually missing?” The shrouded figure had appeared unbeknownst to Gunray, which was a spectacle in and of itself seeing as apparition was strictly impossible these days within Hogwarts. There was no fireplace to be seen in the empty classroom he’d been told to meet. The only thing present in this classroom was a large cabinet, not unlike the one in Borgin & Burkes.

Ziro, if it were possible for the large mass of blubber to do so, might have fallen over at the sudden intrusion.

He was dressed all in black with the cape clasped at his right shoulder with a blue hex on the pin. The hood caused his face to be little more than a shadow with a chin. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a stance that meant business. It wasn’t Dooku, as he’d nearly suspected by the booming voice, but it was dark stubble that dotted his jaw as opposed to a beard of white and gray.

“He- He went missing!” Gunray stuttered, because it was apparent Ziro would not be speaking. His bright green eyes were wide with horror. They hadn’t even been talking to this mysterious figure when they’d been sharing their own panic about Rotta’s actual disappearance when they’d been starkly interrupted.

Ironically, the next words on Gunray’s tongue were going to be a question about what they would do about the plan. Dooku was expecting the child to be delivered to his care, even if not directly. He hadn’t been clear on the specifics of just how he would be meeting them, but now this much was clear.

Dooku wouldn’t be permitted within the castle without Headmaster Yoda’s spells and charms warding him off. Though he hadn’t been afforded a close glimpse, for Ministry purposes and Valorum’s actual inquiries, Yoda had been resigned to tell Gunray the general process of what he did every day to keep dark wizards away.

Unknown dark wizards, however, were not off the table.

“How?” He demanded.

“I- We -” Gunray immediately amended, because he really did not want to be the sole receiver of any punishment, “Took our eyes off him for one second! We were nearly caught with him last night, trying to bring him here-”

“-We’ve been hiding him in various classrooms each night,” Ziro finally remembered how to utilize the lexicon and cut Gunray off, “You know, in case he were found. The last place we wanted him found was in here.”

“The instruction was to place the baby in the cabinet.” Gunray knew anger when he saw it and this shadow of intrigue was stewing, trying his best to maintain it. If he worked under Tyranus and Sidious, it was unlikely he could hold off for very long. “So I could bring him to Lord Tyranus.”

“And he could be rescued, yes yes,” Gunray waved his hands, “But then Ziro thought-”

“Uh-uh, you are not blaming me for this,” Ziro snapped his purple fingers, “He was the one who thought it would be a good idea to have someone at Hogwarts fall on the sword.”

“Someone would have .” He gritted, “But it was supposed to be the correct someone.”

“But the child was taken right from under us!” Gunray was debating if he should get on his knees to beg for mercy. After all, the plan should have been simple. All he and Ziro had to do was keep it under wraps, but relevant enough to garner the appropriate reaction. Today was supposed to the be the day the weight of that stupid little worm was taken off his chest.

Instead, the weight of a boot would likely replace it.

“Or maybe he crawled away,” Ziro suggested weakly. Even Gunray knew that was a major reach.

Their contact huffed and paced back and forth, his hands tight behind his back as he thought of a solution to this conundrum. That, or he was debating just how painfully he was going to kill them both. Ziro seemed to have the same thoughts and at least Gunray could run quickly.

“Maybe this can still work out,” He finally said, “Maybe even better if we catch the person red-handed.”

“Oh?” Ziro cocked any eyebrow, “How so?”

“He means, whatever we need to do, anything at all, to help, we will,” Gunray clarified when the man stopped pacing to look at them. They were not in the position to appear so necessary. Maybe Yoda and the professors at Hogwarts couldn’t get rid of him, but this person very much could if he wanted to.

“You find that child and the very moment you do, you contact me.” He said and then in a much lower, more lethal voice, “Or I will add your heads to the mantle. That, I swear to you.”

Gunray swallowed thickly, “And what about Dooku?”

“Let me deal with him.” He said, “He’s a bit tangled up at the moment anyway.”

Not sure what he meant by that, beyond the fact that there was clearly dual meaning to this phrase, but Gunray didn’t care. He was being given the opportunity to breathe through another day and to possibly salvage his own crucial mistakes.

“How do we contact you?” Ziro asked.

“Send an owl to the Pijal mansion.” He said simply, “Address it to Averross.”

Then, without further adieu and certainly without the flair that the Sith tended to walk with, made his exit by stepping back into the cabinet at the corner of the room and shutting it behind him.

They stood in silence for a long beat before Ziro swung a hand, thunking Gunray over the head and knocking his large had to the ground.

“This is all your fault!” He scowled, “I knew we should have stowed the kid in the forbidden forest.”

******************************************************************************

Later, when they were boarding the Hogwarts express to return for winter holiday, Obi-Wan and Satine had immediately snapped back into their responsibilities and roles. Satine took care to round up some of the wayward first years who had never done this before while Obi-Wan took roll-call for upperclassmen.

“I’ll see you on the train,” She said as she handed him his clipboard.

“Yes, indeed,” He nodded, trying very hard not to seem overly jubilant about something that should have been so mundane. His efforts were all for naught when he caught sight of the little hearts she’d doodled on the top corner of the sheet. When he looked up and met her knowing smile from across the platform, his heart jumped and it took ample focus to turn back to the task at hand.

“On the train,” He reminded himself quietly and then cleared his throat as he stepped aboard to see who was already in place.

He didn’t get very far before Cody slung an arm around Obi-Wan while he headed to their usual compartment.

“Cody Fett,” He checked his name off the list, “Are your brothers here?”

“Present and ready for duty, sir yes sir!” Fives or possibly Echo saluted Obi-Wan after appearing from nearly thin air. The twins had a habit of making themselves known at random if only to get a rise out of someone. Rex and Anakin were already sitting in their own compartment, conspiring and digging into melted chocolate frogs that were surely well beyond their expiration date, and gave him a chocolatey wave as he passed.

“Good good,” He said absently as he went about checking off names along his way.

It was always important for a prefect to remember every face to every name if at all possible, at least to Obi-Wan. While this was impossible for the beginning of the year, one had an entire semester to commit people to memory. Not only did it feel rather dreadful to go unnoticed by the leaders of the school, but for security purposes that were necessitated these days, it became all the more crucial.

It was also why Obi-Wan always finished roll-call faster than anyone else.

“So, you finally went for it, huh?” Cody elbowed his friend in the ribs and Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, a small smile playing at his lips as his mind drifted elsewhere. It was likely obvious to where or more accurately, to whom, but still.

“I believe it unwise to kiss and tell, Cody.” He said finally before nodding passively at Ventress, Faro, and Shu Mai along his way. Hondo seemed particularly invested in trying to sell muscle moisturizer to Quinlan Vos, who wasn’t biting in the slightest.

Hera and Caleb were in their own little world, giggling and doodling together on some script of parchment. Hera, for her part, was just excited to be on the train. This and the way back would, after all, be the only opportunities for Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students to ride the Hogwarts express if they’d wanted to.

“Shall I assume your portion of roll-call is finished, Caleb?” Obi-Wan asked awkwardly. It wasn’t as though he wanted to break up the moment between them, but if any students were missing, that would be a dreadful situation. There was already the matter of the missing Huttlet going around. They didn’t need any more trouble.

He snapped out of whatever reverie he and Hera personally shared and had the decency to look rather flushed at being caught slacking on the job. Still, Obi-Wan offered him an understanding smile to ease any of the stress that had clearly overcome the boy.

“Er… Just taking a break, sorry,” He cleared his throat and then checked off a box on his list. “Hera Syndulla… Is very much here.”

“How thorough of you,” Obi-Wan quipped, even knowing he didn’t have that much room to talk.

Stass and Aayla hardly looked up at Obi-Wan when he passed them, but then again, he doubted that Satine even divulged the change of plans to them. He could hardly blame them for having a touch of scorn. Padmé and her friends had more sympathy in their respective gazes, but Obi-Wan couldn’t feel its weight, not when he was feeling so light .

There was still much to do, of course. He’d slept for all of an hour the previous evening in lieu of the plans he’d meticulously constructed as well as a set of to do lists that would need to be sorted out in very recent timing. It would be overwhelming if he weren’t so resigned to his mission.

Not to mention needing to sort out the second task. If he wanted to see the light of day beyond the vice of his parents’ grasp, he very much needed to have the blank piece of golden parchment decoded. Perhaps, he could pick Cody and Satine’s brains as they made their way back to King’s Cross. It wouldn’t hurt to get a jumpstart on it.

From there, Obi-Wan drifted down the very end of the train, towards the professors’ compartment. He’d be dropping off his list to Professor Tahl this time, since she was his Head of House. Though he quite liked Professor Tahl as a person, it still felt a bit strange to think of anyone standing where Qui-Gon once did.

“Professor Tahl, all are accounted and-” His breath caught in his throat as he swung open the cabin door to reveal an oblique compartment with Professor Tahl, sitting cross legged and facing the shaded window at the center of the floor, completely alone.

Light poured in from behind Obi-Wan, but did not deter the stillness that engulfed the professor.

“His name… in blood…” she whispered. “Why are you showing me this?”

“Professor Tahl?” It wasn’t until he said her name again, after a very long pause of confusion, that she finally turned. He could see a fading clarity from her usually grayed out eyes, as if contrary to popular knowledge, she could actually see something.

She also seemed a bit befuddled before climbing to her feet, “Apologies, Obi-Wan… it seems I was caught in quite a daze.”

“A daze, ma’am?” He couldn’t help but gently push for clarity, because while she certainly didn’t appear possessed as the assassin last year had, she most certainly wasn’t just daydreaming.

“Something like that, anyway,” she let out a breath, “I believed I had a hold on them, but it seems visions of the future are the true deciders in that fashion.”

“Perhaps, you can talk to Sifo Dyas.” Obi-Wan suggested.

“Not a bad idea,” she said warmly, “Qui-Gon quite liked him.”

They stood there for a long beat, Obi-Wan trying to figure out what he should do next. He stopped from asking what she had seen, since it really wasn’t his business to pry. She was a professor and not one he knew too well just yet, despite being around her for the last semester.

In fact, he wondered if anyone really knew Tahl.

“Did he know about this?” He couldn’t bring himself to say his name right now. A lump caught in his throat as it had all summer. This was a habit he believed he’d shaken.

“Yes, I believe it’s what drew us close to each other to begin with,” She smiled ruefully, “Occasional clairvoyance does very little good, I’m afraid, though. I’m hardly as theatrical about it as Professor Dias is.”

That much he could believe.

“It feels a bit like a migraine, you see.” She explained and shook it off, “Just something to be dealt with alone in the dark, in silence.”

“I see,” Obi-Wan nodded, “Well, I hope it was at least a happy one.”

It was a lame response and he knew it, but Tahl smiled regardless and nodded before collecting his clipboard and silently giving him his cue to take leave. She averted his gaze from there.

His head was swimming as he made his way back to his compartment, trying to figure out, not for the first time, why Qui-Gon had never mentioned her before. Moreover, why she had looked away so suddenly when he suggested the vision be happy.

“There you are,” Satine chastised when he finally joined her and Cody. He made sure to sit next to her this time, fervor flushing across his chest when they both instinctively inched closer than usual. That was without taking a moment to look and appreciate the sight of her in her normal clothes. While he’d seen her in jeans before, the green scoop-neckline sweater was new and most intriguing.

“What, did you go and walk the whole grounds?” Cody teased, “Hardly nice to keep your best mates waiting.”

“Professor Tahl was acting a bit strange,” Obi-Wan said thoughtfully, unsure how much he should relay the encounter. Then again, on paper there wasn’t much to relay. Just a weird feeling.

“Strange, how?” Satine asked.

“Yeah er… Like she was keeping a big secret or something hidden?” Cody asked, shifting in his seat uncomfortably.

“What would she be hiding?” Obi-Wan asked, frowning.

“I dunno, come on! It’s not like she’d be the first shady professor to work at this school,” Cody said, though if Obi-Wan didn’t know better, he sounded a bit defensive. “And don’t go off saying she was a friend of Qui-Gon’s, because so was Dooku.”

Satine raised an eyebrow, “No one has said anything of the sort, but you seem pretty quick to sell her down the river when Ben hasn’t even said what’s happened.”

He crossed his arms, “Look at him, he looks like he’d seen a ghost. That’s enough proof for me that something fishy is going on with her.”

“She is a bit of a mystery still,” Satine sighed, “But I quite like her. I suppose we shouldn’t rule anyone out of suspicion though. After all, Ben’s saboteur is still very much on the loose.”

“Exactly,” Cody nodded vigorously, though Obi-Wan had a nagging feeling there was something Cody wasn’t saying. When he caught his gaze, he shifted again in his seat, “So what did happen back there, Kenobi?”

“It’s tough to explain,” He said, “She was talking to someone who wasn’t really there. About blood.”

“See, just what we need, another batty Professor. Can’t this sort of nonsense wait until we graduate?” He complained.

“Whatever it was, she was quite shaken, but didn’t want me to know about it.” He said, “It didn’t sound like she wanted to be in the midst of it though. It’ll likely make itself known soon enough. As well as the other mysteries lingering around us.”

“Our annual quota of danger hasn’t quite been fulfilled it seems,” Satine sighed and her pinky finger looped through his where it rested on the minimal seat space between them. He smiled and reciprocated this action, inching closer until simply covering her hand with his entirely, locking their fingers like a perfect puzzle.

“We’ll figure it out,” He said gently, observing every feature on her face with nothing short of reverence, “We always do.”

“Yeah,” She hummed, “We do.”

And just like that, they were lost for a moment, where the uneasiness that had washed over him from his encounter with Professor Tahl was gone. Maybe he should be concerned about how distracting this feeling was, but it was so new and warm, this exposure of their hearts, that he couldn’t deny the thrill of it even if he wanted to.

“This is going to take some getting used to,” Cody commented, stirring them both from their gaze though their hold on each other’s hands remained strong, “Snogging and getting handsy would be one thing, but going all soft on each other is another.”

“Well, hopefully, you will have plenty of time to adjust.” Satine grinned.

Later, when the train regretfully screeched to a halt outside of King’s Cross, and the immediate surgence of students leaping from their compartments and out to greet their parents and loved ones began, the loud whistle only served as a warning bell to Obi-Wan. He looked at his two best friends and realized that this would be the last time they would take their exits for winter break.

Only, when Satine’s hand didn’t immediately leave his, was he reminded that this would be far from like the other times.

“I suppose that’s our cue,” Cody sighed and moved to get up, “Finally, some time for Quidditch.”

Satine rolled her eyes, “Thank the heavens for that.”

“Hey now, I’ve been deprived all year,” Cody said, “Go easy on me.”

“Us? Never.” Obi-Wan chuckled and just before he could stand and move to assist in removing bags and reuniting families, he felt a tug on the sleeve of his robe.

“Hey,” Satine murmured quietly, a concerned look coloring her beautiful blue eyes, “Please be safe this break.”

“Always, my dear,” He promised, even if the very sensation of having and allowing someone to care for him so ostensibly was almost overwhelming in this moment. So much so, that Obi-Wan used the ignorance of the hurrying crowd as a shield to guard them from the quick kiss he pressed upon her lips.

She smiled brilliantly, and he laughed a bit, giving her hand one last squeeze before they parted to separate worlds for what he hoped to be the last time.

******************************************************************************

Hondo didn’t much like when others took up his skulking business. After all, he was supposed to be the most reputable slime ball in all of Hogwarts. Though he’d love to have a protegee to pass on his wisdom for generations to come, no one had properly requested his aid in such a matter. That wasn’t the usual way of scoundrels, though. Most simply believed they could con the world for its rubbish and pawn them off as riches.

But if there was one thing Hondo really didn’t like, it was when little creeps were performing such cons on his friends. Only he could perform subterfuge and blackmail on them if he so wished! Business was business, but Hondo did have a shred of decency in his bones. Not business associates, because those could be screwed time and time again so long as Hondo continued to deliver the goods that were relevant and needed.

But a true friend.

And really, Hondo’s only friend was Kenobi. He believed he was getting somewhere with Kryze for a while and maybe the Fetts, but they were still a work in progress. At the very least, they didn’t squirm every time he made his presence known. He’d get them some day, surely.

Kenobi, while quite bright for their age, didn’t have the heart to sense trickery and evil the way he believed. Hondo had spent enough time engaging with the less savory side of the community alongside his family to see it; people that Kenobi’s parents would never dare to shake the hand of. It was his specialty, of course. He knew a scheme when he saw one just by the look in the perpetrator’s eyes.

Usually, this was most beneficial for business deals. He was thriving quite well with his merchandise this year and that was no accident. Had he ripped a few people off to get the prices he needed? Perhaps, but Hondo didn’t worry about problems that could be saved for different days. He was always taught to handle life as it came.

It was for this reason that when he saw Faro Argyus snickering as he looked at the photograph that had just slipped out of the camera, Hondo had a feeling that he was not simply taking good hearted selfies with friends. That wasn’t really Argyus’ style. When he seemed to be motioning over Ventress, Hondo knew it couldn’t be good either.

“Faro, my friend! What do you have there?” Hondo asked, slapping a hand on the snobby Slytherin’s shoulder. Whether or not he would burn it later was debatable and really not Hondo’s problem. He was fairly certain most of it was padding anyway.

And judging by the rest of his tight clothes, not just in his shoulders.

“Scram, Hondo, you are not getting anywhere near this goldmine.” He huffed and turned the picture away from him, but not quick enough for Hondo to avoid catching a glimpse.

As suspected, Kenobi was involved, but this was no ordinary embarrassing picture. This was Kenobi and Kryze… Kissing!

First of all, Hondo had many questions as to when that happened, but the fact that it wasn’t served as a public service announcement had to mean that there was a very strict purpose for that. Argyus, by the way he grinned maniacally, however, did not give the least bit of a damn.

“You never struck Hondo as the type to be at a loss for cash,” He said coolly.

Argyus raised a bushy blond eyebrow in annoyance, “Money isn’t the only currency and it certainly isn’t the most crucial.”

Hondo rolled his eyes. He felt like his own lines were being used against him somehow, but didn’t really have time for it. By the time Argyus got off this train, he’d corner Kenobi or Kryze and whatever little smoochy smooches they’d managed to sneak would be put to an end. Hondo could not let that happen.

“So you intend to blackmail him, yes?” He asked.

“And some say you’re slow,” Argyus said sarcastically.

A loud whistle startled them both and Argyus flickered his gaze around them. He looked quite intent on moving past Hondo, who presently stood as a roadblock to the exit of the train.

“Well, those people should really say you’re slow,” Hondo said.

“And why is that?” He crossed his arms, keeping a tight grip on the picture.

“Because look!” Hondo turned it back to him. Where there had once been a kissing Head Boy and Head Girl, there was now one of Hondo’s headshots for if his modeling career ever took off. Even more exciting, was that it was the swimsuit rendition.

“Wh- How? What have you done?” Argyus growled.

“A magician never tells,” Hondo laughed and slapped him on the back, “You should still be able to turn a profit from that beauty if you sell it in the right direction though.”

Speechless at how the tables had turned so quickly and right before his eyes, Argyus watched helplessly as Hondo smiled to himself and turned to grab his trunk and leave the train briskly.

If Argyus wanted to be good at blackmail, he really needed to learn to have a better hold on his prizes. A simple distraction and a quick swap out, with the help of magic, made it very possible to literally steal the snapshot right from under his pointed nose.

No, he wouldn’t be exploiting Kenobi today. However, he patted the picture that currently sat in his pocket, he’d be sure to give it to them at a later date if they really wanted it. After he made t-shirts. With their approval of course.

Well, with their consent for their secret love to be known, that is. He doubted they’d be thrilled about the t-shirts in any case. He still needed to make a profit!

“Kenobi, we’re even,” He said as he passed him.

“Pardon?” He tilted his head, not aware of what had transpired.

“Don’t worry about it,” He winked, “Oh, and congratulations.”

Yes, Kenobi was luckier than he knew to have Hondo around. He’d look forward to teasing him about this later and for as long as he lived for that matter.

******************************************************************************

“Why did you show me this, Qui-Gon?” Tahl murmured to herself, “Is that why I’ve been brought here? To watch Obi-Wan Kenobi die?”

#obitine #Obi-Wan Kenobi #Satine Kryze #Anakin Skywalker #the clone wars #tcw #star wars #magical forces au #hpau

[itimetraveller]

The Spirit OF So

 Back in 450 bc ,there used to be a man by the name of Sonej . Sonej was from a country named Asmarath located in east Europe and the king of that country was named Adan . Sonej was different than the other people . In fact some believed he was blessed from the higher realms . He used to be able to become invisible and read peoples’ mind without a problem . He was an extremely powerful psychic . He was able to help people with their decisions in life and guide them to success . Predicting future events was one of his favorites things to do . He wanted to bring peace in this world with his abilities . He wanted to bring justice and expose those who harmed others . But that was putting in danger the ones who controlled societies back then . It didn't take long for Sonej to become extremely popular back then . Everyone knew about him. People loved him but some hated him . Because they knew that he could know, at any time, about their sins . Many people got exposed , many people were punished with a death sentence , many criminals were thrown away and that scared the elites , the ones who control this world . One night all the elites gathered up , and they started planning their way of killing Sonej . After hours of talking and planning , they decided on how they are going to set him up . Days went by , Sonej was bringing more and more justice and peace to this world , and then he finally meets her . He met a girl that instantly fell in love with . They both got along so fast . Everything felt more magical with her . Sonej became much more happier and felt so much love within him . Her name was Sena . She was the daughter of the King Adan who had control of the county Asmarath.  King Adan seemed innocent in the public , but behind the scenes he was a monster . So many innocent people were sacrificed because of him . So many criminals were free because of him . And he was aware of it . And happy about it because they did his dirty work for him . He knew though that Sonej would eventually find out about him and expose him so he wanted him gone . He was so souless that he agreed with the elites to sacrifice his daughter for his safety . The elites provided Adan with a witch who was going to cast a suicide spell on Sena . Sena would invite Sonej to her room and then she would grab a sharp object from her room and cut her neck in front of him while falling to his arms . Sonej would be then be accused of murder .King Adan encouraged Sena to invite him one night on their palace to meet him .  Sena invited Sonej to their palace , Sonej accepted the invitation gladly , he was so happy to meet her parents finally . When he arrived at the palace, Sena greeted him and she took him to her room . Told him that her parents will be back soon to meet him . The witch was aware of when he entered the room as she pretended to be a servant of the house . She watched them both enter the room and then she ran into the king's room where she started casting the spell . Sonej and Sena started kissing and all of a sudden Sena grabs a sharp green crystal from her desk and cuts her neck in front of Sonej eyes . Sonej remained speechless as he watches everything go down . He couldn't believe it . He just didn't know what to do. Sena passed away , and then her father came back in a rush after informed by the witch and he pretended to be surprised and heartbroken . Sonej looked the father in the eyes and instantly understood what was going on  ... but he couldn't say anything ... He accused Sonej of murder and of course because he was the king, people didn't doubt him , especially those who had commited terrible sins and were free because of him . Sonej a week later was sentenced to death . He accepted his fate ... his heart broke into pieces ... He was completely numbed . Before he died he said ' After i die , i wil forever watch over the innocents and always make the criminals mysteriously die in this country , i will haunt everyone who sinned . You didn't bring an end to this . In fact , we are just getting started ... ' And as the days went by , criminals would be found dead with a wide cut on their neck and King Adan was later on found hanging from the top of his palace and his eyes rolled out . Asmarath was later on abandoned , because no matter how simple the sin was , it would lead you to a painful suicide . The spirit of Sonej never left  and it still haunts this town . Asmarath is considered to be a small part of the east Hungary .

#short story #storytelling #true story #creepypasta #scary stories #urban legends #paranormal #demon #angel numbers #spiritual #writes #writing #My writing #women writers #authors #movie quotes #movie #movie addict #movie art #classic movies #horrible histories #horror #nightmare #art #sad #lovers #american horror story #story ideas #filmmaking #horror film

[marisatomay]

#nancy WHAT #girl he didn’t ‘sacrifice his life for justice’ he was MURDERED !!!!!! #what the HELL nance!!!!!!!! #the video of her remarks is even worse wtf

[yeeyee-alumni]

Joel did not doom humanity (no matter how much the second game wants you to believe that)

To demonize Joel’s decision at the end of the first game (saving his surrogate daughter’s life) you need to bend over backwards and ignore any and all context the first game gave us with regards to who the Fireflies truly are. Because the truth of the matter is: a) they knocked Joel unconscious while he was trying to revive a young girl b) they drugged Ellie immediately to tear her body apart for their needs c) THEY DID NOT ASK ELLIE FOR PERMISSION to give her life for their cause, they didn’t even tell her she would have to die (Ellie was making plans with Joel after the giraffe scene, “Once we're done, we'll go wherever you want. Okay?”, clearly indicating she had no idea she would have to die) d) they did not let Ellie and Joel see each other to say their goodbyes e) they were about to walk Joel out into the wilderness without any of his gear/resources, which during the zombie apocalypse is a certain death sentence f) they didn’t hold up their end of the bargain (remember how Marlene promised Joel guns in return for delivering Ellie?) So even if you show them as much goodwill as possible, the Fireflies are still a bunch of assholes. If the exact opposite had happened, they let Joel go all on good terms and then he suddenly decided to turn around and murder everyone I would have called him a terrible person, but that is not what happened. As it stands, the Fireflies are shady and questionable at best. But it actually gets worse:

a) the procedure that would 100% kill Ellie had an incredibly low success rate (the doctor mentioned in his recording that every previous operation with other test subjects had failed) b) the same recording mentions cerebrospinal fluid having been extracted, meaning they were capable of performing a non-lethal spinal tab, but they’re unable to perform a non-lethal biopsy or craniotomy on Ellie? (this may seem like nit-picking, but actually further solidifies my point about how incompetent the Fireflies/Abby’s dad were/was) c) to add to their immense incompetence, mere hours after receiving Ellie they decide to IMMEDIATELY KILL THE ONLY PERSON KNOWN TO BE IMMUNE as oppose to keeping her alive for as long as possible to run every single test in existence on her. But let's paint a picture of the best case scenario, which is Jerry, the absolute legend that he is, actually manages to get a vaccine out of Ellie, what happens then? a) How are the Fireflies, who are nearly extinct at this point, supposed to MASS PRODUCE and NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTE a vaccine? That is logistically impossible. b) More than likely, they would use the vaccine as a bargaining chip against FEDRA (granted, this is more a guess than a fact, but to believe they wouldn’t take advantage of the vaccine in the fight for political power against the government they’ve been fighting for years is beyond naïve). But let’s be even more generous: turns out the Fireflies are the most altruistic resistance group to have ever existed, they actually manage to produce and distribute the vaccine into every last corner of the country, everyone is immune. What now? a) You might be immune to spores and bites, but your immunity doesn’t help you when a clicker rips your throat out or a bloater crushes you to death, the infected can still kill you in numerous other ways. b) The faction wars going on are not gonna disappear overnight. WLF and Seraphites will continue to kill each other by the dozens every day, one could even argue that introducing a vaccine into the conflict would only cause things to escalate further. c) Numerous cannibals, hunters and bandits still roam the country, they will not abandon their practices overnight and they are arguably a much bigger threat than the infected to begin with. Just because everyone is immune does not mean that the world returns to sunshine, rainbows, and flowers. To imply that it would, means being simplistic and naive beyond reason. It should be obvious by now that Ellie’s death WOULD NOT HAVE IMPROVED ANYTHING. The chances of actually getting a vaccine are slim to none, the chances of vaccinating everyone are even more dour, and even then the overall situation would not improve much. With such bad prospects I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice my child either. (I am aware that an argument can be made that none of these factors had an impact on Joel’s decision to save Ellie, yet they’re still crucial when making a judgement about the Fireflies/Abby’s dad). To summarize: a) Abby’s dad was incompetent and a horrible person (his conversation with Abby in the second game tells us that he would not be willing to sacrifice his own child, but if it’s someone else’s it’s a-okay for him). b) The Fireflies were a malicious and incompetent terrorist group with messed up morals. c) No, Joel did not doom humanity. Subsequently, Abby’s quest for revenge was not justified because the Fireflies and her dad were never justified in their actions to begin with. And this is only solidified by the second game having to retcon the hell out of all these arguments I just painstakingly illustrated and explained in order to even attempt to have Abby’s motivation be seen as justified. Only one example being how it was clearly established in the first game that they had MULTIPLE doctors in Salt Lake City (Marlene: “The doctors tell me that the cordyceps, the growth inside her, has somehow mutated.”; Ellie: “She said that they have their own little quarantine zone. With doctors there still trying to find a cure.”). Yet in the second game we are told by

Abby that actually no, turns out her dad was the only doctor that could have developed vaccine. And it doesn't take mental gymnastics to see why the second game takes it upon itself to alter most of the context of the first one: to (retroactively!) condemn Joel. HOWEVER, a sequel doesn’t get to pick and choose which established facts from the first entry it builds upon or what it gets to retroactively declare as non-canon only to have it fit their preferred narrative. Quite frankly, that’s bad writing. A sequel, in order to be considered well-written, has to not only be a natural continuation of the events, but has to stay consistent with the characters and the world that were previously set up. And if you have to alter much of the context to make it look like Joel condemned the world, isn't that the most obvious sign that he never actually did? And all of this effort for just one goal: to justify Abby’s quest for revenge and yet it still wasn’t and here’s why: Joel killed her dad in order to PREVENT HIM FROM KILLING HIS DAUGHTER. Abby on the other hand WILFULLY SLOW TORTURED Joel for what appears to be hours, prolonging his death for as long as possible, all for her own gratification (and we won't mention how she went through with it despite Ellie's crying and pleading). And don’t even try to make the argument about Abby wanting “justice”, Joel didn’t torture her dad out of revenge or for his own gratification - this is not justice, this is simply sadistic. A man killing someone who is about to murder their child in semi-self-defense cannot be compared to someone wilfully slow torturing someone to death for their own gratification, like Jesus, I didn’t think I’d have to spell that one out. I am aware that the second game tries to do whatever it can, including retconning their own original story, to paint Ellie and (especially!) Joel as evil. And for a considerable amount of the player base this actually worked, and while I cannot find it in me to condemn them (we all experience stories differently after all), I reserve the right to reject arguments in defense of Abby such as “all people are forced to do bad things during the apocalypse” and “does context even matter?”. If the only way you can defend/justify Abby's actions is to remove all context and nuance, then your reasoning is built on quicksand.

#I posted this a while ago but my account got deleted so here it is again #tlou #the last of us #ellie #joel #abby #tlou2 #the last of us 2 #the last of us part 2 #ellie williams #joel miller #abby anderson #writing #storytelling #rant #post apocalypse #video games #naughty dog #tweaked the last two paragraphs a bit after having been made aware that I came across as defensive and accusatory #that was not my intention

[rivalsforlife]

Phoenix Wright: The Truth Reborn: Oh No We’re Doing This Again

hi.

Nearly two months ago, I wrote an essay summarizing and making very wild conclusions about the second Takarazuka Musical. I did this about two and a half years after watching the first Takarazuka musical. As such I did not have the full context for many things from the musical and was relying mostly on my memory, which blocked many things from this musical for my own safety. However, just this week, I decided to rewatch it, because I enjoy tormenting myself. I said I wouldn’t write anything on it. Here I am writing something on it.

Here’s the youtube thumbnail so that you know what you’re getting yourself into. And here, of course, is the link. This is the HD version which may be slightly more pleasant to watch. Maybe.

It was not quite as cringe in a funny way as the second musical to me, and therefore this essay may be less funny, but I feel like I’m doing a disservice to people by providing a summary of the second musical while completely neglecting the first. Quite possibly doing this is even more of a disservice. I just eagerly await the day that the third musical is translated because *that* will be the day that I finally shuffle off this mortal coil. Either way, I want to write this stuff down so that I never have to watch the musical again out of curiosity.

The following essay will contain major spoilers for both the first and second Phoenix Wright Takarazuka musicals, as I will be using many points from this musical to argue my thesis of the second musical. ... like you were going to watch them anyways. 

This one broke 8k. I’m dead inside.

Introducing The Director

Again another disclaimer that I don’t have anything against the actresses or the theatre troupe. I DO have something against Suzuki Kei, who I recently learned is the writer and director of all three of the Ace Attorney Takarazuka musicals, and is quite possibly my mortal nemesis.

This man is the one who brought this monstrosity into the world.

This man, allegedly, cleared the first four ace attorney games *seven times* before sitting down to write these musicals. He played these goddamn games seven times and did not take in a single word. The man clicked through them mindlessly while watching a badly written legal romance drama in the background and got them completely confused. I genuinely have no idea how this man could have played these games more times than even me and yet managed to get so many characters (MAYA!!!!) completely and utterly wrong. This haunts me every day, truly.

This man played Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Justice for All, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Trials and Tribulations, and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney seven times. SEVEN TIMES EACH!! and was told to create a musical based on the series. He played these games seven times each and you know what he said?? You know what he said?? “This sucks, I’m getting rid of all of Phoenix’s backstory, butchering half the characters, and writing Phoenix/Lana fanfiction, but also rewriting all of Lana’s backstory so that she was Phoenix’s childhood friend, and you know what, I’m changing her name for good measure.”

I think this man played the games seven times each and then hated it so much and was so sick of it he tried to write something that destroyed as much of the series as possible while still being vaguely recognizable. And then somehow it became a massive hit because people like me see this and go “what the actual hell” and watch it, or people who haven’t played the games see this and go “wow what a great musical!” and then he wrote TWO MORE, destroying EVEN MORE every time in his wake, until finally, finally, he stopped after making Edgeworth straight and time traveling into the past to face off against a corrupt Gregory. I guess that was the last straw.

I have to issue a disclaimer here that for legal reasons this is a joke. I don’t actually hate this man and would not punch him in the face if I met him because that would be rude, and he is entitled to his wrong interpretation of the games. I don’t know what his thought process was. But allegedly he did play the games seven times according to the wiki. This whole essay here is satire and not slander and I don’t want to offend this guy if he somehow stumbles across my nonsense tumblr post. At the same time: Suzuki Kei blink twice if you need help.

Anyways half the reason that I’m making this essay is because I want to share my fake ao3 page for this musical. The other half will become apparent later.

Sorry if that’s illegible because of tumblr quality it’s not really important. All you really need to know is that it’s a fake ao3 screenshot for the musical. Also in the author’s note I said he played the games four times but it was actually seven I just remembered wrong because I didn’t want to believe it.

at this point you may be like “Grace shut up and get to the actual musical” and okay, fine, let’s start this nonsense. Also note that I may be referencing things from my essay on the second musical very frequently; I’m not going to force you to go read that though because the fact that you’re reading this is enough of a torment already.

The Musical Begins

Unlike the second musical, this one opens with some narration from Phoenix.

Transcript:

Phoenix: I’m reviewing a particular case at the moment. To me, this case... is one I’ll never forget.

Immediately I think this is important because it establishes that this whole musical takes place in a flashback that Phoenix is reflecting on. Why is this important? Because we know, by the time of the second musical which takes place three years later, Leona is dead.

Knowing that Leona is inherently doomed to die of her Sad Woman Disease paints this whole musical in a different light. It’s not Phoenix reflecting on how he got back together with his lover; it’s Phoenix dwelling on their past together, and the opportunities they had, before her life was so cruelly and inexplicably taken away. We don’t know if Phoenix’s reminiscing takes place before or after Leona’s death... but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was after.

Phoenix, still in the present, starts to sing. “A wave appears on the horizon like a mirage, it trembles, then vanishes. Your voice, carried upon the waves, fades upon the shore, erasing the splendor of the past.”

This line actually shows up in the second musical, sung by Lucia about her imprisoned fiance quite possibly. It’s kind of hard to tell what the meaning of these songs even are. They’re too abstract for me I think. But this line appears very frequently in the first musical when Phoenix is thinking about Leona.

Then we enter the flashback time.

Phoenix inexplicably yells at a newspaper saleswoman. This is not relevant to anything whatsoever. Then Larry barges in to the office, looking for Maya. Phoenix describes him as “A real trouble maker, but you just can’t hate the guy”, the latter part of which I think many people would disagree with. 

Well, afterwards, Maya comes in. Phoenix describes her like this while making exaggerated “can you believe this shit” gestures.

Transcript:

Phoenix: She’s as ditzy as they come. Oh, and about the outfit... Apparently she comes from a family of spirit mediums. Try not to make fun of her, okay?

Suzuki Kei personally has it out for Maya and I can never forgive him for it. Maya in these musicals is here for pure comedic relief but it’s not even comedic because I just get so angry. How can you play the trilogy seven times and think this about her?? The girl who figured out DL-6?? The girl who told Phoenix to sacrifice her life in order to find the truth?? The girl who put on a brave smile in order to try and cheer up her younger cousin even after she saw her own mother murdered right in front of her eyes?? That Maya Fey?? Ditzy as they come??????

Ugh. Moving on.

Maya and Larry run off, leaving Phoenix to watch the American Broadcast.

Important things to note here are the Godot mug, the little line up of what I think are the messed up little ace attorney figurines beneath the screen, and the fact that while this broadcast is supposedly from and to America the screen is actually not at all showing America. Like literally almost everywhere in the world except North and South America.

The broadcast says that Leona Clyde, age 24, was arrested for murdering the senator Robert Cole! Leona Clyde -- that’s Phoenix’s ex-girlfriend! He runs off to the detention center.

She is not happy to see him.

Leona: Mr. Wright... I’m not the woman you once knew.

Let’s Play A Matching Game

Sorry for the abundance of screenshots that are going to be throughout this section. Phoenix convinces Leona to let him defend her. Some of the conversation seems... familiar.

Leona: No one would defend someone who admits to killing a senator. I’m waiting for a court-appointed attorney.

Edgeworth: Every defense attorney I’ve talked to has turned me down.

Phoenix: In that case, let me defend you.

Game Phoenix: Let me defend you.

Leona: Don’t be ridiculous!

Edgeworth: Don’t be ridiculous.

Phoenix: I’ll never accept that you’re a murderer. Let me prove your innocence!

Game Phoenix: Huh? Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to prove that Miles Edgeworth is innocent.

Leona: I’ve already confessed my guilt.

Gumshoe: He confessed that he did it! In court!

Leona: It’s foolish to think you can win this case.

Edgeworth: My case is near hopeless, Wright.

Leona: (in response to phoenix offering to defend her) No you won’t! Don’t ever come here again.

Edgeworth: Look, just go away, and leave me alone!

Phoenix: You of all people should know. Once I decide to do something, I see it through to the end.

Edgeworth: Once you start on something, you always see it through, don’t you?

Leona: I never thought that you’d be representing me.

Phoenix: Ah, who could have guessed this day would come?

Edgeworth: Not me.

Phoenix: You believed in me. You saved me. And this time, I swear... I swear I’ll save you!

Game Phoenix: Edgeworth believed in me, and I believe in him. I’m the only one who knows the real Edgeworth. I’m the only one who can help him.

I could’ve done a few more, but tumblr is already threatening to murder my laptop.

So long story short, Phoenix manages to convince his lover to let him be the defense on the case. Then immediately after swearing to save Leona, he starts singing a song, which I’m not screencapping because this is enough:

“As long as there are people in this world, there’s only one path I will follow! As long as there is love in this world, there’s only one path I will believe in!”

Edgeworth sings this in the second musical after saying that he returned to California because of Phoenix. Phoenix sings it now after swearing to defend Leona. You draw your own conclusions.

And then we finally get the opening credits. Eleven minutes in.

Just Pretend This Is Narumitsu Fanfiction

Following the credits, we see a beautiful beach. Couples (exclusively heterosexual, of course,) dance and embrace in the background for some time, before revealing Phoenix and Leona, in the Even Further Past, before the LSATs or whatever the ace attorney universe’s excuse for law school exams are.

Phoenix establishes his absolute hatred of change, an important characterization moment.

Phoenix: The view here never changes, huh?

Phoenix reminisces on when they were kids. Leona’s parents were both lawyers (they’re both lawyers) and sometimes they would be like lawyers with her when she was a kid. This inspired her to also become a lawyer after their tragic death of Sickness. They never specify what the sickness is that caused two people who must be relatively young to die while Leona was in her early twenties at the latest. It may be whatever sickness claimed Leona’s life later. Sad Woman Disease. (Sad Man Disease for her father, I guess?)

Phoenix also talks about why he’s becoming a lawyer.

Phoenix: Watching you chase your dream inspired me to become a lawyer too.

So, it’s not “my childhood friend looked sad in a newspaper” because I guess that makes no sense or is too gay or something. But this is another important piece of Phoenix characterization. His entire life so far has been focused around Leona. They’ve been friends since they were kids, and then Phoenix decided to become a lawyer solely because Leona was becoming a lawyer. Not even to try and get back into contact with her after she moved away or anything; just because he’s so obsessed with her that he wants to have the same career as her, then they can run a Mom & Pop Law Firm or something, years in the future, after years of happy marriage and a few children or like whatever the hell.

Well, there’s a few steps they’ll need to get to that. At this point Phoenix still hasn’t confessed his feelings for Leona. He does so here, on this beach.

Leona tries to protest.

Leona: But I’m pushy, selfish, and only care about my goals... You’d get fed up with me.

Phoenix: That’s what I’ve always admired about you. That’s who I’ve been chasing all these years. That’s the only person... I love.

Sooo, Phoenix, your type is pushy selfish people who only care about their goals...? In the first, older lower-quality video translation it was “only care about my work”, too. Hm. Things to think about.

They sing a little duet together. Then we go back to present-day of what’s technically still a flashback. Whatever. Murder is happening.

Back To The Murder

So some plot things to establish: Leona is the legal counsel of Governor Miller, who is running for president in the AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. After the flashback so that Phoenix has some time to change clothes, they show an interview of him talking about the murder.

Governor Miller: I vow to forge a peaceful country with my own two hands, and to prepare myself for whatever may lie ahead.

Reporters: Through thick and thin, he’s a friend of the people!

The Takarazuka musicals are not very good at hiding their killers.

Phoenix: Oh yeah... It’s almost time for the presidential election, isn’t it?

NEVER FORGET, WRIGHT. THIS IS AMERICA. LAND OF THE FREE! god what even was that line.

Anyways, we meet Gumshoe, who is incompetent once again. Maya runs around the crime scene, picks up the murder weapon, puts her fingerprints all over everything, moves things around, all while Phoenix is like “lol get a load of the world’s stupidest girl” or whatever. But who cares about that.

It’s time to get to the only valid part of this musical.

Edgeworth’s Gay Little Villain Solo

You may have seen this one before.

Edgeworth arrives, but not really. It’s like Phoenix heard Edgeworth was prosecuting and immediately entered a dream-like state, where Edgeworth is heralded by the sound of trumpets in Great Revival. He’s played by a different actress than in the other two musicals, since I think she retired in between the six or so months from this musical to the second. She still plays the role well, though, or as well as can be when you’re written in an ace attorney Takarazuka musical.

Shrouded in scarlet solitude... it’s Edgeworth.

Yes, those are six Edgeworths. Yes, they pick Phoenix up and carry him around and dance with him. Yes, it was probably not meant to be at all homoerotic.

He sings a song that’s called “My rule”. I only figured this out later, but it’s loosely based on a “catchphrase” of his in the Japanese version - in game 1 he says something along the lines of “All I can do is get every defendant declared guilty! So I make that my policy.” In DD in his dramatic anime introduction before the trial, he says “I intend to question the defendant with all I have. For that is a part of my creed.” “So I make that my policy” and “For that is a part of my creed”, to my understanding, are both translated from the same line, which I think is like, “sore ga watashi no ruru”, “That is my rule.” (If I’m wrong, please correct me.) In this song he sings about how he’ll reduce all criminals to ash and such, basically talks about his game 1 prosecuting strategy as “my rule”. 

It’s very fun and probably if you want to only watch one number of this musical, it can be this one. It starts about 26:10 in the video I linked.

Once the musical number is done, Phoenix and Edgeworth stare at each other, and the background fades into the courtroom, so court begins. I feel like I should note that Phoenix has not picked up any evidence or talked to any witnesses in this investigation except for Gumshoe, since Maya just moved some things around and then Phoenix had some weird fever dream about Edgeworth which presumably took up the rest of the day.

The Trial, Day 1

Edgeworth: Consider it a prelude to the poignant Greek tragedy that’s about to unfold.

Maya: The real tragedy’s your pompous attitude!

Those are the only screenshots I took of this trial day. Here’s a summary, though:

The trial starts off with Leona confessing, Phoenix says “no I think she’s innocent”, and since ace attorney doesn’t care about the defendant’s wishes he’s allowed to proceed. For some reason Leona lets him do this without complaint. 

Gumshoe is the first witness, he claims to have caught Leona red-handed at the scene of the crime, standing over the corpse. Phoenix tries to claim that since Gumshoe didn’t see Leona committing the crime, he didn’t actually catch her red-handed, to which Edgeworth responds “What do you think being caught red-handed means?” 

Once Gumshoe is dismissed, Lotta takes the stand. She has a photo of the actual moment of the crime, where Leona is holding a knife in the air in front of the victim. 

The Takarazuka musicals like to do this thing where the image is blurry and zoomed out, but then Phoenix will go “I’VE NOTICED A CONTRADICTION” and it zooms in really far as the resolution increases drastically in order to show you the contradiction that is impossible to spot for yourself, because they don’t want people figuring out the mystery in this musical based off of a video game where you have to solve the mystery yourself. Anyways Phoenix zooms in on this photo and sees that there’s blood on Leona’s hand, presumably before she stabbed the victim. How did it get there?

Edgeworth suggests the victim was stabbed multiple times. Phoenix says the autopsy report contradicts that. Edgeworth, uncharacteristically, does not update it to suit his argument. 

Phoenix concludes that this photo is not showing the moment Leona stabbed the victim, but the moment Leona removed the knife! ... Which somehow casts doubt on her having been the one to stab the victim. Because as everyone knows, anyone wanting to kill someone would never remove a knife, it’s not like they’d bleed out faster that way, or anything.

And this whole contradiction is confusing because presumably if the victim was stabbed and then the knife was removed, they’d know that happened, because then the knife would not be found stuck in the victim’s body, since the victim was only stabbed once. So this shouldn’t be news to the prosecution that someone removed the knife after stabbing. But the investigation was headed by the most incompetent version of Gumshoe ever, so. sure. I guess no one knew.

That at least manages to extend the trial another day.

This Totally Has To Be Illegal

After the trial, Phoenix goes to talk to Governor Miller, aka Mr. Totally The Real Killer. Phoenix asks him why he decided to hire Leona as his legal advisor.

Basically, it’s because her parents were both renowned lawyers. Her father was a Chief Prosecutor, and her mother was a defense attorney. ... a prosecutor and a defense attorney couple... who does that remind us of...

Phoenix points out that just because her parents were good lawyers, it doesn’t mean she’d necessarily be one. Miller says that, sure, but she is actually really talented, and her law school marks were spectacular. Phoenix says “WHY WERE YOU LOOKING AT HER LAW SCHOOL MARKS”, like it’s somehow? suspicious? for a government official hiring legal counsel to look at their law school marks?

Apparently it IS suspicious because Governor Miller freaks out and asks if this is an interrogation. Before Phoenix can press much further, he gets a phone call, and leaves Phoenix alone in a big room.

So naturally Phoenix behaves like a fully grown adult running a law firm.

If all he did was sit in the chair, lift up a desk lamp, and poke his finger on a pen, that’s one thing. But then he leans over, OPENS THE GOVERNOR’S DESK DRAWER, and finds a knife that’s just sitting there casually. It looks like a butter knife. It’s not anything major. Maybe the dude just wanted to butter his toast?

I mean I know Phoenix will dig around in stuff whenever in the games, but he has no reason to suspect Governor Miller at all, much less dig through his drawer probably full of confidential government documents to lift up a knife that he thinks is suspicious. It’s not even covered in blood or anything?

Naturally Governor Miller’s assistant comes in just then, and Phoenix puts the knife. in his breast pocket. 

bud. It may look like a butter knife, but putting knives up against your chest is not a great idea. Much less stealing a knife from a governor? 

Well, in his panic, he accidentally knocks over a bunch of books on the desk. The governor’s assistant helps him pick them up, and they find a photo. Look a little familiar?

The photo has the assistant, the victim Robert Cole, Governor Miller, and the victim’s brother who died in an incident two years ago. He’s the “Neil Marshall” of this musical, and he died in what was essentially the SL-9 incident. Same general premise, except it occurred in the courthouse, and the names are different.

AND FINALLY WE REACH THE END OF ACT 1. They do a musical number here which is a weird sort of mashup of the main opening credits song, Edgeworth’s Villain Solo, and the love duet between Phoenix and Leona. They are all such different songs that it sounds a little weird.

ACT 2, FINALLY

The act begins on a sour note with Maya playing with the knife and showing off her characterization, which is one of the most infuriating Maya characterizations you’ll sometimes see around the fandom by people who don’t like Maya.

Maya: Let me whip up my special spirit channeler hamburgers!

sigh.

But then we’re saved (?) by the arrival of EDGEWORTH, who is presumably just here to chat. He asks Phoenix if he’s defending Leona in hopes of winning her back, then says to keep out of it, since it’s a very important case and he can’t understand the gravity of it.

Then Phoenix says this.

Phoenix: Would you be saying that if you were the one on trial? The defendant is in a dark prison, reaching out for hope... Can you imagine the loneliness and sorrow of being ostracized?

CAN YOU IMAGINE IT, EDGEWORTH? CAN YOU IMAGINE IF YOU WERE ON TRIAL AND I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO WOULD DEFEND YOU AND BELIEVED IN YOUR INNOCENCE??

Edgeworth responds to this by essentially rehashing his speech in Turnabout Sisters about how he needs to find all defendants guilty because he can’t guarantee their innocence and all that. Maya gets upset and leaves so that Phoenix and Edgeworth can talk about their childhood in private.

Phoenix once again complains about how people change since nine years old.

Phoenix then says that he has something Edgeworth doesn’t: the POWER TO BELIEVE! Then Maya comes in and tries to spike Edgeworth’s coffee, so he leaves.

The Class Trial

Phoenix explains a bit about Edgeworth and his backstory to Maya. Namely, the class trial. Phoenix was accused of stealing lunch money, Edgeworth stood up for him, but instead of Larry, Leona stood up for him. I guess Suzuki Kei thought “oh the class trial, if Leona stood up for him, it would be so romantic, because she’s a woman, and he’s a man”, or something like that. 

Edgeworth wanted to become a Great Lawyer Like His Father! But then he turned cold as ice.

Phoenix: His father got too deeply involved in a case... and paid for it with his life. Edgeworth saw him murdered. He was never the same again. I bet he couldn’t forgive the criminal.

Yeah I bet he couldn’t ever forgive the person he thought killed his father all these years, Phoenix. I bet he really hates that person, Phoenix. I bet he has nightmares about that person killing his father or something, Phoenix.

Phoenix: He vanished, then returned without his mercy or compassion. He had become a monster. When he lost his father, he also lost the ability to believe in others.

So like... one of the most chilling things about this musical is that they never actually solve DL-6. This probably roughly takes place 15 years after DL-6, since they were about the same age when the class trial started, and at least Leona is 24 now. The next musical takes place three years from now, and in it, Edgeworth refers to von Karma as his mentor, implying he’s still around and doing things.

So, in addition to everything else going wrong with this musical, DL-6 still happens, but von Karma never frames Edgeworth for it fifteen years later. The statute of limitations runs out, and von Karma forever gets away with his crime. And Edgeworth has no idea.

What changes did they make to DL-6, though, you may ask? I’m desperate to know as well. In the third musical, which I’ve watched because I hate myself but am unable to fully understand because I don’t know much Japanese, there is a scene where Miles flashbacks to DL-6. It’s abstract, but he makes gun-throwing motions at Gregory, followed by a gunshot sound.

Therefore, in this musical’s internal canon, either Miles Edgeworth shot his father, or he believes he did for the rest of his life.

... moving on.

Phoenix: But he still has his humanity. It’s still there, deep down inside!

At least, if nothing else, Phoenix still believes in him. Even this Takarazuka Musical couldn’t touch that.

The Feenie Sweater

Right after this, Larry barges in, and Phoenix leaves him alone with Maya. The musical tries teasing Larry/Maya, but fortunately, Maya’s having none of it.

Maya: You’re barking up the wrong tree.

Props to this musical for not being as bad as it could have been.

After this, the two sit down on the couch, and Maya asks for more gossip on Phoenix and Leona. Larry launches into a story, which turns into a flashback that ends up being narrated by Phoenix halfway through. This one’s about Phoenix and Leona’s relationship.

This is an interesting line in here, “I’ll guide you to the future”, for it loosely referencing the sort of love ballad Phoenix sings with Lucia in the second musical which is about “I’ll take you to that radiant future”, and he later sings to the memory of Leona right around the time of his big spiral into despair.

I’m sorry if you haven’t read my other essay and just said “wait what” to what I just typed.

Leona was getting ready to move to New York to defend the weak “in the big city”. This is rather strange wording because it implies that California does not in fact have a big city. She says some things in her conversation with Phoenix that probably plant some of his later issues.

Leona: This is the first time we’ll be apart since we were kids.

Leona: We promised we’d always be together.

Leona: I’ll be waiting. Waiting for you to come to me.

Haha. Sure would be a shame... if something were to happen... and they wouldn’t be able to be together anymore...

So some dancers wearing black come in and take off their outer jackets, to symbolize the passage of time. They circle around Phoenix and Leona. In this, you can just barely see, Phoenix is wearing a pink sweater beneath his jacket.

“Oh,” I think to myself, “Is that the Feenie sweater? Are they including it here as a reference to the games?”

Then the dancers keep moving.

THAT IS NOT THE FEENIE SWEATER. That is a pink sweater with a sexily drawn woman on it.

This is the other half of the reason why I decided to go through with making this essay. 

This is so incredibly funny to me. Suzuki Kei Who Has Played The Games Seven Times has seen the hand-knit bright pink sweater with a giant red heart on it seven times. The sweater Iris, Phoenix’s girlfriend, lovingly knit for him that he wears all the time even though it is one of the tackiest, cheesiest items of clothing to ever exist. And so, when the costume designers were designing the clothes for College Phoenix Wright, they asked themselves: “Should we include the Feenie sweater?”

and “NO,” someone must have shouted, “NO, we can NOT include the Feenie sweater, it is PINK and it has a HEART on it and it’s TOO GIRLY. Phoenix Wright is a MANLY MAN. He would not EVER wear something PINK with a HEART on it.”

“BUT,” someone else said, “it’s a REFERENCE to the original games, where he DID wear a pink sweater with a heart on it! We MUST include it to pander to the fans!”

“WAIT,” a third person interjected. “I have a BRILLIANT IDEA. We can keep the pink... But to make it VERY CLEAR he is a heterosexual, masculine male... we put a sexy woman on it.”

And Person Three Got A Raise.

Thank god we’re finally halfway done this musical.

We Just Have To Go On With Our Lives Now

There’s plot or something happening. Leona breaks up with Phoenix inexplicably over the phone. Probably because of that freaking sweater. Imagine wearing that. God.

Eventually we go back to Phoenix talking to Leona, and he asks about the Jack Lyon case, which is the rip-off version of the Joe Darke case. Leona is pretty cagey about it, but Phoenix proves that she was there in the gallery that day. Leona refuses to answer, claims again that she killed the victim in her case, and leaves.

This makes Phoenix sad, so he starts singing.

Phoenix: I want to bring you back! I believe in you.

If this sounds familiar, it’s the part where I started absolutely losing my mind in the second musical because this line had never shown up before then, I’d forgotten it was in this musical, and Phoenix was screaming it alone in a red room, so I thought he was like desperately resorting to a necromancy ritual in hopes of bringing Leona back to life.

Instead, this line actually has CONTEXT, though it does just end up enforcing my theory. This is Phoenix mourning what he used to have with Leona, wanting to bring the “old her” back, because he’s devastated that people sometimes change. There are several flashbacks of their college days where he’s wearing his Sexy Woman Sweater. He does succeed in winning her back at the end of this musical. Before she dies, of course.

Phoenix in musical 2 still believes that he can bring back what he used to have with Leona... even beyond death. That’s something affirmed by this musical. I’m very grateful to it for somehow managing to enforce my nonsensical theory.

Doctor Ema

After this, Phoenix returns to his office, and meets with someone new.

That’s right! Only now, halfway through the musical, do we actually get to meet the Ema-equivalent to Leona’s Lana-equivalent. Her name is Monica Clyde. She has little rainbow heart stickers on her briefcase, which is the closest thing this musical has to acknowledging that gay people exist.

But what does this little briefcase contain, you may ask? Scientific investigation tools? No.

A full surgical toolset. Because you never know when someone’ll get sick, or when someone will need an entire operation in front of you. I guess.

So yes, Monica Clyde is not a forensic scientist in training, but a doctor! She decided to become a doctor because of her parents, who passed away of The Sickness, and so became a doctor in order to save lives like theirs.

Once more this has much darker and deeper implications than the musical is even aware of, because Monica is so anxious about treating sick people that she carries a full surgical toolset around with her at all times, scared to lose someone like she lost her parents... and then sometime in the next three years, Leona, her big sister, is going to die.

Of what? The strange Sickness that claimed her parents? A car accident? A botched spur-of-the-moment surgery? Whatever it is, Monica was unable to save her, even when she’d been training her entire life for it.

Monica is not mentioned at all throughout the second musical. It’s as if she does not exist.

Because unlike Ema of Rise From The Ashes, Monica is not at the heart of this story. She is, primarily, a plot device here to make Leona not trust Phoenix so that he can angst about their relationship. 

What a mess this world is.

The Trial, Part 2

Rather than try to prove Leona’s innocence, Phoenix wants to link the current case to not-SL-9, the Jack Lyon case. He does this by showing this picture.

Senator Cole, the victim, is in this picture. His younger brother whose name I’ve forgotten, the victim of not-SL-9, is also in this picture. They are brothers. It is apparently novel that they are in the same picture, and somehow makes their cases linked.

As well, Governor Miller is in the picture. I guess you could say like... Governor Miller’s legal counsel is the defendant, so that’s another link? Even though the Governor would presumably know a Senator, so this isn’t an unusual group. Right now Phoenix has absolutely nothing to prove that these two cases are linked other than “hey, these two victims are brothers”, but apparently it works. So they spend a lot of time talking about not-SL-9, since Leona has confessed to the murder on day 1 and there is absolutely nothing indicating that she can’t be immediately declared guilty.

They hid the fact that Monica was a hostage in this not-SL-9, meaning that some of the case records were forged. Here’s Edgeworth’s reaction when this comes out.

Edgeworth: This is an outrage! I’m the most influential prosecutor in America! There’s nothing I don’t know!

In RFTA, when Edgeworth learns he’d been using forged evidence to give a man the death penalty, he is devastated, his entire worldview is shaken, he sees himself as a monster who could end up becoming horribly corrupt if he isn’t stopped.

Musical Edgeworth goes “I DIDN’T KNOW SOMETHING???”

It’s certainly strange characterization, but I guess Edgeworth is further behind in his character arc than in RFTA, so... ugh. Fine. 

Phoenix calls Monica out as a witness to prove she was involved in the case. This causes Leona to panic, and try to dismiss Phoenix as her attorney, like Lana in RFTA, but Edgeworth interjects to call Monica in anyways. He and Phoenix have a little moment.

Edgeworth: You said to believe in others. I suppose I’ll try believing in you. Try to keep up.

Phoenix: Edgeworth!

So Monica comes to the stand to testify. We get to see this picture of Monica being held hostage, and not-Joe-Darke’s incredible eyeliner.

Lots of it is very similar to the actual RFTA, except instead of the victim being stabbed on the knight with the giant knife, he’s instead stabbed with a regular old knife. Leona still refuses to admit to what really happened, until Edgeworth convinces her to believe in Phoenix.

Edgeworth: Your attorney is a runaway train with a one-track mind. Yet he placed all of his faith in you. Believe in him. You owe him that much.

Leona testifies, and says that when she found the victim, he was stabbed with a scalpel.

Here is where things get weird.

Scalpels Can’t Kill People

So basically earlier in this trial, they talk about how Leona knew that the knife that stabbed the victim was double-edged despite being buried in his chest. The judge questions if this means Leona killed him, but Phoenix is quick to say no, she was searched when she entered the courthouse and couldn’t have concealed a knife.

Yet, Monica was able to bring in her surgical toolkit which contains several sharp knives, scalpels, scissors, etc.

This is the first major contradiction.

Leona continues to say that when she found Monica, and the scalpel stabbed in the victim, she also ran into Governor Miller, who if you haven’t been able to tell yet is the Gant-equivalent of this musical. He offered to help her with the cover-up, etc.

The next bit goes a lot like RFTA. Phoenix accuses Governor Miller, who barges in, says Phoenix has the decisive evidence in his pocket. This is the “butter knife” that Phoenix took from his office when he dug around in confidential documents and stole it for no particular reason. It has Monica’s fingerprints on it! ... And Phoenix’s and Maya’s too probably because they were handling it without gloves, but they don’t mention that part.

Leona cries about how she shouldn’t have trusted Phoenix because he was apparently now blaming Monica, Monica looks terrified, she and Leona have some good sister moments but it’s not as good as it could be if the story was actually about Leona and Monica like how RFTA was about Lana and Ema. But Phoenix has the decisive piece of evidence that can turn this around.

It is this:

Phoenix: Scalpels are made for medical incisions, not stabbings. So how did it stab the victim?

...

...

...

... What?

So like. Yes, scalpels are made for medical incisions. Medical incisions often involve cutting through flesh, very easily. As a result, they are sharp. Extremely sharp. As in: their purpose is literally to stab people, very specifically.

Yes, they’re easier to control, so that surgeons don’t regularly stab people how they’re not supposed to be stabbed, but it’s not like, impossible to stab someone in a killing way with a scalpel? Admittedly, I have never tried to kill someone using a scalpel. And I do not have experience using a scalpel for surgeries because I am not a surgeon. But I’m pretty sure, if you take a sharp scalpel, and you stab someone in the chest with it with a reasonable amount of force... they die.

Like, is this a particular kind of scalpel that is not very sharp? Is the problem that the blade doesn’t match up with the initial wound? But even then, we don’t have the original unforged autopsy report or even a picture, so how would Phoenix know what the original wound looked like to say it didn’t match up? And even then why wouldn’t Phoenix say that instead of SCALPELS CAN’T STAB PEOPLE???

This is his decisive contradiction and it makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE TO ME!!!

Well Darn I Guess Scalpels Can’t Kill People

This is such a decisive piece of evidence, that scalpels can’t kill people, coming from the man who thought “caught red-handed” does not involve being caught standing over a corpse with blood on your hands, that it causes Governor Miller to confess.

Unlike Gant, who created the murder with Neil Marshall both to ensure that there was decisive evidence to convict Joe Darke, a serial killer who had not left any decisive evidence behind, and gain control over the prosecutor’s office in order to pull similar stunts to get criminals convicted using false evidence, Governor Miller does not have that as his motive. After all, he’s not a police officer. Instead, he ended up accidentally killing not-Joe-Darke, and then set up the incident in order to get Leona on his side. As her parents were both influential lawyers and very respectable, having her and her parents’ reputation on his side could help him become President of America Where This Takes Place.

So, let’s just take a moment to run over some of the things that made the original Rise From The Ashes great, in my opinion. Just for fun.

1 - The heart of the story between the Skye sisters. Lana closing off to protect Ema, Ema wanting to get through to her sister and get back to the way things used to be. Phoenix, in this story, is more of a bystander to this plotline rather than in the heart of it himself.

2 - Edgeworth’s Character Development. Basically RFTA creates an interesting transition between Turnabout Goodbyes and JFA. It causes Edgeworth to re-evaluate everything he knows about being a prosecutor. So quickly on the heels of Turnabout Goodbyes, it crushes the last bit of hope in him. It compares him to Gant, who also hates criminals, and forces him to wonder if his hatred of crime will one day lead to him being a criminal himself. He’s already convicted one person on forged evidence; how many others could there be?

3 - The Ends Justify The Means. ... wait come back, don’t leave. What I found neat about this case was also Gant’s motive. At one point he was presumably an honest person who hated crime and wanted to stop criminals. But over time in the police force, he became corrupted. He wanted to have all criminals convicted. So what do you do when you don’t have the evidence to convict them? Joe Darke was a serial killer who has killed several people and may have killed more if he’d gone free. The only way to stop and convict him was by using forged evidence. Other criminals could hide evidence to get away with their crimes, so people like Gant would make it up to catch them; but then when do you stop? What happens if there’s no evidence because someone is truly innocent? When does the line between “this person is a criminal and I want to stop them” and “I just want to convict everyone I’m dealing with” become blurred? This is also something he shares with Edgeworth and helps to advance his character.

All three of these things are either lessened or outright ignored in this musical. Leona and Monica’s story takes a backseat to Phoenix and Leona’s Love Story, with Monica only showing up halfway through, and mainly as an excuse as to why Leona is withdrawn. Edgeworth doesn’t seem to blame himself for the forged evidence he used, and doesn’t have a crisis questioning his morality over it. And Governor Miller’s motive is purely power. Unlike Gant, who would have become Chief of Police whether he solved SL-9 or not, Miller needed Leona to win the presidency. And instead of asking her to help him with his campaign like a normal person, he just blackmailed her instead.

... How do you play the games seven times and miss this much?

The Case Finally Ends

god. we’re almost there.

The case ends, Leona is declared not guilty but will still face trial for covering up murders and such. Probably less of a sentence than Lana because she was not involved in ongoing police corruption? Either way she’s dead in three years, so she’s got something a bit more concerning coming up.

She’s led away. Phoenix sings a bit about Leona before being interrupted by Edgeworth... who has something important to tell him.

Edgeworth: You awakened within me those once-cherished emotions I had discarded. I see visions of a distant, nostalgic past.

So basically this is the unnecessary feelings of the musical. Something along the lines of “seeing you again and fighting for my former ideals is making me question many things about myself.”

How does Phoenix respond?

Phoenix: Edgeworth... Try talking normally for a chance.

Sure, we were all thinking it, but that’s a little cold, Phoenix.

Edgeworth tries a smooth recovery.

Edgeworth: I don’t do... idle chit-chat.

This doesn’t accomplish much. So he leaves to allow Leona to visit with Phoenix alone. He’s got to go change for something more important coming up.

Leona and Phoenix decide that they’re going to get back together once Leona is done her sentence! They make a promise that is very funny if you know she’ll be dead in three years.

Phoenix: I’ll be waiting. For you.

There are a lot of hugs here, I’m not screencapping them all. There are also several moments where their faces get very close together and like, their nose brushes the other’s cheek or something, but they never actually kiss. Is it because the actresses weren’t comfortable with it (valid), or they thought kissing would be too much for the musical (sure, whatever), or since both characters are played by women the show staff did not want two women kissing on stage (probably the real answer)? I don’t like watching kisses, but I kept bracing myself for one and then it never happened, so.

Phoenix ends the main part of the musical with one last musical number starring my personal favourite piece:

Phoenix: I want to bring you back! I believe in you.

I like to think that at this point, this is present-day Phoenix, after finishing his reminiscing, still desperately wishing he could bring Leona back from death.

But alas, he cannot. And so, after one last daydream of them dancing together on the beaches of California, singing about their love, the musical ends.

Dance Time!

This starts at exactly the two hour mark, if you’re interested in watching what is, once again, one of the only fun parts of this musical.

Seriously, Edgeworth’s actress kills it here, when I first saw this I went “oh, this is why I saw so many people being gay for her on twitter.”

Edgeworth’s song is an encore of “My Rule”, so it’s lots of fun. Afterwards Phoenix gets another fun piece.

Then we get to the love ballad part, which I can probably overanalyze, I feel like I haven’t done enough ridiculous over-analyzing in this essay in comparison to the other.

Uhhh so the fog represents how Phoenix feels lost in this world without Leona. You can see it in the second screenshot separating the two of them, representing the barrier of death between the two of them. Idk it’s midnight I’m getting worn out from having to think about this musical for so long.

But his mourning over Leona’s death becomes even more apparent in the credits, where Phoenix sings that one line again:

Phoenix: I want to bring you back! I believe in you.

I’m not fixing that screenshot, I think it’s oddly fitting, in a way. That’s me right now.

Then at the very end, he sings this song.

Phoenix: I’ll spend... this eternal life... soaring through... the heavens!

Technically, this refers to his name Phoenix, but let’s dig a little deeper. He spends the rest of his life soaring through the heavens... the heavens that Leona went to after her untimely death, perhaps?

Overall, the musical becomes much more interesting when you just see it as a prequel to the second musical. This musical establishes many core concepts of Phoenix’s character: his refusal to believe in the concept of things changing, for one, and also his extreme dependency on Leona who he was never separated from since they were kids and where he based his entire life around her dreams and ideals. All he can think about is her. And in the end, he promises to wait for her in California.

Yet, to paraphrase Miles Edgeworth, all that is waiting for him is her death. Their dream of opening up a Mom & Pop Law Firm will never come true.

Thanks again for bearing with me even though this wasn’t as funny!

#ace attorney #phoenix wright the truth reborn #idk maybe someone wanted to know what the first musical was like without actually watching it? #my essays #my posts #i'm TIRED i'm going to BED goodNIGHT #this is less funny jokes and more actually criticizing the musical #because so much of this is like. wow. you really thought that was a good idea huh #just skip to the feenie sweater part honestly that's the funniest part of this musical

[babygirlizz]

izzie’s favorite movies and tv shows of 2020 (aka the worst year ever)

another year, another movie and tv show review. this year has, to put it simply, sucked. 2020 has been so terribly awful that sometimes the only light you can see are the absolute bangers of movies and tv shows that came out this year. with that being said, some of the movies and tv shows didn't come out in 2020. if the are mentioned in this post it is because they either: had a season come out this year, i found them this year, or they became popular this year.

SPOILERS: it may not come as a surprise but just in case you didn't realize, there will be many spoilers ahead, read at your own risk.

tw // death, suicide, drug use, mild adult language. if any of these things might trigger you, i strongly urge you not to read this post.

there is no specific order of these shows and movies, i'm just writing as they come to mind. if you enjoy any of these movies or tv shows, or if you have any suggestions for me, please let me know!

TV SHOWS

1) Santa Clarita Diet

Okay, so I know this show doesn't have anything to do with 2020. But, I found this show in 2020. I put it off for a while, thinking it wasn't my style of a show, but boy was I wrong. I loved this show. Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore) is a normal suburban wife and mom. She is a real estate agent with her husband Joel (Timothy Olyphant). She struggles with the fact that she isn't very adventurous. This all changes when she throws up an insane amount at a house showing. She then finds herself craving adventure, and craving human flesh. Yeah, she's a zombie. Not only is this show super hilarious, but it also shows the growth that they have with their characters and their family. I'm also team Abby (Liv Hewson) and Eric (Skyler Gisondo).

2) Outer Banks

So, I'm from NC. And, watching this show at first bothered me because I can very obviously tell this show isn't actually filmed in the obx, and the geography isn't exact, but once I got past that, I loved it. John B (Chase Stokes) is a teenager that lives in the poor side of the outer banks. He has a friend group called the Pogues which consists of JJ (Rudy Pankow), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), and Kie (Madison Bailey). They absolutely hate the Kooks, which are the rich kids. A while after John B's dad gets lost at sea, presumed dead, the group finds some evidence that may solve the mystery, and make them rich. In the process, John B falls in love with a Kook names Sarah (Madelyn Cline) whose father Ward (Charles Esten) may have a little more to do with the mystery than he let on. Through friendship, murder, and secrets, the gang may just figure out what happened to John B's dad.

3) Love, Victor

Alright. I loved loved loved Love, Simon. I also really loved the book "Simon vs. the Homosapien Agenda." So, when I heard about this show, I was so excited. Victor (Michael Cimino) is a teenage boy that moved to Creekwood with his family. He meets Felix (Anthony Turpel) who lives in his building. He also meets Mia (Rachel Hilson) and they begin dating. But, he also meets Benji (George Sear). While trying to get used to a new school, new friends, and a new relationship, Victor finds himself questioning his sexuality. With the help of Simon (Nick Robinson) and his friends, Victor finds it in himself to finally come out, and he admits his feelings, for Benji. This is such a good show, but I was so upset when season 1 ended on a cliff-hanger.

4) The Haunting of Bly Manor

The sequel to The Haunting of Hill House. Now listen, haunting of hill house was an absolute banger. When I saw that Bly came out I nearly died. I was so excited. But, I was alone in my apartment and also a lil bitch. So, I had to wait a week until I was home with my family to watch it. Now, I was so excited to be scared, and there were a few jump scares and ominous moments, but this season was more centered around the story line of Dani Clayton (Victoria Pedretti) and her new life in a foreign country. When seeing an ad for a live in job as an au pair. When she gets there, she meets the two young children she’ll be looking out for and the other workers of the house, including the gardener, Jamie (Amelia Eve). Throughout her stay at Bly she begins to notice weird behaviors from both children and by the end of the series she sacrifices herself for the children. Sadly, this story is being told by Jamie who Dani had fallen in love with during her stay at Bly. Now I was somewhat upset about the lack of horror, but was still very intrigued and drawn in by this series.

5) Julie and the Phantoms

Alright, at first I was not gonna watch this show. I thought it looked a little too young and childish for me, but everyone was talking about it on twitter so I had to. I. Love. This. Show. This show centers around Julie (Madison Reyes). Julie is a teenage girl who, sadly, lost her mother. The one major thing she shared with her mom, was their love for music. Since her mothers passing, she gave up music. This is until, dead musicians from the 90′s show up in her garage. Luke (Charlie Gillespie), Alex (Owen Joyner), and Reggie (Jeremy Shada) all tragically passed away in the 90′s after eating bad street hotdogs. When Julie finds their CD in her garage, she decides to play it and they come back in ghost form. But, only she can see them. With their help, she finds her confidence to play music again. Also, she has to find away for them to stay because they’re slowly disappearing. 

6) Derry Girls

Bitch. I love this show. And yeah it didn’t come out in 2020. Shut up. I found this show recently after watching the cast on the holiday special of the Great British Baking Show. I loved the actors so I had to watch the show. This show focuses on Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) a 16 year old girl that lives in Derry, Northern Ireland in the 90′s. Alongside her is her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), her two friends Clare (Nicola Coughlan) and Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), and Michelle’s English cousin James (Dylan Llewellyn). During these years, a lot of people in Ireland struggled, especially because it was during wartime. Even thought this show isn’t focused heavily around the war, it’s amazing to see these teens live a fulfilling life while struggling with the state of their country, and the lack of money that their families have. 

7) Elite

HA. This show did have a season in 2020 so leave me alone. But bro, I love this show. At first, I didn’t watch it because I thought I could only watch the dubbed version in English, which I hate. I hate dubbed shows they look so weird. But, once I found out I could watch this show in Spanish, I fell in love. But, sadly, theres too damn much to talk about in one little post. It’s crazy. But basically it just follows the lives of teens in high school that are trying to survive. And no, not in the “I’m surviving high school,” sense. No, people be getting murdered. 

MOVIES (tbh i didn’t find a lot of movies good this year lmk which movies u liked this year and maybe i’ll like them!)

1) All the Bright Places

After the death of her sister, Violet (Elle Fanning) is devastated. She closes herself off, and has her parents get her out of doing school work that involves working with others. But, as time goes on, they realize she may need to start to move on. Violet then meets Finch (Justice Smith) who is enamored by Violet. He suggests they do a project together. While finding and visiting some of the smallest wonders of their state, they begin to fall for each other. While you are focusing on Violet and her mental health, you tend to miss some of the signs that Finch’s mental health isn’t great either, but by the time you do, it could be too late. 

2) Dangerous Lies

Hmm. This was weird for me. I had only ever seen Camila Mendes in Riverdale, and honestly, not a fan. So, Katie (Camila Mendes) and her husband Adam (Jessie T. Usher) are struggling with money. Katie decides to take a job working for an elderly man, and eventually gets her husband hired there as well. Unfortunately, he dies, but for some odd reason, leaves the house and all of his fortune, to Katie. As they get comfortable in the house, they begin to uncover some very weird and dangerous lies. 

3) The Devil All the Time

Ok. Iconic. You got so many hot men in this movie. Bill Skarsgård, Sebastian Stan, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson. C’mon now. That’s crazy. But, this story is so long and in depth that I wouldn’t even know where to begin. This movie is a bit disturbing. It involves murder, sexual assault, killing of animals, and so much more so if that’s an issue for you please do not watch this movie. It was also quite long, but it was still good.

4) After We Collided

Okay just listen. I was that teenager. I read wattpad stories and was, embarrassingly, addicted to After. This was not a great movie per say, but it was After. This is a sequel to the movie After. This movie centers around Tessa (Josephine Langford) and her recovery after her breakup with Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). Theres sex, alcohol, bad acting. The whole nine-yards. But c’mon, they’re so cute together.

5) To All the Boys p.s. I Still Love You

Okay it was a good movie. I enjoyed it. This movie focuses on Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and her boyfriend Peter (Noah Centineo) and their relationship post the first movie. But of course relationships aren’t super steady, and John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher) shows up. Yeah, John Ambrose, from her letter. They become closer and Lara Jean has to decide who she wants to be with. Spoiler, it’s Peter. BOOOOOOO justice for John Ambrose McClaren, he deserved better. 

#santa clarita diet #outer banks #john b #jj maybank #pope #kie #obx #love victor #victor x benji #the haunting of bly manor #dani x jamie #julie and the phantoms #julie x luke #charlie gillespie #jeremy shada #owen joyner #derry girls #erin x james #elite #ander x omar #nadia x guzman #all the bright places #dangerous lies #the devil all the time #tom holland #sebastian stan #robert pattinson #bill skasgård #after we collided #hero fiennes tiffin

[thenerdywriter]

i came in from the outside, burnt out from the joyride (ii)

this was born out of a conversation with @akinosakiya, so all credits go to her >.<

chapter 1 | chapter 2 | coming soon

ao3

(A/N: so... i am extremely sorry for not updating,,, uni and life has been generally kicking my ass pretty horribly (im in my final semester lol) and while i am not generally very happy with this chapter, it is important because it sets up a lot of things in the future yeeet)

word count: 4955

Attorney Park wishes her good luck as she leaves for the courthouse the next day, and Sol can’t help but feel as though he was laughing at her for some reason, and frantically checks for food stuck in her teeth on the way to the courthouse. There isn’t any, so she’s left to wonder exactly what the hell he meant when he had sent her off with a very cryptic “see you soon, Kang Sol.”

“What did he even mean?” she mutters to herself, calling her sister, “Ah, Byeol, remember to go to your academy today, all right?”

“Okay, eonni,” her sister replies, “you’re at the courthouse, aren’t you?”

“Hmm, I have a case to win,” she replies, and Byeol wishes her good luck before the call goes silent, and she allows herself a rare moment of self-reflection, taking in the image of the Courthouse. It’s imposing, but she curiously feels at home here, in the middle of the city where the noise of the cars is so loud, she can’t hear the person next to her sometimes. There’s something magical about the courthouse, and she isn’t romanticising it, but the idea of fighting for justice, no matter how imperfect, it fills her with pride, even more so when she knows that what she is doing is for good.

Not to say that there aren’t any downsides to it, either. She gets threats almost on the daily, from disgruntled clients and from people who want her to take the case, even though she knows it would be an affront to her dignity. The Dean’s voice floats into her ear, reciting the Attorneys-at-act law that allows her to reject a case if she wants to. Right. It does not feel like an insult to her now like it had done then, the act, because she chose to take this case on, and yet, here she is, standing in front of the courthouse, wearing her nicest clothes (Yeseul had raised an eyebrow, but she was too tired to pay any attention to her) and dreading her turn to go inside.

“Eonni!” a voice calls out, and it’s Yeseul, dressed for a case, “how long do you have before you have to go in?” Sol doesn’t need to check her watch to tell the time that is left, ten minutes on the dot, and she’s waiting for her client to come through, still in police custody, something which she had failed to stop, “are you staring off into space again?”

She recovers quickly, “no, I was just waiting for the defendant to be brought here by the police.” She turns to Yeseul, who’s evidently not had much sleep, “why are you here in my case? Didn’t you wrap one up today?”

“Ah, I did,” Yeseul smiles, taking a hold of Sol’s arm, “but I’m here now, aren’t I? I thought you would need some support, you know, since you—”

She doesn’t complete the sentence. She doesn’t need to. Sol smiles at her, loops their arms together, and says, “do you want to have coffee?”

Yeseul grins, “I’d love to.”

—

No matter how many times she’s walked in here, and no matter how much the courthouse makes her feel at ease, there’s still a part of her that is anxious when she stands in front of it, hoping that she might be able to provide adequate justice to the person she was defending. It throws her off sometimes, the court of law. But she can always find her way back to it, and perhaps this is why she loves it, loves being able to defend people from being betrayed by the same system that they had put so much trust in, betrayed, just like she had been. It’s as though the law is apologising to her, albeit in its own, slightly twisted way.

The defendant, Je Sang-Hee, sits at her designated position, looking at her, and Sol draws herself up to her full height, careful to not catch anyone’s eye on the other side of the courthouse. Its oddly suffocating, the courthouse today, the air thick with a sort of anticipation that she doesn’t really want to address. Yeseul squeezes her arm, whispering, “you’ll do good, eonni,” and all of a sudden, she’s standing there, alone, with only her wits there for help. Shit. I wish I had had gotten drunk last night. At least this would have been hazier.

She approaches the bench, the defendant sitting silently, and tries to reassure her, “don’t worry, we’ll clear your name, all right?” she’s met with silence, as Sang-Hee only nods, her eyes welling with unshed tears. It’s heart-breaking, the way Sang-Hee has accepted her punishment, accepted that she would be going to prison anyway, so, nothing really matters. Sol doesn’t want that for her. She doesn’t want that for anyone, not even the worst of criminals. Sure, she may not be defending them in the court of law, but everyone should benefit from the assumption of innocence. She may not be the one speaking up for them, but she does wish that people have the opportunity to prove themselves innocent.

There aren’t many people in attendance in the courthouse today, which is a blessing, but she also has to deal with pesky reporters stationed outside, who seemed to have taken an interest in the woman accused of attempted murder, despite having really, no evidence against her. It was funny, how people jumped to conclusions, just because of the person’s backgrounds, or due to a particular defamatory article that may have been published about them online. Sang-Hee had had one published about her, filled with lies so vile that Sol couldn’t even read through it once.

“Sang-Hee ssi,” She says, approaching the defendant’s bench, “how are you feeling today?”

Je Sang-Hee looks at her, eyes still shining with tears, and lowers her gaze. She can’t even speak. Sol is angry, of course, but even more than the anger that simmers inside of her, is frustration, for not being able to protect her client, frustration at being unable to be the person there for the victim.

“Eonni,” Yeseul’s voice drags her out of her little reverie, “eonni, I think Joon-hwi oppa is here now.”

Sol squints at the younger girl, “who told you that?”

Yeseul holds up her phone, “Bok-gi is going to be here too, so he texted me. The two of them are going to come along, him and Jiho. Jiho should be here by now, but he hasn’t texted yet.”

Sol just—stares at Yeseul for a moment, trying to understand the volley of information that had just been thrown at her, in a manner not unlike that of Professor Yang, the man who, Sol recollects with regret, had heard about this whole mess from Sol B, but had not once offered to help. She didn’t need his help, though. It’s just that he could have offered to help her, and it would have been nice.

“Eonni,” Yeseul says, warning evident in her voice, “he’s here.”

What she doesn’t say, but Sol knows, is the sentence, don’t worry, I’m here for you. I’ll be here for you. She didn’t need it, per se, but it felt nice to know that at least one person had her back in this courthouse. Bok-gi was of course, on her side too, but she knew he wouldn’t sacrifice Joon-Hwi. Not now, anyway.

“You have your back to the Prosecutor’s bench,” Yeseul elbows her lightly, and she realises that yes, she has indeed been standing with her back towards the Prosecution’s bench all this while, and most importantly, there was someone behind her.

“Attorney Kang,” She knows that voice, has heard it in her head for years now, but Kang Sol finds herself unable to lift her gaze from the linoleum floor as she grasps the warm hand that was now being offered to her, “nice to meet you, finally.”

There’s a teasing lilt to the last word, a certain edge to the syllable that she knows all too well, having been subjected to it for hours on end, in classes, in the copy room, in the café, even in her mind. It’s from a voice she knows all too well, someone she had wronged.

Courage, Kang Sol.

“Hello, Prosecutor Han,” she looks up, extending one hand to the man in front of her, and—

She didn’t have any expectations of how she would meet Han Joon-Hwi after so many years, but in the deeper recesses of her mind, she had a thought; of his eyes widening at seeing her face for the first time in so many years, her falling in love with him all over again. She had thought of looking—no, not just looking, looking at him, for the first time in so many years, after that one fateful day when she ignored the words of her heat and went running far away from him, perhaps falling in love all over again.

Instead—she feels nothing. Perhaps a pang of guilt somewhere in the recesses of her mind, but when she looks into the eyes of Han Joon-Hwi, her best friend, the person she had fallen in love with, Kang Sol doesn’t see anyone but a weathered prosecutor, the boy who had called out her name on graduation day in Hankuk Law school long gone. Even though he looks not a day older, even though his eyes still crinkle in the same way when he smiles, and his hand still holds the same weight when he takes her hand for a handshake, but she can’t find the boy she was in love with anymore.

“Attorney Kang,” he grins, and his voice is the same, teasing when he looks at her, smiles at her, but he is her opponent, she has to defeat him today. This isn’t preparing for mock trials and judicial competitions, where they only played at being lawyers and prosecutors, this is real life. Je Sang-Hee’s life depends upon her, Kang Sol, winning this case. Against him, Han Joon-Hwi.

“Noona, nice to see you again,” Bok-gi pushes forward, giving her a warm hug, which does its job to dissipate all errant thoughts of a boy whose smile had haunted her in her dreams, “I’ll be watching today, my law firm asked me to—”

“Don’t worry about that,” she assures him, “you can take all the notes you want.” He’s still looking at her, she realises when she lets go of Bok-gi, Han Joon-Hwi is still staring at me. Do I have something in my teeth? “Good luck today, Prosecutor Han.”

He grins at her then, dimpled smile making her heart skip a beat, and says, “I don’t need luck, Attorney Kang,” before sauntering off to his seat.

Kang Sol clenches her jaw. Asshole.

--

He wasn’t sure how it would be—their meeting for the first time, but Joon isn’t going to say he’s dissatisfied with it. sure, she’s grown up now—she isn’t Kang Sol A anymore, she goes by just Kang Sol, and he doesn’t have the pesky tag of second-round judicial passer hanging around his neck anymore.

She had stared him down, and to no surprise, he still found her beautiful. Sure, he had always thought that there was a sort of magnetic aura around Sol, something that commanded the attention of an entire room when she walked in. She looked the same as she had looked, five years ago, when he had tried to confess to her, and she had rejected him. Sol hadn’t told him that she was rejecting him, at least not explicitly; Han Joon-Hwi was a man who could take a hint, especially if it ran away from him while he was in the middle of his confession. Really, Kang Sol. You made me chase you all the way to this courtroom.

A hand slams down on his desk, and Seo Jiho’s irritated voice tells him, “If you’re going to stare, at least do it properly.”

He sputters, suddenly thankful that his co-prosecutor was running late, as he stood up to stare at his ex-roommate, who was porting a very uncharacteristic grin, “what do you mean by that? I wasn’t staring.”

“Sure, you weren’t,” Jiho says, and even Bok-gi sniggers at him, “you were just looking in the general direction of Sol noona, so much so that everyone in the room thinks that the two of you are either dating, or that you want to kill her. Personally, I prefer the latter.”

He doesn’t say anything, just grumbles under his breath, and Jiho presses on, “did you prepare well for this case? You do realise that your evidence is weak, do you?”

“Ah, of course, hyung knows it,” Bok-gi steps in to intervene, and Joon-Hwi thinks for a moment that yes, Bok-gi was always one of the better ones, and then he opens his mouth again, “he’s just ignoring all the things he said before entering the courthouse, and proving to all of us how much of a hypocrite he is.”

Joon glares at Bok-gi, who is giggling at him now, and turns to look at the judge’s bench a pout on his face. Sure, he had proclaimed in the car that he would “not be looking at her, nope”, and the fact that it had taken him exactly three minutes to break that promise was bit laughable, but his friends didn’t have to rub it into his face.

“I don’t understand,” Bok-gi asks, “why are you still hung up on her? You basically took this case just so you could meet her again, and even though the two of you haven’t talked in years, you still talk about her, you still ask about her when you get the chance, so what is going on?”

Joon-Hwi doesn’t answer. He knows what is going on, why he has been so intent on meeting Kang Sol, even after so long, but he doesn’t want to—no, he can’t tell Bok-gi that. He feels a pang of guilt whenever he even thinks of telling Bok-gi the actual reason behind him running after Sol, even though she had made it abundantly clear that she didn’t want to have anything to do with him.

He wonders, sometimes.

His co-prosecutor arrives in the courtroom, almost gliding over the floor to take their seat, and he can see Kang Sol shrink back a little, obviously intimidated. He doesn’t hide his smile anymore, not that he needs to either. She didn’t have to get flustered over his co-prosecutor entering the damn courtroom. She’s never done that, at least from what Bok-gi and Yebeom have told him; even Jiho had pitched in with his own comments sometimes, knowing exactly how much it pissed him off, but he still did it. Every time he met Bok-gi or he met Yeseul, he would ask about her, waiting for them to respond with “oh, she’s doing okay, oppa” and “I met her a few weeks ago, she was fine, hyung” and they move on after that, but he can’t.

They don’t possibly expect him to move on from her, do they?

“All rise,” the bailiff announces, and he dutifully stands up, watching out of the corner of his eye as Sol gently helps the defendant to rise up alongside her, before being seated again. She still did that little thing when she looked around the entire courtroom for people watching her, he thinks to herself. She’s still the same Sol. No, she’s different now. We both are. We both are different, but there’s still things about her that remind me of the times we spent in Hankuk.

“Prosecutor Han,” the judge tells him, and he stands up quickly to his feet, “begin.”

“Thank you, Your Honour,” He says, walking out to the defendant’s bench, “defendant Je Sang-Hee, you were indicted on charges of attempted murder, following an attack on your fiancé, Seo Changmin, on the fourteenth of November, two weeks prior to your indictment.”

“Yes, I was,” she begins, “but I didn’t do anything to—”

“I’ll be the one asking questions here,” he cuts her off with a dismissive wave of his hand, and out of the corner of his eye, he can see Sol draw an almost-imperceptible breath, shaking her head at him. She isn’t flustered. He’s very sure she isn’t flustered, because the two of them have been on opposite sides of each other, time and time again, “could you confirm that Seo Changmin suffered injuries because of you?”

She stares at him, defiant, and replies, “he did not suffer injuries because of me, I found him and I called the police, I’ve told you this.”

“Yes, you have,” Joon walks to the front of the witness’ bench, “but your whereabouts were also unknown that night, until that fateful moment when you actually found your fiancé, and proceeded to assault him. Is that right?”

She looks at him, scowling. He’s hit a nerve, apparently. They had been harping on that aspect for far too long than what was necessary, Joon had noticed when he had been preparing. He couldn’t go that way when he questioned her, because he knows Sol has prepared for it.

So, he changes his track of questioning, “Ms Sang-Hee, would I be wrong in assuming that Mr Changmin had visited you five times over the three days prior to the accident?”

She stares at him, “he is my fiancé. Or he was, before the accident happened. It wasn’t unusual for him to visit me multiple times in a single day.”

He stops, “and yet, when the police asked you about the reason of his visits, you chose to remain silent, evading the question—”

“Objection,” Sol says calmly, standing up from her seat, “the prosecution cannot ask leading questions.”

“Sustained,” the judge replies smoothly, even before Joon-Hwi has a chance to respond, “Prosecutor Han, you cannot possibly expect me to accept this in the courthouse.”

He nods his head, slightly irritated, now that she has taken his advantage away, “moving on, Ms. Sang-Hee, when you found Seo Changmin unconscious, why did you not call for an ambulance? You waited ten minutes to call an ambulance, which most people would argue, looks strange, does it not?”

She doesn’t back down an inch. Good. He hadn’t thought she would either. They didn’t have enough evidence to show that she was guilty, her indictment based primarily on circumstantial evidence that even the most punishment-happy of all judges would find difficulty agreeing with. But they had had her indicted, and now they were here, trying to get her a sentence that would be as heavy as possible. Sol had been right. He didn’t have to worry about the defendant, not as a prosecutor. He just had to punish people to the full extent of the law.

“I tried to wake him up multiple times, but he didn’t respond,” Sang-Hee responds, staring at the judge, “I didn’t think it was out of the ordinary, since he had always had a drinking problem, but when he didn’t respond to me calling his name in the morning, that was when I grew worried.”

She looks at him once, then back to her lawyer, Sol, who looked as though she wanted to strangle him. good. This means I’m winning, and turns back to him, “it was like him to come back drunk, so drunk that he could barely remember where he was, and his friends would drop him off at my house, with apologies, but he would repeat his behaviour. I wasn’t too worried when he didn’t respond to my calls at night, but by morning, he would usually be awake and demanding breakfast. That was when I started to get anxious.”

“Anxious? Not worried?” he asks, curiosity spiked by her peculiar choice of words, “were you anxious that he was actually dead? Or were you anxious that your—”

“he’s my fiancé, of course I would be anxious if he was not responding to my calls,” Sang-Hee stares at him, “you must not have dated a lot if you think I wouldn’t have been worried about my fiancé.”

A wave of laughter runs through the court, and he can feel the tips of his ears turn red. Even the judge cracks a smile, and he can see both Bok-gi and Jiho sniggering. They’re never going to let me live this one down, “so, you called the police then, who found your fiancé almost dead from a drug overdose.”

“Yes,” she looks at her hands, fingers intertwined, “they told me he had taken it about four hours before I called them.”

Ah, there it is. He knew it would come to this, he had known there was no way to win this case after all, even if he really did want to win. There were things he couldn’t do after all, despite being what they called a ‘star prosecutor’. “No more questions.”

The smile on Sol’s face is enough to tell him that he’s lost this case. Oddly enough, he doesn’t feel disappointed, even as his partner shoots dirty looks at him, a clear violation of courtroom conduct, but he can’t bring himself to care, fixated on the way she looks while cross-examinating the defendant, the way she turns to the judge and says “no more questions, your Honour.” It’s a far cry from the Sol he remembers at law school, the one who would have him act as prosecutor whenever she went up in a mock trial, even if he had been assigned the role of prosecutor, going up against her. She always asked him to help her practise, and like the fool that he was, he always helped her. Even now, as he stands there, watching her, it’s almost as though he is back at Hankuk; almost, but not quite.

“Court adjourned for the day, and will convene for the next trial on—” Joon can feel himself growing more and more antsy, as the judge announces the date for the next trial, and that Sang-Hee can be released from Judicial custody, especially since her health had been failing due to the stress of the trial and asthma, from which she had suffered since she was young.

He hurries out of the courthouse, only to be cornered by Jiho and Bok-gi at the entrance, Bok-gi with a large grin on his face and Jiho with his trademark expressionless look, although he knows both of them were going to tease him about this, possibly till he died and perhaps even then, they would find a way to sneak it into his eulogy.

Strangely, he didn’t mind it at all.

“Hyung, where are you going?” Bok-gi asks, even as Joon desperately tries to catch a glimpse of Sol through the now-closing courtroom doors, “shouldn’t you be preparing for the next date?”

He looks at Bok-gi for a second, eyes widening, “what are you talking about?”

Bok-Gi’s smile gets wider, if that’s possible, “really? What were you thinking about, hyung? I was talking about the next court date.”

Joon-Hwi huffs, “I was thinking about the same thing, Min Bok-Gi; now, if you will—”

Jiho opens his mouth to say something, but Joon barrels past the two of them, running down the stone steps and to the driveway, where his car was parked, and, presumably, Sol’s too. She’s walking faster now, and he has to run to keep up with her. Her ponytail bobs as she takes quick steps, in a hurry to get away from the courthouse complex. He doesn’t blame her at all.

“Sunbae!” he calls out, loud enough to catch the attention of quite a few people, “Sunbae!”

That catches her attention all right, and she stops in her tracks, turning to him, an irritated expression on her face. It doesn’t stay for long, however, fading just as quickly as it came, “so, you’re still sticking with that name, Han Joon-Hwi?”

He grins, “of course. It wouldn’t be me and you, if I didn’t call you Sunbae, Sunbae.”

She stares at him, with an expression he can’t quite place. “I thought we didn’t have that sort of a relationship anymore, Prosecutor Han.”

And, there it is. He can’t deny it and say that it doesn’t hurt to be treated by Sol this way, but he’s nothing if not tenacious, so he pushes on, “you did good today, in there.”

She doesn’t say anything, simply nods her head, before replying with a curt, “good job today, Prosecutor Han.” Of course, she would say that; he doesn’t want to admit it, but it sort of feels like she had slapped him full across the face. Who am I kidding, if she had done that, it would have perhaps hurt less. He feels like a fool, standing in the middle of the road, calling out her name, and a years-old nickname that she didn’t like, and one that he felt only held significance for him.

What they had not had was closure; or at least for him, it was that, the absence of a final answer to his unasked question, something between them still hanging in the air. She could ignore it, live on with her life, but he cannot. There should have been closure, he’s told himself time and time again, or was I just too unimportant for her to even give a damn. It isn’t true, he knows, Sol wouldn’t do that to him, or to anyone else for that matter, but on some nights, it becomes impossible. He doesn’t blame her either; he blames his own self for the loss of his closest friend. If only he hadn’t been stubborn enough to ask her out on the day of graduation. He should have waited a little bit more.

But then, should he have waited?

“Sol!” he calls out again, jogging lightly to keep up with her steps, “Sol! Wait up for a minute—”

He’s interrupted, Sol turning abruptly to meet him halfway, which results in him having to backtrack, “what do you want now?”

He smiles brightly, “how about Pyongyang naengmyeon? I know a place nearby that’s good.”

She stares at him, like she can’t really figure out his deal. He holds up his hands, “look, all I’m asking for is a meal. No strings attached.”

Surprisingly, she nods once, turning on her heel, “lead the way, Prosecutor Han.”

--

I should not be doing this.

Her phone buzzes, and it’s Yeseul. You should not be doing this, the text reads, and Sol has to gather all her willpower to not scream in the middle of the street, I know, I fucking know, I shouldn’t be doing this with him right now, going for lunch when there’s—no, I just cannot do it.

She thinks it would be good, for her to have one lunch with him, to get him out of her system, Yeseul’s wisdom about not having lunch with someone who is technically her opponent in the court be damned. She just needs to have lunch with him once, and then she can stop feeling this way.

The restaurant is small, but bright light filters in through the large windows as they take a seat at one of the empty tables. There are a lot of them, she thinks, looking around, just after the lunchtime rush, or the restaurant wasn’t a very good one. Either way, she was supposed to be having a meal with Han Joon-Hwi right now, and as Sol takes a seat, she realises she had been vastly unprepared for this meeting.

He doesn’t look like the Joon she knew back in Hankuk, that is certain, but he doesn’t look like what her imagination had unhelpfully supplied her with either. He looks every inch the prosecutor, with dark circles underneath his eyes and that slouching posture she supposes every prosecutor has, as though he had been carrying the weight of the whole world. It’s sad, somehow.

“Are you going to order?”

“Hm?” She turns her gaze, and sure enough, he’s looking at her just like he had done all those years ago, when she had a stupid letter attached to her name like a real-life suffix that followed one around, and he used to lean over tables and grin all up in her face and mock her by saying Sunbae. It’s—uncomfortable. She didn’t think she would revert to her university self so easily, but with him, it feels like second nature, “You said Pyongyang naengmyeon, so we should get Pyongyang naengmyeon.”

“All right,” he teases, but it’s light, the kind of tone one would use with a co-worker, which strikes her as somehow offensive (am I not more important than a co-worker?) and she spots a glint of something else in his eyes, but shakes her head free of the thought, just as he says, “so, how is work?”

She rolls her eyes, “I don’t think you asked me to lunch after all these years just to talk to me about work, Han Joon-Hwi.”

He smiles, “right, I didn’t, two orders of beef bone soup, please.”

She stares at him, “it’s summer,” and turns back to the ahjumma, “two orders of Pyongyang naengmyeon, please.”

He just shakes his head, looking at her in that funny way, and asks, “so, do you remember, or do you not?”

What is he even asking me about? “No, I don’t,” she replies, pouring out water for the both of them, “what are you even talking about?”

He shakes his head at her again, “never mind. Let’s eat.”

She can’t help but feel as though she had just missed something important, at least by the look on his face. Or maybe that’s the naengmyeon talking.

#solhwi #solhwi fanfic #jtbc law school #han joon hwi #kang sol a

[niallloverontheloose]

“What Scott did to Derek in Master Plan was poetic justice and a well deserved comeuppance. Derek abused the Bite and was abused by it”

Take a look at what kind of victim blaming/abuse apologism garbage Scott/Posey Stans put in the Derek Hale tag

https://princeescaluswords.tumblr.com/post/644378147526164481/hey-princeescaluswords-remember-when-you-said#notes

https://rhyslahey.tumblr.com/post/644379010533638144/hey-princeescaluswords-remember-when-you-said#notes

Anonymous: Hey @princeescaluswords remember when you said that Scott hit and abused Isaac because “the Nemeton and lycanthropy made him do it!” and that Scott violating Derek was “poetic justice” and “a well deserved comeuppance”?

@princeescaluswords:

I do remember saying those things (though not those precise words), and I will most definitely say them again!

Scott didn’t hit Isaac in just any episode of Teen Wolf. The scene you are talking about happened in Anchors (3x13), the season opener of 3B. In this episode, Scott, Stiles and Allison were dealing with the debilitating aftereffects of the Nemeton sacrifice. This is not arguable. It is the entire point of the episode.

Scott’s specific consequence took the form of hallucinations where his shadow transformed without his control and uncontrollable transformations into a werewolf, a creature that from the beginning of the series came with increased aggression. The term Stiles used was bloodlust. There was also a scene – in the same episode where Scott started transforming in the middle of school, Stiles and Scott went into a classroom and Scott warned Stiles away because he didn’t know what would happen. Scott was in an unstable mental state due to the influence sacrifice and it took the form of violence and aggression because that’s an established trait of lycanthropy.

See how context is important?

Trying to pretend that Scott wasn’t influenced by the Nemeton ritual in that episode is like trying to pretend that Allison really meant to shoot Lydia in the face with an arrow or that Stiles was actually not paying attention in Coach’s class. It’s absurd, and I think 99 people out of 100 who actually watched the episode would agree, that we were meant to understand that they were suffering from psychological horror that caused them to act differently than they normally would.

And yes, what happened to Derek Hale, one of the villains of Season Two, in Master Plan (2x12) was poetic justice and a well-deserved comeuppance.

Yes, Scott deceived Derek on joining his pack, didn’t tell him about his plan to replace Gerard’s cancer medication with mountain ash to stop Gerard’s plan to force Derek to give him the Bite, and rejected his position as alpha. This was well deserved. Derek had been lying to Scott and concealing information since the first time they met back in Season 1. Derek concealed the existence of the alpha from Scott for three episodes while trying to use a sixteen-year-old boy as bait to find his sister’s killer and in return Scott concealed Gerard’s cancer from Derek. Derek manipulated Scott by promising to help him try for the cure by killing the alpha who bit him and then again by promising to get the cure for Jackson, and in return Scott manipulated Derek by pretending to join his pack. Derek betrayed Scott to Peter in Co-Captain by accepting Peter as his alpha, and in return Scott rejected Derek as his alpha. This is a well-deserved comeuppance.

Derek’s humiliation by Gerard and Gerard forcing the Bite on him was directly caused by Derek’s abuse of the Bite. Derek Bit Jackson – a person he knew was a dangerously unstable narcissist and then abandoned him, and Jackson became the weapon by which Gerard brought Derek to his knees. Derek transformed “teenagers into killers,” tried to murder Allison’s friends, and Bit Victoria, and that helped drive Allison into being the instrument that gave Gerard the upper hand. Derek had been using the Bite to get what he wanted, and in the end he was forced to Bite Gerard by Gerard so the old hunter could get what he wanted. He abused the Bite and was abused by it. This is poetic justice.

See how that works?

//

Scott AND Gerard humiliating, dehumanizing and violating Derek was directly caused by Scott AND Gerard being abusive scumbags.

Scott lied to Allison, patronized Allison, yelled at Allison, manipulated Allison, concealed the truth about her mother’s death from Allison, controlled Allison, and threw Derek and his Pack under the bus just to look “heroic” in Allison’s eyes; Scott’s abusive tendencies/behavior drove Allison away and made her vulnerable to Gerard’s gaslighting and machinations.

Scott’s the one who told his buddy Gerard that Jackson was the Kanima and that Matt was his Master. Not only did Scott conspire with Gerard behind everyone’s back, but he also sold Derek and his Pack out to the hunters and told Gerard everything he wanted to know about them:

Teen Wolf 02x10, “Fury”

SCOTT: What are you doing here?! It wasn’t supposed to happen like this!

GERARD: Trust me, I’m aware of that.

SCOTT: I’ve done everything that you’ve asked of me! I’m part of Derek’s pack! I’ve given you all the information that you wanted! I told you Matt is controlling Jackson!

Scott didn’t hit Isaac because “Lycanthropy and the Nemeton made him do it!” Scott repeatedly hit Isaac because Scott is a jealous, obsessive, possessiveness piece of shit who sees women (and Stiles) as an exclusive property of his. Even Tyler Posey acknowledged it:

https://collider.com/teen-wolf-season-4-tyler-posey-interview/

https://ew.com/article/2016/07/05/teen-wolf-tyler-posey-season-6-scott/

POSEY: Kira is definitely a good distraction for Scott. He was probably a little bit bitter around Isaac because that was Scott’s girl. Allison was the love of Scott’s life, and it’s hard to let that go, especially when she’s with the kid that you’re living with. It’s definitely over-stepping some boundaries. But Kira is a great distraction for Scott. You will not see Isaac thrown into anymore walls *laughs*

What Scott “They Had A Reason” McCall did to Derek Hale in Master Plan was neither poetic justice nor a well deserved comeuppance. It’s dehumanization and a disgusting violation of someone’s boundaries, autonomy and consent

All I’ve to say is,

Tyler Posey....

#anti scott mccall #anti tyler posey #submission

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Watching (the Adventures of) Merlin season one on Netflix

Episode One: The Dragon's Call

. . . I feel like going to the capital of the kingdom indiscriminately slaughtering magic users wasn't the best idea.

Why? Well, that guy did just get executed.

And now his mom is mad. You tell that sorry excuse for a king, witch lady.

I don't like Uther, in case it was unclear.

Wait... if you could teleport why not just grab your son and ditch before he loses his head? Literally.

Oh, wow. Arthur is a dick.

Morgana. We have no choice but to stan tbh.

Dragon, you're really rubbing me the wrong way.

That's right Merlin! We need more than Because Destiny Says So!

Where did the spiderwebs come from? That sleeping spell gives me Sleeping Beauty vibes.

Ah, yes. The old drop-the- chandelier-on-the-villain trick. :(

If she went after Uther instead of Arthur I would have no complaints.

Manservant? You call that a reward for saving your son?

Episode Two: Valiant

Snake!Shield

Oh, he's gonna- Yup, dead. That's what happens when you deal with knights who cheat.

Where did that guy even get a magic shield in the first place?

Is there a thriving magic black market or something?

I love Guin.

. . . I feel like Sir Valiant didn't think this through. If bite marks are visible.

Ugh, you're the worst Uther.

It's only the second episode! Did you forget who saved your son already?

Stop being a jerk Arthur.

Lol. Merlin bringing a dog statue to life in order to practice for the Snake!Shield.

Bye Valiant!

Episode Three: The Mark of Nimueh

Whatcha up to with that egg, new witch lady?

You gonna poison the water of all of Camelot? Seems like a jerk move.

Dang that's a lot of dead bodies...

No, I like Guin's dad!

Yes! Cure him Merlin!

No! Stop arresting Guin, Uther!

You tell him, Morgana!

That plague monster that hatched from witch lady's egg is creepy.

Dead monster!

Arthur is kinda oblivious to Merlin's magic ngl.

Yay! Guin's free!

What do you know about witch lady Nimueh, Uther? Hmm? Why she want you dead? Besides the obvious reasons.

Episode Four: The Poisoned Chalice

Wow, Nimueh really doesn't like Merlin saving the day.

Wow, Nimueh really orchestrated an entire diplomatic incident in order to kill Merlin while also ensuring Camelot is destroyed by its neighbor. Impressive.

I really like Merlin and Guin's friendship.

Dang. Merlin really drank poison in order to save Arthur.

Merlin saved Arthur's life, Uther! Let him return the favor!

Oh, wow. Arthur really disobeyed his father in order to save Merlin's life.

I didn't know Merlin could cast spells while deathly delirious. And several miles away from him too.

Uther you b****! The antidote is right there! Let Arthur save his friend!

Putting your own son in a cell is such a jerk move.

At least Arthur and Guin manage to sneak the antidote to Merlin.

Quick aside: Internet spoilers say Uther needs to die for Arthur to complete his himbofication- I mean character development. So, if you could get on with that? Thanks!

Episode Five: Lancelot

Wow, that's a very CGI griffin.

Lancelot is so precious- Uh, I mean effective! Saving Merlin and all.

I know, Guin. I know.

Always thought it was a stupid rule to only let nobles be knights.

You're really going to commit magical forgery for someone you just met, Merlin?

I mean, Lancelot is earnest, hardworking, modest, kind despite his tragic backstory and it's his childhood dream to be a knight...

Yeah, I'd commit magical forgery too.

Lol, knocked you on your ass didn't he Arthur? (The second time at least)

I don't remember griffins being man-eaters!

Uther stop arresting people! Ugh, you're such a classist.

Let Lancelot help fight the griffin, Arthur! You need all the help you can get!

Well okay letting him go was nice of you.

Lancelot-Merlin tag team!

Wow. Lancelot really strode in with Camelot's singular braincell by figuring out Merlin has magic.

(The bar is low, okay.)

No, don't take away the braincell! Stay! The griffin was a team effort!

Okay, Lancelot's lawful good tendencies are a little annoying but, hey, nobody's perfect.

Episode Six: A Remedy to Cure All Ills

Edwin, no. Leave Morgana alone.

Oh, beetles! Curse beetles! That's not creepy at all.

Gaius how do you know Edwin?

What diabolical plot are you hatching Edwin? Oh, you're replacing Gaius in the royal court. That's kinda rude.

Merlin's so happy meeting another magic user that isn't trying to kill him (yet).

Le gasp! Uther's purge killed Edwin's parents? WhO cOuLd HaVe fOreSeEn tHis!?

But seriously. No wonder Edwin wants Uther dead.

I know Edwin blackmailed Gaius with exposing Merlin but he also wants to kill Uther!

That gives him a pass in my book.

Gaius no. Let Uther die.

Edwin stop trying to kill Gaius! You're going to-

Yup, here comes Merlin and-

Edwin's dead :(

Well he was trying to overthrow the kingdom. That's... bad... I guess.

Episode Seven: The Gates of Avalon

That title is misleading. It's more of a natural portal/magic lake type thing.

Arthur saves a father and daughter from bandits (Which they hired but shhh)

And they immediately try to put a love spell on Arthur

For human sacrifice purposes of course

Idk why the Sidhe want a human prince's soul -look at him, you don't know where he's been- but that's the price for readmission

I wonder how the dad killed one of his own kind? Was it an accident or...?

Exiling the daughter too makes me suspicious of Avalon's justice system

Evil laugh is a bit out of place for someone who is trying to restore his daughter's immortality

(They are so whiny about being mortal. Hey, we put up with it all the time!)

The fairy-like Sidhe moving in accelerated time so they just look like tiny orbs of light was an interesting touch. The blue faces and razor sharp teeth is not a good look for them, lol

They make Arthur ask to be married ('cause it takes a while for the love spell to go into full blown mind control or something)

Prompting Uther to threaten to kill both of them

(I feel like they didn't think this through)

Morgana admonishes Uther for being the worst

He replies that first love rarely lasts and that Arthur is inexperienced in such things. Plus that Arthur only met the girl yesterday

... I can't believe Uther is the voice of reason this episode

He doesn't get any points though. Due to the whole "threatening to execution his son's 'crush' " thing

The daughter is having second thoughts about using Arthur as a human sacrifice

Dear old dad puts those to rest and they try drowning Arthur in the lake that is/is the portal to, Avalon

Merlin's really leaning into the whole "Cool motive. Still murder.", thing huh?

Like, he did NOT hesitate to blow up both of them

Episode Eight: The Beginning of the End

Why do magic users keep going to Camelot!? The king is trying to KILL YOU!

Wow, this grown ass man is threatened by a literal child... I hate Uther so much

Morgana is the MVP of this episode. I love her

Protect that druid kid!

I feel like you're being paranoid Uther

You tell him Morgana!

Dragon, no. Stop prophesying death and destruction.

Wow, this grown ass dragon is threatened by a literal child...

Aaaand Morgana got caught sneaking the kid out of the city :(

Uther she is your adopted daughter! Stop putting people in cells!

Arthur is gonna sneak him out now?

While Morgana distracts the king?

Yes, excellent. What could possibly-

Merlin stop listening to that destiny dragon! Hearing his voice in your head is no basis for trust!

Cutting it close... Yay! They made it!

Mordred!? MORDRED!?

THAT little boy is Mordred!?

... Okay, I'm more inclined to believe the destiny dragon now

Still think letting him die would be a dick move

Episode Nine: Excalibur

What're you up to with that tomb Nimueh?

Oh! It's some kind of undead knight. Yes.

Throwing down the gauntlet. Pfft! Always thought that was a stupid idea.

Also: that Black Knight literally crashed your party!

Ugh, knights.

Nimueh if you can just teleport into the heart of Camelot while Uther is alone why don't you just stab him? Grab one of those pointy things he likes so much and stab him in the back. Easy peasy!

Stealing this joke but Don't do evil magic kids. It fries your brain cells.

Wait, the Black Knight is Uther's brother-in-law!?

Arthur's mother died in childbirth!?

Uther asked Nimueh to use her magic so he could have Arthur!?

Equivalent Exchange!?

Uther went on a genocidal rampage because he didn't bother with the instruction manual of ancient and powerful magic!?

Actually, that last one is not surprising at all.

I can't believe they're using the Wife in the Fridge trope. That appliance hasn't even been invented yet!

Ooh, Merlin's going to use his magic to destroy the Black Knight so Arthur doesn't have to fight him

As he's killed two knights already

Aaaaand, yup, he's still there. His cloak didn't even catch fire...

Arthur stop being a bastard. It doesn't suit you

Dragon forged sword! DRAGON FORGED SWORD!

Only Arthur can wield it. Yup, got it. How could this possibly go wrong?

Uther drugged Arthur and took his place in the fight... I have mixed feelings about this.

Wait, the dragon was very specific about only Arthur using that super special sword! Oh, snap.

Well at least the Black Knight is dead. Again.

Oh, dragon is not happy.

I know the dragon said "where no mortal soul could find it" but are you sure you wanna throw it into Avalon, Merlin?

Those people were gonna suck Arthur's soul out of his body

Episode Ten: The Moment of Truth

The way this episode title just lies to your face like that...

Oh, you're Merlin's mother! Thought we had an anime protagonists type thing going on

I... would like to say Uther is being unreasonable when he decides not to cross borders to get rid of some bandits. But I can totally see everyone hating him so that's a no go.

Lady, you were in a whole different kingdom. Why for the love of Merlin did you send him to Camelot!?

We're off to save the village! Morgana and Guin are coming too!

A wild Arthur appears!

Morgana better at swordplay than Arthur confirmed!

Merlin! I didn't know you had friends!

Granted he's a bit rough around the edges but

Okay. If it were literally anyone else besides Arthur. I'd say he was right about lords and knights being useless snobs.

Actually. He's right about lords and knights being useless snobs. Ah, that felt great.

Wow, the homosexual subtext is strong with this one.

The girls can tell Arthur came for Merlin.

But get your foot out of his face! I don't care how royal it is!

Look at Guin over here calling out Arthur for being a dick

And talking him into letting the women fight. She's on a roll

Aw, Merlin's friend died. :(

And he took credit for Merlin's tornado (so Arthur wouldn't find out about Merlin's magic)

Episode Eleven: The Labyrinth of Gedref

Lol, that unicorn could use a haircut.

No, Arthur. I said a haircut not an arrow to the chest!

Bad things? What kind of bad things Gaius?

Uther what's the point of having an expert in magical lore if you're not going to listen to him!

And all the crops are dead. Fantastic.

I know it's a magic thing but stating outright that the blight only targets edible plants is still really unsettling.

And the water's turned to sand. Great.

Who're you and how come Merlin is the only magic user that can't teleport?

What kind of tests mister Keeper of the Unicorns, sir?

Arthur I know you don't want to believe it's your fault... But it's totally your fault.

Uther no. People are starving.

You tell him Arthur.

Oh, the "theif" was a test!

Aaaaand he failed the second one. :(

Merlin's got a lot of faith in Arthur.

It's interesting how the Keeper can only direct the curse caused by the unicorn's death. Or rather the trials surrounding the curse, but can't break it himself.

Unicorns have some powerful magic.

The Labyrinth was barely on screen for five minutes! Surely something with Unicorn in the title would be more appropriate?

Arthur drinking a poisoned cup so Merlin could live?

That's some strong parallels right there.

The Keeper of the Unicorns is such a troll! Sleeping potion, hah!

The day is saved, Arthur lies to Uther's face about killing the Keeper and the unicorn resurrects itself.

Still needs a haircut though.

Episode Twelve: To Kill the King

Whatcha up to Guin's dad?

Oh that guy isn't suspicious at all.

You didn't think it was shady when he asked to meet in the middle of the night!?

Philosopher's Stone!?

Wow, the guards found him quickly.

What- No! Don't arrest Guin's dad!

Uther, he's a blacksmith! Stop being paranoid!

Will you stop executing people!? That inn keeper didn't know that guy was a dangerous sorcerer!

No, nononononono! He surrendered! Why did you do that!? Guin's father was important to Morgana!

That's why she gave him the key!

Dragon has his priorities straight.

Shut up, Merlin. You literally blew up a father and daughter for trying to kill one(1) person. (No really, you could see their hands flying off.)

Morgana deserves a little murder. As a treat.

Yes! Get him! Kill the bastard!

No! Why would you make GUIN say that!? Who are you and what have you done with Guin!?🔪🔪

UGH, he literally committed genocide!

The "that would make me as bad as he is" DOES NOT APPLY!

What- Oh, he still has the fairy's staff.

No. Stop it! Let Uther die!

Oh, God, Uther is such an abusive piece of GARBAGE!

Stop! Don't fall for it Morgana!

*sees dagger being pushed closer to Uther's "heart"* Yes! Yes! YES!

*Morgana saves him* NO!

NO!

NOOOOOO!

*inarticulate ranting in the background*

Episode Thirteen:

Okay, the cgi might be getting a little better 'cause the Questing Beast is freaky

Old religion? What is that? And how come it's conveniently absent from the previous episodes?

Dang, they really here just casually gaslighting Morgana like that 😡

Merlin you know Morgana has visions! You couldn't have been a little more careful? She warned you. Now look at Arthur, he's got the heroic death disease

Granted that thing does seem like a handful

Why do you only act like a father when it's a matter of life and death? Why can't you be a father literally any other time!?

"The old religion is the magic of the Earth itself."

Well that sounds fascinating, dragon. Are you going to elaborate? No? Later then?

Soooooo, is the old religion actually a religion or is it a magic? It's really unclear...

"You will be a better king than your father could ever hope to be." Guin, you're back!

I expected a place called the Isle of the Blessed to be less... creepy

Nimueh! Whatcha up to girl? Plotting the demise of a kingdom? Not today it seems

Oh there some Equivalent Exchange type nonsense going on is there?

Arthur you were supposed to be in a coma not listening to Guin!

Oh. Oh, no.

Merlin saying goodbye as he prepares to trade his life for his mother's is 😢😭

Wow, that dragon really knew Nimueh would give Merlin's mother the curse and didn't say anything. The little b*****!

No wonder Merlin's mad at him. Stop breathing fire at him! It's your own fault!

Gaius, no! Not the dead mentor trope!

"You stood by and watched as our friends died." Damn, Nimueh isn't pulling her punches.

Merlin vs Nimueh! Ready? Fight!

Anime protagonist power up! Dang, Nimueh's dead... I feel like that wasn't supposed to happen.

At least no one else is dying. Since Nimueh's death appeased the Equivalent Exchange laws of the old religion.

#bbc merlin #bbc arthur #bbc uther #bbc morgana #bbc's merlin

[onelastbreath-writes]

I’ll Meet You There (Part 1)

Pairing: Marcus Moreno/ Wife!Reader (AFAB, no y/n)

Word Count: 2.5K

Warnings: Mentions child loss, loss of a spouse, survivor’s guilt, vague references to suicide/suicidal thoughts after loss of child (all located in the first 500 words, so it’s brief and not too dark, but please take care) and violence, swearing, and action/fighting.

Summary: What if Marcus’s wife didn’t actually die? What if she and a few others were kidnapped during an attack on Heroics’ HQ, and then held captive for years without realizing? If the only thing you “remember” from your past is that your husband and daughter were killed, well, you surely wouldn’t want to go back to the people who you believe did it. But maybe, with the help of a tenacious child and some re-awaking parental instincts, you’ll be able to break through the brainwashing and forced amnesia, and find your way home.

Tags: Hurt/No comfort (for now), ANGST, eventual happy ending, one really sad man for whom I just keep making things worse, #sorrynotsorry

A/N: This is my first We Can Be Heroes fic, and first reader fic, so please be gentle. I’ve got the rest of the story outlined, so I hope I can get down to writing and posting it soonish, but my RL is busy and doesn’t leave much time/energy for quick updates. If you like it and want me to do a taglist, let me know so you can know when I update again. Also a big thank you to the amazing Jay @disgruntledspacedad​ and her fic The Right Thing for inspiring this one, and for allowing me to use her wife!reader idea. Please go check her blog out, and give her some love <3

AO3 Masterlist

---

“You’ve been in a terrible accident, Doctor, and I regret to inform you of your husband’s and daughter’s passing. Our rescue and recovery efforts after the incident were unfortunately unsuccessful, and you have our deepest sympathies.”

It took months for those words to even sink into you; months before you even remembered anything about who you were... the accident, or the attack, as it was more commonly known by you and the other victims, took your entire life away in an instant. You survived, physically, but at the cost of your partner? Your child? All the memories of your life together? How could you be worth it?

“Your transcripts and accomplishments are phenomenal, Doctor, and I’m in need of talented and capable individuals such as yourself to help right the wrongs, and demand justice, from those who have committed such heinous acts against us. The Heroics are murderers, destroyers of peace, and they have gotten away with their crimes for far too long. They’ve been praised and applauded and worshipped as gods while all they truly are, are terrorists. How many more innocent lives can we allow to be lost to their carelessness? ‘For the greater good’ is quite the insult when the people saying such things aren’t the ones losing their families to the chaos, wouldn’t you agree? Join me, Doctor, and we can make a difference.”

It was easy decision for you, even in the early days of your recovery. From the distant and foggy memories of your past, your anguish in what you could recall, you knew that if you could stop someone else from having to feel the loss and pain that comes from losing their spouse and children, you would do so in a heartbeat.

Your husband had been an incredible man, your Everything, you would imagine, going by the ache in your heart when you thought of being without him. His name, his appearance; that was all lost to you when you lost him. His existence in what could be healed of your memories was just a shadow, a shade, the vague impression of the man you loved. You remembered his warmth, his kindness and gentleness, his love and devotion to you and the child you created together.

And your beautiful baby girl... if thoughts of your husband left your heart aching, then thoughts of your daughter left you in unparalleled agony, completely inconsolable. You tried to avoid thinking of her, if you were being honest, tried to leave all what-ifs and could’ve/should’ve/would‘ve’s behind... you had worked with people, mothers, who had lost children before, had seen them tear themselves apart in their grief, taking the blame for something that was in no way their fault; you had seen them destroy their lives with their hoarded guilt and perceived crimes... you couldn’t allow yourself to fall for that, those falsehoods, you had to be alive if you wanted to honour your child and husband’s sacrifice.  

“We will make them pay for what they’ve done to us, Doctor, I promise you that. Together, we can get justice for your husband, for your little Missy.”

---

Marcus knew something was wrong as soon as his commlink started transmitting static instead of his teammates’ conversations. The Heroics had been deployed to stop a hoard of rogue security androids that were infected by a virus or something (he couldn’t usually follow the technobabble), which had led them to escape their testing facility and target nearby civilians with their advanced weapons technology.

Evacuating the citizens trapped in the line of fire was the team’s first objective, and once the area was cleared of potential victims, they moved onto the containment and neutralization of the enemy combatants. The Heroics team was decently cohesive; they could work together to ensure the protection of innocent lives while in a firefight, but once the civilians were in the clear and the stakes not so high, the supersized egos of the members emerged with a fiery passion. This particular firefight was no different.

“Hey ‘Legend, bet you a week of incident reports that my count is higher!” Miracle Guy’s voice broke out over the ‘link, as eager to show-boat as ever, from where he was steadily piling up his deactivated attackers.

“I’ll take that action, Miracle, easy. It’ll be like taking candy from a baby!” Crimson Legend wasn’t the type of person who could ignore a bet, especially one issued from Miracle.  “You’re probably so behind already that you don’t even stand a chance, ha!”

Of course, they just had to make it a game, keep the superiority contest going; like a single mistake couldn’t cost them a life or a limb. And just to further prove how amazingly mature the rest of Marcus’s team of Adult Superheroes were, they all started in on the bet too.  

“If I beat your totals, I want a week off from training!”

“Ha! Like any of you have a chance of winning against me! I want my on-call weekend, off”

“If I win, you’re all my personal slaves for the rest of the day!”

Did Marcus say Adult Superheroes? He meant infants.  

And they had started the mission so well, communicating and strategizing, actual teamwork instead of bickering and joking around like children. Hell, even their children didn’t get into as much trouble as their parents could.  

“Guys, it’s really not the best time to be playing around. We need to focus on-” He was cut off by the loud static burst of an out-of-range radio. Shit. That’s not good. If his comms unit was fried, he couldn’t direct his teammates, couldn’t keep track of them, couldn’t help them.

They were pretty spread out by now, giving everyone room to use their powers without worrying about another Heroic getting caught in the blast zone. He knew from their most recent locational sound off that Crushing Low and Invisi Girl were working together near the intersection two streets over from him, and if he could make his way over to them, he could figure out what was going on.

Marcus needed to know if it was just his commlink that was out of commission, or if their entire network had gone down. The former scenario was a minor inconvenience, the latter was a major issue. Either he’d have to lead his team by correspondence, or he’d have to worry about them being completely alone in the field, without support from HQ, and without any chance of backup or rescue.  

He couldn’t worry about the details now, he had to keep focused on finishing off the seemingly endless wave of androids. Androids with guns. Androids with guns that he was trying to kill with a pair of katanas... Maybe he hadn’t thought his primary weapon for this mission out very well... It was just something that he’d have to come back to later. For now: sword, robot, teammates.

---

They didn’t pay him enough for this. He should have gone into acting like he had planned before his powers manifested. This sort of shit didn’t happen to actors.  

Marcus had destroyed all the androids delaying him from reaching his nearest teammates and was finally able to move to their location with relative ease and only minor distraction. He could see Crushing Low laying waste to the few remaining functional robots in the area, and could assume that Invisi Girl was around somewhere, disabling any downed but not dead enemies while protecting ‘Low’s back.  

He was proven right when he heard a feminine voice call for him to “hit the deck, Moreno!”.

“Thanks Vis! You two doing alright? What’s your comms sitch?” He stood back up straight, just missing being nailed in the head by a flying metal limb had it not been for her heads-up.

“We’re a-okay! Comms are out though. No known damage to them, no knocks or surges, might be the tech, or it might be the channel. We’ll have to see what Tech-No thinks.” She was still invisible, but Marcus could imagine her animated expressions and movements. She was one of the most... normal... of the Heroics, if normal could ever be used to describe any of the team. Reliable and observant, with a good sense of battle strategy. He greatly appreciated her skills and efficiency in the field; she and Tech-No being the most down-to-earth of the Heroics, most willing to help him keep the peace between the rest of them.

“I’ll watch Low’s back if you can go find Tech. We need to know what’s going on, ASAP. If all the comms are down, and Tech can’t get them back up, I need you to find everyone and tell them to meet back at the robotics facility. Get Miracle and Fast to help if you can. If anyone’s injured, they’re your first priority, okay? Thanks, Vis.”

---

Getting every member of the Heroics team back together took nearly an hour, all coming fresh from the fight but thankfully not too banged up or bruised. They set up a perimeter once enough of the team had arrived to their meeting spot, allowing Tech-No to deep-dive into  investigating their communications malfunction.

“It’s the network, not our comms. We’re dealing with a drop either from HQ’s side, or a forced drop here from RFI. But considering the standard distance and all the buildings and stuff around us, a radio frequency jammer wouldn’t be able to block our communications network as far out as we were. We must assume that the problem comes from HQ. which presents further concerns, obviously. I designed most of the technology there myself, so I know exactly how much work it would be to take down the whole system. We need to consider this as part of a bigger plot, and plan accordingly.” Tech-No’s eventual explanation hang heavy in the air, no one willing to break the silence following it... If something had happened to HQ… Their co-workers were there, their friends, their children…  

Marcus thought of his daughter and wife. They were both there today. His wife worked in the medical centre, and they brought their daughter there for daycare. If something happened there... shit. If he was panicking about his family already, his teammates were doing the same. He had to head this off. He couldn’t let this get out of control. He took a breath and squared his shoulders. It was time to be Marcus Moreno the leader of the Heroics, not Marcus the husband and father. Lead by example, they’re all counting on you.

“We have no proof that anything is actually wrong, and until we know for sure why we can’t reach them, we need to do our jobs. Finish the mission. We’ve always trusted our people to hold down the fort at home so we can help people out here, and they’ve never let us down before. We are not going to doubt them now, understood? Whatever happened? We know HQ is doing their best to keep our loved ones safe. So, we finish up here, quickly and thoroughly, and then we head back to base. Let’s get moving,” He met his teammates’ eyes, allowed them to witness his own fears, but also his stubborn determination. He wasn’t asking them to ignore or dismiss their worries, but rather, put it into finishing the mission so they could go home sooner.  

No one fought him; thankfully just picked their tasks and headed out.  

“Tech, we need transport. Now. I don’t care how you do it, just get it done, alright?” Marcus refused to acknowledge the slight tremble in his voice, tried to breathe around the lump in his throat and the dread sinking in his stomach. He desperately stopped himself from thinking about coincidences and probabilities. This was all a fluke, a random string of events that didn’t mean anything more was going on. They’d be able to laugh about it when they got home and saw everything was just as they’d left it. He had to believe that. He didn’t have any other choice.

—-

Transport home turned out to be a military helicopter big enough to fit the whole team, in addition to the fully outfitted squad of soldiers already inside.

“According to the press release your director gave, there was small but powerful group of gifted individuals who invaded Heroics’ Headquarters, intending to either kidnap or kill certain “important personnel” within the building. Didn’t specify much more than that, other than that your organization would be dedicating as much manpower as they could to bring “those who would cause such destruction and terror” to justice. The address was filmed in the parking lot, but there were a lot of emergency responders and vehicle in the background. I’m sorry we can’t tell you anything more, but well, we were scrambled to your location ASAP, barely had time for the news we got...” The staff sergeant sitting across from Marcus briefed the team about what the intel they had on the HQ attack. And that was what it was. An attack. The thing they all feared most.

“Thank you for the information, and for the ride back home; we lost communication in the middle of a battle, with no clue as to why. Now, at least, we have an idea of what we should expect when we arrive.�� The mention of “important personnel” jump-started Marcus’s heart into overdrive. That was the code phrase they used when describing their most vulnerable people to the public, non-combatants and injured persons usually; a smokescreen meant to dissuade targeted attacks, and shift attention away from those who couldn’t protect themselves in the case of an emergency. It was also the code that frequently represented their children.  

The families of the Heroics were classified as high-risk targets; villains and enemies of their organization didn’t often have the moral decency to leave their loved ones out of the fight. So, to afford as much anonymity and protection possible, any time the team had to reference their partners and children in physical records and documentation, it was under that code phrase.  

This attack was centred on their kids.  

What kind of monster do you have to be to go after a bunch of kindergarten and primary school children?

Fuck.

The only good news was that there was no mention of the attack being a success.  

So, all the Heroics knew for certain was that a group of villains had tried to get to their children, and while obviously causing significant damage to HQ, they had been stopped. Were unsuccessful. The Home Team had saved the day again.  

Marcus thanked every deity he could think of for keeping his and his friends’ kids safe.  

The rest of the flight home was quiet. Him and teammates finally able to get some rest after all the fighting and panic, and the soldiers conversing just loud enough to be heard over the headsets and hum of the chopper’s motors.  

He was pulled back from the edge of unconsciousness he had been drifting along for a while when the pilot gave them their five-minute ETA.

They were home at long last, and everything was going to be just fine.

---

[Next Part]

#we can be heroes #marcus moreno x reader #marcus moreno #we can be heroes fanfiction #reader x marcus moreno #marcus moreno x you #reader insert #hurt/comfort #eventual happy ending #please forgive my bad fight scenes lol

[amphtaminedreams]

Farewell to Spooky Season, AHS Style: Lookbook no.12

Hi to anyone reading,

Happy belated Halloween!

I capitalise it because if I'm gonna recognise any day as sacred, it’s the spookiest one of the year! Halloween 2020 obviously hasn’t been as exciting as usual, parties and club nights being banned has meant there’s been far less opportunities to dress up, but I still managed to get out for the night before they announced the upcoming second lockdown and do a couple of spooky movie nights (and carve a pumpkin!)!

I originally intended for this lookbook to be last minute halloween costume inspo but I was lazy and didn’t manage to get it out on time-a lot of these looks minus the makeup and maybe an accessory or two could work on any day or night out so I thought I’d go ahead and post it now anyway. Celebrating the fashion moments of American Horror Story is something I’ve wanted to do for a while; it’s probably not the first show you’d think of for sartorial inspiration but Mr. Ryan Murphy has fucking fantastic taste in stylists and the first five seasons of AHS in particular, which I’ll be focussing on in this post, have given us SO many amazing looks. The man may be guilty of many things-subjecting us to the character of Will Schuester, trying to turn Richard Ramirez into a thirst trap, embarrassing everyone who raved about how good Scream Queens was when he wrote season 2-but costume related laziness is not one of them. We see more consistency in a Ryan Murphy character’s wardrobe than we do in their story arcs and I respect that because honestly, as much as I love joining in when it comes to ripping into his ability to cohesively bring an AHS season to a close when it airs, I’d probably be the same; if you put Lady Gaga in front of me and told me to write her lines I’d probably end up getting overly invested in what her character was going to be wearing in the scene too. 

So! Enough Ryan Murphy bashing from me! I’ll get on with it! Starting with 3 season 1 inspired looks:

Murder House: Elizabeth Short, Tate Langdon and Violet Harmon

-striped jumper from caitlinlark on Depop, kick flare jeans from ellagray-

When it comes to reflecting on season 1 of American Horror Story, all I can say do is thank the internet overlords that Tumblr has moved on from the romanticising school shooters and wearing normal people scare me tops phase to instead collectively taking the piss out of the “GO AWAY, TATE!”, “YOU’RE ALL THAT I WANTTT! YOU’RE ALL THAT I HAVEEE!” exchange. 

In terms of fashion *moments*, whilst season 1 doesn’t stand out as much as the seasons that come after, Violet and Tate’s wardrobes did give birth to a bit of a 90s grunge renaissance with their oversized knits and faded jeans and layering of textures. It did also give us good costumes in the form of Alexandra Breckenridge’s Moira O’Hara and Mena Suvari’s portrayal of the Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short; unfortunately, I didn’t have a slutty maid costume lying around so I did the best I could at giving the outfit Elizabeth wears when she makes that fateful visit to the Murder House a modern, more party appropriate update.

In terms of season rankings, Murder House isn’t my favourite. It starts off really great but lulls a bit towards the end and I could never get behind Violet and Tate as a couple because you know, one of them is a school shooter who sexually assaults the other’s mum, and that’s a hurdle that I think most couples might struggle to get over irl. That being said, it was the season that started it all and showcased some of the most innovative writing and directing on TV, and it opened up a spot for horror on primetime television which as far as I know was kind of unheard of before then. Back when I first watched it, I had no idea what to expect not only because I’d never seen horror in a serial format but also because it seemed to be able to get away with the kind of storylines you’d expect network executives to fire people over. It introduced us to Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters and Denis O’Hare who would go on to make the show what it is today and more importantly, through Jessica’s glorious portrayal of Constance Langdon, provide us with an endlessly versatile meme format for this trying time.

Asylum: ‘60s Lana Winters, ‘70s Lana Winters, and Sister Mary Eunice McKee

-afghan coat from louisemarcella on Depop, red AA skater dress from julietramage, pink gingham co-ord from zshamim-

I think we can all agree: Asylum would’ve been a perfect series of television if it wasn’t for the completely unnecessary alien storyline. Like, I get that they fit in with the whole good vs. evil theme as a kind of non-biblical alternative to the idea of a higher, all-powerful being but there was already so much going on that it just wasn’t needed. Aside from that, I think the general consensus amongst watchers of the show is that Asylum has the best writing of any season and I think I’d tend to agree. It’s not my favourite because it’s too depressing to rewatch but if we’re talking the first time round, this is the series that had me hooked. Lana Winters?

Iconic. 

Sister Mary Eunice? Iconic. The Name Game? Iconic. Remember when you couldn’t go a day on Facebook without seeing that one photo of Naomi Grossman as Pepper used as the go to “what I really look like” photo in one of those “expectation vs. reality” style posts on your newsfeed? Those were simpler times.

Because this season was mostly situated within the hospital, we didn’t get that many proper outfits but when we did, they were stunning; if I had to state my absolute favourite AHS character of the entire show I’d probably go with Lana Winters and the part her wardrobe played in her characterisation would 100% play a part in that. The late 60s/early 70s was such a wonderful period for fashion and through her character we get to see both of those explored a little. Of course there’s also *that* Sister Mary Eunice scene with the red slip dress and suspenders too which yes, could be a perfect halloween costume, but I also strongly believe should be a perfectly acceptable outfit for any day of the year. 

Coven: Misty Day, Madison Montgomery, and Zoe Benson

-chiffon dress from rags_to_riches on Depop, pinstripe corset from hanpiercey, and tennis skirt from mollie_morton-

I hate to be a basic bitch but I have to say it: Coven is my favourite season of American Horror Story. Once you get over the complete waste of Evan Peters’ acting capabilities that resulted from the *choice* to have him play Kyle, the unnecessary rehash of the Evan/Taissa pairing from season 1 in what I can only assume was an attempt to capitalise on the popularity of the questionable Tate/Violet relationship, and the subsequent sacrifice of any interesting character arc we could’ve foreseen for Zoe Benson beyond her obsessing over a resurrected, non-verbal frat boy, it’s a perfect season. A supreme (heh) balance of horror, humour, and character drama, as well as the stunning aesthetics and forever quotable dialogue, make it my go-to season if I’m ever considering a rewatch. And if you disagree, let me jog your memory with the most mainstream (not to get all “normal people scare me” and suggest AHS is not a mainstream show, I literally just mean in the sense that even those who have never watched the show will have seen this)  reaction GIF set any FX show has even spawned:

Buzzfeed employees had a field day, Emma Roberts enthusiasts (I mean me) finally saw her cemented as the pop culture icon Scream Queens has since showed us she deserves to be (because not enough people have seen Unfabulous, Nancy Drew or Scream 4) and the gays everywhere rejoiced at the year’s worth of meme fodder they’d been provided with. It was Madison Montgomery’s world and we were truly just living in it.

And the fashion! I mean, Stevie Nicks meets 21st century teenage witches! Come on! 

Freakshow: Dandy Mott, Maggie Esmerelda and Elsa Mars

-olive green satin skirt from morganogle on Depop, headscarf from tonijordan, platform sandals from elliefewt, PVC skirt from bethpin_, corset top from sadieflinter, beret from house_of_erotique, flame detail platform boots from mad_rags_vintage-

When people talk about the declining quality of AHS, they usually point to Freakshow as the beginning of the end, but I have to completely disagree. I wasn’t a fan the first time round but on rewatch it’s probably the most emotional season of them all; no, there aren’t as many “horrifying” moments as in other seasons and Elsa is probably Jessica’s worst performance (which is still an incredible one by anybody else’s standards), however it makes up for it with the most sympathetic bunch of characters yet, and on the flip side, also one of the most amusingly depraved with Finn Wittrock’s Dandy Mott. Fans usually argue that the season went downhill once *SPOILER* Twisty the Clown was killed off but for me, he really primarily served as the catalyst for the far more interesting devolution of Dandy, who, imo, is the show’s strongest villain to date, rivalled only by Bloody Face. Then there was the episode Orphans too which made me cry buckets, the sole AHS episode to do so. 

We got a lot of great fashion content in this season too: the theatrical opulence of Elsa Mars’ wardrobe, “Maggie”’s nomadic fortune teller costumes, and all those twee suits we saw Finn Wittrock in. Highly underrated if you ask me. It seems an odd choice for me to use Elsa’s Dominatrix look as an inspiration for one of my looks here when we have that Life on Mars performance outfit and all the extravagant robes Jessica got to waltz around in for reference buuuut I didn’t really have anything to do the vibrancy of either of those justice so I went with the black leather option which is much more me. Am I saying I moonlight as a dominatrix? Maybe. Lol, no. I wish. It’s not for lack of trying. WHERE ARE ALL THE GENUINE TWITTER PAYPIGS AT!? Your girl wants to insult creepy men and get some new clothes out of it xoxo

Hotel: Hypodermic Sally, Liz Taylor, and The Countess

-silk white bralet from xlibby_maix on Depop-

Hotel is another season that I liked a lottttt more upon rewatch, once I knew I was okay to tune out the (completely predictable and utterly nonsensical) Ten Commandments Killer storyline that so much of the season initially seems to hinge on. I love Chloë Sevigny but the fact that her and Wes Bentley’s wooden John and Alex Lowe are positioned as the protagonists at the expense of the far more interesting Liz Taylor, James March and Hypodermic Sally really does a disservice to what is an otherwise great season upon initial viewing.

The visuals this season are magnificent and I think if I had to pick one character’s wardrobe to steal from the entire cast of AHS characters, it would be The Countess (a toss up between her and Misty Day tbh, so I kinda just settle for low-key channelling both). No fucking idea where I'd wear any of her clothes to but I’d make it work. Liz Taylor and Hypodermic Sally have some amazing looks too-there’s just honestly so much to choose from; that being said, this post wouldn’t be complete without a specific ode to the vampire goddess Elizabeth Bathory, who is everything I want to be in life minus the murderous qualities:

Everything. EVER-Y-THING. LOOK AT HER!

Lady Gaga is really a fucking goddess isn’t she. And people were claiming before they’d even seen it that she couldn’t act? A patriarchal society doesn’t like women that can do it all. Just saying. 

Anyways!

That’s it for now! I hope you enjoyed the post if you did read til the end! Sorry I couldn’t get this out before Halloween, I was typing and Picmonkey-ing madly from 2 in the afternoon on the 31st but I taking fucking forever to get ready and had to abandon all hope of getting it out on the day by 4PM. I’ve got so much content planned and it sucks because a couple of them are lookbooks which now feel completely redundant given we’re heading into a second lockdown, but maybe I should just do it anyway? The grunge inspired moodboard I just did seemed to get a good reception too so I’ve got some more of them planned. 

As always, hope everyone is keeping well, and feel free to inbox me with any suggestions, queries or even just to say hi if you need someone to talk to! I check here quite a lot so I should see it. Lots of love to everyone in this time!

Lauren x

#american horror story #ahs #lookbook #fashion #fashion inspo #style inspo #style #styling #Ryan murphy #lady gaga #violet harmon #taissa farmiga #the countess #tv show fashion #Sarah paulson #70s fashion #lana winters #Emma roberts #witch aesthetic #finn wittrock #Jessica lange #style inspiration #fashion blog #misty day #Madison montgomery #boho #bohemian

[rubysunnday]

So this is really depressing but in the episode where they were all nearly hung Shelby sis was before polly and by the time the guy went to say they were free Shelby sis was already hung and they were prepairing for polly. Polly telling everyone and tommy realising he Fucked up

A/N: When I first saw this I was like ‘Jesus Christ!’ but then I had an idea and I think this is now one of the longest things I’ve written on this blog. 

Warning: this is not pretty or fluffy or anything like that, it is dark as hell and I am so, so sorry.

Part 2, Part 3

You just knew that it was going to happen today. You hadn’t slept at all that night because you just knew. Part of you still hoped that you’d go free; that Tommy would save the day yet again. But, deep down, you knew he wouldn’t.

Even if he did, it’d be too late for you.

The warden opened the door, causing you to look up. She gave you a grim look and your body went cold. You were only 19. Just because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was unfair. So, so unfair.

“It’s time,” she said quietly, and you nodded, forcing yourself to stand up. Next door to you, Polly was being raised too but you knew that there was only one scaffold in the prison – one of you would be first.

Polly came out of her cell and her tired eyes widened when she saw you being marched down ahead of, already knowing what was going to happen.

“No!” She exclaimed, pulling against the strong arms holding her. “NO!”

You turned around to look at your aunt and paused. “Can I talk to her, one last time?” You asked softly, looking to the warden.

She hesitated. “Two minutes, that’s it.”

You gave her a small smile as you and Polly were put in an empty cell for a bit of privacy, the door locked behind you.

“No, this, this can’t be happening,” Polly muttered, pacing. “This isn’t right.”

“Polly.”

“No, I refuse to except this.”

“Pol, it’s ok –“

“HOW IS IT OK, Y/N?” Polly yelled and you smiled sadly at her.

You sat down on the bed and patted the space next to you. Polly sat down and you leant your head on her shoulder, relishing her comfort one last time.

“Death isn’t something I’m scared off, Pol,” you said quietly, holding her hand. “If anything, it’s a friend. Taking us from this hell to somewhere quieter.”

“It should be Tommy heading to hang, not you,” Polly muttered, and you nodded.

“I know,” you said, squeezing her hand. “But what is the point in my last emotions being hatred and anger? I don’t want to leave this life with pain and anger in my heart.” You sighed. “Pol, I’d rather expect my death than to not see it coming. I’d rather die a martyr than die a villain. This isn’t some heroic sacrifice, it’s just me, a 19-year-old woman, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And if that leads to some justice in this cruel, cruel world, then I’ll die happy.

“We all have our time, Polly, and if mine is now, then I’ll embrace it gladly. But, when you see Tommy again, because I know you will, don’t argue, tell him…tell him I forgive him. For everything. Tell him that I love him endlessly and that I’ll miss him. Tell them all how much I love them. Tell them that I am sorry,” you swallowed against the lump in your throat as the tears started to burning your eyes, “that I couldn’t be there for them.

“I know I won’t be here to see any of them again, Polly. I’ll never get to see my brothers and sisters again, but, that’s ok, because I remember them as they were before the war – happy, filled with life and smiles. Not these soldiers that they world turned them in to.”

Polly sniffed, wiping away the tears falling down her face. “Oh, darling, when did you get so wise?” She asked, putting a hand to your face.

“I learnt from the best,” you replied, placing your hand over hers. “Besides, I won’t be alone. Grace and mum will be there. And Freddie and Danny.”

“Grace will look after you,” Polly said quietly, a forlorn look on her face, “I know she will.”

You nodded.  “Polly, I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“Don’t let me be buried. I don’t want to be stuck in one place. I want to be cremated and spread across the land. I want to travel, even in death, because the world never stops turning. I want to be a part of the future and the past. But, most importantly, I don’t want to be forgotten by history.”

Polly nodded. “I promise you, y/n, that you’ll never be forgotten.”

You exhaled slowly, sitting up straighter and smoothing out your hair and dress. “I think I’m ready, Pol.”

Polly wrapped her arms around you, and you hugged her back tightly, taking in her perfume one last time. “I love you so much, my brave girl.”

“I love you too, Polly,” you whispered back as the door was unlocked. “Thank you, for everything.”

The warden came in and grabbed you by the arm, pulling you away from your aunt and towards your death. You could hear Polly’s cries behind you as you approached the noose hanging from the wooden scaffold, but it all became white noise.

It wasn’t a bad way to go, all things considered. It would be quick. A bit of pain and then…nothing.

You climbed the stairs and with each step you felt yourself become more absent from the world. The rope was harsh against your neck as it was put around you and tightened. In front of you was a priest, uttering a prayer under his breath as your hands were tied behind your back. The warden stepped back and gave you one final look, sorrow in her eyes.

You knew it was coming. Out the corner of your eye you saw your executioner move over to the lever that would open the floor underneath you. You looked up and saw Polly being brought out of the cell and down the corridor to wait for her turn.

Behind your back, you felt the ring Arthur had given you for your 18th, running a finger over it one more time. You made eye contact with the priest and gave him a small nod, confirming that you were ready.

Ready to die.

Polly was screaming and yelling as the wardens held her still and forced her to watch.

“In the bleak midwinter,” you whispered softly, clenching your hands together tightly, forcing yourself to think of your family and not what was about to happen.

A creak.

A jolt.

Nothing.

/

Ada was waiting for Polly outside the prison gates, anxiously tapping her foot against the wet pavement. She stepped forward as the doors opened and Polly was shoved out them.

“Pol?” Ada asked, frowning. “Where’s y/n?”

Polly slowly lifted her eyes to look at Ada. “She hung.”

Ada fell back a step, hand over her mouth. “No, no, she can’t have. Tommy freed them all…he said he would…he said he did!”

“She went first,” Polly said quietly. “Told me to tell you that she loves you and misses you. And that she forgave Tommy.” Polly gathered Ada in her arms as she sobbed. “She went first knowing it would be too late. But she still forgave him. She forgave everyone, in the end.”

Ada sniffed as she clung to her aunt. “Do the boys know?”

/

John, Michael and Arthur stepped out of the prison door, blinking at the harsh daylight around them.

“Ada!” Arthur exclaimed, stepping forward to hug his sister, pausing when he saw her red eyes and ruined make – up. “What’s wrong?”

Ada let out a sob, burying her face in her hands as Arthur gathered her in his arms, looking to a broken Polly for answers.

“Where’s y/n?” John asked quietly, his voice cracking slightly.

Polly inhaled sharply. “She’s dead.”

“No,” John snapped, shaking his head, “no, she can’t be. The bastard freed us all. He said he would, and he did, so, where the fuck is she?”

“She was hung first,” Polly said quietly, trying not to look at the expression’s on her son and nephew’s faces. “I watched her hang right in front of me. Yet, somehow, she forgave him. She wanted me to tell you how much she loves you all and that she misses you.”

“Pol,” Arthur whispered, still hugging Ada, “please tell me this is some sick joke.”

“It’s true, Arthur,” Ada whispered, clinging onto him. “The warden confirmed it.”

John swore loudly, kicking the wall nearest him. Michael just stared down at the ground. “This is Tommy’s fault – the fucking bastard should’ve been hung, not her,” he said, falling to the ground with a sob. “Not my baby sister. She did nothing to deserve this. She was innocent!”

“I’m going to kill Tommy,” Michael said lowly. “I’m going to fucking murder him.”

/

“Mr Shelby, there’s a police officer here to see you, sir.”

Tommy looked up and nodded. “Send him in, Frances.”

Frances disappeared and was replaced by a solemn looking policeman holding his hat under his arm.

“Mr Shelby,” he said, stepping forward, “I’m afraid I’m not here for a good reason.”

“I guessed that,” Tommy said, standing up and coming around to the other side of his desk. “So, spit it out then, who’s died?”

“Your sister, sir, y/n Shelby. I’m afraid the release order didn’t arrive soon enough, and she was executed this morning as per her sentence.”

Tommy felt his heart drop out from underneath him and put a hand on the desk to steady himself. The police officer in front of him was still talking but no words were reaching him, there was just a ringing sound.

“- I am very sorry for your loss, sir.”

“Get out,” Tommy ordered, and the police officer quickly made himself scarce.

Tommy slowly fell to the ground, his back against his desk. His little sister was dead by his own hand. He killed her because he thought he could beat god. Her blood was on his hands.

“I’m sorry, y/n,” he whispered, burying his head in his hands. “I am so, so sorry.”

#Peaky Blinders #peaky blinders imagines #peaky blinders imagine #peaky blinders fanfic #imagines #shelby sister #shelby sis #angst

[ireadyabooks]

Books to Read After Watching Julie and the Phantoms

By Mackenzie Cutruzzula

First things first...

If you’re anything like me you haven’t been able to get the songs from Julie and the Phantoms out of your head. Whether you love music, a good ghost story, or a little bit of both, these books are on the edge of great.

Julie and the Phantoms: The Edge of Great by Micol Ostow (On Sale December 29)

After the passing of her mom, Julie has lost her passion for music and is on the verge of being kicked out of her performing arts high school. That is, until she makes the ultimate comeback with her new band, Julie and the Phantoms. There’s only one catch: all of her bandmates are ghosts. 

Back in the 1990s, Luke, Reggie, and Alex were on the cusp of rock stardom with their band, Sunset Curve, before an unfortunate encounter with Los Angeles street food brought their rock band dreams—and lives—to an end. Now, with Julie as their lead singer, the guys have a second chance to make it big and to help Julie discover the real power of music. 

This novel based on Season 1 of the hit Netflix series is told in alternating points of view and include a full-color photo insert and exclusive story content not seen on the show!

If you love the music of Julie and the Phantoms try these reads:

P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

While spacing out in Chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk, and added a message to her. Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters -- sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other. Lily realizes she's kind of falling for this letter writer. Only who is he? As Lily attempts to unravel the mystery, and juggle school, friends, crushes, and her crazy family, she discovers that matters of the heart can't always be spelled out...Kasie West brings irresistible wit, warmth, and sparkle to this swoon-worthy story of love showing up when you least expect it.

Turn It Up by Jen Calonita

The Nightingales are in a serious funk. Bradley Academy's all-girl a cappella group used to be the pride of the sunshine state, but the Nightingales have recently fallen out of harmony. Best friends and co-captains Lidia Sato and Sydney Marino haven't been speaking ever since a boy came between them. And not just any boy-none other than Griffin Mancini, the lead singer of Bradley Academy's smug all-boy a capella group, the Kingfishers.The Nightingales have no chance of making it to the big state final if their captains are at each other's throats. Their only hope is new girl Julianna Ramirez. But in addition to her serious pipes, she has some serious stage fright.The Nightingales will have to come together if they want to shine at the upcoming competition and restore the group to its former glory.

K-Pop Confidential by Stephen Lee

When Candace Park secretly enters a global audition held by the same music label that made the K-pop boy band SLK famous, the last thing she expects is to actually get a coveted spot in their trainee program. And convincing her strict parents to let her to go is all but impossible ... although it's nothing compared to what comes next. Under the strict supervision of her instructors at the label's headquarters in Seoul, Candace must perfect her performance skills to within an inch of her life, learn to speak Korean fluently, and navigate the complex hierarchies of her fellow trainees, all while following the strict rules of the industry. Rule number one? NO DATING, which becomes impossible to follow when she meets a dreamy boy trainee. And in the all-out battle to debut, Candace is in danger of planting herself in the middle of a scandal lighting up the K-pop fandom around the world.

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

Just know from the start that it wasn't supposed to go like this. All we wanted was to get near them. That's why we got a room in the hotel where they were staying. We were not planning to kidnap one of them. Especially not the most useless one. But we had him-his room key, his cell phone, and his secrets. We were not planning on what happened next. We swear.

Muted by Tami Charles (On Sale February 2, 2021)

For seventeen-year-old Denver, music is everything. Writing, performing, and her ultimate goal: escaping her very small, very white hometown. So Denver is more than ready on the day she and her best friends Dali and Shak sing their way into the orbit of the biggest R&B star in the world, Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc gives them everything: parties, perks, wild nights -- plus hours and hours in the recording studio. Even the painful sacrifices and the lies the girls have to tell are all worth it. Until they're not. Denver begins to realize that she's trapped in Merc's world, struggling to hold on to her own voice. As the dream turns into a nightmare, she must make a choice: lose her big break, or get broken. Inspired by true events, Muted is a fearless exploration of the dark side of the music industry, the business of exploitation, how a girl's dreams can be used against her -- and what it takes to fight back.

Spin by Lamar Giles

When rising star Paris Secord (aka DJ ParSec) is found dead on her turntables, it sends the local music scene reeling. No one is feeling that grief more than her shunned pre-fame best friend, Kya, and ParSec's chief groupie, Fuse -- two sworn enemies who happened to be the ones who discovered her body. The police have few leads, and when the trail quickly turns cold, the authorities don't seem to be pushing too hard to investigate further. But nobody counted on Paris's deeply loyal fans, ParSec Nation, or the outrage that would drive Fuse and Kya to work together. As ParSec Nation takes to social media and the streets in their crusade for justice, Fuse and Kya start digging into Paris's past, stumbling across a deadly secret. With new info comes new motives. New suspects. And a fandom that will stop at nothing in their obsessive quest for answers, not even murder...

If you love the ghosts in Julie and the Phantoms and are looking for something a little spooky, try these reads:

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost. So things are already pretty strange. But they're about to get much stranger. When Cass's parents start hosting a TV show about the world's most haunted places, the family heads off to Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, graveyards, castles, and secret passageways teem with restless phantoms. And when Cass meets a girl who shares her "gift," she realizes how much she still has to learn about the Veil -- and herself. And she'll have to learn fast. The city of ghosts is more dangerous than she ever imagined.

All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado, is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars. At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts; Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo. They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Bestowed by the ancient goddess of death, Yadriel and the gifted members of his Latinx community can see spirits: women have the power to heal bodies and souls, while men can release lost spirits to the afterlife. But Yadriel, a trans boy, has never been able to perform the tasks of the brujas - because he is a brujo. When his cousin suddenly dies, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free. However, the ghost he summons is not his cousin. It's Julian Diaz, the resident bad boy of his high school, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He's determined to find out what happened and tie off some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

After a close encounter with a bus, Alona Dare goes from homecoming queen to Queen of the Dead. She’s stuck as a ghost in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her to a better place. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast. More than anything, Will wishes he didn’t have the rare ability to communicate with the dead, especially the former mean girl of Groundsboro High. He’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side, though it would bring him some welcome peace and quiet. Can they get over their mutual distrust -- and quasi-attraction -- to work together? Readers of this spirited paranormal comedy won't want this odd couple to ever part.

#I read YA #blog #K-pop Confidential #kill the boy band #julie and the phantoms #unsaid emily #the edge of great #spin #all the crooked saints #city of ghosts #muted #turn it up #p. s. i like you

[yaboylevi]

Hi! I love ur blog, especially ur Snk Metas and Ereri metas. What are your thoughts on the whole “Eren has always been like this” (always been evil or capable of great evils like genocide) that a lot of people seem to agree on? I’ve always had a hard time believing in that idea because we’ve been shown multiple times that Eren is capable of sympathy and empathy, so to say he’s ALWAYS been like this is wrong.

Hi! Thank you!!

Looking through my snk 121 tag I found that I have already received similar questions, so I’m gonna link one here if you want the short version of it. Even if it was something I wrote up right after the chapter was out, it’s not like my opinion has changed much... more like, my faith in Isayama writing a decent conclusion and explanation in regards to Eren has plummeted in the past year and a half.

But anyway, now we have some new information pertaining Eren, so I feel like I can add more on this moment and my take on it in light of such new perspective.

Let me preface this with: Eren hates what he’s doing, is despising every second, was scared of his future visions, often paralyzed, desperate to find a better solution than this, because he knows - let me repeat it - HE KNOWS this is horrifying. We had hints throughtout the story, but many have ignored them. For me, Eren going through grief and apologizing for something he hadn’t even done yet in chapters 131 was no shocker at all, but I guess some people may have actually been surprised, I don’t know. It was right there since the Marley arc and his breakdown over Sasha, but many have completely misinterpreted that scene, denying it was desperation that he was feeling, so it was nice to finally have confirmation. Kinda.

However, you know, Isayama doesn’t seem to have picked a side on his characterization of Eren. Or maybe there is still something that’s concealed, because everything we have seen, isn’t evething that has happened, and it doesn’t explain yet some things about Eren and, relevant to this post, why Eren has decided to give up and give in to his future self’s memories of destruction. I’m sorry, but Eren believing “there is no other way, other than killing the whole world’s population, because the future cannot be changed” due to some memories is not gonna cut it, especially because we haven’t seen him fight too hard against it. In my opinion, at least. Or maybe he did, but we haven’t been shown.

The most hopeful part of my heart wishes he is already trying to change things, in a very roundabout and secret way, but the tired and logical part is done hoping. After all, Eren is alternating between being hellbent on going through with rumbling the world, and being absolutely horrified by it. I’ve been getting whiplash every month for a couple of years now.

As for your actual question, and that line during the Paths Time Travel...

Let’s start from here, shall we? That whole conversation with Zeke in Paths was to Zeke what chapter 112 was to Mikasa and Armin, imo. Chapter 121, huh, same numbers...but anyways. I think I have already wrote it somewhere, but I believe Eren lied, and purposely hurt Zeke. To make him, and Mikasa and Armin, realize something and act accordingly, maybe against Eren himself.

In Mikasa’s case, the realization was gradual since then, because Eren’s lies kickstarted it immediately. In Armin’s case, I think we still haven’t seen the full potential of it, though it may come next chapter - and I mean the “You were influenced by Bertolt, an enemy” angle. I am surprised Armin hasn’t followed this reasoning in regards to Eren, who has three titans within him, none of them particularly allied with Paradis. We left Armin seeing Bertolt, who is, in turn, watching him. I wonder if a conversation won’t happen right off the bat in chapter 136.

Anyhow, Eren, in chapter 112, also very much hit Armin and Mikasa where it hurt them the most - which is the same thing he did to Zeke here, bringing up his hate for Grisha and how it was the only think really fuelling him, and went through all the effort of making him reconcile with Grisha. Mmm, sus. Am I the only one feeling it’s sus??? I really have to wonder if he doesn’t kind of want/need Zeke to stop him, just like I believe he did with Armin and Mikasa. After all, there was no need to antagonize them and make them have reasons to stop caring for him, if he didn’t want to be stopped.

So, if it wasn’t already clear, Eren is a big liar, and he’s good at it if you don’t know him (and Zeke, Armin, and Mikasa have proven they don’t know or understand him very well at times). His acting skills have been shown all the way back in the cabin scene when he was 8 years old and tricked those traffickers.

There is another layer to these lies that I’d like to touch upon, though.

The line you were inquiring about feels exactly like his “I am free” in chapter 112. He sounds so sure, but it is a freaking lie.

See how both Armin and Mikasa are confused by such a bold, out-of-the-blue statement, the same way Zeke asks Eren “Since birth?” because, like, what is that all even about?

Eren has been feeling trapped in his own future memories to the point that his freedom of choice even existing anymore has become a big question mark. There is no freedom in following the path you were shown.

Eren’s urge to save someone from “having their freedom solen” by “physically assaulting the perpetrators first” has never, ever meant that he was willing to or okay with sacrificing innocents. Quite the opposite, in fact. There have been whole arcs about that. About Eren freaking out over people dying for him, refusing to sacrifice friends for the bigger picture, grieving for or sympathizing with innocents losing their lives or having them destroyed by some bigger threat. That has not changed.

So the big question remains: Why?

With these outrageous and confident statements about himself, I don’t think Eren is merely lying to his interlocutor to change their perception of him. I think he is lying to himself as well in the meantime. It looks like it did the trick, or not - based on how you want to interpret it. He really has been dissociating hard during his rampage.

But it all depends on what Isayama's angle is with Eren. In 112 Eren seemed to believe his “I am free” statement because he had an instant reaction to Armin challenging it. At the same time, now that we also have chapter 130-131 to enrich our reading, there is no way Eren felt free into the choices he made after hearing Willy’s declaration of war. He saw a terrifying future, he hoped against hope that it would change, but felt powerless and gutted and desperate that all pointed to such a future being unchangeable. So I do wonder if maybe he didn’t end up lying to himself - subconsciously or not - that he is free... and that he is always been this way - a cold-blooded murderer who did it all for justice.

Zoom in on Eren forlornly watching himself as a kid show pure kindess to a girl who just went through the most traumatizing experience in her life.

For the matter, I don’t believe Eren “has always been this way”. I actually don’t believe he’s ever been that way. I don’t know why many(?) people just accept whatever Eren says at face value, ignoring all context surronding it.

As I posted very recently, it doesn’t make sense for Eren to go from one extreme to the other without a better excuse, or explanation, or a more believable writing of it...or a plot twist that I guess I will wait for for another 4 months:

Eren came to realize that outside the walls people are just...well, people. There are good ones everywhere, people who suffered just like him, people who deserve better, certainly don’t deserve to be caught up in the Rumbling, people who have lives, children, moms, loved ones. This is highlighted again in chapter 131, because maybe, when Eren brought it up in the basement with Falco and Reiner, people didn’t think he was being genuine. So Isayama shows us again that Eren truly believed that.

And yet, the chapter before, Eren put those very same people on the same level of Titans when he used to think Titans were scum, a nightmare sent to eat them alive, because he addressed them with “匹”, a derogatory counter when applied to people, because it is usually used for small animals.

The parallel to how he used to feel towards Titans is smacked in our faces, because in Japanese, it’s the same exact line. He now feels that way about people.

...What?

It doesn’t make sense, right?

Because really, the same way Eren’s first impulse in Marley was to save Ramzi when he was being beaten up (and threatened with a worse fate than some bruises), the same way Eren helped him regardless and again went against 3 full-grown men, it’s the same way Eren rushed to Mikasa’s rescue when he didn’t even know her... or the same way he pushed himself into a Titan’s mouth just to save Armin. it doesn’t come from a sentiment of “I need to punish these monsters because they are threatening me”. It comes from a natural, intrinsic need to help and save others. It is deeply saddening that at the end of this journey, with Ramzi, he just feels like this natural predisposition of his is just a fake and turns him into a hypocrite.

So for Eren to say he has always been that way while looking at his 8 years old self stabbing a human trafficker in the chest to save a little girl to try and explain why he’s killing innocent people who happens to be living alongside “the bad guys” is a false equivalence. Either it’s a lie Eren tells himself and to Zeke to make both of them believe this is what Eren is, and has always been, and there is nothing they could do to prevent it - in a sort of twisted liberation from guilt because “if I was always like this, then you and I both shouldn’t have expected anything different”...

...or it’s Isayama’s failed attempt at presenting a theoretical concept he liked and talked about in interviews, suddenly turning Eren into a poster boy for it and canceling previous sides of Eren’s complexity as a character. I would like to believe Isayama hasn’t lost his magic touch this badly, but every day I’m less sure of it.

My opinion, for what is worth, is that that line you quoted is something he said to trick Zeke into detaching himself from Eren and going against him - breaking the bonds of love all around him has been a very deliberate choice Eren has made post time-skip - and at the same time it’s something Eren is trying to believe himself, in a desperate attempt at explaining to his own conscience that he was destined to bring such destruction, that he was always capable of it, and that there is a sort of justice in it where there isn’t. And he knows, deep down. That’s why he dissociates in the end.

In a very twisted, self-deprecating way, Eren is a liar to everyone, himself included. He has become an unreliable narrator about himself. Eren has completely shut down because he cannot stand what he is doing.

And I would very much like to know why he gave up on trying to find a different solution, if that’s what it is that happened, and why he sounds like a different person every other scene he appears in, in the next 4 months.

#eren yeager #snk spoilers #snk meta #shingeki asks

[aconstantstateofbladerunner]

Complete Butterfly Outline

Howdy friends.  The following is the complete chapter by chapter outline for Butterfly.  Now that the fic is finished and some people want to see it, I figured there was no harm in sharing.  Maybe this will help some of you better your own outline process.  Note that not everything that appears here made it into the fic, and some things that did don’t appear in this outline.  Some events are also in different order due to me changing my mind during the actual writing.  Feel free to ask me questions about those discrepancies or anything else.  Please enjoy!

Butterfly

The first over-night trip off campus since the training camp is supposed to be a break from anxiety.  But between concerns of history repeating itself, a major research project, and a bleak introduction to chaos theory, Izuku has too much on his mind to properly enjoy the fresh air.  But those worries are a light breeze compared to the thunderstorm that accompanies what he finds on the outskirts of town.  Or rather, what finds him.

1. Chaos Theory -thankful -comic book assignments -sound of thunder -butterfly effect -field trip

2. Yakku -bus ride -small town hero work -interject about butterfly -Cheat-A demonstration -talk with all might

3. Small time -community engagement -reports of stolen food -first day tour and fun, photos with fans -heat lightning -second day early morning patrols -groups: Sero, Toruu, Deku with hero -different route than normal -bullies, can’t threaten with quirk, but has his body -investigate diner -dead bodies

4. Let’s Talk About Anything Else -deku falls back on a table -kitchen covered in blood and black feathers -body: slash across stomach and eyes, other exposed shoulder blades -three form a perimeter while hero investigates -backup arrives, kids dismissed -hug -might have gotten there sooner had they taken a different road -statements and debriefs -return to hotel, can’t eat -hang out in room, read to pass time -talk about comic projects -nightfall’s, others return -Momo makes plushies -animal jokes -can’t sleep

5. The First Rung of the Spiral -third day, more patrols -stolen food in the night -seminar “That was... definitely higher than in practice.”  “Oh good, it wasn’t just me.” -feels like a warm hug, full body feeling of when all might ruffles his hair -“this is mine.  This is me.” -izuku gets through but get sick afterwards from anxiety -secret lake, something in the distance, canceled -watahashi - cross bridge -hibiki - echo -takuya - open also -dead deer -sleep on bus by All might, anxiety subsides

6. Nothing is Okay -week passes -Tsuyu dreams of drowning, talks to Deku -anxiety returns with a vengeance -occasional intense back pain -counseling with hound dog, recommends something from home -pissed that they didn’t receive immediate grief counseling -speak with recovery girl about pain, nothing physically wrong -prescribes a sleep aid, anxiety meds left open -return to dorm to find his leftovers missing

7. Part of the Job -training: escort -dread and erased quirk -deku’s team loses fake civilian -takes it hard -stays later to talk to Aizawa -more complaints about missing food -Mineta brings thank you gift, gourmet popcorn -pain hasn’t stopped -return for movie night: Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths -brief talk with iida -if we were to meet ourselves, we wouldn’t recognize ourselves -“saying the same thing over and over isn’t exactly helping either.” -deku can’t sleep, returns to his own bed

8. Yakku’s Finest -small town investigation inconclusive, murderer remains at large but reports of stolen food have stopped -diner money left untouched but larder picked clean -blood set, attacked in the night -quirk discussion, vague, strained relationship, -teleported in from somewhere, teleported away -DNA testing to be done on feathers “Did you ever go to investigate the houses with stolen food?  When was the last instance reported?”  “Four days after the murder.”  “How far back can your quirk see?”  “One day.”  “How many days has it been?”

9. Dread -awake from pain -reading news updates -school forum rumors about stolen food

10. The Mind Killer -earthquake rescue training -keep notes on others to make up credit -dread not as bad -still has brace, sleepy and sick from concussion -pretends to be better -argument after almost throwing up -getting late -all might was never able to find his all star Superman trade reading online -picnic table with mirio, suneater, and eri -babysitters -talk about projects, mirio did shadow cat and suneater did animal man -brings up Superman’s suneater -all might approaches, chastises him for staring at a screen while he has a concussion, offers Superman trade instead -discuss the fall -what’s one more scar? -“why didn’t you tell me?” -“I don’t know” -“you could have been killed.” -dread tells him he only cares for one for all -phone call -mom going out of town -izuku lies -banging down the hall -getting closer -deku hides behind door -thing hesitates in his room, goes to door -wing claw and eye reveal -calls for help, thing vanishes -no evidence -“I felt it breathe on me.” -most don’t believe him

11. Ache -hospital -nothing wrong -can’t enjoy getting the brace off -another little scar -recoverygirl argues with nurse -all might arrives with stuff -tells izuku to call his mom -confesses to illness -schedule specialist appointment -nothing on cameras -explain Midoriyas condition -compare notes with Jakku -all might calls Gran Torino about izuku’s symptoms -aoyama thinks about Midoriya during earthquake simulation -others ask about the seizure but he doesn’t have answers -put together a card and nice dinner to welcome him back -try to make food himself -update from Aizawa : Midoriya coming back, tired, don’t bother him -izuku breezes past everyone, uraraka follows -has an attack on the stairs -never happened before -retreats to room, leaving uraraka behind

12. From the Outside -bakugo dreams of the sludge villain -sees deku in the crowd, yelling sorry -wakes up, goes to bathroom -finds a black feather, thinks it’s a prank -realizes he would have done the same thing back in middle school -destroys it (invisibitch) -thinks he’s being merciful -izuku keeps thinking he sees the creature out of the corner of his eyes -pain comes randomly -can’t sleep -anticipation of pain keeps him awake -rubbing against ribs -move up appointment -talk with midnight -fanmail activity -“I am the American father waiting on the porch with a shotgun for whatever pathetic excuse for a date is gonna try and take my little angels to the prom.” -wants to hug him, he hates hugs -“I can only do so much” “so much is better than nothing” -rumors of people suddenly unable to use their quirks -might be an illness or one for all hurting him -gives in to anxiety medication -needs to get in contact with a specialist for nerve damage -takes up hound dogs suggestion of something from home

13. Nostalgia For The Future -deku goes home for a plushie, brings todoroki -mom isn’t home -todoroki likes his house, feels small but full -nothing about his dad -“would being his son make his obsession more or less weird?” -declares intent to become a hoarder -confesses to dream about losing his quirk and father hurting him for it -Despite recent trauma, deku hasn’t dreamt at all -swaps a book from all might for one of mom’s -nerve specialist, dendrite -rash -“as a fan I was impressed, but the doctor in me couldn’t help but cringe”. “See?  He gets it.” -neurotoxin as anesthetic (but why) -all might watches procedure -“the scene brings to mind ritual sacrifices from old movies” -maybe attacked during procedure, mess with vitals and life support -chemical evidence that izuku’s brain is firing off pain response -common fixation in young empaths, recreate perceived trauma in themselves -“was there?”  “...I could see bones poking out...” -basic testing comes up negative -“When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses not zebras”. Here we have a zebra -someone is using an empathy quirk on him -someone ate his leftovers -old all might plushie pats bunny -he was so done.  So done, that as he laid down to make a futile effort at sleep, it crossed his mind that maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to never wake up. -izuku did wake up; to see Mini-him standing on the ground with a hole in his chest and a slash across his eyes. -wake up to bunny plushy with tears that mirror original victims

14. The Rolling Thing With Wings -Aoyama saw it this time -“Midoriya’s villain is real”, -something is for sure on campus -Aizawa and other teachers immediately go out and search -cold rain -lights catch black feathered mass that rolls away -Aizawa can’t get a good look -thing tries to flee but keeps getting cut off -uses dread quirk, flattens teachers -finally sees it, it cancels his quirk before he can -vanishes -hound dog smells izuku -back to dorm, all might and students comforting izuku -plushie remains the same but camera footage shows nothing -Aizawa and izuku compare dread effects -realizes it may go after his mom

15. Bittersweet Release -Inko arrives at mustafu train station early in the morning -phone call from Aizawa telling her not to go home -wait to be escorted by heroes -calls izuku, he confesses to what’s been going on -doesn’t want to risk putting her in the line of fire -kids spend the nights in the dorm shelter -“The villain was able to hover right over Midoriya’s bed while he slept.  Any one of those nights he could have killed him.  And since we didn’t have any evidence, we assumed he was having nightmares like everyone else.  Do you understand the gravity of what your inaction could have brought on?” -discussion of feelings with hound dog -apologies for doubt -rejoin students -news, villain warning issued -connections to missing food -anyone paying attention could figure out victim is izuku -harsh criticism of UA -izuku elects to take responsibility -hound dog leaves for meeting

16. Table Scraps -hound dog comes in late, cloth tied around mouth in place of muzzle -villain smelled like Midoriya, that close -teachers check security, limited evidence, suggest a quirk that can reverse/move outside of time -connection to missing food -Noumu theory is proposed due to multiple quirks and black appearance -all for one still in prison, twice? -similar to Yakku, get in contact -pathfinder shows map of trails -only found perimeter -entered town to chase the bus -villain seemed to stop existing -one missing quirk: night vision -meanwhile, pro heroes patrolling near apartment -“oh please.  All mights had a kid at UA since my parents were in school.” -spot a figure go up the stairs and enter with a key/silhouette in the window -nobody from the family is supposed to be nearby -go inside and confront the middle school-aged boy, mass under shirt -find him wandering the house, ignoring them -introduce themselves -he goes to sit on the main bed, eating, heroes angry -“waiting” “for who?” “My family” -“my house” -“NO”

17. Voight-Kompff -stitches out -out running for the first time in weeks -one for all makes him feel whole, pictures the previous users welcoming him back into their embrace -breath deeper -“this is mine.  This is me.” -“izuku wasn’t a spiteful person.  Not at all.  He got angry at villains for hurting people, yes, but he couldn’t recall at time where it felt personal.  So it came as a bit of a shock when he found himself pondering if the villain’s wings were hollow, like in birds.  They would break easier that way.” -“hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that.  But knowing his luck, he’d treat it like an inevitable.” -full cowl practice interrupted -“once it’s gone I can be with mom.” -medical exam with officers present -increase in students asking for sleep aids -izuku called back again, this time with teachers -karma for complaining about uraraka -gives back minihim -2 heroes murdered in his apartment the previous evening -it isn’t the artificial dread, it’s real -Like before: no security footage, food stolen, wiped search history, this time it seems clothes and personals were also stolen -“quirkless virus” show similar symptoms as victims of all for one -some have different quirks than before, usually minor -most are regular civilians, no hero, cop, or medical staff until murders -murder of diner owners still unclear -pattern, no pain on nights food is stolen -stealth quirks, likely to make another attack -DNA of feathers came back -same as izuku

18. Powder Keg -toga told to investigate league contact -warehouse trashed, dead everywhere -“Oh, yeah, no, they’re dead.  And whoever did it was super sloppy.” “Hang on, Dabs, I’m getting another call.” -answers dead guy’s phone -“how did I ever survive without the preserve jars?” -rumors of someone who broke into UA by themselves, after Izuku -elects to investigate -Superman presentation -outside heroes on campus -Outfield, izuku debates talking to him -unsure if they know the dna connection -calls mom, asks about family -we didn’t want you to feel like you were being replaced -class exercise, warned not to push it -izuku does something during exercise that spooks outfield -sleep in shelter past three nights -villain warning issued -other students don’t know about Izuku’s DNA -sleep in shifts -all might stays close -tries to text mom good night, signal can’t get through the concrete -eri is there, tries to cheer him up “Zawa said there’s a bad guy after you.” “She’s your biggest fan.”  “She might have to fight Kota for that.” -tells her she should go somewhere else since the bad guy is targeting him -she’s having none of it -later, eri and all might asleep on either side of him -keeps an eye on the door -hears sato’s phone buzz, he waves him off to signal his shift is over -lays back, tries to relax -sudden tightness in chest, opens eyes to see the other one standing on the ceiling directly above him

19. Fish in a Barrel -Aizawa realizes its a set up -the other one tries to stab him with the wing spike, eyes glowing red to erase his quick -rolls to cover eri and calls to the others -hits him in the head, disabling quirk -takes out lights -everyone tries to go for him, easily thrown back -slashed across multiple chests -the other tries to go for the door, todoroki freezes it -the other burns and breaks it down, vanishes -chase with bakugo, find toga -“my dad could breath fire” -teacher question how it could have gotten in with so many standing guard -it must have come in with them -mislead the heroes -comfort eri -wounds tended to -Tooru seriously hurt, crying, outlined by blood -idea floated to move izuku somewhere else -toga found wounded at the edge of campus

20. Walk Without Rhythm -“you’re sending me away?” -talk about moving izuku to protect the others -say goodbye outside, the want to lure it -switch trains last minute -dread fades -Aizawa says goodbye -appearance change -tooru wake up in hospital with parents -They met all might, other kids here and awake -tiger comes in with brace, izuku broke his shoulder -all might went back to help -discuss, don’t think the nomu was intentionally hurting them -tell that to midoriya -what are they doing with him -encounters old bullies who act like fans -Aizawa back with the others, discuss -public place.  Hundreds of people. Broad. Fucking. Daylight. -pathfinder there, nomu was inside for hours, quirk that displaces itself -nomu is intelligent, understands aizawa -only superfans and former students know him -izuku mentioned his father was as much of a fan -toga unresponsive -maybe move him to another safe house, evidence that the other is locating quirks through police records, he’s gotten through most defenses -victims have minor records -mom moved around too, discouraged from contacting her -better to hide, all might’s house -end of the day, tired and sweaty -brush appearance change out of his hair, hug -it’s the first time all day he’s felt like a person -“I’m sorry I left you behind”

21. All in All -izuku stays up late to call his dad -argue about timing -“sorry I didn’t call.  I wasn’t sure of your schedule in this mess and I didn’t want to bug you. “Sure” -mostly unaware of what’s happening, mom told them to talk -changes the subject to the Jakku seminar, tries to relate to quirk hurting him -thinks his dad only likes him for his quirk -“you can’t keep crying like this every time you’re stressed.  Youre sixteen, way to old to be crying like this.  You’re a hero.  Villains aren’t going to wait for you to get yourself together.” -“look, if you’re not gonna be invested in the conversation, maybe you should hang up, and we can talk later, ‘Kay?” -Skype call with Toga -managed to talk to it briefly, voice changer -the villain didn’t like her, in denial -said he would fix it -crusty and gross, waste of a healing factor -deku-kun is here, isn’t he? -tells jokes to distract from Dad -all might’s in specialty housing for tall quirks, modestly decorated with comic merch and newspapers -device to hide his life signs -fanart from Young Izuku on the fridge, bought the magnets just to put it up -old classmates posting about him online, he’s a cool hero -forum trolls, could probably take them -“I thought you were supposed to be discouraging me from picking fights with villain’s every other month.” “Oh hey look at that, you made a quip” -talk about feelings ⁃ is my rambling annoying, endearing -“it’s okay to still be upset, you know.  You don’t have to move on right away.” -year newspaper -butterfly returns to U.A., breaks window, noises, squeezes through naked -students pretend to sleep, half in costume -it passes over them

22. Idle Imprisonment -day 2, report comes in, three critically wounded policemen not far from u.a. -izuku does class work ⁃ all Might pins points on a map, far off -day 3, more reports of missing and mismatched quirks: tracking and radar -day four: 4 civilians and 1 hero murdered, several others injured -feathers through the eyes -mt lady back in action -izuku can’t take it, wants to go out and confront butterfly -massive argument with all might, hides in room again -“cabin fever!?” -all might figures he’ll try to sneak out, overhears him struggle, his windows don’t open

23. It Matters -later that night, all might offers dinner, goes to watch tv -izuku slinks out and eats with him on the couch -“think I don’t know how it feels?  To be stuck inside safe while the thing that hurt you is running free to do more harm?” -“I miss it sometimes, but I get to spend more time with you” “I’m not worth it.” -“if it hadn’t hurt me, I might not have met you.  Either my time limit didn’t force me to hear you out or I might not have come back to mustafu at all.” -back and forth about izuku’s worth, “are you trying to convince me to be happy or regretful” -“ok, lets try this: what do you hate about me?” -“I hate that you don’t trust me.”  “And you constantly treat me like a little kid!  Hate that too!”  “You are a kid!” -“I want you to tell me one thing you don’t like about me.  As a person.”  “Why?”  “If I have to be honest about how I feel so do you.  You only ever say nice things.  You act like there’s nothing wrong with me but there is.  If you don’t tell me, I’ll have to keep guessing.”  “...  back in the shelter, after the villain attack...  that was the only time I’ve ever heard you truly laugh.” “...  that’s it?” -“I, I’m not a fan of how you talk about that video of my debut.” “But, But It was a great rescue-“  “It was awful,” he snapped.  Midoriya recoiled.  Good.  “It was so awful.  Hundreds of people died.  Most of the people I pulled to safety didn’t pull through.  I hear them screaming still in my dreams.  I hated every second of that night.  And I hate that you love it.”   -“That shot one shot, the one people plaster everywhere, of me coming over the ridge carrying a dozen people?  Half of them were already dead.” -“How did you even see that anyway?”  “Mom said the news was running a special for the twenty-five year anniversary...  I watched it with my dad...”  “and you would have been what?  Two, three?” -talk about debut -tells him about Nana and his childhood -hid from villain’s like this “I loved her like my mother.” “Did she love you as a son.” -“it doesn’t matter.” It does. -talks about how izuku is great -never initiated a hug before, what else could he do besides pull him closer? -“I hate yelling at you.  You’ve had too much of that in your life.  I just want you to be happy.” -“and I’m going to keep you here until you realize how much you matter” -caught between child and adult, wonder what he’d be like had he never influenced him -will the scars on his arm grow with him? -he wanted to just keep holding him, to make up for all the times he should have but didn’t. -carries him to bed -“I can walk.” “I want to carry you.” -he’s going to be okay.  He’ll grow up.  Conquer the world with his smile.  Be the unshakable pillar the world needs, all Might had no doubt.  But not tonight.  Someday, but not tonight.  Tonight, he is a small terrified child, separated from his family, and on the run from an unknown horror.  Tonight, he deserves a moment to be scared and sad, and be comforted. -life sign hider gone -prays he stays just this small forever -he’s like a son to him -he stays for a while after he falls asleep, just to be sure

24. The Other One -all might dreams of his death at the hands of all for one/wolfram -wakes up to alarm, needs to eat -izuku inspired him to keep living, gets up to check on him -remembers the dream theory, goes to check his fridge -closes it, butterfly is right there -smells him before he sees him -running down a list of ways to get a hit in, major blood vessel in the temple -“Hello” silence, “are you all might?” Ask about fighting the ‘same’ villain Beat him with the help of his student Butterfly gets angry, the other one -“he’s almost shocked to here a human voice come out of it...  a young voice.” Other what -comes into the light, more scar than skin -talks him down, reaches out to touch him -doesnt believe -same shoes, faded and frayed and falling apart, but the same -never one to talk down hostage/suicide -says his name -butterfly stunned, cries at the kind touch -hug -same eyes -he’s izuku again

Reveal post - https://lckhr.tumblr.com/post/175255988293/okay-villaindeku-is-so-popular-right-now-but

I want to add to this real quick because I just dug up my original notes I wrote at 2 am last summer when I first thought of this fic and it reminded me of some stuff. The world of My Hero Academia is set up in such a way that whatever bullshit power you can think of will probably fit.  A lot of superhero universes have that, but something about MHA makes it so much more pronounced.  Combine that with the idea of All for One, a quirk that lets the user wield an unknown number of powers, and there is some serious potential to absolutely abuse the setting. The idea was to create a lone villain that could perfectly counter everything thrown at it, to the point where it feels like a supernatural monster.  Security?  Quirk that prevents cameras and sensors from recording its image.  Evidence?  Quirk that rewinds time on displaced objects.  Witnesses?  Quirk that prevents people who are already asleep from waking up.

25. Butterfly: Origin -“as hard as he tried throughout his life, Toshinori knew he could never be Superman.” -“He wants to hurt your boy/ but he is my boy” -all might feeds him, too thin, still heavy -talks him into taking a bath while he makes him a warm meal -Texts his izuku to be silent and contact Naomasa -stolen possessions with his clothes, folding quirk, , flattening, sticker quirk -cries at the red shoes -butterfly comes back out, reveals wings -all might makes him a cutout shirt and sling for vestigial wings -its a cold night,hairdryer, hopefully izuku sees the opportunity -“he’s so gentle.  The boys arms are thinner than his.  It’s wrong.  He feels like any pressure greater than a brush will shatter bones.  He could break his fingers with a pinch.  But maybe he should.  This is a villain.  It tried to kill my boy.  But he is my boy.” -“did you ever fly?” “Once” -“it’s okay, you didn’t know.” -getting scolded for hurting himself is universal -so is being a chatterbox -considers Christmas present in the closet -tells him to lay down on the couch and watch tv -butterfly asks about one for all, consent -admits to killing Mirio -all might asks about all for one, vague backstory -noticed something was wrong after usj -“he said there was a time where there wasn’t a single child in Japan born without his permission.” “It was a mercy killing at that point.” -more time in a day, imprisoned for seemingly twice as long -drawn to yakku by picture of lodge that looks like apartments -“I heard someone say my name” -lie, offered to trade quirk, got in a drunken fight -has both parents quirks, implied to have killed Dad -wanted to scare his izuku into going home, no one was there, took it out -has mom’s quirk, “someone else lives there now.” -tried to find mom, “once he’s gone, I can be with mom.” -“I’m only hurting me. I’m not worth it -inter-dimensional quirk, -Inching closer to all might -you didn’t say that, the other you did -all might confronts him on his crimes, defense is that they started it -“you’re not right” -puts head in all might’s lap and moves his hand to his head -found izuku, jealous of his life, not sure what to do -realizes that izuku has one for all -“WHY” -describes the sludge villain incident -compare outcomes -butterfly gets upset, prepares to strike -all might says sorry

26. Bizarro -izuku listening in the whole time -attacks butterfly as he’s about to strike -wounds all might in the chest -butterfly screams accusations -brutal fight, bitten ear -izuku stands up to dread -ripped vestigial wings clean off -fight, flees at approach of heroes -wind and rain enter through broken window, mess up all mights hero shrine -izuku still feels like he has grime on his hands from the wing -its me -hospital, all might severely injured but stable -sneaks into room -stabbed where his lung used to be -“Did I ever apologize for saying you couldn’t be a hero?” -apologizes through tears for saying izuku can’t be a hero -sad hugs -tells nurse that he’s his son

27. Same -thinks butterfly is holding him -Aizawa says nurses told him all might was with his son, calls it inappropriate -hesitant to leave all might -please don’t take him from me -all might holds onto him for as long as he can -Aizawa wants to call them over dramatic, but this feels warranted -it’s me, i know -news from kids perspective -Sero -escorted everywhere, never alone -no way to tell what’s going on -wake up, check the news -need to confront butterfly -meeting in a moving vehicle -Pathfinder there, special sunglasses -how many were killed, lie -Butterfly’s notes, crinkled and overfilled, izuku can read them -addresses, quirks? -safe places, food,  Trying to find home -plan A, swan dive -he was trying to get me to kill myself -plan b, kidnap to other dimension and kill, pose as the same one having been tortured -what’s plan c? -more missing quirks and murders, offensive capabilities -pathfinder attacked, quirk stolen -team of heroes go over what they know about him -analysis of wing he ripped off -rapid nerve death, theorize that his healing quirk is killing him -why hasn’t it? Quirk preventing organ failure -once the body runs out of fat, it goes for muscle -after muscle, it goes for cardiac muscles -that’s what the dread is, empathy -perpetually on the brink of a heart attack -means they might be able to go all out against him -uses inter dimensional quirk to conceal movement -ask izuku what he could mean by the right quirk -memory alteration, body swap -all might Skyped in “You’ve been trying to clean up the mess the other you made, let me do the same.” -you didn’t fail, the other you did -how to restrict movement, only ever does it outside -shelters never built in his world -set a trap, need a place that doesn’t exist in butterfly’s world

28. The Net -go through the tunnels to the main shelter under the school -can’t discuss the plan Bakugou tries to ignore him and unpack his stuff Izuku flinches from contact -says goodbye to classmates I love you all, thanks for being my friend...  you have no idea what it’s meant to me -don’t talk like that, it makes it sound like you’re not coming back! -hugs -midnight cries -talk with Bakugou -shapeshifter butterfly -it’s a forced smile.  “Forced” is the only way to describe it yet if feels like it isn’t enough. -new bunker at UA -limited air conditioning -pathfinder walks him through messing with his quirk -i got your letter -did you know them?  They were good people -didn’t mean to be so harsh, people get hurt when you aren’t good enough -step outside briefly, the world is so much more vibrant without his quirk in the way -“it’s a tomb” “yeah.  Let’s make sure it’s not yours” -obvious trap, he won’t be enough -need bait -all might about to be discharged -agrees to stay as the casualties of the trap will be sent to the same location -inko enters, told to wait for her son there -got stolen stuff back -izukus first all might toy -talk with all might, maybe izuku’s Dad, left around the time he was quirkless -I want to push him forward, but also want to shield him from the world -welcome to parenthood -asked for blood drawn

29. You Shoot It -dream of deer in the woods, all turn to look at him together, one missing a face -toga disguised as izuku’s mom, distract him long enough to ceil the doors -no sign of butterfly -concern -butterfly enters by bending the door, an army of bugs -Izuku watches from another room, he’s a last resort -toga tries to convince him to stop fighting, can’t -something off -tries to stab him, nothing -turn around -cut to Aizawa -Bakugou seizing, that’s not Deku -“suit up” -strangled -fight -Cementoss seals the door -upgraded -pain sharing, metal feathers, ribbon skin, black bone, fero blood, wing spears, teeth bombs, throw feathers, telekinesis, fire breath -attacks do nothing -it’s an illusion -turn around, butterfly strikes while looking at him reveals partially healed form, antlers Flee out the room, fighters overrun by cockroaches Erasure is his most powerful quirk Izuku flanks him and kicks him in the skull, blocked by antlers -antlers become bendy and grab him Butterfly tries to go for izuku’s eyes using mom’s quirk -other heroes quickly tossed aside -chase down izuku through the maze -fold hole in the wall -punch in the jaw, teeth explode -izuku nearly overpowered -held down completely -strangled

-Aizawa and the class rush to the entrance, blocked off -must be a fail safe, butterfly was meant to break in -break down the doors -what if butterfly manages to escape -mina’s acid, strong punching, laser, explosions Aoyama asks for braces or someone to hold him while he blasts the ground -anger he doesn’t have the right quirk -knows his is the only one that can disable butterfly -they have to take the risk

-held down completely, erasure flickers -Pathfinder hits him with a baton and tries to choke him, distracting him -only one eye -izuku breaks free with 100% -smashes Butterfly’s eyesocket with his knuckle -blood splashes in his face as he flees -scream behind him -arm strained, can’t tell if it’s broken -pathfinder’s fate unknown -brief visions, body swap quirk Realize butterfly has been holding back because he wants a healthy body Test how much

-aizawa run through the maze -find pathfinder -hear screaming

-leap though illusion and snap off one of butterfly’s wings -tear membrane with own feather, cut between broken bones -it tries to crawl back to him -illusion breaks, revealing deer skull -flee, openly crying, bleeding tears -lock hands, izuku breaks others fingers, -wings burst from his back, heroes hold back wings -powers through pain and dread Leaps up and smashes the floor to pieces -butterfly screaming at him Jump at each other -Spears izuku in the back Break through the ceiling -Aizawa erases his quirks -restored appearance fades, more decayed than ever -izuku kicks and breaks his neck

30. YU SHOOT ITT -izuku was fading -a round face, a thin face, green eyes both -something shiny bobbing in and out of sight -butterfly stream of conscious -reuse lines from before -senses izuku in the other room -force shared pain and empathy as he’s dying -izuku screams in agony -felt his stomach split again.  A candle to a forest fire.  Pathetic. “This is mine.  This is me.” -shared perspective -why do you deserve to be happy and i don’t -you kill people, tired to get me to kill myself -but before, i didn’t do anything wrong -why did it all go so bad? -gets up, floats with his quirk -barely copies normal movement -Floats to the door -Aizawa stops him -hard to breath -feels his mom and all might comforting him -that’s really mom -force the connection harder -stop screaming i wanna hear what mom’s saying Aizawa cuts him off again, he cries Feels his bones sink -“do you think if I die in this world, I can still be with my mom?” -goes down struggling -“it’s not fair”

31. At Rest, At Last -izuku flatlines but is revived -undo the latches on his costume Taken back for surgery Sit in the hall and cry for hours -a defibrillator is for a different kind of heart attack -so that’s what it was?  A heart attack? Doctor rushes by with an ice box Explain to aizawa that izuku flatlined -butterfly is dead, new despair -took his stomach for izuku -inko and all might go to see butterfly -inko wants to see him, takes a moment to recognize him -that’s her baby -screams -hugs and apologies -all might would have gone to stay with him -they both despair but are thankful for their son -“he was barely five years old, and he was ready to accept that his family didn’t want him.” -goes back to izuku -his hand is bigger than hers, when did that happen?

-final casualty count, pathfinder dead (?) along with several police officers -doctor recounts the autopsy -butterfly was dead on his feet, practically killed him -barely enough muscle to hold his own head up, let alone stand -“in my unprofessional opinion, this was a mercy killing.” -Aizawa looks at the body, that’s midoriya -Aizawa wants to try and bring him back with eri, Might not work, Might traumatize her -argue, all Might says he was too far gone, they wouldn’t be able to shield him from criminal charges, record like his would net him the death penalty anyway, stuck in a cage again, all that hate and fear in his heart left to fester in a padded cell for the rest of his life -thinks he would come after izuku again, what do you think that screaming was?  He was trying to take him down with him. -not hurting anyone else, not hurting himself -“He said he wanted, more than anything, to rest/stop fighting/for the pain to stop, and now, he has.” -“Aizawa-kun. ..  Please let him rest.” -Aizawa leaves before he can break down

-toshi looks over butterfly -“an innocent butterfly, drowned in mud and crushed under the boot of the world.” -not innocent, but he felt someone should be there to see him off -Apologizes -runs hand through his hair, shushes him even though he’ll be silent for quite a while -hesitant to leave him -that’s my boy...  That could have been my boy -bodyswap lingers in his mind -kisses his hairline, touch of cold lingers -goes to wash his hands and face before returning to izuku -wakes up later -“he’s dead” “I know.”

32. All Those Moments -

-aizawa drives back to ua with midnight -she tries to joke with aoyama about makeup, he’s not having it -won’t go into details about butterfly -mic greats them at the gate, hug -comes back to dorms to welcome party “Midoriya’s villain is dead.” -they cheer -Bakugou pulls him aside to try and get answers -people who’s job it is to save lives should never celebrate the death of another human being, be relieved, be thankful, but do not celebrate -don’t cheer for death -cries while holding eri -mic and midnight ask him what’s wrong -he was just a Kid

-do you want to be buried or cremated, inko can’t stop thinking about that phrase -3 services in three days -mass wake for officers -izuku makes rounds, “your child/spouse/parent” saved my life -inko almost couldn’t get out of the car -izuku said he had to come -pathfinder funeral, mention the teens and neji -he saved my life, i want to be worthy -crematorium, limited service in his home town -service in jakku -speak briefly to stripes -ask to speak at the wake, doesn’t have the best luck with speeches -mom asks why, he didn’t really know him -Jakku heroes offer him a job, we’ll save you a spot says he never wants to come back here -pass a boarded up diner -I’m his mother, i should be here -never spoke with butterfly, never in the same room when he was alive -cold gripping horror at burying her own son -service ends in slow motion -no words exchanged -silent for the whole long drive home -dotes on izuku at home -not home, couldn’t bare the thought of sleeping where someone died -all might rented a place/or all might’s apartment -he carries around his all might and blankie -makes him food, watches tv -cuddle in her bed like when he was small -her sweet baby boy grew up to face unfathomable horror -wants to promise no one will hurt him again, they both know she can’t

-villain graveyard -“Izuku Midoriya, 16 years old, at rest at last tailored clothes around his wings, buried is his shoes -izuku goes to butterfly, stares His bones wouldn’t burn He suffered 16 years old, seventeen in a few months, he’ll grow.  Live. Make sure he keeps living ⁃ Took midoriya to view the body before it was buried.  Stared, said nothing -all might dusts of the grave, leaves a few flowers and food -still conflicted, butterfly was worse case scenario, uses it as motivation to protect his boy -he longs for some sign.  Waits for some great vision that the boy is well in the end.  A butterfly wing broken wings that still flies.  One on the tombstone.  It’s the dead of winter.  Him coming to him in a dream, face full and bright and back bare of those fowl wings that shackled him to the earth, and promising him that he’s not in pain anymore.  But it never comes.  Butterfly died in agony, after years of torture, alone. -“Toshinori wasn’t a religious man, but he still hoped that, if something did become of young butterfly in the en`d, that he at least got to rest.” -he might be moving into the same new building as the Midoriyas -picks up Izuku from first therapy session, not much to say -you’re my boy aren’t you? -don’t want to say anything that makes him spiral further Do you remember what happened before this all started? -we talked about Superman, you said your name was inspired by all Star Superman -and... -rumors about being his son, “I don’t mind” -cry, hug and a kiss on top of his head -sixteen years old, he’s my son -return home -izuku stares out the window Take him to the tokoyaki stand Sit on the beach wall -cuddle like they did the night before butterfly attacked -izuku crawls up his sleeve and presses his forehead -yeah.  Yeah you’re mine.

⁃ When Butterfly was around, he never had nightmares.  Now that he’s dead, Izuku has nothing but. -izuku can’t sleep, -home doesn’t feel like home anymore -people died here, in this world, and the other one -has nightmares when he’s awake too, they’re memories -likes All Might’s thin arms, likes to be carried, better than those too big that held him like a pet while the bones in his back pulled away from the rest of his body. -checking himself in the mirror, scars on his chest fading fast, no evidence if he covers it up -asked the doctors to remove his scars when he went back to get his stitches out, just the ones from Butterfly, back to what he was before -regrets it -looked butterfly in the face, up close, in the eyes, and though: that’s not me.  It can’t be -looks at himself now, his own face in the mirror, and thinks: that’s not me.  It can’t be -too thick, skin to smooth, hand in his hair to search for antlers -I’m me, aren’t I? -text from friends, excited to have him back -compulsion to go outside, he does -it’s cold out without a shirt, starting to snow -I could just go -wants to run, from what? -doesn’t want to face the others How can he just go back to normal? -if i don’t say something now, i never will -wake up mom, I’m ready to talk about it now -sees all might in the kitchen again, mom too -visions of the other ones life

-Bakugou s body, swollen and broken -desperation to find a school that will take him -walk past the gates -sell blood -luxury apartment -All for one, first quirk are the cherub wings, small, but his -not the only one, testing multiple quirks, isn’t sure when he becomes the favorite -wings are painful coming in, all for one holds him -gave in eventually -can’t see all of the wings in the mirror, shine green in the light -lakies make fun of his failure, requests quirk to stop crying -creates copy of all for one -usj, something wrong, gets erasure -flees out the window, can’t get home, returns willingly -tested on with mutation quirks as punishment, cries when he discovers minor telekinesis -isn’t there for Kamino allegory, acts desperate to save Sensei, erases immortality quirk -tries to go home again, authorities mistake him for villain, programmed to attack -he finds Dad.  Dad, who hadn’t so much as touched him in a decade, picks him up and holds him like its nothing.  He kisses his head and calls him baby and tells him everything is going to be alright because he’s here now.  And it was for a while.  He fed him and bathed him.  He sleeps tucked close to his chest like when he was little, even if the wings took up a lot of space.  He has to comfort his father when he cries for mom, since he can’t cry anymore.  He and takes him to the doctor.  They don’t know how to help him.  He says he wants everything but moms quirk to go.  Dad doesn’t understand why he has it.  He doesn’t listen.  He never does.   At least you aren’t quirkless anymore Steals dad’s quirk to teach him a lesson about being quirkless Dad only came back for mom.  He said so.  He was missing for over a year and only came back after mom went missing.  He blames him.  He burns off the tips of his wings. -they think he’s a villain -Kills mirio -trades quirks for money, later just food -chase anything related to mom -wanders to Jakku, ua goes there around this time of year and he saw an ad for a lodge that looked kind of like home -hears his own name -demands the bridge quirk guy trade him, had enough -kills.  Jumps.  Sees himself, up on a stage in a hero costume from his dreams, smiling among deafening cheers.  And he shares his dread. -sees both of himself, locking eyes in the ambulance, round face, thin face, green eyes both, watching and feeling each other die

-run back inside -wake up mom and all might -i don’t think I’m me anymore -stuck with all this anger and hatred and fear -can’t tell the difference -all might says he feels guiltily instead of angry -but i am angry -writes as he talks -it’s like one glass of water being poured into another glass of water -hard to tell where the first ends and the second begins and you can’t separate them -did he take something from you -don’t know -“after all that, do you still think you made the right choice?”  “Never came into question.” -has his whole life ahead of him -going to die eventually -takes out notebook -“Butterfly” crosses it out, rights his own name -lies between the two people who love him most -all might’s hand on his chest, holding him -other arm curling mini him to his chest -mom has his blankie -izuku has his all might plushie -tomorrow, he goes back to all his friends at the best hero school in the country -people like him, he has fans -almost too good to be true -this is all butterfly wanted -all i ever wanted -more than i could have ever asked for No one stalking me, no one chasing me -I’m home -do i deserve it though? -have to make decisions, could spiral -have to go back out into the world and keep living -for now, he let himself feel happy -the two sides agree to feel happy -“this is mine.  This is me.  And there’s nothing I can do about it.” -and for now, I’ll let it make me happy -this is mine, this is me -deep under guilty happiness, lies dread he knew could only come from himself. -this dread could only be his own.  Maybe it was always. -it’s mine.  It’s me. -whoever i am, I’m alive -no matter what i do, whoever i am, I’m me.  I’m me.

#butterfly #long post #writing #behold the process #and yes #all of my outlines are like this

[reordering-the-planets]

MBTI personality types as ancient Greek gods and godessess

ESFJ Aphrodite (Ἀφροδίτη): Born out of the foam of Uranus’ (God of sky) castrated parts that his son, Titan Cronus, had thrown to the sea. Thus, she emerged from the Ocean in all her beauty and grace and all the water Nymphs and all the Winds came to bow before her. Goddess of love and beauty, of pleasure and of passion as she was, all the men desired her and all the women envied her graces. She married Hephaestus, she desired Ares and she loved Adonis. One could always glimpse her winged son, Eros, god of desire, flying above her as she would’ve often whispered to his ear the next mortal whose his heart was about to be shot by Eros’ arrows.

ENFJ Apollo (Ἀπόλλων): God of light, of sun, of music, of poetry, of truth, of knowledge and protector of the arts. He was everything and he knew it all. People worshiped him all over the known world and build him the most gracious and marvelous temples and oracles, where sunbeams would make the white marbles shine as bright as the sun. In return, Apollo through the voice of gifted diviners would reveal to them what would the future hold. He played his lyre and his daughters, the Muses, would come over from the valleys to accompany his sweet melodies. He loved and protected the young as he, himself, remained a young man forever. He was a healer, but if the mortals were to infuriated him, he would bring the greatest of the plagues on them.

ISFP Artemis (Ἄρτεμις): Twin sister of Apollo as they where both children of Zeus and Leto. Quieter and humbler by nature than her twin brother, she found her call in the deep forests, the mountains and the moon. She befriended all the living things of the wild and devoted herself to their protection. Always bearing a bow in the hand and a handful of arrows on her back, she would hunt in the forests, but she’d never become violent, always honoring her prey. Although she took an oath to remain a virgin, young Orion became her hunting companion and he managed to win her heart. Their love was never meant to blossom, as Artemis shot Orion with an arrow by accident and killed him.

ESTP Ares (Ἄρης): Son of Zeus and Hera as he was, he would grow to become a forceful and a fearful one. Gifted with great physical strength and an everlasting blood lust, he excelled in the battlefields and become a soldier model for the Spartans. He was Aphrodite’s secret lover and together they had many children like Eros, who followed his mother, and Deimos (god of terror) and Phobos (god of fear), who both followed Ares as his warfare companions. The other gods tended to avoid him and on the great Trojan war he was on the losing side, therefore triggering Zeus’ anger towards him. Later, the Romans acknowledged his military intelligence and worshiped him by the name of Mars.

ESTJ Athena (Ἀθηνᾶ): If someone contrived to impersonate the essence of the ancient Greek spirit, it would look like her. It does not surprise that she was goddess of wisdom, handicraft and warfare as well. All three basic elements of the city that she fought with Poseidon for, thus founded and gave it her name, Athens. Athena always wore a helmet, brandished a spear and kept her shield with Medusa’s head on it (that Perseus had gifted to her for helping him in murdering that marine beast) by her side. Legend has it that she was born fully armored from Zeus’ forehead. However, Athena would never initiate an  unreasonable, blood spilling war against her enemies like Ares would do. Wise and strategic as her mind was, Athena favored those with strength and bravery, like Hercules and Perseus, with courage and valiance, like Bellerophon and Jason, as well as those with a sharp mind, like Odysseus, aiding them in multiple ways.

ENTJ Poseidon (Ποσειδῶν): He is known as the sea god, but in fact there was not an element that wouldn’t bow to his will. Poseidon was ruler of the seas, the rivers and all the running waters. He was commander of the earth, the soil, the storms and the mighty earthquakes. He was protector of the noble horses and, as many say, he was the true king of Atlantis. Although he lost supervision of Athens to Athena, the Athenians didn’t forget his volition to become their guardian and they worshiped him almost as much as her. They build him a magnificent temple on the windy top of Cape Sounion, where the waves of the great Aegean sea would crush the rocks beneath it. Poseidon would often help seafarers reach their destination safe and sound. Damn those who would dare sail without a sacrifice to his name for appeasing the tides. A tremendous storm created by a swing of his trident would crash their ship to an unknown land or, even worse, he would drag them all the way down to his wet kingdom. 

ENTP Zeus (Ζεύς): The father of the Gods wasn’t an easy one. As every king that walked the earth, the sea or the skies before and after him, he was whimsical, temperamental and stubborn as a bull. In fact, there were times that he would take the form of a real bull or an eagle, a swan, a bear, a serpent, a flame or even a shower of gold, always to seduce a new love interest of his own. Europa, Cassiopeia, Leda, Alcmene and Ganymede are just a handful of all the women and men he desired and approached while transformed into a creature of beauty, with the sole intention of sleeping with them. It’s no wonder that his wife, Hera, was always mad at him, thus she was the only one that ever managed to scare him a little bit. However, he was Father of everyone and everything. Mortals should not forget that without Zeus, the world would still be at the hands of his tyrannical father, Titan Cronus, whom Zeus with the help of his brothers and sisters managed to overthrow. Thus, he became the true ruler of the skies, bearer of the thunder and enforcer of law and order as well. Among mortals, he was yet another mighty symbol of civilization and justice.

INTJ Hera (Ἥρα): She wasn’t the wife next door. She was the queen of Gods and protector of all the women. Someone could even see her as one of the very first symbols of feminine power in ancient cultures. Her rightful rage towards her unfaithful husband, Zeus, was the fuel of her many vengeful actions against him and his lovers. Although she refused Zeus’ first marriage proposal, after marrying him, she became goddess of marriage and patron of the household and childbirth. Hera could be your worst enemy (even Zeus was sometimes afraid of her), but also your most valuable ally. But, most of all, she was true to herself and to her worshipers. After all, she was the queen-mother of the world.

INTP Hades (ᾍδης) or Plouton (Πλούτων): After the Gods defeated the Titans at the beginning of time, the males ones (Zeus, Poseidon and Hades at that time) gathered together to drew lots of ruler-ship over the world. Although Hades was the eldest between them, Zeus received the sky, Poseidon the earth and the sea, but Hades’ fate was to become king of the underworld. He took Persephone, Demeter’s daughter, for his wife and made her queen at his side. A giant three-headed dog guarded the doors to the underworld, thus making entrance to anyone alive almost impossible. Hades didn’t care for the affairs of the world of the living, or even for the matters of the rest of the gods. Although he wasn’t evil, mortals avoided to refer to him by his name in case they drew his attention. They mostly called him Plouton, which meant “rich”, as all the precious minerals came from the underground, thus the boundary of Hades’ kingdom.

ISFJ Demeter (Δημήτηρ): A rather motherly figure and a well-respected goddess. Demeter loved the earth and everything that came from the soil. She protected farmers and brought to them a good harvest year after year. The humblest seed took root whenever blessed by her. Nothing was more precious to her than her own daughter, Persephone. When Hades abducted Persephone with the intention to marry her, Demeter fell in deep sorrow and not a single thing would grow anymore. Everyone was desperate, and an era of great famine was upon the humans.

INFP Persephone (Περσεφόνη) or Kore (Κόρη): It is said that before her abduction by Hades, Persephone was called Kore, which means maiden or daughter. She was, in fact, the beloved daughter of Demeter, that one day while she was peacefully gathering flowers, Hades came and abducted her, as he was deeply in love with the girl. Demeter was so angry and sad after that incident, that forbade the earth to produce and she begun to wander around looking for Persephone. Zeus heard the cries of the hungry mortals and persuaded Hades to release her. Hades tricked Persephone to eat the seeds of a pomegranate before leaving the underworld, but she ignored that if someone tasted underworld food, they were obliged to come back. Demeter agreed that Persephone would spent half a year on earth and half below it. As a result, the time that Persephone returned to Hades as queen of the underworld, Demeter’s sorrow of her daughter’s absence would make winter on earth. As soon as Persephone come back to earth, she would bring the spring with her. Thus, people worshiped her as a goddess of the springtime and the flowers.

ENFP Dionysus (Διόνυσος, Diónysos) or Bacchus (Βάκχος): This one knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. As the god of wine, theater and ecstatic dance, Dionysus was an emblem of freedom and basically... fun. With vines in his hair, a thyrsus in his hands (a wand of ivy vines and leaves) and a smile on his face, Dionysus would stroll the valleys with his many followers, dancing ecstatically, driving them to divine mania. Mortals would call him “the god who comes”. His companion included goat-legged satyrs and maenads. The last ones were women who, after coming to ecstatic frenzy through dancing and drinking, would please Dionysus through blood-offerings, which in some cases meant that maeneds would kill men with bare hands. Dionysus is said to be a god who dies and rises back from the dead. His many, divine powers still remain a mystery to many of us, mortals.

ISTP Hephaestus (Ἥφαιστος): His form and character does not remind of a god. He was a shy one and would rather spend his time crafting weapons on his hot anvil. However, Hephaestus was the god of fire and served as a blacksmith of gods and heroes. His many creations include Hermes' winged helmet and sandals, Aphrodite's girdle, Achilles' armor, Heracles' bronze clappers, Helios' (god of the Sun) chariot, Eros' bow and arrows and all the thrones of the Gods in Olympus. The legend has it that he was Hera’s son, one that she made by herself out of jealously of Zeus giving birth to Athena out of his head. However, Hera ejected him from mount Olympus, because he was lame on one leg. Hephaestus took revenge against Hera by crafting her a magical golden throne, which, when she sat on, it didn’t allow her to stand up, thus making both her legs useless.

ESFP Hermes (Ἑρμῆς): Also known as the “divine trickster”, the messenger of the gods and the guide to the underworld. Hermes was a pleasant god who protected travelers, merchants, shepherds, athletes and thieves, as he was all of those things himself. His appearance is quite known. A young man with the top of his head full of playful curls, wearing winged sandals, winged petasus (traveller’s hat) and holding the kerykeion (a short staff entwined by two serpents and surmounted by wings). Always being on the move, Hermes loved playing tricks on other gods and mortals.

ISTJ  Hestia (Ἑστία): Hestia was one of the six children of Kronos and Rhea (among Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Demeter) and therefore one of the oldest Gods. She was goddess of the home and domesticity as her name suggests (Ἑστία means “hearth”) as well as protector of households. Mortals used to gift her the first offering of every sacrifice in the household. During the founding of a colony, flame from Hestia's public hearth in colonizers’ mother city would be carried to the newly founded one. Hestia rejected both the marriage proposals of Poseidon and Apollo, and took an oath of virginity (like Artemis). She cared little for the conflicts of gods and mortals and tended to her domestic matters. Hestia was the simplest and humblest between gods and even offered her place in Olympus to Dionysus, making him the 12th Olympian god in her place, thus showing her divine magnanimity.

INFJ Asclepius (Ἀσκληπιός): He was originally the son of Apollo and a mortal woman. His father offered him, when still an infant, to centaur Chiron to mentor him. Chiron taught him the art of medicine, but an ancient legend says that a snake returned a favor of Asclepius back to him by licking his ears clean and passing him secret knowledge of healing. In order to honor the snake, Asclepius made a rod wreathed with a snake his divine symbol. This very rod is still nowadays associated with healing and medicine. Asclepius mastery of healing reached the level of bringing people back from the dead. This act infuriated Hades and forced Zeus to kill Asclepius and turn him into a constellation known as Ophiuchus ("the Serpent Holder"), which many claim it to be the 13th sign of the zodiac circle.

#mbti #myers briggs #16 personalities #16 personality types #intj #intp #entj #entp #infj #infp #enfj #enfp #istj #isfj #estj #esfj #istp #isfp #estp #esfp #greek gods #greek mythology #mythology #ancient greek mythology #zeus #hera #poseidon #hades #demeter #hestia