2.1K results

“It all started with a mission with two agents, when one night two agents, agent valentino volatili aka Steelbeak a yellow rooster with a metal beak of fowl” Steelbeak is seen standing outside the Avian Heritage Museum. He wears a white suit, dark red undershirt, a black bowtie, shoes, and pants and has green feathers. The night is shrouded in secrecy, and the mission to acquire the Rosette Radiance Steelbeak prepares to infiltrate the museum, his determination fueled by the weight of a world-altering diamond and the sinister plot he's been entrusted with. The night unfolds, promising a high-stakes heist that could shape the destiny of nations. “Agent Steelbeak are you at the location” the director who is a female called through his comlink. Steelbeak discreetly responds through his comlink, "Affirmative. I'm in position outside the Avian Heritage Museum. Ready to proceed with the mission." “Ok and you remember your assignment right?” Steelbeak confidently replies, "Crystal clear. I'm here to secure the Rosette Radiance. Once in my possession, we'll be one step closer to our grand plan. Operation underway." he awaits the opportune moment to make his move inside the Avian Heritage Museum. “Well good good luck agent steelbeak” "Thank you, Director. I'll ensure the success of the mission," Steelbeak acknowledges, his focus intensifying as he prepares to navigate the museum's defenses. The night holds the promise of intrigue and suspense as the fate of the Rosette Radiance hangs in the balance. But up on the rooftop was another agent, of shush getting ready to guard the diamond “Agent Ann are you at the museum?” Says the director of shush calling through the comlink “And agent Ann o’neale a willow ptarmigan and an agent of shush” The agent of shush reminded mysterious as she was wearing a black jumpsuit with long black boots and black gloves, she also had a black helmet to hide her face. From the rooftop, Ann replies through her comlink, "Affirmative. I'm in position, ready to safeguard the Rosette Radiance. Steelbeak won't get far." “Very good girl this is why you are one of my best agents of shush” Ann responds with a determined tone, "Thank you, Director. I won't let you down." The accolade fuels her resolve as she readies herself for the imminent showdown at the Avian Heritage Museum, where her loyalty to S.H.U.S.H. and the safety of the Rosette Radiance take precedence. “Just remember agent Ann you must guard that diamond with your life we can’t have fowl get thief hands on that diamond” "Understood, Director. The Rosette Radiance is in safe wings. I won't let F.O.W.L. lay a feather on it," Ann affirms, her commitment echoing through the comlink. The high-stakes mission intensifies as both agents, each with their own purpose, stand poised for the unfolding heist. “Steelbeak it’s important that we must get that diamond it is the key to our plan for world domination” Steelbeak, resolute in his mission, responds through the comlink, "I'm fully aware, Director. The Rosette Radiance will be in F.O.W.L.'s grasp soon, setting the stage for our grand plan." The heist is underway, and the fate of the diamond becomes a linchpin in the power struggle between F.O.W.L. and S.H.U.S.H. “And whatever you do-“ says director of fowl. “And no matter what happens-“ says the director of shush. “We cannot let shush/fowl get their hands on that diamond” both directors said. “Yes sir” says Ann. Steelbeak affirms, "Rest assured, Director. The Rosette Radiance will be secure, and our rivals won't even catch a glimpse of it. F.O.W.L. will prevail." A subtle moment of collision sends a shiver down their spines. In the dimly lit corridors of the Avian Heritage Museum, the unexpected contact between Steelbeak and Ann disrupts their stealthy maneuvers. They freeze, locked in a fleeting, shared moment, their eyes meeting in the shadows. The tension in the air grows as the agents grapple with the realization that they are not alone in this high-stakes mission. “Hello agent steelbeak” "Ann," Steelbeak responds, his voice a quiet acknowledgment in the shadows. The museum's silence amplifies the weight of their encounter, two agents from opposing worlds brought together by the twists of fate in the pursuit of a single diamond. “What are you doing here” Steelbeak, keeping his composure, replies, "I could ask you the same, Ann. Let's just say we both have a vested interest in what's behind these museum doors." The air thickens with intrigue as their paths intersect, and the Avian Heritage Museum becomes the clandestine battleground for F.O.W.L. and S.H.U.S.H. “If you after the diamond forget it you’re gonna have to get through me first” Ann, her tone resolute, asserts, "Steelbeak, if you're here for the Rosette Radiance, you'll have to go through me. This diamond won't fall into F.O.W.L.'s hands on my watch." The tension escalates as the Avian Heritage Museum transforms into the stage for an unexpected showdown between the two agents. Steelbeak, maintaining a calm demeanor, retorts, "Ann, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. I have my orders, and I won't let anything stand in the way of F.O.W.L.'s plans. Move aside, and we both get what we want without unnecessary feathers flying." The air hangs heavy with the unresolved conflict as the two agents face off in the shadows of the museum. Ann squares her shoulders, her eyes narrowing in determination. "Steelbeak, I've faced worse than F.O.W.L. in my time. You won't intimidate me." Steelbeak, unfazed, leans in slightly, his metallic beak glinting in the low light. "Ann, I've navigated through the toughest situations. Your loyalty to S.H.U.S.H. won't change the outcome tonight. The Rosette Radiance will be ours." The standoff intensifies as each agent attempts to outmatch the other in a battle of wills, the silent echoes of their rivalry reverberating through the museum's hallowed halls. “It was a battle for the diamond as the two agents fought” Ann, with lightning speed, deploys her gadgets in a rapid sequence aimed at disabling Steelbeak's metallic beak. The room becomes a battleground as they engage in a swift and acrobatic fight, each showcasing their skills and determination to fulfill their respective missions. Steelbeak lunges forward, aiming to use his metallic beak as a formidable weapon, but Ann, displaying remarkable agility, maneuvers narrowly avoiding his attack. It was like a dance of evasion and strikes, highlighting the finesse and skill of these two agents in the midst of their clash. A moment of physical exchange unfolds as Steelbeak manages to tear Ann's sleeve, revealing a glimpse of determination etched on her face and leaving a scar on her arm. In response, Ann retaliates with a swift and precise move, scratching Steelbeak's jacket he looked down then glared at her. The room echoes with the intensity of their struggle, the torn fabric and scratched material bearing witness to the clandestine conflict between these formidable agents. The espionage evolves into a fierce fist-to-fist combat. Ann and Steelbeak, locked in a relentless struggle, exchange powerful blows in the dimly lit museum room. The echoes of their punches reverberate through the space, creating a cacophony that underscores the intensity of their rivalry. Each move is calculated, and the outcome remains uncertain as they engage in this high-stakes physical confrontation. Ann kneed his chest, he fell holding his chest then he glared at her and he swings fist at her, she walks backwards dodging his fist then he swings his leg kicking her helmet off revealing her face. She had mascara, black short hair and blue eyes, her beak was small and black, she glared at him. “But suddenly…something magical happened” In the midst of their intense physical confrontation, a surprising moment occurs. As Ann and Steelbeak lock hands, their eyes meet in a charged gaze. Steelbeak pinned her to the wall, In that instant, a subtle shift occurs within Steelbeak. He sees something in Ann's eyes—determination, perhaps, or an unexpected connection. A moment of vulnerability emerges, and to his own surprise, Steelbeak finds himself captivated. The intense glare softens, and a flicker of something unfamiliar crosses Steelbeak's expression. It's a moment of realization, a twist in the narrative as the boundaries between adversaries blur. The room, once filled with the sounds of battle, now carries an unexpected tension, leaving both agents momentarily caught in a different kind of struggle – one of conflicting emotions. In a surprising twist, as Steelbeak's gaze softens, Ann, too, begins to feel a shift within herself. The charged atmosphere takes on a different hue, and amidst the chaos of their confrontation, a subtle connection forms. It's a moment of unexpected vulnerability, where the lines between adversaries blur into something more complex. Their hands, once locked in combat, now hold a different kind of tension. The realization that they may share more than just opposing allegiances introducing a thread of intrigue that weaves into the midst of their ongoing clash. The unexpected tension between Ann and Steelbeak culminates in a moment of vulnerability. As if compelled by an unseen force, they find themselves drawn closer. “And in that moment as they gaze into their eyes, they fell in love” Leaning in, they let their hands go and fall on each other, steelbeak right hand cups her tail and his right hand holds on the other side of her ribcage pulling her close and Ann wraps her hand s around his neck. The fierce confrontation transforms into an unexpected and passionate kiss, a moment that transcends their roles as adversaries. The dimly lit museum room becomes a backdrop for this unexpected connection, and for a fleeting moment, the world outside their rivalry fades away. The lines between F.O.W.L. and S.H.U.S.H. blur, leaving only the echo of a shared moment that neither anticipated nor fully understands. “Agent steelbeak, agent steelbeak are you there? Do you have the diamond? AGENT STEELBEAK! Do you copy!” Says the director coming from his comlink. “Agent Ann, is the diamond secured? Agent Ann? Report back” says the director of shush in her comlink. As the kiss deepens, the urgency of their directors' calls through the comlinks becomes a distant echo. In this unexpected moment of connection, the world outside their embrace fades away. The weight of the Rosette Radiance and the rivalry between F.O.W.L. and S.H.U.S.H. momentarily loses significance, drowned out by the intensity of the kiss. Their comlinks drop to the floor, forgotten in the heat of the moment, as Ann and Steelbeak navigate uncharted territory in the midst of their clandestine clash. The museum room, once a battleground, transforms into a silent witness to a union that defies the constraints of their roles as agents. “It was a forever love as it bloomed by the director of fowl felt betrayed and furious” As the passionate kiss unfolds within the museum, unbeknownst to Ann and Steelbeak, the Director of F.O.W.L. stands on top of a building outside, a silent observer. The darkness conceals her expression, but her eyes glint with a mix of fury and betrayal as she witnesses the unexpected connection between two agents from opposing worlds. The tension in the air shifts, and the outside world becomes privy to a moment that transcends the boundaries of espionage. The Director of F.O.W.L., left to contemplate this unforeseen twist, holds a glare that foretells potential consequences for the agents involved. The clandestine clash takes on new dimensions, and the ramifications of this unexpected union remain uncertain. “And so agent Ann influenced steelbeak to leave fowl to join shush and together they defeated fowl” In fowl’s headquarters, an explosion opened the door when fowl agents were working when the explosion made them jumped and shush agents plus Ann and steelbeak burst in, they started attacking fowl agents together. “In the aftermath of their triumphant mission against F.O.W.L., amidst the echoes of victory, a new chapter began to unfold for Ann and Steelbeak” transition to Ann and Steelbeak, victorious, amidst the subdued F.O.W.L. agents. “With F.O.W.L. agents arrested and their sinister plots dismantled, the clandestine world seemed to bow to the triumph of S.H.U.S.H. Steelbeak found the perfect moment to seize his own victory. After all even crime deserve a little romance” The setting shifts to a tranquil scene, where Ann watch shush takes fowl agents in, but sees Steelbeak stands before Ann, a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. Then Steelbeak, his heart laid bare, dropped to one knee and extended a small, gleaming object, Steelbeak, holding a ring, looks up at Ann with sincerity. The camera captures the emotion on Ann's face as she nods, accepting the proposal. “ a future where love triumphed over the covert battles they had faced together” They kissed and the it changed to them kissing on their wedding day, agents and friends and family were at the wedding. Director Ludwig von drake, agent 22 (ms. Barkley) two British scientists lab rats of shush dr. Nick and fetcher who were crying, Ann’s mother, sister and grandmother and steelbeak’s brother Stefan “And after the battle, steelbeak joined shush” Steelbeak was nervous as Ann got him into shush then agents of shush surrounded steelbeak and cheered for him, welcoming him to shush as a new agent and as one of them. He shook hands with ludwig von drake the directors of shush and he gives steelbeak a shush badge. “But as time passed, it soon became time for Ann and steelbeak to hang up up the spy life, it became time for them to retire” Steelbeak looked in his closet and frowned when inside was a small space brims with an array of F.O.W.L. memorabilia. The walls, cloaked in deep shades, showcase vintage propaganda posters featuring the ominous silhouette of the organization's emblematic vulture. A glass cabinet stands proudly, displaying meticulously arranged F.O.W.L. badges, each bearing the weight of the organization's clandestine history. A weathered leather chair sits in a corner, where a framed photograph captures the leaders of F.O.W.L. from bygone eras, their steely gazes frozen in time. The room resonates with an air of secrecy, the shelves adorned with dusty files and ancient artifacts, each telling a tale of espionage and ambition. In the center of the room, a polished mahogany desk holds a quill and inkwell, symbolizing the bureaucratic underpinnings of F.O.W.L.'s shadowy operations. The flickering light from an antique lamp casts an enigmatic glow, amplifying the mystique that permeates this sanctum of F.O.W.L. lore. Then he shuts the door, having to let go of his past and he locks it, then he and Ann turn in their shush badges to Ludwig. “When along The way they were gifted with a newborn baby on the way” They moved in a small house, in a quiet town, in a nursery room, an was cradling an egg, it was their daughter Annie. “They were going to start a new chapter in their life: raising their daughter Annie, but when one agent retired the others followed, nick and fetcher retired to Hawaii, agent 22 became a housekeeper to Scrooge mcduck and as for steelbeak and Ann…well they had to move to a small town to live a normal life to raise their daughter…and that is the story of how I meet your amazing mother” the scene changes to steelbeak telling his story to someone that’s when Ann overheard and came in. “Telling our story again” Ann has changed…literally, from a super spy suit she changed to black knee boots skinny jeans and a white shirt, she crossed her arms and smiled as she walks in. “Val, don’t you think bedtime stories might be a bit premature?” She tells her husband who is now a Cockfighting champion to provide for them. “What, come on Ann, you’re never too young to learn where you came from. I figured she would want you to know what her parents used to do” steelbeak says. They both look down in a nest like cradle that was holding their egg Annie. “We moved here so we don’t have to relive in the past, You know what? I think it’s time to put the past behind us” Ann walks to a board with pictures and papers about shush” “Past? What past? That past, behind us. But these, these are our glory days. And it’s one of the days where I made the best decision of my life, I got you” he puts his arms around Ann, “and our daughter” he gently place his hand on the egg, “and our new life here nothing could be better then this, I don’t even miss going back to fowl” he throws a dagger at a poster of fowl. “That’s who we are” steelbeak says. “It’s who we were” Ann tells him. “I can’t believe it’s been three years since we defeated fowl” steelbeak reminded her of the past. “We retired from being spies so our baby, our little Annie doesn’t have to” Ann says. “I know we moved so we could give Annie a normal life she deserves, Y’know, you are right. We put the past behind us, fowl is gone and from now on, the only mission we have, is to keep our baby safe. And Don’t you worry. I won’t let anything happen to our little girl” steelbeak kissed the egg. But suddenly it started to crack and they both gasped and steelbeak panicked. “What do I do? What do I do?” He stuttered. “It’s ok calm down Val” Ann assured him by taking his hand. And when the egg cracked, a baby was hatched, she had her mom’s feathers and eyes and beak, and from her dad she had his red hair. She opened her eyes and tasked, her parents were in awed, as little Annie saw them, she smiled. “Welcome to the world…little Annie” steelbeak holds her in his arms and Ann cups her face.

Personally I think I've always enjoyed Hunchback but there are quite a few good Disney movies. " He reaches in his pocket, pulling out his portal gun. "I was planing on hitting up the liquor store any ways. You need any snacks for this m-movie theater thing?" He asks, not planing on bringing them with him this time. Not after Summer already said her grandfather wasn't speaking to him- he had carted his kids off to his dimension last night and offered them weapons so it was understandable. Morty heads twords him smiling. "I wanna co-" "No." Rick cuts him off. "Just tell me what you want and I'll bring it back." "Jeez, spoil the whole movie much?" -Summer grumbled, only half-joking. It has been a long time since she's seen it after all. But they could always pick another; she was hoping her brother would choose one anyways.- -She cant help but give a small glare when JX interrupts and denies her brothers excited declare of wanting to tag along, but remains silent. She wanted the boys to stay safe inside today, so just the man going to get snacks and booze for himself was fine by her.- "How about some popcorn? Uh, Rootbeer or something would be sweet too, thanks." -She replied in memory of what she'd use to enjoy when seeing movies. Theatre popcorn was always really buttery and greasy, but amazing. Her town did have a small movie place, but she never bothered checking it out. Perhaps now with Morty she'd have a reason to go.- "Come on, lets pick out a movie." -Gently tugging her brothers arm- she paused, noticing something, "Hey, where's your bag?" Since day one he's carried that shoulder bag around, only taking it off when it was time for bed. And it didn't seem like something he'd forget.- xx -Morty gets up to flick the lights on and quickly use the toilet before getting ready to take a shower. He didn't really want to, put it was the only thing that'd allow space from the others. After finishing and washing his hands, he grabs a towel before undressing. Although he was alone, he felt uneasy- avoiding the mirror- he didn't need to cringe at how emaciated his body was.- -The water was warm and Morty turned it even hotter to enjoy. Long minutes passed, allowing the hot water to sooth the stressed knots in his back. It felt lovely against the three large burn marks trailing down his spine, relaxing the rough skin along them. He picked the strawberry-scented shampoo; giving it a sniff check before pouring some onto his hair and body.- -Memory of what the other version of himself said about using grooming habits to feel human again raced through his mind. This certainly was a case for that theory. Although his cleaning status was the only thing he could control, it seems he was slowly losing it. The single last piece in his pathetic life he gets a say in, and it was getting snatched away... At least the strawberry scene was nice.- -When done he stepped out of the shower, turning it off before grabbing the soft towel. He dried himself off, wrapping it over his skinny frame- the towel could've went around twice. He swiftly got dressed- disapproving at how these new clothes fit him well. For underwear it was fine yes- but these new jeans fit him perfectly. He didn't like it. His old, dirty baggy clothing hid the fact that he was so scrawny. He pulled the top over his head, then urgently the black hoodie- like his life depended on it.- -He searched through the cabinets, letting out a pleased noise when he found the scissors. He sat on the edge of the tub and carefully cut holes into his jeans where the knees wore. The same trademark he gave all his jeans- the only act of rebel he could safely execute.- -He put the scissors back before sighing, dreading as he looked into the mirror- his haunted reflection staring blankly back. With a clean face his cheek bones were predominant, letting it known how skinny the boy was. His short hair was spiked out in wet clumps, it reminded him of Rick's hair... He instantly brushed his fingers through his hair to fix it. No such luck; it only flicked back up. He sighed again.- "I can't just keep taking you everywhere I go- Ricks don't- you know actually people in general don't like w-when you keep carting their kids off with out asking." JX explains to the pouting fourteen year old. "If you really need to go you can go ask-ask him." Morty shook his head instantly. No way was he going to bother Rick over something so trivial as going out for candy. Why couldn't the long haired Rick ask him? JX nods at Summers list, looking at both of them. "Speaking of going places I'm HOPING to try to get D-528 to go to a super store with me tomorrow. I-If you can get your grandfather to ok it by than you- your both welcome to come." "Y-yea. Ok." He said although the pout didn't fade. "Now what do you want from this store?" "Ummm I don't know." That's why he wanted to go- so he could look and pick it out. "Snacks?" He says with a shrug. "Got it." He said with a nod, sending out his portal. "Snacks, popcorn, rootbear, sweets." "I.. I don't like white ch-chocolate." Morty said hesitantly, feeling like he was doing something very wrong by expressing an opinion on free food. "Got it." JX said with a nod, stepping through and promptly closing it behind him. Morty looks at Summer as she asks about his bag. "Oh it's upstairs under - it's under the bed. I was ac-actually gonna go get it in a m-minute. I wanna try to make a doll of the other Morty." He said with a smile. -Summer watched the portal vanish after JX stepped into it before returning her attention to Morty. She had been hoping for a reason why he left it this time- it was an odd thing for him to do- but oh well. Sometimes the boys just did things. She didn't have to analyze every little thing. It would be a challenge however; with going so long without a Morty, she found everything the two did interesting.- "Oh, okay. I'll meet you in the living room then." -She replied, strolling off to the other room. Summer first tackled the curtains; yanking them closed, and the room instantly fell dark from the lack of light. Next she flicked on the lamp beside the sofa, so they had some sight for picking through movies.- -Kneeling down in front of the tv stand, she grabbed the small pile of dvds, laying them across the floor. They didn't have many; only nine Disney films, mostly being the popular ones. She'd wait for Morty to come back, so he could find one worth watching.- xx -Morty took his sweet time in the bathroom, deciding to sit on the floor, leaning back against the tub for a long while. It was quiet, safe, and the room was steamy from his shower. Closing his eyes he exhaled gently, feeling a trickle of water run down his neck from the hair. He hadn't bothered drying his hair off completely- doing so would make it stick up more, and it’s already spiky enough.- -Unfortunately he knew he couldn't stay here forever- so he stood and unlocked the door, taking a nervous inhale before exiting the safe room. He was clean head to toe- new and shiny. Smelling sweet, like strawberries, rich shiny hair. Even new clothing and shoes- well, his new jeans had tears already, but he wanted that.- -He slowly walked down the stairs, fiddling with his sleeves as he bit his lower lip. If hiding in the bathroom was an option he'd take it. But JX had proven the lock meant nothing but false security, and the others would need to use the toilet eventually.- -He heard noises from the living room, so assumed everyone had moved there. Poking his small head in, he was relived to see no Ricks- only Summer crouched down near the tv. He took a few shy steps in the room, settling down on the ground beside the chair, far away from the sofa.- Morty nodded , going upstairs. He really din't have a big reason for leavig it behind so much as he realized there was no reason not to - at least in the house. He had some where safe to leave his belongings, his Rick never seemed to cart him away with out giving him a minute to get ready so he could always run upstairs and grab what he needs before they leave. He had eaten all the snacks he had hidden in it so there was no reason to carry it around for food. And - most importantly - he has nothing he needs to hide any more. His Rick had the portal gun and even if he did ever get it back, which he probably wouldn't, it wasn't going to work any ways. He lays down on the floor beside the bed pulling out the stuff he needed to finish the Jerry doll and make a Morty doll- he eve had an idea on how he was gonna make the hooodie on him. He stuffs all the things he needs in the bag, carrying it down stairs and seating him self on the couch, closest to the light so he can actually see what he's doing. - - JX greets the cashier with a wave, beginning to gather up bottles and set them on the counter. "No kids this time?" The man asks good naturedly. "Nah, left them at the house." He says with a wave. "You h-haven't seen Beth around have you?" "Not in probably about a week, Ese." He shakes his head. "Why? She ain't missing is she?" "No, nothing like that. I just fuck-fucked up and she's avoiding me."He said with a laugh although , honestly it's any thing but funny. "Look, this is a chain store right? You have branches in New York?" The guy nodded. "Good. Would I give be able to you and the guy at one of those stores too a nice tip and he drop off a couple bottles of wine at the place she's staying?" "Yea It's possible." He nods."would have to be a nice tip though. We don't normally do deliveries. He'd have to drive there, check ID ext." "Thanks." Rick smiles , writing Jerry's address down before continuing to add things to the pile. Soon enough he has two bottles of wine, more than a few bottles of hard liquor, a case of beer, a bunch of candy for the kids- no white chocolate, a large bag of pre-popped pop corn and a two litter of both root beer and coke. Looking at the pile he decides on two more things, grabbing a six pack of different flavor Smirnoffs and a large pack of beef jerky. Satisfied he pays for every thing and tips the man like he said; before sending out another portal , heading back to the house. -Summer glances over her shoulder when hearing both boys enter the room. JX's kid looked better, physically that is. All nice and clean, with fresh clothing- sparing a black hoodie with an anime design on the front. His hair was still dripping wet from the shower, but the thick spikes already springing back up. Unlike her own Mortys kept, curled locks. It was cool how they looked the same, but so different at the same time.- "Don't sit just yet! You have to pick a movie." -She exclaimed with a smile to her little brother, picking up a random dvd to wave him over with. She sat cross-legged while she waiting for him to approach, glancing down to their chooses. Again, they didn't have many, but still better than nothing. Lion king, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Bambi, Hercules, The jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians, and Tarzan. Bitter sweet memories of her original little brother constantly wanting to watch Aladdin came to her mind- but she shoved them away. Now was not the time to get lost in gloomy thoughts; she was still recovering from yesterdays drama.- -Morty D-528 stayed put where he sat; hugging his knees and resting chin on top. He watched the other two, having nothing else to do. Not like he had a phone, and there was no way he'd bring the beloved horse out from it's hiding spot. It'd most likely get ripped apart by the Rick for punishment. Yesterday was such a fuck up...- -A certain sadness swelled in his chest, causing him to shut eyes and move head down to press his forehead against knees. Before yesterday things were going almost decently. He had finally started to believe things would be different, that he could be a person here... And then it was all ripped away. Leaving him despaired, and angry that he thought anything was true for even a second.- "Um.. I don't know." Morty looks at them. He didn't really watch Disney movies much as a kid- he knew Summer did but they were for girls and he never got along with his Summer so he didn't really sit and watch stuff with her. He looked at them all closely. Mulan looked cool- there were swords on the cover and Tarzan looked cool too.. most of them did but those looked the most interesting. "One of these two I guess?" He said, pushing those two forward. He looks over, not having noticed the other Morty when he first walked in. "Hey! You're out. Come on!" He pats the seat next to him. "Come- come on. You wanna try to make somet-thing?" - - JX appears through the portal dropping everything off on the table except the Smirnoffs and beef jerky, leaving that in a bag. He pulls all the bottles out, setting them with the rest of the alcohol on the table, grabbing the two two liters and four cups as well as the remaining snacks and going into the living room, setting everything on the coffee table. "Snacks are for everyone." He informs, looking pointedly at his kid. "You're a part of everyone too Morty." He made sure to clarify, heading twords the garage and knocking on the door with the last bag holding drinks and jerky. "We're going with Mulan, then! Girls heros are more badass anyways." -She declared, putting the rest of the dvds away and setting up the chosen movie. Once everything was set, she turned the tv on and headed over to grab some spare blankets for everyone to cuddle under.- -Morty D-528 looked anxiously over when the other boy called him. Hesitating before finally decided to obey, the small teen got up and nervously shuffled over to sit on the floor beside the couch's side- looking up at the other kid. He wasn't sure what the boy meant by making something. A weapon? Some kind of blueprints? Were these orders from the Ricks?- -Summer moved to plop down on the other side of the sofa- leaving room for JX and his kid- when the man came back. She smiled as he placed down all the new snacks and drinks, "Thanks, you're awesome!" Leaning forward and pouring herself a glass of Rootbeer. Morty shrunk down when JX pointedly looked at him, nervously swallowing.- -No one answered the garage door- it was dead silent on the other side. Completely empty.- Ok the tv screen previews start up, all for older kids movies since this did come out in the nineteen ninteys. - - "What do you wanna make? A person or an animal? I- I only have Morty colors but if your making a person almost all the family will use the ap-apricot fabric for the bodies." He really doubted he needed the Rick color- no way he'd be making anything to do with a Rick. He looks up, thanking Summer for the blankets, pushing one down to the Morty on the floor. - - Hum. Had he left? Was he still in need? He walks to the small room most Ricks stay in knocking and getting no answer. He walls back in the living room, checking the phone. No he was still here. "Hey Summer, where's your grandfather?" He asks crossing his arms, holding the bag. -Summer snuggled into her corner of the couch, wrapping the last remaining blanket over her lap and sipping the refreshingly cold beverage as the movie starts up. It was almost silly how excited she felt for watching a kids film. But it wasn't the movie- no, it was watching it with her brother and the other kid. Being able to do activities in a family setting again. To not be alone.- "I dunno. Probably in his garage? Maybe his bedroom, which is my mom's old room." -She replied causally with a shrug, too engrossed by the movie and warm family moment to be troubled by the mention of her late mother. The title of the movie finally rolled, and she eagerly watched with bright eyes.- -Morty jolted in surprise when a blanket suddenly flopped by his feet. He stared nervously before reaching out and taking it- unfolding and dressing it over himself. It was soft and fuzzy one- maybe even the same one Summer gave him a few days ago. But he couldn't remember.- "I'll um, m-make whatever yo-you want." -He answered quietly. Sewing was nothing he knew of, and honestly didn't understand why the other kid was offering. Was this like earlier in the room? He just wanted someone to play with? Thinking back, the whole plushie role play wasn't too horrible... Rather calming, expect for the tiger trying to eat every damn thing. Regardless Morty would go along with this; not wanting to make anyone else more angry at him than they already were- Thick black lines danced across the screen to a harmonization of voices, painting out a beautiful scene. The scene soon gains color, showing Chinese solders patrolling the great wall. All is calm until a falcon swoops in, scratching the back of a mans head and perching atop one of the watch towers. Dozens upon dozens of grappling hooks fly up and the lone solder announces they are under attack, rushing to the tower to signal for help but .. the enemy is already inside. He manages to get through to the top of the tower and lights off a pot of oil, setting off a chain reaction among the watch towers. "Now all of china knows you are here." He says to teh villan before him. The villain, unthwarted, takes the mans flag and burns it, grinning. "Perfect." - - "Make what ever you want." Morty shakes his head. He isn't going to tell him what to make, eyes on the screen as they talk in hushed voices. "I liek making people b-but you could make an outfit for y-your horse or a saddle thing or what ever. " - - Hum , really? He hadn't realized the old room upstairs was being used but it did make sense. He heads up the steps , making his way to what would be Beths room in his own house, wondering how Beth would feel when she received the wine he sent. Would she text him? Throw it away?Ignore it ad shut the door? He arrives at the bedroom , reaching out and knocking, a strong firm knock on the door. If there is no answer he will just steal one of the beers, hang the rest of the contents on the door jam and head back down stairs. -Morty D-528 glances at the tv when hearing voices, watching for a moment. A digital movie. It's been forever since he's seen one of those, even longer since remembering one in detail. He watches the colourful movement, animated expressions and actions jump around on screen. Childish fascination creeps into his mind, and soon he was captivated.- "I-I, um... U-Um..." -He barely hears whatever the other Morty had said- his voice drowned out by the movie. Suddenly a black and white horse appears, and the small teen nearly gasp- sitting up straight and leaning forward, eyes widening. Unlike his plushie, this one was moving. Snorting, galloping across the digital landscape. It was real- or, the closest thing to real he's seen in years.- -His eyes practically had stars twinkling in them, and anything else said to him in that moment is completely lost. The cartoon stallion was beautiful. A Ferghana breed, with a slick black coat and distinctive blue eyes. The boy was completely in awe.- xx -K-213 pauses from his scribbling, looking up when hearing a firm knock on his door. After the ink had ruined his blueprints, he was forced to start over. Deciding on a more circumstantial design, and adding some thermal detectors. Creating elaborate devices wasn't his normal conduct, but if he was attempting to avoid everyone, might as well keep his mind busy.- -Avoiding everyone- yep. That's the plan Rick's mind generated when realizing how badly he fucked up. He'd portal in and out of his room to avoid Summer, make excuses on being busy with Morty, and JX and himself would probably never really speak again. He'd wait until the two guest were gone, and then try slinking back in to pick up the pieces he so carelessly shattered in the first place.- -But clearly his plans of isolation were being disturbed- someone on the other side of the door. Morty, no doubt. The little brat was probably wondering where he was, and decided to snoop his nose where it didn't belong. A low growl rose in his throat while he swung head around to glare at the door over his shoulder.- "It's open." -He called out in a gruff voice, growling. His clothing from yesterday were neatly folded on the bed, with heavy hunting boots beside. He never did bother getting redressed; sitting at his desk wearing nothing but stripped boxers. The man didn't plan on leaving until he got hungry, so what was the point? It was a hot day anyways- might as well be comfortable.- Morty doesn't try to get his attention, too busy letting his hands sew and his eyes focus on the screen, laughing at the antics of the characters on screen. For him it's been a while since he watched movies too- they didn't exactly stream them on the citadel for the homeless children to watch and before that between school and his grandpa he probably hadn't had time to watch any thing since he was like twelve. Morty scoots over closer to Summer, leaning against her as he watches the screen and sews. - - Well, he's pleasantly surprised when he's invited in, honestly he'd half expected to be told to fuck of and maybe have something thrown at the door. Perhapse the man wasn't as pissed off about last night as Summer lead him to believe. He's surprised when he walks in , blinking his eyes as he allows them to focus, the only light in the otherwise dark room coming from the window the man was sitting at the desk in front of it. He looked around, heading right for the other Rick. "Went on a liquor store run." He announces, setting the bag down on the desk, pulling one of the beers out for him self at random, popping it open and taking a drink. Grape flavor it seems. "I uh- I'm sorry I took your kids to my dimension."He says with out hesitating. Honestly this is the only person that's pissed at him that he as a chance to possibly fix and even if it doesn't go well it's not like there's any steaks in this. He has to live with his Morty at least the next four years and Beth - well Beth is his daughter but he'll be leaving here soon enough so if things go sour it's no big deal. Although- by that logic why is he even bothering to try to make up with the man at all. If asked he'd probably say some bull shit about wanting to make sure his Morty can still visit but deep down it really isn't that. He LIKES this other Rick and isn't ashamed of it. Sure it was shocking at first but that was more at the licentious images he saw in the crystals and the fact that it was another version of him self, so egocentric that in its self seemed wrong. The sexual orientation of the attraction never even crossed his mind. He'd been with women before as well as men as well some creatures that were both and some that were neither. He'd never even thought to try to label or pin down his sexuality finding it to be just not nessisary. That wasn't to say he was a floozy or a slut but he had been alive seven or eight decades and certainly hadn't lived them like a monk either. -Summer idly lifts an arm to curl around her brothers shoulders when he scoots closer, tugging some of the fuzzy blanket to drape over his lap. Her heart flutters with warmth and love, giving a gentle sigh of contentment. This moment was perfect, and she watched the movie with an even bigger smile.- -Morty D-528 was completely focused on the movie now; childish wonder glowing in his eyes. It was all so captivating, and he nearly leaned forward in awe every time a horse was shown on screen.- xx -Rick K-213 couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when seeing JX enter his room- secretly hoping deep down to of greeted his favourite person. But no; here was the other Rick, the second last person he wanted to deal with. First being Summer. His chest ached with guilt at the thought, and he mentally shoved it away in favour to growl.- -He quirked his brow when JX strolled over and dropped a bag on his desk, beside the blueprints. Leaning forward to give a curious sniff much like a dog, he narrows eyes at his gift. He had half a mind to fling it off his desk- because damnit he didn't deserve shit- but rather snatched out a beer, popping off the top with a nail, and leaning back in chair to drink.- -He pauses from chugging when JX openly apologizes; clearly surprised, blinking. That came out of nowhere. Why would he even give a fuck? JX was probably the only other person but himself to take his grandchildren and not get mauled when returning them. In lack of better words, he somewhat trusted the man to not dismantle his kids.- "I don't give a fuck. They were obviously fine with you." -He snarks, but voice sounded tired rather than claiming the feign annoyance. His eyes were solemn, and shoulders slacked- turning back to gaze down at his blueprints while finishing off the beer. It was sickly sweet, almost raspberry-like, but his mind was too wrapped in misery to really concentrate on the taste. Although he much preferred the half-empty Brandy bottle sitting on his desk.- Morty is enjoying it as well, snuggled up with his sister, watching the adventure on screen, occasionally glancing down at the small figure in his hands but .. he'd made so many dolls that barely took any thought at all. After a little bit he reaches forward, grabbing one of the candy bars on the table, opening it up and taking a bite as he watched the screen. - - Ok. That threw him for a loop. What the hell had Summer been talking about? "Yea I thought so too but but one of the kids.." He didn't use her name considering how her and Rick seemed to fight he wasn't trying to start something else. "told me you weren't speaking to-to me. That w-was the only thing I could come up with that might be a reason." He burped. "Apparently they were just wrong." He too was a hard liquor man,normally whisky or rum being his personal choice , but seeing as he was going on a snack run he had opted to stick with the fun and flavorful theme for drinks as well. "There down there w-watching Mulan.. You know- I remember in my dimension when it came out they had this ki-kick ass sauce come out along with it. Bet- bet I could whip some up if I tried." He muses before noticing the man's face, realizing Summer had been right on something. He had been so caught up in his own thoughts he hadn't taken a good look at the other man. He was sitting here in the dark in his underwear drinking. He stops his rambling , realizing this was a somber affair. Maybe he was missing his daughter? This had been her room after all. JX doesn't ask though, just leaning against the desk as he finishes his drink. Summer breaks her gaze away from the screen to check what her brother was doing. Seems he was sewing another doll, and she watched curiously. An idea popped into her mind.- "You know, there's a fabric store in town. Would you want to visit it sometime?" -She asked in a hushed tone as to not disturb the movie. It seems the other kid was quite enjoying it, and she didn't want to ruin anything with her loud voice.- xx -K-213 scoffs at the mans rambling, trying his best to ignore it, and honestly ignore the feeling of interest in whatever the man was even talking about. Speaking to someone he carried conflicted feelings for in the privacy of his room was uncomfortable- but if being honest, he was also enjoying it.- "Grrr... Never tried the sauce myself. Only heard of it from those conversing, quacking Citadel fuckwards." -He grumbles back, picking up the pen again and trying to focus on the blueprints. Rick didn't have the determination to chase JX from his chambers; could only hope the man would be like a typical Rick, and leave when noticing K-213 wasn't interested in talking. He'd much rather drown himself in the liquor, and finish these damn prints. Hmm, perhaps if he made the contraptions larger it would allow more leeway for added installments later down the line... Although it would be heavier to carry.- -He was playing the part of an intrigued man preoccupied in his work well, but really it was a damn mental battle. All his body wanted was to drink himself stupid and lay on the floor until he passed out. Perhaps break something. Maybe an old device that failed. Or a limb- the dark though crossed his mind- he deserved that much. Nothing more than a cruel, inconsiderate piece of shit- a loud 'snap' noise sharply came suddenly, and with a surprised glance down he realized his grip had became too harsh once again, and the pen broke in half.- "Fucking- God damnit!" -He hissed through gritted teeth, shoving his chair back as the ink poured down his blueprints and his hand- dripping onto the floor. With a loud snarl the man stalked off into his bathroom, returning with a dark-coloured towel. He began growling to himself while he attempted to salvage his work, eyes glittering with petulance.- "Sure." He nodded back- that would be cool. "I can- I can make you something if you know what you want. - - "Really? Other Ricks talked about it?" He snorts , he must have missed those conversations. "I mean - it was pretty good but not like - conversation worthy. Only reason I thought of it wa-was the movie was on." He steps back to give the other guy space, sitting on the edge of the bed. He should probably leave the room, the other Rick was clearly busy but .. JX was hesitant to go back down. His Morty was so tense when he was around, he wanted to just let him enjoy himself with the other two for a bit. He pulls out his phone , deciding to check the message boards he posted the stuff on to sell a few days ago to see if he had any people interested in buying. Maybe he could take care of that tonight while the kids are in bed he thinks. As he sits there he looks around the room. It's so clean and tidy compared to the mans garage and even smells good, a strong earthy mixture that might be pine and sandalwood. The bed he was sitting on was huge , at least compared to his. Maybe it wasn't normal for Ricks to room in the storage room beside the garage he wondered , thinking of his on minuscule room back home , only furniture being a dresser and a fold out military style cot. He realized he'd never seen another Rick's room to compare it to before. He's pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of the pen snapping looking up in curiosity. "The hell are you trying to make?" He asks , moving over to look at the stained blue print , pushing his long hair behind his ears to keep it out of his face as he looked down. The best he could tell was it was used for navigation but beyond that majority of it was obscured by ink as the other Rick hopelessly tried to wipe it off the paper. -Summer simply smiles back, and enjoys the rest of the movie with her arm still wrapped around her little brother.- xx -There was no use. The ink had flooded out to the majority of his work, and using the towel was only pressing the liquid into the paper. It was gone. And he'd have to start over again. Just like his half-assed, debilitated relationship with Summer.- -Rick gave a loud, frustrated snarl- slamming fist down on the table and hanging his head. He shut his eyes tightly, teeth grinding together for an agonizing moment- before sighing and dropping the towel. Defeated he strolled over and plopped down on the edge of his bed, eyes not leaving his stained desk.- "Navigation device with a thermal detector addition." -He replied in a strained growl, shoulders slumped and a large hand began tracing the thick scar sliced into his cheek. The idea of getting pissed drunk was just seeming more tempting at this point. Clearly he was in a pathetic state- fuck he couldn't even hold a damn pen apparently. Rick watched with solemn, narrowed eyes as JX went over to examine his ruined blueprints. Why the man hadn't just let yet was a mystery; unless he was enjoying the show of K-213's balanced mindset crumble further into despondency. Morty is doing the same, finishing making the body of the Morty doll, beginning to make it little pants. - - "MMmm." He made a non-commentary sound, coming over to sit on the bed as well, although the opposite corner of the other man. He wasn't sure what he was frustrated about and wasn't sure if asking would help t all or just piss him off. The few times he's tried to ask him about himself in the past had been thoroughly shot down, leaving a clear impression that it was not a preferred conversation topic. So he just leans back a bit thinking. What could have this other Rick so out of sorts? He had a good Morty and a good Summer. He did like in the middle of fuckin' no where but it was decent enough and if he hated it here- which he clearly didn't - it's not like he couldn't just move the house back. Maybe what he needed was just some stress relief? Godness knows he did after this long ass - not even a week yet of fucking disaster. "We could always put the house in early lock d-down and go some where and just get completely wr-wrecked." He suggested, liking the idea even better once he said it out loud. "My house- that that field we were at before- hell we're two Ricks- we could go any where in the whole fucking- whole damn multiverse." -Rick was honestly attempting to convince himself in throwing JX out of his room, when the man made a tempting offer. Huh, going off somewhere and getting plastered was extremely tempting- even more so with someone other than his deteriorating mind suggesting it. Hell he wasn't even sure the time of day it was to set the house in lock down, but that certainly didn't matter.- "The meadow seems the most placid option... Sure you wouldn't rather stay and play nanny?" -He questioned in a light sneer, glancing over glare lightly. Not that he minded having a drinking buddy, but Rick was vaguely surprised to hear JX give the proposition. He was so stressed last night in finding his brat, and now today wanted to leave? Or, he could just need space. Lord knows how fucking suffocating those vexatious little shits could be... He really hoped Summer was okay...- -His fingers paused from tracing his scar; hand slipping down his throat and running until it pressed against his stomach- which was met with smooth hard abs rather than a soft gut. He hadn’t eaten today, so JX shook his head, thinking of how the kids were having fun plying until he walked in and then they both felt the need to hide the toys. How they were at the table every one talking and happy until he spoke up and asked his Morty a question. "We b-both know my Morty's happier the further I am away." He replies , watching the man rub his stomach. "There's ..jerky in the bag too." He says with a nod to it, figuring maybe the other Rick was hungry. "You didn't show up for breakfast so .." He shrugs, getting up. "I should go check on them though.. Summer wanted us all to watch Li-Lion King." He hadn't been planing on blowing her off, he'd only been intending to come up here for a few minutes and go back down. She hadn't got her family game night she wanted, he'd had full intentions to at least sit through a movie with her. Getting shit-faced with the other Rick sounded like a hell of a lot better option to him than sitting in the room trying to enjoy a movie with a fucking kid that flinched every time he looked at him. JX-324 had planed on drinking tonight any ways- hell if he was alone he probably would have started at breakfast and not stopped but even he knew there was a level of sobriety required for dealing with the children. -Even in K-213's sorrowful state, he still finds the will to give a small dry laugh. He wasn't aware JX's Morty could feel the emotion 'happiness'- that kid was so fucked on so many levels. He's never seen a Morty so damaged before... A stone drops into his gut. He shouldn't find that humorous, his mind thought, it's a sick kid, heartless bastard.- "Whatever." -He growls to JX's words, rising himself and leaning over to snatch the pair of neatly folded pants. He tugs them on, doing up the belt before grabbing a pair of socks and tying up his boots. There was no point on dressing into his shirt or lab coat; he'd probably just get booze or vomit on them anyways, and replacing the coat wasn't something he enjoyed doing. The bloodstains were a mark of battle- reminding him of the austerities.- -He snatches the portal gun from his pocket, taking the bag of booze and jerky off his ruined desk- he'd fucking deal with it later- and shot out a vortex. The man stepped through, closing it behind him. JX knew where the damn field was, and if he actually showed up he could get here himself.- -Instantly he squinted, cursing at the bright light attacking his darken-adjusted eyes. Seemed to be around three in the afternoon; with the sunny atmosphere and humming Cicadas. He lowers himself to sit crossed-legged on the lush grass, dropping the bag down beside him. For a moment he closed his eyes; just listening to the noises of nature and feeling a warm breeze flutter against his exposed skin. If his mind wasn’t torturing itself, it all would've been lovely.- JX watches him go not sure what the whatever and him leaving meant but he's personally not going any where until the kids are in lock down. If it was even two days ago he wouldn't have hesitated but clearly he'd been mistaken to think the brat could be trusted. He shakes his head in annoyance. He'd really hoped things would be better by now. Yes the kid got a stupid shot but it want that big a deal, he'll the first thing they'd done when they saw the little shit was try and give him a shot in the ally. He heads down stairs, glancing at the television to see what's going on. It seems Mulan's secret was just discovered. He didn't verbally greet them, not wanting to make his kid jump at his voice, just grabbing one of the cups and pouring himself a soda, sitting down in the available chair for a minute. He looks over the kids, seeing how they are doing. Summer and Morty D-528 were pretty mesmerized by the movie. Although Summer was less in awe, flickering gaze away from the screen time to time to check on her brother curled up beside her. When JX entered the room she gave him a small smile and wave before driving her attention back to the screen.- -The small, scrawny teen was completely focused on the movie; childish wonder glowing in his eyes, and not even noticing when JX entered. His eyes widen and he leaned forward every time a horse was shown on screen, so entranced by every movement.- -Suddenly a few loud noises and clicks could be heard around the room, and then the house was covered in titanium metal; all the doors snapping shut and another layer of thick glass across each window. The house had fallen into lock down.- "What the Heck?" -Summer said- jolting and looking around at loud mechanic noises that came with it. Morty personally didn't react- didn't even flinch, as if it never happen. He was too focused, watching Mulan ride off on her beautiful stallion, the long galloping strides...- JX watches his kid, smiling lightly at the child's expression, feeling the annoyance he was feeling at the kid fade away at the sight. He knows Morty cant help it - he knows that but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. Still, looking at him like this makes it seem like there is hope- there is a chance. The kids not too broken to at least feel some sort of joy. He watches the wonder in the kids every time there was a horse on the screen, remembering how he reacted with the plush horse. He was going to have to do something with this, he realizes, thinking once again back to the conversation he and Summer had in the grocery store. His thoughts are cut off as the blast shields drop down. Huh, looks like K's up for his idea. He finishes off his soda , placing down the cup and getting to his feet. "Me and K-213 are going to be out all night." He anounces to the room as he moves over towrds the wall, pulling his tablet off the charger. He throws some of bottles from the table right back in the bags. He takes the tablet over to Morty , crouching down next to him. "If you need me for anyt-thing you can skype me on here. I'm gonna take you to the store and get a real phone either to-today or tomorrow. " He set it on the floor next to him, briefly wondering if he should attempt to hug him again but .. no he already did one today . That was good, right? Start small. He just gets back up, cracking his back before pulling his portol out of his pocket. "Ok. Be- be careful." The other Morty says, looking up. ---------- -Summer's confusion morphs into a bitter expression at the mention of her grandpa. The bastard would be gone all night? Good. Lets hope he never comes back. Grumpy old selfish jerk. She huffs, eyes darkening for a moment.- "Fine by me." -She grumbled, leaning forward to snatch the bag of popcorn with more force than necessary. She pulls it open and angrily munches down on a few handfuls before offering some to her brother- handle lighter this time. The Ricks being gone all night might actually be fun; give her and the boys time to hang out. She could make hot dogs and coleslaw for dinner, something easy.- -Morty barely noticed as someone knelt down beside him and began speaking. Too caught in the moment to fully register who it was, or remember his place. So he was quick to reach a hand out and softly bat JX's arm, hissing out a "Shh!" for him to silence. There was a movie to watch! A chase scene broke out on the screen, and the boy practically wiggled forward with enthusiasm.- -His hands curl around the blanket across his lap, pressing some of the fabric against his skinny chest while he stared. Summer leaned forward to check on the boy- not doing so until now. A small giggle rose when seeing his little cute face so focused, not even flinching with JX right beside him.- Rick raises an eyebrow at Summer's anger, wondering if she was hoping both the guys would stay. Ah there wasn't anything he could do about it now He frowned , realizing he misspoke. "Not not today or tomorrow- I meant tomorrow or the next day." He corrects him self although it doesn't seem to mater. The kid isn't paying any attention any ways, pretty obvious when the kid tries to swat him away. What ever. He leaves the tablet next to him, nodding to the other Morty as he tells him to be careful. "We will, don't worry." He says, smiling at the kid. "It's nothing dangerous. We'll still b-be on Earth." He looked down at the portal gun, flicking through the history to where he left from the last time he was there and sending it out, shading his eyes as he stepped into the bright sunlight. "Damn it's bright out here." He comments, looking around for the others. -Rick was already on his third bottle of the sickly sweet drinks JX had brought. Whatever it was- he hadn't bothered checking the label. It was liquor. Good enough. His mind was too wrapped in misery to really concentrate on the taste anyways.- -He would leave the other beers in the case for JX- if he came along- and used a portal to reach into his mini fridge from the garage. He tugged out two large bottles of rum from the vortex, it vanishing when the containers were placed in front of him. He mindlessly twirled one, watching the thick drips of condensation trickle down onto the grass.- -A slow buzz was building, but it wasn't enough. It was never enough. With a small growl, he tore off the cap and gulped down large amounts of the cold drink. It burned his throat and stomach, but he didn't stop until the bottle was empty, ignoring how some drizzled down his chin. He belched loudly and tossed it to the side just when another portal a few yards away appeared, watching as JX stepped out.- -K-213 paid him no greeting; simply reaching for the second drink- equally as strong as the first. He came here to get wrecked and that's exactly what was going to happen. His mind was swimming pleasantly now, edges of his vision blurring. It was delightful. But, it still didn't stop the wave of depression that had been torturing him since last night.- Rick JX-324 said nothing as way of greeting, short of a nod as he sat down, a bit of space between them, setting the bag with the rest of the drinks, keeping a blue bottle of Zombie Bacardi in his hand, twisting the cap off and beginning to drink it. It felt nice to be out here in the warm air, knowing every one at the house was safe and happier with out him there anyways. He isn't worried about the citadel Rick showing up - he only has one visit left - he's not gonna waist it today so soon. it's a warm day and Seeing the other rick didn't even bother wearing a shirt he decides to slip out of his lab coat as well, leaving his shirt on for the moment. He folds the coat so s not to let any thing fall out of it's many, many pockets as he lounges back in the grass. He tries not to think about the fact this is probably going to be one of the last nice days he has in a while. What is he going to do with his Morty once it's just the two of them? He pushes the thought away in favor of just focusing on the clouds above him an the feeling of the pleasant, familiar burn of alcohol going down his throat. JX-324 it no where near as inebriated as the other Rick and unlike the other man the alcohol was soothing him, making him feel more relaxed and at ease although if he was to be honest he did wish he'd suggested some where with less sun light but it was't enough of a bother to warrant moving. Neither of them had spoken as of yet but like the other day walking in the woods it was a comfortable silence, one between two people who had lived long enough to know that talking wasn't necessary. He finishes off the Bacardi in his hand, setting the bottle to the side. He looks over at the other Rick raising his eye brow as he looks over at him. He seemed to be almost dancing with the wind. -The only other noises besides the gentle summer breezes and the distance chirps of birds was JX causal sips- bringing whatever was left of K-213's sober mind back to reality. Hmm, so much for avoiding him. That was his original plan; to avoid everyone until the house guest were gone. But of corse he couldn't even stay loyal to that idea, caving the minute the other Rick offered an afternoon of drinking.- -Why did he have to be such a pathetic man? He drunkly grumbled to himself, rolling around on the ground before curling up in a ball on his side- back facing JX. Summer would be easy to keep dodging at least; Hell knows she doesn't want to see his face anyways. She'd take one look and bitch him out. Or worse- simply walk away.- -Turn around and leave him. Just like all the times he's done to her. And she never fucking deserved it. Not once. It was all his selfish doings. All for his own egocentric wishes. Rick gritted his teeth, sitting up sharply and snatching another bottle; ripping it open and gulping down half. His vision danced in front of him as his mind buzzed pleasantly, and he continued to drink even though he knew he had enough. Fuck it.- -The man finished the bottle and this time threw it- watching it get a good handful of yards before smashing against the ground, shards of glass skittering into the grass from a safe distance. He gave a drunken, goofy laugh; one much lighter than his normal gruff tone.- JX smiles involuntarily at the sound of his laugh, surprised to find it made him smile much in the same way seeing the kids happy did. He was going soft, that's all there was to it- why else would such a simple thing make him feel happiness him self? h the He picks up his own empty bottle, launching it with the intent of landing in the same place as the shattered one, no real intent behind the action other than because it looked like fun. It hits it's mark judging on the tinkling as it rolls across the glass shards but doesn't shatter, laying there in the grass far out of their reach, , the sunlight glittering off both it and the surrounding shards. Hum. Well that was a disappointment. He'd just have to empty another bottle and throw it to land on that one, breaking them both in tandem he reasoned as he started on the next one. Maybe they could still do this? He thought-still smiling as his gaze dropped down, looking at the other Rick laying in the grass. There were very few Ricks he could tolerate and even less he willingly hung out with. But he did like being around K. Maybe when his Morty came back to visit he could just hang out with K-213 and do shit like this? He likes the idea, looking away and rolling back to once again gaze skyward. -Rick gives another light, goofy laugh when JX repeats the same motion of tossing his bottle that he had. He laughed for far too long, the sound gurgling in his throat, shoulders shaking. Those bottles shattered into a million glittering pieces. Never to be whole again, completely and utterly fucked over. Just like his life! Hah!- -Rick howled in laughter, falling down onto his back- the chortles no longer sounding amused. Now just a pile of dry chuckles, abruptly ending with a low snarl. What the fuck was he even laughing about? Some sort of bitter symbolism towards his doleful life? The fact that once again he was causing Summer pain? And instead of attempting to fix it, he ran away like a fucking coward?- -He stills, glass eyes staring blankly up towards the sky. In a few days the others would be gone, and Rick was observant enough to realize it would hit his granddaughter hard. The other Morty had came into her life only a day after her new brother. She was attached to both of them. And D-528 leaving would rip open a wound she so carefully stitched back. Although he supposed those stitches had already gotten tugged by the jump-scare he gave both children yesterday.- -She had already lost so much, and now again would lose a brother. Technically he wasn't hers, and Summer was a smart enough girl to logically know this. But her feelings would betray, and he would wait for that moment her eyes sharpen with pain... He should of never invited them to stay. He should of never picked up that phone call. Just clicked no. Went back to working in the garage with his new Morty.- JX blinks as the laughter turns anything but amused, reminding him of why they were out here in the first place. Something had clearly been bothering K-213, sitting up in his room, not even bothering to dress. He'd be lying if he said he didn't have days like that. Hell the first month after he...killed.. his Morty he spent the majority of the time completely intoxicated, passing out so often in the garage floor Beth had simply stopped parking in there for a while, tiered of shoving his drunk ass out of the way. It still hurt to think about still fresh but at least right now he had something else to focus on- his new Morty so battered and broken emotionally he didn't have hardly any time to dwell on his own misery. Still, it left him wondering what could have put the other Rick in such a state. While he was sure it was a heartbreaking tragedy to lose ones Beth - he didn't even want to think of ever losing his- it was still his understanding it happened a long time ago, wouldn't the ma have at least partially recovered by now? He could always ask what was wrong he thinks, glancing over at the other Rick, thinking maybe he's had enough to drink that he'll wanna talk. "So.." JX starts, messing with his hair as he talks instead of looking at the other man; pulling the hair tie out and braiding it into a lose braid down the center of his back to keep it out of his way as he drank. "You wanna tell me what kind of bug you got up your ass today?" He keeps the question light and has no intention of pressing if the other doesn't want to reply, what ever it is it's clearly troubling his other self. -The man scowls at the question as if it had personally offended him. He should tell JX to fuck off. To go back, and play nanny. He seemed good at that, and clearly already had a better relationship with his own kids than he did. Fuck- he didn't need to talk. He needed more booze and to black out... After an awkwardly long time, Rick hauls himself to sit up- nearly swaying back but catches himself.- "Besides my own granddaughter gravely detesting me, and nearly breaking my Morty's heart? Absolutely nothing. I'm just fucking dandy." -He growled, a low rumble rising in his throat. Drool trickled down the side of his mouth when speaking, and the man actually gave effort to wipe it off. His eyes were so glazed over they might as well be reflective glass; the image of grass clearly drawn as he glares downwards. Alcohol was practically leaking from his pores, and yet he still sluggishly reaches for another bottle- hand missing a few times before finally snatching hold of the top.- -Rick Sanchez, the man who made the universe his playground, and placed himself on top, was utterly torn apart by two measly teenagers. He could create any matter, design any implement, and even outsmart the galactic government. And yet it's the idea of having a heart to heart with Summer that has him hiding away and drinking himself stupid. How completely cretinous.- The other Rick took so long to answer JX had pretty much assumed he wasn't going to by the time he spoke up letting out a "Hum."At the mans words as he thought on what he said. "Well.. I - I'm clearly not the motherfucker you - that needs to be giving you any types of advice on kids. My Morty still can't stand me but you know, your's seems fine- seems to like you - seemed happy enough this afternoon. As for-for S-URP-mmer I guess it's the same as me and my Morty. I mean - I can't stop tryin and keep fuckin it all up but ..I goota still keep trying , you know.I would guess it'd be the same with Summer- juts keep trying. " He finishes the bottle in his hand, throwing it to meet the other two. This time it lands about a foot to the left and only breaks the neck off. He didn't know how useful his advice was, after yesterdays argument he witnessed between the two he was pretty sure a lot of her hostility twords her grandfather was the fact that he was responsible for her original little brother being gone. He wasn't sure there WAS a way to completely fix that rift. He frowns, there is nothing in the multiverse that would get him to ask about that. The same way K had never asked about JX's original Morty it was a topic he just wasn't going to touch. And, speaking of topics he wasn't going to touch there was still the death crystal indecent on his mind. Honestly he couldn't help but think about it , especially at a time such as now, the other Rick sitting there topless- perfect muscles on display in the sunlight. But just because JX could now recognize what he felt as attraction didn't mean he was going to act on it -especially after that display of extreme revolution he saw from the preview in the living room the other day. He wondered if the other Rick thought of that again? Hopefully not, hopefully he had pushed it from his mind, never to think of again so why did JX keep thinking about it?

It was only a short time after classes ended when the Primarchs retired to their room. Corvus read the user manual to his power armor, studying how to interface with the jetpack since he didn't have any cybernetic connectors, Vulkan spent time working on the plates he forged for his own power armor, little work such as polishing and painting, and (y/n) himself read his new scroll (with buttons his metallic hands can work) checking on the ships progress to Gaarsa. Gaarsa, the only true city in the Medusa region. While the region wasn't noticeably active in worldly affairs Gaarsa was established in a bay, long arms of land stretching out both denying any aquatic Grimm while holding the terrible waves of dreadful storms back. The city was literally established as a safe port where captains would offload their cargo at favorable prices, everyone wanted to be on Gaarsa's good side just in case they ran into anything nasty while traveling from the city of Vale to Mistral's eastern coast. Of course since air travel became prevalent the city wasn't the prized jewel it once was but the world hadn't completely converted to air travel, not yet at least. Once this ship saw Gaarsa is now a safe port many captains who frequented the city of Vale would return to those waters. Once the region began producing again, simple items such as pots, pans, things that could quickly and inexpensively assembled the Lien would come pouring in again. It wasn't the path he envisioned when crafting his plans but it was still workable, besides this was the first time his forces had to truly rest, his legion may be ready for a fight but the normal people are far more fragile. Corvus:"(y/n) I have a question." He stated with his nose still in the manual. (y/n):"What is it?" He asked without looking up from his scroll. Corvus:"Did you plan on using controls for the armor?" (y/n):"No, I have nodes along my spine to connect me directly into the armor." Corvus:"How painful is the procedure?" (y/n):"Not very but it does take some time to get used to the new sensations. If I was you I'd ask Barlis for a neural connection, like my eye." Corvus:"I'd rather not have someone poke around my skull." (y/n):"Why not? I can connect instantly to my armor and a few vehicles, it's very efficient." Corvus:"An advantage but don't you find it frightening? To divorce yourself even further from humanity?" (y/n):"Not at all, I was eager to match Perturabo and his legion so I happily took whatever advantage I could get." Corvus:"Your results do speak for you, where I barely managed to survive you actually thrived but still it all seems so... wrong." (y/n):"Maybe it is to you, you and your legion are more adept at the ways of stealth while mine have a skill for mass battle. I think we both look for ways to be more efficient in our tendencies, where your flesh is capable being utterly silent my men need to be able to fire devastating weapons with accuracy and carry on for great lengths of time, sometimes going as far as weeks." Corvus:"A fair assessment." (y/n) lowered his scroll thinking how odd it was Corvus and himself could have this discussion and have it remain civil, friendly even. In his first days here he noted many teams had tension, either the odd one out who utilized a different mindset from their teammates creating a division or everyone being incapable of forming cohesion. Again like Adam and Perturabo Corvus utilized the tactics of cowards but unlike them (y/n) didn't look down on him, Perhaps because after six years of struggling to survive in a city he himself ruined he was ready to "hit the ground running" as some would say. Still whatever the case he was pleased with this new partnership. Vulkan:"Also while we're talking I'd like ask: does the Medusa region have any volcanos?" (y/n):"There's a dormant one at the southern approach, also a few volcanic vents in the oceans to the north. Why?" Vulkan:"Well I wish to bring some of my people into the outside world but given the difference in tempatures..." Corvus:"Actually it's amazing you're capable of wearing that chestpiece and not be freezing." Vulkan:"You are an insightful one Corvus, I've been wondering about it myself." (y/n):"It's the gene seed, your body is capable of adapting far quicker than a baseline human." Vulkan:"Really? Still it'd be nice if I could have a warmer bed, I get too cold at night." (y/n):"I am ordering an electric blanket right now, it should be here by nightfall." Vulkan:"Thank you brother." Corvus:"It's good to sleep in doors again." A peaceful silence overcame the room, not out of awkwardness but more of a natural balance. Three Primarchs gathered into this one room, each a leader of their respective people. It struck (y/n) as odd how quickly they were able to find a balance but they acted as if they already knew each other for years. Then came a knock from the door, small, soft, almost like their guest was afraid to awake someone. The three all looked to the door with Vulkan bursting up from his spot. Vulkan:"I got it! Welcome dear friend-" Opening the door Vulkan revealed none other than Ozpin causing (y/n) to sulk a bit in his bed, he was hopeful that it was Yang come to make up for all the time that had passed but instead it was the headmaster. Vulkan:"Ozpin, hello... can I help you?" Ozpin:"I'm sorry to intrude but I need Mr (l/n), I have a small situation that needs to be handled." Vulkan:"Whatever it is I'd like to help." Ozpin:"I know you would but it's a very particular situation, one only (y/n) is qualified to handle." Closing his scroll (y/n) stood up, stretching his back before walking to the door while grabbing his trench coat from the chair to the desk that he pulled onto his shoulders. (y/n):"What needs handling?" Ozpin:"Come with me I'll brief you on the way." Leaving his room (y/n) walked with Ozpin out of the dorms onto the path leading directly to Beacon tower. (y/n) expected something like this far sooner, after all he is an accomplished Warlord with his own army that could do more than even Atlas is capable of yet in all his time here Ozpin never truly gave him a task (the data related to the weapon system he recovered being something he brought to Ozpin's attention). (y/n):"So what is it? Need someone crushed? Something fixed?" Ozpin:"Not at all. The food shipment you ordered raised a few eyebrows, after all the Medusa region is still considered lost to the general public." (y/n):"Really? Our relay tower is reconnected so I figured some of my people would reach out to old acquaintances, but I guess that isn't making headlines." Ozpin:"Indeed, I have a story in the works saying that your relay tower was damaged which is why you were considered lost to us. That should keep the general public from becoming upset." (y/n):"Of course, can't have anything as unpleasant as the truth getting out. But then what... oh I see what's at work here." Ozpin:"As Perceptive as ever Mr (l/n)." (y/n):"You should of let me include Castor, he's far more politically talented than I am." Ozpin:"I would but given his distaste for me I'd rather avoid forcing him to deal with me." Entering the tower the two boarded the elevator, the door promptly shutting behind them before beginning its ascent. It wasn't a secret that Castor loathed Ozpin, blaming the headmaster for his career stalling out to a mere captain when his talents proved to be at least on par with Ironwood's, a very costly mistake for Atlas and a blessing for (y/n). The Astartes he could lead with no problem but the common man didn't respond to him, at least not at his young age when he was unproven. Castor not only gained their trust but worked them into a functioning fighting force, taking the baseline humans and faunus that became an army. (y/n):"If you say. But let me be clear: while I fully intend to honor our agreement do not think for a moment I'll compromise my people for you, they worked far too hard for it to be taken away." Ozpin:"I wouldn't imagine anything else." The elevator came to a stop with the door sliding open allowing the two to enter Ozpin's office. (y/n) took a moment to admire the cogs that ran on the exposed edge of the room, all moving in perfect sync. He liked that, machines working in harmony, each part depending on the other in order to fulfill it's task, it was symbolic for the most part yet he found it thought provoking. Perhaps this was how the world worked, millions of cogs and gears pushing each other with even the most seemingly isolated part being connected to the greater whole. To someone else it may have seemed a quirky thing but for (y/n) it was art. Snapping from those thoughts (y/n) approached Ozpin's desk as the headmaster walked around it, pressing a key that caused six holographic screens to appear, each holding the outline of a person but refused to reveal any details. A voice called out, nasily and condescending. (???):"OZPIN, HOW DARE YOU PUT US ON HOLD!" Ozpin:"As I said I was retrieving the leader of the Medusa region, Mr (l/n) allow me to introduce you to the council of Vale." (y/n) scowled completely unimpressed, even in the safety of Vale's capital these men didn't even have the courage to meet him face to face. He crossed his arms, remaining silent as he waited for things to play out. The nasal voice called out again, not hiding its owners disapproval. Council man:"So you're the leader?" (y/n):"That is what Ozpin said, yes." Council man:"Well congratulations on reestablishing contact with the rest of the kingdom. We understand you're undergoing a reconstruction effort." He said in an oddly agreeable tone that (y/n) noticed. (y/n):"We are." Council man:"We'd be delighted to help but first we do have something of a... formality to handle first." (y/n):"Don't keep me waiting." He replied with a water thin layer of sarcasm. Council man:"Yes well you see Medusa is still a territory of Vale and you have an entire decade of taxes left unpaid." (y/n):"You cannot be serious." Council man:"Oh we are very serious, you are under Vale's protection and-" (y/n):"What protection? We spent ten years fighting for dear life and not a single person tried to check on us, at least not any sent by Vale." Council man:"It doesn't matter. You are subject to our laws as a territory of Vale and we will have our due!" (y/n):"Is it a territory of Vale? I did a little research since coming to Beacon, mostly to see if anything was recorded of personal interest but I made an interesting discovery: the Medusa region was never officially inducted to the kingdom." Council man:"That is-" (y/n):"Yes yes your traders were happy to use our ports and trade with us but an official document was never signed, one was set to during the reign of the second king but he vanished before it could be signed. So by my calculations, considering the manpower taken from there over the centuries and the surprisingly illegal taxes you owe the region 9.73 billion lien." Council man:"10 BILLION!? There is no way we are paying that!" (y/n):"So it sounds you'll respect our independence." Council man:"...Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot. Look, (y/n) is it? You've done an admirable job with the region but it's time for the proper people to take charge, your elected officials can handle it from here." (y/n):"Elected? Funny, no one asked for my vote, or the votes of my closest advisors, or the thousands who fought for me. Being that our voices went unheard I think it's fair we don't listen to yours." Council man:"Think about it, we have the resources to help you rebuild, would you rather have that or us reclaiming the region by... traditional means?" The scowl that crossed (y/n)'s face contained enough rage that if this council member was here in this room he'd of shit himself. It wasn't a surprise that the council wanted him under heel, even if they weren't aware of the situation (which he projected a .02% chance of them not knowing) they had to know he had an army at his command, a structure of power outside of their control so naturally they wanted it either in toe or dismantled. Honestly it would of been freeing, leaving him to focus on the more important matters while the reconstruction effort was handled by others. But a few facts made that unacceptable, first the council didn't even blink once the region was considered "lost" with the only huntsmen who investigate being allied with Perturabo showing how little they cared for his home, second they moved far too slow for his liking, and third, the one that really struck a nerve with him, is the fact so many people died under his command believing in the future they'd create with their own hands; the sun would burn out before he turned his back on those who sacrificed everything. (y/n):"You haven't even been able to reclaim Mt Glenn, why would I trust you to care about a place hundreds of miles away when you ignore a threat 80 miles close?" Council man:"I don't expect some child to-" (y/n):"A child? Is that the best you can do? Discredit me? Let me make myself clear: I know you don't have the Medusa regions interest in mind and I will not see it chained down again. The region will care for itself as it has the last decade, we've become rather adept at that. I know Perturabo bribed one of you to turn a blind eye to what was happening, you're lucky I haven't been able to discover who it was yet." Council man:"Then we will invite Atlas to-" (y/n):"You threaten my home again you'll get a personal demonstration on how much suffering the human body can endure. Make no mistake, whatever tricks and traps you think you have will not stop me. The moment I see something is wrong I will eviscerate your nephew councilman Winchester and I'll be sure you can see him, just so you can spend the rest of your suddenly short pitable life knowing that your own misery will be tenfold!" The holograms suddenly vanished causing (y/n) to look at Ozpin half expecting to see he ended the call but instead the gorgan found the headmaster leaning back in his seat, well away from any buttons. Ozpin held a small smile in response, silently telling he expected this outcome. (y/n):"I assume that went to plan?" Ozpin:"Indeed, I was going to handle it myself but the rest of the council has been... divided lately. I figured they needed a reminder why they need me around." (y/n):"So instead of a carrot you show them the stick?" Ozpin:"Yes well I have no intention of letting the situation escalate and I know you'd never trust your work to someone without a personal interest in it. That being said I think this works out for the both of us, you get to solidify your independence and I get them to understand the only way they can avoid you is through me." Ordinarily (y/n) would of hated being manipulated like this but part of him did respect that Ozpin leveraged this into a gain for both of them. (y/n):"Clever." Ozpin:"You don't stay where I am as long as I have without learning how to work the angles. Besides it was rather childish of them, demanding taxes from a war torn region." (y/n):"So they knew?" Ozpin:"Most of the details though I kept the specifics hidden, mostly how it was Atlas you were fighting." (y/n):"Right, can't have something as pesky as the truth getting out." Ozpin:"Not when the goal is peace, but I suppose that's where we differ." (y/n):"Yet you don't seem too concerned with me not wanting peace." Ozpin:"Because I know how close you were to winning, you're a clever strategist luring James out the way you did making him believe he was close to victory and catching his 2nd in command in the same trap... You're a dangerous opponent." (y/n):"You know you never did say why you wanted me as a student, an ally I could understand but a student seems a bit... redundant for me." Ozpin:"You overestimate yourself, do you really think you have nothing to learn? Or rediscover?" (y/n):"Is this about to turn into a lecture about how emotions are fundamental for a person?" Ozpin:"It could but you're stubborn enough to shrug off every point I make. No Mr (l/n) instead I want you to take a good look at yourself and try to figure if it's confidence or arrogance you speak from." (y/n) rolled his eye in response, while he did make an effort not to be too confident it was hard to humble himself when compared to a typical person. In fact if it wasn't for the steadfastness of the storm guard he might hold nothing but contempt for the average person. They were small, fragile, only posing a threat in numbers which the Grimm matched 1000 to 1, but like Yang when stacked against mounting odds they formed a resilience that almost nothing could break, if only the outside world discovered that truth perhaps the Grimm wouldn't be the harbingers of doom they grew to be today. (y/n):"I will be sure to examine my thoughts. But since I'm here I do have one question." Ozpin:"I was wondering if you'd ever ask anything of me, what is it?" Unconsciously (y/n) tensed his metal fist, feeling as though he walked on cheep plywood that might easily snap beneath him. (y/n):"...Yang has been... indisposed the last few days, do you know how she's been?" Ozpin:"I do not, I'm leaving that to an old friend. That being said I know you found Raven..." (y/n):"I did. If you're wondering what was said she claimed you collect people though she failed to tell us why you do." Ozpin:"It's my duty and privilege as a teacher to seek out exceptional individuals such as yourself." (y/n):"I know it is but still you're not the man you portray yourself as, that cane of yours is proof of that." Ozpin:"I wear many hats. But let's leave it at that for now, I have a few things I need to handle." (y/n):"I will leave then." (y/n) promptly went to the elevator and began the lengthy trip to the ground floor. While Ozpin openly used (y/n) as a reminder to his fellow council members it did also reveal a glaring issue for (y/n), how to run his territory. No one challenged his lead, whether out of a personal sense of loyalty or fear his Astartes would "handle" any descenting voices no one tried taking control from him. Even if they followed him for the rest of his life it still had one significant problem: what happened after he died. In practice they were a military dictatorship, everything existed to help his soldiers keep fighting but eventually that will have to be changed, he didn't spend all this time fighting just for one of their own to brutalize them after his passing. A push for a republic would make sense, restore what was lost but Vale showed that is susceptible to corruption; but no matter what he did that seemed to be an eventuality. Monarchy, Dictatorship, Democracy, those who craved power for their selfish reasons were drawn to positions of authority like moths to a flame. All of history supported this, those honest and hardworking built something up only for the parasites to come and feast off of it. If he did unite the world then what next? How would he ensure that corruption failed to take root, if not permanently then as long as possible? For all his genius he failed to see a solution for one of humanity's greatest failings. As the elevator door opened he tucked the thoughts of concern into the back of his mind, a solution could be found later but as he left the tower into the cool night air he looked to the dorms. He pictured Yang in her room, maybe laying in bed or perhaps sticking to a corner where she could ignore everyone. How could something as innocent as seeking answers from her own mother back fire so badly? He had a front row seat and he still didn't understand why Raven preferred to avoid a chance at a connection, for him the word mother is a good, kind word bringing warmth and love... but obviously not all mother's lived up to his interpretation. It had been five days since then, long enough for him. Deciding he wasn't going to sit back any longer (y/n) marched to the dorms entrance and pulled it open with such force he nearly ripped it from the frame and was greeted by a few faces. Corvus, Vulkan, Ruby, and a blonde male with blue eyes wearing a tan vest. The four looked at (y/n) like they just stepped on a landmine with him scowling back at them, a nasty feeling forming in his gut. (y/n):"...I'm not going to like this, am I?" Ruby:"Heh... yeah... we were wondering if you knew where Yang is." (y/n):"...She's missing?" Ruby:"Yeah, we were hoping you might know. I can-" She was cut off by (y/n) raising a single finger to her face silencing as he mentally dove into the network of Beacon tower, first he search for her scroll finding it in her room. (y/n):"Her scroll is in your room, did she leave it behind?" Ruby:"Yeah." The blonde male stepped forward, holding his hand out to grab (y/n) but was stopped by Corvus. Corvus:"Let him do his thing, trust me he's good at finding people." (???):"Are you sure? This is my daughter I need to find her." (y/n):"Remain calm Taiyang, I'm searching." Tai:"Wait you know my name?" (y/n):"I did some background research on Yang when she became persistent." Tai:"Geez, I never thought she'd go for the brainy type." Vulkan:"Affection can be found in the most barren of places if one has a warm enough heart." As (y/n) searched on he found a report on police responding to a commotion at Junior's, a place Yang associated with. Focusing on that he narrowed the details of other reports with similar details, statements of a blonde brawler who picked fights with apparently anyone she could justify, a car jacker left unconscious, burglaries efficiently stomped by someone who caused more damage than the stolen items could be worth, and three cases of the white fang being ambushed during dust robberies. It didn't strike him as vigilantlism but someone actively looking for whatever conflict she could find, something he could relate to. Checking the three dust robberies Yang stopped he ran a scan over the city, accounting for how they were spread out across the city he focused on the are in the center of all three foiled crimes, an old warehouse in the same slums he found Perturabo. If Yang was set on this vigilante streak she probably planned on crashing their hideout, something he would also do. (y/n):"I believe I know where she's heading." Tai:"Where?" (y/n):"An abandoned warehouse, most likely a hide out for the white fang." Tai's face tensed, clearly upset that his daughter is facing terrorists. Tai:"I'll go get her." Ruby:"I'll get my team and-" Tai:"No, you stay here." Ruby frowned in response, disappointed her father cut her out like that but Taiyang quickly noticed Ruby's deflated mood. Tai:"...Sorry Ruby I didn't mean it like that, just I already feel like a bad parent for Yang being in this situation if you came along... I'm pretty sure your mother's ghost would haunt me." Ruby perked up a bit in response, replying but (y/n) couldn't pay what she said any attention. Instead he could only think of the image of Yang crying in the corner he pictured a few times, how he wanted to help her but couldn't imagine how and how Taiyang's talk with Ruby solved a problem rather quickly. Is that what he should of done? Instead of letting Yang run off should he of forced her to talk things through? Her fighting the white fang did create a small problem for him, while he didn't see working with Adam as advantageous he had no desire to draw bad blood against the rebel. But he played a role in this mess and (y/n) had a strong sense of responsibility, he would not leave it to others. (y/n):"I shall accompany you." He bluntly stated regaining Tai's attention. Tai:"Really? You're just a student, you should leave this to-" Ruby:"Don't say it! Trust me dad he is absolutely ready for this!" Vulkan:"And we shall come as well." Corvus:"Nice to know I'm being drafted in this... I miss Deliverance, the city didn't judge, it just let me wallow." Vulkan gave a loud, heartfilled laugh as he slapped the back of the brooding Corvus' shoulder. (y/n):"Well it seems settled then, let's be off." Tai:"...Boy I really feel like I should say no right now." He muttered to himself. ---Vale, slums--- Climbing out of the red car Taiyang rented (y/n) gazed upon the warehouse, smashed out windows, the garage door caved in, even a few fires burned from the wreckage of a truck. Tai:"OK so yeah, Yang probably is here." Corvus:"At least she'll be easy to follow, (y/n) I could scout ahead." (y/n):"Do it, we'll be along shortly." The shadows danced around Corvus, swallowing him into thin air leaving (y/n), Taiyang, and Vulkan to approach. As they walked (y/n) reached into the pockets of his overcoat and pulled out two fingerless gloves that he pulled over his hands. Tai:"Really? Your hands are metal why do you need gloves?" (y/n):"They're not for me." Tai:"What-" Six white fang grunts charged out from their hiding spots, all wielding melee weapons from an improvised lead pipe to a decently crafted cutless. They paired off in twos, quickly trying to swarm the group and cut them off from each other. Taiyang showed his technique with the martial arts, skillfully avoiding their strikes and using the brief opening left by their miss to strike, quickly attacking the elbow before kicking out their ankle tripping them for Tai to grab their head and slam it into his ascending knee. (y/n) wasn't so fancy, instead he rolled up his sleeve letting the blade of the cutless to strike his arm leaving his attacker wide open for a simple slap across the face battering the grunt's head so hard he lost consciousness before even hitting the ground. The second grunt decided to be more clever, making quick dashes around (y/n) followed by a charge intent on assaulting (y/n)'s back but the Gorgan spun around on his right foot, again swinging his arm in a simple slap striking the grunt's chest which sent him flying away. Lastly (y/n) turned his attention onto Vulkan who literally held his attackers in a hug, squeezing them with such force their faces turned blue. Vulkan:"Now now, it is not nice to attack people you don't even know!" A loud pop with an equally loud crack following it crunched through the air, the two grunts going completely limp in response. Tai:"...Did he just hug them to death?" (y/n):"They're only unconscious... but they may have a few cracked ribs." Tai:"OK, so just who the hell are you guys? That's not a natural level of strength." (y/n):"Another time perhaps I'll explain." Wasting no time (y/n) walked into the warehouse witnessing overturned crates of dust, more than a few grunts sprawled out on the ground, and a lot of divots from bullets that missed their target. It didn't surprise him that Yang could do this but it was telling, this wasn't her typical style of fighting but full on aggression, sure she didn't shy away in combat but judging from the sprinkles of bullet holes she definitely moved fast on a reckless course. Tai:"Yang... what happened? She could be hard headed but this is just..." (y/n):"She's striking out, she couldn't handle her emotions so she's lashing at anything she can." Tai:"Hey she isn't some spoiled girl she's-" (y/n):"I didn't mean to imply that she's at fault for this... no the blame lies with me." As he continued following the path of destruction he mentally screamed at himself. He was the one who found Raven, literally brought Yang to her, yet for all his thinking he never considered it could end so badly that Yang would do this. Rage is a powerful thing, it gave him the strength to fight when Perturabo took his arm but he was able to focus it, rage untempered by focus... well he could see the results in front of his own eyes. This wasn't good, if someone else intervened in the situation it'd probably end with Yang in deep trouble. Even Taiyang gave a concerned scowl to the scene, like the world began to fall apart before his very eyes. Tai:"Yang... where are you?" (y/n):"Most likely chasing her primary target." Tai:"What makes you think she has a target?" (y/n):"The damage indicates she rushed through here, she's after someone." Reaching the back wall of the warehouse they came upon two doorways, one on the left that turned into a hallway and one on the right that led to a staircase. (y/n):"I'll go right." Vulkan:"Then I will take the left, if I find her I will call for you." (y/n):"My gratitude lord of drakes." The two parted with Tai following (y/n) as he climbed the stairs. Typically when the flight response kicked in people instinctively sought the high ground, while it wouldn't be unlikely he judgment was wrong he did get the sense Yang was chasing a person with the instincts of a rodent; very adept at making escapes. (y/n) kept his focus on the long stairway, a few unconcerned white fang members littering the sides but nothing too drastic. Tai:"...So Ruby told me you found Raven." (y/n):"It wasn't hard, she was surprisingly well hidden but I'm capable at finding the little details." Tai:"Did it ever occur to you there was a reason we tried to keep Yang away from her?" (y/n):"We?" There was a notable pause that (y/n) picked up on, betraying Taiyang as the matured huntsman collected his thoughts. Tai:"Yeah, me and her uncle Qrow." (y/n):"Are you certain it wasn't because Raven tried to talk Yang into leaving Beacon?" Tai:"Hey its not like I forced her to go! Hell I could barely stop her!" (y/n):"Oh I already figured that, I just found your reaction... interesting. That being said no, I didn't consider it since it wasn't my place to stop her." Tai:"Really? That's your answer?" (y/n):"Despite whatever Ozpin told you I have no desire to control others, I simply offer direction to those with similar goals. What happened between Yang and her mother is regrettable but life often goes that way, I believe that meeting was as inevitable as gravity." Tai:"That's all you have to say? That this was always going to happen to her?" (y/n):"Life often goes astray, I'm nowhere near where I'd imagine I'd be when I was a boy. But even as we go astray we can still use those events to find strength, in essence I believe we only break when we decide." Tai:"Why haven't you said this to Yang?! This is exactly something that she'd need to hear!" The weight of Taiyang's words hung from the back of (y/n)'s head, an intangible weight that threatened to pull him from his feet and toss him down the stairs from the imbalance it created. Another failure on his part, but one he could at least mitigate. Reaching the top of the stairs they were greeted by ten white fang grunts, all scattered as they watched a doorway at the opposite end of this corridor filled with the offices for the warehouse. W.F.1:"...What the hell is going on? Who the hell is that girl?" W.F.2:"No clue but I'd hate to be Roman right now. Fuck this I'm leaving before..." The second grunt turned around and trailed off as he spotted (y/n) and Tai. Without another word he raised his SMG and began firing. W.F.2:"WE GOT MORE!!" As the other nine grunts spun around (y/n) and Tai dove into opposite rooms, avoiding the halestorm of bullets that came flying through the hallway. Tai:"Great! Wait here until they get close!" (y/n) grumbled as he got up and looked to the door of the room, solid metal which was odd for an office but worked for him. Grabbing the sides of the door he ripped it free from its hinges. (y/n):"I got a better idea!" Racing back into the hallway (y/n) charged holding the metal door in front of him, it's panels bent as bullets pinged against its surface but it held together. Crashing down on the first grunt he wasted no time, slamming him and the door into the next grunt like a train set to full steam charging the grunts right into each other announced by a loud bump. After the tenth bump (y/n) stopped, dropping the grunts into a pile with the door falling on top of them. With that annoance handled (y/n) looked back to see Taiyang jogging down the hallway. Tai:"That was... an interesting idea, I don't think I've ever seen a door used as a weapon before." (y/n):"It was only my second time using one, they make efficient fly swatters." Tai:"That's a joke right?" As soon as Tai reached him (y/n) made his way through the door leading to another, much smaller staircase that they climbed to find the roof access torn wide open. Stepping onto the roof they found Yang fighting a man wearing a white coat with a bowler hat, holding a cane as he frantically tried running from Yang. Roman:"Hey blondie why don't you just sit back and-" Yang:"STOP RUNNING AND GET BACK HERE ROMAN!!!" Roman immediately turned and went into a dead sprint back to the door, a wide grin forming on his face as he spotted (y/n). Roman:"Yes the calvary has arrived! Quick deal with her while I get away!" (y/n) could only surmise that Roman thought he was apart of the white fang by the way the criminal scrambled to race past him expecting a safe escape. Instead he was treated by (y/n) grabbing the back of his jacket and yanking him off his feet before being tossed off the roof top to the alley opposite of the neighboring building, with a high pitched scream that ordinarily would of earned a chuckle from (y/n) in his new "emotional" state. With the criminal gone (y/n) focused on his target, Yang, her eyes red with rage, gritting her teeth as she looked on him and her father. Yang:"What do you two want!?" Tai:"To help you! Yang I know-" Yang:"SHUT UP! YOU SHOULD OF TOLD ME MOM IS A HORRIBLE PERSON!" Tai:"She's not She's-" He was cut off by (y/n) patting his shoulder. (y/n):"Don't waste your breath, she isn't interested in reason." Tai:"Then what do you think we should do!?" Quietly (y/n) walked forward, pulling the overcoat off of himself revealing the simple black muscle shirt he wore, his metal arms reflecting faint glimmers from the street lights. Yang:"Oh go figure, of course you'd turn your back on me!" (y/n):"You're the one who wants a fight, so why don't you stop beating poor criminals and fight someone bigger than you?" Tai:"Wait, we're not-" (y/n):"I know what to do here." Stopping five feet away (y/n) got into a combat stance, a simple boxing pose bouncing on the balls of his feet with his arms ready for a fight. Yang seemed to shrink a little, taking a step back. Yang:"Really? I thought out of everyone you'd understand me!" (y/n):"You're the one who's on a rampage, you can stop it right now." He could see her eyes turn to their regular lilac hue, an expression of disbelief on her face which honestly surprised (y/n). Was she really backing down? Yang:"I... I... I HATE YOU!" Her eyes turned red again before shooting her gauntlets, launching herself at him as he raised one metal arm to block the blow nullifying her momentum. Landing on her feet Yang pressed her assault, delivering a rapid fury of blows with him raising his arms to absorb the strikes. Seeing she wasn't getting anywhere Yang fired her gauntlet left, propelling herself around (y/n) for a quick strike at his kidneys only for him to sweep a leg back turning himself to block her. Yang:"SCREW YOU!" Again she fired at the ground, launching herself off of the roof across the street to a construction site. (y/n) quickly gave chase, rushing to the roof's edge that he leapt from crossing the street and landing right in front of Yang blocking her way. Yang:"What do you even want!? You're just a hypocrite, you chase down the person you hate but when I do I'm just overreacting!" (y/n):"Did I say that?" Yang screamed as she charged (y/n) again, throwing fierce punches that his metal arms endured. Her strikes became irratic, sloppy with a desperate strength behind them. She was tired, spending the last few days fighting whoever she could, denying herself any chance of rest and now she met the unyielding endurance of (y/n)'s arms. Yang:"FUCK YOU, I WISH I NEVER MET YOU!" Unable to continue her assault Yang fired at the ground launching herself onto the Iron skeleton of the prospective building but again (y/n) leapt up after her. Landing on a beam he found her charging him, throwing blow after blow with only one finally being able to get past his arms with the explosion going off in his face sending him sliding back the beam into the standing corner gurter that bent against him. Yang came sweeping in ready to hit him in the face again but this time found his Iron hand swinging forward in a strike so obvious she easily ducked back to avoid it. Suddenly a bar came crashing down, snapping the bar they stood on in half. Yang, near total exhaustion, couldn't react in time and began to fall with debris joining her, ready to crash down on her. Suddenly (y/n) came crashing through the debris, batting it away as he swept through grabbing Yang and held her close as he spun around using himself as a shield to break through the rest of the debris. Escaping the collapsing building's reach they landed at the edge of the construction site, Yang in his arms bridal style. He looked down to her, her eyes wet with tears and dulled with exhaustion but still retained their red glare. Yang:"...Why? Why fight me and then save me?" (y/n):"I wasn't fighting you Yang I was letting you beat up on me until you were too tired." Yang gave a soft giggle, a sad giggle as her eyes turned back to their lilac hue. Yang:"Thanks... and sorry for that." (y/n):"I am sorry, I should of helped you after that... debacle. I was unsure there was anything I could say, this stuff is foreign to me... but I should of tried." Yang:"It's fine, I'm supposed to help you with your emotions not the other way around." (y/n):"I think we'd benefit from helping each other, I'm too cold and you're too hot, perhaps we balance each other out." Yang smiled back at him as she tucked her head against his chest, her eyes closing unable to stay open any longer. Whatever her ails it seemed that he at least gave her comfort, something he was grateful for. With her in hand he turned around and left the construction site to find Taiyang who watched, a sentimental smile on his face. (y/n):"Why are you smiling?" Tai:"I'm just glad it didn't go how I thought it was, I was pretty sure you would hit her." (y/n):"Striking her served no purpose, as fired up as she was the sensible thing was to let her burn out." Tai:"Still though, we should probably leave I don't have the lien to pay for the damage." (y/n):"Agreed, hopefully they'll figure the white fang had something to do with it." (y/n) carried Yang across the street with Tai, making their way back to his car. Tai:"Actually should we find your teammates?" (y/n):"I trust Corvus has seen us and went to collect Vulkan, they have bus fair and will understand we need to get Yang out of here." Tai:"I hope so." Tai opened the back door letting (y/n) lay Yang down in the back. Hopefully her talk with Tai tomorrow would calm her down more permanently.

Once upon a time, in the shadows of a forgotten era, there existed a world full of chaos and unrest. The land was tormented by constant power struggles, tyranny, and injustice. Amidst this darkness, a man by the name of Victor Hawthorne emerged, driven by a burning desire for power and domination. Victor, a gifted strategist and charismatic leader, had always yearned for a life beyond his humble beginnings. He believed that power was the key to gaining control over the unruly world he lived in. After years of observing the corrupt rulers and their oppressive regimes, an idea began to take root in his twisted mind. Fueled by his thirst for power, Victor conceived a plan that would change not only his own life but also the course of history. He envisioned an organization that would unite like-minded individuals, each possessing unique talents and a shared thirst for dominance and malevolence. Thus, S.C.A.R - The Syndicate of Conquest and Atrocious Roguery - was born. Victor was a master of manipulation, easily able to gain the trust and loyalty of those he desired. He began recruiting individuals with a dark past, each with their own skills and tendrils in the underworld. From assassins and thieves to powerful sorcerers and mad scientists, S.C.A.R gradually grew into a formidable force, shrouded in secrecy. The organization's operations were conducted from the depths of an ancient fortress hidden deep in the heart of a treacherous mountain range. Victor named it 'Abyssus,' which reflected the dark abyss that resided within the hearts of its members. Under Victor's ingenious leadership, S.C.A.R began its malevolent exploits, spreading terror and chaos throughout the land. They raided villages, terrorized innocent civilians, and orchestrated political upheavals, all with the aim of strengthening their control. They lusted for power – the ultimate conquest over the civilized world. However, as S.C.A.R grew in strength, so did the righteous resistance. Heroes began to rise from the ashes, individuals driven by the desire for justice and the longing to restore peace to the world. The formidable members of S.C.A.R relished the challenge, for they saw these noble souls as mere obstacles standing in their path towards absolute power. As the conflict between good and evil escalated, the world became embroiled in a cataclysmic battle of ideologies. The heroes fought relentlessly to dismantle the foundations of S.C.A.R and bring its malevolent reign to an end. Victor Hawthorne, once a dreamer seeking power, now found himself in the center of a whirlwind he himself had created. Though S.C.A.R faced numerous setbacks, its resilience proved formidable. The story of S.C.A.R's founding serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lengths some may go to attain power. The world would always remember the evil organization, but it would also remember the brave heroes who stood against them, refusing to let darkness prevail. In the end, the legacy of S.C.A.R would become a chilling reminder that even the cruelest of organizations can be brought to their knees when confronted by the relentless spirit of righteousness and the undying hope for a better future.

The young ginger heroine lies on the bed on her stomach, tied up and completely unconscious as the sun sets, in the late evening. Outside, by the door of the hotel room, a hotel employee is knocking at the door. "Mrs, mrs! Mrs Smythe! You haven't given the keys yet. It's 9. Mrs Smythe!" The man says. With Mrs Smythe not responding, the concierge takes the freedom to enter the room. He calls her as he walks through the rooms.. He recalls the beautiful redhead taking a room for a full 24 hours yesterday, but since "Mrs Smythe! It's 9 you should've handed in the keys at 8:30... I know you- shit!..." The concierge stumbled upon the bedroom, where Scarlett layed unconscious and bound. "Oh my God..." Muttered the concierge, in disbelief over the scene... Hours earlier, after meeting with Ruby at her flat not far from the hotel she was staying in, discussing about the details of the upcoming mission as forwarded by Amy, Scarlett went back to her hotel room in the late afternoon with the coming task's documents in which they were all the details and the plan of action. It was regarding a mission where they were to infiltrate the Mafia, led by Don Martino. The agency ASAR aimed to dismantle the large criminal empire, and I'm doing so, the agency would be recognised as a crime-fighting powerhouse, which was needed as it only recently formed. A victory over the Don would give the agency the publicity push it needs to gain clients and establish itself in the city. Hence why ASAR wasn't the only agency seeking to score a point against the Don, and hence why Amy pressed this file and warned her partners of competition. As Scarlett enters her hotel room, she walks to the table in the living room and puts her handbag on it. She was about to leave the hotel this evening to go back to the agency's office. Feeling hungry, Scarlett enters the kitchen intending to make a sandwich, or something. Ruby was kind enough to offer her partner some biscuits and tea back in her flat, but Scarlett needs real food. KTHWACK! "Aaahhh..." Seconds after she walks into the kitchen, a leather sap falls on her skull with might as the poor investigator moans in pain. Her face shows shock and pain and her eyes starts to cross. "Sorry fellow redhead, but it's time for bed!" snaps her mysterious aggressor. Few seconds pass, and the young damsel falls on her knees. Her eyes are disconnected as they cross. It seems one iris is looking at the microwave while the other, the sink. Her mind goes in all directions. She's too confused to understand anything right now, and all she heeds about is all the wonderful and colourful dots that appears in front of her. The confusion forces her mouth to take a silly O shape. "Well, hehehe... If that doesn't look like one redhead stargazing, then I don't know what one looks like!" Comments the assailant, slap-jack in hand, as she faces her kneeled prey. "Gwaaahhh..." Scarlett can't utter more than a confused moan, as the dots explode into hundreds if not thousands or outright millions of stars. Her head starts to sway in line with the star's movements while her eyes crosses in synchronism. The O shaped mouth slowly transitions into a silly grin as the redhead looks like she's enjoying the cuckoo spectacle unravelling in her mind. "I see sooo many pweetty starrrs, he-he... I always said to them that stars were pretty pretty." Muttered Scarlett, still kneeled, deep in a state of cuckoo-ness. "Hehe... Glad to see you enjoying the stars! Knew that this would do a trick on you. Blackjacks never disappoint... But tell me, little idiot, how many stars do you see?" Reacts the woman, who is masked, as she kneels facing Scarlett and places her hands on her shoulders. "I see many many mmanyyyyy beautiful starrrs... Look how shining blue this one ishh! It's flying so marvelouslyyyyy hehe... Makes me so dumb and zleeeppyyyyyyy zz..." Babbles in response the cuckoo heroine, whilst giving a hint of her growing sleepiness. "Ahahahahahahaha..." Laughs boastfully the villain. The sound of her laughs resonate in Scarlett's head, only adding to her daze, confusion and drowsiness. "Duhh... Hehe I'm soo funnyyyy, duh?... I told him duhhhhhhhhhh... Shtaaaaarrrr vroom-vroom he-he..." Scarlett's mumbles become now less comprehensible as the woman finds it harder to understand her. "What about you call it a night, Scar?" Asks the girl, cupping Scarlett's chin with her right hand, forcing her to stop her head swaying so that she establishes eye contact. Scarlett looks at her aggressor with empty eyes, as they rotate in their sockets. Her tongue also sticks out, as she now drools, forcing the mysterious woman to stop cupping her chin. "Eww... You nasty cutie. Drooling like a baby, hehehe." Says the woman, now standing up over the redhead. She takes her phone out and takes few pictures of Scarlett's predicament, as she happily observes her cuckoo-ness. Scarlett looks absolutely silly. Her tongue slipped out which makes Scarlett dribble only adds to her humiliation. Her silly grin indicates she's all too happy to be seeing stars and drooling uncontrollably, which makes her pathetic. However, the masked intruder can't help but find the cuckoo investigator cute, with her green eyes crossed and her swaying head. She's so out of it and vulnerable that it makes her adorable, but nevertheless frivolous and pathetic. Few more seconds pass and Scarlett can't seem to be able to prolong her cuckoo state any further, as the drooling ginger girl is overwhelmed by a renewed wave of drowsiness. "Shoo shweeeeepyyyyyy... Sleeeepyyyyyy I am sooo duhhhhhhhhhhh... You're going doo fast shining bluee... Sleee-duhhhhh..." She mumbles sleepily as her green eyes roll up far into her brain, seconds before her eyelids come down. "Good girl, go to sleep. Sleeeepp, he-he." Taunts the woman Scarlett's mind is empty in this moment, unable to hear nor see as complete darkness replaces the previous fuzz of her cuckoo state. Nothing holding her anymore, she falls face first in the kitchen floor- out cold. "Hehehe, good. Now that you baby redhead is asleep, let's put you in bed! Can't be letting you sleep on the cold floor of the kitchen, can I?" Exclaims the masked girl, amused. The assailant grabs her by her ankles and drags her to her own hotel bedroom as he heaves her up into the bed. "You're gonna have one hell of a night, sleepyhead hehe, but first, let's make you comfortable..." mocks the female voice. Before she ties the put-to-sleep crime fighter on her stomach, the mysterious woman takes Scarlett's shoes and socks off as she compliments the feet of her victim mockingly just as she ties her up, leaving a poor woman barefoot, unconscious and tightly bound. "I've been longing to see your feet, redhead! I've seen everyone's except yours. Seems like today my collection of ASAR agents feet is completed, he-he... I'm so tempted to tickley tickle you but sadly, I lack time for that. A picture proving my new acquisition would do it though, hahaha." Says the masked woman whose identity becomes less of a mystery, while she takes a picture of the tied up girl and close ups on her bound, bare feet. Satisfied, and after a gentle stroke on Scarlett's soles, she makes it to the door leaving the unfortunate crime-fighter sleep off her knockout in the bedroom. "Nighty night, sleepy toes hahahaha" laughs loudly the woman as she shuts the door on a humiliated heroine. She then goes to the living room and grabs the documents from the unfortunate girl's bag. "That's exactly what I was looking for, hehe..." Says the woman, happily, as she examines the documents. She also searches the hotel for any intel that could be valuable, which brings her back to the bedroom where Scarlett is still unconscious. "Sorry to disturb you, I'm just gonna be looking for any more intel in the bedroom. You don't mind me and keep dreaming, hehehe." Says cockily the looting girl as she goes through the bedroom in search for anything valuable. After a few minutes, she doesn't find anything noteworthy. "Well there's nothing here. I'll definitely leave now, Scarlett. Byyeee hehehehehehe." Taunts the woman, looking one last time at the heroine bound on the bed, layed on her belly and breasts, left cheek pressed against the pillow as her slightly open mouth lets out, slowly, some drool descending on the white pillow. Fortunately for Scarlett, the intruder doesn't notice. The intruder in question, after further search in the bathroom, sneakily leaves the hotel room with a victorious smile. Mission accomplished for her. Hours later, a still unconscious Scarlett is discovered by a concierge after Scarlett's stay in the hotel expired. What did the concierge do as he discovered Scarlett's unconscious carcass? Did he call the police, bringing unwanted attention to an ASAR agent? And most importantly, who knocked her out and looted her hotel room?

Ifry sighs with relief as she looks at what she has just created. The end result is far from what she'd hoped for, but surely she can't do any better. The demoness turns her gaze to the book on her desk. Her magical library has enabled her to learn in no time how to embroider an object. The needles she has used are wooden twigs she carved herself. The thread and stuffing came from her personal clothes, which she no longer used. Ifry's eyes continue to wander over the dozens of different-sized wooden sewing needles she's used. What if Phae doesn't like her present? wondered the horned woman inwardly, clutching the object to her. Throughout the making of her gift, Ifry couldn't help but ask herself this question. She closes her eyes and inhales slowly to stifle her concern. There's only one way to know whether or not the angel likes what the demoness has done to her. "Phae? Could you please come?" Ifry asks, opening her office door with her magic so that her girlfriend can hear her. The demoness waits a few seconds before hearing the angel arrive at the entrance to the room. The half-blonde remains in the doorway and removes her music headphones from her ears, placing them on her shoulders. "Did you call me?" Phaelyn asks in turn with a small smile, not entering the room. "Yes I have a surprise for you." Announces the horned woman with a loving smile, hiding something behind her back. The angel's eyes begin to light up and her body jumps in anticipation. "A surprise??" "Yes. Come here, honey." Ifry gives her beloved a beautiful smile and asks her to approach with a wave of her hand. The half-blonde hesitates to enter the room and nervously scratches one of her fingers. "Do I really have the right to enter...?" Phae assures herself in an innocent voice, causing her darling to raise her eyebrows. "Sure? Why can't you come in?" "Uh... I thought you didn't like me coming into this room..." The demoness's eyes open a little wider and she begins to smile with a much more sympathetic air. "Oh Phae... I never forbade you to come and see me! It's just that I like to be in the quiet when I'm drawing. You'll not disturb me I swear." "Oh. Sorry..." "Don't apologize, honey. Come and watch me draw whenever you like, it'll give me great pleasure." Adds the horned woman to restore the angel's smile. "Okay!" She nods in a happy voice, entering the office with small steps. "Did you draw something for me?" Ifry starts to shake her head and she looks down a little to think about what she wants to say. "Well um... It's been a year today that we've been living on Earth together and-" "Oh. It's already been a year..." Phae mutters, not realizing she's cut off her beloved. "Time goes by so fast..." She adds in a whisper before snapping out of her thoughts. "Sorry! You can go on!" The horned woman begins to smile as she sees the innocence in the angel's embarrassed eyes. "Don't apologize. So um... I was saying... I've been looking for a gift idea for a while now, and I think I've found something that will please you... At least I hope so." Explains the demoness with a chuckle, nervously caressing the object she hides behind her back. The half-blonde tilts her head in curiosity and walks over to her girlfriend with a smile full of joy. "I don't know what it is but I already love it!" The angel replies, jumping up and down as she extends her hands towards her sweetheart. The horned woman blushes as she sees the happiness on her beloved's face. Ifry pulls the surprise out from behind her and holds it out to Phaelyn. A teddy bear appears before the angel, hand-sewn by the demoness. The teddy bear has a pair of angel wings, like the plush the half-blonde had in Paradise, but this one also has demon wings. The stitching is a little rough, and Phaelyn can see that the fingers of the horned woman's left hand are covered with puncture marks. This is probably due to Ifry's inexperience with needles. The angel takes the teddy bear with both hands and looks at it for a long time. She strokes one of the teddy's cheeks with her thumb, and the demoness begins to smile slightly. "Sorry, it's not perfect..." The horned woman apologizes, looking at her darling who raises her gaze to her. The half-blonde starts biting her lip before the demoness catches a glimpse of tears in her eyes. "I-It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen...!" Phaelyn declares, jumping into Ifry's arms. The horned woman falls from her chair and the two lovers fall to the ground. The angel lands on top of her girlfriend and lets herself cry with joy as she rests her head against her, the stuffed animal wedged between their chests. "I'm glad you like it. I was a little afraid you wouldn't like it." The demoness admits with a huge smile, stroking the half-blonde's hair. The latter cries for long seconds and hugs the horned woman. "T-Thank you... For everything..." "You deserve it, honey." The horned woman replies lovingly, rubbing her cheek against Phaelyn's head. The angel buried her face in Ifry's neck and smiled as she felt her tears of happiness fall. After a long minute, the half-blonde reappeared with a small smile, having stopped crying. "Can we take a bath together tonight?" Phae asks in a loving voice, taking the demoness's hand with her own. "O-Oh, yes of course." Simply replies the horned woman with a slight laugh, not expecting this request. "A beach inside a mountain??" Phaelyn asks in a voice fascinated by what Ifry is telling her. The two lovers sit together in the bathtub filled with warm water. "Yes! I think it was something made by a humans. It must have been a lot of work to do it." The demoness recounts, thinking back to what she saw today. The horned woman has been sitting behind the angel, hugging her for some time, each enjoying the other's touch. "I wasn't able to explore it fully because I had to get back to finish your present." Ifry adds with a smile in her voice, resting her chin on her girlfriend's shoulder. "Well we can explore it together one day! After all the other stuff we have to explore together hehe!" Proposes the half-blonde, raising her arms in the air. "The sounds perfect for me." Replies the demoness, closing her eyes while keeping her benevolent smile. "Oh, I forgot to tell you but I'll have to go to Leon's Keep tomorrow." "Again?" Phae asks in a slightly disappointed voice after a little second of thinking, knowing she won't be able to go with her, because of her fear of crowds. "Why do you go there so much? I'm sad when I can't go with you..." She adds, rubbing her head against the horned woman's to show her affection. "Sorry, Phae. It's because I really want to live like humans." Explains Ifry in a sympathetic voice, rubbing her head too in return. "Now that you say it, why do you want to live like them? We never talked about it." Asks the angel in a questioning voice, resting her hands on the demoness's. "With the number of times I've been in places with humans, I've noticed that they feel their emotions in a much faster way than the two of us." Explains the horned woman, thinking at the same time. "When we feel strong emotions, we keep them inside us for years or even much longer. It's much faster for humans." "So what? What difference does it make?" "Well... Imagine if, someday, we end up being very angry at Rilliana for some silly reason, then maybe our anger will disappear when she... When she'll be already dead of old age..." Ifry announced in a voice full of concern, clasping her beloved's hands. "And it will be like that with any human who will be our friend..." "Oh..." Phaelyn replies simply, never having thought of the possibility. The demoness is right, they no longer live in Hell or Heaven with their species and habit. "I too want to feel emotions like humans!" The angel announced in a confident voice that made her sweetheart smile. The two lovers start snuggling up to each other to show their mutual support. "I think I'd go and see Stephen. It's been a while since I've seen him." Said the horned woman with a smile in her voice. "Oh then you'll say hello to him for me!" Replies the half-blonde as she starts to rock back and forth. "I'll do it." Ifry nods, smelling Phae's shampoo. The latter senses her girlfriend's breathing behind her and pulls her head back so that the demoness has shampoo all over her face. "H-HEY!!" The angel starts laughing before splashing the horned woman with bathwater. Good thing Phae didn't come. Ifry says to herself as she enters the main avenue of Leon's Keep. The noise caused by the number of people would have made the angel even more panicky than the last time she came. The demoness slalomed between passers-by to get to the other side of the avenue, making sure her belongings didn't disappear as she crossed the sea of humans. The horned woman finally reaches the other side and smiles contentedly at the tavern sign in front of her. She approaches the front door and notices many posters on the side, hanging on the wall and stacked on top of each other. Ifry frowns at the number of people who have disappeared since she was last in town. Every time she comes here, the posters pile up again and again, inexorably. Each request showing someone worried about a friend or family member. The demoness looks down before entering the tavern. The city guards can handle it. Even if the temptation of rescuing all these people has often been a major headache for her. The horned woman recovers a frank smile when she sees Stephen, the old tavern-keeper, waving at her. Ifry approaches the counter and sits down on one of the high chairs. "Miss Ifry. It's been a long time since we've seen you here." Announces the tavern-keeper in a friendly manner as he begins to bring out a glass for his customer. "Indeed it has. I was on the west coast just yesterday." Explains the demoness with a small smile, still thinking about her latest discoveries. "The west coast of Aegissake?" Stephen asks in an astonished voice, leaning back on his counter with a slight chuckle. "Even the fastest horse couldn't get you to Goramag in a day!" He adds to show his doubts about what the horned woman is saying. "I run very fast!" Ifry replies with a laugh. "I was joking of course, I left a few days ago." She explains, placing an early gold coin on the counter to pay for the drink the old man is making for her. She really needs to watch out for mistakes like this. She needs to pay more attention. "Now I understand. I was beginning to think I had a magical creature in front of me!" Laughs the tavern-keeper, setting down a glass of cherry beer in front of the demoness. "Maybe pointy ears are hiding behind that long black hair?" He jokes, pointing at his customer's hair with a smile that she mimics. If only he knew what's behind my magic. The horned woman says to herself inwardly, taking her glass in hand. "By the way, Phaelyn says hello." Ifry announced before smiling unconsciously as she tasted her beer. "Oh well you'll say hello again to your lovely friend! How is she by the way?" Stephen asks, taking the dollar before placing it in his drawer. "She's doing very well. I gave her a present for our anniversary and she loved it." Explains the demoness, smiling lovingly. The old man's eyes stare longingly at the customer before he speaks a little less loudly. "Excuse me for asking but... Are you a couple?" The tavern-keeper asks, whispering so no one else can hear. The horned woman doesn't understand what the problem is and nods with a smile. "Then you'd better be careful who you say things like that to..." He adds with a serious look. "Oh? Why's that?" Ifry asks in turn with an innocent expression, tilting her head to one side as Phaelyn sometimes does. The angel seems to be rubbing off more and more enormously on the horned woman. "That sort of thing is very frowned upon here so it would be best if you kept it to yourself." Prevails the old man with a small, sympathetic smile. "It doesn't bother me personally but a lot of people might want to hurt you because of it." "Really?" Asks the demoness in a stunned voice, never having imagined hearing that. In Hell and in Heaven, two men or two women in love is something totally normal. There are many things the horned woman never thought she'd learn when she arrived on Earth. "Thank you very much, Stephen." Ifry thanks the tavern-keeper with a nod and the latter straightens up with a smile. The latter then begins to look towards the entrance of his tavern as he sees the door open. Stephen's expression changes as he recognizes the person approaching the counter. "Hey old man." Says a female voice, addressing the tavern-keeper. The latter frowns before going to deal with the customer who has just taken a seat. "Same as usual, I suppose?" Asks the old man in a forced voice, not seeming at all interested in serving the customer. "Of course." She replies in a cold tone, scratching one of her wrists under the long sleeve of her coat. The demoness turns her head towards the woman, who immediately senses that she's being spied on, as if this happens to her often. She gives the horned woman a cold stare. Ifry finds herself troubled by the passive aggressiveness shown by the lady. She doesn't have Phaelyn's intuition, but she clearly senses that this woman is not a good person. For some people, badness is something that's almost written on their foreheads, and that's exactly the case here. The woman wears a long leather coat in a very dark brown, matching her brown hair, graying slightly in places. An imposing musculature seems to lurk beneath her loose-fitting clothes, despite her rather slim build, and a silver signet ring sits on her right middle finger. Her soft blue eyes seem in counterpoint to the dark expression she gives the demoness. She turns her attention back to Stephen when he gives her what she wants. She tosses a gold coin at the tavern-keeper's feet before leaving. The horned woman looks at the old man with a saddened look as she sees him grunt to pick up the coin from the floor. "Does she really have to do this every time..." Mutters the tavern-keeper, looking at the dollar with frustrated eyes. "Is everything all right Stephen?" Ifry asks, leaning over the counter. "Yes everything's fine." Replies the tavern-keeper as he struggles to his feet. "Who was that?" "The woman behind the biggest human trafficking ring in all of Aegissake." Stephen announces in a falsely impressed voice. The horned woman's eyebrows rise upon hearing the tavern-keeper's reply. "This is Faluden's great-granddaughter, Samantha." He adds, placing the coin in a jar. The demoness has never seen the old man put his dollars in there before. The glass container is almost entirely filled with dollars. Is this jar just for the coins Samantha gave him? "So... All those disappearing posters at the entrance to your tavern... Is it because of her?" Asks the horned woman in a serious but sympathetic voice. "Indeed it is... And you could have been on that list a year ago... I'm glad you managed to lose them." Stephen explains, looking at the jar as Ifry fixes him with a friendly gaze. "Why keep giving her what she wants if you hate her?" The demoness obviously recognized the emotion in the tavern-keeper's eyes when he saw Samantha enter his restaurant. Deep hatred was in his eyes. "That bastard promised me my daughter would become a slave if I stopped serving her.... I refuse to let my grandson lose his mother..." Confessed the old man in a voice filled with helplessness, clenching his fists. "Can't you warn the city guards?" "The guards are only there to provide for the city's influential people. The guards are paid with the money of the rich and..." Stephen doesn't finish his sentence, having a deep expression of disgust. "Oh... And I suppose the slaves are mostly bought by those same rich..." Finishes the horned woman, looking down at her empty glass. Ifry unfortunately realizes more and more how awful humans can be. Stealing someone's freedom for mere gold coins... If nobody takes action, nothing will change... She thought to herself, tapping her glass before looking up. "You told me that the most dangerous place in town was to the south, right?" "Yes, that's right... Why are you asking this?" Asks the tavern-keeper in a puzzled voice, seeing then the determination in the demoness's eyes. "I hope you're not looking for this place with the aim of being captured yourself?" He replies, resting his hands on the counter and frowning while looking seriously at Ifry. The latter keeps her assurance and Stephen starts to widen his eyes. "Are you crazy?! I understand your desire for justice but... All this will only lead to your death! Or worse!" Announces the tavernkeeper in a worried voice. "I can't stand by and do nothing. I understand your concern but I'll be fine." She retorts with a reassuring smile that doesn't seem to work at all. "This is sheer madness, Miss Ifry! No creature living on Earth can destroy all that alone!" Explains the old man, placing his hands on the demoness's, begging her to listen to reason. The horned woman stares at him for long seconds before placing her other hand on Stephen's herself. "I refuse to see anyone lose another loved one..." Ifry admits in a slightly shaky voice. The idea of other people going through what she's already been through is too much for her to bear. "You're not going to change my mind, Stephen... If you want to imagine that I've got a chance of putting an end to all this then you've only got to imagine that I'm not a creature from Earth!" She adds with a slight laugh, trying to lighten the mood. The tavern-keeper then begins to lose some of his concern and smiles resignedly, seeing that he won't change the demoness's choice. "Very well, then. Promise me nothing will happen to you." Asks the old man, shaking hands with the horned woman, who starts nodding. "I promise!" She assures with a friendly smile that rubs off on Stephen's face. "Yaaaaay I love it when we use the ropes!" Phaelyn exclaims, jumping up and down on the spot, seeing Ifry pull out the red bondage ropes from one of her drawers. The demoness smiles benevolently before gesturing to her girlfriend to undress. The latter blushes slightly but complies, slowly removing one item of clothing after another. The horned woman approaches with a confident step, staring at the angel with a gaze filled with desire. The half-blonde starts to blush fully at the sight of her beloved's eyes and starts to look away to hide her embarrassment as best she can. Ifry raises her hand holding the long red cords before releasing them. But the cords don't fall to the ground, they continue to lift in the air thanks to the demoness' magic. She finds herself face to face with her beloved and helps her to remove the last of the clothes still on her. Phae tries her best to hide her embarrassment, which makes the horned woman smile even wider. The angel's eyes plunge into those of her girlfriend as the latter brings her face to within mere inches of the half-blonde's. Ifry offers Phaelyn a very loving look, grabbing the ropes that were still lifting behind her. "Are you ready?" The demoness asks in an evocative voice, playing with her beloved's strong emotions. The latter begins to nod, but her expression changes slightly, something that doesn't usually happen, and the horned woman notices it. "Is everything all right?" "Um... Well..." The angel starts scratching the back of her head awkwardly, reluctant to admit what she's thinking. "Phae." Ifry takes the half-blonde's hand and smiles reassuringly. "You know you can tell me anything, don't you?" Phaelyn looks at the demoness for a few seconds before smiling back. "Actually... I'd really like to be tied up with you... You know, our two bodies glued together..." The angel explains in a very embarrassed voice, looking down at the ground. The horned woman starts to think before blushing faintly, so that the half-blonde doesn't see it. "I see... Well, if you really want me to, then I'll do it. But only because you asked me nicely!" Ifry agrees with a chuckle, handing Phae the ropes so she can undress. The angel starts staring at her sweetheart without blinking, as if she might almost start drooling. The demoness feels increasingly vulnerable as her body is revealed. But the half-blonde is the only person who deserves to see this. Letting Phaelyn take full control of my body is still too scary for now, but... To be on perfect equal footing is something fantastic. The horned woman thinks inwardly, laying her clothes on the bed before looking up at the angel with a small smile. Ifry tries to hide her embarrassment behind a confident look, not sure if it's working. "Tada..." She says in a slightly embarrassed voice, trying to make her red cheeks disappear with a joke. The half-blonde starts laughing in a loving way as she looks at her sweetheart. "What are you laughing about?" Asks the horned woman in a curious voice, not sure what she's done to make her sweetheart laugh. "I'm laughing because I'm wondering how you manage to look so pretty at any given moment..." Phae admits in a voice full of sincerity, starting to laugh again. The demoness's eyes open a little more at her beloved's honesty. The horned woman moves a little closer and kisses the angel tenderly as she laughs a little more. The half-blonde pauses before closing her eyes instinctively, as if her body knew she'd feel even more delicious sensations by closing her eyes. Ifry places her hands in the hollows of Phaelyn's hips and begins to caress her tongue with her own to give their kiss even more impact. And judging by the angel's reaction, it works perfectly. The latter remains completely motionless, not knowing where to place her hands. The ropes she holds send incredible images to the half-blonde's imagination, as she thinks back to the fact that they will allow her body to constantly cuddle the demoness'. Phae opens her eyes shyly as the horned woman pulls back her face to look at her. A small trickle of drool still connects the two women's lower lips, staring at each other in a very eager manner. "If this is your way of thanking me for telling you you're beautiful then I think I might do it more often..." Announced the angel with an awkward little laugh, her slightly breathless breathing mingling with that of her girlfriend, who began to smile. "Are you ready?" Ifry asks as she picks up the ropes the half-blonde was holding, catching her breath at the same time. Phaelyn immediately understands what the demoness means and nods silently, even though her eyes themselves are screaming that she's ready. The horned woman throws the red ropes into the air and kisses her darling's forehead. "All right! You have a few seconds, then!" Ifry explains as she opens her arms, showing the angel that she must choose for herself how they will be tied together. This decision makes the half-blonde very happy, even if it's a big responsibility at the same time. There are so many possible positions! How can I find the right one? Phae says to herself, frowning and thinking about the best thing to do. She quickly realized that time was running out, as she saw above her that the ropes were beginning to approach her and her sweetheart like living tentacles. The angel doesn't think twice and throws herself into the arms of the demoness, who gives her a benevolent hug. But the horned woman blushes as she feels her girlfriend's hands slide down her back before settling on her buttocks. She hears the half-blonde's innocent giggle close to her ear and Ifry smiles lovingly. The demoness rests her chin on her beloved's shoulder as she relaxes her body, feeling the tentacle cords begin to wrap around them. "Phae? Are you asleep?" Ifry asks in a small voice, whispering so as not to wake her darling in case she's asleep. They've been tied together for some time now. Their two bodies suspended from the ceiling and floating in the stillness of their bedroom, the only thing barely moving in the room. After long minutes of joyful rocking and jiggling together to test their bonds, the two women had decided to try and get some sleep. But the demoness seemed far too pensive to do so. Something was weighing on her heart. "I was just about to fall asleep. Is something wrong?" Phaelyn asks in turn, also whispering unconsciously so as not to completely break the soothing silence. "Um... No, no everything's fine... I just wanted to tell you that I've been talking to Stephen a lot today and..." The horned woman takes a few seconds to think about what she wants to say before taking a long breath. "And we talked a lot about the human trafficking that was going on in Leon's Keep, and the whole region for that matter." Ifry knows the angel very well and she knows exactly that her curiosity is peaked despite her silence. She resumes her explanation so as not to make the half-blonde tremble any longer. "I'm telling you this because I think I'm going to try to dismantle all of this." She finally announces, resting her cheek on Phae's shoulder. The latter opens her eyes a little wider before smiling unconsciously. "What made you change your mind?" Asks the angel in a playful voice, her body beginning to jig unconsciously despite the fatigue. "Well... The traffic boss is threatening Stephen with the capture of his daughter if he refuses to do her bidding. I don't want people I like to lose their loved ones." The demoness explained in a serious voice, thinking back to Stephen's helpless face. "I understand! Let's go rescue the slaves together then!" The half-blonde exclaims in a confident voice, swaying her body and that of the horned woman back and forth. But Phaelyn quickly calms her ardor when she notices Ifry's silence. "We... We'll do it together, won't we?" "Phae I... I'm sorry but... Destroying all this is going to take some fighting..." The demoness admits in a small voice, knowing that what she's just said will totally change the angel's mind. The horned woman feels her darling's body tense up at the idea of fighting again. The latter starts shaking her head in panic. "No... No, I don't want to do it anymore..." "Don't worry, Phae. I was planning to do it alone." Ifry reassures the half-blonde, rubbing her head against hers after hearing her panic and her slightly jerky breathing. "It's all right. We're together and nothing can make you fight again. You know that, don't you? I promised to protect you." "Yes... Yes, I remember... Thank you Ifry..." The two women begin to smile, taking advantage of a little silence to once again enjoy the closeness of their bodies. "And so... How do you plan to do it?" Phaelyn asks in a slightly calmer voice. "Stephen told me that it was apparently impossible to walk for ten minutes in the southernmost part of Leon's Keep without getting captured so.... I guess I'll let myself getting captured to free all the slaves and knock out anyone who wants to stand in my way." The demoness explained, trying to nod but unable to do so because of her bonds. "And... Are you sure you're safe?" Asks the angel again in a slightly worried voice, frowning because of the fear of seeing her girlfriend hurt. "No, don't worry. As Rilliana told us, there's hardly an ounce of magic left on Earth so a human could never hurt me." The horned woman replied with a benevolent smile. "Agreed... But promise me you'll stop all this if you realize it's too dangerous for you!" The half-blonde ordered childishly. "Phae... I understand your concern but you don't need to-OUCH!!" Ifry shrieks as she feels Phae bite her shoulder. The angel growls like a small animal as she does this to show that she wants the demoness to keep her promise. "A-All right all right I promise!" Finally adds the horned woman before the half-blonde raises her head with a small laugh, satisfied with what she's just heard. Ifry strides slowly down the main street of Leon's Keep, avoiding the dozens, if not hundreds, of passers-by who randomly walk around her. The demoness, who resembles a perfect human thanks to her power, lets herself be guided in a southerly direction by the immense crowded street. At least, it seems that the street won't be so crowded in a while. As the minutes pass, the horned woman notices that fewer and fewer people are in the main alley. It's as if everyone is instinctively moving away from the south of town because of its menacing aura. All the people crossing Leon's Keep seem to know that the south is dangerous for anyone approaching it. The further Ifry walks towards her destination, the more she notices that the street surface and the houses surrounding it are in a bad state. As if the town itself wanted to show its inhabitants that it wasn't a good idea to be there. The demoness realizes that she has reached a symbolic milestone when she sees that all the houses she passes are in a more than pitiful state. The wood of which the houses are made seems to be rotten to the core, as if it had lived for years and years without ever being maintained or restored. The windows sometimes don't even have glass panes to protect the interior, and the shutters creaking in the wind don't seem to be of much use. Everything looks dead. As if abandoned for decades. I'd never bring Phae to this part of town. Ifry says to herself, grimacing at everything she sees. Then a noise, several noises in fact, snapped her out of her thoughts. Breathless breathing, all in the same direction. Footsteps quickly move in and out of the muddy ground, making each step even more tiring. The demoness also discerns movement behind the houses. A woman seems to be running. Ifry darts into one of the alleys to try and understand what's going on. She anticipates the woman's direction and meets her at a fork in the road. The young woman meets her gaze with that of the demoness and the latter notices an enormous visceral fear in her eyes. The woman's long dress, which appears to have been sewn by rather inexperienced hands, seems to be torn all over. The maroon color of the garment seems to be due to the fact that it is very old and has been worn for a very long time. The horned woman doesn't have time to talk to her as the villager enters one of the dilapidated houses, slamming the door behind her. Had the lady been a little stronger, she'd surely have knocked the wooden door off its rusty hinges. The demoness plunges her gaze inside the house where the lady entered through a broken window. She sees a little boy looking at her innocently from inside the house. The young woman also appears next to the child to take him in her arms. The boy's clothes look just as shabby as his mother's. The horned woman's eyes widen as she realizes something awful. Behind the mother and child are pieces of furniture and objects just as shabby. Her anxiety prevented her from noticing it earlier, but her power senses the presence of dozens of people around her, all hiding in the dilapidated houses. "These houses are inhabited...?" Ifry murmurs, staring at the woman in shock. The latter also looks at the demoness, but with terrified eyes. Is she afraid of me? The horned woman says to herself, frowning. Then, with a little reflection, she guesses that the mother isn't afraid of Ifry. She's afraid for Ifry. "Wait a minute... You're not the girl we were chasing?" A not very articulate voice calls out to the demoness. The latter feels her body fill with rage as she hears what the man behind her has just said. She clenches her fists and turns around, meeting the gaze of three men, looking very out of breath. She immediately understands that they are pursuing the young woman. The three stare at the horned woman with glassy eyes, and she can smell their sickening alcohol from here. They're each wearing rather dirty clothes, as if they'd been wading through mud for a few hours. Daggers can be seen hanging from their belts. "Whatever! You're even more beautiful than the other one! You'll bring home a bundle of dollars!" Announces one of them, rubbing his hands together as he approaches Ifry. The latter is burning with the desire to get her nerves out on the three men. Imagining that they were not far from capturing a woman before her eyes makes her full of anger. She'd love to punch each and every one of them in the face. But her face calms for a few seconds before mimicking fear. Her eyebrows twitch with fright and her lips begin to tremble. This is my way in, it's still too early to get angry. She says to herself, falling backwards on purpose. Her buttocks and hands crash into the mud and she begins to back away with difficulty, wanting to get as far away from the three men as possible. Playing a role suits Phae much better than Ifry. But the latter tells herself that it won't be difficult to fool these three men when she sees how drunk they seem to be. "Let's hurry and catch her!" Shouts the third thug, stepping forward quickly despite his lack of balance. The man lifts his leg before placing his sole on the demoness's belly. The latter found herself tackled to the ground rather violently, and she gritted her teeth as she felt the cold mud against the back of her body. A normal human would surely have an intense backache after what the horned woman has just been through. These brutes don't pay any attention to what they're doing. Ifry snaps out of her thoughts when a second thug leans over to press a cloth against her mouth and nose. Taken by surprise, the demoness thinks nothing of cutting off her breath and her nostrils detect an unpleasant odor. Her vision quickly becomes blurred as her eyes roll back in her head. Her body seems heavier and heavier, and she hears one last sentence before closing her eyes to drift off to sleep. "Bring the ropes!" "..." Phaelyn sits on the table in the dining room of her house. She stares out at the forest, which she can contemplate through her window, without moving. Her music headset is not on her ears. It's not even on her shoulders, but beside her, which is very unusual. "............." No thought crosses her mind. The only thing she's connected to is her link with Ifry, who shows her where her girlfriend is at all times. The angel has been sitting there for about an hour, since the demoness left for Leon's Keep. The latter doesn't know it, but the half-blonde sits on the table every time Ifry leaves to explore Aegissake on her own. ".............................." During these moments, Phae makes none of the movements that usually characterize her. Her swaying back and forth isn't there, nor is her infectious smile. Her expression is cold, as if no emotion were flowing through her. But then, the only detail that can make her feel emotion has just moved at an inconceivable speed. "............Hm...?" Ifry has just instantly moved several kilometers from where she was. A few seconds ago she was in Leon's Keep, having not moved for more than a minute. But now she's north of town. In the mountains. The angel knew her girlfriend had the ability to teleport. But why would she go to the mountains? Ifry slowly awakes from her enforced sleep, opening her eyes with difficulty. Her numb body takes a little longer to awaken than her mind, which instantly begins to analyze everything around her. She immediately notices that her hands are tied and that she's not touching the ground; someone is carrying her over his shoulder and taking her somewhere. Her eyebrows furrow as she recognizes the smell of alcohol from the men earlier. How did they get her to fall asleep? Was it magic? The demoness remembers that one of the thugs put a cloth over her mouth before she fell unconscious. It must have been the cause of her falling asleep. She tries not to think about the unbearable smell of the man holding her and continues to concentrate on her surroundings. Her ears pick up a single pair of echoing footsteps - she's alone with the thug in this corridor. The great resonance of the place she's in and the humidity present leave the horned woman little choice but to imagine where she is. Her squinting eyes confirm that she is in a cave. But there are no caves near Leon's Keep. she says to herself inwardly as she begins to look up Phaelyn's location to get her bearings. Within seconds, Ifry realized that she was probably in the mountains north of Leon's Keep. But how could they have made the journey so quickly? The demoness must have been asleep for two or three minutes. The answer must surely be magic, there's no other way. Rilliana told her that few artifacts on Earth still contain magic, but the fact that a magical artifact is held by a very large illegal network could make sense. And it would explain how they could make people disappear from all over Aegissake so easily. The horned woman is also reassured to see that her training as a soldier hasn't been totally useless. Her power to hide her true appearance remained active while she slept. This is one of the first things demons learn when they become soldiers. Her magic also enables her to notice that there's not just her and the man who carries her in this cave. Around her are dozens of souls full of despair and sadness. Ifry realizes that this cave is where the missing are kept prisoner. With her eyes barely open, she can see the many people trapped in the cells, blocked by metal bars. The panicked breathing of some and the unbearable silence of others give the hallway a vile emotion. The demoness bites her lip to get her anger out again. It's still not the time to act. She must stick to her plan and not let her emotions control her. But the horned woman snaps out of her thoughts when she realizes that her captor is stopping in front of a cell, which appears to be empty since she feels no emotion coming from inside. The thug staggers slightly and starts trying to open the metal door, without success. "Damn door!" The man swears with a grunt, unable to perform a simple action because of the alcohol in his blood. He leans forward to put Ifry on the ground, then able to use both hands to open the irresistible door. Except the kidnapper doesn't realize that he hasn't put the demoness on the ground, he's simply knocked her off his shoulder. The latter winces in anger, not because of any pain but because the people who went through this before her must have suffered enormously. Mental pain was probably an inevitable part of landing here, but her men's disregard for the integrity of their prisoners makes the horned woman want to vomit. But she doesn't have time to think about calming her nausea as she hears someone click their tongue against her palate several times to show their displeasure. "How many times do I have to say it... Take care of the prisoners..." Announces a male voice that contains almost no emotion, as if indifferent to her own words. The horned woman thinks she remembers hearing this voice before, not so long ago. But it's impossible for her to remember who it is or when she met him. The man who has just thrown Ifry to the ground turns to the two pairs of approaching footsteps, and the latter immediately feels fear rising within the thug. "B-Boss! I-I'm so sorry!" Responds the thug, stuttering from fear but also from alcohol. The two people advancing towards the man arrive next to the demoness who's on the ground. "Take care of putting her in the cell." Orders a female voice in a cold tone, seeming to pay no attention to the thug's excuses. It's then that the horned woman frowns as she recognizes this voice. It's the woman she bumped into in Stephen's restaurant yesterday. Samantha. After a few seconds, Ifry feels two hands grab her bound arms to lift her up. She opens her eyes to look at everyone in the cave corridor. Her gaze falls first on the person lifting her up, and the demoness widens her eyes as she recognizes him. This man is one of those who tried to capture her and Phaelyn a year ago when they first explored Leon's Keep. He wears the same sophisticated clothes and still has his glasses on top of his head. Only a year has passed between when she met him and now, and yet it's as if the man has aged twenty years. Twenty years, from a human's point of view, of course. His once dark black hair is now a very light grey, and he looks as if he's lost a huge amount of weight. What could have happened to make him a shadow of his former self? wondered the horned woman as she opened her mouth slightly, realizing at the same time that this man knew at the time that she was a magical creature. If he recognized her, he risked jeopardizing her entire plan. Then, in a split second, the white-haired man loses his expression. His eyebrows twitch, his eyes freeze and his mouth can't even make a sound. A panic of fear has overtaken him. He remembers Ifry's face perfectly, and seems never to have forgotten it. Did I make him like that? Was he... Traumatized by what my power made him see? she asks herself inwardly, feeling her heart begin to beat faster. The demoness's eyes shift for a second to Samantha, who looks at her indifferently, before returning to the tetanized man. The latter topples backwards and falls on his buttocks, then begins to move backwards rapidly until his back hits the stone. As he falls, he knocks his glasses to the ground, at the feet of the salt-and-pepper-haired woman. "S-Sa-Samantha! It's her! I-It's really her this time!" Howls the white-haired man, shaking all over and pointing at the horned woman. The latter then feels a drop of sweat running down her forehead, her plan likely to fall through in a few seconds and she has no way of preventing it. The head trafficker sighs wearily at the old man's fear, as if this really wasn't the first time this had happened. Samantha lowers her eyes to her leather boots and looks at the pair of glasses with a thoughtful glance. She bends down to retrieve the accessory from the floor. "I swear! This time I am sure about it! It's definitely one of the magical creatures!" The white-haired man continues to yell in Ifry's direction, while the salt-and-pepper-haired woman stares at the glasses with a disappointed expression. "Robert. I should have seen long ago that it wasn't you I was looking for." Announces the leader of the smugglers, hooking the object she's holding on her belt. Hearing Samantha's sentence, Robert stops whatever noise he's making, slowly turning his face towards her. Seeing the seriousness in his boss's expression, he shakes his head helplessly. He opens his mouth as he sees the salt-and-pepper-haired woman start to raise her hand. "S-Sa-" In the snap of a second, the old young man's entire body is propelled to the ceiling and crushed against the stone. Long cracks begin to echo throughout the cave, which also begins to shake. The people trapped in the surrounding cells scream at the nightmare that appears before their eyes, while the demoness looks on wide-eyed. The latter also receives a drop of blood on one of her cheeks, from Robert's crushed corpse. After a few seconds, the cave stops shaking, resuming its icy calm. The thug who brought the horned woman here stares at the scene with terrified eyes. If he wasn't completely tetanized, he'd already have taken to his heels. After a long silence, Ifry notices that under Samantha's coat sleeve are scars on her wrist, somewhat resembling the marks left by too-tight ropes digging into her flesh. It was then that the demoness's eyes made contact with those of the traffickers' leader. "I recognize you. You were the one talking to the old man in the tavern yesterday." She declares, looking the horned woman up and down. "Too bad for you, but you won't be seeing him again. Unless he buys you." Ifry comtemplates the indifference in Samantha's gaze without really meaning to, as she lowers her hand to hide her wrist. The demoness continues to play her part and lowers her eyes to the ground, wanting to be forgotten. "Hey there." Says the salt-and-pepper-haired woman in a detached tone as she turns to the thug. "Take care of putting her in her cell, then clean up all this blood for me." She demands before striding off calmly, heading back the way she came. The horned woman watches the head trafficker leave before lowering her eyes to the dozens of drops of blood falling to the ground in front of her. When she arrived on Earth, Ifry thought she'd joined a world where she'd never see such cruelty again. At this very moment, the demoness's greatest emotion is her joy that Phaelyn didn't witness that. (End of Chapter) Hey ! Long time no see huh ? XD This chapter took me a lot of time and effort to write it but I am pretty proud about it ! As you saw, I am starting a new story arc so I hope you'll like it ! I hope the next chapter will not take me this long to write it haha ! See you next time !