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bear-cubs-art-things · 2 years

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I love seeing The Bad Guys fanart it's literally amazing ❤️

And I think this is some pretty good art of Wolf, considering this isn't he first time I drew him digitally XD

#art #artists on tumblr #bear cub #the bad guys #the bad guys movie #mr wolf #wolf #mr wolf the bad guys #fan art #fanart #grey #blue grey #blue gray #yellow #terracotta #yes #<3 #he ❤️#❤️

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queenie17 · 2 months

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Feral Kismet and Feral Branch AU HCs

* All five of them are grey have been since they were kids.

* They were in a orphanage together

* When they escaped the troll tree the caretaker of the orphanage made sure they would get left behind once out of the tunnel.

* All five of them suffered from memory issues

* They all have tails and claws

* Ablaze, Trickee, and Branch have thick fur

* Since Boom and Hype are glitter trolls they have no fur at all so they have to wear jackets made out of leaves.

* They play fight like lion cubs always pouncing on each other

* Ablaze is in charge

* Trickee is second in command

* Branch is the youngest

* If the play fighting gets bad Ablaze will pick on of them up by the scuff of the neck and separate them

* He has to do this to Branch a lot

* They all sleep curled up together

* They are rarely separated from each other

* They are covered in scars

* They basically have like a wolf pack dynamic

#trolls kismet #trolls branch #trolls hype #trolls boom #trolls ablaze #trolls trickee #feral branch #feral kismet

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buttertrait · 8 months

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🍃Create-a-Villager!🍃

i've been really enjoying all of the cas challenges recently, and i've been playing a bunch of animal crossing, so i thought why not combine the two and come up with my own little cas challenge! i hope you guys enjoy and feel free to tag me or use the hastag #createavillager so i can see all of your lovely sims

link to a random number generator!

🍃rolls below the cut🍃

Species (1-35, roll once)

1- alligator

2- anteater

3- bear

4- bird

5- bull

6- cat

7- chicken

8- cow

9- cub

10- deer

11- dog

12- duck

13- egle

14- elephant

15- frog

16- goat

17- gorilla

18- hamster

19- hippo

20- horse

21- kangaroo

22- koala

23- lion

24- monkey

25- mouse

26- octopus

27- ostrich

28- penguin

29- pig

30- rabbit

31- rhino

32- sheep

33- squirrel

34- tiger

35- wolf

Personality (1-8, roll once)

1- normal

2- lazy

3- sisterly

4- cranky

5- jock

6- peppy

7- smug

8- your pick

Colour(s) (1-12, roll as many times as you like)

1- white

2- purple

3- pink

4- red

5- orange

6- yellow

7- green

8- blue

9- cyan

10- brown

11- black

12- grey

Random details (1-23, roll as many times as you like)

1- vitiligo

2- scar(s)

3- freckles

4- glasses

5- bright/bold makeup

6- no makeup

7- hetrochromia

8- thick eyebrows

9- thin eyebrows

10- no eyebrows

11- hat/some sort of head accessory

12- hair tied up

13- short hair

14- medium hair

15- long hair

16- bangs

17- acne

18- birthmark

19- jewellery

20- no jewellery

21- long nails

22- short nails

23- body hair

#i know a ton of people have made cas challenges but i was feeling inspired #createavillger #ts4 #ts4 cas #ts4 cas challenge #the sims 4 #sims 4 #sims 4 cas #sims 4 cas challenge #the sims community #simblr #acnh

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laurancezvahlslefteyebrow · 4 months

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werewolf boy whoop whoop

Yip’s Redesign!!!

(post time jump, obviously)

ok headcanons let goo

Yip was never meant to be his name for life. In his original pack, a wolf cub is given a name at birth that represents them now, but as they grow they earn a new name depending on their personality, skills, and achievements. He never got that opportunity, so his name remains Yip.

He’s only half wolfer. His mother was a turned werewolf taken in by the pack that turned her. His father was a half elf. His father didn’t know his mother was a werewolf until after she became pregnant. When he found out, he left her.

After being adopted by Donna and Logan, he calls Donna “mom” almost right away. He doesn’t call Logan “dad” unless they’re having some kind of an emotional connection. Usually it’s just Logan.

His fur color when in wolf form doesn’t turn brown like it did in canon. It remains white/grey.

The jacket he wears was Logan’s. It’s a bit too small but he wears it anyway. It reminds him how much Logan cares, despite not showing it often.

Absolute gentleman. Donna raised him well.

Absolute gremlin. Logan raised him well.

He wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and one day become a traveling merchant. He wants to see the world and meet new people. Logan’s against this however, doesn’t want people finding out he’s a werewolf.

He loves people, is a huge people person. Only issue? He’s awkward and lacks some social awareness. (that’s ok bud me too)

ADHD central

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petewentzisblack1312 · 3 months

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fall out boy in animal crossing.

pete is either lazy or jock. hes a black and red wolf. he has a bat motif going on. maybe wears the spider web shirt, not sure. coffee order is 3 sugars and 2 or 3 milk. im thinking either blue mountain or mocha.

patrick is either a bear cub or a duck, and he has a hat, and his personality is smug. he looks like a normal duck. wears glasses. he wears either a plain t shirt of some kind or a denim jacket of some kind. i think he has a really average coffee order. like 1 sugar regular milk. blend or mocha.

andy is a gorilla and he does have the tattoos in game and he wears a tank top because he cant be shirtless. jock, obviously. coffee order is no milk no sugar but im not sure what his beans are. kilamanjaro probably?

for joe im not sure what animal. my instinct was like monkey or rabbit or hippo but maybe an ostrich would fit best. i think hed be like blue and grey with sleepy eyes. lazy or smug (im leaning towards smug), would wear a black vest of some kind, blue mountain with 1 or 2 sugars and a little or regular milk.

thank you for your time.

#dils declares #felt like it. sorry.#ive only played new leaf bc i dont have a switch #i desperately want one though. to play new horizons.#i know its mid :( i still want to play it.

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theharrowing · 2 months

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Collateral 🗡️ POV: Seokjin

After a successful day of scheming, Seokjin calls his favorite plaything to join him and Hoseok for a little fun.

PREVIOUS | INDEX | NEXT

❗ THIS IS A CHARACTER POV CHAPTER!!!

if you do not wish to perceive any POV that is not the main character, please feel free to skip this one!

🗡️Seokjin x Hoseok

🗡️ word count: 7.2k

🗡️ mafia au, dishonest characters, established relationship, bdsm, poly, smut, angst, fluff, nsfw, explicit, 21+

🗡️ warnings: top Seokjin with mention of bottom Hoseok; top Hoseok & bottom Seokjin; scheming; mention of the use of heroin; use of the word "whore" not meant derogatorily, but not always kindly; allusion to puppy play; talk of manufacturing and selling drugs with the purpose of getting people addicted; shower play; enema play; light humiliation; ass eating & fingering; Seokjin is...morally grey at best.

🗡️ notes: mc is referred to in 3rd person (she/her) pronouns for this chapter! listen: Seokjin is not the nicest person, so please take the way he speaks with a grain of salt. it is hard to put everyone's full intentions into the POV scenes because i still need there to be surprises later on!!! but i feel like this is going to really help to solidify the way many of you feel about this character hehehe. i hope you enjoy!

🗡️ early draft beta read by @blog-name-idk - with minor unbeta'd edits done since.

🗡️ posted march 2024 - originally jan. 2023 | read on ao3

"She's not going to go for it," Hoseok teases as he reaches around Seokjin's broad shoulders from behind and straightens out his burgundy satin tie.

Seokjin's tie matches a fitted burgundy Armani suit, which he wears with a cream undershirt. His hair is pushed off his forehead, bringing together the look.

He has a meeting at House of Cards with some investors who are looking to build near the Shin territory just outside Busan, in a smaller port city, and Seokjin wants to make sure those men are on Yoongi's side if push should come to shove.

But first, he plans to make a stop by the mansion to discuss something with Yoongi's little pet.

"She doesn't have to go for it," Seokjin responds, watching Hoseok's reflection with adoration swelling behind his lungs. Recently, Hoseok has been letting his hair grow out, and he looks devastating with dark brown waves falling past his eyes and longer bits tucked behind his ears.

Hoseok raises an eyebrow and cocks his head, done with his task and letting his arms hang over Seokjin's shoulders. Seokjin spins on the balls of his socked feet and wraps his arms around Hoseok's waist, pulling him close.

"I am merely planting a seed. I want the actual idea to be hers when the time comes."

Hoseok grins. "Elaborate."

"Well," Seokjin says, "for starters, the plan is terrible. Shipping her off to Busan for a week—or whatever the span of a vacation may be—is hardly enough time to turn her into an informant. She is smart enough to know that much. But I will pose it to her that way, insisting Yoongi cannot know, which will force her to stew on it. I know she wants revenge for the recent attack on Jimin at Paradise, and if Shin sends any more men to try to shake us up, it will only fuel her fire."

"And you want her to do this, because...?"

Seokjin chuckles. "Because, my love, Ryujin has always responded best to the friendships and authority of women. As sweet and empathetic as Hyunjin is, she has not gotten as close to him as we hoped. Yoongi's wolf cub, on the other hand, is the perfect bait. Not to mention, she comes from the honey bee ring, which Ryujin will sympathize with."

"And if Ryujin recognizes her from Serendipity?"

Seokjin pouts, sticking his lip out and down-turning his eyes. "Seokie, baby, you pretend I haven't thought of absolutely everything, and it wounds me."

With a roll of his pretty eyes and a soft giggle, Hoseok says, "Then humor me, love."

Seokjin rubs the tip of his nose against Hoseok's, then places a soft kiss, making Hoseok smile widely. "All we have to do is spread a rumor that Yoongi has harmed or upset her in some way. Nothing too damaging to his reputation, just a simple whisper. Ryujin may be hesitant, but, given her feelings about Yoongi, I think she will fall for it."

Hoseok leans in and mimics Seokjin's motion, rubbing their noses together, making Seokjin's heart pound just a little bit harder. "And if Ryujin doesn't believe the rumors? We don't think Yoongi was abusive to her at any point?"

"Not abusive..." Seokjin drifts off, squinting slightly while he chooses his words. "But when his parents died, he went off the deep end with drugs. All the voices have to whisper is the word heroin, and her ears will perk up."

Hoseok purses his lips, thinking over what Seokjin says but looking unconvinced.

"And anyway, she's competitive," Seokjin continues, gently kissing the tip of Hoseok's nose, "even if she doesn't buy the rumor," Seokjin kisses the apple of Hoseok's cheek, "Ryujin might still take her in, thinking she can convert her to actually become part of her family."

"Or, she might kill her," Hoseok responds with a pointed gaze.

Seokjin places a kiss on Hoseok's other cheek as he shrugs. "Sometimes, the cat must wet its feet, no matter its dislike of water, in order to eat fish."

A soft, pretty chuckle comes from Hoseok, who presses his lips against Seokjin's and then mutters, "Idioms to describe a human life, Jinnie bear? Tsk tsk."

Seokjin hums, says, "Sacrifices need to be made for the greater good," and licks over Hoseok's lips until his partner parts them, pulling him into an eager but soft kiss.

Time comes to a halt in Hoseok's arms, and Seokjin holds him tight, kissing slow and deep, savoring each taste, touch, and sound. There is nothing in the world quite like being in his lover's arms. Even the joy of watching the light die in his enemy's eyes pales in comparison. Seokjin thinks that he would do absolutely anything for Hoseok.

"Join me?" Seokjin asks. "She may be more comfortable with you around; you seem to have made a better impression on her, anyway."

"Fine," Hoseok mutters. "But I do not condone a plan that may get her killed, just so we're clear." Seokjin playfully rolls his eyes, and Hoseok smacks him on the shoulder as he continues, "I do like the idea of her running off to Busan for a while. For her sake and for Yoongi's."

"Oh?" Seokjin asks with a curious cock of the head, studying the microexpressions that tug gently at Hoseok's lips and eyes. To the untrained pupil, one would hardly notice these quirks, but Seokjin sees everything. Hoseok is nervous.

"Namjoon thinks he's becoming unhinged again," Hoseok finally says. "Slipping from reality. He's worried about another bender...so your plan to tell the voices about heroin use seems more grounded in reality than you realize."

"And you think taking her away from him won't just make him worse?" Seokjin teases, bending at the knees to smack a kiss on Hoseok's chin.

Hoseok nibbles on his bottom lip, considering his words. "I think she needs to spend more time out of the house, and out from under Yoongi's shadow. He is still very controlling, despite her willingness to stay, and whenever she's not directly in his line of sight, he gets paranoid and on edge."

Seokjin mulls it over. "I have noticed he is on edge more when we are away from home for extended periods."

"He needs to break out of that loop. We can't have a mad king on our hands. Especially one who could raze the city to the ground."

"So, we need to somehow get him to grant her more freedom, in a way that does not cause Yoongi to completely lose his shit," Seokjin clarifies.

Hoseok nods. "I'll talk to Namjoon about it."

"Good plan."

And with that, Seokjin presses one more kiss against Hoseok's lips, then releases him, linking their hands together as they make their way out of their bedroom, through the hallway, and down the stairs.

"And what is our excuse for visiting the mansion?" Hoseok asks as Seokjin sits on a charcoal grey chaise lounge beside the front door, reaching for a pair of black wingtip shoes. Seokjin slides his feet into both and begins tying the laces on one after the other.

"I am either going to catch Yoongi before he leaves for the day and discuss what he would like me to say to the investors this afternoon," Seokjin sighs, "or I will message to let him know that I was trying to catch him before he left, yadda, yadda, yadda."

As Seokjin stands and rubs his hands over his slacks to straighten them out, Hoseok pulls his black shirt sleeve back to reveal an elegant black timepiece. "He should be home for another fifteen minutes, assuming Namjoon is making him punctual and not late."

With a pleased hum, Seokjin offers an elbow and says, "The weather is nice. Shall we walk?"

The weather truly is beautiful, and the two of them take their time, walking hand in hand along the gravel path. Seokjin does not like to be nostalgic, but it is hard not to smile as he remembers the years spend in this secluded stretch of trees with Hoseok, before there were mansions on the property, and they would steal away to be alone.

As timing will have it, Yoongi and Namjoon are just about to leave when Seokjin and Hoseok arrive. Seokjin can hear the two of them laughing on the other side of the bulletproof door and opts to use the large brass knocker rather than scan his retinas, and all that.

The door swings open to Namjoon's tired but smiling face, and he walks outside, followed by Yoongi. They are in their standard black outfits, and Yoongi wears a cardigan rather than a blazer. Seokjin wonders what the two of them may be up to; Yoongi only mentioned meeting with some people concerning the mess Jeongguk recently made—which, Seokjin thinks, is a very flippant way to address a killing spree.

"Gentlemen," Yoongi calls with his arms held wide, "to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"Looking sharp, Jin," Namjoon mutters, making Seokjin grin.

"My reason to visit today is twofold," Seokjin begins. "I was hoping the chef was in so I could have a plate of his fabulous eggs benedict.

"Of course," Yoongi responds with a smile.

"And, I wanted to let you know that I will be meeting with the Choi brothers about their desire to open a casino near Busan."

Yoongi hums and then nods. "The chef is in, although, I am surprised you haven't perfected the recipe on your own."

With a shrug, Seokjin lies, "There is something about his hollandaise sauce that I cannot quite nail, but he refuses to give me the recipe."

The truth is that the chef adds horseradish rather than dijon mustard, and just a dash of dried ginger, giving it more of a bite. Seokjin figured it out almost immediately, but he likes that the chef can whip it up on a whim, saving him the trouble of purchasing the ingredients and doing it himself.

"And the men?" Yoongi asks as he reaches into his front pants pocket, pulls out a metal cigarette case, and opens it, revealing a row of perfectly rolled joints.

"Shall we offer to buy them, or shall we threaten them?" Seokjin simply asks.

With a smirk and a shrug, Yoongi pulls a joint to his lips, muttering, "Offer first, threaten second?"

Seokjin nods, watching as Namjoon pulls a lighter from his pocket and ignites Yoongi's joint, feeling glad that the two of them are finally able to be together once more. Yoongi needs a lapdog more than anything, and Namjoon is the perfect fit.

"Excellent," Seokjin says with a small bow, "then I will be on my way to the kitchen. Shall I order an extra serving for the wolf cub?"

Yoongi takes a long drag of the joint, holds it in, and then slowly lets it out, creating a plume of skunky smoke between them. "I doubt she'll be up for another hour or so."

Perfect, Seokjin thinks; he actually was hoping to be fed. "Sounds good."

The front door hadn't been closed completely, so Seokjin enters the mansion easily, stepping aside to remove his shoes while Hoseok does the same. They close the door tight and make their way toward the kitchen.

"You're so hot when you lie," Hoseok mutters, leaning in close enough for Seokjin to smell his cologne.

Seokjin twists and bends to place a kiss on Hoseok's lips, saying, "As are you, my love."

* * *

Despite having to wait more than thirty minutes on the balcony for Yoongi's darling to wake up, Seokjin considers their little meeting a success. He was certainly able to get into her head and could tell she was not ready to completely write off the idea of taking a trip by the time they made their exit, giving him just enough time to get into town on schedule for his meeting.

House of Cards is a raucous place even in the daytime when fewer men are around to throw away their money. The machines ding and play loud soundtracks, and televisions blare with various sport and fighting events.

Seokjin enters through the main doors after leaving his sedan with valet, and he walks past all the drunks and coke heads with a straight face, making his way to his decoy office on the main floor to meet with some men whom Namjoon claims are going to be good for business if they can manage to keep him on their good side, and bad for business if they do not.

Frankly, Seokjin could hardly give a fuck about what is good for business—Yoongi has inherited one of the oldest families in Korea, and by far the wealthiest. House of Cards brings in money simply by existing, and he hardly has to do any actual work. The boxing nights were Jeongguk's idea because he likes watching men fight to the death, and the wealth gained from those simply fuels the family's more expensive drug habits.

The Shins in the east hardly have a stronghold on their own docks, and the Songs in the south are happy to form an alliance when the price is right, showing loyalty to no one but their own pockets.

Rumor has it the Song family turned down the Choi men because they do not wish to be in the business of entertaining tourists, and a casino might bring in the wrong crowds. Let the tourists flock to Jeju, they say, and Seokjin agrees. The Shins, on the other hand, are desperate for anything they can get their fingers on, and more or less offered them a stretch of land.

All Seokjin has to do is offer the Choi brothers more money and an illusion of influence. Seems like the easiest thing in the world. The only variable he thinks that could possibly make those men want to side with the Shins would be an old family bond or rivalry, and as far as he can tell, these men have neither. So now, all he has to do is meet with them and find out what he can find out.

Seokjin has a way with men. A look, a gesture, and a veiled threat are all he needs to get them talking. He has no doubt he will be able to make these men sing.

* * *

Seokjin barely manages to light a cigar before his phone rings. The Choi brothers left mere minutes ago, and Seokjin had been hoping for a moment of alone time, but it is his informant who has been living with the Shin family, which makes this call potentially very important.

"Hyunjin, darling, what's the news?"

Seokjin sits back in his large, black leather chair, listening to the shocks whine as he leans, bending the springs a bit too far. He is in his real office on the second floor, and has a cigar between his teeth, slurring his words around it while he holds his cell phone to his ear. His informant, who works on Ryujin's drug-running team, sighs.

"She plans to intercept Yoongi's next shipment of pills. Apparently, one of his dock men was bought. A man by the name of Kang Daesung is going to steal the shit."

"Fuckers," Seokjin mutters, spit flying from his lips. He takes a puff from the cigar and holds the smoke in, then lets it out with a bitter huff. It feels lackluster now, and he gently stubs the cigar out on a golden ashtray, then sets it aside to let it extinguish itself the rest of the way.

Shin has really been coming for the drug operations, which has Seokjin feeling concerned for Jeongguk's safety. And his sanity.

"I am also one of the only people who knows this information, so now that I have passed it along, I have put a target on my back."

Seokjin hums and considers his options.

"You want to come home, or hop off the peninsula for a while?"

Another sigh comes through the line, and Seokjin gives him time to consider. Hyunjin has been with the Shin family long enough that leaving the country may be his best bet, but he does have a family of his own, which could complicate things.

When Hyunjin does not respond, Seokjin says, "We can get your little girl into a prestigious American school. Or Australian; there are plenty of Koreans in Australia. And we could assist with getting you and the wife nice jobs."

"Yeah," Hyunjin says. "Yeah, you're right. I'll think it over and talk to Jisu. Maybe Australia would be good."

"Let me know," Seokjin says as he thumbs through his files, opening a folder that reads "Hwang Hyunjin'' and pulling out documents. "Your passport is current, and I have a burner identity on the books with a line of credit. I can have you on a flight within an hour, any time, day or night, alright?"

"Thank you, Seokjin-ssi."

As they end the call, Seokjin pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs. He hates giving Yoongi bad news. This will also put another man in Jeongguk's crosshairs, and Seokjin really hopes that hunting him down will not also include killing fourteen of this man's closest friends.

Seokjin dials Yoongi and is surprised he picks up on the first ring. "Jin."

"Yoongichi, bad news."

Yoongi sighs and hums, and Seokjin continues. "Hwang called. Says Kang is planning to switch teams and sabotage the next shipment of pills."

"She bought him, eh?" Yoongi asks.

"Yup."

"Fuckers."

"Yup."

"What about Hwang?"

"I offered him an out, and he said he would think about it. Considering Australia."

"Sounds good. I may call everyone to meet later. Taehyung has an engagement until nine, so it will be a late one if I do."

"Alright. I'm headed home soon. Should have my hands full for a few hours, so after nine is perfect."

"Thanks, Jin."

"No problem."

At least Yoongi's tone was pretty flat; no reaction from Yoongi is the best reaction. Especially if Namjoon is worried about him falling off the rails.

This bump in the road aside, Seokjin considers the day a win, and he lifts his cigar, fits it between his lips, and lights it back up before locking up and heading out.

* * *

Seokjin My winning streak continues. This calls for celebration.

Hoseok In the pink dollhouse room?

Seokjin Of course, baby. Where else?

Hoseok ETA?

Seokjin 1 hour. Going to make a pitstop. I called Puppy, and he will be there in 20.

Hoseok I'll be home to get our guest ready.

Seokjin Thank you, baby.

Hoseok Anything for you, Jinnie bear.

To celebrate, Seokjin calls Hyungwon—his and Hoseok's favorite whore—to join them in one of the dollhouse rooms. Hoseok is home to get him ready while Seokjin stops at one of the boutiques to buy him a white leather muzzle that is shaped to fit a dog, with pointed ears on top and a pretty pink bow in the center.

The pièces de résistance, however, is a bar inside the muzzle for Hyungwon to bite down on, ideally making a mess of himself with drool.

One of Hyungwon's favorite toys is an anal plug with a long white tail, and Seokjin wants to see him with a pretty new accessory to match it. And, although Seokjin has plenty of items like this in his puppy playhouse room, this muzzle is a gift specifically for his most special whore. He is feeling rather generous tonight.

The drive home is short and sweet, and when Seokjin arrives, he is pleased to see a motorcycle parked in the driveway and light shining through the sheer white curtains of the first room on the second floor, confirming that Hyungwon has, in fact, already arrived, and that Hoseok must be getting him ready.

Seokjin always finds it incredible how the man can strip down from all his worn, thick leather and stand in the prettiest pink lingerie, and he laments briefly that he was not home to witness the transformation.

When Jimin first hired Hyungwon at Paradise, Seokjin thought that, perhaps, the heavens had opened up and shined just for him. He has a cold indifference to him that makes Seokjin want to break him apart and make him sob. And he does.

Hyungwon is the only man who allows Seokjin to do every little sadistic thing he desires, then leaves at the end of the session with a soft kiss and a promise to return. Seokjin treasures him dearly.

Many whores blacklist him for less.

Of course, now that Jimin has returned to their bed, Hyungwon may have to take second place, but that is a discussion for another time. Seokjin is eager to make Jimin sob again and again, but he worries about coming on too strongly and scaring him off. Jimin has always been quite sensitive, which Seokjin will never understand, but he does his best to respect it.

Seokjin takes his time exiting the car, grabbing the black paper shopping bag with an expensive monogram on all sides. He knows the men have heard his car pull up, and he wants to draw out the anticipation and make them wait.

Hoseok, in particular, hates to wait. His temper is as explosive as the incendiary devices he so enjoys crafting, and Seokjin takes pleasure in pushing his buttons.

As he punches the hex code of his partner's favorite shade of sunshine yellow into the door and waits for the device to scan his retina, Seokjin takes a deep breath and allows a hint of a smile to creep over his face.

Things within the family have been a bit of a mess lately, but everything seems to be going fairly well, aside from their drug runner turning heel. Men on the lower ranks tend to chase money, after all; they are no stranger to these types of incidents.

If he can ensure the Choi brothers remain loyal and convince Yoongi's darling to leave town for a while, everything might even be perfect for some time. Seokjin hesitates to dwell on the thought.

Once inside, Seokjin closes the front door as quietly as he can and has a seat on his chaise lounge to remove his wingtips one at a time, placing them carefully beside the rows of footwear. Then, he takes the handles of the bag gently in his fingers and creeps up to the second floor, stalking like a tiger in the hope of catching the men off guard.

He can hear their voices coming from the room, though what they are saying is difficult to make out. Hoseok has an excited lilt to his voice, and Hyungwon is speaking too softly to be detected clearly. Hyungwon is often quite soft-spoken—another thing Seokjin enjoys about him.

As Seokjin gets to the top of the stairs, he forgets that the landing step is particularly creaky, putting down his weight as the wood whines beneath his toes. He lets out the breath that he had been holding, dropping his head in a defeated sigh as a tuft of brown hair shoots out from the first door on the right, and Seokjin spots his partner.

"Gotta get that step fixed," Seokjin complains as he straightens his posture and smooths down his burgundy jacket.

Hoseok grins from ear to ear, and he stands in the doorway to the pink dollhouse room with his hair disheveled and the top four buttons of his dress shirt undone. The sight of exposed sun-kissed skin has Seokjin's heart thudding behind his ribs, and he lifts a brow, playfully assessing the sight.

"Did my puppies begin without me?" he teases as he approaches with his shoulders hunched forward to give Hoseok the impression that he is stalking his prey.

Hoseok chuckles, and Seokjin can tell he is feeling shy from the accusation as he bites his lip and shakes his head. "Hyungwon messed up my hair because he wanted you to think we had started without you. But we are being good puppies, I promise."

With a hum, Seokjin stalks further, watching Hoseok become increasingly antsy the closer he gets. "And is he all ready for me?"

"He is," Hoseok beams, taking a step back to allow Seokjin to enter the room.

Seokjin, however, pounces, pressing Hoseok into the far side of the door frame and caging him in with his arms, giving him nowhere to go. With a hand on the dollhouse room wall and the hand holding onto the shopping bag on the hallway wall, Seokjin towers over his partner and gazes down at him hungrily.

"But are you ready for me?"

A silly question, since a stipulation to being Seokjin's lover is to be ready at all times. Hoseok cleans himself every morning, and he inserts a plug every time Seokjin is expected to be home so that there is very little need for prep and Seokjin can take what he wants.

Of course, Seokjin is no monster; if they are unable to engage in play, Hoseok simply removes the plug—or gets himself off and then removes it—ensuring that it does not stay nestled up inside him long enough to cause any kind of complications or health risks.

But Seokjin tries to be very clear about his expectations, and they communicate their schedules in order to make sure Hoseok can be ready for him at the drop of a hat. Seokjin's appetite is insatiable, and it is not unusual for them to fuck five or six nights a week. One of the reasons they invite so many whores to play dress up and join them is to give Hoseok a little extra help. That, and whores tend to come pre-used.

A plus side of fucking Jimin back in the day was when he would come home from the club, already stretched from his clients. Even when he would whine about being sore and sensitive, he would be such a good, pliant boy for Seokjin. Not a day goes by that Seokjin doesn't dream about the sweet sounds Jimin would make, becoming an overstimulated, sobbing mess long before either of them would reach their first orgasm.

Hoseok's smile falters ever so slightly, and Seokjin already knows what he is going to say. He must have assumed that, because they have a guest for the night, Hoseok would not be expected to be stretched. He should know by now that when Seokjin calls with good news, that a victory fuck is in order, whether or not they are tending to a guest for the evening.

And this, Seokjin thinks, is the danger of falling in love. Years ago, Seokjin would plot ways to punish his puppy for being so short-sighted and disobedient. But now? Staring into his deep brown eyes, downturned beneath a knit brow, all Seokjin wants to do is kiss him and tell him everything will be alright. His heart has become soft.

Before Hoseok can excuse his bad behavior, Seokjin plants a soft smooch on the tip of his nose and grins. "I'm kidding," he assures softly.

"You're not," Hoseok groans as relief paints his face.

"I'm not," Seokjin admits, taking a step back and allowing Hoseok to breathe. "But I am in too good of a mood to make you cry."

"Lucky me," Hoseok teases with a wink.

Seokjin leans in and places a kiss on Hoseok's forehead, then enters the room. The walls are all painted cotton candy pink, and there is a large bed on the left with plush pink bedding and a white wrought iron sleigh frame with beautiful spiral designs at the head and foot—perfect for attaching restraints.

Hoseok's favorite addition to the room is a pale pink sex swing that hangs from the center of the space, with vines wrapped around the long arms that stretch to the ceiling. Seokjin is partial to the vanity with a large mirror that is very sturdy and perfect for humiliation play.

The wooden furniture and wainscoting are all painted pink with gold accents, the floor is covered in pink carpeting and large, white cloud-shaped rugs, and every light fixture is a giant, white orb. In the corner of the room furthest from the bed is a chair in the shape of a giant pink high-heel, and when Seokjin enters, that is where he finds their guest.

Hyungwon is breathtaking in sheer pink babydoll lingerie with little ruffled sleeves that hang from his shoulders, and a skirt that falls just above his thighs. He reclines on the shoe chair with one knee bent, bare foot adorned with pretty silver chains and rings, perched delicately atop the chair, and the other leg down, spread slightly to accommodate for the chair's width. His hair is long enough to be styled behind his ears—straight and black as a raven's feather—and he wears a thick silver choker of shimmering zirconias and a glittery lip balm.

"Master Seokjin," Hyungwon states as he moves from his reclined position—which Seokjin assumes he only sat in to be a tease, in the first place—and slowly lifts his leg, leaning forward and getting onto his hands and knees. "You look ravishing tonight, sir."

Seokjin turns to Hoseok with a puzzled expression, then back to Hyungwon, "Baby, did you give our pet permission to speak?"

"I did not, sir," Hoseok responds simply, standing near the wall with his arms flat at his sides. "But you do look ravishing tonight, sir."

How in the world Seokjin wound up with two disobedient puppies, he will never know, but he cannot bring himself to be upset when they are so devastatingly pretty and so good to him. Seokjin reaches to tap the underside of Hoseok's chin with the pad of his finger—a playful gesture that also tells him to keep that gorgeous fucking mouth of his closed unless he is asked to open it.

Hoseok smiles, winks, and does not say another word.

"I got you something," Seokjin beams as he turns back to Hyungwon, closing the gap between them.

He reaches into the bag, pulls out the leather dog muzzle, and holds it up. Hyungwon's eyes widen, and a soft smile plays on his lips. If the man truly is excited, Seokjin has no idea; all he cares about is that he acts the part, as he is paid to do. And Hyungwon, as always, is a brilliant performer.

* * *

The shower down the hall in the guest bathroom runs as Seokjin pushes a hand through his hair, walking from the dollhouse room to his bedroom. His cream shirt is unbuttoned and hung open, burgundy pants are undone, and he is covered in a sheen of sweat.

Hyungwon practically needed to be carried away when Seokjin was finished with him, and Hoseok is currently assisting with washing him and tending to his various marks with creams. Seokjin was not too hard on him, but his nails did break skin a couple of times, and he spanked him until both cheeks were tomato red.

Although it is getting late, Yoongi has called to request everyone to congregate at the mansion at the top of the hour. It gives Seokjin thirty-five minutes to change into a black dress shirt and slacks and see that Hyungwon is able to get home on his own or has a suitable bed to sleep in for the night. Ordinarily, Seokjin is not as kind to his whores, but after what he did to the guy's ass, he takes pity on him for driving out on a motorcycle.

The sound of the shower shutting off is followed by muffled voices, and Seokjin shrugs out of his shirt, dropping it into a hamper near the closet door, and grabs a black shirt from a hanger. He attempts to listen for the men—to get a sense of whether or not Hyungwon will need to stay—but all he can make out is Hoseok's bright, happy laughter.

Seokjin loves it when Hoseok laughs loud and unabashedly. It rings like music to his ears.

"Baby?" Hoseok calls down the hallway.

Seokjin takes a step out of the closet as he buttons his shirt and shouts, "Bedroom," then returns to the racks of clothing and wiggles out of his slacks, picking them up and placing them into the hamper, and then reaching for a black pair to slide into.

"Ah," Hoseok says as he rounds the corner and finds Seokjin dressed in all black. "Yoongi called."

"He did," Seokjin responds.

"For all of us?"

"For all of us."

"Hyungwon should be good to drive, but I'll go check on him."

Seokjin flashes Hoseok a smile. "Thank you, love."

Once he is ready, Seokjin switches off the light and exits his and Hoseok's massive closet, then he leaves the bedroom and makes his way down the hall, to the pink dollhouse room. The dark wood wainscoting and blood-red walls adorned with pretty brass sconces is such an abrupt change of scenery compared to the pink playroom, and from time to time, it makes Seokjin chuckle softly when he leaves one atmosphere for the other.

Hyungwon sits on the edge of the bed dressed in blue jeans, a blue and white flannel shirt, and a black leather jacket, with his hands in his lap. Hoseok stands before him, dabbing a salve to his lip, which Seokjin split from slapping a little too hard once the muzzle came off. To Seokjin's credit, Hyungwon was the one who begged him to hit him harder.

As Seokjin enters, both men turn to him with smiles, and Seokjin leans against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.

"How is our puppy feeling?"

"Amazing," Hyungwon responds, always saying so no matter which state he seems to be in.

"Good. And I take it your ass isn't too sore for the bike?"

Hoseok shoots Seokjin an incredulous glare, which he pointedly ignores.

Hyungwon chuckles quietly. "No, sir. Not too sore."

"Good. I will be downstairs, then." He turns his gaze to Hoseok. "Join me soon?"

Hoseok nods and screws the cap on his balm, then leans to place a soft kiss on Hyungwon's forehead as Seokjin takes his leave and goes downstairs, to the kitchen, to have a few shots of whiskey before heading out to Yoongi's place.

It does not take long for the others to join him, and they bid Hyungwon farewell with kisses to his cheeks and forehead, then link hands and take the long way to Yoongi's property, up toward Taehyung's place and cutting through the gardens. It is eerie out here at night with low lighting and tall, dark shadows. They walk all the way around the mansion, to the front door, and find Taehyung and Jeongguk on the stoop, smoking a cigarette.

"Fellas," Seokjin calls, and everyone lifts their hand hello.

"Is it just us?" Hoseok asks, and Taehyung shakes his head, saying, "Jimin is inside."

Seokjin takes a puff from Taehyung's cigarette, then goes inside, happy to find Jimin and Namjoon seated on the couch as he takes his place on the far end. Seokjin assumes Yoongi would be upstairs and is surprised to see him enter through the front door with Taehyung and Jeongguk. Once they are all seated, Yoongi begins.

"We have two orders of business, which are somewhat related. The first is that Jeonggukie has been working with a team to formalize a new type of ecstasy that contains amphetamines, to give the user more of an upper-type high. It will be smoother than the shit the Americans sell, which contain meth, and the users will crave the experience, ideally getting them hooked on it."

This news comes as somewhat of a surprise to Seokjin, but he does not show it, keeping his expression stoic. He is curious when Yoongi decided to pivot into selling drugs for the purpose of creating addicts, and thinks perhaps the man really is losing his mind. He sounds like his late father, which is no compliment.

Yoongi continues. "So far, the trials have been pretty positive, and we should have those on the streets within the next month, or so. Let Jeongguk know if you would like samples."

Yoongi sits up and sighs, "And for our second order of business, it seems our main dock man Kang has been bought, and he plans to fuck with our next shipment of pills. I will be orchestrating a hit some time this weekend."

"I can go," Jeongguk offers, and Seokjin is pleased when Yoongi holds his hand up, turning him down.

"I need you to stay here this weekend. I want us to start going to the range again, and there are some other things I want you around for. I'll put Changkyun on the job."

Jeongguk opens his mouth to complain, and Yoongi cuts him off. "Ggukie, we have men hired to carry out hits. Let me utilize them."

Silence falls, then Namjoon clears his throat. "Is there anything anyone else would like to share?"

Seokjin cannot believe everyone was called over for this, and he crosses his arms over his chest and glances around. When nobody says anything, he shrugs and says, "Guess that's it."

"Alright," Yoongi says as he slaps his palms over his knees and stands with a sigh. "I thought this would be more of a conversation, but it seems pretty cut and dry. Thanks for coming by."

Seokjin studies Yoongi as he stands, curious about what Namjoon sees that makes him so paranoid. There are bags under his eyes, and he seems quite tired, but he does not seem jittery or pale, or any of the other symptoms Seokjin tries to remember from his last bender.

It could be his more recent shift in seeming colder than usual. Prior to the pet moving in upstairs, Yoongi even went so far as to have a nasty little violent streak. Still, violence is not an indicator of drug abuse.

Yoongi has always been good at hiding shit until it is really bad, however, and he has always been quite unreadable, wearing parts of himself on his sleeve while keeping the rest locked away. He hopes that Namjoon's suspicions are false, but nobody would know better than him.

With that, everyone stands to leave, including Yoongi. In fact, the only person who seems to hang back is Namjoon. They say good night, everyone begins to head back to their homes, and Namjoon locks up the mansion as Yoongi slides his hands into his pockets and sets off in the direction of Namjoon's home.

Something is definitely amiss, but Seokjin does not feel like asking. The warmth of Hoseok's hand pulls him from his thoughts as he is tugged in the direction of home.

When they return from the meeting that could have been a conversation via group text, Seokjin sits with a huff on his chaise lounge. He bends his leg to lift it in order to untie his shoe, but Hoseok drops to his knees and places a hand on Seokjin's foot, guiding it to the floor.

"You seem off, baby," Hoseok mutters sweetly. "Let me take care of you."

With an affectionate smile, Seokjin crosses his arms over his chest and lets his posture droop in a sigh. "Always taking care of others."

Hoseok's eyes shine as he mutters, "I live to serve."

Seokjin chuckles and sits up straight as Hoseok removes one shoe, then the other, and places them neatly aside. "We both know that is untrue."

"Yes," Hoseok responds, also laughing.

Seokjin leans forward, takes Hoseok's chin in his hand, and pulls him close. Hoseok strains to get near enough, sitting high on his knees, but Seokjin stays just out of reach as he says, "You can still take care of me, though."

He revels in the way Hoseok's tone drops as he asks, "And how would you like me to do that, baby?"

Seokjin begins to think of all the ways he would like to make Hoseok whine, but Hoseok continues, "It's been a while since you've submitted to me and completely let go of control."

It has been a while. Probably months. Seokjin mulls it over with a squint of his eyes. There is nothing in this world that he likes more than pulling sweet sounds from Hoseok's lips, but he knows that Hoseok also enjoys being in control. However, relinquishing power does not come easily to a man like Seokjin.

"You are correct," Seokjin finally responds. "It has been a while."

Hoseok's eyes glimmer with mirth, and even if Seokjin had not been considering it before, he would certainly cave now. With a nibble of his bottom lip, Seokjin leans close enough to kiss Hoseok.

"I'll let you fuck me tonight. Give me twenty minutes to get ready?"

With a pout, Hoseok shakes his head. "I want to get you ready."

"Oh?"

"Please."

"Enema play, Seok? Really?"

Hoseok shrugs. "I want to watch you tremble and whimper as the water falls out."

Seokjin, admittedly, gets it. "Alright, let's go."

Hoseok is gentle as he takes Seokjin's hand and leads him up the stairs and down the hall to their master suite. He is gentle as he undresses him and leads him to their shower. Gentle when he bends Seokjin over—hands splayed on the white tile bench that runs along one wall—and inserts the nozzle of the enema. Seokjin gasps from the sensation; he hasn't done this in quite a while.

When Hoseok takes Seokjin by the hair and lifts his head, pulling him into a standing position, he is less gentle. Lifting the bag, which is full of tepid water, so that it can enter his body makes Seokjin gasp, sending a shudder through him.

Hoseok holds his chin, firm and not very gently as he says, "Eyes on me," and slowly pulls the nozzle out, releasing the water to the floor of the shower.

Seokjin keeps his eyes on Hoseok as the water rushes from him, a sensation that he thinks should not be in the least bit erotic. Hoseok knows that this is mildly humiliating, which, Seokjin thinks, is the reason he is insisting on it.

Hoseok inserts the nozzle two more times, sending water rushing from Seokjin's rectum, holding him in place while they stare into one another's eyes. Warmth covers Seokjin's face in a mix of embarrassment and arousal, and when Hoseok bends him back over right there in the shower to eat him out, Seokjin practically blacks out.

"Fuck, feels so good," he whimpers as Hoseok teases his hole with his tongue, circling the rim and prodding inside.

"You like it, baby?" Hoseok groans, biting Seokjin's buttcheek and circling a finger over him, gently pushing inside and pulling out, making Seokjin sigh and tremble from pleasure-pain.

"You know I do," Seokjin whines.

Hoseok groans. "Too bad I won't let you cum until you're begging and sobbing."

Evil. Pure fucking evil. Hoseok loves making someone like Seokjin beg. He whimpers before he can stop himself, and Hoseok chuckles and crashes a hand over his ass with a loud, wet smack.

"Come on, big boy," Hoseok sing-songs "Let's tie you to the bed and make you scream."

Seokjin already fears for his life, knowing that Hoseok will edge him for hours. But the earth-shattering orgasm that tears his world asunder, followed by Hoseok's sweet, pretty smile, makes everything worth it. How could he possibly resist?

THANK YOU FOR READINGGG!!!

i didn't give Hyungwon a relationship tag since he's not a main character in the story, nor does he appear again. for those of you who aren't monbebe, this is the man i was talking about:

i also remember being too exhausted to write a smut scene when i was putting this POV together, which is why we don't get to experiencing these three together hahaha. i think i wrote Hoseok and Seokjin back to back.

REBLOGS AND COMMENTS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS SITE, BUT LIKES ARE ALSO SUPER APPRECIATED!!! THANK YOU FOR READING, I LOVE YOU!!!

tag lists will be on separate reblogs! they’ve gotten too big to contain as one! if you would like to be tagged in this fic, please let me know!!! 💜💜💜

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#seokjin mafia #hoseok mafia #yoongi mafia #bts mafia #seokjin x hoseok #seokjin smut #hoseok smut #bts smut #bts angst #bts poly #fic: collateral

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thefrogdalorian · 3 months

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Soon, I Will Be Back With You

Word Count: 1218 Rating: Teen Summary: Centuries after the last time he saw his buir, Grogu reflects on memories of the life they shared together until it ended in devastating circumstances. Content Warnings: MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH. Funerals, grief, mourning. Death not describes in detail but very emotional. Hurt, no comfort. Author's Note: Today I was thinking about the reality that Grogu will probably outlive Din and how lone wolf and cub stories always end and this was the result. Pain. Sorry about this one... by far the saddest thing I've ever written.

❁ My Masterlist ❁ Read on AO3 ❁

It had been several centuries since the last time he had seen his father. But every time he closed his eyes, Grogu could still see his buir’s face as clearly as the day he lost him. Grogu remembered the small details; the wrinkle above his nose that deepened during times of stress, the patchy spots of his beard and his curly brown hair, which stuck up in all directions whenever he removed his helmet to reveal his face to his son. Most of all, he remembered pained brown eyes filled with tears as the understanding that only one of them would make it out of their latest predicament alive dawned upon him.

Grogu’s buir had not panicked when he realised the gravity of their situation. He had accepted his impending fate with all the grace and bravery of a true Mandalorian warrior. Once it was obvious that only one member of Clan Mudhorn would make it out alive, there was no doubt that he would prioritise Grogu’s life over his own. When Grogu’s buir had realised that his life was drawing to a close, he had spent the few seconds they had left together to make Grogu promise to be brave and to never forget what he had taught him.

Grogu had tried his best to honour that vow to be brave, but the truth was that he was terrified. He always thought they would have more time. Grogu believed that he would hold his buir's hand as he passed away of old age, his grey beard and moustache evidence of a long life, well-lived. It was difficult to believe that this was their ending, that anyone in the galaxy could get the better of his buir.

There was a time during the early period of their lives together, until Grogu was kidnapped by the Darktroopers on Tython, that he had believed that nothing would be able to harm him, as long as he had The Mandalorian by his side. After that moment, Grogu had realised that there were some threats in the galaxy that even his remarkable saviour could not overcome.

It had taken several years after that day on the Lightcruiser – when they had been saved only by the miraculous, timely arrival of the Jedi – for such threats to return and catch up to them, but eventually their luck had run out.

If Grogu thought for too long about what the galaxy had lost that day, with his father's selfless act of sacrifice to ensure that his child would survive, he would find himself ruminating on whether things could have gone differently. Perhaps if his buir had at least given Grogu the chance to heal his wounds, instead of denying him that opportunity and sending him to safety, there could have been a possibility of him surviving. But Grogu knew that his buir would not want him to agonise over the decision he had taken to prioritise Grogu’s safety. After all, Grogu's buir had made him promise him to be brave. If there was one thing he had taught Grogu, it was to always be honourable and stay true to his word. So Grogu had promised him, with a small, shaky nod, that he would be brave, even as his brown eyes filled with tears as the little boy could sense what was about to happen.

Grogu did not like to think of the day, nor to dwell on the exact circumstances of when his buir had left to become one with the Manda. He preferred to recall their happier times together. Even if reminiscing about those times brought an overwhelming wave of grief, too.

Grogu was reminded of him often.

Sometimes it would be the faintest glint of sunlight hitting a patch of water that would bring back memories of the gleaming, unpainted beskar’gam that was worn by the man who represented the closest thing Grogu had ever had, in his centuries of life, to a real family.

Despite the short amount of time that Grogu had spent with The Mandalorian relative to his enormous lifespan, those few years had shaped the person Grogu had grown up to be. He had given Grogu a life, a sense of belonging and a feeling of security that he had never felt in all the centuries since that horrendous day.

Even if Grogu had been able to speak to his buir, he would have struggled to find the words to convey his gratitude. The gift of speech had not come until several decades after Grogu had watched, nestled in the arms of another Mandalorian warrior, as his father’s body was placed on an elevated pyre and the kote ky’ram was performed. Grogu was too young to join in with the assembled Mandalorians as they shouted tales of his buir’s deeds to the sky and honoured him with war cries. All he had been able contribute was pained, unintelligble squeaks, the words he had longed to shout known only to his tiny mind.

By the time Grogu had been able to speak, it was too late. All the words that he had one day hoped to say to his buir, the love he wanted to share, the gratitude he wanted to express for raising his blaster to shoot the bounty droid rather than him on that fateful day on this very planet would remain forever unsaid.

But Grogu knew that their bond went beyond words. He had never doubted for a single day that he had spent with his buir that The Mandalorian knew the depth of his love for him.

As he sat on a cliff overlooking the spot where there had once been a compound which Grogu had stayed, hidden away for many years until the day his buir had stormed in and rescued him, Grogu turned the metallic ball over in his wrinkled claw one last time.

It was amazing that it had retained its shine, despite the centuries that had passed. It was the last remaining link to his buir, to the ship that had been their first home together.

Now, Grogu was under no illusion that he did not have much time remaining. The centuries had taken their toll on his small body. Despite the fact that he now shuffled around with the aid of a cane and his eyesight was failing him, Grogu felt deep in his soul that this was the spot.

Grogu inhaled sharply in pain as he fell to the sand in an ungraceful manoeuvre. His joints were really too aged for such a movement. But he needed to do this, before he lost the ability to move entirely.

Grogu reached down and moved the sand with his wrinkled claws, now gnarled and prone to seizing-up due to his advanced age. Grogu made a hole just big enough to fit the precious relic inside. He brought the metallic sphere to his parched lips and kissed it, then placed it in the hole he had just created in the sand.

“Nusujii Ni Kelir cuyir norac ti gar,” Grogu whispered in the tongue that his buir had begun to teach him all that time ago, his ailing eyes shimmering with tears as he knelt there in the sand. Then, he repeated the phrase in basic:

“Soon I will be back with you.”

#my fics #din djarin fanfic #din djarin fanfiction #the mandalorian fanfiction #i'm so sorry #clan mudhorn

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midnightmuffingay · 1 year

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Rating the pets of EAH based on what is on the EAH wiki and my limited knowledge:

Adelita - Rosabella's butterfly. I have never heard of this. Also apparently Adelita translates to 'noble'?? 3/10 I don't think it suits her and also how do you keep a butterfly as a pet.

Barber - Poppy's squirrel monkey. I guess squirrel monkeys are cute and I can see it as a pet for her but I have yet again no memory of this. 5/10

Clipper - Holly's lion cub. Apparently it is 'charmed' to stay a cub forever?? Don't know how that work or why she has a lion or why she would name it Clipper?? there are better names girl. 3/10

Carmine - Cerise's dire wolf. Okay so technically they're part of the same pack or something but it's the daughter of Littler Red Riding Hood and the big Bad Wolf. You can't go wrong with giving her a wolf friend whose name is another shade of red. 6/10

Carrolloo - Kitty's caterpillar. A sneaky little guy. From what we saw of him he compliments Kitty's personality and you know, a caterpillar with a wonderlandian? It's not like I can be mad. 6/10

Clockwork - Cedar's wooded cuckoo. Okay I do actually like this a lot. Even if we never really saw him it's a great concept for her pet to be wooden like her. Especially when you consider it would probably have to been made specifically for her. I love it 8/10

Clydesdale - Farrah's pet mouse. Don't recall and there are better mice. 2/10

Divacorn - Briar's unicorn. Absolutely slayed so hard I don't care about the name which is an astonishing feat. I mean of course Briar would have a pink unicorn it just makes sense. 8/10

Drake - Hopper's dragonfly. Drake. 2/10 Only getting extra points because it is a literal DRAGONfly. He breathes fire.

Earl Grey - Maddie's dormouse. Perfection. Best dressed of all of the pets. Is a silly little guy with a silly little hat that lives in her hat. Impeccable. 10/10

Gala - Apple's snow fox. Gala is a great name just because of the fact this it is not only a type of apple but also a fancy party. Very royal, on brand, like to curl around her neck. Iconic. 8/10

Grizz - Blondie's baby bear. Blondie. Girlie. You are a reporter. Please get original. A bear for goldilocks' daughter is fine but it's just like. I'm bored girl. You can do better. 3/10

Jelly - Ginger's gummy fish. I. Love this. A sentient gummy fish she accidentally made? So iconic I'll ignore the basic name. It's like naming your goldfish 'Goldie'. Anyway, I love the concept, love the execution. 8/10

King Benedict - Humphrey's chicken. No. 2/10 for egg related name.

Mr. Cottonhorn - Dexter's jackalope. Guys. Guys. look at him.

He's just a little guy. 10/10.

Moustro - Melody's rat. I like the idea and the pun name but I feel like I'd need to see a picture to be impressed. 5/10

Nevermore - Raven's dragon. There is no need for discussion. 10/10

P-Hawk - Daring's peacock. I think I remember him being kind of terrible so uh 1/10 because Daring I don't think that's how you say peacock honey.

Pesky - Hunter's squirrel. I love how even though they're like enemies they have the same haircut and Pesky has a little acorn bag that Hunter definitely made for him. Lives up to his name. 7/10

Philia - Cupid's Pegasus. Apparently 'Philia' is one of the ancient greek words for love that is often translated to friendship. soooo, even though I didn't know about her she gets a 6/10 because I think that's sweet.

Pirouette - Duchess's swan. Queen. Icon. Slay. Need I say more? 10/10

Sandella - Ashlynn's phoenix. The fact that Ashlynn has a phoenix because it rises from the ashes is so hardcore and I love it. Even if her name is Sandella. 7/10

Shuffle - Lizzie's hedgehog. The bestest and cutest little croquet ball. I don't have much to say but love you dearly. 7/10

Sir Gallopad - Darling's horse. He can change colour and camouflage which is THE coolest thing. Horsegirl Darling. 8/10 Also Daring officially has the worst pet out of the Charming siblings.

Spindle - Faybelle's pomeranian. Of course an evil fairy you have such an unassuming evil little dog. And of course she named it after her evil destiny. Iconic. 8/10.

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roboknight-prime · 6 months

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(This is my first post on here😅)

i wanted to get this off of my chest about

The Drama between Sabezra and Wolfwren Shippers...

So i have been hearing a lot of drama going on with the Star Wars Community between the Shippers of Sabezra and this so-called "Wolfwren," which i really don't get? Because Shin Hati, who is an amazing character, doesn't have a name of "wolf" but people say that Baylon (R.I.P Ray Stevenson) found her during Order 66 and trained her to be not a Jedi nor a sith but something else? My guess is a Grey Jedi term. who both used the power of light and dark sides of the Force. Then, somehow, it gotten worse because the actors shared some Shinxsabine art? Even though they're just using them to promote the Ahsoka Series, and i know that the actors like this "wolfwren" (in my opinion... it's a stupid ship name, and I'm sorry about that, but i fully respect it just... workshop the name) And there are two characters that have the name of wolf. Such as Clone Commander Wolffe and Mandalorian Nite Owl Axe Wolves.

But Shin doesn't have that, but people have been saying that Baylon is like a Wolf and Shin is a Cub wolf, which is.... odd. But literally, tho. Even people who shipped Miles and Gwen they even called them GhostFlower.

Which i totally get!

Because Miles listen to the music Sunflower, and Gwen is literally a ghost to all the Peter Parkers who have lost their Gwens in their Dimensions.

But wolfwren? I don't get it at all.

But back to the point of all this "drama" between shippers and these so-called "ship wars"

But people can ship whoever they want they are going to be people who will disagree on stuff no matter what. That's what literally makes us humans. But fighting over fictional characters and sending threats to the artist is not ok, and your choices will always have consequences. I am going to say the cold-hearted truth.

Dave Filoni won't have the These characters get together in Ahsoka season 2 because we all must learn by now that Dave Filoni always has a character die in the series. I didn't care what reaction Ezra and Sabine were going to have when Wren found Bridger. And they hugged for the very first time. That made me happy, and i was happy that Ezra was found.

But it is also up to Dave Filoni and the Writers to decide that. And knowing Dave Filoni, he is not going to do that. Because we know that he's gonna write the story for season 2 on his own again, like how he did with Ahsoka Season 1, and we all know that Sabine isn't planning to get into a relationship because she's a rebel (not the hero type crap) the rebel type where she ditches school and causes chaos to annoy the police crap. Plus She's so Mandalorian. And let's also not forget that Force-sensitive warriors and Mandalorians were once Ancient enemies until Jedi Knight Revan got involved in the fight, but that's a story for another time.

It is also not ok to force someone into shipping that similar fictional characters. We all have a right and a choice to ship what characters they want to ship.

And i am going to give everyone a reminder about Ezra and Sabine. Read this VERY!! Carefully!

They are not related. i get it that they have a Platonic Relationship. Some of you can see them as Siblings while others just see them as high school dorks/best friends/friends to lovers and all of that crap. Which i totally respect, and it's your own opinion and your choice.

And fighting over Fictional Characters getting together is not worth it, and let me remind you all that both ships will never happen. And i am sorry to both Sabezra and Wolfwren shippers... mostly to The Sabezra group since i ship Ezra and Sabine for a long time since Rebels came out. But never mind that.

And sorry for saying this as well..

It is also stupid of people to fight over fictional characters that aren't real!! This whole ship wars is useless and an excuse to make more drama to the Star Wars Community.

Star Wars is for everyone!

And then, really, people are getting pissed off about the actors posting the wolfwren art instead of the Sabezra artwork. And also supporting it. (No disrespect to the actors tho they did amazing playing as the Characters in the series) Come back into reality the only reason why they did that so they can piss off people in the community and also promote the series/making money about it. That's what actors do. Everything is about the money nowadays and money talks. But let's also not forget that they are under contract as well. And I can not say a lot of things about the series. And they didn't credit the artist that made them because the Star Wars Characters aren't owned by us. But the official account of Ahsoka did they don't care if its a ship. All they see is just big dollar signs of those characters.

I'm gonna say this again to remind you all again. But it's gonna be in big words.

"IT IS OK TO SHIP WHOEVER YOU WANT TO SHIP, BUT THEY'RE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE THEIR OWN OPINIONS AND HATRED TO THE CHARACTERS."

I HAVE SPOKEN!

#sabezra #ezra bridger #sabine wren #star wars #i have spoken #shin hati #rip ray stevenson #star wars rebels

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daniarts19 · 1 month

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The Total Drama Characters if they are animals.

I’m doing a update to my animal au list, just for things

Hosts:

Chris McLean- Weasel

Chef Hatchet - Alligator

Blaineley - Fennec Fox

Josh - Labrador retriever

Don - Golden Eagle

Island/Action/World Tour Contestants:

Ezekiel: Opossum

Eva: Honey Badger

Noah: Aardwolf

Justin: Peacock

Katie: Meerkat

Tyler: Border Collie

Izzy: Red Panda

Cody: Mouse

Beth: Quinea Pig

Sadie: Chinchilla

Courtney: Jackal

Harold: Canadian Goose

Trent: Silver Fox

Bridgette: River Otter

Lindsay: English Cocker Spaniel

DJ: Deer

Geoff: Sea Lion

Leshawna: Brazilian Toucan

Duncan: Grey Wolf

Heather: Snow Leopard

Gwen: Corsac Fox

Owen: Panda

Sierra: Striped Skunk

Alehandro: Jaguar

Revenge Of The Island Contestants

Staci: Parrot

B: Elephant

Dawn: Owl

Sam: Sloth Bear

Brick: German Shepherd

Anne-Maria: Black Panther

Dakota: Flamingo

Mike: Mash Deer

Jo: Spotted Hyena

Scott: Red Fox

Zoey: Gazelle

Lightning: Zebra

Cameron: Rabbit

Pahktiew Island Contestants

Beardo: Bison

Leonard: Pangolin

Amy: Saluki

Samey: Saluki

Rodney: Moose

Ella: Squirrel

Topher: Black Footed Ferret

Dave: Abyssinian Cat

Scarlett: Rat

Max: Mole

Jasmine: Kangaroo

Sugar: Pig

Shawn: Amardillo

Sky: Cheetah

The Ridonculous Race contestants

Tammy - Tapir

Gerry - Cobra

Pete - Rattlesnake

Ellody: Mongoose

Mary: Beaver

Laurie: Alpaca

Miles: Goat

Jen: Ring Necked Parakeet

Tom: Hyacinth Macaw

Kelly: Mink

Taylor: Mink

Mickey: Chipmunk

Jay: Chipmunk

Lorenzo: Tazmanian Devil

Chet: Warthog

Rock: Striped Hyena

Spud: Sloth

Dwayne: Lion

Junior: Lion cub

Crimson: Hawk

Ennui: Vulture

Stephanie: Asian Rhinoceros

Ryan: African Rhinoceros

Carrie: Sheep

Devin: Dhole

Emma: Siamese cat

Kitty: Siamese cat

Jacques: Husky

Josee: Lyxn

Brody: Harbor Seal

Sanders: Doberman Pincher

MacArthur: Pitbull

Total Drama Island (2023) contestants

Caleb: Horse

Axel: Wolverine

Nichelle: Tiger

“Scary Girl” Lauren: Fruit Bat

Damien: Bat eared Fox

MK: Raccoon

Wayne: Reindeer

Raj: Emperor Penguin

Ripper: Spotted Skunk

Zee: Girafe

Chase: Coyote

Emma: Tabby Cat

Julia: Swan

Millie: Hippopotamus

Bowie: Crane

Priya: Indian Peafowl/Peahen

I just hope I do some fanart for their designs and maybe redraws too.

#total drama #total drama island #total drama revenge of the island #total drama pahkitew island #the ridonculous race #total drama reboot #total drama island 2023 #headcanon #animals #animal AU #my ideas #writing #my writing

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robinsceramics · 1 year

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white wolf cub my beloved

[image descriptions: four photographs of a white ceramic wolf cub displayed on brown fleece fabric. The wolf cub is very small, blocky, and smooth; it has small blue-grey eyes painted on its face under its white glaze and a tiny blue-grey nose.]

#im love him so much #ceramics #ceramic sculpture #clay sculpture #wolf sculpture #wolf #described #sold #I know wolf cubs don't come in white but I didn't when I made him #besides he's clay he's just a clay little man

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skyward-floored · 1 year

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Could I request the first time twi turned into a Wolf haha.

This was supposed to just be funny but it took a turn somewhere while I was writing (I blame the benadryl) so now it's... well it's something. Still has funny bits though.

Hope you like it anon <3

------

Time walked into the living room, having finally finished washing the dishes that had been piling up in their sink, and smiled at the sight of Malon dozing on their couch.

She opened her eyes as he walked over, and returned his smile, gaze warm.

“Our boy finally asleep?” he asked as he sat down, and Malon nodded, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Out like a light. If only he’d stay that way for a while,” she sighed, and Time pressed a kiss to her hair.

Twilight may have been able to fall asleep fairly easily, but keeping him that way was almost impossible. He seemed to wake up at the slightest of noises, and no matter how quiet Time or Malon were, if they so much as sneezed down the hall from him, he’d start crying.

”He has been getting better,” he reminded her, and Malon nodded, sighing again as she snuggled up against him.

“I know. I’d just hoped he’d at least be napping regularly by now,” she admitted, and Time pulled his arm over her shoulders, gently rubbing her arm.

“He’ll get there,” he reassured her, and squeezed her hand. “It’ll just take time. We both knew this wasn't going to be easy.'

Malon laughed. "That's an understatement, fairy boy."

The two fell into a comfortable silence, and Time and Malon sat on the couch for a while, enjoying the rare quiet that had settled over the house. They both dozed a bit, exhausted from getting used to taking care of a baby along with the troubles that were nipping at their heels.

Nothing quite like a looming lawsuit against all of superhero-kind to wear a new family out.

But it wasn’t long before the sound of crying rang out from the other room, breaking the silence and waking the couple from their doze. Time and Malon both sighed, then smiled at each other.

“That was what, fifteen minutes? I told you he’s getting better,” Time commented with a wry smile, and Malon chuckled.

“Closer to twenty, but that’s still pretty good. He’s getting there,” she said with a hopeful sigh, then started to get to her feet. Time stopped her though, and stood up himself with a wave.

“I’ll get him, you’ve been on your feet all day.”

“And you haven’t?” she replied with a wry smile, but Time merely kissed her forehead before heading off down the hall towards the sounds of their baby’s cries.

Right as he reached the door the crying abruptly cut off, and Time paused, wondering if Twilight had managed to fall back asleep all on his own. That would be a first!

He waited a moment, and was about to go sit back down when the crying resumed again, whimpering noises coming from the bedroom. I suppose that was too much to hope for. Time held back a sigh, and walked into the room to try and rock Twilight back to sleep, stepping around a pile of clothes and leaning over the crib to pick him up.

Then froze.

Instead of the baby he’d expected to see at the bottom of the crib, what appeared to be a tiny wolf cub lay curled up instead, little dismayed whimpers coming from his throat.

Time blinked, and extended a hand, running it along the wolf’s grey fur.

“Twilight?” he murmured in astonishment, and the pup seemed to hear him, turning his head towards him and letting out a mournful little howl. Time snapped out of his daze at the sound, and looked back out down the hall.

“Malon?” he called behind him, absolutely bewildered. “You’d better come see this.”

He continued to run his hand through Twilight’s fur, marveling at how soft his son’s fur was.

His son’s fur.

Time shook his head in amazement. They’d thought Twilight just had enhanced senses as his powers, that would likely grow stronger as he got older. Time hadn’t ever expected a shapeshifter of any kind, no less one who could turn into a wolf.

Who would have guessed?

“What’s the matter?” Malon asked as she hurried into the room, and Time gestured at the crib, staying silent as she rushed to over to Twilight.

Malon looked inside, and gasped, her blue eyes going wide as she studied the tiny pup that continued to let out little squeaking cries.

“Oh,” she breathed as she brushed a hand over Twilight’s fur. “Oh Link, he’s a... he’s so small.”

“I was more preoccupied with the fact he’s covered in fur myself,” Time said, his shock finally faded. Malon gave him a light swat on the arm.

“For goodness sakes I noticed that as well! Oh honey, it’s okay, shhh,” Malon soothed as Twilight’s little howls grew more distressed. She carefully picked him up and held him close in her arms, Twilight wiggling quite a bit as he continued to whimper.

“I suppose this would explain the enhanced hearing,” Time said thoughtfully, and Malon let out a little laugh of disbelief.

“I never would have thought turning into a wolf would be part of it though,” she murmured as she ran a hand along Twilight’s fur. “There there sweetheart, it’s okay.”

Twilight’s little howls finally faded, and he nuzzled his head against Malon’s arm, eyes still their familiar brilliant blue when he looked around at them. Time smiled at him, and his son let out a little snuffling noise, tiny tail wagging once or twice.

Then Twilight sneezed, and with a flutter of shadows, Malon found herself with a baby in her arms instead of a wolf pup. Twilight blinked, looking just as surprised as Time and Malon felt at the display, then began to cry, rather loud wails escaping his throat.

“Do you think it hurts him?” Malon asked worriedly, holding Twilight close as she gently hushed him. “Going back and forth?”

“I don’t know,” Time answered honestly. “I’d be a bit surprised if it did... perhaps the sensation is just upsetting because it’s new.”

Malon didn’t reply, focused on steadily rocking Twilight with a worried look on her face. He was calming down now, his cries waning as he settled into her arms, eyes starting to slip closed.

“Goodness. A wolf,” Malon murmured fondly as Twilight began to fall back asleep. “Oh Link, he’s... this is amazing.”

Time looked warmly at their son, butfelt a small sliver of fear wedge itself in his heart as he thought about the abilities Twilight possessed. He could do so much good with them, but... would the world he grew up in want him to?

Twilight let out a sleepy coo, and Time shook away his thoughts, putting an arm around Malon as they watched Twilight drift off to sleep.

He didn’t need to worry about the future right now. All he needed was to focus on the present, and make sure that Twilight grew up safe and happy.

Wolf powers or not.

#incredibles au #lu twilight #lu time #lu malon #malink #linked universe fanfic #writing from the floor #answers from the floor #anon #the ending is bleh but so is my brain <3 #incredibles au fic

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honey-minded-hivemind · 8 months

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The platonic yanderes I've mentioned before all have nicknames and relationships with their bby (a.k.a. you, the reader!). How they met their bby is considered a special, life-changing moment in their eyes, and they are protective in their own... special... ways. But that story will come at a later date. For now, I think I should delve into some smaller stuff , so let's explore the type of humor and nicknames between these platonic yans and their bby:

• 🧡Wolverine/Logan Howlett🦡: nicknames for his bby: pup, bub, darlin', shortstack (regardless of if you are shorter than him or taller than him)

Nicknames his bby gives him: Lo, Old Guy, Wulv, Mr. Cigarette Duet (the bby might have either been testing the waters with that one, or under anesthesia. People say weird things under that stuff)

Their humor: dry humor and small quips

• 🦁Sabretooth/Victor Creed🦷: nicknames for his bby: cub, fresh meat, whelp, kitten

Nicknames his bby gives him: Vic, Large Lion Man, Shere Khan, Mr. Backstabber (both literally and metaphorically, bby has seen him do both, it was messy)

Their humor: cat puns

• 🦡Wolverine 2.0/Laura Kinney💛: nicknames for her bby: fox, pearl, sibling-in-arms, honeybee

Nicknames her bby gives her: Laurel, Kin-ship, Baby Claws, Little Badger

Their humor: stand up comedy (where you pretty much do a spoken caricature of your life, poking fun at it, or something that happens to you)

• 🐺Daken/Akihiro🌀: nicknames for his bby: beautiful, doll, handsome, my favorite (insert sexuality/gender)

Nicknames his bby gives him: Wolf Guy, Seducter, Nature's Child, Lone Wolf (the bby calls him Seducter because they found out about his pheromone ability. And yeah, the bby poked fun at the fact it failed on the bby, because they aren't attracted to him in the least like that)

Their humor: quips and movie references

• 🔥Marvel Girl/The Phoenix/Jean Grey🦚: nicknames for her bby: sunshine, dear, sweetie, firecracker

Nicknames her bby gives her: Miss Marvelous, Venus, mind games, Jeanie

Their humor: inside jokes

• 😎Cyclops/Scott Summers🚨: nicknames for his bby: kiddo, shortstuff, kid, gremlin

Nicknames his bby gives him: Scout, Shades, Laser-Light, Ruby in the Rough (bby wanted him to feel good about his power, so they say those nicknames in a nice fashion)

Their humor: puns all the way

• 🥈Cable/Nathan Summers🤖: nicknames for his bby: tiny, powerhouse, tyke-bomb, brat (he means these nicely, even if he is gruff and stern)

Nicknames his bby gives him: Back To The Future, Terminator, Metal Man, Mr. Robocop (bby couldn't help themself, they saw so many nickname opportunities)

Their humor: banter and witty remarks

• 🎭Mystique/Raven Darkholme💙: nicknames for her bby: child, precious, dear, little heathen

Nicknames her bby gives her: Karma Chameleon, Blue, enchantress, The Blue Fairy

Their humor: witty and dry remarks

• 🎱Rogue/Anne-Marie🥀: nicknames for her bby: suga', hun, love, sweetheart

Nicknames her bby gives her: Miss-Anne-thrope, Marie, Killer Queen, lovedove

Their humor: Southern stand up comedy and phrases ("sweet Southern heat is not just a flavor", "sweeter than apple pie", and jokes of all the various animals found in the South, especially in weird and concerning places)

• ♠️Gambit/Remy LeBeau♥️: nicknames for his baby: Ace of Spades, imp, bebe, ma moitie

Nicknames his bby gives him: King of Hearts, Sugar and Spice, trickster, Jack

Their humor: poking fun at languages and their relationships (the English and French language are hard to master. Good job if you understand half of it, or even a little of it)

• 🌌Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner😇: nicknames for his bby: angel, treasure, friend, beauty

Nicknames his bby gives him: doll-baby (it is a Southern nickname, it means sweet, charming, and innocent, in my area), Angel of the Night, fluffball, Blue (Da Ba Dee)

Their humor: pranks. Pranks all around

These are all my opinion, and if you get the references, great job! If not, that is okay! These were my ideas of nicknames and humor for previously mentioned platonic yanderes (plus their bby's nicknames for them!). I hope you enjoyed these platonic yandere honeycomb thoughts!

#platonic yandere marvel #honeycomb thoughts #platonic yandere x reader #yandere x-men #platonic yandere x-men #platonic yandere

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spiralcass · 5 months

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NEW X-MEN: THE ANIMATED SERIES - SEASON 3, EPISODE 6

We open in the middle of the night at Frost International’s corporate HQ. Inside the dark halls, two uniformed and lightly armed guards are patrolling.

MINI MAX: “I’m just saying, I miss how things used to be.”

OUTLAW: “You LIKED dressing like a cyberpunk fascist and having your official job title be, “Henchman”?

MINI MAX: “No! But it beat having to tell people I’m a “Night Watchman”, and we used to get to carry those huge blasters, not non-lethal peashooters. I’ve been here 20 years, I know where all the skeletons are buried, I deserve a blaster!”

OUTLAW, begrudgingly: “I do miss the blasters.”

MINI MAX: “See? And “Henchwoman” was a pretty sexy title.”

OUTLAW: “What have I told you about calling me “sexy”?!”

MINI MAX: “That…you like it like every other woman?”

As Outlaw’s about to get pissed, the two hear something. She says they should go check that out, with Mini Max following her, but hoping it’s something; maybe it’ll prove they need their old weapons back.

The two arrive at the site of the noise, an executive office, but there’s no mess, or any sign of entry. Mini Max tells Outlaw to call this in. It may have just been the wind, but this could be another Mutant they’re dealing with. Outlaw agrees, and is about to call it in, before she sucker punches Mini Max, knocking him out with the butt of her gun.

Unseen from the front, Outlaw uncovers a secret vault in the office, punches in a code, and opens it. She takes out a folder, and shuts the vault.

Outlaw, folder not in hand, rubs her head in confusion, wondering what happened, and freaking out over their unconscious partner. They’re then hit by an electric shock, tazing them and knocking them out.

We see the folder being twirled around in the hand of a blue fingerless glove, as we hear the laughter of what sounds like a prepubescent boy.

Blue boots walk out of the building without setting off any alarms, jet boosters coming out of them, as the thief continues to laugh, flying off into the night

At the Jean Grey School, the school’s Gay/Straight Alliance is meeting. This club includes Mercury, Bling!, Anole, Specter, Pixie, Loa, Indra, Wolf Cub, the younger student Dryad, and two other younger students we haven’t seen before: a blonde boy covered in eyes, and a black boy with glasses.

The meeting is being run by Kitty, who’s dragged Iceman along, thinking it may be good for him, now that he’s embraced what he is, to hear what the kids have to say.

ICEMAN: “And why couldn’t we have just talked about this stuff?”

KITTY: “Cause I’m only here filling in for Karma. I’ve always liked girls…a girl…but I’ve never really vibed with, like, the queers.”

ICEMAN: “I’ve been gay for two minutes, but even I know that sounds bad. How are things going with “a girl” anyway?”

Kitty groans as she sinks into her chair.

KITTY: “Avoiding her. Magneto agreed to keep sending Magik on missions while I figure things out, and, unlike Scott and Emma, she actually listens to him.”

BOBBY: “Can’t dodge her forever.”

KITTY: “I can try!”

Specter, the club president, asks if anyone has something they want to talk about. Dryad knows this isn’t really the point of the club, but she wants to know if Pixie is really from Camelot.

PIXIE: “Sure am!” SPECTER: “And don’t worry. “The point” of the club is just to be a safe place.”

DRYAD: “Oh! Okay! So what’s it like? Are there unicorns? A beautiful queen?”

PIXIE, her cheerful smile not fading at all: “It’s a brutal dictatorship where everyone struggles to survive.”

DRYAD, face falling: “oh.”

Kitty and Bobby, all too familiar with this, share a laugh. As the younger kid with glasses asks with disbelief about Camelot being real, Bobby receives a telepathic message.

EMMA, telepathically: “Robert, a word?”

BOBBY: “In the middle of something. Can it wait?”

EMMA: “Not if you don’t want me to tell my brother about your self-revelation.”

BOBBY: “Oh, that is so not cool.”

EMMA: “Just come along. I require your assistance.”

Bobby sighs, begrudgingly telling her he’ll be right there.

KITTY: “Emma?”

BOBBY: “Yeah. How’d you know?” KITTY: “The faces you were making. They’re the same ones I make whenever I have to deal with her.” She pats him on the back. “Good luck, buddy!”

We cut to MIT, joining a dry physics lecture. Some students are taking notes diligently, while others have passed out. Among the latter group is a red-headed woman. At least until she gets a wakeup call.

MONET, telepathically: “Why are you even here, Theresa?”

Theresa groggily wakes up and sits up straight. She looks behind her and up a few rows, to see Monet doing something in her notebook.

THERESA: “Could ask you the same thing. I’m gettin valuable rest. You’re scribbling.”

MONET: “I am NOT scribbling.” She says this as we see her doodling smiling worms in a basket of apples. “And I don’t NEED to pay attention.”

THERESA, mockingly: “Oh yeah, Monet St. Croix is such a genius she doesn’t even need to study to be perfect.”

MONET, completely serious: “Yes. I’m glad you’ve finally realized this.”

Theresa sighs with annoyance as the class is let out.

Out in the hall, Monet and Theresa walk to their next destinations. Theresa asks if Monet is going to the Alpha Phi party that night.

MONET: “Why would I do that?”

THERESA: “I dunno. Bunch of snobby rich girls. Seems like your kinda people, and I figured the only two Mutants at this school could get some drinks together.”

MONET: “Even if I was going, I wouldn’t bring you. But by all means, try and get in on your own. Drunk bimbos who won’t get anything from this school but a future husband seem like YOUR people.”

THERESA, smiling with frustration: “It really hurts ye to be nice, doesn’t it?”

MONET: “No. I just prefer being honest.”

THERESA: “You must also love being alone then.”

Theresa walks away from an unphased Monet. Something else, however, is able to get a reaction out of her.

MONET: “What?!”

Monet approaches and pulls down a flyer promoting a lecture Roberto is giving at the school that night. The lecture is called: “Me, Myself, and I, featuring Roberto Da Costa: Building An Empire By Yourself”, and there’s a picture of him winking.

Monet, pissed, tears up the flyer.

On a highway in the middle of nowhere, Akihiro tears up the road on his motorcycle, bluetooth device in his ear.

AKIHIRO: “How are things going on your mission, my lady?”

SOFIA, sarcastically: “Awful. I just failed an English test.”

Akihiro laughs. And her friends?

SOFIA, laying on the beach: “Delighted to have me back. Confused that I’m dating your sister.”

We see Laura, uncomfortably happy, getting ice cream for them both at a nearby stand.

AKIHIRO: “You are wicked. If she knew the truth about you, she’d be honored.”

SOFIA, putting on a fake smile and switching to talking like her normal self as Laura brings her her ice cream: “She already is. Good luck with your mission.”

AKIHIRO: “I don’t need luck, my lady. I’ve been preparing for this my entire life.”

The music picks up and we see where he’s heading, as we momentarily cut to Logan drinking alone in a roadside bar.

In the Mission Room, Iceman arrives to find Emma and Cyclops waiting. What was so important? The Horsemen? Sinister? Dark Beast?

ICEMAN: “Oh god, please tell me it wasn’t Dark Beast.”

Scott tells him it, thankfully, isn’t anything too serious; there’s been enough of that lately. Emma fills him in on what’s happening: Over the last two weeks, her company has been robbed three times. Once from the corporate HQ, once from a domestic manufacturing facility, and once from an in-progress international shipment. In a normal month, her security is tight and competent enough to thwart any and all would-be thieves. Not only that, but at all three robberies, Mutant guards were present, and bested, and no sign that a thief was ever there was left behind. They don’t even remember anything.

EMMA: “And the strangest part? They haven’t stolen anything vital. Valuable, yes, but nothing irreplaceable or particularly damaging.”

Bobby gets from all that why she wouldn’t just take this to the cops, but is this really X-Men business? Emma counters that she can’t very well go after the ruffian mocking her with these robberies herself. That’s simply unprofessional. Cyclops volunteered, but she doesn’t want him working alone.

ICEMAN: “Alright, I guess I can help. Sounds like an inside job to me. Probably some disgruntled Mutant employee.”

EMMA: “Not possible. All of my employees are happy and well-compensated.”

ICEMAN: “You literally busted a strike three months ago.”

EMMA: “That is a slanderous description of what happened, and I will not stand for it.” Emma heads for the door. “Now, come along boys. The sooner we catch this annoyance, the sooner we can throw them in a hole.”

Bobby and Scott are left behind as she exits. Scott has a big grin on his face. Bobby is irritated.

SCOTT: “I love her.”

BOBBY: “And you’re why I don’t want a Frost into me.”

In a lecture hall at MIT, 23 year-old Roberto Da Costa is on stage sharing his life story with college students barely younger, or, in some cases, older than him. He’s clearly not taking this seriously, in full schemer mode as he walks around and speaks with a narcissistic swagger, and fluffing details of his past, such as saying he was the leader of the New Mutants, and that he was involved in his father’s business from a young age.

As Roberto goes on a brief tangent, speaking to the reasons he admired his father, and the reasons he needed to cut his own path, Monet enters, her sour sneer present. Roberto notices her almost immediately and quickly wiggles his fingers at her teasingly.

Monet, in a huff, tries to find a place to sit. She’s quietly called out to by a group of well-dressed black students, who mime an offer for her to sit with them, appearing friendly. There’s a mild but brief panic in Monet’s eyes as she turns away from them and finds a place to sit alone.

Roberto continues to speak about how, even among the enlightened minds sitting before him, there’s likely still a common thought: For all that he’s achieved, repeatedly helping to save the world, bringing back Da Costa International, to new heights even, and having hair most men can only dream of, wouldn’t he have been more successful if he wasn’t a Mutant?

ROBERTO: “But the truth is that I wouldn’t be nearly as successful if I wasn’t a Mutant. I may be a one-of-a-kind man, but I’m only the man I am because of my friends, my family, my community…” Roberto makes sure his eyes land on Monet. “My partners.” Monet rolls her eyes. “I am a Mutant and proud of it. And for any of you who are different or discriminated against in some way…” The screen behind Roberto displays footage of him at an outrageous and luxurious yacht party. “Make it your strength, and you can be as awesome as me!” The crowd applauds. Roberto whispers, “Well, almost as awesome.”

A short time later, as Roberto is taking off his makeup backstage, Monet approaches him from behind, and before he can get out two smarmy words, she tosses him against a wall.

MONET: “What the Hell are you doing here, Da Costa?”

In the bar, Logan asks the bartender if he has the time. The bartender asks him in turn if his phone is dead.

LOGAN: “Phone got eaten by the giants I was fighting before coming here.”

The bartender looks at him strangely, unsure if he’s making a joke.

On the street, we see a motorcycle racing down the road toward the bar.

Logan laughs, with the bartender awkwardly laughing with him.

LOGAN: “Yeah, I can never remember to keep that thing charged.”

BARTENDER: “Heh, I feel that.”

The motorcycle comes even closer.

BARTENDER: “You got anyone who can remind you? My wife’s always reminded me.”

LOGAN: “I look like the kinda guy with a wife?”

BARTENDER: “Don’t sell yourself short, guy.” Logan glares at him. “Err, sorry, I didn’t mean, um…”

The motorcycle has almost arrived.

LOGAN: “Don’t worry about it. Can I get a menu?”

BARTENDER: “Uhh, sure. Suddenly get hungry?”

LOGAN: “Something like that.”

The motorcycle parks out in front of the bar. Black boots step onto the ground.

LOGAN, looking at the menu: “Huh. Haven’t had python in a few decades.”

The door to the bar is opened and a bell rings, as sinister music plays…only for the music to turn triumphant as we pan up the person who’s just arrived. It isn’t Death; it’s Storm.

The bartender’s jaw drops at the sight of her, as he mumbles in confusion over what “a goddess like that” is doing here.

Storm comes right over to Logan, both happy to see one another, as she greets him and apologizes for being late. Logan reminds her he likes being alone.

STORM: “Please, Logan. None of us have believed that in years.”

She then kisses him on the lips before sitting down.

LOGAN, holding Ororo’s hand, the bartender frozen in shock: “Think we could get another menu?”

Jaw still on the floor, the bartender ever so slightly nods.

We cut to a port, where Cyclops and Iceman are on a Frost International freighter, with Scott explaining his plan to catch the thief. The thief has specifically been targeting specific locations at specific locations where Mutant guards were posted. Tonight, Emma has taken all her employed Mutant security off the schedule and put the two of them on it. Additionally, she’s anonymously leaked to New York’s criminal underworld what valuables are hidden on this shipment.

CYCLOPS, eating yogurt with a smile on his face: “From what we know about the thief, they won’t be able to resist the chance to show up two X-Men and steal them. And even if we aren’t prepared for their abilities, Emma’s just a mile away. Far enough to not be on the thief’s radar, but close enough to get a psychic lock on them.”

ICEMAN, casually using his powers to make an ice conveyor belt to help the deckhands move heavy cargo around: “Not a bad plan. You know you’ve been smiling a lot lately, right?”

CYCLOPS, yogurt in his mouth: “So?”

ICEMAN: “So, now that you’ve actually learned how to chill, the next time we get into some time travel nonsense and probably meet you and Emma’s daughter from a post-apocalyptic future, I want you to go tell your teen self to not ride my ass so much.”

CYCLOPS: “I dunno. I think you turned out pretty okay.”

ICEMAN, dusting off his hands as he finishes helping the crewmen: “I spent a year couch surfing and my entire life burying my trauma in denial of my real identity.”

CYCLOPS: “Yeah. So you’ve done about as well as the rest of us.”

ICEMAN, with a pained smile: “Jean’s gone and Warren’s dead. Only three of “us” left.”

Scott’s smile fades and he apologizes for them not really having talked about this or having found time to mourn. The two of them should call Hank and do something.

SCOTT: “Maybe Ororo even put in a good word so he won’t hate me.”

Bobby quietly laughs. Maybe.

Scott asks if there’s something else on his mind. Bobby opens his mouth to answer but chooses to just tell Scott it’s nothing. He’s just been thinking about some stuff is all. Scott knows not to push and accepts this.

A mile away in a restaurant, however, Emma taps her finger against her chin, listening in to their conversation and clearly wanting him to talk.

Back at MIT, Monet and Roberto walk through the halls of the building where Roberto was giving his speech, Roberto winking and blowing kisses at all the girls they pass by who are clearly into him.

Monet tells him she let him finish cleaning up like he requested. Now he needs to tell her why he’s here.

MONET, telepathically: “Aren’t our communications meant to be secret?”

BETO: “It would be a lot easier to keep them that way if your telepathy was strong enough for long distance.”

MONET: “YOU do not get to talk to me about power.”

Roberto faux-innocently raises his hands. He tells her he’s here because they need to discuss further investments. Da Costa International has grown fast - too fast. Without a massive influx of capital soon, it’s all going to fall apart.

ROBERTO: “Call me naive for not planning ahead for this, but it’s not as if I’ve done this before.”

He doesn’t expect another investment from Monet though. He just wants her to help him find new investors. Preferably ones with “certain ties” to their community.

MONET: “I thought that part of your plan was a poor joke.”

ROBERTO: “We’re preparing for desperate times. That means desperate measures.”

Monet sighs. She’ll see what she can do. Is that all?

Roberto cheerfully steps in front of Monet and tells her there’s actually one more thing they need to discuss.

MONET: “And what is that?”

ROBERTO, smirking flirtatiously: “Where I’m taking you for dinner tonight.”

Monet is surprised for a second, before smirking flirtatiously back at him. Roberto starts listing off possibilities, with Monet only chiming in to agree with how great each option sounds…only Roberto snaps back to reality to see he’s talking to himself, with people staring at him like he’s crazy.

ROBERTO, awkwardly scratching the back of his head: ‘Ha ha. I’m just…um…practicing method acting?”

Outside, Monet walks away from the building, smirking to herself.

MONET: “How is that for weak telepathy? Ha ha. Good one, Monet.”

At the bar, Logan and Ororo are sharing beers. Ororo has spent the last few weeks in England with Betsy, Rachel, and their family, wanting to look after Betsy in light of the years she and Warren had been together. Betsy insisted she was fine after the first couple days, but Storm stayed anyway. The others ended up dropping by too: Kurt, Pitor, Hank, Rogue and Remy. Lots of drinking, lots of stories, lots of laughs and tears. There was even a half-serious betting pool on how long it would take for Warren to come back. It was nice. Logan should have joined them.

Logan admits that does sound pretty good, but he’s been working. Slim’s been having him work on trying to track down the monsters responsible for this. He’s got Madrox and his team working on this too, but so far they haven’t gotten anywhere.

Logan also admits that he can’t help but wonder how things would be if the two of them had been runnings things like old times. From the start. Genosha and the Morlocks could maybe have been saved, the Horseman could have already been stopped…he still trusts Cyclops, against his better judgment, but…

ORORO: “But there is a reason I once ousted him.”

Logan nods and drinks. Plus, he’s done a good job with Laura, but things outside her control have messed her up more than ever. He should be there for her. Ororo doesn’t think he needs to worry there, for now at least. Kitty has been sending her pictures and giving her updates as always, and she seems very happy with her new girlfriend.

LOGAN: *Growls in protective dad* “Something about this whole Wind Dancer story doesn’t smell right.”

ORORO: “Her story is no more strange, nor a miracle, than my own. The truth will be revealed in time. For now, be happy for Laura. Sofia is a good girl - an X-Man. And she’s wanted this for a long time.”

Logan just growls again. Ororo, giggling, wraps her hand around Logan. Logan puts his beer down and takes her hand in his.

LOGAN: “You’ve been taking care of everyone else, like always. You remembering to take care of yourself?”

Ororo nods. As we see flashes of their dead bodies, Ororo speaks about how she cannot sleep without seeing the Morlocks. She was the leader of the most vulnerable Mutants, the ones most in need of protection, and she failed them. Not even by those who hate and fear mutants, but by the cruelest among them, who they are right to fear.

STORM: “Were the storms still mine to command, I would find Exodus myself and make him suffer a thousand fold for each and every death.”

LOGAN: “As if you need your powers to kick that bub’s ass.” Ororo dons a flattered smile as Logan looks as her lovingly. “You can take him, Magneto’s gonna want Pestillence, and I’ll take the head of whoever’s running this sick show now.”

Logan spins around, stands up, and catches a knife that was about to go through his head. Ororo also leaps to her feet, drawing her new weapons, Callisto’s knives, as the scared bartender hides behind the bar.

Akihiro, dressed like the other bar patrons, with a cowboy hat concealing his eyes, stands up from the table he’s been sitting at in the background this whole time.

AKIHIRO: “That…is something I will never allow to happen.”

Akihiro dramatically tosses his cowboy hat aside as he turns blue.

LOGAN, sneering: “Unless Apocalypse recruited more than one Japanese man with a bad haircut, I’m guessing you’re Death.”

AKIHIRO, grinning: “If you know that about me, then you know who else I am.”

LOGAN: “I know you say you’re my kid.” Logan drops the knife and pulls out his claws. “And I don’t care.”

AKIHIRO: “I wouldn’t have expected anything else.”

Akihiro pulls out his own claws as the two men stare each other down. This goes on until they, plus Ororo, rush toward each other.

At night on the freighter, Scott is eating dinner with the deckhands. They’d like to hear some X-Men stories, or maybe some embarrassing things about Ms. Frost, but he’s only interested in eagerly talking their ears off about the connections between the histories of nautical and aeronautical development.

DECKHAND #1, whispering as Scott rambles: “I’m so bored.”

DECKHAND #2: “We all are, but I’m not gonna be the idiot to disrespect the boss’s man. Just smile and nod.”

Outside, Iceman stands on a pillar of ice on the ocean.

EMMA, telepathically: “Robert?”

BOBBY, annoyed: “In the middle of keeping an eye out for YOUR thief.”

EMMA, seated in a theater: “Then I’ll keep this brief. What’s troubling you?”

Bobby, over-aggressively, insists there’s nothing wrong with him, but Emma reminds him of the obvious that he shouldn’t be lying to a telepath. Ever since his battle with Exodus, being around his mind has put butterflies in her stomach.

Bobby aggressively brings up that “maybe” it has something to do with his best friend and the Morlocks being killed, but Emma counters that they’ve *all* been dealing with those losses; this is something else. Iceman mutters in frustration that he knows she won’t let this go. He explains he’s been thinking about his new identity, even reading about it.

EMMA: “You? Reading?”

BOBBY: “I did go to college, Emma.”

EMMA: “So do liberal arts majors. Continue.”

Iceman brings up how he was just at the school’s SGA, but, like, why do they need one of those? Why does a school dedicated to protecting a minority need a “safe space” for its minority members? Why don’t they feel safe with everyone else?

ICEMAN: “We’re all Mutants. We should all share the same fights. But we don’t.”

Emma acknowledges she’s no expert in this regard either, and only went along with the club’s formation because Karma and Northstar wanted to start it, but if he wants to do more research and suggest changes they can implement to make their queer students feel more safe, the headmasters would of course be happy to listen to him. Bobby thanks her, but doesn’t seem too pleased with that response. He doesn’t think that’s enough.

Before the conversation continues, Iceman is called out to by a gravely voice.

Iceman turns around and sees a big, bald, stereotypical tough guy having flown up to him on jet boots. He smirks confidently.

ICEMAN: “Emma, I think I’ve got our thief.”

EMMA: “I see him, but I can’t get in his mind. I also can’t imagine my security being bested so easily by this neanderthal. Watch yourself.”

Bobby laughs that off. He beat Exodus, and he’s been asking Erik to spar with him. This guy’s gonna regret approaching him like this.

We cut back to the inside of the ship, where the deckhands all laugh at a dad pun from Scott. One of the deckhands from before says to his friend that they deserve extra pay for keeping this guy happy, before he, Cyclops, and the others, are all frozen. Once again, we hear pre-pubescent laughter.

Shortly later, Iceman wakes up on the floor, seeing the others having been frozen, and confused by what happened.

EMMA, standing up and heading out of the theater, frustrated: “You lost, Robert. And I don’t have the faintest idea how…but I will.”

On the quad at MIT at sunset, Monet quickly paces as she speaks on the phone, agreeing to certain things and telling the person she’s speaking to “No” about other matters. Monet eventually smiles as she tells the person she’s speaking to that that should cover everything; she looks forward to working with them.

As she smugly hangs up, Theresa comes racing up to her from behind, calling out her name, and asking her to wait up.

MONET: “You can fly, Siryn.”

THERESA: “Yes, but I try not to here. What are you in such a rush for? Not like you have anywhere to be.”

MONET: “I’m Monet St. Croix. I don’t do anything slow. What do you want?”

Theresa asks Monet if she’s going to the party. Monet asks her if she hit her head or if there just isn’t much in it; they already had this conversation.

THERESA, ready to rip Monet’s head off if she could: “Not the Alpha Phi party. Sunspot’s party!”

Monet’s eye twitches.

MONET: “His what?”

Theresa explains that Beto booked out a trendy new club near campus and all the students are invited. He had her send out a blast on the school’s socials, but she knows Monet isn’t on any of those. He’s plugging it as a mixer where soon-to-be-grads can speak to him directly about job opportunities.

Monet is more than a little peeved by him pulling a stunt like this when they’re supposedly in need of money but hides her contempt behind a stoic facade. She has two questions for Theresa: Why is she helping Beto, and why is she talking to her?

SIRYN: “Don’t you know? Sunspot and I go way back. X-Force back. And I’m talking to you…” Siryn leans forward and whispers into M’s here. “Because he wants his partner helping him spot potential.”

Monet’s eyes widen as Theresa steps back, smirking.

MONET, mouth slightly opened, telepathically: “You work for him.”

THERESA: “Technically, I work for both of you. Now come on! Let’s go get changed. Maybe you’ll be forced to make a friend.”

Theresa walks off. Monet seems angry, but once Theresa is out of sight, her expression turns somber.

At the bar, as the bartender and a few patrons cower in fear, Logan and Storm fight Death. Unlike Laura, both X-Men are more than capable of keeping up with the Horseman, the two fighting in perfect unison, Logan blocking all of Akihiro’s strikes, even if that means using his body as a shield so that Storm can slash him with her knives and, eventually, kick him back into a table.

Akihiro laughs. Guess he can’t play around with his food too much this time. He retracts his claws and coughs the Muramasa blade up, the sword flying out of his mouth as he catches the handle in his hand. As he does this, both his and Logan’s wounds heal. Logan flinches at the sight of Death’s healing factor.

AKIHIRO: “Ready to believe me…Father?”

With Logan uncertain of what’s going on, Storm makes the next move before Death can. Faced off against his large blade with only knives, Storm moves with the grace of a dancer as she parries and dodges, seeking an opening.

AKIHIRO: “Lady Akabba would be more than happy to return your weapon if you’d only kneel before her.”

STORM: “I kneel to no one.”

Storm manages to stab Akihiro in the heart. Logan jumps back in by feinting a punch, before kicking up a barstool and smacking Akihiro across the face with it. While Aki is hurt and falls over, he is able to slash Logan across the chest in retaliation.

Logan bends over from the pain as blood gushes out. Aki snickers.

AKIHIRO: “My sword, Muramasa, is no ordinary blade. If I so will it, it can kill anything. Even your Mutation cannot save you from it.” Storm comes to Logan’s side to check on him, as it becomes clear their current strategy isn’t getting them anywhere. “You know I get Sister not being interested in me. But do you really not care?” He sneers. “I suppose you care as little about me as you did about Itsu.”

The mention of that name appears to hurt Logan more than the gaping wound in him. Storm is just confused. Who is Itsu?

AKIHIRO: “Of course he wouldn’t mention her.” Aki stabs Muramasa in the floor and leans on it. “Maybe after you hear my story, goddess, you’ll realize you’re not standing among heroes.”

Logan and Storm brace for whatever he’s about to say.

In Emma’s car, she, Scott, and Bobby sit together in the back, embarrassed over their humiliating failure. Scott is being forced to sit away from the others because he’s still getting warmed up after being put on ice, and he’s sneezing frequently; Emma loves him, but not enough to tolerate sitting next to that.

All three X-Men are confused. Bobby has no memory of what happened, all Scott saw was Iceman freezing him, and for Emma, one second she was clearly in Bobby’s mind, the next it was all fuzzy.

ICEMAN: “I’m not saying I WANT a Horseman behind this, but it’d make it a lot less embarrassing than some two-bit thief.”

Emma thinks that while they shouldn’t be assuming anything like that, they were clearly overconfident. They won’t fall prey to that trap again.

EMMA: “Which I why the next move is to make ourselves the predators.”

She wasn’t able to get a mental lock on the thief they encountered, or see into their mind, initially, but she was able to once Iceman attacked Cyclops, and that was just a powerless human. While that may scream possession, if this was someone with abilities similar to Malice, but without the restriction of needing to be accepted in, the thief could have gone straight for her.

To dig further, she’s, as gently as possible, cut his mind open with a scalpel to look for any mental residue of what was done to him. And it wasn’t much, but she got something. Just the slightest taste of the mind behind all of this. And from that, although she can’t pinpoint the exact person, she has their location Right now, they’re seemingly back home at a cheap apartment complex in Astoria.

EMMA: “No doubt yucking it up at our expense while trying to find a buyer.”

And only one person there has psychic defenses. So, that’s where they’re going now.

SCOTT, sneezing: “If they’re just poor and desperate, maybe there’s a better way to handle this than a fight. You said yourself they’ve been deliberately stealing non-critical targets, and they’re probably a Mutant.”

EMMA: “It’s about the disrespect. This thief has a bone to pick with me, and I intend to find out why, and punish them appropriately. In any case, in your condition, I wasn’t going to ask you to work anyway.”

BOBBY: “No, you save that for the unions.”

EMMA, more offended than she lets on: “Listen you.”

Bobby laughs and tells them both not to worry. Get him to the apartment, point him to whoever’s got defenses, and he’ll decide if this is a mess to be cleaned up or if there’s a bad guy to beat. Emma and Scott both conceed this is fine.

We cut to a club in Cambridge, where a loud party is raging with hundreds of attendees. Roberto is DJing, wearing exceptionally douchy sunglasses indoors, with multiple girls hanging off him.

Monet and Theresa enter, both dressed to party, but while Theresa is excited by the turnout, and ready to have some fun since her work here is done, Monet is immediately uncomfortable. She moves forward slowly and hesitantly, with small steps and her arms held close to her body, as the lights, music, and people all bother her, something her face struggles to hide.

Monet, struggling to find a place on the dance floor where she isn’t being bumped into, just flies over to a wall.

MONET, telepathically: “I am never helping you again.”

ROBERTO, telepathically: “What? Don’t like the party? Or is this about Siryn? It’s not like I planted her. She just happened to be where I needed her.”

MONET: “Do not play. Why are you messing with me?”

ROBERTO: “I’m not messing with you. But I do like playing.”

We cut to Roberto, making out with one of the girls from before.

ROBERTO: “Hate me all you want, but don’t punish the baby. Now help me find candidates. I’m very busy with a particularly promising one as is.”

Monet rolls her eyes and forces herself back into the crowd with the riff raff. Roberto meanwhile asks the girl he’s making out with for her name.

With flashback visuals shown, Akihiro tells Storm and Logan his story. As a baby, he was left on the doorstep of a kind couple, one who couldn’t have kids of their own, in a small village in Japan. Growing up, he didn’t know who his parents were, his adoptive parents were the only ones he needed, but he did curse whichever one of them was a foreigner. The clear mixed nature of his birth made him an outcast, disregarded by the adults, and tormented constantly by his peers.

AKIHIRO: “Daken, they’d call me.”

He was insulted. He was beaten. His only comfort was that his parents loved him. But he didn’t even truly have that.

AKIHIRO: “I have more weapons than just those I inherited from you, Father.” Logan and Storm gasp as they turn their claws and knives on each other, slightly cutting each other’s necks. “Pheremones. They can make you do crazy things. They make you putty in my hand. And no mental defenses can help you.”

Unfortunately, as a child, he didn’t have control over this power. And, as he overheard one night, his father had put together that he and his mother only loved him when he was around.

AKIHIRO: “I believe I handled the situation from there well. I killed my father, was banished from the village that hated me so, and when my mother chased after me to assure me she loved me, I killed her too. Not too poor emotional maturity for a nine year old.”

Logan and Storm try to open their mouths to say something, but all they can do under Akihiro’s pheremones is grit their teeth, pant, and wait.

Aki explains that he wandered for a bit after that. He’d found his claws when he killed his mother, and it didn’t take too much longer to figure out the pheremones, at least the basics, and with him being the unacceptable mongrel he was, it only made sense to use these weapons to keep killing. He took assasination work where he could find it, training on his own to better use his weapons, and at age 12, he was recruited by The Hand.

AKIHIRO: “That didn’t last too long though. After only a few months, I was “Purchased”. By a man named Romulus.”

Logan tries to scream, but he still can’t open his mouth. Akihiro laughs. Yes, they do know each other, don’t they?

AKIHIRO: “Ogun too, right? He wasn’t around all that often, but he did help Romulus forge this…soulful blade.”

Logan is able to start shaking his body just a little in rage.

Romulus…was a bastard. He never knew much about him, other than he was powerful enough that the world’s deadliest assassins feared his name, and he rarely spoke to him. Romulus spoke to HIM plenty though. Reminding him what a monster he was as he trained him day and night. Akihiro had thought he’d become strong, even among the Hand, he’d trained and worked alongside elites, but Romulus put him in his place. He beat him, not fought him, and when he got up, Romulus would beat him back down.

AKIHIRO: “An endless, vicious cycle of suffering. One I was welcome to leave at any time. But one thing drove me to stay: the truth. The truth that you, Father, had killed my mother and abandoned me.”

LOGAN: “That’s not!--”

Is all Logan is able to get out against the effects of the pheremones. Akihiro tells him to spare him; he won’t fall for his lies. Not when he has another, far wiser, source.

We cut to a spacious, two-bedroom apartment. It isn’t a great place, but it’s been refurbished, and has clearly been decorated by a kid, with big, bright colors, video game and anime merch all over the place, and a big sound system. There’s also assorted, partially-dismantled weapons and tech all over the place.

The sound of a first person shooter being played is heard as we pan across the apartment. Finally, we see the thief, an average sized, brown-haired 14 year-old, seated on the couch playing video games in an oversized Dazzler nightshirt, eating chips. Notably for comic fans, they DON’T look like anyone from the comics. They call out for “Morgan” to come back them up. They’re getting killed out here!

“You have been antagonizing a former supervillain, so you really should be prepared for that.”

“Huh?!”

Condensation on the thief’s mountain dew bottle leaps off the surface and forms into Iceman, who immediately freezes them up to their head.

ICEMAN: “Soooo, you’re a kid. I lost to a kid. Surge and Hellion are gonna love that one. How about you cut me a break and make this easy by telling me what’s going on.”

The thief’s face cycles through various expressions of fear and excitement, until they sneer.

THIEF: “Dude…I think you just broke my stuff..”

In a flash, the thief and Bobby switch places. Bobby, in his human form, is trapped in a block of ice and put in a daze. The thief meanwhile stands where Iceman was just a moment ago, now in their own ice form.

THIEF: “Oh, this is SO cool! Pun DEFINITELY intended!”

The thief hums that if Iceman is here, then Cyclops and Emma Frost are probably close by too.

THIEF: “I should go say hi.” The thief enthusiastically conjures some snowballs and pelts Bobby in the face with them. “After I have some fun.”

The thief heads out the window, thinking they should go show these powers to Morgan and let him know they’re okay, since that jerk broke their phone and headset.

THIEF: “What kinda superhero doesn’t respect someone’s personal property?”

They make an icebridge in midair, having fun riding it around like a slip and slide as they build more and more of it. They make a note to themselves that this would make a great VR game.

The fun doesn’t last too long, however, as they’re blasted out of the sky by Cyclops’ optic beams, falling and being caught by Emma, via telekinesis. They’re dragged over through the air to Emma and a wrapped up Scott, panicking that “I’m not ready yet!”.

EMMA: “No.”

Sensing that the kid is about to use their powers again, now right in front of them, Emma is able to hit their mind with a blunt force she doesn’t usually like using to stop them from using their powers.

THIEF: “Ugggh. I don’t feel so good.”

Emma tells the thief she doesn’t like hurting children, but this one clearly sees her as an enemy.

EMMA: “You have been an irritating thorn in my side for long enough, but that ends tonight. I do not care if your parent is a disgruntled former employee of mine, if you're Shaw’s method of exacting mild revenge, or if you’re just a thrillseeker who wrongfully believed I made an easy target. I just want to know who you are before I decide what consequences await you.”

The thief’s face is filled with terror, but only for a moment, before the brightest smile and widest eyes take its place.

THIEF: “I…am your biggest fan.”

SCOTT & EMMA: “HUH?!”

Back at the party, Roberto has taken to the dance floor and is showing off to the students, moving with the grace of a ballerina. Some of the kids are into it and the kind of “cool boss” they want, while others find him cringe and are just playing along.

As he gets off the dance floor, he’s approached by Theresa who asks him where that came from.

ROBERTO: “Three years of Ms. Hunter’s ballet classes paid off.”

THERESA: “Who?”

ROBERTO: “Before your time.”

The two grunt twice, puffing out their chests, make X’s with their arms and shout, “X-FORCE!”

The two laugh over their old chant.

THERESA: “Why DID Cable have us doing that? And where even is the old guy these days?”

ROBERTO: ‘Both very good questions that I do not have answers to.”

As Roberto grabs a drink, he thanks Theresa for her help tonight. Theresa tells him not to mention it. If it were anyone else, she’d feel a little bad about messing with someone like this, but also…it’s Monet.

THERESA: “What’s all this about anyway?”

Roberto just flashes a smile. Theresa, annoyed, just nods and accepts that one.

THERESA: “I’m taking your word for it that you’re still one of the good guys. Please don’t let me down.”

ROBERTO, taking her hands: “Theresa Cassaday, I promise that I am just as much a hero as ever.”

Theresa seems won over, saying she knows. Now, why doesn’t he try teaching her to dance like him?

ROBERTO: “Sure thing. But don’t blame me if you end up looking more like Sam.”

We flashback to the past for the conclusion to Akihiro’s story, where an 18 year-old Aki is sparring Romulus, on the bookfoot, but after six years of training, managing to hold his own against the ancient master. At least until Romulus runs him through with a sword and breaks his neck.

ROMULUS: “Tt. Look at you. All that passion. All that natural potential. And still…just…Daken.”

Akihiro snaps his neck back into place and demands that he not be called that. Romulus responds by questioning why he’d prefer the name given to him by parents who hated him. Daken is who he is. Daken is what he is.

ROMULUS: “But perhaps that’s why you’re still not ready to face Logan.”

Akihiro gets up, claws out, and moves in to strike Romulus. Romulus is prepared to counter, when a wave of energy crashes through the house they’re in, annhilating Romulus, while avoiding Akihiro.

Akihiro stands stunned in silence at the death of the only man he’s known for a third of his life. Through the smoke, enters Apocalypse. Aki stands ready to fight, but he’s also smart enough to still be clearly afraid of the guy who just did THAT.

AKIHIRO: “Who are you? Why did you kill my master?!”

Apocalypse says nothing as he slowly marches toward him. Aki tries using his pheremones, but they have no effect on the modified External. Eventually, Apocalypse reaches him.

APOCALYPSE: “Because, son of Wolverine, you deserve better.”

Akihiro is confused as Apocalypse puts a hand on his shoulder. Apocalypse tells him who he is, and what he seeks. He then tells him that there are more Mutants walking the Earth today than there have been in thousands of years. It should be the duty of the few elders to properly nurture and educate the strong among the youthful masses. And yet, be it pacifist fools like Charles Xavier, or thuggish brutes like Romulus, each and every one is a failure.

APOCALYPSE: “You seek strength. You require guidance. In exchange for your loyalty, I can grant you both. When we are done, you will have the power to end your father’s life. And the world will be ours.”

A nervous Akihiro tells Apocalypse he has no idea what he’s talking about, but strong as he is, Romulus was right about him. Everyone in his life has been right. Apocalypse should look elsewhere.

Apocalypse laughs. He still values the opinions of humans? Of the dead? He still stands, he still lives, he is strong. Apocalypse does not make mistakes.

APOCALYPSE: “You are not Daken. But you can be something new.”

AKIHIRO: “And what’s that?”

APOCALYPSE, grinning: “What you are the best at.”

After another moment of trepidation, Akihiro smirks and shakes Apocalypse’s hand.

In the present, Akihiro somberly laments his life. Abandoned, betrayed, sold, tortured. Only to finally be given a home. A place where he was safe, and happy, and made stronger than ever. They may not recognize him as family anymore than Logan, but in all the ways that matter, he finally had a true father. And a true sister.

Akihiro cackles, perking back up to his normal self. He just LOVES the shock and pain in Logan’s eyes right now, as if he’s even capable of guilt. Or maybe he is! Still far, far too late.

AKIHIRO: “The only thing I still want to know is why. Why did you kill my mother?”

LOGAN, his jaw free to speak: “I’m sorry.” Akihiro scoffs. “No, not for killing her. Because I can tell you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I didn’t.”

Akihiro growls and rushes to decapitate Logan with Muramasa, the blade shining, but he’s shocked as Logan catches the blade in his claws.

AKIHIRO: “What?!”

LOGAN: “Every cell in our bodies can regenerate. I’m guessing neither of the bubs who raised you taught you to do it on command. And they’re regenerating faster than the pheremones can reach them.”

Logan sends Akihiro flying with a right-hook. WIth him knocked to the floor and distracted, Storm is able to regain control of herself as well.

STORM, impressed: “When did YOU learn how to do that?”

LOGAN: “I’ll introduce you to the guy that taught me if you can put up with lots of bad jokes.”

The two don’t have any longer to talk, as one of the bar patrons runs up to them as is nearly killed by their claws and knives. The two are able to avoid him, but the bartender and all the other patrons have stood up, and are ready to try the same thing.

Akihiro, controlling them all, says this isn’t over yet.

Back in New York, a confused Emma asks the thief to elaborate.

The thief laughs nervously. They can't believe this is really happening. Just one sec!

In another flash, Bobby appears in front of Scott and Emma, the thief gone. He's disoriented and a little woozy.

A moment later, the thief comes flying out of the apartment on jet boots, landing in front of the three X-Men.

THIEF: “Okay, so, my name is Escapade. Aaand, I have looked up to you for so long. I'm a Mutant, obviously, but I'm also a thief. A pretty dang good one for a kid, I'd say. And I thought, since you used to be a supervillain, and I'm kinda a supervillain, I could impress you by stealing from you. You know, showing that I'm better than everyone you employ…and two of the coolest X-Men, apparently! Like, I totally owned them both!” Escapade cringes. “Did it work?”

Emma takes a moment to respond as she sneers.

EMMA: “Leaving aside the numerous questions we still have, while I can commend your taste, your actions reek of arrogance, desperation, and a lack of foresight. I'm afraid, young man, that I still have no choice but to–”

ESCAPADE: “Young lady.”

EMMA: “Hmm?”

ESCAPADE: “You said “young man.” My real name is Shela Sexton. I'm a girl.”

The gears turn in Emma’s mind and her eyes light up, as a grin spreads across her face.

EMMA, with a complete change in tone: “Well, I suppose I can hardly fault an ambitious young woman for being a little rash, especially one with the talent you've shown.”

BOBBY: “Is she serious right now?”

SCOTT, smiling knowingly: “Oh yeah.”

SHELA: “ohmygodEmmaFrostcalledmetalented.”

EMMA: “Very. Now, why don't we take this conversation somewhere a bit nicer so we can learn all about you and your abilities, Escapade?”

SHELA: “Yes! Yes, of course!”

BOBBY: “I don't get it. Does she hate men that much, or does she just really support women?”

SCOTT, holding back laughter: “Keep guessing.”

Emma reaches out a hand to Shela. Shela, excited but nervous, takes it, as they all get into Emma’s car.

Back at the party, Monet takes in everyone laughing and drinking and having fun, and anxiously tries to decide who she should approach - and how.

Monet turns around and finds one of the young men who’d tried getting her to sit with his friends earlier in the day. He tells her she isn’t an easy person to talk to. Not on social media, almost never going to campus events, always running back to her room after class.

GUY: “Why hide such a pretty face?”

Monet weakens and softens a little, clearly attracted,

MONET: “I…don’t.”

GUY: “Huh?”

MONET, shaking her head: “Never mind.”

The guy takes the awkwardness in stride, and asks her if she’d like to come hang out with him and his friends. They’ve heard the stories, and they want to know how many of them are true.

MONET: “If they’re tales of my successes, they’re true. If no, I assure you they’re falsehoods.”

The guy laughs loving that confidence. Monet seems to get a little more confident, as she says she’d love to join them. She’s actually working for Roberto and is helping him scout new employees - is that something they’d be interested in?

The guy remains polite, but is a little offput. They’re really just here for the drinks and to have a good time, not the job opportunities. He’s actually planning on starting his own startup next year. Get around having to work for guys like Da Costa. Monet asks him what he means, with the guy quick to list off the many crimes and scandals of Emmanuel Da Costa.

Monet raises an eyebrow, and says that while Roberto is a pompous, arrogant, disrespectful idiot with delusions of grandeur, he isn’t his father. The guy tells her she doesn’t need to defend her boss, there’s not judgement here for taking the job. These people are the same.

MONET: “These people?”

GUY: “You know what I’m talking about.”

MONET: “It sounds like you’re talking about me.”

GUY: “I didn’t mean it that–”

MONET: “I’m sorry that I don’t drink, because I would love to throw one in your face right now. I’ll just have to settle for this.”

Monet’s eyes glow red, and she makes the guy telepathically imagine he’s having a drink thrown in his face.

Monet stomps off, muttering to herself how this happens, “every time”, and approaches the bar.

MONET: “You. Do you have any apples? I need something to crunch on.”

BARTENDER, surprised: “Actually, yes. We don’t usually, but a whole bag of them was left in the kitchen and we–”

MONET, intensely: “Get me one.”

The bartender holds his hands up defensively, and walks off to the kitchen. Monet taps her foot as she sets her eyes on a group of bombshell Alpha Phi girls, sitting together and skipping their own party in favor of this one. After getting her apple and taking a bite, she braces herself, and forces herself to don an awkward smile, Monet walks up to them.

Monet, doing her best attempt at what she thinks sorority girls talk like, gives a weak, fake compliment of their near identical blonde, straight hair, and informs them that she’s been asked to help Mr. Da Costa pick out applicants, already working for him.

MONET: “Would any of you…bitches?...be interested?”

There’s an awkward pause, before the sorority girls all start laughing.

SORORITY: “We are definitely interested, but, like…who are you?”

Monet introduces herself, giving her full name, and tries to continue pitching, only to be cut off by the girls as they all start mimicking her accent, incorrectly pronouncing her last name, and trying to guess how it’s spelled.

Monet clenches her fist in frustration at this, as teeny, tiny red spikes come out of her hand. Taking a breath, and forcing herself to keep smiling, she retracts the spikes, as the girls apologize for interrupting and ask her to continue.

MONET: “Actually…I believe I’ve seen enough.”

Monet stomps off, once again, but the spikes start coming back out as frustration and stress overwhelm Monet. Seething, she superspeeds over to Roberto, who’s in the middle of teaching Theresa to dance, and shoves him to the floor. She’s done here. And with him.

Monet superspeeds off, tears in her eyes, as Roberto gets up and apologizes to Theresa; he’s going to have to cut this party short.

Back at the bar, Logan and Death fight one-on-one. Despite Akihiro weilding the Muramasa blade, and Logan already being severely injured, Logan still has the upper hand.

Meanwhile, Storm is attacked by the pheromone-controlled bartender and patrons, all of whom chant, “Kill Me”, with Ororo forced to fight defensively to avoid hurting, or killing, any of them.

Akihiro gives a brief monologue, echoing Apocalypse’s words to him, about who the real Mutants trying to save the world are. Because it isn’t the X-Men. Who are they? The weak, the compromising, the unfaithful, the unholy, the manipulated children, and those who stand atop humanity’s own institutions, infected by their corruption. Only Lady Akabba understands what is best for their people!

STORM, knocking out a man as painlessly as she can: “I said I do not kneel. Did I stutter?”

Logan tells Akihiro that he isn’t going to explain himself; just from what Aki’s said, he can see, he can feel, how poisoned his mind has been.

LOGAN: “What I can do is say I’m sorry for letting this happen. And promise you I’ll get you out of this.”

Logan talking down to him only pushes Akihiro over the edge, screaming and swinging at him wildly. Storm, in the process of dodging broken beer bottles, bar stools, and a pool cue, wants to jump in, but Logan tells her there’s no need.

AKIHIRO, attacking: “No need? No need?! How dare you! I am Death! Hand elite! Apprentice of Romulus! Horseman of Apocalypse!”

Logan catches Akihiro’s sword in his hand, even as it slices it wide open.

LOGAN, to a shocked Death: “Yeah, I’ve been trained by some of those guys too.” Logan hits Akihiro across the face with a right hook, sending him flying back into a wall. He slumps over on the floor. “And I’m a lot older than you.”

The brainwashed men all fall over unconscious, as Storm catches her breath and approaches Logan.

STORM: “Not a terrible workout. How much of what he said was true?”

LOGAN: “Enough. He is mine.”

Akihiro pants, struggling to pick himself back up.

AKIHIRO: “No…not…YOURS!”

Akihiro’s eyes glow and, in an instant, Logan is reduced to a pile of dust. Storm freaks out, launching her knives at Death, but he knocks them aside with his sword.

AKIHIRO, with venom: “Don’t worry. He’s still alive. He can heal from that. I have.” He points Muramasa at Storm. “When he wakes up, tell him I’ll be waiting for a rematch.”

Storm cannot do anything but glare as Akihiro runs off, and the dust slowly starts clumping together.

We cut to a fancy restaurant, where Emma, Scott, Bobby, and Shela are all seated, dressed appropriately. Shela bounces in her seat with excitement, fawning over the dress Emma got for her.

SHELA, nervously shrinking as she notices people looking at her: “I think people are staring.”

EMMA: “Darling, you’re with me; of course they’re staring.”

Shela giggles.

The teachers prompt Shela to tell them her story while they look over the menu, which Shela agrees to do. Shela explains how she was a pretty normal kid growing up, and then when she was 5, she turned out to be a Mutant. It took her a few years to understand what her powers actually were though. She can “Swap Circumstances” with people. Location, powers, knowledge, skills, you name it. She even assumes your “position” in the world, while whoever she swapped with is left in a daze, powerless. Plus, as a side effect from how much she’s used the power, her mind’s pretty cluttered, so most telepaths can’t really touch her.

BOBBY: “That’s…insane.”

SCOTT: “Says the man who can freeze time.”

BOBBY: “You need to stop being quippy right now because it’s really starting to bug me.”

Emma is enthused by the potential of Shela’s abilities, and questions why she bothers with all the technology - and where she obtained it. Shela scratches the back of her head and admits her power has a lot of restrictions. Can’t swap with more than two people at once, there’s a limit on each swap, she has to be within pretty close range to swap with someone,

SHELA: “Plus, I wouldn’t call myself an expert with it. Taken a lot of practice to get as good as I am. Soooo, I use the villain tech I steal. Mutants aren’t the only game in town, and there are tons of buyers for this stuff. It’s win-win.”

Cyclops can’t say he approves of her lifestyle, but he isn’t about to judge considering the one big, remaining question: Who IS she?

Shela sighs. When she came out as a Mutant, her parents were totally cool with it. They’re actually big fans of Dazzler. Life went on. Then when she was 12, she realized she was Shela. Her parents didn’t accept that. Emma and Bobby’s faces fall, all too familiar with this tale. Shela goes on to say that, after she was kicked out of her house, she was on the street for a bit until she was found by an awesome woman named Jessie who got her into a support group she ran for other trans Mutant kids - ones with nowhere to go. She learned a lot about herself there, met her best bud Morgan, and, yeah, even learned a little about the criminal scene some of them were a part of to survive, and getting into being a thief from there. And thanks to being a thief, she’s been able to cut a decent little life for herself, help provide for everyone else in the group, and, you know, start really becoming herself.

SHELA, to Emma: “It’s where I learned all about you. When I decided I wanted to be just like you. Obviously still working on that. That’s why I wanted to impress you, but didn’t want to reveal myself just yet. Not till I was more me ”

Scott is happy for the kid, while Emma remains intrigued and impressed, praising Shela for what she’s been able to accomplish despite her circumstances, and telling her she thinks she’s moving along toward her goals and being herself just fine. Iceman is confused though. Why are there a bunch of homeless Mutant kids? The school is open to all.

SHELA, sipping a shirley temple: “The Xavier Institute wasn’t even publicly for Mutants until four years ago. And even when it was…for most of us, being Mutants wasn’t the problem. There isn’t a lot of faith that the X-Men are any better. Jessie REALLY hates you guys.”

While Bobby is visibly struck by this, Scott promises Shela that the Jean Grey School is, genuinely, welcome to all Mutants. They have a diverse student body, and even some girls like her.

CYCLOPS: “Kinda.”

Shela shakes her head. That’s great and all, but just look at who the X-Men are. None of them could ever really understand them.

Emma can barely contain her laughter as she lights Shela’s eyes up blue.

SHELA: “HUH?!!!”

SCOTT: “Aaaaand now, people really are staring.”

SHELA: “You’re…but I thought…how…huh?!”

BOBBY: “What’s going on?”

Emma rolls her eyes and lights Bobby’s eyes up too.

BEAT.

BOBBY: “Get the Hell out.”

Emma tells Shela that she can more than understand her. If her friends don’t wish to come to the school, that’s their choice, but they should know that they will be looked after and cared for if they do.

EMMA: “The world is scary and hard and full of hate.” Scott puts an arm around her. “But you won’t find those who love and accept you unless you’re willing to take risks.”

Bobby seems to be just as attentive to Emma’s words as Shela.

Emma has an offer for Escapade. Come enroll in the school and get caught up on her studies, which she’s sure she’s horribly behind on, and finish the current semester with them. By next year, her current squad will all be ready to be X-Men; she will then be able to give Escapade her full attention.

SHELA, in awe: “I think I’m dreaming.” She slaps herself with both hands. “No. No I’m not.”

EMMA: “You’ve done well for your friends, Escapade, but now I offer you a chance to fight for your people - all of your people.”

Shela looks at each of the kind X-Men, before enthusiastically cheering “YES!”

Scott and Emma cheer as well, happy to have her, as the waiter comes by. Emma tells him to bring the secret specials; they’re celebrating.

Shela, mouth moving as a mile a minute, talks about how excited and insane this all is, Scott and Emma amused, as Bobby looks away in contemplation.

Monet sits alone in her dorm room, curled up in a ball on her bed, not having changed out of her club outfit. She’s pouting and distressed, watching children’s cartoons (it’s not shown explicitly for legal reasons, but she’s clearly watching Bluey).

There’s a knock on the door. Monet shouts at Thesea to give her some privacy, but…

ROBERTO: “Sorry. Not Terry. May I please come in?”

MONET: “Absolutely not.”

ROBERTO: “I brought apples. Well, I brought them back from the bar. I knew they’re your favorite so I made sure they were stocked.”

Monet is visibly surprised by the gesture, and softly tells Beto to make whatever he has to say quick. Beto enters, juggling three apples, before tossing them all over to M, who sits up and effortlessly catches them.

Beto wanted to come check on her and see what happen at the party. Monet tells him it’s none of his business, but Beto counters that since she just quit and he’ll go bankrupt and likely get punched in the face by Kitty without her, it very much is his business.

ROBERTO: “And even if it wasn’t, you can’t stop me from worrying.”

Monet sighs. It was nothing. She just didn’t like the way he was toying with her. And then… She trails off, grumbling, before continuing.

MONET: “Genetically, I am perfection. But people are more than genetics.”

Socially, she’s never been a butterfly. Always being standoffish and turning people away with her attitude for one, but also generally struggling when isn’t just putting on her polite manners for show. Back when she was in school, Beast thought she could be Autistic, but, for personal reasons, she never saw a specialist about it.

Beto admits he had no idea. He wouldn’t have tossed her into the position if he’d known. He’d just thought she struggled with making friends and wanted to help her. That’s why he pushed Theresa toward trying to spend time with her, and why he did ALL of this tonight as a mingling opportunity she could control.

BETO: “I admit…I can get a little ahead of myself with my plans.”

MONET: “You…did this all for me?”

Beto sits down and explains like its obvious. Monet could have graduated from college early and immediately started her own amazingly successful business, while also being instantly welcomed onto the X-Men, because they’d be fools to say no, but she chose to put her faith in him. And that means a lot.

Monet is stunned, and actually smiles - but doesn’t thank him. She continues to say that she isn’t the only problem. It’s everyone else.

MONET: “I grew up largely isolated. On my own or with my family. Then with Generation X, I had Chamber, Husk, Skin, the idiot, and…Everett. But now I’m in the real world. Not in a familial or X-shaped bubble.”

SUNSPOT: “And you’re not a fan?”

MONET: “And there are so few like me.”

This isn’t even about she and Theresa being the only Mutants on campus. It’s about the girls of her class here being vapid idiots, and American racial politics putting her in a position where the people who look like her think she’s evil and should lose everything she has just because she was born rich. By race or by class, she’s alone. By species too, really. There’s a reason she left the superhero life behind. Maybe she overreacted a little earlier, but the onus shouldn’t be on her to adapt to them.

MONET: “I’m sure this doesn’t make any sense to you. You’re in the same position, but you have no difficulty making everyone love you.”

Roberto laughs. She should know what they say about assuming.

ROBERTO: “It’s only a good idea if you’re a precog.”

Monet giggles.

Beto tells her how, before all of this, he was a football player in Brazil. Naturally, a very talented one. Largely surrounded by the palest teammates and competitors you can imagine, but he never thought that mattered. Until one day it did. Things got ugly. He got his powers, becoming slightly more awesome than he already was.

BETO, obviously lying: “And that was the end of that miserable day. I joined the school shortly after.”

Still, it didn’t matter if it was Brazil or America, the types of people he was surrounded by were largely the same. Not the biggest deal, he loves his family. But he also never bothered with an environment like this. And he can understand how isolating it may be.

The sadness underneath Roberto’s smile is evident, but M is clueless as to what to say. So, she changes things up a little.

MONET: “I don’t need this place. It doesn’t deserve me. Allow me to move to France and control our day to day operations. You know I will be more effective than the drones you’ve been using.”

BETO, smirking: “One condition.” Monet looks at him, waiting. “You agree to lunch every weekend. So you aren’t all alone.”

Monet giggles again. And she forcefully grips Beto’s hands.

MONET: “It’s a date.”

Beto grins back at her, as the two lean in and kiss each other. The two continue kissing as Monet rolls onto her back, allowing Roberto to get on top of her, Beto already moving to take his suit jacket off.

MONET: “Wait.” Beto instantly stops. “I’ve never done this before. Go slow.”

BETO, smiling at peace, nods: “As you wish.”

We pan away as the two begin to make love.

In Lady Akabba’s throneroom, Exodus and Malice laugh at a pissed Akihiro. He barks back at them to knock it off.

MALICE: “All that grumbling about how much you hate Daddy, and you couldn’t even kill him.”

EXODUS: “This is what we get for working with a Beta.”

AKIHIRO, getting up close in Exodus’ face: “Beta or Omega, I wouldn’t need any powers to kill you.”

EXODUS: “Of course you wouldn’t. That’s what you have your big, long sword for, isn’t it?”

AKIHIRO: “Exactly, and unlike some people, I’m not afraid to use mine.”

With a tilt of her head, Malice sends Akihiro flying back against a wall.

MALICE, standing confident with Exodus: “You’ve been War’s pet since Lord Apocalypse fell. Do you think she’ll appreciate your efforts?” EXODUS: “Or will that heartless witch put her little Daken down?”

The two snicker over the idea of Lady Akabba killing Akihiro. Death gets even more pissed, shaking with rage and prepared to attack, when a flash of pink light engulfs the room.

Accompanied by a bowing Lila Cheyney, Lady Akkaba appears from the light. Sofia didn’t have time to change before this, so she enters her evil lair dressed in a cropped sweater and jeans, still attempting to appear in control through her posture and expressions, regardless. If nothing else, Famine and Pestillence do silence themselves.

SOFIA: “Leave us.”

Exodus and Malice are fine with this order, smirking at Akihiro on their way over to Lila, who teleports the three of them away, leaving only Sofia and Aki.

Akihiro kneels, but, as Sofia turns blue, she immediately tells him to get up; there’s no need for airs right now.

AKIHIRO, smirking: “I haven’t seen you dressed like that in a long time, my lady. It’s cute.”

SOFIA, smiling: “You never…how long were you stalking me before we spoke?”

Death cackles, with Sofia giggling and shaking her head along.

SOFIA: “I see. Now…what happened?”

Akihiro, ashamed, gives the honest truth. He challenged his father and Storm, and, despite his strength, his multiple weapons, and the Muramasa blade, he was outclassed, and only escaped with some semblance of victory through the power of Death - something his father will recover from.

AKIHIRO: “You trusted me to eliminate those who Lord Apocalypse feared most. And I failed.” He holds out the Muramasa blade. “If you wish to claim it, my life is yours.”

Sofia glares at Akihiro, Akihiro standing stalwart and brave in the face of potential death. Until Sofia laughs.

SOFIA: “Don’t be so over-dramatic.”

Akihiro is confused as Sofia saunters over to her throne. Is it an annoying set-up back that he failed? Yes. Bur she hardly expected him to succeed on his own. There is a REASON Apocalypse feared his father and Storm. Even with one’s relatively minimal strength, and the other not even needing her weapon to be strong, they, more than anyone else, always found a way to win.

SOFIA, sitting down and crossing her legs: “I allowed you to attempt this because it is personal to you. Because Logan deserves to pay for what he has done. I never expected you to win.”

Akihiro takes the ego blow, but nods along. He points out that maybe Selene had a point about her being soft; Lord Apocalypse would have certainly killed him for this.

Sofia narrows her eyes, and blows herself back over to Akihiro on the winds.

SOFIA: “Do you really believe that?”

AKIHIRO: “Of course. Failure is the greatest sign of weakness.”

SOFIA: “That is true. But it is equally true that Apocalypse loves his family. That is what this is all about.”

AKIHIRO: “I’m not–”

SOFIA: “Hush. Exodus and Malice are mere servants. Ones we will eventually do away with. I am Apocalypse’s heir, but you are also his child. The only difference between us is that my biological predecessors were homo-sapiens. Your father is a Mutant, a strong one, and, despicable as he is, that means something to Apocalypse. But we are both his children. Father loves us both.”

Akihiro cheers up and thanks his lady. He’s honored by her words. He then points out that if she sees him as a brother, then what does that make her relationship with Laura.

SOFIA, amused: “Necessary.”

As Sofia blows her lightning-bolt shaped sword off the wall and into her hand, she tells Akihiro that he will be the king of the new world. And he will earn that role.

SOFIA: “You will fight your father again. And you will kill him.” She points her sword at his neck. “When I was at my weakest, it was you who found me. You who brought me here. You who guided me to my inner strength. Now, I shall pay it back. I will make you as strong as you need to be.”

Akihiro nods with excitement, readying Muramasa.

AKIHIRO: “Thank you, my lady. I am ready.” Dramatic music swells. “But perhaps you should consider getting changed first.”

Sofia is stunted for a second, looking over her outfit. The two laugh together.

Back at Shela’s apartment building, Escapade is scurrying around the place packing, excitedly chattering on a new phone to Morgan about how she’s going to live with the X-Men. “No, not the mean ones!”

Outside in the hallway, Scott, Emma, and Bobby wait for her, all happy with how this has worked out. Their “thief problem” was never really a problem, they’ve got a promising new student, and they get to give a kid who desperately needs a real one a home. Emma adds that she’ll be looking into the rest of this support group Shela belongs to. They obviously won’t make them come to the school, but she and Shela can ideally at least allieve them of their fears.

Scott cracks a joke about the idea of Emma making children less scared, which Emma just nudges him for, but Bobby has a stronger reaction to know. He wants to know what’s up with Scott that’s got him so smiley and jokey lately. Their situation hasn’t gotten better, hell, it’s only gotten progressively worse, so why now is he like this? Where’s the drill sergeant he grew up with?

Scott shrugs and tells him he didn’t even realize he was acting differently, but he’s definitely been feeling better. And not just because he sleeps every night next to the most gorgeous woman in the world. Yes, things haven’t been going the X-Men or Mutantkind’s way. But that’s because, for most of that time, he was doing things the Professor’s way. Now? He’s finally found himself. And regardless of anything else, that makes him the happiest he’s ever been. And it makes him confident about the future.

Bobby processes this, happy for him, and guessing that makes sense.

BOBBY: “Okay. I got it.” Bobby smiles at the two. “I’m leaving the X-Men.”

Scott and Emma are both shocked, with Emma demanding an explanation. Bobby reminds her what he’s been thinking about. About his identity. About both parts of his identity. Their school for Mutants is one where those who are different even among the other kids still need their own place to feel safe. It’s one Shela and her friends never felt safe coming to. And he gets it. He’s met Mutants with problems with people like them…people like himself.

EMMA: “And you believe you will make the school safer for them by leaving?”

BOBBY: “No, I’m leaving that to you guys. I’m leaving because I want to close that gap. So long as I’m with the X-Men, I’m a Mutant first, to some, a Mutant only. You two keep on focusing on keeping everyone alive; I’m going to focus on bringing us all together.”

Scott and Emma do agree that that’s sweet, and well-meaning, but couldn’t he just ask Northstar to do this? The X-Men don’t want to lose one of their biggest guns. Bobby points out that it’s not like he’s cutting off contact. If they need him, he’ll be there. They *better* call him when they find the Horseman. Plus, they have Magneto, they already decided they were going to give Wind Dancer her spot back to keep a closer eye on her, and he’s sure Wolverine will want back in to protect her. They’ll be fine.

Emma begrudgingly accepts this resignation, commending him for striking out on his own. Bobby thanks her for this last year. He wouldn’t have found himself if she hadn’t dragged him back onto the X-Men.

SCOTT, shaking Bobby’s hand: “I’m proud of you, twerp.”

BOBBY: “One of the five strongest Mutants alive and about to be a solo hero, and I’m still a twerp to you?”

SCOTT: “Always will be.”

We close as we cut to the school, where Shela, now in her signature yellow and blue Escapade costume, eagerly walks down the halls of the Jean Grey School, dragging her luggage behind her. Opening a door, she says hello to Martha and Ernst.

SHELA, couldn’t be happier: “HI! I’m Escapade! And I’m your new roommate!”

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CAST CHANGE:

ICEMAN AKA BOBBY DRAKE IS NO LONGER PART OF THE MAIN CAST.