#Hunter: I respect you wholeheartedly and want to be near you all the time | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

geekgirles · 3 years

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Your Heart

Chapter 2 -- The Invitation

Word Count: 8,903

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Hours could have passed since Sam received the letter and she wouldn’t have noticed, the events were so unreal her mind still hadn’t been able to fully register them. What was supposed to be a day like any other suddenly passed by in a blur. And no matter what she did, she just couldn’t make sense of it all.

The moment Star gave her the letter, the queen recognised the logo engraved on the seal closing the envelope. That forsaken logo had made daily appearances on the news for the last three years, when he started using and associating it to his person.

Danny Phantom.

The current Ghost King.

Nothing could’ve prepared her for the feeling of astonishment that came with that simple realisation. Such was her stupor that, once her back collided against her black mahogany vanity, her legs lost all strength to support her weight, slowly sliding down until Sam was seated on the floor of her chambers. Eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

Terror gripping at them at the sight of their, otherwise collected, queen, the handmaidens immediately scurried over her, checking for any sign that would imply their leader needed any sort of assistance.

A million thoughts materialised inside Sam’s head. How did the Ghost King know there were witches in Amity Park? Did all ghosts know they weren’t the only otherworldly creatures blending in with humans? How did the Ghost King know where to find them? Were her people in danger?

But most importantly, why did the infamous Danny Phantom write her for?

Grimacing, Sam figured there was only one way to find out. With a shaking hand, she gestured for Star to bring her the envelope. Concern still apparent on the blonde’s features, for her queen must have truly been too stunned to perform magic herself, she nonetheless did as she was instructed. “Fluito,” she whispered, and immediately afterwards an orange, fire-like aura surrounded the envelope, until the object came to them.

Sam gripped the envelope like a life line and, with trembling hands, broke the wax seal to get to the letter inside. What she found only made matters worse:

“Dear Madam,

I hope this message finds you well. I would not be able to reprimand you if my sudden writing to you took you by surprise; I found myself disbelieving of my own actions, after all.

I wish to inform you on an important occurrence I believe deserves your attention. However, I will not be able to describe said occurrence through this letter, unfortunately. I fear it might be intercepted by those who would give anything to see me fall, or perhaps by your own enemies if you were to have them.

It is because of such circumstances that I formally invite you and whoever you decide as members of your entourage to my lair in the Ghost Zone, in hopes that we will be able to discuss these matters without fear of our respective domains being put in jeopardy.

In order to save ourselves some time, if you were to accept my proposal, you and your entourage shall go to the outskirts of Amity Park in a week’s time, where one of my subjects will be waiting for you.

I eagerly await your answer,

King Phantom.”

Once she was done reading the letter, Sam could only gape at it. That had been an eternity ago, and now she was pacing up and down her room, massaging her temples as she tried making sense of it all.

When the initial shock from the Ghost King’s message had finally worn off, Sam proceeded to re-read the letter, in case she misunderstood the spectre’s motives and he was actually requesting something far more reasonable than her company. Like declaring war on them. Ghosts and witches going to war with each other made much more sense than members of both species ーthe leaders of both species, as a matter of factー willingly being near the other for the first time in 328 years.

But she came back empty-handed. And that could only mean one thing; she had to read the letter again because, clearly, her reading comprehension wasn’t as good as she thought. And so, Sam read the letter for the third time...and the fourth time...and the fifth time...

By the time she had already read the accusing piece of paper for the eleventh time, she finally understood her company was exactly what Phantom was requesting of her. But why?

“If you keep going in circles like that, you’re gonna get dizzy,” Paulina chimed in, watching as her queen paced around the room, muttering nonsense under her breath. “Or what’s worse, you’re going to make me dizzy.”

“Pauli’s right, Sam. Drawing a hole on the floor will get you nowhere.” Star agreed, her own eyes following the raven-haired girl’s every move. In any other circumstances, say, if Pamela were around, the two girls would get in trouble for addressing the Witch Queen so casually. However, once they were assigned to her and Sam discovered the usefulness of their talents, the three young women had soon agreed to treat each other informally whenever they were away from prying eyes.

Sam wholeheartedly believed familiarity was the key to winning someone’s trust. Because of that, she allowed for witches as loyal as her ladies-in-waiting to get close to her, while keeping anyone she suspected of being troublesome at a respectful distance.

Nibbling on her thumb, a clear sign of her distress, Sam shook her head. “Girls, you don’t understand. This simple letter could lead to disastrous consequences! And I’m not talking about whatever it is that that forsaken Phantom wants from me, which is a whole new level of worrying; I’m talking about the possibility of our clan being compromised!” The Latina and the blonde started when Sam abruptly stopped pacing, stomping her foot against the floor to get their attention. “If the ruler of a race we haven’t had any contact with in more than three centuries knows where to find us, who’s to say the rest of Amity Park remains blissfully unaware of our very existence? This is The Great Burning all over again!” She bellowed in anguish.

This was bad. This was very bad. Unlike ghosts, who revelled in wreaking havoc amongst mortals and drawing attention from it, witches had long decided to remain off the humans’ radar. For centuries, they blended in with normal men and women, pretending to be just like them, while they carried out their spells, rites, and ceremonies away from the public eye in the safety of their manor.

The existence of their society was their best-kept secret, and they’d be damned if such information got leaked. For starters, that pesky witch hunter they often brushed off could very well turn into a real threat.

The fact that their secret depended on a ghost of all things made Sam’s insides churn in fright and rightful outrage.

“Alright, you have a point,” Paulina conceded, but to her companions’ shock her worried gaze soon morphed itself into a swoon, “But you can’t deny that the Ghost King is a total hunk. I’m so jealous of you right now.” She sighed, her mind clearly elsewhere.

Scowling darkly at the Latina, Sam turned to her other lady-in-waiting, “Star, please, do me a favour and smack her. Hard.”

The blonde did as she was told and hit her friend on the back of her neck, eliciting a complaint from her.

Sending a glare to her fellow witch, Paulina began to gently rub the area. “You don’t have to do everything she tells you, you know?”

“Um, Pauli? She’s the Queen...You know, as in our boss? I literally have to do everything she tells me.” She reminded her, earning herself a huff from the aggravated girl. She then turned to her queen, her own eyes sparkling with excitement. “Paulina’s got a point, though. For a dead guy with ice powers, he sure is hawt. Watching him save the day is the highlight of my week!”

Sensing an aura filled with murderous intent, Star flinched slightly under Sam’s withering glare. “He’sーstillーaーghost.” Her queen said through gritted teeth.

Watching the interaction, the Latina beauty sniffed in displeasure, “Hey, no fair! You haven’t told me to hit her for drooling over the Ghost King!”, she whined.

“Girls, focus! This is serious!” Sam snapped.

Her fellow witches actually had the decency to look down in shame at her outburst. “Uh...right, sorry.” Paulina apologised sheepishly.

Somehow, something about the girl’s apology didn’t sit well with Sam. Their knowing smirks, staring down at her as if they knew a secret she didn’t, sent goosebumps down her spine. “What?”

Paulina raised her palms up in surrender. “Nothing. It’s just that I thought you’d be more appreciative of Phantom’s physique given your...preferences.” She finished with a coy smile.

That comment sent the Witch Queen reeling, which wasn’t helped in the least by Paulina’s smug look and Star’s snickering by her side. Her preferences? Was she serious? “Excuse me? Just because I’m a Goth doesn’t mean I’m necrophiliac! I’m not that hardcore, andー! ...why are you laughing?”

Sam’s indignant defence of her lifestyle was met with her two informants doubled over in laughter. Sam could do nothing but stare on, dumbfounded. After a few minutes, they seemed to finally calm down. Star, resting her weight over Paulina’s hunched over form, wiped a tear out of the corner of her eye as her laughter died down. “Sam,” she panted, “what Pauli means is that Phantom looks a lot like your ex. White hair, green eyes...Ring a bell?”

The young witch spluttered at that. Now that she thought about it, Danny Phantom was remarkably similar to her ex-boyfriend, Gregor...or Elliot, or whatever he called himself now. All the more reason to distrust the so-called ‘hero of Amity Park’.

“Whatever”, she huffed, before her expression turned downcast. Plopping down on the starry covers of her bed, she raised her hands to her head as she leaned forward. DeMilo came hopping to her, nuzzling her leg with its stem.

No matter how the Ghost King looked, he had still addressed her by personally sending her a letter. The location of her clan’s headquarters was a secret almost as well-kept as the very existence of her sisters. Whatever she chose to do could endanger hers and their fellow covens!

On the one hand, ghosts were treacherous and conniving. If she went to the Ghost Zone as per requested of her, she could be falling into a trap, bringing chaos and anarchy upon her own coven with her, for she was still too young to have an heiress of her own. And since there were no other purple-eyed witches, her demise would bring forth internal battles for control.

She couldn’t afford that to happen.

But, on the other hand, ghosts were also malicious and resentful. There was a reason why they remained stuck in their realm instead of moving on! If she were to refuse the invitation, they could either attack or reveal their existence to the humans in retaliation. Either way, it would have disastrous consequences for her coven...if they even survived the onslaught.

She certainly couldn’t afford that to happen either.

Sighing through her nose, in an effort to keep her head clear of any doubt, her gaze steeled. Turning to look at her handmaidens straight in the eye, all sense of familiarity gone, she gave but one simple order. “Arrange a Council meeting. Immediately.”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, her companions bowed down to her before hastily making their exit.

....................

Council meetings took place in the attic of the manor. What in any other house would be a dusty, dark place clattered to the ceiling with old furniture, boxes whose descriptions didn’t match their contents, and the stuff of nightmares of any five-year-old, the attic where the Amity Park Coven gathered was closer in size to a ballroom.

The rows of seats formed a “u” shape, being close to the walls and leaving the middle of the room, which was dedicated to witches making their cases or taking the floor, empty. On the far corner of the room, between the rest of the witches acting as witnesses to the meetings, was the podium where the Council sat down and presided over the room.

The Council consisted of four witches. The leader was the Queen, who oversaw the process and spoke for her and her fellow members once they’d reached a decision. Her second-in-command, and therefore the one who was in charge whenever it was the Queen herself that brought up a case or proposal to deliberate about, was the witch with the most proficiency at spellcasting after the clan’s head. The coven’s “Minister of War” was the best potion-maker in the clan. And, finally, the sorceress in charge of maintaining their anonymity amongst humans was she who was the most proficient shapeshifter.

Her interlaced hands resting on the wooden table from where she’d make her proposal in the middle of the room, Sam met her colleagues’ curious eyes with a determined gaze of her own. She could feel her mother’s disapproving glare on herーPamela never liked it when her daughter brought attention to herself, because it would mean that, if things went awry, all eyes would turn on herー, she could hear her people’s hushed voices, whispering among themselves, wondering what could possibly be so important to deserve an impromptu Council meeting summoned by the Queen herself.

But her mind was made up. Informing the Council in hopes of approval was a mere formality she simply could not avoid.

Clearing her throat, Margaret, the clan’s best spellcaster, stood up from her seat, silencing the room by drawing attention to herself with that simple action.

Margaret was a woman in her fifties. Her Grandma Ida used to tell her that when she was Sam’s age, she used to be quite the lookerーher mother often had to use a spell or two to send her suitors running. Even now, the woman still retained some of her youthful beauty. A woman of average height, Margaret’s sharp features hinted at an equally sharp mind. With chocolate skin, her green eyes hid an intellect and common sense that had often saved the clan from ruin, even during her Grandma’s reign. Her salt-and-pepper hair was cut short, with slightly longer strands framing her diamond-shaped face. The woman’s fashion sense was a reflection of her responsible and professional nature, wearing a business suit consisting of a forest green jacket and skirt over a white shirt. Adorning her neck was a mustard kerchief and, Sam was willing to bet, she was wearing her favourite black heels.

“Your Majesty,” Margaret addressed her, “as you will understand, your sudden wish for a Council meeting has rendered us rather perplexed. We can only assume that whichever matters you wish to discuss must be of importance.”

It was Sam’s turn to stand up from her chair, “Of utmost importance.”

“Then, by all means, proceed.” The Council member nodded, gesturing at Sam.

“My dear subjects, just like your day has been disrupted by this sudden meeting, mine has been disrupted by a most unusual, and might I add disturbing, occurrence. As I was getting dressed in my quarters, readying myself to fulfill my duties of the day, one of my handmaidens came rushing in, a letter in her hand.” Sam braced herself for what came next, “The author of the letter is no other than Danny Phantom, the current Ghost King.”

Everyone gasped at the revelation. Soon after the surprise had worn off, chaos ensued. Indignant cries, questions asked aloud, and general confusion reigned. And who could blame them? Witches and ghosts had cut all ties that bound them centuries before.

“Order, order!” Wilhelmina, the coven’s greatest potion-maker and Minister of War, demanded as she repeatedly slammed the podium with her bare hands.

Once the commotion had died down, Margaret refocused her steely gaze on their Queen. “Your Majesty, please, do explain the contents of this letter.”

“Due to the Ghost King’s fear of the letter being intercepted by his enemies, the message was short yet direct. He wishes to discuss a matter of urgency with me, for which he has officially invited me and whoever I choose as members of my court to his lair in the Ghost Zone.”

Again, the room broke out in gasps and hushed questions Sam didn’t have the answer to. Then came the question Sam simultaneously dreaded and anticipated the most, “And what do you wish to do, your Majesty?”

“I wish to accept his proposal,” was her answer.

All Hell broke loose at her words, only this time, Wilhelmina herself was participating in it. Wilhelmina was a pudgy woman with a round face and a strong will. A woman in her late thirties to early forties, her fair complexion was spotted by countless freckles. She was relatively plain-looking, with auburn hair that she often wore in a tight bun and dark eyes, but judging from the rumours going around, her fiery personality landed her several conquests. Despite what her strong personality might imply, Wilhelmina favoured loose-fitting dresses, such as the dark blue and white polak-dotted one she was currently wearing, and sandals.

The potion-maker was one of the most outspoken in her hatred of ghosts, which in itself was common among witches. The resentment from all those years ago had never really faded, and ever since those damned spectres mysteriously reappeared, old wounds had reopened.

While both Grandma Ida and Sam advocated for steering clear from them unless provoked, Wilhelmina was a firm believer that they should have got rid of the spirits as soon as they first appeared, starting with Danny Phantom. A conviction that was only intensified the moment he was named King of the Ghosts.

“All in all”, Sam mused to herself, “she’s taking it way better than I expected.” The raven haired girl patiently waited until Margaret had, once again, everything under control. Due to her stick-by-the-book nature, the African American woman did not appreciate when one of her fellow Council members encouraged unruly behaviour.

“Your Majesty, this is preposterous!” Wilhelmina bellowed, slamming her hands down on her desk as she hastily stood up. “That husk of a person dares request your presence and you accept the invitation?! Forgive me, my Lady, but nothing good can come out of it.” A murmur of agreement could be heard throughout the room. Their Minister of War was right; what was their Queen thinking?

Then, she added, “Then again, what can we expect from a naive twenty-one-year-old girl.” Her words elicited a gasp from the crowd. On her part, although Sam was dying to tell her off, she masterfully remained impassive, only raising a questioning eyebrow at her direction. Her Grandma would’ve been so proud of her.

Margaret cleared her throat. “Although that last comment was uncalled for,” she admitted, shooting a glare at her colleague for her callous words, “Wilhelmina is right when she says attending this meeting would be...unorthodox,” ーSam had to admit, Margaret was almost as good as her mother at carefully choosing her words to appear as socially acceptable as possible. Almostー, “there is also great danger. We all know what happened the last time our people trusted ghosts; are we really willing to let them make fools out of us again?”

“I say this is ground for war!” Wilhelmina roared. “Your Majesty, you and your grandmother, may she rest in peace, gave orders to avoid confrontation unless provoked. Well, now we are being provoked, by being set up! We cannot let this...this...third rate ‘hero’”, she air-quoted with a scoff, “insult us like that and go scott free!”

“Wilhelmina, let her Majesty explain her reasoning. I’m sure she has thought this through.” Delilah, the clan’s expert shapeshifter, tried placating her fellow witch. Sam could only smile in gratitude.

At 28, Delilah was the youngest Council member, second only to Sam. Despite the usual naiveté and unrealistic optimism attributed to her youth, Delilah was also the one most willing to listen to the other side of the story. She preferred broadening her horizons before making a verdict, trying to understand where the witch in question was trying to get at. And this time, she was trying to understand why Sam would want to go to the lion’s den.

The shapeshifter’s natural beauty was also unmatched. Paulina would sometimes seethe in jealousy at the attention she would get or how effortlessly she pulled any look the Latina herself had trouble with. Narrow shoulders and hips, a well-defined burst, legs for miles… Delilah was any man’s fantasy! With her smooth, caramel skin. Her strikingly blue eyes and long lashes. And her silky, ebony hair she often styled in a long braid. Her fashion sense was so on point it could put any haute couture designer to shame. For instance, to that meeting she wore an off-shoulder, long-sleeved red mini dress, a black belt with a golden buckle tightened around her waist, and knee-high black leather boots.

Wilhelmina nodded reluctantly, crossing her arms. Smiling at that, Delilah turned to Sam. “Your Majesty, please, proceed.”

Sam breathed in deeply. Phantom’s request had piqued her interest; what could the ruler of the Ghost Zone possibly want from her and her people now that his kind roamed freely around the city? The last seven years both species had avoided each other like the plague, and even if they hadn't, nothing they could’ve done would warrant meeting up after centuries apart. Despite all her doubts and questions she wasn’t sure she wanted the answers to, Sam needed to know, above all else, if her people were safe. Determination coursing through her veins, she spoke up:

“As you all know, when I ascended to the throne, taking the mantle from my grandmother, I swore on my life and honour that everything I would do, every single decision I would take, would be with our safety in mind.

“When I read the Ghost King’s letter, I was as stunned as you are now. A thousand questions running freely through my mind. I have thought about this long and hard, until I reached my decision.” She lay her eyes on the potion-maker, “Wilhelmina, you are in your right to be suspicious of his intentions, for so am I, but just like this could be a trap, not answering their call could also very well be our downfall.

“Ghosts are mischievous, resentful, and self-centred. Everything they do is based on what gives them even the smallest amount of satisfaction, which often means that the only way to appease them is doing as they say.” When Margaret opened her mouth to intervene, Sam silenced her with a raised palm. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but it is. And that is not all. You might think I am making this choice lightly, but nothing further from the truth. In accepting Phantom’s proposal, I am trying to prevent the ghosts from retaliating, for they could endanger us if I were to refuse in revenge.”

Her violet eyes shone with fiery determination and unwavering confidence as she spoke her last words, “My decision is made. I shall go to the Ghost Zone, even if I must do so on my own. But I will protect our clan if it’s the last thing I do.”

A deafening silence hung in the air. Nobody even moved. Finally, Margaret intertwined her fingers, her shoulders resting atop her desk, her body moving forward. Her green eyes betrayed none of her feelings on the matter. “Very well. Feel free to request anything you might need from us. Have a safe journey, my Queen.”

And with that, every single witch present rose from her seat, bowing their heads to their leader as a sign of respect and submission.

She’d done it. She was going to go to the Ghost Zone.

......................

Once the meeting was over, Sam got ready to leave the room to start preparing as soon as possible when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Delilah smiling at her. She smiled back.

“Is everything alright, Delilah?” Since the shapeshifter and her were close in age, she was one of the few witches Sam acted casually to, seeing her as some sort of older sister.

Delilah shook her head, the smile never leaving her face. “I just wanted to wish you luck, Sam. You’re not just our queen, you’re also the first witch to visit the Ghost Zone in centuries!”

“I know.” Sam looked down on the floor, feeling slightly uneasy.

Sensing her discomfort, Delilah soon changed the topic. “Also, I just wanted to tell you that your Grandmother would have been incredibly proud.”

Sam gasped. Family was taboo around Delilah, for her family had the misfortune of dying young. Delilah’s own mother had died when her daughter was just fifteen. For her to bring up Grandma Ida...she must have meant every single word she said.

“Thank you, Delilah. That means a lot.”

With one squeeze of her hands, the blue-eyed beauty left her alone.

......................

That night, after a long, nerve-wracking day waiting for the Witch Queen’s reply, Danny was startled out of his musings by a ring of his doorbell. Taking off and changing his legs for a ghostly tail, the white-haired young man sprinted down his lair’s corridors until he was face to face with his door.

When he opened it, to his immense relief, he found the same ghostly postman he had sent to deliver his letter, only this time he was handing an envelope to him. Snatching the piece of paper with a quick, “Thanks”, Danny went back to his quarters in a blur.

Now that he had the envelope in his hands, he couldn’t help but eye it curiously. The envelope was of a rich, royal purple in colour, sealed with a black wax stamp, the relief of it drawing a rose.

This is it, he thought. Depending on her answer, we’ll either have to look for another solution, or for ways to protect ourselves the moment they turn their backs on us.

With shaking hands, he ripped open the envelope, taking the letter from inside. An immense relief coupled by a healthy dose of anxiety rolled off of him in waves when his eyes scanned over the words:

“Dear Sir,

I accept your proposal.

We shall meet in a week’s time.

Cordially,

Lady Arcana.”

Preparing themselves for a possible betrayal, it was.

..................

Making it to the outskirts of Amity Park was a hassle Danny hadn’t anticipated. If it weren’t because a group of mysterious women and a ghost suddenly appearing in their lab, in front of the Fenton Ghost Portal, wouldn’t fly with his parents, Danny would’ve actually sent the witches there.

Then again, guiding Skulker out of his family’s ghost portal and around town until they made it to their destination was no picnic, either. Especially since the hunter kept giving him the stink-eye and challenging his authority; questioning his motives for choosing him, of all people, as the sorceresses’ escort.

On top of that, the hills surrounding Amity Park really were the perfect place to meet up with the magic users while keeping the secretive nature of their encounter. Not only were the hills a good forty minutes away from the closest highway, a dense forest grew there, protecting its visitors from curious, unwanted eyes.

“For the last time, Skulker, I am not throwing you to the wolves!” It was the tenth time since they left the Ghost Zone that the ghost had accused him of using him as a decoy. “Seriously, will you drop it already?”

The hunter crossed his arms in a disbelieving huff, “Well, forgive me, your Majesty,” he mocked, “for suspecting you of using this as an opportunity to get rid of one of your detractors.” His glowing green eyes narrowed in distrust.

It was only 11AM and Danny was already exhausted. Technically, Skulker wasn’t exactly a detractor of his rule. When push came to shove, he was always easy to convince to lend a hand in times of needーsuch as now. Having said that, their mutual respect and the halfa’s position didn’t stop Skulker from hunting him for sport now and then. “Listen, me choosing you has nothing to do with your personal feelings about me. You’re really the only one I could send to guide the witches through the Ghost Zone.”

“Nice to know I’m so easily disposable…” Skulker quipped sarcastically. “Why not ask your canine companion for help?”

“Come on, you really think I could send Cujo to do this job?” Danny asked, unamused.

“I was actually talking about Wulf, given he’s the only ghost capable of creating portals.” Skulker met his expression with a raised eyebrow of his own. “I can’t believe you’d actually mix them up.”

Danny actually flushed at that, “W-well…Some ghosts have so many things in common, i-it’s a little bit hard to follow without enough...details…”

The hunter took offence to that. Huffing, he shot the halfa a glare. “Well, excuse us for ‘having so many things in common’”, he air-quoted for emphasis, “not all of us can manifest into the body of a human youth, whelp!”

Exasperated, Danny ran a hand through his hair, sighing through his nose. “I still can’t believe Ember hasn’t dumped you yet…” he muttered under his breath.

Unfortunately for him, Skulker heard him just fine. “Says the boy who hasn’t had a girlfriend since he was fourteen.” Seeing the ghost boy’s offended expression plastered a smirk on his face.

“Why you littleー!” Danny stopped himself before he’d lose his cool. If dealing with Skulker, a ghost he’d known since he was fourteen, was proving to be frustrating, he didn’t want to think how meeting up with the queen of a feuding tribe would be like. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he gave it one last try. “Look, Skulker. As much as I’d love to bicker with you like an old married couple all day, we really don’t have time for this. You’re here because you’re one of the most versatile ghosts I know. If there’s anyone capable of handling a group of spellcasting, broom-riding, black-cat-owning ladies, that’s you.”

Before the metallic spectre could so much as get a word in, the young Ghost King leapt into the air after making a show of looking at his ーinexistentー watch. “Oh, look at the time! The witches will be here any minute now. Better hurry back into the Ghost Zone. See ya!” With a mock salute thrown at Sulker’s general direction, he was gone in a blur of black and white.

The hunter was about to take off after him when, from the corner of his eyes, he noticed three cloaked figures approaching. Well, he sighed in defeat, it’s showtime.

Sam arched a questioning eyebrow at the ghost standing on the appointed place. He looked like the lovechild of Terminatra, one her favourite monsters of all time, and a G.I. Joe. With a flaming mohawk worthy of the Ghost Rider himself. In a way, she guessed it was fitting. Her lip curled in disgust when she eyed the arrangement of weapons strapped to his person; a hunter, no doubt.

If the Ghost King expected to scare her and her guards with such a pathetic display, he had another thing coming. Any other would be at the very least intimidated by the ghost’s burly figure and his imposing aura, but to women who battled grotesque creatures resulting from spells gone wrong on a daily basis, that was nothing.

After getting the approval of the Council for her “little expedition”, Sam recruited two witches: Susan Zhou and Stephanie Baker. To an outsider, taking only two other people with her to face such a powerful entity as Danny Phantom, in unknown territory, no less, would seem foolish, even suicidal. But Sam was no outsider; she knew exactly what she was doing.

Susan was Wilhelmina’s apprentice, and therefore, the clan’s next Ministre of War and master potion-maker once her mentor passed down the mantle to her. Short in height, tall in ambition, the Asian girl’s brown eyes were calculating and, if you were foolish enough to cross her, unforgiving; but full of warmth and mischief if she considered you a friend. She held her black and red-dyed hair in a pair of identical buns, one on each side of her head. Susan always favoured comfortable clothing most people would dedicate solely for doing exercise; you never knew when you’d have to exert yourself, she always said.

Despite being only seventeen years old, she already displayed great proficiency in the art of combat, her dexterous fingers useful both for brewing concoctions and sporting weapons. Susan’s family emigrated from China in the early 19th century. After much traveling, they stumbled upon the origins of what would become Amity Park, where the first members of the clan had already settled. Upon finding out the Zhou family weren’t just witches but also warriors, the coven welcomed them with open arms.

Warrior blood ran through her veins. It was no wonder their war-oriented council member had personally chosen her as her protegée.

Stephanie, however, was more of an intellectual. The 21-year-old woman was an avid reader who spent most of her time holed up inside the manor’s archives, where the spell books and records on their clan’s history were stored. The only other person who knew the place better than Stephanie herself was Delilah, who was actually its guardian. But since Sam couldn’t risk leaving her people without a member of the Council, due to her departure being risky enough, she asked Stephanie for help instead.

In truth, everything about the young woman screamed bookworm. Stephanie was a rather plain-looking girl, with a lanky figure and a long face, whose pale blue eyes were hidden behind a pair of oval-shaped glasses. Her straight, strawberry blond hair reached a little past her shoulders, and she was wearing a purple and white striped t-shirt with an equally purple pencil skirt and white sneakers.

As soon as they neared the place where the ghost was standing, Sam nodded at him in acknowledgement; a mere formality given her low opinion on the spectre, which, she was sure, was mutual on his behalf.

Eyes narrowed in suspicion, Skulker warned the witches in his care, “No funny business, ladies. Or I might consider reforming my island so I can have more pelts hung on my walls.” He sent them a malicious grin.

While Sam rolled her eyes at the unnecessary threat and Stephanie flinched away from him in fright, Susan bore her teeth in aggravation. “I’d like to see you try, ghost.”

Both teenager and hunter stared the other down, but before they had the chance to jump at each other’s throats and brawl, the Witch Queen raised a placating hand, effectively telling her subject to stand down. Still, Susan would’ve given anything to wipe that smug look from the ghost’s face.

But Sam really hadn’t the time to keep those two in check. Focusing on the energy within her, she blocked everything around her, every possible distraction, out of her mind. All that mattered was her connection to her anima. Once she felt the familiar tingling of power, she extended a hand: Stephanie’s signal to take the magic grimoire out of the duffel bag she carried and hand it to her queen with a bow of her head.

Skimming through the pages, Sam stopped when she found what she was looking for. A section of the spell book portraying the silhouette of a person in front of a swirling opal, several runes surrounding it.

The spell to open up portals.

Once upon a time, any witch would have been able to conjure the spell without the need to check it out in a book, but ever since witches and spectres parted ways, her people no longer had the same use for it anymore. Nowadays, it was an almost forgotten practice.

Taking a deep breath, Sam extended her free hand in front of her and chanted, “Alium se orbem terrarum ad ianuam.” Soon, a familiar sparkly, violet mist emanated from her fingertips. The manifestation of energy rose into the air until it was the size of an average person, and then began to spin up and down, until a portal was in front of them.

Stephanie raised a confused eyebrow at Skulker when she thought she heard him mutter something along the lines of, “Show off”, but squeaked and looked away when the hunter lay his own eyes on her.

Handing the book back to the bestacled girl, Sam motioned for them to enter the portal. What they saw on the other side left them speechless.

The Ghost Zone was nothing like they had imagined. Instead of a clear difference between earth and sky, their world’s parallel dimension seemed to consist solely of a never ending abyss composed purely by ectoplasm, the most reminiscent thing to a floor it had being a few beat-up pathways made out of rock.

Floating in mid-air were all sorts of lairs. Some, like a faraway island in the shape of a skull, far more pretentious than others. Judging by how scarce those were in comparison to the countless doors with no building to be attached to in sight, Sam figured the more powerful a ghost was, the bigger its lair would be.

Which bore the question: what would Danny Phantom’s lair be like?

Sam was snapped out of her thoughts by the ghost hunter suddenly materialising in front of her. Susan was about to unsheathe a few of her most lethal potions when the apparition simply showed them the way with a motion of his hand. “This way.” He turned around and began walking, after a minute or two, though, he turned his head to them, “Oh, and by the way, if any of you is afraid of heights, you’d better not look down.”

Stephanie gazed down, unbidden, and almost fainted. Below them was nothing but an endless abyss, no land on sight. Feeling queasy, she squeaked, “Dutifully noted.”

They walked along the rocky path for what could’ve been hours or mere minutes, the absence of a sun making it difficult to accurately pinpoint the passage of time. After what felt like an eternity, Skulker abruptly stopped, almost making Sam and her entourage bump on him in the process, pointing somewhere in front of him.

“Well, this is it, ladies. The Ghost King’s lair.”

Standing proudly on top of a drifting piece of land was a brick three-story building. If Sam hadn’t known any better, she’d think she was looking at an apartment complex, rather than a king’s castle. Then again, Skull Island ーas she lovingly nicknamed the placeーwas very tacky for a powerful’s ghost lair, so for all she knew the building before her could be the latest scream in home decor in the Ghost Zone.

While it was a mostly modest space, the highest floor in particular stood out for its large picture windows, which were at least three times bigger than the rest. “That must be Phantom’s chambers”, the violet-eyed girl guessed. “Overseeing your subjects, eh, your Majesty?”

When they arrived at the door, they were momentarily startled when it opened on its own accord. The Witch Queen scoffed at her own ridiculous behaviour; she’d seen and done way scarier things on Halloween, for fuck’s sake! Once inside, Skulker guided them through several corridors, taking so many turns in so many different directions it was enough to render anyone disoriented. As they strode down the halls, Sam took notice of how...sterile the lair was. Most walls were bare of any decorations, at most they’d have some sort of blue wallpaper on. The few walls with paintings hanging from them were decorated by rather impersonal portraits: a picture of an ectoplasm swirl here, a portrait of a shapeless ghost there… Instead of a castle interior, this looked more like a cheap Halloween haunted house.

The place was so barren that she noticed the shift immediately. Suddenly, before her were two large, mahogany doors, which, once again, opened without any exterior help, revealing the throne room.

While still impersonal, the space was much grander in every single sense of the word. Granite, Corinthian columns stood proudly on the sidelines. Several tapestries depicting what Sam could only guess was Danny Phantom’s battle against Pariah Dark and a few other adventures she couldn’t recognise hung from the ceiling. Right in front of them a red velvet carpet was rolled down until it reached the throne itself ーa rather modest metal chair with black velvet upholsteryー where the infamous Ghost King was seated on.

Upon their arrival, the ghostly monarch stood up in respect. “At least he’s not arrogant enough to forsake manners”, Sam quipped internally. Standing at both sides of him were a bipedal, arctic-wolf like creature with an arm encased in ice, and a blue spectre wearing a hooded outfit, a sceptre in hand, whose physical form was constantly fluctuating between child, adult, and old man.

As the Queen and her companions neared the throne, and hence, the so-called Hero of Amity Park, she took him in. Snow white hair, glowing green eyes that appeared capable of staring right through you, a black and white hazmat suit over a well-built physique… Yep, in front of her was Danny Phantom, alright.

The only thing making it obvious that she would be addressing the Ghost King instead of the most controversial public figure in town was a very minor, yet significant, change in his appearance.

Draped over his shoulders was a cape, white on the outside and black on the inside, with two verdigris medallions which had engraved that wretched logo of his keeping the garment in place with the help of a chain. Resting on his shock white hair, reflecting the item’s otherworldly glow, was the Crown of Fire; its green embers burning almost as intensely as the Phantom’s radioactive green eyes. The crown’s partner, the Ring of Wrath, surrounded his white, gloved ring finger. One could feel the raw power emanating from its green material. The mere sight of the engraved skull and its unforgiving, blood red, ruby eyes was enough to send anyone subjected to it running.

But there was no way Sam would ever run away after making it this far.

Danny observed patiently as the Witch Queen and her two companionsーonly two?ー arrived before him. Once they were eye-level (or as eye-level as two people could be when someone was standing over an incline) the Queen of the Witches of Amity Park took off her hood. At the sight before him, Danny had to fight very hard to suppress a sharp inhale in surprise.

He supposed that, in hindsight, expecting the queen to look like an stereotypical wrinkly old lady was a tad narrow-minded of him, but in all fairness, nothing would’ve prepared him for the person standing right in front of him.

Upon taking off her hood, silky, raven hair came cascading down until it reached a little past her shoulders, the strands and diamond-shaped fringe framing her heart-shaped face. Smooth, ivory skin contrasted greatly with the mop of hair, black as night, resting on her head. Her full, velvety lips were emphasised by her purple lipstick. And her long, mascara-coated lashes surrounded a pair of amethyst orbs. Those had to be the most tantalising eyes he had ever seen; a galaxy of mystery lay hidden behind their depths.

Lady Arcana was the kind of woman he would’ve tripped himself over for, back in high school. Now a college student...he might’ve signed up to a couple of classes that had absolutely nothing to do with his degree if it meant seeing her again.

Looking down, and praying to all things above him it wasn’t noticeable, he took notice of what the sorceress was wearing. The Queen was wearing an off-shoulder ball gown, of a pale violet in colour, with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice hugged her body until it flared down into the skirt. Adorning its neckline and hem were embroidered black thorns. Resting on her head lay a silver tiara, with diamond-shaped obsidians running alongside the top ornament, and a noticeably bigger amethyst in its centre. A black and glittery cloak, resembling the night sky, rested atop the young witches’ shoulders.

Beautiful, yet deadly. A clear warning against the Queen of the Witches of Amity Park: get too close, and you will regret it.

Knowing they had much to discuss, the halfa bowed down before her, with a hand behind his back and the other in front of him, making a flourish, as a sign of respect. “Lady Arcana, it is an honour to have you here.”

Sam and her entourage curtsied in response. “King Phantom, the honour is all mine.”

“I will cut to the chase, since the circumstances are unorthodox enough: my people need your assistance.”

Well, at least he was direct… “And what, exactly, is that which you need help with, your Majesty? As much as I would like to aid you, there is not much I can do without knowing the details.”

“And you are in your right to question that, but first…”

With a motion of his hand, a green-skinned, red-eyed maid wearing a blue dress brought a smaller chair close to the king. When his eyes landed on Sam, she understood that was meant for her. If there was one thing experience had told her, that was that being invited to sit down meant it was going to be a lengthy discussion.

When Lady Arcana had sat down, Danny continued. “Now, that’s better.” Seeing her unresponsive expression, he cleared his throat nonchalantly. “What we need your help with is the Ghost Zone’s portals.”

The violet-eyed girl raised a confused eyebrow at that. “The portals?”, Phantom nodded. “But, King Phantom, my people have not had anything to do with your world in centuries! Today was the first time in over three-hundred years that anyone used a spell meant to open portals.”

Leaning forward in an attempt to appear closer and not intimidating, trying to get the witches to underestimate him per Frosbite’s suggestion, Danny explained. “My apologies, your Majesty, I did not mean to imply your people were responsible for the problem. No, what I mean is that only your people can help us control them.”

Sam didn’t understand where this was going. Taking her silence as permission, Danny went on, “As you know, the Ghost Zone has been opening up portals to Earth for millenia, however, many more gates have been opened as of late. Many more than any previous date has ever registered.” Understanding dawning on the queen’s face, Danny pressed. “We wish to ask you to help us close and pinpoint the cause for such bizarre occurrences.”

Sam had mixed feelings about the proposal. On the one hand, random portals opening up was never a good sign; the space-continuum fabric was very delicate. But, on the other hand, her people would gain nothing from it. Nothing but endangering themselves by putting their lives in the hands of ghosts. She had to make sure her trip hadn’t been for nothing and that her people were truly safer for it.

Resting her elbow on the arm of her chair, her legs crossed in boredom, Sam appraised the apparition before her with a pensive frown. “And how exactly, pray tell, would my people benefit from assisting your kind, your Majesty?”

The way she basically spat the word didn’t go unnoticed by the white-haired half-ghost. He narrowed his eyes on her. “Well, your people,” he snarled in return, “would be safe, of course.”

Sam’s hopes plummeted. He was all talk, just as she feared. ‘Her people would be safe’? Was he threatening her? Please, they were already in danger solely from his knowing of their existence, let alone their headquarters! With a huff, Sam stood up from her chair. The conversation was over. “Thank you for having us, King Phantom. But I am afraid we must depart.”

Although the original plan was to ask them for help and look for alternatives were they to refuse, seeing the queen walking away from him stirred a primal fear in Danny. Somehow, he knew she was the only one who could help him. They were doomed if he let her slip away. “Lady Arcana, wait!”

His frantic call got Sam to stop. Looking over her shoulder, she gave him her full attention. Seeing he had caught her interest, Danny insisted. “When I said your people would be safe, it wasn’t an empty promise: the sudden appearance of portals is a sign that something is amiss. The more portals open, the more unstable our world becomes.” What he said next was chilling enough to elicit goosebumps to run down their spines. “The Ghost Zone is a parallel dimension to Earth, if our realm is destroyed, so is yours.”

Sam’s eyes widened at his words, even Susan couldn’t stifle a startled gasp. If what he was saying was true, then her people were doomed, regardless of how well-kept their secret was. If she refused his proposal, her subjects and the other clans all over the world would pay greatly for her mistake. However…

Her gaze hardened, determination motivating her actions once again. In the off chance that Phantom was only making things up to get her to agree, she needed to ensure her people wouldn’t pay for her mistake. And there was only one way to do it.

Taking firm steps, she walked resolutely to where the green-eyed spirit stood. Staring deep into his eyes, she made her counterproposal. “Very well, I shall help you with your problem.”

Before Danny could let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding, Lady Arcana spoke up again. “But in return for my services you must ensure my people’s safety. Under no circumstances will anyone discover our existence or whereabouts. We already have to deal with a witch huntress coming after us.” She could’ve sworn the king choked at that. “If I find out our way of living has been compromised in any way, you and your kingdom are all alone. Now,” she extended her hand for him to shake, “do we have a deal, King Phantom?”

Danny eyed her suspiciously. Her violet eyes simultaneously held a fiery temper and cold determination, even with his powers, he could sense there’d be Hell to pay if he didn’t keep his part of the deal. Then again, everything they’d ever known was in danger, even if the Queen couldn’t care less for the Ghost Zone and its inhabitants, and her request was what any sensible and caring leader would ask for. On paper it looked like the perfect compromise…

He just hoped he didn’t come to regret it.

Holding the witch’s hand in a firm grip, he shook hands with her. “We have a deal, Lady Arcana.”

#Danny Phantom #DP #dp fanfic #my fanfic #your heart #amethyst ocean #danny fenton #sam manson #Paulina Sanchez #star #star dp #skulker #ocs #ghost king au #ghost king! danny #witch queen sam #witch queen au #enemies to friends to lovers

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hiro-gari · 3 years

Text

Something I realized just now at 3 AM..

We usually headcanoned Zenko and Tareo would be the ones who connected Garou with Badd, the fact that both of the kids knowing them (also Tareo now have met Badd in the manga, maybe again soon at the end of battle?).

But let me tell you about this: Remember in webcomic, King accidentally found Garou when he was meditated in the middle of woods, right? And in the manga version, King goes with Badd towards the battlefield, right? What if King becomes the one person who could connect Badd with Garou?? 👀👀✨

King is one of Badd’s coworker who can be trusted on keeping secrets better than any other fellow heroes. Not only that, now he went to the battle location together with Badd and probably must watching over the reckless delinquent hero during combat the whole time until it was ended with the defeat of Garou.

If the headcanon of Badd defending Garou will becomes true (hopefully), King would also be there to witness it, too.

Now imagine when King accidentally encountered the newly redeemed Garou in the middle of forest and Garou noticed him, reassured King that he wont do the whole hero hunting anymore. He just want to talk with King for awhile about two things:

“Is the little brat (Tareo) alright?”

“Is Metal Bat okay?”

Garou asked those things because he knew King was the person who saved Tareo from Monster Assosiation, also the person who came with Badd together and has the responsibility to keep an eye for him.

I was imagining a composed Garou and a frightened King sitting side-by-side near the river, all in a tranquil peaceful forest setting, with Garou calmly asking the questions to King because he was curious and genuinely worried about those two.

Garou regretted the fact he still couldn’t see Tareo again, at least in his current situation, to say thank you for always believing in him and even stood up for him so bravely. He was so proud of the little brat.

On the other hand, Garou was worried about Badd because he rebelled against both his own S-Class coworkers and the higher ups in Hero Association just to defend Garou. Telling them that they went too far and too quick to judge someone from a false assumption. Especially when there’s an innocent honest witness who knows Garou truly, confessing the whole things about the real truth of the Hero Hunter.

Then Badd allowed Garou to escape from the battlefield, resulting in angering most of S-Class heroes.

At that time, Garou realized that Badd endangered himself, risking his job reputation as an S-Class Hero for fraternizing a supposed enemy and rejecting the Hero Association’s order. That’s why Garou asked King if the delinquent hero was okay after the incident happened.

Carefully, King telling him that unfortunately because of the incident, it put a strain between Badd and Hero Association. Badd calling out all of Hero Association’s bullshits about the whole things regarding Garou’s situation. From what King had witnessed in the meeting room, it was like hell during the post-war report meeting.

The whole debate between Badd and HA’s execs finally culminated with Badd walking out from Hero Association in silent fury, declaring he had enough of them and wanted to resign from Hero Association as soon as possible once he finished writing the resignation letter. The next day, Badd was officially not Hero Association member anymore. Then several heroes also one by one following his steps, too.

Listening to King’s explanation, Garou was shocked at how far Badd would sacrificed himself because he helped the Human Monster escaped from the wrath of S-Class heroes. It made Garou felt guilty for making so many troubles in the hero’s life: forcing Badd to fight him against his will at the first meeting, putting him into hospital with heavy wounded body, then destroying him again in their rematch. Now he was indirectly ruined his job, too.

Despite all of those things, the hero still willing to defend Garou to the extent putting himself in “me against the world” situation with the entire Hero Association members. The unwavering strong determination of Badd, Garou really admired it and also being very grateful for him. Because of Tareo and Badd, he still can survive.

In the end, Garou thanked King for telling him the truth, also for listening to Tareo’s message to not bullying him like the most heroes did. Garou respects King because of that.

Before they parted way again, Garou asked King to let Badd know that he was alive and doinb well now, that he wanted to thanking Badd for everything Badd has done for the sake of him.

And he wanted to say, that to him, Badd is his Hero. His ideal Hero.

Garou letting out a gentle but genuine smile when he said that, seems like he was happy to finally finding someone he had been searching for since he was a kid. An ideal hero who has a heart of gold, who has unwavering “Fighting Spirit” and a belief of fairness. Who never afraid to call out people’s bullshits and hate bullying, just like Garou does.

If only Garou could meet Badd in a totally different situation, he wanted to be on Badd’s side. As frienemies, or bestfriends, or partners, or maybe more.. They would be great together. If only Fate allowed them..

King understood Garou’s message and promised he would relay it to Badd once he could find him, since they were not coworkers anymore. But luckily, King has Badd’s phone contact so he would try to notify him soon.

After thanking and wishing eachother the best, King finally left Garou continuing his soul-purifying meditation in the middle of woods and started heading back home quickly as soon as possible. It was so nerve-wracking for King to have a deep talk directly with the (ex) Hero Hunter, not to mention listening to his entire “love confession” for his own (ex) coworker in just a few metres from him, what the hell..

Such a weird day for King, but strangely he was so happy for them both. Now he understand that Garou is not like what his fellow heroes said. Maybe someday Garou would get a second chance (or third?) to meet Badd again and reconciliated with him so they could have much better relationship than before..

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Bonus headcanon:

It would be so good if Garou offering King for martial art training, since King also wanted to strengthen himself. As long as there is a determination, even from a weak man, Garou really appreciated the spirit. He would definitely gives the best martial art training course for King. Maybe the end result wasn’t so good, but at least King was willing to try and that’s what matters.

In return, Garou would ask any new information from Badd. From what King have seen, Garou is like a highschooler boy who got a big crush on his classmate but didn’t have any clue what should he do, at all. Seems like Badd is Garou’s first love, considering everything Badd has done for the ex Hero Hunter made Garou becomes so enamored of him.

King couldn’t help but giving some wise advice for him in case someday Garou comes back to the city to meet Badd again. He hoped his advice would helped Garou on figuring out his true feeling for Badd. How could Garou be able to learn and analyze enemies’ fighting style in a matter of seconds, when he couldn’t even analyze his own feeling himself?? Huge migraine coming through King’s head as he realized his new job as a love consultant for Garou.

On the other hand, King also keep befriending Badd despite they’re technically not coworkers anymore. And I think Badd wouldn’t judge King about him committing a fraud, even he would supporting King wholeheartedly after hearing King wanted to be a better man. Sometimes Badd would hangouts on King’s place playing some games with King and Saitama, or chatting with Genos who happens to accompany Saitama at King’s place.

When King telling Badd about his encounter with Garou, Badd immediately asking him if Garou was okay as he worried so much for that wolfman since he fled from the battlefield. King reassured Badd that Garou was alright and currently still hiding from the public for awhile until the situation good enough for his coming back.

Then King explained all the things Garou had said about Badd, in which made the delinquent hero very flustered. Not expecting Garou would say something sweet like that and even harbouring a crush on him, too! From watching Badd’s reaction, King guessed this is the first time Badd receiving some genuine appreciation and love confession at the same time. Gotta make these “love inexperience” teenagers’ relationship works out fine, then.

There he was. King being a good friend (also a cupid) for both Badd and Garou, relaying messages to both of them regularly: to Garou whenever he has martial art training session with Garou, and to Badd whenever Badd is not busy working for Neo Heroes.

Garou refused to give away his hideout place to Badd as he wasn’t ready to meet Badd yet, no matter how much Badd been wanting to see him. Badd was determinated to find Garou and kick his ass himself for making him worried, and also because he missed Garou so much. While King just wanted all of these teenagers’ love drama ended well so he could rest soon.

At some point, Badd had decided to find Garou himself as he went towards Garou’s supposed location. But once he arrived on there, Garou has already gone. Not only that, King also couldn’t track Garou anymore since probably he probably had guessed that Badd would come to search for him.

Feeling deeply disappointed because he couldn’t see Garou or even heard his voice, Badd returned back to home with heavy heart. Badd was just wanted Garou to say those sweet love confession by himself in front of him. So, Badd could give immediate answer Garou could listen directly that Badd would accept Garou for what he is, and that he was willing to help Garou getting a better life.

But since Garou wasn’t ready yet, what Badd could do?

At the same time on the downtown area of some city, a certain wolfman just starting his first part-time job. Garou hoped this could be a good beginning of his new life as a changed man. He would proved Badd that he can be a better person, because of him..

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—- THE END —–

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Notes:

At first, this headcanon supposed to be a short one but I got carried away, lol! 😂

I noticed King was kinda underappreciated, so why not giving him an important role since he got involved with both of them in canon (although we still haven’t know yet at how much interaction between Garou and King at that webcomic chapter, we only could assumed the probability).

We have seen the impact of King’s genuine wise advice on Saitama, that’s such very good trait from him. Seeing how it turned out well for Saitama, why not King becomes love consultant for these dumbass-in-love teenagers? 😚💕

I apologized if this headcanon looks sucks waaaah forgive me, I start writing this at 4 AM and just finished at 6 AM with a little to no sleep, I’m so sorry 😅🙇💦

Any other thought about this headcanon, anyone? 👀✨😳👉👈 @hiro-gari @the-goddessfighter @garous-nipple

Thank you so much for reading this another silly headcanon! I hope you enjoyed it 😭🙏💕💞💖💝💐

Also thank you, Lilia, for always putting up with me and the whole random dumbass writings of mine! You’re the best, ilysm 😘💖

Have a nice day, guys! 🍀🌻

-Little1993lamb-

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~Lilia:

Awe my goodness yeesss, some love for King!! He fits the role of confidant SO perfectly, he’s never really judgmental except of himself 😔, and seems like he’d be a great listener. Although yeah he’d be terrified of Garou at first 😭😂 but once he realizes his questions are those of someone genuinely concerned, he chills out a bit *King Engine quiets slightly*

Garou being worried about Tareo and grateful that he stood up for him 😢 aww my heart.. I so hope for a reunion between them after Garou’s through being awakened and all

And Garou learning about the hell Badd raised after the fact 😩 like he’s already feeling shitty and taking a Long Shower to clear his head, now he’s feeling responsible for getting his ideal Hero fired basically :// it’s the perfect conditions for him to just confess everything to King don’t let him find out he’s bff’s with Saitama yet tho 😳 awkward

This bonus headcanon!! Yes!! I was reading the webcomic and getting so sad that no one would genuinely take the time to even consider training King 😩 I was like, there’s a perfectly good martial artist right!! there!! waiting for a redemption arc!! Even if he doesn’t end up being the best at it, maybe Garou could at least help with boosting King’s confidence a little bit aww... and in return he’s just like passing little love notes between them because they’re clueless teenagers 😂 But he seems like the romantic type, I doubt he’d mind too much 😌 but I’m sure that witnessing their terrible awkwardness would get frustrating askdkdksk NOW KISS ALREADY

Thank you anon, I always appreciate your writings so much 😚💗💕🌸 you never fail to brighten my day ILY!!

#UGH THT BRIEF BADD/TAREO INTERACTION #he's thisclose to figuring out who the 'old dude' that saved him is #i wanna believe murata's super into these next chapters and that's why he's being so productive #lets hope :')#also I always look forward to hearing from you 😩💕#i’d love to talk to you more actually 🥺👉👈 hhhh #ok ilysm pls get some rest 💕#submission #opm #garou #metal bat #batarou #king

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zer0pm · 5 years

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Diverging Jealousy: The Mysterious V

A/N: As promised, V’s part! I actually really enjoyed writing this one and basing it off from the dialogue I had written before really helps in adding depth. What can I say, I’m a sucker for sad bois x) Next parts should be the final pieces, each guy will have their own ending. Then after I can tackle the asks y’all have submitted 😱Thanks for stopping by.

After making quick work of the demons, V and Dante move to rendezvous back with you. He was hunching over slightly, more than usual. The battle exhausted much of his energy as well as what little demonic power he had left. He can feel the steady brush of wind from Griffon’s flapping wings next to him as well as his loyal Shadow itching to assist him should he stumble. He even senses Dante walking close nearby, feeling his wary eyes on his frail form. V curses silently.

I need more power...

The skirmish against the demons gave him new scratches and bruises but none compared to the bleeding wound on his shoulder. To stop the gushing flow of red, Dante tore off the bottom of his blue shirt and tightly wrapped it around him. V was thankful but he felt heavy still.

In what he thought to be his last moments, he admitted defeat...and you were on his mind.

What a pathetic man I am.

V was certain that if you saw him then, you would have scolded harshly. He would like to imagine you pushing him, encouraging him, supporting him. To keep fighting until his final breath. And although he would forever be indebted to Dante for saving him amongst other things beyond the latters’s understanding, V wished it had been you instead.

Dante: “We’re going to need to call you a medic, V.”

The reminder of his injury brings him back to the apparent pain. Despite he pressure he is applying, V can still feel warm blood leaving him. He meant to say yes but all that came out was a pained groan. He’s most certainly going to need tending to. He glances back at Dante who received a few cuts himself but was for the most part none the worse for wear.

V: “You were searching for me.”

He had thought that his presence had done unnoticed, remembering back to the reason he left your side in the first place.

When Dante bent down to kiss you.

The image and what must have followed after seared into his mind and he tried hard to shake it off.

Dante: “Yeah, well, Spitfire was worried about you.”

V: “Spitfire?”

It fitted your persona, perhaps, when you interacted with Dante, but V wouldn’t settle for that as your pet name. Little Wanderer, Wildflower, Eternity’s Sunrise. The list goes on. Then he realized that not once has he called you these things, the very words from his past life’s poems that swayed his lonely soul and he connected them all to you. The fact that Dante has one reserved and used for you evidently, defining the familiarity of your relationship with him, left a sinking feeling.

Dante: “My partner. Damn well nearly ripped my ear off when I mentioned we were declaring war over her.”

Certain that you did not just let it slip, Dante? V sighed. All these years and it seems the legendary devil hunter still lacked tact.

V: “I see. Gather she did not like the idea of being treated like a prize.”

Dante: “Ha. She said the same thing. Guess you do know her better than I.”

V did not miss the sardonic tone within Dante’s voice. He figured you were not in favor of being seen as a trophy but given that, V had to wonder. Did something happen between you and Dante?

V: “And yet the there is an affection between you two that leaves me envious. A warmth nurtured by the passage of time.”

Wished as he did, V sincerely wanted more time with you. A month was not enough to quench the yearning and curiosity he had for you. A month was not enough to quench the yearning and curiosity he had for you. He even wondered what his life would have been like if he had met you first before everything. Would you see him the same way as you do now? Would he have made the same mistakes and would you have been forsaken for them?

Dante: “I won’t lie, when I saw you two earlier. When she touched you like that, it messed me up in the head real bad.”

That was a picture V remembers fondly, how could he forget the feel of your skin upon his? He asked himself then if you had possibly felt his thumping heartbeat. Then he remembers this isn’t the time for fond recollections.

Dante, a man whose words dropped with humor and snide with every syllable looked as if he was genuinely taking consideration to what he is saying, a heavy weight on his mind. Curious...

V: “Oh?”

Dante: “Yeah, there are any other guys in our line of work. Just us, and ha, Nero.”

Right. V nearly forgot about the boy.

Dante: “Once I found out how much I liked her, not once was I scared of someone else catching her eyes. Until you came along.”

Me? Never would V have imagined Dante to admit to his jealous as well as the vulnerable insecurity that matched his own. He amounts it to you and the effect you have on them both.

V: “To the see world in a grain of sand

And a heaven in a wildflower

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand

And eternity in an hour.”

Auguries of Innocence. He recalls you recognizing a verse from the poem and his mind goes back to the very first lines. How he wished he could have read them to you out loud, in the company of no one else but each other. He feels Dante’s curious eyes on him and V looks down to take a deep breath.

V: “When I first met her…I saw the world and heaven; when I am near her, I felt infinity and eternity.”

Dante: “Those are some heavy words, Mr. Poetry.”

That is because they hold the truth. In a way, he was a hopeless romantic.

V: “Indeed. So I understand wholeheartedly what it is like to lose something precious. A part of yourself that you would regret being without.”

One too many times has he lost that which is precious to him. Separated himself from that which matters. Even now he is but a shadow of his former self, ripped apart for the pursuit of power. With you in the mix, V vowed to not make the same mistakes...lest he loses completely.

Dante: “I’m gonna have her patch you up.”

V’s eyes snapped up at the unexpected suggestion.

V: “I thought you did not like to share.”

Dante: “Still don’t. But it’s not gonna look good to my future customers if I let you bleed out on my time. Bad for business.”

Both men smiled at his bullshit.

Dante: “Plus, she’s got the best working hands in Red Grave City. Me, I’ll butcher the job.”

The familiar chuckle of his avian companion fills V’s ears.

Griffon: “Oh, the best, you say?”

V immediately throws his trusty cane straight at the bird, the whistle of his weapon singing through the air accompanied by a gunshot. V sees that Dante drew his gun at Griffon as well. The tattooed man almost chuckled as the demon bird frantically returned within him and V made a mental note to scold Griffon later for his mouth.

V: “The help is much appreciated, but I feel that there is more you wish to say.”

Dante: “Yeah…”

He felt a gloved hand on his good shoulder.

Dante: “When we catch up to her or if she finds us first, she’s gonna look pissed as all hell. Brace yourself. Though with you, I think she’ll go a little easy on the punch.”

V visibly shook at the thought. He knew first-hand how capable you were in a fight and blanched at the impending pain you would inflict upon them both for their stupidity over claiming you.

Dante: “If you mean everything that you said…”

V’s attention returns to the man in red.

Dante: “Don’t force your affections. If she feels for you, she’ll show it. That’s the great thing about her. She doesn’t fuck around. Not when it comes to demons or hearts.”

This is...curious. What was Dante saying? Is he trying to give advice? To make amends? With who?

V: “Why are you telling me this?”

He secretly hoped this wasn’t some cruel joke to dangle in front of his face should Dante reveal that he had you in his grasp all along. But V gives the man credit to not be so childish and can see how genuine Dante was just by watching him struggle to say all of this to him.

Dante: “Because…I made a bad move. It wasn’t my place to throw all of that stuff down on her before, declaring my feelings for her in front of you to make you back off to boot. That shit was too soon and uncalled for. In truth, I really was going to give her everything as soon as this job was done, regardless of whether or not I would come out of it alive.”

Dante did not think he would survive Urizen? He hears the man sigh.

Dante: “Damn it, didn’t even ask her what she wanted. She doesn’t deserve that, she has a right to make her own calls.”

He really did leave everything to you, it seems. V can see that the man truly cared about you deeply. And to openly point out the need to respect you as you should be treated all the time. To open up to V who as far as Dante knows is still a complete stranger and to advise him on how best to appeal to your better side. To what end, V was not sure. Yet it gave him hope.

V: “You surprise me. It seems that despite your blind stubbornness, there lies some degree of wisdom and astounding selflessness. Is this the same man I hired to defeat Urizen?”

There was a pregnant pause for a moment when the next, Dante is laughing. It was not a half-hearted chuckle, but one that was bright, lightening the almost downtrodden mood instantly. Dante sounded like he was giving up on you for a moment, surrendering you to V. As much as V would like to have you to himself, it is as Dante said, he would have to earn your affections. Which means that they both had a chance still. He sees the man in red offer his hand to him in which V takes in his own, shaking on their new rivalry with respect.

Dante: “C’mon. I think I saw a payphone earlier on my way to-”

???: “FINALLY FOUND YOU BASTARDS!”

Both men look up to see you jump from the high ground, landing right in front of them. V shivered at the molten rage within your eyes, your anger palpable in the air. Dante stepped in front of him towards you, a sheepish smile on his face.

Dante: “Ah, partner. Funny, we were just about to ca-”

Dante‘s words fell silent immediately at the impact of your punch connecting to his jaw. V saw the man drop to the floor so fast, he genuinely wondered if your attack killed him and froze on the spot when you now approached him, fist still clenched. V did his best to straighten his back, bracing himself as Dante instructed. He knew why you were angry and was ready to meet your ire as deserved.

You raised your fist at him and your eyes catch onto the blue cloth around his shoulder, a large spot of red seeping through the fabric. You lower your hand to steady your breathing, V saw a flash of concern on your face that touched him. Perhaps there truly is hope yet.

V: “Little Wanderer-”

You: “Don’t think I’m letting you off easy. Dante told me everything. As soon as I fix you up, I’m going to kill you.”

V discovered that he was afraid and oddly attracted to you at these words. Despite the rollercoaster of doubt he had, the uncertainty of your feelings for both him and Dante, he was ready to put himself in your hands.

V: “Do with me what you wish.”

#v devil may cry #diverging jealousy #devil may cry 5 #v x you #v x reader #vitale #v dmc5 #vitale x you #vitale x reader #v #v perspective

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sophisticated-angel · 7 years

Text

The Littlest Winchester - Royals

Characters: Dean Winchester, Charlie Bradbury

Warning: None

Word Count: 1,143

Request: Will u do a littlest Winchester imagine where in like season 8 Charlie is the queen of the learping thing and so the little girl hears about Charlie being a queen and sometime later dean calls her princess and she's like daddy I'm no princess I'm a queen

Story

Lately, Dean’s four-year-old daughter has really been getting into anything and everything Medieval and Renaissance. Queens, kings, knights, and dragons occupy her thoughts and are the subject of much of what comes out of her mouth. Dean spoils her with book of Arthurian legend and fairytales, reads stories at bedtime and edits out the bloody parts. He’s been an evil knight, a fire-breathing dragon, a handmaiden, a court jester, a horse, and the knight in shining armor who rescues the fair damsel from the clutches of the evil Sorcerer Samuel – his identity has never been so confused.

When he takes her to see Charlie, his motives are personal – he needs a hard drive hacked – but he’s completely aware that she’s in the middle of LARP season playing a queen and will be on the premises of her ‘kingdom’. And it’s possibly for the little girl to stay with Cass or Sam, but Dean decided to take her because he wants to spend more time with her. He should admit that he wants her to have a true medieval experience already.

All the four-year-old knows is that Daddy needs to go somewhere for work and asked her to come with him. Without being asked, she donner her princess dress and grabbed her fairy wand (today, apparently, she’s a fairy princess). It takes her a second to realize that everyone at this gathering is wholeheartedly portraying characters from her favorite time period, but once she does she about explodes from fangirl excitement, and her devotion to playing her character is permeated by fits of glee. No one else breaks character, not even the evil witches and man-eating trolls who are bopped by her wand to repel them with magic. She’s most excited, however, when they enter the Queen’s tent.

“Charlie!” she squeals, bouncing on her heels.

Charlie, restraining obvious delight, maintains her royal façade long enough to give and receive a curtsy and then sweeps up the little girl, exclaiming, “C’mere and gimme a hug, Buggaboo!”

“Nice of you to notice me,” Dean comments sarcastically.

“You’re here on business. That’s boring.”

“Yeah, boring,” echoes the toddler.

“And you didn’t dress appropriately.” Charlie sets the little girl down and points at a chest on the other side of the tent. “See that? There’s some costume stuff in there. Go ahead and start putting something together for your dad, okay?”

She requires no prodding. While his daughter is occupied, Dean takes the hard drive out of his pocket. “Belonged to Tucker Orvis, guy who owns all those theaters I mentioned. Sam swiped it, but it’s encrypted past his skill level. Can you crack it?”

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means I can hack it, but not right now. I have a court meeting in five minutes, and I can’t miss this one because I missed the last two and now there’s talk of diverting the Queen’s power to the advisers so I really have to do my job.”

“Uh huh. Why exactly did you miss the last two?”

“The maid in the next tent is super hot.”

“Ah. You know, people are dying because of what old Tucker’s hiding on this thing, right?”

“I’ve got a plan. Go to the tech tent and look for a dark fairy, LARP name Diaspor Catspring, real name Elena Kabul. She’s real good at this.”

“Is she a hunter?”

“She’s got limited morals, no respect for authority, and a mega crush on yours truly. Just don’t let her actually read what’s on the thing.”

“Got it.” Dean starts for the door.

“Um, costume?” Charlie gestures to the mess of clothes surrounding the chest. Beneath a cape, something squirms. “Also, can I borrow your kid?”

* * * * *

Truly, Dean gets a kick out of LARPing. Though he gripes about the dress, he changes into the outfit chosen for him, papier mâché sword and all, and heads across the site to find the tech tent. Diaspor Catspring is exactly where Charlie said she’d be and as lacking in morals. She’s more than willing to hack the stolen hard drive once Dean promises to put in a good word for her with the Queen, but he sacrifices speed when he turns down the invitation to her tent later. He gets what he wants, and the moment he does he snatches the hard drive away from Diaspor’s curious hands and leaves the tent.

He finds his daughter punishing a troll.

“You have been accused of intent to dethrone the Queen,” a man in wizard guard is saying to the accused being held by two guards. “Such offenses shall not go unpunished.” The wizard turns to face the Queen expectantly.

There’s some whispering from the advisors near the throne. Charlie listens and eyes the troll thoughtfully, but as she opens her mouth, the toddler princess by her side speaks up.

“Off with his head!” she cries, head held high and wand pointed damningly.

Charlie backs her up. “Off with his head!”

Spouting curses, the troll is dragged off to the dungeons. Dean approaches the throne cautiously.

Charlie nods to her advisors. “A moment.” She steps down from her throne and follows him out the back entrance. “Did you get it?”

“Yeah. Oh, and I don’t remember exactly what she told me to say, but I’m supposed to put in a good word with you, so this is me . . . doing that.”

“Daddy, guess what!” The four-year-old vies for her father’s attention. “I put people in stocks and made them get their heads cut off!”

“Don’t forget we knighted somebody, and you turned that one witch into a toad,” Charlie adds.

“Sounds like an interesting day.”

“Hey, Buggaboo, wanna knight your dad?”

“He is one already ‘cause he fights monsters like one,” the toddler explains. “Sometimes Uncle Sammy is a wizard who kidnaps me, and Daddy is a knight who rescues me. Uncle Cass was a dragon one time.”

“Almost burned down the motel because he was trying to be “authentic”.”

“I made a dragon mask with a paper bag so he can wear it.”

Charlie laughs. “That sounds very cool.”

“We have our fun.” Dean ruffles the toddler’s hair. “We gotta get going, baby girl.”

“Noooo, Daddy!”

“Your uncle’s been alone all day, and I’ve got work I gotta do.”

“But there’s a battle and Charlie said I can watch it with her!”

Sighing, Dean crouches in front of the little girl. “How about this: after I finish working, I will call Charlie, ask her when the next battle is, and we can come back for that one. Sound good?”

Consoled but still deflated, the four-year-old mutters, “Yeah.”

“Good girl. Now, Princess, would you escort me back to the changing rooms so I might don my peasant’s garb?”

“I’m not a princess,” she argues, brightening, “I’m a queen!”

@pureawesomeness001 @27bmm @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes @super-not-naturall @gabriel-themightysugaraddict @mogaruke @mrswhozeewhatsis @hexparker @kdfrqqg @little-castiel13 @18crazybutcutealsopsycho @angie1djonasgg @wolfshifter4life @queenkelseyjackson @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @alexandriajanae4

#supernatural #the littlest winchester #dean winchester #charlie bradbury #daddy!dean #request #sophisticated-angel

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elfnerdherder · 7 years

Text

The Unquiet Grave

You can read Chapter 7 on Ao3 Here

If you’d like to become a Patron for my work, check it out Here! Every bit helps.

Chapter 7: Where Hearts Go to Quiet

He sits by the river, fishing pole in one hand and a flask in the other. As he fishes, he finds himself revisiting the same scene over and over and over again in his head, and it’s enough of an imposition that he is more than lucky that he brought two flasks instead of one –god almighty, why hadn’t he brought the entire fifth to the river? Why had he left so much behind?

Alana was going to be so upset with him when she finally got him to answer the phone.

In truth, he could have handled his departure from the hospital far better than he did. He didn’t have to stand so fast he toppled his chair over, and he certainly hadn’t meant to barrel from the room so quickly he knocked a nurse into Hannibal. At least Hannibal had been able to catch her before she fell into a surprised and concerned Alana. The water hadn’t been saved, though, but he’s certain no one gave a second thought to the water dropping and splattering everywhere. No matter the protests tossed his way, furious heels on tile close behind him, he found himself all but running from the hospital, hailing the first taxi by stepping directly in front of it so that it had no choice but to stop for him.

All in all, a rather dramatic getaway. If he was in control of himself, he’d have left with far better finesse, enough that no one asked questions, enough that when he returned to work he wouldn’t have to deal with Jack.

He takes another pull from the flask, contemplating the fact that he wasn’t in control of himself then, and he certainly isn’t in control now. He hopes no one tells Jack.

When the fish tugs on the line, he hauls it up with slow, careful turns of the reel, setting the flask down to give it his full attention. Sometimes, when nights are too quiet and dreams are too far, he finds himself thinking of his childhood, of the way he’d cried when his father once killed a fish in front of him. He doesn’t have many memories of his childhood, seeing as how his empathy was an early discovery. The memories he has locked away within the stream of consciousness in his mind sometimes blur the way old photos do, discolored and lacking details. Other times, though, they slide along the water with sharp clarity, so much so that it startles him with how each color fights against the other for attention, clear and bold and so utterly painful with the way he can only see the whole thing if he stands far enough away from it.

His father hit the fish on a rock, and nerves kept it moving for many minutes after. He threw up later, thinking about it, the scales in the sunlight and the eyes that didn’t close. He was glad he hadn’t touched the fish, otherwise he’d have felt its death –luck, he told himself, after he knew what it was to be an empath, to feel the world within your skin. It was luck that day that kept him from feeling the sensation of death at only four-years-old.

Now, he hauls the fish up with gloved hands and unhooks it, holding its curving and twisting body firmly before he sets it back down into the water and allows it to swim away. He sets the fishing pole aside and takes another swig from his flask, feeling the alcohol burn all the way down to warm his stomach.

Will Graham has a problem.

By law, empaths have to report to the EA. Each and every empath in the United States are registered, trained to handle their gift so that they can be useful members of society. In the eyes of the law, Will is committing a felony by not reporting Abigail, but anytime he considers picking up the phone, a dose of fear rushes through his veins and makes him freeze, so much so that he is more than sure he’s having a low-grade anxiety attack.

He can’t report Abigail. He has to keep them safe.

Safe from who, though? Her father is dead. Will Graham shot him.

It was a brilliant plan on Hobbs’ part, if Will is being particularly honest with himself. As he catches and releases several more fish, muscles loosening their taut hold the more he drinks, he admits to himself that Agent Hobbs was clever, hiding his daughter from the FBI and the EA. She was his treasure, the line of empathy following through his blood to hers, and he protected it by using himself as a shield and complying wholeheartedly with the FBI. Until he began killing those other girls, no one suspected that he would lie to the FBI. No one suspected he would use his daughter to hunt innocent people.

Will knows now, though. By keeping quiet he is, in his own right, an accomplice.

He can’t turn on her, though. As he packs his things away hours later and heads back to his house to make supper, he makes another admission to himself, one that acknowledges how cleverly she turned his gifts on himself. He’d never seen a Seer use their power as a weapon quite like that, using their eyes and their skin to make him see –each time he thinks of her, there is a small part of him that thinks of himself. In her moment of fear, she made him touch her skin and become part of her whole, a world in which if he turned on her, he turned on himself, too. A world in which if she died, he died, too.

Hobbs, despite dying in the end, still somehow won. As long as Abigail remains a secret, there is a singular victory that he can be awarded, that he trained his daughter to be a hunter rather than a tool to be discarded when the FBI lost interest. Will can respect that, even as he fears just what it means for him should they ever find out.

He’s hungover the next morning as he goes to his small office at the FBI, and it sits perched on the tip of his tongue, sour. Every time he exhales, his tongue curls at the taste of day old whiskey. He sips scalding coffee to chase it away, and he fires up his computer to check e-mails. Director Purnell is supposed to reach out to him about Dolarhyde’s work, so that he can plan the next step to hunt down Dolarhyde.

“Alana called Jack,” Beverly says by way of greeting. She hovers near the door, waiting for an invitation to come in.

Will grunts, typing his password. It wasn’t until later that he’d realized his glasses had fallen in his haste to escape the hospital, and he laments it now, missing the barrier between his eyes and the world. As the desktop boots up, he leans back in his chair and sighs.

“How angry is he?”

“Not any angrier than usual.” She snorted at her own private joke. “He’s in a meeting, but he wants to talk to you afterwards.”

“What kind of trouble am I in?” he asks, looking over to her.

She finds his question odd, and he notes her wrinkled nose and head tilt as she adjusts herself. “None. He just wants more information about Hobbs.”

None. She’s not lying –even without his gifts, he’d know that. Beverly Katz is an honest person, from her quirky sense of self to her sharp observations at a crime scene. For a neurotypical, he’s comfortable around her –as comfortable as he can be around people for extended periods of time.

She’s waiting for him to explain why he thinks he’s in trouble. He doesn’t want that conversation with anyone, though, so when the desktop finally loads, he clicks impatiently on the e-mail icon, taking a long gulp from his coffee cup.

“Not a day for conversations?” she questions. Where others would wander away, disquieted by him, Beverly holds her ground. Will sighs and sets his coffee cup down.

“I’m hungover,” he says curtly. Beverly’s grin is wide, her amusement palpable against his skin.

“That kind of night?”

“The Hobbs girl woke up,” he explains. At her nod, he continues irritably, “And hospitals are no good for me.”

“Drinking alone?”

“Is that a question?”

She nods in agreement and ducks her head. “Not like you’d want the company, but drinking alone is a sign of alcoholism.”

Her concern isn’t just kindness. Alcoholism is a big no-no in the EBAU for empaths, right alongside rules against serial killing and keeping empaths a secret. Will nods in agreement and scratches his stubble, casting her an appreciative look.

“I’ll call someone next time,” he promises.

“It’s not alcoholism if it’s social,” she quips. At Will’s wry, waxen grin, she continues, “I just wanted to get back to you on Dolarhyde. They looked into the background of the victims, but nothing really jumps out. Mr. Perkins worked with pharmaceuticals, and his wife took care of the house and finances.”

“Pharmaceuticals?”

“Yeah, he does a lot of work with psychiatrists, too. A lot of research facilities, testing, and distributing of anti-psychotics.” She flips through a folder and sets a sheet on top, eyeing it. “I’ll get copies of the file for you to look over. Maybe Dolarhyde got some bad medicine and lashed out?”

“Was he on any medication at the time?” Will asks. The thought feels like a thread he wishes to tug at and turn over in his hands.

“I’ll double check his file, but I don’t recall seeing anything. I mean, like I said before, Dolarhyde was a pretty calm guy. I wouldn’t have expected him to go rogue.”

“It’s not always easy to pinpoint a potential RA,” Will says. It’s not so much to comfort her than it is to comfort himself.

“Hobbs was almost obvious. They just didn’t expect him to…” Her voice trails off, and she clears her throat.

“Kill eight girls, his wife, and attempt to kill his daughter?” Will supplies when she doesn’t finish.

“They don’t always kill,” she adds with a shrug.

“Dolarhyde does.”

“Well, we set you on the case and you always find them.” She smiles to reassure him. “So far, you’ve always found them.”

Pleased, having said what she wanted, she sees herself out and closes the door for him so that he doesn’t have to get up.

More than a little relieved that whatever Alana said to Jack, it’s not damning, he opens one of the unread messages once he sees the subject line.

To: Agent Will Graham, EBAU, E-3

From: Director Kade Purnell, EI

Subject: Francis Dolarhyde

Director Crawford informed me of your interest in the RA, Francis Dolarhyde, and his investigations before the regrettable circumstances that occurred. It is my regret to inform you that his work was classified with a clearance A-1 level necessary in order to access the files. Clearance that you do not have, Agent Graham. I will not give leave for you to obtain it.

I can assure you that the lack of knowledge of his work before becoming classed as an RA will not impede your current investigation regarding him. Continue to track his whereabouts so that he may receive the necessary treatment of an E-2 RA.

-Kade Purnell, Direct. EI

Will reads the e-mail once. As he glares at the page, it’s not necessary to read a second time because the words feel imprinted on his eyes, ingrained in his skin.

I will not give leave for you to obtain it?

He finishes reading and responding to other e-mails less volatile than that one, and he forces himself to finish his coffee before he goes to find Jack, steps pressing down harshly on the thin carpet of the EBAU halls.

He strolls into his office without knocking, and Jack is surprised as he holds a phone to his ear. His gaze cuts sharp lines along Will’s person, and whenever the speaker on the other line goes quiet, he lets out a quiet hum of affirmation. Will resists the urge to pace before him.

“I’ll see what I can do.” A pause as he listens. “Yes, that’s fine…and I’m sorry, Agent Harris, but I’m going to have to call you back.”

He hangs up, and Will wastes no time with posturing. “Director Purnell won’t give me the clearance.”

“It’s clearly information you don’t need to know to do your job, Will,” Jack replies wearily. He’s been waiting for Will to come to him, and Will can see it in the way he rolls his shoulders back to prepare for a lengthy discussion.

“Whatever it was that he was investigating, that is what set him off,” Will fires back. “If I know what it is, what made him feel so betrayed, I can see where he’d go next, what he’d do!”

“Whatever it is, it’s sensitive information that she’s not willing to share.” A pause. “Or she can’t share.”

“It’s bull shit, Jack! I need to know what he was working on!”

“That’s not your call!” Jack snaps in return. Whatever hesitations that Will had been able to pick at before are gone, and Jack’s steel spine somehow manages to stiffen even more. “You’re an E-3, but that doesn’t give you special privileges!”

That stops Will, and he stares at Jack, hands gripping his hips so hard he hopes the skin bruises, turns the color of old banana peels. The anger he so easily displayed, so easily shared isn’t so much dissipating as it’s curling in on itself, breaking down something more usable because clearly showing it isn’t fixing the problem. If anything, it’s making Jack rise to the challenge.

“…I didn’t realize you though that I was granted special privileges,” he replies instead, coldly.

“Will-”

“What kind of privileges do you think I’m granted, Jack?” he asks, gritting his teeth. He’s aware that it’s more of a snarl than a smile, but he tries. “What sort of benefits do you think that I, as an empath, get to enjoy that you don’t?”

“Don’t,” Jack warns him, and Will snorts.

“Come on, Jack,” he chides. “Last I checked, you didn’t have to register with the FBI when you were a child for being born a certain way. You didn’t have to register Bella when you started dating her.”

“I don’t get to skip out on work because of a little stress either,” Jack returns with equal grittiness.

Was that how Alana worded it? Will stalks closer and leans over the desk so that he can get close to Jack, get close enough to make him nervous. He doesn’t look into his eyes, though. Jack is a man hounded by memories he can’t escape, and they’re so far into the front of his mind that Will finds himself falling into the same one every time he looks at him. It’s Jack’s only defense against empaths, and it’s a damn good one.

What he can see, though, is the conversations that must have occurred in this very room without him, mentions of his psyche and his behaviors. Kade Purnell sitting with a sharp pencil skirt and a well-fitted blazer on one side of the desk, calmly putting Jack in his place as she denies him his request.

When Will thinks that, though, he stops. He looks along the desk, inhales a certain sort of dreadful comradery. He can imagine the relief, the ability to place the blame off of himself and onto someone else. A sort of relief that smells like cough medicine and stale trail mix, and Will glides his gloved hands along the surface of the desk –if anything, to remind Jack that all he has to do to take off his gloves to feel the truth in the whorls and curves of the wood.

No, Will may not want to look in his eyes to read his thoughts, but he can dream up the realities that happened when he wasn’t in the room. His gifts give him that.

“I’ll keep looking for him,” he says at last, and his eyes fasten to Jack’s hands sitting curled to fists at his desk. “I’ll do my job, even if you’re inclined to hobble me to do it.”

“Thank you,” Jack says, not sounding at all thankful. “That’s all we ask you to do here, Will.”

“Abigail Hobbs is innocent, too,” he tosses in, heading towards the door. “I’m sure Dr. Bloom told you, but as your certified lie detector test, I can promise you the same. Traumatized, scared, and indignant that we’d even ask, but honest.”

And maybe it’s because he knows Jack is lying to him, but he doesn’t feel all that guilty about lying in return. Whatever Agent Dolarhyde was investigating before he snapped, it must have been serious –enough for Kade Purnell to e-mail Will to shut him up. Enough for Jack Crawford to lie to him. Enough for Dolarhyde to lose some part of himself while looking in the mirrors stuck to the eyes of another.

Will would keep Abigail safe. He’d keep himself safe. He’d find another way to find Francis Dolarhyde, too.

As he’s walking to his car to go and see Reba McClane, something in the air sets him off. He isn’t sure if it’s the smell on the wind, or if it’s the way the back of his shirt presses too tight to his skin, but he pauses by his car door, tensing. There are many things about an empath that biologically are used to connect to people, this he knows. It has been his struggle since he was able to recall the way his father’s simple hug made his skin feel as though it were ripping in two.

There are other things, though, things still being studied within labs and universities, among talk show hosts and scientists about empaths. As much as they struggle to connect, to broach that space between them and another, there is another aspect to their abilities, something that grants them an immense sense of knowing things that no one else could possibly know, things that make it impossible to connect because who wants to spend their time around a person that knows about any number of unknowable things?

For example, things like the feeling of being watched.

He looks about himself discreetly, but nothing immediately stands out. His keys fumble with the lock, and he slowly opens his car door, swallowing so hard it almost hurts, his heartbeat stuttering before beginning again. He’d heard neurotypicals call it paranoia, the way the hair on the back of their neck would stand up. He’d also read contradictory accounts from survivors of serial killers whose ‘paranoia’ saved their life when it came down to brass tacks.

Being an E-3 empath, he was privy to enough tangible emotion floating along the breeze to know that it wasn’t paranoia. He was most certainly being watched.

It wasn’t by another empath, though. If it was, he wouldn’t necessarily be able to sense it. Empaths trained to observe and investigate knew how to dampen their person, soften their existence within the world so that another empath couldn’t see. Much like Abigail Hobbs could draw barriers that held even Will back, any other trained empath could do something similar.

A neurotypical, then.

As he drives away, he thinks of Dolarhyde’s words to Reba, shared within the walls of the place he most liked to work, out of the gaze of the FBI:

Is there someone like me watching someone like me?

Unable to shake the feeling of being watched, he doesn’t go to Reba. He respects her desire for the FBI to be unaware of her relationship, and he doesn’t want eyes where they don’t belong. Instead, he finds himself sitting outside of the coffee shop he went to with Dr. Lecter, and he peruses the articles he’s posted once more, a decimated bagel in one hand and Beverly’s tablet in the other.

Evolution of Social Exclusion through Empaths.

Hannibal Lecter talks about empaths a lot for someone that isn’t an empath. He speaks as though they are their own species of person, all the while with the tone of someone that views them as equals in every way. As Will rereads his latest work in the journals, he picks at the bagel rather than eats it, and it’s only when his phone rings that he’s startled from such prolific words.

“Graham.”

“Agent Graham, it’s Dr. Lecter. I hope I’m not bothering you.”

He wasn’t. Will wonders at that, that he shouldn’t be bothered by an unprompted phone call, and he sets the tablet down to better focus. He keeps the article up, though.

“I’m taking a long lunch,” he says. “Isn’t that what was recommended?”

“A long and early lunch, yes,” Lecter agrees. “Far be it from me to disturb a healthy eating habit, but when you left yesterday, you forgot your glasses at the hospital. I thought to return them to you.”

Will notices that he doesn’t mention the how and the method in which he left, and he’s eternally grateful for that. He’s not sure if he wants to discuss it –is it safe to tell Lecter about Abigail? Fingertips hover over the top of the article, tapping the screen so it doesn’t go black.

“Thank you.”

“Do you have a free moment today?”

His phone buzzes with a message from Beverly, and he glances at the notification before setting the phone back beside his ear. “I should. Dr. Lecter, in your article regarding the social exclusion of empaths, you mention a forced distance made unconsciously by both empaths and neurotypicals.”

“You’ve read my work?” He sounds pleased, although Will can’t be entirely sure. His voice is always mildly pleasant in some manner.

“Yes.” A beat. “Some,” he amends. All.

“Early theories supposed empaths first broached that line diving one person from another due to a need to connect. It evolved into the gifts we see today, but first it was a connection.”

“That connection was ultimately rejected by society, though.”

“Mankind, as the apex predator, doesn’t enjoy feeling that there are some among them that are far more gifted,” Hannibal agrees. Will throws away the destroyed remains of his bagel and tucks the tablet under his arm, heading back to his car. If Beverly is texting him, he’s needed somewhere.

“And in response, out of fear of that persecution, empaths created invisible barriers between themselves and everyone else, despite the initial needs for connection that supposedly gave them their gifts in the first place,” Will adds on.

“An ironic reaction, but yes.” There is a pause as he seems to try gathering his thoughts around Will’s questions. “Should I ask about yesterday?”

“Should you?”

“I’d like to.”

Silence once more. Will chews on the inside of his mouth and climbs into the car, shutting the door behind himself. On impulse, he locks it because despite removing himself from an uncomfortable scene, he most certainly still feels like he’s being watched. Just down the row, an SUV is parked under some shade, and he puts on sunglasses so that he can scrutinize it subtly.

“I was unprepared,” he says at last. An understatement. “I didn’t handle it very well.”

Another text buzzes against his ear, and he glances to it. When another one comes in, he puts Lecter on speakerphone so that he can read them, idly buckling his seatbelt.

“What happened?”

Where are you?

We need you back here in thirty.

We got a call in Louisiana. It’s Dolarhyde.

“Dr. Lecter, I’m going to have to call you back,” Will says distractedly, and he starts the car. His skin hums from the last message, comes to life at the way the text curls around the RA’s name. It’s Dolarhyde. It’s Dolarhyde.

“Is everything alright?”

“Dolarhyde –the RA –is in Lousinana. I’ve got to go.”

“I can return your glasses at another time, then,” he says lightly, and Will nods distractedly, taking him off speakerphone so that he has both hands on the wheel as he peels out of the parking lot.

“If you can be at HQ soon, I can get them there,” he says, and as he turns away from the coffee shop, he glances in the rearview mirror in time to see the SUV also pull away and head in his direction.

“I can do that, Agent Graham.”

“Bye.” As an afterthought, he tosses in, “Thank you, Dr. Lecter.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Lecter replies.

A special thanks to @hanfangrahamk, @matildaparacosm, Starlit-Catastrophe, Andrea, and Duhaunt6 for being so supportive and becoming a patron! You guys are the best :)

#LiaS scribbles #Hannibal au #hannibal fanfic #hannigram #slowburn hannigram #empath au #seers feelers dreamers #someone help will graham #the fbi is a pain

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animesavior · 7 years

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“Even an adventurous crew like this one deserves a calm and relaxing day now and then. How many years…no, how many decades has it been since I could just sit around and take an afternoon nap in the sun without a care in the world? While I wondered the seas alone, I would lay my head down, not knowing if it was day or night, and dream of my long lost comrades…and Laboon. However it was precious little solice for when I awoke the fleeting joy became a press of loneliness. Yet, what could I do but repeat the cycle again. In those days I could find peace neither in slumber, nor in my waking hours. But now, if I listened carefully…I can hear my new friends all around me. I know I died and I am now nothing but bones but…I’m so very happy to still be alive. […] I’ve no doubt that this time of quiet will soon be replaced by the roaring sounds of adventure, a prospect I welcome wholeheartedly. But now, it’s a moment to rest one’s bones. Laboon, it seems that the next time we meet, I’ll have quite a few stories to share, old friend. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming of you, and I hope you’ll keep waiting on me.”

- Brook, One Piece (Ep. 384)

The Toonami Trending Rundown for March 18-19, 2017. A big milestone for the better cartoon show this week as Toonami celebrates its 20th anniversary. And it would be a night to remember with some great moments including Jack getting chased down by the Daughters of Aku, and while trying to excape he kills one of them, learning that Aku’s loyalists aren’t all just “nuts and bolts”. Meanwhile, Beerus ramps up his power, hoping to see the full potential of Goku’s SSJ God abilities, and we end off Toonami’s current run of One Piece as Brook settles down and attempts to fit in as the newest member of the Strawhats.

On Twitter, Toonami and every show would successfully trend in the US and Worldwide during their respective East Coast airings, in addition to both #Toonami20, which was a hashtag used to commemorate the 20th anniversary, as well as #SandWhaleAndMe, as Toonami showcased the first part of the 5 part miniseries by Production IG. In addition, being One Piece’s final night, fans would make sure that show would go out with a bang, as #OnePiece would trend from the duration of its East Coast airing to its West Coast airing. Samurai Jack would also produce a character trend for the very first time with Aku, as 50 years on and after destroying all the known portals back to the past and hoping he would eventually die of old age to no avail, Aku has pretty much lost all motivation to try and kill Jack.

On Tumblr, both Samurai Jack and Dragon Ball Super would reach its trending list in addition to Tokyo Ghoul, as Toonami showcased a promo for its upcoming debut next week.

Finally, in a first for Toonami programming in the social media scene, both Samurai Jack and Dragon Ball Super would make the top two positions on Nielsen Social’s top 5 most talked about shows on Twitter and Facebook, the 16th and 17th time a Toonami show has made it onto the list since we started recording this feat. This would also be the second week in a row for Samurai Jack to reach the list in addition to becoming the 2nd time a show has reached the #1 spot, meanwhile this would be the 9th time in the 11 weeks it has aired so far that Super has made it onto the list.

Among some of the other features to commemorate the 20th anniversary, Adult Swim along with Titmouse created this short film titled "Exquisite Corpse". You can check it out below.

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As the Spa Island mini-arc comes to a close, it pains for me to say that unfortunately due to flagging ratings, high costs in airing the show further, and perhaps a need to shake things up programming wise, among other things, Toonami has pulled the plug on One Piece’s run on the better cartoon show.

Initially as One Piece made its grand return to the block in 2013, things were great as Toonami enjoyed great ratings and social media buzz for the show alongside its Big 3 Shonen Jump counterparts in Bleach and Naruto. But as time marched on, ratings began to lag for multiple reasons, and by 2015 One Piece fell all the way down the schedule from 1am all the way to 2:30am and eventually being the lowest rated show on the block besides the rerun (and sometimes even being out-beaten by the rerun). At that point, the signs were probably there that the show’s days as a Toonami show were numbered. Granted, despite its shortcomings ratings wise, we all thought it was at least doing well enough to stay, and it did for a while, though we know now that it was no longer the case.

Quite a few factors likely played a role in One Piece’s demise. Some blame One Piece starting on episode 207 instead of episode 1, as newer viewers didn’t get to experience the events in those earlier episodes. To use a recently aired example, when Brook recalled his days with Laboon, Toonami never got to showcase the Strawhats encounter with Laboon, so the emotional aspects could’ve been lost with some people. Meanwhile, some blame the show not being able to catch up with the pace of the most recent dub episodes, being aired once a week. And although this is subjective, others have also commented that the show’s “goofy” feel and artstyle, for lack of a better term, could make it hard for some to take the show seriously, especially in regards to the show’s emotional moments.

Of course, One Piece’s sheer length may have played a part in its eventual demise. The show is presently up to 782 episodes and counting, which is getting right up there among the lengths of soap operas, and combined with the franchise having some heavy continuity, no doubt that some have been turned away because of the commitment. I myself was even turned away initially into One Piece because of this until Toonami’s airing got me interested. And even for those that are committed, with Toonami so far behind from where Funimation is at with the dub, much less where Japan is at (we ended at 384), along with the show only airing once a week and the show itself having no end in sight, it would have been near-impossible to catch up. Hence, this is why many decided to binge watch the series at their own pace instead, and this would show in the ratings.

And on that same note, there has been a bit of a backlash lately in regards to the amount of long runners on Toonami. When JoJo came on late last year, every single show on at the time save for Gundam and the 3am rerun would last on Toonami for at least two years. That doesn’t really give much room for a turnaround to get newer shows unless an expansion is in the cards, which we are seeing with the 11pm timeslot. While long runners do help with consistency to the block’s ratings, and no doubt the reason these shows are long is because of their immense popularity and demand for more, it doesn’t help if the popularity and overall buzz of said shows wear down. Both One Piece and Naruto have had some ratings fatigue as of late for various reasons, which is partly why they ended up at the back end of the block for the last few years. Meanwhile Hunter x Hunter fans have pleaded to Jason and the crew to keep that show at least at 1:30am for fear that it could suffer the same fate. And while JoJo’s and Gundam are doing fine for now, we feel that they could be doing much better. If you want Stardust Crusaders and IBO Season 2 to come to town, giving those shows the ratings support will help.

While Jason has promised more shows are still to come, possibly with expansion, but in regards to One Piece, it might have opened the can of worms in regards to cost considerations. With the direction things were going, One Piece would likely have been pushed to 3am or later to make way for those new shows. With most fans too tired to watch past 3am unless they used a DVR, the programming department at Toonami likely unable to pay high costs for a show so late, and Funimation and Toei likely unable to lower the renewal costs, Toonami decided it just wasn’t worth it anymore.

The problem could also go all the way back to the show’s days when 4Kids was the distributor. First impressions can often play a big role if a show becomes a smash hit or not, and with 4Kids poor handling of the show, fans were understandably turned off, and those first impressions among newer viewers were squandered. When Funimation took control, it would be too little, too late, as Toonami cancellation and the days of CN Real was upon the channel, and One Piece had to go elsewhere to gain its fanbase. One Piece would eventually rebound and gain immense popularity through other means and eventually another Toonami airing, but in comparison, the likes of DBZ and Naruto each received much better first impressions from both the Toonami and general audiences and both franchises currently benefit from massive nostalgic fanbases to this day in the US, something which we are seeing with the continued success of Dragon Ball Super and the hype for the upcoming Boruto series respectively.

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In the end, for one reason or another, One Piece just never caught on among the Toonami and general American audiences as much as we hoped and various factors each played a role in One Piece’s hopes of staying on Toonami unsustainable. Combined with the demand for more variety from viewers and the need to keep Toonami growing overall, it was no surprise that changes had to be made. While I’m sure One Piece’s Toonami viewers and even the Toonami crew themselves did everything they could to make the show work, there just wasn’t enough support to realistically keep the ship going without Toonami running into significant problems both financing and timeslot wise at some point. And as we all know, the growth and health of Toonami as a whole is much more important than one single show.

While One Piece is a beloved show to many of us, and will likely continue to be for years to come, the reality is that Toonami just can’t continue airing a show if millions of people don’t agree and watch it week after week on the better cartoon show. While the One Piece fandom is anything but a vocal minority, with millions continuing to enjoy the manga and the show on streaming sites and disc sales around the world, in regards to Toonami viewership, even Jason DeMarco himself has mentioned that “One Piece fans have been far more vocal about the show on the internet than they are focused on watching the show on TV”.

And as Jason himself has regularly said, television is a democracy and people vote with their eyeballs. It’s the reason why Naruto Shippuden, despite having the same issues with not being able to catch up with the dub and constant complaints about filler, wasn’t put on the chopping block as well, for now at least. It’s the reason why the likes of Attack on Titan and Sword Art Online have been big hits both inside and outside Toonami’s reach despite discontent from the vocal minority of detractors (as we have seen with the success of Ordinal Scale in theaters for instance), and will both likely be back at some point to air their respective sequels. And it’s a big reason Toonami mainly focuses on action oriented anime and cartoons, as the likes of slice of life, sports anime, and live action, while big on other outlets, were pretty much flops when Toonami experimented with such shows. In this case, while there were plenty of eyeballs watching, there just weren’t enough watching per week to keep One Piece running much longer.

Consider this to be a big wakeup call to fans of every current and prospective show on the block, that if a show makes it on Toonami, it has to pull through when it comes to both Nielsen ratings and overall buzz. If the show does well, all will be good as we’ll get to enjoy the show in its entirety, and if a sequel were to come, the odds will be good if not all but assured that the show will return. If not, changes will be made and another show will get its chance instead, as we saw with One Piece leaving and Tokyo Ghoul on its way. It doesn’t matter what the critics think of a show, or what your opinion might be. The moral of this story is that if you truly want a show to stay, continue to watch and enjoy, but don’t be complacent and not watch thinking it will be there forever. As the old saying goes, you don’t know what you got until it is gone.

Personally as a fan who got into One Piece via Toonami, it is pretty disappointing to ponder what could have been for this franchise, but what it did do for Toonami social media wise is one worth celebrating. During its nearly 4 year presence, One Piece would use its opportunity the best it could and no doubt fans made sure their voices were heard. The hashtag #OnePiece would trend in some capacity a grand total of 137 weeks including 19 times during the Long Ring Long arc, 29 times during the Water 7 arc, 39 times during Enies Lobby (including a marathon during Christmas 2015 showcasing the finale of that arc), 11 times during the Lovely Land arc, 35 weeks during Thriller Bark, and was a perfect 3 for 3 during the Spa Island Arc.

The show also produced 26 different character/in-show content trends, some of which occurred multiple times, including 19 characters (Arlong, Brook, Chopper (including Chopper Man), Franky, Foxy, Kuma, Laboon, Luffy (Including Afro Luffy), Nami, Robin, Olvia, Sanji, Saul, Shanks, Sniper King, Spandam, Usopp, and Zoro), 2 attacks, (Buster Call and Third Gear), 1 response to an event (RIP Merry), and 3 story arc names (Enies Lobby, Impel Down (Which we never got to), and Water 7).

No doubt One Piece is a part of that great legacy Toonami has made that made millions of people into anime fans and for their respective success, Toonami owes a lot for One Piece, and One Piece owes a lot to Toonami. Unfortunately, things weren’t going as well as we all hoped and Toonami decided it was best to part ways. While no show can be able to fully replace One Piece, we do hope you continue to support the block going forward or at least the shows you enjoy as it continues to showcase great anime to American audiences. Sometimes change can be good and if Toonami can use this opportunity to keep bringing in new shows, the loss of this show will at least sting less. And who knows, we could be seeing the next generation of top tier anime air here soon enough that could inspire fans both new and old like One Piece did for us.

That all being said, we have seen time and again that nothing is impossible for the better cartoon show and perhaps one day One Piece could return to Toonami stronger than ever. We saw it when Toonami first brought back One Piece back in 2013, and who’s to say it can’t happen again when conditions improve? For now, if you want to continue watching One Piece, check out the DVDs/BluRays and Manga as well as checking out new episodes on FunimationNow and Crunchyroll. Funimation is presently hard at work with dubbing season 9, and while Toonami won’t be there to commemorate One Piece’s future milestones at least for now, the franchise’s popularity looks a lot stronger than before Toonami joined the fray. It will be interesting to see where the One Piece franchise goes in the years ahead as the quest to find One Piece continues.

So on behalf of the Toonami Faithful, bon voyage, Strawhats and thanks for the memories. We’ll miss you.

Starting out as a mere idea by Mike Lazzo, Sean Atkins, and Jason DeMarco, Toonami has grown over the past 20 years to be a major phenomenon and has played a major role for why Anime is as popular as it is today. I personally started watching Toonami when I was a young kid around 1998-ish when I stumbled into Cartoon Network one afternoon as Toonami was airing Sailor Moon. While back then, it was strange to be enjoying a “girl show”, I was instantly hooked, and along with DBZ, the ThunderCats, and later Gundam Wing, I became intrigued and later became a fan with what would we all know today as anime.

We may or may not have realized it at the time, but Toonami turned out to be something special as it helped jumpstart a golden age for the anime industry as many shows were created and/or brought over to American shores partly in response to Toonami’s success. Of course, we reaped the benefits of this golden age, as we were introduced to a plethora of both anime and action cartoons, many of which we have grown to love, and some we still enjoy today. The four dark years when Toonami was off the air aside, the block was, is, and likely will continue to be a “gateway drug” for millions of anime fans, and perhaps more to come.

What makes Toonami successful, at least to me, is that it is not necessarily one show. What makes up Toonami is the 9 great action anime/cartoons that it presently airs now, plus the hundreds of shows that it aired in the past, as well as the many shows that will make its way to the block in the future (whether there are new franchises or sequels to popular Toonami shows), not to mention the packaging and adventures of TOM and SARA. From its smash hits to its underrated gems, Toonami has always had something for everyone. Add in the occasional music video, movie or animated short, game review, or other special feature Toonami has every week, and you got something millions tune in or DVR weekly every Saturday.

If Toonami taught us anything these past few years, it’s that nothing really is impossible. A few years ago, it was thought to be impossible that Samurai Jack would get a 5th season. Fast-forward to today, and here we are, talking about what’s next. Hell, Toonami returning was a miracle in itself. While many have sought a return during its hiatus, the dream never became realistic until Mike Lazzo and the Adult Swim crew decided to run Toonami and some of its past shows during April Fool’s Day 2012 and possibly see if there was interest. The response was a clear yes, and so here we are today seeing Toonami continuing to do as they do best.

And of course, the future looks bright for the better cartoon show in the months and years ahead. With Samurai Jack’s return continuing to impress and FLCL’s return also on the horizon, more original productions might be on the pipelines ahead. New acquisitions will also await, whether they are smash hits or underrated gems, each hoping to see their full potential in the west, including Tokyo Ghoul which begins next week. Previously successful Toonami shows including Attack on Titan, Blue Exorcist, One Punch Man and Sword Art Online among others will be among those to watch for in regards to Toonami potentially airing their respective sequels at some point ahead. And of course, barring any other dips in popularity and cancellations, the likes of Dragon Ball, Gundam, Hunter x Hunter, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Naruto each looks to continue to impress Toonami audiences for months if not years to come. Of course, if you have anything in mind for Toonami to show, we always recommend you sending your show requests on appropriate outlets (ex. their Facebook and tumblr message boxes). You may never know if millions of other folks, the distributors, and the Toonami crew will agree and try to make it happen.

The next 20 years or so will be one to look forward to and we could see a lot more to come ahead. And if you ask me, the success of Toonami, its partners, and even its competitors will all play a key role for the future prospects of anime and action cartoons in the west in the years ahead. Could we see a second season of another beloved Toonami show? Further expansion? A comeback for movies? The next anime boom if it’s not happening already? Or could it all just come crashing down in the end? Nothing is certain, but nothing is impossible, and we could be seeing some great things ahead. Of course, it takes two to tango, and if you do wish to keep Toonami going for another 20 years, keep supporting Toonami and the anime industry overall as always.

We continue on creating that legacy this Saturday, as Tokyo Ghoul will make its long awaited debut on the better cartoon show at 1am, while Gundam Unicorn will showcase its second half at its new time at 2am, and Naruto Shippuden will continue on at 2:30am. On behalf of the Toonami Faithful, thanks for all the memories, and here’s to many more.

Legend: The shows listed are ordered based on their appearance on the schedule. Show trends are listed in bold. The number next to the listed trend represents the highest it trended on the list (not counting the promoted trend), judging only by the images placed in the rundown. For the Twitter tweet counts, the listed number of tweets are also sorely based on the highest number shown based on the images on the rundown.

United States Trends:

Toonami/#Toonami [#4]

#Toonami20 [#1]

#SamuraiJack [#1]

Aku (From Samurai Jack) [#2]

#DragonBallSuper (Also during the primetime presentation) [#1]

#SandWhaleAndMe [#1]

#DBZKai [#1]

#JoJosBizarreAdventure [#2]

#GundamUnicorn [#1]

#HunterXHunter [#1]

#Shippuden [#2]

#OnePiece (Also during the West Coast airing) [#1]

#GhostInTheSHell [#1]

Worldwide Trends:

#Toonami20 [#2]

#SamuraiJack [#3]

Aku (From Samurai Jack) [#4]

#DragonBallSuper [#7]

#SandWhaleAndMe [#8]

#DBZKai [#8]

#JoJosBizarreAdventure [#8]

#GundamUnicorn [#7]

#HunterXHunter [#8]

#Shippuden [#8]

#OnePiece [#1]

#GhostInTheSHell [#7]

Tweet Counts:

Toonami [13.9k tweets]

#Toonami [7,729 tweets]

#SamuraiJack [10.2k tweets]

#DragonBallSuper [4,800 tweets]

#DBZKai [1,767 tweets]

#JoJosBizarreAdventure [2,027 tweets]

#HunterXHunter [2,259 tweets]

#OnePiece [6,100 tweets]

Tumblr Trends:

#tokyo ghoul

#samurai jack

#dragon ball super

Notes and Other Statistics:

#Toonami: @WhoTrendedIT reported that @blumspew and @adultswim started the trend in the US.

#DBZKai: @WhoTrendedIT reported that @FUNimation started the trend in the US.

#HunterXHunter: @WhoTrendedIT reported that @VIZMedia started the trend in the US.

Special thanks to @coreymbarnes, @jmb70056, @TheNextHokage and others I forgot to mention for spotting some of the trends on this list.

Eat Up. Only Toonami on [adult swim] on Cartoon Network.

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