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comicgeekscomicgeek · 4 years

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Their Hero Academia – Chapter 41: A Mighty Internship Begins!

Presenting the next raw and unedited chapter of my on-going, next-gen, My Hero Academia fic, Their Hero Academia!

Earlier chapters can be found here

Might Tower! Once home to All Might, now home to Deku and Lemillion, the Number One and Number Two Heroes (who often traded off positions in the charts). It was also home to two of the most effective Underground Heroes, the Voice and Glamour. There were also countless Sidekicks and an in-house Support Studio headed by Melissa Togata.

The bottom floor included a museum, devoted to All Might’s incredible career (including a gift shop, all proceeds from which went to charitable organizations and efforts). There were floors of phone banks, answering calls mundane and urgent, the staff well-trained to direct the calls to the correct people or bring Hero attention to it. There were floors of offices, handling all the paperwork that came with such a huge organization. There were multiple floors devoted entirely to a Support Studio. And, of course, there was a floor each for Deku and Lemillion, and subterranean levels for the Underground Heroes.

Countless people worked there. It was, in fact, by percentage of employees, the largest employer of the Quirkless in all of Japan.

And it was where Isamu was going to be spending the next week for his Internship. With Deku. The Number One Hero.

A hand clasped on his shoulder. “You have to go inside, Haimawari.”

“Yah!” he let out a gasp, returning to reality. “Sorry, Midoriya. Drifted away there for a second. Just feeling overwhelmed.”

“Relax, man,” Midoriya said. He was interning with Lemillion, but he didn’t seem nervous in the least. Small wonder, when he was the son of the Number One Hero, who had grown up with other Heroes around him like an extended clan of Uncles and Aunts. Lemillion was even his godfather, for crying out loud! He’d probably practically grown up in Might Tower. “You earned this.”

“For what it’s worth,” Kocho said, wings trailing behind her, “I can’t believe I’m here either.” She too was interning with Deku. Or, as she’d explained on the train ride over, “doing a ride along.” The Voice—Shinso’s dad—was also going to be working with her.

The moth-winged General Studies student had been offered a spot in the Hero Course following her Sports Festival performance. If she could get herself up to their level, she’d be able to join them for the Summer Training Camp and then formally join their class for the second semester. It’d be nice, Isamu reflected, having someone else in the class who didn’t come from a Hero-pedigree.

“Well,” Midoriya said, “you earned it too.” He looked both of them over and hesitated only a moment before he spoke again. “Really, you guys can relax. Dad’s one of the easiest going guys around. And Uncle Hitoshi acts kind of grumpy sometimes, but he’s really a softie. You’ll do great!”

Well, one of those statements was definitely true. Isamu had seen Deku interviewed often enough to know that he could shift easily between giving an inspiring speech to suddenly geeking out over a new Hero or one of his friends or even the interviewer’s Quirk. He saw some of that in Midoirya, but he must have gotten a decent dose of good sense from his mom.

“C’mon,” Midoriya said, waving a hand in the direction of the doors. “Let’s go in.”

Isamu grabbed the handle of his rolling luggage and followed suit.

***

Having left Midoriya behind several floors below, Koharu stepped off the elevator with Haimawari and onto the top floor of Might Tower. Passing through the lobby and other floors with Midoriya had been an experience; everyone there seemed to know him. Small surprise, really, given who he was.

She’d been here a few times on school trips and during one special civilian tour (her uncle, who worked the night shift dispatch, had managed to get tickets for the family), but coming into it as a potential Hero was another thing entirely. Maybe she’d walk these halls as a Sidekick someday? It was way too early to think about. She wasn’t even a Hero Course student yet, not really. She’d signed the paperwork, the offer had been extended, but she needed to prove herself first.

A bespectacled secretary told them that Deku was in his office and directed them down the hall.

“Here,” Haimawari said, pulling open the door to the office for her. “Ah, Mister Deku, sir?” he asked.

“They told us you were insiiii….” Koharu trailed off, struck speechless by the sight inside.

The whole office looked like it had been the scene of a terrible battle, the walls cracked and furniture turned over and broken. How had anyone not heard this?

“D-d-d-Deku!” Haimawari shrieked, pointing a long arm. “He’s… he’s… dead!”

She followed his finger and saw Deku on the ground, laying on his stomach in a pool of what looked like blood. His arms and legs were splayed and… were those his intestines? Perhaps it was unheroic of her, but Koharu let out a scream. They had to get someone, get someone to help, how could this have happened without anyone knowing?!

Suddenly, Deku sprang to his feet, somehow looking none the worse for wear. “I’m alive!” he said, a big grin across his face.

This time, both she and Haimawari screamed.

There was the sound of running feet in the hallway and another burst into the room, a young man, maybe in his early twenties, blond, muscular, and wearing a silver and black costume, lined with red, the majority of the chest taken up by a silver shield-shape. “What’s going on…?” He took one look at the room, at Deku, and at Haimawari and her, then slapped a hand to his face. “Dammit, Uncle Izuku, not again!”

No longer able to hold it, Deku let out a long laugh, nearly doubling over. “Sorry, sorry,” he said, finally righting himself. “But you should have seen the look on your faces…!”

Koharu exchanged a look with Haimawari. What the hell was going on?

“Okay, okay,” Deku said, looking to a corner on the room. “You can drop the illusion, Camie.”

There was a strange moment and then the world shifted, the destruction and blood and violence done to the office disappearing and leaving it in its normal state. And there in the corner was blonde woman in a skintight catsuit, the zipper pulled down low to expose her cleavage, and a peaked cap. She was leaning lazily against the wall, scrolling through her phone.

“’sup, fam,” the woman said, giving them a little wave.

“You’re… you’re the Shield!” Haimawari said, pointing at the blond man. “And you’re Glamour! I knew you both worked here, but I didn’t expect to see either of you on the first day!”

Koharu felt her heartrate slowly returning to normal. Haimawari geeking out over the Heroes was relaxing, in its own way. It was such a normal reaction. One she’d have probably echoed if the sight of Deku, dead, wasn’t still trying to burn its way across her memory. The Shield she recognized, one of Deku’s most well-known sidekicks. The woman seemed vaguely familiar, but didn’t strike any major memory chords.

“I’m sorry,” the Shield said. “He does this to all the new Interns and Sidekicks. He did it to me on my first day and I nearly jumped through the roof.”

“Hey!” Deku said. “It’s a time tested method for surprising Interns, passed down to me by Gran Torino himself!”

“You mean the guy whose idea of training was to beat the shit out of me?”

The Number One Hero smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head, pointedly ignoring his Sidekick’s question. “Anyway, where are my manners? Kids, this is Tamaki Togata, one of my Sidekicks, and Camie Shinso, one of the Underground Heroes who works here. Tamaki, Camie, these are Isamu Haimawari and Koharu Kocho, my Interns for the week. Koharu here is Kaito down in dispatch’s niece.

“The First and Third Place finishers at the Sports Festival!” Deku finished excitedly.

Koharu felt a smile tug at her lips. Deku’s enthusiasm was positively infectious and for a moment, at least, all her doubts about being here were banished. “Your son finished Third too,” she said.

“Midoriya’s deserved it,” Haimawari agreed. “He got all of us through the first leg with his plan.”

“He’s a good kid,” Deku agreed. “Mirio will take good care of him, I’m sure.”

The Shield nodded. “I saw the Sports Festival. You did good work, both of you. Wish my kid brother had done half as well, but he’s happy tinkering with his toys. Nejire came in third place too, for the Third Years. Hasn’t shut up about it.”

“Shota couldn’t stop talking about it,” Glamour agreed. “Mad lit, kids. And Kaito’s a total star. Keeps the whole ship running at night. Hubs likes him ‘cause he doesn’t get gabby.”

“Thank you,” Koharu said. Her uncle wasn’t the bragging type, but she knew his job was frequently demanding and stressful, so praise from the Heroes who relied on his support was nice to hear.

Deku grinned again. “Okay, Tamaki, you want to show the kids where they can stash their stuff, then show them to the locker rooms, and then meet me down in Training Room Alpha? And Camie, if you’d like Hitoshi know they’re here?”

“Can do,” the Shield said, tossing off a small salute.

“If he’s awake,” Glamour said. “Might have to kick him a few times.”

“Careful,” Deku told her. “He just got a new sleeping bag with extra padding.”

“It’s that a little fast?” Koharu asked, a little surprised. “I mean, I’m here to learn, I know, but I’m so far behind…” Maybe Heroes just did things quickly. She’d studied them plenty, but didn’t have any real idea how this was supposed to go.

There was still so much she had to catch up on. What she’d done to teach herself had gotten her far, but she lacked the foundations and skills the Hero Course students had. She thought she might observe or something first, but to just go for it like that?

“All the better reason to get started now!” Deku beamed.

***

“Oh, that was awesome!” Deku yelled, pumping a fist in the air.

Isamu came to a stop, firing a small burst of power like a retro-rocket. Next to him, Kocho touched down with a flutter of wings. Training Room Alpha turned out to be specifically reserved for Interns, Sidekicks, and Work Study participants, allowing them to hone their Quirks and skills in relatively lower stakes simulated environments, using the latest in holographic technologies. Deku had started them off with a simple obstacle course, throwing various challenges their way (such as catching a falling civilian or avoiding simulated flames) as they made their way across a series of rooftops. The nature of it meant he hadn’t been able to go full throttle, and Kocho had been able to keep up with him that way.

It had probably started as a competition, but it had quickly fallen into something more like cooperation. Which was probably Deku’s intention in the first place. He hadn’t offered any instruction, just letting them go and seeing what they could do. Considering he had a notebook (Actual paper and pen! In this day and age!) open in front of him and was still scribbling, he probably had lots of feedback pending.

He offered the purple and blue haired girl a handshake, which she took. “Good work,” he said. While he was wearing his costume, she wore a U.A. gym uniform, having explained that there hadn’t been time to fabricate a costume before the Internship began.

“Thanks,” she replied. “You too.”

“It was all right.”

The sudden voice snapped Haimawari’s head around, to a figure all dressed in black, a steel-grey cloth wound around his neck like a scarf. “Mi—mi—Mister Aizawa!”

No, wait, that wasn’t right… In fact, he looked pretty much like an older version of Shota Shinso. Right! The Voice!

He wasn’t the only one who recognized him, though. Koharu practically lit up at the sight of him. “You’re Shinso!” she yelled. “You’re a legend!”

The tired looking man shrugged. “That’s my name,” he said. “But I’m no legend.”

“Oh, don’t be so modest, Hitoshi!” Deku said.

“But you, young lady,” Shinso continued, as though Deku hadn’t spoken, “you were very impressive.”

“He’s getting his license so he can take on Interns,” Deku volunteered. “Which is something he’d said he’d never do. Because then he’d have to deal with… extroverts. I’d have asked you anyway, Kocho, but Shinso really wanted me to.”

“Just give it all away, why don’t you, Deku?” Shinso asked, but he sounded more amused than annoyed.

“You’re, um, you’re nothing like your son, Sir,” Isamu said, then instantly slapped both hands over his mouth. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. But it was true. Shinso the younger was so talkative and energetic, and the Voice was so… not. He was afraid he was going to fall asleep just standing there watching them.

“Heh.” The smallest possible smile he’d ever seen anyone make moved across Shinso’s lips. “He certainly takes after his mother in that regard.”

Isamu decided not to dwell on how a guy like the Voice had managed to marry a woman like Glamour. Some things were best not thought about. Though he supposed you could say the same thing about his own parents, with his easy going, goofy dad, and high strung mother.

The purple-haired Hero’s eyes narrowed, highlighting the bags under them. “Still… Izuku was able to remind me that I do have a lot of wisdom and experience to offer. If somewhat unofficially.”

“Okay, so, before we move on to the next exercise,” Deku said, and Isamu could swear he saw a maniac energy in the man’s eyes, “I have so many questions about your Quirks!”

***

Shinso! The Shiso! The Voice! Only one of the most famous General Education students turned Hero ever! There wasn’t a student in the General Education course who didn’t look up to him. To think, Koharu wasn’t just following in his footsteps, but getting first-hand experience with him!

After giving her and Haimawari time to shower, Deku had taken the gawky boy off with him, leaving her and Shinso. Technically, all they were supposed to be doing was getting breakfast in the cafeteria. But this wasn’t even reading between the lines. The Number One Hero was certainly playing more fast and loose with the rules than she would have thought!

She’d been surprised by the number of food choices available, though, especially the liquid options! She’d been a little worried about that and in fact had a few options packed away in her luggage. The two of them occupied one table, while various Sidekicks and other employees occupied others and left them in peace.

Shinso, as it turned out, also enjoyed pouched food. “So,” he said, “I don’t suppose I can interest you in being an Underground Hero?”

Koharu blinked her large eyes at that, slowly withdrawing her proboscis from the syrupy fruit pouch she was drinking. “I think I’m a little too distinctive for that,” she said.

His shoulder went up in the slightest of shrugs. “Worth a shot,” he said. “But you’re right. The public will love you. You’re flashy and distinctive. Camie says you’re “trending” and “a hashtag.” Whatever that means.”

Koharu decided educating a Pro-Hero on the intricacies of internet terminology was not something she was interested in doing. “I’ve tried not looking too much at what the internet is saying about me,” she said. “But I haven’t been all that successful. A lot of people seem real excited about me. The school, the public, even Deku. Feels like a lot of people are making a big deal out of me. Not sure if I feel like I deserve it.”

There was certainly a subset of the internet that seemed to feel the same, coming up with all kinds of preposterous claims and accusations, saying she was just taking attention away from up and coming Heroes. And then there were the more vicious comments, from those who still held a lot of prejudice towards Mutant-Type Quirks. The former were annoying and chiseled away at her self-confidence. But the latter? Those hurt.

“You don’t,” Shinso said, and Koharu felt her mouth open in shock.

“What?”

“Not because of the Sports Festival win, anyway,” Shinso amended hastily, as though sensing he’d been a bit too blunt. “People make more out of the Sports Festival than it really is. It’s a chance to show off, but it’s not the be-all or end-all of Hero-training. And it’s still horrifically biased, if not quite so bad as the Entrance Exam still is. Though making a good impression is still important.”

He fixed her with an intense stare. “The fact that you impressed Nezu and others in the faculty is what’s significant. You’re being fast-tracked. I had to train for months to just have the chance to try out for the Hero Course and I didn’t get to join until the second year. If they’re putting that out there, it means you have a real shot at doing something great. Of course, I was young and stupid. You’re young, but I don’t think you’re stupid.”

“…Thanks?” she tried.

“Besides,” he added, “you’ve got me in your corner. I know how Aizawa thinks, and I know exactly what you’re going to need to get up to Hero Course standard. And I’ll share it with you, on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“When you’re a famous Pro-hero, you pass the torch, same as I’m doing now.”

***

Isamu was honestly surprised by how approachable Deku was, even if he shouldn’t have been. Between what he’d seen in interviews and how Midoriya had talked about him, it was obvious the Number One Hero was able to switch from “Hero Mode” when dealing with villains or disasters to some kind of “Civilian Mode” when doing practically anything else. As they’d gotten their food and taken a seat in the cafeteria (And Deku was just… eating in the cafeteria. Like he was some Sidekick or paper pusher, not the guy who literally owned the place!), it became rapidly clear that he knew the name of each and every person who worked for him, calling them by name and asking questions about their family or hobbies or other details that he wouldn’t have thought he’d have time or inclination to know.

Isamu took a bite of his breakfast sandwich (What could he say? Convenience store style foods agreed with him.), then a long swig of coffee. Probably more sugar in it than he should have, but he wanted to make sure he was fully awake and alert for the day.

“So,” Deku said, in-between bites of his own breakfast, “can I ask you something, Haimawari? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

Well, that was a loaded statement if ever he heard one. Isamu felt his heartrate kick up a notch. What could Deku possibly want to know? “Ah, sure?” he said, wishing he felt more sure of himself, or that it sounded less like a question.

“Maybe I’m overthinking this,” Deku said, “because that’s kind of my thing, but after the Sports Festival, I couldn’t help but think that you reminded me of something I’d read about when I was a kid and for a little while when I was in U.A., and then I went digging into some old files and newspaper archives and everything and…”

Isamu knew, instantly, what Deku was planning on asking. He wanted to run or use his Quirk to slide away, but he felt riveted to his seat, despite Deku’s rambling, unassuming nature.

“Are you connected to the Crawler, who used to be in Naruhata?”

Yep, there it was.

“Mister Deku, sir, I…” he began, tripping over his words.

“You can just call me Deku.”

Isamu swallowed hard, looking down. Mobility-enhancing Quirks were quite common, even Quirks which allowed mobility over various surfaces. The specifics, like his needing three points of contact, varied, but Quirks could easily be traced through family lines. He was an only child of an only child, not exactly hard to figure out where it might have come from if anyone did any digging.

“The Crawler?” he asked instead, hoping to buy a few precious seconds to think.

“A Vigilante who used to operate in Naruhata, starting about twenty-eight years ago. Mostly small scale stuff, just helping people on the street, though he and a couple other Vigilantes did get involved with some pretty big stuff on occasion too. But mostly he was kind of a local figure. A “Nice Guy” who helped watch out for people and kept the neighborhood safe. Not many people even know about him, since the press didn’t like to give a lot of attention to that kind of thing, though a few U.A. teachers worked with them and even Captain Celebrity talked about them in his autobiography…”

U.A. teachers. Right. Like Mister Aizawa and Vice-Principal Midnight. Both of whom had to know about his parents. Dad had mentioned them often enough, when recounting stories of his glory days. Which was something he’d tried very hard not to think about since the start of school.

“And who disappeared about eighteen years ago. Just a couple years before you were born, as a matter of fact.” Deku finished, matter of factly. “Took a while to find the archival footage, but what little bit there is of him in action pretty much lines up exactly with you at the Sports Festival.”

He shouldn’t have been surprised, he reflected for the second time. Deku was well known for his knowledge of Heroes and his analysis of Quirks. And you couldn’t get to being the Number One Hero without being incredibly clever and intelligent on top of that. It’s a wonder he thought it wouldn’t come up.

“That’s, that’s my dad,” he said, quietly. He looked up, pleadingly. “Please don’t tell anyone.” There wasn’t a statute of limitations on Vigilantism charges. If he got his dad in trouble by going to U.A…!

“Relax,” Deku said, holding up both hands in a placating gesture. “I just wanted to know if my theory was right, and I wanted you to know that I know. No judgements. Everything I’ve pieced together says your dad helped a lot of people.”

Isamu let out a puff of breath. “That’s, that’s good,” he said. “Thank you.”

“So,” Deku continued, “tell me about why you want to be a Hero.”

Now that, that was a question he was more prepared to answer. Especially with more cards on the table. “I want the chance to do what Dad couldn’t,” he said. “He spent, still spends, his life helping people. Big ways and small. But he missed his chance to be a Hero. And I think part of him always regretted that. He told me helping people was the best thing a person could do, no matter if they were a Hero or not. But I just figured that if I did become one, I could help a lot of people. In a lot of big ways.”

At that, Deku nodded. “It’s a good reason,” he said. “I’ve certainly heard worse.”

“I, ah,” Isamu began again, “I just want to really thank you, for this opportunity. I didn’t think somebody like you would ever notice somebody like me.”

For the briefest second, he could have sworn he saw some faraway look pass over Deku’s face. Then he remembered that Deku was, somehow, a very late bloomer, who hadn’t manifested his Quirk until he was a teenager. Who’d gone to school with Shoto and Ingenium and Creati, scions of various Hero legacies of their own. Maybe he did understand a bit.

Deku smiled. “Just looking for someone who looked like they could use a shot. You and Kocho both.”

The Number One Hero’s grin got bigger. “So… how’d you like to go on patrol?”

#my hero academia #their hero academia #fan fic #fan fiction #my writing #isamu haimawari #izuku midoriya #hitoshi shinso #camie utsushimi

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lovelilijazunde · 4 years

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60 follower special

well well well, somehow i went a whole day without registering that I hit 60 followers, and then 61, and thusly should celebrate for it!

I decided to give you: a country I created! There is other stuff for it too, but I didn’t get images of them :(

Warning: it’s long

Enjoy!

FACTS:

Create-A-Country

Note: all English spellings of the places and names have been implemented for the ease of the reader. We fully understand that Americans find it difficult to understand our written language, so we have translated into English as best we could.

Uzplauxvil (oose-PLOW-ville). The citizens are called Uzplauv. It was based off a mixture of the Latvian word for “flourishing”, uzplaukums, and the French word for town, “ville” because some of the first settlers of this area were French and Latvian, as well as English, Scandinavian, and German. The pronunciation is French-based.

Founded in 1790 on what is now the Canada/Minnesota border, it replaces the state of Minnesota and most of Ontario, as well as Wisconsin, half each of Illinois and Indiana, and shavings of Manitoba. It contains all five Great Lakes and the Headwaters of the Mississippi. North to South, it stretches from a point equal to the tip of Kentucky to Hudson Bay. East to West, it stretches from the Easternmost edge of Manitoba to the Western border of Quebec.

Uzplauxvil is landlocked, though there are many lakes contained inside of it, and it adjoins Hudson Bay. It contains a boreal shield in the North, with the Great Lakes-Lawrence forest region in the center, as well as prairie in the Southwest, coniferous forest in the Mideast, tallgrass aspen parkland in the Midwest, and deciduous forest in the Southeast. At the very Northmost stretch, there is a section of Hudson Plain. There are no mountains, only forests and plains.

The weather is cold and snowy in the winter, and warm in the summer. It gets colder the further north you go, and rainier the further East you go. It also rains a lot near the larger bodies of water. Those areas are also prone to thick fog in the fall and spring, as well as early mornings in the summer.

Most people in the Minnesosk region live around lakes, since there are so many of them there. People in Wixing, Bayside, and Dallirt tend to gravitate towards the central Great Lakes, just as Ryokin and Shlavto people tend to gravitate towards Hudson Bay. And of course, in all districts the people also center around the capitals of each district. Other than that, the population is pretty evenly distributed, with plenty of farm settlements and old logging settlements that turned into towns and cities spread across the districts.

In Uzplauxvil, there is a wide variety of work done, but a lot of it is centered around healthy logging and mining processes, as well as a booming trade in fishing. Since Uzplauxvil has so many lakes, and so many of them large, even though they are a landlocked country they still are a lead in quality fishing industry. Uzpluaxvil is very nature-based, and though this is a product mostly of the main religion, Quatrysm, it is truly a part of everyday life in Uzplauxvil. As a result of this, Uzplauxvil is regarded as the most eco-friendly developed country. They revolutionized hydroelectric power, and found a healthy substitute for coal and oil to fuel their wonderful system of elevated train tracks. They are amazingly quiet, as to disturb as little wildlife as possible. Uzplauvs have made many environmental-protection laws as a result of their belief that all creatures are equally important. Uzplauxvil has only one language. It is unique in the way that it is written. To the ear, they are speaking English, perhaps with a slight French accent in the North and West areas. But, written down, it is a mystifying alphabet of 37 letters. However, it a phonetic alphabet, with each letter having a specific sound, so it is simpler in that manner. Uzplauxvil is also unique in their numerical system, with completely different symbols than the traditional. Thus, the signs are completely indecipherable to someone who has not learned the language, and it would seem even more confusing that the inhabitants do not speak in gibberish, and instead in perfectly normal-sounding English. The alphabet is easy enough to learn. The numerical system is quite a bit harder, especially if you start out as a non-Uzplauv. There are definitely some challenges to living in Uzplauv, mostly concerning the nature-based society. Lots of people think that Uzpluaxvil should focus less on the environment and more on technology. Unfortunately, this is in opposition to their eco-friendly approach to life and religion, so thankfully this is not a generally popular idea.

There is one major religion in Uzplauxvil, even though there is freedom of religion. Since it is the religion practiced by the royal family and most government officials, is is naturally the most popular and widespread. The major religion is called Quatrysm, with the practitioners called Quatrysts. It is unique to Uzplauxvil, and is the worship of four goddesses, the Quatrys: the goddess of animals, Nkumn; the goddess of families, Calmangh; the goddess of weather, Shavook; and the goddess of plants (such as harvest or lumber), Korytir. They make up the major four aspects of life. There is also a host of smaller gods and goddesses who serve the Quatrys. They are the gods and goddesses of more everyday things such as apple trees, blacksmithing, and clouds. This belief system influences the people to be more considerate towards nature and the world around us. It has also affected our modern technology, limiting the use of pollutant-creating transport systems and factories. There are four smaller important groups: the such as the Arts: gods and goddesses of the theater, music, writing, and tactile art. The religion has no food restrictions, but you must say a blessing over every meal you are presented with, because something had to die to gift you with the bounty. Many Quatrysts are vegetarians or vegans as a result of this, and, like Europe, they eat far less meats than vegetables as opposed to the U.S.A.

The other religions include the beliefs of the Anishinaabe and Dakota native americans who originally lived in the area, as well as different sects of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

My country is governed by a Queen, a Council, and a Cabinet.

The Council is made up of elected overall heads of each district. Their job is to address issues in the Queendom and provide laws and solutions to be approved by the Queen. They focus on making sure the needs of each district are met.

The Queen position is hereditary, with the former Queen handpicking the most worthy of her female relatives as the new Queen. The qualities that a good Queen possesses must include a sense of justice, compassion, wisdom, a cool head under stress, common sense, and a sense of equality. She may choose any relative younger than her, including sisters (Marquess), aunts (Baroness), cousins (Duchess), nieces (Earless), daughters (Princess), granddaughters (Queenling), and grandnieces (Lady). These positions pre-Queen are mostly title only. They still have to work to put themselves in positions of power and to become landowners. This is to create a sense of humility and equality with the common people, and to create a system where anyone can advance.

It is possible that if a suitable female candidate cannot be found, that a male would ascend the throne, but it has only happened once, after the reign of Queen Judith the Progressive in 1890. There were fewer girls born into the royal family at this time, and most of them were spoiled and deceitful. Thus, faced with limited female options, Queen Judith appointed her nephew, Earl William, to the throne. He became known as King William the Just, and was a wise and fair ruler.

Any candidate must have passed the Maturity Test before she can ascend the throne, and often she takes it before beginning her training.

Common people are appointed to the Cabinet and Council, and the idea is that any future Queen should rule for the people, not the power and politics. Before becoming the Queen, the Queen Candidate must undergo vigorous training and tutoring by the Queen and the Queen’s advisors. She must be able to run a country as soon as she is crowned, so this training process takes years. Knowing this, the Queen usually begins to train a candidate as soon as possible. If the Queen dies without having handed over her throne, the paperwork would be horrendous, and the Cabinet and Council would have far more than their fair share of work. In the case of an unstable or unfit Queen, the Council and Cabinet will vote to impeach her. The Queen can pose or veto laws, and has the final say in any and all High Court cases, though she is reigned in by the judge and jury.

The Queen may marry whomever she wishes to, though it is traditional to marry an Uzplauv.

The Cabinet is appointed by the Queen and approved by the Council. The Cabinet is made up of the heads of particular parts of the government such as Treasurer, Strategist, Armorer, Judge, Cook, etc., each of them representing their entire profession as well as leading them.

Since Uzplauxvil is split up into several districts, there are smaller Cabinets and Councils within each district. In each district, the council members are made up of the Heads of each town, with the cabinet members being the same positions as the Cabinet members, just at a local level, and deferring to the Cabinet members.

There are no political parties in Uzplauxvil. Every district is focused inwards, so that is as close as they come. This is based on the Uzplauv government looking at what happens to countries with political parties, and strongly discouraging that type of behavior there.

ALPHABET AND NUMERICAL SYSTEM:

NATIONAL ANTHEM:

#follower celebration #60 follower celebration #uzplauxvil #idk if you could tell but there was hecka gay in that government #also i made the idea for this last year so some of it might be outdated-y #long post

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cienie-isengardu · 5 years

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Anakin and Clone Troopers in Legends sources [2002-2005], part II

previous part: Anakin and Clone Troopers in Legends sources [2002 - 2005], part I

I talked before how Anakin’s POV presented in Legends books wasn’t often focused at situation of clone troopers, nor gave specific details about his personal relationship with them while narrative itself provided examples how Skywalker is usually the first (sometimes the only one) person to act to protect troopers during fight. In contrast to him, in Labyrinth of Evil or ROTS novel Obi-Wan’s POV is full of thoughts about clone troopers yet he rarely do anything to help them in need. What of course does not mean that one cares more than other and it’s more about limited space to show the readers the full extent of the relationship between Jedi and clones, especially in the face of more urgent events.

Jedi Trial is one of few sources that allows us to see Anakin without Kenobi for a longer period of time during war. This is very important story, mainly because Skywalker is still a padawan who wants to prove himself as a real Jedi and commander, even though Council is still against knighting him. Jedi Trial was written by David Sherman and Dan Cragg and was published in 2004. Both authors served in military, and I think they did good job with presenting Anakin’s first real steps as commander of GAR.

Before I focus at the details, I want to clarify one thing. The biggest problem with the novel is that, it was supposed to be set somewhere in second year of Clone Wars, what A) leaves little time for Anakin to became a respected commander on his own, not to mention gaining the title of Hero With No Fear and B) makes little sense overall, because Anakin fought the war since day one and by that alone he should have at least basic of military experiences by now. Also, after two years fighting alongside clone troopers, I think any person would made some connection with them. Frankly, I always thought that Jedi Trial was (should be) set in earlier period of time, because there is little informations that give the feeling of such gap in timeline. It’s why I see this story as study of Anakin’s military career and the beginning of his relationship with clones that should happened sooner than in second year of war.

Keeping that in mind, here is short summary: Kenobi was sent on special mission - Anakin, as padawan, stayed in Jedi Temple to train and study military strategies, where he very quickly befriended Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon. Soon after that Jedi Council have chosen Halcyon to lead attack on Praesitlyn. When he was asked whom he wants as his second-in-command, he decided to take Anakin. Council wasn’t happy to hear that but Halcyon’s practical arguments changed their mind. To make sure the younger padawan will manage as a commander, Nejaa hired befriended Rodian mercenery, Grudo. From onward, the Rodian soldier (in the rank of sergeant major) accompanied and advised commander Skywalker through the course of story.

Due to length, I splitted the text into two parts. First is focused mainly at Jedi & GAR preparations for upcoming campaign (Anakin as freshly promoted commander) while second will focus on Skywalker during battles. Clone troopers unfortunately aren’t main heroes (the way captain Rex is in TCW, for example) but their presence is visible and has impact on Anakin. But to show it in fully, I’m gonna bring some other paragraphs too. Which is why the text grew in length so much.

So, let’s see how the story played:

Anakin, Halcyon and Grudo were busy with preparation for upcoming battle:

The next days passed in a whirlwind of activity. The two Jedi and their Rodian comrade soon began to work as a well-oiled team. Grudo followed Anakin everywhere, interjecting advice whenever appropriate, but otherwise not saying much. The clone infantry had been divided among several transports, in order to minimize their losses if a ship was hit, so the trio were kept busy moving among the ships. At night they met in Halcyon's stateroom to go over the details of the day.

One evening, Halcyon asked Anakin, "Are you familiar with the capabilities of the specialized troopers?" He was referring to the fifty clone commandos aboard the battle cruiser Teyr.

Anakin nodded, clone commandos were trained to be used for only the most dangerous missions, and as such were bred to possess a larger degree of independent thought and action than ordinary troopers. Equipped with highly advanced armor and weapons, they were capable of fighting successfully on their own, but with a Jedi commander their potential as an attack force was virtually unlimited.

"They're yours, then," Halcyon told him. "Take Grudo, go over to the Teyr, and get to know them."

Surprised and pleased, Anakin wasted no time getting a shuttle to the cruiser.

Earlier, he had taken charge of his division, met with his brigade, battalion, and company commanders, introduced himself to the troopers, inspected them in ranks, and asked probing questions about their armor, equipment, and weapons. Grudo had had him bone up on these things and read the readiness reports the division's commanders had submitted.

"You're their leader," he had said. "Soldiers don't respect a commander who doesn't know their weapons, equipment, and tactics better than they do. But remember this: all the clones are like brothers-twin brothers-and all clones think they're the best. They work best under their own officers; they wouldn't fight under me. Under you, yes, of course-you're a Jedi. But although they respect you as a Jedi, now you must show them they can respect you as a soldier like them. You have to show them before we go into battle that you know what you're doing."

Anakin had done his best, and Grudo had been impressed with his handling of the troops. Now, as he headed for the Teyr, he was feeling more confident, eager to meet the clone commandos who were to be his to command.

First, I really like how the book, in contrast to some others, doesn’t point time after time that troopers in question are clones. Nejaa, Anakin and Grudo refer to them the same way they would address “normal born” people. Which is pretty nice details that also works nicely with TCW books (”My men”)

Anakin is freshly appointed commander but he already has some knowledge about structures of GAR. He knows basic differences between common trooper and clone commando, including more independent characters of specialized troopers.

Skywalker spent a lot time before the battle on meeting with troopers (”he had taken charge of his division, met with his brigade, battalion, and company commanders, introduced himself to the troopers, inspected them in ranks”) and getting to know as much as possible about their equipment and weaponary (”asked probing questions about their armor, equipment, and weapons.”) but also study paperwork (”Grudo had had him bone up on these things and read the readiness reports the division's commanders had submitted.”). The last part is interesting because how often we hear about Jedi reading readiness reports or other stuff? I mean, Council usually is listening to someone giving report from the battle or after, but reading itself? There is so little information about paperwork in GAR, that clone troopers are doing apparently.

The older Jedi decided to give command over Republic Commandos to Anakin. Since Council is all the time against knighting Skywalker, it’s no surprise that Nejaa’s trust is so pleasing to him. This and Grudo’s praise for handling the troopers made Anakin much more confident in his own skills.

Also, Grudo doesn’t just praise him, he also gives important advices to Anakin. Clones will do what he will order because he is Jedi, but that does not give him automatically their respect. He must prove them he is worth soldier respect, that he is commander who knows what he is doing. Which is something that Anakin took to heart.

The captain in charge of the commandos called them to attention when Anakin entered their bay.

Anakin traded salutes with the captain. "At ease!" he commanded. He spread his legs slightly and clasped his hands behind his back as he scanned the soldiers before him. There were two sergeants in the group, judging by the green markings on their armor.

"I am Commander Anakin Skywalker," he began. "You have been assigned to the Second Division, which I command. You will serve as part of my headquarters battalion, under my personal direction. Captain, you will not report to or receive orders from any other officer during this campaign. I will assign you missions as required by the tactical situation on Praesitlyn. I will not ask you to do anything that I wouldn't do myself. Is that clear?"

"Arrrrruuuhh!" the troopers shouted in unison, coming to attention with a loud slamming of boots on the deck. The compartment echoed with their shouts.

The captain permitted himself a slight smile. "My troopers are ready, sir!" he reported.

Anakin glanced at Grudo, whose face was pulled down in the Rodian smile. "Captain, have the troopers fall out and fall in by their assigned bunks. I wish to inspect their armor, weapons, and equipment."

Anakin spent the rest of the night inspecting the troopers. He found no dust, grease, or dirty weapons. Throughout the inspection, the captain followed Anakin with a datapad at the ready, but he was never told to enter anything.

On the way back to the Ranger, Grudo leaned over and told Anakin, "You did a good job with that inspection. You looked at everything you should, and weren't petty, like some might have been. The troopers appreciate that. They'll fight well for you, I can tell."

Feeling his chest swell with pride and excitement, Anakin swiftly ran through the Jedi Code in his mind: There is no emotion; there is peace... A Jedi does not act for personal power... He was here to do a job-and what was more, a job that would cost soldiers their lives. He would do well to remember his training, he told himself. He was a Jedi, and he would do the Order proud. Taking a deep breath, he reached out to the Force, seeking serenity...

The first meeting between Anakin and the clone commandos who are gonna serve under his command went well. Grudo praised Skywalker for that he “looked at everything you should, and weren't petty, like some might have been” during inspection.

Looking how “The captain permitted himself a slight smile”, I think the leader of commandos shared Grudo’s opinion as well.

What is also interesting, we see Anakin (Jedi commander) trading salutes with the captain. Frankly, I’m not sure if any movie or animated series showed something like that - beside one scene with Kanan and old captain Rex. Comics sources aren’t better in that matter. Usually clone troopers, if ever, are meet with Jedi-like bow of head. It’s nice detail, because Anakin (the Jedi) adapted into military regulation (custom) that clone troopers use on daily basis. Even the pose “at easy” he took after salute is very military-like (albeit he keep similar pose during AotC). I guess, those little details add authenticity to Rex’s words how Anakin, despite being Jedi, feel like true soldier.

Grudo’s praise is a source of pride and excitement; what kind of 20 years old human wouldn’t feel so good in Anakin’s place? At the same time, Skywalker is keeping himself as calm as possible, because war is not a game, and soon many troopers may die because of his orders. Even though Council distrust him for years, he still wants make Jedi Order proud.

After that we have a scene in which old Quartermaster is telling commander Skywalker in great details about logistic.

I talked more about it here, but I feel it’s worth to mention that A) Anakin is trying to get hold of all aspects of how army is working and takes seriously duties of commander - not just the planning battles and leading people into fight. Which I think is much more than Jedi commanders / generals usually did. Or at least, we rarely see them worrying about logistics or anything beside the battle itself. Most likely the clone commanders are the one who take care of such matters. Anakin (as Jedi officer) may be one of few exceptions to rule, and most likely he continues doing so since preparation for Praesitlyn. What may brings him closer to clone troopers, as a Jedi who fullfill all commander duties, not only those battle-related. The final advice of Grudo is that:

"Don't be the kind of commander who leaves the details to others," Grudo had warned him. He wouldn't.

So, Skywalker’s preparation before battle is summed by this:

In fact, Anakin had been a phenomenally quick study in the art of command, throwing himself into the task every waking hour of each day the fleet was in transit. He had immersed himself enthusiastically in all aspects of military management, as well.

Now, let’s see how he (and clone troopers) were doing during getting to and settling on Praesitlyn.

Anakin paced the bridge of the Neelian, clenching and unclenching his fists as he observed the battle cruisers deploy into attack formation. "I should be out there with them," he muttered.

"No, you belong here," Grudo answered. "That's the plan; everyone agreed to it-you agreed. Commanders, too, must follow orders. Once the battle plan is approved, everyone must follow his or her orders. That way, everything works according to the plan. Please, sit. You're making the crew nervous."

At that moment Captain Luhar, the Neelian’s captain, glanced up at Anakin. He patted the gravity couch beside him. "Commander, have a seat."

Reluctantly, Anakin lowered himself onto the couch. "I hate just sitting here," he grumbled.

“You'll have action soon enough," Luhar replied. He was sure about Anakin, whom he felt might be too young and inexperienced--Jedi or not-to be second in command of a fleet. He hoped that nothing would happen to General Halcyon. "Increase magnification," he ordered his navigator. Immediately the Ranger came into sharp focus on the viewscreens. "She's a beautiful little ship," Luhar said.

One of the biggest difficulties for commander Skywalker was sitting and waiting, while others were fighting. Which most likely was mix of his natural impulsiveness & loyalty AND the fact that from the start of war he fought on first line of fire. The feeling he should be fighting alongside soldiers instead of sitting in relative safety may never have left him for good. But at the same time, Anakin was trying hard to adjust to new position, to prove his young age and inexperience will not handicapped him.

Anakin needed to prove himself to troopers and experienced military commander alike. Like we can see with Luhar, the captain did have valid reason to be worry about serving under such young second-in-command of fleet. It wasn’t anything personally, really, but the military (non cloned) officers had their objection to serve with Jedi commanders and generals. Frankly, the same can be said about admiral Yularen from The Clone Wars animated series. I’m really glad for such details.

Luhar nodded. "It's a strong defensive formation, sir. But we'll break it by lining up in a column three ships abreast and attacking at speed. Our ships will concentrate on one side of the square at the same time, in echelon, like a set of moving stairs, to bring the concentrated firepower of our entire battle fleet to bear against that one sector. That's when we go in. Once we're through, we'll disperse the remaining enemy vessels and destroy them individually. Have you ever been in a battle fleet engaged against an enemy, sir?" They'd been over this plan innumerable times, but he knew Anakin would be comforted discussing it again, only minutes before it was to be put into action.

Anakin nodded. "Yes," he said, "but not from the bridge, not watching everything unfold. I got this-" He tapped his prosthesis. "-in individual combat. Have you ever gone one-on-one against someone who was out to kill you, Captain? Have you ever killed anyone up close?"

"Can't say as I have. It's the commander's job to get others to do the killing, not to go in and do it himself."

Anakin shot him a look, suddenly annoyed with the captain - from his tone, it seemed to the young Jedi that he didn't consider individual combat much above the level of starship pilots brawling in a tavern.

The officer was trying his best to comfort / be nice for (too young in his opinion) commander Skywalker, yet Luhar’s comment (attitude) about individual combat (scars/injures) annoyed Anakin.

I think we may all agree that comment “It's the commander's job to get others to do the killing, not to go in and do it himself.” is an opposite of Skywalker’s style of leadership.

Anakin concentrated on controlling himself. Drawing on his Jedi training, he slowed his heartbeat and made himself relax. He knew he shouldn't have taken Captain Luhar's remark so personally. It was only natural for these older military professionals to question his ability to command them: they had minds of their own and a long list of campaigns to prove their coolness in combat. He would just have to prove he could do it. He deepened his breathing, forced the tension out of his muscles, and put all troubling thoughts out of his mind. Now he could more clearly observe the activity on the bridge. The crew were going about their duties quietly, with the confidence born of long experience. He switched his viewing console to cover the deployment formation of his transports. They stretched out in columns far behind the Neelian. Escort ships, alert for any approaching danger, cruised about the periphery of the transport columns in apparently aimless courses, but Anakin knew that the commanders of those ships were actually very carefully patrolling their assigned sectors, alert for any approaching danger. Even if they totally destroyed the enemy fleet-and that seemed inevitable now-if anything happened to the troop transports, the expedition would be a total failure.

Instead of arguing with captain Luhar, Anakin did his best to control himself. He accepted that older, more experiences commanders will question his ability to command them. This is a sign of maturity that some sources like to omit.

During space battle, general Halcyon was unable to oversee Republic forces, so the responsibility for landing and securing area fell on Skywalker:

"The Ranger's been hit!" Anakin shouted. Everyone on the bridge started.

"I believe you're right." Captain Luhar leaned forward. Then he looked at Anakin. "Commander, that means-"

"Sir! Message from the Ranger. She reports her propulsion unit is damaged and they have been boarded. General Halcyon directs Commander Skywalker to assume command of the fleet and to commence deploying the landing force."

"Look there!" another crew member shouted. "She is being boarded." On the screens they could just make out a dim shape attached to the Ranger's stern. "There's another one."

"They're skirmisher ships," the captain announced. "The enemy commander's put them out in advance of his position to ambush us. Blasted things remained cloaked until they attacked. Comm, warn the rest of the fleet. Commander, shall I give the order to land the landing force?"

Anakin struggled to control his emotions. He was in charge now, and he would be every bit the commanding officer.

“Thank you, Captain. Please give the order to land the transports. Inform General Halcyon's deputy division commander that he is now in command of his division and, until further notice, I shall be field commander in place of General Halcyon." He turned to the Rodian. "Grudo, our troopers are ready for battle. Let us join them."

Anakin stood before the screen for a moment. Smoke, debris, pain, and fear-he could see it all. But Halcyon was alive and fighting. Anakin smiled. Too bad for you, boarders, he thought. He tried to send a thought to Halcyon: Good luck. As he and Grudo made their way back to the flight deck he realized how little he had used the Force since they'd set out from Coruscant.

Anakin works pretty good under pressure, or at least under pressure during battle. He believed in general Halcyon and wished him good luck via Force. Interestingly, since he set out from Coruscant he did use the Force little. So I guess, adjusting into his new role (military) was more absorbing than Jedi training.

He was planning - and did - join troopers as soon as it was possible.

Our troopers are ready for battle, commander Skywalker said to sergeant major Grudo.Once again, our troopers, the lack of “clone” is Anakin’s constant way to adress / think about clones.

Using ground-skimming navigation, Anakin expertly guided the troop landing craft, letting it roar along at a scant ten meters above the ground. Grudo sat strapped into the copilot's seat, gripping the armrests as Anakin delicately shifted the steering yoke just enough to clear the top of a hill that flashed beneath them. "Just missed that one, Grudo! Check our troopers, would you?" He was delighted to be flying the transport, and perversely amused that at last he'd found something that made the Rodian soldier nervous.

Glad to have an excuse to take his eyes off the terrain that was whipping past too close beneath them, Grudo slid the cabin door open and glanced back at the fifty clone troopers strapped into the troop compartment. They sat there calmly, silently, as if they were riding a bus to a picnic. The platoon commander glanced at Grudo and gave him the thumbs-up sign. Grudo turned back to Anakin.

"The troopers are doing well. Can you slow down a bit, or do you enjoy giving me heart failure?"

Anakin personally piloted the troop landing craft, to Grudo’s horror. To make it easy for Rodian soldier, Skywalker asked to check “our troopers”. The narration made it clear, all troopers were in fact clones. Like I said earlier, Anakin’s lack of emphasis on the world “clone” is interesting detail, especially compared to other characters like Obi-Wan.

Anakin’s task was done so it was time to meet Slayke:

The flag of the Republic wrapped around his neck, Zozridor Slayke leapt gracefully over the ramparts the labor droids were erecting and looked around. His heart raced. For almost as far as he could see the sky was full of landing craft; others, already landed in vast clouds of dust and sand, were disgorging squads of armored troopers. An older human male with brown mustaches and brilliant blue eyes looked up as Slayke approached and nodded to his companions, who appeared to be studying maps or plans. They turned as one and stared at the battle-scarred figure rapidly approaching, a huge grin on his face.

Slayke stopped before the older man, came to attention, and saluted him smartly. As his hand came up to his right brow at a rorry-five-degree angle a tiny cloud of dust puffed off his arm. “Captain Zozridor Slayke, commanding the force opposing the separatist invaders of Praesitlyn, sir. I hereby offer my full assistance in your campaign to liberate this world."

The older man, an embarrassed expression on his face, slowly returned Slayke's salute and said, "Well, I'm here to tell you!" He gestured at a Jedi standing next to a-a Rodian?

"Who is that?" Slayke asked, startled.

Anakin stepped into full view. "Jedi Anakin Skywalker, Captain Slayke. I'm in command of the landing force. This," he said, nodding at Grudo, "is my sergeant major. I am very pleased and honored to make your acquaintance. "

Slayke looked over at the older man he'd mistaken for the commander, but that gentleman shrugged.

"The Republic's so low on soldiers they're robbing the cradle now, eh? " Slayke slammed a fist into his thigh. A cloud of dust puffed up. "What was your name again, Jedi General?"

I kinda find it interesting that Anakin was accompanied just by quartermaster and sergeant major, not the higher ranked officers. Sadly, no clone commander either, but in time when the first clone wars books were written, clones rarely get much attention.

Of course, Skywalker’s young age become misleading and Slayke looked down on Republic, claiming it’s so low on soldiers to “robbing the cradle”. Side note, Ahsoka was much much younger than Anakin when she became commander. In a sense, Slayke was right, Republic sent much younger people in battles. Ahsoka most likely meet with a lot hostility for her (too) young age too. So this experience could give Anakin a better understanding of his future padawan.

"Anakin Skywalker, sir." Anakin bowed slightly at the waist. "And it's Commander, not General. Sir, I have heard a lot about you and am honored-"

"Look, Jedi Commander Anakin Skywalker, I have only about two thousand soldiers left of all those who landed here with me. We fought them hard and upset their plans. But you're honored? Don't talk to me of'honor,'Jedi. We're nothing but blood, guts, and sweat here and-" He shook his head as he looked over the landing force. "If there's anything more useless in this galaxy than a Jedi's brain, it's a clone trooper. They're one step above a droid-in fact, I'd prefer droids over these ugly clones anytime. You can't tell clones apart, and they all have the same personality."

Anakin tried to stay calm and polite, Slayke is not impressed. He insulted Jedi and had even lower opinion on clones. Called clone troopers useless, ugly, too-alike and a bit later in the same meeting, an army of test-tube soldiers.

Sadly, anti-clone sentiment is nothing new.

"Now, see here!" the older officer protested. "We've heard quite enough from you, Slayke. I'm here to tell you!"

"Who is this, since he's not the general?" Slayke asked Anakin.

"My quartermaster, Major Mess Boulanger."

Slayke roared with laughter and pointed a finger at Boulanger. "You mean I was dumb enough to try to report to a blasted box kicker? Oh, that's rich! Well, Major, rather you commanding this force than this beardless wonder here."

Anakin held up a hand. "Captain Slayke, right now I'm busy landing my troops. We're going to establish a defensive position. I suggest you remove your forces to this spot and consolidate with us. As soon as General Halcyon joins us--”

Slayke groaned and slapped his forehead. "Halcyon, did you say? Nejaa Halcyon? He's commanding this fleet?"

"Yessir. As soon as he joins us-"

Slayke laughed. He turned his eyes skyward and raised both arms over his head. "Why is this happening to me!"

"Captain, I know you and General Halcyon, er, had some, uh, differences once-"

"Oh, you do, do you, young beardless Jedi?" Slayke laughed louder. "I never met the man." He scowled. "I was too busy stealing his ship. So the best the vaunted Republic can do is send me a boy and a certifiable idiot with an army of-of - test-tube soldiers," he sneered.

"We'll do," Anakin said shortly, controlling his annoyance with effort.

"All right! All right!" Slayke held out both palms. "I'm going back to my troops. You see that slight rise over there? That's my command post. When General Halcyon gets here, you and him come on over and we'll talk I'm the one who's been fighting the droid army. You want to know what it's been like, you come on over and see me." With that, he spun on his heel and stomped off. Whew," one of the officers standing nearby sighed. "He's what we call a hard case where I come from."

"Well," Anakin answered slowly, "he has been through a lot. Did you hear what he said? He only has two thousand soldiers left of the army that landed here with him? That's a fantastically heavy casualty rate! No wonder he's bitter." He turned to his officers. "Let's land the rest of our force, and when General Halcyon gets here, we'll go on over and pay Zozridor Slayke a formal visit."

I must say I really like the maturity seen in Anakin through the story. He was annoyed by Slayke’s behaviour but did his best to not argue and kept focused at task, while at the same had empathy for the other man who lost so many men and most likely just lashed out at Jedi in anger/pain.

The meeting between Anakin, Neeja and Slayke was even more intense, since older Jedi and Slayke had their unfinished bussiness. I’m not going talk about the whole scene, but here are few compelling moments:

"I see you've dragged him along, too," Slayke sneered, nodding at Grudo, who was trying to remain inconspicuous at the rear of the crowd.

"Grudo goes where I go-that's the way it's going to be," Anakin answered at once.

"My, my, this sprout certainly has a mind of his own." Slayke chuckled. "I like soldiers who have minds of their own-they're much harder to steal than, say, someone's starship." He laughed enormously.

“Grudo goes where I go - that’s the way it's going to be” - let’s remember Anakin is second-in-command of the whole GAR forces on the planet and Grudo is A) alien and B) much lower in rank. Yet Anakin really respected Rodian soldier’s teaching and advices and dragged him literally everywhere he went. Republic was not so racist like Empire, but GAR (especially those now under Neeja’s command) were mainly human beings so he stood out pretty much. This is something that always makes me think about captain Rex from TCW. I have the feeling Anakin dragged him too into meetings in which some people did not want a clone between them but Rex stayed because Anakin wouldn’t allow it other way. Skywalker already proved he does not care much for “etiquette” or if other officers will joke. If he respects (befriends) someone, be it a soldier with lower rank, then said person will be accompanying him and end of discussion.

"You can call me what you like, as long as you mean sir. I was sent here by the Senate to take command of this operation, and take command I will. You will place your remaining troops under me. While I value your opinion and look forward to hearing your advice, I'll make the final decisions on any plans for the employment of this army, is that clear?"

Anakin realized instantly that Halcyon had taken the wrong approach with Slayke, but held his tongue. There was more going on here than the mere execution of orders.

Slayke leaned back in his chair and puffed out his cheeks. Well, that's a mighty big speech from a guy"-he leaned forward across the table-"who can't even keep his pocket from being picked." He grinned evilly.

Halcyon still refused to be drawn in. "Captain, I have the authority of the Senate-"

Tell them to kiss my sweet toes," Slayke retorted. “- I have a fleet in orbit and I have an army of fresh troops-"

"Blasted faceless clones," Slayke spat, "Look around you! This is an army-these are soldiers, battle-hardened veterans who've withstood the worst the enemy has thrown at them and still have fight in them! You think your clones can match spirit like that? Ha!" He placed his hands behind his head. A susurration of agreement swept through Slayke's assembled staff officers. "And, I might add, you took your sweet time getting here!"

Anakin may not like Halcyon approach, but he keep silent as good padawan should.

Slayke is still and asshole when it comes to clones. His staff officers to some degree agree with his opinion about that.

"My flagship was scuttled and most of her crew killed when we broke the cordon and restored communications, Captain," Halcyon answered, his voice flat and hard.

"Yes? And while you were taking your time getting here, we were fighting and I lost thousands of good troops! Do you think any of us care in the least about your flagship's crew?" Slayke's face had flushed with anger. "We didn't have the 'Force' to help us, either. I suppose you called on it to extricate yourself?" He sneered.

"Yes, and this." With one smooth motion made so fast nobody-not even Anakin-saw it coming, Halcyon drew his lightsaber and activated it. The onlookers gasped at the sight of the brilliant blade of pure energy.

Slayke's eyes narrowed and his body tensed, but he didnt move or even show any degree of surprise. "Any more tricks?" he asked in a normal voice.

Halcyon deactivated the lightsaber and hooked it back onto his belt. "I rather like these things," he said pleasantly, patting the weapon affectionately. "They come in handy when you're outnumbered a hundred to one. You were saying?" He smiled engagingly. Slayke laughed. "I have to admit, I'm coming to admire your style!"

At that point Anakin lost his patience with the verbal sparring. "We don't have much time to get organized," he interrupted. "Let's get on with our strategy session. What happened on Bpfassh was then; this is now. Let's put that behind us and concentrate on the job at hand." He paused, letting them see the dark fury in his eyes. Both Halcyon and Slayke stared at him.

"Well..." Slayke leaned back and regarded Anakin for a moment. "Yessir!" He gave a casual salute.

Halcyon cleared his throat. "He's right, Slayke," he said. "We've got to cooperate-" Halcyon's personal comlink interrupted him. "This must be something important. Excuse me, please."

There is something really ironic and hilarious at the same time, that when two older, more experienced battle-wise men argued and fight for, well, a dominance, +/-21 year old Anakin is a voice of reason in room full of veterans. And the only one brash to actually call both men on wasting time over something that happened in past instead of focusing at job at hand. The older Jedi and Slayke actually came to term with each other and the unexpected holo-transmittion related to captured personel of Intergalactic Communications Center on Praesitlyn only solided their alliance.

Soon later, the three men worked together on battle plan to take control over Praesitlyn:

Drawing up a battle plan is no easy task. It has to be both detailed and concise, but at the same time flexible enough to accommodate the instant changes required by a fluid battlefield situation. Halycon's operations officer was given the task, under Anakin's supervision, of writing the plan. Each staff specialist in Halcyon's army was given a portion of the plan, an "annex" to execute: the personnel chief, operations chief, chief surgeon, intelligence chief, ordnance chief, the artillery, infantry, armor, and air commanders, and last but hardly least, quartermaster and transportation-none other than old Mess Boulanger. Each portion of the plan would be integrated into the whole. Time was short, however, and nobody could quite agree on the best course of action.

After several hours it finally got down to two basic approaches.

"Frontal assaults are out of the question," Slayke roared. "You ought to know that an attacking force incurs casualties at a rate of at least three to one against a fortified position. That's what he's hoping for, so he can cut us down to size!"

"I know, I know," Halcyon replied. "I'm just advising a feint at his center while a strong force swings around one of his flanks. Grab him in the center of his line, hold him fast, make him think that's our main axis of attack, and hit him around the flank and come down on his rear."

"How about a vertical envelopment?" Anakin suggested. "We have the transports. We could land a force in his rear and attack from there, while our main force advances on the center of his line."

Slayke cocked an eyebrow "What do you think?" he asked Halcyon.

"I don't know," the Jedi Master replied cautiously. "What's his anti-aircraft capability?"

"We've made an assessment," his intelligence officer responded. "We sent remotely piloted vehicles over his lines an hour ago in anticipation of this question, sir. We sent several-none came back - But they transmitted enough information for us to determine that his anti-air defenses are particularly dense. We spotted quad laser cannons, as well as ion cannons that they must have off-loaded from their ships and installed as air defense weapons. We estimate at least thirty-five percent casualties just going in, Sy--and even higher casualties coming back out."

"Prohibitive," Slayke said softly. "I'm sorry, Anakin, vertical envelopment won't work. I think the only viable tactic is to swing around one of his flanks." Which had been Halcyon's opinion from the beginning.

"Don't forget, he can reinforce every part of his line on a very short axis, while we'll have a much longer way to go to move troops and supplies, especially if we're successful in getting around one of his flanks," Anakin pointed out.

Slayke nodded approvingly. "The young Jedi is becoming a strategist."

Halcyon smiled. "Anakin is a man of many surprising talents."

Slayke laughed. "Anakin, you just may have a future in this trade."

Anakin was trusted with difficult and very important tasks, both by older Jedi and Slayke. What is pretty nice, because I don’t think we see that often when he was around his master and other “important” Jedi.

At the same time, the lack of clone commanders is disturbing. Of course, narrative may simply not put emphasis on the world “clone” and those mentioned chiefs are in fact clones but I have feeling it may be not the case.

Of course, before any battle plan will be used, there is need for reconnaissance:

Then we'll follow the plan to attack the center simultaneously with a strong force swinging around his flank," Halcyon said. "But first we've got to know how strong his positions are."

“I have just the man," Slayke said. "Omin, front and center! Sergeant L'Loxx is one of the best recon men in the business. He'll probe their lines and find any weaknesses there might be."

The sergeant approached the officers and came to attention. Halcyon stood and shook his hand. "It's nearly midnight, Sergeant L'Loxx. Can you complete a reconnaissance of the enemy line by dawn?"

"I can't do the whole line in the same night, sir," the sergeant answered, "but yessir, I'll reconnoiter wherever you want and be back here well before dawn. I can be ready in fifteen minutes."

"Let's send three probes, then-center, left, and right. But I think we should send clone commandos," Anakin said.

"Begging your pardon, sir, but I'm the best there is for this job, only I can't do the whole line myself. Give me whatever sector you want and I'll get the information you need."

"Very well. Sergeant, you take the right flank." Aside, Halcyon told Anakin, "You select commandos to do the center and left flank," Then back to L'Loxx: "The former strongpoint Izable will be your jumping-off place, and that'll be where you'll come back through our lines. How many troopers will you need?"

"Just me, sir."

"Only yourself?" Halcyon looked at Slayke, who shrugged. "What if something happens, Sergeant? How will we get your report?"

"Nothing will happen to me."

"I'd like to go with him," Grudo said, stepping up beside where Anakin was sitting.

"Ridiculous!" Slayke snorted.

"A Rodian should be good on patrol, sir," Sergeant L'Loxx said. "They're experts at getting into places where they arent wanted-and getting back out again."

Anakin nodded. "Grudo's in, then."

"We want to go, too," someone said. It was one of the guards from the Neelian, Corporal Ram Raders.

Halcyon stood up quickly. "What is this? I send out one man on a recon, and half my army wants to go along. We may as well mount the assault right now without any idea what's out there. No, and that's final." He sat down.

"Please, sir," Raders pleaded. "That's the sort of thing we're good at. Besides, all we're doing here is standing around. We can be a great help to the sergeant."

"I'll take them," Sergeant L'Loxx said. "If I'm not satisfied with how they move, I'll leave them at Izable. But that's it. Four's maybe too many as it is."

"Very well," Halcyon said. "Anakin, coordinate all this with the clone commandos. All of you meet back here in fifteen minutes for a briefing."

Up until now there was little about Anakin and clone troopers. A disappointment, I know. But here comes the interesting details:

Understable, Slayke has L'Loxx’s skill in high regard. Anakin is the only one officer that actually thought about sending clone commandos. L'Loxx disagrees, saying he is the best person to do the job. Halcyon agrees to Anakin’s idea to sent more troopers to check three enemy positions. He also allowed Skywalker to chose clone commandos for the mission, since commandos are under his command. Anakin’s thought why clones should go is not explained. Maybe it is his faith in his men, maybe pragmatic thinking since those men are commandos and such missions should be their speciality. Whatever reason, Skywalker is like the only one officer between the main heroes who take into account clone commandos and we know for sure is interacting with them off-panel.

The next paragraphes of book are focused at L'Loxx’s team. Grudo’s presence actually was useful but during mission the troopers met two survives of the last battle and Odie (another protagonist) shot Grudo thinking he was the enemy.

"Grudo's shot real bad," Corporal Raders said. "She hit him in the side of his head. Blast you people! What the-" He stopped abruptly as he took in the pair.

"I-I-we-we were trapped in a bunker, sir. II thought you were the enemy. My buddy is badly hurt, too. I-I'm sorry about your soldier. I-"

L'Loxx turned and knelt beside Grudo. The side of the Rodian's head gave to his probing fingers, but he was still conscious. His one good eye blinked in the gunlight. He tried to say something, but it came out as only noise.

"Let's wait for the ARC troopers," Raders suggested. "They can help us carry him back to the aid station. There's nothing we can do for him here."

"If we don't get him back right now he won't make it, and after what he's done this night, we're not waiting. You two," L'Loxx said, indicating Odie and Erk, "give us a hand."

"Sir, my buddy is badly burned-he can't help carry anyone."

"Okay, you help him along; we'll handle Grudo ourselves. And stop calling me sir, I work for a living-hey! I know you two! You're from General Khamar's army. We came in together. I don't remember your names, but I found you two out in the desert-"

"Sergeant L'Loxx," Odie gasped.

"How're you doing?' Erk asked from where he lay.

"I remember now," L'Loxx said, "they sent you up to Izable after we came in together. Well, I'll be-"

"Sergeant, let's get moving? We can talk when we get back to our lines," Raders suggested.

In moments they had rigged a stretcher from a net Odie found in her equipment belt and two long durasteel rods they wrenched from the ruins of a bunker. Carrying Grudo over the rough ground was easier than they'd expected.

I feel like the book confuses ARC and Clone Commandos.

So, one of troopers actually suggested to wait for clones so they could help to carry an injured Grudo but L'Loxx disagreed, saying Rodian needs help ASAP; especially after how useful he was to mission, the man did not want to wait any longer.

We may only wonder would L'Loxx be so in hurry to left behind other troopers to save injured teammate if said troopers weren’t clones. On one hand, earlier paragraphs provided that Slayke and his men were biased against clones. On another, this is hard situation and soldiers sometimes must make diffucult decisions who save, for who wait and who leave.

Sergeant L'Loxx came to attention and saluted Halcyon.

"Make your report, Sergeant."

"We didn't wait for the other teams to come in, sir, because I had two wounded and had to get them to the aid station. Their right flank is vulnerable, sir." He moved to a three-dimensional display. "First, this hill on the far end of the line is only lightly defended. I think they're counting on the rocks at the foot of the hill to break up any assault. Second, I didn't see any crew-served weapons up there.They haven't brought in artillery. And finally, I have reason to believe lack of maintenance might be reducing the droid fighting force. We put them through some exercises, and they'll lose combat strength through breakdowns."

L'Loxx did report they did not wait for other teams to come in because they had two heavily wounded that needed help ASAP.

The commanders had thus only one raport to base on their plan attack.

"Who was wounded?" Anakin asked.

"I'm afraid the Rodian, sir."

"How badly?"

"Very badly, sir. But let me add this: we wouldn't have made it back with this information if it hadn't been for him. He stayed behind long enough to give the rest of us a chance to get some distance between us and the droid lines. I want to add also, sir," he said, turning to Halcyon, "that your two guards are solid soldiers. They held up their end."

"Well, who's the other wounded trooper, then?" Slayke asked. Briefly L'Loxx explained about Odie and Erk. "I remember them. She went to Izable with the lieutenant," Slayke said.

"She's the one who shot Grudo," L'Loxx told Anakin. "In the dark and the confusion she thought we were the enemy. It was just one of those situations nobody could have anticipated. It happens, sir. Friendly fire."

"Very well, then." Halcyon had made his decision, "It's zero four hundred hours now. Commander Skywalker, at zero six hundred I want you in position to attack that right flank. Use Sergeant L'Loxx as your guide. Take two brigades of your division. Leave the third in reserve under the command of Captain Slayke."

"Shouldn't we wait for the commandos to report, sir?" Halcyon's operations officer asked.

“I’ll be interested to hear what they've found out, but no. This-" He pointed to the display. "-is the pivotal point in our assault, and we'll attack there. I'll take my division and attack the center. I'll wait until you're in place before I commence my attack, Commander Skywalker. You wait ten minutes after I move forward before moving in. I believe during that time the enemy will bring in troops from his wings to reinforce his center. We've given him two artillery barrages so far tonight to soften him up, or I hope he thinks so, and when we hit him again while my division moves into position, he'll see that as the main attack, I'm sure of it. I think we might just carry this off." He turned to his operations officer. "Issue the order to all commanders."

Of course, Anakin is the one asking who was wounded. Though in this case, he could be simply worried about his close friend, Grudo. The narrative does not tell how the news affected Skywalker nor how he reacted to fact Grudo was shot by “friendly fire”. We aren’t told of any sign of anger or Dark Side-like emotions but his vocal participation in the BIG TALK about strategy & what to do now is limited. He does not talk much after hearing about Grudo and the silence contrast with previously mentioned offiicer meetings. He got his orders, did not question them or argue or, well, talk at all.

Surprising, Halcyon’s operations officer is the only one person to ask if they shouldn’t wait for commandos to report, to gain more knowledge about enemy. Yet general Halcyon decided to focus on what they gained already and attact as soon as possible.

No one argued with final order.

In a moment there will be more text about clone commandos and Skywalker, but I wish to mention that before the battle started, Anakin went to visit his dying friend. There he had short talk with doctor:

Anakin cut the doctor off. "There's nothing you can do, Doctor?"

The surgeon shook his head. "No, he's just too far gone."

"Can he hear us?"

"I don't think so, but his status is the same if he can hear us or not. With a head injury like that he won't last much longer. We can't even give him a sedative, unless, of course, you want me to end his misery-"

Anakin turned on him. "If I ever again hear you say something like that about one of my troopers, I swear..." He shook his head. "Now have the courtesy to leave me alone with my friend."

On doctor’s suggestion /ask that they could Grudo sedative to “end his misery” (aka kill him in faster way), Anakin reaction is sharp and angry. Interesting, the "If I ever again hear you say something like that about one of my troopers, I swear...” is not just about Grudo (as in: talking about his friend & mentor) but about all troopers under his command. This is very notable statement, because we know from other (later?) sources that clones were killed off, if they couldn’t fight anymore yet keeping them alive was too bothersome / expensive. I doubt Anakin had that kind of knowledge or meet with such practice and it may be just his instict to save (keep safe) people around him. But since Anakin’s men were mainly clones, I think it’s right to assume, he would react the same if doctor talked about clone trooper instead of Grudo.

Now is time to have some clone troopers’ insight on the matters:

Clone Commando CT-19/39, not Sergeant Omin L'Loxx, good as he might have been, was really the best reconnaissance man currently on Praesitlyn. His own nickname for himself was Green Wizard, because of his rank as a sergeant and his skill at patrol craft. As soon as he was given command of team one to cover the left flank of the enemy positions, he decided to split it up so each commando could conduct his own probe into the enemy lines and penetrate as far into them as he could, to bring back as much intelligence as possible.

Green Wizard made it all the way to the Intergalactic Communications Center buildings without being detected. Carefully, he committed the position of every gun he could find to memory, counted the droids staffing the positions, noted their armaments, noted where the enemy had dug in artillery. Of special interest to him was the fact that several guns were evidently being moved to the far left of the enemy line to strengthen the positions on the two small hills at that end of the defenses. In his opinion, however, the weak spot in Toniths line was on his right, not his left, because Green Wizard had come through there so easily-and especially now, since he could tell the general where every gun was on that flank. It was clear to Green Wizard that the attack should fall entirely on the left, the whole army thrown against that flank in echelon to slam into it with tremendous force and fold it back upon itself, breaking Tonith's hold and rolling up his entire defenses in one swift, irresistible blow.

The only trouble was that now Green Wizard had to get back to his own lines to report this information. He could call on his comlink, but General Halcyon had been very specific that no one was to break comm silence during the reconnaissance. Apparently his other two comrades had not had as much success as he at remaining undetected: there had been shooting all along the line, especially where they would have crossed - a lot of shooting-so Green Wizard was pretty sure they had been discovered and possibly had not made it back to their rally point just below the mesa. He wondered about the troopers who were supposed to probe the center. Would they have seen what he had? Had some of the shooting been directed at them? They were clone commandos so they were good, very good, but not as good as he, and everyone's luck ran out sometime. Green Wizard knew one day his would, too, and perhaps this night it had for his comrades. He had to assume he was the only one left now and it was up to him to get the intelligence he'd gathered back to headquarters.

The book give short but overall solid focus on clone commando, known as Green Wizard (a name he chose for himself!). The man not only made it all the way to the Intergalactic Communications Center buildings without being detected, but also memorized a lot important informations.

In contrast to Sergeant Omin L'Loxx - who reported “Their right flank is vulnerable, sir.” - Green Wizard assumed different. To that I will come back soon.

Whatever commando thought, he couldn’t call on his comlink to pass his knowledge because general Halcyon gave a strict order that no one was to break comm silence during the reconnaissance. And well, clones were bred for obedience.

To pass the informations he needed first get back to his own lines and here comes the worst part:

The barrage came unexpectedly, catching Green Wizard still behind enemy lines. That didn't surprise him: such things happened often in battle. Someone had made a mistake, starting the barrage before all the teams had been accounted for, but that wasn't his worry-getting back was. Yet even as Green Wizard hugged the ground, he noted how accurate Halcyon's artillerists were. He respected accuracy and professionalism, and admired the artillery even as it came crashing and smashing down all around him, bouncing him up in the air, crushing the breath out of him, shaking his teeth loose.

When the three teams were sent on mission, they were told “When you've all reported you're ready to return, we'll lay down some more artillery to cover you, and that'll be your signal to come back in." When Clone Commando get catch by barrage he was still behing enemy lines and thought someone had made a mistake - Republic forces shouldn’t start the barrage before all the teams had been accounted for, and team of L'Loxx decided to not wait for clone commanos and soon after that General Halcyon decided to base his plan only on L'Loxx’s raport (opinion). Thus clone commandos were left on their own.

That of course ended badly for abandoned commando:

At first Green Wizard felt no pain at all. He knew his leg had been severed, but he just tied off the artery with a length of cord and considered his options. He knew that soon there would be pain, followed by shock. He had to do something and quickly, because the intelligence he had was too important to die with him. If he stayed where he was, he would be found and executed. He could call in his findings now and his mission would be over, successfully completed; but his orders were not to use the comlink except to signal that he was ready to come back in. He gave the signal and for a moment, but only for an instant, he felt a flash of something like anger that someone back at the command post had not followed the plan for the night. The barrage continued unabated.

So his only option now was to try to get back to his own lines. With one leg gone, that would be difficult, but not impossible. Clone commandos were at their best when faced with obstacles that would be insuperable to any ordinary being.

Slowly, carefully, he began to crawl. At some point the tourniquet on his leg came loose and he started losing blood. He succeeded in making it as far as the dry riverbed, but that was where he finally realized he could go no farther. He had to make his report before he was too weak to do it, orders or no orders. He reached for his comlink, but somewhere along the way he had lost it. He chided himself for that. He had let pain and physical exhaustion distract him. It would be good if he did die here. He didn't want anyone to know how incompetent he'd become. But Green Wizard also felt a terrible sense of frustration, not because he was dying, but because he would die with information that was vital to the army he served. His last conscious thought was that he had done his best.

Despite pain, Green Wizard was angry mainly about two things: dying before he could pass the important for upcoming battle informations and that “someone back at the command post had not followed the plan for the night.” This is a problem of making decisions - some choices will be good, some not. Jedi aren’t omniscient, the same can be said about any commander, even the best of best.

From the POV of enemy:

Admiral Pors Tonith kicked the body gingerly with one foot and cast a wary eye at the armor that had been stripped from the corpse and piled off to the side. He was very nervous, being exposed like this in the open, but he'd been called out of his bunker to witness this grisly discovery and he realized it was important. It was still full dark and dawn was an hour away, but he was anxious to get back under cover again. "It's a clone commando," he said.

We've found one more complete body and parts of others, possibly as many as five altogether," the officer said. "Evidently they were killed by their own artillery last night."

Clone commandos - if didn’t die before - were killed by their own artillery.

We may only wonder if decision to not wait for clone commandos was somehow based on prejudice toward them. We may only wonder if general Halcyon’s desicion to rely solely on one raport while not waiting for two other teams would be the same if, for example, Anakin went on such mission and still not returned. Or if instead of clone commandos, the other teams were made of Slayke’s own people, would captain so easily agreed then to abandoned his missing/still on mission men? We can’t know for sure, but the lack of clone commanders during such critical moments is kinda disturbing because Jedi and non-cloned people are the one making decisions that directly affect clone troopers’ life.

Then again, the book itself gave small paragraph how success of military operation depends on small details, how it’s easy to make a mistake during stressful moment such as battlefield when decisions must be make quickly:

Often the success of a military operation depends on a mere chance event, such as someone coming to a place-a crossroads, a river, a bridge, a village-only a few minutes before or after someone else. That matter of moments can spell the difference between victory or defeat on a battlefield. Or sometimes disaster hangs on a decision by a commander who makes it without full knowledge of his enemy's intentions or dispositions; a good commander has to be able to make snap decisions, because delay can be fatal to a campaign. But so can the wrong decision, and even the very best commanders, pressed by the rapidly unfolding events of the modern battlefield to decide quickly on tactical matters, can make a mistake. Even with all the technology available to the warrior, the battlefield is still a confused and disorganized place where events move with ugntning speed under a cloak of impenetrable darkness called the fog of battle. And no one who is not right there can penetrate it.

Thus the importance of the reconnaissance Nejaa Halcyon ordered, and thus the importance of the decision he made based on the information garnered by only one of the teams sent on that reconnaissance.

For the final of this part, let’s look at meeting between commander Skywalker and ARC that happened just after battle briefing.

"Sir, may I speak with you for a moment?" It was the ARC captain.

"Make it quick, Captain."

"Yessir. We lost six troopers on the reconnaissance, so we know nothing about what the enemy intends to do in his main positions."

"Well, Captain, I'm sure you lost your troopers because that part of the enemy line was impenetrable. That must mean that General Halcyon's decision to take the hills is the correct one. You heard Sergeant L'Loxx's report."

"Yessir. Why did the second barrage open before we knew if the men had made it back?"

Anakin hadn't expected that question. Was this clone questioning his commander's orders? He knew ARC troopers were several cuts above the ordinary clone trooper, but this line of questioning was getting very close to insubordination. "General Halcyon had to make a decision, Captain: leave L'Loxx out there until your troopers reported in, take a chance on losing all the recon men, or bring at least some of them in to make a report. In the event, he made the correct decision."

"But one did give the signal. Too late."

"Yes, yes," Anakin answered quickly, "I'm sorry about that. Captain, you do realize that this entire attack depends on you and your troopers, don't you? What do you say we get moving now?"

The captain saluted, made an about-face, and left the command post. Anakin stood there thinking for a moment. He had not expected a clone trooper-even an ARC-to question orders. When Anakin had craved a command of his own, he had not really thought about the responsibility that entailed: responsibility for the lives of individual sentient beings who would die on his orders, regardless of whether their loyalty had been bought by the Republic, as was the case with the clone army, or whether, like Khamar's and Slayke's soldiers, they fought because they thought it was their duty to oppose tyranny.

Here. One of the most important scene between Anakin and clone troopers that happened in this book. Up until now, it was Anakin-Halcyon-Slayke team to argue and point out flaws during planning and to make final decisions. Clone commanders presence was minimal, to not say not existing during officer meetings. Anakin did not question Halcyon final decisions, the same as troopers did not question his. And then ARC captain comes to him not only to point out they have little informations about enemy, but also to ask “Why did the second barrage open before we knew if the men had made it back?” WHY NO ONE GIVE HIS MEN A CHANCE TO COME BACK. WHY THEY DIDN’T WAIT WITH ATTACK A BIT LONGER? Who knows, maybe if ARC captain was involved in officer meetings, he could convince GAR commander to wait with second barrage (that one that killed Green Wizard and most likely other commandos). Unfortunately, the commandship was mainly made of non-cloned officers.

And Anakin is surprised by being questioned by his trooper - more, by clone trooper! - because such thing falls close to insubordination. Oh, aren’t padawan-master relationship similar? Do not question your superior?

But also this short talk must be very uncomfortable, because what else Anakin could say? He is believing in Halcyon’s judgment, he is advocating the hard choice older Jedi had to make. Take what he could (one team) or wait longer and risk to lost all informations. And like the book already pointed out, sometimes even the best commander will make fatal mistakes that will cost people’s life. And Anakin can see it now clearly, being commander means not only giving orders but also taking responsibility for human beings. Being responsible for someone’s death.

I think it’s pretty clear to see how uneasy he is during that talk. There is pressure of upcoming fight and also awkwardness of the situation, of subtle accusation coming from ARC. This is not the best moment, as in: easy to get over. But the hard lesson will serve him right in future, I think. Anakin as general of GAR and even Dark Lord of the Sith was pretty open-minded and allowing subordinates (Ahsoka, Rex & 501st troopers) to question his plans and point out potential flaws. So maybe this unexpected talk actually affected him deeper that it seems on first look?

Skywalker in the book was around 21 years old. He had his moments of maturity but he was still really young man that tried hard to meet high expectations. Of Jedi. Of older officers & veterans. Of himself. But the book does not focus only on his achievements but also forces him to face his flaws & thoughtless. From all main heroes, Anakin is the one seen to interact with clones the most and learning to see them in new light. What will be even more visible during battle.

I must say I really enjoyed - and still enjoy - this story. The lack of clone commanders presence during officer meetings was always disturbing, but at the same time it shows how clone troopers were looked down by wide circle. Even if other (non-cloned) commanders and troopers did not treat them with open animosity, I can’t shake off the feeling that there may be something not right within GAR. Some bias toward clones is most likely there and such bias may affect commanders choices too. Commander Skywalker, for most of parts, treat them as any other troopers, yes, but his opinion of them is challenged on some occassion.

The one thing I’m upset is that to teach Anakin how to be good leader - and to present how war is traumatizing, cruel and stressful time - the story is killing mainly clone troopers (and Grudo, the main alien character). Also, for now Anakin does not show that much sorrow over killed, though it may be just that there is no time to grief and he is under heavy pressure to feel the lost. Grudo was his close friend/ally, clone commandos were his men and he was sincenery happy to be their commander. But the battle is closer with passing minutes - about what I’m gonna talk hopeful soon.

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otterthewasted · 5 years

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[SNIPPET] ACOMAF - Rhysand's Perspective - Part 5

WARNING: If you have not read A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas I strongly suggest you go read it first - it’s undoubtedly better written and what I have written will spoil the book for you.

I am re-writing all of ACOMAF from Rhysand’s perspective, using all of the original characters/scenes/dialogue, and adding in new bits and bobs to flesh his story out more.

This is Chapter 1 of Part 5 - click HERE to read the rest of the chapters in this part.

I hope you all enjoy!

*Disclaimer - I do not take credit for the any of the characters or the world created by Sarah J. Maas.

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I stayed at the Night Court for several hours by myself, until I felt like I might not shatter. I wasn’t ready to face Feyre again though, not yet – if I saw that sympathy in her eyes again…

I cleaned myself up and changed out of my leathers into my normal town garb, dismissed the bubble around myself, and then winnowed above the House of Wind, snapping out my wings to catch the current, and glided into the war room once again. Amren was gone now, and it was Cassian and Mor standing around the black stone table, looking over reports.

Landing on the polished stone floor I walked over to join them while they flashed me welcoming smiles.

“Cassian told me that Feyre beat the crap out of the Weaver,” Mor announced before I had even reached the table.

I arched a brow at Cassian, “Well, she smashed a brick into her face, I’m not sure that constitutes kicking her ass, but she definitely had a unique approach to escaping her. At least now she knows that she can fight back and escape.”

Cassian grinned at me “She’s got some spunk; I’ll give you that. You should have seen her, Mor, she looked ready to kick his ass when they got back.”

Mor laughed and I shook my head, “Well she’ll fit right in with the rest of you then.”

I walked around the table to a chair designed for Illyrian wings and sank back into it with a sigh.

“Has there been any word from Summer Court?” I asked them as I leaned back.

Mor shook her head, “No, though you know it can take time for those requests to get processed, so it’s not unsurprising.”

I let out a sigh and nodded, “I know, that’s why I sent it off as early as I did. Well, then we need to attack the other front in regard to the Book, we need to head to the mortal lands.”

Mor crossed her arms and Cassian perked up with interest, and I arched a brow at him.

He shrugged and grinned, “Hey, it will be something different, don’t fault me for being excited.”

I rolled my eyes, “Getting bored in the job as General?”

He smirked, “No, just bored with seeing the same damn, pig-headed Illyrian camp leader faces all sneering at me every damn time I show up.”

The Illyrian’s were a proud, stubborn and steadfast group of fae – they did not take to change well at all - but one would think that even if Cassian was a bastard, he was still full blooded Illyrian and the best warrior that had come out of the camps in a millenia or two, and as such they might not resort to being such colossal assholes. No such luck – and I knew that while he had no intention of throwing in the towel on the whole lot of them, there was a part of him that did get worn down at their consistent behavior towards him. Truthfully, I would love to go and throttle the whole lot of them, but with war approaching we had to make some concessions – a reality I had not approved of with my father, but now as High Lord I understood better.

They were still assholes.

I managed a vague smile at Cassian, “Well then consider this trip to the mortal land a mini-vacation, you know, while still working, just in a new environment.”

Cassian gave me a rude gesture while Mor laughed.

I actually grinned this time while I glanced at Mor, “I would like you to go with us, you had more experience with humans, it might go a long way towards Feyre’s sisters agreeing to work with us.”

Mor studied my eyes for a moment, then shook her head, “No. I don’t think I should go. Maybe… not yet.” She hesitated then continued, “Maybe when the Queens arrive.”

I frowned a little, my brows furrowing, “Why?”

“Are you ordering me to go, Rhysand?” She asked me suddenly, sharply.

I blinked, shocked. “No… I just want to understand why, Mor.”

Shrugging, she looked away, “I have my reasons, and I would prefer not to have to explain them.”

I studied her for a moment, then glanced at Cassian, the question written on my face – do you know why?

He just shrugged at me – which was really not a useful answer.

I wasn’t entirely ready to drop the subject – but I would address her about it in private later.

“Alright. In any case, I would like you,” I nodded towards Cassian, “and Azriel to join us. I don’t expect there to be any problems, but with Feyre joining us I would prefer to be cautious. We will be passing near the Spring Court – I doubt he will be able to sense her, but I want to have options in defense and escape just in case.”

Cassian nodded, “Makes sense to me, Az is off checking the Summer Court fleet again – he says it hasn’t made any movement north, but he is still keeping an eye on it. I’ll let him know when he gets back.”

“Good. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Amren before, does she have any updates for me?”

Cassian glanced down at the paperwork on the table, “Not really, she has been spending a lot of time in the library, hunting down any information - even children’s stories - about the Cauldron, anything that might give us an edge.” He glanced up at me and smirked, “I think she might be going a little stir crazy, either you need to get her a bigger library or a new shiny piece of jewelry.”

I barked a laugh and reached up, rubbing my eyes. “I would give her the libraries at the Day Court if I could, but I will have to settle with the jewelry I’m afraid.” I glanced to Mor, “Anything I need to know about with the Hewn City? Or Velaris for that matter?”

Mor’s shoulders had relaxed again after I didn’t pursue her about going with us to the Mortal lands. She shrugged a little, “Status quo in both, though I think you should make a trip to the Hewn City and hold court soon, they’re starting to act up again – petty stuff. They seem bolder about it since… Under the Mountain,” her eyes darkened a little. “Velaris is doing well, the trade changes you made a month or so ago have been working well – no major complaints.”

I reached up, running a hand through my hair – if Mor was suggesting that I go to Hewn City to hold court, then it was likely that my court was doing a bit more than acting up. She wouldn’t suggest that until their behavior was truly beginning to become a concern – she would instead try diplomatic means and blackmail to force them to behave first. I wasn’t up for going right now though, I felt raw inside after… after the memories.

“Alright, I’ll go after we get back from the Mortal lands.” I glanced out towards the sky, gauging the time, then back at Mor, “Want to go shopping with me cousin? I want to pick something up for Amren before we leave tomorrow.” I grinned at her playfully, “I’ll buy you something pretty too.”

Cassian rolled his eyes, but Mor smiled brightly.

“Why don’t we make it an evening? We haven’t all gone out together in a while… please, Rhys?”

I raised a brow, but Cassian butted in, “I’ll go to dinner or out for a drink, but I’m passing on the shopping. How about you two go, and I’ll wait for Azriel and we’ll meet you somewhere.”

Well… this was turning into more of a night than I had intended, but… it might be nice.

“We should invite Feyre-“ Mor began, but I shook my head suddenly, sharply – shocking them.

“No. Feyre… she needs to rest. I’ve pushed her hard the last two days, and tomorrow I am taking her to see her family, and that won’t be easy on her. She hasn’t seen them since… since she was changed.” I glanced at them, at the shock on their face, and the concern, then glanced away. “And I’m not up for being out long tonight, it’s been a rough few days for me as well.”

They were both quiet for a few minutes, then Mor nodded, “Shopping and a few drinks,” and she smiled at me, “sounds like fun.”

I stood up, “Alright. Are you ready to go now, or do you want to go change Mor?”

Cassian let out a sigh of disgust and Mor reached over to slap his arm, “Comb your hair before you join us tonight, bastard.”

He smirked, “You could comb it for me.”

Mor rolled her eyes, “I’ll shave you bald, you giant bat.”

Chuckling a little, I made my way to the window, “If you two are going to be a while…”

Mor waved a hand, cutting off the retort Cassian was about to say, and walked over to me. “I’m ready, I’m ready, you’re so impatient sometimes Rhys.”

I shrugged, still grinning a little as Mor stepped up onto the window with me..

“Where should we meet for drinks?” Cassian asked as we both began to leap into open air.

“Rita’s!” Mor yelled as we began free falling through the air until we were past the wards, then we both winnowed to the streets of Velaris, just outside of the Palace of Thread and Jewels. Once we were on the paved stones, I tucked my hands into my pockets and we began to stroll towards the throng of crowds.

Mor remained quiet for a while, but it didn’t take her too long before she asked, “Did something happen with Feyre? Is she alright?”

I glanced at her, then away, examining a display of fabrics through a shop window. “She’s fine. Why?”

Mor arched a brow at me, “You didn’t want her to come tonight – you have been adamant about including her in everything, but tonight you don’t want to? Why?”

Because, I wanted to say, she saw something good in me, and the relief is too painful to face again tonight.

I shrugged instead, “She’s tired Mor, you’ve seen her – she’s still not sleeping well, and she’s struggling to keep food down at night. We’ll bring her out one night soon, I promised to show her Velaris at night, just give her time. Crowds still upset her; they make her anxious. Just give her time.”

Mor reached over and grabbed my arm, stopping me while she stepped around to meet my gaze, studying my face. Her eyes narrowed, reading something there that she didn’t entirely understand… but she decided not to push me about. Instead, she released my arm and nodded, managing a teasing smile, “Alright. But you should buy her something pretty too – she’s been working as hard as Amren.”

I stared at her for a moment and felt my heart race at the idea – I wasn’t sure why. I had bought things for Feyre, well… Nuala and Cerridwen had bought them for her, but out of my funds. This… would be different though. Picking something out myself, just for her, maybe… maybe something she could wear tomorrow.

Immediately I knew what I wanted to buy her, and it made me jittery with excitement.

I grinned at her, “That is a wonderful idea cousin – I should give you a raise.”

She laughed and I led her to my favorite jewelry shop.

Neve’s shop was my preferred shop of choice when it came to buying jewelry for Amren – it tended to boast flashier pieces, those with larger stones. Being Tartera – a species of fae that dwelled in the deep mountain caves – her own family were the ones that supplied her shop with their marvelously crafted pieces.

Mor browsed around while Neve pulled out a few trays, displaying several different selections, from rings to necklaces to brooches. Considering my options, my gaze kept returning to a piece, braided gold as thick as my thumb, with a large emerald draping from it, the top of it capped with gold, and diamonds set around the edge. It was stunning, and bold – just the way Amren liked it. Perhaps a bit much for a random gift and not a holiday, but I knew that very shortly she would be faced with an extremely difficult task. I might as well go bold with the gift - pay it forward as it were.

“That necklace would be perfect.” I gestured to it as Mor came up beside me to see what I picked.

She laughed, “Oh yes, Amren will love that.”

Neve smiled, though you couldn’t tell by her lips as her entire body was wreathed in permanent shadow, rather just the vague crinkle around her black glowing eyes let me know she was amused, and pleased.

“Excellent choice High Lord. Shall I have it wrapped? Would you like us to deliver it for you?” She asked quietly, her voice almost gravely.

“Please wrap it, but I will deliver it myself.”

A nod while she removed the necklace from its display and began to wrap it. I turned to look at Mor and arched a brow, “What about you, hmm? Anything here you want?” She glanced at around, “Mm… no, I don’t think so. Honestly, just getting you to go to Rita’s with us tonight is gift enough.”

That shocked me, but then I realized that I hadn’t gone out with them – not in the three months since my return. We had dined together at my house often enough, but I hadn’t agreed to spend the night out on the town. I frowned a little and wondered why I had resisted…

Mor interrupted my thoughts, “What about Feyre? What are you going to get her?”

Always happy to think about Feyre instead of my own troubles, I smiled. “You’ll see, I have one more stop to make.”

I saw Neve closing the lid on the black box containing the necklace and turned to thank her, “Thank you Neve, please just send the bill to the House.”

She bowed and handed me the box, “Of course High Lord, thank you for your patronage.”

I accept the box and sent it to my pocket realm for safe keeping, nodding another thanks to Neve, then led Mor out of the shop.

We walked through the streets, still busy despite the lateness of the hour, and turned around a corner. A few shops down, I stopped in front of a tiny little store, and opened the door, gesturing for Mor to step ahead of me.

There were fewer displays of jewelry, and all of the designs were simpler, not as bold as the last shop – but every piece boasted one thing similar - the most prominent gemstone used was lapis lazuli. While not as sought after as diamond or sapphire, it was still a treasured gemstone in the Night Court, as it often resembled the night sky. The shop owner, a tall slender male fae, with gray-green skin and dark brown eyes, reminding me of richly tilled soil, looked up as we entered and froze in shock.

“H-High Lord!” He exclaimed and quickly bowed.

I smiled warmly, “Hello Gantry, it’s good to see you again.”

I had visited this shop before, buying gifts for Mor and Amren in the past. The quality was good, excellent even, and I was fond of how the simple designs seemed to enhance the beauty of the gemstone.

He quickly crossed the room and bowed to me.

I gestured to Mor beside me, “This is Morrigan, she has been the recipient of one of your pieces before.”

Mor grinned at him brightly, “It was truly lovely, you do fine work.”

He flushed with pleasure and bowed his head to her, “Thank you my Lady.” Turning his attention to me again he gestured broadly and asked, “How may I help you my Lord?”

The jittery excitement bubbled in me again, but I kept my voice calm, “I’m looking for a diadem.”

Mor looked at me, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Of course, of course, I have several available currently. This way my Lord.” Gantry gestured, and I followed after him to a counter where he removed a tray and sat it in front of me.

Mor joined us, standing at my side as I looked them over – most were made with silver, but two were made with gold. I thought about the gold, twisting in amongst her brown-gold hair, and knew it would be lovely.

Of the two designs, the one that caught my eye was a simple gold band, with pieces of the lapis lazuli set around the entire perimeter of it. I glanced at Mor and gestured, “What do you think of that one?”

She examined it, then looked at me and smiled, “She will look lovely wearing it, Rhys.”

My heart tightened and I nodded, “I think this one will be perfect Gantry.” I paused then added, “Do you have a set of earrings that would go well with it?”

He did of course, setting the selected diadem on a black velvet tray, and then led me to a display of earrings. I chose a pair of dangling earrings, hanging low and heavy with the lapis lazuli, accented with matching gold.

“Excellent choice my Lord,” he said as he placed the earrings on the tray beside the diadem. I saw him hesitate, then ask, “May I ask who these are for?”

Mor looked at me, curious if I would answer, but I smiled and said quietly, “Feyre Cursebreaker.”

His eyes widened.

- - - ~*~ - - -

On the way to Rita’s I broached the topic to Mor again.

“Mor… why don’t you want to go with us tomorrow? It will only be Feyre’s family this time.”

Her eyes flashed to mine, then away, “Exactly.”

I frowned at her, confused.

She let out a sigh and shrugged, “Rhys, I’m not sure I could behave myself.”

Now I was extremely confused.

“I don’t-“ I began.

She cut me off with an agitated jerk of her hand, “Rhys, her family failed her. They did not protect her, they let her go into danger to ensure their own survival – and in the end, they benefited wildly from it, at the cost of her sacrifice.”

I stopped dead in the street and stared at Mor, who stopped and turned to look at me.

It was her story, Mor’s story, all except for one detail – no one had saved Feyre. Not until… it was too late. She had died, and we had brought her back – but her family had failed to save her, had in fact let her go into danger and death. Anger burned inside of me as I considered what Feyre’s family had done, or rather, had not done to protect her.

Mor watched my eyes, and nodded, agreeing.

I let out a breath, and started walking again, and she fell into step beside me.

“I understand,” I said quietly, “I still wish you could come. If for no other reason than to be there for Feyre. She likes you and trusts you – if she had one person there that she believed stood behind her, in her favor, it might go a long way to helping her not shatter tomorrow.”

Mor was quiet for several minutes, but I could hear the smile in her voice, “Feyre doesn’t need me tomorrow for that. She has you.”

I just shook my head, “She barely trusts me, and doesn’t particularly like me at all. I’m happy that she at least tolerates me – and that’s when I’m not pissing her off.”

Mor tossed her head back as she laughed, “Oh Rhys, sometimes we all only tolerate you, especially when you’re pissing us off.” She paused then said, “And she does like you, whether or not you want to admit it, it’s not hard to realize. Stop looking for all the ways you think she should hate you and take some time to look at the ways she might like you.” She glanced at me, “Try it tomorrow – it might surprise you.”

I swallowed, quiet for several long moments, then said, “I’ll try.”

Mor didn’t answer, except to wave enthusiastically at Cassian and Azriel, who were walking up to Rita’s from the opposite direction of us. Cassian grinned, and Azriel smiled briefly, his eyes drinking in the sight of Mor. I realized, that must be me with Feyre, and realized that the brief flash of pain I felt for my brother, because Mor had never reciprocated the love he had for her, must be how my family felt for me. I let out a sigh and followed them all inside.

The music was loud, and the floor was crowded with fae dancing and laughing, and Mor’s face lit up with happiness.

Cassian just shook his head at the dance floor and made his way to the bar. I followed behind him, with Azriel hovering near Mor who had taken off to talk to a group of fae who waved at her.

We ordered drinks for the everyone and waited for them to be served before weaving our way through the crowd, finding an empty booth tucked to the side and settled into it.

I sipped at my drink, watching the fae around us, their faces bright and happy, and smiled briefly. This was what being High Lord was all about – ensuring the safety of my lands so that my people could gather, and celebrate, dance and laugh and live, freely. To see it happen, to see this joy…

Cassian leaned forward on the table, glancing at me, “You try to convince her to go again?”

It took me a moment, but I slipped out of my thoughts and looked at Cassian, nodding, “Yes, but she is still adamant about not going.” I hesitated a moment for I said, “She explained why though…” I fell silent again, the anger simmering in me once more.

He took a long drink before setting the glass back down between his hands, looking down at it, “I’m going to struggle with it as well, I’ll do my best not to say anything, but Rhys…” He trailed off, letting out a sigh.

I understood and knew it would be a trial for me as well.

“It’s no different than the situation with Mor and her family, it’s Feyre’s family and she gets to decide how they will be handled, and we must abide that decision.” I met his eyes for a moment, and he nodded, agreeing.

We both took a drink and looked up as Mor and Azriel joined us.

Azriel slid into the booth beside Cassian and picked up his drink, sipping at it. Mor stood, leaning against the table and grinned at us, “Don’t tell me you three are just going to sit here drinking and brooding all night long.”

Azriel smiled a little, “Brooding is what some of us do best.”

Mor huffed a laugh and picked up her drink, downed it and then put it back on the table. “Well I’m going to dance, if any of you grouches decide brooding is too tiresome, come find me.” She winked at us and twirled off to the dance floor, melding effortlessly with the other fae there.

We all watched her, before glancing at each other and laughed.

“How many nights a week does she spend here?” I asked.

Cassian smirked, “She tries to drag me here all the time, nearly every night it seems like. The drinks are good, but the music is too damn loud.”

Azriel chuckled, “That’s not what really gets to you brother, it’s that she gets you drunk enough to dance, and you pay for it the next day.”

Cassian glared at Azriel and I laughed.

Azriel smirked slightly at Cassian, then looked at me, his face going serious, “I checked the fleet, all ships accounted for and still no troop movement in the seasonal courts.”

All humor wiped clean I nodded, leaning back into the booth with a sigh. “I can’t believe Tamlin is doing nothing, but if there is no troop movement then it is being done in stealth.” I frowned a little, thinking, “Before, when Feyre was still a part of the Spring Court, there was rumor that Tamlin was looking to make a bargain with Hybern.”

I glanced at Azriel, who nodded slowly, “You said it had to do with breaking your bargain.”

I nodded and crossed my arms, “Yes… but what if the terms were changed, retrieval... and breaking the bargain.”

Cassian hissed and leaned forward, his eyes flashing, “You think he would be that stupid?”

I laughed, humorlessly, “Oh, I think he is that stupid, and that possessive; and he has a solid bargaining chip.”

Azriel’s eyes darkened, “The Wall.”

I nodded and Cassian let out a growl, “You can’t think… He would betray his people, all of Prythian, for her?”

Leaning my head back, I looked up at the ceiling above, swathed in shadows with flickers of light dancing over it – reminding me of the night sky. “Why not?” I said, “He did it before. He had fifty years to break the curse, and he squandered that time – only trying at the very end, and he failed.” Granted, I was the reason he failed, but he could have ignored my attempts and chose not to. I looked back at them, “It took a human girl with a brave, selfless heart to face horror and torture and death to save us.”

Azriel frowned, twisting the glass between his hands, his Siphons flashing in the light. “If that’s the case, they will be looking for her. There may even be eyes around her family’s home. Perhaps… she should not go.”

I let out a breath, “She has to go – they won’t trust us. Besides… if I suggested she shouldn’t go, she would only get stubborn about going.” I smirked a little at that, “However… we might be able to use this to our advantage – a way to send a message to Hybern.”

Cassian frowned at me, “I’m not going to like the sound of this.”

“Probably not, I don’t like it either, but it would be decisive.” I looked at Azriel, “I would need your help.”

He nodded, without hesitation. “How will you get her to go out alone? Will you tell her?”

Cassian blinked and then growled, “You’re going to set her out as bait for someone to grab her? Damnit Rhys!”

I looked at Cassian calmly, “She is likely being hunted already, I would rather they make an attempt on my terms than theirs. We will be waiting for it and will capture whoever comes after her. It will give us a chance at valuable information, and we can send them a message – come after her at your own peril.”

He continued to glare at me but didn’t argue with me further. He knew it was a solid idea, but he didn’t like it – and ultimately neither did I, but sometimes hard decisions had to be made, and this would be for her benefit in the end.

I looked back at Azriel, “No, I’m not going to tell her. She needs to be unaware to make the attacker feel comfortable enough to make an attempt.” I unfolded my arms and reached up with one hand to rub my eyes, “I’m not sure how I will get her time by herself, but I’ll figure that out once we’re there.”

Azriel nodded and leaned back, the shadows swirling thickly around him.

I glanced around, and suddenly I had a strong desire to be alone, somewhere quiet. Home. Taking one last drink, I sat my glass down and slid out of the booth. “I’m heading home.” I smiled at them briefly, “Come for breakfast tomorrow, Feyre hasn’t had a lot of time around you, and I would like her to get more comfortable with you.”

They both nodded their agreement, and I made my way out, pausing for a moment at the door to watch Mor dancing, and Azriel leaving the booth to join her while Cassian headed to the bar again.

I chuckled a little, I had a feeling that the two of them would be the worse for wear tomorrow.

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lonedailydoodle · 5 years

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Daily Doodle 252 – December 24, 2018

Oh hey.. My first ever car accident.. At least it was a parking lot accident

I’m super glad I handled it well but man.. I hope this won’t be a long hassle

Today I got woken up before my alarm by grandma who was outside. I rushed outside but it apparently was something that didn’t involve me.. But I was already awake, so I got to doodling as fast as I could and then getting ready. I left after the time I wanted to leave, darn easy distractions.. Aaagh.. I just wanted to make sure other people didn’t run into the same issue I had the other day where I couldn’t find a song, so I made sure it had an entry in an easy to search way

Anyways, I refueled near home since fuel was as cheap as the usual gas station I go to, then left to Pixie’s. We then quickly left to a nearby Subway where I got a cheese broccoli soup <3 and Pixie got a sub

We then left home to eat but then left a while later to deposit some money I got as an early Christmas gift. The nearest ATM was just outside the mall nearby and it was already crowded because of people buying last minute stuff

After depositing, we left on our way to Pixie’s dad’s house to get Wilson. Pix’s dad had left the keys accessible, so we took the Miata and started driving home. I could tell Pix had a lot of fun driving Wilson again, especially in some tunnels, but he noted that people were kinda aggressive drivers today and almost hit him

Anyways, we left Wilson at home and went to take out some money for Pixie, then head to the usual Burger King to eat

This is when the day took a turn.. I was ready to leave back to Pixie’s house but someone was blocking my car so I couldn’t get out. They eventually moved away, so I slowly reversed out but then felt a hard hit on my car.. Someone actually hit my car, it’s the first time I’ve ever been in a car accident while being the driver and the accident involving my car..

I got out and the other driver had a little argument with me blaming me and Pixie noticed I looked really angry too, but I was contained and calm. I was expecting emotions to take over and someone to get angry at me even though it wasn’t my fault. We then got out of the way and parked again, calling relatives and then the police as usual. Pix and I noticed cameras nearby too which would help with evidence

The police obviously didn’t arrive after an hour or so of waiting, so we left to the police command building to report it there. The police officer did all the paperwork and illustrated what had happened. They then told me something that was a bit of a relief. While I may not have been at fault, we still get compensated 50/50 because of it being a parking lot crash.. But what she did was illegal cuz turns out she reversed to go onto a parking lot and you really can’t do that there just like that. So we’ll see what happens.. We traded info and the driver apologized for this, I let her know that at least it was a parking lot accident and nothing major

We both then left, I headed to Pixie’s place and I then just ate some pernil (Pork). I watched him play some Forza and then had to go to help dad with the pig at home. I kissed Pixie goodbye though we’d see each other tomorrow <3

I carefully drove home, feeling more cautious and careful than before but safely made it

I then left to grandma’s with mom to get a long rotating stick that we use to hold and cook the pig (Sorry pig furs). I was feeling some really bad stomach cramps and had to REALLY use grandma’s bathroom before leaving home again, making sure the stick wouldn’t fall off

Once home, I helped dad with lifting the pig at times and just watching him secure and season it. I also helped by sliding the stick in so it would be a proper spit roast for tomorrow. After all this, we stored the pig and cleaned up

After showering, I greeted my uncle and cousin who arrived today. I was supposed to go with my bro in the afternoon to pick them up but the whole crash thing happened

Anyways, we then watched a new Predator movie together, struggling at times with buffering, then they left. The movie was good and at times funny by the way!

I then finally settled down at my PC and was overwhelmed with the amount of messages I didn’t read today.. One of my friends was even concerned cuz of how quiet I was

I spent the time chatting before writing the doodle. Pix went to bed and I then got to drawing.. It turned into a struggle as my 3 hours of sleep were catching up to me, but I wanted to sleep without worries, so I finished up the doodle and then zzz

#daily doodle 2018 #daily doodle #doodle #furry #art #jeany545 daily doodle

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musicfeedsmysoul12 · 6 years

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Haven Raised Chapter 2

Summary: Harry's life is completely changed when his aunt and uncle are forced to take him to a funeral at a relatives. Now being raised by Primrose Evans, her sister Grace and the citizens of Havenfall, his life is going to be a roller coaster.

Beta again is @anastasian-dreamer

On AO3

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Last Week of August 2011

“I have never seen so much paperwork, ever,” Grace said as she stared at the pile of paperwork on the kitchen table. Prim sighed as she tugged her hair into a bun on top of her head.

“Well, this paperwork is from the Goblins regarding Harry’s estate. Apparently, the Dursleys had burned all papers from them which probably was a good thing if you think about it.” The angry look on Grace’s face said she completely understood. It was even worse when you took in the fact they apparently burned Harry’s birth certificate because it had his name written Hari James Potter.

Harry was quietly playing with some of the toys they had gotten him, and the look on his face made Prim so happy and so angry at the same time.

Anger seemed to be a staple though. A lot of anger directed towards the Dursley family.

“How much is it?”

“Well given the… circumstances of Harry’s fame in the Wizarding World-”

“That Warder was hilarious. Did you see his face? Lucky his boss was here and caught him with that spell.” Grace snickered. Getting their electronics warded had taken little time, but the hard part was when the person doing the warding had recognized Harry and freaked. His boss was with him though- doing evaluations apparently- and had hit him with a spell that stopped him from saying where Harry was for their safety.

“Quite, but don’t interrupt Grace.” Prim scolded lightly. “With the circumstances, a few people willed things to Harry and some have even sent fan mail. There is a vault filled with the stuff.”

“...What?” Harry and Grace asked trading looks. Prim nodded, feeling highly amused at the very confused faces the two had.

“Yes, and I did draft up a proper thank you note for all who sent it, and the Goblins agreed to send copies for us,” Prim said as she grabbed said draft to hand it to Harry who took it quietly and looked it over.

“It sounds funny,” he said. Grace read it over his shoulder and snorted.

“It sounds like how you write Prim.” Prim rolled her eyes.

“Well, it should. It’s very proper to write it like that.”

“Yeah, well hopefully they do understand you wrote it and not Harry so he isn’t asked why his own writing isn’t so proper,” Grace said. Prim rolled her eyes at Grace who snickered.

“Would they?” Harry asked in a small voice.

“No, Grace is being a pest,” Prim said dryly. “Ignore her.”

“Rude.” Grace teased before she ruffled Harry’s hair. “I’m going to bike to work! You have the afternoon shift yeah?”

“Yes I do,” Prim said. Typically she worked every day but the shifts themselves would change. Given it was the last week before school she would be working mostly evenings or afternoons so she could help with the teenagers coming in for their last few nights of freedom.

“...” Grace hesitated and Prim looked up from the papers she had picked up.

“Grace?”

“I… have some plans with Mike? The guy who works as a waiter at the diner?” Prim purposely pulled her glasses down a bit to look over them. Grace snorted. “Not like that! Mike’s… Mike’s gay and having a hard time with his parents about it. He just wants to hang out.”

“Understandable, have fun then,” Prim said. Grace’s eyes flashed to Harry but Prim waved her off. Razi truly didn’t mind when Harry came to the alley and while it would be a late night, Razi had offered to let Harry sleep for a while in his office one afternoon so it should be alright.

Harry quietly went back to playing while Prim flipped through the various papers. Most just talked about what kind of finances Harry had, how much Prim would receive a month for taking care of Harry- which was a fair bit honestly. Galleons changed into USD was a very nice rate. One galleon was worth ten dollars and Prim was still startled by that amount- though most of the money did go to Harry and his upkeep.

But the other stuff was the worst. Apparently many people had been making money off of Harry’s name and while the Goblins did take a cut, they had also offered a lawyer to stop the more… disturbing pieces of merchandise. Which Prim eagerly accepted the help of, agreeing to let the Goblins keep the majority of the settlement in her letters.

She never wanted to look at that thing again.

“Alright, onto the Black family…” Prim muttered, finishing some of the paperwork. Opening the file for the Black family, she stopped.

The Black Family Seat is owned by Hari Potter. Black Family Seat in use by Lucius Malfoy.

That… did not seem right. Prim grabbed the large book she used to communicate with the goblins- one that was linked between two books and kind of worked like a texting app honestly.

Is it correct that the Malfoy family is able to use Harry’s seat without authorization from his guardians? I do not see any authorization in the file.

Nor did she expect it given the Dursley family and their burning of the goblin letters.

No, was the response. Would you like us to deal with this?

Yes, please.

It was the only response she could give. The idea of someone apparently using a seat- which sounded like a government thing- that belonged to an orphan child without permission… it made her angry. It was theft. It was disgusting.

I ask you to make them bleed, please.

A pleasure doing business, Miss Evans.

Going to work that night was simple enough. They ate sandwiches at home and Harry brought a new book with him and some toys so he could play quietly.

It was when they got there things were different. A large black motorbike was parked in front of the alley, which was confusing to Prim. No one in Havenfall owned a motorcycle as far as she knew.

Harry stared at it in awe.

“That’s so cool!” he said. Prim chuckled.

“I am glad you think so, though I ask you not get a bike until you move out for the sake of my poor heart,” Prim said. Harry giggled and she marked it as a success in her relationship with him. She got out of the truck to adjust her work clothing. A bright blue bowling shirt and jeans, along with a pair of thick-soled boots. She liked boots and tended to prefer them over most other footwear.

Opening the bowling alley door she was surprised to see a person wearing a leather jacket and with yellow and orange hair at the bar, scowling.

“Prim!” Razi called out. “I want you to meet your new coworker!” Prim smiled then, leading Harry into the alley.

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said to the person who raised an eyebrow at her. “I’m Primrose Evans, but most call me Prim.”

“For that prim and proper attitude?” asked the person sarcastically.

“Actually the attitude is because of the name,” she responded. The person snorted at that and offered their hand which she shook.

“Jordan Davies, call me JD.” They said. “Pronouns are they/them.”

“Pronouns?” Harry asked at that. Prim smiled at him.

“Well you see Harry there aren’t just boys and girls in this world,” she told him. “And they don’t all use similar pronouns.” Harry frowned. “Sweetie?”

“Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia…” he trailed off and Prim crouched down to smile at him.

“Are horrible people who are very wrong, sweetie.” Harry frowned and looked down and Prim reached out to gentle ruffle his hair, causing the wide and shocked eyes again.

“What about boys liking other boys or girls liking girls?” he asked and Prim smiled softly at him.

“That’s completely normal and if they said it wasn’t they’re wrong again, honey,” Prim promised Harry who looked overwhelmed. “Need to go read?” He nodded and Prim stood up, letting him head over to the couch in the alley.

“Cute kid. He yours?” JD asked, voice cautious.

“He’s a cousin of mine but yes, he’s mine in every way that matters. His former guardians… weren’t appropriate.” Prim said. “Hence why I am the one currently taking care of him.” JD nodded, their eyes a little knowing.

“He’s a good kid,” Razi said. “So, Prim, ready to train JD?” Prim nodded while JD groaned deep in their throat.

“Of course. Do they need to change into their uniform?” JD made a horrified face while Razi snorted out a laugh.

“They will get one, I just don’t have one ready currently.” Prim nodded and then smiled at JD.

“Well then, let’s begin shall we JD?” Prim asked. JD just gave her a weirded out look. “Pardon?”

“Do you ever drop the prim attitude?”

“Never,” was the cheerful response as Prim began the task of teaching JD the ropes around the bowling alley.

She quickly grew very annoyed.

“Your comments are very UN-appreciated,” she said, emphasizing the un part of her sentence.

“And?” JD asked with a smirk. Prim gave them a look they rolled their eyes at and she gritted her teeth.

She could handle it but the comments about her mannerisms and the complaints about the work…

Those were annoying.

The door to the alley opened and in marched the Sheriff who looked tired as she looked around. Harry looked up from his book to give a shy smile at Mackenzie Hunt. The short-haired blonde gave him a smile back before her face went serious.

“Razi, where is our newest member of Havenfall?” she asked and Prim blinked, looking to JD who scowled in annoyance.

Why did they have a cop looking for them?

“Jordan Davies,” Mackenzie said, spotting them. She crossed her arms. “I understand you caused some problems in Jersey.” JD scowled and Prim decided to carefully back away.

She did not need to get involved in that.

-0-

“You excited for school?” Razi asked Harry a few days later as Prim covered a morning shift while JD promised to cover the evening one.

“Dunno,” Harry said with a shrug. He played with one of his action figures. “... Auntie Prim says I can do my best.” Razi nodded.

“Yeah. School’s important kiddo. I bet she’s excited at the idea of you doing good?” Harry nodded, looking surprised at the notion. Razi gave the kid a grin.

“Good people typically are,” said JD as they came into the alley. Razi raised an eyebrow at them. “What?”

“I thought you were out until this evening?”

“Nah, just didn’t want to work this morning. Prim doesn’t mind.” JD pointed out and Razi had to agree. Prim was a hard worker who just wanted to do her best. “So, squirt! You planning any pranks?”

“Huh?” Harry asked as Prim came up to the bar.

“Do not corrupt him,” Prim told JD.

“Come on! Pranks are an essential part of school!” JD complained.

“High school, not elementary,” Prim responded. JD grinned then.

“So I can teach him to prank in high school?” Prim propped an arm on the bar counter and gave them a look.

“No.,” she said simply before ruffling Harry’s hair. “Just do your best love.”

“Trying to talk like the English Prim?” JD asked sarcastically.

“I think we have a cute enough English accent here,” Prim responded, smiling at Harry who blushed but hesitantly smiled back.

“Gah,” JD made a face. “I’m going upstairs until my shift.”

“Good,” Prim muttered before she went back to work.

“...she just broke her attitude!” JD said with a grin. Harry gave them a look. “What?”

“Stop being mean,” Harry said. “Auntie Prim just talks like that around other people. It isn’t bad.”

“Kid’s got a point,” Razi said. JD just scowled. “Look, I agreed to let you bunk here because of your dad. You cause problems you’re out though. And you know what that means.”

JD scowled and stomped off, passing by Prim who ignored them. They didn’t say anything.

September 2011

“Have a good day, okay?” Prim said to Harry, leaning down and giving him a kiss on his forehead. “Listen to your teachers, tell me if anyone is mean and do your very best.” Harry nodded but hesitated before he went into the classroom.

“...Auntie. If I don’t like it…”

“You can call me,” Prim promised. “Ask a teacher and call me and I promise I will always come and get you.” Harry smiled at her before he entered the classroom, leaving her to watch.

“The first day always sucks,” a voice said from behind her. She turned to see an older woman smiling behind her. “He your brother?”

“He’s my cousin. He’s living with me currently.” That was the only information she gave. By the look in the woman’s eyes, she knew who she was now.

“Ah, you’re the woman, everyone, gossips about.” She said. She offered her hand. “Erin Summers, I moved here recently with my husband.”

“You have heard of me so quickly?” Prim asked in amusement. Erin shrugged.

“Luce seems to like her gossip. The mailman is defending you though as are some others. Apparently, you proved yourself with stepping in to take care of your cousin.” Erin said. Prim withheld her sniff. So this impresses them after years of dislike for no true reason?

Pathetic.

“Have you considered getting a therapist for Harry?” Erin asked. Prim frowned, looking at her.

“I must admit I don’t know what you mean.”

“A therapist for… his past home life,” Erin said slowly. Prim hesitated and looked away.

“I haven’t.” She admitted. “I… suppose I simply haven’t thought of it.”

“They can be expensive,” Erin admitted. She hesitated for a second. “How about a companion animal?”

“I… well, I haven’t seen anything that requires it I suppose,” Prim said. Erin nodded but pulled out a business card to give to her.

“My husband is a veteran. He has a very nice companion terrier he adores. This is where we got him from if you ever think about getting one for Harry.” Prim nodded, taking the card before Erin left, Prim hesitating a moment before she copied her, heading out to her truck. She had the day off thanks to Razi and had planned to spend the day doing laundry.

When she got home, Prim noticed the letter in the mailbox she had set up in the kitchen right away. She was somewhat surprised, having not expected any mail from the wizarding world that day- her dealings with the goblins were completed and now she was just waiting for them to contact her back about that business with the Malfoy family and what they were being fined- if they were being fined at all.

Taking the letter out, she was surprised to see it was from a man named Remus Lupin and addressed to her.

She started a pot of coffee and opened the thick letter.

Dear Primrose Evans,

I remember Lily talking about you a little. Not too much, but she did mention her cousin. She was upset that you never stayed in the contract but understood how hard it is to lose parents.

I believe I should be upfront about why I am not allowed to be in contact with Harry and why I am not allowed to leave the country. I am a werewolf and as such there are many restrictions on me. I understand if you do not wish for me to keep in contact, but I have sent pictures with this letter for you to give to Harry.

-Remus Lupin

Prim sniffed.

“Like hell, I’d hate someone just because of a condition they have,” she muttered to herself. She looked at the various pictures within the letter, seeing many of Lily and a dark-skinned man she assumed was James, though just as many as a younger looking version of the man with three other boys. The pictures were all moving, surprising her, but she just sighed.

“Magic,” she muttered, looking at some of the photos and frowning. What were they wearing… it looked like traditional Indian garb but… “Google time.” she decided, grabbing her phone and looking up what the clothing styles were called.

It was an interesting way to spend her morning.

-0-

“We’re gonna have to figure out how to explain the moving photos,” Grace said, looking at the various photos Prim had set up around the living room. Harry was staring at one where his parents were waving at him and holding the baby version of himself.

“Oh, apparently they can hear you and they’ll freeze if you ask,” Prim responded. “Expecting a lot of company?”

“Nah, but Harry might get some friends.” Harry shrugged at that. “How was school anyway?”

“People stared.” was his only response. Prim and Grace traded looks and Prim thought about the card in her pocket the rest of the evening.

Third Week of September 2011

“I’m going to admit I have no idea what that means,” said Prim as she studied the English worksheet Harry had on the bar counter. “Razi, do you know what this means?” Razi looked at it but then gave her a very confused look.

“I have no idea.”

“Aren’t adults supposed to know this?” Harry asked in confusion.

“I remember nothing of my grade three English class at all,” Prim replied. Harry made a face. “It is weird they expect you to know… this.” JD looked over at it then from where they were washing dishes, forced into the bowling alley shirt.

“You’re learning onomatopoeia?” JD asked. “That's when the word is associated with the sound it makes. Like, tick-tock or cuckoo.” They noticed the looks then. “What? I know stuff!”

“How are you so good at English?” Prim asked while Razi just chuckled at their face.

“It’s not that hard,” JD muttered.

“What next will we discover about you? Perhaps you know random flower meanings?” Prim asked. JD simply stared at her in silence. “You’re lying.”

“I don’t know meanings but I know flowers like the gladiolus flower. Kinda looks like a sword.” JD said. Prim threw her hands up.

“I’m leaving to a place that makes sense. Though if you help Harry with homework I will bake you a batch of cookies.”

“Sold.” JD agreed.

October 2011

“Do you fancy the place up for Halloween?” JD asked Razi, who was doing some accounting work.

“Usually just a pumpkin or the such, why?” Razi asked. JD grinned. “Nothing to tacky.”

“This is basically a disco bowling alley. Tacky is all it is.” JD shot back, as Prim walked into the alley, dressed in her normal work clothing along with a grey coat and white toque with a pompom on top. “Sup Prim?” JD called out. The relationship between the two had cooled down after JD started helping Harry with his homework almost daily at the alley. Prim was excellent with math, Razi was pretty knowledgeable about social studies and history while JD rocked at the English and art part. Harry was doing very well, something all of them were pleased with.

“Not much,” Prim responded. She removed her coat and hat, placing them behind the bar. “What is the plan for today?”

“No parties were booked so it's just another day,” Razi replied. “JD was talking about Halloween decorations but I know you were planning on taking the day off…”

“Oh yeah! What's Harry going to go as?” JD asked with a grin. Prim hesitated. “What? Doesn't he have an idea?”

“No… it is… Harry truly only recently learned that Halloween was the day his parents were murdered. He's not really up to dressing up.” Prim admitted. JD swore under their breath while Razi hissed.

“His relatives never said?” Razi asked. Prim dropped her prim and proper act to make a face. JD felt very unfavorable to the unknown relatives at that. “Is he doing okay?”

“As well as he can,” Prim responded. “We’re going to light a candle and look through some of the photos we got from an old family friend. Have a little candy I suppose but… we’re not celebrating.” She gave a smile that looked a little too brittle before heading to the back stockroom, not wishing to be more social at that moment.

“Who the fuck were his relatives?” JD demanded in anger. Razi scowled.

“They were abusive and got tossed into jail. Their own kid they had was put into the system I heard- his aunt was considered unsuitable.” Razi seemed satisfied by something and JD squinted at him.

“What did you do?” Razi just smirked. “No fair, not telling me.” Razi opened his mouth but Prim came out then, carrying a list.

“We’re missing a few parts of the shipment.” She said. Razi sighed as he took the list and JD pouted, knowing they wouldn't get an answer from him for a while.

Last Week of October 2011

Prim ran into the school, dressed in her uniform but without her normal jacket or any of her normal behavior.

“Where's Harry?” She asked the secretary at the front, looking terrified. Said secretary pointed at a room off to the side, looking sympathetic as Prim ran to the room, opening it to find Harry on a small bed, passed out. The school counselor was there along with a man in a white lab coat and red sunglasses. “Harry?”

“Are you Primrose Evans?” asked the man. Prim blinked and quickly wiped her eyes before taking a breath and turning to him.

“Yes, I am. How do you do?” She asked politely. The man nodded.

“Well, thank you.” Prim looked at Harry again in fear and the man continued. “I'm Dr. Escalona. They called me in when he passed out.” Left out was the fact there was no nurse given it was a small school and most of the time it was a simple band-aid needed or they could call the hospital.

“Thank you,” Prim said. “Is he okay?”

“He's doing alright. From what I understand a few of the students accidentally caused a panic attack. The teacher did not handle it properly and it lead to Harry passing out.” Dr. Escalona said. Prim’s hands clenched as the councilor spoke up next.

“We already informed the teacher of what went wrong and the boys… were punished.” She looked uncomfortable as she spoke. “They thought it funny.”

“He's being bullied?” Prim demanded, eyes wide. She hadn't known that.

“It's the typical boy thing-”

“No, it isn't!” Said, Prim. “This isn't a typical thing. It's gross and abusive for kids to treat other kids like crap! Saying boys will be boys is just enabling the problem!” The counselor scowled but the doctor spoke up then.

“I agree with Miss Evans. I've seen too many cases of bullying being brushed off like this. One lead to the bullying becoming deadly. It's not typical.” He said firmly. The counselor scowled while another voice spoke.

“I agree.” An older man came into the room, dressed in a suit.

“Mr. Jameson!” Said the counselor. Prim recognized him as the principal.

“Mrs. Galloway, I was informed various cases of bullying are going unreported thanks to you. I will be looking into those cases myself now.” The man said. The counselor went red but Prim didn't take the moment to bask in it as Harry began to stir.

“Harry! Sweetie?” She asked, going over to kneel down by his cot. He woke up sluggishly, blinking.

“... Mama?” He muttered, starting Prim slightly as the doctor reached out to pull her away gently. She stood up and let him check Harry over, the ou blinking in confusion.

“He's alright. No concussion or anything.” Dr. Escalona said. His glasses have been pushed up and Prim noticed they were red as she looked at him. Maybe he had contacts in?

“Thank you.” Said Prim. She moved to sit in the cot, hugging Harry. “Oh, sweetie. When I got the call I panicked! I was so worried for you.”

“... thought I was tougher.” Harry muttered. “Uncle Vernon-”

“Uncle Vernon was a snake and a liar Harry,” Prim said firmly.

“But the other kids-”

“Were wrong. They're nothing but bullies Harry.” Prim promised.

“She's right.” The doctor said, crouching down to look Harry in the face. “Those kids are wrong. Being tough isn't about keeping quiet when you're being targeted. It's about being able to say: this isn't right. It's about knowing when you need help.” Harry looked down, not wanting to look the doctor in the face.

“Thank you, Dr. Escalona.” Said Prim with a smile. Harry piped up after, a little softer.

“Yeah thank you, Dr. Es… Es…” he frowned and the doctor chuckled.

“You can call me Dr. Diego.” He said the Harry, standing up.

After a few more minutes of discussion, Diego grabbed Prim’s elbow softly when she was about to leave with Harry.

“Miss Evans? Can we chat for a moment?” He asked. Prim placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“If we’re discussing Harry- Harry would you like to stay here and listen?” Prim asked. Harry shrugged, looking at his feet. Prim looked at Diego and waited. He took it in stride.

“From the reports of the teacher Harry has had minor panic attacks before- not that she recognized them until now. Is he… I'm new in town so I'm relying on second-hand knowledge but is he going to therapy for what his… former guardians did?” Diego asked. Prim hesitated.

“No. We couldn't afford the specialized care.” She admitted. Even with the money she got, there wouldn't be enough for Harry to gain the help he needed. Diego frowned.

“I see.” He said softly. “... have you considered a companion animal like a dog?” Harry flinched at that.

“Aunt Marge’s dogs were mean.” He said softly and Prim squeezed his shoulder.

“I… believe we may have some thinking to do.” She said to Diego who nodded his head.

“May I have your address? I would like to do a check up on him tonight.”

“Don't you have work?” Harry suddenly asked Prim, looking shocked. “Ma- Auntie Prim, you can't-”

“Razi gave me the rest of the day off paid. He's worried about you, too, love.” Prim replied, smoothing back Harry’s hair. “Tomorrow you're coming with me and he'll probably mother hen you while JD hovers. Or offers to teach you pranks.”

“Razi?” Diego asked. “Oh, I should have recognized the shirt.”

“You know Razi?” Prim asked.

“He's an old friend,” Diego replied. “Address?” He requested and Prim gave him it, leading Harry out to the truck. He fell asleep on the way home, exhausted from his panic attack and his day. She ended up carrying him up to his room- painted green with a stenciled forest covering the walls after he admitted to liking nature.

She went back downstairs to find the card she had been given on his first day of school. She had some people to call.

October 30, 2011

Harry sat in the truck, holding onto his seat belt tightly. He was terrified and it showed as Prim drove them to the small farm. Communicating with the goblins had them sending her a little extra to get a permit and even the address of a magical animal farm… which turned out to be the place she was given anyway much to her amusement.

“You don't have to pick a dog Hary,” Prim promised him, looking at him through the rearview mirror. “There's cats and owls and other animals.” Owls were still strange pets to her but if he wanted one…

“Yeah, Harry! It's gonna be great!” Grace said with a grin, turning around to smile at him. Prim only wished it wasn't happening the day before Halloween. But maybe it would take his mind off of everything.

Parking in front of the farm, Prim was helping Harry get out of the truck when a large black puppy came out of nowhere to jump on Harry and begin licking his face.

“Harry!” Prim shouted as a young woman came barreling from around the side of the farm.

“Crap! I'm sorry Miss-” the woman began but delighted laughter stopped her. Harry was laughing and giggling as the dog licked his face. He seemed so happy.

“Guess we’re getting a dog after all,” Grace said smiling.

-0-

“So you don't know what type he is?” Prim asked in curiosity. The owner of the farm- a woman named Elizabeth Scamander- shook her head.

“Unfortunately no. My grandfather was an avid magizoologist with many ideas and thoughts but he never wrote about this type of dog.” She replied. “He's a hybrid with a husky but we don't know what the magical part of him is- other then he sets things on fire and can teleport.”

“... how often does he set things on fire?” Prim asked.

“Not too much anymore. Do you have a fireplace?”

“No… though we have had bonfires in our backyard before.” Said Prim.

“Maybe set one up so he can have fun.” Elizabeth pushed a pile of paperwork forward and Prim began signing it. “What will ya name him a kid?”

“Spot! Like how Hades named Cerberus in his myth!” Said Harry happily and Prim shared a grin with Grace. That was too cute.

Second Week of November 2011

“Good afternoon Diego,” Prim said with a nod as the doctor came into the alley. He always came in every day for a drink. Prim had been a little weirded out at first but she figured it was probably just so he could catch up with Razi. The two seemed very close.

After a week of calling him Dr. Escalona, she had finally been told to call him Diego, something she took to with dignity.

“Auntie Prim!” Harry shouted, suddenly running into the alley. Grace walked in after him, having gotten Mike to drive the two to the alley after school. “I got an A!”

“What?” Prim shouted in glee, dropping down to hug Harry who hugged right back. “On your science test? That's wonderful sweetie!!” She took the test and grinned at it, feeling incredibly proud as Harry went to the bar to thank Razi for his help with homework.

“Proud of you kid,” Razi laughed. “How about some ice cream to celebrate?” Harry turned to call out to Prim, excitement in his voice.

“Mama! Can I?” Prim nearly froze but instead, she pressed on.

“Of course!” She grinned wildly and walked up to him, laying a kiss on his forehead as Grace grinned at the door.

“Can I get some to Prim?” Prim waved a hand and Grace went off to get some ice cream.

No one mentioned the Mama thing. They all just traded quiet smiles and continued with their work, Diego getting his usual drink.

“And me and Spot found a frog!” Harry said excitedly to JD who was also at the bar, dressed in uniform but said uniform was covered in buttons. “It was sleeping so we didn't dig it up but it was so cool! How many animals live in the forest?”

“Probably mostly squirrels and rabbits. Maybe a deer or two.” Said JD. They were smiling though. Harry had that way about himself you just had to smile around him sometimes.

Mackenzie Hunt came in then, looking annoyed. “Davies!”

“Oh shit, it's the fuzz!” JD said jokingly. Prim gave them a nasty look.

“Don't swear around my kid please.”

“Why do I have three different complaints about someone spray painting ‘we like to gossip about kids’ on their garage doors?” Mackenzie demanded.

“Dunno, guess they were gossiping about a kid or something.” Prim blinked, looking at JD surprised as the punk refused to look at her or Harry who looks mostly ignorant, to busy staring at Mackenzie.

“You arrested my uncle.” He said in an awed tone. Prim had to hold back her unlady like short while Grace just cackled. While Mackenzie had arrested Vernon Dursley a few months back and while she had been around the alley- mostly to yell at JD, Harry hadn't really seen her much as he was often in the office doing homework or sleeping. It was the first time he had seen her since that day, and he looked awestruck.

Mackenzie coughed a little, looking embarrassed but pleased.

“Of course I did kid, he deserved it.” She said to Harry and the boy smiled wide.

“Do you often arrest people like him?” Harry asked. “It was so cool seeing you do your job!! I've never seen any of the cops arrest Vernon before!”

“What do you mean?” Mackenzie asked in worry. Harry continued, blissfully unaware of the atmosphere around him.

“Uncle Vernon got visited some by cops. But they all seemed to think he was in the right? I dunno. He gave some money and mentioned he was glad that they could be sent to him all the time?” Harry shrugged and Prim could swear Mackenzie let loose a growl at that, but it had to be some sort of wishful thinking. After all, she wanted to growl some to!

“I wish I had connections to the British police service.” Mackenzie said in an angry voice before she plastered on a smile and answered a previous question. “Luckily, we don't get his type of person a lot here. We mostly have people like Davies.” That got her attention back to JD. The punk just grinned.

“They deserved it, I would say, if I had, in any way at all, done the deed,” they said in a chipper voice. Mackenzie just sighed.

“You know technically it can be a felony charge.” Mackenzie said. JD snorted.

“If it causes extreme damage to valuable property yes.” They smirked and Mackenzie sighed again.

“Why am I not surprised you know that. I suppose if I asked you would claim to have no spray paint cans anywhere?” She asked Razi.

“Spray paint is bad for the environment.” He responded. Mackenzie shook her head.

“Alright. I'll say it was unknown. Don't do it again.” She told JD who looked offended.

“How dare you accuse me! I'm hurt Mackenzie!”

“Wounded even?” Grace asked then and Prim sighed.

“Enough with the references you two.” She said as JD exclaimed,

“Hurt Mackenzie!”

“I'm banning that movie.”

“But I like it!” Harry said, looking up with big puppy eyes and Prim groaned.

“Very well then, you may continue watching it.”

“Thanks, Mama!” Harry said with a grin only to freeze, eyes widening. Prim didn't let him think on it, instead kissing his forehead and smiling.

“Welcome sweetie.”

December 2011

Harry frowned as he propped his chin onto his hands, staring at the bar counter top.

“Ah, I know that look,” Diego said from beside Harry. The doctor didn't often chat with Harry but he did at times help him with homework when it was science related or would offer advice at other times. “What's wrong?”

“I don't know what to make Mama and Auntie Grace for Christmas,” Harry admitted. He had taken to calling Prim Mama like nothing else. He adored her and she adored him. Everyone saw it.

“That is a dilemma.” Said Razi from his place behind the counter. Harry looked up at Razi with big eyes and felt his cheeks flush a little as Razi hummed. “What does your mama like?”

Harry did not mention her late-night binge watching of those documentaries she liked. She never really talked about it and got really red when Grace teased her- nice teasing. The fun kind everyone likes. Harry liked nice teasing. “She likes boots. And coffee. And cooking.” Harry said. “Auntie Grace likes cute stuff.”

“How about a mug then?” Razi asked. “You could paint a coffee mug here and hide it from your mama and… make a really cute one for your aunt?” Harry brightened up.

“Yeah!!! That would be great!!!” He grinned widely at Razi, so happy he was willing to give ideas to him. Razi was so cool!! Razi gave him a wink and Harry felt his cheeks warm up a little much to his confusion.

Why would he be blushing?

-0-

The great Christmas Project, as Harry called it, was only so much of a secret that Prim didn't know what it was. She knew Harry was doing something in the office for her and Grace but not what.

She let him have his fun, giggling with Grace about it.

“He's doing well,” Mackenzie said to Prim with a smile. “You've been great for him.”

“I try,” Prim responded. Mackenzie clapped her on her shoulder.

“Well, you're succeeding.” She told her honestly. “Has he asked about any more police stuff?”

“Somewhat. He heard about police dogs and is obsessed. He loves animals now that he has Spot.”

“Did he name the dog?” Mackenzie asked curiously as Prim handed her a water. Mackenzie was apparently friends with Diego and Razi and had shown up near the bowling alley closing for some get together they had planned. Prim was happy to chat while JD cleaned the arcade area. Much to their displeasure and Prim’s glee.

“Yes, he did. Apparently- and I'm betting Grace found this out given it sounds like something you'd discover on Tumblr- Hades in the Greek myth named Cerberus the Greek equivalent of Spot. So Harry thinks it's funny to name Spot… Spot.”

“It is kinda funny,” said Mackenzie with a grin. Prim chuckled and nodded her agreement as Harry came out of the office with a small bit of paint on his nose. She had no idea how it ended up there.

“Hi Sheriff! Hi Dr. Diego!” Harry said happily. “Mama! Razi said you guys are having a Christmas party!” He looked extremely excited and Prim had to raise an eyebrow at the shine in his eyes as he looked at Razi. She withheld her chuckle.

Oh, that was too good.

“We are! It's next week, honey, and you're completely invited.” Prim told her son with a smile.

“Awesome!” Harry cheered. “Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia always locked me in my cupboard when they had parties.” Prim kept her smile on her face even as she mentally grumbled that there went her happy mood.

She heard a crack and looked up to see Diego dropping his glass- completely shattered. She thought she heard a loud bang as well, but when she turned her head, JD hadn’t dropped the bowling ball they were carrying. She then focused on Diego.

“Are you alright?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” Diego said, giving her a grin that looked more like a grimace. “Razi, can I…”

“First aid kit is here, you can use my office,” Razi said, pulling out a case that Diego took with a smile.

“It looks like you bled a fair amount though,” Prim couldn’t help her protest, seeing the red liquid on the shattered glass.

“Was I bad?” a very soft voice said and Prim turned her attention to her son to reassure him as Razi cleaned up. He purposely did not mention the few glasses he’d dropped in his anger himself.

-0-

The party was just Razi, JD, Prim, Grace, Harry, and Diego- the doctor having been roped into it somehow by Razi or JD.

It was simple and sweet, and Prim had to take a picture, something everyone else agreed to do.

The said picture was soaked in a special solution to move. On repeat, Prim kissed Harry’s cheek while JD laughed at Razi and Diego smiled. Grace was laughing herself, head thrown back.

It was perfect. Made even more perfect when Harry gave her and Grace their gifts. Prim got a coffee mug claiming her the best mom ever- hand painted, while Grace got a coffee mug with a cat hand painted on it.

Another picture went up, of the two holding their mugs and kissing Harry’s cheeks.

January 2012

Prim pulled her coat tighter around herself, shivering slightly in the cold air. New York was freezing but it was where the central hub for Gringotts was in the USA and where you could speak directly with a manager from a different country. Which was what she needed to do.

Harry held her hand as they walked the streets, looking around in awe at the skyscrapers and Prim wanted to do the same but she had to focus on finding the entrance to the bank. It was in Central Park they said…

Harry tripped and she had to stop, mentally berating herself.

“Am I going to fast?” She asked him. Harry looked embarrassed but she just picked him up. He was still a little underweight- even after months spent with her. “Now, what statue are we looking for again?” She asked Harry. The boy grinned.

“Alice in Wonderland!” He said in a very happy tone. He loved that movie.

“Excellent now…” she frowned, wondering where the statue was when a voice spoke up.

“It's about three minutes that way.” They turned to see a dark haired woman in a fashionable black coat and a very nice hat. She smiled. “Didn't mean to interrupt or eavesdrop…”

“Ah, thank you,” Prim said. “We probably would have been searching all over.” She nodded at the woman. “I'm Primrose and this is my son, Harry.”

“Vanessa.” The woman said, smiling. “Having a tour of statues?”

“Yeah!” Harry said. “It's so cool!!!” The woman laughed and waved goodbye as she walked, Prim heading over to the statue as well. Once there, she tapped the plate three times and spoke out loud.

“I'm a muggle but my son is a wizard. I would like to see the bank.” With that, the statue came to life and Alice nodded before the front opened up and she and Harry walked down the stairs that lead deep into the ground.

“I love magic,” Harry said with a grin. Prim gave her own smile as they entered the bustling bank of Gringotts USA New York.

-0-

“Pleasure to see you again Brightaxe.” She said politely to the goblin who grinned at her.

“You as well Miss Evans.” He nodded to Harry. “And you heir Black.” He had met them when he had gone to the house to confirm it was, in fact, Harry that Prim was in charge of and not anyone else. He had seemed to take a liking to them.

“So it is official then?” Prim asked. “He's been claimed as heir Black and there is trouble brewing for the Malfoy family?” It had taken months for the paperwork to be put together and the proper procedure put through. Prim was eager to learn what exactly had happened.

Brightaxe smirked before slipping her a newspaper.

“Malfoy Family Stealing From The Boy-Who-Lived!” The title read. It was by a woman named Rita Skeeter and it spoke of how it had been discovered that the Malfoy claims of being the inheritors of the Black family name were wrong. Not only had they taken a Wizengamot seat but had also claimed the Board seat for Hogwarts from the Black family. Skeeter seemed pleased to tear them apart.

“All laws passed are currently suspended and all Board decisions have as well been suspended until you find a new regent Miss Evans,” Brightaxe said. “I believe Dumbledore offered?” Prim frowned.

She didn't mind Dumbledore but she was leery of placing an old man such as himself into that sort of position. Call her an idealist or millennial or what you wished but she firmly believed that anyone above a certain age had no rights playing politics. Most of them were too stuck in their beliefs and wished to keep the status quo.

“What sort of laws are there about who can hold the seats?” Asked Prim.

“That they are magical humans shaped beings,” Brightaxe replied. Prim grinned then.

“So would a werewolf be allowed?” Brightaxe’s grin copied hers.

“Indeed.”

Prim left the bank with a smirk on her face and knowing that she was going to be able to meet Remus soon enough.

Of course, she had a promise to make first and the two went to the Central Park Zoo, Harry laughing as he looked at all the animals. It was there they met Vanessa again.

“Oh! Hello!” Prim said in surprise. Vanessa looked shocked herself but covered it with a laugh.

“Nice to see you again,” Vanessa said to the two. She was adjusting her coat a little, her hat slightly askew, but Prim figured it had probably been a strong wind. “Have you seen the red pandas? They’re quite cute.”

“No! Mama, I wanna see them!” Harry said, grabbing onto her arm and prim chuckled.

“Alright, let’s go find them,” she said to Harry. Vanessa offered to help, and the three spent a nice day together, ending with Harry begging to have a photo taken to remember the day, Vanessa going pink in shock. Prim had a nice giggle over that but took the photo.

A few days later, Razi asked her if she’d seen anything odd at the zoo.

“No, nothing of note anyhow. Some people dressed odd but it is New York.” Prim replied. “Why?”

“A murder happened that day. Some guy ended up getting stabbed with a wooden stake. I’m glad you’re alright.” Razi said, his face a bit strange. But then…

“A wooden stake?” Prim asked. “That’s… strange. I’ve never heard of anything like that before, other than in vampire fiction.”

“Yeah. It is strange.” Razi said, his voice off but it was a very weird story after all.

Second Week of January 2012

Prim opened the door to reveal a wizard dressed in somewhat shabby robes.

“Hello!” She said cheerfully. “You must be Remus! Please do come in!” He came in with a smile and took her hand, holding it warmly.

“I can't thank you enough.” He said to her. “You… you've done so much for me already.”

“I gave you a job Remus. That's about it.” Prim said with a chuckle. “How is it going?”

“We officially start tomorrow on casting new votes on various laws which is why I'm here today.” A pained look was in Remus’s eyes and Prim frowned at it.

“Won't you…”

“No. It was a unanimous vote to keep werewolves from leaving Britain. It might be suspended now but it won't be for long.” Remus looked exhausted and bitter as he stood in the doorway. Prim felt horrible for the poor man as she stood there.

“Well then.” She said. “You better come and hug Harry and spend the evening with him.” She lead him to the kitchen where Harry was doing his math homework, his tongue poking out of his mouth. Remus took in a shuddering breath and Harry heard it, turning around in his chair to look. “Sweetie, this is Remus. He was a friend of your parents.”

“The one who sent us the pictures?” Harry asked.

“Yeah, yeah I am.” Remus agreed, slowly walking over to the table to sit down next to him. Prim crept out of the kitchen, a grin on her face.

She'd leave them alone for a bit.

March 2012

“I swear if there is another incident of bullying-!” Prim shouted at the counselor who scowled while Mr. Jameson also looked furious.

“There won’t be. Ms. Galloway? You’re fired.” he said. The counselor looked shocked and horrified while Prim took Harry with her out of the office, shooting angry looks at the three boys who had cornered her son and nearly broke his arm. Their parents all looked ashamed as Prim stood in front of them.

“I do not know why you dislike me. I do not know why I am hated in this town, but for you to spread this hate to your children who take it out on my SON…” Prim shook her head and stormed off.

She drove back to the alley as she had to work and couldn’t keep letting Razi give her paid time off. As well, she was aware that Razi tended to make Harry smile a lot- something she did tease him about a little.

Harry was quiet when they entered, heading for the couch to curl up with a book.

“The only good thing that happened is that counselor got fired,” Prim said to herself.

“Good,” JD said as they walked up to her. They weren’t wearing the shirt- Razi got tired of the pins and random rips said shirt had- and instead had on their jacket and tank top. “Bully is bullshit.”

“Without using the same profanity, I have to agree,” Prim said. She sighed. “It was hard enough when I was in school. I know how nasty kids can be.”

“You were bullied?” JD asked in surprise. Prim nodded.

“Yes. Primrose is a strange name after all. It’s how the prim and proper taunt started.” JD frowned.

“Prim and proper taunt?” they asked and Prim frowned. Didn’t…

“I forgot you’ve only been here for not even a year…” she trailed off, blinking in confusion before she pressed on. “It was a taunt started in elementary and well… continued. Eventually, I got back by acting prim and proper in general and thus, the taunt lost its power over me.”

“...No, it didn’t.” JD said, looking at her. Prim just gave them a look and they sighed. “...Sorry,” they muttered under their breath.

“...Did you just apologize?” she asked. JD scowled.

“Bullying is bullshit and gross,” they said. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories when I taunt you over your attitude.”

“You haven’t done so for a few months.” Prim pointed out. JD shrugged.

“I got used to it I guess.” Prim hummed before she gave a soft smile at JD.

“You didn’t mean to bully me- sure maybe you were mean in the beginning because you were lashing out, but you never crossed a line,” Prim said. “...I also never thought I’d ever hear you say sorry.”

“Well, this is the only time you’ll ever hear it.” JD snorted. They went off to work and Prim chuckled as she went to do some work herself.

That was nice.

July 2012

Prim frowned at the book, flipping through it in confusion. What was… that didn’t… what?

“Having trouble?” asked an accented voice. She looked to the side to see an older Indian woman dressed in colorful clothing and jewelry, a red dot in the middle of her forehead.

“A little I must admit,” Prim said, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Do you perchance own this store?” Prim asked, gesturing to the small Indian shop she was in. The woman nodded.

“Yes, I do. What brings you here?” the woman asked.

“I have recently taken charge of a relative whose father was from India. I am… not sure which part though I know in his wedding photos his wife, my cousin, was dressed in a sari though not…” Prim coughed and changed the subject, realizing she had been rambling. “I wished to learn to make some traditional foods the proper way from him for his birthday at the end of this month, hence why I am here.”

“Well then,” the woman said, sounding pleased. “Do you need help? Or a few lessons? I was going to make some pani puri for my own supper tonight. I can teach you if you wish?”

“Thank you,” Prim said honestly. “Thank you so much.” The woman waved her hand in amusement and directed her to some She introduced herself as Chetas and Prim introduced herself as well, the two chatting together as Prim gathered the food and pans she would need.

“Harry… do you know how is spelt?” Chetas asked. Prim nodded her head in the positive.

“We managed to recover his birth certificate and it is spelled H-A-R-I, though typically he spells it the English way. From what I understand his parents wished to give him an Indian name but as well wished for him to have an English name as to prevent harassment.” Prim said. Chetas snorted.

“Harassment? If people teach their children better than none there will be.” Prim nodded her agreement to that. “Come then, I teach you and you come back to find present here for child.”

“He likes to read,” Prim said thoughtfully. She had noticed some Indian stories written in English. As well there were some books dedicated to teaching Sanskrit she thought he might like.

“Excellent, but lesson first,” Chetas said and Prim agreed, following the woman to the back of the shop where a kitchen was, the shop also being a place to sell food.

It would be a very fun lesson for both of them.

Second Week of July, 2012

Chetas showed up in Havenfall one day with a cookbook under her arm. Prim was rather surprised to see the Indian woman come into the bowling alley.

“Chetas, hello!” she said in surprise.

“Miss Evans,” said the older woman. She offered the cookbook. “For you. Found it in back of closet.” Prim blinked, taking the book from the woman.

“Thank you, ma’am, let me grab my purse to-”

“It is gift. None of my grandchildren wish to learn.” Chetas looked annoyed at that and Prim chuckled. “Where is young Hari?”

“He’s with my sister right now- she has the day off,” Prim explained. Chetas nodded before she smirked at something. Prim looked over her shoulder just to see Razi and JD. “Oh! Sorry Razi! This is the woman I was talking about, the one teaching me to cook food for Harry’s birthday.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Razi said, bowing his head. “You can put the book in my office if you want to hide it.”

“Thanks, Razi!” Prim said, going off to do so. She took a few minutes to find a good hiding spot before she came out to find Chetas leaving with a wave. She waved back with a smile, unaware of the looks being traded by JD and Razi.

July 31, 2012

“Happy birthday Harry!” Prim cheered as she put the cake in front of Harry. He grinned widely as everyone around him all sang. It was happening in the bowling alley, and Harry was just happy to have everyone around.

It was just him, Prim, Grace, Razi and JD- with a quick appearance by Mackenzie when she came in to yell at JD and offer her congratulations- but it was the best party he ever had!

A camera set up took their picture as he blew out his candles.

A year ago, a funeral was held on August first for a family that lost a grandmother, but a full year later, a birthday was held to mark a son that had gained a family.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

Harry is eight when he ends up with Prim, so he’s got about three years until Hogwarts, so I’m just doing a chapter for a year. Otherwise I’ll never finish this fic. I know myself.

Now, because I know I’m going to get complaints: There is no bashing in this story but there is some unfriendliness. Yes, people may say what I have placed here as being bashing, but to me it isn’t, instead it is being unfriendly- that is I am portraying a character in a negative way. Bashing is when you take a character and ONLY give them bad traits or make them ridiculous for no reason. As it is, I can totally see the Malfoy family doing something like I have them doing so here. Why? They openly say that Lucius Malfoy hides illegal items or sells them and there is bribery mentions. It’s not that far out they would do this. Yes, it will have long reaching consequences- this isn’t a vacuum. It’s just they won’t hit until Harry goes to Hogwarts because Prim and Harry live in the USA. They won’t interact with the Malfoy family or the British Wizarding World until then.

Now tiny bits I thought of for here and want to explain:

-I adore JD but they state in the game that they hated Havenfall when they first got there. So, I made them a little angry and bitter. And given Prim is very prim and proper, they clashed. As you can see they did make up, but yeah. Not a great beginning.

-I don’t know who came up with the idea that Harry’s name on his birth certificate is Hari but I used it here. Yes, he uses the English spelling mostly due to the Dursley family and because he never knew until he saw his certificate. So kudos to whoever did it.

-Prim gets 150 galleons a month for Harry which is about 1,500 in USD. Yes, lots of money but that is for Harry and while Prim does use some for groceries for everyone it can go fast. The lawyer was given to her for free because the goblins make bank on the money from the Harry Potter name and she was willing to let them keep 60% of the settlement.

-I'm like 90% certain it's mentioned in some route that Diego hasn't been in Havenfall long. So I took creative license and made it so he just shows up here. As well- not sure how American schools do it but we didn't have a nurse at my school because we were a small town so I just went: here! Also it gives me an excuse to introduce him earlier!

#haven raised #harry potter #havenfall is for lovers

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dontunderestimatemypoison · 5 years

Text

梅花

//A bit of angst revolving around F.A.N.G, @hadesrebelofadaughter, and the rest of Shadaloo.

Shadaloo was nearly overrun by a rival Russian cartel. They almost out did Shadaloo in regards to man power and weapon power. F.A.N.G had sent Jess and Ning away to a safe house. Bison sent Bai and the other comfort women with them. Bai, for once, is being civil. She is too scared to be her usual snarky self.

For once, F.A.N.G, Vega, and Balrog are working together without fighting. The three move quietly and stealthily down a corridor. They learned that the more high ranked members of the opposition are in the dining hall. Bison is dealing with the leader.

Vega has his clawed glove and a knife for backup. Balrog has a machine gun. F.A.N.G naturally opts to forgo weapons. His hands are dangerous enough. The trio pauses when a gun sounds and a bullet whizzes past them. Naturally someone would hide in the damn supply closet that’s a few inches in front of them to their right. Four men exit and try to ambush the trio. Balrog is able to take two down as Vega takes down one and F.A.N.G takes down the fourth. The fourth one winds up as a puddle of goo.

“Really... that’s just overkill,” Vega states wiping his set of claws off.

“But it’s a necessity... it’s one less to worry about... four if you count him and his cohorts,” F.A.N.G smirks.

“Well played,” Vega responds.

“Can we go? We got others to help take down,” Balrog quips.

“Ok, ok,” F.A.N.G says as he starts walking towards the dining hall. The other two follow.

“Well, well, I see we’re late,” F.A.N.G quips when they enter the dining hall. The high ranked members of the other cartel turn their weapons on the trio.

“You damn snake! We’ve heard not to trust you!” One snaps.

“You can call me whatever you like just don’t call me late for dinner,” F.A.N.G says with a sickly, sweet smile.

Knives are thrown and guns are fired. F.A.N.G manages to get to the last one standing, the one that called him a snake. He stalks forward slowly. The man is now knowing what true fear is. He watched F.A.N.G kill several men in a short time span just by touching them. He knows why F.A.N.G is Bison’s second-in-command. The title and power granted to this too tall, thin man has been well earned. The man also knows if he’s going down, try to take as many down with him. F.A.N.G is now six inches away. He grips the man’s neck with a silk sleeve covered hand. Despite his lean build, he neck lifts the man.

“I have something I want to ask you,” F.A.N.G purrs.

The man struggles.

“Did you honestly think you and your band of thugs could overthrow Shadaloo? Be a hero at a thousand places? I should tell you, there’s man’s law and Lord Bison’s law and I think you know who’s side I’m on,” F.A.N.G states before moving to go in for the kill.

The man shifts and draws a hidden knife and stabs F.A.N.G. There is rasping gasp from F.A.N.G. Balrog manages to squeeze in two shots and hits the man twice. F.A.N.G and the man both go down. F.A.N.G is able to uncover one of his hands and touch the man. Between the shots and the poison, he is dead within seconds. F.A.N.G is trying to stay calm. He hears Balrog talking in the walk-in talkie.

“We got a King down! Poison King down!”

Vega is trying to tend to F.A.N.G. F.A.N.G sees panic in Vega’s eyes. F.A.N.G’s breathing is abnormal and ragged. His chest feels tight. He feels tired. By now, the other cartel only has a hand full of survivors and has been put in cells. F.A.N.G hears clamoring as medics come in. He groans as he is moved. It comes out as more of a wheeze.

He is in and out of consciousness as he is moved quickly and carefully to the medical area. The entire medical staff is on duty and is doing triage. A doctor and five nurses are quick to work on stabilizing F.A.N.G.

They get a chest tube and it is placed through the ribs into the area surrounding the lungs to help drain the air. They tell Bison that the chest tube can be left in place both for air drainage and also to help inflate the lung and in severe cases, the chest tube may need to be left in place for several days before the chest begins to expand. They also start on surgery. They are surprised at how much anesthesia has been needed to put F.A.N.G under.

The staff tending to F.A.N.G work on repairing the injury by going through tubes placed down the throat into the bronchial airways. Additionally, the select staff place a tube to remove excess air, and they have to suction out any blood cells or other fluids in the pleural space.

While F.A.N.G’s surgery is going on, the other casualties are being tended to and the few dead are properly buried, Bison makes sure that everything is secured and everyone is safe. Once done, he has Jess, Ning, Bai and the others brought back home. He then delivers the news.

Jess and Ning both panic. Ning makes no effort to keep a calm composure. Jess makes an effort to stay calm for Ning’s state. Bai is exceptionally calm but she is panicking internally. She knows how important F.A.N.G is to Bison, Ning and Jess. She knows he protects them and cares about them. She might not admit this but she would miss F.A.N.G if things take a turn for the worst. She wouldn’t have anyone to truly trade barbs with. Once F.A.N.G is out of surgery and resting. The doctor talks to Bison, Jess, Ning and Bai.

“He’s done well. I’m 99 percent certain he’ll pull through. I’ll make sure an eye is kept on him.”

Bison nods and the three women thank the doctor. They let Jess go in first. F.A.N.G is unconscious and pale. His hair undone and looks unkempt. His breathing is stable. The nurse has made sure he is comfortably propped up. They’ve avoided putting his shirt back on and some of the bandages are visible. The sheet is folded down just below his chest, showing an inch or two of the bandages. Jess brushes a few strands of his silky onyx hair back gently. She sniffles and kisses his forehead softly.

“I love you, you dork... you better get well soon, I’m not done picking at you yet,” she chides softly even though she knows he can’t hear her.

She stays by his side for thirty minutes or so before leaving to let a nurse come in and check on him. Then Bison comes in. It’s odd for him to see his second-in-command in this state.

I’ll be on the side that kills, not the side that is killed... those words F.A.N.G said years ago rings in Bison’s head. He tells the doctor that whatever F.A.N.G needs medically, get it and Bison will gladly pay for it. The doctor nods.

Then it is Bai’s turn. She studies the sedated second-in-command. She settles down by his bedside.

“If you die and leave Bison and those two women and you leave me with no one to trade smart remarks with, I’ll never forgive you, you snake,” Bai says softly. There is a crack in her composure and there’s a quiet sniff. She sits by his side for a bit before she gently pats his thin cheek and leaves quietly.

Then it’s Ning’s turn. She has cried for nearly an hour and a half. Bison, Jess, and Bai have all taken turns comforting her. By now, she has been calmed down enough to keep reasonably composed.

“宠儿, you get better soon. Jess needs you,” she sniffles. “Bison and I need you.”

She kisses his forehead and quietly leaves. Even Greta comes by after her kitchen duties and making sure everyone has been fed. She settles down beside Jess.

“He’s going to get through this, Jess... Death might scare him but death is not in his vocabulary either,” Greta assures Jess quietly as she gently pats the younger woman’s hand.

“I know but he is so damned accident prone sometimes,” Jess admits. “I know he’ll fight for Shadaloo and to protect those he cares about but I... I just wish he’d be more careful.”

“So do I,” Greta says. “But my boy didn’t get where he is now by always being overly safe.”

Jess chuckles. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who knows how pig headed he can be at times.”

There’s a hint of a smile on Greta’s lips. “I know all to well.”

In time, F.A.N.G is awake. He manages to get up and walk around some but he knows not to overdo the physical exertion. While he’s resting and recovering, he does some paperwork so at least he won’t go crazy from boredom and won’t get behind with work. He lets his second-in-command take over with the major stuff for the time being. He makes sure he does his breathing exercises and takes his medicine. Greta and Jess both make sure he eats enough to get his strength up. He goes through with the regular doctor checkups.

#mobile #hadesrebelofadaughter #tw violence #tw stabbing #tw guns #tw knives #tw surgery #street fighter #sreet fighter solo #writing #solo #solos #street fighter solo #street fighter solos #about #F.A.N.G

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ficandchicks · 6 years

Text

Headcanon for Present Mic, All Might, Aizawa, Sir Nighteye, and Fat Gum.

“Their child gets hurt during a training simulation at school and what they do to help them out and stuff. A lot of fluff please!”

What happened: As it turns out, you and Midoriya were really going at it with your quirks against Bakugou and Kirishima in Ground Beta. Unfortunately, one of Bakugou’s explosions was a bit too strong and had knocked you back into the wall of an already collapsing building. A few loose bricks fell and knocked you over the head. After you saw the blood on your hand, you went into shock and had to be carried back to Recovery Girl’s office.

Present Mic:

When he first finds out you got hurt, his immediate reaction was to start running.

He most definitely knocked over a few kids to get to you.

Midnight was probably going to castrate him for running into her and knocking all of her papers out of her hands.

Many people were going to castrate him.

He’d care later.

When he finally gets to Recovery Girl’s office, she scolds him for bursting into her office like a madman.

He obviously apologizes

she’s probably the most threatening person at the UA.

“They’re in there, but keep your quirk at bay.”

You were laying on a bed with your eyes closed, a bandage wrapped around your entire head for the bleeding.

It was a relief to him when your head turned to him and yours eyes opened.

“Hey, Kiddo. How are you feeling?”

“Like I got hit in the head with bricks.”

He’ll sit there and listen to what happened from you, reminding you every now and then to take your time.

He was glad you were okay.“Don’t you have to go back to class?”

“Shouta can cover for me, I’m going to stay here with you for a little while longer.”

“Okay.”

He actually sits there for the rest of the day, talking to you and cracking stupid jokes. He occasionally just starts singing, soft lullabies that he knew you loved when you were having a rough time.

You were glad that he cared so much about you to be there for you; especially since he was a pro hero. He had always been caring(maybe a little overbearing), and it was one of the best traits your father had. You couldn’t be happier that he was your dad.

And he was beyond grateful that you were his kid.

All Might:

All Might was there when it happened; it was his class.

He had specifically said to work diligently and try not to destroy any buildings, but that would never be the case with Midoriya and Bakugou in a situation together.

He knew very well that he couldn’t leave the class alone, so he asked Iida to take you to the nurse as quickly as he could without injuring you any further.

He continued the exercise very rigid, barely focusing on the other students when all he could think about was you.

‘Were you okay? Did you need to get a brain scan? Would you need to go home? Is something even worse happening?’

All Might is a major wreck when it comes to you.

By the time the end of class came, All Might was rushing through his closing statement before he ran off to get to you.

He bled all over the floor of Recovery Girl’s office when he got there, but it was okay.

No it wasn’t.

Recovery Girl scolded the shit out of him for not paying attention to your safety as well as his own. But she let him see you while she was talking.

“Don’t get too loud.”

He touches your hand before he touches your bandages, just lightly grazing the both of them. It’s enough to make you stir.

“Hey, Kid. How do you feel?”

“Horrible…”

“We can go home as soon as Recovery Girl says you can leave this bed.”

“It’ll be the end of the day before she gets to leave, I don’t want her getting worse just because she didn’t rest long enough.”

All Might just lets it happen, taking the chair next to the bed and sitting next to you. He’d sit there all night if it was to keep you safe.

You ask about the rest of training and how everyone did, and he tells you, going into detail about everyone’s takes on the task they were given. He even goes into stories you hadn’t asked him to tell, stories of his glory days and what it was like after you were born. It was nice to hear him speak softly for a change, a smile that you never really saw too often spread calmly across his face. He was content.

You were content.

You were both content.

Aizawa:

Aizawa was not initially surprised to hear that you wound up in Recovery Girl’s office. You were just as clumsy as your mother was.

In fact, you were worse.

He was used to seeing you go down pretty easily when you didn’t mean for it, having watched you trip over yourself on numerous occasions just walking out of your room.

But it was definitely a shock that you were training when it happened.

Nobody was quite sure how, but you were a very graceful fighter.

(Aizawa often credited himself for teaching you at a young age how to fight like he does)

You never fall, you rarely lose in hand-to-hand combat, and you always have a different aura about you when you’re fighting someone.

So seeing you lying in a bed with a bandage wrapped around your head was a pretty big shock.

“She took quite the hit, but she’ll be fine.”

He sits in the chair next to you resting his eyes for about an hour until you pipe up.

“How long have you been here?”

“Forty-five minutes...maybe an hour.”

“Oh…”

“How do you feel?”

“I’m fine.”

You two sit in comfortable silence, just taking in the fact that the other was their and everything would be okay. It was all you needed to relax.

Even in everyday situations at home, the two of you either sat in comfortable silence or would cast harmless sarcasm towards each other. It was how your personalities worked. The two of you knew how to keep the other at bay, especially when he tried to expel students because he didn’t like how they worked.

You were the perfect mix.

Sir Nighteye:

Sir was very worried when he got the call saying you had been injured during a training exercise. Your quirk was stronger than his, so the fact that you hadn’t been able to take care of yourself was troubling for him to grasp.

Many questions were asked, and many questions were answered with ease.

It didn’t take him long to trust that you would be okay until he could come and get you after he was done working.

But that didn’t stop him from worrying.

He couldn’t help it; you were his everything! You were stuck in a bed, by yourself, with a bandage wrapped around your head and nothing to do.

The thoughts running through his head were based around the same thoughts he had been having all week. He was worried he wasn’t spending enough time with you, especially with him at work all day while you go to school in a completely different city. He didn’t want to seem like he didn’t care at all.

This bitch calls in Centipede and takes the rest of the day off.

When he does get to Recovery Girl’s office, he’s greeted by your smiling face staring back at him.

“I thought you were coming later.”

“I couldn’t leave you to be alone in this situation.”

The rest of the day was the best part for both father and daughter. The two went home and just sat on the couch watching game shows and beating the contestants to the correct answer. Sir occasionally cracked a few bad dad jokes in really serious tones, and you lost it everytime. You’d try to think of a joke better than his, but he just had more experience than you did.

It was times like these you could really appreciate him. Not only for the love and support, but for the way he tried to make you smile when he knew you were in pain. You love your dad a lot, and there was no one who could ever replace him.

Fat Gum:

Fat Gum is at the school faster than you can imagine.

He didn’t listen to Recovery Girl long enough to find out what happened, all he needed to hear was your name and that you were injured.

He did not run into students.

When he did get to Recovery Girl’s office, she just looked at him with disdain. She then scolded him for not letting her finish talking so she could tell him you were okay. She also scolded him for running all the way to the school.

Fit Gum was more present than Fat Gum.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t just ignore my wonderful (son/daughter) when they’re in distress!”

“Dad, I’m fine.” You call softly, peeking out of the little curtain that recovery girl had pulled. Thanks to your quirk from your father, it was easy to heal with food in your system. Thankfully for you, Lunch Rush was glad to stop by and drop off some food.

After Recovery Girl releases you to your father, the two of you go back to his office. He lets you rest on the couch in his office while he finishes some paperwork he had carelessly left behind.

It wasn’t long before you had fallen asleep, and Fat couldn’t help but just stare at you. You were older now, not so little anymore. There was a time where you fit on that couch perfectly, but now your feet dangled over the side.

He’s not crying

He’s not a mess

He’s totally a mess.

He pulls himself together enough to finish his paperwork and wakes you up to go and eat.

Obviously, you two ate a lot.

You were stuffed by the time you got home, and you were happy about it. Your dad on the other hand was still a bit hungry despite his fat returning.

The two of you kinda just chilled on the couch the rest of the night, you leaning on his huge stomach as a pillow.

Face it, he’s comfy.

Needless to say, the both of you were just happy to be spending some quality time together after such a long day. It wasn’t often that he was able to take you out to eat now that you were in high school, so today was really special for the two of you.

Despite your head injury.

You wouldn’t trade your dad for anything in the world. He was kind, observant, and very present. You were glad that he was so caring towards you, it was always comforting to know that there was someone who would be there for you no matter what.

Let’s face it. Whether he’s Fat Gum or Fit Gum, your dad would swim around the entire world if it meant he’d be there for you when you needed it.

A/N: I’d like to thank my friend who requested this for encouraging me to create my own fic blog.

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omggiogiothings · 6 years

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Newborn & Disneyland

Here’s the Disneyland Au with word building I shouldn’t be putting into a drabble series but WhaTEVER.

Here’s the other drabble where baby Fumiko is older LINK

Here’s the link to ao3!

“Lance, I dunno.” Keith dried off his hands, coming into the living room to fix his friend with a harsh stare. Fumiko was curled up in Lance’s arms, reaching out with her chubby hands to occasionally bat at his face. He only replied by playing with her fingers and cooing at her.

Lance jostled her with a grin as Keith joined him. He had washed out a few bottles that were piling up and while Shiro was at work, dealing with some Galaxy Garrison stuff, Lance came to keep him company. Shiro was somehow making it work for them by taking up Keith’s shifts if he could. Keith was on paternity leave, recovering from birth and taking care of their newborn.

“Come on! We have to check out Disney, I’m surprised we haven’t! Plus, it’s a thing parents do to their kids!” Lance held Fumi in the crook of his arm, cooing at her, “Yes we do, yes.”

“What? Take her to Disney? She won’t remember it.” Keith smiled as Fumi wiggled and managed to jab Lance in the eye when he wandered too close. Lance took it in stride, merely wincing and embracing his fate.

“That’s the point! So when she’s older and complains you never took her. Blam! Slam those pictures down!”

Keith shook his head, “I don’t think this would be a problem, like. Ever. Especially with us.”

“Keith,” He drawled out. “Have you ever been to Disney?”

Keith snapped his mouth shut, annoyed instantly.

Lance grinned, “Good. We can take you both for your first trip to Disney then!”

“It’s expensive.” Keith complained. “I’m out of work, until my leave is completely done with.”

“Keith, have you been without Fumi ever since you had her?” Lance asked, giving him a side look that meant he was about to open a problem and tell Keith how it was. Keith hated it.

He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. His one-month leave had just finished and Shiro had pushed it for another two weeks just because they needed to find a sitter. But Keith was unsure how he could leave Fumiko with someone he didn’t trust. Fumiko was his baby, just seeing her unhappy made him upset.

“Look, I don’t wanna pry in your business, but you have to remember you got your life to live too. And I told you, if you ever need a sitter I could ask my mom, maybe even my sisters.”

Keith pursed his lips, watching Fumiko stare around at them, snuggling back near Lance. “I know, but. Ughhh.”

He held his arms out and Lance sighed, handing over his bundle of joy. The first time Shiro had to go into work after they brought Fumiko home was a wreck. Shiro cried, Fumiko cried, Keith cried. Everyone was crying.

He cradled her close, smiling at her hazel eyes as she stared around at him. She sucked on her pacifier, almost completely oblivious. She was perfect. “I don’t think I’m ready.” He mumbled.

“You can't take her to work strapped to your chest.” Lance pointed out casually. “Look, I get why you’re hesitant about dropping her off at daycares. She has glowy eyes. My family can keep it under wraps, just gotta make out the longer drive. Let us help out with the baby and get this alliance with the universe on the road.”

Keith sighed, nestling his baby close as she closed her eyes. The glowing eyes had come as a surprise. She looked human enough but there were small things here and there that gave away to her Galra heritage (Shiro had kissed his shoulder when they noticed, whispering “Well, at least we know it skips a generation.”). Keith didn’t even have himself to base it on. All records of him as a baby didn’t even exist. By all research and studies into biology, Keith shouldn’t exist, Fumiko should exist even less but here she was, in his arms.

The thought of someone noticing her alien differences made them especially cautious. The last thing they needed to do was tell the U.N that Keith had parentage from aliens.

Keith had met Lance’s mother. The woman had demanded to meet them once Lance got in contact with them when they first arrived. She had hugged them all and invited them to thanksgiving and Christmas every year. She had also knitted beanies and dresses and a bundle of store bought clothes for Fumiko too. When Keith first announced his pregnancy, Lance had passed on the news and apparently his mother had screamed.

Lance’s family would take care of Fumiko. He had no doubt about it. But his nervousness of releasing his baby to other people still struck him. He was sure there was a handbook that said what he was feeling was normal for an Omega but he wanted to shove that book up some pretentious person’s ass (All the baby books were about the joys of reproduction and the happiness of being an Omega. The only good part of it was letting him know what was gonna happen and if it was good or bad depending on how sugar coated the words were).

“I’ll think about it.” He decided, and Lance figured that was as far as he was going to push today so he got up and picked up some stuff on the coffee table.

“Good, now about Disneyland.”

“Ughhhhhhhh.”

By the time Fumiko was two months Keith and Shiro had a long discussion on taking her to Lance’s mothers place.

Keith couldn’t push leave longer, so he embraced the fact he’d have to return and let someone watch his baby.

He also spent hours on the phone with Laura (Lance’s mother) who reassured him constantly on the wellbeing of his child. She also confirmed his weird instincts and his disgruntled voice made her laugh. She let him ask question over question and didn’t care when they were about how she’d take care of Fumiko.

Lance had given him a knowing grin afterwards and Keith tossed a bottle at his stupid face.

Getting back into the swing of work was hard too. He was mostly Shiro’s second hand, overseeing decisions and adding input when he could (Lance had filled in his role well when he was on leave, but Lance had his own sector on earth overseeing a completely different mission, allowing the immigration of alien life on earth). But Shiro was the driving force in getting some sort of treaty with laws in policies in trading between earth and other galaxies. Keith quickly took place in paperwork and getting things clear between parties. He was also the scary face that could get politicians sweating with a single look. They had been hailed as heroes for saving the earth (that battle had been broadcasted worldwide with their identities kept a secret). But now that they were here, they worked to advocate on helping Earth progress. The United Nation hated them but only because they learned how to work the system in their favor after doing so for thousands of different planets. Allura was also a major force around the world and the galaxy. They all were working hard to get her on earth. She deserved to have a family with Lance. She deserved to meet the McClain family.

It was worse staying still when he knew his baby was somewhere without him. But it got easier as she got older and he got used to Laura taking care of her.

He watched her reach milestone after milestone and his phone filled up with photos of her that he shared with the others when he could. Allura seemed to love the ones he took with her wearing lion and Voltron related pun shirts (I’m not lion, I'm the mane attraction). Coran was delighted in the ones where she wore tiny costumes. His typing was outrageous, but they appreciated it.

Disneyland came back when she was five months, bigger and starting to make more noise. Lance brought it up, roping Hunk and Pidge into it, and then Shiro betrayed him the moment he learned Keith had never gone.

“It’s fun.” Shiro tried, smiling despite the glare on Keith’s face. “Everyone’s gone to Disney, at least once. I promise it will be totally worth it.”

It took a few months before Keith caved.

Lance bought Fumiko a princess dress (there was a lot of fighting on who it would be and Keith was ready to call it off before everyone called a truce) with matching earrings and pacifier. Keith had taken bibs because he knew with the way she drooled when she was teething it would ruin the dress in an instant.

He spent days deciding what to take and even longer finally realizing he was going. The night before Shiro had taken apart the diaper bag when they couldn’t find Fumi’s favorite teething ring before realizing it had been thrown into the corner of her crib.

“We’re a little bad at this.” Shiro admitted, the next morning with Fumiko strapped to his chest with a baby carrier. Keith fastened the buckles, throwing a blanket over the slumbering baby and making sure Shiro was set. He paused, seeing the look on Shiro’s face.

“Shiro, weren’t you the one who told me no one was perfect with parenting?”

Shiro frowned, looking down at Keith. “Yeah. Guess I did. I’m just a little worried I guess. Which is a little dumb after the mess we went through getting you to go.”

Keith gently patted his cheek, curling his hand when Shiro leaned into it with a sigh. “We can always back out. We’re new to this. But I think she’s perfect and she has a bunch of uncles and one tiny aunt looking after her. Not to mention her fathers.”

Shiro opened his eyes, smiling and kissing the palm of Keith’s hand. “Of course she’s perfect. She’s your daughter.”

Keith rolled his eyes darting up to kiss him gently. “So, what’s the call?”

Shiro hummed, licking his lips. “Let’s go.”

“Good. Now let me take the carrier off you and we can get all this stuff in the car.”

“I can’t believe we decided to check if it fit the day we were going.”

“Didn’t we just say we weren't perfect? That isn't changing anytime soon.”

Shiro laughed.

They picked up Pidge and Hunk with Lance meeting them there with the tickets. Lance was trying to win over Fumiko for favorite uncle (a spot Hunk and he were fighting each other for) and wanted to make sure everything was set for her.

Shiro drove, sticking his tongue out at Keith in the rearview mirror when Keith caught his eye. Leaning over the car seat to feed Fumiko, he grinned and flipped him off, making Shiro bark out a laugh.

Arriving in the parking lot they took their time getting everything out. Pidge took first baby carrying watch as Keith fitted the carrier to her smaller form. Fumiko chewed on Pidge’s shirt without rest, pretty grey eyes staring at the freckles on Pidge’s chest (the color had darkened, quickly changing to match Shiro’s eyes). They saddled themselves with their packs stuffed into Fumiko’s stroller and got ready to meet with Lance.

It was packed, as they all had expected, and it was surreal to think they were galactic warriors going to Disneyland of all places. There was no threat of the world on the balance. Only an eight-month-old baby covered in spit.

Lance greeted them, giving them all tickets and leaning around Shiro with a wide grin as he mapped out their trip. Keith would begrudgingly give spot of favorite uncle to Lance if it didn’t mean Hunk would cut them off of his famous cookie supply (a god send when Keith was pregnant).

Keith had to admit, as the day went on that Disney was great. It was flamboyant and over the top. Everything was decorated the best it could have been. They took cheesy pictures in front of the castle and rode basic rides that Fumiko was able to go on. Keith stayed out with the baby when they went on rides not meant for her. Mainly because Fumiko was anxious at first, being around people she couldn’t recognize by smell. Having her close to his heartbeat made her relax. Eventually he was able to put her in the stroller where she played with her toys and made noises at everybody that passed.

She was adorable. She was really the best of them both.

“Wanna go on space mountain?” Lance asked them, kneeled in front of Fumiko’s stroller and playing with her as Shiro and Keith looked over a map together.

Keith hummed, frowning at the ride on the corner of the map. “Who will sit out with Fumiko?”

“Actually.” Lance grinned. “I was thinking we can take her to the nemo ride and you two can try out space mountain?”

Both turned to him insanely fast.

Lance held out his hands in a surrender fashion. He held it for a second before Fumi’s outraged cry for the toy wrapped on one of his fingers made him put them back into her reach. “Hear me out. You two haven’t gone a ride together yet without her. She will be fine. You have all three of us watching her.”

Keith frowned, already feeling nervous but knowing it would be nice to have just Shiro to himself. He shared a look with Shiro who was frowning, considering. Shiro gave a small shrug, “It would be nice for a bit. But promise you’ll only take her to Nemo and you won’t let her out of your sight.”

Shiro’s commanding voice made them all straighten up. If anything happened to her there was no doubt in all their minds they’d have to face Shiro’s wrath.

Keith, glaring from behind him reminded them they’d have hell to pay from him too.

“Got it. I promise.”

With that settled they headed their separate ways with Keith kissing Fumiko goodbye.

In line together, Keith took the chance to appreciate his husband and mate. Shiro was wearing a jacket over a tank top (that had a mickey face on it, a gift from Pidge that said I’m his) and a pair of mickey mouse sunglasses pushed up his forehead, white bangs peeled away from his face. He was handsome and Keith wasn’t the only one appreciating the view if the shy looks he saw from teenage and older women and men.

Keith grinned, linking their hands together. Shiro had the idea to throw on some gloves, only to hide the prosthetic (was it cheating if the material his arm was made out of technically not metal? He didn’t get signaled out by the metal detector and it was a weapon technically made by the Alteans. Not that anyone knew that last part). But still looked endearing.

Shiro’s slim figure did make him just a bit jealous. They had been a fit couple for a very long time, but Keith was still carrying some baby weight from Fumiko. It wasn’t as easy to shed but Shiro had never made him feel like it mattered. Only Keith thought it was gross when he saw the stretch marks and thought of what his body used to be. But then, thinking about Fumiko and the absolute elation they both had when she had come into the world made it worth it. He could lose the weight, but Fumiko wasn’t something he would ever think about losing.

They chatted about easy things. They made fun of the ducks fighting around them and then talked about the day itself. The line was taking forever but Keith enjoyed being tucked under Shiro’s arm, flicking through his phone to pull up images from the day and decide which ones to send Coran and Allura.

Shiro sighed, squeezing Keith close. “Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve all this.”

Keith looked up at him, finger stilling over the screen. “What do you mean?”

Shiro smiled softly as he looked at the flashing lights of the ride. “You. I feel like I don’t deserve you or what you’ve given to me. Fumiko and you are the center of my world. And family outings like this is something I had never considered. I guess I’m kind of sappy right now.”

Keith gently nudged him. “You deserve it. Sometimes… I feel like I don’t deserve you.” He grinned at the look Shiro shot him. “Can’t blame me. Having a family seemed like such an insane possibility. I’m really glad I got to share one with you.”

Shiro held his gaze before they leaned in for a kiss, a soft brush of lips that still melted Keith’s heart every time.

“God, Fumiko is gonna hate us when she gets older. Having two saps for dads.”

Keith laughed, gently shoving Shiro back.

Lance was going to die.

Not a good death either. Maybe Shiro will spare him and make it quick.

Hunk and Pidge had left for a second and Lance had parked the stroller to give Fumiko some juice but the bottle had slipped, rolling down the pathway. He quickly moved to grab it, glancing back to the stroller and then grabbing it. He was momentarily hit by a crowd but found the stroller and leaned over to give Fumiko her drink only to freeze.

Blue eyes stared back at him. He gazed at the baby in the stroller, older then Fumiko and not Fumiko.

“Oh my god.” He whispered, pulling back and looking around. The other strollers were empty and none the same brand as the one he was holding and the one that had his darling niece in it.

Oh my god, Shiro was going to kill him.

He looked back at the baby and realized he wasn’t the only one who fucked up.

But also, who the fuck would take the wrong stroller?!

“Hey man, do you wanna wait by the-what’s wrong?” Hunk held a water bottle only stopping when Lance didn’t look up.

“I’m gonna die.”

Pidge popped up and looked down before freezing too. “Who is that?”

“I don’t know! I dropped the bottle and went to grab it really quick! I came back, and this kid is here!”

“What do you mean?!” She shrieked. She quickly scaled Hunk, making him yelp but Hunk didn’t care, only holstering her up on his shoulders for her to look. “Someone just came in and stole her?”

“Yes! Who the fuck does that?!”

He ignored the dirty looks parents shot him. It’s their fault, they just let some random ass family take his niece!

“Oh my god, Shiro is going to kill us.” Hunk whispered and they both swallowed. Shiro was terrifying, they knew from experience.

Pidge scowled, ripping open her purse and pulling out a pair of binoculars she had stolen from Coran ages ago. She looked around, scanning the crowd and then gasping. “I’m so stupid! This thing is a Galra scanner!”

They had never in their lives been so happy that Fumiko had that strand of DNA in her.

She clicked and looked around, before freezing and screeching. “THEY’RE HEADED FOR THE STAR WARS RIDE! GO, GO, GO!”

Hunk ran in an instant, holding onto Pidge. Lance grabbed their bags and put them onto the stroller and took the little boy with him. This kid was in for a ride because Lance was booking it.

Thinking back on it, jumping the mother holding Fumiko’s stroller wasn’t Pidge’s greatest idea but Lance had followed her lead and taken down the other adult with her. Hunk had screeched and tried to separate them while stopping to smile at Fumiko and the other kid in the stroller to keep them calm.

They were making a scene and the possibility of being escorted out by security was becoming very probable.

Until Keith said, “What the hell is going on?”

Lance and Pidge froze, Hunk almost sobbing while the other mother stretched out his shirt collar.

Shiro and Keith stared at them, holding hands and confused.

“She took Fumiko!” Hunk screamed, always the first to cave under pressure.

“Who are you?! You jumped on me!”

“Nice try lady! I left to pick up a bottle and you snatched her up!” Lance looked like he was going to bite her again and she growled.

But then she saw the stroller to the side with her son in it and paled. “Oh my god we took the wrong stroller.”

Shiro and Keith stared for the longest moment before Keith let go of Shiro and ripped everyone apart.

“Get the bags Lance.”

Lance did as told, making no quips even as the lady went to fuss with her son. “There was no reason to jump on me.”

Keith cut her off quickly. “If you were better at looking at who was in the stroller, we wouldn’t be in this mess. So buzz off before I kick your ass. I don’t care if I’m kicked out of disney or not.”

She hightailed it out there at the sight of his glare.

Keith sighed, undoing Fumiko from her stroller and glaring at the three guilty ex-paladins. “Not a word.”

Keith and Shiro ripped into them the moment they all had their ice cream cups and Fumiko was being fed by Shiro. Keith held her close, refusing to let go of her. Shiro refused to let either of them wander too far.

Getting scolded by Shiro was one thing. When Keith did it, it was like disappointing two parents.

“I’m sorry.” Lance admitted, not even budging on starting his ice cream like Pidge and Hunk. “I promised you we’d look after her and fucked up. I swear it was just a second. I didn’t think it would be long enough to lose her. If anything had happened to her. I would have never forgiven myself. I’m so sorry.”

Keith stared at Lance for a long moment and sighed. He knew the others cared about Funiko deeply. They had all loved her when she hadn’t been born yet just because she was Keith and Shiro’s baby. Lance had slaved for their tickets and had been the best friend Keith could have asked for. Lance was a dick, there was no doubt about that and it may have taken years, but Keith wasn’t scared to tear him down when he was being a jerk to him. And Lance learned from his mistakes. He knows when he fucks up and he knows when to make it better. When Keith finally told him off when they were younger, Lance didn’t make an excuse. He understood, and he made amends.

That’s why Keith knows Lance would have done everything he could if something serious had happened to Fumiko.

Well, biting on the ankle of an innocent civilian was endearing when you think about it.

Shiro looked like he was still stewing over it, but Keith knew it was just the fear that she could have been lost and they weren’t even there to stop it.

He leaned and took Shiro’s hand, making him look up. Shiro sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I know. I know you this was an accident. I am still really disappointed, but I’m also scared. I trust you guys with my family because you are my family. But Fumiko’s safety is always my top priority. You guys have to understand nothing matters more.”

“We know.” Pidge whispered, looking up with shinning eyes. “We know that because she’s our priority too. We love her, Shiro. We’d fight another war for her. We’d never do this intentionally.”

Shiro softened, looking aytall of them hunched over like sad puppies. He caved and shared a look with Keith.

Keith took a second and instantly knew what to do.

“Here’s how you guys can make it up to us.”

They went home with a stuffed Stitch nearly 3 times Fumiko’s size.

Pidge, Hunk’s and Lance’s wallet would bleed for the next month.

#sheith #shiro x keith #i love sheith family au #vld #voltron #Voltron legendary defender #minor allurance #only mentioned #they have a baby!#so yay!#here's the second piece of this nonsense rip me #baby fumiko #omggiogiothings #sheith family au

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eleanor-writes-stuff · 6 years

Text

call now for a free gift! [part ii/iii]

Six years after Rey’s first Christmas with Ben and his family, unexpected gifts abound at the annual Organa-Solo-Skywalker(-Kenobi?) Christmas celebration.

Featuring: Organa-Solo-Skywalker shenanigans, a ton of major surprises, and fluff. Again with the fluff. It’s always the damn fluff.

Here we go again! Buckle up, friends, because it’s about to get fluffier than ever before. Leia and Rey have their annual Christmas breakfast, and Rey and Ben receive an unexpected gift from the twins.

Part I Also available on AO3.

“Where are you going?” Ben mumbles as Rey gets out of bed, barely awake enough to look up at her as she cards a hand through his hair.

“Christmas breakfast with your mother,” she reminds him, leaning in for a quick kiss before she drags herself out of bed and over to her bag in search of a sweater. “Don’t worry, you can keep sleeping.” It’s a longstanding tradition between the two women at this point, to enjoy a quiet Christmas morning while everyone else sleeps in. Sometimes Rey wonders just how her teenaged self would have reacted to the news that she would one day share a Christmas tradition with the Leia Organa, and it never fails to put a smile on her face.

Ben turns on his side to track her movements, and his lips are pursed in a distinctly pout-like manner – not that he’ll ever admit to it. “It’s our first morning as an engaged couple, and you’re leaving me in bed to go have breakfast with my mother?”

“Maybe you should’ve timed your proposal better,” Rey teases, voice muffled as she pulls a sweater over her thin camisole. “Besides,” she sits next to Ben, gives him a placating smile as her hand curves around his cheek, “we had a rather eventful first night as an engaged couple. That should tide you over for now.”

And with one final kiss – shorter than Ben would like, judging by the way he tries to reach for her and whines when she steps away –, Rey disappears into the bathroom down the hall to freshen up before breakfast with her future mother-in-law.

She walks into the kitchen to find Leia already comfortably settled at the breakfast table as always, two mugs of Irish coffee keeping her company as she waits for Rey.

“Merry Christmas,” Rey says as she reaches for the coffee out of habit. At the last minute she abruptly changes course and picks up some toast instead, but she knows there’s no way Leia didn’t catch that.

The other woman’s eyes twinkle. “Merry Christmas indeed,” she murmurs over the lip of her mug, and Rey busies herself with spreading butter and jam over two slices of toast while she gathers up the nerve to ask Leia a question that’s been on her mind since yesterday.

“Leia?” she finally calls, setting down her toast.

“Hmm?”

Rey smiles at the knowing look Leia gives her. “What made you propose to Han?”

“Oh,” Leia blinks, the slightest bit taken aback. “Well, there’s the short version: I saw him building a crib and my hormones got the best of me. And then there’s the truth: up until that exact moment, I wasn’t sure about anything. I never told anyone but god, I was so scared. I’d known Han for three years by then, but we’d spent the entirety of that time being outlaws, being rebels, always doing reckless and exciting stuff. It’s easy to form a connection, when you’re living a life like that, but I always knew in the back of my mind that it was a whirlwind of a thing, that it might not work in a real world setting.” There’s no hiding the sadness in her eyes at the prospect, even all these years later.

“And then things finally calmed down, and before we could even really get to know each other, suddenly I was pregnant. Han stuck around, I always knew he would, but I had no way of knowing if this was something he wanted or if he was just doing the right thing. My noble scoundrel, I’d call him in my head sometimes,” Leia shakes her head with a fond smile. “I knew he’d stay, knew he’d try his best, but… to see him there in the garage, first thing in the morning, building a crib for this baby he couldn’t have seen coming, this baby that had ostensibly ruined his whole lone wolf bachelor life… I knew then that we’d be okay. I didn’t know how we were going to make things work, exactly, but I knew that he loved the baby already and that was enough for me.”

“That’s all you need, really,” Leia tells her, that knowing look back in her eyes. “Just love them, and you can figure it out from there.” And then, before Rey can even think to act dumb, she asks, “So, how far along?”

Rey sighs, gives in with a tiny smile. “Five weeks.”

Leia hums, a small little thing in the back of her throat indicating consideration. Rey takes a bite of her toast as she watches the other woman get up and retrieve a bottle of orange juice from the fridge.

“I’ll take this,” Leia says as she trades Rey’s untouched Irish coffee for the orange juice and an empty glass. “So, does Ben know yet? Don’t worry - he asked for the ring ages ago, so I know it’s not a shotgun wedding.”

“No,” Rey whispers as she fiddles with said ring, wonders how something can feel so foreign yet so right. She’ll get used to it, she supposes; has all the time in the world to do so. “I haven’t told him. I just don’t know if we’re ready for this,” she admits quietly, letting all of her fear and doubt seep into her voice. This is Leia, after all – if there’s anyone who can help Rey through this (aside from Ben, who isn’t exactly an option right now), it’s her. “I mean, we’ve talked about it, of course, but it’s always been one of those someday things, you know? And now he’s just finished his PhD, and we’re both starting new jobs soon, and there’s still the move–”

“Rey,” Leia reaches across the table to still her shaking hand. It works almost as well as when Ben does the same thing to calm her down and keep her from spiraling. “There’s only one thing you need to consider right now. Do you want this?”

“I…” She lets her free hand drift down to her stomach, thinks of how every single vision of hers for their future had immediately started to change the second she’d found out, an automatic and instant instinct to accommodate this tiny new life. It’s only been four days, but Rey can’t imagine going back to any of those plans from before. So she tells Leia, confident and scared at the same time, “Yes. I do.”

Leia gives her a brilliant smile, squeezes her hand in reassurance. “Then you’ll be just fine, as long as you and Ben are there for each other.”

A sense of calm settles over her. Leia always makes things so simple, strips all of her worries and insecurities away until the bare truth remains: as long as they have each other, she and Ben will be fine. She can already picture it: the two of them as a team, taking on unexpected pregnancy challenges and the uncharted territory that is parenthood. She’ll worry about not being a good mom since she didn’t have one, and he’ll actively fear repeating his parents’ mistakes, but together they’ll guide each other and figure it out and–

The sense of comfort and peace lasts for all of five seconds before Rey remembers– “Oh god, I still haven’t told him.”

Leia pats her hand, gives Rey a gentle smile before she picks up her coffee. “You should probably do that.”

Christmas lunch is a quiet affair this year, just the five of them since all of the usual suspects are otherwise occupied.

“So,” Han says after a few minutes of comfortable silence, a novelty at this table, “what’s this new job about, kid?”

By the time Rey looks up, he’s already focused on his food, and so there’s no telling which of them the question had been addressed to. She and Ben share a look before he asks, “Which one?”

Han stares at them, a forkful of roast hovering just beyond his mouth. He looks almost confused for a moment, as if he himself hadn’t thought that through. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s blurted out the first thing to come to mind just because Leia gave him a gentle nudge to say something. “Both of them, I guess.”

“I’ve got a job teaching poli-sci and maybe another related class or two,” Ben shrugs between bites. “That’s about it, really. But Rey’s new job–”

“Hey,” Rey turns to him, “don’t downplay it. You’ve been offered tenure at the University of Theed pretty much right out of the gate, with only a few years of teaching experience in Coruscant. That’s amazing,” she tells the rest of the table.

“It is very impressive, Ben,” Luke chimes in supportively. “To be tenured in this day and age, especially with less than five years of experience – you’ve done well, Dr. Solo.”

“We’re very proud of you,” Leia tells her son, and to everyone’s surprise–

“Yeah, what she said, kid,” Han adds, with no trace of sarcasm and no sign of Leia having given him a slight kick under the table to say so.

He’s even smiling, and Rey’s heart warms to see Ben slowly smiling back at his father. “Thanks,” he tells the table, but looks directly at Han.

“Yeah, yeah,” his father says after a while, not quite able to hide his smile behind his usual gruff demeanor. “What about you, kid?” he asks Rey.

“It’s, um, it’s pretty exciting, actually,” Rey says hesitantly, weighs how much detail she can get into without boring everyone else. Luke, she knows, is always happy to talk shop – though a physicist by profession, he’s proven more than capable of keeping up with her aeronautical engineering tangents –, but she decides to just give everyone the highlights. “The government of Naboo and the University of Theed are setting up a new lab to look into more fuel-efficient crafts, and they somehow found out about me and decided to bring me in. It’s going to be a lot of actual engineering and research, which will be fun after two years of mostly technical trouble-shooting and paperwork.”

Luke looks just as proud of her as he was of Ben, and Leia and Han beam at her even if they don’t quite get the magnitude of what this offer means for her career. But Ben – “They didn’t just somehow find out about you,” he shakes his head at Rey with a patient smile, turns to his family with bright eyes. “Rey wrote this amazing thesis for her master’s about alternative fuel options she experimented with back in Jakku. It’s become sort of infamous in the right circles, and Theed has been keeping track of her ever since. She was one of the first people they contacted about the new lab, and they’re making her part of an elite team of eight engineers heading up the whole thing.”

She almost wants to contradict Ben and tell everyone it’s not as impressive as he makes it out to be, but then he turns to smile at her, all proud and supportive, and god, Rey loves this man. So she decides to just smile back at him and duck her head for a bit until her cheeks don’t feel that warm anymore.

“Sounds about right,” Han shrugs after a moment. “Always knew you two were pretty damn impressive.”

Luke seconds that, and Leia proposes a toast to the two of them and new beginnings. If Han or Luke notice that Rey doesn’t actually drink from her glass – the way she didn’t drink from any of her glasses at the party last night, simply handing them over to Ben whenever he needed a refill –, they’re tactful enough not to hint at anything that hasn’t been announced.

Rey eyes Ben as he sets down his half-empty glass and instantly gets roped into a conversation with Han about recent upgrades on the Falcon. After a while his hand reaches out for hers, but he doesn’t look her way, doesn’t catch her switching their glasses.

Still. Rey knows she can only keep this from him for so long.

After lunch she and Ben help Luke with the dishes while Han and Leia take a walk, and it takes them a little longer than usual to get everything washed and dried because they’re too caught up in reminiscing about life in Coruscant U.

“So when are you moving?” Luke asks almost reluctantly, having expressed for the tenth time how weird it’ll be not to run into either of them around campus anymore.

“End of January, most likely,” Ben says as he returns dried dishes to their rightful places. “They’re bringing me in after midterms as a mid-semester replacement, and Rey’s job doesn’t start till March. Figure that’ll give us enough time to get properly unpacked and moved in before work starts.”

Luke nods along to his nephew’s explanation. “Have you found a place yet?”

Rey sighs. “Not yet. Everything is either too far, too expensive, or too small. And we don’t want to sign a lease on a place we’re not happy with.”

“Housing in Theed is a fucking nightmare,” Ben grumbles to his uncle. “I know it’s been a while and it’s a major city, but I don’t remember it being anywhere near this awful back when we used to go there for the summer.”

“Well, things change,” Luke shrugs, and Rey thinks she catches the slightest hint of a grin before he turns back to the dishes with a forced and telling casualness. “But I wouldn’t be too worried if I were you two. I think Leia has an idea.”

Ben squints at his uncle’s back, and turns to Rey with a suspicious look. She simply nods in agreement and goes back to drying the dishes.

It isn’t until much later, towards the end of the night, that they find out just what Luke had been hinting at.

“So,” Leia announces once they’re all food-sleepy and eggnog-drowsy, “Luke and I have a surprise for you two.”

Luke’s entire face lights up as he claps his hands together gleefully. “Finally! I’ve been waiting all day for this.”

“Don’t ruin it,” his sister shoots him an admonishing look before she gets up and walks over to the Christmas tree in the corner, all twinkling lights and tasteful ornaments and not a single present under the tree, as per Organa-Skywalker-Solo tradition.

Rey and Ben watch Leia retrieve one single gift from the tree, nestled amongst its lower branches rather than placed under it. It’s a small box, all glossy red paper and classy silver ribbon, and upon spotting it last night Rey had mistaken it for a slightly-oversized ornament.

Now Leia holds the gift out to them, and Ben slowly reaches out to take it. “I thought this was a gift-free household,” he reminds his mother.

“Open it,” Leia simply tells him, returning to her seat between Han and Luke, both of whom appear to be leaning forward in anticipation.

Ben nudges her with his shoulder and holds the box out on one palm, and Rey carefully slips off the ribbon before she lifts the lid off the box and fishes out a set of keys.

It takes her a while to recognize them – Ben always uses his own set when they visit – but as soon as her eyes land upon the familiar address carved into the small wooden keychain, recognition dawns upon her. Ben too, if his tiny gasp is any indication.

“Mom, this is…”

Rey looks up at the twins. “You’re giving us…?”

Leia nods, a huge smile on her face. “Varykino, yes. I know it’s all the way out in Lake Country but honestly, given the traffic in Theed, this will make for a much more pleasant commute. The road from Lake Country into Theed leads right to the university, since it’s on the edge of the city anyway. And from there Rey should be able to easily take the train or a shuttle to work. So really, it’s not even that much of a drive.”

“You can either sit in Theed traffic for an hour,” Luke adds, looking horrified just by the idea of it, “or you can start your days with a scenic, traffic-free forty-minute drive.”

Rey and Ben turn to look at each other. It’s a wonderful idea, and they love Varykino, but…

“We can’t possibly accept this,” Rey tells the twins.

“It’s too much,” Ben agrees. “This is a whole house. This is your mother’s house. You can’t just–”

“Ben,” Leia interrupts him with a patient tone. “It was always going to be yours, anyway. And when you two got together, Luke and I agreed that it would be your wedding present. Now you’re engaged – so close enough, we figure – and you’re in need of a house in Naboo. So here you are.”

“Merry Christmas, happy wedding, and just don’t ever expect another gift from us for the rest of your lives,” Luke says with a grin.

They hesitate for a moment more, until Han decides to pipe up. “Just take it, kids. No one ever offered me a fancy house when I got engaged, but there’s no way I would’ve turned that down.”

So they accept the house, with a million thanks and tight hugs.

A little while later, as they’re all saying their good-nights and heading to bed, Leia suggests, “You two should take off for a while, spend the rest of your week in Varykino.”

“But we just got here–” Rey protests weakly.

Leia smirks at them. “Just go. I was young and newly engaged once too, you know. You need some privacy.”

From upstairs, Han calls down, “And we need some space from your celebrating!”

“Please,” Luke decides to chime in from the top of the stairs. “Please spare us from your celebrating.”

“Bunch of prudes,” Leia rolls her eyes at the men. “Just… stay for lunch, okay?” she tells Ben and Rey. “And after that you can go have a pre-honeymoon honeymoon or whatever it is you want to call it.”

Ben reaches out to pull his mom into a hug. “Thanks, Mom. For this, and the house, and just… everything.”

Leia leans into her son with a smile. “You’re welcome. Now, off to bed. You two have a long drive ahead of you tomorrow.”

They trade their good-nights, thank Leia one last time, and head upstairs. In bed, while Ben traces squiggly lines up and down her arm, he muses out loud, “We could have the wedding in Varykino.”

Rey, half-asleep already, lifts her head from its perch on Ben’s chest. “Hmm?”

“The wedding. Our wedding,” Ben smiles. “We could have it in Varykino, if you’d like. I know you don’t want anything big and flashy, but this should give us enough room to invite all of our closest friends and even house some of them overnight if we have to, and it’s got a great view, you love the lake–”

“Okay,” Rey yawns, presses a kiss to the hollow of his neck before she allows her eyes to close. “That sounds perfect. Let’s get married in Varykino.”

Distantly she hears Ben chuckle, feels his chest rise and fall as he stops caressing her arm and drops his hand to curl around her waist. “We’ll talk about it again when you’re not dozing off. Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night, Ben,” she mumbles, and allows herself to drift off in his arms.

So the plan was to keep each chapter at about two-thousand words.

This is a little over three-thousand. Whoops, I did it again. There were bits and pieces in this chapter that I really debated taking out, but at the end of the day I want you guys to know what's going on with their lives, every tiny detail. Because that's the only satisfying goodbye I can give these two, I think - one where we know where they're headed and how their lives will play out. (And yes, this fic is really just one long goodbye to this 'verse. It's like a three-chapter epilogue, basically.)

Tune in tomorrow for the last chapter! Will Rey finally tell Ben her secret? Will they christen every surface of Varykino?? What if they - GASP - decide to elope right there and then??? (Spoiler alert: they don't.)

Anyway, see you then. As always, thanks for reading and feel free to like/reblog/comment/etc.!

#reylo #kylo ren/rey #ben solo/rey #rey x kylo ren #rey x ben solo #modern au #star wars #rey #ben solo #kylo ren #fic: call now for a free gift #my fics

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