Dominik's Diary - Season 2

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## An Honest Mistake [x]

I want to think we can pick ourselves up from this. I really do. But every time I look around, I just see how much the city has fallen. We're on our knees, really, and you can just take a look yourself at any time. Look at the streets, check the hospital, or the stadium or the laundromat. Everywhere you look, people are swarming begging for help. And there's just not enough of us to do so.
Right, stirring. Okay, sorry. I'm poisoning the mood down there, aren't I? Sorry, sorry. I can think and write about something better, if you want me to? Would that settle it...? Ah... well, sure, I owe it to you after all this time, I reckon. Well, how about... what happened yesterday, hmmm?
Come to think of it... that's sort of the most 'hero' I've ever felt, you know? Not by punching bad guys or causing evil lab buildings to topple down. We were sent by the higher-ups to help around the stadium - the one from  before, actually. It's a real stadium now, with bleachers and seats and walls and a field, everything. Well... now it's also a relief centre, as well as a decontamination zone. *We* know that the transformations aren't contagious, but what are we? Just single people, and the masses need to be told slowly, clearly and with enough proof not to cause a second panic attack - everyone knows we really don't need any more panic how we are.
We were there with Rekken... and actually a few new people, fresh from just before or right after the crisis. There's this white-and-blue kid, Rescue, who never goes anywhere without his doggie. They're actually cute together, and he's quite good with kids himself. Didn't quite catch his power, but it reminds me of Gabe's, sort of. Oh, and... he's a hugger. I'm surprised I opened up to him, as much as I did - not that I told him much, but you know... speak in omissions if you want to be courteous but not too courteous, right? You taught me that... hah, yes, I felt that chuckle.
The other guy was Michael, and... god I feel sorry for him. He's transformed too, but not from that day. From before, and worse. I think he was used as a blueprint, and it shows. Of course G.R.E.Y. had to use an innocent kid for that, how else could they do their stuff, huh? Modus operandi of monsters, really. But he's... keeping his chin up, even if I can feel the tears that aren't quite there. Tears and blood when he bites his tongue trying not to lounge at anyone resembling the bastards; not that I blame him.
Speaking of - Sherman. I think I'll see more of him. He's the reason Mike got so crazy-upset today. I think Sherman's from some splinter faction, the uniform was very similar. And... he's very similar to a lot of other people wearing the same get-up. I don't know the details, but I think they're all victims too, just... more organised and freed? Honestly, I'm babbling, I don't know, but I think Sherman's a good guy - even if we had to bludgeon that name on him, I can't remember people by their ID numbers, really.
What happened though? Not much. We mostly spoke with various people, helped distribute food and blankets and what-have-you. Some gas clean-up at school, courtesy of Sherman's team pitching in. It really was picking up the pieces... and I felt it mattered. Making sure as few people suffer is much more heroic than avenging some evil organisation there or otherwise.
...but I've ranted enough. And yes, I feel you snickering. Yes, the entire idea with trying to get the soldiers' attention so that the mother could sneak in to quarantine for her daughter was *stupid* and I am aware of the fact, thank you. And yes, I will apologise to Mike. Again. Because I really shouldn't thought about it more.
Stop laughing!

## All's Falling [x]

Halcyon is tearing at the seams. That's the best way to put it. These past few weeks have been nothing but disaster after disaster, non stop. Over and over, one after another. Again and again and again.
Okay, calm down. I know you're being wrecked in there, I'm sorry. It's just... I'm just bad at coping like this. Okay, deep breath, better not waste funds on another pencil, especially this week.
Ever since that day, the city has been on its knees. People left and right look at each other with even more fear and distrust than ever before. Even a single hike down the street feels like I could be assaulted, like everyone looks at *me* as if I was about to mug them. The distrust is beyond anything I've seen before. But... I hate to say, it's for good reason. There's so many people wounded and mad. And I do mean it both ways. Both those who are so lost in grief that they basically go ballistic... and those who think that now that they can toss cars around they're suddenly above and beyond everybody else. Disgusting. I... I have a feeling you know what I'm talking about more than I give you credit for, huh? That's not just my disgust I'm feeling now. Is that... shame? Fine, I won't dig deeper now.
We were issued another group job, this time from Cyclone himself - you know that fun and games are over when you're not just helping for the sake of helping, but the upper echelons actively request your assistance. It's when it's time to stop playing pretend and truly aid when everything's falling apart. I admit I didn't quite get the details - half of them were obstructed from us, other half was just irrelevant, I feel. A suitcase, a trade, shady characters, train station down town. That's all I needed to know, that's all I felt was necessary.
It was, but in the large picture? Anything but.
 *I mean who would've guessed a bunch of mole-men would crash under the station anyway?!*
I need to commend both Gabriel and Michael, they did an amazing job. And no, I don't mean they kicked ass and chewed bubble gum. They did what was right. They helped stop the collapse, they helped people escape. They saved those in need. Honestly... I feel like I caused more trouble for them that was worth. Again... maybe the mole men got shown the door, but I feel like I could've done better there.
But it was bigger, a lot bigger. The briefcase was containing chemicals, which we allowed Sledge, our... mentor for this assignment to take care of. But it was a decoy, or at least, our intervention clearly made whoever is behind it switch gears from plan A to plan B. When an asshole that shapeshifts into different people responds with glee and dismissal after getting his (hers? it's?) proverbial shit caved in, you know either they're really good at bluffing... or honestly know more than you do.
What we thought was a spanner in their works turned out to be a trap, and the entire place went up. Thankfully, oh god, thankfully we were quick to arrive. It was supposed to be too dangerous, 'not for kids', as Sledge put it and... while I honestly agree, and I know we're still much out of our league, I think that any pair of hands that can help are necessary where we are now. We don't need people trying to prove they're hot shit like Squire. I'm happy everyone got out alive, if not unharmed.
It's dark in Halcyon, and it keeps getting darker.

## Divine Tragedy [x]

You'd think family matters would boil down to, you know... your parents being against you having this guy as your boyfriend or, uh, your choice of higher education or something, right? The normal, mundane things. Something everyone has if they have a normal family, even in Halcyon. But well... ah... this is Halcyon after all. We can't have "normal" here, can we?
Gwen was the start of the circus today. She introduced me to this other girl I've seen around, Rhiannon. They seemed close and... I think they're related? Don't quote me on this, and don't you snicker at the back of my mind as usual, but I *think* their hair is a little similar. And the cheeks, maybe. Just going out on a limb here. What matters is the problem - Gwen wanted to see Lancelot. It's not like this was anything new or shocking. He's her father, he's locked in prison somewhere in Jake's domain, she wants to catch up. It's been two years, I think. I... don't get me wrong, Gramps. I *very* much understand her. More than I'd like to admit, but more on that later. I know why Cyclone forbid this from happening... I don't think I need to elaborate, we all know what kind of person Lancelot is. But she deserves to at least have a word with him, her dad. That's what I thought, that's what I did, and... well, I knew it would end in regrets, and in regrets end it did.
Oh and Rekken join in on the fun too. She seems close with Gwen nowadays. Valor too, I haven't seen him out in the field in forever. Missed spending time with him, but I imagine it was a trip going to a place he so vehemently denies existing. We went to fetch Jake, since he's the one who can let us in, and...
Ah, give me a moment, alright? I know she's fine now, but it was a bit of a shock. The sad one, not the scary one. I'm friends with robots, reborn beings from myth and legend, I've fought against aliens and don't forget, I have you - an eldritch being from beyond reality - as a permanent brain-roommate. A half-woman, half-insect is hardly on the list of things that make me quiver. On the other hand... I felt so sorry for her, and Jake...
And that's when the idea of family started crumbling.
So Jake has this spring beneath the Horn. You enjoyed it too, right? Exactly, that's a warm purr if I've ever felt one. So... if it can cure nearly anything, it could cure the Transformation, capital-T here. Sound logic? Well, it was sound. What was not sound was Jake's grandma. You know, the foxy... flirty spirit that hangs around the Horn. She's from Jake's father side, and... she doesn't like his mother. But... **ugh...**
*How can you be so self-centered!? I don't understand it. She was a hero herself, wasn't she? Jake's just another in the big line, and before him she used to be the one protecting people. How self-centered, how prideful do you have to be to let someone else suffer in such a wretched state, just because you dislike them!? Is this how family matters are solved around here? I can't believe it. I hate it, **I hate it!!***
...there goes the pen...
Okay, got another one. Well, I told her what I thought about the situation and... considering Gwen also decided to back us up here, Granny Thang gave up. We let Jake's mum take a bath and then we went to Hell. I mean, literal hell. Ferion, I think the place is called. It reminded me of this big book I tried reading when I was just starting the occult kick. I skimmed it really, but I remember the imaginary. God... that was twisted. Not undeserved, I believe, but twisted nonetheless. We went down... three, four circles? We definitely pinged Gluttony and Wrath, and that's where we found Lancelot.
Now, don't get me wrong about the situation. I... actually also didn't want him there. He's a criminal, he's a murderer, but *literal Hell* is going too far. I wonder who put him there. Valour agreed, but... we can't let him just out with how he was. I demanded he give up the sword. He agreed... but he twisted my words. He brandished his weapon at Gwen, and we stood by her side. Rhiannon tried to stop the fight, but I think... I think Gwen and I were of the same mind. That sword, from what I gather, is like Gwen's - it's a hierloom, a keepsake. Like Granny Thang, Lancelot was once a hero, a force of good. Then his blade drew innocent blood. He... stained whatever legacy he was representing, and I don't think Gwen was fine with it.
Point being, he lost. He lost in an incredible way after he trounced Rekken and Valour. I wasn't fast enough to act, but it wasn't fatal, thankfully. What matter is... we got him out, and secured his blade.
Except we didn't. Turns out, well, a bunch of teens can't stand against the laws of the otherworlds. Yes, I feel you nodding. Hell dragged Lancelot back, he was not allowed to leave. This was... well, a hit for everyone. I admit, I feel somewhat bad for him, but for most part... he deserves this fate, in one way or another. Gwen needs time though, and I'm happy Rhiannon and Rekken are there for her.
As for Jake? He needs time too, considering what he faced today. The strife in his family... I want to help him. I... I lost my family, I miss them dearly, and I don't want Jake to have to suffer the same.
Mum, if you ever find this, I want you to know it's all thanks to you.
I love you.

## It's a Circus [x]

Where do I even begin today. There's been good things and there's been bad things. Because of course you can't have just one, or just the other... actually, come to think of it, not having things be "just bad" would be a preferable thing. Anyway. Today we were called in to help with a snitch about a bank robbery... honestly, we weren't told much more than that. The team was Rhiannon, Rescue, Jake and... Squire...
So, do I need to get into detail about all the things that went wrong? We could be here all day, and I don't feel like having my hand fall off. You remember for most part yourself, right? Or have you been laughing all the while? Actually, I think you got noticed a good few times there. When you were particularly loud - it tends to happen when Jake puts those bracers on us. Anyway.
Long story short, Mr. Cowboy thought himself hot shit as usual and kept being... well... himself, for the lack of better term. At least slapping him over the back of his head felt good. I'm not one usually for direct reprimands like this but something told me I was merely the one who lost patience with him fastest, and it was on the back of everyone's mind. So there's that.
But we weren't the only team on the job, actually. The Star-Studded were there too, you know. Bella, Rocky and Red Devil. Apparently they had the same tip and, uh... we cooperated. As much as we can cooperate with these people, or rather - as much as they are willing to cooperate with anything further away from their sight than the tip of their nose. Oh, and to add insult to injury? Squire has almost disgustingly quick hots for Bella, of all people. I guess it takes one to know one, eh? I'm not willing to watch where that trainwreck ends up - I just hope it ends up being 'fun' to whoever decides to spectate.
So, what actually happened? Let's list it quickly. We got into a kerkuffle, with got into another (verbal) fight, we got conned, we got locked in a vault, we totalled the vault doors, we caught the most idiotic guard I've seen in my life, and then it turns out we're the collective idiots because the robbers were *actually* called "Buddy" and "Guy". They had super-villain costumes and everything, so you know. We never could've spotted them.
*Because they wore trenchcoats~!*
Yeah, I feel the headache coming back just by thinking about everything that happened to day. It was a circus, a total one. We got the cargo (it was a T-Day Transformed, who Squire called an animal) they were trying to steal... from the bank (don't ask). We cleaned up and went home.
But actually, that's just half the day I wanted to write about today. There's one more thing, but... I think I should write it on the next page, so...

### Homecoming [x]

In the afternoon, I had the most unexpected situation happen back at home. We were actually preparing for the supper of the day, and I was busy re-arranging tables like always - there's not much room to go around here, so we made do. Well, I think you recall my surprise when I saw, uh, Jake, out of all people, asking around for me. Or someone vaguely close to me, I think he was still a little scatter-brained from our encounter in the bank. It's something I wanted to speak to him about, and I thought I wouldn't get the chance but, hah, fate is funny and fickle, isn't it?
Mmh... yes, precisely. Though please don't murmur so loudly, I think my ears are ringing now.
Anyway, my ears were *definitely* ringing from confusion when I saw Jake over there, so... excusing myself, I quickly intercepted him before he got anywhere close. I didn't want people from the team to visit. No, not because I'm snobbish or stand-offish, no. At least, that's not the intention. I just, uhm... I don't want them to see how my life was. It would be embarrassing, and for them, well, I reckon not just a little disgusting. It would be better if they never knew. But Jake was there and I was in full damage-control.
Thankfully, he just wanted to go for a walk.
So we did.
And we had a talk. What a talk it's been.
I really trust Jake, you know? I mean, of course you do, you feel that trust. And I don't think you find him too off-putting either, eh? Or rather, more than just casual irrelevance. Heh, I think I got that right. Nevermind, you don't need to come clean to me. Anyway, I trust him, and he trusts me even if we may sometimes disagree and so we sat down by the edge of the creek nearby and just... spoke.
We spoke about a lot of things. About his situation, really - his family, his father, his grand-mother and even his mum (bless her, she's recovered since then). It doesn't take a seer or a shaman to see that poor guy's torn up by this entire business, really. How everyone's just... arguing over there, and secrets are being kept more than I would dare to believe. And I'm not talking secrets like the 'meaning of life' you refuse to tell me. I'm talking mundane, normal secrets - "why isn't mum talking to me" or "what does dad do for work that he's not telling us". Or well... as mundane as you can be when your entire paternal line has the ability to talk to spirits and turn into animals.
Point being, I told him what I thought. About that... well, it's his judgement call. I mean, there's nobody else to take up the mantle, right? He's the only one who can and in the end, it's his decision if he wants to or not - nobody can force him. Therefore... in a roundabout way... he's the one who gets to make the calls, and gets to have the bargaining chip. And he has the right to demand knowledge before he signs up for anything. He just has to. How can you help mend the rift in your family when you don't even know where to begin? Jake promised he would follow me up on this, and, well. If he needs me, I'll be there for him.
...but then the topic sort of went the other side, and I don't know how to feel about it.
Jake promised to help me *find* mum and dad. I didn't want to be... deceitful with him. He's one of the few people that deserve to know. And well, as you recall, even if I rocked your boat like a storm with my doubts back then, I told him. I told him there's no *finding* mum and dad, because they were never lost in the first place. The one lost is me, and no matter how much I try to muster the courage, I can't do it. Not after so many years, not after what I've become. And... that each day it feels like instead of finding heart to go back, I just keep on growing more and more distant. Jake told me mum and dad would love me even if I came back as I am, and... I think he's not wrong, but at the same time... I can just imagine their worried faces, the despair when I explain what happened and... the disappointment when they learn that I've spent... what... half an year already, punching villains in a city we're not even from?
I need to face them as a person, and not as a quasi-superhero with a dragon spirit inside of him (no offence).
Remember how I felt this was the end of the line in the conversation? Yeah. And remember what I felt when he said he'd help there too? That was a storm on an entirely other level, wasn't it? I mean, it felt almost too fantastic, and unreal - and this is me saying it after speaking with literal aliens, mind you. That people are capable of such goodwill, entirely on their own. I tried to argue back, because... I don't want to be a burden, but he wouldn't be denied. It was a little difficult to swallow what... I guess... I wouldn't call it pride, but reservations I had. It was even more difficult not to break down bawling right there with him. I think I mustered glassy eyes, at least, so that's a point from stopping the waterworks.
But that's how it went. And we swore to each other to help each other as best as we could. With both of our problems. So it's not just take on either side, but equal amounts of give and take. I can accept that. I can take, when I'm not a burden, when I can give back. That's the rule here, and everywhere - be useful, in whatever way you can.
I can feel you're enjoying this too, and... honestly, I feel a little bit lost. Usually, the dairy lies on solid ground, on a cardboard or something but here I am. Writing another entry, on top of sheets. And a soft mattress. In a bed, in a room that's... well, not my own, but a place where I can stay. There's a roof over my head, a friend literally next door, I can hear clanking of cutlery in the kitchen below and just...
**Ta**K*e* **iT** ***s**L****Ow***.
Thanks, no stained paper for this page at least. Water goes in the shower, not down the cheeks. And I had one too... and there's a shed to fix tomorrow, and Mrs. Mansick said she would ask around her friends for... something more than just me helping around housework. So when the time comes, I can go back to mum and dad like... a person, and not some vague phantom.
Thank you, Jake.
I have a home again.

## A Trip [x]

I admit my first thought was to start this entry with a 'I hate aliens' but the more I think about it the more this entire situation has nothing to do with any extraterrestrials (new word, yay~!). This evening has been beyond weird and I honestly regretting deciding to hang around the Base at that time. Maybe. I do know you have a new bone to pick and I totally understand where you're coming from but *maybe* stop, uh... thinking so viscerally about it? I mean, yes, you wanted to do some punishing, and honestly by that point I was half a mind there with you too, but they did the right thing.
So stop flooding my mind with rooms' worth of blood. I know it's Halloween soon but this is really getting a bit out of hand. We good? We good.
So, where do I even begin. Things were off from the start where Dad Cyclone got a call about a guest from beyond the stars coming down on a crash course towards the city. Yes, I realise that if this was written anywhere else this alone would be grounds for rolling your eyes out of your skull - something Challenge almost did, I'm sure, were it not for the mask - but this is Halcyon City and an alien crashing from the stars is basically every other Tuesday. Anyway. The call wasn't the weird part in of itself (nor was the supposed spaceship crash). It was the fact Dad dearest had more than enough time to go there with us and observe.
So you know the saying, "slap you so hard you into last week"? Turns out failed rescue attempts slap you into the last 5 decades. Complete with the clothing. Grease on my hair *does not work* much less anything else I got fit in. Rescue seemed to be happy though, and Challenge as well. Freedo and I were happy to share the misery together.
So what do we do when we're apparently blasted back in time and lost our drink-and-fly extraterrestrial victim?
Find them.
And how does it end?
By re-enacting the full plot of some cheesy B-movie, complete with fashion shenanigans, men-in-black, spooky abandoned malls, angsty toilet discussions (okay, I admit, that one's on me), jump scares, disco flying saucers and three little green men from hereon called Pot, Panties and Bra (yes I am very mature). Oh, and an actual venture into outer space to rescue poor captives from having their bodies violated by said little green men and their friends. Have I mentioned this sounds like a really cliche B-movie?
Because by the time we were done, we were back at the base like nothing happened. In other words, long story short, it was a trip, I have no idea what happened, I give up trying to figure this out in any capacity and honestly I'd rather forget the entire thing happened. It'll be better for all of us, involved and not. And no 50s B-movies either, that would just re-awaken the trauma. I'll now lie down and try to not think about it.
It's still all Freedo's fault.

## It's Not Easy Being Green [x]

So these past few days have been... interesting and involved, to say the least. Perhaps the most surprising thing about it all is the fact that *no*, none of it involves punching bad guys in the face. That's score one for me in the "living a normal life" department, whoo. On the other hand, I'm starting to realise once again that punching bad guys in the fact is by far and large a simple and usually correct solution (at least to knock them down before the law forces come rolling in), while dealing with normal, mundane issues is pretty much a minefield where every step is likely to send you to kingdom come (...I feel like making a Gwen joke here, but I can't think of any).
But what's the thing so important that I'm actually writing about it here? Well, two things, so let's start by going down the sequence list.
First, I've met with Rescue. And while this may read like the most mundane thing ever, that's... sort of the point. We met without masks. Well, he was without a mask. Turns out he sometimes visits the clinic I help around. Oh yeah, side note - Mrs. Mansick got me a job, I help around animals now. Thank you for not making them run away - it's your doing when they get quiet, right? Is it similar to how dogs know there's an earthquake coming? I'm getting off-track here again. Back on topic.
Point being, speaking with Rescue was not an unpleasant experience. It's funny because when the masks come off, a lot of my team-mates really feel like... normal people. I guess I was one of the few exceptions. He took me to this big, cat-filled restaurant that honestly made what little savings I have in my wallet shrivel up almost painfully so. But he paid, despite my objections, so it was okay (I hate thinking like that). We spoke about... a lot of things. His parents, you, the source of his powers... or was it the powers of his father? I should probably not write too much about it, he did ask me to keep it confidential. Which reminds me I should breach that a little bit more and ask Gabe for help, he knows more about magic than I do. I think Rhiannon might be a good idea too. Is it a big breach considering he promised me to keep it down but you were there yourself? Anyway, I shouldn't write much about the specifics. You know... reasons.
Now, the second thing. I had my birthday a few days ago.
I know, weird I celebrate it, right? Or even keep track, time's a little bit fuzzy still. And well, truth be told, I don't. I remember the date and Jake got me to yap about it once and lo and behold they're there in the morning, both him and his mum, knocking at my door and wishing me a happy birthday. I don't even know how I felt.
...
Okay, yeah, that's how I felt. Thank you for storing these emotions in, I appreciate it. No, that's sarcasm. I mean it did feel nice in some percentage, perhaps even a large one, but god did I also feel embarrassed and awkward as all hell. Technically I also feel, present tense. Thanks *again*, Gramps.
Anyway, uh... it was nice. I'll try to keep to the positives. It was nice, and... warm and fuzzy and really made me feel welcome even if I'm not part of the family and just basically a tenant. I think they might've taken it a little wrong because I stood there for almost a solid minute like some sort of life-like human-sized statue. And I sort of just thanked them briefly before I excused myself for chores. I didn't mean to come off as rude, I just... didn't know what to say and truth be told I didn't want to break down in tears before the both of them.
I got a teddy bear, from Mrs. Mansick. It's cute and has those nice dark beady eyes and it's very fluffy. I'm keeping it near the bed now, but I don't quite... uh... want to actually sleep with it next to the pillow per say. I'm a little old for that, right? Still... it's nice to have it around. Jake, on the other hand, got me something a lot more practical. A set of shirts, jeans and uh, this very fancy overcoat(?) that actually is my size and a little bit, so it's very easy to move around in and looks pretty stylish too (did I just write that?). So I'm not wearing it. Before you ask why, it's not because I don't want the gift - anything but. It's just... I'd feel so incredibly bad if I saw it ripped or tattered when punching bad dudes in the face. I don't think I could stomach seeing Jake look what happened to his gift, so I want to cherish it, at least for now.
And that's... pretty much all that happened last week, for reals at least. I should think about today's scheduling because *someone* has been hollering some sort of trip at the team base and I may have unwittingly said I approve of the concept in a way that made it sound like I'd like to come.
I am a master of poor life decisions, Gramps.

## Old Friends, New Faces [x]

I forgot what Spectre looks like without her costume.
Or the fact she's a he when in the civvies but that's a different matter entirely (I think she feels more comfortable with 'she' anyway, all things considered). And yes, I know, other things happened today but this was my first thought and I just wanted to put it out there. Now, with that out of the way, let's go over what happened today. Step 0 would begin where said culprit mentioned above decided to take my words differently than I had intended, which is entirely my fault, and strong-arm me into going on a museum exhibition. About dinosaurs, as it turns out. Lots of amber in this one, but we'll get to that.
I felt a bit odd when this all started - schools still make me feel awkward. The fact Squire was there didn't help one bit - apparently Cyclone's orders, something about learning how to be a normal person. Where have I heard that before? But at least Team Dad was there, in a civilian outfit... honestly I don't think he's fooling literally anyone with that but I'm not going to be the one pointing that out. Not my job. And of course, as it turns out later, we were joined by Freedo and Parrot as well - Parrot's a bit more concerned with keeping it private and I didn't notice Freedo at first so there's that.
How did I notice them though? G.R.E.Y. goons robbing the museum. Something about the fossils. We saw them when we entered the rare exhibition room and even when I tried to shut the door and tell everyone to run, well, we got cornered.
I remember you stirring, rightfully so. I wanted to just slam the first guy so hard he'd pinball through the goons and make a way for us but... they had guns, and a lot of them. Sure, a bullet or two I can handle, but the people behind me? All the kids in the school, the guide? Cyclone? Not so sure - or rather, definitely not. I had to keep it down and pretend I'm hapless. And honestly I was. We got escorted to the cafeteria near the entrance and began to hatch our escape plan.
Which involved Spectre moaning about how she needs to pee and everyone conveniently tagging along.
Holy shit these were the single-most incompetent kidnappers I've seen in a long time.
Points for us. Some of us changed, we knocked the guards who came with us out, and then Spectre ran into a wall we had a bit of a disagreement. So there's this saying that when facing a powerful foe, you go for the head - because when the head of the serpent is cut, the rest of the body will just thrash about harmlessly. Thing is, not true in this case. Even if we were to take out the head honchos, the mooks would still turn everyone into... I don't even want to think about it. Even if I trust Spectre to always have a plan - she's always the one with a level head on her shoulders - I couldn't agree to this one.
I feel how surprised you were when Freedo agreed with me. Honestly it might've just been my surprise echoing down. Freaky, huh?
At the end of the day, for all the shit he does and says... his heart is in the right place. He seems like he is keenly aware of the value and importance of... safety, and human life. When push comes to shove, and when you have to make *really* important decisions, he will make the right one. We agreed to split, the three would go after the top dogs of the whole thing, while Freedo and I rescued the hostages.
It was smooth. We went invisible, I could just wham everyone one by one and nobody was none the wiser. No noise, no worry, just one broken window and one broken wall. Everyone was out safely, the police was called. Not a single innocent soul hurt, we could resume helping our pals and Freedo called me a fuckface and told me he stole Jake's slip for the museum in the first place.
The other team had plenty under control, and I admit I kinda messed with that because apparently they got the bright idea to dress as the G.R.E.Y. soldiers and go incognito, but I caught them in a moment where they were handling Spectre (who seemingly failed her stealth check) and uh... I acted rash and nearly totalled... Parrot, I think. Point being, we got the bad guys down. The same bad guys who were responsible for T-Day. Or at least, supposedly, clones thereof? It seems that operation was almost like a test-drive for the frost-powered women clones they're deploying. I'm... appalled. But we froze her back, we got her henchman. All of them were apprehended. For once I feel we did everything *right*. Like we should.
Afterwards, I had a small chat with Freedo. Since I kind of wanted a bit of privacy I got him to walk with me down the piers outside the Big Team Base. He didn't say much, and honestly, it was better that way. I just sort of barraged him with praise and my thoughts on the matter. Pretty much reiterated what I said above, about him being a fuckface himself but with the heart in the right place.
And then I ***yote*** him into the harbour.
Payback for taking Jake's slip. Karma, friend. <3

## Bearing Fang At Kin [x]

Let's start this off with a preface. Halcyon is alright, for most part. The damage was less a total collapse and more a localised pellet with shrapnel. So everything at... *that place* is alright. I'm not saying I am getting much sleep here now, my heart's still low-key pounding... but at least I know they're, for most part, safe and sound.
And now, what happened today, in a proper way.
Papa Cyclone had a job for us. I think it was a little bit of a job "for me", considering before we were even issued the task, he rightfully tore into me for what I've done the last time. I merely sat there and had my head lowered. A part of me thinks, well, that the other few who were with me that day - Rescue, Rhiannon, Challenge and Rekken - may have felt a little bad about it all. I mean, it's sort of normal, when someone from your group is getting slammed in front of everyone, verbally. I admit I didn't quite have the heart or courage to tell them that... he's entirely right. I lost my cool, I flipped my shit, I caused damage nobody needed and may have paid the price. All because I threw a tantrum with these hands of mine. Rhiannon stayed behind and gave me a chin-up... not one I *needed* but... definitely one I did appreciate.
So what was the job? Disappearances. A bunch of people, about a dozen in total, were reported missing in a short period of time. Many of them of hispanic (I think?) origin, for some bizarre reason. You can't just guess what the loons are thinking sometimes, so I didn't give it much thought. The one odd name was Gabriella Monroe, and that's the one we went to investigate.
Have I mentioned rich people and I still just... don't fit together? The entire stay at the mansion I was equal parts wondering how is it that you need to spend so much money on such... trivialities, I guess... and how much different in even speech and mannerisms people so pampered can be. The butler was alright though, clearly working his wage to the mother-hen of the house, too proud to let someone aid in finding her *missing daughter* despite the fact *her own damn child is fucking missing*. The nerve of these people.
Two things of note here. One - Rhiannon and magic really can be the be-all-end-all solution. It was just like in the books and spells I found on that paranormal forum... except professional and done by someone actually learned in the arts, I guess. We managed to figure out where Gabbie went on the night of her disappearance. Second - Challenge got dangerously close to revealing who she is behind the mask, which I can understand is a sore point to her. Mind you, not that I know the name or even the face, but you would have to be blind *and* deaf not to put the two and two together. What makes me wonder is why is she friends with the girl if apparently all Gabbie does is smear shit over Challenge's good name. Must be that "two-lives-one-person" thing, I guess. Maybe they're good friends when the masks come off...
Thanks to Rescue, we found a club across the park (and good riddance to that, because if the Zodiacs were to be their obtuse selves I would flip again, I swear), from which someone was missing as well. That someone was Not-Sherman, specifically one of his 'batch brothers' as he calls them. Kind of freaky but... heart-warming knowing that even people made like them can find their lot in life. Long hair, slight chin scruff. He looked like he found 'himself'... and a girl, too. Turns out not-Sherman and Gabbie are trying to make something work, I think. Pity it happened just as the disappearances kicked off.
The rest is weird.
Further trail lead us to a radio station, and we were greeted by an over-enthusiastic show-hostess that was so overbearing she immediately pinged all the red alarms in my head. No human can ever be that giddy over meeting five random hero-blokes, one of which is more of a walking demolition squad than an actual hero. She asked for our names... and I think I was the only one who figured not to do the stupid shit and answer honestly. And hey, Rescue's famous *and* rich so... I guess I'm the bodyguard now. Well, I did become one - Rekken and I were considered spares and told to dress the part. Please, remind me to burn the suit, it doesn't fit me and I felt like death in it. Rekken had the most silly stockings I could think of, but... well, she's still learning, I guess. I need to tell her never to wear these again.
Plan was simple - the three doomed to putting on a show put a damn slow show, while Rekken and I listen in and try to figure out what's going on. Simple? Yep. Effective? We got the hostages. Smooth in execution? Anything but.
I admit I was half-paying attention to the stage, because silly antics are silly to be distracting, and I'm not the target. Challenge danced, Rescue did some lingo twists and... when it came to Rhiannon, everything started falling apart. They brought, somehow, someone from her life - in a wheelchair, disabled... by the witch herself. Like Gabe, her magic was out of control and someone had to pay the price. I don't even recall the words, but I recall Rhiannon running, crying, and breaking down. I couldn't allow for it. While I was busy making sure she doesn't just... fall apart there and then, Rekken had a breakthrough and we were given the location. Good - with a goal in mind we could at least focus on something.
The man behind the man was Whitelight, though I wasn't aware of it at the time - only after Rescue got into a scuffle, which went bad, and called out to him with a simple "dad!". And this is after he told me he wasn't ready... life really is cruel when it comes to circumstance. I hate it. Whitelight's plan was to trade all of these hostages - these innocents - for Rhiannon. He called her a "portal", to the "cradle of life". I could hear you stirring within at that time. This is some business from your end of the spectrum, isn't it? I could tell when the walls started growing teeth. And hey, if there's one thing I owe to you is that these things don't phase me anymore. I had to put up with *you* of all thi-...
Ouch!!
Okay, fine. I'll stop. Geeze, you seem irate. Then again I don't blame you. Like we said before, Whitelight has no idea what forces he's toying with. Not that I have a better one, but you seem to. I don't see you feeling worried about Rhiannon so neither am I. Whitelight tried to convince her, and she nearly faltered - again, together we managed to focus her back and get to work. Long story short, when lives are at stake, collateral can take a damn. I did my best to blow us an exit route, all while the rest of the team kept Whitelight at bay - and Rescue suffered another slap of trauma to the face. Cleaning up the show-hostess-actually-a-demon was pretty easy as well. It's funny they think they can intimidate me after I've lived... okay, not going there again.
In the end, we won. The people are safe. The demon-infested building got eaten up by... god knows what. On paper, everything went great. In practice... I've never seen them worse. Rhiannon is barely holding on. Rescue has... all but lost a home. Even Rekken feels different - distant, colder, stiff. I don't know what happened while I was punching a way out, I do know it was bad. Very bad.
I worry for them all so much.

## A Hundred Years [x]

Considering what happened recently, I actually have to come clean here that I forgot to write down one important day that happened, well, not too long ago. Honestly, the day itself made me forget a little bit so that's my additional excuse no you can stop judging me now, thank you.
It was Jake's birthday on Thursday.
Actually I think it was mostly a fun day, to be honest. Minus some hiccups. Ms. Mansick and I collaborated on this a little bit - she helped me get the recipe right and I actually asked if I could leave work early so we could get everything ready and set up. I think she really appreciated the help with all of this as well... but to be honest, I think her reasons are a little bit different than mine. Maybe. Jake already helped me feel 'like home' more than I've had the chance to these past few good years, so trying to make his birthday the biggest happy surprise I could muster just feels appropriate as a payback. It actually doesn't at all but I've ran out of ideas, to be quite honest.
We surprised him at the doorstep, just like in the movies, and I took special care *not* to yank him off his feet too much. Nothing says happy birthday like spinal injury after all. With that thankfully avoided, we all had cake (giving the celebrant his lion's share, pun very much not intended), Jake got his presents and both Ms. Mansick and I tried our best trying to sing him the "Happy Birthday" song. She's a much better singer than I, that's for sure. Honestly, it was just... warm seeing her face over the entire party alone. Jake's glee was no slouch there either.
I admit, I wasn't too imaginative with the gift. Thanks to Rhiannon's help, I've managed to pick out two things for him that felt appropriate - and judging by his reactions were a good shot as well. He got a new basketball, since the old one was a little bit old and worn. This one's supposedly top of the line (that's what they always tell you at the counter), but it looked good and sturdy and don't tell anyone but I've actually gave it a light squeeze to see how it holds up. Remarkably good, so I bet Jake's going to have a ton of fun with it. And of course, you can't quite play ball without proper equipment. I couldn't get him the full outfit so I settled for proper outdoors sneakers. The ones with those fancy progs at the soles to help friction and mobility. An entire month's paycheck well spent.
Of course, things didn't go hitch-less. I mean, for most part they did, but I messed up a little. Jake was so excited he wanted to try the ball out and... uh... yeah, it's still in one piece. No, I didn't go overboard, if anything the problem was the opposite. Going all out is... well, easy. Keeping things together is... a little different. Back when we first tried it was awfully one-sided. It's a little better now, enough that I can tell you're snoring most of the time, but still, I think we're moving the other direction. Sure, he's fast and experienced but, how do I put it, when I focus he still moves quite slow. He can't quite shapeshift mid-match either, so it's hard for me to judge how much can I throw the ball, or how long should I take the step when ducking from him. Yeah, "like normal", but when you're in the thick of things... 'my' normal is more natural than a proper handicap. Yes, I know, it's all my fault. I forget myself and that's the issue.
The game during his birthday was just plain unfulfilling, and I could tell that from a mile away. I held back so much I was almost a pole for him to run circles around, and if our card games taught me anything - the best match is an even match. Utterly defeating someone is not fun even if you win. There's no challenge or excitement there. And yeah, he did try to play it off. Cheer me up and even gloat a little - but I could feel just how empty his words were. Not that he didn't try to be a sport about it, but after you've known him for so long, you learn to pick up when he's genuine, when he's lying or when he's lying about being genuine.
Still, we played cards till the evening. And I promised we'll go to the court in the park sometime, even if I end up being the referee alone. It was a fun birthday, and I think he enjoyed himself.
Happy birthday, Jake.

## Price of Desperation [x]

Again, the day started as if we all had normal, mundane and everyday lives. Redstreak, Gabe, Keith and I went shopping, and Ryan tagged along with us. It was actually quite enjoyable, even if Keith continued being his... fatherly self and kept ranting on the importance of a healthy, balanced diet even while we were picking veggies for him. Random banter even lead us to discuss the pros and cons of prolonged trail mix diet, which for better or worse never truly concluded.
We were interrupted by a flyer-to-the-face. Keith's face. I pulled it off and we were met with an advertisement for a fighting ring. "Unleash the Beast", it said. Looked like one of those slim-n-shady, totally-not-illegal brutal fighting rings in the underground where you go poor and downtrodden for the smallest chance of winning something for yourself, before you realise you've become both the abuser and the abused in a merciless gamble of mutual face-beating.
It was kinda like that, but worse.
Also, side note. Just because I know the life on the street, literally so, doesn't mean those who appear living on a street are going to be all too trusting. Especially since I'm no longer... *ripe* as I used to be. Then again, the bull-guy may just have been undercover (most likely) so that nobody without the password could get in, so I feel validated by flipping him off as we got in. Disregard the fact the situation was essentially a person who was homeless pretending to be homeless to a person pretending to be homeless that was likely not homeless.
The inside was just as I remembered from the few times we had a run-in with 'recruiters' back in the day. Dark, crowed, fuming, loud, and with blood on the floor (or maybe it was cheap wine, heck if I know). Before we could get much done, Ryan decided to be smart and accept the hostess' (who looked like a dinosaur, to be honest) bugging and step into the ring. Keith tried to stop him but he got spirit-mirror'd into the bar for his efforts. We had to plan quickly to figure things out, before Ryan got himself smeared on the floor. Gabe and Keith decided to stay and make sure he wouldn't. Amber and I went with the other part of the plan. Find the management and politely tell them to scram. Oh and I heard Gabe slip up and call Redstreak Amber so now I know her real name for real and I can't believe I never bothered to ask before I'm stupid.
But what Amber and I saw was different. Magic users, a whole bunch of them, utilising what can be best described as 'human donations' (no, not limbs - but likely blood, hair, nails, skin bits, etc.) as foci for spellcasting. Glamours and illusions, the kind of spells that make you look different than what you really are. It actually... hurt to see. Not because it was disgusting or anything (that too, to some degree), but because... I felt bad for what we were about to do. These people just wanted to... be normal. Feel normal. I can understand just how desperate you can be to try and regain what was lost. This was nothing but desperation and frustration speaking, and honestly I wish we could find a way to have our cake and eat it too.
But things were as they were - brutal cage combat for the chance at normalcy. This can't stand.
Before I turned around, Amber found herself fighting a cat-woman while on fire. She touched Gabe beforehand, and obviously let his sun powers slip. Before we could figure out what happened, she went nova on us and set half the place ablaze. Which was okay, Gabe isn't afraid of fire, I'm not afraid of Gabe, Amber was cooled off and Ryan was just his Hyena-self. We split up to help everything go smooth. Since the place was burning up, Ryan and I helped people get out. Gabe and Amber followed the fleeing dinosaur-girl and a few other head-honchos.
They never caught them, since I went to check up on them and suitably found them at a bottom of a sinkhole with highly flammable gas leaking, all while Amber was taking a sweet, sweet nap.
All in all, things went fine and mostly smooth. The plan was to demolish the location anyway, so rats wouldn't come crawling back so to speak. Nobody was hurt, the ring was broken and for most part, it'll be a bit before these lowlives try yanking the desperate's chain again.
Still... I wish we could help.
I feel like I can only punish.

## On These Feet, Hand in Hand [x]

I was dearly afraid today, almost as much as I was afraid when *they* came for me the first time. Back when I mostly relied on you and honestly... yeah, you remember those times. Almost as bad as that one time when I first joined the team. Except worse, actually. Much worse because... because I actually honestly thought these days were behind me. Behind us, really. Things were picking themselves back from pieces, I was set on a plan, I had friends to back me up and everything. I would even say I had a 'mother', surrogate as Ms. Mansick is, but someone taking care of that spot for the time being. And with all that, I was on the verge of losing it all again.
Except... except that didn't happen. All these things, I still have, right here. Everything is fine. Everyone is alright. I'm just... yeah, sorry. It's joy, really. Not sadness or anything. I'm not sad. I'm just so happy these tears are coming in on their own. No need to worry, really.
Honestly, when I think back on this day, it really was a mad flurry. First Gabe calls me right int he morning while I was making everyone breakfast (yay, phone!). Then Olivia and Freedo call with the same urgent news. Mad monster spirit-things haunting and chasing them around. When Freedo mentioned they had a 'picture' of me that's when I knew what was going on. And to add insult to injury, Jake slept in and I had to drag him lion ass (literally) out of bed just so he and Gabe could have a few words. But really, when the realisation hit... I was almost shaking with worry and fear. And then Olivia and Freedo called saying they were being caught and pulled and I felt like I was breaking down.
But we did the best we could. We travelled to the Horn of the Wild... gloomy and withered as it was, its previous *'current'* guardian just as bitter and withered as the landscape. I still can't believe she's... still biting into Jake like she was before. How petty can people become, even after their, ehm, 'rest eternal'. We - and I'm talking about *us* here - wanted to just to yell at it... them... him... Tiger to come and face us. God knows my heart both dropped and jumped when Jake found out that not only the troublemaker spirits are nearby, but Olivia and Freedo were okay. We split, and then we joined, and we fought.
And the fight really could've gone better. Things started off well but then, little by little, we kept on slipping. A mistake there, a blow here. Before long, honestly, we lost the war of attrition. On our knees, the *beast* took his chance and emerged.
***He was within Jake all along!***
I only remember screaming. Really short images. The refuge near Broad St. Overpass. Fire, screams. This overbearing... gnawing presence all around me. So calm and so... serene, tranquil even... but bubbling. Like ice so cold it can burn. Just a stone demand, with a voice so peaceful I felt like death. "Come with me, or they will die." Honestly, I'm not sure who this was aimed at even... me, or you?
And then I felt you. More than usual. I felt anger and fury and rage and I could almost taste blood on my teeth and feel my hands dig into that creature's body... but there was something else there, wasn't it? Heh... I'm streaming down my cheek again, but... it felt really warm. Like that raging fire of yours was not just... meant to scar, but almost like... envelop. In a... cradling sort of way. I don't think I ever felt you feel that and... honestly just... thank you. I have nothing else to say. I don't think anything I can say will come close to what I should say. You can feel what I'm feeling so... here...
Ah, sorry. Yes, there's something else there. Excitement. This one's mine. Because when you and I... well, sort of... did what we did (I don't want to write 'became as one' because that's so cheesy), when I held Jake so you could pull *that bastard* out... when he came back to his senses. Ah, I don't even know how to write about it. My hand's still trembling because it was so unexpected. Honestly I didn't know how to act, I just sort of... stopped thinking. Let instinct guide me - like you sometimes do, I can tell.
And I kissed him back, strongly. In that moment I felt that if I let go, I would never hold him again. So I held, as if I *never* wanted to let go. Ever.
And then snow fell. You were brimming with pride. Still are. It was... well, I don't feel you feel this is over. He'll come back, right? How you are, this is impossible to just... well, I'll try not to comprehend the incomprehensible. With the head cut, the body withered at least. The spirits dispersed, we returned to the real world and... actually it was impressive. Gabe finally used his powers like... in a magnificent way. Majestic, really. It felt like this is how they were always meant to be, at that time. Admittedly the eclipse phase was whack and utterly creepy, but just... how the streams of light surged like rivers, how the flames simply disappeared.
Everything was fine, nobody could stand against us. And this time, it was not you-and-me 'us'. It was *us*. Everyone close, everyone I cherish beyond... ah, here come the tears again.
There's still a few things I need to wrap up, but I feel like I'm closer to... facing my past than I've ever been. Though, you didn't quite help with this, honestly. To be honest I think I scared everyone good when I shrieked at my reflection. I mean... they don't look bad, honestly. A little freaky but I can cover them mostly with my hair if I wear the headband just a little higher. Ms. Mansick was also a little surprised, but then again... Halcyon City really is home to weirdness and then some. But they'll vanish, right? Little by little, just as you said. I don't mind the little extra height though... maybe. If you could undo that, well... let me think about it.
Still, let this be a countdown. When the horns recede entirely, I'll return and... face my parents.
Thank you for everything, Gramps.
I feel safe.

## Taking It All Back [x]

Once again, I'm a little stumped where to begin with this entry. It's going to feel like such an opposite to the previous one (still looking at it fondly, to be honest), but I should say what I have to say. First, though, a brief recap what happened behind my back I wasn't quite there to witness. So, while you and I managed to rebuke Tiger and get back Jake...
...Rhiannon was properly kidnapped by Whitelight.
...Cyclone was caught in a car crash and subsequently hospitalised.
...the city has been virtually overtaken by G.R.E.Y., complete with martial law, all in guise of trying to weed out another criminal organization I honestly know jack about.
So yeah, quite a list, huh? Thankfully, the most important bits - #1 and #2 - have been since mostly resolved. The last part... well, it's nothing *I* can do, and neither can we. I do mean this in a you-and-I, as well as the Big Team way. We can't stand up to an entire city, to essentially the government. Not alone, that is. But such things, such big upheavals? They don't go down easy. People will start protesting, sooner or later. It will likely lead to a riot. But we'll have to be there, because... well... it's *our* Halcyon City, and we need to get it back.
That was all a prelude, though. This entry isn't about the city. Tonight I want to write about Rhiannon and Rescue, because it's all about them today. Specifically, about how we managed to rescue Rhi from Whitelight's clutches, and how Rescue all but sold his soul to whatever monsters you seem to have played with back in the day. Thanks for the reassurance it's not the end, but you have to trust me here. From our perspective, the 'sell your soul' thing? That's really damn scary.
Either way, Cyclone told us we've got to make a big move, since Whitelight barricaded himself better than Fort Knox or however you're supposed to spell that. One team - find a way to break the barrier. The other team - my team - get her back. Before we departed, with a guest-star party member Shady Driver (who I shall from hereon omit, as the man is clearly a few paces south of crazy), I had to let him take a sample of... well, you remember. Funny how Elle, who I only met properly on this mission, got all jiterry. I'm not surprised, it's the usual reaction. Also she's Lancelot's self from a different time. I'm trying not to think too hard about it so my brain doesn't explode. And you're not helping trying to show me the timelines, *thanks*. (Those are the timelines you're trying to show, right? I have no idea what am I even looking at.)
Point being, after a bit of a crazy ride, we arrived. And got promptly separated. It seemed to be some sort of spatial folding or illusion stuff (see? I can watch documentaries too!), but we were technically in the same place but not quite, each of us only seeing what we were supposed to see. In my case, I was stuck with Elle, and our two clones. Honestly, I was afraid at first, especially when the thing not only made a claw likes yours, but started speaking about... who I am. And honestly... it kinda stung. The bit about just punching and running. Kinda right, when I think about it. But... I shouldn't.
Because when push comes to shove, horoscopes work just the same. General statements that you're supposed to think about and apply to yourself. These *things* didn't know anything. They weren't us at all, after all. I knew when I felt you fuming. No shadows or dark demons pulled from the depths of our psyches or anything. Just good, old-fashioned Horrorterrors. It was almost good to put them in their place. I'm not planning giving these things any ground in this world, and neither do I think anyone else.
Well, that is until Rescue did the thing.
By that I mean, we got in a bit of a pinch. Or maybe he was in a pinch. The usual, getting dog-collared by his father, yanked and crushed when he steps out of the line. And this time, the last straw has been crossed. He agreed to the damn things, spilt his blood and all. Sure, he received powers - big ones. Managed to instantly tear through Whitelight's binding for Rhiannon, and Tommy's grandmother (I have no idea myself). Also turned his skin to literal ash. That was just as cool as it was scary. Without writing more than should be necessary, the situation was salvaged. Again, Whitelight has been taken somewhere safe by Tommy's grandma. Rescue at least turned back to his usual peachy colour. Rhiannon, *finally*, was back. Everyone is safe again, for most part.
I spoke with Rescue not long ago. At his place in the Base. I knew he was not dealing with things well, but I don't visit as often. I wasn't quite aware he *never* got out of his room. The strange smell around the corridor to the left? Yeah, that's his. I hope Cyclone doesn't mind the slight demolition but he wouldn't listen to me so I had to... let myself in. The frame's mostly okay, just the hinges broke! It's fine! Point being, I got to talk to him, and tell him how I feel... and how I think we all feel about him. I think he got the message, at least. Some part of it. He seemed genuinely happy. Is that why you didn't yell at him like you planned to? Don't play coy with me, you were burning with disappointed so much I almost felt your own emotion as mine. Let's try not to step on our toes again, he wanted to see Rhiannon back in the warehouse just as anyone else. Hopefully he doesn't take that little shoulder-brush too hard. Either way, thanks. I honestly thought I'd had to stop him from crying, but... those were surprisingly nice words to use. Stern, but motivational. And you're getting better at English too! Or maybe you're just pulling from my brain, I don't know.
I also got an early Christmas gift from Angel, too. Sweaters. Hand-knitted. He tried to capture how you look on mine, and Jake's had... well... little tigers but I can't blame him. It's not like he knows what happened with Jake. I had to hug them both, because... I'm just so happy things are turning out like they are. It was really heartfelt and just... kind of made everything feel better again. The little hearts were also...
Wait.
Oh no.
Oh no no no no no. No, darn! Damn! After what he said and that would mean with the sweater...
...
I don't want to disappoint him like that :(

## What a Waste [x]

There are days where, basically, nothing you plan for happens and everything goes south and instead of being, well, creative or proactive about things, you're stuck in panic mode running damage control for hours until you get back home and just collapse to bed - and in this case, even that is denied to you because after you participate in what is basically two consecutive brawls during a martial law lock-down of the entire city you can't really expect to go home for the next few hours until the entire thing blows over and you won't be stopped by a random goon asking for a face-caving in the middle of the street.
That was all a single sentence. Future me, I'm sorry for writing it all down.
Let's start from the start.
Cyclone asked us - Gwen, RhiRhi, Challenge and Rescue - to deal with a brawl between an organisation known as Crimera and... well, G.R.E.Y.. Not that we mind the two of them duking it out, but when the laser shots start flying someone completely unrelated might get hurt and this is where we draw the line.
So we arrived, and for most part, the brawl wasn't that big as we expected. I mean, yes, it was a mess, but a lot of people cleared out already. We didn't have to worry too much. Rescue and I wanted to sit this one out, so to speak - stay on the sidelines, see how it develops and step in when either we start slipping up control or it escalates too much. Buuut... I forgot who we had on our team. Gwen and Challenge all but Leeroy'd into the fray as a third side friendly to none. And RhiRhi, being the good cousin she is, had to help the sword-tooter not get turned into Swiss cheese right away. At first, I had hoped they had the situation under control... but eventually I couldn't take it and I stepped in.
It was kind of fast and blurry afterwards. G.R.E.Y. got blown out. Crimera for most part as well, but they started fleeing like roaches. I decided to take a short way around, others not so much. And then I punched through the wall and instead of a silly bastard asking for it I punched an older lady hard enough she kind of ping-ponged down the pier. I wanted to apologise, and I did, but Challenge quickly said she doesn't deserve it. It was Atomica, one of Cyclone's old friends who's now... a bit more vigilante than a hero proper. Before we had much of a chance to talk, she fled in confusion and Gwen doused us all with water in frustration.
But hey, the random stray from Crimera woke up. Robin, I think was her name. She was a contact, and through some careful coercing, we got her info and decided to investigate. I took her piggyback and quickly went rooftop-top before the Police would arrive. Honestly, I want to say, I don't have much against law enforcement. It tends to work okay here in Halcyon... but with the current situation, I'd rather avoid it. Not that they have a choice. Law is stacked against all of us now.
Before we could make much headway, turns out, the nearby police station was on fire. We left Robin to wait for us for the time we'd be busy and jumped in. RhiRhi and I on the damage control, the rest.. doing their thing, really. I was sort of busy making sure the building doesn't collapse. Who was fighting who? I don't even know, and honestly I don't care. It was about saving people, not bashing heads in. Which we did for most part. The latter also happened, but only after the building started coming together and apart (it's complicated).
Mainly because as soon as Rescue and I helped the last few people trapped within, RhiRhi started getting her behind handed to her by G.R.E.Y. who of course started hosing the entire area with de-power foam. Now imagine my surprise when, instead of jumping in to fight together with her (as Gwen was shouting about), I sort of swapped places with Rhi while she ran in to help more people.
Not that I blame her.
But I kind of do because I didn't need that additional dodging exercise, welcome as it was. No hard feelings either way.
Before I could realise what was going on, Atomica was having a literal mental meltdown at the fact her husband(?), Magna, was incarcerated within and she was likely the one who set the place to kaboom herself. Gwen was trying to cool her down (excuse the pun), but it wasn't quite working. I lobbed a conveniently snatched foam pack at them too. Rhi made a shield to contain the eventual fallout. It was all coming down in shambles.
And guess what. Then Challenge took off her mask (she's pretty), grabbed a shrink gun, shrunk Atomica to non-lethal size, all but scared off the G.R.E.Y. goons from causing amock and... basically was awesome. Like, for a moment I was both impressed, inspired and afraid of her at the same time. She looked... determined and focused, but also kind of pissed to the bone. Didn't want to aggrieve her more. I hope her spine's okay, after the fact I couldn't help but give her a big hug...
Unfortunately, Magna and Atomica escaped... but that's that for the large part. I think the situation went alright, all things considered. G.R.E.Y. tossed themselves to kingdom come, the station was saved, nobody was hurt, I guess the wife-hubby are reunited... and of course, for most part, we were in good spirits. I do feel there's a small rift going on between Gwen and Rhiannon now, though. They feel a bit more distant to each other than they were before. I spoke with Gwen afterwards while waiting for the alarm to blow over, but she didn't really tell me much about what happened back then - I got space stories instead.
She seems to like the horns though...

## Game's Over [x]

Note to self: this is the second time someone from Avalon tells me the horns are cool.
Also note - consider alternate options.
Third note - ...I don't think Gwen has elf ears. If I'm blind, get glasses.
Today I had a very unwelcome experience. You know very well what I'm talking about. I mean, sure... things are turning out for the better and all, and it's... very complicated to think about it. Still. It doesn't change the fact our earliest years were *rocky* to say the least, and that's the euphemism of the century. I just wanted to put it here, that I apologise for upsetting you today. I was freaking out like never before and it's on me that things got... a little hairy. And don't worry, I won't ask what the hell happened. It's over, case is closed, we'll get Cyclone a different set that's not cursed.
And now, for some elaboration.
What was a simple afternoon of "probably no patrols today" variety turned into a small hell when *someone* decided to bring out the Monopoly for us to pass time with. And by us I mean Hyena, Olivia, Angel and a new girl who I never really met before. On that note, it's good to see Angel is taking his time slowly leaving the room. He even showered, so that's good. He still doesn't seem too fine but... I think with time, things will get better. He only went dark once today and that's in Ferinon, so it doesn't even count.
But yeah, how can a game of Monopoly turn sour? Many ways, too many to count. It can turn out to be cursed with a hex that jaunts you across time, space and dimensions and gods know what else I had no idea where we were, when we were and how we were. It seemed so real and... vivid but at the same time, the things were just a little out of touch. Like, nobody paid attention that I looked like I did, even if we were in Renaissance England (or something, I don't know, I don't care).
What happened exactly? Honestly, I don't even recall the specifics. Here's a general overview, and remembering is making me feel dizzy in of itself:

* We chased the monopoly-guy across some street in London. Hyena bought that.
* We chased him to a clothes shop. Olivia bought that after some thinking.
* Angel took part in a beauty pageant, putting on a dress. Again. He only scored second place.
* We stopped a train robbery in a way that would make Squire jealous. Also gravity shenanigans.
* ...we were jaunted to the 3rd Circle - Gluttony. Again. Complete with the weird effects the other world has on all of us. Olivia and the new girl got eaten by... that thing that stalks around that area. They're fine now but it was just... no. Enough.

The next roll set us free and it seems that the magic power ran out. I have a sneaking suspicion it was less 'ended' and more interrupted. Don't worry, I'm not going to make allegations here. You can stop cackling. What is important is that when we were *certain* we were out, I promptly took the entire game and lobbed it into the garbage incinerator in the back. We are *not* having any of that shit. Look at how much pain this caused me, and I would rather have my limbs torn off than see someone else go through the same kind of messed up crap.
Okay, I got a bit heated there. Sorry.
*Afterthought: get Olivia some bleach for Christmas. She seems to like the taste.*

## Sector Sweep [x]

I hate it when my worst fears are proven true and I spit myself in the eye, with intent, saying that I was damn right and I shouldn't have calmed myself because, again, it was all proven true. And sorry for disturbing you with anxiety all that time too, I know it's a bit miffling to sleep when I'm a bundle of nerves like that.
Long story short, Olivia didn't just disappear off to do her hero thing - as I wanted to believe for the longest time. She was kidnapped, but in such an unusual way it's really no wonder nobody figured out anything for the longest time. Today, of course, Cyclone came in and said that wait time is over. She's been gone for too long and if we want to take a look, well... he won't be stopping us. I don't blame him, and I'm happy he gave us a green light. Considering who 'Liv is, I'm not surprised we don't want to turn to official channels. G.R.E.Y. has their eyes and ears everywhere now and the slightest tug on the web will make them come crawling like a hungry spider.
In on the hunt for Liv were Gwen, Challenge and Freedo. I'm very happy Gwen was with us because her ability is almost impossibly useful for tracking where did people go. In this case, we went to ask around Liv's gramma for clues. We got permission to pilfer her room, which Gwen did, while the rest of us just stayed downstairs and brainstormed. Nothing good came out of that, but our intrepid knightess found herself a journal and a very dangerous-looking last entry. Looking into its past showed us (good she can share these visions now, by the by) what we all feared. Liv turning cold and lifeless, writing our her protocol data, getting up and leaving.
Following Freedo's (I think) suggestion, we went to ask... the Zodiac for help. If there's anyone who knows how to counter-intel G.R.E.Y., it's them. But, I don't think I need to elaborate. You and I still remember very well how it was the last time with them. And the time before that. And before *that* too. This time was... supposedly, a little better. I spoke with Snake to call in the favour, and we were taken to Rooster who seems to run the intel nowadays. Of course, Zodiac being Zodiac, Snake asked someone to come. I'm not good with interrogations, so I volunteered. I don't know what happened there (and judging from what I was told Challenge did, I am full glad I do not know the details). I was taken in as a 'hostage', essentially, forced to play poker while the rest did their questioning. And you know, I'm glad they managed to get all the info out as soon as they did. Because I can't play poker for the life of mine.
Warehouse district. Because of course. Some sort of super-power rehab center. Because *of course*. By that point, I believe we were all ready to tear the bloody place down so I suggested a split. Guards and I? We make a good duet (if you count a dozen of them as 'one' for purpose of fair play). So, I went down the main doorway, and the rest went the backway in. I know Liv and Gwen are... much closer than I am with her, so doing the muscle work actually suited me fine. I wanted to help, and not get in the way. I trusted them to get Liv out, and that trust was not misplaced.
I do have to apologise to the secretary lady though. I think I gave her a heart attack when I launched the main door frame inward. And shouted something that in retrospect is so cheesy I can hear you laughing at me. Stop that. But yes, I went on a sightseeing trip downstairs, and I guess the team went upstairs. There's not much to talk here or write home about. G.R.E.Y. facility. Creepy chairs, experimentation labs, the works. We've seen it all by this point. It's almost standard fare and I am afraid how desensitized I'm becoming to such sights.
What I am not growing used to, in a bad way, are the inevitable brawls that happen when the guards notice me sneaking. And this time, I was supposed to be noticed. It was... almost fun, I have to admit. I don't want to tell anyone that. Because these guys deserved all the beating they get, and being both useful and having a bit of sadistic streak by punching them like bowling pins is almost therapeutic. Again, sshh on that matter.
But while I was having a rumble of my lifetime, it seems the guys up top had their own. An elevator came in when one of the guards signalled for backup. By that point it got a bit less fair, so I decided to bail. Elevator sounded like a sweet deal. Less sweet when it was Liv - in G.R.E.Y. operative costume - that arrived along with reinforcements (and Freedo).
If it was anyone but you, I would worry about explaining why I had no qualms about going straight for a punch and tackle. I know you understand. I know I know why. It's simple, really. She was not herself at that moment. She was taken, re-purposed, and essentially was my enemy in that time. I would never *truly* harm her, of course. But... in such a situation? Beating someone unconscious is actually a favour - because they are dangerous to you, and themselves together. Take them down, bring them to safety, then cure them. That's always what I think... and I just ended explaining my motivation to myself despite saying I don't need to. Stop laughing, okay!?
Point being, I was also wrong. The tackle went south. I was debilitated. Liv took Freedo as hostage. Threatened him with a light-blade. Said I shouldn't move. I moved anyway. Honestly, I didn't think anything beyond throwing the blade out of her arm - I'm faster than her. But she moved back. She didn't strike Freedo like I expected her too. That there showed me *our* Liv was in there, still, fighting back. Remembering. She even asked me, in her cold tone, why do we keep calling her Liv.
So I let it all spill.
And it worked. In that moment, it was like the entire basement was lit afire. Or at least, alight because boy can she really generate these fields when she overheats. She fell down, I caught her, and before the guards realised what's what, I was already half-way through the elevator shaft with Freedo and Liv in hand. Just as one would expect, we were greeted by the rest of the gang.
No, I wasn't tearing up when Gwen spoke with Liv. Again, stop laughing.
... okay, fine.
I did tear up, it was touching. Love that transcends all is just... romantic, is all. I'm happy that the two are together again, after everything that has happened. I feel it's only going to strengthen their bond.
We burned the place down, it was empty anyway. The guards fled by the time we were done, I'm sure. Another G.R.E.Y. facility down the drain, as it should be. This should show them - they might try to own the city, but Halcyon is not going down without a fight.

## Self-Insert Fanfiction [x]

Gramps, I don't know *where to even begin*. And before you echo back my own words at me, 'from the beginning', let me stop you right there and start off saying that Elle is fine, safe and the mysterious plan of actually abandoning us so we could get out of there scot-free (what the hell... oops...) is up in smokes. *Everyone* gets a happy ending, no exceptions.
But yes, the 'hell' bit? We went to Hell. Not sure if I should write it with a capital or not now, because... yes, we've been there before and yes, this is the same reason we've visited prior. To get Lancelot out and put him into a place a little more humane for a... well, you get the idea. It's actually been a long time coming, with most of us making small preparations on the side so we could pull it off. Especially RhiRhi, with her spells and rituals and whatnot. This really was a family matter, between Elle, Gwen and Rhiannon. Liv and I basically tagged along as emotional support and beasts of burden, respectively. And hey, I got her a coat this time around just to be sure! Shame we never ended up really using it.
So, long plan short. We inject ourselves in, we go down to get that monster out on our shoulder, and we don't go up because the front desk will tear us a new one. So instead we follow that one self-insert fanfiction a certain guy wrote and I kinda still remember, and retrace his footsteps to the very bottom. Because apparently somehow that's a way out from the bottom. Paradoxes, am I right? Boy am I glad it worked.
Long plan... long? Oh boy, let's see. We followed it to the letter starting with the entry point, with Rhiannon literally jaunting us into the realm in question and on the right layer too! Bravo, that saved us the effort of making the first quarter of the trek downward. We also found Lancelot relatively fast - he was another of the face rawing each other rocks and swords as one might expect. Of course, it's been a while, and... let's say when we pulled him out, he was barely conscious and kind of stuck on repeat with the typical mad raving about how "we shouldn't be doing what we're doing". Shame none of us brought flex tape, but oh well. I apologised to Gwen about finding her dad with my first first, eyes later, but honestly that's karma giving me a payback for how he greeted me with a boot-to-the-face and a broken street lamp to the spine.
Next circle. A big-ass moat of putrid water hiding ever-drowning dead. We planned to be stealthy, and had Gwen pull a Moses... which we quickly regretted. Can you imagine that somehow, a lake of drowning dead is even worse when it's a water wall of moaning dead? Yeah, bad idea, but at least it got us through. We hiked all the way to the wall... and then we hit a bit of a snag. Only two members of the team can fly. The other two, including our previous 'cargo'? Not so much. I also may have spat out a stupid and asked one of the girls if they weight a lot. Thankfully that was a slap to the head, and not sword-to-the-head. That would've hurt a lot more.
But no, as much as it was a pain in the butt and I'm still cleaning my fingernails from debris and gravel, the plan turned out well. One Lancelot per shoulder, with Liv wrapped around the belt. Gravel and brimstone isn't that hard to dig my fingers into if I put my back into it, and lo and behold, stable anchor. From there, pretending to walk on walls is just a question of how much you want to ruin your nails and how much tedious you're willing to endure. No, it wasn't that difficult to carry all three of them weight-wise. I mean, cars weight more. On the other hand, making sure all of them are anchored *to me* so that none would fall... yeah, that made the walk significantly slower. I bet the two floaters had a giggle out of the mule carrying over everyone, but you know, I don't mind. It's nice to be appreciated.
Next step, entering the city. Problem? Locked gate. Second problem? Our blindness and the fact the Ferryman of Hell apparently is a more cash rather than credit kind of guy. Can't blame him, not many card scanners in hell. First solution? Liv's projection apparently being the perfect pick-lock. Second solution? Rhiannon being way too generous considering we're already a bit out-of-schedule to be paying the ferryman his toll. Also, that cash-or-credit joke earned me another smack.
As you can guess, the city of Dis (I still gaggle at the name... who came up with these?!) is just half-way point of the trip. And what half-way point. With Lancelot being a bit more lucid... Elle spilt the beans, especially considering how insistent she (...they now...?) was about getting 'themselves' out. Which of course prompted a lot of questions from our not-so-dreamy not-so-knight. Which ended up in the most awkward confession of "I am you and you are I" that I've seen in my life. Partially because everyone stood on glass. Partially because this was the first time in my life I've seen Gwen actually muttering prayers under her breath. And partially because it seems *nobody* related to the issue at hand has ever heard of the multiverse theory of time travel.
Lancelot took the revelation considerably well.
The city itself? We managed to sneak around. I had Elle ride me again, because good god that armour rattles like nothing else. Gwen found us a path and Liv made sure we were under cover. Literally. Also, before any question is asked (why am I writing it like this?), the reason most hellguards didn't bat an eye at us was because we were almost literally invisible. Rhi weaved a glamour for us at the lake, and kept it going for the longest time. Really made the undercover aspect of it go smooth, until well... yeah, we're about there.
The two following situations were... oh golly... sticky, to say the least. First, the Furnaces of the Damned (at least that's what I call them). I don't and I won't describe what's inside - the name should be self-explanatory. Two guards blocked the way down, so I kind of figured the best way to get them out of the way was to make them do their job - chase damned who want to escape. And what better way to do that than to rattle the furnaces to make it seem like they're escaping? Yeah, good on paper. Worse on execution, especially when Gwen forgot we're in Hell and nobody knows what these people actually are in here for (which may be a double-sided argument here but bear with me). Made even worse by the fact she yelled at me and I kind of went with her at first.
Thankfully, Liv pulled the best bait-and-trick lie to the guards so much so they all but left confused and we could get clear there and then. Well, it only involved yanking Gwen from the furnaces by force, thanks for that lift Gramps, because a good knight keeps forgetting that we're already risking way too much here. Or something.
The next part, that's on me. So, hall of statues and bats, right? Or maybe they were imps. Point being, fragile - do not trip. The damned, I mean. What did you expect in a hall full of human-like statues in *literal Hell?* Point being, the imps got feisty, we got spooked and I decided to pull a bit harder at your throat and essentially roar them all away. Good news? It worked. Bad news, the statues fell and kind of... broke. We patched as many as we could together, but it was time to move on. Again, I'm sorry for making their torment that much worse. Or maybe not. I think by that point, every torment becomes so unthinkable a peg up or down doesn't make any difference. Anyway, I'm sorry.
Before the Tower of... whatever by this point, Elle (El...?) dropped the bomb on us. We promptly gave them the biggest group hug we could think of. I mean... again... multiverse theory. Just because someone told you you should do something doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. And sure, we might get a person out that's very important to another person, but we're not paying the cost of the joy of the entire Big Team for it. Oh no. We spoke to her them and gave them a good mental smackdown of why that is a Very Stupid Idea. Capitals intended.
In some ungodly case you get your hands on this journal, remember what I told you then. It's okay to be greedy when you're pursuing everyone's happiness. Be like these dragons from time to time. 'Greed' is only 'bad' when it runs amock and hurts those around you.
The next bit... well... where do I start. Or how can I even describe it. Many things happened. Trees, dreadful voices, dead poets coming to life (???), magic, more trees, sword impalement, pretending we're in that colossus video game, legions of skeletal zombies, adds, attack markers being conspicuously absent... So many things happened so fast, with everyone giving it their all, well, suffice to say...
...we punched Satan in the dick.
Then the ice fell, and we fell, and Liv got spooked and serrated most of us with her blades, but then we had a rough landing (ow my back), and we were out. Well. Not out-out. Still in that other world where you and I are kinda melded, but not in hell anymore. Actually, it was a big mountain and Rhi and I had a laugh (I laughed harder, I think she was still in shock) because the *goddamn name*. In case nobody is aware, the place is called "Mount ***Delectable***". Again, seriously, who comes up with these names.
And then Rhi pulled us out, back to her manor. Everyone was exuberant. That guy at the bottom of the frozen lake made threats at us but heck, you're immortal dude. If you want payback you'll have it in a few centuries. What's that to you anyway? Anyhow. Celebrations, well-earned showers and a lot of anxiety followed.
The last bit? That's because family acts like family and just like Gwen leaving these letters for us, El may have wrote letters to some people about how they're not coming back from Ferinon. Honestly, I was laughing at this wholesale. Hilarious in hindsight, as they say.
So yeah, it happened.
We've been to hell and back.

## Cold Springs [x]

So they say that spending time away from home is good for clearing your head. Holidays, of course. Change from the usual old four corners you live in every day, find someplace new and exciting. Not lose your home in the first place, of course.. As usual, I can see where these people are coming from, but to be entirely honest? At the end of the day, nothing beats the softness and familiarity of your own sort of bed.
Yeah, I'm musing because I'm still a little bit shaken. Well, 'shaken' is a bad word here. My hand's shaking, yeah, but I think you can tell what I'm feeling. I sort of can see how it looks from outside too. I don't need to be a mind-reader to get the idea that everyone thinks that this... let's just say 'unbridled anger' comes from you and you're being a dangerous influence on me, and all that.
I wonder what would everyone say if I told them that back then, in the basement, that fury was entirely mine.
Well, not entirely, but thrown into the boil in equal measure. So yeah, I'm trying to calm down. I hope you are too. I promise I'll try to avoid further faux-exorcism deals. Though in my defence, I couldn't have possibly known. Cyclone just told us we'll be doing some property watching as a favour to his old friend. It sounded perfectly normal back then. Normal enough everyone was fine with it. And hey, we also had Gwen and Rhirhi with us. You know, two experts in mystical and magical. Angel as well, though his case is a bit more volatile. And if worst came to worst, Freedo could do his denial thing on ghosts too. I think. I hope. Well, we'll figure it out some other time.
So, even the firsts signs were pointing to bail out as soon as possible, right? Impossibly huge resort-mansion. God-knows-where out of Halcyon in the countryside. Snow up the whazoo and winds so hard I could hardly hear myself thinks between the rattling of the windows. A posh interior that was surprisingly devoid of people and the owner herself with such a disposition I thought we were back to hell again and I didn't notice. "Two days while the construction crew does their job", sounded simple enough, right?
Wrong.
What should I even focus on, I wonder. The scary howling? The tapping and yelping behind every other door? The fact Rhiannon and Freedo took the elevator down but descended from the upper floor to meet with us? Having to walk backwards to my room because the corridor would just lengthen infinitely? Angel being Angel? Freedo supposedly being haunted by a broom demon? Empty voice calls and a number station that did not exist?
Okay, when I bundle it up like that, it really sounds like any other day at the Big Team, doesn't it? You could almost guess the trauma's part of the package by now. Listen, we tried to be diplomatic. I tried to reason with whatever the heck was haunting that place. I think we all did. I'm no ghost expert but I'm sure you and I could figure something out, nevermind everyone else being there with their own expertise.
But when the blasted thing locked us in the west wing and started harrowing us? That's the straw that broke the camel's back. I don't know what the others saw, but I'm going to guess it wasn't pleasant as well. Honestly, I rather not think back to then. That loneliness... well, I know how you feel, because we both feel the same. Except each time I throw my mind back, the worry and fear turn to anger almost instantly. I don't know how that thing managed to... silence us to each other, but, well... yeah, you put it aplty back there in the basement.
That mission really was a blur, and I don't know how and what I should even recall in detail. The one thing that I took from that night is that... maybe I'm escaping into fury a little too quickly. And the other thing, Angel still has a long way ahead of him. It was... a little depressing to see how he reacted again. You know, technically it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Running, escaping, shutting everyone out and completely forgoing common sense or rationality. We've seen it time and time again.
What stung is that I had thought he was *fine* already. Or at least, a little better. Enough to know he has us to fall back on, after everything we've done and been together.
Guess I was wrong. He still needs help, but I... don't know. This isn't a 'I'm giving up' don't know, no. This is a 'I need to rethink how to approach this' don't know. But that's food for thought later.
For now, bed. My bed.

## Long Rest the Queen [x]

I suppose I should get into some detail this time around. After all, it was a serious mission this time. No second-hand favour-playing in some old mansion. Real, present-day, present-time trouble - G.R.E.Y. trouble, to be specific. Now that we got them out of everyone's hair at Halcyon City, they're probably falling back on their old plans that thankfully Liv was able to fetch for us supposedly some time ago. Except, we're still largely in the dark, so we can only hope to crack down on them the old-fashioned way. Get that list, and check every locale for clues.
I was assigned along with Michael, Gabe and a new girl Bitzy, to take a look around a facility hidden on a small island over at the lake I've been busy dunking Freedo into every other occasion. Supposedly abandoned with little to report, we can't be too sure. And getting there was a bit of a hurdle as well in the first place. I mean, nobody here can quite swim well, and I'm not going to risk throwing either Bitzy or Michael the entire way. I mean, Michael could take the fall. Bitzy, considering what I saw she is capable of, likely as well... but I'd rather not risk it.
Imagine my surprise... well... recall my surprise when we stumbled upon a swamp monster a little out of his place at the lake's border. Of course, again, as you can guess, he's a transformed like the other T-Day victims. Except he's older, like... Michael-period older. Probably a swimmer-bum that was at the wrong place at the wrong time and by the time he realised, he was a little more bigger and swampy than how he came into the lake in the first place. I'm all but certain swimming in G.R.E.Y. waste sapped his clarity a little, but he's a cool guy. We ended up calling him Chum, he seemed to like that name.
So, Chum gave us a lift. A swim, rather. Though we had to squeeze it a little with Michael. Bitzy swam like a mermaid, Gabe flew. What we found on the island was... troubling. I'm not going to recount the entire story, because it'd be too long, so I'll just go over the bigger picture. Really, I don't think spinning this into an adventure-story is at all appropriate. I should approach this with a measure of respect.
The island is a grave.
Not in a literal sense, of course. There's still plenty of people - transformed - making their home there after the facility fell out of use. Likely evacuated. Mantis-people around the forest, and bee-people within the base proper. But there's nothing else. Just an old, abandoned laboratory with most of the supplies already cleaned up or abandoned with little use to anyone. The society that has slowly formed there... the less said the better. They all seemed so afraid, and so lost. The bees kept themselves busy, but they all awaited the return of their 'Queen'. The mantis-people were all but afraid of their own shadow. You can see how nothing would quite come and get better on its own.
The truth we found out was, arguably, worse. When I said the island was a grave, I wasn't kidding. I don't know her family name, but I know who she was. Leia, most likely wife of the G.R.E.Y. agent Ghazal - the one we're tracking. We... most likely stumbled upon her grave. I can't believe I'm writing this, but it was actually somewhat... beautiful. As much as the bee-people were living in a dysfunctional, barely-functioning manner, it was clear they treasured and valued their 'Queen' when she was still alive. They must have loved her dearly.
And I can't believe I'm writing this, but likely so did Ghazal. We found his office. The only place on the island not fallen to disarray. And he found us - we likely tripped an alarm or something. I wasn't quite subtly prying open the reinforced door for us to get in. He told us pretty much what we figured out - from the documents, from the letters, from the pictures. Gabe has most of them for the record. Chum helped a lot too, foggy memory notwithstanding.
Leia was an early victim of what would become T-Day. Not too dissimilar to Michael's case. The incident likely forced the lab to get vacated, leaving the unfortunate experiments - victims - to run loose. But Ghazal would not leave, and he would return to his... wife, time and time again. They probably cared for the island together, little as they could - being left to live separate as they were forced to. It was a garden, really - one built out of longing and lost love, I wager. Eventually, Leia passed away, and Ghazal continued to care for his 'children'.
That's over now. Every child needs to leave the cradle after a while. As much as I... empathise with the desire to cradle life dearly, Ghazal's misery made him twisted. He still is out there, still thinking every transformed human is "his child". But the lab is likely no more. We turned his chamber inside out, looking for clues. The truth has been revealed. Now is time to pick up the pieces and help those in need of help.
I've spoken with the Zodiac, or at least tried to. They know of the island, the bee-people and the mantis-people. Chum too, though he's apparently more than fine with how life's treating him now. Monkey's secretary told me she'll forward the information to the rest, and relief efforts will likely start soon enough. I stressed, *very strongly*, that these people on the island - they're victims in more ways than we can imagine. Any rash action might lead to trouble, big trouble. The last thing we need is the Zodiac doing their usual heavy-hand bullshit and just rolling in with 'freedom and liberty'. Non-negotiable, of course.
All we can do is hope, for a better future for them all.

## Laundry Day [x]

It would all change soon.
The house was abuzz, to say the least. Everyone was busy getting their things in order. Half of the rooms looked pristine clean and vacant, yet the other were akin to a hurricane collateral. Little by little, tidbits and doo-dads disappeared from sight, packed tight into heavy travel bags piling into a growing pyramid by the entrance. Dom was no exception. The only difference was the destination.
"Sorry, sorry, coming through!" he blurted out, nearly colliding with Mrs. Mansick on his way to the back porch. The woman gasped in mild surprise, taking a step back out of the youth's way. She smiled at him as he walked by. Dominik smiled back. Carefully, he placed foot after foot to make his way to the back of the living room. Each step was treacherous, considering the amount of things strewn around, yet awaiting their spot in the packs off to ends seemingly unknown.
In the corner of his eye, Dom saw Jake and his father - Xavier - sharing a moment on the couch. He smiled, faint but earnest, as he observed the two catching up on so many missing years. Truth be told, the conversation likely escaped him hours ago - they began at the crack of dawn, and have been going on since undeterred. He smiled widened, but he sped his step. Any more and he would be caught staring at the two. Longingly. Again.
"There we go..." he muttered, hauling the basket over his shoulder. With his other hand freed, he slid the doors to the porch wide open, and stepped outside. Not quite in the opened, he shivered slightly at the colder air blowing in. For winter, this section of the porch was walled off. Though not quite 'interior', exterior it was not as well. Perfect for letting fresh laundry dry - even if the heaters had to work overtime for the time being. Especially with the sudden appearance of winter nobody around Halcyon City truly expected.
The youth put the basket down, reached out for the clips, and froze. A strange sensation ran down his spine - his skin tensed at attention, each pore turning goosebumps. For a second, he thought to himself. A worry - uncertainty at what was going on. About as fast as his mind clouded with such ideas, they were dispelled by a familiar presence. A soothing grumble, a low thrum as if a massive throat purred behind him in eldery consideration. Dominik relaxed. Whatever was happening - whatever, or whoever, was coming for a visit, that was no reason to leave the laundry to rot in humidity.
The first pair of underwear flagged themselves wide, clip on each side. Dom looked towards the outside, the garden snow behind the planted screen. His mind was seemingly absent. His motions persisted, and he continued to pull the fresh pieces of clothing on the line to dry. Yet, each time, his sight lingered - his eyes slowly regaining their emerald lustre. Out there, in the snow, he saw an indentation that simultaneously was, and was not. A presence was there, though ethereal, and lacking in the physical world.
And while hostile once, it now beamed with aloof approbation.
It was not his conversation, even though he heard every word - rather, felt every emotion shared between the two. When he focused, he saw them - right there. The Dragon, still connected, laid on the porch worn and tired. The rare, second time he's seen the being in such a state - not a sight to behold since the very first days together. Opposite of the elder spirit, outlined by the flakes of snow falling in a strangely aural silhouette, stood Gramp's counterpart.
The Tiger loomed, yet did not act. He gazed down upon the Dragon, but not quite towards Dominik himself. The boy busied himself, yet listened keenly. It was a sensation most difficult to describe, but he tried to rationalise what he's been witness to regardless. In the closest terms befitting human, it was as if two rivals from many years ago met once again. After even many more years.
Changed.
There was what Dominik could only describe as a chuckle, coming from the Dragon. And a grumble, in response, from the Tiger. The spirit was different - his presence much more grand, but also much more familiar. The previous alien shapes, angles and images wholly out of this world spun themselves into colours and lines, runes and sigils that were not only easier on the eyes, but flowed into the whole of the spirit in a way that was almost transcendentally harmonic. The Tiger scoffed, and spoke - felt - at his counterpart.
The two shared a conversation as the basket slowly emptied itself. A reminiscence of older times. A harsh scalding of disapproval, and a laughing admission to one's penance. A joke - or what was the nearest facsimile of one - lightened the mood, if only for one side. The ambient emotions felt tense, if only for a moment. Then, a warmth washed over the boy - not one coming from Gramps, but from the new Wild Spirit of Order himself. It was a warmth of admission, of a person sat upon a pedestal realising their folly, stepping down, and admitting their mistakes. And warmth of the side seemingly spurned, seemingly faulted, standing up in similar confession - and proclaiming their faults in turn.
Though it was difficult, Dominik paused his chores. He stood there, watching the two beings - still by far and large beyond his comprehension - share a simple chat at the backyard of a family that was anything but normal. Finally, his attention undivided, the sensations began forming into words.
"You've changed," the Tiger said.
"You're different," the Tiger said.
"You've come a long way," the Tiger said.
"I know," the Dragon responded.
"You're different too," the Dragon responded.
"This suits you," the Dragon responded.
Again, the two 'spoke' in terms strangely bitter, but with a growing sense of fondness. A familiarity Dominik was unsure how to take. He blinked, and felt that one warmth, and the other, were becoming almost the same. Two beings so drastically opposed finally coming to understanding. Empathy and sympathy.
"You can come back," the Tiger said.
"I will not force you," the Tiger said.
"You've learned more than I could ever imagine," the Tiger said.
"Good," the Dragon smirked back. "Because you will too. You've agreed to step into a strange, strange world."
"It is alien," the Tiger pleaded.
"It is fragile and small," the Tiger mumbled.
"Why does these shallows feel so deep?" the Tiger questioned.
"Do come visit, from the roots below. I think you will find a certain beauty to this place."
To this, the Tiger did not respond - not in a way Dominik could understand. What the youth felt was a flurry. Apprehension, anxiety, curiosity, interest, approval, satisfaction. Hope. He shook his head, and saw but one spirit - that was not even there in the first place. The Tiger was gone, and the Dragon remained within. A particular flame of smug satisfaction washed over Dominik, and he smiled under his breath.
"You showed him," he muttered, pinning the last clip over the last shirt, emptying the basket fully.
"No," a voice within hummed back. "You did."

## Reunited [x]

*Dom's hand shook ever so slightly. Each time the bus were to make a bank, or the wheel hit a minor bump on the road, his hand would suffer in tandem with the vehicle. Yet, there was a semblance of rhythm to these twists and turns. He wrote on.*
I think this might be the last entry for a while now. It's... a little late, all things considered. Honestly, what I'm writing about happened weeks ago. But things have been busy, exceedingly so, and I didn't have a chance to sit down and write my thoughts down. Maybe because even though it's been so long, things feel like they've sped up and aren't slowing down? And I don't mean in a bad way. Honestly, I feel if I were to do this earlier, the page would be anything but pleasant to look at. But, well, here we are.
*Dominik pried his head away from the book, only to catch Jake watching him in turn. Their eyes met, and both smiled at each other with different emotions behind the expressions. Thankfulness for one. A tinge of embarrassment for the other.*
At the beginning of February, Jake was visited by his family. And I don't mean just relatives from abroad - that too, but we'll get to that. I mean ancestors. Ghosts from ages past, just like Granny Dearest except even further down the line. Speaking of who, she was part of the visitation as well. Wishing us well and wanting to spend time with her grandson like as if the world was ending. No surprises there, for Jake, it sort of was. Though none of us knew it at first. Him and I figured things were up quick, and while Jake had to attend an impromptu driving lesson (can deceased ghosts qualify as legitimate tutors?), I called Rhiannon and Angel - well, the first, as she's a qualified occultist. The second has magic, and they happened to be together so hurray! Of course, we figured little. Long story short, Granny gave us tickets for a show - probably to have us spend some time together before Jake would be spirited away. The show was ran by Bitzy's circus. So that's our team.
And our enemy at that time? Jake's dad. Well, not quite. True, but you have to add grand, and about a hundred-thousand 'greats' in front. He called himself the First of the Wild, and from what I can understand, he was the progenitor of the entire line. It was all a test - the first part of it, that is. Jake's number in the legacy was supposedly special. A rare jewel, if you will. Someone who could not just protect the physical world, but the Horn of the Wild itself - or rather, be the horn.
You can see why I wasn't okay with that. And neither was Jake. And neither was anyone concerned.
We fought a few of the previous Wild Ones (it's so strange calling them "Things"), and prevailed. You'd expect a fanfare, but what was one for the legacy wasn't quite one for us. You see, the reward for the trial would be the 'greatest honour'. Succession of the First, becoming the guardian of the roots of the horn that separate and keep balance to the realms. Yeah, I don't get the specifics too. All I know is that Jake would be gone. Effectively dead. Disappeared from this life for what would for us be an eternity. And we were not about to let that happen. He gave us a week to prepare, and said he would come.
*Dominik's hand trembled, his eyes closed and he took a deep breath. Outside, the bus passed a street sign. Leaving Halcyon City.*
My biggest issued with the situation... well... second-biggest issue, losing Jake claiming the top title... was you. I'm writing this from the past perspective, so I hope you don't feel offended. I felt... betrayed and powerless. Angry as well. I know you did this to protect me, and I'm... honestly happy you did, in retrospect. I'm happy we talked it out. Together, deeply. Using actual words for once. And honestly, just like that time on the porch? I was a bit surprised, but in a good way. Didn't expect you to think of this gamble in the first place. Honestly, last we met Tiger you and I were ready to tear him limb from limb. You've changed, Gramps.
*The boy smiled, with a smile not his own. Not entirely, at the very least.*
We took Jake cube, and thanks for making it work. Honestly, the bargain was just so out of this world. Like I was dreaming, but instead of you rocking me around, we spoke hand in hand. It was refreshing to be so... I don't know how to put it. In agreement? Of same mind for something different than just you and I? I don't think... no, I know you don't love Jake as I do. But if I squint and ignore my emotions in you, I can see you care for him too. For all of us. Thank you.
And now I know the Tiger's name too! I never would've figured it was Harmony and Order. A couple of others too, but these stuck out.
So, fast-forward to the day of destiny, and a strange meeting with not just the First, but Jake's actual dad before. He's been gone to Russia, essentially training heroes just like Cyclone does over here. And he forgot his time as the Wild One, most of it. Mrs. Mansick also forgot. Apparently, he stood defiant of the First just like we did. And his price were his memories. First took his life, but in a very different way.
The fight? The fight was a blur. It did not go well. We got wounded. Angel had his arm broken, he was thrown around like a ragdoll. Bitzy did well, but she nearly got eaten by the Horn - at that moment, in the real world - herself. Rhiannon did amazing, but I feel she paid a price I can't quite comprehend. Something inside of her changed - not surprising considering she invoked her own Spirit Powers from about as deep as you come from. Maybe. But at least this froze the reinforcements in a most epic style that words just can't do justice here, so that's score 1 for the team.
Unfortunately, Jake handled himself... worse. The First used our suffering, our hurt, to essentially break Jake to his will. For a moment, my blood ran cold (and not because Rhiannon caused that winter). I felt like we failed. Like I lost him. Everything tumbled and we were falling as the world reshaped itself. The tree was taking in its successor, and... again... thank you.
I wouldn't have done it without you. You took so much pain, so much damage. My chest still aches a little, but to you this must've been immeasurably more. That was a sacrifice I... well... I don't even know what to say. So thank you, again.
We broke in, despite many issues and worries things might go wrong. Including Angel and Rhiannon pleading to me to stop. It hurt, and I felt a little... taken for granted. But I deserve this. I didn't want to harp on their trust more, and tell them we had a third roommate for the time being. But then Tiger showed himself, and we sort of went with it.
A white room, and a young boy. Everyone following Tiger's wake. I felt air escaping my lungs. We pleaded, all of us. And... uh... well... since he's sitting right next to me, you can guess what happened. Jake listened.
I don't know what happened afterwards. Jake tried to explain to me when I asked in the evening, about how he split the power of the First into three. Two for his family, one for the Tiger as embodiment of Order. He told me how First did what he did as sacrifice to keep his own from misery, and how his duty changed him from a selfless boy to a person... ghost... spirit twisted by isolation and loneliness. We were the first people he spoke to truly, for god-knows-how-long. Now, I feel bad for him.
But things changed. It's been what, two million years, since he was the one who took the mantle? As you feel yourself, this world changes so rapidly you can lose track of it. And we're no longer fearing the dark. We're not even fearing the unknown. You're with us - and people... beings... like you prove that whatever status quo the First had to fight and sacrifice himself to, is no longer here. Not fully. Not as he understood it.
And that's why the Tiger is technically one of the new guardians of the Horn of the Wild. Which needs a new name, but we'll talk about that later.
Things changed, and things are changing still. This brings me back to why it'll likely be my last entry for a while. Jake's leaving for Russia for a bit, since this is where his family has planted its new roots. I'll definitely come along, I mean... we're together now, so I owe it to him. But first, well... one more things need to change. I need to stay here in America, but not quite in Halcyon either. Besides, what's a few countries when we traversed dimensions, no?

Okay, I'm dragging this on. Honestly, I'm worried, anxious and my hands are trembling so much so I feel like dying here and now. But... Jake's here. He's looking me in the eye and I... well, I can't put this off any longer. So, Gramps, cross your claws for me.

The bus came to a halt in a quaint suburb, a town not too far on the outskirts of Halcyon City. It was an almost idyllic place. Quiet, with little traffic going on. Almost a part of the city itself, one could say, but far enough for majority of the hustle and bustle to never reach these quiet streets. Jake and Dominik stepped down from the door of the vehicle. The engine revved, and what brought them about quickly departed as they made their steps onward.
"You sure it's here," Jake questioned. His eyes darted around the area inquisitively.
"I wouldn't forget, trust me," Dom said back, smiling softly as he walked on. His face turned from accommodating to one displaying almost grim determination. And worry.
It was not long before the two of them stood before a quaint little home. Perfect the a family of two. Noise came from within, and silhouettes moved behind the curtains. Just as peaceful the outside was, so was the inside as well. Dom hesitated, his step slowing down. He rose his hand to scratch his head. His fingers inadvertently reached for the pair of horns still jutting out as well. His head looked away, his eyes unable to muster courage.
"You promised. Besides. Come on. You can do this," Jake spoke from Dominik's side, egging him on with a gentle push and pat on the back.
Dom swallowed, and headed forward. His step was equally light as a feather, treading carefully as to not disturb the peace more than he would in a given moment - as it was heavy, legs feeling like bricks forcing him down and motionless against which he struggled with all his might. But he feigned ignorance. He turned his brain off. A third force forced him onward, guided his hand towards the doorbell. Dom closed his eyes, and deafened his ears as much as he wished. The ring still shrilled loud, and then came silent.
Soon afterwards, with no fanfare or surprise, the doors opened. A lone man - about equal height to the boy - stood within the frame. He was dressed in a simple, coloured t-shirt and wore a pair of jeans that have clearly seen more than a day of casual home-stay. His face was bespectacled, and despite the onset of age carried itself somewhat youthful. Lines and wrinkles of stress, however, pierced this seemingly carefree facade.
"Hello...? Can I help you with... anything...?" the man spoke, but each word from his lips came slower and slower. Something was dawning on him.
Dominik did not respond, he did not even face the man. His eyes were glued to the man's shoes - crocs and socks, rather. He fought with himself on the inside to look up. To face the man who's name he knew. To finally break this wall and throw caution to the wind. But, of course, this took time. And neither of them spoke.
"Honey...? Who's there...?" a woman's voice came soon after, and a red-haired woman soon joined her husband at the door frame. Her features were light, and she wore but a simple dress. Unlike the man, her face was struck with more worry. She seemed in good health, albeit only physically. Whatever woes plagued her - woes all but too well known to Dominik - remained unaddressed.
That is, until she froze in silence. Her eyes widened, and did so twice as much the moment Dom finally found within himself the strength to look up. His eyes were watery, tears streaming down his face - as much as it was different, to these two, it was the same. His fists clenched, and he spoke - his voice cracking and breaking, unable to remain in tone at all.
"I'm... Dominik Tegan... and... mom... dad... I'm... I'm home..."
Jake stood back, his arms crossed over his chest. He wore a smile of satisfaction, electing not to interfere in the reunion. Granted, it was an amusing sight - seeing a person almost taller than his own parents be embraced as if he was a little tyke. And then, of course, promptly picking both in a moment of forgetfulness of his own power.
But for now, he let them be.
The Tegan family cried their tears of joy and longing.
*They were reunited.*