#taari

[yukkimons]

That one battle with Cetus looks lit

[heartsonmysleeeeves]

Before all pixelated children from MoTY, BabyBump, and TRH, I believe that this child the is pioneer of heart stealer.

[mind-reader1]

Searching for You (Part 1/4)

A/N: This is part of an ES mini-series! Potential title included “Fuck Uqzhall” courtesy of @brightpinkpeppercorn😂😂😂 along with some others of Uqzhall hate. 

Warnings: angsty af, fluffy 

Word count: 2,541

You can find the series masterlist here!

I woke up late and rolled over, Jake was already up for the day as his side of the bed was cold. When I checked the clock, I saw that it was already ten, I never slept in this late, but I hadn’t been sleeping well recently and Jake knew it so that’s why he let me sleep in. He didn’t press me about it, he knew I’d tell him in my own time, but I could tell he was getting worried. It had been two years since we defeated Rourke, Jake and I built that cabin on the hillside like he talked about on our honeymoon, it was perfect, our life was perfect...until now. I chewed on my lip as I got dressed, I had been agonizing for a week about how I was going to tell Jake, I couldn’t wait forever, I was just nervous! We were going to have a baby, we had talked about kids before, we both wanted them, but I wasn’t ready! I don’t really think Jake is ready either, I know that losing Mike still bothered him, even if it was getting better. He wasn’t in our little living room, and so I wandered out to the small garden we had planted, it wasn’t much, but it was ours and it was perfect. It was our little haven away from the bad memories of the Celestial, and our endearing but overbearing friends. I could see his head before I saw the rest of him, he was kneeling down probably picking something.

“Hey, Jake! Can you come here?” He didn’t move, I got closer thinking maybe he couldn’t hear me.

“Top Gun! We- I need to tell you something!” As I got closer, I saw a flash of blue, and then Jake fell forward. His back was soaked in blood.

“JAKE!” I ran towards him and found a Vaanti knife in his back, I turned him over, but it was too late, he was already dead. I began sobbing, holding Jake tight, this wasn’t the first time this had happened. Time always reset itself, that didn’t make it any easier though. I looked up and saw a familiar face staring at me, Uqzhall. No one had heard from him since the Endless died, we all thought he was gone, happy that we had picked the Endless’ ending, apparently not.

“Uqzhall! Why did you kill him? Why are you back?” He didn’t say anything at first, just held my stare as I sobbed over Jake’s lifeless body. Why hadn’t time reset yet? It was always instantaneous, a headache, and then back in the moment, seconds before.

“You lied to us for generations, you must pay for your actions.”

“Bring him back Uqzhall! I’m not responsible for the Endless and neither is Jake! She’s gone! Leave us alone!” So, he did, he ran, and I sat there holding Jake waiting and waiting. I would have given anything to be back in bed with him last night, last night had been incredible. I had been reading in bed when Jake surprised me, tossing the book out of my hands, climbing over me. I think he knew I had been worried about something and he wanted to try to ease some of that stress, pampering me and focusing all on me. It was sweet and slow, not like when we first got together, but still just as good as the first time if not better. I laid there on my side after, just a sheet covering our waists. He had hiked the sheet up, so he could run his fingertips over my leg slowly, just barely brushing my skin, his eyes hooded as he fought sleep, a lazy content smile on his face. His hair was messy, as it always was after we had sex, but it was my favorite look on him, unadulterated happiness. I focused on that moment as I cradled his cold stiff body, rocking back and forth, unable to stop the tears. He wasn’t going to die like this, I was determined to bring him back to that moment. I must have sat there for hours, the sky had grown dark, the only light the stars above us. The cool breeze coming off the water left a cold sting on my cheeks from where my tears had wet them. Something was wrong, the time loop hadn’t reset itself, I had no idea who to turn to for help. Jake was dead, he was gone, maybe Varyyn would know something. The problem was I had to get to him though, what if while I was in Elyystel Jake came back? He didn’t even know he was going to be a dad! Oh my god, now I had a baby to think about, a baby.

I wasn’t sure what scared me more, the idea that Jake might never come back or the idea that I was going to be a mom. It was times like this that I would give anything to have my own mom and dad, someone to turn to when I had no idea what to do. Jake was my only literal family, Diego and the others were the next best thing, but they were just as young and naive as me, none of them were parents yet. Parents, god I needed to stop calling myself that. I scribbled out a note for Jake that I went to go see Varyyn, hoping that this was all some nightmare and that he’d be back soon, something told me that wasn’t the case though. I packed some food and was on my way out the door when I turned around, I couldn’t leave Jake’s most prized possessions behind. I peeled his tags off of him and grabbed his jacket from our room then started the trek to Elyystel, it was a couple days journey on foot.

It was hot and humid, as it always was on La Huerta, but it seemed more intense on this journey, every morning I was waking up and already felt like death. The food I packed didn’t seem appetizing at all, I wrote it off as being nothing, and then I started puking up everything. Everything. Morning sickness? Already? Maybe it was just nerves? Again, I had a feeling that wasn’t the case though, it seemed too early for that. God, I wished more than anything that I had just sucked it up and told Jake, then maybe I wouldn’t be in this mess. I was pregnant, my husband was dead, and I had no idea how to fix it. I had to cling onto the hope that Varyyn would have answers, maybe he had more of those gemstones like the one that was in his necklace, the one that brought Jake back the very first time he died. I finally reached Elyystel by mid-day and began the trek up towards the throne room.

“Cat-a-liss!” Taari came bounding up to me on T’Kals back. I gave the boy a small smile and rubbed T’Kal’s head.

“Hey! Where’s Seraxa?” She might also have answers for me. Taari shrugged.

“What are you doing here Cat-a-liss? Where’s Jake?” He looked around hopeful and my heart shattered again, Taari loved Jake like a father. Taari and Jake always played together when we visited, begging Seraxa to let him come stay with us for a few days.

“He...um...I… he…” I struggled with how to tell Taari why I was there, tears threatening my eyes again.

“Cat-a-liss?” he looked up at me concerned and slid off T-Kal wrapping his arms around my legs in a tight hug. I lost it. I sat there on the bridge and fell to my knees as Taari held me, not understanding why I was upset, but knowing I needed a hug. It was Taari who made Jake even bring up the idea of kids, I smiled wiping my face and thinking back to that day.

************

Jake and I were in Elyystel to visit Varyyn and Diego, we often came into the city for supplies or when we wanted to see our friends. Taari spotted us as we were all leaving, headed to the Celestial.

“Cat-a-liss-es!” Jake stuck his tongue out at him playfully and Taari did it right back. I threw my head back laughing and playfully elbowed Jake for encouraging the bad behavior.

“What was that for Princess?” I rolled my eyes.

“You know exactly what that was for Top Gun.” Taari wrapped his arms around both of us before he took a step back with a big grin on his face.

“What are you doing here?”

“We’re going to go see the other catalysts. Are you staying out of trouble?” Taari got a goofy smile on his face and looked around, pretending he didn’t hear the question. That was a no.

“Can I come with?” We all shared a look, we knew Seraxa would kill us if she didn’t know Taari was with us.

“Taari, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Seraxa will want you home, we’re going to be gone a few days.” Diego said making the little boy pout.

“Will, you at least play with me then?” He gave us all his best puppy dog face, looking up at us with big pleading, watery eyes. Jake was the first to cave, the weak link.

“It wouldn’t hurt to play with the kid for a little bit.” He looked at all of us, his eyes landing on me, knowing if he stared long enough that I’d give in.

“Fine, only a little bit.” Jake grinned and Taari yanked his hand, pulling him towards the beach ahead of everyone else. Jake looked back worried about what he had gotten himself into as we laughed, following slowly behind them, catching up on what we had missed since the last time we saw each other. Diego had taken to being Vaanti royalty well, his long hair braided back, a similar crown to Varyyn’s adorning his head. He had ditched that ratty old purple button-up for traditional Vaanti clothes, it suited him well. As we meandered down to the beach, Taari had already roped Jake into chasing him around the sand, wrestling with each other. I loved seeing Jake so carefree and happy, he had struggled since Mike’s death just over a year ago. He was a very different man than when I first met him, I loved watching him grow, his walls finally crumbling, revealing the man he was today, who he had always been underneath. Diego nudged me, breaking me out of my thoughts, giving me a knowing smile.

“So, when is there going to be a baby McKenzie?” I laughed and Varyyn looked at me quizzically.

“What is funny? In the Vaanti culture, once a couple becomes one from their one year and a day together they have children if possible.” I smiled and ran a hand through my hair as Jake looked over at me and winked.

“Jake and I aren’t ready to have kids yet. We’re young, we’ve still got plenty of time. He still misses Mike; a baby would just be too much right now.” Diego raised an eyebrow at me.

“Are you sure that he’s the one who isn’t ready? Or is it maybe you who isn’t ready?” I didn’t know how to answer his question, I thought it was both. I loved Jake with all of my heart, nothing would change that, but we hadn’t talked about kids yet.

“Come on, Princess! I need some help over he-oof!” Jake got tackled to the sand again by Taari who giggled with pure delight as I scooped him off of Jake.

“Hold him down Taylor! The tickle monster is coming for him!” Taari struggled against me as Jake wiggled his fingers, getting closer and closer. I leaned in to whisper in Taari’s ear.

“I’m going to let you go, and then we’ll both get Jake. Okay?” He nodded giggling. Just as Jake got ready to strike, I let Taari go and he tickled one of Jake’s side while I got the other. Jake couldn’t fight off both of us, we overpowered him, and he fell to his knees, all of us laughing so hard we could barely breathe.

“I give up!” He got out between breaths. Taari triumphantly ran off to go after Diego and Varyyn next, Jake grabbed my waist and tackled me to the sand, hovering over me, breathing hard.

“That was a cheap move, Princess.” I grinned and leaned up to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

“You know I can’t resist the chance to tease you.” Jake chuckled and dipped his head low, his sandy hair hiding our faces.

“I love you, Taylor.”

“I love you too Jake.” He kissed me slowly, and deeply before pulling away and helping me up, aware that we had an audience.

“We should be going,” Varyyn said looking at us. Taari sighed.

“Can we play again soon Jake?” Jake grinned and ruffled Taari’s hair.

“Yeah kid, we’ll play again soon.”

“Go find Seraxa so they can come back Taari!” Diego told him, and the boy ran off to find his adoptive mom. They made the trek to the Celestial together, Jake and I took our time, strolling behind Diego and Varyyn who were caught up in a debate over Star Wars.

“What’s on your mind?” Jake had been quiet since we left the beach, his grip on my hand weak, distracted. He looked down at me and smiled, I recognized it well, it was a smile he reserved for me. The first time I saw him smile like that was when he said he loved me in the tent outside of the MASADA complex.

“You want kids, Princess?”

“Yeah, someday. Why? You’re not trying to say I look fat, are you?” I teased. He chuckled and shook his head.

“I know better than that. I just, I had fun playing with Taari today, I imagined our own little ones running around. They look like you, got both our sass and they love their mom so much.” He kissed the top of my head, but an uneasy feeling grew in my stomach.

“How long have you been thinking about this?” He shrugged.

“Not long.”

“Really? You’ve got an awful lot of details mapped out.”

“Okay. Maybe when I pictured our house on the hill, when I showed you on our honeymoon. The second I pictured a future with you I saw that. I’m terrified that I won’t be a good dad, Princess, but I know with you by my side that we’d figure it out.” He squeezed my hand.

“Maybe we can start working on that little family tonight.” His voice tickled my ear and he kissed my neck making me squirm.

“Oooor maybe we can wait. I’m not ready for kids Jake.” I saw a flash of disappointment cross his face, but he tried to hide it, my stomach dropped knowing that I was the one who disappointed him this time.

“I love you Jake, and I want a family with you. I just need some more time to wrap my head around it.” He nodded and kissed my cheek.

“You got it, Princess.”

Perma-Tag:  @brightpinkpeppercorn @sleepwalkingelite @ooo-barff-ooo @endlessly-searching-for-you @agent-bossypants @roonarific @likethetailofacomet @zaffrenotes @mysteli @vickypoochoices @kayann9 @jlouise88 @zigortega4life @findingdrake @bbaba-yagaa

Endless Summer (Jake) Tag:  @endlesstaylormckenzie @sophie-summer @feartheendlesssummer @darley1101 @emomoustache

[sceptilemasterr]

“Reunion,” an Endless Summer fanfic

Title: “Reunion”

Fandom: Choices: Endless Summer

Main Pairing: Sean x Taylor (gender not stated)

Other Pairings: Grace x Aleister, Craig x Zahra, Diego x Varyyn

Genre: Romance, Vaanu Ending Override (this is a genre now because I said so!)

Warnings: Mild swearing

Summary: “If you love someone, let them go. For if they return, they were always yours.” During a group reunion party on La Huerta a year later, the old memories come rushing back. Sean and the others are invited to Elyys’tel for a Vaanti ceremony...

Note: A gift for the Sean Gayle fans out there! Yes, I know I’m 3 days late for the ESAPW Sean day, but I’m writing it anyway. It has some Grace x Aleister (”Graleister?”) moments too, so...it counts? Kinda? Either way, enjoy!

Sean re-read the letter twice before he rolled it up and stuck it into his back pocket.  He’d spent the entire flight in composing the perfect letter to Taylor; whether they’d actually be able to somehow read it or not, Sean had wanted to do something meaningful. He was still debating whether he’d set the letter adrift at sea in a bottle, or burn it and let the embers escape into the sky. Maybe Quinn would have an idea. She understood that sort of thing a lot better than he did.

Stepping off the Rourke-Hall International plane onto the familiar dirt runway, Sean was suddenly hit by an intense flood of memories. Behind him, Grace and Aleister descended as well, hand-in-hand. “Sean, are you alright?” asked Grace.

Sean shook his head to clear it and looked back at her. “Thanks, Grace, but I’m okay. Just memories.”

“Such is to be expected,” said Aleister. “Nevertheless, memories can be good or bad, depending on one’s outlook.”

“Bit of both, I guess,” said Sean, shrugging. “Come on, let’s head up to The Celestial. Hopefully it won’t be abandoned this ti--”

The roaring of an engine overhead cut him off, and the three of them turned to see a small private jet, wobbling unsteadily through the air, coming straight toward them! “Whoa! Watch out!” shouted Sean, grabbing Grace and Aleister by the arms and yanking them off of the runway. They watched as the plane did a barrel roll, overshot the runway, then swooped down low, skimming the tops of the jungle trees before flying back into the air. It did a full loop around The Celestial before coming in on a vector right toward the runway. It narrowly missed clipping the RHI plane before bouncing twice on its landing gear, finally coming to a stop a few feet away from the control tower. Somehow, impossibly, without a single scratch.

Sean, Grace, and Aleister looked at each other for a moment, and then Aleister said, “Ah. It appears Jacob has arrived.”

At that, the three of them couldn’t help but break down into laughter.

“Bro, I think I’ll fly with you on the way back, thanks,” Craig was saying to Aleister some time later. The whole group had all trickled in on this plane or that plane, until now all eleven of them were seated around a large table in The Celestial for brunch. Furball sat curled up in Quinn’s lap, licking the frosting off of a cupcake she was feeding him. “I felt like I was gonna puke!”

Jake laughed. “What’s the matter, can’t handle a few basic maneuvers? I’ll have you know that was all on purpose.”

“Pfft. ‘Maneuvers,’ my ass,” muttered Zahra. “And Craig, you did puke. On the window. It was disgusting.”

“How was I supposed to know the windows didn’t open?”

“It’s a PLANE.”

“...So?”

Aleister put his face in his hands as Grace rubbed his back soothingly. “The ignorance. It burns...” he muttered.

Sean was only half focusing on the conversation. His eyes were constantly drawn toward the twelfth chair, the empty one they had all placed between himself and Diego. Diego noticed him looking at it and flashed a reassuring smile. “I know. ‘Eleven Catalysts’ doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?” he asked.

Sean nodded. “Yeah. They made the right call. I just wish... I just wish we’d had more time. To say goodbye.”

Diego leaned across the empty seat to pat Sean’s shoulder. “We all do, but probably you more than anyone. I guess...well, Varyyn told me about a tradition the Vaanti have. They climb to the highest branch of Elyys’tel, and toss leaves containing messages for their departed loved ones into the wind. They say if you listen closely, you can hear a reply on the breeze blowing through the boughs.”

Sean took in Diego’s words. “That’s....” He swallowed hard. “That’s beautiful. D’you think he’d let us do that?”

“Sean, of course he would! Why do you think I suggested we go to Elyys’tel tonight, anyway?”

Sean broke into a grin and pulled Diego into a tight hug. “You’re the best, Diego. Damn, I’ve missed you.” He stopped, and looked around at the others at the table, smiling at each and every one of them. “I’ve missed all of you.”

“What, even me, bro?” asked Craig.

Zahra punched Craig playfully. “He sees us every day, dumbass. You know what he meant.”

“Oh yeah. I knew that!”

“Mmmmrl!” squeaked Furball, leaping up onto the table and knocking over the stack of waffles on Estela’s plate. She glared at the blue fox for a few seconds before breaking down and smiling, unable to stay mad at the adorable creature for long.

Quinn giggled. “Furball says he missed everyone too! And I agree with him!” She smiled sweetly and added, “Let’s not wait another year to have a group reunion, huh?”

Michelle nodded. “Amen to that, girl!”

A sudden slam from the direction of the front doors made everyone look up. “What was that?!” demanded Estela, leaping to her feet and dropping into a combat stance, butter knife in one hand.

Diego sighed. “Not again. It’s just the Vaanti, Estela, calm down. How many times do I have to tell them...uh, be right back, guys.” He jumped out of his seat and sprinted into the lobby. Estela dropped the knife and sat back in her chair, relaxing a fraction.

The rest of the group stared after him in confusion. “Well, that’s a thing that happened,” said Raj. “Anybody want any more waffles?” Silence. “Just me then? Oooooookay, be right back.” He stood up and wandered over to the buffet line.

From the lobby, Diego’s voice drifted into the dining area. “I asked Varyyn to tell everyone, no need for battering rams! Just knock normally next time!”

“We apologize, Canis, Consort of the Elyyshar.” The doors opened and Diego entered, along with two Vaanti carrying a massive tree-trunk between them.

“Uh...what’s with the log?” asked Michelle.

Diego waved her question off, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. “Just...uh...a little confusion. Point is, finish your plates, because we’re heading to Elyys’tel!”

Raj was walking back to the table at that moment, a massive stack of waffles on his plate. Craig’s eyes widened at the sight and he jumped out of his chair, sprinting over to the buffet table. “Bet you 50 bucks I can eat more!” he shouted.

“Craig, no, c’mon--” Sean started to say.

“You’re on, dude!” Raj shouted back, taking a seat and drizzling his waffles with syrup.

Diego sighed and sat down. “On second thought, this brunch might take longer than I thought...” he said. “Uh... so, anyone seen any good movies, lately?

After about another hour of watching Craig and Raj wolf down waffles, and another couple of hours trekking through the jungle, the eleven Catalysts finally broke through the treeline and emerged at the base of Elyys’tel. Varyyn was standing at the entrance, flanked by Seraxa and three other Vaanti warriors. The elyyshar broke into a massive grin when he spotted the group. “My friends! Welcome! Diego had told me you were coming. This is a joyous occasion!” He waved the warriors and escorts away and raced forward, pulling Diego into a bear hug that lifted him straight off of the ground, spinning him around before setting him back down. He straightened and looked at the others, one by one. “I am delighted to see you all once again. Come!”

As the Catalysts followed Varyyn into the city proper, Sean noticed Seraxa following, looking him up and down appraisingly. “Aquila. It is a joy to see you again.”

Sean smiled. “You, too, Seraxa.” He looked around at their surroundings, admiring the extensions and additional levels and structures that had been added to the city since the last time he had been to the island. “I like what you’ve all done with the place.”

“We had a lot of help. The workers that Cygnus and Serpens provided to us have been most useful, especially since we lost so many warriors in battle with the Hydra.” It took Sean a few moments to realize she was referring to Grace and Aleister.

“Kee-la! Hi!” shouted a small voice. Sean bent down and scooped Taari up into his arms, laughing.

“Whoa! You’ve gotten bigger!” he observed as the Vaanti boy giggled.

“Yep! I’m gonna be a warrior soon! Rar!”

Sean set the boy down. “Wow, you sure are scary!” Then he glanced over at Seraxa. “Warrior? But there’s no one left here to fight...”

“Shh. Don’t tell him that,” replied the war chief.

Taari suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking around at the rest of the group. “Kee-la, where’s Dromma? Are they back from their trip yet? I wanna say hi!”

The entire group stopped in its tracks. Seraxa’s eyes widened suddenly. “Oh! Uh...Andromeda has gone a very far way away. They are still on their long journey, but the other Catalysts have come back in the meantime!”

“That’s not true! I saw Dromma yesterday!”

Seraxa laughed halfheartedly and patted Taari’s head. “I’m sure you did. Run along and play now, I want you at your best for the Wind Talking ceremony tonight!”

Taari pouted. “Do I have to?”

“Yes.”

“Aww.... Oh well. Bye, Cat-a-lissus!” He waved at the others and scampered off across a bridge.

An awkward silence followed this exchange. Sean, finally, was the first one to break it. “...What did you tell him about Taylor?” he asked.

Seraxa shook her head, a faint dark green tinge visible on her cheeks. “I told him that Andromeda is on a long journey with Vaanu. I did not wish to burden him with sorrow at such a young age. I...neglected to mention this earlier. I apologize.”

“No need to worry, Seraxa. I get it. It was a little awkward, but I get it.” Sean pushed his thoughts of Taylor out of his mind and put on a smile. “So! Who’s up for some wind-disc later?”

“Diego and I accept your challenge!” Varyyn called out from the front of the group.

“Whoa, I never agreed--” stammered Diego.

“Fine, then I’m with my bro!” declared Craig. “Let’s do this!”

That night, the Catalysts prepared for the Wind Talking ceremony. Varyyn and Seraxa had provided each of them with formal Vaanti attire for the occasion, which Sean appreciated after spending all day in a t-shirt sticky with humidity. The eleven of them stood in a single file line along a massive branch at the top of Elyys’tel, a set of flimsy-looking wooden railings being all that separated them from a very long fall. “I... I don’t know about this,” stammered Grace nervously. “Have I mentioned I don’t like heights?”

“Fear not, Grace. When these weak structural barriers inevitably fail, I will keep you safe from falling,” Aleister reassured her. “It’s simple physics, given the discrepancies between our respective body mass and my impeccable sense of balance.”

“You’re right. Even if I were to fall, if you held me tightly by the hand, the vector force would be sufficient enough to overcome the pull of gravity--”

Sean turns his attention to the leafy “altar” at the tip of the branch, where Varyyn stands resplendent in his full regalia. The Vaanti leader holds up two of the massive leaves they had all been given earlier, each one significantly bigger than an ordinary sheet of paper. “Tonight, we commence the Ceremony of the Wind Talking. For those of you unfamiliar with this tradition, we will each step forward to this place where I now stand. Face the wind, and read your words to your departed ones in a soft, clear voice. Allow the wind to carry the words, and when you are finished, release the leaf and pause. Let the rustling of the branches carry the departed one’s reply back to you.”

Varyyn then turned around, stepping to the very edge of the branch. He held up his first leaf, and began to read aloud, though too softly for Sean and the others to hear. They waited quietly, though Taari started to shuffle impatiently. When Varyyn was finished, he held the leaf aloft and released it, letting the wind catch it and carry it upwards and upwards until it was lost to the night sky. He paused for several moments, eyes closed and face raised to the sky, listening.

When this was done, Varyyn repeated the process with his second leaf. “Two leaves?” Sean heard Quinn whisper, curiosity in her voice.

“One for Taylor, one for Ximaedra, I bet,” Michelle whispered back.

When Varyyn was finished, he turned and walked silently back toward the group. He nodded to Diego, who took his own leaf in hand and stepped forward to the tip of the branch.

The rest of the Catalysts went in turn, as did Seraxa with Taari at one point. Grace and Aleister did their wind-talking together, but the rest went individually. Sean hung back, knowing his letter would take the longest to read, and letting himself go last for the others’ sake. Finally, it was Sean’s turn. Slowly, confidently, he strode to the edge of the branch, looking out along the La Huerta horizon to the point where the sky met the sea.

Opening his letter, Sean read it aloud:

Dear Taylor,

I don’t know where you are, or even if you’re still “you,” but I hope you’re happy and at peace. I wish we could have had more time together, but I, maybe more than anyone else in our group, understand making the hard call. The sacrifice play. I may not have liked it, I still resent that you were forced into the choice at all, but I’ve accepted it. I would’ve done the same thing in your place.

I’m on my way back to La Huerta now; it’s been a year and a day since I became your husband, and exactly a year since the day we left, and we’ve decided to celebrate with a reunion...where else but the place it all began. And no, I don’t mean suddenly breaking out into song on Jake’s plane, even if that was the moment I first fell in love with you.

Know this, Taylor, the love of my life: I may have moved on, I may have accepted our circumstances and tried to push my life forward in spite of this hole in my heart, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten you. I will cherish the memories of our time spent together for the rest of my life. Whenever I look up at the stars, I will think of you, wondering if you’re out there somewhere, with Vaanu, looking back down at me. And I know it’s impossible, but if I had one wish, it would be to hold you in my arms. One last time.

Love, forever and always,

Sean Gayle

He was barely able to finish the letter as the tears began to flow down his face. He stared at the horizon for several long minutes, letter clutched in his fist. He heard a commotion and some muttering from the group behind him, and he knew they were getting impatient, but he needed this. He needed this moment. He took a deep, shuddering breath, held the letter aloft, and released it.

Sean closed his eyes and turned his face to the sky. The breeze whipped through the boughs of the great tree, and he concentrated, hoping to hear some fragment of Taylor’s voice. If he strained, he could almost hear words...and if he really tried hard, he could even hear that familiar voice....

“Sean, I...I’m glad you didn’t rage against my choice, or try to stop me. I knew you’d understand. It was the toughest choice I ever had to make, you know. But I hope... I hope you haven’t moved on too much. I’d like to grant you your wish, and so much more. Because this time, I’m here to stay.”

Sean blinked and shook his head. His own wishful thoughts had definitely taken over toward the end there. He knew logically that it wasn’t really Taylor, it was just his own thoughts and mind interpreting the sound of wind on leaves as words, but for just a moment, he had wanted so badly to believe... part of him still half-expected to see Taylor there, smiling at him, when he turned back around. Don’t be ridiculous. C’mon, Sean Gayle, he told himself before preparing to rejoin the others at the base of the tree.

He turned around.... And he stopped. His mouth fell open. He blinked, then rubbed his eyes, then pinched himself, then pinched harder, because they HAD to be an illusion. There was just. No. Way. But it was: behind them, the others were watching, enraptured, and it was clear they could see the figure standing before him as clearly as they saw Sean himself.

“TOLD’JA I SAW DROMMA! TOLD’JA THEY CAME BACK FROM THEIR TRIP!”

“God dammit, Raj, how much do I owe you?”

“Five hundred bucks, dude! I told you, Raj is always right! Called it, a year and a day to the minute!”

“It’s just... utterly illogical! How...?”

“Al, logical or not, I’m happy to accept it.”

“Guys, let them have their moment.”

But Sean heard none of this. The whole rest of the world could have vanished right then and there, and he wouldn’t have noticed. All of his attention was fixated on the person standing there before him.

“Hi, Sean. Did you miss me?”

@mysteli @brightpinkpeppercorn (yes I know it’s three days late sorry!)

[blightarts]

POKÉMON AUTUMN VERSION

CHAPTER 5: Extreme Mode Engaged!

Previous Chapter: An Unexpected Outcome

Next Chapter: Let’s Rock n’ Roll!

Disclaimer:  Pokémon is a property of Game Freak and Nintendo, while Endless  Summer is a property of Pixelberry. I do not claim any rights here.

Author’s Note: If the “Keep reading” doesn’t work, go here for the full post.

@princesstopgun, @mechaspirit, @lovearyn, @kaitloyalist, @choicesmarvel, @sceptilemasterr, @hey-its-vy, @skyila, @choicesyouplayandmore, @mysteli, @helentwombly, @scgdoeswhat, @choicesaholic​, @jakemckenzietrash, @xo-endlessmayhem-xo, @abhirio, @diego-vii, @daniela2510, @izzycheeese, @brightpinkpeppercorn​

Recommended Music: From the Shadows (ILITW)

Taari and the gang are inside an underground facility where they have just encountered the man that was defeated by the Catalysts ten years ago, Everett Rourke.

Rourke: Welcome, children...

Reginald grits his teeth and speaks up.

Reginald: You were supposed to be in custody! How did you even get out of prison?!

Rourke: Reginald, my dear grandson... never underestimate the power of a man who can build something as amazing as this...

Rourke steps aside and shows everyone the second version of his creation, the Omega Mech 2.0.

Rourke: Magnificent, isn’t it? It’s smaller but much more efficient than the last one. And it also houses a very special power source.

Kaitlyn steps up.

Taari: The only thing that’s smaller and more efficient is the jail cell that the Catalysts are going to put you in!

Kaitlyn: Yeah! And you made your mechanical suit just like Iron Man’s! Papa’s right; you really are “Phony Stark”!

Rourke scoffs and activates something.

Rourke: I think that is enough chitchat...

Recommended Music: Fight or Flight (ILITW)

Suddenly, another set of alarms blast as red lights flood the room. A computer voice can be heard within the room.

Voice: FACILITY SELF-DESTRUCT IN TEN MINUTES.

Mika’s Absol comes out of her pokéball and points at the computer.

Absol: Sol! (Disaster!)

Mika: Yes, we know that, Absol!

Absol proudly smiles at the group. Blight shouts at Rourke.

Blight: Are you crazy?! You’re gonna kill yourself too!

Rourke: That is why I have built a teleportation device on my remote to transport me and my schematics for my Omega Mech 2.0. This one is just a prototype that will keep anyone here from escaping...

Suddenly, the mechanical suit’s face activates showing the face of a Pokémon.

Vishakha: Is that a... Rotom?!

Elena: Rotom is your “special power source”?

Rourke: Yes. Rotom makes a great candidate for the Omega Mech 2.0, much greater than my two children, Aleister and Estela. Once the timer is left with thirty seconds, he will exit the Omega Mech 2.0 and the facility, leaving all of you here...

Everyone tries to rush towards Rourke but the Rotom gets in their way. Rourke activates his teleportation device and starts to fade.

Rourke: I will be seeing you all... or not...

Soon after, Rourke is completely gone, leaving everyone and Rotom trapped in the facility. Blight runs to the door but it’s sealed tight.

Blight: Damn it!

Elena: Can you get it opened?

Blight: Yeah. It’ll take five minutes. But I must not be interrupted.

Blight turns to the kids, trusting them in stalling the Omega Mech 2.0. The kids nod while Vishakha and Elena help Blight get the door open. The kids call out their Pokémon.

Taari: Come out, Grotle!

Reginald: I’m counting on you, Monferno!

Kaitlyn: I choose you, Prinplup!

Mika: Absol, let’s do this!

The kids and their Pokémon prepare to stop Rotom as best as they can.

Recommended Theme: Team Magma/Aqua Boss (Pokémon)

Rotom begins his assault with a Thunder Punch. He charges electricity throughout Omega Mech’s right arm and slams its fist on the ground. Arches of electricity make their way towards the kids and their Pokémon.

Taari: Use Sand Tomb, Grotle!

Grotle slams a foot on the ground and sinks a small portion of it, creating a quicksand. The arches of electricity come across the quicksand and quickly dissipates upon contact.

Reginald: Good thinking, Taari.

Mika: Our turn. Absol, use Megahorn!

Absol’s horn glows lime-green and grows as she charges forward towards Rotom. She then swings her head and the horn slashes the mech suit, leaving a scratch on it. Absol notices Rotom raising an arm and quickly backs away.

Kaitlyn: That plating is tough!

Mika: We barely did anything at all.

Taari: This is gonna be a difficult battle...

Reginald: Not for long. Monferno, use Flame Wheel!

Monferno breathes a stream of flames and starts spinning. He harnesses the flames and turns himself into a wheel of fire as he rolls his way towards Rotom.

Kaitlyn: We’re going too. Prinplup, use Aqua Jet then Ice Beam!

Prinplup surrounds himself with water and rockets himself towards Rotom. He then fires Ice Beam at the water surrounding him, turning Aqua Jet into an icicle. Rotom conjures Shadow Balls with his mechanical hands and fires a barrage of them towards Prinplup and Monferno. But with their light bodies and fast speed, the two Pokémon manage to evade Rotom’s attacks. They eventually hit Rotom with at the same time, making him flinch. Prinplup and Monferno return to their trainers as they celebrate in landing a successful hit.

Kaitlyn: Yeah!

Taari: Take that!

Rotom stands and the eyes in the Omega Mech glow yellow.

Rotom: Stage Two, ACTIVATE!

Reginald: “Stage Two”?

The Omega Mech’s arms, back and legs open up and thrusters start to come out of the openings.

Rotom: Valor Mode engaged. Resetting move set.

Mika: Is he... changing moves...?

Reginald: I think he is! Watch yourselves!

Not a second later, Rotom rockets his way towards Prinplup and clenches the Omega Mech’s fists. Cold air surrounds the fist as Rotom attempts to use Ice Punch. Prinplup tries to dodge but Rotom was too fast. Prinplup is hit by Ice Punch and gets slammed onto the wall as he becomes frozen.

Kaitlyn: Prinplup! NO!!

Before the others could retaliate, the Omega Mech’s head glows blue as Rotom attempts to use Zen Headbutt. He slams the Omega Mech’s head on the ground and a burst of psychic energy blows away Grotle, Monferno and Absol.

Taari: Damn it!

Mika: Absol!

Monferno and Absol lay on the ground in pain, while Grotle struggles to stay up. Rotom holds up one of the Omega Mech’s hand and charges an Aura Sphere attack. 

Reginald: Get up, you guys!!

Rotom quickly fires the Aura Sphere and upon contact, it explodes.

Mika: NO!!!

But as the explosion fades, it is revealed that not one of the Pokémon is injured. The kids stare at disbelief as the see Grotle using Wide Guard to protect his fellow Pokémon.

Taari: Grotle, you did it!

Grotle roars and starts to glow.

Reginald: He’s... evolving...

Meanwhile, the ice trapping Prinplup starts to form cracks as he begins to glow too.

Kaitlyn: Prinplup is evolving too!

Absol and Monferno stand up with the latter shouting and glowing as well.

Mika: Even Monferno?!

The three Starter Pokémon proceed with their evolution. Prinplup breaks from his ice prison and becomes Empoleon. Grotle stomps on the ground as he becomes Torterra. And Monferno’s flames grow more intense as he becomes Infernape.

The kids grin as they perform a countermeasure against Rotom.

Taari: Now it’s our turn. Torterra, use Stone Edge!

Reginald: Infernape, use Close Combat!

Kaitlyn: Use Steel Wing, Empoleon!

Torterra roars and large stone shards rise from the ground. A gigantic one strikes Rotom and sends him upwards. Infernape follows after him and barrages him with quick punches and kicks, launching him downwards. Empoleon stands on Rotom’s landing point as his flipper begins to glow and shape itself into a sword’s blade. He swings his flipper and slashes Rotom, leaving a scar on the Omega Mech. The kids celebrate as they were finally able to do damage towards the Omega Mech.

Mika: We did it!

Reginald: Now we just have to destroy it completely.

The Omega Mech stands up and this time, its eyes glow red.

Rotom: Stage Three, ACTIVATE!!

Taari: There’s another stage?!

Kaitlyn: Damn it. Can’t this thing die already?!

The Omega Mech’s chest splits and unveils a cannon, while repulsors appear from its hands. The glass on its face breaks, revealing Rotom in the form of a plasma coil. The Omega Mech then hovers above the ground.

Rotom: Extreme Mode engaged. Resetting move set.

Kaitlyn: Here it comes!

Rotom holds out one of the Omega Mech’s hands and uses Psychic. He grabs Torterra, Infernape and Empoleon using telekinesis and throws them onto a wall. The three Pokémon wince in pain before fainting.

Taari: Not again!

Kaitlyn: Empoleon!

Reginald: Damn it!

The three kids hurry to their fallen partners and comfort them. However, Rotom targets them and starts to charge Hyper Beam on the Omega Mech’s chest cannon. The kids notices this but Rotom as already fired it. Even though it is impossible, the kids still attempt to get themselves and their Pokémon out of the way. Suddenly, a slash cuts the Hyper Beam in half as it misses the children. In front of them stands Absol, roaring at Rotom and with Mika right behind her.

Mika: It’s bad enough that you hurt our Pokémon... but killing innocent kids? That’s going too far and you’ve pissed me off!

Mika clutches her crescent moon choker and taps her Mega Stone as she chants.

Mika: Spread your wings through the eternal darkness...Absol, MEGA EVOLVE!!

Absol roars again and begins to glow, undergoing Mega Evolution.

After the process, Absol grits her teeth and growls at Rotom.

Rotom: Warning!! Mega Pokémon detected. 

Mika: That’s right! You’re up against me and my Mega Absol!

Rotom: Unleashing Thunderbolt.

The plasma coil on the Omega Mech’s head fires Thunderbolt at Absol.

Mika: Use Psycho Cut, Absol!

Absol’s two horns glow pink and swings her head, sending two blades of psychic energy. The blades slice through the Thunderbolt and slices off the Omega Mech’s arms.

Rotom: Warning!! Taking multiple dismemberment! Retaliation commence; unleashing Hyper Beam.

Rotom charges another Hyper Beam and fires it towards Absol, who easily evades it.

Mika: Nice try. Our turn. Absol, use Shadow Ball!

Absol conjures a spectral sphere from her mouth and fires it at the Omega Mech’s chest cannon. The cannon blows up and breaks apart.

Rotom: Warning!! Multiple damage reports received... 

Mika: How about adding one more?! Use Night Slash!

Absol leaps off the ground while her horns glow purple. She then swings her head downwards and slices the Omega Mech in half.

Rotom: Abort! Abort! Abo--

Recommended Theme: Adventure (ES)

The Omega Mech explodes as Rotom gets out of it in time. He then retreats to a live wire and escapes above ground. The kids rush to Mika and cheer.

Taari: WOOHOO!!

Reginald: That was amazing!

Kaitlyn: You did it, Mika!

Mika: Thanks, guys.

Mika and Absol smile while her friends thank her.

Blight: Great work! Now, come on! We’ll celebrate later.

The kids turn to Blight who has finally unlocked and opened the door, thanks to Vishakha and Elena’s help. The group quickly escapes the facility and gets to a safe distance before it could self-destruct. After the explosion, the group takes a breather.

Vishakha: That was... stressful...

Elena: Can we NOT do that again...?!

Blight: I don’t think we can since that madman’s still out there...

Reginald: What matters right now is that we’re all safe. Let’s take a break for now and head for Ursidae Town later...

Everyone nods and rests. A few minutes later, the group gets up and continues their way to Ursidae Town. Once they reach the gates, they are greeted by an excited and familiar person.

Voice: CHYEEEAAAH!! You’re all here!

The group smile as they see Craig Hsiao jogging past them.

Taari: Mister Craig!

Taari runs up to Craig and hugs him tightly. The man chuckles as he ruffles the Vaanti boy’s hair.

Craig: Awesome to see you too, Taari.

Reginald and Kaitlyn join the hug. After pulling away, Craig walks ahead and waves at the group.

Craig: I’m off to the Gym. Meet ya guys there soon!

The kids nods as Craig walks away. 

Recommended Music: Kickback (ES)

A few minutes later, the group settles down in a hotel and are seated at the lobby. They discuss their plans.

Kaitlyn: So we’ll be on our way to the Contest Hall?

Mika: Yep. The contest is tonight and we need to get signed up.

Blight: Agreed.

Vishakha: I can’t wait to see what you guys thought up this time.

While the group discusses, Taari gets up to grab a drink and bumps onto someone.

Taari: Oh, I’m so--

Taari is surprised to see that it’s Zh’en.

Taari: Hey, Zh’en!

Zh’en: Taari? What are you doing here?

Taari: I’m gonna challenge the Ursidae Gym. What about you?

Zh’en: Well...

Zh’en looks away shyly and scratches the back of her head.

Zh’en: I was planning on joining the contest.

Taari: Oh, you are? That’s great! I’m rooting for you!

Zh’en looks at Taari and smiles.

Zh’en: Thank you, Taari...

Few more minutes have passed and the group makes their way to the Contest Hall. They are greeted by Katherine and a person that the kids don’t know.

Reginald: Who is that person beside Katherine?

Vishakha: It’s my sister, Samantha! (@jakemckenzietrash​)

Samantha and Katherine waves happily towards the group.

Samantha: Sista!!

Vishakha: Sista!!

The two Chu sisters rush towards each other and share a tight embrace. Meanwhile, Blight and Kath kiss each other hello.

Katherine: I’m glad that you’re finally here.

Blight: Well, I’m glad to see you.

Katherine turns to Vishakha.

Katherine: Oh yeah, V? Remember that deal we talked about?

Vishakha: Of course. But first... Uncle Blight’s gonna treat us pizza before tonight’s contest...

Blight startles, suddenly remembering the bet he lost. He thinks to himself.

Blight’s Thoughts: Shit... I forgot about that! Okay, calm down. If I run now, I can still--

Blight turns to Vishakha with a Pizza Delivery Boy. She is paying for the pizza she ordered while tossing his wallet around.

Vishakha: And look! The pizza’s here!

Blight: WHEN DID YOU STEAL MY WALLET?!?!

The group laughs while they enjoy the pizza. After a while, everyone enters the contest hall and the contestants begin to sign up.

Rourke is still out there somewhere, but with the Ursidae Contest starting in a few hours, the group try to get their minds off by enjoying themselves. Who will win this time? FIND OUT IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF POKÉMON AUTUMN VERSION!!

[harlow-cas]

Spoilers for ES ahead

After a long long long time I finally decided to read the Endless Summer finale ..... I just have to say I WAS NOT READY FOR THAT !?? I was very skeptical about the endings, neither felt right for me and so I didn’t want to play, but now ?? I first chose the Vaanu ending ( bad idea) I teared up with the message that MC leaves for the gang 😭 And I wasn’t happy so I was like SCREW IT !!STAY. IN. LA. HUERTA. (Bad idea too ) when everyone is saying their goodbyes to their families?? *cries again* way to make me feel guilty 😩 so.... at this point ? I might choose Rourke’s ?? EVERYONE WOULD BE ALIVE !!! 😭😭😭 I’ll never be satisfied 🎶

[pixelbaby]

The Endless’ Alternate Memories: Part 24

[hufflepuff-morganne]

some quick doodles of my fierce warrior and her goofball 💕 @playchoices