Chapter 1: New Apartment
Summary:
Jon, Martin, Gerry, and Katrina have a nice new apartment complete with a cat. Rachel has a good work study program.
Everything is going well until Katrina has a tantrum in the grocery store and draws unwanted military attention to herself.
Notes:
Trigger Warnings
US Military, being rough with someone, about to be kidnapping
Chapter Text
[Apartment, VA, USA]
Gerry
Nice apartment
Jon
(somewhat amused) Thank you. I might have compelled the landlord to give us a better rate than usual for so close to the capital.
Martin
(incredulous chuckle) You don’t say!
Jon
(audible smirk) I thought it was only fair. After all, landlords are garbage and I feel no guilt in compelling them.
Katrina
(questioning) So we can compel landlords?
Jon
(gently) Yes, little Eyeball. We can compel landlords. Or rather ‘land leeches.’
Katrina
Land… leeches.
Martin
(pleased) Yep! That they are
Gerry
(snort of laughter) I love the values you’re teaching this kid
Jon
(innocently) Just making sure she’s raised right, you know?
Gerry
So, which room is mine?
Jon
Um, I was thinking Katrina’s room would likely be the smallest and would be next to Martin and mine but that -
Gerry
(cutting him off) Sure, that works for me. I’ll take the one on the opposite side of the apartment.
(soft chuckle) I note with its own private patio.
Jon
(audible smirk) I thought you’d appreciate that.
Gerry
I do, thank you.
Martin
(somewhat concerned) And don’t forget -
Gerry
(he’s repeated this so many times) I know, I know. No smoking in the house.
I wouldn’t do that to you three, don’t worry.
Martin
(relieved) Thank you
Jon
(decisive) So, we should probably think about getting some furniture.
Martin, Gerry
(snorts of laughter) Oh, yah. That would probably be useful.
Katrina
(hopeful) Can we get a kitty?
…
Jon
(peaceful) Not too bad for something quickly stocked from local thrift stores and craigslist.
Martin
(pleased) No, it’s really not.
(meowing sound)
Katrina
(thrilled) It has everything we could ever want!
(to cat) Come here kitty!
Cat
(meows)
Jon
(fond chuckle) Yes, yes it does.
(snuggling sounds of leaning against Martin)
Martin
So, how is Rachel?
Jon
Ah, she texted earlier today. She's doing just fine.
(amused) Apparently having an Avatar of the Beholding on your side is very helpful in terms of securing a work study position. And they tend to pay twice as much per hour too, who would have thought?
Martin
(soft chuckle) Nice
(alarm going off)
Jon
Ah, Martin. I think it’s time to do those obnoxious daily stretches.
Martin
(slight chuckle) It really did set you back when you decided to go after that statement giver
Jon
(somewhat embarrassed) It wasn’t exactly much of a choice… not at that point. It didn’t even feel like a conscious decision. Which is concerning. Like I’m sure it was on some level but -
Martin
(cutting him off) Jon, I’m glad you took the statement. You needed it. But next time it would be better if you didn’t hurt yourself to do so.
Jon
(rueful) I didn’t even mind the pain, all I cared about was the statement… and now I’m paying for it.
Martin
(soothingly) It’ll be okay, we’ll get through this.
…
[Grocery store]
Katrina
(cranky) I am so BORED!
Jon
(gently) Little Eyeball, I know. We’ll be going home soon.
Katrina
(cranky) I want to go home NOW!
Martin
(exhausted) Katrina, can you please just stop? It’s been a really long day
Katrina
(angry small child temper tantrum) I want to go home NOW!
Jon
(exhausted sigh)
Random customer
Hey, you two, keep your kid under control.
Katrina
(at customer) Hey! Leave my dads alone!
Random customer
(affronted) Um, excuse me?
(to Jon and Martin) Wow, you are really not raising this one right.
Katrina
(static) I said to leave them alone!
Other Random Customer
(talking quietly into walkie-talkie)
Jon
(quietly to Martin) Um… Martin, I have a bad feeling about this.
(approaching footsteps)
Jon
(concerned) Martin, come on!
(to Katrina) Little Eyeball, get up here right now. We have to lea-
(wrenching sound)
Katrina
(shrieks)
Jon
KATRINA!
Military Person
You are coming with us, little girl.
Jon
(panicked, somewhat staticy) Why are you taking her?
Military Person
Your child has powers
Jon
(static) No, she doesn’t. But I do.
Let. Her. Go.
Military Person
(somewhat confused) Wait, what?
Jon
(firmly, static) It was me. I was just hoping to mask it behind her talking. Alas.
Though had I known your lot were here I wouldn’t have done anything.
Military person
(footsteps advancing on Jon)
Jon
(audible wince) Ow, you don’t have to be so rough
Katrina
(scared) Jon -
Jon
(static) Katrina, it’s okay. Go with Martin.
Martin
(concerned) Jon -
Jon
(gently but firmly) Martin. Just go.
(soft sigh) We should have known this would happen at some point. After all, how could our little family hide my… eccentricities?
Martin
(sighs) It was nice while it lasted, huh?
Jon
(bitter chuckle) Yah
Chapter 2: Captured Again
Summary:
Jon is captured again. Because that's his number one skill.
Notes:
Trigger Warnings
US Military, imprisonment, gun violence, blood and injury, major character suffering
Chapter Text
[Back of military van]
(sounds of helping Jon to floor, securing wheelchair)
Military member
(banging on back wall) Okay, we’re good.
(sounds of van starting up and starting to move)
Jon
(general grumbling)
Military member
So. How do you want to do this? The easy or the hard way?
Jon
(scoffs, audible eye-roll) I’d rather just go home but I’m going to hazard a guess that’s not an option here, is it?
Military member
No, it is not.
Jon
(static) Let me go
Military member
Um….
(sounds of getting up)
Military member 2
(points gun at Jon’s head and presses it to his temple)
Let him go or I will shoot you.
Jon
(sigh) It was worth a try anyway
(drops static)
(muttered) You’re annoying
Military member
(somewhat affronted) Excuse me?
Jon
(somewhat snarky) I said you’re annoying.
Military member
(threatening) You really should watch your tongue. You’re currently being held by the US military.
Jon
(audible eye-roll) Blah blah blah. Been there, done that, I’m honestly just quite fed up by this point
Military member 2
Should we teach him a lesson?
Military member
(angry) Yes
(punching sound)
Jon
(muffled groan)
Military members
(cruel chuckles)
(shocked, horrified) Wait… he’s… he’s instantly healed
Jon
(wicked cackle)
(spooky, ominous, threatening) Yes, you should fear me!
Military member 2
(dubious) But… you were scared of a gun earlier?
Jon
(somewhat annoyed) Well it certainly wouldn’t feel Good. I can still Feel Pain even if I heal instantly.
(no need to inform them that he could also, of course, still be killed)
(threatening) But it would really be in your best interest not to bring me back. You’d be safer if you just let me go.
Military member 1
Oh just shut up. You aren’t going anywhere and I think you know that as well. You’re just bluffing.
Jon
(bares fangs, snarls) Are you so sure?
Military people
(shocked panic) AHHHH, WHAT THE-?!?!
Jon
(snarls, static) Let. Me. Go.
(opening back door)
Military person 3
You were warned.
(gunshot)
…
(sound of rolling gurney in)
Jon
(groaning softly, whimpering)
Military doctor
(incredulous) Did you seriously have to shoot the man? He doesn’t exactly look dangerous.
Jon
(coughs pitifully, audible wince)
Military person 3
(trying to appear confident but feeling unsure now) Um, yes. He was… he was trying to use his powers on the others.
Jon
(whimpers pitifully)
Military doctor
(fed up) Just leave, okay? I have a new patient to take care of now because of you
(to Jon, more gently) Hey, it’s going to be okay. Just hold on.
(rustling sounds)
Jon
(sudden squeak)
(soft gasping)
Military doctor
(gently) Just give it a minute
(rustling sounds) I’ve got to get that out.
(fabric cutting)
Jon
(soft whimpers)
(scared, groggy) What… what’s going on?
Military doctor
(soothingly) Just try to relax, okay?
(rustling sounds)
Jon
(soft whimper)
Military doctor
(gently) It's out now
(soft metallic clink)
Jon
(breathing becomes more even, stops whimpering)
Military doctor
(surprised) Wow…you healed up already. I heard that you Avatars healed fast but… it's still surprising.
Jon
(weak, desperate) Please, you've got to let me go. I have a family
Military doctor
(sympathetic) I know, I'm so sorry. But I'm not allowed to let people go. And honestly you wouldn't get very far anyway so even if I did just let you leave here you'd be captured right back.
Jon
(despondent sigh)
Military doctor
Okay so…let's get your details down while you're here. I reckon I'm probably less terrifying than the soldiers so how about we get started in here before telling them you're better. Sound like a plan?
Jon
(long sigh) Fine
Military doctor
First question, what's your name?
Jon
Jonathan Blackwood - Sims
Military Doctor
(shocked) Wait what?
Jon
(tired) Yes, why?
Military Doctor
(tapping on pager) Because you're one of the people I'm supposed to alert our boss about should we ever bring you in.
Jon
(dubiously) For what, an execution? Extra torture? (defiant) Because I won't stand for that!
(door opens)
Annabelle
Well hello Jon, long time no see!
(hurried footsteps)
(hugging sounds)
Chapter 3: An Unexpected Old Friend
Summary:
Jon finds Annabelle jumped through the portal after them and has achieved a rather high rank in the US military and is currently manipulating them in an attempt to not let them take power. She's working with Danny and Rachel as well as an as-of-yet unnamed Distortion Avatar who's been captured.
Notes:
Trigger Warnings
US Military, mentions of capture, vague reference to sex
Chapter Text
Jon
So you just…?
Annabelle
Leapt in after the both of you. Reckoned I was next anyway and had the slightest hope that the crack was a portal and not a death sentence. And I was right - ended up in the exact same place at Hilltop but back at the tail end of the apocalypse. Virtually unscathed though some slight bruising from the landing. I made my way back to where I knew you and Martin should have been and by the time I got there you were already gone, presumably in hospital, so I started planning on my own. Eventually I met up with a certain Danny Stoker and warned him about what was going to happen to his family. It still happened but with the forewarning he was able to get everyone out alive and he got me in. With the Web on my side I was able to get a pretty high position rather quickly and, well, now we both basically lead the Avatar section. There's also Natalie but we mostly try to avoid her. I'm above her and Danny who are evenly ranked so I'm able to stop her from being all too evil. Usually.
Jon
… Wow.
Annabelle
I know. Here, let’s go to my office.
Jon
Um…
Annabelle
Ah, yes.
(footsteps, rolling sound)
Here. I’ve been keeping tabs on you
Jon
(somewhat amused, somewhat wry) Thanks
(shifting sounds, getting into chair)
Annabelle
I’m with the Web, what can I say? Though you’ll be happy to know I’m on your side so it only serves to benefit your endeavors.
Jon
(slight straining, pained sound)
Annabelle
(somewhat chiding) You literally just healed from a gunshot wound to the chest. Don’t you tell me you’re going to try moving yourself using those same muscles!
Jon
(indignant) I… I healed
Annabelle
Visually, yes. Enough to not kill you, definitely. But not entirely. And if you try that right now you’ll only make it worse and take longer to heal completely.
I’m an Avatar too, Jon. I know how it works.
Jon
(soft sigh)
Annabelle
Here, let’s go.
(rolling sounds)
(opening and closing door)
Rachel
(fondly, excited) Annabelle!
(racing footsteps)
Jon
Rachel?!?
Annabelle
(fondly) Rachel
Rachel
(kisses Annabelle’s cheek)
Jon
WHAT?!?
Annabelle
(audible smirk) We’re sort of… involved.
…
Rachel
So basically I’ve been feeling pretty useless living my normal life while knowing what the military has been doing with Avatars. I hadn’t been handling it well - I’d been going out to bars to try to forget my life, sometimes succeeding, usually not. Finding other women in the same boat and mutually… trying to help each other forget our miserable lives. Then one night…
Annabelle
One night she saw me. And I saw her. I had been going there just to get a drink with Danny to discuss business not in the actual building and of course I had to say hello. And she recognized me. We got to talking, and drinking, and eventually…
Rachel
(soft chuckle) We went back to my hotel room.
Annabelle
(fondly) And we’ve been inseparable ever since. She works alongside Danny and Natalie.
I would have said something earlier but I wanted to surprise you.
Rachel
Specifically, I’m in charge of Avatar research and handling our more anxious prisoners.
(snort of laughter) So of course you’ll be assigned to me, Jon.
Danny handles the general prisoners and Natalie works on paperwork. She really loves filing and bureaucracy. It’s honestly kind of weird but it keeps her out of our hair mostly.
Annabelle
(wicked cackle) And it’s quite lovely, really. Did you notice how they know basically nothing about Avatars this time around? Rachel and I have been hard at work making sure things stay that way.
Jon
(soft chuckle) Nice
(sudden thought) … Wait. Did you say Natalie loves filing and bureaucracy?
Rachel
Yep
Jon
Um… hmm.
Annabelle
(curious) What is it?
Jon
Possibly nothing, just… I have a possible suspicion. And I can’t exactly say it out loud in case it’s true.
Annabelle
Fair enough.
Oh, you haven’t seen the best part.
Jon
Hmm?
Annabelle
Look.
(footsteps)
Jon
… Is that….?
Annabelle
Yep. A Distortion door.
Jon
… How?
Annabelle
Let’s just say we have comrades in the group. And one of them keeps a door here for us permanently. It opens out where you want it to but don’t worry - it only opens for us Avatars. So as long as you keep anyone from following you you’ll be good.
Rachel
Unfortunately I need people to let me in of course so if we need to make a break for it… someone needs to make sure I get through before closing the door.
Jon
(stunned) So… I can just…?
Annabelle
Go home, yes.
But I do ask that you return.
Jon
Wait, what?
Annabelle
You and Martin both would be ideal. I need help planning this and we made a pretty good team. Mostly Martin, honestly.
(soft chuckle) You were pretty terrible
But you’ve got another role here - you’re their current prisoner. Your job is to keep an eye on them from the inside. Find out what they know, what they’re learning, talk to the other prisoners from inside. It’s suspicious if Rachel, Danny, or I talk to them much with our positions.
So basically you are undercover here by day and return to your family by night.
Jon
… What about Katrina? She can’t exactly be left unattended
Rachel
Ah, she can just stay in Annabelle’s office with Martin. Or in the Distortion tunnel if you both feel safer that way.
Jon
Okay then. I guess… let’s do this.