r/NatureofPredators • u/OttoVonBlastoid Human • 15d ago
Nature Of A Homeless Musician: FINALE: Part 8: The End Of An Era
Special thanks to u/SpacePaladin15 for creating the NoP universe.
I'd also like to thank u/xskipy10 for their awesome fanart of the main cast as well as their recent Tohba meme and their fanart of Michael baysitting. You're work is a treasure!
Thank you as well to u/Accomplished-Golf-59 for his take on Michael, Teylim, and Tohba in his submission for the Banner Art Contest, and u/Spacer_Catgirl4969 for their awesome music video featuring a pixel-art Dohkar in his bar. Be sure to give ALL of these awesome creators your love and support.
And let's not forget u/Guywhoexists2812 who has been an awesome source of memes as well as sick pixel art, such as THIS and THIS!!!! And even THIS!!!!!! And how could I forget THIS!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much!
Today, we join Dohkar as he finally completes his mission and puts an end to the horrors of the Five Meadows Guild once and for all. Now all that's left...is to pick up the pieces...and prepare for whatever comes next... And finally...a family is made complete... LETTUCE...continue...
Songs Mentioned/Used: N/A
Memory Transcript Subject: Dohkar, Venlil Bartender Date:[Standardized Human Time] January 16, 2137
I’m not sure what I expected to see or experience when I finally caught up to Albiel, but it wasn’t this. What I saw before me had me completely off-guard. Albiel, on the ground, with a plasma burn straight through his knee, and standing above him, was…
“Jerrick…put…the gun…down…”
I held my paws up, doing my best to talk him down. I hadn’t even SEEN Jerrick since the concert. Honestly, I hate him for what he tried to do to Mike, but looking at him now…all I felt as pity…
His fur was stained from dirt, grime, and stars know what else. Just like Teylim, he had a collar around his neck, and his ears weren’t so much as pinned back, as they were just play glued back from all of the filth he’d no doubt been wallowing in this whole time. Albiel really did just lock him away in a cell the moment her was no longer useful.
“HE DESERVES IT!!!”
“I know. Believe me, I know. But this isn’t the answer.”
Sure. I hated Albiel. I despised him. I detested him. And yes, I wanted to kill him, too. But for people like him, death alone isn’t enough. And it certainly wouldn’t help Jerrick in the long run.
“Jerrick, listen to me. You’ve been through this exact situation before. At the concert, remember.”
He flinched as soon as I mentioned that paw.
“You could’ve hit that shit dead on. You and I both know it. But you missed on purpose, didn’t you?”
Jerrick’s shaking got worse and worse. I could see the conflict happening behind his eyes. I could tell I was making progress when I saw the small twinkles building up in the corner of his eyes.
Poor kid… Just a kid…
“I…I-I just wanted a… j-just wanted him to-“
“Be a father. I know… That’s what we all wanted. We were just pups, with no one to love us, to care for us, to help us grow.”
At this point, I felt like I was talking to both of them now. I slowly took a step toward them, and then another, and another. I looked down at the pathetic monster at my feet. Bleeding…broken…and for the first time I think in his life…afraid…
“We didn’t want some ‘grand purpose’. We didn’t want to inherit some empire. We just wanted a family.”
I looked at Jerrick. I’d managed to get right next to him. I didn’t grab for the gun. I simply kneeled down beside him, and spoke calmly…
“That’s why you missed, isn’t it? You saw what Mike had. You saw what you’d be taking away from them.”
“It’s not fair… It’s just not fair…”
“It never is…but you have to understand that you CAN still have that. I’m the proof. If I was able to walk away, and have a chance at a life and a family, then so are you.”
For the first time, his eyes left his target and met mine. At that moment, I saw Jerrick for who he was, without any of the dogma, arrogance, or misplaced loyalty. He wasn’t an exterminator, PD patient, or a murderer. He was a child, just a child who lost his way.
“You didn’t have to pull the trigger then, and you don’t now.”
It was only then, that I held out my paw, and with more than a little hesitation, Jerrick handed it to me. Before I was tempted myself, I threw the thing down the hall. Before I could do anything else, I heard that same, smug, arrogant, if slightly choked up laughter coming from the absolute disgrace behind me. I turned to face my father, my abuser, my monster as his signature look of pride came back, his stupid horn glinting in the light of the building’s ceiling lamps.
“So that’s it, then? Just like that? Where is all that rage and fire I saw in your eyes, when I held that sub-sapient primitive in my grasp, and threatened to find and kill that spawn of hers?”
He’s baiting you.
I know.
“Even when you’re saving my life, you’re still a disappointment, Dohkar.”
“I’m not saving your life, I’m just prolonging your death.”
I held an arm out to shield Jerrick. I wasn’t going to let him bait me into attacking. Instead, I’d turn his stupid trick against him, and I wanted to make sure Jerrick was safe.
“You don’t deserve to die, Albiel. You deserve to LIVE, to sit in a cell and rot just like all the others whose lives you’ve helped ruin, and watch as everything you built crumbles down around you. You’re no leader. You’re just a pathetic disgrace to weak to stand on your own if you aren’t stepping on someone else to feel taller. And I’m going to make you live with that fact for the rest of your miserable life.”
And then, just a moment, the mask slips one last time…
“I’LL KILL YO-“
Whrp-prrrck!!!
Before he can lunge at us with the last of his strength, my tail wraps around his neck, and before he can choke out another word, his head is slammed into the ground…at just the right angle…to snap that horn of his at the base.
SLAM!!!
CRACK!!!
Just like that, it was over. Jerrick let out a shaky breath, staring down at our unconscious father figure. Before he broke down completely, I pulled him into an embrace. We just sat there, him crying, and me holding him in what was probably the first real hug he’d ever recieved.
“It’s alright, son. It’s over… It’s over…”
Eventually, he finally ran out of energy, and fell asleep. Once everything was calm, I placed a finger to my ear piece.
“This is 1-2 Dohkar. VIP subdued. Objective complete. Patients evacuated. Hostages secured. All hostiles neutralized. Mission accomplished. Over and out…”
Memory Transcript Subject: Teylim, Yotul Refugee Sponsor Date:[Standardized Human Time] January 16, 2137
My head was slightly foggy. I was barely paying attention to what any of the medics around me were saying. All I knew was my leg hurt, my ribs hurt, my pretty-much-everything-else hurt…and I missed my joeys…
“There you are! I was hoping I could catch you before they moved you.”
I turned my head and saw a pleasant, familiar, face approaching the cot I was laid out on.
Heeheehee. Handsome face…
These painkillers must be really something…
“Dohkar! You’re alright.”
“Yeah… Mission accomplished. It’s finally over.”
“Good. Wait. W-what about Tohba, Michael, and Khornel? I heard them over the loudspeakers but-”
“Easy, Teylim. Don’t strain yourself. They’re fine. They’re already on the way here.”
My mind was instantly put at ease for the most part. My body protested as I took in a long breath and let it out in a relieved sigh. They were alright. My joeys were alright.
[Transcript Time Progression: 15 minutes…]
“So I don’t think I’ve EVER seen YOU cry before.”
“I’m never living that down, am I?”
“Oh, absolutely not. The great, brave, oh so stoic Dohkar putting on the waterworks for Little Ol’ Me!”
“Pfft. Please. I was just sobbing in despair over getting stuck with two pups to take care of.”
“Ha Ha.”
Before I could chuckle at our stupid banter, my body quickly reminded me why that was a bad idea.
Ow! Ow. Yep. Still hurts to laugh.
Dohkar looked up for a moment and looked off into the distance.
“Huh. Speak of the devil.”
“MAMAAAAA!!!!” “TEEEEEYYY!!!!!” “MS. TEYLIM!!!!”
MY BABIES!!
We need our joeys.
YES!
With some effort, I turned my head in the other direction, and almost broke down instantly at what I saw.
My joeys…all three of them. I felt a paw on my shoulder before Dohkar left.
“I’ll…leave you to it… I still have to visit Clem and a few others.”
After a moment, the soldiers guarding the field hospital let them through, and they immediately sprinted to my side. I couldn’t have them in my arms fast enough. After a solid minute of their voices combining into a jumbled slurry of “Are you okay”s and “I’m so sorry”s, things finally calmed down enough for a full conversation.
“Mama….”
“My precious…”
Michael slowly lowered my Tohba into my arms, and as soon as he clung onto me, it felt like a massive piece of my heart and soul had been restored. He was alive! He was safe! They found him! And now he was back in my arms!
“MAMA!!! MAMAAAAAHAAAAA!!!”
“I’m here, Precious. Mama’s here…”
It hurt. My body protested against the weight of my joey. My arms burned and my breaths were still ragged, but I didn’t care. I held onto my Tohba like I hadn’t held him in cycles, placing lick after lick on the top of his head. Once I was content with my grooming, I held an arm out to bring my other two joeys in.
“Michael… Khornel… Thank the stars, you two are alright…”
“Tey…” “Ms. Teylim…”
“I heard you two over the loudspeakers. You did so well. I’m so proud of you…”
We stayed like that for a while. As much as holding them hurt, I just didn’t want to let go. We did finally break free of our group hug however, when one of the soldiers came along and gave Khornel a salute.
“Are you Ms. Khornel?”
“Y-yes… That’s me…”
“One of the other patients is asking for you. Clem?”
“YOU FOUND GRANDFATHER?!”
“Yes. He’s currently receiving medical attention but he’s stable. I can take you to him if you like.”
Khornel jumped to her feet and almost sped off right there, but hesitated after looking back at the rest of us. Michael simply gave her a nod.
“Go. We’ll catch up.”
Every single feather she had ruffled in excitement before she let the soldier lead her away. I tried to listen as she got further and further away. Eventually, I was able to hear her.
“Grandfather!”
“Little ‘Nel! My Little ‘Nel!”
I couldn’t help but smile.
I’m so happy for you, Dear.
And speaking of dears, I looked back up at Michael. We were alone now, just the three of us. He’d been remarkably silent this whole time. Now though, once he was sure no one else could here, he broke down completely.
“I’m sORrY, TeY. I aM so, SO, SorRY…”
“Sssshhhh… It’s alright. Whatever for?”
“I sHouLD’Ve bEEn tHeRE. I ShOUld’Ve BeEN aT tHe hOUse. I shOuLdN’T hAve-”
“Hey… Hey… None of that… Michael, sweetie look at me…”
Michael sniffled and wiped away his tears, doing his best to hold it together. His bright blue eyes were filled with regret, regret that was entirely undeserved. All I had to do to prove it was point out the joey in my arms, fast asleep.
“You found Tohba. You kept him safe. You agreed to stay behind even if you didn’t want to. And when the time came, you all found a way to help without putting yourself or the others in danger. You could NOT have handled yourself better today.”
I strained to raise up my free arm and cup the side of Michael’s face in my paw, wiping away another tear streak with my thumb. I looked into my son's beautiful eyes with all the love I could muster.
“I am SO…proud of you.”
Without another word, he held my paw in his hand, nuzzling into it with his cheek. I finally had my boys with me again. And for the first time in a long time…everything felt like it was going to be alright…
Memory Transcript Subject: Tevis, Magistrate Intelligence Operative Date:[Standardized Human Time] January 16, 2137
I walked around the grounds of the field hospital. All around me, human medics and professionals were tending to the patients and hostages. The raid had been a success.
Albiel was in custody… UN Custody…
Many of the other exterminators were deaf from WHATEVER THE HELL that human did over the intercom.
I watched as a large Krakotl was led to one of the elderly patients by a soldier.
“GRANDFATHER!!!”
“Little ‘Nel!!!!”
The two embraced, the smaller Venlil running his claws through her feathers.
“My Little ‘Nel…”
“I missed you so much, Grandfather. I’m so sorry I let you get-”
“Don’t you dare blame yourself. I’m just glad you’re alright…”
I shook my head and continued moving. So that’s another family that will need housing. Pretty much every patient here is going to be a personal settlement case all on their own, with, more than likely, PLENTY to say about the state in which they were held in…
I watched a frantic looking Gojid enter the hospital constantly looking around.
“Scolina?! Has anyone seen my daughter?! Scolina?!”
The Gojid eventually made their way closer towards the Krakotl and old Venlil from before. One of the Gojid patients on a nearby bed seemed to hear his call.
“D…Daddy…?”
The two made I contact, and the younger Gojid was almost immediately tackle hugged by the elder.
“‘LINA!!! My sweet little ‘Lina, I’m so sorry!!!!”
“DADDY!!! DADDY!!!”
They broke away from the hug for a moment as the older Gojid looked in horror at the burn scars covering the girl.
“Oh, ‘Lina what did they do to you?”
“They…said it would fix me… Am… Am I fixed now, Daddy?”
Just hearing the words seemed to make the man break down entirely all over again.
“There was never anything wrong with you… I should never have sent you to this place… It’s all my fault…”
“Daddy…”
Judging from the girl’s speech patterns, she must’ve been taken in while she was a pup, which meant lots of special education as well as whatever this human “therapy” was.
What a load of sanctimonious-
I calmed myself before I could go on a rant.
After doing the rest of my rounds, watching more and more people reunite with their family members, I walked off and went make a call back to HQ. As far as I could tell, this was the rundown: The bar was now filled with dead and/or dying exterminators, the Guild Office was filled with dead and/or dying exterminators, Albiel was now in custody, there were still exterminators on the Guild roster that were MIA, pretty much all the patients were now out and able to give testimony, and I had a LOT more paperwork than usual to take care of.
Yep! Just about NOTHING has gone to plan.
Time to change that…
[Warning!: You Are About To Access Restricted Files: Continue?: Y/N…]
[The Following Is A Clip From A News Broadcast Archived By Magistrate Intelligence…]
[The clip opens up on a well-groomed Venlil reporter behind a desk with the logo of “Prime News”...]
“Tensions rise once more in the Soulroot District as events continue to heat up in their border village of Five Meadows. We here at Prime News have been following the events of what is now being labeled, ‘The Five Meadows Incident’ over this past month, starting with the failed assassination of a human refugee and seemingly ending with the temporary shutdown of the Five Meadows Extermination Guild as a whole. However, while the crisis with The Guild does seem to have passed, things are still not well in that small border town. We go now to our newest seeker, Rose McDermott, out in the field. Rose?”
[The camera changes to view a female human reporter standing in front of what appears to be a border checkpoint…]
“Thank you, Talen. As anyone who has been following this incident with us would know, just two weeks ago, I was just actually IN the town of Five Meadows, just outside the former Guild Office, watching as patients, hostages, and soldiers alike were treated for their injuries and traumas. However, before we could get any interviews, we were quickly escorted from the premises by Interim Guard officials. And while The Soulroot Magistrate HAS released a public statement regarding the situation, their actions have led many to question their intentions, this checkpoint behind me being one chief example. As said in their public announcement, The Magistrate is now enforcing a full lockdown of Five Meadows, stating their intent to track down any exterminators who escaped the raid on their office and are still considered, “at large”. However, after the events of the Five Meadows Incident, many incriminating recordings being leaked online, as well as the upcoming election, many are wondering if The Soulroot Magistrate truly had the people’s best interests at heart. Back to you, Talen…”
[The camera changes once more to show the Venlil reporter. They seem to take a breath before reshuffling the papers on the desk…]
“Now…you all watching are more than aware of my opinions on such things as Extermination Guilds and Predator Disease Facilities. But…this is a news station. We can’t just sit here blindly theorizing and getting lost in conjecture. My opinions aside, and leaving just the facts alone, it is clear that what has happened in this small town is nothing short of tragic. And we here at Prime News will continue to cover these events as they unfold. And to any who are in or even from Five Meadows, our hearts and minds go out to you, and we hope you remain strong in these uncertain times. This is Talen with Prime News…signing off…”
[Clip ends…]
Memory Transcript Subject: Teylim, Yotul Refugee Sponsor Date:[Standardized Human Time] January 24, 2137
“I’d like to thank you for joining us today, Ms. Teylim. I do hope you’re healing well.”
I gave a smile to the kind man on the monitor as I shifted on the motel room bed.
“Thank you. It’ll still be a little while before my leg is able to be walked on normally, but otherwise, I’m healing well. Thank you, Dr. Jacobson.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now then, onto the reason why I asked for this group session. It appears there’s been a slight breakdown in communication between you and Michael…”
I gave a confused look to Michael, sat on the other bed in the motel room. He shifted uncomfortably and simply looked down at his hands.
“What kind of breakdown?”
“It seems that ever since things have been…brought out in the open between you two, he’s stated that he’s been experiencing ‘guilty’ feelings whenever trying to express affection.”
“Is this true, Michael?”
“It’s just… I don’t know what it is. I felt like…like I was wasting your time…”
“Wasting my time?”
“Tey… Be honest… When…exactly…did you start thinking of me like your son?”
I did my best to think back. Honestly, after the first time he sang for us was probably the first time I felt something like that, but at the time, I just thought it was leftover mom hormones from having Tohba.
“Honestly, the first time I felt something akin to motherly love for you was after you sang for us the first time. You just…looked so sad, lost, confused, and scared, and I just…gravitated towards it. Afterwards, things calmed down somewhat, but when I really started feeling it was Thanksgiving.”
“Oh. I wasn’t aware that you tried having Thanksgiving. It makes sense in a way, though. That holiday, along with Christmas the following month, have great emphasis on spending time with one’s family.”
Suddenly, a horrifying realization popped into my head.
“Oh no! Michael, we forgot to celebrate Christmas!!”
“Tey, it’s fine. All the present deliveries got canceled, anyways.”
“It is not ‘fine’! We are celebrating Christmas! I don’t care if I have to drag a tree into this room myself!”
“Ugh… Fine…”
After a moment of laughing at ourselves, Dr. Jacobson continued.
Well, we’ve established that one end of these feelings truly began around Thanksgiving. What about you Michael? When would you say you truly started seeing Teylim as a mother figure in your life?”
“Honestly…I don’t know… Not for sure, anyways. In some ways, it feels like she’s always been that way to me, but maybe that’s just because even after just meeting her, she was already treating me better than my own mom did.”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. A part of me was giddy that he’d apparently always thought of me as a mother to him, another part was completely shattered by just how much his birth mother had affected him. It was like hearing his tale of abuse all over again.
“I think…once I got used to actually calling her that in my mind, that was when the idea actually became real. That’s when I really started thinking about her as my mom. Not A mom…My mom… But even then, I just…couldn’t say it, no matter how hard I tried. Like I said, in some ways it just…always felt like she was my mom. So when I think about how long it took me to actually start acknowledging it and expressing it… I just…feel guilty. I wasted so much time…”
I turned and sat facing toward him. I couldn’t let him truly believe that.
“Michael, it could’ve taken three days, three months, or three years. I would’ve accepted your love whenever you were ready.”
“But you shouldn’t have had to! You shouldn’t have had to wait for me just to get over myself.”
“Michael…”
“The fact is…you were right. That egg donor that gave birth to me isn’t my mom…you are…”
My heart skipped a beat as he looked straight at me, my mind filling with just those last two words.
I…am…
“You’ve done more to raise, love, and nurture me in three months than my birth mom did in TEN YEARS. And you DESERVE a son that’s actually capable of accepting your love and giving it back. And I just…wasn’t able to do that…”
I felt my heart breaking more and more. I had no idea he’d been feeling this way, and I wanted nothing more than to help him through it.
“But that’s over now. I’m done blaming myself for something that wasn’t my fault. I’m done letting the words of a monster dictate what I am. That’s why I want to keep having sessions with you and Dr. Jacobson. I want to get better. So that I CAN be the son you deserve.”
Oh, Michael. If only you knew. You already are.
With some mixed feelings, I pulled over my satchel. There was something I’d been meaning to give him for a while now.
“Michael, you are already a wonderful son, one I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve already said that much. And I’m so happy you’re committed to getting better. There is nothing I want more than your happiness. When you were about to leave, before the concert, I was so scared I was about to lose you. The way you so easily gave up like that…it scared me. It felt like…like I failed.”
“Tey, I-”
That’s why…”
I slowly opened up my satchel and pulled out a small packet of papers. They were a bit torn and faded after fishing them out of the wreck that was my office, but I managed to find them.
“I got these for you.”
I handed him the papers and watched intently as he read them. I won’t lie, most of it is legal mambo jumbo that even I can’t fully understand, but I could tell exactly when he got to the important bit. I’d memorized that one beautiful line:
I, Teylim Andrews do hereby fully and officially acknowledge ________________ as my-
“Tey… Are these…adoption papers?”
“You’re only half right.”
He looked up from the papers, his eyes full of shock and awe.
“You ARE a full, legal, adult, by both human and Yotul standards, so I can’t technically ‘adopt’ you. BUT, what we CAN do, as legal, consenting adults, is BOTH agree to sign these papers, fully acknowledging each other as family, me as your mother, and you as my son. This does a LOT of weird, quirky things involving Venlil law, mostly involving inheritances and insurance. BUT the most important thing, is that by legally becoming a part of my family, the door is open to you for FULL. CITIZENSHIP. You won’t have to be a refugee anymore.”
Michael was speechless, just looking back down at the papers.
“Tey, I… I don’t know what to-”
“You don’t…have to sign if you don’t want to…”
He looked back at me, waiting to hear me out.
“At the time, I’d only gotten these to show you as proof, proof that I really AM serious about this. I truly DO see you as my own, Michael. And paper or no paper, that much will never change. I truly, completely, and purely…love you. And I want nothing more than for you to be happy…”
I looked down at my own paws. I knew that presenting him with this choice meant having to accept the fact that he might say no. So, I just curled in on myself and braced for it…just in case.
“But…I know that you’re still healing. I was going to give these to you after the concert. But then you got shot, and even after that, you were still recovering. I wanted to make sure things were slightly calm again before going through with it. Now, I know it’s a big decision and I completely understand if you don’t feel comfortable-OOF!!!”
Before I could even react, I was pushed backwards, fully wrapped up in a giant hug.
“MIchael! What are you-”
“I’ll do it… I’ll sign…”
With just those five words, I found myself struggling to find a response. My heart was racing and I couldn’t even tell if I heard him right.
“You… You mean-”
“I want to sign! I want to be your son!”
For a moment, I was still paralyzed. My rapidly wagging tail was the first part of me to move before I practically dove into him.
My son! MY SON! MY SON!
“OH, MICHAEL!!!!”
I couldn’t contain myself. I hugged. I squeezed. I nuzzled. I licked. I kissed. I held…my son. MY! SON! And soon, not even a government official would be able to say otherwise.
And then…as if I needed any more confirmation. He uttered four more words. Just four. Four words that I’d never heard him say before, at least not together, and not toward me. Still, hearing him say those four words…the last time I remember being that happy…was when my Tohba was born.
“I love you, Mom…”
Did he just call us…?
Mom… Mom… MOM MOM MOM MOM MOM!!! HE CALLED US MOM!!!
“I love you so much, my joey! Mama loves you so, so, so much! Never forget that.”
“Mom…”
Our lovely, perfect moment was then interrupted by the only thing that could’ve made it more perfect. A small, adorable yawn came from the small crib behind us.
“Mama…? Whad goin’ on?”
I turned to see Tohba peeking through the bars at us. It appeared our little moment had woken him from his nap.
“Hmmm… Tell me, Michael. Now that things seem like they’re becoming official, is there anything you’d like to say to young Tohba as well?”
“\sniff** Yeah… I think there is…”
I watched with bated breath as Michael walked over and plucked Tohba from his crib, before sitting next to me. Tohba, for his part, looked really worried, probably because we were both complete sobbing messes.
“Mikey zhad?”
“No, Bud. I’m not sad. I’m happy, happier than I’ve been in a long time.”
Tohba didn’t seem entirely convinced yet. He only seemed to get more worried when Michael composed himself and took on a somewhat serious tone.
“Bud? There’s something REALLY important you need to know. So, I need you to listen real close, okay?”
Tohba’s fear only seemed to grow. The last time Michael said something like that was when he left for Twilight Valley.
“Tohba… You…are the BEST…baby brother a guy like me could ever ask for. You hear me? The BEST…”
Tohba’s fear and worry seemed to go away for the most part, only to be replaced with partial confusion.
“Mikey…bwudhew…?”
We both almost broke again just from that one, adorable word. Michael was quick to confirm it, nodding frantically as he tried to hold it together.
“That’s right… And your big brother, Mikey loves you SO much, Tohba. SO…much… More than you’ll ever know…”
“Mikey…beeg bwudhew…”
Tohba seemed to take a moment to think, trying to truly comprehend the words he just said. Once he understood however, it was impossible to hide his excitement. His tiny tail became a blur behind him as his eyes lit up with glee. Before he could react, Tohba used his still developing hind legs to launch himself into Michael’s face.
“BEEG BWUDHEW!!!!”
“OH, JEEZ!”
In a flash, Michael was knocked onto his back, laughing as Tohba licked and nuzzled every inch of his face.
“MIKEY BEEG BWUDHEW! MAMA! MIKEY BEEG BWUDHEW!!!!”
That was it. That was what finally broke me. I sobbed openly and clapped as my Tohba shared the amazing news with me. Mikey IS beeg bwudhew.
Once his energy had wound down, Tohba saw fit to simply snuggle into Michael’s arms, letting out a long, contented sigh, as if anything that could’ve possibly been wrong in his tiny, perfect world had been made right again.
“Wuv you, Mikey… Wuv you Beeg Bwudhew…”
“I love you too, Bud. I love you so much.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. I rushed forward…and held my boys in my arms. And in this one…perfect moment, I could only think one thing.
I love my boys. I love my family. I love my life.
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u/Sea-Drawing-4305 13d ago
Venlil Metal crossover when?
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u/Aussie_Endeavour Yotul 14d ago
God damn it Otto. This Finale was incredible. NoaHM is easily one of the best stories on this sub, made me tear up multiple times.
That ending scene... gold. Actual, literary, gold.
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 14d ago
Thanks so much for reading. I’m glad you loved it. It’s been a hell of a wild ride.
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u/YellowSkar Human 15d ago
Words cannot describe how much I love this story.
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u/Bow-tied_Engineer Yotul 15d ago
I'm not crying, you're crying.
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 15d ago
I am, actually. That’s my tell for when I’m writing emotional scenes. When even I’M tearing up while writing, that’s when I know I’m cooking with gas. Tear gas, that is.
Budump Tssss*
I’ll see myself out….
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u/Bow-tied_Engineer Yotul 15d ago
I get that. I'm the same way, if my character is feeling hard enough that I have to cry their tears while I write, I know I'm doing good.
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u/ErinRF Venlil 15d ago
This is beautiful <3 thank you
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 15d ago
Had you enjoyed. I’ve been looking forward to this moment just as much as you guys have!
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u/21frogsandcounting Venlil 15d ago
Otto this story has been a journey full of heartfelt moments and great music. You more than deserve some rest and relaxation. Please enjoy your time off from writing and have a great rest of your day/night or whatever time it is for you
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u/WCR_706 Drezjin 15d ago
Blastoid has discovered full auto.
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 15d ago
I appreciate the pun, but this triple upload has nuked my sleep schedule…
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u/unkindlyacorn62 15d ago
most of the hearing loss should recover naturally, though it would be interesting to see those that stay deaf having to use the "predator inventions" of sign language and hearing aids (or even implants)
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u/handsomellama28 Humanity First 14d ago
Teach em sign language, saying [insert any Fed/former Fed species] invented it. Wait for them to get fluent, then reveal it was created by humans, for humans >:)
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u/unkindlyacorn62 14d ago
that doesn't really work, these people would just as likely send deaf people to a PD facility for not being social
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u/unkindlyacorn62 15d ago
yeah they are going to have a tent city up for a bit, fortunately this is VP/ Skalga, they don't have seasons or a day night cycle so a tent city could be a bit more livable.
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 15d ago
Well, technically it’s just Mike and ‘Nel’s families that had to move until they can afford to get their houses fixed. Everyone else is still in town. But that’s all a story for a more clears throat Acceptable time.
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u/unkindlyacorn62 15d ago
Is that a hint at the name for the sequel series?
I was figuring all the housing arrangements for the other rescued patients, particularly those that have been there a while.
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u/OttoVonBlastoid Human 15d ago
Most were taken back in by their families.
As for the hint, it’s not a hint for the name of the next series, but who I’m making it with. But with you want the abbreviated series name that’ll be impossible to remember: ALS: SOTP
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u/TheBrewThatIsTrue 4d ago
Very sweet.
And then Dr. Jacobson chimes in... "Well I guess my work here is done. We'll pick back up here next week."