bubos-apothecary

[bubos-apothecary]

Changing the blog @ from ask-asa-damon-lotf to bubos-apothecary ✌️

lore rant for those interested.

[bubos-apothecary]

[Asa's eye twitches. The boy sucked his teeth, a short "tsk" of a sound.]

Please, Merridew is more handsome than you are. Don't flatter yourself. Looks like you're the same as ever, dear Ainsworth. I almost missed your hubris.

[He tensed at the mention of the Norman incident. Asa tossed his hair over his shoulder, his voice grew tense.]

Ugh, are you still on that? It was ages ago. Alexander might be delusional but he's physically well. Besides, he's Solanace's patient exclusively, so he's none of my concern.

[Asa's eyes narrow predatorily.]

What do you know about medicine or disease anyhow? In fact, I'd say you're quite biased. You speak of the mental weaknesses of Wyndham and Otto, but you forget the most clear victim of hysteria. That Ripley boy speaks of it like they're family. Your... divorce let's say- really left a mark on the boy. Although a little birdy told me you two are on speaking terms again. Hm, no matter.

And by the way, The delusional don't believe they're crazy. They think their hallucinations are real- that everyone else is in the wrong.

[A strange confidence possesses Asa. He plays with his hair, plucking at split ends.]

I will say though, I have encountered something close to that fly demon in the past. The difference between us though, is that I do not fear it. Evil, you call it? Don't make me laugh. This thing is not new and you're naive to think it so. Its has been living within us since the moment we were born. It is what every person here was born with. Blaming base instinct on a boogy man is childish.

You want to know what I think? I think the reason it distressed you was because it told you things you did not want to hear. That's another difference between us. I am distinctly aware of my nature and you are not.

On a similar note, you're far too arrogant when it comes to your mortality.

[Asa's eyes flicker back to Everette's. The owl-like boy is strangely calm.]

I will not mince my words. Nothing I am about to say is to get pity from you- it is to illustrate my point. My life will be a short one and it will be filled with misery. I have lived a life full of humiliation and hatred from my peers. My body will turn against me soon and I will deteriorate from the inside out. My death will be long and painful- and then I will be no more. I will never grow up. I will never experience romance, I will never have children- in fact I don't even think I'll ever see the outside world again. My funeral will be attended by my family and maybe the choir out of pity.

My point is, death waits for no one, nor does He discriminate. Do not think you're immune because of your age or health or whatever you think. I've seen tens of hundreds of children suffer torturous deaths. I was healthy once- in fact one could say I'm healthy now. Pray to whatever patron you want- death will always reap his harvest. I'm quite fond of St. Jude, saint of hopeless causes, personally. Yes I'm aware of the irony with my current allegiances.

[Asa straightens his back. There was once a time where Ainsworth frightened him. The way his gray eyes glared at him with hatred and his snide snickering with Merridew. How strange those times feel now! Everette was just a boy. A naive, scared little boy. Peace settled over Asa. Ainsworth... was quite beneath him.]

Goodbye, Everette. Do try to think of my fondly when I'm dead. Don't give my parents a hard time at the funeral.

-🦉

Oh? Do my eyes deceive me? Well well well, I thought you went off and died in a cave, Ainsworth. It's funny, the things I thought were pressing issues before the island seem to melt away.

I won't torture myself with talking to you longer than need be. Listen, I don't know if you're up-to-date on the happening of the island after your little siesta, but things are getting weird. Alexander troubled me earlier with the most ridiculous query. He said that there was some "fly devil" on this island. Thing is, I've heard others discuss this. Are you privy to whatever madness is affecting the island?

-🦉(@ask-asa-damon-lotf)

“damon, i haven’t seen you in awhile. no, your eyes do not deceive you. perhaps my pretty face blinded you? or maybe your mind subconsciously knew that you weren't worthy of laying your eyes on me?”

he paused for a moment, his eyes flicking up and down to take in asa’s appearance. it was true after all, that they hadn’t seen each other in a bit after the blonde had so suddenly disappeared from the public eye.

so, everette was naturally curious to see if anything noteworthy had changed about the other, considering he himself did not know how much time had passed. no one did anymore, really

his eyes squinted slightly “though, maybe i should get my own eyes checked. have you gotten uglier? oh, never mind. you’ve always been 'hat way” he clicked his tongue, unimpressed, as always. everette looked off to the side, not even bothering to face asa in full, as if he were some pest rather than a peer

“ah, but nevertheless, the island seems worse for wear i’ve noticed. there are a few new faces, some i have met myself and others i have merely glanced at without a second 'hought. all of them however, more horrible than the last. dying in some cave sounds like bliss compared to dealing with pieces of ket on a daily basis”

“not to say that i plan to, gods no. i very much intend to see it through to the end no matter what. i have to. i do not think god plans on having me meet my demise so early either. such a long life ahead of me, my holy soul is surely to be protected by its patron after all. can’t say the same for you, of course, but i will pray for you, damon— despite how little you really do mean to me”

he raised a brow, eyes glancing at asa for a moment, but nothing longer as he listened in to the owlish boy’s little spiel. he looked away again, but this time it wasn’t because he didn’t care. this time, it was because he cared a bit too much about the topic at hand, and he hated how he did.

his shoulders tensed a little if one were to look closely, but strangely enough, his voice were a bit calmer than usual. less aggressive, but still maintaining that characteristic sharpness of his

“but about your curious inquiry or what not. do not make assumptions, damon. not very fitting for a doctor now, is it? assume that a cold is simply just that by brushing off a sneeze or a cough without looking at it deeper, and then it might as well turn out to be some deadly disease rooted in the intentions of taking us all out”

“i know of what is going on, despite my apparent absence. 'hough, i have to admit i do not know exactly why it is plaguing so many people here on this island— wyndham has always been queer so it could just be a figment of that mind of his”

he took a breath, thinking, or maybe was he stalling? it was unclear, especially with the way his expression left no room to really tell. it just seemed to keep a fixed gaze on the grains of sand, or the distant shore. though, the glint in his eye seemed to suggest different

“otto is a little timid thing, i'm sure he would be afraid of the mere rustling of the brush and mistake it to be 'he whisperings of a monster. then there are more people i can’t be bothered to name that have been discussing this happening, as you claim”

“but this “fly devil” that the snake desperately preaches is on this island? i would not take his word for it, at least not in full. you know how alexander is. wasn't he running a terrible fever the last time you saw him, too? didn’t he go missing just a bit after that as well? can’t believe you lost one of your patients, how unprofessional. how do you expect to ever make it in the medical field like this?”

everette shook his head. he dug his heels into the sand absentmindedly and let out a stale sigh before he continued on “but that is not my point. it's safe to say alexander must be going hysterical. must be seeing a vision of hell and 'rying to drag us all down with him, because that is where he’s going to end up one day if he keeps this up”

“but, you can always trust me, you know. i don’t have a forked tongue, unlike some people. and while i may not like you, im not shallow enough to lie to you either. what reason would i have to lie to you, asa? i can be a bit vain, i can admit, but I am by no means untrustworthy. i’m just one of the voices on god's behalf. my words act as gentle warning, not precarious and cryptic messages"

"so, let me reword my earlier statement. i don’t just know of the lurgy that spreads across and throughout the island, i am unfortunately apart of it. we all are. some more than others, and some more perceptive than others”

“look, damon. before i go on any further, i must ask the self proclaimed medic— do i look any different to you? am i abnormal or out of place? are my eyes spiraling with delusions? i think not. everything checks out as fine, i have decided i don't need a doctor to 'ell me that”

“so, do not lump me in with the rest of them, even if my words are all too similar. if you do, I might as well really start to lose it. it has already thrown me in as a piece in its game with the rest of you, after all” his eyes move only, looking around, as if trying to make out something that isn't there. silence rings out for a minute.

“by describing it as just a fly devil? that is a sorry understatement. it is much more than that— it is evil itself, i’m certain. it’s the immoral that hovers over humanity like a thick fog. it is the worst of us 'hat has manifested into something much more rotten, into something that is very much real. i fear it may be the worst of humanity packed into one being"

“the rumors from the littuns that we once thought were childish, the fear that began to affect the other kids our age that we thought was just imaginative and would pass with time? i don’t know what to make of it anymore”

his tone shifted, to one that was more stern and cut throat, but it faltered a little at the edges. as if he himself did not believe his own words, but he would be damned if his doubt got through to asa “'he others may be going crazy, 'he island may be getting to them or perhaps their paranoia is eating away at their composure, but 'hat is not the case for me”

"this name 'hough, that the others have begun to put to its wretched face that is. richard, if i'm recalling correctly? i will not be referring to it as such, and i never will. may it claim my dead body before I do so. placing humanity like that into the hands of something inhumane will only give it more control— it’ll only lead to a larger calamity”

he hesitated, biting on his tongue for a moment, taking a long and deep breath. he wondered whether or not he should go through with what he was originally going to say, or rather, confess. he had to, he thought. he had said too much, he had gone too far, he had to finish what he started.

his words came out blunt, almost as if he dreaded every syllable “i saw it with my very own two eyes, and i know what i saw that day, so do not put words in my mouth. i assure you, my hearing did not betray me either. it spoke to me, and it taunted me, and i swear it tried to claw at me. if you do not believe me, that is your fault and your loss. things aren’t getting weird, damon. no, things are getting dangerous”

“it does not give rhyme nor reason. it does not give choice, asa. it takes, it rarely gives, and most of all, it waits. for what? i do not know, and quite honestly? i do not think i wish to know anymore. ignorance is bliss, in some cases” he finally turns to fully come face to face with asa, looking down at the shorter boy. he wasn’t even condescending, just dismissive, marking a clear end to this in a wary light

“best go off and tend to your patients, damon. avoid becoming one yourself. im sure the flies would love the carcass of a bird”

— everette ainsworth @ask-asa-damon-lotf 🪽

mention @taylor-wyndham-lotf-asks

mention @the-kitt-records

mention @ask-norman-alexander-lotf

mention @we-are-richard-lotf

[bubos-apothecary]

"Hello, it's been a minute hasn't it? don't worry I haven't wrecked myself yet. But, I got you a fish as a thank you for dealing with my bitch-fit and my elbow."

"If you need any food or some help I'm around the corner."

-Boat 🦦 (@askboat)

Oh, fish? Thank you very much! I much prefer seafood over pork. In fact, I think this is the first time I've eaten pig. My father doesn't eat that because he's jewish, y'know.

I wonder what kind of fish this. My favorite is salmon but I haven't had it in a while. I'm really not picky though. Unless it's cod- I despise cod.

Could you... maybe teach me how to fish? I'd rather not rely on those brutish hunters for food. Anyways, I'd like to spend some time with someone whose Asian as well. This island is so suffocatingly European it's giving me a headache. I mean, there's that Ripley fellow, but he's missing a handful of screws. You're definitely not Japanese though. What are you? Viet? Filipino? Thai? You're southeast, I'm sure.

-🦉

[bubos-apothecary]

“Ah. Asa. I apologize for taking such a break. I… It does not matter where I was. It was a much needed break and I have missed you so, not that you’d need to know that. 

There are things on this island that I have found in my absence. I don’t think that Jack and his hooligan choir have gone very far with their hunting expedition. They haven’t gone up to the top or the mountain, or into the caves in the forests. There’s one in particular, with a mossy bed and a few soft plants that almost feel like pillows. 

How long has it been since you slept with a blanket? Someone like you ought to have a mattress too. I have a few connections with the people on this island… Do you miss a bed? A pillow? Would you like one? 

Nevermind that, we will discuss it later. The boys keep talking in circles about how this island does funny things to people. Maybe it is doing such things to me. We have much to catch up on, Asa. I’ve missed you dearly. A gentle yearning for you. Courtesy of the island."

-Jude 🌾

Jude? Dear Lord, how long was it since we last spoke? It was... Oh dear, it was when we had our spat. I'm glad to know it hasn't been weighing heavily on you. I thought you still hated me, honestly.

I'd like to see this cave you speak of. It'd be nice to be alone with you. Or as alone as you can be on an island. I was worried, y'know. You can't go disappear like that. It's a big island- it's dangerous too. I thought I'd stumble upon your rotten corpse if I looked hard enough.

[Asa let himself be lead to the cave. Jude's hand was in a vice like grip, like he'd run away if Asa didn't hold him.]

I'm curious about something. Why did you return to me? Or rather, why do you like me? And don't say something stupid like, "You're smart" or "You're my friend." I'm not good company, I've been made extremely aware of that. I'm temperamental, I'm overly eager, I'm arrogant- God, this is embarrassing to admit, but I can't stand seeing you with your other friends. My emotions are so bad I have psychosomatic symptoms. I'm just as crazy as everyone thinks I am!

Y'know, I don't care if you only stick around because I'm the medic! Honestly, that's been my play since the beginning. If I can get others to rely on me, maybe I'll be respected. It's disgusting and selfish of me, I know, but it's worked so far. Except that filthy parasite of a boy, Solanace. He just had to ruin everything for me. I'm not really a medic, y'know. I don't know a single thing about practical medicine, I just repeat what I know in books. Even at the one thing I know, I'm pathetically useless at it. I'm sure you can find more useful company.

I don't know why I'm even admitting this to you. You just- you make me feel things I haven't felt before. I feel a sort of kindred spirit in you, y'know? Do you feel the same?

-🦉

Jude: @white-wysteria

[bubos-apothecary]

Oh, its was a joke? You need to be more obvious next time. I- some people have trouble detecting tone.

...Friends? [Asa grows pink in the cheeks. He's not used to people considering him their friend.] Well, you're not... all bad. You're kinder to me than some of the others, I'll give you that.

By the way, melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Do make sure to keep an eye on any new moles. Unusually large or just generally unusual moles are a sign of cancer.

"How do I give someone skin cancer."

- 🔪

Who are you trying to give skin cancer?? And by the way, you can't give someone skin cancer. The island is horrible place to be if you're worried about skin cancer, by the way. Everyone is practically stripped down to their knickers with absolutely no sunscreen. Have you seen Merridew? Boy, I wouldn't be shocked if he developed melanoma.

-🦉

Johnny: @finscadetkids

[bubos-apothecary]

I forgot that existed for a while until I dug further. Wow. Alexander was really clocking you like that, so sorry about that. Maybe you should plan a revenge on him later. — Vissenrot

Just what are you doing associating with Alexander anyway, Miss Vissen?

I have no idea who he's referring to anyways. I don't kiss boys. I haven't kissed anyone, in fact! Perhaps he's referring to my friendship with Jude? Even then it makes no sense, Jude and I have a relationship far deeper and complex than he proclaims. I could lose all my limbs and he's spoon feed me with a reverence reserved for the holy. No matter, Alexander clearly doesn't understand human connection like I do.

I'll speak to Alexander sometime.

-🦉

[bubos-apothecary]

"How do I give someone skin cancer."

- 🔪

Who are you trying to give skin cancer?? And by the way, you can't give someone skin cancer. The island is horrible place to be if you're worried about skin cancer, by the way. Everyone is practically stripped down to their knickers with absolutely no sunscreen. Have you seen Merridew? Boy, I wouldn't be shocked if he developed melanoma.

-🦉

Johnny: @finscadetkids

[bubos-apothecary]

[Asa blinks slowly. He tilts his head, like an owl in concentration.]

...Is that so? I think you're one of the only people here who think I'm not "rotten." Can I be honest? Man to man and... friend to friend? I hate this island island with every fiber of my being. This island is a bad place. I feel myself grow anxious every day. Do you understand what I mean? I feel a vile dread boil within me my every waking moment. I've become even more intolerable than I used to be.

[Asa shakes his head.]

Nevermind, it's all in my head.

-🦉

Ah, good day to you, Beckett! It's been quite some time since I've last seen you. I presume you've stayed out of trouble? It's quite a shock really! I thought you would've crashed into enough trees to leave you concussed. Not that I wish harm upon you; my hands are full enough as is.

Has anything interesting happened as of late? I've been dreadfully busy with both work and a minor spat with Jude. Things have been growing tense with our two chiefs. But honestly? I hold them with as much regard as a bug under my shoe.

-🦉 (@ask-asa-damon-lotf)

"I'm glad you stopped- stopped by. It's been... Interesting recently. I- I think the island is really starting to get to- to everyone."

"I'm uh- glad you're still.. you. I'm glad you haven't gotten all uh... Rotten."

"Too many people are rotten, I'd be sad if you were too."

[bubos-apothecary]

How are you parents, Asa?

I'm not sure, honestly. They were alive last time I saw them. Distraught, sure, but alive nonetheless. I'd say it was the first time I saw my father cry but that's a lie. Papa is a real pansy sometimes. He cried over stepping on a beetle once. A beetle!

I have an old photo of us in my bag. I think I was 3 when it was taken. Mama says it's her favorite photo of us. She told me I was a calm baby, never making a fuss. I remember... she said she liked how hopeful I looked, that it's a look she hadn't seen in me for a while.

It's terrible how damaged the photo became after the crash.

[Asa wipes the tears forming in his eyes.]

This is so embarrassing.

-🦉

Bonus:

[bubos-apothecary]

Asa has smth to say

Wow!!! Anyway

On ALL the main tags too! Does this scare you anon does this make you mad oooo creativity and people doing normal fandom activities so so so scary bro

[bubos-apothecary]

Teenage Asa was a Holden Caulfield yumeshipper btw, if yall care

[bubos-apothecary]

I think Simon's been rubbing off on me. I'm hearing voices in the woods all of a sudden?? It sounds like a Irish girl, I think. Oh well, that's not my problem.

-🦉

[bubos-apothecary]

hello crow i enjoy your famous lotf oc asa damon may i offer him uhhhh this

thank you Mr. Pinprickedroses, I think he likes it.

[bubos-apothecary]

[ Kikita came to Asa. ]

« Give me medication for burns. »

[ As always, her tone carried a firm authority in their depht, beside her calm, almost angelic face. ]

« And look out, you’re soon gonna have a new patient in medical condition. »

-🦋

Miss Kikita?? Forgive my bluntness, but I thought you were dead!

I have burn cream somewhere here. Why do you need it? Are you burned? ...Or do you need it for someone else? If you need to treat someone, just bring them to me. I'm the medic, y'know.

[Asa taps on his arm band, an annoyed look in his eyes. He takes out his medkit and produces the burn cream.] Listen to me and listen well. You better bring this back. I only have this much and I'd rather not lose it. It would be a real pain if Merridew or Ralph decides to set the forest ablaze again.

What's with your cryptic message as well? Did you get into a fight with someone? Well, considering the fact you gave that ginger dolt a good whacking, I trust your judgement. Hey, if you ever see that Blond-headed American bastard, give him a smack for me, will you? He won't stop calling me Chinese and it's getting on my nerves. I'm Japanese I'll have you know. We're very different folk.

...Where'd you get that blazer? It looks like something that John kid or Nicholas would wear. I sure hope John hasn't been harassing you, he's a real pain in my arse- 'scuse my language. He always insists on hanging around me and causing me problems. He's a bit queer if you ask me, but what do I know?

-🦉

Nicholas and Johnny (mentioned): @finscadetkids

[bubos-apothecary]

Everyone draw their ocs in the 90s movie NOW

(featuring 90s Johnny and Norman, and Jude kinda)

lore rant under cut

[bubos-apothecary]

Damon— DAMON-!!

[Norman coughed, trying to keep himself from falling down on the sand. Gosh, why did he even bother? He knew that boy would ignore him since both of them hate each other. Whatever.. He still wanted to warn everyone. Perhaps Asa would understand.]

Damon— I need to warn you about something. That- That demon is back at it again! AGAIN! THAT THING IS BACK! THE FLY MAN!

[Norman is unbearably out of character, even for Asa's standards. He was shaking, rambling himself to paranoia. It was surprising how he could even manage to get himself to talk properly.]

I know you wouldn't care about me, but this isn't about us! I- I had to escape for a while— He's gonna get the littluns- OH! He's gonna get them! Please- Tell Mary, tell ANYONE—!! That monster is going to find me no matter what, and I can't risk them to succumb to whatever demonic force that THING is gonna do. It is dangerous, please, you have to understand!!

-🐍 ( @ask-norman-alexander-lotf )

(im getting bored, crow. -🐟)

[Asa stirs from his nap, blinking slowly. He holds the frantic boy, trying to provide some stability.]

Alexander...? I- Just what the hell are you raving about? Demon? Fly man...? Is your head on right?

[Asa's never seen Alexander in such a state. How could someone so infuriatingly calm be reduced to... this? Despite their rocky history, Asa can't help but pity the ill boy.]

Alexander, are you feeling well? Are you running a fever? There's nothing coming to get you. You've occupied too much of poor Simon's time. His delusions have rubbed off on you! Please, sit. Rest! You're clearly not in your right mind.

-🦉

[bubos-apothecary]

hey asa im back is norman bothering you or anything he seems to be getting a bit snappy lately. don't ask how i know

Ah, Ms. Fish! I thought I'd never see you again! How are you, ma'am?

Norman? I haven't seen Alexander in a long while, thank God. I really hate that fellow, y'know. Has he been getting snappy? In that case, I'll be sure to stay even further away from him!

...Just what are you?

-🦉