#//ooc viewable only with the exception of characters with magic sight

[redstainedglasses]

Carefully the red gemstone clicked into place into the feline skulls eye socket. Vertebrae titled the item this way and that as she ensured its proper setting. Satisfied she set it aside and proceeded to start work on the next skull. 

Ghostly hands emerged from the shadows, setting down more gemstones on her vanity. She hummed a thanks as she began to sort through them when she felt her shade place something on her neck. 

Looking up at the mirror in front of her Vertebrae saw the golden extravagant necklace The Night was trying on her. Dark hands smoothing out the thin strands of golden beads neatly. But Vertebrae’s gaze was drawn to the massive red heart shaped gemstone that rested against her collar bone. Her pale fingers ghosted over it idly as it brought a strong sensation of familiarity….she’d seen this before. A ruby heart. Cracked and splintered, healed but never completely…

Vertebrae didn’t register the knock at her door nor that it opened as someone stepped in. The visitor glided across the floor of the jester’s room silently before coming to a stop behind Vertebrae’s seat. Watching as the demoness was lost in her thoughts. 

It wasn’t until the woman’s pale hand reached out to rest on the jester’s shoulder did Vertebrae finally snap out of it. She looked up at the gentle smiling face of La Muerte. 

“Que lindo.” the deity complimented brushing the jester’s long hair aside as she admired the necklace. 

“¿Es para una ocasión especial?” Still buffering and coming back to reality, Vertebrae blinked up at the goddess before it dawned on her who was standing in her room with her.

“Oh! Oh! hello señora,”  she quickly greeted, raising to feet and giving a small bow. Vertebrae reached behind her neck to unclasp the necklace from her and handed it off to her shade. “Oh yes, I’m attending a ball later. The Shade’s working hard to find me something pretty to wear.” 

La Muerte nodded, glancing at the vanity housing the skulls and gemstones. She lingered on them for a moment before turning and heading for the door.

“Que emocionante.” Her tone gave no indication of true feelings positive or negative to the information. “Traje un poco de pan dulce, estoy seguro que irá muy bien con un poco de té.” 

Vertebrae quickly followed after La Muerte, she’d finish assembling her accessories after her monthly tea time with the goddess. 

“Is it from that baker? What was his name…. Hernando! His grandmother’s recipes are the best.” La Muerte chuckled and nodded. 

“¡Claro! solo lo mejor para ti, mi hija” As they headed out to a nearby tea room Vertebrae took notice of La Muerte gently reaching out and collecting some of the glowing flowers that had taken up residency in her home. She cocked her head curiously as the goddess plucked them from their spots and watched as they shifted into pretty marigolds that merged into the rest that covered the goddess. 

La muerte’s skull-shaped pupils looked down at Vertebrae, who silently observed her actions. She knew the jester would not question her, she would respect her and allow her to do what she had to. Plucking a final one within reach, they reached their destination. The shade already having set out their tea and cups for them. 

“Dime hija mía, ¿Cómo van las cosas con esa compañero tuya?” Vertebrae took her seat across from the goddess and picked up a small roll of bread covered in a pink sugar crumble coating. Giving a short laugh. 

“Reaper? Oh he’s fine, still need to figure out how to get him to crack a laugh. Man’s sense of humor is completely dead. Shocked he ever got married-oh! Yea he told me he was married before! Wild to think about isn’t it? Can’t see what a mortal would see in him but suppose there’s always a monster fucker or two that’d be down to fuck anything. I think what’s most surprising is hearing he agreed to it! And not just once either! No! He told me he’s been married multiple times!” As the jester rambled on with her gossip, La Muerte grinned and picked up her tea cup as she settled in for the long conversation.  

[sea-m0nster]

PROFILE (viewable only OOC)

General:

Name: ██████ F█████

Alias(es)/Title: The Armourer, or just armourer. There are other names. Goodluck finding them out, he has many aliases.

Species: Deep Sea Creature. Seadweller Troll Adjacent.

Age: Calls himself old. Many sweeps old, ancestor aged. Merely middle aged.

Sign: Aquarius

Blood Color and Caste: Magenta cusp, legally violetblood.

Gender: Man (he/him)

Sexuality: Gay, aromantic possibly.

Occupation(s): part time armsman of the empire, part time teacher/mentor in engineering, robotics and weapons-making.

Physical:

He has a sharp, angular face, with a wide mouth with large bottom canine tusks, a long tongue and inner prehensile mandibles, an internal jaw, webbed hands with long claw-like fingers and a stout, straight back tail, with sharp quills and fins. He’s clearly muscular and strong, but not very toned, fat. His body is dotted with scars, the biggest ones being the one that mangles his face and on his left arm, covered by a full arm sleeve tattoo of a large sea monster and covering half of his face. He's missing an eye. Several teeth on the left side of his face are exposed.

All of this will come up pretty much never. Whatever is important i'll describe myself on 1x1 rps. On land he almost always wears a wetsuit that hides most of his body, and then on top of that he wears whatever armor he thinks seems funnier or normal clothes over it. He wears a sleek black beast helmet that covers the entirety of his face at all times when he’s not underwater. He dresses kind of like a dork and will often have little hints of his interests on the designs of his gear and on printed on his shirts.

Oh yeah he's like 13 feet tall. Fyi. He's a full grown adult.

Personal

Pets: Currently owns a large cat named Nemo.

Religion: Fully initiated in the chama branca messianic cult. He’s a clown, technically. Non-practising except holidays.

MBTI: IST(P/J)

Likes: cooking, complaining, bread, learning new things, swimming, hunting, pranks, younger trolls, quiet environments, writing on his little diary, animals, cussing, teaching, videogames, drawing, helping people, his wife, his children, his students.

Neutral towards: being perceived. you can look at him but you’re on thin fucking ice. Flirting is hit or miss, if he doesn't like it he'll abscond.

Dislikes: organizing, tea, so many different types of food, being around too many people for too long, doing creative writing, painting, mind control, static, teleporting, power dynamics, driving anything ever if he can avoid it, entitled people, court members

Positive traits: caring, witty, loyal, reliable, literally just full of love to give. He's nice.

Negative traits: can be pretty condescending, stubborn, gossiper, complains a whole ton. Literally never frank with anyone about feelings ever. People pleaser to the max.

Misc brain stuff: terrible attention span if he doesn’t care about something, no empathy, autistic, ptsd. He's masking around 300% of the time until he implodes.

Disabilities: he’s fully deaf and almost blind on land with his glasses on (shit sea monster sight!), absolutely cannot see with glasses off and hates light! Underwater he fares way better than on land since he has a very potent natural sonar, and on land his helmet serves as aid, adapting the sonar so he doesn't have to do echolocation. He had chronic joint pain because gravity hates him. Psionics, static and General Magic interfere greatly with it, rendering him unable to perceive things. Your character does not need to know any of this.

Random stuff i find fun: He speaks 3 languages: portuguese, english and libras (brazilian sl). Other than Deep Sea, he grew up on a small secluded island. I have SO many things to say on his personality and so many deep dives into His Psyche or whatever, but i'll refrain from putting it out in the open lmao. feel free to ask.

Relationship Status: Married to Bentiv. No, they're not actually dating, they're just best friends. Single otherwise. He has a Buddy he is Somewhat Dating. OPEN to advances, but he's very very picky. I, however, am looking with my big gay eyes at all of them if you want to insist.

[redstainedglasses]

Grim Encounter

Something skittered about in the darkness. A wanderer entered the hidden castle and sulked about the halls. The Shade followed the trail of torn flowers as it settled its eyeless gaze upon the back of the grim reaper. Its scythe cleanly cut another death’s flower. The flower’s leaves and stem wilted as the blossom was collected and placed into the reaper’s satchel. 

The Darkness watched as the creature moved silently to the next flower and quickly harvested it as well. Its movements are smooth and fluid, a routine it had learned and mastered with ease.

This was not the Reaper the castle or The Shade knew, this was a different being. Its dark black cloak dragged along the floor as it moved, the hood obscuring its face but its long grey canine like snout peeked out from under it. 

A matching grey scythe rose as it moved to collect another flower. As it swung downward its head snapped up just in time to watch as a flash of white slammed against it.  The attack was sudden and violent, catching the grim off guard. The few seconds it took before realizing what was happening was all it took for its opponent to have the upper hand.

The lord of the castle slammed his scythe against the intruding grim’s. He towered over the lupin appearing soul collector, his years of hard labor had swelled and bulked up his muscles and he showed that power off as he pressed his scythe’s blade harder against his foes’ own.

The intruder snarled and snapped his jaws at Reaper, fangs bared as he attempted to fight back pushing back against its assaulter. But despite the cracks in Scythe’s blade it was far from weak and Reaper will be claiming another grims life tonight. 

Scythe’s white blade gained a new crack but the pressure got to the grey blade first, splintering under the weight and strength of Reaper as he reared back and slammed his scythe against it once more. 

The fragments of metal bursting into bright colorful marigolds as it yielded. Returning to that which Death had crafted it from. 

The grim staggered back. Its form crumpled as the loss of its weapon meant a loss for itself as well. But Reaper wouldn’t allow it a peaceful death. Releasing his scythe it shifted to its avian form and fluttered off to perch itself on a nearby shelf. Red eyes glowering down at its vanquished foe. Reaper gripped the upper jaw of the wolf like grim in one hand the other grabbing the bottom as he yanked it to its feet once more. 

Grey fur was already turning to flower petals but its red eyes, still filled with the faintest whispers of life, started up at Reaper silently. 

“This is my domain. Remind them all of that.” With ease Reaper tore the beast's jaws apart, blood spraying onto his form as he tore the wolf in half. 

He exhaled loudly as he tossed the corpse to the ground, blood oozing from it as it continued to quickly decompose into yellow and orange flower petals. 

Ignoring his state he picked up the grim’s satchel but paused and turned around, smelling her before he saw her. 

“I thought you left.” her voice was sleepy and tired. Vertebrae stood in the corridor in her sleeping attire, a baggy sweater form The Shade took around her. She seemed exhausted and in her arms a jar filled with dust. 

Her scent was thick in the air but Reaper fought against it. He turned the satchel over and shook out the contents, the souls collected falling out and floating away to replant themselves around the castle. The seed like wisps flew past Vertebrae but she paid them no mind. 

“I thought you didn’t kill people anymore.” she mumbled as she rubbed her eye. Shrugging a shoulder to the grim rotting away on the floor. 

“...have Shade clean that mess up later,” the jester did not wait for an explanation, knowing one was likely not to come and too tired to deal with it for now. She started to leave, most certainly heading toward the lower levels of the castle where the rest of the jars of dust from her experiments dwelled. 

Reaper abruptly stepped in front of her, a hand raised telling her to pause. She looked up at him quizzically as he gestured for the item she carried. 

“I will place. You rest.” 

Vertebrae stared at him for a long hard moment. Her pale hands clinging to the glass tightly. Unwilling to part with it. 

“I can do it.” her words are more reassurance to herself than trying to convince him. As she attempted to walk past him again, Reaper again moved to stop her causing her to bump up against him. 

She staggered back, his scent finally hitting her behind the blood soaking him. He wore a familiar scent she was used to smelling on the various creatures she encountered. Arousal reeked off him, she couldn’t recall ever smelling that on him, let alone knowing it was possible. He was a grim reaper after all, they aren’t known for procreation. 

As she was thinking this she didn’t realize she was leaning against him. Reaper tensing up, clearly incredibly uncomfortable not that the jester had any realization. Her own heat caused her no feelings of lust but more so desire for closeness and right now she wanted to simply lean against Reaper and continue to drink in his scent. 

But he would not have that, carefully he pried the jar out of her hands and nudged her away. The cold grasp of the night enveloping her as she was removed from his side. Still drunk off Reaper’s scent she blinked tiredly up at him confused but not in any state of mind to truly question anything.  

“Go. Rest. They will be cared for.” The Shade slowly guided Vertebrae away back to her room. Slowly she accepted the encouragement, walking back to her room but stopping every few steps as she almost fell asleep standing. Realizing this the Night collected its master, hoisting her up in its darkness as it carried her exhausted form to her nest. 

Reaper held the jar carefully, watching as the small demon was carried off before turning himself to find a spot amongst the rest of the containers to set the newest addition. While he had hoped to avoid her during his brief return to deal with the intruding grim it seemed it was not to be. 

Sighing he learned against the shelf he had set the jar on. Resting and recollecting himself as he fought every urge in him to chase down Vertebrae. Shaking himself from his thoughts he sensed The Night shift around him. 

“Alert me should another come.”

The Night was silent as it watched the lord take his leave again before heading to tend to the mess Reaper had made for it to tidy up.

[redstainedglasses]

An Attempt to Guide

“Qué frío de tu parte abandonarla en su momento de necesidad ¿No?” The voice chuckled behind Reaper as he walked silently on a deserted dirt road. The midday sun beating down on him as he refused to acknowledge the entity behind him. 

A woman walked behind him, beautiful thick curly black hair shining brightly in the sunlight. Her ranchera dress was vibrant and colorful against her dark skin tone. She gleefully sped up to walk ahead of the grim, turning around to walk backwards as she faced him. 

“¿No sería muy lindo?” Reaper showed no expression as was usual for him as the woman pestered him further. “¡Esa cuna solitaria, por fin llena! Oh, ustedes dos tendrían los niñ–Silence” 

Reaper barked out. He finally stopped walking and glared down at the cheerful woman who’s golden eyes glinted up at him. The only sign in her appearance that clued she wasn’t just some normal human. 

She paused in her walking, hands behind her back as she bounced on her heels. 

“Podrías ayudarla.” 

“Not my job.” He retorted.

“Dejaste tu verdadero trabajo. Esta es tu oportunidad de salvarte.” 

“I owe you nothing.” He spat as he resumed walking. 

“La ayudaste con esos experimentos, ¡esto es lo mismo!” She called after him as he walked past her. 

“¡Ella necesita dejar atrás esa tonta fijación! Ella necesita ver que este es el verdadero camino, la única forma en que obtendrá la familia que ella quiere” 

Reaper was dead silent, his boots stomping into the soft earth as he continued to march onward. 

“No eres tan desalmado hijo mío, ayúdala.” 

“Why? Any other demon would do, why bother me with this task?” Reaper glanced over his shoulder. 

The woman’s kind face smiled up at him. 

“Sabes que ella se comería a los demás. Ella no puede hacer eso con tu.” 

“She’d simply eat the offspring as well. Surely you aren’t foolish enough to believe she’s above that.” 

“¡Los esconderías! Sólo hasta que tengan la edad suficiente, Su parentesco con ellos florecerá a medida que crezcan. Ella se daría cuenta de su verdadero propósito, no más tonterías.” 

Reaper leared down at the woman. He knew better, he could not trust those golden eyes, not after realizing what she does with those spirits she kept in her garden of marigolds. The trees that bore fruit that she heartlessly allowed to rot and wither. La Muerte was not concerned about Vertebrae’s desires, she cared not for what the jester was aiming for. Death cared only for more spirits. More souls to be delivered to her and her domain. The same familial wishes Vertebrae had for her bones Death matched with her souls and just like the demon who shared his home, La Muerte would never allow anyone to leave. 

“Find someone else.” 

“Deberías ser tú, hijo mío.Sabes que tengo razón. Ya lo verás, no esta primavera, pero sí algún día.” about to turn and leave she paused a rather mischievous grin forming on her lips as she looked to Reaper’s back. 

“Ah…y esas almas a las que permitiste arraigar. Enviaré recolectores para que los traigan a casa..” 

A swift fierce movement and Scythe’s blade was pressed against the woman’s throat. Golden blood dribbled across the pale white blade as La Muerte giggled. She pressed a hand to move the blade but Reaper pressed it harder against her flesh. It dug into her throat but Death showed no pain nor did she falter. After all, it's not as though she could die. 

“Ellas pertenecen a casa.” 

“They will remain. Any of my siblings who dares to remove them I will destroy.” And La Muerte knew this was no bluff. Reaper’s scythe had claimed many souls but also many other grim reapers. The cracks in his blade proof of the countless battles and outright wars he’s survived and proof of the many more he will conquer as well. 

“Perderás algún día.”

Pulling his weapon back, Reaper stood tall. “You will never have my soul again.” 

Scythe shifted to his avian form and clung to his master’s shoulder as they took their leave. The woman stood watching them as they headed toward the town up ahead on the road. Reaper’s temporary home while he awaited Vertebrae’s heat to subside. 

Sighing, La Muerte grabbed her skirt and with a fanciful dance-like twist she vanished into a cloud of marigold petals. 

[redstainedglasses]

Waiting

Vertebrae slumbered peacefully under a pile of blankets and pillows. Her room was stuffy with the scent of her heat but the jester herself appeared at ease. Cocooned in her nest she softly snored and nuzzled against her small pink porcelain clown doll, Lil Shnookums. As she slept The Shade slunk off, venturing into the castle as it tended to its duties. 

Adjusting flowers here, turning on a gramophone there, relighting a dark flame candle. The tasks were small but many and all needed doing. The new tasks assigned by Reaper would also need tending too, but that was for later. After all The Night first served his lady, the grim reaper would simply have to accept being second. 

The darkness darted around a corner void hands slowly turning a doorknob to a seldom opened room. Wood creaked as the door opened and revealed the soft colors of the pastel nursery, a stark contrast to the castle’s more macabre decor. The Shade slipped along the darkness, blank nothingness observing the room. Multiple dark hands with flecks and swirls of gold reaching out to hover over surfaces but not touch! No it must not touch. She would know and she would get upset. 

Everything seemed in order, pristine and ready. The Shade knew it was not to be filled this time either. Especially now that Reaper had fled away as usual, but it waited. Waited as Vertebrae herself does, though she does not seem to know or realize it. Waited for who or what the room was meant for. 

Darkness slid across the cribs railing delicately before The Shade exited the room once again. The door clicked closed once more as the room waited as well. 

[redstainedglasses]

Aroma

“Smell.” Reaper did not look up from his journal. He was seated in his usual evening lounging spot. A leather armchair nestled in the corner of one of their castle’s many reading nooks. A small table to his right housed his warm tea and vial of ink he frequently dipped his pen into as he scribbled in one of his many journals. 

Vertebrae had stepped in from her outing. Blood coating her pale form as she’s clearly had a rather bountiful hunt. 

“It’s just blood.” but her housemate did not respond. The soft scratching of his feather dip pen along paper was all she got.

Sighing she crossed her arms. “Fine…I’ll go take a bath.” grumbling she leaned back on her heel. Falling backwards toward the ground that quickly opened to send her tumbling into a prefilled bathtub. Reaper shook his head softly as Vertebrae departed to get clean and took a sip of his tea. 

–

About twenty minutes later Vertebrae stepped out of the bath. Her shadow quickly wrapped around her in a sweater like outfit as she walked through another portal back into the same reading nook previously. 

“There! All clea–Smell” Reaper cut her off as he again did not look up from his book.

“Aw come on!” the jester complained. Her wet hair drenching the wooden floor boards beneath her caused a small puddle to form. 

“I took a bath already!” Once again the plague masked grim did not respond nor look up from his journaling. 

Annoyed, Vertebrae grumbled as stepped back into the still open portal. “FINE..” she huffed angrily. “I’ll use soap this time.” 

–

Vertebrae sat as The Shade’s gilded claws scrubbed the four or fifth shampoo type into her hair, she’d honestly lost count at this point. She’d wet, lathered, rinsed and repeated several times now with multiple brands of shampoo the night had collected for her. She splashed the soap suds off her body from the six or so types of bodywash she’d scrubbed against her pale skin. Dunking herself into the water a final time she rinsed out the last of the shampoo that clung to her hair and scalp. 

Her hair felt incredibly silky as she climbed out of her bath and rung it between her hands. Squeezing out a large amount of water it had retained while she walked out of the bathroom. 

Her nearly three hour long bathing session finally completed, she walked out of the bathroom through another portal her shadow had conjured that led to Reaper’s laboratory. The Shade quickly clothed her as she left the privacy of the bathroom, although Vertebrae didn’t care about modesty herself her shadow thankfully had some mind to keep her decent. 

Reaper’s lab was a small building built off to the side of his garden.The room was overall rather small in appearance but only for the fact it was packed full of a variety of items. Various stacks of books, dried up herbs and bottled up potions and vials off goodness knows what lined the many many shelves in the space. A large cauldron sat in the corner under a currently not lit fire pit. And toward the center back of the room was a desk. One where Reaper was currently seated at, mixing vials of various chemicals together. 

“There all clean, now–smell” Vertebrae made a strangled noise as she was once again scolded for her scent. But now she was more angry than annoyed. 

“What?! But I used soap! And Shampoos! I smell like your garden threw up on me! I don’t even know what ‘April Fresh’ even means!” She cried out angrily marching up to stand beside Reaper. Though he still towered over her even while seated she wasn’t going to back down. 

“Surely you’re joking right?” Though Vertebrae had never known the grim to be anything but serious. “I’m the cleanest I’ve ever been wh– CRRACK” the sound of glass breaking had Vertebrae stop in her ranting. 

Eyes looking at Reaper’s hands that once held tqo intact vials now held shards of glass and were wet with whatever liquid chemicals he had been mixing together. He was stiff, solid as though he was struggling to keep himself composed as he clenched the mess in his hands tightly. 

Vertebrae stood silently for a moment unsure what to make of his actions but before she could question him Reaper’s beak slowly opened, the vertical split parting to reveal his mouth as he exhaled through his maw. After inhaling and exhaling slowly a few more times before closing his mouth and rose from his seat, stiffly. He carefully tossed the broken bits of glass in a waste bin and peeled off his ruined gloves and tossed them in as well. 

He didn’t speak as he pulled out a fresh pair of gloves from a drawer along with other various belongings he began to dump into a bag. He was packing it seemed. 

Still unsure what to make of this the jester watched quietly. It didn’t take Reaper long before he completed his packing, he then finally turned to look at Vertebrae.  

“I will return in two month’s time.” He stated bluntly. “Night will tend to the garden. Get your assistance and rid yourself of your burden. How you can possibly be standing at this moment with how powerfully you reek of desire is completely perplexing.” Stepping into a portal he conjured, Reaper exited the laboratory and their home with the portal quickly sealing itself behind him. 

Vertebrae started at the spot her roommate had been standing. Confusion clear on her face as she snapped her head to her shadow.

“What the hell was that??” she threw her arms forward gesturing to where Reaper had been before rolling her eyes and shaking her head. The shadows around her laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. The gilded teeth in the darkness clicked together as though chuckling with laughter. 

Brushing off her familiar, Vertebrae walked out of the laboratory and through the lush garden toward the exit. “Get my bedchamber ready, I'm going to bed.” She was suddenly feeling very exhausted and sleepy. 

[redstainedglasses]

Gardening

“So who’s that one?” The coffin’s wooden door creaked and groaned as Vertebrae forced it open. She peered over the edge of the grave she’d dug up to look over at Reaper who was tending diligently to a gravestone nearby. His gloved hands gently scrubbed the filth and grime off the stone slab with a wet washcloth. 

Reaper dipped his cloth in the soapy water filled bucket next to him.

“One of my wives.” He stated plainly as he continued to scrub. 

“One of them?” Vertebrae hoisted up the skull from within the coffin she’d desecrated. Turning it in her muddy hand. She flicked a small beetle off the skull before handing it over to The Shade to transport it back to her collection. Continuing to rummage the grave to collect the remainder of the skeleton she called out.

 “Didn’t really picture you the type to get married.” 

Her roommate did not respond as he finished cleaning and rose to his feet wiping the excess water off his hand onto his worn trousers. 

Vertebrae popped her head back up.

“No offense or anything.” Though she knew the plague masked grim was never offended. 

“You just seem so…” She gestured at him with an ulna and radius she’d grabbed next. 

“...you. And it’s hard to think someone or multiple someones at that have managed to pull enough words outta you to even get you to say yes to marriage.” She laughed and after handing the bone off to The Shade.

“Did you even love them? Can you even love someone?” Vertebrae knelt back down and tore the fragile fabric off the torso of the skeleton she was disassembling. Her fingers delicately drummed along the ribs as she inspected them. 

“Is that mean to ask?” The jester questioned more so herself than her housemate as she finished collecting the remaining bones in the grave before hoisting herself out. She attempted to dust herself off though she mostly just smeared the mud already on body around. 

Lately the days had already begun to warm up. Melting the winter snow that was quick to soften the ground, the earth now was in a perfect state to dig but did leave behind a fair bit of mess. Spring was just a few weeks away it seemed. Perhaps this is why they were here to begin with as Reaper had begun to plant some fresh flowers he’d brought from his garden at the grave he was tending. 

“Why are you letting me collect these bones anyway? Isn’t it sacrilege to remove remains from a grave site or something? You said you lived in this village for centuries, yet you don’t seem to care much about your old friend’s remains.” The jester slinked over to her roommate the bells adorning her outfit, chiming joyfully with her movements. Sitting atop the grave Reaper just finished cleaning and she stared down at him curiously. 

From a nearby tree a flash of white and black flew out before landing on an arm that Vertebrae stretched out. Scythe’s sharp talons clung to her arm as he settled against her pale skin. His large red eyes pinning at her curiously. 

Reaper had not responded to any of her questions. 

“Would you even let me take hers?” red nails on the hand she was bracing against the headstone tapped loudly against it as she pondered the reaper who’s gaze stayed fixed on the task at hand. Once he finished redecorating the grave he looked up at her, the red goggles of his so thick it was impossible to see his true eyes behind them.

She’d never say it, but it often bothered her couldn’t see his eyes. Did he have eyes? She wondered what color they’d be if he did. 

“Take her if you wish. Bones are.” He got up as he began to gather his supplies, preparing to return home as his work was done. “...meaningless.” He completed as The Night assisted him in returning his supplies to his part of their shared home. A tilt of Reaper’s head and Scythe leapt off Vertebrae’s arm and onto his owner's shoulder.

Vertebrae’s nails scratched against the grey stone. Her expression hardened as she glared at Reaper’s back. He could feel her gaze and tilted his head back to look at her over his free shoulder. 

“To me.” He added which did seem to quickly lessen the jester’s rage at him. 

“That.” He pointed at a somber blue flower that was growing right next to the grave alongside the fresh new flowers. It was unique in that it seemed to emit light itself somehow, glowing faintly in the late evening light. Its petals were rounded and it had a skull shaped corona. 

“Is most important.” 

Vertebrae looked at the flower, its serrated leaves blowing softly in the cool breeze. She’d seen these types of flowers before; all shapes, colors and sizes. Many had taken residence near her collection, stubborn like weeds they grew out of wooden frames, along glass and even into solid stone walls, anywhere they desired. Vertebrae allowed them to grow simply for lack of care to bother removing them. After all she decorated her collection with flowers as well, what’s a couple more?

Reaper's affinity for gardening made sense why he cared more for the flower than the bones tho it did not answer her inquires much further than that.

She hummed thoughtfully as she lept off the grave, tagging along as Reaper entered the portal back to their castle. The Darkness dropped them off directly in Reaper’s garden where he quickly set right back to tending to various tasks. 

Vertebrae glanced around at the vast variety of plants thriving in the garden, some regular flowers, others unique specimen part creature part plant, some beautifully fragrant, some so deadly they could even kill gods. 

Her gaze returned to Reaper, who’s back faced her, as he tended to his plants with great care. Strong hands gently trimming leaves, repotting some clippings here and there, sunlight portals opening to shine on the greenery, water soaking into the soil that filled various pots. So much effort all so his plants could grow strong and beautifully.

A beat or two passed before Vertebrae spun around dramatically and headed toward the door. 

“I’ll be sorting my new pieces if you need me.” her voice sing-songy as she left. 

“Take a bath first.” Reaper’s voice was sharp as it chased after Vertebrae but the giggling and bells chiming faster as the demon jester sprinted away told him he’d have to deal with cleaning mud off various furniture and fixtures later. 

[redstainedglasses]

Intruder pt 3

"Sir?" Vertebrae raised a brow at her shadow. Ceasing her attempt to shatter the weapon in favor to question the title.

"Who the hell is this guy? I've never heard you call anyone 'sir' before. And why did you welcome him this isn't his home it's mine!" The Shade was often a silent entity and when it did speak it was harsh and cruel with its words. Rarely ever did it even bother to remember names let alone add a title to them. It did not even call La Muerte by a proper name.

"My lady please…I can explain just…set Scythe down." the darkness pleaded again, dark hands caressing pale ones as it attempted to soothe the demon's rage.

"He's a grim reaper and... an old friend."

The subject being discussed stood hauntingly silent behind The Shade. Empty emotionless face observing as he took in the situation. He made no more moves to retrieve his weapon but he hadn't seemed the type to give any indication prior to attacking so Vertebrae remained tense and on guard.

She had learned of grim reapers from La Muerte, during one of their many monthly tea parties. Grim reapers were souless entities who assisted the goddess in guiding souls to the land of the dead. Rarely did these creatures show any personality or emotion because they did not have them. Many considered them heartless and ruthless with the callous way they handled mortal souls but it was simply how they were designed. This was the first of their kind Vertebrae had encountered and it was living up to every word La Muerte said of them.

"…that doesn't explain how this would be his home." Vertebrae rumbled lowly, muscles still tight as she kept her eyes locked on Reaper.

"It is mine because I built it." The shade clicked it's teeth, turning to face Reaper once more.

"Yes….but you haven't been here in nearly a century."

"Busy." The response who short, not using more words than necessary. "Who is she?"

"You can ask me your damned self!" Vertebrae growled. "The night serves me! Not the other way around!"

The Reaper tilted his head slightly. Confusion barely readable on his blank face but The Shade seemingly was able to detect it.

"Familiar pact. La Muerte blessed her and --She is blessed by death?"

It was too much for Vertebrae. She'd had enough she wanted this creature out of her home. Quickly stepping around her shadow she lunged toward Reaper. Her torso twisting around an unnatural amount as she wound up her swing. The scythe's blade swung down toward the larger creature but Reaper easily clasped a hand onto the weapon's handle, halting the assault with ease as he stared down at Vertebrae.

She bared her sharp teeth at him as she seethed with rage, absolutely fuming from having been stopped in her attempts to harm him.

He did not move to retrieve his weapon though simply held it as he stared down at the smaller demon curiously.

It was several seconds of silence. The record on the gramophone long having stopped playing and the needle idly scratched the end of the vinyl making a soft popping and clicking noise in the stillness of the room.

"…My apologizes." Reaper finally broke the silence. Despite still keeping a hold of the scythe to prevent getting sliced he bent at the waist. Bowing to Vertebrae as he apologizes.

"I was unaware death had selected another. Please." Standing back upright he carefully released his grip on the staff. Vertebrae watching him intently as he took a short step forward. Offering her his hand. She stared at it distrustful for a long while.

"…….Another?" She did not take his hand but she looked up at his partially hidden face curiously.

A nod. The Night approached cautiously behind it's master. Dark hands delicately draping against her pale shoulder as it ushered her to the nearby sofa.

"As I tried to say earlier my lady…allow me to explain."

[redstainedglasses]

Intruder pt 1

Vertebrae hummed along to the music playing loudly out of the horn of her gramophone as she gently scrubbed the mud and gunk off one of the various animal bones she'd collected earlier.

She was taking her time, being methodical and careful to not harm the object as she removed the filth to reveal pale yellowed bone underneath.

"Jeepers creepers where'd you get those peepers?~" She sang happily along as she finished one bone and quickly snatched up and started cleaning another.

Her shade had stepped out for a moment. Likely to pull some insidious prank on an unsuspecting victim. The demon jester usually hated being without her shadow but she felt her shadow needed some enrichment so she was happy to let it go wonder while she worked.

The distinct sound of a portal opening didn't even make Vertebrae flinch. "Back already?" She hummed not removing her gaze from her task.

No response, which would have been typical for the shade but a sound was heard.

A flutter of wings.

Pausing Vertebrae looked up to see a white and black raven perching itself on a nearby shelf. Red eyes fixed on the various trinkets that the decorated the space as it gently and carefully moved them with its oversized and cracked beak.

The jester's movements where fast but a figure she hadn't taken note of was just as quick. As Vertebrae lunged forward her hand gripped the bird, it squawked out loudly in fear, a larger dark hand snatched Vertebrae by the throat. The grip was tight, threatening to choke her as the voice attached to the hulking figure spoke.

"Let go."

Vertebrae snarled, golden eyes swirling red behind her lens as she glared up at the figure. Her grip on the small bird tightening. Dangerously close to crushing the small frail creature which caused it to squeak out in pain.

The figure hovering over her wore a hooded cloak that veiled most of their person but a pale white beak poked out from under it. Eyes hidden behind red googles glared down from beneath the hood at her as she refused to let go of the bird.

"Let go? This beast was trespassing in MY home!" She hissed out as best she could as the clawed hand around her throat crushed her windpipe. Her other hand coming up to dig her nails into the forearm of the hand that held her in place.

"Let. Go." The command was issued again. Vertebrae could feel herself getting light headed as the hand on her throat did not let up even slightly.

"This….is my home.." she managed to squeak out again as the hulking figure simply strengthened its hold on her and a deafening snap rang out indicating it had snapped shattered her neck.

Vertebrae's hold on the bird slackened and it managed to wiggle itself free and flutter off to shelter itself elsewhere as the hooded figure released the jester and let her still body crumple to the floor.

Walking over to the raven the figure offered it its arm, the creature tentatively climbing on as it trembled. Feathers ruffled and damaged from the rough handling. The figure gently caressed the bird in a soothing manner as it looked it over for any permeant damage.

A loud choked gasp and coughing snapped both creatures attention back to the jester on the ground.

Vertebrae had sat up rubbing her sore neck and groaning in discomfort as she cracked her neck back in place.

"Ough jEEZ!!" She complained as she slowly got to her feet. "Do you even know how uncomfortable it is to have your neck snapped??? ugh it feels like a rock is stuck in my throat." Coughing again she thumped her chest as she cleared out her airway.

The raven and its handler started, baffled at the jester as she slowly composed herself. With a nod from its partner the bird suddenly morphed. Changing and twisting itself into a weapon. Body and feathers turning into a long staff, its pale beak lengthening as it transformed into a large intimidating scythe. The hooded figured wielded its new weapon menacingly. Claws curled around the handle in one hand. Arm pulling back as it readied to swing at Vertebrae.

[redstainedglasses]

The Intruder pt 4

Crossing her arms Vertebrae leaned back in her seat. The tea The Shade had offered her remained untouched on the coffee table as she glared at Reaper who casually fed his avian familiar one of the cookies provided along the tea.

"But...why did La Muerte bless you?" She finally asked. The Night slipped behind her and draped its hands over her stiff shoulders. The jester still tense and untrusting of the grim reaper in front of her.

Gilded claws gently rubbed white flesh as it kneaded her muscles gently.

Reaper sitting across Vertebrae on the other side of the coffee table sat with his weapon now bird on his perched on his knee. His broad shoulders simply rose up in a shrug at the question. He offered no other action or words and reached to delicately picked up his own tea. Raising the decorative cup to the tip of his beak as took a drink.

"So…she just gave you soul?.... For no reason?"

Setting his cup back down Reaper shook his head. He was silent for a moment before he spoke.

"I do believe Death had a reason. Unfortunately. She did not share it with me." A gloved hand gently stroked the top of the small white headed raven's head. The small creature had relaxed since transforming back to its feathered form but it kept a wary eye on the demon jester. Clearly it trusted her as much as she trusted them.

"Perhaps. It is due to a similar reason as to why she has not killed you yet."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Reaper was silent again. The man seemed to hold stock in his choice of words. Thinking deeply on them before speaking.

"Your collection." He gestured to the walls and shelves. The various assortment of bones on display covering what once was the grim's own home and personal archive.

"What is your goal?"

"Are you dodging my question with a question?"

"No."

Vertebrae uncrossed her arms and sat stiffly in her seat. She stared at the red googles trying to peer behind the thick opaque red glass to the eyes behind.

"…to restore mi familia, bring them to life." Reaper and Scythe both watched her for a long moment before the large male nodded slowly.

"I believe Death desires that as well." Vertebrae quirked a brow but Reaper was already getting to his feet. Scythe climbing up to rest upon his shoulder. Clearly the conversation was now over much to Vertebrae's annoyance. She'd barely learned much of the grim in the few hours they'd been cordial with one another.

Vertebrae remained seated as she watched him.

"As we have agreed. You are welcome to stay." Stepping around the small table he stood directly in front of the small seated jester. Staring down at her as she rolled her eyes.

"I would have loved to see you try to make me leave." She scoffed. "It's your own fault for abandoning your own home."

"Correct." A hand reached out asking politely for Vertebrae's. Staring at the large gloved hand Vertebrae sighed and reluctantly took his hand in her own. Giving it a firm hard shake.

"I thank you for accepting our bargain Lady Vertebrae. As well I apologize once again for our less than tasteful introduction." Letting go of his hand the jester rubbed her throat. While she had fully healed hours ago the sensation was still fresh in her mind. The feeling of her bones snapping with ease....it was not common for anything to hurt her in such a fashion.

"Yea.... just don't forget to fix the walls and floor you broke!" Vertebrae shouted as Reaper, Scythe where lead out of the room by The Shade.

"Let me show you to your new room Sir." The darkness droned as it took the lead.

Sitting in the silence Vertebrae sank into her seat again with a deep annoyed huff. Although he hadn't won her trust entirely back yet it appeared she had a new housemate.

[redstainedglasses]

Intruder pt 2

The blade sliced violently through the air, striking loudly and aggressively with the hardwood floor as Vertebrae dodged yet another swing from the large unknown figure.

The demon jester rarely fought, let alone with someone wielding such a large sharp weapon. She preferred her shade do the dirty work of killing others, it was more precise. Less likely to harm bones and if all else would fail it could easily chuck the foe into another dimension. But without her shadow all the demon could do is continue dodging the creature's attacks and wait for an opening.

Tearing the blade out of the splintered floor the creature moved again to swing at Vertebrae. Fast and lively, there was no indication it was even slightly tired or winded despite the immense effort it seemed to place behind each and every swing.

"Enough of the silent murderer act already!" Vertebrae growled. "You got your bird back. Now get out of my home!!" she was getting frustrated as she narrowly avoided another swing aimed at her torso. Cartwheeling and back flipping out of the way in true jester fashion.

She ducked and the blade tore into the wall behind her, embedding the white metal all the way into the solid stone. Tugging the scythe free the figure dislodged a large chunk of the wall along with it. The rubble tumbling to the ground unceremoniously as Vertebrae sighed loudly.

"You're gonna break something!" She'd been diligently drawing the figure's attacks away from the shelves containing bits of her collection and the other items decorating them. Though there was still certainly a lot of damage being done to her house.

Bending backward she formed a wheel pose as another swing of the scythe came her way. In the moments the blade swung over her body she lifted her right leg, hooking it around the weapons handle and using it as an anchor she launched her self up in a twist around the staff. Spinning around and striking her adversary in the head with her left leg. Her hands hands gripped the staff as she completed her circulation of it.

She landed back on her left heel and using the momentum of her attack forcefully yanked the weapon out of the dazed creature's hands. Doing several more jumping twirls to gain some distance between her and her foe before landing in a poised upright position.

Twirling the scythe like a baton she watched the figure slowly shake off the blow and rise to their impressive full height. Holding the weapon tightly she felt it try to tug free of her grasp.

Seemed the weapon was still sentient in this form, it pulled in Vertebrae's grasp, desperate to return to it's true owners hand.

"Enough! I want your rotten trespassing ass out of my home already!" Vertebrae barked aggressively striking the heel of the weapon against the floor as the figure glowering at her.

Balling it's hands into fists the figure finally retorted.

"This is MY home. Return my Scythe and vacate at once. You are the one trespassing."

"Excuse me?" Vertebrae scoffed. "You're sorely mistaken thi--I am not."

Vertebrae disliked very few things in all honesty. But something that she truly hated?

Disrespect.

Especially when within the walls of her own home. She may be a clown, a lower class demon but she commanded respect regardless.

"You want this back?" Her voice grew low. Eyes glowing red behind her glasses as she held the staff up. Turning it in her hand so it was horizontal across her front. Both hands gripping the black staff firmly.

"How about instead we see if it still cries when in this form hmm?" Raising a knee she swung the pole downward, ready to crack it in half against her leg before a shadowed hand shot up from the floor. Halting her actions.

"STOP" The deep guttural voice snapped aggressively.

The shade shot up from the the space between Vertebrae and the figure, hands up in a surrender position as it tried to get it's master to cease her actions.

"My lady please…" It's voice gentle as it tried to ease the weapon out of the angered demon's hands. "This is all a misunderstanding…let me explain.."

Golden teeth clicked as an eyeless face turned to look at the hooded figure. Head tilted in bewilderment as it stared at the shade.

"Night?" it inquired curiously as it took a step closer to the darkness.

"Sir Reaper…Welcome home."