pulpandgristle

[kafa1010]

- DO NOT SAVE NOR REUPLOAD THIS, PLEASE. I PAID FOR THIS. -

I bought this art commission from Fleur Ghostprincess

- DO NOT SAVE NOR REUPLOAD THIS, PLEASE. I PAID FOR THIS. -

AHHHHHHHHH YESSS caribbean Night BUT behind the scene!!

They are so cute I can't- AAAAAAAAAA 😭💕💕💕💕💖💖💖💖💕😭😭😭😭😭

Reblogging is absolutely fine, but I kindly request you to refrain from saving or reuploading this content. 😭💖AAAAAA I’m eager to share my happiness with all of you, so please respect my wish. Thank you so much!

😭💖💖💖💖😭😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏

[coolpuppy12]

Introducing the Doo Doo Save File - Version One!

Disclaimer:

This save is still very much a work in progress. While most things appear to be complete (such as builds), there's still a lot to be done. So, keep that in mind. Also, I tried my best to playtest everything, but this is a HUGE save. So, it's possible I missed things. If I did, feel free to let me know!

TOU:

Please don't claim as your own. Don't reupload my builds as your own. Basically, don't be weird. Just give credit please as this took centuries to do lol.

Special Thanks!

EDIT: Ahhh! Big thank you to @lasabarcassims for helping me set up SimFileShare! Please check out their save as well. It’s amaaaazing.

Shout out to @aaliyahnavI @doit4thesims @forever-lbsims @senselesssims for playtesting this monstrosity. I greatly appreciate you all!

Thanks to @simmerapple (gallery: ImpossibleBelle) and @simkuza (Gallery: Mimilagu) for checking out the save and sending some of their amazing sims to use!

Lastly, I want to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement! When I started this thing, I was just bored and looking for a way to improve my game. I honestly did not expect to finish it, nor did I expect so many of you to care lol. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's still very rough around the edges, but I hope it brings you some enjoyment!

Also, don't hesitate to tag me in any posts! I want to see my precious Doo Doo brought to life!

Doo Doo V1 (with rentals - updated): download here!

Doo Doo V1 (without rentals - outdated): download here!

MORE INFO AND SCREENSHOTS BELOW:

Here is an overview of everything:

16 worlds redone (Mt. Komorebi, Sulani, Selvadorada, and Tomarang still need some TLC)

Some updated townies with lore, relationships, jobs, etc. etc.

New townies!

New clubs and holidays

LOTS of packs used, so not BG friendly

For Version 2, I hope to finish this save completely. When will that be? That's a good question lol

What's not included:

All the packs - I don't own (and probably never will lol) HSY, Werewolves, Lovestruck, and MWS. Also missing most of the kits.

Specialty lots (i.e. police station, magic realm) won't be touched until Ver. 2

CC, Mods, and Tips

If you want the townies’ relationships to stay intact, I HIGHLY recommend downloading MCCC. If not, you shouldn’t have any issues playing the save, but some relationships will eventually be deleted due to the culling system.

I did use one piece of CC, but it is absolutely not required in order to download this save. It's the Modern Family Portrait by RAVASHEEN! Download only if you want some cute portraits of the families.

For this save, I grouped some of the worlds together. You don't have to play this way, it's just a note to consider:

Oasis Springs, Del Sol Valley, and StrangerVille

Newcrest, Willow Creek, and Magnolia Promenade

Windenburg, Forgotten Hallow, Glimmerbrook, and Henford

San Myshuno, Brindleton Bay

San Sequoia and Evergreen Harbor

The other worlds? They're just on their own for now.

PHOTOS!

[natti-ice]

No Rest For The Wicked- Dean Winchester.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x fem!reader

Summary: Dean’s one year life contract is coming to an end, Y/N fears this will be her last chance with Dean. Set in the episode of the same title.

Warnings: major character death, written in third person (she/her pronouns) (1.1k words)

Author’s note: this is a reupload, I wrote this a while ago!

Reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated<3

The past year had definitely been wild. More demons, ex-girlfriends, selling souls, all of this in a short period of time.

What Dean did was stupid, everyone knew that. His anger and sadness took over his already not-so-logical brain. He couldn't let that hold him back anymore.

He can't take by what he did. Now, he's waiting for his final hour. Sam's efforts for trying to get his brother out of this deal, seem to all fall short. He didn't want to lose his brother for something so foolish.

These events haven't been so great for Y/N either. She had only been in the business for a few years, she started after she met the Winchesters. They became close after the boys had removed a poltergeist from her apartment.

She saw this as an opportunity for a new life, full of adventure and being able to help people from evil. She's been running around the country with them ever since.

Her personality was the opposite of Dean's which would make you think they didn't like each other. But they were closer than she was with Sam. She balanced out the boys. They're bickering and constant fighting had decreased since they became a little group.

This soul-selling situation built a wall in their relationship. He didn't tell her what he was going to do nor did he tell her after the fact. She thought they shared everything, apparently, she was mistaken.

For a few days she didn't speak to him, which was awkward since they still would share a bed. Dean would refuse to sleep with Sam and he wouldn't let Y/N sleep on the floor so he made her sleep next to him.

Thankfully, he took her aside and apologized for not telling her what he'd done. He hated that he did that to her, it pained him to see her upset.

He'd always been so fond of Y/N, he couldn't explain why. She was the coolest chick he'd ever met and she took care of him when he didn't know he needed it. There may have been a feeling or two somewhere in this friendship, but neither of them knew how to express it properly.

-

They have been looking for Lilith for what seemed like ages. Sam had been trying to get the two of them to listen to Ruby. It's kind of hard to trust a demon when they're trying to kill you all the time.

Ruby had insider knowledge of Lilith, why shouldn't they trust her? At this point, desperation had taken over Sam. His options were sparse, he'd blindly follow a demon if that meant saving his brother.

Y/N had a feeling that trusting her wasn't a good idea. It seemed too good to be true. A demon who doesn't like being a demon? sketchy. She told them about how she felt, but this seemed like a family matter.

It was the day before everything had gone down, before they went to New Harmony. The group had been researching, Y/N wasn't sure what they were looking for. It felt like they were just killing time as the end approached.

She was staring at some sixteenth-century book, her eyes heavy. Trying to understand old English isn't an easy task. She sets down the book deciding it was useless at this point. She went into the small motel bathroom to get ready for bed.

Sam was already in bed, Dean was wide awake sitting at the small table in the room. Y/N knew he must've been exhausted, the past few months wore everyone down.

"Dean you should get some rest" she said

"Yeah" he sighed getting up from the table, climbing into bed next to her. She turned off the side table light, turning so her back is facing him. 

Dean stared at the ceiling, not thinking about sleep. His mind raced with images of what he feared was his future. He felt Y/N tossing and turning trying to get comfortable until she gave up.

Now she was facing him, it was too dark to see if he was awake or not,

"Dean?" she whispers

"Yeah?"

"Are you afraid?" she had been thinking about this since the day she found out about his deal with the devil. It must be eating at him, terrified of what's to come.

"Very" he admits turning to face her "I don't have any faith in these plans to save me"

"Don't say that, maybe there's a chance" she didn't sound too convinced herself

"Y/N, you and I both know better. I'm going to die"

"I don't like to think about that, makes it too real" the small amount of light shining in the room highlighted her face, Dean could see the pain on her face

"Everything will be okay Y/N, I promise" He took his hand and light cusped her cheek "You and Sammy will be fine without me, you'll go on kicking demon ass while I'm in the firey swimming pools of hell"

"It's not funny, Dean" she stifled a laugh, lightly hitting his chest 

"I know" his voice extremely low

She could see the outline of his face, tracing every sharp feature in her head so it's stuck in her memory. 

In the back of her mind, she thought something would happen between them. They shared many stolen glances over the past year or so, both seemed to be scared to allow themselves to be happy. If they furthered their relationship, it would make their job more dangerous. Too many emotions to cloud their judgment.

This was the end, that stuff didn't matter anymore, it was time to stop holding back. She slightly sits up, leaning down toward Dean catching his lips with hers. He was a little off guard but immediately kissed her back.

She pulled away, not wanting to get carried away, especially since Sam was like two feet away from them.

"What was that for?" Dean asked taken aback

"Might be my last opportunity to go for it" she answered, he could hear the smile in her voice

"I think this is a good way to go out" he says going in for another kiss

As their make-out session got more heated, his hands started to travel down to her waist. Making her push him away

"nope, not now" she told him

"C'mon, these could be my last hours on Earth" he pleaded

"How about, if you make it out alive, I'll think about it" 

"Fine" he sighed "you're such a tease" he whispered in her ear

She kissed his cheek, cuddling into his chest. He wraps his arms around her, holding her tight against him. He didn't want this moment to end, he knew it would be his last great memory.

"Ahem" Sam clears his throat "You guys are gross"

"Sorry bro" Dean fake apologized

What followed this event was heartbreak. They found Lilith, they just weren't powerful enough to defeat her.

Dean had to make good on his end of the deal. All of their efforts were for nothing.

Sam lost his brother and Y/N lost her love.

Tags: @arthurcerverogf

Join a tag list!

[astarionposting]

PSA about my screenshots/gifs going forward!

soo due to issues with my screenshots being reuploaded to other platforms without credits/being watermarked by other people (which why tf do ppl do that its so weird), I will be adding my own watermark to my screenshots and gifs from now on...

HOWEVER, I know people like to use my stuff for wallpapers/edits/banners, etc., so I have made a google drive folder where I will upload all of my unedited/unwatermarked screenshots/gifs (also uncompressed gifs! yayyy higher quality!!).

ACCESS PAGE TO FOLDER

(sorry im making u go thru an access page but i gotta cover my bases)

time for rambling:

MAYBE I am being too much about this, but it does bother me because I do put a lot of time and effort into the content I make for bg3, even if it isnt like art or something.. and im trying NOT to be dramatic about it, nor do i like getting upset at people for it; a lot of people dont know if/think screenshots/gifs of a game need to be credited (which i get.. disappointingly, i was the same way before, it just never crossed my mind). Or maybe people just dont care lol.

SO hopefully doing it this way will make it so mostly my watermarked stuff is reuploaded and my unwatermarked stuff can still be seen/used! I don't mind if you reupload/use the unwatermarked versions, just add your own version of credit

(it can even be a little tiny tiny hyperlinked © idc)

SO YA ok enough of my rambling on about this, im annoying myself. ENJOY!!! I will be uploading the pngs/gifs aligned with the time I make the post on tumblr. I will eventually upload old stuff too... just too much work rn.

TLDR; ppl keep uploading my stuff without crediting and im annoying and dont like it so i will be watermarking my stuff but u can get the unwatermarked stuff from my google drive folder :)

BUT A BONUS IS YOU GET TO SAVE THE PNG VERSION OF MY SCREENSHOTS AND NOT THE SHITTY JPG FROM TUMBLR!!!

[julie-su]

I was wondering could you not advocate for art being reposted. it hurts art and artist and is upsetting to hear you asking people to repost artwork.

I sometimes get people saying things like this when I tell people to repost my artwork, but my easy answer is no. I think what you're looking for is for people who freely repost, to respect when they are told no. What I've told people to do, is to save and reupload my artwork in specific.

I find a sense of comfort in knowing that my artwork is being handed around long after I've forgotten it; what I want to do more than anything, is to make people smile through my artwork. So when I see them in the wild, being enjoyed still years after I'd drawn it, it fills me with a great sense of pride. Quite often, people will have seen my fanart that has been spread, and recognise me all so suddenly; I'd reckon that's half of why I've always been curtailed by a rather passionate followerbase -laugh-

In fact, most of my surviving Mega Man fanart from 2017/18/19 is from the harddrives of my friends and followers who did save and reupload it! And a huge thank you to everybody who has been filling my submission box with my old artwork; I have so much trouble remembering what I'd even drawn in the first place.

.. Does it hurt art and artist? Or does it hurt a subsection of artists? We are not uniform beings with the same wants and needs - nor are all artists even in the same industry. This works for me, and I like it.

[cleewii]

THIS IS LOVE

pairing: denji x gn!reader

rating: 16+

warning(s): violence, gore, loss and grief, reader is a morally questionable, pre-established relationship

word count: 1.4K

note: i wouldn’t consider this a completed work considering i just took a draft i had and polished it enough to be cohesive. it still needs some more work (an actual plot cough cough) but whatever. if enough people dig it i might expand on it more. i’ve just got this feeling that denji is rlly weird about crying and that’s where this came from.

I do not permit the reposting/reuploading of my work on any platform. i do not allow the use of my work for other forms of entertainment. not even with credit

if he could hold you to his heart, you’d hear the steady rhythm of life beating from within. two souls bound together in the form of this raggedy, beaten down, dirty mess of a man, covered in layers of dust, and grime, and blood. Yet, when your eyes fall upon him even if he stands a tattered wreck, all he’d see is adoration—a soft and sweet glimmer of something he’ll protect until his last dying breath.

he feels that love you have for him, with its honey golden glow, effervescent as it lays upon his skin in the form of chast kisses and a warm embrace, and he feels like he could die the happiest man in the world. so long as you’ll be there to smile so sweetly. just for him, only for him.

he’d rip apart the world in return, bury his hands deep within the sodden carcasses he’d lay at his own feet to grip at something feral and beating, just for you. all for you. always for you.

because you make him feel like he’s living, like you want him for more then what lives behind his rib cage, tasting his dreams and letting the sweetness of it all fill it until it was satisfied.

“pochita,” he’d told you, “his name s’pochita”

“yeah? how’d you meet him?”

he’d recounted everything he could remember to you that night. that sickly feeling of starvation, the dull throbbing of his head. stories followed by tragedies, even when you felt like you could cry, you let him finish. you listened.

“she killed ‘em. all’ve ‘em…i couldnt….i didnt save ‘em,” his chin falls utop his knees, arms hugging his legs to his body as he stares at the ground solemnly. the glimmer of an anguished nostalgia simmering in his eyes; he seems transfixed on burning his pain into the couch cushion underneath him. from the way he spoke about them, his family, you knew they’d meant the world to him. Maybe even more than that.

you say nothing about the tears that slip down his cheeks. nor the way his nose goes red, and his cheeks blot with watercolor grief.

you only pull him closer, letting him lean against you as he soaks your shirt in muffled sobs.

he falls asleep like that, and you follow soon after. His skin sticky with dried tears, nose and eyes rubbed raw.

he’s snoring before he can process whatever childish embarrassment he might feel about having been so vulnerable. he swallows down the weakness before giving himself the chance to chew on it. there was a realization that had replaced it—in fact—before his eye lids grew so heavy that he had to give into his body’s yearning for sleep.

He wondered, something he rarely allows himself to do, that maybe you matter to him as much as they did. it’s a thought that stays in the back of his mind throughout the rest of the night, in his dreams where the smell of you wandered like a ghost, his body curled up, pressed right against yours.

he would cry for you.

he’d known that since the first time he’d seen you covered in bruises and looking worse for wear.

you were alive, and he still cried.

it had shaken him to his core.

he didn’t notice until you pointed it out, the fat tears that trailed down his cheeks at the sight of you.

he didn’t know why, he’d felt so stupid after the fact, but that didn’t change the way he practically bawled like a baby when you’d returned home late that night, blood seeping into your shirt from the cuts that littered your skin.

you’d been attacked by a devil, you explained, and later that night, when you were safe in bed and sleeping soundly under the covers, he’d gone searching for the thing that’d hurt you.

he didn’t come back until he found it, and left it a writhing pile of stinking flesh.

you didn’t question why he came back to you bloody, or ask about the self satisfied grin he’d presented to you after the fact. you just smiled, so sweet and soft, and kissed the corner of his lips like it was the normal thing to do.

you supposed it was.

every since you’d met him, the line between moral and immoral had faded. what once made your skin crawl and stomach ache, felt like simple showers of rain during a sunny day. never completely normal—always a little too intense to handle—and not always completely welcomed, but a type of irregularity that you wouldn’t lose any sleep over.

that’s why you didn’t think too much about the metallic taste in your mouth afterwards.

that dopey smile on his face was enough for you, especially when he realized you hadn’t changed the bandaids he’d littered over your skin. mismatched, placed everywhere, some folded over themselves in his struggle to remove them from the packaging, and others overlapping each other in his haste to to dress the cuts that marred your skin.

his hands had shaken horribly, eyes red and puffy from crying, finally calming down once he’d bandaged every wound.

it should have scared him, the way he’s broken down so easily because of you. it should have swallowed him whole, filled his lungs with a smokey kind of fear that he’d suffocate in.

if death wasn’t an option, then surely that was the next best thing.

having to watch everyone else die before him.

having to watch you die.

the thought was enough to make him gag, it’s inevitability clung to his throat like a disease.

he’d held you tight, and kissed every inch of skin you’d allowed him to access that night, suddenly strengthened in the resolve he’d created moments before.

“ill protect you. won’t let anythin’ hurt you again. not ever.”

“yeah?” you giggled. maybe you shouldn’t have. there was nothing lighthearted about his declaration. it was solid, unwavering, etched into his entire being and nothing would change it.

“yeah.” he looks down, a determined furrow in his brow, “i promise.”

you stared at him, for a moment, mulling over his words, tasting them on your tounge.

then, your face had melted into a smile, and you kissed him right on the lips.

he couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the night.

“i love you, denji…” you murmured into his hair, soft blond strands tickling your cheek as you slowly drifted, your exhaustion finally catching up to you.

he had only been dozing off, fading in and out of sleep, but the moment those words left for mouth he could feel his body tremble.

you loved him.

you loved him.

he hoped, a selfish kind of hope, that you loved him as much as he did you.

it played in his head, like a broken record. repeating itself, over and over again, until he too faded into sleep.

do you love me like i love you…?

do you need me like i need you….

“ur a dream, ya know that?” he says to you one day, head lying comfortable in your lap as the two of you lounge about a chilly winter day. this was months later, summer having faded as sleet and snow covered the once lively earth.

“half the time i cant believe ur real…” he mumbles that last part, looking away from your serene gaze as if he’d melt at the sight of your eyes, eyes that were always so warm and golden.

red dusts the tips of his ears, painting over the skin of his shoulders and cheeks, you can’t help the giggle that leaves you at the sight of him all flustered and quiet.

“well m’right here aren’t i?” you smile. your fingertips brush over the ends of his blond hair.

“yeah.”

he feels warm at the thought.

still here.

he doesn’t regret crying for you.

no, in fact, he thinks if he could he’d cry every day for you. happy tears, sad tears, so long as you could hold him close and tell him it was alright. that you’d never leave him the way they did, that you’d be okay.

he doesn’t regret crying for you, because although it seemed like whenever he cried it was because he’d lost something, something precious that meant more to him then he’d care to admit, you’d managed to prove him wrong.

for once, his tears didn’t mark the end of something—of someone.

for once, he cried, and you were still here

[minyare2906]

RESET FRONT COVER

So... I screwed up again guys... This is becoming a habit right? Sorry once more T_T

Well, the thing is that I was looking for the file with the full cover of "Reset" to use it for "Reboot" and couldn't find it, so I thought: "I'll download the page I released that is saved in the drive and use it". Well, what was in there were the credits page and the back cover, but not the front cover nor the full cover that I always do for the releases. Why wasn't it there? Because when I saved it I named it as "000A" and when I prepared the credits page, I also saved it as "000A"... Yeah, I know...

So I just uploaded the cover as a separate file (for those of you who have already downloaded the zip and only want this) and reuploaded the full volume, in the same post as before.

Cover: Here

Reset Release Post: Here

I'll improve. Or at least try to. Cheers!

[ephemeral-moth-archive]

hello, this is a archive blog inspired by pumpkin-claws-archive and jih-pun-archive

this is a place for archiving ephemeralmoths warrior cat designs, its mostly so people can look at them if they want to, you are free to block me if needed, i try to get as recent designs as possible

feel free to submit any designs you find (or transparent versions / higher quality versions)

blog runs on queue up to jan 10 2024, i post twice a day to avoid clogging up the tag

I DO NOT SUPPORT ANYTHING MOTH HAS DONE NOR AM I MOTH HERE IS WHAT THEYVE DONE (CWS IN DOC) IF MOTH WANTS ME TO TAKE DOWN MY REUPLOADS I WILL

based off this google doc i have found most designs, the ones that i have missing are:

appleshine, arc, archeye, aspenfall, clawface, cloudstar, finleap, egg, hawkwing, morningflower, mudclaw, pinenose, sparrowtail

everyone else is up in the queue, and unless they have posted more since this doc this is all i need to finish my archive, please dm me if you have any of these designs saved, thank you (the highest quality you have)

[thenightcallsme]

The Arcana: Julian's Route | Chapter 7

!! THIS STORY IS A DETAILED RETELLING OF THE ARCANA, INCLUDING PAID SCENES IN BOTH PROLOGUE AND JULIAN ROUTE. ALL CHARACTERS EXCEPT THE MC ARE PROPERTY OF THE ARCANA FRANCHISE !!

A/N: This is a reupload from my AO3 cause I want to branch out. Enjoy!!

Summary: In a small shop in Vesuvia lives Vivian Caelum, a student of the magical arts who works as a shopkeeper for her tutor, Asra Alnazar. Her name is not known in the streets as her master's is, nor does she have full control over her magic yet. But one night, there's a knock at her door; Vivian is needed at the palace to help Countess Nadia upon her personal wishes. Soon, what she thinks is a small task is something she would never have expected her magic to be used for: Vivian must find Count Lucio's murderer. Will she be able to track down the infamous murderer and finally put the Countess's years of restlessness to ease? Or will the killer captivate her in ways she can't explain? Is she even running after the right man? Something deeper than she thought is happening within her beloved city, and she's about to understand the vastness of the magical realms.

Pairing: Julian Devorak x Fem!Magician Reader

This Chapter Contains: N/A

Word Count: 3,371

find the rest of the chapters in my masterlist here :)

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

"I would apologise for his cruelty," Nadia murmurs, eyes twinkling a little as they leave. "But I say you handled him splendidly."

I make a face. "I can't believe you have the patience for him."

Only Portia, Countess Nadia, and I are left in the lounge. Portia remains by the door where she saw the council out, Nadia standing behind me. I stay seated on the couch, shoulders relaxed and composed posture gone as I sink inelegantly into the plush velvet. While I drew the wine from the couch and my dress to give back to Consul Valerius in spite, a crimson stain still remains. 

Lines crease Nadia's forehead as she frowns. "Sometimes I can't believe it, either. But I will admit that I have never seen him put on such a show."

Portia shakes her head. "And that dress was so lovely. A shame there's still a stain."

“It was lovely," I sigh, giving Nadia an apologetic smile. 

"Sorry I couldn't save it. It was a lovely gift." 

"I'm glad you liked it while it lasted." Her own apologetic smile widens into something brighter. "If you like, I will happily rid you of that dress. Tell me what you would like in place of it, and please, do not be afraid to spare any expense."

Portia stands at the ready as the Countess folds her hands elegantly, waiting for a response. It seems as if Nadia wants me to ask for riches, despite how unnecessary it may be.

"You mean, silk, fur, gold and jewels? Finer than what you have been gracious enough to gift me?" I ask in wonder, enticing from her the joy of giving.

"Of course. I hope you expect no less from me," she teases.

I grin. "Then expenses it will be, my lady."

"Oh, how delightful!" She clasps her hands together with newfound excitement. "It seems you have begun to realise your worth to me. It pleases me, but you must tell me in detail. Silks in what colours? Furs, do you prefer them course or fine? Gold would certainly flatter you, but we both know silver was made for you. I’m envisioning diamonds, some opal, alexandrite, emeralds to match those pretty eyes…”

I listen to her in wonder. I have no idea what the difference in the look and feel course or fine fur could be. Silks, jewellery, the more she must want to discuss. It dizzies me with overwhelming excitement. I've never been spoilt before.

"Portia?" Nadia asks. "Send for an alexandrite from my personal jeweller. It must be set in white gold with a chain to match. Preferably something dainty. If our guest has taken an interest in luxuries, I imagine she will want to choose."

Portia bows her head. "Right away, milady."

"My bathing chambers are near," Nadia continues, extending an arm to mine in offering. "Come. I'm sure you would like a bath."

Golden rays of light dance within the blinding walls of Countess Nadia’s bathing chambers. Women bumble around the deep circular bath set in the middle of the tiled floor, carrying in their hands robes towels, soaps, and trays fruit. Two of the servants fix up a platter of fruits and wine at the waters edge. Another turns the giant gold faucet to let out steaming water. At the head of the bath stands a towering statue set in an alcove in the wall. The woman is depicted mid stride, reaching into a handful of marble flowers in preparation to scatter tham. A few servants mimic her stance, sprinkling real petals across the water.

To the far left, the towering wall has been reduced to grand pillars. A small veranda welcomes the evening air, and beyond that, the skyline of Vesuvia nestles into a haze of purple and orange light. Even from here, the faint buzz of citizens and the awakening of night life is audible. Thick canopies of ivy descend from the overhang.

Nadia bids me to undress behind a white screen, waiting patiently as I fumble with the corset.

"Would you like any help?" When she senses my pause, she gives a peel of sweet, musical laughter. She's only teasing me. "You would enjoy silks, would you not?"

"Oh, yes please."

"And furs? Oh, and what colours schemes? Any preferences?”

As I undo the corset, Nadia asks me question after question, building an idea of my taste for fashion. She's very thorough in her quizzing, making sure not to leave out the smallest details. Some things of her questions I would never have considered when buying clothes, some I have no experience to answer.

One piece of clothing alone would mean the world to me; what she’s already given me is baffling enough. But from the line of questions I know not to expect just one gift. Her ecstatic approach reminds me of a sisterly sort of love, where one dresses the other in her nicest garments. My sister and I used to do such, playing games of pretend where we were entering the world as young woman in search of our other half. This, however, isn’t a game of pretend. It is the Countess who dresses me up, her generosity exceeding any limits, disguising me as another noblewoman.

Her generosity is foreign to me. I’m not used to nice gift, let alone any gifts. 

 Finally, the corset gives way and I take the dressing robe Nadia slings over the screen. Embroidery of small purple flowers and dark green leaves follow the shape of the collar and sleeves. I slip it on the soft white robe, tying it at my waist and stepping around the screen. 

Footsteps echo down the bathroom hall. I've stepped out just in time; Portia appears, emerging through the huge double doors.

"I brought three—" She stops short when she sees me. "Oh, pardon me, I didn't realise we were in dressing robes."

Sharing an amused look with the Countess, Portia presents me with three glittering alexandrites in a small wooden box. I take it gingerly from her hands, inspecting the contents. The polished stones are unlike the last, absorbing and returning the light in different ways. The first one is a square, simple and unassuming. The second has more of a a tear-drop shape with blue undertone, accompanied by a small diamond. Each one is beautiful, and none can compare to the third. Shaped in an oval with a balanced mealy of purple, green and blue, the stone is set in a flowering white-gold pendent encrusted in diamonds.

"This one is beautiful," I breathe, taking it from the velvet lining of the box.

Nadia beams. "Ah, excellent choice. I have a particular fondness for that one. If you shall just turn around, we can see how it suits you."

I comply, pulling my braids and any flyaway hairs to the side as I face away from her. The Countess's delicate fingertips draw waves of shivers as she fastens the chain around my neck. She gently takes my shoulders and spins me around to play with the settlement of the pendant. The dainty chain is comfortably cool against my neck, the pendent nestling just below my collarbone. Nadia stands back, a pleased look in her reddish eyes.

"Lovely!" she quips. "It suits your complexion perfectly.”

Though I know its improper, I can’t help but lean forward and envelop Nadia in a tight embrace. She doesn’t hesitate to return the squeeze I give her. 

"Thank you, Nadia," I whisper. "You have been very kind to give me these things."

"Any time, especially for a friend." She leans back, squeezing my forearms. “I will leave you to your bath. Take as long as you wish. Portia?"

Portia snaps to attention. "Yes, milady!"

They move to the hallway, the rest of the servant retreating to offer me some privacy without being a call away. Alone, I drop the robe and undress from my undergarments. Nadia’s presence seems to remain, smelling strongly of jasmine with a penetrating and deeply contemplating gaze. As I slip into the hot waters, I mull over the fact that the Countess of Vesuvia wishes to be my friend.

I must talk to Asra, I think as I sink slowly into the water. The heat is pleasant against my skin. Somehow, even with him however far away, I must find a way. And I've never done it before, but...I have the perfect idea in mind.

⋆˚｡⁺⋆

The halls within the Palace have a chilling atmosphere beneath the dead of night. The chill rises gooseflesh across my bare arms and legs as I creep silently across the polished marble in only a black satin slip and the dressing robe Nadia gifted me. The veranda is easy enough to find without the help of servants. Tonight it is vacant, I notice with relief as I descend down the stairs. Not even the faintest whisper of life can be heard within the soft song of swaying trees and crickets. 

I take a seat on the edge of the stone fountain beneath the old willow tree. Gazing into the shimmering pool and the reflected image of the moon, I purse my lips hesitantly. Asra taught me this spell many moons ago, but the magic is hard to keep a hold of, and I never got around to actually trying the spell. Like any other, I know the spell off by heart. I just hope that's enough.

Something moving within the drooping willow branches catches my eye. The sight of pale lavender glistening beneath the silvery moon has my head tilted back to get a closer look. When I realise what it is, my eyes widen a fraction, a bewildered smile twitching at the corners of my mouth. There, hanging from a branch with her head turned curiously to the side...

"Faust!"

Faust, Asra's little lavender snake, slithers onto the closest branch and extends her sleek body out to me. She flickers her tongue affectionately against my cheek. I stare at her in wonder. Did Asra not take her? He can't have got back already, can he? I reach my arm out and she coils around it, her scaly skinn amiliar against mine.

She perches up on my shoulder, nuzzling my face with hers. Was she waiting for me? She flickers her tongue at the alexandrite resting against my chest in curiosity, taking an immediate interest in the stone in disregard to the rest of my adorned gifts. Strange.

Watching the water, I lean forward to hover my hand a hair's breadth from the surface. When still and untouched, water seems to solidify into an earthy mirror. Shimmering across the faint ripples is a crystal clear image of my face, the willow tree swaying gently, the stretching expanse of nothingness above, the moon and stars high and proud within. But a magician can use it as more. With a strong enough will, it can act as a window, a looking glass through space and time.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. In the darkness beyond my eyelids, I imagine Asra. I imagine his glittering eyes, his smokey scent, the way he laughs, how his voice sounds when he teases and then when he scolds me. I paint a picture as detailed as I can before he crumbles into an essence that lays over the pool's surface like fine grains of sand. The etched lines of ink imprinted on my skin start to feel hot and fresh. Opening my eyes, I plunge my hand into the water.

Ripples upset the image of the willow tree and the moon that shimmers on the surface. The faint colours mirrored in the image fade like an ageing painting, warping and blending into something new. Images blur and shift, shapes unfolding from what was there a moment ago. My reflection fades away and...

Disbelief fills me.

Asra's face takes my place. Hands covered in gold rings draw water from wherever I look from. He pours the water over his face and runs fingers through his stark white hair. Can he see me? My heart sinks a fraction. It can't have been that easy, could it? I must have made a mistake. But then his lavender eyes travel to mine, the wariness and deep frown chased away by bewilderment. Droplets fall from his fingertips, sending ripples through his image as it strikes the surface of the body of water he sits before. He blinks, dumbfound at the sight of me.

"...Vivian?" His voice is full of wonder, eyes wide. "Can you hear me?"

I nod, barely able to believe it myself as his voice sounds clearly from the fountain. I've never done this spell before, never seen it done before. And yet I've done it perfectly. He leans towards the water, close enough that I can see minuscule beads of water clinging to his light lashes and hair.

"Incredible. I've only mentioned this spell before, but never taught you. How on earth..." He shakes his head, laughing in delight. A surge of pride swells inside me.

Asra sits cross-legged on a grassy bank beside a pond or lake. At the top of the short hill, the grass grows tall and golden, shimmering beneath the moon. It's nice to know that, however many days worth of travel he is away, we always sit beneath the same sky, watching the same stars shimmer and dance around the silver centrepiece. I see no trees, no buildings, no signs of life, no nothing beyond the horizon of grass. What I do see is his large, furry white mount, the exact creature from those strange dreams, whose beady black eyes peek from behind a curtain of fur like fresh snowfall. It rests its large head on his knee, breathing softly.

"Ah. Looks like Faust found you after all," he notes.

I tilt my head to the side. "You sent her to find me?"

He nods. "I wasn't all that sure about coming here. But after that reading you gave me...I thought I'd trust my intuition."

"I'm glad that she's here," I say with a sigh. Faust looks very proud of herself. Now that I'm over the shock of finding her, I'm beyond relieved to have her near. Asra looks pretty pleased himself. "And I'm glad I could find you, Asra. I need to tell you everything."

He frowns, concerned and confused as he searches my face and the view beyond. "Is that a willow tree above you? There are no trees around the wells and canals in Centre City. ...Where are you? Is everything okay?"

"...Yes, sort of. I'm at the Palace."

And I let it all spill from me like a bursting damn. 

I tell him everything, aware of how his frown deepens and something unreadable flickers in his face. I tell him how Nadia found me, how there is to be another Masquerade, how I met with the courtiers and made friends with Portia. ...And then I tell him why I was ever here in the first place. That is what really settles his frown.

Asra is the one person I trust most. He knows every last detail of my origins, my life, my regrets and my dreams. Yet I am careful of the information I let go as I tell my story. One day soon I will let Asra know I have made a mistake. But when I nearly let slip that my tracking spell worked, the words felt suddenly wrong, like my tongue had turned to honey and my mouth had gone numb. 

"It didn't work. I've done successful tracking spells before," I say as I come to a close, "but there wasn't a strong enough tie to the Doctor."

The words come forth easily and sound like the truth. I don't think I've ever successfully lied to Asra before. I pray that this will be the first. When he speaks, he does not question my words, which sends a wave of relief that eases the upturned feeling in my stomach. Either he knows and decides against asking or he's too overwhelmed by my story to notice.

"Unbelievable," he murmurs, face falling slightly. "The day that I leave was the day you needed me most. And even then, you didn't really need me at all. I'm glad Faust is with you, at least."

"You look tired," I say softly. Indeed, Asra's expression is sleepy, but content. His secret escapades must have been fulfilling today.

Asra shrugs, gently petting the beasts head, "I don't feel tired. I was just about to get in the water, but you bet me to it."

I roll my eyes at the joke, failing to fight the smile that arises. Faust slides across my lap and licks at Asra's image as he chuckles. He watches with interest as she turns back, sliding up my torso and winding herself loosely around my neck. Her face nuzzles beneath my chin. Playfully, she flicks her tongue against my skin like a ghostly kiss.

"Faust seems to be opening up to you," he observes. Then, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "It may be time for me to do the same."

I fold my arms. "It's taken you a few years. I have a feeling you want something in return."

"Ask me anything you want. All that I ask is that you are honest with me, too."

Maybe he did see through the lie.

His gaze is gentle as he looks me over, bringing a sense of calm. But I have a few burning questions. Nadia told me that Asra worked at the palace during the plague cure research, alongside Julian. I wouldn't have thought much if, when I asked how Julian got the key, a wave of unexplainable emotion didn't sing in his eyes.

"Who is Julian to you?"

"Julian?" Asra echoes. Loathing and hatred burn in his narrowed eyes. "Ah, yes, he goes by that name, too. I knew him by another. He was a friend once. Then more. And then something else... Something I had to get away from." He stops for a moment and sighs. "Who is Julian to me...who is he to anyone? Whoever he needs to be, to get what he wants. All I will leave it at is that he's a hack physician with a lot to learn. Until he does, nothing good will come of him. ...Is there something else on your mind?"

I purse my lips for a moment, thinking better of the questions that nearly come forth. Too many about Julian may bring on suspicion, and the only questions I have are about him. Maybe it's best to leave it at that anyway. I'm grateful just to get the smallest look into Asra's past and afraid I won't get a lot all in one go.

"No, not really," I say eventually. "I find it may be better to talk face to face without the spell. Maybe then I'll think of more. Besides, it's getting late."

"It is? Time is strange here." Asra smiles again, his heavy mood gone. "Go rest, Viv. I'll see you again soon. I know you'll find me if you need me."

I see Asra reaching towards me, towards the water. His touch scatters the image and suddenly he's gone. 

My mind is a dizzying flurry of thought as Asra's words repeat in my head. Who is Julian to anyone? Whoever he needs to be to get what he wants. He seemed so easygoing and willing to talk when I tracked him down and sat with him in that tavern, when I found him inside my shop. He even seemed empathetic. Caring. But Asra paints him so differently from how I have. Has his playfulness and flirty nature blindsided me without my notice?

If he has, I hate him for doing so. Hate how he's managed to manipulate his way out of eventual arrest just with a lazy smile and empty words. I think I hate Asra a little for not telling me about Julian in the first place, too. I hate how hard this job has proven to be... And worst of all, I hate that I've let it come to this.

⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ ◯ ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

[axl-ul]

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Twelve

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey tot he West because the whole AO3 site, where I originally posted this, got taken down for now)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

The heat flew inside the vast chamber whose thin walls were inlaid with webs of such warm gold that even the sun would be embarrassed once its mute eye would peek there. The swelter pushing through the low hanging windows covered by shutters became unbearable yet none of the people, who were sitting on the three moderate-sized bamboo beds, made a move to open them. Their silhouettes petrified in anticipation of what was about to happen next.

Sanzang was the only one furiously pacing up and down the whole length of the room. Skin on his bald head was shiny from sweat and it reddened so much he slowly began to resemble a lobster in boiling water. His eyes, usually as calm as fish in a fresh pool on a sunny spring day, were ferociously gnawing at the eldest disciple, “What did I say? What did we agree on, Wukong? Wuneng, this applies to you, as well. No fighting. No collisions. No troubles. But look at what happened!“

“Shifu, please, calm down. Sit with us, have this delicious cup of tea and relax,“ Bajie hugged the monk around the shoulders and guided the young man between him and Mei. “Sit with us on this terribly hot day. I can assure you that neither Brother Wukong nor I planned on creating such a ruckus.“

“Shifu,“ the Friar Sand took off from his seat on the opposite bed and knelt,“my seniors didn’t think much ahead. Out of all people you ought to know this best. Please, forgive them and stop shouting so much. Your voice might get damaged and somebody is going to hear you. Shifu, please, listen to my plea and forgive my brothers because they only meant the best and by the unfortunate circumstances they dug too deep.“ Ol’ Sha’s lips had been trembling like leaves on a tree in autumn until he finished with a humble bow.

The demon was such a sore sight Sanzang couldn’t bear to look at him any longer. “Wujing, I’m not angry. I am simply,“ trying to find the right word which described the twitching inside his guts the best, the monk settled down on his usual choice,“disappointed. You dive in head first despite me telling you otherwise. Do you even listen to me? Or are my lectures and hopes of you three becoming honest people and model monks just a tick on your list of things you need to present in case Bodhisattva Guanyin comes to inspect?!“

Sanzang looked daggers at the disciples, mainly on Wukong who as the only one didn’t drop his eyes. The demon didn’t move a muscle, his breaths were so shallow they were almost non-existent. He was like a silent vulcano waiting for the next explosion of seething anger. However, Wukong was more patient than he’d ever been before as the simian was truly trying his best to calm himself down and not to pay attention to his Master’s enraged screech.

“Venerable monk, if I may I’d like to point out that your disciples are valiant men. They saved me and my advisor. I doubt the snakes would leave us unharmed. Brother Bajie was protecting us with his own body and he even got me out of the room as quickly as possible.“ Bajie blushed from hearing such a praise, nobody seemed to notice him, though. “He was the one to bring me to the safety of this room and made sure I had enough food and peace to recover from the awful incident.“

“Brother Wukong fought magnificently and didn’t let the intruders get closer to Her Highness and Brother Bajie,“ Márgerdra joined as well. “His extraordinary skills did not only come in handy, he also showed his devotion to your cause and purpose.“

Such a remark took Sanzang aback,“What sort of dedication are you talking about, Lady Wolf Witch?“

Knowing well where this was leading to, Wukong’s eyes popped out. Behind Sanzang’s back, he was frantically gesturing to the witch to hold her tongue. The woman, although she immediately understood the message behind the agitated hinting, decided on her own and kept on ignoring the Great Sage while she explained,“You see, venerable Master, the place we were at is a bathhouse. Naturally, Her Highness and I had to strip off a…majority of our clothes in order to clean ourselves. Yet, not the Eight Rules nor the Great Sage,“ she offered both demons a meaningful look,“took advantage of it. They behaved like true gentlemen.“

Bajie sensed the woman lied on purpose on his behalf and so, in his own embarrassment and with the temperature of his forehead rising, he joined in praising the immortal monkey,“Shifu, see? Here Big Brother wanted to commit a good deed by heart. He’s got a rather delicate soul-“

“I don’t have a soul, Daizi-“ Bajie’s ear slapped Wukong across the mouth and as if by magic shut him up for good. The red print on his cheek and the annoying pinching on his skin bristled Wukong’s fur as he launched at the pig’s flapping ear, however he restrained himself from the bite at the last second.

“Venerable Master, do you finally see the reason? It was more than a self-defence. As well as Lady Wolf Witch nearly getting knocked off in that horrible fight my own poor heart wouldn’t be able to survive another scarring-“

“Enough!“ Sanzang’s resolute voice was irked. A strange unknown feeling washed over him and his heart. The monk didn’t recognise it but he was capable of describing it - his ears were swollen from Mei’s urging, his skin was breaking out in rash from the constant Sha Seng’s squeezing and his throat squeezed whenever both directed their puppy eyes on him. How strange as he had never before minded them, quite the opposite, they were one those whose presence he enjoyed the most. “The Queen is outraged! Her captain is ready to corner us even more! What’s worse, the city is surely under a lockdown…“

“Shifu, you're exaggerating. It was only a small group which got in. The Queen surely won’t think much of it,“ Bajie beamed as his tusks bored into a tart apple.

Knock. Knock.

Even the tiniest movement of the group stopped upon the light tapping reached their ears.

“Y-Yes, please?“ Tang Sanzang coyly stepped closer to the sliding door.

“It is me, the Captain of Her Majesty’s guards. May I enter, sir? Or is it more suitable for me and my men to go and see you a little bit later?“ The muffled nasal voice hammered against Wukong’s eardrums and nerves. As if to feed his irritation, the request of the soldier was granted an approval. “No such thing as further delaying is needed. Please enter, Captain. Our sincere apologies, but we’ve already eaten a fair amount of food. If you do not mind, may we at least offer you some nuts?“

 “No. Thank you but I must decline your hospitality this time," Captain Jun looked around the room. His suspicious gaze settled upon the larger table in the left corner of the room. There were big plates and bowls, by a quick counting possibly seven or so dishes, dirty from the leftovers. Jun narrowed his eyes,“You didn’t touch the meat? How strange, I was of the opinion our cook was the best of the best with his culinary skills.“

The Tripitaka fidgeted on the spot when the pair of guards standing by the door looked over to them.

“I deeply apologise for the rudeness of interrupting you,“ Mei jumped in for the quick rescue,“but wouldn’t it be a bit unwise to eat such heavy food in this weather, Captain? We simply ate what was easier to digest. We, of course, are going to taste your local delicacies, only a bit later when our bodies won’t ache so much. Besides, I don’t think our food is the goal of your visit, sir.“

The response satisfied the crane demon. “Very well,“ he looked at the group one more time. For a moment he observed Wukong, soon, though, he blinked over to the place where Márgerdra was sitting quiet as a mouse. Jun’s graceful features relaxed. “You are, indeed, right, Miss Ah Xiuying. Because Her Majesty is now in a great hurry to secure the safety of her people she requested me to visit you on her behalf. Yet, the content of her message is something I identify with. Therefore we both deeply regret that Miss Yaling and Miss Ah Xiuying were the eyewitnesses and victims of the bandits breaking in. Furthermore, our units are already on their tracks and with my most accomplished men both in the field and in interrogation, I doubt the responsible will have enjoyed the freedom for more than a week. With a fair share of experience, I’m giving him two weeks at best.“

“Sure thing,“ Wukong murmured with folded arms,“till now you’ve been just rolling your ass in a fine seat.“

The captain turned around and snivelled until his nostrils largened beyond belief,“What is it, Huang? Anything important?“

“Me?“ Wukong shot his feet down from the table and pretended his obliviousness as best as he could,“No, nothing worth mentioning. I was only thanking you that you managed to run down the stairs, Captain, and saved my lovely wife and sister-in-law from these fiendish foes. Always on time when it’s needed. What a hero…“ The unmistakable glint in dark eyes accentuated the Sage’s sneer.

Jun chewed on his inner cheek. The temperature around him appeared to drop significantly. “I am glad whenever I can be of service, especially to such a young and already accomplished fighter and scholar, from what I’ve heard. Aside from your wife, some praise, naturally, goes to you, too, Huang.“

“I can’t lie. I married well.“ Wukong knew the easiness of his words got his rival worked up, it didn’t matter how well Jun tried to mask it behind his gentlemanly behaviour.

The tall demon delivered his apology once more to the women as well as the young monk whose room became a nest of hostility. He then turned around to march out with his subordinates but caught himself at the last second. Jun gently stroked his forehead under the helmet as if he nearly forgot to do something.“By any chance, did the servants inform you about the state of gates and the travel routes going through the city?“

Mei took a sharp breath,“You’re connected to other cities?“

Her question honestly startled the young official,“Naturally, Miss Ah Xiuying. Even though we are a demonic settlement we need to be supplied. Our disguised merchants can freely trade with the outsiders and humans under crucial conditions. Yet we do not deny their right as well as the fact that only a small fee and a certain percentage goes into the royal coffer. That is the reason why business is quite popular with our citizens.“

“Apologies for interrupting, sister, but nobody told us a thing about those routes. What happened to them? Have they been destroyed?“ Márgerdra asked, never taking her eyes off of Jun.

“No, you needn’t to worry about such a scenario, Miss Yaling,“ he chuckled,“that would be an utterly foolish thing to do. However, all the gates are now closed on the order of Her Majesty to ensure the safety of our people. Nobody goes in or out.“ Jun’s onyx eyes danced on the group, a small attempt to find something written on their stone faces. Soon, with a silent ‘goodbye’ he walked out and left them drowning in their inner grim thoughts.

****

“Is everyone prepared?“ Mei’s curious question striked the rest who were still in the process of dressing up. Márgerdra carefully hid her whip behind the light blue silk belt and covered it with her long cloak while Wukong and Wujing made sure their own weapons didn’t stick out from their ears. With his floppy ears, Bajie didn’t need to concern himself with such worry. “We should depart soon if we want to check out the city.“

“Your Highness, don’t forget we’re about to control the routes and gates to form an escape plan. This isn’t about sightseeing,“ Márgerdra reprimanded her.

“I’m aware of that. But“ Mei was all smiles,“we aren’t going to be blindfolded. We can still enjoy the day! I’ve heard the local marketplace holds plenty of interesting specialities. There should even be a performance going on! Let’s go there, Márgerdra!“ The princess yanked her advisor’s hand like a small child.

“Yeah, Márgerdra, let’s go there and see what these nice locals have to offer,“ Wukong smirked at the frowning witch. He didn’t intend to hide his teasing.

“Your Highness, please, understand we’re not here to have a-“

“You’re right, Your Highness,“ Sanzang and Wujing said with sparkling excitement upon hearing the idea.

Such an unexpected enthusiasm couldn’t be shared with the Immortal who was suddenly lost for words and whose fur bristled up,“Shifu, you can’t be serious. We’re in the middle of a nest swarming with demons! You’d be much safer inside this room with me on the watch.“ Wukong’s cries went unrewarded. The last thing he heard before the door loudly shutting behind was Bajie’s cheerful laughter as the four hand in hand joyfully set out for their walk throughout the colourful city.

Márgerdra stood next to him, worry wrinkling her pretty face,“This is going to be a long day, isn’t it?“

“Remind me to buy a couple of acupuncture needles,“ the monkey sighed and massaged his temples.

“Don’t worry, I suppose I’ll need some too. But do we even have money for that? All’s been either lost or confiscated.“

“Not quite. Shufen sent some to Shifu. Sometimes, I’m glad he’s the good-looking one in the group…“ Wukong murmured as they entered the opulent hallway with more motifs of a bamboo grove with creatures of gold, silver and bronze with gemstones instead of eyes. Thankfully, the four were waiting for them, loud and lively as ever. Out of nowhere, Wujing yelped out, then he and the rest became laughing hysterically as he realised Mei pulled a prank on him with her cold fingers around his neck.

“Splitting up the job, Wukong?“

“Seems like it. Taking care of Daizi and Shifu.“

“I’m reserving Mei and Ol’ Sha. Good luck.“

They wearily sighed and set out to meet their fellow travellers.

****

Ao Lie’s hooves sank into the wet ground. Leaves tickled his stomach but he didn’t mind anymore. His whole body was stung by mosquitos and flies, his nose was full of mucus from the humidity.

“Bai Long Ma, get up!“ Wukong encouraged the exhausted horse but no matter how hard he tried, even his own limbs trembled, unable to help the dragon prince to stand up. The clone warned Bai Long Ma the spell would soon wear out but Lie still hoped the companion would remain with him longer than this. Soon, only a single strand of hair would be left of the clone.

They walked not more than five steps when both collapsed. Birds were chirping and bees were buzzing around the two. “Damn this marsh. So far the worst landscape we’ve been to,“ Lie cursed under his breath and tossed his greenish mane to the side. It still didn’t scare away the fly whirring around his ear.

For a while, they were huffing, wishing for a downpour. Lie tried for a small talk to avoid the silence since he’d started missing the group. He’d talk the whole day but he cut himself off. Wukong stretched out his spine, pointy ears listened closely as the simian held his breath.

“What’s going on, brother?“ Lie wanted to ask but the clone hinted to do nothing. Although Lie waited patiently a concerning feeling of his guts twisting enveloped him. Then Wukong jumped up and ran towards the shadows of the tall trees with a petrifying yell. His knees were visibly wobbly but it didn’t discourage the double in his pursuit. But what was he attacking?

Ao Lie, fearing for the monkey’s safety once he saw his buckling slim legs, cried out,“Wukong! What’s-?!“

“Run!“ The clone yelled behind himself before diving into the darkness. Not long after, the dragon horse heard a clash of steel, monkey shrieking, curses and spells being shouted. Suddenly, everything went dead silent. The eeriness of the moment built up within the stallion. As if to worsen the situation intentionally, clouds overlapped the sky, their monstrous mouths full of foam swallowing the sun.

Lie snorted. He gnawed on his cheek and forced himself back on his feet. He did not dare to come closer to the place where his companion vanished, though. An acidic smell came from there.

Because he found himself unable to move, he started counting. On five he must, he has to, begin running no matter where, how far or how fast. He has to go immediately.

Upon reaching the final count, his powerful legs lifted. Yet, they never touched the ground behind.

A voice from the shadows stopped him from going further. Quite deep, it carried a distinctive rough pitch. “Brother! We’ve been looking for you! You made us worried. Where have you been?“

When Lie turned to meet the person he couldn’t believe his eyes. It’s him. Just him, his good old friend.

He wanted to come closer but something deep down warned him no to. Something wasn’t right with the person. There were several details, hidden in plain sight. But Bai Long Ma registered one which made his blood freeze. His friend’s hand was bloody and holding a single dark brown strand of hair.

A heart beat, two, then three. The moment of the two demons staring each other down felt like eternity.

Bai Long Ma turned around and ran, he ran like never before in his life. Something was off, wrong with the person. He looked like, no, he was Wukong. But something there, written in that face was twisted, grotesque and wicked. He remembered the dream he had the previous night. “Don’t trust the eyes, for they may easily deceive,“ ever so gentle Guanyin said. But which eyes? His own dragon eyes? Or those…!

The blood. That hair. His eyes. Wukong’s eyes had never carried such intensity, as if something evil, contorted lay beneath. Then it struck him. Underneath the cloak, right where Wukong’s two ears were, there…

He didn’t finish the thought. The stranger landed on his back, the impact nearly broke Bai Long Ma’s spine in half. The dragon-horse didn’t call out as something hard struck his skull. The white body with webbed mane went limp.

****

The marketplace was located in the centre of the city. It consisted of stalls of various goods and flavours. The place, no matter how many dilapidated buildings surrounded it, was brimming with the bubbly spirit of the locals who’d already begun with decorations of their homes and narrow streets.

Mei merrily shoved her bowl of soup into the monk’s face and nearly knocked out his teeth. “This is so good! Try it! Please!“

The young monk’s forehead was flooded in heavy sweat and he heard only a minimum of what the princess told him in the noon uproar of the merchants and their customers mixed with the murmur of the river that was flowing nearby. Everyone was looking at them when they first entered the spacious marketplace. Fortunately, the word about the newcomers and the actions of the ugly imp spreaded in the crowd like a wildfire and many had a good laugh on the idea of the dashing Guard Captain being challenged by a sole monkey. Since then, not one stall had a problem with offering fresh foods and delicacies, child’s toys and books with poems, fine fabrics and dress and jewellery. “Well, if you insist so much,“ the Tripitaka replied and took the bowl. A single sip sent pleasant sweetness, though slightly bitter, down his throat. It was a welcomed refreshment, indeed.

“Shif-“

“Shui!“ the group screamed before Wujing managed to speak out fully. After a reassuring pat on the head from the young princess he mustered the courage to offer a few dumplings. “Have some, please.“

“Thank you but I have to decline. You yourself haven’t eaten much, so-“

Mei didn’t hesitate. Perhaps for the first time in her life, she munched on her food and with full mouth she yelled out,“These. Are. So. Good! How are the local cooks so amazing?! You ought to have at least a single bite, Shui. Will you do it for me?“ The flicker of her lashes made Sanzang give up and take upon the princess’ offer. Mei let out a delighted squeal. She curiously scanned the other seats of the food stall and stopped when she noticed the tensed figure of the Immortal. “Hey! You over there! Stop glowering and come closer! Pretty please!“ she gestured to slouching Wukong who was sitting by the edge of the bench.

Zhu Bajie bumped into the senior disciple which caused a good portion of his drink to spill out. “C’mon, Big Bro. Give us just a few minutes to refresh ourselves. Then we can go on with the…tour around the city.“

Wukong folded his arms, leaned back and after a quick scold from Sanzang for putting his feet on the table, he forced himself to wait for the group to finish their meal. Although, he soon found himself in a dreamy state once someone passed him the bowl of coconut pudding topped with sesame seeds. The whole portion vanished in his mouth and when he was asking for the second one, a soft chuckle caught his attention. “I’ve never had you for a sweet tooth.“

“I’m not,“ Wukong answered Márgerdra while he gladly accepted his second bowl from Sanzang,“but a change once in a while can’t hurt.“ He eyed her for a moment. The witch was also enjoying the soft flavour of a sweet potato soup, though her choice was hardly unexpected. He put the pudding down and wiped his mouth with the wide black sleeve. “Would you like to try this out?“

“Excuse me?“

“Whether you want to have the pudding. It’s pretty tasty and I see you’ve been liking the sweets the most. I’d be honestly glad if you accepted.“

Márgerdra, despite being baffled by his late behaviour, nodded,“Since you’re quite the adamant gentleman, why not? Thank you very much.“

As she was about to accept the meal from Wukong, Bajie loudly announced,“Despite our lunch being the best of the best I’ve had, we better get movin’. It might be around noon now but there’s a great chunk of the undiscovered city ahead of us. A walk will help us to easily digest these delicacies, too.“

Despite their bodies pushing hard through the crowd, the Pilgrims didn’t escape the near suffocation. Regardless of the time advancing steadily, more and more inhabitants were flooding streets. The marketplace lay in the centre of the whirlpool of bodies which spiralled around like a flock of vultures. Nevertheless, it didn’t hold the travellers back. They bravely made their way through to discreetly inspect the main gate and also the smaller one facing the north.

“You did that on purpose,“ Wukong told Bajie once caught up to him in the crowd. Since it was impossible to go around together, the group separated to look for the third large gate, the one with a trade route leading to the Country of the Brocade Lantern, orientated towards the west - Márgerdra went with Sanzang, Wujing accompanied Mei and Wukong chose to keep an eye on overly eager Bajie.

Pigsy’s ears flapped as he snivelled what slowly worked Wukong up. “Don’t pretend like you have zero idea what I’m talking about.“

“Brother,“ the pig demon rubbed his hands,“I know it’s hard to believe but I really don’t know what you’re on about. In fact, I wanted to see the city as much as I could! Look around! All the wonders of the world. Not everyday you wake up and experience a functioning demonic city.“

Wukong paused for a while. He pouted, his tail twitched. He scratched behind his ear,“Is that all?“

“Of course. You’re not suspecting me of anything, are you??“

The monkey didn’t deliver an answer. He let Bajie take the lead through the crowd meanwhile the simian submerged deep into his thoughts. He didn’t realise Bajie stopped following him the moment they stepped into an alleyway. “The gate should be around here somewhere. Wouldn’t be that bad if we were a little bit more cautious from now on. Bajie?“

“Listen, I think you can go on your own for a minute. There’s too many side paths. It would be for the best if we split up.“

“Why precisely?“ Feeling that more was going on under the surface, the Great Sage walked up to the fidgeting Zhu Bajie. When the middle disciple refused to look him in the eye, Wukong decided to observe the area by himself. All it took was a single look to the left when Wukong’s eyes met a large house with a sign. The characters were written the most elegant and precise way, a perfect contrast to the hectic atmosphere of the fair. The Sage, whose guts were twitching with each second passed, read them outloud,“Midnight Flowers of Delight.“ He faced Bajie in disgust,“Seriously? You can’t keep it in your pants for a damned day?“

“C’mon! You have no idea what it feels like to sleep alone at night.“ Bajie cried unaware of Wukong convulsively forming fists. “You’re beside that cute witch while I have to sleep next to snoring Ol’ Sha. Doesn’t matter he’s got a separate bed. Last night, he even sneezed on me! Have you ever been sneezed on by a river demon? It’s absolutely nauseating!“

“Shut up!“ The monkey lost control and punched the pig so hard he flew a good ten bus back. He waited for the boar to pull himself together and then firmly stepped in the direction of a tiny stall. Seeing it was only filled with brushes of numerous sizes, the Immortal pretended his interest just to distract himself and to calm down. He was arching over an inkstone when Pigsy whispered to him, still rubbing his aching rear.“You didn’t have to go that far, brother.“

“You made me do it. It was all your sole decision. I only delivered the result, brother,“ Wukong scowled.

“Fine, maybe you’re right. I ought to stop thinking about pretty ladies with long legs.“

“Glad to hear that.“

“With a thin waist and milky skin, too.“

Wukong rolled his eyes once he heard Pigsy’s dreamy voice. A magnificent magnolia-shaped Duan inkstone and a fine ink brush with an orange handle caught his attention, something which sparked an idea.“How much for these?“

“Also with blonde hair, preferably.“ Pigsy’s additional playful wink didn’t help to cease the heat of the situation.

Once the old vendor turned to check the price, the monkey turned on his heel and grabbed the pig marshal by the ear. His voice lowered, the menacing tone made Bajie shiver from head to toes. “I’m giving you the last chance, Daizi. You speak like this ever again, I’m  punching your greasy fat guts out. I don’t care how many rounds of Headband Tightening Spell I’m risking. I will do it.“

“Big Bro, I was just messing around,“ Zhu Bajie cried out,“I wanted to tease you a bit as a prank. Let me go, please!“

The monkey’s jaw dropped. All the feelings mixed inside him like the most wretched ingredients in the boiling cauldron. He was appalled, confused, and outraged. The pressure of his slim fingers eased. Under them, red droplets poured from the purple dots and elongated scratch wounds. The Great Sage’s innards quivered. It was only a silly joke and nothing more. Yet, the squeeze was greater than ever before.

“Brother, I’m sorry. Let me take care of that.“

“What? Is my hearing deceiving me?“ Bajie held onto his bleeding ear. “You feel guilty about bullying me? I better thank Guanyin for hearing out my cries for help.“

“Shut up. I’m serious this time.“

Seeing the honesty in his senior’s eyes, Bajie’s tense face relaxed, his snout wrinkled when he offered his fellow a warm smile,“Thanks, Big Bro.“

“Young man,“ a fragile finger tapped on the monkey demon’s shoulder. The old man handed Wukong, who immediately threw a fit, his bill,“How much?!“

“Young master, I have to make a living, too.“

Wukong turned to Bajie with a grumble after unsuccessfully digging through the pouch of taels. “Brother, could you lend me some for today? I’ll give it back right after we get back to the palace.“

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you, just show me the sum- How much?!?! Six silver taels for a piece of rock and a brush?!“ Bajie grabbed his head,“Alright, here. Just so me and my conscience can rest well tonight.“

“Thanks. As I said I’ll return everything. I just forgot that I handled the food back then.“

“No, you’re fine. Anyway, what do you need that for?“ Bajie whispered so as not to bring attention of the vendor on Wukong who cautiously shoved an empty scroll of paper behind his shirt.

“That is none of your business.“ Regardless of the briefness of his response, the words didn’t carry a single sign of loathe. It was simply a pragmatic way to end the discussion to continue in pushing through the mass. Not long after, the hairy neck stretched out to bring the dark eyes crowning Wukong’s head to the highest level where he clearly saw a pair of familiar people approaching them. The monkey demon waved for the two to come closer. As the Wolf Witch and the Tang monk slowly made their way towards Bajie and Wukong, the monkey man reduced the package and hid it next to Ruyi Jingu Bang in his ear. Bajie wasn’t sure whether he saw well but even in the scorching heat of the early afternoon’s sun it appeared his senior smiled.

“Found something, blondie?“

“A little bit. Guards at the gate have the best equipment and they don’t look like playing around. Captain wasn’t joking when he said nobody goes in or out. You?“

“Not quite. Wait, where’s the rest? Didn’t we agree to meet…?“ Wukong didn’t finish. Two people crashed into Bajie’s side. It was the Tiger Princess and the Friar Sand. Both were carrying various trinkets and trifles, shiny and colourful, carved or making noises. “Sorry, we lost our way around,“ Ol’ Sha started first,“then we found an interesting stall with these! So Her High- Ah Xiuying thought about bringing some.“

“Yep! Here, I must say that Sha Seng is such a sweetheart for helping me with these.“ Both the girl and the demon beamed, seemingly not ever registering the baffled expressions on their fellows’ faces. “Anyway, who wants a souvenir?“

****

The gold of the sun was slowly vanishing behind the proud mountain range. The palace towered above the city dancing in the light of red lanterns, azure paper cranes, golden phoenixes and green dragons. “Whoa! Look! This is wonderful! Not even back home we had these sorts of celebrations. What do you think, Márgerdra?“

The witch put aside the silver comb and peeked above Mei’s shoulder. In front of her, a marvellous view spreaded and captured her the same way as it did with the young princess. “Indeed, dear. I wonder what else the locals can come up with if this is only the mere start.“

“Too bad we didn’t make it to the street performance,“ Mei hanged her head low upon hearing the gasps and whoops of the onlookers and the loud catchy melodies from the land below.

“Don’t worry, Mei. I promise that we’ll go tomorrow. Now head up, please, or your pretty hair’s never going to get combed.“ Neatly and carefully, she went through thick strands. From time to time, her ears caught onto shallow exhales. “What are you doing there? You seem rather uneasy.“

“Just scribbling again. Nothing serious, you silly,“ Mei laughed it off.

“Truly? Well, I think,“ Márgerdra cautiously sank the comb into the last bits of Mei’s long hair,“that you’re back to your poems.“

Mei puckered her lips, then released a heartfelt chuckle. “Fine, you won. I’m writing again. The latest events sparkled some inspiration. Besides it’s been some time since I either practised on erhu or speaking in verse.“ Out of the blue, the young woman turned around. Excitement twinkling in her eyes, she exclaimed,“Wanna hear it?“

The witch’s heart missed a beat from the sudden noise. It didn’t stop her from a tender cheer,“Naturally, dear. Come on, show me.“

“It’s only a few verses but here we go.“ The princess gently cleared her throat.

“White horses run through the blue of the sky,

the flowers in the maiden’s garden are in full bloom

for she awaits good news sent by the silver moon

that her father bought her mother a golden comb

and for the the maiden a jaded butterfly

which will bring a new spring to her home.“

Right after the princess said the last word, the witch clapped her hands. Mei beamed but she cut herself off when she saw her best friend frozen with astonishment. Quickly, Mei crawled closer.

“It’s one of the finest poems I’ve heard in a long time, Mei. You should go on with this one.“

The princess threw herself at the witch and hugged her closest friend tightly. She whispered,“You should stop worrying me, silly. Thought something happened when you didn’t say a word at first. That’s my job.“

“I know, little plum,“ Márgerdra giggled, “I can’t help it, though.“ She glanced to the side. A tall candle, whose flickering flame cast astounding shadows on the wall with a tree blooming in the middle of a winter, turned in the meantime into a pool of wax. “Oh, my! You should be in your bed and rest. Today was quite a hard day. Good thing that the Queen rescheduled the dinner for tomorrow.“

“You’re going with us, right?“

“I’m not so sure. Bajie and Wukong might need a hand in the investigation. But Ol’ Sha is certainly going with you and the Venerable Master. He’ll take care of it, don’t worry,“ the advisor helped the princess to get comfortable. Suddenly, her eyes went wide. “I almost forgot. I saw this at the market and thought it may come in handy once. Just in case you won’t be able to throw such a spectacular punch like the last time.“ The Wolf Witch handed the young princes a fine dagger with a handle carved in the shape of a jumping tiger with ruby eyes and claws. Before astonished Mei could say a single word of gratitude, the witch leaned closer and gently pinched one of her rosy cheeks. “Goodnight.“

“Márgerdra, I’ve something to tell you. After all this, I feel that I rather see you as my best friend…no, my big sister, not my… mother. I’m sorry but she is…was someone…“

“Special. As she should be, Mei,“ Márgerdra’s lips quivered like leaves caressed by the morning breeze,“ not a single person in the world could ever replace who she truly was. It was an honour to serve her and now you.“ The Lady Wolf Witch paused. When she spoke again, Mei could hear a faint smile in her soothing low voice,“Sweet dreams, little plum.“

****

“Goodnight and don’t forget - next time no souvenirs.“ Wukong slid the door shut, its crackle spread throughout the long corridor. Once he turned around, his heart stopped for an unpleasantly long moment.

“Greetings, master.“ Yawen’s face was uncomfortably close, so much their noses almost touched. “Is everything alright? You look upset.“

“Miss Yawen,“ Wukong forced his scowl behind a large grin. “We meet again. Hopefully your health’s been intact since the bathhouse incident.“

“How thoughtful of you to ask me for my well-being. Although, I’ve had terrible nightmares since,“ the snake demoness sighed deeply and dramatically raised her hand to her pale forehead,“I would be lying if I said I’m not getting any better.“

“If you say so, Miss Yawen. Goodnight then.“ Wukong was prepared to march away but Yawen hooked around his arm. “Why? Are you going to sleep? The night’s still young. Besides, we’ve just met! What would you say about a quick walk through the gardens? I know a marvellous spot with a fine pool and a tree you’ve certainly never seen in your adventurous life.“ Instead of addressing the woman the monkey grimaced. The way she moved around him, the pressure of her body, how she squeezed his biceps, her fawning words, that she dared to come so close, all of it was making him sick.

Because Yawen noticed the  hidden disgust, she stood on her tiptoes and whispered to his ear,“As I mentioned to your wife, I have something to tell you.“

Wukong raised his eyebrow. “My wife, Miss Yawen?“

“Indeed, dear Master Huang, an important proposition. It’s related to Her Majesty…“

Approaching footsteps interrupted the demoness. Wukong didn’t need to turn. The light sweet scent with fruity undertones and mane of gold in his peripheral vision was all he wanted to appear. The simian threw his hands so abruptly that the back of his palm accidentally slapped Yawen across her face. “Dearest! I was thinking where you wandered to. I hope my sister-in-law is fine. Are you ready to go off to bed?“

“Yes, I am. Though one of our hosts may not be.“ Márgerdra glared at Wukong’s unexpected company. Sensing the two demonesses were at each other’s throat, he promised Miss Yawen to talk about the offer with the witch. At last, they both wished a goodnight and vanished behind the opposite doorway.

****

Through gritted teeth, Márgerdra explained Miss Yawen’s proposal. Not only her voice, a blazing whirlwind of hostility, was gradually rising, her teeth were elongating, too. The woman’s bestial eyes shone in the dark corner of the room. She soon left the gloomy place and began pacing up and down in the golden candlelight which glittered on her skin and hair.

“Do you understand now?“

In the meanwhile, Wukong made himself at most comfortable in the wide armchair - legs over the armrests with his right hand supporting his head like a pillar he became the epitome of carefreeness. In the past, the witch’s reaction would have made his blood boil but now, strangely enough, her outrage made him chuckle. “Hey, blondie, calm down. Your muzzle’s going to show up.“

Márgerdra froze. At first, she only cast a baffled look, then when she saw her claws and felt the fair fur covering her cheekbones and forehead, she hid her face. A puff escaped her once again delicate lips. “I’m sorry you had to see me like this. A monstrous hag…“

Wukong observed her standing there in the dim light, so unnaturally sheepish and afraid. How the light jacket wasn’t enough to cover her shivering chest, her smooth hands he wished to touch for they’d been so gentle with him. “More like a pretty lady in a different coat if you ask me. A little bit too annoying for my taste but a lady nonetheless,“ He stood up and walked closer to the uncovered window where Márgerdra stood. He was beyond thankful for the breeze to waft her scent towards him. “I get that you’ve become pretty adjusted to this form.“

“You bet. The wolf appearance stopped feeling right some time ago.“ Her stern visage unsettled Wukong. To his liking, she’d been worrying too much lately.

“Here, drink this. It’ll make you relax.“ He raised the hand with the cup and waited until his companion accepted. “Thanks.“

“I should be thanking you.“

“How so?“

“Should I let you guess, blondie?“

“Mutual respect…“

Wukong faintly smiled. The porcelain of their cups clinked. “Cheers!“

The cool breeze caressed their forms. “It’s going to rain soon.“ Márgerdra sipped from the cup and let the liquid warm her inside out, a pleasant feeling for sure. Her mind wasn’t as clouded with anger as before however concern settled in her heart again. “Yawen is up to something. I know it. I can feel it in my bones. She doesn’t believe a single bit of our masquerade.“

“I think so too. Back in the bathhouse, I found a message the vipers wanted to deliver. I didn’t manage to retrieve it and I didn’t manage to finish reading it just in time only that Shifu should be kidnapped during the full moon. But I’m certain Golden Wind was the one who wrote it to his sibling here in the palace.“

“A sibling?“

“Yes. A twin sister. Her name wasn’t in the letter but…“

“Yawen.“

“Spot on.“

“You said they want to kidnap the venerable Master. The full moon - it would be the same date as Shufen’s celebration and the tournament.“ The wolf demoness hugged her chest - as she had rightly hinted, fine rain started to drum on the roof. “Which means we need to form a plan immediately.“

“Already done,“ Wukong pushed a low table away from the decorative screen.

Sensing the upcoming troubles in the air, the Lady Wolf Witch grabbed the bridge of her nose,“I wonder which of your wonderful ideas struck you this time. Wukong, careful with the furniture, it looks quite ancient.“

The Great Sage, still arching over, looked behind with a broad mischievous smile,“I’ll pay a visit to Miss Yawen if she desires it so much.“

Tens of shattered pieces splayed on the ground as Márgerdra’s cup slipped from her hand,“Did you lose your mind?! No. Never, Wukong. I won’t allow it.“

“Why not?“ The simian grimaced. Seeing the broken porcelain by his foot, he quickly snapped his fingers. The broken cup was no longer present, the spell put it back at its original place on the other side of the large room, completely intact. “As the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, I can handle myself.“

The demoness’ will was obdurate like the ice held by her eyes. “I’m not denying your skills. But Yawen’s calculated enough for the invitation to be a trap. Let’s not forget she’s most likely that fiend’s sister. The risk isn’t worth it.“

“C’mon, blondie. I can still use my clones.“

“Absolutely not. If somebody registers you're at two places at once we’re done for good.“

Wukong straightened up only to huff while he leaned against a wall. The careless motions of his right hand running through his hair was a clear sign for Márgerdra that the demon was losing his patience. “What’s the real reason, though? Do you want us to focus more on protecting Shifu and Her Highness or you’re just afraid I’m going to get hurt?“ He forced a smirk and waited for her to reply.

It didn’t take long. What was more, her answer truly caught him off-guard. “Both.“ After a while, she stepped closer. She stopped only when she was close enough to breathe in his salty scent. Her tender hands rested on his tensed shoulders. Only then, the witch locked her strange eyes with him. “Please, promise me you won’t go there.“

“That sleazy demoness appears to favour me for some reason. I may get something out of her. It can save us time and who knows,“ Wukong returned the favour and also placed his hands on her arms,“even us.“

Márgerdra submerged into her thoughts. Truly, it was all or nothing. An unpleasantly long moment passed before his words finally persuaded her. “Very well, I trust you with your judgement. But take somebody with you. No double, in case she’d play her own game.“

“To take someone? Like you?“

Hearing the teasing pitch, Márgerdra winked at Wukong,“That part - you said it yourself.“ A big yawn interrupted them. “Goodnight, monkey. I’ll see you tomorrow.“ She took out the peony hairpin and running through her released hair she approached the bed.

“Already off to sleep? I thought that Lady Wolf Witch would like a small gift.“

The witch was about to wrinkle her nose but turning around she found a package in the monkey man’s hands which drew her attention back. Márgerdra carefully took it, weighed it in her hands, as she hoped to guess the exact content of it, and slowly unpacked it on the prepared table. An exquisite inkstone and an ink brush appeared in front of her amazed eyes. “These are marvellous. But,“ she turned towards Wukong who brought up a scroll of rice paper and an ink,“what does it have to do with me?“

“Sit down. Then I’m going to tell you.“ Wukong winked and showed her a place on the floor by the adorned furniture piece.

Too tired to dive into a harsh exchange of opinions, she obeyed, though the woman still pursed her lips. “Would you at least, please, bring me my-“

“-comb? Of course, I would.“ A hairy limb with a comb decorated with pearls appeared by her side. “However, it’ll stay with me for a while.“

“You’re not going to brush my hair, right?“ Márgerdra bulged her eyes.

“Don’t worry,“ he sat right behind her and unfolded the scroll in front of them,“I know your hair’s important to you. I would never lay a finger on it. Not without your permission.“ His soft breath tickled her ear. Numbness was slowly leaving her body as he lightly pressed his form against hers.

“In that case, what’s on your mind?“

A moderate candle lit by her left. “I’ll show you the basics of writing and reading. So the next time I leave you a note, you’ll know what it’s all about.“

“Wukong,“ Márgerdra complained,“you know well I’m too dumb and old for this. It’s not going to lead anywhere. You should have saved your money for something…someone more useful.“

“You’re useful. Just trust yourself a bit. At least the same way you trust me. Didn’t we, after all, agree on respecting each other? If you value me, then value yourself.“ He struggled to peek above her shoulder but shoving a jacket under his rear he was finally able to face her properly. The black paint on his face accentuated his eyes which glistened in the candlelight. Like a living fire, they were once dark brown, then amber of colour, yet they always carried the same tenderness he’d always been hiding behind his frown and brutish ways. “Can we make a deal that you’re going to let me guide you a bit until the candle burns away? Not a stroke more, I swear.“

She averted her pale face. Her hand rose from her lap and softly landed by the brush on the rosewood. Deliberately, her lips moved,“Fine. Teach me, then.“

Wukong’s finger under her chin lightly directed her head forward to face the Xuan paper. He let her take the ink brush, however his hand had to overlap hers to help to solidify the grasp on it. “Don’t forget - courage and confidence.“ The demon king whispered and soon the witch felt his chin laying on her shoulder. His breath again tickled her on the neck. She didn’t protest, quite the opposite, she leaned against his firm chest which radiated with unmistakable protectiveness. Soon, in the rhythm of the silent raindrops and sleepy marketplace, they were writing character after character, the next stroke easier than the one before. Wukong’s clear and helpful instructions were getting more and more sporadic until they both submerged into a pleasant silence. Márgerdra realised she was focused like never before.

“We still have a bit of the candle left. Let me help you write a sentence. Unlike before, I won’t tell you the meaning because that’s going to be your job once we finish it.“

“What if there’s going to be a character I don’t know?“

“Don’t worry, I’ll use just the ones we’ve been practising. Although, you’d figure the unknown one anyway.“

��You think so?“

“I’m sure of it. You’re much smarter than what you like to think,“ he replied.

She glanced over her right shoulder. Wukong’s face was emerging from the cool dark to bathe in the flickering light. For the first time, she saw him this close. Something inside made her examine those distinct features. Being so close to him, seeing him as he truly was, had always been, made her notice that so many details about him could have been perceived as nice if they weren’t so much exaggerated. Truly, his cheekbones, high and sharp, gave him a noble look just like the small nose where few tiny freckles dotted his smooth skin, as smooth as the skin on his hands which finally healed from the bruises and calluses. His thin lips, so rough and chapped in the past, looked soft, though not as soft as the gaze he was holding under his eyelids, so heavy from the tiredness, crowned with long and silky lashes which were even darker than his naughty hair.

“Blondie, focus, we’re almost at the finish line.“

“I’m sorry for degrading you in the past for your looks.“ Her sudden change of the topic baffled him. He wanted to say something but her next sentence and the honesty with which she spoke left the demon speechless. “I’ve just realised that you’re quite handsome in your own impish way.“

Instinctively, Wukong pulled his left hand, which resided on Márgerdra’s waist, closer. The movement, although slight, made the demoness jump up,“Hey, careful there. I’m quite sensitive around my belly.“

Wukong shook his head to come back from his astonishment. “Excuse me? You mean that you’re ticklish or what exactly?“

“Not exactly ticklish,“ Márgerdra bit on her lower lip as she was trying hard to find the right words. “It’s a wolf thing. A moment too long and my reflexes would get…interesting.“

Wukong chuckled,“Like the belly scratches?“

“Yes. Listen, if you ever say a word about this to anyone-“

“You’re going to shove me into the nearest pool. I get it.“ Márgerdra’s frown quickly vanished upon hearing the monkey’s lighthearted laughter.

Midway through the sentence, Wukong changed his mind and the two began to write a new phrase. Wukong found himself leaning against Márgerdra’s shoulder again. For whatever reason he couldn’t help himself but enjoy her silky wavy hair caressing his cheek.

As they were proceeding to another character, a curiosity popped on the tip of the Sage’s tongue,“I don’t want to mingle with your personal life. But how is it possible that such a young and intelligent court lady doesn’t know a single bit about writing and reading?“

It took Márgerdra several heartbeats to respond, something that Wukong stopped to hope for,“It’s never been a priority. Our Master, he was a great man. Courageous, honest, honourable. But Ulfrika’s training was more important. You see, my poor sister was born with a condition, her case needed more attention. When she began to train to become our Master’s successor, Master Kogar hoped that the majority of what he had taught her, that she would teach us one day. But that day never came.“

“How so?“

“A street scum like the two of us…who would ever want to take care of that? Survival. That was our priority. As I said, my sister’s well familiar with these…“

“But your turn never came. Until now…“ Wukong went quiet. Deep inside, he began to pity his companion. He sensed her shame in her tensed muscles, head trying to hide in between in her fragile shoulders. To relieve her, the monkey asked jokingly,“How old are you though?“

“You don’t ask a lady her age, Wukong,“ she giggled. “I’m not certain about my exact birth date. So I can’t tell.“

“Come one! Guesstimate. Please?“

“Alright. Since the wolf demons age differently, plus I’ve got an advantage as a natural-born witch, there’s been the Tsarigrad…“ Márgerdra was thinking aloud as she counted from head. She tilted back a bit. Her left eye had to squint a bit since she raised her index finger on her left cheek. The more he was looking at her in this pose, deep within her precise recollection of thoughts and eerily quick calculations, Wukong realised he found her oddly adorable. He did not utter a bit about it, though. Whether from shame or that he simply didn’t want to disturb her, he wasn’t quite sure himself. “Seems like…around seven hundred? Maybe?“

“Seven centuries old?“ Wukong widened his eyes as he took a closer look at the woman who, in fact, appeared to be no more than twenty-seven. “You look pretty good, honestly.“

“Thank you,“ she smiled at him. “And you? How really old is the Great Sage’s hide?“

“Roughly three to four hundred years older than you.“

“Over a thousand?! Funny. You might be of the same age as Ulfrika. Still, seems like both of you will forever not look a year older than, what, twenty-eight?“

“I see you’re rather generous with compliments tonight,“ he squeezed her waistline to get a chuckle out of her, forgetting about her hinted reflexes. The Wolf Witch jumped up in her seat as her left leg shook, her foot stamped several times as the demoness fought off the urge to scratch herself or to expose her belly even more. Wukong let go of her instantly. He expected her to growl at him but once his amused snort escaped from him she rewarded him with a ringing giggle of her own. 

After a while of more writing, he announced,“The candle’s out and we’re finally done. Well, blondie, with a bit more practice I can see you having a pretty handwriting. Neat, elegant, delicate.“ He carefully stood up, as not to accidentally hit the witch, and approached the open window. The city was exhausted, submerged within the deep slumber, its street nowhere near resembling their daytime twins. Only a cricket from here and there disturbed the tranquillity of the night like a rock thrown into the pool but just like the mirror-like surface of the said pool, the blissful calm returned soon.

“Don’t you want to know how I’d read it?“

“Why not? After all, that was our deal. By the way, here’s the comb,“ Wukong threw her the pearl treasure, then he leaned against the wooden frame and poked his head out.

“A person’s will should be that of a tree trunk, powerful and unyielding, and a person’s heart like that of a flowing stream, gentle and joyous.“

“Correct.“

They fell silent, both too invested in their own interests - Wukong in admiring the cloudless sky and Márgerdra with combing her never-ending strands. It did not last long. “What did it cost you? It must have been a good fortune,“ her smooth voice lowered just like her lashes. “What do I owe you, dearest friend?“

Wukong threw his hand in the most careless way possible,“Don’t worry about it. Consider it a gift, as I said previously. I’m just glad I could be helpful.“

“You mean it?“

“Sure thing, blondie.“

“For some reason, I feel like a boulder fell off of my chest tonight. I think I told you things not even Mei knows about.“ She gave him a low chuckle,“Sometimes, you pretend to be an absolute brute and a soulless asshole. Deep down, though, you’re pretty sweet.“

“Whatever. Just don’t say that in public. Might as well ruin my reputation.“

The Wolf Witch blew out the remaining candlelight and let the sleep-inducing darkness swallow the room. She sneaked behind the monkey demon. She was thinking about her idea over and over until she finally whispered to him,“I know you’re not the biggest fan. But can I touch your face?“

The simian’s answer pleasantly took her by surprise. “Fine. For this time, I’m giving you an exception. However,“ he stuck out his index as he spoke,“just this once.“ Still too invested in the view in front of him, he didn’t turn to face the advisor. Thankfully, it was enough for her.

Soon, he felt how her lips brushed against his cheek. “Thank you, Wukong. Goodnight.“

It took him some time to process what had just happened. His shivering fingers fleetingly touched the place where she pecked him. His ears burnt, his eyes stared widely into nothingness as he became a motionless statue standing in the moonlight. When he turned around he didn’t find a soul there. The witch was already on the bed with her back facing the windows. Her shallow breaths indicated the advisor was already fast asleep.

Corners of his lips twirled up faintly and he whispered back even though she couldn’t possibly hear him,“Goodnight, Márgerdra.“

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

[kafa1010]

- DO NOT SAVE NOR REUPLOAD THIS, PLEASE. -

Art commission by @.Mayko_0047 (on Twitter)

I bought this art commission from them.

aaaaaaaa I'm sososososososooso happy happy happyyyy 😭😭😭😭😭🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🤲🤲🤲🤲🤲💕💕💕💕💕💯💯💯💯💯 Hannah soosososo beautiful and Simon soosososo uwu and James sooooosososo evil ohhhh yeayysyes the double 2013 I love this

To share is absolutely fine, but I kindly request you to refrain from saving or reuploading this content. 😭💖AAAAAA I'm eager to share my happiness with all of you, so please respect my wish. Thank you so much!

I use translation website.

[tokoyamisstuff]

Are you happy, Strange? - Chapter 5

!Multiverse of Madness Spoilers ahead!

Stephen never opened up to anyone. Neither about his regrets of the past, nor his reoccuring nightmares of the future. But when a certain universe-traveling girl revealed that the woman in his few pleasant dreams is meant to be his Soulmate, he is determined to meet her.

Sadly, when he finally finds you, the Sorcerer has already been possessed by the Darkhold...

Warnings: Slight Angst, Self-Loathing

A/N: Reupload because Tumblr errors.

Taglist: @mkixx @cerene-ciderr @ghost-lantern @urmom0626

[Previous Chapter]

"I saw him smile; I saw his eyes tell me Drowned in a sigh; Stay by my side And suddenly, I was scared When I heard them tell me There's something off about that guy; And he's broken Come on, don't be silly; I beg of you, stop I'm sure that doesn't reflect what he really is But I saw him smile; I saw his eyes tell me That he'd love me to death; That he'd cherish me."

Indila: Ainsi bas la vida

"As I said, I have no clue what you're on about!"

You sat opposite to Wong, arms crossed in front of your chest as you leaned back in your seat. "Everything was going great until you guys barged in!"

"Didn't look like it to me." The Sorcerer Supreme groaned in frustration, your stubbornness and unwillingly to admit a mistake reminding him of someone else.

"Listen, uh...Y/N, right? There's no way that you broke out of my people's restrains without being sorcerer yourself. We won't persecute or punish you in any way, that's a promise. I just need to hear what really happened between the two of you."

To Wong, there was no logical explanation for you having been dragged into this mess, other than the little spiritual energy he could sense. And the fact that Strange brought you - a being with much potential - into his Sanctum to teach you only amplified this theory.

But if that was the case, then there was no reason to act in secret, and especially not to have you locked up in there. Knowing Strange and his addiction to control simply everything around him, it was possible that the Darkhold made him seek out even more power for himself, in order to 'do good and save people'.

However, after evaluating you, Wong was certain that your powers were less than average, and you were barely aware of them yourself.

So what use could you have for Stephen?

In the end, the Sorcerer Supreme had to accept that his old friend's behavior wasn't due to anything like that. No, the Darkhold had Strange falling into an obsession with the idea of being loved by you.

And in pursuit of said love, it onl brought forth the worst of his charakter in attempt to erase every eventuality that could take you from him.

"Where's Stephen?" you dared asking, nervously shuffling on the great armchair they had placed you in. It smelled like him. "Could you at least explain to me what happened?"

Wong sighed out deeply, hands folding in his lap as he replayed the past commotion in his head - disappointed in his own inability to intervene. He always had to put the fate of the multiverse in Strange's hands, only further burdening his friend with a responsibility that deepened his arrogance.

It was his fault at the first place, for having allowed things to get this far. Naive and releaved, Wong thought that after Wanda had destroyed all Darkholds across the Multiverse, Strange would be spared the aftereffects that cursed it's holder.

"In order to save the Multiverse, Strang used the Darkhold, an ancient book containing forbidden spells." You could hear Wong's voice wavering - this was certainly no matter to take lightly. "Using it however costs nothing less than the balance of one's soul."

"Like being possessed by a demon? So he's innocent of the crimes you're accusing him of!" Jumping up from where you're seated, you found yourself being watched by a pair of concerned eyes, worried that you were defending the man that had trapped you for six months. "What are you going to do now? Ca-can you help him?"

"The Darkhold exposes our greatest desires and temptates us to chase after them, no matter the cost" Wong explained furthermore, reassuring you. "If what you're saying is true and not just made up by a strickened mind defending her offender, then he already started fighting against it. Our best exorcists will assist him with this task."

"Let me see him, then." Your voice was firm and unwavering, a determined expression emphasizing your demand. "I need to!"

The Sorcerer Supreme seemed to be mentally debating something, the gears in his head visibly turning as you spoke. About whether it was alright for the two of you to meet again - for once, because he was unsure if this was really your wish, or just a traumatized mind making something up out of thin air.

After all, Wong wouldn't know what possible wrongdoings the corrupted Strange might've unfolded on you all those months, so maybe you'd use your twisted affection for him as a coping mechanism to process this past hardship.

Nonetheless, it could become even worse if you visit Strange in his instable state of being. If you'd seek him out, it might destroy all process, might only further feed his delusions.

Or you could be Stephen's only hope to become his old self again...

"You're going to erase my memories soon anyways, am I wrong?" Your words cut through the silence like a sharp knive, eyes relentlessly boring into Wong's skull. Neihter angry nor sad - simply understanding yet demanding compensation.

They had been talking in the hallways, you've heared it clearly - about that they cannot be sure enough. During your imprisonment, you might've learned wisdom of the Sanctum no mortal was ever allowed to set eyes upon. And even if they would be able to trust you, villains could easily find ways to make you spatter out secrets that could weaken the defenders of the Earth as we know it.

"Please, I just want to say goodbye..."

"...you have only today, then we're going to correct his mess." Before you were even able to thank him, the sorcerer opened what appeared to be a portal just through movemtents of his hands. Even in a world where alien attacks had become frequent events, it was amazing to see those supernatural things your Soulmate was tied to.

If what they were saying about you was true, would you one day be able to become a part of this?

Wong's voice got you down to earth again, harshly reminding you of what's to come. "Heed my warning, young woman: If anything happens, we're interfering. Even if we need to sacrifice him - for the safety of the Multiverse."

Your eyes flickered between Wong and the portal, gulping harshly when he nodded at you to walk through. Sheepishly, you set one foot inside after the other...

...marvelling at the sight that unfolded itself in front of you.

Standing in midst of the Kamar-Taj, an isolated place in the Himalayas, you found yourself surrounded by sorcerers and mystics alike - all eyeing you suspecting.

A sole wave of Wong's hand was enough to dismiss them, a kind-looking woman accompaning you at his order. She smiled at you with both sympathy as well as great concern, leading you through secret paths of the ancient temple. You were shivering, both due to the coldness as well as anticipation, feeling as if you could sense Stephen's intimidating presence from afar.

"The man you're looking for is behind this gate." It was like her voice drang directly into your head, subtle warnings echoing through your whole body - and when you turned around, she was already gone.

Taking another sip of mountain air, you tried using the aura of this special location to calm yourself down. Closing your eyes, trying to control both pulse and breathing and remaining there until you found yourself ready for this confrontation.

And then - with an odd ease - you pushed the heavy stone door open.

Ironically, this prison looked similar - an awful lot like the basement Stephen had kept you locked away back in New York. Stronger, however, meant to restrict something way stronger...and dangerous.

You gasped when you saw him, a battered mess of a man lying unconscious on the plain marble floor. Seeing the magical barrier between the two of you made you think it was hopeless to get any closer - yet when you put your palm on it, you could grip right through.

"The barrier will only hold these captured whose caster considers a threat. Everyone else can enter and exit as they wish" A voice in your head again, encouraging you to step inside. "Go ahead, we are keeping watch over you."

"M-May I?" you stumbled across your own voice, lips a thin line as you heared the stone door fall shut behind, locking you in this cell after all. For a brief moment, Stephen's eyes would open, sparkling at the recognition of your voice...

...yet they would fall shut immediately again, left completely exhausted by the straining procedure of extracting the Darkhold's energy poisoning his mind and body.

Crouching down to his height, you cautiously watched the man beneath. Every single one of his breath's sounded like he was in unfathomable pain, suffering endlessly even in his sleep.

You'd kneel down completely, gently tugging the man so his head would rest on your thighs. Absentmindedly, your fingers ran over his salt and pepper hair, whispering "It's okay, Stephen. I'm here. And I won't leave. You're doing great. I'm so, so proud of you!"

And really, the tension in his features instantly disappeared, body relaxing, almost melting into your touch.

Out of nowhere, the cloak of levitation you've heared so much about detached itself from it's master, spending you warmth while you both waited for Stephen to awake. You thanked it with a shy chuckle, wondering why they wouldn't have taken such an important item from him if they actually considered him a threat.

But hey, it was Doctor Strange either way.

"Fight this" you muttered calmly, insides twisting and churning at the realization:

You never actually knew the man that Stephen Vincent Strange actually was before all this - only ever the role he had played in order to have a normal life with you. And whilst you wholeheartedly wanted to believe that his affection towards you was genuine, this fact was only more reason to mourn what could never happen.

Because soon, they would erase every memory you had of this man, rip it out of you so you could not even wheep this tragedy.

„Come back to me - as whoever the man I will fall in love with truly is."

Several hours later, Stephen’s occasional stirring and wincing turned into a loud gasp, eyes snapping wide open as if he had just woken up from a long nightmare.

His eery appearance had almost completely vanished, but even so he looked more than lost as the memories of when his sinister, deranged side was in charge re-emerged.

Unsure what to make out of your presence and the purpose of your visit, it could very well be an illusion, cast by the remains of a broken Darkhold desperate to remain. It wasn't the first time during his imprisonment that vivid images of you came to punish him for his crimes - an aftereffect of the exorcism. You being here was simply too good to be true.

Shocked sapphire eyes followed your gesture as you wanted to embrace him, yet shooing away from your touch. "Y-Y/N?! What are you doing here?"

There you were, right in front of him and magnificent as always . Stephen reached out for you, wanting nothing more than just cradle you into his arms and never let go - but something inside of him held him back.

This was dangerous - he was dangerous, unable to trust his own mind! How dare Wong to so naively put you in harm's way?!

"I-I wanted to see you one last time, to-" Fumbling with your hands, you only mumbled the last part of this sentence. It sounds so stupid, considering everything that had happened between the two of you. "...talk things out."

"My love, we-" My love - the word that scared you beyond reason the first time you've heared him say it, now making your heart flatter.

Stephen however instantly regretted his choice of words, shaking it off as force of habit. "Y/N, you're confused, that's all. Because of my actions, my magic giving you all those memories with me. I can't do anything to make up for what I've done, but you need to leave now. Do you understand?"

Darkness seemed to surround him, sticking to him like his own shadow even after the Darkhold had let go off of him. Well, it doesn't undo his wrongs, after all.

Stephen was drowning in his guilt - you needed to pull him out of this!

„Does it still have an effect on me? The spell, I mean.“

„No, of course not.“ Bewilderment was present on Stephen’s face, seeing that your smile did not quite match your eyes. They gave it away, the sadness you were carrying. You were hurting - for him. Because of him, he misinterpreted.

"Then why do I still feel this pull towards you, huh?" You clenched the fabric of your shirt right above your heart, bitter tears spilling from your eyes as you demanded answers. "Explain this to me!"

Stephen found himself at loss for words at your outburst of emotion, unable to find any peace of mind no matter what you might direct at him. He expected you to never see you again in the first place, or you coming at him with aversion, spitting well-deserved defamations at him.

But here you stood, not even remotely mad at the man that had stolen six months of your lifetime - of your freedom - however, giving himself up instead of carrying on was unforgiveable.

Back then, Strange arrogantly judged Wanda and her rampage - but now he knew what it feels like to continue a madness you thought was no going back from. And he thought himself to be pathetically hypocritical if he would attempt to continue life as if nothing happened.

"I'm sorry." He bowed his head, but you declined his apology. "Don't be. You weren't right in your mind this whole time. You're not at fault here."

Strange deserved punishment, obviously - and the fact that he was making amends for his deeds should be more than rewarding for you.

Yet still, seeing him like this hurt almost as much as the thought to be separated from him soon. Before this happens, you must be sure that he would be fine without you!

"You- you never touched me inappropriately." Steve seemed almost offended by the way you held onto every convenient excuse for him. "I-I mean we've kissed, but...nothing more."

"Wonderful" he grid his teeth, clearly dwelling in his own pity. "Now we know that there is an unhinged, pathetic, homicidal sociopath somewhere deep inside of me - but god forbid not a rapist. Great."

"You know this isn't true." As far as you know it, at least. "Wong told me that the Darkhold strenghtens our negative characteristics. It tempates us to give in to our deepest, darkest desires. Twisting them into something sinister and vile."

But if this was the worst Stephen could come up with, then you concluded him to have one of the purest hearts of all. Possessing so much raw strenght, magical powers that surpassed all human understanding - and all his evil version could come up with was a domestic life with his Soulmate.

"You used the Darkhold for the sake of the universe, for the safety of countless beings." Your voice was an octave higher than usual now, his jaw clenching at the impact of your fingers on his chin. "Doing all this, even at the cost of your own soul...what a great sacrifice."

"I should've known better, be better! Find another way! What if I lost control, became a menace to the world?!" Always so harsh on himself, this much you could tell. And he could find no solace in you trying trying to defend his irredeemable actions.

Yet his scolding was in vain, all screams went on deaf ears.

"You should fear me! If not hate, then at least fear the monster that took from you!" Strange looked down at his trembling, scarred hands, that had caused you so much misery. "I ruin everything and everyone around me, because of my selfishness and inability to let go. But being with you....being with you made me feel less like a failure."

"Stephen, you are enough. More than that!" As he stopped resisting your approaches, you'd place your lips on either side of his face, wiping away his tears. "For me, and many more."

The sorcerer was watching you with an awestruck expression before he snapped, mouth crushing over yours in exasperation. Sobbing against your lips, he could only hope that his actions spoke for itself - his touch telling you all the words he cowardly left unsaid until now.

"I love you, Y/N. Even before we met, I fell in love with you."

"I know. Rest now, Stephen."

[Next Chapter]

[winterpower98]

Brief explanation about the stolen art

As some of you may know a couple of weeks ago one of my drawings was used without permission in a recent youtube review of Monkie Kid.

I want to start this explanation by saying that I didn't know who the YouTuber who used my art was up until this point so I reacted the way I thought was right.

Looking in the video description I found the owner of the channel's link to her Tumblr and contacted her via the ask box, this was the only link to something in the video description where I could contact someone and I believed that contacting the channel owner directly was the best option, I obviously didn't save any of my messages because at the time I didn't think it was necessary, all I asked was for my art to either be removed from the video or to at least properly credit me in the video’s description.

While I awaited a response from the creator of the video a friend of mine tried to write in the comment section of said video saying that the art was mine and it was being used with no permission. Not even two minutes later their comment got deleted.

Seeing that the Youtuber wasn't answering my messages and was actively deleting any attempts to make others aware and tell her to at least credit me, I did the next logical thing: report the video via Youtube's report system.

To do so I had to share a lot of personal information I was not comfortable with, but I did it anyway as it was necessary to at least stop the owner of the channel from using my art without permission.

Time one week and I received an email from Youtube saying that the creator of the video claimed that she didn't do anything illegal and was ready to turn this into a lawsuit.

And while making something like a lawsuit over stolen art is more than just an overreaction, I didn't have the patience nor the financial sustenance to deal with.

So, after circa 10 days, the YouTuber was free to reupload the video, and that's what she did.

Before the video went back up we were made aware of a community post on the channel announcing I had removed the video and a few comments to it that responded to no one, which presumably could have had the same information as my friend's comments on the original video.

I haven’t watched the video since it went back up, but obviously my art is still in it uncredited since people have told me. I have not checked the comments either to see if any have been made about this and deleted, I do not want to do that.

Now, I want to declare this situation over as I, frankly, don't want to lose even a single day more over this. I just want to keep enjoying making dumb AUs with my friends and wait for Season 3 of Monkie Kid to come out.

I will not answer asks about this whole event unless there is important information I have missed, I also ask people not to message the YouTuber in any capacity, and I won't stand behind any messages given to them that aren't polite.

With that said, I hope you all have a wonderful day and stay safe out there.

[justoneacatperson]

First Date

This is reupload from my old blog!

request by @therealpotatobish

TodoDeku x Fem! Reader

Date with Todoroki and Midoriya is, to put it mildly - chaos. Where do I start?

First we have Todoroki. Very handsome young man with two-tone hair and eyes. We all know that Shoto is not familiar with many things, his childhood was not very colorful and rosy, not at all.

He has not seen his parents take care of each other or behave like a couple, so he is not very familiar with how to treat a person he likes.

He didn’t even realize he liked Midoriya when he was still a student at U.A. It was good that there were his sister to explain to him what those feelings were.

We have already seen that he takes things seriously and does not understand jokes or metaphors, so it takes time to work with him.

Certainly his relationship with Izuku helped him a lot. He showed him what love, care and empathy are, but for him things are complicated again. He and Izuku will date a woman, a woman they have been in love with since their school years in the U.A. Shoto doesn’t know how to treat a woman and what they would like.

We also have the next one, namely Midoriya. Our broccoli boy has remained the same shy young man, despite his fame as the new No.1 hero, this part of him has not changed.

He would certainly do better than Todoroki, but his still shy nature worries him that he won’t be able to talk to you.

They are both worried about your reaction to everything. They have never heard that you like someone, nor have there been rumors that you are with someone, they didn’t even know if you like boys !? Nevertheless, you accepted their invitation to a date, at least they managed to make it clear that they were inviting you to a date, a DATE, and you were fine with that.

Now was the date where they would know if they had a chance with you, and here they were, sitting at the reserved table, waiting for you to come.

21:27p.m

Deku kept a close eye on his watch, looking at every minute. They had arrived about ten minutes ago and were sitting nervously at the table, well, Izuku was moving nervously, and Shoto was sitting meekly, staring at one dot, trying to keep his mind tidy and clear.

-“She will come, Midoriya, our dateis at 9:30p.m.” Todoroki exclaimed, grabbing his boyfriend’s hand under the table to reassure him.

-“Ah, I know, Shoto-san, but that doesn’t make me any less nervous.” the green-haired man replied, smiling at his partner. -“We have been waiting for a long time for the chance to invite her and the fact that she agreed and now we will have a date makes me feel surreal. It’s as if I’ve finally reached a goal that I thought was impossible. It’s very strange that happens, I still consider it unrealistic.”

The two-colored man looked at him with surprised heterochromic eyes. Despite their years together, the things they went through could not be compared to that. And the fact that Deku feels that way surprises him. He is also surprised that he was able to describe how he felt too.

It felt like he was 17 again in his 2nd year at U.A. When he shared his feelings to Midoriya. Confused, scared, excited. He never believed that he would fall in love or be able to be a partner, the love of someone else.

A small smile crept across his face. Todoroki leaned over to his partner, leaning his head on his shoulder. Their physique has changed and evolved over the years. Already in his mid-twenties, Deku had grown much taller than his school years. He was now towering over Shoto.

Midoriya smiled, leaning against Shoto, planting a kiss on his white and red hair.  The two parted, looking up at a door that could be heard opening and closing. 20:30, you arrived just in time.

You looked around the restaurant in confusion, looking for your table. Midoriya instinctively raised his hand, waving at you and shouting. -“(Y/n)-chan!” you looked up at them, a wide smile appeared on your face, bringing butterflies into the stomachs of both heroes.

-“Hey, Deku, Sho!” you replied, going to them.

Midoriya wanted to make a good impression by taking your jacket and pulling your chair backward to sit, but you came like a whirlwind, sitting hastily in the seat in front of them. Obviously there will be no good first impression.

-“Oh, I was in such a hurry so as not to be late.” you started, removing your jacket, leaving it on the back of the chair. - “I was nervous not to be late because there was a traffic jam on the road. After I managed to park it took me time to find the restaurant and…”

Deku waved his arms in front of him, trying to reassure you that you weren’t late, sharing his own worries about not being late. So you two became a muttering mess, and Todoroki rested his chin on his hand, happily watching the scene in front of him. Cute.

-“You are not late, you have nothing to worry about.” the two-colored man called out of nowhere, stopping you and Izuku.

-“It’s good to know.” you said calmly, leaving your hands on the table. -“Long time no see.”

-“Since our graduation in the U.A.” added the green-haired man, rubbing the back of his head.

-“What’s happen with you? I last heard you joined Selkie’s agency.” you nodded in agreement to Shoto.

-“Yes, my quirk would be very welcome in sea battles.”

-“Are you adapting fast?” Deku asked cheerfully.

-“Yes, the hero Manual is there too. We have some pretty similar quirks, so he was so kind to help me adapt.” you replied, controlling the water in your glass with your quirk, making it take the shape of a snake and move along the walls of your glass in a circle.

-“This is very good.” exclaimed the hero, tying his hands on the table.

They both felt a little awkward, not knowing how to continue the conversation, fortunately the waitress saved them by giving them the menus. You opened the menu of hard leather covers, looking at the variety of foods.

-“Oh, hey, Sho, they have a cold soba.” you said excitedly, showing him the menu on the first page.

-“So I’ll order a cold soba.” the two-colored man replied before receiving muttering from Midoriya.

-“But, Sho, we have a whole pot full of soba!” you laughed at their interaction, attracting their attention.

-“What?” they both asked at the same time.

-“Nothing, you just haven’t changed since we graduated from the U.A.” you said with a laugh. Deku giggled too, smiling at you.

-“What do you mean? We look the same way we did 7 years ago?” Todoroki asked confusedly, looking at himself and his boyfriend and again to himself. You and Izuku looked at each other and almost fell from your seats with your boisterous laughter. -“Ah?”

-“O-oh…. Sho!” tears formed in the corners of your eyes, wiping them with your hand. -“You’re still funny!”

-“Funny?”

-“Yes.” the green-haired man replied, leaning his head on his partner’s shoulder.

The three of you ordered a teishoku, receiving it in about 30 minutes. Everyone enjoy their food before Todoroki calls.

-“(Y/n), do you see our old class?” you swallowed your food before answering.

-“Yes, even with some very often.” you said, playing with your chopsticks, twisting them between your fingers and doing tricks with them. -“Most often I go out with Kaminari, by some chance it turned out that we work in the same agency.”

-“Kaminari-san?” Deku exclaimed, looking at you in astonishment. You nodded, uttering a little “Uhm.”

-“All right, that’s nice! We haven’t heard from Denki.”

-“Are you close to each other?” Shoto asked, taking another bite of his meal.

-“I’d say yes. We go out often, we message to each other, he’s very cute. He’s also grown a lot from UA, he’s become more responsible and he controls his quirk much better. We have a lot of fun together. We have dinners for us, in which we are on the couch at my or his home and eating popcorn while watching scary movies. "you said with a smile on your face.

-"Oh, I understand…” Todoroki replied, bowing his head over his food, hiding his face through his hair, which he had left to grow for reaching a length where he could tie it in a bun.

Izuku reached under the table, gripping his boyfriend’s thigh, rubbing it lightly to offer support. He knew his boyfriend’s lack of confidence in relationships. He has always worried about whether he is doing well as a partner and doing everything right.

Talking about a boy (and you’re not the person who talks a lot or often about people, especially boys), who is the opposite of his personality and sees that you’re really having fun with him, feels like someone hit him with wet rag across the face.

-“And you guys…” you called, bringing them both back to reality. -“How are you? The press is very interested in your relationship.” you smiled slyly.

-“So… After we graduated from UA, Shoto and I went to Endeavor’s agency, as his partners in catching villains. That was until we turned 22, All Might offered to take his agency… And I took it.” he replied, scratching the back of his head where his undercut was. -“The press found out about my relationship with Todoroki when I took the agency and there were hundreds of news stories that said, ‘Hero No.1 is in a relationship with Endeavor’s son’.”

-”O!?”

-“Yes, and still receives dozens of emails a day, invitations for interviews about our relationship.”

-“It’s too much for you. The press hasn’t learned for so many years that the heroes have a private life that they usually keep to themselves and don’t want to make it public. The personal space of the heroes must be respected.” you said and turned to Todoroki. -“And for so many years as a pro-hero, people have kept leading you the 'son of Endeavor,’ and that’s all you’re known for.”

-“It’s annoying.” Todoroki replied, making you and Deku giggle a little.

-“Well, those are just words from older people in Japan.” the green-haired man exclaimed, rubbing his boyfriend’s thigh. -“I am sure that the young generation will remember you with your name and your deeds.”

-“You’re right.” said his partner.

-“Ah, (Y/n)-san, do you happen to be in a relationship or dating someone?” Midoriya asked you. Shoto immediately ran one hand under the table, squeezing his thigh - too early, Midoriya.

-“O!?” you opened your eyes wide to them from the sudden question. -“No, I’m not in a relationship, I’m not dating anyone. Why do you ask?”

-“Uhhh…” and now was the scariest part of this meeting - to tell you. Shoto looked at Izuku out of the corner of his eye, looking for an answer as to what to do. -“With Shoto we wanted to ask you something…”

-“Yes…” you said under your breath.

-“Would you like to be with us?” Todoroki asked suddenly, leaning back in his chair.

You and Deku looked shocked at the two-colored man. You dropped your chopsticks as you watched Sho like you saw a ghost. Izuku immediately started waving his arms, trying to reassure you, saying that they were not forcing you to be in relationship with them, that they would not be in a hurry, that they would not be angry if you refused, and ect.

It just took you a moment to process Shoto’s question. They wanted to date you? Really? You were like close friends during your school years, but you didn’t think they had any other than platonic feelings about you. They were both open and comfortable, both shy and anxious around you or when talking to you. You wouldn’t be lying if you said you didn’t have feelings for them in the U.A., but once you found out they were in a relationship, it discouraged you a lot.

-“So?” Todoroki called again.

-“Sho, calm down, give her ti…”

-“Yes.” you replied, getting “Uh!?” from them. - “I accept, I would like to date you.”

-“Really?” Midoriya asked in surprise.

-“Yes…” you said, tying your hands on the table. -“I would just ask for time to get used to, as this will be my first relationship in my life, especially with more than one person.”

-“We’ll give you all the time you need.” Todoroki said, taking your hand in his. Where did you get this confidence? - Izuku wondered.

-”Thanks.”

-“So… should we continue our dinner to celebrate our relationship?” the green-haired man asked cheerfully.

-“Yes!” you and Shoto answered at the same time.

[mushroom-witch-writes]

Angeleyes

Eddie Munson x Reader

Past fling to lovers (???)

⚠️Reupload from last acc⚠️

Warnings: implication of past intimate moments, slight angst/mature language, pure fluff afterwards, smoking

Author’s note: note that I obviously don’t own any of the stranger things chacacters mentioned nor the songs I used as an ispiration. Other than that I hope u enjoy and that you’ll forgive me for my typos or bad grammar since english is not my first language

Word count: 1.936

Last night I was taking a walk along the lovers’ lake and I saw him sitting with a blonde girl.The look he gave her made me shiver . ‘It was just a stupid fling y/n just get over it already’ I said  to myself ,but how could I? I turned around and just headed back home. Sometimes it’s better to run away than face your fears. My fear? Seeing them kiss,Eddie saying hi , or anything that includes him for that matter. After the events of last year Hawkins has been so quiet and I enjoy it quite a lot. What I don’t enjoy is Harrington appearing in the worst of times.” Need a ride mopping beauty?” he said after he rolled down the window “so I can sit there and hear you cry about Nancy? Of course I do dumbass” I said while climbing in and shutting the door. “ So what’s up y/n/n ?” I smiled while rolling a cig for the road “ I think you and I both know the answer to that Harrington. Eddie. Eddie is what’s wrong. I know we were basically just fucking around ,but I started to have feelings and after he saved me so many times from Vecna …well y’know” Steve sighed and gave me a sad look for a moment “You know you can always talk to him about it” “ Steve I can’t talk to him, if he wanted to talk he wouldn’t just dump me and you know that. We just stopped seeing each other ,no explanation ,no nothing and shit I saw him with a girl. Think it was Alex and he looked happy and all so no I don’t think there’s a reason to talk about anything with Eddie. It’ll just pass I guess” I said while blowing out smoke from my lungs while looking out the window as we passed by the trailer park. “ Well you definitely don’t deserve to feel like shit y/n and I believe that talking about it would make things better” Steve said and after that the rest of the ride was quiet. He was right as much as I didn’t want to admit it. After ten minutes I thanked him for the ride home said our goodnights and walked in my place. No time to tidy the place I just went straight to bed. All night dreaming about his angel eyes and soft smile. Fucking Eddie Munson.

Morning came and I had to get ready for work. I recently started working at the dinner down the street and to be fair it wasn’t a nightmare , working helped forget. I wore my roller blades and suit and left. Same boring day as yesterday, served all the regulars and the damn 14yo demons that seem to run this town and just sat and chatted with them a little since work seemed to die down a bit.” So have you talked to Eddie ?” Dustin asked being the nosiest “ No Dust and I don’t think I will” he drank his milkshake in a gulp and they all started picking up their stuff “ that’s a shame y/n because you will talk to him” he flashed a smile and before I could say anything they all stormed out of the dinner. Minutes later the door opened . I threw my cigarette and came out from the back, put on a smile and started walking towards the last booth until I lifted my head and saw the person’s hair. ‘No no y/n ,this isn’t happening’. “ Hello and good morning sir ,what can I get you?” he lifted his head and smiled at me “ Hey sunshine” I looked at my notepad “today’s dish is pancakes with cheddar ,bacon and eggs and I would recommend a cherry slushy with it” he sat back at looked at me with a sad expression plastered on his face “ I want us to talk y/n” I shut my notepad “ I’m working Eddie ,besides I don’t think you wanna talk to me and even if you did I think it would be unfair for your girl” he was confused “ my girl?” “Alex , I saw you two at the lovers’ lake last night” he shook his head “y/n she’s not my girl, we just hang out” I gave him a bitter smile “ sure didn’t look like that. I have other customers to serve ,if that’s all I think Ima go do my job now.” He got up next to me “ you finish at seven, I’ll wait for you on the bench in the woods , if you’re not there  by 7:30 I’ll be gone and won’t bother you again. Promise” he said and left with a cig in his mouth and his head lowered.

7:00 I got off. Greeted everyone. I started walking towards the woods.

7:15 Changed my root

7:30 I got in my place

7:45 Changed into something comfy and turned on the tv. Maybe I should have gone . Maybe now things would be different. I fell asleep. And he would wait for me until 8:30. That’s when he decided that I wouldn’t show and maybe the fact that I didn’t would be better for both of us.

 TWO MONTHS LATER

Eds and his band would play more and more shows in nearby towns. I was hanging out with Steve and Robs “ We went to the last show, me and Steve. They’re blowing up y’kow. Maybe you should come to the show tonight” Robin said with a soft smile “ I don’t know Robs ,I  don’t think he wants me there…I kind of fucked up” I exclaimed while putting out my cig . I was chain-smoking lately, things were bad. “ He did play a song about the girl he lost and it turned out to be that one you like. He's playing it every show he does, hoping you’ll be there in the crowd.” Steve said while reading his magazine “ which one?” “ why don’t you come tonight and find out?” Robin said with the same smile. What did I have to lose? “ Yea fuck it let’s go “ They both smiled excitedly “ I’ll ask him to save us first row for me ,Robs and ‘Dustin’ “ Steve said getting up. After a while they left and I got in the shower to start getting ready.

The time for the show came and Steve’s car was outside my house waiting to pick me up. ‘ what are you doing y/n’ I thought looking my self at the mirror wearing  that one shirt I never got to return to him. I ran outside and got in. My palms were sweating the whole ride there. When we got out of the car we sat up front and waited for the band to get out. “So you’ll talk to him now” Steve said “ I miss him Steve, okay? I should have stayed home, this is a mistake ,all of this is a mistake” I snapped and started panicking and then the lights were out and they got on stage “ HEY HAWKINS LET’S ROCK OUT TONIGHT” Eddie said in the mic and the crowd went wild.” THREE OF THE FEW THAT BELIEVED IN US ARE HERE TONIGHT ,LET’S GIVE IT UP FOR ROBIN, STEVE AND DUSTIN “ he said and his face fell as he noticed that instead of Dustin ,I was there.

He would steal glances the whole show. “So last show I said that it was the last time I’d play this song, because she’s never here to listen.” He said looking at me then back at the crowd “ Well tonight she’s here…so there goes nothing I guess” the lights dimmed and he started playing ‘Don’t know what you’ve got’ by Cinderella. By the time the song ended we were both in tears. They thanked the crowd and went offstage. I felt like my feet had grown roots. Steve put his arm around me and Robing held my hand, both giving me a sympathetic look. “ Guys I think it’s time to go, he’ll probably go out with the band or call it a night.” I said as I whipped my teary eyes. “ Yea we should go” Robin said while looking at Steve. We got out and started walking to the car when I heard it “WAIT UP Y/N” I felt my chest tighten and my stomach fell. I turned around and the guys kept walking. I saw Eddie running towards me. Still handsome as ever even with his tear stained face. “The show was great Eds” I said sniffing “ I – I’m glad you liked it, can we go somewhere more private? I don’t mean to pressure you or anything but I’d love to talk for a bit…” he said with a pleading look “yea yea sure” so we got in the car and drove up a hill. I rolled us two cigs , handed the one to him and he smiled looking at it. “ nice shirt sunshine” he said motioning to it “ oh that? It’s just an old ratty shirt I borrowed” he laughed. Fuck I missed that. “ Is that so?” we both laughed and then silence fell. “ I drew back because I got scared” “sorry ?” he sat up straight and turned to me “ I dumped you because I was scared… and I know you deserved an explanation, I know I fucked up bad and you might never understand how much I regret leaving you….” I was taken back “ Eddie it was just a fling , we were only fucking around, we-“  “ y/n the heartache when you weren’t around wasn’t fucking around, the constant need of hearing your voice or seeing your smile wasn’t fucking around and I know you felt the same or at least I hope you did. And if you didn’t then you just got your answer. That’s what I was most afraid….and then you were gone. Shit that was fucking worse than unreturned feelings.” “ I was waiting for that damn phone call on knock on my door for three months…I needed you to be there , I needed you to explain and when you didn’t I just gave up” I said as tears started to build up again and Eddie held my face and came closer “ love I know ,I know and I’m a fucking idiot ,a selfish idiot. I’m sorry please don’t cry angel please” he held me for a while and we both cried “ you don’t know how much I’ve missed your scent, I started feeling like I chased it in every place we’ve been together until I lost it entirely. I thought I’d never get to be in your arms again Eddie” I said while I  pulled back to see his face “I want us to start over , I need us to start over ,I need to have you in my life. I’ve been going insane without you.” He said “ we can’t start over Eddie, but maybe we can try and fix it…” he smiled and broke down. He grabbed my face and kissed me. It was different than all the past kisses, the was longing and passion and…love. He pulled away after some moments “ It’ll never happen again I promise you sunshine ,I promise you’ll be my girl and I’ll love you for an eternity and a day. I’m never leaving again” he said and kissed me again. And he kept his promise.

[rainy-bangbeom]

Superwoman | Mark Tuan

pairing(s): Mark Tuan x Fem!Reader

genre: Angst, Fluff

warnings: None

word count: 626

synopsis: No one can ever calm Mark down when his anger gets the better of him… except you. 

“Mark? Are you in here?” You carefully push open the glass-windowed door, almost tip-toeing into the seemingly empty studio like a thief in the night. The extra stealth is probably unnecessary, considering Bambam said that he told Mark you were coming, and you literally just announced your presence, but it’s better to be safe than sorry—you don’t want to make him feel any worse. 

After a lengthy and rather desperate phone call from not only Bambam, but Jackson as well, you learned that the Got7 members had a fairly dynamic and frustrating practice, which eventually led to Mark tipping a fuse, nearly decking Jaebeom in the nose, and storming out of their practice room in anger. He wouldn’t talk to any of his other members, nor would he even allow them to enter his hideaway studio… which is where you come in. 

Though the full extent of Mark’s temper is rarely shown, you somehow always manage to reel him back in from his tantrums and set his head straight. Bambam claims you have superpowers, since no one besides you can ever console his hot-headed nature. Mark himself actually agreed, having called you his Superwoman—always coming to his rescue in his times of need. 

“Mark? Where—?” You immediately spot Mark in the corner of the room, curled up on a small sofa with his sweatshirt hood pulled low over his eyes and his hands tucked deep in his pants pockets. His ears are also stuffed with his airpods, which you realize is why he likely couldn’t have heard you enter in the first place. 

With a sigh of relief, you cross the room to your lover and kneel in front of his hunched form. A surprised gasp escapes his lips when you lay your hand across his knee, soothingly squeezing the flesh. 

You wait for him to remove his airpods before murmuring, “Hi, baby.” 

“You didn’t have to come, you know.” 

“I wanted to.” You assure, carefully examining the stone-cold features of his face. “You want to tell me what happened?” 

He shrugs—what little you can see of his expression shows indifference. 

“C’mon—” Your fingers playfully dance along the bone of his knee before traveling up to fiddle with the tassels of his sweatshirt. “—how else is Superwoman supposed to save her Mark-is Lane.” 

You celebrate the groan of disgust that leaves his lips. 

“Did you really just try to combine my name with Lois Lane?” 

“Maybe.” You chuckle, tugging on his sweatshirt strings with a small smile. “It got you to react, didn’t it?” 

Mark shakes his head while releasing a heavy sigh. A moment of silence passes before he finally speaks, untucking his hands from his pockets to shyly mess with his fingers. 

“… Today just really, really sucked.” 

“Yeah?” 

He nods, allowing you to pull the hood from his head and run your fingers through his soft, already tousled strands. “Jaebeom kept criticizing my moves, and made me dance the choreo over and over again… and I just—couldn't deal with it.” 

“Jaebeom was just trying to help you out, baby. You know that.” 

“I do.” Mark sighs, “It just… became too much.” 

Sensing what your boyfriend really needs, you rise from the floor to climb into his lap. Mark’s arms immediately wind around your waist, and, like a creature of habit, lowers his head to lay comfortably against your chest—right above where your heart beats. You continue to caress and lightly scratch at his scalp, enjoying the intimacy of your close proximity and warmth. 

“You eventually need to apologize to your members, love.” 

“I will.” Mark agrees, humming contently against the front of your shirt. “Just give me a couple more minutes, okay?” 

“Take all the time you need, baby. I’m not going anywhere.” 

My works are not to be reuploaded, modified, or translated anywhere besides this blog. If you see someone plagiarizing my work, please let me know right way. Otherwise, thank you for reading! Reblogs and feedback are always very much appreciated!