#Hold Me Closer Necromancer

[haveyoureadthisfantasybook]

vote yes if you have finished the entire book.

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[under5feet-and-over800pages]

is there anyone left who’s into the Necromancer/Firebug series by Lish McBride? i’m rereading it, it’s an old grade school favorite, and wish there was more of a fandom. anyway, if anyone’s left, hmu.

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer | Author: Lish McBride | Publisher: Square Fish (2012)

[ciaossu-imagines]

Prompt 2, number 8, for your fave character! Thanks

Thank you so much for the request, my gorgeous anon! The thing with me is that I don't really have an solid favourites - they always change and I can find something interesting or likeable about most characters so I gave you the ones I am loving at the moment and, since you didn't specify a fandom, I hope you don't mind I did it for all my fandoms!

Prompt 2, Number 8: Is the house decorated for the holidays? What is their favourite holiday dish?

Katekyo Hitman Reborn

While Haru doesn't normally celebrate Christmas, I feel like if she was given a chance to, she would definitely go all out. Absolutely, insanely overboard, actually! Her house would have so many lights, inflatable decorations, lawn ornaments, wreaths at the door, trees in the yard done up as Christmas trees, a sound system playing Christmas carols for all to hear - anything she could decorate with, she would. The result could probably be seen from outer space! It's over the top but just incredibly fun and she enjoys it so much! I feel she probably has a sleigh decoration and makes herself a Santa costume so that she can go sit out in it at nights to wave to the children with a ho-ho-ho! As for the Christmas meal, she'd be a big fan of all the sides, which would mostly have Japanese twists to them, but nothing beats white rice for her.

Eyeshield 21!

Hiruma hates Christmas. Just saying but it's definitely not his choice of holidays. He doesn't care about the holiday; the only thing on his mind is the Christmas Bowl. This is not a holiday, this is time for football, so fuck off you fucks and concentrate on football!! He wouldn't decorate unless he absolutely has to - the blinking lights and over the top inflatables kind of annoy him; he doesn't see the appeal, despite his general over-the-topness! For Christmas dinner, he definitely follows the fried chicken Japanese trend.

Mob Psycho 100

Mob has never celebrated Christmas before but he would find the holiday novel and interesting. He'd probably enjoy decorating but would keep things very low-key, maybe do up a small tree and hang some garlands or tinsel but it would definitely be very minimal but still pretty decorations. For Christmas meals, if he had the chance to eat a traditional meal, I feel he would try everything and enjoy most of it, though he'd hate gravy.

K Project

I feel like Tatara would have gotten really into Christmas at one point, especially because of the strong ties with family togetherness and joy and peace it has. He would've insisted and set up everything for all of his HOMRA family to get together and decorate the bar. Tinsel, lights, garlands, and of course a little tree in a corner with an angel to put on top of it - he personally lifts Anna up so she can place it on top of the tree. If he can, he tries to arrange Christmas supper for everyone at the bar too, making it a potluck so that everyone can have fun contributing to the meal. He brings dessert, a sponge cake he learned to make when he got interested in baking and that he has Anna help him make.

One Punch Man

Saitama doesn't really care about Christmas. He doesn't decorate but he's not against decorations. He finds them pretty and would like looking at them. He also doesn't eat anything special that day but loves when people invite him to their Christmas meals because he is poor and free food is free food!

Saiyuki

Gojyo barely decorates his house outside of the Christmas season. Until Hakkai came along, it was sparsely furnished and very messy. He wouldn't even think to decorate it for Christmas, especially as Christmas was never something he would ever have experienced growing up, even if it was commonly celebrated. Seeing everything all nicely decorated for Christmas would actually make him feel a little depressed somehow and he tends to avoid all Christmas festivities or events or meals.

Ronin Warriors

Rowan hates Christmas. Why, oh why, does everyone insist on getting up at the ass-crack of dawn to celebrate it? This boy wants and needs and loves his sleep and he'll be a very grumpy boy Christmas morning and in the days leading up to it, though he tries. He wouldn't decorate but would try to help out others decorating if they asked and actually has a somewhat artistic, though avant-garde, knack for it. The Christmas supper, though? Now that's something he can get behind. He's a huge eater but his favourite part is pie at the end, pumpkin if he can get it, with lots of whipped cream on top.

Nanbaka

Nico is a huge child. While he never got to experience Christmas in his childhood, when he finally got to celebrate it, he would be beyond excited and happy and would approach it with his usual enthusiasm and energy! He's really into making as many of the decorations as he can with his cell-mates and excels at paper-chains and popcorn strings, spending hours happily making them and no matter how childish or messy the end result looks, he thinks it's the most beautiful thing in the world. As for the Christmas meal, he likes cranberry sauce but only if it's on the sweet side, and makes sure to save room for second helpings of dessert!

GetBackers

Ban considers decorating for Christmas to be a huge waste of money. Money he doesn't have anyway, thank you very much. He is a huge Grinch, refusing to have anything to do with Christmas and the only reason he tolerates the holiday season is because the GetBackers tend to see an uptick in cases around that time.

Bleach

I love this picture that, at some point in his very long life, probably shortly after living in the human world, Kisuke got really interested in Christmas and that he has all these retro, plastic Christmas decorations and the tackiest flocked fake Christmas tree and just the most outrageous decorations that he still busts out...always in July. Never actually at Christmas. Just to fuck with people. He'll even spread out a whole Christmas feast around that time, just because he can, with his favourite dish being just boring mashed potatoes, or so he claims.

Bungo Stray Dogs

Odasaku never cared about Christmas until the kids came into his life. But once they did, he wanted nothing more than to make Christmas special for them. He decorates, though meagerly, with a lot of the decorations being crafts he does with the kids, paper snowflakes and little ornaments to put on the table-top tree he could afford for them. He treats them all to fried chicken on Christmas and never has it tasted better to him than at those moments.

Servamp

Tsubaki would get really into Christmas and find it just the best thing ever. At least for a little bit...the man is flighty as anything. While he had that intense interest, he would definitely decorate every square inch of the apartment with whatever he possibly could. Ornaments, stockings, a tree, nutcrackers, wreaths, signs, candles - if it looked commercially tacky and Christmassy, it's right up his alley! He would also definitely have Christmas carols on a loop constantly while celebrating and decorating. And while it might not be traditionally Christmas, he wants inari sushi for his Christmas meal!

Mystic Messenger

Being Catholic, I feel like Saeyoung, while not going outrageous with the decorations, would definitely have a nativity set that is very well taken care of and displayed as prominently as he can. The rest of the decorations are mismatched but kind of charming because of it, just things that caught his fancy. He'll put more effort into decorating, though everything will still be very mismatched and chaotic, once Saeran comes to live with him. As for the meal, for most Christmases, it was junk food and it's still what he'll prefer.

Ikemen Revolution

Okay, but Jonah definitely grew up with Christmas being a huge thing. Lots of gifts and Christmas parties, lots of Christmas treats, and the place decorated like something out of a Christmas card. I definitely think he insists on decorating for Christmas. Just not himself. There are people to do that for him or so his upbringing taught him. He'd honestly have absolutely no idea how to decorate for Christmas. Not the faintest clue. But he supervises the decorating like a very finicky, picky boss! As for the meal, he's only waiting for dessert and hopes it has strawberries!

Obey Me!

Okay, let's be real here - Diavolo would absolutely adore getting to try a human Christmas and would go over the top with it. While he might not get to do all the decorating himself, he'd definitely want everything decorated like he'd seen in all the research he'd done on a human Christmas and he'd definitely try to make time to at least dress the tree with the others, though he'd break more ornaments than he put on in his excitement. As for the meal, Barbatos is a wonderful cook and there's no part of it he doesn't enjoy, especially since his Christmas meal will be shared with Lucifer, Barbatos and all his other precious people.

Class of the Titans

Herry was raised by his grandmother on the farm and their Christmases were very 'down-home' and rustic as a result. A lot of the decorations were from natural resources, like pine wreaths and garlands, pinecones and hand-made salt dough ornaments that gave Herry many happy hours making as he grew up. He likes the Christmas lights and all the fun, fancy decorations but the simpler, country Christmases are the ones he enjoys most and will yearn for and choose to replicate. As for the meal, other than avoiding cranberry sauce, he's eating all of it that he can but special mention goes to the fresh-baked rolls used to sop up the gravy on his plate. He can polish off almost a full batch all by himself.

Disney's Ultimate Spider-Man

It's shown that Flash grew up in a rather poor family and I really don't think their house was decorated very thoroughly when he was growing up. They did up the tree and put the stockings underneath of it with the few gifts his parents could afford but little else was done. As such, I don't think he decorates a lot for Christmas but it is really, really important for him to decorate even a small tree and getting it just right can sometimes take him hours but it's very much a labour of love. As for the meal, he's a ham fan over turkey any day but if turkey is the only way to go, someone give him the legs. Dark meat over white any day!

X-Men: Evolution

Kurt loves Christmas but rarely got to participate publicly in Christmas growing up because of his mutant looks. He sticks to his German heritage and the German's Christmas traditions mostly, though he does embrace some more American ones. He's very big on Advent calendars and Christmas angels. As far as the meal goes, he eats well but his favourite Christmas treat is actually not part of the meal itself but part of the holiday season. He's definitely a sucker for good lebkuchen!

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

I feel like Sean is really used to big Christmases growing up with the pack. Brannoc always decorated and I feel like his children, but especially Brid and Sean, keep doing that even after Brannoc passes. Sean tends to like to go over the top in his decorations - the more lights or the more decorations, the better to him. He gets a childlike joy out of Christmas, no matter how old he is, and loves to deck out the place, especially for the younger members of the pack. I could definitely see him donning a Santa suit for the younger members of the pack and handing out gifts to them all, making them laugh and really having a ball with it. As far as the meal goes, this is no small meal. It's been canonically stated that weres eat and eat a lot. The sideboards are threatening to break under the sheer weight of all the food and Sean stuffs himself on everything and anything, excluding the carrots which he hates. The Christmas meal isn't a proper Christmas feast if you don't have to unbutton your pants and go lay down afterwards, in his opinion.

The Outsiders

I really love the idea that, though very poor, the Curtis' always have a Christmas. It might be a very small Christmas, meager by most standards, but they all appreciate it and do love the holiday and do their best to decorate for it and to get each other gifts. The decorations are cheap-looking or crude but honestly, they have so much sentimental value to all the boys, but especially Darry, as they are all remnants from when their parents were alive and Darry remembers making some of the ornaments with his parents or his brothers more than Soda or Pony do. As for meals, while it's definitely not a feast by any standards, the boys do their best to eat well that day. Darry cooks the bird and does his best but gravy is where he definitely shines and that's his favourite, especially the next day on hot sandwiches made from leftovers.

[redinkscrawl]

Redd Reviews: HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER by Lish McBride

Genre: YA Fantasy

Major Tropes: Song lyrics as chapter titles, average joe finds out he had powers all along

Representation Rating: D (women are as fleshed out as the men (which is to say not much,) has a singular brown secondary character that is somewhat awkwardly written. No disability or queer rep.)

Sam's live is average, ordinary. Other than the fact that his full name is Samhain Corvus LaCroix... and he's never really found a place he belongs. He dropped out of college, works at a fast food restaurant, has a few friends, has hobbies. But nothing about his life has felt right. That is, until he finds out he has latent necromancy powers, gets a hot werehound gf, and finds out about the supernatural world living just out of view of our own.

My Thoughts

I really wanted to like this book. It was one of my husband's adolescent favorites. And I see why he liked it! It's fun and the world seems rich and just... really neat. But honestly? The prose is trite, and the book is written as if for a younger audience than YA (I'm only calling it YA due to an off-page sex scene, some curse words, and a pretty violent death.) The writing is just... elementary. I was constantly bored by the prose even as I was intrigued by the concept of a werewolf/fae hound hybrid.

The romance was cute, even though it comes out of a pretty yikes situation. The character work is okay. It's mostly conceptually that this book shines, as it reveals just a glimpse into a larger world of the supernatural. I really wanted to know more about the supernatural underworld, and sooner. It takes forever for Sam to accept that he's in a supernatural story and therefore it takes forever for the book to show us cool things.

I won't be reading book 2. My husband doesn't remember liking it and if he didn't I can't imagine I will. That said, it was a quick read so if you don't mind dry prose, you might enjoy this book.

At least the author acknowledges that Samhain isn't pronounced like Sam. That made me happy.

Rating: 💀💀.5/5

Check out waffalet's elf girl maker here.

[gengarghast]

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer will always have a special place in my brain as "that one book about a dude who fucks a werewolf in a cage that I somehow actually found in my goddamn middle school library".

[entguarde]

Murmurs from the land forbidden

Image description: digital art of Barry Bluejeans from The Adventure Zone in a limited palette of dark blues and neon greens. He's a fat middle-aged human with light skin, dark hair in a mullet, and stubble, wearing cracked glasses and a long robe.

He holds an open book in one hand and reaches forward with a grasping gesture with the other, as black energy surrounds it and it takes on a skeletal appearance. He's sweating, and he has an intense expression. A circle of green energy glows beneath his feet, as his robe flows in the wind and skeletons with glowing green eyes rise on either side of him. End description.

ID by @anistarrose

[nympippi]

Necromancer Finney AU: Adults in general aren’t sure how to feel about Vance. On one hand, he’s got that infamous short temper. On the other hand, he’s been through quite a bit, even before the Grabber incident. Ultimately, it’s generally agreed that Vance is a victim of terrible circumstances and is reacting accordingly to them

I’m actually unsure on this one because I do think maybe in a town like Denver they’d definitely sympathize with him, and feel for his pain but at the same time I think Vance would hate it. Because it’s only after Vance has to undergo massive amounts of trauma and pain for the adults around him to see him as a kid and not some criminal.

it’s showing him that the adults had potential to care but they never did. And instead of working with him, they work against him labeling him as a troubled child who would end up seriously hurting someone. …I don’t know, I’m not too sure on my stance or have any ideas on the adults in tbp but I do headcannon Vance to dislike adults to a serious degree and it only gets worse after his kidnapping.

[nonbinarylocalcryptid]

Me: hm, I should take a break from my thesis

Also me: *opens another incorrect quotes generator*

This time, Telemachus & Astyanax edition feat Odysseus

Telemachus : Fuck.

Astyanax : We've got to work on your cursing.

Telemachus : Why? I'm pretty good at cursing already.

--

Astyanax: I'm a reverse necromancer.

Telemachus : Isn't that just killing people?

Astyanax : Ah, technicality.

--

Telemachus , tending to Astyanax 's wounds: How would you rate your pain?

Astyanax : Zero stars. Would NOT recommend.

--

Astyanax : I learned some very valuable lessons from this.

Telemachus : I’m guessing they are all horrible distortions on the lessons you actually should’ve taken away.

Astyanax : Death isn’t real, and I’m basically God.

--

Telemachus : I was arrested for being too cool.

Astyanax : The charges were dropped due to a lack of supporting evidence.

--

Telemachus : Must be hard not being able to laugh

Astyanax : I do have a sense of humor you know

Telemachus : I’ve never heard you laugh before

Astyanax : I’ve never heard you say anything funny

--

Astyanax : You fuckers don’t know about my knife stick. It’s a knife taped to a stick and it’s the ultimate weapon.

Telemachus, not looking up from their book: Spear.

Astyanax : BLOCKED.

--

Telemachus : Astyanax , keep an eye on father today. He's going to say something to the wrong person and get punched.

Astyanax : Sure, I’d love to see Odysseus get punched.

Telemachus : Try again.

Astyanax , sighing: I will stop Odysseus from getting punched.

--

Telemachus : Why are you on the floor?

Astyanax : I'm depressed, my homeland was raided when I was a baby

Telemachus : ...

Astyanax : Also I was stabbed, can you get father, please.

--

(during the suitors fight etc)

Telemachus , to Astyanax : My life is in the hands of an idiot!

Astyanax , motioning to himself and Odysseus : No no no no no, TWO idiots! And one of them shares DNA with you!

--

Store Worker: Would the Prince Telemachus please come to the front desk?

Telemachus , arriving at the desk: Hello, is there a problem?

Store Worker: points to Astyanax and Odysseus

Store Worker: I believe they belong to you?

Astyanax and Odysseus , simultaneously: We got lost :(

Telemachus : I didn’t even bring you guys here with me-

--

Telemachus : What do you think Astyanax will do for a distraction?

Odysseus : He’ll probably, like, make a noise or throw a rock. That’s what I would do.

*Building explodes and several car alarms go off*

Odysseus : ... or he could do that.

--

Telemachus : We need a distraction.

Astyanax : Is anyone here good at jumping up and down and making weird noises?

Odysseus , whispering: My time has come

Telemachus: what's wrong with you two??

Astyanax: Tele, my bro my guy my dude, have we ever tell you about the time we get lost at the sea FOR TEN YEARS???

--

Telemachus, holding a python: Guys I impulsively bought a snake, what do I name him

Astyanax : You did WHAT–

Odysseus : Polyphemus Poseidonius the First

--

Telemachus : *Screams*

Astyanax : *Screams louder to assert dominance*

Odysseus : Should we do something?!

Penelope , observing: No, I want to see who wins this.

--

Telemachus : *Gently taps table*

Astyanax : *Taps back*

Odysseus : What are they doing?

Penelope : Morse code.

Telemachus : *Aggressively taps table*

Astyanax : *Slams hands down* YOU TAKE THAT BACK-

--

Telemachus : You are now one day closer to eating your next bowl of olives

Astyanax : That's the most hopeful thing I've ever heard.

Odysseus : But what if I die tomorrow and never eat any olives?

Penelope : Then tomorrow is olive lucky day.

--

Odysseus : Why are Telemachus and Astyanax sitting with their backs to each other?

Penelope : They had a fight.

Odysseus : Then why are they holding hands?

Penelope : They get sad when they fight.

--

Telemachus , banging on the door: Astyanax ! Open up!

Astyanax : Well, it all started when I was a kid...

Odysseus : No, they meant-

Penelope : Let them finish.

And that's all for now

[y-rhywbeth2]

Gods and Clergy: Myrkul

Link: Disclaimer regarding D&D "canon" & Index [tldr: D&D lore is a giant conflicting mess. Larian's lore is also a conflicting mess. You learn to take what you want and leave the rest]

Religion | Gods | Shar | Selûne | Bhaal | Mystra | Jergal | Bane #1 | Bane #2 | Bane #3 | Myrkul | Lathander | Kelemvor | Tyr | Helm | Ilmater | Mielikki | Oghma | Gond | Tempus | Silvanus | Talos | Umberlee | Corellon | Moradin | Yondalla | Garl Glittergold | Eilistraee | Lolth | Laduguer | Gruumsh | Bahamut | Tiamat | Amodeus | The rest of the Faerûnian Pantheon --WIP

Now this is what I call a proper death cult. Now that I'm pretty sure I have all information on this asshole, here's Myrkul to finish off the Dead Three - He offers free hugs sometimes. Do not accept one.

Intro: We have too many death gods in this setting.

Clergy: Stuff like kindness is for the people who are currently dead, to hell with everybody who's alive.

Gray Ones: I know clerics usually make better necromancers than wizards who specialise in it, but come on.

Myrkul: Bane's got issues, but I think Myrkul might actually be the most effective villain here.

---

"Know me and fear me. My embrace is for all and is patient but sure. The dead can always find you. My hand is everywhere - there is no door I cannot pass, nor guardian who can withstand me." - Myrkul's dogma

"Make certain daily that all fear the Lord of Bones—who cannot be evaded, hidden from, or shut out. For the dead are his subjects, and the slide into death his pleasure and his dominion. Speak daily to all you meet of the Doombringers to come and Doombringers past— those moved by Myrkul to bring death, delivering souls to the one who shall have them all in the end, the mighty and the low-born, the cloaked in proud Art and the barely able to speak. Silently remind folk of death by your garb, the skulls you carry, and the finger bones you trail behind you as you travel. You fear nothing, or to harm you is to die." - more dogma

Myrkul's dogma that has caused a lot of confusion.

"Myrkul was the god of the dead, as opposed to the god of death [the instance of death and the transition between [life and death]], which was the province of Bhaal."

Bhaal is the god of death with a focus specifically on the moment life ends, he doesn't care about the before or after, only the moment of death. Myrkul was the god of those who have already died, shuffled off their mortal coil and joined the choir invisible - he's just a sadist about it and wants you to be aware of your mortality while you're still alive, and also enjoys it when you die. Kelemvor actually holds dominion over the dead at the moment, but I'll get back to him.

Myrkul is very keen to be feared; to remind the living that their time alive is finite, and once Bhaal ends that fleeting life then they will be in Myrkul's kingdom.

His divine portfolio includes aging, exhaustion, decay, the hours of dusk and the autumn months - things that remind mortals of the entropy looming over them throughout their every living moment, bringing you one step closer to his kingdom. Another portfolio of his is parasites: the hidden thing inside you, sucking your life away. It's so important to Myrkul that you remember that you are ageing. You are always dying, slowly.

To this effect he really enjoys crashing funerals, manifesting in front of the grief stricken funeral goers to remind them that one day they'll die too! He'll also drop by at night and visit you in your nightmares, for the same reason.

He lost rulership of the dead when slain in the Time of Troubles by Midnight (soon to be Mystra), and the portfolio eventually passed to Cyric and later to Kelemvor.

Now that Myrkul has returned, Kelemvor remains god of the dead, but Myrkul maintains his older domains. He is the god of the slow march of life into death, with all the aspects mentioned.

He's also the most sadistic asshole, but I'll talk about that further in.

Temples of Myrkul begin with a mausoleum built above ground (as big as possible and decorated with the most intimidating statuary the builders can think of), which extend into necropolis underground, which are guarded by undead. The temples are often filled/covered in smoke from the crematoriums inside. The walls are decorated with images and statues of people of all genders, races and ages depicted in various forms of death and stages of decay.

-

Myrkul and his worshippers, known as "the Anointed" are and always have been extremely unpopular. He receives offerings at funerals, but nobody particularly wants to worship him, and those that do are regarded with fear and the subject of rumour and horror stories.

His few priests come from people of a morbid bent, who enjoy the fear and the tales of how they can sicken and kill others through a mere touch, or that those who offend them in any way will die - and that all Anointed will know when one of their own has been killed, and by who. Anointed don't actually kill anyone as a rule, that's a job for Bhaalists, but they do make a special exception for people who pretend to be one of them in order to exploit their intimidating reputation. Such people die in spectacular, public fashion - as painfully as possible.

They also make an exception for law keepers and others in positions of power who try to oppress the study and practitioners of necromancy, although finding non-lethal means of making these people change their ways is common enough.

Myrkul's followers are to speak as little as possible, and when they do speak they speak as softly as they can while being as laconic as they're able. "It is poor form among the Anointed to show emotion when one can instead speak coldly and flatly, and maintain apparent calm."

At this point, people are so desperate to stay away from them that a Myrkulite can flat out just walk into your house and take whatever the hell they want. You like being alive and look forward to a happy afterlife and are not going to stop them. Many Myrkulites get extremely rich this way, and Old Lord Skull himself doesn't seem to care.

When in public they Anointed always wear skull half-masks, coating every inch of exposed flesh on their body with ash. They also carry human skulls with them - due to the skulls, they've often known as the "Grinning Anointed". While at the temple, or on ceremony, they wear full body, deep hooded black robes, tied around the waist with a white sash, and forgo shoes in favour of being bare foot.

Their entire job, as far as the living go, is basically to torment people and remind them that their life is ultimately pointless and that they're going to die.

While they're absolute monsters towards living beings. whom they and their god abhor, the Anointed typically hold those who are dead in reverence. Resurrecting the dead is a blasphemous act forbidden by the faith, and Myrkul only rarely permits it in exceptional circumstances (although a technical loophole exists in that you can get a priest of a different god to bring back a dead person for you.)

Other, less sadistic, duties include carrying out funerals and seeking out and burying the lost dead. They seek to make the dying comfortable in their last moments, and help them get their last affairs in order - a duty that they now, presumably, share with Kelemvorites. Myrkulites will typically go out of their way to make sure that the last wills and testaments (and similar) have reaching effects after a person's death, so that they may hold influence on the living from beyond the grave. Another thing they share with Kelemvorites is that they personally do not view death as unnatural or something to run from. Where they differ is that Kelemvor teaches the living not to live in fear of death, while Myrkul wants mortals in constant dread.

Myrkul's priests are often blessed with a high tolerance for disease, which makes them particularly useful for disposing of the bodies of plague victims.

Myrkulites often have a special reverence for necromancy, again due to its ability to allow the dead to affect the living. They call it "the sacred hand that reaches from the grave."

They are also charged with spreading tale of those the faith reveres as "Doombringers" - those driven to avenge the dead; friends, lovers, mentors and other loved ones sent or driven into death one way or another by the actions of their target/s.

A Myrkulite can be hired as a doombringer, the cost of which is sometimes called a "skull fee", however they will not work for the still-living. They can only be hired on behalf of the dead, or in advance of one's death.

Myrkulites should not expect much of a social life outside of the other Anointed, and most will leave wherever they were raised and/or lived, as their communities certainly wouldn't appreciate having a Myrkulite in their midst.

The clergy contains many titles, each conferring a specific necromantic spell taught or priestly duty (most of which are not actually described). Once these were in rank, however in recent times the hierarchy has become a loose grouping by age and experience into Initiates, Lesser Anointed, Anointed and Higher Anointed. Myrkul did away with the concept of high priests after certain incidents involving a rebellion against him.

The titles used to be: Daring One, Night Walker, Bone Talker, Shroud Wearer, Crypt Carver, Bone Dancer, Ritual Consecrator, Undead Master, Withering Lord, Deathbringer and Elder Doom (the later of whom have influence beyond a single temple or settlement).

Bone Dancers perform ritualistic dances that animate the dead as guardians of a site. Ritual Consecrators are basically the clergy's craftsmen, responsible for dedicating the altars, making the scythes and preparing the materials for magic. Withering Lords use magic that causes living flesh to wither and die, and Deathbringers can cause you to drop dead by pointing at you.

Anointed greet their equals and juniors as "Death [Surname]" and their senior clergy as "Most Holy Death [Surname]."

Lower ranks owe little in the way of reverence to their seniors, aside from obeying reasonable instructions and offering aid, money, food or shelter when the moment calls for it. The senior clergy should not be living off of the backs of the lower ranks, and if they attempt to abuse their power then the junior clergy are free to defy them.

Initiates to the faith are taken into the crypts, to meet the corpse of a former high-ranking priest. There, the ritual spell speak with dead is used to allow Myrkul to address the initiate personally, imparting his dogma upon them.

Myrkul is known to visit his favoured followers to give them a hug. Said hug is full of necromantic magic and is highly likely to kill you. If it doesn't you will be horrifically withered and traumatised for life, but Myrkulites consider survivors to be blessed.

When Cyric took over as god of the dead, unlike their Bhaalist and Banite counterparts who had schisms and purges over it, the Anointed simply carried on as usual. Their complete indifference was about as close to enthusiasm as Myrkulites get. While many were just as indifferent when Cyric was replaced by Kelemvor, he proved to be a bit more controversial, due to the ban on necromancy.

Myrkul is worshipped at dusk every day during a ritual named the Dusking. Grave dirt, or the bones and ash of the cremated, are offered to a black altar decorated with bones. Above the altar a human skull is enchanted so that it floats and glows dimly. The purpose of the daily ritual is to remember that death follows closely behind all living creatures, and those who don't chose Myrkul as a patron deity are encouraged to give their own offerings. The begining and ending of the ritual is marked by the toll of a bell (a deep, reverberating one, not a high note). Each time an offering is made the bell is tolled again. Particularly devout Myrkulites will hold a personal prayer at any time during the hours of darkness that night.

There is only one holy day, held during the Feast of the Moon when everybody honours the dead. Myrkulites call it "the day the dead are most with us." It's believed by them that the dead walk the world as ghosts to seek their loved ones, enemies and descendants - either to observe or to pass on messages. They celebrate the dead with chants, prayers and hyms and end the day with a ritual called the Flagons of the Fallen, where they set glasses of wine on fire with magic to grant the spirits a momentary respite from their "eternal chill."

-

The priests that dedicate themselves to Myrkul alone amongst the gods are the Grey Ones (also known by the nickname, "fingerbones")

Grey ones are master necromancers, and can command far larger hordes than normal. They are also masters of lore regarding undeath, all forms of undead and the outer planes and the fate of souls.

They're resistant to any spell effects that cause death

They do not display any negative effects of any diseases or parasites they may be hosting, although they can still contract them. For example, an Anointed could visibly have leprosy, and it will kill them, but they won't feel it or be bothered by it until it actually kills them.

They can magically put themselves into a state where they appear to be dead to onlookers.

They can summon Deaths to serve them - grim reaper looking undead who serve Myrkul.

They can wither living flesh at a touch.

Once a tenday they have access to a unique spell called the Hand of Myrkul, this wreathes their hand in flame. If they touch a living creature with this hand, then the victim must make a successful roll or they will die. If the target dies, the Gray One must also make that same roll, or be slain themselves.

They can stagnate water and create or worsen structural weak points in inanimate matter.

They can turn wounds and injuries necrotic.

They have a unique version of the spell finger of death where the priest points a finger bone at the target, says the incantation and if the damage caused kills the target then they can't be resurrected. If they don't die, then the Myrkulite can perform a ritual involving holy water that will turn them into a living zombie under their command.

-

Myrkul himself is a Neutral Evil deity and his domain is in the Lower Planes on the Grey Waste of Hades. Born Myrkul Bey al-Kursi, a talented necromancer and Crown-Prince of a kingdom called Murghom. His kingdom was a vassal state of the ancient empire Mulhorand, and the prince wasn't satisfied with such meagre power. So off he travelled, eventually running into Bhaal and Bane, who were already allied and being compelled to seek out and slay ancient gods due to horrific visions being inflicted on them by the god Jergal. This, of course, is what we call an opportunity for better power, so Myrkul joined them and the three went on to steal divinity from many beings and ended up becoming the Dead Three. He was slain by Midnight, who would become Mystra, in a battle in Waterdeep during the Time of Troubles.

Myrkul's personality is described as cold and malignant, and the god himself is known for his cruel intellect. He never gets angry or raises his voice, only ever speaking in a whisper. Whenever his plans are foiled by mortals he only ever responds with amusement.

Sometimes, just to keep mortals on their toes, he pretends to be kind.

Myrkul's avatar is much like the traditional grim reaper (scythe included), but with four arms, and his face still has some skin - flaking, withered skin covered in lesions and his lips and black and cracking. His sunken eyes "gleam with a cold, evil light." He levitates rather than standing on the ground. His touch is lethally icy, both physically and on a spiritual level. He can also inflict a flesh-eating disease on people though touching them. Regardless of how much damage it inflicts, after being in physical contact with Myrkul, a living being sees all other living beings around them as corpses for a varying period of time. His scythe causes fatigue and weakness in those it touches.

All skeletons and zombies obey him absolutely, regardless of who created them. Much like Bhaal, Myrkul can create any form of undead by touching a corpse, and sapient undead such as mummies and vampires created this way are bound to his will for a single task after which they are fully free willed. He can reduce all undead to dust with a touch, and they cannot harm him in any way.

Myrkul also manifests as a flying human skull with lights in its eye sockets, and can vary in size from normal skull to being six foot tall. He can also manifest as a skeletal arm wielding a scimitar, which has much the same effect as the scythe.

Myrkul can cast any spell except those that create light as a primary effect.

Naturally his divine servants and messengers are undead, and he's been known to unleash armies of the dead on the living.

Various things Myrkul will send to his faithful to show his favour or disfavour include; bats, panthers, hell hounds, nightmares, black roses, jet, obsidian, onyx and corvids. The animals will aid his faithful, if in favour and cause harassment or harm to show his disfavour. They can also be sent to attack his followers' enemies.

His top hits in contribution to the Realms include:

Undead krakens

The Wall of the Faithless. Nobody actually asked for the souls of those who cannot be claimed by any of the gods to all be packed together and turned into a mouldy, eternally screaming wall where they will experience agony untold for millennia as their memories and sense of self are slowly eaten away until nothing of them is left. But Myrkul is the gift that keeps on giving, so he gave the Wall to the Realms anyway.

The Spirit Eater Curse: So one of his old Chosen, raised from birth to serve him with blind loyalty, got a girlfriend. Then this girlfriend ended up in aforementioned wall of screaming souls. Said Chosen rebelled in order to rescue his girlfriend, so Myrkul did the only reasonable thing and put him in the Wall (even though this is a breach of divine cosmology) and then took him back out when his personality had been erased and dumped him back on Toril. What was left was a soul eating parasite - a void that feels only hunger and can never be filled, ruining thousands of lives and leaving spiritual desolation wherever it went. Did this have anything to do with being a punishment for the former high priests rebellion? Sort of, but ultimately, not really, no. This was Myrkul's equivalent of Iyachtu Xvim and the Bhaalspawn; as long as the curse exists, a fragment of Myrkul remains in the world and he cannot die.

The Crown of Horns: Originally crafted by Jergal. A circlet made of electrum, with four bone horns at the corners and one large black diamond centred over the brow, radiating necromantic energy. Before the Second Sundering, the crown hosted a portion of Myrkul's essence. The crown has mind-affecting magic that sows discord amongst all in its vicinity who don't worship Myrkul, who it can bind to the yugoloth fiends of the Lower Planes, and its power also drives them to covet the crown. All who wear it have their minds consumed by Myrkul as it slowly turns them into a lich. They usually then start acting as an evil necromancer overlord, raising the dead and trying to take over the nearest city/kingdom/whatever. At their worst, wearers of the crown have been strong enough to challenge Bane's church (although I don't think they've tried).

Myrkul's been keeping the crown teleporting around the world, post Time of Troubles, landing out of reach of meddling Harpers and kept within reach of idiots. He apparently greatly enjoyed the experience of brainwashing vast swathes of people into mass murder, moreso than he did actual godhood.

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Note: I edited this when there was actual thunder outside and my heart is full.

This is part 3 of the Halloween fic, direct follow up to part 2.

part 1 - part 2

Warnings: horror/fluff. mentions of fright, spirits, demons, ghosts, violence, bruises, blood. also briefly suggestive.

pairing: Modern!Sihtric x you (f)

Summary: Sihtric took you out on a spooky date, it just didn't go as planned.

Word count: 5,7k 

Masterlist

'Sihtric? Are you a fraudulent member of the Catholic church?'

Sihtric: good morning, my darkness. I won't tell you what we're going to do, but, despite the sun, dress warm and wear comfortable shoes x

You: guess I'll change out of my catwoman costume then???? x

Sihtric: no wait

Sihtric: on my way ;)

You: always a funny guy huh? ;)

Sihtric: no, really coming over early 

Sihtric: if that's okay? :) 

You: sure, I'm ready to go anyway :) 

Sihtric wolf whistled and took his sunglasses off when you opened the door. You instantly became a trembling and shy mess when you realised how truly good looking he was, now that you saw him in clear daylight. You smiled when you saw he had his hair slightly pushed back and not hiding his scars anymore, at least, not for you. He was wearing a plain black hoodie with a leather jacket on top, black fingerless gloves, dark grey slim fitted jeans and black Doctor Martens underneath.

Sihtric stepped closer, leaned in to kiss your cheek and circled one arm around your waist as he did.

'Well, hi,' he smiled and took a step back, holding your hands, 'you look to die for.'

You felt flustered as you were simply dressed in black jeans and a grey Dracula hoodie, which Sihtric said he liked and asked where you got it from, but you didn't remember.

'Are you ready to go?' 

'I think so,' you smiled a little nervously, still not knowing what the plan was, 'we're going for a hike?'

'Something like that,' Sihtric winked.

The drive to wherever he was taking you would take about 30 minutes, he said. As soon as Sihtric started the car and his phone connected to his radio, you were shocked to hear the familiar sound and lyrics of one of your favourite songs blasting through his speakers:

"Death-magic and forbidden sorcery

Into the occult and science became necromancy

A pact with Mephistopheles

My stirring in the dark-"

'Oops,' Sihtric grimaced when he saw your big eyes and turned the volume down, 'I'm sorry.'

'No, no! I mean… Carach Angren?' you blinked rapidly.

'Wait,' Sihtric turned to you, 'you know them?'

You scoffed, 'I love them!'

Sihtric stared at you, his mismatched eyes piercing as a smile appeared on his face, 'Ain't no way. I have never met anyone who knows them, let alone like them.'

'I'm serious!'

'Okay, name three songs,' Sihtric taunted, knowing that was such a stupid thing some people always ask when someone says they're a fan of something "obscure".

'That is such a dick move,' you laughed, 'but I like The Necromancer. And the violins in Der Vampir Von Nürnberg are absolutely insane! But my favourite is In De Naam Van De Duivel, I mean the instrumentals near the end?' you sighed.

'Well, shit,' Sihtric smiled, 'you really are to die for.' 

He took out his phone and switched on your favourite song, and you both smiled at the intro riffs as Sihtric pulled off your driveway. You shouted the first lyric together at the same time, 'Once upon a time, back when the Devil had a temper!' and you were both surprised at each other and started to laugh.

'I love the storytelling in their songs,' Sihtric smiled.

'Me too. It's like a horror fairy tale in each song, and we need more of those.'

'We do.'

'But,' you looked at Sihtric, 'will you finally tell me where we are going?'

'Nope,' he smiled and carefully placed his hand on your knee, 'you mind this?'

'No,' you smiled and felt yourself blush. 

You felt silly for feeling so flustered, seeing the things you already did with this man the evening before, but today was so different. It was only the two of you now, both showing your authentic selves without any interruption or having to hide your personality. You knew you both still had a lot to find out about each other, but you were off to a good start. And Sihtric was already over the moon by finding out you liked the same music as him. You enjoyed his presence and felt comfortable around him, but you couldn't lie, you felt a little nervous when Sihtric got off the main road and pulled into a seemingly hidden forest track, and drove deep into the forest.

'Where are we going?' you asked after about a minute.

You hoped you didn't sound nervous all of the sudden, but you clearly did, because Sihtric noticed it and stopped the car.

'Hey,' Sihtric turned to you and spoke softly, 'did you tell anyone you're with me today?'

'Well, Uhtred and Finan know I was seeing you today…'

'You want to send your location or anything?'

You hesitated. You didn't want to make him feel like you didn't trust him, but you just didn't know him well enough to understand his motives or his thoughts. Sihtric had been very considerate the short time you've spent together, so you didn't think he was going to do something weird, but still…

'It's okay,' Sihtric chuckled lightly, 'I understand it, really, I don't take any offence.'

You apologised with a shy smile and took out your phone. Since Uhtred was the main link between you and Sihtric, you shared your live location with him, and you also trusted your life with Uhtred if you were honest.

You: hey, just wanting to share where I am right now…

Uhtred: you're with Sihtric?

You: yeah. All is well, but he's taking us somewhere in a forest now

Uhtred: yeah I know where you are

Uhtred: I'll keep an eye on your location, but don't worry. Sihtric knows that forest like the back of his hand.

You: exactly my worry? There seems to be no one else around??

Uhtred: yeah that is why he likes going there. Trust me, I know his plan already. You may love it or run away screaming, either way, you will soon find out if you're a match ;)

That didn't really ease you, but you smiled at Sihtric.

'You okay?' he asked, 'I can take you back home if you-'

'No, it's okay,' you said, really wanting to know what his plan was, and well… if he was a weirdo, then maybe there would be a Netflix documentary about you years from now, showing the world how you were interested in true crime, yet still fell for a trap set by a handsome Dane.

'You can trust me. I won't let anything happen to you, babe,' Sihtric said and squeezed your hand, 'you have my word.'

You smiled at him and kissed his cheek. Then you saw Uhtred had texted you again.

Uhtred: oh…. and if you let him stay the night

Uhtred: make sure he doesn't bite you ;)

You frowned at your phone as Uhtred sent you another text: the vampire emoji and the blood drop emoji. You had no idea what he was on about, but you'd ask Sihtric later.

'What the hell,' you mumbled when, out of nowhere, a huge old castle appeared from behind the autumn coloured trees, 'what is this place?'

'This,' Sihtric said, as he parked in front of the impressive but neglected building, 'is an abandoned castle with a rich history of bloodshed and horror,' he smiled at you.

'Oh?'

'Have you ever heard of the Old Willow hauntings?'

'Not that I recall, no.'

'This place belonged to a wealthy family, the Willows. They were brutally murdered some hundred years ago, but no killer was ever caught nor was there ever any evidence that someone had been inside the castle that day, except for the family.'

'So one of the family members snapped, took everyone out and then took their own life?'

'That's what you'd think,' Sihtric smirked, 'but suicide was ruled out for every victim.'

'Really?' you frowned and looked up at the castle, 'so what do they think happened?'

'No one knows, there is no explanation.' 

Sihtric brought your attention back to him by tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, and you found him smiling softly at you. Suddenly it all clicked for you, and you grinned.

'So what do you think happened?'

'I think there was another presence inside,' Sihtric said and cupped your cheek, softly caressing your skin with his thumb, 'and I think it might still be here.'

'You mean ghosts? Wait, you're taking me to go ghost hunting?' you chuckled.

'Too weird for you?' Sihtric suddenly looked shy and a little insecure, and he took his hand off your cheek.

'No,' you said quickly and took his hand, 'I'm just surprised you're taking me here during the day and not at night.'

'No, it's too risky at night, sweet thing.'

You smiled and squinted your eyes a little as you looked at him. 'Why's that?'

'If there is some kind of spirit present, and let's say it's an evil one,' Sihtric licked his lips, 'then the chances of getting into trouble at night are higher than during the day.'

'I know,' you smiled wider.

'What do you know?' Sihtric smiled playfully and interested.

I know,' you said and cleared your throat, 'that demoniacal phenomena often begins after sunset and ends before sunrise.'

'Hm,' Sihtric hummed, impressed, and tried to suppress his smile, 'that is why I brought you here during the day.'

'But,' you continued, 'I also know that those activities usually happen when there is no natural light. Meaning they can still happen during the day in places where there is an absence of natural light, say, a basement or an attic without windows. So you, Sihtric Kjartansson,' you poked his chest, 'may still get us in some trouble with inhuman spirits, even during the day.'

Sihtric stared at you, his jaw had slightly dropped as you were speaking and he forgot how to breathe.

'What?' you chuckled when he seemed to have frozen.

'Marry me?' he blurted out.

'I, eh…' you mumbled before you both started to laugh, and Sihtric pulled you in for a kiss. 

This time it was a sweet and gentle kiss, not sloppy like the ones he gave you last night, which had just been as nice. Sihtric pulled back and bit down on his lip as he looked at you.

'Let's go?' he smiled.

You both got out of the car and Sihtric opened the trunk. He took out a black backpack and swung it over his shoulder before he locked his car. He held out his hand to you and smiled,and you took his hand with a shy smile and walked over to the castle entrance.

'You've been here before?' you asked.

'Partly, yes. I've been in the whole left part of the building a few months ago. Today I wanted to scout the right side.'

'You ever found anything?'

'I, eh,' Sihtric chuckled, 'yeah.'

'Really?' you asked, 'how? Like EMF or EVP or something else?'

'Both,' Sihtric stopped as he smiled and looked at you, 'how much more do you know about this? Because I have a feeling there's a lot you're not telling me.'

You couldn't help but smile shyly again when he pulled you closer and snuck his arms around your waist.

'I know some stuff,' you said and looked up at him as you played with the zipper of his leather jacket, 'I read a lot.'

'And what do you read, my dark princess?'

'Mainly stuff from the Warrens.'

'But then you probably know a lot about ghost hunting?'

'Yes and no. I know the basics about ghost hunting, but my knowledge is more focused on how these energies work. Like… finding out if it's a ghost or a spirit and if it's good or bad so to say. I'm interested in its motives and I …' you stopped talking when you felt you were about to say something that could scare him off.

'And you what?' Sihtric smiled and nuzzled your nose softly, 'tell me, little bat.'

'I… sort of communicate.'

'Communicate?' Sihtric tilted his head slightly, 'Ouija?'

'No, well, kind of,' you chuckled, 'I use a pendulum. You know how ouija boards have a planchette? I don't use that or a board, I use a cloth which is similar to an ouija board, but made for pendulums and is mainly focused on asking yes or no questions. So the pendulum swings, which is done by whatever energy you are communicating with at that moment, and it answers by swinging towards yes or towards no. It's been very effective for me. So there's that, and, well I pick up on energies quite fast. I can feel when something is off, you know? Like when there is an energy that is not friendly, I sense it. But, yeah, anyway… you are mainly focused on capturing ghosts then or?'

'Yes and no,' Sihtric smiled and traced his thumb over your lips, 'I don't capture them like a ghostbuster or something,' he laughed softly, 'I try to capture them by recording audio and with equipment which is triggered by movements, even those not visible to us. But,' Sihtric said and paused as he looked in your eyes, terribly in love and in awe, 'the way you try to communicate and try to understand whatever is out there... then I guess I can admit that I know how to… you know… despite not being Catholic, I know Latin, I can perform an exorcism.'

'Have you ever done that?' you asked with big eyes.

'Luckily, I never had to. But I've held up a fair amount of crosses in my life when I just knew something was off.'

'But wait,' you shook your head lightly, 'you're not an official member of the church, right? So would an exorcism work then? I thought you need to be acknowledged by the church and all that to be able to perform them with success?'

'I don't consider myself a member of the church,' Sihtric smirked and pecked your lips, 'but the church doesn't know that.'

'What?' you gasped softly and laughed, 'Sihtric? Are you a fraudulent member of the Catholic church?'

'What's the fun in being a good altar boy?' Sihtric winked and brought his lips back to yours. Kissing you deep and passionate, and you felt he gradually started to kiss you sloppier again, just like at the fair, and he pulled you flush against his body as his tongue filled your mouth while you curled your fingers around the neck of his hoodie, holding him close.

'But,' you broke the kiss, not because you wanted him to stop, but because you were so intrigued, 'your tattoo? A Norse knot. And your Thor pendant? How?'

'I hide my pendant whenever I really have to step in a church,' he scoffed, 'and they believe I am a Pagan turned Christian, which is what they love, so they don't even look at the tattoo.'

'But if you don't believe in their god, how effective is that exorcism?'

'I may not believe in their god, but I believe in energy. I believe there are spirits of both good nature and bad, and I believe the bad natured ones fear the word of god, and therefore it definitely holds power.'

'Damn,' you smiled, 'so, what is the plan here? Summon a demon and do an exorcism?'

'Oh, you know better than that, lady,' Sihtric laughed and pecked your lips again, 'we're absolutely not doing that. But… you could use a necklace as a pendulum too, right?'

'Yeah, anyone can.'

'Maybe you could try to communicate and we can set up my stuff? Try to record voices or movements?'

'Ah… I don't work like that,' you said hesitantly, 'I need some stuff to… you know, protect myself with before I attempt communication. I'd love to do that with you one day, but I won't do it now, not without my own tools. I- I won't risk anything.'

'So you're the brains,' Sihtric smiled, 'and I'm the muscle.'

'You surely got the muscles,' you smiled as you squeezed his arms, 'but you definitely got the brain too. But, yeah, I think we could be a good team, if that's what you mean.' 

You pushed yourself up your tiptoes and kissed his cheek, which he gladly accepted, before he pulled you in for another passionate kiss.

'You never told me what you found here,' you suddenly remembered as you walked through a huge, empty hallway inside the abandoned castle.

You looked at the EMF meter in your hand, which Sihtric had given you after you asked if you could try it out. Sihtric held a flashlight which was switched on, despite there being enough broken windows to allow in daylight. He simply wanted to see what was in front of him, or behind him, at all times if he'd accidentally ended up in a dark hallway or room, especially with you there now.

'I've picked up voices and movements,' Sihtric said as he held your hand with his free one, 'I can show you that, if you'd like to come over at my place sometime?'

'Yeah, I'd love to see what you found here,' you smiled at him and carefully looked around the gloomy place. There was definitely some kind of energy in this building, but you weren't sure yet just what it was. 'Will you set up any equipment today?'

'Hm,' Sihtric hummed, 'I would if I was on my own. But it can be very boring. I usually just sit in one spot for hours, so I think it's more fun for you if we just stroll around, see if we can pick up on anything without using any tools, except for the EMF meter. If you're fine with that?'

'Yeah, that sounds like fun.'

You smiled at Sihtric when he looked at you. He stopped walking and let go of your hand, only to cup your cheek as he leaned in, 'Where have you been all my life?' he asked, brushing his lips softly against yours.

'At home, reading books I guess.'

You smiled against his lips and pulled him closer by tugging at his jacket. You pressed your lips against his and Sihtric moved his hand to the back of your neck, deepening the kiss as much as he could.

'You're so fucking perfect,' Sihtric whispered under his breath before he brought his lips back to yours, and then let his backpack slip off his shoulder and dropped the flashlight at the same time, which spooked you.

'Sorry. It's just me, baby,' Sihtric said in between kisses while he slowly pushed you backwards, through an open door, into a darker room and towards a large old oaken cabinet. While he kissed you slowly, and sloppy, he took the EMF meter out of your hand and shoved it in his back pocket, allowing you to move both your hands to his neck and up in his hair, softly pulling his dark mane as you felt his hands on your waist, keeping you close as he kissed you so gentle, so slow and yet so incredibly arousing.

'I- I love the way you kiss me, Sihtric,' you whispered when you needed some air, your breath already heavy and your voice hoarse.

'Yeah?' Sihtric smiled out of breath. But he didn't care that he needed air, he just needed to feel you close again and pushed you up against the cabinet, 'I've been thinking all night about you, babe,' he husked in between kisses, 'the way you came with my fingers inside you,' he flicked his tongue against your lips and you moaned softly when he kissed you again. 'And the way you made me feel so nice,' he smiled and gently sucked your lower lip.

'I've been thinking about you as well,' you said, breathing heavily, 'and about that big cock of yours,' you chuckled.

'I told you I didn't make things up when I spelled out my name for you,' he laughed and took your hand, sliding it slowly down to his groin as he left open mouthed kisses on your neck. You cupped his hardness through his jeans, massaging firmly and you kissed his lips again.

Sihtric moaned with a smile, 'Hmm, my queen of darkness, I'd take you right here-'

You were both suddenly startled by the loud noise the EMF meter made from his back pocket. And where you had first pulled Sihtric close because you wanted his tongue in your mouth, you now pulled him close because you suddenly felt unwell and almost fell down, as if something pulled your leg.

'S-Sihtric, I… I feel dizzy, something's here,' you grabbed onto his jacket as your knees gave out underneath you.

The EMF meter continued to spike and the temperature in the room suddenly dropped, making you see your own breath as the flashlight lit up the room from the hallway. Sihtric was quick to pull you tightly against his chest as he knew this was wrong, very wrong.

'Hey, I'm here, sweet thing. It's okay,' Sihtric said, calmly, 'take it easy. We're leaving, okay? I'm taking you home. We've had enough fun here.'

He pulled your arm around his neck and moved his arm around your waist, supporting you as he walked back to the door, which suddenly slammed shut, locking you in a cold and dark room.

'Sihtric?' you whispered and clung onto him, 'has… has that happened to you here before?'

You heard Sihtric's hard but calm breathing in the dark, 'No,' he said, 'nothing like this happened to me here before.'

He pulled you even closer and grabbed the door handle in an attempt to open it, but the door wouldn't budge.

'What the fuck,' Sihtric mumbled in the pitch black room. 'You okay, lady?' he asked while he tried to feel for some kind of lock on the door with his fingertips, not wanting to alarm you further when he sensed this was all bad news.

'I… I'm not sure,' you whispered and pressed your face against his chest, 'Sihtric?'

'Yeah?' Sihtric couldn't find a lock, and no matter how much he rattled the doorknob, nothing happened.

'I… I'm scared,' you whispered, 'I know temperature drops aren't a good sign.'

'They're not,' he confessed, 'but I won't let anything happen to you, okay? I just can't get the door to open.'

Sihtric knew a way to open the door, but he also knew he could not explain it to you later without the risk of you probably being scared to death or thinking he was stark raving mad. So he tried to kick the door open, but to no avail.

'Sihtric?' you suddenly sounded panicked, as a feeling of dread crawled over your skin and soaked into your bones.

'What? What's wrong?' 

His arms were around you but his voice seemed really far.

'S-something,' your voice trembled, 'something's t-touching my l-leg.'

'What?' Sihtric asked, suddenly sounding close again, while you felt him close to you all the same.

'Something is touching my leg right now,' you whimpered.

Sihtric didn't know what to say, he just tried to understand what you meant, because it wasn't him. He had his arms around you this whole time, except for when he tried to open the door, but that was moments ago already. And he heard nothing else in the room, except for his own and your breathing.

'Sihtric!' you suddenly yelled, 'make it stop!'

'What! What is it?!' Sihtric yelled as he felt you being pulled out of his arms. 

He had no idea what on earth was happening. And neither did you, all you knew was that something was pulling your leg, as if dragging you away, and it was with such force you could barely hold onto Sihtric, and you were in pain. 

'Sihtric, it hurts! It's hurting me!'

Sihtric pulled you back against his chest with a loud groan, using all his strength against the invisible force that tried to steal you away from him in the dark.

'Fuck this!' he grunted, 'in the name of Michael, open and let us pass! Into the light I command thee, or I will send you straight back to hell, you piece of shit!'

Sihtric kicked the door again and it flung open. You were blinded by the sudden flickering of the flashlight outside the room as Sihtric pulled you out with him. And as soon as you both stepped out of the room, everything became quiet and it seemed as if nothing ever happened. 

The EMF meter stopped spiking, the flashlight shone brightly and your breath wasn't visible anymore. You both fell down to your knees, out of breath, and Sihtric immediately pulled you close against his chest and cradled you in his arms.

'I'm sorry, baby,' Sihtric whispered, 'you're safe, I promise. It's over.'

You and Sihtric were quiet the whole drive back home. He held your hand in his whenever he didn't have to shift gears, often bringing the back of your hand up to his lips, pressing soft and comforting kisses to your skin. Despite everything, you were both okay and calm, just silently trying to understand what had happened. It had startled you both, but you knew the risks all too well before you stepped inside that building together.

'You still want to come in and watch a movie?' you asked once Sihtric pulled up your driveway.

'You still want me around after everything?'

'Now more than ever, Sihtric,' you chuckled lightly.

Beside being a little spooked still, you just really wanted him to be with you a little longer, hoping he would take your mind fully of everything eventually. 

He kissed your hand again and followed your lead, you took him inside your house and switched on some lights and lit a few candles while you waited for the tea to brew. Sihtric curiously walked around your living room, smiling as he inspected some of the curiosities you owned. He chuckled at your insane amount of candles and he looked at the pendulum you had told him about. He whistled when he saw your huge book cabinet and told you that you both owned quite a lot of the same titles. Sihtric was sweet and gentle, as you had expected, and he moved closer to you when you sat down next to him and handed him his tea.

'You okay, sweet thing?' he asked again, and you had lost count of how many times he had asked already.

'Yeah,' you smiled and took his hand, 'I am, thanks. But have you ever had something like that happen before?'

Sihtric shook his head lightly, 'No, never. I… I don't understand it. It's like whatever was there just wanted to drag you away from me. I've never had encounters like this with ghosts or spirits.'

'Well one thing we can rule out is that it was a ghost,' you scoffed lightly, 'ghosts are usually harmless and they just leave after they've scared you. And ghosts don't need darkness to manifest.'

'True,' Sihtric said, 'whatever this was, it clearly fed on fear. It only seemed to become stronger. And, you said it hurt you, right?'

'It did,' you remembered, and you quickly rolled up your pants, exposing your ankle.

'Gods,' Sihtric whispered as he saw the large, hand shaped bruise on your ankle, 'does it still hurt? It looks insane.'

'No, I don't feel anything now,' you rubbed your hand over the bruise, 'it clearly shows fingers. Are you… Are you sure there was no other person in there? Some homeless guy or something?'

'Not that I was aware of,' Sihtric said as he traced his fingertips across your bruise, 'I didn't hear a third presence. And there was no way one person could have slammed that door shut while holding onto you.'

'That is a valid point,' you sighed, 'I also…' you stopped and looked conflicted, 'at one point it seemed like you were really far away from me.'

'What do you mean?' Sihtric furrowed his brow, 'I had you in my arms the entire time, baby. You don't think I left your side, do you?' he asked concerned.

'I don't, no, that is why it's so confusing. I felt your body against mine, but… your voice sounded like it came from another corner. But only once.'

'A person can't do that.'

'I know,' you looked at your ankle, 'and I know that inhuman spirits can cause injury.'

'And they usually smell horrible, but that entire place was rotten,' Sihtric chuckled.

'Yeah, we shouldn't add smell to the list,' you smiled, 'but everything else really makes it look like…'

'A demon,' Sihtric agreed and sipped his tea. 'Would you dare to go back?'

'To investigate further?'

Sihtric nodded.

'Maybe,' you said, 'but not yet. I'd like to know more about what you found there last time, and learn more about the history of that place.'

'No, we definitely shouldn't go back right away. We need some time.'

'And I will wait until Halloween is far over.'

Sihtric frowned, 'Why is that?'

'Really?' you smiled, 'you don't know? About the veil?'

'What?'

'You know of Samhain?'

'Yeah, vaguely. It's what Halloween is based on, right?'

'More or less, yes. Samhain was like the Celtic new year. The day we now celebrate Halloween was the day the Celts celebrated the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The end of the harvest and all that. And because it was the time when harvest was over, meaning the lands basically… died, they associated winter with death. And therefore they believed that the veil between the spirit world and the human world was thin during this time of year. It is said that it allows the dead to visit the living in a much easier way than the rest of the year.'

'Wait,' Sihtric groaned, 'I have heard of that. But I thought that was just a Wicca thing.'

'Oh, no. Yes, it's a sabbat celebrated by Wiccans, but also by other pagans. Samhain was a Celtic pagan celebration.'

'I realise I need to gain more knowledge about the Celts,' Sihtric chuckled.

'Well you have me now,' you smiled, 'you don't need to read whole books about it anymore. I already did that.'

'I have you?' Sihtric grinned as he leaned in.

'Maybe… something like that,' you felt your cheeks heat up and you quickly took his cup and set it on the table with yours.

'But I haven't really claimed you yet,' Sihtric smiled and bit down on his lip, 'at least, not the way I should.'

'Well… maybe if you stay the night,' you said cheekily, 'you could claim me the way you should?'

'I will claim you, little bat.' Sihtric pulled you closer and kissed your lips.

'Yes,' you broke the kiss, 'but first we have to watch a movie.'

'I guess we do,' Sihtric smiled and he looked at your Dracula sweater, 'how about Dracula?'

'I love that movie, how did you guess?'

'Lucky guess,' Sihtric winked.

'Wait,' you giggled, 'speaking about vampires,' you took your phone and showed Sihtric the text Uhtred had sent, 'why did he send me the vampire and blood emoji and told me to make sure you don't bite me?'

'Oh,' Sihtric snorted and raked his fingers through his hair, 'eh,' he cleared his throat, 'I, eh… may or may not like to, you know,' he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

'Sihtric, just say it,' you chuckled.

'I have this weird thing, okay,' he smiled shyly, 'I like to… to draw a little blood when I have sex.'

'Wait, what?' you laughed, 'what does that even mean?'

Sihtric groaned softly and shifted uncomfortably, 'It's like… it's a blood kink, I guess. But nothing fucking crazy, okay, I don't get off from hurting someone, not at all. It's not like that.' He looked worried and nervous.

'Hey,' you took his hands, 'it's okay,' you smiled, 'just… just tell me about it. I'm not familiar with it. Explain it to me? What do you do and why?'

Sihtric looked at you for a short moment, almost brooding, and then he cleared his throat.

'So… like… my kink is quite mild, I think,' Sihtric said, 'I personally really enjoy it when I draw a little blood by, let's say, biting your lip a little harder than usual… or... by making a really small cut in your fingertip for example, just a few drops, you know?'

'Okay,' you nodded slowly with a shy smile, 'so… then what? You … drink it?'

'Well it's nowhere near the amount to drink it,' he chuckled, 'but, yeah, I… I like to lick it and,' he sighed and rubbed his eyes, 'and I also really enjoy it when I draw my own blood and have… in this case, you, for example, to…you know…'

'...Lick your blood?'

'...Yeah.'

'Okay…'

'I'm sorry, I know this is probably really fucking weird. I don't want to scare you off. It's totally fine if you're not into that, really.'

'Well, I mean… I don't know. I've never tried it,' you smiled, 'but… I guess I can understand that it's quite arousing, because it's something very intimate.'

'Yeah,' Sihtric sounded relieved, 'that's exactly what it is. I don't… I don't just do that with random hook ups or something. And also I swear my blood is clean.'

'Good to know. My blood is also clean,' you chuckled and cupped his cheeks, 'but you've done that before then, right?'

'Yeah, well, tried it like twice… with my… you know, ex,' he mumbled and took your hands, 'but she hated it, and it didn't even feel right for me either with her, so, yeah,' he shrugged, 'I only want to do it with someone I really have feelings for, or feel a connection with that I can't explain. It's something very personal, I guess. Something… oddly romantic, to love someone so deeply, you want to share blood at your most intimate moment.'

'And… let's say you get lucky tonight,' you grinned, 'would you…?'

'Only if you're open to it,' Sihtric smiled, 'only if you trust me enough and are willing to try it, then, yeah… I'd love to do that with you.'

'I… I think I'd like to try it, yeah,' you said shyly.

'After the movie maybe?'

'Or… now?'

Sihtric pulled you in for a soft kiss. 'Now is fine with me,' he smiled sweetly, 'but… Okay, I like to set the mood, you know? And I see you have plenty of candles, so, if you will allow me?'

You smiled and pecked his lips again, then took his hand and guided him upstairs, where you sat on your bed as you told him to look in your spare room for whatever candles and things he may need. And you remembered you had some black lace lingerie somewhere, hidden far away in a drawer.

[DM to be added to/removed from taglist! & don’t be shy to like, reblog & comment!🖤]

[toastyrobos]

Every week I hold out hope that Tech is alive. Between Maul being cut in half and surviving and Boba Fett being alive I still hope. As Jin said in rouge one “rebellions are built on hope”. Yet every time we get closer to the last episode, my hope dwindles.

Back when the season 2 finale happened and for a while there after I accepted that Tech was gone. I hated it so much but I accepted it because I just did. It wasn’t until I remembered Maul, how we never saw a body for Tech that I started to hope. Hemlock found his goggles, has a project called necromancer. It’s probably wishful thinking at this point.

However if Hemlock and the empire were to have one of the bad batch members be on their side, Tech would be the most prudent choice. He’s highly intelligent, well-versed in a multitude of technological advances, and not to mention, he probably knows his brothers like the back of his hand. Well, having crosshairs proved to be pretty valuable to them, Tech probably has a multitude of knowledge on not just his brothers, but on a wide variety of things. He’s been studying his brothers for a very long time. He probably knows all of their techniques and such. He’d certainly be a valuable asset to not just the empire, but to hemlocks scientific advancements as well.

On top of all of this, we have been putting an emphasis on this particular clone assassin from the episode with Rex and echo. This is the same one in that episode that was in this one taking over Pabu. Hemlock said he failed before. It has to be the same clone assassin. He’s come this far and we have put a huge emphasis on him. It has to be someone that we know, someone that once revealed could change everything. This assassin is not just a throwaway character. Not at this point. 

I’d also like to point out that we never got to hear or see Omega tell crosshairs that tech died. We never got to see all of the Brothers properly grieve except for that short time that we saw before the empire took Omega. For him being such an important member of their team, being their brother it just seems like we kind of glossed over the grieving process a little quicker than we probably should have.

This is all speculation and me spit balling here as a Tech fangirl and Tech being my favorite bad batch member. But the more theories I read, the more I think about it the more I can’t help but wonder if he really is alive.

However, if he really is dead and he’s never coming back then I’ve accepted it once before I can accept it again I’ll just be really fucking sad about it. But until the last episode is over I’ll keep on hoping.

[vaguely-concerned]

-another layer of 'ow ah ouch' to everything pyrrha says about lyctorhood in nona the ninth is that she and g1deon may very well have been the first necro-cav duo to have done it fully mutually consensually, eyes open. it's heavily implied mercy and augustine had their hands forced by cristabel and alfred and wouldn't have done it otherwise ("I have built a myriad on the idea that I could have talked him out of it, given five minutes"), and they're the first and second saints... g1deon's the third. he and pyrrha presumably saw what it did to mercy and augustine, and they still decided to go through with it.

I WILL REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME YOU KISSED ME—YOU APOLOGISED—YOU SAID, I AM SORRY, DESTROY ME AS I AM, BUT I WANT TO KISS YOU BEFORE I AM KILLED, AND I SAID TO YOU WHY, AND YOU SAID, BECAUSE I HAVE ONLY ONCE MET SOMEONE SO UTTERLY WILLING TO BURN FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVED IN, AND I LOVED HIM ON SIGHT, AND THE FIRST TIME I DIED I ASKED OF HIM WHAT I NOW ASK OF YOU

imagine the extra weight over the years in knowing you chose this. at least augustine can cling to that desperate fantasy world where he did stop alfred in time, but pyrrha and g1deon thought they knew exactly what they were doing. they thought it was love. john let them think that was love.

-...do you think mercymorn and augustine begged john for the same thing harrow did, after? Please, undo what I've done, Lord. I will never ask anything of you ever again. (Also one of my all time favorite Harrow moments where she gets to ask the question they aren't allowed to for ten thousand years: How dare you ask me to live with it?) did he comfort them? tell them he's so incredibly sorry, but he needs them?

at least pyrrha’s understanding of how the process works does corroborate his claim that he can’t extract a cavalier’s soul from their necromancer's after the lyctorhood is complete without destroying both souls, which I guess makes for the one thing he isn’t totally lying about lol. though while referencing their own situation paul tells ianthe there's still hope for her and naberius, a duo where the soul absorption did seem to complete, which suggests another layer here john might not know about (out of lack of interest?) or doesn't want anyone else to find out about.

actually let's reexamine some things from the Gideon the Ninth epilogue now in light of Nona I'm on a roll here:

-[God] said, "I know you became a Lyctor under duress."

"Some may call it duress," said Harrow.

"You aren't the first," said the Emperor.

screaming. howling. clawing at him like a wild animal. the two people who have loved you the most, and you stood by and watched as this happened to them, as you engineered it to happen to them, you've seen up close what it did to them, and now you're repeating the process with new children a myriad later without a blush. you suck so bad john I have no words fhksajfhsa.

-"I have three teachers for you. And a whole universe for you to hold on to, for just a little while longer."

a) oh yeah just wait for those three teachers they're a real barrel of laughs they probably won't even try to repeatedly murder you or anything lmao and b) what's that supposed to mean john. 'for just a little while longer'. why does it only have to be a little while longer. as far as I can tell you're no closer to the fullness of your revenge than ever. does it have anything to do with 'good morning, annabel' and 'it gets dirty, you clean it again'?

So, the universe was ending. Good. At least if she failed here, she would no longer have to be beholden to anybody.

could this also be some kind of foreshadowing? from the dialogue on page here harrow's conclusion that the universe is, for sure, ending is not necessarily a natural conclusion (john only speaks of the empire slowly dying) so like... does pre-lobotomy harrow know something we don't? or is it just that she's the saddest person anyone's ever seen pre-nona seeing gideon? (most heartbreaking shade of drift compatability discovered :') )

-He said presently, "Most of my Lyctors have been destroyed by a war I thought best to fight slowly, through attrition. I have lost my Hands -- not just to death. The loneliness of deep space takes its toll on anyone, and the necrosaints have all put up with it for longer than anybody should ever be asked to bear anything. That's why I wanted only those who had discovered the cost, and were willing to pay it in the full knowledge of what it would entail."

so... in the same way g1deon and pyrrha decided to pay that price willingly, then. I am 100% calling bullshit on him here, though, because if any of that had been his real intentions he would have taken at least a modicum of time and energy to write ANYTHING to that effect in the invitations haha. but I think he does recognize in some way that mercy and augustine are burning out under the ten thousand years he's asked of them, like cytherea just did, and maybe mistakenly thinks g1deon is handling it better, because his and pyrrha's decision seemed more informed/less coerced? loveday always knew it was her life or cytherea's, after all, that wasn't ever a real choice either. huh.

-god, harrow literally states all her (frankly very modest and doable) goals and needs to him -- to return to the ninth at least once, to find her cavalier's body, and to figure out what happened to the other survivors of canaan house -- and once she is incapable of remembering them........ he does fucking NOTHING to remind her or help her follow up on any of them fhsdkajfhasdkj I am losing it! at least there is the delicious irony that he could have saved himself a massive headache if he had helped her with any of these, so his own fecklessness and narcissism is its own punishment in this case I suppose lmao

-another observation: harrow is not as deferential or worshipful towards God in this epilogue as she will be in HtN or beyond. she's angry with him! she's kind of sharp and a bit rude, even! she seems more to feel begrudgingly beholden to him because fair enough he is god I guess than to emotionally buy into it as sacred service. I wonder how she'll think of him after nona the ninth, now that she knows him so much better and has more of herself too -- ironically my sense from their last scene in nona the ninth is that her worship of him seems to have all but disappeared, but she loves him more, despite uh the everything of him, in all his awfulness. not in that she doesn't recognize him for what he is or that she wants his approval anymore, she's grown so far past him already, but I do think there's still love there. 'I still love you' is the real power he has, I guess

[dragonagecompanions]

The Well of Sorrows has always been interesting to me. What do you think would be the romance options reactions to a non elven inquisitor speaking elvhen in their sleep after drinking from the Well?

Cassandra: This is...unsettling.

Of course, she has been unsettled about this since they left the Temple. No matter her misgivings, the Seeker can only hold them closer and vow -to them and to herself- that she will be at their side as long as they can when the price of their action is finally due.

Blackwall: Maker's Breathe, that's...a bad sign. He won't blame them for the decisions made with the inquisition in mind, but even in the horse warmth of the stables the would be warden feels a chill. He can't claim to know what is coming of all this, but he doesn't intend to let them face it alone.

In peace, vigilance. It will be his watchword.

Dorian: Given that in the course of their relationship thus far his amatus has shown no keen understanding of that ancient tongue, Skyhold's resident necromancer is understandably unnerved by the development. Unnerved enough to set wards about his person, should his lover awaken with someone else nehind the eyes he has come to love.

In the daylight hours he focuses his already keen mind to a razer point, hunting for anything that might shed more light on the gaes they are under-- and how to remove it without even greater toll.

iron Bull: Demon ancient elven god crap. The Qun might be broadly considered a religion, but the mercenary captain has never taken much truck with the divine of any race. To have tangible evidence that someone besides him has taken residence within his Kadan is infuriating and terrifying.

Truncated sleep will become the norm, as the inquisitor is shaken awake each time those nightly monologues take form, until they can work out something that settles them both. In the interim he will be sending letters out to every contact he still has, trying to learn more about what they will be facing.

Sera: Nope, nope, nope. She has never tolerated elfy shite and Red Jenny doesn't mean to start now! They are beating this out right quick, no matter how many times it takes. She wants her honeykiss back, now.

Cullen: Unnerving as it might be, he has spoken as bad or worse in his time-- and sleep has not always been his companion. He will guard her, as much as he can, and what he lacks in understanding of this strange deal with the well of sorrows he will simply compensate by being ever at her side.

Josephine: For the moment, until her letters to scholars and Keepers and anyone else who might help comes back, Skyhold's ambassador simply holds them close and painstakingly writes down (phonetically) everything they say. She might not know what they are murmuring in their slumber, but someone will.

Knowledge is the only power she has, but no one has ever accused Josephine Montiliyet of not knowing how to wield what she has in hand. They will yet come to the end of this puzzle together.

Mod Fereldone

[ciaossu-imagines]

Hello, hello, my gorgeous readers! Just as a heads up, I’m going to be going through a busy period starting Wednesday and lasting for about a week or two. So my plan is that I’ll be writing pretty steadily Monday and Tuesday night and queueing the posts for the blog! I have about six requests in the inbox to answer but I am really hoping to queue enough for two weeks of steady content for you guys...if I don’t manage to get any more requests, I’ll do my best to fill it in with fanmixes, aesthetics, and random headcanons but would love to get some requests so this is just a reminder!

If it would help you guys or is something you guys enjoy as readers, please let me know if you want me to throw some prompts up for you guys to request from!

The inbox is open and I love getting requests! 

As a reminder, I write for KHR! (my primary and oldest fandom), Eyeshield 21, Mob Psycho, the much underloved anime/manga K, One Punch Man, Saiyuki, Ronin Warriors, Nanbaka (my guilty pleasure...my god, do I ever love Musashi), Kekkaishi, GetBackers, Bleach, Bungou Stray Dogs, Servamp (please god yes, I love it so much), Mystic Messenger, Ikemen Revolution, Obey Me!, the cartoons Class of the Titans, Disney’s Ultimate Spider-Man, and X-Men: Evolution, and the novels Hold Me Closer Necromancer and The Outsiders! 

I write the following - headcanons (both sfw and nsfw, with a reader character or character specific general headcanons), character aesthetics, music mixes, match-ups,  and reader x multiple character poly relationship stuff. 

The only things I ask not to do is canon shipping outside of aesthetics or music mixes (shipping can lead to a lot of fandom toxicity and I stay outside of that to create a safe space on this blog more me and all my dear readers), abusive relationship dynamics, or requests where the reader character is transgender or non-binary because honestly, your favourite character is still going to treat you exactly the same...that is, they will love and cherish you for the amazing person you are, will respect your feelings, your pronouns and whatever else you may need from them!

[ga-yuu]

Kurama and Ibuki Sequel Cute moments Part 1 Ft. Rikka

While playing the route I was wondering where the cute and funny moments were because we're at the point where the 2nd necromancer is already killed. But here we are. Also I love that, despite this being Kurama and Ibuki's route, Rikka's moments are sprinkled here and there. I guess the selling point of this route is Rikka.

Kurama: *glares at Ibuki*

Ibuki: *smiles at Kurama*

Yoshino and the soldiers: *nervous*

The sliding door opens...

Tamamo: "It's me, Tamamo!"

Rikka: ".......it's me, Rikka..."

Tamamo: "We're here to start the very first Demon's Naughty Competition!"

Yoichi: "Yayy!!!" *clap clap clap~*

Kurama and Ibuki: "!?"

Rikka: "I don't want to talk to more people, but since Tamamo asked to, I can't say no to him. I'm doing this for Tamamo."

Kurama: "What are you up to Tamamo?"

Tamamo: "Like I said, Ibuki and Kurama, you guys are going to take part in a competition to deepen your friendship. Because it's crucial for the upcoming trials."

Kurama: "Competition? Oh, you mean, you're going to count who cuts down most heads in this room?"

Soldiers shivers in the corner.

Ibuki: "Now now, don't scare those poor guys."

Tamamo: "Yes, let me explain first. You two will be playing a ball throwing game. The person who throws most ball in the other person's basket will be the winner."

Tamamo: "And your reward will be, spending time with Yoshino."

Yoshino: "Why me!?"

Tamamo: "Because Yoshino, you can offer so many nice things."

Rikka: "Yeah, like a kiss..."

Yoshino: *blushing*

Rikka: "Or maybe something else?"

Rikka: "Maybe the winner gets to cuddle with Tamamo's tail."

Ibuki: "Who cares about that? I'm more interested in the Yoshino gift."

Yoshino: "Stop joking already!"

Ibuki: "Who says I'm joking!? Ask Kurama. What do you say, Kurama?"

Kurama: "Don't be ridiculous!"

Yoshino: "Phew~"

Kurama: "Yoshino, you as a whole could be a gift."

Yoshino: "No! No no no!"

Tamamo: "How about this, Kurama? If you win, you can fight Rikka. You're interested to see Rikka's powers, right?"

Kurama: *eyes sparkles*

Yoshitsune: "Kurama is having a change of heart."

Kagetoki: "Looks like things will start real quick."

Yoshino: "Yoshitsune-sama and Kagetoki-san too!"

Akihito: "I'll be the referee."

Ibuki: "Why are you in this?"

Akihito: "I'll start by deducting 1200 points from Ibuki because he's an old man."

Ibuki: "Don't be the referee if you're gonna be unfair."

Yasuchika: "Huh? Akihito-sama is the best referee! Best referee in this entire world! He's never unfair! Everything he says is fair! EVERYTHING!"

Akihito: "I know, Yasuchika. Thank you."

(These two are here too, is there anyone else?)

Sueharu: "Bets on who will win?"

Morinaga: "Ahh..it's hard. I can't predict this one."

Sueharu: "No one asked you Morinaga!"

Yoshitsune: "I bet Kurama will win."

Kurama: "Don't say the obvious."

Ibuki: "Is everyone that free tonight?"

Tamamo: "Anyways, it's decided that the winner will be able to claim Yoshino's time and can do anything with Yoshino as a romantic partner."

Yoichi: "Wow, doesn't that sound fun?"

Yoshino: "What if I say no?"

Rikka: "Looks like you need an example. Let me show you."

Pins her to the wall and holds her cheeks.

Rikka: "I'll show you what good things will happen if you fall in love with me. Maybe, some things might be immoral and troublesome to say it in words. How about I show you instead?"

Yoshino: *blushing and shakes her head vigorously* "No need for live examples! Enough!"

Rikka: "......."

Rikka: "Hehe...you look cute."

A smile appeared on Rikka's face and he moved closer----

Kurama: "How long will this example continue?"

Ibuki: "Now I want the prize. That's enough for the demonstration."

Rikka: "You're right. If I don't stop here, I might end up doing terrible things."

Morinaga: "Of course you should. Yoshino's safety is our main priority."

Yoshitsune: "...I was about to pull out my sword just in case."

Rikka: "Everyone really loves you."

Ibuki: *holds Yoshino's hand* "So the winner gets her, right?"

Kurama: "Then let's start the battle. No matter what it is, I'm going to win!"

*Game starts and few seconds later*

Yasuchika: "Oh my, the basket is in flames."

Yoichi: "This doesn't seem like a regular ball throwing game anymore."

Kurama: "Ibuki, what the hell are you doing to my basket!?"

Ibuki: "Look carefully."

Throws the ball and the ball goes straight through the basket making a hole.

(They're not holding back at all)

Akihito: "At least he's holding back a little."

Kagetoki:" Kurama is also counterattacking with his wind to deflect the ball."

Kurama: "You think you could win against a demon who can control wind? *starts glowing*

Yasuchika: "OMG! I'm getting excited!"

Ibuki: "Let's see, shall we?" *starts glowing*

Yoshitsune: "It looks more like a supernatural tournament than a regular ball throwing game."

Tamamo: "That's why it's called the Demon's Naughty competition in the first place."

Yoshino: "This is too naughty!"

Tamamo: "What can we do, if they are young in both mind and body?"

The flaming balls go back and forth in lightning speed and baskets have melted to crisp. All the soldiers moved away and watching the fight from afar.

Benkei: "Hey! What the hell is going on here!?"

Benkei came running and behind him was Shigehira-kun in shock.

Shigehira: "What is this? Am I in hell?"

Yoritomo: "Everyone looks excited tonight."

Morinaga smiled happily at Yoritomo who approached calmly.

Morinaga: "Yes! Looks like the roof is gonna explode."

Sueharu: "Also, the only things that the Rebels and myself have destroyed are things of no value. So please sent all the repair costs to the Imperial Court, thank you."

Right after Sueharu said that.

Yoshitsune and Akihito: "Ah!"

Kurama and Ibuki's powers collided with each other and the roof explodes.