#Magic and Miracles and Beyond chapter 8

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2024–Day 3: A Christmas Miracle (3/3)

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Rating: G

Word Count: 2471

Other chapters: 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Notes:  Here’s the conclusion of A Christmas Miracle.  Once again, it was written in 2013 and fits within my A Wish Your Heart Makes universe.

“If you hadn’t cast the curse in the first place, dearie, Pan never would have had the opportunity to curse us the second time.” Mr. Gold hissed.

“Oh, that’s rich!” Regina said with a sneer, “considering it’s coming from the imp who provided me with the curse in the first place!”

Emma sat in her favorite booth at Granny’s and watched her adversarial family members face off. She was rather impressed. They’d remained civil for nearly two hours.

“Come on guys,” Mary Margaret said, walking up to Gold and Regina, her hand extended in a pacifying gesture, “let’s not argue. It’s Christmas!”

Regina turned on her. “Stay out of it, Snow. It’s all your fault anyway.”

“My fault?!” Mary Margaret yelled, her hands coming to rest on her hips.

“Don’t play stupid,” Regina sneered, “Or maybe you’re not playing.”

“Just a minute! You can’t talk to my wife that way!” David charged into the fight.

Regina rolled her eyes and turned back to Mary Margaret.

“Yes, Snow,” Regina continued, “if it wasn’t for your total inability to keep your mouth shut, we wouldn’t be where we’re at.”

“Where we’re at? Where we’re at?!” Mary Margaret fumed, “That's…that’s not even grammatically correct, let alone accurate!”

Emma rolled her eyes. They were arguing about grammar? It was definitely time to go get some air…before the magic started flying. She got to her feet, and wobbled for a second on her high heels. Why had she let Mary Margaret convince her to dress up? If she had to come to this party, couldn’t she have at least been comfortable?

Emma turned her back on the argument, on Neal and Henry talking in a booth on the other side of the diner, on Hook who had gone up to the bar for another drink. Pushing the door open, she stepped outside.

Hook looked up as he heard the bell over Granny’s door chime. He caught a glance of golden hair and a soft blue dress before the door closed behind Emma. The lass had been rather quiet since dinner; he wondered what was bothering her. It was obvious something was; something beyond the obvious awkwardness of this party.

The voices rose behind him, everyone trying to shout down the others. Something crashed against a far wall. He shook his head. Snow White really did see the world through rose-colored glasses. How on earth had she thought this group of people would have a good time together?

Hook took a final swig of the beer he was drinking, and then headed for the door. He had no wish to remain in what was turning into an all-out battlefield. Of course, the thought of spending some time alone with the lovely Emma, might have played a part in the decision as well.

Pushing the glass door open, Hook stepped outside. There she stood underneath the awning, shivering. Why hadn’t she grabbed her coat before she’d stepped out?

“It’s a bit cold to be standing outside love,” he commented, stepping up behind her.

“Yeah, well,” she answered, turning toward him, “it beats getting caught in the middle of World War III in there.”

He laughed and shrugged out of his coat. He draped it over her shoulders and was rewarded with one of her rare smiles. They stood there for a moment watching the snow gently fall through the dark, evening air. Hook caught strains of music coming from the convent; it seemed the nuns were ringing in Christmas with carols.

“Joy to the world the Lord is come…”

“It doesn’t look like Mary Margaret is going to be able to get in all the Christmas traditions she was hoping for,” Emma commented. “We didn’t get to the Christmas carol sing-a-long.”

“It’s a shame,” Hook commented, looking over at her, “that was the part I was particularly looking forward to.”

“Really?” she asked looking at him with skeptical eyes, “You want to sit around singing carols?”

“And why not,” he asked with a grin. “Some of the songs I have heard here in Storybrooke would be particularly appropriate to the evening at hand.”

“Such as?” she asked with a matching grin.

“When we finally kiss goodnight,” he sang in a soft baritone, “how I’ll hate going out in the storm, but if you really hold me tight, all the way home I’ll be warm.”

She rolled her eyes, but he saw the smile that draped her face. A moment later, she turned back toward the street with a dejected little sigh. They stood in silence for a minute. “…And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”

“It’s really coming down,” she finally said looking up at the streetlight across from them.

“Aye,” he answered with a smile. “We’ll have a fine blanket come Christmas morning.”

“Great,” she said with a grimace. “Just what I wanted for Christmas.”

“Oh come on love,” he said, turning her back toward him. “Surely there was a time you liked snow.”

He expected a witty retort, but instead she dropped her eyes and turned back toward the street. “I do remember one day,” she finally responded. “I was about six. I’d been living with a foster family for almost three years. They were great; I really thought they would adopt me. One day, it was close to Christmas, I remember, my foster dad took my foster brother and me out to play in the snow. We made the biggest snowman I had ever seen. We made snow angels, had a snowball fight, the whole nine yards. Later, we went in and my foster mom had made us a big pot of hot chocolate.”

Emma fell silent, and Hook waited. He heard the pain in her voice and softly began rubbing her shoulder. She leaned into his touch. “…holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.”

“What then, love?” Hook asked after a moment. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

“The next morning, my foster dad disappeared,” she answered, and he saw the tears in her eyes. “They never found him; no one knows what happened. Well, my foster mom kinda fell apart. She couldn’t afford to take care of two children, so it was back into the system for me.”

Hook closed his eyes. It must have been devastating for a little girl to lose the only family she had ever known. Turning her once more to face him, he wrapped her in a hug. She resisted for a moment, and then he felt her arms wrap around him.

“I think it’s time we make a new memory surrounding snow,” Hook said after a moment. She pulled away from him and looked questioningly up into his face.

“Yeah?” she asked, “and what would that be?”

Hook grinned. “Well, love. I propose we go play in the snow tomorrow.”

“Play in the snow?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, “Really?”

“Aye, lass,” he smiled at her, “We can bring Henry.”

“And what exactly would we ‘play’ in the snow?”

“First,” he answered, with a wicked grin, “We make a devastatingly handsome snowman with a hook. Then we make a beautiful blonde snow maiden looking adoringly up at him.”

“Are you sure the blonde isn’t rolling her eyes at him?” Emma asked with a grin. “Sounds more true to life.”

Hook put his hand to his heart and staggered as though mortally injured. “You wound me, lass.”

“Hmm,” she said grinning, “that might play to your advantage.”

“Aye? And how is that?”

“Well,” she said with a grin, “if you’re injured you’ll need someone to take care of you.”

Was the lady actually flirting with him? His grin blossomed into a full blown smile. She smiled back for a moment and then turned back to the street. He heard a defeated sigh.

“What’s troubling you, love?” he asked. She didn’t answer for so long he thought she was deliberately ignoring him. The nuns started up a new carol. When blossoms flowered 'mid the snow…

Finally she turned back toward him. “It’s just…” she made a helpless little gesture with her hands. “I don’t know…Every single time it looks like things are starting to work out, like good is going to succeed, like the bad guys are going to get defeated, like we might get a bit of peace and happiness, something else happens. Someone casts a curse, or kidnaps a kid, or…”

“Or disappears sending you back into the system…or turns you in to the police for his crimes…or sends you off to another realm with no more protection than a seven-year-old lad so that you can come back and be the savior?”

“Yeah,” she said, and he saw the tears brimming in her eyes. One escaped and slid down her cheek. Raising his hand, he tenderly wiped it away.

“Emma, love,” he said, his voice going deep and gravelly, “I can’t promise you peace and happiness, but I can promise to always be beside you, helping you, protecting you and those you love. You need never fear I’ll abandon you.”

She whirled away from him and started pacing. The lass was seething. “Yeah?” she snarled at him. “I’ve heard that before. 'I love you, Emma.’ 'You’re like our own daughter, Emma.’ 'Let’s go to Tallahassee, Emma.’ 'We just wanted to give you your best chance, Emma.’ It’s crap! All of it!”

“You doubt me, lass? Even after Camelot?” he asked and was ashamed to hear the pain in his voice.

She stopped and looked back at him. The first Noel the angels did sing…

“No,” she finally answered, “the hell of it is that I don’t doubt you. You’ve proven again and again that you will do anything for me…even at your own expense. But Hook, you’re not indestructable. What if you disappear? Or are kidnapped? Or are killed?”

Hook’s heart swelled. That was real feeling in her voice. The lass was a lot further gone than she thought. He cupped her face with his good hand again.

“Love,” he answered meaning the word with all his heart, “as I said, I can’t promise you nothing terrible will happen, but for today, for this moment all is well. Perhaps, all one can do is create the good memories to be our solace in times of distress.”

She looked up at him for several moments and then slowly nodded, briskly swiping her hands across her damp cheeks.

“So about those snowmen…?” he asked playfully.

“Henry and I will be ready bright and early tomorrow morning,” She answered with a smile.

For the first time in nearly as long as she could remember, Emma felt hope. It was hope that she found shining out of Hook’s blue eyes as he smiled at her.

“I’ve got a gift for you, love,” Hook said, holding out a small, thin box.

“Oh,” Emma said ruefully, “Hook, I didn’t get you anything.”

He smiled gently. “It’s no matter, Emma. I have no need of gifts.” He held the box out to her again, and she reached for it automatically. Lifting the lid, she saw a silver necklace with an opal and silver swan pendant. Emma ran her finger over the jewel.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly.

“Aye,” he answered looking at her. “It is beautiful, and strong and graceful. Much like you.”

She looked down and then met his eyes. “Is that really how you see me?”

“Aye, lass,” he said gently. “Indeed it is.”

Il est ne le divin enfant… It seemed the nuns had decided to venture into French carols.

“Thank you, Hook,” she said simply. “Well, I don’t hear any yelling, so that probably means they’ve either stopped fighting…or killed each other. Either way, I suppose we should go back in.”

“A moment more lass,” Hook said. That pirate grin of his was back.

“What?” she asked warily. She had come to know that tone in his voice, and it meant trouble.

“Well, love,” he said with a raise of his eyebrow, “I think it is only right that we follow holiday tradition.”

“Exactly what holiday tradition might that be?” she asked. He pointed to a spot over her head. She looked up and saw a sprig of mistletoe hanging right above the two of them.

“You’re terrible, you know that?” she asked with a smile and a slight shake of her head.

“Perhaps so,” he answered playfully, “but your mother has her heart set on her family following the traditions this year. What manner of a daughter would you be if you were to blatantly deny her greatest Christmas wish?”

Her breath caught and her heart began to pound. Well, why not?

“Well, in the spirit of Christmas tradition…” she said with a little wave of her hand.

He looked surprised for a moment, then the grin was back. She was determined she wouldn’t let his kiss affect her, she wouldn’t! Then his lips settled against hers and all rational thought fled. All that existed was this man and the sensations he aroused in her. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She tangled her fingers in his hair, pressing closer, closer. She could never be close enough. She blossomed for him like a flower in a spring rain. The kiss went on and on. It lasted forever; it ended far too soon.

Finally, with a groan, he pulled his lips from hers.

“Emma, love…” he breathed. She couldn’t say a word if her life were on the line. She was glad his arms were still around her because her legs felt like jelly. If he were to release her, she would melt into a puddle at his feet.

Hook took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the charming rogue was back.

“Well, love,” he said gently rubbing her back. “I had it on good authority that the last time was a one-time thing. It seems I’ve just experienced a Christmas miracle!”

She rolled her eyes, but didn’t pull away. Though it scared her half to death, she couldn’t deny it any more. Being in his arms felt like…home.

“Well, don’t get too used to it buddy,” she said. Her voice didn’t sound convincing even to her.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it, love,” he said with a raise of one eyebrow. “After all, I’d have to wait an entire year for another Christmas miracle.”

“Very true,” she said with a grin, “But there are a lot of holidays between now and then.”

He laughed. “I like the way you think, Emma. I like the way you think!”

NEXT CHAPTER->

[hbyrde36]

Chapter 8!

ao3 link

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7

Steve Harrington: Vampire Hunter

When Steve woke he was immediately overcome with a wave of nausea and a searing pain in the side of his neck. He felt so sick that he couldn’t even appreciate the fact that he was, by some miracle, still alive. He didn’t know where he was, the only thing he could see from his position was the blood-red fabric of the couch he was lying on, but he didn’t have the capacity to panic about that just yet. He was expending all of his energy trying not to throw up. He groaned, swallowing reflexively to keep the bile down.

“It’s the blood loss.” An unfamiliar voice said, from what sounded like only a few feet away.

Steve turned his head slowly to see who it belonged to. He found a young black man, a vampire, smiling down at him and holding a bottle of Gatorade out in his direction like an offering.

“The sooner you can sit up and drink some fluids. the sooner you’ll start feeling better.” The stranger explained.

“Who..” Steve started to ask, but the other man held up a hand, encouraging him to save his strength.

“I’m Jeff, a friend of Eddie’s. You’re in his office at Guilty Pleasures.”

The vampire helped him to a sitting position, which Steve allowed because, one, he was too weak to fight him off, and two, he didn’t want to be a dick when the guy was just trying to be nice. He took his time, sipping on the drink until it was about half gone, but eventually he had to start asking questions.

“Why didn’t Billy kill me? Why bring me here?”

Jeff shrugged. “Maybe he thinks he can use you for something. Also, it’s…frowned upon, to harm another vampire’s human servant.”

“But, I'm not..” Steve insisted, weakly.

“How you feel is irrelevant.” The vampire said, waving off his objection. “Eddie has marked you twice. You are his and he is yours. Might as well get used to the idea.”

Steve glared at him.

Jeff raised an eyebrow. “Would you prefer Billy had killed you?”

“Yes!…No!…I don’t know!” Steve hissed.

He looked away first, fishing his phone out of his pocket and angrily thumbed through it looking for the Uber app. He remembered double parking last night and assumed his car would have been towed.

“Any idea what tow company The Corroded Coffin would use?” Steve asked. He didn’t really expect Jeff to know, but it was worth a try. The last thing he wanted to do was spend half the day calling all over town looking for his car.

“No, but if you’re worried about your car, it’s parked out front. Whoever brought you here last night brought it too.”

“Oh.” Steve patted his pockets, his keys were there. “Thanks.”

When it seemed like he was no longer in danger of passing out again, Jeff excused himself. Sunrise wasn’t far off, and he’d needed to get to wherever it was he normally slept off the daylight hours.

Once alone, Steve drained the rest of the sports drink quickly and decided to risk standing. He was a little woozy but feeling better by the minute. He left the office, venturing out into the club beyond to make his way to the exit. It was empty at this hour of the morning, of course, and he found himself staring at the pole set in the middle of the center stage as he crossed the room. He flushed all over, recalling his dream about Eddie.

Steve ground his teeth, angry at himself for reacting to the memory this way. There was nothing he could do about how attractive Eddie was, it was a simple fact, an undeniable law of the universe. What he could do, is remind himself that this monster, no matter how pretty, had trapped him into some magical lifelong bond bullshit without his consent.

The moment his foot hit the sidewalk he unlocked his phone and pressed the button to call Nancy.

“Steve?” She sounded groggy, as if he had woken her up. In fairness It was barely 6am, so he probably had.

“I know the master of the city’s daytime resting place.” Steve stated, no patience for greetings or formalities.

“Great, tell me.” She sounded instantly more awake. It almost made him smile. Almost.

“I’ll do you one better. I’ll show you.” Steve offered. He had no intention of giving her the information and calling it a day. He wanted to see that motherfucker’s corpse for himself.

“Does that mean you want in on it?” Nancy asked.

He waited until he was safely in the car with the door shut before replying. “He killed Chrissy last night.”

“..Oh Steve. I'm so sorry.”

“Can you meet me at my house in 20?”

-

Nancy beat him there, but at least this time she opted to wait outside instead of breaking into his house. She took one look at him and her jaw dropped, no doubt having spotted the bite wound on his neck.

Inside, Steve filled her in on a little bit more of what he’d been up to for the past few days. He didn’t share every detail, and purposely said nothing at all about Eddie, but gave her the bare minimum of information to explain his plan.

He wanted to get in contact with Gareth, the young wererat king who had inadvertently helped him that first night. If the rats would tell him and Nancy how they got into that basement room, they could sneak in during the day and take Billy and Neil out while they slept without having to fight through any daytime security. It was a good plan, she quickly agreed.

Steve didn’t have any contacts in that part of the supernatural world himself, but Robin did. He sent her off a short text asking if she could get him in touch with Gareth, or someone close to him, but left it at that. He couldn’t tell her about the bite, not yet, she’d lose her mind and probably kidnap him in some misguided attempt at keeping him safe.

He didn’t tell her about Chrissy either. He wasn’t ready to think about it too hard yet, much less talk about it. Robin responded right away, and mercifully didn’t question him on the why, though he knew she would do just that later.

He was dead on his feet, still suffering the effects of blood loss, compounded by the lack of any real sleep. Unconsciousness didn’t quite count, did it?

Nancy ordered him to take a shower and a nap, and for once he was more than happy to comply. He could rest easy knowing she was there watching his back.

-

Steve sighed, becoming aware of the delicious tickle of fingertips running up and down body. Their path began low on his thigh and trailed slowly up, taking a detour in the dip of his hip, before gliding over the firm plane of his stomach and through his chest hair, coming to rest briefly in the hollow of his throat before reversing the process and beginning again.

His eyes remain closed, all the better to enjoy the sensation of someone else’s hands on him. He didn’t quite remember falling asleep, but this was certainly the most lovely way to wake up.

His thoughts were fuzzy, jumbled. He didn’t know who was in the bed with him, but for some reason the idea didn’t scare him the way it should have. He fought to open his eyelids and finally succeeded, finding the most beautiful face of pale skin and deep brown eyes filling his field of vision.

Eddie hovered above him, his pretty pink mouth mere inches away from Steve’s own.

“Hi sweetheart.” Eddie said, grinning in a way that displayed his dimples in all their glory. He dipped down, lips brushing over Steve's in a featherlight kiss. It was jarring, so unlike the frenzied and passionate exchanges they had shared so far.

Something niggled at the back of Streve’s mind. “Eddie, Is this real?” He asked, whispering into the space between them when Eddie finally pulled away.

“As real as a dream can be I suppose, big boy.” Eddie moved away to lay on his side, propped up on one elbow.

Steve sat up and pushed himself against the headboard, desperate to put more space between himself and the other man before he did something stupid.

“That wasn’t exactly an answer. Are you really a dream or is this more vampire mind trick crap?”

“This is a dream.” Eddie said, gesturing at the general area around them. “But I am very real. My body may not actually be present in the room with you, but I am here.”

Steve's heart raced, something he didn’t know was possible to feel in a dream. Of course, he hadn’t known any of this was possible before now. “What is wrong with you? Why are you doing this to me?”

Eddie smirked, drawing mindless circles into the sheet with a finger. “Why, have you not been having a good time?”

“That’s not the point, Eddie! You’ve been invading my dreams, making me do things!” Steve shouted.

Eddie didn’t miss a beat. “Let me stop you right there, sweet thing. I haven't been making you DO anything. You have free will here, they are your dreams after all. Besides, you could keep me out if you wanted to, but you’ve been so busy enjoying yourself that It didn't even occur to you to try, did it?”

Embarrassment, fear, and anger mingled together in Steve's mind to create a very potent cocktail of rage. It was all that was needed to spur him on, to try and force Eddie out. He said nothing, just closed his eyes and concentrated on his task.

When Eddie spoke next his voice held a hint of panic. “Wait, Steve. Please. I’m sorry, okay? I can help you with Billy if you just..”

“No, Eddie! I don’t want your help!” Steve screamed as loud as he could, and when he opened his eyes again, the vampire was gone. Lying in his place was a single red rose.

-

“Steve! Steve! Wake up!”

It took Steve what felt like a very long time to open his eyes. He could feel Nancy shaking his shoulder and calling to him, trying to rouse him, but it sounded like it was coming from another room, or miles away. It was hard to tell. When he did manage to finally wake up completely, she punched him in the arm, hard.

“What the hell? You scared the shit out of me!”

“Sorry.” He mumbled. “How long were you trying to wake me up?” He sat up, rubbing his eyes and trying to focus on the clock.

“A while.”

“Sorry.” He apologized again. It’s not like he had done it on purpose or anything, but he still felt bad. He wasn’t used to seeing Nancy rattled.

“It’s okay, just, you were talking and shouting in your sleep, and then you wouldn’t wake up.” She was staring so intently at his face that it was making him squirm. Nancy had a way of looking through you, of figuring things out, and that’s the last thing he felt like dealing with right now.

Steve nodded and looked away, reaching for his phone on the nightstand as a distraction. He wanted to see if there were any new messages from Robin. He had apparently been asleep for a couple hours.

“Who’s Eddie?” Nancy asked.

Steve dropped his phone in surprise and it clattered loudly to the floor. His eyes snapped back to hers, too quickly to not be suspicious. “No one. It doesn’t matter.” He grit out, tone making it clear that the subject was not up for discussion.

She raised her hands in surrender. “Okay, fine.”

He climbed off the bed and retrieved his phone. There was a message from Robin, which he read aloud to Nancy. The rat king had agreed to meet with Steve at the Waffle house out by the airport at 10pm. Robin also asked if he wanted her to go with him. He knew she was worried, and he felt bad about keeping things from her, but the situation had become far too dangerous. He thanked her for the help but said he was fine, reluctantly adding that he was taking backup in the form of Nancy Wheeler, when she threatened to show up to the meeting anyway. Robin wasn’t Nancy’s biggest fan, but she knew there wasn’t anyone better to have on your side in a fight, so she agreed to stay safe at home as long as he filled her in on every detail when he could.

“We need to clean that bite before we go anywhere.” Nancy said, as he set the phone down.

Steve nodded, knowing this was coming. He’d carefully washed the area in the shower earlier, but that’s not the kind of cleansing Nancy meant. If they didn’t purify the bite with holy water, a painful process that would feel like pouring acid in the wound, Billy would be able to find him no matter where he was, and maybe even control him. Avoiding that was worth a little discomfort.

A half hour and two bottles of holy water later, the bite was officially clean, and no longer burned when the blessed liquid was poured over it. He sat huddled on the floor of the bathroom and relearned how to breathe.

Steve’s phone had, rather annoyingly, been ringing almost constantly through the entire process. Now that they were done, Nancy had gone to fetch it for him. It began to ring again as she re-entered the room.

It was the office calling, probably wondering if he was planning on showing up today after calling out the past two nights.

“Hello?”

“Steven, how kind of you to finally pick up the phone.”

Steve grimaced, It was his father, not the secretary he was expecting to deal with, fuck.

“Sorry, I was in the middle of something.” He weakly explained.

“Yes, it seems you’ve been very busy lately, which brings me to the reason for my call. I was just wondering if you were going to grace us with your presence tonight, or if you had another bullshit excuse for why you need to reschedule one of our most high-profile clients?” Bert sounded pissed.

“What high-profile client?” Steve asked.

“Mayor Kline, of course.”

“But his appointment isn’t for another two weeks?”

“He called this morning, said he needed to move it up. He wants his nephew raised as soon as possible, and for some reason insists you be the one to do it. You had an open timeslot this evening and I had no reason to refuse, so you better get your ass out to that cemetery by 9pm or so help me god you are fired.”

The cemetery wasn’t that far from the waffle house, if he was quick about it, he could make this work and not lose his main source of income.

“Fine.” Steve spat, before taking a deep breath and continuing on in a much calmer manner. “I mean yes, no problem. I will be there.”

“Good. And, Steven?”

“Hm?”

“I want to see you in my office tomorrow afternoon. We need to have a talk.”

“Can’t wait.” Steve snarked, hanging up before his dad could say anything more.

Nancy was gaping at him. “Did you really just take a job for tonight? Don’t we have more important things to worry about?”

Steve groaned, rubbing a hand over his face. “I didn’t really have a choice if I wanted to continue to be able to pay my rent. It’s fine, there's enough time to do both, as long as you don’t mind riding along to a zombie raising.”

Nancy shrugged. “Never seen that part of your work before, could be fun.”

-

It was 9:30, Steve and Nancy had been waiting graveside for over 45 minutes and it was becoming more obvious by the minute that his client wasn't going to show.

“We should just go.” Steve said.

“I thought you were worried about losing your job?” Nancy pointed out.

“Not my fault the guy didn’t show.”

Steve hoisted his work bag over his shoulder and bent to pick up the old dog crate that he used to transport the chickens. He wasn’t sure what to do with them now, he’d never had a client pull a no-show before. It was too hot to leave them in the car when they went to meet Gareth, granted they were intended to be used as a sacrifice, but suffocating to death in a hot car was too cruel. At least when he used them in the ritual their deaths were quick and painless.

He was considering opening the cage doors and letting them run free when he heard Nancy’s sharp intake of breath.

“Steve?” She whisper-shouted.

He followed her line of sight and spotted the problem. About 30 feet away a figure sat crouched between two headstones, staring at them. It had long black talons on its hands and feet, and Its mottled gray skin almost seemed to glow in the moonlight.

Steve froze, recalling the poor groundskeeper’s fate. If this creature was part of the pack that did that, they could be in trouble here.

“Nance, we need to get out of here, now.”

“What is that thing?” She asked, not taking her eyes off of it.

“A ghoul, and he’s probably not alone.”

“Are they dangerous?”

“Not usually, unless you’re injured, but I have reason to believe ghouls killed a groundskeeper here a few days ago, so I'm not taking any chances.”

The two of them started slowly backing up in the direction of his car, keeping the creature in sight the whole time, until a chittering sound from behind had them stopping in their tracks. Steve whirled, trusting Nancy to keep her eye on the other one, and found two more of them perched on the roof of his car. Shit.

“Would shooting them do any good?” Nancy asked, easing her hand towards the small of her back.

“They can only be killed by decapitation or fire, so, maybe with enough shots to the neck?” Steve replied, reaching under his arm for his own weapon.

Another figure stepped out from behind a tall monument, not far from the first ghoul. The man spoke loudly as he approached. “Keep those hands where I can see them, Mr. Harrington, Ms. Wheeler.”

It was Brenner, and he had a shotgun aimed right at Steve's chest.

Steve raised his hands, palms out, and Nancy followed suit. Two on one, he knew they could take the older man, but not if he took buckshot to the chest. The ghouls were a wildcard, but Steve had a sneaking suspicion. It hadn’t escaped his notice that the creatures never once looked in Brenner’s direction. Could he be controlling them somehow?

“I appreciate the fact that you haven’t yet told Billy about my…condition, but I can't take the risk that you won’t change your mind in the future.”

More ghouls spilled into the area as he spoke. There had to be at least 9 of them now.

Steve was confused to say the least. “Why would it matter if Billy found out? So you can’t raise the long-dead, who cares? You can still walk in the daylight, do his bidding. Shit, he’ll probablty like you better now, being that you are technically dead, it’s one more thing you two have in common besides being complete fucking assholes.”

Brenner laughed, which was not quite the response Steve was expecting.

“Ah, so I see you havn’t connected the dots yet. It seems I gave you too much credit, Mr. Harrington.”

Steve would like to say he figured it out right then on his own, but it wasn’t until the moonlight caught on the necklace peeking out through Brenners shirt that it dawned on him. The necklace. Magic that demanded a high cost. Like blood. Like death. No wonder he was afraid of Billy finding out his secret.

“You’re the vampire murderer. That’s how you feed the spell to keep you alive.”

“Precisely. Bit slow, but you got there.”

Steve scowled. “So what, you’re just going to shoot us?”

“Actually, I was planning on letting the ghouls have you. Better if it looks like a random attack. You understand.”

Steve flinched as Nancy’s shot rang out, she had taken advantage of the distraction of their conversation and drew her gun. The bullet hit Benner in the chest, causing him to drop his shotgun. He and Nancy tried to rush the man but several ghouls stepped in front of him, blocking their path, and any chance at getting another shot off.

“You afraid of a little pain, Brenner? You know the bullets can’t kill you, not with that thing around your neck.” Steve taunted.

“True enough, young man, but I don't know what would happen if I was shot in the head, and I have no intention of finding out.”

“How is it you’re controlling them?” Steve had to know, it’s not something he’d ever heard of.

Surprisingly, the other man answered. “I don’t really know. They started flocking to me when I came out of my grave and followed my orders with only the barest hint of my will forced upon them. It’s fascinating, really. They are useful little things.”

If the guy was going to be so generous with his answers, Steve figured he might as well keep going.

“I get why you killed the other vampires, you were doing what you had to do to stay alive, and Tommy had tormented you, but why kill the groundskeeper?”

Brenner shrugged. “I was trying out a few new techniques. Consider it target practice.”

“You son of a bitch, he was a human being! He was innocent, he didn’t deserve that.”

“And the vampires did?”

“I..I don’t know.” Certainly Tommy had, but what did Steve really know about the others?

“Hmm, someone is having a crisis of conscience. I wonder if that has anything to do with a certain dark haired master vampire, or perhaps the young Dustin who seems to love you so much.”

“Dustin?” Nancy gasped.

“Later.” Steve said to her before returning his attention back to Brenner. “Enough chatter, asshole. Stop hiding behind your minions and fight, unless you’ve decided to just talk us to death.”

“Unfortunately, I have somewhere to be. I’m sorry it had to be like this, truly.”

At his last words the ghouls surged towards them, covering Brenner’s escape.

Steve turned to Nancy, they needed to run, and fast, but she was busy rifling through her purse.

“Odd time to want to touch up your lipstick.” He said.

“Shut up” She murmured, finally coming up victorious with a lighter and a can of hairspray.

“What’s that for?” Steve asked, dumbfounded.

“Someone was never a Girl Scout”

Nancy stepped in front of him as she lit the lighter and sprayed the aerosol can, aiming the small improvised flamethrower at the closest of the creatures. They cowered away from the flames, and slowly but surely Nancy was able to clear them a path to the car.

“Scouts my ass.” Steve mumbled, rushing to the driver's seat and shoving the key into the ignition.

The spray sputtered and died just as Nancy bumped into the passenger door. She screamed, tossing the now empty can at the head nearest ghoul and throwing herself into the seat.

“Drive, Steve, Drive!”

He peeled out, sending dirt and rocks flying as he sped down the unpaved road that ran the length of the cemetery. The creatures pursued their car, but weren’t fast enough to keep up. By the time Steve turned onto the actual road, they were nothing but a spec in his rear view mirror.

Chapter 9

[across-violet-skies]

Febuwhump day 15: "who did this to you?"

Whumpee: Hyrule

Whump Rating: 8/10

TWs: blood, restraints, severe burns/being burnt alive, attempted murder

It had been a rough week.

After a surprise portal, the Chain found themselves stuck in Hyrule’s Hyrule, wandering through a forest that smelled of decay and rot. The monsters were relentless as they traveled, and Hyrule was running on empty trying to keep his blood from spilling.

Really, it was a miracle they even made it to a town at all, especially one that allowed the traveler to stay. It was quite clear that Hyrule was not popular in his time, with the way villagers and other travelers treated him. Before they were allowed to stay in the inn, several of the locals insisted on checking Hyrule over for any cuts or scrapes, refusing to allow cursed blood to sully their little settlement. They were only accepted once Time and Warriors had convinced the innkeeper that Hyrule was unharmed, and his blood wouldn’t leave his body.

The traveler went to bed early that night.

The one thing about the inns in Hyrule’s time was that they were all single rooms. The rooms were cheap, at least, since they had to pay for nine of them. It was even easier for them to leave Hyrule to rest and relax, hidden away from prying eyes and angry townsfolk.

Or, at least they thought so.

Never underestimate an angry mob, Hyrule thought to himself, struggling against heavy ropes that bound his arms and legs. They have no mercy for those who oppose them.

The sky was dark, only the north star visible through the haze that covered this world. The forests had eyes, trained hungrily on the brunette boy bound and gagged, tied to a thick iron pole. He screamed and cried as his flesh burned from the contact, fae blood pulsing through his veins as his desperate attempts to be heard were muffled by the large gag shoved in his mouth.

They were just outside the town limits, where monsters roamed free. A group of villagers stood around the pole, watching with darkened eyes as Hyrule sobbed, skin sizzling as it melted against the iron pole. Below him, wood was stacked up high, the smell of gasoline penetrating Hyrule’s nose in a way that made him choke and cough, tears streaming down his face.

He had no magic left to give. He had already been exhausted upon arriving at the town, and a few hours was hardly enough time to regain the magic required for any of his spells. He couldn’t even heal himself or throw up a shield as iron seared his back, melting the skin there until only muscle remained. It was beyond painful– Hyrule felt faint even before smoke filled his lungs, dangerous heat licking at his ankles as he hung above a raging fire.

As if the iron pole wasn’t torturous enough, they were burning him alive, too? At least his blood would burn with him.

Hyrule scrunched up his nose, ignoring the agony to try and shimmy further up the pole. No, he can’t give up that easily… what would Legend think? Wild? Time? Warriors? Did he really want Wind to have to see this? Four? Twilight? Sky?

He couldn’t give up. Not yet. No matter how badly it burned, he had to try and live. If not for himself, if not for his world… then for his family. His brothers. Hyrule coughed around the gag, eyes watering from all the smoke wafting up into his face. He had to break free somehow… the flames were getting closer.

As if the Goddesses had heard his plea, the clouds opened, spilling droplets onto dead grass and decaying wood. The villagers ran back to their homes, a few spitting at Hyrule before turning tail.

The rain dampened the fire, but did not put it out. However, with the pole slickened with rain, Hyrule managed to slide further down, carefully trying to burn the rope that bound his legs with what remained of the fire. Every movement was torture, but Hyrule remained strong, breathing heavily through his nose as the rope finally burnt, allowing him to shimmy further down to try and burn away the ropes around his wrists.

Once he was freed, Hyrule wasted no time jumping away from the iron pole, ripping the gag out of his mouth with a sob. His body wanted nothing more but to collapse, but he knew doing so would be a death sentence. While the rain certainly helped cover the scent, his blood was exposed to the air, and it wouldn’t be long before monsters came after him.

Hyrule stumbled, making his way back to town dazedly. Every inch of him burned, but his determination burned brighter. It was still dark as he swayed woozily, pushing open the door to the inn as he tried to get back to his room.

He was so close… but his body couldn’t take it any longer. Hyrule collapsed in the hallway, creating a loud thud as he made contact with the wooden floor. Awake, but only just, he laid there, unable to force his body to move any further.

Warriors’ door was the first to open, with the Captain holding a defensive position. Upon spotting Hyrule, he gasped, running toward him and slamming a fist on every door he passed.

“What the f-” Legend blinked, staring at Hyrule with surprise. He crouched down beside the traveler as well, frowning. “What happened to him?”

Warriors shook his head. “I don’t know! I heard something from the hall, so I went to check it out, and he was just…” He gestured at Hyrule’s limp form helplessly.

Legend sniffed, wrinkling his nose. “Do you smell that?” He questioned, narrowing his eyes. “It almost smells like…”

“...burning flesh…” The Captain inhaled, pressing his lips together. Making brief eye contact with Legend, Warriors carefully lifted Hyrule’s tunic, only to drop it immediately after. The skin on his back was burnt beyond recognition, red with white bubbles in some areas, and fully black and burnt away in others. It was nauseating, to say the least.

Legend gagged, turning away. “Fucking-” He shook his head, humming uncomfortably. “What the fuck.”

Time was the next to appear in the doorway, staring silently at the scene for a moment before he turned, disappearing back into his room. He returned quickly, shoving a bottle of red potion into Warriors’ hand.

The Captain was quick to feed it to Hyrule, sighing with relief as the severe burns on the traveler’s back healed over, the skin turning a sensitive pinkish color. The traveler took heavy breaths as the potion fixed the burns on his back, soothing his wounds.

“Traveler.” Time stood over the three of them, expression stern and fierce. “Who did this to you?”

Legend helped Hyrule sit up, carefully wrapping an arm around his back for support. The traveler flinched at the movement, and Legend backed away with a grimace as memories of burnt flesh swirled through his head.

“It’s fine,” Hyrule mumbled, holding a hand to his head dizzily. “It wasn’t… it’s not their fault.”

The Veteran scowled. “The villagers?” He guessed, wrinkling his nose.

Hyrule nodded slowly, avoiding eye contact as he shuddered. “They’re not monsters. They’re just scared.”

“Why are you defending them?” Legend huffed, baring his teeth in frustration. “They kidnapped you in the middle of the night, ‘Rulie, and then you come back like this! How are they not monsters?”

The traveler shook his head, staring down at his hands. The burnt rope ends rested in his lap, still looped and knotted around his wrists. Hyrule closed his eyes, exhaling. “I wasn’t supposed to come back,” he whispered, barely audible. He shook his head, tears pooling as he relived the recent memories. “I was never meant to come back,” he continued, slightly louder.

Legend was seeing red. “Those bastards tried to kill you?” He balled his hands into fists, scrunching up his nose. Hyrule winced, shrinking in on himself.

Time set a hand on the Vet’s shoulder, keeping him from getting up. “Nobody is going out there. We have better things to worry about right now,” he insisted. Time smirked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “However, I do think a lesson could be taught to the people who did this.”

Warriors raised an eyebrow, nodding. “I like what you’re getting at, Old Man.”

“Hm.” Legend shrugged, nodding. “Fine, I guess.” He looked down at Hyrule, exhausted and miserable. “But I’m taking him to my room for the rest of the night. I don’t want any more surprises.”

“Good idea,” Warriors agreed, standing up. “We can work on a plan tonight while he rests. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

Time nodded, offering a hand as Legend and Hyrule stood up. “Rest well, Traveler.” The Veteran slung Hyrule’s arm over his shoulders, helping him to walk back to Legend’s room. Once the door had shut behind them, Time turned to Warriors, expression cold yet fiery. “Rally the troops, Captain. We’ll need as much help as we can get.”

By daybreak, Legend and Hyrule were being ushered out of the inn, all nine of their number awake and ready to go. Time smiled, nodding at Wild as they stepped outside, packed up to leave.

“What the…” Legend trailed off, staring at the scene. All around town, various objects were floating, tethered to purple sacs.

Wild put his hands on his hips, beaming proudly. “Octo balloons!”

“As much as I’d love to stay here and watch, I think it’s in our best interest to leave now,” Warriors pointed out. “Traveler, think you’re okay to walk and navigate today?”

Hyrule nodded, still staring up at all the octo balloons. From barrels to chairs to even part of a fence, all sorts of things floated through the air. While their inconvenience certainly wasn’t on the same level as what the villagers had done to him, it was funny, and nobody had to suffer (well, other than him) because of it. He cracked a smile, exhaling. “Yeah. I’ll be fine.”

–> support me on ao3!

[anenvs3000f24]

Unit 9 Blog

Nature holds countless wonders that continue to amaze and inspire us, but if I had to highlight one particularly astonishing phenomenon, it would be the mysterious and awe-inspiring world of bioluminescence. The idea of organisms creating their own light feels almost magical, as if nature has embedded secret, living lanterns within its ecosystems. This biological marvel connects the gap between the extraordinary and the everyday, bringing an element of the fictitious to the real world. Let’s dive into what makes bioluminescence so incredible and how it reveals the complex artistry of nature. Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by living organisms, a trait seen in creatures such as fireflies, certain types of fungi, and deep-sea dwellers like jellyfish and anglerfish. The most fascinating thing about this phenomena is that it is an evolutionary marvel that performs vital survival functions rather than only being a beautiful display. For instance, fireflies use their rhythmic flashes to attract potential partners. Each species has a unique pattern that functions as a kind of coded language. In the huge, dark ocean where sunlight never reaches, deep-sea fish use their glow to communicate or attract prey. Imagine being submerged in total darkness, where the only light comes from living organisms. The primary source of light in the deep water is bioluminescence, which takes the role of the sun. The anglerfish is an excellent example of adaptation fulfilling a need thanks to its bioluminescent lure. In addition to being a tool for predators, this light represents life's resilience by demonstrating that even in the most hostile and severe conditions, nature manages to endure and flourish. The biological foundation of this natural miracle adds to its amazingness. A chemical known as luciferin reacts with oxygen to produce light in this reaction. The process, which is made possible by the enzyme luciferase, is a very effective way to transfer energy because it virtually never loses heat. The fact that this efficiency outperforms artificial light sources acts as a reminder that even the most advanced technology can still learn a lot from the inventions of nature. Bioluminescence and nature also find their way into our art and society. Consider the vivid descriptions of people discovering luminous mushrooms in enchanted woodlands in books or the frequent usage of glowing components to generate wonder in movies. The sense of wonder and excitement that bioluminescence evokes in the human mind is captured in these depictions. This mutually beneficial relationship between nature and art is a reflection of the chapters we have read that highlight the need of interpretation in creating a comprehensive understanding of environmental phenomena. The basic concept of bioluminescence teaches us that nature’s greatest feats are often its most purposeful. Our course's discussion of nature's innate inventiveness is closely related to how these species use light for communication, hunting, and survival. Chapter 8 emphasized how, in order to properly understand natural wonders, we must communicate both their aesthetic appeal and their practical use. We reach a basic function of environmental interpretation by analyzing phenomena such as bioluminescence to enhance comprehension and generate amazement that goes beyond a quick look. Bioluminescence, in all its forms, is a testament to the marvels hidden within the natural world. It challenges us to look closer, to learn, and to interpret.

[yourcoolfriendwithallthecandy]

Magic and Miracles and Beyond Chapter 8

Ya’ll I have STRUGGLED with this chapter for MONTHS because I couldn’t figure out how to connect the first scene of this chapter with the rest of it. But as you can see, I powered through and all the puzzle peices are coming together nicely and I felt like I just slapped things together but that’s only because I AM DESPERATE to show you chapter 9 that’s been sitting in my documents for a while. And I was listening to ‘Let the bodies hit the floor.’ while writing 9. so if that’s any indication. And this chapter I had “What Side of Love?” by Parachute going on. And yes Sylva is a BAMF because she plays all the angles and all the sides. And Tredd really doesn’t get enough credit for being as observant as he is. He’s still much smarter than he looks. 

So here it is on AO3 or if you want, read below. 

@the-immortal-marshal, enjoy girl. 

Chapter 8

“Hey, Sylva?” Tredd asked as he came up to her in the hot tub.

“Yes?” Sylva asked curiously.

“Hey, is it just me or is Ada preggers?” Tredd put to her as Sylva cut her eyes to Ada and watched her very carefully for a few minutes.

“Who have you told that to?” Sylva asked nonchalantly as she looked around to see if anyone was close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Just Stella, she told me to ask you since you’re The Oracle and the expert.” Tredd shrugged as Sylva hummed and nodded in agreement.

“You’re very perceptive and observant aren’t you?” Sylva put to him.

“Yeah, I guess.” Tredd nodded with a shrug.

“Ok, so here’s the deal...

I will pay you five thousand dollars to be Luche’s shadow over the next two weeks, let Luche and Ada get close and bond emotionally but the moment your instincts tell you they’re gonna fuck, intervene and ruin their moment and remind Ada that she’s dating Cor. They’re both going to hate you for the next two weeks but in a month, they’re both going to thank you in a really big way.” Sylva put to him.

“Make it ten grand and only if you tell me why.” Tredd returned with a smug grin as Sylva and Tredd had a stare off for a few long moments.

“Fifteen if I don’t have to tell you anything and you be a good guy and do me and Luche and Ada a solid by doing this.” Sylva countered.

“Twenty grand, in cash. You tell me why or I announce right now that she’s preggers.” Tredd grinned smugly before they had another stare off before Sylva took his hand and brought him face to face, close enough to kiss her but it was so that what Sylva would say, she could say quietly and softly so that no one could overhear her.

“Fine, when we get back, shit’s gonna hit the fan and there will be a war delivered to all of our doorsteps courtesy of Gilgamesh and everyone is going to be divided and pick sides and everyone is going to choose the wrong side except for you and for me because you are going to be on my side. Ada has a 95-99% chance of loosing that baby because Gilgamesh will go after her first and all of us will be scrambling to protect her and if we’re lucky, we’re all gonna get through it with our lives. I have a plan that’s already in motion to keep us all safe. But in order for that plan to work, I need Luche and Ada to not fuck it up by fucking each other because you and me caught this early. But by the time everyone else will catch it, if they fuck, Cor and Luche will both think that they lost a baby and that will lead to a whole different war that will destroy them both and Ada will get crushed with guilt because she couldn’t keep her legs closed. So you and me we’re gonna protect them by ruining their romantic moments. But part of this deal is you- Will. Keep. Your. Mouth. Shut. You don’t tell anyone, not even Stella, that we had this conversation or that Ada is expecting, you’re not even going to hint at it, in fact when we’re done talking, you’re going to go up to Stella and you’re going to tell her that I said that ‘Ada is not pregnant and that you’re seeing things and that your ego at being the first to see that Crowe was pregnant has you thinking every girl is’ but you’re going to be reluctant to say that, let her push you to get that answer, and you’re going to do your best to avoid the subject and you’re going to let her think she has this victory but when Ada looses that baby, and Stella comes back to you, you’re going to take her apology with grace and I’ll even publicly apologize for seeing what you saw and not realizing you were right and then when Luche asks, tell him that it was just a hunch but that I told you- you were wrong and to forget about it. So in the meantime when Luche asks why you’re being a dick, you’re going to remind him of the night of my wedding and how broken and betrayed he felt when Ada flirted with Cor while she was still with him and how it’s not right. He’s gonna glare, but he’s gonna see that you’re right and then he’s going to thank you and you’re going to keep it up and even by the end of the week and even next week, all you’re going to have to do is give them a look and that will be enough. Now, give me your cell phone number so we can keep in touch, when I text you or call you, you will not ignore me, you will answer me immediately because our lives could be on the line.” Sylva explained.

“Deal.” Tredd grinned before they shook on it and Sylva put his phone number in her phone that was sitting next to her.

“Now go, Regis is coming back,” Sylva urged him as she saw her husband coming back with her drink in hand.

“Yup, when am I going to get my money?” Tredd asked.

“Half tonight, half at the end of next week, I don’t want you blowing all of it while on the boat at the casino.” Sylva answered.

“Sounds good to me.” Tredd beamed happily as he got out of the hot tub.

“Oh and Tredd?” Sylva called after him.

“Congrats on having the gift.” Sylva grinned as Tredd offered her a bashful smile before he left and went back to Stella.

“So? What did she say?” Stella insisted.

“It doesn’t matter,” Tredd shook his head no as he grabbed his pop from her.

“Yes it does, come on, what did she say?” Stella narrowed her eyes playfully as she poked him in the rib cage as he moved to keep her from tickling him.

“Tell me, tell me now.” Stella insisted before she pinned him to his chair and pretended she was about to tickle him.

“Fine, fine, she said I was seeing things.” Tredd told her reluctantly.

“Ha! I knew it, see? You just got super lucky with Crowe, quit thinking you have the magical ability to see things that aren’t there. Now, let’s just enjoy this expense free vacation from aunt Sylva.” Stella beamed as she kissed him before Tredd hiked his hips up to grind his hardening cock at her center.

“Care to enjoy something else?” Tredd hinted with a mischievous grin as he did it again and watched her reaction with delight.

“Yeah, come on,” Stella nodded as the two slipped away.

Meanwhile Selena and Ravus were both lying under a cabana, putting sunscreen on the twins next to the pool after Selena had applied two layers of it to Ravus so he wouldn’t burn.

“Your hair has gotten lighter.” Selena noted as she watched him out of the corner of her eye as he made sure to get every nook and cranny of Izzy.

“It does that. When I was a kid, my mom complained it used to turn white. It nearly did when my dad died.” Ravus answered as he fed Izzy another handful of blueberries to keep her sated and still.

“Really?” Selena asked as she did a double take and imagined his hair white.

“Yup. Marie Antoinette syndrome. I actually colored my hair darker blonde for a year or two to keep it normal.” Ravus revealed.

“Huh,” Selena hummed as she finished getting Gabby covered in sunscreen and proceeded to feed her a few of the blueberries too before she let Gabby rest on her chest and stroked her little back lovingly as she watched Tredd and Sylva talk with curiosity.

“Rae?” Selena asked.

“Hmm?” Ravus looked up from Izzy to her before he followed Selena’s finger to see Tredd talking to his mother.

“What the hell is going on there?” Ravus frowned in confusion as he watched Tredd and his mother have a stare off.

“I don’t know. Something to do with Stella I would think.” Selena ventured.

“Maybe.” Ravus tilted his head curiously before he finished up with Izzy and had her sit on his lap and dig into the rest of the blueberries.

“That’s a negotiation if I ever saw one.” Selena noted as she watched Tredd and Sylva talk.

“Yeah it is.” Ravus agreed. “Whatever it is, has her hackles up.” Ravus noted as he read his mother’s body language.

“I wonder what it’s about.” Selena mused aloud.

“Me too.” Ravus hummed.

“I hope it’s not us.” Selena muttered under her breath.

“No, it’s not us.” Ravus shook his head as he watched Tredd and his mother continue to talk before they seemed to reach an agreement, wishing he could read lips better than he could.

“Nyx and Luna?” Selena wondered as she cut her eyes over to them swimming in the pool with Dani.

“I don’t think so.” Ravus shook his head as he wouldn’t take his eyes off of them.

“Something ‘half’, she’s hired him for something.” Ravus realized as he watched his mother’s mouth intensely.

“What would your mother hire Tredd for?” Selena asked.

“I don’t know, let’s just watch him and see what he does,” Ravus urged as they both watched Tredd go back to Stella before they talked and slipped away.

“That’s just weird.” Selena shrugged as she turned her attention back to Gabby, who was trying to eat most of the blueberries and eating them by the heaping handful.

“Yeah it is,” Ravus nodded in agreement before he saw Dani swim up to Craig and plead to get yeeted into the pool which he obliged as Selena and Ravus both snickered at the squealing screeching Dani made as she got some impressive air before the other kids came up to him and got yeeted too.  

For the next two weeks, Tredd did as Sylva asked and let Ada and Luche draw close and have all kinds of time to reconnect but the moment either one of them got that ‘look’ he was there to ruin it. Tredd, to keep from getting suspicious however, had to do it with some of the other couples too and play it off as him just being a dick. Even Stella was at a loss as to what had gotten into him.

Meanwhile Cor used the break in not having Ada around to worry about him to throw himself completely into his work and he got dangerously close. So close he could practically feel Gilgamesh’s wrists in his cuffs and saw him when he closed his eyes and had dream after dream of killing him and ending it while Hazel, Titus and Sylva could only pray he succeeded.

The last night of the last week of the cruise was the last formal night and Sylva was perhaps extra evil in that she had the DJ play ‘‘What Side Of Love” by Parachute and watched Luche dance with Ada as she and Tredd both grinned at each other as they watched Luche dance with Ada before Tredd’s phone dinged and was notified of an electronic deposit into his account and grinned wider.

“Job well done.” Sylva toasted casually as she clinked her glass with his.

“So how fast are things going to go to shit when we get back?” Tredd murmured quietly.

“Relatively quickly I would think, Cor’s probably been throwing himself completely into pursuing Gilgamesh quite hard. Judging by how much Clarus has been texting Regis and how tense Regis has been the last two weeks.” Sylva revealed. “Could be hours, could be days, possibly weeks, although if it takes more than a month, I’ll be surprised, probably just about the time everyone’s guard is down.” Sylva added as Tredd nodded.

“So basically wait until Hazel gets the warning.” Tredd offered lowly.

“Good for you figuring that out.” Sylva congratulated proudly.

“Yeah, it wasn’t rocket science, she at the drop of a hat decided to come on a three week vacation with us? She’s ordered in Mandarin at the asian restaurants on both ships and she’s been checking her own phone just as much as Regis has been checking his. I mean both of their last names are Stevens for crying out loud and she does have you know, the same accent that Charlotte has and their speech patterns are the same, the same way sisters or mothers and daughters have the same speech patterns, like you and Luna do. And the way she looks at Ada is kind of a dead giveaway.” Tredd murmured.

“Yeah,” Sylva had to admit.

“But I take it since I’m the only one who’s been around Charlotte and Hazel, that I’m the one who knows half of that.” Tredd furthered.

“Correct.” Sylva nodded. “Remember, lips sealed Dearest.” Sylva reminded him before Tredd gestured that his lips were zipped closed.  

When they all did disembark on the boats and finish up the rock tour and Luna and her group finish looking at all the houses in Colorado and Montana before coming home just in time to go back to school, Ada was the first one to be dropped off, Crowe helped cart all of her things inside and Ada was actually disappointed that Cor wasn’t even home and the place looked haphazard. Like all he had done was eat and sleep here while she was gone. She tidied up and freshened up the place as she waited for him to come home before she got irritated and just called him.

“Yeah?” Cor asked when he answered his phone.

“Hey, long time no see, guess who’s home?” Ada asked as she sat on the couch and let Baxter lay on her lap.

“Oh shit, you’re home already?” Cor realized as he looked at the time and realized it was like 8 in the evening.

“Yeah, did you miss me?” Ada asked hopefully.

“Yeah, yeah, of course I missed you, been missing you like crazy.” Cor reassured her as he quickly and busily shoved things into his bag to go home for the night. “Um, have you had dinner?” He asked as he realized he hadn’t eaten anything in the last….8 hours, maybe 9.

“Yeah, Sylva made sure I ate before she dropped me off.” Ada answered. “Kind of been starving for something else though Love.” Ada confessed, maybe she just needed to reconnect with Cor physically to feel right again. Because the last month on the road with all her friends and especially being with Luche again, it had her feeling off in a way she couldn’t define.

“I’ll be home as fast as I can, don’t go anywhere Love.” Cor grinned happily as he came home as fast as he could, but not before grabbing a burger through a drive through to wolf that down on the way home too.

“Ok, I won’t.” Ada giggled.

Cor came home and fucked Ada good and hard, but just...a little too quickly since Cor hadn’t even had a chance to please himself while she was on the cruises and after two rounds and for Ada, one disappointing orgasm later, Cor was out like a light and Ada could only lay in bed and look up at the ceiling as her mind wandered back to the cruises and the few weeks of being on the road with the band. Luche had changed in all the right ways but was still the same in all the ways that mattered and were important. Even though he didn’t say it, he showed it a thousand times over that he still loved her, he still respected her and cherished her and made her feel so special. All Cor cared about is making sure she didn’t cheat on him. Which honestly was a little off putting because his main concern should have been that she had fun and had a good time and missed him. And honestly, being away from him for so long, was sex with Cor always that...lackluster? Like it got some kinks out of the pipes but that was it. Since when was sex with Cor that... disappointing? She would have thought he would have been ticking down the hours until she was home, had a meal ready and waiting for her, had rose petals and candles all over the house and been overly romantic and charming and would have been waiting at Sylva’s house for her… but now all she could feel was disappointment. Had he even missed her that much? At all? He even had new scratches and bruises and new stitches, he had gotten hurt while she was gone and he didn’t tell her. Here she was hoping for a reconnection and she felt even more disconnected now than she did before she came home. Here she thought he would have just wanted to romance her right and then hear every little detail about her trip and her time away from him and it was like, he didn’t want that at all, he wanted to get his rocks off, made sure she was “good” and didn’t stray and then came back in one piece. What the fuck?!

The next morning, Cor outright refused to let Ada leave the house to walk the dog and honestly tried to even keep her away from the windows. Ada felt like she was on house arrest.

“Why?! Why can’t I just take Baxter on a fucking walk?!” Ada demanded angrily.

“Because it’s not safe!” Cor finally snapped.

“I was halfway across the country on a road trip of all things and on two cruises with thousands of strangers but walking the dog in your neighborhood isn’t safe?” Ada questioned. “I need to go grocery shopping, I should be going back to work, I…”

“You can’t, not without me.” Cor cut her off. “Just wait until I get home tonight.” Cor placated as he got ready for work. “Don’t worry about going back to work, we’re ok. You don’t need to work. There’s still plenty of food in the house, you’ll be fine, just stay away from the windows and don’t leave the house.” Cor commanded before he left for work leaving Ada to growl in frustration as she stared at the daggers into his back. This was ridiculous.

She didn’t listen, she still went to the store and got groceries and brought Baxter with her at least as she idly wondered what Luche was up to before she texted him.

‘Hey, what are you up to?’ She texted him as she waited in line at the grocery store.

‘Choosing an apartment. Lol’ he texted back immediately.

‘Really? Where?’ Ada blinked in surprise.

‘Oak Gardens,’ Luche answered. ‘I’m actually looking at different apartments now, wanna help me pick one out?’ He offered hopefully, hoping that didn’t come off weird.

‘I’ll be there in fifteen.’ Ada instantly agreed as she put her groceries on the conveyer belt to be checked out.

She put the perishables into the cold bag and drove straight there and wasn’t surprised to see most of their friends already there picking out different apartments too. Pelna and Yasmine had gotten one and surprisingly Gladio and Pashmina had gotten the one next to that and Craig and Iris had gotten one across the street and even Ravus and Selena had gotten one since Selena had adopted one of Craig’s newfoundland puppies, Bunny since these were townhouse apartments that allowed pets for an extra charge a month and Luche had a hard time deciding if his apartment should be on the left or on the right of Ravus because he liked both, but they were different in their own ways and thankfully Ada was able to look at both and Luche went with the one she liked best which was to the right of Ravus because it had a nicer more easy set up and the color scheme she liked better as she realized, this townhouse was way nicer than the house Cor had and she couldn’t help but feel jealous and wishing she could live here. It had brand new appliances and state of the art this and that and even Baxter liked the apartment really well which Luche took as a good sign. And even though it was a townhouse, it was huge, it had three big bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room, dining area that was pretty open floor plan and even a basement that had washer, dryer hook ups and brand new appliances otherwise. It was gorgeous.  

Ada decided to stay with them and go out to lunch with them and sat next to Luche and poured over the furniture websites at different furniture and helped him choose what furniture he wanted in each room and in each space using the dimensions she helped him gather of all the rooms in the apartment to make sure they would all fit good as well as picking out a great washer and dryer combo and the apartment complex was in it’s own community that had a pool and a playground and was really close to a nice shopping center and tons of restaurants. It was amazing.

Ada got home in time to put her groceries away, grateful she didn’t get ice cream because it would have melted. But Cor came home pissed at her.

“Why did you leave the house and why did you ignore my calls?!” Cor boomed when he came home as Baxter barked at him for raising his voice before Cor kicked Baxter outside so he couldn’t interfere.

“Because I texted you instead.” Ada answered as she continued to cook dinner. “You knew exactly where I was and who I was with. I was safe, I was fine. Because I was careful.” Ada argued as she paused and turned to face him, her arms crossed over her chest defensively.

“You can’t be too careful Ada!” Cor growled angrily.

“Oh my God, I was gone half the summer and was fine and now that I’m back you’re treating me like I’m a child like you can’t trust me to take care of myself! I’m an adult Cor!” Ada argued.

“You don’t understand! It’s very dangerous right now, I’m just trying to protect you, when Gilgamesh is no longer a threat, I won’t care what you do, because I’ll know then that you’ll be fine but right now, it’s like there’s a bear loose in the neighborhood and all I’m asking is for you to stay in the goddamn house, why can’t you do that?! Why can’t you just listen to me?!” Cor demanded.

“Because that bear wouldn’t be a threat if you didn’t keep poking it with a stick! Just shoot the damn thing and be done with it!” Ada snapped.

“I’ve been trying to! It won’t get into my damn sights!” Cor growled in frustration. “And what’s the deal with you hanging out with Luche all day? According to Gladio, you never left his side.” Cor accused angrily.

“Because he’s been my body guard all summer and is still on body guard duty and will be on body guard duty until you take Gilgamesh down, Sylva fucking hired him to do that. Nothing happened between us all summer, it’s not like that’s going to change over night now that we’re back home. He’s a friend and he trusts my judgement and simply asked for my opinion on stuff, which is something I wish you would do.” Ada defended before the two had a stare off before they both gave each other the silent treatment the rest of the night.

The next day Ada went shopping with Luche again for things to decorate his apartment with as they filled two carts up with stuff since his furniture would be delivered the next day since he was already starting to move his stuff into the place, although he was mindful to leave plenty of room for her things as well since he hoped she’d be moving in sooner than later, but in the meantime he tried to include her in everything apartment wise because he wanted her to feel like she was at home at his place and part of that included having things in his apartment she liked and would use so now both of them were comparing dishes both online and in the stores before they found a set they both loved and adored and afterwords, Luche took her to a tea room for lunch. Ada hadn’t gotten high tea since she came to the states and while Luche’s didn’t love tea, he didn’t hate it either and was open to trying a few varieties before he found one he liked, it was a hibiscus and berry blend that they both liked but Ada’s favorite was still that Irish Breakfast blend.

Ada was torn because for the second time, all over again, she was happiest when she was with Luche because he just talked with her, valued her opinion and input and trusted her judgement on everything, like she was his equal in every way, if anything, like she was more precious than him and more important than him and she was once again the center of his world. God, she had missed that. She missed his sense of humor and his ability to make her forget that anything happening outside the bubble of his presence mattered or existed. She had missed his handsome face and his bright smile and how warm and friendly and at ease he was and how he had all the time in the world to spend on her and how he wasn’t in a rush at all and how every moment spent with her was precious to him. Why had she ever left him? Had Cor really been worth it?

That night she came home and looked around at Cor’s house and realized how little of her was here. That day had been the best day of his career because he had just gotten done arresting Charlotte Stevens and had her in custody, but he couldn’t enjoy it because Ada had been with Luche all day again. The fight with Cor that night was more than she could take and she left with Baxter to take a walk to cool off. It was sunset and she was so angry with Cor she didn’t notice the car following her, and she didn’t notice until it was too late how Baxter seemed to freeze, every hair on his spine standing on end as he started growling and barking ferociously and she barely had a chance to scream before a bag was thrown over her head, she was picked up and she heard a gunshot and Baxter yelping in pain before she was hit over the head and became unconscious.  

[hartofhearts]

The implications of Tifa’s familiarity with Marco

In OG, our first encounter with a clone is in Sector 5, when we’re running around with Aerith. (Link here at 0:14--it’s where we get the infamous “this guy are sick” line!) It’s unclear if OG Tifa has ever met or seen a clone, and even at Nibelheim she doesn’t comment on a single one. (Though to be honest... she doesn’t say a lot in Nibelheim anyway.)

So Remake’s introduction of Marco was a bit of a departure from OG.

Remake essentially took the 30-second scene from OG Sector 5 and split it up across Chapters 3 and 8, and the encounters themselves were significantly expanded and dramatized to build a “clone arc” with a beginning, middle, and climactic pay-off at Shinra Tower. While I’m 100% confident that these changes were made to adapt the clone storyline to a full-length, Midgar-only game, the implications of Tifa’s new involvement are fascinating and may have an impact beyond Part 1.

Unlike the ambiguity of OG, Remake gives us definitive proof that (1) Tifa is not ignorant to the signs of “clone behavior”--we see her care for Marco when he is deep in the throes of incoherence and delirium. We’re also told that she checks in on him now and then to make sure he’s okay--so (2) Tifa is familiar with the incurability and tragedy of this condition. 

In OG, we are shown that Tifa will see these same symptoms of incoherence in someone else:

However, unlike Marco’s tragic condition, Cloud’s mysteriously cures itself:

Until she asks him a simple question about the past and it causes him to freak the f out. He terrifyingly, dangerously, uncontrollably flails his sword around while she can only cover her mouth in fear (pay close attention to her hands and body language in the next image--she sees his odd behavior and reacts to it):

He finally stabilizes in a peaceful, coherent-but-confused state:

And Tifa is reluctant to broach the topic further, lest he destabilize once more.

(Entire scene here.)

While the body language in the flashback scene is easy to miss, Tifa’s fear and confusion are undeniable. Her motivations for staying silent on Cloud’s disconcerting contradictions are obvious: not only does she not want to chase him off before she can figure out how to cure him, but the one time she did ask him something, his response was uncontrollable and inadvertently dangerous. This scene illustrates the high stakes Tifa thought she'd be playing with if she broached the past with Cloud again.

In Remake, Tifa’s familiarity with Marco can lend her additional insight during this pivotal moment with Cloud, and increase the stakes even further. When she sees an incoherent Cloud at the train station, (1) Tifa recognizes this as “clone behavior” and (2) likely worries that Cloud has the same tragic, incurable affliction as Marco. So when Cloud magically fixes himself, it must feel like a miracle to her. Of course she would likely want to do anything to keep him that way. So if Cloud seemingly regresses--violently or otherwise--when prompted about their past together, Tifa probably doesn’t want to push her luck. After all, what if this is the time he becomes permanently Marco-fied?

The devs are well aware of common anti-Tifa talking points, and used both Remake and Trace of Two Pasts to systematically debunk dozens of them.  It seems highly likely that Remake intends to use Marco to refute yet another talking point: “why didn’t Tifa ‘tell the truth?’”

---

(shoutout to @terra-fatalis​ who encouraged me to get back on my ffvii shit and has an amazing tumblr of their own!)

[methylsalicylate]

The Madrigals and The Beast Ch 2

AO3 Link | Story art by @waokevale | Tag: #Madrigals&Beast

Chapters:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Summary:

In the Kingdom of Encanto, there was only Light magic, while the Dark surrounded the forest beyond the mountains. Everything had been prosperous for them, but recently the Dark has been seeping through in the form of disease, less harvest, and dead livestock.

Mirabel, the only giftless princess of the Madrigal Royal family, wants to prove her worth by making it her mission to eradicate Dark magic and restore the full power of the Light.

Starting with defeating the hideous seven-foot tall half human half rat monster hiding in the depths of the dense forest.

______________________________________________________________

“I’m leaving the Encanto.”

Right after this sudden declaration, princess Pepa’s oldest son Camilo choked on a piece of bread. He vehemently coughed for a few seconds, while his younger cousin rolled her eyes at how dramatic he was being.

Cough Cof KAF cough!!

Five seconds passed. “Are you done suffering?”

The shapeshifting teen shushed her cousin, holding up a finger. “Wait, let me cough some more to show how ridiculous that sentence was. Cough KOUgH!”

Mirabel rolled her eyes a second time. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the road outside their house. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”

“Wait where are we going?”

She looked back at her cousin and motioned a hand towards her ear.

Oh Dolores, thought Camilo.

When they were far enough (which probably doesn’t help since Dolores can hear things from miles away), Mirabel placed her cousin on a log near the entrance of the town.

“I said, I’m leaving the Encanto.”

“Yeah, I heard that the first time and sorry for being a bit dramatic but WHAT?!” her cousin shot up, and waved his hands around. “That doesn’t make any sense! There are at least 48 bedtime stories on why we are absolutely not allowed out there! Do you want to get eaten by the Rat monster?”

“No, but we need to defeat him!”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Listen!” Mirabel whispered, closing the distance between her and Camilo’s ear, trying to avoid onlookers from hearing her. “Last night, after Antonio’s door party, I noticed cracks in Casita.”

“Yeah, but they were gone when -”

“SHUSH! Yes I know they disappeared, but I overheard abuela talking to her picture of abuelo Pedro last night. She says that something is happening beyond the forest and it’s affecting the Light magic within, and that she is at a loss at what to do.”

Camilo gave her a confused look. “So… so you think that defeating the Rat monster would help?”

“Yes, exactly!” Mirabel started pacing back and forth, hand on her chin and eyes full of focus. “I also talked to Luisa earlier, she told me that she does feel the Light magic disappear for a few seconds at a time. There are also problems around the kingdom; the rat infestation on our fields has gotten worse, and more people are needing Mama’s food for some unknown contagious disease… Don’t you see, something is happening to the magic!”

Mirabel felt her cousin grab her by the shoulders, putting a stop to her thoughts. He looked her in the eye and motioned for her to sit beside him on the log.

“Prima, we need to think about this, ok? Don’t just jump to weird conclusions like that.”

“But you do understand, right?” She sat down heavily next to him, resting her head on her hands. “Camilo, the Dark magic feels stronger these days. I’m not sure what’s causing it, but I know that it could be trouble if we don’t do something about it.”

“Yes but why does it have to be you?”

There was no doubt about how Mirabel felt about the magic. Unlike her sisters and cousins, she was the only one who was not blessed by the Spirit of Encanto with a miracle. On the day of her ceremony, the magical door disappeared before her and most of the kingdom. Her Abuela looked concerned and she knew that the adults talked about it often. Over time, the lack of a magical talent made her feel as if she was not a Madrigal.

“You don’t have to prove your worth, Mira.”

“But! I just want to do something for the family, in my own way. I know I haven’t been of much help - “

“Not true.”

“- and I think that this might actually get me somewhere! I don’t want to see my family lose their magical gift… and I am afraid of what might happen if we let the situation get worse.”

She turned to her cousin, using her ever powerful puppy dog eyes.

“Oh no, that no longer works on me Mirabel.”

“Camilo please!” she begged. “I need you to cover for me, just for like, two to three days? I’ll be back right away, in one piece I swear!”

“How are you even going to get to the Rat guy? Going up the mountain would take weeks!”

“Ah, I already have a plan for that.” She adjusted her glasses and pointed at a farm at the edge of town. “The rats have to come from somewhere.”

“So you will follow the rats.”

“Yes.”

“And when you see the giant Rat monster? What then?”

The girl merely shrugged. “I won’t approach him, I will just observe enough to know his weaknesses. And then I come back, and we can hatch a plan. We can involve the whole village even! As they say, the more the merrier. There’s no way the Rat monster could handle an entire kingdom.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Crazy enough to try and save everyone!” Mirabel stood up, and dusted her embroidered blue skirt. “So, what do you say primo? Are you willing to help out?”

“There’s nothing I can do to stop you, huh?”

“Yep.”

Camilo sighed heavily. It lasted for around 3 seconds, again, to prove how much he hated this. He thought about it for a while. Technically, it is impossible to go across the mountains around the border. Most likely her cousin would give up after a day and come home safe. “I will give you two days. After that, I’m telling everyone.”

“Deal!”

—--------------------------------------------------—

Meanwhile, the adults of the family were gathered in Casita. The husbands were busy with work in town, leaving the sisters with their mother in the kitchen.

“I heard that Señor Carlos lost a fifth of his harvest to the rats today”, said Julieta. Her hands were busy preparing arepas but her thoughts were somewhere else.

Alma shook her head. Ever since this year started, things have gradually gone downhill. Harvests weren’t as bountiful as before, they weren’t getting enough fish from the rivers, livestock were getting sick.

Worst of all, some townsfolk are afflicted with an unknown disease. Thankfully, Julieta’s preparations are able to alleviate symptoms, but the slow and steady rise in the number of cases is worrisome.

Pepa was leaning against the counter, arms across her chest. “Mama, at this point we cannot deny that something is happening.”

“I know mija. I fear that the Dark might eventually overcome the protective borders that we have…”

“Is there anything that we can do? My food can only do so much… Pepa can’t keep raining on the fields as well.”

The matriarch nodded. “For now, this is all that we can do. We no longer have the old sword the first King used to handle the Curse… I’m afraid I will have to… try and review the remaining visions that we have.”

The sisters looked at each other with unease. Their mother hated going through the visions, and most of all, there was nothing there to find. They have gone through the collection of green glass hundreds of times, especially on the day that Bruno went missing. It was all useless, most of it being visions that already happened, some of them having no meaning to it.

Pepa placed a hand on her mother’s shoulder. “Mama, why don’t I do it for you? I might be able to find and decipher something.”

“I… alright. I will need a new perspective as well. We must try our best to help with the kingdom while we find something definitive.”

She closed her eyes, willing all the bad memories into a locked compartment in her mind. She has to be strong for her family.

“I will have to meet with the Guzman’s today regarding Isabela’s engagement. Dark magic won’t stop the joyous occasion. We are the Madrigals, we will be strong for our family, and for our community!”

________________________________________________________________

Chapters:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

[zeppelin-and-unicorns]

I want to read some WIPs!!! I've been reading only completed fanfics for a while now and I miss the thrill of receiving an email with an update and reading a brand new chapter! The only WIP I'm follow is RYLH, and I really want to follow some more! Can you suggest me a few stories please??

I can guarantee you that the thrill of readind a brand new chapter is amazing! I particularly love it!!

Here is a small list with all the WIPs I’m currently obssesed with:

The Queen Of All My Dreams by springsteenicious (also on ao3):

Four days after Chicago, Jackie is missing. Thanks to a dream that Eric has, they know where to find her. But the journey will not be as easy as they think. Through dragons, magic dreams and missed connections, will Hyde be able to return to Jackie?

I’ve been reading this story since it came out, and I’m very invested in it, it’s amazing. There’s only a chapter left, but I can’t just not recommend it, please read it.

Rated M.

88k words, 34 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

We’re Not Broken, Just Bent by SparklingSoul (also on ao3):

When tragedy strikes and Jackie and Hyde are forced to live up to their godparent duties, they need to overcome their differences and work together. Along the way, they realize that maybe their relationship isn't broken beyond repair after all...

This is a post season 8 story, and it’s AMAZING. The author updates it every Friday and Monday, and the story is already pre-written so it’s not going to be abandoned.

Trigger warning for major character death.

Rated T.

17k words and 7 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Jackie Stargazer by MistyMountainHop (also on ao3):

A funeral brings Jackie and Hyde together after fourteen years apart. Trauma made them wanderers, vagabonds moving in opposite directions. But the rock band Hyde roadies for reconnects them in ways neither expects.

So far I’ve only read the first two chapters, and they’re pretty damn good. I decided to wait to read the rest of it though.

I already know this is going to be a very long story, so I’ll wait until the story is like, on chapter 25 or something, because when I read it, I want to make a weekend out of it. I mean it. I plan on spending the entire weekend locked in my room, eating sweets and reading the hell out of this story. I’m already looking forward to it lol

Rated M

35k words, 9 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Miracle by B_August

To Pam Burkhart, Jackie is the abnormal child that her husband dragged in during their vacation in Hawaii. To her peers, she's the smart and stuck-up princess that graces the school halls. To the Basement Gang, she's the annoying brat that infiltrated their ranks. To Jackie herself, she is a super powered freak who just wants to do her best. But to Jack Burkhart, Buddy Morgan, a pair of higher life forms, and those who she would later help, she is nothing short of a miracle.

I’ve been waiting so long to read a Superhero AU in this fandom, I was absolutely thrilled when I saw this popping up on my ao3 feed this week. The first three chapters were pretty great and I’m anxiously waiting for more.

Rated G

3k words, 3 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

In Through Out a Door by djgrannyglasses

In the Summer of 1980 Hyde receives an unexpected visitor.

Also a pretty great story, it’s only in the beginning and there’s probably a lot more to happen, but the first few chapters were very promising and I honestly can’t wait to read more.

Rated T

6k words, 4 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Fez/Kelso, Eric/Donna

A retro romance by poeticlyme

Jackie Burkhart, the Princess of Point has an unrequited crush on a certain paranoid burnout. Or is it so unrequited?

This author mastered the slow burn thing, it’s amazing. The sexual tension between Jackie and Hyde in this story is just... Wow. I love it.

Rated M

73k words, 21 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Friday I’ll Be Over You by SnooksTheAllMighty (also on ao3):

Instead of Jackie pining over Hyde and bending over backwards for him after HE cheated on HER, she sees that she deserves more. But will that mean the end of Jackie and Hyde, or will he get his head out of his ass long enough to win her back? Takes place after 6X1.

I think we were all very frustrated by Hyde’s attitude in the first episode of season 6. In this story, Jackie stood up for herself like she should’ve.

Rated T.

5k words, only one chapter so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Playing Pretend by isnotme

Caught up in her teenager concerns – and some wounds to heal, Jackie didn’t realize that her parents' marriage was crashing down for real, causing a major turnaround in her world.

In the edge of seventeen, Hyde had too much on his mind. With graduation coming so soon, he knew too well he was about to be kicked out of the Forman's home. But when Bud’s illegal activities came to knock on his door, Hyde saw his plans falling apart once again.

Or An AU where Jackie and Hyde get themselves in one of those fake relationship situation and somewhere along the way, they find somethings in common.

I LOVE CLICHES. This is amazing, read it please.

Rated T

37k words, 17 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

I’d have you anytime by anonymous author

What if Jackie after panicking in her show, gave up? And what if she made an unnatural friendship? Basically a fix it of season 7.

I love a good J/E friendship story, I can’t help myself. This is adorable.

Rated T

15k words, 9 chapters so far

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Movies As Friends by rymilu

Jackie realizes a few things about herself after her kiss with Hyde. She once more tries to bag him after Michael and Donna leave to California, no longer hiding her feelings. Instead of pressuring him like before, she decides to start with taking him to the movies.

Ah, the mutual pining is everything in this story. They both have crushes on each other, and now that Donna and Kelso were in California, they decide to do something about it.

Rated M

38k words, 6 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

I think this is pretty much it. I hope I was able to help you out!

[fulisha-of-light]

Misha Kiyomi Voice Lines

And then I did Misha. I tried to make her tone come off as mature and (eerily) calm given she has similar mannerisms, thoughts, and personality to Kyubey, save for some of her lines since she’s not devoid of all emotion per say.

I think I did pretty alright:

Intro Self Introduction 1: Greetings. I’m Misha Kiyomi. I’ve been a magical girl for 4 years now, so I’m what some might call a veteran. With my experiences and knowledge, I travel around with Kyubey in search of magical girls to mentor. It’s hard to learn the ropes on your own, so that’s why I help them. And once I finish my teachings... I proceed to turn them all into Witches. For the sake of the universe, of course. Self Introduction 2: There’s no need to be so formal towards me. Just call me Misha, I don’t mind. I am a traveling mentor who helps train magical girls. Whether they be old or new, I will provide my services until the time comes for them to fully mature into Witches. It is the fate of every magical girl, and I am no exception.

Personal Story Story Chapter End 1 I better watch my step. One wrong move and I could have them all against me. Story Chapter End 2 How interesting... I must investigate this further. Story Chapter End 3 I think I know what to do now. The real question is, who goes first?

Story Select 1 Allow me to teach you. I have 4 years of experience after all. Story Select 2 Interested in having your wish granted? My friend can help you with that. Story Select 3 It’s “Misha” Kiki, not “Misa-Misa”. Please stop calling me that. Story Select 4 Kyubey and I have come here in search of this Sibyl. What do you know of her? Story Select 5 Alright, let’s begin the next lesson. Are you ready? Story Select 6 The Reaper is exactly that: a magical girl killer. And we’re her current targets.

Stats Strengthening Complete: Well, well, it’s seems I’ve improved. Let’s perform an analysis and see what’s changed. Strengthening Max: *Laughs* I’ve become even stronger. At this rate, it’d take a miracle to stop me now.

Episode Level Up: Another day, another step closer to fulfilling Kyubey’s quota. Magia Level Up: And thus, my power continues to grow. Let’s keep it up.

Magical Release 1: My teachings serve to not only help other magical girls, but myself as well. Just as they grow and learn about their abilities, I get the chance to analyze the magic and find new uses for them. Tomoyoko’s seems to hold a lot of promise. Magical Release 2: It’s been 4 years since I’ve become a magical girl. My magic and knowledge have never failed me. But this whole Sibyl situation is quite puzzling. What secrets does this boy hold? I must keep him under my watch. Magical Release 3: These “Distortions” are also rather curious. Malformed Witches born from Soma’s soul gem, preventing the transformation... just how is this even possible? I need this power, and Soma’s my only chance at finding its creator. I have no choice but to keep investigating and studying him until then.

Awaken 1: Before my contract, I thought that I had the world. When you have obtained perfection through your skills and knowledge, what more could you ask for? Never did I think that there was something beyond that. For Kyubey to have chosen me... I am truly blessed. Awaken 2: My newfound knowledge is what drives me to act and fulfill Kyubey’s quota. I know well enough that I must become a Witch, but I want to see if I can survive a little longer, maybe even avoid it altogether. Awaken 3: Not all magical girls are equal. Some have wishes, power, and destinies far greater than the rest. Not having that potential myself is unacceptable. That’s why I will find the Sibyl and learn the secrets behind her success.

Home Screen Login (First login): I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see you’re still here. But you’re not really getting in my way, so I guess it’ll be alright to keep you around for awhile. Consider yourself lucky. Login (Morning): Good morning. I’ve prepared us some coffee. Take a moment to relax before we head out today. We have all the time in the world to fulfill the quota, so there’s no need to rush or anything. Login (Noon): If you’re skilled enough with magic, you can actually avoid hunger altogether. But I don’t mind stopping to have lunch every now and again. It’s never boring either since I have someone other than Kyubey accompanying me today. Login (Evening): Now’s the time to really strike. Witches are plentiful during this hour, and many magical girls will either be out hunting or returning home. Care to join the hunt with me? Login (Night): As much as I’d like to pull an all-nighter, even I need to rest. Those girls aren’t going anywhere, so it’s good to take a break and plan tomorrow’s next move. Don’t worry about the hotel fees, I’ve got everything covered. Login (Other): Kyubey and I are not evil. We do not create Witches out of any malice or sick joy. We do what is right, and to save the universe, sacrifices are an inevitability. And ultimately, it’s a part of human nature too. You can not deny that. Login (AP full): It’s time. I’ll be taking the lead today, so stay close behind me. Witches? *Laughs* No, no. Today, we’re going to pick out who’s going to become a Witch. Login (BP full): A Witch who makes copies... how simply fascinating. Perhaps if I can get a sample, I could use this to my advantage. Imagine the possibilities with that kind of power!

Tap 1: Oh? You think I’m mad? Please, only the unenlightened would foolishly label perfect intellectuals like me “mad”. Tap 2: This Sibyl is a curiosity. Rumor has it she’s very powerful and wise, having lived for a very long time. If it’s true, then she is one hell of a rarity. But rarities like her are still just magical girls. It's only a matter of time before she too will become my prey. Tap 3: Kyubey’s race is amazing. The technology... the culture... the knowledge... All of it, it’s really incredible. Hm? You want to know? *Laughs* Sorry. You are just not worthy of this precious information. Tap 4: Kiki is certainly brimming with personality. So eager to learn and fight... and so easy to manipulate. It’s always the most innocent ones that fall first. I’m glad there’s so many of them in the world. Tap 5: Magical boy, magical girl... I don’t care who they are. At the end of the day, they all become Witches. When I'm done with Tomoyoko, Soma and the others will just become another resource for me to use. Tap 6: Chiaki is a rather cautious individual. There’s always a magical girl or two like that in any city. But I’m not worried. As long as I closely monitor her and remain in control, I can easily take her out before she tries to stop me. Tap 7: So it seems the Reaper has followed me here too. Oh Shiori, when will you learn? You’re only hurting yourself in the end. You will never have the “old Misha” back, just accept it already and stop getting in my way. Tap 8: I have no regrets. I’m happy to have this knowledge and power that Kyubey has so graciously given me. In return, I will not fail him. The quota will be fulfilled no matter what. Even if I must become a Witch myself. Tap 9: I’m thankful for your companionship, but surely you know by now what awaits you in the future. If I start to get peckish and there’s no grief seeds around... Well, I hope you’ll understand what needs to be done.

Battle Start: Are you prepared to face me? Battle Victory 1: Perfect. Let’s move on. Battle Victory 2: Another one down. Who’s next? Battle Victory 3: Don’t stand in my way.

Doppel: *Laughter* Kyubey...! Dying: *Gasps* Impossible...

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2023 Day 3: A Christmas Miracle (3/3)

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Rating: G

Word Count: 2446

Other chapters: 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Notes:  Here’s the conclusion of A Christmas Miracle.  Once again, it was written in 2013 and fits within my A Wish Your Heart Makes universe.

“If you hadn’t cast the curse in the first place, dearie, Pan never would have had the opportunity to curse us the second time.” Mr. Gold hissed.

“Oh, that’s rich!” Regina said with a sneer, “considering it’s coming from the imp who provided me with the curse in the first place!”

Emma sat in her favorite booth at Granny’s and watched her adversarial family members face off. She was rather impressed. They’d remained civil for nearly two hours.

“Come on guys,” Mary Margaret said, walking up to Gold and Regina, her hand extended in a pacifying gesture, “let’s not argue. It’s Christmas!”

Regina turned on her. “Stay out of it, Snow. It’s all your fault anyway.”

“My fault?!” Mary Margaret yelled, her hands coming to rest on her hips.

“Don’t play stupid,” Regina sneered, “Or maybe you’re not playing.”

“Just a minute! You can’t talk to my wife that way!” David charged into the fight.

Regina rolled her eyes and turned back to Mary Margaret.

“Yes, Snow,” Regina continued, “if it wasn’t for your total inability to keep your mouth shut, we wouldn’t be where we’re at.”

“Where we’re at? Where we’re at?!” Mary Margaret fumed, “That's…that’s not even grammatically correct, let alone accurate!”

Emma rolled her eyes. They were arguing about grammar? It was definitely time to go get some air…before the magic started flying. She got to her feet, and wobbled for a second on her high heels. Why had she let Mary Margaret convince her to dress up? If she had to come to this party, couldn’t she have at least been comfortable?

Emma turned her back on the argument, on Neal and Henry talking in a booth on the other side of the diner, on Hook who had gone up to the bar for another drink. Pushing the door open, she stepped outside.

Hook looked up as he heard the bell over Granny’s door chime. He caught a glance of golden hair and a soft blue dress before the door closed behind Emma. The lass had been rather quiet since dinner; he wondered what was bothering her. It was obvious something was; something beyond the obvious awkwardness of this party.

The voices rose behind him, everyone trying to shout down the others. Something crashed against a far wall. He shook his head. Snow White really did see the world through rose-colored glasses. How on earth had she thought this group of people would have a good time together?

Hook took a final swig of the beer he was drinking, and then headed for the door. He had no wish to remain in what was turning into an all-out battlefield. Of course, the thought of spending some time alone with the lovely Emma, might have played a part in the decision as well.

Pushing the glass door open, Hook stepped outside. There she stood underneath the awning, shivering. Why hadn’t she grabbed her coat before she’d stepped out?

“It’s a bit cold to be standing outside love,” he commented, stepping up behind her.

“Yeah, well,” she answered, turning toward him, “it beats getting caught in the middle of World War III in there.”

He laughed and shrugged out of his coat. He draped it over her shoulders and was rewarded with one of her rare smiles. They stood there for a moment watching the snow gently fall through the dark, evening air. Hook caught strains of music coming from the convent; it seemed the nuns were ringing in Christmas with carols.

“Joy to the world the Lord is come…”

“It doesn’t look like Mary Margaret is going to be able to get in all the Christmas traditions she was hoping for,” Emma commented. “We didn’t get to the Christmas carol sing-a-long.”

“It’s a shame,” Hook commented, looking over at her, “that was the part I was particularly looking forward to.”

“Really?” she asked looking at him with skeptical eyes, “You want to sit around singing carols?”

“And why not,” he asked with a grin. “Some of the songs I have heard here in Storybrooke would be particularly appropriate to the evening at hand.”

“Such as?” she asked with a matching grin.

“When we finally kiss goodnight,” he sang in a soft baritone, “how I’ll hate going out in the storm, but if you really hold me tight, all the way home I’ll be warm.”

She rolled her eyes, but he saw the smile that draped her face. A moment later, she turned back toward the street with a dejected little sigh. They stood in silence for a minute. “…And heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing. And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”

“It’s really coming down,” she finally said looking up at the streetlight across from them.

“Aye,” he answered with a smile. “We’ll have a fine blanket come Christmas morning.”

“Great,” she said with a grimace. “Just what I wanted for Christmas.”

“Oh come on love,” he said, turning her back toward him. “Surely there was a time you liked snow.”

He expected a witty retort, but instead she dropped her eyes and turned back toward the street. “I do remember one day,” she finally responded. “I was about six. I’d been living with a foster family for almost three years. They were great; I really thought they would adopt me. One day, it was close to Christmas, I remember, my foster dad took my foster brother and me out to play in the snow. We made the biggest snowman I had ever seen. We made snow angels, had a snowball fight, the whole nine yards. Later, we went in and my foster mom had made us a big pot of hot chocolate.”

Emma fell silent, and Hook waited. He heard the pain in her voice and softly began rubbing her shoulder. She leaned into his touch. “…holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.”

“What then, love?” Hook asked after a moment. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

“The next morning, my foster dad disappeared,” she answered, and he saw the tears in her eyes. “They never found him; no one knows what happened. Well, my foster mom kinda fell apart. She couldn’t afford to take care of two children, so it was back into the system for me.”

Hook closed his eyes. It must have been devastating for a little girl to lose the only family she had ever known. Turning her once more to face him, he wrapped her in a hug. She resisted for a moment, and then he felt her arms wrap around him.

“I think it’s time we make a new memory surrounding snow,” Hook said after a moment. She pulled away from him and looked questioningly up into his face.

“Yeah?” she asked, “and what would that be?”

Hook grinned. “Well, love. I propose we go play in the snow tomorrow.”

“Play in the snow?” she asked with a raised eyebrow, “Really?”

“Aye, lass,” he smiled at her, “We can bring Henry.”

“And what exactly would we ‘play’ in the snow?”

“First,” he answered, with a wicked grin, “We make a devastatingly handsome snowman with a hook. Then we make a beautiful blonde snow maiden looking adoringly up at him.”

“Are you sure the blonde isn’t rolling her eyes at him?” Emma asked with a grin. “Sounds more true to life.”

Hook put his hand to his heart and staggered as though mortally injured. “You wound me, lass.”

“Hmm,” she said grinning, “that might play to your advantage.”

“Aye? And how is that?”

“Well,” she said with a grin, “if you’re injured you’ll need someone to take care of you.”

Was the lady actually flirting with him? His grin blossomed into a full blown smile. She smiled back for a moment and then turned back to the street. He heard a defeated sigh.

“What’s troubling you, love?” he asked. She didn’t answer for so long he thought she was deliberately ignoring him. The nuns started up a new carol. When blossoms flowered ‘mid the snow…

Finally she turned back toward him. “It’s just…” she made a helpless little gesture with her hands. “I don’t know…Every single time it looks like things are starting to work out, like good is going to succeed, like the bad guys are going to get defeated, like we might get a bit of peace and happiness, something else happens. Someone casts a curse, or kidnaps a kid, or…”

“Or disappears sending you back into the system…or turns you in to the police for his crimes…or sends you off to another realm with no more protection than a seven-year-old lad so that you can come back and be the savior?”

“Yeah,” she said, and he saw the tears brimming in her eyes. One escaped and slid down her cheek. Raising his hand, he tenderly wiped it away.

“Emma, love,” he said, his voice going deep and gravelly, “I can’t promise you peace and happiness, but I can promise to always be beside you, helping you, protecting you and those you love. You need never fear I’ll abandon you.”

She whirled away from him and started pacing. The lass was seething. “Yeah?” she snarled at him. “I’ve heard that before. 'I love you, Emma.’ 'You’re like our own daughter, Emma.’ 'Let’s go to Tallahassee, Emma.’ 'We just wanted to give you your best chance, Emma.’ It’s crap! All of it!”

“You doubt me, lass? Even after Camelot?” he asked and was ashamed to hear the pain in his voice.

She stopped and looked back at him. The first Noel the angels did sing…

“No,” she finally answered, “the hell of it is that I don’t doubt you. You’ve proven again and again that you will do anything for me…even at your own expense. But Hook, you’re not indestructable. What if you disappear? Or are kidnapped? Or are killed?”

Hook’s heart swelled. That was real feeling in her voice. The lass was a lot further gone than she thought. He cupped her face with his good hand again.

“Love,” he answered meaning the word with all his heart, “as I said, I can’t promise you nothing terrible will happen, but for today, for this moment all is well. Perhaps, all one can do is create the good memories to be our solace in times of distress.”

She looked up at him for several moments and then slowly nodded, briskly swiping her hands across her damp cheeks.

“So about those snowmen…?” he asked playfully.

“Henry and I will be ready bright and early tomorrow morning,” She answered with a smile.

For the first time in nearly as long as she could remember, Emma felt hope. It was hope that she found shining out of Hook’s blue eyes as he smiled at her.

“I’ve got a gift for you, love,” Hook said, holding out a small, thin box.

“Oh,” Emma said ruefully, “Hook, I didn’t get you anything.”

He smiled gently. “It’s no matter, Emma. I have no need of gifts.” He held the box out to her again, and she reached for it automatically. Lifting the lid, she saw a silver necklace with an opal and silver swan pendant. Emma ran her finger over the jewel.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly.

“Aye,” he answered looking at her. “It is beautiful, and strong and graceful. Much like you.”

She looked down and then met his eyes. “Is that really how you see me?”

“Aye, lass,” he said gently. “Indeed it is.”

Il est ne le divin enfant… It seemed the nuns had decided to venture into French carols.

“Thank you, Hook,” she said simply. “Well, I don’t hear any yelling, so that probably means they’ve either stopped fighting…or killed each other. Either way, I suppose we should go back in.”

“A moment more lass,” Hook said. That pirate grin of his was back.

“What?” she asked warily. She had come to know that tone in his voice, and it meant trouble.

“Well, love,” he said with a raise of his eyebrow, “I think it is only right that we follow holiday tradition.”

“Exactly what holiday tradition might that be?” she asked. He pointed to a spot over her head. She looked up and saw a sprig of mistletoe hanging right above the two of them.

“You’re terrible, you know that?” she asked with a smile and a slight shake of her head.

“Perhaps so,” he answered playfully, “but your mother has her heart set on her family following the traditions this year. What manner of a daughter would you be if you were to blatantly deny her greatest Christmas wish?”

Her breath caught and her heart began to pound. Well, why not?

“Well, in the spirit of Christmas tradition…” she said with a little wave of her hand.

He looked surprised for a moment, then the grin was back. She was determined she wouldn’t let his kiss affect her, she wouldn’t! Then his lips settled against hers and all rational thought fled. All that existed was this man and the sensations he aroused in her. Her arms wrapped around his neck. She tangled her fingers in his hair, pressing closer, closer. She could never be close enough. She blossomed for him like a flower in a spring rain. The kiss went on and on. It lasted forever; it ended far too soon.

Finally, with a groan, he pulled his lips from hers.

“Emma, love…” he breathed. She couldn’t say a word if her life were on the line. She was glad his arms were still around her because her legs felt like jelly. If he were to release her, she would melt into a puddle at his feet.

Hook took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, the charming rogue was back.

“Well, love,” he said gently rubbing her back. “I had it on good authority that the last time was a one-time thing. It seems I’ve just experienced a Christmas miracle!”

She rolled her eyes, but didn’t pull away. Though it scared her half to death, she couldn’t deny it any more. Being in his arms felt like…home.

“Well, don’t get too used to it buddy,” she said. Her voice didn’t sound convincing even to her.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it, love,” he said with a raise of one eyebrow. “After all, I’d have to wait an entire year for another Christmas miracle.”

“Very true,” she said with a grin, “But there are a lot of holidays between now and then.”

He laughed. “I like the way you think, Emma. I like the way you think!”

NEXT CHAPTER-->

[tempesrature]

The Case of the Murdered Witch Doctors | Chapter 2

Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 The Charm of Lost Things (Oneshot Follow-up) Creative Process Note Commissioned Art Piece

Pairing: Ride or Die | Ellie x Colt Summary: “The game is afoot.” - Arthur Conan Doyle, Adventure of the Abbey Grange  Word Count: 1k+ Warnings: PG-16  @rodappreciationweek @lovehugsandcandy

~*~

“Fuck I hate how you witches smell,” Colt complains as he pinches his nose and takes a step back from the short blond haired girl in front of him. “Like burnt sugar, it’s disgusting.”

Ingrid looks up from her clipboard, her pink lab coat a stark contrast to the white room, before she turns to Ellie standing next to her with a small frown. “Did you really have to pick a hot but rude vampire, El?”

Ellie shrugs with a small smile as she hooks her thumbs into her belt loops and turns to look at Colt.

After she had left the front doors of the club that night and stepped out into night, her knees buckled and she momentarily crumpled to the ground. She didn’t really think it would work. Hell, Logan—her accomplice and the one she had shown Colt holding the button—told her that it wouldn’t work. After all, everything except for her promise of Teppei Kaneko’s ashes was all a bluff. No, she didn’t change any of the locks in the club (she tried but security was too good) and no there were no agents waiting to surround the club (her boss doesn’t even know she was conducting the whole operation).

It was all a ploy to get Colt Kaneko to listen to her before she laid down her offer. The fact that it worked and he’s now helping her investigate the Kilat murder is nothing short of a magical miracle.

“We need you to confirm if the bodies were drained by a vampire or by other means,” Ellie explains as she turns to Ingrid.

Ingrid smiles and nods before she raises her hand, pink sparks dancing around her fingers, and with a flick of her wrist the body of Ernesto and Malina Kilat manifest just above Colt’s head.

“Fuck! What the fuck!” Colt screams as he looks up in horror at the two dead bodies wrapped in white sheets floating in the air before they hover down on top of the two autopsy tables in front of them.

Colt turns to Ellie, his eyes wide in absolute shock and disbelief.

Ellie smirks amusingly. “First time?”

Colt glares at her as he grumbles underneath his breath.

“So this is what we know,” Ingrid starts as she flips through her chart and pulls the white sheets down to their torso, unware of the wide berth Colt has placed between him and her. “Other than the fang marks on their neck and the lack of blood there are no other visible injuries on the body, magical or otherwise. The Kilat family are albularyos, a type of witch doctor from the Philippines, so we ran a toxicology report and it came in clean and negative for drugs, poisons, and curses. We found traces of the Fern Flower on them but not enough that it exceeds the legal amount. Seems like your old run of the mill vampire murder but we still haven’t done a proper autopsy because we’re still waiting for the papers to be approved so that could change. Any questions?”

Ellie turns to Colt as she gestures for him to look at the bodies. Colt lets out a small sigh and runs his hand through his hair before he steps forward and looks down at the faces staring back at him and somewhere deep in his heart twists a little at the knowledge that they were murdered almost a month ago and the culprit still hasn’t been caught. But he pushes those thoughts away as he reaches out and carefully turns Ernesto’s head to the side to look at the vampire bite. He takes a moment to observe and look at it before he does the same to Malina. It only takes him a minute or so, maybe even less, before he looks up at Ellie with his answer.

“These might not be vampire bites.”

“Might?” Ellie frowns, frustrated that her suspicions might be right. That the murderer might not be a vampire after all.

“Yeah, look at the bite on the husband. They’re too precise, too clean. Older vampires like their bites to be clean just like this but they wouldn’t do it if they’re planning to suck the person dry,” Colt points to Malina’s neck. “But the wife’s bite here is sloppy, almost in a hurry. It’s common for younger vampires but they’re less likely to drink all of the blood since they get full too easily. Vampires from different generational ages don’t just hang out and commit murders together.”

Ellie hums in acknowledgement as her mind turns at the new information. “Do you think those bites could be done by something else other than a vampire? Like some kind of magical instrument perhaps?”

Colt scoffs as he buries his hands in his pockets and shrugs. “Who fucking knows? If it was, I wouldn’t know of it.”

Ellie glares at his dismissiveness but she reminds herself that he’s provided her with new information that can help her investigation and she quickly tempers her annoyance. She doesn’t have to like him but she can be civil and she can be the bigger person.

“Okay, that’s enough for today. I don’t want Mona catching you two in here,” Ingrid concludes as she raises her hand again and pink sparks start to gather. With one wave, the Kilat couple’s bodies start to fade away from the autopsy table and Colt fearfully glances up above his head.

“Thanks a lot Ingrid,” Ellie says with a smile which Ingrid happily returns before Ellie turns to Colt with an appreciative nod. “You too Colt, this helps a lot.”

“Why are you even doing all of this anyway?” Colt asks, his eyes narrowing a little at Ellie in suspicion. His question hints at not only figuring out the bites on the Kilat’s necks but the fact that Ellie had bluffed her threat in his nightclub a few nights before. “With the Agency’s resources, you would’ve known this even without my help.”

Ellie and Ingrid share a look, a silent conversation passing through them before Ingrid shrugs—silently telling Ellie that it’s her decision—before she leaves the room to continue with her work. Ellie turns to look at Colt, her face impassive and her emotions controlled.

“The Agency gave this case to me because I’m a half-witch. They fully expect this case to fail and is purposely limiting my access to the Agency’s resources so I had to get creative with getting my information.”

Colt whistles as he looks at her impressively. “So this is an ego thing then?”

“Of course not,” Ellie scoffs as she crosses her arms in front of her and her eyes flit to the autopsy table where the Kilat couple had been. “They deserve justice and they deserve for their case to be investigated. They left behind a ninety year old daughter, you know? She wants answers for her parent’s death,” Ellie gazes into Colt’s eyes, her own flickering blue with an intensity that pierces his soul. “I’m sure you know what it feels like to have a parent die and not be given the due diligence of an investigation into their death.”

Colt grits his teeth, his fangs almost piercing his bottom lip as he tries to refute her statement. To respond in anger and frustration but he realizes that there’s nothing he can say that wouldn’t come out sounding pathetic and weak. So he scoffs and crosses his arms instead as he turns his head away from her. It’s absolute bullshit that the girl in front of him can seem to read him so easily.

“Glad that you understand,” Ellie grins as she looks at the time on the wall clock to her right. “I’ll text you if I need anything else, other than that I’ll see you at the meeting with Jason Shaw. Thanks for today Colt!”

“Hey wait,” Colt calls out just as Ellie makes her way to the door. “Where are you going?”

Ellie furrows her eyebrows for a moment, confused as to why he’s suddenly interested, but she shrugs and decides to tell him. It’s not like telling him changes anything anyway.

“I’m going back to the Kilat’s house to take a look around again. Maybe there’s something in the basement that could be used to replicate a vampire bite.”

Colt furrows his eyebrows at her. “And…what? You’re going alone?”

Ellie’s eyes widen at the tone of his voice before she glares at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying. You look like the only thing you’ve ever fought is a garden gnome.”

Ellie bristles at the implication of his words as she stalks forward and jabs her finger on his chest. “I’ll have you know I have fought multiple magical creatures or did you forget that I’m a witch—”

“Half a witch,” Colt corrects with a smug smile.

“It doesn’t matter if I’m half or not,” Ellie rebukes with a scowl. “I’ve been doing fine with the investigation for the last month and I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah?” Colt leans back and regards her seriously. “And how many of those magical creatures did you fight were vampires? If Shaw really is behind this, would you be able to fight him on equal ground? Do you even know how long a fight lasts against a Primordial, Miss Half a Witch?”

Ellie falters and she curses at herself for internally agreeing with him. Sure, she’s held her ground in the rare chance she has to use her magic to fight but as a half-witch she has a time limit to her powers. Her magic is powerful, she studied and trained hard to make sure it’s at its peak performance, but beyond six hours and her powers wane and weaken. But Colt is right, if she’s faced with a Primordial vampire and she has to fully exhaust her powers then…she wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Colt says when he sees the look on her face before he digs into his pocket and takes out his keys. “Come on, I’m driving.”

“Huh—what? Wait!” Ellie runs after him as Colt makes his way out of the morgue and out of the building. “You’re going with me?!”

“Yeah,” Colt says as he reaches the black and white Cavalieri and swings his legs over the bike. He pauses for a moment to glance at his wristwatch and look up in the sky before he nods and turns to offer Ellie his one helmet. He scoffs at the look of absolute delight on her face. “Don’t get me wrong. If you die, who’s going to get the ashes? I’m just making sure you have enough arms to actually keep your end of the bargain.”

“Uh huh sure you are,” Ellie grins as she takes the bike helmet and places it on her head. “It’s easier to just say you like me Colt, it’s not that hard.”

Colt scowls and revs the engine as Ellie climbs behind him. “I do not like you.”

“Sure you do, I don’t blame you. After all, most creatures—” Ellie lets out a scream when Colt suddenly drives forward without warning and almost propels her backward but she quickly recovers and wraps her arms around his waist. Once she realizes what he did, she hits the back of his shoulder with a scowl he can’t see. “You asshole! I almost fell off!”

Colt lets out an amused laugh, his head tilting back and his fangs glinting in the sun as his eyes glow with a soft tone gold.

Ellie can’t help but be captured by the sound of his laughter and she’s suddenly reminded of how his mouth moved against hers in the dim private room of the nightclub. A small blush dusts her cheeks as she tries to keep her head back on the investigation while Colt easily weaves and moves through LA traffic.

[nikkilover-miraclenikki]

【 Miracle Nikki CN 】 4 Seasons “Chapter 11-14”

【 Miracle Nikki CN 】 4 Seasons “Chapter 11-14”

Collection :: 4 Seasons

Suit Display ::

The first time Debbie saw this bag, she wondered is it more like cotton candy or milk fudge?

P.1 :: Rabbit Sweet (白兔糖)

The original dream is like the early spring sunshine. It may not warm your body, but can ignite your heart.

P.2 :: Rising Star (芳华心歌加)

Her world was pure and simple. No sophisticated stories were needed. Their hearts were settled after a hug.

P.3 :: South Wind Star (白南风之晨)

The moment Nikki saw Bai Jinjin's hairstyle, she realized that it was the 101st Runaway Travel.

P.4 :: Jinjin’s Jurney (锦锦的旅行)

Yao Sui shook the magic wand in his hand, Jing Shi let it fall like snowflakes, Zhan Sui turned down and sent the road to Seba.

But Momo has done the same

P.5 :: Star Bud (星语蓓蕾)

The world beyond the flower fields. Dongxi saw the first winter in her life. The first snow that I saw with the formation, is the most memorable picture

P.6 :: Winter Rhyme (慕雪童謠)

Modeling is not a simple profession, especially as a professional, to maintain your body and mind at all times.

P.7 :: Valiant Phantom (飒爽丽影)

It's not her usual style, but Kimi still carefully planned her outfits for the trip as a professional designer.

P.8 :: Shallow Sky Trip (浅空旅行记)

NPC ::

P.1 :: Debbie

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.18-S2 “Bookish Debbie”

P.2 :: Vivi

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.7-S1 “Office Lady Vivi (4)”

P.3 :: Starlet

Main Story • Vol.2 Ch.2-S3 “Wedding Stylist”

P.4 :: Bai Jinjin

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.4-10 “The Cloud Couple”

P.5 :: Bobo

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.3-S2 “Wedding Dress Design”

P.6 :: Winter

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.6-10 “Competitions: Winter”

P.7 :: Vivi

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.4-6 “Office Lady Vivi (2)”

P.8 :: Kimi

Main Story • Vol.1 Ch.19-2 “Town Dessert Chef”

Type :: Association Fantasy Workshop

P.1-2 :: Ch.11 “Sin City”

P.3-4 :: Ch.12 “Oren’s Night”

P.5-6 :: Ch.13 “The Queen’s Garden”

P.7-8 :: Ch.14 “Bovaly’s Autumn”

Date ::

P.1-2 :: 31/10/2017…..

P.3-4 :: 09/03/2018…..

P.5-6 :: 22/06/2018…..

P.7-8 :: 28/09/2018…..

[seriouslyhooked]

Lost Souls and Reveries (Part 23)

24 part AU written for @cssns​. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6,Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22. Story available on AO3 Here and FF Here. Banner created by the amazingly talented @shipsxahoy​!!

A/N: Hey all! So we are back with another chapter of Lost Souls and Reveries and, as is very typical of me, I found myself trying to wrap up this story and I’ve come to the realization I need a few more chapters to do the story justice. I also had multiple readers ask (okay, beg) me to pick up the story right where the last chapter had ended so I have done that with this chapter. Be advised we will move from Killian’s POV to another character who’s POV we’ve never had before. But rest assured you’ll get some fluff, some smut, and some cuteness before getting back into the drama. Thanks so much for reading, and can’t wait to see what you all think!

Hearing Emma say the words, ‘I do’ just now as they made their vows to each other out on the front porch changed the entire plan Killian had for this evening. There could be no soft and sweet or slow and steady when he knew Emma loved him just as fiercely and entirely as he loved her. It brought too much to the forefront, prompting his body to pulse with the need and adrenaline reserved only for two perfectly suited fated mates. This didn’t seem to bother Emma though, for she replied in kind, holding him tightly and clamoring for more as they moved past the front door and into their new home.

A tour might have been an obvious first step, but it would have to wait. Right now, Killian craved the taste of his love and the satisfaction that came with making her purr. He could smell her want for him and feel the way her body shook with anticipation and desire. It was like their first night spent together all over again. None of the frenzy had dissipated, and his confidence and assuredness in them had only grown stronger. He and Emma were forever. There was nothing but this – nothing but them – and he let out a growl of approval at that as he made quick work of the alarm and bolted the front door, locking them away from the rest of the world. Before she could put even a few inches of space between them he was on her, resulting in a yelp of anticipation from Emma that dissolved very quickly into a throaty moan.

“Killian.”

His name on her lips soothed him even as they drove him just a little more insane. Didn’t she realize how lost he was for her and how such strong displays of her infatuation would drive him even more wild? She was stirring the animal inside of him, making him and his wolf completely desperate for more.

“I had a plan, love. I was going to take you room by room through this house. I was going to tell you of my dreams for this place and ask you of yours,” he said as his hands brought her harder against him, her core rubbing against his hard length through the denim of his jeans. She writhed at his show of power, her eyes hazing over to a lusty emerald green. “But that plan is no longer viable.”

“It isn’t?” Emma asked, her tongue coming out to wet her lips, taunting him and splintering his already fractured control.

“No. I can’t wait any longer, love. Maybe another day, in another moment…” he trailed off, not wanting to revisit the harrowing episodes from earlier today again, but Emma understood. Instead of letting that linger she pulled him down to kiss her and fed directly into his new dream. Soon he had her caught between his body and the wall and as he tore his lips from hers, seeking out her slender neck, he hummed before nipping at her pulse.

“You unravel me, Emma,” he said as his hands roamed her body with power and precision. He held her tight, his hold absolute, dominating his love in a way more befitting of a wolf than a man. It was primal, but oh so right, for him and for his mate, as was made clear by Emma’s little keening cries for more and her ever strengthening scent. “My mate, my wife, I must have you.”

“You do. Totally and completely,” she exclaimed, her voice growing pitchy as her breathing grew more labored.

She wiggled against him, and he resented the clothes still between them. Without real care for any of it, he stripped them down of everything he could, ripping away whatever wouldn’t easily go. He pretty much destroyed the whole outfit his Emma had been donning, but he didn’t give a damn. He’d buy her a hundred more if it made her happy, and in this moment she didn’t seem to care, watching him with increasing excitement and desire with each rip and tear. When she was naked before him, he stood for a split second totally hypnotized. He didn’t know where to start. He wanted to devour her completely and he traced the lines of where he could begin over and over a thousand times in mere moments. But when his eyes landed on the place where their pup was now growing more and more every day, he was pushed to action again, overtaken by the knowledge that he’d filled her womb with his child almost from the start. She was his in every way, tying them together and building something wholly good from their union, and both those things only made him want her more.

“It’s moments like this I thank God a little extra for what you are, love,” Killian murmured against her skin, his instincts trying to decide where it would be best to take her. Sure he could gather her up and bring her upstairs, but that would take time. Time he had no interest in wasting.

“What I am?” she asked, not following.

“A perfect blend of human and shifter. It makes you strong, love, strong enough that when I take you tonight I don’t have to hold back. I would have loved you any way you came, Emma. Never doubt that, but knowing how much you can handle…” he said as he knelt before her, his hands keeping her pressed against the wall as he maneuvered her to bring her waiting heat to his hungry mouth. “Knowing I can take you hard and make you mine again and again, well that’s the definition of a miracle.”

Without further discussion he took exactly what he wanted, savoring her taste and her desire while sating some of his need for her. This urge to dominate her, to take what he wanted while also giving her everything she could ever wish for pounded through his body, and after a day as riddled with peril as the one they’d just faced, he could do nothing to curtail this. The sounds of her wild and unchecked wants were music to his ears, and he started to lose grasp of his conscious human mind. Everything was instinct as his animal took over with just basic pulsing words blaring in his head as he tasted her sensitive flesh.

Mine. Take. Claim. Mine. Take. Claim.

He felt Emma crash into her completion once and then again and again. He drew her out and never let her rest, but when she couldn’t take love in this form any more he shifted their position, bringing her down to the ground with him but having her from behind. They’d done this before but never so brazenly, never with so much rampant need. It made the back of his throat tight with a need to howl, and when Emma begged him to take her he almost did. He cursed aloud but felt that biting sense of bliss as he slammed into her over and over. He lost himself in this but it wasn’t enough. It felt like the mating moon bearing down on them, but it was just their love. No other magic was at play, save for the magic that lay in Emma. Ultimately he needed to change their position again, never feeling fully complete without seeing her fall apart and when she did he wasn’t far behind. And in those precious moments where they truly became one, Killian found that all too elusive peace that told him just how perfect they were for each other.

“That was…” Emma couldn’t seem to find the words as they lay together on the living room floor, both spent and reveling in what they’d just done, with nothing like shame or embarrassment between them. “God, I don’t even have words. Can we do that again?”

“Every day of our lives, my love.”

After a few more moments spent enjoying their togetherness and the way that their burdens felt far beyond their reach, Killian wanted to show his soon to be bride their new home. There was just one problem – in his haste to claim his mate, he’d made a real mess of their clothes, hers most notably and in the end all they had between them was his jeans and shirt.

“There are clothes upstairs,” he explained, running his hand through his hair distractedly, as Emma stood up, completely exposed and unfazed in the slightest. But then she smiled at him and he was truly driven to distraction.

“Why bother?” she asked, stealing his shirt and throwing it over herself, the hem of it coming to just about midthigh, covering her, but making her no less tempting to him in the process. She gestured to his jeans and he put them on, reveling in the look in her eyes when he remained shirtless and available for her viewing pleasure. “See? We’re golden.”

Killian laughed at her assessment before taking her hand in his and guiding her on an actual tour through their new home, a place she clearly loved, even before seeing the redone interior. It was a great gift to him to know that he had made such a good decision in buying this estate, and Emma’s enthusiasm and excitement reassured him that he could not have done better. She was enamored with this house, and thankfully she was on board with all of the changes he’d made so far.

“I can’t believe this can be the same house. Everything is so bright and airy, but it’s still timeless,” Emma marveled, taking in the high ceilings that the first floor boasted and the charming antique moldings that adorned the walls. He’d had the contracting crew paint everything a pale eggshell for the time being, wanting a clean canvass that Emma could change should she so wish, but even like this the house was somehow still cozy. It didn’t have any sort of sterile, modern malaise. It was simple sophistication, and that seemed to be exactly what Emma wanted.

When Killian first saw the house, there were some rooms that were beyond salvaging, but many were diamonds in the rough. In some spaces, like the sunroom which was directly next to their living room, the antique windows that had always been there still worked perfectly. They formed a large glass encasement facing the east, so that early morning sunlight would always fill the area. With a bit of cleaning and restoration, the gilded beauty of a more ostentatious time was made relevant again, and the effect was classic and homey all at once. The room lacked furnishings now, but Emma immediately had ideas, something Killian knew would happen. He was almost glad for this little bit of chaos, if only because it sped up his reveal of their home. With Emma’s wishes known now, he could make this place a completed, calming hideaway for them by the time they were truly wed, and that was a goal he would be glad to accomplish. In this room especially, Killian could imagine shared stolen moments. Someday this home would be filled with their children, and there would be rare segments of time when Emma and Killian weren’t attending to them, but in the early morning, when the sun was just rising, or just after dusk when the stars were starting to appear in a vast night sky, Killian could envision them curled up, sharing a coffee or a cocoa and enjoying the respite, however fleeting it might be.

Other areas like the kitchen, were beyond small fixes. The contractors gutted the whole thing, and what now stood there was a contemporary looking space that was big enough for everything they needed. There was ample counterspace, new appliances, and a kitchen island made of local white granite, and most importantly there was an open wall so that he or Emma could see directly into what would be one day be their children’s playroom when they were cooking meals. That wasn’t the original layout of the house, but Killian had been adamant with the contractor that this was what he wanted. He and Emma hadn’t discussed this at length, but he knew that her career and the service she provided to the community meant everything to her. As such, he anticipated that he would take on a bulk of watching the kids and keeping things handled over here. He was desirous to do that, knowing that providing his family with love, protection, and stability after being denied that for so much of his youth would make him a better man. This fresh start with Emma was a way to do things right, and though it might seem overprotective, he wanted the ability to keep tabs on all their little ones at any given moment.

“This kitchen is amazing,” Emma gushed, running her hand along the sleek new features with adoration. Suddenly her cheeks flushed and Killian was on her immediately, wrapping her up in his arms and demanding to know what thought she’d had that made her blush. “I was just thinking that we’ll probably be spending a lot of time in here. What with all my pregnancy cravings and everything.”

Killian knew she didn’t just mean cravings for food, of which Emma had already begun to show signs. Since he’d gotten her pregnant Emma had been even hungrier for the love between them, and that was perfectly fine with Killian. He craved Emma every second of every day, and if she liked this kitchen and had visions of satisfaction stemming from this space, then who was he to deny her what she wanted? Hell, he’d take her right this moment if she indicated that was what she wished, but clearly this tour meant so much to her, and they still had much to see.

The rest of the first floor was all pretty standard, though Emma commented again and again about how open it was and about how it was exactly like she’d always wanted. But it took getting upstairs for really overflowing emotions to emerge. Emma saw the rooms Killian had begun to design for their future children and the features he’d put in already, like reading nooks and bay windows that matched her own childhood bedroom. There was a circular ‘tower’ room that he’d converted into a library, and even now many of Emma’s favorite books were adorning the built-in shelves around the space. She had been so busy she didn’t notice him taking them from her apartment above the clinic, but seeing them now she was overcome with emotion. Her eyes filled with happy tears, and her voice grew soft and strained from all that she was feeling.

“Oh, Killian, it’s perfect,” She said, running her hands along the wooden shelves with a dreamy expression.

After a few more minutes, Emma noticed the books that adorned many of the lower shelves and in the face of them her unshed tears managed to slip down her cheeks. For there, in an area most easily reached, there were already some childhood story staples. More than a few of those were courtesy of Emma’s parents. They had saved her favorite books from when she was a young girl and gifted them back now in hopes that one day their grandchildren would enjoy the same stories. Meanwhile, though his own possessions were much less vast than Emma’s were from childhood, there were even a few bounded tales from his youth, which he one day hoped to share with his children.

“I was thinking I could put the telescope here,” Killian said, drawing her to another wall that was made almost entirely of glass and which dipped upwards, allowing for a beautiful view of the night sky. Already the stars were twinkling, and though the grounds of their house were largely obscured by the shadows of the night, the sight was still beautiful. “I always loved the stars as a boy, I figure chances are one of our little ones might be the same.”

“They all will. They’re all going to want to be just like their Dad,” Emma said, bringing Killian’s hand atop their growing pup and smiling as she did. “They’re not even here yet and already you’re the best kind of father. You love us all so much, and that’s the one thing that matters most of all.”

Killian agreed that she was right. His love for their family was forever. It was unconditional and it would never end, as long as he lived and ever thereafter. That was probably evident in the way he’d begun to style the nurseries and designed the rest of their home, but in one room there was no real hint of their children. The master bedroom would be their space, a den of sorts, built to be the essence of comfort for him and Emma. From a giant bed with flowing white linens, to the giant clawfoot tub and the walk-in closet, Killian had chosen every feature with Emma’s happiness in mind. Things in their life were already hectic, and when they had kids it would be the same, just in new and differing ways. He felt strongly that Emma and he should have this, a private little oasis where they ended and started each day together.

To say that Emma agreed would be an understatement, and she showed him that immediately, by pulling him into bed and ‘christening’ the room in a way that drew them both to bliss. All in all, it was a perfect first night together, and a miraculous stretch of time where both of them could put down their worries about of the state of their small world. They ate, they bathed, they made love more than once, and they cemented their mating bond over and over again. The monsters in their lives were pushed to a far away distance, and somehow they both managed to sleep after everything they’d gone through. Nine full hours of rest were attained, and both of them slept with only peaceful dreams, but alas, the real world could only wait for so long, and sure enough it came tumbling back in again. When it did Killian woke right away, hearing the chirping of his phone before it woke Emma and walking into the room beside theirs, which happened to be their nursery before answering the call.

“You found something?” He said, not even greeting Ruby’s call with a hello or a good morning.

“We did. Graham managed to get surveillance tape of George’s SUV. He changed the plates but there’s a recognizable scratch along the front. Definitely bear claws. Graham ran it through the national database and got a hit at the border.”

“So he’s in Canada now?”

“Yeah, but we lost the trail there. Graham’s police contacts seem to not be as international as we might need them to be.”

“So we’ve got nothing then?”

“Not so fast, Lance of all people got a message from a mountain lion clan about six hours from here. There’s something happening up there, something weird.”

“What do you mean by something?”

“Animals are acting strangely, unaccounted for tracks, and there’s a smell, or rather a stench as they put it.”

“More sick shifters?”

“Only one way for us to find out, but it sounds like it. Good news is David and Neal made good progress with a cure, and in the meantime, they found a sedative that works. Anna’s bear let them test it on him and he was out damn near all night. They’re prepping more now.”

Killian heard the sound of Emma waking up, the sheets on their now messy bed rustling as she moved and he sighed, knowing that yet again he was facing real danger and an enemy that didn’t want him and Emma to have this peace. The only consolation was that a lead could get them past this. If they could find these shifters, then maybe they could find George and really get rid of him. That was the ultimate priority as the man was seemingly decided against letting Emma be.

“Do we know anything about the area?”

“We don’t, but David seems to. He says it was a long time ago, but when he was a kid he went with George past the border. They stayed with another family of hunters who lived not too far from this clan. David had heard that family were all gone now, some sort of hunter feud gone bad, but land records show there’s a massive estate out there. No listed residents but taxes on it get paid every year so no one’s messed with it.”

“George is probably there,” Emma said, putting into words Killian’s own assumptions as she curled into his side, and he nodded to her as he promised Ruby that they’d be there in thirty minutes. When he’d hung up the call. He looked to Emma, hating what he had to say next.

“We’re going to need to send a tracking team love, and there’s a reason Ruby called me. Of all of us, it’s likely me, Liam, and your father who are most needed out there. If this place is really as rural as Ruby made it seem, we’re the only ones trained for this kind of thing.”

“Well good, you should go then,” Emma said, moving to get dressed. “But I’m going with you.”

“Emma, you don’t have to do this,” he replied. “Yesterday was a lot for you and the baby and -,”

“Oh no you don’t. There is no way in hell I am sitting on the sidelines. This is my fight too, and besides, we both know that even if you’ll worry about me with you, it’s nothing compared to what you’ll feel if we’re apart.”

How could he argue with her when she was exactly right? He would feel better knowing she was with him, danger or not. After yesterday, there was just no comparison. Fighting side by side would now always be his preference and Emma knew that and made no complaints.

Soon enough they were ready and reunited with the others, and it became abundantly clear that more people wanted to go than could easily be brought. Killian and Liam were a given, as was David for obvious reasons. He was the only hunter among them, he had a baseline awareness of the area, and he had the most resentment against George of any of them. Ruth couldn’t bear to go, and it didn’t make sense for most of the others, but finally it was settled that Emma and Anna would round out the team. On this they had only mild pushback, all of it from Elsa.

“If you’re going, I’m going,” she said, not to Liam but to Anna. His brother’s mate seemed to trust in Liam’s ability and obviously didn’t desire to be away from him, but her fiercest protective instincts only came out for her sister and for Emma. Since Emma had Killian to watch over her, Elsa was appeased on that score, but Anna was more precariously placed, and also guided by emotion that could end up being her downfall.

“No, Elsa, you have to stay here. Ruby needs you to help with tracing Gold, she can’t do it alone, and I need you to stay with him,” Anna said, motioning towards the bear who remained trapped in the crystal enclosure.

The bear had been paying attention this whole discussion, and he roared out an aggressive sound. Clearly it didn’t like the idea of Anna leaving, and Killian couldn’t blame him. But there was very little choice, especially when Anna wanted to get some kind of vengeance for him. Before he could get too worked up, Anna slipped back into the crystal enclosure. While no one outwardly gasped this time, it was still alarming, and Emma squeezed his hand tight as she watched her friend.

“I know you hate this idea,” Anna said, pressing her hand to the bears face lovingly. “I’m not a huge fan either, but I know it’s the right thing. My instincts are going haywire, telling me it has to be like this. I’ll never know peace until I know he can never hurt us – hurt you again.”

The bear growled, but the sound was aimed at George and not Anna. Surprisingly the bear then reached its claw out to grab Anna and pull her close in what was quite literally a bear hug. Anna let out a sound between a laugh and a cry, but she relaxed into the embrace for a moment. Finally she pulled back, pressing a quick peck to the bear’s cheek before promising to come back. When she was through the crystal enclosure again, she looked to Elsa, and the tears in her eyes did nothing to deter her conviction.

“I can’t leave him with just anyone, Els. Leaving at all is hard enough, but I have to. This man hurt him, tortured him, and it makes me crazy. I have to help bring him down, but I can’t if you won’t stay here and protect him for me.”

Elsa stood there quietly for a moment, her hands balling and releasing unsteady fists as a range of emotions crossed her face. She clearly hated this idea, and her eyes flicked between Anna and Emma, before ultimately landing on Liam. Killian watched as his brother whispered an assurance in his mate’s ear and then kissed her surely, and when they pulled back Elsa’s fear was somewhat eased but by no means erased. Still, she chose brave acceptance over continued argument.

“You have to promise me you will stay with Liam or Emma at all times,” Elsa said to Anna, emotion caught in her throat as she spared another glance at her mate and Emma to confirm. “Seriously, you all three better come home to me or there will be hell to pay.”

“Everyone is coming home, and that is an order,” Mary Margaret said, her stares intent on David and Emma, though she clearly cared for all of them.

It was almost humorous to see the fierceness of a mother and a wife so closely mirroring Elsa’s fear as a friend and sister. If one didn’t know better, she and Mary Margaret would seem like family, but then again they were. Truth be told, every person here were all of them connected together, whether through blood, love, or unbreakable bond and that was all exceptionally clear as goodbyes were said, and ‘see you soons’ were exchanged.

“There’s no use worrying now about how this is gonna go,” David said a few minutes later as they got into the car and he drove the clinic’s SUV out of town and due north.

“Oh no?” Anna asked, her eyes watching the landscape like at any moment she’d see her mate running through this grove of woods.

“When my wife gives an order, she gets her way. If she says we’re coming home, we’re coming home.”

The joke achieved its objective, lightening the mood and bringing a small smile to everyone’s face. And though there were no real guarantees, and the future was still unsure, Killian chose to believe that Emma’s father was right. For after all of this, they simply had to survive, and when they did it would be on to happy endings, and the days of warring villains would be past them once and for all.

………………………..

Idiot! Fool! Complete and total failure!

The snarling voice inside his mind gave life to all of Gold’s own feelings about the sham of a hunter who had driven him astray.

What a farce this had been, and infuriatingly, what a harrowing misstep they both had made. All of this magic and time, wasted. He was low on his stores, having depleted too much of his saved up power not just in the past few days but over a series of years, and the thought was repulsive to Gold. After decades of harvesting every last bit of magic he could from creatures and beasts all over this world, here he was, weak and vulnerable. That wouldn’t last too long. A few months in one of his many hideaways and he’d revive himself to a more stable position. He had plenty of treasures back home designed to help him do just that. But still, what an embarrassment, and it was all because George Nolan was too blinded by purpose to prepare for all outcomes.

Of all the things to be undone by, a mated bond was one Gold never anticipated. Surely a seasoned hunter wouldn’t be so stupid, so pitiably dumb as to miss a possible match set by a natural magic far stronger than any Gold could conjure. But then that was the problem with these humans. All of them were so guided by their own crusades and devoted to overblown ego. Still, hunters were supposed to be of at least some use. They knew of magic in this world, they were privy to more than the average so and so. Yet in this situation it clearly meant nothing and now years of planning were gone, faster than he could flick his wrist and cast a spell.

Walking through the doors of this dilapidated shack that humans called a home, Gold bit back his sneer. Or maybe he didn’t. Why guard himself now? The cat was already out of the bag, so to speak, and now it was time to clean up. He had made a mess, or at least had allowed a mess to happen, and now it was time to make things right and protect himself before this belligerent waste of space made even more trouble.

“You played me!” George said, appearing from the back of the room that was obscured with shadow with a cross bow drawn and aimed Gold’s way. “You reneged on our deal! You told me you’d give me a weapon to kill them, and look what you did instead!”

“What I did?” Gold bit out, the words filled with venom and yet sterilized from most of the hate and rage flowing in his veins. He stepped closer to George, never flinching even when the hunter raised his bow to aim at his heart. “You were the one who made the choice. Who caught the beast in question? Was it me? Oh no, it was you. I offered one after another after another. I made it as easy as I possibly could for you to have all that you wanted. I gave you access to every shifter I could find, I ravaged half a dozen packs and chose the strongest of each clan, but none of them suited you. No wolf would do. No lion would suffice. I searched high and low, but it had to be a grizzly, and for what?”

“You know as well as I do that the infusions work best with a larger beast -,”

“Ha! You and your little ‘infusions.’ It was my magic that made anything possible. Without me you couldn’t stabilize that sickness to save your life. You would have had nothing, nothing!”

“Would have had? I have nothing now! Not only did the bear not fulfill the objective, they captured it.”

“You really can’t even grasp your own stupidity can you?” Gold asked. If he were capable of pity he would have felt it in this moment, watching as George looked confused in the face of his words. “They didn’t capture the beast. The bear has a fated mate and she is a witch. A friend of your great-niece.”

“That’s not possible. I designed the virus to override that instinct.”

At this Gold let out a sharp cackle, a maniacal sound that echoed through the aging wood of this long forgotten cabin. He hadn’t laughed like this in a long time and it really was funny, even if it was also a fucking farce.

“Override the instinct? You really are as dumb as any human off the street.” George’s anger got the better of him and he shot the arrow at Gold, but Gold was faster, waving his hand and halting the motion of the weapon as it clattered to the ground. “There is nothing in the world stronger than a fated mate. True love, soul mates, they exist in all the fairy tales for a reason. As long as there has been magic in the world, love has had power.”

“Well you should have told me! How was I to know?”

“See that’s the problem with you – you think that in this deal it’s I who serves your purpose. And I’m here to assure you of how wrong you are,” Gold said lifting the arrow with his powers back from the ground and turning it back to face at George. “The only reason I let you have your little sickness was to suit my needs. I want those witches and the hybrid. You promised me them in exchange for your weapon.”

“Maybe if you had told me why you want them so bad we could have avoided this.”

Gold ignored the barb, but his own sense of foreboding crept in again. He suppressed it, refusing to allow a dying witch’s last words to haunt him any longer. He was taking control of the situation, stifling any threat, or at least he was trying to.

“But it’s too late now.”

“Too late?” Gold said with a barked out laugh. “We’ve a half a dozen more shifters roaming around these mountains, waiting to be sent to track and kill, and none of them with mates to find in that wretched pack.”

“Doesn’t matter. David knows what he’s up against now, and he may be a disgrace, but I also trained him. He’ll have found a way to fend them off by now, he and those abominations he carries on with.”

“You really believe he has that ability?”

“I do,” George admitted, angrily.

“So what? It’s just over then? You’re giving up and reneging on your deal?”

“The way I see it the deal is moot – you failed to provide -,”

“I gave you everything I promised!” Gold screamed out, and the sound of it boomed around them, echoing in a thunder clap above them. The wind had picked up inside the cabin, the air crackled with energy, and yet when he calmed, that aching sense of exhausting kicked back in. he was weak right now, and he couldn’t afford this fight. But that didn’t mean he planned to lose. Far from it. “And now you’ll see just how strong a weapon that it was.”

With a flick of his wrist, the arrow fell down to the ground again, and George let out a sigh of relief, but then the howl of animals in the night emanated from a few miles away, sending an eerie chill even through Gold’s body. Oh he was at no risk, to be sure. His magic had a failsafe – no creature in his hold could turn on him, but any block against their attacking George was now gone. After all, a deal was a deal, and if a man couldn’t meet terms… well, that was hardly his problem.

“What did you do, Gold?” George asked, but Gold just smiled, giving an exaggerated wave goodbye, laughing again as he turned for the door. “Gold?! Gold!”

The sound of desperate calling was music to his ears as he walked away into the woods, heading to somewhere no one could find him without paying a hefty price. And though it might take some time, Gold reveled in the thought that by this time next year his latest trophies would be found. The witches and the hybrid would be his, fate would be rewritten, and he would remain the most powerful creature of them all.

Post-Note: Okay so yeah, this was wild even for me, BUT I needed you guys to see a little more of how things have gone awry and to know more than Emma and the others do. When I hinted a few weeks back about a spin-off of this series, I always had tracking Gold in mind, and though the story will feature CS, it will more centrally revolve around some of our other characters. Rest assured though, Gold is now out of the picture in this story, but George and the six sick shifters are still very much an issue. We’ll get to the climactic conclusion of that next time, and in the meantime I hope you guys enjoyed, I thank you so much for reading, and I hope you’ll keep enjoying this journey with me as we hit our last two chapters (and maybe a bonus epilogue or two)!

Tag list: @jennjenn615 @winterbaby89 @kmomof4 @teamhook @ultraluckycatnd @resident-of-storybrooke @coliferoncer @artistic-writer @snowbellewells @eastside-divebar @snarkycaptainswan4 @allofdafandoms-blog

[methylsalicylate]

The Madrigals and The Beast Ch 1

AO3 Link | Story art by @waokevale | Tag: #Madrigals&Beast 

Chapters:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Summary: 

In the Kingdom of Encanto, there was only Light magic, while the Dark surrounded the forest beyond the mountains. Everything had been prosperous for them, but recently the Dark has been seeping through in the form of disease, less harvest, and dead livestock.

Mirabel, the only giftless princess of the Madrigal Royal family, wants to prove her worth by making it her mission to eradicate Dark magic and restore the full power of the Light.

Starting with defeating the hideous seven-foot tall half human half rat monster hiding in the depths of the dense forest.

______________________________________________________________

In a land far away, protected by dense forests and massive mountains, was a small kingdom.

Here, Light magic existed in nature. It was found in the bountiful harvests they get every year, in the river that never runs out of fish, in the fields that fed the animals, and in the living house of the royal Madrigal family, which is fondly called “Casita”.

The existence of Light magic implies the existence of the opposite kind, which is of the more evil sort. Dark magic stemmed from a wretched being, an entity known as the Curse of the Encanto. Its energy spilled throughout the outside borders, weakened due to its diffused state. The very first king defeated it with a sword made with a small amount of Light magic, creating the protective barrier and dispersing the energy outward, scattering its essence.

Currently, everyone lived peacefully under the governance of King Pedro, the 10th ruler of Encanto.

During King Pedro’s term his wife, Queen Alma, gave birth to triplets, 2 girls and the youngest, a boy. With their birth came gifts from the counterpart of the Curse, the benevolent Spirit of Encanto. These gifts were in the form of a Candle representing the status of Light magic, and a sealed box, both manifesting in the topmost room of Casita. Nobody knew what this meant, but this occurrence was seen as a miracle, and the entire town celebrated the birth of the royal triplets for a whole week.

This was not where the miracles ended, though.

—--------------------------------------------------—

“Really mama? There are more miracles?”

Julieta pulled her 4 year old daughter closer to her as they lay down in bed. It was a little early in the evening, but Mirabel was tired from playing too much with her slightly older cousin, Camilo. The boy was still outside, forced to help out after knocking a few vases in the garden outside.

“Of course. Why do you think Isa can make flowers? Or how Luisa is super strong?”

“Or how you can heal with food!”

“Yes exactly. You see mi vida, when I was around 5, my sister and…” Julieta trailed off, looking down with pain in her eyes. “Well, we were still complete back then. On our 5th birthday, three mysterious doors showed up in Casita. Your Abuelo Pedro knew it was a gift from the Spirit of Encanto, and it granted us the miracles we have now. It also gave us these marks around our arms.”

She raised her hand, and just below her wrist was a small mark of a leaf, and a straight line going around, as if it were a bracelet in the form of a tattoo. To her, this was like a small reminder that her gift of healing was meant to be shared with the people around them. Her sister Pepa had a small sun, while Bruno had a small hourglass as a mark.

“These miracles are why we dedicate our life to helping the kingdom.”

She tried to avoid sounding upset, but Mirabel noticed the change in her mother’s tone. She was still young, but her older siblings and cousins have told her about how her mama and Tia Pepa used to be a part of a trio.

“Mama… where did Tio Bruno go?”

“Ay, it is a very hard story to tell mija… It is a little bit scary too, and you are about to sleep so I don’t want you thinking about -”

“Mama please I can take it! I am a big girl now!” The child sat up and puffed her chest out, even flexing her arms to imitate her older sister.

Julieta smiled softly, and caressed her daughter’s hair. She motioned for her to lay down, prompting Mirabel to lay closer to her, full of anticipation.

“Promise me you’ll be brave tonight.”

“I promise!”

It was a hard story to tell. Even though it happened more than 20 years ago, closure was never met, and remembering the past felt like opening a still bleeding wound. However, her daughter had to know the dangers that surround the outskirts of Encanto. “You know how I can heal with meals I make, and how Tia Pepa can control the weather with her emotions? Well, your Tio Bruno could see the future.”

“Whooaa…”

“It is an amazing gift, but it also comes with consequences. He had this… vision, many years ago, of a giant rat-like creature standing behind him menacingly, with its arms around his neck, like it was choking him.”

The little gasp that came out of Mirabel prompted Julieta to stop, but her daughter stared at her with intense focus, waiting for whatever happened next. There’s no way she’s leaving her daughter alone tonight.

“We figured that it did not mean anything, that maybe it was a nightmare… But you know that Dark magic exists beyond the mountains.”

“Oh! The one from the Curse of the Encanto?”

“Yes. It was a terrible entity, spreading disease and disaster wherever it went. If it weren’t for the first king, the ancestor of your Abuelo Pedro, it would still be here. He was able to defeat it with a sword laced with some Light magic.” It was common knowledge, and more of a legend to the people in the kingdom. She still remembers how her father Pedro acted out the entire scene in dramatic fashion, complete with costumes and all.

“This vision of the Rat monster felt like Dark magic seeping through… Your abuelo and abuela were very worried about this, and it made Bruno even more anxious than he already is. Then one day… during a partial solar eclipse… We were just 10, we were playing outside and we had a small fight. Bruno walked away, and night came but he never returned… Nobody saw where he went. It was like he disappeared from Encanto.”

She paused, replaying the moment in her head.

“It was a nightmare. Everyone looked around the kingdom, but they were not able to go beyond the mountains, for it was too dangerous and treacherous. There were those that attempted but could not last a day climbing the mountains. The search lasted for months… We all assumed that his disappearance was the doing of the Rat monster from his vision, who most likely is a user of Dark magic, a servant of the Curse.”

“Your abuelo and abuela were devastated. Pepa and I cried almost every night. We kept blaming ourselves… If only I was a better older sister, if only I was brave enough… Losing one of us… losing a triplet, I felt like a third of me was ripped away.”

Mirabel stared at her with glassy eyes. She hugged her mother tightly. “Mama I don’t think it’s your fault. It’s the Rat monster! He’s a meanie!”

Laughter filled the room, Julieta already feeling more relaxed than upset. “Thank you mija. I still can’t help feeling sad whenever I remember that day… Ever since then, children have always been accompanied by at least one adult when they play around.”

She looked at her daughter, slightly being reminded of her baby brother. They both had big brown eyes.

“Mirabel, it’s very dangerous out there. Here, we are protected by Light magic, but beyond the mountains, Dark magic is everywhere. It is no longer conscious and is spread thinly all over, but it is out there. So please promise me, mi vida. Always be with someone when you go around the kingdom. And never, ever leave the Encanto.”

______________________________________________________________

Chapters: 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 

[sunnyartsstudio]

So, I got on Netflix again and just spent a substantial portion of this weekend binge watching the first season of The Dragon Prince and I got to say - I was monumentally disappointed. 

First, I want to address the elephant-koi in the room, this series is heavily derivative of ATLA. Now, I did know that going in since literally the only praise I see heaped on TDP is that it’s a lot like ATLA (and for some of its representation, which I’ll get to in a moment, don’t you worry) and Aaron Ehasz hasn’t exactly been doing this aspect any favors by consistently drawing comparisons to ATLA itself and using his working on ATLA as a promotional tool. But, honestly, I was massively unprepared for how deep and blatant TDP’s similarities to ATLA were going to get. The intro is a lengthened rehash of ATLA’s intro. The music is eerily similar. Its seasons are listed as “books” and its episodes “chapters” and its incorporation of the elements is damn near copy/paste. This series feels like the “can I copy your homework” meme manifested in a show. And, I can’t properly summarize this issue without bringing up my second issue - 

CALLUM. I feel really bad for this character. No, not because his parents are dead and he has security issues. No. Not that at all. It’s because Callum really isn’t allowed to be anything beyond a tug-of-war of “Sokka” and “not-Sokka”. The writers are constantly trying to both make Callum Sokka (Jack Desena voices him the exact same way, his humor is similar, his personality is similar) but also assure the audience that, no, he’s not Sokka. After all, he’s good at art and bad at combat - so totally not Sokka! Except when he is. Which is literally all the time other than those when those two aspects of his character are shown.

Third, since we’re discussing characters, I’m going to mention that the voice acting ranges from okay to horrendous. Ezran is the worst offender here, but, honestly, these characters can be downright painful to listen to.

Fourth, the animation. Yeah, I know this is the one area that even fans admit could be improved on, but I’m mentioning it nonetheless. It looks terrible. Now, that said, the designs and the backgrounds are actually really good. But the bizarre blend of 2D with 3D makes the movements stiff and jarring to look at and limits the characters’ range of expression, which is a massive detriment to the series and the emotional subject matters that it’s trying to cover.

Fifth, fucking Amaya. No, I don’t mean her character, I just mean an aspect of it. Now, going into the series, I already knew she was a guard and that she was deaf, and, therefore, I was already prepared for a certain level of stupid. Yeah, I know what I typed. A deaf person in the guard is a stupid idea. If she can’t hear, it’s that much easier to sneak up on her. You may not want to accept that, but it’s fact. Disabilities means there are certain things you can’t do that others can - I know. I have a disability. And it’s an odd choice to make her a guard considering she could have been a deaf diplomat or just about anything else that doesn’t put her in a situation where being able to hear is detrimental. And, unlike Toph in ATLA who has seismic sense to compensate for her blindness, Amaya is straight up deaf - there’s no trick or power or anything to compensate for it. And I could probably have just rolled my eyes at the whole thing - if TDP itself didn’t go out of its way to make the whole thing stupider. Like having Amaya enter a building that isn’t secured before any of the soldiers with her? Classic. And my personal favorite - that her interpreter is almost always standing directly behind her when she signs. What. The. Hell? Can he see through her or something? When he is standing next to her, he’s almost always looking at her face. What. The. Hell? I’m assuming she can read lips even though no one said she could (I’ll get to that in a minute too), but half the time she isn’t even looking at the person talking to her, so? Huh?  

Sixth, the world building is shit. There, I said it. Honestly, I could probably get past every other issue this show has if not for that. I watched the entire season - 9 episodes - and almost nothing is established or explained as far as how the magic system works or basically anything. Outside of the intro - which, despite being pretty easy to understand, is explained over and over in the dialogue. Yes, I get the info the intro discussed. You don’t need to keep reminding me. How about using that time instead to explain how magic works? What dark magic did humans use? Why was it so bad? Just saying something is “dark” doesn’t quite cut it. Why does Claudia need stuff for some spells, but can literally snap her fingers twice and turn her hand into a flashlight. How do things work?? I get Callum’s magic. The show shows us what is specifically required for the two spells he knows and what those two spells do. Everything else just happens. And it feels like it’s used to fit the needs of the writers as opposed to making sense. It feels like the writers just pull it out of their asses whenever they want. And it’s literally the most frustrating aspect of the show. 

Kind of coupled with how shit the world building is is the lazy writing. It takes literally 8 episodes (there are 9 in each season) for the show to drop the bombshell that Ezran can understand animals - and it comes completely out of nowhere. There’s no hint of this in any earlier episodes. Ezran never seems to understand Bait, didn’t know the giant discount-Unagi was lurking in the water ready to eat Bait, nothing. And, as if that wasn’t lazy enough, this is revealed when, almost to the tree Ellis is leading them to to meet the miracle healer, Ezran says that the wolf just told him there is no miracle healer. Why wouldn’t the wolf have mentioned this before you even left to meet the miracle healer?? Why didn’t the wolf mention this immediately after Ellis’s story of how they met the miracle healer and how she fixed the wolf’s leg????? Is it because lazy writing? Because I’m willing to bet it’s because lazy writing. This is why second drafts are important - so you don’t create lazy last-minute reveals and plot holes.

That said, I used the word disappointed because I went into TDP genuinely wanting to like it. I didn’t want it to be the next ATLA. I just wanted it to be a good show I could enjoy. And, to be fair, there are a lot of elements that I do like about it. Rayla and Claudia are great characters and, if focus was placed on proper world building, this could be a unique world to explore. The character relationships are fairly well developed and, while the animation is terrible, the character designs are decent. There is good in this. But it’s buried under trying to hard to remind me of a show that did all this - and did it better - and buried deep under some of the worst world building I have ever seen. 

I don’t feel like I wasted my time on it, but I still probably won’t be checking out seasons 2 or 3. If season 1 is anything to go by, this series isn’t for me. If I want something reminiscent of ATLA, I’ll just rewatch ATLA. At least that has decent world building.

[fcb4]

Christ the Conquerer of the Barbarians

I’ve always been fascinated by the conversions of the ancient and Middle Ages heathen Barbarians. Here in this chapter church father St. Athanasius masterfully proclaims the glories of the conquering Christ.

Below is a selection but the whole chapter is a must read for those who wonder how idol worshippers, followers of the gods, pagans and warring people could sheath their sword and follow the prince of peace. It’s really some of the best writing I’ve found on that miracle.

Chapter 8: Refutation of the Gentiles part 2 in ‘On The Incarnation’ by St. Athanasius

“Who has ever so rid men of their natural passions that fornicators become chaste and murderers no longer wield the sword and those who formerly were craven cowards boldly play the man?

In a word, what persuaded the barbarians and heathen folk in every place to drop their madness and give heed to peace, save the faith of Christ and the sign of the cross?

And who among men has ever been able to penetrate even to Scythians and Ethiopians, or Parthians or Armenians or those who are said to live beyond Hyrcania, or even the Egyptians and Chaldeans, people who give heed to magic and are more than naturally enslaved by the fear of demons and savage in their habits, and to preach at all about virtue and self-control and against the worshipping of idols, as has the Lord of all, the Power of God, our Lord Jesus Christ?

Yet He not only preached through His own disciples, but also wrought so persuasively on men's understanding that, laying aside their savage habits and forsaking the worship of their ancestral gods, they learnt to know Him and through Him to worship the Father.

While they were yet idolaters, the Greeks and Barbarians were always at war with each other, and were even cruel to their own kith and kin. Nobody could travel by land or sea at all unless he was armed with swords, because of their irreconcilable quarrels with each other.

Indeed, the whole course of their life was carried on with the weapons, and the sword with them replaced the staff and was the mainstay of all aid. All this time, as I said before, they were serving idols and offering sacrifices to demons, and for all the superstitious awe that accompanied this idol worship, nothing could wean them from that warlike spirit.

But, strange to relate, since they came over to the school of Christ, as men moved with real compunction they have laid aside their murderous cruelty and are war-minded no more. On the contrary, all is peace among them and nothing remains save desire for friendship.

Who, then, is He Who has done these things and has united in peace those who hated each other, save the beloved Son of the Father, the common Savior of all, Jesus Christ, Who by His own love underwent all things for our salvation?

Even from the beginning, moreover, this peace that He was to administer was foretold, for Scripture says, "They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into sickles, and nation shall not take sword against nation, neither shall they learn any more to wage war."

Nor is this by any means incredible. The barbarians of the present day are naturally savage in their habits, and as long as they sacrifice to their idols they rage furiously against each other and cannot bear to be a single hour without weapons.

But when they hear the teaching of Christ, forthwith they turn from fighting to farming, and instead of arming themselves with swords extend their hands in prayer. In a word, instead of fighting each other, they take up arms against the devil and the demons, and overcome them by their selfcommand and integrity of soul.

These facts are proof of the Godhead of the Savior, for He has taught men what they could never learn among the idols.”