#Who seemed to think the fox would “lure away” the dog and kill it

[theriu]

Hey ya’ll just wanted to share one of the best/funniest burns I have ever read.

[iam93percentstardust]

2020 Fic Recs Part 1

Hello everyone! If you saw @ad1thi‘s recent fic rec post going around, you know she got the idea from me. I had the idea a few months ago of doing a roundup of my favorite fics from 2020 at the end of the year because, let’s be honest with ourselves, I read a lot over the last twelve months, partially because this year, I really started settling into my own in fandom but mostly because this year was an absolute shitshow and I needed a distraction from everything going on outside my tiny apartment. I know it’s been a hard year for everyone and while there’s hope that next year might be a little better, there’s no guarantee so here are some of the fics that helped me get through this year. I hope you all like them as well.

Fics are organized by month and range over a variety of fandoms and ships. Since some of these are multi-chapters, I’ve organized them according to what date the last chapter posted. This got a little long so I’ve broken this up into 4 parts to be reblogged over the next two weeks.

January

Hope for the Holidays by @aurumacadicus (Winteriron)

Tony never expected to share Christmas with the man who killed his parents, but he's here now, so they should make the best of it.

Woodash and iron and leather by LokelaniRose (Geraskier)

Jaskier is the only person Geralt's ever been around who doesn't smell of fear

Happiness: A Song in Three Parts by @newtypeshadow (Stuckony)

Tony's just a kid when he first hears the music. He's human, no one knows werewolves exist yet, and there's no sexy beefcake couple Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes coming out as werewolves and giving interviews to the press to explain the melody Tony heard sporadically during childhood is what werewolves—and the human mates of werewolves—hear when their soulmate is within a few miles of them.

By the time he finds out what the music means, he hasn't heard a note in years.

And when he finally hears it again, he's busy running for his life.

Heart in Hand by janonny (Stevetony)

Steve had been thinking — that was all he was doing, thinking, not moping, as Bucky described it — about the best way to make his feelings clear to Tony. He wanted it to be perfect. He needed it to be the best demonstration of sincere interest that Tony had ever received.

Bucky called it procrastinating, but Steve called it strategizing.

And this Courting Ceremony? It was perfect.

Now he just needed to figure out what to get Tony as a Courting gift. And what to wear. And what to say. And what to do.

-

Or the story where Tony, an Omega, holds a much belated Courting Ceremony. Steve joins up and loses his mind a little.

something i can treasure by theredtailedhawkwithjewelsforeyes (Geraskier)

Jaskier would not call himself a thief. But, well- he is elbow-deep in someone’s saddlebags, pulling up handfuls of pretty little bottles. They’re all filled up with jewel-bright potions, corked delicately, and they almost seem to hum in his hands.

Then, suddenly-

There’s the sharp point of a sword at his neck.

Lock & Key by sablier_bloque (Geraskier)

“Geralt, it’s not what it looks like.”

“Really?” he asked. He clenched his jaw before offering a sharp, mirthless smile. “Because it looks like you got caught fucking the mayor’s wife, and now I’m not getting paid!”

“Well,” he laughed nervously, looking anywhere but up. “When you put it that way.”

In which Jaskier suggests a chastity device to prove himself a worthy travel companion, and of course, gives Geralt the key.

February

A hard curl of satisfaction by LokelaniRose (Geraskier & Yenalt in V-shaped polyamory)

Geralt was taught that a witcher is only good for one thing

Half Agony, Half Hope by @no-gorms (Stevetony)

Following the Battle of New York, the Avengers Initiative kicks into high gear under the leadership of Steve Rogers, i.e. Captain America. Tony didn’t mean to become part of this initiative, but it makes sense to sign on due to his experience with SHIELD and Rhodey’s War Machine suits.

The upside: Tony’s tech can be used in a widespread and meaningful way to help protect people. The downside: the last time Tony saw Steve, he’d rejected Steve’s proposal of marriage and broke his heart, leading to almost ten years of the two having no contact whatsoever. Until now.

when the bones are good by SummerFrost (Geraskier)

Julian is six when he realizes that he's got an astounding capacity for being an annoying bastard. He's seventeen when he finally decides to lean in.

Where There’s a Witcher by ghostinthelibrary (Geraskier)

Jaskier is a twentysomething recently unemployed journalist and amateur musician looking for his big break. So when he’s saved from the jaws of a wyvern by the infamous Butcher of Blaviken, Geralt of Rivia, he comes up with a brilliant idea: he’ll follow the Witcher around and sing about their exploits. He’ll gain fame and fortune and Geralt will get a much needed image rehab. Everyone wins.

Unless Jaskier goes and falls in love like an idiot.

my body bruises at your touch by brawlite (Geraskier)

To lure a monster out, Geralt ties Jaskier up, making him look like easy prey. Surprisingly, Jaskier finds himself enjoying his time as bait a bit more than expected.

Do it Again by thisgirlsays22 (Geraskier)

By the twentieth time Geralt has gone through the loop, he decides to just throw himself off the cliff’s edge after Borch.

He wakes up to his twenty-first attempt.

“Fuck.”

The Song of the White Wolf by sospes (Geraskier)

“It’s a wolf, not a dog,” Geralt says flatly.

“It’s hurt.”

“It’s a wolf.”

“I’m helping it,” Ciri says, ignoring him, and turns back to the wolf.

But when is a wolf not a wolf? When it's everyone's favourite humble bard, of course!

March

Even Steel Blades Need Fire by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Geraskier)

Jaskier's given a lot to Geralt over the years, but there's one tiny, insignificant, minor molehill of a thing he's kept back from him.

Namely that Jaskier isn't human.

Mission Accomplished by @riotwritesthings (Winteriron)

Tony has had a terrible, rotten, no good day. Fortunately, he knows exactly what he needs to feel better.

With a Conquering Air by inexplicifics (Geraskier)

From the kinkmeme: AU Warlord!Geralt receives Tribute!Jaskier as a sacrifice to appease him in every way possible. Jaskier has no choice on the matter and he’s fully aware of the awful rumours that have spread about Geralt and his ruthless conquests. (But we all know those aren’t legit.) A classic angst with a happy ending please! A dash of smut to heal those scars and a sprinkle of new found love!

Jaskier arrives at Kaer Morhen knowing his family gave him up without a second thought, and absolutely sure that the dreaded Warlord of the North will value him even less than his own blood did. But the White Wolf and his pack are not what Jaskier expected...and if he's unreasonably lucky, Kaer Morhen might become far more of a home than Lettenhove ever was.

play out a spell in your sequence of chords (to inspire and sharpen our rusted swords) by AceSailorKoshkaRayn

Geralt cocked his head to the side curiously to regard the chittering fox caught in the hunter's trap. The beast had deep chestnut fur and eerily bright blue eyes. He knelt, and the creature hissed at him, baring his teeth in fear.

"I mean you no harm," he rumbled, hands palm-up. His swords were at his campsite, regardless. He reached forward slowly, and the fox didn't move, though it's teeth remained bared. It was a simple matter to pry open the trap, and the fox leapt away, chattering its teeth at him. Their eyes met for a long moment, amber to fantastical blue, and the fox dashed off.

Sighing faintly, hands resting on his knees, Geralt bowed his head tiredly. He rolled his neck to crack it, and rose to his feet to shuffle his way back to his camp.

Set out neatly next to his bedroll were three cleanly gutted rabbits, and Geralt paused in surprise. Roach whinnied softly, and stamped a hoof. A crown of golden wheat rested primly between her ears.

Ah. Fae, then. Services paid for services rendered. Hopefully the fae would consider them even, now, but something in him doubted it.

[rxsilixnce]

I have some really profound analyzations I want to share of the masterpiece “Jennifer’s Body” after watching it so many times over the last couple years. Too bad Transformers fucked Megan Fox over because she doesn’t get the rep she deserves, she is such a talented actress and she’s been so overlooked. 

Jennifer and Needy have an intensely strong connection with one another, yet Needy doesn’t fully understand Jennifer until the end of the movie. They both have lots of intuition and they can sense what the other is planning or doing. Needy doesn’t have to tell Jennifer who she likes, Jennifer already knows, and when Jennifer shows up at her house, Needy knows its her. They have said “Hopeless” at the exact same time, when Needy and Chip were having sex, and when Jennifer was murdering Collin. At prom, the feeling on her lips was Jennifer kissing Chip. Needy knows exactly where to go in order to save Chip. Their connection is almost supernatural. They look at each other like they are in some sort of a trance, especially Jennifer, she adores Needy, especially when Needy watched her cheer from the bleachers and how Jennifer waves at her, and how she tucks Needy’s hair behind her ear and admires her before kissing her. When Jennifer says “We can play boyfriend, girlfriend like we used to,” it reveals that they may have been with each other sexually before, and it also shows Jennifers desperation to always have Needy by her side and her attraction towards her. Jennifer is quickly dismissive over Needy’s concerns, yet Needy still comes to the right conclusions. When Needy begged her not to get in the van with the band, Jennifer told her to “Shut up,” when Needy kept asking her what happened the night of the fire and what happened when Jennifer showed up at her house covered in blood, Jennifer kept acting as if it wasn’t a big deal. After Jennifer opened up about the night some, Needy figures out, “Maybe you did die that night.” After Needy asks what she needs to do to “stay full,” Jennifer dismisses her yet again says, “You know Needy, maybe you should talk to someone about these disturbing thoughts that you’re having,” and “I think Chip may be having second thoughts about you.” This is an attempt to force Needy into feeling insecure and protect herself from Needy knowing the full truth, but Needy connects the dots on what Jennifer means, as the next day at school she imagines Jennifer with blood running down her face. Jennifer seems to know exactly how to manipulate Needy, until the end of the movie...

In the film, Jennifer continuously says the word “hopeless,” more importantly, she says, “I need you hopeless.” Now, we know that Anita (Amanda Seyfried) was nicknamed “Needy” by Jennifer, and I believe Jennifer and Needy had a codependent relationship, majorly initiated by Jennifer because she wants Needy to be reliant on her and “hopeless” without her. The word “hopeless” is also written in blood on the wall in the pool scene. You see this constantly throughout the movie, Needy listens to demands from Jennifer, Jennifer is the leader, the alpha. Needy is starstruck in the beginning as she watches Jennifer cheer. “People find it hard to believe that a babe like Jennifer would associate with a dork like me.” Needy immediately changes plans with her boyfriend after Jennifer guilts her into going out, “You and me are going out tonight.” After an attempt to tell her she already has plans, Jennifer says “Boo, crossing out Needy,” “Wear something cute, okay?”  Jennifer makes Needy scared to loose her and doesn’t take no for an answer, and Needy does whatever she says in return. Jennifer criticizes Needy and especially her boyfriend, “It smells like Thai food in here, have you guys been fucking?” “You’re totally jealous.” Needy and her associations will always be lower than Jennifers, making Needy feel like she is owned by Jennifer. Jennifer schedules Needy’s life and tells her what to do, she can’t even call her boyfriend without Jennifer saying, “Crossing you out” to insight fear into Needy. Jennifer kills Needy’s boyfriend Chip, and others who may be a threat for coming too close to Needy, she is angered by Amet, Jonas, and Collin for gaining attention from Needy. Jennifer needs Needy to be her ultimate, the only power figure in her life, and she eliminates anyone who could take that away from her. When a guy is talking to Needy at the bar, Jennifer talks down to him, walks over and grabs him, showing him that Needy is her property. “Are you gonna cuff me?”

However, when we are taken to the flashbacks of their childhood together, because “Sandbox love never dies,” Needy is actually the more protective one and has much more confidence than Jennifer, “Don’t tell my mom, she’ll give me a shot.” Jennifer is weak and insecure yet puts on a facade of being the superficial popular girl. We know this because we see Jennifer’s weak side time and time again throughout the film. For example, before she is killed she shows genuine fear and humanity, when she is in the van with the men who killed her, she tries hard to convince them that she isn’t the person they want to kill, because she thought they didn’t want a virgin. As she is stabbed, she is screaming and crying, begging them not to kill her. She appears to be fierce and indestructible, but she’s really sensitive and she is the one who needs Needy, she relies on Needy to depend on her. Needy appears to be an empath and she is also secure in herself, and she cares for Jennifer deeply, when Jennifer continues to watch the band when the fire starts, Needy pulls her out of the bar, and begs her not to get into the van with the band, as she fears for Jennifers safety. “I watched her get into that van and I knew something awful was going to happen.” Jennifer is clearly easily manipulated and gullible, as it doesn’t take much to convince her to get into a van with men she hardly knows. Jennifer cares about Needy somewhat, but she mainly cares for herself and her own needs, therefore, has taken away anyone who would give Needy happiness other than herself, and showed no remorse for anyone she has killed or the innocent people who died in the bar that burned down. Jennifer is a coward, and she doesn’t want anyone to know about the relationship she wants to have with needy, “Don’t talk to yourself, that’s one of your more freakish behaviors, and it makes us both look like total gaylords.” She preys on Jonas when he is weaker and devastated about loosing his best friend in the fire, because he will be easier to manipulate. “It’s what Craig would have wanted.” After killing/dominating Jonas, she feels stronger than she did before, and she takes pride in hurting other people, because it makes her feel powerful. She calls Needy and tells her “I’m having the like the best day since Jesus invented the calendar.” She gets insecure when Needy answers the other line, “Don’t blow me off? Boo, i’m crossing you out.” “I am a god,” she declares to Needy after Needy and Chip decide to go out together. When Needy arrives to rescue Chip, she accuses Jennifer of being insecure, Jennifer gets defensive and says, “I am not insecure, Needy. God, that’s a joke, how could I ever be insecure? I was the snowflake queen.” Needy continues criticizing her, “You were two years ago, when you didn’t have to take laxatives to stay skinny,” at which point she is so angered at Needy and screams, “I am going, to eat your soul, and shit it out!” Although, Jennifer didn’t, because she couldn’t, she could have demolished both Needy and Chip with the amount of demonic powers she has, but she chose not to. 

Another reason why Jennifer is so territorial over Needy is because Jennifer has a strong hatred for men, and sees them as toys to play with. While she views needy as the only person she has a connection with, and she really sees Needy as higher than herself for that reason. She could never hurt or kill Needy, and doesn’t appear to want to kill any other girl, because she views women as more valuable than men. She see’s men as so worthless, that she can kill them with no remorse. After Needy says, “You’re killing people!” she replies with “No, i’m killing boys...” insinuating that its no big deal. She also says “Boys are just placeholders, they come and go.” When Jennifer shows up at Needy’s house after being killed and raids the food in the fridge, Jennifer pushes her against a wall and asks, “Are you scared?” after Needy says yes, she gets close to Needy’s neck and we think she is going to bite her, but Jennifer pushes her temptations away and throws her across the room  and leaves to protect Needy from herself, because she can’t bare the pain of hurting Needy. Jennifer grabs Needy’s boobs in the bar and encouraged her to use her body to get what she wants, which today is a clear portrayal of empowerment for some modern day feminists. After Collins is practically drooling over Needy in the hallway, Jennifer steps in and asks him to ask her out, she rejects him and explains to Needy, “He listens to maget-rock and he wears black nail polish, my dick is bigger than his.” After seeing how much Collins means to Needy, she accepts his offer to not only make Needy more dependent on her, but to gain the trust of the boys and lure them in to eliminate them. This makes Needy feel invalidated and Jennifer convinces her that nice things won’t come her way unless Jennifer is the top dog. This is confirmed when Jennifer says that she can have one of the lower band mates, but not the top one, because he is hers, and when she says how Chip has been looking really cute to her recently after needy blows her off to do something with him. The reason she is so sexist is simply because she has always seen men as a threat that would take away the only person she can be emotionally dependent on. 

Again, Jennifer could never hurt Needy, and Needy goes after Jennifer later to kill her in order to protect other boys from getting killed, Needy knows this is what she has to do, she now sees Jennifer accurately and she realizes the horrible person Jennifer is, though, this is exactly was Jennifer wanted, she needed Needy so badly so that ultimately, she would kill her. In the beginning, it was not like this, but after becoming a succubus, and  feeling “empty” so much and being forced to kill to keep herself alive and powerful, Jennifer had enough. The moment Jennifer made the decision to go after Chip, she made the decision to let Needy go, because after facing so much rejection from Needy, and the charm she once had on her faded completely, Jennifer was more insecure and heartbroken than ever, she didn’t want to live if she couldn’t have Needy, and she knew that if Needy felt betrayed enough, she would kill her. She also couldn’t hurt Needy since she is in love with her, making Needy the only person that could kill her. Jennifer could have went on a rampage and killed anyone she wanted to after Chip’s attack to make herself strong and beautiful again, but she chose to go home hungry and weak and wait for Needy to come murder her. Jennifer pretends to fight Needy, and give her all into hurting her, but keep in mind she has to make Needy feel strong and brave enough to kill her, so she criticizes her and continues to act like the villain, “Do you buy all you’re murder weapons at Home Depot? God you’re butch.” We then see Needy say “I’m crossing you out,” the line Jennifer used for so long to have power over Needy, the power exchange is exactly what Jennifer wants. Needy rips their BFF necklace off Jennifers neck and we are shown an emotional moment of it falling to the floor, this symbolizes the end of their friendship, relationship, and codependency. Jennifer’s plan has been a success as she see’s Needy will be okay without her, and she knows their relationship is over, she lets everything down and allows Needy to kill her. After Needy stabs her in the chest, Jennifer says, “My tit,” and Needy says “No, your heart.” However, Needy was not okay without Jennifer, in fact, Jennifer destroyed her, “I don’t know who Needy Lesnicki is anymore,” she says as she is shown in a jail/mental hospital. We are shown that she will become a succubus herself after Jennifer bit her, which is what Jennifer wanted, and yet again, we are shown how selfish Jennifer was, she wanted Needy to become what she hated most. “You just might absorb some of the demons abilities, and you just might get lucky for once in your miserable life.”

Jennifer is truly not like any other “classic mean girl” portrayed in Hollywood movies, and it’s so sad to me that Jennifer’s Body received bad ratings since I feel Jennifer and Needy are such complex characters with an interesting relationship. Needy may not even be bisexual like Jennifer, she may have just been so enticed and manipulated by Jennifer and looked up to her in ways of wanting to be like her. This would explain why Needy was so bothered by Jennifer kissing her, because she really just saw Jennifer as a mentor, and why wouldn’t she? She had to be jealous of Jennifer, she had to want certain qualities Jennifer possessed, she watched so many boys leave her for Jennifer. And in the end, Needy became Jennifer. 

[dreamingofscully]

6x16. “Alpha” - X-Files Rewatch

This episode is all about Scully being the Alpha, who marks her territory (Mulder). What casefile? Through this lens, I really enjoy this episode. You wouldn’t think there would be much to analyze here BUT BOY YOU'D BE WRONG. Also, there’s so many corny jokes, I love it.

Scully arriving from elsewhere in the building with her coat/briefcase seems to indicate she has an office elsewhere in the building. Perhaps she requested somewhere close to the labs? It’s super cute that she comes by to check on Mulder before she leaves. Despite how uncomfortable she was with his silliness in “Arcadia”, I think things are good between them now.

“Aren't you going home?” - Scully “I am home. I'm just feathering the nest.” - Mulder

This is cute, but also kinda sad. The work is his life, how can it be any different?

Mulder subtly trying to get Scully interested in the case. 

The desk lamp is POINTED AT THEIR PICTURE. Awww. ❤️

“What happened to the dog?” - Scully “Dog gone…. Dog gone… Doggone.” - Mulder, proud of his joke “Yeah, I got it.” - Scully

Sitting closely, and Mulder being even more of a dork than usual with his corny jokes. Scully loves it though. They’re so happy to have the X-Files back. Life is good for a little while.

THEIR CUTE SMILES AND FLIRTING ❤️

“Don’t mind him, he’ll go on forever.” - Scully

Mulder has definitely missed going on long monologues about weird shit in front of local law enforcement.

Of course Mulder’s heard of the animal. He has had even more time than usual lately to cram his brain with random strange things.

“You get a biscuit, Scully.” - Mulder, with more stupid jokes. But he’s gazing at her here, so we’ll forgive him. I’m not even mad about it anyways.

Their cute banter in front of the worker installing the fence at Karins. SO FLIRTY. (Also, being mistaken for a couple again!)

“You two looking for Karin about boarding?” - Stacy Muir “No, it's actually more of a behavior problem.” - Mulder “Yeah, he doesn't listen and he chews on the furniture.” - Scully, glancing at Mulder

Inside Karin’s house, Mulder’s random touch and Scully’s shiver in reaction. Reminiscent of his two-handed touch in “Arcadia” - is that done deliberately? Scully doesn’t seem uncomfortable, but shivers in reaction, as if she definitely enjoys it. Oof. Things are REALLY good between them.

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 1:

“How is it that you know so much about her but you don't know what she looks like?” - Scully “I never actually met her.” - Mulder “But you assume that she's going to help us?” - Scully “No, actually, it's not an assumption. She is the one who told me about his case.” - Mulder “Oh, so you two are chummy?” - Scully “Well, I've read her books.” - Mulder “Ah. The Wolf Inside... Dogs Don't Lie... Better Than Human... Better Than Human?” - Scully “She's not a real people person.” - Mulder “Well, she seems to have made a connection to you.” - Scully, looking at the I Want To Believe poster on her wall (highlighting it with a desk lamp, sound familiar?)

Standing close by the bookshelf.

Mulder introducing himself as “Fox”, what? It probably has to do with her obsession with canines. They probably joked about his name, and it’s what she would refer to him as in their emails.

This would make Scully feel even more uncomfortable/jealous

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 2:

“Mulder... She's a friend of yours?” - Scully “We met on-line.” - Mulder “On-line…” - Scully “Two professionals exchanging information.” - Mulder

Standing close in the alley/crime scene.

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 3:

Her expression when Karin shows up, and calling her “wolfwoman”. (Recognize this? She made a similar face in “Syzygy”.)

Karin’s “Classic dominant alpha territorial behaviour” when talking about the police officer being killed.

By contrast, Scully doesn’t need to be aggressive or violent to assert her dominance - just needs to exist. ❤️

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 4:

Mulder touching Karin’s hand on the computer mouse. Scully notices, shoots Mulder a sharp look. She immediately starts questioning Karin’s ideas. Her EXPRESSION. She thinks she’s figured Karin out, that she is attracted to Mulder, and she’s not going to let her get away with anything. It’s not only possessiveness but protectiveness. She only recently got Mulder away from the clutches of Diana, and she knows how vulnerable he is to women that seem vulnerable themselves.

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 5:

In the car, Mulder knowing something’s wrong with Scully

Scully warning him: “She's enamored of you, Mulder. Don't underestimate a woman. They can be tricksters, too.” (I think this is also a veiled reference to Diana, that Mulder does NOT get, nor is he meant to.)

Mulder is gullible and oblivious when it comes to certain women, and Scully knows it!

Mulder gives her a curious look - thinks she’s jealous, perhaps?

Scully won’t tolerate anyone trying anything with Mulder, she’s fucking had it. After dealing with Diana so recently - no one else is going to try anything. She’s getting ahead of something before it develops. Mulder is empathetic with people who are different/loners (Oubliette/Mind’s Eye). He CAN be manipulated by a woman with a sad story.

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 6:

Going to see Karin alone, confronting her about her intentions with Mulder. Look at that lean forward.

Scully’s “With Mulder, you found somebody you could communicate with.... someone who challenged you... But that wasn't enough. You needed to lure him out here.”

She knows what having a special connection to him feels like!

Karin’s “I lack your feminine wiles.” (Which is hilarious, because when it comes to Mulder, Scully doesn’t have ANY of that manipulativeness that she implies.)

“I'm watching you.” - Scully “You watch... But you don't see.” - Karin

Perhaps Karin did mean to lure Mulder out here to meet him, and she does lie about the creature. HOWEVER...

Once she sees Mulder and Scully together, she abandons her ideas of deepening her relationship with him. She sees what everyone else does - that M&S are incredibly close, that their body language and glances to each other suggest that the only person in the room that matters to each other is them. Karin’s suggestion here (to the case I’m sure) is also a reference to what Scully can’t see is right in front of her - that there’s no reason for her to be territorial because Mulder only has eyes for her.

I also believe Mulder would have mentioned Scully to Karin. She’s such an integral part of his life. Once Scully shows up, things “click” for her, she understands that she has no chance.

Mulder trusts Scully’s judgement, goes to see Karin for himself and asks about being misled. (This is a pretty big deal.)

Karin - she loves Mulder, in her way. He's a kindred spirit, like Scully says, the only other human she knows that she actually likes. Once she realizes that he belongs to another, that he has someone who is a good person (based on how her dogs react to her) and will look out for him, she realizes what she needs to do to stop the animal - risk and (potentially) sacrifice herself. After lying to Mulder about what she thinks the animal will do next, and he goes to Scully, she LOOKS AT THE “I WANT TO BELIEVE” POSTER. Did she choose to wrap it up and send it then? In essence, disconnecting herself from him, and giving him a gift as her last goodbye?

I love that Mulder calls Scully to the hospital so they can do the surveillance TOGETHER. ❤️ Mulder’s “You should take a load off. We might be here all night.”

Scully’s “So, what is he going to do? Walk in here, skitter across the linoleum and pee in the corners?” is so cute. And Mulder loves it when she jokes. Like I said earlier, they are in a good place again.

Scully Being Territorial, Exhibit Number 7:

“Mulder, the only thing Karin Berquist is interested in is you.” - Scully, to which Mulder seems bashful about it. He’s so oblivious about women being interested in him. It’s adorable.

When Scully takes his magazine she sits a bit further from him than normal. She’s uncomfortable with her jealousy, tries to distance herself from it’s source.

Of course Scully falls asleep. ❤️ I love how she can sleep anywhere. She’s SNORING (quietly) - IT’S SO CUTE I CAN’T EVEN--. 😭 He’s gazing at her while she sleeps, then wakes her gently with the magazine. ❤️

At the ending, Scully’s tenderness about Mulder losing his friend is touching. The whole episode she was antagonistic towards Karin, thinking she had an ulterior motive, but in the end she did something altruistic. She was Mulder’s friend, and proved that in the end she wasn’t a bad person, at least in some ways. Scully knows he’ll blame himself, as well.

They have a really sweet interaction here. Scully making sure he’s okay, Mulder reassuring that he will be, talking about how he “believed her too quickly”. (He is a learning animal. Oh shit I made another corny joke, my b.)

The lamp is still aimed at the picture of them in the office. Like a fucking spotlight saying “THIS PLACE IS OURS.”

Scully Being Territorial, End Notes

I’m partially being silly when talking about this aspect of Scully’s personality, but I have to discuss a few things.

After the shit they’ve been through with Diana, I can’t blame Scully for overreacting and being protective of Mulder, not wanting to see him manipulated again.

That being said, this isn’t the first time she’s been possessive when it comes to him. I think it’s probably one of her flaws - she can get irrationally jealous when Mulder gets attention from another woman. It’s NOT just protectiveness but stems from her longing for something more with him, her fear that someone will swoop in and take the place in his life that she wants. I can empathize with that, I suffer from terrible jealousy sometimes myself (so perhaps this is a bit of self-projection, but hey, this is my analysis, so that’s what I see).

I absolutely love Scully, but I love that she seems like a real character, with flaws and eccentricities that truly make her unique.

[nigahamyeon]

hearts awakened

i. a man's heart

Yisoo woke with the first rays at the break of dawn. Her eyes still closed, she could feel the beginning warmth of the sun on her face. Slowly, she raised her head, opening her eyes and blinking a few times. The window of her small room was facing east, and her bed was standing right in front of it, so she could feel the first sunbeams on her, everyday.

After a few moments of just looking outside, she raised her shoulders, sat up, and extended her front legs into a long stretch that she could feel through her entire body. Then she rolled onto her back, then onto her legs again and jumped out of bed.

Yisoo was a Gumiho, in Korean legends known as the nine-tailed fox, a kind of shifter. And she always slept as a fox. She could never really figure it out how to sleep in her human form, every position felt awkward, she never really knew what to do with her legs in relation to her torso – she had read about different sleeping positions, of course, but it all just felt so unnatural, and she was never able to relax. As a fox, however, sleeping was intuitive. Just curl up into a ball, tails around you, head on your hind legs. Easy. Sleep guaranteed.

It took a few moments until Yisoo fully transformed into her human form. Right after waking up she had difficulties getting her ears and tails to fully vanquish, especially since she felt herself weaken again. But she had already taken care of that, tonight she'd get stronger again. When her body turned into a slender figure of average height, she stretched out her human arms while standing on tiptoes.

First the fluff brush – she used it every morning to get rid of all her fur that she left behind on her bed when sleeping as a fox. Second, washing up, brushing the hair and styling it into a loose braid. Then clothes, and lastly, putting on make-up. Objectively, she wasn't in need of any kind of make-up as Yisoo was more beautiful than the common Korean girl, but she just loved the way a winged eyeliner made her slanted eyes look, and she could make her face look a little bit less fox-like.

She put on her necklace, a simple golden one with a blue-shimmering bead pendant, also known as yeowoo guseul – just that it didn't hold her powers and intelligence, like in the legends, but her very soul. It was the most important part of her, and if she was separated from it too long, she would die. Well, not instantly, but she’d get gradually weaker until she couldn’t keep up her human form anymore. And if someone were to destroy it… well, she didn’t actually know what would happen then. But she’d probably die as well.

By the time she was finished with her morning routine it was already half past 7, and she had barely time to eat something for breakfast.

“Good morning,” Jongho greeted her as she was rushing into the pathetic excuse of a kitchen that was part of the apartment. He had a cup of coffee in hand, handing it over to her to take a few sips.

“Thanks,” Yisoo mumbled and opened the fridge, just to see that it was almost empty. Not even the yoghurt that she had saved was there any more, one of her many roommates must've eaten it. She hated most of them. Except Jongho.

“I heard Outside Conformist are playing tonight at the Flask tonight, you wanna come?” he asked her, trying to lean casually against the counter.

“I can't, tonight is the night, you know? I already prepared everything,” Yisoo looked apologetically at him.

She really liked Jongho, even though he was a werewolf. Generally, Yisoo disliked all kinds of canines, even though she was, technically, also one. Never, in her whole life (and she had lived for a long, long time), had she had any good experiences with any kinds of wolves, dogs and the kind. But Jongho was different, maybe it was because he wasn't part of a pack (he used to be, but was shunned by them for a reason he never told her) or maybe because he was generally just different. Either way, Yisoo wasn't blind nor stupid, she had picked up on the fact that he showed signs of romantic interest in her. She could smell the pheromones he produced, and she could read the body language. It was more than obvious.

“Oh, I forgot,” he said, “does it have to be tonight, though? The hunters have been really active lately.”

“Yeah, they've been onto me for a while now,” Yisoo sighed, “but it has to be tonight. Can't throw away weeks of preparation, you know.”

“Yeah, I'm just worried is all,” he looked at the bottom of his cup.

“Let's go out tomorrow night, all right? Outside Conformist may not be playing, but we'll find something else to do,” she said and his face instantly lit up. With a look at the clock, she said her goodbyes and see you laters, took her coat and bag and made her way to the subway station.

It was a very usual morning, a lot of traffic and Yisoo made it just in time to catch the subway. It was crowded and it stank after sweat and kimchi. With her nose and ears being more sensitive than those of a human, she had always a hard time riding the subway, or the bus, or actually any kind of public transportation. But she did her best to live a life as ordinarily human as possible. Even enrolled into university and studied some random subject that she found vaguely interesting.

When she arrived at university, she still had enough time to get a cappuccino from the campus coffee shop and got into the lecture hall at the same time as her professor did. He smiled painfully obvious towards her, and she feigned a cheeky smile back at him. Some harmless flirting, but it'd make sure to help her grade a bit. Yisoo scanned the room for an empty seat, and sat somewhere in the middle next to a girl that she already knew. Kind of. They saw each other frequently and maybe they had talked, once or twice. She was a nice girl, very fun to be around and it seemed like she had a lot of friends. Yisoo sometimes imagined being friends with her, with a human. What it would be like, she wondered. During all her years, she had ever really been close to mythical creatures, like herself.

For lunch she went to a ramen shop near the university that was run by a Fae. Yisoo could only wonder why no one ever picked up on the fact that he was so painfully obviously not human. It was nothing she thought about too often, much rather she'd eat up her bowl of noodles and not think about anything.

After that, more university and then she'd go to her own part-time job – an employee at a gas station in a rather shady part of Seoul. She could've gotten a better job, at a better location that paid her better, but Yisoo chose this gas station for a reason. It was in a district that was rather problematic, a lot of humans, almost no otherworldly creatures. Many of the people that lived here were social outcasts, criminals of all sorts and really just the scum of society.

It was perfect.

She did meet a lot of drunks here, sex offenders and abusers. Yisoo was not afraid of them, there really was no human who could ever meet eye-to-eye with her when it came to fighting. But, as she still was a Gumiho, she had to consume a human heart every so often – and she stopped killing just about anyone, no. With the hunters being as active as they were, and Gumihos being classified as dangerous and therefore being actively hunted by them, she couldn't murder blatantly obvious. Also, she just didn't want to. Since she developed consciousness, Yisoo started to just look for her prey in men that she considered the scum of the earth. So, actually, she was doing the world a favour in eating their heart. And, of course, with these types of people it took a long time before someone found out they're missing and start looking for them. Win-win.

Her shift was over at 10pm and her date, or rather dinner, for the night was already waiting for her. He looked like he didn’t even really try, wearing the clothes he usually wore when he went to buy liquor late at night. One might’ve thought that he wanted to impress her in some way, but it didn’t look like it. For him, it was an easy way to get laid, since she planted the seeds for some daddy issues and other things that could make girls potentially go for pathetic older guys. They walked from the gas station to - what he thought - was in the direction of her apartment. In reality, though, Yisoo was luring him into the forest where no one would be at night to hear him scream. 

They were walking at a rather slow pace, he was telling her about his time in the Korean army, she pretended to care and laughed from time to time. He didn’t even notice that they were walking past trees and trees and even more trees, slowly deviating from the path. It was pitch black, and he only realised it when Yisoo suddenly stopped. Manipulating men was just too fucking easy. And yet, even though she was extraordinarily careful in choosing her prey, she still felt bad for him. A little. He was talking to her, and Yisoo felt his pulse rising, his heart pumping faster and faster. Funny, she didn’t take him for someone who was scared so easily. Just a bit of darkness and a mysterious lady inside a forest were enough to trigger his flight instinct. A shame, really, Yisoo thought as she felt her hands slowly turn into claws and her animalistic instincts growing louder and louder. She did like it when they tried to fight her. 

It was over before it even started. With the swift motion of her claws she pierced through his chest, an agonising cry of pain leaving his mouth but before he could finish it she ripped his ribcage open. The heart was still beating for a few moments, and Yisoo transformed fully into a nine-tailed fox before feasting on his heart. She knew of some Gumihos who actually ate the heart in their human forms, and she could never understand why. Human teeth weren’t made for chewing the strong muscle of a raw heart. 

By the time she was finished it was probably around 10:45pm, she thought. Maybe she even got home in time for the new episode of one of the dramas she watched at the moment. And maybe was Jongho also home already, and they could watch it together. Still a fox she was digging a whole with her fore-paws. It was just faster that way. Plus, it was necessary, just because no one was looking for him didn’t mean that no one could find him. Leaving the corpse of a man out with just his heart missing? Not such a good idea. Yisoo grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into the hole, covering it up with the dirt and some leaves. Should do well enough.

That’s when she heard the snapping of a twig - followed by the sound of an arrow piercing through the sky. But it was too late - by the time she could react she already felt the sharp pain of the bolt in her thigh - it had gone right through. Yisoo yelped, bit the arrow head and pulled the whole thing out before running for her life. Her leg was throbbing, she felt the blood drooling out and the pain was so strong she could barely put her paw on the ground. As she was speeding through the forest and had almost reached the city, she felt the pain pass and her leg getting stronger again. Once she turned into a side street and hid behind a giant trash container, she quickly turned into her human shape again, hoping they wouldn’t recognise her this way and giving herself a bit more time. For a few moments, she just stood there, back pressed against the cold stone wall, and listened. Nothing.

The hunters were onto her. Never had it been this close before. How could this have happened, she had been so careful all this time. Yisoo felt her heart beating frantically in her chest. Her fingers were closing tightly around her yeowoo guseul - and she took the pendant and put it deep in her cheek pouch. Yisoo felt the cool surface against her teeth and mucous, and the magic of her very own soul pulsating in her mouth. For just a second she wondered what would happen if she would just… swallow it. It would still be with her - inside her gastrointestinal tract, to be precise. But she didn’t swallow it. Once again she listened closely but she couldn’t make out any sounds that might belong to the hunter. Cautiously, but as casually as possible, she started walking out of the side street and nearer and nearer towards the main road. Yisoo scanned every person that she saw and kept her ears on high alert for any alarming sounds. Her heart was still pounding in her chest.

She crossed the street and was now only one block away from the well lit main road. Two guys, all in black, were suddenly just a few feet away, right in front of her. Yisoo could smell blood, and a distinct smell that she never smelled before, but was told of. The smell of not one, but two hunters. It was a gamble. Would they know that she was the Gumiho that they were looking for? Or would they only be alarmed if she changed her behaviour now? One step, two steps. Her eyes followed the guy who was next to her. Time seemed to stand still for the moment that they were passing each other. Yisoo could feel her blood hammering inside of her. In the corner of her eye she saw him moving his arm inhumanly fast, and a sword appearing out of nowhere. Yisoo was faster and leaped away. Right into the arms of the second hunter, who was suddenly behind her, his fingers clawed into her shoulder. 

Then she felt the sharp edge piercing through her flesh. And her heart. A deep grunt escaped her throat, her knees giving up under her, her body hitting the concrete ground. Even through the pain, she kept her jaw shut tightly. When he removed the sword, she grunted again. The blood was pooling out of her. And then it stopped.

“What. the. fuck.”

[cat-vase]

Chupacabra!Tim AU

The chupacabra is a cryptid first spotted in Puerto Rico, but nowadays has also been spotted along the Mexico-United States border, in Latin America, and in the southern United States. However, it has been spotted as far north as Maine (near Canada), and in countries such as Russia, India, and The Philippines. Chupacabra means "goat sucker" in Spanish, and it is said to suck/drain the blood out of farm animals with two or three small, circular puncture wounds in the neck/chest of the animal.

There are two versions of the chupacabra:

1- A reptilian/alien-like creature. It is bipedal (walks on 2 legs and has hands), and has leathery green scales all over its body, along with spines/quills sticking out of its back. It stands similar to a kangaroo, and some people say it hops just like a kangaroo does too. It has red eyes, and is sometimes depicted with wings. It is said to stand at about 3 or 4 feet tall.

2- This is the one I like and will be using! It is a more dog-like creature, and reported to look like a Peruvian Hairless Dog, a Xoloitzcuintle (Xolo Dog), or a fox/dog/wolf with Mange. It is hairless, very thin (bones are easily visible) despite having thick skin, and has an especially pronounced spine (usually having spines/quills like the reptilian version). It has very deep set eyes, is usually brown in color (to blend in with the environment), and has a mouth full of extremely large fangs along with sharp claws on its paws.

Some people portray it more similar to a goat (it's usual choice of prey) — it is still very large and quadrupedal (walks on 4 legs), but with horns and other features more similar to a goat.

Some people also depict this dog version, like the last, with wings and other features more similar to a bat, but not reptilian.

Others have the it be smaller — the size of a large cat or a smaller dog. It is similar to a Sphynx cat in appearance, but serves the same purpose all as the other versions of the chupacabra (draining blood from animals to feed).

It can also be more insect-like in appearance — having longer legs and a more rounded body, possible extra limbs (more slender and pointed than a dog's limbs), and has a long proboscis where its mouth should be in order to drain blood out of its prey. Large eyes and antennae are also common with this kind of chupacabra.

The dog, despite being quadrupedal, is able to stand on its back haunches and appear bigger than it actually is, and to reach higher places.

Now, onto the actual Marble Hornets part! (Under the cut because it’s long!)

Tim is the chupacabra. It has the same base personality as Tim Wright (avoidant, yet compassionate once someone gets close), but it's the cryptid. It can shapeshift between the different dog versions of the chupacabra people believe in. For example, Brian says he expected the monster to be bigger and have fur. Tim's body involuntarily shapeshifts to match Brian's belief, but as it hasn't spent time with people before this, it can control its shapeshifting properties fairly well due to experimentation on its own. Though, sometimes things do go wrong. 

Since Tim Wright doesn't exist as a person in this universe, Alex is the one to bring The Operator to the group (after all, it was around him when he was a kid). Alex is the one taking the medication in this universe, and Alex still thinks killing everybody is the solution to defeating The Operator. Brian is still in the woods — Alex still dragged him out to the abandoned hospital (no personal associations, Alex just thought it was a creepy and far away enough location for no one to know what happened to Brian) and practically fed him to The Operator, and so Brian has a personal vendetta against Alex. While Brian doesn't really know what the solution is, it's not killing everybody, and Brian wants to make that loud and clear (if Jay and Alex can read code, that is).

Jay is still involved like usual, but because Brian and Alex are at each other's throats (and Brian is also stealing Alex’s medication on the regular), Jay isn’t a big concern right now. Brian is purposefully making totheark videos to mislead Jay and make sure he stays off of whatever trail Alex is trying to get Jay to follow. Jay is trying to find Jessica anyways, so thankfully, hopefully, Jay won't get hurt anytime soon.

The chupacabra is known to wander in the south. Hot, usually in the desert but not always, and so it stumbles into Alabama and, coincidentally, Rosswood. It has no goal other than to feed and keep moving, keep out of the way of people (they're the ones farming and making it easy to hunt, there’s no need to hurt them unless something goes awry, and even then, the chupacabra usually chooses to run).

Until it finds Brian. Rosswood is a large area, a large wooded area, coincidence after coincidence, but Brian is trying to make sense of the place, so of course he'd explore far enough away from his cabin to find the fucking chupacabra. It runs, at first, as it always does (the man has a gun, it knows those can hurt, of course it runs), but they keep meeting. Brian always stays silent, observing, watching. Trying to figure out what the creature wants from him, if anything at all.

One day, one fateful day, the creature finally is brave enough to step toward the man. Brian steps toward it as well, and as it bows its head, Brian touches it. Gentle, not even a pet, but the creature makes a noise. Not a growl, yet not a purr either. Brian jumps back, as anyone would, but the creature nudges forward again.

The creature leaves at dawn, but Brian talks to the creature whenever it comes around — it's all he has, he doesn't want to put Jay or Jessica into danger by directly talking to them. So he talks to it, gives it a name (the first one that comes to mind is Timothy), and one day even leads it to his cabin. Brian shows Tim his camera, not even knowing if it understands English but wanting to try, just in case. He doesn't let Tim follow him whenever he goes out into town or when he follows Alex, but Tim seems to come around to the cabin every couple of days no matter what. 

Later on, Brian is shot. Not fatally, but it hurts, and there's a lot of blood. Tim doesn't show up then, despite being in the woods, where it has chosen to roam for now. So Brian lies there, on the forest floor, hidden from Alex but not having enough energy to get back to his cabin. The next morning, the wound seems to have at least stopped bleeding and has started to scab over, and Tim appears. It carries Brian on its back, back to the cabin, and lies Brian down as gentle as it can. Brian starts talking to Tim again, as he does, and he asks why it helped him, not expecting a response — the most he’s ever gotten is ears moving, a head tilt, deep growling, or tail wagging as it moves around. 

However, Tim nudges the spot next to Brian's wound, and then scampers over to a dead rabbit in the corner of the cabin, telltale puncture wounds in its neck.

Tim doesn't want to hurt Brian on accident (even if it doesn't go for humans, it might out of instinct), so it stayed away because it could smell the blood, and could smell that it was Brian nearby. Tim stays with Brian as he heals, and they're a strange pair of friends, but Brian's befriended a monster and he's ok with it. They’re both ok with it.

Until Brian dies. Alex and Brian fight again, and it's more rough than ever before. Brian gets shot again, but it's fatal this time. He's shot in the head, and left in the forest to die.

Tim, of course, finds him, and whines and howls over something its never felt before. It doesn’t even try to feed, too distraught to try and do that to a human that helped it. It takes the box — the box, it knows, takes the things in real life and puts them into the box, and you can look at them forever unless you press a special button on the box to make them go away. It takes the box in its mouth, and stalks towards Alex. Brian, before, had explained where he was going, just to talk. Tim has spent a lot of time on farms, so it knows some of the words humans use, and Brian had taught it even more, so it knows where Brian went to find Alex. 

Before trying to lure Alex out of his house, it paws at the box until the special red light turns on. Tim stalks towards the doors and windows, breaking them until Alex, with his gun, the gun, runs outside. 

Tim mauls him. Tim had never mauled anything before — only pulling apart animals for Brian to eat after it itself had fed. After all, all it needed was the blood, and if Brian didn’t need it, it knew the other animals would use the flesh. But not this time. Alex didn't deserve that, he only deserved destruction. 

Alex was the most gratifying feed of its life.

But due to feeding on Alex, Tim is now being stalked by The Operator, as Alex was infected with The Operator sickness. Tim doesn't mind. In fact, The Operator keeps it closer to Jay and Jessica, who are still trying to find each other. Jay knows Alex is dead (the mauling was on the news), but not Brian, and he’s trying to figure out why the codes stopped and what actually happened to Alex (there’s no way it was a wolf, there was no blood in Alex’s body, just on the ground). 

Tim tries to protect Jay, and Jessica is currently stranded in Rosswood right now with her phone only letting her do certain things, so while Tim roams the woods it tries its best to attack anything that might hurt Jessica.

[dokuhebi]

[ heather ] from tinea/the basilisk

Angst Meme: Flowers  [ heather ]: one of our muses is lost in the the wilds, and the other is desperately searching for them. // @luxfurem It had been a peaceful evening, the two serpents sitting in a quaint garden, secluded from the rest of the Death Eaters. Be it due to the fact that the two were considered more beast than human by fearful mortals, or be it because the two were firmly lost in their own little world, Orochimaru and Tinea so often found themselves in only one anothers company. Not that it seemed to be a great loss to either one. Orochimaru had a blindfold placed around their eyes, for their own safety when they allow the Basilisk to remove the one she is normally forced to wear. So she can examine the way their hands ghost over the strings of the koto they play for her. So she can see how the tips of their nails pull at the strings elegantly, and create a rather haunting song for her enjoyment. But the sounds of their melody are interrupted by the rumbling of the floor, and the sharp bang of collision. Careful not to look in her direction, the serpent pulls down their blindfold to catch the view of the great pillars above them starting to collapse and tumble down. Falling to the earth below, to the garden, as gravity reaches up with its hands to drag it back down, “put your blindfold on dear, quickly,” they instruct, so that they can look where she sits and grasp her hand in their own. The sensation around them is one they have felt before. The insidiously quiet touch of magic, a spell cast around the twin leviathans that would stop either serpent from taking on a more dangerous or predatory form. Trapping Tinea and Orochimaru as they are, human, with the vipers chakra sealed and the Basilisks eyes her only true defense under the curse veiling the grounds. They take her hand and tug her to her feet, instinctively knowing a battle lost, when they have fought so many wars in their century old lifetime. Being in the garden, and having the pillars crash down to break the surrounding walls, allows for Orochimaru to navigate outside the borders of their home. Voldemort was not within the abode, the chambers free from his Lordship and protection, there is no one to seek refuge in, and there is no one worth heading back to protect. No one, but the female serpent they currently take in to their custody. But wizards and witches are well aware that some may try to flee the ambushed estate, already the sound of those hunting the two ring out like dogs after foxes. The night casts a blanket over the forests surrounding them, but it serves to be more of a hindrance to the two running away than it would serve a place to hide. She can not be expected to run with her blindfold covering her vision, human senses not nearly as equipped to navigate the world blindly. Grabbing a torch from the boundary wall had been the vipers last plan of action before breaking in to the heavy thicket of trees. So that the immediate footpath would be lit up for them, but there is a certain drawback to being able to see, and that is being seen. The glow from their fire lit torch only giving them away amid the blackness. With so few options, they eventually have to stop, both to catch their breath and come up with a better plan than dragging Tinea through unknown territory while she was blind. They consider putting out the torch, knowing their golden eyes could make things out in the dark, but then they think better of it. As they move her to the drop of a small cliff, where she would easily be able to fit her body and hide beneath bushes and overhanging tree vines, hidden amid the roots. A muddy little patch, dirtying the fine kimono Orochimaru had given her to wear. A small price to pay. “Count to four, in your head,” they whisper to her, before placing something cold in to her hand, the handle of a blade they had carried on them, “then take off your blindfold. If anyone finds you, either use your gift, or use this blade. Stay hidden until morning, then go back home if it looks like Lord Voldemort has returned. I’ll find my way back to you there,” they say, before pushing away from the hidden location with the torch in hand. Using that light to lure the following attackers away from her spot in hiding. The glow of their handheld fire attracting every set of eyes in the nearby area. They keep this trick going, of leading others away from her, for the next hour. Before they tire too much, and they have to snuff out the flame in the hopes of hiding themself. Where they end up however, after all that thoughtless running in the name of survival, is unfamiliar grounds. The spell that had been placed upon them like a curse had yet to release its hold on them, and while the viper excelled at living in the forests with their powers, they were rather vulnerable sitting without those abilities. The cold was as hungry as the wolves they can envision prowling around them, as the porcelain skinned being saunters through the woods barefoot. A rather abrupt departure from the peaceful garden they had abandoned their koto in. The long sleeves of their kimono are torn and tattered, as is the long flowing fabrics of the gowns bottom half. Their long hair a little messier from the running, from catching on branches. They can not find their way back, let alone find somewhere suitable to sleep or rest. The only small hope they have, is that Tinea would manage to find her way back home, having been close to the borders, and able to see the top of the damaged building from her place of hiding. With no allies around her, surrounded only by vanishing enemies, they have faith she would have rid herself of the blindfold as instructed for the sake of survival. There is little hoping for themself however, as they navigate a forest that seems haunted. So used to being the hunter rather than the hunted, the serpent feels unable to keep their head above the water in this foreign environment. Seeking the mark Voldemort painted the sky with like some SOS signal, but receiving no such thing. For who knew if the young Lord had even returned yet, to see his followers ambushed so violently. Night turns to day, only to circle back to night once more, until three more moons have come and gone, until the cold has finally won out over the vipers stubbornness. They had tried to retrace their steps, they had tried to apply the rules of the forests back home to the ones in this unknown world. Nothing was quite the same however, and all their tricks seemed futile. Pale skin is dirtied by scrapes, bruises and a thinness attributed to the harsh conditions. Until finally, in what feels like hallucination and reality all at once, the serpent hears a familiar voice. Their name on her lips, their name escaping her mouth. They wait a moment, as her calling echoes in between the trees, wondering if this is not some trick. Wondering if either their mind plays games, or if this is akin to some cruel deer call. Luring them out for the kill by using the sounds of the ones they have come to trust. They can not know, but being desperate enough, they start to pursue the sound regardless. Like their personal siren, they abandon the ship to find her. Graceful movements forward, wraith like movements in ethereal lightness, have them nearing that sound. Until finally, golden eyes dull from fatigue yet alert from hope, find themselves landing on a familiar figure standing beside large sequoias, where a breath can finally be taken, as the last few steps feel effortless to reach her. And despite being the more worn looking of the two, Orochimaru is quick to assess her for any injuries, any signs of foul play, any reasons to seek blood. Without those, they run a hand through her hair, fingers brushing against her cheekbone as they rid a leaf from those strands. “Did you find your way back home?” they ask, their smile faltering a moment, although she would only be able to tell by the sound of their voice, “... is there a home to go back to?”

[zach-the-fox]

Furiends Episode 9: Search for Justice

Darkness covers across the entire land. The town of Heroto fights off the black night with their lights to guide their way on the roads and sidewalks, however, only few wander the streets at late hours. Drab figures move across the tops of roofs of the town buildings. Each silhouette is in the shape of animals. They move quickly through the night. One of them glides in the air, but remains above the streets to avoid detection. The dark figures reach a large, two-story, brick building that had been there before. They collect on the top before proceeding further. The darkened animals gather by the edge, where one of them anchors a large hook to the roof, allowing them scale down the wall on a rope. Once they’ve descended to the opened second-story window, they enter in one-by-one. In the dim light of the room, the figures are revealed to be the gang in colored hero costumes. Zach wears blue goggles with matching-color cape, gloves, and tights, while Emmy next to him has her goggles, purple tank top vest with the same color gloves, but with darker-colored pants and belt. Niji stands beside them, donning a mask to cover only his eyes, a blue shirt with a red and yellow ‘w’ on it, steel-blue pants, and red gloves. Sally’s costume consists of a purple and jumpsuit with blue gloves and boots, with a blue belt holding her arsenal. Two ‘D’s are on her chest, mirrored beside each other inside a black bomb. Navy is right behind her, having a pink mask and cape on while having her ring on her wing and white pouch around her waist. The last animal with the group is Eren, who has his goggles over his eyes from his hat, but wears nothing but a brown cape and same-colored boots. Together, the gang appear as a band of superheroes, who ironically are breaking and entering into an orphanage.

“Gee, thanks for that comment, Zach,” says Sally.

“I didn’t say anything,” the fox replies.

“Not you, I mean the writer. Your real-life version.” Can we move on without any more fourth wall breaks, please…? “Whatever. So, where do we go from here?”

“The offices behind reception,” Zach tells her. “We must go downstairs and make our way to the main hall.”

“You’ve got it.” Sally is in front with the others behind her as they head for the door. The dog opens it a crack and peeks in both directions. Not a single soul appears in the dim-lighted hallway. “Seems quiet. I don’t like this… Emmy, Zach, use your abilities to see if the coast is clear.”

Emmy stands beside her and scans the sector with her goggles. “I see no one…”

Zach puts his paw on his head, using his mind to search the area. “The kids are in the rooms, but they’re all asleep. Let’s head down quickly and quietly.” He and his friends follow Sally as they sneak over to the other side against the wall. The fox directs the group toward the entrance of the stairwell a little way away from where they came in. With no one coming up, they descend down and halt at the base, hiding behind the walls beside the opening.

Sally peers through and sees the receptionist typing away on the computer. “Why is the receptionist still here? It’s late…”

“They usually have receptionists until 11 p.m.,” Zach states. “Then, the whole place is on lockdown until six in the morning when the staff come in. The offices are behind the desk through those doors.”

“We’ll need a distraction.” She turns to the wolf. “You have super speed. Can you lure the receptionist away?”

“On it!” Niji, using his super speed, zooms past the desk, causing some papers to fly. The receptionist turns their head up, gets out of the chair, and walks to where Niji went. The group journeys by the desk and makes their way through the doors. The hooded figure examines the dark spaces, but upon seeing nothing, returns to their post. The wolf zips by them again to join his friends.

“Good work, Wolf,” Sally comments. “Okay, now where, Fox?”

“Straight ahead and to the right,” says Zach. They head down the hallway as directed, and to the right. The gang comes to a small hallway of offices. He uses his mind to scan the area. Emmy helps by using her goggles’ vision to confirm with him. “We’re in the clear.” They press forward to the office at the end of the hallway labeled “Headmaster” on it.

“This is it?” asks Eren, facing Zach. “You think your orphanage’s headmaster is behind the attacks?”

“I have a strong feeling,” he responds. “Besides, she’s always hated me from the beginning after I was brought here. Now, we need a key to get in.”

“Where’s the key for the room?” Navy queries.

“The headmaster has it… and won’t be back until morning…”

“We don’t have time to wait for the morning,” Emmy tells them. “We need to get in and find what we’re looking for.”

“Why can’t we burst our way in?” Sally prepares to spawn a bomb in her paw. “I’ll blast open the door.”

“No!” Emmy stops her, grabbing her arm in the process. “We can’t risk making any noise. We’ll have to find another way in.” She turns to Zach. “Any other ways in?”

Zach nods. “Yes, there is; a window. We’d have to go into the courtyard to access it. Come on…” He leads the gang back to the hallways and goes down on the right. The gang sneaks passed three doors before stopping at a set of double doors. Zach pushes one open slowly. “Go.” He allows his friends to waltz through before shutting it quietly and regrouping with the others. The gang makes their way to the right side of the wall. “Right here.” They stop by the window of the last office.

“Great,” spurts Niji. “Window’s locked shut, too. Hope you plan to break the glass and enter.”

“Actually…” Zach goes over, presses his paw against the glass, and pushes it up, opening the window wide enough for a body to enter. “Going in?”

Sally, with her mouth in an ‘o’ shape, points to the window. “How is that not locked?”

“Funny you mention it,” Zach continues, rubbing the back of his head. “When I was eight, I dressed up as a superhero… And, I set off a stink bomb as one of my little “stunts”. The smell was so bad, the headmaster would always have her window open when she was in her office. She never got over the smell, and would always have it open all the time…”

“Interesting,” comments Emmy. “Now, let’s get it, shall we?” Zach leans against the wall and helps boost his friends up through the window and into the room before being grabbed and pulled in. “All right, let’s look around and see what we can find.” Everyone agrees with her as they separate and search every inch of the room. “Hm.” The warthog approaches the desk. “I wonder if they have something in the computer…” She turns to Zach. “I don’t suppose you know how to get into her login, right?”

“Funny enough, yes,” Zach responds. “She has her username and password under the desk. I used it a couple of times when she was out.” Emmy looks underneath the desk to see the words written. Using her goggles, she can see the words clearly, then using them to log on the computer. “Bingo, we’re in. Let’s see if she has something.”

“Whoa!” utters Eren, staring at a bulletin board. Niji walks over to him, staring at the pictures of Zach, themselves, their friends. Red lines stream from the photos, connecting to each other and to parts of a map. “Hey, why does she have our pictures up here?!”

“Oh my god,” Niji spurts. “She has our addresses… How would she know that?!”

“Look at this!” Navy says. The two boys, along with Sally, wander to the bird as she holds out articles she fished out from the cabinet. “She has articles…”

“What do they say?” Eren asks.

“She has every event we’ve been involved in; everything from the demon summons to the break ins, Sally’s house, and even the story on us about running out of town. They even say she’s been the one telling people she saw us burn Sally’s house, breaking into the base and lab, and destroy the town.”

“That witch!” Sally exclaims. “She blames everything on us just because we were there?!”

“She’s been doing this for a reason,” Zach says, holding up glass bottles with rags in them. “They reek of kerosene… The headmaster of the orphanage has been behind the attacks…”

“Um, guys,” calls Emmy. “You may want to look at this…” Everyone collects around the warthog as she displays information on the computer. “I just found this video from one of her files… It’s security footage of her and Jay.” They all watch as the video plays and the two animals carry out their conversation.

“You got rid of the flawed fox?” asks Jay.

“I did,” says the headmaster. “I know how much you and I hate him. His friends won’t be a bother to you and your group, either.”

“Setting him up like that was brilliant, Mom. And the way you handled Capital Corp was good, too. They won’t be coming around her too much.”

“Yes,” the hooded figure goes. “But we aren’t done yet; the flawed fox and his friends have taken refuge at the old rest stop outside of town. We need to make sure we truly bring them to their knees.”

“What do you suggest?”

“I hear that the flawed fox’s dog friend’s mother is in the hospital after receiving burns from her house fire. I’ve also got word that the dog’s sister will be coming tomorrow to visit. I have a hunch they will be there to warn them about their situation. Once they arrive, that’s when they’ll get it.”

“You want to attack the hospital?” asks Jay. “What about all of those other people there?”

“Don’t worry about them. Those flawed fox brats will stand up and go against you. That’s when I’ll come in and do all the work.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Sally clenches her paw in a fist. “Those ungrateful pieces of… I can’t believe they would do this!”

“Well, now we know Team Rescuers are nothing but frauds,” Navy utters. “And Jay’s mother is the mastermind. They were the ones who set us up, and Capital Corp. Now, they plan to attack the hospital.”

“We can’t let that happen!” Sally vocalizes. “Those poor people will die, and my mother and sister… I can’t let them kill them!”

“Relax, everyone’s going to be fine,” Zach tells her. “We have the upper hand on Team Rescuers. We will make sure their reign of terror and lies end.”

“And what about the town?” asks Niji. “They’ll still think we’re bad guys.”

“Not if we expose the truth.” Emmy continues. “I need to save the video on a flash drive.”

“I didn’t see one in the desk,” says Niji.

“I’ll make one.” Eren picks up some pieces of metal and hits it with his wrench. The scrap immediately changes to a tiny flash drive in his hand. He then hands it to Emmy, who plugs it in and saves the video onto it. “Okay, good. Now, let’s get to the hospital and be ready.”

“I sense someone coming,” Zach utters. “We need to get out of here!” Emmy unplugs the flash drive and shuts the computer down. As the door opens, the receptionist appears. They scan the room, yet they see nothing out of the ordinary before closing the door and leaving. The gang is seen through the window, climbing the walls with their hooks and rope they had latched on after leaving the office. They then gather on the roof.

“What is the plan now?” Navy queries.

“We go to the hospital,” Emmy explains. “And from there, that’s when we strike down the frauds. Here’s what we’re going to do.” She begins to unravel the plans to the entire gang. @emmy-the-absolute-goof​ @sally-the-pack-leader​ @rainbow-strike​ @pink-unicorn-boi​ @ask-choro-mama​

[ravens-crimecollection]

The Croydon Cat Killer

A/N: Now this lovely piece of work here is probably my fifth attempt. Tumble deleted my first draft and its neater version. Then Microsoft crashed on me and took another report which I had re-written twice. Needless to say this report is actually killing me.

 Trigger Warnings: Now as you could probably tell from the title this report focuses on the death of animals. What this guy has done to his targets is pretty gruesome in all aspects. I’ve tried to include in the tags all trigger warnings involving animal harm and death, however, if you want any other warnings included please contact me as soon as possible. I understand that whilst there may be some aspects of true crime that you are ok with, there are others that may trigger you.

 So now, lets be on with the strange and unusual case of the animal killer known as:

 The Croydon Cat Killer.

It was Easter 2017 when I first heard about the Croydon cat killer.

 I was back home from university for the holidays along with all my siblings so the house had been chaotic to say the least. I ended up retreating to my phone when the Twins began fighting again, unwilling to deal with their bickering so soon.

 I know, terrible elder sibling - but they argue all the time.

 Anyway, it was whilst I was on Facebook that I first mention of the Croydon Cat Killer.

 Again, I know what you’re thinking.

 “Raven, a Facebook post? Those things are usually full of shit.”

 And yes I do realise this, however this friend was trustworthy, factual, someone not likely to share fake posts seeking to incite panic.

 Also it was a link to a report written by a reputable newspaper.

 No not the Daily Mail

 Anyway, it was from this report that birthed my interest in the case, in is sheer absurdity and the audacity of the Cat Killer.

 And its really what began this blog, on the stranger lesser known crimes around the world, for this is undoubtedly an unknown case by many, but those who do know of it all share the same fear.

 That one day this Cat Killer will turn his attention to Humans.

  The Initial Suspicion:

 The rise in Cat mutilations and deaths was first noticed by Co-Founders Tony Jenkins and Boudicca Rising of the South Norwood Animal Rescue Liberty Charity, or SNARL for short.

 (Remember them, they’ll come up a lot.)

 More and more calls were coming in from the South London areas concerning strange cat deaths which often shared the same characteristics.

 FINAL WARNING FOR DETAILS OF ANIMAL DEATH

 These cats, discovered in increasing numbers in the South London areas, were mostly found in public areas.

 Public streets, high traffic grassy areas, and a few times in people’s own gardens, and even on the front steps of their owners’ homes. A most notable case was when a cats paw was left on her owners front step.

 These cats were found without their heads and tails, and later other body parts, but alarmingly there was often an absence of blood at the scenes, and any blood found was minimal and congealed. They were often laid out, displayed.

 Later forensic tests done by forensic specialists and veterinarians would show bruising consisted with death by bludgeoning. It is believed by many that the decapitation and mutilation occurred afterwards, though some disagree.

 Most shockingly however, was the fact that several of these cats were found with raw chicken in their stomachs, obviously eaten a little while before their deaths. The owners were insistent that none of them fed their cats anything of the sort before hand.

 A clear sign of luring? Of malicious intent?

 At the time of the initial reports however only the mutilation was known about, and the rising numbers of reports and the way the bodies appeared immediately raised suspicion in Boudicca and Tony. They began collecting reports, and even brought the bodies personally to their vets and third party vets to understand what could have occurred.

 They also began to heavily petition the police for investigation.

 With the families and SNARL working together to raise awareness about the Cat Killer, even reporting the incidents on Facebook, the case soon garnered attention across the country.

 Pets are undoubtedly important members of families. Any sane human being that owns a pet loves them unconditionally.

 Not one of you who own a pet can deny use of the baby voice when talking to whatever animal you own. I once watched a friend coo over their pet snake whilst rubbing its head.

 Pet owners are a weird lot, but our pets are our family, and unfortunately vulnerable members of our family at that.

 Animals have their advantages against humans. But smaller ones like cats, especially those trusting of humans, are always at risk of cruelty and harm.

 Serial killers, and I will count this man as a serial killer of a kind for ease despite the fact his victims are only animals, have always been cowardly by nature. They have always gone for the easier targets, ones that won’t cause too much trouble, too frightened or scared to attack a man or woman that could beat them. They relied on tricks, the good nature of others, and the fact their targets were often smaller and less confrontational than them. Blitzing them, or surprising them so they were incapable of fighting back.

 It is probably why the Croydon Cat Killer selected cats as their main targets. Much smaller than most dogs, less able to fight back, an easier target.

 It is his targets that also brought out such an outrage as well, and led to the quick creation of Operation Takahe.

 Operation Takahe:

 The investigation into the Croydon Cat Killer began almost astonishingly quickly considering the victims were cats, but the sheer number of animals beginning to be attributed to this Cat Killer, in the hundreds already, the mutilation that occurred and the attention the case was receiving meant the Police were quick to establish an investigation.

 This investigation was codenamed Operation Takahe. Boudicca and Tony’s initial suspicions about the reports began in January 2015, and by the summer of the same year Police investigation was already underway.

 The Investigation would last three years, until the August of 2018, and in that time multiple facts became known about the Cat Killer.

 1.       The fact the cats were bludgeoned to death and several were fed raw chicken shortly before death became known through forensic testing and study.

2.       It was shown, and is mostly believed, that the decapitation of the head and tail occurred after death.

3.       The initial victim, the apparent first cat killed by the cat killer, was discovered. It is still believed, though with some uncertainty, that a cat killed in Croydon in early 2014 was one of the killers first victims, maybe even the first. This and the fact he worked mostly in the South of London gave him the name the Croydon Cat killer.

4.       The cats missing body parts mostly remained missing, but horrifyingly a few were returned in other areas  at a later date. Causing the owners further distress to say the least.

 Later facts would show just how expansive the killers range was.

 5.       Reports of similar mutilations began to come in from as far south as the Isle of Wight and possibly as far North as Brighton. Many attacks seem to occur in areas near a motorway known as the M25, a road which circles London and connects the city to other major roads leading out all over the country. This lead him to be known by a new name – The M25 (Cat) Killer.

6.       Foxes and rabbits were also starting to be discovered, in the same conditions as the cats killed previously. This lead SNARL and others to refer to the killer as the UK Animal Killer.

7.       The kills were also shown to happen in under-surveilled rural areas, and urban areas with little traffic.

 Whilst this all occurred the case garnered more and more attention, the Cat killer became a mystery figure. Profiles of the killer were made, and descriptions of his appearance.

 He was described as a white male in his 40’s, with short brown hair, dark clothing, and acne scaring on his face based on sparse witness reports as he was never caught on camera. They also declared he could be wearing a headlamp.

 His personality profile was as such:

 1. He often travelled, possibly for work.

 2. It was eventually believed he lived in Addiscombe, considering the amount of attacks occurring there.

 3. Profilers and psychologists also theorised his hated for cats in particular could have stemmed from a hated or fear of women, and the mutilation of the animals after, and the distinct need to leave these animals in the open and for their owners to find, was for sexual gratification.

  Celebrities and politicians alike were drawn to the case, tweeting descriptions and drawing attention to the case in hopes of an arrest.

 All the information together seemed to present the idea of a prolific sadist, a human one.

 A suspect was arrested but released.

 A man who was on the sexual offenders list for raping an older woman had his home searched.

 Which is why it is so shocking that in September 2018, the Police shut down Project Takahe with news that the killer had been found.

 The common Fox.

  The End?

 Police revealed that they had seen a few images of foxes carrying the missing cat parts away from scenes. They also found fox DNA on the corpses as well.

Stephen Harris, a retired professor of environmental sciences at the University of Bristol who had studied fox behaviour for fifty years, asserted that there was no killer.

 He asserted the lack of blood or its congealing, as well as the lack of heads and tails, and other body parts was absolutely due to car collisions. Other say it was a moral panic.

 He does not go on to explain how the cars could have put a cat paw print on their owners front porch.

 He also explains that foxes commonly chew of the head and tails of their prey as well. Nd yes he was called in on a case prior involving the death of cats in the late 1990’s in London, and confirmed they were Foxes.

 SNARL and many other could only react in disbelief. I myself included.

 Cats laid out, obviously dissected, and they call it the work of cars and foxes.

 Cats in accidents leave massive amounts of blood in the road, of which I have been unfortunate witness to, and the foxes scavenger nature (especially London) which could easily explain why foxes were seen with cat parts.

 This theory leaves many things unexplained:

 1.       The display of the animals in open areas, the repeat of pattern, the openness these cats were found in.

 2.       The sudden increase of cat death as a whole, enough to make those who recorded such things suspicious.

 3.       The animal parts returning at a later date, especially the paw that appeared on their owner’s door step.

 There is also the fact that shortly before the closing down of the investigation a man was arrested for arson AND cat mutilation and gave up his fellows as well, claiming there was still someone who was out there committing crimes.

 It is the opinion of many that this is a vast oversight by police, nearly negligent in fact.

 I myself have, as you do, spoken with several of my friends on this topic. Some who work in civil service and are of the heavy opinion that this closing of the investigation was due to budgeting by the higher ups who probably withdrew funds due to the cases length and the victimology.

 Many believe that this may be another group, a single man with possible copy-cats, or simply one man.

 Very few appear to believe it is a fox.

 The believe not looking to catch this killer now is a grave mistake, and not just for animals.

 Because there is one main worry that still persists amongst people who worked on or who have looked into this case.

 That this man, whomever he is, will one day turn his attentions to people.

 Animal killing and mutilation are a precursor to killers after all, most notably serial killers.

 But here’s hoping it’s a fox, I hate to think what would happen otherwise.

 And please, have a lovely night.

[reverseracism]

Hey, bruh, do you have a minute?

Of course, I do. You look concerned. Is something wrong?

I was just about to ask you the same question, bruh. Are you OK? I just saw a bunch of tweets that didn’t make sense. They were calling you racist, and they mentioned Toyotas, and something about The Tonight Show band and the place where you work. It really didn’t make sense, so I thought I’d come directly to you.

Oh, that? Yeah, Tucker Carlson is beefing with The Root as being racist against white people.

Wait, who is Tucker Carlson?

Tucker Carlson is a white man.

That’s all you got; he’s a white man?

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to minimize Tucker Carlson. Tucker Carlson is not just a white man, he’s the white man.  

When you hear black people say, “the white man is a motherfucker,” they’re probably talking about Tucker Carlson. If you looked up “white man” in some dictionaries, there’s just a picture of Tucker. He’s such an unremarkable white man, the universe named him after a penis-hiding process. Tucker!

Everything about him screams white. He thinks he’s smarter than he really is. He pretends he’s not racist, but everyone knows he is. His face is always adorned with a Lord Petyr Baelish-like smirk that is a mixture of evil, arrogance, and bitch-ass-ness. He has a show on Fox News even though he’s not especially interesting, good-looking or talented. He’s perfectly mediocre. There’s only one way to describe him:

Tucker Carlson is a white man.

But what does that have to do with you? Or The Root? Or racism. Or Corollas? I’m still confused.

That’s what I’m here for.

On Wednesday at 11:09 a.m., I received a perfectly mediocre email from the head booker at Tucker Carlson Tonight (notice the perfectly mediocre name of the show). They requested an interview, saying: “We often see your pieces in The Root, and we’d be interested in discussing many of the themes relating to race in our country that you often analyze.”

That seems perfectly mediocre. So you told them “yes”?

Well, as soon as I read the email, my “nigga senses” started tingling.

Your what?

My nigga senses. You see, there are many black people who possess a superherolike sense of detecting white fuckery from afar. Whenever I smell Caucasian shenanigans, I feel a tingling at the tips of my fingers and toes. Some people, including my doctor, think I should be tested for the gout, but trust me, it’s a superpower. It’s like Spider-Man’s spidey senses. When I first discovered them, I put in an application with the X-Men, but they haven’t called back. I know it’s because Wolverine be hating on me.

So what did you do when you felt the tingling?

I did what any smart black man should do: I asked a black woman—specifically my editor in chief Danielle Belton. I knew she would give me a thoughtful, well-reasoned, educated response.

And what did she say?

“Don’t do it. Issa trap.”

Those were her exact words. So I emailed the Tucker Carlson show with a keenly worded email detailing my hesitation to appear on the show. I think my response illustrated my feelings that I don’t think productive conversations about race can be had in 4-minute segments. Furthermore, I know Fox News tries to include black people so it can make it seem like it’s not racist to its racist audience. I’m not saying that everyone who watches Fox News is a racist. I’m just saying that all racists watch Fox News.

I also think I perfectly outlined my recollection that the last time I was asked to appear on Fox News on Laura Ingram’s show, I was replaced by Tariq Nasheed after I declined. I believe my email succinctly summed up my apprehensions.

That’s dope. It must have been a long email. Can you read it to me?

No problem, I know it by heart. My email to Tucker Carlson Tonight read:

“Nah, Fam. I’m good.”

Wow. So that’s why they’re mad? Because you didn’t come on the show?

No, it gets better. It turns out, my nigga senses were right. It was a trap. They wanted to lure me on the show to talk about why The Root hates white people so much.

Basically, they wanted me to explain why it’s OK to be white.

Damn, that’s cold. But I still don’t understand what this has to do with Questlove, Black Thought or Priuses.

Well, Tucker Carlson decided that his viewers should boycott The Root and our sponsors. One of our sponsors is Toyota. So Tucker decided to do what Sean Hannity did when he convinced the dumb whites (my least-favorite flavor of vanilla) to smash their Keurig coffee machines. But Fox News viewers are the people who voted for an alleged pedophile who rode a horse to the polls, so they aren’t as internet savvy as you would think.

Somewhere I imagine Black Thought is checking his Twitter feed and wondering what the hell is going on.

So are you upset that you are being painted as a racist?

Here’s the thing: Some people will say I am a coward for not going on Tucker’s show to face him and defend myself. I have no need to explain me, my writings, or anything on The Root to a bunch of people whose minds won’t be changed in 40-second sound bites by a black guy they invited on so the host could paint him as anti-white anyway.

And why would I smear Tucker Carlson’s mediocre whiteness as racist?

I have written a lot of incendiary things about white people. I won’t shy away from that. I have called white people racist and made fun of their dancing skills, their potato salad and how often they shoot up schools. I created the Wypipo Awards and held an entire Wypipo Tournament to find the worst of the worst. But none of the articles Tucker Carlson listed were written by me!

He literally called a random black guy to explain why the works of another black guy were racist. Which. Is. Racist. But you know ... I guess we all write alike.

But is The Root racist against white people?

Dammit, man! You’re going to make me reveal the secret to our sauce. OK, I’ll reveal it, but make sure you don’t tell anyone. Here it is: No one at The Root hates white people. We hate racism. The reason we are often called racists is because of an old Southern saying: “A hit dog will holler.”

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

It means if you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, only the one who is hit will let out a yelp. The rest just go on about their business.

A woman once took umbrage with my portrayal of white people, called me a “black gangbanger” and asked me how that made me feel. I told her it did not bother me because I am not a gangbanger. I went about my business. Yet, some white people are so racist, that when we throw rocks at racism, they think we are targeting white people. They are hit dogs. That’s why they holler.

The white people hollering at Questlove and driving their Rav4s back to the Toyota dealership will never be killed because The Root racially profiled them. The Root has never sent Fox News viewers’ children to underfunded white schools. The Root doesn’t subject Tucker Carlson’s fans to longer prison sentences because they are white. The Root has never issued a travel ban against mediocre white boys or tried to deport the Caucasians who come to our country and take our jobs. But, to be fair, the entire staff at The Root wouldn’t mind if someone built a wall around Fox News, but we don’t have the funding.

And some of them, we suppose, are good people.

So how will you settle this?

We probably won’t. Historically, white people don’t have a long record of taking shit back. Plus, the idea of a hip-hop beef between Fox News andThe Root seems like fun. I don’t know if Tucker is P. Diddy or Suge Knight in this scenario, but I bet Tucker won’t be talking that shit when I roll up with The Root staff and the X-Men in my used 4Runner.

So you don’t feel bad at all?

I’ll be honest. There was one small part of the clip that made me feel a little bad about this entire Caucasian kerfuffle: when Tucker Carson, looked into a camera and said:

“Attacking people on the basis of their race is wrong. That was the standard, and for a long time almost everybody in America believed it.”

I won’t lie. My stomach is still sore from laughing so hard.

[the-lunar-mistress]

The Dark Side Of The Moon

mood music

The Forgotten Knight, Ishgard

The air was thick with silence save for the gentle crackle of a nearby fire. Aleqa sat at a table, face buried in her delicate hands, across from a recently freed Thavnairian slave, and her dear friend K'aej, in an Inn at the Forgotten Knight. A crude sketch of a highlander she once knew stared back at her tauntingly, triggering pleasant and distasteful memories. Many called him Scowl, but his name was Garmund Cantrell, a human trafficker who captures and sells slaves to pleasure houses all over the realm.

Aleqa was 18 summers when he found her wandering off the shores of Thavnair after she had left her tribe. Young and naive, she followed him on what he would call adventures. This is when she learned of her talents. Where she was taught many languages and skills. Taking on different personas, being able to hear and feel her surroundings without sight, but most importantly, being a lover. She could easily disguise herself and befriend men and women to be eventually lured and taken into their inevitable doom without any remorse. Albeit she never actually knew where they would go, she assumed most of them were involved with trading.

Garmund gave her everything; dresses, weapons, affection, and freedom to be herself. He protected her, never allowing any other man or woman of the crew to touch his protégé, for she was who made his business flourish and grow. He gave her many names; Desert Flower, The Lunar Mistress, and more notably, Lulubell Vixen. This name has stayed with her even through today. It gave her purpose and made keeping secrets easier. She was no longer an outcast anymore. She was needed.

Years had passed before Garmund told her the truth of his business, and what part she had to play in it. He confessed there would be a time when he wouldn't be alive and wanted a successor to his empire. This realization slowly took a toll on Aleqa's mental stability. All she had known was a lie. All she was told. Lies. All those innocent people were at the mercy of perversion. But maybe, deep down she knew there was a part of her that was aware of the chaos and turmoil she caused. That thought in itself made her incredibly nauseous.

More time had passed before she decided to make her move and escape. She used her training and knowledge about his business and schedules against him to eventually slip out of his grasp and hide away in Ishgard. She figured he wouldn’t wait long for her because he knew she could always find him. She always did. Imagine Aleqa’s surprise when searching for her beloved would land her right back into his arms.

The distraught Auri woman slid her hands from her face, an exhausted sigh exits her parted lips as she glances up at the ceiling. Finding some kind of resolve with all the information she had finally processed; she lowered her gaze to the silent maiden sitting across from her. “Knowing all that you do about me, after having come from the same man I worked under, why would you choose to help?”

The maiden bit her lip, her expression telling a tale of distress, “I’ve known about you since the very first day Scowl brought you in. I was lucky enough to be a servant of the crew. All of us watched from the shadows as you grew in power alongside him. We were scared when we heard of all you were capable of. The things you did for him made it seem like you were a brainwashed doll.” She took a breath, carefully calculating her next words. “But when you left for good, and rumor spread of the reason why; I grew hopeful. If anyone could possibly save us from a life of servitude, it would be you.”

Aleqa shook her head in dismay. “Easier said than done.”

The maiden nodded, having a full understanding of the risks involved with her request. “I know. Call it wishful thinking.” She rubbed her hands together as if to shake the chill in the room. “I should get going, I have elsewhere to be. I hope this information will be of use to you, Mistress.”

Aleqa flinches at the familiar title, silently nodding as the maiden bows and takes her leave. She turns her attention to K’aej who is starring at his hands with confusion. “What’s on your mind.” It wasn’t really a question. She expected him to tell her.

The Miqo’te looked at her momentarily through the slit in his mask before visibly opening and shutting his mouth, trying to figure out how to formulate his words. “How do you know she’s telling the truth?”

“I don’t. Most of the ones that escape are either found, tortured, or killed. And on special occasions; all of the above.” She said matter of factly. “But I do know where and how to find him.” She pushes herself from out from underneath the table, stands and glides across the hollow wooden floor over to the bed; her steps eerily echoing throughout the room. She opens up her bag and takes out a dagger, gazing at her reflection in the blade while caressing the jewel-encrusted handle. “I will not fault you for not coming along with me. Should you choose to join, make preparations for Falcon’s Nest. I’d advise bringing a coat.” A slow vengeful grin spreading across the reflection’s face.

The howl of Coerthan winds whispered faint memories into her ears, whipping several strands of her natural white hair around her face as she sat waiting for Garmund to walk out and show his face. No doubt getting ready to head out to the abandoned house to briefly discuss trades. With her plan in the works, she still couldn’t shake the chill off her bones. She couldn’t quite place why something felt wrong, but when she caught a glimpse of his face in the merciless blizzard she disappeared into white, mounted a falcon and took flight.

By the time she got to the small secluded hold, she was damn near freezing. “I suppose I should take my own advice..” she thought to herself.

The place was just as creepy as she remembered, though she half expected there to be guards watching over slumbering slaves. But it was empty. Nevertheless, she walked ahead towards the basement. Passing the empty, candlelit tables where many traders would gather and converse. She stopped at the altar, taking note of the rusting scales on the twisting dragon before kneeling in front of it, placing her daggers neatly in her lap.

She sat patiently for some time, humming a lullaby her mother would sing her. One of the very few memories she had of her. Soon the door from the floor above opened and closed. All was silent save for the flickering of candle flames and the footsteps from heavy leather boots. She knew it was him from the way she straightened her back from the chill that ran up her spine.

Every step Garmund took was in tune with her heartbeat and this filled her with a sudden sadness. His footsteps stopped at the entrance and he said nothing for some time, letting the silence sink into her being.

Finally, he spoke and she could feel every ounce of hatred and pain laced in his deceitful greeting. “So the little fox has come out to play.”

Aleqa stopped humming and slowly opened her eyes. “Hello, Scowl.”

“So formal. Are the intimate moments we shared not enough for you to call me by my name?”

Her face twisted in disgust.“I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Would you prefer dog?”

Joyous laughter fills the room. “Are you not happy to see me? And look, you’ve even worn white! I don’t suppose it’s our wedding day is it?” He took a few steps forward, gauging her reaction. She didn’t move. “Come now! Will you not bless me with your angelic voice?!” He roared as he wildly flung his arms in the air.

Aleqa stood up, anger flooding her being. “Are you not satisfied with the pain you’ve already caused me?!” She spat, gripping the handles of her daggers and pivoting herself to take aim at his now vulnerable chest.

A devious chuckle filled her ears as he took hold of her wrist. For a split second, she was filled with fear as he walked her back into the altar, taking a firm grasp on both her wrists while pressing himself against her body. “As much as I enjoy these games we play, I fear I’m not quite in the mood.”

“Games?!” She faltered.

Garmund ignored her question, instead choosing to brush his face against her hair and breathe in her scent. “Mm, you always did love lavender.” She struggled against him, a violent urge to rid herself of this closeness, causing him to sigh in frustration. “Let me guess. This is about that wench who’s buried out in the snow bereft of life?” He purred.

There was a time she felt complete and utter joy in his sadism, but not now. “You slaughtered the woman I loved.” She seethed.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Yes. Yes, I did. Would you like to know the details? I don’t mind sharing.” She didn’t have to look at him to know that his lips were curved into a devilish smile, a stark contrast to his cool hazel eyes. “I warned everyone of the consequences that would befall them if the woman I love were ever to be taken from me. Did you think you were the exception to this rule?”

She turned her head towards him, laying her watering eyes on a face she hadn’t seen in years. Gentle waves of ear length ebony hair framed his face, just barely touching the line of his strong jaw. He gazed at her, expecting an answer, his face lit up in awe, the lines creasing with the fresh signs of aging. He stood heads over her, clad in a black suit, obviously not intending a fight. Not that he needed to be. “Aleqa. Why must you cry?” His eyes soften. “You were supposed to be an Empress.”

“Why would I want to be with someone who lies, having no respect for my wishes to change.” It wasn’t a question. It was a statement.

He shook his head, rubbing a calloused hand over his stubbled chin, his expression painted with disappointment. “If I told you then, would you have stayed? Though I doubt anyone I sold you to would be willing to put up with such a quarrelsome woman. And at any rate, your entire life is a lie. Tell me, did your late wife know about me? Where you came from? What you’ve done?” She stayed silent, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

“I thought so.” He cooed while wiping the salted droplet from her face with his thumb. “There are too many opportunities out there for a woman with your potential. I’d hate to see it wasted on the simple way of living. You were specifically bred for this purpose. How stubborn of you to run from it.”

“Because it’s not what I want!”

He took her face in both of his large hands, his feet spread shoulder-width apart as his eyes stared back into hers with an alarming intensity. “I don’t believe that. It’s who you are. You found me to take my life did you not? Was this to avenge your beloved or bathe in my blood. Quite frankly I’d enjoy the latter.”

“I will not be consumed by whatever darkness that has consumed your heart.”

“No dearest. You see I’ve learned something. You have yet to be awakened. I can’t use you while you’re broken. I am the only man you have ever been comfortable enough to let your true nature flow. You’ll never be freed from this desperate yearning to belong if you have yet to give in to your true desires. Did you not smile in maniac satisfaction when I twisted the neck of the young man whose disrespectful hands soiled your supple skin?”

Aleqa shook her head violently, only managing a choked “No.”

“Did you not cut a woman down for talking down to me of your own free will? And please believe me when I say that I enjoyed every second of it, but I requested no such thing.”

“NO!” Something snapped in her. For a moment she thought she’d lost track of the entire conversation, but that wasn’t so. She was hearing him clearly.

“When did you start hating yourself so much? Who filled your mind with the idea that you were inadequate...are you angry with me now?” His eyes soften, his guard dropping, the veil slipping from his face to reveal his true emotions as he leaned in to kiss her.

He stopped just shy of her lips, the sharp intake of his breath cool against her face. She looked him dead in the eyes, her lips curling into a wicked smile as his hand met her fist wrapped securely around the handle of her blade that was lodged in between his ribs.

At first, Garmund was shocked, but then he smiled. A genuinely thankful grin lit up his face while his blood pooled into her hands. He seemed at peace even as his mouth dripped with crimson. There was an almost blissful gargling as he tried his best to make sounds, his body feeling increasingly heavy. “You know...If there was anyone who could possibly hurt me, it would probably be you.” He paused, trying to catch the last of his breath. “It’s vengeance you crave. But I fear I can’t give you that, little fox. You’ll be rid of my flesh but my legacy will seek it’s Empress.”

Tired eyes looked down at her, but she remained quiet, tears streaming down her face while he hugged her and brushed a bloodied kiss across her cheek before exhaling and slumping to the ground with a loud thud.

Aleqa Dalamiq rids herself of this place, her dress and cheek stained in red and leaving nothing behind but a small waxing crescent carved into the skin of Garmund’s neck.

“What now little fox?”

“What do you want?”

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Trip in the woods

@shadowdragon1553, I’m your pitch hitter for the VLD Halloween exchange. I liked the idea of Lance being utterly terrified of ghost, mostly because of my own story which involves the gang going out and chasing different crypids and ghosts, with Lance getting kidnapped by them a lot. I was trying to think of a spirt, so I decided to pull one from my own cultures folklore. I hope you enjoy and that you had a happy Halloween.

“Why are we here? We could be back at my place watching horror movies.” Lance asked, holding onto Keith’s arm. They were walking through the forest near their town after Pidge sent Keith a message from a supernatural sighting blog they both followed. Lance just wanted to spend their Halloween watching horror movies and giving out candy to any kids living in his apartment complex, but instead, while he was making out with Keith on the couch, the older of the two got distracted by his phone going off and then he proceeded to drag Lance out.

“There was sighting of Lugahoo here, which isn’t normal, so I have to check it out.” Keith said, looking around, the flashlight lighting their way.

“A what?”

“Lugahoo. It’s a mythological creature that originated in Trinidad. Didn’t you say you know someone from there?”

“One of my mom’s friends live there but the only thing I know from there is Carnival and pastels.” Lance corrected. “I know nothing about mythology.”

“I assume that last thing is a food.” Keith said, looking over at his boyfriend.

“A very good one. What is this thing anyway?”

“Lugahoo is a shapeshifting creature with no head and a coffin around its neck. It also has a chain on its neck and drags a whip with it. They’re only known in Trinidad, which is weird that it was seen here.” Keith said, turning to Lance when he felt him tighten his grip on his arm.

“But why are we out here?”

“Lance, are you scared?”

“What was your first clue?” Lance asked, sarcastically.

“Of ghosts, yeah. I didn’t think you’d be bothered by this.”

“Keith, this is a ghost like creature. Ones that come from folklore are way scarier because they usually have a motive, not just aimlessly wondering around. Can we please, please, please not do this?”

Keith looked like he really wanted to protest but judging from the extremely scared look on his face, Lance would not survive a night out looking for this creature. And as much as Keith liked going to look for them, he cared about Lance more than to let him suffer for his own curiosity.

“Ok. We can go back.” Lance looked much calmer at that idea when Keith’s phone rang. Lance loosened his hold so Keith could get his phone in time and answer. “Hello?”

“Are you there? Have you seen it? Can you take a picture or will it be too risky without that dog thing?”

Keith sighed. “Not like I can’t do that Pidge, plus I’m not putting dog eye guck in my own eye.” He could hear Lance letting out a grossed out noise. “Besides, I’m with Lance and he’s getting scared. We’re heading back.”

“Wait, you brought Lance with you? But Lance hates ghosts.”

“Yes, I know. I didn’t know that folklore ghosts scare him.”

“I don’t know how you don’t know that, but Keith! I need to know if it’s a real thing.” Pidge whined

“Pidge, I am not dragging Lance further into the forest with me, forget it.”

He felt Lance tugging on his jacket sleeve and turned to his boyfriend, who looked a bit guilty.

“I can go to the car myself and wait for you. As long as you promise to come back.”

Keith could tell Lance felt guilty about dragging him back but Keith didn’t mind. Though, he was really curious about the creature.

“I can see your mind going. I know how to get back to the car. Just please try not to get killed by this thing, if it is real.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Ok, use your flashlight on your phone and call me when you get into the car and,” Keith pulled out his car keys and handed them to Lance, “turn the headlights and call me if I’m taking longer than 20 minutes.”

“Yes sir.” Lance answered, pulling out his phone and turning the flashlight on. “I can text you on my way there, just to let you know where I am?”

“If it makes you feel safer.” Lance nodded.

Keith used his own to follow Lance until he disappeared behind a tree. Keith tried not to worry, he was sure Lance would get back to the car without any trouble.

“I really don’t like this, so you’re going to have to buy me discounted candy tomorrow.” Lance said, using his voice to text function on his phone so he could continue looking forward. He was glad to see he was on the right path. “So much discounted candy, so you had better not die because-ahh!” Lance let out a scream when something went running across his path but he saw a furry red tail and let out a sigh. He saw that the text had sent when he screamed, which had also been copied to text. “Don’t be worried, it was just a fox. You owe me so much candy mister because if you die, I’m finding some way to resurrect you just to say I told you this whole thing is a bad idea.” Lance sent that text as well before continuing. “I also demand lots and lots of cuddles when this is over.” Lance tensed at the sound of a bush rustling. “Lots and lots of cuddles.”

Lance continued down the path when he spotted something from the corner of his eye. He looked over and thought he saw another light. He rubbed at his eyes, sure it was the bright light of his flashlight messing with his eyes. But there it was still there. Common sense was telling Lance not to, but he turned the flashlight off, just to see and there it was, this strange light floating in the air. Lance knew he should turn tail and run away from it but when it started moving, Lance felt his body moving after it. He didn’t know how long he followed the light for but before he knew it, it had disappeared and whatever fog that had glazed over his mind disappeared as well. He blinked and looked around, not knowing where he was. He quickly turned on his flashlight, shinning it on the area around him. Which he didn’t recognise.

He pulled up the conversation he had with Keith, more than ready to send Keith a text telling him he got lost when he noticed at the corner of his screen. No bars. The forest he was in was known for its spots with no service but it was usually much deeper, and they hadn’t even gone in that far in. how did he even get here? At the sound of branches moving, Lance tensed up and let out a quiet whimper. He back up against a tree, sliding down until he was sitting on the ground. Lance felt like he was in the middle of every horror movie of his nightmares.

Keith would come looking for him right? He had been sending text messages his whole way back to the car, he had to notice the sudden stop. But Lance was much further than he was supposed to be. What if Keith couldn’t find him? Keith couldn’t call him. That light brought him here. What if it was part of that thing, the Lugahoo’s way to separate people? It had to be real right? That weird light, he saw it and before he knew it his body was moving on its own.

His whole body stopped at the sound of something, chains rattling. Didn’t Keith say that thing had a chain around its neck? He let out another soft whimper, curling up tightly on himself, wishing that Keith was with him or at least that he knew he was coming for him.

He heard the rattle again and was close to screaming when he heard something.

“Lance? Lance, where are you?”

“Keith?”

“Lance!”

“Keith!”

He heard the sound of footsteps running towards him and saw the beam of light right before he saw Keith.

“Keith!” Lance was up on his feet and in Keith’s arms before he knew it. The sudden surge of relief washed down on Lance as his eyes flooded with tears.

“Lance, how did you get over here? I was searching for you for an hour.”

Hour? It only felt like only a few minutes had passed since he followed that light. He gripped Keith’s shirt tightly as the tears fell from his eyes as Keith rubbed his back trying to calm him down.

“Come on, let’s get back to the car.” Keith said.

“How? I don’t know where we are.”

“We’re not that much deeper in the forest. You’re lucky I know this place, I wouldn’t have been able to find you then. Come on.”

Lance’s grip on Keith’s arm was much tighter this time, as he also pressed himself as closely as he could to Keith as he possibly could. He never looked happier than when they finally broke through the trees and got back into the parking lot. Keith took the keys from Lance and unlocked the door, opening Lance’s door for him. Once Lance was in, he was quick to get in his own seat, locking the door behind him and making sure the headlights and interior lights were on before turning his attention back to Lance.

“Lance, what happened? I was getting an influx of texts from you, one which scared me because of that fox and then it stops and you won’t answer my calls. How did you veer so off course?” Keith asked carefully, trying to let Lance know he wasn’t upset with him, just worried

Lance could hear this in Keith’s voice but the reason almost didn’t seem real.

“I don’t know if you’ll believe me but even though I’m so sure it happened, I don’t know if I saw what I saw. But, I was on the path back to the car and I saw something at the corner of my eye and stupidly I turned my flashlight off and there was this floating light.”

“Floating light?”

Lance nodded. “I know I should have just gotten out of there, but it’s like my body wouldn’t listen to me and before I knew it I just followed it until it disappeared and I was completely lost.”

Keith took a hold of Lance’s hands, rubbing them gently as he spoke. “Lance-”

“What, you don’t believe me?”

“No I do, trust me I do. It just what I’m going to say you might not like. There’s something called a Jacakalantan in Trinidadian folklore.”

“Jack-o-lantern?”

“Similar sound, different spelling. Thing is, while Jack-o-lanterns are said to ward off spirits, a Jacakalantan is a spirt in the shape of mysterious light that lures people away from where they’re trying to go, making them lost.”

“That’s the second one. Oh god, Keith. I heard chains, in the forest. You said that thing had chains and could shapeshift and-how do I know if this is you and-” Lance was slowly becoming more and more panicked

“Lance.” Keith grabbed Lance’s shoulders, making Lance look at him and spoke slowly, “your name is Lance McClain. You’re the middle child of your family. You work as an assistant manager to a synchronised swimming group and also do part time modelling on the side and more than anything you want someone, be it me, one of our friends or your family to either get you a Savanah, Munchkin, Scottish Fold or even an American Curl cat and you don’t care what the cat looks like but you want to name it Blue. And Lugahoo can’t change into people, only animals. It’s me I swear.” Keith wrapped Lance in his arms as his boyfriend dissolved into tears again. “I’m so sorry I made you do this. I’m so sorry.”

“Can we just go home?”

“We can do that.”

If anyone noticed that Lance took time off work and didn’t sleep without the lights on, they didn’t say anything. When news about someone found hurt in the same woods they were in, covered in whip marks and begging not to hear the rattling chains and Lance begged Keith to stay over and didn’t leave his apartment, they didn’t say anything then either. All they knew was something happened that night and no amount of questions or begging would get them an answer.

[gatorsnot]

Did I ever post this? I don’t think I did.

Drew this maybe a month and a half ago, because I was still brainstorming from this post of mine. It’s Darktail as a kit with his mother, Smoke. I still want a Darktail super edition, Erins.

Writing bit for this piece under the cut!

"Poor Smoke," Dark had overheard one of their housefolk say in a dismayed tone, after his mother had hissed and swatted at him with a furious pale paw when he had tried to stroke her. "She's been acting so angry and restless lately. Do you think she still misses her other kittens?"    The female had been just as confused. "Perhaps," she murmured. "It's unfortunate that the little specks died so soon after she had them, but it couldn't be helped where she gave birth while we had let her out, and bless our lucky stars that we found her before she could lose the last one. Besides, that was a couple of months ago. Cats can be moody sometimes, perhaps she just needs a rest from taking care of the one that did make it."    "I suppose," the male companion had answered. "But is she doesn't feel better within the next few days, we might need to consider taking her to the vet. She might be coming down with something, our poor kitty."    The housefolk had gone to their room long ago, leaving Dark and Smoke alone in the living room as the rain began. Now, the two of them were curled up together on the windowsill, watching the water streak down the glass like liquid worms and the garden turn muddy and slightly disarrayed. However, instead of Smoke grooming her young son with her tongue while softly telling him stories like she normally did before they retreated to their bed to sleep, the gray she-cat had her gaze locked on the garden. Dark saw no gentle compassion or longing for her lost kits on his mother's face; her blue eyes were hard and angry, her paws strained and stretched as though she wished she still had her absent claws so she could scratch something in her frustration. Dark lifted his head to look at her. Smoke was growling under her breath to herself.    "Stupid, lying, untrustworthy piece of dung," she snarled. "How dare he refuse to take in not only me but his own kit, into his pathetic Clan? Unfaithful, scheming tom. I hope a dog tears him and his no-good wild cat buddies to shreds and feasts on their innards."    "Mom?" Dark squeaked, trying to get her attention.    "Too soft and delicate to be a warrior, he says!" Smoke continued to ramble, her paws still contorting desperately. "He's lucky that I didn't bite his throat out right then and there for saying that about his own son. Our son, Onewhisker! Our only surviving kit, and this is how you treat him? Like a hopeless scrap of fur? He could grow up to be twice the warrior you ever will be if you would let him in, rabbit-munching coward. He's got the brain of a sheep, that stupid Clan cat, the brain of a sheep."    "Mom?"    "I thought you really and truly loved me, Onewhisker. I thought you would love and take pride in our kittens. You're a miserable excuse for a warrior, a mate, and especially a father! I pity the next she-cat you try to lure into your claws; filling her head with lies and deceiving her when she needs you most! Evil Clan cat, your kind is a disgrace to all cats! Three of our kits are dead because you didn't care! Did you ever care at all? I hope you die in the worst way possible, destruction and pain is all your kind know! Dirty, mindless, selfish Clan cat!"    "Mom!"    "What, Dark, what?" Smoke flashed her teeth at her son, and Dark hid further into his mother's soft tail, horrified by her outrage. He felt her body quaking with fury, a power he had no idea she was capable of. Upon seeing her son's terror, Smoke's expression relaxed slightly. The tension her in muscles eased, and her eyes expanded from the slits they previously were. "My son," she croaked.    Dark relaxed back against her flank. "Was that tom that we met earlier today really my father?" he asked, timidly. He didn't want to anger his mother again. Smoke had seemed so desperate when she talked to the tom, begging for Dark's entry into something called WindClan. Smoke had told him that he was the kit of a Clan cat who lived on the moor beyond the forest, and they had slipped out of their house that morning to meet him, the cat called Onewhisker.    Smoke let out another low growl. "Unfortunately, yes," she hissed. "Worst mistake I ever made in my worthless life, mating with him. I fell for every word he told me, about what a fabulous warrior he was, brave as a tiger. Claimed he saved his Clanmates from a great hunger by hauling a mountain of rabbits and birds back to them, chasing off a whole troop of foxes on his own, fought and killed a badger on his first day of training to save some kits...all if it, lies." She was silent for several moments, and Dark stayed still and quiet. His little paws worked anxiously against the plush he and his mother were resting on.    "Dark, my son," she meowed after the long moments had passed.    "Y-yes, mom?"    Smoke was looking down at him now, with an unknown expression in her eyes. Her tail wrapped more firmly around him. "If you do just one thing in your life for me, I'll be happy. Can you make a promise to me?"    Dark nodded hesitantly.    "Hate them. Hate them with everything you've got."    "Who, mother?"    "The forest cats," Smoke looked away from Dark, out towards the trees. Dark followed her gaze as she continued. "Learn to fight. Learn to hunt. You don't need to join that band of cowards to be fierce and strong and respected like they claim. Don't lay around and become a fat house cat like me, be feared and a fighter. Be the survivor I know you are and your father refuses to recognize. Can you, will you, do that for me?"    Dark hesitated. A fighter? Feared? Respected? He was only three moons old! How could he do all that?    "Well, will you?"    Dark relaxed against Smoke once more. "I suppose I can. Just for you, mom."    "Very good, that's a good kit," At last, Dark felt his mother's tongue rasping against his head. Smoke took him into her paws as she began to wash him all over. "Begin practicing tomorrow. Once the housefolk leave, I want you to go outside and into Rhinestone's yard. Practice fighting with her kits."    "But Rhinestone doesn't want me playing with Frolic, Sweetie, and Pickle anymore," Dark protested as Smoke lapped at his warm belly. "She says I get too rough with them and cause too many arguments when we choose games, and Pickle accused me of hurting one of his ears once when it was Sweetie who did it really, mom. Not to mention, Frolic whines too much, and cries for Rhinestone whenever he doesn't get his way, and he's afraid of practically everything-"    "Exactly," Smoke argued. "Rhinestone is raising a litter of weaklings. Frolic is a complainer and too easily frightened. Sweetie is spoiled and expects to be pampered every second she's awake, and Pickle is fat and slow-moving. They're going to grow up to be nothing but embarrassments. But not you, my little warrior," she purred. "They'll be perfect for your first components. A good, strong fighting cat must have good training resources."    Dark said nothing, mainly because his mother was right. Rhinestone's kits weren't exactly the most competent around. They were smaller and weaker than Dark, and he felt a small twinge of smug pride when he made this realization; he'd be able to beat all three of them easily. He saw them now, squealing to their mother and cowering behind her like trembling mice. He'd fight them in front of Rhinestone, too. Dark would ensure that she was afraid of him as badly as her little crybaby pipsqueaks were! "You're right, mom," he mewed as he began drifting off. "I'll show them, I'll show them all. The pesky little fleas won't know what hit them."    "That's my little lion," Smoke purred as she nestled her son closer to her.    "That dumb, smelly Onewhisker will lose his mind with fear when he sees me the next time," Dark continued drowsily. "I'll be a huge, bulky, smart fighter while he's scrawny and old, and I'll claw him until his stupid pals won't be able to recognize him."    Smoke said nothing, but her purrs amplified as she resumed washing Dark, so eventually drifted into dreams of glory and battles. He stood among a crowd of shaking cats, all terrified of him, all bringing him gifts of food and bones in order to please him. Dark's paws were stained with crimson blood, all from those who had tried to defy him, and he puffed out his great chest as he stood above his onlookers, as they yowled his praise and honored his powerful strength with the mighty uplifting of inspired, yet fearful, voices that reached for the reddened sky.

[forsaken-city-rp]

Welcome to the Forsaken City!

We’re glad to see that you have arrived safely within the city limits.  You have three days to make your facebook and add the admins Z.Tao, Hoseok, and Seunghyun.  But be careful, the sun is rising quickly, and hunters are always on the move.

NAME, STAGE NAME, AND GROUP: Xukun, August, Nine Percent AGE: frozen at 20, 566 SPECIES:  Matagot

A matagot or mandagot is, according to some oral traditions of southern France, a spirit under the form of an animal, mostly undetermined, frequently a black cat, but rat, fox, dog or cow types are said to exist too. Matagots are generally evil, but some may prove helpful, like the “magician cat” said to bring wealth into a home if it is well fed. Traditionally, a wealth-bringing matagot must be lured with a fresh, plump chicken, then carried home by its new owner without the human once looking back. If the cat is given the first mouthful of food and drink at every meal, it will repay its owner with a solid gold coin each morning. In Gascony traditions, you must not keep the matagot all your lifelong: if the owner is dying, he will suffer a long agony, as long as he doesn’t free the matagot.

LIT RP SAMPLE:  It was a dry night tonight. There wasn’t much snow on the ground anymore, but still the bite of the wind as it rushed past made him shiver. Out here, on the edges of the city, it felt a lot more desolate than the artificially lit streets that people normally remembered. That’s what he liked. His arrival should be encased in a feeling of mystery, of doom, of the beginning of a tragedy… or something like that. Perched upon a tree with his legs swinging in the air, the matagot peered down towards the previously empty street. Only now, the previously abandoned crossroad was sparsely populated by four or five men, dressed in all black with suspicious baggage- the very image what people would deem shady on a night like this. They were doing a summoning, alright. He’d been hearing the call for a while, drifting across the country until on the fourth night, promptly as always, the cat had arrived at the location of the offering. This place was… Seoul, if he recalled correctly. Interesting. He hadn’t been here yet, in fact it was surprising he’d been summoned here at all. Few people beyond the magical community knew of his kind anymore. But certainly the ones below weren’t the usual witches and warlocks, no; they smelled like hunters. The kind that normally killed monsters, but… well. People didn’t simply kill matagots, not unless they were enslaved under you. Yet once you had one- why’d anyone want to kill something that brought them fame and fortune? Humans were all like that, really. Magical or not, he could always predict what they wanted. It was the reason for his existence, after all. He was supposed to be a curse and a blessing all at once, that’s what they said. All that work on an innocent little cats shoulders, did they have no conscience?

At this thought, the cat allowed a distinctly feline smirk to curl his plump lips, eyes glinting with interest. No, of course they… of course the humans wouldn’t. History had a tendency to repeat itself, somebody famous had told him that once. These ones would be no different than any other. Selfish, small brained, and greedy were the traits of the race, and it seemed that after centuries of breeding it remained strong. But that was good for him, wasn’t it? They’d do anything for themselves, so as long as it favoured them, they’d help his as well. And while he knew so many others in his world would spit at lowering their head for a hunter, it wasn’t a bother for cat. A matagot’s wants were very simple: good food, a warm bed, and to be pampered and cared for. There was little else a kitty could ask for in this world, after all. If humans wanted gold or whatever they dreamed of getting, then they should also know that the price for it was to treat him like royalty. Something of a ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ kind of thing. Nevermind that cats never had issues scratching themselves, it just felt better having it done by somebody else. After all, his instincts demanded the best of the best and if he was going to get it from these humans, then there wasn’t a reason to refuse. They already went through the trouble of finding the ritual and getting him such a nice chicken, it’d be a shame for him to refuse now and not take the bait, right?

The kitten in his arms let out a small meow of protest as he jumped, landing nimbly onto the cracked asphalt below. (A terrible choice for roads, he always thought. It hurt the delicate pads of his paws and stank like harsh chemicals. Dirt was much better.) It only took a moment, really, but he’s sure it was unsettling to have a phantom appear from the dark, cheshire grin glinting in the dark. Perhaps they weren’t expecting to see him come so quickly, for the bunch of them froze with the unexpected sight of the youth. Maybe he should have waited a little longer? It didn’t do well to his royal pedigree if he seemed too greedy for the food, he supposed, but at the same time he couldn’t keep honored guests waiting. What a dilemma for a cat. Ahh… or maybe it was because he didn’t look like he was supposed to. The matagot was dressed in human skin right now, courtesy of his last 'chicken’. It was just easier this way, but he supposed they would have been expecting a huge black cat or something alone those lines. Regardless, he wasn’t that far off the mark, a long tail sweeping the air behind him and two ears perched atop his head. Well, let them gawk if they had to. He had the grace and dignity to allow it. Although, he was getting just the slightest bit impatient. If they weren’t going begin the contract making anytime soon, he’d take it upon himself to inspect his offering for the day. It’d been a long journey getting all the way over here from another landmass, and he hadn’t been allowed much time to relax and enjoy a good meal for once.

Ah, but what’s this? Some frozen poultry, dead weeks ago, and not even fattened up enough for him to properly enjoy? Were they making light of him!? The pleased smile on his features descended rapidly into a condescending sneer. How dare they go at this like it was child’s play. He had such high expectations and plans ready to go, and now it was all ruined because one half of the equation didn’t do their part properly. Terrible, terrible, terrible. The worst he’d ever seen, really. He couldn’t believe it, this subpar treatment. A noise behind him drew him out of his thoughts. Somebody -one of the hunters probably- was saying something, and though he certainly registered the syllables, he didn’t bother to connect them into recognizable words. Human thoughts were… invaluable, to say the least. Yet he needed a proper explanation for this mess. “You. You were the one that summoned me?” Moonlight colored gaze slid across one of the hunters and if looks could kill, he’d be sliced to shreds by now. There was no need to wait for an affirmative, the cage and chain said it all. So it was one of those fools who thought that they, with their measly power, could toy with a messenger of the gods. How utterly, totally, foolish. Yes, he and his kin had a long tradition of agreements, bindings to the mortal world, but nobody would give a monster to a baby and expect it to stay tethered to its leash. So who’d ever give such a group of lowly beings the permission to even touch the likes of him? It was a disgusting to even think that he’d been expectant only moments ago, dreaming about a splendid master.

To be honest, this whole thing was a waste of his time. He loathed to get his paws dirty but occasion called, it always did. Fate had a way of always letting him down like that. At least the few of a red splattered sky was one of his favourite sights, even if the vessel that his paint had previously belonged to was unworthy of such as masterpiece. They moved first, greedy hunters, firing a single bullet that was aimed at his leg of all places. Were they expecting him to run away? If he had wanted to run, they’d be too slow to catch him. Just like how they were snails against his pace now, vicious claws ripping across a throat in mere moments. The beast’s leg, of course, was unharmed. It was over just as quickly as it began, angered shouting twisting to screams of agony until finally all that was left was a dying breath, wheezed out as blood bubbled with each gasp and twitch. What was he? Well, he thought it was obvious, considering that they’d ask him to come. “What are you saying? I’m the matagot, of course.” Then, belatedly, remembering to attach on the name of this current body, “Cai Xukun. Only a harmless little cat.” Of course he was harmless. There was no proof he was anything but, no carcasses left on the crossroads, not even proof that he’d even been there at all. Everything would disappear just like a bad dream, for him that is. One day the humans ought to notice the disappearance of their kind here and there but- who knows. Turns out you couldn’t count on them for anything, so maybe they treat each other the same way too.

A sigh broke the unsettling quiet at last, Xukun patting himself for some kind of tissue to wipe off his claws with. That was another failed contract, so it was time for him to go again. At least he was supposed to, but he was so hungry and the city seemed so very bright. Surely, surely it didn’t hurt if the population grew by just one… no two, wandering kitties with nowhere to go? “Seoul, huh. I think I’ll stay for a while…”