#and we can only grasp it through monsters and fairytales

[madame-mongoose]

Horror story concept where the general theme is how nostalgia can hide the truth/warp our perception

[luckyshotwrites]

Ch. 72 // We'll be Free // Day xxx

Contents (Warnings): To Escape (Angst, very very slight blood, character and monster info as always). Read full chapter on - A03

Wordcount: 2,000 (I'm excited to catch up to everyone else in the next chapter!)

Song I listened to on repeat for this chapter: Fairytale (Violin) - Joel Sunny

Side note: This will contain experimental writing; first person (Lynette's view) will be implemented alongside third person for the two other essential characters, (mostly) Alexander and (occasionally) Drake. All their text will be italicized for those third-person moments, with the characters' names in Bold at the start and their thoughts in Bold. There may be other characters I write for using this.

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

Claudia

It was quiet.

The ring sat nestled in her palm. She stared at its shine, a yellow similar to his eyes, at least from what she could tell. Nothing was left; he had turned to mist before her eyes. That made Jinn so hard to catch or fight; not many could touch their forms without them allowing it.

The only body that remained was Mitz with the giant hold in her chest, from where Anubis sent his arm through her. 

The flames of the shattered Lantern touched Mitz's hair, lighting it a blaze, while the shadows of Urtsi danced on the walls. 

Urtsi pressed the ring into her chest and hunched over it protectively. She closed her eyes as if she had the chance to hold him near. She held the ring with her normal hands because she knew if she grasped it with her others, it would be overtaken by them and absorbed into her body.  

The noises from above drew her attention. And the reality started to settle back in. 

Outside, she felt her barrier surrounding the building, alone. It took the full force of whatever wanted to break it.

The hands at her back came out and wrapped around the almost broken bars.

She wasn't supposed to break it, and it burned her palms to touch, yet she forced the cage to burst with a cry. After all, Anubis paved the way for her. 

Too much was happening, and her weakened body struggled to move forward. She hadn't left this cage in a little more than fifteen years. It's not like she hadn't moved inside her cell, but this was different. 

She took her first step ahead. Mitz's lit body in front of her.

She looked down at the corpse, clutched the ring, and whispered. "We'll both be free." 

Her fingertips crackled and sparked as they drew the flames around her. Her legs threatened to buckle. She kept her mind on the magic whisking the flames. Her "wings" started to hum, and the fire grew into a twirling vortex of blue.

She could feel his power by touching the ring, "WE'LL BOTH BE FREE!" 

Her "wings" fingertips expelled out, exploding up and outward. The barrier burst along with the ceiling. The hands at her back went for the easiest parts still in tact and out in the main foyer as the others had to deal with the flames. They weren't stopping and continued to spread to the few that remained.

She tried to reach the open crisped door, and her legs wobbled for her recognition. She stumbled outside, far too malnourished to use her legs very effectively. 

She expected the gentle breezes and to feel the overwhelming surge of magic from the world's soil. 

Instead, a heaviness entered her lungs after every breath; the city was no longer in a crater. Or, more so, there wasn't a city left. The was nothing; the forest that once surrounded the city too was gone, paved down. And there was no sign of the sun behind all the clouds. 

The magic felt toxic, and yet she moving; this wasteland was what she was holding back. What happened to it all? Was is it like this? Where can we go? She hadn't even thought it through. What should I do? Her coven was gone, she had broken away, and something had happened to the world. Time had lingered for a few moments more. 

"URTSI!" Her body swayed, only up due to the ring; with it she was stronger. 

Her eyes flicked behind her as the blur of pink came. The "wings" that kept her body planted pushed her into the air. She did so to avoid Kalin. 

He soared between them and crashed into the ground. His eyes locked onto her arms. She reeled them back and into the sky. When Fae's were in the air, their bodies naturally manipulated gravity to slow their descent or suspend themselves. 

He jumped at her again. His eyes swirled and glowed as she started to get surrounded by barriers. 

She couldn't let him box her in.

Her "wings" came up and used the magic from her core. Almost with a flutter, the tips of her clawed "wings" stabbed into the walls forming around where she stayed suspended. They shattered, and before Kalin's hand could reach her, his body glowed. His fingertips touched her faceplate briefly and then he dropped fast to the ground.

BOOM

The dirt erupted from the collision. Urtsi started to feel dizzy from the air around her. She had to get down and rest, but she couldn't see a single place to go. It looked empty for miles. 

Then another mass flying at her caught her gaze. She tried to use the same as she did on Kalin on them. It didn't work.

Hendra sliced through the stream of magic with her midnight-scaled arm. 

She had never seen a being slice through magic before; she didn't know what to do and couldn't drop her body in time. Those same claws that broke her magic stabbed right into her left shoulder. It cleanly took off her arm. 

The ring broke from her grasp and fumbled in the air. 

"ANUBIS!" She yelled out. 

Hendra's thick, stone-like torso slammed into Urtsi. It brought her down from the sky, propelling them both into the ground. 

Not even a breath left her as the pain surged up her spine. Urtsi had collided with the rocks below. She couldn't move her legs and knew her left arm still bled. She hadn't done anything in so many years. She couldn't take her on. Urtsi was tired. 

I won't die. I can't. Urtsi said in her head, still paralyzed. Her body reacted, even though her ears rang too loudly to hear her name said. It knew the vibrations of it.

Hendra's still scarred face contorted to her with its long neck. 

"Your clock is broken. You're done." Hendra said. 

The chimera's clawed scaled hand curled under her chin. "Kalin.~" Hendra beckoned for him.

The doom lingered over her. No, Urtsi had to save him. She had to get him away.

Beyond the mask, her eyes frantically searched and finally, the rings glow spun downward toward them. 

Urtsi's "wing" shot up, breaking the oath of her name. She could feel its usual soft hum with magic vibrate violently. It caused her arm to spasm. 

Her wing's fingertips played with the item. She tried to get a hold and once she did, its essence entered them. The ring itself evaporated and absorbed into her. Hendra, who reached to grab her arm, was thrown off with one last blast from Urtsi—this time without an element. 

Urtsi knew they would come; they would surround her. It would be over. The others were preoccupied with the fire but for how long? She had to go somewhere. Urtsi had to live.

So with a last muster, using every drop of magic she could of her own and sparing as much as she could of Anubis, her body clung to that single word. 

Then there was a new pain. It felt like something was torn from her insides and pulled elsewhere. The scene around her changed, and the calls of her name faded.

Urtsi's vision blurred into a mesh of bright green surrounded by light. 

Then Darkness.

...

Her eyes flew open. She expected pain and yet felt nothing. 

Until she didn't recognize a single thing around her. She panicked at the size of the place and the oddity of it all. There were scattered papers with chicken scratch for writing and books galore.

She tried to stumble up from the squishy long seat she was in and whined. Her skin wasn't a faint pink anymore, her arms were smooth, and she had weird feet similar to a male Fae. 

She shrieked because she looked like a magus. What happened to me!? She tried to pinch and pull off her skin; it wouldn't budge. 

"Calm down, Fae." A voice brought her back. She didn't know why it held familiarity.  

Urtsi focused up from the seat, seeing another magus? They had mint green piggy tails, eyes to match, and skin like herself. She didn't recognize her. "Wh-who are you, what-where am I?"

The girl scoffed, "You're in my home." She shook her head, and walked past Urtsi, stuck in the squishy furniture, without regard. She was still shorter than Urtsi though not by much. 

The girl went to another section of her home. Urtsi struggled up and got to her feet. It was odd to walk with such long feet. She rushed as fast as she could to watch the girl in a red shirt, black collar, a strange creature symbol on the pocket and black pants. 

Then again, this place they were in was weird too. It had a lot of odd compartments and a giant cool box, at least that's what Urtsi called it when it blasted cool air upon being opened. 

A small flame danced on a surface not far from the cool box. It made the kettle whistle. The girl grabbed it. 

She doesn't seem hostile at all. 

"You know when I told you to live," she poured two cups of the liquid, "I didn't mean find where I live."

She handed Urtsi the small, rounded glass with no handles. 

"Live?" Urtsi's eyes dilated, "You-no, I met an Escora!"

She rolled her eyes, "have you never encountered a human case?"

Urtsi tilted her head in confusion. 

Another sigh left her lips, "Have you been living-" Then her green, generally emotionless hue broadened, "WAIT. Have you seriously been on-is that why you came back so hurt? You had no arm when I found you. Did you go to Yexodele? Have you been living on it? How is it? What part is it that you've been on? Is it habitable? Are the beasts stronger? Is that what attacked you? Did any other life survive?" The questions exploded out, and Urtsi only caught one. 

"Are we not on Yexodele now?" She said. She raised her head from the almost clear liquid that smelled of leaves. 

The Escora, in a human case, furrowed her brows, "This is Earth...has-has no one told you anything?"

Urtsi smiled, faint and hurt. She could feel his remanence, the bit of his magic absorbed by the ring running inside her. "I had someone telling me things, lots of things..." Urtsi traced the rim of her cup still weirded out by the fingers; things were starting to "settle" in her mind, "what is this for?"

"For you to drink," she took a sip of her own after blowing on it.

"Is it poisoned?" Urtsi pushed up the smile she had worked so hard to learn.

"No."

"Not even a little?" It still hurt.

The green-haired one pouted, "Do you think I'd poison a guest?!"

"Maybe-" Her head throbbed. 

"DRINK IT AND-" She shouted before realizing her volume. The Escora lowered herself back into a chair. "Why don't you tell me where you've been all this time."

She urged Urtsi to sit across from her. And as she walked to the table, his magic in her chest became more and more apparent.

She sat down and placed the cup on the table. Tell her where I've been...come on. 

Her lips quivered; there wasn't a cage, and there weren't chains, there wasn't the family, and worst of all, there wasn't Anubis. 

She wanted him to still be at her side. He taught me so much-

Why couldn't we both be free? 

...

Hey, you, thank you so much for reading. It means a lot that I put out a story that people can enjoy! So, I hope you continue to enjoy it as WE have a LOT more to go! YOU BETTER KEEP PROSPERING! (Nonnegotiable).

First Chapter Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Catch up, see some maps/art, or check the latest release dates down below  ↓ ↓ ↓ 

What I’d do for a Livable Income (Synopsis/Chapter - List)

[tinyhistory]

Hey! Love your stories so much I just had to ask! Do you have any favorite drarry authors/stories? I sometimes compare the quality of other stories to ROA (oops!) because ROA is just that good. My personal favorites are ROA (of course!), the Foundations Series (saras_girl), the ordeal of being known (louisfake), denouement (the_never_was), Good to Me (And I'd Be So Good to You) (AWickedMemory), and To Hurt and Heal (cassisluna). Have you read these? Have a wonderful day! :)

Thank you, so glad you’ve enjoyed my stories! And thank you for so patiently waiting for a reply. I haven’t been online much in the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately I haven’t read any of your recs, but I’m always happy to add another fic to my to-read list.

I did a rec post a few months ago, but I’ll post an updated version now. The Skyhawke Archives appear to be down, which is crushing news. I’ve had to update a lot of the links.

So here are my favourite Drarry fanfics:

And We Are At Our Apogee (PG-13) by angelgazing

Summary: Draco wanted revenge, but it didn't work out that way.

My notes: Californian beaches, supermarkets, road trips, and a bittersweet ending.

-

A Reckless State of Mind (T) by Lomonaaeren

Summary: Draco is a Psyche-Diver, and his newest patient is Auror Potter, who’s been a pathological liar for over a year—and has just tried to violently end his own life.

Notes: The plot alone guarantees inclusion on this list. Probably the most creative fic I’ve ever read, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing.

-

Berlin, In the Year of Our Lord (PG) by Are

Summary: Harry is a green-tea addict. Draco stalks him.

Notes: Probably my all-time favourite fic, along with Blue Vase. It’s sparse and minimal and I love that writing style.

-

Blue Vase (M) by ivyblossom

Summary: Let’s pretend.

Notes: Draco finds an amnesiac Harry and befriends him, pretending they were once lovers. It’s pensive, short, and bittersweet.

-

The Boy Who Only Lived Twice (E) by lettered

Summary: Harry Potter is an Unspeakable. Draco Malfoy is the wizard who shagged him. Adventure! Intrigue! Secret identities, celebrities, spies! It's all right here, folks.

Notes: Action-heavy fics are damn hard to write, but lettered nails it. The action scenes are breakneck speed, the conversations are threaded with double meaning, and even the silences are tense.

-

Draco in Darkness (T) by Plumeria47.

Summary: Following an accident in his seventh year, Draco loses his eyesight.

Notes: This is one of the first fics I ever read (when it was over on FF in 2003) so it’s probably here just for nostalgia points alone. I read it when I was a kid and just thought it was a lovely golden fairytale, the best romance I’d ever read in my (very short, thus far) life. I love reading it again, even years later as an adult when I can see the tarnish on it; the things my childhood eyes didn’t notice. I don’t care. It’s my soft and fuzzy comfort fic.

-

The Flesh is Frail (NC-17) by wildestranger

Summary: None

Notes: Draco has injuries from curses and spells, and Harry keeps him company. Draco is angry; Harry is stubborn. They argue their way into a grudging relationship. It’s a short read and well worth your ten minutes.

-

Good-bye to Yesterday (NC-17) by furiosity

Summary: Draco felt ready to face even a million years in Azkaban as long as it meant that at the end of it all, he would make Potter pay.

Notes: It’s not a dark fic, but it certainly dips in and out of the shadows. If you like your romance to be sharp as a razor and bitter as black coffee, give it a read.

-

Hymn to Color (PG) by Lomonaaeren

Summary: Months after Draco cast a curse that took Harry’s eyesight, Harry is still trying to come to terms with it. Draco still wanted forgiveness, which was probably the problem.

Notes: Probably my very inadequate idea of “fluff”. It’s a quiet, introspective fic. Draco and Harry are well-written.

-

Kings among runaways (PG) by enderxenocide.

Summary: Later, the toast will be slightly overcooked, Draco will burn the eggs, and there will be another fist fight in-between the living room and the front door, but they’ll eat breakfast with second-hand plates and Draco’s great-grandmother’s silverware.

Notes: Dreamy descriptions, abstract scenes, and the characters are lovingly delineated. Beautiful writing.

-

On Broken Glass (PG-13) by coffeejunkii

Summary: After the final battle, Draco is holding the shards that are left of his and Harry’s life.

Notes: Established relationship. Harry’s forgetful and seems to suffer both short-term and long-term memory loss; Draco stays by his side through six years of post-war amnesia. Very short, just a tiny ficlet. There’s sequels (in bite-size pieces) but I prefer to read the first ficlet and leave it there.

-

Paper Dolls (M) by cupiscent

Summary: In the final year of the War, Draco gets a letter, makes a choice and pays the price.

Notes: Short, succinct, and packs a punch. No character deaths, in case the summary has you feeling nervous.

-

Portrait (PG-13) by Silent Blast

Summary: None.

Notes: Dorian Grey, but Drarry. Of course it’s going to be good.

-

Shattered (NC-17) by femmequixotic

Summary: One damned accident involving one too-lucky curse, and suddenly you'd think he was five again, with their Harry, be carefuls and their quick Levitating charms ready the instant the potion gives way and his rebelling hands lose hold of whatever's in their grasp.

Notes: Draco’s an artist. Harry’s intrigued by his sculptures and paintings.

-

Snatch (PG-13) by didntyoupotter

Summary: Harry is comatose, Hermione and Ron aren’t much help, and Draco isn’t sure about anything anymore.

Notes: The opening scene fools you into thinking this will be a light read with a streak of good humour. Don’t fall for it. By the third act, you’ll be hanging onto every word and feeling a lot of emotions. Also, back in the day, this was one of the Draco/Harry fics. Everyone knew of it. Pay your respects to your fandom history and read this beloved classic.

-

The Stages of Acceptance (T) by Lomonaaeren.

Summary: Harry, already happily married to Ginny, receives the news that he's Draco's mate. Law and custom don't give him the option of ignoring the news. The stages of his reaction, one by one.

Notes: This is not a romance, and I love that the author just casually chucks all the Veela tropes in the bin and says “nope”. In Lomonaaeren’s own words, this fic is more practical than romantic. Harry is unfamiliar with the Veela concepts and hates the very idea of being “shackled” to someone; he rejects Draco at once. Draco is miserable and lonely. They do eventually come to understand each other better, but it’s a huge struggle with lots of setbacks. The general air of pessimism and misery does make the small glimpses of compassion and empathy feel so well-earned. I love a fic that rations out its happiness.

-

The Stately Homes of Wiltshire (E) by waspabi

Summary: Malfoy Manor has mould, dry rot and an infestation of unusually historical poltergeists. Harry Potter is on the case.

Notes: This one needs no introduction. The writing is polished, the characterisation perfect, and the dialogue is fun. I love the humour woven throughout it.

-

Then Comes a Mist and a Weeping Rain (E) by faithwood.

Summary: It always rains for Draco Malfoy. Metaphorically. And literally. Ever since he had accidentally Conjured a cloud. A cloud that's ever so cross.

Notes: Another one that most of us know. It’s a lighthearted and fun read.

-

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (M) by novembersnow

Summary: In the war-torn years after Hogwarts, one man has no knowledge of his yesterdays.

Notes: Another classic back in the feverish heyday of the Harry Potter fandom, when books were still being released and everyone had worked themselves up into a shipping frenzy. And no wonder this fic was an instant hit. Draco has lost all his memories and Harry’s investigating as an Auror, but the longer you read, the more you start questioning everything. Good twists and turns that lead to a tender ending.

-

Turn by Saras_Girl

Summary: One good turn always deserves another. Apparently.

Notes: An inevitable inclusion on any favourites list. I think my favourite thing about it is the characterisation. Everyone is so well-rounded; the characters are brought to life and feel like old friends. All their habits, styles, mannerisms, even the way they walk or talk. While I love everyone in this fic, I have to admit that Blaise is just amazing. Of all the thousands of Blaises imagined by fanfic writers, I love this one the best. “Old bean” indeed.

-

Under the Ivy (PG-13) by coffeejunkii

Summary: It is impressive how much you can learn about someone by simply sharing a few rooms. They don’t spend time together, not really, but Harry still knows that Malfoy prefers raspberry jam over strawberry, that he hums along to the Wireless when he thinks no one is around, and that his leg is bothering him more than usual when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Notes: Another old, old favourite of mine. It’s like snuggling into a soft blanket. Remus owns a cottage and Harry moves in after the war. Later, Remus lets a room to Draco, who is an outcast after the war and has limited housing options. Harry isn’t happy at first with the new lodger, but he eventually warms up to Draco. A slow and gentle romance.

-

Vale Sanare (M) by rurounihime

Summary: Draco’s world gains a new component, just when he thought he’d sorted everything out.

Notes: London nightclubs, one-night-stands, loud music and lonely nights. Draco has seizures due to a curse from the war, and the seizures have led to a fear of intimacy. Short and sweet.

-

The Way Down (T) by lettered

Summary: Malfoy’s all, “Come out of there,” the way you say to a cat who is badly behaved. And Harry’s all like, “No, what, I’m a hermit! And I have a chest-monster! And I am crazy magically powerful!” and Malfoy’s all, “We all have problems, bub.” (thoughtfully) “You are crazy though. I’ll give you that.”

Notes: I just adore this fic. The fic starts well-grounded, giving you a solid backstory and matter-of-fact context, but as it goes on, it slowly unravels into dreamy scenes, lush settings, and repeated motifs. It’s just such a beautiful story.

-

When Love beckons to you, follow him (PG-13) by megyal

Summary: Draco wakes up, lost, somewhere in a forest. He has no idea where he is or how he got there. As he is blundering around trying to find his way home, he hears Harry's voice in his head, telling him what to do.

Notes: I generally like my fics to be bittersweet or with a bit of heartache — but this fic is just a little cloud of softness. If you need something light and lovely without being syrupy-sweet, this is a good choice!

-

The World of the Living (M) by fourth_rose

Summary: A traumatised war hero and a convicted criminal under the roof of an eccentric journalist make for a rather odd ensemble, but Luna has never had a problem with oddities as long as they make sense.

Notes: The story is told from Luna’s perspective, which gives everything a lovely dreamy quality. She takes in a couple of strays after the war — first Harry, who is avoiding his other friends and has quit his Auror job — and then she offers a room to Draco right after his trial. Draco is rude, angry, and ungrateful; Harry is churlish, withdrawn, and moody. Luna doesn’t seem to mind in the slightest, and over the course of the next few months, her house guests slowly warm up to each other.

-

Voices From the Fog (E) by noeon

Summary: After years of running away, Harry crosses paths with an all-too familiar face and follows him to Amsterdam.

Notes: Harry drifts across Europe, trying to forget the war. He ends up in a woodworking shop in Amsterdam, alongside a moody Draco. Atmospheric settings and solid characterisation.

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

The Promise: Part Two

Summary- 2.2k Ransom Drysdale x You. You tried to leave after you caught Ransom cheating, but the trust fund prick isn't going to just let you go. He has you in his snare and you find out just what he really is, what a monster he's been hiding behind the mask.

Warnings- This is a Cheating Fic. Non Con abuse, use of a belt on the reader, suffocating, mentions of blood. This is an 18+ Only blog.

A/N- I sat on this one for a while but I'm finally satisfied with it. So those of you who have been waiting, I hope this holds up to the expectations of what you hoped for.

The Promise

Ransom drew out the belt as you pulled yourself to your feet on the landing, your eyes shifting from his gleaming ice blue eyes to the belt he was fisting into his hand, his tone dripping with warning. “You think you can just fuck around and leave? No Sweetheart, that’s not how this works.” He stalked forward as fast as you tried bolting back away from him, your hands held in front of you.

How ironic of him considering the amount of times he has cheated on you while you remained faithful to the bastard.

“Ransom what the fuck are you doing?!” You screamed, your hands tracing behind you along the wall, seeking a doorknob to escape into.“

“Whatever the hell I want Y/N.” He snarled with glee as he pounced. You shoved your body into a door to spring it open but there was no chance to be able to slam it shut, he overpowered himself right behind you and circled an arm around your waist to lift you off your feet, kicking out and screaming in rage at your ex-boyfriend.

“LET ME DOWN YOU BASTARD!” you screamed when he shoved you hard into the wall, slamming your head against the pretty paint color you had chosen for the master bedroom the year before. When everything was going perfectly for the two of you. When life had been this fairytale, perfect sweet doting boyfriend who promised he loved you, cherished you.

Now the peony blue walls were crushing into your face, Ransom taking the belt and snapping it against your ass. “Look at you thinking you can order me around.” The bite of leather stung even through the clothing. Ransom crashed his chest into your back, the heavy scent of his cologne making you gasp out, the air in your lungs slowly getting crushed from you and making you wheeze harshly while you struggled.

The bastard ground his erection into you, he was getting turned on by you struggling and that thought made you furious and scared.

Even on a good day, Ransom was an ominous bomb waiting to be set off. And this time you finally pulled that pin.

“Keep trying little girl, just makes me fucking hard for you.” Another hard rut against your ass slammed your hips into the wall. “That little spitfire in you, always was a fucking pain in my ass. Tonight though, you are going to make it all worthwhile.” He circled his hand around the back of your neck, squeezing hard enough to make your legs want to give out and he yanked you off the wall, throwing you onto the bed where you twisted to your back, trying to pull away from his advances. The belt snapped against the side of his leg as an ominous promise to use it on you.

“Ransom, we can work this out. I swear I was just leaving for the night.” Your fear turned into stuttering lies, if you ever got out of the house, you were running as far as you could.

Ransom snickered as he made a grab for you, pulling you forward to him and yanking at your shirt, easily swatting at your hands that were trying to make him stop. “HUGH! QUIT IT!” and your hand lifted to snap loudly across his composed face. A red hand mark blazing against his cheek and his head snapped back towards you, dragging his hand against your chest and ripping at the bra you were wearing.

“Call me Hugh one more time Y/N.” He whispered coldly, the belt he had folded in his hold pressing up against your chin, making your head tip back, your breaths coming in panic rushes and your pupils dilated, the adrenaline making a whoosh-whoosh in your eardrums. Maybe that was your heart racing.

“Ransom- please” snapping the belt against your cheek, making you cry out at the sting.

“Say it again Y/N, like you mean it. Come on Baby, I know you want to.” He purred at you, looming over you till you started to press back into the mattress, your hands to his chest, trying to keep him back.

He wasn't going to stop, the belt snapped against your cheek again, this time you felt the hot taste of blood seep into your mouth, the leather snap had made you bite your inner cheek. You turned your face away to try and escape him, muttering “Hugh.” Just like he wanted.

Enough for him to break his cool, his usually handsome face turning dark and promising. Rearing himself back, he reached over his shoulder to pull his own shirt over his head, each muscle tensed, ready for release. You took the chance to try scrambling away, but he weaved his fingers into the band of your pants and yanked roughly down, tangling your legs up till he ripped them harshly away and flipped you to your stomach once more, the belt loosening till it was around your neck and a snap tightened it painfully, yanking your head back.

“Gonna act like a bitch Sweetheart, you gonna be treated like a little bitch.” His hand yanked under your waist and jerked you to your knees, your hands scrambling in the expensive cotton sheets that you had lovingly picked out for their softness level.

You hated them now. The pillowing softness while Ransom was treating you so brutally like he hated you. His hand came down viciously against your ass, pushing you forward till your screams were muffled into the pillows. Each blow made you jerk forward, snapping your head back with each jerk of the belt that was tight enough to constrict your air till Ransom loosened it enough for a burning breath to fill your lungs.

Tears streaked your face, your hands curling against the headboard in front of you to keep you from crashing into it as he loomed over you. “Oh we have been here before, haven't we baby girl? Too bad this time isn't going to be as good.” His smirk pressed against your temple, easily recalling how recently he had you right where he wanted you.

He had your hands tied against the headboard, knees spread for him while he laid underneath you, heavy arms circled around your hips to hold you to his face. Each swipe of his tongue through your swollen folds was leaving you dripping more on his clean-shaven face. His grunts were pressed against your clit, teasing the sensitive bud till you felt yourself grinding into his face.

“Fuck you taste so fucking good Y/N.” You heard Ransom praise you, the flush of heat spiraling in your belly at the words alone. His fingers dug into your hips to help that grind, making you cry out his name passionately.

“Yes, again Ransom, oh god-” Your eyes fluttered as your head tilted back, trying to pull away for a moment as his tongue swirled you in a maddening way, needing more and having to escape the sensations.

But Ransom was not to be denied his prize. He yanked you back onto his face, kissing your inner thighs, sucking on your folds before he delved back in. Lapping at your pulsing entrance, he fucked you with laps of his tongue, trailing in all the intimate areas. Your body flooded with that feel good orgasm tightening your muscles and you came, squirting on his face which he continued to shamelessly lap at till you sagged forward, braced into the headboard. Ransom pulled up, wedging himself between you and the headboard till he had you straddled in his lap, tilting your head up to kiss you, taking away any pleas you might have had to take a break. Already you can feel his cock pressing into you, making you whimper into the kiss. He was far from done with you.

The tell-tale zip of his pants from behind you made you shudder, your eyes screwed shut as you twisted your hands into the headboard, preparing yourself to hold onto it. How you resorted to letting this happen, shame flooded you, hate, disgust. Ransom wasn't gentle, pushing himself into you without a care for your body.

Fierce thrusts rocked you, his belt looped to unbearable tightness till you reached behind you, clawing at him to loosen it. Reaching over your head, you grabbed a fistful of his hair and arched back to let your head fall to his shoulders, his mouth latching to the side of your neck not in praising kisses he usually gives.

No he sinks his teeth into your neck, grunting with each forceful thrust into your heat. Your body, fuck you couldn't believe it was betraying you. Pain started to turn to pleasure, allowing his jerking thrusts to sink into you, your body clenching around him even as your lungs burned with need for oxygen and your mouth kept trying to gasp, wheezing out moans.

“You are fucking turned on by this you little slut.” He hissed when he let go, lapping his tongue against your neck, fisting his hand around the belt one more time, this time your lungs screamed and you jerked in his hold, fighting against him once more.

“Fuck Y/N, you are so hot while I’m strangling the fucking air out of you while your pussy just begs to be fucked.” Your vision is going hazy, guttered sounds rising from your chest as you tug frantically at his hair, trying to pull it out from the root. Your other hand digging at his snapping hip, oh god, he's going to kill you. Your eyes roll back, spots blurring your vision as your lungs try so desperately to inhale.

When you felt yourself start to sag, he loosened the belt and your gasp made you choke, the rush making you cum in the utmost pleasure you have ever experienced that you spasmed, falling back into his hold. Ransom loosened the belt and shoved you forward to fall into the pillows with still gasping inhales, when you peeked back at him, he was still kneeling behind you, his hand fisted around his cock to jerk himself. He dropped the belt beside the bed, and grasped your hip, flipping you to your back so he could look at all of you, his cock throbbing in his hold. Falling forward, one hand planted at your head, your eyes roving him in a dazed look, your energy sapped from your limbs following your orgasm. “Please don’t.”

“I do whatever the fuck I want and you are going to just take it, Honey.” He pushed a thigh up around his hip and pressed himself back to sink into your swollen aching pussy.

The arch to escape him only made him more forceful, making you accept him just as you did before, with complete and utter loss of your control. “You will never ever leave me. You want to know why?”

You shook your head furiously till he grabbed at your chin to still you, stuffing his fingers into your mouth till you gagged around him. “Because I own you babygirl, financially you got nothing that's not tied to my funds, your little shop in the city, mine. Friends? also mine, and trust me, I can ruin you. They will turn their backs on you, you will have nowhere to go." He hissed out in promise to you. "Plus… And I know you've been ignoring this…” pounding thrust into your sore pussy made you arch under him, brushing against his chest with a distressed whine around his fingers. “... I will murder you without hesitation.” He bared his teeth menacingly as your eyes widened.

You always chose to ignore the rumors about Ransom, although deep down, in the places you never dared look, you suspected.

“I did it before and got away with it Honey.” His weight dropped on you, grinding his pelvis into you, his cock angled to hit you just right, tightening around him. “Oh fucking feel you strangling me so sweetly.” His fingers pressed your tongue down, making you gag all over again and tears burst from your eyes till he pulled his fingers out, replacing it with his own mouth. Hotly shoving his tongue in your mouth, dragging away to bite on your lip while he sped up, jerking your other quivering leg around his hip. Your nails dug into his back, dragging deep welts down tense muscles.

“Fuck… fucking hell.” He started to chant, everything between you two chasing an ending. Your hips bucked underneath him and he crushed you into the mattress till you felt him stagger in his rhythm, the rush of warmth flooding you that made you feel so much shame.

Since your body craved feeling him cum just as he had so many times in you, you welcomed it with your second orgasm, taking away that panic and fear for a few moments with that mind-numbing bliss.

You sunk into it, Ransom's familiar weight crushing against you but the reality of it all sunk in.

He just told you he murdered his grandfather and was perfectly fine in murdering you should you piss him off.

Your heart raced and your thoughts overboard while he rolled off you, moving to sit on the edge of the bed to kick off his pants for good now that he was done fucking you. For now.

You pull off to your normal side of the bed and move to get up, grab something to cover yourself when Ransom stretches his arms above his head for a second and brushes his hair back into place, looking over his shoulder at you.

“Don't forget what I said Y/N, I always get my way. That is a promise I can keep.”

What the fuck were you going to do?

[ibis-gt]

i made a fairytale au for cam and luther and then wrote nearly 5k words of fic for it?? which is wild bc i am not much of a writer. but. that’s under the cut. content warning for a pretty violent scene towards the end but there’s a happy ending i prommy

Once upon a time, there lived a prince. This prince, Luther by name, lived in a kingdom that was plagued by monsters. His father, the king, had gained his throne by feats of heroism, most notably by slaying a fearsome dragon that had ruled the land for years. The time came for Luther to prove he was worthy of the title of prince by slaying a monster of his own… 

Down in the countryside, farmers have been complaining for weeks of an ogre stealing their cattle and frightening their children. So Luther sets off in a splendid suit of armor, with a sword sheathed on one hip, a quiver of arrows on the other, and his bow slung on his back.

Luther rides his horse down to the village where the ogre was last spotted. He talks with the locals and gets a description of the creature. At least forty feet tall, they say, with greenish-grey skin and dark hair and teeth the length of a man’s forearm. Luther leaves his horse behind with the farmers because he doesn’t want her getting hurt and marches off, following a set of giant footprints left behind by the ogre, sword in hand. He would have to admit that he isn’t the best at sword fighting, and that really he’s never faced a monster on his own. But his father gave him a crucial tip: every monster has a weak point. Find the weak point, exploit it, and you’ll win every time. 

The footprints lead through the plains of grass, past the area where the farmers let their cattle out to graze, and into a dark forest. The sun is going down before he manages to find the ogre, so he sets up a little camp with a little fire and rests his tired bones. His armor isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it takes forever to get on and off even with someone helping him, let alone by himself. He sits with his back to a big boulder so nothing can sneak up behind him and eventually drifts off.

Luther awakens the next morning and groans at how stiff and sore he is. He sits up and pauses, brow furrowed, remembering that he’d gone to bed sitting upright. But just now, he’d been lying on his back. And he’s not the best tracker, but those giant footprints look… disconcertingly fresh. These things add up in his mind. He just about passes out. He crouches down and puts his head between his knees for a moment until he can breathe again and his heart stops pounding quite so hard. He was right next to it! He fell asleep leaning on it! If his father heard about this he’d give him such a beating. How could he not have noticed that the boulder was actually - 

His stomach rumbles, interrupting his panicked thoughts, and Luther remembers that the last time he ate was back in that farming village around two in the afternoon yesterday. He digs out a bit of beef jerky and morosely works at it. His father swears by the stuff, but it just makes his teeth hurt. Luther dreams of the kitchens back home and drools a little.

He gives up on the jerky and manages to take down a couple squirrels with his bow and arrows. He gets his fire blazing again and sets them cooking over it, and sits down to draw in the dirt and form a battle plan. He gets wrapped up in his drawing and loses track of time, but is startled violently back to reality as a deep booming voice from behind him says, “Your squirrel’s burning.”

Luther’s eyes snap up to the fire. He hastily pulls the stick with his squirrels off of it, waving it in the air to put out the bit of squirrel that had caught fire. He blows on it and inspects the damage. Not too bad, a little charred. Still definitely edible. Then realization dawns, and he slowly looks up and over his shoulder.

That’s the ogre. He’s unmistakable. Huge, greyish-green, with shaggy black hair and big tusks that jut out of his mouth. He’s down on one knee looming over Luther, modesty barely preserved by a loincloth stitched together out of the pelts of many different furry animals. Luther wills himself to not faint for the second time that day. 

“You gonna eat that?” The ogre booms. “’Cause I will if you won’t.”

“W-well, yes, I was planning to,” Luther quavers, “But there are two, so, um, you can have one if you want? We can share?”

He takes the non-burned squirrel off the stick and holds it up. His hand only shakes a little. The ogre takes it carefully between thumb and forefinger and tosses it in his mouth. With such a tiny morsel, he’d usually just swallow it whole, but an interesting flavor makes him stop and savor it for a moment. 

“What’d you do to it? Not like any squirrel I’ve eaten. And I’ve eaten a whole army of squirrels.” He slaps a hand on his formidable belly. The sound makes Luther jump. 

“I- I didn’t do much, j-just some seasoning, I-I’m sorry, I d-didn’t mean to, please don’t eat me next." 

"You?” The ogre laughs. “Why would I eat you? You shared your food with me. That’s mighty polite. I’d say that makes us friends now, and I don’t eat friends.” He grunts as he shifts position, sitting down heavily and stretching out his legs. “Bad knees,” he grumbles. “Sat like that too long, but I wanted to see what you were drawing." 

Luther is now horrifically aware that he is directly between the ogre’s legs. He is also horrifically aware that he was drawing himself hitting an ogre with a sword. He hurriedly kicks some dirt over it. 

"Nothing. Nothing interesting. I’m a bad artist anyway.”

“Sure. What’s your name, little tin man? You didn’t seem too talkative when you snuggled up to me last night, but I thought maybe you were just tired. I’m Cam." 

"L-Luther.” Oh god. He was supposed to kill this thing, it - well, no, not ‘it’, he can’t think of Cam as an ‘it’ now he knows his name - he’s terrorizing folks, stealing their livelihoods, he’s supposed to drive him away, save the day, bring peace to the kingdom. Instead he’s sharing his meager breakfast and making friends with the monster. How did it all go so wrong!!

“So, Luther, you made of metal? I thought you were gonna take all that off, looks pretty uncomfortable, but you wore it all night. Unless it’s like… you?" 

"No, no, um, it’s just… it takes a long time to put it on and take it off? And I usually need help.”

 "Well shoot, friend, why didn’t you say so?“ Before Luther can object, a giant hand descends and plucks him up. He panics, struggles in Cam’s grasp, and Cam tsks at him. "I can’t get all that off you if you don’t hold still. Don’t make me squeeze." 

Luther goes still. If Cam squeezes the armor, it’ll stay squeezed. He wouldn’t want to still be in it if that happens. Cam clearly has no idea how to get someone out of armor though. He just pulls at clasps and buckles till they break, then shucks the metal off of Luther like an ear of corn. His helmet comes off first, freeing his dark brown curls.

“Aww,” Cam says, “lookit you. You’re kinda cute for a tin man.” He musses up Luther’s hair with a fingertip. "You’re like a little crab,” Cam chuckles. “Crack open the hard shell to get to the soft stuff underneath.” The food metaphor does not put Luther any more at ease as the rest of his armor is pulled off and tossed aside, piece by piece. Cam even strips the chainmail off of him and dumps it on the ground. This leaves Luther in his shirt and breeches, shaking like a leaf and terrified for his life. 

“Oh, you cold? Here, I gotcha.” Cam sandwiches him between his hands. Luther awaits the pressure and the horrible crunch that will no doubt be the end of his short life, but it never comes. Cam just holds him there, and truth be told his hands are very warm, and it had been a chilly morning. Luther relaxes very slightly.

After a few minutes, Cam lifts one hand a little and peeks at Luther. “Better?" 

"Much better, thank you. Even a little too warm, actually? Can I, um, come out now?" 

Cam laughs and opens his hands like a book, then tilts them so Luther tumbles into the palm of his left hand. "So what’s a fancy little shrimp like you doing all the way out here, with that tough shell and those sharp weapons? You huntin’ something?" 

Luther hesitates. It’s not… technically a lie, just an omission of truth, right? "Yeees…. Hunting.”

Cam laughs out loud, leaning back and slapping his knee with his free hand. “HA! You are just about the worst liar I ever met, Luther. Whew.” He actually wipes a tear from his eye. Luther feels his face heating up with anger and embarrassment.

“I am hunting! I’m hunting you!” As soon as he says it he regrets it. He slaps his hands over his mouth and cowers back as Cam sits up straight again and looks down at him, raising an eyebrow. 

“That so? Huh. Well, you found me, oh mighty hunter. And you fed me, and let me take your armor off you, and left all your sharp things on the ground while you sit in the palm of my hand. So, uh… how’s that goin’ for ya?”

“It… I… um… please don’t kill me?”

Cam grins. It’s not a nice grin anymore. It shows off too many teeth. “Lotsa folks have hunted me, you know. Not a one has succeeded. Most of ‘em can’t find me in the first place, not unless I want them to. Neat little trick we ogres have. We blend in well. The ones who did find me, they regretted it pretty quick. When I heard you clanking along with your silly armor and your little sword, I thought oh boy, here comes another one. But it turns out this one couldn’t find his own ass with both hands and a map, so he ain’t one of them legendary monster hunters lookin’ to claim some bounty. And he’s a little scrawny slip of a thing, too, and he keeps stopping to look at birds. I kinda liked you. And honestly, when you found me, it took me by surprise. Thought I had you pegged all wrong. Then you made your little fire, curled up next to me, and went to sleep, and it took everything I had not to bust my gut laughing right then and there. And now… well, I don’t rightly know what to make of you. Cute little thing, I know that. But cute won’t save you if you wanna tussle with me. So, little hunter… what’re you gonna do now?”

Luther’s nearly in tears. He manages to say, “Then… were you just… toying with me? This whole time? Waiting to see what I’d do?" 

Cam shrugs. "Pretty much.” That does it. The waterworks are in full swing. Luther’s chin trembles, his lower lip wobbles, and then tears are streaming down his face and he’s sobbing. 

“Y- you’re s-so-ho meeeaaaan,” Luther wails. “Y-you’re j-just making f-fun of me, I thought w-we were friends!” 

Cam has absolutely no idea how to respond to this. For some reason he actually feels guilty. “Aw - no - now look, there’s no call for - just… just stop crying, okay? Please?” Luther continues to sob, heedless of Cam’s pleading. “There, there,” Cam tries, patting Luther’s head. “I’m not going to kill you. Okay? How’s that? I’m sorry I called you - well. All those things. I’m sure you’re a great hunter. Look, you got those squirrels. And hey! That one I ate tasted great. You got some real skill there." 

Luther wipes his eyes and looks up, teetering dangerously on the edge of another sobbing fit. His eyes are all watery and a little red-rimmed. "R-really?" 

"Yes! Of course!” Cam clings to the compliment like a life preserver. “I bet you’re like, like the king’s cook or something, right? Cause you’re the best in the land?" 

Luther’s face crumples a little and he looks down, mutters something. 

"What?” Cam holds him up a little closer to his ear. 

“’m his son,” Luther mumbles again. 

“His son? You’re a prince? And you’re all - oh, hell.” Now he’s really put his foot in it. Luther bursts into tears again and curls up in a little ball.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I - oh, ugh, you’re getting my hand all wet.” Cam picks him up between thumb and forefinger and shakes the little tear droplets off his palm. “Now look here,” he says, attempting a sterner approach. “You’re a prince, all right? You can’t be crying and going to pieces just ‘cause some big bad monster was mean to you. You gotta kill big bad monsters, right? So here’s what you’re gonna do.” Cam sets him down gently, picks up his sword and hands it to him. “There you go. You’re gonna take that sword, right, and you’re gonna really let me have it. That’ll make you feel better, won’t it?“ 

Luther purses his lips and looks up at him. "But… all I can hit from here is your foot. That’s no good. I need a shot at something vital." 

"Oh fine, fine, Mr. Picky,” Cam grumbles. He shuffles his legs to the side and leans down til he’s practically laying on his belly. “Face shot. Free one for ya. Go on, hit something good.” Luther considers. Just as Cam realizes how ridiculous this whole thing is, he draws his sword back and plunges it into Cam’s eye.

- Almost plunges it into Cam’s eye. The ogre moves suddenly, turning his head to the side to avoid the blow. Luther makes a deep gash in Cam’s cheek, and Cam roars. “Oh, you sly little shit. Very good, very sneaky. You almost had me there. Fine. We do this the hard way.”

He gets to his feet, draws himself up to his full, impressive height, and looks down at the dirt where Luther was a moment ago. Cam blinks in surprise. “Where’d you… goddammit…” He looks around, trying to catch a glimpse of where Luther could’ve gotten to. 

Luther was not about to let the golden opportunity to run and hide during a big dramatic show of power go to waste. He slides into a patch of underbrush, catches his breath, and takes stock. He has no armor, no food, no bow or arrows. Those are all back at his camp, which is currently ogre territory. He has one sword that he’s okay at using. The ogre has the homefield advantage, and some kind of ability, possibly magical, to hide himself from those who want to find him. Luther shouldn’t let him out of his sight. But he should work on camouflaging himself. He takes a handful of dirt and smears it on his face and shirt. The sword he can’t do much about, he’ll just have to try and keep it from glinting. He glances to his left, away from where Cam still stands, turning in circles and peering around. Luther had only gone a little ways into the woods before he stopped for camp last night. He can almost see the forest’s edge from here. He could dart for the grasslands and try to make it back to the village, but he’d be in plain sight as soon as he’s out of the trees and there’s no guarantee Cam won’t just follow him all the way back. The further he goes into the trees the more firmly he is in Cam’s territory, but the more coverage he has. 

Possibilities begin swirling around in his head. His best bet is trickery rather than a face to face confrontation. He’s got a running list in his mind of Cam’s weak points now. Food, monologuing, emotional outbursts. Although that last one’s probably off the table now. Bursting into tears isn’t going to get him out of a second pinch. Bad knees - if he can trip Cam up, he can get a shot at his face again, maybe cut his throat or get at his soft belly and sides. Cam’s a talker and likes to gloat, maybe if he gets him distracted by looking pathetic he could get him to walk right into a trap of some kind. He likes food… but Luther doesn’t have the resources to make a big feast to distract him or sate him, just a pouchful of seasoning that he never leaves home without. His lip wobbles again as he thinks about how that’s back at his camp… he may never see his precious seasonings again.

Meanwhile, Cam is getting frustrated. “Well, the little shit can’t have gone far,” he grumbles. “Just gotta flush 'im out.” Luther watches, petrified, as Cam lumbers over to a nearby patch of underbrush and without warning stomps down on it hard, twisting his foot and smashing every inch of it. He steps back and leans down to inspect what’s left. Luther bites his lip hard to stifle a whimper. 

“Nope, not there,” Cam announces. “Eeney, meeney, miney…..” Another bunch of bushes are mercilessly ground into the dirt. “Moe. Hmmm. Where are you?”

Luther can’t stay in his hiding place for long. It’s only a matter of time before Cam gets to him. He needs an opening to make a break for it though, if he runs now Cam will spot him right away. As slowly as he dares, he picks up a large, flat rock, then skims it like a frisbee off to his right, where it hits a tree with a satisfying thock. Cam whirls around, and Luther bolts out of the brush. Cam hears the leaves rustling and turns back around, catching sight of him as he flees. 

“There you are! Hold on now, don’t go running off! I just wanna talk, I swear. The whole monster-slaying prince thing not working out for ya? I got a better job offer! You can be my dinner!” Luther keeps sprinting as fast as he can, not even bothering to glance behind him. The last thing he needs is to miss a fallen branch or a groundhog hole and trip.

On flat, open land, the ogre would outpace him easily. But if he can get deeper into the forest where the trees are closer together, that could slow him down enough for Luther to get some distance and hide again, have a moment to breathe and think so he can work on his plan. He’s starting to get an idea of what he’ll need. He needs the element of surprise for sure, and he needs more than just his sword. If he had some rope he could set up a tripwire, maybe. He curses himself for not taking his father’s advice about packing, for letting Cam strip him, for being too weak and scared to do anything when he had the chance, for being born in the first place. His eyes well up with tears and he scrubs at them furiously. He can’t afford to have his sight blurred right now, he needs to keep his head clear and keep moving. He can hear Cam’s thudding footsteps behind him, gaining quickly. He can cover so much more ground in a single step. It’s simply not fair. The little bit of distance he was able to gain with his rock trick is disappearing fast and it won’t be long before he’s in arm’s reach.

Almost as if he can read his thoughts, Cam lunges forward and takes a swipe at him, trying to knock him off his feet. Luther hits the deck and Cam overbalances, stumbling and crashing into a tree. The tree snaps when his weight collides with it, and Cam has to windmill his arms to keep from falling over. Luther scrambles to his feet and keeps running. He even manages to put on an extra burst of speed when he hears Cam roar with frustration behind him. He’s not as fast as he could be because he’s lugging the sword along with him, but he doesn’t dare drop it. It proves its usefulness in the next minute. Cam closes the distance and grabs for him. Luther sees the shadow fall over him and whirls around, lashing out at the reaching hand. He slices across Cam’s palm, and Cam howls with pain and pulls back. Luther dashes away, and Cam stomps his foot in frustration. 

"Hold still, dammit! You’re just making it worse for yourself!” He takes off after Luther again, but his stamina’s flagging. It’s harder for a creature his size to haul himself around and he’s used to running down his prey in the first minutes of the chase. This has dragged on long enough to tire him out, but he’s not willing to give up just yet. “When I get my hands on you, tin man, you’re paste,” he growls. “They’re gonna have to come up with new words for how dead you’re gonna be.”

The trees start getting close enough together that Luther has to dodge around them from time to time. He can hear Cam behind him crashing through them, spluttering as he gets a face full of branches and leaves. Luther smiles to himself. That’s nice, at least. At last he gathers up his nerve and dodges to the side behind a particularly large tree, hoping that Cam’s too busy navigating the foliage to notice. His gamble pays off. A few seconds later, the ogre goes lumbering past him without so much as a sideways glance. Luther waits just a moment more, then bolts in the opposite direction.

He’s got a plan now. He probably won’t be able to find Cam again, but Cam can find him. So he’ll set up an ambush. He circles back around to his camp and grabs his supplies as quickly as he can, his bow and arrow, his helmet, his tinderbox, and most importantly, his seasoning. He hunts for deer, takes down a decent-sized buck, and sets up a new campfire, deep in the woods, where the trees are close. He’s hoping that Cam will think that Luther thinks he’s safe in there, and that the smell of the meat cooking will lure Cam in. He takes off his shirt and fills it with twigs and leaves, sets his helmet up on a stick driven into the ground, and makes a decently convincing decoy Luther that he leans against a log. The helmet tilts at an angle that makes it look like he’s fallen asleep. With that set up, and night closing in, Luther climbs up a nearby tree and waits, sword in hand.

He doesn’t watch the fire. He wants to keep his night vision sharp. And sure enough, before too long here comes Cam, moving surprisingly quietly for his size. He squeezes through the trees with barely a rustling of leaves. Cam’s eyes are fixed on the fire and the silhouette that the decoy makes against it. Cam gets right behind the decoy and slams his foot down on it. He grinds it into the dirt with a relish that makes Luther shudder. Then Cam looks at the deer cooking with that lovely smell rising off it, and his eyes go big and shiny. As Cam bends down to pick it up, Luther chooses his moment. He drops like a stone and buries his sword lengthwise in the back of Cam’s neck. The impact sends a jolt up his arms and he hangs on as tight as he can. Cam lets out a garbled scream of pain and collapses face first on the ground. Luther gets to his feet, pulls his sword out with some difficulty, takes a deep breath, and begins to chop.

It’s messy, horrible work. By the third swing tears are rolling down Luther’s cheeks. By the seventh, he’s sobbing. After the twenty-third cut, Cam’s head is finally severed, and rolls to the side. Luther stumbles back. He’s trembling, covered in blood, panting and crying, but it’s finally done. 

And then Cam’s head says, “Wow, kid. I didn’t think you had it in you.” Luther watches, dumbfounded, as Cam’s body sits up, searches around with its hands, locates his head, and puts it back on his shoulders as the flesh knits together again. Luther drops his sword in disbelief. He falls to his knees. That was it. That was all he had. He can’t even imagine what he could do against a foe who can just reattach his own head. 

“Oh,” he says quietly. “Okay. Um. Make it quick, please?” Cam had been planning to crunch the little shit once he was back on his feet, but he can’t help but feel a pang of guilt at how despondent Luther looks.

“Aw, no, no, don’t give up so quick! Really, you almost had me!” Cam scoops him up and pats him on the head. “Look, it was a good effort. I’m sure if you had known I can’t be killed, you wouldn’t have spent all that time and energy trying to kill me. Just do a little more research next time, yeah?" 

"Next time,” Luther repeats, and gives a hollow laugh. “There isn’t going to be a next time. I’m not welcome as part of the royal family if I can’t kill a monster. Even my sister’s done her first slaying already. A whole nest of vampires! And I can’t kill one measly ogre." 

"Hey, watch who you’re calling measly,” Cam warns, but his heart isn’t in it. “Jeez. You’ve got some issues, kid. Not much of a fighter, I take it?" 

Luther shakes his head and sighs. "I’m just not very good at it." 

"Well they chose one hell of a first mission for you, that’s for sure. Ogres are tricky ones. We’ve got a lot of defense mechanisms.” Cam thinks for a moment. “You know what you are good at, though? You’re a good talker. Very convincing. I mean, you really had me going, with the crying and all? It was a really good ruse." 

Luther bites his lip. "Um…" 

"Okay, so it was for real and not a ruse. But you made the best of a bad situation! That’s also a good skill for a ruler to have. You just gotta show your family that your skills are less conventional, but still effective! Like, okay, why do you have to kill me? What’d I do?" 

“You’re eating all the farmers’ cattle and scaring people." 

"I thought free range meant I had free reign. Eh? Eh?” Cam pokes Luther in the ribs. Luther frowns at him. “Oh, fine, whatever. No sense of humor. You know, that’s pretty important for a king too. Yeah, all right, I’ll leave the cows alone." 

"And the sheep,” Luther says sharply. “And the pigs, and chickens." 

"I haven’t eaten any pigs or chickens,” Cam protests. 

“Not yet. I’m being proactive." 

"There you go!” Cam says, beaming. “There’s that negotiator skill! But seriously, if I can’t eat the cows and sheep I’ve got to eat something. Can you make it worth my while? 'Cause I’m not going back to squirrels." 

"Well…” Luther says slowly. “What if… I hire you?" 

"You… hire me?" 

"Yeah. Like, as a bodyguard or something. Then I’d have to pay you, right? I could pay you in food?” 

Cam is quiet for a moment. He brings Luther up closer to his face and scrutinizes him. Luther’s heart is pounding out of his chest. For a moment he thinks he’s made some horrible mistake and offended Cam and it’s all over for him. "You’re serious? Not kidding me, here? That’s your offer?”

“Y-yes? Is that… is it bad?" 

"Bad? Bad? That’s the best offer I’ve ever heard! Pay me in food? HELL yes, kid! That’s what I like to hear!” The force of Cam’s enthusiasm knocks Luther over on his back. He stares at the sky for a moment. His life is so goddamn weird.

~~~~~~~~~

Luther’s father’s dragon slaying days are behind him. He’s an old man now. He has good days and bad days, but even on his best days he frequently needs help getting around. But when he sees that giant ogre enter his royal halls, he reaches for his spear. Luther eases it out of his hand. 

“No, see, it’s okay. I didn’t kill him, but I stopped him terrorizing the countryside, and I kind of… hired him. As my bodyguard. This was easier, and we both benefit, see? Also, um, were you going to tell me ogres are immortal?" 

"You were supposed to figure something out,” his father says. “Since you’re so damned smart." 

"Well, I did figure something out. Just… maybe not what you wanted me to." 

Cam waves lazily. "Hi, Yer Majesty." 

"Cam,” Luther hisses. “We talked about this." 

"Oh, fine, fine,” Cam grumbles, and takes a knee to bow low before the king. “I humbly pledge my service to your son,” he intones, hamming it up just a little. “Please allow me to protect him from all harms, and so on." 

The king glares. His stabbing hand is itching. But he doesn’t currently have a better plan, and this’ll keep the peasants quiet for a bit. "Fine,” he spits, “But you’re taking care of him. Feeding him, walking him, cleaning up after him, whatever. No getting the servants to do it for you. He’s your responsibility now." 

Cam grins at Luther. "So, speaking of feeding… when’s dinner?”

[variousqueerthings]

Daniel LaRusso: A Queer Feminine Fairytale Analysis Part Three of Three

(another massive, massive thank you to @mimsyaf��� )

part 1

part 2

8. Queerness and femininity and masculinity and the colour red and *record breaks*

If we spin the record aaalll the way back to this paragraph: “…looking at what it is girls and women in fairytales have/don’t have, what they want, and how they’re going to get it. It’s about power (lack of), sexuality (repressed, then liberated), and men.” Reading Daniel as a repressed, bisexual boy in a society that doesn’t accept his desires it’s interesting looking at how he moves through the world of the Miyagi-verse, at how threatened other men are by him, at how obsessed they are with him.

He’s out in the symbolic woods and these large boys and men see him and decide for whatever plot reasons to come for him. And they are large and violent and attractive and apart from Johnny again, they don’t have the nebulous excuse of fighting over a girl and even that excuse dies by around the midpoint when Johnny kisses Ali just to get a rise out of Daniel. He’s not trying to “win her back,” he’s not even really looking at her. He’s just trying to get a reaction. They don’t have any of the fighters in Rocky’s excuse either of Daniel being a macho opponent. 

You can read whatever subtext into TKK1 and TKK2 (which becomes especially tempting once CK confirmed that the guys he fought at seventeen have been thinking about him ever since – for thirty-five years), but TKK3 is where it’s really At in terms of obsession and lust and forbidden desires.

Silver is presented as both a handsome prince who saves Daniel and mentors him (where Miyagi is undoubtedly cast in a fatherhood role) and later on becomes twisted into a dark secret that Daniel has to keep, while he turns that thing that Daniel loves (karate, it’s… it’s karate… it’s also men, but it’s definitely karate, because karate makes him feel… things...) into an abusive, violent version of itself.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing.

But he’s also offering him something liberating. Whatever is going on in that nightclub scene is about something other than breaking Daniel down. Even the bloodied knuckles aren’t just about revenge. It’s about giving him something that he isn’t, in the end, willing to receive, at least not from Silver. In that roundabout, strange way of these feminine fairytales, it’s exploring hidden desires through the metaphor of karate.

Daniel wears red because it’s his colour. In the movies he wears red a lot. Often in scenes with violence in them (the beach/the hilltop in TKK1 and the date/the destruction of the dojo/the final fight in TKK2), but he also has a variety of shirts (and in TKK3 pants) that pop up all the way through the narrative. He wears a red jacket when he accepts Terry’s training, when he punches a guy in the face, and when he tries to get out of the training again (as badly as that goes).

Did anyone consciously think about red’s link to desire, obsession, and violence when they made these? Eh. But is it there symbolically? When he meets Johnny, when he fights Chozen, when he’s in emotionally fraught situations with Terry? Hell yeah.

Probably the most lust-and-violence infused red is that aforementioned punching-board-until-knuckles-bleed bit – not that I thought Terry was going to pull him in for a kiss, because I knew, logically, of course he wouldn’t right? There’s no way… is there? Or later on when Daniel punches that guy and ends up with blood all over his shirt and Terry once more grasps him, euphorically. Blood is violence. Blood is also desire. Red is Daniel’s colour, even though he doesn’t acknowledge it come Cobra Kai. (Maybe he just needs someone else - cough Johnny Lawrence cough - to inspire it in him again).

Daniel LaRusso’s narrative is exploring that most feminine of fairytale tropes: To want and be wanted by monsters and having to hide those desires.

“Maybe this time that strange churning in my stomach that feels like a mix of anticipation and fear will turn out good for me.” - Daniel’s mind.

At the end of the story, Daniel saves himself, with all of the strange mixed narratives around it, and the acknowledgement that the end of The Karate Kid Part Three isn’t satisfying and its aftermath will likely be delved into in the next season of Cobra Kai.

Nevertheless, he saves himself. Not from Silver or Kreese or Barnes, and not entirely, but he makes a decision not to give in to fear (and he continues to try and live by that decision, making it over and over again for the next thirty-five years, even when the return of Cobra Kai makes that difficult for him). 

He doesn’t do it by being the strongest in the land or even through a lucky shot (although that too). He does it by refusing to be like the male antagonists that surround him, by telling them they have no power over him. The narrative isn’t just his getting lost in the forest and all the monsters he finds there, it’s about how he redefines power for himself within that forest. 

He’s a man who isn’t violent, whose victories include helping out a girl whose ex-boyfriend just broke her radio, successfully doing the moves to a cultural dance he’s trying to learn, sitting with his father figure while he cries over the death of his own father, telling a girl that she’s just made her first friend, and breathing a sigh of relief that a tree that got broken has healed. 

Daniel LaRusso is a good boy is the point!

Karate is a metaphor. It can turn into many things: A series of lessons learned about how to be his own man and take care of his own house, a respect for the history of the father teaching him and sharing his home and story with him, fear, desire, masculinity (and the different forms that can take). 

When a tall, handsome stranger offers to teach him karate in the dark, without Daniel’s caretaker knowing how to help him, and twists that karate into something that hurts him - when he reclaims that, over and over, that means something too. 

This man is fine and definitely isn’t carrying the weight of buried karate-based queer trauma - could a traumatised man do this? *stares blankly at a former tormentor as blood runs down his forehead*

9. In Conclusion Daniel Has Kissed Dudes… Symbolically… But We Can HC Literally:

So there’s Daniel and his coded feminine fairytale narrative. It’s all a series of fun coincidences.

1. Ralph Macchio is just Like That

2. Red. All the red. 

3. large portion of his storyline is about lack of power. Yes, he regains that power by the end of the first and second movie through A Fight, but generally he is framed as powerless opposite these almost monstrously physically powerful boys/men. And in the third one it’s barely even about physical prowess (he’d still lose a real fight against Barnes or Silver) and more about regaining lost autonomy off the back of a manipulative, abusive relationship with an older guy.

4. The third movie in particular is narratively a mess, but if reimagined as a fairytale makes a lot of sense (because it’s secretly all about how karate is bisexuality and Daniel gets manipulated through that desire to be better at karate).

5. Queerness and femininity and themes about hidden desires that can only be approached sideways through couching those desires in symbolism: Handshake meme.

6. The fact that the more I think about it, the more feral I am for a Labyrinth AU.

7. To sum up over 5000 words of text: The inherent homoeroticism of wanting to be slammed against a locker by a bully, but extended over three movies and ever-more inventive ways of hurting pretty-boy-Daniel-LaRusso.

Johnny’s not going to be happy when he realises Daniel’s got other ex-rivals buried in his closet...

10. Some Other Stuff Aka The Laziest Referencing I’ll Ever Do

Further reading on trans Matrix

Further reading on masculinity and rape narrative in The Rape Of James Bond

Youtube Video from Pop Culture Detective (Sexual Assault Of Men Played For Laughs)

Some film/TV references in this: Dracula (Coppola), Princess Bride, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Labyrinth, The Matrix, Rocky, Princess And The Frog, Cinderella, Enchanted, Shape Of Water, Swamp Thing, Phantom of the Opera 

Some fairytale references: Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, The Wolf And The Seven Little Kids, Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Company of Wolves (Angela Carter), Through the Looking Glass, Princess Bride

Also referenced is Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel and the subsequent musical Funhome. Further thoughts on this by @thehours2002​ and @jenpsaki​:

https://thehours2002.tumblr.com/post/650033577171533824/daniel-larusso-and-fun-home-click-to-enlarge

https://jenpsaki.tumblr.com/post/650530225997971456/cobra-kai-fun-home-inspired-by-goldstargirls

My list of Cobra Kai meta posts

I wanted to delve into fairytale movies more, but then I was like “fuck, I have actual work to do,” but I was interested in the ways male and female characters are written in these stories:

The Last Unicorn, The Never-Ending Story, The Dark Crystal, Legend, and Stardust.

The Last Unicorn is an interesting one because she’s not really human, until she is. It’s more like The Little Mermaid (the fairytale, not the Disney film) in tone, and of course there’s a pretty substantiated rumour that Andersen wrote that one as a metaphor for falling in love with another man (who eventually got married). 

Andersen in general is just fun to analyse as someone who popularized so many fairytales and exists as an ambiguously queer historical figure – might’ve been modern-day gay, bi, ace, but we’re just not sure. All your favourite fairytales can be read through the lens of queer loneliness and ostracization. Just like horror.

Anyway I didn’t go into the whole Little-Mermaid-Last-Unicorn transformation bit so much as the Monstrous-Desires bit, but I think there could be something to that too, with monsters representing otherhood and all. Stardust is a kinda-almost-this, except she sticks to her human form and all is okey-dokey by the end, she’s allowed to marry the handsome man and be a star.

The Never-Ending Story has Atreyu and Bastian and because of a lack of female characters, an interesting bond between the two of them, but mainly Atreyu is absolutely a go-gettem Hero Type and it’s just interesting to see how Bastian relates to him as both an audience insert, but also eventually as his own character in that world.

The Dark Crystal contains certain… androgynous elements of feminine and masculine coded characteristics in the main character because of how he’s not human, but also they do have a “female” version of his species that he needs to go save (and bring back to life) by the end, so in a way it’s both more and less heteronormative in its characters.

Legend sees another example of a monster (literally called Darkness and looking like a traditional devil) trying to seduce a princess through promises of power, and she “goes along with it” in order to trick him and succeeds in that trick, but is ultimately saved by the male lead. 

In conclusion: I don’t even have Shrek in this.

[seaofghouls]

Resident Evil Village WKM AU

PART 1

Taglist: Nobody. Comment to be tagged!

Warnings: Bullets, Guns, Monsters, Tranquilizers, Blood, Gore, Descriptions of serious injuries, ect.

The stuff you'd see in Resident Evil. ------

“Long ago, a young girl went to pick berries for her father who was hard at work. The forest greeted them with a dark, cold silence. The bushes empty. Yet, determined to find the berries, the little rascal broke free of mother’s grasp and vanished into the trees. Mother’s worried cries faded fast as the girl ran on, over vine and under branch and into the forest deep.

Feeling strange eyes upon her, the girl recalled mother’s scary tales and her throat became bone dry. Then the bat lord appeared. He greeted her warmly and bit his own wing. “Come child, quench your thirst.” He said. So she drank the thick dark blood and smiled with joy. Passing through the graveyard, menacing storm clouds loomed and the air turned bitingly cold. The girl was shivering in her thin clothes.

Then, a Dark Weaver appeared and with a click of his fingers, crafted mist into a beautiful dress. “Come child, warm yourself.” He coaxed. So she clothed herself and smiled with joy. Across waters deep and ominous she went, hoping a boat she found would take her home. But hunger’s grip tightened and her hunger grew heavy.

Then, the fish king appeared and offered one of his many fins. “Come child, eat your fill.” So the girl ate and smiled with joy once again. Continuing on, she soon entered the forest’s dark heart. Then an Iron Steed appeared, bearing a beautiful, golden gear. The creature said nothing as the girl approached.. And snatched what she thought was another gift.

The horse grew angry and summoned the other monsters. Terror filled the girl’s heart as a wild wind rose around the beasts. Suddenly, a witch appeared! Dark, yet regal. “Gift we gave, but more you took.” She snarled. In a blink, the girl was trapped in a mirror, forever.” “There, she’s asleep.” He finished, holding a baby.

“What is with the creepy story? She’s only six months old. Especially the part about being trapped in a mirror.” Y/N asked with a huff.

“The woman at the store said it was traditional. A local tale. Besides, Rose doesn’t seem to mind.” Damien gestured at the sleeping baby in his arms.

“Because she doesn’t understand it, thank god.” Y/N sighed.

“We moved here so she wouldn’t have to deal with that, remember?” Y/N frowned. “There’s nothing wrong with my memory.” Damien slightly snapped.

“Maybe I’m being paranoid. I’m just cautious, y’know?” Y/N said.

“Then, go cautiously take your daughter to bed.” Damien smiled, handing them the baby.

“I’ll finish dinner.” Damien gave Y/N and Rose both a kiss on the head.

“It’s alright, Rose. Your father doesn’t want to remember. I can’t blame him.” Y/N mumbled.

“Did you say something, dear?” Damien called out.

“Nope! I’ll put her to sleep.” Y/N called back.

Y/N carried Rose up the stairs and into her room.

Setting her into the crib, Y/N smiled. “Don’t worry Rose, I’ll be right downstairs. I won’t let those scary fairytale monsters get you.”

Y/N gave her a kiss and walked back down the stairs.

“Is she doing alright?” Damien asked as Y/N walked back into the kitchen.

“Yeah, she’s sleeping like a- well, a baby.” Y/N giggled.

“Mm, smells good. What is that?” Y/N asked, referring to the meal that Damien was cooking.

“It’s clorba de legume, a local recipe.” Damien said.

“Wow, you’ve gone full native, huh?” Y/N smiled.

“Local wine, too.” Damien smirked.

“If you’re going to be grumpy all evening, maybe you shouldn’t have any~.” Damien teased.

Y/N sighed as Damien poured wine into two glasses.

“You really need to stop worrying.” Damien said.

“It’s just.. Everything happened so fast, y’know? It’s a bit stressful.” Y/N frowned.

“Well, at least we’re all here together.” Damien gave a small smile.

“You, me, Rose, now everything’s going to be-” Y/N interrupted him.

“Seriously? You think we can just forget what happened in Louisiana?” Y/N asked.

“It happened so long ago. I just- I don’t understand why you are so-” Damien was interrupted by a bullet.

In his shoulder.

And then, what seemed to be hundreds more lodged into him.

“Damien!” Y/N cried. The lights were cut out, the blood was everywhere.

There was no coming back from that.

“Damien-! Oh god.” Y/N cried.

Hiding under the table, Y/N was covering their mouth as they looked up to see who did this.

“Abe?! What the hell?” They barked.

“Sorry, Y/N.” Abe shot at Damien’s body more.

“No! What?! Why?!” Y/N sobbed.

“Ghk-!” Y/N gasped out as they were shot with tranquilizer darts.

----

Y/N slowly cracked their eyes open with a groan as they heard a phone going off. They lurched over to unburry it and answered it.

“Is the package secure?” The other end asked.

“What the hell is going on here? Where is Abe and Rose?” Y/N demanded.

“You are not authorized to-” The phone cut out.

“Curses!” They spit.

They began to walk around, turning on their flashlight that they had.

Crows were hung from the trees and the van had crashed.

They found a house and decided to explore it. Nothing of use on the main floor.

Or in the house for that matter. Just blood stains and a trashed home.

“..What did all of this?” Y/N sighed.

By the time they got out, it was morning. They’d never been so happy to see daylight. God, that house was creepy.

“Where the hell am I?” Y/N questioned, looking at the giant castle ahead.

Walking into the town below, it was abandoned. It was utterly trashed and empty. They ran into a man hiding inside a house. He shoved a gun into their hands.

“It’s all I can spare.” He said.

“What the hell’s out there?!” Y/N pleaded, but got no answer before whatever was outside grabbed the man through the roof. They fell through the floorboards into a bit of bodies.

“Aghk-!” They cried.

“Oh god.” They cried.

Bodies littered the floor.

“..Jesus Christ.” They muttered.

“Agh-!” They howled in pain as a beast attacked them, tearing off three of their fingers.

They were thrown out of the basement into the open world, their hand bleeding out, missing fingers.

“What the hell was that?!” They cried.

“N-no! Stay back!” Y/N pulled out the gun the old man had given them and started shooting at the beast. It fell over and bled out after a few shots.

They realized they were trapped. They decided to look around the village for any keys to open the locked gates or ways out. They were able to cut the lock open on the gate blocking them with lock cutters and other various items they found around the village of death.

They heard a radio announcement about traveling to Luiza’s house for safety, so they decided to do that while picking up useful items that they ran into.

The beasts were everywhere. They were able to wrap their bleeding hand in bandages they found. They had quite a few close calls including the beasts.

They got cornered and tumbled into a lake while bleeding out surrounded by monsters before they all stopped all of a sudden and ran off when an old woman seemingly saved them.

“W-wait!” They tried to chase after the lady.

She went off on a tangent with a creepy smile. “The bell tolls for us all! They’re coming again!” She closed the gate.

“Damn it.” Y/N cussed.

The only part that Y/N was paying attention to was the fact that their daughter was in the village.

“I’ve got to find her.” Y/N said.

They continued to travel through the village, shooting at monsters. Damien’s death was still heavy on their mind.

They found a daughter and father in a shed. They found a way to get them inside and close the gate. Luiza greeted the three at the front door, albeit with a man pointing a gun at them before Luiza shooed him off.

“You’re not from this village, are you?” Luiza questioned.

“Uhm, no. I’m Y/N.” They said.

“If Elena trusts you, then so do I. Come inside, Y/N.” Luiza said.

Luiza led them to the main part of the house where the others were hiding.

They certainly did not get a warm welcome.

“There is no safe! Every sorry person out there has been ripped in half!” A man cried, his alcohol swishing from side to side from inside the bottle.

“That’s enough.” Luiza declared.

“Let us pray for those still out there.” She said.

They all joined in a circle, praying to whatever god there was out there.

Y/N started to get a bit freaked out when the old man they had helped inside started laughing and screaming in agony. The house was lit on fire after he knocked over a lit lantern.

People started to crowd the old man asking if he was okay or what was going on.

Y/N gasped as they realized. He was no longer human. He was one of the monsters.

“Oh no.”

He slaughtered almost everyone in the main room as Y/N took Elena’s hand and ran into the hall away from the fire and the beast.

“Elana, we have to go!” They yelled.

“Let them go!” Elana cried, shooting her dad in the head as he was on top of Y/N.

“Oh god. I’m so sorry father.” Elena whispered after she shot him a second time.

“Hey, it wasn’t your fault. That thing wasn’t your father anymore. You did the right thing.” Y/N comforted Elena.

The beast groaned and garbled as floorboards fell on top of it causing more fire to spread. Y/N slammed the door he was in and comforted Elena as she cried.

“We’ve gotta get out of here. He was already gone.” Y/N patted her shoulder.

After looking for a while, Y/N found the truck keys.

“Damn, the fire’s moving fast. Elena, get in the truck with me.” They said.

They crashed through the wall using the truck.

The fire surrounded them, Y/N bit their lip.

Looking up, they narrowed their eyes. “Nowhere to go but up.”

They helped Elena climb up with them.

“..Elena..” A garbled voice called out.

“Father?!” Elena ran towards him. Y/N tried to stop her but failed.

“Elena, wait! That’s not him!” Y/N cried.

The floorboards were cracking.

Elena ignored them.

“Elena, take my hand!” They ordered, holding out their hand to grab.

“Y/N, go! Save your daughter!” Elena cried.

“Elena, please! Don’t give up! Reach for me!” Y/N said.

Elena fell through the floorboards into the fiery abyss below.

“Damn it!” Y/N cussed.

“Why is everyone dying on me?!” Y/N cried through gritted teeth as they climbed out of the burning house.

Y/N saw the old lady again so they ran up to her.

“Death. Death has visited them all!” She cackled.

Y/N disregarded that. They accidentally walked into the gate of the castle. Digging into their bag, they realized that they had the two keys to open the door. Artifacts, the keys were.

They were about to pull the lever to the elevator when a voice stopped them after they had walked into the castle.

“Well, well. Didn’t think anyone was left! You must be pretty tough, huh?” He had a huge hammer, Y/N observed.

“Who the hell are you?” Y/N asked.

“Oh! You’re not local! Even better.” The man smirked.

“Aghk-!” Y/N groaned as a spear was jabbed into them from out of thin air.

“Mother Celine’s going to love you.” He laughed some more as more and more metals were attached to Y/N until they passed out.

…

They came back to consciousness as they were being dragged and in chains.

“Quit your whining! We’re almost there!” The man assured.

They closed their eyes again, opening them, hearing voices.

“The person is of no real use to anybody else.. And my children do so love entertaining foreigners. Furthermore, I can assure you if you entrust the mortal to enter house Iplier, my children and I shall deliver the finest of blood to you, the finest cups of his slaughtered blood.”

“Out of my way, ugly! I wanna see!”

Y/N was certain there was some deep sobbing mixed in there as well.

“Oh~! They’re awake!”

More deep sobbing.

“Both of you shut the hell up!”

“..What..? Where..?” Y/N started.

“You mean you’ll screw around with him in private? Where’s the fun in that?”

“Give him to me and I’ll put on a show that everyone can enjoy.”

“Oh, so gauche. What do we care for bread and circuses? The person’s suffering is assured, regardless.”

“Yack, yack, the person’s privates are cut off in the castle, blah blah blah!”

“I’ve heard all of your arguments. Some less persuasive than others, but.. I’ve made my decision.”

“Benjamin. The person’s fate lies in your hands.”

“Mother Celine, I must protest! Benjamin is but a child and his devotion to you is questionable. Give the mortal to me and I will ensure they are ready.”

“Shut your damn hole and don’t be a sore loser! Go find your food somewhere else.” Benjamin growled.

“Quiet now, child! Adults are talking!”

I’m the child? You’re the one arguing with Mother Celine’s decision!” Benjamin defended.

“You wouldn’t know responsibility if it was welded to that hammer!”

“Oh, keep growing, one day your head might actually fit your ego!” Benjamin yelled.

“..Hey, don’t I get a say in this?” Y/N groaned.

“Fight fight fight fight!”

“SILENCE!” Mother Celine cried.

“My decision is final. There will be no argument. Remember where you came from.” Mother Celine said.

“Thank you.” Benjamin said.

“Lycans and gentleman! We thank you for waiting! Now, let the games begin!” Benjamin announced.

He bent down to Y/N’s level.

“Let’s see what you’re really made of, Y/N Winters.” He smirked.

He slammed his hammer down in front of Y/N and started counting down.

Y/N got up and ran as fast as they could, still handcuffed. Down the yellow tinted corridor echoing the screams of the monsters. They saw a hole in the ground. Looking around, it was the only option. So, they did the only thing they could. They took the leap.

They ran and ran from the monsters when they landed.

“Agh! Jesus Christ!” They cried.

“That’s right! Run for your life!” Benjamin cackled.

----

[danddymaro]

No Regrets | Loki x Reader

Set during Endgame // After time travel

Takes place in NY 2012 After Loki’s capture.

Includes flashbacks

fluff within angst 

A/N:  I’d been having this idea in mind for a fat minute, and NEED to share it.

Flashbacks are in italics : Example

Thoughts are italics  in quotes : ‘Example’

Word Count :  3683

No Regrets

"In and out," (f/n) thought to herself, walking along the corridor, the plan in mind being to retrieve the tesseract and return home.

'Rogers said he's got a plan for the scepter, so it's up to us to somehow get the other piece while it's still on earth... which, of course, is planted right in between a crowd of highly skilled, superpowered people,' She thought flatly, her eyes falling onto the walking Avengers.

'Well, at least, at this point in time, no one knows who I am,' She thought with confidence, certain it was to her advantage, ' so I should be able to maneuver easier than anyone else,' she added, flattening down her suit, hoping she blended in with the rest of Stark's employees.

' Here we go,' She then added, ready to make her way closer, but there was just one thing that stopped her. 

As she caught sight of him, she couldn't help but take a pause, and before she could help it, the single glance that was sent his way turned into a true, dedicated stare that lasted longer than it should have.

He then turned to her, letting his blue-hued eyes land on hers, and at that, she couldn't help but let a few tears slip.

' The sight of you this way, it's unbearable.' She thought with lament, hurt while having to see him restrained. His mouth was sealed, the lower portion of his face muzzled like an unruly, vicious creature, and the very sight hit her hard.

' And that lifeless color aqua that has taken over the sweet green gaze... if I'm not mistaken, that must be a sign of his control,' she concluded, knowing it was all connected.

'I wonder...has anyone bothered to see? Has anyone realized? ' She wondered, 

' Thor, have you bothered to look into your brother's eyes?' She thought with disapproval, though, knowing that either way, the blame would land upon the younger's.

'Damned if you do. Damned if you don't, right?' She thought with a shake to her head, already aware of how many of his experiences ended.

'At least...With that scepter far from you, those dark thoughts that monster implanted in you have slowly washed away.' She added with approval.

 '-Now,  In and out. The scepter and the tesseract both, all in one swoop.'  She thought to herself, reminding herself of the true objective, having to will herself from staring at him any longer.

   Loki tilted his head to the side, quietly watching as the woman turned from him, (e/c) colored eyes shying from him as she hid her face in a way that seemed shamed, as though there was a secret she harbored, and it truly piqued interest in him. 

A loud commotion then erupted and through the strange chaos, he took his moment of leave, escaping with the tesseract in hand, a mystical, soft blue cloud swallowing him, dispersing once he was out of sight.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

'That was a complete disaster,' She mused with a little scoff, having watched the entire scene unfold, momentarily shaking her head at the replay in her mind.

 "And of course, you took advantage," She hummed, unable to hold any grudge against the man as he did what came naturally to him,

"- it's just like you," She breathed with adoration.

  ' Get far away from here,' She inwardly pleaded, 

'Find somewhere that’s out of his grasp. ' She begged while slowly walking away, choosing to find an emptier area where no one could witness her departure.

She planned to leave without a witness, but as  she moved, she didn't notice the quiet steps that shadowed hers, not having anticipated it in the least bit.

"- As I left, I couldn't help but have one nagging thought in mind," She heard a familiar voice speak, and it made her last step come to a stumbled stop. 

'- Leave,' Her better senses instructed, 'Don’t stop,' She told herself.

'You can do it now...Right in this instant, and he won't ever know.' she reasoned.

'You don't know me.

I don't know the you, you are now. ‘ She silently told him.

‘ We're nothing but strangers, so, there's nothing to say.'  She tried to convince herself.

'But.' she then added, ' Would it be so bad if I just turn to you one last time?

Would it change anything?

If I could just see you one last time... right here...so near...' she trailed off before biting her lower lip in contemplation.

'Just one last time,' she declared, her fingers slipping beneath her blazer's sleeve, finding the button she needed to activate the suit, and immediately escape.

'One last glance, and then...we won't ever see each other again,' She thought with a soft sniffle, willing to indulge herself one final time.

Slowly, she turned to him, entertaining her heart with the request before she went back.

She promised herself that she’d leave right then and there, but she hesitated.

As her eyes landed on his full figure, she stopped, once again staring with the same melancholic (e/c) colored eyes that held everything from sadness and grief to adoration and tender devotion.

He was as beautiful as always, a sight her eyes would draw to, and now refused to tear from. 

'...I'm a horrible person.' She said to herself, 'Because I didn't come for the tesseract. 

 I didn't come for everyone else, 

I came for me.

- Just to see you.'  She admitted with shame.

Taking advantage of her current state, he moved quicker than she could react, reaching out to her with his right hand,  "it'll take just a moment," He told her, not wanting to waste time in idle talk, having his own method of finding her truths. 

“I just have to know what you’re hiding,” he let her know, the unrelenting  curiosity he had coming from a place he couldn’t name.

To his surprise, he watched as nearly every thought she held dear had him as the center. 

Furthermore, throughout it all, he saw himself under elegant lighting, one that was filtered through a gaze that always found him fascinating.

"My king..." She said while reached up to him, her hand sweetly grazing his cheek, both the touch and address rousing a little chuckle from him,

"King?" He breathed. "You've never called me that before," He added, soon leaning down to her, a dazzling smile on display. "...could it be that you’re teasing me?" he mused, touching her so sweetly it was as though she were made of glass. 

she lightly shook her head in denial before she spoke, "- It's because until now, I've never felt so sure," she started, briefly closing her eyes, relishing in the warmth of his palm, 

'Of this feeling...

Of you...'  she thought as she marveled at his perfect image.

 "- Of how precious you are to me," She then added while ascending, looking up at him with eyes that were so close to tearing she had to blink away the light glistening sheet that lay over her (e/c) colored eyes.

"You mean everything to me," She revealed to him, and as she said that, he held in a breath, his eyes fluttering close as she came even closer. 

A little peck then landed on the tip of his nose, soon bringing him out of his spellbound state, and realizing she'd purposely missed, he pouted, 

"-This, here is teasing," She giggled, not missing an opportunity to play with him, soon taking a little step back before she ran from him. 

'Chase me...

catch me...

Kiss me...

Play with me...

Show me a love that I've never had before,' She thought with happiness she never wanted to end.

'This is like a fairytale,' She then added, running through the lovely, blossom riddled field he'd brought her to, 'And everywhere feels like home when I'm with you,' She proceeded, not knowing anything of his realm, but feeling so safe and joyous that she felt like she belonged.

'I love you.' she thought as she tackled her down. 'I love you.' She continued to think as she laughed, the kisses that trailed down her neck tickling her so much she couldn't help but let the squeals escape as she tried to resist him, squirming. 

'I love you.

I love this.

I love us.

I don't ever want this to end.' 

He looked right at the woman as her tears spilled, his eyes wide as he witnessed the sorrow that came forth from reliving through such a lovely memory. 

"Please don't..." She begged him, because the only way to view the memories was to make her relive through every moment.

- But determined, he continued to dig through, wanting to know why she had memories he never recalled, and much more, why they haunted her so much.

He stood before her, the bloodied colored orbs that peered down at her holding a shine to them that seemed vulnerable and sweet, all in spite of the wicked color.

She bit her lip, not knowing where to start, or even how to touch him.

"Ah," He said softly, I see you find it unsightly," he huffed.

"No. You’re beautiful," She breathed, her hands both shaking as she went to touch him, "I just...you just look so beautiful," She admitted, nervously speaking. 

"Am I even allowed to..?" She asked him, her palms still hovering above his chest, the sweet warmth that radiated from the flesh forcing a shuttered breath from him as he was anxious to feel her.

"Darling," he said while taking hold of her two wrists, the grasp he held her with being so kind and sweet, she felt delicate and treasured.

 "I am yours, whether it be this form or the other, you should never hesitate to touch me," He told her, and at that, she brought her palms to his naked torso, the ridges of his skin that lay over his indigo flesh feeling strange, yet welcoming. 

Lightly trailing the lines, she swallowed hard, "Don't change back...for now... stay this way," She pleaded him. "Let me love you this way," She said while trailing her hands up to his face, the kisses that followed being so loving and tender that he lost himself in them, and only a low hum was his response back to her.

'The question is....how does it all end?' He asked himself, knowing it was painful.

 'If we were a walking pair, then where is your other half?' he wondered.

"Do you ever regret giving yourself to me?" He asked her, his eyes looking out into the vast space, "like now...do you begin to wonder what your life would have been if we would have simply walked past each other?" He continued.

"Of all the realms. 

Of all the various worlds that exist, (f/n), don't you ever wish you would have fallen for someone else? " He asked her, not having it in him to look at her as he asked the question, because there existed a part of him that regretted it all, knowing that she would have lived through fewer struggles. 

Asgard was destroyed, the place he promised would be thier home was gone, and only then did he really take into account the various compromises she'd made. 

" I took you from your home. I promised you a better life. 

I swore to you that we'd one day live a peaceful life." He went on. "But instead, you've gone from hiding to fleeting. You've shadowed my every move, and not once have I bothered to ask you if you're fine with it.

- Not once have I bothered to tell if the one person I  say I love most is truly happy," He said while reflecting upon every moment that followed after he took her from Midgard.

"And now, watching the remains of my home be destroyed, I begin to wonder if...

If once this is all over, you'd want to go back home, pick up from where you left off...

Find yourself -"

Shaking her head, she took hold of his hand, her head leaning to his arm, not waiting for him to finish the line,

'You can't be serious,' she thought while releasing a tired, little sigh that turned light right towards the end.

Together, they looked out into the darkness that held various stars and planets, things she could have never imagined viewing from such a range.

"- No one else has brought me this close to the stars," She said with a little smile, one that became contagious, and after he huffed out a little chuckle, he hung his head, the man seeming defeated. 

And for just a moment, they lived through silence, one that was broken as he uttered her name,

"(f/n)," he said then lowly, soon holding a serious tone that was proceeded by a long breath, "I'm serious..." He told her. 

"Me too," She answered back, her grasp going tighter, "I'm serious: I don't regret it. Not a thing. " She said with confidence. 

She then tugged his hand, turning to face him, and as he did the same she shook her head, despising the sullen look he wore.

"I'm not helpless," She started. " I could have gone back at any point," She told him as her other hand moved to lift his chin, her index curved into a little hook as she untucked the point from his chest, 

"If I wanted to, I would have fought you the entire way," She assured him, having to remind him that she wasn't as sweet as she looked. 

"I would have found a way to escape you, But instead, I followed my king wherever he went.

Instead, I chose to follow you into every little mess you created, because it's all worth it if I can stay with you." She admitted. 

"You're here, " she said while tapping her chest, knocking over her heart's home, "I feel you here," she chimed.

"Before you, I'd lived such a small and meaningless life," she told him. "I felt like I was nothing." She admitted. " Every day was like the one before, and every one that would come up next would hold the same ordinary routine." She then went on, " And I felt like I was missing something, but I just didn't know what," she said while looking into the special piece that made her life worth it all.

'You're worth it all, ' She added, sure that he was worth leaving everything behind. 

"Loki, I haven't lived as long as you, and I know that I won't get to reach an age that passes yours," She said with little amusement, "But ... that just means I'll get to live the rest of my life with you," She said while smiling, 

"And that's all I want," she told him. "That's all I'll need. Just you."

 At the mention, he seemed to deflate, because after all, she was only human, 

- just human. 

Despite her powers, when it came down to it, she was just a mortal, and he despised the reality of it.

. 

"- I hope I go before you do," He said to her, and at that, she felt her heart clench, "Don't you dare," She sniffled, the mere mention bringing forth tears, 

"Don't you ever leave me behind," she said in a small, broken voice. "Just take me with you," she then said, hiccupping, trying to laugh through the bitterness. 

'I know this is all talk...but for some reason, it rattles me,' She thought to herself, 

'just...whatever you do...don't leave me behind.

I'll go where you go.

Up to space, high above the rest of the worlds, or deep, down... way below everything else that exists...into the endless darkness.' 

"If you love me...if you really love me...you won't leave me behind," She told him. 

Rather than say more, he pulled her to him, kissing her wholeheartedly, not knowing what else he could say, because he could never bring himself to do such a thing. 

'If I can help it, I will make sure your unscathed. 

if it's possible, I'll just send you back home, use my last bit of strength to hide you, tuck you away, where you will never find the same end.' He thought to himself.

"Don't tell me..." Loki said with a low murmur, glaring down at her with darkness that shadowed over the pain he felt, realizing he was soon coming to the end of their tale,

"- I guess...I just don't love you enough," Loki said before he kissed her, smothering her with one last kiss before he shoved her out into the dark space, and as did so, she was enveloped by a bright light, the same one she'd gone through when she traveled with him to Asgard, 

" NO! NO! NO!" She cried out to him, trying to reach out to him, straining her arm to take hold of him as she was pulled away. Soon after, she desperately clawed at the air, trying to find a way back, even while knowing that she had no control over it.

"Loki! Don't do this to me!" She cried out, her voice raw with the strength behind each howl. 

"Please..." she choked out, feeling  her heartstrings slowly being pulled apart, forcibly snapped.

 And as he watched her go, he felt relief, knowing that she was far from the wreckage, sent back home, joining the rest of the Asgardians that had fleeted. 

'Thank you Heimdall,' He thought in silence, having to hold back the grave face that threatened to take over as he watched him take his last breath. 

' (f/n), If somehow...I make it back to you, then I hope you forgive me so I can bring to you the new start you deserve. 

But If I may perish today, 

Despise me my darling, do so, and let the love we had be forgotten. Let my memory be of a man so selfish, that he could not grant you what you most desired. 

Dedication. 

Promise.

Love.

I really am wicked, aren’t I?' He thought to himself, having heard her cries, but doing nothing to calm them.

After that, there was only a muted silence, a heavy weight that anchored him as he saw the world through her eyes,

'So, why are you here?' He asked himself again, watching the moment that brought them to where they were now. 

He witnessed their plan and throughout it all, he felt her true intentions, understanding it all.

She then shoved him away, finally breaking from his spell, but by then, she'd let him know everything he wanted. 

"-Mission a failure," She heard tony grumble through the communicator, and she nodded, already knowing why, seeing as the object they'd come for was now in possession of the dark-haired prince.

'it's not in me to fight you.' She told herself. 'it's not in me to hurt you...

But it's in me to let you go, hoping you find happiness that doesn't end in tragedy.

And if that means far from me...Then I’ll take it. '

 "Yeah," She responded before taking a long breath, realizing that now, she had no choice but to go back, but before she did, she had something in her chest that had to be let loose, 

"I still don't regret any of it," She told him, truly meaning it. 

'I meant every word,' She silently swore while mustering a bittersweet smile.

Her heart ached terribly, and she was so close to collapsing in misery, yet, all the same, she regretted not a minute of those sweet memories. 

'Suffering this much...it just means the happiness I had was true.'

"It hurts," She admitted, "But I'd do it all over again," She told him, " I'd go through an endless loop. 

I'd do it again... with you," She told him. 

Slowly approaching her again, he then stood before her, 'Throughout it all... I came to a point where I could hardly recognize myself,' he mused, being quick to cradle her cheek, the touch melting her in a way that made him pull up a smile that held fondness, as though he'd known her all his life.

'I saw a man that was certain. I saw one who felt fulfillment everywhere he went, only because you were at his side.

...Ah, So this is what I become,' He mused, '...This is what we come to be, together,' He then added. 

"- Me too," He told her. 

'During your time, I lived a joy unimaginable, 

You brought me to such bliss...that everything I've felt I'd wanted before now feels insignificant.' 

"- Everything will change," She informed him, knowing that now the mess they created in the past would bring forth a new reality,

'You'll have another life, and you'll choose another path that takes you far from me...and then we'll -'

"We'll remain a constant," he promised her, disrupting her train of thought.

 The oath made her smile,  a choked sound traveling from the back of her throat that morphed into a sweet chuckle.

'You'd do that?' She wondered. 'you have another chance, another choice, but you'd still go back to me?'

During then his arms were quick to wrap around her, holding her so tightly she couldn't budge.

“Thank you,” He breathed, holding every moment dear.

the familiar feeling of his arms around her brought her a peace she thought she could never live through again, and the serenity only doubled as his lips brushed hers, soon melting into a true kiss. 

'through this life and the next. 

In this timeline and mine... and just about every other...'

"Loki...I love you. I always will," She swore as she parted from him.

"I know, “ He mused, not needing to be told, because he’d seen it all. He’d been witness to it all.

“ And wherever you are now, I'll find you." He assured her, gracing her with a sincere smile, one that lasted until she left, going back to her own time. 

Afterward, he did the same, leaving, searching for his missing half. 

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

I had so many routes I wanted to take!!!

Part of me wanted to bring him back with the reader to her time. 

However, another part of me  wanted  to let her stay with him instead, but then I thought about the poor gal stuck in thier time who would never get to live the loveliness of having this man.

 After all the thought,  we ended up with this- With them going thier separate paths.

Most of it had to do with past (f/n), and the fact that all in all, Avengers Loki isn’t  Ragnarok / endgame Loki. 

I love him so much, but Ragnarok / endgame Loki has come to a point where he has my everything, he’s so elegant and beautiful. 

And he’s come through such a long path...And developed so much.

- Don’t get me started. He’s not the same person...

I don’t know how to explain it.

Maybe it’s the long floofy hair, lol.

[damn-stark]

Even if I am What I am

Kol Mikaelson x reader

Requested by anon “ kol mikaelson imagine please? i’m in love with him 🙈”

A/N- I like how this turned out and I hope you all do too :)

Warning- fluff, angst, slight violence

———-

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.”

“Ah, Hamlet.” Kol chuckles softly, “here I thought you just read Romeo and Juliet.”

You try to surpass your smile and shake your head, “it’s a good play but I think a story of betrayal, revenge and death is far more interesting. More grim.” You turn your head to meet his still unwavering gaze. “Do you think that’s weird?”

Kol immediately shakes his head, “no. Not at all.” He grins, “interesting yes and well it’s only grown my infatuation with you.”

At his words your face begins to burn and you have to tear your gaze away to hide the smile that grew, only reaching for his hand to interlace your fingers with his. Stopping however and growing shy at the sudden appearance of two other older men dressed as fancy and expensive as Kol was. One especially, a tall, thin man with long blond hair didn’t seem to keep his eyes away, even if you were the first one that looked away you could feel his eyes burn into you.

You hold onto Kols hand tighter and lean in closer to his ear, “who are they?”

Kol’s eyes flicker away from you to focus on the two men approaching. “My brothers. The sophisticated one is my older brother, Elijah and the other one is Niklaus.”

“Oh.” You mouth, noticing that his two brothers were now before you.

“Kol you didn’t tell us you were going to bring a girl home.” The tall blond one said in the same elegant accent Kol had.

“Well it was never my intention to run into you, so.”

His brother chuckles, albeit it's a strained laugh.

“My name is Niklaus,” he continues with his lips tugged into a smug smile, “what might yours be?”

Your eyes nervously flicker to Kol and back to Niklaus, adding a small smile to your introduction, “my name is y/n.”

His smile tugs wider and he then grabs your hand to lift it to his lips to press a small peck on the back of your hand. Making you slightly squirm and grip onto Kols hand tighter, thankful to the fact that you were moving on and now paying attention to the eldest.

“And I’m Elijah Mikaelson.” He bows his head and unlike his brother just leaves it at that, it made you more comfortable in more ways than one. And you did understand that getting the back of your hand kissed is a formal greeting, but there was something about when Niklaus did it that made you feel uncomfortable.

So as far as how Elijah greeted you it made you smile, “it’s an honor to meet you, Kol talks a lot about you and the rest of his siblings.”

“Good things I hope.”

Before you could answer Kol does first, “you know I always do.”

You laugh at his comment and then in that blissful moment, Niklaus interjects. “I heard you talking about Shakespeare, are you fond of his work?”

“Yes are you?”

Niklaus shrugs, “I think I’m more fond of Folklore, you know Vampires and Werewolves.”

You chuckle as if it was the funniest thing in the world, “they can be great bedtime stories I guess.”

“So don’t believe in such things? The monsters of the night?” An amused grin grows on his lips and he looks to Kol beside you, who just remains serious and then he looks to Elijah who just adds a feigned smile. “Vampires who drink their victims dry or werewolves who shift at a full moon? I do.”

“When I was younger perhaps. Not anymore.”

“Well—”

“I think it’s time to take my lovely y/n home,” Kol cuts Niklaus off, “I think she’s had enough of hearing fairytales and honestly I’ve had enough of hearing your voice.” Kol pulls you with before more could be said and just leaves you feeling Niklaus’s gaze burning on your back.

——

Doubt thou the stars are fire.

Doubt that the sun doth move.

Doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt that I love...

Right as you were going to read more a sudden bang on your window makes you sit straight up, shivering at the sudden chill that hits your body. When you look towards the direction of the window you notice that’s open when you swore you closed it.

Odd. Perhaps not.

You swing your legs to the edge of the bed and push yourself off to go close the window. Jumping when your door suddenly slams shut—nobody was home, it was just you, so either someone strange was doing this or...it was something else.

So very quietly and with heightened fear you walk to light a candle, turning away from the wall to see, “Niklaus?!”

Said man smirks and tilts his head, making you step back out of increased fear—“do you recall what I asked you before? About vampires and werewolves?”

Your eyebrows pinch together and you grip onto the candles stand handle. “What are you doing here? Get out!”

“I said do you remember?”

“Y-yes.” You squeak as you take another step back.

Niklaus’s smirk widens, “good, so do you believe in Vampires and werewolves?”

You swallow thickly and shake your head, “N-no.”

Niklaus expresses an amused huff of air and slowly lifts his hand. “Then that's your mistake, I think you should keep more of an open mind.” His hand then grips your jaw and his eyes suddenly turn red as veins grow on the skin and his jaw opens to reveal two longer and sharper teeth. Such a sudden and terrifying sight makes you shriek and walk back until there is no space left, your back just the wall leaving only room for your desperation for an escape. You try to push him back, but your attempts fail as he slams your back to the wall, tilting your head to the side and leaning closer to your throat, but before he could close his mouth on your skin he’s suddenly thrown away from you and you’re left falling to the ground, watching as a fight erupted from Klaus and someone you couldn’t identify in the dark.

All you did identify was a voice...his voice. Kol’s voice.

But before you could hear more, shouting began and thumping and crashing sounded all over your house until it was no more. Just the sound of the whistling wind coming through the open window, the silence even dared you to finally take a trembling step towards the broken door, stopping albeit as Kol in a blink of an eye appeared at the doorway.

Neither of you said anything. Not like you could think of much to say at the moment, your mind was a mess, unable to fully grasp if anything you saw was actually real or just a horrible nightmare. The only thing you even instinctively thought of doing was speak with a whispered question. “A-are you like him?”

Kol sighs and steps back, his eyes unable to meet yours. “As much as I’d like to lie...I'm cursed just like him.”

You blink and take a step forward that he took back, finding that you weren’t afraid of him. “How—”

“That’s why I have to go, leave you behind and make you forget about me.”

“What?” You gasp.

“If I supposedly, in my brother's eyes, step out of line, he'll come after the only thing I care about again. He’ll try and kill you again.”

“But,” you whisper, taking another step towards him, “you can’t….I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’ll have to.” He deadpans, his eyes remaining away from you. “I’m a monster, you don’t want to live the life I do. I’m a danger to you, I’m sorry.” Kol tries to disappear at the same speed he had somehow appeared but you were quick to grab his arm and stop him. He kept his face hidden from you, but you carefully reached his face to turn it to face you. Blinking repeatedly at the change on his face. The same change his brother's face did. The only difference between Niklaus and Kol was that you didn’t fear Kol. He was trying to make you fear him, but you didn’t.

“I’m not scared of you because I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

Kol scoffs and his face returns to it once was, with the same soft dark eyes. “Perhaps not, but any of my siblings will out of a whim.”

“And today only proved that you wouldn’t let them.” You argue as you now cup both of his cheeks. “Kol please don’t leave me.” Your voice cracks and your eyes gleam with tears like his were. “I love you.”

Kol cups your cheeks and begins to gently stroke them with his thumbs, “and I love you too, but that’s why I can’t put your life at risk, why you have to forget me.” His grip turns firmer and this time his eyes are glued to yours, like if he was trying to search something within them. “I’m sorry, love, but you have to forget me. Every single detail and every single memory. It’d be like you never met me, we’ll just be two strangers.”

You blink and your head pounds to follow as he said, but it was only a fleeting moment before you came to your senses. “No!” You bellow, “I won’t, that will never happen!”

Kol’s gaze narrows and his eyebrows knit together in confusion. “How?”

“You can’t just give up when there's a bump in the road. I’ll fight until I can’t no more because I love you.” The tears that threatened before, now rolled down your cheeks from the words you uttered. “If you’re so afraid of what your brother or any of your other siblings will do then let’s leave. You said you wanted to travel the world, let’s do that together. Please.”

Kol’s lips try to tug into a smile but he stops himself before he could give in to the gesture. “Even if I’m a vampire?”

You nod and grin softly, “even if you are. I love you and you being what you are won’t stop me. Ever.”

[daddy-chiluc]

My World is Alight by your Gaze

Chapter 1: Dandelion Dreams

Here you go for Non-Ao3 Readers! ^^

TW: Nightmares, blood, mentions of alcohol, depictions/eluding to trauma

—

His skin prickled, hairs rising under the chilling touch of the snow. He knew of this dream. He knew it far too well. A dream of vivid reds and beasts towering over him, his body small and worn out in its futile attempts to fight back. To resist. To resist the abyss that had plagued him, haunted and teased him. He was frustrated. Oh so painfully frustrated. He’s gone through this nightmare so often it’s become a broken record…why it still shook him with fear was beyond him…but he hated it.

The plaint wooden sword in his hands had given him splinters, the wood chipping under his tight grasp, as he slashed at the darkness that shrouded him, the snow doing little to support his momentum. His throat was sore as his tears froze to his cheeks, fingers numbing under the harsh bite of the cold. Crying seemed to stumble him far worse than any monster that had approached him. It confused him. Made him uneasy.

Snezhnaya does not believe in tears he reprimanded as he drowned his fear with the palms of his hands, thrashing and slicing at the darkness until it dissolved into the vast, pure white expanse of snow and trees. He repeated the mantra as a reminder, body shaky as a violent blizzard rushed at him, the wind howling in his ears. With chapped lips, bloodied and numb from the freezing winds, he wiped at his nose, the skin raw from it running. He had finally won. He could feel a gentle shake run through him, the wave of contact quickly growing in force as he darted awake.

“Tartaglia?” Right, Aether. Memories of yesterday’s adventure came rushing to him all too quickly. Flashes of water and blood tainting his mind, “Are you aright? You started to groan in your sleep.”

“Ah, apologies comrade,” he grunted, muscles and limbs sore from yesterday’s brief battle as his wounds began to sting under the bandages. The rest of Aether’s party — Beidou and Klee — began to stir awake at the smell of Aether’s perfected breakfast sandwiches. Had it not been for this reoccurring nightmare, he wouldn’t have a problem eating the Mondstadt delicacy as he had cooked them often, favoring the more comfortable taste over something more refined.

“As much as I appreciate you cooking breakfast, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.” He sighed, getting up from the makeshift bed, the grass being the only cushioning he had over the night. His companions were a tad bit concerned, Klee far too enamored by a yellow butterfly and Beidou not caring for his predicament…after all, he had almost drowned her entire city with her girlfriend. It was only fair she despised him.

Aether simply nodded as he watched his eyes scan over Mondstadt, the cliff they had taken refuge on giving a beautiful view of the nation. The wind had blown by, twisting in his orange locks and dancing merrily along his lashes before a heavy exhale escaped past his lips. The sun started to cook him in his dark clothes, never truly able to get used to the heat even after having left Snezhnaya so long ago. Although, while the Tsaritsa had a certain, almost welcoming place in his heart, he couldn’t help be feel the wind calling to him, enticing him to something greater in the land of freedom.

Freedom. A concept somewhat blurry to him. Blue crystalline eyes growing duller as he tried to recall what it was like…but even the Abyss had taken that from him. Taken away the childish wonder and innocence at such a young age, becoming a savage for survival. Who knows, maybe he’d be fortunate enough to find that wonder in such joyous landscapes of summery green, the faintest smell of fresh grapes teasing his nose.

“I was thinking on taking you and Beidou to a really popular tavern this evening after we drop Klee off to Albedo,” Aether spoke calmly, Beidou perking up at the slightest promise of drinks.

“What kind of drinks?” She spoke swiftly, desperate for beer.

“Their wine is very popular, I’m sure you can ask the bartender for beer though.” His sincerity easing the tension in the party just a bit.

“I might try a glass of wine, see what Ningguang might like and take some back to her after our little crusade,” she chimed, voice still rough with sleep but just as energetic as she was yesterday after being invited to the trek from the land of contracts to the land of freedom.

“Tartaglia?”

“I might entertain it for tonight. Not much of a wine person but I could use a drink.” Maybe the discontentment in his voice gave away whatever had been egging his mind because he felt a small pull on his pant leg to find the little chaos bringer looking up at him with worry, “What’s up Fire Bug?” He smiled, picking her up and holding her over his hip.

“Is big brother Childe okay?” With dandelions fisted and bunched together in her hand, she chatted with him while Aether and Beidou finished packing to close their trip. Maybe his façade had faltered just a tad because her grip on his shoulders tightened ever so slightly.

“Of course Ladybug, why wouldn’t I be?” He hummed as her eyes twinkled with delight, light red eyes glowing brilliantly under the sunlight as an idea came to mind. Delicately, she straightened out the green stems of the flowers in her hand before placing them all throughout his hair, taking time to move every strand and stem with practiced ease — as if she’s done this several times before. Satisfied with her work she grinned, innocent and wide as her eyes closed with her cheeks.

The memory of Childe’s nightmare had long since faded, not wanting this fragile moment to shatter in the rough, calloused palms of his hands. Being with the little firecracker had reminded him of Teucer. Instead of that heavy, sickening feeling of sadness that weighed him down, he imagined what would happen if Klee had met his siblings. He could see them playing in the fields of snow in Snezhnaya, making animals out of snow and snowball fights. Snow angels and snowmen. The cold, harsh empty land suddenly filled with excitement and a childish fun that had warmed the freezing exterior of his heart.

He imagined them rolling in hills and flats of Mondstadt, playing in the wind and dancing happily, uncaring of the Fatui and tyrants of the world. Uncaring of visions and fighting. To simply live in the moment and have fun. To have what he lost at such a young age. To not have to fight for their survival every waking moment. Yes, he’d conquer the world and follow the Tsaritsa to the end of time…but he wouldn’t hesitate to burn the Fatui to the ground. They’d fallen out of her perfect image. Betraying each other left and right. Lying and deceiving every waking moment. If not an enemy then they’d deceive and use a comrade. It was pathetic.

Yet, with Klee in his arms and her pyro vision keeping him warm, he felt alive. He felt happy, a lightness filling his chest as she beamed in his arms. Even if he couldn’t make friends he wouldn’t have a problem stopping by to spoil the little one with toys and gifts. He’d done so with his siblings, and even if she wasn’t of blood, it wouldn’t stop him from giving her sugar and letting her blow up an entire Fatui camp if she felt like it. He was willing to protect her if it was necessary.

“Thank you Klee.” He smiled, it wasn’t sly or mischievous. It hadn’t held any scheme behind the gentle pull of his lips. It was genuine. Filled with warmth and kindness. Klee accepted the gesture happily, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing with vigor, hat squished beneath his chin as they watched the birds fly across the morning sky.

Perhaps her eye had been hallucinating. It would prove to be a problem if it had. A man who nearly killed her partner and the entire city seemed to have a heart after all. Seeing the smile along his face and hold the child so gently made her question him. To Beidou, Childe was an odd figure. He was hard to read, far too many mixed signals to understand which was real and which was fake. After all, he was a Harbinger.

Some part of her however, decided to give him a chance, just for today that is. She wouldn’t let her guard down, but she chose to see what kind of man he actually was rather than letting a title define him. Actions speak far louder than words she told herself, and seeing him be so kind and gentle with the small child made her release a heavy sigh. She could give him a chance, but just for today.

On their journey to Mondstadt, Beidou studied him, watching as he carefully placed a flower back in his hair if one hung loose and carrying Klee on his shoulders the entire walk there, telling her stories and fairytales of all sorts, one of which sounded like Liyue history turned into a children’s tale with bombs for an added effect, keeping her interested. How he came up with such an idea so quickly almost baffled her; and he was supposed to be one of the most feared Harbingers? Maybe she was quick to judge him, but that wouldn’t allow him forgiveness for nearly drowning the harbor. That would take time. If he could explain why she may be able to tolerate him a little more at best.

Unless it’s bullshit. Beidou doesn’t tolerate bullshit. She especially lacks patience when she’s dealing with someone she so heavily detests. So trying to converse with the Harbinger would drive her mad, beyond a doubt. She really hopes this tavern had beer.

—

Let me know if you wish to be tagged in the next chapter!

[jamestrmtx]

Fairytale Complex - [Undertale | Sans x Reader]

[Gender Neutral, Frisk's Parent Reader | Slow Burn]

Chapter Twenty | Ooo I Ooo I Ooo I Ooo I (Part 2 of 2 | His POV) [First] | [Previous] | [Next]

Song Referenced

• • •

did he give you an exact date?

Unfortunately, no.

At first, I had at least until the end of the year, but…

CPS wants this resolved quicker than he thought.

guessin' you need to finish tourin' the underground first then, right?

Yes.

Would it be possible the day after tomorrow?

Or just… sometime this weekend?

I can go by myself, but…

Asgore won't allow that unless I'm with someone else.

Says I shouldn't be walking so far and so long alone if I haven't recovered yet.

you don't need to go alone, either way.

be it my job or not, I still wanna help out.

so the day after tomorrow's fine with me, bud.

we can discuss those details better when we drive over to tori's school tomorrow.

Are you sure?

And…

Does that 'we' imply you'll be picking us up?

100%

but yeah, i'll drive you guys there.

and pick up paps on the way, too.

it's easier for all four of us.

Mhm.

don't believe me?

Oh, I believe you.

I just don't think that's the only reason why you're picking us up, when I already have the address.

so what's the other one?

Don't get cocky, Serif.

I'm not gonna type that out.

It's a godsend Frisk will be with us, too.

'Cause I sure don't trust being alone with you anymore.

inna bad way?

Nah.

niiice.

pick you guys up tomorrow, then?

Yes.

We'll see you tomorrow.

And thank you in advance.

∆ Sticker | Happy Cartoon Bunny™ waving goodbye ∆

"You've changed, Sans."

He ignores that comment to view (Y/N)'s last two messages again.

While he doesn't know why that particular sticker bothers his mind so much, a few scrolls up to revise his chat history with the human reveal this is the first time they've shown any sort of informality or spontaneity in their typing. (Y/N) came off cold in their texts, though -- based on how they acted outside of a chat app -- that wasn't their intention, but more of an automatic way for them to talk with someone they didn't exactly deem trustworthy enough yet. He grins at that thought and feels his face warm up, something he confirms when touching his cheekbone, cold palm contrasting with that heat.

"You're wasting your time with that human," Drunk Bun says, snapping him out of his daydreaming.

They've sat themselves on the bar stool next to him and slam what looks like their tenth can of cheap, off-brand beer against the counter, crunching it down into more than half its size. He doesn't know how long they've stood there or why he's lost this much awareness of his surroundings. The bar's practically empty and calm now compared to before, though there's loud music blaring from the jukebox, playing an already overplayed song on repeat. There's no excuse for his distracted mind other than having lost himself while texting with the human, so he admits that fault with partial sourness, against accepting he's that smitten with them.

"You're changing for the worse," his company adds, narrowing their eyes at him. "Every time we come here to catch up, you mention something stupid about that (L/N) person, or just text the whole evening away with them. I... I've never seen you worry so much about someone so inconsequential." They scoff and cross their arms tight. "I may understand you caring after Frisk as a way to repay them for rescuing us, but (L/N) is completely useless. They've done absolutely nothing remarkable beyond creating a huge scene at that bus you were both on."

"Being harassed by a rando and faintin' after's them causin' a scene?" Sans asks, quirking an eye socket.

"Oh, screw off, bone boy -- You know what I mean. They've brought you nothing but trouble and needless responsibilities!" The bunny grits their teeth and slams their hand over the table, dragging eyes to their side. "I'm betting you can't go a day without texting them or without you doing something for them."

"You need to-"

Beep-beep.

The phone is snatched from his hands just as quick as that noise rings.

"Give that back."

"No." They keep the phone right above him, taking advantage of his shorter height. "Your fault for not putting a lock on it."

Drunk Bun scoots away and holds the phone tight as they fumble with it. Then, they stop to look at what he assumes is another text message from the human. A grimace shows on their face and they grasp the device tight, enough to make the screen complain and warn them over the pressure they're exerting against it. "Now this is beyond pathetic, Sans," they comment, letting out a loud, burst laugh. "Is this seriously the one you're sacrificing your entire personality for?" They give him his phone back, though not before hesitating when it's time to let go. "That human is-"

"Gimme a sec."

His attention falls on the picture displayed on screen, revealing (Y/N) and Frisk posing in it. The adult wears a suit and tie while the child has Toriel's school uniform on. The former's pose appears forced and awkward while the latter seems to be the reason the picture was taken with how excited they seem about their outfit.

Frisk wanted me to show you this.

It's what we'll be wearing for tomorrow!

There's a three-minute interval between that and the next message.

I know classes still haven't started there, but… They wanted to wear it, so I joined them by trying on something special for, well…

That job offer you told me about.

I don't know if I'll accept or not yet, but…

Thank you for the opportunity, and for believing in me.

∆ Sticker | Happy Cartoon Bunny™ giving a thumbs-up ∆

"You're grossing me out, honestly. What kind of look is that?"

It takes him a while to react, focus glued on (Y/N)'s messages.

"What look?"

"That lovesick look on your face." Tears form on their eyes -- almost abruptly, hadn't their voice shaken right before that. "I- I've been flirting with you for years, and yet you've never once looked at me like that before." They stand up straight, stare down at him, and rest their hands on the table, blinking their tears away throughout. "I've known you for so damn long, and yet you fall for the first human you see up here? I-"

"So that's what this's about," he says, chuckling. "You're-"

"Don't you dare brush everything off as me having a crush on you, Sans." They hiss. "You're not the same as before, and that's as clear as day. You worry a lot more now, and… And you actually seem to care more about other stuff beyond your job and sleeping on it. Y- You-"

"Aren't those good things?"

"Maybe, but your entire personality changing isn't. I liked you better when you were less worked up with stuff that's none of your business." They stop to grab his phone again; a grin breaks the sorrow on their face. "But hey, y- you're just doing your job, aren't you? You should set things straight with that human and remind them you're only with them because Asgore told you to in that agreement letter you gave them."

"Won't work if I flirted with 'em first. Pretty sure they'll see right through my lies."

"Y- You flirted with them first?!"

"Yeah."

He dodges a punch aimed right at his face.

"Wait-"

They throw a second punch -- this one turning out to be a spoof -- and laugh at the sight of him falling for it; they then toss the phone high over his head after he's finished dodging that fake attack, and aim yet another punch right after.

He salvages the device, though at the cost of taking the blow right on his left eye socket.

"How can you admit that so easily? You're awful!"

"'Cause you're only a close friend. I don't owe you an explanation about who I'm dating, and even less if you're gonna be actin' this way."

Drunk Bun springs at him, only to be held back by the rest of the regulars sitting near the scene, sufficiently fast enough for them not to wrangle Sans in anything major. They struggle and thrash at everyone around, trying to break free, but failing each time. It takes a fully-armored guard dog and a buff bear for them to be fought back into their rightful place, and yet another strong monster for them to let go of a wine bottle they insist on downing when seated.

Grillby intervenes as well by warning them to calm down, unless they want to be kicked out. Meanwhile, Sans turns on the camera and looks at his reflection through it, revealing a faint soreness already forming around his eye socket -- right where his companion had punched at. Being primarily made out of bones brought advantages, but having magical properties often led to him bruising easily.

Another regular approaches him and offers him a first aid kit, one he brings back to his seat to heal himself there.

While he takes out an antibiotic and some cotton pads with one hand, he uses the other to busy himself with (L/N)'s messages, against leaving them on read for so long.

no probs.

here at your service.

frisk looks great, btw.

and you? hot. 😘🔥

awkwardly hot.

hotwkward.

Frisk is reading the replies, you know?

damn.

i mean…

darn.

don't tell 'em i said that.

∆ Audio | 0:46 ∆

He clicks on it to hear Frisk giggling along with (Y/N) commenting they won't. It later continues with them asking if he's alright, specifying what they mean by highlighting a picture, this one sent by him. Blurriness makes up most of it when he clicks on it and zooms in, yet he can identify what looks like his companion from earlier, who'd apparently snapped and sent the human a photo by accident.

that's a friend o' mine.

they're, uh, kinda tipsy, so they got inna fight with me.

Really?

Are you okay?

yeah, just a lil' sore where they punched at.

What?!

i'm fine, puddin'.

dw about it.

Where's that bar at?

I'm near the mall, so I can drop by if you need anything.

aren't you still shoppin'?

take it easy.

I'm almost done.

Just trying out one more outfit.

can I see?

👀

Sure.

∆ Attachment | 2 images ∆

To his surprise, they're not only posing much more freely now, but they've also made the effort to strike another pose from a different angle. The human's outfit is composed of a dark green, semi-formal (suit/dress), fit for a night out. They've gone as far as to edit a wink emoji and some hearts at the corner of one -- the most flirty of the two.

So...

What do you think?

*jaw drops to floor, irises pop out of sockets accompanied by trumpets, soul beats out of rib cage, awooga awooga sound effect, pulls chain on train whistle that has appeared next to head as steam blows out, slams fists on table, rattling any plates, bowls or silverware, whistles loudly, fireworks shoot from top of head, pants loudly as tongue hangs out of teeth, wipes comically large bead of sweat from forehead, clears throat, straightens jacket, combs skull* ahem, you look real lovely.

*bwushes* Thank uwu kindwy, handswome. I'm vewy fwattewed.

...frisk ain't there anymore, right?

If they wewe, duwu uwu twhink I'd be twyping wike thiws?

faiw poiwnt.

Anyway…

I noticed the changes you made in that copy-paste, and…

You didn't edit the tongue part out.

So…

What that tongue do, baby?

😳

…lick…

...ice cream.

🔥🔥🔥

Ah, that's hot.

Or should I say cold?

And speaking of cold…

I'm gonna get you an ice pack or something.

You should take care of where it's sore, if you don't want it to bruise more.

whatta way to change the subject away from our moment, puddin'.

but uh, thanks in advance.

Anytime, teddy bear.

uwu

owo

• • •

"Am I really changin', Grillbs?" Sans asks, emptying his beer in three long gulps. "Be honest with me."

The one questioned takes the empty can from his hands and shakes his head in what looks more like disapproval rather than him answering that question. He first warns the skeleton about getting drunk, and reminds him to stay sober if he wants an answer as well as prevent himself from drunk-texting the source of his lovelorn self. When receiving a promise from him in response, he later answers with a 'no' and that he's still the same whenever he came to visit the bar.

"So I'm only different when I'm talkin' about 'em?"

Grillby nods.

"Inna bad way?"

He shakes his head.

"Then…"

Sans is stopped with a hand over his and faced with a stern look, despite the owner of it having no eyes or mouth.

"If they make you happy, then it's alright for you to show it," a regular states, intervening in the conversation. "You're not a lifeless machine. And nobody's one-dimensional either, so you shouldn't force yourself to act the same, strict way all the time. If you want to be all mushy with that human, then so be it. Aren't you the one who always says stuff like 'nothing really matters; in the end, we'll all die'? What's stopping you now of all times? Where's that hardcore nihilist I've known since years ago?

Sans rubs the back of his neck and huffs.

Clearly, neither the regular nor Grillby understood what he truly meant to say with his questions. He didn't mind his relationship with the human, but he also didn't want his old self to be replaced by someone he wasn't, as a result. There were things he didn't want to change about his old self -- things he feared would fade away now that he seemed to be getting into something as complex as a romantic relationship. There were parts of him he needed to keep in case the world were to start over again -- in case something went wrong. He couldn't allow himself to grow soft.

A pat on his shoulder lets him know he's lost himself in those thoughts.

"It's alright to fear change, but don't let that hold you back. If you like that human and they do, too -- Then what's there keeping you from going for it?"

It's not that easy.

Still, he keeps that thought quiet and replies with, "Thanks, but I'll probably have to give that more ti-"

The door of the bar opens to reveal someone new to it, but not so much unknown to Sans, who already finds himself distracted by them. (Y/N) stands in front of the entrance, looking this way and that. Frisk holds on to their hand, while a reusable shopping bag's hung over their parent's arm; a pharmacy's logo and name can be seen stamped on it. The eldest human approaches the area with caution, until their child assures them -- once, twice, and then thrice -- they've been to this place before and that it serves other purposes beyond that of providing alcohol and provoking fights. When they look forward, he meets their eyes and tries to glance away quickly, only to be called out by them soon after. They don't take long to smile wide and bright, wave, and -- finally -- approach his side after he waves back at them.

Rather than giving him whatever's in the bag, they instead let go of Frisk's hand, ask them if they want anything to eat, and give them some money when they sign the word 'fries'. Then, they sit on the stool next to his and settle the bag on their lap. "Come closer, and close your eye sockets," they say, still smiling. "It's your left one, right? It looks really sore already."

He nods and tries to ignore the warmth in his soul when they place a hand over his.

In his favour, they let go of him not long after to disinfect their hands and slip some gloves on when these dry out.

"I-"

"Shh."

(Y/N) holds his chin with their hand and grazes their fingers against his injury, their touch slow and careful as they apply some antibiotic over and around it. They then slide an eye patch on him and assumedly check around for any more bruises, based on the feeling of their hands grazing against his torso, arms, and neck. "The ice pack's in the bag -- Remember to throw it in the freezer when you get home." They touch his chest again, even more gentle this time. "So..." He notices some hesitance when they pull their hand back. "You're not hurt anywhere else?"

He shakes his head, words caught in his throat.

"Alright, but don't look yet."

Doing as told, Sans waits for whatever comes next. He stays still and stiff, until he feels their lips brush close to his eye socket, where they lay a soft, ticklish kiss at. They do the same with his other one and finish it off by kissing his nose cavity.

"Now you can."

[First] | [Previous] | [Next]

• • •

...

......

🌋🔥💥 ANNOYING NOTICE TIME 💥🔥🌋

So, here's a summary of all the events happening this month, which will affect Fairytale Complex's update schedule in various ways:

1. I will be rewriting all my other fics that aren't FaiCom, since I'm pretty darn happy and proud of the new writing style I've developed with this fanfic, and so I want to implement it into my older stories (with the exception of the Tom Nook x Reader one -- I'm rewriting that one despite being recent because it started off as a wild, 3 am energy project after finishing with finals, but then I actually had way more fun than I originally anticipated, so I'll be turning it into a long fic just like this one, lol). This means FaiCom will be taking a short, 1 to 2 week break after Arc 2 (Chapter 25) ends, to dedicate some time to all 4 of these stories.

2. I'm taking extracurricular classes/hobby workshops this summer, so I need to tweak my schedule again. This means FaiCom will be changing its schedule back to the old one, composed of weekly updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.

3. As mentioned previously, Pride Month is here, so I'll be making some one-shots and drabbles related to it, meaning updates might be slightly less frequent this month. BUT, a good majority of them are FaiCom related ones (and they will be posted on a different book to avoid conflicting with regular updates, too). More on that later on!

• • •

Tag List (Comment or message me if you want to be added to [or removed from] it!)

@the-simp-express

@nektotersh

@disastrous-l0vebug

@therealchickenjoe

@mintyflakes025

@pandaquick

@timelock97

@candle-creeps

@paperb9gs

@merak0

[echoes-of-the-clockwork]

Book Three: Pestilence (Ignis x Reader) Chapter One

A/n: I sound like a broken record right now, but this is for those who are not familiar with this series. Yes, this is an x reader, but the only thing you can't decide is your hair color because that is predetermined by which role of the Four Horsemen you are in the book. Honestly, you can change it if you like! Also, I want to apologize if these first couple of chapters are rough and how long ago I promised this book. It's hit many bumps and I've rewritten it a total of 5 times. I hope you all enjoy! Love you all!!! ••••••••••••••••••••

"We just pilfered some ancient temple and all we got is this..." Prompto groaned, examining the white orb in his hand. Inside the artifact was a small wisp of silver, seeming to pulse with life as it bounced around the interior.

"For someone who was whining the entire time and wanting to leave, you're really disappointed," Gladio scoffed from the backseat of the Regalia.

"That place was crawling with daemons!" Prompto groaned. He rolled the orb in his hands, watching the silver wisp surge all around. The boys had wandered around an ancient temple in search of another royal arm, but the only thing they found was the artifact. "You think we could sell this for some gil? It looks pretty expensive."

"We could use the extra gil," Noctis chimed in.

"Only a collector of rarities would purchase an artifact of such caliber," Ignis said.

"Does that mean we're stuck with it?" Noctis asked.

"For the moment," the advisor replied.

"So much for another royal arm," the prince sighed.

With no other known locations of any royal tombs, the group decided to head to Lestallum. They had meant to check in on Iris after taking back the Regalia from Aracheole Stronghold, but they had been sidetracked when they heard from a few tourists about strange ruins in the Duscae region. Apparently, a group of hunters discovered the ancient temple while on a daemon hunt near the Alstor Slough but were run off by a large horde of daemons. Morosely, they were just unknown temple ruins and weren't home to a royal tomb. The four felt it was a waste of time and decided to camp at a nearby haven before departing on the road the next morning.

While crossing the bridge over Taelpar Crag, Ignis spotted a convoy of black cars heading their way. They were driving on both sides of the road, forcing the tactician to slam on brakes. He noticed how they were heading straight for them and went to back up, but there were three more cars blocking their way.

"What the hell are they doin'?" Gladio snarled as he watched the six cars surround the Regalia, blocking any points of entry or exit. They parked their vehicles and several men surrounded the royal retinue with weapons of all calibers in their grasps.

One man stepped through the throng of people, his hands clasped together in front of him with a grin plastered on his face.

(A/n: Already throwing tons of pictures at y'all! Enjoy! I don't own any media used in this story unless stated otherwise!)

His azure and raven hair flowed in the breeze as he eyed the boys in the car. "I'd suggest stepping out of the vehicle and refrain from drawing your weapons. We know exactly who you four are."

"W-What do we do?" Prompto whimpered as he slid lower into the seat.

"It's in our best interest to do as they say," Ignis stated calmly. "We stand no chance of a skirmish in such limited space. The risk of falling is too great."

"Get out of the damn car. I'm not gonna repeat myself again," the leader of the group growled in a low tone.

Gladio clicked his tongue in annoyance as he and the others exited the Regalia. They stepped away from their ride and closer to the railing of the grand bridge.

"What the hell do you want?" Noctis demanded with a glare.

"The prince and his royal retainers," the man chuckled. "You four headed to the newly discovered ruins near the Alstor Slough. I believe you have something of ours."

"Of yours?" Prompto questioned and glanced down at the object in his hand.

"The orb," the stranger hissed. "Hand it over."

"You really pulled us over and threatened us just for an artifact?" Gladio scoffed, crossing his arms.

"It's not "just an artifact." What you posses is far more powerful than you could ever imagine."

"O-Okay, just take it." The blonde tossed it toward the man, but Ignis nimbly caught it midair. The advisor somehow knew handing the orb over to this man and his group was the wrong thing to do. "I-Iggy?!"

"You will not get your hands on this artifact," Ignis declared.

The stranger stepped forward, eyes blazing with anger. "What you posses is-!"

"Mine," a feminine voice sliced through the tense, hostile atmosphere. The royal retinue turned around when they heard the gentle voice and saw the men surrounding them eyes widen in fear. Behind them standing on the stone railing was a young girl in strange attire.

Her feet were bare and her snowy locks whipped in the breeze. Noctis, Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis were confused as to where she came from since she wasn't standing there a few minutes ago.

The leader of the highwaymen stepped past the boys, his arms outstretched toward the girl with an adorning smile on his face. "You are more beautiful than I ever imagined."

Her stoic expression remained as he tried to touch her. She stepped back, only half her feet now on the railing. Seeing that she was trying to avoid him, Gladio quickly inserted himself between the man and the young girl, pushing him away from her. The stranger snapped at Gladio for his intervention. "How dare you!"

"Sorry, pal, but the lady clearly doesn't want you touchin' her," the shield retorts with his own death glare.

The girl met Ignis' emerald gaze with her (e/c) one. "May I?" She gently asked. The advisor only responded by handing her the orb. She thanked him before her expression morphed into a dangerous one. She held the artifact tightly, eyeing the man closest to Ignis.

When he suddenly started crying out in pain, all eyes fell upon him. The man placed a hand over his mouth as he hunched over. Blood seeped through his fingers before he vomited a large amount of blood. He reached out to the man next to him and grabbed his arm, seeing the fear in his eyes. "H-Help...me..."

The man he latched onto pushed him away with a fearful scream while stepping back. The one vomiting blood toppled over on the ground, lifeless. All the men scrambled to their vehicles and drove away. Only one car remained. The leader watched in anger and disbelief as his men ran and left him to the wolves. Instead of running, he tried to approach the girl once again and managed to grab one of her ankles. He stared up at her with begging eyes. "We only wish to use your powers for good."

Ignis was the quickest out of the four to react and summoned a single dagger. He threw it, piercing the man's arm and forcing him to let go of her. Gladio grabbed the man by the collar as the dagger vanished from his arm. The brute tossed him towards his car, his tone threateningly low. "Get the hell outta here."

The man scurried back to his car and drove away as fast as the vehicle could go, leaving puffs of exhaust in his wake.

Prompto sighed in relief, his shoulders slumping forward. "Glad that's over."

"And who're-" Gladio turned to face the girl, only to find her walking further down the bridge on the stone railing. "You..."

"Uh, shouldn't we stop her? She's walking on a railing over a huge canyon!" Prompto shouted at his friends. "What if she falls?!"

The boys hopped back into the Regalia and Ignis slowed the car down to keep pace with the young girl, who didn't spare them a single glance.

"Uh," Noctis stuttered. "Hello?" He called out to her.

Gladio grinned as he watched the girl. "Not sure what the hell you did back there, but you did save our asses. You not gonna let us thank you properly?"

The girl stopped, her eyes falling upon the four boys in the car beside her. "You owe me nothing. It was my fault there was a target on your back."

"How so?" Ignis questioned.

"The orb..." Her voice trailed off before she continued. "If I had not dropped it, you wouldn't have been put in that situation."

"We're the ones who picked it up," Noctis said. "By the sounds of it, I'm glad we were the ones and not that weirdo."

"Silas is a pig who only desires power."

"What power does this orb incarcerate?" The tactician pondered.

"Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she sighed dejectedly. "I suggest you run along before Silas decides to return."

"Try us," Prompto said. "I mean, you made a guy vomit blood just by looking at him. It was really disgusting, but it saved us!"

The girl stopped, causing Ignis to press his foot against the brake pedal. She glanced between the four of them, reading their expressions before making her final decision. "What knowledge do you possess of the Four Horsemen?"

"Like, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?" The gunslinger asked. "I thought they were just a freaky fairytale."

"His Majesty spoke of them once," Ignis stated. All eyes fell upon the advisor, confused at the revelation.

"Really?" Prompto gasped. "W-What did he say?"

"The Horsemen shall walk amongst the living once more," Ignis and the mysterious girl said in unison.

The girl smiled and giggled. She turned her body toward them and hopped down from the railing before curtsying. "A pleasure to meet you, gentlemen. I am Pestilence, but I prefer to use my real name-(Y/n)."

The four boys introduced themselves before Prompto decided to be a gentleman and gave the front seat up once the guys agreed that having a Horseman along for the ride would prove to be beneficial.

As they headed to Lestallum, Prompto asked (Y/n) myriads of questions. Ignis did ask one question, which everyone was curious about.

Why were the Four Horsemen on Eos?

"My sisters and I are tasked with the duty of annihilating the monsters that escaped the Inner Sanctum a few weeks ago. The seal preventing them from leaving shattered and before we could repair it, a handful of monsters escaped to Eos. I'm not sure how my sisters are faring in their search, but I haven't been able to find an inkling to where my targets have wandered off to. I pray to the Astrals they haven't killed anyone," (Y/n) confesses.

"What targets?" Noctis questioned.

"The draugr and the grootslang," Pestilence responds. "I've checked with reports from hunters around the regions, but none have reported either of them."

"Now that you're along for the ride, maybe you'll find them," Prompto said, looking on the bright side of the situation. "It's also a nice change of pace to have a girl around."

(Y/n) peered into the backseat with a mischievous smile. "Oh? Do you grow weary of your friends, Prompto?"

"Wha-no! It's just...it's nice to have a girl in the group."

Gladio chuckled and elbowed the blonde in the side. "You like her. It's that simple."

"I-I do not!" Prompto vehemently denied with red cheeks. "Like I said-a nice change of pace!"

"Yeah, keep tellin' yourself that, blondie," the shield scoffed. "You just might convince yourself."

(Y/n) giggled before turning forward, watching the scenery pass by. She's only known the group for a few minutes, but she was already enjoying their company. After being alone for a few weeks, it was nice to meet people who were lively. Inside her mind, she mentally thanked the boys for allowing her to tag along even after sharing with them her status as a Horseman. They weren't her sisters, but she couldn't have asked for a better group of strangers to come across.

<-----<<<<<<

Arriving in Lestallum, the boys and their new companion headed to the Leville. As they were walking through one of the alleyways, (Y/n) suddenly came to halt. Ignis was the first to notice since he was walking directly behind her. "Is everything alright, (Y/n)?"

Pestilence blinked a few times before casting a gentle smile in the advisor's direction. "Yes. Everything is well. I seem to have ventured deep into thought for a few seconds."

Ignis knew she was hiding something, but he didn't pry. He nodded and accepted her reply. "Then shall we?"

"Yes. Apologies for the delay. Let us proceed forth."

When they reached the hotel, (Y/n) spotted a young girl standing in the lobby. Tears streamed down her face as she sniffled. When Gladio came into view, she spoke in a feeble tone. "Oh, Gladdy."

The shield was confused as to why his sister was crying. "What's wrong?"

"I let you down. I never made it to Caem. The empire came while you were gone," Iris said through her tears.

The six head upstairs and to Iris' room, where she told them everything. "None of us said a word about Noct. They just showed up and then...poor Jared."

"What do you mean? What happened to Jared?" Gladio pressed, wanting answers desperately.

Iris shook her head, voice raspy from all the crying. "There was nothing we could do!"

The door to the room slowly opens beside (Y/n). She glanced down and sees a little boy crying. Her (e/c) eyes widen at the heart-wrenching sight, placing a hand over her heart as she listened to the child cry. Noctis kneels down in from of him, azure eyes brimming with sorrow. "It's...not right. We should've been here."

"I...I couldn't stop them," the little boy sniffles weakly.

Before the prince could respond, (Y/n) sat on her knees in front of the little boy. She slowly took his hand away from his face so he would stop rubbing his eye. "I know this is our first time meeting, but I hope you will see me as no stranger." She rubbed her thumb across the back of his small hand, hoping the small gesture would comfort him enough to stop the tears. "I, too, lost someone I dearly loved and I still blame myself today. And I know exactly what's running through that head of yours right now. You blame yourself for your grandfather's death, but you should know even though you're powerless, it's not your fault for other people's actions. Never blame yourself for the actions of others. You'll drown in your own sorrows and linger on the past. Don't focus on what happened, focus on what you can do. We'll make sure the empire pays for what they've done. We promise you that."

The tears streamed down his face as he stepped through the door and wrapped his arms around (Y/n)'s neck. She scooped the sobbing boy into her arms and excused herself from the others.

[thewritewolf]

Two For Two Chapter 6: Rose

Our heroes save Rose from the roses.

@ladynoirjuly2020

Enjoy!

First Chapter | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Read on Ao3

Dragonbug dashed through the streets, doing her best to avoid the grasping thorn-covered vines as thick as her arm while still keeping her grip on a terrified Rose. At least she had Snake Noir watching her back - if it weren’t for him and his baton, she’d have been snared a dozen times over already.

While she wasn’t exactly sure what they’d do once they had grabbed her, she’d seen them crush cars in their grasp in this fight already, tossed at the heroic duo as if they were children’s toys. She didn’t want to take her chances.

The street opened up a little more and once she felt like she wasn’t running through some enchanted forest from a fairytale, Dragonbug placed Rose on the ground and glanced over her shoulder.

“So what’s got the rose after Rose?” Snake Noir said as he landed beside them.

The description was over simplified, but fitting. The akuma of the day was a gigantic plant monster, hundreds of meters of greenery sprawling over the section of the city. All of it leading up to a colossal red rose whose petals she could almost believe formed the shape of a face.

“I, well, I’m super entirely sure, but it might be this boy that I see sometimes in the halls?” Rose poked her index fingers together bashfully. “He tried to ask me out, and while he’s pretty sweet, I’m already going out with this girl and, um…” She winced as she looked toward the monster.

“Don’t worry, Rose,” Dragonbug said as she gave the other girl a patient smile before drawing her sword to cut back the vines. “We aren’t responsible for how others feel. If it weren’t for Hawkmoth, I’m sure he’d still be sad, but he would have gotten over it.”

“What sucks is that with Hawkmoth everywhere, just a moment of letting our guard down is enough for that-” Snake Noir gestured toward the rose-based monster, “to happen.”

Dragonbug looked Rose in the eye. “Can you tell us anything that might help us save him? Like, what his akumatized object might be?”

“I don’t know about- Oh!” Her big blue eyes suddenly widened. “He had gotten me this really pretty pink rose! He had the thorns removed and everything.” She scrunched her face in concentration. “I think he tucked it behind his ear as he was leaving?”

“Hm…” Dragonbug tapped at her chin, staring up at the monster. She turned back toward her partner. “Do you think you can get up to his face and start looking around? With your Second Chance, I think you’ll have the best odds of finding it without getting hurt from being so close to him.”

Snake Noir nodded. “Sure! What’re you going to do?”

“I’ll stay out here by the fringes.” Dragongbug sheathed her sword and pulled Rose close to her. “I’ll keep Rose safe and try to draw its attention as much as I can.”

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

While the power of Second Chance was super helpful, it didn’t actually help Snake Noir climb or search - it just meant he got a free do over if he needed it. That all meant that he spent hours searching for the best route up the akuma, plus a few resets to get himself out of some hairy situations.

From an outside perspective, though, it only took him a few minutes.

As he leapt from giant thorn to giant thorn, he expertly batted away vines even before he should have been aware of them, making a beeline for the increasingly-panicked akuma. Nothing he could do could stop Snake Noir, though, and soon enough he was right behind the titanic petals making up the akuma’s face. A quick precision Cataclysm later and a gorgeous but regular sized pink rose was freed from the vines holding it to the akuma.

He slid down the vines towards the last place he’d spotted his lovely lady. Naturally, she had noticed him first and met him halfway.

“Great job!” She gave him a winning smile and set down Rose once again. The poor girl was looking a little worse for wear from all the swinging around. “Let’s break it so we can purify the akuma.”

Snake Noir fell down to one knee and took her hand. She blinked down at him in confusion.

“For you, my lady.” He gently slipped the pink rose into her hand, moving her fingers to close around it.

Dragonbug rolled her eyes, but he could see the way her lips tugged over so slightly. She was definitely fighting a smile. On the brightside, at least there was one onlooker that appreciated the romance of the moment.

“That’s so cute!” Rose cooed in delight.

After frowning at it for a few moments, Dragonbug tentatively snapped the stem. It seemed to work, or at least scare the akuma out. A quick purification later and the city was put back to normal. Snake Noir held out his fist, and Dragonbug eagerly bumped it.

“Pound it!”

[imagines-for-the-fangirls-soul]

It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus - Peter Parker

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader Word Count: 1,932 Synopsis: Happy Halloween! After hearing about the legend of the Sanderson Sisters in class, the reader convinces Peter to go out to the house where the movie was filmed to see what kind of spooky things they can find.

“Please! It’s just a fairytale. The Sanderson Sisters are not real.”

“Not real like Spider-Man isn’t real?” you asked.

“Spider-Man is real,” he said, smirking at you, “He’s just anonymous.”

“Maybe the Sanderson Sisters are, too,” you said, walking away from him. Before you could let go of his hand, Peter held on twice as tight and spun you back towards him. 

“Have a good class,” he said.

“You too.” You kissed him softly before walking away to your classroom. 

Halloween had to be Peter’s least favorite holiday. Before he became Spider-Man, it was one of his absolute favorites. He waited all year to dress up as his favorite superheroes and eat a ton of candy with Ned until he was sick. But now that he dressed up on a regular basis, he didn’t care for the holiday as much. And in New York, Halloween just meant that every clown was out to cause some mayhem. 

You had been asking him all week to do something spooky-fun to celebrate, but everything you suggested, he shot down. As you sat through your chemistry lecture, your mind drifted through possible ideas that you hadn’t yet suggested to Peter. 

“Y/N, wasn’t that story about the Sanderson sisters crazy?” Betty whispered. “I can’t believe anyone actually believes that story.”

“Hey, it could be real,” you said, giving her a smile. She laughed and shook her head.

“You sound like one of those die-hard fans, the ones who sneak up to the old house where the movies were filmed every Halloween to see if the legends are really true.”

“Wait, the house is still standing?” you asked, a little too loudly. Your professor shot you a look and you quickly turned back to your notes.

“Yes,” Betty said after the professor had averted her eyes. “It’s out of the city.”

“Hmm,” you said, quickly scribbling down Sanderson House on your notes. 

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

“Pete!” you called, squeezing his arm as you came up behind him.

“Hey,” he said with a smile, “Ready to go?”

“Yes.”

“Did you figure out the perfect Halloween plan for us yet?” he asked, taking your hand in his. 

“Yes, but we’ll have to do some driving to get there.”

“Okay,” Peter said, somewhat reluctantly. “Where are we going?”

“The Sanderson Sister house.” Peter stopped dead in his tracks and looked at you deadpanned. 

“You have got to be kidding me,” he said.

“I’m not! Come on, it’ll be just like a field trip. We’re just going to check out a historical sight, and maybe get a little spooked along the way.”

“And raise the spirits of the Sanderson Sisters while we’re at it?” he asked.

“Maybe! Come on, it’ll be fun. I’ll drive?” you offered with a sweet smile. Peter glared at you, but your stare was as iron-clad. You wouldn’t back down about this that easily. 

“Fine,” he said with a groan. “But we’re stopping for candy on the way.”

“I’m good with that,” you said, pulling him in to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

An hour later, you and Peter were crawling into Aunt May’s Volkswagon Beetle, stocked with three different bags of candy. You queued up your spooky playlist on Spotify and looked over at Peter.

“I still think we should have dressed up.”

“I’m not going as Spider-Man for Halloween!” Peter exclaimed, exasperated. 

“Come on, everyone is going as Spider-Man. Besides, yours definitely would have been the best.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for next year,” he said, smirking slightly. “What were you even going to go as?”

“Princess Leia.”

“Obviously.” 

You snorted as you turned up the music so that Monster Mash was blasting through the tiny car. The Sanderson House was an hour and a half away, which meant that you had lots of time to fill with spooky music and stories. 

“Do you think we’ll see them?” you asked, once you were twenty minutes away. You had finally gotten off the highway and were now traveling down winding side roads, lit only by a porch light every couple of miles. 

“Who?”

“The Sanderson Sisters!”

“Y/N, they are not real.”

“If you tell me that one more time, I’m going to leave you at the spooky old house by yourself.” Peter sighed and looked over at you sweetly.

“Okay, you’re right, I’m being kind of a tool. But realistically, the witches have been dead for hundreds of years. We are probably not going to see them.”

“Probably,” you said with a grin, taking a bite of twizzler. “At least we’re out of the city, though.”

“True, and I’m with you.” He leaned across the divider and kissed your cheek sweetly.

“You can be as charming as you want to be, we’re still going to this house.”

In another ten minutes, you were at the rickety old sign that identified the Sanderson House. Even if the sign weren’t there, you were pretty positive you would have been able to spot the house among the others. Unlike the others, this one was cloaked in darkness and had no modern features. 

Up a winding driveway, you could barely spot the house from the road, but there was an eery air that hung over the place. There was a fence blocking you from entering the house. Peter gave you a somewhat worried look as you turned the car off and got out.

“Y/N, we’re very clearly not supposed to be here.” 

“Oh come on,” you said, pushing lightly on the fence which swung open with ease. “If they didn’t want us here, they would make it much harder to get in.”

“I don’t think that’s true.”

“What are you gonna do, web me up?” you asked. Peter couldn’t help but smile at you as he reluctantly crawled back into the car with you. As you both sat down, you turned the engine key. Your car chugged weakly for a few moments. Eventually, it didn’t even turn over.

“Well,” you said, frowning at Peter.

“We should go back.”

“The car’s not starting.”

“Then we’ll wait for a tow,” Peter said, pulling his phone out of his pocket. You started to climb out of the car but Peter grabbed your wrist. “Where are you going?”

“Well, as long as we’re here, we might as well go in.”

“That sounds like a worse idea than driving all the way out here.” Peter rolled his eyes as you shook free of his grasp and climbed out of the car. He was determined to prove his point and stick it out in the car, but as he saw you walking alone up the dark driveway, he hung up the phone and ran after you.

“Oh, look who it is,” you said, glancing over at him as you turned on the flashlight on your phone.

“I thought maybe I should be here to protect you.”

“From what? Spiders?” you asked as you stepped onto the creaky porch. Cobwebs covered the railing and the entry door. One of the windows was smashed open, and as you peered inside, you could see the remains of the old home. 

“Alright, so we saw it. Can we go?” Peter asked nervously.

“No, I want to go inside. I want to see the book!”

“Y/N, you’re being ridiculous.”

“Hush and help me get this door open,” you said, jimmying the handle. Peter rolled his eyes and quickly shot out a web. He ripped the door open with one quick motion and watched it smack into the already shattered window. A few more pieces of glass fell around your feet.

“Great, thanks,” you said, giving his shoulder a squeeze as you walked into the house. “Oh my god.”

“What? What? What is it?” Peter asked, walking into the room nervously. 

“Nothing,” you said, smiling at him, “It’s just exactly as I pictured it. It’s so decrepit.” 

“Why are you enjoying this?” Peter asked under his breath, looking around himself carefully. 

“Oh my god, Peter!”

“What!” he yelled, running to your side.

“It’s the candle.”

“The what?”

“The black flame candle. You know, the one that can summon the witches back when lit.”

“Come on,” Peter said with a laugh, “You know that’s just part of the fairytale.”

“Okay,” you said, reaching into your back pocket and retrieving a lighter, “So light it.”

“What?”

“Light the candle,” you challenged.

“I’m not gonna light that stupid thing.”

“Why? Scared?” you asked, raising your eyebrow. 

“No.”

“So do it.”

“Fine,” Peter said, taking the lighter from your hand. You watched him carefully as he raised the lighter with a shaky hand to the antique candle. With a flick of his thumb, the match lit up and soon, the candle did, too. You and Peter stared at each other, waiting for something to happen. 

“See, it’s not so scary he-”

The front door slammed shut, and the gust of wind extinguished the candle. You and Peter both let out a scream as you scrambled towards each other. He wrapped you in his strong arms, shielding you from whatever was going to come through that door. 

After about five minutes of holding each other and praying that your death would be quick, you pulled apart. You turned your flashlight back on and looked around the room. Nothing had changed. The dark room was just as sad as it was before and completely devoid of witches.

“So, let’s go home?” Peter asked, taking one step towards the door.

“Yes, absolutely,” you said, quickly taking his hand and running out the door. The two of you ran in step together towards the car, not sparing a look back at the spooky house. 

You got back into the car and turned the key. By some trick of fate, the car started up. Without a second glance back at the house, you drove off, Peter’s hand in yours the entire time. 

It wasn’t until you got back onto the highway that you let out a sigh and released Peter’s hand.

“No more spooky Halloween plans,” you said.

“I’m good with that.”

“Want to go home and snuggle and watch a movie?”

“Yes,” he said, taking your hand back in his. 

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

“Got any more Reese’s?” you asked, leaning over Peter’s body to look through his bag of candy.

“Hey, keep to your own bag.”

“Come on, we split the bags, but I’m pretty sure you got more Reese’s than me!” Peter struggled to pull the bag of candy from you and had practically wrestled it out of your hand when your TV shouted, “A virgin lit the candle!” You and Peter both looked at each other and fell back onto the bed in a fit of laughter.

“I think I like this Halloween much better,” you said, cuddling into his arms.

“Me too.” He leaned down and kissed you just as the Sanderson Sisters burst into the house you had been in not two hours ago.

[fortune-fool02]

Just A Fairy Tale

Imp Robert. E. O Speedwagon x princess female reader

FairyTale AU

Okay, I was inspired to write this after watching Shrek again. Also, the Imp I was trying to go for was kinda like a male version of Midna from Twilight Princess. Like this (Art is not mine) but Speedwagon. 

Please enjoy and remember that feedback is always welcomed and appreciated. This is pretty long.

“Mr Joestar, I’m no expert but I’m fairly certain that’s the place.” Speedwagon commented, sarcasm coating his words as he took in the haunting demeanour the castle radiated, as if telling them to turn back now and forget all about their quest.

It was normally not in an Imp’s nature to be helpful but Speedwagon has known Johnathan for some time; thanks to the human for rescuing him from a vampire who he had misjudged. If it wasn’t for Johnathan, Speedwagon would be dead. 

Johnathan hoisted himself up and took in the castle. Dark, old bricks constructed it, holding it secure despite the spitting lava pit below it. He had to admit, everything about this castle screamed danger for those who dared to enter but there was a princess in there that needed their help. 

“The princess is in there somewhere, let’s go.” Johnathan jumped over the edge and slid down to the path below leaving Speedwagon there for a moment. The blonde Imp sighed, humans are always so naive when it came to danger. But he was here now, and he wasn’t going to let a day and a half trip go to waste. 

***

Shadows crawled everywhere, infesting the crumbling castle like a plague, thriving without life. The dim glow of Speedwagon’s markings offered little light as he trailed beside Johnathan. 

“So, um... Just wondering, where would one expect to find a dragon in a place like this?” Speedwagon asked, his eyes searching the shadows for anything out of place. The silence was deafening, the tapping of their footsteps echoed loudly along the hollow halls. Johnathan glanced between the fork in the hall, determining which direction to take, setting on the right corridor. 

“I am not quite sure. I suppose the dragon could be anywhere really.” Speedwagon shot him a look. Sure, Johnathan’s training of Hamon Breathing had improved but he doubted that it would protect them against something like a dragon. And, as far as magic went, Speedwagon was not an expert. He could use the razors in his hat but what good would that do? 

Their best chance was to find this princess and escape the castle without the dragon knowing of them. 

The two reached another split in the corridors. This time, Johnathan decided to take a different approach to it. 

“I think it would be best if we split up and cover more ground faster.” Speedwagon almost barked out in laughter at that but covered his mouth, not wanting to be so loud. 

“Oh Mr Joestar, that’s quite funny.” the Imp spoke only to be responded with a serious look from the human. “Oh, you’re serious?” Johnathan nodded. “But what if somethin’ happens?” he said. The idea of splitting up didn’t settle well with Speedwagon at all. Especially if it involved the chance of running into a large, snarling reptile with the ability to breath fire.

Johnathan looked around before his eyes fell upon the skeletal remains of a knight who was beyond recognition. He grabbed the sword laying beside it; the weapon was shorter than the Pluck sword that rested in Johnathan’s sheath on his back but it would protect Speedwagon if needed. 

“Here. This should protect you in case you need it.” Speedwagon took the short sword without complain, “It’s alright, Speedwagon. You just need to find the stairs.” Confusion painted the Imp’s face at that, pulling his attention away from the blade and to the dark haired human. 

“Stairs? For what?” Johnathan pointed towards the highest tower of the castle where a glowing light could be seen from the window. “Oh. The highest room in the tallest tower, of course.” Johnathan smiled at his friend before disappearing down the left corridor, leaving Speedwagon alone. 

“Just be careful, Mr Joestar.” he muttered out before turning and walking down the other corridor. 

***

The dim glow provided little light for Speedwagon, though his sight allowed him to see the darkness clear as day. He reached the end of the corridor to find a wooden door, along with a large hole in the wall to the right, easily able to fit someone through; taking a breath, he pushed the door open. Inside was mountains of glimmering jewels and shining coins. 

His eyes widened at the sheer amount of gold here, how did these things end up in places like this? Well, he wasn’t complaining. 

No, Robert. he thought to himself, Help rescue the princess first, then come back for the treasure. Closing the door to the room was much harder than one would think but he did so anyway, mentally mapping the place to come back for later. He turned to the large hole in the wall, peering through the hole to find stairs leading up somewhere. Climbing through the hole, he made his way up. Surely this would lead him straight to the princess’s room -and hopefully Mr Joestar. He hoped his friend was alright. 

Low and behold, the stairs led him straight up to a wooden door that was locked tighter than a safe. Not an issue for Speedwagon. He took one look at the steel lock and almost laughed, this was easy for him. With years of mischief and crime, no lock was impossible for the Imp.

After a couple of moments of fidgeting with the lock, the latch clipped open and Speedwagon smiled in success. Pushing the door open, he blinked in surprise. The room was clean. The bed was neatly made but... no princess laid upon it waiting for her rescuer. What? Was this the right room? Speedwagon wandered over to the window and peered out to see the spot where he and Mr Joestar were a bit ago. Did Mr Joestar find the princess first; then why was the door locked?

“Excuse me?” Speedwagon almost yelped at the sudden voice behind him, spinning around to come fact-to-face with a beautiful female with [Hair colour] locks that flowed from her head like a waterfall and sparkling [Eye colour] orbs that gazed into his soul, easing his fear. He gave a small cough before straightening his posture,

“‘ello there, princess.” he said, giving a small bow before her, unsure of what else to do. She smiled at that and mirrored it back to him. “Me an’ my friend are here to rescue you.” Her eyes lit up enough to almost put the sun to shame. 

Speedwagon smiled, a warmness blooming in his chest. “Oh, pardon my manners.” he said, bringing his clenched hand up to his chest where his heart would be. “Name’s Robert. E. O. Speedwagon. My friend’s known as Johnathan Joestar.” The princess smiled at him, giving him a small bow of her head, 

“It’s a pleasure to know the name of my rescuer, Speedwagon. I am Princess [Name].” 

***

The two made their way out the room and down on of the many corridors, searching for Johnathan. Speedwagon asked [Name] where was the most likely place to find the dragon and she responded with either what was left of the main hall or the treasure room located beneath the main hall. They decided to start with the main hall. 

A sudden, thunderous roar echoed throughout the castle, causing a handful of loose bricks to fall and clouds of dust to fill the corridors. 

“The dragon!” 

“Mr Joestar!” Taking off into a sprint, they darted down the corridors before reaching a balcony to witness the large reptilian monster throw Johnathan across the room and into the wall. [Name] watched with fearful eyes as the dragon rose back slightly, opening its large jaws to bare fangs that had taken the lives of so many nameless knights who had attempted to rescue her. 

Speedwagon’s eyes shifted up to see a swinging chandelier, he followed the rusted chain that held it up and spotted its hold. 

“The chandelier,” he spoke aloud, a plan forming in his head. “We can use it to trap the dragon and escape!” Before [Name] could speak, he grabbed her hand and almost dragged her down the stairs to the side of them, towards where the chandelier was held. He grabbed a hold of the handle and pushed, it didn’t budge, the rust had seemed to lock the metal in place. 

He threw a glance up to see Johnathan continuing to try and battle the dragon, Pluck held tightly in his hand but it was clear this battle was taking its toll on the man. With a deep inhale, Speedwagon summoned what little magic he had and pushed the hand, his markings glowing as he did. [Name] stood there, her hands on his as she tried to help in whatever way she could. 

A sharp snap was heard and the handle broke free from the rust, spinning madly as the chain holding the chandelier fell; the metal fell around the dragon’s neck, ripping its attention away from Johnathan for a moment to release a deafening roar.

“Jojo! Let’s go!” Speedwagon called out to his friend who abandoned the battle and joined his friend’s side, running as fast as their legs could carry them down the stone corridors. The dragon’s roars following after them as it gave into the chase, refusing to let them escape. 

As the entrance of the castle came into view, [Name] felt a sudden growing heat behind her. She didn’t need to look to know the wall of flame was rapidly gaining on them. The wooden bridge shook violently as the trio sprinted across it. They reach half way when the rope snapped, giving into the fire’s bite and dropping the three of them towards the molten that bubbled under them.

Johnathan and Speedwagon grasped onto the wooden planks tightly, halting their fall; however, [Name] was just out of reach to grab onto one of the planks. A scream ripped from her throat as she reached out towards the sky. This was it. She was never destined to die in the tower or by the dragon, she was to die in the very pit that surrounded her prison. 

A tight grip latched onto her wrist, she immediately grasped onto it; fear flooding her body as tears pricked her eyes. Looking up at her saviour, she saw Speedwagon holding onto her, his eyes blazing with determination as he slowly pulled her back up. Slowly, they began to climb up the make-shift ladder and collapsed onto the safety of solid ground. 

***

They trio didn’t stop to rest until they were far away enough from that castle and the dragon, and by that time, the sun had began to rise for a new day. Once they reached a clearing, both Johnathan and Speedwagon collapsed from exhaustion, panting heavily. [Name], on the other hand, spun around in circles, laughing happily as she did. 

“You rescued me! You’re both amazing and incredible.” Speedwagon rose one arm up, extended his thumb up before letting it fall back down onto his chest.

“No... problem...princess.” he panted, trying to regain his breath. 

“It... was no... trouble...” Johnathan spoke through the pants, dragging his body towards the stream of water and taking gulps of the crystal water. [Name] smiled brightly, sitting beside Speedwagon who looked at her with a smile,

“I never imagined my rescuer would be an Imp.” she admitted with a small shrug before continued, “Though, your heart is pure and I cannot thank you enough.” As she spoke, she lowered her head down and pressed a soft kiss onto his lips, catching the Imp off guard.

A sudden sense of warmth flooded his exhausted body, as if a small stream of light flowed through his blood, making him feel light and whole. Unlike any magic he has ever encountered before. Closing his eyes, he leaned into the kiss, cupping her face as he did. Johnathan smiled at this, he was fully aware of what was happening. 

Speedwagon was Princess [Name]’s knight in shining armour, and he was fine with that. After all, his eyes were already set on someone else. Perhaps Speedwagon will find his Happily Ever After after all. 

[twentiethcenturymoviesandtv]

The Wizard of Oz: The Characters

Perhaps the most vital element of any story, whether television show, movie, or book, is its characters.  You might have an interesting plot, but without compelling characters, it doesn’t stick, and The Wizard of Oz is no exception to that rule.  In fact, The Wizard of Oz has probably given us some of the most iconic and compelling characters ever created. People don’t forget characters Dorothy Gale, or the Wicked Witch very easily.  Today, we’re going to be taking a look at just what makes those characters so memorable, and so timeless.  First up, let’s check out our heroine.  (Spoilers below!)

Dorothy Gale is one of the most well-known and loved characters in all of pop culture history.  Despite originating as a character from a children’s book, Judy Garland’s portrayal in 1939 has been firmly cemented as the essential Dorothy Gale, and with good reason.

Every protagonist should have a problem, preferably a problem pertaining to the plot (say that five times fast!) and Dorothy’s problem is, initially, Smalltown Boredom.  She is surrounded by adults, authority figures who love her, but don’t understand her, and she’s the only one on her side willing to take action when her dog’s life is threatened.  This reveals something important about Dorothy’s character that remains consistent throughout the entire narrative: Dorothy always tries to solve her problems, even if it isn’t always the best course of action, such as deciding to become the Runaway to save her dog’s life.

Despite her willingness to take action when necessary, she’s not a fantasy hero when it comes to the action itself.  She never learns to use any weapons, or how to fight; her first instinct is to befriend, and she consistently shows politeness and kindness towards others.  Her status as Accidental Hero Trapped in Another World never goes to her head, even after she frees two separate groups of people from underneath the rule of the Wicked Witches of the East and West.  She helps the Scarecrow down from his pole, and oils the Tin Man’s joints, listens to their, and the Lion’s, problems, and then suggests that they join her so they can all get help together.  For heaven’s sake, she even apologizes when she commits Accidental Murder!

While we’re on the subject, let’s discuss that Accidental Murder for a moment.

The witch’s death wasn’t a dragon-slaying moment, it’s a result of Dorothy’s attempt to save the Scarecrow.  Dorothy is certainly not a She Who Fights Monsters character, in any sense of the term.  She never craved adventure, she left the house to save Toto.  She doesn’t try to attack what she thought was a vicious lion until he went after her dog.  In fact, the only times she becomes angry in the film are when someone she cares about is threatened.  She even forgives: she asks the Lion to join them after he attacks Toto, and she’s nice to the Wicked Witch’s guards.  Dorothy is a character who always tries to do the right, and kind, thing, something that sets her apart from many fantasy heroes that have come before and after her.  

Like I said in the last article, Dorothy Gale is an earnest dreamer, a scared, but brave little girl.  She’s a nice person and a brave person, but more than that, she’s a good character.

Good characters change throughout the course of a story, and while at first it might not seem like Dorothy changes at all, a closer look reveals a different story.

As I’ve mentioned previously, Dorothy is one of the first and most famous examples of the Hero’s Journey on film, and a character can’t go through the Hero’s Journey without learning and growing.  Much like her friends, searching for things they already had, (more on that shortly) Dorothy is searching for home, before finding out that she had the means to get there the whole time.  Dorothy’s ‘journey’ in a character sense is discovering her own strength and agency, not allowing herself to helplessly watch others affect her life, while not losing what makes her a good and nice person.  Not only is this a different moral than a lot of fantasy stories, where the hero does need to train to gain something before his narrative is finished, but Dorothy’s change also kicks in at a totally different time in the narrative.

The moment where Dorothy’s goal changes, the scene where she stops wanting to get away from Kansas and wants to get back to it, doesn’t happen at the end of the second act, it’s not a dramatic realization after the hero has gone through much of their journey; no, Dorothy’s priorities switch the exact moment she lands in Oz and is hailed for killing their witch. This doesn’t make her a bad character, or a bad example, because it makes a lot of sense for a young kid to immediately realize that they don’t belong in this fantasy world, and that they have family that’s probably concerned about them.  Dorothy’s learning and growing is done on the journey to get back, struggling to return to the place she realizes that she belongs.

In summary?  Dorothy’s a sweet kid, who doesn’t let adventure turn her into a harder person, just a kinder and stronger one.

But a hero is only as good as their villain, right?

The Wicked Witch of the West is rock solid one of the most memorable villains in film history.  Everything from her laugh to her look is firmly cemented in the minds of moviegoers, even though she doesn’t really look like her book counterpart at all.  She’s the quintessential witch: shooting fireballs, riding on brooms and cackling, but perhaps the most interesting part about her is the fact that she, like multiple other characters in this story, is not one person, but two.

Ms. Gulch is the original Big Bad of the film, an uptight woman who ‘owns half the county’.  Fed up with Dorothy’s dog, Toto, she obtains the legal right to have him put down.  We don’t see a lot of her, and there is even evidence to suggest that Toto did chase her cat and run through her lawn often as well as bite her, but there is also a lot of evidence to suggest that Ms. Gulch had it coming.  Toto tends to be a good judge of character, and even Dorothy’s aunt and uncle, while legally powerless, don’t let her go without letting her know exactly what they think of her.

It makes sense that Dorothy’s frightened subconscious would exaggerate nasty Ms. Gulch into an evil, hammy, black-clad, laughing mad, Wicked Witch.

In the realm of Oz, that one key character trait of Ms. Gulch (besides overall nastiness) did carry over: power.  In our world, she can order around the sheriff, in Oz, she has an army of flying monkeys and magic powers.  And once again, just like in the real world, she uses an offense as an excuse to hunt Dorothy and Toto down, using the death of her sister as a way to get her hands on the magical shoes that she wore.  Throughout the entire movie, she is never shown mourning the death of her sister, but she is very much focused on those shoes, and the fact that Dorothy is wearing them is enough to make the Witch vow vengeance. (‘I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!’)

In this, the Witch is an extraordinarily good villain.  Just scary enough to frighten young watchers, and still mean enough to make older viewers wince with disgust, the Witch proves an excellent foil to Dorothy.  She’s the ultimate oppression in a child’s life: an unjust adult with power.

(It’s important to note that Dorothy never ‘overthrows’ her as is often seen in these types of scenarios.  Like I’ve stated above, the death of both witches is a total accident on her part, and Dorothy even shows remorse afterwards.)

The Witch maintains a steady threat throughout the film, arriving to throw fireballs, threaten, or just cackle when need be.  She also follows through.  Towards the end of the movie, she kidnaps Dorothy, which leads to the most important thing about being a villain: being beaten.  The Witch goes out in one of the most memorable and iconic deaths in movie history, melted by her Weaksauce Weakness: a bucket of water.

In the end, as with Dorothy, we don’t know a lot about these characters, but in that, both hero and villain feel (fittingly) very much like characters from a fairytale: archetypes for young audiences to immediately grasp and understand.  Sure, the Wicked Witch is no Darth Vader, but does that make her a less effective villain?  I don’t think so.  There’s a reason she’s a Breakout Villain and the second most famous character in the film.

Of course, there’s more to look at here than just the two main driving forces.  No movie is complete without its supporting cast.

The first of the trio of supporting characters that Dorothy meets in Oz is the Scarecrow, a more exaggerated version of his own Kansas Kounterpart.  The Scarecrow’s defining trait is his value of brains, intelligence, and sense.

The thing about the Scarecrow is that he always had brains, he was just under the impression that he didn’t.  Every idea the gang gets is from him.  He figures out how to get Dorothy apples, he comes up with the plan to get the trio into the castle, and he even uses the Tin-Man’s axe to bring the light fixture down on the Witch’s guards.

Once again, part of the brilliance of The Wizard of Oz is that both the Oz trio and Dorothy have the same problem: lack of confidence in their own abilities, constantly using what they think they don’t have to reach their goals.  If it wasn’t for Dorothy’s realization that she needed home, or the Scarecrow’s idea that he needed brains, neither would have ended up on this adventure and neither would have grown as people the way that they do, or learned that they already had what they were looking for.

Same goes for the Tin Man, probably the most emotional character in all of cinema.

Like the Scarecrow, his Kansas Kounterpart also puts a lot of stock in having a specific trait, this time in having a heart.  The Tin Man’s stock is in remaining emotionally open and caring, and also like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man spends most of the movie bemoaning the absence of something he clearly has: a heart.

Like I said before, it’s not an exaggeration to say that the Tin Man might be the most emotional character in the history of movies.  He cries over everything. In another example of the truly interesting acting in this film, the performance that Jack Haley gives is dripping with empathy and kindness, directly tonally contradicting his claims of heartlessness.  Ironically, the gentlest of the company is also the only one consistently armed, with an axe no less.  Also like the Scarecrow, what he actually needs, and what he gets at the end of the story, is belief in the fact that he does have a heart, rather than the vital organ itself.  He spends the entire story using and prominently displaying the trait he determinedly says he lacks, and it’s all the more rewarding when he finally believes he’s found what he’s been looking for.

Perhaps the most complicated and difficult of the three to look at would be the Cowardly Lion.  Of the trio, he’s the one who does seem to lack the trait he claims to, routinely running away from danger and displaying extreme cowardice, to the point of being afraid of sheep he tries to count to go to sleep.  He’s not exactly King of the Forest, Dorothy brings him to blubbering with one almighty smack.

While the Scarecrow and the Tin Man obviously display their own intelligence and emotion, the Lion never seems to portray any bravery of his own. He is drug, kicking and screaming, into danger at every turn, heading into the Witch’s castle, the Haunted Forest, and even the audience with the Wizard.  Even during the rescue of Dorothy he begs his friends to talk him out of it.

The real question we must ask is: does this make him a coward?

The definition of courage is not, as the Lion seems to think, a lack of fear.  In fact, the real definition of courage, especially from a storytelling standpoint, is being afraid, and doing what you have to do anyway.  Many of our greatest heroes from fiction have been afraid during their greatest deeds, but did what they did because it had to be done.  With this definition in mind, the Lion’s characterization makes a little more sense.

The Lion does pull through in every case, and yes, he does need some help from his friends to keep him going at times, but if doing everything alone and without fear constituted courage, very few of us would be considered truly brave.  Once again, this brings out the emphasis that The Wizard of Oz puts on friendships, which is possibly another one of the reasons that this film holds up for all ages.  We all know what it’s like to do things we don’t want to for a friend’s sake, even if it’s not exactly storming a castle.

Just like the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, the Lion never picks up on the fact that he too has what he’s been looking for this whole time, the real prize at the end being his own confidence in his ability.  He also shares quite a few similarities to his Kansas Kounterpart, all bluster until Dorothy falls into the pigpen, and despite being afraid, he charges in after her.  Like Dorothy and the others, he too ends the journey with what he’s been looking for.

But of course, there wouldn’t be a journey in the first place without our titular wizard, would there?

Of all of the characters in The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard himself is the most similar to his real world counterpart, Professor Marvel.  He’s a con artist, a Stage Magician in both worlds, convincing Dorothy of his abilities with his ‘Crystal Ball’ in Kansas, and convincing everyone in Oz that he’s an all-powerful Wizard, with enough parlor tricks and bluster to be in charge without ever having to use any real magic.

Despite this penchant for dishonesty, both the Wizard and Professor Marvel display remarkable amounts of compassion.  He’s a nice enough man when it comes down to it, using his ‘crystal ball’ to try to convince Dorothy to go back home to her family, and at the end, again trying to help her get home.  He gives Dorothy’s friends symbols to represent their ‘missing’ traits, and even dropping a few words of wisdom on them.

(Yes, he did send a child on an assassination mission, but in his defense, he was probably trying to buy time to figure out what to do with their requests. Once again, all bluster, remember? And furthermore, this is all a dream of Dorothy’s.  Cut her subconscious some slack.)

Another tidbit to look at: it’s interesting that his relationship with Dorothy is so very similar in both worlds: a con artist who tries to get her home.  It’s also interesting to note that in Kansas, before her journey, she buys it, whereas in Oz, after her adventure, she unmasks him as the Man Behind the Curtain (granted, with a lot of help from Toto).

Despite the fact that in the end, it is Dorothy alone who can get her home, it’s not for lack of the Wizard’s trying.

There are only three remaining major characters in The Wizard of Oz who do not have counterparts in either universe: Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, and Glinda the Good Witch, and rather than sharing similarities with any other characters, this group actually seems to work as contrasts for each other.

Auntie Em and Uncle Henry are introduced as hardworking people, an older couple with a farm in the middle of the Great Depression, by no means an easy job.  They are also raising Dorothy, which is another not easy job.  As a result, Auntie Em especially comes across as a little stern and stressed, distant, and not really understanding of Dorothy’s young impulsive thoughts and dreams.  In a way, they are part of the cause of Dorothy’s journey in the first place by not stopping Ms. Gulch from swooping off with Toto, coming across almost as a betrayal to not only Dorothy, but the audience.  Dorothy and the audience both feel that the couple are unsympathetic to her, and don’t help her when she absolutely needs it, which works as a neat foreshadowing that Dorothy will, in fact, be learning to solve her own problems.

It is only later, when the tornado strikes, that you see the genuine concern and love that the pair have for their niece.  When Dorothy wakes up, both aunt and uncle greet her with relieved affection.  Despite the fact that it is Auntie Em and Uncle Henry’s inaction that drives her away, it is also them that she is so desperate to return to: caring family that she is sure is worried about her.  (She’s right.)  Dorothy’s self-sufficiency does not come at the cost of her family’s love and support, rather, the message seems to be that through relationships with others, you can learn to handle yourself.

By contrast, there’s Glinda the Good Witch, the first person Dorothy meets in Oz, a super-magical being with the power to scare off the Wicked Witch, and with the knowledge from the beginning that would have saved Dorothy a trip.

Glinda has a similar effect on Dorothy’s life as her aunt and uncle, but in a different way.  It is Glinda’s inaction that is part of the reason for Dorothy’s quest.  By not telling her about the power of the Ruby Slippers to take her home, she allows Dorothy to take that journey that Glinda knows she needs.

Glinda is the most otherworldly and magical thing about Oz.  Everything about her is designed to be different to anyone else in Oz, from her mode of travel to her clothes to her way of speech.  She’s immediately friendly and we instantly get the sense that she knows more than both Dorothy and the audience.  Glinda is Dorothy’s guide, sending her off, rescuing her from the Wicked Witch’s poppies, and then at the end, when she tells Dorothy how she can get home to her mentors in the real world.

If you think that these characters seem a little simple, you’d be right.  At the end of the day, The Wizard of Oz is not a story designed to have complex characters with deep motivations, it’s a fairytale intended to have uncomplicated characters that people immediately connect to and remember.  And it works.

Every character in The Wizard of Oz is not only there for a reason, it’s for a good reason.  It was a perfect cast that worked well onscreen, with enough relatability and charm that people of all ages come back to them again and again. They carry the story and make us care about it and them, and in the end, that is the mark of a good character.

Whether you like or hate them, a character is there to make you care, and in this case, this group does their job.  They leave an impact, and a strong one at that. We remember these characters and their quirks long after the movie is over for a reason.

Join me next time where we’ll be looking at another interesting aspect of The Wizard of Oz: We’ve seen the impact it’s had on the culture, now it’s time to see the impact the culture had on it.  Feel free to drop a suggestion or thought in the ask box, and thank you so much for reading!