#in this case it's devils and the fear that's created from their names

[ladsofsorrow24]

the way angel devil talk about death as if it's just a... trivial thing makes sense when you considered the way devils never really die but are stuck in a cycle of reincarnation

[hana-no-seiiki]

CHAINSAW & HAPPINESS

PILL 3 - GREAT GENESIS / GENESIS DEI

YANDERE! CSM! VARIOUS x STOIC! READER

“Check it out. These are my kids.”

“Oh yeah? Check out my kids.”

“That’s just Denji and Power . . .”

“Exactly.”

CAUTIONS: Spoilers for the Manga. Yandere Themes. Chainsawman Themes. Religious Themes. God uses he/him pronouns.

INGREDIENTS: You reminisce about the past and think about what lies ahead in your future. Denji gets his ass almost eaten by Batman- I mean a Bat Devil. Power.

FORMULATION: horridly unedited

[previous dose] [pillbox] [next dose]

You’ve hated humanity since the moment of your conception.

One might argue it was baked into your existence as a devil, simply etched into your heart the moment you popped out of hell, but you couldn’t agree with that notion at all.

It was just how persistent they were with survival and self-preservation that whatever your peers do to oppress them, torture their very souls, devour their physical being, they still manage to cling unto hope.

They were like cockroaches, ones with wings and the unending urge to fly towards your face like if they ever stopped they’d die.

Humans don’t hate cockroaches when they’re born, just like how you don’t hate humans when you were created. You merely saw them as pests you’d rather have gone. At least, that’s what you thought.

It was when you met Makima that you realized it wasn’t hatred you were feeling. It was envy.

You were envious of how they managed to find the grit to move forward. Of how they’re able to shake off tragedies and get stronger.

Unlike you, who had stayed stagnant for as long as you’ve remembered. Too scared to ever go out of line and potentially lose everything you already had.

As the God Devil, you were both one of the strongest and the weakest devils there existed.

Many feared your name, sure. But people found God equally, if not moreso, a comfort through trying times. God was their salvation, no matter how invisible, or inactive he was in their battles. Humanity continued to pray in his name, your name.

But slowly, but surely, faith began to disappear. And your powers began to grow.

You never believed in Makima’s goals. Nor do you believed in her feelings towards you to be genuine. You fully know that she’s using you for her desire; a family and most importantly the eradication of everything bad in this world. Her jealousy was probably based on the fact that she saw you more as a possession, a precious tool than a real partner.

You see, much like the Chainsaw Devil’s ability to erase concepts from this world, you also had a few unique abilities of your own. The ability to remember everything in the course of humanity’s life on Earth. Even the parts the “Hero of Hell” removed and bring it back to existence. Your head was akin to an infinite book, you nicknamed ‘The Bible’.

Where the Chainsaw Devil was the definition of chaos and destruction, you represented peace and life.

And you loathed that. Despised how different you were from other devils. Detested the thought that you were anything but an avatar of fear.

In any case, amalgams were one of the examples of things you’ve partly brought back to the world. It’s original name seemingly inaccessible even to your hands. Though it was mostly done as an excuse for you to use your powers whenever, you had a feeling Makima thought of Denji and Pochita when asking you to revive those mongrels. Or may be not. Makima was confusing and mysterious that way.

You didn’t pry much into her plans. Only ever preparing yourself for the shitstorms her actions cause and brave through it.

But now curiosity ate at you like leech. Why was she allowing Denji so close to you like that? Was it truly because she wants to play him like a fiddle?

Why did the thought of her hurting him hurt you so badly?

“You’re going to break it.”

Angel poked your nose. His touch, with how rare he gave out, almost broke your seemingly invincible composure.

“The weapon. Don’t. It’s such a hassle to make one.”

“My apologies.” You said, as you crushed the sword Angel made within your hands. Expression devoid from your features.

The latter sighed, you were as insufferable as ever.

“Could you stop being so polite and rigid? It’s gross.”

“You know I can’t use casual language in front of them. To the committee, you’re a demon and I’m . . . ” You were about to say ‘one of them’ but you couldn’t shake the sense of otherness you’d feel whenever you were with your colleagues. It wasn’t as if they viewed you as an outcast per se, just that they seemed so nervous all the time. Which led to you avoiding contact especially during battle. You weren’t oblivious to how humans viewed and often worshipped you, you just didn’t know the extent your powers affected them. Especially those who have known you for quite a while.

And so Makima helped by pairing you with beings who are usually unaffected by your aura. At least, on the surface.

“Still. I’d prefer if you went back to how you were before.”

You knew Angel before you even met Makima, as what the two of you represented were both closely related. Despite that, your relationship remained symbiotic at most. Angel’s weapons worked best when wielded by you, and you were capable of taking away his memories and ‘sins’ thus making the number of voices in his head less burdensome. None of you made an effort to go beyond that.

Your Bible ability allowed you to remember everything even beyond your current incarnation.

But Angel knew that while you will remember him if you ever died, the emotions attached to said memories will surely disappear.

He’ll remain that, just a memory. He was content with that. In fact, that’s why Makima trusted him enough with you.

“Charismatic? Proud? A perfect example of what it is to be a devil?”

“An asshat.” Angel munched on the human blood sausage you prepared him. Well, the sausage Makima forced you to make as to fulfill your ‘wifely’ duties, that you gave to Angel since you disliked the taste of it. “But a predictable one.” His androgynous voice came out muffled as he basically scarfed down the piece of meat

“It’s fine to admit that you’re a masochist, Angel.”

“If I’m a masochist—“ He squeezed on the barbecue stick holding the sausage, about to give you the rebuttal of the century (or so he thinks) until your husband unfortunately arrived to the scene.

Oh right! Did I mention you and Angel were atop a massive pile of human and devil corpses? I didn’t? Huh, my bad. Kinda hard remembering to say that stuff when the stench is awfully, well, awful.

“I’m sorry to cut your reunion short, but your new team requires your supervision.” Makima’s signature calm and collected voice slices viciously between your conversation. You can sense the underlying malice from a mile away at this point.

“You want me to stalk your hero from the shadows again.”

Makima didn’t reply, but her usual eerie smile said a thousand words. She didn’t like you getting too close to humans. Sure, it was fine for them to cling unto hope that you’ll ever notice them, it was fun seeing the light disappearing from their eyes as they find out such a thing will never happen. But you indulging your supposed dogs with more than a glance killed her.

In other words, if she was like that with humans, she was the worst — absolutely abhorred — you making conversation with another one of your kind.

To her, humans will never be threats. Devils on the other hand . . .

Well, she supposes even they don’t stand a chance. But she preferred knowing that even without her powers, you were all hers.

She trusted Angel, sure, but she’ll never like seeing her wife with someone else.

“Well then, underling. I will see you soon.”

“I hope not.” Angel blew a strand of hair off his face. He’s had enough of your presence already. Too much and he’ll build up an appetite for it.

“So . . . Sea Cucumber Devil, huh?” You started. Your silent appearance startled Denji and caused him to almost fall off the rooftop, if it weren’t for you catching him by the wrist in time.

Yeah, you weren’t really good at starting conversations.

“[Y-[Y-[Y/N]—! I mean —“ Denji stared at the connected skin. It had only just been a day, and he was already back to acting like hormonal teen who’d never been touched around you.

“C’mere.” You pulled him towards your form. His face landed on your chest, turning awfully red. After making sure he wasn’t falling anymore, you propped his legs over your left arm and carried him bridal style.

You landed on the ground following a single jump. Your heels (courtesy of Makima’s thinly veiled threats) clicking loudly.

You looked at Denji and smiled.

Then dropped him on the massive purple disarray.

“G-god . . ?” The girl, with peach-blonde hair and horns known as ‘Power’ from the info debriefed to you, halted her maniacal laughter. Her mouth opened up in shock and a little bit of horror? Could she sense you were . . . no she couldn’t. Makima wouldn’t allow a newbie to know.

“Close enough.” You shrugged. You had to discuss this with your spouse later. Spotting a bench behind Power, you made your way past her. A cool chill crawled up her spine, who were you? You felt like that devil but at the same time you were nothing like them at all. Not to mention you weren’t as stuck up as she remembered. . .

Nah, they wouldn’t help humans. You were probably a phony of some sort.

“So, what happened?” You sat down, holding off the cringe on your face that threatened to show from unhygienic everything is. Maybe Aki’s ways were rubbing off on you.

They began blaming eachother, clearly not aware that you were there for the latter half of your journey and only gave them an opportunity to explain themselves rather than point fingers.

“You know I can’t stop Makima if she so chooses to punish you two, right?”

“Please don’t tell her!”

“Yeah, this won’t happen again. We promise!”

“I have a feeling it will.” You sighed.

“If I’m correct . . .” You stood up from the bench, and gave your behind a few pats to relieve it of dust and whatever filthy things people have put there. You looked to Power, narrowing your eyes at the way she flinched away, “Your reason for being cooperative with humans is because you want your cat back.”

“And you, aside from being paired with me, want a chance to touch someone’s breasts, am I wrong?” You turned to Denji.

“No, you aren—“

“You were not given permission to speak, dog.” You glared at him. Though your expressions softened the moment he almost whimpered at your harsh words.

Not knowing that was him preventing a moan of pleasure.

“Why don’t we make a contract per se, right now?Denji, you get to touch Power’s boobs as long as you’re able to procure her Meowy.” You grabbed his hands, hovered it over your chest for a couple of moments, and observed his face. He was absolutely drooling.

You retracted your hold and swiveled your head to Power’s direction, taking laid-back, slow steps.

“And, if you two come back in one piece and with no casualities. I’ll join your next mission and prevent this . . . “ You bent your torso to the side in order to look past the pair and unto the purple sludge and multitude of organs on the street. “Mishap from reaching Ms. Makima’s ears. Is it a deal?”

“Deal!” Power nodded repeatedly, fist clenched in excitement. A stark contrast to her almost aloof personality with Denji.

“Good.” You flicked your finger, and in just a moment, every part of the Sea Cucumber Devil’s corpse disappeared. “Try not to disappoint. Makima has big plans for the two of you.”

Denji and Power left, not before gawking at your unintentional show of prowess.

“They’re gone. You meeting with those prunes again?” Speak of the devil and she shall come. You rotated your body to see what’s behind you, unsurprisingly spotting Makima.

“You jealous?”

“I am. Very.”

“You were listening in on us?”

“I just want to know what my husband is up to. Can’t I miss you?”

“You can.” Makima stepped in front of you, leaning close to your face to take a kiss. However, you covered the lower half of her face before she could get too close.

The two of you hear a car arrive not long after, with an Aki Hayakawa inside of it, “Ms. Makima. Mx. [Y/N].”

He escorted you and Makima to her destination and then brought you to a cafe to order some drinks.

You looked around for any pests, and checked if background noise’s volume was loud enough to drown out your voices before you began, “You’re wondering why too, aren’t you?”

“You . . . are surprisingly sharp when it comes to some things [Y/N].”

“I’m not quite adept at recognizing sentiment or intention. That doesn’t mean I’m completely unaware.”

You ordered black coffee and a few desserts and continued, “Whatever she’s planning. I don’t know. But I do know it wouldn’t be great for anyone in the division.”

You stared at the sweet confectionery’s as the workers were stressing out beyond the display, “My powers only extend up to the past. The infinite future ahead is anyone’s guess.”

Aki sighed, even you weren’t aware of what Makima was thinking.

“How did you become. . . “

“Become an amalgam?”

“. . .I’m sorry for the disrespect.”

“I don’t remember.” You finally answered. Your words barely registered above a whisper. But Aki has and will always hear it better than any other sound.

He guessed your memory of your merging was probably given away in a contract and is a sensitive subject.

The two of you return to the car in silence, waiting for Makima’s return.

Once she was back in, and you’ve given her the coffee and food, Aki started up the vehicle and began heading back to HQ.

The silence between the three of you was killing him so he decided to take a shot in the dark and ask Makima of her intentions. Surprisingly, she took the bait, somewhat.

“All Devils were born with names. The scarier the name is, the more powerful it is.” She commenced her speech.

“Take coffee for example, it doesn’t really have a scary image. If there was a coffee devil out there it must be weak.” She drew her eyes to the shaky state of the beverage and made no effort to cover the cup. Then she looked outside the window, to the cars and city scenery, “A car on the other hand, it gives you the image of being run over. That might be a stronger one.”

“Denji can turn into the chainsaw devil. I just think it’s pretty interesting.” And he could potentially erase anything she deemed unnecessary, which was infinitely more than interesting.

“He’s interesting, but he’s of no use to us. Everyone in the division has a goal or faith. He has neither of those. He’s not cut out for this. Not to mention he thinks he can befriend devils.” Aki bit his lip. Denji was nothing in comparison to the rest of the Public Safety sector. He had no experience, no sense of duty, was a slob and pervert.

And yet the stars of the workplace put their trust on him on just a whim, a flight of fancy. “He’s just a kid.”

“We shouldn’t judge a caterpillar when it hasn’t finished chrysalis, or an egg that has yet to hatch.” Taking Aki’s focus on the road as an opportunity, Makima slid her hand atop yours,“The kid. One day he’ll be a man. And he’ll be your junior to use. Yours to throw at the devils that destroyed your life.”

“Give him enough time with devils.” Her visage faced yours, and she smiled.

It terrified you.

“He’ll learn to hate them. Like every human should.”

You looked away, choosing to fill your mind with something else by checking in on Denji. Your eyes widened at the state he found himself in with just a few hours outside your supervision, “Turn on the radio.”

Aki doesn’t even think before his hands reached out to follow your command.

“Bat Devil spotted fighting with a Chainsaw Devil down at . . . “

“Hayakawa. Prepare your team to dispatch the Bat Devil immediately.” Makima downed the coffee in her hand while you basically inhaled your food.

“Understood.”

A/N: First part of my surgery is finished! Might be a week or so for the next ;u; i am in pain

Chainsaw and Happiness Taglist: @saharei @kaedescrush @epsi9099 @aradia-melinoe @sleepwillow @rolo-at-midnight @acuriousmoon @moonnotsonaa @just-some-stars @justarandomweeblol @cyn9 @that-one-simp

(please make sure you’re taggable if you reply to be added)

I’m going home after my family celebrates Ramadan and Eid so slow updates until then I’m so sorry

CHAINSAW & HAPPINESS TAGLIST: @saharei @kaedescrush @epsi9099 @aradia-melinoe @sleepwillow @nordithus @rolo-at-midnight @acuriousmoon @moonnotsonaa @just-some-stars @cyn9 @justarandomweeblol @that-one-simp @somebodyrandom-613

CHAINSAW & HAPPINESS TAGLIST:

Extra Notes: I’ll delete this in case I find better moments to showcase it in the story but to explain [Y/N]’s Bible ability more in depth, you’re basically able to know everything if it has been explicitly stated (Denji’s boob touching desires) or if it can extracted from an event that happened in a being’s life(Power’s relationship with Meowy and subsequent loss of the feline). To counteract how OP this can be, you aren’t able to read minds and are pretty dense + can’t view the future + it has to be activated rather have it on as a passive. In short, you don’t know how obsessed the sector is of you since most of them know of this ability, are pretty careful about how they act in case you decide to probe their past, and you aren’t a creep (i hope). In other words, abilities’s extent is as far as a reader of history knows not the author.

(Also you just aren’t allowed to peer into Makima’s history. We don’t poke sleeping bears, especially if they have the power to control you.)

Chainsaw and Happiness Taglist: @saharei @kaedescrush @epsi9099 @aradia-melinoe @sleepwillow @nordithus @rolo-at-midnight @acuriousmoon @moonnotsonaa @just-some-stars @cyn9 @justarandomweeblol @that-one-simp @somebodyrandom-613 @cupidlot

White names couldn’t be tagged + added a few who just commented if that’s fine?

Thanks for reading!

[moonlight-shadxw]

There we go !! So the "new" au isn't so new but it's just villain Mic in a different setting :D since he likes to juggle between different jobs I just thought I could take it much further because HONESTLY, he has one of the most OP quirks ever and I wonder why more hasn't been done with that.

Anyway, so in this AU, tenko was found by All Might before AFO ー which means he is NOT the leader of the LOV. I 100% believe that if AFO was weakened enough, Mic could have EASILY killed him with the sound of his voice (blew up his internal organs before he could even regenerate).

In this case, I think Mic would've definitely made a GREAT leader for villains, one, because he's known to be very smart, and two, very strong so CAN be feared / respected.

I based his design on a snake because I already had the headcanon that villain Mic has two tattoos : a cockatoo on his right arm, and a snake on his back (a snake because he slowly kills his victim, the association with the devil, and just the sneaky, hypocritical behavior)

So this Mic's villain name as the leader of villains would be Sibilus (thank you Majuki for coming up with the name <3) He'd be entirely capable of creating an underworld organization which operates independently and from the shadows. Recruiting villains would pretty much be for the same reason, bringing chaos onto the hero world; Mic never cared much about either side, he only really cares about being the center of attention. So whatever anyone wants to achieve, he'll help them, as long as he gets to be the "savior" (hence the crown) So the design has more snake references like the cane, the boots, as well as the long veil that trails behind him like a snake tail

He'd also be the type to just pull whoever is waning to the dark side, duping them into believing they just belong I don't have much more about this au other than what I've mentioned already + Mic is STILL a traitor, still pretending to be a hero at UA, still using "MV/Emvy" as a cover identity to commit petty crimes for the hell of it + find new recruits. "Sibilus" is an appearance / name he keeps secret and only shows to the very close members of the league he'd create

[homoeroticbetrayal]

Iconic Homoerotic Betrayal: Round 1

Round 1 Directory

Context:

Homura/Madoka

"(Spoilers) Homura has fallen in love with Madoka, and made a wish to be able to protect her earlier in the series. This gave her time travel powers and made a groundhog day scenario. Later in the series, Madoka attains godhood by wishing to save all magical girls, and this is her as a goddess coming to bring homura to girl heaven. As she grabs Homura’s hands, Homura instead uses magic to split Madoka, into her as a human, and as the Law Of Cycles. (other name for god) She takes the power of the Law of Cycles and makes a new world were she can be with Madoka forever. (Please watch the show for better context, its so good and I’m very bad at explaining.)"

"It's been a long time since I've seen it, but IIRC, Homura betrays Madoka at the end of the film out of love ("love") for her and basically undoes the ending of the original series and becomes a demon in order to save ("save") Madoka from her original fate. It's unique because it's a betrayal that's done "selflessly" (at least from Homura's POV) for the sake of the person being betrayed"

Ryo/Akira

after an entire manga of trying to defeat demons to save humanity together, including having akira fuse with a demon to be strong enough to defeat them, ryo regains memories he didn't know he lost and is revealed to have been on the side of the demons all along, and everything has been part of his plan to eradicate humanity. and ryo had akira become the titular Devilman in order for him to be able to live on in that world of demons he wanted to create, because he loves him (yes, canonically). naturally akira won't stand for that, and they fight to the death and it's all very tragic.

but i suppose a specific betrayal scene in this context is that ryo broadcasts akira's part-demon nature on tv to use him to make humans all kill each other out of fear that anyone could be a demon?

anyways it's very iconic, if there's a morally dubious/secretly on the opposing side gay guy in love with the protag in a piece of jp media since 1974, there's like an 90% chance it was directly or indirectly inspired by devilman. lelouch from code geass? ryo. kaworu from nge? ryo. komaeda from danganronpa? ryo.

also pretty pretty please use the original manga iteration, im so sick of seeing crybaby everywhere. (Mod: In case these two wins can someone send me a good image from the og manga for next round? I haven't read it and google is giving me more fanarts than og.)

[cosmiischillin]

Twilight Town: The Frankenstein Twins

Sometimes I got to remember Frank and Len have been and always will be my favorites of the show and I think they’re the most popular aside from Misery and Ruby. I even drew a sketch of them from memory and now Twilight Town exists.

And since I have grouped both twins together. It’s gonna be a long one for the monster analysis. Especially since they’re based on a monster with a LOT of lore and background so let’s get started now

Why is the design part so damn long??

I always saw the twins with two different styles, especially in the Rock aesthetics. Frank would be the 50s-70s style of rock. The checkerboard and pomp hair definitely played a part there. It’s why he got jackets and more biker/greaser type style (growing up my mom used to do a happy Days musical). Len is the punk era of rock. Messy hair, flames, and just extra edge. His fashion was experimental and less clean as his brother. Aside from that I gave them different instruments. Frank has “Devil’s trophy” a golden bass and Len has “Tombstone” a tombstone styled guitar.

So when I was making the twins. The original concept had them still conjoined in adulthood. In fact most of my early sketches had them like that. They could only split apart with magic. I even had a storyline that they asked Jackie to do that and they would live non-conjoined for 24 hours. In the end, the decision would be that they would split as adults via surgery.

The choice of making them separate was the multiple struggles that would come once they’re adults. Relationships would be complicated, one sibling would have different ones compared to the other, and ultimately, they couldn’t blend in pretending to be a costume which I already made a post about, almost getting killed by humans.

The Modern Prometheus

I think I got the idea that Frank and Len were Frankenstein monsters from talking with my friend who is also the co-creator for ENAF. Honestly there was a lot of details that would work for that concept. Frankenstein’s monster sometimes gets his names shortened to be just Frank or Frankie, different illterations had him green (on rare cases blue), and even the visibility of stitches (which took me 13 years to see). So once I had them be the sons of Frankenstein’s monster (which is actually Frank 1) and Bride of Frankenstein (who is named Eliza) I did as much research and story writing about the whole family as I could. It’s why they have white hair streaks, hate fire, covered in stitchesand are affected by electricity. They get shocked and burned just as much as misery sometimes lol.

With the idea that they can eat humans is simply the fact that they’re undead monsters, almost in similarity to zombies. They’re far more intelligent and controlling than them since they have active non decaying brains and creations are different. The two have a rule with Ruby that they can only kill and eat humans who harm or attack them so they don’t just go by eating them all the time.

Background and Origins

There was a man named Victor Frankenstein. He lived nearby a monster sanction. Rather than react in fear, he was friendly to them which led to his exile from humanity. With no family to have, he created two monsters via science, Frank and Eliza Frankenstein. The couple were happy with Victor, even taking up careers in music becoming popular musicians with Victor’s support. (Oh and I have designed both parents. *yay*)

At some point, Eliza had twins who were unfortunately born stillborn due to lack of vital body functions. Since this would be likely the only chance the monsters could reproduce, Victor sewn the twins together and reanimated them back to life. The twins would be named Frank and Len and would live most of their childhood with their family before moving to Twilight Town as teenagers with a growing band.

When they were 18, they decided to undergo a procedure done by Victor that would give them two complete bodies by using their dna to replicate their bodies. After that they were no longer conjoined but no matter it, they still prefer to be close.

Next Up: Polyphemus

[retromotherfuckers]

When the Sun Sets - Part 3

In-Between

Characters:

morgan winchester (OC), sam winchester, dean winchester, alastair

Summary:

the winchesters after the death of the middle child. oh, and hell.

Warnings (for entire story):

SPN typical violence, so so much suppressing of emotions, vague mention of SA, depiction of torture, a very pro-torture main character, vague mention of not eating for a while, slightly suicidal ideation, SPN typical alcohol abuse, spoiler warning up to the end of season 8, following canon stops after the end of season 2, but things are definitely going to be mentioned.

Word Count:

2.1k ~ roughly

A/N:

ahhh this one, i love this one. trigger warning for torture. POV switches a few times.

italics = flashback.

dean: 28, morgan: 27, sam: 24

It was all too much.

"I'm not gonna let you go to Hell, Mo!" Sam, the middle Winchester, said as his tears betrayed him.

Morgan wouldn't let them save her. She didn't even let them try. After what felt like a lifetime of them protecting her, she wouldn't accept any more of it. Sam and Dean Winchester used every outlet, read every book they could find twice and called every hunter they knew to find some way to get her out of this with no luck. Their last ditch effort, was doomed to end just end the way they dreaded the most; with the middle child being scratched and ripped to shreds by hellhounds.

She made a deal with the devil. Now her fate was sealed.

“Yes, you are.”

One shot.

The old grandfather clock struck midnight and marked the close of a year, bringing the siblings to silence. It was an earthquake confined to the small room and Dean wasn't positive, but he thought he could see the sound waves as they pulsed and thumped. He could feel them in his bones, leaving them shattered in their wake. He felt his stomach rise up to his throat at the pang. He couldn't control the way his heart started to pound, like it would explode out of his chest.

The demon was next to his sister, and expressed her sympathies, but Morgan couldn't peel her eyelids up to look at her. Eyes the color of the sky had filled with tears, sticking to her lashes. He knew that if she blinked, they'd fall, and the fallacy she'd created - that this case was just a run-of-the-mill salt and burn - would be destroyed.

Then, when she flinched without warning, he knew she was hearing them. Fatal and hungry. Her voice broke through the tauntingly ominous quiet, and somehow it's worse than the damn clock.

“Hellhounds.”

Another one.

Morgan's voice was familiar to her brothers, but it was deeper than usual. Full of gravel, and it lacked the authority it usually held. It was hollow and horse and full of fear, something Sam and Dean didn't want to hear from their sister again. Sam's face was nearly a replica when he spoke, asking how she could hear it, and where it was coming from.

Then they were running. Doing everything they could to get her away from the dogs that wanted to pull her soul from her body piece by piece, atom by atom, back to Hell with them for eternal damnation. They made it into a small office, Sam, Ruby and Morgan holding the door shut, keeping the hounds out while Dean put a barrier line on the floor and windows so they couldn't get in right away. It was a futile effort, maybe it would buy them a few seconds, but it wasn't fucking enough.

The bourbon slid down his throat, smooth and warm, a burn that matched the sting in his eyes. The tears threatened to fall as he let out a shaky exhale and tried to breathe past the tightening in his throat. No matter what he did, no matter how much he drank, nothing would free him from the memory. He knew it wasn't going away, but he was determined to keep at it until he couldn't remember his sister's name anymore.

Morgan's screams echoed through their ears, pulsing and tearing at them again and again until it hurts their own vocal cords. They stared, not making a sound, just watching their sister get torn apart until she couldn't breathe. Until they couldn't breathe. Dean thought that, maybe in some corner of reality, Sam was saying something but his pleas continue to go ignored. Dean could only sit with his knees to the floor - and not just because Lilith wasn't letting him move.

Her blood was everywhere; the floor, the walls, some on his legs. The clatter of a knife hitting the floor went unnoticed. The youngest Winchester's cries as he held the motionless body didn't exist.

There was nothing except the ringing in Dean's ears.

There was nothing but a body that was getting cold and he couldn't tell if it was Morgan's or his.

Who the hell cares how long ago it was? There were some things time couldn't heal. And even Dean couldn’t deny that the past was harder to deal with when the sun sets.

The bartender gave him an incredulous gaze as he motioned for more, it was a look that told him he was probably close to finishing the bottle. A look he had been getting a lot lately. He wanted to retort rudely but even the alcohol couldn't weaken his exceptional ability to keep his mouth shut.

A brush of red hair suddenly entered his peripheral vision. He turned to see a woman, probably twenty-nine or thirty, definitely not much older or younger than him. She wore a sleeveless red flannel tied up at her ribs, denim shorts with the pockets sticking out at the front that barely left anything to the imagination, a light brown cowboy hat with matching boots and a belt. Practically every other redneck chick ever, Dean thought, but I'm not complaining.

Dean sat a bit confused for a moment when the girl didn't say anything. She just stood there, right next to him, too close - in an under-crowded bar no less - to pretend she didn't have any intentions. He guessed that the blonde was trying to put together a coherent pick-up line before she spoke. When she finally decided to talk, her words were kind of slurred together and very accented, but not too much where the eldest Winchester was worried about taking advantage. If anything, he rationalized, I'm drunker. He practically grew up drinking, given his family, and learned how to handle booze early on.

"What's a guy like you doin' in a place like this?"

"It took you two 'n a half minutes to come up with that? What are you? A guy?"

"Hey," She chuckled. "Gimme a break, been drinkin' a bit."

Dean eyed her up and down a second time, making it blatantly obvious he was checking her out. He hummed and nodded, silently giving the girl his approval. "Clearly."

The woman wasn't really clean, with dirt under her chipped finger nails that suggested she didn't ever wash her hands. There was a sheen of soot all over her exposed skin. Which there was a lot of, but again, he was not complaining. She kind of looked gross if Dean had anything to say about it. But she had a nice enough face and she was his type on paper: skinny with an ass, curly hair.

Plus, it wasn't like he hadn't gone a week without showering before. And come to think of it, that had become way less rare over the past few months.

So who was he to judge?

Sam Winchester used to give his siblings a hard time for how much they drank. But honestly? He got it now. As he had his mouth to Ruby's wrist, guzzling down her blood for the fourth time that night, he wondered why he didn't try it sooner. Well, he knew why. Because the thought of ingesting demon blood was foreign to just about everyone. It made him feel alive, helped him forget. Or it at least distracted him enough to the point where couldn't even begin to think about it. Kept his ass from bouncing off the walls when thinking about his sister or the last time he saw Dean became too much. 

He hadn't seen Dean in months, and he almost didn't want to. The two of them were so far removed from each other that by that point, he didn't know how to break the ice. He didn't know if Dean even wanted him to.

He was stuck, picturing Morgan tied up, being tortured, because of him. Because she just had to go and save him. There was nothing he could do about it anymore. There was no getting her out of Hell. He had already tried to make a deal, and he didn't even have to wonder if Dean did too. There was nothing the Winchester brothers wouldn't do for their sister. But the sheer fact that there wasn't anything left for them to try was enough to keep him locked in that fucked up cycle with Ruby.

Hook up with her, drink her blood, kill some demons, increase his skill, repeat.

What else could he do?

Morgan Winchester was dead. She didn't know exactly for how many Earth years, but in Hell time, it'd been six thousand.

The first forty years were doable, being strung up on the rack was doable. The whips, her fingernail's being torn off, the knives slowly cutting away at her. She could handle it. She could even handle the psychological torture, having her hallucinate her siblings and parents, coming in and telling her what they truly thought of her. All things she had already known, and had already believed. But it was when they upped the anti, that she started to crack. It was when demons started doing all of that and more as her family. When they stopped using tools and started using their hands, she had truly begun to break. There was another fifteen years of that.

And when she finally gave up, it had become her job to do it to someone else.

Alastair was a damn good teacher, she had to give it to him. He had been the one to torture her, and he basked in the glory of turning a Winchester into a demon. It took about three thousand more Hell years, but she finally finished the program. Two thousand tortured souls under her belt to her teacher's satisfaction.

Demons started torturing to avoid being tortured themselves. They were the result of going to Hell and having all humanity burned out of their human soul. They were dark, malicious spirits that reveled in pain, chaos and death. Ruby had told Morgan that most demons forgot what it meant to be human. Some even forget that they were humans in the first place. She had learned some demons were true believers, though, in Hell's purpose. To cleanse. And they truly believed themselves morally superior to humans.

But after another thousand years, she started having fun.

She had only wished that by the time she was down there and playing her latest game on the next soul, she could've gotten the chance to torture her father. Get her grimy hands on his skin and tear it off of him cell by cell. Then she heard Sam was down there, too, and she would've been upset, had she not known he was locked up in the cage with Lucifer. She knew she was good at her job, but compared Lucifer and Michael? Even as a demon, her ego hadn't grown that big.

And then she got to pick her own name, and all bets were off.

On Earth, Adriadne had never seen a demon's true form. Now down in the pit, where they roamed freely and carelessly, she didn't flinch at the sight of them. When her soul had started changing, becoming stickier, malleable, and black, she almost second guessed her decision to get off the rack. But at the same time, her memories of her time on Earth were starting to fade. They started twisting into her memories of being tortured - becoming one in the same.

Recently, she had heard a few more things. One; that Dean Winchester, someone she couldn't quite put her finger on, was in purgatory with an angel. Two; that Crowley was not only the king of Hell, but he was granting certain demons passage to Earth for a little joyride upstairs. Three; that he was restoring their old bodies, if in decent enough shape.

Eventually, Adriadne, no longer remembered her real name. Adriadne was who she is, was and what she would always be, for the rest of time. Where there used to be normal human eyes there was only darkness. No pupil, no cornea, no whites of the eyes; everything was just black.

She did remember there were people on Earth that used to love her, and she remembered the physical aspects to being human. Having to eat and sleep and breathe, but not much else. There was something about needing connection with another human that meant something to them, but it was lost on her.

But as she tried to remember the smallest bit about who she used to be, she realized it was pointless. Why would she try to remember when she was powerless? When she had no purpose, no duty?

She figured that maybe a trip upstairs in her original meat suit might be fun. She couldn’t find a reason not to.

Why wouldn’t she take the chance to feel the sun on her skin?

[ddostoyevskyy]

❝𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐖 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍❞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐕: The Hell of Mirrors, 𝐈!

Edogawa Ranpo

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒... officially f!reader for now on, fluffy with a pinch of angst chapter, heheheheheheheheheheheheheh

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄... haven’t updated for a while */cutely gives you this chapter.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒... 3.823k

SERIES MASTERLIST

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐄, 𝐈, 𝐈𝐈, 𝐈𝐈𝐈, 𝐈𝐕, 𝐕

Why would a man become crazy if he entered a glass globe lined with a mirror? What in the name of the devil had he seen there?

“I have already processed your request of Gifted Business Permit from Gifted Special Operations Division, Mister Fukuzawa. We just have to wait for confirmation and other formal details and you can work as a public servant as an ability user, from then.” Chief Taneda exclaimed, his eyes averting meticulously from Fukuzawa and the two children seated besides him; both a young boy and girl whose had her head gently laying on his shoulder, her eyes blindfolded. He had recognized the silent girl eversince they’ve arrived. The young boy, however, has been staring at him with such emerald, determined eyes, wearing a piece of glasses and a familiar military corps cap.

“That’s good to hear, Chief. I hope, my request will be fulfilled because these children really has a potential. Although, this young lady here needs a little supervision, she’s a soft spoken child.” Fukuzawa replied, sipping on a warm tea as Ranpo reached for the cup of water in front of him as he nudged his shoulder where you have been resting on. You raise your head subsconsciously before you felt the cool touch of the mug on your lips which Ranpo had offered you. You were startled a bit before you took his offer to drink, the water had quenched your thirst as you finished drinking with a satisfied buds before muttering a small sound of gratitude.

“I see. But you know her full potential, right? I just hoped, you can bring out the best for this child, Mister Fukuzawa.” Chief Taneda watched the two children interact without words as Ranpo fed you as you eat what he feed you as you munched those unfamiliar flavours exploding in your taste buds. You feel these bursts of delightful and enjoyment as your stomach feel full too, although these emotions are usually something you feared to feel — it makes you feel warm and giddy.

“Of course. I know parenthood is not an easy task, but if they are really willing to help and save others, I am willing to be a guide and a witness of their success.” You felt a large hand on top of your head as Fukuzawa patted your head as he did to Ranpo which the young boy protested with an adorable pout as he continued to feed you while sulking.

“I’m glad to hear that, Mister Fukuzawa. But as an official too, I would like to take young (Name) to a gifted specialist to be checked further. She has been through a lot of psychological torture that her own ability did to herself. And, as far as I know, she was experimented.” Chief Taneda offered. Your trembling hand found the table as it caused the utensils on the table create a tingling sound on the ears. Your lips trembled as Fukuzawa and Ranpo stared at you in bewilderedment, waiting for your next move.

“I was not experimented. These bruises are the aftermath of overusing my ability. Since I were to use my mind for the Altered Reality, my whole body and nerve are affected. My Reflecting Emotions ability travels on my veins and controls the beat of my heart causing palpilations and an almost heart failure. I am not insane.” Your voice held such authority and with your eyes even covered, the man across you felt a sudden intimidation as he gulped. Well, maybe you are not insane, but your level and capacity of knowledge is not normal for a child without medications or experimentations. Ranpo’s case were different; he can see through truth and deduction, while you, have the power to roam in someone’s mind; to mess with their minds, to apply different memories that has never existed, to manipulate someone’s dreams, to appear in someone’s nightmares. The both of you combined is a dangerous combination to ever exist.

“My apologies if I ever offend you, but that’s not what I meant, Miss (Name). We just have to see what’s your full potential and the Gifted Division is willing to help you.”

“I have no power to refuse because the law won’t follow someone whose underage, but Mister Yukichi is now my guardian, and he’s responsible with the decision of my sake,” You answered as you heave a sigh. You felt a poke on your cheek as you tilted your head to Ranpo’s direction, pursing your lips before shaking your head to tell him you don’t want another bite anymore. You have lost your appetite and the food you ate felt like it was trashing on your stomach, swirling with emotions as you calm yourself for a moment. You place your lips on the mug in your hand again as you drink. “But even though I have my eyes covered, I can sense your heart beat. It sounds pleasing and sincere through the ears. I trust you because you are willing to help Mister Yukichi, but I don’t trust those people in that... Gifted Division.”

Fukuzawa stared at you, ash-grey eyes shining under the fancy lights of the restaurant. This... is such a huge responsibility, especially coming from the responsibility itself. But Fukuzawa is also determined to see your full potential, although you seems skeptical and Ranpo had been avoiding his gaze as he also felt silent at your trembling voice, he knew it was a bad idea to hand you over the Gifted Special Operations Division. If ever, Fukuzawa is willing to be an instrument to see your full potential instead of the officials. Ranpo is aware of what will happen too as he felt your small hand tightened on the hem of his cape as you unintentionally tug and grip. Ranpo can sense your agitation and a little bit of irritation as your thighs which is glued to his own started to bounce in action.

Fukuzawa can sense the distress to the two children besides him as he sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. “I think, we are already finished here, Chief. Thank you for your help and I expect good news for the pending approval of my business permit. Please, contact me for that matters only. If you’ll excuse us, we have to go,” He stood up as he take his wallet from his pocket, rummaging a few cash before putting it under the utensils available on the table. “Ranpo, (Name), let’s go.”

You shakily sighed as you felt Ranpo’s arm on your shoulder and the back of your knees, hoisting you up on his arms as you leaned your head on his shoulder before you felt him strided, following Fukuzawa shortly after he bowed to the Chief whose left speechless because of you. He never really protested anymore, although he was just in an utter shock in disbelief after they left, maybe it was a good idea not to involve you to the officials anymore.

“I’m sorry about my behavior earlier, Mister Yukichi...” You muttered under your breath as Fukuzawa catches your voice. He shook his head as he sighed. “I just can’t... go back there anymore. I hate hospitals.”

“I understand, (Name). You don’t need to apologize for such small things, alright? What you did earlier is a sign of improvement. You can actually fight for yourself without using your ability, right? So, it’s fine, (Name).” You felt that large hand on your head again, patting and caressing your hair in such manner that made you melt as you shift on Ranpo’s arms.

“Hey, don’t get too comfortable. You’re heavy, you know?” Ranpo murmured with a slight pout.

“Are you tired, Ranpo? I can carry her.”

“No can do! But we can take taxi! Or you can carry me on your back and carry (Name) in your arms at the same time!” Fukuzawa sighed at his behavior, shaking his head before ignoring the child’s suggestions which made the younger’s lips puckered more in annoyance.

“So bored!”

“Where are we going, Mister?”

“Are we there yet?”

“I’m getting sleepy!”

“Hey, you! Are you asleep? Ah! How dare you sleep peacefully in my arms!”

Ranpo pondered more questions to the older man that is left unanswered. Fukuzawa really had no idea where to go tonight and his house which is still quite far away from here.

“Hey, Mister. I was just wondering,” Ranpo’s voice turned serious, a little bit lower from his high-pitched, playful voice earlier as he caught Fukuzawa’s attention. “(Name) seems to have a vocabulary I don’t understand sometimes.”

Fukuzawa stared at the boy whose looking directly on the streets as they both walked in sync. “Don’t worry about it. I, as an adult don’t understand what’s going on in her mind too. She’s a close book. But bringing her with us is not a wrong decision, Ranpo,” The boy fell in silence as he pondered in his mind. Fukuzawa saw a lot of confusion and hesitation in the younger boy’s emerald eyes when his gaze averted to the girl sleeping peacefully in his arms.

“And I don’t regret tagging you along too.”

“Are you making me cry again?” Ranpo retorted.

Fukuzawa’s eyebrow arched in confusion. “...No?”

The boy snorted, holding back laughter as he lift his arms and adjusted the girl’s position on his arms with a sigh.

“Where are we heading? I’m so tired!” Ranpo retorted again as Fukuzawa sighed, pulling the girl out of his grasp without waking her up. Before he could answer the younger one, his phone rings through his pocket. He carries the young girl on one arm as if it’s an infant. His muscles restraint under the sleeve of his yukata as he halted for a moment, making Ranpo leaned on the light post, impatiently with a pout.

“Is this Fukuzawa Yukichi?”

“Yes, speaking,” He answered. “Who is this?”

“I’m... (Name)’s father.”

A frown appeared in Fukuzawa’s expression, furrowed eyebrows and purse lips as every steps he took felt heavy and unrelenting. He breath in as he glance at the two children sitting a little away from the table, yet still visible on his supervision. (Name)’s head on Ranpo’s shoulder as the young boy’s also leaning on top of her head with his mouth slightly agape — tired from strolling too much in Yokohama city as he fiddled with his fingers.

(Name)’s father... what would this man who claimed to be her biological father need from him? Or from his daughter... will he take the young girl away from him? Fukuzawa shook his head — he’s not even her legal guardian, yet the thought of bringing her back to the reason why she became a child with no emotions doesn’t sit right with him.

Everything that happened today doesn’t feel right.

It was as if the Heaven were punishing him for all the mistakes he did — those bloodsheds he sheated, and those failed mission as a private bodyguard and assassination is weighing him down as he remembered that one employee whose as powerful — with a connection to the Port Mafia; where he learned and mastered the art of sword. He never failed, though, he realized he wasn’t really ready for such responsible like this; taking children with him despite his dangerous connections.

He ought to change, although his principles and morals opposed his actions — protecting a mere child is not a solution he thought of. He viewed children as fragile, naive, and carefree. But those two children leaning on each other in a deep slumber begs to differ — both intelligence and emotional capabilities that any normal teens at their age rarely has.

But, they’re still a child after all.

Both craved for a parental guidance and validation a parent should fully give them. Edogawa Ranpo were not deprived of that matter until both of his parents are quick to disappeared from this world before he could have explored the world better with them. (Name) (Last Name), however, were deprived to feel any emotions present in this world, not even a touch of a mother and a genuine love of a father that has been betraying her since birth. Those memories planted on his mind were harsh memories of chemicals and experiments that (Name) believed to be a product of her own ability; in which is arguable, but none of it is a fact.

Though, he can’t really ignore Ranpo’s situation — both of them are very much alike.

“Mister Fukuzawa, right?” A man in a suit appeared right in front of him with a serious expression. The man’s head swivels around the restaurant before his eyes fell on the spot Fukuzawa’s been guarding for a while.

“Yes, you’re not mistaken. Please, tell your concern as much as possible because I have company whose definitely tired right now.” Fukuzawa answered with a monotone, voice deep and a little harsher than usual.

Ranpo’s eyes shot open wide as he quickly glance on his right, blinking his eyes when his vision blurred as he felt a frail arms hooked on his own. His head swivel towards Fukuzawa’s table whose not alone anymore, accompanied by a man in an elegant suit; the same familiar (H/C) locks welcomes his sight, warm and vibrant under the chandelier lights as he huffed an air through his mouth.

No matter what the outcome of the adults’ conversation will be, Ranpo knew this will be your last straw. His fingers ghostly wrapping around your own as you shift in your slumber, unconsciously tightening your grip on his warm hands. No matter how Ranpo thinks of countless solutions, it will never change; a child’s power in this cruel world, no matter how intelligent they are — without a mother and father — will only fall apart.

Especially, how your father is definitely one of most powerful man with authority, given by how he suddenly looked so intimidating and domineering as he intently stare at Fukuzawa.

This man... will definitely won’t hesitate to use law against Fukuzawa.

“Edogawa...san?” He heard you murmured, voice gentle as he looked down at you, “What‘s bothering you?”

“The fact that you're sleeping peacefully while I can't feel my shoulders by now.” Ranpo huffed with a pout, all in while masking his concern to the current situation as he could feel the tension going on a certain table.

“Huh...?” You shifted a little when you realized, cheeks heating up for unknown reasons you can’t identify as you realized your finger were intertwined. “Sorry.”

Fukuzawa’s silver eyes averted to them as he met Ranpo’s before the younger one nudge his head to the side, a signal in which, Fukuzawa doesn’t seem to catch on. He averted his gaze to the man in front of him who claimed himself your father, yet you seemed to give a single care when you kept yourself close to Ranpo despite the embarrassment that you felt earlier.

“Hey, (Name),” Ranpo whispered as he glanced through the entrance and exit of the restaurant for a sign of bodyguards or men in suit standing outside for any future casualties. He grabbed your wrist with a firm grip, warm fingertips engulfing your cold ones. “If you were to choose, will you go back to your old life with your father?”

He felt your whole body halt with his question, your relaxed arm became tense in his grip as your mouth fell open in disbelief. Your mind surges with thoughts swirling in your mind — the thought of Fukuzawa and Ranpo bringing you back to your biological father’s den like a rabbit on a lion’s cage dominated your thoughts as you flinched when Ranpo tugged you back to reality. He pursed his lips when he saw how your lips trembled and threatening to scream.

You yanked your wrist away from him, causing you to stumble to your feet as you scrambled, losing balance. A shriek escapes your lips as a glass breaking sound resonates in your ears; you fell down in a pile of broken glass underneath as you hissed.

“(Name)!” You could hear the faux concern lacing on his voice as you gritted your teeth. What is that all about?! Is Ranpo plotting something? You figured by how you could identify his mischievousness by his voice. “Are you alright?!”

You scrunched your nose in process when he kept his voice that way.

“Hey, Sir! She’s blind, can’t you see? We need to bring her to the hospital.”

Fukuzawa finally realized the look Ranpo gave him earlier.

You kissed your teeth together as you grabbed into Ranpo’s dark cape, tugging him to help you up in hurry. You felt some of the broken glass had prickled in the sheer skin of your flesh — realizing how incredibly thin the fabric of your longsleeve dress that stops below knee.

One thing Ranpo noticed about your attitude is your lack of patience in everything.

Fukuzawa watched when a huddle of people crowded the two children as he pursed his lips.

“What happened? (Name)? (Name)!” (L/N) had tried to call his daughter’s name, that to his dismay, had already disappeared from the midst of the crowds. Fukuzawa’s eyes averted to the door exit as he saw Ranpo scurries out of the restaurant carrying (Name) on his back. He mentally facepalmed.

He‘s definitely going to give Ranpo a good scolding later.

“Edogawa-san!” You yelled his name — the very first time he heard you ever raised your voice as your arm wrapped around his neck for support, the other one were clutching on his black locks in annoyance, his dark tresses surprisingly soft while his cap sat securily on top of your head instead. “Slow down! What’s the rush for?!”

Your voice were high-pitched, almost breathless even though you were not the one running and carrying another weight on your back as he huffed a breath. There’s no reply on his end as you shrieked when he run a little faster, your hand toppled on his hair were instantly removed when you felt his hat almost falling off your head; he warned you not to lose it or he’s gonna drop you off of his back.

You huffed as the cold breeze of air hits your supple skin that was exposed, the small cuts on your skin due to the broken glass aches a little, but you can manage. You have no idea what’s this boy running from, but you could definitely feel the adrenaline rush on his veins.

“Sorry for asking you that question earlier. I know you would react that way and I have to put on a show to distract them.” Ranpo’s fevered and out of breath words reached your ears despite the wind harshly blowing in your direction because of his speed. You never thought he could run this fast like this, though maybe it was just you and your unathletic stamina.

But, can’t he tell you what’s really happening atleast?!

“Edogawa-san, where are we going?” You asked, out of breath, despite him carrying you, you could feel his exhaustion runs wildly on his body, the exposed skin of his neck forming sweat as it trickles where your arms are hooked for support.

Ranpo doesn’t answer, roaming his opened eyes around as he abruptly stopped when he realized his surroundings; dark and empty with not even a single soul or human in the streets, the flickering lights of lamppost made it more darker and eerie. He could only hear his own breathing, two heartbeats, and the soft breaths from you near his ears that made his skin and flesh tremble.

You didn’t say a word too; the defeaning silence pierce both of your ears as you grip on Ranpo’s uniform, creasing the fabric in your fist. You could feel the hesitation and fear run his whole system.

(Name), what are you doing?

Ranpo pondered in his head as he stepped back a few times before turning around completely, walking back where he ran earlier just to confirm something. He was quiet and so are you — completey and engulfed in a silence that if he ever make noises, he might as well die. Ranpo can’t go back now — not when Fukuzawa is really eager to take you with them; to change your life into a better one like he did to Ranpo. Though, it seems like the scarf in your eyes wouldn’t make any changes to you.

Ranpo stopped on his tracks again as he vaugely realized; he’s been walking on the same path — the buildings and infrastructures never changed as the flickering lamppost he saw earlier never changed as though playing games and surging him on to be completely insane.

“Edogawa-san,” You called out his name as his ears rang, his breath rigid when your voice falters in a quiet hymn, as if lullabying him into sleep, luring him into slumber until he falls asleep — yet he fought the urge to fell in the tips of your fingers, or to sleep at the melody of your voice as though he will be laying on a bed of roses forgetting its thorns that will pierce in his body.

Are you playing with him? Is this part or your insanity? Your mercy? Is this the part where he’ll regret everything he did to save you away from the grasp of the man who you called father who did nothing but to make you suffer enough in the liue of chemicals and the artificiality of your veins that made your mind sharper but crazier. He vaugely knew everything, though your intuitions and intentions were still unknown to him, atleast he knew what your condition as he could be any help.

“Do you see a hospital building?”

Ranpo swivel his head around as he faced a building painted in white walls as he mindlessly nodded.

“You wanna know the real me, right?” Your voice falters yet again as you wrapped your arms around his neck, burying your face on the crook of his shoulder as you sighed. “I’d like to make you see everything of me within my ability. I’d like you to understand why I’m doing this. Our physical bodies were unconscious right now, this only place within the consciousness of our minds. You cannot be seen, therefore you can explore.”

And, as if in a flick of fingers, Ranpo is now inside the building — a room with white walls and bright light that blinds him as he stills, emerald eyes widening as he stared of what‘s in front of him.

You and mirrors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

All Rights Reserved 2023 © ddostoyevskyy. Do not repost without permission or plagiarized.

[puppetmaster13u]

Have you thought of doing an au where the batfamily are mythical birds

 OH man, have I lol. Can’t believe I missed this ask. 

Though in the initial idea Bruce was based off of Camazotz, which in Mesoamerica was associated with the night, death, and sacrifice. Like the name literally means death bat. Though he wasn’t straight up the death god, and the situation was more like a tulpa. 

The power of belief interacted with all the curses in Gotham and all that into changing them from human into something well, other. The effects brought up to a hundred whenever they slipped into the Cave to do their patrols or whatever else. 

But you asked about mythical birds, so let’s get to that before I start really rambling lol. 

So Cass I had based off the Nachtkrapp, which was also known as the night raven. Though it was described as raven-like, and with no eyes, which caused death if you looked in them. It is also sometimes depicted as with holes in its wings that cause illness and other such things. Though what probably translates most to Gotham and how they see the whole batclan, is that in some depictions the Nachtkrapp will steal away children to never be seen again. 

 Quite fitting for a family where no one in Gotham knows how they get their robins, no? 

Next let’s jump over to one of them, Tim. I based him off of the Devil Bird, also known as the Ulama, which was said to let out human-sounding screams at night, acting similar to the Banshee in the fact that it was said to predict a death. If you heard its scream, either you or a family-member would die. 

 Perhaps horrifying in any other place, but for Gotham? Sometimes it’s an utter relief. 

Now, moving to Barbara, I wanted to keep the Oracle vibes, seeing as I still haven’t figured out on if they keep their names or have new ones lol. So for her? The Gamayun, usually depicted as a large bird with a woman’s head, and said to spread prophecies and divine messages. Like she is straight up depicted as knowing everything of all divine and mortals going ons. Also fun fact, the Gamayun is from Russian folklore but shares similarities to the sirens from Greek. 

 If she says something will happen, it will, be it a threat or a promise. 

Jason, I based off the Itsumade from japanese mythology. It’s described as a bird-like being with a serpent’s tail, and a human face with the beak of a bird, and that it appears circling areas of great suffering. Specifically areas where there is suffering but nothing has been done to alleviate that pain, and was even thought to be created by the spirits of the dead and those still suffering. Its cry was said to resemble “until when”, which was thought to be asking how long will this suffering go unnoticed. 

 Once more, quite fitting for the protector of Crime Alley, who did manage to get attention on their plight in his own way. 

Now Damian and Carrie I put together, as a double Robin. Though in this case I based them off the legendary norse birds Muninn and Huginn. A disguised Odin says (in the poetic poem Grímnismál) that while both ravens fly over all of midgard daily, he fears that one day they may not return, he fears more so for Munnin. There sadly isn’t a lot known of them alone, as in most depictions they are with Odin, either sitting on his shoulders, or not there at all. 

 But to Gotham? Oh they see these little birds flitter across Gotham every night, disappearing come dawn. And they remember the last time one of the birds didn’t return to the nest, and the violence that followed. 

Helena, I decided on the Strix. While mostly depicted as owl-like, it is not outright said they are such, simply similar in description. Strix are blood-drinking and flesh eating creatures, and are described to perch upside down like a bat. Now in some cases they were said to be natural creatures, other times magical, and yet other times were said to be witches. Not unlike how black cats were once seen. 

 Fitting for the child of a bat and a cat. 

While there are plenty of birds for Duke I eventually settled on the Oozlum Bird, which was said to fly in tighter and tighter circles until it straight up disappeared, which is fitting for someone who can manipulate light and shadow to disappear. Some myths says it flies backwards, where it does not know where it is going, but knows where it’s been. Other myths have it be able to fly straight up into the air while turning the world beneath it. 

 A little sillier, but still quite fitting for him, in a slightly ironic way in some cases. 

Now Harper, I struggled a bit with, but once more settled on one. The Alicanto is a legendary bird from chilean mythology whose wings are said to shine with metallic colors, the color of the wings depicting which metal it has eaten. It is said that if one follows it, they will find veins of ores, but if they are not of a ‘good heart’ they will instead be guided off a cliff. 

 Now there aren’t many cliffs in Gotham, but there are plenty of buildings to dangle from. 

I know Cullen and Alfred aren’t a part of the batclan, in the way of going out and patrolling. But don’t you think some sort of rumors spread of how they’re healed after each night? Would there not be rumors of hidden birds that live within their nest that could disperse illness and injury? For that, I give you, Caladrius, a snow-white bird (as in most depictions) that lived within a king’s home and took the sickness into itself before flying away, healing both itself and the one who was injured. 

 And Alfred has run out several times whenever Bruce was injured, taking a spare cowl. Who's to say he wasn’t spotted, a silver blur in the shadows of night? 

Stephanie, now she was hard to do, far more than she should have been. However, I did find the Minokawa, a bird who devoured the moon, and should it eat the sun, would come down to do the same to all of men. At least according to legend. It was also described as having a dark metal beak, and lived in outer space. 

 A figure of the night, with hair like the cold dawn of a day that may one day not come to be, with a face void of forms or lights. 

Now we finally get to Dick, the first of the children. Who I decided to use Pamola for, a legendary bird spirit in abenaki mythology who was also seen as a thunder god and guardian of a mountain, making it taboo to climb. And while there is no mountain in Gotham, there are plenty of skyscrapers that kiss the clouds and crackle with lightning every storm. 

 A horned bird who zealously guards its domain, calling down lightning into its claws to deal with intruders.

Now of course there are more batclan members (Lucas Fox, Kate Kane, Terry McGinnis, etc) but those were all the ones I’ve actually finished in figuring out what they’d be. Though I will admit I have been tempted to have Lucas (Batwing) be inspired a bit by stymphalian birds from greek mythology…

[sarcophagid]

ithaqua backstory related headcanons/analysis

THE PLATEAU OF LENG:

Ithaqua's 5th deduction refers to the area where he lives as a 'barbaric land'. 

'Plateau of Leng'/'Leng' is also a place name in the Lovecraft mythos.

I think we can infer that the Plateau is very geographically and socially isolated from the rest of 'civilization'. They are likely behind on understanding of major world events and technological advances. It is also difficult to travel in and out of the area due to environmental conditions and/or social, economic, and legal limitations. This isolation results in the cultural bubble we see in Ithaqua's story. 

While Ithaqua's weibo intro post describes the area as the 'far north', I think it's still located somewhere in the UK, similar to the origins of most of the IDV cast (if only for the practical reason that Nightwatch would be going to the manor on foot). The surname 'Norwell' is also English/Scottish in origin. 

addendum: It's been mentioned to me that Leng is also possibly located somewhere in the mountain ranges near lakeside village!

RELIGION:

While there are many references to christianity in the game, I don't think the dominant religion in the Plateau of Leng is a 1:1 adaptation of christianity irl, although it may reference it or be inspired by it.

Given the mentions of 'lies' and 'barbarism', as well as the mention that the practices in Leng are now archaic, I also think the religion could be an offshoot from whatever dominant religions and cultures are seen in the mainland, similar (but probably not the same) to some insular cults. 

note: an example of this 'original' religious culture would be the one associated with Gravekeeper's backstory, since he presumably lives in the mainland. (also apparently Ann isn't actually a nun she just dresses like that 🤔)

Ithaqua's trailer refers to 'gods' plural, so it's also possible they don't have a monotheistic religion at all. But this could also refer to the fact there were multiple aggressors during the night of the attack, and he's conflating 'gods' with 'holy people'. 

Regardless, I think there are still a lot of undeniable similarities to christianity in Ithaqua's backstory, and even direct references in essence lore like Morningstar. 

WITCH HUNTS: 

I think it's possible that the magistrate's persecution of Ithaqua's mother and the 'hunt' in general was more to secure social power than born out of actual religious belief. The other townspeople may truly think there are demons, but I doubt the Norwell family was genuine. If the magistrate truly believed stillborn babies were caused by the devil, and/or truly thought he was doing this for the 'good of the people', then he wouldn't quietly cover the case up and pretend nothing happened.

Creating an atmosphere of suspicion and fear of punishment based on arbitrary rules would benefit those responsible for 'justice'. Since anyone could be accused, everyone would have to tread carefully - except for the judge, who decides who is or isn't condemned. 

The resulting chaos would be a good opportunity to seize a leadership role. Leng was already superstitious, and these beliefs could be leveraged and amplified to bring the people to the state it is today. 

This practice of manipulating the townspeople with fear also parallels how Ithaqua later creates a persona of a 'monster' and feeds these rumours with violence in order to scare away intruders and protect his mother - although they have different motivations and goals, they're playing a similar game. 

Leveraging false beliefs is also referenced in Ithaqua and Nathaniel's roles in both Morningstar lore and the Truth & Inference lore (although T&I wasn't as accurate to their characters)

[mrmrsthemself]

So, there's this Franz Von Stuck painting.

It's one from late into his career. In case you don't recognize his name, he was a german Symbolist painter that was active around late 19th and the first half of the 20th century. The one painting I'm talking about is from 1890.

It's called Lucifer.

I've known it for a while, mostly because I dig Symbolism somewhat. This pops up here and there in pop culture as well. I've always thought that my interpretation of it was, if not the most common one, at least somewhat around the general conversations about it. Turns out that after watching a video about it and talking to some friends, it isn't. So here it goes:

I might be reaching, but the figure of the man to me is quite clearly not Lucifer.

In the etching, you can see the arching of the wings, making a silhouette that may or may not join with the elements around the man's hand. As I see it, it isn't the continuation of the wings but something obscured by them.

Those are present in the final painting but painted as darker than the background itself. Going back to the painting, the glowing object seems to be a broken halo, something that is not present in the etching. Next to it, crushed, something undiscernible but seemingly soft, maybe even feathery that peers from the darkness restrained by the seated figure.

Franz Von Stuck adopted symbolism, yes. But he always seemed to lean on it with subterfuge as it was often done in one of the two main currents of the vanguard, always implementing contradiction in order to elicit deeper subconscious feelings from his audience.

His most famous late painting is named "The Sin".

And yet most usual icon for the forbidden fruit is not in sight... Is the woman sin? Is it the snake? Is the real sin their alliance against man itself? Is sin the act of staring at the woman's nude body, as she stares into the outside while the snake itself peers into the viewer? Maybe the missing figure, Adam, was the viewer. Maybe sinning was the act of viewing all along. Subterfuge as meaning.

So we go back to Lucifer.

The sitting figure is not the namesake of the painting.

The crushed halo is positioned next to the broken covered up shape. The figure is God. The painting does not depict the devil pondering your end, but God itself illustrating to the viewer the price of betrayal.

You sin as the voyeur of this heinous act, same as the snake judges you for sinning upon seeing Eve's untainted body. The snake stares back at you in order to create this bridge with the viewer via fear, and God does the same.

Hence why Stuck took so much delight from his audience doing the sign of the cross upon seeing the painting.

Same as with his brushstrokes on the canvas, so does God's strokes strike the deepest fear in all of men's hearts. He wanted to equate himself to God, and I guess that from his point of view he did.

[brendinoj]

Deconstructing Makima

Makima has been a character that I believe the majority of people adored at one point because of her calm demeaner and alluring nature. She has always been shown to be very mysterious and left scenes where it felt like there was always a deeper meaning behind her presence there in the first place. From her interactions with her allies and her enemies; it always felt like something was lurking underneath the facade she put up. We see her and her former allies in plenty of situations where the outcome was always unfavorable but in hindsight it either didn't matter or helped lead to her main goal.

She wanted to control Chainsaw Man. For this to be a possibility she had to build Denji up and break him down.

She had to make Chainsaw Man a hero in order to weaken the fear that humans would have of him, thus weakening Chainsaw Man. As we all should know, devils are only as strong as the fear that comes with their name/concept. In this weakened state she was able to beat chainsaw man down quite easily. She wanted to control him so she could use his power to presumably create a better world. She wanted to get rid of concepts such as Death, War, and Hunger. We know these are 3 of the 4 horseman of the apocalypse and Makima being the control devil was the last member of that group.

This group fought Chainsaw Man before but now she wanted to use Chainsaw man's power to get rid of those concepts, to erase them from existence. Chainsaw man has the unique ability to erase the names and concepts of things from existence when he devours a devil bearing that name and representing that concept. She proved this by asking Kishibe about several things humanity should've never forgotten about and yet he was unable to recall and let alone even believe the things she was listing off ever existed to begin with. He even states a power like that couldn't be possible.

Even though Makima eventually ends up defeating Chainsaw Man, Denji comes back to defeat her. We truly realize the person Makima claimed to be was a lie when Denji ask her if the perfect world she's trying to create would have boring movies and she said a world were boring movies doesn't exist would be a good thing. This was something Denji and Makima supposedly bonded over earlier on in the series and I believe that this was truly the point where Denji knew he had to kill her. Before this scene he actually says he's the worst because he still liked Makima. With how ridiculous it sounds, it truly is the case.

We never got to see the world she truly envisioned due to her being defeated but I wanted to ask do you think she truly would've helped humanity? Do you think Nayuta will regain the memories of Makima in the future? If she does what would a be result of it?

Video underneath that explains it more! Pls reblog!

[roselyn-writing]

When a rose turns black chapter 14

“The Dark Watchers”

A/N: gif isn’t mine! I find it on pinterest credits to owner!

On a cold, moonless night near Khyerma’s territories. There is a huge, dark castle. That is the home of the Devil Donkey Patron. A few people know him as ‘Mariuz, which means ‘Demonic Donkey’. But that’s not the case.

In the castle of doom, Mariuz's home Every moonless night, He and the Donkey Lady kidnapped children to sacrifice them and remade them into the ‘dark watchers, or demonic little creatures, A fate worse than death. Today is no different. Donkey Lady Had brought a group of children of both genders to do the ritual.

She grabbed them using her magic and pulled them to the center of the hall, the place where they would sit and wait for the ritual to be completed. Despite the fear of the children and their cries, It didn’t move the Donkey Lady or Mariuz.

Their cries fell on deaf ears; they hoped that the donkey lady would let them go, but that didn’t happen at all. So they surrendered and accepted their fate.

She quickly moved her palm to summon ethereal chains and cast them at the poor souls, Which gave off a dazzling ember-colored glow. The chains brutally bound them together as they licked their skin with their heat as they touched their innocent skin.

These wretched souls were being tormented by wicked spirits, and their cries of anguish and suffering reverberated throughout the room. This pleased The Devil Donkey and The Donkey Lady. The ritual can now officially start.

Maruiz recited the necessary spells for the ritual. Magic runic symbols in the shape of a triangle appeared beneath them. A dark, tarry thing oozed out of the ground into the bodies of youngsters, enveloping them and taking possession of their bodies and minds in seconds.

Knowing that his work was flawless, Maruiz grinned contentedly. He had created the ideal spy for him. He gave them a hand gesture. They kept looking at their master.

He said in a firm voice, "Spread around Valorena and be my eyes and ears.

The Dark Watchers didn't say anything in answer to him; instead, they transformed into black clouds, spread fear in the lands, and served as the spies their master desired.

Donkey Lady experienced some vertigo. She believed her mind was playing games with her. There was a recollection of her as a contented married woman with a child. Then there was the time when she was a carefree, joyful girl. She was human and alive in those memories. She is now Mariuz's servant and an undead creature. Her human name was Samira Macdoni.

Mariuz glanced at the Donkey lady and noticed that she was remembering something. He was internally seething as he performed a memory-erasing spell on her with his hands. She was in a drowsy state of mind and didn't react or do anything in any way; rather, she appeared to be mentally exhausted. Mariuz cast the remove memory spell on her since he needed her and couldn't afford to lose one of his best servants. She is both vicious and gorgeous.

After He performed the spell on her, her eyes shot open, and she breathed heavily. With that, he knew his spell worked, and she wasn’t going to remember anything from her past life. With this, she left to do other stuff; she didn’t want to stay here for much longer.

Mariuz sat on his throne to think about the incident that was currently happening in front of him. What if it happens again? He must find a way to make her forget about her past life forever. He must sever it completely. But, how? Such things need powerful spells and magic to do so.

Mariuz is getting weak because there is no sacrifice or life essence he can absorb; he heavily relies on his followers and the donkey lady to gain more power for him. He feels pathetic indeed, but he wishes he was invincible just when he was in his prime.

The Shining Forest, A magical and magnificent forest with long, shining trees, leaves, colors, and bright lights. A glorious ageless being that has the figure of a centaur but is made of hard stone and leaves. instead of flesh and blood, With two robust tree branches serving as his horns. This ageless creature is called Heynois; think of him as the Sylvan of Dragon Age, but a centaur! The leader, the general of the guardians of the forest Those are beings who protect the shining forest from people's dark yearnings.

Adorned with green and brown armor and shoulder pads. Despite wearing armor, his stone-like skin is visible through it. He looks terrifying and menacing. Carrying his long and lethal spear wherever he goes, But make no mistake, he is on the good side.

The forest is his home, His life, and everything. He cannot exist without the forest. It is his life force; all the life plants in all dimensions are connected to him somehow.

He groaned in annoyance when he realized he had lost the way to the meeting with superiors. With a tired sigh, he continued to walk through the forest to reach the hall, walking back from the same road he had walked through.

He groaned in frustration. Despite walking through the forest bringing him peace and tranquility, he just doesn’t feel it anymore. Because he has to help others. And he doesn’t like to help others unless it's needed.

The breeze is refreshing and sweet. He enjoys breathing in and out; it is one of his daily routines. As a Sylvan, life is lonely. He and his kind are destined to live as immortals and loners in the woods. However, If people came to the woods, they would be cautious about them. They don’t want anyone to disturb the forest.

The Shining Forest is brimming with powerful and ancient magic. It is strong and the core of Earth beings; every Sylvan and Earth nymph will defend their lives because it is their home. Woe to those who want to harm the forest!

The Forest was and always will be the target of mages and corrupted kings Because of the old magic. Every time they come, the Sylvans will take care of them, Either forcing them to leave or killing them.

In Heynois’s place in the middle of the forest, His garden-like home is decorated with the bones of mages and corrupted kings. It is a warning to those who want to try and do the same. This is what awaits them.

After what felt like long miles, He reached his destination in the forest, where the meeting would be held with the superiors.

He hated the meeting; he hated the idea of interacting with people. But for his superiors, he must do it. Maybe there is a threat or something important to discuss with them.

“Heynois!" a familiar voice called for him, The owner of the voice was none other than Sire Aham, the leader of the protectors.

Heynois bowed to greet him, "Sire Aham."

He greeted him, "Good to see you, Heynois."

"Sire Aham, What’s the occasion of this meeting?" He asked impatiently.

Sire Aham chuckled as a response to him. He knows that Heynois is impatient. But he answered him nonetheless. "People told of some creatures that looked like shadows; once they came near, they disappeared," Sire Aham said.

Heynois gave him a perplexed look. He knows a lot of creatures, as Sire Aham described them, yet he can’t name them all.

"This is really disturbing," Heynois muttered, uneasiness evident in his tone. If anything, this isn’t something one should ignore; this is something malicious. He sighed, revealing the ancient silence of the forest. How he despised the mage and their dark arts.

Aham sighted too, but he also recalled the name of the dark watchers; these creatures can’t be ghosts or wicked spirits. These things are man-made. He knows how to stop them.

He put his finger on his chin and said, "I think they are the dark watchers."

"Dark Watchers?" Heynois questioned.

"Yup, the Dark Watchers."

"What are they?" Heynois asked. He seemed intrigued, although they were evil.

"Beings made by sacrifice to make shadowy-like spies," He answered in a simple way.

"That’s bad, Sire! What are we going to do?" Heynois asked again, and his grip on his spear seemed to tighten.

Aham noticed this, yet he calmly replied, "Don’t worry, I will take care of this."

"Is there something I can do?"

"Depend on me, Heynois; I only came to warn you of such evil," He said, then flashed him a warm smile.

Heynois was sighted again; normally, he doesn’t depend on anyone. But this is Sire Aham we are talking about.

"I trust you and the remaining one," Heynois muttered.

Sire Aham smiled, then bowed, "Take care, my friend." With that, he disappeared like a flashing light, Leaving Heynois to ponder the situation.

"Great," He muttered with annoyance.

A little girl dressed in a bright red dress with jewels and a head veil was walking happily beside her mother. She is looking at everything like it’s her first time seeing it.

"Aliyaa, Honey, Stay here while I go to buy, okay?" Her mother said

"Yes, mother!" She replied.

Farrah left Aliyaa near the booth of a female vendor; she was middle-aged, Beautiful, and kind.

"Hello, Child!" The woman spoke.

"Aunt Maghda!" Aliyaa exclaimed with happiness.

Maghda is a vendor woman; she has a small booth that sells vegetables and other products.

She isn’t rich, but it gets her money for the day.

Her husband is a farmer, He works hard to provide for their children and grandchildren.

They are a happy family; they aren’t poor, but in the middle. They are grateful for this.

"Aliyaa, How are you and your mom?" She asked as she hugged the little girl.

She is friendly to her neighbors and friends. Aliyaa and her family are one of them. She likes to give Aliyaa sweets, and she knows how much she likes them.

Aliyaa, ever the happy and bright girl, "My mother is shopping; she told me to stay here until she returns!"

Maghda smiled at her and said, "Glad to hear this."

Maghda kept talking to Aliyaa, and it didn’t take long for her mom to come to her. Farrah, on the other hand, is very happy to see Magda, her neighbor.

"Maghda!" She called with a smile.

"Farrah!" Maghda called back, "How can you leave the girl like this?” She wasn’t happy about this at all.

Farrah felt a bit embarrassed by the older woman reprimanding her like a child, Maghda is right; she can’t just leave the girl alone.

She was embarrassed and lost for words; whatever she was going to say to defend herself couldn’t be justified at all.

"Next time, don’t leave her like this!" Maghda spoke in a serious tone.

"I won’t!" She replied.

Nothing had been said between the two women; Farrah took Aliyaa’s hand and left to go home; Maghda is worried for Aliyaa; must she inform Hadi about this? But she doesn’t want to causw troubles with them.

She sighed as she let this one slip for the sake of their marriage and child, But if that happens again, she won’t hesitate to tell him.

Looking through the orb above his wand. He saw a beautiful girl; she was breathtaking, and he also noticed her eyes were the color of amethyst. His heart bounced in his ribcage. For the first time in forever, he felt something like this. He intended to spy on the queen of Morbidia. If a beautiful maiden happens to be her maid or daughter, He will know who she is. and he will make her his.

"Who is she?" He pondered to himself.

He will know her; in fact, she will be brought to him. He doesn’t care if she is the daughter of the queen; he will relish the idea of stealing the queen's daughter if she is the queen’s daughter.

It will be hellish revenge for what she did to him all those years. Sweet, Cruel, revenge

[arwenkenobi48]

I’ve decided to make my own rewrite of alternate Gabriel and put him in a new original story, in light of recent events

[Warning: long post]

Basically, Gabe (as he is now called) is the subject of a painting created by an artist who unknowingly has the power to bring his artwork to life. Gabe loved it when his creator called him the most beautiful thing he’d seen and when the artist moved on to other projects, the painted angel basically went mad with jealousy.

Breaking free from his canvas, Gabe began corrupting the artist’s other paintings, turning them into twisted, monstrous images. When the horrified artist saw what was happening, he decried Gabe as a monster. Heartbroken and furious that his creator rejected him, Gabe killed the man and used his blood to create a new painting; a portrait identical to his dead creator, one that would be eternally loyal to him.

Gabe’s second in command, simply known as Edward (an expy of Six/the Intruder), still retains the skills of an artist and the mysterious powers he possessed before his murder. He creates more disturbing minions for his master, all while passing them off as ‘horror art’.

The vast majority of these art pieces fall into the hands of an eccentric rich man named Zekiel Thomson, who adds them to his vast collection. This guy’s so rich he has his own private art gallery that he shows off to all his wealthy socialite friends. After installing the ‘horror art’, however, things begin to take a turn for the worse.

First, mysterious music is heard in the night; the sickly sweet sound of a harp and the operatic voice of an angel. The last person to awaken to its sound is found dead the next day, mutilated and - most disturbingly - with a significant amount of blood missing.

As more and more of these mysterious murders unfold, Zekiel is plagued by nightmares in which Gabe’s demonic underlings are tormenting him. He resorts to hiring a detective named Vincent Truman, who’s something of a theology/occult enthusiast.

The main framing sequence of the story is told through Vincent’s notes on the case, as he goes from being sceptical of Zekiel’s credibility to finding himself in a tangled web of mass murder and blood magic, to standing face to face with the devil himself, The Painted Angel, Gabe.

I haven’t yet decided on a title for this story, but I quite like the sound of The Painted Angel. The Peculiar Case of Zekiel Thomson is another potential title, although it is a little wordy.

Also I decided to set the whole thing in England bc that’s a pretty good place for haunted paintings and unexplained phenomena. Adds a gothic feel to the whole thing too.

Kinda toying with the idea of frequently switching between different POVs between chapters but I don’t want it to get confusing. I guess that once I have the entire story mapped out it should be fine.

There’s going to be recurring themes of facing one’s inner demons, unprocessed trauma and self worth. Elements of the horror game Layers of Fear, an old Victorian story titled The New Mother, Skinamarink and Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are also going to be worked into the project.

I haven’t yet decided if this is going to be a straight up novel or a comic yet. My ability to draw is…inconsistent at best. I feel like the story might work better with some accompanying visuals, though.

But yeah that’s my thoughts so far. I have had bits and pieces of this project in my drafts for a while but I had no idea what to do with it. I think this could probably tie it all together.

Now I need to get some sleep bc I am exhausted. Lmk what you think of this idea and feel free to suggest any potential titles.

[khaire-traveler]

Tarot Divination When You Think You've Been Cursed

Being cursed does not happen very often. Curses require a lot of energy, time, and materials, and generally speaking, magic practitioners don't usually care enough to curse every single person they believe has done them wrong. So, your chances of actually being cursed are slim to none. Sometimes, you're just going through a down period in your life. Other times, you're unknowingly contributing to your own misfortune. And even still, other times, it's just sheer luck that something didn't work out the way you had thought it would.

However, if you fear someone has cursed you (or sent generally negative energy towards you), there are three tarot readings you can try to figure it out. These readings are meant to be done in order as they are presented and can shed some much-needed light on your situation. I recommend making sure you have a lot of time set aside to do these readings.

The readings will be listed below as the questions you are meant to ask, as I don't personally work with spreads. You can create your own spread based on the questions, if you would like to.

-

1. A general overview of your life, as it is, currently

What you're looking for are any outliers - people, archetypes, and situations that shouldn't be present in your life currently. This can be a card representing your witchy ex, major arcana with magical implications despite a lack of recent magical workings, or even cards describing past situations with people you've cut ties with. Ask yourself these questions:

Are any names/faces coming to mind as I interpret the cards, specifically ones I haven't thought about in a while? These can serve as clues to whom put a potential curse on you, especially if you've been having nightmares and dream-warnings of this person as of late.

Do the cards keep bringing up a specific situation from the past that I was involved in? This can serve as a clue - whom put the potential curse on you and why.

What major arcana archetypes (The Empress, The Fool, The Hermit, etc.) are present in this reading? This can be yet another clue as to whom put the potential curse on you. Remember that seeing an archetype card does not guarantee that it's about a person separate from yourself. The card may present itself because it simply has a message for you.

2. Negative Influences That Are Currently in Your Life

What you're looking for here are any cards that feel out of place, such as mentions of a specific past person or situation repeatedly. Note here that this reading may also cause you to face some difficult truths with yourself, as sometimes, we get in our own way. If that's the case, then it's likely you aren't cursed. Ask yourself these questions:

Could this be related to a current mindset I have or action I keep repeating? ALWAYS assume mundane over magical; like I said, curses do not happen often.

Does the same archetype keep being mentioned (The Empress and Queen of Pentacles, Death and Eight of Cups, Judgement and Justice, etc.)? Archetypes can serve as clues for whom put a potential curse on you and why.

Is there a person from my life that keeps being brought up in a magical context? Cards I would consider "magical" include The Magician, The High Priestess, The Moon, and Nine of Cups. If you keep seeing the same person, reflect on the relationship you have with them, as it could just be that this person is unhealthy for you in a non-magical way (The Devil and The Tower would be strong indications of this).

3. What is Currently Causing Your Misfortunes

This is obviously the most direct of the three readings, but interestingly, you may not get very direct answers. The cards may focus more on giving you advice which, while helpful, doesn't really answer the question at hand. My advice is to talk to your cards before doing this reading and tell them you're not looking for advice but are seeking direct answers.

An important note here is that your cards may tell you that your current actions or mindsets are causing the problem you're facing. They may also tell you that you're honestly just going through a low period in life. Be aware that curses are not always the answer. I have to keep repeating this because sometimes people get paranoid that they are cursed when the cause is really something mundane. I don't want to encourage fear or paranoia over curses.

When interpreting this reading, ask yourself these questions:

Is there a specific person being brought to my attention? Keep in mind that people can cause problems in non-magical ways, so be sure to pay close attention to the surrounding cards and whether or not they imply magical workings.

Are the cards evading an answer/not making any sense? This can happen sometimes as a signal of a curse - something that is being kept hidden from you. It can also be a sign to cleanse your cards, so I'd cleanse your cards and try the reading again before jumping to conclusions.

Is this a mundane answer or a magical answer? Think this through very carefully. I'd even recommend taking a few days to think about, if you're able to. Usually, the answer is more mundane than we initially think it to be.

-

If you feel you're cursed, I recommend cleansing your space spiritually as well as yourself. There are spells you can do to counter curses, such as this spell (curse removal and reversal), this spell (curse-removing bath), and this spell (this last spell is actually a short list of return-to-sender spells). After cleansing, I recommend putting up spiritual protections. This (everyday protection), this (curse decoy), and this (simple spell) are good protections to try, if you're not sure where to start.

Best of luck to you all! I hope this post helps someone! ☺️🧡

[its-callum-everybody]

I CANNOT DRAW. That’s how I’m starting this off. You see dear readers, I lack skill in art, so, since I can’t share my twisted oc with you that way. I’ll be doing it the best way I know how: In Depth Character Analysis!

Part 1 — Basic Character Information / Relationships

Part 2 — Everything to do with her Unique Magic

Part 3 — Lore

Part 4 — Appearance

Part 2 ➤

Unique Magic Time!

Starting off, her Unique Magic and Backstory took inspiration and elements from the Disney movie: The Black Cauldron. A movie which, if you know you know, was very ‘graphic’ for its time period. So her unique magic is kind of gory and if you have anything Against the TWs below don’t read this.

TW(s): Blood, mention of Self-harm (kinda), mention of blood loss and its many after-effects

With that out of the way, I’m gonna start this off simply by giving you all the name.

" Teival’s Lamb "

Starting off, The cauldron in the movie was never given a name. Nor was the Evil Emperor that was trapped inside of it ever given one. So I’ve decided to give him a name myself: ‘Teivel’

Teivel is, from what I can source, a Yiddish name meaning ‘The Devil’ and at the very beginning of the movie the narrator is noted to say that the emperor was ‘so cruel, so evil the gods feared him.’ And as we know he obviously has some monumental power. So what can of course a god fear and have equal, if not more power, to them? The Devil.

Lambs, more often than not, are depicted as beings of innocence and purity. Tis’ why there are many phrases which depict their innocence begin sullied or used in guise of something else. Like a Sacrificial lamb is something of purity to be killed or used to appeal to a greater evil.

So in this context the name of unique magic can be understood to mean: ‘The Devil’s Lamb’ Now why would the devil hang onto someone pure? He wouldn’t. He’d want to destroy it. That’s when we start getting into her actual ability.

Teival’s Lamb allows the user to morph their own blood into different objects or beings. Perhaps even to heal and rebuild matter. There is no limit to what they can create so long as they are willing to loose the blood.

Her ability can only be used if she is bleeding, or in most cases, causes harm to herself to make her bleed. Which is to be noted as to why she carries a dagger on her person at all times. Often referring to it as her prized possession second to her rapier.

This powerful ability is of course its own weakness. As blood loss comes with many side effects: confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, increased heart rate, vomiting, seizures, disorientation, shortness of breath, and just being very weak in general. She’s also more likely to develop Anemia than others.

In short, to us her unique magic she has to harm herself in order to ‘appeal’ to the devil. Sort of like in the movie we learn that one can use the cauldron but in the you can’t control it. It will always want more. Sort of like a monkeys paw. You can wish for something, but it will take something in return, often something a bit more than what it’s worth.

Her ability works in that exact same format. Even for something small, like, a tin can. She’d have to give blood to make it.

Now. I can’t go into much more detail until I explain her lore. So everyone’s going to have to wait until that part is uploaded. Until then, please, enjoy this lovely bit of analysis.

[vavuska]

I think that taking real cases of people that claim demons forced them to kill their family and friends, and turning those cases in horror movies with impressive special effects and “real” scenes of demonic possession, is immoral and dangerous for all the people involved: not only for victims but also for the murderers, people with mental health problems, that have been fooled by frauders who didn't let them having a good defence in the court and been helped by mental health professionists.

In many of this movie the loose “based on real events” hook is used to validate the fearful notions of a real Satanist threat against the societal order and the public's safety – a notion reconnecting with the “Satanic panic” of the 1970s and 1980s, when false allegations of horrific acts by outside groups—including cannibalism, child murder, torture, and incestuous orgies— placed minorities in the role of the “Other”, as well created a scapegoat for complex problems in times of social disruption.

More over, taking cases of murders and domestic abuses where the perpetrators are priests and family members who claim to been practicing an exorcism, and making them “real” in horror movies with special effects and creative licenses, is dangerous and only contributes to inadvertently root certain superstitions in the minds of the most naïve viewers and contributes to perpetuate harmful stereotypes for people suffering from certain mental illnesses (such as epilepsy, schizophrenia or Tourette's syndrome). Furthermore, it is disrespectful to the victims, who have had to suffer for the abuses of ignorant relatives instead of receiving a real help.

Movies I was talking about:

1. Amytiville Horror franchise

Ronald DeFeo Jr. was found guilty of killing his parents, two brothers and two sisters in their home in Amityville, New York, on Nov. 13, 1974.

DeFeo has offered so many accounts over the years, but the one that has sustained the test of time is that he and he alone murdered his whole family: at one point he confessed, suggesting he heard voices telling him to kill everyone. According to DeFeo’s lawyer, the closest he ever came to explaining why he did it was when he said he felt his family was conspiring against him. Another theory was that he was after his father’s $200,000 insurance policy.

The jury that convicted him didn’t buy the insanity defense offered by his lawyer, William Weber, and found him guilty on all six counts of murder.

About a year after the murders, George and Kathy Lutz bought the house and moved in with their three children. They fled in panic 28 days later, leaving everything behind, claiming they were driven out by demons.

The house became the subject of numerous investigations by paranormal researchers, journalists, and skeptics, including the infamous Ed and Lorraine Warren, a self-proclaimed couple of experts in exorcism and hunting.

Everyone loves good ghost stories, and as tales of the supernatural evolved, readers couldn’t get enough of it.

The story caught the attention of Jay Anson who wrote the best-selling book, “The Amityville Horror,” which has subsequently been adapted into the 1979 and 2005 movies of the same name, while also serving as inspiration for the cinematic franchise that followed. The Warrens' version of events is partially adapted and portrayed in the opening sequence of The Conjuring 2 (2016).

“There was no insanity,” DeFeo wrote in one letter. “Only people talking to Weber about books, movies, about me being possessed.”

He scoffed at claims of supernatural activity in the house, saying once, “There was no demon. You know who the demon is. I am the demon.”

2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose

“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is based on the real-life story of Anneliese Michel, a German girl who was believed to be possessed by the Devil and underwent multiple exorcisms to try to get rid of the demon. She, like the fictional Emily Rose, eventually died in 1976 — and her family and the priests who performed her exorcisms were put on trial for negligent homicide.

Anneliese Michel was born in 1952 in Bavaria. Raised by a devoutly Roman Catholic family, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 16 and put on various medications to help control the convulsions. However, the medications didn't seem to curb her increasingly erratic behavior, and her family began to look for help outside of the traditional medical field. Anneliese was also treated for depression, tried to commit suicide and self-injuries.

As her symptoms worsened, she developed an extreme aversion to anything symbolic of Christianity, that is quite normal growing up in a family of bigots. She also reported seeing demonic faces, hearing demons talking to her and began compulsively doing hundreds of squats and genuflections a day — 400 to 600 by most accounts — until she eventually ruptured the ligaments in her knees. She also reportedly screamed incessantly and began to eat bugs, behaviors that were not abated by the use of doctor-prescribed medications (which could be a sign of a wrong medication were prescribed to her).

Those are symptoms that were directly aligned with schizophrenia: seeing visions, hallucinations, dissociation, social isolation, catatonia, rampant insomnia and suddenly violent outbursts. Also, hyperreligiosity can be fairly common in psychosis.

Not to mention that she started having “demonic” symptoms literally the year “The Exorcist” came out. Released the day after Christmas in 1973, “The Exorcist” became a pop culture phenomenon, the likes of which the horror genre has rarely seen before or since. Anneliese was known as a social, modern girl and was a university student. She had a boyfriend and frequently associated with friends. Being that The Exorcist was the most internationally successful film of all time in 1973, she more than likely went to the movies and saw it. I think that with her devotion to her religion, fear of demons and mental illness, a movie like that probably had a profound effect on her.

However, the family enlisted the help of a priest named Ernst Alst. Along with Pastor Arnold Renz, Alst set about exorcising Annaliese Michel from her demons.

Anneliese Michel would eventually endure 67 separate exorcisms in her final days and passed away after enduring almost a year of multiple weekly exorcisms. Towards the end of her life, she refused to eat — which only sped up her worsening physical condition. When she died, she weighed less than 70 pounds, and her cause of death was reported as malnutrition and dehydration that resulted from almost a year of semi-starvation during the rites.

In the recorded video of her, Annalise Michel doesn't speak any language she didn't know, there was never more than one voice coming out of her mouth, and nothing supernatural has been proven surrounding the case aside from the testimony of the priests and her parents, who were all put on trial for negligent homicide, and in 1978 they were ultimately found guilty of negligent manslaughter and sentenced to six-month prison sentences, which were suspended, and three years' probation.

Even if it's a fact that the rising fear of Satan in the ‘70s and ‘80s was incouraged by movies like“The Exorcist”, this is also a huge a snapshot of a culture in the midst of ideological upheaval, as we saw in above in Anneliese's case. There was the increased secularization that came from younger generations demanding more than their parents’ hegemonic status quo, but there was also a simultaneous revival of evangelism and modern Christian fundamentalism, which was in part a reaction to that same rapid change and, unfortunately, people were hurted emotionally and physically by this new religious feeling.

3. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

This is the third movie in the fictional Conjuring Universe, with franchise stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. The characters are based on the late controversial paranormal investigators who were self-proclaimed experts in hauntings and demonic activity.

The movie's prologue focused on Trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, the first and only legale case in which demonic possession was used as a defense in a U.S. murder trial. In that case, however, the judge ruled that it was not an acceptable defense, and that he would not permit any evidence related to possession (as every normal and mentally stable person would do) .

The story begins with an exorcism performed on David Glatzel, the youngest brother-in-law of Arne Johnson, the 19 years old murderer. (At the time of the killing, Arne had not yet married David’s sister, Debbie, but was very close with the family.)

In 1980, when David was 11, for some reason his family started to believe he was possessed by the devil, which he first encountered in Arne and Debbie’s new house.

The brothers’ mother, Judy, called Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators who were made famous by the Amityville Horror incident (murder, trials and fake possessions are a lucky thing for the con couple). Together, the family and the Warrens performed an exorcism on a terrified and emotionally confused 11 years old child. I would talk about abuse on minors performed for religious reason or superstitions.

However, David was really traumatized and suffering during the exorcism and this had a huge impact on Arne, who intervened, yelling things like “Leave this little kid alone. Take me on. I’m here. Take me on.”

The Warrens and most of the Glatzel family believe that the entity that was supposedly possessing David then migrated into Arne. Five months later, they say, it resurfaced, took over Arne’s body, and killed Alan Bono, his landlord, during a fight: according to this version, Bono was trying to bed Debbie, Arne's fiancé. Arne was drunk, confused and told the police he didn't remember anything about the killing.

The trial, which took place in 1981 in Brookfield, Conn., became known as the “Devil Made Me Do It” case and drew national attention, because our boy, the defendant Arne Johnson, attempted to deny responsibility for the killing of his landlord, Alan Bono, based on claims of possession.

Eventually, Johnson shifted gears and pleaded self-defense, aiming for a manslaughter charge instead of murder in the first degree. The jury would eventually rule in his favor, charging him with manslaughter in the first degree. He was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in a maximum security prison.

In 1985, Arne Johnson and Debbie Glatzel got married in prison. Arne was released a year later, after having served five years, for good behavior. The pair stayed together until Debbie’s death in 2021.

Why all this people made this story up? The Warren did it for money, the Glatzel and the Johnson to protect Arne from a long time in prison. Arne Johnson is still faithful to this version nowdays, while David Glatzel and his brothers seems more keen to admit they have been scammed by money-hungry conpeople. They said that the possession story was a hoax concocted by Ed and Lorraine Warren to exploit the family and his brother's mental illness, and that the franchise produced by the Warner presented some family members as the villains because they did not believe in the supernatural claims. The Glatzel family asserted that the Warrens told them the story would make the family millionaires and would help get Johnson out of jail. Unfortunately, the large part of the money earned from this story ended up in the Warrens' pockets.

Although—unusually for the publicity-hungry opportunists—the real Ed and Lorraine Warren were never involved in a satanic day care case, The Conjuring third movie connects Arne Johnson's case to the satanic panic, somewhat validating the notion of a societal threat of underground Satanist activity. (X)

Even if Satanic cults have been a sub-plot in The Conjuring Universe since Annabelle, the Disciples of Ram is not based on any real-life group and the inspiration for the cult stems from the “Satanic Panic” era of the 1970s and 1980s, where misinformed people became terrified by Satanism. Violent criminal cases such as the Manson Family murders, organized by cult leader Charles Manson, and the serial killer Son of Sam spurred on the public's fear. While thousands of unsubstantiated claims of Satanic rituals occurred over those two decades, the Disciples of Ram were written as a fictional demon-worshipping.

Within two years of The Devil Made Me Do It’s setting, the real world saw a rising tide of “Satanic Panic”, that would lead to dozens of school officials, employees, and parents being accused of participating in Satanic rituals which included blood orgies and human sacrifices—with many serving years or decades in prison. It was the beginning of a new kind of paranoia in American life, and it was inspired, at least in part, by the spooky imagery of movies like“The Exorcist” . (X)

As the title teases, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, leans hard into the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s, but with zero recognization that it was a moral panic that was overwhelmingly made up of hype and lies. Instead, they build a Satanist straw-woman, who looks like she could be Lorraine’s evil twin. Played by Eugenie Bondurant, this Satanist witch is a thin, painfully pale white woman with angular features, a prim bun, and a modestly cut but dourly black dress. This bland Big Bad must be hunted down before she leads more nice white Christian men to vicious acts they would never commit on their own. To a very specific audience, this might be deeply scary. Not to me though.

Maybe it’s because I’m a “lapsed” Catholic and I’ve seen the “good men of faith” that I grew up around outed as abusers again and again. Maybe it’s because I turned up for a ghost story and eye-rolled the moment in which the fictional Ed Warren started stumping for more Christian influence in government. Maybe for all of the above, I have no patience for the bad faith argument made by screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and director Michael Chaves.

Knowing that the “Satanic Panic” of the ’80s was a hysteria sparked by false allegations and outrageous memoirs, which were later debunked. (X), the movie ends with a statement that many cases like this were reported before the satanic abuse hysteria faded.

*According to psychiatrists, “The Exorcist” was supposedly based on the case of a young female patient who was admitted to Georgetown University in 1974 in order to investigate a bizarre ailment, which, in retrospect, was a possible case of Tourette Syndrome.