#of going to the demon realm and becoming a witch and running away from all her problems forever

[welcometogrouchland]

[ID: digital fanart of the owl house. The piece features Luz, the collector, and kid belos. Luz is in her season 3 design holding her bat and a backpack with her palismen inside. Both items are at her side and she looks on at the audience with a determined expression. The collector is on her left and is facing away from us with a mischievous face. Kid belos is on Luz's right, holding a wooden sword in one hand. The shading on him is reminiscent of a 1600s ink ink drawing. The background is black and white text above the characters reads "thanks to them, 15/10/22". End ID]

Happy owl house eve folks! Sorry about the UK date system <3

[patolemus]

Here’s a little thing that’s been bugging me for a few weeks.

Summary: Stiles is a demon. This is common knowledge. At least, he was under the impression that this is common knowledge. He should have known better than to trust Derek Hale to figure it out.

————————————

Look, in his defense, Stiles was sure they knew. At least, he was sure Derek knew, and if Derek knew, then the rest of the pack knew. That’s just kind of how it works, when they aren’t hiding threats from each other.

(He’s not pointing fingers. It’s just that Stiles sometimes gets fucking tired when the pack does not tell him shit and then he ends up having to figure it all out by himself so they don’t get themselves killed. It wasn’t funny the first time Scott tried it back in sophomore year. It hasn’t gotten any funnier since.)

(Alright, so he is pointing fingers. Sue him.)

Stiles is a demon. And okay, before anyone gets mad and starts saying shit like ‘no he’s not, he’s just a bit chaotic’, he… well, Stiles will admit to being chaotic as a general rule, but that is more of a character choice. He’s being for real when he says he’s a demon.

His parents couldn’t have children. It’s just how it goes sometimes. But Claudia was a very powerful witch, and she knew a thing or two about making pacts with demons. So when the doctors told her she could not carry any children, she figured the next step was obviously to summon a creature from down below and make a deal with it in exchange for a child.

That’s where Stiles comes in.

Claudia probably wasn’t expecting a demon child to come to her when she did her summoning, but personally? Stiles thinks she lucked out. Stiles is a friendly demon, as far as those go, and his policy regarding humans is more ‘see what makes them tick’ rather than ‘make them burst into flames spontaneously’, so all in all, she could have done a lot worse.

So that’s kind of how he ends up as Stiles Stilinski, son of John and Claudia Stilinski. Claudia and John are the only ones that know Stiles’ true name, though only Claudia can say it right. John tries his best, but they all collectively decide that Mischief is a rather good alternative.

In exchange for being the best son anyone could have, Stiles gets to spend an unspecified amount time on the mortal realm. Claudia doesn’t put any restrictions on him, on the understanding that Stiles can’t go and kill people for kicks. Annoying them is fair game, though.

That’s fine. Stiles has never been particularly interested in needless violence. He’d much rather learn everything there is to know about humans. Such interesting creatures. Truly fascinating.

And that’s how he spends the next twelve years of his life. He makes one singular friend - humans tend to get this instinctual need to get away from demons, but Scott doesn’t have any survival instincts at all, so it works out fine - and spends most of his time enjoying the admittedly mundane life of a human child.

Stiles knows there’s a pack of werewolves living in town, but he never runs into them, and then they die in that terribly suspicious fire and the survivors leave. The town quiets down a lot after that, and Stiles tries not to mourn the loss too badly. The energy they gave off was very pleasant.

Then the werewolves come back to town.

Stiles doesn’t intent to get involved. He doesn’t. He’s a demon, he doesn’t care for mortal affairs no matter how amusing they are. So he doesn’t do anything when he feels the presence of an Alpha in Beacon Hills after seven years. A not his circus not his monkeys kinda situation. But then Scott gets turned into a werewolf, and Stiles doesn’t care for mortal affairs but he does care about Scott, so really, it was inevitable.

There’s also Derek Hale. Derek Hale with his lickable abs and his chiseled scowly face and that angryhurtsadmiserable aura of his. Stiles acuses him of murder, Derek shoves him into walls. How is Stiles supposed to not become completely obsessed?

Anyways.

Stiles isn’t sure how he ended up in a pack of werewolves of all things - demons are lonely creatures, they don’t get packs - but he can probably blame Scott for that. It’s pretty alright, even if he gets dragged into every possible supernatural matchup imaginable. At least no one is busting out the holy water. Not that it would work, that’s a myth. Stiles had that phase as a kid where he went to church every Sunday morning and received the sacrament of Eucharist just for kicks. His dad didn’t find it funny, but Stiles still thinks it’s fucking hilarious. Now he uses the name of Jesus Christ every time he can. It’s blasphemous and Stiles thinks it’s hilarious too.

Back to the point, Stiles never bothered to hide he’s a demon. He doesn’t advertise it, of course, but he doesn’t go out of his way to mask his scent or whatever. He’s powerful enough that he can take on mostly anything that comes find him. So he thought Derek knew, and was just being chill about it and not mentioning it.

Apparently not.

The bitten wolves, he could understand. They still mix up deer and rabbit after years of being bitten when they’re running in the preserve. But Derek’s a born wolf. He was trained since he was a kid, and it’s not like demons are hard to sniff out. Hell clings to Stiles like a second skin.

Well, it turns out Derek is the ultimate failwolf, because after four years, he still had no idea. It takes a run in with another demon - this one does like to set humans on fire, unfortunately, so Stiles has to banish it back to Hell - and even then Stiles has to practically spell it out for him. Stiles is only a bit disappointed in him. Mostly, he’s still a bit confused on how Derek even missed it in the first place.

“Dude, can’t you smell it?” he asks, and they’re alone in the loft because everyone else has gone out to buy celebratory donuts while they try to get the scorch marks off Derek’s wall. It’s not going as well as they hoped.

Instead of an answer, or a growl, which is his primary method of communication, Derek does something unexpected and fucking—blushes.

Huh. Okay.

Wait, no. Not okay. What?

“It’s not considered polite to act on the way people smell, Stiles,” and Derek’s voice is strangled, like it hurts him to get the words out. He’s always been bad at talking but Jesus Christ, this is excessive.

(Heh. Jesus Christ. It will never not be funny.)

“That’s bullshit and you know it. I’ve lost count of how many times you’ve sniffed out other supernatural creatures or people’s intentions. It’s what you do. Other than rip out throats and creep around my window, obviously,” Derek’s scowl makes an appearance - there it is, Stiles was getting worried for a second - looking back at the scorched wall like it’s going to magically clean itself with the power of his rage.

Stiles could probably do something like that. Maybe. His magic is chaotic on a good day, so he can’t really call it reliable. Destructive, definitely. Offensive, if he has to pick between that and defense. Stiles is terrible at that.

He’s really getting off track here.

“That’s different. You’re not a supernatural creature,” Derek says stubbornly and what?

“What?”

“What,” it’s impressive how he always manages to ask questions that don’t sound like questions.

“What do you mean, I’m not a supernatural creature? Are you—“ Stiles looks at his Alpha with narrowed eyes, mouth open mid sentence as it finally downs on him that they’re talking about very different things. “What did you think I meant when I asked you if you smelt it?”

Derek stubbornly refuses to say anything. That’s fine. Stiles is the king of stubborn, he can out-stubborn anyone at any given time.

“Tell me,” he presses. Derek doesn’t say anything. “Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me, tell—“

“Jesus fuck, Stiles, fine!” heh. Stiles knew he’d break. “I was smelling that you’re horny. All the time.”

That— that’s not what Stiles was expecting. Um. Okay. So things got awkward very fucking quickly.

“Oh,” he says, and now he sounds strangled because he thought he’d kept that little tidbit of information hidden quite nicely. It turns out Derek was just being polite about it.

God, does it mean the betas can smell it too? Oh, no, no no no no.

(Heh. God. Stiles is so funny.)

(He really has to stop unfocusing like this.)

Stiles is officially mortified. Turns out even demons get prudish after spending so much time in the mortal realm. Who knew? It’s okay, Stiles will just find the nearest bridge to throw himself off from. If he has any luck he’ll die instantly and won’t get back to Hell so he doesn’t have to live with this knowledge forever.

“It’s okay. I know it’s not personal or anything,” Derek’s still not looking at him. He’s grabbed back his rag and is valiantly rubbing away at the wall. Stiles doesn’t have the heart to tell him that if the mark hasn’t come out already, it probably never will. He’d know, he’s burned plenty of walls before.

By accident, if his dad ever asks.

“That’s fine and all, only it’s very personal,” and Stiles is just making a bigger hole to bury himself in, but his mouth is faster than his brain. It’s an ongoing issue. “You don’t think I’m horny all the fucking time, right? I mean, demons do have that hyper hormonal stage at my age but assuming it’s all the time is a bit excessive. I’m not a succubus. This is completely a you thing.”

Derek’s face does that thing where it pinches in between his eyebrows and his eyes narrow a bit, lips pressed together tightly. It’s his Stiles Just Said Something Deeply Upsetting face. He uses it a lot.

Alright, time to backtrack.

“It’s really okay that you don’t feel the same. Really, I get it. I wouldn’t feel the same about me either. So let’s just ignore I ever said anything, and we can go back to trying to clean this up even if we both know it’s not going to come out,” he offers Derek his most winning smile. Derek’s face just gets even more pinched.

Stiles’ senses are pretty dulled here on the mortal realm, but he doesn’t need them to know his Alpha is probably very pissed. At him, specifically.

So it’s Tuesday, then.

Stiles takes a step back, just as a precaution. He doesn’t think Derek will throw him against a wall - he stopped doing that a couple of years ago. Stiles refuses to acknowledge he kinda misses it - but you can never be too cautious. And Stiles did kind of just confess his undying horniness for him.

Imagine if he’d also told the guy he’s utterly and helplessly in love with him. That would have gone fantastically. Not.

“You’re a demon?” Derek’s voice comes out more high pitch than Stiles has ever heard it. He’s surprised. Why is he surprised? This is what they were talking about, before Stiles stuck a foot in his mouth. “Since when?”

“Since always? Seriously dude, can’t you smell it?”

It’s like they’re back in square one.

So. Turns out Derek truly had no idea Stiles is a demon. No wonder he’d looked like Stiles had grown a second head when he banished that fiend back to Hell.

On the good side, Derek apparently also returns his feelings, after they go in circles a few more times and Stiles gets across that he’s not just horny, he’s in love. A happy ending, in Stiles’ opinion.

(“How did you end up as the son of the Sheriff anyway? Is he a demon, too?”

“Hmn? Oh, no. My mom just did this summoning ritual for a Prince of Hell to get them a child, and I showed up. It was kind of a two for one deal,” he waves his hand dismissively.

“You’re a what?”

Oh, boy. Stiles knew he was forgetting something.)

[shinjisdone]

Two Humans in the Demon Realm - Fantasy And Nightmare

What if by the time Luz Noceda the human emerged into the demon realm...some other human did, too? However, instead of being joyful of being surrounded by all they love and taken in by a kind and openhearted witch...they are terrified of this place, taken in by the ruler of the realm?

[Basically I watched TOH again and dammit HUNTER SHALL HAVE A FRIEND I SAY NOT UNTIL S2 but NOW I SAY NOW]

BECOMING THE GOLDEN GUARD'S/HUNTER'S HUMAN FRIEND BECAUSE I SAID SO

The ground was red.

You swore you heard something akin to a growl from the plants.

The sea seems to be boiling and there is no way out, no matter how much you twist and turn.

There is no escape.

And as your fears turn into reality as raindrops hit your skin and burn your flesh away as you read in the book back home, you run and cry.

This is a nightmare.

This isn't earth. Nowhere this place could be, could be earth!

And if what that book said was true...

There are no humans but just one. From decades ago.

Perhaps you heard of the demon realm - through stories, gossip, theories, relatives that are aware of magic and witchcraft.

Maybe you believed in it, or maybe you thought it'd be humbug. The few magical instances in your life you witnessed - those were just show, right? A trick of the mind?

Or real magic after all.

But it did not matter. The moment you opened your eyes, you were stuck here.

On a rotting, red, boiling island that seemed far, far too familiar in that book you've read. Either out of interest or boredom. Maybe someone wanted to prove it to be real or you wanted to know if it was really fake.

Yet here you are and the smell, touch, sight and taste you sense were accurate to that stupid book.

And if that were the case, then certainly the rest of demons, magic and curses was real, too.

Being all alone in a strange place, stuck in it, is definitely going to be hard for you. No friends, allies or family around with only this stupid, stupid book in your hands that got you trapped here in the first place. As much as you hated it, it did give insight of the many qualities of the isles and therefore saving your skin a dozen times.

"The rain seems to be toxic. I have seen none indulge in its coolness but rather, hide from it. Witch and demon alike."

"The ground is very...solid. Almost bone-like...I do fear the entire island may be nothing but a macabre graveyard."

"I was not quite welcome here...nothing and no one hunted me down but I presume if my curiousity pushes for it, they will begin to."

The impressed yet depressing writing of the author did not help but they always managed to decribe things objectively with great detail that saved you again and again. Especially the pages including magic spells.

The many complicated and confusing glyphs written in it daunted you at first. Magic, you believe, is what got you in this mess in the first place but after careful thinking, procrastination, blocking it all out and finding yourself in a situation that forced you to cast magic - such one that could cost you your life - you've grown to be a bit more accepting of the concept of these...glyphs. Little by little, though.

So after some time, you finally, finally gained enough courage to...enter their society.

The market seemed to be fine for now. Hiding your ears behind a cape and hood YOU HAD TO MAKE YOURSELF USING THIS STUPID BOOK (which actually turned out quite impressive even when you did have to use magic) you entered. Turning into the wrong directions though you ended up in a even sketchier part of the night market.

The constant bellowing of...demons wanting to sell you things was familiar enough from earth (even when their...four eyes and gills decorated from their chin down to their chest where you can...see their heart beating...was a not so familiar sight) but the constant showing off of magic was not. You did not know everything and this (stupid) book did not detail everything either so you did your best to avoid anything magical. Which was harder than imagined considering this is a market for amplifiers and potions and whatnot.

Avoiding it all let you to an dead end of an alley...and right in the middle of a criminal act!

'Wild witches' as they were called and a red light engulfed all of you quickly from above. Figures clad in dark and masks that you recognized as that of guards of this realm appeared, those that you often had to run away from as well. Desperately tugging the book under your cloak you hoped you could use th scuffle to get out of there as fast and quietly as possible. These 'wild witches' and guards could thrash each other as much as they like, you won't stop them!

Yet from above, a cold gale with a flash of gold swept up from behind you, shoving a staff into your face.

"I wouldn't do anything stupid now if I were you."

Damnit!

Fine, the potion you begrudgingly needed three days to make had to come in handy now!

Whisking a flask to the ground, you made a run for it. You could hear coughing and cursing as the vapor ingulfed them, followed soon by another echoing sound before the same golden mask appeared in front of you again.

In a mere blink of an eye, they swung their staff and a biting wind knocked you to the ground. You quickly clung onto your book as the guard rose their staff above their head.

"One more of that trick and you're ash." They lowly let out, "Can't believe there are still wannabees out there that-"

They halt and you freeze, a shiver running up your spine. Even when all they did was stand still as a statue, the very fact that they were clad and gold and white with real, heavy armor and with a staff compared to the local guards around the isles was enough to leave you frightened.

This one means business. It must be.

But what are they? Nowhere are these people ever talked about in the book!

"...Human..."

You jerked up. Even their whispers were threatening.

Slowly but surely, the guard lowered their weapon. Though their face remained hidden by the mask resembling an owl, there was just a feeling, and underlying but undeniable feeling that made your stomach churn that whatever expression they might be having, their intentions are not in your interest.

"You're a human."

Your breath hitches. The cloak had fallen off from their spell, leaving it damp and abandoned further down in the alley. You didn't this would happen, you followed the instructions bit by bit. It felt like time stood still as the person before you hummed.

Finally, they raised their head again. "...You don't want trouble. Surely you don't?"

You shook your head.

"Then you're lucky you ran into me. Either you come with me or its the Conformatorium for you." They pointed the glowing tip of their weapon at you before playfully swinging it around, "And then, you know, zapped to dust, thrown into the sea to boil alive or petrified - there isn't much use for humans here."

Finally, you manage to speak. "You're not serious, are you?"

They sigh and motion for you to get up, doing so more threateningly when you did not obey the first time. "I'm not known for playing around." The red glow of the staff zapped towards your body, slung around your wrists like a snake before they jabbed you to keep walking out of the night market. "The Golden Guard can't afford to play around."

The next events were something you could only describe as hectic. Put on some kind of zeppelin (though it looked like a ship with wings) with magical...ropes(?) on you and head off to somewhere. Somewhere this guy claimed to be better than the 'Conformatorium'.

You had asked him what the point of taking you was but he was a bit too nonchalant for your taste.

"Oh, you'll see", He let out, "The Conformatorium is for witches and demons useless for the covens. But lucky for you, you might end up being useful, human."

It's all he said as he turned his back to you, controlling the ship with an carefree tune.

"I have a name, you know."

You spat out, couldn't take his attitude anymore. What is wrong with people in this realm?

The Golden Guard halted for a moment, stopping his melody abruptly. He waved his hand. "And?"

In turn, you scoffed out your name and telling him he might as well use it instead.

"What, does everyone also go around avoiding your name and calling you 'Golden Guard' instead or whatever?"

Once again he halted, longer than you anticipated. It was one request, a mere question but it left this guard guy guessing. He tilted his head absent-mindedly. You wondered what he'd need to ponder about for so long.

"...I do my job well," He started softly, "Well enough to be the only one worthy to be called the Golden Guard."

The trip was short and you did not know what to think of it. Glad to not bear this guy's attitude any longer or fearing for your life as a mere human in a place full of witches.

And covens? Use? Use for what? What is this...giant building, seeming more grande than anything else you've seen on the isles?

The rest followed by command. The Golden Guard shooed you to an different entrance than what you assumed tha main one was. The staff pressed against your back as you had no choice but to obey. With what could you defend yourself anyhow? An ancient book and bound hands?

The interior was akin to a palace of the medieval times, you noted. Individuals masked and clad in similiar white and gold worked routinely like soldiers in the hallways though your Golden Guard guy made sure nobody saw you. None of this was written in the book and though you have heard a few mumble in fear of the 'Emperor's Coven' you thought none of it. As long as you stayed away from it, you'd be safe. Yet here you were.

With a jab to the back, your oh so sweet companion ushered you up hidden stairs. Once entered the door behind you closed shut (with magic. Of course. Even in movies you never liked it when doors unexplainedly closed) and you went up ahead. The guard seemed to speed up more and more - along with getting ever so closer to a bright light ahead, you grew more anxious. This was it, wasn't it? You were going to die.

This would be your end, thrown into an hellscape away from family and friends. Treated like something worse than trash before your inevitable death.

Your companion rushed ahead of you, stepping into the room and immediately kneeling down. He moved his staff, causing you to tumble next to him, the magic ropes around your wrists tightening. "My Emperor," He let out in the most reverant voice you've heard him speak, "I apololgize for the sudden intervention but I have found something that might be of great interest to you regarding...the plan."

Looking up the dimly lit room, following the golden floor and walls, clad in immaculate red carpets and a set of stairs lied a throne. Tall and towering and on it, a man even more frightening.

He leaned his masked head against his armored hand, comfortably sitting on gold. His pale blue eyes glowed like that of a predator, you swore it at first sight.

"Your little friend will help accomplish our plan?"

"It is not anyone, sir." The Golden Guard pushed you forward and exposed your ears, "It is a human."

The exchange was scarier than anything else you'd seen on the isles.

The man on the throne was as swift as the wind as he stood up and approached you. He'd examine you, ask you question on who and what you are.

"Where do you come from, child, and when was that?"

He'd tilt his head and hum at your answers but did not make it known that he noticed your shaking and stuttering. However, his eyes lit up even more when he saw that book tightly hidden in your bag.

"Oh? What's this now?" With a flick of his finger, the book floated up to his eye level, pages after pages turned as he read them ever so quietly.

He'd definitely would ask you from where you got this book.

In the end it did not matter. Found it at a library, abandoned at a bus stop, given by clerk or friend. However, the man would raise a brow if you said that this book had been in your family for years.

Only if that were the case, though.

"Interesting. Well, welcome to the Emperor's Castle. Do make yourself at home."

...Wh-what?

The Golden Guard was just as confused as you. Stammering, he got up. "U- Emperor, what, here? Wh-what do you mean 'make yourself at home'?"

"It is what I said. Have you never had any guests, Golden Guard? You don't keep them prisoner," The man lifted his hand and the ropes around you vanished, "and you certainly take care of them. Like preparing a room for example." He put his arms behind his back, staring down at the younger man expectantly. He in turn, bowed and helped you up.

The...king of this castle you presumed, waved you goodbye. "We'll see what we can do for now. I'll gladly keep you here in my castle, safe and sound from the wilderness outside as long you can help me, little human."

Your companion excused the both of you and hurried you out of the throne room. Discreetly leading you inside an unused room, he shut the door.

"You're really lucky." He sighed, "...Anyone else wouldn't get...this treatment."

He sounded surprised and slightly melancholic but you didn't care - instead you can bombard him with any questions you like but he won't answer. Instead he shook his head and rose his open palm. "Listen, human. We're going to see how much of use you're going to be to the Emperor. But right here and now, the two of us are going to make some rules that he doesn't need to know of."

You can complain as much as you like but here you are in no position to refuse.

The Golden Guard listed each rule he abided to you.

'Do not leave the the castle, let alone the room. No one but him and the Emperor can know of your existence.'

'Tell each and every little secret you have to him first.'

'Don't cause trouble. He can get permission to stop treating you like a guest if you do'.

And lastly: 'Obey the Emperor.'

Your expression sours. This isn't what you wanted.

None of this was supposed to happen.

"Well, you'll get by. After all, as long as the Emperor allows it, you'll be kept safe. It's, ugh, my duty now too, to protect you. But be sure to stay in line because I can easily withdraw that priviledge."

Here you were. In this room.

It did have a bed, closet and desk with a chair. Much better than taking shelter in the rain under a firm bone or illegally breaking into someone's basement or shed. However, it was much more barren than any shed you broke into.

The Golden Guard would come in two to three times a day (WITHOUT KNOCKING) and bring you food and water. Either sternly ordering you around or playfully degrading you with a tap on the head with his staff. "Don't worry, the food is digestible for your human organs!" His enthusiasm didn't make the food taste any better though.

Aside from this, he'd ask you questions which you could only refuse or answer vaguely. He'd remind you of the safety the Emperor is providing you...but you can't admit that this 'Emperor' man felt sketchy to you. The book you always had with you was something you kept only for your eyes to see. It was your key in getting out of the demon realm and not matter what, you swore to yourself you wouldn't give it away or lose sight of it.

However, one day you had a request of your own.

"You remember our rules, don't you, human? No leaving this room."

"You can't expect to keep me here - thats keeping me prisoner, not as a guest!"

"I can tell you all about the great Emperor's Coven here. Besides, the Emperor plans to have a talk with you again."

You sigh. What's the point of escaping the room and getting lost in this giant castle right after? As well as risking being kicked out into the deadly outside of the isles?

But staying here would make you mad. Stuck in a system that you know nothing about...and you're supposed to just obey and take it?

"Can't you at least...show me around? I'd leave the room, yes, but you'd be with me. We wouldn't leave the castle and you can just keep an eye on me if you must. It's just...tiring to be here and not know what the rest of everything looks like." You looked out the window you were prohibited from opening. At least light went through, something akin to what you could deem a sun. "I still don't like this realm...but knowing nothing of it doesn't put me at ease even when I'm safe here."

Looking back you reckoned the Golden Guard was pondering about your request even behind the mask. You couldn't believe you were about to beg.

"Please, Golden Guard?"

Something about that look on your face felt too familiar.

With a heavy sigh he looks away - yet quickly regained his usual vigor. "Well, it would be a shame to be stuck in the great Emperor's Castle with the Golden Guard as your host and not see any of it."

He waved you over his shoulder to follow before swiftly spinning around with a stern voice. "But don't stray out of my sight. Disobey once and you're back in your room, human."

Hoooh boy, it worked.

Although a cloak and a mask was shoved into your hands, you gladly wore it if it meant getting out of the barren, same old room. As he said, the Golden Guard did not let you out of his sight but did insist on leading you. After all, you are pretending to be a newbie covenmember and the Golden Guard can't be seen walking side-by-side with someone beneath his status, hah!

He blabbered on and on about the many sights and objects you face with every turn of the hallways, some more interesting than the other. Your guard however, explained in great detail and with much vigor himself. "To the right we have the Healing Hat and if our guest were to turn to the left, they can admire the Oracle Sphere..."

He continued on with great detail as he waved his hand around as if that information was swimming carefreely in his brain. "Uhm, Golden Guard?" "Yes, newbie?" You ignored the sarcasm, "You witches can do magic because of that heart-addition-gall-thing-" "A sac connected to the heart filled with magical bile, which you lack." "Right. Then why do you need these magical items?"

He sighed. "They can be seen as amplifiers. They're made out of ingredients from the isles which can exceed magical abilities far greater than of any witch, besides Emperor Belos of course. It's easier than to train forever in a coven, so a short cut in a way." He shrugged.

You pondered about his answer, pursing your lips as you somewhat hesitated to ask again.

"...What are covens?"

In an blink of an eye the Golden Guard spun around and you could just imagine his dropped jaw. He let out something of a chortle. "Are you serious? You don't know anything of the Boiling Isles, do you, human?"

You sure were sick of his insults.

"If you were thrown into my realm, you wouldn't know a thing about my home either, would you, witch?"

Taking a step back, your companion hummed. "Hmph, fine. Then I'd better teach you about things here you should and shouldn't do before you get yourself killed. Can't afford to have you walk off and do something stupid, that'd be getting in the way of the plan...so follow my lead, human! I can show you the ropes."

So here you were, taking a longer patroul than planned as your teacher told you all there was to know - which was already a flood of information to take in and remember and you only started with the Emperor's Coven.

As witty his remarks were and how much he loved to throw them at you, the Golden Guard was truly a great teacher. He had a way to inprint each little trivia into your brain and even when you struggled to understand something, he managed to teach it to you in a way that you could grasp. The guy was quite knowledgable himself and it seemed his thirst for magical knowledge couldn't be easily quenched. He had an high opinion on both the Emperor's Coven and magic itself.

At the end of each day you made sure to write each new knowledge down in your book. It brings a smile on your face to see the book continued on from the detailed drawings and pretty, cursive writing to your little doodles and quick notes. It weirdly felt like being back in school and studying and while the change of environment and subjects weredaunting, the familiar routine brought you a bit of comfort.

The instances that brought no comfort were the 'meetings' with the 'king man'.

The Golden Guard drilled it into your head that he shall be adressed as 'Emperor Belos' yet no title could cease his suspicious aura. The man in question never seemed to take offense however.

He began with easy questions. Name, age, where you're from specifically and your time here in the demon realm. Often he found interest in your book but you hesitated to share its contents. The ruler always backed off when you refused.

It was also always very strange when the powerful witch emperor used your name and the Golden Guard didn't.

"Thanks for your time. It's always interesting to hear your perspective from your realm and how you perceive ours. You're really lucky you ended up here in my castle."

Belos also always reminded you of how safe you are in his domain.

If you show any disdain for the demon realm he surprisingly understands. A poor human like you couldn't survive out there for any longer...he can imagine the struggle.

He'd also be interested how far the human realm is on it's moderness. Is it the same as in the demon realm?

His number one question is how you got here in the first place though. You genuinely do not know nor remember but you do keep the secret that it had something to do with the book. Even when you did not know how.

Nevertheless, no matter how much Belos tries to win your favor and trust to look into the book and how you got here, you cannot bring yourself to trust him. The mannerism, the way he talks and walks and knowing he is an emperor just did not sit right with you.

It was never pleasant to meet with him even when he pretends it is.

So the routine stayed the same for a while until something happened.

How it happened is up to you. You snuck onto the airship to finally get out of that castle, the book or some magical item led you to it, you needed to see the Golden Guard for whatever reason or you accidentally got on it. The how doesn't matter, the fact that you are here is what would drive Belos' right-hand man mad.

"What- are you doing here?!" He squeaks out but no explanation would actually calm him. This is an mission he's on and no matter what he cannot let Belos' guest get involved in it! Think about the danger! "Oh, no, no, this isn't good. I already wasn't supposed to show you around the castle but this - this is inexcusable! No, I can't...you aren't supposed to be here, human!"

You back off. This is the first time you've seen the Golden Guard so...anxious.

As quick as it came however, he was able to shake it off and put on the mask again.

"No, it's fine. I can fix this before it even becomes a problem. But you, "He grabs your wrist, "You're staying by my side, got it?"

The outside was dangerous.

You landed in a part of the isles that was unfamilair to you. A few plants and forages were drawn in the book but that was all there was to it. Trotting after him, danger was quick to follow. It took him first and with the book always on your person, you swiftly drew a glyph in the ground. Creating a few more and dragging the guard back to the ship, he panted out his panic. And what you actually did.

"That...that was magic. I think. Picto - Picture - I don't know that part is hard to distinguish in the book." "That...that was kinda amazing...how did you-!"

Another wave of danger came and you drew another glyph onto ground. The guard steered the damaged ship to safety while you threw every trick you had up your sleeve. Finally arriving close to the castle in safety, your companion caught his breath and approached you.

"How...how did you do that? I thought humans can't put any spells on anything! I've never seen magic casted like that before!"

You can't help but smile slightly, seeing him genuinely flustered. Seems like he wasn't really this all-knowing teacher.

"I just copied what was in the book...it's easier than you think." Yet at that moment, your heart dropped. Someone as inquisitive as the Golden Guard who is still your captor even if he doesn't see himself in that way, would then want nothing more than to look into your book. You caught him reaching out for it before he stopped.

"Wait...those were various magic spells used from all kinds of covens...wild magic. You can't use that." You raised a brow and pressed the book further into you and away from him. "Why not? It's just usual magic, isn't it?" "You don't understand," He sounded serious despite being roughed up, "Of course you human wouldn't understand. You could get hurt if you aren't careful. Wild magic can..."

Retracting his hand, a sigh escaped him and he halted for a few moments. You weren't sure what he'd do next.

"...I am not giving you the book."

"You should! In fact, you gotta if you don't want to end up hurt!"

"These spells saved us! I saved you!"

Your glare soured again into a small frown. You took a step back and looked up at him, lips pressed into a thin line. You didn't really wanted to have him as an enemy.

You didn't want anyone to be an enemy. You didn't want to be here.

"I'm not fond of this magic either, Golden Guard, but I've got to use them. If I don't, I won't survive. If I didn't use this book back when I first got here and just now, I wouldn't have survived this place at all."

The guy was unusually silent. Only the flat breaths hitting his mask filling the silence.

Finally, he spoke up just as soft as you.

"...Why did you save me anyway?"

You rose a brow. You could understand where he came from with that question...but it still came out of nowhere. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because you have no reason to. I...I am your host and you are welcome in the castle but you...you still didn't have a reason..." He trailed off for a second before starting again, "You could have steered the ship and got yourself back to safety. You could've left me behind."

Again, you only looked at him puzzled. "...Why would I?"

You stared at each other in silence.

- Before you broke it with nervous laughter. "I don't know how it is with you but from where I come from we...don't usually do that. You needed help and I could help you with these glyphs," You pointed at the book, "So, I helped you. I...couldn't just abandon you, Golden Guard."

The second wave of silence that ensued truly made your nervousness rocket.

A breath was taken, as if he had held it the entire time he was staring at you, and with it let out mumbles under his breath. "That's...so weird." With an unsure gait he passed by you, grabbed your wrist and lead the both of you to the castle.

Without looking back he adressed you with his usual stern voice. "I will not be confiscating the book. But I want to know what other forms of wild magic you can do...for research and safety. I won't tell Emperor Belos anything of what happened today."

The days grew less mundane at least, beside the one misadventure.

The Golden Guard visited you more often with more interesting intentions. You shared with what you were comfortable with and though it did annoy him at times, he found this new information more than helpful. You discussed many variants of magic and his excitment of the topic was quite infectious (but you'd never tell him that). In turn, he showed more around the castle and introduced you to many things but would not take you with him outside the castle barriers.

He still did not thank you for saving his life. It seemed he did not know how.

But you've come to grown to his company and vice versa.

[amiizuki]

it will be forever funny to me how the flashback portraits of Wittebrothers made Caleb seem like he's had packing peanuts for a brain

(this post ended up becoming quite lengthy, and so did the tags somehow, because I kinda devolved into a rant closer to the end of writing this whole thing, so bear with me here)

so we know that Philip and Caleb became orphans when both of them were still kids. after that, they ended up in Gravesfield and, to fit in with everyone else who lived there, picked up witch hunting and started thinking that witches are pure evil. Caleb knew perfectly well that he's the only family Philip's had left and that he even may be his his only friend, since, judging by the portraits, they've only ever hung out with each other and we don't know if those two ever made any other actual friends.

until one day, during a witch hunt he and Philip were both a part in (something Caleb seemed happy to do, judging by his smirk there), he met a witch – Evelyn – someone he's been taught to hate and want dead by the townsfolk. someone who, again, in his mind, should be evil.

but he just suddenly does a 180 and goes "damn, you can make fire with your hands, you're actually pretty cool"

and then a few days (?) of talking to her later, he's running off to live with her in the Demon Realm, while simultaneously not giving a single fuck about the brother he's abandoning.

(he even runs off with a smile, with a literal :D face, I fucking can't lmao)

Philip ends up seeing Caleb get dragged off through a weird portal and later follows along, thinking something like "no, my brother wouldn't just up and abandon me without saying anything. he probably got captured by that witch we saw together that one time! she probably used some demon magic to bewitch Caleb and took him through that portal to kill him or worse! I gotta go save him!". and, after spending god knows how long in that realm, searching endlessly for his missing older brother, he eventually finds him. but he also finds that Caleb is not only perfectly okay and not hurt in the slightest, he's also peacefully walking together with the same witch who "captured" him, even holding hands with her.

and when enraged Philip tries to attack Evelyn, to protect Caleb from the witch who took him from his home, from his brother, still thinking that Caleb's under her control, Caleb just... gives him a hug and goes on to introduce the witch as his new wife to him (I'm assuming that portrait is the same day as the other three, if not the same scene), also adding on top of that that they're having a child. all as if nothing happened. treating the whole thing like everything's perfectly okay and just another normal day, fully ignoring the fact that he threw his brother away with no care or thought, leaving him completely alone, a full orphan, now with zero actual family left (in TTT, during their backstory, it's said that "Caleb did his best to take care of his younger brother", meaning that either they never got adopted in Gravesfield, or whoever adopted them didn't give a shit about the two, so they still mostly had to fend for themselves), all to go smash some random 5 out of 10 witchussy he talked to, like, 3 times. no fucking wonder Philip killed him!

(btw, jokes aside, it didn't seem like he intended to kill Caleb, because in that portrait where he's ready to kill with a knife in his hand, he's facing forward, while Caleb is actually to his left. so it just looks to me like Philip was gonna try to kill Evelyn again, and Caleb either jumped in front of her to protect her and got accidentally stabbed or he attacked Philip back, to, again, protect Evelyn, and Philip ended up winning that fight. but that's just my theory)

my brother in literal christ and literal titan – why in the FUCK are you just hugging it out with a smile on your face??? you ran off while giving absolutely no warning to anyone, especially your younger brother! why do you think he's here and actively trying to attack you and your new wife? you're not even trying to address the fact that you left him! at least when Luz ran off to a different realm without warning, she had a "I'm still at the camp" cover, so Camila wouldn't worry that much about where her daughter is, and even then she still felt bad for leaving her mother and planned to go back home once summer was over. this chucklefuck, on the other hand, just permanently portaled away to the Boiling Isles, knocked up a witch and fully settled down there, walking around with a big ol' smile and no care in the world. "Philip who? never heard of him"

the only thing that would sorta make this situation seem better (as in, not make Caleb seem like an overly naive ignorant brick), in my opinion, is if they added one more portrait – after the one where he meets the witch, but before the one where he leaves. in that portrait, Caleb would look like he's trying his best to convince Philip that witches aren't actually evil, and perhaps even try to get him to go live with them in the Demon Realm, all the while Philip's looking at him with either disagreement/disappointment/disgust or just rolling his eyes and full on ignoring him, while sharpening his witch hunt tools or something. then it would look like Caleb at least tried to make his brother change his mind, like he tried to offer him a chance to go with them. but no. with the way the portraits look in the final version it just seems like Caleb was fully on-board with killing witches since he was young, even pulling his younger brother along to think the same way, Philip also thought that Caleb was perfectly fine with killing witches, but once he actually meets a real witch (assuming they've never met one before) he instantly pulls an uno reverse card and just runs off with her, without so much as telling his brother beforehand.

I'm not trying to say that "Belos should've been redeemed, because he's the victim here and Caleb is bad and it's all his fault". he still murdered his brother and went on to manipulate everyone on Boiling Isles for centuries, with his end goal being the death of all witches, while simultaneously being stuck in the loop of "denial" and "bargaining" stages of grief – repeatedly trying and failing to recreate a perfect copy of Caleb, but also killing each one that came out wrong or went against him. Belos not being redeemed in the end was the right choice (ignoring the "Belos was always le bad" from King's dad), I agree with that. frankly, if he actually got redeemed in the end, I'd probably be seething for the next 3 to 5 years, like how I did after the Diamonds' "redemptions" in SU (yes I'm still pissed about that lol). I'm just saying that, from what was shown to us, Caleb didn't seem like that good of a person either, not as bad as Belos ended up being, but still not that great. and, once again, seemingly had a raisin for a brain.

(off topic, but during Masha's retelling of Wittebane's backstory, their "sounds like big bro got a hot witch girlfriend and little bro got upset" line was so fucking cringe, it gave me a fever for 3 days the first time I watched the episode)

k, rant over, I dunno what else to add

TL;DR: I think Caleb was dumb as a brick, because, from what was shown to us in their backstory, he seemed to have run off to Demon Realm and abandon Philip without telling him anything beforehand. when Philip came to BI to look for his brother, who he assumed was under control of the witch who "took" him, since he thought his last living family member wouldn't just abandon him, and when he eventually found him, and it turned out he wasn't in any danger at all, Caleb just brushed the whole "I left you for witchussy" thing under the rug and pretended everything was and is perfectly fine, even though it clearly isn't. rip bozo

[miqotepotatoe]

All of my Ninjago AUs because I am insane & autistic + it's fun

(disclaimer, a vast majority of these focus on cole brookstone because favouritism bias)

My Nonexistant Friend - Ghost!Cole AU where Day of the Departed...did not end so well. He's trapped in the Airjitzu Temple and is effectivly erased from existance. He suffers in nonexistant puragtory for 300 years until Lloyd's future students move in and the Master of Earth of this new era befriends the ghost. Fluff, feels & the power of friendship ensue

Perma Ghost - Ninjago but Cole remains a ghost. To prevent him from fading he anchors himself to friendship bracelets all the ninja + Wu & Pixal wear. He can't stray to far from anyone wearing a friendship bracelet but he doesn't mind he's always with a friend.

Curseworlds - Possession bad end, heavily inspired by The Star from Fionna & Cake. The Preeminent has won and has cursed all the realms and ghosts torment the remaining living souls. A small faction of survivors is fighting to take out the Queen of the Cursed, but it's very difficult with her two princes causing havoc. Anyone order evil Sandstorm?

Reverse - An alt Ninjago where Wu was bit by the Great Devourer instead of Garmadon. Wu becomes an evil dictator, Ninjago is in a lawless era, the og ninja are all traumatised child soldiers made to do Wu's bidding, Garmadon and a few familiar faces are fighting back.

Genderswap - As it says, everyone is genderswapped. But it's like Fionna & Cake where some stuff is different because of the swapped genders.

Elemental Anacondrai - Chen decides to be extra twisted and mark all the loosers of the Tournament with the Anacondrai Mark as a sign of ownership. When the cult is transformed into Anacondrai, they too. So for the last two episodes of ToE, Skylor, Karlof, Gravis, Bolobo, Ash, Cole, Jacob, Chamile & Tox are turned into Anacondrai.

Constrictai!Cole - Cole isn't dehypnotised at the end of Home and is taken prisoner by the Hypnobrai. When the Fangpyre are free and team up with the Hypnobrai, Skales has them turn Cole into a Serpentine. He ends up a Constrictai. The ninja end up rescueing him durring Can of Worms, remove the hypnotism with some anti-venom tea, and now Cole must adjust to his new reptilian body. Lots of Glacier

Lost But Never Found - AU where Cole ends up in the Land of Lost things after running away from his school. He becomes a Finder and is living his best life with his new found family. Sora also ends up there after running away and Cole adopts her

Vampire!Cole - Cole ends up becoming a vampire after getting attacked by one. Lots of hyjinks & vampire hunting (hunting other vampires, not Cole)

Wu Adopts Cole - Wu finds Cole a lot earlier then canon, at 10 years old. He's an orphan, his mum passed from illness and his dad drank himself to death. Wu raises Cole, trains him in his Elemental Power, very wholesome Dad Wu stuff.

Amphibijago - Ninjago + Amphibia crossover. Cole, Kai and Jay take the places of the Calamity Girls and end up in Amphibia. Cole ends up with the frogs, Kai ends up with the toads, Jay ends up with the newts. What could go wrong

The Oni House - Ninjago + The Owl House, basically the Owl House but with Ninjago characters. Cole is a troubled teen about to be sent off to a performing arts boarding school when he ends up in a realm of witches, demons and magic after wandering through a portal. There he meets Lord Garmadon, the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles and his baby dragon demon Rocky. Lava time

Ninja in Eorzea - Ninjago + FFXIV. The ninja play the criticly acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV with an extended free trail with unlimited playtime that allows them to play the award winning expansions Heavensward and Stormblood, and they get suckef in...litterally like Prime Empire.

Miraculous: Tales of Firefly & Charcole Cat - Ninjago + Miraculous. Ninjago City is being ravaged by supervillains created by someone known as the Dark Lord. But new heros have arisen, known as Firefly & Charcole Cat, ready to protect the city from the Dark Lord while trying to balance school & dating. HONEYCOMB MY OTP

Age of Elements - My original Ninjago story set 300 years after canon. Lloyd is training 7 new ninja, the Elemental Masters of Fire, Earth, Wind, Nature, Water, Lightning and Ice to protect the world because a prophetic vision of the furure said so. He's trying his best to make sure they aren't super traumatised by having them keep their ninja identity a secret, not keeping secrets about the FSM family lore, having them go to school, but trauma as a Ninja is a canon event. Got 18 seasons planned and counting

[tartsinarat]

WELP I NOW FEEL AS IF I HAVE ENOUGH CONTENT TO POST ABOUT MY OWL HOUSE AU SO YALL BETTER GET READY FORRRRRRRR

The golden heir au!!

This au mostly follows canon but is much darker in tone and does go off track in specific canon moments because of the addition of a new character, a grimwalker clone of Belos who was made specifically to be a backup body but that plan was thrown completely to the side when the grimwalker ended up running away at a pretty young age, getting found by Eda (she’s like a magnet for traumatized children I swear) and has been adopted in everything except name by Eda also the grimwalker works as an assistant to Eda.

Whilst the grimwalker is at the owl house, Belos is on the hunt for that grimwalker because his current body is rotting alive because of the curse so time is extremely limited which means he has Hunter specifically on this case to hunt down the grimwalker under the pretense of that grimwalker having been kidnapped by wild witches and that Belos just wants to see his son again before he “dies” (this is a complete lie which Hunter doesn’t find out the truth until this aus version of hollow mind but anyways I don’t want to spoil the whole thing so I’ll just leave it at that) also the fact that when Luz enters the demon realm it shakes everything up even more so without her realizing by finally leaving a trace that Hunter can follow to that grimwalker…

So with all that context out of the way…

Meet the unfortunate grimewalker and golden heir himself, Pip

He’s for a lack of better words a little shit. (Hooty is always on the defense around Pip because of all the pranks Pip does to both him and everyone in Pip’s general vicinity lmao)

(Fun fact Pip’s real name is actually Philip because Belos had decided that Pip was going to be his final grimwalker before and after the day of unity also because he also wanted to be known as Philip during the day of Unity and sorta have his work go full circle…)

Pip’s job given to him by Eda is to steal human realm “treasures” (trash) alongside Owlbert, which Pip did pretty well until he got caught by an extremely confused Luz who’s was dead set on getting back her stolen trash and her copy of the good witch Azura so she ends up unknowingly enters the demon realm just like canon but this time to chase and confront Pip, Luz confronts Pip but they’re both making such a ruckus that the guards show up and they both almost get captured until Eda comes along and saves them, after that it goes just like canon except at the end where in order to both to make it up to luz for stealing her book and as a punishment from Eda for leading luz into the demon realm Pip is forced to become Luz’s guide to the demon realm (luz is still Edas apprentice in this au tho.) after this everything changes because the guard who tried to capture Pip and Luz had reported to Hunter a possible sighting of Pip and how he’s been found with a random human which Hunter then realizes he can use Luz as bait.

Also I’ll eventually talk about Pips relationships with the other characters in another post.

By the way Pip can do magic despite being “human” and not having a bile sac or a palisman, an example of this is the illusion he put on his ears when he’s out in public to make them long and pointy like a witch’s but that’s the only magic he does in general because he finds it extremely hard to focus on controlling the strength of the magic and also keeping the spell active so he prefers just not to really use magic. Magic usage makes him extremely tired also which is another reason he mostly avoids it.

Here’s Pip showing off his illusion magic to an extremely excited Luz in the background.

Also Pip can use magic only because during the process of Belos growing him Belos had to cut off one of his arms to use as an ingredient (specifically the “bone of ortet” which fun fact an “ortet” is the original plant from which the plant's clones are descended from,) and so due to that arm being used as an ingredient the glyph arm carvings and unlucky the curse too had passed on to Pip as well.

The curse works similarly to Belos’s but is much less stronger and gets extremely agitated and causes a lot of pain if he’s used to much magic at once but I’ll focus on the curse properly in another post.

(Also I’m not the most experienced writer but I can draw so excuse my writing skills lol and try to at least enjoy the art)

[sleepingdeath-light]

blind human s/o hcs ; hunter

requested by ; 🍜 anon (09/01/23)

fandom(s) ; the owl house

fandom masterlist(s) ; main | hunter only

character(s) ; hunter wittebane

outline ; “Hello there! May I request hunter (toh) with a blind human s/o? You can choose if they were born blind or if it was an accident that happened in the demon realm for some of that sweet, sweet added angst.(≖ᴗ≖) — 🍜 Noodle Anon”

warning(s) ; references to injury, but mostly fluff!

note ; i am no longer accepting requests for this character.

if you were born blind…

it’s possible that hunter didn’t even notice your blindness until the two of you got extremely close or until you/luz brought it up around him — after all, as the golden guard he didn’t exactly pay attention to the intricacies of his enemies beyond what it took to fight you and, after that, you were so adjusted to it that he didn’t have much chance to notice it

(well, beyond maybe if you were reading a braille book or using text-to-speech on your phone around him and he realised — though, then again, hunter can be rather oblivious at times)

he still sticks close to you when you’re fighting or just out and about but his protectiveness and presence isn’t overwhelming or anything like that — he’s only really there to keep away any risks that you didn’t notice (e.g. a spell thrown your way when you were distracted by another person you’re battling, or a toddler running in front of you too quickly for you to course-correct around safely without his intervention)

though, still, he mainly just leaves you to your own devices (he knows you’re enough of a badass on your own — you beat him plenty of times, after all — so his only job is to be your backup or bag carrier)

if you became blind due to an injury in the isles recently…

hunter becomes much more protective over you than he would be otherwise as you learn to adapt to your new disability — never being too far from you as you adjust your routines, hobbies, and training to work better for you

he feels a great deal of guilt about not being there to protect you and prevent your injury and, as a result, becomes much shorter with people who treat you unkindly

(e.g. threatening a demon who scolded you for accidentally bumping into them or giving a very unsettling glare to some young witches who went to trip you when they noticed your cane)

he sticks beside or behind you at all times, even when you’ve had a cane crafted or a seeing-eye animal assigned to you, because he’s petrified of you getting hurt or targeted somehow — this fear slowly fades away as you become more confident and adjusted to your blindness, but even years down the line you’ll always find hunter close by when you’re out and about as a couple

he also looks into different accommodations from the human realm that luz has mentioned before — things like braille typewriters and label makers — and will incorporate them into your daily life to make things as easy as possible for you

either way / behaviours he adopts no matter the origin of your blindness….

though it’s a bit of a struggle at first (and he’s not the most fashion-conscious person out there), with the help of your friends hunter slowly becomes an expert at helping you construct the outfits you want to wear — describing each item in detail as he brings it to you, making sure that everything is being worn correctly (i.e. not inside out), and that it suits the style you want to go for that day

if you use a seeing-eye/guide animal then he’s going to make a habit quite quickly of carrying treats for them on him wherever you are — even doing as much research as he can to make sure that they can get a taste of whatever meal you’re both eating without getting sick (he spoils them rotten, quite frankly)

if you use a cane/other inanimate aid, then he’s going to make it his mission to carve/craft you the perfect aid — something that’s the perfect length (but that can also be extended when needed), that has a grip with a texture that isn’t off putting whilst also being difficult to lose grasp of by accident, that is designed in a way that is practical whilst also being suited to your personal style and the life you live, and that can be put away easily and that can be recalled by you when it’s needed (a simple enchantment or glyph or spell should do it — he’ll brainstorm a bit with luz and king the next chance he gets)

even though he knows well just how capable of a person you are, he’s still got a distinct protective streak that isn’t going away anytime soon and he will not tolerate anyone (be they human, demon, or witch) treating you poorly because of your disability — he doesn’t believe you should have to handle all of those conflicts, but he’ll back off if asked and hold your stuff while you give them a very stern talking to or a black eye

(that part is up to you but he’ll support you either way)

[phobylee]

I don't know if I posted these au drawings-

It's a Demon Swap AU.. I need a proper name. I'll think of one soon-!

But basically this is an AU where Caleb and Philip are demons (with a smidgen of witch in them so they CAN use witch magic too) and Evelyn is human. The boys are still orphans, only this is because their parents left for the Human Realm to research it under a demon guise and were found to be witches, though the boys didn't know that. So Caleb goes to the Human Realm to investigate for closure with a human disguise (it's an illusion at first but later on he figures out how to do full transformations), but he briefly gets distracted from his goal of uncovering the truth when a human catches his attention. They become friends and later it becomes more romantic, and that's when Caleb decides he has to tell her the truth. Let's just say.. Evelyn runs away for a while, and Caleb is heartbroken. He decides he's going to leave and visits one more time.

In the end Evelyn returned to see him, conflicted because she did still LOVE him. And they bond again. Blah blah blah, stuff happens-- I kind of wanna make this into a fic but I'm nervous-- and they end up chased out of gravesfield by a mob-- eve was nearly captured so Caleb fought them off and becomes injured. So they go to the demon realm with Philip to continue their life there! To which Philip doesn't know she's human yet but he's SUS about it. They get along later though!! And AHHH this was my excuse for them all to be happy. Cause unlike in canon.. Philip has 0 reason to kill his brother here or even attempt it. Sure, they might fight, but that's the extent and they work it out. And it's FUN and I enjoy thinking about it. MAYBE.. if anyone's interested.. I will write about these guys. :)

[synxxie]

Here's part 2 of 'What if Belos Won' I hope you all like it!

Also bit of a warning that there is a character death in this part so if you don't want to cry then uh sorry lol.

A day passed and it was now time to go to the portal and take back the Demon Realm and kill any witches who stood in his way. His influence on Hunter was already becoming evident and the boy had no idea of it yet. Luz and Hunter were now trying to get the map to the portal first so that they can surprise their girlfriends and flapjack the very cute, very nice, red bird (sry about this) had the job of getting the map but the bird wouldn't listen so Belos had to take over very temporarily “Get the map!” he shouted at the bird finally causing it to listen and steal the map from the pink haired witch. “What the heck?!” Luz yelled questionably at Hunter, rightfully so too, he was never like this. “I- I don't know why I did that.” The bird returned, map in its talons. “Thanks Flapjack, sorry I yelled at you.” As the two stood up to go and meet with the rest of the kids Belos needed to steer them in the right direction so he whispered in Hunter's mind to go into the forest. Hunter was confused but he and Luz went into the forest and towards the portal, Hunter taking the lead. The walk was tense as Belos continued taking control over Hunter’s mind, Hunter was struggling to fight him back but it would end up being futile.

*In Hunter's Mind*

“Ahh, failed grimwalker. Did you know that bird of yours belonged to a witch way back in my day? She seduced my brother with her wicked spells and forced my hand. Now I will take over your body, you won't need it for where I need to go. Hand it over willingly or this will be so much more painful.” Belos menacingly said a short speech, as he seemed to love doing. The version of Belos in this mind was that of the emperor in order to instill even more fear in Hunter. Who was indeed terrified but stood his ground to keep his mind. “I'm not afraid of you any more, Belos. My friends won't let you win, even if you do take my mind. I'd rather die than let you hurt them!” Hunter so bravely exclaimed thinking that he could stop the unstoppable. He should have chosen his last words better. “Hm, you'd rather die?” Belos asked, taking a step forward, seeping green goop where his foot last was, beginning the infection. Hunter stepped back in fear, looking up at the looming threat with widened eyes. “I- I-. Stay back!” He yelled and stuttered. Belos only smiled, slowly walking closer and reaching his hand out to grab the boy, each step seeping more and more of Belos into the kid's mind. Hunter attempted his ‘power of friendship’ magic but it was futile, he teleported behind Belos and attempted to run away but the emperor just quickly turned and extended his arm into the goopy green monster length. Violently taking ahold of him and pulling Hunter back towards the emperor. “Here I was thinking you would put up more of a fight, however in the end you died as pitifully as the rest of them. Thank you for the body.” Belos then went inside of Hunter's body, completing the possession.

*Back outside of Hunters mind*

Luz’s mind was elsewhere, thinking more about what she's going to say to her friends and what Amity is going to do rather than notice the sudden fixed posture and heavy walk of the Belos possessed Hunter. “We're here. Now to just find a way across.” Belos said through the boy's mouth, Luz almost immediately grabbed one of her glyphs as she was testing the power of them as they walked. It was an ice glyph and she created a bridge across the water surrounding the portal. They both walked across and began looking for the blood. Belos needed Luz alive only until she found the blood, afterwards it didn't matter to him whether she was alive or dead but preferred if she was dead. It took an hour but Belos managed to find it first, with no help from the bird of course who was nowhere to be seen. Luz did see it fly back to where the others were but assumed Hunter just wanted to get the others to come along. Belos didn't know this. He grabbed a small vial and filled it with the Titan blood, holding it in his hand tightly and walking to be in front of the portal. Luz noticed this and walked over next to ‘Hunter’ unaware of the possession. “You found it? Nice, now let's go get Amity and the others. I saw Flapjack already flying to get them so we can meet them halfway.” She turned to go back across the ice bridge, her back now facing Belos who smiled seeing the opportunity in front of him. Hunter's body changed, adding horns and streaks of green, rotting goop across his face. He stepped forward, his arm changing into a sharp point. “I am afraid I cannot let you go and get them, Luz the human.” Now it was blatantly clear that this was not Hunter. He thrusted his arm forwards and stabbed Luz in the back, luckily for Luz it missed all vital organs somehow, causing her to let out a forced breath and collapse to the floor. She then began to scream for Amity and her mother. Belos turned away as he saw Flapjack fly back, knowing the children wouldn't be too far away he threw the vial on the ground of the portal. The vial broke and the Titan blood opened the portal just as the rest of the kids and Camila stood at the other end of the ice bridge, all of them in a short state of shock from seeing Luz just lying there unconscious. Amity was the first to snap out of it and ran to hold on to Luz as Belos walked through the portal. The rest of them joined Amity shortly after, each one letting out tears, Camila and Amity more so as they realized that they were unable to call an ambulance. Flapjack flew over and layed on Luz's stomach. The palisman then started to glow a bright yellow light before disappearing and the light absorbing itself into Luz, the wound got healed and after a few seconds she woke up. “Where's Hunter?” She asked quietly, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Part 3???

[rinwellisathing]

"Keep Away From Pumpkinhead unless you're tired 'a livin', his enemies are mostly dead, he's mean and unforgivin'" Just a little ramble about what went into my decisions for Sentry's slayer form design:

So to start us off, I am a horror nut. I'm not saying this with smug pride or judgment to other types of movies (it's not disdain for other genres, it's fully a consequence of how my autism works.), you would be hard pressed to get me to watch a movie I've never seen before that isn't a horror movie. I spent every year of my childhood obsessively waiting and planning for Halloween and reading occult books and ghost story anthologies I checked out from the library. My mother read Interview With A Vampire to me (leaving out certain parts) to me when I was a kid and my name was going to be Lestat if I had been born a cis male. All this to say, while I crafted or gamed growing up, I would tune into any horror movie the Sci-Fi channel was running and one October, they were showing the first Pumpkinhead movie. I adored it. The monster was cool, the witch was creepy and ominous, and the setting was fairly close to something I was relatively familiar with having been to the mountains in western PA a lot camping and visiting distant relatives. I rented the second movie and I caught the later ones when Fearnet was a thing briefly and ran them on their OnDemand service (and god fucking damn am I aging myself at this point.) And see, the thing is, I'm not gonna sit here and say they're great films, because there's a criteria I'm going by that I fully acknowledge most people just don't (It's creature effects. Pumpkinhead, Haggis, ghosts and victims...just great work all around). The scripts aren't amazing and a lot of times the acting can be very hokey (except Lance Henrikson, Admiral Hackett is really out there selling this series as Ed Harley, there are also a lot of other very enjoyable performances, but I won't pretend they're all amazing) but they're a fun watch especially if you love vengeance, folk horror, and creature features with a hint of the demonic.

So how does this relate to my Durge, his slayer form, et al? So like I said, the movies are about vengeance first and foremost. The conceit is, if someone does you wrong you can call on Pumpkinhead to get revenge. It's an unstoppable demon summoned from an unhallowed corpse (The third movie implies the corpse of the last person to summon him, but that's not really a consistent choice). The summoner sees through its eyes but doesn't really control it per se, Pumpkinhead only stops when vengeance is complete or the person who summoned it dies. As an Oath of Vengeance Paladin, this fit really well for Sentry. Throw in that Pumpkinhead already has a similar stance and shape to the basic default slayer minus the head shape and some extra limbs, and I started thinking, plotting really. So ideally, we assume The Dark Urge could use the Slayer form in the past before they were tadpoled, at least I do and I've certainly seen plenty of fanfiction and headcanons in my Durgetash groups that imply I'm not alone in that. In-game, you have to commit a massive act of terrible slaughter to gain the Slayer form, but really in the lore I've researched, being a Bhaalspawn can mean you just get it in general, it comes to you in dreams, it possesses you and takes you over. So since the game doesn't entirely adhere to that anyway, I thought what if Sentry's first foray as The Slayer was tied to vengeance?

In his backstory, he has a terrible, abusive childhood and eventually takes revenge by murdering the family he was adopted into and their fellow cultists and in my mind, this was the first time he was the slayer. With my own trauma, I love the idea as a power fantasy that a scared, badly abused twelve year old boy, still small, still weak, still being told he was a girl no matter what he said, might become something big and terrible and driven by vengeance. So throw in what BG3 and Forgotten Realms lore gives us, my love for horror, and the overarching theme of vengeance in Pumpkinhead, and this seemed like the perfect design idea for me to go with. On top of the base design, he is covered in red ropes tying the design always back to the church of Ilmater, where he was taught he could be better and that he was worthy of love and respect, and those ropes are torn and tattered on his form, like just barely hanging on, but they are there, and I think that reminds him that his quest for vengeance is all well and good, but that he does deserve more and there is more for him if he can resist. Anyway, sorry for the long autistic ramble. I just had a lot of thoughts about Sentry's slayer form today.

[rosyjuly]

(1/2) hi i’m new i literally made a tumblr just to say this but… do i hear Spirited Aaway (best movie of all time) au? (even if you don't know what that is i need to speak my truth so) plot wise mick is travelling with his dad to visit somewhere idk and they end up in the spirit realm and michael gets cursed to enter enchanted sleep so mick goes to the bathhouse that’s in the distance where he meets this scruffy older guy with eyes like running water who tells him to “go, run, leave before dark” but we all know that doesn't happen 🙄 and instead gets stuck in the spirit realm. the unkept hot guy mick keeps on thinking feels familiar tells him to survive and get his dad back he must go to upper management and beg for a job so he does and SURPRISE the bathhouse is a metaphor for ferrari and they take away mick’s last name like in the movie and make him forget about his past life. it turns out that weirdo blue-eyed man is the right hand to the bathhouse owner (who? WILL come up later) and he’s super powerful and can turn into a dragon and his name is ✨seb✨ but mick is like… don’t i know you from my repressed childhood..? no? anyway i don’t think that’s your name but i will not examine that. after that estiebestie the nice demon is tasked to train him in how to do bathhouse stuff (he’s the cool mentor woman in the film i don’t remember her name) and he’s the only one who’s nice to mick. mick suffers for a bit, because he’s a nepo baby who’s never done manual labor at heart. then alex the mud spirit comes through (rbr to williams resurrection metaphor) and so does no-face (fernando alonso because that image is really funny to me, not for thematic reasons). seb (haku) hates him. it’s great.

(2/2) anyway whatever whatever climax of the story seb goes to steal the “golden seal” (wdc) and gets super poisoned (again, metaphor) so mick goes down to the boiler room again to meet with seb’s oldest and only friend, a spirit who used to be super powerful but was cast aside to the basement after becoming disillusioned by the bathhouse (guess who? it’s kimi lol. he could pull off the boiler guy). grumpy boiler guy tells him to travel to the empire across the sea and gives him the train tickets. also charles is there because charles is the giant baby (ferrari chosen one iykyk) but he’s better and cooler than the baby in the film. they travel all the way to the cottage of TOTO WOLFF who is the nice witch and he tells them about his old friend/rival (lover? 😳) MAURIZIO ARRIVABENE and his cursed ferrari bathhouse who has seb in a chokehold. anyway mick gets emotionally adopted and seb is cured and shows up and the door and turns into a dragon to fly them back (it’s glorious). (a.n: george is the hopping lamppost this is so important to me). on the way mick has a revelation. am i… into men? lmao jokes. his realization is that seb was the river spirit his dad used to take him too when he was a kid in the german countryside and the spirit’s name is ✨sebastian vettel✨. it’s moving and beautiful and whatever. they get back and return charles the mouse to ferrari so they can release sebby’s contract (aston martin era), mick goes back to real life and travells back to his hometown to see the river and SURPRISE there’s a scruffy older guy with eyes like running water (😉) waiting on the shore. the end. thanks for listening <3

anon, i watched the movie just for you and this is 10/10, no notes. fernando alonso as no face really killed me!!! toto wolff being the nice witch... i think niceness is relative but if he gets my boy a seat on the grid (who needs l. sargeant if we're being honest here) i will forgive some stuff for him... maybe it's binotto who's baby charles's grandma!

also anon HI you made a tumblr just for this!!! i hope you have fun on here!

[mdhwrites]

Idea Pitch: BasiLuz AU

TL:DR: An AU where Luz is actually half basilisk because Manny was the first basilisk that Belos made and managed to escape long before any of the others. Main issue was figuring out things about the story, or even Luz’s character, this really changed without feeling mostly redundant, but there were definitely possibilities. It’s just that I never figured out a great way to integrate them, partially because the show struggles to integrate its OWN elements into the plot. Two decades ago, a basilisk ran from Belos’ castle. He couldn’t save the other, smaller ones being made but at least he got away. He was powerless though and any report of a witch losing their magic would make it too clear where he was. He could feed off the land but how long could he run? There were always breaks between the Isles and the human realm though. Ones that monsters can find to make new legends and rumors. Demons and monsters naturally were attuned to them as being descended closer to the Titan than the witches and so he found one near an abandoned tower and slipped in. He wouldn’t be able to only live in the human realm but some time there could make Belos think he was dead.

Meanwhile, a woman in college for animal care was in the woods, enjoying the fresh air as she worked on homework rather than being stuck at home. She heard some crashing and stumbling and the next thing she knew, she saw a handsome young man who was more than a little awkward. When asked for his name, he said “Man...ie? and so his name stuck as Manny.

She made sure he never returned for more than a couple days as his heart fell hard and fast. Camila was too practical to admit to her own feelings but his awkward ways and how much he marveled at the world, much like how she marveled at the sci-fi planets that she sometimes desired to run off to, won her over eventually. That was also when things became too real and Manny decided that it was best to tell Camila the truth before they went too far in their relationship.

Camila had always found the aliens on the show more attractive than the humans though, so it was hardly a problem by then.

What did become a problem was Manny’s failing health. He was by no means a perfect creation. He was successful but especially without constant magic, his body was beginning to deteriorate. He managed to hide it from Camila until Luz was five. By ten, they would move back to the town they first met in and get a house right next to where a crack in the worlds was so Manny could try to recover. It wouldn’t be enough. The only solace Camila could take in was the fact that as far as either could tell, Luz didn’t need magic nor possibly had magic in her. She seemed, by all intents and purposes, entirely human.

At least until she proclaimed how human she was to Camila on the day she was supposed to go to Summer camp. It was all too familiar to the first time she’d met Manny but she didn’t reject Vee. She just begged for an explanation before setting up Vee in the house and heading to where the crack between realms was at Sunset.

She would find a confused Luz who was worried as to why the human only barrier had singed her before being absorbed by her and instead of demanding she come home, she decided it was time Luz find out what she truly was and get a taste for the other half of her heritage. She never wanted to lose her Latino heritage just because she lived in America after all and she and Manny had talked so many times about bringing Luz over the first time she shifted. It just... Never happened. And that was the main portion of what I’d figured out when someone pitched the idea of Basilisk Luz to me about the same time I started an Abomity story with another author (it was taken down at their request). Obviously potential changes could be made just because Camila was there and Luz had the potential to use magic. She just needed to steal it. Speaking of changes that appealed to me: Covention would have ended differently. As Luz cried out for Amity to stop from stepping on the trap, the panic and fear would create a pull in her that she felt back home but it had nothing to latch onto. Now it did as she drained Amity of her magic. Amity tries a spell but it fails and she runs off. The talk is not about glyphs then but that Luz would give Amity back all of her magic if she knew how. That she swear she didn’t mean to hurt her and if there’s anything Luz can do to make her feel better, she’s entirely open to her. Luz mumbles about sitting still as she tries, scared, to summon a fist or a fireball or something to hit Luz with. In that moment, Luz glows and Amity can do it. Her magic isn’t necessarily returned but in close enough proximity to Luz, she can still cast magic. Which led to the biggest change besides Camila being there that I could really think of dynamic wise: Luz becomes friends with Amity and her friend group so as not to let people realize that Amity doesn’t have magic. Honestly, probably the biggest issue for me with this idea besides asking just how much actually changes from Luz being a basilisk is that it’d be fun to play with the dual heritage aspect. But, well, I’m not Latino so I have problems there and the Isles barely has a culture if it does, so there’s not really a heritage to speak of there. There would be cute things about Vee and her being sisters, or potentially jokes about Vee being Luz’s aunt, but I just don’t know how much characterwise, besides the normal “WHAT AM I!?” stuff that normally comes with this (that I think Luz’s excitement for a fantasy adventure would lead to her taking in stride) would really change. Obviously things would change, there is definitely something to be done here, but no idea grabbed me enough for what would still be a very long project. So instead, here is a concept pitch for anyone who wants to play with it.

[aroacemisha]

[Retired Leaders AU]

So, I have in the past talked about how season 3 would go in this version, and while the idea of Steven becoming a dad to the Collector is cute, I’ll be honest, I’m considering writing the Collector out of the story altogether and rewriting season 3 more heavily.

If I do rewrite it, here’s roughly how I imagine the season 2 finale and onward would play out:

In the S2 finale, Belos’s staff served as the thing keeping the Unification Spell going (it’s called that since it was actually meant to unite the realms), it was attempting to channel the massive amount of magic gathered from the witches into the unification of realms/teleportation of the Isles into the Human Realm via the portal.

The staff was placed in the center of that chamber in the Titan’s skull, and Belos used it to start the spell and maintain it, and then was clinging to it as his sigil began to affect him. After he let go of it and moved (in part due to more actively fighting his curse), it kept going for some time, though it slowly began to crack. After some convincing, he tried to get to it and stop the spell, but he couldn’t, because of there being such a massive amount of magic that it pushed him back/didn’t let him close (like maybe it hurt those who tried to get close).

As the staff started to crack, the kids and Belos realized it was about to explode, and that the explosion would be big due to all the magic (Belos also guessed it would likely stop the spell), so they ran to the open portal and left to the Human Realm, as it was the nearest and quickest way out. Well, most of them left.

King chose to risk staying behind so he could inform the others about what happened. When Luz tried to run to him, he used his roar to push her into the door. He then ran away as fast as he could (maybe used his roar to propel himself?) and took cover, likely near that staircase he fell down in canon (where he came across Kiki), narrowly avoiding getting hurt by the explosion. The staff exploding stopped the Unification Spell, and the portal is also gone, like in canon.

Luz, Amity, Willow, Gus, Hunter and Belos were stuck in the Human Realm like before, but now Belos wasn’t a puddle, and was with the rest of the group from the start, so they knew he’s alive the entire time. The kids would have his help for their attempts to return to the Isles, and Camila would have his help in taking care of the kids.

On the Demon Realm side, King was soon found and rescued, and he explained what happened to the others. With Belos and Hunter gone, as the Head of the Emperor’s Coven, Steven was left in charge of the Boiling Isles until their return.

He put a pause on branding new people with sigils, in part due to what the Isles just went through with the failed Unification Spell, and in part due to the information he got from the rebellion. He also announced that the EC was going to try to rebuild the portal/build a new one to get Belos, Hunter and the rest of the group back. And like before, during the timeskip, he and Kiki became closer, and he found and adopted his palisman Ash.

[stormvanari]

i bring thee a bunch of random TC facts i made:

-Beetle Milk is a variant of Spider Milk. It tastes like almond milk.

-Sonore can only sleep when there’s too much noise, such as a thunderstorm

-The reason why Darian and Loopy have similar bow ties is because the former councilor’s is a gift from Loopy. Darian’s was given after rescuing the to-be Abomination Councilor on the run from the Emperor’s Coven, who were trying to brand her.

-Adding to above, Loopy was one of the many missing (wild) witches until reappearing in post-WAD (before the Epilogue)

-With the exception of Cherry and Ilya, none of the Titan’s Councilor joined a coven

-Ilya was one of the researchers during the early stages of the sigil-removing process.

-Jerbo is still working under the Titan’s Council, even after RED stepped down from their seats

-Dracord is a BI version of Discord. The Titan’s Councilors have a private and personal server where things get a bit too silly (all 9 are there only)

-Darian’s ability is fueled by memory. He can only summon weapons he knows, including how they work. Otherwise, his tail and basilisk form are his only weapons. Darian has an assload of images of rifles in his mind

-Salty is a member, specifically a first mate, of Sonore’s “Demon Realm Expedition.” You can say they’re on the same boat (literally), and it’s evident that the two demons became friends after their first few missions beyond the Boiling Sea together

-Loopy can literally make finger puppets. As a master Abomination witch, crude appearances of witches she knows are shaped on each of her fingers, and the hair that has this can combine into two “hand (or hair, in Loopy’s case) puppets” for each pigtail

-Ilya and Cherry go way back in Talarus Institute, the former as an ex-principal and latter as one of the Healing Councilor’s students. Becoming members of the BI’s new government felt like a school reunion, but a bit awkward because Cherry’s temper...well, worsened the last time Ilya saw them before the tryouts and the school fire.

-While Ilya demonstrates apathy in the present, deep inside is a small group of emotions he tucked away after the burning of TI’s original incarnation. Those emotions began to leak out once he works with Cherry in the council, sometimes showing bits of his therapist-like side

-Yurei used to work in a similar job like that one ghost(?) demon that Eda hired to spy on Raine

-There was skepticism regarding Darian becoming an Illusion Councilor, but the basilisks’ votes helped him: *upon recognizing that pretentious voice on the crystal ball* “HE’S ALIVE????”

-Jasmine is quick at catching things flying at a speed of a bullet

-Cherry calls the fruits they’re allergic to as “shitrus”

-Ripley used to write fanfiction a lot as a track student, and she still does as an adult!

-Ripley’s a lesbian

-Yurei’s agender (applies to its corporeal form in the Ghastly Ages)

-Loopy’s aunt, who currently works as the manager of the Bonesborough Carnival, was the previous Abomination Coven Head before Darius. Thus, Loopy worked as a ringmaster and this former role made her a primary candidate for the Titan’s Council

-Yurei is described as the leader of the council, due to its no-nonsense nature

-Combining the fury of Darian and Sonore is the most terrifying combo the BI will ever see: it’s gonna be the storm of a lifetime

-A single swing of whatever Berylis wields (ex: brewball stick) can explode a griffin

-Jasmine has yet to snap

-Of all the councilors, Gus barely interacts with Loopy (hint: coulrophobia)

-Aside jazz, Sonore’s also a metal (music) fan

-Ripley originally worked as a part-time librarian

-Darian currently lives in a town near the University of Wild Magic (in order to reconnect with his old basilisk buddies)

-Jasmine has amazing survival skills. However, she slowly “withers” when exposed to snow for a long time

-Darian doesn’t know who this “Meep-0” humans have been referring him as, since they claim the stranger has a striking voice as the “floating British roomba”

-Since the rebuilding of the BI, Cherry has been going to therapy for a while. Being part of the council made them mellow out slowly.

-Ilya hates going up on slopes by foot

-Berylis technically acts like the Announcer from the SSB series (4 and U)

-If the Coven Heads represent the BLU team, then the Titan’s Council are the RED team:

Offense: Berylis (Scout), Sonore (Soldier), Loopy (Pyro)

Defense: Cherry (Demoman), Ripley (Heavy), Darian (Engineer)

Support: Ilya (Medic), Jasmine (Sniper), Yurei (Spy)

[axl-ul]

The Flight of the Western Crane: Chapter Thirteen

(A reupload/repost of my fic/dark retellingof Journey to the West which can be also found on AO3 under the same name)

(General info about this fic/wip/retelling is here)

****

An enormous fly sitting on Sha Seng’s flat nose woke him up. His Master as well as Pigsy were still deep within the realm of nightly peace. No wonder, the sun had been just beginning to rise after the lively night of preparations for the queen’s birthday.

Although there were grapes grinning at the pilgrim from the white and blue bowl across the bedroom, Sandy resisted the urge to bite down on them and positioned himself for the prayer. Clutching his beads in hand, he began to recite the mantra taught to him, yet this time, something was different. He twitched, he mispronounced, he unsuccessfully tried to maintain his eyes shut. A thought gnawed on his mind, unsettling him now more than before.

“Brother Sha Seng? Is everything fine?“ Bajie’s question startled Sha Wujing.

“Brother Bajie! Good morning to you, too!“ He sincerely grinned but seeing Pigsy put his finger on his mouth and motion to the Tang monk, the Friar Sand fell silent.

“What’s going on, Little Bro?“ Bajie whispered and continued munching on the green grapes. “Never seen you like this during prayers.“

“Brother,“ Sandy started carefully,“I’m not sure myself. Whenever my thoughts strand back to the awful idea, my head starts to spin, my legs, they become wobbly, my guts refuse to stop growling like a mad dog.“ He fell silent as well as ashamed by slowly coming out with the truth.

“Little Bro?“ Pigsy put away the grapes and knelt beside his junior disciple whose eyes darted around the whole room. At no cost he wanted to sound angry but the more he listened to Wujing’s dying voice, the more the pig demon grew desperate and impatient. “Sha Seng, are you going to finally tell me what’s all this about? Are you feeling sick? Should I call Big Bro or the witch for the medical check?“

“No, don’t. It’s just…“

They both turned to the monk’s bed, horrified expressions painted on their faces. The clothes rustled, the shifting Master didn’t force himself to wake up, not quite yet. The look he wore on his face, so sweet and innocent, contributed to the inkling he was still sound asleep.

Pigsy’s heavy palm cautiously shook the startled junior. The Friar Sand couldn’t read a single sign of malice or unhealthy curiosity in the pig’s face, rather a simple concern looked back at him. “It is a horrendous thought, indeed. Please, don’t judge me, Brother. But,“ Wujing had to rub his whole face before he found the courage to continue,“I think Shifu might be hiding something from us. Something must be written in his journal. Whenever somebody got too close, Shifu started acting strange. He was evasive, reluctant, afraid.“

Although the idea seemed to the pig demon too silly to be true he listened further. “You think it has something to do with us, the disciples?“

Ol’ Sha nodded. “Aye. I’ve been thinking about our journey and yet there’s not a single event that would affect us much. The only exceptions are the times we were recruited, each bound to do the journey after a condition given by Guanyin. Poor Wukong, he probably got the harshest one.“

Even Bajie arched over with a gloomy face. “Yeah, if he fails to protect Shifu, he’ll be turned back into a stone and buried again under the mountain, this time with zero hopes of escape.“

“What else, though? I think we’re missing something…“

“The clue might be hidden in the journal, then.“ A well-known spark glinted in Zhu Bajie’s little eyes. He didn’t dare to deny their Master, yet the mystery called him and he’d never been much prone to its charm. It took only a few heart beats when the uncomfortable atmosphere made Sha Seng stand up and start carefully to run through the young monk’s things hidden under the river demon’s bed. A moment later and among his webbed fingers, a small stack of scrolls appeared. Bajie trod closer until he was snuggling his junior enough to see for himself what their Master marked down.

Sandy shuddered again as he leafed through. “This is wrong, this is so wrong,“ he cried but continued to go through the records.

“Brother, wait!“ Pigsy abruptly halted him. The pig demon tapped on a page his junior nearly turned over,“Look!“

Both leaned closer till the musty scent of the paper hit their noses. Their lips moved with mute words on the tip of their tongues. The dismay paralysed them, the torment hollowed them inside out. Sandy was the first to come back to his senses,“This is bad, Brother. Even worse than what I imagined. How could he… Bodhisattva Guanyin said…“

“She found us, brought us together and requested us to fetch the sutras,“ Pigsy whispered to himself in an even lower voice,“to help the people. Shifu…he…failed to get permission from the Tang Emperor, though. So that’s the real reason why we can’t follow the normal routes. He dragged us across the lands he barely knew just to get around the soldiers and patrols… He was just using us as means to scare away the danger. Not to help us out…“

“He didn’t realise how much infested with yaoguais those lands were.“ Sandy violently shook his head. “No. No, Shifu would never. This was a long time ago. We changed. He changed. Now, everything’s different. He trusts us, he…he loves us, cares about us. I know it. Brother,“ Wujing turned to face Bajie,“we must keep this to ourselves. Buddha and Guanyin may judge us and so be it. We sinned, we deserve the punishment. Amitabha. But at no cost…“

“...we must let Shifu know that we now know. You’re right. Shifu is wise. He surely realised his mistake.“

“And not a word…“

“...in front of Big Brother. Amitabha, if he gets the word about this he’s going to fume with rage. He’s got enough trouble with the witch and her difficult attitude, let alone this…“ The light robes shifted again, only this time weak grunts of the waking Tripitaka accompanied the noise as well. Bajie panicked,“Little Bro. Quickly. Hide it back.“

Sandy pulled away from the hideaway at the last moment. He and his fellow disciple beamed at drowsy Sanzang. “Morning, Shifu! Did you sleep well? You looked like a baby in a cradle.“

Sanzang rubbed his face, corners of his lips twirled up when he saw the two demons,“I wish you a good morning, too. Yes, I can’t recollect when was the last time I had this much of a good sleep. Thank you. Hopefully, you had quite the same experience as me.“

“Yes, we did, Shifu,“ Bajie yelled out and took the monk by his hand to drag him out from his seat. “Let’s get prepared for the day, what do you say? Her Majesty expects you this evening. Sha Seng wrote down some interesting facts he’s found out about the city. He’ll read you his journal while I serve some tea.“

The clinking of cups resonated and the Tripitaka sat by his disciple, eager to hear what they had to tell him.

****

The ringing of the light steps descended down to reach the prison where the stench of sweat, musty coolness of the stone and dried blood and faeces reeked day and night. Yawen twisted her lips and covered her nose with the wide sleeve of her blue robes.

“You’re not supposed to be down here, Miss Yawen.“

Her frown soon changed into a crooked grin when she turned around. “Is that so, our most handsome Captain? After all, I am Her Majesty’s handmaiden, her right hand. Doesn’t that make me an exception?“

“Only if you have the letter of approval which I highly doubt of,“ Jun’s onyx eyes stabbed the small demoness through and through, not a single spark of trust appeared in them.

“Jun,“ she ran her petite hands up and down his armoured chest,“I know the treachery of my brother took you by surprise. Believe me, I was no exception.“ A tear slid down beside her beauty mark as the demoness placed her hand on her chest. “That’s why I need to see my gege’s henchman. To gather answers…“

“Denied.“

“Repeat that, dear.“

“Denied,“ Jun leaned closer, the hostility emitted from him even more than when he was around the insolent macaque,“Miss Yawen. Even if you tried your honeyed words, it wouldn’t work. The prisoner’s at the verge of his death and still refuses to open his mouth. Now, get back to Her Majesty and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. Or you’ll end up on my list of wanted, just next to your ‘gege’, as you like to say.“

Yawen inhaled deeply. An unimaginable range of emotions flew through her rosy face, each more sinister than the one before until she finally settled up on one. “You’ll regret your words. When you do, be sure I’ll spit my venom into your eyes. Miss Yawen here, Miss Yawen there. You don’t even look at me like you used to. Did you forget all those months we’ve been so close, so intimate? I used to be your Orchid, don’t you remember? You owe me for such a cold treatment. Especially, since it’d been proved I’d had no idea about my brother’s plans to usurp the crown. Now, let me in. Besides, I’m more experienced with negotiations and you’re well aware the captive might know where the Pilgrims are.“

“That’s not true and you know it. No existence of any proof doesn’t necessarily mean you’re innocent. You’re twins, I doubt you two would avoid each other with secrets. Plus, you’ve always been a treacherous woman. Your tricks won’t work with me anymore. The mighty and powerful have always remained your only source of interest. Because only they can offer you something you don’t have.“

The heavy door up the short staircase opened and a head in a dark helmet showed up,“Sir, another captured viper isn’t well. Our medic’s trying his best but it seems like he intentionally broke one of his fangs when the guard wasn’t looking.“ Jun responded with fumes and curses under his breath while he and the soldier quickly took off. Yawen heard no more than a surly command for her to stay at her place.

A command the young viper didn’t obey.

When the door slammed shut, she waited until she couldn’t hear any footsteps. Only then she finally set off to the cell behind the heavy door. Behind it, two guards were curled up in the corner, drunk and snoring. ‘If only your Captain knew what sort of reliable subordinates he has,’ Yawen thought to herself, though seeing how well the situation played into her cards, Yawen let them be. She looked around until she found her target. Facing them was bloodied Dong chained to the cold stone wall. The demon was a shell of his former self. A tall, bulky warrior with a sharp jaw and atrocious gaze had been replaced by a languished man with barely more than three of his fingers remaining. His single eye looked up when the visitor firmly planted her feet into the cracked floor. The woman’s curves unnaturally curled until her slim body slipped through the bars. Dong, too weak to let out any noise, simply watched in horror as she slowly made her way forward. “Dong, my dear Dong. I missed you, my sweet thing,“ she lightly pressed her lips against his temple,“I see the damned crane hasn’t been kind to my handsome hunk. Don’t worry, I read the message. Everything’s in the process of preparation. My gege and I will feast on the bodies of the monk and the queen. You don’t need to say a thing. But nod if I’m right. Is my gege still at his hideout?“

Dong shook his head.

“Is he somewhere in the forest?“

Despite the pain striking from his upper back and neck, he nodded, hoping his long lost lover would help him soon.

“My hawk should still be able to locate him if he has the silver ring. He has it, doesn’t he?“

Another slow nod, this time the captured viper demon shed a tear, his body began to shake.

“Shush, sweetie. It’ll be over soon.“ Her slim hands cupped his square face to bring his lips closer to hers. When Dong was close enough for their noses to touch, Yawen suddenly pulled away. “One last thing. During your interrogation, did you say anything to Jun? Did you rat on me and Jin?“

From the last gathered strength, Dong shook and rested his head against the curve of Yawen’s neck. He was getting weaker with each second passed, but his devotion to the viper twins never ceased to be.

“What about your men, though. I’ve heard that at least two of them had to pass away. Did they say anything?“

He replied in a trembling hoarse voice,“I don’t think so. I’m afraid that after hearing so many gut-wrenching sounds from the torture room I’m the last remaining of the scouts sent by…“

“Dong,“ Yawen pressed her finger against his mouth,“I said you could only nod.“

He obeyed and nodded.

Yawen smirked and petted the sticky skin of his sunken cheek. “Good boy.“ Only then she answered Dong’s yearning and planted a firm kiss on his dried mouth. For Dong, the reunion was sweet and rewarding at first. Soon enough between his soft moans, her tongue slipped inside and forced his lips to depart. He wanted the moment to last longer but in a matter of a second his eyes bulged in horror. His saliva mixed with blood from his bitten tongue and something bitter, ominous flooded his oral cavity and poured outside by its corners, down his chin and onto his ragged shirt and trousers. His whole body convulsed, yet Yawen made sure to press his weakened self against the wall. Her other hand went to cover his mouth from further noise. There was no sign of previous affection in her now hollowed gaze. She was like a porcelain doll - beautiful yet empty and icy-cold on the touch. That was the last sight Dong had ever seen.

When the spasmodic movement stopped, Yawen brought up the small iron claw from her hidden side purse and put it on her finger. The index then tapped on the precise spots on Dong’s venomous fangs until they both broke, their tips vanishing inside the viper’s throat once Yawen tilted his head.

Making sure the guards were still asleep and the crime scene didn’t point at her she quietly disappeared outside the prison. She didn’t need to fear for the captain to catch her soon. After all, the guard who previously called Jun was more than happy to be of service. He played his own part brilliantly.

Finally outside in the fresh air and in the hot embrace of the sun’s rays, she spat into the nearby bush. “He really thought he could be better than our handsome monkey stranger. Well, time for me to attend to more important matters and more important…,“ she dreamily sighed, the feeling of simian’s hands on her naked waist and the amazement from how easily he fought off the rogues enveloped her,“...powerful people.“

****

“Let’s go through it one more time - we three sneak around the palace, into the queen’s quarters and run through her personal belongings in hopes to find what exactly? Whether her snot is pure gold?!“ Bajie’s angered uttering hit Wukong like a heatwave. The middle brother sure liked to stick his nose into people’s business. For an unknown reason, he was now appalled by the thought of spying on someone and he would not back off, not even now when the sultry evening got under his garments and onto his nerves, too. The three of them decided to head out for an investigation by taking the sneaky way above the heads of the guards while the Tripitaka, the Princess and the Friar Sand went to fill up their stomachs with a nice dinner. As if to make things worse, long way down, under the watchful gaze of the proud royal palace, the marketplace livened up with another performance. Tonight, the contest for the best cook in the city was held. If only Bajie were persuasive enough…

“Idiot!“ Wukong slapped the sweaty top of the head so hard that Pigsy’s double chin began to move like two meaty bells. “Whether she has a hint about us. Do I really need to explain that we’re still in danger? Plus, the more you know about your foe, the better options will turn out in the future.“

Their bickering reflected on the witch’s mood - her nose and forehead which warped with slight wrinkles. Márgerdra turned around like a deadly whirlwind, a sudden blast of a cold authority not one of the disciples expected. Her look transformed Wukong and Bajie into living stones which perfectly fitted on the long roof of the palace.“Shut up you two. I’m fed up with your behaviour. Both of you are beyond being spoiled little brats. Shut up and go on like two mature, well-behaved gentlemen for at least five damned minutes!“ Her attitude seemed to have worked on the disciples since they both planted their gaze right next to their feet. The nervous fidgeting of their limbs or Wukong’s tail, neither the silent chewing into nothing worked right with Márgerdra. “Say sorry and hug each other. Or I’m kicking you both out of this cursed slippery roof.“ In an eerily low tone the woman added,“Am I clear?“

The mere hint of an embrace was all Márgerdra needed because when the two demonic disciples parted away, instead of an elegant woman they saw how a dark dot lithely jumped from one roof to another, from one building to the next one, climbed from a lower level of the palace to the quarters carved into the hard rock high above them.

Márgerdra was holding on the outside of the alcove balcony when Wukong and Bajie caught up to her. The witch’s infamous whip dangled on her belt loop in the rhythm of a breeze blowing around them, which caught Bajie’s eye. His interest lingered that low too much, though. The witch didn’t offer him a single look when she muttered,“Stop staring at my ass, Bajie. You’ve seen more than enough at the bathhouse.“

The startled pig began to climb in through the railing to fudge the upcoming scold,“I-I’m not staring, Miss! Don’t you-Don’t you know me?!“

After Márgerdra and Wukong heard the loud bang coming from the demon queen’s bedroom, they shot out their arms and forced their comrade to back down. He barely managed to grab the blue-painted supporting bracket. After Pigsy shot Wukong a questioning look, the senior gestured him to keep silent.

It didn’t take long for the two oddly familiar voices to be heard. “Yawen, put it down there and help me change quickly. If I want to improve the lives of our citizens I need to be on time. This place’s been reeking with decay far too long. Besides, I can’t let my future husband keep waiting.“

“Naturally, Shufen. It’s been quite a while since somebody capable showed up. Except for myself, of course. Now, hands up.“

“You’re right. You and that one other servant have a mesmerising approach in the bedroom. Though this time, finally somebody worthy came. It won’t take too much time to make him fall hard. When the right time comes, at our wedding, we can feast on Golden Cicada’s reincarnation.“ The queen’s sharp giggle drowned out the rustling of fine damask.

“That’s what I’d love to see - a happy eternal couple. You and your gorgeous scholar with interest in poems. Please, tell me, you’re going to make him recite tonight!“

“Hands off of Shui, sweet Yawen. He’s mine. But…I can lend him to you from time to time. Or you could just join us. We can explore his divine form from head to toe together. But the finish - you let that ecstasy be mine and mine only.“

Wukong’s jaw clenched, his black claws dug into the wooden construction and the rock next to him. Small splinters flew past him while the dirt crumbled under his left arm. His eyes started to give a weak reddish glint. The tail he kept around his thin waist unwrapped and lashed around. Never before his ears had heard such insolence. Fury was slowly consuming him inside out and his guts began to twist.

“What an offer!“ Yawen yelled out. “I’d love to, Your Majesty. I bet the handsome Master is just as delicious as he’s good-looking. Although, I doubt he can ever compare to someone else.“

The monkey’s inner curses stopped for a moment. His thoughts raced inside his skull. All he wished for now was to burst in and beat both demonesses to death with his powerpole.

By Wukong’s right, Pigsy silently grunted. Despite the fact that he was right next to the monkey, Sun Wukong didn’t register the noise. Neither did he register Márgerdra who was carefully approaching him by climbing around Bajie.

But within a second, everything changed.

Five fingers hugged his forearm and the consoling tenderness they gave him was enough to make the Monkey King feel somewhat lighter.

Without further hesitation, Wukong cast a side eye. Although the decision was risky, Márgerdra couldn’t bear to watch and climbed a bit closer. After she confirmed the monkey was truly backing down from whichever dangerous idea struck him, her palm left his burning skin so the late evening’s breeze could at last cool it down. At the sound of a distant hoot, Márgerdra put her finger on her lips. Her proximity as well as Bajie’s pleading gaze were more than enough. On the third exhale, Wukong’s tail wrapped around his bright sash. His grip was solid enough just to keep his body from falling down, not to destroy their only handle.

“Yawen, quickly. Bring me the comb.“

Miss Yawen came over to the wall with the built alcove balcony, the very one where the disciples and the witch had been hiding. For a moment, Márgerdra’s heart pounded so hard she easily heard the wild rhythm in her ears. However, the years of hard training didn’t allow her to succumb to her emotions. One inhale later and her heart moved at a much slower rate, almost as if she were barely alive. The sweat on her temples became nothing more than a reminder of the merciless weather. 

“Do you want to wear the flower buyao crown? Or rather something more exquisite?“

“You know which one. But,“ the demon queen returned to their topic,“I better be careful with him. I don’t want to exhaust him.“

“Oh, please. You’re not going to feed on his energy. Just a little fun,“ the snake demoness laughed it off, but a strange thrill resonated in her voice. A thrill which this time didn’t irk Wukong or Márgerdra. Rather, it caught their attention what showed in the two companions exchanging inquiring looks. It seemed like the handmaiden wasn’t comfortable with the direction of the conversation.

Unlike the Sage or the Wolf Witch, the crane demoness didn’t recognise the slight change in the tone. “Yawen, going by your experience, you know best that every such encounter leads to somebody losing a bit of themselves while the other party gains it. Any sort of intimacy should be held with a precaution as my good old Daoist friends would say.“

“Do you think those old farts are still looking?“

“No.“ The three heard how one of the women vigorously stood up and something metallic shook as she approached the opposite side of the large room. “I don’t think their search’s still up. I know it.“

As soon as the door closed behind the queen and her handmaiden, the three demons, who were still hanging over the steep rock formation, at last sighed. Finally reaching their destination, they at once climbed in.

****

The dining hall was, in fact, a cavernous narrow masterfully enlarged to meet the requirements for its function. The cold but drenched walls weren’t only grey. Dazzling turquoise, shining violet, mysterious purple, joyous carmine or orange, all the colours that a person can ever think of were present due to the rich deposits of ores within the mountain range. Miniature but numerous ceramic and bronze oil lamps with ivory handles as well as hanging red lanterns with black characters shone down on the guests. Their light reflected on wooden sculptures of seven dancers in real size, the stage where they were supposed to perform was made of rocks whose golden and silver veins flowed through the dull surface. In the corner, a large oval porcelain tablet was displayed with blue and black strokes which presented a highly detailed map.

When Mei stepped in, she was gasping whenever she found a new detail because the place was even more marvellous than her own palace. The ornaments in her bun swayed like a boat on waves and their clanging filled the empty space. “This is all so pretty! If only the rest was here to witness this…“ The princess was so amazed she didn’t notice the monk in the light attire approaching her from behind.

Sanzang had to take a deep breath before he leaned over. The princess was dressed in a pink half-sleeved waistcoat with a depicted plum blossom and yellow blouse with gold embroidered skirt and he couldn’t deny how much it neatly complemented her innocent face. He slowly noticed the princess’ fascination and also the sadness waking up behind her eyes. He whispered over in a happy voice while shallow dimples appeared on his cheeks, “You’re also very pretty tonight, Your Highness.“

Surprised, she turned around to face him. After a short while, she beamed in her usual joyous manner. “Thank you! You’re always so nice…Shui. No wonder Tao here,“ she mischievously winked at Ol’ Sha,“is also such a gentleman.“ Despite her small stature, the princess stretched out her arms and took both Sanzang and Wujing by their upper arms. Meanwhile appointing herself to lead the further way by positioning herself in between the two men, the princess curiously observed their elegant attire made of hemp and silk. The tailor surely struggled to deliver the best clothes for the two unusually tall men but the outcome was certainly worth it as both were now standing in light embellished cross-collar shirts with cuffed sleeves and with blue trousers and skirts. The only piece in which they differed was a loose thin coat worn by Sanzang. “By the way, you two are waaay too handsome tonight, as well! Glad to be alive and see this, boys.“

The Tigre Princess’ blunt comment astonished the monk and his disciple. To hide their reddening cheeks the both looked sideways as they scratched the back of their heads and nervously chuckled.

The princess, the monk and their current bodyguard descended the short staircase down to the centre of the room where a large round table was already waiting for them with prepared bowls, cups and chopsticks. Only food and the host herself were missing.

“Do you think we came too early?“ Mei whispered into Sanzang’s ear but quickly retracted as the large door opened and in them, several guards and servants entered. All of them positioned themselves in two rows to make a corridor and when the Queen Shufen entered as well in the retinue of Miss Yawen and few other handmaidens, the soldiers raised their swords in order to welcome their ruler.

The head of the Azure Crane Dynasty shone in her pure beauty and wonder - her long and light robes flowed around her and so it looked as if the queen’s slim figure was bathing in the gold, turquoise and red colours. Above the curled up shoes with flower and butterfly motifs the gold hoops were once again ringing around her ankles, the same gold jewellery also shone on her forearms and upper arms. A set of long earrings hung by the sides of her slim face painted with a neat layer of make-up. Similarly to Mei, an ornament in the shape of a bird marked her forehead under the gold crown with pearls and carved designs of dragon, phoenix and a crane. Dangling tassels, pendants and gemstones of the crown covered the majority of her thick hair.

“Welcome, Your Majesty,“ everyone greeted the queen and bowed deeply, the three guests were no exception.

Miss Yawen took a good look at the guests. Her shiny eyes became gloomier the more she observed. Eventually she murmured something into the queen’s ear. “I see that only half of you accepted my invitation. Something terrible happened?“

“Nothing serious, Your Majesty,“ Sanzang politely responded but he never gathered the courage to look at the demoness,“only my…brother…he twisted his ankle and my eldest brother with my sister-in-law decided to take care of him. I’d like to apologise on their behalf…“

“No need, young Master. I see your family ties are strong. Same as mine. If anything happened to my beloved nephew, believe me, I’d tear down even the throne of the Jade Emperor.“ Shufen gestured for the guests to face her, only then she ordered her servants to finally serve the meal. “Please, take a seat. But I must admit I’d love for you, Huang Shui, to sit by my side.“

The moment they sat various bowls and long plates with meals of every kind began to flood in - fish, soups, sweet dishes with fruits, sour ones with hot sauce, everyone found their own taste within the wide offer of delicacies. Similarly to Mei and Shufen’s discussion at the bathhouse, the queen started to question her guests with a great interest about their knowledge and advice on city repair. Sanzang tried his best whenever Shufen gazed upon him. Yet his conscience couldn’t ever possibly allow him to lie further and so he only tripped over his words as his thoughts raced around to find another topic for them to discuss. Wujing’s attempt to praise the royal cook didn’t help either and whenever Mei interrupted Sanzang’s spluttering, Shufen  dismissed her with an annoyed grimace.

“I see you’re still quite shy. Don’t worry, I know many like this. What’s more, I also know how uncomfortable it must be for you, Master Huang, to be spoon fed words by the others,“ Shufen scorched the young princess and the river demon with her sharp eyes. Soon, her hand stretched out to touch Sanzang’s pale wrist. “Master Huang, I’ve just remembered you and I share an interest in poems. Would you care and recite a few verses for me? It doesn’t need to be anything special. Only if you’d really love to…“

“I’m afraid I cannot, Your Majesty.“

“Why so? And why do you refuse to look me in the eyes?“ Shufen didn’t shy away from feasting on the nervous young man by taking the full sight of him. Just like during their initial meeting, she was carefully sliding him down from the head with short spiky black hair and thick eyebrows, to his smooth chin, then his wide but thin shoulders and his slim chest heaving under the shirt. What was more, his smell was intoxicating. Too intoxicating. This confused her for a while. He smelt like a burnt sandalwood, like the most wonderful flower in the world. But for a moment all too short, he also smelt like a nice piece of meat waiting to be roasted and devoured by wolves.

****

The room was, as expected, larger than their three combined and not a single piece of space was left alone. A wide screen set inlaid with ivory and a wide armchair guarded the western wall. Opposite to them a writing table was set inside the alcove balcony, the smoke from a copper incense burner lazily drifted outside after licking the nearby table screen.

“Her Majesty must revel in the stunning view everytime she writes,“ Márgerdra commented while she entered the room as the last one.

“Blondie,“ Wukong cleared his throat once he saw his companion picking up the incense burner and sniffing it,“we’re here for another reason.“

“That doesn’t mean I can’t rate the place,“ she easily shrugged him off. “We’re going through her stuff one way or another anyway.“

Bajie snorted,“Yeah! My words right there, Lady Márgerdra. This room’s huge. Which leaves us one option.“

Márgerdra and Wukong exchanged annoyed looks and simultaneously asked, although they’d already known the answer,“That is?“

“Splitting up the room in three, of course!“ Pigsy’s wide smile showed his tusks when he stepped out to the pair of massive chests with the queen’s clothes, which were located exactly by the screen set. “I’m reserving this part! Do whatever you want with the rest.“

Both his friends rolled their eyes and muttered under their noses. “Perv.“ “Idiot.“ On the other hand, the pig was not completely wrong. Too many shelves with books and scrolls, a large rosewood canopy bed with suspicious recesses, the chests, the table itself, not to mention there could be a hideaway in the floor or the ceiling.

Seeing how invested Márgerdra was in the files and notes, Wukong focused on the bed in the centre of the room. Upon his closer inspection, the recesses were truly nothing more but an art. To make sure nothing escaped his attention, the Sage even stood up on the bed to inspect the canopy itself. Yet apart from a thin layer of dust he found nothing.

He was prepared to call on his mates and sneak out when all of a sudden Márgerdra was the one to call him,“Wukong? I guess I found something. Could you lend me a hand, though?“

“Sure thing.“ Wukong approached the black table. The incense hit his nose so hard it made him cringe.

“Look at these scribbles. I managed to make some sense from it,“ Márgerdra cut herself off. She eyed Bajie for a moment before she lowered her voice,“But I wasn’ able to understand a few characters. Would you mind…reading them for me?“

Although he pouted, Wukong’s bright eyes gave his true feelings away to the witch. He arched over the scroll and for several seconds the room fell into an eerie silence. At last, Wukong raised his head. “It says something about a vast mountain lake with a spring. That they dug a way for it to course somewhere down. For the city to be supplied but also for some other purpose.“

“Wait, what?“ Márgerdra peeked over his shoulder. Then she unrolled another scroll just above the one Wukong was reading. “This makes so much more sense now.“

On Márgerdra’s scroll, the written word was retreating from long strings of numbers and incomplete formulas. Though the witch seemed to be excited over the calculations, confused Wukong wrinkled his brow. “What do you mean?“

“All these calculations served Shufen for the construction of a tunnel for the said lake. Here, at the corner, an estimated volume of water for the people and that ‘something’ is written. That was her result and her goal. But she needed a way to properly distribute the whole mass. To achieve something like that, pipelines had to be built to distribute water. Yet, this project hasn’t even begun. She just scrapped it and decided to use the river even though it’s slightly more difficult to pump it here into the palace since it’s much higher than the houses. But who knows. The paper doesn’t look old and neither does the used ink. She’ll probably return to it.“ 

Until now, Wukong’d kept himself utterly quiet, however, the last segment of Márgerdra’s discovery changed it. “How can you be so sure? Everything’s scratched out.“

“The project looks too important. It’ll gnaw on her mind and when she takes a second, better, look her brain’s going to burst. I bet my head on that.“ The witch noticed the puzzled demon and realised she didn’t exactly answer his question. Her right hand rose to her temple as the blonde nibbled her lower lip. “She forgot to add this result here,“ again, her index finger lightly tapped the paper, the material waved like the flame of the lit candle by their left,“which would then change this figure from fifteen thousand nine hundred forty to twenty one thousand seventy six hu. The next calculations are much easier and make more sense since the latter has the digit sum of sixteen. That means the retaining reservoir with such volume can equally supply the four destinations - the two halves of the city, palace and our secret place. All the while the former one has the digit sum of nineteen which is a prime number and you can’t do much about it since you can only divide it with one or-“

Wukong folded his arms. The amazement never left him, although the long monologue annoyed him real quick,“Cut it, blondie. I get it - she made a small but crucial mistake and we should find the secret place if we want to have the advantage for our escape.“ The Great Sage wanted to approach Bajie, who was still arching over the fine garments not minding any sound coming from either the room or the outside corridor, and ask for the pig’s potential discovery when a tiny spark lit inside his skull. “Riddle me this, though. You got problems with reading yet you know exactly how to calculate all these big numbers. How?“

Márgerdra shifted, put down the scrolls she was squinting her eyes over and coyly shrugged. It took her a while to collect her thoughts. “I’m not quite sure myself. It’s like a shapeless puzzle where rules repeat but you have full control of which way you can approach it. The letters seem to have their rules too, it’s just…I can’t comprehend it much.“ Streams of fresh air flowed around the room and brought delightful singing of a woman somewhere in the lower levels of the palace complex. The witch eyed the monkey demon warily before her lips parted so her much audacious voice could reach him.“But don’t think I’m letting myself stagnate at such a minor inconvenience. I will find a way. Don’t even doubt that.“

Wukong leaned against the table’s round edge with his back and let the grin play on his face. His darting eyes followed the quick motions of her gesturing hand. All the sheepiness he witnessed the previous night was gone as if the hidden demon of doubt, which gnawed on her all those years, finally vanished after the Wolf Witch allowed herself to spit out her trouble.“As fiery as always. I like that.“

“Ahem,“ the sound of Bajie’s deep voice interrupted them, a noise so sudden it made the two demons jump up,“sorry to bother but I guess I got something…“

When Wukong locked eyes with Pigsy, the smug glint behind them was undeniable.

****

As Yawen bowed, an applause resounded throughout the hall. “A splendid song by a splendid singer, Miss Yawen. Heavens truly gifted you with a voice of a nightingale,“ Wujing complimented the snake demoness who was slowly getting off of the stage with the wooden dancers. Her smug grin seemed to only widen by the praise.

“Precisely!“ Mei whole-heartedly added. “Your speaking voice can be a bit unpleasant but you’re a marvellous singer and performer!“ Although Mei blurted out the words as a flattery, the meaning and an honest adoration fell flat on Yawen. She scorched the girl and soon her forked tongue flickered in the air. “You surely are your sister’s relative, darling. Why don’t you sing for us, too? Because every time you or your equally impudent sister open your mouth all I can hear are two honking geese. Please, go on and convince me otherwise, dear Miss Ah Xiuying.“

Mei’s mouth hung open. However, she remembered the good manners and quickly shut it while she shook her head in disbelief. She indeed felt regretful about her poor decision. “Miss Yawen, I apologise. I did not at all mean it in an offensive way. Simply, I was too taken by surprise by your amazing set of skills, your singing and dancing and also by your instrument solo-“

“No, dear, I only accept the apology I deem enough. And this was not enough. Get up,“ Yawen slowly returned to her seat. While her full lips twisted into a crooked grin, her look burnt with venomous flames, a manner which Queen Shufen adopted as well, though the crane demoness was displeased by both women’s behaviour. Her plan was falling apart and it was only a matter of a few fleeing moments that the queen should silence them.

“Miss Yawen, please, calm yourself down. I can assure you she didn’t want to come across as hurtful,“ Sanzang rose from his seat but his plea was hardly heard by the snake demoness. It, however, didn’t discourage him from a second attempt,“Your song truly did spark some inspiration for my poem as Her Majesty hoped for. Yet there’s no need to be hateful towards this young lady. It was merely a slip of her tongue. If you desire for me or her to perform, please, we’ll be glad to carry out your wish under the condition of you putting your strife aside.“

“A slip of her tongue, you say? Maybe you’re right. I’ll give up strife if she puts away her tongue by cutting it out…“

“Yawen!“ Shufen’s furious shout resonated within the walls as the Queen of the Jade Valley stood up. “That’s enough! I’ve been tolerating your temper far too long. If you continue it’ll be you and no-one else to lose their tongue. Understand?“ The queen’s iron will and the sharp dagger being pulled out a bit from the guard’s sheath had its effect. Yawen sat down and didn’t utter a word more.

Shufen massaged her temples, then she turned to the Tripitaka and the young princess,“Please, accept my sincere apologies. This should not have happened under any circumstances. Hopefully, today’s marvellous evening shall not be ruined since the night is still rather young. Would you care to accompany me on a walk through the royal gardens? Take it as both a token of my gratitude that you offered all of your best suggestions to help our homeland as well as a way to compensate you for this distasteful and unnecessary dispute.“ Shufen offered Yawen one last disappointed look before she turned back to her guests.

Sanzang was so taken back he didn’t even notice when he found himself agreeing on her offer. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We’re grateful and gladly go with you.“

“Promise me one thing, though, young Master Huang,“ Shufen smiled as she approached him,“you will recite for me, won’t you?“

“Yes, Your Majesty,“ he sheepishly bowed,“I will.“

“Good.“ Sanzang felt Shufen’s hot finger as it directed his head upwards to face her. “Miss Yawen, bring me my cloak from my chambers, please. And if you find Captain Jun, tell him to send me the full report about the…unfortunate discovery in the cells he mentioned earlier but couldn’t discuss it further with me. And tell him about the promotion, too.“

****

Wukong cautiously observed the tiny bottle in Bajie’s hand with a sign ‘Immortality Pills’. “The shape of the bottle…I remember seeing one back in Heaven at Laozi’s place.“

“Seriously?“ Amused Bajie snorted,“Only ‘seeing’?“

“Fine, maybe I had one or two back in the day,“ Wukong rolled his eyes and took the white object. He shook it next to his ear, then opened it and turned it upside down, waiting. “Empty. What now?“

“I could do some miracles with our evidence,“ Márgerdra slyly reminded herself to the two disciples lost in their thoughts. Bajie didn’t comprehend at first but once he saw his senior to throw a scolding look at her, the pig understood perfectly.

The monkey growled,“Are you insane?! Did you forget what happened the last time?“

“You two will be there with me. If anything happens-“

“Nothing will happen. Because we’re not going through this mad plan.“

“Wukong, we need this,“ she grabbed the flask from him,“you never know whether it can save us some time or even us.“ Márgerdra didn’t refrain from the provocative smirk and wink. “Am I right, darling sir?“

Even though she directed her attention to Bajie to gain further support, he didn’t share her enthusiasm. After all, the pig marshal was much closer to snarling Wukong whose pointy tips of ears reddened beyond belief. Pigsy used it when Márgerdra turned once again to Wukong with a smug face and triumphantly took back the treasure he found at the bottom of a chest. “I think it’ll be better if this stayed with me and you, Lady Márgerdra, rethought your decision. We have much more options than such a reckless scenario, don’t you think, dear? Plus we don’t have much time left, I’m afraid.“

Márgerdra and Wukong offered him a puzzled look,“How so?“

“You probably didn’t notice because of your quarrel. But somebody’s coming our way,“ he pointed his thumb at the door behind,“I can hear the footsteps from the hallway.“

Indeed. Two sets of footsteps, one heavy, the other one much lighter and quicker, were heading towards the queen’s bedroom. Bajie thoughtlessly ran towards the alcove balcony. “Come on! Quickly!“ He was the first to climb out of the room, Márgerdra followed him soon.

The witch’s desperate gaze reached the monkey disciple but in no way he was able to make it in time. The door opened and Miss Yawen and Captain Jun both entered.

The demoness’ unmistakable voice pounded in Wukong’s ears,“So catch them, bring his head on a silver plate, find the Pilgrims and you’ll become a general, handsome Capt-!“

The Captain of the Royal Guard narrowed his eyes. His chest stuck out, yet his chin lowered down all the while his long neck curled. In combination with his long and slightly crooked nose and a few ruffled feathers, which sprouted on his forehead the moment he laid his eyes on the simian, there was no doubt the captain was the descendant of the Azure Crane Dynasty. “You?! What are you doing here? Guards!“

“No need for that, Captain,“ Yawen smiled sweetly as her eyes never left the frozen figure of Sun Wukong,“I called for him personally. Though, it seems our guest here confused the directions of my quarters, I believe.“

“Precisely, Miss Yawen,“ the monkey smirked and continued in his play on a poor stranded man. “I was here to discuss your offer. Even better that I got to meet my future opponent. I wish you all the best of luck for our rematch. You surely are going to need it.“

The crane demon’s haughty nature showed even more. He snorted with a growing smirk on his face,“I’d accept it if I didn’t know who shall become the winner, Huang.“

****

Márgerdra, who was silently grasping the outside wooden construction for her dear life, rested her hot forehead on her stretched arm and quietly sighed. “Cocky morons. Bajie, please, take care of Wukong. Follow him and that harlot wherever they go. Leave the captain to me.“

She readied herself for a risky jump - the rock crumbled under her feet and a few tiny pebbles slid down the steep hillside down to the ravine. “One last thing. Save the bottle as my back-up.“

“But, Lady Márgerdra, your whip’s visible!“ Bajie stretched out his arm to stop the woman. Alas, too late as she was already swiftly climbing and jumping towards the window leading into the hallway. “Not even a peck for good luck?“ he whimpered to pity himself.

****

A light cloak in Yawen’s hand kicked up a small cloud of dust when she clung to Wukong’s side. “Dear Captain, I’ve already informed you about everything. Now, please, move aside and let us through. Master Huang and I have an important topic ahead of us.“

“I’m afraid I can’t let that happen,“ the tall crane demon blocked the entrance of the room. “Although you said you called him here, I hardly believe it. A lie as simple as that can easily cost your tongue, Miss Yawen. Huang Wei, what is the real reason that you’re up here, in Her Majesty’s personal quarters, when instead you should treat your injured brother?“

A few weak words lingered on the tip of Wukong’s tongue when his saviour peeked her head from behind the soldier. His eyes popped out as the elegant she-wolf with swaying hips came forward. “Husband! I’ve found you after all. I just wanted to tell you your brother’s recovering fast but he needs you by his side. His big protective brother.“ She motioned with her eyes towards the balcony to alert Wukong. “Oh my, what an ensemble there is! Captain Jun, Miss Yawen, forgive me for interrupting you. Did anything serious happen?“

After witnessing the acting improvisation from the witch, the Monkey King forced himself to swallow the disgusting knob in his throat and theatrically opened his arms. “Eternal light of my life, there you are! I was about to talk to Miss Yawen.“

“Truly?“

“Indeed, my,“ the word stuck in between his gritted teeth but, somehow, it managed to escape the bone prison,“love.“

“In that case, I shall leave you to the business. You will find me at our quarters, resting. Captain Jun, would you mind accompanying this pitiful soul?“ Unlike Yawen, Márgerdra only lightly turned her head towards Jun. Her eyelids were heavy, blinking only sparely. Like in trance, Jun stepped closer. He regained his posture and offered a hand as a support for the strange woman. Wordlessly, they left the room together.

The privacy made Yawen conjure a grin. Once again, she snuggled to Wukong’s side,“As I told you, I know a wonderful spot in the upper gardens. Nobody will interrupt us there.“

Wukong motioned with his hand forward,“Lead the way, then, Miss Yawen.“

When the monkey closed the door behind them he slapped his forehead,“Apologies, Miss Yawen. I’m afraid I forgot something. Wait for me here, I’ll be right back.“

“Naturally, Master Huang. I’m able to wait for you the whole night, but, please, be so kind and don’t let that happen,“ the snake demoness’ lashes fluttered like wings of a caged bird, yet her expression reminded a hungry beast.

Once inside, Wukong slammed the door behind to call out his fellow disciple. He met the pig right as he was one leg in. The Sage didn’t hide his hurry. “Follow the witch, not me. I don’t care what she told you, do as I say and don’t let her see you.“

“Why? She just diverted his attention,“ Bajie whispered back, completely confused.

“She did not.“ The glint, that tiny little spark buried deep within her blue eyes Wukong came to know so well emerged from the simian’s memory. “She’s on to something. Go and be careful. We’ll talk later, Middle Bro. Good luck.“

Pigsy nodded,“Good luck to you, too, Big Bro.“

****

The fluffy clouds, whose colours continually ranged from bloody red to orange and soft pink to cobalt blue, swam above the pair’s heads as they progressed through the narrow stairway into the open area with a willow grove in the far back corner. The limp treetops swept the wet floor underneath, thousands of leaves caressed the grass beneath as if to say hello to their dearest neighbour. Brightly coloured nightingales chirped in the rich green crowns, though the time for their sweet sleep was approaching quickly, their nests were patiently waiting for them among the nearby bamboo, pines and plums.

Yawen guided Wukong by the narrow path until they passed through a moon bridge. Lily pads floated in the pond, the only obstacle of an otherwise perfect mirror that was the crystal clear surface.

“How do you like the garden so far, Master Huang?“ the snake demoness said with a smug face.

Wukong avoided the reply the best he could, though. His arm was as if on fire the longer he was standing beside the petite woman. “I see nobody’s here. Not even guards although you claimed this to be Her Majesty’s biggest pride.“

“Please, spare me your neverending detective wisdom, Master. I’ve explained when we set out for these gardens. I’m one of the few alongside the captain who are free to go in and out whenever they like. When it comes to you, don’t be concerned. A friend of mine is also a friend of Her Majesty.“ She led him further, deeper until they came across a white wall with a brown gabled roof. Above the set bright circular door was engraved a sign like a matte crown of the moongate. The characters on it read ‘The Blessed Spot between Heaven and Earth Where the Western Crane Flew’.

Without ever letting go of him, the demoness pressed her glowing right palm against the hardwood and opened the passageway to the most wonderful of places Wukong had ever seen in his long life.

The private garden hidden at the very top of the complex, of the whole mountain, protected by a magical seal was truly the most mesmerising wonder of the world. A rivulet danced around the limestones of the most peculiar shapes, the shiny scales of goldfish threw magnificent images of gold, orange and occasionally silver, white and black as the playful creatures progressed towards the circular pond with lotuses. A heron with feathers of flaming red was taking a sip by the small ornamented bridge when it was startled by the visitors. The bird took off into the wide sky, its wings brushed against the treetops of two great trees planted in the garden, the true gemstones of the palace’s crown. One of them Wukong recognised immediately. The white flowers blossomed in sweetly citrus-like fragrance on the thickly branched enormous tree that resembled a tree planted in the Heavenly Gardens, an exquisite Laozi’s gift for the Jade Emperor. Yet, the second plant was quite the mystery to the Monkey King. It was somewhat smaller, its leaves were more fragile-looking. There were twenty fig-like delightfully smelling fruits in total carried by the twigs and branches, something that Sun Wukong had never seen before. With each inhale he felt lighter, stronger. His iron body began to bloom with euphoria inside out. He was so caught up in that fleeting moment he didn’t even notice how or when Yawen made him sit on a red bench in the round pavilion under the two trees. “It’s nice here, isn’t it?“

Again, he avoided the posed question and her infinite look. “I see Her Majesty planted a magnolia tree here. What a magnificent plant that is,“ he murmured with widened eyes and let his memories drift to the Wolf Witch. Her smell wasn’t much different from the one consuming him. “Miss Yawen, say, isn’t it forbidden for anyone beside emperors to own the noble tree?“

Yawen rolled her eyes but chuckled brightly nonetheless. “Oh, my, you surely are persistent with your questions. It sure is. But you witnessed how ambitious Her Majesty is. It won’t be long and the title of ‘Emperor’ shall be hers. Hush now, dear. May I offer you a cup of yulan tea? It may help you to put aside your restless mind.“ She raised a set for tea preparation which was stored inside a carved cabinet.

At first, the monkey demon was prepared to decline but realising the unpleasant drought in his throat, he, at last, nodded. Once again, he caught himself thinking of the witch. Although they’d become significantly close, her choice still irked him. The advisor refused to let Wukong take the risk and now she’s promenading with someone who’s clearly a bigger threat if confronted directly. But…she’d never done anything that wouldn’t benefit her. Wukong scolded himself for not counting with this outcome. Even the tiniest of the details were crucial with her deceitful nature. The Lady Wolf Witch was truly a person of great ambitions and self-confidence. Something Wukong himself hardly lacked. Something that once again landed them in unnecessary trouble.

And yet Wukong wished to bring her there and show her the two trees. No doubt Márgerdra had never witnessed the source of her perfume and he was willing to bet his own head the woman would be equally astounded as he was, if not more.

“Here you are, Master Huang.“ The gold-coloured liquid rippled in the porcelain cup in front of him. Yawen patiently waited for Wukong to accept and when he did she sat down as close to him as possible, yet she set her own cup on the low table in front of them. “Before we start with the business subject, I have one more additional yet no less important offer for you.“

Dimples accompanied her broad grin plastered across her face, the black beauty mark on her cheekbone shone but the man paid it no attention. All he let out was a bored groan,“Apart from brewing tea, making strange proposals must be your top hobby.“

“You’re such a jokester. Not something I’d expect from a tough fighter like you. I like that.“ She bit on her long painted nail. “You see, titles are used between two people who barely know each other. This no longer applies for the two of us. Let’s put all those formalities aside.“

“I’m not sure whether such a thing would be suitable, Miss Yawen…“

“Please, call me only Yawen from now on. And you shall be Wei for me. Are we settled, dear?“

The way she put up her legs next to her body on the bench and leaned closer to him reminded Wukong of the witch even more. She used to choose this pose whenever they set up a camp and she wanted Bajie to share more food either for her or the princess. Márgerdra would tempt the woodcutter’s son or the merchants at the inn just like Yawen was doing right now. She too had that cold, stabbing, unnervingly deep gaze, piercing anyone through and through. Even Bajie started to see beneath Márgerdra’s charade, otherwise the pig would adamantly obey her demand, not Wukong’s. The two women were so similar, so mendacious. However he’d started this game long ago. There was no escape.

“Very well…Yawen.“

“Excellent!“ She clapped her hands. “Back to the main topic of this evening, shall we? You see, Her Majesty’s going to celebrate her birthday soon. She loves martial arts tournaments and so does her nephew. The only difference is that she’s an observer while he enjoys being much more active. Captain Jun started a few years ago but since his debut we haven’t seen other champion than him.“

Wukong cocked his eyebrow. “Is that the case? Sure, he’s rather good. His technique’s on a high level, I wouldn’t dare to deny the fact. But there’s just as many imperfections he doesn’t seem to care to reduce.“

“That’s why I want you to participate. He needs a little nudge, the queen needs a celebration, you need a rematch and I need entertainment. By the way, did I mention the winner is also compensated with a reward? Simply put, everybody wins. Besides, I can help you, too.“

Wukong’s curiosity and distrust was piqued,“How?“

“I shall provide you with a safe place for your training, a hall at first used for soldiers to train but now it’s abandoned due to moving them to another location. I’ve already arranged the place, knowing well you’re not going to decline. It’s right above the bathhouse. As a bonus I’ll train with you. We don’t have much time left, not more than two weeks. I know the captain’s weaknesses. How he dodges, where he likes to kick, what’s his most used attack.“

The monkey began choking on his tea, though it didn’t last long. He pulled himself together quicker than expected, brushing away the concerned snake woman,“I have no doubt you can fight. But you’re too small for me. Your stamina, strength, there’s no way you’d be able to keep up with me. Plus, I've been training with Yaling much longer. I’m too used to her to let go and find another partner. Thank you but I can only agree on the training place. Nothing more. What’s more, when it comes to the captain, I’d like to save the thrill and not know more about his fighting skills beforehand. It’d ruin the experience.“

Yawen had a lot of problems keeping her tongue behind her teeth. At first the girl, now the handsome stranger is mocking her, too. She reminded herself, though, not to overdo her effort and simply do what she was best at - keep waiting. “As you wish. However, if you change your mind in the future, let me know. My door’s always open for you.“

For a while they were only sitting side by side and sipping on the warm liquid. None of them spoke as if they had their tongues cut out. Only the buzzing of insects echoed in their ears. However, Yawen didn’t let herself be chased off. And Wukong knew all too well. She pretended not to care. He saw beneath. She finally broke the silence. He didn’t like it. Both her speaking and the topic she chose. “I wonder how close the Pilgrims are. With the mighty protector in the charge, they must proceed fast.“

“If you think then so be it.“

“Wei, my lovely, sweet Wei,“ Yawen put her palm on his chest. The silk rustled but the pounding in his chest didn’t join. There, under his ribs, deep within the now flesh, his heart always remained a lifeless stone. “Of course ‘so be it’. Are you truly that careless about the probable presence of the Tang monk?“

“Probable doesn’t mean possible.“

“Oh my, how cold you can be!“ Yawen playfully pulled away and pretended to be offended. “Be honest now-“

“I always am. You don’t need to worry about that.“ Wukong used his chance of the slight distance between him and his unfavourable companion and stretched out to pour another cup. The last drops seemed to have been waiting solely for him and he couldn’t be more grateful.

“Would you taste the monk’s flesh once he gets here?“

“No.“

“Why? Just imagine it. Eternal life, wisdom, the forever beauty of never-fading youth. Is this your true answer, Wei?“

“Indeed it is. The monk’s sent to retrieve sutras. He was chosen by the Bodhisattva Guanyin, he’s the reincarnation of Golden Cicada. This quest of his, it’s far more important, far more valuable than what we can imagine. The selfless act to face the dangers and fears. All of that…just to save the souls who would in return spit onto his face due to the ragged clothing and dirty face. Yet, he still proceeds further. Not because of mercy or whatever other fancy word. It’s just…the right thing to do. And that, Yawen, is the sole reason I’d never feast on his flesh. I’d be tearing away the hope for the better tomorrow. I don’t want that.“

The pause which came after the last word was appalling. The Great Sage wished he’d kept his mouth shut, although the nudge inside he listened to told him otherwise. At last, the lecherous woman barked out,“What an honest man you are! A speech of a man who’s a monk at heart, that’s what you delivered. Though rather short, you went straight to the point. I envy you, sweet Wei. If I didn’t know you, I’d think you’re a member of that party. After all, your youngest brother is easily just as dashing as the monk, or so do they say. However, I admit, he’s rather shy and tattered for the chosen one of Bodhisattva Guanyin, someone who’s an emperor’s brother. Not to mention the black mane. Monks can’t grow out their hair. Am I correct?“

“Yes, you are.“

“Wei!“ She laughed and bumped into his shoulder,“You’re so offhand! Come on, cheer up a bit. With this attitude, you could easily pass for the first disciple. I’ve heard he’s got a huge…“ Yawen paused, wearing a bright expression on her face. She teasingly bit on her lower lip as she looked the monkey up and down before she settled on a single word. “...ego. What’s the name of that brutish ape?“

Wukong recognised the dance she was trying to pull him into. This time, he suppressed his urge to lash out on her. He brought his knee under his chin and calmly responded as he scratched beneath the sharp chin,“Not exactly sure. There’s too many hairy bastards these days. But if you mean it in connection to the Tang monk it’s probably, hm, Sun Wukong?“

“Yes! That’s his name. Sun Wukong. The strongest of all demon kings. The Monkey King himself. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven. The Heavenly Rebel,“ just as she was about to open her mouth for the last title, her grin grew from playful to wicked and at last it twisted into an ominous grimace,“The Kinbutcher.“

The cold and honest truth hid behind the wicked name. It froze Wukong from head to toe. Rage and regret, it all mixed and flushed through his veins, it consumed him bit by bit, although he couldn’t deny it. Truly, Sun Wukong had become the hunter of his own. Though he did have a reason to do so it could not change the fact he was a murderer. Only the circumstances changed yet the blood on his hands never vanished. The Kinbutcher. The word pounded on his tongue, on his guts, on his mind.

He withstood the temptation to pull out his powerpole. He knew better. Instead, he buried the bitterness underneath the laughing mask. “So many titles! I better start working hard on my own career if I want to become this famous.“

The sudden easy-going approach of the simian threw Yawen off balance which forced her to join in on the little joke. “Planning on taking the imperial exams?“

“Absolutely! I bet I could easily answer all my questions. Though, there’s one subject I’m not particularly excellent at.“ He forced himself to wear a broad smile even when Yawen put her legs over his lap, the thin green fabric slid down her pale skin, revealing a good portion of it. The decorations in her hair dangled. She wanted to ask what he was aiming at but Wukong was ahead of her. He pointed his clawed finger over the low railing of the pavilion. It was directed at one target - the unknown tree bearing twenty mauve figs. “What is this tree over there? I’ve never seen it before nor have I heard about a similar plant in my life.“

“Sweet Wei, that is an alchemical experiment of Her Majesty. I should not talk much about it. However, with you, I’m willing to make an exception,“ the back of her hand slid down Wukong’s cheek, but she had to quickly retract it when the monkey clicked his sharp teeth, nearly biting the snake’s fingers off. Nevertheless, she laughed it off as a trivial matter, something a restless innocent child would do, not an adult demon with a diabolical gaze. She moved her hips and arched her back till she was breathing on the side of his face and only then she softly spoke to the man in black and gold,“Her Majesty, Queen Shufen, once obtained special seeds and decided to grow them here, in the safety of the mountain. Do you see those fig-like fruits? I’m sure you’ve already noticed their splendid smell. That alone gives you the strength of a hundred men. Nonetheless, if you come completely close and smell them right there, they shall grant you five hundred years of life. If you taste them, though, you gain immortality and eternal youth. That is the reason why this garden is sealed by such a complicated spell. You see, Her Majesty’s still waiting for the right time to harvest the figs and taste their unusual peach-like flavour.“

Wukong’s stomach growled. Still, he didn’t tear away from the astonishing view ahead of him,“Why exactly?“

“Silly, silly Wei,“ her unpleasant chuckle bounced against Wukong’s eardrums but at least she put her legs down,“she needs them to ripen! That shall take the next two weeks. At least that’s the estimated date for this alchemical miracle. If she ought to take the figs now they’d all crumble into dust immediately. Hence why she’s saving it for the best opportunity. Because once they’re fully mature, they should last long enough to be consumed. Or at least so does our court alchemist estimate. Although, he’s not even sure himself.“

“The immortal fruit,“ Wukong snorted,“something so valuable and Her Majesty still wants to devour the Tang monk?“

“Devouring him is a matter of both - gaining immortality but also his gathered wisdom. The latter is what tempts our beloved Queen.“

“If the tree is so important that nearly nobody ought to know about it,“ this time it was Wukong who leaned uncomfortably close,“why are you telling me all of this, then, Yawen? How can you be so sure I’m not going to rat on you?“

Perhaps for the first time since the demons had met, Yawen’s eyes glistened with a hint of uncertainty. Her head turned right and left, the long strands of her coal black hair fell down to her worried face and created a silky curtain in front of her forehead and narrow cheeks. Her voice became a fragile whisper,“I told you this because I need someone to have my back if things go south. I fear for my safety. The captain, well, he’s not the most pleasant type to work with. The man can be extremely, overly, suspicious even if he means it in a good way. He’s been on about some sort of coup in the palace. In case he’d start accusing me I want you, an honourable man with a healthy judgement, to be aware of my side of the story - I would never harm Shufen. Not even in a dream. I don’t care about the figs as you can see that I talk about them without a single notion of ulterior motives. Although not many will trust you. Still, it’s better than nothing…“ Yawen slowly backed off and made herself once again comfortable in her pompous seat. In a blink of an eye, she lost all of the innocence drawn across her face.

Naturally, the story was never enough for the old demon. The Sage scratched his nose and put one leg over another while simultaneously leaning back to rest his tired back against the red-painted railing. “You hardly know me and still you’re putting all your trust into me. Don’t start with the ‘I’m so alone in this cursed palace’ nonsense. Just answer me - why should I keep my lips sealed in front of the captain of the queen, Yawen?“

“The answer’s easy. I’m sure you’ve already taken the hint, sweetie. I showed you this secret, yes. But, tell me, what exactly were you searching for in the queen’s bedroom? Hm? I’ve never once mentioned to you my quarters’ location. Plus, I doubt you wanted to find a pretty trinket for your wretched cold-hearted hag of a ‘wife’. I think you were there for another reason. Maybe to know more about Her Majesty? Why did she, the Azure Crane, go the long way here from the western parts of Mount Kunlun? There are many reasons you should not interfere with her privacy. Unless you’re afraid for your group's safety, monkey. Almost as if you wanted to run away as quickly as possible. It would make sense to scavenge her private chambers to find drafts of secret tunnels and such. What do you think? What would Her Majesty or the Royal Guard Captain do if I told them the truth? I may trust you but they certainly won’t if my tongue accidentally slipped.“

For a while, they both fell into an uncomfortable silence. Inside, Wukong was screeching, howling, spitting blood, sulphur and fire. It reflected in his eyes as they caught on the slightly amber hue. A single look at them and one could easily think a wild fire was raging behind them which was not far from the truth.

On the other hand, Yawen airily played with her hair as if nothing serious occurred. “Let’s keep it our little secret. I mean this whole evening. Are we clear, sweetie?“ Yawen winked at him.

Seeing how fed up he was she decided to elaborate for the first time and put up no protest when he politely but hurriedly excused himself. “Miss Yawen…“

“Only Yawen, please, Wei.“

“Yawen, thank you for your company. As we settled down on the tournament proposition and also went through various interesting topics, I dare to say this evening was more than delightful. Yet, I have to return to my wife and younger brother. I sincerely wish you a goodnight.“

“Sweetest dreams to you, too, darling.“

The door behind Wukong slammed hard. The monkey demon clearly didn’t care anymore whether a dismissed guard could have heard him or not. He simply wished to get as away from the place as he could. When he was a good distance away, he slyly smirked to himself. At last, they may have a lead.

On the other hand, Yawen was of the opposite opinion. She put her empty cup on the table and lightly sneaked towards the fig tree. The lowest hanging fruit was exactly the size of her palm. She gently grabbed it but didn’t yank. She only kept the light touch on it while the snake lady imagined how the sweet flavour flooded her mouth. The demoness licked her lips before she pulled away. She needs to wait a little longer.

Yawen yanked the cloak and went searching for Queen Shufen.

****

“Your Majesty, didn’t you ask for your cloak? Shouldn’t we wait for Miss Yawen?“ Sanzang swallowed the gulp in his throat. His body shivered from head to toe whenever Queen Shufen snuggled closer to him. The thought that the demoness was already clinging to his arm was making him nervous, which showed on his sweat-drenched shirt and red cheeks.

“She’ll catch on us. You needn’t to worry, young Master Huang. Besides, the weather is still relatively fine. I expected for the wind to pick up any time soon.“ The queen stopped and so did the escort with Mei and Ol’ Sha behind her. With a single wave of her hand she dismissed her party so only the two of them remained, in spite of Wujing and Mei’s initial protests. All they could do at the moment was solely let the servants accompany them to their own quarters.

Crickets chirred among the tall peonies and orchids in the back of the wide space. The sun no longer reigned in the sky yet the moon was still nowhere in sight, however, it was no obstacle for the breeze to chafe the decorative limestone wall with a grotto by their left. It swished and whistled, it ran and flew up and down, right and left until it reached the couple. Goldfish swam in the narrow pond beside them, the tiny waves created by their nimble tails licked the white platform.

Sanzang began to dart his eyes in every direction while the tremor seized him as if the land beneath manifested the earthquake. He knew he had nowhere to back away.

His hands fell down, the sleeves brushed the sides of his robes. His eyes were downcast. The monk’s dejected voice spreaded through the shivering air. The despair was so strong it even shut the croaking in the pond.

“The land is sour with the sun shining on it,

yet at night, when the moon rises from the cloudy bed,

the eyes of Budd- the eyes of,“ Sanzang’s voice cracked as he faltered,“of the merciful one,

they shall guide me through both, the white day and black night,

till I can find salvation…“ He was about to finish when he remembered one of Bajie’s many poems. The young monk gladly grasped the memory and the idea it gave him. “Till I can find salvation in her lily-like eyes!“

Shufen’s smile widened, the two onyx gems of her porcelain face danced with unmistakable joy. Her slender palms rested on Sanzang’s quivering shoulders. Her ruthlessness was gone in a mere second. It didn’t take long for the monk to come to believe the queen’s soothing words. “Dear, this was the most wonderful poem one has ever told, heard and witnessed. You have a talent many can envy. That is why I decided to ask you something. Would you be comfortable to recite for me at my celebration? After we hold a tournament it would be the finest present for the Queen of the Jade Valley.“

With each bit she drew nearer to the delightful young man, the more his inner urge to scream and run built up. The Tripitaka began to tilt his head back. Anything just to avoid the unbearable proximity. He almost stopped believing for a miracle to happen.

But it did.

From a distance, a deep husky call reached them, making the queen break her intense gaze. “Shui, brother! Almost thought I would never find you in these vast but unearthly beautiful gardens. Your Majesty! My apologies. In that hurry, my simple and poor self failed to notice your radiance as it was somehow covered by the cloak of the approaching night.“ Wukong bowed deeply. The gesture and tone of his voice made Shufen stutter but she ultimately only gently waved her hand. “No need to worry about such a detail, Master Huang. Did something bad happen? You rushed in like there's lightning coming to strike you any second.“

“No, Your Majesty. I was simply wondering where my little brother went. I was a bit worried.“ Wukong was prepared to take Sanzang with himself the moment he saw his master’s reddened face. At the last moment, he backed off on the immediate rescue of the monk. The mischief in the monkey’s expression couldn’t be denied while his stern posture remained unchanged. “But I see that little Shui is in good hands. Shall I leave you two be by yourselves? Perhaps I could return in an hour or so…“

While Shufen was about to politely accept the Great Sage’s offer, the Tripitaka quickly interrupted her,“That won’t be needed…big brother… It’s getting late and Her Majesty surely has had plenty of difficult matters to attend to. She must be terribly tired from the trouble that’s been happening lately. Am I correct? Anyway, I wish you goodnight, Your Majesty. I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.“

“Young Master,“ Shufen’s steel command stopped the two men once they turned their backs to her, but her next words carried a significantly softer, warmer tone, like the sun that had just hid behind the horizon,“do you promise me, please, to recite? I’ll understand if you decline. Yet, I’d be very much pleased if you accept, Master Huang.“

Something within her voice convinced Sanzang’s gentle heart. Truly, he was afraid but at the same time he didn’t wish to sadden the woman, although she was no human at all. He turned around for the last time with a sincere look, his elegant light robes quietly whispered as he bowed deeper than ever before,“Yes, Your Majesty. I’d never dare to take away the happiness from you. Everyone deserves it. You included. Goodnight.“

Delighted Shufen soon marched away in an opposite direction. While the disciple and his Master slowly closed the distance between them and the staircase, the Sage uttered a sneaky remark,“Are you gonna recite for me, too, Shui? Or you’re saving the best for the queen?“

“Argh, shut it, Wukong. Now, get us out of here. I really thought my pants were so wet for some…reason. Thankfully, it’s just the sweat.“

Wukong smacked his thigh as he laughed hard. His contagious laughter soon jumped onto Sanzang, as well, and the two descended into an illuminated corridor.

“Hey, Wukong.“

“All ears, Shifu.“

“You and Márgerdra are going to stay for a while in our room, right? We got a story to tell you from dinner.“

Wukong hesitated but eventually gave into the unusual idea and even more unusual enthusiasm of his young Master. “Sure. Why not, Shifu.“

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Taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added): @vanessaroades-author @rubywrite @aohendo @rbbess110 @jgmartin @outpost51

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List of chapters:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-one

Chapter Twenty-two

Chapter Twenty-three

Chapter Twenty-four

Chapter Twenty-five

Chapter Twenty-six

Chapter Twenty-seven

Epilogue

[macveigh]

AGE: 18 YEARS OLD AND OVER. On Morgan MacVeigh’s 18th birthday, her father’s sept of their ancestral coven is attacked by The Followers of the Black Mare; a radical religious cult and longtime enemy of Morgan’s family that pride themselves on their vast knowledge of arcane magic and Unseelie fae lore.

Morgan, along with several other young promising members of the MacVeigh coven, are kidnapped rather than ruthlessly executed like how the rest of their loved ones were during Black Mare’s attack. Months later, they become severely traumatized from their time spent within the faerie cult’s clutches until the day comes when everyone is eventually able to escape. They are rescued by the central branch of the MacVeigh coven who’s special forces unit traveled all the way from Scotland just to rescue Morgan and her fellow witches. They find themselves being taken back to the coven’s central headquarters located on the Isle of Mull, the birthplace and childhood home of Morgan’s father.

While under the protection and guardianship of her father’s extended side of the family, a terrible secret is revealed to Morgan that will change the way she views her ancestral coven forever. She is forced to come to terms with the fact that she is no more safe housed within the innerworkings of the coven’s secret society than she was while being imprisoned by the Black Mare. Desperate to get away, Morgan decides to set off totally on her own for the first time in her life and goes into hiding. Now she is not only on the run from the Black Mare, but from her own kin as well.

AGE: 5 - 10 YEARS OLD. Morgan is just a little girl in this verse living her life on the island of Delacroix, Michigan; her mother’s childhood home. She has not come into the full extent of her powers yet, nor has she began her training as a MacVeigh witch. At the age of 10 years old, every witch is finally initiated into the coven for them to begin their journey towards becoming a powerful warrior-witch and assassin. While awaiting that fateful day, Morgan spends most of her time either learning, playing outside with her friends, or going on fantastical adventures around her hometown alongside her big brother, Michael.  

AGE: 11- 17 YEARS OLD. After finally being initiated into her coven’s traditional practices, Morgan’s teenage years are split between her living life as a small town socialite to the public, while training to be an accomplished assassin-witch in private. In this verse, we will see her slowly working her way towards becoming the highly intelligent and vastly skilled individual that we see her as during her present day/main verse.  

Morgan’s coven was never eradicated, there was never any impending threat looming over her family’s head, thus no reason for her to ever have left home or run away. Basically, this is her ultimate canon AU.

In this verse, she grew up in upstate New York alongside her brother and several other members of her father’s coven where they would be raised to become assassin witches and highly intelligent scholars of the magical realm. All while shrouded by the secrecy, affluence,  and legacy of the MacVeigh coven.

Morgan’s coven was never eradicated, there was never any impending threat looming over her family’s head, thus no reason for her to ever have left home or run away. Basically, this is her ultimate canon AU.

In this verse, she grew up in upstate New York alongside her brother and several other members of her father’s coven where they would be raised to become assassin witches and highly intelligent scholars of the magical realm. All while shrouded by the secrecy, affluence,  and legacy of the MacVeigh coven.

Morgan has succumbed to the ultimate core of her magic and its malevolent fae origin. Witches call it “going dark” on the account of its cold and soulless nature, as well as the fact that when a witch goes dark, their eyes turn black whenever they are about to or proceed to use their magic.

This verse is the equivalent to a demon or an “Evil” verse.

Similar to Morgan’s COVEN BOUND verse but it takes place during the past / previous era(s) of her coven’s long history, plot dependent. Fandoms this verse is good for are as it follows: Reign, The Borgias, Assassin’s Creed, Vikings, The Last Kingdom, etc..

Morgan’s dream of owning her very own bookshop has finally come true. She ends up inheriting the property in question from her longtime employer shortly after their inevitable passing. However, what appears to be just an ordinary everyday bookstore on the surface, actually harbors a vast secret library of sacred texts, used books, and rare tombs that contain endless amounts of information and lore into anything magic or supernatural. [ in development, verse age: 30+ ]

Morgan finally goes back to school to get a proper college degree and becomes a licensed therapist. She uses her powers as a witch to help her human clients, but also chooses to see those belonging to the supernatural community who are also suffering from paranormal induced psychological trauma as well.  [ in development, verse age: 30+ ]

A BLACK RAVEN soars across the world’s battlefields, plucking out the dead eyes and the ears and the tongues of fallen soldiers. The Phantom Queen has arrived to take what is hers. Goddess of death, war, and fate       The Morrígan was once a powerful high-ranking member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, of the Seelie Court. She was responsible for the council brought to leaders of the Tuatha Dé Danann’s armies before war. Wide and consort of The Dagda, she is cunning and ruthless when it comes to getting what she wants and will stop at absolutely nothing to ensure that her own personal endeavors are sought through. 

How ironic that centuries later, long after Tuatha Dé Danann were forced to retreat from the Emerald Isle back into the depths of the Otherworld, her own reincarnation would turn out to be a descendent of the same group of Irish settlers who forced her and her people to retreat to the other side of the veil.

In this verse, Morgan and the The Morrígan have become one. She has given into her role as the second coming of the Celtic Goddess of carnage and destruction, so much so, that she can hardly tell herself apart from the ancient spirit that’s attached itself to her soul.