valatheapprentice

[valatheapprentice]

I already shipped 2 characters from different properties, Natasha Romanoff and Julian Devorak. I even got art done of them

And now?

Soap and Karlach

And I dont have money to get art to see them together. But can you imagine?

[valatheapprentice]

Starting with 1 since I have more info thought out and I need a place to store my thoughts and have feed back

Moon knight fanfic

It'll be partly a JakeXOC fic

They start off FWB but refuse say their own feelings.

The falling part will be the first part

Before her death

But then we pull a "the crow" and use lore from the movie/comics

I need to get better at writing action stuff though

I'm really stuck on if I want her to re-die at the end or if I wanna find a not lame way to keep her alive

Please feel free to ask me questions about this. It would really help me think a lot

I love writing, but I can't seem to write a damn thing

Ideas I have, maybe people can give me encouragement for any of them?

1. Moon knight fanfic where a chunk of ot is loosely based off of A Grave Mistake by INK.

2. Rewrite of American psycho 2 bc I was greatly disappointed.

3. Horror movie/story involving being a sleeper agent

4. Horror ocean story. Is it eldritch horror or just oxygen deprivation?

I'd absolutely love to go into more details

[valatheapprentice]

I love writing, but I can't seem to write a damn thing

Ideas I have, maybe people can give me encouragement for any of them?

1. Moon knight fanfic where a chunk of ot is loosely based off of A Grave Mistake by INK.

2. Rewrite of American psycho 2 bc I was greatly disappointed.

3. Horror movie/story involving being a sleeper agent

4. Horror ocean story. Is it eldritch horror or just oxygen deprivation?

I'd absolutely love to go into more details

[valatheapprentice]

okay but this tiktok is literally steven 🥴

[valatheapprentice]

Shattered Moon: Moon Knight fanfic Pt.4

Vala sat on her bed, grazing her teeth against her nails. She had zoned out, looking out the window as the dawn threatened to bring light over the city. She had stopped glancing at the door, still waiting for her partner to come back from their failed mission. Even with her chest burning with anger, the knots in her stomach were more immediate, mixing with the adrenaline that continued to course through her from their escape.

Shock tore through her sternum as the door slammed shut. Marc stormed in, throwing a worn jacket onto his bed. His jaw was clenched as his eye darkened at the sight of her. "What the hell was that?"

Vala scoffed at him, standing and crossing her arms, disdain smeared in her stare. "I should be asking you that?"

"They nearly killed us because you had to get involved." He spat.

"God!" She sneered. "You've got to stop acting like I can't do anything." She turned and paced away from him, deepening her breaths in vain before looking back. "You don't get to blame me. I turn around for five seconds and you somehow get in a fight with them?"

"I was doing what you couldn't." His muscles tensed further as he straightened his shoulders. "I dont know what happened but it went south. And I had a handle on it until you tried to 'help'."

"Right," she spat. "You were only about to get shot. Didn't need to push anyone out of the way."

"Yeah, using magic!" His voice grew tighter, laced with frustration. "I had the suit. I was fine."

"I didn't even know you could do that!" Her voice started to grow louder. "I didn't see it until the last minute." He groaned and raked his fingers roughly through his ebony curls. "And by the way, what was that bullshit with disappearing? Have you never seen a movie? We aren't suppose to separate?"

"This isn't a fucking movie." Marc spat. "We lost them, didn't we?"

"And if something happened to either of us?" She felt her eyes strain in their sockets.

"Awe." He mocked her. "Look at that. You actually care."

"Oh no. If something happens to you, I've got two gods coming for my head." She said. "You're better alive to me than dead."

"And if they got us both, then who's gonna stop them from using that broach?" He asked, raising his arms out from his sides. "One of us stopping them is better than neither of us."

Vala bit her lips together, taking a deep breath. "What's done is done." She folds her hand under her arms, shoulders taught and her gaze lowered from the man in front of her. She bit down the venom threatening to poison her words of she continued.

"Really?" He looked at her, his mouth lopsided as they curl mockingly. "What? Too proud to admit you're wrong?"

"You-" She snapped, stopping as she closed her eyes and bit her inner cheek. She took a deep breath before meeting his gaze, a warning steeled into her eyes. Her voice was tight, filtered through gritted teeth. "This conversation isn't worth entertaining. How about we just focus on plan b, yeah?"

Marc raked his fingers passed his tangles hair as he rolled his eyes into a sigh." Plan be is I will get information out of one of the idiots we saw. You will sit somewhere, look pretty, and keep a look out on things."

A growl rumbled in her chest as she tried to suppress it. "Fine by me. Which one were you thinking anyway? I was thinking about that guy in the weird shirt."

Marc nodded, an eyebrow raised. "Bald with the earring?" She nodded. "You read my mind."

"Not yet I haven't." She quibbed. "But our little friend did seem so excited to tell you everything."

Marc sighed, searching through his bag before proclaiming the shower. "Lucky me."

~~~~~

Through the cobble streets, Marc stalked their target as he unknowingly walked towards an unpleasant turn in his day. Waiting by a vacant alley up the street, Vala stood in an illusioned disguise. Marc, with an eagle eye on the man ahead of him, quickened his pace subtly. He crept closer and closer as the distance between them and Vala grew smaller. By the time they had reached the alleyway, Marc was able to push the guy into it with out attracting attention.

Promptly, Vala casted an illusion to hide what would otherwise been seen or heard by anyone passing by. She shook her head. Shaking off her disguise as she walked toward the two.

Marc had the brightly dressed man pinned to the white stone wall, threatening him his Arabic. The guys eye were wide open in fear as he tripped over his attempt at speaking, frantic and struggling to think.

"Please!" He begged. "Please don't."

The look Vala and Marc gave him were filled with shock and annoyance. "You speak English?" She asked.

"You speak english?" He said in a tight voice.

"Well, we weren't planning on making this easy for you." Marc responded. "Alyad alsawda'. Tell us what you know."

The man laughed at Marc. "Eat shit. I'm not talking."

Marc slammed the man's back into the wall again. "Thay wasn't a request."

He spit in his face as a response. Marc held him I place as he wiped the blood tinted saliva off, cooking his fist back.

"Wait!" Vala called as she walked closer to them.

"Are you kidding me?" Marc barked back.

"Just trust me, hold his arms back for me." She requested, earning an eyeroll from Marc. Once he stood behind the man with his arms pinned behind him, she ran her hands over his pockets. Marc twisted his arms after he made vile comments to her. Soon, she had pulled out a phone and looked at the lock screen. "Sir. I need your thumb print."

"You’re... asking me to help you?" The man narrowed his eyes.

"You always gotta ask first. You never know. I mean, my friend here could always find his own ways to help me." She said nonchalantly.

"Yeah." He scoffed. "Even if you could force my hand out, I'm not going to just stay still."

"She never said it had to be attached." Marc growled on his ear. Swiftly, he had pulled out a knife and pressed it against his skin.

Vala was just about to protest when the guy began to plea. "Okay fine! You win."

With a vice like grip to keep the man still, they were able to unlock the phone. She began looking through it as the guy continued to try to struggle against Marc's entrapment. Within the messages, she found something that caught her eye. She looked back up at the guy before talking to Marc. "You'd say you're a bad guys worst nightmare right?" Playing a long, Marc nodded. "Cool. So you can tell me how bad this is. We got theft, black market trading, attempted murder, blackmail, stalking, abduction once, threatening minors, and having his wallpaper being himself."

The guys eyes nearly popped out of his skull as the blood drained from his face as Marc shook his head. "I'd say there's not many things worse." He said, hoping the over exaggeration would scare him into talking.

It worked. He started begging for them not to hurt him.

As much as she hated seeing this in her line of work, she kept a straight face. "Tell us about Dr. Brenneman."

"That prick?" He spat out in a laugh. "What about him?"

"Well, for a prick, you sure are doing a lot to keep him around." She said. "So what did this doctor do to warrant his family being threatened?"

"Just some archeology nut." The man strained as Marc tightened his grip. "Fine! Fine. He's an appraisal guy. We find something. He tells us what's its worth."

"Why do I know that name?" Steven's voice fell over Marc. Which he failed to shake away.

"So you got him on stand by against his will?" She asked.

"Wait! He was suppose to give a lecture at the museum! Heard wonderful things about him. Got his phD in Latvia and has done so much research in Africa and the middle east and- " Steven chirped.

"Not now!" Marc snapped. Vala scrunched her eyebrows, stunned into silence. He nods his head to explain. "Not you. Answer her."

"Fuck off." The man sneered.

Marc turned him and shoved him into the wall again, pressing his weight into his back. "Where will we find him?"

"That you'll never get out of me." The man gritted out, spit hitting the wall as he spoke.

"You may want to leave." Marc warned Vala, his eyes darkening. "We're gonna have a little chat. Man to man."

"Think you're being a bit nice calling him that." She said. "But yeah. Have fun you two." She left, walking as fast as she could manage, walking past the illusion before witnessing her partner 'convince' the guy to cooperate.

[valatheapprentice]

Shattered Moon: Moon Knight fanfic Pt. 3

After waiting to board their plane, they're finally able to move foreward. They and their bags make it through security with no issue thanks to Vala, the guns easily hidden from the scan as it passed through the conveyer belt under the illusion she placed. "Yeah. I see how you could be useful." He admitted.

"That was nothing." She smirked as they made their way to their seats.

They set their bags in the cabinets overhead, thankfully the third seat was left empty, leaving more room for storage and to talk openly. A stewardess with a bright smile and tired eyes welcomed them, making sure they had what they needed. Marc and Vala smiled as the stewardess continued to the next pair of passengers. The silence that stretched between them was anything but comfortable, though they both remained deadpan as they lost themselves in their separate thoughts. His watch ticked slower in the moments before take off.

The pilot spoke through the intercom, ready to depart. Marc relaxed further into his seat, waiting for the plane to ascend and steady itself. Beside him, Vala took a deep breath. Her muscles tightened beneath her skin. She tried to steady her heart with well thought out breaths.

"Dont tell me you're scared of flying." Marc looked at her, questioning with amusement. "You have been on a plane before, right?"

"Of course I have." Vala shot him a glare. "And I'm not."

"Liar" He chuckled.

"I am not a liar." She retorted. "I'm just stubborn."

"Clearly." He nodded, pointing at her uncomfortable posture.

She huffed. "Anyone ever tell you how annoying you can be?"

The plane took off. Vala held her breath until it had reached its altitude and began feeling stable again. Marc waited her out, until her breathing had normalized and her grip on her pants became less severe. "You alright?"

"Yeah." She replied, more so trying to convince herself of that.

"If you insist." Unconvinced, he promtly brought up the topic at hand. "Anything more you can tell me about the mission?"

Vala nodded. "I have a friend who was able to find some of the al'aydi alsawda'. Rumor has it a few of them like to brag, especially after a few drinks. She heard they were lower ranked so they should be easier to get information out of. She's going to call with information later. But it does seem like Sidi Bou Saïd is the place to start."

"So all we got to go on are rumors?" He asked, sighing as he mentally prepares to come up with a plan.

"I have to say that. She's not exactly in the most legal work force." She said.

"Not sure if you knew this," he leans closer to her, dropping his voice. "But I am a mercenary. And I doubt your night job is all that legal either."

"All the more reason, if you ask me." Vala shrugged. "That way it's harder to pin on anyone."

"Not sure it works like that." He replied.

She mumbled mockingly under her breath before getting back to the topic. "But I do feel I need to ask. Think we could get information with as little blood shed possible? Preferably none?"

Marc rolled his eyes. "I dont just kill everyone I see, you know."

She put her hands up defensively. "Had to ask. I figured you were the brawn on the duo. Can't be too sure."

He turned his head toward her, brows knitted together. "Excuse me?"

"You say you're a mercenary." She whispered. "Which means you take the guys out. I just thought that meant the other guy was the smart one."

"The other guy-" He let out an exasperated sigh. "Steven does know more than me. Most people, actually. But he can hold his own. And I'm not- you know what? I don't have to explain myself to you, miss jazz hands."

"You call me that now," she pointed in his direction. "But you won't be when I'm saving our asses. Or healing your wounds."

"Twenty bucks says I'll be taking care of yours first." He laughed as he sank back into his seat.

"You're on." She followed suit, pausing for a brief moment. "I feel like we'll have a better chance coming up with a game plan after she calls."

"I was just thinking the same thing." Marc said. "Really hope I can trust you as much as the gods seem to."

"So do I. Not that I have much of a choice." She said softly.

They sat in silence for another moment before Marc spoke up. "You don’t happen to know how Kohnshu and Hecate know each other, do you?"

"She's never volunteered the information. But I think I do." She responded.

"If this is the story I'm thinking of, I love it." Steven said through the window next to Marc.

"A while ago, Cronus had attacked the gods in Greece. Some of them fled to Egypt for a while." She explained. "Hecate was one of them. Hell. She was one of the ones that shape shifted. A cat I think it was. She always did speak about him and a few others with a lot of respect. At the very least they bonded over the moon. She doesn't share a lot about things."

Marc's lips twitched. "I know how that can be. Pays to know your shit, huh."

"Well, when all you can remember center's around a goddess, you kind of learn it quickly. Does make me want to know about others more. Little at a time, right?" She stopped herself. Why do i keep fucking talking, she asked herself. "Sorry. I don't get to talk about this a lot."

"Dont be." He said. "I have that effect on women."

"Hahaha." She looked at him, unimpressed. "Let's just keep this as professional as we can."

"You got it, boss." He teased.

~~~~~

They opened the door into their shared room. Beige walls decorated with mosaic  surround two beds, neatly made with matching red sheets. Orange curtains frame the window looking over the city. The sun was nearing the end if it's path across the sky it lit the room up. They drop their bags on the bed, waiting with little to do but fall on to theor respective beds as they wait for Vala's contact to call.

"You know." She's said, a shallow humor in her voice. "Its a miracle you know Arabic."

"It seems that way because you fucking butchered it." He replied. "How the hell did you make it this far?"

"With a lot of difficulty." She huffed. "I guess flirting the answers out of who ever is out of the question."

Marc raised an eyebrow. "Flirting?"

"It basically the opposite of killing. Start at one end and work your way down." She said.

Marc waited for, well, anything else to be said. "I can't tell if your joking or not."

"Meh." He shrugged. "Most of the time I say that I am. But it has worked before."

Marc pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but no flirting with the bad guys."

Vala scoffed. "Well, I can't if everything that comes out of my mouth is garbled nonsense."

"How the hell are you even still alive?" He asked.

"You really think I'm that bad?" She turned her head to face him.

"I've seen what gets people hurt." He said, his voice softer, more thoughtful.

She nodded, turning her sight back to the textured wall above them. "Believe it or not, I do know what I'm doing."

Marc didn't get to respond as a musical ring tone broke. She snatched her phone and went through her bag for a pen and pad of paper. "Oye. ¿Qué tienes para mí?" She held the pen to the paper and paused. "¿Podrías deletrearlos para mí?" She continued to write for a few seconds before confirming everything. "Muchas gracias. Eres la mejor." She turned to Marc. "Got it!" She bubbled out with a smile. "Wanna Facebook stalk them before we go out?"

Marc stared at her, his eyes dark eyes glazed in uncertainty. "Facebook stalk? Really?"

She moved her bag over to the floor before laying back down. "Why not? We can see what kind of douche we're dealing with." She look over to him. "We know when their most vulnerable. Unless you want to spend the time watching me look them up." She pats on the space next to her on her bed and returns to her screen.

He stares at her for a moment as she starts looking through their social media's, thinking there is no way she's for real. A group of bad guys have a potentially dangerous artifact and she wants to check Facebook? Something in him tried to assure him she has to be smarter than she looks, and Marc thinks he know what, or who, is saying that. She had better be, he thought back.

[valatheapprentice]

Shattered Moon: Moon Knight fanfic Pt. 2

Neither of them had noticed the assistant leaving. Marc just stood, unintentionally awkward. In the black, glass wall overlooking all of the club below, Steven stared, feeling even more insane than he had in such a long time. The gawking wasn't lost on the pale, olive skinned woman, who had ignored it to finish the deal she was working on. They stood up in the matter of minutes as she walked him to the door. "I am so sorry to cut this early but I do have rather urgent things to deal with." She smiled brightly at him.

"I understand." He said, stopping just at the door frame. "About the spell. I do need it but I'm not sure-"

"The price." They both nodded in understanding. "How about this: it's going to take me a while to start it but I'll forego the payment. You'll just owe me a favor." The man sighed in relief and thanked her fevorently. "I'll give you a call as soon as I can. Bueno dias, senior."

She had finally closed the door and turned to Marc, smiling softer at who she hoped was the person that was sent to help her. "I am so sorry about that." She walked closer to him and held out her hand. Heye eyes shined a vibrant blue against her darker makeup. "You must be the avatar. I'm Vala."

"Marc." He shook her hand with a tight lipped grin. "If you don't mind me asking, how was it you heard of me?" He asked, hoping to settle the confusion.

"I gotta do something and it's going to take more skill than what few contacts I have can give me." Vala shrugged. "I work for Hecate and she mentioned she made a friend in Egypt a long time ago and would see if he could send someone." She couldn't help but notice the increased tension in his jaw and the way he'd glance to the window now and then. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Yup. Yeah" He answered quickly before clearing his throat. "You just look like someone we- I knew before."

She looked him up and down, a sly smile painting her red lips as she looked up at him through her painted lashes. She shifted her weight to one leg, making her hip pop in the tight black dress she wore. "Oh I think I'd definitely remember meeting you."

He offers a chuckle before the Steven's voice had started feeling louder in his head. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "I'm sorry, do you have a bathroom I could use?"

She pointed to a door on the otherside of the lounge area. He thanked her and hurried over, closing the door before talking down his alter.

Vala cocked an eyebrow and walked over to a framed mirror made of obsidian that she'd use to talk to her Goddess. "This is the guy your friend sent?"

"Kohnshu has a peculiar taste." Hecate replied. "I have no cause to question him, nor you a place to question me."

"I know. I'm sorry." Vala looked back to the bathroom door. "Just I'd hate to be in the middle of things and this guy has a fucking The Shining moment." She looks back to see only her own reflection. "Or Carrie. Cujo even." She mutters to herself. "Love Steven King. Don't want to live out one of his books."

Marc soon walked out, slightly more relaxed. He walked over to her with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. Hell of an introduction, huh?"

Vala smiled and shook her head. "Don't worry about it. We all have our days. Why dont you have a seat. Drink?"

"Yeah, that would be great." He sighed and walked over to one of the leather couches facing away from the glass.

"Got a face on for anything?" She asked as she walked over to her personal bar.

"I'll have whatever you have." Marc replied.

"Rum it is." She mutters to herself, pouring the brown liquid into the crystal glass. She sits next to him and hands him his drink, leaning back and melts into the cushions beneath her. "So. How much has Kohnshu told you?"

"Just you asked for help." He takes a sip before leaning back himself.

"Right." She pulls out her phone from the pocket of her skirt, pulling up a drawing of a... something. "This is a not so good drawing of a broach containing some of Hecate's power."

"Thats what that is?" He asked, amused.

She glared at him, promptly putting her phone down next to her. "Yes. Yes it is. I can put the image in your head later." He looked at her as he tried to understand what she said. "Goddess of the moon and magick. I can do some magick."

He nodded slowly, wondering what the bird got him into. "Right. So do we know who has it?"

"I'm not a hundred on it but I've heard rumors of these thieves from Tunisia, the al'aydi alsawda'  finding the entrance into the underworld." Vala explains. "I mean, I doubt it's to the real underworld but, either way, they have it. It's got to be returned before they realize what it can do."

Marc raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"It gives you dominance over others. I didn't get much clarification as to how." She sighed.

"Thats vague as hell." Marc remarked.

"Well, questioning her isn't all that well recieved." She said in her own defense.

He nodded in understanding. "Either way, that does need to be taken care of. Not that we have much of a choice, but I'm in."

She chuckled at the comment. "Still good to hear that." She finishes off her glass, shivering at the punch of alcohol burning down her spine. "I already got the plane tickets anyway and it'd be super awkward if I showed up by myself."

Marc laughs to himself, keeping himself in check. "I'd hate to be the guy to stand a lady up at the airport of all places."

"Yeah, that'd be a dick move." She played along. "This is kind of a weird way to meet someone."

"Couldn't agree more." He nodded.

"Well," she turned to face him better. "Anything I should know before we actually work together?"

More than you know, Marc thought. "Well. I have dissociative identity disorder. It's like I share a body with one other guy. Two, actually, but he rarely comes out. Steven and I normally are the ones up front. I've been Kohnshus MoonKnight for a long time, and Steven's been helping for about 5 years now. So, you'll most likely meet him." He saw she's looking at him, very concentrated.  "Still with me?"

Vala snapped out of her trance. "Yes! Sorry. I wasn't expecting that. It sounds like you two work well together?" Marc nodded. "Perfect. I'm not very well versed on it, but could I meet him?"

He finds his reflection in the mostly empty glass in his hand, seeing a now quiet Steven shaking his head, arms crossed. "He's  a pretty shy person. He's been pretty... subdued since his wife died a few years back." He absent-mindedly gives Steven a sorry look.

Vala sees the glances and asked, "Is that how you guys talk?"

"Not the only way." He said. "But one of the easiest."

Vala looks at the glass in his hand. "I'm really sorry for your loss." He watches her, unsure what to think of the gesture. She looks back to Marc. "Was she your-"

"No." He shook his head. I only known her a few months, and she knew me only a few days." The confusion on her face was impossible to miss. "I can explain it another time. Long story."

"Its a good thing I like long stories. It'll give us something to talk about on the plane tomorrow." She announced as she hopped off the couch, lending a hand to Marc.

He took it, allowing her to help him up. "What about you?" He asked, looking at her carefully. "Anything we should know before we start this?"

She looked at him as she started to zone out, getting caught up in her thoughts as she tries to think of any answer. "Well," she laughed with hollowness in her voice. "Not that I'm aware of."

"Come again?" He asked, not sure he heard her right.

When she spoke, she spoke slowly, playing with her fingers, as hed seen Steven do before. "I dont really remember anything before a few years ago. I mean, I know what I like and all that but specific things, people, anything like that, nada. Can't even remember my birthday."

Marc considers her words, nodding as she explains. He couldn't help but notice Steven taking in every word as well, his face unreadable. "Sounds like a long story."

"Yeah, well, I'll tell you about is sometime." She said. "I have to take care of some things before I get home to pack. You're welcome to stay in the guest room if you want."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Steven's voice is soft but cuts through Marc's thoughts.

Marc cleared his throat. "Already paid for a room. I really appreciate it though."

"All good." She smiled as walked Marc back to the door. "See you at 7. BCN."

"Yes ma'am" He said as he held his hand out. She shook it and stood a little straighter, bidding eachother a good night.

[valatheapprentice]

Shattered Moon: Moon Knight fanfic Pt. 1

"You look great." Marc said through his alters reflection, giving two thumbs up as Steven readjusts his tie for the seventh time.

"I look like a bloody knob, is what I look like." He sighed as his hands made a shallow attempt to tame his hair. His nerves could be seen I the shaking of his fingers, especially as he grew more frustrated with himself. "Maybe I should reschedule."

"Absolutely not." Marc protested. "She asked you out. Under no circumstances are you doing that." He could feel the anxiety raising in their shared chest. It had been more than five years since he's been on a date, six since he had been on a first date. Marc had helped him regain some normalcy again, despite the looming God over their shoulder.

"No, you're right." Steven muttered. It was a shock when one of the museums regulars asked him for dinner. She would strike up a conversation easily and he'd get caught up in it until his boss snapped him back to reality. Though Marc's always denied it, he suspected he took over now and then to help him flirt. "Not everyday we get to go out with some one as smart and kind as she is, innit?"

"Or as fucking hot." Steven shot him an annoyed look as a teasing smile was plastered on Marc's face.

Steven cheeks started to tint with pink as he eventually nodded. "Yeah." He tossed the tie to the side and gave a final look before finally leaving the mirror and walked towards the kitchen. He fed his two fish before gathering the flowers and chocolates.

"You don't think that's just a little old fashioned?" Marc asked through the reflection of a nearby glass.

Steven shrugged. "Well, it worked out last time." A mixture of fondness and pain bolted through his chest. "She thought is was sweet."

"Hey," Marc lowered his voice. "I know you miss her. But I'd bet our life this is what she'd want for you. Hell, what was it she yelled at me? At least you can 'get bitches'?"

"Yeah, well," Steven fought back a small smile. "She was my wife. Pretty sure she was biased. Maybe a little off her rocker?"

"And we aren't?" Marc teased. "You need a life outside of work."

"And serving bird brain." Steven added, drawing a laugh from Marc. "You're right." He straightened up and took a deep breath. "Let's go rock her socks off."

"Go easy on her, tiger." Marc teased as he growled comically at Steven's flustered and annoyed expression. He dug the keys from his pockets as he walked towards the door. As he grabbed the knob, the lights around him began to flicker. After a moment of denial, he closed his eyes with a sigh. Of course, of all times. He didn't even need to turn around. The hairs standing on the back of his neck gave away his call into duty.

"Looks like I gotta cancel anyway." Steven whispered. "Pretty sure he's here for you, mate."

His eyes rolled back as his muscles tensed beneath his skin. Marc opened his eyes and tuned to face Kohnshu, the active force behind what made his life a living nightmare. With a glare, he set the flowers and chocolates on the table. "We'll give her a call on the way to... where ever." He reassured Steven as he walked over to the now open window where the God was perched. The chill of the English night cut through his skin in a shiver. The moon glowed bright in contrast to the city starlight. "What is it this time?"

"A friend of mine needs assistance." Kohnshu spoke plainly.

"You have friends?" Mark snided.

Ignoring the usual remarks from his avatar, Kohnshu continued. "You'll aid her witch in this. Perhaps more often if we decide so."

Numb to the strain of servitude, Marc nodded. "Are they somehow hiding behind you or are you going to tell me how to find them?"

"Barcelona." Kohnshu answered. "Look for Five of Hearts. She owns it." Marc pinched the bridge of his nose, dreading a longer mission with someone he doesn't know. Who knows how long this is going to take? It took a lot to get their day job back and they were just barely holding on to that. Kohnshu turned to leave but paused, looking back. "Prepare yourselves, worms." He handed him a playing card and left.

~~~~

Marc stood outside the black stone building that donned a sleek red sign on the front. He read the name in disbelief. "He sent us to a strip club." Five of Hearts Gentlemens Club. "An ancient God sent me to a strip club."

"I really have seen it all now." Steven seconded, catching marcs attention in the blacked out glass of the building.

"You say that now." Marc muttered. The humid air around him amplified the heat of the Spanish sun. The road was still damp from the previous nights rain and glistened from the lights surrounding it. The sun shown bright, barely allowing his glasses to fight off the stinging glare. It was one of a few places that didnt feel real. "Why does this feel familiar? Don't think I've been here yet."

"Probably from a picture from... before." Steven chimed. "Spent bout a week here before I knew about you. For our honeymoon. But this place is new."

"What? Sorry you missed out?" Marc chuckled, taking off his glasses as he walked closer to the door. "Never pegged you as the type."

"Not me, mate." He replied with a bitter sweet laugh.

Stepping inside, the shock of the light change made Marc pause in this steps. Dim lights showed a path to sleek black couches and red velvet chairs surrounding the stages. Carefully picked colored LED lights cover the stage in a fantasy like effect. Mirrors act as a back drop behind each stage. The bar was far cleaner than any other one he's seen in such a place. The walls were muted, the occasional painting or sign would fill in an empty space. Marc counted 5 separate doors, noting this place is bigger than it looks.

With a tap on his shoulder, Marc turned and was greeted with a smiling woman, her hair slicked into a bun. "Lo siento. señor, but we aren't open to the public yet." She informed him. "That won't be until 8 tonight. Unless you'd like to become a member."

Marc returned the smile. "Thanks but I'm good. I'm actually here to see the owner."

"I'm afraid she's in the middle of a meeting. Is she expecting you?" She asked, opening a leather-bound notebook.

"As far as I know, yes." He answered. "I'm not quite sure she knows my name but I was told to show her this?" He held out the game card Kohnshu had given him.

"Oh." She took the card from him and closed her book. "Of course. Right this way, senior." The assistant led him too a stair case to the right of them, climbing their way up to a hallway. The right side held 4 separate doors while the left only had one, and was the one the woman knocked on.

She walked in and over to her boss. "Siento mucho interrumpir. Hay alguien fuera de ti" She held the card to her.

Her boss took it and nodded. "Yeah. Haz que se siente allí, terminaré esto rápido." She ordered with a warm and thanking smile.

Marc waited a few feet from the door way until the woman came to retrieve him. He followed her into the room, slowing in his tracks. Her voice, her face. It struck as inhumanly familiar. Steven did not hesitate to protest this in his ear, almost drowning out Marc own confusion as he looked at the red headed woman who had barely glanced at him.

[valatheapprentice]

New story by me

Shattered Moon

Thousands of years ago, Cronus had attacked the Greek gods, causing some to flee to Egypt for a time. In the form of a cat, Hecate had found a lunar connection, and friendship, with the God of the moon and vengeance during her time there.

Now (2027), five years after fighting Harrow and losing his wife, Steven have gotten into a routine with Marc: assisting with his duties as Moonknight and regaining control of his life again.

Until Kohnshu demands the Moon Boys to assist the witch working for his long time friend. Marc soon realizes he just can't catch a break.

~~~~~

the tiktok ai art generator inspired this story. I am using my long time OC, Vala Quintus.

I did make a few changes to the established story. Rather than Marc, Steven was the one that was married, but died after freeing Kohnshu from his ushabti.

have fun!

[valatheapprentice]

I'm looking to start reading Thor comics. I really want to read something that's more character focused and has more of character growth/arc than just battles all the time (I've clearly never read comics). Does anyone have recommendations on where to start?

[valatheapprentice]

Writing question:

So I'm writing a few novels, one is a fantasy involving fictional characters inspired by empress theodora and cheng I Sao. I still have a lot of research to do but my question is,

When writing dialog, how do I go about writing an Asian character without being disrespectful?

I'd really hate to incorporate cultural details only to blow it on what she says

[valatheapprentice]

Tattooers of Tumblr! I has 2 questions.

1. Is is possible for scar tissue to not take ink? I have a tattoo that lays over stretch marks and parts of it has fallen out. I wanted to know so I know if I need to avoid parts of my body or not

2. I was told by my last artist I should stay away from yellow and gold ink bc it'll turn out gross in a few years. Is that true?

[valatheapprentice]

Thought this could be fun. Found this on pintrest. Only I don't have a Playlist so I kept refreshing YouTube until I found normal songs (I watch a lot of acapella songs and crime stories)

First song was Killer by Valerie Broussard. Idk I came up with this

Name: (gods and monsters by lana del rey) this song seems pretty hedonistic to me, so her name is Vivian, which means alive.

Personality: (middle by zedd, maren moris, grey) I feel this plays into to her name meaning. She lives in the moment. Not so much impulsive but she knows what she likes and what she is more or less addicted to and will do what she can to indulge. She has a high bullshit tolerance and loves receiving attention. I feel like she would be a popular stripper, which would give her said attention and make her feel in control. She has a dominant personality. She takes charge of her life and relationships. She can be seen as codependent, always craving someone's company. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and loves fiercely. You won't find anyone more loyal or has your back more.

Relationship with partner: (you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish) She has control over her relationships for the most part. She knows to play submissive to get them wrapped around her finger. While she genuinely does fall for her partners, she can be known as manipulative. It does take a personality as strong as hers to make her realize this. She looks to get married one day. She admires those with strong faith in something and have a passion for life

Relationship with family: (haven't met you yet by Micheal Buble) She had a really good childhood and her parents are good to her and love her and her little brother. Her relationship with them do have some toxic traits. She's found herself still hanging around them for selfish reasons, like what she could gain from each time. She does see that she wants to mend her relationship with her parents. She and her brother have gotten to be best of friends and he is not scared to call her out on her own bullshit. She wants a family and children of her own one day and k ows the best thing for them is to find a way to be a family again. She feels as though she's the one that has to make it less strenuous, which does stress her out.

[valatheapprentice]

Hey science side of Tumblr! I have a question.

I have an OC, Vala, that I've recently put into the marvel universe for fanfic. I had her taken by hydra and injected with a serum that caused a mutation. She can now cause destruction to people's bodies, technology, and other things around her with her voice when she gets to a certain volume or higher.

My first thoughts on that was like a building caving in, computers short circuiting, and her love interest coming close to intercranial bleeding when moaning from foreplay.

I dont really know much about out voices and sound waves. My question is how would her being muffled effect this power? Like would it only hurt the person muffling her? Would it bounce back in her mouth and throat and hurt her? Would it just lessen the power?

I like keeping my work at least mostly believable and I really can't figure out what would most likely happen

[valatheapprentice]

So im fleshing out a new goddess. I thought it would be cool to see what you guys come up with if anyone is up for it. Just for fun

[valatheapprentice]

Look at this! I normally don't post wholesome valaxlucio content but I had to with this commission. He goes blond and she goes red. And yes. Im brewing up a story. Just need to find a way to add the drama I want

[valatheapprentice]

Ever just come across random shit the ties in everything about your apprentice?

So when I first started looking for my pagan name, I look up Nordic names. I came across the name Vala. Swedish. I think the name of a völva ("wand wed") and it means fortune teller. It never clicked fully for me. So I used it when I first started the arcana

I did not have an origin story for her until that writing contest thing and I literally pulled the royalty bit out of my ass and rolled with it.

When finding a reference for her to draw. I picked ciri(from the witcher) not knowing she was adopted by garalt and is heir to the nilfgaard empire. Freaky coincidence

But now. I am making a cosplay for her and remembered i have a tattoo of her on my arm. She is not gonna have a tattoo of herself showing. So I decided to add a vambrace enchanted by a dragon and bought a dragon scale necklace to go with it. I may as well come up with a small story for that. So I look up draconic names for the dragon. And I found 2 names I like for him. But I found valas name and guess what the fuck it means