colourmornings

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I am not a talented writer but I haven't seen enough backstory written for Crystal so I tried my hand at it. Please enjoy. I will add more chapters if people like it because I have Ideas.

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The Cinematography of Dead Boy Detectives

Episode Seven: The Case of the Very Long Stairway

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Dead Boy Detectives

S1E7 | The Case of the Very Long Stairway

For Day 1 of Character Appreciation Week!

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PEOPLE DYING (ME)

THEY SAW OUR BILLBOARD!!

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Jayden, Kassius and Yuyu are all in la right now????

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Bonus:

Charles & Crystal fans on twitter about the Beach Episode and the Instagram Live incident from Stay The Night

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Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs: Christmas Edition

I've been racing to meet my GoodReads reading goal (lol) so I haven't actually read that many festive fics. 😅 Still, I can't stay away from this fandom, so here are a few recs. Please send me suggestions so I can catch up!

You Were The Heart Of It by dear_monday

A magic spell keeps manufacturing wintery romantic situations for the boys. Great use of holiday romance tropes and love confessions. Plus Edwin being awkward.

I also loved the last chapter of their and two_ravens' wonderful fic Wunderkammer, read it for New Years feels and an appearance by the Mari Lwyd, a Welsh Christmas folk tradition.

Ghost Wine and Keepsakes by Asidian

The boys get a bit squiffy and Charles tracks down a family heirloom for Edwin. Peak gift giving fic, really touching.

The Case of the Enchanted Mistletoe by Asidian

First kiss via forced proximity and a magic mistletoe infestation. Alas, the mistletoe can only be removed via kissing and there's rather a lot of it to get through... Very cute.

The Great Sock Garter Debacle of '24 by Asidian

In which Edwin misinterprets a Christmas gift, leading to kissing and angst with a happy ending. Interesting exploration of cultural differences with a devastating side trip into Charles' canon (self-esteem gift-related) childhood trauma.

All is bright by ghostinthelibrary

Missing scene from the fantastic fic Came up from that lake of fire. Alive again over Christmas, Edwin and Charles both try to recreate each other's Christmas childhood traditions. Kitchen mishaps ensue. Wholesome.

I also really enjoyed beneath the winter snow by the same author, which is a lovely early friendship fic about the boys playing in the snow. Spot on characterisation and early-years lore.

The Christmas Wish Debacle of '23 by Leandra

Charles accidentally wishes himself and Edwin alive again via a magical Christmas decoration. Cue the boys rushing to pack in all the alive-again culture shocks and Christmas/holiday romance tropes they can before the spell wears off. Lovely post canon fic with a fun concept and lots of pining.

above all I want you to be warm by shadowquill17

Alive AU about the boys making out and exchanging Christmas gifts. This is technically part of a series about the boys going to St Hilarion's together and being boyfriends, though it can be read as a standalone. I love how enamoured they are with each other and the gift exchange is lovely.

he's perfect enough without ever dressing up by thegirlofthorns

Christmas jumper fic! Charles attempts to teach Edwin about important Christmas traditions, like hideous jumpers and reindeer. Very cute.

my snowman and me by sunnylemonss

The boys playing in the snow with some Outsider PoV from the perspective of the neighbours. Very cute and I loved the neighbour lore.

Their fic (there's no place like) home for the holidays also sounds intriguing. It's an established relationship fic and Modern/Alive AU about the boys as young adults spending Christmas with Charles' mum after his dad's death. Sounds good!

burning bright by williamvapespeare

An interesting look at the boys' very different attitudes to Christmas with a focus on lights. Really sweet.

Mistletoe by softestpunk

Short and sweet one shot about the Night Nurse and Kashi meeting again at Hob and Dream's Christmas party. Via MISTLETOE. I'm always happy to see more of Kashi and the Night Nurse getting all flustered was adorable. I ship it.

@ghostinthelibrarywrites @softest-punk @sunnylemonss @tumblerislovetumblerislife @guardianspirits13 @shazziez @whatthehorsedoicallthisblog @shadowquill17 @neurodivergent-fangirling @many-gay-magpies @extremely-eager-reader @atariakana @colourmornings @herebehunters @avoiceofnerat @littlepocketuniverse @overlord-of-chaos @fairandfatalasfair @every-moment-a-different-sound @dear-monday @tw0-ravens @bibliomancer7 @c-rowland @nuttersinc @a-pale-jewel @nobledragonflying @sameen-shawv @tessaaaaa @williamvapespeare

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Dead Boy Detectives Fanfiction Recommendations:

Canon-Compliant:

“For the First Time Twice” by LikeMmmCookies (35k) Charles loses his memories and becomes convinced he and Edwin are married. https://archiveofourown.org/works/56387839/chapters/143274202

“I’ll Let You Go if You Kiss Me Goodbye” by shadowquill17 (5k) Edwin pines for Charles without realizing that Charles thinks they’re dating. https://archiveofourown.org/works/56649634

“Put Those Glasses On, They’ll See Us as We Have Never Been” by slyvir (1k) A look at why Edwin’s disguise is a woman and Charles’ is a white man. https://archiveofourown.org/collections/DeadBoyWeen_2024/works/59923933

“A Blue Cap and a Red Jacket” by williamvapespeare (5k) Dealing with trauma in the wake of Edwin’s torture and Niko’s murder. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58835761

I’ve seen a lot of people recommend “Made You Look” by Baby_Spinach in which a shapeshifter wearing Edwin’s face goes around kissing people, but my favorite of their works is “Spectral Rage” (7k) which features a case gone wrong, a nasty demon, and a ghost struggling not to turn into a vengeful spirit (plus the accompanying art they drew is cool): https://archiveofourown.org/works/56717944

“I Turned Back One Last Time (Just to Prove You Were There)” by isnt_that_wizard (17k) Charles finds it difficult to let Edwin out of his sight after the events in canon. https://archiveofourown.org/works/56498968/chapters/143583085

“Unidentified Affectionate Objects” by lyres (12k) Features a curse that manifests emotions as physical objects. https://archiveofourown.org/works/59553481/chapters/151885954

Canon-Divergent:

“Ghosts and Monsters” by justafandomfollower (42k) Charles gets sacrificed and he and Edwin escape Hell together. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58001086/chapters/147659806

“I Don’t Want to Rest in Peace” by handwrittenhello (4k) Charles died alone and became a vengeful spirit and Edwin’s first case. https://archiveofourown.org/works/59001805

“Ain’t It a Gentle Sound” by intrajanelle (45k) Edwin falls through the portal to Hell on the Underground train and helps Niko escape while Crystal helps Charles figure out a way to bring him back. Also features Joanna Constantine from Sandman. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58875760/chapters/150061042

“The Savior of the Broken, the Beaten and the Damned” by laqualaurelote (9k) Niko keeps trying to save Edwin from dying tragically in alternate timelines. https://archiveofourown.org/works/56578432/chapters/143800924

“A World Without You (Isn’t Meant for Me)” by fairest (9k) Simon returns from Hell with Edwin, and Charles gets jealous. https://archiveofourown.org/works/57062191

Alternate Universes (AUs):

“Your Fangs in My Neck (Like an Anchor Like a Vow)” by shadowquill17 (7k) Vampire Edwin and immortal demigod Charles renegotiate their relationship. https://archiveofourown.org/works/57740368

“Partridge in a Pear Tree” by Vamillepudding (25k) Cinderella retelling featuring a magic shop, cursed music box, and some pretty nifty magical creatures. https://archiveofourown.org/works/59382268/chapters/151440232

“Babe, Hold My Flower” by shadowquill17 (3k) Edwin helps Charles out of a spot of trouble at school. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58074100

“Can’t Buy Me Love” by Hse11z5 (29k) It started as fake dating, but then they fell in love. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58528072/chapters/149105566

“Cause What if I was in Love?” by lola_prongs (6k) Charles worries he’s being homophobic about his roommate Edwin until he realizes he’s actually jealous. https://archiveofourown.org/works/56272156

“I’m So Aces at Babysitting” by babyseraphim (4k) The first chapter features adult Edwin babysitting a child Charles while the second chapter features adult Charles babysitting child Edwin. Also features Niko and Crystal. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58510747/chapters/149059888#workskin

I Hope You Know CPR – LeGrinch (1k) Normally I avoid soulmate AUs, but the premise for this one was too hilarious. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58204885

Unfinished:

(Look, normally I try to avoid unfinished works and don’t go around recommending them but these are just too good not to mention.)

“Leads You Here, Despite Your Destination (Under the Milky Way Tonight)” by aletterinthenameofsanity (28k so far) Time Lord Edwin and time-vortex-immortal Charles (Doctor Who AU). https://archiveofourown.org/works/56651917/chapters/144004858

“Young Blood (Never Get Chained)” by ghostinthelibrary (29k so far) College student and half-demon Charles interrupts a prank ritual that actually summoned a real demon and claims Edwin’s soul to protect him from Sa’al. https://archiveofourown.org/works/58973998/chapters/150336991

Favorite Series:

I’m absolutely obsessed with the series of pre-canon boys’ adventures chronicled in “Who? You Mean Your Teammate in the Codependency World Cup?” by RoseGanymede95 which features cameos by John Constantine and his niece Joanna as well as some awesome original characters.

If the prospect of starting a whole series is too daunting, try the first chapter of “Professional Networking” which is a stand-alone story less than six thousand (6k) words long: https://archiveofourown.org/works/57588106/chapters/146534119

And then we have the authors whose good works are so numerous that I can’t narrow it down to just a few favorites. Start literally anywhere. These are some of the best writers in the fandom:

Asidian: https://archiveofourown.org/users/Asidian

coloursflyaway: https://archiveofourown.org/users/coloursflyaway

that_trans_autistic_guy: https://archiveofourown.org/users/that_trans_autistic_guy

It should be noted that this is not a properly complete list, as there are still many fics on my TBR list that I haven’t read yet, and doubtless many more out there that I haven’t discovered yet. So please, feel free to recommend your own favorites!

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Reading fanfiction is crazy. Like what do you mean the 110k word story I just read about stupid little gay guys is technically longer than the first Hunger Games book.

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Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs Part 8

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Part 7

It's almost Christmas and I have a long train journey so have another fic rec list!

Ode to a Conversation Stuck in my Throat by Leandra

In which Charles is a terrible wingman and Edwin fucks. I love fic where Edwin explores his sexuality and gets to be confident and sexy and Charles gets hit with the old Feelings Realization and this one pulls it off so well!

to say that which cannot be said by sulfuric

Charles has a lot of feelings about Edwin and decides to say it with flowers. I absolutely love the language of flowers and, honestly, decoding messages through flower arrangements seems right up Edwin's alley. Plus he deserves nice things! This fic is super sweet, the floricle is amazing and I really like how Charles' knowledge/ intelligence and general thoughtfulness get to shine here.

The Petition by khorazir

The demons of Hell commiserate after Edwin's second escape and decide to Organize. This is glorious crack with some excellent Hell worldbuilding. Does Hell have unions?? I loved the Solidarity and demonic breakroom. And I'm always here for Edwin as the Scourge of Hell. Also has wonderful fanart!

still my heartbeat with your bare hands by laiqualaurelote

Beowulf AU! Charles is hired to kill a horrible monster. I loved this historical/fantasy setting and the little snippets of mythology. The blend of Charles-typical speech patterns, modern slang and Old English was especially fun. The Author's Note also has some really interesting background info and has finally persuaded me to actually read Beowulf.

Super Effective Against Ghost Types by RoseGanymede95

Charles and Niko bonding, my beloved! During the Case of the Two Dead Dragons, Charles interviews Niko about Brad and Hunter and Gets Reminded of his own terrible former friends... This is a Niko PoV fic and this author is fabulous at capturing her voice and bringing the feels. Also in play: a shared love of Pokémon, Charles' Mood Ring Shirt and do the girls know how the boys died?? Canon and Netflix robbed us of these two spending time together and I loved Niko being gentle with Charles as he gets hit in the face by his trauma.

Love like fools by CasiHuman

This is actually a compilation of the author's Dead Boy Detectives comics (@technically-human on tumblr). Every single one is a delight; the artist is one of my favourites of any fandom.

When you are gone away by ghostinthelibrary

On the way to rescuing Edwin from the Fae, Crystal tells Charles about all the previous times this has happened. This is the latest installment of the Ministry of Supernatural Investigations series bringing Edwin and Crystal's backstory to life. I can't get enough of this AU (supernatural secret agents, basically) and we're also treated to oblivious payneland AND oblivious palasaki.

Knockout by e_va

Edwin worries about mysterious injuries Charles refuses to explain. Despite references to domestic/intimate partner violence, this one is sweet and Edwin thirsting after Charles while he's fighting is so funny to me.

Its the love and grief that makes me whole by eunoise

One of Charles' killers comes to the agency for help after he himself is murdered. Apart from the deliciously dramatic irony of that premise, I enjoyed Charles (somewhat) processing his trauma and the client trying to (finally) do right by Charles. It's also set in the Codependency World Cup Extended Universe so Charles fraught relationship with his ex-bestie/crush Mark also gets spotlighted. Recommended!

Luna Moths by thegirlofthorns

Very cute fic about Edwin coming to understand his physical feelings for Charles. I loved the luna moths/butterflies imagery and Edwin being very Edwin about being in love. Just lovely characterisation all round.

It's part of a series also featuring Kiss Me & Repaint Me featuring Charles going all out on "fripperies" to make sure Edwin get the first time he deserves. Lovely.

practise your passion on me by junosbraindump

Niko persuades Edwin to go clubbing as part of a scheme to make Charles jealous. And guess who happens to be at the club?? Minor catwin and and the payneland is cute.

Show Me My Silver Lining by GoodFrith

Charles comes home early to find Edwin torturing himself. This one's sad and emotional and touches on grief, guilt and self-harm/destructiveness but Crystal and especially Charles are amazing friends and the hurt/comfort is excellent.

The Case of the Decade of Despair by Rizandace

In which Edwin and Charles broke up a decade pre-canon and Edwin still ends up in Hell. Sad and interesting concept featuring misunderstandings and supernatural meddling but a eventual happy ending.

A Steady Anchor in the Open Sea by Mayarenerose

Edwin wakes up in the office and doesn't know where he is. Listen, I'm weak for Temporary Amnesia, OK? And this one has an existential threat for some extra angst.

A Short History of Almost Something by dear_monday, two_ravens

Missing scene from the superb fic Wunderkammer that covers the Sex Pollen-esque Incident they Never Talk About... Intense and frustrating almost payneland.

Lucid Dream of Hands on Me by tragedy_machine

Edwin gets hit by a lust spell and refuses to let Charles help out... At first. Fuck or Die culminating in Sex With Feelings for the win!

In the Name of the Law by Hse11z5

(Regular) Police Detectives AU! DS Charles Rowland gets transferred to a precinct in the countryside just in time to join the hunt for Becky Aspen and develop a massive crush on his boss, DI Edwin Payne. Interesting to see the boys as living adults with responsibilities and workplace politics but essentially the same job? And I loved the boys getting to know each other in this one.

lovesick girls by ObsessedWithFandom

Palasaki fic! In which Niko and Crystal's first date does not go to plan... I love seeing cool, confident characters fumble with their crushes, so Crystal attempting to ask Niko out was adorable. But be warned! There's also a feels sneak attack and references to childhood neglect, but also Hurt/Comfort and sickfic.

I might do another Christmas themed rec list closer to the time if people are interested? You guys have been sharing festive fic at an impressive rate! ❤️🎄🎅🎁

@tumblerislovetumblerislife @avoiceofnerat @guardianspirits13 @shazziez @khorazir @tessaaaaa @tw0-ravens @nuttersinc @sameen-shawv @ghostinthelibrarywrites @whatthehorsedoicallthisblog @neurodivergent-fangirling @many-gay-magpies @dear-monday @extremely-eager-reader @atariakana @colourmornings @herebehunters @littlepocketuniverse @overlord-of-chaos @fairandfatalasfair @laiqualaurelote @every-moment-a-different-sound @bibliomancer7 @c-rowland @nobledragonflying @a-pale-jewel @tragedy-machine @acediscowlng

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While dead boys is trending for whatever reason, I'm taking this opportunity to share some of my favorite fics recently

The night of nights by NuriaSchnee is an amazing s2 fic that has amazing characterization and a great villain and just overall great

The case of the backup ballerina by paraph is a super well planned s2 fic, I'm not done it yet bc the first episode alone is 20k but what I've read is amazing so far

Stay the night by singtome is the third part of a musician/manager au that is so enjoyable, i read it like over a week ago and am still thinking about it

Go read them! This is a very short list bc I'm in a rush but if you want more lmk

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yeah spotify wrapped is cool but rb this and tell me ur blorbo wrapped. whos the character(s) you spent the most time thinking about. for me its the angel from oumen mokushiroku and mafuyu asahina

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hi everyone!

at long last, we'll carry on (part one) is here. this is the first installment of my season 2 dbda fic. i've been on such a journey with it, and now i'm pleased to take you on that journey as well. my dear friend @professional-lurker-42 has done me the honor of illustrating alongside with it

read it

see the art

enjoy!

[colourmornings]

hi everyone!

at long last, we'll carry on (part one) is here. this is the first installment of my season 2 dbda fic. i've been on such a journey with it, and now i'm pleased to take you on that journey as well. my dear friend @professional-lurker-42 has done me the honor of illustrating alongside with it

read it

see the art

enjoy!

[colourmornings]

🌈 wanna do something cool with me?

like, cool in the internet sense. because i have compiled all the data and i was right: queer shows are getting canceled twice as often. and earlier, too. we lost HALF of them this year!

i have all the data in a carrd (there's SO MUCH data) and it's kind of shaking out to be like. a legit thesis.

so even if your fave show is returning or finished already, it's still important to know this is going on in our current cultural landscape. and while LGBTQ book bans rise and our rights take hits, we need those messages that queer people deserve to be seen and loved.

i talked with a friend who organizes, and we're gonna make it a cross-fandom hashtag going live on Dec 16. 🥰

if you want to participate, reach out to me via message! anyone is welcome to join in.

even if your fandom is safe, even if you don't have a ton of followers. the goal is to get attention - not just for current rep, but for canceled shows too. it'll be a great opportunity to share why your fave matters to you, too.

stay silly ✌️

edit: idk why i wanted y'all to ask for it, the data is here

[colourmornings]

Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs Part 7

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

So I hear there's been some fandom drama? Guess it's time for another fic rec list! This fandom is so lovely, so let's focus on the positive and give all the love to our writers and artists. You guys are so talented. ♥️

Work It Harder, Make it Better by dear_monday, two_ravens

Olympics AU! And kind of Sk8er Boi? Charles is an Olympic skateboarder at the end of his competitive career and Edwin is a rising star in the world of dressage. They fall in love at Paris 2024. Amazing writing, as always, and I also enjoyed Niko and Crystal as members of the skateboarding and equestrian teams having their own Olympics Romance and Jenny as Charles' world-weary coach.

Twin Flame by Leandra

Another "He was a punk, he did ballet" romance! This time, everyone is alive and the boys meet when Charles watches Edwin perform at his little sister's ballet recital. The romance and Charles as a big brother are very sweet, which is great as this fic also covers some heavy themes. It's set in the 90s so there's discussion of homophobia, the AIDs crisis and Charles' canon child abuse. Suffice to say, his bisexual awakening is quite fraught. Recommended!

Love for Hire by lucrow

Edwin hires Charles to freak out his parents with his obnoxious fake boyfriend. What could possible haaappeeen? And yes, it's a ballet/punk romance too. 😅 Anyway, it's giving fantastic banter, lots of emotions and great use of trope! I also enjoyed Edwin's relationship with his mum in this fic, excellent parental feels.

so I try to talk refined by shadowquill17

Charles finds out about the Cat King taking on his appearance and (somehow) arrives at the conclusion that Edwin isn't attracted to him. Charles having body image as well as chronic self-esteem issues was interesting but kind of heartbreaking. Read it for Edwin's agonised attempts to verbalise his sexual attraction to Charles without exploding. That's love right there.

A Royal Pain(e) (series) by handwrittenhello

Royalty AU! I love a bodyguard romance from time to time and this one is lovely. Lots of yearning.

Turnabout's Fair Play by Like MmmCookies

Edwin enlists Niko and Crystal to teach him how to flirt with Charles. It starts off cute and awkward and ends up Master Of All He Surveys, which is very Edwin.

I will love you (I really love you) by ghostinthelibrary

Charles has a feelings realization and tries to confess to Edwin. Repeatedly. From a cock-blocking enchanted statue to a Hellhound, it's farcical and fun. This fic has been living in my head rent free for months.

seasons of mists by laiqualaurelote

Edwin hires Charles to be the barista in his book shop's cafe. Two cosy AUs in one! And it even comes (appropriately) with its own reading list and fanart! Very cute, excellent autumnal vibes and a superb imaginary book shop. I'm genuinely so devastated it's not a real place. 😭

Ariadne's Thread by hobbitsdoitbetter

In which Edwin is demisexual and trying to make it work with Charles. Love to see some ace spectrum representation!

you know the problem with history (it keeps coming back like weeds) by aletterinthenameofsanity

Amnesia AU! And kind of Secret Relationship? Edwin has Not So Temporary Amnesia that made him forget a whole romantic relationship with Charles early in their partnership. And Charles never told him... Surely this will have no impact on the events of canon?? 😬 I loved this twist on the trope!

scraped to the marrow by Anonymous

Edwin learned black magic in Hell and kind of went to the Dark Side. I love the trope of "Everyone thinks Character avoids violence because they're scared/weak/nice/bad at it, but actually they're a bit too good at it" and this fic does it well. I love regular Edwin, but Lord Bone was also pretty cool.

To Walk Back Into Hell by Asidian

Charles goes to Hell in Edwin's place, so naturally Edwin needs to find a way to rescue him! Interesting Hell lore and I loved all the Charles love in this.

It does not stop by williamvapespeare

Now he's safe from Hell, Edwin finally works through his PTSD. Emotional, but peak Emotional Support Charles for the win!

signed, sealed, delivered by sulfuric

Outsider PoV of the boys and the agency through the years from the perspective of the Ghost Postman. He's kind of underrated as a side character, but there are so many Implications about the Dead Letter Office, so I enjoyed the worldbuilding. And the supernatural community of London gossiping about/shipping the boys (they're just like us, for real). Love that trope.

not so secret by lola_prongs

Social Media/Celebrity AU! In which they're both actors and Charles relentlessly thirsts after Edwin on Twitter. Great use of social media/epistolary storytelling.

Like a record, baby by singtome

Another celebrity/social media AU, but this time Charles and Crystal are budding rock stars and Edwin is their manager. Also Edwin goes viral as the mysterious #HotGuyatUnity after his picture's taken at an event and Charles *tries* to set the record straight. This one's funny, generous with the yearning and UST and is part of a series that also touches on the darker side of the music industry/celebrity, which I appreciated. And it also has this excellent visual representation of the online drama.

@ghostinthelibrarywrites @tumblerislovetumblerislife @shadowquill17 @neurodivergent-fangirling @whatthehorsedoicallthisblog @shazziez @many-gay-magpies @extremely-eager-reader @atariakana @guardianspirits13 @colourmornings @herebehunters @avoiceofnerat @littlepocketuniverse @overlord-of-chaos @fairandfatalasfair @handwrittenhello @every-moment-a-different-sound @williamvapespeare @laiqualaurelote @dear-monday @dear-lucrow @aletterinthenameofsanity @likemmmcookies @bibliomancer7 @c-rowland @nobledragonflying @hobbitsdoitbetter

I've tagged some people again. Let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list!

[colourmornings]

Chapters

The Case of the Blinking Light [Link]

The Case of the White Realm [Link]

The Case of the Explosive Garden [Link]

The Case of the Ghostly Masquerade [Link]

The Case of the Blurred Painting [16/11/2024]

The Case of the 80's Deathday Party [30/11/2024]

The Case of the Star-Crossed Lovers [14/12/2024]

The Case of the Dark Void [28/12/2024]

Playlist

Trailer

Chapter 5 Teaser

Screencaps