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Some custom boons I made for my/my friends’ OCs!

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More Marcille coloring until art block sets me free

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Not my drawing, just a coloring/edit of my current favorite Marcille panel from the manga <3

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I am SO EXCITED to see more of this little goober

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A little Merlin doodle in honor of High Class Homos returning for a second season!

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This is my first drawing of my TADC OC, Phocette! (Pronounced like the word foe and KET like the beginning of kettle)

They are based off of a squeeze-to-fill bath toy, a seal, and Pierrette style clowns. Their attempts to cope with being trapped have lead them to be somewhat bubbly, but inattentive and unwilling to discuss the reality of the circus. Phocette’s body can be completely squished/compressed (like the toys they’re based on). When they become deflated, they are revealed to be extremely distressed and often inconsolable as they try to regain both their regular appearance and composure. Phocette occasionally joins in on Caine’s adventures, but will leave and refuse to rejoin if they are deflated in front of others.

(Maybe I’ll give rendering a shot someday if I don’t end up changing their design)

[phoenix-pheces]

Okay so @turquoisespace35 has a Huntlow AU that has quickly become maybe one of my top AUs ever. This doesn’t reeeally work with the cannon events as of some of the new updates, but I still wanted to share it.

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After Dusk - Part One

Three hundred fifty-eight nights.

Life in the temple was as consistent as the numbers in Hunter’s makeshift calendars. Or, at least, it had been. Knowing when the gates would open again kept him alive and safe. How could he afford not to diligently track the phases of the moon, and the nights that passed with them?

Recently, however, it had become a condemnation each morning. It served only as a solemn reminder that his time with Willow was swiftly coming to an end. She couldn’t stay here forever. He’d be a fool to think otherwise. Still, maybe it would hurt less if he could forget just how little was left.

Willow shifted in her sleep. Her right arm clutched a fold in her peplos as she let out a soft sigh. Though the two tried to keep to the same waking hours, Willow was always the first to fall asleep. There was little she could see as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, and usually nothing after all traces of it were gone. Loose stones and pesky pebbles were already hazardous enough in broad daylight.

Hunter picked up an apple from the bountiful mound beside him. Though he was more than happy to gather them whenever Willow needed, he wanted to ensure she wasn’t depending solely on him to eat. Frequently since creating the pile he’d awoken to their characteristic snaps as Willow helped herself to breakfast. She didn’t always notice him stirring awake, and every so often Hunter was able to lay and watch her quietly hum to herself as she smiled and ate.

She was smiling even now. The corners of her lips were turned upright ever so slightly. It allowed the hint of a dimple to emerge from Willow’s upright cheek.

Pretty.

Hunter felt his face grow hot as he dropped the apple in embarrassment. As if he needed an extra helping of bad luck in this life, the entire pile he had so neatly assembled came tumbling down. Despite his best efforts to stop them, he heard Willow stirring behind him. His snakes hissed in delight, and he was equally as unsuccessful in keeping them quiet. They’d always been all too eager to express the emotions he worked hard to keep hidden.

“Hunter?”

She wasn’t looking directly at him, but close enough from the sound of the noise. The sunlight had completely disappeared by now, and Hunter usually needed to stay very close in order for her to see him at night.

“I’m right here,” he said, moving himself to be directly in front of her. She gave him a smile still weighted from her time spent asleep.

“Hey there.” She brought a hand up to cup his cheek, and Hunter felt his face grow even warmer. “You feel really warm, are you alright?”

Hunter cupped her hand in his to move it away from his face. “Everything is fine! Nothing to worry about here!”

His snakes betrayed him, all twisting to look at his hand now holding Willow’s. Though his heart pounded, he didn’t drop it. She had squeezed his hand in return, and nothing was worth losing the feeling growing in his chest at this moment.

They had held hands before, but never quite like this. It had always been when Willow asked for a little extra guidance, or when someone helped take the apples out of the other’s arms. This was different. There was something special about this. Why else would they both still be holding on?

Tell her.

Hunter felt his stomach drop. His eyes darted to Willow’s, but hers were cast down. She smiled in a way that made his heart ache. His snakes knew exactly what he wanted to say to her, and they were definitely beginning to feel impatient: like they might take the matter on themselves any day now. Before he could begin to put his thoughts into words, Willow raised her eyes to meet his, and moved her face much closer. Their noses were almost touching, and Hunter could barely breathe.

“Hunter?”

“Yes?”

She hesitated. Even Hunter’s snakes had gone quiet and barely moved. Willow’s thumb brushed back and forth across the back of his hand. Hunter’s breathing went from shallow to still.

“Have you ever kissed anyone?”

[phoenix-pheces]

“After Dusk” with both parts combined for anyone who’d prefer it that way. Once again, full credit to @turquoisespace35 for this AU. I’m working on some Nevermore content at the moment, but this won’t be my last Huntlow fic!

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Three hundred fifty-eight nights.

Life in the temple was as consistent as the numbers in Hunter’s makeshift calendars. Or, at least, it had been. Knowing when the gates would open again kept him alive and safe. How could he afford not to diligently track the phases of the moon, and the nights that passed with them?

Recently, however, it had become a condemnation each morning. It served only as a solemn reminder that his time with Willow was swiftly coming to an end. She couldn’t stay here forever. He’d be a fool to think otherwise. Still, maybe it would hurt less if he could forget just how little was left.

Willow shifted in her sleep. Her right arm clutched a fold in her peplos as she let out a soft sigh. Though the two tried to keep to the same waking hours, Willow was always the first to fall asleep. There was little she could see as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, and usually nothing after all traces of it were gone. Loose stones and pesky pebbles were already hazardous enough in broad daylight.

Hunter picked up an apple from the bountiful mound beside him. Though he was more than happy to gather them whenever Willow needed, he wanted to ensure she wasn’t depending solely on him to eat. Frequently since creating the pile he’d awoken to their characteristic snaps as Willow helped herself to breakfast. She didn’t always notice him stirring awake, and every so often Hunter was able to lay and watch her quietly hum to herself as she smiled and ate.

She was smiling even now. The corners of her lips were turned upright ever so slightly. It allowed the hint of a dimple to emerge from Willow’s upright cheek.

Pretty.

Hunter felt his face grow hot as he dropped the apple in embarrassment. As if he needed an extra helping of bad luck in this life, the entire pile he had so neatly assembled came tumbling down. Despite his best efforts to stop them, he heard Willow stirring behind him. His snakes hissed in delight, and he was equally as unsuccessful in keeping them quiet. They’d always been all too eager to express the emotions he worked hard to keep hidden.

“Hunter?”

She wasn’t looking directly at him, but close enough from the sound of the noise. The sunlight had completely disappeared by now, and Hunter usually needed to stay very close in order for her to see him at night.

“I’m right here,” he said, moving himself to be directly in front of her. She gave him a smile still weighted from her time spent asleep.

“Hey there.” She brought a hand up to cup his cheek, and Hunter felt his face grow even warmer. “You feel really warm, are you alright?”

Hunter cupped her hand in his to move it away from his face. “Everything is fine! Nothing to worry about here!”

His snakes betrayed him, all twisting to look at his hand now holding Willow’s. Though his heart pounded, he didn’t drop it. She had squeezed his hand in return, and nothing was worth losing the feeling growing in his chest at this moment.

They had held hands before, but never quite like this. It had always been when Willow asked for a little extra guidance, or when someone helped take the apples out of the other’s arms. This was different. There was something special about this. Why else would they both still be holding on?

Tell her.

Hunter felt his stomach drop. His eyes darted to Willow’s, but hers were cast down. She smiled in a way that made his heart ache. His snakes knew exactly what he wanted to say to her, and they were definitely beginning to feel impatient: like they might take the matter on themselves any day now. Before he could begin to put his thoughts into words, Willow raised her eyes to meet his, and moved her face much closer. Their noses were almost touching, and Hunter could barely breathe.

“Hunter?”

“Yes?”

She hesitated. Even Hunter’s snakes had gone quiet and barely moved. Willow’s thumb brushed back and forth across the back of his hand. Hunter’s breathing went from shallow to still.

“Have you ever kissed anyone?”

“No,” Hunter replied, not daring to move. “At least, I don’t think so. What is it?”

Willow cast her eyes down once again. He immediately missed them. She reached up with her free hand and began twisting the end of her braid with her fingers.

“It’s something we do at home. Well, not everyone I suppose. But some people? I guess that doesn’t matter right now.” She let out a nervous laugh, but it sounded strained. Though it made his heart pound in his ears, Hunter gave her hand a small squeeze. She squeezed it tighter in return.

“What made you think of it?”

Willow pulled away, and his snakes hummed with disappointment. She shifted to sit next to him instead of across from him. Though he could no longer see her face, his body froze as she rested her head against his shoulder.

“It’s something you do with someone who is…dear to you.”

She means you.

Hunter’s eyes widened, but stayed firmly fixed on the ground in front of him. He could feel his entire body heating up. He might have stayed there forever, if not for one of his snakes gently biting his ear to bring him back to the moment.

“Well, wow, that’s…yeah.” The same snake who bit him hissed in frustration. “I’ve found a lot to do here, but that isn’t, or wasn’t—“

If before Hunter hadn’t been able to find enough air, now he had far too much. Every word coming out of his mouth felt needlessly breathy. He would also probably be thinking more clearly if he couldn’t feel Willow pressed up against his side.

He let out a long sigh. “I don’t think I’ve ever really been dear to anyone.”

Willow was silent for a moment. “That’s not true.”

Hunter’s heart was nearly beating out of his chest. It took every muscle in his body to stay still and calm.

“It’s not?”

“You’re dear to me,” Willow said, laying her hand on top of his once again.

Tears immediately began to gather in the corner of his eyes. Though Hunter tried to hide it, the trembling of his chest gave him away. He felt her hand touch his cheek as the first tear escaped.

“Oh, Hunter—“

Willow wrapped her arms around his back and he sank into her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. This wasn’t how he wanted the moment to be, but once the tears had started they were impossible to stop. Willow held him tightly as he cried, and he stayed shaking in her arms until sleep overcame him.

Hunter awoke once again to the sound of apple skin crunching quietly. The sun had risen, and Willow had helped herself to breakfast. As he pushed himself to sit up, he felt her hand on his shoulder.

“Today’s special,” she said with a laugh, holding an apple out to him. The morning sun reflected so beautifully in her eyes, and Hunter would’ve given anything to preserve that exact view for a goddess’s lifetime. He carefully took the apple from her, and held it in his lap. Her hand moved to his back, and Hunter’s whole body stiffened.

“Sorry!” Willow quickly pulled her hand away. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She began to fiddle with the core of her finished apple. Hunter tentatively placed his hand on top of hers.

“lt’s okay,” he said softly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you sure?” Willow suddenly looked very sad, and Hunter didn’t understand why.

“Of course! Willow, what’s the matter? Did I say something wrong?“

“No,” Willow moved her face closer to see his. “I was going to ask you the same thing. After last night.” A slight blush came to her cheeks, and Hunter felt his stomach drop.

“Right, that.” He stared down at their hands, still together. “I remember.”

“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

“No!” Hunter whipped his head up to meet her eyes, inadvertently squeezing her hands as he did so. “Willow, you didn’t!”

“But, I thought—when I made you cry…” Her eyes were confused, worried, and something else Hunter couldn’t decipher. She jumped as he put his arms around her the way she had for him the night before.

“Willow, what you said meant the world to me. I’m sorry I didn’t know how to say that.”

Hunter felt her let out a heavy sigh as she wrapped her arms around him. He gave her a gentle squeeze, and she laughed and gave him one in return. He pulled away just enough to look at her, and her smile was breathtaking. He felt his face grow hot once again.

“You—uh,” he swallowed his nerves and took a deep breath. He felt his cheeks get even warmer. “You’re dear to me too.”

Willow suddenly took his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his cheek. His snakes all fell back and hummed in delighted surprise. Hunter’s eyes widened, and he felt as though his heart would burst out of him this time.

“Woah.”

Willow laughed softly as her cheeks turned a bright pink too. One of her hands dropped to her side, but the other stayed to cup his cheek. She ran her thumb back and forth over it like she did with his hand, and Hunter once again was struggling to remember how to breathe.

“Did you enjoy that?”

“Yes,” he whispered. “A lot.”

“I’m glad,” Willow said, beaming. “There’s another way we can do it, but it’s a little different. Do you want to try?”

Hunter eagerly nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Willow brought her other hand back to his face. Her touch was warm and wonderful. “We can stop anytime you want, for any reason.”

He nodded again.

Willow closed her eyes, and softly pressed her lips to his.

It was like the world stopped turning. His snakes swarmed with glee, and Hunter closed his eyes as Willow had. He tightened his arms around her, content to stay in that moment forever. He felt warm and bubbly and happier than he could ever remember feeling. She pulled away all too soon, but seeing her beautiful smile made it worth separating.

“Did that feel okay?” Her question was a little breathless, and her face was still flushed. Her hands left his face and rested on his shoulders.

“Willow, that was wonderful.” He tried to press his lips to her cheek the way she had for him. He wasn’t sure if he was doing it right, but she giggled and leaned into him.

“Thank you, Hunter. I really enjoyed it too.” She pulled him into another embrace, and they sat holding each other for a long time. Hunter eventually pulled away just far enough to look into her eyes.

“I have one more question about last night.”

“Sure, anything,” Willow said as she took his hand in hers. It still made his heart soar.

“Well, now that we’ve done all of this, are we…ready for kissing?”

Willow erupted into laughter and buried her face in his neck.

“What? What did I say? What’s funny?”

[phoenix-pheces]

Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: The Owl House (Cartoon) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Hunter | The Golden Guard/Willow Park Characters: Hunter | The Golden Guard (The Owl House), Willow Park, Amity Blight, Luz Noceda, Gus Porter, Philip Wittebane | Emperor Belos Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Mythology Summary:

A confrontation with the king of the realm leaves Hunter a target and Willow desperate to save him.

Based on the Huntlow Mythology AU by @turquoisespace35 on Tumblr.

[phoenix-pheces]

Finally time for part three!!! Please see the list of trigger warnings below. I was considering adding an epilogue, so please let me know if that’s something you would read! Once again, credit to @turquoisespace35 for this AU.

Trigger Warnings: Death, Graphic Violence, Weaponry, Body Horror

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Bleeding Hearts - 3/3

“Look away!” Luz screamed, shielding Amity’s body with hers. The king’s eyes melted from white and brown to pure red. His bloody torso now met a long, scaly underbelly. Each of the snakes now protruding from his skull was covered in bits of bone. They writhed angrily, hissing even at each other.

Gus turned away from the king and ran to Willow. He dropped down to her side.

“Willow,” he said gently, “I’m so sorry. I can watch over him, but we need your help.”

She set Hunter down, burying a new wave of grief as he laid unmoving. She unsheathed the dagger she had taken from the armory. The hilt was cold in her hand, but she was more concerned with the blade. The tip was blunter than she would have preferred.

For anyone else, it may have been a life or death difference.

She gripped the dagger tightly as she approached the king. She kept her eyes to the ground. He turned to face her and slowly slithered forward.

“Come now,” he said with a snarl. “Chin up, you can be the first to join that creature in the grave.” He reached to touch her face and she smacked his arm away.

Every memory of her time with Hunter was flashing through her mind. The apple pile he had made for her. Watching the sunsets before bed. Their first kiss. Telling him everything about her kingdom, dreaming of bringing him to see it for himself.

This wasn’t how their story was supposed to end. The king snarled.

“I thought even you might appreciate mercy, but I suppose I don’t particularly care how this plays out.

“You know nothing of mercy.”

Willow met his eyes, and he stumbled backwards in shock.

“How-“

“Don’t you remember why you picked me?” With every step she took towards him, the king scrambled backwards. She was faster. “You needed an easy target, someone who you thought couldn’t even defend herself. You thought those gates would be open in a day.”

Willow grabbed the king by the neck and he let out a bloodcurdling shriek.

“Stop! You wouldn’t-“

“You have no idea what I am capable of.”

She drove the dagger into his heart. The king pushed himself off of her, writhing in pain. He roughly drew the dagger from his chest and threw it to the ground. He attempted to flee, but it wasn’t long before the effort overcame him and he collapsed in a bleeding, cursing heap.

Willow sank to her knees, feeling hollow. It didn’t matter that the king deserved it, she felt just as monstrous. His blood was all over her, and it was a feeling she was certain no bath would ever cleanse.

“Willow!”

Her friends ran to her and tightly embraced her. Safe in their arms, she let herself cry once again. She wasn’t alone in her horror and grief. Amity had buried her head in Luz’s shoulder, and Gus was staring blankly at the ground. They stayed packed together for some time, until Luz spoke.

“If you want us to, we’ll help move him”

Amity tried to shush her, but Willow nodded. They made their way to Hunter’s body. Willow took his hand, its warmth completely gone.

“I’m so sorry Hunter.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, my child.”

Willow turned in shock. Behind her stood a large woman with red locks. She emitted a warm, golden light. She donned the kingdom’s traditional decorative armor, and perched atop her helmet was a small white raven: the symbol of the kingdom’s goddess Lilith. She approached and placed her hand on Willow’s shoulder.

“You did your best to protect him. I thought I had too, but I can see that my efforts have caused more harm than good.”

She placed a hand on Hunter’s chest, and he too began to emit a warm golden glow.

“When he wakes, he’ll be able to control his powers,” she said with a sad smile. “I should have freed him from that burden a long time ago.”

“When he wakes up?” The words barely made it past Willow’s lips.

Lilith nodded. Her body began to separate. Small golden orbs floated off of her. She took the raven off her head and stroked his beak.

“Watch over them for me, won’t you?”

The raven squawked happily, and took off to perch on a nearby rooftop. The goddess’s body was nearly gone. With tears in her eyes, she spoke once more to all four of them.

“Take care of each other, and tell Hunter I’ll see him again someday.”

As the last of the goddess’s form disappeared, Hunter’s wounds began to close. The warmth of the goddess’s magic faded, but his body was no longer cold. His chest rose, and his eyes flew open.

“Willow! Willow?”

She tackled him in a hug. Nearly knocked over, Hunter wrapped his arms around her too. His snakes peppered her with nuzzles and soft flicks of their tongues. He gently kissed Willow’ temple, and they both pulled away with tears in their eyes. Willow took his hand in hers.

“We saw Lilith, did you-“

“I already know,” he said sadly, placing his other hand on his chest. “I could feel it.”

He paused, moving his hand to his forehead.

“There’s something else, isn’t there? Something feels off.”

Luz cleared her throat and attempted to bravely march to their side. She wasn’t hiding her fear very well, but who could blame her after the day they’d been having?

She sat down next to Willow, put a hand on Hunter’s shoulder, and looked in his eyes.

“Nice to see you?”

“Woah! Hey!” Hunter instinctively shot his eyes down and scrambled backwards, then brought his gaze back to Luz in shock. “It’s…gone?”

“Not entirely,” Willow answered. “She said you could control it now.”

Hunter covered his eyes with his palms. The snakes hissed and their eyes turned a deep red, then suddenly stopped. He removed his hands in disbelief. Tears began to stream down his cheeks. Willow embraced him again, but this time the others joined her. For the first time, all of them were together and unafraid of what was coming next.

For now, that was all they needed.

[phoenix-pheces]

Part two of Bleeding Hearts! Full credit to @turquoisespace35 for this AU. Please see the following list of trigger warnings for this update. I am happy to provide anyone with specifics if you’d like to message me before reading.

Trigger Warnings: Blood, Graphic Violence, Death, Use of Weaponry, Body Horror

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Bleeding Hearts - 2/3

Though Amity had tried her best, she was no match for twelve trained soldiers: especially with an injured Willow by her side. The two of them had been swiftly escorted to the dungeon below the palace. They thankfully had been permitted to share a small cell. Willow wasn’t sure she could bear to be alone at the moment. Amity had let Willow lean against her side and cry until her voice was hoarse. She knew they needed to be working on a plan of escape, but her fear and guilt had overtaken her. Amity was nothing but understanding and sympathetic, content to stay there as long as a friend needed her.

“Don’t move,” Amity whispered as she silently rose to her feet.

“What’s happening?”

“Torchlight. It’s faint, but I’m pretty sure it’s headed our way.”

Soon, Willow could see the glow as well. She couldn’t make out who was approaching, only that there were two of them. Amity suddenly jumped up and squealed.

“Ed! Em! How did you find us?”

“You’re the only prisoners here,” Amity’s sister said with a laugh. Willow approached the bars to greet them.

“Can you two get us out of here?”

“Way ahead of you.” Amity’s brother held up a small bronze key with a smirk. “They honestly make it too easy. Maybe we’ll break into the armory next.”

“Ed,” Amity interrupted. “Important mission here.”

Together, the twins opened the door to the cell and embraced Amity. They led the two back through the palace, including through the armory. Edric insisted they may need some weapons, and definitely had no personal stake in seeing the elite craftsmanship. Willow took a small dagger for herself, while Emira and Amity took matching spears.

“Alright, let’s go save Hunter.”

The king and his soldiers had been conducting searches of every house in the kingdom. They had lost too much time. He would find Hunter hidden away in Gus’s home soon enough. Willow wanted to run straight to him, but Amity had stopped her.

“Willow, I know you want to go protect him, but we would just be confirming his presence there. The best thing we can do is lay low and hope that Gus was able to move him in time. Maybe to my house, knowing it would be empty for a while?”

Willow reluctantly agreed, but felt little hope. They had ruled out everyone else’s home before deciding on Gus’s. Everyone else had plenty of family coming in and out of the home who could accidentally see Hunter. Gus was the only one who lived in a two person household, and his dad would hopefully be understanding if he were to arrive home and find Gus with an unexpected guest.

The search party arrived at Gus’s home. Amity had insisted on staying far from the home to remain hidden, and described the scene for Willow. Gus answered the door, with the bravest expression he could muster. Neither of them could hear what was being said, nor could they spot Luz or Hunter. The guards pushed past Gus, who began to yell in protest. Amity pulled Willow to her feet, and the two ran for the house.

“Please, I can’t have the house a mess, my dad will be beside himself!” As soon as Gus saw them, his face froze. Making sure he couldn’t be seen, he gave them a frantic nod.

Hunter was still inside.

Willow’s heart dropped. She grabbed Amity’s shoulder.

“We have to go in after them.”

“Willow we can’t,” Amity said, her voice breaking.

“I’m going.” She let go of Amity and made her way into the house.

The guards mostly ignored her, currently tearing through Gus’s home and belongings. Chairs shoved to the floor, blankets thrown about, even the bowls in the kitchen weren’t left undisturbed. Willow pushed her way through the guards just in time to hear the king shouting to the guards.

“Avert your eyes! Don’t let it look at you!”

“No!” Willow screamed.

“Willow!” Hunter’s shout was soon muffled by the sound of a sheet.

“Good work commander, bring it outside. And someone, grab that girl!”

Willow was forcefully grabbed by the wrists. Hunter was brought out beside her, two guards restraining his hands while another held a sheet around his neck, effectively blinding him and protecting everyone else around them. Willow and Hunter both fought to free themselves, but the guards only held their arms tighter. The two were pushed, struggling as they were, out of the house and into the street. The king approached them and addressed the gathering crowd.

“Citizens! Behold! These traitors in our midst smuggled this horrendous monster into our kingdom. It could have turned all of us to stone!” The crowd gasped.

“He’s innocent!” Willow thrashed against the guards. “He can’t control it but he never wanted to hurt anyone! Amity and I are living proof! Please-“

“Silence her!” A guard behind her slapped their hand over Willow’s mouth. She fought against them, but they held their ground. The king spoke again.

“For the crimes of treason and attempted murder, I sentence this girl and her monster to death.”

“The only monster here is you!” Everyone fell silent as Hunter yelled. “You killed my parents, and you sent countless subjects to die knowing I can’t control this power. Admit it!”

Doubt spread as the crowd began to murmur amongst themselves. Amity, Gus, Ed, Em, and now Luz pushed their way through.

“They speak the truth,” Amity called out. “I was chosen too, both Willow and Hunter ensured I wouldn’t be harmed. I would be dead if he was intent on hurting me.”

“I kept him in my home! He was nothing but careful and polite!” Gus added.

“Silence!” The king’s voice echoed through the street. “I will tolerate no more of this deceitful insurrection. Citizens, while it is true these two survived, how many of our bravest warriors have died at the hands of this beast? How many of you have lost parents, siblings, or children?”

The crowd was silent. The king let out a long sigh.

“I wish this monster was capable of living peacefully, I truly do. But at any moment, it could turn on us and turn everyone in the village to stone. Surely, good citizens, you understand?”

“I believe them.” Camila, Luz’s mother, spoke up. Luz beamed at her.

“I believe them.” Willow’s fathers stepped forward together.

Slowly, the crowd agreed and stepped up to join them.

“He looks like just a kid!”

“He didn’t hurt the last two chosen ones.”

“What would they gain by lying and bringing him here?”

Finally, Amity approached the king and dropped her spear to the ground.

“Your Majesty,” she said with determination, “we all know he is no monster. Release him.”

“And if I refuse?”

“We’ll take matters into our own hands.” Edric and Emira joined Amity, each giving her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. The king chuckled, but the chuckle turned slowly into full blown laughter.

“Oh, now this is tragic. You all truly believe this thing is worth saving. You trust it more than your own apparently cruel king.” He smirked. “Well if you think I’m a monster now-“

The king grabbed the spear Amity had dropped and plunged it into Hunter’s neck.

“Hunter!” The guards let go of Willow and she ran to him. He collapsed into her arms. She pulled the spear out and shouted to the crowd. “Everyone, look away!”

Willow pulled the sheet off of Hunter. Blood was bubbling up from his neck, and his snakes had gone completely still. Willow’s gaze met his: terror and pain collided in his eyes. Hunter grabbed her arm. He tried to speak, but only dark blood flew from his lips. His grip on Willow began to weaken.

“No, no Hunter please! Please stay with me!”

Behind her, the king began screaming in pain. His back arched sharply and his hands flew to his eyes. The crowd ran, screaming. Willow’s friends tried frantically to reach them. They finally made it to her sobbing and clutching Hunter’s head to her chest.

“He’s not moving.”

The king screamed again as emerald scales began to push their way from beneath his skin. Blood followed, and spilled all over the new surface. His hair fell out in droves as reptilian strands instead made their way to the surface, rippling beneath the skin of his scalp.

He was turning into a gorgon.

[phoenix-pheces]

First draft of my Spider-Verse OC! Her name is Spider-Xi (Xi is pronounced “zigh”. Based off the Greek letter to make a Spider’s Eye pun). In her universe, wolf spiders were named for their resemblance to arctic wolves, and for being the only animal of their kind to survive in snowy climates. As a result, her webs and other abilities are linked to the cold. She is a bubbly heroine who has an affinity for snowy rooftops, peppermint hot cocoa, and pizelle.

[phoenix-pheces]

Another fic based on the Huntlow Mythology AU created by @turquoisespace35 . This takes place after the group arrives back in the kingdom, as Willow and Amity go to confront the king. If you enjoy my work here, I also repost all of my fics on AO3 as Phoenix_Pheces. I intend to eventually post different content on each page, so please consider checking out that page as well. Any support means so much to me, and inspires me to keep writing.

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Bleeding Hearts - Part 1/3

Willow’s braid had been pulled and twisted nearly out of its holding as she continued to try and soothe her nerves. She and Amity had been waiting quite a while for their audience with the king. It was hard to guess how long it had been exactly, but their surroundings were noticeably less lit than when they had taken their seats. Amity, thankfully, had stayed close for their journey. They both knew the guards weren’t escorting them out of concern for their safety. She had left a few moments ago, however, to ensure they would be seen before sunset. The silence in the hall once she had left was deafening.

It took every ounce of willpower Willow had to not spiral into a panic worrying about Hunter. She was confident that Luz and Gus could keep him safe, but she would never feel relieved until he was back in her sight again. More than anything else, she needed him to be safe. Hopefully they wouldn’t have to keep him in hiding much longer.

Soft footsteps echoed through the hall; Amity’s footsteps. She approached and put a comforting hand on Willow’s shoulder.

“Are you ready to see him?” Her question felt heavy in the air between them, weighed down by an unspoken dread they both needed to leave unspoken. Willow took a deep breath that still felt uncertain.

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.”

Amity offered her arm, and Willow gratefully took it. She wasn’t sure who needed it more. The two were promptly ushered into the king’s throne room before they had the chance to offer any last minute encouragement.

The throne room was much brighter than the long stone hall had been. Not because of any direct sunlight, but because of a looming golden fire pit in the center of the room. Gus had described it to Willow the first time they entered the throne room. The massive bowl which held the flame was relatively plain, but it was held by a golden statue of a man. A man who, morbidly enough, looked as though the weight of it would soon overcome him. It has unnerved Willow before, but now it left her truly shaken. Would that be her fate? Overcome by a massive load even she couldn’t carry?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of marching. Amity pressed her shoulder into Willow’s, and the door on the opposite end of the throne room was thrust open. The King entered accompanied by, according to Amity, twelve guards.

This was not for protection. This was a display of power, and perhaps even a threat. Amity and Willow were escorted to the foot of the king’s throne, and separated to bow deeply at his feet. The gesture made Willow bristle with anger. She could only hope it wouldn’t appear too plainly on her face.

“Rise, my chosen ones.” Willow and Amity did as they were instructed. The king rose to his feet, but did not approach them. He snapped his head to the nearest guard.

“Leave us, all of you. I wish to converse with these two in private. For their own benefit.” Willow nearly scoffed at the idea. The king would love to have witnesses: if he had nothing to hide. The guards promptly left the throne room, but Willow knew they wouldn’t stray far. They would be right back at their stations with as little as a shout from their king. After the last guard closed the doors behind him, the king descended the throne’s stairs until he was just a few feet away from Amity and Willow.

“So, who would care to regale me with the tale of how both of you miraculously survived the most bloodthirsty monster our kingdom has ever known?”

“He is no monster.” Willow had planned to hold her tongue as best she could. Amity was far more diplomatic than she was. However, though Willow knew better, her heart could not be so easily silenced. The king scoffed.

“I assure you, it is nothing but a vile creature. I have half a mind to send you out to sea for speaking out of turn every time we meet. Your fathers have raised a miserable, insolent child.”

Willow clenched her fists and forced a smile.

“They raised me to oppose injustice, Your Majesty. It would be irresponsible of me to stand by while innocent people are being targeted by those in power. I’m surprised you didn’t pick up on that the last time I was here.”

“How dare you!” You will speak-“

“I will speak when I please. You have hurt this kingdom from the moment you assumed the throne. I’ve seen your cruelty firsthand, and it truly knows no mercy. You sent me, and countless others, to die just to protect your reputation. At the hands of an unwilling, traumatized boy. Hunter didn’t deserve this. We didn’t deserve this. If there is any monster plaguing this kingdom, it is you.”

The king was silent. He descended the rest of the stairs and came close enough that Willow could see his face. His expression was difficult to read, but it didn’t look like the anger Willow had expected. The king looked almost fascinated.

“Tell me, child, who is Hunter?”

Willow’s heart dropped. She hadn’t realized her mistake until he asked the question. What had she done?

“I-“

“You named the thing, didn’t you? You care for it.” The king let out a small gasp. “And you wouldn’t have left it behind.”

“No!” Willow lunged forward, but the king easily evaded her, and she crashed into the floor. Pain shot through her arm and ribs.

“Guards! Quickly!”

The guards rushed into the room as Amity dove to help Willow to her feet. The pain in Willow’s side caused her to stumble, and they were quickly surrounded. Amity clung to her.

“If any of you so much as touch her, I will end you,” Amity threatened, brandishing her spear as best she could with one hand. None of the guards moved. They were more concerned with keeping the two of them contained than separating them.

“Assemble everyone else in the main hall!” The king’s voice rang through the throne room, dripping its malice. Willow heard countless footsteps running in all directions. She had no idea what was happening outside the circle of guards, who had now all turned their spears inward. She began to shake as she heard the king shout again.

“Let’s move, we have a beast to kill!”

[phoenix-pheces]

“Our Stolen Moment” - A Nevermore fic from Lenore’s perspective during episodes 26 and 27.

I have absolutely fallen in love with Nevermore, it has a glowing recommendation from me. Please go read the Webtoon if you haven’t!

DISCLAIMER: The four lines of dialogue at the end of this piece are directly quoted from Episode 27 of Nevermore on Webtoon, and are fully attributed to Kate Flynn and Kit Trace.

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Lenore awoke slowly from the first dreamless sleep she could remember since arriving at Nevermore Academy. The mattress beneath her was cold and stiff. It was impossible to say whether it was the bed or the brutal injuries that caused her to wake in so much pain. She began to roll to her side, and a sharp burning sensation tore through her body. The sensation was irritatingly familiar.

Next to her, Duke grunted in his sleep. His scarlet infirmary blanket had been kicked near the end of the bed sometime in the night. Lenore couldn’t see Pluto from her current position, but she was positive he was responsible for the light snoring wafting through the room.

Wincing, Lenore pushed herself into an upright position. Though the window behind her provided some much needed light, and a stunning view of the stars, the academy’s clock tower was not in view: leaving no way to know the time.

Shit.

The blanket flew to the floor as Lenore tried to get herself out of bed as quickly as she could without alerting anyone else. The last thing she needed was for Nurse Dolly or one of the wisps to discover her roaming the halls so late. The floor felt like ice beneath Lenore’s feet, but the uniforms were still a disaster from their time in the maze. She snatched her blanket from the floor and haphazardly threw it around her shoulders as she made her way out of the infirmary.

Finding her way through the academy miraculously proved manageable. The endless stairs did not. Lenore clutched her hip in one hand and held tight to the railing with the other. Each step worsened the intrusive stinging. If not for her recent recollections, Lenore might have assumed this injury was significantly worsened by the trials of the maze. Even in near death she knew no peace.

Finally, after plenty of tiresome stairs, Lenore found the arboretum. It was lavish, ornate, and had a marvelous view of the academy clock tower.

Which currently read a mocking quarter past eleven.

With spare time, however, came spare musings. Lenore made her way to a large tree in the center of the arboretum. It sat across a koi pond littered with its leaves. Though it pained her greatly, Lenore slowly pushed herself into the upper branches of the tree. The foliage provided an excellent veil, even concealing the blood red of the infirmary blanket. That macabre idea also only crossed Lenore’s mind with such spare time. She distracted herself by attempting to fix the bandages around her thigh, which had slowly loosened themselves during her journey. Though she made very little progress, it provided a much needed distraction. The clock now read ten minutes until midnight.

Let’s see where you really stand, Annabel Lee.

“Lenore?”

The call came a few minutes after midnight. Lenore stayed put. Whether to wait out a potential trap or to try and witness a glimpse at Annabel’s true feelings was anyone’s guess. Annabel began to search the arboretum, and Lenore allowed herself to sneak a glance.

Lenore snapped back against the trunk, her face growing hot. Why had Annabel come in a dressing gown, of all things? Lenore could hardly lecture anyone about dressing modestly, atop a tree in nothing but her undergarments and a blanket. Still, the sight of Annabel never ceased to sabotage Lenore’s pulse. Even her curls looked perfectly set and bound, so as to make for a distractingly picturesque look tomorrow.

“I’ve been such a fool”

Annabel’s voice brought Lenore back into focus. Tears began to gather in Annabel’s eyes as she continued to mutter to herself. Foolish though it could be, Lenore believed her. It felt as genuine as anything. But then again, with Annabel, when did it not?

“If she’s not here,” Annabel said with a soft sob. “What’s the point?”

Lenore silently shifted into position and flashed her best smirk.

“Careful there, Annabel Lee. I’m starting to think you might actually like me.”

[phoenix-pheces]

“After Dusk” with both parts combined for anyone who’d prefer it that way. Once again, full credit to @turquoisespace35 for this AU. I’m working on some Nevermore content at the moment, but this won’t be my last Huntlow fic!

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Three hundred fifty-eight nights.

Life in the temple was as consistent as the numbers in Hunter’s makeshift calendars. Or, at least, it had been. Knowing when the gates would open again kept him alive and safe. How could he afford not to diligently track the phases of the moon, and the nights that passed with them?

Recently, however, it had become a condemnation each morning. It served only as a solemn reminder that his time with Willow was swiftly coming to an end. She couldn’t stay here forever. He’d be a fool to think otherwise. Still, maybe it would hurt less if he could forget just how little was left.

Willow shifted in her sleep. Her right arm clutched a fold in her peplos as she let out a soft sigh. Though the two tried to keep to the same waking hours, Willow was always the first to fall asleep. There was little she could see as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, and usually nothing after all traces of it were gone. Loose stones and pesky pebbles were already hazardous enough in broad daylight.

Hunter picked up an apple from the bountiful mound beside him. Though he was more than happy to gather them whenever Willow needed, he wanted to ensure she wasn’t depending solely on him to eat. Frequently since creating the pile he’d awoken to their characteristic snaps as Willow helped herself to breakfast. She didn’t always notice him stirring awake, and every so often Hunter was able to lay and watch her quietly hum to herself as she smiled and ate.

She was smiling even now. The corners of her lips were turned upright ever so slightly. It allowed the hint of a dimple to emerge from Willow’s upright cheek.

Pretty.

Hunter felt his face grow hot as he dropped the apple in embarrassment. As if he needed an extra helping of bad luck in this life, the entire pile he had so neatly assembled came tumbling down. Despite his best efforts to stop them, he heard Willow stirring behind him. His snakes hissed in delight, and he was equally as unsuccessful in keeping them quiet. They’d always been all too eager to express the emotions he worked hard to keep hidden.

“Hunter?”

She wasn’t looking directly at him, but close enough from the sound of the noise. The sunlight had completely disappeared by now, and Hunter usually needed to stay very close in order for her to see him at night.

“I’m right here,” he said, moving himself to be directly in front of her. She gave him a smile still weighted from her time spent asleep.

“Hey there.” She brought a hand up to cup his cheek, and Hunter felt his face grow even warmer. “You feel really warm, are you alright?”

Hunter cupped her hand in his to move it away from his face. “Everything is fine! Nothing to worry about here!”

His snakes betrayed him, all twisting to look at his hand now holding Willow’s. Though his heart pounded, he didn’t drop it. She had squeezed his hand in return, and nothing was worth losing the feeling growing in his chest at this moment.

They had held hands before, but never quite like this. It had always been when Willow asked for a little extra guidance, or when someone helped take the apples out of the other’s arms. This was different. There was something special about this. Why else would they both still be holding on?

Tell her.

Hunter felt his stomach drop. His eyes darted to Willow’s, but hers were cast down. She smiled in a way that made his heart ache. His snakes knew exactly what he wanted to say to her, and they were definitely beginning to feel impatient: like they might take the matter on themselves any day now. Before he could begin to put his thoughts into words, Willow raised her eyes to meet his, and moved her face much closer. Their noses were almost touching, and Hunter could barely breathe.

“Hunter?”

“Yes?”

She hesitated. Even Hunter’s snakes had gone quiet and barely moved. Willow’s thumb brushed back and forth across the back of his hand. Hunter’s breathing went from shallow to still.

“Have you ever kissed anyone?”

“No,” Hunter replied, not daring to move. “At least, I don’t think so. What is it?”

Willow cast her eyes down once again. He immediately missed them. She reached up with her free hand and began twisting the end of her braid with her fingers.

“It’s something we do at home. Well, not everyone I suppose. But some people? I guess that doesn’t matter right now.” She let out a nervous laugh, but it sounded strained. Though it made his heart pound in his ears, Hunter gave her hand a small squeeze. She squeezed it tighter in return.

“What made you think of it?”

Willow pulled away, and his snakes hummed with disappointment. She shifted to sit next to him instead of across from him. Though he could no longer see her face, his body froze as she rested her head against his shoulder.

“It’s something you do with someone who is…dear to you.”

She means you.

Hunter’s eyes widened, but stayed firmly fixed on the ground in front of him. He could feel his entire body heating up. He might have stayed there forever, if not for one of his snakes gently biting his ear to bring him back to the moment.

“Well, wow, that’s…yeah.” The same snake who bit him hissed in frustration. “I’ve found a lot to do here, but that isn’t, or wasn’t—“

If before Hunter hadn’t been able to find enough air, now he had far too much. Every word coming out of his mouth felt needlessly breathy. He would also probably be thinking more clearly if he couldn’t feel Willow pressed up against his side.

He let out a long sigh. “I don’t think I’ve ever really been dear to anyone.”

Willow was silent for a moment. “That’s not true.”

Hunter’s heart was nearly beating out of his chest. It took every muscle in his body to stay still and calm.

“It’s not?”

“You’re dear to me,” Willow said, laying her hand on top of his once again.

Tears immediately began to gather in the corner of his eyes. Though Hunter tried to hide it, the trembling of his chest gave him away. He felt her hand touch his cheek as the first tear escaped.

“Oh, Hunter—“

Willow wrapped her arms around his back and he sank into her, burying his face in the crook of her neck. This wasn’t how he wanted the moment to be, but once the tears had started they were impossible to stop. Willow held him tightly as he cried, and he stayed shaking in her arms until sleep overcame him.

Hunter awoke once again to the sound of apple skin crunching quietly. The sun had risen, and Willow had helped herself to breakfast. As he pushed himself to sit up, he felt her hand on his shoulder.

“Today’s special,” she said with a laugh, holding an apple out to him. The morning sun reflected so beautifully in her eyes, and Hunter would’ve given anything to preserve that exact view for a goddess’s lifetime. He carefully took the apple from her, and held it in his lap. Her hand moved to his back, and Hunter’s whole body stiffened.

“Sorry!” Willow quickly pulled her hand away. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She began to fiddle with the core of her finished apple. Hunter tentatively placed his hand on top of hers.

“lt’s okay,” he said softly. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Are you sure?” Willow suddenly looked very sad, and Hunter didn’t understand why.

“Of course! Willow, what’s the matter? Did I say something wrong?“

“No,” Willow moved her face closer to see his. “I was going to ask you the same thing. After last night.” A slight blush came to her cheeks, and Hunter felt his stomach drop.

“Right, that.” He stared down at their hands, still together. “I remember.”

“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”

“No!” Hunter whipped his head up to meet her eyes, inadvertently squeezing her hands as he did so. “Willow, you didn’t!”

“But, I thought—when I made you cry…” Her eyes were confused, worried, and something else Hunter couldn’t decipher. She jumped as he put his arms around her the way she had for him the night before.

“Willow, what you said meant the world to me. I’m sorry I didn’t know how to say that.”

Hunter felt her let out a heavy sigh as she wrapped her arms around him. He gave her a gentle squeeze, and she laughed and gave him one in return. He pulled away just enough to look at her, and her smile was breathtaking. He felt his face grow hot once again.

“You—uh,” he swallowed his nerves and took a deep breath. He felt his cheeks get even warmer. “You’re dear to me too.”

Willow suddenly took his face in her hands and pressed her lips to his cheek. His snakes all fell back and hummed in delighted surprise. Hunter’s eyes widened, and he felt as though his heart would burst out of him this time.

“Woah.”

Willow laughed softly as her cheeks turned a bright pink too. One of her hands dropped to her side, but the other stayed to cup his cheek. She ran her thumb back and forth over it like she did with his hand, and Hunter once again was struggling to remember how to breathe.

“Did you enjoy that?”

“Yes,” he whispered. “A lot.”

“I’m glad,” Willow said, beaming. “There’s another way we can do it, but it’s a little different. Do you want to try?”

Hunter eagerly nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Willow brought her other hand back to his face. Her touch was warm and wonderful. “We can stop anytime you want, for any reason.”

He nodded again.

Willow closed her eyes, and softly pressed her lips to his.

It was like the world stopped turning. His snakes swarmed with glee, and Hunter closed his eyes as Willow had. He tightened his arms around her, content to stay in that moment forever. He felt warm and bubbly and happier than he could ever remember feeling. She pulled away all too soon, but seeing her beautiful smile made it worth separating.

“Did that feel okay?” Her question was a little breathless, and her face was still flushed. Her hands left his face and rested on his shoulders.

“Willow, that was wonderful.” He tried to press his lips to her cheek the way she had for him. He wasn’t sure if he was doing it right, but she giggled and leaned into him.

“Thank you, Hunter. I really enjoyed it too.” She pulled him into another embrace, and they sat holding each other for a long time. Hunter eventually pulled away just far enough to look into her eyes.

“I have one more question about last night.”

“Sure, anything,” Willow said as she took his hand in hers. It still made his heart soar.

“Well, now that we’ve done all of this, are we…ready for kissing?”

Willow erupted into laughter and buried her face in his neck.

“What? What did I say? What’s funny?”

[phoenix-pheces]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: The Owl House (Cartoon) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hunter | The Golden Guard/Willow Park, Hunter | The Golden Guard & Willow Park Characters: Hunter | The Golden Guard (The Owl House), Willow Park Additional Tags: Fluff, Light Angst, First Kiss, Kiss Kiss Fall in Love, Alternate Universe - Mythology, Gorgons (Ancient Greek Religion & Lore) Summary:

Willow has been with Hunter for nearly their full year, and he is starting to realize his feelings about that are more complicated than he expected.

 Based on the Mythology AU by @turquoisespace35 on Tumblr.

[phoenix-pheces]

Working on my digital art! I really want to be able to confidently draw dragons and characters by the end of the summer. Is that what I’ve been practicing? Absolutely not. Do I use more layers than there are stars in the sky? Absolutely. But hey, practice is practice.