#« magic tricks » chase & marvin

[http-anti]

New Fun Feelings [ x ]

@cute-and-undead

It was that time of the year that Anti dreaded. Intense desires hit him out of nowhere, as well as feeling extra possessive of his husband. While he was used to it by now and could definitely deal with it, Henrik had purposefully booked some time off to be with him. They decided to stay at the cottage for the beginning of it to bring Anti a little relief, which left the others at home.

Marvin and Chase had gotten curious as to what exactly this period entailed for Anti, so they questioned him. Marvin took what they could from the description and decided that they could try and see what it was like for themselves - with their boyfriend's consent, of course - which led to them casting a spell that morning in order to simulate a rutting period.

It wasn't too bad at first, the mage not wanting to overwhelm them both. The spell gradually took effect over the course of a few hours, the couple gradually becoming more touchy and cuddly. It wasn't until early afternoon that Marvin was really beginning to feel the effects of it, causing an idea to come to mind as they held their boyfriend as they cuddled on the couch.

"Hey, babe, I... I have an idea, and I would like your thoughts on it," they started, looking up at him.

[cute-and-undead]

Dirty Little Secret (Closed Rp)

This was an idea Marvin and Chase played around with for a little while. It wasn’t the first time they did role-play, but it was a type with a little more intense power dynamic than usual and would go on for hours. Marvin would be Chase’s maid for the day, cleaning up in the typical outfit while Chase teased until they both eventually got too pent up to hold back.

But, with all of their partners around, they decided to pull someone else into it. That was how Henrik got involved, shifting the scene a little but making an improvement. Chase would be in charge for a little while, but when he left to go somewhere, Henrik would step in like a flirty house guest who just couldn’t keep his eyes off the cute maid. Usually he wasn’t one for this type of role-play, but he was happy to try it out.

So now Chase was getting his bag together, heading out to what he claimed was a business meeting. In reality he would be sitting at a cafe for an hour or two editing a video, but Marvin didn’t need to know that. All the other needed to know was that Chase was not-so-subtly looking at their ass while they picked something up off the floor.

“Such a pretty little thing~…” Chase hummed seemingly to himself, despite Marvin being in earshot. Henrik, who was sat on the couch nearby with a book, pretended not to notice. He certainly enjoyed his own quick glance at Marvin, however.

“Alright Marvin, remember that I want this place cleaned by the time I get back. No excuses.” Chase informed, tone a little stern.

(( @http-anti ))

[trashyswitch]

Strengths, Weaknesses and Cards

Marvin and Jackie chat about strengths, and end up accidentally bringing up a weakness of Jackie's that no one has ever known. And Marvin makes damn sure that no one else finds out either.

This fanfic was suggested by one of my favorite anons, Shannon...Who had suggested it AGES AGO. So sorry for how freaking late this is, and I hope and pray that it's worth it. 🃏

Marvin collected his magic items and placed them in his magician bag. When everything was in order, Marvin fixed the mask on his face and adjusted his cape. 

“Whatcha up to, magic man?” Someone said behind him. 

Marvin yelped and turned around, before smiling a bit. “Hi Jackie. Not much. What about you?” She as

“Got any good stories to tell me about saving people?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie chuckled. “Can’t you receive the same stories through the news?” Jackie asked. 

“Yeah, but you make them sound better.” Marvin admitted. “Plus, you’ve got a great talk show voice.” Marvin added. 

“Okay.” Jackie started narrating a story of how he saved a guy from falling to his death when his parachute didn’t open properly. After trying and failing to physically open the parachute by force, Jackie quickly took it upon himself to carry the man slowly down to the safety of the ground. After helping the guy calm down from the previous anxiety of almost dying, Jackie got the victim’s address from his friend so that he could send him something later in the day. 

“So what were you gonna send him?” Marvin asked. 

“I have no idea.” Jackie admitted. “Something along the lines of ‘I hope you’ve recovered well, and if life kicks you down, Call me up! I’m likely in town’, or something.” Jackie said. 

Marvin chuckled. “That’s some Dr. Seuss-level literature, right there.” he said with a smirk. Jackie chuckled. “Thank you, Marvin.” 

Marvin smiled and looked around for a bit. “What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever had to lift?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie thought for a moment. “Hmmmm…” He rubbed his chin. “Well other than these MASSIVE BICEPS…” Jackie joked, flexing his muscles jokingly. 

Marvin rolled his eyes. “But seriously…” Marvin walked a bit closer. “What’s the heaviest thing you’ve lifted?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie thought for a bit longer. “I did have to save someone from getting crushed by a huge boulder once.” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin widened his eyes. “Wait…really? How big was it?” He asked. 

“About 3,000 pounds.” Jackie admitted. “It was difficult, but I eventually put it down on an empty field nearby.” Jackie admitted. “There, I helped a bunch of people break it up into smaller chunks so they could move them better.” Jackie added. 

Marvin looked at Jackie with starry-eyes. “Woooow…” He mumbled. 

Jackie tilted his head. “What?” He asked. 

“You’re so strong and brave! How did you get so strong in the first place?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie chuckled. “With help from the POWER OF AWESOMENESS!” Jackie declared. 

“........No workouts? Dumbbells? Not even a weight or two?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie shrugged his shoulders. “I do that too. I gotta stay strong somehow.” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin smiled. “How much can you lift in weights?” Marvin asked. 

“Off adrenaline, I can lift 400 pounds in one go.” Jackie admitted. “But with the adrenaline rush…I can lift between 600-650 pounds.” Jackie added. 

“Holy-” Marvin quickly looked something up and dropped his jaw. “You can bench press about as much as Dwayne Johnson can in one go!” Marvin reacted. 

“How much does The Rock bench press?” Jackie asked. 

“400-500 pounds, according to an interview in 2021.” Marvin replied. 

“Damn…” Jackie muttered. “But he worked hard for those muscles his whole life. He deserves the ability to bench press that much.” Jackie added. 

“...Are you implying that you don’t deserve to be able to lift 400-600 pounds?” Marvin asked. 

“I don’t work as hard as Dwayne Johnson does…” Jackie admitted. “The reality is…I could be capable of lifting more than 650 pounds.” Jackie admitted. “But…I don’t work my way up past that because…I need time to work on my mental health too.” Jackie explained. 

“Isn’t working out supposed to be good for your mental health?” Marvin asked. 

“Yeah, it is…when you’re not pushing yourself way beyond your limits to the point of over-exertion.” Jackie added. “Pushing yourself is good…but over-exerting yourself makes your mental health worse.” Jackie added. “And frankly…I’m okay with how much I can lift right now. If I find something I can’t lift while on the job, then I’ll work at being able to make lifting that thing easier on the arms and back.” Jackie explained further. 

“Fair enough…” Marvin admitted. 

“Plus…I’m already afraid of over-exerting myself in front of thousands while doing my duties.” Jackie admitted. 

“Because evil people may see you have a weakness?” Marvin asked. 

“Mhm…” Jackie admitted. “Which…I do…But I don’t want other people finding out and taking advantage of it.” Jackie added. 

“Oh…” Marvin walked up and pulled out his deck of cards. He spread them out in a fan, and smiled. “Take a card.” Marvin told him. 

Jackie raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “Really? A magic trick right now?” Jackie asked. 

Marvin rolled his eyes with a smile. “Just do it.” He told him. 

Jackie sighed and took a card from the middle of the deck and looked at it. But the moment he looked at it…He widened his eyes and blushed a small bit. “U-Uh…” Jackie mumbled. 

“What?” Marvin asked. “Wait…” Marvin searched through his deck of cards quickly. “I didn’t leave the jokers in the deck again, did I?” Marvin muttered out loud. 

“Duhude, you’re evil.” Jackie said, showing him the card. 

Marvin leaned in slightly and looked at the card. Reading it, Marvin widened his eyes and chuckled. “Oh…Hahaha!” Marvin giggled. “I forgot I had that card in there!” Marvin admitted, taking it from Jackie. “Sorry…that’s embarrassing.” Marvin put the hand-written blank card into his pocket. 

Jackie looked down, blushing even more as he was unable to stop thinking about the card’s little question. It was such a simple question, but…it still felt overwhelmingly embarrassing to admit it. 

“What?” Marvin asked. “Something wrong?” He asked next. 

Marvin widened his eyes and shook his head. “No no no, sorry! I-...” Jackie bit his lip and attempted to hide his bashfulness. But alas…it was fruitless. 

“Oh! Is it the card?” Marvin asked. “You don’t need to answer it.” Marvin admitted. “Heck, I can just forget about it if you’d prefer.” Marvin added. 

The superhero looked down, biting his lip. “Yes.” Jackie replied softly. 

“Yes, you want to forget about it?” Marvin clarified. Jackie looked up with widened eyes. “No! Don’t forget about it.” Jackie told him. “I meant…Yes…” Jackie started. “-To…To the card’s question.” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin widened his eyes slightly and raised his eyebrows. Wait…Was THEE Jackieboy Man…who didn’t want anyone to know his weakness…telling him his weakness? Marvin slowly pulled out the card again, and read it again. 

[Are you ticklish?] 

Marvin looked at Jackie with a shy smile. “You…feel comfortable admitting that…to me?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie slouched over, rubbing his right arm with his left hand. “I…Think so…” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin smiled a bit more and put the card back into his pocket again. “Do you wanna leave your answer as that? Or…” Marvin raised his arms up and wiggled them a bit. “Can I…” Marvin muttered in a higher-pitched voice. 

Jackie couldn’t help the giddy giggles that left his mouth. “Yeheheah, sure.” He replied. “Goho ahead.” He replied. 

Marvin walked up and was about to plant his hands onto Jackie’s sides first…but then he paused. Marvin thought for a moment, and…brought his hands back. “Hold on.” He said. Marvin began to close the blinds and the curtains in the living room before shutting off his phone and placing it upside down so it couldn’t record anything from the front. “I assume you want me to make sure no one else sees this?” Marvin explained. 

Jackie couldn’t help the warm, fuzzy feeling that filled his body. Marvin was really taking the time to make sure no one else finds out about his one weakness. It was very thoughtful and considerate of him… 

“Okay.” Marvin turned on the main living room light and gently pushed Jackie onto the couch, before cracking his knuckles. “Let’s see what you’re made of.” Marvin said before placing his hands onto Jackie’s sides. “First off: Are your sides ticklish?” He asked, before squeezing them a bit. 

Jackie gasped and quickly brought his arms against his own upper chest, guffawing and pulling his legs up slightly. “GAHA! Hahahaha- Yehes! Ahaha lihihittle bihit.” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin’s smile began to show teeth. This was really happening��Marvin was actually tickling the world-famous Jackieboy Man right now! How could this be happening right now?! Marvin quickly let go of Jackie’s sides so he could skitter his fingers on the same spots very softly. “Do softer tickles get you-” 

Jackie squeaked and curled into a little ball, kicking his feet like a little kid short fits of proper laughter left his mouth. “HAHAhahahehehehe! Yehehehes, thehehehey dohoho!” Jackie admitted. “Ihihit’s wohorse ihif you-” “Ah ah ah~” Marvin stopped tickling and placed his index finger on Jackie’s lips. “Noooo spoilers. I wanna find all your ticklish spots on my own.” Marvin told him. 

Jackie smiled a bit more and removed Marvin’s finger from his lips. “Okay, okay.” He replied. “Just…please don’t make me wait in anticipation.” Jackie pleaded softly. 

“Okay!” Marvin replied right before tickling the lower ribs. “How’s this spot?” He asked rhetorically. 

Jackie threw his head back and let out a strong fit of cackly laughter. “BAHAHAHAhahahahaha! VEHEHERY TICKLIHIhihish!” Jackie replied. 

“I can see that!” Marvin reacted. “But what about the rest of your ribs?” Marvin asked as he moved his fingers very slowly up the man’s rib cage. 

Jackie’s laughter didn’t seem to go up in volume. But it certainly did go up in octaves! Every pair of tickled ribs seemed to make Jackie’s laughter go up a couple notes. And with the jumping laughter, came more and more wiggles from Jackie! In the span of 4 ribs on either side, Jackie had gone from tightened arms against his chest, to flapping his arms like a tense bird. 

It was around this time that Marvin had begun to see Jackie in a whole new light. Though seeing Jackie laugh at a joke or a reference was enjoyable enough, seeing Jackie cackle his head off while wriggling under him…was a whole new level of entertainment. And as of right now…Marvin was one of the only ones who was experiencing this side of Jackie! 

“OHOHO GOHOHOSH- WAHAITDON’TGOHIGHER-” Jackie gasped as Marvin’s fingers touched down against his armpits. Jackie threw his head back and let out a strong, almost deafening scream! “NAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! AAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Jackie shouted with laughter as he squeezed his arms against his sides to stop the fingers in their tracks. 

“Ooooooh!” Marvin reacted. “Now THIS I gotta test out!” Marvin declared as he grabbed Jackie’s arm and placed it above his head. 

Marvin started with one finger just tracing up and down the hollow of the armpit, which made Jackie giggle manically and whine a little bit. “EEehehehehehehe! Ehehehevihihil!” Jackie yelled in a much higher-pitched voice. 

Marvin laughed at his reaction. “I still can’t believe no one else has found out about this yet!” Marvin reacted before starting to very lightly flutter his fingers in his exposed armpit. “And I’m guessing you want to keep it that way?” Marvin guessed. Jackie giggled and nodded his head. “Yehehehess! Thahahat wohohould be nihihihice.” the superhero replied. 

“Ey ey, captain! Marvin the Magnificent shall keep his lips zipped.” Marvin replied as he stopped tickling to salute the hero. 

Jackie had taken the break generously, breathing in and out somewhat heavily. Though the hero had a lot of endurance (It’s somewhat required in order to be a hero), Jackie wasn’t exactly used to tickling as a form of cardio. He was more used to heavier cardio like sprinting, flying, and martial arts. But tickling?! That was a completely foreign concept to his body. 

“Did you need a break?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie nodded his head and let out a deep breath. “Yeheah. Thanks.” He replied. “Ihi…I haven’t been tickled in years…Decades, actually.” Jackie admitted. 

Marvin widened his eyes. “Wait, really?!” Marvin asked. “Not even by friends?” He asked. 

Jackie shook his head. “The most relationships you ever make when you’re saving a city of people…is acquaintances.” Jackie admitted. “You and Chase are the closest friends I’ve ever had.” He told him. 

Marvin couldn’t help the bittersweet look that filled his face. He never realized that Jackie struggled so much to have deeper friendships. He knew that he could make friends easily, thanks to his job. But…develop them into something more? That was a whole new thing entirely. Marvin bit his lip as he played with his fingers for a moment. “Hey Jackie…” Marvin called softly. 

“Yeah?” Jackie replied. 

“Do…Do you want a hug?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie widened his eyes and slowly started to smile while he sat up. “I would love one!” He replied before hugging Marvin first. 

Marvin took a moment to process the shock of being hugged first, but quickly closed his eyes and hugged him back. Marvin also discovered that Jackie had a really strong, secure hug. It made his hug feel more comforting and caring…to the point where Marvin refused to let go when Jackie started to pull away the first time. But Jackie quickly smiled and closed his arms again, continuing the hug for Marvin’s sake. Even Jackie had to admit that the hug felt really comforting. 

Eventually, Marvin let go and squeezed Jackie’s shoulders a couple times. “Feeling better?” Marvin asked. 

Jackie chuckled. “Why are you asking me?! You were the one who wanted the hug.” Jackie mentioned. 

“True…but you looked like you needed it.” Marvin told him. 

“Yeah…I guess I did need it.” Jackie soon admitted. 

“Are you two gonna kiss now? Or…” Some voice nearby said to the boys. 

Marvin yelped and turned to look at the voice. “WHAT THE-?!”

Meanwhile Jackie had widened his eyes and looked over at the voice. “Who- Oh…Hi Chase.” Jackie said. 

“…Hi…” Chase replied awkwardly before taking an overly long sip of his tea. “…did I interrupt something?” Chase asked. 

Marvin blushed slightly before letting go of Jackie’s shoulders. “No.” Marvin replied. 

“Okay.” Chase walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge. 

Jackie looked at Chase for a moment, before smirking at Marvin. Marvin tilted his head. What was the superhero thinking? But right as Marvin was about to ask, Jackie pointed to the card deck in Marvin’s pocket. “Can I try the magic trick on you?” Jackie asked. 

Marvin smiled a bit and pulled out his cards, handing them to Jackie. “Have fun.” 

Jackie smirked and spread the cards out like a fan. “Pick a card, any card.” Jackie declared. 

Marvin smiled and took a card. But when he looked at it, he started tittering and covered his mouth. “Wohohow, not bad there, Red.” Marvin teased. 

Jackie smiled and put the cards away before pointing to Chase. “Revenge?” Jackie offered. 

Marvin smirked and nodded as he took the card, put them into the sleeve, and put them back into his pocket. “Revenge.” 

Marvin and Jackie took off running to Chase, cornering him in the kitchen. While Jackie used his flying ability to hold Chase’s arms in the air, Marvin took the time to target every one of his tickle spots for about 5-10 minutes each. And to be extra rude and annoying, Marvin even took his time telling and showing Jackie which specific ticklish spots created specific sounds, as well as what finger techniques worked on each specific area. And the last words that anyone from a 10 foot radius could hear was Chase’s laughter with the words “YOU GUYS SUCK!” Amidst his laughter. 

[salazzzle]

Marvin would definitely put a collar on that man and have him worship him once his hypno has been permanently engraved into Chase's mind. I'm imagining him making Chase ride him or him riding Chase while groaning about how he's such a good toy for him. Man would paint his sigils all over Chase's body, leaving his marks on his toy/doll and making him absolutely perfect for him.

When he's frustrated, he'd fuck Chase on his desk, filling him up with his cum and biting and scratching him all over until Chase is left a massive wreck before him.

while marvin works on his spells / does research, he has chase under the desk worshipping his cock. chase never leaves marvins side once hes been completely hypnotized. why would marvin ever let a prize like chase go?

[deepfriedseagullfeet]

feeling extremely sad this evening but i DID get an ask for jjstein2 where anon requested regressed chase and marvin as his caretaker for the day and well that makes me ever so slightly happier

[jselorekeeper]

HC for the egos...Lemme see what I usually do about my version of them. I'll give you short bios. Hope you'll find them a bit entertaining, at least.. :D : Marvin: He's a famous entertainer. He started as illusionist. Like a sort of David Copperfield (the difference, is that Marv used his actual magic and passed it like incredible illusionist-tricks) and then branched out to other things like TV -being pretty-looking helps a lot, in the showbiz- and became rich and famous. At night, he entertain himself by stealing jewels, gems and ancient magic relics from museums that he either sells, or keep for himself. (magic relics and artifacts are not supposed to go into non-magical hands after all...). He uses a disguise when he's in front to an audience. Of course he cannot just go out with a cat mask, symbols on his face and long green hair with the risk of being recognized. He's also v gay. I'll die on his hill. Jackie: Works as cameraman and as odd-jobs-doer in the same studios where Marvin works too. He technically works for him. He has a thing for special effects too, but they won't let him experiment with them. Of course, he hasn't realized thief-Marvin is the same magician guy he sees all day long at his work place. (If you ask: Yes. Marv knows exactly who Jackie is.) Jackie is also good friend with Doc and Chase. Infact, he often uses Doc's secret clinic when he needs to be patched up after a big fight. He won't snitch about the illegal clinic in exchange. Schneep: This man is on the run. He's already wanted in several parts of Europe and he's not planning to stop now. He went to jail several times...He ended so many people and not only in the science/medical field, but with the glock he legally owns. Never challenge an eccentric man who's kept together by adrenaline and caffeine... To earn money and fund his weird experiments, he run an illegal-hidden-to-the-sight small clinic, where he patch up pretty much whoever can pay for his and Robbie's services... Jackie and Chase are both friends of him. Robbie: He's real in my heart and he deserves more love. Strong, tall, with an incredilby high IQ and the same sense of humor of a pissed dobermann. Always hungry for knowledge, he got his very own lab in the basement of Schneep's secret clinic where he practice horrible and non-ethical experiments especially on humans he lures and snatches at night from the streets. (Or troublemaker clinic-customers when they get problematic for some reason. Nobody will miss them after all.) He sees humans as spare parts and cattle, pretty much. The only spark of what he can define as "feeling of sympathy" is for Henrik. Robbie respects the Doc as a scientist and he's interested in his experiments. That's -and the fact he can access to labs if he sticks around him- the only reason why he hangs around. He accepted his role as Schneep's assistant -and bodyguard- as long he can experiment on his own. JJ: He's buff and stronger than what he looks. Can break your spine by hugging you tight enough. Trained in the usage of several vintage weapons. Included explosives. He can make an AWESOME tea. Anti: Has a thing for sharp objects. Knives in the specific. He doesn't need to use them anymore (he got silly tendrils arms after all), but he loves to keep one in a holster tied on his tigh. Just in case. It reminds him his childhood, if he ever had one. When he's not causing mayhem, he rests in his very own pocket dimension he can temporarily open. Chase: He's also here. He's Henrik's best friend at this point and he's one of the few that knows about his secret clinic and the stuff that happens in there. He's living in there with Schneep after he was rescued from the IRIS facility and he discovered chaos. He's a good shooter (can practice with Doc's gun). Chase has no idea Robbie is a monster. He just think he's a tall, creepy, goth guy that Henrik hired as assistant.

D your stuff always fascinates me! I love seeing your style and story of them all the time lol

Marvin: a fabulously gay performer during the day and a thief at night, what a fabulous man he is 😌

Jackie: let Jackie experiment with special effects 😭

I absolutely love the idea of him not knowing Marvin as the thief but Marvin knows exactly who Jackie is, that could be great for angst!

Henrik: Henrik needs to be stopped, never trust this man and his assistant to be your doctors cause I certainly wouldn’t 😅

Robbie: You have absolutely no idea how much I love your version of Robbie! Everytime I see him I just wanna know more 👀

He does give off the vibe of like “you really don’t want to fuck around and end up at his place” style and I love it

JJ: yes I love buff Jameson! I need to see more of it honestly 🤩

He gives the vibe that he would serve absolutely perfect beverages, no matter what it is he just knows how to make it perfect!

Anti: him 🤝 Wilford, wearing knives holstered to their thighs

Man Anti is lucky to have his own pocket dimension! I wanna chill with him that sounds like a nice time 😌

Chase: ahhh yes! Those two as besties is the best idea ever, they just love hanging out!

Pfft, Robbie is that one person you see in the streets who suddenly disappears when a bus drives by, never know whether to trust him or to fear him

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Many Roads Diverge in the Woods - Second Run - Finale

The Beginning | Previous

The results are in.

You have reached the end of your path. Will you be happy with what you’ve found?

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! It was amazing to see everyone still chip in to a second run of this fic. And if you guys are wondering, yes, the full thing is currently up on AO3! Whoo! I'll include a link at the bottom of this part beneath a Keep Reading, but basically, the name is "Many Roads Diverge in the Woods - An Interactive Story" and my username is CrystalNinjaPhoenix! So basically the same as here XD There are about 300k worth of more routes to explore! I'd love to see you all there ^-^

<><><><><><><><><><><>

“Wait a minute.” Chase’s eyes go wide. “JJ, you didn’t just get blood all over your hands. You got it on your sleeves, too. Your white sleeves.” He tugs on one of JJ’s cuffs. “Even if you wiped your hands off, there should still be a stain!”

“Wait, wait!” Schneep grabs JJ’s other arm, and JJ promptly yanks both his hands free. “Gah! Sorry, Jamie, I was just checking to see. You are right, Chase. There is no sign that there was ever any blood.”

“And... why does this matter?” Jackie asks, frowning. “I-I know it’s weird, but... what does it mean?”

The others are silent for a moment. Then JJ raises his hands to speak. Maybe... maybe I was right. Maybe Marvin isn’t dead.

“But—but we all saw that, right?” Chase says. He shudders just remembering the sight—the sounds—all of it. “He definitely slit his own throat.”

“And JJ definitely got his hands and sleeves covered in that blood,” Schneep says. “And yet...” He trails off, looking thoughtful. “What if... what if it was not real?”

“How the hell would it be ‘not real’?” Jackie demands. “There was no pulse!”

“I know! But if we are dealing with the supernatural, we have to account for perhaps—perhaps some sort of elaborate trick,” Schneep says. “Some sort of magical illusion that could also feel real as well as look real.”

“I-I guess it’s possible,” Chase says. “Meaning... Marvin isn’t dead? But then... Look, he’s the only one of us who would be able to make a magic illusion. And why would he do that?”

Unless it wasn’t him. JJ taps the book Chase is still holding open. Specifically, the illustration.

“You mean—you mean some sort of spirit possessed him?” Jackie asks in a hushed voice.

“In that case... where is it now?” Schneep wonders.

JJ suddenly stiffens. He turns and runs back down the hallway.

“JJ! Hey!” Chase drops the book as he tries to reach out and grab JJ, but he’s moving too fast and his grip just barely closes on empty air instead of JJ’s arm. So instead he runs after him, leaving Schneep to pick up the book again. “Where are you going?!”

He was going to the room with the ritual circle. Chase catches up with him as he hesitates outside the open door. JJ glances at him—and at Schneep and Jackie, who are running down the hallway after them. Once everyone is there, he reaches into the dark room and turns on the lights.

A figure is crouched in the center of the ritual circle, one hand pressed against the burned lines making it up. Somehow, the four wooden chairs from the other room are in here now, spaced evenly around the edge of the circle. A rope is coiled on the seat of one. The figure looks up. It’s Marvin. It’s definitely him. But his eyes... They’re all black, no whites or irises to be seen. A smile stretches across Marvin’s face. It is not his smile. “So... you figured it out?” he asks. Or, rather, the creature using his body asks. “No matter.” It raises Marvin’s other hand, and—

Suddenly, Chase feels something push against him, shoving him forwards into the room. He cries out as he falls to the floor—and then again as Jackie falls on top of them. All four of them had been pushed forward by some mysterious force and are now in the room, lying on the floor. And behind them, the door slams shut. “Y-you!” Jackie gasps, standing up first. “What are you?!”

“So much more than you. That’s all you need to know.” The creature gets to its feet in one smooth motion. “Now. Are you our first volunteer?” That smile stretches Marvin’s face again—and suddenly there is a knife in his hands, a thin silver dagger, and he rushes towards Jackie.

Jackie cries out and dodges to the side. The creature starts to lunge for him again—but Chase, thinking fast, reaches out and grabs Marvin’s ankle, now nearby. The creature gasps in surprise and stumbles, almost falling but catching itself against the wall. “Guys?! What do we do?!” Chase asks.

JJ gets to his knees. He points at Schneep—no, he points at the book that Schneep is still holding. Schneep looks at him. Read! JJ says.

“O-okay.” Schneep nods. “You all keep him distracted!” He opens the book up to the marked page and starts scanning it.

“What is that?” the creature asks in Marvin’s voice. Is that surprise in its words? “Where did you get that?!” Marvin’s body spins around and runs for Schneep—but Chase launches himself from the ground and right towards Marvin, knocking him back. The creature screams in frustration. There’s a flash of silver—but then Jackie grabs Marvin’s arm right before he’s able to plunge the dagger into Chase’s back.

“I-I just have to read what’s written out loud,” Schneep stammers. “I-if we—if we do it right his body will seize, r-remember not to hold him when that happens.”

“You motherfucker!” The creature growls. With one arm being held by Jackie, it moves Marvin’s other hand, wrapping it around Chase’s throat and squeezing. JJ gasps and hurries over, prying his fingers free. Chase gasps as his airflow resumes.

“Do it, Schneep!” Jackie shouts.

Schneep nods. He looks down at the page, hesitating, and starts reciting the words. “Sp—spiorad gan i-iarraidh, a... ordú againn... duit im-imeacht.” He goes slowly, unsure how to pronounce the words.

“No!” The creature shouts. Suddenly, Jackie, JJ, and Chase are all thrown away. Marvin’s body scrambles upwards again and he lunges towards Schneep again, But, yelling in rage, Jackie gets to his feet and tackles Marvin to the ground. The dagger falls from Marvin’s hand and skitters across the ground. JJ quickly scoops it up again. The creature notices this and growls. “Do you think I need that to kill you?!” it threatens.

 JJ nods. He looks at Chase and points towards Marvin and Jackie. The two of them are struggling on the ground as Jackie tries to keep Marvin’s body pinned. Normally Jackie would have been easily stronger than Marvin, but the creature is fighting with all of Marvin’s strength, not caring if it hurts Jackie or Marvin in the process. Chase nods back to JJ and hurries over, arriving just in time to stop Marvin from punching Jackie in the face. The creature screams wordlessly and thrashes against Chase and Jackie’s grip.

Suddenly, the lights go out, plunging the room into total darkness. Schneep’s voice, slowly chanting the words, falters. Then JJ pulls out his phone and turns on the flashlight feature, shining it towards Schneep, who continues.

The creature growls and flings Marvin’s hand out. The book jerks forward, like someone is trying to pull it from Schneep’s grip, but he holds it steady—though he glances at the others with a panicked expression.

JJ glances back at the struggle. Marvin, he signs, causing the light to waver, but not enough to deter Schneep. Fight.

“H-he’s right!” Chase gasps. “Marvin, you have to be in there somewhere! You have to fight this!”

“Fuck off!” the creature snaps.

“Ní l-leatsa an corp a... ghlacadh,” Schneep continues. “Ní leatsa an ai-aigne a... úsáid. Ní leatsa an t-anam a... a-adh-adhlacadh.” He still stutters a bit, but it’s clearly not affecting the spell. 

Jackie grabs Marvin’s hand and pulls it back. “If you can hear us, Marv,” he says, “we need your help! C-can you hold it back? Please! Try, at least!”

“You don’t have to do it forever!” Chase adds. “Just long enough for Schneep to finish!”

Marvin’s body shudders. The creature starts to snarl something—and then abruptly stops. The black in his eyes flicker back to normal for a moment. “T-try...” Marvin whispers. His limbs jerk, but overall he stops fighting. Jackie still holds him, though, arms wrapped tight around Marvin’s torso. Chase watches, tense, waiting.

And then, suddenly, Marvin’s muscles tense again. He screams, head throwing itself backwards and arms and legs starting to shake. “I-it’s the seizing!” Chase gasps. “Like Schneep said! Let go of him!”

Jackie abruptly does so, scooting backwards across the ground. He watches Marvin with wide eyes. As do Chase and JJ. They all stay where they are, looking and feeling helpless as Marvin convulses and screams on the floor. “W-we have to do something,” Jackie says desperately.

“Maybe we can hold his head still.” Chase reaches out—

“No! Th-that’s gotta be as bad as holding him!”

“I don’t want him to hit his head, though!”

Jackie hesitates. “I got it!” He takes his jacket off, bunching it up and placing it under Marvin’s head. “B-better than nothing.”

Schneep glances at this and nods approvingly as he continues to chant. He’s getting a hold of the words. Soon his voice rises, more confident. “Díbrím thú! Fág an corp, aigne agus anam seo. Díbrím thú! Téigh go dtí an domhan eile atá ag fanacht leat. Díbrím thú!”

All at once, Marvin goes still. His screams end abruptly, but his mouth stays open as a thick black smoke pours out. It rises into the air, and there is the shape of a person in the cloud, a writhing mess of limbs struggling to reach back in. Glowing green eyes appear, glaring at the others with unmistakable malice... and then they wink out as the smoke disperses. Marvin goes limp against the floor. The lights turn on again.

CRACK!

All of them jump in surprise at the sound—and look down at its source. The wooden floor has splintered, a large divide going across the ritual circle burned into the ground. A red liquid pools in the new crack and spills out over the floor.

But they have more to be concerned with. JJ drops his phone and rushes to Marvin’s side, falling to his knees next to him. He grabs him by the shoulder and starts to shake. Schneep runs over as well, and Jackie and Chase crowd around Marvin in turn. “Marvin?!” Chase says. “Marvin! A-are you okay?!” 

Marvin groans and opens his eyes. They are back to normal again. “All of you... get... the fuck away from me.”

They all abruptly jerk backwards. JJ laughs, a sound of relief. “Well sorry for being concerned,” Jackie says, sounding irritated but smiling nonetheless.

“No, he is right, he needs his space,” Schneep says, gently pushing the others back. There are tears in his eyes. “Marvin, I-I... I am so glad you are okay.”

“Yeah...” Marvin breathes. “You.. y-you did great, Schneep. Mispronounced a few things, but I don’t blame you. And it worked. Th-thank you.”

How do you feel? JJ asks.

“...tired,” Marvin mumbles. “That sort of tired where it’s on the edge of everything hurting.”

“Are you okay to move?” Jackie asks. “I... don’t really want to be in a room where the floor is bleeding.”

“Th’what?” Marvin turns his head to the side, seeing the red liquid bleeding across the floor. He frowns. “I think... I think that means whatever spell it’s about is... broken? Whatever. Blood isn’t good. I dunno if I can move, but... if you guys wanna get out of here... I can try.”

Jackie shakes his head. “No, don’t make yourself. Uh, I can carry you, if you want?”

“That’s fine.”

“Okay.” Jackie stands up, taking Marvin with him. The other three stand up too and follow them out of the room.

Are you really okay, Marvin? JJ asks. That must have been terrible.

“I-it was... more confusing at first,” Marvin says quietly. “Things were... I saw... I-I don’t really remember some of this night. Then I woke up again, and I... saw him. And he... was using my body...” He shudders.

“It’s fine, Marvin,” Chase whispers. “It’s over now. We can get out of here.”

“Is that what we do now?” Schneep asks. “Just... leave?”

“I think so. I don’t want to stay in the cabin with a weird evil ritual circle in the basement. And I want to ask Jack what the hell this was all about. It’s his cabin, he has to know.”

“I don’t think we can ask Jack...” Marvin says. “He... th-that spirit, he made a comment... something about getting Jack out of the way...”

Fear jolts through Chase’s heart. “Then we definitely have to get out of here.”

Maybe we should rest first? JJ asks. Marvin’s not in great shape. All of us are exhausted.

“I’m fine with leaving soon,” Marvin says. “I can... can lie on the couch while you all pack your stuff.”

Jackie nods. “Sounds good to me. What about the rest of you?” 

“I can drive in the dark,” Chase says.

“I do not think we should stay here,” Schneep mutters.

Whatever you all think, JJ adds.

“Then we’ll do it. Come on.” And Jackie heads for the stairs. The rest of them follow.

It doesn’t take them long to re-pack their stuff. They didn’t really have time to unpack fully before everything went terribly. Marvin lies on the sofa, and the others take turns waiting by him, not wanting to leave him alone. He keeps muttering things that don’t make sense. Things about blood being life, and life being power, and what the symbols in the circle meant. When someone asks, he says he doesn’t know what he’s saying. That there is just knowledge in his head now. Knowledge he doesn’t want.

They load the car with their stuff, then head on out. Marvin claims the passenger seat, saying he doesn’t want to be crowded by the others right now. The others let him have it. It’s the least they can do. As Chase starts the car and heads out, they debate calling someone. But in the end, who could they call? Who would believe them?

As the cabin disappears into the woods, Marvin leans his head against the cool window. “Guys...?” he says. “Th... thanks. I-I lov... I really appreciate it. Thanks.”

They all know what he almost said. And they all feel the same.

Ending Reached: Banishment

(Congratulations for reaching the best ending on the Marvin route! :D And here's the link for the full version now uploaded to AO3!)

[greydoesthearts]

tell us about the magnificence AU, Grey!!

Autism ramble of the day because this AU has meant so much to me for so long and I'm akjshkshhfaj so I'm gonna do a brief recap with as little spoilers as possible; thank you, Bee!!!!!

In case anyone wants to read it, the story so far is here on AO3: Magnificent

Ok so. Chase and Jamie are two preteen best friends, Chase whose older brother Chad had convinced him that magic was nothing but explainable tricks and special effects, and Jamie who loves magic and whose hero is Marvin the Magnificent himself.

Marvin is an Irish magician who learned his powers from a young age despite backlash from his family and village, and who did shows that got aired on television as he became famous from posting his tricks online. And. He's going on tour!

So Jameson of course is thrilled to go. He and Chase have been friends for a very long time and, tada, Chase's brother is away with dad for the weekend so his mom treats them to the show. But of course, the biggest fan on earth deserves some merch to go with it, so Jameson's parents got them both these magician's kits. They contain a cape, a hat, a wand... and a ring. That's odd, rings were never advertised as part of the box, maybe it was a chance? A two-in-a-lifetime surprise?

Jameson makes a fire since putting his on. That's so cool!!! Honest-to-gods magic... Chase certainly believes something now, but this is still pretty weird.

Outside of the theatre, Jamie gets hurt with what seems to be pretty much no one but Chase around. But there's a man. And Chase suddenly gets *very* protective of Jamie. But he heals him, and the injury vanishes before his very eyes, so now Chase suddenly believes. More than before.

And during the show, Chase gets called up on stage as a volunteer to help with a trick and loses his ring. After the show, Marvin returns it, warning them of a danger connected to these rings. The rest is history ;D

[iamvegorott]

Meeting A Magical Man Pt. 69

Part 1: Link Prev: Link Next: Link

Marvin turned his head at the sound of the wall being destroyed. He watched as Actor flew through the air and landed on the ground. 

Actor was still moving, still breathing. He was still alive. 

But with that look of pure rage in Mad’s eyes as he came down to the first floor. He might not be for long. 

He let his aura drop, more than confident that Mad could handle himself or, at least,  the others still standing would help since his mind returned and his focus returned to Chase. 

“If I wasn’t the one dealing with this poison bullshit, I’d be impressed.” Dark huffed as Marvin knelt down with him. 

“How’s he doing?” Marvin asked, placing a hand on Chase’s cheek and looking at him. 

He was pale. Very pale. 

“Alive. I’m certain adrenaline’s running out. Chase is going to feel the last bit of the healing. If you want to do that one trick you and JJ have, I suggest doing it now.” Dark was used to the smell of blood, but even he appeared to be done with it. 

“Hey, babe.” Chase held out the words and weakly laughed. 

“It’s okay, darling. You’re almost better.” Marvin knew he had handled the man who had done this to Chase. The cracking of his bones as he was slammed into the wall still echoed in his brain. He’ll get over it eventually. He always did.

“I’m, like, so warm, and-” Chase’s comment turned into a pain-filled scream. 

“Thought it’d hit sooner,” Dark said almost too casually. “Hold him still, or he’ll ruin everything I’ve done before I finish.” 

“Chase, Chase, sweetie, you need to stay still for a little longer.” Marvin pressed his hands to Chase’s shoulders. 

“It burns! Stop! Stop!” Chase screamed, legs kicking as if he was trying to run. 

“I need a minute!” Dark raised his voice so he could be heard over Chase. 

“I hate doing this,” Marvin said to himself. He shook his hands in the hair, getting them to glow before pressing both of them to the center of Chase’s chest. The glowing seeped into Chase and slowly started showing in his skin, going in lines that appeared to follow his veins. 

“I…I can’t feel anything.” Chase blinked away the tears that had formed in his moments of pain. His entire body was numb. He couldn’t move, paralyzed by magic. 

“It’s okay. Everything will be okay.” Marvin spoke through gritted teeth, tense with concentration. 

“Done.” Dark pulled his hands away. “Keep that up for a little longer to be sure he won’t start screaming again.” He looked at himself and his hands, caked in blood, and knowing that it was a miracle Chase was alive. 

“Shit.” Marvin only lasted a few more seconds before he stopped the spell, panting heavily and feeling pure exhaustion hit him hard. “I hate doing that so much.” 

“Longest you’ve been able to hold that spell,” Dark commented. “More practice and-”

“Shut up.” Marvin cut him off. “Not now.” 

“Understood.” Dark nodded

The three were too busy to notice Mike sneaking past them, walking with soft, deliberate steps before running over to where Mad and Actor were still fighting. 

Mad’s magic was more powerful, but Actor had much more training in fighting, knew how to move, to be one step ahead, and to conserve his energy. Actor was still going strong, but Mad was getting tired and stumbling, and Actor took one of his stumbles to his advantage. There were large chunks of debris from the hole in the upstairs wall, and, using some magic, Actor sent one of the pieces flying and slammed it into Mad’s side, knocking him over and pining him down with it. Actor knew Mad wouldn’t stay down long, so he lifted another piece and was ready to slam it down on Mad’s head. 

Everything happened in seconds, including the firing of a gun that sent a bullet through Actor’s leg and made him fall. 

Mad got the debris off of himself, beginning to feel the warmth of his own fire, a sign that he would lose control if he didn’t finish this soon. He stood up, legs trembling, desperation coursing through him, and felt a sickening coldness take over as he held a hand out toward Actor. A rope of flames came from what surrounded Mad and wrapped around Actor’s neck, hoisting him in the air. Actor screamed and clawed helplessly at his own neck, trying to get the fire off of him, but each movement caused the hole in his leg to bleed more, blood dripping to the floor, and his fighting got weaker and weaker. 

“He’s going to kill him,” Anti commented from where he and Mare watched. 

“Send me down there,” Mare said, dropping the broken, empty gun, hand pressed over his aching ribs, body begging for rest, but he refused to stop. 

“What? Dude, you’re a walking-”

“Send me down, or I’m jumping down there myself!” Mare snapped. 

“Fine, fine. Geeze.” Anti snapped his fingers and saw Mare appear on the first floor on Mad’s side of the room. 

“No!” Mike screamed, running to Mad and grabbing his arm, ignoring the pain as he got burned as well. “Let him go! Let him go! Please! Please let him go!” His voice cracked as he begged for Actor’s life.

Mad’s eyes looked empty as if he wasn’t there anymore. He didn’t react at all to Mike, to anything around him. He was tired. He was so tired and just wanted all of this to end. 

“Mad.” Mare spoke softly and walked up behind him. Even in his altered state of mind, Mad’s flames didn’t hurt Mare. “Starlight.” Mare placed a gentle hand on Mad’s shoulder and whispered in his ear. “Let him go.” There was a pause. It only lasted a second, but it clung to the air for what felt like forever. 

Eventually, Mad let his arm drop, nearly knocking Mike over, and his fire vanished. Mike scrambled over to Actor while Mad stared off at them. Mad sniffed and looked at Mare. 

“I want to go home.” 

“We will.”

“Wilford, mind healing up, Mare? He’s holding himself like someone with broken ribs.” Anti said after appearing next to Mare and Mad. 

“Ask JJ to numb him. It’ll make the healing go smoother.” Dark stated. Marvin and Chase walked over with him, Chase leaning against Marvin.

“We can do that back at the house.” Mare suggested. “I don’t think any of us want to stay here longer than necessary.” 

“Jackie?” Phantom moved his hands from Jackie’s eyes to his cheeks. 

“Are you done?” Jackie asked, voice soft.

“I’m done. I think I got your eyes are back to how they were before.” 

“Everyone else okay?” 

“They’re okay.” 

“Cool. Plug your ears.” 

“Why?”

“Trust me.” Jackie waited until Phantom covered his ears before letting out a shout. “Mother fucker! That hurt like a bitch! God damn! Holy shit balls!” 

“Jackie’s fine,” Marvin said with a weak giggle. 

“Dark.” Anti’s voice was quiet, but Marvin could pick up the firmness in it. “Don’t.” Marvin looked over his shoulder and saw that Dark had a glowing hand toward where Actor lay, Mike trying to cover him as much as he could with his own body.

“Hold him, please.” Marvin handed Chase over to Wilford. “I’ll be a moment.” He said before Chase could protest. 

“A dead man is a man we no longer have to worry about,” Dark said and breathed heavily through his nose when he had both Anti and Marvin lowering his hand. 

“We got this. Trust me.” Anti said, and when Dark said nothing, he moved to stand between Dark and Actor. “Do you trust me?” 

“I do,” Dark said with a sigh. 

“Then go wait with the others. Me and Marvin will only be a minute.” Anti waited as Dark hesitated before sighing again. 

“Fine. But I’m coming back if you take a second longer than a minute.” Dark warned before walking off to where everyone else was gathered. 

“Mare shot him somewhere he can recover from and still walk. He might have a limp, depending on how good the doctors you go to are,” Anti said to Mike, arms crossed and speaking casually. Marvin reached into his pocket and tossed a tube of burn cream. 

“I made the burn cream with magical elements. I’ve worked enough with Mad’s fire to know how to heal its effects. Rub that on his neck, and he’ll survive.” Marvin placed his hands on his hips. 

“What?” Mike picked up the tube. “Why?” 

“Because it’ll hurt him more to know he’s only alive because we let him live,” Marvin said. 

“Make sure he knows that if he ever tries to fuck with us again, there won’t be mercy.” Anti added. 

“Good luck.” Marvin clicked his tongue as he and Anti walked off. 

“We’re just leaving them?” Chase asked.

“Yep. Let’s go home.” Marvin took Chase from Wilford. “Can you send us back, Wilford? I think I’m out of juice.”

“Can do!” Wilford’s cheery tone felt strange with the rest of the energy in the room and, with a snap of his fingers, sent them all away from the mess of bodies, blood, and pain. 

----------

Tags: @brokentimewatch @bookwormscififan @d-structive @rainymae523 @ashtonisvibing

[huffle-dork]

Swap into the CrystalVerse Chapter 2: Switch

Co-written with @crystalninjaphoenix

Read Swapboys | Read Switch | Read SwitchSwap | AO3 Link

Prologue | Chapter 1 Taglist: @brokentimewatch

It's not too long before two cars pull up to the train station. Out of the first one steps a tall dark-skinned person with chin-length hair. They talk with Anti briefly, demanding an explanation but accepting that this isn't the time and leaving with Will, who Anti gives a short hug before he heads out. And out of the second one--

"Why the FACK can we not have five minutes of peace in our goddamn lives?!" Schneep looks pissed and annoyed, but he softens when he sees Bro. "Ah... good to see you again, of course, but it seems there is bad news, too."

Bro shrinks a bit at Schneep's anger but he also can't help but laugh because, same. "haha- I feel that bro..." He then looks scared and bites his lip. "Yeah... I need to find Alt... who knows what Mag is doing to him... or to one of your guys- i think... he really wanted Jameson last time, didn't he?"

Jackie sighs. "Are you okay? Anti said something about you healing really fast, but I can take a look, if you want. I've patched up this guy often enough." He vaguely gestures at Schneep.

Bro then looks back at Jackie and tries to smile, lifting up his singed shirt. "Uh- you can try, if you like. I dunno if it's like... good or not. I don't really... get checked often. Gotta keep go go going, you know? Hero work is never done..."

Dr. Parker can see the edges of the burn are a bit darker, tinged green. But the main part seems pretty much filled with healing skin, raised and pink. A bit hot to the touch but also cracking and Bro squirms uncomfortably. "Fucking shit- god i hate how it itches, jesuss!"

"Sorry," Jackie mumbles. "I didn't really bring anything to treat ichiness." He crouches to get a closer look. "...well, it's definitely healing, but there's some green... tinge here. It might be because of magic. In which case, I'm not qualified to do anything.”

Bro nods and pushes himself to sit up straighter, "S'probably the magic- green fire sucks ass, it lingers a bit longer than I would like. But thanks for checking, Doc."

"No problem," Jackie smiles. "Happy to help. If you feel up to move, we should go meet up with JJ and Marvin. I think—"

Before he can continue, Anti's phone starts to ring. Well, not ring, it's on silent, but the vibration is loud and noticeable. "Shit, sorry," he says, pulling it out. He looks at the Caller ID and frowns in confusion. Then picks it up. "What is it? Whoa!" He holds the phone away from his ear. On the other side a man is yelling. "Fucking shit, calm down! You scared the bejeezus out of me. I—what? Sam? I..." He glances at the others. "Hang on, you all keep talking." He turns to the side and listens to the call.

Bro readjusts himself after being checked on and then jumps slightly at Anti’s exclamation.

"That is probably not good," Schneep mutters. "Neither is it good that Magnificent may be in our world." He laughs. "Though I do wonder now... He has other magic, but those tricks... I wonder if..."

Jackie gives him an odd look. "I don't think we should go testing stuff like that out. We need to come up with some way to get Chase and Alt home--and Magnificent, too."

Bro looks back and studies Schneep with curiously, "Wait testing what out? You got something you think could help against Mag, Volt??"

"Heh." Schneep gives him a wan smile. "Well... a lot has changed since we got sucked into your universe. I do not... wish to discuss it too much, but I will simply say that our villain's illusions and manipulation no longer works on me." If Bro looks close, he'll notice that Schneep is playing with his hands in an odd way. Running a finger down the side of his left hand.

Bro looks excited by this and he grins, "Hey! Maybe that will work- but... I dunno- Mag's magic is... weird. I guess- I dunno much about magic though."

“How'd you get here, by the way?” Jackie asks, “Anti didn't fill in those details in the group chat. Only something about Magnificent doing shit. Do you remember anything specific? If we want to get you back home, it'd be easiest to do it the same way... probably."

Chase looks back at Jackie and nods, "Ah right- so he... he took Alt from our house, puppeted him in a super horrible way that isn't.... like him- not unless he's desperate. and he was... cuz he found this like... doorway thingy- But he needed Alt to glitch to work it. He used his magic and alt's glitches and then there was like- an explosion and i... woke up on the train tracks." He then frowns and tries to remember, "mmm... i dunno if something like that would be here... it was in some shady basement of this fucked up agency we have in our world- calls themselves Sclera."

"That's a werid name for an evil organization," Jackie says absentmindedly. "What is a shlcerla? I mean--sclera?" He sounds the word out carefully.

Schneep sighs. "Jackie, I thought you were a doctor."

"I am! That doesn't mean I know everything! Why, do you know about a sclera?"

"I do." Schneep grins smugly. "I wondered if there was a word for it in English, turns out, yes. It is the white part of your eye."

Jackie is silent for a moment. "Part of an eye... Like an iris?"

Schneep's grin fades.

Jackie turns to look at Bro. "We might have something like that here. There's this group called IRIS, they study weird shit. Anomalies. They call them ALTRs. And they... do a lot of fucked up stuff besides that." He glances at Schneep, then quickly looks away. "Maybe they'll have something to help. I think... I think I heard about them talking about other worlds..."

Bro also seems to pale, gripping slightly over his heart. "... Sclera does that too- but... with magic." He narrows his eyes and thinks, "If Iris is like Sclera then.... then yeah- that might be our best bet..." He shudders though but tries to hide it. "God- I hate places like that though- fucking freaky scientific-messed-up bullshit..."

Schneep looks at him sympathetically. He opens his mouth to say something, but--

"Fuck!" Anti shouts, drawing everyone's attention. "Okay, take Sam home and make sure they're okay, okay?! The rest of us will check on them. Yes, I'm sure! Yeah! No, stay there. Don't--don't let anything happen to you." His voice softens. "Be careful. Okay. Bye." He hangs up and spins around to look back at everyone else. "Okay. So. Chase was right. Magnificent is fighting Jameson."

Chase zips up to his feet, eyes wide, "Oh no! I hate when I'm right!" He curses and then adjusts his utility belt, pulling out his phone and looks about ready to burst into the air. "Okay where is he?? We can't- we can't let Mag get him again!"

"He's by the bus stop by his house," Anti says.

"Fuck! That's far!" Schneep curses.

"Not if I run red lights!" Jackie's head snaps towards his car, then back to Bro. "Hey, can you fly or do you need a lift?"

Bro nods and shoots into the air to hover, "I'll fly ahead! I know the look of Mag's magic by now, just point me in the right direction!"

"It's that way!" Anti points. "West and a bit south. We'll head there on our own. Remember to text us if you need to, calls might not work!"

Meanwhile, Schneep grabs Jackie and starts pulling him towards the car.

Bro nods, storing away his phone. "Right! Be careful!" He then blasts into the air and follows Anti's instructions, trying to push himself to fly as fast as he- scanning the area below for any signs of magic.

"Good luck!" Jackie calls. Then the three of them run to the car.

-----------

That was risky, JJ says.

Marvin smiles at him. "But it paid off, didn' it?" He pushes his cards back into a single deck on the dining room counter.

I suppose. JJ pauses. He somehow...drained some of my magic. I still feel...weak.

"Really? Fuckin' bastard..." Marvin mutters, then frowns. "T'at shouldn' be possible, t'ough. It should've brough' you back to the state you were in before. Did I do somet'ing wrong...?"

JJ shakes his head. You didn't do anything wrong, he reassures him. This is just... tricky.

Before Marvin can respond, there's a knock at the door. "They're here already?" Marvin says, surprised. "Okay, I'll get it." He heads into the entrance hall and opens the door.

But instead of any of his friends, Alt Brody falls into their house.

Alt was resting against the door as soon as he knocked on it- and as soon as it opens he stumbles forward, his head heavy. But, it's momentarily cleared of fog as he raises his red stained face to meet Marvin's eyes. He's still gripping his arm, magic pulsing weakly. "...m'rvin... moore...?" He slurs, confusion clear on his face. Then, he feels a wave of dizziness crash onto him that has him falling towards the ground.

"What the--?!" Marvin shoots forward and barely manages to catch Alt. He almost falls himself in the process but stays up. For now. "Jems! It's--it's t'at Anti from the other world!"

JJ rushes into the the front hall. He gasps at what he sees. What's wrong with him?!

"I don' know! Ah--a little help?" His legs are starting to go out.

JJ nods and hurries over, transfering support of Alt from Marvin to him. Living room, he signs awkwardly. Marvin nods, and the two of them move into the other room, where they set Alt down on the sofa.

There's a voice in Alt's mind. So familiar. {This is good,} it says. {Do as you would for now. But that man with the mustache...you should try to get rid of him when you have the chance. Knock him out...or worse. That'd be good, too. That would make me happy~}

Alt's eyes seem distant as something whispers in his ears, letting the others take him and move him into the living room. Even when hes out on the couch, He's still for a second, staring out ahead. Then, he shakes out this head and looks in between Marvin and Jameson. He feels really sick, his body is shaking in a way he can't really control. But... he knows these guys... right? He weakly shakes his head again and tries to stop the trembling in his corrupted arm.

"Are you alrigh', lad?" Marvin asks.

"..hngh... n-no- not... r-really..." Alt pants, feeling faint and leans back against the back of the sofa. "M-Mag... Mag did somethin' to... to m'magic... s'hurts... and I... i dunno... what's...." His eyelids flutter like he's ready to pass out again but he shakes his head to try to stay awake. "m'broth'r... i... i needa find Chase...I... I gotta s-stop Mag..."

JJ frowns. Who?

"Oh! Yes, Chase!" Marvin nods. "He was the one who isn' here, remember?"

Understanding dawns on JJ's face and he nods. Yes, he's the one Anti mentioned. Don't worry, Alt, our Anti saw him, he's fine and on his way. He uses the same name sign for Alt as the Henrik in Alt's universe: A-lightning.

"As for Magnificent, the bastard..." Marvin grumbles. "I'm sure he'll be comin' to us sooner or later. We have time to prepare."

Yes, get some rest and recover, Alt, JJ adds.

Alt seems comforted by seeing a familar sign, his chest suddenly aching for his friend. But, Hen would be in danger here... its good he's still back home. He almost wants to nod to them- he wants to relax- when he stiffens, blood starting to try to leak out of his eye again.

{Just wait here? Wait for him to come for you? No, that seems like a bad idea, doesn't it? They're trying to stop us from going after him.}

"... w-we can't j'ust wait here... w-we'll be just s-sitting ducks! We... we gotta... gotta stop him... s'mehow..." Alt's brain was fuzzy on the details- god he'd give anything to use his magic right now. He needs... he needs to get rid of this corruption.

He looks up at Jameson, head fuzzy as its assaulted with suggestions. Knock him out. Or worse. Make me happy. get rid of him. "y... you... do you know how... how to get rid'f dark magic...?" He shakily holds out his arm to Jameson, showing off the claws marks that match the ones on his own. Though, Alt's seem much more severe, pulsing with purple magic with every tremor of his muscles. JJ's are dark like stains- more just a sign of what was used to steal his magic.

JJ tries to hide his alarm at the marks on Alt's arm--and the ones on his own. We don't have to deal with black magic on a regular basis like you do, JJ says, but I'm sure I have a purification spell upstairs somewhere. I can check my book of shadows.

"T'at's a great idea," Marvin says. "We can take care of t'at, and t'en we'll talk about how to stop Magnificent."

JJ nods. He turns and starts leaving the room, heading towards the stairs.

{Go with him.} The voice comes with a bit more of a push than the last times. Some fog rolls in with the command.

Alt doesn't hesitate to push himself off the couch, the command to follow JJ filling his head with nothing else. He doesn't even look at Marvin as he stumbles after the magician.

This was good... he can get this black magic fixed... and then get rid of the magician.

"Alt...?" Marvin stares, confused, as Alt follows JJ upstairs. It's not too weird, maybe he just wants to get the magic taken care of right away, but... Was it just him, or was there something... on Alt's face? Just in case, he hurries back to the kitchen where he left the cards.

JJ glances back at Alt. Oh, you want to come? Alright, I'd be happy to show you my workroom. He smiles and continues up the stairs.

The workroom is halfway through being reorganized, with some of the books on the shelves and desks where they're supposed to be and some on stacked on the floor around the central table. And on the table itself is a black crystal sphere, nestled on a purple cushion.

Alt nods to Jameson, and looks dazedly around the house and the workroom as he's lead through.

When Alt looks at the crystal, he sees flickers of other people's faces in the reflection. They all look familiar, and yet... different. Some are wearing masks. Some are children. And there's one with a slit neck, green strings holding it closed.

Alt pauses and stares at the crystal, eyes widening slightly as he saw the visions within them. What... what was-

But none of this is important.

Oh. It didn't matter. Any concern that was trying to surface was quickly stuffed under heavy fog.

JJ goes right for the desk, sorting through the books there until he finds what he's looking for. He then skims that book, and after a few seconds, smiles triumphantly. Hand me your arm, he says, putting the open book on the desk.

It takes a second for Alt to react to Jameson, more blood slithering down his face. But, he turns and wordlessly offers his corrupted arm to him, staring intensely at his face.

JJ gently takes Alt's arm. He hesitates for a moment, glancing back at the instructions in the book. His eyes start glowing a bright blue, and that same blue light encases his hands. He carefully presses his palm against the claw marks. A cooling magic washes over the marks. It takes a couple waves, but soon the corruption of the dark magic disappears.

There we are, JJ says, letting go of Alt's arm and smiling at him.

...Wait.

Something... Something is wrong...

Jameson blinks. He squints at Alt's face. What is...

It's blood.

Jameson gasps and takes a step back. How did he not notice it before?!

{Now.}

The second the black magic is cleared, electric magic builds up around Alt and he starts to glitch again. Then, he throws out a hand and sends a wave of blue green electricity at Jameson.

Jameson lets out a little squeak--the closest to a shout he can manage right now-- and throws up a clumsy shield. Luckily, it blocks most of the electricity. What gets through isn't enough to shock him. Alt, snap out of it! he signs, backing up. He doesn't have the magic for another fight after Magnificent drained him. And he doesn't want to fight Alt! Glancing around, he rushes for the open doorway.

That familiar sign has Alt hesitating, something trying to spark in his foggy mind. But, that hesitation quickly leaves as Jameson starts to run. Alt tries to glitch in front of him, throwing out more barrages of charged magic.

Jameson skids to a halt, surprised by Alt's sudden appearance. Before he can recover or try that new teleportation spell again, Alt is throwing electric magic at him. Again he tries to conjure a shield but the magic breaks through this time. This time he manages a scream as the magic shocks across his skin.

Downstairs, Marvin's head snaps up at the sound of JJ's cry. "Jems?!" he gasps. He runs for the stairs, tightening his grip on his cane and the cards, already thinking of what combination could help. Was it Alt? Had he really seen what he thought?!

Alt doesn't hesitate again to glitch towards Jamie- and this time he attempts to grab Jameson's neck and then throw him into the wall, pressing hard against his throat. There's no recognition in his eyes as blood pools out of them. He thinks he might hear another voice- but its faint and it doesn't matter. He needs to get rid of the magician.

Jameson gasps in surprise when Alt grabs him. He pulls at his hands, trying to pry them away before something could happen--!

And he manages to push Alt away just in time. He scrambles backwards across the floor until he hits the central table. The black crystal ball is almost jostled from it's spot.

A voice comes from down the hall. "H-hang on, Jems!" Marvin shouts. He's struggling with the stairs, pushing himself faster.

Jameson nods. He ducks his head and crosses his arms. A blue dome appears around him, wavering for a second before solidifying.

Alt tsks quietly under his breath and then lashes out and throws lightning magic over and over at the shield. Trying to get it to crack-

The shield shudders with every hit, but it doesn't break. And yet JJ knows it will only be a matter of time. He feels his strength failing.

"Jems! Alt!" And then Marvin rushes forward, almost collapsing in the doorway of the room. He takes in the situation quickly--yes, he thought it was something like that.

Alt pauses in his attack to turn towards Marvin, regarding him with a slight head tilt. He's panting slightly, sweat dripping down his face and his hands trembling. His magic is being depleted really quickly so soon after getting drained by that curse. Yet, he needs to keep going. He has to.

Quickly, Marvin bends over and places three cards on the ground in a triangle formation: Five of Diamond - Six of Heart - Queen of Spade

Jameson's shield is reinforced, curving golden lines running over itse surface in a geometric pattern. He breathes easier.

Marvin hears a voice in his head. {That's not really fair, is it? Have you forgotten whose side your on? Or are you too afraid to remember?} He flinches, pushing away the accompanying fog.

At the same time, Alt hears it say something different. {A friend of ours has lost his way...so sad. He shouldn't be here. Make him leave.}

.... he lost his way? Well... Alt hated using these spells but- if they needed to convince Marvin then... Alt flares out a hand to his side, and a collection of glitches forms beside him- and then forms a wobbly electric field of magic that swirls in hues of green blue and white. Though the edges are harsher than Mag's, the colors are soothing and easy to look at. Maybe they could just lull you to sleep... make you forget all your pain, just for a second.

Marvin isn't expecting it. He looks down for a moment, fumbling with the cards--he'll need to use five or more, he's not leaving this to chance--and when he looks up again... there it is. An electric spiral hovering next to Alt. What? How... strange. But... nice. Marvin's eyes trace the spiral's motion, the ever-inward movement. His eyelids feel heavy all of a sudden.

JJ sees what's happening. "Marv--!" he tries to shout, but it breaks off into a wheezing exhale. The reinforcement around his shield stays--it will stay until the card formation is disrupted--but Marvin's other cards flutter to the floor, followed shortly by him collapsing to his knees, eyes blinking slowly...

"Sleep." Alt drones out to Marvin, watching him coldly and emotionlessly, pushing magic into his words.

He thinks he hears something slamming open from downstairs- but he's focused on his task. Nothing else matters. He doesn't even consider anything else is wrong until suddenly he's being tackled to the ground, his head hitting it hard enough for him to see spots.

"O-Oh my god, Alt!" A man in a pink mask is gasping desperately over him, looking worried. ...why...? No no wait- he's... he's important- he's so so important. Alt makes a choked noise of pain, the fog in his head hurting all of sudden. No no no its hurts- why does it hurt?

"C- Ch...!" Alt tries to choke out, shaky hand trying to grab onto his jacket.

For the others- as soon as Jameson shouted out, Bro flew past a house with bright lights flickering in different hues in the windows. He recognized the color of some of them- and it wasn't Mag... it was Alt!

He hurried down to the door of the apartment then tried to doorknob- not wanting to cause too much damage to the house. By some miracle it was open and Bro skids in and looks around, shouting out, "Alt?! ALT!!"

He sees the hues of blue and greens and doesn't hesitate to fly up the stairs- and hovers just a bit above them to see his brother trying to entrance Marvin. He yells out and tackles Alt back farther into the room- the magic bursting into pixels as the two boys crash into the bookshelves in the corner. Marvin can feel the influence leave him like he's waking up from being underwater.

Marvin gasps, starting backwards. JJ stares with wide eyes at Chase and Alt. His shield finally disappears as he stands up and scrambles over to Marvin's side. He reaches down to help him up.

"I-I... what?" Marvin shakes the image of that spiral out of his mind. "Th-t'at was—he can do t'at...?" he whispers. Then he looks up at JJ. "A-are you... alrigh'...?"

JJ smiles weakly. I should be asking you that.

"'M... fine. Physic'lly." Marvin takes JJ's hand and lets him pull him to his feet. In unison, the two of them turn and stare at Alt and Bro. "Y-you're the—the hero from the other world. Chase. Chase!" Marvin shakes his head again. "Chase, Alt's bein'—Distorter's in his head, I—oh!" And then Marvin gets back down on the ground and starts gathering up the cards. "T-try to get t'rough to him, if you can', I-I can try somet'ing!"

Bro looks back at the others and seems to relax at seeing they're both okay. "H-Hey- glad you two aren't hurt-" He then makes a face and his eyes glow with hatred as he looks down at the power that's taken over his brother. "Right... that bitch. Okay- lemme see what I can do!"

{Shhh. Shhhh.} The voice hisses in Alt's mind, like the comforting sound of rain falling. {Don't worry. You don't have to worry about anything. Shhh. Let me take care of this.}

Alt's eyes glaze over more as the voice of his friend comforts him. His hand falls back down and he lays limply on the ground, head lolling to look out past Bro. Nothing but the sound of rain blanking his mind, like what he would listen to in his headphones when sound was too much. His mind is calm and still- Even though his body is panting and shaking and trembling- he can't feel it at all.

"No No! fuck- Anti! C'mon lil bro, stay with me!" Chase whispers desperately, trying to shake Alt's shoulders.

Then, Chase hears something in his mind, too. {Oh? So where were you when your brother appeared right outside my house? Where? Why weren't you there with him? You don't care, I see. You're right not to. He doesn't care about you. He barely knows you, really, he wouldn't give two shits if you just died.}

Bro winces as the voice slithers into his head. He closes his eyes and then growls out, "No shut up! I do care- we know each other better than anyone! You're the one who doesn't care- or you wouldn't be running him ragged!"

He shakes Alt more, pleading, "Alt c'mon! Wake up!"

"Shit," Marvin curses, watching Chase and Alt. He has all his cards gathered, now he just needs to find the right ones! "H-hang on, you two! Jems, can you--I-I dunnae, help t'em?"

Distorter doesn't respond to Chase, instead continuing to speak to Alt. {Look, Anti... it's Magnificent. He's right in front of you. It's time to show him how you really feel. You're so much stronger than him, right? I believe you are.}

Alt's eyes narrow and flood with green and blue magic as Distorter makes him see Magnificent in front of him. His shoulders start to glitch, electricity building up around him. He starts to latch back onto Chase- then his arm is grabbed and-

JJ looks Alt. He doesn't have much magic left right now, but he can try. Maybe... He steps forward, up next to Chase, and grabs Alt's arm. His eyes flare blue, and frost suddenly flares from the point of contact, flashing sudden cold through Alt's system. It won't work if he's too deep in, but maybe...

It's like the gray is blown away by an icy chill, startling Alt back into his own mind with a painful jolt. He gasps, back arching as the connection breaks. He slumps back towards the floor and dazedly looks back and forth between Bro and Jameson. "..h..how did I...?" He then winces and curls his face into the ground, groaning softly. "F-Fuck..! My head...!"

Bro slumps with relief and then lifts Alt up and crushes him in a hug. "Oh thank fucking christ! God... god.... you fucking scared me Alt..." He buries his face in his brother's shoulders for a bit before letting go and helping to sit against the floor. Alt just dazedly lets him, trying to take everything in.

JJ lets go of Alt, slumping in relief. He was so glad that worked. He was so worried... But it was fine. It was all fine. It was Distorter, he explains to Alt. You remember him, right? Do you... know where you are right now, Alt? And is there... anything you need?

"I...I'm..." Alt swallows shakily and goes to hold his arms and curls up on himself. It was really hard to piece things together- but... he knows these guys. JJ and Marvin... this must be... their world. Once he thinks this though, he remembers how they got here and he gasps, looking around at the others in panic. "M-Mag-! Magnificent! He's here- he's...! He's trying to get to other universes- and-!" He then takes in the slight claw marks on Jameson's arm and he looks back at him with a pale face. "... shit- did he already...?"

"Wait what?? He already got you??" Bro asks, looking at JJ with worry. "Fuck! I flew so fast to try to stop that! Damn that slippery cat goddd im gonna skin him one of these days!"

JJ looks down at his own arm. Right... the marks. He could feel the effects, but he forgot they were visible. I'm fine, he reassured them. He did... somehow drain some of my magic, but... I'll recover with enough time and rest.

"They're righ', t'ough," Marvin says from the doorway. "We need t'stop him before that bastard does anyt'ing too big to recover from. If you're goin' to skin him, tell me so I can join." He chuckled.

Well... Jameson pauses thoughtfully. If he was trying to get to other universes, he succeeded. I don't know what we're going to stop him from now.

"Uh, how 'bout we stop him from murderin' us? Or from whatever he did to you! Or from doin' all t'at..." Marvin waves his hands around his head. "All t'at shit."

JJ chuckled, then turned serious again. You're right. I suppose I'm just a bit tired. This was a lot. He turns to Alt and Chase. Our house is warded against all sorts of nonhuman intruders. Distorter can't get in, but Magnificent might be able to. We'll be safe... briefly. Do you know of anyone else from your universe who could be here? Or is it just you two and him?

"It's just us this time," Bro sighs, "He got the jump on Alt and made him use this- weird doorway thingy! He almost got away with just Alt- god that would have been bad..."

Alt shudders and holds himself tightly, "If i was drained doing the spell... then Mag probably was too... which is why he tried to find the nearest source of magic. Then he'd... god... I... I don't know... h-he made puppets of you all once but- not even as himself... That was Distorter too... I dunno if he'd stick around for that though... and i... i dont think he'd kill you all... not yet at least. He... He likes making people useful to him. Or keeping trophies..." He grips tighter on his arms, digging his nails in. "h-he might just be trying to get to the next universe somehow... since he's experienced this one... in a way." The glitch hates that he's been around Mag long enough to know his thought pattern but... he did work with him for a long time.

Bro makes a face as he thinks and then perks up, "Oh! Yeah! I need to message the others! They were gonna be driving here! Then they uh- they mentioned someplace we can try to see might have something to help- somewhere callleedd ah fuck what was it- its like Sclera!" He scrunches his face and looks up to think. "...what do you call the colored part of your eye?"

"Iris-" Alt mutters.

"Iris! Yeah that was it!" Bro whips out his phone and sends a text to Anti. I found JJ and Alt! Mag got to JJ but hes okay- and Alt was affected by Distorter... anyways! JJ and Marvin were here so i guess we're in their house :)

Marvin and JJ stiffen. JJ looks back at him. Do you think IRIS could help?

"I... s'ppose," Marvin mutters, shuffling his card deck. "Probably. Yes. They... like t'is sort of stuff. Time and space and all t'at. So the question is jus'... which one of their places we go to t'find somet'ing helpful."

I don't think either of us are... the most qualified to answer that question, JJ says.

Meanwhile, Chase gets an answering text: Great we're reall close then. Just a few minutes and well be there.

Soon after, JJ and Marvin's phones both ding. They take them out and read the text that Anti just sent THEM.

"They're on th'way," Marvin reports.

JJ nods. Let's all head downstairs and wait for them. He turns and looks at the bookshelves Chase and Alt ran into. He frowns. You've ruined my shelves.

Marvin bursts into laughter. "Is--is t'at really your priority?"

I've spent a couple days organizing them. That one's all...ker-fobbled now.

"Did ye really jus' spell out t'at nonsense word?"

Chase looks back up and then blushes, getting to his feet, "Ah fuck! I'm sorry! I just- acted on instinct! I'm not that tired i could reorganize them if you want!"

Alt glitches to his feet and then shoves Bro towards the door. "Let's focus on the important stuff, Chase- like getting back home and stopping the evil maniac thats skulking through town?"

"...oh yeah-"

Alt shoves him more out the door, "My god you're impossible... did you take your meds today?!"

"'course I did but a lot is happening, Alt!"

Alt rolls his eyes then glitches downstairs.

Marvin giggles. Then he stops. The others couldn't hear the voice he just did. {You know fixing this won't get rid of me. We're stuck together. Embrace it now.} After a second, he shakes off the uneasy feeling and finally stands up, using his cane as support. "Yea, let's all go downstairs. We can settle the IRIS t'ing t'ere when the others arrive."

Alt finds the same space the others put him on earlier and slowly goes to curl up, holding his headphones and hiding his face behind his knees. He never thought he'd be so far away from home without his mask...

Bro watches Alt vaguely then sticks by the others, ready to help if they needed it. He wants to make sure they get down okay first- especially with JJ looking so spent.

JJ notices Chase sticking by. He smiles at him tiredly. Don't worry, I'm not actually mad. It was an emergency. And I understand the, ah, mile-a-minute effect, if you know what I mean.

"We shoul' lock you and Jems and Jackie in an empty room, see how insane you all become," Marvin mutters. "C'mon, Mr. Fantastic." He starts walking down the hallway. A bit slower than usual, but he did run up the stairs. The energy had to come from somewhere.

That's a different superhero, JJ says, following him. A fictional one.

"As far as we know! If other universes are real, perhaps all stories are, too!"

JJ smiles. He glances back at Chase to make sure he's following.

Chase laughs and then hovers over the others as they go down the stairs. “Oh yeah! Jackieboy- the one from our universe- he’s a hugeee comic nerd- gave me an earful once about my name being so close to that guy’s but I didn’t know! I didn’t read comics?? I had like… rugby to play and shit- pints to drink…”

Ah, you were one of those uni people, huh? I don't know why I'm surprised. JJ smiles again. I was a theatre major, which, I'm told, says everything about me and how I acted in uni.

"Imagine goin' to a second'ry school," Marvin says.

You mean a university?

Marvin pauses. "Well, I finished primary school, at least." JJ raises an eyebrow. "Don' give me t'at look, do you know how hard t'at was to do under my circumstances?!"

I'm very proud of you, Marvin. Sincerely.

Bro touches down to the steps once he’s sure the others are fine and then glances back at the living room. He sees his brother all curled up and his heart aches. He slowly makes his way over and sits down next to him. He waits a beat- then opens one arm to Alt’s backside but doesn’t move, waiting to see how Alt would respond.

Alt blinks up at Bro and seems to hesitate. But then he slowly adjusts so he can lay his head on Bro’s shoulder. Chase wraps a light around Alt’s back and the glitch seems to relax some.

“….I hate this.” Alt whispers weakly to Chase, trying to hide the frustrated tears wanting to leak out of his eyes. He scrubs hard at the drying blood on his face.

Chase closes his eyes and leans against Alt’s head. “I know…”

“I mean… im… im glad to see these guys again… just…” Alt shudders and curls up more. “…I know it’s good they’re not here but… I miss the others…”

“Yeah…” Bro sighs. He then presses light lips to his brother’s head, “We’ll figure it out though…”

Alt nods and hides his face against his brother’s shoulder.

Jameson and Marvin join Chase and Alt in the living room, noticing the way the two of them are acting with each other. They exchange looks, then decide not to say or do anything to interrupt the moment. "Won' be long now," Marvin says, going over to sit in his usual chair. "Jus' a few more minutes."

————

Frustratingly for Magnificent, he seems to have appeared in an area with few magicians or otherwise magic people. Sure, the city at large is very magical, but the west and south neighborhoods are odd dry spots. There are occasional empty houses full of spellbooks and the occasional talisman, but great amounts of magic are few... except for Jameson Jackson, of course, lessened as his magical signature is now that he's drained.

The dark magician curses as he comes up short on any other magic sources. Guess it was time to go back to what he knew- that Jameson could still prove useful to him, if he could find where he escaped to. And well- remembering the bonds between his puppet and his friends- where jj was- so would his failure crippled counterpart would be. It would be good to get rid of such weakness.

Flaring his eyes- he tries to locate that faint spark of Jameson’s magic.

It’s hard to find, but it’s there, glowing faintly… in the opposite direction he’s been walking all this time. How ironic.

Magnificent curses to himself- he'd been walking in the complete wrong way! Cheeky little magician... what a rookie mistake.

But as he stands there trying to locate it… he hears a voice. A voice that sounds like it’s coming from right next to him. “I knew I’d see you eventually.”

Mag freezes hearing that voice and whirls around, hurtling magic towards the voice. "You-!"

The attack misses, because Distorter is not at all where his voice was coming from. Now there’s laughter on Magnificent’s other side. Distorter is sitting on a house’s doorstep, watching casually. “Last time we met because of an accident, but not this time. You came here on purpose, right?” He stands up, head tilting to the side. “Couldn’t make it back home so you decided to try somewhere new? Hoping you wouldn’t fail as much here?”

Magnificent bares his teeth for a second but then stands up taller and tries to stay composed. He smirks, “A being like you couldn’t possibly understand my ambitions. You’re stuck as this- dead thing. But, I’m pushing past my limits. You’re just a speck in the grand scheme of things, cadaver.”

"It's funny how you think you're more than that. Cute, even." Distorter puts a hand on his cheek, a silent gesture of "awww." "You'll die too one day. There's no magic to stave that off forever. And even if you somehow find something that does, do you think it will change your core? Strip away my powers, I'm just a dead guy. Strip away yours and you're just a man with abandonment issues and a mean dad. There's a million of those."

Magnificent tries to keep his expression schooled, even as the demon claws at his inner most fears, his deepest feelings he's long tried to supress. He'd never admit it but yes- He's afraid to die. But, this was to that end. However, the last comments ignite rage in the mad magician as he lashes out with a wild yell and tries to grab where he sees Distorter.

Distorter doesn't move as Mag lunges at him, not even as his claws dig into his flesh. "Looks like I struck a nerve there~!" he sings. Still smiling. Always smiling.

Magnificent yells more and slams the cadaver into the ground, trying to choke him as his eyes light up with power. "Shut up! Don't you dare- dare compare me to any other lowly human! I am more- I am MAGNIFICENT!" He digs his claws in tighter and snarls, "I will not be judged by a being so consumed by sadness for a life that was obviously as meaningless as your very existence."

Distorter's grin widens. He doesn't breathe so the choking isn't bothering him, but he does need air to talk and so can't respond. Instead he reaches up, blackened nails scraping the edge of Magnificent's mask... and all of a sudden he doesn't look like himself anymore. He looks like Jackie--the one Magnificent remembers.

Magnificent's eyes widen in shock. It's instinctual- he lets go of Distorter and backs up, looking at him in confusion. But, then he snarls and teleports back, lighting his hands on fire to try to seem threatening. "No-! No I- I won't fall for your tricks, demon!"

Laughing, Distorter sits up, then stands. The movement is just a bit too fast to be natural. “It’s not a trick,” he says. “It’s a distraction.” And then he attacks—not physically. Mentally, psychic claws digging for a grip in Mag’s mind.

Magnificent looks caught off guard again then yells out as a powerful force is slammed onto his mind. He cries out and falls to his knees, gripping at his skull. Green light tries to ignite in his good eye, trying to push back the force. "N-No! You- You can't...!"

“I can’t? Then how am I doing it?” Distorter steps up to him, leaning down so their eyes are level. “Our goals aren’t really that different you know. And this is my home. It’d be so much easier if you let me show you the way.”

Mag meets distorter's eyes with hatred, snarling. "You- You overpowered when I was weak before- I-! I won't be bested by you ag-" He then pauses, the mental load slamming more against his mind as Distorter's logic tries to worm itself in. To Magnificent though, it feels like he's letting the wheels turn himself, figuring out a plan. Would it be so bad... to team up? They almost brought down their enemies together last time, but Magnificent hardly remembered himself. "... you... don't want to help me-" The dark magician breathes, though he seems unsure of that statement, narrowing his eyes at the other villain.

"Why wouldn't I want to? I don't hate you." Distorter's smile hides the half-lie. He does mildly dislike the dark magician, but he was so useful that he was willing to put up with it. "And helping you would help me, too. We could do so much together."

Magnificent's eyes are starting to slip- the pressure on his head becoming too much. Why- fight it though?

Because he didn't need anyone else! He was powerful enough on his own- he didn't need help!

Are you really going to look a gift horse in the mouth, sorcerer? You're in a foreign world- already weakened. Take what you can get.

Mag's furious expression starts to fall, face slacking. His claws loosen from his skull as he better looks Distorter in the eyes. "...we could... could do so much...together."

"Exactly." Distorter offers a hand to help pull Magnificent up. "I know where they are now, but I don't think they'll stay there for long. Your cub and that hero want to get back to their world soon, and the others have an idea to help them. We need to hurry."

For a fraction of a second, Mag hesitates. But then he lets himself get helped up and nods, blood welling up in one of his eyes. "Alright. Show me."

Distorter's grin widens. "I think I know where they're going. We can intercept them, take them off guard. Follow me."

[fandom-queen-13]

Septicartparty week 4

"It's magic, bro! MAGIC! I never used to be like this, but the circus gave me these abilities. Sort of a shame it came at the cost of my [BZZT]ing name. And my ability to swear. And..."

"...Well, Chase DID try to warn me..."

Magicat (Septic Digital Circus) is a bit pessimistic to newcomers, but once you get him going, it's hard to get him to stop. And the Silver Void is used to listening to people - part of being a hero after all - but he's more worried about the fact that this guy is missing part of his torso. How is that supposed to work? How is he holding himself up at the moment?

Magicat: He was originally supposed to be a human-cat hybrid, but I'm not a furry, so I don't know how to draw paws for hands. Then, I rewatched the Power Hour for inspiration, and something clicked. Basically, he's cut in half (classic magician trick) and his torso is filled in with magic tools, like loaded dice, a fake knife, a ring on a spring, and cards. Lots and lots of cards. I still wanted cat symbolism, though, so I gave him back his cat ears and added whiskers (he also has a tail, but is isn't shown here). Also, to answer Silver Void's question, he doesn't really show his torso much, especially to the new players. Only him and ██████ Sarlaoch are allowed to grab things from it! Not that Anti respects personal space...or consent...

Silver Void: a working name. Other ideas include Magnifique and Cattus Albus. I based him off of Altrverse Marvin, while Magicat was based off of the original video. I even put markings on his gloves where Marvin has his tattoos! I wasn't really expecting to put pink or purple in his outfit, though, but it just turned out that way.

< JAMESON

JACKIE >

Reference photo:

[http-anti]

A Devilish Confidence Boost [ x ]

@cute-and-undead

Marvin was in the studio with Chase, the two having taken the day off and having something rather fun planned out. After their last experience with Marvin's spell to make Chase a demon and himself an angel, they decided it would be interesting to try it again with the roles reversed. Marvin was admittedly a little nervous because they didn't have nearly as much experience being the dominant one and, even when they were, it was much more gentle. They were worried that they wouldn't make it as fun of an experience for Chase as it had been for them. Though, after some reassurance, they finally agreed to do it.

They could do this, it just wouldn't be dominant in the same way - which was fine, because Chase didn't like the rough treatment like they did, anyway.

The couple was standing in the seating area of the studio, Marvin facing Chase and feeling familiar butterflies in their stomach. It was the same nervous butterflies they had gotten when they had tried being in charge with Chase for the first time when he tried being a pup. That turned out perfectly fine, so surely they would be able to figure this out, too. It made them take in a small breath to try and calm the nerves a bit more, then looking up and flashing their boyfriend a little smile.

"Okay, you ready?" they asked.

[cute-and-undead]

Playtime Adventures (Closed Rp)

It was an interesting idea at first, one that was more discussed as fantasy for a while instead of seeming possible. But today, it seemed like this dream was finally coming to fruition. Marvin was always so good for Chase during their bedroom playtime, but it felt wrong to leave their other partners put of the fantasies now that they were all together.

So today was time to lean into a fun one. They all agreed to meet at Marvin's studio: Chase, Marvin, Anti, and Jackie. However, a few details were intentionally out. They all knew exactly what they were getting into, the pair coming to watch as Marvin submitted themselves to Chase. He had just told the smallest of fibs to the pair, asking them to come a little later so they could "prepare."

It let Chase help ease his partner into headspace in a situation that he knew Marvin was comfortable with. Just the two of them, Chase murmuring sweet nothings in Marvin's ears as he eased off their clothes and bound their wrists and legs in rope.

Meanwhile, Jackie finished walking up the stairs with Anti, making their way to the door of the studio. He'd be telling a boldface lie if he said he wasn't excited about this, sending Anti a little smile as he held his hand.

"I.. am so curious." he confessed with a soft chuckle.

((@http-anti ))

[franklyshipping]

You absolutely give off a vibe that if you were to ever quit writing tickle fics of the egos that you would send it off with a grand finale where EVERYONE gets tickled. Probably by a big viney monster.

I can see the plot being something like Marvin's magic mishaps and one of Henrik's experiements (or an experiment on Marvin's magic) going "horribly wrong" and how each character has their own little perspective of the chaos. And knowing you, you'd add small details the reference someone else's perspective (aka hearing a "manly shriek" followed by the perspective of said shriek). Each perspective of each character and what they were doing before the mishap, like Magnum tying up his boat before being scooped up by a creature similar to Gazooks from Raggedy Ann and Andy. Or Dark doing paperwork, his mind numbing as he reads over the numbers as Wilford bugs him to get up and stretch. Dark finally snaps after a playful poke and pins Wilford to the wall with a growly growl "You're about to stretch in a minute" followed by both also being grabbed by the monster.

The jims were doing brotherly twin activities with Eric, roughhousing with him. Both Jims get him pinned and are just about to get him. Eric closes his eyes, too flustered to watch but nothing happens. Surely it's an anticipation trick, but he falls for it. He peeks an eye open and reporter jim is no longer straddling his thighs. Camera jim ran off to rescue his brother and gets captured. Eric attempts to run off to get help and of course, gets captured as well.

Googles were probably in the middle of maintenance. Bing was doing a sick trick where he's doing a handstand on top of a ramp. Anti and Jamie were planning their next prank and it goes "horribly wrong" in the sense that it was rudely interrupted by the monster (they probably duct taped Chase to the wall and were just about to get him out. Poor chase doesn't even need to be scooped up!)

Robbie was being a little assistant for Shawn and in an attempt to show affection, he paints one of Robbie's cheeks to make him giggle. He goes back to work and finds something is brushing against his cheek. In a comedic turn of events Shawn thinks it's Robbie trying to get him back, only to discover it was in fact a paint brush like tendril/vine. Hijinks ensue.

Yancy was on facetime with Murderslaughter who is NOT helping the situation at all, telling the beast to aim for his ribs and teasing him about going soft if he couldn't handle one monster when he was used to 20 or.more hands grabbing him at a time. The beast proceeds to grow more appendages to get Yancy.

Jackie and Silver were probably practice sparring with each other for training as Host, Yandere, and Dr. Iplier watch. Jackie 80 percent of the time is able to pin Silver down, but Host keeps resetting their positions either way, getting a kick out of Jackie's determination and playful annoyance. Dr. Iplier is watching their vitals, superhero stamina is such an interesting thing, especially since this sparring has been going on for hours and only starting to get a little tired. Yandere is there to cheer on and shout out fighting manuevers, planning to have both heroes tuckered out before attacking themselves. They then just barely hear Host's narration murmurs, something about a monster about to interrupt their sparring. Couple of seconds later and bam, all 5 of them are captured and just their luck, the two superheroes are also captured and too weak to pry off the appendages

Illinois is the only one who almost got away. Almost. His overwhelming luck allowed him to not get captured. Until he ran into Actor who thought it'd be funny to throw him into the chaos. Actor was just about to walk away when Ben got captured. Some would say Actor would have just left him, but he was fulled by jealousy because no one messes with his butler but him!

Unus and Annus were in the middle of a séance for fun to see what would happen. They think they caused the monster to appear.

And that's all the ones I could think of. Obviously I would never ask you for such a big feat. But you defo give off the vibe that if you ever quit writing fanfics, you'd give one hell of a last hurrah!

YOU DAMN FUCKIN BET I WOULD HOLY SHIT THIS IDEA IS SO COOL - I'm not at the point of stopping outright yet as I still have prompts to fulfil, but you have correctly identified My Vibe for a finale 😆💜

[inkribbon796]

Egotober 2023 Day 12: Things Unsaid

Summary: Séan and Marvin have a lot of talking to do, but still manage to leave things unsaid.

A/N: Let’s check. Green park, yes. Septics are green, yes.

Prompt: Green

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

This park was rather special to Marvin and Séan. From a time before they were superheroes, or even teens. They were kids, just running around the Althone woods and every once in a while they returned to it.

Today was one of those days.

The two of them had coffee cups and a takeout bag with sandwiches in between them. Both of them were in costume and had to deal with the occasional people wanting to talk to Jackieboy Man and Marvin.

But as their visits were regular, most of the locals let them be.

Jack sipped on his coffee, “You sure you’re up to the move.”

Marvin shrugged, “Not looking forward to taking new pictures for his passports. All my old pictures have me without the scars. And it’s about to run out anyways.”

“I know the lads will miss you,” Séan said.

“Yeah, sure,” Marvin said as he sipped on his coffee and grabbed his sandwich out of the bag.

“I mean, who will Daithi and Rumble ghost hunt with?” Séan tried to joke.

“I mean, Chase could use a good scare, and you guys will be fine, it’s the dipshits in Egoton that need help. I just teach one of them how to read aura and then I’m back.”

“Hope you have fun, hear Egoton can get a bit crazy, especially when Wilford gets involved,” Séan smiled.

“I’ll be fine,” Marvin smiled, lifting his mask up a bit to eat.

“Yeah,” Séan said. “If anyone on this team can take care of themselves, it’s you. Even if you love trouble.”

“Trouble loves me,” Marvin said around his food.

Séan nodded, “Yeah, but you got this, I know you.”

“Yeah,” Marvin said.

They sat and ate before meeting up with the rest of the Septics, Jackieboy Man was in high spirits but Marvin was less so.

He was good at pretending, masks and brightly colored outfits helped hide.

Marvin couldn’t help but feel awful and resentful about the whole mess. He and Jackie had gotten into a huge argument over that damn stone that Marvin had just been trying to research. He needed every opportunity to improve his magic.

Marvin wasn’t like Jackie or J.J who seemed to get their powers and be good at them all at once. When Marvin’s magic started he was little, maybe five, and he had sucked at it for a long time. Couldn’t even do lame faux magic card tricks. Everything Marvin had he had to struggle and work for it.

Any source of real magic was another opportunity and so what if he got a little excited? And so what if he got a bit careless when he was excited?

He needed to get better, he needed it badly. And the one thing Egoton had was a surly demon and his magical, absolutely mad boyfriend. Lots of time to study and learn and get better. Then Marvin could come back ten times more powerful and he could solve any magical problem they had.

All Marvin needed to do was prove he could handle it. And he could, Marvin knew he could. He would handle it, not only would he be able to get better he would make Dark remember his time in the States.

While Marvin was out walking through the streets and the parks he was making a mental note of magical research he would do. He would get his hands on anything that the Egoton Branch had on magic and teach the hell out of whoever was most capable to do it.

Marvin would do the best job ever, or he would die trying.

[writtengalaxies]

Any particular septic ego headcanons? I know you do mostly do Markiplier egos, but I didn't know if there were any specific ones?

I do! :0 (Though I've got nothin' for a couple of them, here's what I do have!)

Anti

He's not just like...a demon, or bound to technology. Oh no. He was created.

A virus targeting antiviruses, in fact. Given the name Anti, because...well, I know enough about programming to know programmers are little shits.

Programmers also, I know from personal experience, often end up with a lot of caffeine and a lot of rubber-ducking (talking out code to (sometimes) a literal rubber duck so you can figure out what's going on with it.)

His programmer used him to rubber-duck. Not like they were aware of it. But one of those little habits of talking to yourself, and addressing it.

But see, here's the thing. When you start believing in something, sometimes...that can manifest into reality. You speak it into reality.

The glitching effect that occurs while in technology? Oh, that's a side-effect of measures meant to get him back under control.

He's built himself up a foundation of terror and fear, and it feeds him. It fuels him. That's how he became what he is now, this ALTR...

And he has so much fun picking a new victim...

Chase

He's actually a good, very loving man and a great father.

He does struggle very heavily with depression and anxiety, because the two often go hand in hand, and lead to bad spirals.

His life just started to spiral because Anti chose him as his newest victim.

Marvin

He was an amateur stage magician.

He accidentally picked up a real book on magic in a used book shop, trying to find new tricks to really break out onto the stage.

Instead...now he's gotten himself tangled into so many more things, new things...dangerous things.

Marvin's involved in IRIS in some way. Likely the magical R&D department.

JJ

Much like WKM's DA...JJ was trapped. He doesn't know how, he doesn't remember it.

However, unlike the DA...it wasn't a mirror, but a silent film that he had starred in once.

Anti found him in a digital archive. And... "freed" is a bit strong of a word. But it's a sort of freedom where he can lose control at any time, if Anti's bored.

JJ & the DA knew each other. That's my extra special personal headcanon. (The timing works out really well, especially like...at roughly the timing before WKM is reaching the end of the silent film era, and the start of talkies, and with the Actor...)