#( caleb trapped in his own mind )

[feuerwizard]

at the moment you want...

to be free.

you've been trying to leave for so long. something is keeping you there, like being chained, or locked in. in the moment, you feel trapped. your heart desires to feel freedom, and this could be physical or mental, or even both. physically. you may be truly trapped, confined in a situation that seems to have no end, or even trapped in your own emotions. you desire to let go, to feel free once again and at peace. there are ways to free yourself, all hope isn't lost.

tagged by: @seeliecourt (thank you!) tagging: @oathwilled, @wildskissed, @sanguisarcana, @recitedemise, @notyetfixed, @cupcaketrickster, @infernaliscor & whoever!

[starmocha]

Push & Pull [Caleb/Reader ★ 1939 words ★ Masterlist ★ Series Index ★ AO3] What a bore, he thought, no longer amused by tonight’s show. A/N: To be fair…this was started at the same time as Pillow Talk. idk what I’m defending myself from I’ve done worse alkaal;akla Tag list: @miudle @alfredosaws @nezukoo-channn @rose-tinted-kalopsia @valkyyriia @natimiles @yourlocalcatscammer 【 request to be added 】

He was just a tease.

But you liked it.

You liked the way Caleb didn’t make the first move, the way he always seemed to smile knowingly, already aware of what was going through your mind. He would calmly observe you, a smirk here, a chuckle there, whenever it seemed you wanted to make him jealous.

Tonight was no different. You were feeling particularly bratty, wanting to provoke him a little for your own amusement. He didn’t say anything when you had left his side, already strutting your way through the crowd, capturing the intrigue of the wolves in this den, their eyes gleaming from the lascivious thoughts running rampantly in their minds as they traversed down your body.

In the crowded bar, Caleb sat in a corner booth, leg crossed over the other as he enjoyed his drink and the entertainment you provided. He chuckled, feeling a twinge of pride, knowing that everything of yours belonged to him.

Glass to his lips, he took a slow sip, darkened eyes watching your every move from across the room.

Such a pretty little thing, so strong and alluring, you were the object of many male gazes, a figment in all of their perverted fantasies, but, oh, what a shame that your own eyes were only on Caleb truly. He watched you entertained the flirtatious advances, smiling and giggling, dumbed down for their pathetic sake, their pride too fragile to truly experience the kind of woman you could be in the bedroom. None of these swine could match his caliber. At this point, it seemed more insulting to you than him.

What a bore, he thought, no longer amused by tonight’s show.

Caleb set his glass back down on the table and stood up, crossing the room in slow strides with his long legs. He always did know when you would try to make him jealous, and tonight was just one of those nights. However, it never worked—not even once—because you would always come back to him, just like how he would always find his way to you.

He exuded an aura of dominance, a silent command to yield to him. One cold stare had dispersed the crowd of boys around you, and soon, you felt that familiar presence lingering behind, him knelt down lower, his lips from your ear, a faint growl in his normally gentle voice with you:

“My room—now.”

In a dark hotel room overlooking Linkon, the floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the city lights to illuminate the space, enough so that after you had pushed him onto the bed, he lounged casually and watched as you stripped out of your little black dress for him.

You wondered if he was always this good at masking his expressions, because even with the minimal lights in the room, you couldn’t truly discern his look. You reached behind your back and unclipped your black lacy bra, letting it fall to reveal your breasts to him. He tilted his head a little, appearing more amused than aroused, almost as if he was simply studying you for a figure drawing class than appreciating you as a work of art crafted by God Himself.

You huffed a little in annoyance, still determined to get a rise out of him.

You climbed into bed with him, crawling closer until you were settled in between his legs, peering up at him with the same naughty smile you wore all night long. His hands instantly grabbed your face, his lips upon yours as he kissed with the intensity and intention of bruising you enough to leave his mark, a reminder that you were always his. It didn’t take much before he had you immediately flipped on your back, trapped beneath his heavy body, your legs already parting to allow him access.

He smirked. It was, after all, so sweet how you were always ready for him, always desiring him when you could have any man you wanted. You stared up into his familiar violet eyes, your chest heaving, breathing heavier as your body was trembling with anticipation. He knelt above you, his hand grabbing at his tie, loosening them as it was his turn to provide you a show.

With every article of clothing he took off, revealing more and more of him to you, you could feel a growing ache as you imagined those large hands grabbing at your buttocks, his toned chest pressed against your body, and his warm mouth taking your nipple to suckle and tease until they hardened, until he had you squirming underneath him, legs trembling, your cunt dripping obscenely for him.

“Caleb…”

“I know,” he murmured, as he tossed the last item of clothing on the hotel floor. He reached out and grabbed at the waistband of the panties you still wore. He hummed low, his arousal visible, once he took in the sight of the soaked panties. “Already this wet…fuck…”

His lips were on yours again, and you both fumbled in the dark, hands exploring one another, your moans and his heating up the room.

“You make such pretty sounds,” he murmured, “I want to hear more…”

You felt his calloused hand rubbed circles on your thigh, and then—

Smack!

A piercing slap resounded, the sting had you crying, squealing in surprise, but also aroused by his dominance. Caleb chuckled, seeing that delighted look in your eyes. He slapped you again, harder, the noises you were making a blend of pain and pleasure.

“Did you enjoy prancing yourself around those men tonight?” he asked calmly, his voice neutral, showing no sign of annoyance or anger. He seemed almost genuinely curious. He slapped harder, the sting lingering far longer than the previous instances. Almost immediately, he rubbed the same spot he had struck in soothing circles, and he murmured lazily, “Answer me.”

“…No,” you admitted, panting softly as you gazed up into his eyes. There were tears in the corner of your own eyes, a natural reaction to feeling the sharp pain.

“No?” he questioned, almost mockingly. He reached up and brushed those tears aside, his lips kissed your temple. “But it was your idea to act like a slut tonight.”

You whined at him, “Caleb…”

He immediately chuckled and apologized. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, “You don’t like being called a slut, do you?”

You remained silent, eyes darting to the side in avoidance. His hand grasped your chin, making you keep your sight on him. He continued in that same soft and even tone, “Or rather, you only like being my slut?”

You inhaled sharply, and Caleb laughed, your quick natural response answering his question more honestly than words ever could. He kissed you again, settling more comfortable in between your legs. You gasped when you felt his hard, thick cock pressing against your slick entrance. You trembled, breathing shuddering as he eased himself in, his low groans answering your own cries.

Caleb panted softly, smiling, and spoken almost matter-of-factly, “You’ll always be my slut.”

He started shallowly thrusting in and out, feeling your walls stretching to accommodate him. He continued in that same easy tone, “You can take as many cocks from as many men, but you’ll always want me instead.”

“Ca-Caleb…!”

You were whining, gasping and moaning, your body responding to the pleasure of feeling him penetrating you again and again in this same, leisure rhythm as he took his time, relishing in the lewd expressions you wore only for him.

“How many men has this pussy taken?” he asked, his lips on yours once more, swallowing those heavenly moans.

“I guess I really don’t fucking care,” he admitted, “Because you will always be mine. Isn’t that right, pipsqueak?”

You were trembling, tears in your eyes, too overstimulated by him and his words to truly grasp what he was saying.

“Answer me,” he demanded, thrusting in harder, your arms now wrapped around his neck. His own arms wrapped around you, lifting you from the bed as your legs locked around his waist. His pace grew more brutal, no longer slow and leisurely. He panted heavily, his voice lower than before, as he demanded again, “Answer me. You will always be mine, right?”

You whimpered into his shoulder, crying and agreeing without thinking, “Yes! I’m yours, Caleb! Always yours!”

One hand rested on the back of your head, pressing you closer to his shoulder. He smiled faintly. “Good girl,” he whispered, “My good girl. My pretty little slut. All mine.”

You squealed as wordlessly, Caleb took you harder, fucking you so intensely, you could feel your climax fast approaching with every deep, hard thrust. You panted, sharp nails digging into his back, his immediate groans had you clenching around him, squeezing him until you both were crashing, falling deeper and deeper into this state of euphoria together.

Your back hit the mattress again, and Caleb’s body collapsed on yours, his weight keeping you trapped underneath. You reached forward, your hand brushing against his damped bangs that clung to his forehead. He looked down at you, curious, almost as if he was waiting for your next move. You smiled and leaned up, kissing him where you had just touched.

He smiled back, his expression warmer than before, feeling very familiar, a memory of a time so far in the past now. You sometimes wished you could see this same smile again more often, and perhaps, maybe over time, you both could return to that period of innocence. It didn’t seem like an impossible dream, you thought, your fingers still lightly stroking his temple.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” Caleb murmured, breaking you out of your trance. He grabbed at your restless hand, little kisses pressed against your fingers as he peered up again into your eyes, as if he was waiting still, silently calculating.

You wondered what he was thinking, what was hidden behind those eyes for so long. You remembered when they shined like brilliant amethyst, but now it seemed a dark cloud had overcast.

“I’ll be back,” he whispered, kissing your cheek before he had gotten up.

You lazed in bed, tired but immensely satisfied, still feeling the lingering warmth of his body heat against yours. You struggled to keep your eyes open, feeling a heavy exhaustion wracking your entire body.

It wouldn’t hurt to nod off for just a few seconds, you thought.

Perhaps you might have rested for far too longer, because now, you suddenly found yourself feeling weightless. Once you had opened your eyes, you realized the reason for the change. Cradled in Caleb’s arms, he carried you to the bathroom.

“Can you walk?” he asked, peering down after he had noticed you stirring.

You immediately shook your head, the faint gleam of mischievousness twinkled in your eye.

“Still a brat?” he asked, and you pouted, just a bit upset that he had caught on so quickly to your treachery. He sighed in mock-exasperation. “Alright, alright.”

The warm bath he had drawn felt heavenly on tired muscles. Completely spent and satisfied, Caleb kept you cradled in between his long legs as you both relaxed in the water, because this was how it always was. He would always take care of you. It was just in his nature, a natural instinct he could never ignore.

The water rippled when he moved, his head bent to kiss along the nape of your neck. His murmur was so soft and warm, a contrast to his earlier cold teasing. Your guard lowered, you relaxed against him, his arm wrapping around your waist as he gazed down at you, a satisfied smile graced his lips.

My pipsqueak. Mine.

[owlhousetarot]

Wheel of Fortune: Cycles of Violence and Trauma

Upright: Cycles, change, destiny, life cycles, turning point, fortune, karma, external forces at play, breaking negative cycles

Reversed: Lack of control, bad luck, resisting change, clinging to control, upheaval, setbacks

The Wheel of Fortune card is an important one in this deck: The Owl House’s narrative is all about cycles of violence and trauma, how they’re perpetuated, and how they can be broken. These cycles include Luz inheriting Camila’s struggles with conformity and acceptance, Lilith mirroring Philip’s attempts to force a sibling to conform to their ideals supposedly for their own good, the Collector perpetuating his species’ tendencies to subjugate entire worlds, and of course the most blatant example: the Grimwalker cycle.

The Wheel card reminds you that the world is in a state of constant change, most of which is unavoidable and entirely outside our control. Hollow Mind is a rude awakening for Hunter, as he learns how little control he truly has over his life. We the audience learn that in creating Hunter and all the Grimwalkers, Philip has been attempting to re-create the relationship he had with Caleb, but better; Caleb’s decision to leave the human realm and love a witch completely upended his entire worldview, and he is clinging to an image of the past that will never truly come back. The Wheel can also represent a critical turning point in your life; Hollow Mind is the moment that finally causes Hunter to break away from Belos’ abuse, becoming the first Grimwalker to break the cycle and survive.

The Wheel’s theme of the inevitability of change is mirrored in the conflicting ideals of the Collectors and Titans; Collectors preserve and objectify living beings so they will “never fade,” while the nature of the Titans is to embrace death and change as natural and necessary. Life itself springs forth from the decay of the Boiling Isles, illustrating the cyclical but ever-changing nature of life. In season 3, the Collector has the Isles trapped in a stagnant fantasy land much like the one Luz was expecting to encounter in episode 1, likely because the trauma of losing his baby Titan friends and being imprisoned for thousands of years makes him crave control over his surroundings. Like Luz had to temper her expectations and accept the Isles for how they were, he must let go of the illusion of control and allow the world around him to change in order to break that cycle of trauma, lest he end up trapped in it like Belos.

< Previous Card: The Hermit

> Next Card: Justice

[mybrothercainmybrotherabel]

TDAAC Timepool AU

not mbc,mba related

@moonmeg

“Race ye to school!” Micah challenged, taking off before Robyn or Vivian could have a chance to reply.

Robyn took off after him with no hesitation.

“Hey!” Vivian protested, hurrying to catch up. “Do you know how hard it is to run in a long skirt?”

The boys paid her no mind, until Micah's foot fell out from underneath him and he fell flat on his face.

“Jings and crivvens!” Micah swore. Robyn went to help his boyfriend up, while Vivian came up behind stifling a laugh.

“What did you trip over?” Robyn asked, looking at the apparently smooth sand.

“I dinna ken.” Micah said, standing up and brushing sand from his front. “It felt like there was a hole in the sand.”

Vivian started inspecting the sand, she found the hole and put her hand in. “Check this out! I think it's a time pool.”

“A timepool?” Robyn repeated, kneeling down by his friend. “I thought those were just myths.”

“I wonder when this one goes…” Micah said, giving the sand an experimental poke. “Should we check it out?”

“Only one way to find out.” Said Robyn.

“Have you gone mad?” Vivian demanded, “Who knows when you'll end up! Not to mention if the tide comes in you'll be trapped…not to mention the bloody-fly effect…”

“Dinna fash, Viv, it's a new moon tonight, the tide won't get this high for a week at least, an’ as long as we don't go changin’ anythin’ we won't have anythin' to worry about.”

Vivian shook her head. “I'm not risking it.”

“Then can you keep a lookout while we go?” Robyn asked, Vivian looked skeptical. “We'll be quick. Come on! You're an oracle witch, you get to see into the future all the time. This might be my only chance.”

Vivian pursed her lips. “Fine, you've got one hour. If you're not back by then, I'm telling your mom.”

“Deal.” Robyn held out his hand to shake. Then he and Micah jumped into the timepool.

They emerged on a sunny beach not notably different from the one they left other than the fact Vivian wasn't there.

“When do you think we ended up?” Robyn asked.

“Dinna ken, watch, with our luck we only ended up twenty minutes in the future and are late to school for nothin'.”

Robyn laughed, “Let's check out the town. Maybe we'll find something with the date.”

They went into town and found it not too terribly different from the town they knew. A few shops and stalls had different names and the slayground equipment looked newer, but for the most part everything looked the same.

“We can't have gone too far.” Micah said. “Yer grandparents shop is still there.”

A big sign that said Clawthorne's Carvings hung just as it always had, with the shop windows full of palismen. They got closer until they saw a much younger version of Robyn's grandmother carrying a box out of the door.

“Thank you again for all your help, Caleb.” She said to someone behind her.

“It's the least I can do after everything you've done to help my brother and me.” A man replied, he came into view seconds later. Robyn stood frozen in place as he saw his father for the first time. He recognized him immediately from his mother's descriptions, not to mention their own similarities. He was taller than Robyn, with blonde hair instead of brunette and round ears, but other than that they looked very similar.

“Will Philip be joining us today?” Grandma Sylvia went on to ask.

“I'm afraid not. He is preoccupied with his studies at the moment.”

“Ever the scholars, you two boys. Sometimes I wonder what it is you are looking for.” Grandma said.

Caleb chuckled a bit uncomfortably, “Well, the Boiling Isles are so different from our home. There is so much to learn…”

“Dad…” Robyn took a step forward, but Micah grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

“What are ye doin’?!” Micah demanded.

“This is my one chance to meet my father…” Robyn said. “To talk to him, I could…I could warn him!”

“Roby, slow down…”

“He just mentioned a brother! You heard him right? Mom never mentioned I had an uncle, but she said that Dad was betrayed by someone close to him…”

“Roby…”

“I could save him! I could have my father in my life! I could actually get to know him! I could even have siblings!”

“Robyn!” Micah grabbed his boyfriend with both hands. “I get ye're excited but have ye ever stopped to think that maybe the way things are now they are…” He grappled for the right word.

“...for the best?” Robyn finished sharply.

“No! Obviously not best! I just meant…maybe things happened the way they were supposed to happen.”

Robyn pulled away, “Easy to say for someone who has a perfect, intact family.”

“My family has its flaws.” Micah said.

“Flaws?” Robyn scoffed. “Do you have even an ounce of an idea how good you have it? Some people would give anything to have something like you do! I don't expect you to understand my situation but you are in no position to tell me ‘things are best or meant to be the way they are now’. I have the chance to get a future with my father in it! You out of all people know how important of a matter that is to me!”

“Robyn…”

“I expected a bit more compassion from my boyfriend!”

“Titan's sake, would ye please listen to me!” Micah begged.

“You've said quite enough.”

“Ye won't even let me finish a damn sentence!”

“Look, if you don't wanna help me with this, go and watch the pools with Viv. I can very well handle this without you.”

“Cryin' out loud, I AM NOT AGAINST YE TRYIN' TO ACHIEVE YER DREAM FAMILY LIFE!” When he realized people on the street were turning to stare, he grabbed Robyn's arm and pulled him into an alcove between two shops. “I just want to remind ye that changin' even the smallest thing in the past can lead to chaos in the future.”

“Right.” Robyn said dryly, “I forgot the part where saving my father from being murdered leads to a catastrophe.”

“I'm not sayin' it will be the end of the world. I'm sayin' we don't know at what cost saving yer father comes. He died to protect ye and yer mother. What if by savin' him, we lose yer mother and... you.”

“I think you're exaggerating. We don't have infinite of time to stand here and fight, so last chance: are you with me or not?”

Micah opened his mouth, then closed it, lost for words.

“Fine.” Robyn said. “I see how it is.”

“Roby…”

“Go back and wait with Vivian. I don't need you here.”

“Roby!”

Before Micah could stop him, Robyn stormed away. His father was helping his grandmother stack boxes onto a cart.

“Careful, there, Blondie.” A playful voice said, “those decorations are for the festival tonight. If they get wrinkled no one in town will ever fall in love again.”

“Cathy, don't tease.” Grandma said, “Just because you don't believe in the Lunaris blossoms doesn't mean everyone is jaded.”

Robyn's mother rolled her eyes. She looked so different than Robyn had ever seen her. Her hair was short and her face much more youthful. She jumped up onto the cart.

“Um…excuse me…” Robyn said.

“Sorry, dear, the shop is closed for the holiday.” Grandma said, hardly casting a glance in his direction, “We'll be open tomorrow.”

Caleb was already climbing into the cart beside Catherine. Grandma Sylvia climbed in front and drove away.

Micah came up behind Robyn and took his hand. “Ye tried. Let's get back.”

“No.” Robyn said determinedly. “If I can't warn him…maybe I can stop his brother…”

Part 1/3

[rainbowcaleb]

FICLET FRIDAY - Little and Lost

Prompt: Glow | Rating: G | CW: none | Word count: 533 | Pairing: Shadowgast

Essek’s knees were dirty.

That is the first thing Caleb noticed. On a normal day such a detail would be worth no mind; they have a garden at this cottage after all, and Essek is rather fond of giving it tender care. However, Essek is usually fastidious about changing from his garden clothes before winding up the stairs and through the hall into the library by the bedroom. No dirt should be tracked from door to bed, as Essek had phrased himself, and usually the worst of the green thumb is left in the laundry basket downstairs for this exact purpose.

But today Essek’s knees are stained, and hovering a good five inches higher than they should.

“Caleb, you must come!” Essek’s eyes and voice are sunbright, rushing into the library to float before Caleb. “You must see!”

“Schatz, what–” He glances around for an adequate bookmark, and finding nothing proper, just picks up the cat on his lap with one arm, the book with the other, then sets the cat onto the open book on his still-warm chair. A fluffy tail is a fine bookmark in a pinch.

Essek grabs his hand. “There is something very strange, but intriguing. I’m not sure, but maybe you know? I hope it hasn’t moved while I’ve been here, I came quickly but without observation there is no telling how fast it moves.”

Caleb feels his hand being tugged down the hall and stairs. “I am right behind you schatz.” He laughs to himself, almost jogging through his own house to follow the bounce of Essek’s sudden jubilant mood.

Once outside, Essek drops his hand and sinks to kneel in the dirt near one of the bushes along the edge of the path. He looks to Caleb over his shoulder and Caleb falls in love all over again.

“Look.” He whispers, hands slow even without the aid of dunamancy, gently parting the branches to peer deeper inside. “What is that?”

Caleb sighs looking at his soft lounging trousers, and gets to his knees anyways. That’s what prestidigitation magic is for. “What should I be looking for?”

Even as the words leave his lips he sees it: there is a gentle glow, like a moonray trapped in the green clutches of the inner bush, shining only as far as the thick leaves allow. He squints to focus, and can just spot the small form sitting on the branch.

“It looks like a glow worm, but surely not?” Essek asks.

Caleb lets out a soft exhale. “It certainly looks like one, but here? Surely not.” He repeats.

“Perhaps he is very lost.” Essek says, voice still and soft. “Perhaps he cannot find his home.”

Caleb can’t help but look away from the marvel and towards another. “Essek.” There are layers to the single word. He does not know, but can guess at Essek’s thoughts.

Essek seems to sense the shift in tone. “Do not worry Caleb, I won’t adopt this one.”

“You said that for the last three cats.” Caleb knocks fondly against Essek’s shoulder, imitating a cat himself.

“We don’t have a terrarium.” Essek replies with a frown.

“As if that has ever stopped you.” Caleb smiles.

[ncillary]

Just a speculation : The first day MC became a hunter, she was trapped in a Protofield for a while.

Xavier : The cause + immediate care

A trap was activated specifically for him. He got no choice but to enter the Protofield with MC rather than get separated. The first big resonance she did this time. He apologized because his strength was still in the red line and not wanting to burden MC. But the resonance is a success.

Explanation : Not blaming him since the situation might have turned worse if they stayed in the Protofield longer. Xavier seems to have noticed too that it was a trap to get him (or both of them, maybe)

Note: He messaged MC to keep the incident a secret using his own number afterwards. Not a one-time-number. He's a careful person and this is his choice so that he can connect back with MC on a personal level (maybe) given that they have been seen together now.

Zayne : The aftercare

He probably knew she got trapped in the Protofield for a brief moment. Thus, he went to work despite just getting back from the Arctic (his secret project) out of worry and could respond immediately given that he is MC's main physician.

Note : He might have been restless the whole day and decided to tease her when he mocked the countdown out of relief. His voice was slightly concerned (her missing briefly and the resonance) when she mentioned "No" if anything had happened. She didn't tell him about the trap. He understands why she kept it but that does not mean he'll keep quiet about it (albeit it was mentioned subtly)

Rafayel : The stranger care

• Suddenly spoke to MC (to check if she's truly fine even after hospital check up)

• Getting her the Flammula fish (that she probably didn't intend to catch) as a reintroduction of himself (subtly)

• MC gave the fish to him instead.

Note : The fish gift felt the same as when he, as God of the Sea, gave the blue fish to her. He might have been a bit happy about it and forgot to continue his "play pretend" of being the caring stranger. Thus, he walked away (with a smile, maybe) before he slipped up.

Caleb : The family care

Called her (what timing) that night. He might have let it seem like he wanted to hear her first day as a hunter (legit logic). Laughing and usual banter.

Note : He might still be on duty (maybe) and was not supposed to call anyone at the moment. He did it anyway. The storm outside was the only indication of his worrisome for her brief disappearance into the Protofield and the sudden resonance with Xavier.

Sylus : The mystery care

The all seeing eye is definitely active this time. The disappearance and resonance really took him by surprise and immediately connected his right eye to Mephisto to check her up himself for self-assurance. The eye appears briefly and seems like a trick of mind.

Note : Not sure if this is really Sylus through Mephisto's eyes or not but the timing really seems like it. That's a big slip up, if it's truly his.

MC saw the eye watching her, when she supposedly couldn't, given how much he hid it by sending Mephisto (that can disguise as normal crow) as a CCTV to watch her over.

Conclusion : Each of the boys has their own method to keep tabs of MC. Impressive and amusing at the same time. Just shows how worried they are for their VVIP.

Note : People have theorized a lot that Caleb will come back and this interaction seems possible that he is one of the LI (Love Interest). This might not be an endgame.

Just a speculation.

[blackwolfstabs]

Would You Tell Her I Did My Side of the Dance? - Chapter I

summary:

Lazar couldn’t trust his daughter anymore, and because of that, he was going to make her earn it back or die. Lord of her fate, he cursed her at dusk. He stripped her of her vampire essence—everything that made her a killer with a lust for blood and sadistic pleasure. Her fangs, speed, strength, agility, everything that made her capable, with the exception of her superhuman senses of hearing and smell, was gone. She was just a 12-year-old girl now, defenseless and powerless to a cold-hearted master that held her life in his hands. “You have 3 days to prove yourself worthy of the divine life I’ve given to you, or else I will drain you myself.” That was his word, and now there were 66 hours left for her to achieve or defy it. How was she supposed to do it on her own, without having her abilities? How was she supposed to prove herself a vampire without being one? This was a set-up, a trap, a game that he’d created just to leave her hopeless in the end. He was going to kill her regardless, she knew that. She also knew that the only way to win this bet was to kill him.  A life for a life? She was no match for him now, so she knew she was going to have to have help.  And she knew exactly who she wanted to go to.

fandom: Abigail (2024)

characters: Abigail, Joey, Caleb, Kristof Lazar, Frank, Sammy, Rickles (mentioned), Caleb's father

LASTED 12 LONG HUNTING YEARS, RUNNING STRONG

characters: Abigail, Lazar, Caleb, & Joey

It was through the window that she left. She slipped through the small opening she made and fled. It was an hour before dawn. Her father would be back soon. Six hours had gone by from when the bet started. She hadn’t known what it was like to have her life played with until this night, and by her own flesh and blood. Kristof Lazar had hated her, more than he ever had after she’d let her last victim go. 

Joey had walked away with her life and her humanity, bloodied, bruised, and torn up, but not dead. 

Abigail’s chances at love were gone. She hadn’t been the same vampire since she met Joey, especially letting her go. She no longer killed for fun, just when necessary. She doesn’t play with her food, rather she minds how she makes a kill. 

Lazar couldn’t trust his daughter anymore, and because of that, he was going to make her earn it back or die. Lord of her fate, he cursed her at dusk. He stripped her of her vampire essence—everything that made her a killer with a lust for blood and sadistic pleasure. Her fangs, speed, strength, agility, everything that made her capable, with the exception of her superhuman senses of hearing and smell, was gone. She was just a 12-year-old girl now, defenseless and powerless to a cold-hearted master that held her life in his hands.

“You have 3 days to prove yourself worthy of the divine life I’ve given to you, or else I will drain you myself.”

That was his word, and now there were 66 hours left for her to achieve or defy it. How was she supposed to do it on her own, without having her abilities? How was she supposed to prove herself a vampire without being one? This was a set-up, a trap, a game that he’d created just to leave her hopeless in the end. He was going to kill her regardless, she knew that. She also knew that the only way to win this bet was to kill him. 

A life for a life?

She was no match for him now, so she knew she was going to have to have help. 

And she knew exactly who she wanted to go to.

Some would say it was her dog or guardian angel, some would say it was the one that got away or a stray. But she didn’t want anyone else as she heard her own words replay in her head.

‘ “See you around, Joey.” ’

It had been 6 months since Caleb had been reunited with his mother, and he would tell anyone that he’d never been happier than to be back with her. When he’d heard the voice message she’d left him, it scared him to death. He didn’t know why she’d sent it or where she was when she had, but he could hear in her voice that she wasn’t sure if she’d ever see him again. He had taken that to heart and nearly fell apart at the thought. 

He had never blamed her for leaving, just missed her and wondered why. He thought it might’ve been something he did or that she didn’t love him as much as she once did. He thought she’d lost interest. Not to mention, the things his father would say about her were tempting, but he always told himself that wasn’t his mother. His mother was the most beautiful, strongest, and loving woman in the world. So, when she showed up at his school 24 hours after she’d left that voice message, he knew it was true.

There were two things he’d never forget that she’d told him. The first one was when she said that he was the one good thing she did in her life. The second one was when she told him that leaving him with his father on a cold, winter night and having to walk away while he cried for her was the hardest thing she’d ever done. He couldn’t imagine that kind of pain for her, because he was too young to understand the things she still kept from him; however, he knew how great of a sacrifice she’d made. 

He loved her like she never left, and she loved him like every day was the last she’d see him. If anything were to ever happen to her, he’d be lost forever, and if anything ever happened to him, he knew she wouldn’t be able to live.

But it was all over now, and while he never found out what the circumstances were that made her call him and leave that message, they were back together again, so there was nothing to worry about. What he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Would it?

3:45 PM came around on the sunny Thursday afternoon, and Caleb sent his daily text message to his mother to let her know that he was on his way home. He beat the buses out of the bus circle and stalked the sidewalk to the end of the car line, where there was nothing but him and the way home. His phone buzzed. He knew who it was, but like the ritual to send the message out, he always read to the response he received. 

‘Okay, be careful. I love you.’

She always told him she loved him; she never failed to text it, say it, or show it.

“Caleb?”

Even though he didn’t recognize the voice that said his name, instinct had him dropping his phone and turning around anyway. “Yeah?” He came face to face with someone new.

It was a girl. She looked his age, but he’d never seen her before. She wasn’t wearing what was expected of junior high, but she didn’t look lost either. She had long, straight brown hair and eyes as blue as the ocean, bright yet deep, like they hid many lives. She was pale, thin, and almost looking as if she was from another era in time. However, it was her expression that made Caleb push everything else aside. She looked scared and hopeful at the same time, silently pleading for him to speak to her. 

She was desperate. He knew this because he had watched his mother read many people with her experience as a medic. She had told him what to look for in a person and how to depict what they’re feeling just by a glance. 

“Um… Hi. Do you need something?”

The girl didn’t move, nor look away. In fact, she took a step closer, as if what she was about to say wasn’t something she was supposed to be sharing out loud. “I know your mom, and I really need to talk to her,” she told him, barely even blinking to show that she was serious and didn’t have much time. So, before he could ask any more questions, she blocked them, “I know it’s weird and you don’t know who I am, but I met your mom a while ago, Ana Lucia Cruz? I can’t explain right now, but might I walk with you? I just need to ask her something.”

Caleb blinked at her. She didn’t look harmless, but he had to admit that it was a bit weird for her to just show up and want to talk to his mother. Maybe she was a patient or something? Somebody that his mom had helped patch up or given advice to? “Oh, o-okay… Yeah, I guess that’s fine.” He gave a short gesture over his shoulder, “We’re not that far from my house. Should be about a 10 minute walk.”

The girl just nodded and leapt to catch up with him, matching his step as he continued down the sidewalk. 

“What’s your name?”

“I’m Abigail,” she answered.

“I guess my mom told you about me, when you met her? How’d you guys meet? She’s never mentioned you before.”

It was obvious that he had no clue who she was, which meant Joey had never talked about her. She couldn’t tell if that was a good or a bad thing, though. Obviously, it was good, because knowing she was a vampire who’d tried to kill his mother probably would’ve scared the hell out of him. However, because he didn’t know, her bet on Joey’s help against her father was going to be even more difficult to try and achieve. She may be out of her character right now, but she was still smart enough to play things safe. “It’s kind of a long story,” she summed it up, “Not really worth talking about though.” She made sure to add a soft chuckle at the end of her words to cover up any potential suspicion.

Luckily, he didn’t push the issue, just moved on to the next question. “What grade are you in? You don’t go to my school, right? ‘Cause I haven’t seen you around.”

“No, I’m homeschooled,” she lied. Hopefully he wouldn’t push for her grade level again, because the fuck if she knew. 

Caleb nodded. “I always wondered what being homeschooled is like. Is it fun? Do you have any brothers or sisters, or is it just you? That’d be really lonely, if it was just you, but then if it was just you…”

As he went on, Abigail’s sense of smell became sharp, very sharp. She’d tracked Caleb down, because she knew Joey’s scent and because they lived together, her scent was faint on him. Not to mention, his was similar to hers, because of him being her biological son. However, the closer they got to their destination, the stronger Joey’s scent became to her. But it was different. It was still sweet, strong, and calming, but there was an underlying smell that she couldn’t quite make-out. One that wasn’t there before, even through all of the blood, fear, and sweat. 

This was new, and even though her vampire abilities were gone, her instincts had adapted over the centuries. And that adaption was flipping through the countless possibilities that would be so pungent to a vampire. It was when they actually got onto the street that she finally posed the question, interrupting Caleb’s one-sided conversation about the differences between homeschooling and brick-and-mortar schooling.

“Do you have a dog, Caleb?”

He paused and glanced over with a confused expression. “A dog?” Then, he shook his head, “No, we don’t have a dog. Why?”

She just shook her head, and luckily, Caleb veered into a driveway, so there wasn’t time to ask any more questions. 

He paused a few steps up. “Do you wanna come in, or do you want me to ask my mom to come out?”

Suddenly, Abigail felt an uneasy sensation stir inside of her. Her heart started to beat faster, and she didn’t feel as confident as she normally did. Her stomach felt weird, so much so that her—she guessed it was her long-lost human side—made her swallow back the sensation of it creeping up into her throat. She was nervous, something she hadn’t felt in ages. Literally. Apparently, she was quiet for too long, because he followed-up with:

“That’s okay. Just stay right here, I’ll go get her.” He didn’t waste another second to trot up to the front door and let himself in, his voice fading with the swinging of the door shutting. “Hey, Mom?! A girl named Abigail… ”

It wasn’t even a minute later before Abigail could hear the heartbeat of the person she sought out. She kept her eyes on the front door. Joey’s heartbeat was fast and hard, adrenaline taking the upper hand over fear, by far. Her scent was stronger than Caleb’s now, and the strange one that she’d detected came with it. She caught a brief shadow that was replaced with a figure as Joey stepped out of the house and shut the door behind her. She looked the same as she did 6 months ago. Her hair was a little longer, but she still looked stronger than sin. “Hi, Joey.”

The woman came down the couple of stairs and stalked down the driveway to meet her. “Abigail, what are you doing here?” However, she stopped immediately, when she realized that the girl was standing in direct sunlight and perfectly fine. She found youthful blue eyes and drew the confusion to attention. “How are you—?”

“Because I’m not a vampire anymore,” Abigail explained. “Not now…” She could see the other hesitate, which made her take another step towards her. “My father cursed me. He said I have to prove myself worthy in three days, or else he’ll kill me.” Standing face-to-face with the one person who’d ever given her some sort of hope at having a second chance, the emotions she normally had to facade came naturally. And it was strange, but it convinced her that she really was human. “But I can’t do it alone… I don’t know how…”

Joey could see the restored humanity in her before she had to see the glistening tears flush her lower eyelids. 

But her silence made Abigail's hope start to crack, and she couldn’t hold back the quiver in her voice. “You don’t believe me…”

“No, I do,” Joey quickly corrected her with a nod. “I believe you.”

The girl’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper, “I don’t care about being a vampire, I just…”

“You don’t wanna die.”

She hesitated for a moment. That sounded selfish, but when you got right down to it, what didn’t? Selfishness was a human trait, greed was a vampire’s. “I just want a second chance… To be good. That’s why he cursed me; it’s because he thinks I’m too soft now. I don’t hunt or kill the same way, and that’s just made him hate me even more, and—”

“Abigail.”

She didn’t realize she had started crying, until Joey was kneeling in front of her wiping away her tears. She quickly—almost instinctively—took a step back and pulled herself together, “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be,” Joey answered. When the girl just continued to try and dry her eyes, she spoke again. “ Hey. ” Ocean eyes pierced into hers as they finally caught a glimpse of the sunlight never seen before from the demon inside. And it brought them both back to that night, 6 months ago.

“Hey… I’m not gonna let him hurt you. But I need you to tell me what he said.”

Now, back then Joey didn’t know Abigail was a vampire, nor was she talking about Kristof Lazar. But the sincerity was the same. Abigail wanted a second chance, the same chance that she’d given her when she let her leave the mansion alive. She’d stood up to her father and insinuated her compassion for the former medic, all in an act of willful mercy. Because of that, there was no hesitation for Joey to do the same.

“We’ll do it together,” she assured the younger, “I’m not gonna let you take him alone, and I’m not gonna let him hurt you.”

The parallels were unparalleled.

Abigail just blinked at her. As relieved as she wanted to be and as she thought she would be, she couldn’t breathe. It felt too easy, like there were strings attached, not by Joey, necessarily, but by her father lurking in the shadows somewhere. Watching her every move… And planning his own, all in the same. 

So, just like the first time, Joey raised her left hand and put her pinky finger out. “I promise.”

And a smaller pinky finger wrapped around hers like a lock and key. 

Maybe it was nostalgia or maybe it was the security from the connection, but this pinky promise had Abigail bringing back her sense of playfulness. “Anyone ever tell you that a vampire’s promise lives forever, just like them?”

So, the other played along, too. “Anyone ever tell you that a lifetime has no hold on a dog?”

The girl actually managed a small giggle. “Is this your way of telling me that you’re a werewolf?” she then asked. She’d figured it out the moment Joey had touched her cheek. Her body temperature was much higher than it had been 6 months ago.

Joey shrugged, “If that’s your way of telling me that I didn’t need to tell you, because you already knew.” That’s when she returned her own smile, “I mean, you seemed to know everything else.”

They then broke their swear, and Joey stood up from her crouched position. “We’re gonna figure it out, okay?” This must’ve made Abigail snap back into the present, because she could sense her uneasiness and… fear. So, that called for the next order of business�� keeping it normal and taking it one step at a time. First was making sure Abigail knew she was safe with her, and then she’d have to figure out what to say or how to explain the situation to Caleb. “Come on,” the werewolf jerked her head as a gesture, “My house isn’t much, but you’re welcome to stay. I don’t think you have anywhere to go, do you?”

Like she expected, the other shook her head. “I don’t mind,” she dismissed the ‘my house isn’t much’ comment. “Thank you.”

And history kept repeating itself. “No problem,” Joey replied, and turned to lead the way back into the house. She didn���t know how this was all going to happen. Truth be told, she’d hoped she’d never find herself in another traumatic arena with urban legends and carnage, but she never thought she’d actually be an urban legend either, so shame on her for hoping. 

As calm and level-headed as she’d seemed taking Abigail in and taking up whatever this was—a challenge, a favor, a test—she knew she had just invited a neon red target to be slapped on top of herself as well as her son. She already knew she’d do her best to keep Caleb out of this, but knowing Lazar, he would know some part of all this. And it wasn’t a secret to assume that he would try his luck in using Caleb as bait, a hostage, or controlling component. 

What the fuck did she just get herself into?

a.n. looking forward to getting the characters more "into character" in the upcoming chapters!! I know this one was kind of bleh because it's an introductory chapter

TAGLIST:

@simpingforclaudette @atcarpenter let me know if you'd like to be tagged for updates on this fic!

All my best! 🩶

- parker (BWS)

[lopsicle]

••The Only Time I Ever See Him••

AN: Surprise @fictitious-fluff , I’m getting a bit of deja vu here!! Apologies, I had to sub in since your original Squealing Santa had to drop out, so I’m sorry this is later than normal! The prompts you left behind were super cute and I hope you enjoy this fic!!

Characters: Lee! Hunter, Ler! Willow.

Summary: After hallucinating in the Noceda family bathroom, Hunter ends up in a bit of a panicking tiff. Luckily, Willow is there to help him.

Warnings: SFW tickle fic, hallucinations, hurt/comfort.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

He was there. Hunter had seen him, saw them actually, two people. Awoken by some branches scraping at the walls of the Noceda residence, Hunter was already on edge as he creaked his way upstairs to investigate the low, scratching noise. Every step he took felt like he was about to trod on a rattlesnake, the house felt like one big bear trap like this, alone and isolated in the cover of night. It reminded him of how he used to sneak out of the castle with Flapjack; he found it difficult to get out of the mindset that one wrong step, incorrect turn or loud noise would result in the loss of his best friend. Hunter took in a deep breath as he scoured through the house, occasionally lingering in the doorway of his friend’s bedrooms just to make sure they were okay. He considered checking on Miss Camila too, but something about bothering her rubbed him the wrong way, nerves clamming up as he reached towards her door handle.

He shook his head. He shouldn’t bother her. Though, his nerves were still jittery, like there was some monster under her skin waiting to burst out at any second. Water. He needed some water. Flicking on the light to the bathroom, Hunter immediately made his way over the sink, spinning the faucet until a geyser of cool water began spilling out. He wetted his hands before leaning down and splashing them against his face. Then, Hunter barely opened his eyes and looked in the mirror, as if to check that he was was still here. And that’s when he saw him. Them, in fact, two of them.

Belos came first, not the horrific monster that resembled something of a Lovecraft book, but the kind, gentle uncle he had once knew. The one with an injured streak of green magic scarring his face, and silver hair that had been aged with wisdom and a necessity to survive. Hunter barely recalled Belos talking about his injury, the one supposedly caused by wild magic, though Hunter had no way of deciphering truth and deceit from his mouth anymore.

“We are kin, Hunter, our scars are a permanent reminder of our failures. They’ll remind us to keep pushing forward, but also that we will always be united.”

What was once a comforting speech about how Hunter could always rely on his uncle now just served to remind him that his blood was running through his veins. If that even was how Grimwalkers worked, who knew what other vile things Belos had to do to make his body. The memory flashed through his mind like an icicle had crashed through his spine, just the thought of how willingly and stupidly he helped his uncle in the past was enough to send him stumbling away from Belos’ cold, sadistic gaze. His hand struck upwards to his face as his fingers involuntarily traced the scar on his chin, the fingerprint of Belos.

The next face was his own, the mask that had been sewn onto him since birth. A man who he never knew existed until just a month or so ago, yet had dictated his entire life. Caleb. He seemed tired, exhausted and if Hunter squinted, he could’ve sworn that Caleb looked disappointed in him. How could he not be? The last of the Grimwalkers, all of those people, all of those murdered and it all lead up to just him. Sure, Belos was dead but it wasn’t like Hunter believed that, that monster would find a way to cling to life for even a few more seconds no matter the depraved cost. He hadn’t won or defeated Belos, he was trapped in another world, although the human world somehow felt comfortable. Maybe he just didn’t have anything for him back in the Isles, except for Darius, or maybe it was the Caleb in him talking, happy to finally be back home.

Hunter yelped pathetically, barely finding his voice as he tucked his head to the side, staring away from the mirror. Clutching the sides of his hair while his torso shook and jittered slightly, Hunter took in deep breaths as well as he could, trying to copy it how Luz taught him. They were far from perfect but they calmed him down just enough to barely able to just barely open one of his eyes and look back in the mirror.

It was just him, a few feet away from the mirror from jumping back, hunched over with his hands on the sides of his head. Hunter grimaced, really missing that masked confidence right about now. He blinked a few times, making sure that it was really him and not Caleb. Satisfied that he was no longer seeing things, Hunter slowly rose back to his normal stature and got ready to le-

“Hunter?” A soft voice called from the doorway, though it felt like a shock to his heart. Hunter jumped back once more, startled like a deer, and turned to face where the voice had came from. There stood Willow, who was just rubbing her eyes groggily but had flinched back at Hunter’s reaction, a little stunned herself. A few moments passed in silence as Hunter felt like his tongue was stolen, not exactly sure what to say. Eventually though, Willow stepped into the room, a look of confused sympathy in her eyes.

“What are you doing up still? Are you alright?” She asked, her voice was quiet, not just to ensure that she wouldn’t wake the others.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Hunter decided, avoiding that last question. Willow didn’t seem to mind but she could feel more conceal bubble in her gut.

“I saw that my bedroom door was left open, and then I heard someone scream in here,” she explained, each of her words clear and slow. Hunter nodded in a grimace recollection.

“Oh, right, that was me-both of those things were..” he then turned his face away, finding the floor more interesting. Willow stepped forward with a soft smile, lightly leaning against the wall.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she then slid down the wall and repositioned herself to have her back pressed up against it, with her legs crossed. She patted the spot next to her and after a moment of thinking, Hunter steadily sat beside her, hugging her legs to his chest. He remained silent though, chin resting atop his knees as he stared idly forward, though Willow kept her attention on him.

“Did something happen?” She asked, easily slipping into the role of being a comforter. Hunter only managed a small hum of agreement to that question.

“Wanna talk about it?” Willow then followed up with, a light question, one which Hunter could easily back out of or lean into though. He choose the former though, just shaking his head. Willow felt her face soften, a strong sense of empathy running through her as she could only imagine what was going on with Hunter. Luckily, she knew a full proof fix to any emotional problem!

“Want a hug?” She offered, opening her arms just a little as she scooted a little to face him. It took a Hunter a moment of consideration, fear filling him like bile until he delicately allows himself to be taken into Willow’s arms. His arms found themselves clinging to the back of her neck, while hers secured his lower back. Hunter’s body was mostly draped over Willow’s warm legs, her whole body was warm actually, like a blanket on a winter day. Hunter breathed in, finally remembering what Luz told him, in for four seconds, out for four seconds and repeat. Willow took note of what he was doing and copied him, not wanting him to do it alone.

“Thanks, captain,” Hunter mumbled quietly once he was finally level headed again. Willow’s smile appeared a little brighter as Hunter looked up to stare at her. She began rubbing circles onto his back, and Hunter immediately returned the smile.

“Don’t thank me yet, you know, there is a price to these hugs,” Willow grinned, something sly appear in her eyes, the same look she’d house whenever she was scheming with Gus. Hunter’s brow furrowed in confusion, though he enjoyed the more playful tone the conversation was now shifting towards.

“Oh, and what would that be?” He asked, trying his best to play into whatever game Willow was playing right now. Suddenly, her grip on him tightened, practically scooping him closer to her from her hold on his back. Hunter squeaked as he stumbled over, ending up sitting on Willow’s lap, hands still messily clinging to her neck.

“Your laughter!” Willow exclaimed before her fingers greedily shot into Hunter’s sides, scraping about against his torso through the fragile fabric of his shirt. Hunter’s grip onto Willow immediately tightened, it probably wasn’t the best idea to cling onto the person tickling him, but something about it felt natural, like the right thing to do. Eyes widening, small laughter began to crackle out of his mouth, it came out in a disjointed manner, as if this was the first time he had ever laughed.

“Pffha-Wi-Wihihillow!!” He squeaked out, rooting his feet into the floor as his body became more rigid, doing her best not to make a fool of himself by squirming around. Willow grinned, spidering and skittering her nails across the lengths of his tummy, jabbing her nails into the pudgy skin every now and then.

“Aww, that is the cutest laughter I’ve ever heard!” Willow teased him, though she felt a bit of a blush form on her face, she was just glad Hunter didn’t notice as his entire face reddened at the praise, even getting a bit louder because of that.

“Aha-hahaha, I-I dohohohn’t-!!” Hunter couldn’t even got a full sentence out before squealing, his legs bucking as their placement became more wobbly. He fell forward, leaning against Willow with his cheek pressed against her chest. Seizing the opportunity, Willow reached both of her hands over to Hunter’s exposed right side before squeezing them playfully, prompting a few yelps from Hunter as he flailed about against her.

“Careful, Hunter,” Willow spoke in a chastising tone, “you don’t wanna wake up anyone else by being too loud, do you?” Somehow, Hunter’s face felt even more hot as he his heart thumped out of his chest. Taking her advice, he buried his face in her shoulder, trying to stifle all his squeals and laughter. Willow then crawled her fingers down to his hips, lightly tapping and pinching against them, causing Hunter to buck about in her arms.

“Thihihis is-cruhuhuel!” Hunter called out playfully, jerking about from side to side at the touch of Willow’s hands. The poor boy couldn’t even show his scarlet face, all he could really do was keep on laughing away in Willow’s arms. Willow just stared down at him adoringly, watching Hunter just melt away into giggles as he clung onto her. She began pressing her thumbs into his hips with more force, squishing her fingers down against her body, earning a few loud shrieks and cackles into her shoulder.

“Oh come on, you know you love it!” Willow smirked down at him, to which Hunter was only, barely able to meet her gaze, losing the will to speak. His eyes appeared weakly opened, sparkling with joy normally only seen in childhood, as if all of his problems were forced out with his laughter. Hunter could barely keep a hold on Willow, though he wasn’t squirming that much now, half because he didn’t want to get away and half because the poor boy was just too tired for it. As much as Willow adored this side of Hunter, one of the rare, fleeting moments that he wasn’t troubled by a need to survive, she could also recognise just how winded he was getting already. Rasping and gasping for breath, going red in the face, laying against her like a rock ready to sink down in a river, that was all it took for Willow’s fingers to begin lightening their assault, delivering a few more pinches to his sides to keep him all giggly.

Willow held Hunter as he remained in her arms, lightly rocking with each deep inhale he took. When his face returned to a lighter shade, he managed to face Willow, a little unsure of himself. Willow noticed and figured to lead.

“You feeling okay? Want some water?” She offered, to which he shook his head, already feeling more than satisfied.

“No-no, it’s okay-thanks Captain…for all of that,” Hunter added that last bit in an embarrassed mumble, barely able to believe the words that were coming out of his mouth. Willow just giggled adoringly at his behaviour.

“You wanna go back to bed?” Willow prompted him, but surprisingly, his grip on her didn’t loosen. He shook his head against her shoulder.

“Actually…would you mind if we-stayed like this..for a bit?” Hunter asked, though his tone wasn’t dripping with sadness, Willow had done a thorough job at tickling that out of him. He sounded more…comfortable, a similar feeling as to earning the trust of a stray cat. Willow’s smile remained bright on her first as she kept a tight hold on Hunter, like a teddy.

“Of course we can.”

[eljeebee]

Letting off Steam

“I’ll be out for a bit! If y’all need me, give me a ring!” Percival shouted, making sure everyone else heard him loud and clear. He didn’t have to, though. They’re vampires, and their sense of hearing is enhanced – he just loves being obnoxious to Lana.

“Yes, yes. Move along, Percy,” Lady Lana dismissed him, paying him no mind as she worked on her computer.

Valentina appeared from her cousin’s open office. “Where are you headed, Percy? Sanguine? Aren’t you a little early?”

“I’m going to the gym. Boxing sparring,” he replied.

Valentina hummed as she watched him walk to their door. “…Of course.”

“I’ll be stopping by at Sanguine, though,” he gave her a grin.

“Be careful.”

And he’s gone through the door.

“Did you know that it was little Lilith Vatore that invited him to spar with her?”

“Oh?”

“Percy was skeptical about it – he told me that last night, when he helped me bake my last batch of cookies,” Lady Lenora explained. “He thought it was a trap, but I eased his worries. The Vatore won’t break our oath. He became enthusiastic about it, eventually. I reminded him to be careful, of course. Sparring between vampires can be deadly.”

“You’ve baked something, sister? Without me? Why didn’t you ask me for help?” Lana suddenly appeared, sounding hurt.

“Yes, my dear Lana. Have you forgotten Gertrude’s partnership with Mayor Feng’s Cookies for a Cause?”

Lana let out an exaggerated guffaw. “Of course not, Nora! Are you going for another batch? I’ll help you. Come, come. Come, sister.”

“You can help me wrap them in cellophane.”

“You’re finished already?” the youngest Beau sister whined. “But I wanted to help you!”

“You will help me,” Lenora ignored her whining. “We’re packing them up.”

Let’s hope this works for him to control his frustrations.

“Percy boy!!! And here I thought you don’t wanna box with me!”

“Pfft.”

Percy quickly changed clothes. He jumped on the ring, making sure the boxing gloves were strapped tight. Lilith nodded at him, her own gloved hands bumping each other, before taking her stance.

“Terms?”

“If I win, you’ll let me fuck someone in the club closet. I lose, I’ll help y’all clean up after closing.”

“Deal.”

“Really?” Lilith panted, “Right on the face?”

“Don’t fret,” Percy chuckled, trying to catch his breath, “your pretty face is healing up already.”

She let out a breathy laugh.

“Did you go easy on me?” he asked, leaving the ring.

“Perhaps,” Lilith caught her breath and closed her eyes. “Whatever. You won. You get the closet all to yourself…and to whoever the lucky person is for tonight.”

She stood upright, before leaving the boxing ring, “My brother lost a bet so he’s the designated janitor for tonight. That’s why I purposely lost, Percy boy. Don’t soil the closet too much, yeah?”

“See you later tonight,” said Lilith. “Going straight to the club?”

“Gotta savor my victory. Next time we spar, don’t hold back.”

“You’re on.”

Percy downed the drink that Lilith made for him. He scanned around the club: in front of Caleb’s bar, he saw Vladislaus Straud talking with Lana Beau.

I didn’t know she’d be here. He chuckled to himself. I know damn well she’s shaking on her seat – she’d rather spend the night in a luxury lounge than be here.

There’s also this red haired vampire girl sitting by Caleb’s bar. She’s quite new, not only in the club, but being a vampire as well. He’d hook up with her if he could, but he doesn’t want to get involved with another vampire. He prefers mortals, he gets the thrill from it. He looked towards the dancefloor, where Helen Straud was playing her mix. There was this blonde girl, dressed in red, with stockings, and with a pretty black heels with pretty black bows. She danced the night away, her hips swaying to the beat.

Percy stifled a groan. He’s so pent up. He slid a bill to the counter, nodding to Lilith. She retrieves it, paying him no mind. She knows he’s up to no good, but they had a deal.

“Something tells me you’re up to no good, miss.”

“Oh, is it now?” The lady practically purred. “And what is a pretty man doing here?”

“You know…” his voiced lowered, looking at her matte painted lips. “Looking for fun. Something to relieve the stress…”

She bit her lip. “My, my…I’m here to relieve some stress too…”

When Percy let go of Jenna (he learned her name after their tryst in Sanguine’s janitor closet that he’s sure to forget), he couldn’t help but frown when she greeted the person who was just about to enter their home. It was Lavender Lee – the girl he saw on Gertrude’s opening night. (Of course, that name won’t be forgotten; she’s too cute).

“Hi Leeeee!!!” Jenna drunkenly giggled.

He could see the way her face twisted, and he could see how she tried to school it. “Hello, Jenna. Your boyfriend?”

I am not. He tried not to hiss.

Jenna snorted. “No, nooooo! Just someone I spent the night with.” She purred.

Percy’s cold heart constricted when he saw how Lavender looked away at them. (Why?) He tried chuckling with Jenna, who nuzzled him to death.

“Well, I hope you had a great night,” Lavender said. “See you later?”

“Okayyyy! Oh, are you still leaving for tomorrow?”

Lavender nodded, fiddling with the doorknob. He could see how she missed the keyhole at least twice, with her hands shaking.

“Okieeee!!! I’ll drive your clients away while you’re on your trip!!!”

Lavender only nodded again, before unlocking her door. She left them outside.

Percy quickly gave Jenna a kiss (that he’s starting to dislike) – it was a rushed one, but was still quite the kiss, as Jenna almost melted.

“Alright, lady, get inside,” Percy gently pushes her inside, gently if not urgently.

Jenna giggled, again, “Mmmhmm, see you around, pretty boy.”

As soon as Jenna had entered her home and closed her door, Percy rushed. He knocked on Lavender’s door, ignoring the doorbell so Jenna wouldn’t hear.

Lavender opened her door.

“Pretty girl, there you are.”

She groaned. Cute. He thought.

“The guy from Gertrude’s, am I right?”

“Damn right you are, darling,” he smirked.

“Fancy seeing you around here then,” she replied, and he didn’t miss the way her heart quickened its pace.

“You live here?”

“Obviously?”

He smiled.

They stood there for a moment. She cleared her throat. “Do you need something?”

“You’re going for a trip?”

“Uh-huh…?”

He nodded. Then he turned on his heel, “It’s nice seeing you again. Enjoy your trip.”

Cute. Really cute.

Inspired from this ask.

[the-cosmos-withinus]

Shadow Puppets AU - Watching the sunrise

Astrophel dreamed of being free, of traveling the cosmos again and bringing Philip and who he assumed was Caleb with him. It was hard to tell who the third person was, but if it was not Caleb he certainly had no clue who else it could be. He knew this was just a dream and not a glimpse of the future because his futuresight never showed him his own future. But Astrophel would be lying to say that this was not the future that he wanted and he awoke feeling both sad and angry that this vision was nothing more than a dream.  "Philip?" He called, not knowing whether or not his friend was still nearby. One thing he could see was the sun coming up. It was just a sliver of light on the horizon not even big enough to brighten the world yet, but it was the most beautiful thing that Astrophel had seen in a long time. "Philip! Look, the sun's waking up!" He exclaimed! Philip wasn't there. He had awoken a few minutes before the Collector, with a gnawing emptiness that had him shambling around for something to fill it. He was in a near mindless state, and had briefly picked up the Amulet to attempt to devour the soul trapped within, but set it back down a moment later; a power far greater than his own kept him from reaching inside. He could smell the collection of Palismen he kept in his cave and crawled back inside, smashing and cutting open a few to feed upon until Philip regained his senses enough to stop. Left to its own devices, the Wendigo would eat its way through the entire supply of Palismen within a matter of hours, when it had taken Philip months to gather these reserves. Back in his own mind, he concentrated hard to regain his human shape, just in time to hear Astrophel calling out to him. Something about the sun waking up. A rather adorable way to refer to the sunrise. Philip stepped out to pick the Amulet back up and put it around his neck. 

"It's a beautiful morning." He said, a rare compliment he could give this rotten world, "The sunrise almost looks the same as home." His chest felt heavy for a moment as a wave of homesickness passed through him...

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Shadowgast Works in Progress

This week, we have eight of our favorite works in progress to rec! Check them out under the cut, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

Monsterchen by drow_skies (22239, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Something is very wrong with Essek. He has far too many limbs, is sporting claws and sharp teeth, hisses and growls, and can probably fit inside Caleb’s component pouch. But Caleb is certain he can reverse this strange Aeorian magic.

Reccer says: Long Essek fic treated seriously. Not updated in a while, but still super fun!

Coping Skills by eldritchmochi (251061, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: None

BDSM fic starring a disabled Essek and service top Caleb

Reccer says: Startlingly realistic depiction of both the bdsm community and the realities of disabilities. Also super hot.

Kintsugi by Chekhov (83853, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Major Character Death, Dementia

It's a story about Caleb's keen mind break in apart with age, coming back together after an accidental consecution and his way back to Essek..

Reccer says: The process of Caleb and Essek losing and then finding each other again is so beautifully written. At times the story is very sad, but in the best way.

Starling by kaiannae (226460, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Bren escapes Vergesson, snatching a fairy -- small humanoid-like beings kept as pets and arcane focuses by mages -- on his way out. Now he just has to survive whilendealing with both his own trauma and the fairy's. He is, however, starting to suspect fairies might be more than hes been led to believe

Reccer says: Fairy!Essek au, dealing with the effects of trauma and survival. Lots of little hints as to fairies being more intelligent -- more human -- than they seem.

The Melody of Your Gravity by sarahlizzie (22887, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Caleb and Essek are musicians navigating fame, fortune and a newly added relationship.

Reccer says: The Popstar AU I needed in my life. It is sooo good.

Cascade Effect by firefright (6867, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: Omegaverse

part of a series of omegaverse. Essek travels with the Nein to Aeor, while trying to navigate his twnse situation after the exposure of his betrayal, and Caleb and his strained-at-best relationship.

Reccer says: Such a wonderful take on omegaverse w an omega Essek and alpha Caleb. The whole series is well written and Cadcade Effect is no exception!

tether the lark by duckbunny (7433, Explicit) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn, under-negotiated kink; it's a part of a series

Caleb and Essek develop their relationship admits the deadly dangers of Aeor and their own relationship with pain.

Reccer says: It's very well written, poetic and gloomy. The way Caleb and Essek's complicated relationship with each other, with kink and pain is really captivating.

Reports of my safety have been greatly exaggerated by ghosttopiary (7595, Mature) Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

essek is caught as bait, but he refuses to lead his friends into a trap.

Reccer says: Its so heartbreaking and intense! Leaves you wanting more!

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with Science Fiction!

[flower-boi16]

The Duality of Luz and Hunter's Mental States in Thanks to Them

Hollow Mind is a pretty big turning point for both Luz and Hunter's characters, as they are both faced with traumatizing revelations that follow them for the rest of the series. But something that I find interesting is how both characters go in exact opposite directions in terms of their mental health after Hollow Mind.

It's no secret that, prior to Hollow Mind, Hunter was stuck in an abusive environment, never being able to make any friends or have much of a social life due to being isolated from kids his age by Belos as a way to keep Hunter close to him, so Belos could keep on manipulated and lying to Hunter, making him think he's doing the right thing.

In Hollow Mind, Hunter is faced with the truth that, Belos, the person he looked up to his whole life, was secretly a terrible person who was just using him all along, an never truly cared for him, that he's only just a clone intended to be a "better" version of his brother, Caleb, one that wouldn't betray Belos and stay loyal to him. Oh, and that he also cloned and killed his own brother over and over again. Hunter is obviously traumatized by this, having his whole worldview flip on his head and having to come to terms with the fact that his whole life and everything he knew was a lie.

But...after this, Hunter's well-being and mental health actually change for the better. Obviously, he's still traumatized by these revelations, but he's also now officially out of the abusive environment that he was stuck in for his whole life, now surrounded by people who support him fully. He has real friends now that he can rely on too now, no longer being isolated for his whole life.

And, while he hasn't fully healed from his trauma, and still has to keep his secret about being a grimwalker, Thanks to Them shows him healing from it due to being in a much more supportive environment. He's allowed to actually...be a kid for once, obsessing over sci-fi books with Gus and having fun with his friends during the summer. Thanks to Them shows that Hunter, while still traumatized and not fully healed, is on a road to recovery due to him escaping the abusive environment he was trapped in for years.

Luz, meanwhile, is the exact opposite. Luz's was doing well mentally up until Hollow Mind, where, she's faced with her traumatizing revelation that she helped Belos meet the collector, meaning she had some part in Belos' plan for the day of unity. After being hit with this, Luz's mental health slowly begins to go on a downward spiral, as she blames herself for the day of unity happening, believing it's her fault due to helping Belos. It begins her depression arc where she falls into a pit of self-loathing.

Her mental health only gets worse from this point onward, as in King's Tide, Luz fails to save the Boiling Isles and is separated from King and Eda, not knowing if they are even alive or not while there's god child running around causing chaos.

Thanks to Them shows Luz at her lowest point. She's now completely gone into a depressive state, no longer being the happy-go-lucky, bubbly Luz she was before. She still feels immense guilt over helping Belos and her self-loathing only seems to have gotten worse. She thinks that she'll lose all of her friends if she tells them what she did, believing that they'll never forgive her, showing how much guilt Luz feels over helping Belos and how much she believes it's her fault.

Luz even thinks that, throughout her whole time in the demon realm, she did nothing but make mistakes that ended up hurting others she cared about, and that her friends are all better off without her because she thinks she does nothing except make things worse for the people around her. The episode even goes as far as to give Luz flat out suicidal thoughts, as she says that it would be better if she never existed at all.

Thanks to Them shows Luz and Hunter's contrasting mental states after Hollow Mind, one closing off and becoming more depressed while the other gets in a more supportive environment and is healing from his trauma.

Just an interesting thing I noticed.

[pagetreader]

@honorhearted

They were known as G.risha, the people (if you could call them that) that were endowed with the ability to manipulate the matter of the world around them at its most fundamental level. Grisha referred to this ability as Small Science. Everyone else called it w.itchcraft. 

In Europe, occurrences of Grisha had been common, and all were hunted and put to death by fire. More recently, about a century ago, they’d begun to make appearances in the new world, leading to what had become known as the S.alem W.itch Trials. 

Now, in the thick of the R.evolutionary W.ar, the tyrant K.ing G.eorge had made one of these Grisha a General, leading a special legion in the R.oyal B.ritish A.rmy made up solely of his kind.

This unholy battalion turned the tides in the favor of the r.edcoats and led to the slaughter of countless P.atriots and their allies for the last two years. Humans were simply no match for those who could command the elements on the battlefield.

T.idemakers destroyed countless ships belonging to the French fleet, I.nferni set the land ablaze, and H.eartrenders damaged the internal organs of every r.ebel that dared to step their way.

Then there was the Fold, a massive swath of darkness that plagued the land in a jagged border that separated N.ew Y.ork from the rest of the C.olonies.

All who had been trapped within it had been twisted into heinous and horrifying flying monsters, dubbed volcra, that feasted on human flesh. The Fold made New York impenetrable.

If the C.ontinental Army continued on like this, it was only a matter of time before it was brought to its knees in inevitable surrender. 

On this night, the only thing on A.lina’s mind had been revenge – justice for her uncle S.ackett. With his killer in their grasp, she could think of little else. Adrenaline racing as the ambush commenced, Alina made a beeline for G.amble, but Benjamin was faster, tackling him in the docked boat and demanding to know the locations of the other shovers. 

It was a valiant effort, but to no avail. In self defense, he’d been forced to stab Gamble. As the bloody killer lay choking on his own blood, Caleb and Alina took their places beside their comrade and stared down at the pitiful sight. Caleb aimed his pistol and, in Sackett’s honor, pulled the trigger. 

And just like that, it was over. Gamble was gone. So why didn’t Alina feel any better? 

Sick to her stomach, Alina staggered away from the scene, collapsing to her knees on the bank of M.oodna Creek, dry sobs racking her body as she shivered in grief until finally she slammed her fists into the wet soil and emitted a guttural scream. 

That’s when it happened. Light burst forth from her very being, illuminating the area as brightly as the sun and blinding any who stood nearby.

In breathless shock, Alina was speechless and in fearful awe of the power that rushed through her limbs. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the light vanished and Alina fell unconscious.

Hours must have passed by since then, and as she stirred by the fireside, tucked in a bedroll, she prayed it had all been some kind of nightmare.

With caution and mounting dread, her eyes remained fixed on the flames as she groggily asked, “Gamble…he’s dead?”

And did that really happen? Did I light up like a bloody lantern?

[dizzycloudzzz]

Beta Huntlow

Headcanons ²

*equivalent to the first season, each one from one side of the story (golden guard YAY x chaotic criminal rebel YAY) that occasionally meets

Both too stubborn to give in in an argument or ideal, they'll never admit that they have ANYTHING in common

But curreeently they have a lot of similar things: musical taste, culinary taste, literary taste, basically the same person ☠️ which is pretty weird since Willow was under the culture of the human realm and Hunter was under the demon realm's most of his life, but it's like both Luz and Amity knowing Azura's book

Except for the styles, he's the little prince totally dolled up who spends hours polishing his armor and have clothes selected by other people of course, she's emo and wears the first thing she sees in the closet. Willow's comfortable with herself and Hunter is desperately trying to cover up his messy interior

Hunter as a golden guard here doesn't wear a mask, he's the FACE of the emperor's coven, so Willow can come to an agreement with herself that he's pretty, Hunter can also agree, he also thinks himself is pretty (ok ok let's hypothetically say he has a crush on people with glasses named Willow, just a coincidence

The two doubt each other's intelligence a lot and end up acting like fools falling into the traps of their own ego, they're better in this regard when they rarely and unwillingly work together, two heads think better than just one in the end

The evolution of cute names: "Mistress Park" and "Whatever-his-name" -> "Dear Wilsy/Sweet Low" and "Golden guy" -> "Will" and "Hunt"

Willow knows his weaknesses, she uses the most cowardly of all against him............ compare him to a D O G. blindly loyal and following an owner who offers treats or approval pats if he does a few tricks. GOLDEN RETRIEVER!!!!! did u guys know that she gave him a cute dog collar as a gift? I think it's so rude that he never used it (I like to say as if everything is canonical 'cause in my mind it is). she calls him whistling and he goes to her with droopy ears only to say he's NOT a dog and then he leaves again, with a dramatic movement of his cape

Hunter's secret identity (WHO IS ThE MOST REBEL NOW, WITCHES!!!!!) flirts shamelessly with Willow, she knows it's him. why he's so dumb. his mask (NOW he uses) didn't disguise voice. "Caleb Jasper Bloodwilliams" here was his escape from the coven stuff, just being free and without responsibilities for a few hours, but it ended up becoming a little too "against the coven" when he discovered some things

"you can let me pay, it's just a kindness between old friends, don't worry" Hunter said and in the next day, while he was receiving a very direct death threat "YOU OWE ME ONE, I BOUGHT YOU COFFEE AND YOU THANK ME LIKE THAT??". a little emotional manipulation on both sides, how romantic 🥰

introverts who communicate telepathically with nods of the head. while everyone was in Grom they were outside just stopping arguing for a moment and enjoying each other's company 🥺:

"even if it's not the beeest thing in the world, it's what we have for today apparently..."

"who said it's not the best thing in the world for me? I'm having fun, currently. you're not that bad"

"wha- but I like that too! I don't mean- I just thought you wouldn't- don't laugh at me, that's shameful now..."

"first time with a girl?"

"I TALK WITH GIRLS ALL THE TIME, OKAY????

"poor them"

[critter-genfic-events]

This week, we've got nineteen gen fics featuring your favorite purple tiefling! Whether that's Molly, Lucien, or Kingsley, they're covered here, under the cut. As ever, if you liked them, please leave them a comment or kudos!

it takes two by wastrelwoods (3023,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Beauregard Lionett & Mollymauk Tealeaf

Beau and Molly get trapped in a cave-in. Vitriolic bonding ensues.

Reccer says: This fic just absolutely encapsulates everything I love about Molly and Beau.

there’s a ghost in my lungs by QueenWithABeeThrone (289247, Teen) Warnings: Heavy Angst, implying/reference to brainwashing and torture, Hurt/Comfort, mind control aftermath. Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Caleb Widogast, Beauregard & Fjord & Jester& Nott & Mollymauk Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast & Yasha, Beauregard/Yasha, Fjord/Jester

it is a Mollymauk!Winter Soldier AU

Reccer says: I will never not recommend this fic

Carry It Until We Die by starkraving (64513,Teen) Warnings: Hurt/comfort, angst, temporary Character Death, Whump, canon, divergence Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf & The Mighty Nein

Mollymauk resurrection au. Molly comes back to yell at his Level 20 friends.

Reccer says: I liked it!

A Reversal of Fate by FeralScribe (40580, Teen) Warnings: Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast

It is a role reversal between Molly and Caleb. So now Molly is the shy traumatized one and Caleb is the carnival amnesiac.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Hook, Line, Sinker by steelneena (5141, Teen) Warnings: Minor Character Death Pairings:

The Nein's arrival in Balenpost from Lucien's POV.

Reccer says: This fic has wonderful characterization, takes a crack theory and runs with it, and is just an al-together delicious read.

what the promised land would promise me by grayintogreen (3169, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

The Tombtakers' side of the intuit charge trap.

Reccer says: I liked it!

He Did the Goat Dance Very Well by Operafloozy (13529, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Five tales Kingsley hears about Lucien and Molly, and one time he tells his own.

Reccer says: I love a good Kingsley coming into his own story and coping with what other people say about his previous lives and how he takes that and runs with it. This is a more humorous take on that concept than most.

steady lodged between beast and god by Junkyard_Rose (6737, Mature) Warnings: general suicidal ideation Pairings:

Lucien survives the fall of Cognouza; Essek is left with custody.

Reccer says: A well-characterized "Lucien lives" fic that really gets into the trauma of surviving your swan song. Both Lucien and Essek are wonderfully written.

Autotomous, We by InsanitySilver (53978, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Years of high seas adventures pass, but for every ounce of freedom Kingsley Tealeaf gains, the nightmares grow in kind. With the help of the clerics, he sinks into his own mind to root out the source of the corruption, but, in that claustrophobic dream world, he finds unfortunate company—some more … palatable than others.

Reccer says: This fic has a wonderfully unique set piece, a lovely original backstory for Lucien, and vivid descriptions. It's an excellent tale of self-acceptance.

in the dream we are always posthumous by hanap (4219, Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Lucien & Kingsley Tealeaf & Mollymauk Tealeaf, The Mighty Nein & Kingsley Tealeaf

Kingsley reconciles with the people he was and the person he is now.

Reccer says: This is such a poignant exploration of identity through Kingsley and the Threeleafs. Gorgeously written and structured, it has stuck so vividly in my memory.

Crown of Cinderz by AkizaDragonBane (148365, Teen) Warnings: Slow Burn, Inspired by Tumblr, Alternate Universe, royal au, Fluff and Angst, Eventual Smut, Violence, Blood and Gore, Implied/Referenced Torture, Childhood Trauma, Attempted Murder, Attempted Kidnapping Pairings: Mollymauk Tealeaf/Caleb Widogast, Ashton Greymoore/Mollymauk Tealeaf

Mysteriously appearing when Lucien Nonagon starts hunting his two brothers. It also happens Mollymauk is seeking refuge for him and his toddler brother. Coming to the throne of the most fearsome ruler in Wildmount. Will Caleb Widowgast take the risk and take them in is the real question?

Reccer says: I liked it!

Wine-Dark Sea by fruitzbat (161010, Mature) Warnings: This piece is pretty heavily focused on post-traumatic, post-apocalyptic and post-genocidal themes. Most of the POV characters are struggling with some form of PTSD. Pairings: Kingsley/Original Character, Fjord/Jester.

Kingsley has just freed himself from something extraordinarily traumatic and is trying to rebuild something after it -- the question is more *what*.

Reccer says: This is a sequel to another iconic Kingsley-centric fic that may have already made the list; unlike the first, this is slower in pace and focuses a lot more on the characterization. I love the way that, while it does have some focus on his relationship to a supporting character, it's entirely about exploring Kingsley (as a character)'s relationship to the notion of free choice. His character arc in this is really well done. The themes are quite heavy, but are explored very thoughtfully and with the weight that they deserve.

The Fathoms Below by Lady_King (6423, Teen) Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Fjord & Jester Lavorre & Kingsley Tealeaf

while shipping a priority item, the crew of the Nein Heroez attract some attention from the deep...

Reccer says: An extremely well-written fight scene and aftermath that feels like it could slot perfectly into canon.

It’ll Be Over Soon by NKMLN (27,898, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: Fjord/Jester, Fjord & King, Jester & King, Caduceus & King, King & Molly & Lucien

When a trip to check on Bwualli goes wrong, Kingsley finds himself marooned in the Shattered Teeth, far from the reach of the gods. World history ensues.

Reccer says: This fic is my baby. I worked really hard on writing a good horror fic, only to be informed that i had not written a horror fic and had, in fact, written a tragedy. I put a lot of love into this. I hope you enjoy.

looking glass by Anubis_2701 (26721, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: Lucien & Mollymauk Tealeaf, The Mighty Nein & Mollymauk Tealeaf, Cree & Lucien, Lucien & The Mighty Nein

Lucien and Molly are twins. with a different back story

Reccer says: I liked it!

The Fool and The Soldier by mare_astrorum (123354, Mature) Warnings: Pairings: The Mighty Nein & Mollymauk Tealeaf

Mollymauk Tealeaf survived the Mighty Nein's encounter with the Iron Shepherds on Glory Run Road, but a short time later, a spirit began hunting him, claiming that he stole his body. This Campaign 2 AU begins with Episode 26 and continues on from there.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Let Your Bloated Brain Balloon and Float Away by R_Black (5074, Teen) Warnings: Major Character Death Pairings: Lucien & Mollymauk Tealeaf

After Lucien dies for the second time, he gets to chat a bit with the special sliver of his soul that broke off after his first death.

Reccer says: I adored the descriptions and worldbuilding of this version of the afterlife, and both Lucien and Molly's characterizations felt true to form and uniquely distinct in the best way possible.

And then two recs each for these two fics!

the same twist in your heart as mine by hanap (6000,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf & Aldreda Tavelle Seriblo, Lucien & Aldreda Tavelle Seriblo, Kingsley Tealeaf & Essek Thelyss, Kingsley Tealeaf & Caleb Widogast, Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast

In which Kingsley discovers that the last occupant of his body had a younger sister.

Reccer 1 says: I think the most compelling thing to come out of the Nine Eyes of Lucien was that Lucien had a sister living in Rexxentrum the entire time. I like this fic's characterization of Kingsley, and the soft and heartbreaking reunion. Reccer 2 says: One of the thoughts that loomed largest in my mind after finishing Nine Eyes was "What would happen if King learned about Aldreda?" and this fic is *such* an interesting, emotion-filled exploration of that. Things did not play out how I expected they would in the best of ways, which is all I'll say on that. Never enough Kingsley fic in the world and getting into his head and how he would handle things was so fascinating and enjoyable here. Also, Essek and Kingsley's friendship is to die for and an excellent side to this fic!

Crowned Teeth (Or, An Offering Revoked) by fruitzbat (130,570, Teen) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Kingsley Tealeaf/Original Character

After a standard trip towards the Bay of Gifts goes horribly wrong, Kingsley finds himself trapped and vowing to himself to hold those responsible to the light -- betrayed, isolated, and far from home, Kingsley must carve out his own destiny and forge a legacy he can say is worthy of those who came before him.

Reccer 1 says: This fic is absolutely amazing on every level, taking a sentence worth of a setting and expanding it into a beautiful bunch of worldbuilding. The original characters are amazing, the lore is air-tight, and it reads very much like a canon novel I could pick up in a bookstore. There is romance towards the end, but I consider it more of a "story with kissing" as opposed to "kissing with story" and the relationships between King and his crew are all developed well. This is also the first fic in a trilogy and all of them are worth a read. Reccer 2 says: This has some of the best worldbuilding I’ve ever seen in a fic. The world of piracy and sailing Kingsley inhabits is painstakingly described and true to life, and the portrayal of Kingsley’s state of mind, his friends and his enemies here is on point. I highly recommend this whole series for anyone who likes to wonder what Kingsley’s time on the seas and eventual journey to become Plank King might have entailed.

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we'll be reccing fic featuring any of the campaign's pets! This includes familiars, noncanonical pets, Trinket and any flame spirit monkey children that pop up from time to time.

If you're looking for some more, there's some good stuff in the critter genfic bingo tag! Or you can request your own card and join in on the fun!

[theamberplumbob]

The Bride of Straud: Chapter 5

Of course, Claudia and Vlad could not be expected to take care of their spawn all on their own. Vlad recommended they acquire a butler. He assured he had the perfect person for the job. Claudia happily agreed. As much as she’d become attached to her new born daughter, she couldn’t spend all her time doting on Ophelia.

The butler’s name was Mehdi Al Arabi, and he was one of Vlad’s many mortals who owed him a dept. In the past Mehdi proved to be quite useful, not as a blood bag, but as servant. He shared Vlad’s appreciation for music, and could efficiently play almost any instrument. He also knew how to cook, garden, clean, and take care of children. He would live in the manor, and dedicate his life to serving the Straud family, so long as he was provided a proper living space and they did not drink from him. Claudia could manage that.

Upon Mehdi’s arrival, Claudia immediately noticed how attractive he was, and she had a feeling based on the way he looked at her that he was thinking the same.

On his first day, Mehdi proved to be quite competent, caring for Ophelia with efficiency. All Claudia had to do was ring a bell, and he would do whatever she pleased. Now that she had a spare hand around the house, she had a certain project she wanted Mehdi to take care of.

She called him down to the barren sunroom room, where empty flower pots laid strewn. Claudia had purchased some plasma fruit, wolfsbane, and sixam fly trap seeds, and wanted Mehdi to grow her a garden. She pointed to the flow pot in the middle of the room, and revealed the rose in her hand. “This is the rose my husband gave me when we first started courting,” she said, handing it to Mehdi. “Plant it, so it can flourish and grow forever.” And so, Mehdi began to plant and nourish Claudia’s garden.

As the days went on, Claudia continued to improve. She felt she reached a pinnacle when it came to her charismatic abilities. Between Vlad and Caleb, lying had become second nature to her.

On top of that, her vampiric powers were growing. She ascended from prime vampire to master vampire, and with it, her bloodlust deepened. Before, she could go at most a day and a half without drinking, now, she found herself having to drink at least twice a day. Vlad assured her it was a good thing, that her metabolism was growing along with her strength. With this in mind, Claudia felt it was time to challenge Miss Hell once again.

Like any other night, Claudia arrived to challenge Miss Hell to a sparing session, and like any other day, Miss Hell humored her. What Miss Hell wasn’t expecting was for Claudia to get the drop on her.

Claudia was fast and cunning and strong. Before she knew it, she was on her knees, and Claudia was the one helping her up. Miss Hell was stunned, but also incredibly proud. Claudia did exactly what Miss Hell assured she would. She got strong, strong enough to beat even her. However, there where two more trials before she could fully prove herself.

The second trial was defeating Markus. While Miss Hell was known for her strategic fighting style, Markus was pure muscle. Not many could brute force their way through a vampiric duel, but Markus had many a times. However, not this one. Claudia knew exactly how to use his stature against him. The bigger they are, the harder they fall, and Markus certainly did. Though, he could only be impressed with Claudia’s abilities. Miss Hell had trained her well.

The last trial was Cat. Cat was unbelievably agile, and incorporated her bat form into her fighting style. Claudia could certainly say this: Cat was ruthless in battle. She was like an animal who had been backed into a corner.

However, Claudia was able to match her ruthlessness, and even double it. Despite her quick moving, Claudia was still able to get ahold of her and knock her down. With that she had done it. She had defeated the Hellions in battle. The three of them bowed to her. Now, they could finally, truly recognize her as queen.

Claudia came home to tell Vlad the news, but couldn’t seem to find him. Instead, she found the spirit of Alice in the game room. At this point, Claudia had gotten used to the spirits of their victims haunting the mansion, however, it was rare to see Alice, and she was one of the few that would actually speak with her.

The two ended up having a riveting conversation. They both had a very pragmatic way of viewing the world, valuing power and material possessions over a the vague concept of contentment that society often taught them to chase.

They both had a thing or two to complain about when it came to their husbands, neither being truly in love, yet ended up married and with a child. However, Alice never ended up getting as far as Claudia had, and wished she had known her, well, before she killed her. Claudia couldn’t help but agree. She didn’t feel guilty for killing Alice, per se, she just wished it had all played out differently. She would have loved to take someone like Alice under her wing and teach her the are of manipulation and treachery.

Perhaps… there was still a way yet… but that would have to wait for another time, since Vlad came in. He explained he had gotten caught up playing the violin. With that, Alice disappeared.

Claudia told Vlad the news, and he was quite pleased. Vlad assured Claudia that she only continued to prove how right he had been to make her queen.

Since Halloween night was almost upon them, he felt it was appropriate for them to revive the vampiric tradition of hosting a masquerade ball to celebrate. Claudia was all for the idea, it was an excellent way of increasing her standing with the people.

The masquerade was a joyous event. Everyone attended in their finest dress and ornate masks, all accept Samantha, Brandy, and Demetrius, who seemed to have decided not to conform to the dress code. The Hellions found this extremely distasteful, but given that Brandy was the royal photographer and Demetrius the royal portraiture, they could make an exception. Still, Markus shot them dirty looks all throughout the party.

Angie and Danielle were also in attendance, wanting to experience the grandeur and romance of a vampiric masquerade ball on Halloween night. They seemed to enjoy the event, Danielle in particular taking the time to socialize with the other vampires, despite their family’s tendency of self-isolate.

They all knew that the Daniels looked down on other vampires for being less benevolent in their drinking habits, which was why they only seemed to associate with the Vatores and their own extended family. They never voiced it, so the others never acknowledged it. However, Danielle may just bridging that gap.

Claudia specifically spent much of the event socializing with Demetrius. He was a charming man, and very skilled with a brush. She was looking to have her portrait done, and he was happy to oblige.

By the end of the night, everyone went home happy, they had certainly liked the impact that Claudia had on Vlad. They hadn’t had this many parties in decades. She brought the joviality back into the vampire community. Claudia found their high opinion of her quite pleasing.

The next day, Vlad pulled Claudia aside to have a very important discussion. Claudia had progressed far enough in her vampiric training and been queen long enough that it was well beyond time for her to sire her first vampire. Vlad directed her to library where there were archives of potential candidates for turning. Claudia could look through them and choose the one she wanted. After many hours spent in the researching, she found the one: Bella Goth.

Bella had married into the Goth family, a clan with a rich occult history and a lot of old money. While many assume her to be the young trophy wife of a prestigious billionaire, she was so much more. She was secretly an agent of S.I.M.S., an intelligence agency charged with investigating international conspiracies. By becoming her vampire maker, she would not only have control over the Goth’s power and influence, she would also have a mole inside one of the most powerful organizations in the globe.

The first step was befriending her. Claudia arrived at the Goth house while Mortimer wasn’t home, pretending to be a co-worker who wanted him to look over her writing. Bella offered for her to stay until he got back.

Realizing that Bella shared her love for chess, she offered to play a game with her. The two had a very engrossing discussion over their, rather intense, match (which Claudia won, of course). As it got later and Mortimer didn’t come back, Claudia said that she could simply come back another time, but asked if Bella would like to get coffee with her some time. Bella thought that would be fantastic. And so, the trap was set.

Now, Claudia needed to return home to her daughter, who was aging up that night. Vlad and Mehdi gathered round as Claudia took Ophelia out of her bassinet and helped her take her first steps.

Ophelia looked so much like her mother, with her jet black hair and general facial structure. Lucky for Claudia, Caleb and Vlad both had the same grey eyes.

“She has my eyes,” Vlad remarked.

Claudia smiled. Vlad was completely clueless.