#BUT I CARE so yall get to hear about it >:3c

[torao-chan]

i am starting to see the beginning of mustache hairs on my upper lip asldkjlgfdkgdf i am both >:3c and >~>;; about this

[dndfuckhouse]

Session 51 - A Man Out of Time

> 🎵  Insane President / AI The Somnium Files nirvanA Initiative OST

We pick back up again on The Pelican, in the dead of night. Rain pelts the deck as the group all stand huddled together, discussing their next course of action. Vernalis and Keva stand apart for the moment as the wraiths, on a whim, have decided to dance around them in a circle with them at the center. The wraiths wonder aloud when the group will complete their discussion on the ‘fun game’ they’ve suggested they all play.

Should the party win, the swaps will be undone and the wraiths will leave them be, though should they lose they say they’re to become their friends, and play games with them all the time. The innocuous words and the cold wind both chill the group to their bones as they chat in hushed tones.

The party decide to play hide and seek, knowing the abilities they hold would aid in never being found. Cimmorro decides on shape changing into a crew member, Psalm has his invisibility, Han her pass without a trace, and should all else fail, Plum shape changed into a bat stuffed inside their own bag of holding is their decided linchpin.

Han: "...so then, other than all that, we just play hide and seek?" Cimmorro: "seems straightforward enough. we should be clear with them what the rules are though" Han: "this seems pretty simple... i feel little bad... since psalm said it would be cool game.." she pouts a lil  Psalm: "They were attacking passengers if that helps you feel better about tricking them." Han: "i mean, yes, but they seem kinda harmless otherwise..." Psalm: he just shrugs Finn: finn openly glares at you Han: doesn't even clock it cause shes used to it from plum

Plum: "the attacking passengers kind of makes it so that they're not harmless, i'd think" Han: "alright alright im just saying" Finn: "just saying? if youre fine with having your body taken away then id be happy to lose you to these pesky wraiths, but this is a waste of my time and id like to get these childish games over with as fast as possible" Cimmorro: "it's also dead in the night and i would like to go back to bed in my body. i'm not about to stay here until dawn playing with bored ghosts" Finn: "i dont care what we have to do to win" Han: han like christ yall are so touchy, puts up her hands in surrender "forget i said anything, go do your smooth talking now" moves to push psalm out of the huddle Cimmorro: "so, are we good? let's get it over with?" Plum: "please" Finn: "please" Cimmorro: "should we all go up there with you or" Psalm: "Sure, at this point it makes no difference to me." Cimmorro: cimms gonna start following behind you Rokka: rokka will lag in the back Keva: as the rest of the bengaboys approach, keva turns to them, feeling a little agitated and on edge as the wraiths continue to circle her. "let's get on with it then"

The wraiths laugh a little at Keva's impatience, though they stop their dancing as the party approach and explain their game of hide and seek to them. They hear a few childish pouts and sighs as it seems they expected something wholly new, though others react with laughter and glee, as if it were already a favourite game of theirs.

Wraiths: "do we only play one round?" "we only have to find you.." "cat and mouse" "we'll play... even if you lied a little" "we'll give you three minutes to hide" and then we'll come looking" "are you all ready?” Psalm: :3c i love lying Cimmorro: cimm's like "yaay games and gaming..." low energy, can i just say cimm is sticking wherever vinny goes bc god forbid i leave that man alone Vernalis: verny didnt know what hide n seek was n now she knows Han: dogs dont sweat so han just sticks her tongue out n huffs nervously Rokka: Tails.jpg Plum: hearing the word "lied" makes plum a little nervous

The wraiths cease their circling around Keva and Vernalis and start floating in a circle on the deck again with the ethereal man. As the party all stand at the ready they send them off and start counting.

Waiths: "one...two...."

> 🎵  Pantry / Virtue's Last Reward OST

The party rush downstairs below deck, splitting up to find their hiding places. Psalm extends his invisibility spell to Rokka as Han throws up her Pass Without a Trace to all those nearby, aiding a nearby Vernalis hidden nearby. She also positions herself with the door ajar so she can see the comings and goings of the hall outside. Cimmorro and Vinny in the meanwhile rush to hide in the dining hall storage room as Cimmorro tries to pose as a bartender.

After turning into a bat, which is altogether a new feeling, Plum is quickly placed into the bag of holding which is itself a very strange feeling. They are deposited into a small pocket dimension in the shape of a square, the walls of it soft. Though they land uncomfortably on some of the random garbage people have shoved into the thing. They fear breaking something if they move too much, luckily they don't have to and need to simply sit pretty, good thing as its also pitch black in there.

Holding the bag of holding as he searches for a hiding place, Finn gets an idea, he quickly dashes and runs towards Ozan and Vernalis’ room.

Finn: finn runs up to ozans room and goes "hem hem. i was with the group of adventurers earlier, during the battle with the wraiths..... we are on the cusp of reversing the curse and id like your corporation on this. are you a good actor?" finn tilts his head and stares at ozan Ozan: he glances over and raises a brow "hmm? im pretty good at lying if thats what you're asking" Finn: "perfect" he smirks "we're playing hide and seek with them. surely youre familiar? id like to make your bed my hiding spot and id like you to cover me with the entirety of your body. encage me. pretend that you are asleep. itll only be a couple minutes." Ozan: he tilts his head "huh...gotcha" he leans back over the sheets and wiggles around until hes under the covers before lifting it up for you "well scoot right in" Finn: finn raises his eyebrows as he didnt expect ozan to go along with this so easily, considering hes lacking his physical charm right now but is satisfied nevertheless. only one of the vengaboys needs to win, but he hates losing. "what a reasonable man you turned out to be... a rarity" he purrs and climbs right in, not hesitating to get into ozans personal space "lie atop me, perhaps? but if thats too awkward itll be enough for you to hold me... and hold the sheets down, too" Ozan: "i mean all i gotta do is pretend im sleeping right? easiest job" he thinks for a moment as you nestle up into him "hmm... i dont exactly wanna crush you so ill just..." he grabs a pillow and puts it across on your other side to pretend as if he were holding it instead of you "that works"

Vernalis: I screamed Cimmorro: i like that the most homosexual of us all is getting boob action out of everyone Han: han is going to kill finn after this i think Plum: me first

Finn: "mm.. yeah that works... but its okay if you crush me a little" finn snuggles up to him, wishing it wasnt vernys body. its not like this is an unfamiliar feeling though... but just as finn is about to get too comfortable, he jolts up "ah! i... forgot something important" he climbs out awkwardly and hurriedly, jogging to the chest in front of the bed "we have someone hiding in this bag actually" he holds it up for ozan to see and then puts it gently down into the chest "just to make sure we'll win..." he then climbs back into bed, same position as before Ozan: he stares at you holding back a laugh at forgetting something so seemingly important "how'd they fit.." but its said more to himself as opposed to a genuine question as he knows youre meant to be actually hiding right now. he regains the previous position pulling you close "nighty niiiight" he fake yawns before closing his eyes and pretending to be in the blissful depths of sleep

Cimmorro: me n vinny soooo fucked we should just die together QUICK VINNY BEFORE THE WRAITHS FIND US DO YOU WANT TO ADMIT YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON ME Chip: stealth so low bc ur just making out Keva: 5 minutes in heaven Chip: ghosts seeing cimmorro kissing a random crewman Cimmorro: GHUIEFGEFG ERHUIGER GHERIHUGER im sorRY I JUST REALIZED WHAT THAT IS Plum: like what happened to hide and seek....?

The countdown reaches its end and wraith begin their hunt. As they start searching the ship the group hear loud shrieks from the passengers and crewman in the dining hall and various sounds of scuffles as they rush away from them.

Most of the party don't hear anything to indicate the wraiths coming towards them. Though Rokka notices a wraith wisp through the open frame of the bathing hall where he’s chosen to hide. He stands stock still invisible in the middle of the bath, leaving two big indents in the water where his legs ought be.

Rokka: rokka freezes in his spot trying not to shake and holds his breath out of fear

The wraith slowly drifts over, staring directly where Rokka stands. it soon lets out a delighted cackle and swoops over, tapping him where his shoulder should be 

Wraith: "found one! you aren't very good at hiding..." 

He suddenly feels his arms grabbed by the wraith as it lifts him out of the water, he feels a strange sensation as if rising through something before he quickly lose consciousness.

Rokka: rokka starts shaking at the tap and screams before passing out ggez

The whole party hear the loud shriek echo across the floor, Han tenses hard after hearing rokka (her own voice) scream. She pops out her glaive, angling it as a mirror to try and check for anything down the hallway. She spots a couple wraiths heading in the direction of the scream, though only two. She imagines the others are somewhere else on the ship searching still.

Looking in the other direction she sees no wraiths directly nearby, as far as she can see none are on or around the stairs, any in the entrance hallway seem to be glancing in the other direction as well.

Across the ship, Cimmorro and Vinny don't fare much better in the storage room. As they sit crouched in the dark Cimmorro begins to hear the sound of one getting close to the door, judging by the commotion outside at any rate.

Cimmorro: whisper @ vinny "do you have anything to disguise yourself with!? we could both pretend to be working on something here, i don't know!" Vinny: he sweats crouched next to you as he wracks his brain "i-i dont have anything ready to change how i look. the best i could try is dimension dooring us somewhere if theyre onto us, t-though i dont know where id put us!?" Cimmorro: "w-wait that's good... wait, how about this: i'll run out there and distract them, since i'm disguised already... then you can do that thing to get out of here? that way we both don't get caught- i'll say something like someone's  hiding in this room then you go POOF good bye!" Vinny: he kind of crosses his eyes out of stress "I-i guess that could work... i still dont know where i should g-go!? what if they notice its you...." Cimmorro: "shit. good point... but there's only a few ghosts and more boarding rooms so might as well try for one of those? or the restroom stalls-" he scratches his head "either way if i get caught then that's just one less instead of both of us at the same time. we just need one person to stay hidden, remember?" Vinny: he scratches his head out of worry mirroring cimmorro "i guess ill pick a room and hope im lucky... i can take you with me, t-theres no need for the decoy plan really! id rather not have anyone caught i dont even know what they'll do if they grab you.." he glances back at the door anxiously "regardless i need to do it quickly" Cimmorro: "what if we BOTH end up in a room with a wraith? goddess- just, okay." he runs a hand down his face and takes a breath "just prepare your thing then if things go to shit" Han: hes like this 🥺 Cimmorro: fine i guess ill be your little pogchamp

Cimmorro and Vinny continue to converse in hushed tones before they see the handle on the pantry begin to jiggle. As it swings open they see the hand of a wraith as it makes its way inwards before Vinny jumps and casts the spell. He grabs Cimmorro and pulls the both of them through with a quick incantation before they feel themselves stumble with an oof into one of the random cabins. 

He tries to be as quiet as possible as he glances around with his arm around Cimmorro’s shoulders. The two spy a familiar purple haired women staring wide eyed at them from one of the beds, Ozan in the body of Vernalis.

Cimmorro: cimm just blinks a little dazed at how fast that went like ??? then looks up at verny? "h-hello just passing through-" then turns to vinny like what teh fuck.....! Vinny: he gets an embarrassed face as he rubs his neck crawling around on the floor "i-i couldnt decide but at least no ones around..hello..." he whispers this to ozan like he wants to die the man continues staring at the them and waves a little from the bed

Setting off a quick detect undead, Cimmorro quickly senses a wraith is right outside the door, floating towards it.

Cimmorro: whispered panic "shit. shit. one's right outside.” Finn: finn mentally recalls what the past couple days have been like, what hes done, who hes talked to, and finds that hes done nothing so wrong that he deserves the situation at hand unfolding. he wonders if he should even bother yelling at the other vengaboys. he wants to ignore them so so bad but decides to stick an arm out and point at the other bed before retracting it, holding tighter onto ozan Cimmorro: cimm's immediate panic is put to a pause as soon as he sees the hand, it only takes another second for him to realize what's going on and turns to vinny pulling him over to the unoccupied space. "you. bed. now. go go go" Vinny: vinny stares curiously at the motion before cimm pulls him "e-er, over or under?" Cimmorro: "over, it's too obvious if you're under-" he says this while changing his form again to something bigger maybe something like an aarakocra so the wings can help with cover, then he basically just pins vinny under him and says shush Vinny: he makes an aborted yelp as you pull him over, most of his surprise coming from the change in form as you pull him close, as you settle in and shush him he just mutters an 'oh gods...' under his breath doing his best to hide himself and his face, nearly forgetting the tail. Ozan: you hear ozan stiffle a chuckle as he closes his eyes again Vernalis: Ozan actually gonna fall asleep

As the two secure themselves, across the ship in one of the storage rooms, Keva’s ears pick up the sound of the door creaking open as something begins shuffling around the room. She assumes it to be a wraith as she hears a little chuckling and things in the room get moved around and toppled over, erring closer to her spot, hidden within a crate.

She does what she can to hide herself further, hiding under a dusty tarp within the crate, curling into as small a ball as she can. Suddenly she hears the crate on top of hers opened and then tossed aside. She feels the lid lifted off her own and holds her breath. After a few moments she feels the lid dropped onto the top of the crate again as the wraith abandons it, seemingly satisfied with spotting nothing inside.

It continues to rummage about the rest of the room. She keeps her guard up, staying sharp until she hears the sound of it leave the room, finally noting the door slam shut again.

Keva: after a few moments she breathes again and tries to not sneeze or cough from the dust lol

Back in the cabin hallway, Han decides to try move up the stairs to get a look on whats happening on the deck. She squints into the darkness as the rain continues to pelt overhead, unseen for now. She spy's a few wraiths on the deck playing in a circle as she'd seen before, though feels as if there are more figures than before she cant make out much else. She clicks her tongue and darts back to her hiding spot, trying to not linger lest she alert the wraiths moving around the entrance hall.

Han tries again to try and check the corridor, though she nearly trips over herself walking to the door, catching her feet just in time. Her dance with herself gives her zero view of the hall outside in the meantime, she stays frozen in place nervously afterwards.

The wraiths search continues as they begin examining the cabins. The door of the room Psalm is hiding in is flung open, though after a few moments of silence, he hears it flung closed just as quickly, seemingly no worse for wear.

Near Psalm’s recently opened cabin Cimorro, Vinny, Ozan and Finn also hear the sounds of the doors in the hallway begin to get flung open. The sound is getting ever closer as the four set themselves in their positions.

Soon enough they hear the door to their own slammed open. Cimmorro feels one float over to him above the bed, staring at his face it looks at him for what feels like hours but could only be a few seconds. After a few more tenuous seconds it then floats away, doing the same to Ozan on the other side of the room. Satisfied, it lets out a little cackle as it exits the room, slamming the door shut behind it again.

After a few more seconds of tense waiting around in their positions, all across the ship the group suddenly hear a chorus of wailing and sighing sounds. Soon after they feel a snapping sensation in their heads as they’re snapped back into their own bodies where they currently sit. All across the ship they hear cries and shouts of surprised and relieved cheering echo around from passengers and crew.

> 🎵  Junkpit / Ghost Song OST

As opposed to the others however, Han’s literal body swaps instead, she finds herself in the same position she was but simply as herself again. As the party settle themselves in their new strange positions, they note any spells they’ve cast suddenly drop as well.

Plum: plum is going to go from a cozy dark space to lying in bed with a random person and screaming Cimmorro: cimm struggles a lil while tapping vinny's arm like "erm... cheesed to meet you" Vinny: he blinks while rubbing his head then glances down at you and yells, rolling off to the side abruptly and onto the floor with a whomp sound Vernalis: blinking back after waiting around in the dark verny kinda painfully slowly reacclimates and looks down at plum and then looks around a lil bit more "Oh! That was rather smart." She's kinda just immobile relishing lack of joint pain idk how old ozan is hes geriatric in her mind. Plum: plum struggles away from verny awkwardly and sits up, frowning. "yeah i guess it was," they mutter, but they're thinking of how to grill finn later. speaking of finn, where did finn put..himself. they also notice cimm and vinny in the room like wtf.. Cimmorro: he sits up while laughing and says "well, that worked! guess we're fine now- apart from that blood curdling scream earlier" Vinny: he breathes a defeated sigh on the ground as he lowers himself further Cimmorro: he stands over to his side and stretches his home sweet body again before pulling over one of vinny's arms. "cmoooon, you gotta admit that was quite the thrill!" he looks over to verny and plum like :D "yay! we did it!" Vernalis: "I should go look for my roommate now." And with a ^_^ She gets up and finally registers cimm and vinnys presence. "Yeah we did it??!" :D???? Plum: "we did it, yayyy" they say in a somewhat unenthused voice. "that was really fucking easy for me, not gonna lie" Vinny: he makes a withered noise in the back of his throat "yes...quite the thrill.." but turns his head at the cheering and lifts a fist like wooo... Cimmorro: "heh, i am curious of what it feels like to be in that thing-- speaking of, where is it?” Plum: "i have no idea, i was in the bag. probably in this room, though"

Han: seeing psalm and keva rush up too, han goes "are you yourself again? that was. not pleasant." Psalm: "Not something I'd like to experience again." Keva: keva nods "do you know where the others are?" Han: "i could only feel someone in my- feeling-" han walks back and knocks under the stairs to ozan "are you yourself" Ozan: he shuffles out of the door and peeks his head out "helllooo!" he glances around you all "i assume whatever this was got sorted then" he stretches his back a little "wish i could go back to napping..." Psalm: psalm rolls his shoulders like "Hope Im not sore tomorrow.." Keva: "stretch and you'll be fine" Psalm: :< Han: looking at ozan, han looks back up to keva and psalm "wait, when you guys changed, did you... stay where you are? because it felt like my whole body got moved?" Keva: keva blinks "i was in a box and then suddenly i was in a room, i assume where psalm had been hiding" Han: "i stayed in the same place..?" 😬 Psalm: "And you were swapped with Rokka? We should keep an eye out for him." Han: han pats ozan’s head distractedly before rushing up stairs again lol Keva: turning to han and processing what she said, and remembering the scream earlier, keva moves with greater urgency as she continues to the deck, looking out for signs of rokka  Ozan: ozan makes a sound as you pat him on the head as if amused as you shuffle upstairs past him

As the three head up again in the rain they see it pelt the deck of the ship, though it seems to be letting up, a softer shower than before.

> 🎵  Flowers / Ghost Song OST

They glance towards where the wraiths are and see them dancing slowly in a circle again, they would almost guess their demeanour looked sad from where they stand. In the circle is the same ethereal man and now holding hands with him as hes lifted around in the air is Rokka.

Han: not thinking han yells for rokka :( "hey! you stupid jellyfish! what did you do to him!!!"

Cimmorro: cimm was continuing on hassling vinny about getting up until he hears that outside and he perks up with concern "i think we should go" 

As the group outside confront the wraiths, the four inside make to head out. Plum plucks Finn out of the bag, hiding them under their arm as they make for the deck where its raining. On the deck the wraiths look over at at the three.

Wraiths: "hello" "hello winners" "we didn't do much" "he's just sleeping" "we got excited to keep him..." "but we lost" "no new friends today..." they continue rotating in a circle but slow down and let rokka's body slowly lower to the floor. hand still holding a wraiths and the man's Keva: keva makes her way over and tries to help him up Han: han runs over to hold rokka Psalm: "Is he going to wake up any time soon or...?" Wraiths: "pat him on the cheek a few times" "or shout really loud" "he'll wake up" "but he's having a good dream right now" "gave it to him as a reward for winning"

Rokka: Rokka is dreaming about reuniting with his family, his family welcoming him home with open arms, including the one person he has been desperately wanting to see the most finally home again. Whole at last he felt.

Keva: keva glares at the wraith holding his hand and says lowly "let go" Wraiths: a few of the wraiths droop to release his hand, the mans comes open on its own as they wraiths move to relink with him and continue spinning around, leaving rokka in your care Han: han glares at them untrustingly but doesnt wake rokka up yet "what about that guy?" Wraiths:  "we told you" "he's our friend" "he's not yours is he..."

Thinking fast Keva quickly moves her hand while the etheral man is still within her grasp, she quickly reaches out to grab the man’s free arm.

Wraiths: as you grab the other man's arm you stop the abrupt twirling, the wraiths quickly go from dropping to standing tall as they make angered faces at you "he's not part of the game!" "why are you grabbing him!" Keva: "time you find someone else to play with" she tugs to try and pull him towards her Han: han joins in to try and grab another body part Wraiths: the ghosts tug back with a ferocity, contesting the two womens "no!" "no!" "stop!!" "you already won! "we already lost so many!" "there'll be no one left" their wailing begins to grow in volume as if they were starting to scream and cry Psalm: I help them pull, altho psalm will say under his breath "We shouldn't even be getting involved."

Keva feels a surge of strength run through her as she reaclimates to her body but with an otherworldy possessiveness the wraiths wrest the man back.

Wraiths: "hes not yours!" "hes not your friend!" "he doesnt love you!" "go away" "go away!" "dont take him away!" "dont leave us alone!"

As the man is ripped from the three's grasps, Han manages to cast protection from good and evil in the fleeting seconds before he leaves it. As she does the wraiths pull him away from them. As he’s laid in their arms she suddenly sees the man's face twitch from where it had lied unmoving before.

The rest of the party arrive on deck, and watch the man's face twist and bunch as the wraiths crowd him, before suddenly they begin to shout and murmer worriedly amongst themselves.

Wraiths: "no no!" "what did they do!" "they hurt him!" "he's leaving!" "please stop!" "dont do this!" "make it stop!" "dont go!" 

The man's arms begin to twitch, his legs and his toes shudder as he stirs. eventually he falls right out from under the wraiths hold onto the deck below, their grip on him lost. Reacting before her, Keva gives Han's back a push, forcing her dash forward to catch the man in her arms before he hits the ground. 

He feels light and airy in her arms as if he weighed nothing at all. In the interim Finn flys over towards Psalm to hide from the rain within his cloak. Above them the wraiths distort and wail sadly, but they seem to twist and shake, instead of trying to grab him again they just wobble and wail, crying out.

Wraiths: "were alone again!" "alone again!" "why did you do this!" "why do you hate us" "why do we lose everything" Han: han looks up soooo sadly at them "you.. come on guys, you know you cant steal people..." Wraiths: the wraiths droop and twist in agony and sadness "he came to us..." "he chose us..." "isn't that okay!?"| Psalm: "You have each other?" Psalm tries Wraiths: the wraiths look towards psalm and despite their lack of eyes he feels something mournful boring into him "we wanted someone different" "its scary" "someone big" "safe" "we keep losing ourselves" "but he would always be there" "please give him back" "were sorry" "please were so sorry" "we'll go away" "never again" Han: han looks at psalm and keva with big pleading eyes and her mouth in a grimace "should we- not have-?" she doesnt really know what to do Keva: han can see keva's struggling with this too, but says "we should ask him" and juts her chin at the man Psalm: "I don't feel any sympathy for them after all the trouble they put us in tonight. But I agree. If he wants to be with them that's none of my business." He crosses his arms.

Han tries to get a read on the wraiths but gets nothing aside from pure sadness, and lonliness, she cant imagine this is anything but purely genuine from them, which makes it so demoralising. Keva tries to stir the man but he doesnt seem to wake, just shifting and furrowing his brow as if in the midst of a bad dream. Psalm tries lightly slapping his face, and turns up much of the same result.

Trying to get a read on how to help them Plum thinks to themselves, wracking their brain on the things they've been hearing them say and his general look and appearance. They gather at some point he came into contact with them and ended up this way, most likely unknowing of the consequences. To bind the undead like this you would need something to hold them, the man and the wraiths didn't come from nowhere. Something magic is holding them in this in between state, forced into a limbo. They glance back at the man and think 'there has to be something on him doing this... a seal or lock'.

As the others find themselves preoccupied talking to the wraiths Plum quickly moves to check the man over realising they might be able to solve this. Soon enough they find what they’re looking for, a locket in the shape of a heart tucked away in his clothes around his neck. As they flip it around they see arcane runes scratched into the back. Something strong and binding, its almost hard to look at directly as if it were repelling their eyes. As they mess around with it they click it open, on the inside they see something carved in smaller letters in common, reading 'always together'.

Plum: plum just makes a face at it, and says, "wow.. very subtle." they're not sure if just removing the locket will kill the guy or not, they cast identify on it

Psalm: "You wouldn't need protecting if you didn't randomly attack innocents now would you. Learn to play games among yourselves." berating them like children Wraiths: the wraiths droop lower and lower as you speak, making sounds as if crying "were sorry" "we just wanted to make friends" "were sorry" "please im sorry" you almost watch them grow smaller in size as you do Han: han continues to look like a lost puppy btwn everyone Finn: finn squeaks at you disapprovingly a little...... Psalm: <-- after their reactions, Psalm rolls his eyes and goes "Just don't do it again." Finn: at this finn simply gets comfortable again, satisfied w psalm correcting his way here Han: "can we- can we do something else for you? how can we keep you here, without him?" :( Keva: keva speaks more softly to them this time, "if you're really his friend, then don't you want him to be having fun, too? he looks like he's been in a bad dream all this time "you can't... make people stay" Wraiths: the wraiths shrink a little in response at psalm’s dismissal before turning to han "were all alone" "we want to be with him" "we dont want to be alone again" "we want to be with him" "we want to be with someone" at keva the wraiths twist and contort again as they grow "he was happy" "he was happy before" "now hes hurt" "he came to us" "and now hes hurt" the wraiths let out a long wail in unison Han: han looks at plum as they study the locket "can we do something??” 🥺

As they wait for Plum to finish their identification, Han’s spell drops, when it begins to wane she spots the wraiths moving close to the man as if trying to grab him.

Han: han makes a miserable face and and closes her eyes as she recasts it Wraiths: the wraiths let out another loud wail as you do, you hear no words only sorrow Han: hans shoulders tense up and she whines at their sounds

Finished with their identification Plum takes in the newfound information, before sharing it with the rest of the group.

Lovelorn Locket A locket that holds the souls of lonely children long past. In heavy grief in another time they were woven to it after their deaths, their souls tied to the material plane through it. The locket acts as their body allowing them to bring any they please into and out of it. Strange runes amplify and grant them magic, with which they use to play games with any they come across, acting as steadfast playful companions. When destroyed their souls are released, and those they've taken would return to as they were beforehand, the locket returning to dull metal.

Plum: "i think we need to get this thing off of him, honestly." Psalm: "I agree." Finn: finn wishes so bad it wasnt raining Cimmorro: "we should put them to rest, no?" [rp'ers note: this was typed with gritted teeth] Han: keva has a look of sadness as she listens "we have to free them too. they've been stuck here too long" Plum: "basically, yes. i don't even know where the fuck this kind of thing came from, it's actually pissing me off."

As they lift the locket from the mans chest they see a string of light connecting itself between his chest and the locket begin to stretch out between the two as they move it away.

Plum: "uhhhhh i don't like that, why is it doing that," plum starts to ramble. they are like convinced they are pulling this guys soul out rn Cimmorro: "likely cause it's bound to him? perhaps we need to get rid of it where it stays" Plum: "yeah, you check on it cimm because i dont' want to accidentally kill this guy." they're still holding the locket but they like hold it up more for cimm to see it Cimmorro: cimm and plum diffusing a timed bomb rn

Staring at it Cimmorro gets a sense the light is the connection between his soul and the item, severing it probably wouldn't harm him, simply the connection between the two.

Cimmorro: cimm takes a closer look and after a bit he's like "i was right, it was its link to him. severing it shouldn't harm him though, just the link itself... i wonder if a normal blade would even work though" Plum: "i'm gonna take it off first." plum says and lifts the locket over the guys head and off his body ??: as you pull the locket off of his neck you see his face twitch and move again but nothing else comes. Plum: "okay somebody destroy this thing, i'm sorry but it's gotta go." Vernalis: "I'm worried this won't work but I got something I can try?" Plum: plum hands them da locket Han: han continues to not watch whatevers happening, just hold onto our mystery persons hand after casting protection and clutching rokkas sleeping body, sniffling quietly Cimmorro: cimm just looks up at the ghosts a little 🥺 "we'll be taking you some place nicer, you'd meet someone there, someone different, and she will take care of you maybe even play if you're nice! sound good?" Wraiths: the ghosts twist and contort a little more watching the goings on, but as you speak they look over towards you, rising again "really?" "someone...?" "someone nice?" "really..." "he cant come?" "not with us?" Cimmorro: "no he can't, not yet. but you'll see him again eventually, don't worry. he just has to finish things first." he gives them a reassuring nod Wraiths: they spread out a little again, floating near you "really?" "youre not lying again...?" "promise" "we want to see so many people again" "promise..." Cimmorro: "promise!" he smiles around them "but you have to be good! then the nice lady will let you meet new people! promise me you'll be good? and tell me your names so i may pray for you" Wraiths: "you promised.." "so we promise" "i promise" "remember you promised" at the question you see them stop still as contorted shapes wisp through the air "do you remember?" "i dont know..." "did we have names?" after a few moments you hear them speak again in hushed tones "we knew someone named vinos... thats the only name we know" Plum: "and who's that?" plum asks, very surprised Wraiths: "our first friend" "but she left a long time ago" "she was always very sad" Keva: "how did she leave?' Wraiths: "she died" "but she didn't come be with us" "because we didnt take her" "thats how we learned..." "we need to do it first" Keva: "she might be where he's taking you" she says a bit hesitatingly, tilting her head at cimmorro Wraiths the swirl in thought at that "if we can meet other friends..." "we could see her too?" "i hope so" "i miss her" "i miss her too" Cimmorro: "yes, perhaps a reunion is due... so long as you let us free you with no hard feelings" Wraiths: the wraiths begin twirling again in a circle around you all slowly as if thinking, sniffling wails stifled and voices lighter "you promised" "so well trust you" "if youre lying we'll know" "we can do scary things" "so we'll trust you" "well let him go" "if we can see him again" "and you promised" Cimmorro: "yes, promise. cross my heart" he does the gesture Wraiths: the wraiths continue twirling in silence as the rain falls "okay" "okay "alright" they say nothing else as they watch you all

Cimmorro: he turns to vernalis "would you mind if i do the honors? i feel like i'm responsible of these children now"

Taking the locket Vernalis sits with Cimmorro as he holds it out in of his hand’s casting sacred flame and eveloping it in the fire.

Cimmorro: they're doing prayers and hes using a formal jasidan prayer but at the end he adds smth about requesting these kids find their friend vinos  Keva: keva only quietly mutters a common shuk kuyu prayer for the dead as this happens (insert smth like the one in fe3h lol) Vernalis: Verny doesn't exactly worship any one deity more than just adherence to her oath, but she draws strength from that oath to send these kids off. What comes out comes out in Sylvan, she's pretty sure they probably won't understand her, but some words are said in mirth and attempt to alleviate how scary this must be for them. She ends it in common and prays that these kids and Vinos can find each other and play in the light together.

As the flame envelops the locket and some of the party speak aloud and to themselves, they watch something on the locket snap with a loud sound with finality. As it does they see the light between the man and the locket snap as well before the glow around it fades and disappears. The wraiths twist and snap along with it for a moment before they see their forms dissolve, turning from creatures with sharp teeth and hollow eyes into the soft faces of children for a brief few seconds. As they do, the party notice all around the deck groups of crewman suddenly appearing, as if from thin air,  dropping and lying on the deck. Most of them let out yelps and moans as people come to consciousness around them.

After a few moments the children wave at them all before they disappear into the breeze and the rain. 

> 🎵  Attic Theme / Rule of Rose OST

In the party’s arms the man in green stirs, groaning to himself as he shivers moving a hand to run over his face. Rokka begins to rouse from his sleep as well.

Plum: "are you alright" plum says in a deadpan to the green guy Cimmorro: med checking him for anything that needs attention ??: the mans eyes appear glassy and unfocused until he blinks a few times, glancing at you in the rain "am i...?" he glances around from his spot as if in a daze "i am...?" he blinks a few more times his lashes wet "where am i..."

Cimmorro looks the man over, as far as he can tell he looks physically no worse for wear if not a bit out of it, some kind of shock probably. He’s no clue how long he was with those kids, the rain and wind probably isnt going to help matters though.

Cimmorro: a Han: han holding rokka like a bebe Rokka: rokka stirs awake, scrunching his face a bit as he blinks adjusting his vision. realization slowly sinking in that it was all just a dream, he jolts up "RAL--" noticing everyone he pauses, ears falling down for a split second before composing himself again and clears his throat "y-you guys..." his voice shakes a little  Han: han lets him down off of herself Keva: keva looks to rokka when she feels him start to wake, and gives him a few pats on the back after pulling away, now feeling the brunt of the chill Rokka: he looks a little surprised at u briefly like woah 😳 Han: "you all right? we got rid of the ghosts..." Rokka: "y-yeah" he mumbles while rubbing his head "what even happened? I was hiding and the next thing i knew i just felt hands grabbing me and it went blank from there..?" he looks around double checking for the ghosts even if han wasn't lying to him and lets our a longgggggggggggggggg sigh "FINALLY" Han: "we mustve won our game, cause suddenly everyone turned back to themself, then we came up here and the ghosts were dancing with you and that man (points to anton) but they gave you back... then we uh.. tried to get them to release him and they didnt want so..." han sighs wearily "we forced them anyway.. i guess..." she frowns Rokka: "huh...." he tilts his head processing everything, noticing her frown "its a good thing u saved him though, right?"

Cimmorro: "we should all head back inside"  Plum: "you're on the........" plum racks their brain for the name of the airship for a second. "the pelican. an airship heading to....." doesn't remember that either. "ANYWAYS. i'm plum, and me and some others just saved you from a bunch of ghosts. what's the last thing you remember." Anton: he tilts his head "a pelican..." he tilts it again "an airship?" he stares at you blankly before shivering again "i... was in a garden... my garden..." he stares around lost as he goes on "i am anton...." Plum: plum notices them shiver and helps them up like right, maybe it's time to go inside now.. now they're really confused though, not really one who knows much about spirits and how he could get spirited from a garden to here. "a garden where?"

As they consider the man’s words they hear a few of the newly spirited crewman begin yelling and making their way towards your group.

Crewman: "are you lot alright!" "my heads killing me..." a woman in drenched trousers and a white jacket approaches you all ahead of them "here come inside, he looks dour.." she says glancing at the man in green Anton: he considers the question "my home...?" with a blink as the crewman get closer a few of them begin helping him up and give him comforting pats on the back as if to ground him as they walk him downstairs and out of the rain

The party soon follow after, and begin warming up amongst the harried crew and passengers, though most are celebrating their return to normalcy, the mood contrastingly chipper once more.  

Cimmorro: cimm walks back inside after making sure everyone else is alright and just starts drying himself with magic air Keva: as keva tucks her arms into her body and starts to head back below, she bumps her shoulder lightly into cimm’s and simply says “good work” with a weak smile and a sniffle Cimmorro: he looks at her in surprise then smiles back "you too" fwooshes her with some air Keva: she flinches like 😖 Cimmorro: "ah oops, don't do well with the cold? nevermind that then" he gives an apologetic smile. "better hurry to those towels, then" Keva: she just nods and slips away Vernalis: verny just wipes her face and shakes like a dog when inside

As soon as Psalm’s spotted a few of the crewman crowd him and cheer.

Crewmen: "oooii this one!" "king of the dagger here!" and begin manhandling him around until theyre chucking him in the air, a few also approach vinny similarly Psalm: PSALM LIKE UNHAND ME Keva: keva sees this on her way to the bath and laughs a little nasally like congested sounding Finn: [finn just desperately hanging onto psalm rn] Vinny: he attempts to rub his face from the tears hed been shedding as fast as possible, very flustered and trying to avoid a similar fate. Cimmorro: cimm's just kinda outside of vinny's crowd and laughing at the ruckus Vinny: as you look at vinny he shoots you a glance like when will it end...

The rest of the party get thankful people approaching them one at a time for their efforts on the ship for the night. The crewmen settle anton in the dining hall, with towels and something warm to drink. Plum follows after him still concerned, and is handed a drink as well to warm up.

Keva: she gives plum a brief but grateful hand on their shoulder before finding a private bath again to warm back up and also maybe let herself get a little emotional about the display from the kids Plum: they smile but continue talking to anton

Plum: "i mean, ugh." plum says, but not impatiently. they're just tired and like overly concerned for this person. "where is your home?" Anton: he seems to have regained some of his wits amongst the jovial atmosphere, holding a tankard in hand as he holds back a sneeze. he thinks quietly "ah... home is. eventa" Vernalis: She just hears Eventa, takes a moment to process that and grimaces off in a corner

Plum recalls the name Eventa was a name for for an old region of Vargonia before it formed as a country, people only called the area that still about a hundred years ago though.

Plum: plum looks blankly at anton for a bit as it slowly dawns on them what it means when he says that his home is eventa. did they have airships 100 years ago? nobody in his party is old enough to answer this, maybe finn..? how long has finn been alive again..? "uhhh," they say elegantly. "uh, oh no.." they look around awkwardly. "how receptive are you to...bad news?" Anton: he blinks at you the heat filling his body once more making him look alive and human "ah... a normal amount?" Plum: "okay," plum grumbles, taking a swig of whatever was placed in front of them also, hopefully alcohol. this guy is kind of a pain in the ass but it's fine, it's fine, he doesn't know what's going on. plum was like that too. probably still is. "we found you on the deck of this airship, which is like... a ship that flies..in the air. with these ghost--wraiths, i guess, tossing you around like a rag. seems like you might have crossed them some time ago and they possessed you, but it's probably been years since then. considering eventa hasn't been a place on the map for like, a hundred years." Anton: he nods as you begin and go on, trying to parse the information. he doesnt seem surprised about the existence of wraiths but before he can comment his eyes go wide hearing the map comment, after a few stunned seconds of silence he blinks "i.... truly?" he lifts a hand to rest at his brow, as if stricken, going a little paler Plum: "um.....yes, truly." plum nods, wondering if now is the time to do something comforting like place a hand on his shoulder or something...? they opt for pouring him more drink instead. "that area is called vargonia now." Anton: "v...vargonia...." he blinks and looks up into the middle distance "i...?" he looks at the drink and takes it slowly after a few seconds, drinking his fill before putting it back down "i am a man...out of time then? what year... IS it..?"  Plum: "yeah i believe you are. its 415 EE, era of evolution.." plum feels pretty bad for this guy. Anton: he stares at you and goes a little slackjawed and puts a hand to his face again. he looks down, back up, blinks at you and closes his mouth before looking down again "i... oh i feel dizzy..." Crewman: one of the crewman nearby approaches you two from behind again "you alright? we can give yous a place to lay down..." Anton: he nods in reply "that...may be best..." as he stands he looks at you plum and blinks again "th...thank you, i... appreciate it" he looks towards his drink and downs the rest of it.

As Anton is shuffled off by the crewman to rest from Plum, across the room in the dining hall Cimmorro eyes Vinny’s crowding with amusement.

Cimmorro: even if the sight is amusing, cimm still feels a little sorry for him. the night has been long, their sleep was cut short, and boy what a harrowingly emotional mess this had become. eventually he rolls his eyes as if saying 'alright, alright' before squeezing into the crowd and attempting to peel him away from it. to the crowd he goes, "this has all been wonderful but we could really use a break. celebrations could come in the morning yes? yes. we're all soaking wet and my husband is quite frail--" he keeps pulling him away. "our sweet daughter is also waiting for us in our room as well. so we must go." Vinny: he gives you a thankful look as you dispel the jovial drinkers around him and pull him away before he splutters going red at the wording "we have a daughter...??" he thinks for a moment before realising where he left jasper "oh we do..." he replies mindlessly to himself allowing you to drag him off  Finn: finn flies to join cimm and vinny, although still in bat form. he looks hesitant to land on either of them but he just stays close, following them Cimmorro: he hears a trail of cimm's laughter ahead of him. "you were about to forget her...! oh she'd be so sad..." he eventually lets go once they're out of the dining hall. Vinny: he huffs a sigh rubbing his face now that his hands are free, standing around the stairs "frankly im glad, she was better off waiting here... Cimmorro: "indeed." he continues to walk towards their room "though i'm sure she's in quite a fuss after seeing that wraith... i just hope she isn't too stressed there all alone..." he kinda just 🥺 at the ceiling thinking about it and walks a lil faster Vinny: after a moment he follows afterwards with a slanted smile on his face "lets just hope she fell back asleep..."

Finn: finn thinks this is a great moment to make his presence known to you and he chirps up next to you, the flapping of his wings probably quite audible now... he seems to be somewhat in distress and wont shut the fuck up Cimmorro: he hums. "well, that aside... i was about to get upset about all the attention you're getting-- that was all me! but then, i thought, well, i did use the things you taught me. so, no hard feelings~" he says it all somehow both jokingly and sincere. "i wish you could've seen me though! wuh, i bet you--" his words cut short by a flapping as annoying as a buzzing fruitfly and stops to turn to its source only to find finn "can i help you?" he looks at him puzzled and a bit in dismay Vinny: he shakes his head at the comments but cimm’s genial attitude lifts his spirits a little from his earlier headache. when he stops and begins speaking to a bat he blinks and stares, as if he's suddenly started hallucinating he rubs his red eyes again Finn: finn bumps into you a few times, as if to urge you to hurry to your room...... Cimmorro: cimm just goes like "ack, what is your problem?! i'm on my way there already geez!" eventually they arrive and cimm opens the door for them Finn: finn flies in and hangs from the ceiling until vinny and cimm are in. this presumably does not take much time and once the doors finally shut, finn transforms back, landing dramatically but gracefully on his feet. "i-i didnt wanna do it in the hallway" he pouts, since he pressured cimm so much about this. "who knows how long plum is going to spend with that waifish looking man..." hes so preoccupied with himself he forgets that vinny isnt in the know about him yet, but something about him is a little off anyway.... are his eyes...the tiniest bit glassy? Cimmorro: "why did you have to do it here? you could've just went to the restroom or something geez" he walks over to where jasper is and starts babying her Vinny: he stares increudlously as cimmorro continues to speak to the bat and allow it into their room, choosing to stop rubbing his eyes at least lest he rub them raw. as soon as finn transforms he jumps with a yelp barely processing the conversation the two are having before he thinks for a few moments "oh jeez... it was just you finn..." he rubs his forehead as if feeling tired Finn: cimmorros swift dismissal grounds finn somewhat. 'because i trust you' 'because i felt like i couldnt turn to anyone else'? thankfully keeping these words in comes easy to him now. no, really, hes so happy actually that cimm is reminding him of where they stand no matter what he does right. he wonders if he can afford to get a sniffle in without anyone noticing. for better his train of thought is halted by vinny, before he can think of a way to reply to cimmorro while mainting his dignity. only now finn realizes how badly he messed up by following cimmorro here. so the night could still get worse, he thinks. despite viewing vinny as his only real friend among the vengaboys, lies are at the immediate forefront of his mind. or perhaps he should handle it the way he did before he started developing affections for this man. apathy and dismissal. if he does not ask, he need not explain himself. "it was indeed me" he says as stable as he can. taking a breath he doesnt need, just to ground himself further. "i did not mean to startle you, my friend..." without thinking, he bows "im happy to see youre unharmed... i know ive praised you for our efforts quite a bit already, but let me praise you again, for i think that was a grandiose battle. only do i wish to witness you at your own strength now, now that we have become comrades" he smiles at vinny, but it is a little tired. his long winded speech lacks the usual spark Cimmorro: "do i need to leave the room" Vinny: he waves a hand in the air to dismiss any presumptions "n-no no i just didnt know you could ah, do that?" he settles himself with a shake of the head getting a little embarassed at the amount of praise hes being given "i...ah i dont know if i did so well, but thank you? considering the amount of people coming up to praise me id think cimmorro did more than me..." he glances over and makes a face at cimmorro’s comment before rubbing his neck "h-heres to many more fierce battles..?" he says it a little tiredly as well but he gives you a smile as if trying to muster some spirit Cimmorro: >cimm feels like a third wheel rn Finn: "youll find quite a few of my talents are not ascertainable at first glance" he smirks and poses, slowly he feels like hes regaining himself. yes...yes! this is the path to self preservation! he outstretches his hand and declares "when those fierce battles descend upon us, bear witness to my might, vinny!" he laughs a little "as will i bear witness to yours! together, my friend, we will banish anyone who dares point their magecraft or steel toward us!" he then sighs, happy with his performance and recovery. "will it not be so?" cimm he wishes he could snap at cimmorro though. so so badly. despite the strange direction their relationship has taken on, despite his heart softening for this unbearable clergyman in particular, he wishes he could snap right now. just once more. but he needs cimmorro. he needs something only cimmorro can give him. it is not the salvation he watched the man give to those wretched children, no, although a part of his heart that he quickly commands to quiet down wishes cimmorro did pray for him as well. he wouldnt even have to tell finn for him to appreciate it. "you? leave? heavens no..." finn begins "you have my gratitude as well... for granting me shelter here, and for staying by vinnys side... ^__^ surely youve fought as well as i can expect you to these days. worry not, i do not intend to intrude for long. in fact, i was about to up and leave" he wants to take a step, but he thinks for a moment...would cimmorro rat him out to vinny? he'd like to tell him on his own terms, or preferably never!... so finn stares at cimm quite intently, hoping he feels that and looks at him Cimmorro: cimm watches the exchange between the two like britney gif. what is happening? on one hand it's quite funny to be on the outside perspective of finn's targetted.... attachment. but on the other, well, he knows what it's like to be in it so he's not quite sure if he should intervene. when finn addresses him, he simply blinks. "right... i had nothing to do with all of that side thing you're talking about, but you're welcome?"  he turns to vinny "i guess people just think you're my property huh" when he attempts to laugh he catches finn's glare at him and just gives him a quizzical look, as if asking 'what now?' Vinny: he tilts his head a little at finn seeming to kick up the theatrics but finds himself happy hes having a bit of fun still at least, the evening certainly had taken a toll on himself. he idly counts the amount of times he's cried this week in his head for a laugh as he responds with a bit of a strained laughter "ill be sure to work hard for your sake, ill end up making you look bad at this rate..." he scratches his chin as he stares between the two having no clue why the dramatics for such a simple hello and goodbye but hes a becoming too weary to think to hard on it. at cimms latter comment he coughs and folds his arms trying to hide the embarrassment "im here on your invitation i... s-suppose?" he thinks to himself regrettfully that should have just made a joke about it instead Finn: finn thinks for a moment on how to adress his worry without giving anything away to vinny... "i was just thinking.... even if you've no love for battle as i do, and as vinny seems to do, you ought to not despoil all the ingenious wonders that i intend to bring about for vinny to see! itd be no fun if he learnt of them beforehand..." finn tilts his head, hoping that was blunt enough. he lingers with his gaze until vinny affirms being cimmorros property, and at that, finn gives a laugh "i believe ive taken up enough of your time......." he still looks at cimmorro "you and your husband have a daughter to attend to, no?" he then makes way for the door and bows to the both of them again, making sure to smile at vinny as he leaves "may you both rest well despite tonights events.... i look forward to landing in krenic and- oh... that reminds me" finn leans against the door frame "say, vinny... cimmorro and i have a planned outing in krenic... he is to show me around the city and his church.... would you like to accompany us on one of those occasions?" Cimmorro: cimm snorts in his surprise at vinny pretty much just agreeing with his joke and notices him flush. he glances at finn again and says, "look at him, he's cute, how can i not share him? be grateful i'm so benevolent 👼 " finn's follow up comment takes his attention and studies him and his dramatics. what the fuck is he saying? after a moment he just waves a hand "whatever you plan to do with him in bed i'm sure it will be mindblowing," he says with sarcasm, followed with a tired sigh. the outward invitation only making him more exhausted, but he thinks having vinny there would probably make it less miserable Vinny: he blinks curiously as he hears him go on about battle, he didn't even think he could cast that much magic to begin with so he couldnt say he wasnt curious abt his abilities, though wouldn't it be better to know what he could do now, for strategy's sake... he doesn't mention it however as he doesn't want to open the rest of the evening up to battle planning talk after all this. at the daughter comment sharing comments he coughs and puts a hand to his chin muttering "how many p-people even heard that..." though he nearly chokes at cimmorro's follow up as he quickly turns towards him "h-how did we suddenly veer into this !? that's not what he meant...!" his face has gone fully red now as he waves an arm through the air flustered, as if trying to banish the implication from in front of them.he gets lost in his his frazzled reaction before thinking to answer finn's question, funnily enough he recalls cimmorro complaining about this the other night when he'd offered to join them idly, he finds it somewhat hard to agree now with the current atmosphere that's enveloped the conversation, but he mustles up the courage to respond with "i -ah y-yes why not. i'm sure he'd n-need to show me about anyway..." he sighs and puts half his face in his hand ready to abort this conversation... Finn: finn raises an eyebrow at cimm and sneers "hmph....how uncouth. i intend to do nothing of the sort with vinny and you are well aware" or...does he? what if vinny feels bad for being outright rejected now by finn? what if something were to ever blossom between them? hopefully.....this wasnt a damning statement, should something come of their friendship. finn quickly pushes the thoughts out, feeling somewhat guilty for even considering. finn glances at vinny again, not being able to help thinking that his demeanor is endearing though... "what a relief! i was thinking itd be easier on cimmorro that way too, he wouldnt have to explain everything multiple times that way... although i question whether it was right for me to be considerate of him, taking his millionth tasteless joke on this journey into account " he sighs and waves it off though "there is nothing i wish to further discuss for the time being, then... pardon me" with that he finally sees himself out lest Cimmorro: at some point during both of their spiels, with his fatigue catching up to him cimm has gotten up to change his clothes, uncaring of the two even being there. grumbling things such as "yes because you're the purest of us all" here and there in response to some of finn's jabs as he crawls onto his own bed Vinny: he looks up at finn through his hand tired and red and nods "y-yes well, er im looking forward to it?" he pointedly looking away from cimmorro, waving off finn off as he heads out "have a good evening yourself..." as the door shuts behind him he turns towards his bed takes a few steps, lifting his glasses, before falling onto it face first with a grunt

Vinny: after a few moments he sighs and mumbles aloud "standing between you two is going to give me heart burn i feel..." Cimmorro: he hears cimm yawn and cackle quietly. "does that mean you'd rather have one or the other? mm," he sleepily turns to his side "time to pick favorites?" Vinny: he lifts his arms up beside his head as he makes a groaning sound "id rather have neither right now so dont get smart..." he waves an arm around to dispel the light in the room doing his best to ignore the past few hours of his life lest he ruminate for another another before passing out. Cimmorro: the last thing he hears is cimm fake crying and whining, "you sure know how to break a heart boohoo~" and "night" Han: outside finn leans against the wall, pushing his bangs out of his face. it would seem his anger has somewhat receded...he wants to say it was misguided toward cimmorro, but the betrayal still stings, even if the view of him undressed does do its part to soothe that pain. good to know that that part of him still functions as he had hoped for tonight..... which reminds him that he has one more goal actually. if it works out, perhaps he'll be able to take his mind off the situation entirely. he looks down at his body and replays the events briefly.... he doesnt dare ask himself, if salvation is attainable for him. instead, he disappears into the night.........or hallway.

Back across the ship, close to the time Vinny and Cimmorro leave the hall, Han pulls Rokka aside to head back to their room as well for any semblence of peace to regained during the hectic night.

Han: after the second thankful person han whispers to rokka "im going to bed" and waits if he wants to join her to slip outta here Rokka: he slowly gets up and walks with her "yeah, honestly even though I just woke up I'M BEAT. worst day of my lifeeeeeeeeeee" Han: han makes sure her n rokka slip tf out un-accosted by others "it didnt.. feel good." she pauses "it is good. probably. i never feel good about choice we make." seeing how wiped rokka looks, han asks "the ghosts said they gave you good dream, did they actually?? i was worried they gave you nightmare or something..." Rokka: he nods sort of understanding but not having the energy to really try this time. he flinches at the mention of the dream, pausing for moment "Yeah, it was a good dream......a little too good, haha" he tries weakly laughing it off "kind of wish they didn't show it to me" Han: han just frowns at him, eyes getting a little more wet, and bumps his shoulder with her own "i should wake u up sooner" Rokka: he chuckles and looks up at her, forcing a smile to reassure her "it's okay! it was still nice to have even if it was just a dream" nudging her back "thanks for saving me..!" Han: she gives a weak smile back "you are safe and no more ghosties around" she grins proper and she ruffles his head Rokka: His smile widens a bit genuinely this, "i am safe." He laughs as she ruffles his fur "No more ghost forever!!" <-guy who doesn't realize he has his own ghosts forever Han: han cheers quietly with him ... banzai...! banzai....!!! Rokka:

Han: as they get back into their room and han stretches and snorts in laughter over something and goes "atleast its nice to learn i do prefer my own body... nice gains tho" she punches his shoulder without any force behind it Rokka: "Right back at ya!!" He perks up at the compliment "I feel the same way! It was nice being tall but I think I like being small " he stretches his arms out and wiggled his fingers Han: hans falls into bed "i wanted to be small and cute some.. time ago, i appreciate towering over most peoples more now" Rokka: He nods actually understanding this time "I'm glad you got more clarity!" he plops  down on his bed as well, thinking for a second "Hey han? Do u ever wish to go home some day?" Han: han looks in rokkas direction from her pillow but actually stares somewhere past him, mulling over the question before settling on "home... yeah. sometimes its more for people who were there, sometimes i just miss that scenary. but... i dont want it to be home, i think..." she studies rokka sleepily Rokka: He sees her turn to him in his peripheral but chooses to keep his eyes closed "hmm, yeah" he replays the dream again "I guess its for the people for me too...or it was...?" Letting out a yawn and  turning his body towards han, still closing his eyes, fatigue lowering his gaurd he mumbles sleepily "I'd like to think u r home too sometimes" Han: hans eyes shoot open at this confession, beginning to go a little pink. an "oh" leaves her quietly, unbidden. home is... family and work and home are things she doesnt know how to separate cleanly, and she recognizes how others easily compartmentalize these things. hearing this from another mouth makes her feel slightly raw. she reaches over and ruffles rokkas head fur again, and sees herself do it hundreds of times over in a life that feels very far away, one she cant stop lugging around. "okay" she whispers back. an acceptance. she retracts her hand and lies back down, tension leaving her body, though her heart still races. sleep comes easy. Rokka: He lets out a short giggle as she's ruffles his fur again, too tired to notice her reactions but happy she didn't protest. Sleep takes him as well..the jocks snooze

As the two head back to sleep, Vernalis retires from the dining hall as well, finding Ozan lounging in theirs with his pipe in hand. It seems he’s content to not go to bed just yet.

Vernalis: goes off to her room to change and maybe look for Ozan like what a night huh! Verny its been an hour Ozan: he laughs and offers u a hit from his pipe Vernalis: Verny just laughs a lil and accepts the pipe but ends up holding it for a bit after taking a hit as she takes in the suddenly contrastingly joyful atmosphere. "Umm Mister you seem like you know a lil bit a lot about magical things and stuff right...?" She asks before handing the pipe back. Ozan: he quirks a brow as he takes the pipe and shifts as if putting on a persona to entertain “that i do miss" Vernalis: She looks a little bit glum for once. "Just... Wondering how something like that could've been made." She realised belatedly Ozan probably didn't actually see any of what happened above deck or the heart locket and gave a rushed explanation involving wild hand gestures lmfao. In the end she doesn't really know what to do with herself when she finished. "... But um... yeah, weird heart locket trapping kids and people... I just can't imagine how something like that would ever get made." Ozan: he sits pondering the tale as she presents it, tapping his pipe and rubbing his chin "ive seeeen....quite a few nasty trinkets like that actually, you wouldnt believe" he leans back with his arms behind him after waving one through the air, crossing a leg over his knee "theres plenty of unruly powers in this world... sounds like to me someone lost some little ones and just couldn't let them go. with alot of emotion, plenty of good and evil can be born like that" Vernalis: Shes just listens and contemplates a bit while Ozan talks. After a while her pout easened up. "Stuff like that can just happen huh... I hope we helped these kids at least." 😢 Ozan: he nods his head in agreement seriously "aye its a terrible thing, but good things can happen too i suppose. for what its worth i think you helped out well, a plenty resourceful gal!" he whacks her across the back "and in my bones too for most of it, i can tell you this things never wielded a blade"

As they continue to chatter, Psalm eventually pries himself away from the crewmen intent on praising and embarassing him. Plum finds themselves the only one left seated in the dining hall. Soon after Anton is walked away, a few more crewmen approach them after, inquiring into the nights events. 

They talk to the captain of the Pelican at one point, forced to relay the information as it seems everyone else has wandered out of the hall. After alot of gabbing and gesticulating, and rousing reactions from staff, the captain informs them they'll do their best to take care of the man and situate him in this strange new reality hes found himself in.

The captain also insists on compensating the party all for your time, they arent given room to argue on the point. Plum recalls them tossing Psalm around earlier and think that makes sense, the man mentions he'll discuss it with them all again before the ship lands in any case, but for now to go rest up.

Plum finally trots off and beds down again for the night in time. The party find themselves exhausted in more ways than one as as they knock out, Krenic so soon ahead of them all.

Notes

—

👻The Wraiths were freed from the Locket ⏳ Anton has become The Pelican’s newest passenger

[clems-grove]

Mutuals appreciation post to start off the new year!

Before I start I just wanna say I appreciate everyone who has supported me. I’ve gone so far in both my art and mentally with yalls help. These are just the ones who have really stood out :)

@thatbassistbitch- Greatest sib a person could ask for. Endlessly kind and fun to be around. Matches up great with my personality, and were also trauma twins! Seriously though, it’s nice to be able to know someone can relate to my problems. Very nice to Kyu as well, they’re the only one I’m comfortable sending asks to when regressed. Im so happy I met them.

@todorokitops- Supported me through everything. I really admired them, and still do tbh. They kickstarted my account, helping me gain more attention and meet incredible people. Back in the early days they left the sweetest comments on my art, which seriously helped with my low confidence.

@no-one-told-you-life-was-gay- Kind and chaotic. Was right there with TTops when I was just a baby account. Endlessly talented and creative, I love hearing what xey have to say. Xey remind me much of a certain pink alien, who we all know I love. A brilliant person overall.

@cynical-rat-bastard 0/10 wont pay child support </3 (other than that, he is a bastard and I love him wholeheartedly)

@the chaos gc in general, all very talented and amazing people who are pleasant to talk to. Best found family a cryptid can get.

@plusonetm @burn-the-witch-now @theyeeyeetbois- Wonderful spouses. They’re all so lovely, and light up my world. I genuinely enjoy our interactions, even if they are sometimes slim.

@the-league-is-my-hoe- Sis!! She’s the same age is me (although I am curious about our exact age difference) which is poggers :) We only became mutuals recently but I love her already! Huge villian stan but that’s valid 😌 Also super fckin cute.

@hopelessly-faded- The whole system is just delightful. Kiri is so kind and friendly, and Baku is just the right amount of passionate and caring. They’re also both great dads :3c. I haven’t got much of a chance to interact with the others, but much like Lonnie were more recent mutuals.

[whumpqin]

Quinn - Chapter 1 (This Wasn’t the Plan)

Hello all! It’s been a while since I’ve posted some of my own writing. I’ve decided to make a side story to Elisha, which is what this is! I hope yall are interested in some Quinn whump >:3c

Taglist: (considering this is a similar but also different series, I’m tagging Elisha’s people, but feel free to want to be removed from this taglist! I will make sure to make the difference.) @faewhump​ @galaxywhump​ @castielamigos-whump-side-blog​ @insanitywishes​ @burtlederp​ @whumpasaurus101​ @simplygrimly​ (ask if you want tagged!)

CW: nonhuman whumpee, creepy whumper, muzzles, forced muzzling, fantasy racism, kidnapping, smoking, guns, briefly mentioned assassination attempt, manhandled, getting patted down, gut punching, drugging, needles

Word Count: 2,799

It’s a dull ringing that rouses him from his sleep - an annoying tone that he’d sworn to fix and still hasn’t gotten around to.

Quinn groans at the rude awakening, and rolls his head over to see why it was going off by planting his hand on his phone and dragging it closer. It reads unknown against a background of black. Despite the annoyance that makes his tail curl lazily in his bed, he still swipes his finger across the bottom to answer it, bringing it up to his ear.

“Hello?”

The other side of the line is quiet for a moment, before a gruff voice, a little lower than Quinn expects, speaks. “This number was provided in relation to contacting a ‘Quinn Devereux’. Is this who I’m speaking to?”

“This is he,” Quinn says, sliding his blankets off of him, confusion lighting his voice.

“I am calling on behalf of my employer, Mr. Delaney, who has arrived at the meeting place. Except, it does not appear that you are there. I do hope you plan to be on schedule, yes?”

Ah, hell.

Quinn sits up in the bed quickly as alarm saps all the weight from his body. “Uh, of course not! ‘Pologies, I was plannin’ on makin’ it a uh…” he pauses to bring his phone down and note the time, which is about ten ‘til nine. Shit, shit shit- “a little earlier than this. Same place, right? That old abandoned house?”

“Yes. Don’t be late, Quinn. We wouldn’t want this deal going south, now would we?”

“‘Course! I mean, I-'' The phone makes a beeping noise to indicate that the other side hung up, stopping Quinn in his tracks. He looks down at it to be sure, before heaving a large sigh. It’s going to be one of those days it seems.

He needs to work fast. Firstly Quinn rifles through his apartment for nice-ish looking clothes, and though he’s never bought a suit and swears that he’s not going to no matter how much his Ma tells him to, he finds one of the newer button-up shirts that he bought recently. He scans its surface in case it magically had gathered stains on it while sitting in his dresser drawer in exile, but considering he only wore it once for a job interview he figures it’ll do the trick. He slips it on and finds some day old jeans that don’t smell too awful before he takes a look at himself in the mirror.

He’s a little worse for wear, but at a quick glance it’s only those faint dark circles underneath his eyes that catches his attention the most. Quinn combs through his black hair with his fingers, flattening it to look more presentable while also unhooking strands that wrap around his antlers and the bright orange tag against his ear. He pauses there, looking himself up and down.

Bedraggled and half awake, in clothes that are only somewhat clean. Going to a shady place to make a shady deal on behalf of people he barely knows.

“You can do this,” he quietly tells his reflection as he leans against the sink. “Get in, get out, get paid. Get in, get out, get paid.”

He repeats the phrase a few more times, committing it to memory on his way out. He picks up the handwritten letter he’d left on the small table at the front door and stuffs it into his front pocket. Then Quinn grabs onto his muzzle, slipping the buckles around his antlers to fasten it loosely against his face.

As he walks out of his apartment and onto the street, he makes the mistake of checking his phone one he’s properly in the morning light. It reads five minutes before his meeting, and he still has a ways to walk yet. Quinn lets out an exasperated sigh, eyes falling upwards to the adjacent apartment complex. It’s there he notes some curtains quickly shutter closed. His eyes narrow.

There’s someone watching you. Real strange fellow, he remembers the considerate old lady from down the hall telling him.

Tell me something I don’t know, he had responded. Quinn wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out it was just his employer keeping a good and proper eye on information.

To make up for time, he runs. Quinn dips into the alleyways to escape the busy streets of the morning, taking a few turns that he’s become familiar with while walking through the streets. A couple turns here and there, and he exits out onto another main street very close to his destination. He counts himself lucky he remembers the address at all. It would have been embarrassing as hell to have to ask the guy on the phone where he was supposed to have this meeting in the first place.

Quinn jogs up to the specific house, noting the old “for sale” sign that doesn’t even have a number on it anymore. It’s a huge place, once a mansion that was abandoned a long time ago because of bad press or something. He’s never looked at it before; even looking as ruined as it is by time, the place is still out of his price range.

He knocks on the door politely, taking the small pause to smooth out his clothes in a last ditch effort to not look like he had just gotten up a little bit ago, and waits patiently. The door creaks open with several years’ old whine that makes him wince, squinting one eye while he notices a human, dressed in dark clothing with short brown hair and amber eyes, staring back at him. Due to the muzzle making him unable to speak, Quinn offers a small wave before hovering his pinkie over his mouth and thumb over his ear, then pointing to the man. The human offers no reaction, but merely steps to the side. He takes the cue and steps inside the house.

It’s not as majestic as he once thought it might be. It hasn’t been taken care of in ages; the wallpaper is peeling off of the walls and there are holes in the floor, and the more Quinn steps through the house and hears it creak in response to him the more he wonders if the whole thing is going to cave in on him. It’s practically a deathtrap at this point.

He tries to make his reservations known to the human with a pause, knitting his brows in an uncomfortable position as he shoots a glance back at him, but he doesn't get the message.

The human opens up an old door for him that Quinn peeks around. There’s another human sitting in a chair in the middle of the living room, his legs crossed as he reclines into his seat. There’s a cigarette in one hand trailing smoke into the air, filling the room with its scent. His dirty blonde hair was perfectly styled like his fancy suit, and the only thing that didn’t look put together was the rough stubble against his chin.

The man who greeted Quinn closes the door behind both of them and steps around, joining another man with different hair behind the reclining human’s chair. The human in the chair - the boss he’s supposed to speak to, he supposes, flicks out his left wrist to check his watch almost casually. Then, he looks to Quinn with that icy blue stare of his.

“Right on time, it seems,” he says. Quinn tries not to let the dual feelings of discomfort and relief wash over his face too plainly. The man motions to a table he hadn’t seen yet. “Please, take off that muzzle. We can’t talk business if, well, you can’t talk, now can we?”

At his behest, Quinn slides his fingers up to the buckles against his head to loosen them and pull the muzzle off of his face. As it’s drawn away he takes a moment to work his jaws, careful not to bare his teeth too much in the presence of other humans, just in case. Then he places the muzzle on the table.

“Thanks for that. Are you uh, Mr. Delaney?” Quinn asks.

“Yes. I believe you have a message for me?” Delaney sits up in his chair and takes a long drag of his cigarette.

“Uh, yes, I do, I-” As Quinn reaches into his pocket to pull out the letter he’d been given, both of the humans to Delaney’s left and right immediately pull out guns and aim them directly at him. His chest goes cold. “Whoa, whoa, I’m just pullin’ out a letter!”

Delaney brays out a chuckle, puffing out smoke like some sort of dragon. “You’ll have to forgive these two. A bit jumpy after the last attempt, especially with lone messengers like you. Can never be too careful. You understand, right?” His eyes are squinted from his friendly smile, but there’s an emptiness in them that makes Quinn uncomfortable. Moreso when he waves his free hand towards Quinn and tells the guards to, “search him.”

The two bodyguards step forward without putting their guns away. Quinn swallows and stays perfectly still just like his Pa always told him to, allowing the two to move his arms about and go through his pockets. It’s a bit awkwardly invasive with two sets of hands patting him down like they are, but he’d rather have his personal space invaded than, well, the other outcome. The guards dig into all of his pockets, pulling up his wallet and the letter that had come from Quinn’s employer.

The human who found the letter gives Quinn a side eye that makes him draw a blank in terms of words, before opening the letter himself. He draws out the paper that was carefully handwritten and placed, unfolding it like it was a bomb of some sort.

Quinn was watching him like a hawk, so much so that he didn’t notice the other human had stepped away and given his wallet to Delaney.

“So, Quinn, it seems. You’ll have to forgive me for not remembering, it’s hard to remember everyone’s name nowadays. What brings you to this type of work, huh?” Delaney went on, rifling through Quinn’s wallet with curiosity.

“Um, I-I needed the money,” he mutters, watching the bodyguards hand the letter off to Delaney. “For the record, my employer thought it’d look wrong to bring more people besides, well, me. Wants to be cordial an’ all.” It’s not really his message, but he can’t help but feel a bubbling nervous feeling in his stomach as Delaney reads the letter.

“You mean he doesn’t want to lose any more men, so he figured I’d take mercy on just the messenger,” Delaney cooly corrects.

“Well I’m not sure what my employer’d think, but I’d for sure want the messenger t’ be spared,” Quinn says in the attempt at a joke.

When no one in the room laughs, he curls his tail around his ankle.

Delaney huffs a small bit of laughter as he reaches the end of the letter, beginning to slowly rip it up into little pieces and shoving it into his nice suit. “Quinn, do you know what happens when you give someone an inch?”

“They take a mile?” He swallows as the human stands up from his chair and adjusts his cufflinks.

“Yes, good, at least you’re not totally brain dead like some I’ve seen. I’m not about to relent and give that man a fraction of space like he’s requesting. You of all people should know that this is my territory, right? Where I do my business?”

“Right, but-” His breath hitches when the guard next to him grabs onto his shoulders and holds him before he can step forward. “This agreement is so they won’t encroach, is all. Wouldn’t it’d be better to not have any more territory disputes?”

Delaney regards him for a moment, having to tilt his head upwards just slightly due to Quinn’s height. Then he smiles a bit more widely. “I don’t think we’ll be making a deal today. But… I think we’ll take care of it from here. When are you meeting with your employer again?”

“As, as soon as I can.” Quinn’s eyes frantically look around for an exit as the other bodyguard closes in. He needs to get out of here. Now. “I’ll uh, leave you to it then, I guess. Sorry we couldn’t come to some sorta agreement-”

“Let me at least escort you out. My treat,” Delaney offers with an extended hand towards the door.

“Um, I ‘preciate the offer, but, I actually have a uh, a few things to tend to after this, so-”

The bodyguard holding him delivers a solid blow to his middle, knocking the air out of him in one fell swoop. Quinn doubles over, held up only by the strong hands gripping onto his shirt now, gasping to fill his lungs quickly.

“Perhaps I wasn’t very clear. I wasn’t asking, Quinn.” Delaney tilts his head to the side to catch his eye. “I’m not about to let you blab about everything you saw here just yet. Need a few things in order, you know? I just need to know if you’re coming with me willingly, or if my men need to get involved.”

“Hold… hold on a minute now,” he says quickly and yet still breathless as the panic wells in his chest instead of the oxygen he desperately needed. “I’m, I’m just a messenger, I’m not- what-what are you doing?”

Delaney had sighed and looked to his other body guard while Quinn was talking. He points over to the muzzle lying on the table and flicks his hand. “Muzzle him. I don’t have time to deal with his blabbering.”

Quinn’s arms are wrestled behind him before he can realize. The bodyguard is stronger than he thought, and he holds him still long enough for the other one to draw close enough, muzzle in hand. He struggles, lifting his head out of their reach and kicking his legs out to delay the inevitable. One of them grabs his antlers, jerking his head downwards for long enough that they can wrap the buckles around his face. They’re affixed tightly against his face, muffling most of the panicked cries erupting from his throat beyond whines.

“Enough of that whining,” he hears from Delaney as a firm command. He glances over with terrified eyes to see him pull a phone out of his pocket. “I have to make a call. Oh, you two, make sure to get him comfortable in the trunk, will you?”

The two humans nod, and drag him out of the room. Quinn screams as best he can through his nose, kicking his legs and struggling to get away from them as best he can. One of them spits out a curse, unhooking the gun from their side.

“Shut the fuck up,” he hisses. “I’m not dealing with a spitfire devil today. I’ll just shoot you and get it over with. You want that?” Quinn breathes hard and shakes his head frantically. “Then fucking act like it.”

They pull him out of the house with little issue after that. Quinn’s tail coils, tightening painfully against his ankle as it worries at the fabric and skin, as they approach a dark car with tinted windows. One of the bodyguards walks to the other side and pulls out a few items from the front seat, and Quinn can hear the clinking of chain along with it.

He’s suddenly thrust forward, and his face impacts against the side of the car. His bright eyes go wide, searching frantically for what’s happening, and then he feels metal tightly wrap around both of his wrists. Then he is taken from the side of the car to its back, as one of the bodyguards opens up the trunk. Quinn jerks against the cuffs holding his hands together, frustrated and scared tears pricking at the corners of his eyes.

This can’t be happening, he thinks, looking at the interior of the trunk. His antlers are roughly grabbed again, dragging his head to the side. He can’t help but roll the thought around in his head, how this wasn’t supposed to be how it went, as something sharp sticks into the side of his neck. Quinn squirms, a muted whine slipping from his nose as a wave of dizziness hits him and his legs nearly buckle. The guards take the opportunity and throw him into the back of the trunk, and as Quinn lands with a harsh thud his vision blurs from the force of the impact.

“Get comfortable,” the one who cursed at him before remarks. “You’re gonna be with us for a while, I think.”

[lonely-canadian-shrimp-universe]

Good Omens:A First Foray

The First Impressions of a Viewer with No Context

I knew a good chunk of the plot because at first I honestly wasn't going to watch it, so I didn't really shield myself from any spoilers on tumblr.

That being said, I was hooked right from episode 1. I went into it thinking I was gonna be all over Crowley (given my other favourite characters in most other franchises) but the first time Aziraphale smiled I M E L T E D. SO PURE AND SWEET Also when "Aziraphale" was said I had a moment of 'oh. that's how you say that' Also the earth and my mom share a birthday. When Nanny Ashtoreth showed up I KNEW I was gonna need more content of her. Wife 100%

The fact that, try as they may, Zira and Crowley are completely incompetent and really only matter in the last like 16 minutes before the end of the world is really great. It's like watching a show that's about the really interesting side characters you get to see for 2 minutes and WISH you got 6 hrs of. Thank you, Neil.

Ep 2 we get to meet Newt and Anathema and omg I love them. I need Anathemas wardrobe ugh. And newt??? disaster Newton Pulsifer??? he's a mood. Not totally sure how I feel about their relationship but I love the contrast of "hey we just met like an hour ago and we're dating now thnks" to "we've known each other for 6000 years but there's no way he likes me the same way? side note, isn't it funny how the world is always emitting a low buzz of love my dear?" "ngk"

Agnes is amazing and I love how sassy she is. 10/10. I love how Aziraphale is not at ALL concerned about being shoved against a wall by Crowley. Like not one bit. He's like "oh finally, it's only taken you 6 millenia" honestly same

Ep 3 gives us the 30 minute cold open who's only purpose is to show how these two kept coming back to each other for 6 millenia, no matter how the last meeting may have gone. Here are a few thoughts:

Crowley has very pretty hair. Also I could 100% see by this point how these two have been gay for each other since day 1. Er rather day 7? Golgotha Crowley is v pretty and learning later that those are traditionally female garments was a treat. That scene was otherwise hard to watch, and they definitely thought so as well. The globe theatre was really fun to watch, I love Shakespeare. Sadly, Hamlet reminds me of my awful 10th grade English teacher. she ADORES that play. So thanks,  Aziraphale.

Bastille= PEAK GAY LOOK

I'd seen the church scene and "you go too fast for for me in MANY a gift,  but hearing them was OOF. Michael Sheen didn't have to go so hard on that line but OH BOY DID HE EVER. I may have cried.

I honestly didn't realize that the intro didn't play until the middle of the episode until I rewatched it??  like that completely flew over my head.

THE BANDSTAND. THE E M O T I O N. AZIRAPHALE WAS SO HURT. he was so torn because so much of him still wanted to believe in the good of heaven, but his heart (or the angelic equivalent) had long ago sided with Crowley. When Crowley came back and asked him to run away to Alpha Centuri??? UGH. that dude instantly assuming they're gay? same. same random dude. same. And omg Crowley praying??? to God??? he cares about humanity and it SHOWS. By this point I was REALLY relating to Aziraphale. His reluctance to stray from what he knows and was told reminds me so much of myself. that A n x i e t y.

the end of episode 4 and into episode 5 HURT. the bookshop? "I lost my best friend"? The fact that Crowley was ready to give up and wallow drunkenly through the Apocalypse because continuing on or running away held no meaning if he didn't have Aziraphale by his side. I cried. On the other hand, defiant Aziraphale? "Angels can't posses people" "Demons can..." YES BBY STOP BLINDLY FOLLOWING ORDERS!!! FREE THOUGHT BABEY!!! Now: Shadwell and Tracy. Shadwell is hilarious and I love him, end of story. He's just so... out there. crazy dude. Madame Tracy on the other hand? AMAZING. her actress (I can't think of her name and I have a REALLY ONE TRACK MIND) absolutely KILLED it. AMAZING. The seance?  That dude who WAS JUST LOVING EVERY SECOND? Loved that so much. still cracks me up. When they first get to the airbase and Crowley compliments his dress and Aziraphales like OwO like fellas they gay.

1970s crowley... the mustache... "Can I hear a Wahoo?" Hastur... love him... "What's a computer" part of me wants to think he's just fucking with Crowley because who wouldn't but also he's so deadpan and yo I can't read expression AT ALL.

Love the fact that Crowley was ready to yeet off to a far off star system light-years away, but at the same times like "you expect me... to go to TADFIELD? In this weather??? Maybe I should drive but I mean, have you SEEN the TRAFFIC Angel? And now the M-25s on fire. Great."

Hastur going from on top of everything and tearing Crowley down to panicking because YOU'RE DRIVING TOWARDS A WALL OF FIRE.

snek eyes :3c

"Young man your CAR is on F I R E"

ALSO the horse people getting lost is peak entertainment. Honestly the horsepeople are great. War? Gorgeous. Famine? Love him. He's got style Pollution??? They're amazing, and also THEY THEM PRONOUNS BABEY. that made me v happy bc I just got used to usin em myself uwu. D E A T H. He knows his aesthetic yall. love it.

suppose nows a good a time as any: THE THEM.

I didn't really like Adam at first, he seemed a bit snobby. he's grown on me now but... ngk. Wenslydale was an instant fave. he's adorable. love him. Brian? total mess. super genuine. Great kid. PEPPER. she's great. she's sassy. she's gonna go far in life. all together, they're a tight knit group and I love them and they're all my children now thabks. and the parallels to the horsepeople? p e r f e c t

Alrighty Episode 6!!!

The beginning terrified me. All this time I was rooting for Zira and Crowley to finally get their happily ever after and yknow how most media is nowadays. There's a reason Fix-it Fics are so popular. So the beginning of the episode scared me. Also Beelzebub 💖

I love the Them vs The Horsepeople. "I believe in Peace, bitch."

I didn't even realize til later that that was Aziraphales sword. didn't even catch that line.

When Beez and Gabriel showed up? THAT DUMB SMILE OF GABES? I really hated Gabriel. The way he treated Aziraphale REALLY rubbed me the wrong way and I just did not like him one bit.

W I N G S. PRETTY WINGS. also didn't even realize that what Crowley did was STOP TIME. LIKE WHSOHDOEBE WHaT? ??

 "it burned down... remember?" uuggghhh kill me with how soft and gentle he's being!!! he knows that bookshop MEANT something to Zira hdoehekdn

T H E B O D Y  S W A P

the caught me COMPLETELY off guard... at first. I was completely unaware right up until "crowley" was attacked. I caught that little "Tickety boo" and I paused screaming like CROWLEY WOULD NOT SAY THAT IN THAT SCENARIO NO WAY THAT IS N O T ANTHONY J CROWLEY W H A T 

The heaven scene solidified my then hatred for Gabriel. I like him now but oof that scene he's still VERY punchable.

Crowley: Nearly threw hands with the Archangel Gabriel

The Hell trial. So Extra. Asking for a rubber duck? iconic! "Michael, dude!" oh mood.

when they switch back and it's all revealed? G l o r i o u s. They played each other so well!!! honestly props to Michael and David, their acting was PHENOMENAL.

The ending. A happy ending. The amount of love with which Zira says "to the world" killed me. I'm dead now thanks to that. I'm typing this from the grave,  that's how powerful that line is. Honestly, knowing next to nothing going in was kind of wild and my crazy reblogging spree actually got some of my mutuals to watch the show which is pretty neat. Going back through 3 more times now, Aziraphale definitely resonates with me the most. I actually have a small blurb I wrote on the positive effects he's had on my perception of myself in terms of stimming.

All in All this show hit me in a way I did NOT expect it to, and I'm glad I found it when I did. I was at a point where I was kinda feeling like I'd never really have a fulfilling relationship because of my asexuality, and then I found good omens. I def read the characters as ace while watching it and it was amazing seeing two characters who can love each other fully, without the need for anything explicit. The show was an instant fav and I'm trying to find a physical copy of the book (that I can afford) so I can read the original text. This is a story that's going to stay important to me for a very long time, I can feel it.

[vandermatthews]

Hosea's No Good, Very Bad Day (And Dutch Being Overprotective)

A.) I haven’t written fiction in a VERY long time (like 4-6 years) B.) This was waaaaaayyyyyy longer than I intended C.) I apologize for any mistakes

It was cold and dark by the time Dutch arrived at camp. The Count snorting heavily from a hard ride back from Valentine, Dutch’s panic driving them faster and faster across the rocky terrain. He had to see him, he had to hear his voice, he had to know that he was ok. 

“Dutch he’s fine, just a spill. He came to almost immediately” Arthur called towards Dutch, but the older man heard known of it, dismissing Arthur like an annoying mosquito around his ear.

“Where is he? WHERE THE HELL IS HE!?” Dutch’s voice cracking with fear, the familiar feeling of his heart racing, blood boiling, hands trembling. He was spiraling, and Dutch was about to loose the only person who could quell the panic.

“Over here Dutch.” Called Ms. Grimshaw from behind Dutch’s tent. It was after all the largest and most comfortable as Dutch would later reason. Not at all because it was Dutch’s tent.

Dutch sprinted across the camp, not caring who got in the war of his war path. He nearly toppled Mss. Grimshaw as well trying to enter his tent.

Dutch’s breath caught in his throat, there he was, lying on the cot, eyes closed, bandage around his head that was very clearly stained with blood…his blood. Dutch took two steps inside before he collapsed to his knees, tears welling in his eyes. He grabbed Hosea’s hand, looking back at Mss. Grimshaw with a silent plead in his eyes. 

Mss. Grimshaw stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’ll be alright Dutch, just a bump, he’s just resting his eyes. Nothing to get all in a panic about.” Although she could tell her words meant nothing until Hosea opened his eyes and spoke to Dutch himself.

It was several hours later, Dutch still kneeling on the ground holding his partners hand, when Hosea finally opened his eyes. Dutch was too caught up in his own mind to notice however, until Hosea spoke. “You’re gonna cause yourself a stroke if your mind keeps running like an outlaw fleeing the law.” His voice was raspy from sleep and pain, but it was a blessing to Dutch’s ears.

“H-Hosea? Yo-you’re alright!?”

“‘Course I’m alright you fool. A bump on the noggin ain’t gonna keep me down. You should know that by now.” Hosea smiled, but it was pained and didn’t really reach his eyes. He hopped Dutch didn’t notice. 

Dutch stroked Hosea’s face, trying not to worry the bandage around his head too much. They gazed into each others eyes, deep brown boring holes into tired blue ones. Finally Dutch smiled, really smiled and slowly and carefully leaned forward to press a soft kiss to Hosea’s lips, sighing as he pulled away.

It would be another few weeks before Hosea was allowed back on his feet, and even longer before Dutch allowed him anywhere near Silver Dollar. Dutch couldn’t risk the horse spooking and throwing his rider into another bolder again.

In the meantime, Hosea complained about not being able to do anything for himself, chastising Dutch for treating him like a porcelain doll about to break.

“Jesus Christ Dutch! I had a spill!!! I’m not dead nor am I dying! I can put on my own shoes and take a walk around the camp if I want to!!!” Hosea finally screamed at Dutch after three weeks of being on bed rest. Dutch recoiled quickly, but fired back with “I’m trying to help goddammit! You nearly…” Dutch could bare to say it, simply waving his hands in the air hoping Hosea would catch on.

Hosea sighed and pinch the bridge of his nose, trying to regain his composure. “I know, I know Dutch, but Mss. Grimshaw has told both me and you that I need to regain my strength and to do that I should start taking care of myself. As in, putting my own boots on, getting and eating my food by myself.” When Dutch didn’t acknowledge Hosea he stepped towards him, grabbing both of Dutch’s hands in his own and giving them a reassuring squeeze. “Dutch, I love you. I always have and always will. But I’m not broken and I’m not an invalid. I know what happened wasn’t good. I know I nearly could have died. That for a few seconds Arthur was sure I had. But I’m fine now, and you have to let me continue to be fine.” 

Hosea grabbed Dutch’s chin and made him look at him. Those tired blue eyes all those weeks ago now showed their usual spark, and for the first time since the accident Dutch really truly looked at them. And for the first time since Charles had come flying up to Dutch by the river screaming his head off that Hosea may have died, Dutch felt the dread and fear roll off his shoulders. Hosea looked like himself, his eyes had life in them, he was alive and thats all that really mattered.

Hosea grabbed the back of Dutch’s neck and pulled the dark haired man to him. He gently kissed him and rested their foreheads together. “I’m ok.” It was a statement, and one that Dutch could believe, for the first time in weeks, Dutch believed Hosea was ok. Hosea was ok. Dutch was ok. The gang was ok. And life was ok.

FAM I LOVE THIS AND I LOVE YOU

this was written by @mrfredgar just so yall know, not me!!!! :3c

[clownjuicee]

Post for the three most important people in my life

@grellsutcliffs Gosh...where do i start with you.. You..You’re so amazing. youre so sweet and kind. you really are so so so fun to talk to. i love you so much and it makes me so happy to call you mine. You make me laugh and smile. I love!! seeing your art!! It makes me!! so!!!! EXCITED!! And i love seeing you. you are so so so attractive and cute and all around so so amazing and wonderful. Ive always been so happy to have you in my life, and i hope I never ever lose you.. I can’t wait for the day where i can hug you and kiss you!! I love getting messages from you and talking to you. I lov sharing music, jokes, art, memories.. everything. I love doing anything with you. Ill always be here for you, no matter what. I love you so so much! @thesmallestquinn Lily!!!!!!!! Hon!!! You!! Are so!!! Wonderful!! Golly!!! Youre so fun to spend time with.  you make me laugh, youre so selfless and caring. I couldnt ask for anything more from you, you are doing your best and im so happy and proud. you are so kind, and i appreciate it. You make me all smiley and goofy when we talk. Its nice to be able to talk about stuff with you, youre so understanding of it and youre supportive. Youre beautiful, talented, funny, and so many more good things. I love being able to gush to you about things, and i love listening to you talk about stuff! I love all of the sweet things you write for me. Its so..amazing. you are absolutely wonderful! I never ever want to lose you. I love you more than you will ever ever undersstand.

@walking-trigger-warning Hewwo bb. >:3c. okay. to be serious now though. Gosh. you.. are so !!! Amazing!!! Im so happy to have you in my life. youre the best kinda goof. You make me laugh and smile. I love talking to you and listening to music. I love hearing about your ideas and seeing your art. Youre so!! creative!!! When i see you i light up and feel so! happy!! You are such a sweetie. I really love you and i dont know what i would do if i didnt have you. You are such a cutie, and gosh. i love you so much. Its fun to make jokes with you, and i love to play with you and just talk about nothing. Also!!! I lOVE!! WHeN YOU SHOW ME AnIMALS!! You have the cutest pets like jesus holy shit. I lov getting to watch movies with you, and i cant wait until we can snuggle and watch them together.

You guys are all..so important to me. I don;’t think ill ever be able to fully explain what makes you all so amazing, but from my heart, i mean it when i say, i love you guys. you are all my world. You guys light up my life. Without you i dont know how i would be able to go on. Youre all so amazing. Yall are so talented and cute and fun!! I just wanna give you guys kisses and hugs. I feel o lucky yo have you guys in my life. Thank you for being there for me. I promise ill be there for you. Forever and always. <3 I love you!!

[sapphonics]

more oc sketches!!!! i love them

meet clementine !! i love her. shes a savvy modern business-ish person who has her eyes set on politics and hosts a bunch of parties and schmoozes with everyone. she has a casual fun attitude that people like and they tend to confide in her and tell her important shit and shes like :3c oh really ? she familiarizes herself with nadia and introduces herself cause she hears she is kind of a princess and that = power, but is interested in yasmeen because she finds her fresh and different to most of the people she has to talk to in that she just straight up doesnt give a shit about her and the parties and the important people. sometimes stains her undereye area red. its Fashion.

i drew this just after i wrote this scene ^ and clementine (new girl!!! triangle head) forces herself between yasmeen and nadia and yasmeen is like...how can i gauge nadias reactions and look at her face now? cause clementines hair is blocking her off. and nadia is like lol? what? who is this? what r u doing?

yall ever make a hogwarts au for ur own characters

nadias from a pureblood family and asked to be put in slytherin to not disappoint them / get kicked out, and she got in thru that like the whole, the hat takes into consideration what u want thing. she also has that whole ‘cunning’ part and is very into illusory magic and hiding shit. yasmeen is the meanest, most uninterested hufflepuff ever who is literally just in there cause the hat (IM ASSUMING THE HAT HAS SOME KIND OF, PROPHECY POWERS DUE TO UH, EVERYTHING ABOUT IT?) foresaw her loyalty to nadia which is one of her defining traits. her other traits r all about escaping responsibility and not caring about shit. her runner up was ravenclaw because shes super into potions but she didn’t want to be in ravenclaw (because she thought the teachers would expect more from her. at the moment she does fine in potions but literally strives to be average in it to attract no attention. ) so the hat was like aight. u definitely dont have the whole brave /selflessness of gryf (my memory of the houses is shaky) , and ur not ambitious at all. or like. cunning. SO HUFFLEPUFF IT IS. nadia doesnt skip classes but yasmeen skips everyone of her classes that she didnt already change to fit nadias to go to nadia when nadia has a free period. they know all the best shadowy stairwells and stuff to hide and make out in. 

and heres a terezi for good measure

[whumpqin]

The Rules

Whew, this one kind of kicked my butt when I was trying to write it, but here it is! It’s currently 7AM but I’m still posting this. Hope yall are ready for some more pain :3c

Takes place after Welcome Home

Taglist! @imagination1reality0 @faewhump

Content Warnings: Pet whump, starvation and dehydration as a means of control, dehumanization, collars, muzzles, noncon touching, some parts straight up torture used as punishment, creepy / intimate whumpers, usage of knives, brief blink and you’ll miss it emetophobia warning, licking up stuff off of the ground (?), kind of monster whump I guess, and probably some other things that I forgot to tag! Just lemme know if I need to edit.

They had decided to let him rot in their basement for the day. Alone and in the dark.

When Elisha finally woke on the stone floor, muzzled and hands bound behind his back to make him immobile, he wasn’t sure whether to be thankful for the peace and quiet or be afraid of the loneliness that would inevitably set in.  He waited, minutes turning into hours, for them to come down and do whatever they were going to do to him, but they never came.

For once, he had actually felt lucky that he was a Cambion. Darkness had never been a favorite of his, but his inhuman eyes were able to just barely pierce through the unseen veil so that he could at least catch flickers of the prison that they had put him in.

Unfortunately, there was absolutely nothing to look at. Besides the chains that bound him to the wall farthest from the exit, from escape, it was bare stone and wooden pillars that held the house up. Or at least, he assumed they were living in a house. He couldn’t be sure. 

He had tested how long the chains were by pacing - the only thing he could do at the given moment - and found that it wasn’t long at all. At the halfway point of the room it stopped, pulling taut and cutting off his circulation. But Elisha still paced, to feel something other than the metal lying across his skin, the strip of leather they put around his neck. He tried not to think about the collar.

And no matter how hard he tried to think about what was going on to distract himself, he still couldn’t understand why they were doing this to him. He dreaded finding out.

Elisha did, however, try. He figured this was some horrific game that they hadn’t let him in on. But Ari, the one who had drugged him, had called him a pet, talked to him like he was some sort of stupid dog, and he found himself trying to escape the fear that rattled in his skull again.

If they plan on making me their lap dog they’re going to have one hell of a fight on their hands, his instincts hissed in his ear over and over, aggressive at even the slightest provocation. Elisha always shook his head to try and get rid of those thoughts, but this one whispered over and over. He kept having to remind himself that fighting was going to get him killed by these people.

He continued to pace, continued to think. Every once in a while he stretched, extending his hands that were tied behind his back in an effort to soothe the ache that had carefully worked its way into his joints because of the strange position they were in. But no matter how hard he tried to wonder, tried to make sense of everything, he never came any closer to an answer that would satisfy him, would give him a reason why they picked him of all people.

Maybe there wasn’t an answer.

Elisha forced himself to sit, feeling the weakness in his limbs. They hadn’t given him any food or water, or anything comfortable, really. Nothing.

His shoulders slumped as he curled his tail into his own hands. There really was nothing to do but wait.

After what felt like hours, the sound of a creaking door opening alerted him. His head lifted from its lowered position to see small bits of light that peeked through the opening. Footsteps echoed down into the small room, and he soon saw two figures step down. Elisha was finally able to stare at both of the faces of his kidnappers.

Ari regarded him with a playful amusement, definitely looking down on him in a condescending way. Jer, on the other hand, seemed neutral and not nearly as interested in this as his partner seemed. He held a metal pipe that was as long as one of his legs, and Elisha felt a twisted dread in his stomach.

Ari reached up and flicked a light on. Elisha squinted as he was blinded yet again.

“Hello, pet,” they said with a bright smile. As they shifted, he saw that they were holding something behind their back. “Did you have a good nap?”

He wanted to say are you kidding me? On instinct, but his muzzle prevented any such movement.

Ari didn’t seem to notice, nor care, that he couldn’t give them an answer. “I bet you’re wondering what’s really going on, aren’t you?” They accented their words with a quick chuckle, as they reached a hand over to Jer, who placed the pipe in their hands. “Come here and kneel, and I might tell you.”

The dread curling and twisting in Elisha’s stomach dropped suddenly like a rock. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he saw Ari tap the ground in front of them. They had made the words sound so innocent, but he could tell that something sinister lied behind those eyes. He could see it in both of them.

His instincts told him both fight and flight. He wanted to get free and attack and tear them to pieces so that he could get away from here. But the bindings around his hands bit down more so than they had been, grimly reminding him of how trapped he was. Elisha took in a shaky breath as he stood up and took careful steps forward.

It felt horrible, to walk to your own demise.

The chain pulled taut, just before the place where Ari had told him to go. He tried to pull, to break it somehow, but it was too strong for him. Elisha looked to them with pleading, tearful eyes as they tapped the ground again.

There was no sympathy to be offered. “Are you not going to listen to me? Tsk, shame. And to think we could have been friends.” Ari looked to Jer with a incredulous expression. “Whatever, guess I’ll have to punish you for this, too. Kneel where you are.”

This was ruined from the start. Ari had no intentions of him even being able to obey. And now he had to just sit here and take whatever “punishment” they were going to deal out?

Everything was screaming for him to run. Elisha’s skin crawled as his instincts chastised him for kneeling, limbs twitching with a horrible panic that he just couldn’t shake. He can’t run. He couldn’t run, especially so with the air of fear that coursed through his veins so intensely that he wasn’t able to do anything but stare at the pipe as it was raised into the air.

When it came down, all he saw was stars.

Pain blossomed across his face as Elisha collapsed to the ground. Immediate regret of not doing anything racked his body much like the pain, and a low whine left his lungs through his nose. He tried to curl inwards, to protect himself somewhat, as another blow struck across his ribs. Even the thin layer of clothing that he somehow still had wasn’t enough to soften the spike of pain that echoed inside, as he felt something crack from the third blow.

Then it stopped. Elisha sat still for a moment, eyes squeezed shut in fear of what might happen, waiting for blows that never came.

It was too easy. He peeked an eye open, looking up to his captors as they both watched him carefully.

“He takes pain pretty well,” Jer commented. Then, with a small smile - which is the only expression Elisha’s seen from him thus far - he looked to Ari. “That’s good, isn’t it?”

“Oh, that’s great for us.” They looked back down to their target, a chilling grin on their face. “Hold still pet, there’s still more to come. Remember when you didn’t stay quiet in the car for me?” Elisha let out a muffled whimper, arms struggling from the need to defend himself as he squirmed on the ground.

Ari quickly raised the pipe and swung, catching him in the shoulder this time. It continued another two blows, hitting him in a different area each time. Elisha let out a low groan behind the muzzle, feeling aches and pains all over his body as they stood to admire their work.

There was the sound of someone whistling, and he looked up to see Ari’s smile. That damned smile.

“Oh, Jeremiah look at that. God, I wish I had a camera right now… these are the kind of moments you don’t want to forget,” they murmured, all too loud for Elisha to hear. They were talking about him like he wasn’t even there.

“Weren’t you the one who said phones were a ploy by the government to arrest ‘honest working people’?” Jer- or Jeremiah - said, raising his fingers in air quotes.

“I want a camera, not a shitty wiretap. There’s a difference.” They huffed a forceful breath, returning their gaze to Elisha, who lay motionless on the ground. He was afraid to move, lest he cause himself to hurt everywhere. He was already getting a headache. “Anyway, go ahead and take off the muzzle. I’ll go get some water.” Elisha perked up at the idea of water, swallowing as they felt the dryness in their own throat, and Ari seemed to notice, too. “Yeah? You want some water? Be a good boy for my friend here, and we’ll see about that, hm?”

Their tone was so condescending it hurt, but it could also be the aches from the impact sites of the pipe. Ari laughed as they went upstairs, high pitched and sweet and entirely not what Elisha would imagine an evil monster to make as a sound. Tears slipped from the corners of his eyes and dripped to the ground as he watched Jeremiah get to his knees and lean down.

Elisha’s breath hitched as his rough fingers found the buckles on his face and began to undo them. Jeremiah thumbed over a point of impact, making him whine in pain and squirm at the discomfort.

“Stay still,” he said, voice low and commanding. Elisha nodded, fearful of what might happen should he not obey.

The muzzle was slowly drawn away off of his face, careful of the short horns that rested on his head, and laid to the side. Elisha watched it for a moment before returning his eyes to Jeremiah as he prodded the injured skin.

“Pl-please…” he begged. Elisha couldn’t reach Ari, they were too much a monster all on their own, but he figured he might as well try with Jeremiah. “Please help me… I just- I just want to go home, please…”

Jeremiah watched him for a moment, an unreadable expression on his face. Then, he ran his thumb over Elisha’s cheek, making him flinch from the pain. “You are home, pet.”

The hopelessness washed over him like a tidal wave, and Elisha couldn’t stop a few pained sobs from escaping him. He was trapped, like a helpless animal, with these people who wanted to do nothing good with him. He was alone.

Elisha heard Ari coming back down the steps, and Jeremiah drew away from him to set the muzzle somewhere else. They caught him before he turned away, handing the pipe over.

“I think I figured out which name we should pick,” he murmured as he took the pipe. Elisha felt another pang of fear rattle around in his chest.

“Oh? Which one?”

“Caleb. I think it fits the best.” The muted passion in Jeremiah’s voice made the ever-growing pit in his stomach grow larger.

Elisha saw Ari put a hand on their chin in thought, a glass of clear liquid in the other. Water. He felt the dryness in his throat worsen at the idea of being so close to drinking something.

“Hm, alright. I did give you the choice.” They suddenly looked at him with such an intensity it made him flinch back. “Then it’s settled! Pet, your new name is Caleb!”

“No, please,” he begged, before he could really stop himself. “Please, my, my name isn’t Caleb, it’s- ack!”

He was interrupted by his own cry of pain as Ari stamped over to him and grabbed a fistful of his hair. The smile they wore held a sadistic tinge to it, and it was entirely too close to be well meaning.

“You really are stupid, aren’t you? You don’t get a choice in this.” They let go of his hair and let him fall back to the ground. Ari loomed over them, triumphant, as Elisha kept quiet, mostly out of fear. “We can do whatever the hell we want with you. Because we own you, got it?”

Fearful of what would happen if he did anything else, Elisha nodded against his own best judgement.

“Good, now you’re getting it. But not quick enough. Guess I’ll have to take your sip for you, hm?” Ari dramatically lifted the glass, taking a large gulp of water, sighing in relief. “Alright, now get up on your knees, Caleb. Maybe you can earn this water another way, hm?”

Elisha hated that name. He hated that Ari was essentially bribing him with the thought of water to get him to do whatever they wanted. He hated most of all that it worked.

With several whimpers and whines, he struggled to pick himself up off of the ground and sit on his knees again. Ari set the glass of water far out of reach, where he could still see it.

“You’ll learn to like it here, but there are rules you have to follow,” Jeremiah said. For a brief moment he wondered if he had gone through something similar with Ari, but he couldn’t be sure. The sinister glint in his eye told Elisha otherwise.

“Since this is your first time, we decided to maybe play a fun little game with you.” Ari drew something from their pocket, clicked something on it and a knife flipped out of it. “You say your rules right, and you’ll just get a little cut to remember it by. If not, Jeremiah here hits you with that pipe again.”

Elisha knew he wasn’t going to like this game. But, he didn’t want to get hit by that pipe again for going against what they wanted. He swallowed as he watched their expressions, horrifically neutral, and nodded.

“Oh-okay. I can, um… I can do that,” he murmured.

The two exchanged a look, a thousand words in the slightest twitch of expression that Elisha couldn’t read them all. The thought of not being able to know was disconcerting, especially when he wasn’t sure if it meant pain or not.

Jeremiah sat back on his heels as he looked down to Elisha. “Alright them. One. Your Masters should always be addressed as Master. Repeat it.”

Confident that he got the gist of it, he nodded. “Always, um, call you… M-Ma-” a tear slipped down his cheek as he tried to get the word out, and Jeremiah raised the pipe, “Ma-Master! Please, I said it, please don’t!”

“Wrong. You need to say it exactly, no ‘ums’ or stuttering.” Mercilessly he swung the pipe again, catching Elisha on the opposite arm. He cried out, following up with sobs of pain as he felt the ache settle under his skin. “Say it again.”

“Please… I, I don’t know, I can’t remember what you said…” He felt his chest clench as the pipe was raised again, fear coursing through his veins with every heartbeat that thudded in his ears. “Wait, I’m sorry! I’m sorry I can say it, ju-just say it again and I can repeat it, please, please don’t!”

The metal caught him across the side of the face this time, dazing him long enough that he nearly toppled to the ground. Elisha gritted his teeth in a groan as he curled inwards on an instinct to protect his body. Then he remembered Ari’s command, how they wanted him to stay on his knees. After a brief, merciful moment to collect himself, he lifted his face back up to Jeremiah.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ari lean against the side of the wall, that evil glimmer in their eyes again. With a sickening twist of his stomach, which he couldn’t tell was from hunger or fear, he realized that they were enjoying this.

Only a real devil could enjoy something like this, he wryly thought.

“Say it. Your Masters should always be addressed as Master.” Jeremiah’s expression was cold. Calculative. He was watching for a mistake to happen so that he could punish without mercy.

“My…” Elisha paused as he nearly said it again, fearful of the pipe that he held so delicately in his hands. “Masters, should… always be, ah-addressed as Master!” His voice raised as Jeremiah’s gaze narrowed, his nervous nature getting the best of him as he sped through the rest of the words.

“Not good enough. It has to be perfect.” This time it landed on the other side of his ribs, and though it glanced off of him he still felt the brief pain. Elisha cried out mostly in fear, keeling over as other aches surged in the wake of the blow. “Your Masters should always be addressed as Master.”

He took a few deep breaths, trying to remember breathing exercises he saw on the internet once. “My… Masters…” In. “should always be…” Out. “addressed as Master.”

“Good boy.” Jeremiah smiled at him. It didn’t reach his eyes. He glanced over to Ari, who moved behind Elisha.

“Very good boy,” Ari muttered, feeling his arms. “This should be a good spot.”

Something stung against his skin, and Elisha gasped and hissed in pain as a knife dug into his forearm. He forgot this part was happening, forgot that Ari mentioned being cut as a reward. Elisha squeezed his eyes shut as he felt Ari pull away.

“Two. Never question your Masters.”

At least this was easy enough. “Never… question my Masters…” Elisha’s head turned to catch a brief sight of Ari’s pale skin drawing close again.

He knew he must’ve done something good, because he felt the bite of the knife dig into his forearm again. It drew away just as quick, and he felt Ari pat him on the head.

“Your teeth look pretty when you’re in pain. I bet you didn’t know that, did you?” Ari laughed, close enough that Elisha could feel their breath hit the back of his neck, and he couldn’t help the shudder that crawled up his spine.

“Three. Do what you are told, regardless of the consequences.” He felt Ari draw away again, just slightly.

“Do… wh-what I’m told, regardless… of the… consequences.” Elisha swallowed thickly, closing their eyes. This time, he knew he messed up, especially when Jeremiah sighed in disappointment.

He heard him shift and move, and he peeked an eye open just as the metal swung and hit him in the stomach. Elisha wheezed as the air was knocked out of him, falling down to the ground as he gasped for air. He struggled to breathe through his breaking sobs of pain, resting his head on the ground for just a moment.

Getting back up was crucial in this moment, but his head hurt and moving about was like setting himself on fire and he felt like he was going to throw up from the nausea. Elisha needed to get up, he knew that, but everything hurt in ways that he never had before that he just curled up where he lay. The pipe prodded him, mocking him, and he gasped as his ribs shifted in ways they definitely weren’t supposed to.

“Get up, Caleb. Or I’m going to hit you again.” The pipe dragged across the floor, making an awful dragging sound that made Elisha cringe.

There was a pitiful whimper that sneaked out as a replacement for words that would ask for more time to recover from the hits. He just felt so weak, and trying to lift himself back up was a feat on its own. The next blow from the pipe went unprotected, and he cried out and sobbed as something else shifted in the wrong direction.

“Mm… this is already getting boring,” Ari muttered, prodding Elisha’s tail with a foot before it swept away and curled around his form. “Why don’t we trade, and cut him up until he gets it right?”

“You’re the one who suggested the pipe, Aridai. Just shut up for a minute.” Again he was prodded with the pipe, eliciting a whimper of pain from the gasping body. “Get up, Caleb.”

Without really thinking, Elisha shook his head. An admittance of defeat, to somehow say that he couldn’t do what they wanted.

He wasn’t cut out for this. He never was.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Fingers painfully tangled into his hair again, lifting him up to his knees. Aridai’s hands swept over his horns, but without any real curls to them there was no grasping them. Not yet. “Y’know, if we let these grow out, they’d make good handles or something.”

“Besides the point. Caleb,” Jeremiah appeared in his vision, waving a small hand to make sure that he was coherent. Elisha made a small whimper in return. “Good. Three. Do what you are told, regardless of the consequences. Repeat it.”

“Do… what I’m told… regardless… of the consequences…” the words were breathed out, as Elisha continued to try and get his breathing under control. He closed his eyes as another wave of dizziness fell over him, but with Ari-Aridai still holding him there was nowhere for him to go.

“Yaay, good boy!” They seemed genuinely excited as they grabbed onto his shoulder. Something small and metal was drug across the floor, and Elisha felt the painful impact of the knife slide across their skin.

“Four. Always ask for permission.”

“Always…” His mouth clamped shut as he nearly added an ‘um’ after, stopping his own blunder. He took in another deep breath to try and calm himself, even though it wasn’t helping as much now. “Ask… for permission.”

Another slice in his skin told him that he was being good. The feelings of both being relieved and horrified coiled around him as the knife drew away and he gasped for air. It felt awful that he would rather be cut than hit with a pipe, when he shouldn’t have to choose between either of them.

“Five. Always remember to thank your Masters.” Jeremiah shifted his weight, drawing the pipe across the ground. Elisha flinched into Aridai’s grip, which somehow felt cold and callous.

“Always… remember to… to thank your Masters,” he repeated after just a few short moments.

“Mm… nope, not quiet,” muttered Aridai. They let go of Elisha, who wavered and fell to the ground again.

Another hit from the pipe against his ribs, and he let out a low keen as the other aches fired up again. He just wanted to be left alone, he was much too weak for this. Even the water seemed like such a pointless goal, with all the pain that he had to endure just to get it.

You need it, his instincts whispered, clearly not understanding the situation.

“Get up, Caleb,” Jeremiah ordered above him.

He shook his head, not of defiance but of defeat once again. Elisha didn’t want to do this anymore. Just leave me alone…

“Aww… does the poor little one want to give up?” Aridai said in a mocking tone, as if he were talking to a stupid animal. It was humiliating, but he nodded his head, feeling his cheeks grow hotter than they had been. “Alright, I get it… but you have to finish your rules before we can leave.” Hands petted through his hair, and he couldn’t even fight them off. “Just be a good boy for us and it can all end that much sooner, okay? I’ll even hold you up.”

Don’t do it. They’re just trying to manipulate you. He had seen this tactic before, on TV shows he used to watch. Give in a little bit, and then they get you to do all sorts of things. Elisha closed his eyes as a lump found its way to his throat. Then he nodded.

“Good.” He was lifted up by his shoulders, and Elisha hissed as the stinging pain traveled to everywhere else that was hurting (which was just about everywhere, now.) “Go on, Jer.”

“Five. Always remember to thank your Masters.”

He swallowed. “Always… remember to… thank my Masters.” The slice of skin, signaling that he got it right.

“Six. Do not speak unless spoken to.”

“Do not speak… unless spoken to.”

“Good boy, Caleb,” Aridai muttered, digging into him once again.

This hurt. All of this hurt, from hearing these rules to saying them to the punishments and “rewards” that he was getting to the horrific praises that Ari was whispering from behind them as they carved into their arm. Elisha would cry, but he didn’t think that he had any water left in his body to do it.

To grant him just a sliver of mercy, however, he was lucky enough to be able to repeat the rest of the words.

“Never… leave the house… unless given explicit permission.”

“Pets don’t sit on the furniture.” 

“Good boy,” Jeremiah praises this time. For once Elisha is thankful to actually hear his voice, but it’s only because Aridai didn’t get to say anything.

The last cut held more relief than pain. Elisha hardly felt it, in fact, before they were suddenly pulling away from him and reappearing in his vision. Aridai held a bright smile on their face as they reached down and picked up the water. Finally. He actually perked up at the sight of it, waiting for him to approach and give him something to drink.

Aridai laughed in his face. “Oh, did you think that you were going to get this? Weren’t you the one who wanted to give up? No, I don’t think so.” They reached out to the side-

And tipped the water over so that it spilled into the floor beside Elisha.

“We’ll be back tomorrow. Maybe you’ll have shaped up by then, hm?”

They turned away, reaching for Jeremiah and wrapping an arm around him like a couple of buddies would. Like they hadn’t just relentlessly tortured someone. Elisha felt bile rise in his throat as he watched the two of them walk away like they had just watched a movie.

“So, how did you like that?” Aridai asked, shaking him a little bit to expunge some of the boundless energy that they seemed to have.

“That was… amazing. I can’t wait to do it again,” Jeremiah repeated, and he caught the slightest smile on their face as they retreated upstairs.

Elisha slumped forward, nearly choking himself from the chain as the collar tugged his throat. He scooted backwards, aching and tired and still so thirsty. It all had been for nothing. His gaze traveled to the water, slowly running down the ever so slight decline that it could find. Humiliation crept in, even alone as he stared at it.

He leaned down and lapped the water off of the floor.