#I Take Thee Sims | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

woniebunny · 3 months ago

Text

ITS JUST SOME HOCUS POCUS

PAIRING: SIM JAEYUN X BLACK CAT SANDERSON!READER, PLATONIC!BINX X READER

GENRE: FLUFF, SLIGHT ANGST, DARK HUMOUR, FANTASY

WARNINGS: CURSING, MENTIONS OF DEATH/DARK THEMES, SLIGHT SUGGESTIVE THEMES

WORD COUNT: 18.2k

A/N: Heyy lovies! Sooo originally I wanted to post this for Halloween but then a bunch of stuff came up in my personal life and I didn't get much time to write... so then I decided to make this a birthday fic for our Ikeu but uhh it's slightlyyy late whoops😬. I ended up getting way more into this than I originally thought I would (aka going from estimated 5k to 18.2k) but I'm very proud of myself and I feel like it came out just how I wanted and ngl I did pour some blood, sweat, and tears into this.. it's officially my first baby. I did proof read and fix things a couple times but there might still be some minor errors, please let me know if y’all see any 🙏🏼. I hope you guys enjoy and as always likes, comments, and reblogs are very much appreciated!!💕 P.S if you would like to be tagged in future fic posts let me know.

**********************************************************

October 31st 1963

Come little children

I’ll take thee away,

Into a land of enchantment.

Come little children

The times come to play here in my garden of shadows

Arises an eerily mellifluous voice emanating through the foggy village of Salem like a siren under the full moons glow, summoning sweet little Emily Binx as if entranced. Giggles and whispers permeate through the village as she skips heading towards the dark forest, her white nightgown flowing in the wind and her dirtied bare feet crunching fallen dead leaves and twigs as she nears the edge, oblivious of the calls of her name from her older brother Thackery Binx running behind her, begging her to stop.

Follow sweet children

I’ll show thee the way

Through all the pain and the sorrows

Weep not poor children

For life is this way

Murdering beauty and passions

As Thackery trudges through the rugged forest he comes across a dark lonely cottage with a water mill, rushing to hide on the side he can hear the sounds of cackling from three sisters. The Sanderson sisters to be exact. Peeking through a window he can see their figures crowded around a chair holding Emily. Staying hidden as they flutter around the room gathering ingredients for their potion, he overhears their plans of using Emily as a life source to make themselves younger and more beautiful. Determined to save his sister, he sneakily climbs the powerless mill and enters through a secret window accessing a slight platform that overlooks the whole room only then noticing a beautiful young teen tied to a chair with tears in her eyes, glaring at the witches from the corner. Mary Sanderson catching a faint whiff of a familiar scent begins slowly sniffing around the room, “sister I smell a child”. Winifred Sanderson the eldest of the three, turns to her with an incredulous expression grabbing her by the shoulders and points at Emily stating “what does thoust call that”. “Oh, right”. “Make yourself useful, unlike our bratty baby sister over there, and bring me a dead man’s toe and make it fresh” orders Winifred, “dead’s man toe *sniff* fresh haha”. Mary and Sarah begin goofing around and throwing dead man’s toes at each other accidentally throwing one at the eldest. “Will you two stop that! I need to concentrate” she exclaims as she whips back around to finish up the potion, completing it with part of each of the three sisters tongue. Scooping some into a big wooden ladle, she commands the sisters to hold Emily as she makes her drink a sip of the potion. The young teenager, Y/N Sanderson, immediately begins trying to undo the silencing spell her eldest sister put on her while silently screaming at them to leave the child alone and struggling against the cursed binds keeping her in place as she watches Emily begin to glow and her body turning almost transparent as that of a ghost. Delighted by the success of the potion, Winifred suggests that her sisters hold onto her so that they may share the life source together in celebration. As they begin to inhale, slowly sucking in the energy from Emily, Thackery jumps down and tries to attack the sisters bringing their attention to him. Winifred irritated at the interruption zaps him with cracks of lightning, using her magic to keep him in place as they finish sucking all of the energy from Emily making him watch. After transforming into younger, healthier, more beautiful versions of themselves as a result of the spell, Winifred decides to punish Thackery by cursing him to be a cat and live eternally with the guilt of failing to save his sister. “NOOOOO!” screams Y/N after undoing the silencing spell and binds, feeling helpless and horrified at not being able to help either of the Binx children. “Oh don’t worry sweet baby sister of mine, I didn’t forget about you. Since you wanna care for these mere mortals so badly I’ll give you the same fate. You will get to live the rest of your life with the guilt of not being able to save any of you, as well as betraying your sisters!” Winifred proclaims turning Y/N into a black cat before she could even get a word or sound out. At that moment the villagers led by the Binx parents show up banging on the door calling on the witches to surrender themselves. Y/N quickly exits out one of the windows and goes to hide, watching as the villagers break down the door and grab the sisters, forcing them down to the town hall to be hanged for their actions. Angered by their turn of fate, Winifred calls upon her book and with her last words vows

“Fools!

All of you!

My ungodly book speaks to you,

when all hallows eve and the moon is round

a virgin will summon us from under the ground

ahahahah ahahaha

we shall be back

and the lives of all the children shall be mine!”

Thackery after being ignored and kicked at by his father goes to find Y/N, together they decide to take turns watching over the house vowing to protect and prevent anyone else from having a similar fate to Emily.

October 31st 1993

Poor Thackery Binx not his mother nor his father nor anyone knows what became of him those 300 years ago and so The Sanderson sisters were hanged by the town folk. Now there are those who say that on Halloween night a black cat still guards the old Sanderson house warning off any who might make the witches come back to life haa! She whips around and throws a soft fabric at a student, Ahhhh! Loud laughter echoes off the classroom walls as the young teens witness their classmate get spooked from the teachers tricks.

"Give me a break" scoffs Jake, "Uh huh. We seem to have a sceptic in our mists.. Mr.Sim would you care to enlighten us with your California laid back, tie dyed point of view?" "Okay." Jake straightens in his seat to continue his thoughts. "Granted that you guys here in Salem are all into these black cats and witches and stuff, Halloween was invented by the candy companies. It's a total conspiracy." He snarks. Boos and come ons breakout among the class. "Actually, it just so happens that Halloween is based on the ancient feast called All Hallow's Eve” starts a blonde girl named Allison, "It's the one night of the year where the spirits of the dead can return to Earth." Yeahs and whoops get cheered from the enthusiastic crowd. Jake shakes his head while continuing to doodle in his notebook. Exiting the building he walks straight to his bike and starts his 10 min ride home, passing Allison on his way, "Jake!" he stops as he hears a call of his name. Turning around he sees Allison walking up to him. "You just moved here huh?" she asks. "Yeah". "Must be a big change for you." "Yeah that's for sure" he replies sarcastically. "What, you don't like it here?" "Oh noo, the leaves are great! But... idk it's all this Halloween stuff” “You don't believe in it?" "What you mean like the Sanderson sisters?" Allison nods, "No way". "Even on Halloween" she asks, "especially not on Halloween". "Hmmm.. trick or treat?" She asks handing him a piece of paper and walking away, opening it up Jake sees it's a paper with her number on it. Shaking his head in disbelief, he continues his trek home cutting through the cemetery. As he approaches a set of headstones a tall blonde teen with hair to his shoulder and a black leather jacket and another heftier teen with a fedora pops up “halt who are you?” “Jake, I just moved here. “From where?” “Los Angeles” the two teens turn to each other confused not understanding what Jakes talking about “LA”. “OHH” says the blonde. “Dude tubular” says the heftier one. The blonde begins to introduce himself “I’m Jay, this is Ernie” as he points at the other teen he grabs Jay by the collar and claims “how many times I gotta tell you my name ain’t Ernie no more, it’s ice” Jay just nods his head and continues “This is ice” who at the new and approved introduction turns around showcasing an undercut with ice marked out on the back of his head. Jake just continues almost grimacing at them. “So” starts Jay “do you gotta butt?” “nah I don’t smoke”. “They must be very health conscious in LA” claims Ice, “you got any cash Hollywood?” “No”. “Gee! We don’t get any smokes from you, we don’t get any cash from you, what am I supposed to do with my afternoon?” “Idk, maybe you could learn to breathe through your nose” Jake says with disgust. “AHAHAHAH EHEM” Jay bursts out with laughter but tries to cover it with a cough after seeing Ice’s facial expression. Looking down at Jake he notices his trainers “whoa, check out the new cross trainers”, Ice now excited at hearing something he could use against Jake says “cool lemme try em on” Jake trying to turn and leave not wanting to deal with such nonsense gets stopped by Jay shaking his head with a smile “uh uh” together Jay and Ice grab him and steal his trainers. As he rides away, heading the rest of the way home, he can hear Jay yell out “later dude” followed by Ice’s snarky “see ya Hollywood”.

Jake glides into his driveway right after the town clock bells chime. Parking his bike and locking his kickstand, he jogs up the few steps to the front door barging in with the door slamming shut behind him stomping past his parents unpacking in the kitchen. “Hey Jaeyunie! Hey, how was school honey?” his mum asks. “It fucking sucked” he harshly replies heading towards the steps to go upstairs to his room, his father hearing his tone shouts after him “hey, hey, hey watch your language”. Jake just scoffs retorting back “ I can’t believe you made me move here!” and continues upstairs to his room. Once in front of his door decorated with a mini California license plate with his name engraved on it with a “JAKES ROOM STOP DO NOT ENTER” sign, he proceeds to bang his head 3 times on the door, his baseball cap slowly sliding up his head, bangs his fist one time and then slams his door shut behind him. Heading to his bed he begins to chuck off his hat, bag, and bomber jacket throwing them haphazardly around the room. Plopping onto the edge of his bed he opens the lid to his fish tank with a resigned “hey guys” as he drops in some food for them before sprawling out completely on the bed. Meanwhile in the kitchen as his father is testing out one of the kitchen appliances they’re unpacking, Jaeyun's mother realizes something was off “huh” “what honey” “he wasn’t wearing any trainers?” “Idk must be some form of protest, don’t worry yourself too much about it”. As Jake tries to relax a bit, he hears his closet doors slide open and a loud “BOO!” “NI-KIII” he exclaims. “I scared you, I scared you ha ha ha ha ha ha” Ni-ki giggles “mum and dad told you stay outta my room!” Jake says annoyed that his silence was disturbed. “Pshh don’t be such a crab Jakeyyy and guess what” “what” “you’re gonna take me trick or treating!!” Ni-ki exclaims excitedly. “No”. “Mum said you have to take me” “well she can take you” “can’t, her and dad are going to the party at town hall” “well you’re eight go by yourself” Jake says walking over to his drum set in the corner beginning to play them loudly. “No way! This is my first time I’ll get lost besides it’s a full moon tonight the weirdos are out tonight!” Seeing that Jake’s not interested and gonna keep trying to ignore him Ni-ki walks over wrapping his arms around his neck in a side hug “ come on yunieee can’t you forget about being a cool teenager just for one night pleaseeeee? Come on, we used to have sooooo much fun trick or treating together remember? It’ll be like the old days!” “The old days are dead” claims Jake grumpily. “It doesn’t matter what you say, you’re taking me” demands Ni-ki irritated now. “Wanna bet” Jake deadpans looking Ni-ki straight in the eyes. Throwing his drumsticks down, he gets up climbing some of the steps to his lookout and sits on one of them with his arms crossed looking out the window. Ni-ki annoyed and sick of trying to convince him the nice way screeches out “MUMMMMMMM”.

Jake knowing theres no getting around it now gets changed into jeans, a sweater, and a bomber jacket with a grey and black baseball cap throwing on some shades, hoping to hide his appearance even just a little bit. "Let's go the bewitching hour is about to begin!" sings out their father trying to rush everyone out the house. Heading down stairs Jake sees his parents dressed up for the town party while fussing over Ni-ki's outfit. Ni-Ki dressed as a warlock happily jumps at his dad pretending to cast a curse, while their dad feigns being petrified "Ahh nooo he's got me, HE'S GOT ME!" while their mum laughs. After everyone calms down a bit they decide to take a family pic, Jake begrudgingly joins for the photo knowing it'll be quicker to get it over with. "What are you even supposed to be?" asks their father "a rap singer" "oh, shouldn't your hat be sideways then" he says turning his hat. "Say Halloween" calls their mother with her camera ready "HALLOWEEN!!". Jake and Ni-ki leave to go trick or treating around their new neighbourhood while their parents head to the town hall party. For the next half hour Ni-ki and Jake go from house to house filling up Ni-ki's jack o lantern bucket with sweets and goodies. Sitting on the last step at the present house, Jake checks his watch and asks Ni-ki if he's ready to go home as he comes back down the steps to join him. "Oh lighten up Jake, we still have a bunch more houses. Lets go!".

Hearing a loud commotion, Jake looks up and realizes Jay and Ice are harassing the other trick or treaters and tries to grab Ni-ki to go another way to avoid them. Too excited at the prospect of more candy and not really caring about the older boys Ni-ki goes to walk past them. Jay and Ice immediately stop him "Ding Ding, Ding Ding" and tells him that he needs to pay a "toll fee" if he wants to get through. "Ten chocolate bars and no licorice" "yeah! dump out your sack!". "Drop dead, morons" Ni-ki says with a glare. " Yo twerp, how would you like to be hung off that telephone poll?" "Please" Ni-ki scoffs out, "I'd love to see you try, my brother would kick your asses" "Jake!" "ohhh if it isn't Hollywood, haha doing a little trick or treating are we?". "Im just taking my brother around." "Ohh thats nice, loveee the costume, but.. what are you supposed to be? A new kid on the block? Hahaha". " For your information, he's a rapper. Not that you morons would know anything about that". Jake just rolls his eyes and grabs Ni-ki's hand while trying to leave but Ice blocks his way. "Hey, no one leaves without paying the toll. So pay up". "Oh shut it zit-face" Ni-ki exclaims completely over this interaction. Ice getting mad at being insulted, turns to go after Ni-ki but Jake stops him and hands him a spare pillowcase filled with some candy "Ice, here. Pig out" he says pointedly. Grabbing Ni-ki's hand he speed walks away trying to get the both of them as far away as possible from them. "You should've punched them" exclaims Ni-ki annoyed, "I can't take on a whole group Ni-ki they'd kill me" "At least you'd die like a man!" "Hey! You just humiliated me in front of half the guys at school so collect your stupid candy and get outta my life!". Ni-ki hurt, betrayed, and shocked at Jakes outburst tears up and runs away trying to find a spot to cry without anyone seeing him. Jake immediately regretting what he said and feeling bad for letting his stress and frustration about everything that happened that day affect him, goes to follow Ni-ki to apologize. After walking past a few houses he stumbles upon Ni-ki sobbing and whimpering into a bail of hay. Jake slowly sits next to him and gently starts rubbing circles into his back trying to comfort him. "Ni-ki Im sorry" he sighs out sadly "it's just that I hate this place.. I miss all my friends... I wanna go home!" "Well this is your home now" sniffles out Ni-ki "so get used to it." "yeah" Jake resigns "give me one more chance?" "why should I?" exclaims Ni-ki "cause I'm your brother" Jake says with an exaggerated pout and pleading puppy eyes. Ni-ki turning to him starts giggling at how silly he looks. Gently pulling him into a hug and tickling him, both of them stand up and check out where they ended up. "Whoa" says Jake in awe "check out this house".

Ni-ki tilting his head up to look at the mansion like white house with big columns and grand staircases shrugs "eh rich people, they'll probably make us drink cider and bob for apples" he feigns exasperation. Both giggling and nodding as they look at the other start walking through the front door to see whats inside. In the entrance is a beautifully laid out 8 course meal with candles and ornate decorations, in the middle of the room is a giant ceramic bowl filled to the brim with full-sized candy bars. "Jackpot" they exclaim running towards it grabbing handfuls of treats. "Jake Sim" a feminine voice calls out, looking up at the staircase Jake sees his classmate Allison making her way down the steps. "I thought you weren't into Halloween" "Im not, just taking my little brother Ni-ki around. "Thats nice" "eh I always do it" "Well aren't you gonna introduce us" "Ni-ki this is my classmate Allison, Allison this is my brother Ni-ki". Allison analyzing Ni-ki's outfit "Ni-ki I love your costume! Im really into witches and warlocks", Ni-ki looking her up and down in disinterest already knowing that she's only talking to him to try and get at his brother blankly says "thanks". "Would you guys like any cider?" "No thanks" the boys respond in sync but Allison already left to grab a few cups. "So Ni-ki" she attempts to start a conversation again "what do you think about the Sanderson Sisters?" "The witches we're learning about in school?" "Yeah!" "Eh they're all right, Im more of a Merlin fan" "Oh thats too bad" Allison exclaims "I was gonna say I could show you their old house, my mum works for the museum with all of their stuff" she trails off hoping he'll take the bait. "It's here?" asks Jake. Happy that he seems to be showing some interest "Yeah! Im gonna change really quick and then I can take you guys to show you. Stay right there" and Allison runs up the stairs excited to have a chance to hangout with Jake while Ni-ki and Jake look at each other confused. Neither of them interested in seeing it but not wanting to be rude continue to wait for her. About 10 mins later Allison comes back down in casual clothes and tells them to follow her.

Five minutes later after following her down the dirt road, they come across the dark gloomy cottage with the old water mill. Climbing up the steps Allisons states in an excited tone "Legend has it that there's bones of a hundred children in these walls" "oh great" states Ni-ki under his breath. Opening the door they are met with complete darkness and the scent of old books, wax, and various other unpleasant scents. Scrunching his nose Ni-ki asks if there's a light. "There should be a switch here somewhere we just have to find it" says Allison. While trying to find the switch Jake bumps into a table and feels the cool metal of a lighter under his hand, dusting it off on his pants he tries lighting it and luckily it works, with the help of the flame they're able to find the light switch. Flicking it on the dusty, cobweb filled house is bathed in light allowing the trio to see all of the witches books, ingredients, potions, etc. that fill up the house. While investigating all of the knick knacks and magic related objects, the children fail to notice the two little shadows watching them from outside the window. "What are they doing in there Binx?" asks the smaller black cat guarding the Sanderson home "Im not sure Y/N but whatever it is can't be good." replies the other "I know... with it being Halloween we cant risk anything Binx... we need to get them to leave." Allison walks over to the case in the center containing a large book "this is the spell book of Winifred Sanderson, it was given to her by the devil himself, the book is bound in human skin and contains the recipes for her most powerful and evil spells" "I get the picture" states Ni-ki with an eye-roll. "Whats that?" asks Jake noticing a Candle in the corner of the room, "Thats the Black Flame Candle" walking over Jake dusts off the little plaque with information on the candle and reads it out loud "hmm Black Flame Candle.... made from the fat of a hanged man? Okayy then.. Legend says that on a full moon it will raise spirits of the dead when lit be a virgin *scoffs* on Halloween night.. what a bunch of hocus pocus" he states in disbelief walking back to Ni-Ki. Thinking that this would be the perfect opportunity to impress Jake, Allison walks up to the candle with another lighter she found and giggles saying "Lets light it and meet the old witches.. would you like to do the honours?" she asks Jake. "No thanks" he states uninterested, him and Ni-ki already heading towards the door to head home. "Come on let's start heading home it's late" states Ni-ki "oh come on don't be buzz kills, lets light it and see what happens" says Allison starting to move her hand to light the candle. "Fuck, now Binx!" harshly whispers Y/N urging Thackery to stop the blonde from lighting the candle. Binx quickly runs up a shelf and jumps onto Allisons shoulder trying to bite and scratch her to get her to stop. "Ahhhhh! Owww! Stupid cat!" she yells out after grabbing and throwing Binx off of her. "Okay Allison, you've had your fun and now its time to go" says Ni-ki "Yeah, let's go its late and this isn't funny anymore" agrees Jake. "Oh come on, you just said its a bunch of hocus pocus right Jake?" she states going to light the candle "seriously, thats enough let's go" states Ni-ki but it's too late as Allison lights the candle. The Flame turns black and whispers start to be heard "uh oh" states Allison realizing her mistake as every bulb starts to blow and the windows bang open and close with massive gusts of wind sweeping through the home. Just as they think everything has calmed down, all of the floor boards start aggressively shaking with a bright green light shining underneath. Jake screaming along with Ni-ki grabs him and holds onto him as close as possible trying his best to keep him from being thrown away by the floor boards, while Allison grips onto one of the tables as hard as she can. "What happened?" asks Allison "a virgin... lit the candle" states Ni-ki peeved as he puts his costume hat back on.

Just then sudden crackles of fire started jumping from candle to candle, and fire-pit to fire-pit, lighting up the whole room. The giant cauldron in the middle of the room set itself on fire and began brewing a green bubbling liquid. Loud cackling could be heard as the old front door flew open revealing the three Sanderson sisters. The kids all scattered as quick as possible to hide in various spots throughout the cottage. "Ohh we're home, ohhh sweet revenge, do you see sisters! My plan worked perfectly." "Thats because tho' art perfect Winnie" states Mary "I knew I left this cauldron on didn't I tell you?" Sarah reaches up on her tiptoes trying to grab something from above the doorframe "My lucky rat tail, just where I left it!". Winifred getting distracted by the candle starts contemplating on whose responsible for bringing them back "Hmm but who lit the candle?" turning her head she spots her spell-book and perks up, running to it giddily. "Wake up, wake up sleepy head" she coos at it "oh I missed you, did you miss me? Wake up we have work to do." Mary hovers over her shoulder hesitating before she whispers "uh Winnie, I smell children". "Sick em" commands Winifred. The three sisters begin creeping around the cottage trying to find the source of the smell, "its a little boy... about seven... maybe eight.. and a half" claims Mary. "Ohhh I wanna play with him!" squeals Sarah. "Come little children, I’ll take thee away" she sings as Winnie goes to cover her mouth and Mary points at the case they're in front of "come out me dear we will not harm thee" coos Winifred "we love children" states Mary slamming her palm onto the case causing Ni-ki to shriek and shoot up from his hiding spot. "I thought tho' would never come sisters" states Ni-ki trying to act nonchalant "greetings little one" replies Winifred, "it was I who brought you back" "imagine.. such a pretty.. little child" they all giggle. "He's so well fed isn't he?" states Mary "shish-ka-baby hahaha" "tell me sweet dumpling, what is the year?" "1993" states Ni-ki as he gets dragged by the sisters towards a chair "Sisters" gasps Winifred "we have been gone 300 years" "well Winnie how time flies" "when you're dead!" cackle the two sisters. "Ha ha... Its been great fun but I better be going" states Ni-ki "oh stay for supper" "I-I-I'm I'm not hungry" "oh but we are" Ni-ki tries to get up from the chair and make a run for it but the sisters all grab him and force him back into the chair as he starts screaming. "Hey!" shouts Jake shooting up from his hiding place "let go of my little brother" he growls out. "Roast him Winnie.. no let me play with him" Winifred ignores her sisters and throws a green blast of electric energy at Jake throwing him back with a grunt. She then walks closer to him and using the same energy starts moving him around, sliding him into furniture then points at him and says "You. There." and throws him into the wall face first then turning him around and keeping him in place as all three sisters surround him. "Hahahah I haven't lost my touch sisters see" "JAKE" shouts Ni-ki trying to break free and run to his brother. "Hello.. goodbye" cackles Winifred as she uses the same energy to pick Jake up and start lifting him towards the ceiling. In that moment Binx and Y/N find their way back into the cottage. Seeing whats happening Y/N runs to attack Winifred and Sarah stopping them from hurting Jake while Binx runs to save Ni-ki. "Ahhhhhh get this retched beast off of me, get it off!!" "Ahhh let go of me you little demon" shout the sisters.

Taking their chance to escape the Sim brothers start running towards the door, Jake stops trying to think of a distraction to help them escape, tells Ni-ki to go and starts climbing towards the part of the roof with the emergency sprinkler system for fires. "HEY! You messed with the great and powerful Jake, you now must suffer the consequences, I summon the burning rain of death" as he lights the lighter "Gasp, he made fire with his hand" he puts it on the sprinkler causing it to go off " Ahhh Ahhh burning rain of death, burning rain of death! Hurry you idiots seek shelter" shouts Winifred as they all go running to hide from the "burning rain of death". Jake jumps down and attempts to leave slipping by the front door, Binx quickly jumps on his chest "nice going..Jake" he states sarcastically. Jakes eyes widen "you can talk" he states in shock "yeah no kidding, now get the spell-book" after seeing Jake not move he hisses at him and shouts "come on move it!". Jake then gets up and finds an old book stand and uses it to smash the glass and grab the spell-book. Quickly they all run away as the sisters continue to fret over getting burned. "Confounded" Winifred puts her hands out and tastes the sprinkler water "Shut up! It is but water" the other sisters try it "most refreshing" states Mary "idiots, the boy has tricked us and stolen the book, after them!" commands Winifred. The sisters all run out in hopes of catching the children, once reaching the edge of the smooth black road they all freeze expecting it to be a black river "perhaps it is not too deep" inquires Sarah while leaning slightly forward to take a closer look. Mary and Winifred after a passing glance both push the youngest from behind as she screeches thinking that she's gonna sink only to be amazed that the surface is smooth and firm. "Why its a road, Sisters, after my book" demands the eldest. Together they walk side by side in a crouched position syncing their steps together while grunting "nghh" "nghh" "nghh" after each step. Right, left, right, left, right.... until they are alerted by the sirens and honking of a firetruck with the red flashing lights appearing in the distance. They screech out of fear and grab at each other as they run away.

Meanwhile, the children with the guidance of Binx come to the entrance gates of the town cemetery "Woah woah woah, come on, this is a graveyard" exclaims Jake "its hallowed ground witches can't set foot here" assures Binx as Allison and Ni-ki stare at Jake in bewilderment "yeah he talks" shrugs Jake. "Follow me" calls Binx as he slips through the gate and starts running forward, the others realizing their only option of being safe and getting an explanation is by staying with him follow his lead. "Over here I want to show you something, give you an idea of exactly what we're dealing with" as he stops in front of a headstone engraved with the words "HERE LYES Y BODY OF M" WILLIAM BUTCHERSON DIED Y 1ST OF MAY 1693 LOST SOUL". "William Butcherson, lost soul" reads out Jake, "Billy Butcherson was Winifreds lover but she found him sporting with her sister Sarah so she poisoned him and sewed his mouth shut with a dull needle so he couldn't tell her secrets even in death. Winifred always was the jealous type" states Binx. "Your Thackery Binx" exclaims Allison "yes" "so the legends are true" "yes, now come along I want to show you something else" Binx states as he starts running in a different direction. Back at the old Sanderson house the sisters hide behind an old sign as the firefighters search the house and make their exit. "Teenagers again" "I hate Halloween" "this is the worst night of the year" the two firemen exclaim as they climb into their rig. "W-Who are they?" asks Mary "Boys" says Sarah excitedly "witch hunters, observe how they wear black robes and carry axes to chop the wood to burn us" "hold me" "this is a pretty spider". Winifred turns to her sisters as she smacks Mary and starts choking her "let me make one thing clear, the magic that brought us back is only good for tonight on all hallows eve when the sun comes up we are dust...fortunately the potion I brewed the night we were hung will keep us young forever... unfortunately the recipe for that potion is in my spell-book that those wretches have stolen! Therefore its terms to reason that sisters dear we must find the book, brew the potion, and suck the life out of all the children of Salem before sunrise. Otherwise its curtains, we evaporate, we cease to exist! Dost thou comprehend?" "You were splendid Winnie the way you started with a little adventure then explained.." "explained what?" questions Sarah "Come!" Winifred beckons annoyed "fly" as they all search the house for something to fly with. After finding their old brooms they all take flight beginning their search for the children and their spell-book.

"Because of me, my little sisters life was stolen." explains Binx to the children back at the cemetery. "For years.. I waited for my life to end so I could be reunited with my family but Winifreds curse of immortality kept me alive. Then one day... I figured out what to do with my eternal life, now I'd failed Emily but I wouldn't fail again so when Winifred and her sisters returned I made sure I'd be there to stop them. For three centuries I guarded their house on all hallows night, when I knew some airhead virgin might light that candle". Ni-ki immediately side eyes Allison murmuring "nice going air head". "Hey look, I'm sorry okay!" she yells slightly flustered and embarrassed. Standing up with the book, she goes to turn away from everyone while pacing "We're talking about three ancient hags versus the twentieth century here right, how bad can it be?" "Bad" states Binx "stay out of there!" he reprimands Allison as he sees her trying to open the spell-book "why?" she questions startled "because it holds Winifreds most dangerous spells. She must not get it." "Why don't we just torch this sucker" states Jake grabbing the spell-book from Allison and throwing it on the ground. Pulling out his lighter, he attempts to set it on fire however the flame, no matter how hard he tries, keeps straying from the book as if wind is blowing it "Its protected by magic" they hear a slightly deeper and more feminine voice state, turning around they all see another all black cat slightly smaller in size with beautiful (y/e/c) eyes. "I would hold onto that and hide if I were you" Y/N states turning to the bigger black cat she says "they're coming Thackery" before running off. "Eee hahah haha" comes Winifreds cackle, looking up the three kids and Binx see the Sanderson sisters hovering over them. "Ahahah ahah its just a bunch of hocus pocus" sings out the eldest, "Sarah" she murmurs as she points right, "Mary" she murmurs as she points left commanding them to help block the children to grab Ni-ki. "JAKE!" shrieks Ni-ki as he sees Sarah getting closer, all of them shooting up from there hiding spots and stumbling back as a group "brave little virgin who lit the candle, I'll be thy friend" comes Sarahs sultry voice "oh take a hike" states Jake swinging a branch at her swatting her "ouch" as she flies away. "Ohhh booooookkkkk" sing songs Winifred "come to mummyyy". As the book begins to shake and levitate, Binx jumps on top causing it to drop with his weight "afraid not" "Thackery Binx thou mangey feline, still alive?" taunts Winifred "and waiting for you" retorts Binx with a hiss trying to claw at her. The kids all rush to help Binx hold down the book. "ohh thou hast waited in vain... thou will fail to save thy friends just as thou failed to save thy sister" she snarks "rrreowwwrrr" hisses and snarls Binx as she tries to charge at him.

"What are you doing, grab the book" exclaims Jake picking it up as they all scream running away, dodging Mary, the kids stand on one side hidden between the trees while Binx stands on top of a rock. "They can't touch us right?" asks Jake with Ni-ki wrapped under his left arm and the book under his right arm "well.. they can't" replies Binx giving Jake and Ni-ki an unsettling feeling "I do not like the way you said that" huffs Ni-ki. "Unfaithful lover long since dead deep asleep in thy wormy bed, wiggle thy toes and open thine eyes, twist thy fingers toward the sky, life is sweet be not shy, on thy feet so sayeth I! WAhhahahah"cackles Winifred manically as the Butcherson grave begins to quake and a bony skeletal hand shoots up out of the dirt. "Jake JAKE" shouts Ni-ki as he tries to hold onto his brother while Allison grabs onto him on his other side. The rest of Billy Butcherson's body emerges from his grave with a groan shaking off all of the dirt from his hair and body, he turns to the kids as they all look at each other and scream running away. "Hi- Hello Billy" Sarah calls frantically waving almost falling off the broom. Billy looks up at her and gives a closed mouthed smile with an almost dreamy glint if he didn't have dead eyes. "Catch those children! Get up, get up!" demands the eldest while Billy glares at her "get out of that ditch, faster!" as he gets up and starts heading towards where the kids ran off. The kids come to a halt as they see a huge bolder with an opening at the bottom "quick in here" calls Binx running inside with Ni-ki and Allison following him. Seeing that Billy was catching up to them, Jake grabs onto a thick branch pulling it towards him and then letting it go once he was close enough knocking Billy's head off "Yes!" proceeding to follow after them.

"Woahhhhh" they all yell out as they fall through the tunnel "oof", "ouch". "Are you okay?" "Yeah" "What is this place Binx?" asks Jake "it's the old Salem crypt" answers Binx "it connects to the sewer and up to the street". "Charming" replies Allison in disgust as Jake pulls out his lighter using it as a makeshift torch so they can see where they are going. Looking around the dark grey bricked tunnel, Jake could see cobwebs and skeletons of both humans and big rats hanging from the ceiling "Ughh don't look Ni-ki" "don't worry I won't" he replies slightly disturbed. "Relax I've hunted mice down here for years" calls out Binx "You say that as if it's supposed to comfort them Thackery" drawls out that same dulcet voice from earlier "the girl looks like she'll throw up in a minute" the youngest Sanderson states as she comes out of a hidden passage to stand next to him. "Hey..it's you..from the cemetery" exclaims Jake surprised "yeah.. who are you?" ask Ni-ki suspiciously "Y/N Sanderson, I would say its nice to meet you but given my family history I don't think you'll care. Did you get the book?" "yeah.. wait Sanderson? As in you're related to the three Sanderson sisters?" "Unfortunately. I've never agreed with their beliefs and methods. When they attempted to take Emily my sisters bound me to a chair and put a silencing spell on me to prevent me from meddling. When Thackery came to save her and they were distracted I was able to undo the spells but it was too late. As punishment for not following my eldest sisters demands she decided to curse me the same way she did Thackery." Y/N explains to them. "May I have the book please?" she gently asks Jake whose holding the book "uhh sure here" as he puts it down for her unsure. Opening the book she incants a spell to prevent it from lighting energy into the sky not wanting to alert her sisters "just in case, really don't want them showing up". Flipping through the pages she comes across the spell she's looking for to undo the curse and become human again. Silently casting the spell, a dull purple aura like glow begins to surround Y/N's cat form as her body begins to revert back to its natural state. They all watch as she stands at five foot three with beautiful long wavy (y/h/c) hair with soft curves, a well-defined bosom, and striking feline eyes. "Wow" murmurs Jake under his breath completely enamored and awestruck at how beautiful she is. Allison witnessing Jake fawn over Y/N in a way he's never done for her, feeling jealous and wanting to bring his attention away from her, asks "so what are we doing now, whats the plan to fix this?".

Back at the cemetery the Sanderson trio fly around looking for Billy, seeing his headless body Winifred yells out "oh cheese and crackers he's lost his head.... damn that Thackery Binx damn him! Billy which way did they go? Ughhhh Billy listen to me, follow those children you maggot museum and get my book. Then come find us" she finishes her command just as Billy finds his head and screws it back on. "We'll be ready for them. Quit staring at me! Get moving down that hole. Damn damn double damn! Broom ho!" she orders flying away with her sisters to go back home and come up with a plan. Billy begrudgingly goes to follow the kids with a moaned grunt. "This way" calls Binx trying to guide everyone out of the tunnels with Ni-ki in front leading Jake and Y/N, with Allison right behind them. Jake slows down his steps to be inline with Y/N in hopes of striking up a conversation he asks "soooo, you were cursed by your older sisters and turned into a cat for eternity? That kinda sucks... does that mean now that you're human your mortal?" Y/N slightly intrigued by the really cute boy with longish hair falling into his face, pretty puppy eyes, and plump lips slightly smirks "it does suck a bit, luckily I had Thackery to keep me company which wasn't too bad" getting slightly closer to him she whispers with a mischievous glint in her eyes "but don't ever tell him I said that... I kinda like him being slightly scared of me". Jake snorts out a laugh as she giggles, he thinks its the prettiest sound he's ever heard not including her voice. "To answer your question no.. I'm still immortal, the spell I used to turn myself back reverted me to my original state aka a witch" "huh interesting" states Jake slightly amused. "So you can do magic then?" asks Ni-ki joining the conversation "yes among other things" "like what" "hmm like this little one" she says as she silently casts a spell summoning a cute little purplish white ghost puppy that runs around Ni-ki's leg, slightly jumping on him trying to get him to hold it and give it affection. "Woah! Cool!!" giggles Ni-ki as the phantom puppy licks his cheek. Jake watching their interaction with a slight smile turns to Y/N as she looks at him with a triumphant smirk and winks at him. Shaking his head in giddy awe at her silliness and how well she's doing with Ni-ki lightly bumps his shoulder with hers as they continue to follow Binx. Allison grudgingly follows behind them green with envy, feeling like she has steam coming out of her ears with how annoyed she is seeing Jake continue to give Y/N attention and even Ni-ki seeming to like her.

The Sanderson sisters land at the entrance gates for the Old Burial Hill expecting to find the children "they're here, I know they're here. I know they're here but where are they? Sniff them out Mary!". Taking in a deep whiff, Mary stutters "they're...they're...ohh I can't they've gone too far. I've-I've lost them". Angered at her sisters lack of assistance Winifred grabs Mary by her ear dragging her towards the sidewalk "I'll have your guts for garters girl! Confound you!" throwing her to the side a bit she begins to ponder " hmmm very well... we must outwit them. When Billy the Butcher gets here with my book we shall be ready for them!" "Book? Ready" "Sarah! SARAH!" the eldest yells at her seeing her dangling and swaying on the gate like a child on a set of monkey bars "let us start collecting children" she states walking off as the two younger sisters follow her. As the walk Mary confused inquires "why?" "because you great buffoon" states the eldest halting her step and turning to her with a scowl on her face "we want to live forever not just until tomorrow. The more children's lives we snatch, the longer we shall live! Do you understand?" "Right! Let us fly" suggests Sarah excited. "Wait! Sisters" calls Mary after them "I have an idea. Since this promises to be a most dire and stressful evening... I suggest we form a calming circle." " I AM CALM!" shouts the eldest "oh sister, thou art not being honest with thyself, are we, huh? Huh? Come onnn... gimme a smile" she says pointing at the her whilst Sarah giggles in the back, together they form a circle and begin the process of "calming". "Come along now, not much further" calls Binx slightly ahead of the kids "let's see, which way, which way? I can't remember. Oh look, down here!" he says turning to a tunnel on the right and scurrying off as they follow. "Think soothing thoughts.. rabid bats, black death, Mummy's scorpion pie. Mother!" they sisters chant as they spin in a circle trying to calm down. "AHHHH" the yell hearing a loud horn blearing as a bus pulls up with the door creaking open "bubble, bubble, I'm in trouble" says the driver intrigued at the woman. "Tell me friend, what is this contraption?" asks Winifred "I call it a bus" "a bus" "a bus" "and it's purpose" "to convey gorgeous creatures such as yourselves to your most forbidden desires" he flirts. "Hahaha well fancy" replies Winifred flustered turning away and fiddling with her robe nervously "we desire children" "haha hey, that may take me a couple of tries but I don't think there'll be a problem" the conductor states not quite catching on to what she means. "Hop on up" he commands "marvelous! Thank you" they say as they all climb up the small steps and try to find a seat that will fit their brooms. "Mmm mmm mmmm I need one of those ice packs, you girls are giving me a fever! Yow!" he whistles as Sarah passes.

"Go Binx", "come on guys this way" Billy hears as he starts following the kids voices in the tunnels getting closer. "Up the ladder" commands Binx trying to get the kids to rush, Jake going up the ladder first followed by Ni-ki, then Y/N, then Allison. "Hey buttercup, anyone ever tell you you're very easy on the eyes?" the bus driver ask as he lets Sarah sit on his lap and steer the bus. A few feet ahead Binx opens the sewer pipe cap hopping out into the middle of the road, Max with his head poking out and holding onto the cap seeing that the Bus isn't gonna stop shouts "Binx, look out!" but it's too late as the headlights shine on Binx and he freezes as max ducks back under. *Boom* *Crunch* "Whoa speed bump" shouts the driver not realizing what just happened. "Binx no!" yells Ni-ki panicked after hearing the slight collision, together they all climb out unfortunately seeing Binx squashed from getting run over by the wheel leaving a large indent on the middle of his body. "Nooo" cries Ni-ki turning into Y/N's embrace seeking comfort as tears stream down his face. "It's all my fault" Jake blames himself disheartened wiping at his face trying not to cry as his eyes get watery. "Hey, it's not your fault" Allison starts wanting to take this chance to comfort him in hopes it'll help her have a chance with him, just to get cut off as he also seeks Y/N's embrace. "Jake, it's not your fault or yours Ni-ki, it's okay. Binx is immortal, give him a few seconds and it'll be okay I promise. Okay?" she says making both boys look at her as she wipes their tears and tries to give them a comforting smile to easy their pain and worries. Just as Ni-ki goes to ask if she's sure they hear cracking sounds as Binx starts to expand and his body reverts back to normal and he becomes conscious "ugh.. I hate it when that happens. What? I told you I can't die. Ni-ki are you alright?" "Yeah" Ni-ki replies feeling slightly better knowing Binx is okay. "Okay, then let's go" Binx says starting to lead the group somewhere else, they all follow with Jake and Ni-ki still sticking to Y/N's side while Allison stays behind with a scowl. Mary looking out the window and catching a faint whiff of what she thought were kids abruptly stands up and shouts "STOPPPPP" as the driver and Sarah slam on the brakes causing the whole bus to jerk. "I smell children" she sings out in the eldest's ears "marvelous" as they all get up and start leaving the bus. The driver wanting a shot at being involved with Sarah grabs onto her wrist and stops her "hey cupcake, don't I get your phone number, your area code? You want my route schedule?" "Thou wouldst hate me in the morning" she replies trying to take her leave "No I wouldns't" "Oh believe me, thou wouldst" intervenes Winifred "party pooper" he blanches after them annoyed he's going home alone.. again.

Climbing out of the bus they walk into the chaos that is Halloween night. Children and families running around dressed in costumes, trying to fill their bags with as much candy as possible from trick-or-treating, homes decorated from the roof to the street with lights and ghosts and all things spooky. Winifred turning to her sisters asks "What is this sisters? Odds bodkins" as Mary begins sniffing and they children run by. "Farewell, mortal busboy" calls Sarah waving him goodbye. "What are those? What's that? Who's that?" ask Mary slightly perturbed "hobgoblins" answers the eldest as a little girl dressed in angel costume with wings does a curtsy and says "bless you" causing the younger sisters to scream in fear and disgust. "Enough!" reprimands the eldest, embarrassed at their behaviour. "Oh sisters" starts Mary while continuing to sniff around "I'm very confused, I-I-I I smell children but I don't see children... I-I've lost my power!" she cries out in despair beginning to sob. "Enough, enough, enough!" commands the eldest slapping her back and forth "we are witches, we are evil.. what would mother say if she could see us like this" she states all they all raise their brooms and bow their heads in her honour. "RRRRRAHHHH" growls out a man stepping onto the front of his house fully decked out in a Devil costume scaring some children as they run away. Seeing this the sisters all bawl "MASTERRRR" running up to him, "what kind of costumes are these" he asks watching as they all continuously bow to him, "it's the Sanderson sisters right?" he guesses not knowing that they're real or that they think he's the actual Devil. "At your service" states Winifred elated that he remembers them, "haven't seen you for centuries, but what the heck, why don't you come in? Come into the non-smoking section" he states chuckling as he invites them into his home. "Come on, come on right this way" he beckons as they follow, "I can't believe it's him!" cheers Mary in disbelief, "don't step on my tail" he jokes as Winifred turns and growls at the children effectively scaring them off so its just the sisters and their "master".

The children, after getting out of the sewer tunnels and continuing to run away as fast and as far as they could with Y/N and Binx following them stumble across what they assume is a officer on his motorcycle "officer officer" calls out Allison running towards him. "We need your help!" she states "what's the problem?" he asks. Turning to Jake, she immediately tries to grab him and pull him forward demanding "go ahead tell him" while Ni-ki rolls his eyes thinking she can't be serious... he's a cop not a witch expert or hunter. Jake grabs his arm back from her not wanting her touch him and steps back a step as he begrudgingly starts explaining what happened when he realizes she's not gonna let it go "Well you see.. the thing is I just moved here and we may have broke into the old Sanderson house and she" he states pointing at Allison "decided it would be a great idea to light the candle and brought the witches back from the dead" subconsciously Jake hides the book behind his back thinking it's not a good idea while effectively glaring at and shutting Allison down from opening her mouth to mention it. "You lit the Black Flame Candle" asks the "officer" looking directly at Allison as she tries to hide flustered that the attention is on her now "yeah..". Getting off his bike, he walks around the front beckoning them onto the sidewalk and standing right in front of Allison "and she's a virgin" throws out Ni-ki with a slight smirk feeling happy to get a jab at the blonde he clearly dislikes. The "officer" look at her trying to hold his laugh in "are you?" "yeah" "really?" "Yes! Oh my god yes I did it okay! I'll even get it tattooed on my forehead at this point jeez!" she slightly blows up with her cheeks puffed up and fire red from all the attention on her mistake. "This isn't a prank" she states annoyed "Hey! I put my life on the line to protect this community and you punks pull this?" he states while Allison stares at him in shock and boys look at her with indifference "get outta here and take that cat with you" he demands before turning his head and seeing Y/N "me-oww.. but her you can leave" he says taking on a sleazy tone as Y/N begins to scowl glaring at him. Jake immediately grabs her wrist pulling her behind him as he growls out at the dude "watch it" dragging her with him. "Come on" he softly beckons her and Ni-KI to start walking with Allison following behind envious that yet again someone else is interested in the young witch. As they walk away they miss the "officers" lady friend coming out of the shop asking him whats so funny, "just a bunch of kids pullin' my chain, they thought I was real cop" he tells her as they ride away laughing into the night. As they go to turn a corner, they pass the sewer pipe cap where the kids came out as Billy Butcherson closes it hiding but unfortunately getting his fingers run over and dismembered from his hand.

"I want you to meet the little woman" states the "devil" walking away from the Sanderson sisters "he has a little woman?" "sounds tasty". In the other room the man walks up to a woman in a colourful robe, smoking a cigarette with curlers in hair watching TV "petunia face?" "what" she demands. "Will you stop clicking?" he asks taking the remote from her "we have company". The woman pissed off at getting interrupted from trying to relax gets in his face as she snarls "I don't care who..I'm sick and tired of.." beginning to argue with him as the sisters gasp mumbling to themselves at the opening of the room "sisters, Satan has married Medusa see the snake in her hair?". "I don't wanna play in this, I don't wanna play" she continues before he grabs her by her cheeks and turns her head so she sees the disturbing trio "my three favorite witches" "aren't you broads a little old to be trick-or-treating" the woman snarks out with her cigarette and drink in hand. "We'll be younger in the morning" retorts Winifred cynically "yeah sure, me too... excuse me" states the woman getting up to leave and move upstairs, already over her husbands game tonight. Meanwhile a group of children go to walk past the house and notice the sisters broomsticks they left outside, getting excited the steal them moving onto the next house. "Forget the kids, I'm serving you from my cauldron" he states making his way around the room "Winnie! For you" "yes?" she replies taking the candy bar "master I thank thee... what about the book?" "We'll get to the book later". Next he moves onto Mary "Mary! Go long" as he throws a candy bar to her and she catches it cheering "yeah you could be a tight end!". Sarah then runs up to him taking off his cloak "master would thou dance with me?". While they begin to slow dance around the room Winnie enters the kitchen looking around and picking up random objects thinking she's in some kind of torture chamber. Mary walks toward the recliner and sits down picking up the remote beginning to flick through channels intrigued by this box that produces images and sounds. As the woman of the household begins to descend down the staircase she calls out "Honey, I've lost five pounds according to the bathroom .." immediately coming to a halt at the sight of her husband and Sarah dancing so intimately while Sarah keeps referring to him as "master". Infuriated she turns on all the lights yelling "that's it party is over! Get outta my house now!" starting to shoo them out "now now puddin" "shut it Satan" "oh" calls Sarah "though should not speak to master in such a manner" she teases shaking her head. "They call me master" "wait till you see what I'm gonna call you" she threatens "now tart-face take your Clark Bars and get the fuck outta my house!" she commands "Make us" goads Winnie. The woman looking her dead in her eyes calmly orders "Ralph. Sick em" as her small terrier dog immediately starts barking and growling as he chases them out of the house. Running away they notice their brooms are gone as Mary tries the bar the man handed her "uggh phew eww its candy. Why would the master give us candy?" she questions "because he is not our master" retorts Winnie "he isn't" "no.. and these are not hobgoblins" she remarks grabbing one of the children passing by and lifting their mask up to show their face. "Sisters, All Hallows Eve has become a night of frolic where children wear costumes and run amok!" "Amok, amok, amok, amok, amok, owww" Sarah chants jumping up and down before the eldest hits her in her stomach. "Oh Winnie, just one child" "nip" the eldest shushes her trying to think of a plan as time keeps passing by with no solution yet.

On the other side of town the kids come to a stop in front of the Town Hall building as they hunch over trying to catch their breath. "Are you okay?" Jake asks Ni-ki and Y/N with their wrists still in his grasp and they both nod in reply. He lets go of Ni-ki's wrist and gently moves his hand to intertwine his fingers with Y/N instead as she lets him, feeling slightly warm tingles at his gentleness and care towards her and smiles up at him. Ni-ki watches from the side with a slight smirk feeling proud of his big brother for making a move on her, already feeling bonded to her. Allison on the opposite side green with envy, tries bringing the attention back to her again "what are we gonna do now?". "I think you should go home" Ni-ki mumbles annoyed she's still with them. She turns slightly and glares at him as he discreetly flicks her off and she gasps "you brat" she snarls wanting to lunge at him before Jakes voice cuts her off like a drench of cold water, "Go home Allison.. I think you've done enough and we'll fix it ourselves now that we have Binx and Y/n" he commands with a cold look. She scoffs embarrassed and annoyed at feeling like an outsider "are you serious right now? This whole time you guys have been blaming me for what happened and all of a sudden this witch and cat show up and gets your attention and now you're just throwing me away?". "Hey don't talk about her like that!" barks Ni-ki "we didn't even want to be involved with this in the first place but you were too busy being pathetic and vying for hyung's attention that you made up the whole trip and dragged us along to the Sanderson house and then, as if that wasn't annoying enough, you couldn't take no for an answer and decided to light the candle, despite both of us and Binx trying to stop you, and now you wanna play innocent? We should've dropped you a long time ago... at least Y/N noona is knowledgable and has tried to help!". "Ni-ki" calls Y/N softly, shaking her head gently as he turns to look at her and pulling him behind her, seeing how close Allison got to his face, "it's not worth fighting right now little one, we need to work together to solve the issue". Allison scoffs "says you little miss perfect, I don't even know what he sees in you that could be better than me... do you even know who my family is?" she snarls getting in Y/N's face. Jake fed up with having to deal with Allison and her nonsense all night and the mess she caused, and also not favoring how she's speaking to Ni-ki and Y/N stands in front of them blocking Allison "enough" bites Jake sternly "go home Allison. I won't tell you again" pulling Y/N and Ni-ki after him as Binx follows. Y/N stops and growls out in her ear tone cold "do anything like that to Ni-ki again and I'll make sure its the last thing you do" with a pointed glare before letting the boys drag her away, leaving Allison to stand alone outside with a shiver going down her back. Allison huffs and begins her trek home cursing and whining about the group making people look at her like she's crazy.

Inside the group are met with loud music, bright lights, and a gust of warm air from all the body heat in the room. Observing everyone dressed in costumes the Sim brother turn to each other asking if they see either of their parents. After confirming that they don't they split up, Y/N with Ni-ki and Jake with Binx, to hunt down their assigned parent. Running around, turning people around to see their face, asking questions took them a while with no luck for at least 10 minutes. "How are we supposed to find Mum and Dad in this place?" asks Ni-ki stopping in a corner with Y/N. Right as she opens her mouth to try and encourage him she gets bumped into from behind "oh sorry" calls out a kind elder voice. "Mum?" inquires Ni-ki looking straight at her in disbelief "what are you wearing?". "You can't tell? Im supposed to be Madonna..." "oh" "I think you look amazing Ms.Sim" "why thank you honey.. who is your friend Ni-ki?" "Y/N" sighs out Jake after finding Ni-ki and Y/N to tell them he couldn't find their father. "Have you seen Dad?" he asks his mother "it's not Dad.. its Dad-cula" he states with a mock Transylvanian accent resting his hands on Jake's shoulder trying to spook him before catching a glimpse of Y/N "oh my goodness... who must this charming young blood donor be?" he asks intrigued. "Y/N a friend of theirs it's nice to meet you" she replies sticking out her hand to shake as Mr.Sim gently grips her hand and places a kiss on top of it. Jake immediately puts her behind him "we need to talk" and then drags his parents aside. "Something bad has happened" he starts off "what? What is it? " "While Ni-ki and I were trick-or-treating a classmate of mine dragged us to the old Sanderson house and when we were trying to leave she kept messing around and lit the Black Flame Candle bringing back the three sisters from the dead and now they're after us so that they can use Ni-ki to stay immortal before the kill the rest of the children of Salem" he rants out letting out a big breath. His parent's thinking that the two of them are just playing games begin to quietly argue between each other not noticing as the Sanderson trio walk into the ballroom. "Cause there's no nicer witch than youuu" sings out the lead singer of the band painted as a skeleton man pointing directly at the eldest and winking at her while she keeps a scowl on her face. "I put a spell on you, and now you're mine" Winnie now intrigued and flattered puts her hand to her cheek whilst raising a brow and watching the man perform. "Enough is Enough" quietly demands Mr.Sim "don't you see how crazy this sounds?". "Pardon me sorry to interrupt.. but may I borrow Jake for a moment its kind of urgent" "of course darlin', it was a pleasure meeting you" he replies slipping back into character and gently guiding his wife away to dance.

"They're here" Y/N states grabbing onto Jakes arm and looking him in the eye "what do you wanna do?" Jake looks around a bit before gently moving Y/N's hand and telling her to wait there with Ni-ki before rushing onto the stage. "No I ain't lying.... No no I ain't lyin-" "Hey cut the music" Jake cuts him off turning to face the confused crowd "I'm in the middle of a song" whines the singer "yeah well it can wait it's an emergency... Can everybody listen up? Your children are in danger" he begins to warn the onlookers "three hundred years ago the Sanderson sisters bewitched people and now they've returned from their grave" some of the people begin to laugh thinking its just a silly prank "Look I'm serious okay, it's not a joke! I know this sounds dumb but they're here tonight.. they're right over there" he points them at as a bright spotlight shines on them showcasing the three sisters trying to hide their faces and behind each other. "Thank you Jake, for that marvelous introduction" announces Winifred already hatching up a plan to ensure she has the best shot at no adults getting in her way. Continuing the song she starts "I put a spell on youuu and now you're mine... You can't stop the things I do, I ain't lying" singing she adds playful shakes of her head and dance moves getting into the act of fooling the crowd "it's been three hundred years right down to the day, now the witch is back and there's Hell to pay... I put a spell on you and now you're mine" she shouts with a flare of her cape making her way onto the stage with her sisters to perform. "Hellooo Salem, my name's Winifred. What's yours? I put a spell on you and now you're gone gone gone" the younger two harmonize with her, backing her up "my whammy fell on you and it was strong, your wretched little lives have all been cursed cause of all the witches working... im the worst" she trills smugly. As she continues to sing, Jake starts running back to the group as he realizes the adults will be of no help and aren't taking them seriously. Reaching them he sees Y/N and Ni-ki's slightly panicked faces as she grabs his arms and commands "we're leaving now" after having caught a glimpse of the Butcherson zombie boy, dragging him along with her as they head outside. As the sisters finish up their curse on the crowd and Billy gets caught up dancing with a woman dressed with a mask and an intricate victorian ball gown the kids stumble across the back of a restaurant trying to seek cover. Jake slightly frustrated at how the day is playing out kicks a near by bin "Fuck! Could this get any worse!" he yells irritated wiping his hands over his face and pushing his hair out of his face aggressively. "Hey hey" Y/N starts gently cooing at him, grabbing his face and turning it to her making him look at her "breathe Jake" "Jaeyun" he interrupts with a pout, for some reason wanting her to say his real name and comfort him "Jaeyun" she purrs sweetly "we're gonna figure it and everything's gonna be okay.. okay?" "okay" he sighs out resting his forehead on her shoulder as Ni-ki joins and leans into her torso as she comforts the boys... her boys.

Hearing the back door of the restaurant bang open and somebody walking out, the trio and Binx hide behind a couple of crates "okay guys, who's goin for the Jacuzzi?" before grabbing one of the lobsters from the tank and heading back inside "Angelo..too bad". Standing up thinking the coast is clear Ni-ki begins to ask what the plan is before Binx calls out "uh oh, hide" after spotting the witches coming up the street. Jake pulls Y/N with him and hides behind a big blue dumpster bin, Ni-ki hides in an old oven, and Binx hides in a crate. "I smell...Winnie I smell" "yes? Yes?" "I smell scrod!" Mary exclaims giddily "Scrod, it's a bottom dweller. You cook it sometimes with lovely bread crumbs, a little bit of margarine or olive oil is good" she stammers not hearing a reaction from either sister. The eldest grabs her roughly by her cheeks and drags her away on the hunt for the children, beckoning Sarah to follow. Binx, slightly peeking out from his crate, keeps an eye on them and waits until the coast is clear before alerting the kids that they could get up. Emerging from their hiding spots Y/N, after seeing Ni-ki pop out of the oven, gets an idea as Jake guides them to the Jacob Bailey High School. "What is this place?" asks Sarah mesmerized by the school building. "It reeks of children" retorts Mary "it must be a prison for children" explains Winifred as they begin walking into the building. "ARRHHWOOOOO!" playfully howls Jake "welcome to High School Hell" he begins talking into the microphone in the office as if hosting a podcast. "I'm your host Boris Karloff jr.... HAHAHAHAHA *evil cackle* it’s time to meet our three contestants Sarah, Mary, and Winifred Sanderson. Read any good spell books recently?” he goads, just as Binx cuts off the Sanderson sisters in the empty hallway barking and growling at them. "Hag tracks!" commands the eldest as the three sister get in formation side by side and do their infamous weird grunt walk chasing after him. "Hello, welcome to the library" calls out a female voice halting the sisters "bonjour, bienvenue a la bibliotheque", they turn down another hallway and begin following the voice. Sneakily moving against the wall they come across a boiler room, as they run in squealing and cheering thinking they've gotten a hold of the children Mary realizes there are voices coming out of a radio boombox positioned on one of the shelfs. While the trio are distracted by the box, they don't notice Y/N and Ni-ki closing the door to the room and turning the huge walk in ceramic oven on causing it to be engulfed with flames. Watching as the sisters burn, the kids turn and exit the school beginning to jump around and cheer now that the sisters are gone.

As they jubilantly run down the street continuing to cheer and spin each other around, they stop by a park that'll help them cut across, making the walk shorter to the Sim residence. Binx climbs up a tree as Jake leans against the tall black metal bar fencing "we did it Binx!" he cheers "I've wanted to do that for three hundred years since they took Emily" sighs out Binx feeling accomplished but reminiscent. Jake hearing his tone retorts sympathetically "you really miss her don't you? You really can't keep blaming yourself for that man. That happened so long ago" "Take good care of Ni-ki, Jake. You'll never know how precious he is until you lose him" he replies hopping down from the tree and beginning his trek to the tunnels. "Hey Binx!" Jake calls after him causing him to stop and turn around "where do you think you're going? You're a Sim now buddy, one of us." "Come on Binx!" calls Ni-ki "let's go home" "home" sighs out Binx, feeling a sense of belonging he hasn't felt in three hundred years, following after Ni-ki as Jake rolls his eyes with a big smile on his face. Walking through the front door, Jake turns on the lights as Ni-ki calls out "Mum? Dad? We got a cat!" not hearing a response as they all head upstairs. Opening all of the doors to check, Jake replies "I guess they must still be partying" while everyone gathers in his room. Back at the Town Hall party where Winifred casted the curse upon the crowd to dance until they drop dead, the Sims unfortunately are caught up in the middle of the crowd with the spell manipulating them. In Jakes room Ni-ki curls up on his bed as Binx drinks some milk from a small ceramic dish. "You're my kitty now. You'll have milk and tuna fish everyday and you'll only hunt mice for fun" Ni-ki proclaims as Binx jumps up to join him on the bed. "You're gonna turn me into one of those fat, useless, contented house cats aren't you?" "you betcha" Ni-ki giggles almost mischievously looking over at Jake as him and Y/N cuddle up to each other on the stairs with a blanket, smiling back at him happy to see him and Binx so content after the chaotic and treacherous day they had. Eventually they all doze off into a deep slumber, exhausted from running around and fighting all day, completely unaware that the challenges are yet to be over.

At the High School, the Sanderson sisters somehow having survived through the fire, break down the door stepping out. " Hello. I want my book" dead pans Winifred, repeating her statement in french, then continuing to pat herself to get off the ashes and dirt as her sisters cough and do the same behind her. "You wanna smash some pumpkins?" drawls out Jay "no" "... you wanna look in windows and watch babes undress?" he tries again, listing off things him and Ice could do to pass time, as they sit on the steps of a dark house covered in toilet paper eating the candy they stole as "toll fees". "It's 3 in the morning... they're already undressed" Ice deadpans, "well then you think of something" Jay glares smacking his shoulder, "I don't feel so good" Ice retorts, "cause you're eating too much candy you oinker!" bites back Jay as they begin to argue and push each other. In the middle of their bickering the Sanderson trio, after continuing their hunt for the children, go to pass them on the sidewalk until Mary almost breaks her neck coming to a halt after catching a whiff of Jake's trainers on Ice's feet and bends down as she starts smelling them. "Yo witch, get your face off my shoes" demands Ice in disgust "ooohh wrong boy Winnie, I'm sorry" she begins to whine and apologize to the eldest "why, why, why was I cursed with such idiot sisters" Winnie complains already planning on dragging Mary away while Ice and Jay watch in amusement, slight smirks on their faces. "Just lucky I guess" retorts Sarah distracted by a piece if toilet paper and swinging it around as Mary tries to hide her giggle. "Oh man, how come it's always the ugly chicks that stay out late" sneers Jay nudging Ice and causing the sisters to abruptly halt in their step. Turning slowly towards the young teens, the eldest orders her sisters to grab them as they head back home deciding to use the boys instead of searching for Ni-ki. In their cabin, after stringing Jay and Ices who are locked in cages from their ceiling, the eldest rambles as she tries to recollect the recipe for the potion they need before the end of the night "we haven't much time left...we shall-we shall have to make the potion from memory" stresses Winnie. "Hey" cries out Jay, "let us out of here, we're sorry" he whines, "we think you're really cute". "HUSH" Winnie silences him, too busy feeling stressed over the lack of her spell book "remember, remember, remember... now I remember! I was here. The book was there. You, Mary, you were here. Sarah you were in the back dancing idiotically and the book said... I remember it like it was yesterday. Oil of boil and a dead mans nose". "Dead mans toes" chimes out Sarah correcting her but getting ignored, "no no his thumbs? Or was it his gums? A dead mans buns? Sounds like mums, funs, funs, chungs! Dead mans chungs!". "Chungs" whispers Jay scared "theres no such thing as chungs" corrects Mary "your right" whines Winnie "it's no use, I don't remember the ingredients. I-I-I've got to have my book!" she cries out running away distressed with Mary following her and Sarah grabbing onto Jay's cage spinning him as he cries out that he's gonna puke. Opening the window the eldest begins to call out in a sing song voice "booooookkkk, come home or make thyself known" she sobs.

Whilst the new mini family slumber with light snores and slow deep breaths, Allison having followed them from a distance after being sent home, tries the front door which is fortunately unlocked, and ascends the stairs trying to be as quiet as possible. Sneaking up to Jakes room, she gently opens the door and squeezes through starting her search for the spell book. Quietly she lifts random books, loose pages, articles of clothing, etc while checking over her shoulder every once in a while for any signs of the groups waking up she doesn't find anything. About to give up feeling like she wasted her time, she gets an idea that the young witch must've kept the book with herself and tip toes to where she's sleeping not noticing at first that the boy of her obsession is under Y/N. Getting close, she gently lifts the blanket begrudgingly noticing that Jake has the witch wrapped up tight in his arms with his face nuzzled in the crook of her neck. Irritated and trying to hold in a scream of anger, she catches a glimpse of the book near the witches head and grabs it quickly before covering them back. Despite feeling envious, Allison slowly starts inching towards the open door trying to leave in hopes she'll be able to read it and find something to get rid of the sisters and gain Jakes attention... if she's lucky then also get rid of the young witch so there's no competition. As she heads down the stairs opening the book and reading as she goes, the new lovebirds rouse from their slumber gently nudging each others noses as they look into each others eyes. "You okay?" mumbles Jake sleepily while gently pushing some of her hair behind her ear and gently holding her by the junction between her throat and jaw " 'm okay" she slurs a bit with her eyes closed and softly nudging her nose against his, still exhausted. "Just worried a bit.... I don't know why but I feel like we're missing something" "what do you mean?" he asks gently tilting her head up so she'll look at him again "it's just earlier... I heard Winifred mention something about 24 hours and it got me thinking. They're set on getting Ni-ki to use him for the spell right? However they only have until the end of All Hallows Eve aka tonight which explains why they were so adamant. What I don't get and is making me slightly nervous is... how exactly does the spell she used work and how it affects not only them but Thackery. I can't help but feel like we're missing something. I think he should've been released from his curse and able to cross over if we defeated them... but he's still here and I feel bad saying that knowing how attached Ni-ki is to him now but I'm a little worried Jaeyun" she looks away a bit. "Hey, we're not going anywhere and we're in this together okay? I'll help you however I can but don't stress yourself too much right now lets take it step by step my love" he soothes her "my love huh?" she quirks a brow at him with a knowing little smirk and a twinkle in her eyes, "sorry it um it kinda slipped out" he scratches his head abashedly looking away, "I love it, my love" she coos pulling him closer by the nape of his neck and kissing him softly. Breaking apart from their soft moment with little stars in their eyes, Y/N suggests they check the spell book so she can figure out more about the curse and how to help Thackery. Passing her hand by her head, her brows furrow together as she feels nothing turning to Jake and asking him if he moved the book. Confirming that he doesn't know what happened to the book and helping her search they both look up at each other with wide eyes as they hear the front door close tripping over each other and the blanket whilst trying to quietly run down the stairs as quick as possible without waking Ni-ki and Binx.

In their cabin Mary is still trying to comfort a disheveled and sobbing Winifred "Winnie do you want to hit me? Would that cheer you up? No..okay" she concedes lifting Winnie's legs up to rest as she grabs a round hand fan and begins to fan her. "This is the end... I feel it" Winnie cries solemnly "we are doomed. I feel the icy breath of death upon my neck. Mary? Take me to the window... I wish to say goodbye" "yes Winnie" Mary gently lifts her and helps her walk to the open window. "Goodbye...goodbye cruel world...goodbye to life....goodbye...goodbye...goodbye to all that" she mourns before looking up and catching a glimpse of a beam of light, with her eyes widening in shock she begins to elbow Mary gaining her attention "Sister! Observe" she points her crooked finger directly at the beam "they opened it! HAHAHAH! Just when our time was running out, come! We must fly!". Gathering the youngest they all search the old cottage for anything that they may be able to use as a flying device. Winnie finds an old broom, Sarah an old mop, and Mary... an old vacuum? Together they take off heading towards the light. Unbeknownst to Allison who is still hovering on the sidewalk, when she opened the spell book it produced a blinding orangish light unseen to mortals that alerts the true owner aka Winifred Sanderson of the exact location of her book, inevitably leading them to the Sim household. Jake and Y/N after making it downstairs throw the front door open and run towards the sidewalk in hopes of catching whoever stole the book. Seeing Allison Y/N grabs Jake's arm stopping him from going any further "let me handle her this time Jaeyun" she softly demands as he nods and lets her take the lead. "I should've known you'd be the thief, you seem to have a knack for doing everything you're not supposed to" "what's the matter witch afraid I'll find a way to take Jake from you" "don't you think it's pathetic that you keep doing all of these dangerous and idiotic things in hopes of gaining his attention? Any spell you find in that book will be more of a curse than a blessing.. he'll never legitimately care for you" the young witch tries to reason with the young blonde. "Does it matter? He'll still be devoted to me and not you" "you know I've tried to be nice to you and figured you'd learn your lesson and take accountability like a big girl but you seriously need some help....don't worry my services are free" she drawls in a saccharine voice before casting a temporary spell on Allison turning her into a mouse. "I'd scurry along if I were you, Thackery loves a little late night snack" she taunts watching as Allison scurries away and picks up the now closed book before turning back to Jake who's trying to hold in his laughter. "What?" "That might be the funniest and sexiest thing I've ever seen anyone do" he giggles pulling her in by her waist "oh you liked my little show" she asks with a playful smirk and twinkle in her eye. "I like you being protective over me" he taunts raising a brow at her while biting at his lips to hide his cheshire cat smile as she scoffs and rolls her eyes "she'll be back to normal in 12 hrs if you want her to chase after you so badly" she taunts "too bad I only want one girl to want me" he grabs her throat looking into her eyes. "Okay Romeo, let's get back inside before Ni-ki thinks something happened" she guides him back inside trying to hide her smile and slight blush as he quietly laughs. Suddenly feeling a chill and uneasy Y/N falters with Jake wrapping himself around her as she shushes him "what? Whats wrong" he whispers "somethings wrong I can feel it... stay behind me" she warns starting to creep up the steps with Jake following close behind.

Jake and the young witch having been caught up with Allison and getting the book back, were too distracted to notice when the three Sanderson sister's made it to the Sim residence and broke into Jakes room. The sister's made quick work of putting Binx in a sack and grabbing Ni-ki with a hand over his mouth to muffle his screams. Sarah hearing the door open and close downstairs hid under the covers planning on scaring the two teens as they left all the lights off minus the bedside lamp. As Jake and Y/N get to the top floor they check each room looking for anything peculiar before coming to Jake's door. Turning to look at each other they give a quick encouraging nod and silently count down from three before throwing open the door. Jake cuts in front of the young witch and goes to move the covers off the bed to check on Ni-ki when Sarah jumps up at them causing him to shriek and stumble back into Y/N as Sarah cackles. "Looking for these" taunts the eldest stepping out of the closet holding the sack with Binx and Mary holding Ni-ki "give me back my brother" demands Jake trying to run at them before Winifred zaps him sending him into his drum set and knocking him unconscious. Y/N quickly runs in front him with her right hand out ready to protect him while trying to keep the book tucked under her left arm "watch it" she warns. "Oh it's no matter you traitorous wench! We have the child and now all we need is the book... be a good girl for once and hand. it. over." "never" she hisses trying to fight off Sarah and Mary. Putting up a good fight she's able to knock both of them on their asses before the eldest zaps her as well forcing her to her knees, as Mary struggles but ultimately ends up ripping the book out of her arms. With everything back in their possession, the sister's head back to the window they snuck in through and take their leave with Sarah holding Ni-ki, Mary holding onto the book, and Winifred holding onto Binx. "Come Sister's, the candles magic is almost spent and dawn approaches" she reminds them before taking off, leaving the two teens a crumpled mess on the floor. Y/N after overcoming the pain bestowed upon her from the eldest hears a groan and fights to push herself up and throw all of the broken debris off of Jake and help him up. "Are you okay?" "Ughh I'm fine, are you? Where is Ni-ki?" Y/N's eyes get blurry as she feels like she failed and didn't fight hard enough. "I'm sorry I'm s-so sorry I tried to fight them off but she shocked me and then th-the-they took him and I'm so sorry Jake it's all my fault" she sobs "hey hey shhh you tried okay? You did way better than me anyway I was literally unconscious... it's not your fault baby. It's not your fault" he soothes holding her in place forcing her to look him in the eyes "it's okay, we're gonna find him and get him back okay?" "okay" she whispers out brokenly as he helps the both of them up off the floor.

"Use thy voice Sarah!" bellows Winifred as they fly over lakes heading back to their cabin "fill the sky. Bring the little brats to die. EEEHAHAHAH HAA!". Sarah with the encouragement of her sister and having wanted to play all day begins singing, her eerily mellifluous voice resonating through the city below. "Come little children I'll take thee away, into a land of enchantment" her body begins slithering up, arms stretching towards the sky as if feeling the energy flowing through her body like static "come little children, the time's come to play. Here in my garden of Ma-agic". The streets of Salem begin to fill as every child and teen under 18 put in a subconscious trance, sleep-walk out of their homes and begin their trek to the old Sanderson cottage. Hearing the singing and humming Jake and Y/N run up the steps to the lookout tower and see the herd of children roaming the streets allured by the voice. "Hey! HEY! You guys don't listen to her! Hey, up here!" Jake shouts trying to grab their attention "They won't hear us Jake, they're entranced. Let's focus on getting Ni-ki home and how to get rid of them". "Okay, how do we do that then?" he inquires "Well we know they'll take Ni-ki back to the cottage because that's where she's the most prepared so that's not an issue" she states pacing back and forth trying to critically think about the entire situation. "Yeah, but then we still have to figure out how to get rid of them or they'll just keep following us and we'll be repeating the same cycle over and over again" Jake adds matter-of-factly. "I know" starts Y/N fiddling with her necklace before coming to a stop in front of him as a lightbulb goes off "Wait! Winifred said earlier while you were unconscious that the candles magic will soon be spent..and emphasized that dawn approaches. The Black Flame Candle! It must've only brought them back for the night of All Hallows eve meaning... that unless they can recreate the spell and collect the lives of the children of Salem.... then when the sun comes up they'll perish! That's why she was so set on getting everything done so quickly and why the boiler room didn't work. They had the power of the candle protecting them but once it runs out they're dust!" she concludes eyes slightly widening as Jake grabs her by her throat smashing his mouth onto hers in a deep sensual kiss stealing her breath away before slightly separating keeping his nose touching hers "God I fucking love how sexy that big nerdy brain of yours is" he moans out before pressing one more fiery kiss on her lips "let's go get Ni-ki" Y/N mumbles feeling slightly giddy and flustered while trying to push him away before he loses focus "right... one more kiss?" "No. Come on Jaeyun" "Oh come on" he whines out pouting behind her. Stopping in his door frame, she turns to him pulling him in by his shirt "the faster we save Ni-ki and get rid of those broads the faster we can come back... if you're a good boy we can do more than kissing" she coos and flutters her eyelashes at him as he immediately nods and races out the house "what are you waiting for slow poke, move it!" he rushes as she shakes her head with a slight smirk following quickly behind him.

"The children are coming" coos Sarah "excellent! Well done sister Sarah" praises Winifred as she continues preparing the potion now that she has her spell book back. Ni-ki is tied up in a chair with rope struggling to break lose while Binx fights to get out of the burlap sack they have him in hung by the fireplace "Let me out of here!". Jake after nabbing his parents keys for the family SUV begins trying to carefully but quickly drive through the crowd of zombie-like children "Come on. Move it!" he honks and yells out at them trying make a clear path. "I'm gonna ralph" "no more candy please!" whine out Jay and Ice as the sisters try to fatten them up even more "soon the lives of all thy little friends will be mine" snarks Winifred making her way towards her book "and I shall be young and beautiful again forever". "It doesn't matter how young or old you are" remarks Ni-ki "you sold your soul to the Devil! You're the ugliest thing that's ever lived and you know it" demeans Ni-ki. "You. Die. First" hisses Winifred infuriated that some little twerp has insulted her before turning back to the potion and spitting into it causing it to foam up and flash a bright green colour. Jake and Y/N begin to pull up to the cottage trying to be as silent as possible, while Y/N thinks of a quick plan to get Ni-Ki and Thackery out so they can head back to the cemetery. The young witch stays outside as she puts tinted films over the headlights to mimic the sun as Jake goes to retrieve Ni-ki and Binx. "Tis ready, pry open his mouth" "gladly" Mary states as Winnie scoops out a bit of the potion as they all try to force Ni-ki to open his mouth and drink it. "Don't do it Ni-ki, don't drink it!" calls Binx still trying to break out. Ni-ki bites Mary and stomps on Sarahs foot as Winnie comes closer and tries to put the giant wooden spoon near her mouth, at that moment Jake bursts through the door "prepare to die! Again." he states coldly "You. You have no powers here you fool!" Winnie snarls. "Hollywood!" cries out Jay thinking he's gonna be saved "maybe not" Jake continues ignoring Jay "but there's a power greater than your magic and that's knowledge" "come on man" jay whines "and there's one thing that I know that you don't" "and what is that, dudeee?" asks Winnie sarcastically as Sarah bursts out in a wheezy cackle. "Daylight savings time" says Jake cockily as Y/N turns on the headlights making it shine a pinkish red with the tint, fooling the sister's into thinking the sun is coming up as they all start screaming and dramatically "melting" complaining about how much it "hurts". Jake immediately runs over to Ni-ki untying him before running to grab Binx "Hot. Hot. Hot cat. HOT CAT!" bellows out Binx in slight pain as they untie him "hold on Binx" placates Ni-ki as they all run towards the door. "Hey Hollywood, help us out of here?" tries to beg Ice and Jay but Jake ignores them and takes back his shoes off of Ice's feet "tubular" he mocks running out. "Hurry up Ni-ki we gotta go!" he tries to pull Ni-ki to the SUV "wait. I wanna see her turn to dust." demands Ni-ki before hearing Y/N whistle out to them and pointing out the clever little trick they pulled with the tint and headlines "on second thought.. pump it!" he rushes out as they all pack into the vehicle and speed off.

"Noona!" exclaims Ni-ki reaching over to hug her just happy to be away from the witches. A couple moments later after not feeling anything as the lay in a huddle on the floor "damn that boy! He tricked us again" bellows Winifred vexed. "Oh you're right, you're always right" claims Mary "Its my curse.... that and you two. Get off me you thundering oafs!" they immediately shoot up from their spot scared of the eldest's wrath. "Look the candles almost out. My potion... my beautiful potion.. look there's just enough left" she states annoyed "for one child, get the vile!". The mass of children are getting closer to the cabin as Jake tries to drive through them "oh come on, seriously move it!" as he honks and swerves, getting closer to the cemetery. "Oh joy just enough... this is perfect for that little toe-headed brat" "but we have a child. Actually two children" states Sarah pointing at Ice and Jay "and look Winnie, more children are arriving" Mary calls opening the windowing showing the yard now occupied with children. "Winnie, we'll make more potion because we have the book!" cheers Sarah "we haven't the time" reprimands Winnie "besides I want to get that little rat-faced kid that called me..." "oh don't say it, don't even say it" "ugly?" and Winnie starts crying "oh honey, I know" tries to comfort Mary. "he really hurt my feelings" "he's just jealous" "he doesn't even know me" "I know" Mary placates her. "You know, I've always wanted a child and now I think I'll have one..on toast!" Winnie screeches before storming outside to take flight with her sisters. "Step on it hyung!" commands Ni-ki "are they following us?" asks Jake as Y/N turns to check through the back window "no" "good" he lets out a relieved breath picking up the pace on the now deserted road. The sisters catch up to the kids as Winifred lowers herself to be in line with the drivers window "pull over. Let me see your driver's permit?" she cackles choking Jake and trying to pull him out of the car, as Y/N fights her off and Ni-Ki tries to help hold the steering wheel in place so they don't fly off the road. Jake throws her into a bush right as he brakes in front of the cemetery whipping the vehicle into park. Rushing to get inside where the Sanderson trio can't touch them "Hurry, Hurry! Come on, let's get a move on" beckons Binx running to the center, as Jake closes the gate and tries catching up with the group but runs straight into Billy Butcherson's body falling over. Y/N and Ni-ki hearing a thump and Jakes grunt stop and turn around to check on him before Ni-ki freaks out seeing the butcherson boy hovered over his hyung trying to run to him as Binx and Y/N stop him " No Ni-ki, wait". Jake pulls out a switch blade from his pocket and rushes to stand up threatening Billy with the Blade "run, Niki, run" as they trio take off and Jake keeps the zombie distracted. "Billy! Billy listen to me, kill him if you must. Just bring me that child Ni-ki" commands Winifred as she hovers near the gates "and put some wiggle in it, you putrid festering sore!". Billy holding Jake in a headlock grabs his blade and uses it to cut open his sewn mouth coughing up dirt, cloth, and worms "kill him, do it now!" "wench" spits out Billy for the first time shocking himself and Jake. "Trollop" he starts feeling excited he can finally tell her off and say everything he's been holding in "you buck-toothed, mop-riding, firefly from hell... I've waited centuries to say that" he turns his head to murmur to Jake. Trying to prevent a gag from the smell and twisting his face away "ughh say what you want man, just don't breathe on me please" he begs in disgust. "Billy! I killed you once.. I shall kill you again you maggoty malfeasance" she chides as he waves her off, giving her his back as he leads Jake to the rest of the group.

As they join the group, Ni-ki runs into Jake holding onto him "I'm so glad you're okay" "I'm stronger than you think lil man" "whatever" he laughs pushing him away. "Come on. We'll have to hold them out until Dawn" reminds Binx as they try to hatch a plan to save Ni-ki "it's our only hope". "Hi Billy!" greets Ni-ki kinda excited to speak to a real zombie as he turns to smile at the kid thinking he's cute "you'll be safe in here" he gently guides Ni-ki to his grave as Y/N begins a spell to make a protective barrier. "You okay ki?" "Yeah, feels a little weird standing in a grave while I'm alive... but I'm not one to complain" he giggles causing the others to laugh and watch him with a fond smile. Jake practices some boxing moves as the young witch finishes her spell just in the nick of time "here they come!" alerts Thackery "Billy, guard Ni-ki. Y/N and Jake spread out" as everyone rushes to their station. "For the last time, prepare to meet thy doom" threatens Winnie as she lowers herself as close to the ground as possible "you little pest. I've had enough of you!" she begins chasing him before he trips over a branch narrowly avoiding her grasp. Y/N using some holy water she has saved in a little vile splashes it at Sarah burning her as she tries to get her, effectively warding her off while Billy tells Winifred to fuck off after she strikes a tree in hopes of it incapacitating him. Seeing how that didn't work she instead swoops down and kicks Billy's head off temporarily immobilizing him as he tries to search for it, Ni-ki not fully thinking about it leaves the safety barrier Y/N created for him and runs to give him back his head "here Billy, I think you need this". Noticing the opening she's gotten, Winifred quickly snatches Ni-ki off the ground trying to fly away with him as he screams for his hyung to help him. "NI-KI NOOOO" he screams as they all rush to try and go after him "bye-bye big brother" taunts the wicked witch as they all come to a stop in the middle of the field, the witch still hovering on her broom with Ni-ki in her lap. "All right you little trollimog" she sneers pulling out a bottle with the leftover potion "this'll teach you to call people ugly" she spits out after taking the cork off with her bucked-teeth "open your mouth!" she demands fighting with the child, as Binx runs up a tree and jumps at her trying to claw at her face getting her to drop the potion. Fed up with the demon cat she throws him down onto a hard stone knocking him unconscious. "Give me that vial!" she demands seeing Jake catch it "Put him down or I'll smash it" argues Jake "smash it and he dies!" retorts the witch. Having a quick debate mentally Jake tilts his head back and downs the potion as if taking a bitter medicine "hyung no!" screams out Ni-ki terrified "now you have no choice" growls out Jake with his raspy voice "you have to take me". Enraged but knowing she has no choice with dawn approaching soon she begrudgingly lowers Ni-ki to the ground "what a fool to give up thy life for thy sister's" she sneers with a twisted scowl before grabbing him and ascending up "NOOO JAKE!" cries out Ni-ki as Billy and Y/N hold onto him. Jake tries choking her and fighting her as to prevent her from sucking his life source out of him. Calling for help, her sisters all rush to assist but the group grab onto the cord of Mary's vacuum creating tension as Sarah grabs onto her hand trying to get her. Seeing the sun starting to peek through Y/N shouts "now" as they all let go sending the two witches flying.

Distracted by her sister's screams as they fly over her, Jake uses this opportunity to throw her off her broom, as they both fall onto the ground. Forcing her self off the floor, she grabs onto Jake hoisting him above her head sucking at his life source again, before feeling a sizzling heat working up her feet and to her legs. Turning her head doing a triple take with Jake after seeing the sun she desperately calls for her book, getting cut off as she turns to stone and Jake rips himself off landing crumpled on the floor. All three sisters one by one fulminate giving off burst of pinks and greens, and poor Thackery hidden away in a corner slightly forgotten, opens his eyes watching them disintegrate and lets out one last pitiful meow as he lays still. With them gone and the spell wearing off, Jake begins to gain consciousness with a slight groan. "JAKE!!" Ni-ki calls running to help him up "are you okay?" he asks worried "yeah.. I think so" "you saved my life.." he starts getting teary eyed "I thought I was gonna lose you" he sobs as Jake engulfs him in a bear hug. "I'm your big brother of course I did and didn't I tell you I'm stronger than you think lil man" he scoffs out with a playful eye-roll causing Ni-ki to giggle just happy his brothers okay "I love you jerk-face" "I love you too". Getting up they join Y/N giving her hugs before turning to Billy as he starts lowering himself into his grave "bye Billy, have a nice sleep" encourages Ni-ki "hey Billy" calls Jake drawing his attention as he looks up "thanks" he says wholeheartedly meaning it. After the Butcherson boy yawns and falls back asleep in his grave Ni-ki begins looking around "hey... where's Binx?" as they start searching for him. "Binx? Binx? NO BINX" Ni-ki cries out seeing Binx unmoving on the floor running to pick him up as Y/N and Jake sadly watch knowing how attached they got to each other. "He can't die remember? Binx, BInx wake up.. wake up!" he screeches as Y/N pulls him close trying to comfort him "Ni-ki? Come on, please don't be sad for me" calls out Thackery in the distance. Looking up they all see the ghost or spirit of Thackery Binx "Binx is that you?" Ni-ki sniffles out "yeah.. I look a little different as a human again huh" he tries to joke and comfort Ni-ki "the witches are dead and my soul's finally free. You freed me Ni-ki... thank you. Hey, Jake? Thanks for letting that crazy girl light the candle" they all laugh to themselves. They all watch with teary eyes as a beautiful little girl, beautiful little Emily, steps out of the woods calling for Thackery and asking him what took him so long to find her "I'm sorry Emily, I had to wait 300 years for some virgin to light a candle" he tries to explain as the walk through the gates. "Let's go home boys" beckons Y/N pulling them close as they head home, one boy on each arm as she gives both of them a peck on the check. Back at the town hall the spell the witches put on the party finally wore off with all of the parents trudging out sluggishly, drenched in sweat "man and I thought the parties in LA were insane" Mr.Sim tells Mrs.Sim. Jay and Ice are still trapped in the cages and have started sing "Row,Row,Row your boat" to entertain themselves until hopefully someone finds them. Allison's spell wore off as she was returned to her original form fortunately with no memory of what happened curtesy of a crafty little witch. Speaking of the pretty little witch, the Sim family adore her and are already counting on wedding bells and grandkids in a few years and Jake feels ecstatic that she's attending school with him and getting to spend as much time as possible with his girl. Somehow she was able to get the house next door to them but the boys prefer not to ask as some secrets are more fun.

****************************************************************************************

Tags:

@whoseafraidofliloleme

13 notes · View notes

umbralsong · 4 months ago

Text

Astarion & Intimacy

Astarion: The man of your dreams, the hope of him, is your own worst enemy.

Am I ready? NO. Do I have to be ready? All the fucking time? In this economy? I'm just going to collapse dramatically, on a personal note. Also, this may be best as a work in progress somewhat.

I want to acknowledge his resonance with [sex workers]. Check out this author's excellent [fan fiction] handling the matter and the nuances.

His arc is understandably very personal to survivors of sexual abuse, so please take care as you go along and know you aren't alone. These observations are meant to be a character analysis and my personal interpretations.

Oh, Megan Thee Stallion, we're really in it now. I mean, we were before, but now also more.

The United States is experiencing an exponential rise in racism and hate crimes thanks to our [gutless, greedy leaders]. Racism is a system of oppression and an ideology of dehumanization, not a quirky character flaw. [Fandom has forever been a place used by extremists to recruit]. I've addressed issues surrounding the element of racism in Astarion's writing [here]. I would also like to highlight issues surrounding the portrayal of sexual slavery highlighted [here] by the excellent Stitch Media Mix.

Donate to Gaza here: https://gazafunds.org/ Support good causes with a click here: https://arab.org/ Ceasefire Now: https://ceasefire-now.com/ Donate to the [Sidewalk School] [Pay your rent], settlers. [Crips for E-Sims for Gaza].

Astarion has a fraught relationship with intimacy.

We meet him at the start of his new un-life. He continues to operate as though under Cazador's control. He hints at the things he had to do and only discusses it frankly in Act III. He was a sex slave to the vampire who sired him with no autonomy. Whatever affection or attraction he felt, he always had to deliver them to what he assumed was death on command:

Astarion: Ah, the bedrooms. Never once slept in. This is where I took our 'guests'. I'd entertain them here, until Cazador appeared and... took them away.

Vellioth and Cazador have rules. Here they are respectively:

Vellioth's first lesson is always to dominate. Allow none to be your equal. Vellioth's second lesson is that power comes from solitude. To share with others is to be weak, and to be weak is to fail... and die. Vellioth's third lesson is to act not in haste. A near immortal has time to plan, time to act only when others will pay the price of action.

How they were adapted in relation to Astarion:

First, thou shalt not drink of the blood of thinking creatures. Second, thou shalt obey me in all things. Third, thou shalt not leave my side unless directed. Four, thou shalt know that thou art mine.

*sigh* So, understandably, his view of relationships is like:

Astarion: You never asked me to take my shirt off. I always thought they were a sign of my humiliation. I never realised there might be more to them. But Raphael told us he can make the impossible come true. I have to try my luck. Player: We really shouldn't trust him. Astarion: I don't trust him. He doesn't trust me. We are using one another for our mutual benefit. You should try it some time.

(idk if this is cut or not, but I found it interesting.)

Give his, um, "approach," there is an understandable question of how much of his romance is sincere. Mechanically and as far as the story is concerned, it begins with enough influence/on the first night he spends with the PC and he says things to indicate as much later. I do still understand why this would leave a sour taste in other player's mouths and come off as unnecessarily manipulative, considering it's not a conversation you can hash out with Astarion.

This is as close to confronting him about his intentions in Act I. I believe this happens if you slept with him once and never spoke to him again until Act II (RIP players with ADHD):

Astarion: Seeking to correct your mistake? Player: I'm not sure. I feel there's something you haven't told me. Astarion: Perhaps you got the wrong idea. I never slept with you for pleasure alone. Couldn't you tell? Back in the forest, we both came out on the winning side. The game was clear. You get a moment of escape with a world-endingly beautiful vampire. I get someone to defend me from Cazador. Now, though, I'm hardly going to give you a treat when you haven't helped me in exchange for my excellent services. Player: You were just tricking me into thinking you wanted me in earnest? Astarion: This is what I do. Who did you think you were dealing with? Some fairy tale prince? You are one of a tiny number of people I've slept with who aren't dead. Cheer up, it's quite the achievement! There isn't going to be any more 'us', though. I just don't see the point.

("Treat." Interesting. He has many allegories to consumption, gluttony, greed, and the ouroboros. He also has a tendency to behave and speak like Cazador in his idea of fairness. We may glean a lot about Cazador from Astarion's initial interactions.)

To acknowledge the depth of the wrongs he unwillingly committed with his own hands and the hurt he felt would be psychologically overwhelming compared to pretending to be someone like the perpetrator he was forced to emulate (and who notably pretends not to hurt). It is not always healthy to tear through someone's defensive adaptations, even though people still have to make amends.

His trauma with intimacy is not only with others, but with himself. Personally, I interpret his Act I scene as his first consensual attempt at intimacy, both in sex and in his trauma, in body and soul, embodied by his scars.

Initiating the Romance

He's a vampire, so we're playing into the seduction trope to begin the romance. My demipansexual ass believes there is room for an ace route since *gestures at Karlach and the topic of this essay,* but I digress.

The game takes two interesting tones, depending on whether you have high approval when he propositions the PC or propositions at the Tiefling/Raid party. I'd argue the former is slightly more affectionate than the other, but they're both good for different reasons and for different Tavs.

Should he initiate a relationship with the PC, he sets expectations early on. He's afraid of returning to Cazador's control even with a lot of influence, so he keeps the PC at arm's length and sticks to his One Night Stand routine. He's hilariously taken aback at the party by being asked to say "please." Devnotes for the party:

After the party, Astarion is standing in a corner, bottle of wine in hand, in a bad mood. Everything's too merry for him, not hedonistic enough. But there's the possibility of a little hedonism with the player, if you both agree to meet up for a little 'fun' later in the night. That's a tantilising thought - there might be something to look forward to after all.

High approval (and acting, uh, much more agreeable than my Tav to demonstrate Astarion's double-edged language):

Astarion: Darling, I was just thinking about you. Remembering our time together, the things we've shared - and I don't just mean that lovely neck of yours. I'm growing to like the whole package, honestly. And you clearly like me too, so... Player: What gave it away? Astarion: I could feel it as I was getting lost in your neck. Your little shakes of excitement. You enjoyed it, didn't you? Player: Yes, I did. Astarion: So did I. More than words can say. You deserve a reward. I am so very pleased with what you gave me. We could take an evening to ourselves. Get away from camp - get some privacy. I know somewhere quiet. Somewhere intimate. Somewhere we can... indulge in each other. Player: That sounds pretty good to me. Astarion: Wonderful. I just hope we don't have to wait too long before we can steal away. But once we can, I promise you a night you'll never forget. See you there, lover

The devnotes say "wonderful" is said with a big smile.

He'll be disappointed if you choose to spend the night with someone else in both situations, though he plays it off with his classic icy facade - the defense mechanism against emotional intimacy he developed under Cazador.

This is hard to articulate because it is entirely based on emotional logic, but I'll try my best. A gentle reminder that Astarion can reject the PC, so the fact this is one of the first acts of intimacy he chooses to engage in is important. This is the beginning of his romance, however you headcanon the event for the couple. It is partly what is a real romance scene, even if he can't fully commit himself for psychological reasons.

He still chooses to do so because intimacy is fun for him. Let's acknowledge, sympathize with, and not excuse the limited scope of interaction he had for two centuries, so traumatizing he doesn't remember much of his previous life. While he once engaged in intimacy under enthrallment, now he does it out of attraction, curiosity, and guile.

The second night with the player has this is in the dialogue notes:

Second time Astarion propositions the player to sleep with him [...] The player starts to realise Astarion might have been just playing an act to seduce them the whole time, and that his affection for them might not be genuine. Bridges the gap before he confesses this in his act 2 romance, and says he wants to stop manipulating people and have a real relationship.

The only real "indicator" for me was just that he didn't seem... affectionate. For all of his reactivity and greetings, he is surprisingly bereft of scenes that confirm or put to question his feelings. I do appreciate much of the subtlety, mind you - but he's notably rejecting of intimacy throughout the game and I did interpret it as a one night stand. A few transition scenes would have done us much good, though there are definitely ways to play it with satisfying sweetness.

When you agree meet up with him with high approval the second time:

Astarion: I hoped you would come. I have missed you. And now you're all mine, and I'm all yours. Until morning at least. Let's see where the night takes us.

The devnote says: "with a smile - he's not about to commit to anything long-term"

When you reject him:

Player: I think it's better if we leave last time as a once-off. Astarion: Well, well, excuse me while I die of a broken heart. In all honesty, it is a shame. That time was special to me. I've gotten on my back ten thousand times or more, and forgotten half of them. But you... you I'll remember. Have a fine evening, dear.

The first time I heard it, I was taken aback that he found it in himself to be sincere.

Oh, and that it wasn't actually a one-night stand.

In hindsight, the fact this is one of the few times early in the story he offers any honesty at all tells me he's being genuine. Spending the night with his lover was special to him, and we understand why with context.

Something Real

Astarion: I was trying, with you, you know. In the only way I can try.

Well, this dialogue option may make it seem like he does try, but I will point out that he isn't particularly overt about his affection (I want to emphasize that I understand this characterization to a point - but remember that the PC does not know him and that this affection is supposed to be genuine. You can convey that without being cheesy).

The times this is clearly played out are during break-ups:

Player: Whatever is between us, we need to end it. Astarion: I - I can hardly blame you. I don't exactly have much to offer right now, beyond new burdens to carry. Player: This just isn't what I wanted, when we first slept together. Astarion: I was beginning to believe someone truly wanted me. But I shouldn't have deluded myself. From the start, I was rather counting the hours until it was going to end. Midnight chimes, eh?

How adorable would it be if he truly played up this Cinderella reference in romance? Instead, there is a lot of bitterness and mixed-messaging in his romance. It makes for a weaker story.

I do also take his dialogue literally. He thinks you will only want his beautiful, eternal, and dead form, and not the mutable person beneath. There are other indications, even outside of a romantic partnership:

Player: Unlike you to be so unwilling to receive a new power... Astarion: That was before I knew the cost. Before I knew it meant transforming into some grotesque beast. I remember how it hurt when I turned to a vampire. My body writhed and warped while I was utterly helpless, the grip of death owned my heart as it beat its last. I - I don't want to turn into anything else. I can't do that again. I can't watch my body be taken over. Player: You're afraid? Astarion: I'll happily murder my way to whatever powerful artefacts we can make use of. Point at the back and I'll stab. Just don't ask me to sacrifice my body. It hasn't been mine for so long.

The few dialogues that clarify Tav's complete domination over him, the one Cazador acknowledges.

Once more:

Player: Your illithid powers are the only reason you can stand up to Cazador. This will help you defeat him. Astarion: I'm really not sure... Player: Tell me of the weakest moment you ever felt in those two hundred years. Narrator: *As you pick apart his mind, you discover his worst memory. That which brings him the purest terror. Complete solitude after being disobedient. Sealed. Buried alive. Voiceless. Will this be forever? A year of horror. Then the release. He will never disobey again.* Player: You never want to risk that again. Even if it means becoming part-illithid. Astarion: Damn it. Damn you. All right... I'll do it.

The player may command him to change his very being.

I think we must view this in the context of one of his few real attractions: Sebastian.

Narrator: *Approaching the cells, you're met by hollow faces and eyes reluctant to meet your gaze. There's an almost physical stink of decay and neglect.* Sebastian: You. I know you. Narrator: *The last time you heard this voice, it was singing drunkenly, whispering sweetly, then sighing with pleasure. One of your conquests, claimed for Cazador. He should have been consumed long ago.* Astarion: I remember you. Sebastian: I can never forget you. Astarion: How are you still alive? Sebastian: It's your fault. You stole my life - stole my death. You smiled and joked and got me drunk. You called me so many sweet things. My name sounded like a lyric on your tongue. I want to hear you say it again. Say my name. Astarion: *Among the scars on his face is one you recognise - it's identical to one of the runes carved into your back.* That scar on your face - it must bind you to Cazador's Black Mass. Sebastian: No more games. Say my name! Narrator: *He looks at you expectantly, his hollow eyes boring into yours.* Astarion: Sebastian. Sebastian: You still make it sound so beautiful. You were my first. And my last. [...] Astarion: You should be dead. Why didn't Cazador feed on you? Sebastian: He made me a spawn. Left me here to rot. But I can't rot - I can't die. Astarion: I'm so sorry. Sebastian: You brought me to this hell. Abandoned me. How long has it been? Astarion: One hundred and seventy years. You were one of my first too. Sebastian: My family - my friends - they're gone... You took them from me. You took everything from me!

Against the threat of complete annihilation of his lovers, he still wanted connection. Pursuing his romantic and sexual interests were empowering to him. His autonomy is a weapon that can be wielded against him to great effect.

In his ascension:

Astarion: *Sigh.* There's no use in us fighting any longer, is there? You are a person of rare talent. You aided greatly in my conquest, even if you did not end up a part of it. And if we were beholden to one another? Well, how is that too different to being enslaved? It is for the best. Player: You were terrible for me. And I did terrible things for you. Astarion: The gravest crimes committed in this world are committed for love. A hunger crueller than bloodlust. I know how to play with it, and can't resist playing the hand I know. I would have ruined your love, used your trust until you were nothing.

The PC was not "part" of his conquest. Being in love with them was equal to the torment of enslavement to him. His worst impulses say: Let none be your equal.

youtube

Love: A hunger crueler than blood lust.

The man of your dreams: Your worst enemy.

He embodies them all in ascension, or becomes himself.

After completing his quest and breaking up in Act III:

Astarion: Well... Goodbye, then. I suppose. You brought my dead heart back to life. It will keep beating.

This is when he comes to a healthier place and keeps romance as a part of his life, and not its driving force. Good for him.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 astarion #astarion ancunin #astarion discourse #my writing #meta #Youtube

2 notes · View notes