#P2 came out more purple than blue but I still like that

[tapeworrmart]

🦂 NEW PRINTS 🦂

New Trevor design and two Postal designs! 210x210mm for P2 and Trev, and A4 for P1. Printed on 400gsm Silk Card.

Uploaded on my Etsy, but feel free to DM if you don't won't to go through them!

[fangirlfics]

Westview p2 (Peter Maximoff x reader)

this is the funniest gif and you can’t change my mind 

summary: Peter explains Westview to y/n and attempts to bring her memory back

whenever I write Westview I find myself thinking I meant to write Westeros lol

word count: 1,470

“You’re telling me that Wanda, my best friend is mind controlling an entire town and gave me false memories?“ y/n asked the silver haired boy in front of her. “And they tell me I’m crazy...“

“I’m being serious.“ ‘Pietro’ tried, “you’re smart and you already know somethings off, right?“

“I’m sorry?“

“This-“ Peter gestured around the room before lowering his voice, “doesn’t feel right does it? It feels fake, staged. I know you feel it too-”

“I-” 

“And don’t say you don’t-I can tell when you’re lying, you scrunch up your nose.“

“How could you possibly know that? We’ve just met!“

Peter sighed “I have to figure out how to reverse this...I don’t look familiar to you at all?“ y/n shook her head.

“Ok..“ Peter stared at the girl "your favorite color is (insert color), your favorite ice cream flavor is (flavor) and your favorite song is (song name). You can control people with your mind when you touch them, but sometimes you do it on accident when you get emotional and your eyes turn purple and it scares some people but I’m not gonna lie I kinda like-.” 

“What are you talking about?” y/n asked, “that’s ridiculous! I-”

Peter didn’t listen as he continued further down his list. “We’ve been dating for two years but we’ve known each other for half of our lives, your middle name is-”

“Why do you know so much about me?“

“I told you I know you, your favorite book is-“

“Just stop..talking!“ y/n suddenly called out taking a step back-she felt a small surge of some feeling and suddenly Peter stopped talking, his mouth kept running but no noise escaped it. He put his hands to his mouth and y/n looked away-Peter began to talk again. 

“See you just-“

“You’re playing with me, cut it out!“   

“y/n I swear on my stash of twin-“

The back door opened and closed abruptly making the two adults flinch. “Sorry..” Wanda apologized making a cringed facial expression, “Agnes kept me there longer than I’d expect, you know her she’s such a gossss.ip..” She froze seeing how Peter was all up in y/n’s face. “Gee I’m gone for not even 10 minutes and you’re already all over her!” She walked up to the two, putting a hand on y/n’s shoulder to escort her out of the kitchen, “come on, don’t pay attention to Pietro or he’ll go chasing after you!” She turned to her ‘brother’ waving an accusing finger at him, “and you back off of my friend, she’s barely spent a day in this town.”

“What?” y/n asked, catching Wanda’s words quickly.

Wanda’s face fell but only for a moment because she soon was her smiling self again, “I said you’ve barely spent a day with him!” She laughed, “come on, let’s go get the boys and head out!”

From behind Wanda y/n noticed Peter gesture to his head then make a hand motion by wiggling his fingers around. 

 It felt like the day had moved on rather quickly, with the boys finishing their trick or treating and then Wanda disappearing then claiming to have never left, the walk back felt like the only normal part of the day. y/n hadn’t even seen Vision until she got back to Wanda’s house to drop off the costume she had lent her, he seemed like something had been bothering him and was in the kitchen while Wanda wasn’t home yet having continued to roam the neighborhood with her sons unlike y/n-who decided to call it a night.

She was just about to leave the house, having changed into a normal outfit when a random thought had crossed her mind. “Hey Vis-” she turned around, jumping at the sight of Wanda’s husband who was standing directly in front of her. Half her name had just came out of his mouth too as he froze. “Yeah?” She asked her friend’s husband.

“Terribly sorry,” he apologized, “but if I could just-” he reached his finger’s towards her face, making her furrow her eyebrows until his fingertips lightly touched her temples and suddenly everything came flooding back at once. 

She froze for a second before looking around the house to take in her surroundings, “where’s-what? I-” Vision watched her, not knowing how to respond to her increasing anxiety. “She was in my head..” She told Vison.

“Who was?”

“Wanda!” y/n looked around again, “she’s in everyone’s head, she’s controlling everyth-Peter! I have to find Peter! That’s why I’m here, that’s why I came-”

“y/n please calm down,” he reached out again to place his fingers against her temples once more and she put her hands up in defense,

“No! I’m not doing that again, your wife is crazy! Stay away from me!”

“I don’t understand, why would she take an entire town hostage?”

“Because she needs therapy of something, now I’ve got to go-”

“y/n-”

“Oh and one more thing...” y/n said looking Vision in the eyes, she took his forearm before adding in a hushed voice, “forget this conversation happened.” He blinked blankly before sitting down and reaching for the tv controller. “Well goodnight y/n, thank you again for accompanying Wanda and the kids.” He said as if nothing happened. 

“No problem.” y/n said with a fake smile before leaving the house, she was going to look for Peter. Closing the door she jumped once more at the sight of Wanda and her sons, “Wanda! I-”

“Oh you just dropped the costume off didn’t you?” Wanda asked enthusiastically, “thank you! I was just going to bed!”

“Yeah me too.” y/n lied, “all that walking really tired me out.” 

“Yes me too, well you should come over in the morning we’re making waffles!”

“Ok yeah, thank you.”

“Thank you, the boys loved your company and I did too!” Wanda smiled, “see you later!”    

“Yeah, later...“

After Wanda and the boys said their goodbyes and the door closed behind them y/n dashed across the grass, ready to get back to her ‘house’. From there she could look for her walkie talkie and look for Peter. A million thoughts were running through her mind on her way to her fake house. Where was Peter? Why wasn’t he with Wanda? Did something happen? How was she going to find him in this town? Would she still be able to contact Hank? She unlocked her door-pushing it open and letting it’s knob bang loudly against the wall. She was about to shut the door when a blue streak appeared with Peter in front of it, he was no longer in his Halloween costume-instead he was sporting the same look he had this morning. The only difference was that he didn’t appear as energetic-instead he looked worn and his eyes were sad-something that was quite unusual for the boy. 

“Look...” he said putting his hands in front of him, “just hear me out, ok I just realized that showing up at your house might come off as creepy but I promise I-” y/n quickly scanned the street area behind him before reaching for his arm and pulling him into her house-slamming the door shut. “Whoa, I did not expect-” 

“I remember!” y/n announced. “Vision-he did this weird-”   

“You remember me?“ Peter asked her, “what’s my favorite color?“

“Obviously silver.“

“Favorite band?“

“Pete, it’s me.“ She assured him, bringing her hands to his face. After realizing she was really back and without the fear of being unrecognized, Peter threw his arms around the girl, pulling her into the longest and tightest hug she had ever gotten.”Hey it’s me. I’m here.” y/n whispered, running her fingers through his hair.

“You have no idea how much you scared me.“ 

y/n backed up, her face softening even more at the sight of her loving boyfriend, “Peter why are you crying?“ She asked him, brushing her thumb over his newly escaped tear.

“Someone must be cutting onions...“ He joked, but y/n didn’t laugh. “I-I still don’t understand this whole illusion thing...“ he began to explain, still not letting go of y/n. “and I didn’t know if your memories were just being messed with or if you were brainwashed and I..“   

“What?“

“You didn’t even recognize me, it was like...you’re the most important thing in my life and you just looked right through me and I-“ he started getting choked up again, “I didn’t know if it was going to be permanent and you were just never going to remember me...“

“Oh Peter, no, of course not. I’m never forgetting you-not even the world’s most powerful mutant can make me forget you.“

“Didn’t seem like that.“ He laughed nervously.

“Peter, I’m here.“

[maltedroses]

Monsterhaul x Reader X Mothshigaraki P2 *SMUT*

part 1 

You’re supposed to be his, why where you letting Shigaraki touch you? He growls a little before leaning down wanting to get closer to you. He grabs you by the hips, getting you away from Shigaraki, who hisses at him. “No..don't fight... Fuck me!” they pause looking at you sit up

If you wanted to fuck and they were too busy fighting looks like you had to take matters into your own hands. You got up with wobbling legs, sitting on the nearest table spreading your legs for them to see. “Breed” you mumbled out. You caught sight of the tent in Overhauls pants and froze. ( No offense to Shigaraki) Overhaul was huge, width wise you weren’t sure if you could take all of him. “I’m fucked...oh well goodbye organs” he struggled to unbutton his pants. After another failed attempt he just tore them off with his nails. To your surprise he had two dicks.

You stared in awe, his dicks were human yet had an alien look to them, with rigged spikes all over the one on the bottom was nicely adorned by a Jacob's ladder. "Oh my.." you softly whisper. Shigaraki pouts wanting your attention too, flapping his wings in a similar pattern to a mating ritual. You weren't just overhauls, you're his too. His cock had fully emerged out the sheath, standing hard for you. "Both of you come here" shifting your body a little and feeling a small pool of your slick where you sat. "Look how wet I am" you spread your lips apart giving them a good look at your dripping sex. 

Shigaraki leans in closer Facing your dripping folds. He looks up at you cooing as if asking for permission. "It's okay Shigaraki, you can touch me wherever you like~" he sticks out his tongue and laps up the slick dripping from your folds. He makes an unfamiliar sound similar to moaning and just eats you out, like your slick was the best thing he'd ever tasted.

His proboscis reaching into the deepest parts of your core, "oh fuck" you mumbled out gripping onto his hair and pushing him deeper wanting to cum, almost forgetting overhaul was there too. He was getting more jealous, was he not good enough for you? Did you like Shigaraki more because he looked more human? He growled at you both and made his way towards you. He would prove he was just asking good as Shigaraki if not better.

Without warning he lifts you up, Shigarakis long tongue still inside you. Shigaraki retracts his proboscis and glares at him. "..my...mate.." A hoarse voice called out. It couldn't be either of them, you look down and see a mouth on overhaul hand for the first time. "How.." 

"Mate…" He hushes you, moving you onto his lap. His arms wrapping around you, taking you away from Shigaraki. You could feel his cock pressed up against your back, fuck you wanted him so bad, for him to press you against the table and fuck you like no tomorrow. 

You look up at him and nuzzle against his purple fur "You like me don't you?" He growls and pecks at your shoulder. "I'm just teasing you" Shigaraki hops onto the table and grabs onto your legs trying to pry you out of overhauls grasp. Oh great, they're going to fight over you. 

"I want both of you" they look at you perplexed, you weren't going to choose? "Overhaul I know you're...possessive and Shigaraki too, so I ask you both to share me or I could just fuck myself and leave you two with blue balls" 

they look at each other, you weren't going to leave them pent up all hard. Would you? "I'm being serious." They both sighed realizing it was either tolerate each other or not get any action. Shigaraki extends his arms and coos at you. "Don't give me that look I'm not gonna fall for your cute face." He pouts, bottom lip quivering looking at you with those big puppy eyes. 

Fuck he was cute, you couldn’t say no to that face. “Okay fine come here” you spread your arms “and you” glaring at overhaul “be nice this is your last warning” he let out a low growl but complied at the end. Shigaraki sneered at him hopping onto your lap and nuzzling his head against your neck.

“Back off” you turn around seeing overhaul mouth hand “I don't like his scent all over you”

“So you're jealous?” you lean back resting your head against his chest as you petted Shigarakis hair, tracing a finger along his antennas. Overhaul lowly growls and nuzzles your head scenting you. “I’m yours too okay?” he hums in agreement, you turn around kissing his beak, it had an odd...texture to it. The underside felt leathery in contrast to the edges that had a metallic feel to them. You continued to kiss his mask/beak licking and sucking on the black spikes aligned on it.

"Hehe you're so handsome overhaul" you tease grinding your ass against his cock. He growls tracing his hands down to your cunt, prodding at your entrance, Shigaraki lowered his head and licks at your folds. You moan petting Shigaraki's fluffy hair, he chirps feeling your praise and approval. His tongue poking at the hood of your clit and giving your pussy sloppy kisses. You grab his hair pressing him closer to your entrance, moaning as the mouth on overhauls hand bites and sucks on your breast. Everything felt so good, but it wasn't enough your body wanted more. You wanted more than just teasing you wanted them to fuck and /breed/ you.

"Please" you beg looking at them both "please just fuck me, I can't wait anymore I need to be filled!" you hopelessly whine. Shigaraki lifted his head away from your entrance chirping at Overhaul. They switched your position lifting you into the air sustaining you by the shoulders. Overhaul lubes up his dick with the excessive slick from your cunt lining his cocks to their respective holes. Shigaraki stands above you, cock poking out the sheath the tip of his cock had little barbs sticking out although they didn’t look like they were supposed to hurt you. Both monsters scent and lick your shoulders and chest marking you as theirs. 

You were in a state of pure bliss, having both of your monsters shower you with attention, not even noticing when they thrusted into you, Shigarakis spit made your cavities numb so you wouldn't feel any pain. The outline of their cocks forming a bulge on your belly, slouching against Overhaul as he and Shigraki spread your legs apart even further wanting to be deep in you as possible. Shigarakis dark red eyes stared at you not in a burning your soul type of way, but like he was admiring you, his little human was taking his cock so well and was perfect for breeding. The thought of you being filled with his eggs filled him with even more lust, speeding up his thrusts so he could beat overhaul to breeding you. 

Overhaul rolls his head back plowing both of your holes he hated having to share your pussy with Shigaraki but at least he had your ass to himself. His claws dug into your hips holding you in the perfect position so both of them could reach ever further into your womb.

“Fuck!” you felt both of their cocks hit your womb struggling to get inside “h-hey wouldn’t  that hurt you’re not supposed to do that!” Shigarakis spit was starting to wear off and your senses were coming back, you felt full and ready to break if either of them kept trying to get further inside you. “You’re gonna break me!” you pled as they kept fucking you, your hips and waist were bleeding from how hard Overhaul was gripping onto them and Shigarakis knot wouldn’t leave your swollen cunt.

It was too much you heavily breath feeling a heat rise to your chest, biting your lip hard enough to make it bleed. Shigaraki leaned down kissing your wound, his hand sneaking down towards your clit, rubbing it in slow circular motions. Without warning you came over his hand, at the same time you herd both of the men growl before felling two squishy things go into your womb, unloading soft eggs into you.

Overhaul and Shigaraki pull out hugging your sweaty, almost unconscious form, rubbing your belly, felling their future offspring through the small bulge formed in your stomach. Cooing into your ear as they gently rest you on the table before drifting off into sleep. It was funny how in one day you went from an assistant scientist to the holder of two monsters children.

[abloomntime]

A Bloom In Time Ch28 Welcome To Mafia Town P2

(I headcannon the place the Twilight Bell takes you is the Horizon Moonjumper lives in.)

Poppy had stared in front of her when the man yelled and slammed the door behind him. Stopping and staring for a while confused, but she just shrugged it off and started off again. She hadn't taken more than three and a half steps when the door flew back open with an even louder BANG and with more force enough to vibrate the glass of the door and windows of the building and the three stopped and stared at the next wild sight that graced their vision. One- Two-......NO! Around ten men in blue suits marched right out of the door and like some military, marched in a rythume and rows of two fives. Before all turning on their heels and effectively blocking their way to the other side of the docks with all of them staring, but they weren't the only ones. The men working on the docks and one or two that were just casually walking past them just stopped and stared at what was going on. Hattie immediately scowled and brandished her trusty umbrella out of nowhere ready to battle, and Bow shrunk back behind Poppy's legs as a man different from all the others stepped out of the doorway. Instantly Poppy got the feeling this guy had a bad attitude by the way he walked around like he owned the place and the fact. This man had a giant black mustache and goatee, and was a good foot shorter in height compared to every other man there as he walked in front of them. He wore an apron like the rest of the men around here, but with a giant red coat with gold trim, and like Cookie a chef's hat that wobbled with his every step. He marched until he was right in the middle of the dock blocking their way and stood in a stance with his hands on his hips.

"So. We meet again Kid With The Hat!," he shouted in a deep male voice also different compared to the other men she's heard, "And this time you brought along more people from your strange world! You dare show your face here again after what you and your friend did!?"

"Who's that?," Poppy asked glancing down at Hattie's stiff form.

"That's the Mafia Boss," Hattie warned pointing her umbrella right at him, "He used to be stuck in a jar, but after Snatcher made a deal with him for those death wish contracts, he's gone back to being a big bully!!"

".....I'm sorry. He used to be a what and turned back into what after Snatcher did what??"

She didn't get an answer from anyone as the man marched right up to the small group of girls and Poppy watched with a scowl as he made a big scene of 'manly' stomping his footsteps all the way towards them until he was just shy of a foot or two. Hattie still in that 'make one more move and I'll end you' stance but not doing anything as he just stood there in front of them and Bow now clutching her with like an iron trap and pressing her forehead to Poppy's leg. The man wasn't even that tall. Not including his hat, his head came to just barely above her shoulders as he continued to stand in that stance-.....And Poppy couldn't help but get a strange feeling of deja vu at seeing this man. He looked somewhat familiar. A good few tense moments went pass as nether spoke until he made the first sentence.

"Red haired lady! Are you the one who stopped my men from doing jobs?," he asked staring directly at Poppy.

"If by jobs ya mean I asked them nicely to stop harrassin' a poor defenseless ol' man and then defended mahself when one your goons started the fight, then I sure did buckaroo!," she snapped back with that country sass that once made Snatcher's living heart skip a beat. "And what if I did or not? Sounds ta me they'd be better off not doing any jobs if all they do is harass poor people all day for money like they got nothin' else to do!!"

"HA!! Is orders from me!!", he challenged back.

"Well. Then I guess you're one insecure power hungry spoiled rich boy if I had ever seen one!! Did yer mama not teach ya any manners!?"

The entirety of the mafia men watching either gasped or looked on with shocked faces that someone let alone a woman, would dare talk to Mafia Boss that way, and the boss didn't seem to take a liken to that either.

"How rude! You must be very lost lady with the red hair. You're in the heart of our town! STANDING BEFORE THE MOST POWERFUL MAN YOU WILL EVER WITNESS!!" He smirked when some of men cheered their boss on proudly. "In Mafia Town Mafia Boss makes the rules!"

"Well then." Poppy gave a look that one would give if someone had something dum like fish were secretly birds that flew underwater. "I guess ya'll can consider me a rule breaker because anyone wo gives those orders aren't a man or very powerful if ya'll need to hassle money from an old man to keep stable income!!"

The silence was astounding as the Mafia Boss just stared at her flabbergasted and paused. Poppy still staring at him so done with this entire man baby's show off attitude, if he wanted to cause trouble then she could and WOULD dish some of it back into his face well cooked with a side of sass. He still stared at her for what seemed like an eternity before he chuckled and that smile returned to his face.

"You know. I have not seen a woman like you since we left original mafia island with Women Mafia. You dare speak back to Mafia? You have guts, Red Hair Lady.....Mafia like that in a woman.~"

".....What?," Poppy asked. It was the only thing she could force out at that moment.

"What?," Hattie asked just as confused.

"WWWHHHHHAAAAATTTTT?!," SNATCHER roared from the shadow he was stuck in. Yellow eyes narrowing and mouth suddenly becoming more jagged with fangs. "OOP!!" Poppy had taken a step back in shock and stepped in the middle of his face.

If anyone had heard Snatcher's loud yell, and most likely did, they ignored it in favor of watching the awkward interaction between the two adults. And the Mafia Boss leaned closer to her. "Mafia likes strong fight in women. Pretty Red Haired Lady has much fighting spirit!"

Poppy was stunned as she stood there staring at this smaller man with a jaw slightly dropped. Was this guy SERIOUSLY FLIRTING with HER?! After she smashed one of his guys to the ground and slapped another's hand?? Was he SERIOUSLY doing this?? Apparently so because Bow had lift her head enough to look at what was going on and her and Hattie exchanged a look as if they were telepathically asking each other what the world was happening. But no one could've seen what was coming from the furious ghost who moved his face and was GLARING dangerously at the Mafia Boss. He hadn't done anything yet finding amusement in Poppy throwing back her own stubborness into this situation with always made things amusing enough for him wanting to watch, especially since he missed her last dish out of sass back. But now he had quickly turned from amused to FURIOUS with that famous temper he was known for. But it turned from valcanic to NUCLEAR when the mafia boss grabbed Poppy's free hand even making her flinch and blink at the sudden action looking at him with a scowl.....Then realization flashed in her eyes.

"Wait a gosh darn moment.....I know you! I saw your paintin' in the art gallery." And she saw his face spray painted all over everything around town too! That's where she had seen him before!

"So you are familiar with Mafia's greatness? Mafia is greatly flattered.~" Pulling her hand up to his face with that smile like he was about to kiss her hand-

An animalistic like snarl pierced the air and something dark blocked out the son over the three girls and some presence hovered over them that made the Mafia Boss's and Mafia Mens' eyes widen as pure terror poured over them in waves like the ocean as the very large ghosts hunched over the ladies, his face a twisted one of pure rage as he stared the tiny man dead in the eyes. Poppy just stared at the ghost jumping when his enlarged claws gripped her shoulders as he pointed those fangs at the man. ....Her arm slipping away from the man.

"YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH BUDDY!!," he absolutely ROARED out the loudest Poppy had heard him thus far, "YOU WANT TO DIE A SECOND TIME!? OR MAYBE I SHOULD EAT YOUR SOUL!!!" The Mafia Boss yelled and stumbled back away from the shadow monster threatening to eat him and yells came from all sides from the men who either ran down the paths leading from the docks or back into the open resturaunt to escape the shadow monster that had suddenly just appeared. Only annoying Snatcher more that these pathetic fools would even try to act like they had a chance with her. "That's it! WE'RE LEAVING!! NOW!!"

The teleporting worked as quickly as any other time he did it. Purple energy completely took over the world around them like the many times he's done this before and swallowed them all whole. Poppy closed her eyes when purple invaded her vision and the air suddenly shifted again much more aggressive and quickly than any other time she's experienced this kind of thing. A second later she landed onto her side and shoulder with a thud and 'OOF!!' onto soft carpet and a moment after the purple dissappeared leaving the familiar sight of a little alien's space ship and the windows of space. Next to her was the basket tossed over on it's side and half it's contents spilt out onto the floor, mostly the apples that just bounced out of the sack and rolled out onto the carpeted floors. She groaned and forced herself onto her back and sat up, looking up to the figure of the deeply scowling ghost staring back out the window and down at the planet. Hattie was sat on the floor next to him pushing the hat off her face and Bow sitting up next to her.

"Ow. Quick exit much?," she asked Snatcher who looked at her.

"Hey! I just saved your sorry behind from unwanted advances from a total fool! Your welcome!!"

She smiled. "Yeah. To be honest I was 'bout ta deck that mustached peckneck myself. Glad I didn't have to waste any energy of that." She slowly stood up and brushed herself off smiling. "Great timin' purple onion."

"Hmph.....Thanks." He crossed his arms and began to calm down a bit. The raised fluff and extended claws slowly smoothing back to their normal look. Watching silently as she turned and started to pick up the basket and all the things that tumbled out of it. "What are you planning on doing with those anyways?"

"Uh. Put them in that fancy fridge of yours," she said not looking up from her lil clean up. Making sure not of the food got damaged. It'd be a waste if she spent so much on them only for them to be ruined. Thankfully on closer inspection it didn't seem anything was wrong. Fish still wrapped up. Bacon still in package. And the milk bottle wasn't cracked or spilt. Thank goodness. Standing back up with the basket of food she turned to the kitchen.

"Now do you see what I meant about their being danger at every corner around here?," Snatcher asked following behind her as she walked. "It's dangerous and trouble!"

"I appreciate the heads up, but you don't have to watch me over." He opened his mouth- "I SAID I appreciate it." She stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. "And what happened just proved your point a lil bit, but I am NOT a kid or need a babysitter. Sooner or later I gotta make a livin' on mah own after I pay off mah debts while you're helping me. And I mean it when I say thank ya but don't feel like you have to take time out of your day worryin' about me. I can take care of myself."

"And what if you need help-"

"You'll be the very first one I'll trust to help me." With one last smile she turned back and walked the rest of the way up the ramp and into the kitchen to put away the fruits of their adventure. Leaving Snatcher there floating and staring after her, Hattie suddenly running past him into the kitchen to presumably help and still sat there. "What do you have in yer hat?," Poppy said from beyond the kitchen doors. "Coconuts? Where'd ya get those?"

"On the palm trees on the beach," Hattie proudly stated.

He didn't even notice Bow standing next to him until he spoke. "Are you ok?"

".....Yeah. I'll be fine." He turned and started floating off towards the windows in the control room. "Tell Poppy I'm heading back. And if she decides to go somewhere let me KNOW." He floated towards the window as she watched and he disappeared into a cloud of purple.

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

The minions walking around doing their normal routes barely paid attention to their own boss who was currently sitting back in his giant arm chair reading the book in his hands. How Black Holes Are Made And How To Avoid Them. The same one he started in the attic. Once he started reading a book he always made sure to finish it, no matter what opinion he had on it. To him why start it if you won't finish it. 'Sides, the kid wouldn't miss a book she never read from her dark attic. A deep frown On his face and irritation seeping from him as he read a 3 step process about how stars specifically were affected by the darkness of a black hole. ....When footsteps approuched he didn't look up and just kept the scowl on his face.

"So you finally showed up huh?," he asked in an annoyed tone.

"Oh relax. You knew I was coming."

He finally looked up to the smiling pink witch in front of her. "Yes. ....BUT I DIDN'T THINK YOU'D MENTION MOONBOY RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER!!!" He yelled out in anger. "WHAT THE PECK DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?! I THOUGHT WE AGREED YOU WOULDN'T TELL HER OR THAT CORPSE ANYTHING!!!"

"And I didn't tell ANYONE anything," she argued back waving a hand. "All I did was mention his name ONCE. It's not like I went 'Here! Let me spill all the secrets of these ghosts to you and tell Moonjumper all about you'. She probably already forgotten what I said by now." Hazelle walked over until she was right in front of him and sat down on the footstool he always kept in front of his armchair, and looked up to meet his eyes with a blank look. "And I thought YOU were going to talk to HER about him."

"What!? I did talk to her!"

She blinked in surprise. ".....Wait. You did what now? Really?"

"YES!!"

"........" Her eyes narrowed and her arms crossed as she gazed at him suspiciously. "Ok. What exactly did you tell her?"

Snatcher paused for a moment that scowl paving away for a slightly worried look. "I mean-.....Nothing she didn't ask me-"

"Uh huh. And WHAT did she ask you?," she pressed further with that face backing him into a corner he couldn't escape.

"The usual questions you asked when we first met along with everyone ELSE I let live. Where do ghosts come from? How did I die? Things like that."

"And how did you answer?" He remained silent staring down at her and that deadpanned stare turned into a glare and he flinched when Hazelle pointed at her. "You tell me what you told her, Snatcher! I swear! I know this is a sensitive topic but it concerns someone else BESIDES you too and Im not talking about Moonjumper!!"

"Alright! Alright!!".....He sighed and made an almost guilty look that people made when they REALLY did not want to do something. "She asked about how ghosts are formed and I said I don't know which isn't a lie. I don't have any idea. She also asked me if I really ate souls-" Hazelle snorted and he frowned again. "Hey! I couldn't eat other ghosts! That's ridiculous!"

"Is that all she asked?," Hazelle questioned a slight amused from that last sentence.

"I- Uh- W-Well- I mean I don't know if I would consider those actually questions persay- OW!!" His tail pulled itself away when she lightly kicked his tail and gave him a death glare that gave him the impression to just get on with it. "Alright. FINE!! She asked me why I helped her, and how I died.....A-And...If her old prince friend was a ghost too."

Silence rang out as Hazelle blinked eyes going wide and Snatcher looking back down to the book in his lap even though he wasn't reading it anymore. The two old friends still stayed like that for the lonest time and sat there in silence so deathening you could've heard Vanessa yelling 'PRINCE!!' from the few miles away she was in that frozen prison.

"What did you say?"

"What?" he looked up with a dumbfounded look blinking.

Hazelle have him a serious look again but it was a lil softer. "I said WHAT did you tell her? You must've told her something, otherwise you wouldn't have been with her at the meathead's market if it could even be called that. Did you tell her the truth? I sure pecking hope so."

"OF COURSE I DID!! I WOULDN'T LIE TO HER!!"

"Even when you tricked her into that contract?"

"HEY! That was for safety purposes! So it was for a good cause. She's still a free spirit."

"WHAT DID YOU TELL HER YOU PECKING NOODLE!?"

"ALRIGHT!! I TOLD I FROZE TO DEATH BUT NOTHING BEYOND THAT EVEN IF I DID EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF IT!! AND I TOLD HER MOST GHOSTS DIDN'T HAVE MEMORIES!! SO NO!! I DIDN'T LIE TO HER!! HAPPY?!" He glared at her like he would anything that irritated him.

Hazelle still stared at him with that scowl quietly eyeing him up and down deducting if he was telling the truth or not. "....So....She knows how you died?

"Yes," he growled out.

"So, she knows who you were?"

His face went back to that almost guilty look. "Uh-.....Well not exactly-"

"Not exactly!?" Hazelle face palmed with a groan. "I thought you said you told her how you died."

"I did!"

"And she knows about you freezing to death in the basement?"

"Yes!"

"Then HOW does she NOT know you if you told her?," she demanded peeking at him. "You're confusing me worse than a rubix cude!"

"She asked how the prince friend died and I told her just like her. Locked in a room until the cold kicked in. I just told her I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, which also wasn't a lie, so I never lied."

"........Wait a minute." She looked up fully to him. "Let me get this straight. You told her how YOU died and how her friend which is ALSO YOU died, but told her in a way that didn't let her know YOU ARE YOU?!....That's not helping your situation at all!!!"

"HEY!! What was I supposed to do?! It was sprung on me out of no where!, "he argued back.

"I don't know! Tell her the truth!?"

"I did!"

"SNATCHER!!" Hazelle suddenly stood up and jabbed a poke into his chest with an all too serious look. "Not telling her the WHOLE truth is just as bad! She's gonna think you're two different people!....Well technically you are- But the point is, she's going to see you and her friend as two different individuals which is just gonna bite you in the butt later!"

"Give me some time! I'm still trying to get used to this. If you haven't forgotten there's two people who'll be affected by this."

"........" She sighed and shook her head, backing off and crossing her arms. "Well....You did talk and that's something in of itself considering how pecking stubborn your butt can be. That's a step in the right direction at least." Hazelle gave him a pleading look. "Look. I'm proud you're feeling more open around her, but PLEASE take my advice and don't burn your bridges when the fire can be avoided."

".....Fine. Just....Not now."

Knowing it was no use to press it any further for now. Arguing forever with this stubborn spirit was like trying to drain a dried out an already empty bathtub. Impossible. "Fine. But was there anything else she told you?"

He rolled his eyes with a small smile. "Oh yes. She got into some kind of trouble with that old windbag of a bird and broke something. Now she has to pay it off by being in another fool's play."

".......Seriously!?," she smiled now raising an eyebrow. "I have to stick around you lot more often. I'm missing all the juicy details.~.....In fact that doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Don't push your luck." Those yellow eyes narrowed.

''I won't. In fact I've been quite helpful with this whole 'My Lover Came Back From The Dead' cliche skit. I haven't said a word."

"And make sure you KEEP it that way!" Snatcher growled and his grip on his book became tighter. If that corpse found out who KNOWS what he'll try to pull. Especially if he spilt all the details to her before he could explain. He didn't see any good outcome from that!

Hazelle waved a hand. "I promise. Witch's honor. Timmy can vouch for that."

He suddenly blanked out.....Timmy...That BOY!! Moonjumper's little oh so polite princey!! He narrowed his eyes again. "And tell that kid not to flap his gums either!"

"Who? Timmy? What would he even talk about? He barely even knows her and only met her for like, two minutes. There's absolutely nothing to worry about with him," She assured him.

Snatcher still didn't look convinced as he looked out the opening of his home out into the woods. "Where is he anyways?"

"We finished our magic training for today so I dropped him off home." snatcher huffed and Hazelle rolled her eyes. "Look. Even if he did say something about her, how much could he say? Your girls have a babysitter? You got a new helper? A woman beat up the mafia? Nothing that really translates to 'Hey! This is the girl you two used to be in love with'."

He hummed. Well....She had a point. When you put it that way, there really was nothing too much to worry about if Moonboy found out about him having a 'helper' or 'babysitter'. He'd never in another thousand years guess it was Poppy of all people. As long as he kept away everything would be fine.

"Besides. What's the worse that could happen?"

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

The beautiful silence of the horizon was a rather lonely one when he was all here by himself...Well that's not true. He wasn't always by himself. There was a few of Snatcher's minions forever lost he swiped back in the day, and a few ancient Alpine Goat spirits that occupied the place way longer than he's ever been there, but none of them spoke much, and he always enjoyed the polite company of strangers. Unfortunately those couldn't be forced as he found out rather quickly, but after a long time he didn't need to force those when he finally found a small little family of his own. Timmy was such a polite and good boy. The child he's always wanted if it weren't for HER!! He even had his hair color he used to have when he was a living being like his darling son. Of course he would provide him with all he needs forever as no one else would, and besides his wonderful boy, their was those delightful girls and Snatcher. Snatcher was.....Ok. Being an inferior half of him but nevermind that. He would never know what those dears saw in him. And Hazelle was a nice lady, wonderful. Always knew her way around magic and was a good teacher for his timmy.

The fingers worked like magic knitting the red threads he could summon at will together in the beginnings of a scarf for..someone. He didn't know yet, it was just a nice hobby to pass the time in this vast plain of being while waiting for Timmy to return from his daily lessons with Hazelle. Especially since as of lately he wasn't really feeling up to going out much since that little incident with the tramatizing time piece and Snatcher's oh so splendid idea. He was SO glad to have been transported back here straight away after that, he couldn't BARE to even face Vanessa at any given moment or time. Let's just say he was more than happy to stay here far, FAR away from that crazy peckneck and listen to silence for a good long while. He was more than happy to spend his time knitting away and taking his time to go back out there again.

Click, click, click.

The spirit's red eyes and knitting fingers focused on the small scarf on hand, the only sounds being the clicking of those knitting needles and the chains permanantly clamped on his wrists....And the approuching small footsteps coming right for him. A smile gracing his pale features and those red eyes looking up without stopping those knitting hand.

"Welcome home, Timmy. Were you good while you were out?," the ghost asked the child as he casually walked up to him.

Timmy smiled and nodded. "You betcha! Had a real laugh today actually!"

A clawed, chained hand patted his head before the spirit turned back to his peaceful work. "Good boy. I'm so happy."

"Ran into Bow and Hattie too." He said watching as his ghostly guardian worked along. "They had this new lady with 'em. Never seen her before tho. She threw a Mafia right over her shoulder and dunked him like a ball in a basket, she did when he tried to punch her!"

"Oh really? Hm. That doesn't sound very lady like. " But he still smiled hearing one of those meatheaded brutes had gotten a taste of his own medicine. "But trying to punch a lady isn't very good either, so I guess he had it coming."

"Yeah! It was a real good show! Hattie said something about her being their new nanny or somethin'."

Click, click,click.

"...Oh?" He paused and looked down at him now catching his attention. Snatcher..got those little darlings a nanny? Snatcher? Well, well, well. It seems that shadow finally had a smart idea for once in his existance. Those girls could use someone to look after them when he was off calling everyone fools or doing some other ridiculous thing like that. The edgylord noodle. "Well it seems he had one good brainstorm out of all that hair."

"Mmhm." Timmy was still curiously watching as he went back to summoning threads outta no where and knitting them into something. The next thing he said was just a casual comment thrown into the conversation. "She seemed like a nice person. I think she said her name was Poppy. Like those pretty flowers growing in the Alpine Alps, yeah."

Click, click, cli-

Any limited sounds coming from the moving of the knitting needles and chains came to sudden abrupt halt at that one word. Timmy noticing the sudden stopping of motion from the ghost blinked and looked up at his face. His pale face was frozen staring blankly at his unmoving hands and those red eyes wide. After staring a few seconds into the abyss, Timmy was just about to ask him if he was ok, but the ghost slowly looked at him stopping that.

"Pardon me for asking, but.....Who did you say she was?"

"Uh...Poppy..I think." Timmy reached up to scratch his head. "I'm not sure. Wasn't paying much attention to be honest."

"Tell me, what did she look like?," he said rather quickly giving the boy his fool attention.

"Um..." Timmy crunched his face in thought. "..I don't remember much. Didn't spend much time there, but she was pale with long, red hair."

Moonjumper just stared at him wide eyed for a long silent moment. No......NO! It couldn't be!....Could it? There wasn't any possible way she-...Not after all these years. No. No it must've been some kind of weird strange coincidence. Some other long red haired pale lady sharing the same name. It was quite possible. There was a lot of Philips on his father's side of the family. There was a great chance of a woman with her characteristics having the same name. It couldn't be even remotely slightly possible......Could it?

"Hey. Are you alright there?"

He blinked. "Uh...Y-Yes. Thank you.....But...Please, tell me all you can about this lady?"

[gothighunicorntolerance]

An Oath- Fields of Gold p2

AO3

Virgil woke under silken bedsheets in the unfamiliar room. Looking out the window, he saw that the sun was only beginning to rise, casting a sliver of golden light across Roman’s unfurled wings- in a fleeting thought, Virgil realized how beautiful Roman looked, with his wings seeming to glitter and the sharpness of his jaw relaxed.

Virgil kept those thoughts to himself, of course, as there was no way he had any kinds of feelings for Roman other than those of slight annoyance and gratefulness, and perhaps the kind of feeling one has when they’ve just met someone they hope to stay good friends with through the rest of their lives. Those were the only feelings he had for Roman, and to say anything to the contrary would be absurd. 

Throwing the covers off, Virgil stepped onto the carpet. It seemed like everything was better in the world of the faeries, including flooring and bedsheets. Taking his cloak from where he had left it on the back of the oak chair for the writing desk, Virgil was struck by the thought that he had no idea what to expect from faerie courtings or weddings. Surely if there was something he needed to know, Roman would have told him, right?

    By now, the sun had almost fully risen, and Roman sat up in the bed. Looking over at Virgil, Roman asked, “Sleep alright? I sure hope you did, because I’m pretty sure my mother is going to want to be around you almost all day, and I wouldn’t want to be sleep deprived around her.”

“That’s really comforting. Thanks.”

In truth, Virgil had slept very well, even with Roman snoring beside him. 

That had been the first of Virgil’s many days in the palace of the summer faeries. 

It had been twenty long days since Virgil arrived through the tree of being inspected by Roman’s mother, having been scolded for seemingly the smallest things. The worst by far had been being scolded for slouching, something Virgil hadn’t realized he’d done yet the queen had threatened to put a stick down his shirt to force him to sit up straight. 

Things hadn’t been all bad, of course. He did have to suffer through being measured and prodded at by a tailor, but it had been worth it in the end- the day after that, it had seemed like a sea of fabric had arrived in Roman and Virgil’s shared room. Every shade of purple hung in a gigantic closet hanging opposite of shimmering red, and quite honestly, Virgil had no idea what to do with so many clothes. He hadn’t repeated an outfit, and it was getting a little ridiculous at this point. At least Virgil didn’t have to worry about what shoes matched (frankly Virgil didn’t know why it mattered, but to some humans it did), as the fae went barefoot all the time, and now so did Virgil. Still getting used to the black-and-purple train on his loose robes, Virgil stumbled occasionally on the soft grass where he walked in the gardens with Roman, who was pointing out the different types of flowers. 

“Roman!” 

The two of them looked up to see someone, who, unsurprisingly, had a strong resemblance to Roman who was holding hands with a slightly shorter dark skinned man with glasses. 

“Uncle Thomas! Uncle Nico!” 

Roman ran toward the two of them, grinning, while Virgil stood where Roman had left him, unsure of what to do. That was another thing Virgil found living with faeries: he was very unsure of what he should be doing. What fork to use, what outfit to wear, whom he should greet with a bow and who to use a condescending stare at. 

But Roman had apparently decided for Virgil what to do, as he was dragging the fae who called his name towards Virgil, one with iridescent beetle wings similar to the queen’s and one with wings the size and shape of a hawk’s but a bright blue on one side and yellow on the other.

“Uncle Thomas, Uncle Nico, this is Virgil, my er, betrothed.”

Only Virgil caught the slight hesitation and wince as Roman called him his betrothed. 

“Pleasure to meet you, sirs,” Virgil bowed, not nearly as clumsy as the first time he had attempted to do it, thanks to all the hours spent with the queen practicing his posture and manners and all other things she told him to. 

“No need to bow, Virgil. The honor is mine,” the man wearing glasses said, holding out his hand. “I’m Nico.” Virgil shook his hand and introduced himself. 

“I’m Thomas,” the taller one said. “Roman’s uncle by blood. The queen is my sister, so I apologize for anything grief she’s given you about being formal,” he chuckled, Virgil joining him. “We came for the wedding! Three days, right, Roman?” Thomas continued. Virgil couldn’t help but admire the rainbow of colors on Thomas’s wings as the light reflected off them. Watching the shimmering distracted Virgil from the knot in his stomach that formed as Thomas reminded him that the wedding was in only three days, taking place at sunset on the third. 

“Well, we’ll go get settled and let you two finish your walk,” Nico winked at them and looked knowingly at Thomas. 

“I’ll see you later!” Thomas said as the couple walked out of sight. 

A moment of silence passed before Roman looked Virgil in the eye. 

“We haven’t talked about that yet…” Roman said, a hint of guilt in his voice. “I don’t know where you stand on kissing, but for a public display we can do a theater kiss. It’s where I would put my thumbs on your lips and kiss my thumbs instead of you,” Roman explained off of Virgil’s confused look. “We’d probably have to do a real one at the wedding, though.” 

“Er, Roman? I- I’ve never actually kissed someone before,” Virgil said in an embarrassed whisper. 

“Oh,” Roman thought for a minute. “Well, would you like to kiss me for real one time? That way-” “Okay,” Virgil said, a flush rising in his cheeks.

“Okay.” Roman put his hands around Virgil’s waist and pulled him in close, the two of them chest to chest. Virgil closed his eyes and tilted his chin up slightly, trying to remember how everyone he saw making out in the shadows did it. 

Their lips touched, and Virgil felt a shiver go down his spine as he leaned into Roman, wrapping his arms around his back and feeling the smoothness of his wings pressed against Roman’s back. 

Finally they pulled apart, standing in silence before Virgil started silently laughing. “If that’s how kissing always is, then I don’t mind it.”

It was Roman’s turn to go red, though Virgil assumed it was from what Virgil had said- he didn’t mean it in that way, of course, but Roman had probably jumped to conclusions. Virgil held no feelings for him, but simply meant that he wouldn’t mind kissing Roman. 

    Three nights later, it was time. Virgil and Roman had been woken up early and ushered away from each other by servants. Virgil had recognized Talyn leading Roman down the hallway opposite from where Virgil was being led. In front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror, Virgil saw the most extravagant article of clothing he had seen, even after living with faeries for twenty three days and nights. 

    The lavender robes, almost dresslike, covered a dark purple tunic with silver stitching hung next to a cape that looked as if had been sewn right out of the night sky- shimmering purple swirled with streaks of blue and was spotted with silver and gold, seemingly placed there right from the galaxy above. And there, sitting on a carved wooden table, was a silver diadem with opals and amethyst embedded in the silver. 

    “This is.. All for me?” Virgil could hardly believe that he was to wear all that- surely that had taken so much work? How had someone done all that in twenty three days? And to wear it only once would be a shame… someone had worked so hard on that! He briefly wondered what Roman would wear- would it be like Virgil’s, dark and swirling? Or something else?

    Virgil’s train of thought was interrupted by one of the servants unbuttoning his shirt. 

“Hey!” Virgil cried, still shy about himself even though his body had changed. 

“I apologize sir, but it’s our job to get you ready,” they continued, either not seeing the discomfort on Virgil’s face or simply not caring. 

    When they were done, Virgil looked at himself in the mirror and gasped. Surely that couldn’t be him dressed in the garb made for royalty? In the cape made from the stars and robes the color of precious gems? The center gem on the diadem rested on his forehead, a contrast to his dark hair, which had been arranged with a short braided crown holding the diadem in place and the rest brushing against the collar of his indigo tunic. 

    The servants bowed as they left, leaving Virgil alone with only his reflection. After a moment of solitude, the door opened again, and in walked the queen. 

Dipping into a perfected bow, careful not to mess up the diadem’s placement, he greeted her. 

“You are to be my son-in-law soon,” she said, dipping her head in acknowledgement. Another thing Virgil had learned is that the fae are very direct to the point- perhaps it had something to do with the fact that they couldn’t tell a direct lie, but Virgil actually liked how no one he talked to avoided the point or used confusing expressions. 

“Roman will be happy with you,” she continued. “I will admit I had my doubts about you, being a mortal, but you have certainly proven yourself to be able. Roman will have a good husband.”

Virgil simply nodded, not replying. 

“Now come,” the queen beckoned him to follow as she left the room. “It’s time for you to wed my son.”

Virgil stepped onto the grass, his galaxy-esque cape trailing behind him, led by the queen to the altar where an officiator stood. Virgil could feel his heart hammering in his chest and was surprised that no one in the seemingly endless crowd of fae made a remark. 

Suddenly the silence seemed deafening, and Virgil looked down the aisle to see Roman walking towards him, led by someone Virgil didn’t recognize but looked identical to Roman except for a scraggly mustache on his upper lip. Roman looked even more dressed up than Virgil, if that was possible. 

Where Virgil’s robes and cape were like the night sky, Roman’s was like a bright summer afternoon- a red sash was held in place by a belt that seemed to be made of pure gold and the cape that hung off his shoulders seemed to be brighter than the sun itself, the ensemble completed with a diadem made of gold, the twin to the one Virgil wore. 

Then, when Virgil thought Roman couldn’t get any more beautiful, Roman stopped in front of Virgil and smiled, churning the butterflies in Virgil’s stomach even more. 

Roman’s brother stood to the side as the officiator bent down to pick up two crowns- one silver and one gold, each studded with even more glittering gems. 

The officiator cleared their throat and began. 

“Today, we see not only the union of two men, but also the union of two worlds,” they unwound a piece of ribbon and placed Virgil’s and Roman’s hands together, wrapping them in the grass-green silk. 

“Prince Roman, do you declare today your love for Virgil?” “I do,” Roman said, nodding.

“And Virgil, do you declare today your love for Roman?”

“I do,” Virgil echoed. 

“Then let the sun and trees bear witness, as do all gathered here today, that Roman and Virgil are wed, both by love and by law. You may now kiss.”

Roman moved forward, putting his arms around Virgil’s waist. Virgil closed the gap between them, putting his lips on Roman’s. The kiss was just as nice as the first time they had kissed in the gardens, though Virgil couldn’t help feeling self conscious as the crowd of fae stood and clapped for them. 

Roman pulled away, and looked out at the crowd, ginning. Music began to play even louder than the cheering crowd, Roman pulled Virgil into a dance, each swaying to the music. Virgil found himself silently thanking that he had been taught the basics of almost every dance he could think of. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Thomas and Nico, both their brightly colored wings glinting in the sunset as they danced together. They looked so in love with each other, it was hard for Virgil to imagine ever loving someone that much- nevertheless, he hoped he would. And there, in a corner, was Roman’s brother kissing a man with the black wings of a raven or crow.

As Roman twirled Virgil, he could just make out what Roman whispered in his ear. 

“Thank you, Virgil. I owe you so much.”

The only acknowledgement Virgil gave was a subtle nod of his head.

***

That night, after dressing out of their finery and laying in their shared bed, Virgil turned his head to Roman and asked, “Why me? Why a mortal? Why couldn’t you have one of your friends do it?”

Roman looked over. “We can’t lie. I said I love you, and I do, platonically. But a friend, which I have very few of, could be asked something like “does Roman love you romantically,” and they would be forced to say the truth: no. You, however, can lie. You can say that yes, I do love you. And it’s not unheard of for faeries to fall in love with mortals, so either way, no one would become suspicious that I don’t love you.”

“Why would that be such a bad thing? That you don’t love me, I mean.”

Roman sighed, and Virgil immediately regretted asking so many questions. But Roman just answered with a frown.

“Marriage is a sacred thing to the fae. We marry only for love, and binding yourself to another is the highest form of love. Faeries are born to be wild, untamed, free. A wedding makes you stay with that person for the rest of your life, which in our world, can be centuries. That’s why it would be so bad.” 

“Oh.” was all Virgil said. 

The next morning, Virgil woke before Roman as usual. The unusual part, however, was that Roman seemed to have trails of tears running down his cheeks and wetting his pillow. 

Virgil sat up for a moment, wondering what could have happened that drove Roman to tears. Roman had seemed fine, happy even, at the ceremony. So what could have happened?

[the-writers-fandom]

P2: no Matter How Much Time Passes

Part two! 4.4k words. Sorry it’s a couple minutes late, had a lot of tech issues.  

 Mammon felt the hair on his neck stand up. Something clicked in each one of the boys, as they remembered what MC had said in their final moments. Lucifer spoke first,

  "You couldn't possibly mean..."

  "Don't worry, Lucifer. Yes, when they died they were brought to the Celestial Realm. Thankfully, Solomon had told the angels he was still in contact with about their passing. So the angels have agreed to let MC have a short stay here in the Devildom." Diavolo looked ecstatic as he explained. All were excited, chatting among each other about how happy they all were. Mammon was happy enough to somewhat revert to his jealousness, saying,

  "Wait, MC and Solomon really do still talk?"

  Even Lucifer smiled, standing to thank Diavolo. The Lord took Lucifer's hand and pulled him into a tight hug.

  "I understand how important they were to all of you at one point, even to myself. Though, I must confess something somewhat tragic." All of the boys were quiet again, and Mammon couldn't help but feel his emotions were being toyed with.

  "You know how the Celestial Realm works. You make sure your soul is pretty, and then you're granted eternal life as the best version of yourself. This version of MC could be wildly different than the MC you knew sixty years ago. It's likely they'll be older, or younger. Not only that, but we have them for a night. That's it. It may be possible to contact them after the night, but that's not at all set in stone. Understand the situation you are all in. Tonight is the night of the party. You have 6 hours to spend doting over your angel. Use them wisely." Diavolo looked stern, which wasn't usual for him. "Due to the nature of the exchange program, we can't have them on again, before you ask. I'm sorry, boys, but this is the best I could do."

  "And we thank you, Lord Diavolo. It's an amazing gift I am not sure neither I, nor my brothers, deserve. We are forever indebted to you.." Lucifer starts, and Diavolo hushes him.

  "Now then, let's get on with the decorations. It's already four AM, no time to waste!" He laughed heartily, bringing most of the brothers to exasperated groans or sighs.

  Except Mammon, who could barely wrap his head around the entire thing. He stood with his brothers, shuffling out in a file line while he thought. 

 A large hand slapped onto Mammon's shoulder and he flinched. He looked up at Diavolo, who chuckled fondly at him.

"Mammon, can I give you some... Advice?" It wasn't often the prince of the Devildom lent his advice to anyone, let alone Mammon seeing as he was normally considered the 'scummy' brother. Mammon liked to think that Diavolo saw more than that, but knowing himself, felt that probably wasn't at all true.

"Uh, sure. Can't say I can follow it though, who knows what someone like you is aboutta say?" This made Diavolo laugh again, free hand on his hip. Mammon noticed Lucifer's brief glances at the two as they dragged behind slightly, everyone heading to Diavolo's castle to decorate.

Diavolo stared out at the dark scenery as he spoke quietly. "It's one night, Mammon. I know that you all went to visit a while ago, Lucifer told me all about it. I know your brothers tease you a lot-"

"If that's what you wanna call it."

"It is. And I just want to say, I know you've been hurting over it all. I know he said last time it may be your last chance but Mammon, I'm serious now. Pay attention. This is your last chance. You will likely never ever, ever see them again. I believe that, due to the rules of the Celestial Realm, they should be lucid and able-minded. Say anything and everything that haunts you." Mammon caught the sad glance Diavolo gave towards his right hand man, only a few feet ahead of them. "Or time will pass you by."

  Mammon digested what Diavolo said, and thanked him before running ahead a bit to be with his younger brothers. 

  They all walked into one of Diavolo's magnificent ballrooms, and found Barbatos setting up boxes of decorations.

  “Ah, welcome back, My Lord. I’ve brought out the castle decorations. Should I start preparations for dinner?” Barbatos stood up straight, hands behind his back. Diavolo nodded.

  “Yes, thank you Barbatos. We have a lot to do here.”

  “We? Diavolo, you’ve really already done so much. The boys and I can do this ourselves.” Even through Lucifer’s protests, Diavolo just laughed him off.

  “Nonsense. C’mon, let’s get started, we haven’t got all day you know!” 

  Mammon plopped himself down in one of the many chairs scattered around the edge of the ballroom. He appreciated the work they did, staring at the red, blue, and purple streamers around the ceiling. Just remembering having to use his small wings to get them up there made him annoyed. He noticed the balloons as well, and huffed at the sheer amount of them. He crossed his arms, staring down at the ground.

  “Mammon, what’s that in your pocket?” Mammon nearly jumped to his feet hearing Asmo’s voice from behind him.

  “Ooh~ Or are you just happy to see me?” Asmodeus giggled, then noticed Mammon shoving the small golden statue deeper into his pocket.

  “You’d think that, because MC is coming to visit, you’d be less scummy for one night. I put too much faith in you, Mammon. You’re just as terrible as always, I suppose.” 

  “Dick. I was just… Borrowing it for later. Don’t you have a leg to be humping or something right now?” Mammon’s voice leaked venom as he spoke. Asmodeus didn’t seem to notice at all, just focusing on fixing his hair. 

  “Hm, you know, maybe you should let me do your hair sometime. It’d look so much cuter. What do you even do to it?”

  “Just, whatever they put in it at the shoots- what’s the point of this Asmo? Why’re ya botherin’ me, huh?” Asmodeus sighed, hand on his chest. It irked Mammon subconsciously that he reminded him so much of Satan. Asmo then crossed his arms,

  “You’re no good at distracting anyone. Okay, I’ll bite. I’m worried about tonight.”

  “Oh. Uh- why?” Mammon sat back in his chair, attempting to look relaxed while his younger brother confided in him. Asmodeus sat in a chair near Mammon.

  “I’ll tell you, if you don’t try to charge me to be my ‘therapist’.”

  “That’s a good idea, actually…”

 “Mammon. “

 Mammon laughed, rolling his wrist in a ‘Go on’ gesture. “Okay. well, I just… I’m worried for MC. What if they want to stay here? Even worse, what if they hate it and want to go back before we get to spend any time with them?” Mammon frowned.

  “Yeah, I’ve thought about that too. I don’t think that’ll happen though, they seemed happy before when we visited.”

  “They could barely remember their own name! This is different... Circumstance. I just don’t know if I could handle them mentioning 

again, whoever that is.”

  “You know, Asmodeus, Anne and Asmo are pretty similar. Maybe they meant Asmo when they said it.” Asmodeus shook his head.

  “I hope so… I know you had a relationship with them, Mammon.” Mammon was shocked now.

  “Well, yeah, I was their first after all.”

  “At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were true.” Mammon sputtered a bit, unsure of how to respond. 

  “I mean- yeah. It always was! Shut up.” Mammon crossed his arms, mimicking Asmodeus. Asmo giggled again at that, and Mammon could see that he was feeling better.

  “Well, my point was… I’ve always been the charmer- I’m the cute, flirty, beautiful brother.”

  “Don’t forget narcissistic- and also vain, and all those words.” Asmodeus smiled brightly,

  “Exactly! I’ve always been so good at charming people! It comes so easily to me I forget it’s supposed to be special. So, when I found it didn’t work on MC… I knew their heart was somewhere else already. Then, MC told me that they’d fallen in love...” Asmodeus seemed to stare out at their other brothers, watching Belphie and Lucifer get into a small fight. Mammon watched as well, and for some reason, a sense of homeliness fell over him.

  “I knew that they weren’t talking about their husband. I know when somebody is in lust with someone else, it’s in my nature, and that wasn’t the case with you two. They told me never to tell anyone that they ever confided in me, but… They really liked you Mammon. And because I like them, I wanted to tell you now. Don’t mess this up.”

  Mammon felt the weight of his heart fall heavier on his shoulders. He nodded, and felt Asmodeus’ hand on his back, patting it gently. “Well- uh. Thanks. For now,” Mammon stood up, patting his pocket. “Imma go find somewhere to cash this new check ’a mine.” Asmo smiled sarcastically, and Mammon saw Satan in him again as he said,

  “Oh, you might want to put that back. I already told Lucifer you stole it, and once him and Belphegor are done talking, he’s going to shake you like a cheap maraca a three year old found in the toy store.” 

  “Yikes.” He said, slipping it out of his pocket and throwing it in Asmo’s general direction. “Your problem now, I guess.”

  “Hey- MammoN!” He shouted while Mammon ran out of the room. Mammon only barely heard Lucifer yelling as he ran,

  “Asmo, what do you have?”

  The cool morning air washed over Mammon as he stepped outside, lighting a cigarette before putting it to his lips. He leaned against the concrete rail of the castle steps. Just as he thought he could get any semblance of a break, he heard a voice call out for him. Beelzebub came up next to Mammon and hoisted himself up on the rail.

  “You know that’s bad for you, right.”

  “I’m a demon?” Mammon looked up at his younger brother. He didn’t like the even bigger size difference, and decided to try and hoist himself up as well. After a bit of struggle, Beelzebub grabbed his arm and brought him up. 

  “I dunno, I just heard it somewhere. What are you doin’ out here anyway? You know Lucifer’s going to kill you if he finds you slacking off.”

  “I could say the same damn thing to you, I’m surprised you’re not in the kitchen sneaking food behind Barbatos’ back.” Beel grimaced,

  “I’m not really hungry… I’m too nervous to eat… I also tried, and Barbatos caught me and threatened to cook 

next.” Mammon laughed loudly, to his brother’s dismay. “But you didn’t answer me. Why are you out here.” 

 “I wanted a moment alone, that’s all. But, now that you’ve basically ruined that, I guess I’m just here to enjoy the scenery.” Beel stared down for a moment, thinking.

  “Oh. Uh, I can leave, then-”

  “No, I mean, you’re already out here? Might as well stay.” Mammon couldn’t bring himself to admit that he secretly wanted the company. An anger continued to bubble inside of him that he didn’t understand, noticing the world around him and being annoyed by everything. Beelzebub’s sweet presence helped that in a way. He felt his brother’s gaze, concerned and confused. Beel stayed quiet for a long time. 

  Beel then reached into his parka’s pocket, and pulled out a string cheese. He thrusted it towards Mammon, and Mammon’s brows furrowed.

  “Uhh…?” Mammon let Beel put it in his hand.

  “When I’m angry or sad I get hungry. So you should eat. It might help.” Mammon sighed, but smiled.

  “It’s not like ya to share food. I must look real desperate... Thanks.” Mammon opened the string cheese, and took a bite off the top.

  “Actually, can I have a bite?” 

  Mammon had expected the day to feel long and to drag on forever, but found that 7 PM couldn’t come slow enough. So much to do, and so little time, it took Mammon until 6:45 to even change into his true form. He hyped himself up in Diavolo’s bathroom, which emulated a public restroom, probably for tours. He splashed some water in his face, and heard the sound of the door swing open.

  “Oh, hey, Mammon. Feeling alright?” Satan stood near him, washing his hands free of the white frosting covering them. Mammon nodded, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a little pencil, leaning on the sink to start putting eyeliner on. “Gotta look nice, yeah? Where’d you get that from?”

  “Ah- uh- borrowed it off a set a while ago. I saw what I looked like in it and thought it was- ow! Shit- ow fuck.” Mammon rubbed at his watery eyes, and Satan sighed at him. He grabbed Mammon’s shoulder, and pulled him to face Satan’s way.

  “Stand still, and give that to me.” He did, and Satan very carefully applied the eyeliner underneath Mammon’s eyes. 

  “How did you learn how to do it right?” Mammon asked, staring up at the ceiling. Satan sighed and put his hand on Mammon’s face to steady him.

  “It’s not that hard, and I’ve had a lot of girlfriends. I guess my sarcastic, passive-aggressive attitude is considered more feminine, so I learned a few things during class. This is just one of my many pointless skills I’ve gathered since primary school.” Mammon smiled a bit.

  “Good for something, I guess.” Satan finished and handed Mammon back the pencil. “Thanks. You nervous?” Mammon asked, and Satan sighed.

  “Not really. Nothing can be worse than what happened when we went to the nursing home, can it? At least this way they should know who we are.” Satan rolled his sleeves back down before changing into his demon form alongside Mammon. “I don’t know what happened after us, but I have a feeling they’ll be similarly aged to when we first met.” Mammon shrugged,

  “They had kids, though. And a husband- and a whole life after.”

  “I had kids, you don’t see me considering that my ‘happiest moment’, do you?”

  “...” Mammon brushed past that, “You’re a special case. C’mon, let’s get out there.” And so they did, walking out of the bathroom together and finding their way to the ballroom. Many higher level demons were around, having fun and enjoying themselves. Beelzebub was eyeing the food table, and Mammon could just barely see Lucifer restraining him with threats and a hand on his elbow. Levi was sitting across the table from them, headphones on and game playing on his phone. Asmo was out dancing, and Belphie was nowhere to be seen. Soon, Diavolo was taking a microphone and speaking up.

  “The angels will be here soon, everyone prepare yourself and remember to socialize. Have fun, all of you.” Diavolo set the microphone down again and Mammon heard the music overtake them for a second time. It took him a while, but he recognized the song. It was one of MC’s favourites, that they spent many summer days listening to. Mammon smiled sorrowly. He sat at the table, next to Leviathan. He flinched, feeling something touch his foot. He looked down, pulling the table cover up, and found Belphie taking a nap underneath him. Typical. Mammon just put the cloth back down and noticed Satan take off, headed towards the dancefloor with his brother. 

  “Mammon, I’m surprised. Usually you’d be off to the dancefloor by now, or to some random quarters to find something to steal.” Lucifer smirked as he spoke, and Beel winced. Mammon felt bad for him. 

  “I’m just waiting. We’ve got what, five minutes? I’m surprised you’re not yelling at one of us by now. “

  “LOL burn.” Leviathan laughed, which startled Mammon, having assumed he couldn’t hear anything under those headphones of his. Lucifer’s smirk was gone.

  “They’ll be summoned in the courtyard by Diavolo any second now, I believe he just left to do it. Just hope there’s not too many of them, I didn’t expect the Devildom to have such a huge turnout.” Mammon looked around at the dozens of demons socializing around them. Levi took his headphones off and glared at Lucifer.

  “Why aren’t we there for the summoning? I wasn’t there for the first one, I want to be there for this one.”

  “It’s not that momentous. Just bringing someone into the existence of this realm.  You’ll see them when they walk through those doors.” Lucifer pointed, with his free hand, towards the large double doors exiting the ballroom that lead to the courtyard. Beelzebub huffed as Lucifer didn’t loosen his grip. He wiggled a bit, turning and whispering to one of the random demons around. "And, anyway, It has to be pretty disorienting. They may need a moment before seeing any of us." Leviathan grumbled at Lucifer’s response, attention back to his phone.

  Mammon stared at the ballroom doors, and watched as they slowly pushed open. A spike of anxiety hit him, and he kicked Belphegor from under the table, waking him. Diavolo was in front of the small group of angels, microphone in hand.

  "Everybody, let's give a welcome to the angels that have graciously lent their time to be here tonight. Including the one we're all here for, MC." Mammon felt his chest tighten as Diavolo stepped to the side, revealing the 6 angels. If he could focus on anyone else, he'd notice it was actually 5 angels and Solomon, but he couldn't. All he could see was MC, and he reveled in their beauty. He noticed that they wore the same jumpsuit from before, paired with Mammon's own leather jacket. MC looked to be no older than when they knew each other, all of the wrinkles and spots gone from their face. Their hair was back to its natural color, and Mammon almost forgot to breathe.

  Without thinking, he ran. He ran faster than ever before, and pounced on his angel. He could feel tears streaming down his face, but he didn't care.

  "Where ya been, huh! You're late! Why ya gotta keep The Great Mammon waiting?" Mammon felt as the arms of his partner wrapped around him tightly.

  "Got caught up in inter-dimensional traffic. I'm here now, Mammoney." They laughed loudly, and Mammon felt they fit the part of an angel, voice so sweet. All the other angels and demons seemed to leave them to it, except of course, Mammon's brothers.

  "MC! You're back!" All of them seemed to have matching grins, pulling their brothers into a group hug around their angel. MC could only laugh and laugh, a smile plastered on their own face.

  "You really think I could leave you guys forever? I think Lucifer would end up going grey without me to keep you in check." They winked in Lucifer's direction, and he smiled, but said nothing.

  Soon the brothers calmed themselves down. Mammon managed to get the first dance with MC, after intense struggle between him and his brothers. He struggled to remember exactly what to do as he stared into his partners eyes.

  "I missed you." Mammon whispered when they were close together, and MC whispered back,

  "Not nearly as much as I missed you." 

  The night continued similarly, the brothers continuing to fight over dances and moments with MC. Eventually, they asked for a moment to rest, and all of the boys were waiting on them hand and foot.

  "More water, MC?"

  "Maybe you should take those shoes off for a bit, your feet must be killing you!"

  "Here, eat."

  MC just smiled and giggled through it all, for 5 hours of the night. Slowly, demons trickled out of the party, and all that was left were the angels, human, and demon brothers. Diavolo and Barbatos could be found somewhere in the castle, but Mammon couldn't care less about where.

  "Guys I- this… This was amazing. Thank you. I missed you all so much- why didn't you visit me?" The brothers were silent, glancing towards the floor. Belphegor spoke up,

  "We were scared."

  Suddenly he released a flood, they were all talking at once, giving different reasons and fears as to what they'd find if they had visited. All except Mammon, who sat back and continued to admire his angel. Eventually, they asked him directly,

  "Mammon? What about you? Why didn't you visit? I was especially upset for so long because of it."

  "Oh, uh.." Mammon wasn't ready to tell them, especially not with such a crowd. He felt his face heat up, and he hid behind his hand.

  "You know, uh, thinkin' you wouldn't 'member me n' stuff." MC looked unimpressed, but the topic was soon changed.

  Even later into the night, Diavolo came to warn them,

  "You have half an hour. Use it wisely." Mammon caught the wink in his direction, and groaned subtly. There would be no way to get a moment of privacy with his brothers around. He cleared his throat,

  "MC? Can we, uh, have a minute? Just a minute. Alone?" Before the 6 could start protesting, MC smiled and responded,

  "I'd been waiting for you to ask. Of course." 

    The two walked side by side through the courtyard, enjoying the cool breeze that always encompassed the Devildom.

  "Why ya gotta leave again, MC? Can’tcha stay here for the rest of eternity?"

  "You can't even ask that. You know I can't. Maybe if you manned up…" MC grumbled a bit, arms crossing over their chest. Mammon blushed.

  "What's that s'posed to mean?"

  "Mammon- I'm married. I've got two kids. If before that, which was years after I left the Devildom- if you had come begging me to come home with you I would have said yes. But I forgot about you." That stung, and Mammon held a hand to his chest as MC continued. "Everything about the Devildom, I stopped caring. I had one thing that ever reminded me you existed, and it was my D.D.D, shoved away in my closet. My son found it one day and broke it, and there was nothing left. Not that I used it anyway. So tell me, did you reach out after it was broken, and I didn't know?"

  "Um… No- but- but hey. Ya look real young for ya happiest moment 

 to be with us!" Mammon protested, trying to sound angry but only sounding sad. MC sighed and stopped walking.

  "... You're right. Even with everything you asses put me through afterwards… I can't help but look around and have the biggest, most insane amount of nostalgia. I loved this place. Pretty weird, huh? Saying 'Go to hell' is supposed to be an insult, but it's all I wanted to do for years." They chuckled a bit and Mammon relaxed hearing it.

  "Listen, MC. Lucifer and Diavolo they- well- so I need to… I-I like you? But don't go lettin' that go to your h-" 

  Before he could finish, he felt MC's body crash against his in a hug and a kiss. For the coldness of the Devildom, their lips were warm and reminded Mammon of the sunshine on the Celestial Realm. He felt every worry, every fear he had melted away in an instant and he hugged back. He kissed MC more intensely than he'd ever kissed anyone before, and subconsciously hoped Diavolo would never come get them. He considered running with them, hiding somewhere they'd never be found, but knew that wasn't what they wanted.

  For that reason, and that reason alone, Mammon felt himself pulling away from MC’s lips. They buried their face in his chest.

  "It's not gonna be like last time, alright? I'm gonna try to send you letters everyday, I'll bother Diavolo until we start another war if I have to."

  "I'll do the same with Luke, if I can't send you anything, I may have to start pestering him like a demon until they send me down here." MC giggled and sighed into Mammon's chest.

  "MC, Mammon. It's time to leave." Mammon saw Lucifer come up to them, and he frowned. He stared down at his angel, and pet their hair gently.

  "C'mon Lucifer, can't we have five more minutes?"

  "Mammon, you know-"

  "Yeah, yeah. I know. Fragile relationship with the realms... Okay." He took a deep, shaky breath. "You ready, angel?" He asked quietly. MC just barely nodded as they pulled away, and Mammon saw their face contorted from sobbing quietly into his chest. MC held his hand and dragged him to where they'd be taken out of existence, where the rest of the brothers, angels, and Solomon were waiting for them. 

  MC gave each brother a hug and a 'thank you' before standing next to Diavolo. Before Diavolo could start, they quickly gave him a hug as well, which he accepted immediately.

  "If the Celestial Realm ever lets you, you will always be welcome here in the Devildom. Your room is in the House of Lamentation, where it's stayed, waiting for you." MC thanked him, and prepared to be dematerialized. 

  Mammon couldn't watch. He didn't want to see the bright white light, and then the feeling of loneliness that he knew was bound to hit him. Instead, he looked towards his brothers. He saw as they all felt exactly how he did, the lonely and sad feeling taking over them. Mammon walked behind them all as the ceremony finished, and put his arm around Levi- who squawked like a bird and threatened Mammon if he didn't let go. He only held on tighter, grinning stupidly.

  "I say we go out to forget the rest of the night, all seven of us."

  "Yes, and who's paying for your drinks, Mammon?" Satan inquired.

  "Why, my favourite big brother, of course you would be so kind…" 

  "Forget it, Mammon." Lucifer glared at Mammon, and Diavolo couldn't help but laugh.

  "All of you, really. C'mon, it's on me." Diavolo put his hand on Lucifer's shoulder and started walking them back inside.

  As Mammon walked, Levi under one arm, Beelzebub and Belphie at his other side, he realized that he was still happy. He would still write his angel every night, and would beg Diavolo to send it directly to them, but he finally felt closure. Being with his brothers- mean as they were sometimes- he still felt loved. 

  And maybe, Mammon realized, that was what he needed all along. 

[the-fiction-witch]

Doctor And Witch P2

MOVIE: MAZE RUNNER AU X SLEEPY HOLLOW COUPLE: NEWT X READER RATING: SWEET

I sat listening to the simplistic sounds of the horse shoe’s clacking as they went from step to step of the Ill tread walks across the countryside. The wind rushing through an open shutter on the other side of the carriage, the rain hammering the roof in tiny abrupt sections at a time, it all Marrying into a sweet and yet foreboding harmony. As I observed the skies turn dimmer and felt as if the world passed me by, before retorting my view to the carriage interior.

The red seats coordinating the curtains around the windows all closed, except the one beside me and the one where the window was stuck open. It being blown by the wind and rain from outside, the black Paint of the interior wall beginning to flake and fall to the dark wooden floor many pieces of the wall now laid on the floor. Someone before I arrived clearly tried to sweep them away but had in fact just pushed them more under the seats. I opened my pocket watch to check the time, not long now before I reach The Town, I kept looking out the window hoping to see some remains of civilization yet all I saw was the infinite stretching fields of Yellow and green going across the horizon so far it was as if they met with the sky.

Until the driver’s speech cut the melody of the realm

“Approaching Mulbury Glade sir, be about thirty Minutes till I drop you at the gates!” He shouted his voice hoarse and bitter but I understand why I wouldn’t want to be out in all this weather,

“Thank you” I reply not really wanting to speak but feeling rude for not replying to him as he had taken me so far already

“So… Why are you moving all the way out here to the middle of known here? Mr Newton” The driver urged

“I would rather not discuss it if it’s all the same to you, and It’s Dr Newton” I return

“Oh My apologies Doctor” He answered and I turned my full attention to the window and the melody again. Of the wind spreading through the open window, the rain upon the roof, the clacking of the horses metal shoes upon the road, the flutter of the curtain of the open window, the simple creaking of the carriage as it went down the road and the ticking of my watch still open in my hand.

When In the calm I caught a ... a voice on the breeze, the voice delicate as silk and the words flowing like honey, the voice seemed to be beckoning me the closer we got to the town. The more It felt this voice just outside I kept looking but I saw no one. Until, we were about to reach the gates and I saw a woman dressed in a Black stood upon the hill looking down on the gates a blood-covered white rose in her hands and a huge cape and hood of Black velvet over her shoulders I could not see her face because of the hood I tried to look more, but the carriage stopped giving me a jolt forward and when I sat back normally again she was gone. So I put my watch back into my pocket and grabbed my bag stepping out to see this place the rain now being to stop yet the sky stayed a dull grey, my feet planted on the gravel road

“I will deliver your things to your home doctor” The driver informed me as I walked to the front of the carriage

“Thank you” I answer nodding my head to him and just as I finished the last word he whipped the horses and went off.  I stood by the gates looking into The town, The town's gate at metal shaped into lettering reading Mulbury Glade badly the letters morphed and strange a few rusting so much the bottom of the B had come off and was long gone. Many houses and stores lined the main street and just at the end stood a white old stone church, everywhere looked like it had been long abandoned past the church the road split one going off to lead to more homes and a tavern and the other lead somewhere off into the hills just within the hills stood a very popular graveyard, many headstones laid there. I walked down the empty sinister street only the crackling of the gravel beneath my feet could be heard echoing through the dark houses.

Until I heard the voice again seeming closer and sweeter than ever I turned to look around to see If I could find the owner of the voice. But it stopped so I turned back to the church and there stood a woman. A Woman in a dark blue dress draping loosely off her wide curvaceous frame, her long curly brown hair sat on her shoulders, her face seeming innocent and gentle yet strange, her eyes Green and bright, her hands behind her back as she stood and smiled at me.

“We were not expecting you yet a while” she grinned her voice as smooth as milk and honey she sounded like the voice that was calling me here but something about her just... made me feel strange

“My apologies Madam, I was here earlier than expected” I answer “where is the rest of the town?” I ask her

“At a funeral on the hill”, she replied sadly “I didn’t know her, and the Town prefers to see me away from the graveyard” She clarified

“Very well Miss” I nod

“You're the new doctor, aren’t you?” she challenged with a smile and I nod “Good, I hope to be seeing much of you Dr Newton” she beamed

“How- How did you know my name?” I urge her

“It’s on your carry bag” she smiled and I glance down and remember my bag as my last name and initial on it

“Oh…Of course, Pardon me, Madam, I thought-“I begin slightly laughing

“That I had played a tick?” she interrupted making me stop short a little surprised by her “I get that a lot” she giggled “It would Shock you how much the town accuses me of such things” she laughed “you would think me wicked” she smiled simply

“I could never madam,” I tell her not sure what to think of this girl “Oh, how rude of me, I never asked your name?”

“y/n, y/n Y/L/N” she grinned holding out one of her hands so I take it and politely kiss her hand making her smile wider as I did I noticed her hands were scared as If had been cut many, many times over so much they had not healed for a very long time and on her wrist a mark it wasn’t a scar it was black as night a symbol what I didn’t understand before she returned it behind her “I can take you to your new home and office If you wish, it will be hours before they all return” she offered

“Oh yes thank you” I smile to her

so she happily begins to walk leading me off towards the graveyard the road still an empty, I looked up to see a large number of people around a stone with a man dressed in white stood reading to them all he looked down to me for a second then returned to his readings.

Until at last she stopped in front of a house, the house beside the graveyard it was old and looked worn the wood tint on the outside beginning to wash off with every rain that came, the windows covered so much with dust nothing could be seen inside the door a dark red with a handle and knock of silver, beside the door was a small seat big enough for two to sit outside on the patio, just above the patio hung a sign reading doctor’s office with a small image of a needle. She walked up to the door unlocking it with a key from the ring of Keys In the pocket of her dress unlocking the door and opening it letting light flood in.

It was a small room with a black stair case to one side as well as one door then another much further down the corridor and then one immediately to the right all my bags and such from the carriage had been placed just inside the door she then opened the door to the right and it was a room with a huge sink and operating table as well as a light high above the table and many tables and other equipment around it “This is the Office” she explained before leaving and going to the other door, to a room with beautiful blue and purple striped wall paper and a large fireplace and a book shelf as well as two rather large chairs with a table in the centre of the table “The living room” she smiled before leaving again going down to the door down the hall. It opened to a huge purple dining room with a large candle chandelier above the table the table was huge and painted to look black it had two large chairs one at each end and then three lesser chairs each side and another door was just though that room and she opened that up and it was a very simple little kitchen “dining room and kitchen” she explained "It also has the door out to the garden and out there is down to the basement"

Before she was going out again and leading me upstairs them creaking every step she took and every step I followed till we reached a landing with three doors she opened one immediately “bathroom” she said and it clearly was a very small wash room then she went down to the one further away and it was a room with a crib and a few other children orientated objects “sorry this is meant to be the study but the last doctor had a wife and child with him” she described

“It’s alright, I’m sure I will get to sorting it eventually” I shrug and she took me to the last room it being the biggest in the house a room with a large window and a window seat the walls a dark blue and the floor covered mostly with a well-aged rug it had a black wood dresser as well as a coat rack by the door and a large double bed with blankets and such as already set out for me. “this is amazing” I smiled

“It’s quite alright, most of it was left behind by the last doctor” she shrugged

“What happened to him?” I ask her

“We don’t know, one day they just got a few things together and left, we never saw them again” she explained

“Oh my, well I won’t do that,” I laugh setting my bag down on the bed

“Here is the key” she smiled taking it from her pocket and slipping it into my hand “I best be going, Akiko will worry if I don’t get home soon” she urged

“Who’s Akiko?” I ask her

“My cat, she gets worried if I’m out for too long without her” she smiled

“Oh, I love cat’s, I would be thrilled to meet her” I smile at her

“I’m sure she would Love to meet you two" she beamed "Hmm, Perhaps later this evening we could both pop over and I could make us all something” She suggested

“Oh I couldn’t ask you to do that, I will make the dinner, but of course I would be great to see you later” I smile “I will see you later then Miss Y/L/N,” I tell her taking her hand and kissing it

“y/n I Insist” she grinned

“Very well y/n” I reply “Isaac, Isaac Newton,” I clarify

“Pleasure” she smiled taking her other hand from behind her back and she was holding a small pressed daisy “for you, Welcome to Mubury” she smiled before she left.

I heard her go down the stairs and leave shutting the door behind her. As soon as she was gone I put the little flower on the inside of my pocket watch and I began unpacking my things putting all my clothes away and all my tools and such in the office sorting everything out where it needed to be making the hall clear of things before checking my watch, “bugger, it’s already getting later” I sigh putting my watch away and getting a broom from the little closet in the kitchen and beginning to sweep the years of dust and cobwebs that had built up as well as taking a cloth to the windows letting me now see out of them all and letting the dim fading light into the house and pulling the curtains in the office and a few others rooms I wasn’t going to need tonight. As I cleaned the window in my room I saw the funeral was just finishing on the hill many people kept glancing over to my house but I did my best to try and ignore them before going down and lighting the fire as it had begun to get cold. As the sun began to set so I took a light from the fire and going lighting the candles around the house, before heading to the kitchen the cupboards and pantry fully stocked with food I wasn’t too good at making food but It didn’t come out too badly even if it wasn’t very much just some simple soup and a little bread that I had already laid on the table when I set it as well as a nice bottle of wine I found Under the sink just then I heard the door so I ran to the door checking my reflection in the mirror by the door. My dirty blonde hair still as sorted as it was this morning I had a bit of mud on my face which I quickly licked my finger and got rid of staring back at my own brown eyes before smiling and opening the door and there stood y/n in a Light blue dress similar to the one she had on earlier today and a small box in her hands and a little coat of dark red velvet     

“good evening” she greeted

“Evening, Oh come in,” I told her so she smiled and walked in “May I take your coat?” I offer her

“Oh yes, Hang on” she laughed “Akiko, come on,” she told and a little black cat with wide blue eyes crawled up onto her shoulder so I took off her coat and hung it on the rack beside the door. It was fascinating to see her cat just sit on her shoulder comfortably “get off Akiko” she laughed and the cat jumped off her shoulder and sat on the floor perfectly

“How in the world did you train her to do that? My old cat couldn’t even grasp move” I urge

“Lots of time” she shrugged “I bought a few things” she smiled as we walked down to the dining room and she put the box down on the table “I brought all Akiko’s food and such, I got you a few strawberries I thought they might be nice to have in the pantry” she smiled handing me a small china container full of fresh strawberry’s

“Oh I love strawberries Thank you” I smile taking them and putting them in the pantry when I returned the box was in the hall and Akiko was already fed and a Freshly baked cake was sat on a glass dish in the centre of the table

“I baked it today, I thought it would make a nice dessert” she smiled

“It looks amazing, thank you so much, you really didn’t have to do all this you know,” I informed her

“I know, I just know the rest of the village won’t take to you as much as I have, so I wanted to make you feel welcome” she laughed

“Thank you y/n” I grin

“You’re welcome Isaac” she smiled

“Oh do sit” I smiled to her taking her hand, lightly moving out the chair for her at the end of the table so she stood and as I tucked it in she sat “Dinner won’t be another Moment” I told her going back to the kitchen and preparing the dinner and bringing it out to her

“Smells delicious,” she said as I put it down on the table for her

“Thank you, I’m not the best cook in the world but, it will do,” I explained to her “wine?” I ask her

“Yes please” she answered so I got the Wine from the table and opened it up pouring her a glass then one for myself before taking my seat in the chair at the other end of the table

“Uhh… I would say, Too New friends” I tell her

“Too new friends” she smiled as we toast and little Akiko meowed and both sip our wine “this is very good” she smiled

“Yeah, lucky find” I shrug

“How so?” she asked picking up her spoon

“I found it under the sink” I laugh starting to eat myself

“Wow, Lucky” she laughed as we sat and ate for a while not talking to each other very much until we had both finished and I took the bowls back to the kitchen when I returned she was stood “sit, I can take care of this” she reassured so I sat on my seat again as she cut the cake she brought cutting two precise slices so we both got a piece with a whole strawberry on the top and set them each on a plate giving one to me and taking the other to her seat as well as taking off a few crumbs she gave to Akiko. I took my fork getting a large piece of it with the two sections of cake as well as the jam and cream taking a bite and the marvellous taste exploding in my mouth it was one of the best things I had ever tasted “this is beautiful” I tell her

“Thank you, I am fairly good at cakes” she smiled

“I never did ask y/n, what exactly do you do in Village?” I ask her having another bite of cake

“Oh I run the Little Book Shop In the town centre” she smiled eating some cake herself

“Oh, I’m sure I will pop in many times over the coming months,” I laugh having another bite of cake

“How long are you planning to stay?” She asked

“Indefinitely I hope, that depends how good I am at my job” I laugh

“I’m sure you will be exceptional” she smiled finishing her cake

“Thank you” I smile finishing my cake

“So why did you move up here?” she asked

“Oh…. I would rather-“I begin

“It’s alright, Just promise you will tell me someday” she smiled

“I promise,” I tell her with a small smile

“Now, I’ll clean up, you can go relax by the fire” she smiled getting up and begins to pack things away

“Don’t be absurd you’re my guest, you’ve already done more than enough for me y/n,” I told her taking the plates and such from her hands

“Alright” she sighed picking up the cake and I took the plates to sit in the sink with the bowls I will clean them later I’m sure, and she took the cake sitting it in the pantry and we both went to the living room sitting in the large chairs by the fire for what felt like forever “I should be going, I Need to be up in the morning for the shop” she states getting up

“Oh, of course, I don’t mean to keep you” I laughed

“It’s alright, I should leave you to get used to your new home and all” she smiled going to the hall picking up all Akiko’s things and putting them back in her little box “I had a wonderful time tonight” she smiled

“I did as well we must do this again,” I smile

“I’m sure we will” she smiled as Akiko jumped up on her shoulder again

“And It was a pleasure to meet you, Akiko, I hope to see you much more as well,” I tell the cat and it meowed at me before climbing down and under the petticoats of y/n’s dress

“She must think It’s cold out” she laughed making me chuckle too as I get her coat and put it softly over her shoulders “thank you” she smiled

“It’s alright” I smile back as I open the door for her and she stepped out into the dark

“I will see you tomorrow most likely” she giggled

“Yeah, see you then,” I tell her happily

“Well goodnight Isaac” she smiled

“Goodnight y/n” I smile back and she began to walk off into the darkness and with seconds she vanished into the dark.

So I shut and locked the door pulling the curtain for the door and the little window then going to the kitchen pulling the curtains and shutting the pantry and blowing out the candles then blowing out the ones in the dining room then going through shutting everything up putting the guard over the fire so if it spits it won’t cause a fire. Then shutting the door blowing out the candles in the hall and climbing the stairs each creak as I step on them, dust coming off the banister as I walked up my fingers ran through the little woodworm holes in the woodwork as I went up, before going to the wash room to get ready for bed blowing out candles as I went and soon the house was in darkness except for the one candle beside my bed and the moonlight coming through the curtains on my window as I read my book in bed I had read it a thousand times and I still love it until I yawn so I put the bookmark on the page and set my book down on the side table and blowing out the last candle and shutting my eyes drifting off into a comfortable sleep.

[asian-hero]

The Expedition- 7

hi sorry this took so long!

p1 - p2 - p3 - p4 - p5 - p6

You weren’t entirely sure the old man knew who you were talking about as he was guiding you and Shiro down an old and narrow path. Turning to look at Shiro you noticed the same quizzical look on his face that you were sure you had as well. Leaning towards him, you whispered:

“Do you think he has any idea where he’s going?”

Shiro merely shrugged his shoulders, causing you to sigh and rub your face in annoyance.

As you were about to ask the old man to take you back to the town square he turned towards you, a large grin plastered on his face.

“We’re here!”

You felt your eyebrow raise up in confusion as Shiro’s eye twitched, a sign of him slowly losing his cool. In front you you was an empty plain, an emblem was burned into the grass, which only caused you and Shiro more confusion and frustration.

“Where is here?” Shiro asked, taking deep breaths.

The old man looked at him as if he was crazy. “What do you mean? It’s right in front of you!”

You could feel the anger rolling off of Shiro. Before he could say anything you stepped up.

“Are you sure? There’s nothing there sir,”

The old man tilted his head, confused. Then, as if he remembered something, he snapped his fingers.

“Ah! Of course! Give me a second,”

You stepped back slightly, relaxing slightly as Shiro wrapped his arms around you. The old man stood in front of the emblem, both of his hands raised slightly as if he were performing a ritual. You gave Shiro a look, confused as to whether this man was just plain crazy. Just as you were about to voice your opinion a bright flash of light came from the man’s hands. The ground began to shake slightly as a tower began to pierce the ground. You felt Shiro’s grip on you tighten slightly, his hands shaking. When the tremors and light had stopped, you looked up, only to be greeted with a tall and magnificent tower adorned with flowers and vines. Turning to face the old man you noticed that he was gone, replaced by a younger man with bright orange hair and a comically curly mustache. But the most prominent feature on this man was that he had markings on his face, they were a pale blue-green and they seemed to be glowing. You could tell by the amusement in his eyes that the both of you looked absolutely freaked out.

“Sorry for the scare, I know that the Great Witch loves herself a grand entrance,” the man stuck out his hand, smiling, “I’m Coran, the advisor to the Great Witch.”

You shook his hand, still feeling shocked about what had just happened. Shiro cleared his throat, catching both of your attention.

“So, do you always choose to be an old man or is it just your hobby?”

“Takashi!” You hissed, smacking his chest.

Coran laughed, placing his hand on Shiro’s shoulder. “No, it’s just quite convenient when people will do anything for the elderly,”

You nodded your head, a small smile ghosting your features. Remembering the whole reason of why you came here, you looked towards Coran, who seemed to sense the change of mood.

“Can we see the Great Witch now?”

Coran nodded his head, ushering the two of you into the tower.

“Of course, right this way,”

------

The inside of the tower was much more impressive than the outside. You didn’t even think that it could be possible. The walls were decorated in white and gold, making the entire place seem grand. Looking above you, there was a ceiling that was painted to look like the galaxy. You felt yourself shrink suddenly, wondering if meeting the Great Witch was a good idea after all. Shiro seemed to sense your anxiety as he patted you on the shoulder, a reassuring smile on his face.

“Hey, you don’t need to be so worried,”

You shot him a look, making your voice a quiet whisper. “Oh sure, I don’t have to worry about the Great Witch who could kill me with a snap of her finger,”

Shiro rolled his eyes, shoving you away from him playfully. You readjusted yourself, making sure that your clothes weren’t wrinkled or messed up in any way. Taking a deep breath, you shook off any nerves you had and walked over to where Coran and Shiro were. Coran smiled at you, opening a rather large door to reveal a library. You felt yourself begin to get anxious again as Coran spoke up:

“Come on in! She’ll be right down,” Coran said as he led the two of you into a sitting area.

When you two sat down on the plush couches, Coran walked over to a pile of books on the floor and cleaned them up by using some sort of magic. Before you could be amazed you saw a figure with long white hair appear from under the books. Coran whispered something to the person. The person stood up, but in their excitement they hit their head on one of the shelves, causing a couple of books to tumble. Coran sighed, pinching his nose bridge before moving to clean up the mess. The person regained their excitement and turned around, looking at the two of you.

She was remarkably gorgeous. Her white hair cascaded all the way to her thighs, her skin was a beautiful brown that seemed to glow on its own. She also had similar markings as Coran, except hers were a light pink. The most fascinating thing about her, though, was her eyes. They were turquoise, but her pupils had some light purple mixed in them, making them a striking quality of her face. You were frozen in place, and apparently so was Shiro, as his mouth was slightly open as she made her way down. She grabbed both of your hands, a giddy smile on her face.

“Wow! It’s so lovely to meet you!” She said, gasping as she saw Shiro beside you, “I never knew that humans could have white hair!”

You could tell that Shiro felt uncomfortable, as he moved slightly away from her. Sighing, you looked at her, smiling.

“Are you the Great Witch?”

She nodded her head, her smile never fading. “Yes! You can call me Allura,”

You smiled, pulling on Shiro’s sleeve to bring him closer from where he was. He grumbled, snatching his arm away from you. Before you could say anything you felt your stomach rumbling. It must’ve been loud, as Allura gasped.

“Oh dear, it must’ve been been a long journey, I’ll bring some food, just make yourselves comfortable!”

Just as quick as she entered, she left. You rubbed your face, slumping down on the couch. Shiro followed your movements, resting his head on your shoulder. You looked down at him.

“She’s certainly, energetic,” Shiro said, his lips pressed in a thin line.

Coran laughed, making his presence known. “She hasn’t met any humans for 100 years,”

You looked at him, shock clear on your face. “100 years?”

He nodded his head, moving closer to the two of you. “Yes, since she’s so powerful many think that they’ll get killed if they try to be friends with her. So excuse her if she’s a little too eager, it’s just because she’s never had friends, let alone guests,”

You suddenly felt bad about your previous thoughts about her. At that moment the door busted open, revealing Allura balancing three large trays through levitation while her other hand was occupied with a teapot. When she spotted the three of you, she smiled, hurrying over. Coran huffed, walking over to help her with the trays. The first tray was filled with pastries of every kind, from simple cakes and cookies to things you couldn’t even recognize. The second tray had tea sandwiches and napkins. The third tay contain the milk and sugar that you could put into your tea as you pleased. Once Allura and Coran had set the table, she clapped her hands.

“Well, how about we discuss your issue over a nice afternoon tea?”

------

Allura nearly spat out her tea when you told her about what happened. She moved to get a napkin before she spoke:

“The Galra did what? That’s horrendous!”

Allura went to place a hand over Shiro’s. “If you had been just a second late to the clinic you wouldn’t be standing right now,”

He nodded his head, smiling slightly. “Well, I’m just glad we got there in time,”

As the two of them began to discuss what had happened during that day you felt yourself being transported back to that day. You felt the anger and fear from that moment, and you were slowly going into a downwards spiral. Taking a couple of deep breaths, you tried to calm yourself down before anyone else noticed. It didn’t seem to work though, as Coran placed a hand on your knee, grounding you. You smiled gratefully at him, tuning back into the conversation going on between Shiro and Allura.

“So let me get this straight, you want me to help you defeat the Galra, but you have no idea as to what your battle strategy is?” Allura asked, concern etched on her face.

Shiro pinched his nose, annoyance in his tone. “I’m saying that we should come together and create a strategy that works with all of our skill sets,”

You could practically feel Allura’s kind nature slowly slipping away from her. Before she could say anything you interrupted.

“As much as I would love to see you dominate in this conversation Allura, it wouldn’t be fair if we make all the decisions ourselves,” you said, looking at the two of them, “We do have four other members waiting for us,”

Allura smiled, clasping your hands in hers. “I’d love to meet them,”

[diyvapor]

Voopoo Drag Mini Kit – When Less Wins

The Drag Mini Kit from Voopoo WINS on every level – a very worthy addition to the Drag Family!

First to catch your eye are the magnificent range of 8 resin colors – Atrovirens, Rhodonite, Coral,  Prussian Blue, Lava, Prussian, Purple and Lime.

Being resin panels (not removable) they will noticeably vary from the sample image above; mine is Rhodonite (below) and varies considerably from the above Rhodonite image.

As with the Drag 2, the Drag Mini has a smooth feel with no blunt/sharp corners, light and verry comfortable in the hand. To top it all off is the new Uforce T2 atomizer which, in itself is topped with a gorgeous mod-matchy 810 drip tip!

The Drag Mini comes in a very simple Voopoo Drag box; the only way to tell that it’s the Mini is in the Content description on the back of the packaging.

The contents are the DRAG Mini, Uforce T2, 2-coils (one pre-installed), spare O-rings, spare STRAIGHT glass (NO spare bubble glass), USB cable, User Manual, Warranty & Warning cards.

NOTE: Check you small bag of spares for O-rings & 2nd coil, mine only came with the P2 coil pre-installed, no N1 coil... and only a spare bottom O-ring, none of the other spare O-rings were in the ‘spare parts’ bag.

The Drag Mini

As noted earlier, the Mini is very comfortable in the hand; for me, much more so than the Drag or even the Drag 2.  The Mini measures 81.5mm in height, 48.5mm in width, and 25.5mm in depth. Although it measures 25.5mm in depth, a 25mm atty will have a very, very small overhang because of the slightly chamfered top edges… not enough to be concerned about, but an overhang just the same.

The 510 plate is not truly centered on the mod itself because of the chamfered top left edge – this can be seen in the above image, but the 510 plate is centered on the flat portion of the top of the Mini.

I won’t try to delve into the User Interface other than to say it’s bright, sharp, and very intuitive to navigate. The UI chipset is apparently pulled directly from the Drag 2; on power up from an OFF state, it displays ‘Voopoo’, then ‘Drag’ and goes immediately into the User Interface – doesn’t display ‘Mini’ at any point during or after power up… it’s not necessary since you should know you’re holding a very compact Drag Mini!!

The FIT functions – to be honest I couldn’t tell ANY difference between FIT 1, FIT 2, or FIT 3! That very possibly could be that I’m NOT a Hi-POWER vaper; depending on the atty and the coils, I generally vape between 25W and 50W… the FIT functions may only come into play if you’re vaping at higher wattages?!? There is nothing in the User Manual regarding the FIT functions, but I think the FIT functions may be something similar to pre-boost strengths for Hard, Soft, & Normal… or some form of ‘power curve’ functionality that will only be noticeable at higher vaping wattages… I just don’t know!!

Even tho Voopoo touts that the Mini is powered ‘With the equivalent power of 2 18650 batteries’ it only has a max output of 117 watts – far less than the dual 18650s of the original 157W Drag or the 177W of the Drag 2. The Drag Mini does have exceptional battery life from the built-in dual LiPos; I get two full days of use from a fully charged Mini – granted, I’m NOT a Hi-POWER vaper so that contributes significantly to the longevity of the battery life.

Now, to address the ‘raised’ 510 plate – it definitely keeps the top of the Mini from being scratched and that’s supposedly why Voopoo did that!?! There is a visible gap between the atty and mod – approx 0.5mm, that’s NOT a lot. BUT, some users will have a problem with this ‘gap’ issue!?! Will it allow juice from a leaking atty to enter the 510 connector? The 510 pin & plate may very well be adequately sealed to prevent juice from reaching the PCB?!? Only time will tell if this creates a durability or functional problem with the new Drag 2 & Drag Mini.  

I’ve seen users asking if the paint quality/durability has been improved… Voopoo says YES; however, I had minor, but highly visible scratches develop on the painted ‘DRAG’ side of the Mini before it was even put into daily rotation.  Apparently, the scratches were inflicted by the NYLON jaws of the calipers I used for mod measurements!?!  Sooo, I really don’t expect much better life out of the Drag finishes that what I experienced on my original Drags… my Gold Drag did hold up a bit better (it’s STILL Gold) than the flat-black paint which is now almost entirely gone!!

UForce T2 Atomizer

The Uforce T2 atomizer is definitely an ‘eye-catcher’! It’s a gorgeous atty in a glossy Brown finish – I first thought that the T2 was ‘Gunmetal’, but on a closer look… yep, it’s BROWN!!

The Uforce T2 measures 24.6mm at the base, 28mm at the widest on the bubble glass, with a height of 39.3mm, excluding the drip tip. The colorful 810 resin drip tip is 16mm O/D with a 12mm I/D at the top narrowing to 7mm I/D at the air tube.  Although an 810 drip tip, it is not Goon style – the rubber sealing O-rings are on the drip tip; therefor, compatible with many non-Goon style 810 drip tips from other manufacturers or other after-market tips.

The build quality of the Uforce T2 is… immaculate!! There are NO machining marks whatsoever, the threads on the coil base and air-tube are silky smooth – almost scary how smoooth!! On replacing the coil there is NO threading resistance, no ‘scratching’ or cross-threading resistance, the coil just threads and seats perfectly!!  Assembling the tank is the very same experience – the coil base meshes with the air-tube threads perfectly and, again, no ‘scratching’ or cross-threading – assembly is the BEST I’ve ever experienced on a pre-built coil head atty!!

To fill the tank, just find the Uforce logo on the top fill cap and push… very similar to other tanks with the slide-fill top cap feature.  I would have liked a bit larger fill opening, but the opening is adequate. With the supplied bubble glass the UForce T2 holds 5ml of ejuice; with the straight glass, the tank holds3.5ml of ejuice.

Should you buy the Uforce T2 separately, it will come with a connector/extension piece that allows the T2 to accommodate the larger/taller 8ml glass tube. I would have liked Voopoo to have included the connector/extension piece in the Drag Mini kit as an expansion option.

My experience with the pre-installed P2 mesh coil, rated 24W – 28W was exceptional – terrific flavor and dense clouds. I started the coil at the low end of 24W and moving in 1 watt increments to 28W and found the flavor best at the higher end of 27W – 28W… cloud production was the same throughout the wattage range. I did not push the coil beyond the max rating of 28W because I didn’t have a replacement coil (no N1 coil in my ‘spare parts’ baggy); however, with my style of vaping, I’ll probably just stay with the P2 coil because of the extraordinary flavor and cloud production!

The other coils and glass tubes available for the UForce T2 are…

My Verdict

The Voopoo Drag Mini is a definite WINNER!! The Mini paired with the UForce T2 performs exceptionally well, awesome flavor & clouds, terrific battery life, and a very comfortable feel in the hand makes the Drag Mini my perfect all-day, out & about carry.

[abloomntime]

A Bloom In Time Ch13 Dealing With The Past P2

"WHEN were you going to tell me about this exactly?!," Snatcher whisper screamed at the little girl.

Finding out Poppy was ok was a MAJOR relief of the girls' heads and Snatcher had allowed her to be lead into his home where she could rest for a small while. Currently she was sitting on the footrest he never really used since, well he had no legs and was slightly scowling picking all the leaves and sticks from her tangled, messy hair. Bow was currently resting and was absolutely THRILLED to discover the thing she thought was a weird plant randomly put on Snatcher's chair was in fact. A cat. And Bow having been raised in the Nyakuza City surrounded by cats was of course adored all things kitten like. She had shouted 'A kitty!' quite loud when Rough Patch woke at the sounds of new comers to his home. Of course being the lovable creature he was, didn't even fight back when the young girl picked him up and held him. He just did was he usually did, lazily lay there and purr as Bow curiously pet his leaves. Snatcher had pulled the little girl aside once he had the chance and demanded to know what the peck was going on around here?! Poppy had also wearily been glancing at the few subconites that had gathered around around and peered curiously at her while she did so, but Snatcher had assured her they wouldn't harm her. Besides, they couldn't even harm a small mushroom even if they tried, let alone a grown woman who once upon a time sold flowers to them at one point.

"Um...B-Boss?" One of his minions had tottered over to him and pointed a hand at Poppy worriedly. "I-Isn't that-"

They were hushed up when Snatcher snapped a deep scowl towards them and hissed. Some of the minions still had their memories after death and it looked like they recognized her as much as he did. "Yes. And if any of you say a word of that to her, you'll be put on 'checking the manor' duty! Not ONE word out of any of you!"

The minion looked suddenly nervous and backed off. "Y-Yes, Sir! No, Boss! Right away!" Before he ran back off towards the small group. Not wanting to risk being put on that duty.

Satisfied he snapped back towards the little girl who looked back up to him without so much as a shread of fear, as if used to his anger by now. "Now what in the pecking world is going through that little head of yours?! She told me you let her fall from the sky like a rock! Are you just an expert at dropping things from the sky, kid?"

She pouted like any child her age would. "I didn't mean to! I didn't know she'd be so heavy for teleporting with me! And she's ok so everything's ok, right?"

......He literally facepalmed himself and dragged his claws down his face before looking back at her. "That ISN'T the point, Kid! You gotta be more CAREFUL with these things. Especially when you KNOW it might hurt someone. I thought you learnt this after you dropped those time peices from the sky TWICE!!"

"HEY!! The mafia broke my outer door! And then Mustache Girl stole them! It's NOT my fault!" She ended her rant by crossing her arms.

"Yeah. Well, you did a fantastic job protecting the time peices. But in any case, WHY did you even bring her here in the first place?!"

Her pout melted a little. "Well...She was acting really weird. Like she was sleeping but her eyes were open and she wasn't saying anything. Grown ups always act so weird. So I thought since you're a grown up too and like to be quiet all the time you can help!"

The innocent smile dawned on her face was what made Snatcher sigh and take a glance over at Poppy who just took another small piece of twig from her hair, scowled and flung it to the outside. Seemed like a good enough reason to a child. And he's seen her to crazier things for wackier reasons than wanting to help someone. But out of ALL the things she could've decided to do she brought him his dead, long lost lov-.....Friend. He groaned reaching a hand up to grip at his head. Out of ALL the crazy things to EVER happen to him THIS was the weirdest. Dying and becoming Ghost King of all of Subcon? Weird but he saw it as just rewards for what Vanessa did. She took everything from him so he took everything from her. Finding out there was a sentiant peice of him trapped in another plane of existance? Ok. But that comes with all the cursed magic that came with him. Having shiny time pieces fall into his forest and having a small alien invade his forest? No big deal. He always suspected life beyond his planet with the moon penguins and being able to visit the sun be a thing. So an alien with weird other worldly powers wasn't too much of a shock when he's already seen so much weirder things over a thousand years. Adopting said alien?.......Well.....He guessed he's always wanted a kid deep down. Vanessa did to and he was happy she was willing to have one with him way, WAY back then. But Vanessa was moving WAY too fast and in the end he did always end up with what he wanted. He was SO thankful Hattie wasn't related to Vanessa in any way. Hiding inside a crate to go on a well deserved vacation after getting his but kicked by said alien? HEY. TICKETS. ARE. EXPENSIVE. PERIOD. There was NO way he was paying 152 pons just for a measly few days on a ship in the middle of no where. Accidentally bringing everyone back to life with a time piece? OK! That one was on him. He could admit that. Those things really were too much trouble and he clearly wasn't thinking straight at the time. Coming face to face with the woman he secretly fell in love with?

........All the guilt and what ifs were still there and he still had nightmares about it every so often. But now she was here and....When he first saw her the hard slap of reality in the face sent a shockwave throughout his being like being trapped in ice again. Then everything came rushing back.....EVERYTHING!! The very first time they officially met when he saw her building her makeshift stand in the square. She was about to fall off her ladder trying to paint the sign above her flowers. And he was passing by at the same time and he couldn't just let an innocent lady fall and hurt herself. So he dropped what he currently had in his hands, ironically a couple wild flowers he picked from the woods for Vanessa, and managed to catch her bridal style before she hit the cobblestone roads.

"H-Hey." His brown eyes looked over her worried for any injury to the woman in his arms. "A-Are you alright, Ma'am? Have you hurt yourself? That was quite a stumble."

She rubbed her head before looking at him. "Nah. I think I'm alriiiiiiii-...IGHT!! T-T-THE PRINCE!?"

Her blue eyes went so wide when she found out she was in the arms of none other than the famous Prince Philip Snider. But that lasted only a moment before the memories were blasting at him faster than he could physically remember. It happened so quick remembering all those things at ounce. He remembered after a while he was curious about the flower stand in town, so whenever he visited Vanessa he would just instead stop by there. At first he wasn't too sure about spending all those pons on the flowers when he could pick wild flowers for free, but when he saw them. He had NEVER seen roses so red. Like the color of the prettiest red paints. Or Tigerlilies with such bright tan petals and deep dark black stripes. Resembling the beast in all it's glory. And lilacs so purple like the twilight at the very beginning of sunrise. Better than any wild flowers he'd ever seen. Vanessa thought so too. And after all at that point in his life he beleived Vanessa deserved nothing but the best and Poppy's flowers were the best he'd ever seen. That's how the two began talking. When he complimented her amazing flowers and she proudly told him all she did to make her hard work so beautiful. And he always admired hard work. Back in his day it was VERY hard for a lady to get a successful career by themselves outside a maid, cook, teacher, or very few they were born in, and as a future leader his life was full of hard work to prepare him to run a country one day. Even when his days from Vanessa's obsession became hard, she was always able to make him smile with her spunky attitude, good advice, or just any of the small things he noticed her doing Vanessa would've never done. Poppy was kind and gave him the patience and space to be himself when vanessa couldn't. Sure they were both stubborn and spoke their minds all the time. But there was a big difference. With Poppy it was when she was often giving the hard truth and her honest opinions on things. Even when she gently tried to tell him the things Vanessa did was unacceptable, it was always her being honest with the intent to help. With Vanessa it was her always giving criticism and demands.

Give her a expensive gift. "...I thought my prince could get me better than this. You're supposed to be pining for my love!" Give her flowers. "These are beautiful. But not as beautiful as me. You shouldn't be trying to compare me to small plants that will lose beauty." Do any lil itty bitty small thing she disapproved of. "Don't slouch over like that reading. Sit formal at all times or you'll ruin you're entire posture when you get older. Are you trying to grow a beard? Shave it. You look better without it. Don't thank the cook again. They are below us and should know their place. In the kitchen to serve ME. I thought you knew better than that!" And then their relationship grew into a casual convo every time he visited, to a good friendship, and then....well at least to him a one sided love. And then the very last conversation they ever had, his one last chance he ever had to tell her how he felt or to do something to save everyone, slapped him hard enough with the guilt to make him scream. All the shock and reality making his self twist into a tight not and suddenly being pulled loose letting it all out. But that wasn't the problem right now. Right now he had to solve a question. What does he do now? This was too early. Way, WAY too early for any talks or to even come up with a proper plan on how to even go about this. Where would he even start?....Well, he guessed he already had done it. When he first came back to his senses after seeing her, he was angry and frustrated. Was fate toying with him again? But then he looked at her and got a good sense it wasn't and just liked throwing the past in his face a lot. Once the notion of this really being Poppy came to him well....He.....MAY have gotten a little carried away with the sudden feeling of possession and needing to stake a claim to her. Especially when he now has her to himself it has a ...fullfilling feeling to it which almost mad him feel guilty in a way. But what was he gonna do? Let her walk away like that? Besides. This new deal benefitted them greatly now. He can ask her for small favors, maybe a talk...or something? he was still figuring that part out, and in return she gets his unlimited protection, immortality, and all the benefits of still owning her own soul. Which he's only ever done once ever before. So this works out greatly for the both of them. Hattie tilted her head at the sudden silent eternal monoluge of the ghost and tried waving a hand in front of his face to get his attention. It worked as he blinked and resumed his scowl at the small child.

"Uh...A-Anyways, why did you think I could help?"

"Because you're a grown up?...." She hummed. "Maybe Cooking Cat can help instead. She's a lady too."

"HA! That cat couldn't even run a full lap around a house and not be gasping for air. 'Sides, Kid. Whatever she needs I can handle it, can't be hard. Mortal dilema is sorta what I'm an expert in by now. And I'm pretty sure I already handled any poor imminant danger by making her sign a contract."

....

.........

..............

..........................?!

WHAMP!!

"OW!!" His claws immediately snapped up to cover his face where an umbrella suddenly wacked him in the face and everyone looked up for a moment at the loud yelp from the ghost, except for Rough Patch who still laid there. The ghost hissed and stared back down at the angry little girl with a scowl that could scare himself. "KID!! WHAT THE ACTUALLY PECK-"

"You stole her soul?!," she asked just loud enough for him to hear her.

Immediately his face became one of shock when he jumped and slapped one of those clawed hands over her mouth and snapped his head back to the house. Some minions were still looking at him but Poppy seemed more interested in unsticking a small stick from her tangled hair than she was seeing a ghost argue with his adopted alien daughter. ....He turned back to her feeling Hattie struggle against his hand and he leaned close. "NO! I didn't steal her soul, Kid! I'm not completely heartless! I just.......Gave her the same contract you have that doesn't involve any life threatening plots or perils."......She suddenly looked confused. "Y'know! Protection against danger wise."

......She blinked and tilted her head. A contract just like....hers? Then did that mean- Her blue eyes suddenly went wide as she looked at him in wonder. "Does this mean I get a big sister!?"

He looked confused for a moment....before shaking his head. "No, Kid. Not adoption papers. I meant just...." What was the simplest way to explain this to a child? "I meant she signed a contract that means she'd be working for me, but nothing dangerous. And she's going to be very protected. Ok?"

She stared at him a moment longer, but nodded and seemed to understand. "So...She's not family?"

"I-.....Family?"

Family......A family.....HIS family. His head turned back to Poppy and how she was now bending down and letting Bow nicely help her clear any more stuck leaves and sticks from her long hair. She always had a natural way with kids. Almost a ...motherly way if he did say so. His yellow eyes widened as that thought hit him and bounced around over and over again in that head of his. Slowly his eyes looked back down towards Hattie who still looked confused at his actions. A family. He's always wanted one when he was alive. He and Vanessa had discussed a couple times what they would do once their wedding had come and gone. Children were almost always a topic Vanessa discussed and insisted on. If it was a girl she would be the most perfect princess who would take after her of course and she WOULD be named Victoria and if it was a boy she'd make sure he wouldn't make any mistakes in becoming the perfect King one day. Any slip ups he made were going to be made sure he didn't and he WOULD be called Charleston. Vanessa thinking back on it now, would've made a terrible mother, Poppy on the other hand......She'd would've made a great of a mother as she would've been a Queen. As the few times he had ever been back to that manor or the dreaded nursury, the what if's had crossed his mind a couple times especially back in the early days of being a ghost. What if they had had a child? Would they had been like him or her? But all those what ifs soon died out once he had actually aquired children of his very own at last. And made sure to securely put his claim to his new eternal fatherhood. But-.....What IF the girls had a mother figure in they're life? They could use one right? Surely Poppy could be better than that Cooking Cat and WAY more better than Vanessa could've ever been. And looking back at Hattie specifically, she did have almost the same shade of brown hair he had when he was alive, and blue eyes Like Poppy's. It was almost like she was a mini mix of the two......Yeah...YEAH!! Guess who just found out the new placement. This would work out great too! Poppy loved kids, and these two won over everyone eventually.

"....Actually, Kid." That familiar fanged grin she knew came back to him. "She's a very new friend."

"You know her?"

"I-....Well no! And you're NOT allowed to tell her who I am! I mean who I was as a human! It's our little secret." He couldn't have this blown up in his face right now.

"Why?"

"Because I said so, and because it'll help us solve her problem. You want me to help her get better right?" She nodded her head yes. "Well there you go. Just keep your yapper shut and let me handle it ok?" She nodded again. Of course he....wasn't sure how to handle how to go up to her and say 'Hey! You know that prince who secretly liked you a lot but too afraid to say it? No? Well that's me! Im the ghost who tricked you into signing a contract and possibly made you lose everything by Vanessa but life happens. Right?'....Yeah. no. He'd figure it out later. Much. MUCH later. He nodded back. "Good girl. Now why don't we go meet your new...'mom' figure?" He turned back towards the tree house and started towards it.

"Mom?" Her face turned to one of wonder and curiousity again as she bounded after him again.

"Well....Kinda. She's going to be more of a live in nanny. I had one of those when I was your age." He couldn't remember the name of his parents old Head Maid too well, just her friendly old face and that she took care of him when his parents were too busy.

"What's a nanny?"

"A babysitter," he clarified before turning his gaze back towards the home. A long shadow came over the two girls pulling the last few bits of debry out of her hair, but both looked up towards the giant ghost looming over them all and smiling that familiar fanged grin of him. "Alright. New employee. Are you ready for your first contracrual obligations as my newest servant?"

Poppy Blinked up at him in shock. "N-Now?...So soon?"

He chuckled. "Of course. But what better way than seeing if you made a good investment than by testing out the product early on?" He waved a hand at her skeptical look. "Look. You signed the contract, it's only fair I ask you to do one thing for me in return. It's not even that hard."

....Poppy sighed and looked down. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

"Nope! But relax. I'm giving you all the easy tasks compared to any and all of my previous mortal helpers!" He rubbed his hands together before smiling and putting his hands on Hattie's shoulders. "I want YOU....to help me take care of these two little troublemakers from now on."

She blinked. "Excuse me."

"They can basically take care of themselves with my help of course. They're practically invincible by now, running off all the time around this planet and my forest. But they could use an older woman's touch around the place. Cooking, stories, playing. Y'know the stuff a mother would do."

"I'm sorry. You want me to play the part of being their MOTHER," she asked almost feeling like laughing at the ridiculousness of the question.

Yes he did. But of course instead he answered with, "No. I want you to basically help ME watch THEM. Like a nanny kinda."

"Ha! You've gotta be kidding me!"

"Does it LOOK like I'm joking around, Lady?" He absolutely wasn't. "Look. I was generous enough NOT to take your soul, take you under my wing, and if it wasn't for my slip up you probably wouldn't even be not frozen." Which was true in a sense. His mistake technically did unfreeze her. "So asking you to just help out can't be too far a stretch don't ya think?"

She scowled again. "HEY!! Being a nanny wasn't in that resume!"

"Well I can argue it IS since it didn't state what specific work I needed your help with. Just that you'd agree to help me out with, Lady. I run a whole haunted area of the land full of thousands of ghosts and undead creatures, deal with an annoying corpse at night time, and have to care for two girls in outer space or where ever they decide to go. Not to mention the trouble they cause, intruders in my woods, and hundreds of employees under my command. Please don't make me regret sparing and hiring you now. I can always change my mind." He was bluffing on the last part. He'd never do anything to hurt her especially now that he had her under his claws but the look on her face wasn't one of terror it was a deeper angrier glare.

"I THOUGHT you said you were going to help ME! Not use me as your free nanny now!"

"I AM! Who wouldn't want to be able to have a normal job after being frozen to death?!," he argued back.

"You MADE me have no other choice to sign that pecking paper!! YOU PURPLE ONION VINE!!"

"HEY!! I HAPPEN TO BE KING OF WHAT'S LEFT OF YOUR PAST PRECIOUS SUBCON, 'PRINCESS'!!" He shot back leaning down closer to her.

Poppy dared to stand up and shove her face and scowl back at the ghost's. "OH!! EXCUSE ME 'YER MAJESTY'!" He mock bowed. "IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD DO?! HOW ABOUT TIDY UP THIS LIL HUT YOU GOT GOIN' ON?!"

"HEY!! MY HOME IS THE BEST HOME ANY GHOST COULD EVER WANT!! YOU THINK IT'S EASY FOR A POWERFUL OVERLORD OF THE DEAD TO WATCH TWO LITTLE GIRLS WHO PESTER ME ALL THE TIME?!"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU COMPLAINING 'BOUT BEING THEIR FATHER?!"

"I. AM. NOT!!! IT'S JUST HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF THEM ON THE JOB!!"

"AN ALL POWERFUL SPIRIT CAN'T WATCH TWO LITTLE GIRLS?!"

"HEY!! THEY'RE NOT ORDINARY KIDS I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW!! NOW STOP UNDERESTIMATING ME IN MY OWN HOME IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU!! YOU.....YOU....ROSE HEAD!!"

"OH REAL CREATIVE!! VINE BODIED!!"

"UNGRATEFUL WOMAN!!"

"JACK O LANTURN FACE!!"

"DOTTED FACE!!"

Hattie gave a deadpanned look as the two continued their petty arguement and Bow blinked in her direction before slowly putting Rough Patch down and getting up to walk over to her. The two little girls watched the two keep going at it like an old married couple for a moment, the minions watching in confusion just as much as Bow. Poppy didn't look afraid of him at all. Even arguing with him with an equal temper. Snatcher honestly....Didn't look enraged like he usually would have been if a total stranger who signed a contract with him had been fighting about duties he wanted them to perform. He just looked....average person annoyed, like two siblings or friends having a small argument over something useless.

"Uh....What's happening?," Bow asked Hattie without looking at her.

"I think no one here is a grown up anymore," Hattie replied flatly still watching the adults argue.

"ALRIGHT!! WELL WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE QUALIFIED AS 'HELP' FROM ME TO YOU?!," Snatcher asked finally wanting to end this pointless argument.

Poppy actually stopped for a moment....Looking at him for a long time in silent thought at his words. What.....What DID she want help with really? She was lost. Both literally and thoughtfully as she still blankly stared at him thinking........What DID she want help with? She couldn't...She couldn't get anything back at all, and what was a dead person going to help her with anyways? From what she knew from what they said to her, all she got excited over was the fact there was someone in her situation...Ok. Maybe not exactly her situation persay, but similar at least. She was dead for crying out loud and now she's living basically a wild story some toddler thought up of. The quiet thinking seemed to catch Snatcher's attention as his scowl slowly by surely softened and watched as her's became even more unsure and deep in thought. He HAD helped her....Sure took a 'little' trickery, but it all worked out in the end. But he guessed like him when he first died, she was more than just lost-

"I......I don't know," she finally answered in just above a whisper. Looking back up to him with an almost panicked face. "......I really don't know."

Snatcher stared at her, a pang of worry and something else flashed across his face and through his shadowed body. All too familiar a situation and feelings. So it was kinda surprising to everyone when he lowered himself to not loom over her, but to look her in the eyes. As if she was an equal. A calm look over his face now and the angry aura from earlier disappearing as he spoke.

"Hey. I can understand that. Believe it or not you're not the only one who's gone through that kind of thing....I'm certainly no stranger to feeling like that. In fact it took me forever literally just to realize my place after I got lost," he spoke in a calm and steady voice to her. MAking the minions and girls around him give each other confused looks.

"B-But.....H-HOW did you do that?!," she demanded glaring back at him again, "I w-wanted HELP!! Not a job-''

"Lady-.....Poppy. Do you mind if I call you that? I think I would like it better if I did. Make it easier to talk for the both of us." She definately stared at him with 100% surprise now....to which he sighed and reached a hand up to rub his safe. Sentimentality REALLY wasn't his best side. "Ok. To make it in mushier terms..I DO want to help you ok. Believe it or not I do and I have my reasons. But you gotta know I can't change the past no matter what. Trust me I have TRIED and look where that got me. Stuck fused with a mushy corpse and having to lead a whole bunch of strangers through the forest like a tour guide." he glanced at her confusion again. "Uh..B-But that's not important. The important thing is that I can't change or fix anything that's already happened alright? I can't send you back. I can't give you anything from your old life......And I can't change what happened to you." Her face dropped and eyes widened even more- "But, I can help make the future easier and help you with whatever you need to settle down with alright? But you got to understand that it's NOT just going to be with a snap of my fingers. I know, I've experienced it for hundreds of years. Just know that...You're not going to be alone in any of this alright?" He without thinking offered out a clawed hand to her with a small smile. "Do you trust me?"

She still stared at him, and for a long moment no one said anything. The girls and minions were looking on in surprised wonder at the caring tone and meaning of the words that flowed out of the giant ghost's mouth, but no one made any more to do or say anything in fear of the quiet being shattered. It took a moment for anyone to react, but a bit reluctantly the red haired woman's shaking hand reached over and settled inself into the larger purple claws that came around her. ....Huh. Weird. She would've thought a ghost would've felt cold as stone, but instead he felt warm but not too hot either. Kinda like a crisp fall evening. Either way it wasn't what she was expecting when she allowed her bare skinned hand to hold his, and he felt...Oddly soft as well. Almost how a peach felt. Maybe he had fire inside of him keeping his being warm? Possible. His eyes and the inside of his mouth glowed as he spoke. But she wasn't too sure with ghosts since she never was one.

Poppy hiccuped again and reached a hand up to wipe at her eyes to get herself to stop crying before she started crying again for the third time in a span of hours. She still didn't know what time of day it was. "Y-Yeah...Ok?" Her voice came out soft and meek. And a little shaky too indicating she wasn't trying to cry and Snatcher quickly caught onto that. Seeing two little girls do a similar thing once.

"Hey. You know...I-It's alright to cry. Happens to everyone at some point right?" That got a small huff of a chuckle out of her and his smile (which he still didn't know he had) got wider....When a thought hit him with the speed and force of a meteor. "Hey! I know what can help a little bit. Y-You like flowers right? "

".....H-How do you know that?"

He had a flash of panic fly over his face for a moment before he coughed and shrugged. "You said you had a flower stand before Vanessa sent her goons to take you right? O-Obviously you must've liked growing things then. Or at least flowers."

"O-Oh. Yeah. That makes sense."

he sighed. Close call. But went back to that small smile. "Look. If you don't want to look after a stranger's kids I get that, but all I'm asking is a little help in return. And who knows. Maybe starting with something simple like this will help you settle down and get your thoughts together. Y'know. Something small then work our ways up to where we think would be the best action for you. Alright?"

She still stood there for a moment, before sniffing and nodding her head again. "'Aight. Sounds nice."

"There. See. Don't worry about anything. As long as I'm around there's not going to be any misfortune to you. I can promise that." He stopped when he felt a tug on his tail and turned around. "Hm? Oh. It's you." Hattie stared up at him with a confused look. "Well what's that face for?"

"Are you feeling ok? You're acting kinda funny...."

"WHAT?!" His hand was removed from hers as he stared down at the girl. "I-I'M PERFECTLY FINE!! I WAS JUST HAVING A BUSINESS TALK WITH MY NEWEST EMPOLYEE!! THAT'S ALL!!" He crossed his arms before looking back to all the minions surrounding him. "Well?! Don't just stand there! Back to your posts!"

The minions immediately did as their leader ordered and jumped and scrambled in all directions from his scowl. Poppy blinked again and looked at the still deadpanned child staring up at the ghost. "Is ....Is he always like this?"

She shook her head. "No. Usually he's more cranky. But maybe he hit his head too hard doing that weird crawl with human legs."

In an instant Snatcher snapped to her. "HEY!! YOU AGREED NOT TO MENTION THAT AGAIN!!" She stuck her tongue out at him and he grumbled before nudging her with his tail. "Well....Go take her home or something. I have some...business to take care off." Or more like to plant as he turned his head around to look in the direction of the Subcon Village.

Poppy blinked up at him. "Wait. You're leaving me? Now? So soon after I just got here?!"

"Yes," he stated bluntly. "I got something in mind to help you, but I can't risk you all running around while I'm trying to conduct business. "

She laughed unbelieving. "Unbelievable! What am I supposed to do in the mean time?"

"I don't know. See the ship? Have the girls show you around, I have to work."

Poppy still stared unbeliving before Bow smiled and grabbed her hand. "It's ok. He can be really.....um...Straightforward, but whenever Snatcher has an idea it USUALLY works. He doesn't like it when everyone interrupts him." A small tug to her hand made Poppy stumble a bit as Bow happily pulled her away from the ghostly home. "Come on! I can't wait to show you the Metro room!"

"The what?"

Hattie still stared at the leaving ghost with a raised brow at his strange behavior and hummed...Before shrugging it off for now and turning to bound after the other two girls. Oh, well. Snatcher was probably just having the mood swings as he called them. Grown ups were so weird.

[abloomntime]

A Bloom In Time Ch10 Fixing One Problem At A Time P2

The silence went on for a long time while the red headed woman laid down on the bed. Blue eyes blankly staring off at nothing, have a numb glazed over look. Her mind a complete blank as she laid upon the bed just ....staring and doing nothing. After a little bit one of the children pulled the blanket back over her to be nice, but she didn't even react when they did do and just continued to lay there. She had reacted quite strangely after Hattie told her she had been frozen to death for over a thousand years-

"W-Wha-....." The older woman blinked at the concerned looking children who looked like they were scared to continue the truth. "T-That's ridiculous! I-I couldn't-....There's NO WAY!!! I w-w-would still be dead then if that's the truth!"

"I told you! Snatcher brought everyone in the mansion back to LIFE when he broke my 'magic thingy'," she explained for probably the FIFTH time already. Even Snatcher being an old noodle, understood what she said the first time...But maybe it was just because he was out in the world for those thousand years and got to see things develope on his planet, while Poppy was a frozen statue along with a whole bunch of other people for a long, long time. So she guessed Poppy WOULDN'T know much of her surroundings after so long. But she gave up saying time piece and said magic thingy instead cuz that's what she kept calling them anyways. "You were probably a frozen statue along with everyone else. But now you're free! You're ok."

Yeah she was......But what about everyone else? Her parents. Her friends. All the adorable little children who'd come and buy flowers from her. All those innocent people in her village. Her precious little flowers. That flower stand she worked SO hard to get when she was still a teenager. She worked so many nights and days in her father's potatoe fields, and fruit trees, constantly getting sweaty and dirty, sore all over and covered in sunburns from the heat...Just to be paid a few pons at a time until she had enough to buy a small space in the square and begged her father to help her build the small stand to hold all her flowers so she could sell them. She was proud of her work, and felt liked she earnt the right to have what she always wanted.To bring the happiness to everyone giving them the gift of the beauty of flowers....And all of that was just now-....Gone. Completely utterly gone. One thousand YEARS gone. All because of one woman. Poppy didn't have any energy to cry. Maybe because it was shock. Maybe because there was too much emotions swarming in her head right now. Maybe it was because she had trouble processing this entire thing but she just laid there staring quietly at the wall. Yeah...she was ok...they didn't have a chance. The two children had been worried after almost twenty minutes of the grown woman doing this and Bow once asked after a while if she wanted more cookies. Still more silence. At one point Hattie left real quick to grab herself a cookie or two remembering she didn't get to eat breakfast at all, and came back to the same thing s before with Poppy staring at the wall blinking every few seconds, and Bow now sitting on the giant trunk at the end of the bed with her head in her hands.

"Anything?"

Bow shook her head. "No. I said her shoes were dry now, but she still didn't move." She nodded towards the now dry shoes laying a little ways from them. "I don't think this is good.''

Hattie hummed and took a bite of the chocolate chip cookie in her hands. This was a problem. She must've been upset, or maybe she was just tired?? She didn't know, she wasn't a grown up.....Her eyes widened with a sudden realization. Grown up problems required ANOTHER grown up right?? Well who was the best grown up she knew who always dealt with problems? A certain purple noodle ghost of course!! She smiled and snapped her fingers Bow jolting at the snap sound before watching as Hattie shoved the rest of the cookie in her mouth and bounded over to the bed chewing said snack. The Hat wearing gal popped her head right in front of Poppy's blankly staring one and smiled widely!

"Hey! I know who can help! Snatcher can!! He's really, REALLY old too and he should what to do!! He's ALWAYS having problems!!" Poppy still remained quiet....but ever so slowly her eyes steered down to the little girl and Hattie nearly jumped back. Well at least she caught some kind of response outta her. "Come on! He had to deal with being frozen and Vanessa just like you!" .......He did? Did that mean that.....whoever this snatcher was....he was....like her? .....But then how was this ghost this child's father? Nothing was adding up. But Hattie didn't stop and only persisted by reaching over the bed and tugging on Poppy's upper arm trying to get the grown woman to budge. "COME ON!! Don't be a lazy peckneck! Grown ups are so weird!!"

.......Silently, the still blank faced woman slowly sat up startling the little girl into letting go and falling on her behind. The two children watched her as she numbly pushed herself up half way from the bed, blanket half falling off and giving Hattie a look. It wasn't too blank anymore, still dead panned but she saw some kind of spark behind them now.

"How can a ghost help me? He's already dead isn't he?," she asked in almost a whisper.

Hattie blinked and shook her head, "I just said he's really old! Maybe he can help you? I don't know. But come on! I can't help but I know he can!"

She still stared silently at her for a long time ...before sighing. She didn't see why not. She already met her queen turned into a monster, and two aliens. Why not a ghost too? It's not like her situation could get any worse either. A thousand years frozen, brought back to life, lost everything, alone.....And no way back. Whoever this snatcher ghost was, he sounded like a decent spirit at least if he took care of this child who was kind enough to rescue her.....So he couldn't be all bad right? She's never met a ghost before.

With another sigh she looked to the child. "I really don't have much of a choice do I?"

Instead of answering, Hattie got up and ran towards the pillow mountain where Poppy and Bow had left her umbrella laying there, they would need that if she wanted to get them both down to the Subcon Forest in one piece. Poppy sure took her time shrugging off the blanket, and putting on her now dry shoes, which Bow was nice enough to fetch for her. Hattie came back and encouraged her to hurry before running back over to the telescope. There was a reason this particular telescope was in her bedroom, and that being because it lead to her favorite place in the whole time n space places she's been. She looked through the seeing eye hole and sure enough, Subcon forest showed up right in front of her and she smiled. The trains tracks small but a little visible at least, and for a brief moment she wondered if Snatcher had actually been able to get them all to the train station yet. Sure it was at least three miles, but she was sure if they ran (Snatcher made them ran) or if he just got tired of yelling at them to run and just teleported them there(which was also very likely), he'd already be back! Which was exactly what she was hoping. Bow was sure coming this time too because the curly hair girl was already grabbing the extra umbrella and politely encouraging Poppy to numbly step off the bed and slowly follow her over to Hattie who just now looked up to them with a bright smile.

"Did you see Snatcher?," Bow asked.

Hattie shook her head. "No. This telescope isn't strong enough to see that far to the ground. We have to go look." She smiled as Poppy had finished putting on the other shoe and shuffled up to the girls who offered her hand. "We have to go down there to find him! You can hold my hand if you want."

Poppy rose a brow at her, not taking her hand. "Another transportation spell?"

The child again shook her head. "It's not a spell! My Telescope teleports me! We can teleport you too!" Without asking she grabbed Poppy's hand and tugged her right next to Bow who already posted her daker blue umbrella at the telescope that jumped a little bit, already charged up and ready to go. She pointed her umbrella at the telescope and made sure to increase her grip on Poppy's hand with her insane alien strength. Didn't want her to accidentally slip away and hurt herself. "Watch this!"

Before Poppy could protest or do anything, with a stretching lightheaded feeling they were already used too by now, the telescope teleported her down to the purple spooky part of the planet and she shot down in a beam of light. A few seconds later she landed in a random part of the subcon forest with dead trees and glowing mushrooms everywhere-....Oh wait! This was one of the dirt paths leading up to Snatcher's home. She breifly wondered if this was the same path Snatcher started marching all those people down. After a moment, a flash of white light popped in the sky above her just a little bit and a moment later a WHOOSH noise sounded out as Bow popped open the umbrella and soon the small child was floating down to the dirt path a little ways in front of her. Smiling, Hattie ran towards the spot Bow was floating down to and watched patiently as her feet landed safely on the dirt and the other girl closed her umbrella looking around the familiar forest of dead trees, fog, and lots of creepy purple colors. Very homey.

"Do you think he's here?," Bow asked blinking and looking down the path most likely towards the ghost's home.

Hattie nodded. "Yeah. I can tell." She looked around and then up towards the tops of the trees with a smile. Usually there was crows in the trees or spiders low to the ground when there wasn't anything bigger or more dangerous than them. Which the only thing it could've been was Snatcher or Moonjumper, but since it was still daytime(around maybe early noon), there was only one other person big enough to scare the spiders bigger than herself. Snatcher of course, he was already scary and it was easy to tell if he was here by the forest's aura. "Come on. I'm sure, he's really close, Poppy!" He ran a little ways down the path before slowing......and walking.....before stopping completely and turning around. Bow was still standing where she landed and was looking around too.

"......Miss Poppy?," she called out looking around the trees that silently stared back, no answers except for the spooky sounds of the wind rustling through the dead branches, and the creaking would. And maybe a frog or owl here and there. Her face immediately became worried as she glanced around more and her eyes became wide. "....MISS POPPY?!" She called louder and still received no answer as Hattie made her way back up to her and the panicked child looked at her. "Where did she go?!"

Hattie looked just as worried and confused now. "But-....She was just here!" And Snatcher's traps weren't anywhere around this area, she was just holding her hand a minute ago. "What happened?!"

"I don't know! I thought you had her!"

"But she was right behind me!"

"No she's not!!"

Hattie snapped her head back around as the creepy woods still silently mocked her back. Where did she go?! She was right here beside her! She held her hand all the way down, and she's transported people just like her and Bow to her ship and back all the time. Unless-....Space traveling was always easy when she transported Cooking Cat or Conductor, but they were the same size as her....Poppy was a full grown woman the size of Snatcher in his human form...She would've weighed more than Cookie or Donductor or herself. And transporting someone by holding her hand was different than giving her the umbrella to take her away like last time.....OH NO!! Hattie's hands suddenly gripped her hat and panicked. She must've accidentally let her slip from her and hadn't noticed because of the light and fast travel!! Immediately the worst case scenarios played in her mind. She could've gotten hurt! What if she fell into the swamp!? What if she accidentally came across the fire fox spirits or cursed headless statues?! What if she got stuck in a tree?! Or....HOLY PECK!! What if she fell into one of Snatcher's traps or ran into him and she wasn't there?! Snatcher wouldn't know Poppy would've been taken there by them!! She'd be doomed to sign his contract if she didn't find her before she did!! Or get to Snatcher and explain to him what happened first!! She hopped from foot to foot real fast before turning to Bow panicking even more!!

"W-We gotta find her come on!!"

Hattie suddenly started running down the path again but this time in a state of panick and fear shouting for Poppy. Bow following behind repeating a chorus of 'oh, peck oh, peck oh, peck'.

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

The silence of the forest was a sign of danger. As the monster made his way back within the gloomy depths of his home. Spiders cowered as they climbed up their webs in a desperate attempt to escape any terrible fate the ruler might decide for them one day. Crows cawed and took to the air and scattered, leaving multiple black feathers floating slowly towards the black cursed dirt. Even the fire spirits would put up barriers to keep him away if they felt like it. His power great and his famous dealings more fearful. The best way to avoid him was to just not enter the forest, but for those who do they should heed the warnings of silence, alerting the prescence of the dead king. Slithering through the trees like a snake, scowl on his face. Clearly not in the mood for ANY kind of adventures. He was tired, very cranky, and wanted to not be bothered. Which was a dangerous combo if a tresspasser wondered in at that moment. Which is exactly why he told the kid to wait until he came to check on her, he wanted some time to himself and to relax after a stressful day and a half. No doubt he would be scolded by Moonjumper later anyways.

"BOSS!! YOU'RE BACK!!"

The long ghost loomed out through the tree line and towards the lit inside of his home and immediately he was swarmed by his curious minions. Looking at him and most likely confused about the entire fiasco, but he was def not in the mood to explain himself especially to his subjects.

"Did you get those fools there already?,'' one asked as they toddled after him.

Snatcher waved him off. "Nah. Found one of those owls heading there half way through. Something about being needed on set. Made him take the rest of the pecknecks there. Good riddance!" He mumbled the rest the rest of what he said and sighed at the familiar trusty tree. It was good to be home after such a scattered day. ...AND OH!! What was this? There was a small bush on his chair, the bush stretched and made a sound just like a cat before purring and rolling onto his side. Snatcher gave a smile immediately at that, and reached a hand over. His clawed hand slightly shook before it made contact with the soft leaves of the bush cat's body. He carefully placed a couple strokes against the cat's side and Rough Patch started purring, tail waving from side to side as he did so....This...it...He felt like this wasn't real almost. It'd been so long since he had done this. Had a small peace of calm like this. His own little pet. Soon the other claw came down to grab the bush cat and ever so carefully he picked Rough Patch up like a father holding his newborn baby for the first time. Smiling still prominant on his face. "Hey there, Buddy. Were you good while I was gone?"

"Mow," he replied back still purring and blinking that innocent cat face at him.

Snatcher huffed and brought the plump cat in his arms, the red collar on him standing out against his green leaves, and settled down against the dark purple arms purring happily. Happy to just being pampered not caring who did it like any other cat. Snatcher happily smiled at the peaceful scene. THIS!! This is what kind of peace of mind he wanted. He wanted to sit down and read one of those books with his faithful companion for a couple hours before dealing with the kid or anyone else. Except that plan wasn't meant to be at all. It was almost like a snap. Like a sudden feeling you would get when you KNEW something was wrong but not exactly like that. Instead a small feeling began at the back of his mind before this particular feeling grew and all of a sudden his body froze.....Before the giant ghost suddenly shivered, fluffy hair around his neck and chest fluffing up with a weird static shock kind of feeling and he slowly looked over his right shoulder(if he still had a right shoulder). The static like energy feeling like it was on the right side of his body and tugging him towards that direction.....Making the scowl return and the spirit's eyes narrow to almost slits.

"Uh...Boss?"

.....Snatcher huffed and shook his head. More work. Great. Rough Patch meowed in slight protest as Snatcher shifted him from his new comfy spot in his arms, and placed the purring pet back onto his armchair, patting his head and watching for a moment as he turned a few times in a circle and curled back into a bush. Turning back to where the magic tugging was pulling him and giving a small growl. So someone triggered one of his traps eh? Bad for them. Because he was NOT in a merciful mood at all. The annoyance building up in him as he rose up and growled in the back of his throat. Now was definately NOT a good time for anyone. The minions could only watch as their leader as soon as he arrived took off in a flash of purple in the direction of the magical tugging soon disappearing from the line of signs into the trees and shadows. He would be there in a minute or two with his speed and sure enough- Dweller, subconite, and child alike could hear the familar rumbling of the ghost coming. Crows cawing out the warning sign as the forest quaked in his wake. .......And his scream tore through the woods.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"