#alex writes agatha all along

[actual-changeling]

do you think agatha used magic to create nicky's grave or did she dig it with her own two hands—born and buried from scratch?

did she bury her fingers in the ground over and over, fingers that had been running through his hair, braiding flowers into it, hands that had held him for too short a time? did she dig and dig until her nails were black with dirt—life-giving soil, graveyard earth, death spread through it like roots, like an infection.

like something she loved once upon a time and can still feel festering within her chest, a wound she refuses to stitch back together.

agatha sees her loves in the flowers sprouting around her as she digs and digs and digs; at some point, she begins to sing. her words come broken and low, gaining weight with every handful of earth cast aside. following his melody, she weaves a spell, a place, an embrace to hold him now that she is forbidden from it. no one will disturb his rest, no one will ever stumble upon his body surrounded by reaching roots that carry the pain of death herself.

lowering him into his grave is not the first admission that he has always been a child of two, but it is the last one for a very, very long while.

agatha sings and imagines two arms breaking through the earth and gently carrying him to another home.

when his grave, his tomb, his stone-soft blooming altar, is complete she washes her hands with river water like she had done five years ago. every act that follows, every betrayal, every bloodless death keeps her palms clean, her skin untainted by anyone or anything lest the memory of him is disturbed.

agatha digs nicky's grave with her own hands until her nails break and her voice is raw. she places the last stone and tears her ribcage open, allowing everything good she had been to sicker into the earth that is her family.

[mxlfchaser]

What I write!! / master list ! ★✩⁂

Fluff (any gender)

Smut (fem characters of age only!!)

Angst

What I don’t write!! ⁂

Non female smut

Anything non consensual

Who I write for ! ⁂𖦹

Criminal minds :

Emily Prentiss-

Spencer Reid

Derek Morgan

Penelope Garcia

Tara Lewis

The walking dead :

Daryl Dixon

Princess

Negan

Agatha all along :

Agatha Harkness

Rio Vidal

Lilia Calderu

Alice Wu Gulliver

Brooklyn 99:

Rosa Diaz

Amy Santiago

Arcane:

Sevika

Vi

OITNB:

Nicky Nichols

Alex vause

Abbott Elementary :

Melissa Schemmenti

Requests are open!!

[marasmadness]

Welcome!

Hi angels, I’m Mara <3 I’ve been writing for a few different fandoms for a while now but I figured I’d attempt starting something on here so I could answer one shot requests :)

Things I will write: smut, BDSM & most related concepts, 2+partners, dark!characters, etc. ( always feel free to ask)

Characters I’ll write for:

CRIMINAL MINDS

- Emily Prentiss

-Elle Greenaway

-Jennifer Jareau

-Alex Blake

SUPERGIRL

- Lena Luthor

- Kara Danvers

OCEAN’S EIGHT

-Lou Miller

-Debbie Ocean

SEX EDUCATION

- Maeve Wiley

-Jean Milburn

GREY’S

- Addison Montgomery

- Carina Deluca

OUAT

- Emma Swan

- Regina Mills

- Ruby Lucas

OTHER

- Diana Prince

HOUSE MD

-Thirteen

Lisa Cuddy

AGATHA ALL ALONG

- Agatha Harkness

- Rio Vidal

[drghostwrite]

Masterlist

prompt list: -> here

“rules”: -> here

Shows & Characters:

Criminal Minds:

Any character

Jennifer “JJ” Jareau:

Two hearts collide

A baby for Christmas

Did I hit too hard…

Derek Morgan:

• Under fire

Once Upon A Time:

Regina Mills (favorite to write in like love/wife stories)

Scars for Love pt. 1, pt. 2

Until My Last Breath

Out at Sea

Running Back to You

Black is my color

Power bottom(request)

Spellbound

Zelena Mills

Wife gives birth(x reader request)

Emma Swan

Other characters

Agatha All Along

Rio Vidal

Dancing with Death Herself

Agatha Harkness

Wednesday:

Larissa Weems:

Always You, pt. 2, pt. 3

Give You Everything

Seeing Green

Morticia

other characters per request

Marvel CU:

Natasha Romaoff:

You’re Not Alone

Dark Nights

Jealousy looks good on you

Maria Hill:

You are the Calm to my Chaos

Steve Rogers

Thor Odinson

When Lightning Strikes

Bucky

DC Universe:

Diana Prince

Lena Luthor

When the Sky Falls

When the Sun Sets on Us

Alex Danvers

Bond of Steel

Arthur Curry(Aquaman)

A Royal Bloodline

Grey's Anatomy:

Arizona Robbins:

If I Just Lay Here?

Already Taken

You’re my Comfort

The Shooting(request)

Next Time We’re Driving

My House, My Rules

Snowed In

Callie Torres

A Superstar with a Scalpel

Holding onto you, pt. 2, pt. 3

Addison Montgomery:

Code Black

Supply Closets & Satin Sheets

Operating Rooms

Some other characters but those are primary

X-Files:

Dana Scully (obvi):

You Remembered(prompt)

True Temptation

Fox Mulder

Monica Reyes:

• When I say go(prompt)

Others are special request

Desperate Housewives:

Lynette Scavo

Bree Van de Kamp

To love again(request)

Other wives and some other characters can be special request

Law & Order SVU:

Olivia Benson (The only right answer for a wife)

Something to Fight for...

ED(request)

other taskforce members

Rizzoli and Isles:

Jane Rizzoli:

That Thin Line pt. 1, pt. 2

Maura Isles:

Drown Our Problems

When the Music Fades

Frankie or Tommy Rizzoli

The Rookie

Lucy Chen:

Survivors

Scream:

Sidney Prescott:

We All Scream Sometimes pt. 1, pt. 2

Blood on the knife

Orange is the New Black:

Alex Vause:

Ex-Lovers (request)

Saints and Sinners

The 100:

Clarke Griffin:

Takes a Village

Abby Griffin

Octavia Blake

Game of Thrones(GOT):

A Rightful Heir

The Walking Dead

Reader gets shot (request)

Reader has baby during run

911

Evan Buckley:

• 911, What’s your emergency?

Crossovers:

(Criminal Minds) x (X Files), Pt. 2

There are some things I just won't write for but I do case by a case basis, I will put warnings if there is anything I view as may be triggering. Please give me more shows or characters to write for, I'm begging you! most fics are reader x character, some involve pregnancy and marriage but they will mostly be one-shots.

[sky-neverending]

HOLID-AU ASK BOX!!!

okay so the lovely people over at @augustwritingchallenge are doing a winter themed week and i figured i’d have some fun with it

so! starting now, these prompts are first come first serve.

pick a date, pick a ship/fandom, even pick a specific scenerio! and then throw it in my ask box!

i’ll keep an updated list on this post. here’s the prompt list, and below it is the fandoms i’ll write for! (jokers are allowed to be picked as well)

fandoms and ships:

Stranger Things - Steddie, Ronance, anything platonic between the kids and older teens, etc.

Six of Crows- All canon ships + anything platonic (wesper is my fave!)

Heartstopper - All canon ships + anything platonic

Lab Rats/LB:EF - Kaz x Chase, Skyler x Bree, anything platonic

Agatha All Along - Teen & anyone, Agath x Rio

Shadowhunters - Malec, basically any simon ship, and anything platonic

Good Omens - Azi x Crowley, and anything platonic

Mystreet - Zanvis, KC x Kaitlyn, Laurence x Garroth, anything platonic!

Newsies - Javey, Sprace, anything platonic with Crutchie

RWRB - Firstprince and anything platonic

JATP - Willie x Alex, and all the phantoms platonically (including Julie)

i think that’s all… i’ll update if it’s not.

uhh and here’s the checklist of days taken so far-

25th: OPEN

26th: OPEN

27th: OPEN

28th: OPEN

29th: OPEN

30th: OPEN

31st: OPEN

1st: OPEN

2nd: OPEN

3rd: OPEN

4th: OPEN

5th: OPEN

Jokers: ALL OPEN

[caterpills]

stephanie for the '24 in review plz 14, 28, & 30 💚

HI!! ❤️ 14. What were your go-to writing songs

So I have a whole playlist for Comment/Question which I listened to on repeat while writing certain parts of it (or all of it, generally speaking!) Some songs are really ingrained for specific scenes — The Only Moment We Were Alone by Explosions in the Sky was the American Writers Museum scene, All Exterior Dark by Wovoka Gentle was the driving to the middle of nowhere scene in Austin, Chemical by ONR was for their sex scene in Austin, No One Knows Us by BANNERS was just all of Tucson. Relatedly (but absurdly?) when writing If You Got It, Haunt It I listened to the Witches Road from Agatha All Along and then just like SUPER basic Halloween Songs (Spooky Scary Skeletons, Thriller, and the Addams Family theme song. I was trying to get into the mood~)

28. If this were an awards show, who would you like to thank?

Oh my gosh, so many people? Possibly too many that it would feel like I was missing someone. I'd like to thank the people in this fandom who welcomed me with open arms. The other writers who tagged me in writing games and let me poke my little head in when I was trying things out. The readers and commenters who I seriously owe my life because I don't know if I would have finished without them. To my betas who were so kind and generous with their time to keep my on track. To everyone who became my friend in this endeavor, I have been so blessed to have so many new people to talk to and cheerlead. It's been a truly amazing experience and I'm so thankful to the space it had brought me in now. ❤️

30. What would you like to write next year?

So many things, but the few that have been circling my brain and I have some words and outlines worked out are: 🌊 the "saudade" fic (which is the imaginary friend au!) and a really rough synopsis I wrote about it a while back: A near-death experience in Alex's childhood leaves him with unanswered questions. Creating an imaginary friend, who is an amalgamation of the boy that saved him and who Alex simply calls 'H', is the only way Alex finds means to cope. But is H really as imaginary as he seems? ✨ time traveler/immortal au (based off a prompt from @anincompletelist): One of them is a time traveler. The other is immortal. Wherever one ends up traveling, the other is always there to catch them up to speed. tags: magical realism, possible soulmates, world building  🎹 pianist!Henry au! — Henry is a classically-trained pianist when he finds a video of some guy (Alex) showing people how to fake being good at playing the piano. He wants to confront him. Chaos ensues. 📆 fake dating in real time! (this one is a little weird and a little conceptual but mostly just FAKE DATING!) 📝 and a doc sitting on my back burner that I touch every so often, tentatively titled "Errata" which is just scenes from Comment/Question from Henry's POV. :) As to which one of these gets written next year? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Ask me!]

[gaypanicmode7766259]

Who I write for

Feel free to make requests

Allowed: smut, angst, fluff

Not allowed: nothing yet <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Abbott Elementary

Melissa schemmenti

Barbara howard

The walking dead

Carol peletier

(The world beyond)

Elizabeth Kublek

Yellowjackets (tv show)

Shauna sadecki (only older Shauna)

Resident Evil Village

Alcina dimitrescu

Donna beneviento

Hocus pocus

Mary sanderson

Winifred sanderson

The parent trap

Chessy

Harry potter

Severus Snape (platonic only sorry)

Minerva mcgonagall

Molly weasley

Hogwarts legacy

Matilda weasley

Agatha all along

Agatha Harkness

Lilia calderu

Wednesday

Larissa weems

Hermitcraft

CLEO I mean.. zombiecleo

Hollywood 2020

Avis amburg

Orange is the new black

Red

Alex vause

The old guard

Andy

[ao3feed-clexafic]

One Shot Collection

Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/60372802 by thefallendevil Modern-day AU One-shots of some of my favourite ships, curated by different writing prompts I found online. There's no specific order to the way the ships are going to come out, I've put them all into a randomiser wheel and whichever ship that chooses is the one I write about. Words: 1799, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wynonna Earp (TV), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Supergirl (TV 2015), Once Upon a Time (TV), Agatha All Along (TV), Lucifer (TV), Riverdale (TV 2017), DC Extended Universe, Life is Strange: True Colors (Video Game), Glee (TV 2009), The 100 (TV), Pitch Perfect (Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Evil Queen | Regina Mills/Emma Swan, Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel, Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy, Clarke Griffin/Lexa, Chloe Beale/Beca Mitchell, Waverly Earp/Nicole Haught, Lena Luthor/Kara Zor-El, Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Agatha Harkness/Rio Vidal, Sara Lance/Ava Sharpe, Santana Lopez/Brittany S. Pierce, Cheryl Blossom/Toni Topaz, Betty Cooper/Veronica Lodge, Alex Chen/Steph Gingrich, Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Chloe Decker/Lucifer Morningstar, Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Merlin/Morgana (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fluff, Secret Relationship, for the gays, One Shot Collection, writing prompts, Fluff and Smut, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst Read it on AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/60372802

[taraljc]

I have ADHD, no day job, and gorge myself on narrative fiction to distract from how miserable my day-to-day life can be?

but also I just really love narrative fiction and always have and probably always will. and I am VORACIOUS. It is not unusual for me to burn through an entire show in a couple of days or a couple of weeks depending on its length. and when it's something that really catches my imagination as soon as I finish it I go right back to the beginning and start again. that happened with Lockwood & Co, The Gentlemen, Alex Rider. and then I also will rewatch things that I find streaming that I saw when they originally aired like Continuum, Teen Wolf, Kyle XY, Elementary, The Librarians.

I currently have a list of shows on my I really want to rewatch this at some point radar like Haven, The Vampire Diaries / The Originals, farscape, Lucifer, The Green Hornet, Killjoys, Wynonna Earp, Revenge, Spooks, Wire In The Blood, Prodigal Son, Daredevil and far too many others to name.

Also I'm pretty sure @lemonsharks and I have seen all of Star Trek: Lower Decks through about fifteen times. It is our go-to when we sit down on the sofa and have BFF time.

also thanks to Agatha All Along I also really want to rewatch Crossing Jordan (she was the grief counselor who fell in love with Miguel Ferrer and they have the most adorable and sweet relationship ever in the history of ever) but the streaming quality is so terrible. But I remember loving it desperately especially because Bug I think was one of the first characters I ever saw in the mainstream media talk about writing fanfic and specifically writing Star Trek Voyager fic, which I loved.

So on the one hand, my mental illness is driving the car right now. but on the other hand, it's also my SOP.

[teafaellana]

Hello & Well Met!

My name is Ren, I am queeeeeeeeer, and I’m a little bit chaotic. The reason this first GIF is from Who’s the Boss? is because back when I was 13 years old this was the very first fandom that I joined, and it feels very appropriate to honor that on tumblr dot com.

Shows and such plus more info under the cut. ✌🏻

I’m a mechanic, an artist, a babysitter, a dog-walker, and an all around workaholic. I’ve got ADHD and myself and others suspect I may also be autistic (but that is not yet determined by a professional).

When I have time I love reading short stories, novels, fanfiction, and comics. I am more likely to read things than to watch things, but I have watched more things than usual as of late and I am making more of an effort to do so in order to try to catch up. I also write fanfiction and make fanart and also make original art and hope to someday get back to writing original stories.

Movies

The Parent Trap (1998)

Alien

Aliens

Matilda

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Chocolat

Under the Christmas Tree

Bad Moms Christmas

Christmas Movies just in general tbh!!!!

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again

Smart House

Halloweentown

Hocus Pocus

Ocean’s 8

Baby’s Day Out

Aristocats

Lilo & Stitch

Moana

Tangled

Encanto

Spirited Away

Kiki’s Delivery Service

TV Shows

Who’s the Boss?

Agatha All Along

WandaVision

Only Murders In The Building

The Good Place

Maid

The Worst Witch (2017) (but I want to watch others too!!!!!)

Once Upon a Time

Agent Carter

Wheel of Time

Soy Luna

Dead to Me

Gilmore Girls

Charmed

The Good Witch

Spy x Family

The Owl House

Ms. Marvel

Bingos Stray Dogs

My Hero Academia

Bluey

Probably some other stuff, but this is what comes to mind right now.

Books & Comics & Manga

Thursday Murder Club

Wheel of Time (almost finished w/ book one)

Uncanny X-Men (2024)

Exceptional X-Men (2024)

House of Harkness Infinity Comic

Batman - Santa Claus: Silent Knight (2023)

Dazzler (2024)

Vision (2015-2016)

DramaCon by Svetlana Chmakova

Princess Ai

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

24 girls in 7 days by Alex Bradley

Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

Dungeon Meshi/Delicious in Dungeon

Sailor Moon

Special Mention: I am currently reading Patricia Wants to Cuddle and I will see how I feel about that when it’s over, I also started reading The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year which is probably going to mean Patricia Wants to Cuddle takes a backseat until I am done with the seasonal reading haha

Truthfully I read a lot so a lot and enjoy a lot of what I read, and this list has to end eventually 😂

Video Games

The Sims 4 (I have been playing since TS1)

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Legend of Zelda: TOTK (one quest left!)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Various Pokémon installments

Bayonetta (still working through the first game)

Horizon: Forbidden West (not finished)

Neopets (??? Is this even a video game ??? Not really, but I am at a loss for where else to shove it on this list)

Ratchet & Clank

I have a lot of games that I haven’t played through yet, because I have too many fucking hobbies and jobs and not enough time 🙈💀😂😭 One example is that I own BG3 and just … am never home to play on my PC so I haven’t gotten far AT ALL.

Music

This probably shouldn’t even be a category because I am not about to make a list of music I like. That would be even more absurd than making a list of books and shit that I like. I love music so much, I cannot imagine living without it. Genre couldn’t even begin to limit me or my musical interests, and I often listen to music while I draw or walk or paint or work or drive or even read or sleep. It is the backbone of my existence. I scrap along playing piano and guitar, and if I could get my hands on other instruments I would. I played trombone in elementary school briefly, and wouldn’t be mad if I still had access to one to play (alas, I do not). I struggle to read music, but I can play something if I learn it and set it to memory.

[actual-changeling]

(please do not send any asks with fundraiser links)

Hi, you can call me Alex or whatever variation of my username you'd like. <3

I'm in my early twenties, use mainly they/them pronouns, and there is a lot wrong with my brain (both affectionately and in a decidedly not fun way). I have memory issues, so I can and will forget things, including replying to messages. You are ALWAYS invited to send me a reminder—please, please do, I will not be offended, pinky promise.

This blog is 90% fandom, 5% personal shit and 5% misc posts that I like. My DMs are open, so feel free to message me and interact however you like! Asks are currently closed due to spam. If there's something you want me to see, I don't mind getting tagged in posts either.

Please don't be an asshole. I'm incredibly bad at judging my own tone, so if I come across as overly intense or upset, chances are I am actually not—I'm just passionate about the things I enjoy.

Agatha all along is the lesbian dream plus Scully has also taken over my brain and body, and I don't think they will leave me alone ever again.

I will be tagging spoilers for any newly released shows and episodes. If there is something you would like me to tag spoilers for, just shoot me an ask or dm!

Currently following and tagging for:

Agatha All Along: alex watches agatha all along

The X Files: alex watches x files

Doctor Who: alex watches doctor who, dw spoilers

(PJO The Series: pjo spoilers) show is on hiatus

The Magnus Protocols: alex listens to tmagp, tmagp spoilers

I write fanfiction both here on tumblr and on ao3 under actualchangeling. Requests or ideas are fine, though I cannot make any promises.

Wanna chat with other people about good omens? I have a discord you can join, mostly angelfish focused but we talk about all our beloved idiots.

My other misc current active special interests are Doctor Who and Good Omens, but I dabble in a lot of other fandoms, too. Among those are Marvel/Iron Man, Lucifer, TLOU, The Magnus Archives, Welcome to Night Vale, Prospect (2018), and many more.

My tag system for original posts applies to all fandoms I am currently actively engaging with and follows the same patterns. I tag spoilers when I remember to for about a week, so consider this blog to be very much NOT spoiler free.

alex talks x -> meta, analysis, interpretation, or opinion posts

alex writes x -> either self-promotion or tumblr specific ficlets, without any fandom addition it's original writing of some kind

Any personal posts that are not fandom related are tagged as following; feel free to block them if you're just here for the fandom madness!! I really do not mind.

alex yells at the void -> misc personal stuff

alex gets personal -> potentially triggering discussions of my trauma or mental health, vent posts

Last but not least, the tag for my queue is I’ll follow queue anywhere you go. It's a TLOU reference for those who are curious.

[klaine-a03-feed]

One Shot Collection

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/AUBSKVs by thefallendevil Modern-day AU One-shots of some of my favourite ships, curated by different writing prompts I found online. There's no specific order to the way the ships are going to come out, I've put them all into a randomiser wheel and whichever ship that chooses is the one I write about. Words: 1799, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Wynonna Earp (TV), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, Supergirl (TV 2015), Once Upon a Time (TV), Agatha All Along (TV), Lucifer (TV), Riverdale (TV 2017), DC Extended Universe, Life is Strange: True Colors (Video Game), Glee (TV 2009), The 100 (TV), Pitch Perfect (Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Evil Queen | Regina Mills/Emma Swan, Blaine Anderson/Kurt Hummel, Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy, Clarke Griffin/Lexa, Chloe Beale/Beca Mitchell, Waverly Earp/Nicole Haught, Lena Luthor/Kara Zor-El, Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Agatha Harkness/Rio Vidal, Sara Lance/Ava Sharpe, Santana Lopez/Brittany S. Pierce, Cheryl Blossom/Toni Topaz, Betty Cooper/Veronica Lodge, Alex Chen/Steph Gingrich, Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Chloe Decker/Lucifer Morningstar, Wanda Maximoff/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Merlin/Morgana (Merlin) Additional Tags: Fluff, Secret Relationship, for the gays, One Shot Collection, writing prompts, Fluff and Smut, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst

[belovedblabber]

So I promised I'd ask 5 questions to any mutual who reblogged that post... since I don't know your mutuals as well since you've only recently begun talking about them

Which ocs belong to which stories?

What are the relationships between them?

Which ones are in romantic relationships, versus platonic?

What are your favorite ones?

Which one is the most fun to write?

Thank you so much for enabling my oc ramblings that’s so sweet😭🤝✨

Okay so I have a lotttttt of ocs and I'm going to try to be as brief as I can and cover all of the ones I can think of also oh lord I have realized that this is SO long sedrftgyhuji everybody feel free to blissfully scroll past and let the 'keep reading' divider protect you as needed

Okay so for question one:

In terms of solid stories a have a few uh, 'universes' (ECUs, Esmé cinematic universes dfghj). The first is the most vague because I've had it since I was 11 and revised it so much that the characters are the only through-line (and they've changed a ton) and I'm currently trying to figure out a new coherent setting for them. But anyway, I loosely call this grouping League because of reasons that no longer apply but I hold onto from my leetle 11 year old days. The main ocs from this one are Tamara (Tam), Meera, Kelli (that's a last name but she deeply needs a new one), Arshak (this is an Armenian name because I'm part Armenian and so is he <3), and Solomon. Tam and Meera (and the rest of that gang)are some of my first ocs (outside of my wolf character from when I was teeny tiny, and outside of toys from games my sister and I played) and they [Tam and Meera] pretty comedically mirror my own little path to lesbianism. Because my god these women are dykes who didn't get to be dykes for years because I was fully oblivious for a long time fghj. They're deeply in love but they don't get around to admitting this to each other for years.  Putting the rest of my oc universes and the answers to the other questions under a 'keep reading'

I also have a science fiction story that I usually just call Space Noir, and the characters from that are Castor, Azza, Okar, Min, Martin, Hassan, and K'laña (forgive my weird alien names).

ANOTHER oc cinematic universe is the one that Corin and Faolán come from and it doesn't have a strict name rn other than W&W which is tied to way back ago name stuff that I use in my head to mark it. In that universe there is, obviously, Corin and Faolán, and also their adopted daughter Adaira, and a woman named Eira. Sort of connected is a character from a similar but slightly different universe that I may combine together with Corin and Faolán's universe. His name is Xavier and he is from a now-abandoned story I wrote with my partner. I want to either bring him back in a revised version of that story, in his own version of that universe that is similar but different from Corin and Faolán's universe, or or adapt him for their universe because I LOVE him. He's possessed by the norse god Odin and it's his own damn fault. Also in that universe is his (much older) sister Oisin, her wife Kiera, and Xavi's dead (but often on my mind) dad Beckett, along with Beckett's various flings and loves. I love Beckett a LOT.

Then there is the current story I write with my partner (I call it Gay Snake Drama fghjk) which has a TON of characters but some of my faves are Lorcán(aka Lor) (my baby, I adore him), Riel (who I also adore and want to talk about more), Hypatia (who is so fun and also whose relationship with Riel is one. of my FAVE things to write), Minerva, and Maggie.

And okay just two more I'll mention fghjk. One is dnd characters who come from different campaigns. Agatha and Julian are my darlings, and they come from a campaign I never finished called Landion. I want to give them their own story some day. Then there is Seril, from the Curse of Strahd game I'm in, Alex from a fantasy high school game my friend runs, and then the npcs from the game I run that's set in hell. The twp major ones there are Artemisia and JOHN, who I talk about too much dfghj.

And last is the newest story I'm working on (in theory) which has a longer name but I'll just call Pennies here as a marker, and the main characters of that are Ilias and the Iudex, and I love them and their weird sweet sweeping romance. Love 'death and the maiden' as a motif, you know? And OKAY that is my way too long answer to question one fghjk I am probs forgetting some ocs

Relationships between them:

If I answered for all of my ocs this would. be WAY too long so I'll just highlight a few.

Tam and Meera's relationship is important to me because it is, like I said, pretty much a direct reflection of my own personal little journey to lesbianism, and they fell in love as a result of me realizing a lot of stuff about myself. They're best friends and wildly codependent (saying 'best friends' is honestly putting it lightly) and Meera is in what she things is unrequited love with Tam, but it's NOT, but Tam is a mess, and anyway they do end up together. Side note like I said, Kelli is a nasty and very fun character who is also in love with Meera (and also the villain of the story, or one of them) but her and Tam end up having a fucked up fling when she has Tam captive wherein they're dealing with hatred for each other, hatred for themselves, and love for Meera, all wrapped up in the most toxic sex you've ever seen in your life. It's fun.

In space noir, Martin and Min are fun as former best friends gone sour, and that's super fun especially because Min is pretending to have become sort of a piece of shit enforcer for a bad system but it's all an act to take it down, but Martin doesn't know it, anyway they do reconcile.

Corin and Faolán I adore, love these gay bitches. I also love their relationship with Adaira. Also in his own universe or in this one, Xavier's relationship with Odin is. So Tasty.

Gay snake drama has some of my fave dynamics, Lorcán is my baby and I love writing his relationship with his husband, my partner's oc Aaneshku (they're gonna have a daughter soon!), and also his relationship with his adopted sister Maggie. Also in that universe though there is Riel and Hypatia, who are not romantic, not sexual, not platonic, but a secret 4th thing (I don't know how to describe that fourth thing). They're wildly co-dependent, can't live without each other, and have gotten up to so much shit. They also do enable each other's worst habits a lot and can get NASTy with fights because they both know the best way to get RIGHT to the raw heart of what wounds the other. Anyway they're in love but in a weird hard to describe way. They're in love, they're divorced, they're married, they act like a romantic couple but they're not, when they were first introduced they were going through a divorce era, they're doing it all. Minerva is also their adult sort of daughter. Sometimes a family is a disgraced academic lesbian, her platonic life partner a beautiful bisexual man who is a wanted criminal in just...so many places, and their adult lesbian daughter who thinks of nothing but murder all day long. I love them. I also really love Riel's relationship with his (about to be) husband Aazra, who is another oc of my partner's.

Ilias and the Iudex are brand new, so I am still figuring out their dynamic, but I do love it. Also forgive me if you meant 'what are the relationships between the stories' and not 'between ocs' dfghjk, which I am now thinking might be the case but whoops too late!

Platonic vs. romantic:

I covered a lot of this above but quick rundown: Tam and Meera=romantic, Kelli and Tam=mess, Arshak and Solomon=romantic. Castor and Azza=platonic, Castor and Okar=platonic, Azza and Okar=romantic (maybe, I haven't decided), Min and Martin=platonic, Hassan and Castor=romantic, and Martin and K'laña= platonic. Also Azza and Min might=romantic I have not decided. Corin and Faolán=romantic (obviously) and then Adaira is their daughter and Eira is their friend. Riel and Hypatia and Minerva I covered above, Maggie and Lor=Platonic (adopted siblings), and Lor and Minerva=siblings. In dnd land Seril has various dynamics with dif npcs and characters, but she is currently romancing Ireena, aka the woman the. bigbad is obsessed with. Agatha and Julian are siblings, and they have a lot of interesting dynamics with the cast of player characters and npcs. Alex is a unknowing baby lesbian (I draw a lot of my experiences and put them on her fghj), John and Artemisia are platonic, and then John has a fun platonic relationship with my partner's character Arietta (they are mean southern women@each other) and is in love with my friend's character Khomros. Also Artemisia and Arietta are in a currently casual fling. The Iudex and Ilias=romantic

What are my favorite ones:

I don't play favorites (yes I do). I can't really easily list that but dear to my heart because of seniority are Tam and Meera (and their accompanying characters. I'm really excited to explore Armenian identity stuff with Arshak). But in terms for who is on my mind the most these days, it's Lor, Riel, Hypatia, John, Seril, Corin and Faolán and Adaira, Xavier, and the Iudex, and Ilias. I realized. I just listed a huge chunk of ocs from that list but dfghjk, I love them what can I say. I also love all of them but that group is on my mind rn. Oh Also Agatha and Julian, they NEED their own story, or to have their campaign brought back, or both.

Which one is the most fun to write:

That's a tough one and I don't have a favorite per se, but the one I think I currently have the most fun with is John. He's so fun to write dialogue for, for a variety of reasons. And he's very fun to play, I emote more for him than I do with any other pc or npc I play

Anyway this is novel-length, forgive my ramblings and thank you so much for asking me this and giving me an excuse to go a bit wild here<3

[promenadewithme]

First of all, I want to thank all of you so much for the follows, likes, comments, reblogs and support in general! I can't believe I hit 50 followers so soon! I know it’s not much, but I actually didn’t expect any at all so I’m so happy!! Thank you ❤️

Now, this is how the celebration is going to work: first you chose a song and a character. Then send it to my requests with your pronoun of choice, along with any other specifications and I'll write you a fic based on the song! You can either send the song or specific quotes as prompts

To find the fics I will write, use the #Anastasia's 50 followers celebration

This event starts today (May 20th) and ends June 10th

Support Me on Ko-Fi - if you’re feeling generous 💕

Songs:

Fluff (Romantic)

Paper Rings - Taylor Swift

London Boy - Taylor Swift

Love Story - Taylor Swift

Lover - Taylor Swift

King of My Heart - Taylor Swift

Willow - Taylor Swift

Crazier - Taylor Swift

New Year’s Day - Taylor Swift

Daylight - Taylor Swift

Jump Then Fall - Taylor Swift

How You Get The Girl - Taylor Swift

You Are In Love - Taylor Swift

It’s Nice To Have A Friend - Taylor Swift

Today Was A Fairytale - Taylor Swift

State Of Grace - Taylor Swift

Mine - Taylor Swift

Delicate - Taylor Swift

Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur

Naked - James Arthur

Rewrite The Stars - James Arthur + Anne-Marie

I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran

How Would You Feel (Paean) - Ed Sheeran

Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran

Afterglow - Ed Sheeran

Lego House - Ed Sheeran

Dive - Ed Sheeran

Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran

Everything Has Changed - Ed Sheeran + Taylor Swift

I Was Made For Loving You - Tori Kelly + Ed Sheeran

Make You Feel My Love -Adele

One Call Away - Charlie Puth

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars

Count On Me - Bruno Mars

Little Things - One Direction

Night Changes - One Direction

Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley

Andante, Andante - ABBA

Waterloo - ABBA

All Of Me - John Legend

Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish

Snowman - Sia

A Thousand Years - Christina Perri

Arms - Christina Perri

Teenage Dream - Katy Perry

Halo - Beyoncé

The Only Exception - Paramore

Dandelions - Ruth B

Someone To You - BANNERS

Would You Be So Kind - Dodie

Someone You Like - The Girl and The Dreamcatcher

If I Could Tell Her - Ben Platt 

Absolutely Smitten - Dodie

How Long Will I Love - Ellie Goulding

Angst (Romantic)

Good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo

Drivers License - Olivia Rodrigo

Deja Vu - Olivia Rodrigo

Brutal - Olivia Rodrigo

Traitor - Olivia Rodrigo

Enough For You - Olivia Rodrigo

1 step forward, 3 steps back - Olivia Rodrigo

Happier - Olivia Rodrigo

Jealousy, Jealousy- Olivia Rodrigo

Favourite Crime - Olivia Rodrigo

Hope Ur Ok - Olivia Rodrigo

Betty - Taylor Swift

Exile - Taylor Swift

Teardrops On My Guitar - Taylor Swift

Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift

Tolerate It - Taylor Swift

You’re Not Sorry - Taylor Swift

Should’ve Said No - Taylor Swift

White Horse - Taylor Swift

You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift

My Tears Ricochet - Taylor Swift

Back to December - Taylor Swift

Breathe - Taylor Swift

The 1 - Taylor Swift

All Too Well - Taylor Swift

Invisible String - Taylor Swift

Evermore - Taylor Swift

Lose You To Love Me - Selena Gomez

The Heart Wants What It Wants - Selena Gomez

When I Was Your Man -Bruno Mars

Someone Like You - Adele

Hello - Adele

All I Ask - Adele

Let Her Go - Passenger

Say Something - A Great Big World

Stay With Me - Sam Smith

California King Bed - Rihanna

Take a Bow - Rihanna

Broken Hearted Girl - Beyoncé

Tonight I Wanna Cry - Keith Urban

The Winner Takes It All - ABBA

SOS - ABBA

One Of Us - ABBA

Half a Heart - One Direction

Yesterday - The Beatles

If The World Was Ending - Julia Michaels

Colors - Halsey

Happier - Ed Sheeran

One Last Time - Ariana Grande

Why’d You Only Call Me When You High - Artic Monkeys

Play Date - Melanie Martinez

Just a Friend to You - Meghan Trainor

All I Want - Kodaline

Love You From A Distance - Ashley Kutcher

Potential Breakup Song - Aly & AJ

I Don’t Wanna See You With Her - Maria Mena

Let Her Go - Passenger

All My Tears - Ane Brun

Always On My Mind - Elvis Presley

Someone to you - Lewis Capaldi 

Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi

Others

Sit Still, Look Pretty - Daya

How To Be A Heartbreaker - MARINA

No Body, No Crime - Taylor Swift

Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift

Blank Space - Taylor Swift

You Need To Calm Down - Taylor Swift

Getaway Car -Taylor Swift

Gorgeous - Taylor Swift

Bad Blood - Taylor Swift

The Man - Taylor Swift

22 - Taylor Swift

Dorothea - Taylor Swift

Marjorie - Taylor Swift

The Best Day - Taylor Swift

Mirrorball - Taylor Swift

I Forgot That You Existed - Taylor Swift

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things - Taylor Swift

The Lakes - Taylor Swift

The Last Great American Dynasty - Taylor Swift

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

When I Kissed The Teacher - ABBA

I Have A Dream - ABBA

I've Been Waiting For You - ABBA

You'll Be In My Heart - Phil Collins

Titanium - David Guetta (feat. Sia)

F**ckin' Perfect - P!nk

New Rules - Dua Lipa

IDGAF - Dua Lipa

Bad Guy - Billie Eilish

You Should See Me in A Crown - Billie Eilish

COPYCAT - Billie Eilish

Count On Me - Bruno Mars

Stand By You - Rachel Platten

Firework - Katy Perry

Because You Loved Me - Céline Dion

See You Again - Wiz Khalifa + Charlie Puth

NO - Meghan Trainor

Skyfall - Adele

Gasoline - Halsey

Castle On The Hill - Ed Sheeran

Save Myself - Ed Sheeran

Supermarket Flowers - Ed Sheeran

Small Bump - Ed Sheeran

Growing Up - Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Ed Sheeran

7 Rings - Ariana Grande

Bad Liar - Selena Gomez

Rare - Selena Gomez

Who Says - Selena Gomez

I Turn To You - Christina Aguilera

Till There Was You - The Beatles

Sweetest Devotion - Adele

ps: sorry, I'm a Swiftie and a Sheerio <3

Characters

Character x fem! or GN! reader (ROMANTIC)

ACOTAR: Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Lucien, Helion, Tarquin, kallias and Tamlin.

BRIDGERTON: Anthony Bridgerton, Benedict Bridgerton, Colin Bridgerton and Simon Basset.

GRISHAVERSE: Nikolai, Mal, The Darkling, Kaz, Matthias, Jesper, Wylan and David.

THRONE OF GLASS: Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall.

HARRY POTTER: Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, George, Fred, Oliver, Cedric, Young Sirius, Young James and Young Remus.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley.

MARVEL: Steve, Bucky, Sam, Pietro, Loki, Thor, Peter Parker, Ned, Tony, Bruce, Vision, Clint, T'Challa, Scott Lang, James Rhodes, Peter Quill and Stephen Strange.

THE HUNGER GAMES: Peeta, Gale and Finnick.

GREY'S ANATOMY: Derek Shepherd, Andrew DeLuca, Alex Karev, Jackson Avery, Mark Sloan, George O'Malley, Link, Koracick and Ben Warren.

TEEN WOLF: Scott, Stiles, Derek, Isaac, Liam and Jackson.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Damon, Stefan, Matt, Klaus, Elijah and Kai.

NARNIA: Peter, Edmund and Caspian.

STAR WARS: Anakin, Obi Wan, Kylo, Han, Luke, Poe, Finn and Din Djarin.

Character x platonic!/sis!/bro!/enemy!/daughter!/son!/mentor!/or anything else platonic Reader

ACOTAR: Rhysand, Cassian, Azriel, Feure, Nesta, Elain, Mor, Amren, Nyx, Lucien, Tarquin, Helion, Kallias, Tamlin, Ianthe, Suriel and Bone Carver.

GRISHAVERSE: Nikolai, Mal, Darkling, David, Alina, Bahgra, Zoya, Tamar, Tolya, Apparat, Kaz, Matthias, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, Inej, Tantee Heleen and Pekka Rollins.

THRONE OF GLASS: Dorian, Chaol and Aelin.

BRIDGERTON: Anthony, Benedict, Colin; Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, Hyacinth, Lady Violet, Simon, Lady Danbury, Penelope, Lady Portia Featherington, Marina, Sienna, Genevieve, Cressida and Queen Charlotte.

HARRY POTTER: Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Draco, George, Fred, Oliver, Cedric, Cho, Seamus, Fleur, Pansy, Myrtle, Sirius (old or young), James (old or young), Remus (old or young), Lily (old or young), Molly, Arthur, Bill, Percy, Charlie, Xenophilus Lovegood, Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid, Moody, Flitwick, Umbridge, Bellatrix, Voldemort, Lucius, Narcissa, Peter Pettigrew, Helga Hufflepuff, Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, Dobby and Nearly Headless Nick.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: Mr Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr Bingley, Caroline Bingley, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Bennet, Mary Bennet, Lydia Bennet, Catherine Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Wickam, Mr Collins, Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet.

MARVEL: Steve, Peggy, Sharon, Natasha, Bucky, Sam, Carol, Monica Rambeau, Pietro, Wanda, Agatha Harkness, Loki, Frigga, Odin, Hela, Thor, Heimdall, Jane Foster, Darcy Lewis, Valkyrie, Peter Parker, Ned, MJ, Tony, Pepper, Morgan, Happy, Howard, Bruce, Vision, Clint, T'Challa, Shuri, Scott, Hope, Hank, Cassie, James Rhodes, Peter Quill, Gamora, Mantis, Nebula, Groot, Rocket, Drax, Stephen Strange, Wong, Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, Maria Hill, Thanos, Ancient One, Red Skull, Ultron, John Walker and Zemo.

THE HUNGER GAMES: Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick, Haymitch, Rue, President Snow, Primrose, Effie, Cinna and Johanna.

GREY'S ANATOMY: Meredith, Derek, Andrew, Alex, Jackson, Mark, Lexie, Cristina, April, Izzie, George, Callie, Owen, Addison, Arizona, Miranda, Amelia, Link, Burke, Teddy, Maggie, Richard, Carina, Ben Warren, Megan Hunt, Ellis Grey, Catherine Avery and Tom Koracick.

TEEN WOLF: Scott, Stiles, Malia, Lydia, Allison, Derek, Isaac, Liam, Jackson, Peter Hale, Chris Argent, Sheriff Stilinski, Kira, Melissa McCall and Noshiko Yukimura.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: Damon, Elena, Katherine, Stefan, Caroline, Bonnie, Jenna, Klaus, Elijah, Rebeka, Sheriff Forbes, Kai and Lexi.

NARNIA: Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Caspian and Aslan.

STAR WARS: Anakin, Padme, Yoda, Jarjar, Obi Wan, Kylo, Rey, Han, Leia, Luke, Poe, Finn and Din Djarin and Grogu.

No pressure tags: @venuswritesfanfic @for-bebbanburg @maggiescarborough @multifandomfix @sweetnspicysimp @lazypeachsoul @magravenwrites

[tinydooms]

1 for Rick Evelyn and Jonathan please

Coffee on the Orient Express

The Simplon-Orient Express, just outside of Paris, late 1929

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you lot.”

Rick looked up as Jonathan dropped into the seat across the table and leaned back against the soft red plush. Alex, seated on a velvet cushion beside his father, bawled, “Hallo,  Uncle Jon!” As a just-turned-four year old, he was going through a shouting phase. A countess, a marquis, and someone who was probably an exiled Russian prince or something looked around disapprovingly. 

“Hullo, Alex,” Jonathan replied. “How d’you like the train?”

“I like it a lot!” Alex shouted. “Dad and me goed to see the driver!”

“That’s excellent,” Jonathan said, even as Rick murmured, “Not so loud, kiddo.”

He cast a glance around the dining car; everywhere eyes dropped back to plates or newspapers. Rick sighed. He doubted that he was ever going to get used to traveling first class, even on trains that weren’t as swanky as the Orient Express. Even Evie and Jonathan were a little cowed by it; though they had been raised posh, their mixed-race status had oftentimes barred them to “polite” society. Rick, a working-class boy from Chicago, was still oftentimes wrong-footed.

“This place is giving me the creeps,” Rick said in an undertone. “Look at this.”

He raised a finger, hand still resting on the table, and a waiter materialized out of nowhere like some kind of liveried djinn. Even though he had expected him, Rick started. 

“How can I help monsieur?”

“Could we please have a hot chocolate for the little one, and two coffees? Thanks, awfully.”

The waiter bowed and dematerialized. Rick gave Jonathan a wide-eyed look. 

“Spooky.”

“Well-trained,” Jonathan corrected, grinning. “Keep saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and you’ll probably get special treatment.”

Rick snorted. He caught a crayon that Alex was rolling along the table and sent it sliding back towards his son. 

“Half these people must be royalty,” he said. 

“Nobility,” Jonathan replied. “Royalty usually have their own trains. Not all of them: don’t look now, but that’s Agatha Christie having tea in the corner.”

Under the pretext of picking up a crayon, Rick glanced over at the lady in the corner. She looked perfectly ordinary in an expensive suit and a red fox fur stole, jotting notes down in a small notebook while she drank tea from a porcelain teapot. 

“Think she’s plotting a murder?”

Jonathan considered. “It’d be an interesting setting for it. Different from the isolated country house, but not so isolated that the killer couldn’t get away if he wanted.”

“Who would kill someone on a train?” Rick mused. 

“Someone who thought they could pin it on someone else, especially if there were stops in the night and the body wasn’t found ‘til morning.”

“Hmm,” Rick murmured. “There’d have to be a twist of some kind, of course, to make it stand out.”

“What kind of a twist?”

“I dunno, I’m not a writer.”

Both men chuckled. The waiter reappeared at their table, handing around coffee and hot chocolate and a cookie for Alex. 

“That’s very kind of you,” Rick said, nodding to him. “Alex, what do you say?”

“That lady’s gonna murder someone!” Alex whisper-shouted, pointing his crayon. 

The waiter followed the line of the crayon to Mrs. Christie, still scribbling in her notebook, and smiled. “Eh, bien, little monsieur, the lady kills people in her books.”

“It’s not nice to kill people,” Alex said solemnly. “Even in stories. Thank you for my cookie.”

“You don’t think she heard that?” Rick murmured, embarrassed. 

“No, monsieur, the lady is absorbed,” the waiter said, smiling at him. 

“Five pounds says she writes a novel about the Orient Express,” Jonathan said as the waiter walked away. 

“I’m not betting you five pounds to guess the setting of Agatha Christie’s next book!” 

“Doesn’t have to be the next one,” Jonathan replied. “Five pounds, the murder is set on the Orient Express and the detective is Poirot, not Marple.”

Rick scoffed. “Honestly, I’d rather see how Miss Sayers and Lord Peter Wimsey handle it.”

“It’ll be Mrs. Christie and Poirot; she sends him abroad more than Sayers does Wimsey. Five pounds. Deal?”

Rick made a face. “Deal.”

They shook on it. 

“And don’t you let him forget it, Alex,” Jonathan said, picking up his demitasse of fine coffee. 

Alex, chewing his cookie, nodded. “Mrs. Christie is going to murder someone on a train for five pounds. Got it.”

Not quite five years later

The letter arrived at Jonathan’s London flat on a bitterly cold January morning, post-marked Cairo, containing newsy letters from Evie and Alex, and a note from Rick. Inside the paper were a newspaper clipping of an ad for Agatha Christie’s latest Poirot adventure, Murder on the Orient Express, and a cheque for five pounds. All the note said was, “Damn it, Jonathan”. 

(Author’s Note: Agatha Christie first rode the Orient Express in late 1929, hence this story’s date; Murder on the Orient Express was published on New Year’s Day 1934. Five pounds at the time is roughly $350 in today’s money.)

[melodyalanaroster]

Glimpses

Warning: This is not for the faint of heart. This blurb has scenes that might trigger the reader. This blurb is VERY IMPORTANT to Alana’s Canon and parts of what is covered in here are mentioned in other blurbs. This simply goes into more detail.

“Please no! I don’t want to go!” Alana begged. “You have to.” Lynne sighed. “But, mom! Isn’t there anyone else who could do it! I don’t want to leave my friends! I can’t leave Nathaniel!” Alana’s voice wavered. “Sweetie, I’m sorry. You’re the only one free enough to be with me during this.” Lynne sighed. “I’ll try to make your living arrangements as comfortable as possible.” Nate attempted to boost Alana’s mood. “It doesn’t matter how comfortable my living arrangements are! What matters is that mom is sick and I’m being ripped away from my friends and the one I love to go half way around the world and watch my mother’s illness!” Alana cried.

★

Alana stood in Agatha’s back yard. Her friends from Amouria sadly standing around. “Look! It’s not goodbye! We’ll all be together again one day!” Rosalaya cheered. “I don’t wanna go.” Alana sighed. “We’ll make it through this.” Nathaniel kissed her forehead. “I’ve got an idea! Let’s do presents!” Alexy attempted to smile. “Presents?” Alana asked. “Yeah. We all got stuff for you to remember us by!” Alexy replied. Alana lead them to the outdoor living space and sat down. Once everyone was seated, Rosalaya handed Alana a box. “The girls, Alexy and I have been working on this since you first told us you had to leave.” Rosalaya beamed. Alana opened the box and picked up the book that was inside. She looked through the pages and saw that it was all photos, drawings, poetry, stories and flattened items. “This is wonderful! Thank you!” Alana began to tear up as she set the book down on the table. “I guess it’s my turn.” Armin smiled as he stood up and handed a box to Alana. She opened the parcel and smiled. Inside was an Ocarina and a book on how to play it with songs. “I know you’re not that in to Zelda... But, maybe you can learn how to play “Lugia’s Song” with it.” He explained. “I promise, I’ll learn it. Thank you!” She grinned. She sat the Ocarina box on top of the album. Castiel and Lysander stood up and handed her two boxes. “They go together.” Lysander smiled. “Hopefully this will help it seem like we’re not so far away.” Castiel looked down and attempted to force himself to look cheery. “Its okay Cass. Don’t fake it.” Alana sighed. Castiel looked away and followed Lysander back to their seats. Alana opened Castiel’s package first and looked at it. “A CD?” She asked. “It’s all original songs. We found a recording studio that let us do it.” Lysander smiled. Alana’s eyes widened. “You got a band together just so I can hear you?” She asked. “Yeah.” Castiel grinned. “Open the one I gave you.” Lysander insisted. Alana opened the other box. She picked the item up and looked at it. “The lyrics to the songs that are on the CD, as well as personal notes are in it.” Lysander smiled. The item in her hand was one of Lysander’s notebooks. “It’s gonna be weird not helping you find or remember where you put these.” She grinned. “I know. And, normally, I wouldn’t give this out... But, I hope it will bring you comfort.” Lysander cooed.

After Alana opened all of their presents and thanked everyone, Rosalaya began asking Nathaniel what he got for her. “It’s a surprise. I’m gonna be one of the ones taking her to the airport, so, I’ve got a lot more time with her.” He replied as he gave Alana a loving look.

★

“Your mother is making progress, but she’s going to be somewhat immuno-compromised for the rest of her life.” The nurse explained as she and Alana stood outside the hospital room. “So, what does that mean?” Alana asked. “It means that her immune system is permanently impaired. I suggest that you tell her manager and publicist that she will have to limit her work and touring for a while.” the nurse explained. “I’ll have to discuss things with my step-father and the rest of my family. Mom’s publicist and manager will be quite angry. And don’t get me started on how her fans will react.” Alana began to stutter. “Surely they can’t be that bad.” The nurse commented. “Never underestimate the power of fandom. They all have their toxic sides. And not all of them are the most understanding people.” Alana explained.

★

“Well, you have two options. You could spend thousands of dollars to get rid of the clot, but his leg is already dead. His quality of life would be very poor, and the only way he wouldn’t be in pain would because of all the medicine he’d be taking. Or, you could euthanize him.” The vet spoke solemnly. Alana looked at him, shocked, then at the cat. “So, it’s either spend a ton of money for him to be alive but in pain, or let him die?” She had done her best to hold back tears, but one made its way through and slid down her cheek. “To put it plainly, yes.” the vet replied. She could tell Sylvester was in a lot of pain. She ran her hand along the cat’s body and thought for a minute. She desperately wanted to keep him alive, but she knew that it would be inhumane and selfish. “I don’t want to lose him... But I don’t want him to be in pain anymore...” Her voice wavered as more tears began to slide down her cheeks. He looked at her tired. She did her best to muster up an ounce of courage. “He may be “my” cat, but I know the family loves him. None of them would want me to let him live a life of pain... So, if it’s the only way for him to be free from this agony... T-Then it’s time to let him go.”

★

Alana sat at her desk working on her college work when her phone rings.

“Hello Carol.”                    “Melody! What is this about your mom not being able to tour as much when she gets better?” “Look, even with the best medicine that money can buy, her immune system is going to be permanently impaired. She’ll still be able to write and do things, but she’s going to have to be extra cautious.”                  “But her fans are expecting her to return to normal!” “Yeah, I’m aware of that. I’ve even told the medical team that this is going to be a road block. The fact is, her fans are going to have to get over it. If they truly care about her works, then they will understand. If they’re still irate about it, they can jump off a cliff for all I care.”                 -Carol scoffs- “Melody! You are supposed to be Lynne’s “Sweet Daughter!” don’t talk like your sister!” -Alana clenches her fists- “You know what? The last time I checked, YOU’RE NOT MY MOTHER! And, I don’t think that mom would appreciate her manager barking orders at me the way you do! Now, I am Melody Roster. I am my mother’s daughter! And if she and Sam have right to be upset and rude at times, then so do I!”                 “Melody!” “No! I have just told you that the literal TEAM of doctors, nurses and experts who are making sure my mom gets better have told me that she won’t be the same after this and you continue to complain as if its something I can magically fix! I expected this from the fans! But you? That makes this thing even worse!”

Alana hung up the call, plugged her phone into her computer, got onto video chat and called two people.

Nate: “Hey kiddo!” Verity: “Hey sweetie!” Alana plays the recording of her phone call with Carol. Nate and Verity are visibly upset. Alana: “Can we PLEASE get mom a new manager?!” Nate: “This is unacceptable!” Verity: “How dare she! How could anyone think that this kind of behavior is okay?” Nate: “Verity, if you help me, it shouldn’t take long for Carol to be dealt with.” Verity: “Of course I will! We mustn’t stand for this!’ Alana: “Thank you! I love ya’ll!”

★

Alana messages her friends.

“Rosa? Are you there? I need someone to talk to.” “Rosa? It’s been a couple of weeks. I haven’t heard from you, please, talk to me.” “Rosa, have I done something wrong? Please respond.” “Rosa, I miss you.”

“Leigh? It’s Alana. Rosa isn’t responding to my messages. Can you tell her I miss her?”                    “I will.”

“Alexy, are you okay? How are things at home?” “Alexy, can we talk?” “Alexy, Rosalaya isn’t talking to me. I hope you answer.” “Alexy, have I upset you?” “Alexy...”

                “Hey Alana! How are you doing?” “Hey Armin! I’m not doing so well....”                 “What’s wrong? Is your mom not doing well?” “Eh... It seems like she’s in limbo for a moment. She’s still conscious, and they’re working on getting her better. Nate, Viktor and Severina are doing everything in their power to get her the best medicine possible, so she’s not going to die.”                 “That’s good. I heard about Sylvester. I’m sorry you lost him.” “Thanks. With him gone, it’s been even more lonely around here.”                 “I bet. Are you still talking to everyone? Nathaniel said that you two are still video chatting and texting every day.” “Nath, Cass, Lysander, Priya, Viktor, Severina, the family and you are all still talking to me as much as ya’ll can... But, it seems Rosa and Alex have cut me off...”               “What? I thought they were always talking to you.” “No, it’s been weeks. I’ll send you the screenshots.”               “That’s wrong. I’ll see what I can do.” “Thanks.”               “Anytime.”

★

“PLEASE! LET ME GO! PLEASE!” Alana cried as the men surrounded her, pinning her against a wall and grabbing at her clothes. Suddenly a figure burst onto the scene. “Harming an innocent young woman. How pathetic!” it was a woman’s voice. “GET LOST YOU BITCH! UNLESS YOU WANNA GET HURT OR JOIN THIS LITTLE SLUT!” One of the men called as they returned their attention to Alana. “HELP ME!” Alana screamed. The woman ran towards Alana’s attackers and knocked them away. “My entrance to the scene was a warning. You had time to get away from this young girl. Now, you will face my wrath.” She began kicking and punching the men with great precision. In her terror, Alana fell back against a wall. As the woman continued to fight the men, Alana couldn’t help but be reminded of the leather clad, weapon wielding, heroines of the movies that she and her mother enjoyed. As the woman pulled out a gun, a higher wave of terror washed over Alana. “She’s going to kill them!” Her mind said. The woman aimed for each man’s neck and shot. Once every man was on the ground, the woman looked at her and began walking towards her. “It’s okay. I’m not going to harm you.” She said. Alana looked at the woman, then at the men on the ground, then back at the woman. “Don’t worry. I simply tranquilized them. They will not die here.” The woman reassured. “Who are you?” Alana asked. The woman took her cloak off and wrapped it around Alana. “I am Azrael.”

★

“It has been decided that you four will become the Red Death Regimen’s newest team in the Senior Staff. You will now be known as the Crown Jewels and will work with the Executioners. You will be the hand of mercy while they are the hand of death.” The Red Death announced. Renee raised her hand. “Yes.” The Red Death called. “Then why are we receiving combat training?” She asked. “Because, the more you know about how to kill someone, the better you’ll understand about how to save the innocent and harm the guilty.” The Red Death replied.

★

The Red Death stormed into Azrael’s office. “YOU DID WHAT?!” He boomed. Azrael looked at her husband. “I just ended Melody’s relationship.” Her voice was frank. “There was a plan to bring Mr. Jacott here to keep him safe while she trains. You knew that!” The Red Death was fuming. “Melody must learn that this world isn’t fair. That life is full of shit and she must rise from the ashes.” Azrael remarked. “She already knew that. All you’ve done is rip the last shred of her happiness away from her. Helena, this will not end well for you. You’ve taken a young woman who is already depressed from her recent experiences and broken her heart.” The Red Death’s voice was solemn. Azrael scoffed. “It will be fine Henry. Once she’s completely broken, I’ll put her back together.”

★

“Drink it.” The Red Death demanded as he handed a bottle to Alana. “What is it?” She asked. “It’s a shake. It contains all your daily nutrients in it. If you’re “too depressed” to eat, then the least you can do is drink these shakes.” He explained. “What’s the point? I don’t have my friends. My family is far away. I don’t even have my love.” She whined. The Red Death sighed. “Because you’ll be running towards them eventually and you need to have your base strength.” His voice maintained its sternness. “What do you mean?” She asked. “You’ll know in due time. For now, focus on crawling out of the abyss.” He replied.

★

Alana walked through the halls of the Base, shake in hand. Suddenly, a smell made its way to her nose. She breathed the smell in, closed her eyes, and leaned against a wall. Memories of the smell flooded her mind. “Mom.” She thought. She dropped the shake and began walking in the direction of the scent. When she reached the place of the scent’s origin, she realized she was standing before the kitchen door. When she opened the door, she saw her mother standing over the oven. “M-Mom?” She muttered as she walked closer to Lynne. “It’s me, sweetie.” Lynne greeted as she looked at her. Alana looked at what Lynne was cooking. “Quesadillas.” She muttered. “Come on sweetie, sit down.” Lynne cooed. “What are you doing here?” Alana asked. “The Red Death brought me here. He said it would do you some good to have me around.” Lynne explained. “I’ve missed you Mom.” Alana whimpered as a tear rolled down her cheek. She noticed the fajita beef on the plate that her mother was working on, and took a piece. “I’ve missed you too, my love.” Lynne replied as she continued cooking.

Suddenly, the kitchen door opened and someone stepped through it. “That smells delicious!” the person said. Lynne looked up and became enraged. “Your husband told me that I wouldn’t see you during my visit, Azrael.” Her voice was low and solemn. “I know, I just couldn’t help myself! The smell was just too good!” Azrael smiled. “This food is for MY daughter. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get as far away from me as possible.” Lynne snarled. “Remember, you’re in MY base! I can do whatever I want!” Azrael’s smile began to fade. “REMEMBER, MY daughter is in your care, and you have completely disregarded her well being for your personal gain!” Lynne’s snarling became more fierce as she reached for a large knife. As she walked over to Azrael, she began to hold the knife higher. When she reached Azrael, her eyes burned in to the woman and she pointed the knife to her throat. “I have no intention of shedding blood today, but if I must do so to protect my daughter, I will. So, I will say this one last time, GET AS FAR AWAY FROM ME AS POSSIBLE!”

★ 

“Mom? What’s wrong?” Alana stared at the screen as her mother’s face looked grim. “Your friend Lysander.... His parents have died.” Lynne explained. “WHAT! Oh my gosh!” Alana stepped back in horror. “I reached out to him. Apparently he’s intending on taking over his family’s farm. He said he’d like you to be at the funeral.” Lynne replied. Alana looked down. “I can’t leave the base right now. We’re about to go on an important mission.” She sighed. “I’ll make sure that the Ainsworth boys get our sympathies.” Lynne sighed. “Can you make sure to either make food or have food made for them?” Alana requested. “Why can’t you just come to the funeral? Surely the Red Death and Azrael will understand.” Lynne asked. “You know why.” Alana replied. She looked at the notebook Lysander gave her, a wave of sadness overtaking her. “I wish I could go be with him. I know he needs his friends right now... But you know what that might do. I’m not in a position to be able to protect him.” She explained. 

★

“SARGENT BROWN YOU ARE HEREBY DEMOTED TO PRIVATE!” General Stark barked. Evan stood in front of his mates, his face the perfect image of horror and disbelief. “Why?” He asked. “Since being sent to the R.D.R base for special training, your conduct has been extremely unprofessional. You have harassed and disrespected Lady Melody to the point that the Red Death has considered issuing the death penalty. You should be grateful that Lady Melody simply suggested demotion.” General Stark looked disappointed. “We told you to leave her alone!”, “Idiot!”, “Actually thought he stood a chance with The Patron Saint Of Lost Children!”, “She told you to you’re not worth her time and you didn’t take the hint!”, a few of the other soldiers called. “But, I’ve known Alana since she and her sister were in High School! They’re friends with my brothers! Her sister is dating my best friend!” Evan called as horror began to overcome him. “Best friend?” a voice called. The soldiers looked in the direction of the voice. “Brigadier General Roster, Major General Rogers.” General Stark greeted. “Good afternoon General.” Kentin nodded before turning back to Evan. “Let’s go for a walk.” He growled.

As the three of them realized that they had privacy, Kentin hit Evan upside the head. “Idiot. All you had to do was leave her alone. That’s it! Complete your special training and leave Alana alone! But, you couldn’t even do that!” He scolded. “But, she’s Alana. I’m allowed to be casual with her.” Evan stood there in disbelief. “No, you’re not. She made it very clear that she doesn’t care for you. Your own peers told you not to mess with her. You were warned multiple times. The Red Death was serious about bringing up the death penalty. He protects the Crown Jewels and Executioners as if they were his own children and he’s insanely protective towards Mels. You ignored your training because of your obsession with trying to get my sister to notice you. Haven’t you even thought about the fact that what she’s become has made it to where she can’t talk to Alexy and Armin? Are you so dense that you can’t be bothered to realize that her break up with Nathaniel was not because she doesn’t love him anymore? I thought we got this through to you when you visited us at Sweet Amoris, but when someone says “No.” that means “No.”.” Sam scolded. “You’ve caused issue between the two organizations and because of that, it’s dragged us through the mud. What made you think that this was okay? I get it, you recognized Alana... But you were made aware of her position instantly. Sam and I can be casual with her because we’re family, but you knew you had to respect her and you completely disregarded it.” Kentin added. “Come on! Surely this doesn’t warrant demotion and isolation!” Evan protested. “You harassed a Crown Jewel and neglected your orders! Of course it does!” Kentin hissed. “As it is, knowing The Red Death, he’s gonna do more than just have the Military demote you. Mels has told him not to have you executed, but he can, and will, probably still ban you from R.D.R premises.” Sam concurred. 

★ 

“YOU BITCH!” Alana screamed as she ran up to Azrael and threw her out of a window. Alana used her tech to get to the ground safely. Azrael got to her feet, but before she could counterattack, Alana was already charging towards her. “YOU ENDED THE LAST GOOD THING I HAD BECAUSE YOU WANTED ME TO BE COMPLETELY BROKEN SO YOU COULD PUT ME BACK TOGETHER THE WAY YOU WANTED ME TO BE!” Alana lashed at Azrael in every way possible. “You wanted to become stronger! I did it to make you strong! You had to have nothing so you could build yourself up!” Azrael did her best to defend herself from the flaring ball of rage that Alana had become. “I WANTED TO BECOME STRONGER, I DIDN’T WANT TO BECOME YOUR WEAPON! EVEN THE RED DEATH KNEW I NEEDED AT LEAST SOMETHING!” Alana’s movements were erratic, yet focused on her target. Azrael’s eyes widened as she attempted to stop the attack. Alana noticed Azrael’s gun had fallen on the ground, so she picked it up and shot a tranquilizer into Azrael’s leg. As her teacher fell to the ground, Alana’s glasses activated, however, her pupils were red, instead of blue. The scene had drawn a crowd. “Why is no one stopping her?”, “Stop this!”, “Why have you not ordered Lady Melody’s death for committing treason!” people called. 

Alana shot another dart into Azrael’s other leg. Azrael began using her arms to try to crawl away. Alana shot a dart into Azrael’s arm, threw the gun to her side, then stood over her, her foot holding the remaining arm down. Azrael looked pitiful, a broken woman covered in blood, bruises and cuts. Alana grabbed a knife from her pocket, knelt down and looked at the woman. “Go ahead. Kill me. You’ll finally get what you’ve wanted. You’ll finally be executed.” Azrael breathed. Alana stared into Azrael’s eyes, contemplating her next move. She could hear people yelling at her and begging the Red Death to stop her. “I can take the shot, sir!”, someone said. “If you shoot Melody, you will be executed.” the Red Death solemnly stated. Alana continued to stare into Azrael’s eyes. A little voice in her head began making itself known. “Yes! Do it! She deserves it! Mom is well now, if that bitch hadn’t of broken you, you’d probably be home with Nathaniel and everyone! She deserves this!”. The dots in her lenses maintained their intense, red, color.  She raised the knife over Azrael’s right eye. “The entire time, I trusted you. I wanted to get stronger. I wanted to thank you for saving me in that alleyway.... But you were using me. You were turning me into the weapon you wanted! You didn’t care about me! You don’t care about any of us! Why else would you overstep your boundaries?!” She yelled. The little voice in her head continued to talk “Why are you not ending her? Come on! Why are you not getting your, much deserved, revenge?” it asked. “Don’t care about you? I gave you power. I gave you abilities that you wouldn’t have had before. You are now someone that no one will mess with.” Azrael sneered. “You’ve broken my heart, mind, and body. And, in the process of all that, you’ve attempted to destroy my soul. How is it that, even after actually killing people, and training a group of killers, that the Red Death has more heart and soul than you? You made us into monsters, but he has kept our souls intact.” Alana replied. “SHUT UP AND KILL HER!” the voice in her head screamed. She stood up, threw the knife away from them, and pressed her foot against Azrael’s throat, lightly. She then pressed a button on the bridge of her glasses, causing her lenses to clear.

“You are a demon, Azrael. While I should not allow demons to live, you are a special case. Killing you would destroy my humanity... Something I know you’d love to be the reason for. However, death is a mercy that you do not deserve and I refuse to give you the satisfaction.”

★

“I can’t believe you’re actually rewarding her for the countless acts of treason she’s committed against me!” Azrael yelled as the door shut behind her. The Red Death sighed and lit his cigarette. His jade green eyes looked exhausted. “Countless? Wife, you mean one. One act of high treason... That you know, full well, you caused.” He began. Azrael opened her mouth, but before she could talk, the Red Death put his hand up. “Helena, I told you that this would not end well for you and I was right. I began doing my damnedest to counter the damage you’ve inflicted upon Melody the day you ended things between her and Mr. Jacott. I was the one who set up her therapy sessions, who kept her from dying when she refused to eat, who brought her mother here to aid her recovery... Hell, I even got her that new cat. All you’ve done is harm her. You were much more benevolent with Renee, Veronica and Lyra. But with Melody, you started out nurturing then you became torturous.” He continued. “I nurtured her! She quickly became one of our best agents! Her grades in college never faltered, even with the rigorous training!” Azrael argued. “No, you’ve made it clear that the freedom you promised her came with one hell of a price. One, a girl in her position, shouldn’t be put through. You knew she was broken and scared and you took advantage of that.” he replied. “How does that warrant a reward? The apartment at the top of the Black Tower is meant for us!” Azrael argued. “Not anymore. I discussed things with the U.N.. They agree that it would be more appropriate for our home to be in the heart of the tower and that Melody should have the apartment at the top. So, I’m having her turn that place into Death’s Domain.” he explained. “Why did you bring the United Nations into our business?!” Azrael asked shocked. “Helena, our organization is on the brink of a civil war. There are a lot of people who want to see Melody completely overthrow you. Just as there are a lot of people who want to see you execute her. The humane thing is for her to have her own base in the Black Tower and let her become a weapon that is never used. The U.N. agrees that what you did to her was horrific and that my plan for her will be best. They want to see what she will do when she’s able to do what she wants.” The Red Death blew a plume of smoke out of his mouth and tapped the cigarette on the edge of the ash tray. “Melody wants to be executed!” Azrael yelled. Her husband sighed. “Really? If she truly wanted that, she would have done something far worse when she had the chance. No, she wants freedom. Something the U.N. and I are willing to give her. She’s earned it.”

After a couple of hours of discussion, Azrael had begun pacing around the room. “And what will happen with me? The world does not need to find out that the leader of the Crown Jewels isn’t loyal to me.” She asked. “That has already been decided. I’m going to tell Melody that she only has to answer and be respectful to you in public... To save face. The entire organization and the U.N. knows where her real loyalty lies.” he replied. “And the Roster Family?” she asked. “Lynne is already aware of the plan. She approves of it.” The Red Death leaned back in his seat. “Well, I guess it’s time to promote a Paladin.” Azrael sighed. “I’m sure Melody will choose Nora. Out of all of the Paladins, she’s the one Melody has gotten the closest to. I approve of this. The Crown Jewels will need another strategist whenever Melody isn’t around and Nora is the best strategist in her team.” he explained. “Then I don’t want to promote her!” Azrael whined. The Red Death lit another cigarette. “Too bad. At this point, you’re more of a figurehead. The U.N. won’t answer to you as they see you as too corrupt. To keep you in your position, I must jump through many flaming hoops.”

★

The Red Death stormed in to the Control Room. “WHAT HAPPENED!” he snarled. “We’ve been hacked!” Veronica called. “We’re searching for the hacker!” one of her underlings added. Alana walked into the room. “What did they do?” She asked. “From what I can tell, they simply looked around.” Veronica replied. “How long until we know precisely what they wanted to see?” Alana asked. “It shouldn’t take long. We’ve got half the team going through our systems to find out how they got in and what they were looking for, and the other half of the team is looking for who did it.” Veronica explained. The Red Death looked around the room at all the screens. “FIND THEM!”

“Sir! We’ve found out who hacked us!” Veronica called. “Was it an enemy organization?” Alana asked. “A cartel? A human trafficking ring?” Derek asked. “No, it was an individual.” Veronica replied. “Did you find out what they wanted? Did they take anything?” Alana asked. “No, they didn’t take anything. It seems like they just looked around... It’s as if this person just wanted to see if they COULD hack our systems.” Veronica explained. The Red Death thought for a minute. “Send a team to bring them here. We will deal with this individual ourselves.” He ordered.

The Red Death, Azrael, the Crown Jewels, the Executioners and the Paladins filled the circular court room. Nora brought the prisoner into the center of the room and forced them to their knees. “You have committed quite the crime. Thinking you could hack into our systems and get away with it.” The Red Death began. The prisoner tried to speak, but the only noise that came out was muffled. “SILENCE!” The Red Death ordered. The prisoner froze. “You may not have stolen anything, but the fact that you simply stayed in our systems long enough to look around at our information is a grave mistake. Nora, show me his face.” He commanded. Nora took the bag off of the prisoner’s head. Alana instantly froze with fear. “No, not him!” She thought. The Red Death rose to his feet. “THERE IS ONLY ONE PENALTY FOR SUCH A CRIME. We cannot have you walking around with our secrets in your head!” He began. Alana rose to her feet, walked towards the end of the seats, jumped down to the ground and started walking towards the prisoner. The prisoner looked at her, his eyes widened in shock. “Alana.” He gasped. Alana pushed the prisoner back and stood in front of him. “MELODY! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!” The Red Death called. “Just another act of insubordination! How’s it feel, husband?” Azrael remarked. Alana looked at the Red Death with conviction. “You said that under the articles of Protocol 714, the list of people written under the Protection Act are immune. Armin is one of the ones listed! Yes, he hacked our systems, but, if he can do it, then so could one of our enemies. He did us a service by showing us a weakness in our security... And I will not let you kill him!” She announced. Veronica looked on her tablet for a minute. “Sir, she’s right, this guy’s name and picture are in our database for that.” She stated. “Are you going to allow her to continue her insubordination?” Azrael asked. The Red Death looked down and thought for a minute. “What do you suppose we do, Melody?” He asked. “I suggest we have him show us how he got in and then tell us how we can boost our security. As for after that, don’t we have several cyber security companies under us?” Alana asked. “Yes, we do. One of which is in a country near your home country. Just a few hour’s drive from Amouria.” Veronica replied. “We can give him a job there. It keeps him just visible enough to seem normal, but still have him work under us, thus, keeping our secrets safe.” Alana stated. The Red Death pondered for a moment, then looked at Armin. “ON YOUR FEET.” He ordered. Armin got up and stood in front of Alana. “It seems that you won’t be dying today.... The ONLY reason for that is that you’re protected by one of the Crown Jewels. For that, you owe her your life. To repay this debt, you will go along with Melody’s suggestion, and you will not speak of any of this to a single soul. Should you break privacy, I will negate the Protection Act and end you.” The Red Death announced. “Yes, Sir!” Armin, sheepishly, called back.

Everyone got up and began walking out of the court room. When Armin and Alana were alone, she grabbed his shirt and pinned him against a wall. “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING! YOU ALMOST GOT YOURSELF KILLED!” She hissed. “A-Alana! I’m s-sorry! I d-didn’t mean to!” He stuttered. “Damn it! I thought you were over this shit!” Alana let go of him and huffed. “I just wanted to see if I could do it! I had heard that their systems are the best in the world!” He stammered. “Of course, it had to be you. It could have been someone NOT on my list.... But no, it’s you...” She sighed. “A-Alana...” He began. “Don’t call me that. It’s not who I am around here. You may call me “Melody”, “Lady Melody” or “Mels”.” She interrupted. “But...” He attempted to continue. “Look, a lot of shit has happened since I went “off the grid”, Okay? Now, your mission is to do as I tell you so you can stay alive. And, seriously, you are now, officially, sworn to secrecy, ESPECIALLY about my identity. It’s not time for the world to know what I’ve become yet.” She explained. “So, what am I going to do?” He asked. Alana looked at him, her eyebrow raised. “Exactly what you’re told to do. You’re going to boost our security, then go work for an outer lying company that we own. This will allow you to, technically, live a normal life.” 

★

Alana sat at a desk, listening to music, and working on college work. “HEY MELS!” Derek burst into the room, happily. “Derek, if you interrupt me, I’m going to have to kick your ass.” She stated as she continued to type on her laptop. “But! Come on! I’ve had the perfect idea for what to watch in the Recuperation Room!” Derek announced. Alana sighed and pulled out one of her earbuds. “What?” She asked as she continued to work. “Let’s watch Hellsing Ultimate Abridged!” He suggested. “Didn’t we just watch that?” She asked. “YEAH, but the new episode is out!” He replied. She rolled her eyes. “Derek, Veronica and I are planning on continuing to watch Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans today.” She stated. “Awe! Come on! You two always cry while you watch that anime!” He whined. “It’s a really good, sad, anime. And we’re almost done with it. Let’s save Hellsing for after we finish so that Veronica and I can have something to lighten our moods.” She proposed. “Alright.” He looked disheartened. “Derek, don’t you have school work to get to?” She asked. Derek’s eyes shot up. “You forgot... Again.” She sighed. “SHIT!” He yelled as he ran out of the room. Alana put her earbud back in to her ear, continued working on her school work and sighed. “Dumbass.”

★

“Hey Mels! Listen to this!” Renee ran up to Alana, excitedly and put her headphones on Alana’s head. Alana’s eyes widened as she recognized the singer’s voice. “Isn’t it great?” Renee asked. “Y-Yeah.” Alana replied. “Castiel.” She thought. “It’s a band called Crowstorm. The lead singer is AMAZING. Apparently, they’re from your town.” Renee explained. “Cool.” Alana thought back to her CD. She remembered going to the school’s basement and hanging out with Castiel whenever Nathaniel had to do after school work and couldn’t hang out. She began to remember the conversations with Castiel, listening to him play his guitar, and, even his fights with Nathaniel. She couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over her. “Thanks Renee.” She grinned as she walked off.

★

Derek walked in to the Red Death’s office with a curious look on his face. “Sir, why are we not performing Purification in Amouria?” He asked. “I have my reasons.” The Red Death replied. “But, that’s basic protocol. Won’t something bad happen if we let the criminal activity continue?” Derek asked. “Are you really going to question my methods?” The Red Death asked. Derek looked down. “No, sir.” he sighed as he walked out of the office.

Henry Dearil sighed, opened his computer and looked at a file. “Because if we perform Purification now, HE will be caught in the line of fire. For Melody’s sake, we can’t have that.” He sighed. Staring back at him, on the screen, was a database of the known drug cartel members in Amouria. Next to a picture of a blonde haired, golden eyed, boy was a paragraph titled “NATHANIEL JACOTT”.

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This blurb has been needed for a long time.

There is so much that I wanted to include in this... Things like scenes of Alana training, coordinating missions, saving people, going to therapy, the rare occasion of her spending time with family, and actually working on building stuff.... However, this would have been a lot longer than it is.

It was also originally gonna be a lot more brutal and gorey. I was originally planning on having Lynne stab Azrael in the collarbone during the Kitchen Scene. I was also originally planning on having Alana tear out Azrael’s right eye during the scene where she goes berserk. My original plan was for Alana to keep Azrael’s real eye in a vault in the Black Tower and have Azrael get a high tech prosthetic. I ended up going for the less brutal options in this because, when I went to write these, my original plans sounded too horrific and cliche. It also felt that, if I had done this, no amount of therapy and hard work would allow Alana to act as “normal” as she does by the time UL starts.